And the winner ...........................

The Grateful comments were so heartfelt and wonderful to read. Family seems to be the number one thing many people are grateful for and I agree, having family to share our journey makes life wonderful.

According to Random.org, click to see the sequence if you like, is:

Holly said...

It may seem silly, but I am grateful that I was able to spend an extra 10 minutes in bed snuggling up next to my husband before getting up and getting ready for work. Yeah, I missed out on eating breakfast at home, but I ate a protein bar at work. It's so worth it just to spend a little extra time with someone you love. :-)

October 29, 2007 6:09 AM

Congrats, Holly, and yes that little extra time is precious! Please email me your snail mail address so I can send out the goodies! Just click on the View my complete profile and an email link will appear on the next screen.

V.~

Batty for You Pixie Packs~

Nothing like being a Last Minute Lucy and doing treat packs last night after dinner for Brett's class and for Morgan to give to a few of her friends. There are 54 of them here, boy, my wrists were hurting from all that stamping and punching. But it's worth it in the end, these are so cute, or ghoulish, whatever the appropriate Halloween term would be. The pouch is so easy to make:

ETA: I goofed on the 3.25 measurement, it should be 3.66", it's one of the score lines on the Scor-Pal. This isn't a measurement that is crucial to the design, as long as it's within a 1/4 of an inch you will be fine. So if 3 1/2" is easier, that will be just fine. I've corrected the measurement in the instructions below. Sorry.

Score a piece of 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper the long way at 3.66". Randomly stamp images on the the space that is 3 1/4 x 11. Be sure to stamp them in the proper direction so when you fold at the score the images are right side up. Trim the stamped sheet into 1 3/4 x 8 1/2 inch strips (you'll get 6 per sheet), notch tops of the longer portion with the Tag corner punch, fold on the score line and staple together at the top of the pocket. Wrap a strip of contrasting card stock, 3/4" x 4", around the pocket top to cover the staples. Add the stamped, scalloped images and slide 3 pixie sticks into each packet when finished.

Have a spooktacular day!

Don't forget, one more day until the random drawing for the Grateful posting!

V.~

Supplies: Stamps: SU! Batty for You, Inks: Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wasabi, Lovely Lilac, Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wasabi, Lovely Lilac, Basic Black, White, Accessories: Scallop Punch, 1 3/8 circle punch, 1" punch, Tag corner punch, Dimensionals, Pixie Sticks

Blessings

Another Sunday, another Featured Stamper Challenge over on SCS. This week the featured stamper is nitestamper. Wow, what a gallery of layered cards! I simplified the layers on this card, but kept the overall layout and focal stamp set the same. A bit of sparkle is added to the olive flowers for added interest.

Blessings.

V.~

Supplies: Stamps: Stem Silhouettes, Garden Silhouettes, Circle of Friendship, Inks: Sahara Sand, Old Olive, Paper: Sahara Sand, Soft Sky, Old Olive, Whisper White, Fall Fl0wers DP, Accessories: Soft Sky ribbon, 1" and 1/2" circle punches, Square brads (JoAnn's), Dimensionals

Being Grateful~

This week has been such an emotional ride for so many here in San Diego. The aftermath of the firestorm and devastation that our city has seen this week is truly heartbreaking. In times like these, the goodness of people come out in full force - the volunteers, the donations, the spirit of helping really shines. Of course there are those who take advantage of those people who have suffered already and I truly believe in what you give (or take) returns to you. So, those people who take what is not theirs will suffer someday, sometime, and wonder why.

This week has given me pause for thought and what I am grateful for - my family, my friends, my home, my city and all the little things that create my life. I think it's important to reflect at the end of every day what you are grateful for - even if you can only find a tidbit for that day. Trust me, some days it can be a reach and the last thought of the day is that I am grateful I have a pillow for my head. It's a daily exercise that is so rewarding and it keeps life in perspective.

In that spirit, I am grateful for all my blog readers. Who knew that anyone would read my blog, much less comment or send me emails on my inspiration to them. Thank you so much.

So, I would like to give back to you, my readers, by having a little blog candy offering. I have to get something together still, but I will post a picture when I have it ready. I won't disappoint you! It will be along the theme of this posting, that much I will offer.

ETA: I finished the candy today, you can see it above this post.
A little explanation:
- A coaster book: some people can be intimated by a big journal to write in, so here's a little one where you can jot down a simple note of gratitude when the mood strikes.
- A band aid tin - it will come with a bit of chocolate candy in it for you, in addition, there are strips of paper that you can write what you are thankful for, place inside the tin, and pull them out when you when you need a lift or a reminder to be thankful. Our family has done this at Thanksgiving, placing a bowl, pen and strips of paper on the entry table for everyone to jot down why they are thankful, we then read them aloud (no identifying names, unless wanted to by the author) during our Thanksgiving feast.
- A 4 card set of 3 x 3 thank you cards, give them to someone you want to say thanks for no reason to, surprise your child, your spouse, your parents with an unexpected thanks.
- Finally, I've been blessed to be chosen for a couple of design teams recently and have received duplicate items that I already own, no duplicate stamps, sorry :) . Kristi of Hanna Stamps sent me, among many wonderful things, a duplicate Palette Noir Hybrid Ink pad, and Christine, from All That Scraps, sent me a fun package of great things, among them a duplicate Gelly Roll Pen. I have several Quickie Glue Pens and am throwing one in the mix, too, they are great for gluing small items to your projects.

