Floss Fun Winner!

The results of the Moxie Fab Fun with Floss Challenge was announced this morning, and I WON!  There were so many great entries, my favorite was from Stampin Mommy, I loved her crocheted flowers!  In my original post, I expressed how hard this challenge was for me, so to be acknowledged for this just makes me shine inside!  Thanks Moxie Fab!

Over Embellished?

I created 2 of the most over worked and over embellished cards today.  This is totally NOT my style.  The first one isn't too bad, but the second....could there be anymore elements?!? 

This first one is based on the card sketch at 2Sketches4U, but I flipped it over and added the pearls at the bottom for the strip in the sketch.   I had crocheted the flower last night out of embroidery floss, thinking I would make another card for the Fun with Floss challenge at Moxie Fab, but it got late and I decided to go to bed.  I couldn't let it go to waste, so I decided to use it today, hence the vintage style of this card. 

The color scheme is from the PTI March DT Challenge, and I used lisa Johnson's color scheme.  Since I don't have PTI papers, I used my SU! Whisper White, Blush Blossom, Kraft and Chocolate Chip.  The stamps are from the Verve "Because of You" stamp set.  I think this will go to Rob's Grandmother Tierney. 

This second one...I'm not sure what I was thinking.  Perhaps Rob laced my Crystal Light with something.  I was making it for the Embellish challenge, but will have to create something else for that.  I won't even go into what I did to it, I'd be typing all night.  This one will go to Rob's mom, she'll like it.  Let me know what you think!

Floss fun

When the Fun with Floss challenge was first posted at Moxie Fab, I was a bit turned off.  My opinion of embroidery floss crafts have been 'country kitchy', I've only ever seen it used for cross-stitch.  Now don't get me wrong, there are very talented cross-stitchers that make AMAZING works of art.  I tried it when I was younger, but never really could focus long enough to make a perfect final project.  My stitches were always off or uneven resulting in a sloppy creation.

  

I must remember these challenge creators are here for a purpose: create a challenge to make us think outside the box.  I picked up a few floss colors I liked and sat on them.  Inspiration didn't hit me - until last night.  It kept me up for a while as I contimplated the way to make a non-kitchy card with floss.  This is what I came up with.  The opposite of country ktichy style (I hope).  I used my SU! tools kit paper piercer to punch the holes out first then sewed them up into little squares. 

Originally I had stamped a sentiment where the button is, but I didn't like how it turned out.  I came up with the button with french knots to cover up the mistake and reflect the pattern of the squares and unexpected circle.  A little hello from Amazing to Zany and voila!

Hoppin' Happy!

I participated in at blog hop over at No Time to Stamp, it's a great site that is not only a blog but also a retail shop.  Sharon over there creates beautiful cards that have a french vintage feel and completes them off with GORGEOUS silk and various ribbons.  I found her blog a few weeks back and decided to get some of her silk and velvet ribbons this week.  I placed my order and played in her blog hop, which is if you didn't  know, a hop thru blogs of the designers of on the particular site.  Each makes a card based on the hop's theme.  When you visit their site, you post a comment (if you'd like) and you're entered into the prize giveaway.  For each post you make, a new entry. 

The reason I'm informing you of how this works, is that I won!  Sharon is giving me this Stamp Simply Webster’s Avenue Postcards from Paris Kit!  (are you jelous yet?)  I have been coveting her ribbons and had to break down to buy some, now I have even more to create with! 

Here's all this kit contains (and is for sale at her blog store)

• 1 pad Webster’s Pages Petite Papers (6×6) - Postcards from Paris/Sweet as Cherry Pie - 36 double sided sheets (some shown)
• 1 CD type package of 18 Journaling Cards by Webster’s Pages
• 4 packages of Kaiser Pearls - Blush, Bliss, Champagne, Chocolate
• 3 yds 1.5″ Striped Grosgrain Ribbon - Burgundy/ivory
• 3 yds 3/8″ Striped Grosgrain Ribbon - Brown/ivory
• 6 yds 5/8″ Twill - 3 yds each Brown and Ivory
• 4 yds 1.25″ Crochet Lace - 2 yds each Brown and Pink
• 1 yd 3/4″ Velvet Ribbon - Brown
• 2 yds Velvet Zig Zag Ribbon - Raspberry
• 6 yds 1.25″ Silk Ribbon - 2 yds each Taupe, Pink, Moss

Since I am a paper and ribbon hoarder, she is enabling my addiction...THANK YOU!!!!

Wants vs needs

It's so hard to teach my daughter the difference between wants in needs.  It's a tough concept for a 5 year old to grasp, it's also hard for a 38 year old.  I have been introduced to the SRM stickers.  I want them.  Do I need them???  Yes.  I discovered this fact as I created this card for the Cardvarks Stuck on You challenge.  I only have stamp sentiments, no stickers.  I did happen to find a rub-on so I could at least do this challenge.  I need to order some of these fantastic stickers.  I've been drooling over some of the cards people have made with this great product, you can't even tell it's a sticker!!!!  Amazing!

