Joy for Christmas...

I know, you must be shocked that there is actually something new posted here.  I'm hoping to give my blog s little TLC over the next few weeks since I have some down time coming up.

Today's post is of a little Christmas card I whipped up.  I hope you enjoy...

paper:

crumb cake cardstock

real red cardstock

very vanilla cardstock

lucky limeade cardstock

summer starfruit cardstock

candlelight christmas designer series paper

ink:

real red stampin' write marker

bling and things:

basic rhinestones 


tools and toys:

big shot

holiday collection framelits

scallop circles die

houndstooth embossing folder

circle scissor plus

ruler

pencil

paper snips

snail adhesive

dimensionals

 stamp-a-ma-jig


stamp sets:

all holidays

{heart},

 

Lacy Lattice Snowflakes Tutorial

So after a lot of playing around, I think that I managed to figure out how to link to a PDF of my tutorial.  Click here for the the PDF tutorial for the Lacy Lattice Snowflake Ornament I shared awhile back (click here to see my previous post for the one I made for my time as featured artist at Inspired by Stamping).

Here is the picture of the one I made with the tutorial directions; I hope you enjoy...

{heart},

 

Updated update…

I am blogging from my hospital bed. My health has taken a little turn and not for the better. I will post my promised tutorial when I am back at home. Hopefully it will be this coming weekend (I promised a weekend. Can't remember if I specified as to which one LOL). 

So stay healthy and check back this weekend : )

UPDATE

Hello my lovely followers and visitors.  I have been neglecting my poor blog
: (  But not without cause; I have been struggling with some health issues.  I'm not quite back in fine form, but I will be posting my first ever tutorial this weekend.  Come check it out; you won't be sorry : )

{heart},

 

wish big for FMS #57...

A special little lady in my life recently turned five and I seized the opportunity to make her birthday card using this weeks inspiration sketch at Freshly Made Sketches.

Here is the sketch for FMS #57:

And here is my card; hope you enjoy:

 


paper:

tempting turquoise cardstock

whisper white cardstock

summer smooches designer series

chocolate chip cardstock


ink:

tempting turquoise classic

early espresso classic

soft suede classic

copic sketch e33

copic sketch e47

copic sketch e21

copic sketch e17

copic sketch w2

copic sketch 100


bling and things:

basic rhinestones

turquoise satin ribbon

silver eyelets

dazzling details


tools and toys:

big shot

happy birthday embossing folder

apothecary accents framelits

paper snips

stamping sponges

stampin' dimensionals

snail adhesive

crop-a-dile

rotary paper trimmer

scoring board


stamp sets:

crazy for cupcakes

word play

{heart},

 

so many snowflakes for IBSIC #30...

I have a monochromatic card for the sketch challenge at Inspired by Stamping Inspiration Challenge.  As usual, I am sneaking in just before the deadline : )

This card turned out great with a ton of layers and depth.  It was so much fun to make and I got a chance to play with some new toys. 

The snowflakes are double layered and the each of the pearls were glued on individually, but the work was so worth it.  I have added a couple of close ups of the snowflakes.

Here is the sketch for IBSIC #30:

And here is my card; I hope you enjoy...

paper:

early espresso cardstock

very vanilla cardstock

candlelight christmas specialty designer series paper

ink:

versamark

early espresso classic

bling and things:

2mm half pearls

4mm half pearls

5mm half pearls

6mm half pearls

early espresso embossing powder

3/8" early espresso quilted satin ribbon

tools and toys:

northern frost die

finishing touches edgelits

apothecary accents framelits

big shot

two way glue pen

beading tool

2 1/2" circle punch

circle scissor plus

stampin' dimensionals

snail adhesive

two way glue pen

stamping sponges

heat tool

embossing buddy

paper snips

rotary paper trimmer

stamp sets:

snowflake soiree

{heart},

 

Perfect Princess for FMS #56

I was so thrilled when I received an email from Jennifer Timko this morning.  The email was to let me know that LeAnne Pugliese had chosen me as her Perfect Princess; so now I have some new blog bling on my sidebar : )  I am so thrilled!  There were so many fantastic cards and projects and it is an honor to be chosen among the other Perfect Prince(sses).  Check out the other winners and the other fab projects at Freshly Made Sketches.

