Wednesday, March 31, 2010

My first ettempt at an Easter card

I wasn't sure whether I was gonna even try making Easter cards this year -- then I got an order for one! And it had to be a "serious type" versus the fun types that so many people are making. (and like the ones I had thought I'd try lifting if I attempted a card). But, I did find an idea in a gallery and then set out to lift it.

This is what I came up with.

I was surprised how well the flowers turned out -- especially since I made the pattern...and was basically clueless about the whole process for the most part. I'm not 100% satisfied with how they look, but pretty happy nonetheless. And the card's overall look -- love it! And seriously, as long as the customer's happy, everyone's happy, right??? TFL

Entering this card into the following challenges:
Nutshells's Challenge #12: Easter
PaperTakeWeekly: Open Theme 
Crafty Creations Challenge: Anything Goes 

Daisies and Flowerpots

I saw this project on a few blogs last week, and figured I'd give it a try. It's definitely out of my usual league, but I saw it and thought it would be perfect for my mom. She's into gardening and flowers, so it totally works as a card for her. :)





Plus, I recently won a Fiskar Punch...and this project was perfect for using the daisy punch.



I've entered them into the following challenges:
Nutshells #12 -- Easter/Spring
Quirky Crafts Challenge #24: Flowers

Monday, March 29, 2010

"Bee Cheerful"

I've been looking for stamps that have thick lines because I have some embossing powder that isn't extra fine. I didn't realize it when I first bought it, but the fine-ness of the powder makes a big difference when stamping and embossing.

I went through some stamps that a friend of mine has when I came across two with extra thick lines. Totally perfect for my embossing powder. Plus, the stamps reminded me of spring/summer. So they're totally perfect for card making right about now.



I love the little bee -- it's soo cute!!! As I was making this card, I was thinking of using it for a "Bee Cheerful" or "Get Well" card. Just looking at it, I can see this card helping to cheer someone up -- or help make the healing process that much faster. :) TFL

Take a Survey -- You could Win!!!

Paper Fashions is trying to get some feedback on how paper crafters would feel about purchasing project kits. They have a created a survey -- and they want YOUR participation!!!

As a bonus, they have added a chance to win some candy!!!


The above photo shows a few items that will be included in the prize package. Each time they hit 25 survey takers, they will add two more prizes to the pack!
The start package ($40 value) includes:
a Cosmo Cricket Mini Deck
assorted ribbons
metal rimmed tags
acrylic stamp set
mini book
flower epoxy stickers
rub on letters
Thermo O Web Zots
Glue Stick
Mounting Tabs

Also, don't forget to mention that you heard about it on my blog! Referrals get extra entries!!! :) Thank you! :)

Click here to go to the Paper Fashions blog and survey.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Ribbon Tying Tutorial #3: The Tailored Bow

Once you've go the classics down (the knot and the classic bow), you'll want to add some diversity to your projects from time to time. Here's another variation that works well with cards -- and is pretty much the simplest bow tying technique out there! :)

The TAILORED BOW

First, cut a piece of ribbon twice the desired length of the finished bow. Then cut a ribbon about twice the length of the width of the ribbon. (it goes around the ribbon)

Form a loop and secure the ends together. Flatten the loop and secure in the center.

Now, take the smaller piece of ribbon and wrap it around the center of the bow, and adhere the ends to the back.


And there you have it -- another great looking bow to add to your card or project!!! :)


You can either use the bow alone, or you can adhere it to another piece of ribbon.


Enjoy experimenting with this new technique!!! Happy crafting! :)

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

A Sketchy B-day

I got some new papers yesterday...and borrowed some coloured ink. Stamped out a few images...and embossed them with my clear/sparkling embossing powder. I followed a sketch I found this morning -- and I think it turned out great! :) Love those papers!!!

I've entered this card into the Sketch Challenge #17. TFL :)

** HINT:
If you're new to stamping and embossing, here's a little hint when buying supplies: I bought some embossing powders awhile back (clear/sparkling and silver). I quickly learned that instead of buying coloured embosssing powders, it's simpler just to buy coloured ink...and emboss with clear/sparkling powder. Your image keeps its ink colour...and is shiny. :) So if you're trying to save money...this would be one way to keep things simple and less expensive.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Have a Daisy of a Day!

