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