I lie, cheat, and CASE

Wishing I was there...

2007-09-12T11:34:00.000-04:00

stamps: Coast to Coast

paper: Caribbean Blue, Kraft, Naturals White

ink: Staz On Saddle Brown, Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip, Caribbean Blue, Versamark

accessories: CropADile, eyelets, Natural Hemp Twine, aquapainter

This is a super quick all-occasion card for a guy. I made this for a friend at work. It is for her husband and they live by the water.

Yippee for Mickey!

2007-09-10T21:52:00.000-04:00

paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Real Red, Summer Sun, Bazzil, Mickey patterned paper

accessories: Signo gel pen, paper clip and eyelet from Disney, chalks for shading, letter stickers from Sandy Lion, Cricut and Mickey and Friends cartridge

I had purchased the Mickey and Friends cartridge a few ago and found the time to cut my pal, Mickey out. There is a lot of steps and little parts to get off the mat. I think he turned out so cute. It still beat the old fashioned way of hand cutting. I will probably use this card as a congrats for a nephew. The other embellies were collected at Disney in the scrapbook shop.

chippie hello

2007-09-09T07:41:00.000-04:00

paper: Nana's Kids by DCWV, Barely Banana

ink: Colorbox Chalk in Orchid Pastel

accessories: silk flower from JoAnn's, brad from Creating Keepsakes

I got an interesting box of chipboard goodies from my friend last Spring. It had some letters in different fonts as well as flowers, corners, and other weird shapes. The colors, overall, seemed my match my beautiful Nana's Kids stack. This card was quick to put together. The toughest part was finding enough letters to form some kind of word.

Criss Cross card

2007-09-08T00:58:00.000-04:00

paper: Purely Pomegranate, Perhaps by Basic Grey, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Bazzil

ink: Colorbox Chalk in Dark Peony, Certainly Celery

accessories: ribbon by May Arts, brad by Making Memories, Prima flower, paper piercer, Mat pack, round tab punch

I had some scraps lying on my desk after a scrapbook page project. When I saw Beate's tutorial on SCS, the scraps went to good use. Her directions and measurements are so awesome. It was probably one of the most fun cards to put together. Thanks for stopping by!

Off to Kindergarten!

2007-09-03T16:02:00.000-04:00

paper: DCWV Nana's Kid's Stack, Pixie Pink

ink: Colorbox Chalk ink

accessories: School bus by Jolee's By You, Prima, brad

Georgia font

I know, I know, it's been a loooong time. I am so sorry if you missed me. If you didn't miss me, too bad, folks, I have returned today.

Anyway, I went shopping at Michael's and Hobby Lobby with my coupons. Of course, I went above and beyond just my purchases. Hobby Lobby had paper 50% off singles and packs, which include stacks! I fell in love with DCWV Nana's Kid's stack. Glitter, embossing, and thick paper, what's not to love? I needed to make this card for my niece last week. I am late (which rarely happens with cards) since my kids were starting school and all their fall activities starting. The 5 of us in our family each signed a $1 bill and enclosed it.

With all those $1's, one of those was stamped with Where's George? It's a tracking website for $1 bills. It is fun to see where your dollar has been and where it travels after it leaves your hands. I have done 2 bills that were stamped. Kinda fun.

I've been tagged!

2007-07-08T11:41:00.000-04:00

I have been tagged by Wanda at My Creative Corner! I am sure you didn't visit this blog to read all about me, but alas, I will play...

7 things about me:
1. I LOVE ABC soaps-watch them and read Soap Opera Digest. I am hoping to make it to ABC Super Soap Weekend in Orlando some year.
2. I am so blissfully married to my best friend for 18 years. We hope all our friends/family are jealous. Especially the ones who didn't think we would make it.
3. I am a nurse in an Emergency room. I used to work in a big Trauma Center in the inner city, but gave up that glamour for a smaller hospital. It is a lot less stress, but I do pick up some hours at the old place to visit and remind myself why I left in the first place.
4. Wish I had a bigger scraproom with a nice stereo, TV, and tons of pictures on the walls. Right now, I have my stuff on 1/3 of our 3 season patio. It makes it tough to scrap in the winter.
5. I like to go on date night one on one with each of my children. It doesn't happen enough. My kids are 13, 7, and 6. It always intails dinner and some other activity.
6. I hate cleaning my house, but LOVE it when it's clean. Someday, when in the budget, I plan on getting someone to clean my house. It probably will be behind my husband's back, though. He hates strangers cleaning up his "stuff".
7. Can't wait for my first tomatoes from my vine! I will have BLT's and marinated tomatoes with mozzarella a la Panara restaurant. Yum!

I debated whether to tag people since I like to visit blogs for their cards. I don't think I will tag people, but will list a few of my favorite blogs. I am sure they all have been tagged already!
Here we go:
1. I love Maria's blog. She must make a hundred cards a month. Her sketches are awesome! http://cardinspired.blogspot.com/
2. I visit a couple popular ones every day. I am sure you have heard of this one from Debbie. She seems closest to the style I want to be! I steal from her often. http://debbiedesigns.typepad.com
3. I am addicted to sketches lately. Love this site, too.
http://janellerichmond.typepad.com/sketchthiscards/

Other than the massive list on my blog of blogs to visit, check these out. Maybe I can interest you in a site you never knew about. Thanks for reading about me and hope I didn't bore you!

an idea I stole...

