Monochromatic

FUSSY & FANCY
Challenge # 13
" MONOCHROMATIC & WINGS "
(click blinkie for complete details)

Created this card using robin egg blues & cream. The stamps are from Unity and I layered the fairy over the script then added the pearls. The angel wings were originally gold but I spray painted them.

CHALLENGES I USED:
Fussy & Fancy: Monochromatic & Wings
Stamp Something: Summer Something (flowers & butterflies)
Flourishes: Embossing (dry embossed using a cuttlebug folder)
Shirley's 2 Girls: Something Old (the angel/butterfly wings & the Tulle) **They are having a BLOG HOP with PRIZES
The Crazy Challenge: Distress It (I inked around my main image and around the doily punched edge)
.............Supplies I used................
Stamps: Unity
Ink: Stampin Up
Cardstock: Stampin Up
Ribbon: Stampin Up, Button: Paper Trey Ink, Floss: Martha Stewart
Tools: Cuttlebug (textile embossing folder), Martha Stewart (doily edge punch)

May Day Basket

Challenge #10 "BASKETS"

Creating little containers, gifts and altering items are some of my VERY favorite projects to create which is why I have been in "CREATIVE HEAVEN" this week. (I have a wooden Vintage box posted below this) Love challenges that really cause us to think "outside the box" and break out of a creative rut. Check out FUSSY & FANCY for complete details

** MOTHER'S DAY SALE **

20% off of Everything
(hurry sale ends Sunday, May 9)

This basket was created by using the large Spellbinders Scalloped Squares. I then dry embossed each square. Here is a closeup of the "Crafty Secrets, Bouquet of Joy " image that I colored with Copic Markers. I can't get enough of the new "Vintage Background" (GinaK by NinaB) stamps either. How beautiful is that lacey/eyelet stamp in white ink on always artichoke cardstock?
Closeup of the flowers & Ribbons that I attached at the base of each handle. The Handle is attached with a large brad so it moves back and forth.

Top view to show that I got a little carried away and decided that this would make a wonderful "Teacher's Appreciation" or "Mother's Day" gift so I completed the basket by creating
3"x 3" gift cards.

And Finally a peek at some of the little cards:

CHALLENGES I USED:
Fussy & Fancy: Baskets
Creative Card Crew: April showers bring May Flowers
The Pink Elephant: Mom
A Crafty Little Place: Sketch (ok I can still see their sketch- flowers, image & sentiment are the 3 squares and the vintage background across the bottom is where they have their strips, I just had to squish mine because of the small area)
Creative Craft Challenges: Bloomin Marvelous
Daisy Doodles: Anything but a Card
KL Stampin N Scrappin: Inside Out (I think creating the little cards for the inside of my basket qualifies???)
Cuttlebug Challenges: Mom
..............Supplies I used..................
Stamps: Gina K (Vintage backgrounds by NinaB), Crafty Secrets (bouquet of joy), Paper Trey Ink (Button Basics)
Ink: Momento (tuxedo black), Copic Markers, Paper Trey Ink (dark chocolate, fresh snow)
Cardstock: Gina K (pure luxury 120lb white, sweet corn & fresh asparagus), Stampin Up (always artichoke), Paper Trey Ink (berry sorbet, spring moss, melon berry)
Patterned Papers: Bo Bunny, Stampin' Up, K&Co (bailey mat pad),
Tools: Spellbinders (large scalloped squares, large scalloped ovals), Provo Craft (Cuttlebug, cuttlebug textile embossing folder)
Misc: Paper Trey Ink (Ribbons, buttons), Prima (caboodle lavender, pink flowers)

Fussy & Fancy Easter Greetings

Fussy & Fancy
Challenge #7
"EASTER"

This week Fussy & Fancy is being sponsored by THE CHARM BARN so make sure that you check out the Challenge Page for Complete Details on WINNING a $15 STORE CREDIT to The Charm Barn.
Here is another take on the Vintage Image that I featured in the post below this one. Since my EGG CHARM has a more contemporary look, I had to really hold myself back from going crazy with my favorite technique of Distressing. The only distressing I did was adding a little light pink paint around the edges of my image, then distressed using my fingernail. I only adhered the middle portion of the image which allowed it to have a more dimensional appearance.

