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

Redemption

I am the Queen of Cakes! I have re-claimed my kingdom and title!
After many failed attempts, I finally conquered my quest. I was begining to think I was crazy, with my coconut shells, 'galloping' along with my trusty blond squires as I attempted to perfect the Holy Grail of baking...Fondant.

Since this is a documentation of all my things creative, I am sharing with you all my failed attempts and triumphs. This way my girlfriends will know that I am only human and make LOTS of mistakes before I get sugary perfection. Below are the photos of the mishaps, the finished pieces and the lessons I learned.
COOKIES
Before...don't forget to add the vanilla, but they will still taste good if you use enough powdered sugar.
After...yum. Don't refridgerate your iced cookies. The icing gets white spots all over it.

CUPCAKES
Before...cupcakes don't need 30 minutes to cake at 325. Anyone that tells you that is crazy. Also, don't try to multi-task your baking. They tell you to cook on the center rack for a reason.

After...Marshmellow Fondant is very pliable, fairly tasty and easy to make. NEVER buy fondant unless you are making a standing figure. Also wear food safe gloves before adding food coloring and kneading. Especially if you are going out for drinks 2 hours later. You will have brown palms for a while.

CAKES
Before...I thought that using the chocolate modeling clay would be a great idea for making the figures. I was wrong. The chocolate was difficult to work with and crumbled easily. Also once it dried, it was hard and VERY brittle. Every time I looked at it a finger or arm would fall off. I'm sure there is a way to make this work, but I haven't found a website that exlains the tricks to me.

And after...I learned to use fondant for making figures, but to stabilize the body so the weight of the head doesn't smush the body. Also, Wilton Fondant is ick, ick ICK! NEVER use it if you plan on it being eaten.


For those of you that would rather buy their cakes and cookies, I'm glad you can afford it. For the few that would rather bake than buy, but don't have the time, call me and we'll work something out.
All in all this was a fun week getting all this together. Some headaches, but I think that Elizabeth caused that with all her screaming.

Joker of cakes

So. For some reason I am having a terrible time with creating these cakes. I 8" round and 15 cupcakes are to be created for the shower in 2 days. I have burned the cupcakes and singed the cake. I'm not sure what is happening, but I know it's not my fault...

By the way, my new show premiers on the Food Network tomorrow...'Kulinary Kalamities with KrzyKramer'. It's sure to be a big hit.

Cake boss, I am not.

So. Chocolate modeling clay tastes good. I've eaten all my mistakes. I have comsumed 21 oz of chocolate/white chocolate so far. I don't feel good. Pants are tight.
I think my house is too cold to use modeling chocolate. It gets too hard to fast and breaks apart. I will try to use regular fondant tomorrow and hope for better results. I'll post a photo of my chocolate creation later. After I've cried myself to sleep. And digest...

Cake Boss, here I come!

Ok, so you know those fabulous tv shows featuring crazy awesome cakes? Well, Lily & I are addicted to them. I love how they create such beautiful things, only to be gobbled up for some wonderful occassion.
I must admit, I love to bake. Everything. Cookies, cakes, candies, it probably explains my weight gain...Since the arrival of my first daughter, I make it a point to create her birthday cake every year, and now I'm hooked. Every year the creations became more elaborate, with her 5th birthday decorated with hand made chocolate butterflies and caterpillars. I've got all the tools, spatulas, spinning trays, cake/cupcake pans, icing tubes, tips and papers. You name it I have it. Usually I only used wholesale bought buttercream (the same they use at Kroger, the wholesaler is around the corner from my house). It has a good flavor that kids (and Rob) like, comes in a HUGE 5 gallon bucket and is shelf save for 6 months.
Now with that being said, I love the look of those cakes on tv. The modeling and fondant is so beautiful. I've never liked the taste of fondant, it's pretty nasty. it's like eating a slab of Crisco with sugar added. Ick. I considered just making the pretty cakes Lily likes for her and let her discover the nasty-ness herself, but who wants to be dissapointed on their birthday with a gross cake? Until now...
I am co-hosting a baby shower this weekend and ofcourse offered to make the cake and cookies. I've been doing a little research and found this AMAZING site filled with great information, including a marshmellow fondant recipe. Hummm... I'm not a marshmellow fan, but others are, so I decided to make it today to sample it. OMG!!! is all I have to say. It's tasty, easy to make and did I say tasty? I am so excited now to create the goodies for the party this weekend! It was really easy, I'm now a fondant making queen! Now they did say it's not the best for modeling, but they also have the recipe for making modeling chocolate!! I whipped up a batch - tastes like a tootsie roll!! I know I'm going to have to beat Rob off with a stick for the rest of the week with these tasty goodies around. I'll post the final results on Sunday so you can see the yummy-ness!

