For the Love of Stamping

Family

2011-08-29T19:35:00.000-07:00

My mom has just had an extensive operation and is hanging out in the Jubilee in Victoria for a week or so. I wanted to make her a "She Art" of when she was young. She had long braids and always wore such fashionable clothing. I hope she likes it. I love how the colours are somewhat muted and how the feeling of earthy-ness comes out. Thanks for swinging by.

And they come in thirds...

2011-08-25T17:14:00.001-07:00

One more mixed media project. They are addicting to create. I can hardly wait to do a christmas theme. Thanks for looking.m

More mixed media

2011-08-21T14:43:00.000-07:00

Another canvas done with mixed media...acrylic paints, stamping, rub-ons, masks...just to name a few. The whole process is very cool. Once you start you literally can't stop. One more rub-on... one more colour...oiy vay!!! The mod podge I had was actually the glossy type but I think I will buy some matte as it is quite shiney and difficult to photograph. It doesn't look bad just glossy.

Mixed media - a new adventure

2011-08-04T20:59:00.000-07:00

Yes I know. I've been absent. I won a class on-line working with mixed media and canvas and finally got around to creating my first piece. The course is called "She Art" and the brains behind it is Christy Tomlinson http://www.christytomlinson.typepad.com/ . Check it out. You may want to try something different but I will tell you, it is addicting. I know I will be making many more and plan to make some for gifts.

We are in Phoenix

2011-03-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

Yahoo. Finally a holiday for mom and the kids. We are having a blast with weather in the 80's and 90's and lots to see. Here are a few pics of our journey. Enjoy.

The bird's the word...

2011-03-14T21:03:00.000-07:00

I found these cute little bird shapes at Michaels one day and knew I could do something with them that would be amazing. I decoupaged some DP and sanded the edges and inked the edges with distress ink. I decided to do a travel theme and stamped out a camera, First Class words, and some cool mini postcard images. I added some old brass looking buttons I got from a discount store (a real find) and added some spanish moss to look like a nest. Instead of ribbon for the hanger, I used some jute thread in keeping with the rustic look. Hope you like it. Thanks for stopping by and happy crafting , whatever that may be.

I'm a stylin'.....

2011-03-12T21:33:00.000-08:00

I'm so thrilled to receive the Stylist blogger award. I'm to thank Patty from http://www.pattys-funkycloset.blogspot.com/ . I'm now to share 8 things about myself. I will have to think about this. And then I will share this award with 5 other special people that inspire the crafting world.

1. I don't like touching my food.
2. I love a good hockey or lacrosse game.
3. I love nectarines.
4. I have a fear of heights.
5. I received the President's Scholarship for my graduating year at University for being in the top 4% of the graduating class.
6. I learned to drive when I was 14.
7. I can hold my breath for over 1 minute.
8. I sing alto in a broadway choir in which we only sing showtunes. Love it!!

Now I must forward this award to:

http://www.tammytutterow.typepad.com/
http://www.flutterbyatomicbutterfly.blogspot.com/
http://www.paperintheworks.blogspot.com/
http://www.shawneindiangirl.blogspot.com/
http://www.amazingpapergrace.com/

Please visit each of these blogs. I'm confident you will be inspired.

Another heart to heart

2011-03-12T16:39:00.001-08:00

I made another decoupaged heart for my niece this time in a Paris theme. I glittered the key and made a little flower out of some organza ribbon. I used some DP from SU! and adhered it to one of my wooden hearts, sanded the edges and inked them. Added some gems and ribbon flowers and a glittered key and bob's your uncle. Thanks for visiting.

Baby Girl Congratulations

2011-03-03T19:37:00.000-08:00

I often visit the blog of Tammy Tutterow. Wow, is she talented. I was following one of her tutorials involving decoupage. I made this heart using some of SU! designer paper and sanded the edges followed by distressing with vintage ink from Tim Holtz. I made up the initials using Tim Holtz seasonal paper and used the build a brad from SU!. I made some velllum flowers for the initials to nest in. The sentiment is from SU! and the little clip is from Michaels. The satin ribbon from SU! really adds a touch of elegance. I also made a little glass bead bracelet to hang along side. The heart is like pressboard found at Michaels and easy to embellish. Thanks for looking and happy stamping.

A little Alice you say...

2011-02-05T19:27:00.000-08:00

I love this set from Artistic Outpost. Alice in wonderland images and wonderful sentiments. I used distress inks around the main rabbit image (actually masked the rabbit off) and used fire brick, peeled paint, faded jeans and vintage photo inks. They blend so nicely. I decided it would be nice if rabbit could stand up so I made this an easel card. Using pearls on the inside made it easy to fold the card open and up. I think the colours match nicely with the DP and the overall feeling to this card. I also decided the rabbit's jacket needed to stand out so I pieced it with the same DP that I used as a background. Thanks for looking.

Get off your back!!!

2011-01-27T22:10:00.001-08:00

A friend has undergone some back surgery and so I thought I better make a card for her. At least this one is meaningful....."Hope your recovery is quick and you're BACK on your feet soon." Ha ha. I hope she sees the humour. The image is charlie from CDS. I coloured him with my copic markers and added some crystal effects to all the leaves. I then sprinkled some iridescent ice on top. I have been using my embossing folders on the DP to add some more depth to the card. Also added some sparkly stretchy cord linking to a button. Thanks for stopping by.

The Journey awakens the soul....

2011-01-15T15:18:00.000-08:00

Isn't that so true. I love this saying. I decided to break open my pack of "Newsprint" DP from SU! I love all the vintage images and descriptions from way back when. How things change over time. I used the stamp from Tim Holtz and popped it up using dimensionals. Added some hardware, a little mini clip and spiral from SU! and put a clear tag sticky over the word "soul". I sponged the edges with vintage photo distress ink and added some linen as well. It just makes it look so "vintagy". Thanks for looking and have a super stampin' day.

How do I thank thee...let me count the ways...

2011-01-03T16:42:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to get onto some well-deserved thank you cards for my coworkers. They showered us with tons of food again and lots of baking treats. We are so spoiled. I am trying to make each card very personal for the person and it's taking alot of time to come up with ideas that make me happy. It's really hard to make one-of-a-kind cards. Fun but challenging. Thanks for looking. I got to use the Tim Holtz dies again (love them!!). I'll tell you, a little glitter and glitz really dresses it up. The next card uses a stamp set from SU! called Because I care. I just realised that I haven't ever used it once. My bad. I even used the little blossom for paper piecing. This card is for a purple lover so I think she will really love it. Have a great day.

More christmas cards...

2010-12-17T23:06:00.000-08:00

I love using the Crafty Secret stamps. I made this card for our good friends. I just love how it turned out. Very vintage and warm. I added some distress stickles for some glitz and some half pearls for added interest. I followed the tutorial for making the accordian medallion from this site http://www.flutterbyatomicbutterfly.blogspot.com/ . These are always great embellishments to add. Thanks for stopping by.

A cocky kinda christmas...

2010-12-15T15:40:00.000-08:00

Well, can you believe I used a rooster for a christmas card. Well, when your last name is Cox, anything goes. This goes to my mom's friend whose maiden name was just this. She laughs when she receives anything foul-related. So I couldn't resist. I heat embossed a border around the edge with versamark and clear EP. Designer paper is from basic grey and the fantastic rooster is embossed in vintage photo distress ink from Tim Holtz. The stamp is from SU! and it is just wonderful. I decided not to colour him as there was enough going on in the DP. I raised up the Merry Christmas and sent it off. Oh and make sure when you complete your homemade cards that once you are finished, don't just relish in the thought that you are tickled with the final creation, but make sure you actually write something inside. I did this!! I was so excited with the final card that in it went into the envelope, addressed and stamped (but not mailed yet!) and ready for lift-off. What a goober I am. I did this not once but twice!! Lucky thing I have alot of sticky strip around to re-stick the envelopes with. Egads!! TFL.

