Bee the B's

Howdy do!  Are you staying cool in this heat wave?....110 heat index today.....  Good reason to stay inside and be crafty and join us at Our Creative Corner for our challenge this week.  Sarah Gough is our hostess this week, and the theme is All the B's.  You need to use her 4 B's: Black, Bling, Buttons and Bows.  It's not as hard as you'd think.  Check out all the DT's creations here for inspiration.

I decided to add to the B theme....a bit literally....with Botanical but use it in an unexpected way.  Instead of making it vintagy or shabby....the natural style for a botanical creation....I tried my hand at a CAS type creation, keeping it simple with limited embellishments....it goes against my natural instincts....  I was inspired by Cath at Moxie Fab ....to add this final B....with her current challenge, Fanatical about Botanical. 

I kept it fairly simple and like it that way....surprise....  The bee image is from an embellie package from Pink Paislee.  It looked like a flashcard for a 1st grader.  I cut out the image and added a little bit of black Stickles...though it's hard to tell....for some bling shimmer on the bee and along the black edges of the image.  Enough to add some shimmer, but still keeping it simple.  Now it's your turn, beat the heat and join me for both challenges!

One of those days....

***This is not a creative post, just one that you may relate to****

Today was one of those days...actually the last week....CRAZY!  Last week started with a sick cat...poor Oscar...worked the weekend at my former job....4 weddings in 6 hours.....and just 3 hours ago, my dear beloved 2 year old got a hold of the cat's meds and ate them.....she's fine, I'm not....

Serenity now.  I need one of these, or perhaps 2....

Case Study

It's going to be a SCORCHER here in the Midwest, so I'm keeping the kids inside until the early evening.  Then we'll head down to the pool to keep cool.

Until then I thought I'd post a creation I made for Case Study.  This weeks challenge is based on this creation from Dawn Woleslagle.  I used her Kraft and white inspiration....instead of Kraft on white I did white on Kraft.... with added touches of a creamy gold.  It's a sweet little card, just a note!

Copenhagen Inspiration

Happy Saturday ladies!
First, I have to thank everyone for all the sweet comments you made on your blogs for last week's Our Creative Corner challenge I created!  I think many of you were a little weary to try it, but the ladies that joined the party....WOW!  Every single one was beautiful and you all seemed to really love the challenge.  I'm still going thru and commenting on everyone's creation and will post the winner on Wednesday at the OCC.

I am again the hostess this week at Our Creative Corner and this week I have a challenge for you that's close to my heart!  Copenhagen.  My dear BFF lives over there and I have had several opportunities to visit her there.  The city is old, charming and inspiring, hence, how I came up with this challenge.  Your job this week is to make a creation based on one of the photos below but the catch is, you CAN'T use any pre-printed papers. Make sure you let us know which photo inspired your creation and get creative.  Now, break out those stamps, embossing folders and fabrics, I can't wait to see all you come up with!  Wanna see my creation?

Since I've done the whole 'tourist' thing there before, I spent more time experiencing the life of a resident of this luscious city.  Most residents walk, bike or use public transportation...mostly because a tank of gas is about $150...OUCH.... so Anne and I took a long walk throughout the city.  It was a nice day, we spent it chit-chatting about life, had dinner at a FABULOUS gallery/restaurant and put about 7 miles in.  It was overcast and a tad chilly, but that's summer in Copenhagen!  These are just a few of the photos I took on that walk.  My favorite part of the jaunt was the harbor and our stroll along the water, so I used that photo for my inspiration. 

This is my interpretation of a CAS card.  I couldn't stop adding clouds, or waves for that matter...I tend to overwork things....  It's cute, I LOVE the American Craft felt embellies.  I hope we were able to inspire you to join us for this weeks challenge.  I look forward to seeing you there!

Bargin Hunter

That's what I am.  You all know it, I've talked about my 'never pay retail' rule...never...ever...  It does get hard when purchasing my paper craft supplies.  I like to get the hottest items asap for my publication submissions, so I search...and search...for the best bargain on what I want.  Generally I shop online or a local craft discount store but I end up needing to wait a month or so until things go on sale.  