Lily's Creations

As I created my cards this week, I had a curly headed shadow peeking over my shoulder. On Friday, Lily had a snow day and begged me to make some cards. So I gave her some paper, crayons and markers and some stickers. She was not at all pleased with me. She wanted to make 'mommy cards' using stamps and the 'special' glue tape (snail). I gave her a stamp and her kid stamp pads and thought that would be the end of it. After about 5 minutes and 5 cards, she again said she wanted to make 'mommy cards' with me. So we used one card layout left over from a stamp camp I did a few years back. She loved the colors and using the paper crimper! Her creation is on the left, mine is on the right. We went thru step by step, I showed her how to do it, and she did it all herself. Did I mention she is 5?

After we made this card, she seemed to be satisfied, for about 15 minutes. She came back wanting to make another one. Since it was snowing out, I thought this was a great, easy card for her to make. She used blender pens, punches and a big background stamp too. I think we'll be doing this a lot more together now!

Inspire, not copy

This card is for the SCS Inspiration Challenge, IC214. This week’s inspiration comes from the fun Etsy store Groovy Inclinations. The artist is Mindy Wilson from western Montana. Her digital prints stem from illustrations and photos combined with alterations with a graphic program and her own painted textures. I choose the print Jelly Bean Soup for inspiration for this card. I do need to remember that it's supposed to 'inspire me', not to copy it. I made this card 3 time before I thought it was passable. I'm still not sure if I like it. I'm going to try a different print later today.


Card Stock: Whisper WHite, vellum, Soft Sky
Stamp Set: Embrace Life, Petal Prints
Ink: VersaMark, Craft White, Soft Sky, Basic Black marker, VersaMarker
Accessories: White, copper, black, non-su gold EP, sponge dauber

Scraps

I decided to use only scraps for this card. Every item came from my scrap bins of paper and ribbon. The strip of DSP Petals & Paisley inspired the color combination of this card. The only thing not froma scrap pile are the buttons.



Card stock: Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Apricot Appeal, Taken with Teal, DSP Petals & Paisley
Stamp set: Spring Solitude, Circle of Friendship
Ink: Certaily Celery, Craft White
Accessories: SU! markers, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Chcolate Chip, Taken with Teal, Tempting Turqouise, yellow buttons, white EP, turqouise grosgrain ribbon

For Rob

I made this Valentines card for Rob, he's not a mushy guy. Just a guys guy. So I created a simple card with some elements I had made for another card I took apart last year. I love this color combination, simple and classic. I had to use 2 different verbage stamps to get the passage. I used the 'you' from the Short & Sweet set with a BB marker. This card took me all of 10 minutes to make.

Card stock: Soft Sky, Basic Black, Kraft
Stamp set: Garden Silhouettes, Lithograph, Warm Words, Short & Sweet
Ink: VersaMark, Soft Sky, Basic Black
Accessories: SU! marker Basic Black, Clear & white EP, sponge dauber, neutral buttons, non-su ribbon

Challenge me!

It has been forever since I did a SCS challenge. I love doing them, they help me think outside the box. Here is the one I did for the Tuesday Color Challenge, CC252, Bermuda Celery Hunters...cute title. I don't have Bermuda Bay, so I used Taken with Teal instead. I used the owl from Goody Goody Gumdrops - my new fav - and since I think he's so preppy, I used classic preppy patterns in the background.

Card stock: Certainly Celery, Taken with Teal, Handsome Hunter, Whisper White, DSP Certainly Celery
Stamp set: Goody-Goody Gumdrops, Pasley
Ink: Taken with Teal
Accessories: SU! markers, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Taken with Teal, Handsome Hunter, Going Gray, blender pen, fire brads, retired velvet ribbon