12 tags of christmas - tag 8

2010-12-09T11:15:00.000-08:00

Here's tag #8. I love using Tim's masks. The edges are so sharp and so easy to sponge inside. I didn't have a metal clock so I silver embossed a compass. Close enough. I also didn't have the die for the houses so I cut out some house shapes and added some very thin silver wire for the chimney smoke. It's so small that it's really hard to see. I added some iridescent ice to the rooftops of the houses to add some sparkle. Hope you're playing along.

http://www.timholtz.typepad.com/

12 tags of christmas - tag 3 and tag 6 revisited

2010-12-08T21:49:00.000-08:00

Well I've been backpeddling and trying to get the tags completed that I have neglected. Here is tag 3 and tag 6 re done. I gave the first tag 6 away to a friend and I wanted to make another anyways. I really love both these tags. I've used some spanish moss for the bird's nest and below the tree. For the bird, I used the birds and blooms die from SU! I don't have any of the tape that Tim uses so I just stamped a music theme on some thick board and then die cut it out. It turned out really good, so easy to sponge with fired brick distress ink. I had made some scrunchy crunchy flowers using scallop circle punch awhile ago. Luckily I had one left so I used it on tag 3 and used one of the antique brads from SU! to fit the center. I think it fits in nicely. I added some pearls around the deers neck and made a nice metal charm with DP and added crystal effects on top. I hope you're playing along. It is so much fun. TFL.

My other half....

2010-12-07T23:31:00.000-08:00

1)Favorite board game : scrabble
2) Would you prefer to read a book or watch the movie ? watch the movie
3) Share one of your bad habits....don't be shy, we all have at least one : misplacing my phone, keys and wallet
4) How did you meet your significant other? we were neighbours and lived in the same townhome complex
5) Do you tend to prepare or procrastinate? : procrastinate
6) What pet name does your significant other have for you? Chrissy
7) Potato Chips or Corn Chips? corn chips: corn chips
8) Coffee or Tea? coffee in the morning and the afternoon and the evening and then some more
9) What's your home decorating style? craftsman
10) What color is your kitchen? creamy taupe
11) What does your go-to Chinese take out order consist of? sweet and sour and rice
12) What time do you typically go to bed? around 11pm
13) MAC or PC? neither don't use the computer
14) What is your favorite Christmas movie? Christmas vacation
15) What was your favorite class in school? P.E.
16) Do you read the newspaper? no but I do read magazines
17) Have you ever been to Africa? no
18) Are you allergic to anything? no
19) Where did you go on your honeymoon? still waiting to go somewhere

12 tags of Christmas - day 6

2010-12-06T22:58:00.000-08:00

Hey, what happened to day 3, 4 and 5? Well I had to go to work so I couldn't play and now I have to bust my butt to get back on track. I decided to tackle tag 6 and work backwards. I love this tag. This is a true Tim Holtz tag using his dies to cut the reindeer and tree. I added some crotcheted lace on the bottom and embossed the reindeer with swirls. I love the speckled snow drops along the border. Hope you're playing along.

Stylish blogger award

2010-12-05T17:14:00.000-08:00

I've just received a Stylish blogger award from a fellow stamper named Kelly. She is so sweet and loves all things vintage. Check out her blog http://www.kelsblog.blogspot.com/ . I have to get back to making Tim's tags...I'm behind 3 tags already. Good thing I started the first and second right away. Ciao for now...

12 tags of Christmas - day 2

2010-12-02T13:13:00.001-08:00

Here is day 2 of the 12 tags of christmas. Follow along and create your own. For my back ground I used broken china and faded jeans distress ink and sponged all around. I edged the tag with vintage photo. I stamped the pinecone in vintage photo and clear embossed it. I used the music stamp from Crafty Secrets and the Christmas sentiment stamped in fired brick and clear embossed. I added some splatter dots around the perimeter and stamped a flourish in soft suede from SU! The little birdie is from Crafty Secrets and cut out and popped up for added dimension. The ribbon is custom dyed with fired brick and peeled paint. I also added a lock and key for added interest. Another fun tag to complete. Can't wait for tomorrow.

12 tags of Christmas - Day 1

2010-12-01T12:37:00.000-08:00

I'm playing along with Tim Holtz and his 12 tags of christmas this year. Check it out. It's guaranteed to stimulate your creativity. http://www.timholtz.typepad.com/

He says you don't need exactly all the supplies and embellishments that he uses so I collected some supplies and played with what I had. I now know I am seriously in need of chipboard shapes for christmas. I followed his directions for making the background on the tag using broken china and faded jeans distress ink. I stamped a few snowflakes in faded jeans ink. I sponged around the edge with vintage photo ink. I didn't have the house chipboard shape so I used the positive of the reindeer mask(Tim Holtz) to sponge my shape onto my tag using vintage photo ink. I then stamped some holly leaves onto a piece of cardboard in peeled paint and clear embossed it and then cut them out. I then added some peeled paint distress stickles on top to add some sparkle. The berries are pearls coloured with red lipstick copic marker. The snowflake is a chipboard piece with a white embossed pattern on top and then sponged with broken china distress ink. I also added some faded jeans distress stickles on top to add more sparkle. The fence is from the halloween fench punch from MS. I painted it with white acrylic paint and added some chunky glitter from SU!(retired). I also white embossed "Celebrate" from Crafty Secrets as my sentiment. I added a vertical date line of numbers on the right side (also Crafty Secrets). The ribbon was moistened with water and then dragged over broken china distress ink (just like Tim does in his tutorial). The little pin on the ribbon is Tim`s and it says `treasures`. I hope you want to join along and make your own tag creation. Thanks for stopping by.

New Stamps are sweet

2010-11-28T18:50:00.000-08:00

I received some new stamps from Sugar Nellie http://www.sugarnellie.com/ and I've had so much fun colouring them in with my copic markers. Wow, I can hardly wait to create some colourful cards. The images come as grey rubber images which I mounted onto cling sheet which then gave very crisp and clean stamped images. Spend some time on the site and look around--you might see something you like. Thanks for looking.

Just some answers to some quirky questions...

2010-11-24T13:26:00.000-08:00

Came across these questions from Julie Buhler's blog http://www.paperpleasing.typepad.com/ and thought I'd join in. Makes you think sometimes but none-the-less easy fun. Just highlight the questions and right click and click on blogger (if you have one) and it will automatically send it to your blog and then you can answer the questions for yourself. Have fun with it.

1)Favorite board game : pictionary
2) Would you prefer to read a book or watch the movie ? read a book
3) Share one of your bad habits....don't be shy, we all have at least one :I don't like touching my food.
4) How did you meet your significant other? We lived in the same townhome complex and we were neighbours.
5) Do you tend to prepare or procrastinate? I always try to prepare.
6) What pet name does your significant other have for you? Special K
7) Potato Chips or Corn Chips? corn chips
8) Coffee or Tea? coffee
9) What's your home decorating style? old antiquey, lots of wood
10) What color is your kitchen? I still have the original kitchen when the house was built in 1911. No style and totally needs re-doing
l 1) What does your go-to Chinese take out order consist of? Potstickers and rice, sweet and sour boneless chicken balls
12) What time do you typically go to bed? around 11pm
13) MAC or PC? totally PC
14) What is your favorite Christmas movie? Elf
15) What was your favorite class in school? Biology
16) Do you read the newspaper? yes at work
17) Have you ever been to Africa? No
18) Are you allergic to anything? No
19) Where did you go on your honeymoon? Come to think of it...we didn't go anywhere. Hey wait a minute...I'm going to have to discuss this!!