I hope you enjoy the candy!

If you're still with me after this novel of a post:

Here's my request from you, tell me what you are grateful for today. It can be big or small, post your comment and I will randomly select a winner on Halloween, October 31st.



That fine print we all love so much: You must respond to me with an email within 24 hours of the winning blog post with your address. Since I use Click and Ship (flat rate priority box/envelope) from home, winner must be a U.S. resident. Click the View My Compete Profile, under my mug on my blog, to find an email link. It's at the upper right of the new screen that pops up. If 24 hours goes by and I don't hear from the winner, I will pull another name.

Thanks!

V.~

Hanna's Mistletoe

Hanna and Cosmo are under the mistletoe! LOL Still playing with the soon to be released (Fri, October 26th) Hanna Stamps 'Tis the Season set and Cosmo Cricket paper. I really enjoy the accessory stamps in the set; this card uses the mistletoe image as the focal point. The wonderful star snowflake is scattered tone on tone on the saffron base.

The image was colored the old fashioned way, no Copic markers here, I used the lid of an ink pad and an aqua painter. After the coloring was complete, the leaves and bow were highlighted with a Gelly Roll pen for a bit of sparkle. The image looks better in real life, it seems a little flat here, but you'll have to take my word for it, the subtle edge sponging, the coloring, and the glitter are beautiful. The oval layer was sponged while still in the Spellbinders oval die which makes it so easy to keep that oval line around the embossed part of the layer. The image panel is mounted with dimensionals on the saffron scalloped oval, which is then mounted on the artichoke scallop layer with dimensionals. The finished layers are then again mounted to the card with dimensionals - hey, I LOVE dimensionals! LOL

Calendar note: Christmas is only 2 months away! *runs away screaming!*

V.~

Supplies: Stamps: Hanna Stamps 'Tis the Season, SU! Everyday Flexible Phrases, Ink: Palette Hybrid Burnt Sienna, SU! So Saffron, Always Artichoke, Cranberry Crisp, Paper: SU! So Saffron, Always Artichoke, Cranberry Crisp, Neenah Classic Crest Natural White, Cosmo Cricket Be Good Designer Paper, Accessories: Nestabilities Oval and Scalloped Oval dies, SU! Cranberry Crisp Stitched Ribbon, Dauber, Dimensionals

Hanna gets Serious

So, I don't think I *announced* that I was asked to be on the Hanna Stamps Design Team - so let me just announce it now! Kristi asked me to be on this fun and so very talented team and I accepted! Yesterday I received the stamps, which are clear and unmounted, in the mail. Now I know I said creativity comes hard when faced with the uncertainty of the situation San Diego is experiencing right now, but one can only watch so much TV. I was definitely TV saturated and my emotions were raw from watching all the news coverage. So I gave myself a personal challenge: create 3 projects using one of the new sets I received in the mail yesterday.

The images in this set 'Tis the Season (available on October 26th) , are by nature very fun, lively, and upbeat. You can certainly see my emotional state in these examples I made yesterday - somber and different than what one would expect to see from these wonderful images. However, it also shows their diversity. And that I like a lot! I just wasn't in a coloring mood yesterday, so I relied on 2 of the 3 snowflakes that are part of the set. I love the larger snowflake, its star center and delicate lines are so fun and interesting. The other challenge I gave myself was to actually use the Cosmo Cricket papers I just purchased, instead of oogling them until after Christmas!

The Star Box is a fun box that could have candy, small embellishments, treats, or as Morgan said, "Mom that is cool, if we made one of those for my friends when we give them a gift card it would be a huge hit!" So there are many possibilities with a Star Box. The tutorial for this box can be found at Scor-Pal, I altered mine to be just 5" tall when completed, so that part of the tutorial is very flexible. This box is very sturdy despite it being made from card stock, it holds its shape very very well! I made a fun little tag using the Tag Punches and Word Window punches that are available through SU! A Hero Arts clear button tops the reverse side of the patterned paper and is tied with linen thread, a dash of gold cord and its tied to the ribbon of the cello bag. On the box itself are snowflakes stamped tone on tone on the cranberry layer and moss snowflakes stamped on circle punched accents, popped up on dimensionals, that add a little unexpected element to the moss band.