2007-07-02T19:10:00.000-04:00

stamps: Happy Harmony

paper: Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Confetti White, Basic Black

ink: Perfect Plum, Versamark, Basic Black

accessories: Old Olive marker, clear embossing powder, olive grosgrain ribbon, black gingham ribbon, Signo gel pen, heat gun, paper piercer, key charm

We just got back from vacation at a state park in Indiana and had a great time. I do have several souvenirs, though...many, many, many mosquito bites. Worth it, though. Back to stamping today. A quick one for you all. I used a just mounted Happy Harmony that I will miss. I was on a Plum kick after seeing a similar one awhile ago, but can't remember where. I thought it might make a sweet anniversary card for someone. Thanks for visiting!

a RAK thank you

2007-06-24T22:59:00.000-04:00

stamps: Simply Said, Tagger's Dozen

inks: Cool Caribbean, Yo Yo Yellow marker, Marigold Morning, White Craft, Pumpkin Pie

cardstock: Cool Caribbean, cardstock vellum, card and brads from Colorbok

accessories: ribbon by Offray, paper piercer

Since I got the cute RAK (random act of kindness) from Kristi the other day, I made a thank you card. I bought the card as a starting board at Joann's from the $1 area they have. I never can resist colors that seem to match Stampin' Up's colors. It gets my mind spinning in the store and the merchandise is irresistible.

I also wanted to try a technique I had seen a while back on Michelle's blog a technique called Pergamano. I did a little piercing of a flower on some vellum and call it a technique. Her technique is a lot more involved, but it is a good start for a shortcut. The flowers in Simply Said seemed to fit the bill pretty good. I stamped on the vellum in white craft ink, pierced the holes, and colored the flower center with yellow on the opposite side.

Hope Kristi likes it!

a Fluffles RAK

2007-06-24T22:53:00.000-04:00

I got RAKed yesterday. Love it-especially when it's not a bill. Fluffles are so cute. I got this masterpiece from Kristi. Her watercoloring is awesome. I don't think she blogs, however, or I would site her site.

a popular book, I suppose...

2007-06-21T10:24:00.000-04:00

A few of you have asked what book I referenced to in my last post. It is a Papercrafts "yearbook" that is a compilation of projects from Stamp It and Papercrafts magazine. I love it and use it often. It is dated 2005 and I'm sure they don't publish it anymore. If you "need" it, I hope you can find it!

flip flop card

2007-06-17T15:25:00.001-04:00

paper: Lasting Impressions, Pumpkin Pie

ink: Colorbox Chalk ink, Stampin' Write Journaler

accessories: silk flowers from Joann's, rhinestone brad, small rhinestones from K &Co., Stampin' Dimentionals

Another cute idea from Papercrafts magazine compilation book. I love the cute flip-flop and knew it would be a cute card for a pre-teen. I love the fact that it would fit into an A2 or quarterfold envie, but it seems too small. I am going to try to enlarge to fit in a #10 or business size envelope. I will definitely make a couple more of these. I put one of these together in less than 15 minutes! It might have taken me longer to pick out the paper.

yes, I am back!

2007-06-16T09:58:00.000-04:00

stamps: Delight in Life, Everyday Flexible Phrases

paper: Basic Grey Lilykate (Parasol), Certainly Celery, Ballet Blue, Lavender Lace, Whisper White, Barely Banana

inks: Close to Cocoa (dye and Pigment), Pumpkin Pie, Marigold Morning, Ballet Blue, Regal Rose, Lavender Lace, Certainly Celery

accessories: narrow organdy, Stampin' Dimentionals, clear embossing powder, aquapainters, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, sponges

I'm visiting for today since the baseball game today is later today and I have some breathing room! A friend requested a "I love you, Mom" card and this is what I came up with. I used a sketch from SCS #114 and chose my colors from the awesome and dependable Basic Grey line. 2 things I noted while making this card: I wish I had brown embossing powder (since I used brown ink and clear embossing powder for this one) and I found a new and easier way to clean my Aquapainters between colors. I swiped the brush right on in my stamp scrub pad. Wow! So much faster and neater than the way I did before which was to swipe it on my hand until the water was clear. Live and learn...

bub bye Roses in Winter...

2007-06-05T22:24:00.000-04:00

stamps: Roses in Winter, Noteworthy, French Script, Print Pattern

paper: Cameo Coral, Very Vanilla, Basic Black

ink: Garden Green, Lavender Lace, Basic Black, Cameo Coral, Regal Rose, Barely Banana, Versamark, Certainly Celery, Colorbox Chalk ink in Charcoal and Rose Coral

accessories: May Arts ribbon, clear embossing powder from Stampendous!, heat gun

I am going to miss Roses in Winter and French Script when it retires. No, nope, I WON'T give them up. I stamped the rose with Barely Banana that was rock 'n rolled in Coral. Then, for the second layer, I stamped it with a second generation(or stamp off) of Coral. The top layer is Regal Rose. I really wanted to use the Cameo Coral tonight. Poor thing, so neglected. I did the leaves with Celery rocked with Garden Green.

I am real sorry that I haven't been blogging lately. The kids are making our days so busy! Baseball for 2 boys and soccer for one. We've been eating McDonald's WAY too much while on the run. My house is a mess and my craft table seems a little dusty. Hang in there with me! I really miss you all!

totally stole this one...

2007-05-31T21:49:00.000-04:00

stamps: Petal Prints, Doodle This, Everyday Flexible Phrases

paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Tempting Turquiose

inks: Yo Yo Yellow, Regal Rose, Tempting Turquiose, Lavender Lace, Basic Black, Only Orange, Certainly Celery, Versamark

accessories: white embossing powder, heat gun

I got my new issue of Papercrafts the other day and loved this card and its colors, especially this time of year. Totally stole everything. I didn't even add ribbon! So against my style.

My backsplash

2007-05-25T18:45:00.000-04:00

We've been working on our kitchen off/on since last summer. We finally got the backsplash done after 2 weeks. Quite the undertaking, there is a lot of math an measuring of placement. Do ya like? OK, we didn't do it, we had guys...

graduation time!

