Snowflakes

Second post for today!  With this one, I think I'll show you the card before I get on to explaining the details:

I diecut my snowflakes for this card with my Slice FaLaLa card.  They are just so yummy when they are layered like that! 

This card was actually inspired by a several challenges:

1. Wee Memories - ribbon
2. Sentimental Sunday - winter themed card and a sentiment
3. Moxie Fab - Neutral Challenge for Color Inspiration Week
4. Our Creative Corner - Dressing Up this sketch

It has been a lovely Sunday - I hope you are having the same!  I slept late, my husband made brunch (and cleaned up!), did a little catching up on  blog reading, took a nap (yes, I've needed some sleep!), made some cards and projects (some I can show you now - some have to wait till reveal dates), and now I'm heading into the kitchen to make a blended coffee before I craft some more.  You just can't ask for a better Sunday than that!

Better Living Through Scrapbooking Reveal Day!

Time for a new challenge!  Have you been playing along?  When you complete all four challenges for the month, you are eligible to win one of the great monthly prizes from our generous sponsors.  Take a look at them on my right sidebar.  You don't have to finish one challenge before the next one comes out.  You just have to complete them all in one given month to be entered for the goodies.  I love the concept of Better Living through Scrapbooking which is "challenges to heal your soul and inspire your mind."  Give us a visit.  I bet you'll find a challenge you'd love to do that will help you grow in this hobby!

Let me tell you about this week's challenge:
"Holiday paper challenge”
Use holiday-themed papers (Christmas, Halloween, Easter, 4th of July, etc.) to create a non-holiday themed page layout or mini album.

Choose at least two of the following:

1. Use photos that are at least five years old.
2. Use punches or a die-cut machine to hand-make embellishments or letters out of patterned paper for your page.
3. Use pop-dots to give 3-D dimension to an element of your page.
4. Use numbers in the title of your page.
5. Use rubber or acrylic stamps somewhere on your page.
 
 

 
When I pulled out this picture, the first thing I noticed was Shane's shorts. Look at all those colors! I thought of Hallowe'en in Wonderland right away. It is just the perfect match! Have you noticed lately that many holiday papers are useful all year round? That is such a great trend! Those fabulous double sides are a bonus, I think, and make patterned papers so much more valuable. Doesn't this holiday paper work perfectly for this every day photo?

I really like that although this paper seems busy, Shane's little face is the focal point. I've used four options on this page that I hope will inspire you. My photos is actually 20 years old. Boy, this little guy turned into a man quickly! Shane's matted picture, the word "play," and the banner are all popped up. I combined the last two options by stamping his age at the bottom. These were not options, but I added a couple of other techniques to the page. I've distressed all of the paper by simply rolling the edges. It's easy, and it adds great dimension! I also sewed on my page with one of the Granny Stitch'z template and purple floss from Bazzill. This template set is fabulous! It has 8 different edging stitches, and it's they are so easy and fun to work with. The purple floss is from the Crayons floss set. Both of these items can be found at a great price from Discount Cardstock.

Items used: Bazzill Eggplant Felt Cardstock, Granny Stitch'z Template, and In Stitch'z Crayon Floss Card (Discount Cardstock); Hallowe'en in Wonderland (Graphic 45); Journaling Block (Quick Quotes); Transparency Frame (Colorbok); Big Kids Slice Design Card (Making Memories); Black Buttons, Alpha Stamp Set, Swirl Clip, and Black Archival Ink (Close To My Heart); Hemp and Vintage Ribbon (stash)

Hey, Here's a Tidbit for You!

I was thinking today as I was doing my Rusted Sun layout  (see the previous post) , that I would have loved to have some perfectly matched cardstock.  I found this tool at Bazzill paper:

Bazzill Matchmaker

Well, I thought this was just great, and I had to share.  They match so many companies and papers!!

Get Sketchy

This was a fun sketch to work with from Get Sketchy:

I used Bazzill Swiss Dots CS and flower, May Arts ribbon, and a sentiment from CTMH.  It turned out to be a very clean and simple card.

Alcohol Inks

With the resurgence of vintage artwwork, I have lately become interested in all the different products made by Ranger Ink. This morning I put together two small gift cards using three alcohol inks.
Both cards are made with the same inks - Lettuce, Eggplant, and Cranberry. I made one lighter by using a little more blending solution. Other products used are Bazzill flowers, CTMH rub-ons, and random ribbon from my stash. Pretty little cards!

