OTWC Challenge #13 & ICS #72

After looking at this week's Inspirational Card Sketch and the Off the Wall Craftiness colour challenge, I decided to maximize what little time I had and combine them into one card. My mojo started flowing after looking at this week's ICS sketch:
and the stunning table layout for colour inspiration seen here:



For my take on these challenges, I raided my stash of SU, PTI, and Bazzil cardstocks and a bubbly SEI print. The cute car is from Papertrey Ink's Enjoy the Ride set. I love the die that makes trimming this baby a snap. To save space, I stamped the sentiment from Enjoy the Ride onto a blush pink satin ribbon and ruched one end.



So, what do you think? Did I do these challenges justice?

Don't Worry ... Bee Happy

As promised, I inked up an older PTI set, Happy Bees, to create a sweet and summery set of cards. These little notecards are 4 x 4 so they fit into standard A2 envies. I thought about making my own 4.5" square envelopes, but that's so not gonna happen any time soon.



I wanted to keep these cards as close to one layer as possible. This was such a challenge as I am in LOVE with ribbons & buttons & bows. And really, if one layer is good, why not three?



With a little self-discipline, I relied on a variety of inks and repetition of simple images to create variety and depth. A little faux stitching around the circles pulled the whole look together and appeased my need to mat everything. I used a simple punched sentiment and added faux-brads with a gel pen.



And here is the complete set. Aren't they sweet?



Thanks for visiting. Enjoy your weekend.

Supplies:
Cardstock - Terracotta Tile, Ballet Blue (SU)
Stamps - Bee Happy
Ink - black (Staz-On), Dandelion, Tangelo, Lilac Posies, Pear Tart, New Sprout, Rose Bud (all Memento)
Other - white gel pen (Sakura), Slice (MM), modern label punch (SU)

Papertrey June Blog Hop

Good Evening Hoppers!! I'm so excited to take part in my first Papertrey Blog Hop. This month's challenge is all about colour. It was so hard to narrow it down to one combination. Lately, my cards have been all about the yellows & greens, but I went for one of my go-to favorites:



I just love the look of crisp, clean neutrals with a punch of colour. Funky ribbon treatments are so hot right now. But, they never turn out just quite right on my cards. Until this one. I was so psyched with how well the ribbon ruching turned out that I just had to use this card for the June PTI hop. You see, I found that the secret, for me at least, is to ruch it on a small strip of cardstock first, then stick that baby on to the finished card.



I really love this sentiment from Through the Trees. I think it finishes the card off nicely and makes it a perfect any occasion card for someone special.


Thanks for stopping by and happy hopping!!

Supplies Used:
Paper - kraft (SU), black (Bazzill), solar white (Neenah)
Stamps - Through the Trees (PTI), En Francais (SU)
Ink - Chestnut Roan, Bronze (ColorBox), Black (SU)
Ribbon - Offray
Other - ScorTape, embossing powder (Stampendous)

You've Got Mail

Whew, what a crazy, crazy week. I'm starting to remember why I was afraid to start a blog. Sometimes you've got time to either (A) make a card or (B) post a card. Well, the past few days I've been able to make, but no time to photograph or post. But, I'm learning. I just scheduled my post for the PTI Blog Hop so that's one less thing to worry about tomorrow evening.

Earlier this week I got two new-to-me PTI stamp sets in the mail, Honey Bees and Mailbox Greetings. (Thanks Katie!!) I just love the row of mailboxes and all the wonderful little additions to customize this set. It is so versatile for any season. I stamped the image in Black Staz-On ink and coloured it in using PrismaColor Pencils and Gamsol. The grass was stamped three times using different shades of green to quickly and easily create depth. My favorite feature is the little yellow envelope sticking out of the mailbox. I used my craft knife to cut a slit along the edge of the mailbox so that the envelope would stick up a bit without an unsightly foam dimensional.


Lately, I've been using more generic sentiments and trying to finish the inside of my cards. To dress up the inside, I stamped a row of grass along the bottom edge. The "You make my world a better place" could be easily used as a thank you card for a simple note to someone to let them know just how much they mean to you.

Thanks for coming by today!! Bee sure to stop by again. I've got a few sweet surprises in store using Honey Bees that have been buzzing around in my head.