This card took me approximately 10 minutes to complete!!! Every single layer (inside & out) were pieces that I had lying around my table from other projects. Don't you love not having to figure out what to do with scraps???
OTHER CHALLENGES THAT I USED:
Fussy & Fancy: Easter
CARDS Magazine Blog: Easter
Little Red Wagon: Photo Inspiration (my embossed blue cardstock reminds me of the textured blanket at the foot of the bed, the layes of the scalloped edge & doiley edge remind me of the dust ruffle)
C.R.A.F.T Challenge: Easter
Pile It On: Furry Friends (bunnies are furry)
Simon Says Stamp: Easter/Spring & Glimmer (I think that EGG is pretty shiney but then I also have those yummy light green pearls)
THE ABC Toys & Crafts Challenge: (SPRING is in Full BLOOM) --- DEADLINE Tonight
..........Supplies I used..........
Cardstock: Paper Trey Ink (lemon tart, spring rain, raspberry fizz), Bazzill (pink, light green)
Patterned Paper: Stampin Up (tall tales),
Tools: Martha Stewart (ribbon punch, Doiley Lace edge punch), Provo Craft (cuttlebug & cuttlebug embossing folder), Marvy Uchida (scalloped circle punch), Cricut
Misc: The Charm Barn (Easter egg charm), Stampin Up (sheer ribbon), Offrey (hot pink ribbon), Making Memories (green pearls)

White on White with a splash of Pink

I am so disappointed that I cannot figure out how to photograph this card in order to do it justice. You are just going to have to trust me that it is Adorable.
I stumbled onto the new Clearly Delightful Blog Challenge today and was frantic to complete my project in time to enter. Laurie Wilson of Clearly Delightful has created a wonderful Bunny Wabbit digital image that she is giving to each participant along with the chance to WIN a wonderful prize package.
CHALLENGES:
Clearly Delightful: Bunnies
Mojo Monday: Sketch
Crafty Ann's: Embossing
Cupcake Craft Challenges: Going Girlie

Don't forget to drop by the the ABC Toys & Crafts store blog for a chance to WIN one of 3 Martha Stewart punch sets.

........Supplies I used...........
Stamps: Stampin Up (rabbit), Paper Trey Ink (sentiment from Just Hatched)
Paper: Gina K (pure luxury 120lb white)
Ink: black momento, copic marker RV10, Stampin Up (pink pirouette)
Tools: Stampin Up (sizzix embossing plates), Marvy Uchida (pink scalloped oval), Spellbinders (tags), Cuttlebug
Misc: scrap of pink tulle, foam squares

This is what teachers really WANT

Last time I shared with you what I will be giving my son so that he will have a "Cup of "Holiday Cheer" to ring in the New Year. Now let me share with you the gifts that I gave to his teachers (aka my colleagues.) Probably couldn't have gotten away with this in the states, but WELL "WHEN IN ROME or Sicily for that matter", ya know the saying right! (sly grin) Not to mention these guys & gals deserve a drink for having to put up with Adam & I everyday ;o)
I hope they are all enjoying their winter break as much as I am.....

These should make for a very festive
"Cup of Holiday Cheer"

Smallest Book Mark Ever!!

I totally flipped when I saw that ABC Toys & Crafts was carrying this particular Nestabilities die set (Labels #7 - HERE). Was it purposely made to make little mini books? I dunno, but I can tell you that I made several little books while designing today's project. Speaking of books, I specifically purchased this Crafty Secrets stamp set (BOOK LOVERS)with this very idea in mind. Don't you just love when the ideas in your head come out the way you envision them?

The little sheep was stamped with Versa Mark then heat embossed in black. I then shaded him with markers. THE BOOK, started off with a brown base, creased down the center. You cannot see it but I did Heat Emboss the Beautiful "ONCE UPON A TIME" sentiment included in this stamp set. The recipient will be able to see it. I then layered a smaller cream rectangle with inked edges. Using the largest die, I layered two pieces of patterned paper into the Cuttlebug at once to save time. I then inked, distressed the edges and sponged my pages for a more worn appearance. I slid the ends of the pages along a Copper ink pad. Using my stylus, I rolled the pages and tacked them down starting at the spine.

The bitty Book Mark was a tag that came with the patterned paper. I cut the other pointed end off and stamped my sentiment in the center. The hole was already there so I just wrapped a piece of scrap ribbon through it........

Let me know what you think.