In case you missed it, here is my card (complete with badge {grin}); hope you enjoy...

paper:

midnight muse cardstock

island indigo cardstock

whisper white cardstock

ink:

whisper white craft

island indigo classic

summer starfruit classic

summer starfruit stampin' write marker

bling and things:

summer starfruit stitched satin ribbon

basic rhinestones

white embossing powder

dazzling details

tools and toys:

paper snips

stamping sponges

embossing buddy

heat tool

rotary paper trimmer

stamp-a-ma-jig

stampin' dimensionals

sticky strip

snail adhesive

stamp sets:

snowflake soiree

four the holidays

{heart},

 

Star of Bethlehem for FMS #56 and FabFri04...

Today's post combines two challenges.  I am just squeaking in for the challenge at Freshly Made Sketches and early for the challenge at Fab Friday.

The star on my card was made by hand cutting a quick sketch I made.  The rhinestone in the middle of it uses a fabulous technique discovered by Tina Shelton at The Stampin' Assistant.  Tina discovered that you can color the Stampin' Up rhinestones any color to match your Stampin' Up projects; just brush on some Modge Podge, let it dry completely, and color with the Stampin' Write Marker of your choice.  I used this technique to color my rhinestone Summer Starfruit.

Here is the sketch for FMS #56:

And the color challenge for FabFri04:

And here is my card; I hope you enjoy...

paper:

midnight muse cardstock

island indigo cardstock

whisper white cardstock

ink:

whisper white craft

island indigo classic

summer starfruit classic

summer starfruit stampin' write marker

bling and things:

summer starfruit stitched satin ribbon

basic rhinestones

white embossing powder

dazzling details

tools and toys:

paper snips

stamping sponges

embossing buddy

heat tool

rotary paper trimmer

stamp-a-ma-jig

stampin' dimensionals

sticky strip

snail adhesive

stamp sets:

snowflake soiree

four the holidays

{heart},

 

mummy for my Mommy and FabFri03...

My card today is one I created for the very awesome Fab Friday Challenge.

I mentioned a bit ago that I had the chance to do some "cardyo" with a good friend a few weekends ago.  While we were stamping I was talking about how many Halloween stamp sets I have and was giggling about the fact that I have never made a Halloween card or project and that I still have the huge desire to buy more of these fun and adorable sets.  Since then I decided that I had better put some of them to use.  My mother's birthday is at the end of the month; not quite Halloween, but close.  I thought that I could use the cute little mummy from the Googly Ghouls to make a card for my Mommy.

Here is the sketch for FabFri03:

And here is my card:

paper:

whisper white cardstock

my big ideas black & white specialty cardstock

silver glimmer paper

ink:

basic black classic

basic black journaler

bling and things:

tooth pick

googlies


tools and toys:

big shot

perfect polka dots embossing folder

chevron embossing folder

lacy brocade embossing folder

scoring board

paper snips

stamp-a-ma-jig

1 3/4" scallop circle punch

1/2" circle punch

sticky strip

stampin' dimensionals

snail adhesive

1/2" corner rounder

ruler


stamp sets:

googly ghouls

{heart},

 

a lolly for FMS #55 and IBSIC #29...

I had a little window of "cardyo" time today and was able to create a card to squeak into the Freshly Made Sketches Challenge and to combine it with the color challenge over at Inspired by Stamping Inspiration Challenge.

This isn't the lolly I told you about a post ago (or was it two?).  Now that I have successfully made my first one, I am addicted.  I still haven't finished off the card I put my first lolly on, but I will finish it soon and post it for you all to see.

This card was made for my Dad's birthday.  Normally I wouldn't make that sort of announcement on my blog, but I have absolutely zero fear that he might see it here before he receives it.  I'm pretty sure my dad doesn't know how to turn on a computer let alone search for something on the internet.  If I told him that I have a blog he'd probably tell me I should get it looked at LOL.  I know he could learn to do all of these things, but he really has no desire.  But just in case he makes a liar out of me... Love you lots and lots Dad : )

Here is the sketch for FMS #55...

 

And the inspiration photo for the color challenge for IBSIC #29 (use greens, browns, and creams/white)..

Here is my card; hope you enjoy...

paper:

always artichoke cardstock

early espresso cardstock

very vanilla cardstock

orchard harvest designer series paper

ink:

always artichoke classic

very vanilla craft

early espresso classic

log cabin smooch spritz

bling and things:

brushed bronze designer buttons

vanilla embroidery floss

tools and toys:

 big shot

woodgrain embossing folder

heat tool

scoring board

sewing needle

1/2" circle punch

paper snips

rotary paper trimmer

sticky strip

stampin' pierce mat

stamp-a-ma-jig

snail adhesive

stampin' dimensionals

stamp sets:

wonderfully worn

curly cute

{heart},

 

a sunflower for the beginning of fall...

