Monday, May 31, 2010

Dare To Dream

This layout is my second attempt at scrapbooking these photos. Talk about a challenge!!! Try creating a layout using two small photos -- when one is a portrait and one is landscape!!!!!!!!! I can't count how often I set out to try it -- and then just gave up! I looked through soooo many online galleries and sketches for inspiration -- but apparently nobody has ever attempted this! Yeah, it's either both photos are landscape or both are portrait! So I was basically on my own!

Yesterday I was reading through a book of my favourite quotes, when I ran across a quote I jotted down from the high school graduation episode from the tv series OTH:

"Now is the time for us to shine; the time when all our dreams are within reach, and possibilities, vast. Now is the time for you to become the people you always dreamed of being. This is your time. The world is waiting..."

And I thought -- this quote would be perfect for these photos. They are after all their high school senior photos -- so it all totally fit! I totally love it!!!!!!!!!! :)


The Details:
   >> I lifted the DREAM letters a bit...and the butterfly is also 3-d.


A quote I jotted down from a tv show: OTH. I changed it up a bit to fit...

Layout Sketch

It's frustrating when you can't find stuff!!! UGH! I know I had this layout sketch somewhere in my computer...but now when I want to post it, I can't find it!!! :( I guess you'll just have to take my word for it -- and try to figure the sketch out from what I created -- although I think I added the strip journaling, which wasn't a part of the original sketch. :)


I just love rub-ons! During a recent Dollarama stop, I found some big/beautiful rub-ons! They're so much fun to use -- and they are a simple way to make a page stand out! Plus, they're coloured, which is like a huge bonus with me! :)

The layout has quickly become a favourite for me. :) I love the colous and the playfulness it reminds me of. What a blast we had! :) TFL.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Orange U Feeling It???

Orange is NOT my usual colour!!! Seriously, I may be a fiskateer, but I don't work with orange (true fiskateer colour) very often. I love the greens, but orange -- nope!

A fellow fiskateer sent me some orange bling recently...and I was dying to use it already!!! I had bought some orange ribbon awhile back, and never used it all up...so I figured I'd give an orange card a shot! This is what I came up with!


LOL This card makes me think of fiskateers!!! Oh for an orange challenge right now -- I'd totally enter it! Guess I'll have to wait till the next one! :p

...somehow it wasn't even that difficult a card to make! Shocker, eh???
"Orange u feeling the orangeness???" definitely an interesting choice of colour to make a project with!!! LOL

Friday, May 28, 2010

Beautiful in Green

I won a clear stamp set awhile back, but never really got into using them. The stamp is a stem with leaves...the set includes both the outline of the leaves, or the solid leaf. Honestly, I'm not a big fan of this stamp -- I don't know -- it's a little plain. :(

I wanted to try using up some strips of ribbon I have lying around...especially this dark green one. There wasn't much of it, so I figured I'd at least get one card. Using a previously showcased card as my sketch, I set to work. I finished the dry embossing along the side, printed the background paper...and added the ribbon. That's when I landed in a rut! I didn't want an exact replicate of the previous card...and I didn't want to use one of the many stamps I've been using (overusing!) in the last month! Finally I decided to give the leaves set another shot. I stamped and embossed the image with silver embossing powder, and then cut out the image. I decided to simply raise it a bit and add a simple stamped sentiment on the bottom of the card. :)

I don't know -- I love the simplicity of it! And the silver embossing comes out really well on the dark green -- which I love! TFL :)


Found a challenge to enter:
Quixotic Challenges: Emboss it!
   > my card has both dry embossing and heat embossing! :)
Anything Card: Must be Stamped
   > Not exactly my favourite stamp -- but it's a stamp!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

A Challenge for YOU!

My mom was garage sale-ing on Saturday. She knows I am forever running low on envelopes, so when she saw a pack of "Shower Invites" that included 20 envelopes for a quarter, she bought them. I opened the package, took out the envelopes  and just as I was in the process of throwing the cards into the garbage can, I saw the back of the cards. Stripes! And I thought -- you can never go wrong with keeping some striped paper around.


As I was stashing the envelopes and cards away, I decided to try making another Criss Cross Card using the striped paper on the cards...and the image on the front of the card as well. (might as well use everything since it's right there, eh?)


I just LOVE this card! I actually sat down and made five!!!!

They're so cute!!! :) Only 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 -- so basically they're small note cards. They're quick...easy...definitely don't look simple...but sooooo much fun! :) Tied a ribbon around it to hold it all together...and it's ready to be sent to someone! I never knew fancy folding cards could be so much fun! Maybe I'll try a few other techniques!


