RobbynW

Happy Birthday L'il C!

2012-02-08T17:01:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! Sorry about the disappearing act, my internet died, and for once I had nothing pre-posted! As it turns out, it may have been divine intervention, I was planning on posting this card 2 days ago (which was made for L'il C's Birthday), but had to save it to post it on her actual Birthday instead! So with all that explained, Happy Birthday L'il C!

This is a really quick and effective card. It looks like it required a ton of creativity, but with a little bit of pretty DSP, a roll through the Big Shot with the Labels Collection Framelits, and some (non-SU!) gems it comes together in a flash! Instead of the gems, this could be created using SU!'s Basic Pearls, and their new Large Pearl Basic Jewels to get the same effect. And probably a prettier one at that!

Ingredients: (All SU! unless otherwise noted)
Labels Collection Framelits, Flirtatious Specialty DSP, Elementary Elegance, Sale-A-Bration, Melon Mambo Classic Ink, Pretty in Pink Classic Ink, Gems (non SU!), Stampin' Dimensionals.

Using Negative Space

2012-02-04T05:56:00.000-05:00

Good Morning! I hope you are all having a great day! I'm always in awe when I see people using their negative space in a creative and fun way. (Remember Samantha's card back here?) For some reason, I never think to explore that avenue of creativity. This card was CASE'd (and altered to suit my supplies) from Becky Roberts, and I absolutely adore it! My personal challenge over the next little while is to start seeing negative space as a positive, and see if I can add it into my work!

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Blossom Petals Punch, Fancy Flower Extra Large Punch, Jewelry Tag Medium Punch, Tiny Tags Stamp Set, Pool Party CS and Classic Ink, Very Vanilla CS, Lucky Limeade CS and 1/8" Organdy Ribbon from Sale-A-Bration, Everyday Enchantment DSP from Sale-A-Bration.

Occasions Mini Card Class Sneak Peek

2012-02-02T06:06:00.000-05:00

Hello friends! Here's a sneaky peeky of what we'll be making at the Occasions Mini Card Class on Sat. Feb. 18, from 1:00-3:00. Contact me ASAP to save your seat!

Tangerine Tango Card Party, Fri. Feb. 17, 7:30-9:30

2012-02-01T05:07:00.000-05:00

Morning all! Here is a quick tease of the cards we will be making at the Tangerine Tango Card Party on Fri. Feb. 17, from 7:30-9:30pm. I know I've said this once or twice, but Pantone has selected Tangerine Tango to be the IT color of 2012! (Click HERE to see the article) You will go home with 8 cards (with envelopes) you've hand made (2 each of 4 designs) all featuring the color Tangerine Tango! Contact me today to save your seat!

Love Wreath

2012-01-30T15:57:00.000-05:00

Hey friends! Look what I whipped up today! Seriously, it was easy with Stampin' Up's new Hearts Collection Framelits Die. Unfortunately, as with all sparkly projects, it's hard to see the bling in the pictures. Come on in for a closer look!

This Pretty in Pink heart was stamped in VersaMark using the Hello Doily Background Stamp. It was then heat embossed with Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder.

This Pretty in Pink heart was dry embossed with the Petals Aplenty Embsossing Folder, and sponged with Melon Mambo Classic Ink.

And finally, this heart was cut from the Flirtatious Specialty DSP.

I have it hanging in my front hall on another mirror and it is very pretty! I'd love to show you what it looks like in it's "home", but the photography angle would be so wonky, you'll just have to use your imaginations! :o) Have a great day, everyone!

Sale-A-Bration Workshop

2012-01-28T09:06:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends! I've been busy all week prepping for today's Sale-A-Bration Workshop, and I'm GIVING AWAY The benefits!!! We will be making these 2 FREE cards using products from the Sale-A-Bration Catalogue. For every $60 you order, you get a FREE Sale-A-Bration product! For every $60 order, you get a ballot to WIN the qualifying workshops hostess benefits! For every "new to me" friend you bring, you get another ballot! For every workshop you book, you get another ballot! It's not "too good to be true", it's just WAAAAY TOO GOOD! Contact me asap if you want to join us this aft, or you want to hold your own workshops to reap the rewards of Sale-A-Bration. Have a great weekend friends!

Stampin' Up! Not Just for Girls! :o)

2012-01-24T06:03:00.000-05:00

Please turn away now if you have a sensitive stomach, and/or don't appreciate a little "dark" humor. :o)

The other day I went down to my studio for a little creative time. Well, it seems like Big C beat me to it. This is the "crime scene" I found on my desk! I laughed so hard I cried, and all I could think was "I never thought I'd see my SU! products used like this!" LOL!

The little "crime scene cards" are made from scraps of So Saffron CS, the "blood" is my Real Red Stampin' Write, and the fiber from evidence piece #4 is a bit of Linen Thread. Hope you are all having a giggling good day! :o)

Playing around after Friday Nights Valentine's Day Class

2012-01-22T14:02:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness we had such a fabby time at class Friday night! We actually finished a bit early, and talk moved onto the paper heart chains and wreaths that are popping up on the internet. Well, we couldn't resist playing a little longer, and out came the Flirtatious Specialty DSP, the Paper Trimmer, the Lace Ribbons Border Punch, the Scallop Trim Border Punch and the stapler. We went to work and look what we all made! I have to apologize about the wonky photo above. My hallway isn't wide enough to get a head on shot, so I hope you can see the heart shaped wreath and garland well enough. :o)

Sigh....LOVE the delicate look with the Lace Ribbons Border Punch, don't you?

The Scallop Trim Border Punch was used on Melon Mambo and Pretty In Pink 11x1" strips, so these hearts are a bit smaller than the ones made with the DSP. They are very pretty!

The Flirtatious Specialty DSP was the PERFECT paper for this project, frilly, and girly and delicate! I was glad I had so much on hand!

Want to join us at my next class? Check the side bar for my class schedule, and contact me ASAP to save your seat!

Tonight's Valentines Class

2012-01-20T06:40:00.000-05:00

Morning everyone! Here are the cards we are making at tonight's class. If you've missed out on this class and want to join the next class, check out my sidebar for links. I've got the Tangerine Tango Cards all prepped and a teaser photo should be appearing on my blog in early Feb. In the meantime, come on over to play at the Sale-A-Bration Workshop on Sat. Jan. 28 from 1-3pm. RSVP today so I can prep enough products for everyone!

And since I can't resist showing the Valentine's Day Frame again, here it is....we are also making this tonight! I love, LOVE, L O V E it!!!!!

XO

2012-01-17T06:55:00.012-05:00

Hello friends! Here's a sweet Valentine's Day card (or really, could be an "Any Day" card!) I love how the En Francais Background Stamp brings a splash of elegance to anything it touches! I'm also still (always, and forever....) in love with Reds, Pinks, Browns, and Vanillas.....one combo I'll never tire of!

Ingredients: (All SU! unless otherwise mentioned)
Very Vanilla CS and 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Early Espresso CS and Classic Ink, Poppy Parade DSP (last years 6x6 hostess pk) and Classic Ink, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Extra-Large, En Francais Background Stamp, Full Heart Extra-Large Punch. XO from non-SU! set.

Definitely NOT a class card! :o)

2012-01-15T06:51:00.000-05:00

Hey friends! I've mentioned on occasion the Stampin' Success magazine that Stampin' Up! Demo's get each month. They are chock full of great ideas and samples, and I always look forward to getting them. This card has been created from a photo of a 12x12 scrapbook page in the most recent mag. I love that you can take elements of designs, colors, ideas and layout, and change it up a bit to suit your needs. When I first started playing with this card, I had planned on using it in my Valentine's Day Class. After 2 days of (on and off) work at it, I finally conceded it was too intensive for a card class! :o) Hope you all like it as much as I do!

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Baja Breeze Classic Ink, and CS, Very Vanilla CS, Pear Pizzazz CS and Classic Ink, Island Indigo Classic Ink and Stampin' Write, Soft Suede, Classic Ink, Basic Grey Classic Ink, Blushing Bride Classic Ink, School Book Serif Alphabet, Take it to Heart, Aqua Painter, Color Spritzer Tool, Newsprint DSP (retired), 1 3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, Itty Bitty Bits Shapes Punch Pack, Heart to Heart Punch, Full Heart Extra-Large Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Mini Brad, Button and large Brad are retired.