 Enter Pumpkin Spice, their motto - Memories are Priceless, budgets are not.  *LOVE IT* ...This site is right up my alley....  Bargains galore!  Everything is always 30% off or more....you had me at hello....and they carry tons of great brands *BONUS*!   AND, as I was perusing their site yesterday, I saw they were on the hunt for a new Design team and thought I'd throw my hat in the ring.  I'm a little late for the party....the deadline is Friday....I did my craftin' on during the girls naps and was able to whip out 5 cards for their DT call.  Can I share them with you?  Grab a cuppa joe this is gonna take a while...


Recently I had a post about my craftin' style....a little bit shabby, a little bit cutesty....I'm pretty consistent with my style, but being a Fine Arts major, I do appreciate and sometimes go outside my norm.  CAS is foreign to me, but I do occasionally pull one out like this.   I love to use all kinds of papers, My Minds Eye, Cosmo Cricket, Echo Park, American Crafts, Websters Pages, the list goes on for miles.  I am really drawn to bright fun, graphic papers...like me, I'm fun!.... but can never seem to get a cohesive creation made with them.  The Shabby, Cutesy ones come natural, but tend to be softer....so not my personality...  I love to embellish with items I've made or dyed but love the convenience of coordinating embellies too.  


Enough babbling, on to the creations!  This is a subdued shabby creation.  The BoBunny paper from the Timepiece collection inspired the direction on this one. 

I added the My Minds Eye Quite Contrary Little Boy Blue Day Dream paper behind it for a masculine color and kept the embellies simple....well the bow isn't really simple....  The script panel is My Minds Eye, Stella & Rose Mabel Love Letters, I border punched the edge and inked it with Soft Suede ink.

Now you'll have to forgive me, for some reason the perimeters of the call slipped my mind...I had a brain fart....and forgot that I needed to use 2 different papers from 2 different lines on my creations.  So, the next cards have different papers but from the same vendor....some from different lines though....  At least you can see how much fun I had today!  This is a cutesy card using that same My Minds Eye Quite Contrary Little Boy Blue Day Dream paper and coordinating stickers.  

The scallops the owl and the buttons are all from that sticker sheet, aren't they cute?  I added a little crochet lace and stitching to make it 'me' and there you have it!  Cutesy cute!

This is my favorite and the quickest card I made today.  The Baha Breeze color is so me and I love the My Minds Eye Meadow Lark 'Dawn' Cards paper.  One side of it is the script, the other a whole slew of tags just waiting for me to use! 

I added my favorite fabric doily which I dyed dark grey, seam binding ribbon and handmade pin details.  Then I inked the bird to make it stand out a little bit more.  I think this took all of 15 minutes to make and I know exactly who this is heading off to tomorrow!

Can you tell I like My Minds Eye papers?  Here's another one My Mind's Eye Lush Green Houndstooth paper...although I used the polka-dot side....and My Mind's Eye Alphabet Soup Girl 'Lovely' paper. 

I'm obsessed with the argyle, I'd dress my kids in it everyday if I could...and if they wouldn't get beat up for it ;)...  It's another cutesy one, with my glitter dragonfly....hello lover....some gingham ribbon and another fav of mine, a doily...of course...

Last but not least, it's shabby time.  These papers are from the BoBunny Gabrielle collection, which if your shabby at heart, you have to get!  It's *FABULOUS*!  I was even able to get my hands on the Gabrielle Trinkets to match, see that cameo?  That's it there.  BoBunny is really starting to get my attention here.

Finally, to really get your heart pumpin', let me show you some comparison shopping numbers.  The BoBunny Gabrielle 6x6 paper pack retails for $5.99...of course I didn't pay that....  Since I didn't have time to order my things from Pumpkin Spice, I had to pay $4.95...not great, but not retail...at my local discount craft store....no it's not Michael's, I said discount....  Pumpkin Spice's everyday low price is $4.19!  Hello, bargain!!!! I'm telling you, save your pennies...and your gas...and get your things there.  I know I am.

