French Aloha Kisses

Hi ya'll!  Or should I say aloha!  I'm here with today's creation for the Paper Smooches May Challenge...Flowers.  WAY back in 2016, I was a guest designer with PS and knew upon my return I needed to get back to working with Kim's awesome images!  Bummer is, the only flower set from PS I own is the Bold Blooms set.  I don't have the die cutters....but after today's challenge, they're on my list!....  I struggled with this challenge.  I love the large images, but struggled with how to create something that was a little different, but that still showed off the image.  I tried water colors, creating a background paper with them stamps, I even tried just a single flower layout.  Nothing tickled my fancy.  I went thru all my flower embellies, which I surprisingly have very little of!  I then opened my new glitter/embossing drawer....how could I resist this drawer?....and found the perfect embossing powder to use.  Ranger brand Verdigris.  I've had this powder for about 8 years, so I'm not sure they sell it anymore.  I'm glad I hung onto it during the move, because I kinda dig it.

Since tropical leaves are all the rage in decorating right now, I thought I would use that as my inspiration.  I decided to use it to create the background with layers of Versamark, the Verdigris embossing powder and white embossing powder.  I added some gold Stickles to the centers of the flowers to match the sentiment.  Simple and fun card!

What do you use to inspire your creations?

Gnome one else...

I absolutely LOVE this stamp set!  My beloved and I have and affinity for the adorable little creatures.  I decided to participate in the MFT sketch challenge, and I have to say, it was hard for me!  I wanted to do something different than everyone else, but the type of MFT stamps I own, didn't lend itself to this layout.  OR perhaps I'm just so out of practice that I couldn't think outside the box.  Either way, I'm glad I finished it and I'm eager to give it to Beloved.  It will make him smile and feel special.

I dug out this really old patterned paper, I couldn't even tell you who its by!  I liked it and thought it looked a kitchie, perfect for a gnome!  I used the MFT You Gnome Me stamp set and die set, along with the Adore and Love you die.  I think he looks perfectly squishy and happy!

Supplies:
Stamps: MFT you Gnome Me
Inks: Stampin Up Basic Black, Copic Markers
Papers: Stampin Up Whisper White, Real Red, Patterned paper
Embellies: various buttons, Stampin Up Silver cord

Shopping My flower stash!

So... I was able to make 2 cards today!  How very exciting...  I found a new challenge....at least new to me.... the Shopping Our Stash challenge.  You must use ONLY things you already have.  Nothing new.  I LOVE this idea, as it helps me to use up all the old stuff in my cabinets.  

I decided to use some old Stampin' Up colors, Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink and Regal Rose.  Now, they may still be around,but since I've been out of the loop for 3 years, and I've had all 3 colors for more than 3 years, its very possible they have been retired!  I'll do some research next week to update all my colors.  I've also used PTI's Gran's Flowers and Fancy Flourishes stamp sets.  Not sure they will be sticking around either....  Either way, I do like how it turned out!  Again...still working out the photos in my new space, so please excuse the photo quality!

Supplies:
Ink: Stampin' Up! Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Pink Pirouette
Papers: Stampin Up Whisper White, Regal Rose, Crumb Cake
Stamps: PTI Gran's Flowers, Fancy Flourishes
Dies: PTI scallop dies 1, Round tag
Embellies: Pink seam binding ribbon, brown button

Thinking of YOU!

HOLY COW!!!  I can’t believe its REALLY been this long since I’ve last created a card....for shame, for shame... I have a great reason, all my art studio supplies have long been packed away in a storage unit for over 3 years.  Yup.  Three.  Long.  Years.   In that time, the girls and I moved to my hometown and into my hubby’s childhood home, we planned an addition to the house....which would have included an art studio space....but, instead decided to just renovate....no additional square footage.... had to wait another year to figure out a crafting space, and have NOW just completed a little house on our property for an art studio!....like, just Friday....  3 total years later, here I am!  Unpacking and rediscovering all the things I have to create with.  It’s really been fun...  If you want to see the before and after photos of the studio, check them out here.