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Mailbox Greetings (PTI)
Ink: Black (Staz-On), Dandelion, Bahama Bay, Bamboo Leaves, Pear Tart, & New Sprout (Memento)
Paper: barely banana CS and printed paper (both SU)
Ribbon: Offray
Other: red & brown markers (ZIG), antique brads (MM)

Wishing You Well

Happy Monday!! I hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable weekend celebrating the special men in their life. I know I did. This week is gearing up to be a busy, card-demanding week. First up is a fresh and feminine card get well card. A dear friend of my mom is home recouperating from knee surgery and I'm sure it's killing her. She is not the type of woman who likes to sit still doing nothing. In anticipation of going to see her this week, I created this simple card. Hope you like it.



The picnic basket was stamped on patterned paper to bring out the embossed dots on the green mat. The tulips were embossed to give them a bit of a shine, then coloured in using blender pens. After tucking them into the basket, the focal image was popped up on foam tape. To mimic the look of PaperTrey's medium scallop border die, I stuck four circles under the pink mat. I realized that the top ribbon tail was a little too long for my liking, so I trimmed it a bit more.

Overall, I'm really happy with this card and can't wait to hand deliver it. Thanks so much for taking some time out of your busy day to see what's new in my craft room. Do come by again!!

Supplies:
Cardstock - solar white (Neenah), Real Red (SU), embossed green (Bo Bunny)
Patterned Paper - Origins (BasicGrey)
Stamps - Vintage Picnic (PTI)
Ink - fresh snow (PTI), new sprout, bamboo leaves, angel pink, rose red, pear tart (all Memento)
Tools - 7/8" circle punch (EK), blender pen (SU)
Embellies - ribbon (Offray), embossing powder (Stampendous), floss (DMC), button (from stash)

Robot Birthday

A few weeks ago, I was in Michael's and saw the cutest set of robot stamps which I thought were perfect for boy cards. I just HAD to have them. So, they came home with me. Along with a few sheets of patterned paper to match. So, that's the real reason I made two cards for the same nephew so far in advance. I just wanted to try out my new goodies. Is that so wrong?

This one starts with PTI's Ripe Avocado for the base. I layered a mat of patterned paper on to it to brighten it up a bit. It is after all for a kid. The robot was stamped on white and coloured in with my trusty Prisma pencils and blended with Gamsol.



The avocado and yellow edges were all inked in black to match the sentiment, but the card still needed a little kick in the pants. A few mini jewels and a cheery red border later and I was done.

Creating this was the easy part. Deciding is not easy. HELP!!

Supplies:
Cardstock: green (PTI), red & yellow (Bazzill), solar white (Neenah)
Paper: Rockets'n'Sprockets collection (Recollections)
Stamps: Robots (Recollections)
Colouring Mediums: Black (Staz-On), PrismaColor Pencils, Gamsol, blending stumps
Punch: Threading Waters (Fiskars)
Embellies: brads (MM), bling (from my stash)

Wanna Get Digital?

The truth is, the mojo just ain't flowing today. I sat down. Pulled out my stamp babies. Grabbed my PTI cardstock and ... nothing. Zip. Nada. So, I went to "the stash." Let's admit it. We all have one for the days we want (or need) to blog, and the creative juices just aren't flowing. Thankfully, I do make cards for specific people in advance.

My littlest nephew is turning 11 in a few weeks and I was inspired to do a couple of kids cards. For his card, I used a digital stamp by Dustin Pike for the focal image. I absolutely love this little dinosaur. I printed him out on a laser printer on to Neenah Solar White cardstock. I'm not a Copic chick (I rather spend the cash on stamps and patterned paper). But, I will splurge for some Prismas. Their colours are so vivid and they are a dream to colour with. After a quick intro to Gamsol, my prehistoric friend was ready to be cut out.



I stamped and embossed the balloon instead of using a traditional sentiment. The clouds were handdrawn, trimmed, and glued onto textured cardstock. I just love how the subtle texture and faux stitching gives the card a little more oomph. Before putting it all together, I punched a border out of a rich yellow textured cardstock that has an amazing sheen to it in real life.

This really was a labour intensive card. But, it was a labour of love. My nephew is the sweetest boy and always appreciates any little thing I do for him. The fact that I will be rewarded with a big smile and an even bigger hug makes the effort worthwhile. Aren't kids great?