I won my first Fiskars punch last week. Man was I excited when I opened that box!!! LOL I took one look at the punch...and thought "DAISY!". Gotta love a punch that can produce your favourite flower!!! :)


This card came together soooooooo fast -- it may be simple, but it's so cute! And man! Do I love my new punch!!! I'm gonna have so much fun with it! :)

I've entering this card into challenges:
All sorts Challenge Blog: Spring
 Saturday Challenge: Spring has sprung!
Sweet Stampin Challenge: Spring is in the Air!
Frosted Design: Think Spring

Cute Daisy May Challenge: Anything Goes!
Creative Cottage Challenge Blog: Flowers

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Ribbon Tying Tutorial #1 -- The Knot

I've had quite a few people ask me how I make the ribbons on my cards. If you are a follower or even looked a just a few of my cards, you will no doubt see that I used a few different techniques with the ribbons. Some are simpler than others, but whichever one I use...it just gives the cards and layouts a little something extra. :)

I've been leaving comments on other people's blogs about how much I love their tutorials (on anything and everything!). So I figured I should probably give it a shot as well!!! :p Not sure how good this one will be -- but as far as tying ribbons go -- that's how I learned the techniques I use myself!

Just remember, it takes patience...and if the ribbon doesn't look good the first time...try, try, try again! :)


On to the tutorial!

THE KNOT:
I know it probably sounds simple, but it took me awhile until I had finally mastered this particular tying technique. And as I discovered just awhile ago, there are a few different techniques to making the knot.

Technique 1:

First, take a bottle and tie the ribbon around the top. (double knotted and evenly spaced).

Now pull the ribbon off...and cut the loop at an angle (so you get a nice finished look to the ties)

Finally adhere the ribbon to your card.

Technique 2:

This technique requires two pieces of ribbon. Your first piece gets wrapped around the card and taped in the back.

Next, take a smaller piece of ribbon...and tie that piece around the first piece (wherever you want your bow to be).

And there you have it!!! All set to make those knot ribbons!!! Have fun!! :)

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Spring is here!!! :)

It looks like those long winter days are behind us (it WAS supposed to snow again yesterday, but didn't!) So...I'm gonna keep my fingers crossed that this warm spell and spring weather we've been getting around here recently is here to stay! I know there's a saying about "....in like a lion, out like a lamb..." or something...but I'd prefer it if the next two months stay nice and mild. Spring weather...and lots of sunny days! :)


On to my latest card -- I made another Spring card. This is one of my favourites from the month of March. Love the spring feel I get just by looking at it! :)

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:
 Alllsorts Challenge Blog's "Spring is in the Air".
Totally Gorjuss: Challenge #22: Ribbon 
PaperPlay Challenges: Week 11: Thank You / Good Luck
The Pink Elephant: Challenge #58 Spring
Saturday Challenge: Spring Has Sprung!
Sweet Stampin Challenge Blog: Spring is in the Air!
Frosted Designs: Think Spring
Paper Garden Projects: Using Spring or Easter Colours
Creative Cottage Challenge #2: Flowers 
Cute Daisy  May Challenge: Anything Goes!

Going Dotty

Here's a card I made for a Going Dotty Challenge. To be quite honest, I didn't intend for it to look like this -- had a whole other sketch going...but then decided to change it up. Unfortunately you can't really see much of the second dotty paper I used...but what the heck! I like it anyways -- especially since I was able to use up some embellishes that I've had for too long! Love the sticker...and how it made the whole card come together (at least for me!) TFL. :)


Also entered this card in:
Crafty Creations Challenges: Challenge #59 Spots & Dots

Friday, March 19, 2010

Have a Cupcake!


I love this mouse with a cupcake stamp!!! I have yet to get into the whole colouring part of stamping, but for now I like the embossing look. :) I used a sketch from Friday's Sketchers for the card. Tried to use some spring-y paper -- I'm sooo tired of winter...and these papers were soooo cheerful! :)

Challenges I'm entering:
Friday's Sketchers #94
One Stop Craft Challenge: Let it Shine!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Simon Says Stamps giveaway

Sally Creative Corner is spotlighting on Simon Says Stamps. It's a great company -- I've used some of their products...and they are awesome!!! :)


Sally also has a chance to win some awesome and cute little frog stamps. The draw ends on March 21st at 8am. So if you're interested...head on over to read all about it :
Sally Creative Stamps -- spotlighting Simon Says Stamps.
Here's my latest layout. It's actually the second time I've tried making a layout for this picture. The first one didn't turn out -- and although I did have it in my scrapbook for a few weeks, I was never happy with it. So I decided instead of not liking it...why not go at it again! I used the same layout as I used for the Mr. Prince Charming page. Although laying them side-by-side there's a world of a difference between them! It's amazing what a difference paper can make!!!