If you'd like to learn this technique, I am offering you this link. In this video, Tim Holtz leads the correct way in applying alcohol inks. You will never regret hopping over to Ranger and learning some new things. I have absolutely loved gaining some new paper crafting knowledge through all of these fabulous videos!!

Edit on 3/1: These cards fit into the Practical Scrappers challenge this week - using inks/chalks.

Shane

I found this sketch over at Page Maps blog, and I thought it was just wonderful!

I've had some pictures of Shane out that I want to get scrapped and this sketch was perfect for these two pictures. We had these taken when Shane was 4 years old. I know I am biased but he was the cutest little boy I've ever laid my eyes on! I know many people who will not put flowers on little boy layouts, but I have never been afraid to do that.

All products used are CTMH unless noted: Everlasting paper and stickease, Just Blooms flowers, Craft Buttons, Waxy Flax, Bigger Brads, Cranberry Ribbon, and a Bazzill flower. I used an EK Success punch to make the notebook border, and my corner rounder to make the scallops.

Basic Grey Origins

All three of the cards I have to show you today are done using the Basic Origins line. I looked and looked at this paper, not knowing if it was one that I'd use, but my friend Laurel convinced me in some of her posts that it is a definite must have paper! Because of the colors and addition of Buttercup CS (CTMH), all three of the cards also fit into the Tuesday Trigger over at Moxie Fab. My kitchen is painted the warm yellow of sunflowers, and I just love waking up to that!

Ok, so here's the Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger picture:

The additions to the sketch from Inspirational Card Sketches are few. A little black twill ribbon and a sentiment complete the card.

My take on the Inspirational Card Sketch #55:

The next card was fun to do because I incorporated two sketches into one card. As you'll notice, the sketches are almost mirror images. This first sketch is from Papertake: This sketch is from OCC Sketch Blog:

Here is my take on the two sketches making one card. I used a little black twill again, and I added some felt embellishments, sparkles, and rub-ons from CTMH. The flower is Bazzill.

Finally, here is my last card that I just made because I wanted to. I fell in love with this rich paper by this time and just had to make one more!! Twill ribbon and CTMH rub-ons completed the card.

I save some of my cards for birthdays, anniversaries, etc., but most of my cards go to Operation Write Home, Share-a-Card, or another place that can use the cards. No one could possibly use all the cards that I thoroughly enjoy making, so I simply give them away. Card Maker magazine has a column called Readers Reach Out and in every issue they let us know who is looking for cards. What a blessing to be able to send cards off to places that are truly in need!!

Hope you're having a wonderful paper crafting day!!

Yummy

What lovely inspiration over at The Play Date Cafe this week. As soon as I saw the picture, my thought was "boy is are those colors yummy!" So I knew immediately what I would do.

I pulled out my Cosmo Cricket Early Bird paper. Along with CTMH Colonial White CS and ribbon, Bazzill Fudge CS, and my Inkadinkado coffee stamp, I was able to finish this card relatively quickly.

Veranda Paper & Different Flowers

I started working with Veranda paper today (CTMH), and I just couldn't put it away! This is such lovely and versatile paper that I can't get enough of it! So instead of dividing these cards into 3 posts, I wanted to share them all here. As you read along, I'll tell you what challenges they are, too, so that you can check out these awesome blogs!

This first card is the sketch for Inspirational Sketches. They come up with such wonderful ideas, and this was no exception. The ribbon, pearls, and waxy flax are CTMH. The flower is Bazzill, the pin is Making Memories, and the stamp is Hero Arts. Because I've used a flower, this also qualifies for the Practical Scrappers challenge.

The second card is a sketch from Everything But the Kitchen Sink. All products used are CTMH. What a great sketch! I can see myself using this one over and over.

This last card is for the OCC Sketch Blog. I took a little creative liberty in what I used for the element on the left. I wanted to take out my Playful Petals stamp set (CTMH) and make a flower. Because I don't mind fussy cutting, I think this is rather fun once in awhile! The stamp set is Hero Arts, and the ribbon and button are random. Because I've used another flower, this also qualifies for the Practical Scrappers challenge.

I have been busy crafting today! I have much to do tomorrow, and then I work full days all through Saturday. So I wanted to be sure and give you a few things to look through. If you haven't seen it, scroll down for the layout of Jerry I posted this morning.

Happy Monday everybody!!