SO much has changed since I was last here!  I feel a little lost to be quite frank.  It took me a long while to remember what my signin info was, old friends are no longer blogging and some of my favorite companies are in limbo.  BUT, it has been great to see new faces and ideas to get the heart pumping!  I decided unpack everything and get it all organized before I started creating, but all these papers and supplies were just too tempting for my little heart to ignore.  I had to get just one in....maybe two...


I found the Freshly Made Sketches challenge site last night as I was poking around the bloggisphere.  I love the concept of simple, yet embellished creations.  Contradictory terms you may think...nope.  Just keep the items clean and simple and you’ve got the idea.  It all started with this sketch:

I'm trying to come up with a new way to store my PTI stamps, as the cd cases are taking up too much space in my shiny new cabinets!  As I was going through them, I came across my old tried and true set I love to use.  So I put re-organization on hold and got to crafting!  I did use a new die, the scallop card.  It took me a few failed attempts to figure out the best way to cut it, but I think I figured it out?  At least this one came out!  I loved the stitching on the edges, super cute!  Since I don't have my photo box set-up anymore, i will have to work on my photo editing skills.  The color is a little off...too much blue...since I used natural light.  I'll figure it all out again!

Supplies:
Stamps and dies: PTI Up, Up and Away, PTI Scalloped card
Inks: Stampin Up Basic Black and So Saffron
Paper: Stampin Up Whisper White, So Saffron; American Crafts City Park
Embellies: Pink seam binding ribbon, blue button, yellow striped baking twine


Do you have any organization ideas for your space?  I'd love to hear them!

MFT Wedding colors...sort of

Oh how I love weddings!  Being a former...as of early May...Special Events designer, weddings were  by far my favorite to do.  ....Minus the stress....  Its a happy time for nearly everyone involved as someone is always crazy for one reason or another on a wedding day!

When my beloved and I started planning our wedding, I absolutely dreaded wedding dress shopping....many tears were involved at the first store....  John came with me to both the stores I went to.  He ultimately picked out my dress, as he said it was the only one I tried on where I was smiling when I was in it! ....I must admit it, I was laughing when I tried it on, it was GINORMOUS!....  I must admit, I'm so happy this was the one we selected, it was fun to wear, and the girls kept telling me I looked like a peach Cinderella....the new movie had been released a month before the wedding....  I'll attach a few of my favorite wedding photos at the end of this post if you're interested in that sort of thing....

With this pre-story, I had was pleased as punch when I saw the color challenge at MFT for this week!  The dress we selected led the colors of our wedding day; Buff....the color of my dress...., peach, coral, wood and copper.  All my colors from the wedding in this challenge, plus the addition of my favorite color - blue! With the Susan's wedding inspiration post and this color challenge post, it was destiny....and even though 90% of my crafting supplies are packed up for the move....I had to participate!

I made this card with my beloved in mind!  Our 1 year anniversary is in 8 days and we have an affinity for gnomes....I'll tell that story another time....  When I saw this set at MFT, I HAD to have it! I dressed him up in the same colors beloved wore for the wedding, and I had to add copper to the mix since that was our shimmer for the wedding...and everyone loves a little shimmer!...




I know he'll notice all the little touches of this card, the copper, the wedding colors, as well as his matching outfit.  He's good like that....  I think he's also going to love his first year anniversary gift!

Here are some photos of our wonderful wedding...if you're into that kind of thing...

I love my giggly little girl!  She was the hit of the day, as she walked down the aisle, she was tossing the petals above her head, and they all landed on the train of her dress.  They all followed her down the to the front and when she turned around, that's when she noticed they were all attached to her!  She was so happy and full of giggles!

I love this photo of my beloved!  I love how he laughs....  His best man was his nephew.

Our favorite photo of the two of us....

The Woody...my wedding gift to my beloved...