The background paper I used here is NOT my style! I don't really like big patterns on my scrap paper -- but I had it in a pack...so I figured I should try using it. Really, it turned out ok...and I like the over all look. It's not the best page I've ever done...but at least now when I look through my scrapbooks and get to this picture I won't cringe!!! :p

Monday, March 15, 2010

Card turned Layout

Hi there! I've sure everyone has at one time had a "brilliant plan" about something and when you tried to turn your plan into reality, things just didn't work out so great. Yup! It's more than likely happened to everyone -- happens to me A LOT when I'm crafting -- especially when I'm working on scrapbook layouts. :p

A few years ago, one of my sisters gave me this amazing birthday card. I think I got tears in my eyes reading it! -- I just thought, "WOW!!!" This one's a keeper!!! (I'm big on not throwing stuff out!) But after my birthday was over, I was like..."this card is too nice not to be seen!" What's the point having it lie in a box and nobody sees it for like years... So, I figured...take it apart, and scrap it!

The thought was easier than the creating! Every time I sat down with the photo I wanted to use in the layout, I came up BLANK on layout ideas! So basically the card (or the pieces of the card that I was planning on using) have been lying somewhere on my scrap table for the past -- get this -- TWO YEARS!!!!

This weekend, I thought, "enough is enough!" TODAY I am scrapping this layout!!!

The card was made up of two verses on the front (on transparent paper)...and then two verse on white paper on the inside of the card. I had cut the four verses out with a scrappy-edged scissor, so there were no straight lines...and just pasting the verses on the layout didn't look good! It looked messy and strange.

I tried quite a few different ideas with the verses -- even tried printing them out -- but I just didn't like it! I finally decided to cut the original card verses into individual lines....and then strip journal the poem. I loved it!!! :)

This is what my final layout looks like -- I'm totally happy! :) Not to mention -- my sister -- the one in the photo -- loves it too!!! :) TFL

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Hello Mr. Charming!

Hi there! Do you have a certain style when it comes to layouts or cards??? Well, I do!!! Big-time!!! And although I love other peoples ideas and various styles, I usually find myself going back to the way I ALWAYS scrap. I sit down with a certain technique in mind...but after awhile I give up because...I don't know! I just do! And then I end up with another layout that looks basically like a page I did before!!!! Totally frustrating!!!

So anyways, I've had this picture lying in my "to scrap" pile for a long time now. Yesterday I determined to get it scrapped...but came up empty!!! I've been trying to incorporate circles of some kind into my layouts...but have found it's harder than it looks. At least for me -- I've been the girl of solid lines...straight lines, etc. scrapping for over a year now...and getting out of that groove is difficult! :(

BUT...I got it all worked out this morning!!! What do you think???



The journaling reads:
When Tyler was about 3 or 4 years old, all the girls his age were into Disney princesses. Whenever they played "dress up", everyone chose a different Disney princess to play. Wanting to involve Tyler in the game, we called him our "Prince Charming". I guess he wanted to be like all his little playmates, because he turned to us and stated, "I am not Prince Charming, I'm Cinderella!!!"


I raised the letters to give a little extra affect to the whole page. Love this layout!!! :)

Thursday, March 11, 2010

A Chance at Some Copics

Hi all!!! So many card makers are using copics these days. I've never tried any -- I can get away using other mediums. BUT -- I found a chance to WIN some copics -- that's a whole other story!!! LOL


SPOTLIGHTING: iCOPIC
March 8, 2010 - March 14, 2010
About iCopic
icopic is an online retailer dedicated to providing high quality Copic products backed by superior service and affordable prices. Our huge selection of Copic products and Price Match Guarantee program make us the one stop shop for supplying all your Copic needs. With you in mind, they've designed a site that makes shopping a breeze and most orders qualify for Free Shipping! With a shared passion for stamping and art, icopic is proud to sponsor Sally’s Creative Corner, where two lucky winners will either win a
Set of 8 Copic Ciao – Manga Muted Colors + 1 multiliner Pen


or a
set of 12 Copic Glitter AtYou Spica color markers (Set B)
 
 
So, if you're interested...hop on over to Sally's Creative Corner for all the info. :)
 

Monday, March 8, 2010

Like it...don't...like it...don't -- I don't know!!!!