Christmas Gifts, Gingerbread Play Doh, Candy Cane Play Doh

2012-01-13T06:25:00.002-05:00

Hello Friends! L'il C and I "whipped up" 8 batches of Play Doh for all of the "Little's" in our life. I jest when I say "whipped up" btw...have you ever made Play Doh? While it's TOTALLY satisfying, and the best Play Doh EVAH, it takes quite a bit of arm muscle to do it. Anywho...we thought gingerbread and candy cane would be great for gifts. The gingerbread recipe comes from HERE if you want it (It was truly a heavenly scent, even I snuck it out on occasion to play with it when the kidlets were in bed!), and we used the same recipe but took out the spices, and added 3/4 capful of peppermint extract and 8 drops of red food coloring to make the candy cane version. They were a hit with all the wee one's! (and me :o)

Christmas Gifts, Peppermint Foot Scrub, Brown Sugar Body Scrub

2012-01-11T06:23:00.002-05:00

Good morning everyone! I'm on a roll sharing my hand made Christmas Gifts with you. Hope you are enjoying them as much as the recipients did. The recipes for these items are from The Idea Room. Be sure to explore around Amy's site for a bit, tons'o'great ideas to be found! The tags were super simple to make, color the stamp with your Stampin' Writes, stamp and punch out. Couldn't ask for a more simple, more effective tag (IMHO :o)

Ingredients: (SU! Unless otherwise mentioned)
Whisper White CS, Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Write, Always Artichoke Stampin' Write, Peaceful Season Stamp Set, Punch and ribbon from my crafty stash.

Christmas Presents, Monogram Cards (version 2)

2012-01-09T05:46:00.005-05:00

Hi all! So I took the cards from the last post and modified them for a different look. Since Pantone has named Tangerine Tango the "IT" color of 2012 (Click HERE to read the article!), of course I had to create with this color! Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Whisper White CS, Tangerine Tango CS, Classic Ink, Polka Dot Background Stamp, School Book Serif Alphabet Stamp Set, 1 3/4 Scallop Circle Extra Large Punch, 1 1/4 Circle Punch.

Christmas Presents, Monogram Cards (version 1)

2012-01-07T06:15:00.003-05:00

I made a bunch of these for Christmas gifts, and packaged them up into gift boxes of 8 cards with envies. Everyone got their own initials. They seemed to be a hit! you probably recognize them from THIS POST, so be sure to come on back in 2 days and see how they evolved again!

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Whisper White CS, Craft Ink and Embossing Powder, Basic Black CS, Tempting Turquoise CS and Classic Ink, Woodgrain Stamp Set, Lovely Letters Alphabet, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch

Mmmm....cookie......

2012-01-06T15:48:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! This was truly the easiest and fastest card I have ever made. And my kiddies are truly fa-reaking out over how much they love it! Goes to show you, doesn't it?!? Whenever I put a ton of work/thought/creativity into a card, I feel like I'm pulling compliments from them, but this one was just laying on the computer desk, and they both grabbed it (at separate times) and went on and on about how much they loved it! LOL! Now, I must admit I do think it's pretty cute, but not a lot of energy was put into it! ;o) Hope you are all having a sweet of a day!

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Crumb Cake CS and Classic Ink, Chocolate Chip CS and Classic Ink, Jewelry Tag Medium Punch, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle Extra-Large, Itty Bitty Bits Punch Pack, Early Espresso Bakers Twine, Sponge, Sweet Little Sentiments Stamp Set (retired)

November 2011 Artful Inkers Swaps Part 3

2012-01-05T06:01:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone! Here are the last 3 cards my team mates created for our November 2011 Artful*Inkers team swap. The theme that month was Kids Birthday cards. Hope you enjoy them!

Created by Dusty The interesting thing about this hybrid card, is that everything was created on MDS (including the DSP for the candles), was printed, cut and assembled to make this neat hybrid card!

Created by Ruth

Created by Diane Check out the detail below. Love that she's used the Peekaboo Frames Die for a birthday card surprise!

Valentine's Day Class, Fri. Jan. 20, 7:30-9:30

2012-01-04T16:35:00.000-05:00

Hi friends! Here's a little tease of the cards we will be making at our Valentine's Day Class this year. We will be making 6 cards (2 each of 3 designs), including envies, and this beauty below! I absolutely LOVE it!!!!!

One of my fave perks of being a Stampin' Up! demo is the monthly demo only Stampin' Success mags we get. This frame is modeled pretty closely on one featured in the mag, and I have to say it again, I truly love it! If you want to join us making all of these great projects, contact me today to save your seat for the class!

November 2011 Artful Inkers Swaps Part 2

2012-01-03T05:51:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone. Here are a few of my team mates cards swapped at our November 2011 team meeting. The theme that month was Kids Birthday Cards. Aren't they all super sweet???

Created by Kirsha

Created by Samantha

Created by Donna

Come on back Thursday to see 3 more cute Kids Birthday cards!

Happy New Years Everyone!

2012-01-01T06:11:00.015-05:00

I hope you all had a great New Years Eve, and are headed into a fantastic 2012! This card was made for my Artful*Inkers Team Swap in November. The theme was "Kids Birthday Cards", I thought this made a very pretty "Baby's 1st Birthday" card. (but really, is appropriate for any age...) So for today, we'll send it off to Baby New Year! ;o) Come back Tuesday and Thursday to see the creations the rest of my team made.

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Tempting Turquoise CS and Classic Ink, Daffodil Delight CS, Whisper White Craft Ink, Pumpkin Pie Classic Ink, Melon Mambo Classic Ink, Flirtatious Specialty DSP, Basic Rhinestones, Linen Thread, Blossom Petals Punch, Build a Blossom, Tiny Tags, Jewelry Tag Medium Punch.

KAPOW! (KKC08)

2011-12-31T09:26:00.002-05:00

I've been a long time admirer of Carrie's, and have wanted to play along with her challenges since the start. However, this happened, that happened etc. etc. etc....and my first Kapow Challenge is today! Thanks for the inspiration Carrie....love the photo, love the challenge, hope you all love my card as much as I do! ;o)

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Baja Breeze CS and Classic Ink, Whisper White CS, Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink, Take it to Heart Stamp Set, Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set, Stampin' Dimensionals, Simply Scored Scoring Tool.

The Girl's "To Do" Boards

2011-12-29T06:21:00.010-05:00

Morning everyone! As promised Tuesday, here are the "To Do" boards I made for my nieces for Christmas. The bottom 2 were made for my 6 and 2 year old nieces, and have the SU! clothes pins on a ribbon, as I didn't want them to have tacks on their boards, for fear of swallowing them, or poking themselves. They also got stamped coloring pages (and playdoh...but you'll have to come back in Jan to see that!) instead of a gift card on their boards. Otherwise, the three boards are pretty similar, just swapping out different patterns of DSP and some different punches and papers, to create individualized boards.

I'm thinking of running a class on making these, let me know if you'd be interested!

Nathan's "To Do" Board

2011-12-27T06:15:00.001-05:00

Morning Everyone! Are you ready to start seeing some of the home made Christmas presents we gave out this year? Come on back Thursday to see the girls version of the "To Do" boards. I'm hoping my Nephew will enjoy using this board to keep on track in his up coming first year of University. He can write assignments and other homework things on the to do chalkboard, and keep track of all the notes and photos and ticket stubs on the cork board!

Don't you just love the "Chore Chart"? It's a Stampin' Up! Decor Element (pg 230 in the current catty) I used the larger size here (11x4 1/2"), but there is also a smaller version, measuring 9 1/2x3 1/2" available. The rest of the meaterials used here are retired Stampin' Up! products, and some are non-SU! so I won't post a list of ingredients. Hope you enjoy them, I know the kids did (well...the PARENTS did for sure! LOL!)

Artful*Inkers Christmas Countdown Swaps, Dec. 25 '11...or 9th....

2011-12-25T08:19:00.002-05:00

So, this was the gift Donna created for all of the Artful*Inkers team members. I got to open it on my give out day, but saved it to share till today, so I wouldn't ruin others' surprises. Thanks Donna, I enjoyed it all in the am of the 9th! ;o)

Hope you are all having a fantastic Christmas Day with your families!
Hugs,
Robbyn

Artful*Inkers Christmas Countdown Swaps, Dec. 24 '11

2011-12-24T11:19:00.005-05:00

Check out this beauty created by Artful*Inker Team Member, Deb. When you untie the ribbon, the top pops off, and out pours all those yummy treats! Love it! Thanks Deb!!!

Artful*Inkers Christmas Countdown Swaps, Dec. 23 '11

2011-12-23T11:17:00.001-05:00

Ooooh! This gorgeous package was created by Artful*Inkers Team Member Janessa. I just love all of it's inner secret hiding places! Thanks Janessa! (also the front green frame opens to reveal the message "Even the naughty deserve something nice!" from the Tags til Christmas stamp set, but I forgot to photograph it, sorry!)

the 1st opening can be used as your card to write your holiday message. Un-velcro (think I just made that word up!) the right side "flap" and you reveal....

The gift! Thanks again Janessa, this is so fun!

Artful*Inkers Christmas Countdown Swaps, Dec. 22, '11

2011-12-22T11:13:00.002-05:00

This creation is the 2nd gift from Tania. She and her daughter take this challenge on together and love to get 2 sets of gifts to open together each day...such smart girls! Share the Stampin' Up! love, is what I say! It's such a great ornament, I'm going to have to get directions from her...I can see these being made for future Christmas gifts!