Our new little family in front of the house we will all be living in together starting next week!  We've been living in 2 separate cities for 2 years...

My beautiful oldest daughter...she was the maid of honor and gave the MOST amazing speech at the  reception.  She is becoming such a beautiful young woman!  I love, love, LOVE this girl!!!

My 'staff' and I made over 900 feet of fresh garland for the tent....I'm so glad they still talk to me!

Lots of joy and laughter that day!

Thanks for letting me share!!

Missed opportunity...

I certainly miss creating for PaperCrafts Magazine...  Their calls for submissions always helped me think outside the box and let's be honest, gave me an excuse to shirk my household duties...at least for a few hours...  I went online the other day, visiting some of my old haunts, only to find many of them gone.  Ah, such is life!  However, some of the old standbys were there for me, Papertrey Ink, My Favorite things, and lots of bloggers I liked to follow.  It was like visiting a friend you haven't seen in a  few years, but its like you were never apart!  I love that feeling....  They helped me on Wednesday revisit my creative side with their challenge, its a great feeling to get those creative juices flowing!

 I originally wanted to submit this for the Paper Trey Ink contest, but after putting the girls to bed for the night, I forgot to do it.  They put up this image as inspiration for your creation:

I used the water color look and the grey outlined letters as the starting point and went from there.  Not my favorite creation of all time, but it will work for Lily's teacher for next week's last day.

Christmas in May

 Hello All!

Just a quick one from  my crafting session yesterday...so much fun!...    As I was pursuing the blogosphere yesterday, I came across a Christmas card challenge site called Muse: Christmas Visions.  I thought I'd give it a try since John wants to make our holiday cards this year.  Yes ladies, you read that right...HE WANTS TO MAKE CARDS FOR CHRISTMAS!  Not only is he cute, funny, and the love of my life, he's embracing my creative side! ...I've got a keeper!...  I certainly hope you are all equally as blessed as I am!

I whipped up this quick card using my favorite holiday color combo: robin egg blue, soft green and  yellow...in this case gold...  I've had these crazy glitter deers for years sitting in a drawer just waiting for an excuse to be used.  Since the inspiration photo had a deer, I went for it.  And, if it didn't work, off to the donation pile for the move!  I kept with the same layout...deer on one side, square background, sentiment in the right corner...but added some pizzazz! I kinda like how it came out, so soft and pretty.  However, this would be a very expensive card to ship!  Perhaps we could do this for our cards for neighbors this year and hand deliver them?  Time will tell....  Well, off to pack up a few more things!

Hello, goodbyes and a new life

Hello strangers!  Actually, I'm the stranger, because I am shocked to see it has been over 3 years since I last posted!  SO much has happened in since I was last in my crafting space.  My girls and I have a joyous new life and part of that includes moving back to my home town to be with my new husband John...well, 11 months new...  We are incredibly excited about this adventure we are embarking on!  But it's now time to say goodbye to the house, neighbors and school friends that have supported us these last 3 years.

John and I are busy beavers prepping the house to be sold, including painting, purging and updating.  After spending the weekend cleaning out my craftin space, I realized how much I miss this creative outlet!  Party planning has been fun, but I need a less stressful way to channel my creative tendencies.  I decided to take a break today from the hustle and bustle of moving, and before I have to pack up all my wonderful things for their new home, I took time to create a few things for the girls teachers.

This first card is for Elizabeth's 1st grade teacher Ms. Doody...yup, that's her name...  Elizabeth absolutely LOVES her and she is the most patient woman in the world!  I decided to start back off where I left off 3 years ago, with Paper Smooches and the May Rainbow Challenge.  I was honored and loved being a guest designer with them Feb 2013...which was my last post, YIKES!....and adore all Kim's images!  Once I get set up in my new space, I will have to re-invest in some updated sets...  This is from the 'I Heart Art' set.  It's super adorable and makes me smile.  

I also made a book mark for Elizabeth to match, she loves to read and hopefully when she uses it, she will think of her favorite teacher.  I kept it simple and thin, so I could laminate it to be more durable.

