A change of pace card

I needed a change of pace from all the Christmas scrappin' so I created this quick card. I just got a package of Black Magic cardstock and wanted to give it a try. This is really fun cardstock to work with. I ran the Black Magic through the Cuddlebug. Then I gently sanded the top and the silver color showed through. How cool it that?

The cardstock base is Stampin' Up's Almost Navy. The blue and silver cardstock were in my stash. I embossed the swirled dots with silver embossing powder. The bird and sentiment (I gave up coffee, sex, and chocolate...) are Studio G's. I used the Stampin' Up ticket punch on the corners and inked the edges with Colorbox Frost White pigment ink.

Christmas Cutie - Sketch Challenge

Thanks to Okieladybug on the cricut message board for creating this challenge. Here is the layout sketch she challenged us to do. Since my photos were different sizes I had to use some creative license with the layout, but overall It is very close.

All of the paper and cardstock is from a Hobby Lobby paper pack called A Country Christmas.

I added a small strip of the dark green which I punched with MS Diamond Border punch along the bottom of the white paper and a plaid border sticker along the edge of the tree paper. The brads (on the picture corners and flower centers) are by Bo Bunny. The flowers are Prima Fabric Fancies. I used a Stampin' Up Ticket punch on the corners of the photo mat. The "Christmas" was cut with the Christmas/Noel Cricut Cartridge. "Cutie" was welded in Design Studio using Storybook font. I hand cut the tag after printing the computer generated journaling onto cream colored cardstock. A present charm and fiber was added for texture to the tag.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I hope you all have a very blessed Christmas! I spent Christmas Eve with my Son, DIL & DGG. It was a wonderful time. I get such great joy from spending time with them, especially my Granddaughter. Watching her change and grow and explore and learn these past 14 months has brought new meaning to my life. I never knew how wonderful having a grandchild could be. It is an entirely different love than what you have for your children or spouse. I wanted to share this picture of her. Her angelic face just melts my heart! I can't wait to scrap this one. Merry Christmas to all!

2009 CD Case Calendars

I finally finished the 2009 CD Calendars. This was quite a challenge to come up with a different theme for each month but I'm very proud of how they turned out.

I have updated this post in response to all the questions I have received. Hope this helps!

To create the calendars cut 2 pieces of cardstock. One that is 5" x 4 3/4" and the other at 4 3/4" x 4 1/2". The first one is your base, the second one is your mat. Then cut a piece of patterned paper at 4 1/2" x 4 1/4".

For each month I used my Cricut cartridges for some part of the design.

January: Doodlecharms (Snowman), JOTS (Snowflakes) - After cutting out the snowflakes I ran them through my xyron upside down and added glitter. The snowflakes on the calendar were embossed with versamark and clear embossing powder.



February: Storybook (Heart & Florish) - I used design studio to weld the heart and flourishes together then layered a single heart on top.



March: Animal Kingdom (Lion & Lamb), Calligraphy (Flourishes) - The lion's mane and the lamb are both covered with flocking.



April: Pooh & Friends (Umbrellas) - I had to toss in at least 1 house mouse! I cuddlebugged (is that a word?) the umbrellas with the swiss dots folder.



May: WIMG (Wheelbarrow) - Here I used gold glitter for the rim of the wheelbarrow and stickles on the rest. White liquid pearls was used for the center of the flowers. I embossed flowers on the calendar using VersaMark and clear embossing powder. Used the MS lace border punch on the bottom.



June: George (Okieladybug's Hummbingbird Cut File) - JUNE USES THE HUMMINGBIRD CUT FILE FROM OKIELADYBUG...THANKS SO MUCH OKIE!!! I added stickles to the breast of the bird and curled up the tips of the wings. I printed some of the calendars onto transparencies. On the back side I used a black sharpie to make a border. Using a MS ballpoint gel pen I ran a thin line of glue to stick down the calendar. You can't see the glue at all.



July: Beyond Birthdays (God Bless & America) - The stars were glittered on this one.