Mojo hoo?

I think I like owls.  Everytime I see a new item on the market with an owl I just think 'how cute!'  I just got this new set from TPC Studio called Whimsical Birds.  I loved this owl and had to get the set.  (it also didn't hurt that it was 1/2 off!) 

This card is for this week's Mojo Monday.  I inked the stamp with Pretty in Pink, Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turqoise and Regal Rose markers and cut it out.  I shimmered it up with Art Accents Pink Princess glitter - isn't it cute!!!!!  I stamped the branch with Close to Cocoa marker on Creamy Caramel paper and made flowers and leaves with the Cricut.  The circle and the scallop backgound is also made with the Cricut (I'm LOVING my new Design Studio).  Swiss dot Cuttlebug folder on the right side of the Whisper White paper and stamped 'adorable' - cause he is!!

LOVE this combo!

I love this color combo, for everything!  This color blue is all over my house and my dining room is painted entirely this color.  It's so fresh and clean, it makes me aaahhhhhh....

When I saw the Play Date Cafe #18 color challenge, I was so excited!  I had to create a card right away so here it is.  I used Soft Sky, (my stash is quickly dwindling) and played with my Cricut again with the cut panel of Whisper White.  I like how delicate it is.  The second panel is glossy paper run thru the Cuttlebug with the Swiss Dot folder.  I then rubbed it with a spone dauber with Soft Sky ink.  It made the dots pop!  I used my new embossing pad for my Nestablities and make the sentiment on glossy paper and used the die as a mask and inked the center part of the piece.  I'm loving this look!  I ran the edge of my Basic Black marker along the edge of the paper to make it stand out bit.  It's finished off with black grosgrain ribbon and 3 mini black buttons - too cute!

Stuck on SvS02

Hi Ladies!

It's been a crazy week!  I planning an event called Hilliard Craft Camp for the American Cancer Society and the work has taken over my crafting time.  I'm sad to miss my time in my stampin' space, but it's all for a good cause.  Anyway, who needs sleep, or a clean house, or clean children...I guess I do.

I did get to do some work tonight, but since I'm behind, I've crammed several challenges into these cards.  First challenge is Trigger Tuesday at Moxie Fab.  It's a delightful card made by designer Kimberly Crawford and is published in the current Paper Crafts Magazine.  I made 2 cards for this challenge to go along with the challenge on this blog Simple vs Sophisticated.  I made the simple one first (surprize!) which I love!  I used my Cricut with the Calligraphy Collection cartidge to make the quatrefoil pattern out of whisper white paper.  I layered it on So Saffron and basic Black.  The main pannel is Kraft and wrapped a retired SU! ribbon around it.  I stamped the 'thank you' sentiment with black craft ink and used Black EP on it.  It's finished off with a pearl for the 'o' in you and a shite button with black bow.  Very simple - although it took me forever to figure out the Cricut part, but well worth it!

The second card I made for the Trigger Tuesday challenge is not my fave, but I still like it.  I used the layout from the Makeup 4 the Weekend #17.  It had a lot of components.  Same colors, I used some So Saffron DSP and cuttle bugged a piece with Argyle.  I used the Happy Harmony retired stamp set and a rub-on I had in a drawer I found.  I finally got an emobssing mat for my Nestabilites which I used on the sentiment pannedl.  I wish I had black silk ribbon for this card, but alas, it's not in yet.  I used my black polka-dot ribbon with a pearl for the center of the bow.  I again used the Cricut to make the 'scallop' edging at the bottom of the kraft panel and finished each point with a pearl.  WHEW!!!

Perky Pom-poms

I love pom-pm trim!  When I saw the Tuesday Trigger photo at Moxie Fab, I was inspired!  I have it all over in Lily's room and when Elizabeth grows up a bit, I'll probably put it all over her room too.  The lamp is too cute for a bright little girls room, and here's my take on it:

Party Animal

I bought this stamp set for $1, I just couldn't resist this chick!  It's got this sassy little look on it's face, like 'Yea, it's my birthday...wha'd you get me?'

Cardstock: Real Red, Whisper White

Inks:  Basic Black, SU! markers: Real Red, Summer Sun, Pumpkin Pie

Stamp Set:  I haven't a clue!!!

Accessories:  Pom-pom trim, non-su yellow polka-dot grosgrain ribbon, Blender pen, Crystal Effects, Cuttlebug Swiss dot, corner rounder


EDIT:  WOW!!!! I'm doing the Party Animal dance!!!  I was a Trigger Target for this card at Moxie Fab this week!!!!  Have I told you how much I love creating lately....

Oops I did it again!

I apparently, somehow deleted all our drives on the computers...again.  I have no idea how I do this, but it's not my first run at it.  Thank goodness my husband is computer literate.  It's fixed and I'm here to post my creations!  This is for the Mojo Monday 126 from last monday.  nothing like waiting until the last minute!  I used my NEW Verve stamp set I won 2 weeks ago from my Love card.  I am so excited for this set, it has the best phrases for mom's.  I plan on creating something for my mon's new house with this set.