The second card is a calorie free donut card! These cards are fun to make, the donut hole gives a little sneak peek to the inside. This card is designed to go into SU!'s Small Open End Envelope, but it can be altered to fit into a standard No. 6 3/4 size envelope, or even an A2, just change the measurements of the finished card to reflect the envelope size. The up close shot gives a better look at the actual snowflake that is stamped inside and highlighted with a Gelly Roll pen for sparkle. I stamped the snowflake twice, once inside the donut, the other time on a saffron scrap. I cut that tiny star center from the saffron scrap and adhered it to the center, creating a little visual interest and tying the saffron color into the image.

Finally, you know me and my 3 x 3 cards! I made a fun little set of 4 cards and enclosed them in a clear box, complete with a belly band that mimics the main focal part of the mini card. The focal point is the snowflake that is accented with a Gelly Roll pen for a bit of sparkle, punched and mounted on a larger circle, which is them mounted on the scalloped layer. I used the SU! Scallop punch for the scallop shape, adding 1/8" punches inside each scallop for added interest. A bit of patterned paper from Cosmo Cricket, a couple of moss eyelets and ribbon, matching stamped vanilla envelopes, and these cards are happy in their clear box. The small clear boxes I purchased at Clear Bags for a very reasonable price, of course while I was there I also purchased boxes for A2 cards, clear envelopes, and clear pillow boxes.

So, there you go, my Hanna gets Serious projects! I hope you enjoy them!

V.~

Supplies: Stamps: Hanna Stamps 'Tis the Season, SU! Cute Converse, Inks: SU! Cranberry Crisp, Mellow Moss, So Saffron, Paper: SU! So Saffron, Mellow Moss, Cranberry Crisp, Cosmo Cricket Be Good line, Accessories: Scor-Pal, Tag Corner Punches, Word Window Punch, 1.2" Assorted Circle Punches, Scallop punch, Round Tab punch, Dimensionals, Gold Cording, Cello Bag, Cranberry stitched ribbon, Mat Pak and Piercing tool, Distressing tool, Mini Eyelets, Moss Ribbon, Artichoke Ribbon, Clear Box, Gelly Roll pen, Dimensionals

San Diego Wildfires 2007

You'll have to forgive my lack of uploads, creativity has a hard time when so many lives and property around me have been attacked by vicious wildfires that burn all around my hometown of San Diego. We live in the inland valley of San Diego and the fires are burning north, east, and south of us.

Morgan was up early yesterday, unable to sleep as she remembers too well the fires of 2004 and the flames that came within 1/8 mile of our home. She made the banner that you see here, posted it on her My Space page with instructions for others to please add it to their pages. I'm sure, knowing her teen network, that it is all over the web by now.

We are safe and out of harm's way for now, but packed and ready to go should we need to.

Continue to think about our firefighters, citizens, and the city of San Diego. It will be a long road to recovery.

V.~

TruCongrats

Another edition of the Featured Stamper is up over at SCS, this week featuring TruCarMa! In addition to being an awesome stamper, she is soon to be famous amongst stampers for her upcoming appearance on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" How fun is that, well, nerve wracking, too, I would imagine! The show airs this week, I'll be sure to DVR it so I can *see* someone that I *know.* on TV!

So, I took this card: Sweet Treat

And used it loosely for inspiration for the card I created today. I changed everything but the basic layout. Funny how that happens, trying to CASE and it goes a totally different direction.

I used my Nestabilities for the focal image, an oval mounted on a scallop. The flowers are stamped in chocolate and apricot onto vanilla card stock, mimicking the flowers from the patterned paper, a few random dots are also stamped on the panel. To complete the image panel, an eyelet is set for the center of the chocolate flower and 3 raised cut out leaves are added. The completed panel is layered on the scallop layer with dimensionals, which is again layered on the patterned paper with dimensionals. A length of delicious dotted sheer ribbon is tied around the bottom of the card above the *congrats* sentiment which is stamped directly on the patterned paper.

Congrats, Carole!

V.~

Supplies: Stamps: Bodacious Bouquet, Simply Said, Itty Bitty Backgrounds, Fundamental Phrases, Inks: Chocolate Chip, Apricot Appeal, Old Olive, Marigold Morning, Paper: Chocolate Chip, Vanilla, Linen Prints DP, Accessories: Nestabilities dies, Mini eyelet, Dimensionals, May Arts dotted sheer ribbon

The card that almost didn't make it....

I know I told I'd post a card later today - I've stared at this thing all day trying to decide do I post it, do I not post it, in the end, I decided even the stuff I don't like can sometimes make it here for all to see.

This card *looked* so much better in my head! Who knew white would barely show on Soft Sky (in my head I saw it looking like white on kraft, think pinefeather). There are snowflakes under those Stickles, and Flannel is stamped on the card base, can you see it? It's there, barely!