2007-05-23T09:56:00.000-04:00

paper: Pumpkin Pie, patterned paper from DCWV

ink: Pumpkin Pie to sponge edges

accessories: ribbon, rub on letters from Imagination Project, Scrapworks alphadots and Hugz

It's time again to have a graduaion card for my second cousin as he graduates from high school. Ususally, I make grad cards from their school colors, but he lives out of town and don't know what the colors are. Yes, I know, I could investigate, but was in an orange mood. Guys like orange, usually, huh? Just a quick card...

another tall card CASE

2007-05-22T18:36:00.000-04:00

paper: Recollections patterned paper, Bravo Burgundy, Mellow Moss, Chocolate Chip

ink (for sponging edges): Colorbox chalk in Olive Pastel

accessories: Cricut with the Beyond Birthdays cartridge, We R Memory Keepers XL eyelets and Crop-A-dile, ribbons from SU!, May Arts, and Michael's

I needed to make a wedding renewal ceremony card for my friend for next month. What do you say on those cards? Congrats? I went with the safe word of love. I got the idea and CASE'd this card from Joy of Cardmaking magazine. I think I might be stuck on tall cards these days. I hope I don't bore you all!

Whoopie!

2007-05-21T19:33:00.000-04:00

stamps: The Art of Life, Simple Sayings

paper: Kraft, Green Galore, Barely Banana

inks: Regal Rose, Close to Cocoa and Green Galore markers, Green Galore pad, Versamark, Pearlescent Beige, Staz On

accessories: SEI ribbon, sponge, Inkworx

Whoopie! My desk is clean and I am able to create. I love when everything is clean and straightened out. I threw away and gave away lots of stuff to make more room. I am pretty much doing a happy dance since everything is getting back to normal. I found that I needed to make a couple Get Well cards for my stash. I missed you all! I am so behind surfin' blogs myself...

See ya tomorrow!

another vacation day

2007-05-16T22:13:00.000-04:00

Our family is off to Cedar Point today. We go at least once a year since I was old enough to go. In 1985, my freshman year in college, I even worked there for the summer. It was on my life list of things I've always wanted to do. I sold tickets, attended the exit gate, and walked around sweeping. That year I got a good tan and made a lot of friends. If you make it to Northern Ohio and love amusement parks, you have to go. It is the place to go for thrill rides. Sorry for the commercial, but we love that place.
My final point is: I won't be stamping or cleaning today!

vacation?

2007-05-16T12:56:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted in forever. You all must know why that is. My husband and I are on a stay-at-home vacation. Sounds awesome, right? I plan on stamping, going out for lunch, catch a movie, etc. My DH had other great ideas. Let's clean!

John and I were going to clean the 3-season porch, get rid of toys, and make more storage for all my stuff. It has taken us days! All my kids have activities that we have been going to in between trying to get this done. Meanwhile, our backsplash tile is getting done by the guy who remodeled our kitchen. Carpet cleaner came yesterday, too. Too much activity for a relaxing week.

Here is proof! Maybe I can post pics of my kitchen and backsplash in progress tomorrow since I can't that I will have time (or space) to stamp today. Baseball game tonight...

a cute purse

2007-05-10T14:19:00.000-04:00

stamps: Amazing to Zany

paper: Basic Grey Romani, Pumpkin Pie

ink: Basic Black

accessories: copper cord, Fun Expressions buttons from Oriental Trading, Primas, orange grosgrain ribbon, brads from Colorbok, 5-in-1 envelope template

I have made this purse in the past using the envelope template and really love to make them! They are perfect for holding a gift card for some shopping! What gal wouldn't love that? Maybe if you wanted to put cash inside you could make a little pocket...ideas flowing here!

fun foam!

2007-05-08T19:54:00.000-04:00

stamps: Karen Foster Snap Stamps, Bodacious Bouquet
ink: Basic Black
paper: DCWV Spring Stack, Confetti White
accessories: foam

I had seen a few cards using foam to stamp onto. You heat the foam and stamp while warm. Bold line stamps are the best. I experimented with other sets and the thinner lines didn't "pop". I kept this card simple. The toughest thing was cutting out those darn flowers! Reminded me of initially cutting the stamps out when I mounted them.

I have been RAK'ed!

2007-05-07T21:58:00.000-04:00

I love when I get a card in the mail. Better than a bill, huh? Jen H sent me a loverly card. Visit her blog Stampin' in the Midwest. You will be glad you did! Thanks, Jen!

Moms x 2

2007-05-06T07:39:00.000-04:00

Mother's Day is right around the corner and need 2 cards: one for my mom and one for my mom-in-law. I got my long ignored Paper Wishes kit out and found the colors that said "Mom". I added stickers, but everything came in the kit. I am giving my mom some hydrangea plants and thought this card would match!

Butterfly beauty

2007-05-05T09:36:00.000-04:00

stamps: Petal Prints, Wonderful Wings

ink: Brilliance ink in Pearlescent Beige and Pearlescent Orchid, Creamy Caramel

paper: Kraft, Orchid Opulence

accessories: May Arts ribbon, Orchid marker with splatter thingy, decorative pearls by Joy! Crafts, Stampin' Dimentionals

I have always loved the look of stamping on Kraft , but honestly forget about it. After a reminder last night, I broke out one of my favorite sets, Wonderful Wings. I will never get rid of that set.

anniversary pair (pear)

2007-05-02T08:48:00.000-04:00

stamps: DD Fresh Fruits

inks: More Mustard, Green Galore, Rose Red, Chocolate Chip

paper: Confetti Cream, Green Galore, More Mustard

accessories: ribbon from Michael's

I made this simple card last year for my Anniversary cards. I thought the pear made perfect for pairs! I had seen this sentiment before and formed a design around it. Cute for all the loving couples I know. Do you all send Anniversary cards?

antique birthday

2007-05-01T10:21:00.000-04:00

stamps: Simple Sayings 2

paper: Whisper White, Basic Grey Lilykate

ink: Colorbox Chalk ink in Creamy Brown

accessories: Primas, brads, narrow organdy

I needed to make another birthday card for the gal at work who buys my cards lately. Hope she likes it! I loved the card Daniela made and thought immediately of my new Primas I got in the mail yesterday from Jody! Love getting goodies in the mail-happy mail day for me!