I was trying to work with the border punch I borrowed from a friend. Seriously, the punch is awesome...and I love the look. But trying to incorporate it into my card layouts is becoming a little difficult! :( Don't know what's happening to my creative juices!!!!

But I did finish the card -- LOL -- not sure exactly whether I like it or not. I think I do...more than don't! LOL (If you can understand that!!!)


I'm entering the card into a challenge: Paper Play Challenges -- Week #9 -- Just Because.
 I've been having fun working with challenges these days. :)

Sunday, March 7, 2010

It's a Bee!!!

Hi there! Well, I was wanted to create a card using ribbon for a challenge, but I couldn't come up with a layout I liked. Then, I borrowed a fiskars border punch from a friend, and I was suddenly inspired!!! I had made one other card previously using a fiskar border punch, so I decided to try the layout again. (since that card was such a big hit!) LOL

Also, I wanted to use some pink paper I had lying around, but never could quite figure out where to use it. Love the pink/brown combination, so I went with that. :) I also added a cute little embellishment from my stash. So what do you think???

 

Challenges I'm entering this card in:



Saturday, March 6, 2010

Sketch Challenge

I just love scrapping paper with two different designs. One on the front...and a completely different design on the back!!! Plus, the two papers coordinate...so basically you have your papers picked out for you!!! No questions, no worries about the papers clashing or anything like that! Totally brilliant!!! :)

So, getting to the whole point of the two-sided paper -- the card I've featured is an example of using both sides of the paper for one card. (the present paper and the patterned paper) Cool, isn't it??? :)

I found a sketch this morning that I absolutely loved! So I'm entering this card into the challenge. Wish me luck! :)

 

Challenges I've entered this card in: 


Something Green for a Challenge

It's been a busy week for me. But I was browsing through some blogs this yesterday...when I found a challenge for a green card! :) I've had these different green papers lying around for awhile now -- just waiting to be used! And I also needed to make another birthday card as well, so I thought -- Why not put those two together!!! :) Brilliant idea! LOL Here's what the card looks like.


I'm entering this card into the following challenges:
Prairie Frairie Fridays Week 9 Challenge
Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps "Something Old Challenge"
Crafty Creations -- Use only One Colour
Crafty Katz Shades of Green Challenge
CCEE Stampers -- Anything Goes:  What does the photo make you think of???
GingerSnap Creations -- Birthday

Wish me luck! :)

Thursday, March 4, 2010

I had to make another set of baptism cards, as the ones I had made before actually got sold!!! Whoooo-hooo!!! Not all, but half of them at least! So that's like soooooo totally cool!!! I love making the cards, so if I have to make some more...no worries on my part!!! :)



I went with some medium/dark colours this time. The last batch was bright and fun and spring-like...and after making 20 plus of them, I was getting a little tired!!! Especially of the flowers -- although I totally love those punches!!! The flowers rock!!! (Thus...the one exception card -- just had to make another one using both the flowers and the bling!!! LOL)


I kept the basic design of my favourite cards though -- totally love the dry embossing on these cards. Didn't add bling this time though -- went with pins instead. A friend gave me some tiny ones...and they were just perfect!!! :)


Also, I have always love the circle sentiments on cards. Most people have stamps, but me...not really into all that advanced card-making stuff! So I had to make my own!!! Went to work with Microsoft Word again -- and this is what I got! :) I used a decorative edge scissor to make the scallops on the circle...and WHAH-LA!!!! :) This card is definitely my favourite of the batch! :)


Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Thank You!

Wow!! My followers list is going up!!! :) Thanks you guys -- especially for the comments. They make the showcasing a lot more fun! :)

Here's the latest card I made. I was in a bit of a rush as my friend needed this right away -- and after a busy day, the last thing I was planning on doing was crafting. I love the circle sentiments -- but I didn't have one with THANK YOU, so I had to make one. You just gotta love Microsoft Word --- there's no end to the things you can do and create!!! :) And from there...it was pretty basic. I had the paper from a prize stash I won earlier this year...so there really wasn't a whole lot to it! I lifted the circle sentiment -- you can't really see it from this photo, but it is 3-D. Seriously, for a 20 minute card, I like it. :) LOL