 Go out of YOUR comfort zone...and try something new today! :) Triangle Tri Fold Cards Tutorial

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Let's Get Sketchy

I've been working a lot with sketches recently. It's just so much easier when you have the basic idea of the card figured out...and when you're pressed for time to make a card, well a sketch is perfect! :)

This card is a little out of my comfort zone. I don't know what it was about it, but the first time I tried to work the sketch I was not impressed. So I took the card apart, and tried again. I had just bought the square stamp and it worked perfectly with this card. Especially when I added the little sentiment stamp as well. This card is definitely growing on me...and I'm liking it more all the time. :) TFL

Monday, May 24, 2010

Black & Gray

I saw the challenge to make a card using black and gray paper and I thought "I have the perfect papers for that challenge!". The pack my sister gave me is such a challenge to use...it's nice to have ideas and ways to use it! I love it -- especially all the designs it has on there...but it's soooo difficult to mix up with other papers. Having one solid colour works though. :)

I actually got this card sketch from one of the challenge blogs. One of the DT had made a card using this sketch...and I loved it right away! Plus, I also tried paper piercing with the machine. It didn't turned out perfectly...as the machine decided to do its own thing on the bottom, but other than that it worked perfectly! I've seen this technique used so often...and always loved it! Figured I'd give it a shot -- definitely gonna use the technique more often -- I love it! :) TFL



Challenges for this card:
Cupcake Challenge: Black, Grey & One Colour
Sunday's With Crissy: Layers
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge: Celebrate/Birthday

Scoring "Something New"

I found a challenge that has a Scor Pal for the prize!!!!!!!! The Beary Sweet Design Challenge #2. Like totally wow, eh??? I've heard a lot about "scoring" when I watch/read tutorials, but I've never owned anything that does this! So this prize would be like a huge win for me! :) One catch though...the challenge is "Fancy Folds"  -- which is like totally out of my norm!!!!!! I'm the "fold the paper in half, create a card" type of girl...never done a fancy folding card (of any kind )!!!! So I'm totally out of my league here!

But I went for it! I thought -- what the heck! Even the crappy-est looking card gets an entry -- it is random draw prize, btw. :p So I gave it a shot. In fact, I tried TWO different techniques!!!!!!! And the totally amazing part is....

... they don't look bad!!!!!!!!! In fact, I actually LIKE them!!!!

Guess you want to see my creations already, eh???

Tah-dah!!!!!!!


...
...
...

The first one is a Criss Cross Card (Pocket Card): See a Tutorial


Basically it's a pocket with the note slipped in on the top. And a fancy band attached to the bottom.


Definitely a different kind of card for me! :)

....
...
...

Because the first card turned out so nice...I decided to attempt another technique.

This one is called "Triangle Trifold Card". See the tutorial



When it's opened it looks like this:

So that's basically it! I had a blast -- went out of my comfort zone...and now have two more amazing cards to add to my pile! :) TFL

...and lest anyone forgets -- I LOVE COMMENTS!!! :D

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Ribbon Tying Tutorial #2 -- The Classic Bow

NOTE: I made this tutorial a few months back...but I've gotten so many followers since then, I thought I'd post it again so people who missed it, could see it! :) Enjoy!!! :)

The classic bow is the bow that most people seem to be using on their cards, but it's also the bow that most people seem to be struggling with! And at first it was frustrating for me as well, but I was determined to get it! Now that I know the steps, it's actually a pretty basic bow...but one that truly looks amazing!!! I love using this bow!

THE CLASSIC BOW: (ALONE)

When I first read the instructions for this bow, I was taken back to my childhood years. Did you learn to tie your shoelaces using "bunny ears"??? If so, then this bow should be a breeze! Yup -- it's all about the bunny ears. :)

Fold the ribbon back and forth to form two loops (or bunny ears!)

Tie the two bunny ears together, left over right.

Pull gently, and trim ends as desired.

NOTE: To really make the bow ties stand out...put your two fingers into the loops...and then pull gently. It gives it a little something extra! :)


THE CLASSIC BOW: (AROUND A CARD)

 Start with your ribbon around the card. Cross left end over right end, wrap around, and pull through.

Make a loop with the ribbon that is now on your right side. Bring the left end toward you and around the loop. Push left end through hole forming a second loop. (basically tie a ribbon like you would your shoelaces on your sneakers)

Pull loops gently.