Festive collage of the kids

2010-11-21T20:46:00.000-08:00

I have wanted to make a framed collage of the kids for awhile now and I finally completed this one themed for Christmas. I used buttons, snowflakes, glitter, chipboard letters to spell "JINGLE", ribbon, pearls, metal heart and rhinestone brad and rub-ons to dress up each image. I had to add the cats in there too. Aren't they sweet. The white one is Phinnaeus and other other one is Miso. The kids are 16, 11, and 9. They're kinda sweet too. I picked up this frame from a second-hand store for only a few dollars so this project was quite inexpensive to make. Each year the designer papers and photos can swapped out for new updated ones (I used double sticky tape-removeable). I hope this will inspire you to try one for yourself. Thanks for looking and happy stamping.

Embossed birdies

2010-11-17T14:28:00.001-08:00

I've been seeing alot of cards using embossed designer papers. I really liked the effect so I decided to try it myself. I think the impact adds another dimension to the card. I made this card for a mom of one of my son's teammates. She was having a few rough days so I hope this cheered her up. The DP is from K+C and all the other paper is SU!. I used the french background stamp from SU! and the line-up of birdies from Crafty Secrets. The embossing folder is the vintage folder from SU!. Hope you try out some embossing. See you next time.

Studio 313 Exclusive Creations

2010-11-14T12:12:00.000-08:00

She's back!!! Please check out Shawne's latest store and stamp images both digital and non-digital. This store also has alot of craft supplies that I'm sure we all have, need and want.

Just click on the side image of Studio 313 and have a look around.

Pop-up Santa

2010-11-10T23:06:00.000-08:00

Wanted to try out a pop-up card and came up with this little one. I love the DP and the santa stamp. I'm sending this one to my mom because she loves pop-ups. Pretty basic card but none-the-less OK. Nothing much else to say.

Here comes Thelma...

2010-11-07T21:22:00.000-08:00

After showing a co-worker some of my Thelma cards, she asked if I could make a group for her to have. Well, I came up with 7 cards to give to her. The layout pretty much stayed the same for each card (which made it easy to mass produce) and I was able to use some pretty bright DP, really anything goes with Thelma. She has quite the attitude: it was easy to find sentiments to fit her mood. If you like what you see, visit http://www.dzdoodles.com/ and check out more digital images. I'm sure you'll find something you like. The detail in each image is very clear and they are so easy to colour. I used my copic markers to colour each Thelma. This was the fun part. I want more Thelmas!! I'll have to keep checking back to dzdoodles to see if Thelma pops up again. TFL.

92 and still going strong...

2010-11-04T20:39:00.000-07:00

My mom's best friend is turning 92 years young. I was happy to make a card for her. She has such positive energy and spunk and I am very thankful for her friendship. I call them Thelma and Louise although I hope they don't drive over a cliff just yet. I used SU! cardstock paired it with K+CO DP and distressed the edges with Tim Holtz inks and distressing tool. I cut the image (a digital vintage freebie from vintage images) with my nesties and layered it on a scallop oval. I added 3 pearlized pearls (as opposed to plain pearls) and also used the vintage embossing folder with subsequent sponging on top to highlight the pattern. What a great technique. I carried the same colour scheme to the inside and added a sassy quote from Favorite Thoughts because it just suits my mom's friend so much, even at 92. Happy stamping.

Thelma getting ready to celebrate

2010-10-25T21:59:00.000-07:00

I finally get to use this christmas image of Thelma getting ready to celebrate with her dog. Isn't she cute? Make sure you visit http://www.dzdoodles.com/ and check out all the new digital images. Don't you just love her dogs eyes. I coloured her with my copic markers and added the googly eyes for fun. I turned the oval into a sort of ornament complete with bow at the top. I used some retired DP from SU! and some crocheted lace ribbon. Thanks for looking and have a super evening.

How cute is this tag!!!

2010-10-20T16:44:00.001-07:00

This was so easy to make. I love making these tags. Just a quick post...off to dinner. These are the new dies from Clear Dollar Stamps. You get 3 shapes that coordinate with each other and there are also 2 coordinating stamp sets to add just the right flair. Love it!!

Last but not least....and all 4!!

2010-10-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

Here is the last card for my xmas class. I used the Sizzix Bigz snowflake die and added dazzling diamonds on top to add some shimmer. It's a pretty basic card and it will be perfect for my class. Phinneaeus decided that the card needed a cute kitty to pose with it so up he jumped. Isn't he cute!! So here is all four cards that we will be making: 3 of each design for a total of 12 cards. It should be a fun night. Thanks for looking and happy stamping.

More cards for Xmas class

2010-10-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

Some more designs for a card class I will be offering. I actually revisited my first card and sponged over the embossed area. It just seemed to be missing something. The second card has a vintage look. I used the stamp set called Greeting Card Kids and Itty Bitty Backgrounds. Cardstock is very vanilla, cherry cobbler, DP. Accessories are SU! retired ribbon, vintage brad, glitter. I decided to make this one 4 1/4" square (so it will still fit inside a standard envelope). My next card used the stamp set Holiday Line-up. These characters are so funny. The other stamps are with elves and snowpeople. I used whisper white, pear pizzazz, chocolate chip and various DP. I coloured the reindeer with copic markers and added some googly eyes on rudy. I will be making one more card to complete the set (class will be make 3 of each design for a total of 12 cards). As a bonus or for those who finish quickly, a set of vintage tags can be completed. Thanks for looking and happy stamping.

Xmas card class - First design

2010-10-11T20:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm putting together an xmas card class for work and so I've been scouring all the beautiful blogs in hopes of new and wonderful ideas. In the end, I actually just put one together myself. I love all the details in this one. Embossing folder, punches, buttons, ribbon, + sponging are just some of the accessories to be used for card #1. Card stock is very vanilla, baja breeze, early espresso and retired xmas DP all adhered to very vanilla card base. Stay tuned for card #2 coming soon. The class will consist of 12 cards and a set of 4 tags.

Pumpkin box or that's what it said!!

2010-09-30T12:57:00.001-07:00

I came across this template for purchase while visiting My Favorite Things website http://www.mftstamps.com/. It is labelled as a pumpkin box but I think you can turn it into whatever your needs are. I thought this would make a very nice baby box for a ceramic ornament. I distressed the edges with broken china distress ink from Tim Holtz and put a velum scalloped flower on the top. Otherwise, I left it quite simple. Imagine if you wheeled over the cardstock with stamped images or used heavy designer paper. This was very simple to put together. I printed the template directly onto baja breeze cardstock from SU! Then all you do is cut and score and tape. And if you have a nifty template cutting machine, it would be extremely easy. Hope you like it and thanks for visiting.

SSNOTIME 158 Butterfly kisses

2010-09-23T16:32:00.000-07:00

Isn't this just the most beautiful wedding dress ever!! Here is the challenge...be inspired by this and make something of your own. Here is my take.