Live with Purpose

I like how this card turned out, but I would have eliminated the top and bottom scallops, it didn't really go with the style of this card, but I didn't have anything else.

Cardstock: Whisper White, Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip
Inks: Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky
Stamp Sets: Verve Because of You, SU! Simple Stripes
Accessories:  Marcella embellishment flowers, soft sky double stitched ribbon, Cutllebug embossing folder

Technical Difficulties

I have photos to download, but neither computer is reading our photo card....hummm  Mojo Monday card and Trigger Tuesday cards just waiting to be admired.   I will have to wait for my resident computer fixer to get home from work and perhaps he'll be able to solve this problem. Wish us luck!

And so it begins... SvS01

I have always said, I am two sides of one coin.  First, I love detailed, elaborate cards with lots of texture, embellishments and layers.  I also appreciate simple designs, pretty much the opposite of my general design aesthetic.  I have noticed that card design is now leaning toward the cleaner, simpler cards, something I don't excell at.
SO....  After being inspired by my win at Moxie Fab, I decided to start the Simple vs. Sophisticated Challenge!  This is how it goes...  At the end of each week, choose a card you made and create the opposite style card.  Here are my examples for the first SvS01 challenge:

I made this card for the Play Date Cafe color challenge PDCC17.  The colors to be used were Red, Brown and Linen.  I created this based on my 'It feels like Spring' card I made nearly 2 years ago.  The original one was damaged and I wanted to make another one just like it with different colors. 

Sophisticated Thanks

I don't have an ivory colored embossing powder, so I used white on this card.

Cardstock:  Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Whisper White

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, White Craft

Stamp Set: Spring Solitude

Accessories: Winter White EP, chocolate grosgrain ribbon, non-su! red velvet ribbon, red EP & red snaps

Simple Thanks

I used my Cricut to make the scalloped square set at 4".

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla

Inks: Chocolate Chip; SU! markers: Real Red

Stamp Set: Spring Solitude

Accessories: chocolate grosgrain ribbon, non-SU! red grosgrain ribbon & red rhinestones

That's it!  Join me for some fun each Saturday as I become Simply Sophisticated!!!  I will leave up Mr. Linky until Friday @ midnight.
I don't have any blog candy to entice you to play along with me, but perhaps you too need to get outside of your comfort zone!

Recycled to me!

So my cousin had a computer meltdown a couple of months ago.  She took her laptop in was told it was a lost cause.  So she bought a new and improved one.  Now to the north-end of the country...I re-organized my craft area, and didn't really have any room for the ancient computer I had.  I have been contimplating whether to get a lap top or just a flat screen monitor.
So my brilliant mom, heard Kathy's tale and asked what she was going to do with the old laptop.  Mom dumpster-dived it for me (not really) and sent it to my super computer fixer brother Mark.  Fixed in 1 day, he sent it to me just in time for my birthday on Monday!  WOW!!  So now I have a fun new toy to play with!!! I can't wait to do the Cricut design software on this!!!   

WOW!!!

So, I've been posting all month my cards inspired by Anne Tainter for the Moxie Fab Tainter-tude challenge.  These have been so fun to make, I've loved gathering the images and sassy phrases for my creations!  Wellllll...... I'm excited to share that I was one of the winners of the challenge!!!!  WOW!!!  Moxie Fab World is sponsored by Paper Crafts magazine, so to be picked by them is an incredible honor!!!  Out of all my entries, they picked this one for it's sassy phrase and sequin/rhinestone bling.  I have noticed, the designs they picked were simple in design, perhaps a new trend in card making????  Hummm....I sense a theme for the month of March coming on....Simple vs. Sophisticated.  Here are the links to the rest of my designs:
Taintor-tude 1
Taintor-tude 2
Taintor-tude 3
Taintor-tude 4

Bumps and Bruises...

I had a house full of guests this weekend.  My in-laws drove down from Petoskey, Michigan and stayed the whole weekend, and my brother & sister in-laws stopped by a couple of times too.  Gramma and Papa left this morning, but not until Papa wiped out in our driveway on the freshly fallen snow.  He's ok, but claimed there was a little ice on the driveway and to watch our step if we go out.  "A little ice" he said. 

The snow has been coming down all morning and early afternoon, so I decided to do a mid-snowfall shovel so it won't be such a chore later.  This photo is my driveway (yes its there) 5 minutes after I finished shoveling.  That's how fast it's coming down.  Anyhow, remember when Papa said we had "a little ice"?  My entire driveway is a sheet of ice, which was covered with 4 inches of snow.  This I discovered when I wiped out 4 times as I labored with the shovel.  I love snow, I love snow, I love snow, but I hate ice, I Hate ice, I HATE ICE!!! (unless its nursing my broken tail bone, as it is now...)