Artful*Inkers Christmas Countdown Swaps, Dec. 21 '11

2011-12-21T06:12:00.003-05:00

This treat was created by Artful*Inkers team mate Brenda. Don't you love how cute it is?!? I've bought some Christmas colored jelly beans, and can't wait to try this idea myself! Thanks Brenda!!!

Artful*Inkers Christmas Countdown Swaps, Dec. 20, '11

2011-12-20T11:02:00.005-05:00

Todays treat was created by Diane.It smells so heavenly, and I LOVE that Spice Cake Fabric! Thanks Diane!

Artful*Inkers Christmas Countdown Swaps, Dec. 19 '11

2011-12-19T11:57:00.002-05:00

Eeeks! Love this box, and if you hurry to my Stampin' Up! Website, you can order it (until supplies last!) in the Clearance section!!! Today's gift is from Artful*Inkers Team Member Ruth. It's craft goodness and sweet goodness all wrapped up into one package. Thanks Ruth, I'm sure it'll ALL be gone quickly!

Artful*Inkers Christmas Countdown Swaps, Dec. 18 '11

2011-12-18T11:52:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone! Today's gift was made by Artful*Inkers Team Mate Sandra. Remember....our effort was in the packaging OR the gift. I think I am most excited about opening this gift since the packaging is so fantastically simple! Be back later to post the innards! :o)

Oh! I was right! Check out this super pretty purse!

And there were treats inside of my gorgeous purse! It's a never ending cycle of goodness! Sort of like TurDuckEn. But much better.

Artful*Inkers Christmas Countdown Swaps, Dec. 17 '11

2011-12-17T11:49:00.004-05:00

This beauty was made by Artful*Inkers Team member Kirsha. I absolutely LOVE it, think I'll be CASE-ing in the future! Thanks Kirsha!!!

If you can't read the poem, it says:
Snowman Kisses
He's cute, smiley and
full of good wishes.
He wants to give you
these snowman kisses!
xo

Artful*Inkers Christmas Countdown Swaps, Dec. 16 '11

2011-12-16T11:44:00.010-05:00

Super sweet, right? Todays creation was made by Artful*Inkers Team member, Dusty. Love the embossed texture to the centre panel, and the scallop edged border punch to the outer edges! And the sweet treats and gift tags are fantastic! Thanks Dusty!

Artful*Inkers Christmas Countdown Swaps, Dec. 15 '11

2011-12-15T06:38:00.000-05:00

This bag of yumminess was created by Artful*Inkers team member, Brenda. A treat I will be sure to enjoy! Thanks Brenda!!!

Artful*Inkers Christmas Countdown Swaps, Dec. 14 '11

2011-12-14T11:31:00.018-05:00

LOVE this packaging! So cute that it's decorated on the inside too! Kiddos got an extra special treat this am (that's a slice of chocolate orange tucked in there) of their fave chocolate! My treat was the decal on the inside ornament, I haven't seen that set IRL, so really appreciated it! This was created by Artful*Inkers team member Samantha, thanks Samantha!

Sorry...no Artful Inkers Christmas Countdown Swap Today...

2011-12-13T11:07:00.002-05:00

It got lost in the mail, and is on the way. Hope to have it to show you within a week! In the meantime, let me show you what I am working on today...

These cards were made for a friend who was hosting a silent auction at her work. I figured thank you cards are just what is needed in January, so went that route instead of Christmas. Today, I am copying myself and making a bunch of these for Christmas gifts, but will swap out the label punch shape and the Thank You stamp for a Circle Punch, a Scallop Circle Punch and the recipients initials. I'm also going to vary the colors a bit...rumor has it "Tangerine Tango" is the "IT" color for 2012. Seriously. Check THIS post out!!! Way to be ahead of the trend Stampin' Up! I'll show you all some completed gifts AFTER the holidays!

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Whisper White CS, Craft Ink, Embossing Powder, Basic Black CS, Tempting Turquoise CS and Classic Ink, Elegant Thank You Stamp, Decorative Label Extra Large Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Artful*Inkers Christmas Countdown Swaps, Dec. 12 '11

2011-12-12T11:24:00.007-05:00

This fancy was made by Dion from Cambridge! (Last year I think I called her Dion from Guelph which is why the =) is there, LOL! Thanks Dion...can't wait till after school time so kiddies and I can enjoy a cup of Snowman Soup! (I'll make them their own cups, they don't have to share mine, hee hee)

In case you can't read the attached poem, it says...

Here's a little Snowman Soup,
Complete with stirring stick.
Add hot water and sip it slow,
To keep you warm, it'll do the trick!

Artful*Inkers Christmas Countdown Swaps, Dec. 11 '11

2011-12-11T06:12:00.000-05:00

Totally cute, right? This was made by Artful*Inkers Team Mate Tania Green and was filled with yumm-o Hershey's kisses. Better believe I am protecting those from my bad doggies!!! LOL!

Artful*Inkers Christmas Countdown Swaps, Dec. 10 '11

2011-12-10T18:09:00.000-05:00

OMGoodness, this incredible cutie was created by Artful*Inkers team member, Kim Morrow. I totally loved it (for the 90 seconds I owned it, but more on that later...) The candle inside was (note: past tense) a battery operated one, so no potential for fires, but it flickered like a real candle to give a very warm sweet glow to the whole project. I so proudly put it on my front hall table, figuring I'd enjoy it while I got ready for work this morning.

Sadly, it was not to be. I turned my back for 30 seconds (literally, that's it) and my dumb dogS ate the entire thing! I'm not even joking, and you'd have to know my dogs to understand that they will be fine after that. They have stomachs of steel. (Not sure if you recall THIS post or not) However, we are still not on speaking terms, and I continue to mentally rehearse my adoption advertisements for them....grrr.....

Artful*Inkers 2011 Christmas Countdown Swaps

2011-12-09T06:41:00.000-05:00

Morning everyone! Today is the first post of the Art*ful Inkers Christmas Countdown Swap (if you want to check out last years swap, start HERE and move forward to the 25th). This year, we are playing the "17 Days of Christmas", as we had 17 people sign up. Here is post one, and moving forward you will see the rest of the teams gifts day by day. Hope you enjoy following us along!

This is my gift. I think you'll recognize that little face from here and here I did tel you I LOVED that mustache! LOL! To give some perspective on the size, that's a 750 ml bottle of hand sanitizer!

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Many Mustaches, 25 & Counting, Holiday Happiness, 1" Circle Punch, Scallop Square Punch, 1" Square Punch, Stripes Textured Embossing Folder, Cherry Cobbler CS and Classic Ink, Blushing Bride CS, Whisper White CS and Craft Ink, Regal Rose Classic Ink, Versa Mark Ink, Gold Embossing Powder, Basic Rhinestones.

JOY Banner

2011-11-30T05:50:00.000-05:00

Eeeks! I loooove this! It's been so fun to create and decorate with! Have to thank my friend Val for lending me her (retired) 3D 5 Point Star Die for the Big Shot so I could play with it and make it! (hint...hopefully in the next week or 2 I'll have another fun project to share with you showing this retired die off...depending on if I can get over my CHICKEN FACTOR or not... :o) Anyway....I have this hanging in my front hall, sorry about the weird angle of the photo, but it's hard to shoot towards a mirror without a flash or other weird background image showing up! The second photo shows a close up of the embossing, but I'm not sure if I like it embossed or not. The un-embossed version gives a much cleaner seam, but the embossed version gives a little extra texture. Anyway you make it, I must say, I do love it!

Ingredients: (All SU! unless otherwise mentioned)
3D 5 Point Star Die (retired), Cherry Cobbler CS, and textured CS, Old Olive Textured CS, Christmas Lane Simply Scrappin' Kit, Snow Burst Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Simply Scored, Timeless Type Medium Sizzlits Die, 1 1/4" Circle Medium Die, Sticky Strip, 2 Way Glue Pen, fishing line from my crafty stash.

Snowman Paint Roller Ornaments

2011-11-27T05:55:00.000-05:00

Hello friends! The idea for these little cutie Snowmen came from the Lowe's "Creative Ideas for Home and Garden" Mag. Aren't they adorable? The snow man body is made from a mini foam paint roller! L'il C and I had a blast making these together! (hers is the pink one, mine is the brown one)

Ingredients: (All SU! unless otherwise mentioned)
Brads and Ribbons are retired, Basic Black CS, Early Espresso CS, Cherry Cobbler CS, Always Artichoke CS, Linen Thread, Mini Jingle Bells, Bird Builder Punch (arms), Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (holly berries), Silver Gel Pen from my crafty stash, paint rollers from my local dollar store....sorry Lowe's I picked the mag up on the way out of the store, and didn't read it and fall in love with it until I was home! ;o)

Santa Paintbrush Ornament

2011-11-25T08:51:00.000-05:00

Good Morning! Is this guy stinkin' cute or what?!? I was in Lowe's the other day, and picked up their new freebie mag (obvi trying to lure the women in, and I say "Good job, Lowe's! You got me!!!" ;o) called "Lowe's Creative Ideas for Home and Garden". This little Santa Brush was in it, but of course I had to adapt it to SU! LOL! Come on back Sunday to see another super sweet ornament CASEd from the Lowe's mag!