Just bought a pad of designer paper by K + Company...OMG!!! I love all the papers. I made this card in vintage-style. I used distress ink vintage photo from Tim Holtz on all the edges. It really makes the colours look so rich. I used Clear Dollar Stamps "Beautiful Butterflies" for both the image and sentiment. All the non-DP is SU! The antique brad is also from SU! Love it!! The crotchet lace is actually my surprise find at the dollar store. I coloured very vanilla satin ribbon from SU! with my copic marker to get the right turquoise colour (B05). Hope you like it. TFL.

A cute moment...

2010-09-16T09:33:00.001-07:00

Well, here is Phinnaeus being a big goofball. I love this picture of him. My daughter was taking pictures of him one day and caught this while he was lounging around. Hope this gives you a chuckle...it sure did for me and my daughter. :)

Karen

Another vintage card in pink...

2010-08-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

I made this for birthday wishes for a very good friend. I love vintage everything. I got to use the new vintage brads from SU!. Love them!! Also made some scrunchy crunchy flowers out of vellum and sponged the edges to add some colour. I used some vintage lace and little pearls on her nightdress for accents. I sponged all the edges to deepen the colour. Inside I used one of the pewter hardware pieces from SU! to hold the sentiment. Hope you like it and thanks for looking.

Edit: I found the FREE vintage image here on this site. It is just one of many sites to visit for wonderful images.

http://www.vintagestampers-freebees.blogspot.com/

Newest member of the family has arrived...

2010-08-17T16:47:00.001-07:00

Well, we finally found a little kitty that we fell in love with. Meet Phinnaeus A.K.A. Phinn. Although all the family members haven't embraced his name yet, I'm sure it will grow on him. He is adorable and very playful. Loves to run around and chase his little toy mice. Enjoy this little video.

Time flies....

2010-08-04T13:23:00.001-07:00

I made this card for a belated birthday for my brother-in-law. I thought the theme of time would be good and broke out these clear stamps. I got to use some hardware with the new antique brads from SU! and a clasp from Tim Holtz Ideology collection. I also used one of the teenie tiny clips from SU!--so cute. I distressed the edges with vintage distress ink and used the crackle background stamp For cardstock, I used the new early espresso cardstock from SU! It's pretty neutral but I like it just the same. TFL.

My first digital scrap page contest...

2010-07-13T16:18:00.000-07:00

Well I decided it was time to join in the fun and submit this page for the digital scrapping challenge. The emphasis was on distressing and torn edges. I decided to use this beautiful picture of my mom when she was nine years old taken in Indonesia just before the war broke out. I just love this one. She sent it to me when my daughter turned nine so they could see each other at the same age. Times were so different back then, I can't even imagine. I know my mom went through the most horrible nightmare as a child and now as an adult holds so much inside. She is truly amazing. What we go through these days is nothing compared to the pain and sadness she went through. I am happy that she shares what she can with us and know that it is never easy reliving the past. I love you mom.

Drawer box-- vintage style

2010-07-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

I had to try making this drawer box using Splitcoaststampers tutorial this week. I love it. So easy and fun to decorate. I chose one of the many FREE vintage images and added some crunchy scrunchy flowers made from vellum distressed with broken china ink. TFL.

You're never too old to say "THANK YOU"...CIC#15

2010-07-04T20:27:00.001-07:00

I've entered this card into my first challenge contest CIC15. Another card using one of the many FREE vintage images. I kept the layout pretty similar to my other card using vintage elements. This time used pinks and vanilla and distressed the edges with distress inks. Lots of pearls to accent and the crunchy flowers made from vellum. I love making these flowers. Thanks for looking.

Stamps: Clear dollar stamps family heritage, digital image FREE, Craft Lounge "Thank you"on inside of card

Paper: SU! very vanilla, black, basic grey DP, vellum

Ink: memento black, distress ink

antique linen, pink pirouette SU!

Accessories: pearls, crotchet lace, nestabilities oval + scallop, dimensionals, glue dots, corner rounder, scallop punch, 1" and 1 1/4" punches for flowers, lace border punch SU!, sponging

A wee bit of candy you say.... just a WHIFF

2010-06-05T20:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm trying to win some blog candy at one of my most favourite stamp stores Whiff of Joy. Please visit http://www.katharina1704.blogspot.com to check it out. I have almost all the gnome/elfy stamps and some others and love how perfect they stamp each and every time. The quality is a 10 and the designs are over the top.

``Easel`` to look at...

2010-06-03T16:20:00.000-07:00

Isn`t this image just the nicest. It was a FREE vintage download (can`t remember the site right now). I matched the light blue under the hat with soft sky SU! (perfect match) and added crotched lace and pearls to create a vintage feel. I made 3 scrunchy, crunchy flowers using french script SU! inked with linen distress ink and stamped onto vellum. I then punched out 5 scallop circles and 1 1/4 inch circle, 1 inch circle and 1/2 circle punches (2 each of these). I inked up the edges with faded jeans distress ink and added some more linen distress ink on top. Centered a brad to hold the layers and popped a pearl on top. Oh yah, I scrunched the circles too. I cut out my image using oval nestabilities and layered it on top of a scalloped nestie. For the inside of the card, I used pearls for the `stopper` and added some vanilla hardware with the sentiment `Fabulous friend`inside. Finished it off with vanilla satin ribbon SU! Using the easel card technique will show off the card perfectly. TFL.

DZ doodles digital images

2010-05-20T11:31:00.000-07:00

Wow, I'm so impressed with the images from DZdoodles. And how fun to colour. Check out the hundreds of images they have for purchase. http://www.dzdoodles.com/ These images are of Thelma and I coloured her with copics. I then used some of SU! Pink Flamingo DP and brightened her up some more. The sentiments were rub-ons from SU! Thanks for looking and have a great stampin' day.

A day at the beach

2010-05-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

Thought I better get a MDS page done for my son since I had done one of my daughter. I went with a "grafitti" look. Again in black and white. Hope you like it. TFL.

Yet another MDS.....I'm hooked!!

2010-05-13T22:20:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad I revisited MDS! I just love creating pages of my guys and now that I have been playing around with some of the cool features i.e. vintage overlays, using photos as background paper etc. I can't seem to stop making page after page. I am going to print them as I make them and create a personal journey album for each child. I can see myself making some for the grandparents for xmas. How fun. Thanks for looking. Go to MDS and try out some of the effects. You'll be surprised at how addictive it will get.

MDS re-visited

2010-05-13T00:47:00.000-07:00

After seeing the latest MDS creation on Jan Tinklenberg's blog http://www.stampspaperscissors.typepad.com/ I knew I had to try my hand at using a photo as a background paper. It was so easy thanks to her directions. I chose a 5X7 landscape layout and clicked on background papers, chose a photo.Then I clicked again on background papers and chose one of any number of DP designs and added it as a layer. I then readjusted the opacity to about 70% or so to show the picture through the paper. Really cool effect. You can see the faint image of my son running in his baseball uniform. The next page is of my daughter at one of the track meets. I had fun adding the sentiment and embellishments to this page. Hope you like them. Happy digital scrapping.

Don't throw out anything old!!

2010-05-10T12:02:00.000-07:00

I came across these old vintage like dutch postcards and knew I had to use this image for my mom's birthday card. This will remind her of her Tante Nora who played such an important and crucial role in her life. She was a saint. And one thing that I remember is that she was always finding humour in everything. Sometimes you wish some people you meet in your life could always be there forever. She truly was a beautiful person inside and out. Anyways, my mom will love it. No stamping on this one. Just layering and glueing. Pretty simple really but I love how it turned out. Sometimes simple is just as elegant as complex. Thanks for looking.

A Whiff of Mother's Day ....