Supplies:

Thoughts of You:
CardStock: Early Espresso (SU!)
Patterned Paper: Timepiece collection (BoBunny); Quite Contrary, Little Boy Blue and Stella & Rose, Mabel Love Letters (My Minds Eye); label (Martha Stewart)
Ink:  Soft Suede, Chocolate Chip Handsome Hunter (SU!)
Stamp Set: Tag Time #4 (PTI)
Tools: Friskar's border punch
Accents: assorted buttons
Fibers: Brown twill (May Arts)


Cutesy Owl
CardStock: Crumb Cake (SU!)
Patterned Paper: Quite Contrary, Little Boy Blue (My Minds Eye)
Ink:  Chocolate Chip (SU!)
Stamp Set:  Up, Up & Away (PTI)
Stickers: Quite Contrary Little Boy Blue (My Minds Eye)
Fibers: crochet lace and hemp twine

Hello Birdie
CardStock: Baha breeze (SU!)
Patterned Paper: Timepiece collection (BoBunny); Meadow Lark Dawn Cards Paper My Minds Eye
Ink:  Baha Breeze, Basic Black (SU!)
Stamp Set:  Think Big Favorites (PTI)
Tools: corner rounder punch (SU!)
Accents: handmade pins, white button
Fibers: aqua seam binding (Snug Hug); aqua embroidery floss (DMC); fabric doily


Hello Arglye

CardStock: Whisper White (SU!)
Patterned Paper: Alphabet Soup Girl 'Lovely' and Lush Green Houndstooth (My Minds Eye)
Ink:  Old Olive (SU!)
Stamp Set:  Think Big Favorites (PTI)

Stickers: Quite Contrary Mary, Mary 'Wonderful' (My Minds Eye)

Fibers: Red gingham ribbon; white string
Accents: orange button; glitter dragonfly; doily

Merci Gabrielle
CardStock: River Rock (SU!)
Patterned Paper: Gabrielle Collection (BoBunny)
Ink:  Soft Suede, Craft White (SU!)
Stamp Set:  Think Big Favorites (PTI)

Tools: bunting die (Spellbinders)

Accents: handmade pins, Gabrielle Trinkets (BoBunny); white button; doily

Fibers: pink seam binding (Snug Hug); Brown twill (May Arts); hemp twine

White Party!

It's another challenge week at Our Creative Corner and I get to be your hostess!  I love to create challenges, and really LOVE this one!  It's going to be a tuffy, but you'll love the results I guarantee it....I'm sounding like a commercial here... 

Now, my favorite summer events are garden parties, you know the ones when everyone wears white? That's my inspiration for this week's challenge, we're having a White party! I don't know about you, but I LOVE white! The challenge is for you to ONLY use white in you creation. Think it will look flat? Enhance the color with textures and patterns. Check out these photos for inspiration...

If you're having trouble figuring this out, do what I did.  Gather up all your favorite items in white, and put them in a pile. 

Once you see them all together, pull out the things that definitely DON'T work, then you're left with items to work into your project. 

 Put in a bit of your creative genius, and voila'!  A fantastic all white creation! 

Now head on over the the OCC and see what the other members of our talented design team did...you won't be sorry you did...

Christmas in July

It's another challenge week here at Our Creative Corner!  Last weeks entries were amazing - we are busy going thru them all to pick out new members of the DT.  This week's theme is Christmas in July, which was perfect 'cause my hubby gave me a gift when I got home late Wednesday night.  A surprize trip to my hometown to visit friends, go to baseball games and parties!  So after 1 night in my bed, here I am in Pburg doing my post!

This card is a bit special, it is in this month's Paper Crafts Stamp It issue!  I love this style, you can use any sentiment to create this, add a simple embellie and viola!  A CAS card! .....a rareity for me....

Alright, now make a 4th of July card or get started on your Christmas cards and share them with us!  Hope to see you there!