So this is a layout from today's sketch challenge from SCS, a pretty simple layout. It called for a centered panel, a band of paper, and with or without a sentiment. For the focal point, the snow man's body is stamped in Soft Sky onto a Soft Sky panel, the face with Chocolate Chip and Pumpkin Pie, the arms Chocolate Chip. The hat was stamped on a Soft Sky scrap in Chocolate, cut out, and adhered with a dimensional. Same thing goes for the scarf but it was stamped in Old Olive. The finished image was mounted on white, brads and the ribbon were added, and was attached to the Old Olive mat with dimensionals. For the Soft Sky card base, Flannel is stamped in Craft White, then the patterned paper is distressed a bit and adhered to the card. Mount the finished image with dimensionals to the card, then add a bit of piercing at the bottom, and finally the addition of the round tab punch completes the card. The snowflakes were *stickled* after the card was completed. This allowed them to dry so I wouldn't muss them up accidentally in the assembly process.

So there ya go, a finished card.....challenge completed.

V.~

Supplies: Stamps: SU! Cold Play, Flannel, Inks: Craft White, Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Paper: Soft Sky, Old Olive, Solar White, Fall Flowers DP, Accessories: Silver brads, Soft Sky ribbon, Round Tab punch, Stickles, Distressing tool, Mat Pak, Piercing tool, Dimensionals

Sandra asks....

Do you use regular transparencies from an office supply store or are they special to crafts?

Sandra, plain old store brand transparency sheets from Office Depot are what I use. So, no, they are not special to crafts.

As always, anytime anyone has a question, please feel free to email me personally or post it in my comments, I will answer any questions to the best of my ability.

Have a wonderful Wednesday! Look for another posting a bit later on after my whirlwind afternoon has subsided!

V.~

Clearly Friends!

I've wanted to do a transparency card again for the longest time and just keep putting it on the back burner for some reason. Today, another challenge over at SCS brought it to the forefront, even though the challenge itself was not clear cards. It just felt like the right format to me. Today's color challenge is Pink Revisited and is in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

I stamped the swirl from SU!'s set Priceless randomly on the front portion of the transparency and set it aside while I stamped the main image. The main image is pretty simple; I used images from Priceless, a fun ribbon, and 2 rhinestone brads. This is layered on a pink mat and centered on the transparency with dimensionals. The celery mat is behind the transparency and covers up where the image panel is adhered to the transparency. Same thing goes for the inside layers, the patterned paper, by Three Bugs in a Rug, is matted on celery and adhered to the inside of the card with glue dots, a pink panel is adhered to the back. The inside sentiment is strategically located in its regular spot behind the image when the card is closed.

Thanks for stopping by today!

V.~

Supplies: Stamps: SU! Priceless, Fundamental Phrases, Ink: Versamagic Pixie Dust, Aloe Vera, Perfect Plumeria, Paper: SU! Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, Neenah Solar White, Coco - Amuse by Three Bugs in a Rug patterned paper, Accessories: May Arts Striped Grosgrain, Making Memories Rhinestone Brads, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Transparency Sheet

Treat Slider

I've never actually made one of these before. Now I wonder why! They are so simple, so easy, and so fun to put together! There's a sleeve of mini popcorn inside, but you could easily substitute a candy bar, or any other flat treat to fill the inside.

Today while I should have started laundry and been out walking the dog, I decided to see what the TLC challenge was over at SCS. Well, let's just say, laundry still awaits and Riley has been ever so patient for her walk.

Directions are posted here: Treat Sliders

I added large jumbo eyelets to prevent tearing and crimped the bottom, but other than that I followed Beth's directions exactly.

Now, I must go off on my walk!

V.~

Supplies: Stamps: SU! Carved and Candlelit, Party Punches, Batty for You, $1 Michaels Spider, Ink: Craft White, Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wasabi, Archival Black, Paper: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wasabi, Neenah Solar White, Creepy Crawly DP, Accessories: Wild Wasabi ribbon, Jumbo eyelets, Round Tab punch, Black mini brads, Mat Pak, Piercing tool, Distressing tool, Crimper, Sticky Strip, Dimensionals

A Buggy ....

Here is the promised non-Halloween card I made yesterday using the Tubby Time image by C.C. Designs of All That Scraps. She's part of the Bitzy Bugs line and it such a cutie pie! She's stamped in Versafine Vintage Sepia and quickly colored in with a water brush and celery reinker. She was stamped again onto pink Bazzill textured card stock, then the tub was cut out, and adhered with dimensional foam. A bit of glitter on the bubbles and a Michaels sentiment, , and the image panel is ready for matting. It's matted on chocolate, raised on dimensional foam, and matted again on pink. The patterned paper, Coco - Bouquet by Three bugs in a Rug, is cut slightly smaller than the card base and adhered, then wrap a length of May Arts chocolate satin ribbon around the card and secure with a bow. Adhere image panel with dimensional foam to the card base. A Prima Fancy Flower with a Glitter Dot center and pink ribbon leaves is the finishing touch!


And a 49'r!