2010-05-09T23:40:00.000-07:00

Well, here is my mother's day card, obviously late but never-the-less on its way tomorrow. I had coloured this image awhile ago with my copics and decided to cut it out and pop it up with dimensionals. The sentiment is digital from http://www.birdsblog.com/ and the yellow paper is digital paper from Lauren Meader's store http://www.mytimemadeeasy.com/ . The small printed paper is also from Lauren's store. I dressed up the inside with images and a sentiment from SU! and coloured the square stamped image with coordinating colours to match the colours from the front of the card. Thanks for looking and happy stamping.

Digital stamp from Karen's Doodles

2010-05-06T10:48:00.000-07:00

Wow I love how this little girl colours up. This image is from http://www.karensdoodles.blogspot.com/ This is a nice springy card I made for a friend. I used some crystal effects on the bouquet to make it stand out some more. I coloured her with copic markers and used my oval nestabilities to put her on. Thanks for looking.

Happy stamping.

Scrappy dooo.....

2010-04-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

Well, here is my attempt at scrapping. I'm pretty pleased. Love the colours and all the embellishments. This is going to a very special friend. She loves pastels and vintage-y things. Hope you like it. Thanks for stopping by.

Manly yes, but I like it too...

2010-03-28T23:07:00.000-07:00

Birthday card for hubbie. I hadn't used this stamp set, Autumn Days from SU! since I got it way back when and thought that it would be nice for a manly card. I really like how it turned out. Hope you like it too. I like the browns and the different tones.

Vintage Lady

2010-03-14T23:11:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to post a card I made in the vintage style. I love the papers and the lace ribbon I found at a discount store. TFL. Happy stamping.

Easter Bunny basket made by my daughter

2010-03-14T22:49:00.000-07:00

Well, we searched and searched and came across this cute punch bunny. Of course, we immediately had to fill it with chocolates but then something happened. The chocolates disappeared!! Those darn bunnies I tell ya'. Hope you like it. Thanks to this lovely lady for the inspiration. http://www.lindawalshstampinup.weebly.com/ under February 2010 postings.

Embrace Life my friend

2010-02-18T23:21:00.001-08:00

Well, I had to make a thank you card for someone who did a very kind gesture for my husband and I. We had both forgotten to bring our wallets and we had planned to go for lunch in between doctor's appointments and our kind hearted friend just out and gave us money for lunch. We really had only met her two or three times but we instantly connected and so this card was born. I decided to use Embrace Life from SU! and used the new scallop border punch combined with a retired DP. I still had these retired note cards hanging around and actually quite like the long skinny layout. I added some stickles for a bit of sparkle. Thanks for stopping by. Have a peaceful day and remember, it really brightens up someone's day when someone does something nice for them. Try it!!

Karen

How not to make a SHAKER box...

2010-02-15T20:15:00.000-08:00

Well, I was so excited to buy the Shaker stacker template from PapertreyInk that I don't think I read the instructions very well. I made so many mistakes I contemplated throwing this one out. But I decided to finish it and use it as my what not to do example. Please look closely and see how many "oops" you find. I will keep this one for myself and I will make more, this time taking my time and doing it right!! You just gotta laugh though. Well, off to try it again. Thanks for stopping by.

Karen

A little note....

2010-02-13T13:54:00.000-08:00

I was in the mood for a little birdie card and I came up with this one. Stamps are from Crafty Secrets and the large background stamp is from SU! I used the scallop border and corner punches from SU! as well. I distressed and sponged the edges with vintage distress ink. Added some unknown ribbon and a little lock and key charm for added interest. Thanks for looking. Have a happy day.

Princess Kitty take 2

2010-02-12T13:28:00.000-08:00

Another attempt at princess kitty from http://www.karensdoodles.blogspot.com/ . I love colouring this little feline. I saw another card done in greens and wow, I was impressed. Hope you like it. I added paper from Basic Grey, added a scalloped border/corners from SU! punches, used a little diamond green rhinestone, coloured with copics and used various spellbinders. Thanks for stopping by. The sentiment was a freebie from Verve. I love how the "V" is so elegant.

Karen

Easter purples...

2010-02-08T15:57:00.001-08:00

Here is my 2nd card using some seasonal images from Crafty Secrets. Not too fond of purple but this colour combo really strikes my fancy. I love the vintagey look to this one. I also made an accordian flower using some designer paper from basic grey and finished it off with some 1/2 pearls. A little bit of piercing and Bob's your uncle. Thanks for stopping by and happy stamping.

Karen

I finally did it!!

2010-02-07T23:09:00.000-08:00

Yes, I finally did it. I finally used my first image out of my Crafty Secrets booklet Seasonal Images + Journal Notes. I love all these old vintage images. And I am thrilled with my card. I used Basic Grey porcelain paper teamed up with so saffron, very vanilla and baja breeze from SU!. I also made my first scrunchy, crunchy vintage flower having followed this tutorial from Dawn McVey www.dawnmcvey.typepad.com . Wonderful video. I distressed all the edges and sponged with distress ink vintage photo. I will be making more cards using images from this book in the next week. I am pumped!! Thanks for stopping by. The card layout was inspired by Kelly Lunceford http://www.flutterbyatomicbutterfly.blogspot.com/ when I saw the card she made with the queen of hearts. Love this blog.

Karen

Karen's doodles (and they're not mine!!)

2010-02-07T11:39:00.000-08:00

I came across this site http://www.karensdoodles.blogspot.com/ when surfing for digi images and it just so happens that she was offering a FREE digi stamp. Wow, what great detail in every image. I chose this one because I have a special friend who is know as the "queen" at work and I thought she would like this one. I had alot of fun colouring it with my copic markers and wanted to try the easel card layout (never did it before).The tutorial can be found on Splitcoast here http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ . I love how it displays the card. I chose to use 2 half pearls for the catchment part and also used the fleur-des-lis punch by EK. Designer paper is from SU! called Sending Love Specialty. The words "If the crown fits" comes from http://www.cleardollarstamps.com/ and the other sentiment is from SU! Simply Said. I found some clear circle tags at one our local dollar stores. I also used nesties label one set and popped it up with dimensionals. Digi stamps are so great as I find I can print a full page and colour them at my leisure and then create cards when I need them. I just have to find a layout and colour scheme with the yummy designer paper. Thanks for stopping by.

Karen

Ready for more blog candy--check out this site

2010-01-31T12:40:00.000-08:00

A beautiful blog by Claudia ... she has 2 new Whiff of Joy stamps available to give to a lucky winner. Check out her site here. www.rosaswelt.blogspot.com/2010/01/whiff-of-joy-sneek-peek-candy.html

Yet another chance to win!!

2010-01-28T13:25:00.000-08:00

If you want to win more blog candy click on this link and enter to win. Contest open until February 11, 2010.

www.allpinkgirl.blogspot.com/2010/01/inkadinks-mega-blog-candy.html

Good luck and may the force by with you, or at least be with me. I want to win too!!

Thanks for coming for a visit.

Karen

Huge blog candy

2010-01-26T14:05:00.000-08:00

Blog Candy is now closed and winner has been chosen.