Ingredients: (All SU! unless otherwise mentioned)
Many Mustaches Stamp Set, Crumb Cake CS, Whisper White CS, Soft Suede Classic Ink (stamped off once), Scallop Trim Border Punch, Paper Snips and Tombo Glue, the Pom Poms, googly eyes, and fishing wire are from my crafty stash, paint brush is from local dollar store (Sorry Lowe's...you had the mag at the exit and I picked it up when I was paying and leaving, and didn't read it until I got home...too late to go back and buy your brushes...)

Christmas Gift Calendars

2011-11-21T06:01:00.000-05:00

Morning all! My upline, Donna was the original creator of this design for the 2010 Artful*Inkers Christmas Countdown Swap. I've had mine hanging on my fridge all year, and wanted to make some to give as thank you gifts this year. Changed the colors and the DSP, otherwise kept things pretty much the same. Love 'em, thanks Donna!

Ingredients: (All SU! unless otherwise mentioned)
Flirtatious Specialty DSP, Wisteria wonder Classic Ink, Etchings Stamp Set, Calendar from a friend...sorry don't know the source, magnet on the back from my local dollar store

Christmas Lane Stamp a Stack

2011-11-19T06:01:00.003-05:00

Good Morning friends! If you are joining Deb and I today for the Christmas Lane Stamp a Stack, these are the cards and the card holders you will be making. I just love all that yummy Quilted Satin Ribbon, all the sweet little jingle bells and mini brads, and the rustic bakers twine. I can't wait for the fun to begin!

My Christmas Journal

2011-11-17T05:44:00.000-05:00

Hey friends! Here is this years Christmas Journal. I like to keep a notebook in my purse at all times for those notes and scrap papers you need. I also like to keep a notebook of Christmas gifts bought, to be bought, things to make, chores to do etc. etc. etc. around this time of year. Last years Christmas journal is a bit worn and my "random purse notebook" is a disaster, so I made this to use for both purposes and must say I am loving that texture!

I've used the Petals Aplenty Embossing folder on the Not Quite Navy Card Stock, rubbed the Versa Mark on it, and heat embossed with the Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder. The Cajun Craze has that yummy torn edge and has been sponged with Early Espresso Classic Ink. The More Mustard was stamped with the (new for me, and I'm loving it!) Netting Background Stamp in Early Espresso and the whole thing was sponged around the edges with that color too.

This here is a notebook to use for Christmas, and all year long too!

ps-I intentionally did NOT stamp anything on the front indicating it was my Christmas Notebook to keep those little curious eyeballs away! ;o)

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Not Quite Navy CS, More Mustard CS, Cajun Craze CS, Eary Espresso Classic Ink, Versa Mark Ink, Sponge, Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Petals Aplenty Embossing Folder, Netting Background Stamp

Clean and Simple - FTL 164

2011-11-15T06:51:00.032-05:00

Oooh! Love this sketch (courtesy of the Clean and Simple Site, FTL 164), and love the Christmas Lane Simply Scrappin' Kit! Put a great sketch together with one of Stampin' Up!'s Simply Scrappin' Kits and the card practically makes itself! Are you guys familiar with the Simply Scrappin' Kits? They are packages of 12x12 Card Stock in 4 colors, 12x12 DSP in 4 patterns, and 12x12 sheets of die cut stickers. Each particular kit coordinates with itself 100%, so truly its a no fail card or scrap booking package! Love them! You can find them on pages 188-189 in the current Idea Book and Catalogue, or page 26 in the current Holiday Mini features the Christmas Lane Kit. Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients: (all SU! unless otherwise mentioned)
Christmas Lane Simply Scrappin' Kit, Christmas Greetings Stamp Set, Versa Mark, Silver EP, Silver Gel Pen (from my crafty stash), Stampin' Dimensionals, Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

My GORGEOUS Advent Calendar ;o)

2011-11-13T05:33:00.000-05:00

I went to my friend Julie's Advent Calendar Class last Saturday, and created this beauty! Can I tell you how much I LOVE it? And I will freely admit, other than piecing it all together, gluing it down, and copying her samples as exactly as possible, I had NOTHING to do with the creativity part of it! I did not change a THING! LOL! I won't post the list of ingredients as I didn't create it, and would likely miss some things, but it is all 100% SU! and features the "25 & Counting" Stamp Set featured in the current Holiday Mini. Thanks Julie, I had such a blast making this, but also spending time with others from the Artful*Inkers Team!

Toddler Advent Calendar

2011-11-11T05:59:00.000-05:00

Hi friends! So I have all these grand plans for the new 25 & Counting Stamp Set released in the Current Holiday Mini (pg 37). Cards, and gift tags and advent calendars....I got to thinking however, that the ideas I had in mind weren't very child friendly, and wondered how I could make an advent calendar for a toddler to actively use. Voila! The idea for my White Board Advent Calendar was born! I'm hoping that a toddler could easily mark/circle/scribble over the Staz On stamped images, and feel like a sense of ownership in the tradition of counting down. The difficulty I had with this was keeping it very simple. I really was itching to add bows and ribbons and jingle bells to the top and bottom, but did not want anything that could be pulled off and swallowed. I've given this little gifty to my friend's 2 yr old, and hope he really enjoys it!

Ingredients: (All SU! unless otherwise mentioned)
25 & Counting Stamp Set, Christmas Greetings Stamp Set, Four Frames Stamp Set, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Christmas Lane Simply Scrappin' Kit, Black Staz On Ink, Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink, Early Espresso Stampin' Write, White Board from my local dollar store.

Ornament Iris Fold

2011-11-09T06:02:00.009-05:00

Does this card remind you of anything? :o) I've been waiting since April to make this using the Ornament Punch! So simple, but so stunning (and best of all, people assume it's SO hard to do!)

Ingredients: (All SU! unless otherwise mentioned)
Pear Pizzaz CS and DSP, Garden Green CS, Whisper White CS, Ornament Extra Large Punch, Basic Rhinestone, Silver Chain and Silver Paper from my crafty stash

Sketch Frenzy Friday-SFF 102811

2011-11-07T06:01:00.000-05:00

The following cards were made for the Sketch Frenzy SFF 102811 layout. They are pretty loose interpretations, but I will definitely be going back to play with the sketch some more!

This card is my fave of the 3. You might have to click on the photo to make it larger to see the difference. I've used a silver embossing powder here which is a true flat, rich, shiny silver. It might not seem like a huge difference, but you can sure it IRL! :o)

This card was made using a non SU! Embossing powder which is called Silver Tinsel. The "tinsel-y" part made it bumpy and rough and tarnished looking. Not my fave for the true elegance of The Sounding Joy Stamp Set.

I used the same (non SU!) type of Embossing Powder here but in Gold. Again, not loving the bumpy, tarnished look of it. I really think the delicate stamp set calls for a smooth elegant silver (or gold!)

Ingredients: (All SU! unless mentioned otherwise)
The Sounding Joy Stamp Set, Holiday Hoopla Stamp Set (retired), Whisper White CS, Real Red Classic Ink, Versa Mark, 3 Embossing Powder's (non SU!), Heat Tool

I'm in loooooooove!

2011-11-05T06:05:00.002-04:00

Gah! Have you all seen THIS card? I positively swooned when I saw it. Admittedly, at first, I didn't "get" the Mustache craze (still not sure I DO get it! ;o), and when I saw the Many Mustaches Stamp Set in the current Idea Book and Catalogue (pg 18, #122917, $11.95), I thought that was one set I would NEVER own. Well. Fast forward to seeing Erica's card, and I could NOT wait to place my next order and own Many Mustaches myself! Love, love, LOVE! (and as a fair warning, you are likely going to see it featured here quite a bit over the next 2 months!)

Here's a close up photo in case you couldn't see all that sparkly goodness in the first photo...

If you are wondering how I made these mustaches, I stamped CIL paint chips with versa mark and heat embossed Iridescent Ice on them. (the actual colors used were "Snowfield", and "Silk Moon")

Hope you all love them as much as I do. What a perfect, quick little gift for someone at Christmas!

Ingredients: (All SU! unless otherwise mentioned)
Blushing Bride CS, Regal Rose Classic Ink, 1" Circle Medium Punch, Many Mustaches Stamp Set, Versa Mark, Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, CIL Paint Chip and Candy Sticks from my local dollar store (2 for $1!!!)

Clean and Simple Sketch, FTL 163

2011-11-03T06:59:00.003-04:00

Morning everyone! This card was made using the FTL 163 Sketch from the Clean and Simple site. I must admit I don't do a true CAS card very often, but I love it when I do. I love the clean simplicity of this card, and know the perfect person to send it to! Thanks for the inspiration, this is a sketch I will definitely use again.

Ingredients: (All SU!)
The Sounding Joy Stamp Set, 25 & Counting Stamp Set, Holiday Hoopla Stamp Set (retired), Whisper White CS, Basic Black Classic Ink, Basic Rhinestones, Stampin' Write's in So Saffron, Early Espresso, Blushing Bride, River Rock and Sahara Sand

Happy November 1st!

