Sunday, September 28, 2014

Cute Little Acorn


Supplies: Cute Little Acorn digi by Meljen Designs, saying by Darcie's heart & home, pattern paper by American Crafts, Sizziz Tim Holtz Alterations embossing folder, and Spellbinders standard circles die cuts.

My first Fall card!  I did a close up so you could see how I embossed the patchwork background to make it look like a quilt, I was happy with the result.  I hope everyone had a good weekend and at least a little time for creating.
A few challenges:


Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Sunset

Another previously uninked stamp, sadly it does not have a name or
stamp company on it.  I had been wanting to play with the technique where
you scribble on an acrylic block with water color markers, mist with water
and stamp. My Tim Holtz markers were perfect for this.  I embossed my
 image and like how that gave it some dimension. Splitcoast stampers
just added a tutorial today on a similar background with alcohol markers
with a marbled effect, looking forward to trying that.
Challenges:
Crafting From The Heart #37: Anything Goes
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge: September
NBUS Challenge #2: Option 4
Sketch Saturday
Sparkles Monthly Challenges blog: Things with wings
 



Never-Before-Used-Schtuff (Stamps, Dies, EFs, etc.)

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Gorgeous Grunge



Gorgeous Grunge was the next stamp from my pile of uninked stamps that I choose to play with second.  The reddish pink layer is vellum, and the gold was stamped on the white layer underneath as it needed some depth and color.  Butterflies are a Martha Stewart punch and I added the black layer on the bottom for a bit of added color and to tie the black butterflies in. I do not do much abstract so this was a challenge and a lot of fun.  This set was an early Christmas present from my friend Shirley after we made the gray, yellow and black card below from the same set at her house and I really liked the set. It can be used so many ways.
Challenges:
Artistic Inspiration #106: Anything Goes
Cards and More #115: Swirls
Love To Create #133: Add some Lines
NBUS Challenge
Papertake weekly challenge: Punch It Out

Never-Before-Used-Schtuff (Stamps, Dies, EFs, etc.)




 
 

 





Thursday, September 18, 2014

You Make Me Smile



I made a pile of my new stamps that I have not used yet and this is the first one, Gina K's You Make Me Smile.  I plan to work my way through the pile before I touch another stamp.  Well see how
that goes, I do have some darling stamps and sets in the pile.  This card went in the mail to my mom today.  She fell Saturday and has a few broken bones in her left arm. Luckily she had the choice of 5 weeks in a cast or surgery and she choose the cast.  She was already doing laundry one handed today! Like I've said already, she is one amazing lady!  Not sure if this fold has a name or not, it is a normal A2 card, then you score the front of the card in half, (at 2 5/8") and fold it back as shown.  Cut an edging  with  a punch on a 1/2" piece of white card stock and layer patterned papers of your choice, I like to use a 6x6 two sided pad so that I do not have to think to coordinate the papers.  My image is embossed in white and then I sponges inks around it. The inside is a word set from Close to My
Heart and says: Just a little prayer, that God keeps you in his care.  Pattern papers by MME.  Have a good rest of the week and a great w/e!
Challenges:
 
 
 


Friday, September 12, 2014

Kitty Cat Love


This card was sent to a friend who lost Nicki, her sweet cat a few weeks ago (on the left), and had lost Thomas (on the right) a few months ago. Just a CAS card to let her and her hubby know I was thinking of them.  The purple cat in the background is  a cat she made me at least 15 years ago.  With my allergies I can't have a pet so I enjoy my friends animals.  The digi I used was, Kitty Cat Love from Meljen's Designs. Butterfly's were a punch, and die cut by Spellbinders - like doing the reverse die cut and then you still have the other piece for a future card!
Challenges:
Cute Card Thursday #338: Too Cute

Monday, September 8, 2014

Sophisticated Lady

 
Oops, been a little while since I posted.  Usually my mom tells me if its been
a little too long, this time my friend in Germany checked to see if everything
was okay. Just not a crafty w/e, 
did spend a little time working on a scrapbook for a friend.   
I came across this card the other day ago from years ago and
just could never give it away.  Maybe because it is so different from my
usual style.  I'm sure you have had some of  those cards in your collection?
The stamp is Hero Arts, those just never go out of style.
 

Monday, September 1, 2014

Unique Blog Hop


 


Today I have a special post; it is a Unique Blog Hop that I was invited to take part in by my friendShirley Hotop. Shirley is not only an amazing artist but a dear friend for over 32 years when we first met working together as RN’s.  You can be inspired by her creations on her blog, Glittered Paws, perfectly named as her pets enjoy lounging in her craft room and wear glitter well.  I will be sharing things about myself that many of you may not know about me.


1.       What am I working on

I am currently working on favors for my nieces wedding reception in October.   It is a small, intimate wedding with the reception at their favorite winery (which explains the theme of the favors) My niece and her fiancé were over two weekends ago to ski, have lunch, and see the options. Her parents and my oldest son joined us.  We had a lovely day.  The final choice was between the cork with the flowers and the magnet.  The final choice was the magnet as they felt it was most practical and people would keep and use it.  Did you have a favorite?




 
1.       My Style? What inspires me?
I am told my style is a “simple, elegant”.  I do not feel I have a specific style. I enjoy trying different techniques and especially different folds. I gave instructions for the last few techniques I have tried as most are much easier than they look and hoped to encourage others to try them. I got such positive comments from that that I will continue to do that.  

            Inspiration, I like to browse Pinterest and blogs for special folds and techniques.

 
 
 1.       Where did it all start and why do I create?  
I went to a Stampin Up party 16 years ago and I was totally hooked.  I booked a party, and Shirley came insisting she was not going to buy anything and she was hooked.  She had an Angel Company party and became a demonstrator.  I went to a TAC convention with her and immediately signed up to be a demonstrator, such an amazing spirit in the group. Those were wonderful years sharing my passion with others, and forming many friendships that still exist beyond the closing of the Angel Company in 2011. A group of us have an annual stamping weekend at Shirley’s house when her husband goes fishing and all bring a shoe box projects.  Is a wonderful w/e we all look forward to.  My mom and talented stamping buddy, who is 84, is one of the group.

I create for several reasons, joy and relaxation.  Making cards bring me relaxation and happiness but I do not create just for me.  My creating started out as a passion and outlet for myself and then over the years it changed.  A few years ago I wanted to do something positive with my cards. I know birthday cards bring joy to most recipients but I wanted to do more. A few years ago I became a Chemo Angel. I send a card a week to a person while they are undergoing Chemo.   I also send  cards to chemo patients who need an "extra" boost . Thanks Shirley for encouraging me to do this.
 
 

1.       How does your creative process work? 
 
As I mentioned above my creative process usually starts by my picking out a stamp that fits for the recipient.  I might have a sketch or special fold.  If I’m using Copics I pick out a patterned paper or two and I just see where I go.
 

 
 Next week you will be introduced to  Laura N. aka The Crafty Sister.  Laura was also an Angel for The Angel Company and is known for her amazing coloring skills and is on several design teams.  You will be introduced to her beautiful creations next Monday, September 8 and I know you will be amazed.

Monika at Creative with Monika was going to be introduced also but family issues will prevent her from doing a write up but you will not want to miss looking at her amazing work.  She is also on several design teams and you will be amazed at her creations also.

Be sure to visit Shirley's amazing blog also: Glittered Paws.

These are just three of the many online friends that inspire and challenge me in my creativity everyday, thanks to all of you that create and give me inspiration!