Monthly Archives: April 2011

i love a challenge

There’s nothing quite like a good challenge to get me creating.

Did you know that Creating Keepsakes Club CK on-line community has a one hour challenge? I’m actually not sure how often they post it but I think it may be about once a week. I’ve seen it quite a few times and have always wanted to play along but never found the chance.

Today I was on Facebook and noticed that they had just posted another one hour challenge. Intrigued I stopped by to see what the challenge was. There were three fabulous projects from the latest Paper Crafts magazine special issue, 350 Cards & Gifts. That clinched it. I had to play along. The rest of the to do list…well, it can wait.

So. What could I create in an hour or less? I wasn’t sure but as the clock was ticking, my fingers were flying.

I finished my layout in 55 minutes including the time it too to edit and print out the photos. Yes. I was movin! 🙂 Fun, fun, fun!

Want to check out the original challenge? You can still play along.

The buttons and text on Jessica Witty’s wreath inspired the sewing theme, the text fabric background and the button embellishments. Layle Konkar’s printers tray inspired the banner accents and Ashley C. Newell’s canvas wall hanging inspired the canvas rolled flower and banner.

Oh yes, I really should tell you that this is my beautiful daughter making her very first quilt.

A few design notes:

  • tear edges of fabric for a textured look
  • the fabric was spritzed with Viva Pink Glimmer Mist for color and interest
  • photos can stick to the presser foot when stitching on them with a sewing machine. Carefully apply subtle pressure to keep the paper moving.

Thanks for joining me today!

just sitting here

Before I get started on my huge to do list today, I’m just sitting here, sharing a little stamped card with you.

I love this Hero Arts stamp and paper pieced a small portion of it to make the cushions stand out. I think it’s a fun look that pops.

Supplies: Wishing You Were Here stamp set by Hero Arts, grey cardstock by Bazzill Basics, Silver Script Transparency by Hambly Screen Prints, Pink Ruffle Edge Trim Ribbon by Maya Road, patterned paper by The Girls’ Paperie, Jet Black Archival ink by Ranger

Off to battle the list…

printed canvas crush

I love text.
I love canvas.
What do you get when you combine the two?

A MAJOR product crush.

Love, love, love the Prima Printed Canvas. It’s gorgeous and you can mist it, stamp it, stitch it or just leave it as is.

For this design I’ve stamped on the printed canvas with a Hero Arts flower from the Layered Flowers stamp set. When stamping on canvas I find it really helpful to use a great black ink. Jet Black Archival by Ranger is my favorite for stamping everything except when coloring with Copic Markers.

After heat setting & cutting out my stamped flower, I’ve colored it with Memento Markers. These markers are dye based and the color takes well to the canvas. The sentiment is from the Find Joy stamp set. I love this font and how you can color it in with an accent color. The Memento Markers have a fine writing tip on the opposite end and were perfect for adding in the fine detail. To finish it off…I’ve done a little hand-stitching with my favorite twine and added a sweet little Jenni Bowlin Button.

Happy creating!

 

simply saturday…oh baby

Ever in a rush to make a card? A simple one layer card is the perfect solution.

I also love rub-ons for quick cards. You can simply press on your rub-ons for a clean crisp look. You also don’t get your hands inky. Not that there is something wrong with getting your hands dirty of course. Messy crafting is fun. But sometimes, when you’re in a hurry…you get the picture.

banner-baby-card.jpg

This is a simple card using one layer of cardstock, layered rub-ons and sticker sentiments.

Supplies: cardstock by Bazzill, mini clothepeg, stickers, Dear Lizzy Rub-ons by American Crafts

Have a simply wonderful weekend!

Imagine the Possibilities…

It’s layout day today.

I’ve pulled out some new goodies and given them a whirl. Gelatos, Kraft Resist paper, stamps and ink.

I know I’ve mentioned before about my daughter and her Organ Transplant Co-op last semester and I’ve finally gotten around to creating a page for her to remember it by. The photos are of her traveling by ambulance and private jet for an organ retrieval. What an amazing learning experience! (edited to add…just to clear things up, Heather did NOT have a transplant. She was able to spend a few months with the team learning, watching and attending rounds and surgeries. She will start working on her nursing degree this fall.)

Today I’m in the CLASSroom sharing this layout, closeups and how I created it. Want to join me?

I also just wanted to take the time to say thank you, thank you, thank you for all the wonderful birthday wishes and comments left here and on facebook. I had a lovely day and wonderful dinner made by my daughter and MIL. Manicotti and cheesecake…yummm! I’m spoiled!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Carpe Diem

Anyone up for a challenge?

I’m excited to be back guest hostessing for the Ways to Use it Challenge. My sweet friend Kim Hughes is off on her honeymoon. Congrats Kim!

Feel like creating today? Why not join us here for a fun challenge?

So actually, it’s my birthday today. I’ve stopped counting now so don’t ask. 😉 Things have gotten a little behind as I’ve been so busy the past few weeks. It’s a good thing but I ended up having to whip this up this morning. Creating is a great way to start your special day, don’t you think? I thought today would be a great day to…

Seize the Day

Just a few days ago I finally got my new Picket Fence line stamps in the mail. Yay! So this is my very first card using them and they stamped great! They are paired up with the 6×6 papd pad and stickers from the same line.

To make this card work for the challenge, I decided to layer the sticker banner onto some white cardstock and then cut out a border with my pinking shears. They are the only decorative edge scissors I have left. I love them but after using them so much for paper, I really have to wonder if they are still going to cut fabric. I may have to splurge on another pair! I’ve really been inspired lately to start sewing again. It’s been a while and I miss it!

Supplies: twine, Picket Fence 6×6 paper pad, Picket Fence stickers and Picket Fence stamps by Lily Bee Design, Tiny Attacher by Advantus, white cardstock by Bazzill, Leaf Trinket Pins by Maya Road, Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink and Jet Black Archival Ink by Ranger

Have a fabulous day!

sequins and shine

Oh, what to share today. Hmmmm….

Looking through my files….

How about this one?

I feel like a little shine on this very rainy morning. Sequins and shiny page pebbles to liven up the day. While I’d never wear a sequin, they sure are fun to paper craft with! Ranger Glossy Accents is perfect for adhering them with.

Follow your heart!