2011-11-01T06:40:00.001-04:00

Yay! With Halloween, and our (Canadian) Thanksgiving over, I can officially start the Christmas frenzy here at the bloggo! I know I've shown an occasional Christmas card since the summer months, but now let the craziness begin! LOL! I had to laugh, on the last day of school this past year I walked through BOTH my local craft store, AND Costco, and the Christmas items were being put out. That was too early for even ME! So onward with these sweet little Christmas 3x3's...They are highlighting some new products released in the current Idea Book and Catalogue, and the current Holiday Mini...

The above cards both are made using the NEW Stocking Builder Punch, the one on the right is punched from (retired) DSP, the one on the left was punched after an image was stamped from the Stitched Stockings Stamp Set. Both of these items can be seen on pg 34 if click on the Holiday Mini image on the top right corner of my blog. Do you also see that darling little embossed frame on the card on the right? It is a new embossing folder (2 come in a set!) called Designer Frames (pg 218 in the current Idea Book and Catalogue, click the image of the IB+C below the Holiday Mini on the upper right hand of my blog, and you'll be able to see those as well!)

Next we have 2 more 3x3's made with the Stocking Builder Punch and (retired) DSP and an image from the Stitched Stockings Stamp Set. The card on the right has the other frame from the Designer Frames Embossing Folders, this time embossed on (retired) DSP and torn out, to give a shabby chic look. The card on the left however, look closely....see the plaid grid pattern? It's NOT an embossing folder! It was made using the new Simply Scored Tool, which can also be seen on page 6-7 of the Holiday Mini. SO easy to get a custom background using this tool. If you can imagine any straight edge pattern or shape you'd like to emboss on you card stock, you CAN with this fabby tool! (it also does all the other traditional things you want in a scoring board, I just love finding alternate uses for it! ;o)

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Old Olive Textured CS and Classic Ink, Very Vanilla CS, Whisper White CS, Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink, DSP (retired), Stocking Builder Punch, Stitched Stockings Stamp Set, Designer Frames Embossing Folder, Simply Scored Tool, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T06:09:00.005-04:00

Happy Halloween everyone! A quick card using lots of retired Stampin' Up! products. Hope you all have a great day and eve, and that your L'il Gobblins have a great night!

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Pumpkin Pie CS, Retired Halloween DSP, Glimmer Brads in Bright, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Whisper White Craft Ink, Iridescent Ice EP, Scary Skeleton Stamp Set (retired), Stampin' Dimensionals

Clean and Simple 162

2011-10-27T06:03:00.002-04:00

Hey there friends! I think this card is sooooo sweet! I love that new Jack of All Trades Stamp Set!!!!! Again, I've used some retired Stampin' Up! DSP to pull it all together. Thanks to the Clean and Simple Site, for the FTL 162 sketch that inspired this card.

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Basic Black CS, Craft Ink, EP, Retired Halloween DSP, Whisper White CS, Pumpkin Pie Classic Ink, Old Olive Classic Ink, School Book Serif Alphabet (retired), Jack of All Trades Stamp Set

Sketch Frenzy Friday 101411

2011-10-25T06:43:00.004-04:00

Morning everyone! I've got another Halloween card for you. This time it's for the Sketch Frenzy Friday 101411 entry. I've used some retired Stampin' Up! DSP and Elegant Eggplant Craft Ink to pull it off! Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Very Vanilla CS, Retired Halloween DSP, Spider Web Embossing Folder, Elegant Eggplant Craft Ink, Chalk and Classic Ink, Iridescent Ice EP, Heat Tool, Batty For You Stamp Set, Sponge, Mat Pack and Paper Piercer.

Super Quick, Super Sweet Birthday Card

2011-10-23T06:42:00.000-04:00

Morning Friends! This was such a quick and easy 3x3 card to whip together...I should make a bunch to keep on hand! Love the texture, love the colors, love the depth, love the simplicity...and literally, it took about 2 minutes! LOVE that timing! LOL!

Ingredients: (All SU!)
So Saffron CS and Classic Ink, Bashful Blue CS and Classic Ink, En Francais Background Stamp, Well Scripted (retired), Designer Frames Embossing Folder, Stampin' Dimensionals.

I love SU!

2011-10-21T06:35:00.000-04:00

And I love how all of their colors coordinate...inks, papers, ribbons, accessories! It makes creating SO much easier! The only changes I've made to the above cards is the card base...swap one coordinating color out with another, and have a new look and feel!

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Whisper White CS, More Mustard CS and Classic Ink, Elegant Eggplant CS and Classic Ink, Garden Green CS and Classic Ink, 1/4" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), French Foliage Stamp Set.

Inkspirations Challenge #91

2011-10-19T08:47:00.000-04:00

OMGoodness, I luuuuuurve this card! It turned out 98% differently than I originally planned, but 100% better than it was in my minds eye! Does that ever happen to guys? After distressing and adhering my DSP I decided it was too bland. So I ran it through my Big Shot with the Spider Web Embossing Folder, still bland-ish, so I rubbed my VersaMark on it and embossed it with the Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder. Better, but suddenly? Suddenly I realized the sweet little pumpkins I planned to use as my image, didn't really fit. Hmm. Second look at Keesh's amazing Sketch and I saw it....SPIDER!!!! Those legs make my heart beat faster, and they're so simple to make. They are punched 4 times (thin slices) with the long edge of the Decorative Label Punch, and cut in half. Thanks Keesh for the fabby sketch at the Inkspirations Site which inspired this card!!!

Ingredients: (All SU! unless otherwise mentioned)
Basic Black CS, Retired Halloween DSP, Spider Web Embossing Folder, Iridescent Ice EP, VersaMark, Decorative Label Extra Large Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Googly eyes and sparkly black paper from my crafty stash.

CASE-ing bought cards....

2011-10-18T06:22:00.000-04:00

I received the top card from Big C's teacher a bit back, and it reminded me of a stamp set we have....French Foliage! I couldn't wait to make it into a Stampin' Up! version!

Ingredients: (All SU! unless otherwise mentioned)
Old Olive CS and Classic Ink, Pacific Point CS, Stampin' Write and Classic Ink, Tempting Turquoise Classic Ink, Stampin' Dimensionals, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Brayer, Color Spritzer Tool, French Foliage Stamp Set, Swirls and Curls Verses, gems from my crafty stash.

Artful*Inkers October Card Swaps, part 2

2011-10-16T06:14:00.000-04:00

As promised, here are the final four card fronts swapped at my Artful*Inkers team meeting at the beginning of the month. Our swap theme this month was Halloween or Thanksgiving. I'm loving all of these cards!!!!

Created by Samantha, LOVE her use of the negative space for the moon!

Created by Joanna, her debossed spider web and fancy double punched "spooky" tag rock!

This prezzie was created by Donna....is it ok to admit I ate all the M+M's before 10am today? Thanks Donna, loved your tag, the watercoloring AND the treats!

Created by Kim. I adore the strip of crimped Early Espresso at the bottom, and her altered Decorative Label Punch.

Thanks for peeking everyone, can't wait to share Novembers swaps as well!

Artful*Inkers October Card Swaps, part 1

2011-10-14T06:31:00.000-04:00

Morning everyone! On Wednesday I showed my card for this months Artful*Inkers team swap (the theme was Halloween or Thanksgiving), and today I will show you 5 of my team mates cards. Come back Sunday to see the remaining 4! They are all SO fantabby!!!

Created by Diane. That Frightful Sight DSP is totally fun, and I love the choice of the "EEEK!" sentiment to go along with it!

Created by Sandra. I'm loving her color choice, and the gorgeous, warm Spice Cake DSP is making me want to cuddle up in front of a fire with a hot drink!

Created by Kirsha. So clever to use the punched out portion as a frame! Don't know why I haven't tried that before!!! Thanks Kirsha for opening my eyes!

Created by Dusty. I'm going to share her instructions for the candy corn...so simple, but another thing I hadn't thought of before! "For candy corn, I layered pieces of Very Vanilla and Daffodil Delight on 1 3/4" circle of mustard, then cut in half, then each piece in half again, making 8 pieces of corn out of each circle"

Created by Julie. I LOVE this stamp set, and love that she used the words and the postage label as I haven't inked those stamps up yet...I'm too focused on the gorgeous leaves! I'm determined to create with those stamps soon!

Thanks for peeking! Be sure to come back Sunday to see the rest!

Happy (Belated) Canadian Thanksgiving!

2011-10-12T06:10:00.000-04:00

I'm a little late here, but thought I'd share anyway! These were my swap cards from my October Artful*Inkers Team meeting. This months theme was Thanksgiving or Halloween. Come on back Fri and I will be posting the the first group of swaps I received from my team mates!

Ingredients: (All SU!)
French Foliage Stamp Set, Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set, Cajun Craze Classic Ink and CS, More Mustard Classic Ink and CS, Whisper White CS, Chocolate Chip 5/8" Satin Ribbon and Classic Ink, Linen Thread and (retired) button, Simply Scored Tool.