My Style

Hello Ladies!
Greetings from sunny and cold Copenhagen...isn't it summer?...  This week at Our Creative Corner, we are having a Design Team call!!!  That's right, YOU could be the next OCC designer! We want to see a card that is YOUR STYLE - whatever that style is, just make a brand new card showcasing your awesome abilities and tell us all about you and your style! The OCC team is diverse and we'd love to see what you would bring to the table!

As for me, my style is always changing and evolving.  I love simple, clean cards, but they are not my forte...I can't stop adding embellies!...  I am most suscessful with Shabby Chic and Cutesy type cards.  Here is an example of one of my favorite recent Shabby creations.

I used my new Postmark set from PTI.  It's perfect for the little piece of shabbiness that lives inside my creative brain.  This one is my Cutesy style:

See?  I can't decide....I think I may have a split personallity...  Any how, show me your style and post it up on the OCC site.   I hope you will join us, I'm eager to see all that you create and look forward to our new team members!

And I'm off...

***this post has some paper creations, flower creations and general rambling...***

It has been a CRAZY, CRAZY, CRAZY 2 weeks! ...did I say crazy?...  Wanna glimpse into my insane asylum?

First, we have been replacing the carpet on the second floor of our home.  All of the spaces except for our bedroom were done 2 weeks ago.  We were going to put hard wood in there, but hubby changed his mind.  The new carpet hasn't arrived at the warehouse, so we have been living on particle board for almost 3 weeks now.

Then, the Jones boys...the sons from the family I grew up next to...decided to get married...in consecutive weekends.  The younger of the 2...he's 30...had his wedding and small reception last weekend.  I made the cake for this, a 3 tiered, 3 layer white chocolate cake with strawberry and raspberry fillings.  Here's some photos of the cake, but if you check out this post by Kathleen...the Mother of the Grooms.... on Facebook, you can see how I looked cutting it up...let's just say, I got messy...  

Now, being a former wedding coordinator, their mother also asked me to help plan the one hosted at her home.  The only glitch?  It's the weekend I'm in Copenhagen.  So, I had to plan an event, that I'm not even installing!  I did however make 10 centerpieces, the corsages, bridal bouquet and cake.  I won't have a completed set-up photo of the event until I get home, but here is an example of the centerpieces with the paper underlay:

The underlay is make from 18x18 paper, with their names cut from the Cricut in the corner.  The centerpieces are carnations in various white porcelain containers with red ribbons.  Here's a close-up of the paper:

and what the car looked like with everything packed in it when it left here just 1 hour ago...I can't believe it all fit in a Mini Cooper...:

Now, did you know that I'm an international party planner?  That's right, and it's the reason I'm going to Copenhagen...and to visit BFF Annerd...  It's a combined birthday party for a couple.  Dana is turning 40 and her hubby, Steen, is turning 50.  They are having a 90th birthday together...cute eh?...  I'm flying out there to make it fabulous!  I'll post photos of the set-up process when I'm there, but will share the things for the kids room at the party.  That's what the Danes do, adult parties have a kids space 'cause they don't really do babysitters....I could NEVER be a Dane for that reason...  So, the theme for the kids room is Mickey Mouse so this was a natural part to plan, as we are a Disney family!

These are the goodie boxes for the kids.  Thank you Cricut, I need to use you more..

The party hats for the kids.  Simple and cute!

Now, I have clean my house and prepare for my mother-in-law to stay and care for my little ones!  I'll have more posts while I'm gone, lots of paper creations too!

I am so ready for some fun in Copenhagen!

Oh the challenge!

This week's Our Creative Corner challenge is a GOOD one!  Thanks again to fellow desgn team member, Lori Rider.  It was a head scratcher, which are my fav's!  This week there is a color challenge with a twist!  Not only do you need to use the colors you see here...some of my ultimate favorites...but you need to use 3 different punches and one of them needs to be a border punch!!  