Tainter-tude x3

This is my third post inspired by the Moxie Fab challenge Tainter-Tude.  I have to admit...I LOVE this challenge!  I have had so much fun making these cards!  Here are 3 more to add to my mix...

Punishment

Cardstock: Taken with Teal. Pumpkin Pie, Paisley & Polka-dots DSP, Perinnial Favorites DSP

Accessories: non-su! orange, white and teal buttons, non-su! orange polka-dot ribbon

Trippin'
CardStock: Taken with Teal, Barely Banana, Pumpkin Pie, Ruby Red, Ruby Red DP
Accessories: Turquoise grosgrain ribbon

Reject
Cardstock: Passion Pink, Pixie Pink, Basic Black
Ink: Passion Pink
Stamp Set: a retired su!background, I don't remember the name
Accessories: Black Sequins, rhinestones

Cardvarks Challenge

While doing some posting, I came across a challenge by Cardvarks.  If you win this challenge,  your card will be published!  Pretty cool, so I thought I'd enter.  I made this card before I read the entire challenge.  Your card is to be new and innovative, which this really isn't.  I used pretty tradional stamping supplies and layout.

After I came up with the layout, I went back and forth on how to create it, lots of layers, or lots of texture.  I did the latter.  I embossed French Script with Ranger Silver Pearl Embossing Powder on some pearlized metallic paper from Papers and More, I LOVE this look.  Tone on tone with lots of great texture!  Next I Cuttlebugged with the PolkaDot folder a piece of Whisper White paper, and then stamped the verbage on another piece with Sahara Sand and Versamarker then embossed the 'happiness' with Ranger Silver EP.  Then layered that with a piece of Silver pearlized metallic paper (from the same place).  The cherry blossom image is from 'Embrace Life' and is stamped in Sahara Sand, then I used Liquid Applique to puff those flowers up!  I cut the shape with my Cricut Accents and layered it also with the Silver pearlized metallic paper.  I added sheer ribbon for subtle texture and 3 rhinestone brads from the Pretties Kit in the corner.  Too bad I don't know anyone getting married...I really like how it came out!

Happiness
Card Stock: SU! Whisper White, Paper and More: White Pearlized Metallic cardstock and Silver Pearlized Metallic paper
Inks:  VersaMark, SU! Classic Ink Sahara Sand
Markers:  Versamarker, SU! Sahara Sand
Stamp Sets: SU! French Script Background, SU! Embrace Life, SU!, Heard from the Heard
Accessories:  Stamp-a-magig, SU! rhinstone brads from Pretties Kit, SU! Stampin Dimensionals, Organza ribbon, Liquid Applique, Ranger brand Silver Pearl Embossing Powder and Silver Embossing Powder, Cuttlebug Swiss Polkadot folder.

Makin' Mojo

I have to admit, this week's Mojo Monday sketch was a head scratcher for me, but I really love how it turned out!  I must remember: it's always good to try new things, you just might surprize yourself.  Thanks Maria!
On my bargin shopping bonanza, I purchased a Spellbinders Nestabilities tag die set, but while creating that part of this card, realized I need the nesting die to go with it.  That is the only part I would change on this card, a Chocolate Chip border around the Soft Sky on the tag. 
I orginally made a different circle but opted with a larger one with my favorite stamp from the Garden Silhouettes stamp set.  This cherry blossom stamp is so versatile, usually I use markers and hand color the rubber for a colorful image like this one, but this time opted for an actual silhouette image instead.  Then spiced it up a bit with Liquid Applique and rhinetones.  Hopefully I won't have to use this one and can list it on my Esty account instead.

Silhouette Sympathy

All items Stampin' Up! unless noted

Card Stock:  Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Soft Sky
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Soft Sky
Stamp Sets: Garden Silhouettes, Canvas, Filigree, Warm Words (I think)
Accessories: Nestablities tag die, Cricut Accents, non-su! satin ribbon, Liquid Applique, non-su! rhinestones, sponge daubers

Oh...I dared!

This is another bargin shopping result!  I choose the colors for this card from last weeks Play Date Cafe Color Challenge PDCC15.  So the bargins are:

1. The stamp set: 15+ images for $1 - that's right one dollar (I am the bargin hunting queen)!  I've seen cards made with this bird image awhile back and always loved it, so I snatched it up when I saw it. 
2. The ribbon: $1 for 4 yards.  Pretty good deal and I've been noticing tons of cards with BIG bows on them.  I thought for a buck, I'd give it a try.
3. The designer paper: a 24 page pack of Making Memories paper.  Not my favorite prints (again refer to Rob's motto) but workable for me.

So like I said, I dared...and it's FABULOUS!!!

Cardstock: Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip, Ballet Blue, MM DP

Inks: Versamark, More Mustard, Wild Wasabi, Ballet Blue

Stamp Set: (I'll find the package and edit this post - check back)

Accessories: satin ribbon, gold brads, gold EP, H2O pen, blender pen

Bargin Shopping

I am a firm believer, that if you can't get something at a discount, don't get it.  I love great deals!  When I shop on a clearance rack, I get the rush from finding a great deal.  With that being said, there are a few exceptions. 