I'm back!

2007-04-30T18:10:00.000-04:00

stamps: Pretty Princess, Karen Foster Snap Stamps

paper: DCWV Glitter Stack, DCWV Spring Stack, Confetti White, Pink Passion

inks: Black Staz On, Pink Passion, Colorbox Chalk inks

accessories: Watercolor pencils, aquapainters, A*muse micro dot Creatve Candy, Gary M. Burlin & Co, glitter glue, Cricut and Celebrations cartridge, May Arts ribbon, silk flower from JoAnn's, brad

I'm back. The computer is up and running and have a long way to go to get it back to where I was before. The diagnosis: main hard drive. The good news is that it happened 6 days before my warrenty expired. The fix was free, but I have to start from scratch. I LIKED how my computer was set up: my favorites, address book, etc...

Enough whining. I needed to make a card for a girl at work for her granddaughter's birthday. I am actually starting to sell her some of my cards. I asked her for her card list and their color preferences and this is what I came up with. Hope my friend and her granddaughter likes it.

my computer

2007-04-24T22:09:00.000-04:00

My computer (and really good sidekick and friend) is in the shop. It keeps giving a black screen that I can't get past! It is so frustrating. I am on my old relic and it dddrrraaaaaags so bad. It is painful to be on.
I will get some new cards up when my baby comes home! Have a good day!

I've been tagged!

2007-04-22T09:02:00.000-04:00

I've been tagged by Jessica, that Wild Rose Stamper! Since I just started this blog, I wondered if anyone would tag me, BUT, darn if they did. The challange here is to tag 5 bloggers that haven't been tagged yet, if possible. It was tough, since I look at some 20+ blogs a day, but have easily 50 blogs on my favorite list. OK, here goes!

Pam at Iris Garden:She is one of faves starting at good ol' SCS. She is a dirty girl indeed!

Denise at The Indecisive Artist: I love this girl's scrapbooking and photography style! She throws in some sketches as downloads which I love!

Linda at LMac's Catered Crops: I love her tutorials and takes great pics of her creations!

Amanda at Inkspirations: She is one of the first blogs I followed. Cool! Check out what she has for dinner!

Jeanne at Inky Paws: I am so glad she started a blog. I have followed her gallery from SCS and love her creations! I have CASE'd her soo many times!

Check out their blogs! You will be glad you did!

a catalog color inspiration

2007-04-21T10:51:00.000-04:00

stamps: Carte Postale, French Flair
paper: Night of Navy, Brushed Copper cardstock, Certainly Celery, Elegant Eggplant, mulberry paper, patterned paper by Flavia/Colorbok
ink: Tsukineko Encore! copper pad
accessories: Stamp-n Stuff copper embossing powder, heat gun, tidy tray, wide organdy, copper cord, brad

I received this Spring's catalog from JCPenney in the mail yesterday. The funny part is that it wasn't addressed to me after I looked at it! Anyway, the color combo from this comforter really caught my eye. I had purchased the copper paper some time ago and have never opened it. I also had the copper inkpad and copper embossing powder that was also never used. I have always liked the navy/copper combo, and that's probably why I loaded up with the copper. It was definitely out of my preferred colors and really like the results.

a magazine inspiration

2007-04-21T08:57:00.000-04:00

paper: My Mind's Eye, Chocolate Chip
stamps: Newsprint, Finist Flourishes
ink: Colorbox ink in Dark Brown, Craft White
accessories: Flowers and rhinestone brads from Memories Boutique, brown gingham ribbon from Michael's, pink gingham ribbon

I picked up Baby Creations magazine from Papercrafts yesterday and I didn't even get past page 3 for a neat layout idea I had to try. I loved the way that the patterned papers were put together on the card. I thought one of the numerous slabs I have amassed over the years could give me some matching papers, I would think. I love this color combo, or really anything with brown. One of the best parts of the magazine purchase is that I got to use a coupon to buy it!

the winner is...

2007-04-20T23:40:00.000-04:00

Peggy S! Random.org picked #12. Wowee! Here's her comment:

Peggy S said...
Congrats on your hits!! What I love about your blog is you have nice, clear, and big photos of your work. And I like how you put the recipe separate from your thoughts -- it makes it so much easier to read! What I would love is for your banner to be linked back to your main page -- I wish all bloggers would do that!! Pampering for me is getting a manicure/pedicure one in awhile! I'm in a city so there are lots of places that do this for a fairly "reasonable" price!

Peggy, please email me with your snail mail address and your goodies are on their way! I loved reading everyone's comments. This blog candy stuff was so fun for me. I can't wait to do it again. I hope it is real soon!

Time for blog candy!!!!!

2007-04-18T08:33:00.000-04:00

Whoo hoo! We did it! I should hit 5,000 hits today! I am so excited to offer my first blog candy! Ooooh, I need to settle down and tell you what it is!!