August: Pooh & Friends (Dragonfly) - I love dragonflies and couldn’t resist adding them to one of the months.



September: Pooh & Friends (Tree & Leaves) - Did you ever notice that on Pooh & Friends when you cut out the leaves it is 2 different kinds of leaves? The first tree I made was really silly, it had maple leaves and oak leaves!!!! I redid it and used the maple leaves separate. I did a lot of inking on the edges of this one with Tim Holz distress inks.



October: Happily Ever After (Pumpkin), Pooh & Friends (Owl), George (Moon) - Tossed in some silliness with googly eyes on the owls. I cheated and used stickles on the pumpkin vines because I couldn't get the layers to cut cleanly at this small of size.



November: Animal Kingdom (Turkey), Tear Drop (Eat Ham) - My favorite! I love this saying!



December: Christmas/Noel (Bells) - I made a mat to cover the ribbon section of the bell then covered the entire area with VersaMark. I sprinkled on antique gold embossing powder and heat set. The red ribbon was embossed with red embossing powder then glued to the bell. They really look like metal bells in person. Added a touch of greenery using the MS branch punch for the corner.



Here is what they look like displayed in the cd case:



I created this cute box to hold the calendars. Mini Monograms (Scalloped Circle), Storybook (Initial). MS lace border punch on the top of the box.

2009 CD Calendars

See the post above. It has more details.

Christmas Gift Tags

I decided to take a break from the CD Calendars and start on some gift tags. This is a sample of the ones I have made so far. I found this glitter paper at Archivers and thought it would be perfect for the tags. The ornament was cut from the JOTS cart at 3". I cut the glitter paper using the layer feature and the main image I cut out of cardstock. This also gave me extra 2" circles of the glitter paper that I will save for a future project. I used George to cut 2 1/2" circles of ivory cardstock but had to trim it down just a little bit. The "To and From" are from the Calligraphy cartridge cut at 1 1/2". I also made one without the window. The Snowman was cut from Doodlecharms at 2". I stamped, embossed, colored, and stickled the images on the ivory cardstock then layered the ornament together. I'll enjoy adding these to the gifts I have for my family.

Sneek Peek! CD Calendars

I am making these adorable CD Calendars to add to the Christmas baskets I'm making for my family. Here is a sneek peek of the first 3 months! These are terrific calendars to give as gifts (and I'm keeping one set for myself!) I'll post the instructions at another time. Keep checking back for the rest of them. Also, be sure to check out the CD Calendar Cases on the upper right of the site. This company make cases for this exact purpose. The nicest thing about them is that they close without taking them apart! They are reasonably priced also. So if you are considering making CD Calendars for your holiday giving, these cases are a "must have".

Happy Holidays to everyone!

I was looking at the map of visitors to the blog and was so amazed at all the people from different countries! Take a look at this...

United States (US) 229
Canada (CA) 20
United Kingdom (GB) 11
Australia (AU) 8
Netherlands (NL) 4
Sweden (SE) 2
Lithuania (LT) 2
Hungary (HU) 1
Serbia (RS) 1
Poland (PL) 1
Ireland (IE) 1
Spain (ES) 1
South Africa (ZA) 1
Jamaica (JM) 1
Colombia (CO) 1
Greece (GR) 1
Albania (AL) 1
Brazil (BR) 1
Italy (IT) 1
Croatia (HR) 1

Isn't it wonderful that a simple hobby like scrapbooking and cardmaking can bring together such a diverse group of individuals? I'm so happy to see us all banding together. Now if we could just get all our government officials to start scrapbooking I think we could solve the world's problems! JMO lol.

Thanks to everyone who has visited my blog and a very hearty Happy Hollidays to all!

Peppermint Patties in a Pizza Box

This is just a sample of the 30 Peppermint Pattie "sandwiches" I made. If you ever wondered when you would use all those Studio G stamps you have been collecting....well now is the time. They are the perfect size stamp for these little gems!