 Hi everyone!  Long time since I blogged.  It feels like forever!  It's been super busy around here and I have had virtually no time to stamp.  I did have the wonderful opportunity to do some 'cardy-o' with a good friend a couple of weekends ago.  I was so thrilled because during our stamp and gab session I made my very first successful lolly (or rosette or whatever you want to call it).  Yes you read right; I have never been able to successfully create a lollly in my many years of card making LOL.  I will share the resulting card as soon as it is finished : )

On to my share for the day...

I used to have a huge flower bed in front of my house and would plant a big section in Red Velvet Queen Sunflowers.  They would stay beautiful into the fall and for that reason, were amongst my favorite flowers.

The big sunflower stamp from Stampin' Up! is one of my favorites because of my cherished memories of those magnificent blooms.  In honor of those much missed flowers and the arrival of fall, I was inspired to make this card...  (I have also added some pictures from my garden of my Red Velvet Queens).

paper:

perfect plum cardstock

river rock cardstock

early espresso cardstock

ink:

early espresso classic

versamark

gold glow smooch spritz

bling and things:

gold ribbon

gold embossing powder

tools and toys:

scallop trim border punch

rotary trimmer

scoring board

stamp-a-ma-jig

heat tool

paper snips

stamp sets:

sunflower

bring on the cake

{heart},

 

"for you... because" for IBSIC #26 & FabFri02...

I am getting my challenge card in early this time!  I can't believe that I missed the cut off for the Fab Friday challenge last week with last week's post.  I had the post and the card done well ahead of time LOL.  So I am entering this card well before the deadline; live and learn : )

I created this card with a certain someone in mind.  It could be argued that she is my blog's biggest fan and definitely one of the biggest fans of my cards.  I don't want to say who it is, since she frequents my blog and I want it to be a surprise when she receives it.  Sufficient to say she is adored and how much so shines through every aspect of this card; she was my muse and main inspiration.

The challenge over at Fab Friday asked for the colors Sahara Sand, So Saffron, and Basic Grey.  I am really not a a fan of Sahara Sand, but I absolutely LOVE how it looks on this card; it was the perfect addition and I can't imagine the card without it.

Here is the FabFri02 challenge pic:

I added the Inspired by Stamping Inspiration Challenge sketch for a complete starting point and total inspiration.  When I first saw Joanna's sketch I was a little leery; I was not sure that I could pull it off.  I am SO glad I tried! What a great sketch : )

Here is the IBSIC#26 sketch:

It is a little hard to see in my picture, but each of the little flags hanging down have "for you" stamped on them in Sahara Sand.  All the details came together so perfectly; I might be in love with this card LOL.

Without further ado, here is my card; I hope you enjoy...

paper:

basic grey cardstock

sahara sand cardstock

whisper white cardstock

tall tails designer series paper

botanical gazette designer series paper

sahara sand designer series neutrals stack


ink:

so saffron classic

basic grey classic

sahara sand classic


bling and things:

grey satin ribbon

pretties kit small white half back pearls


tools and toys:

circle scissor plus

2 1/2" circle punch

rotary paper cutter

paper snips

stamp-a-ma-jig

sticky strip

stampin' dimensionals

snail adhesive

two-way glue pen

scoring board

ruler

pencil


stamp sets:

teeny tiny wishes

define your life

defining alphabet

{heart},

 

cork flower for Freshly Made Sketches one year anniversary...

Happy birthday Freshly Made Sketches!  One whole year of fabulous sketches and terrifically inspiring cards.

The challenge for this week is to look back over the sketches this past year and choose a past sketch.  I chose sketch #22 which was from before my blogging time.

I am completely in love with Tui's cork flower she made in FMS #50 and took my inspiration from her card (which is amazing IMHO).

I made my card for my step-mother-in-law; she lives a fair distance from us and we only see her and my father-in-law once a year (usually around this time), but unfortunately this year they are unable to visit as her brother is very ill.  We wanted to send a card to her to let her know we are thinking of her during this difficult time and that she is loved and missed.