I picked a theme from my recent Pamper Yourself card. You are all crazy stampers and mebbe your neck is hurting from a long stretch of creativity. It IS very hard work and I know I have walked away from my craft table with a sore neck or shoulder. Let me pamper the winner. Please post a comment on this post before Friday night and I will pick a random winner. The winner will get Lavender bath foam, bath salts, body wash, a lavender loofa, a votive candle, a Dove chocolate bar, and the card I made. For comments, let me have some feedback about my blog in general, or even, ways that you pamper yourself that doesn't include crafts! Does a hammock sound good? Lounging in a pool? With this crummy long winter here in Toledo, I am dying for a warm, breezy day and some foo-foo drink and sitting in a lounge chair reading a good book.

Thanks for all the input and let's get this party started!

awww, a baby!

2007-04-16T19:03:00.000-04:00

paper: Bashful Blue, Lasting Impressions, DCWV Spring 2 Cardstock Stack, gingham patterned paper (source unknown)
ink: Colorbox Chalk Ink

accessories: DCWV Spring Sticker Stack, Am. Crafts ribbon, ribbon from May Arts, ric rac

A co-worker had a baby boy and I got her (him) a gift. I made the card up, but I am thinking I want to make a little matching bag. Maybe another day! I just love making baby cards.

another tall card

2007-04-16T08:40:00.000-04:00

stamps: Small Script
paper: Brocade Blue, Bliss Blue, Summer Sun, Lavender Lace, Basic Grey Oh Baby! Girl (Sophie and Marigold)
inks: Colorbox Chalk Ink, Ballet Blue
accessories: Coluzzle, primas, brads, flower punches including Spring Bouquet Flowers punch, ribbon

Another tall card. I love them. I decided to break out my punches and make a little frame around the oval cutout. In going through my punches, I realized I have duplicates of some! I should be ashamed of myself! Well, at least I got away from pink, but not the Basic Grey! Ha ha!

my lion's share

2007-04-15T06:15:00.000-04:00

stamp: Lion by Art Impressions, background by Just for Fun
paper: Really Rust, More Mustard, Basic Black
inks: Colorbox Chalk ink, Basc Black
accessories: Watercolor Wonder crayons, aquapainter, ribbon

Again with the watercoloring. I actually had to fill the aquapainter up with water today! I have always loved this color combo, especially in Fall. I have had this Lion guy for quite some time and have ever inked him up. Oh yes, I have had big plans for him--adding purty colors to his mane and all. I did find that he has too much rubber surface to do what I had planned with him. I think I would have liked him better if the drawing of this stamp was less heavy. Stamping off first and using the second generation impression didn't help either. He's a stinker. He looks like a good guy card, huh? "King" of his birthday or something along those lines for a theme. "King" for a day...

My Favorite Things

2007-04-14T11:41:00.000-04:00

stamps: My Favorite Things

paper: Bazzil, Basic Grey Romani Harem and Dali papers), Perfect Plum, Blush Blossom

inks: Colorbox Chalk Ink

accessories: aquapainters, Burlin and Co. Crystal Glitter glue, Watercolor Wonder crayons, small tag punch, wide organdy, heart charm

I know I am on a kick of

1. Basic Grey-ooohh, love them, stuck on them, stare at them, touch them, and love the color combos

2. pink-I am more a pink gal than I am willing to admit...

3. watercoloring-all the images I grab are ones I need to color! Geez!

This is one of my first times into the acrylic stamp foray. I'm not sure if I like it overall. You can't beat the fact that you can see exactly where you want to stamp, but the love ends there for me. They seem difficult to clean real well. The smell (yuck!) is quite bothersome. I keep my stamps in a potentially warm area and am wondering how they will hold up to the heat. I will keep playing with them and I won't count them out yet. If anyone has tips to share with me, let me know!

An aside note:

I am overwhelmed at the comments and emails I receive about my blog. I love seeing how many new Feedblitz subscribers I get everyday. It does blow my mind and really love the constant pat on the back I get from doing this blog. Thanks so much for visiting! I am getting close to 5,000 hits and plan to do some of my very own blog candy around then. Keep coming back and I so welcome comments. I can't help from smiling. Ain't this what it's all about?

a blog challenge

2007-04-11T10:26:00.000-04:00

stamps: Bodacious Bouquet, Polka Dots and Petals
paper: Basic Grey (Romani set and Archangel and Harem paper used), Green Galore, Whisper White, DCWV Spring 2 cardstock
inks: Colorbox Chalk inks in Lime Pastel and Pink Pastel
accessories: Prima, brads

I was surfin' blogs this morning and came across a little inspiration in the form of a contest for blog candy. I couldn't resist. Check out Julee's blog and see what she's giving away! I *must* have it!

*edited* 4/16/07- I didn't win. There was fabulous competition! There was no way to rig the contest, or I may have... :o)

an amethyst doodle

2007-04-10T15:25:00.000-04:00

stamps: Doodle This

paper: Almost Amethyst, Confetti White

inks: Almost Amethyst, Lavender Lace, Barely Banana, Regal Rose

accessories: Aqua painters, Signo Uniball pen

After the last flat card, I had to have one more 3-D. I think this one curbed the craving. Since I am addicted to ribbon, I kinda struggled as to where to put it. I couldn't figure it out, so I didn't. I don't know if you can tell, but the front of the card ends under the flowers. The inside of the card has Confetti White and more doodles stamped with Lavender Lace. I bent up the petals for a more 3-D look. It's real 3-D, huh?

a simple watercolor

2007-04-07T12:09:00.000-04:00

I needed a simple, quick card for a birthday at work. I put this together in a jiffy. It is really hard to do a one-layered card anymore...

stamps: Sassy Stems
paper: the fabulous Fabriano Medioevalis from StarLit Studio
inks: Marigold Morning, Cool Caribbean, Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, Black Staz On
accessories: narrow organdy ribbon, aqua painters

A Splitcoast card sketch

2007-04-06T19:07:00.000-04:00

stamps: Parlez Vous Francais?
paper: Basic Grey Oh Baby Girl (Sarah and Lilly papers), Lavender Lace, Confetti White
inks: Colorbox Chalk ink in Wisteria
accessories: narrow organdy ribbon, Stampin' Pastels, glitter, soft subtles brads

I visit Splitcoaststampers almost every day. I love the new card sketch every Wednesday. Believe it or not, I have yet to participate in the fun. Oh yes, I collect the sketches and staple them together and keep them near my stamp table in hopes for offering layout ideas. I loved last Wednesday's sketch and decided to forge ahead. Earlier in the week I got Basic Grey and it seemed like a match made in heaven. Don't you agree?