My husbands motto with clearance shopping is "If it's on the clearance rack, it's there for a reason."  I largely dissagree with this motto, but sometimes it rings true.  For example this card here.  This was inspired by the MoxieFab Tuesday Trigger picture and the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge at The Sweetest Thing.

I found the FABULOUS fabric velvet ribbon on clearance at Hobby Lobby.  I bought a spool with 8 yards of this stuff for $2.97.  It was regularly $4.99 a yard!  Great deal eh?  No let's look at the image.  I found a clear rubber stamp set of 6 with cute sayings for little girls (I won't mention the name of the company) for only $1.  Now I am tradtionalist when it comes to my stamps.  I lean more toward the wood blocks as opposed to the clear block stamps.  I have continued success with the wood blocks, and hit or miss with the clear rubber for clear block stamping but I thought I'd give it a try at such a great deal. 

This stamp set was a MISS.  Not only did it not stamp the image well, I had to be Hulk Hogan to get it off the plastic sheet!  I thought I did everything right, I evenly inked, lined it up over the paper ( a bonus with the clear block), I even used a stamp pad to stamp on.  Nothing I did got it right.  Perhaps that's why it was on the clearance rack...hence Rob's motto.   Oh well.  Lily's Valentine is done and she'll love it!

HOLY'N TOLEDO!!!!

In the words of my Grandpa Ben...HOLY'N TOLEDO!!! (how convient it was for him when we moved there) I WON ON MOJO MONDAY'S!!!! I am so shocked!! I wasn't even sure if I was going to submit my card, I didn't like it that much. Since free time hasn't been my friend, and I was unable to create another, I went ahead and submitted it and I WON!!! It just goes to show you that you are your own worst critic. Make sure you always get a second opinion before you scrap something. With this win, I have been given my choice of a Verve Stamp set!  I have been coveting many of the sets there, and decided on the 'Because of You' set since Mother's day is around the corner.  Make sure you check out their stamp collection, I love 'Up, Up and Away' too (it was a tough decision). This is the card that won, and here is the orginal post.

Trapped

All snow and no school makes Kristin a trapped mom...I haven't been able to get a moment to get into my creative spot. BOTH girls will be taking a nap today so I can get some things done! Wish me luck!

New look?

Hi everyone...please be patient with me. I'm trying a new look for my blog. I've opened an ETSY site and wanted them to coordinate. It's unfortunate that I'm not very computer literate...

Spring Flower Fun

I love the snow. Nearly 8" we got here. It's so pretty and clean and white. I'm over the snow. Nearly killing the girls and I on the highway with truckers hitting patches of ice. Spring needs to come, no more death defying trips for us thank you. This is for hoping for no ice, just fun, snowman snow. Or get rid of winter completely and give us spring.

Spring Flower Fun
Cardstock: Almost Amethyst and DSP, CLose to Cocoa, Whisper White, Garden Green
Inks: Close to Cocoa, SU! markers: Almost Amethyst, Pumpkin Pie
Stamp set: Spring Solitude
Accessories: non-su! silk flower, white gorsgrain ribbon, scallop edge punch

Good Neighbors

This is a new stamp set from Sale-a-bration at SU!. It's a cute house collection. Kind of country kitchy, it's cute. It's for the SCS SC266 card sketch and I've been trying to download it on my gallery there for hours. Oh well... I did eliminate the bottom circle, it seemed too much going on for me.

Good Neighbors
Cardstock: Soft Sky, Pretty in pink, Ruby Red DSP, Certainly Celery, Close to cocoa, Garden Green
Inks: Soft Sky, Pretty in pink, Close to Cocoa, Certainly Celery, SU! markers: Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red
Stamp Set: Good Neighbors, Simply Said
Accessories: Cuttlebug polka-dot strip folder, white gel pen, non-su! stiched ribbon

Camera down...

I would have posted these things sooner, but the camera was down for 2 days. So here it goes! I created this one based on the SSSC54 sketch challenge over at 'The Sweetest Thing'. I love her blog! She does amazing work! I wasn't able to post this there in time, but wanted to show off my work ;). This also goes with the SCS Thursday Limited Supply challenge LSC258, I've Been Framed. It's not exactly a frame, but it's a decor item. This is made to hang on the wall or it could sit in an easel, and I think it will go in my kitchen. I love the colors and the quote. Sweet and simple!


Love Many Things
Cardstock: So Saffron, Close to Cocoa, Soft Sky, Whisper White
Inks: Chocolate Chip, SU! markers: So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Close to Cocoa, Certainly Celery
Stamp Sets: Garden Silhouettes, Sage Advice
Accessories: Cuttlebug embossing folder, SU! scallop edge punch, Cricut Accents cartridge, white gel pen, non-su! oragne grosgrain ribbon, 6" square wood board.