So off to the craftin' spot I went, thinking, 'This will only take a few minutes to whip this up!'.  Well, it didn't.  I wanted to use this great paper I picked up by House of Three along my new PTI set, Postmarks.  Easy peezie...not....  I couldn't find punches that I like; then I forgot I had to use 3; then the background paper that started off pink, I distressed and it now looks peach....sigh...  Well,I really like how it came out!  So I used the colors...obviously...the Friskars border punch...see it there?...along the map?...my new Spellbinders Nestabilities Reverse Wonky Rectangles and a Pink Paisley die cut.  And a die cut counts as a punch, even though I didn't do it my self....right?....  Well I'm counting it anyway, 'cause I like it and it reminds me that in just 4 SHORT days I will be leaving for Copenhagen!!!

Thanks a Melon

Yes, you!  Thanks for hangin' in there with me...you're the best!...  But it appears, I'm back in full force!  I just spent the last 4 days painting, ripping up carpet and making over 30 creations...whew....  Most were for publications, but this one's for you.

I used my new PTI set, Fruit Fusion - Melon.  Isn't it adorable?!  I had hoped to get this set before the end of the school year to make cookies and cute containers for the teachers, but it arrived too late.  I'll do it next year, 'cause I love this set!  I personally hate the taste of melon, but think it's a cute summer icon.  If I need to make a thank you gift this summer, this it my go-to set for sure, with melon cookies and candies.  Yum!

This is another crazy week.  A second round of carpet is coming, a decorating re-do for the master bedroom, 2 wedding cakes, 10 centerpieces, 1 wedding bouquet and packing for next week's trip....I take on too much...  I like to keep busy, but this is ridonkulous!!!

Polka-dot Party

Hi Ladies!
Well, I've been busy craftin' in spot and here is the first of many creations for me to share with you.  It's for this week's Our Creative Corner challenge.  Check  out this inspiration photo:

Isn't that pillow lucious?...too cute....  So the challenge this week is to use 2 items as inspiration for your creation.  I obviously had to do polka-dots...I wish had some kraft colored pom-poms too....and the color palette.  We have a few little boy birthday's this summer, so I broke open my new PTI set to make this.

Inspired?  Great!  Now head over the the OCC and check out the DT's creations for more inspiration and join us for some craftin' fun!  See you there!

You'd be proud...

I have been a craftin' fool these last 2 days! ...you're right, it's wonderful therapy!...  I will have lots of things to show you, but you'll have to wait just one more day and I PROMISE I will have bunches of posts in the coming days...and weeks...and months...

Until then, I had to clean out my space so I could get to my table...it was a shame really... and have added even MORE things to my 'purge' sale list.  Go check it out here, then e-mail me your requests asap, things are going fast!  Once those things are sold, I will be listing TONS of my favorite supplies for sale.   Crochet doilies; pins; velvet and seam binding ribbons; tea dyed items; glitter embellies...the list goes on.  BUT I can't list those fabulous finds UNTIL the purge sale is over.  So get crackin!!!

For sale!!!

I have been busy cleaning house and have the need to make some space...just wait till you see it!... I am getting rid of some of my tried & true stamp sets, ink pads and so much more! I will be adding more every day so keep checking back…


Shipping will be paid by the buyer and I will ship in any size USPS Priority box or $4.95 envelope only. Pick the size you want and fill it up! I will only accept PayPal, and all items must be paid for within 24 hours. E-mail me at krzykramer@yahoo.com with your request and I’ll respond letting you know your total. Please put "SALE" in the subject line so I don't think it's junk mail. All items will be shipped within 24 hours of payment.

Go to my 'FOR SALE' page or click here for the current list!

Busy Baby

Boy am I busy baby!  We're tearing up carpet, laying down hardwood floors, painting, re-decorating, re-upholstering...pretty much the whole house!...  I did find some time today to visit Archiver's on the other side of town...while picking up supplies...  It was so much fun and I was able to find some Webster's Papers items, one of my fav's.  It was a great find, since today's challenge for Our Creative Corner is to create a baby card, using a button, trim and kraft cardstock!

This was a perfect paper for this challenge, the sweet carrige with the flowers.  This could go for a boy or a girl don't you think?  I used Kraft on the little tag, I didn't want to cover the image so I kept it small.  The lace trim I used to make a little flower and topped it with the cute pearl heart and red button with hemp twine.  Very shabby and cute.   I feels good to be getting back into the spot, now I just need to clean it so it's easier to create down there...