These are super easy to make. Simply cut 2 scalloped circles that are slightly larger than the Peppermint Pattie. Cut a plain circle slightly smaller than the scalloped circle. Stamp or embellish the white circle any way you want. Then glue one scalloped circle to the back of the pattie. Glue the white circle to the other scalloped circle and stick that on the front of the pattie!

Since I was making 30 of them I used Design Studio and created an entire mat of scallopes using Mini Monograms and another mat of plain circles using George & Basic Shapes. Then it was easy to load my cardstock in the Cricut and hit cut. I could walk away and do other things while it cut.

I decided to put the decorated patties into mini pizza boxes. I got the instructions from Splitcoast Stampers website, but I wanted a window in the box to show off the cute designs. After I had the boxes cut out, but before I put them together, I used a rectangle nestability to cut out a window using my cuddlebug. I save all my acrylic packaging so I had plenty on hand to cut and glue to the inside of the window. Here are 2 of the boxes I created. The first one is a simple cardstock box that I stamped with a snowflake image in a matching color and put stickles in the center of the snowflake. A simple bow around the box and it's ready to go.

This box was made using a heavy weight patterned paper. I didn't do anything else to the box except add the bow.

The hardest part to making these treats is NOT EATING THEM ALL ! I'm guilty of eating too many and having to rush to the store for more!

Clear Christmas Card

I used a lot of Cricut cuts on this card: George & Basic Shapes for the white circle, Mini Monograms for the scalloped circle and Joys of the Season for the fireplace and fire. The greenery on top of the fireplace was done with the Martha Stewart Leafy Branch punch. The stockings are buttons. The "Happy Holidays" was stamped using saddle brown Stazon ink. It has a goldish color to it. For the pine branches I colored my stamp with watercolor markers and then added dots of red Liquid Pearls.

Here are a few tricks for creating a clear card. Design your card front but don't glue anything together yet. Then determine how you want the inside to look keeping in mind that it will show through. You always want to have a way to hide your adhesive. On the Happy Holidays circle I used glue dots to attach the white circle to the card front. Then glued the scalloped circle on the inside of the card front. See the picture below? After I glued the fireplace to the card front I cut a matching piece of paper that was the same size and used glue dots to adhere it to the inside of the card front to hide the back of the fireplace. I found the easiest way to make sure you position your pieces correctly on the inside of the card front is to hold them in place and use a small piece of painters tape. Just put a small piece so that you create a sort of hinge. You can then flip the piece over to put your glue dots on and flip it back into place. The painters tape comes off without tearing your paper or leaving any marks on the card.

To make the inside of the card I used my ATG to adhere the green cardstock to the back side of the card, keeping the tape 1/4" inside the edges. Then I glued the patterned paper to the inside of the card, centering it over the green cardstock. Now the adhesive from the patterned paper isn't visible when you look at the back of the card.

The "Warm holiday wishes" sentiment paper was cut the same size as the fireplace so when the card is closed you don't see it. Last I added the ribbon to the inside of the card . I hope this helps explain the process.

Post It Note Pad Holder

I'm making small baskets of goodies for my family this year for Christmas. As I get each one finished I'll post the instructions. The first item I'm putting in the basket is a simple Post It Note Pad Holder.

The supplies needed are:
Heavy weight double sided paper: I used Beary Patch-Romantiques-Autumn Forest double sided paper and DCWV Fall Stack cardstock. I used both sides of the Autumn Forest paper (the floral side for the center square, and the solid side for the scalloped border and small strip under the ribbon.)

The ribbon is from Stampin’ Up.

I got my post it note pads at the dollar store. They seem to be thinner than others (not as many sheets per pad) so I used double sided tape and stacked 2 pads together in each holder.




I created a file for you to download with the complete instructions. Click Here to open the .pdf file. You can save it to your computer and print it out. (You will need Adobe Reader to view and print.)

Stay tuned for my next adventure: Peppermint Patties Sandwiches!