No I am not a 49'r fan, but Brett's teacher is, a die hard one at that! When I saw this patch sticker (EK Success) at a scrapbook store I visited today I had to get it and figure out something to make for her. This looks just like the patches sewn on hats, jackets, etc. it doesn't look like a sticker at all! Finding coordinating paper was tricky, this one works okay, but I wish the red (which looks redder here) was more burgundy because the rest of the colors are perfect. Too bad the NFL doesn't sanction papers too, think of what fun projects could be made! I added a coordinating band of brushed gold with a black matting before adhering the sticker in place. Because this sticker is larger than a coaster, I simply cut chipboard to 4" x 6" and bound it with my Bind it All, inside are 50 sheets of paper cut to size.

I know this will bring a smile to her face tomorrow!

V.~

Tubby Time Supplies : Stamps: Tubby Time © C.C. Designs for All That Scraps, Michaels $1 sentiment, Ink: Versafine Vintage Sepia, Paper: SU! Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip, Bazzill Pink, Neenah Solar White, Three Bugs in a Rug Coco - Bouquet, Accessories: Prima Mixed Fancy Flower, Dress it Up Glitter Dots - Blush, May Arts Satin ribbon - chocolate, pink, Dimensionals

49'r Chipboard Book Supplies: Chipboard, Bind it All, 5/8 "O" ring for coil, Assorted ribbons, NFL Sticker by EK Success, Ryan patterned paper by Reminisce, Brushed Gold and Basic Black by SU!, Computer paper cut to size for insert.

Featured Stamper Sunday ....

the evening before! The challenge was posted early enough to play tonight after Brett and I watched a movie together. Morgan was out with friends at a Haunted House, Jay was still out at the dinner portion of his golf day, so it was just my little guy and me. We watched "Hoot," ate some M&M's, and enjoyed our time together.

So, back to the card, the Featured Stamper Challenge is a weekly challenge over at SCS that happens every Sunday. Sometimes, if you're lucky, it's posted early. The object is to CASE a card from the FS of the week but change a few elements to make it your own. I chose this card titled Sympathy from stampertammy's gallery and by changing the stamp sets, image size, and adding a few embellishments, made a very quick card this evening.

Take a close look at this card, there is NO PATTERNED PAPER to be seen! Such a rarity anymore. I love patterned paper and use it almost every single time I stamp. The card I chose from her gallery was free of patterned paper so I kept that element the same as well. I stamped the artichoke layer tone on tone with the Paisley background stamp instead.

The image is stamped in artichoke on vanilla and simply layered on artichoke and again on celery. The Thank You tab peeking out is the sentiment portion of a Round Tab image from Party Punch, a hostess set in the SU! catalog.

See you tomorrow, I'll be sharing another C.C. Designs card that something other than Halloween!


V.~

Supplies: Stamps: Stem Silhouettes, Party Punch, Ink: Almost Artichoke, Versamark, Paper: Certainly Celery, Almost Artichoke, Vanilla, Accessories: Artichoke grosgrain, Artichoke mini brads, Round Tab punch, Dimensionals

Night of Frights!

One more Halloween offering from the Halloween Set by C.C. Designs available at All That Scraps. I love this skull and crossbones, so much cuter and friendlier than some of the bizarre ones I've seen on clothing and whatnot around here! I call him Bones...anywho, Bones is randomly stamped on the black card stock with Craft White pigment ink, the edges of the card are also inked in white. I stamped him on the envelope corner in black, adding the Halloween greeting in pumpkin. Stamping on the envelope is fun, it gives the recipient a little clue as to what lies inside.

Finished card is 3.25 x 6.5 and fits inside the SU! Small Open-End envelopes.

The rest of the card is pretty self explanatory, so instead of boring you with the details, I'll go off and create something else. It's a quiet day around here, Morgan's game is over and now she is doing her chores, Brett is playing with his Bionicles, and Jay is off golfing, leaving me time to play!

V.~

Supplies: Stamps: Halloween Set © C.C. Designs for All That Scraps, Ink: Archival Black, Pumpkin Pie, Paper: SU! Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Creepy Crawly DP, Neenah Solar White, Accessories: Ticket corner punch, Gingham ribbon, Pumpkin eyelets (ribbon is tied through them), Dimensionals

More Sneak Peeks

3 projects using just a few images in newest line in the Thomas Kinkade series of rubber stamps, sold exclusively at Cornish Heritage Farms. The expected arrival date is tomorrow, October 12, 10:00 mountain time.

ETA: last night I was beyond exhausted and forgot to list: Scalloped Lace Backgrounder and Tulle Backgrounder both available at Cornish Heritage Farms, sentiments are also new releases.

V.~

© Thomas Kinkade for Cornish Heritage Farms The Light of Peace, available in full size and vignette, Stonehearth Hutch also available in full size and vignette.

Trick or Treat....

Smell my feet, give me something good to eat!

Whatever the inspiration behind that silly saying who knows, but it always brings a smile to my face when I hear it. And I remember chanting it when I was a kid...