Thanks for spending some time with me today. And try to stop by tomorrow to see the other card I created for my nephew. I'll need your help deciding which one to use. Cheers!

Supplies:
Cardstock: all Bazzill
Ink: Tangelo (Memento), Cloud White (VersaMagic)
Stamps: Wonderful Birthday (Hero Arts)
Punch: Threading Waters (Fiskars)
Other: DMC Floss, Embossing Powder (Stampendous), white Gelly Roll (Sakura)

A High Flyin' Birthday Surprise

Welcome back!! Another post of a birthday card I sent to a friend a few days ago. As usual, it's a melange of Papertrey Ink stamp sets. I just love how you can mix and match different elements from several sets and they all just work together perfectly.



For the base, I stamped the solid diamond pattern from A Little Argyle in Fresh Snow ink. The dotted argyle line is done in Rhubarb Stalk Memento Dye Ink. While that dried, I stamped two clouds from the Up, Up, and Away set and heat embossed it with kaleidoscope powder to give it a nice shimmer. The plane was done in Bamboo Leaves and embossed in clear powder. I actually enjoy cutting things out and even did the inside of the airplane. Although, I should admit, I was watching a so-so movie at the time.

I wanted a more manly coloured ribbon but didn't have enough in my stash. Since I was too lazy to go buy some, I thought a red star on a military green plane would butch-it-up a bit. I don't know if my friend has received his card in the mail yet, but I do hope he likes it. As an airplane mechanic, I think it's quite appropriate, don't you? Hope you have an amazing day!!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Kraft, Chocolate Chip (SU), Solar White (Neenah)
Stamps: A Little Argyle, Fly Away, Up, Up, and Away (all PTI)
Ink: Fresh Snow (PTI), Summer Sky, Desert Sand, Rhubarb Stalk, Bamboo Leaves (Memento)
Ribbon: Offray
Other: Kaleidoscope & Clear EPs (Stampendous), DMC Floss

June Sketch Challenge

Welcome to my stop in the Papertrey Posse's inaugural Parade of Blogs. This month's hostess gave us all a sketch that we were to use to create something fab using Papertrey Ink products.



I started with the fabulous Beautiful Blooms paper from PTI. I fell in love with the Pure Poppy dots on sight and just had to use it. Sparingly, of course. I wanted the paper to be front and centre, so I chose light grey and basic black cardstocks (both SU) for the base and accents.

My Making Memories SLICE zipped out the two circles needed for the focal image. I then stamped the wooden floor from Chair-ished onto the solar white (Neenah) circle using London Fog dye ink by Memento. The chairs were done in Tuxedo Black. The mod-ish chair in the middle was heat embossed on another pattern in the Beautiful Blooms paper pack and cut out.



The sentiment, also from Chair-ished, was stamped in Fresh Snow ink from PTI. Can I tell you I am in LOVE with this ink. It truly provides the amazing coverage on dark cardstock that it claims to provide. To finish prepping the pieces, I dragged the black mat through the white ink to make it pop. Throw a few foam dimensionals under the printed chair, sentiment strip, and the main image, and a snap of my trusty corner rounder and the card was complete.

Thanks for all great challenges this month Jessica.

And thanks everyone for taking the time to look. Blessings!

Mojo Monday

It's not often that I actually get to do the Mojo Monday sketch challenge on a Monday. But, some weeks the stamping stars align. The minute I saw the sketch I knew what I wanted to do with it and even more amazing ... I had the time to do it right then and there. This is the sketch of the week.



For my card, I started with some yummy patterned paper from the BasicGrey Origins line. To complement the earthy, all natural vibe, I grabbed the Life stamp set from Papertrey Ink and a sweet dot from the BasicGrey Sugar Rush collection. The flowers were stamped in Memento New Sprout, Potter's Clay, and Cantaloupe. The ribbon was a personal fav from my ribbon stash.


To finish it off, I used my favorite sentiment from this set. Who can't use a little reminder to "delight in life" every now and again? If we think about it, we all have something to be thankful for no matter what our current situation may be. Some days, we just have to look a little harder to find it. But it's there.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to swing by tomorrow for the Papertrey Posse's first blog hop. Until then, delight in life!!