ABC Toys & Craft Specials

25% off all Shirley's 2 Girls Stamps
&
15% off your entire order until 12/31/09
use this code
GCD1009

All of the highlighted items below can be purchased at ABC, click on each one to shop NOW
............Supplies I used............
Stamps: Crafty Secrets(book lovers)
Cardstock: Stampin Up (always artichoke, confetti, naturals white)
Patterned Paper: Foo La La
Ink:Tsukineko : (Copper ink, Versa Mark, Momento Tuxedo Black) Tim Holtz distress ink, Stampin Up markers
Ribbon: American Crafts
Tools: Spellbinders (Nestabilities Labels 7)

Blog Candy Alert & Fun Holiday card with a surprise in the Center

BLOG CANDY
ALERT
at the
ABC Toys & Crafts
Design Blog
------> HERE <------
hurry because you only have until TOMORROW

Last Monday I shared the adorable Crafty Secrets "Snow Bunnies" stamp set from ABC Toys & Crafts, so this week I wanted to touch on versatility. I used two different sentiments that are included in this stamp set to create the little "gift tags" on my "Christmas Packages". I also heat embossed the sentiments in black to really give them that umph! Basically this same concept could be used with "Birthday Packages" also. Wouldn't that be fun? Obviously the patterned paper would change and the outside tag could simply read "Happy Birthday" (yes I am literally thinking this up as I type, hmmmmm wonder what my project of the evening is going to be?) Notice how I have double scored the spine of my card??? Wanna see why?
The above photo shows just a scrap piece of patterned paper that I embossed then embellished.

INSIDE

The packages on the inside of my card were scraps that I ran through the Cuttlebug using Scalloped Nestabilities. The Square or Rectangle Nestabilities would be perfect.
(you can click on the photos to SHOP at ABC)
...........Supplies I used..............
Stamps: Crafty Secrets (Snow Bunnies)
Ink: VersaMark embossing ink,
Cardstock: Stampin Up (night of navy), Gina K (pure luxury 120 lb)
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey
Tools: Spellbinders (rectangle scalloped Nestabilities), Provo Craft (Cuttlebug, ornaments embossing folder)
Misc: Stampin Up (vanilla ribbon, black embossing powder) random buttons, Martha Stewart (adhesive ribbon), hemp

BOO-tiful Pumkin head gift Set & lots of STASH

Today is

Takin' Out the Stash Tuesday
and an
ENABLER ALERT

Totally messed up on the Main image for my project and used a Digi that isn't part of the S2G 25% off promotion, however, the kitty inchie that I used IS ON SALE!!! Click on the Blinkie above to see the Halloween images. If ya gotta have it NOW, then DIGI (click HERE) is what you are looking for. When I purchased the Pumpkin Flavored Shampoo & Conditioner for my daughter, I knew exactly how I would package them. I mean how perfect is that Kitty with the pumpkin on his head. I will probably write some silly statement about no matter how big for her britches she gets, she will ALWAYS be my LIL' PUMPIN HEAD ;o)

Check out all the STASH that I pulled out. Box was created with a heavy weight piece of cardstock or maybe even cardboard that had originally been used to ship something to me. I liked the color of it but I have been HOARDING it. I broke out a neglected embossing folder. Used a couple large eyelets to attach my handle and some WILD ribbon (no really the name is Wild and is available HERE).
Want to WIN a FREE set of Shirley's 2 Girls stamps???? Come play TWISTED THURSDAY sketch challenge. You have until midnight tomorrow (Wed) to enter a project for this week....
HERE are COMPLETE DETAILS
...........Supplies I used............
Digi Image: Shirley's 2 Girls (Hallo-scream)
Stamps: Shirley's 2 Girls (Spookies 1)
Inks: Stampin Up (rust, close to cocoa), Copic Markers, Momento (tuxedo black)
Tools: Marvy Uchida (scalloped circle punches-purple, pink, blue - Yellow plain circle), Provo Craft (Cuttlebug, Pumpkin Harvest embossing folder), Spellbinders (Nestabilitie tags
Misc: Shirley's 2 Girls (wild ribbon) Stampin Up (striped ribbon, large eyelets)

Just Shoot Me with BUTTONS!!!

Takin' Out The Stash
Tuesday

Yesterday's card had a Funtastic button that I purchased last week on a shopping expedition to show a friend the sewing district of Catania. Although we can find a minimum amount of fun embellishments here in Sicily, they certainly come with a HEFTY PRICE. First take a look at my entire crafty purchase:

My giddy excitement over finding such amazing ribbons, buttons, lifetime supplies of powder fine glitters in glorious colors came to a SCREACHING HALT as the store clerk declared my total to be (are you sitting down for this?) 80 euro!!!! That is $114 AMERICAN DOLLARS..... Of course now I don't even like them, I am disgusted that I didn't think to ask what price I was paying for each button. I mean it never dawned on me that ONE button could cost 3 euro. Aren't buttons supposed to be like $0.10 or somethng?? I feel so violated..