Another fun image from the Halloween Set by C.C. Designs from All That Scraps. I tell ya I feel like a kid a Christmas, so many new toys to play with, where do I start? Well, since Halloween is fast approaching I thought that playing with Halloween stamps was a good as any! I just love the images in this set - bats to pumpkins to ghosts and trick or treaters, plus lots of fun sayings, it's a wonderful set.

I thought a shadow box card would be fun to set on the entry table here where I have other Halloween decorations. Since Brett loved this stamp when I was showing them to him yesterday, I thought I'd use it inside the card. If you'd like to make a shadow box card, the best tutorial out there is by Dawn Griffith, you can find it here: Shadow Box Card.

There are many ways to color images, for this trick or treater I used Prismacolor pencils in a sketch fashion, no gamsol blending or blending stick. I just used the pencils as is and allowed white space and lines to show in the finished piece. I like this look, it appeals to me and is so easy to accomplish.

Boy, howdy, cutting that circle and scallop edge was a piece of cake using the Spellbinders dies. Previously I would use the Coluzzle and well, let's just say I am Coluzzle challenged and leave it at that. No wasted card stock or anything with the Spellbinders!

The saying was stamped on white and cut apart, mounting each section on a pumpkin layer, cutting out again and adhering to the circle in a random fashion. The pumpkin, stamped in black on pumpkin was cut out and raised on a dimensional, the ribbons complete the outer layer.

I hope you enjoy these Halloween ideas as much as I have enjoyed making them!

V.~

Supplies: Stamps: Halloween Set © C.C. Designs by All That Scraps, Ink: Archival Black, Paper: American Crafts Halloween Dots, SU! Basic Black, SU! Wild Wasabi, Neenah Solar White, Accessories: Spellbinders dies, Ribbons, Sticky tape, Dimensional

Boo'd!

I received a fun package in the mail today from All That Scraps with bunches of new stamps to play with, Thanks Christine! I can't wait to create with your stamps!

After oogling them for a bit, and organizing all the unmounted stamps into transparency sheets, I just had to play! I love this ghosty image, and all of the cute images in the Halloween Set. Being Boo'd around here is a Halloween rite of passage, so my first thought with this fun image was to make a Boo'd set. The bag is a "genie bag," a covered white lunch bag. I stamped the ghost and boo images randomly over the entire pumpkin sheet, rounded the corners, punched a handle with the Word Window punch and adhered it to the front on the lunch bag. The "BOo'd" decorative layer was made using the Cuttlebug and Red Tag Alpha die for the main sentiment and stamping "You've been" with SU!'s Simple Serif Alpha (wishing it had an apostrophe!), layered onto pumpkin and black card stock, I set 4 green mini brads into each corner, and finally added a decorative strip of American Crafts Halloween Stripe patterned paper. The striped bow finishes off this layer. The bag is held closed with a circle of patterned paper secured with a black circle clip tied with ribbon.

A matching card completes this set.

Boo!

V.~

Supplies: Stamps: Halloween Set © C C Designs for All That Scraps, SU! Simple Serif, Ink: Archival Black, SU! Wild Wasabi, Paper: SU! Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Neenah Solar White, American Crafts Halloween Stripe patterned paper, Accessories: SU! Word Window Punch, Circle Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Circle clip by CTMH, Leaf mini brads by American Crafts, Striped ribbon by Michaels Stores, Fiskar's Decorative Blade, Dimensionals by SU!

TK Sneak Peek!

Who doesn't love a sneak peek of something new and exciting? The newest additions to the Thomas Kinkade line are getting ready to debut, they are spectacular! Liz, from Cornish Heritage Farms, gave us the go-ahead to sneak peek a look at some of the new images that will be part of this round. These new images will be available very soon, I'll keep you posted with details and more sneak peeks!

This coordinated set may or may not appear (there's an SU! greeting) in the TK gallery, but it is a set that touches my heart so I wanted to share it with you. Jay's uncle passed away recently and we sent this set to his aunt. Their home is in Maine and lighthouses are a big part of that area, so I felt that this image done mono-chromatically and with the soft colors of Soft Sky and Chocolate were so fitting.

An ink I've found works wonderfully with these detail images is the Versafine line by Tsukineko. The detail pops and the coverage is excellent! This image is stamped with Vintage Sepia, a wonderful brown, on a vanilla panel. Matted on Chocolate Chip, and layered on a simple, clean base of Soft Sky. For the boxed cards, I merely changed the sympathy sentiment to thank you, as so many thank you cards are needed after a death in the family to thank all those who help out, and boxed them up in a clear box. I added a belt with a small image punched tag attached to the bow to complete the presentation.

V.~

Supplies: Stamps: The Light of Peace © Thomas Kinkade for Cornish Heritage Farms, Scalloped Lace by Cornish Heritage Farms, SU! Warmest Regards, Ink: Tsukineko Vintage Sepia, SU! Soft Sky, Paper: SU! Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip, Neenah Classic Crest Classic Natural White, Accessories: Soft Sky Stitched Grosgrain (SU!) Chocolate Ribbon (unknown source), Tag Punch (SU!) Jumbo eyelets (SU!), Crop-a-Dile (WeR Memory Keepers) Mini eyelet (SU!) Mini brads (American Crafts), Linen thread (SU!), Distressing tool (Making Memories), Dimensionals (SU!) Clear boxes (Papertreyink)

Blog for a Cause

I just received an email request asking me to spread the word. As a twin myself and a mother, I can't even imagine what the family is going through:

Blog Candy for a Cause - Please Support!