Why? They ask...

When I was in my hometown this weekend, I had several people comment on my blog (they loved it of course;)), but had many questions for me. I thought I'd take the time to answer some of the questions while my creative juices are drained.

Why do you 'craft' things? - It's called CREATE. It keeps my brain from turning to mush. I don't get much adult interaction during the day, so instead of being a couch potato, I create! It's also an outlet for me - the more I create, the better mom & wife I am. Besides, there is only so much butt wiping, laundry and toilet scrubbing a girl can take.

Do you sell your cards - Years ago, I had a fairly successful business making cards for various boutiques and invitations for people. I started doing this when my oldest child was 3 months old. I got so busy creating for other people, that it took time away from my family, so now I only do requests from old clients and friends. But...I just opened an ETSY account, it doesn't hurt to put my creations out there, right?

Do you sell your cakes? - A couple of people asked if I sold my cakes - I'm not that good of a baker (click here for evidence of that)but I make a killer cupcake and awesome cookies. I can never say no to family or friends, or if someone makes me an offer I can't refuse!

Are you getting paid? - No...my husband wishes.

Why do you blog if you're not getting paid? - This is something I can do to keep me accountable to my creative side. Life gets in the way of good intentions, this keeps my intentions a priority. Although...is cleaning a priority?

Mojo Mishap

I'm not thrilled with this Mojo attempt. I'll try again later, but I thought I'd share. It has entirely too much happening, perhaps mimicking my life!

Mojo Mishap
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose, Ruby Red
Inks: Basic Black, su markers: Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Ruby Red
Stamp Set: Love Matters
Accessories: CriCut circle,hearts & scallop; scallop border punch, Cuttlebug folders, white gel pen

Back to therapy

We went out of town this weekend to my hometown of Perrysburg Ohio. It was a fun trip! We stayed at the French Quarter (fun Holidome) that my children loved. Reminised high school theatre and caught up with my freshman english student teacher Deb Drew and European BFF Anne Sluhan over Pomegranete Martinis (yum!). Had a pool party with dear friend Carrie Faber and her family, and visited Anne's amazing aunt and son Maryanne Sluhan & Jon Sluhan. All in all a fun filled weekend!
Now that I'm back home, I can continue my creative therapy! I had originally created this card for the Play Cafe color challenge, but realized that I forgot a color. My mind isn't back from it's trip, better luck next week!

Cherry on Top
Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Orchid Oppulence, Basic Black, Rose Red, Whisper White, Rose Red DSP
Stamp Set: Goody-Goody Gumdrops
Inks: Basic Black, SU! markers, Pumpkin Pie, Orchid Oppulence, Rose Red
Accessories: non-su black polka-dot ribbon, scallop punch, 1 3/8 & 1 1/4 circle punches, black eyelets, Crystal effects, white gel pen, Cuttlebug Swirl

I just can't stop!

I'm addicted to these Taintor-tude cards! They are full of sass and fire, just like me! Here are 2 more I made last night after the girls went to bed. Now I just need to start sending these out to people so they don't collect dust in my card box!


Handle on Life
Cardstock:So Saffron, Taken with Teal, Petals & Paisley DSP,
Accessories: Cuttlebug Houndstooth, SU! orange grosgrain


Dancing Nuggets
Cardstock: Soft Sky, Bordering Blue, Ruby Red, non-su DP
Accessories: Cuttlebug polka-dot, non-SU! yellow polka-dot ribbon

What? Me? Retro???

I am so loving this!!! These retro/vintage sassifies cards are too fun! Here are few more I made for the Moxie Fab challenge. I'm not going to put the supplies down, they're limited and mostly non-SU!. However, if you're interested, leave me a comment and I'll let you know what I used.

You have NO idea...
This defines my late 20's(sorry mom). I looked all innocent, but was the devil in disguise!


Fire Hazard


For Cristy
My girlfriend Cristy is the Volunteer Queen of Perrysburg. She is always roped into something, this is to remind her it's ok to say 'no' sometimes.

Moxie FAB!!!

I just found this fantastic website called Moxie Fab World. I'm not fully informed with all they do, but I've seen some FABULOUS creations there (hence the name Moxie Fab). There is a challenge they are hosting there that has me all a twitter, if I did that. It's called the Taintor-tude challenge. It's a challenge based on Anne Taintor's work. You may not know the name, but you know her creations! They are sassified images and statements that make you laugh, blush and cheer. Check out one of my favorites here. I have been so inspired, I have been collecting images and quotes on line all day for my creations! Here are a couple I did today after the girls went to bed. I'm not sure which ones I'll submit for the contest, I'm sure I'll make many more before the due date!