Moving on to actually using my STASH of BUTTONS (no I did not use any of the new ones). This is the stamp set that I chose last month for winning The Guest Star Stamper at Paper Trey Ink. (btw, this stamp set is what triggered my enthusiasm to find unique buttons in the first place). This was such a fun set of cards to create and I was able to whip them up in less than an hour. I saved a little time by using naked buttons rather than threading them. That is a pet peeve of mine but I wanted to keep the feel of the cards as clean as possible. The box took a bit longer because I have a habit of not doing the math when trying to create a box top that actually fits!! I used a Nestability Die to create the embossed impression on each card, as well as the lid. I believe these are Labels #1. If you look at the trees in the back ground, I used a leaf that comes in the stamp set as the tops of my trees. I also stamped an extra leaf on the flower card in lieu of adding another flower. The frilly border around my box top was created using a Martha Stewart edge punch that also embosses. Hurry over to ABC Toys & Crafts where you can purchase your Nestabilities, MS Punches, Copics and of course Stamps at

10% off until Aug 30
use the Blinkie on my side bar

Come back tomorrow so I can show you what else I purchased on my shopping trip along with a few snap shots .

I "Cane" count on you

One week from today school will be back in session! Surely they won't mind if I show a in my pjs right? I've gotten used to doing nothing but create all day. This school year, I kind of "HAVE" to work since Emily is now back at University of Hawaii at $1000 per class and I WILL spend the Holidays in Hawaii....... So let's FAST FORWARD to Christmas and the winter break from school.

I'm gonna tell you right now that the photo does NOT do this card justice. House Mouse stamps are amazing to color. Looks a bit intimidating huh? Look closely at how the stamped image has little dots to indicate the areas where you would have shading. If you are new to Copic Coloring the House Mouse , Happy Hoppers, or Gruffies by Stampabilities would be a great place to start. I purchased mine at ABC Toys & Crafts along with that yummolicious polka dot ribbon by Making Memories. I tend to hoard that stuff and couldn't bring myself to use any of the fabric brads that come with the ribbon (see it HERE) Since I wasn't having much imagination of my own today, I pretty much copied (ok I flat out copied), the image sticker that is on the stamp itself. Here is the image on the stamp:

Here is Mine --> click photo for better view

REMINDERS

Everything at ABC is 10% off (you have to go check out all the newly listed items)

There is still time to play the Twisted Thursday sketch challenge
complete details are below

Want to know about that Fantabulous Button? Come back tomorrow for "Takin' Out The Stash"
.............Supplies I used...............
Stamps: Stampabilities (House Mouse "I cane count on you")
Ink: Momento (tuxedo black) Copic Markers
Paper: the DP was a gift, Paper Trey Ink (aqua mist), Stampin Up (real red), Gina K Designs (pure luxury white)
Misc: Making Memories (ribbon), Martha Stewart red twine
Tools: Provo Craft (cuttlebug, ornament embossing folder), Stampin Up (mini polka dot embossing plate)

Happy Monster

Halloween and the entire fall season are quickly approaching. Although I am beginning to see halloween projects & the typical Autumn colors (orange, browns, reds, dark greens), I am still very much enjoying the "happy" colors and hot weather. Shorter days and cooler weather are very depressing to me so I am not looking forward to any of that.

I guess it doesn't get any brighter than this now does it???

Obviously I cannot get enough of my "My Cute Stamps". This cutie is from the "EEK a MONSTER" set. Not sure if it is possible to see that not only is my little monster heat embossed using black embossing powder, but he was also embossed using a polka dot embossing folder then mounted on foam squares!!!

Now I know we aren't suppposed to brag, BUT this card MAKES ME HAPPY... Thanks for dropping by today and I hope you have a Happy week.
....................Supplies I used..................
Stamps: My cute stamps (eek a monster)
Paper: Stampin Up (real red, blue) DCWV large designer paper stack
Ink: Stampin Up (versa mark, black embossing powder)
Misc: scraps of ribbon, Making Memories (tropic brads), EK Success (foam squares)
Tools: Provo Craft (Cuttlebug), Stampin Up (heat gun, mini dot embossing plate)

TWISTED THURSDAY Sketh Challenge #5

It's Twisted Thursday for Shirley's 2 Girls! Ready for a super sketch and a chance to win your choice of stamp from the S2G product line? This week, Karolyn has created my most challenging sketch to date for the Twisted Thursday challenges! You gotta try this one -- so you can let me know if my Mojo is slipping or if the appearance of simplicity is just an illusion. This week's twist is to use my personal favorite, EMBOSSING. Here are the deets:

