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.