Coffee
Caffine...good...
Card stock: Garden Green, Blush Blossom, Bordering Blue, whisper white, non-su dp
Inks: Bordering Blue
Stamp set: Simple Stripes
Accessories: non-su buttons, delphinium grosgrain ribbon, Cuttlebug embossing folder


Birds
This image cracks me up!
Card stock: Barely Banana, Certainly Celery, Pretty in pink, non-su dp
Accessories: retired SU ribbon, ice circle brad, primo flowers, Cuttlebug Polka-dot


Secret Admirer

I love this image and the quote is funny.
Card stock: Bashful Blue, Lovely Lilac, So Saffron, non-su dp
Accessories: Olive grosgrain ribbon, fire circle brads, Cuttlebug folder,

update...

Hi ladies!
I received a few comments on the card I made last night, thanks for all your kind words! I also was asked 'how-to' questions and realized I forgot to add the links in my post. So, now if you read my post from yesterday, you will see the links to the challenges which has complete detailed instructions on how to make the card folds and more beautiful samples made. Enjoy!

Trying new things...

My new Cricut arrived this afternoon! My husband is fearful I may only emerge from my craft room when I need to potty. He's probebly right.

Lily and I spent 4 hours playing with our new toy. She was so eager to make things for everyone she knows, but most things are made for her grandparents. We cut out random flowers, swirls, leaves and shapes for her to play with. She really wanted to tackle the Tinkerbell images, but I thought I should save those for when I'm a bit more knowledgeable.
After Lily went to bed, I decided to tackle the SCS Color challenge CC252 Pretty Mambo Blossoms and combined it with yesterday's technique challenge TLC257. It took me entirely too long to complete this card, but part of it was playing with the Cricut. I've been disapointed with my craftmenship and creativeness with my card creations these last 2 weeks. Hopefully it's just because I'm out of practice. No practicing tomorrow until I get my house in order!


Card Stock: Pretty in Pink, Pink Passion, Blush Blossom, Vellum
Stamps: Canvas, French Script, Sincere Salutations
Inks: Pretty in Pink, Blush Blossom, Versamark
Accessories: SU! retired Razzle Berry glitter, Heat-n-stick, glue pen, Pretties kit, primo flower, non-su beads, Cricut Accents

tap...tap...tap...

I am waiting...for an arrival...from the brown shorts man...it's too cold for shorts...for my new CriCut...and Jukebox...and 5 cartidges...I'm still waiting...tapping my fingers...

Using up DSP

Thank goodness for todays Clean & Simple challenge on SCS! I had to make a card using DSP - what a great excuse to use up my paper stash! This is an old DSP that I bought when I was a demonstrator. I had made up a gift box for anyone that signed up under me that had the paper and coordinating stamp set. It obvoiously wasn't much of an incentive, because I still have the paper and stamp set. It's not very inspiring either, hence these boring cards. Oh well. Now I'm using it up!
I don't even think I'll put the details on these.

Mojo Monday First

This is my first Mojo Monday, ever I think! Checking out their blog, I love the card sketches they produce. Too cute! Well, here is my attempt for Mojo Monday 123. I would have loved to make a round card, but I don't have a circle cutter (yet!)
I also used the SCS Inspiration Challenge IC216 from Saturday. I fell in love with the bedding! I want the duvet for my bedroom - it has all my favorite colors! I feel a Trading Spaces weekend comin' on!

Card Stock: So Saffron, Soft Sky, Ruby Red, River Rock
Ink: So Saffron, Soft Sky, Craft White
SU! markers: Ruby Red, So Saffron, Sahara Sand, Gable Green, blender pen for Soft Sky
Stamp Set: Garden Silhouettes, Short & Sweet, Polka-dot & Paisley backgrounds
Accessories: non-SU! buttons, scallop punch, 1" circle punch, Soft Sky stitched ribbon, white ep

It works!!!

I have been fighting with my serger for the last 6 months. Frustrated that everytime I would thread it, it wouldn't work correctly. A typical sewing event went like this: cut pattern, start serging, the stich wasn't right so I turn knobs, still doesn't work, re-thread, start serging, the stich wasn't right so I turn knobs, still doesn't work, cuss, throw things, give up and use my regualr sewing machine. Last weekend I had to make a snuggle blanket for the girl I was doing a shower for and 2 long-awated ones for my girlfriend Jodi and her new son. I started with Vanessa's and ran into the same problem with the serger I had been having for months. I was frustrated and ready to toss the thing away! Finally I decided to do some troubleshooting with a local repair man, hoping that he would be willing to talk me through the repair instead of having to take it in. Can you believe all the problems were because I didn't put enough torque on the thread as I threaded it? Serenity now....at least that problem is solved! So I was able to whip up Jodi's blankets in MINUTES!!! Fabulous! Now I've decided with my new found functioning mahchine, to work on the pettiskirts I gave up on 6 months ago. Wait till you see them!!!!

Insomnia impares judgement

So, since I couldn't sleep last night, I thought I'd do the SCS Card Sketch Challenge SC264. It was posted early, so I thought I'd try to bust it out. Not a good idea. I took the colors from the striped DP and went from there. It's a bit carnival-ish. Better luck next week!