• You are not required to use Shirley's 2 Girls stamps, but if you have them, we'd love for you to use them.
• Upload your card to your blog and/or favorite online gallery. Please use keywords S2GSC5 and shirleys2girls.
• Then, post a direct link to your card using Mr. Linky on Karolyn's Blog. You can click on the Gracie Twisted Thursday logo above which will link you directly to Karolyn's blog.
• Deadline for submitting your card is Sunday, April 5, at midnight PDT.
• Random.org will choose the winner, so everyone has a chance to win their choice of stamp from the Shirley's 2 Girls product line. Plus your card will be showcased on Karolyn's blog as well as the Shirley's 2 Girls store blog.

My sample uses a very funky little Chicca titled Gusto Set (SG59). Check out the crazy shirt that I dressed her in and that wildly fun hair do. Not the greatest photo but if you check back tomorrow, I will be able to capture one in better lighting. Then you will be able to see the vibrant colors and the fun blue wire that I wrapped around. The dry embossing was achieved with my Cuttlebug and the Perfectly Paisley embossing folder. As usual I twisted the sketch and made it my Own. What do you think? Need more inspiration? Check out these fabulous creations by the rest of the Ladies with Attitude DT:

Debbie Erin Joy Pat Shelly Karolyn

Thanks so much for stopping by! Please join in the fun and a chance to win!! Please check out the blog post directly below this one for a very IMPORTANT MESSAGE.
.............Supplies I used..............
Stamps: Shirley's 2 Girls (gusto set)
Paper: Paper Trey Ink (new leaf), Mead (index card), Stampin Up (whisper white)
Coloring: Copic markers, Momento (tuxedo black)
Tools: Provo Craft (cuttlebug, perfectly paisley embossing folder)
Misc: scraps of ribbon & dp

Viva La Rooster

Time is running out for This month's Viva La Verve weekly challenges. Lucky for you time is running out before I fall asleep sitting up holding this computer...... So I'll get straight to the point

Today's card is based on February's Week 1 Sketch with a Twist. The twist was to add some form of embossing. I placed my DP into the Textile embossing folder and ran it through the Cuttlebug. I then sanded the raised areas to create more of a distressed appearance. I also inked the edges with white ink. I cut the ovals using my Cricut and again ran the larger oval through the Cuttlebug using the Textile folder again. This time I inverted the embossed image to give it a bit of contrast. Both oval were sponged around the edges with brown ink. The Rooster was heat embossed using black embossing powder.

I added a printed cotton ribbon a few brads and Finito..............

................Recipe.................
Stamps: Rustic Rooster (Stampin Up)

Another Yummy Valentine

OK this is NOt the card that I have been wanting to post. If I psycho analyze myself, I would discover that I do not want to do all of the photo editing that is going to have to be done to my Fantabulous Card which is why I have not posted in a couple days!! Stinks when you have a great card and cannot capture a decent photo.

I now have a PhotoShop book so I am slowly teaching myself how to edit. Who am I fooling, I am having to teach myself how to open up the darn program!!!! At the moment I cannot figure out what it is I need to do to the photo. There is a satin ribbon that keeps shining like a NEoN Light.

This is another Valentine that I created for a co-worker. The heart stamp was first pressed into Versa Mark and then into the Dark Chocolate ink. I then sprinkled it with clear embossing powder and heat set it. While it was still hot, I again sprinkled it with the powder and heat set that. I did this a total of 3 times to get almost a Filigree Epoxy effect...... I then cut it out and mounted it on foam squares.

I used a fancy corner punch in the corners of the white cs and mounted it onto Pink. I punched a scalloped, square nestability and then dry embossed it with with the textile embossing folder. The inside of the card has a while scalloped square that I stamped with a retired SU stamp called Sketch It. The sentiments are Verve. I have attached photos to share how I piece together clear sentiment stamps to make a sentence or just to line up placement of stamped images. I lay the stamp where and how I want it to appear. I then take my stamping block and press onto them which picks them up onto the block. Perfect placement every time.
................Recipe................
Verve: heart to heart stamp set
Stampin' Up!: pink piroque cs, sketch it (retired) stamp set, versa mark, clear embossing powder
Spellbinders: scallop square nestabilities
Provo Craft: Cuttlebug, textile embossing folder
EK Success: corner punch
PaperTrey Ink: White cs, dark chocolate ink