Calling all you Crafty stampers and Blog Candy seekers out there!

Click on this for details:

Craft Engineering

It's been....

Such a good life! Our 16th anniversary is coming up on the 12th and of course I wanted to make a card for Jay. I looked to the Featured Stamper Challenge for inspiration yesterday and picked out this card from Anna's gallery. Anna makes the BEST guy cards, I just love her gallery ! The object of the this challenge is to take a card from the featured stamper's gallery and recreate it - changing a few elements to make it your own.

I kept her layout, but changed up the papers and stamp image. I wish I had a cool metal accent like her horseshoe, but I don't dare raid the tackle box without his consent *wink* that would be akin to him hitting my ribbon stash or borrowing my special scissors! LOL

I wish I could say we have big plans for the weekend to celebrate, but alas, soccer and company obligations come first. We'll celebrate another day.

Many of our celebratory dates are holidays: My birthday is Veteran's Day, our anniversary is Columbus Day, and Jay proposed on Martin Luther King Day....makes things easy to remember!

I wish you all "the good life," too~

V.~

Supplies: Stamps: The Good Life © Thomas Kinkade for Cornish Heritage Farms, Weathered by Cornish Heritage Farms, Ink: Versafine Sepia, Archival Ink Jet Black, Paper: Neenah Classic Crest Natural White, SU! Basic Black, SU! Not Quite Navy, SU! Spring Flowers DP, Accessories: American Crafts brads, SU! hemp string, Sewing machine, Sponge dauber, Mat Pak and Piercing tool, Dimensionals

Happy World Card Making Day!

Today, as most card maker's know, is World Card Making Day, how could I not stamp a card? I did this after breakfast this morning, using the SCS Inspiration Challenge for inspiration. The idea behind this challenge is to convert the picture (things like bedding, shower curtains, tiles, etc.) into a card. This week's was a Pottery Barn quilt set.

So, by using the challenge as a jumping point, I determined my colors of Soft Sky, Ruby Red, More Mustard, and Wild Wasabi. The big flower from the inspiration piece reminded me of Bodacious Bouquet, so that set came out for the second time this week! The decorative edge on the card mimics the quilted edge seen in the set. I added Linen in Soft Sky to keep the fabric feel alive, a bit of piercing, 3 square brads, and the ribbon finish off the card.

Happy Card Making Day!

V.~

p.s. Who else hears the theme to Happy Days when they use this sentiment set?! LOL


Supplies: Stamps: Bodacious Bouquet, Happy Everything, Ink: SU! Soft Sky, Ruby Red, More Mustard, Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip, Accessories: Decorative edge (Fiskar's trimmer blade), Square brads (JoAnnn's), Soft Sky ribbon, Mat Pak and Piercing tool, Distressing tool, Dimensionals.

Hey, Miles! You're 40!

My best friend's husband is turning 40 (yes, she married a younger man!) and she's throwing him a big party this weekend. Guy cards can be difficult to pull off, I generally rely on patterned paper and a sentiment of some sort. Truth be told, do the guys really care that it's handmade? Probably not. But I know my friend does, after all she was the one who introduced me years ago to Stampin' Up!

Anyway, this new layout I found over on the PaperCrafts website a few weeks back has quickly become a new old standby. It has so many looks depending on how you put it together.

For this card I dug out the retired paper from SU! called Treehouse. I had 2 full sheets of this number pattern paper. I thought it would be a perfect paper for a guy 40th card. Even though it was designed to go with last years In Colors, I found that I really like the contrast of River Rock over any of the other colors I have in my stock. I added the reverse of one of the other patterns for the cranberry layer and stamped the fleur de lis from Carte Postale in Versamark. This adds a subtle stamped image to the card. I stamped the sentiment in Versafine Sepia, distressed the panel, and adhered it to the card with dimensionals. You can't go wrong with metal on a guy card! I used the big new metal eyelets and a picture hanger, hanger part removed, for a metal tab that looks very much like a folded word window punch. A snippet of ribbon and a couple of stitches near the bottom and this card is ready to go to a party!

In the picture you can see a small pocket on the inside of the card. We will be giving him a gift certificate to his favorite local sushi house, so the card will slip into that pocket. All I did was make the card 5" x 11", score it at 5" and 10", and adhere the little pocket with red line tape.
Finished card is 5" x 5."

So the next time you are guy card challenged, have a look at all the wonderful masculine papers that are out there and build your card around them. Instead of relying on the leaves, trees, and such images.