Card Stock: Elegant Eggplant, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Garden Green, non-su DP
Inks: So Saffron, SU! markers; Garden Green, Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Ruby Red, Elegant Eggplant.
Stamp Sets: Canvas, Spring Solitude
Accessories: Argyle embossing folder

More simple...

This is my second card for the SCS CAS50 challenge. A simple card using teal. I choose a light teal, Soft Sky. I love this stamp set. Too cute! It was super easy, so I made 2.


Card Stock: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky
Inks: Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky
Stamp Set: Goody-Goody Gumdrops
Accessories: blender pen, Dazzling Diamonds, glue pen, polka-dot strip folder

Polkadot Palooza!

Can you tell I like Polka-dots? It's more than a bit overwhelming. Oh well! This was my first card for the SCS Monday challenge, Clean and Simple cards, CAS50. This is not a clean card, but it was simple!

Card Stock: Whisper White, Soft Sky, Chocolate chip
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky, SU! markers: Creamy Caramel, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, Apricot Appeal, Close to Cocoa
Stamp set: Very Punny
Accessories: polka-dot folder, non-su scallop square punch, white gel pen, non-su brown polka-dot ribbon

Had some creative time...

I had a few moments of creative time today and got 3 things done, although only one card! First, I made this card for today's SCS Color Challenge, CC254. We had to use Bashful Blue, Ruby Red, Suede and a neutral of our choice. I chose Chocolate Chip as my neutral and I don't have Suede so I used Close to Cocoa. I found this dp in my stash, it was a gift from a secret sister last year. This wasn't my favorite color combo, probably why this card isn't that inspired. Well, at least I got to do some things.

Card stock: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Close to Cocoa, Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip & non-su dp
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue
Stamps: For a Friend, Birthday Banter (both retired)
Accessories: Delphinium blue grosgrain, non-su white grosgrain, sponge daubers

TONS of NEW retired InColor stuff found! UPDATED

Hi Everyone!
I have re-organized my creatin’ space and found a box of NEW, never been used 2007-2009 InColor items, unmounted stamp sets and papers. I have a few other things I’m listing that have been used; all items will list their conditions. If you would like to see the condtion of all the items CLICK HERE. I am no longer an SU! demonstrator and these things were purchased for that business. I will have these things listed on SCS and on my blog until January 25th. Please send me a personal message or e-mail me anything you would like. I will ship USPS First Class or Priority, which ever you prefer.

ALL ITEMS are new, unopened 2007 InColor
Blue Bayou Classic Ink Pad - $5
Soft Sky Classic Ink Pad - $5
Purely Pomegranate Classic Ink Pad - $5
Wild Wasabi Classic Ink Pad - $5
River Rock Classic Ink Pad - $5
Groovy Guava Classic Ink Pad - $5
Wild Wasabi striped grosgrain ribbon 10 yds - $8
Soft Sky double stitched ribbon 15 yds - $5
Wild Wasabi double stitched ribbon 15 yds - $5
8 1/2" x 11 Purely Pomagrante paper 24 sheets - $5
8 1/2" x 11 Blue Bayou paper 24 sheets - $5
8 1/2" x 11 Soft Sky paper 24 sheets - $5
8 1/2" x 11 Groovy Guava paper 24 sheets - $5
8 1/2" x 11 Wild Wasabi paper 24 sheets - $5

Groovy Guava Classic Ink refill - $2

Designer Series Paper Blue Bayou - $8
Designer Series Paper Groovy Guava- $8
Designer Series Paper River Rock- $8


ALL ITEMS are new, unopened 2008/09 InColor

Tangerine Tango Classic Ink refill - $2

Kiwi Kiss Classic Ink pad - $5
Tangerine Tango Classic Ink pad - $5
Riding Hood Red Classic Ink pad - $5

ALL ITEMS are new, unmounted,
Petals and Paisleys Designer Series paper - $9
retired Punches Three stamp set - $10
retired So Many Sayings stamp set - $10
retired Perennial Favorites stamp set - $8
Priceless stamp set - Asking $25 or trade for NUM Branch Out

NEW items
Simply Sent Card Kit 2006 Friendship Shapes - all supplies to make 10 cards: 4 stamps, 2 markers, 3 ink spots, precut paper, 12 envelopes, 8 sheets mini dot adhesives, 2 sheet dimensionals, blue gingham ribbon, certainly celery grosgrain ribbon, instructions, 2 samples. The samples were made for demonstration and not out of the supplies from kit. – Asking $20, will entertain offers.
1” circle punch – new in package - $8
Mauve Mist, new, opened but not used FULL re-inker - $2
Petals and Paisleys Designer Series paper, new unopened 12 sheets double sided - $9

These items are lovingly used
retired Stippled Stencils - $4
retired Big Blossom - $9
retired So Very - $5
retired Lexicon of Love - $4
retired On The Spot background stamp - $9
Quick Kuts Die Cutter with alphabet set 4 die storage sleeves, 3 foam backers, & instructions. Asking $20 will take best offer