Who wouldn't love to get 100 FREE magnolia images. I know I would. Here's your chance. Just click on the link below to check it out. Good luck.
You will receive 5 pages of 20 images FREE. Here's the link:

http://handmadebyvivi.blogspot.com/2009/12/blog-candy-to-celebrate-my-designer.html

It looks like "rein" "deer"

2010-01-25T21:00:00.001-08:00

Two more cards using Whiff of Joy stamps http://www.whiffofjoy.com/ , Charlotte with reindeer and Wee and reindeer. I coloured both using my copic markers--love them!!! I added some cordoroy button brads and stickles on her headband and for the bells on the reindeer's collar on Charlotte's card and some SU! buttons on Wee's card. I've tried to use a collection of designer paper to add colour and pizzazz. The paper then dictates the palette. I am known to "hoard" a few packs of paper and just love them all, it's hard to use them. Any one else have this love of paper? I thought so. It's OK as long as you admit it. Enjoy the cards and happy stamping.

Karen

Singing Charlotte and Need a lift?

2010-01-23T14:48:00.000-08:00

Here are two more cards one using Whiff of Joy stamp "singing Charlotte" www.whiffofjoy.com and the other one, my newly arrived set comprising of bras and funny sayings from Skipping Stones Design

http://www.skippingstonesdesign.com/ Check out their site. They have an assortment of humourous stamps for all occasions. Have a super day and happy stamping.

Win $100 at Studio 313 --Clear Dollar Stamps

2010-01-20T22:58:00.000-08:00

STUDIO 313 -- Have you seen it? You should. Check out Clear Dollar Stamps and link up to this stamp designer.

How does $100 to spend on stamps or supplies appeal to you? Well, you can win this by going to this blog to enter into a contest for the chance to win.

www.shawneindiangirl.blogspot.com/

Here you will find a wonderful artist displaying beautiful projects and cards using stamps, ink and paper. Check it out, you won't be dissappointed. To see her stamp designs, please click on this link below. This will take you to Studio 313 creations by Shawne.

http://www.cleardollarstamps.com/products.php?cat=50

Wee wee wee

2010-01-10T21:45:00.000-08:00

I've found some new and funky stamps from Switzerland from a company called Whiff of Joy. These whimsical gnomes (Wee and bird, tree, and drum) are so fun to colour and I really loved putting them together with all the colourful designer papers. I also purchased some copic markers and tried my hand at blending. I love how easy they are to use and also how they look so nice once you're finished. Hope you like them. I have one more to create but you'll have to wait until tomorrow to see it.

Thanks for looking.

Karen

Slider, shaker and pull card

2010-01-10T12:27:00.000-08:00

How fun is this. I finally got to try out making a slider and pull card. The shaker card I had made before but usually had a Christmas theme or birthday theme to it. The Valentine's theme was just perfect. I love the mix of the pink and red chunky glitter.

My ever-so-accommodating upline Alison always lets me join her classes at the very last minute and I am grateful for that. I just live down the street so it is so very easy to drop in. Thank you Alison. I absolutely love how these cards turned out. I know I will be making more. All cards used SU! products and of course they all coordinate so famously.

Have a great day and happy stamping.

Karen

More tags

2010-01-05T13:21:00.000-08:00

Here are some other tags I made using some new stamps that just came in the mail. Hope you like them. The tag with the fairies uses the rolled marble technique and dazzling diamonds. The other tag uses distress stickles on the birds and crystal effects on the "a little note" scroll. Thanks for looking.

Karen

2010-01-05T10:48:00.000-08:00

Here is a set of cards and tags I made as a gift. I loved using the snowflake die from SU! It was so easy and really added a focal point to the card. Hope you like them.

We just had to dress the cats up like santa in their red coats. Miso didn't mind so much but Tanji (orange cat) was not impressed. We had to bribe him by putting his favourite toy in front of him--his string. Thanks for looking.

Karen

I'm back!!

2010-01-05T10:42:00.000-08:00

I've been delving into a new area for me...vintage. I just love all the cards/tags I've been seeing on the web and have fallen in love with the old style especially vintage santas. Here are some tags I made having seen Tim Holtz 12 tags of Christmas. Check out his website for more details. http://www.timholtz.typepad.com/

Has it been that long? Multiple posts

2009-06-17T09:35:00.000-07:00

Just wanting to share some cards that I have done over the last month. Been away for awhile....

I had to try out the flower pot card that I've seen so many times. This was so fun. And so easy when you have the die cut for the leaf shape. I also completed a box card/pop up card using some rub-ons. I kept it simple and easy and really like how it looks. It folds down flat so mailing is a snap. Next are some cards that I made for my son's baseball coaches. Their team The BlueJays won the playoffs and now Axel has been selected to be on the AllStar team to represent New West in another tournament. This is quite something as this is Axel's rookie year in baseball and he has shown great skill and ability. Way to go Axel. I wanted the card to be a bit flashy so I embossed on the textured card stock and it really pops. I created a "roster" type signing area for all the players to sign their names. We also gave the coaches an autographed team picture (with trophy) and the boys signed their names on the matting and said a few words of thanks. What a great season.

Last club night we finally made the build-a-brad bracelets courtesy of Patty Bennett. She has full instructions on her blog and they turned out so elegant. Here are just a few of the completed bracelets. It was a little tricky getting the rhinestones to lay flat but the larger brads were a snap. So many possibilities with this project.

Happy stamping.

Karen

a couple of tramps...

2009-05-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

I must share this video of my kids on their new found trampoline (thanks to my very bestest of friends, Gayle). They are in heaven. Just watch the video.

Karen

Amazing watercolour technique...

2009-04-30T16:05:00.000-07:00

Have you tried it?? I just did!! It's amazing. The new watercolour technique. This technique originated from Crystal French from Denver, and was demonstrated at the Stampin' Up! Seattle Regional Seminar by Connie Ingram. It is so easy. Just ink up an outline image with versamark, emboss with white or other coloured embossing powder. Spritz your image with a water spray bottle enough so you actually see the droplets on the paper. I've used regular whisper white paper and vellum. Then drop several drops of reinker ink onto a palette and using your aquapainter, dip into a colour one at a time and touch an area on your image and the colour "flows" into the space with the water that is there. Amazing. The lilies were done on whisper white card stock and the rose was done on vellum. Quite different effects but so beautiful. I will be showing this technique at my stampers club meeting next month.

Happy stamping...

Karen

Finally!! Here are the swap cards!

2009-04-16T10:51:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in my previous entry, here are the other creations in the East-West swap that I had the privilege to be included in.

The first group of cards are from Alison Solven. In the top card she used the Sense of Time stamp set and in my opinion has perfected the Soot technique. It is perfect for this set. Her other cards are using Soft Summer (and my ultimate favourite DP Parisian Breeze) and Great Friend sets(my favourite colour). These two sets I believe are going to be very popular.

The next group of cards belongs to Liane Binder. I love how she popped up the butterfly and frayed the edge of the white satin ribbon. Also, adding the pearls gives it such elegance.

She also chose Sense of Time stamp set and combinedit with a background stamp "Sanded" to add texture.

The next set of cards belongs to Elaine Paget. She used the new printed window sheets to show off their beauty. I've heard she is the queen of 3D and now I see why.

Her spinner card is fabulous and I love how the images appear as you turn the wheel. Her last card used the Forest Friends set. The deer is so cute and this little card sits on top of your desk like a tree. Very clever.

The next group of cards belongs to Mo Dickie (sister of Alison). I love how she made the scallop circle into a card and also love the added sparkle to the butterfly. It really catches your eye.

What a great card for the Sense of Time set. Stamping on acetate allows for the use of many stamps. In her last card, she chose to use the Top note die cut using the Big Shot to enhance the clock face. How perfect. I can see this set being used for many masculine cards.