A funny note, though. While stamping my real cute, fluffy, girly dog on the Confetti paper, I stamped in such a way that she looked like a "he". I was going to redo it and I thought you all would get a kick out of it. Make sure you click on the picture to make it larger.

Oh, I almost forgot! I am also debuting my new watermark that Kurtis' awesome tutorial showed me! It is a great video and it was fun! I even CASE'd that...

The Little Mermaid

2007-04-04T09:10:00.000-04:00

Our family went to Disney World in 2005. Seems like I haven't been working on this album much at all, since it's almost 2 years later. Ariel in her Grotto was pure delight, especially for my 4 year old. Meeting a princess is always awesome.

new banner!!

2007-04-03T10:13:00.000-04:00

I've been messing around with HTML and I've been trying to figure out how to change my banner. It worked for the most part. I will keep working on it. I hope you enjoy the little shake up. I don't think I will have time for a card today. I need to get some "Easter Bunny" stuff. I can't disappoint!

I got Primas today!

2007-04-02T20:24:00.000-04:00

I went shopping last week at Lindsey's store and received my bounty today! The first thing that didn't get cold outta da box is the Primas. The color said "Cool Caribbean" very loudly to me. Did ya hear it? They really are cute little things, huh?

paper: Petals and Paisleys paper, Cool Caribbean, So Saffron cardstock and long notes

inks: Colorbox Chalk ink in bisque, Basic Black

stamps: All about U, Paisley

accessories: Prima sprites, white brad, Coluzzle oval, Cricut and Doodletype cartridge

love flowers

2007-04-01T17:12:00.000-04:00

I had made a card recently as a RAK for my SCS bloggers group. I had pulled out my underused Brilliance inks. They are really made for shiny, slick surfaces like vellum. The pearlescent inks have a beautiful sheen and I tried to get a picture for you to see.

paper: Orchid Opulence, vellum, Whisper White, Bliss Blue (yep, still have some!)

inks: Barely Banana, Colorbox chalk inks in Lime Pastel, Sky Blue, and Warm Violet, and Tsukineko Brilliance inks in Moonlight White, Pearlescent Purple, and Pearlescent Sky Blue

stamps: Michaels' $1 acrylic stamps, Heartfelt Thanks, and Flowers for a Friend

accessories: light blue ribbon, purple brads

the Ribbon fairy came!

2007-03-31T11:34:00.000-04:00

I am a sucker for another ribbon share from the ribbon fairy, aka Jody. Aren't they purty? I hope to get some ribbon-using in this weekend.

another knock-off...

2007-03-28T11:02:00.000-04:00

I receive Papercrafts magazine and get lots of inspiration from it. I feel like I've subscribed since its very beginning. I saw this card and immediately thought of my long-hoarded Simply Scrappin' kit. Sometimes I'm not sure what to do with the die cut strip stickers and this is just the thing.

Friends and Flowers Simply Scrappin' kit, Whisper White cardstock, Lasting Impressions patterned paper, Cricut with Base Camp cartridge, Chocolate Chip ink, Oriental Trading ribbon, Colorbok alphabet stickers

An anniversary card today

2007-03-27T18:53:00.000-04:00

This year I need 9 anniversary cards for family and friends throughout the year. I am making this card that was inspired by Kendra. I wanted to use poor, neglected Blush Blossom.

The picture didn't turn out very well, though. Thanks for the pretty CASE, Kendra!

paper: DCWV Pocket Full of Posies, Blush Blossom, Tempting Turquoise, Eggplant Envy (yep, still have some), Naturals White

inks: Tempting Turquoise, Eggplant Envy, Basic Black

Cuttlebug, hearts diecut, Coluzzle, Marvy Giga scalloped round punch, SU paper distresser, white brads, primas, peach ribbon, May Arts ribbon, SU's Pop Dots

Everyday Flexible Phases stamp set

I got a card from Beate!

2007-03-26T15:17:00.000-04:00

I am so lucky! I received this RRAK from Beate today! I think I might have squealed out load. I am in awe of her work on her blog and visit there everyday. Please give her a visit as I know a lot of you already have.

Beate made this card and posted the details on her blog. I love it! It made my mail day...

round card

2007-03-25T07:57:00.000-04:00

I subscribe to so many magazines and have a ton of ideas in my little head after reading them. I think I got the round card idea from one of the cardmaking mags. I really wanted to try. Dontcha think the design was made for the Coluzzle? It was my thought anyway.

I didn't really like how this one turned out. Why, you ask? First of all, I need sturdier cardstock for this... the ribbon is too bulky...and I should of used nontextured cardstock or watercolor paper for the main image. Poop. Live and learn.

stamps: Bundles of Bouquets from My Favorite Things

paper: Spring stack from DCWV

ribbon, aqua painter, reinkers, Coluzzle, Giga scalloped round punch

love this fold...