Snowy Shaker Card

I made this snowy shaker card using the instructions from Belinda on the Cricut message board. This is a fun card to make! Thanks Belinda for the easy to follow directions! The top and bottom borders are pearlescent cardstock I found at Walmart embossed in the Cuddlebug with the snowflake embossing folder. I also embossed the frame around the picture. The little bird stamp and sentiment is from See D's. Coloring was done using MCPT. The "snow" inside the shaker is glitter. On the inside it reads "warm holiday wishes... Bundle Up!"

Clear Card - What a Challenge!

I wanted to try making a clear card. I have seen some beautiful cards made using the clear acetate blanks. This will challenge you for sure! There are tricks for hiding your adhesive. The first card I made ended up in the trash bin! I went back to the internet and spent several days reading all the tips and tricks I could find. This isn't the fanciest card around, but I love the stamped image and wanted it to be the highlight of the card.

The white butterflies were stamped using White Stazon ink. I originally started with Black Stazon and let me just say that stuff is slicker than ice when it comes to stamping on the acetate. What a challenge trying not to smear! After several attemps I gave up and switched to the white. It has a sticky property to it, similiar to VersaMark ink. This made stamping on the acetate very easy!

The image was stamped with Black Stazon ink onto Stampin' Up Whisper White cardstock. The coloring uses Prismacolor pencils and the MCPT. A dusting of stickles was added to the flowers and tiny rhinestones were placed on each butterfly.

My craft room

I spent all day today cleaning and rearranging my craft room. It all started because I purchased the Clip It Up Ribbon organizer. I must say this is an awesome organization tool! I now know exactly what ribbon I have and can get to it so easily. Since everything is nice and neat I thought I'd post a couple of pics. I use one half of the room for scrapbooking and cardmaking and the other half of the room is for my computer.

I have corkboard squares lining the doorway so that I can hang up the cards that I receive from others. I love looking at them. I have an organizer for my stamp pads that I bought from an ebay seller. I keep my wood mounted stamps in the cabinet. I found the cabinet at Good Will. It was brand new, still in the box!

Here is my work table. It's really just an old counter top. I picked up a set of banquet table legs at Home Depot and screwed them to the bottom of the counter top. I love my peg board and decided to put the ribbon organizer right above it. I knew I had a lot of ribbon but didn't realize how much until I started organizing it. It is nice to have all the colors together. I also have a small table that I found at Big Lots. I keep it right next to me to hold my Purple Cow cutter and my swivel tote. It also is a good place to set my soda in case I spill.

And lastly are my shelves. I'm sure you think they are goofy heights, but since I am "vertically challenged" LOL I wanted them low enough so that I could actually reach them! I really love the craft spinner that I got from Walmart (on-line only). I am able to keep so much in such a small space! I keep my blank cards and envelopes in the top drawer of the file cabinet and my DCWV mat stacks are in the bottom drawer.

So that's it! At least it's clean (until I start another project!)

Boss Kut Peeker

I recently received my Boss Kut Peeker Die from Cropstop.com. I thought this litte bear was so cute so I used him/her on this simple birthday card. I added the ribbon in the bear's hair to make this one more for a girl.

I used Bazzill Bling cardstock for the base and scored around the edges. The embossing is done on a transparency strip using a Cuddlebug border embossing folder.

The bear was done using the cuddlebug. The sandwich is: A plate, die, cardstock, 2 B plates. I cut it out first in white, then again in brown, and a 3rd time in black. After I pieced it together I drew the face lines in black. I used a white gel pen to highlight the eyes, ears, and toes. I added a hint of pink chalk ink on the cheeks and a matching ribbon in her "hair". Isn't this the cutest bear? I can't wait to try other color combinations.

Happy Birthday was cut using the Tear Drop Cartridge. I went over the letters with a glitter gel pen. The balloon was cut from Beyond Birthdays at 3" and a chipboard flower was added.

Color Inspiration #27

This weeks color inspiration challenge over at kristina's blog gave free reign to use any shade of red or pink. This played right along with the birthday card I was making for my DGD's 1st birthday. Since I love using pink and brown together I think this card was perfect for the challenge.