Trick or Treat!

2011-10-10T20:10:00.000-04:00

Hey all! I've been MIA for a bit...I've been creating, just not getting to the posting! I thought I'd start us back with this cutie little card I created over the weekend. (with a little help from my fam :o) My oldest bro, is in the States at school, so missed the Canadian Thanksgiving with us this past weekend. We all missed him, so wanted to send a fun card to let him know we were thinking of him. Do you see our finger prints made the bodies for these little spidies? Totally fun!

Ingredients: (All SU! unless otherwise mentioned)
Perfect Plum CS and DSP, Basic Black CS, Classic Ink and Stampin' Write, Tombo Glue, Googly Eyes, Words and glitter from my crafty stash. (finger prints courtesy my fam! ;o)

Getting Started (Artful Inkers Team Challenge), Day 3

2011-10-03T06:18:00.001-04:00

Hiya friends! Have you checked out the past 2 days of posts? Be sure to do that, so you understand what today is all about! LOL! These are the last 5 cards to post, made by my Artful Inkers Teammates from our September 2011 card swap challenge. The outline of swap rules, and goals was recorded on my October 1st blog post, and the first 5 samples were posted yesterday. Hope you enjoy them all!

Created by Samantha

Created by Julie

Created by Diane

Created by Kirsha

Created by Kim

Getting Started (Artful Inkers Team Challenge), Day 2

2011-10-02T06:05:00.000-04:00

Good morning ladies! These cards were made by my Artful Inkers Teammates for our September 2011 Swap Challenge. Check out yesterdays post for the deets, and be sure to come back tomorrow to see the rest of the gorgeous creations!

Created by Wilma

Created by Dusty

Created by Deb

Created by Sandra

Created by Donna

Getting Started Saying Thanks!

2011-10-01T06:47:00.000-04:00

Hey friends! We had a really interesting challenge last month for my Artful Inkers team card swap. We were to take only one stamp set (which was later broadened to 2 to include a sentiment if needed), the colors from the Getting Started Collection in both card stock and classic ink, and create a card with only those items. No punches, no big shot, no bling, no nuthin'! Our goal was to come up with cards that anyone could create with just the Getting started Smooth Card Stock pack ($8.50, 2 sheets each of 8 1/2x11 Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Rich Razzleberry, Night of Navy, Marina Mist, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Early Espresso and Basic Black as seen on pg 174 of the current Idea Book and Catalogue, #120954), and the Getting Started Classic Stampin' Spots ($26.95 for 1 ink spot, sized approx 1x1" in the following 11 colors Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Rich Razzleberry, Night of Navy, Marina Mist, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Early Espresso and Basic Black as seen on pg 174 of the current Idea Book and Catalogue, #119979) and their choice of stamp set. This was my swap, and I did stick to a sentiment only set (Thank You Kindly, $16.95, pg 168 of the current Idea Book and Catalogue, #111700) which is one of my most used sets! Hope you enjoy and come back tomorrow and the next day, and I'll post 5 of my team members ideas per day, so you can see all the wonderful ideas YOU can make with these basic ingredients!

(and...as always, if you want to order any of these items, contact me to place your order! :o)

Ingredients: (All SU!)
CS: Real Red, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight
Classic Inks: Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Night of Navy, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry
Adhesives: Snail, Stampin' Dimensionals

C is for Cat (and P is for Pumpkin...)

2011-09-30T06:41:00.012-04:00

So this card wraps up my month of C is for Cat and D is for Dog posts! I thought I'd end on a fall/Halloween theme, to get us rolling into October. However, before I can get to all the Halloween and Thanksgiving posts, I will need a few days to share our Artful Inkers September Team Challenge Swaps...come on back for the next 3 days to check out all those beauties!

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Basic Black CS and Classic Ink, Water color paper, Pumpkin Pie Classic Ink, Cajun Craze Classic Ink, Old Olive Classic Ink, Aqua Painter, C is for Cat, Jack of All Trades

Sweet Taylor

2011-09-29T06:21:00.000-04:00

Hi Friends! Here is a quick project I made featuring our sweet kitty Taylor, who passed away 3 years ago. The soft colors, gorgeous butterflies, and the darling cat, make for a frame we will be displaying for years to come.

Ingredients: (All SU! unless otherwise mentioned)
Soft Subtles DSP, C is for Cat, Four Frames, Decorative Label Extra Large Punch, Rose Red Classic Ink

Soft, Subtle puppies and kitties

2011-09-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

Gorgeous cards! And another case of the LO/colors from the Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalogue, pg 72 this time. If are popping in out of the blue, since August 30th, I've been showing off cards and projects created with the C is for Cat and D is for Dog stamp sets, that fellow Stampin' Up! Demo, Diane and I, showed off at the Surf Dogs 2011 event. (There are some other treats thrown in to see as well during this time period, so grab yourself a warm drink and cozy down for a browse!) I've mentioned in a previous post that most of the cat and dog cards have LO's taken from the IB+C or Stampin' Success, a Stampin' Up! mag provided to demos only. With all the creativity and gorgeous work SU! puts out there, it's easy to take their ideas and adapt them to your own stamp sets, papers and colors to make them your own. These cards however, are pretty literal CASE's of the original creations! Thanks SU! :o)

Two neat tricks I'd like to point out though....click on the photos above to see the details. The edge of the Certainly Celery Background has a frame which was created using the new Simply Scored Tool, and the leaves have been folded in half and run through my paper crimper! So simple and effective I need to pull that tool out to leave on my desk so it can get more action! Hope you guys enjoy!

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Certainly Celery CS and DSP, Bashful Blue DSP, Real Red CS, Whisper White CS, Peach PArfait Classic Ink, Simply Scored Tool, Crimper, 1 3/4" Extra Large Circle Punch, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, C is for Cat, D is for Dog

Fancy Fold Note Cards

2011-09-25T06:34:00.000-04:00

Isn't this a neat little way to make a card for someone special? With a bit of folding (the new Simply Scored works well with this card too!) and some taped edges, can tuck a note card inside with a special message on it! I'm loving the P is for Paw Stampin' Wheel at the top of the note card too, gives it a little added visual interest!

Ingredients: (All SU!)
D is for Dog, C is for Cat, P is for Paw Stampin' Wheel, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Pretty in Pink CS, Night of Navy Classic Ink and 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Linen Thread.

Fall Pet Cards

2011-09-23T06:26:00.001-04:00

Well, happy September everyone! Here's a set of cool fall cards to help get us into the mood, soon my Halloween and Thanksgiving things will start to arrive on the bloggo! Until then, enjoy these Autumn inspired cards. The trick to this loose water color look, is to ink your stamps as usual, then spray them gently with a mist of water, and stamp onto water color paper. The more you mist, the softer the image.

Ingredients: (All SU! unless otherwise mentioned)
Watercolor Paper, More Mustard CS, Early Espresso Classic Ink, Garden Green Classic Ink, Cajun Craze Classic Ink, Basic Grey Classic Ink, StazOn Black Ink, Aqua Painter

Pet Sympathy Cards

2011-09-21T06:54:00.000-04:00

I don't know if any of you have lost a pet or not, but I can sure attest that it can knock the socks off of you! We lost our sweet little kitten a few years ago, and we all still talk about her and wish she were here. I'm glad I have these cards made, and set aside to comfort a friend if and when the time comes.

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Chocolate Chip CS, Rich Razzleberry CS and Classic Ink, Whisper White CS, Basic Black Classic Ink, Pretty in Pink DSP, C is for Cat, D is for Dog, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Lace Ribbons Border Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Large Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Extra Large Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Loving my Stamp-a-ma-jig!

2011-09-19T06:30:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! Have used the stamp-a-ma-jig lately (or at all)? I've pulled mine out again, and it's amazing how nicely you can line up images with it! LOL! I couldn't have pulled these super cute cards off without the stamp-a-ma-jig!

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Crumb Cake CS and Classic Ink, Very Vanilla CS, Lavender Lace CS and Classic Ink, Island Indigo CS and Classic Ink, Pool Party CS and Classic Ink, Lucky Limeade Classic Ink, Calypso Coral Classic Ink, Basic Pearls, D is for Dog, C is for Cat, Lace Ribbons Border Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Polka Dot Background Stamp.

Nice Kitt-eh! Nice Pupp-eh!

2011-09-17T06:13:00.000-04:00

I LOVE these cards!!! So pretty, so sweet, love the LO! I don't think I've mentioned yet, but most of the C is for Cat, and D is for Dog card LO's I've been showing lately come directly from The Idea Book and Catalogue, or different Stampin' Success Mags (a demo only SU! mag sent to inspire and teach us each month). It's so easy to take inspiration from these SU! publications and keep or change, color combos, DSP's, stamp sets etc, and make your own versions. Thanks Stampin' Up!