V.~

Supplies: SU! Stamps: Sincere Salutations, Ink: Versafine Sepia, Paper: River Rock, True Thyme, Treehouse patterned paper, Accessories: Large metallic eyelets, Picture hanger from Hardly Hardware, thyme stitched ribbon, Linen thread, Dimensionals

What's that you say....

2 posts in one day? What's gotten in to me? Call me crazy! *grin*



I played in a SCS Sketch Challenge today. I haven't done a challenge for a long time, I think since it was Dirty Dare Week. Sometimes the layouts chosen speak to me, other times not so much; today's spoke to me so I decided to play along.

A funny little story about this card, the popped up flower will be replaced before this card makes it into an envelope to go anywhere. As I was trimming the ribbons with my very big and very sharp Gingher scissors I nipped my pinky. I thought that was all I nipped. After I took the picture, resized it, add the watermark, and uploaded it to SCS, I saw a little ouch. I nipped that poor flower, too. I was so focused on getting a band aid on so I could finish the card and keep it clean that I didn't notice the nip. So....I'll be stamping another flower and replacing very soon!

The stamping is so simple here, the layout straightforward, and the embellishments easy to see, so I will leave my commentary brief and stop here!

V.~

Supplies: ALL SU! Stamps: Bodacious Bouquet, Sweet Shapes, Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Paper: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Creepy Crawly DP, Accessories: Chocolate, Pumpkin and Artichoke grosgrain, Olive mini brads, Dimensionals

Mix, Mingle & Be Merry!

I know I know! Who wants to be reminded the holiday season is just around the corner? I usually have my holiday card at least planned in my head by now, this year I got nuttin'!

This is one of 2 projects for Stamp Nite on Friday. Last month I gave a little decorated tin away as a raffle prize. One of the gals requested making them for a project this month, everyone else agreed. LOVE when that happens, takes the guesswork away for me. Coming up with something fresh and new every month can cause even the most creative brains to stall at a times. After 5 years of monthly (with few exceptions) classes the ideas are starting to be more difficult to come by.

Anyway, the tin, 6 decorated nuggets, and the fun scalloped Cami-patty wrap will comprise one project, the other is a variation of the Balcerific Pumpkin card a few posts down.

I found this delicious American Crafts double-sided, card stock weight paper at my local scrap store and knew that it would be the perfect match for this fun snowman. Plus, it matches SU! colors, perfectly; Wild Wasabi, Real Red, and Cool Caribbean (making an encore appearance!).

The tins, when in stock, can be found at Eclectic Paperie, as well as other online stores, and storefront retail locations. They are rather elusive, though!

I guess it's time to walk Riley, she has been a very patient pooch this morning!

V.~

Supplies: Stamps: Perfect Presentation (SU! hostess set), Cold Play (larger snowflake on Avery label), Itty Bitty Backgrounds, Inks; SU! Wild Wasabi, Real Red, Cool Caribbean, Paper: American Crafts patterned paper, SU! Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Cool Caribbean, White, Accessories: Band aid tin, Assorted ribbons, Gold cord, Red button, Tag punch, Scallop punch, Circle punches, Word Window punch, Distressing tool, Dimensionals, Avery labels, Glue dots

Pink for October

October is designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month as many of you already know. This card is dedicated to those who have battled, or know someone who is battling, this hideous disease.

If you'd like to download and add a Pink for October icon for your blog or website, please visit:
Pink for October
where you will find a variety of options.


Quoting my good friend, Kendra, who is a survivor:

Now I need to urge all of you ladies to do the following:

1. Keep up with your yearly doctor's appointment;
2. get a yearly mammogram (remember I wasn't even 40 when I was diagnosed!);
3. do your monthly self-exams (that's how I found mine) ~ look for changes not just lumps and bumps; and
4. if you notice ANYTHING, go get it checked out (don't just think it's going to go away ~ the sooner something is caught, the better!).

The deets: Create card from Vanilla card stock, edge with Brilliance Pearlescent Ink and Versamagic Pixie Dust inks.

Edge patterned paper with Brilliance Pearlescent Beige ink and adhere to card base.

Wrap organdy ribbon around card and secure with a bow. Heat completed bow with heat tool to slightly age and crinkle the ribbon.

Stamp ribbon image with Versamagic Pixie Pink ink, dtp edges of image panel with both beige and pink inks, distress edges before mounting on a chocolate layer. Then adhere to pink layer which is the reverse side of the patterned paper.

Adhere completed image panel to card, stamp sentiment, and add 2 chunky brads.

V.~

Supplies: Stamps: Hope is, Carte Postale, Inks: Versamagic Pixie Dust, Brilliance Pearlescent Beige, Paper: Vanilla, Chocolate, My Mind's Eye Bohemia Blossom "Angel" Small Damask, Accessories: Large brads (American Crafts), Brown Organdy Ribbon (Fabric Barn), Distressing tool (Making Memories), Dimensionals (SU!), Heat tool (Marvy) to age ribbon.