2007-03-24T08:51:00.000-04:00

One of my absolute favorite artists is Julie Ebersole or JulieHRR at SCS. If you have ever visited there, I know you would have seen her work. On this particular CASE, I love the fold of this card and the cool ribbon placement.

stamp set: Bud Basics

paper: My Mind's Eye patterned paper, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Certainly Celery

inks: Basic Brown, Taken with Teal, Certainly Celery

ribbon I picked up at Michael's, glitter glue

another tall card

2007-03-23T21:16:00.000-04:00

I think I might be hooked on tall cards for the moment. I just bought some envelopes and now they can be sent! I saw this card on Jana's blog: http://stampwithjana.blogspot.com/ and especially loved the layout.

paper: Certainly Celery, Regal Rose, Whisper White, patterned paper

inks: Certainly Celery and Regal Rose

primas, white brads, Creative Memories Circle Maker, ribbon from Jody's share (see last post), and crystals from a cell phone bling kit I got from the dollar store

Love that ribbon!

2007-03-22T20:46:00.000-04:00

Look what I got today from Jody! Jody does lots of shares for people to participate in and I received my first share! Ribbons are her main thing, but she also gets great deals on other things such as primas. For instance, I got all these bee-you-tiful colors for $17, with shipping included. I just put in $$ for my next share. I can't wait! It seems like my cards are naked without ribbon. My 5 y.o. daughter drooled over them, too.

Check out Jody's blog and see what you might love!

http://confessionsofaribbonaddict.blogspot.com/

feelin' Eastery

2007-03-19T18:09:00.000-04:00

I had a pack of cards that I picked up some time ago with big intentions. The card set is from K & Co. from Tim Coffey. I thought they looked Springy and Eastery. I watercolored the Easter basket image from Festive Four on SU's watercolor paper. I used my good ol' aquapainter and reinkers. I stamped the basket with second generation black Staz On so it wouldn't be so dark. I threw on a couple patterned papers from my scrap drawer and inked the edges. I got the felt ribbon from QVC the last Scrapbook day. It is from Provo Craft's Rob and Bob Studio and matched perfectly! I LOVE that when that happens...

I have a guest scrapbooker!

2007-03-18T07:18:00.000-04:00

My 12 year-old son keeps telling me he wants to scrap pictures I have of him and his cousin. They are close buds and the same age. Well, yesterday must of been the creative day for him. I know he had fun since he kept looking at it even after putting it in the album. Oh, and loves the Cricut!

my first blog RAK!

2007-03-17T11:40:00.000-04:00

I got my first blog RAK! Kristine Breach sent me a cute, springy card with one of my fav sets, Love Without End. I think she made me need to get my crimper out again. Dust that bad boy off. I really love the colors and the button center. Kris, thanks again!
Check out her blog and see what she's up to!
http://inksomething.blogspot.com/

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2007-03-17T07:04:00.000-04:00

I really wanted to make a St. Pat's Day card after seeing ideas at the Cricut message board: http://www.cricut.com/messageboard/

The hearts and its silhouettes make a cool 4 leaf clover! The inside patterned paper is also from the Cricut line. I dug out my one and only St. Patrick's set, Hearts and Clovers http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=3121 , that retired from SU! a couple years ago. The cardstock is DCWV stack and I found another piece of green patterned paper to go under the greeting in my scraps. Gold brads and Glorious Green ink finish up this simple card. I sent one to my sis and one to my mommy.

Have a great holiday!

transparency window

2007-03-13T18:56:00.000-04:00

I am still working on some girly birthday cards. I need to get some RAKs sent. I have been wanting to try a transparency window card since seeing many in galleries. I wanted to color the window images with my neglected Sharpies, but realized I wish I had more pastels! Oh well, use what we have. Pastels would of looked nicer, I'll bet...

I used Regal Rose cardstock and Pixie Pink for the inside to show through the window. I used black Staz On for the Doodle This flowers on the window and white Staz On for the rest on the front. I colored with Sharpies on the opposite side I found some Queen and Co. brads and decided to mount transparency on the front to show them off. I continued with Doodle That and Doodle This on the inside to show through. It left very little room for a greeting! HA!

The recipient should get this next week!

I needed a lady birthday card...

2007-03-11T08:09:00.000-04:00

I still had the DCWV Pocket Full of Posies pack out from yesterday's card and made another card. The colors were, again, inspired from the colors of the purty paper. I also love the layout that Sherry did here: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=469666

I also used Green Galore, Whisper White, and Apricot Appeal SU! cardstock, Pumpkin Pie ink, Round tab punch, DCWV Spring stack, ribbon from Oriental Trading, Cricut (George cartridge), brads, eyelet, Colorbox chalk inks, Paisley, Tagger's Dozen, Springtime Stems stamps from SU!, and Gary Burlin glitter glue.

Thanks for stopping by! I think my mom will get this for her birthday...

pocket card

2007-03-10T08:05:00.000-05:00

I had seen a layout similiar to this and I can't find a picture of my inspiration. DANG! I hope my recipients will like them.

My color inspiration came from DCWV Pocket Full of Posies stack I got from Joann's. Cool stack, lots of glitter accents already on the paper. The flowers on the paper seemed to match the pattern of the embossing folder. I used Pale Plum, Perfect Plum, Whisper White, and leftover Bliss Blue cardstock. My accessories include my Cuttlebug with the Bloom Dots folder, a prima flower, 1 1/2 inch circle punch, Stickles, a greeting card stone I got from Target some time ago, and Colorbox chalk inks in Warm Violet, Ice Blue, and Wisteria.

No stamping on the card...

Love ths kit!

2007-03-08T08:50:00.000-05:00

As you know, I love QVC, especially when it's Scrapbook Day. When their Today's Special Value is a kit of some kind that I NEED, I'm there at midnight. On February 6th, it was such a day and I got the kit. It's cool! Check out Lisa's blog and it's there on the front page. http://www.lisabearnson.com/

Cute ideas, huh?