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Whisper White Cs, Marina Mist CS, Perfect Plum CS, Real Red DSP and Classic Ink, Basic Black Classic Ink, D is for Dog, C is for Cat, Happy Greetings, Lace Ribbons Border Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Basic Pearls, Newsprint DSP (retired)

Furry Christmas Wishes!

2011-09-15T06:05:00.000-04:00

For the next little while I'll be showing off the cards I made for the Surf Dogs display, featuring the C is for Cat, and D is for Dog Stamp Sets. I must say, I loved working with both of these sets, and have found them to be very versatile! (as you can see by my Christmas themed cards! LOL!)

Ingredients: (All SU!)
C is for Cat, D is for Dog, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Jolly Bingo Bits Stamp Sets, Chocolate Chip CS and Classic Ink, Pretty in Pink CS and Classic Ink, Basic Gems, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Northern Flurry Embossing Folder

2011-09-14T06:28:00.000-04:00

Hey Friends! Wouldn't these make the sweetest little gifts for the cat or dog lover in your life? Come to my Gift Class this Saturday from 1-3, and make one for yourself. They are quite simple to do, and once you've learned how, you can change the image to suit your future gift giving needs! Contact me asap to save your seat!

Ingredients: (All SU! unless otherwise mentioned)
Classic Inks: Basic Black, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Island Indigo, Wisteria Wonder
Stamps: C is for Cat, D is for Dog
Tools: Heat Tool
Non Su!: candles, tissue paper

Have you seen the new Simply Scoring Tool?

2011-09-13T05:54:00.000-04:00

Click on the above pics, and check out the texture on the grey background! That's there thanks to the new Simply Scoring Tool, it's not a new embossing folder! You could do stripes, plaids, diamonds, squares, frames....pretty much any texture you can think of with clean crisp straight edges! I'm loving it!

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Basic Grey CS and Classic Ink, Whisper White CS, Pumpkin Pie Textured CS, Real Red Textured CS and Classic Ink, Baja Breeze CS and Classic Ink, Paper Piercing Tool and Mat Pack, Linen Thread, C is for Cat Stamp Set, D is for Dog Stamp Set, P is for Paw Stampin' Wheel, Mini Library Clips (retired), 1 3/4" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch

Sympathy Chocolate

2011-09-12T06:14:00.000-04:00

At a sad time, like the loss of a pet, maybe a sweet little decorated tin, with paw print wrapped chocolates inside would bring a smile? At least it would let your friends know you were thinking of them...

Ingredients: (All SU! unless otherwise mentioned)
DSP retired, Old Olive CS and 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Whisper White CS, Basic Gems, C is for Cat, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Not Quite Navy Classic Ink, tin form local craft store.

It's Surf Dogs day, are you coming?

2011-09-11T05:49:00.000-04:00

Yay Surf Dogs 2011 is here, and I am so excited! Can't wait to see all those pups romping in the waterpark! Check out the deets, and we hope to see you there. (These are the free make and takes we will be offering today!)

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Whisper White CS, Peach Parfait Classic Ink, Basic Grey Classic Ink, Basic Black Classic Ink, Real Red Classic Ink, Basic Rhinestones, D is for Dog Stamp Set, C is for Cat Stamp Set.

Hello, Hello, Hello!

2011-09-10T05:37:00.000-04:00

Here is the start of the display cards I made for Surf Dogs 2010, which is happening this Sunday, from 11-2!

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Whisper White CS, Certainly Celery CS, Bashful Blue CS, So Saffron CS, Peach Parfait DSP, Stampin' Write and Classic Ink, StazOn Black Ink, 1" Circle Punch, Happy Greetings Stamp Set (retired), D is for Dog Stamp Set, C is for Cat Stamp Set.

Oh Scooby! Good thing we love you!

2011-09-08T17:34:00.005-04:00

Well you guys were very patient from this little teaser, I only had 3 peeps tell me I was a terrible tease! LOL! Here's the scrapbook page I made, and I must admit I LOVE it! I'll post the small pics included in the LO below, just in case you can't see them in enough horrifying detail!

Ingredients: (All SU! unless otherwise mentioned)
Whisper White CS, Real Red CS and Classic Ink, Basic Black CS and Stampin' Write, Decorative Label Extra Large Punch, Extreme Elements Stamp Set, P is for Paw Stampin' Wheel, I {Heart} Hearts Stamp Set

Here's to an A+ year!

2011-09-06T06:36:00.000-04:00

Morning everyone! Happy 1st day of school to those returning to, or have young ones returning to school! The first week of school (and occasionally through out the year), I like to send the kiddies little cards in their lunch boxes. Here's Wednesdays card! This card features a stamp from the It's a Wrap Occasions Stamp Set. The intent is to stamp the images on to labels or card stock and seal them around wrapped candy to personalize the candies. I've stacked the image like bricks on my card, and think it gives it a bit of a retro feel. This stamp set will be one featured in my "Gift Class" being held Sat. Sept. 17 from 1-3. Contact me asap if you want to come play with this set! (Click here to access my calendar to see all classes)

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Whisper White CS, Island Indigo Classic Ink, Lucky Limeade Classic Ink, It's a Wrap Occasions Stamp Set, Stampin' Dimensionals, paper snips.

Back to School Treats!

2011-09-05T06:17:00.000-04:00

Aren't these super cute? They are super fast to make too! Using the new "It's a Wrap Occasions" Stamp Set, I stamped standard mailing labels in Real Red, and adhered them to the wrappers of my candy. I stuck the candies to a strip of cardboard for stability, slipped them into a clear envie, sealed them and Voila! Back to school treats the kiddos will love to share with their friends! Done in minutes! (sorry for the blurry photo...we are in the midst of massive rain storms and the lighting isn't so great!)

Ingredients: (All SU unless otherwise mentioned)
It's a Wrap Occasions Stamp Set, Real Red Classic Ink, labels from my local dollar store, wrapped candies from my local bulk store ;o)

Summer time blues....

2011-09-04T08:57:00.000-04:00

Is it just me, or do you also hate the end of summer vacation? The kidlets go back to school on Tuesday, and I'm already missing them, and the fun times we had this summer! The following cards will be tucked into their lunch bags Tues, alongside a special treat I made them! (come back tomorrow to see that as well)

I did get to do some stamping with a friend yesterday, we worked on watercolor techniques which was super fun. The cards below have been colored 2 different ways. The one on the left was partially colored with Stampin' Write's in several shades, and then blended with a blender pen and an aqua painter was used on the pot and for the shadow since the area was larger, and I was looking for a looser feel. The one on the right was colored with Stampin' Write's only, but I did layer colors on top of one another for some depth. Which do you prefer?

Ingredients: (All SU!)
CS: Bashful Blue, Real Red, Watercolor Paper
Inks: Black StazOn, Bashful Blue Classic Ink
Stampin' Write's: Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Cajun Craze, Tangerine Tango, Real Red
Tools: Blender Pen, Aqua Painter
Punches: 2 3/8" Scallop Circle, 1 3/4" Circle
Stamps: En Francais, A Flower for All Seasons

Sorry, no photo! ;o)

2011-09-02T22:19:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! I think I may have mentioned once or twice that scrapbooking FREAKS me out! I love looking at other peoples scrapbooks, and admire the time and talent it takes to make a scrapbook, but it's totally not my thing. The photographer in me can't wrap my brain around having my photos out of order. Never mind cutting them! Oh the horrors! The crafter in me is intimidated by all that space to fill. And the (desire to be an) Organizational Queen in me rues all the space the scrapbooks would take up. That being said, tonight I made a scrapbook page for our Surf Dogs display, loosely based on this one. You'll have to wait until next week to see it, as I need my "P is for Paw" wheel to complete it, but let me tell you it's worth peeking back for. I'll give you a hint what it's featuring....the title is "Oh Scooby! (good thing we love you anyway!)", it will have the P is for Paw standard wheel rolled on it, and a stamp from the Extreme Elements set. Nighty Night friends!

SURF DOGS 2011!!!

2011-08-30T19:48:00.002-04:00

Hey there friends! On Sun Sept. 11, from 11-2, Artful*Inker Team mate, Diane, and I, will be at Bingemans Water Park for Surf Dogs 2011! The Kitchener Waterloo Humane Society is hosting a leash free day for the dogs in the water park. Come bring your pup for some water play, there are some different contests to enter, and many vendors to check out. Apparently there will be doggie and human snacks for purchase as well. Diane and I will have make and takes using the "D is for Dog", and "C is for Cat" stamp sets, and these stamps will be available for order that day. If you can't make it to Surf Dogs, but want a set, contact me prior to Sept 11, to get your order in!

So here's the teaser...I'm busy making sample cards to feature the stamp sets. The unfortunate thing is, my order containing the stamps won't arrive until NEXT Tues! Instead, I am busy making samples without using the actual sets!!! It's very fun, as I'm just getting more and more excited for the stamps to arrive to put the finishing touches on the cards. Come see us at Surf Dogs, as see if you can spot the above (completed! LOL!) cards!

Baseball Thanks!