Here is the sketch picture I chose:

And here is my card; I hope you enjoy...

paper:

whisper white cardstock

night of navy cardstock

night of navy designer series regals stack


ink:

night of navy classic

uniball white gel pen


bling and things:

styled silver hodgepodge hardware brad

quickutz  self-adhesive chunky cork sheets


tools and toys:

big shot

fun flowers die

rotary cutting tool

snail adhesive

stampin' dimensionals

paper snips

sticky strip

stamp-a-ma-jig

paper piercer

stampin' pierce mat

scoring board


stamp sets:

petite pairs

{heart},

 

silver chevron for the brand new Fab Friday challenge site...

It's happened again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I missed the cut off for this challenge, but hey it was fun to play and soak up some inspiration : )

I have followed Mindy's blog Bada-Bing! Paper-Crafting! for sometime and love the way her cards and projects come together.  She is a very talented lady and she's started a new challenge site.  I am so excited to take part in her first challenge.  Her new challenge site, Fab Friday, is already wildly popular and has so many wonderfully talented people (both challenge participants and design team) posting exceptional creations.  Be sure to check them out for even more inspiration : )

The sketch for her fist challenge FabFri01 is terrific:

And here is my card; hope you enjoy...

paper:

tempting turquoise cardstock

daffodil delight cardstock

rich razzleberry cardstock

whisper white cardstock

ink:

versamark

daffodil delight classic

rich razzleberry classic

bling and things:

silver embossing powder

rich razzleberry designer button

white baker's twine

silver fox smooch pearlized accent ink

tools and toys:

big shot

chevron embossing folder

square lattice embossing folder

scallop trim border punch

paper snips

stamp-a-ma-jig

stampin' dimensionals

heat tool

embossing buddy

snail adhesive

paper piercer

stampin' pierce mat

sewing needle

rotary paper trimmer

scoring board

stamp sets:

eastern blooms

curly cute

{heart},

 

IBSIC #25...

Hi everyone.  I had a few minutes to whip something up for this weeks challenge over at Inspired by Stamping.  This IBSIC #25 features a beautiful picture with blues, greens, yellows and creams.  Perfect color challenge to get the creative juices flowing.  

Here is the inspiration photo:

And here is my card; hope you enjoy...

paper:

old olive cardstock

tall tails designer series paper

very vanilla cardstock

bing and things:

styled silver hodgepodge hardware

navy dancer ribbon

navy embossing powder

glossy accents

tools and toys:

rotary paper trimmer

score board

big shot

framed tulips embossing folder

embossing buddy

heat tool

stampin' dimensionals

snail adhesive

1" square punch

stamp sets:

medallion

so many scallops

{heart},

 

moving forward frogs...

My card for the day is a fun one.  Stampin' Up! has some new Googlies.  These self-adhesive eyes were meant to go with the new Googly Ghouls stamp set, but when I saw them I know I HAD to stick them on some frogs and the frog from the Moving Forward set was perfect.

I love the Moving Forward Set and to add to the fantastic-ness, it is this years Ronald McDonald House Charity set; $3 USD is donated from every Canadian sale of this set to help support Ronald McDonald House (don't know about the amount in the US, or if  it is available in other markets... check with your demonstrator or your country's Stampin' Up! website if you are interested).

Now on to the card!  Hope you enjoy...

cardstock:

gumball green

whisper white

gumball green in-color 2012-2014 designer series stack 


ink:

basic black classic

gumball green classic 


bling and things:

googlies

3/8" gumball green stitched satin ribbon 


tools and toys:

rotary paper trimmer

score board

stamp-a-ma-jig

snail adhesive 


stamp sets:

moving forward

family phrases

hoppy for you

{heart},

 

FMS #50

I had this post all ready for yesterday and thought I was even in time to make it into the challenge at FMS.  I missed it by two minutes!  Oh well : )  The card still turned out fantastically and I get to share it with all of you!  So here is 'yesterday's' post...

So close to back to school time!  So busy!  Hardly had time to squeeze in this card : )

This is a quick post for my not-so-quick card for the challenge over at Freshly Made Sketches.  This week's sketch, FMS#50, is awesome (as usual) and I had so much fun playing along.

Here is the sketch:

And here is my card; hope you enjoy...

cardstock:

crumb cake

very vanilla 


ink:

crumb cake classic

lucky limeade classic 


bling and things:

linen thread

icicle stickles

bazzill buttons modern lime crush 


tools and toys:

paper snips

rotary trimmer

score board

stampin' pierce mat

piercing tool

snail adhesive

stampin' dimesionals

pencil

sewing needle

ruler 


stamp sets:

serene snowflakes

patterned pines

bright christmas

{heart},