I used my favorite House-Mouse stamp for this card. The single candle in the image makes it perfect for a 1st birthday card. The DP is from DCWV's Sweet Stack. I used nestabilities to cut the plain and scalloped ovals. The mice were stamped with Stampin' Up's basic black onto Whisper White cardstock. Then they were colored using the MCPT. I added a simple 2 layer flower with a brown brad along with pretty pink ribbon. Pink stickles were used for the sprinkles on the icing.

It was a simple and quick card to make.

Autumn Card

I was inspired by a card that I saw on the Cuddlebug Challenge blog. I don't know who created it, but I give her/him my thanks and hope that person doesn't mind the I lifted the idea! Hers is much prettier, but I'm pleased with my results. I used the leafy branch cuddlebug embossing folder on white cardstock. Using chalks I went over the top of the embossed areas. I need to get another set of chalks that has more fall colors in it, but these came out very soft and pretty.

The striped paper is from DCWV's Fall Matstack and the solid cardstock is DCWV's Fall Cardstock. The ribbon and the Autumn stamp are $1 finds from Target. shhhhh....don't tell her but this card is in my SS's package which is on it's way to her right now!

Halloween Treat Bag

This is a treat bag made the same way as the lunch bag cards except I did not make a pull-out. Instead I punched 2 holes in the open end and after filling the bag with treats I tied a ribbon through the holes to keep it closed.

I inked the edges of a cream colored cardstock first with an orange dye ink then went over that with chocolate brown. I like how it highlights the pumpkins. The swirls were stamped in brown die ink.

The pumpkins were stamped using the masking technique. I colored them with prismascolor pencils and used the MCPT to blend the colors. The purple stripped paper is from DCWV's Fall Glitter matstack and the solid cardstock is DCWV's Fall stack. The ribbon is from the $1 bins at Target. Doesn't it match perfectly?

Born To Shop!

I went shopping with my son and 10 month old DGD. While my son shopped I wandered around the store with the baby. She loves to shop! She claps when she sees something she likes and makes a funny face when she doesn’t like something! This layout uses the Keystone, Doodlecharms, & Storybook Cricut cartridges.

“Born to shop” was cut with Keystone at 1”. I pierced holes and connected the holes with a silver glitter pen to create faux stitching.

The shopping bags are from Doodlecharms. The large bag was cut at 4”. I glued a piece of burlap over the front of the large bag and added the “H” (cut from Storybook at 1 ½” and glittered.) Fibers were tied to the bag handle for a little more texture. Tip: to keep the fibers from coming unknotted put a small drop of clear glue on the knot.

The large flowers are Bazzill Shimmers and the smaller flowers in the centers are paper flowers from Eyelets Etc. The white flowers are miniMARKS rubons. The shopping paper is by Karen Foster Design and Me & My Big Ideas makes the glossy floral cardstock. I cut off the floral border and saved the rest of the cardstock for another project.

October MCPT Challenge

This is my entry in the October MCPT (magic colored pencil technique) challenge on the Cricut message board. I love this image! The background paper is from Debbie Mumm "Harvest & Holiday" mat stack. The purple paper is from DCWV's Fall Matstack. Ribbon is SU. Orange Stickles in the corners and Glitter Gel Pens to color in the words.

Color Inspiration Challenge #25

I love the color challenges at KWernerDesignBlog. For this week's challenge I choose to do a birthday card for a lady that host's the crops I attend once a month.

I choose a cute House Mouse image and stamped it with SU basic black ink. The ovals are cut using nestabilities. The ribbon is SU, flowers are Prima Fabric Fancies. I added buttons to the center of the flowers with $ store fiber. The Happy Birthday stamp is from a Studio G $1 set. Cardstock is DCWV from the Summer cardstock stack. Designer Paper is My Mind's Eye.

I colored the mice with prismacolor pencils using the MCPT. Yellow and Lime Green stickles were used for the bling on the cupcake. Hope you enjoy this one!