NOTE: I really don't like the second variation of this bow. If you can't make the bow look good...simply take a long piece of ribbon...tape the ends around the card. Then make a Classic Bow (Alone) and simply adhere the bow on the ribbon wherever you want it! I like this look a whole lot better -- and if you like what you see on my cards...this is what I do! So go get creative! :)

Friday, May 21, 2010

Re-using a fav Sketch

During an online crop at www.fiskateers.com somebody asked if we had any favourite papers lying around that we just can't bring ourselves to use. This background paper is one of those for me. I've had it for at least half a year...picked it up so often...and then put it back in my stash 'cause I couldn't make myself use it! I don't know what it is about it that I like -- maybe the complexity of it -- who knows! But I finally decided today was the day!!! :)

I borrowed some Birthday clear stamps from a friend and embossed the images with my gold embossing powder.  I also borrowed her Fiskars border edge punch...and then topped it off with some yellowish/golden ribbon from my stash. I found this card sketch online awhile back...and if you've been following my blog for awhile you will probably remember I've used it before. But this card is a little different 'cause I didn't use circles, but two square images instead. I love combining old ideas with new ones -- it keeps me using my favourite sketches again and again...but always adding new ideas as well...so they're a little different than before! :)

I've just realized this card could be a masculine card! Those are my most challenging cards to make...and I didn't even think about it! :) Total breakthrough people!!! :)


This card is definitely worth entering into a challenge!
Stamp Something: 2 of Something
> I used two different papers, and two different stamps
Our Creative Corner: Masculine Birthday
The Creative Cottage: One for the Boys
The ABC Challenge: U is for Unused

Plaid Masculine

I've had a few WOJ Henry With a Cake embossed images lying around on my work table for awhile now...just waiting for an inspired moment. :p I needed to make some birthday cards for kids anyways, and decided it was time to clean up. The card turned out simpler than originally planned -- I was trying to follow a sketch, and then decided I liked the simplicity of this idea. I just love that pastel plaid paper!!!!!!!!


I found a challenge to enter:
Daring Cardmakers: BoyZone
  > This challenge is sponsered by Charmed Cards & Crafts

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Simple Pleasures

One of my sisters gave me a collection of Black/White/Grey papers. Originally I was soo excited to use them 'cause I figured that combination could be put together with ANY other colour and look fabulous. Easier said than done! Everytime I reach for those papers, I find a challenge on my hands.

To make this layout even more complicated...during an online crop on Fiskateers last month, they had a sketch challenge. I just loved the sketch -- there's so much you can do with it! And I had a blast! I may have had a lot of challenges, but I am soooooooooooo happy with how it turned out! TFL :)



Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Blog Candy Spotlight!

I'm spotlighting a blogger I just ran across today! Make It Crafty
I just became a follower of her blog, but from the few projects I have looked at, I must say I'm impressed! Forget simple cards -- she goes the extra miles with her creations!!! :) She has simple...or very complicated...and probably everything inbetween as well! LOL

I was totally impressed by the Paper Carousel Horse (that works no less!!!!!!) So go check out the Make It Crafty blog -- you're sure to find something amazing to inspire you! :)

Also, be sure to check out her blog candy.

Monday, May 17, 2010

The New & The Old

I'm back to crafting!!! :) Last week was so busy with other things, I didn't have any time to update by blog. Miss me??? :p  LOL

But I'm back -- with another pink card! LOL Don't know what's up with the pinks lately!!!

I wanted to try adding some dry embossing borders to my cards. I made a lot of cards with this idea back in Feb/March, but for the most part they were white cards...with a small amount of colour thrown in. This time though, I tried to find a way to have the card be more patterned paper than white.


I love how it turned out! TFL :)

Challenges I'm entering:
PollyCraft Monday -- Summer Blooms
Stamp Something: -- Celebrate Something
Penny Black Saturday Challenge -- Flowers
Quixotic Challenges -- Let Your Garden Grow!
 For Fun Challenges -- Use a Stamp (Happy Birthday stamp)
 Whoopsi Daisy Challenges -- As You Like It
Crafty Ann's Challenge Blog -- Anything Goes
All Sorts Challenge -- Birthdays

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Sunshine Award

I've received another Sunshine Award!!! :)

The rules are that I link to the person who gave me the award: Jachelle  and to award it to twelve other bloggers. The latter part being the hardest -- as there are just soo many wonderful blogs out there!! But here goes...

Liz -- The Scrappiest
> I love the inspiration I find on your blog! Love those sketches...and your layouts are absolutely divine!!! :)

ColdWaters
> You may have received this award numerous times in the past few months, but you are definitely going on my list as well. Your comments on my blog continue to inspire me to keep going! Thanks so much! :)

Crystal -- Crystal's Crafty Creations
>Your blog is amazing! I am forever going back to find new ideas to try. It's a great place to learn something...and to get inspired. :) Also, thanks for leaving all those comments on my blog postings. :) It definitely helps brighten the day...and to keep trying new ideas. :)

Sarpreet -- World of Sarpreet
> Another faithful follower. Your blog is amazing -- I love looking through your projects for inspiration for my own! And thanks for faithfully leaving comments on my posts...