Another group of cards belong to Leslie. Wow, her colours are fabulous and using the pretties flower and pearl really adds elegance to her card. She also used the Great Friend stamp set (see I told you it was going to be popular) for two of her cards. All three of her cards use great colour combinations and they really "pop". Thanks.

The last group of cards belongs to Pam Lee.

She chose to use the stamp set And Many Mower. How funny.

I love the humour in this set. Perfect for the man in your life.

She paired it up with the fabulous designer paper called Manchester.

Love the colours! Her third card used the new scallop oval punch that coordinates with the stamp set Oval All. Wow, thanks for sharing.

East west swap...it's all good

2009-04-02T17:43:00.000-07:00

Well, I was asked to join a swap to highlight the new mini catalogue and I was delighted to do so. We were to make 21 cards - 3 designs - 7 each. I decided to use the Just beachy, Sense of time and Scene in a garden sets from SU! now available to anyone who wants them until June 30th, 2009.

This first card uses pink flamingo DP and the stamp set Scene in a Garden. I added crystal effects to the boots so that they would look wet. You can't see it but the words say "I miss you". This set also comes with a windmill, flower pots, pumpkins and gourds and a tall reed flower in a pot. Very versatile and fun to use.

The next card uses Sense of Time set and I've paired it up with Manhattan DP. This card could be for the man in your life as it comes out quite masculine. I used the scallop edge punch, corner rounder punch and circle cutter to add different shapes and layered these with dimensionals.

This last card I did uses the Just Beachy stamp set. I wanted to make it look like the fish were under water blowing bubbles. I used the large hole punch on the crop-o-dile for the small circles and layered the other circles using 1 1/4 and 1 3/8 circle punches. The open circles stamped on the bashful blue cs is from A Good Egg set. It's hard to see but I used the new Walk in the park DP as one of the layers. The circles on it seemed to fit perfectly.

I will be posting the other swap cards soon so you can see all the talent these ladies have -- east to west. Thanks for looking and happy stamping.

Karen

Squash is good...

2009-04-02T11:05:00.000-07:00

I saw a tutorial on Dawn Griffith's blog on how to create a squash book and so I added it to my monthly stamp club projects. We did an Easter theme but this book could be about anything. It's all about the folding and is quite simple to put together. It would make a really nice little photo book for mother's day or easter or a birthday filled with pictures of the family or a sports event. I used the stamp set "A good egg" from SU! and used raspberry tart designer paper to decorate the inside. Try one and send it to someone special.

Another project that we completed at my monthly stamp club was making a frosted cocktail glass complete with a scratch and sniff strawberry as a garnish. We traced a small cup onto paper and then used this as a template on the vellum and cut out the shape. We sponged 2 colours of ink onto the vellum and added sticky strip to the top and covered with chunky glitter to add the "sugar rim". We then used craft ink to stamp the strawberry and added a mixture of koolaid and clear embossing powder (1 tbsp koolaid and 1 1/2 tbsp clear EP) and used the heat gun to set. We attached the cup to a sponged background using sticky dots and made sure we bent the cup up before adhering the last side to give it a roundish appearance. I used an old hostess stamp set for the greeting. Everyone loved it and I think it turned out really nice. The strawberry really smells of strawberry when you scratch it. Thanks for looking. Happy stamping.

A hole-in-one

2009-03-21T21:21:00.000-07:00

I love it when people punch holes in the cardstock. It's like peek-a-boo. I combined a few stamp sets on this card...Inspired by Nature , a level 2 hostess set Echoes of Kindness and Flight of the Butterfly. These sets seem to work well together -- something SU! strives to achieve-- versatility and coordinating images. I added some dazzling diamonds around the edges of the flower petals to add a little sparkle (courtesy of my daughter). She really has a great eye for detail and she often gives me "pointers". I backed the front onto a piece of textured designer paper called Parisian Breeze (my ultimate fav) and then added a little narrow eyelet scallop edge to the bottom of the front flap. Thanks for looking and happy stamping.

Karen

Bloomin' beautiful but sad...

2009-03-11T22:09:00.000-07:00

Well, my friend's dad just passed away and I made this sympathy card for her. It seems lately, more and more people are leaving us but I guess that is all just part of life. My friend just purchased this stamp set and I knew she loved it. I also stamped part of the inside to add colour. Hope you like it. Hope everyone is happy and having fun. Happy stamping.

Karen

Blog candy give away

2009-03-05T13:59:00.000-08:00

I wish I could say it is from me but I can't. A fellow BC stamper is giving away a whole-lotta goodies on her blog http://paperintheworks.blogspot.com/ . I feel like we are neighbours as we are only one body of water away from each other. Also my dear momma lives on one of the gulf islands which is even closer to Kim. Kim's blog is nothing short of amazing. Her ability to paper tole and add colour is extremely creative. Her blog has had 100,000 hits and now she wants to share the love. Congratulations Kim and here's to 100 more.
Karen

It's lookin' like spring...something to sale-a-brate

2009-03-03T17:56:00.000-08:00

If there is any colour that says "spring" it is yellow. Daffodils, tulips, irises crocuses all yellow. I thought the perfect colour to make my next matchbook box filled with chocolate (because chocolate knows no boundries when it comes to season) would be yellow to signify spring has begun to arrive. I wanted to use some of the Sale-a-bration gifts I got from Stampin'UP and so I paired up some of the delicate dot designer papers with the new textured Parisian breeze paper and made myself a masterpiece. I tried making another scallopped flower and this time it was alot easier the second time around. I topped it off with a button and hemp thread. I also got to use one of the stamp sets "Yummy" for my sentiment and the so saffron grosgrain ribbon. The box itself was made using so saffron textured card stock. I love how SU! coordinates their products so that mixing them up together is a breeze. I filled this box with "kisses" and will keep it close by. Happy stamping and thanks for looking. Go out and check your garden... you'll be surprised to see what has popped up.

Karen

I bought it!! Becky's tote-ally awesome tote

2009-02-25T22:23:00.001-08:00

Well, as soon as I bought this fabulous tutorial to make this amazing suitcase complete with bloomin' cards, bookmarks, notepad, and that darn cute suitcase I ran downstairs to collect my supplies. Everything was in order except for those nasty little adhesive velcro dots. Where did I put those? I know we have some... maybe I used them to hang those small pictures on the wall, or did I use them all when I made that marvvvvalous carousel purse from "Jan Tink"? All I knew was that I wasn't going to waste any more time looking for them ... my tote was a-waitin'. Isn't it jor-juice!! You have to visit Becky Roberts blog here to get your own.

http://www.inkingidaho.blogspot.com/ Go now and then come back of course. Thanks for looking and happy stamping.

Karen

Matchbox in Paris...

2009-02-24T17:37:00.000-08:00

Thanks to http://www.flutterbyatomicbutterfly.blogspot.com/ for such inspiration to make this elegant box using the new textured Parisian DP from Stampin'Up! It's so easy to put together and following the instructions was a breeze. This was the first time I tried the scallop flower (see http://www.memystampsandi.blogspot.com/) and while it did take some patience trying to stick it together it turned out just right. I also watercoloured the little swallow stamp (also from SU!) and added some itty bitty background on top. The image was stamped on very vanilla cs and was layered onto baja breeze. Both these were cut out using my nesties and cuttlebug. I think I will give this to my next hostess at one of my card classes. Not sure what I will fill it with yet but of course, one item will be chocolate.

Twistin' the night away...