My inspiration, my niece, had just the right colors for her first birthday party. I used everything from this kit, except the button, inks, and the Cricut number. The paper, ribbons are so pretty! I have also whipped up a couple cards, since everything is included.

Thanks for looking!

think spring!

2007-03-07T09:58:00.000-05:00

I wanted to try out my Stampin' Up! Long Notes cards from the Spring Mini. I broke out the Petals and Paisleys double-sided patterned paper, grabbed some ribbon from Oriental Trading, a Mega scalloped square punch, Polka Dots and Petals stamp set, Polka Dots and Paisley stamp set, and made some cards. Thinking Spring here in Ohio!

another looky, looky!

2007-03-06T09:51:00.000-05:00

Every month I get a scrapbooking kit called Personal Shopper from Paper Wishes. http://paperwishes.com/ps/index.html

It's like getting 3 kits in one! The goodies arrive in a pizza box and the best part is the embellies! After glancing at the cool idea sheet, I dig right in. Every month I get paper, embellishments, which include ribbon and brads, one card to make, and a nice idea sheet. I look forward to getting it every month. Every month there is a general theme such as heritage or celebrations. I have gotten these kits for almost 2 years and I have had to return one because it was a theme I didn't like. Check out the feast for the eyes!

little boy birthday card...

2007-03-05T12:16:00.000-05:00

The cardstock is all SU, which is Whisper white, Tempting turquoise, Yo yo yellow, and Green galore. The ribbon is from Oriental Trading, and the PP is from my scraps. The little boy will be turning 7 this May. I hope he will like it.

I was at Michael's yesterday using the coupon, of course, and picked up a 99 cent Sandylion sticker pack to make this card. It looked easy peesy to put together on blocks. Also while I was there, checking the clearance stuff, I ran across the metallic greeting stickers for $2. I picked up gold and immediately thought they'd looked perfect in the word window punch. I was right...

Looky, looky!

2007-03-05T08:31:00.000-05:00

I went to Michael's yesterday and had my 40% off coupon and I always check out the $1 bins for something, something I might not have and desperately need. I found it all right. Each of these packages are $1 and I bought almost all of them! I have yet to try acrylic stamps and this is a great way to try. They had blocks and everything!

I hope I can create today...

Guy cards

2007-03-04T20:33:00.000-05:00

I was in need of some guy cards, and found this cool manly card from Joan Bardee's blog. Check out her blog...http://www.paper-and-ink.blogspot.com/. I just bought some tall card envelopes and this layout and general color scheme was just what I needed. The top linen type patterned paper came a paper stack I bought from Michael's some time ago. The bottom light tan paper is from SU's double sided paper from last spring. The stamp set is Finest Flourishes and couldn't better for men cards. I used the chalk inks on this and the copper brads from Hodgepodge Hardware. For the envelope, I stamped in the tan and edged it with the chocolate brown and stamped! Looks cool IRL. I used some cording in between the patterned paper and the vanilla CS that is self-adhesive that I bought some time ago from QVC. I "Happy Birthday" -ed the bottom for the final touch.

I hope Joan would be proud...

A good CASE...

2007-03-03T13:12:00.000-05:00

This is why I named this blog the name I did. I love to CASE, some or all, of the design. I have had this magazine for over a year, I think, and have been wanting to make the cute dinosaur for my darling nephew. I have made a copy of the template and pushed the project aside for far too long. His birthday is in May, so I'm either real early, or real late for his last birthday. He's 4 this year, maybe he will appreciate it even more!
I used some paper from DCWV Stack, Doodlebug sequins, and my Cuttlebug Bubbles embossing folder for the dinosaur spikes. I still might get some rub on letters for a "Happy Birthday" greeting. I inked the edges up, and instant cuteness!

my Name frame

2007-03-01T21:51:00.000-05:00

This is one of the first creations using my Cricut. When my niece, Kellie, was born, I got her room's color scheme and went to work. Tangerine. I wish I could of gotten a better picture, but such as life. Kellie's sis, Jade, also needs one for her room. So, off to Walmart to get some more $5 frames and soon everyone will get one! Note that there is no glass in it...I broke it during creation! Expect more Cricut name frames on this site...

quite a scene

2007-03-01T11:14:00.000-05:00

Unmounted rubbah. Seems like a sin, huh? It sits as I seem to find other projects to complete. When I get new stamp sets, (note, I say, SETS) I copy the sticker sheet, intact. I place one in my inventory notebook and place the other inside the stamp box in case there are several lone stamps and we need to figure out which set it belongs to. Then, I mount away. I figure after finishing a scrapbook page or 2, I will mount a few. There is some goodies from the Winter mini as well as the Spring mini. I have so many cards ideas to CASE with Doodle This and Doodle That stamp sets. Pan back, and see the whole picture of what I am up against. Another mess. Add it to my list of things to do.

Easter page

2007-02-28T11:21:00.000-05:00

This is the last completed layout I did, so I thought I'd start with this. I received this Simply Scrappin' pack during SU's Sellabration. I really LOVE these packs. Sometime I tend to hoard them. The patterned paper is heavy like cardstock and I really love using this kit. I recommend this to everyone, from beginners to advanced. Everyhing on this page is from this kit except I cut out the title with my beloved Cricut. The inks aren't SU..I am on a kick on using Colorbox Cat's Eye chalk inks.
Make sure you click on the picture to see it much bigger.

The purpose of the blog...

2007-02-27T20:38:00.000-05:00

I have seen and enjoyed so many stamping blogs on the internet. I love to look at people's galleries of their cool scrapbook pages and cards. I save some of my favorite pics for inspiration in a file called "cards I love". My plan is to show my inspiration and then my creation. In some cases, it might be almost the same! I hope I can inspire people to create...

Please comment if something hits your fancy.