Pinky -- Much Ado About Nothing
> I love your blog Pinky! You never cease to amaze me! You have showed me a whole new side of scrapbooking...and make me think outside the box! Thanks for the inspiration! Keep going girl!! :)

Julia -- Scrappy Life
> I was so happy when I first found your blog! There aren't enough scrapbooking blogs out there!!! I love popping by for some inspiration! Your layouts and ideas are always so interesting and beautiful! I've enjoyed having a blog to visit when my mojo is non-existant! :)

** Half-way there!!! This is always harder than one thinks...

and the final six are:

Jacque
Clare
All Pink Girl
Practical Scrappers
Bev
Melissa

You gals are all amazing!!! You have a been a huge inspiration to me...and have had a big inpact on my crafting. I love your inspiration and ideas -- your blogs make me want to try new things...and keep my crafting mojo flowing and growing! :) God bless you! :)

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Pink B day

Hi there! It's another pink day as far as cards go around here! LOL


I've had this image stamped and coloured for awhile now. It's my first attempt at coloured my own image -- it reminded me of my kindergarten years all over again!!! And I didn't have enough shades of colours in my markers collection, so I went with simple colour pencils. It's not spectacular -- but I'm hoping to get my hand on some copics one of these days...and then try this again. But I figured since I'd come this far, I may as well make a card using the image.


Unfortunately this isn't the best photo as the background is too dark to show off the card's brown background...but I think you get the picture! Right??? TFL :)

Have a crafty fabulous day!!! :)

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Scrapbooking Blog Hop

Hi there! I don't have a card to showcase this morning, but I do have something that could interest you. Do you like blog hops??? If you're a scrapbooker (is that a word???) you will love this one! It's called "From The Inside Out" and it's just awesome! There are some amazing layouts to inspire you at every stop! :) Plus...there are prizes to be won as well! :) So what are you waiting for??? Head on over to Nancy's Blog to start the hop...and have a blessed day! :)

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day

I've had such a busy week!!! I hardly had time to think!!! After spending the first three days trying to come up an idea for a scrap quilt (just a small one 'cause I was trying to sew together a quillow for a chinese auction)...I finally gave up! It was just too complicated to do with the amount of time I had. I ended up making a baby blanket instead...but unfortunately (and I just realized it at this very moment) I forgot to take a picture!!!!!!!!!!! And now it's gone!!!!!!!!!!! Bummer!!! :( So you'll just have to accept MY word for it -- it was sweet!!! :) LOL And hopefully next time I'll remember to snap a photo before I take it out of the house!!!!!!!!

I also found the time yesterday to make a Mother's Day card. Not a very complicated one -- but I love the sketch of this card...and it always make such beautiful cards. :) TFL

Monday, May 3, 2010

Bring out the Browns!

I've been working behind the sewing machine for most of the day, but unfortunately things haven't gone too well. Let's just say "I didn't have a productive day" and leave it at that! 'cause I'm frustrated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I created another layout. It's funny how my scrappin' works -- my mojo comes in spurts. I can mass produce for a week and then I am totally lost when I sit down to do anything! (Or maybe it's because I recently found some awesome rub-ons and adding them to the layouts just makes them look wonderful!) LOL Who knows! I shouldn't be complaining though -- my pictures are being scrapped!!! :)


This layout is actually also a sketch I found on a blog somewhere. Who knows...it might have been a challenge blog -- and I just didn't have any scrappin' mojo at the time...so I saved the sketch. And today I finally used it. I love working with browns. The photo is a little brownish tinged (don't know why exactly...other than it was evening and the light was fading) so the browns just work well. And I just LOVE the bling! Once I started using that stuff...it's hard not to use it on everything! TFL :)

Saturday, May 1, 2010

BFF

It's been a busy week...one which I spent mainly behind a sewing machine. I've been trying to get some projects completed...and it's been easier said than done! But one's behind me...two more to go.

Today I sat down at my crafting table -- trying to get some layouts done. I've had one particular page/layout that's been lying around unfinished for weeks. The layout is based on a sketch I found online awhile back. But it's been so long since I started this page I don't know where I found the sketch! I was working with a friend's Fiskar edge punch at the time, and this layout was perfect for using it. I didn't have the embellishments I wanted for the page, so I laid it aside until I found some.

Two Wpg trips later, and I finally found what I was looking for! I am so impressed with the latest scrapbooking supplies the Dollarama carries! :) They have wonderful rub-ons -- very colourful -- very big -- and just perfect for what I have in mind! :) I was sooooooooo impressed!

So, here's the completed page! It's nice to finally be able to add it to my scrapbook...and get it off my table already! TFL :)

I used my Fiskar daisy punch to make the flowers. I've been using it more and more...and I'm loving it more everytime I do! Aren't daisies just the friendliest flowers??? :D


Challenges:
Beary Scrap Designs Challenge #1: May Flowers