2009-02-22T21:48:00.000-08:00

Well, just made a few thank you favours for my "All Occasion" card class tomorrow night. I was given these instructions and given a private demonstration by one of my club members Susan, who just amazed me at how she could make these so fast. I tried and tried but could not get the twistin' right. After many failed attempts, I realized I was scoring on the wrong side and therefore, there was no way it was gonna twist for me. Now, I believe I've got it!! And I'm so thrilled. I've filled these with truffle chocolates and kisses and each person who signed up for my class will get to choose a treat and have their very own "twisted" treat box. These could be the perfect favours for birthdays, weddings, Easter, or Valentine's. I've used the new Good Morning Sunshine designer paper from SU! You start with a 6X6 piece so you can make 4 out of one piece of DP. How cool is that!! Lots of scoring (goes quick if you have a scor-pal) and twistin' and voila.... your own twisted treat box. Well, time to eat the left over chocolate. It always seems that you just can't fit all the chocolate in so I guess it's my duty to consume it. Wish me luck.

Karen

Ya' gotta love 'em

2009-02-11T14:16:00.000-08:00

This is for animal lovers out there. I was on the computer and was looking over at the cats on the bed snuggling nicely under their cat blanket when Tangi starts cleaning Miso's face. OMG!! I ran for the camera to catch it on video. We adopted these two last summer and they are like two peas in a pod. Very different personalities but equally endearing. And they sure do take care of each other. Hope you enjoy the video. Karen

Oh my sweet Valentine

2009-02-11T13:31:00.000-08:00

Well, this year I said to my mom, "Let's all send Valentine's to each other this year". She says" well, I'm not really into Valentine's so I don't think so". Well, what came in the mail today...you guessed it... a valentine's card from my mom. The little stinker made one and I thought it was a no go so of course I was letting it go but now I quickly made up one to send in the mail today. I have seen so many Season of Friendship cards using hearts for "the leaves" that I knew exactly which one I would make. I gathered lots of ideas from SCS and this is my creation. I got to use my nesties for the scallop circle and the framed circle inside and popped up the hearts on the branches. I added a little bird in pink pirourette perched at the bottom of the tree. My greeting comes from "Happy Heart Day" stamp set. Hope you like it. I think mom will be surprised to get this one in the mail. Happy stamping.

Karen

Valentine's bundle

2009-02-05T18:58:00.000-08:00

I'm going to offer this sweet but simple Valentine's class this year. I found this suspension card tutorial http://dawnsstampingthoughts.typepad.com/dawns_stamping_thoughts/2008/01/valentine-supen.html and made a Valentine's card. I paired it up with a cute heart treat container I found at Michaels and filled a cello bag with Hershey Kisses in silver and red. I then just added a "Happy Valentine's Day" tag and tied it with some organza ribbon. It's cute and simple and filled with chocolate. Happy Stamping.
Karen

Gotta love Purdy's chocolate

2009-01-30T20:13:00.001-08:00

I've been playing around making little boxes and found this one, perfect for some Purdy's chocolate hearts. I left the window open but you could also put a circle of acetate on the inside to close it off. The DP make it so beautiful and I really love to give these as gifts. Hope you like it.

P.S. I found my inspiration from Julie Buhler's blog www.paperpleasing.typepad.com so please check it out. She has alot of lovely projects.

Karen

Milk does a body good

2009-01-30T20:06:00.000-08:00

I recently purchased this tutorial from Becky Roberts http://www.inkingidaho.blogspot.com/ to make these adorable milk boxes nestled inside a carrying case. This could be used for christmas, valentine's or easter with lots of room for hiding chocolates, socks, little treats etc. Very fun to make and so cute to give. Check out her blog and if you're interested, for only about $5.00 canadian you can purchase your own multi paged directions to make one for yourself. Great for a class for easter I'm thinkin'... I made mine with Valentine's in mind hence the pink and red. Happy stamping.

Karen

All occasion - finally!!

2009-01-30T19:31:00.000-08:00

Well, finally I've put together an "all occasion" card class for my gals at work. I'll be bringin' an arm load of greetings for them to choose from. The class will be making 8 cards in total (2 of each design). I'm trying to do more masculine cards so I included a few here. I'm having fun with my new SU! goodies from the new catalogue. I really love the DP again (not a surprise) and especially the new textured DP. Great for boxes and other 3D projects. I love the funky tree stamp set and will play around with this set soon. Well, happy stamping and good night.

Karen

Scrapbooking revisited...

2009-01-15T21:43:00.000-08:00

Well, it was time to try scrapbooking again. This time one page for each child. Thought I'd do a Valentine theme and try doing different techniques. This is a 6X6 page stepped up to a 8X8 and I chose a nine block pattern. Thank you to Alison Solven for inspiring my with this layout. She did a page awhile back using the same pattern and I fell in love with it. I did the heart using faux metal technique, glittered the chipboard letter, sponged the chipboard heart and used rub-ons for my words. Since there were many colours, I printed the photos in black and white. This was one of the projects for one of my club nights. I think framing each page and hanging them on the wall would be an alternate way of displaying the pages. Thanks for looking and happy stamping.
Karen

What do you do with your empty SU boxes?

2008-12-30T21:02:00.000-08:00

I know many of you have empty SU boxes sitting around the house. Well, our cats decided to claim them as their own and use them as sleeping beds. How cute is that. You see, every part of SU is useful. It doesn't end when you empty your goodies out and drool over your new toys. The cats are waiting for the discards so they can drool too. Have a great day. Happy stamping.

Karen

Recipe Book

2008-12-30T20:51:00.000-08:00

I finally made a recipe book using my Bind-it-All and the Voila and From the kitchen of stamp sets from SU!. I really like the layout I chose and the colours. I decided to use the new Raspberry Tart DP that will be coming out in January 2009. The corresponding colours are kiwi kiss, rose red, real red, pretty in pink and cameo coral. I used all these colours in the body of the book as accents so the colours all coordinated. It was a lot of work but well worth it. Now, I have to figure out how to turn this into a class but big problem...only one stamp set. I'll have to think about that one. Happy stamping.

Karen

Where there is snow, there is fun to be had!

2008-12-28T20:38:00.000-08:00

Well, with all the snowfall, we had to go to our local snow hill to toboggan down the hills. The kids had a blast as well as dad. He decided to put his lawn chair on top of the sled and try his luck going down the hill. He actually made it all the way down. What a hoot. We haven't seen this much snow for years and the kids are having so much fun. I love snow!! Well, happy stamping.

Karen

Snowfall and cats

2008-12-21T22:59:00.000-08:00

Well, we've had quite a snowfall today and yesterday. Of course, we had to take the cats outside so they could experience the fluffy stuff for the first time. They truly enjoyed digging under it and rolling around in it. They are so funny. Our orange tabby, Tanji, really gets excited and wants to go outside all the time. Our grey tabby, Miso, is more cautious but still likes to dig around. Couldn't resist snapping some pictures. Enjoy. Lastly, here is a picture of the two flaked out on a blanket snuggling together, warm and happy.

Karen

Christmas card and gift certificate

2008-12-21T22:47:00.000-08:00

A few more cards to show and a sample of a gift certificate for my mom from my sister. The template is from Stampin'Up! and fits perfectly as a standard card size. Love it!! I used Frosty Day DP for criss cross card for the gift certificate. The other card uses Merry and Bright stamp set from SU! and Ski Slope and Frosty Day DP as well. I also used my nestibilities to frame the little snowman and added some CC ribbon. He's so cute. Too bad this stamp set is retiring but what a deal at 10% off and if you can combine the free shipping promotion (if order is $100 or more), this is a double great deal. A few more to go (leaving it to the last minute...) but love each and every one. Happy stamping.

Karen