I've really enjoyed being in my space again...I certainly hope I can get my new space up and running soon in our new house!  Until then, I may leave packing up my happy place till last....

It's Magically Delicious!

.....I'm an old jingle kind of girl....  Well, here it is, my last post as the February Guest Designer for Paper Smooches!....*tear*....  It has been wonderful!  Kim is SO amazing and her stamps are equally as awesome!....!!!can you tell I like them?!!!....  I'll stop squealing now.

As soon as I saw the 'A Magical Spring' stamp set I knew I had to pull out gold foil chocolate coins.  They hold a very special place in my girls hearts.  When they were both potty training, they would get a yellow M&M for piddles and a gold chocolate coin for brownies....I'm telling you it works.....  When ever they see those coins they always mention I would give them for their potty accomplishments.

I've made 2 of these cute leprechauns for the girls for St. Patty's day.  I little bit of magic for them when they get home from school....don't want to sugar them up before....

My original plan was to make a little black cauldron....which I may still do.....but car accident issues put that project aside on Monday.  I thought the jar was a good second choice, that way they can see all the shamrock coins!  I covered the lid with Gold Glitter Zing embossing powder that I picked up from my stand by product site, Simon Says Stamp!  Who knew it would work so well on metal?  AND that it would cover so well?  I'm also adding this to today's SSS challenge, Anything Goes.  They're using Tim Holtz items for their creations, but I only have his distressing ink, and it really didn't work for this project.  Perhaps I'll ignore the dishes and go create some more!

Now - GO GET THIS SET!!!  It's so darn adorable!!!!

29 Again?

Yep...29, again!  And to mark this historic occasion, I thought I'd spend some time in the craftin' spot!  I've been sporadic with my creating time lately.  I definitely make time for my Paper Smooches Guest Designer work....that post is tomorrow....but not much time is given for having fun down in the craftin' spot.  Since it was my birthday this week....actually the 22nd....I gave myself permission to put off some other things for some personal fun!

Here is the card I made today.  I decided to mix 2 challenges into one with this card.  First up, the  Simon Says Stamp! Use an Arrow challenge.  I've had these chipboard arrows in my bin for about 5 years now.  I always forget to check my chipboard bin for fun bits, I found all kinds of interesting things!

I also followed the Play Date Cafe color challenge this week.  I LOVE these colors, not only because they are preppy....got to love Izod & Polo....but maize and blue are the colors of my favorite college football team! ....sorry scarlet & gray hubby....  I had to use some preppy patterns hence the houndstooth and stripes.  I also wanted to add some baker's twine for this, but am only limited to green and baby blue at the moment.  I did try to make my own, but it didn't work out this time.

Hope all you bleeps are having a great week this far, visit me tomorrow for my final guest designer post for Paper Smooches!  It's going to be magical!....that's a hint.....

I Heart Art

I'm so glad it's Wednesday!  I'm back home, all the clothes from our trip has been washed and almost put away.  The house is a disaster, but that always plays second fiddle to my craftin'!....admit it, it does for you too, right?....

This is my 3rd week as the Guest Designer over at Paper Smooches and we're focusing on the new I Heart Art set!  This is the perfect set for the crafty, artsy people in your lives, and even the not so crafty.  It's really versatile, let me show you!

First up, an artsy card for those crafty people checking me out!

This easel image is so stinkin' cute and I love how all the sentiments in this set fit inside the frame.  As I look at it now, I probably should have added some copics to the frame part.....hummm....  The background is just a rainbow assortment of  re-inkers and water on some water color paper.  I adore how that came out.  I also LOVE the art pallet and they even have a new die of the paint pallette as well!!!  I think I may have to add that to my birthday list!

Next up, an artsy card for the non-artsy people in your life.  HOWEVER, it perfectly represents the crafty person giving this card!....that would be me.....

That's it for today!  I'll have another card later this week made with a sentiment from this set too.