2011-08-28T06:40:00.000-04:00

Big C is finishing up the baseball year, and was lucky enough to have 3 great coaches for his Select Team, two of which were also his Rec coaches. We made these quick and fun cards to thank them, and picked these colors to match their uniforms. (If you click on the photo above, you should be able to see the embossed bats, balls and hats more clearly)

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Basic Black CS and Craft Ink, Black EP, Whisper White CS, Daffodil Delight CS and Classic Ink, Just Baseball (retired) Stamp Set, Thank You Kindly Stamp Set, Decorative Label Extra Large Punch, Heat Tool, Stampin' Dimensionals.

Washer Necklaces

2011-08-26T06:36:00.000-04:00

Super fun, super cute, and super easy! These washer necklaces are a breeze to make, and whenever I wear one, peeps are always asking me where I got them! We will be making these as one of the projects in the gifts class, being held here, Sept 17. (See Side Bar for more deets on classes, or click here for my class calendar)

Deb's Strength and Hope Card

2011-08-24T06:27:00.001-04:00

My friend, and Artful*Inker Team Member, Deb, made this gorgeous card featuring the Strength and Hope Stamp Set. For every set sold, SU! is donating $2 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The set is available until August 31, so if you want one, contact me asap!

To Do Cork Board/White Board

2011-08-22T06:21:00.000-04:00

Hey friends! I whipped up a really simple, really useful "To Do" board the other day, and wanted to share it before I started writing all over it. Hope you like!

Ingredients: (All SU! unless otherwise mentioned)
Baja Breeze CS, and Classic Ink, Real Red CS, Early Espresso Classic Ink, Woodgrain Background Stamp, Tool Shed Background Stamp, cork board/white board from my local dollar store

Wild Wasabi Christmas

2011-08-20T09:21:00.000-04:00

Morning everyone! I loooove this card! The LO came from pg 11 in Sept '11 Stampin' Success, a demo only Stampin' Up! mag filled to the brim with fantastic ideas. I can't link to the original card unfortunately, but it was a really cute halloween card, which I've adapted to a Christmas card. Another thing I love? My Color Coach! (I don't think I've told you guys that yet this week ;o) I knew I wanted to use my yummy (retired) Chocolate Chip Ribbon, so flipped to the Chocolate Chip card, and one of the combos it recommended was Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi and Pretty in Pink. That color combo led me to a Christmas theme, and voila! One thing led to another, and now I have TWO Christmas cards made for this year!!! Yay!

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Card Stock: Wild Wasabi, Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla
Classic Inks: Wild Wasabi, Pretty in Pink
Accessories: Basic Gems, Button (retired), Ribbon (retired), Linen Thread, Petals-a-plenty Embossing Folder
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Delightful Decorations
Punch: Ornament Punch

Inkspirations Color Challenge # 82

2011-08-17T06:16:00.003-04:00

Morning All! This card was made for Keesh's Inkpirations Color Challenge #82. The selected colors are Marina Mist, Kraft (Crumb Cake), Cajun Craze and Very Vanilla. This idea percolated in my head for a few days prior to making it, hope you like it!

Ingredients: (All SU! unless otherwise mentioned)
Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Marina Mist, Very Vanilla
Inks: Crumb Cake Classic Ink and Stampin' Write, Cajun Craze Classic Ink, Marina Mist Classic Ink, Whisper White Craft Ink
Tools: Color Spritzer Tool, Sponge, Aqua Painter
Accessories: Button Latte Button (retired), Glitter (from my crafty stash), Early Espresso/White Bakers Twine
Adhesives: Stampin' Dimensionals, Glue Dots
Punches: 1 3/4 Scallop Circle Punch
Stamps: Word Play, Sail Away

Create With Connie and Mary

2011-08-16T06:10:00.005-04:00

***ETA OMGoodness! Check this out!!! This card was picked for top 3 at Create with Connie and Mary! Thank you Connie, Mary and your fabby DT! What an honor to be selected!!!

Morning everyone! Can I tell you how much I LOVE this card?!? The sketch is from Create with Connie and Mary (CCMC162), and once again, the minute I saw the sketch I knew just what I wanted to make! Thanks for the inspiration Connie and Mary! ;o)

Now, there are a few customized bits on this card...the 3/8" Whisper White ribbon was colored with the Lucky Limeade Stampin' Write. I find this easier (and the color is more consistent) than dragging ribbon through a stamp pad, or dyeing with Stampin' Ink Refills. Plus, it dries almost instantly after being colored with Stampin' Write's. The large doily is from the Flirtacious Specialty DSP, I used the reverse side (the white side) of the paper, and again used a Stampin' Write (Elegant Eggplant) to solidly color it in. Voila! Doilies to match ANY project! And lastly to get the varied shades of the Lucky Limeade Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch I used the Stampin' Write's again! The darkest one was colored full strength, the mid shade I stamped off once the blossom from a retired stamp and then stamped it on the Whisper White, then punched it out. The last one was left plain white.

Hope you like this card! It's a fave of mine, that's for sure!

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Card Stock: Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant
DSP: Flirtacious Specialty
Punches: Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer
Accessories: 3/8" Taffeta Whisper White Ribbon, Basics Pearls
Tools: Paper Piercing Tool, Matt Pack
Stamp: Watercolor Trio (retired), Apple Blossoms (retired)
Inks: Lucky Limeade Classic Ink and Stampin' Write, Elegant Eggplant Stampin' Write

Sketch Frenzy Friday and Picture Perfect Creations

2011-08-15T06:59:00.010-04:00

***ETA*** Oh my goodness check THIS out! My card was selected as a "Grand Creation Runner Up"! at Picture Perfect Creations! Thanks Ladies!!!

Hello Friends! Again I'm posting 2 times today, so be sure to scroll down to see the first post. I have to admit, I'm sorta amazing myself! LOL! I basically took a month off from blogging and here I am doing 2 posts a day a couple of days in a row...

The colors for this card are from the Picture Perfect Creations Color Challenge (PCC-CC#68) which are More Mustard, Bashful Blue and Peach Parfait. The Sketch is from the Sketch Frenzy Friday Challenge (SFF081211) I love how clean and simple this LO is, it is definitely one I will use again!

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Card Stock: Whisper White, Peach Parfait
Classic Ink: Peach Parfait
Stampin' Writes: More Mustard
Accessories: 3/8" Bashful Blue Taffeta Ribbon (retired)
Stamps: Upsy Daisy

MDS Hybrid Love!!!

2011-08-15T05:32:00.000-04:00

OMGoodness! Isn't this ADORABLE?!? I totally didn't make it, and since I'm confessing, I've never even created a full project on MDS, so this blows me away! My friend Val showed me this card, that she's made for an owl themed baby shower. I'm not going to post ingredients as she's created and masked (is that even an MDS term? ;o) much of it. I'll just wrap up by saying SQUISHY LITTLE OWL LOVE!!!! Gah!

MOJO 203

2011-08-14T09:54:00.000-04:00

Hello again everyone! This is post 2 for today, be sure to scroll down and see the 1st one. The minute I saw this amazing sketch at Mojo Monday, I knew exactly what I wanted to make! Hope you like it!

Ingredients: (All SU!)
Card Stock: Melon Manbo, Whisper White,
DSP: Flirtacious Specialty
Accessories: 5/8" Whisper White Satin Ribbon, Button (retired)
Punches: 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Jewelry Tag Punch, Lace Ribbon Border Punch
Classic Ink: Melon Mambo
Stamps: Tiny Tags

So Saffron, So Sorry!

2011-08-14T05:17:00.000-04:00

Don't you think this is an incredibly sweet clean and simple card? A friend of mine isn't too mobile at the moment. She not only loves to make cards, but she's also one of the good ones who gives cards too! (I find I am sometimes apologizing for giving someone a gift without a card! How can that be???) Anyway, every once in a while I head over to her house, and we put together packs of pre-stamped, scored, cut, cards. Everything is packaged up in zip lock bags, including accessories, so as she needs a card, or is into a creative groove, she can pull out the packs and complete them! She's one of the smarties out there who has a wide range of sentiments, so we usually leave the sentiment off, so she can customize the card to her needs. I should do that for myself!!!

Ingredients: (All SU! unless otherwise mentioned)
Card Stock: So Saffron, Whisper White
Classic Ink: So Saffron
Stamps: Hello, Doily and Teeny Tiny Wishes
Accessories: Gems from her crafty stash

Imagine the Possibilities...

2011-08-13T05:00:00.001-04:00

Hello Everyone! I just came across this photo, and realized I forgot to share it! It's my latest journal, and it's already 1/2 full! LOL! I'll be more on the ball next time, I promise!!!

Ingredients: (All SU! unless otherwise mentioned)
Cards Stock: Wisteria Wonder, Cherry Cobbler, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink, Versa Mark Clear
Stamps: Word Play, Hello, Doily
Accessories: Basic Gems, Clear Tinsel Trim (retired), Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Beveled Windowpanes, large rhinestone from my stash, ribbon from my stash
Punches: Lace Ribbons Border Punch