Petite Challenge #1 Goes Haywire

Just a quickie post of my first, less than stellar, attempt at this month's colour challenge and one that I am actually proud to put my name to. I've recently joined a group of uber-talented ladies on the Papertrey Forum who have created a blogging group to encourage and inspire our respective card making skills.

Each month, a different hostess posts a sketch challenge and two petite challenges of her own design. This month's challenges were provided by Jessica. Be sure to check out her blog. After you finish here, of course. LOL

To "save time," I tried to combine both the monthly sketch challenge and colour challenge to save time, but it didn't work. For this first card, I used SU cardstocks and K&Co. paper from my slowly, dwindling stash. (Must make way for PTI paper goodies.) In my mind, this paper just had to be combined with PTI's Vintage Picnic set. What do you think?

My official colour challenge card was done using Enjoy the Ride, Text Style II, and my MM Slice. I don't use that little marvel often enough. It made cutting the circle and scallop a breeze.
To jazz up the background a bit, I used Text Style II, VersaMark, and a little embossing powder and balanced it out with some paper piercing in one corner. Hope you like this one as much as I do.

Now, on to the June sketch challenge. Can't wait to see what you ladies create for Tuesday!! Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Welcome, Baby

This card idea is completely CASE'd from Heather Summers, a wildly talented SU demo. In one of her Simply Stamping online classes, she demonstrated how to make manly gift card holders. Clearly, this is not a manly gift card holder.

A dear friend of mine and his wife recently welcomed a sweet baby boy to their family. The truth is, I am not a fan of shopping. SO, family & friends get a lot of gift cards from me. To make the gift more of a gift, I made this sweet mini card holder. When you open the card, there are a few surfaces to decorate or use for your message.

I absolutely love this idea and the possibilities are endless. I love it so much that I made a few nekkid holders to keep on hand. I often need a quick hostess or thank you gift so did up a stash in the basics. Just a quick head's up, you need 12" cardstock for the base. I tried (believe me I tried) using 8.5 x 11 since that is all that PTI carries, but it simply does not work.

Thanks for stopping by and may your day be filled with happy surprises!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: from my stash
Stamps: Baby Boy (Recollections)
Other: Word Window & Scallop Circle punches (SU), Watercolour pencils (Staedtler),white gel pen

Blustery Days

Today is an absolutely incredible day. Bright blue skies. Fluffy white cotton-ball clouds. And a breeze that is perfect for two things - flying kites and drying laundry. I've been having a total love affair with clouds lately. These ones were drawn and cut out by hand (thanks to all my former art teachers) as were the pennants.

PaperTrey Ink has saved me a truckload of time by releasing a fantastic new set, Up, Up, and Away that comes with clouds, hot air balloons, kites, and ... get this ... cloud dies. (insert hallelujah chorus here). No more drawing and cutting for me. WOOHOO!! Now if only I had white felt, I'd be on cloud nine.

For my second card, I used one of my favorite PTI sets Dot Spot to create my own patterned paper. I'm pretty pleased with the way it turned out because it's a gender neutral card. Even though I used satin ribbon on it. The hammered silver buckle gives it a more manly appearance, don't you think?

That's all for today. Have a blessed one!!

Celebrate the Little Things

Do you ever wonder which cards should make it to your blog and which ones are simply not worthy? I am often my harshest critic so I decided to post something that made the recipient beam from ear to ear. At least I know one person likes this (other than me that is).


Last Sunday I realized that I had one hour to make a card for my niece for her final gymnastics competition. Why I left this to the last minute is beyond me. All I knew when I sat down was that it had to be girly, glitzy, and in her club colours. After starting (and tossing) a few, this is what I finally decided on. And she loved it. The smile on her face when she opened it, realizing that it was not only made just for her but matched her outfit, made my day. She's such a gem and I love her to pieces.

Hope you enjoy the card as much as she did!! Forgive the lousy photo. I took this one in a rush before, once again, rushing out the door.

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Butterfly Dreams, Signature Greetings (PTI)
Ink: Lilac Posies, Grape Jelly, Rose Red, Cloud White (Tsukineko)
EP: white, clear, and kaleidoscope (Stampendous)

Jumping in with both feet

Well, it's about time I took the plunge into the blogging world. It'll take a few days to get things looking the way I want but bear with me. I've got tons of cards to photograph and post over the next week or two so come back, visit often, and leave kind words. Blessings!