On a personal note, please know I will be responding to each and every e-mail and comment you all sweet ladies left me the last few weeks!  I REALLY appreciate all your support and love, it has helped me more than you know.  It just may have to wait until these things are done...

Swing of things...

It's so hard to get back into it.  I've been out of the craftin' spot for so long now...it's a shame...so here is my first jump back in.  It's not my favorite creation and reminds me of one I did a while back.  I'm confident my creative mojo will return soon.

This weeks Our Creative Corner challenge is hosted by the ever talented Linda.  She's so vintage shabby and fabulous!  This week she is asking us to frame it, make it stand out above your background.  I decided to use one my favorite mediums - burlap.  I love burlap, it's so much fun to use.  I cut a frame out of Chocolate chip paper with a Nestability die and stamped and embossed directly on the fabric.  The bird and the branch is from a Hambly screenprinting clear sticker sheet.  Inspired?  Then get out there and use a frame in your creation, I can't wait to see it!
On a personal note, I want to take the time to thank you all for your patience and understanding, I feel I'm on the road to recovery, as I have so much to be thankful for!   It was fun and theraputic to get back in the spot, so it is now going to be a part of my 'therapy'...yes, that's what I'll call it, therapy!...  I may be slow to getting back to my daily posts, but will take it one day at a time.  Hugs to you all!!!

Thank you all...

First I want to thank everyone for their kind words of support. I will respond to everyone personally, but wanted to let you know although you haven't heard from me, I an grateful for you. I'm getting on the mend, have changed my behavior; I'm working out every morning now, going to sleep at a decent time...not 2 or 3 am like normal...and making better food choices to help get me on the road to recovery. I'm doing my best to avoid the need for medication, and these things seem to be helping....I'm keeping my fingers crossed....  My goal is to back in full swing next week, I'm just needing a little more time. Thank you for being patient with me. I'll be back next week with you all - keep on crafting!
Hugs!

How it's going...

Do you ever get this way?  Drowning....sad....overwhelmed....uninspired....low....  I haven't felt this way since my post-pardum with my first daughter.   I've have a genetic dispostion for mild to moderate depression, but am generally able to handle and re-direct that and keep myself up.  Not lately though...and I'd say this is far from moderate....  Since about a week before Easter.  I can't seem to push my way through, and my blog and craftyness has been suffering for it...along with my house....  Stay patient with me....if you can....I'll get back up soon....I will, right?.... 

Until then...well Saturday for the OCC post.... visit some of my favorite places for some inspiration:
Moxie Fab

Our Creative Corner

Spellbinders
Paper Crafts Connection
Create
Cherry's Jubilee
Viola
To scrap or not to Scrap

Fun with floss...

Can you believe it's been so long since I last posted?  Life is hectic - the holidays, construction,...visits from the inlaws during the construction..., illness.  You all know how it goes.  Sorry I 've been too distracted to be present here these last 2 weeks.  I will have time in my craftin' spot this weekend, so you'll see more of me soon...I promise...

I am here this today for this week's Our Creative Corner challenge!  This weeks' challenge is hosted by the VERY talented Jennifer Rzasa at our Change of Heart.  You must go and check out her talent...amazing!...  This week she is challenging us to use embroidery floss!  I have to tell you, this holds a special place in my heart.  One of my first win overs at Moxie Fab was for the Fun with Floss challenge with this little card.  I always find it amazing the different things we come up with, all using the same thing!  This is my card for this week's challenge...

I love the colors of this, and am entering it in the CR84FN Color Challenge this week!  This is one of my FAVORITE color combinations, and have been helping plan an event in Denmark with these colors.   I stitched the floss around the polkadots on the paper I had with white floss...an old SU! DSP... and did french knots at the joints with the teal floss.  It was time consuming, but fairly easy.   The I just added some ribbon, a doily, my go to Trio Tags Spellbingers die and a FABULOUS dragonfly for some sparkle.  Check out all the other ladies inspirations - they are AMAZING!!