Basic Grey and a Little Embossing

I have been finding such fun patterns and challenges. It's a joy to get some cards done and share them with you!

I completed the first card for the Basic Grey challenges using their sketch. I thought this sketch was just wonderful, and I am sure I will use it over and over again! You may not recognize this Basic Grey at first look, but it is very recent. I used the Eskimo Kisses line for this card. Always look at the back side of your paper - you never know what treasure you will find! The back side made this paper so versatile for other times of the year. The stickers are also Eskimo Kisses, the flowers are Bazzill, and the stamp set is CTMH. If you click on the image, you may be able to see the Glossy Accents on the flowers.

I finished the next card for the Operation Write Home Stars and Stamps technique embossing challenge. The embossing is to center stage in this challenge - no coloring at all. I used Bazzill textured CS, Zing Vanilla embossing powder, CTMH ribbons, and CTMH Treasure Life stamp set. The parts of the flowers that look blue are actually places where I put Stickles for a little shine.

Sharing a Couple of Cards

I have been having just a wonderful time in my craft room this afternoon! It's been so snowy the last couple of days, but today the sun is shining warm and brightly here. So nice to have the blinds up and be nourished with all that natural light!

The first card I made today is for the Bo Bunny card challenge. I used Flutter Butter paper alogn with vellum. The flower is Bazzill, the ribbon and stamp are CTMH, and the rest of the embellishments are from my stash.

This second card was so much fun to make because the combination of colors and elements are way out of my comfort zone. I am not used to using such a bright blue and then a jade green together. Also this is the first robot I've ever used on a project. This will fit into two challenges - the Play Date Cafe color challenge and OCC Sketch Blog challenge.

Items used to make this card are Bazzill Carbo Cream CS, Paper Company Jade Metallic, CTMH Moonstruck and Black CS, Just Chillin' Slice card, Hero Arts stamp set, and random ribbon and gems.

Girlfriends

I've shown you this precious picture before, but I have finally put it to a layout. My furry kids - Chanel #5 (Shane named her that!) and Miss Sassy were sunning themselves this afternoon. It was quite extraordinary the way they were sitting. I just had to hurry and snap before they moved!

For this layout I used TPC Studio Girlfriends paper. The flowers along the middle were cut with a Slice card - Think Pink. Other embellishments used are Heid Grace clear stickers, Bazzill flowers, Petaloo flowers, and Thickers.

Inspirational Card Sketch #47

My third post today - be sure to scroll down!!
I had some scraps left from my Bella Collection form CTMH. The rich and warm colors are so beautiful! The buttons are stamped from CTMH's Buttoned Together set. For some I threaded olive waxy flax, and for a couple, I used olive brads. For the sentiment, I embossed with vanilla embossing powder. The flower is from Bazzill.

Thanksgiving Layout

You've seen these pictures already that I posted from Thanksgiving Day. Today I put them to paper (click on the layout to make it larger). I fell in love with this paper when I saw it - Little Yellow Bicycle diecut and lace paper. Gorgeous!

Along with it, I used: CTMH Colonial White, Vineyard Berry, Olive, and New England Ivy CS, Bazzill flowers, CTMH Chocolate and Colonial White Ribbon, and random buttons. The die-cut leaves, frame, and sentiments were cut using Slice cards.

Enjoy the Simple Things

I needed to make a couple thinking of you cards this morning, and this 6x6 card is what I came up with. I am always so happy when the sun (albeit a FREEZING below zero sun) streams through the windows so that I can get a really good picture for you!

There are a couple of new items on this card from CTMH. They will be available on January 1st. If you need to know a good consultant, please don't hesitate to ask me. Even though I am no longer a consultant, I know bunches of them that are GREAT, and I would be happy to give you their name!

Items used: CTMH Garden Green and Juniper CS, Veranda Creative Basics paper & ribbon (January 1st), Bazzill flower, CTMH flower (January 1st), CTMH craft button, waxy flax, and corner, Hero Arts stamp, CTMH colonial white pigment ink and prisma glitter.

A Layout and a Journal

This is my second post for the day, so scroll on down if you'd like to see a Christmas page with the new Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses paper. I popped a movie in my laptop while I was working, and I seem to get a lot more done that way. Great movie - August Rush. Have you seen it? If you like good music, you'll like this movie about a child prodigy.


Okay, I had so much fun making this layout! I came across some pictures of Shane when he was just 18 months old. What a happy little boy! And his hair was even trendy then!!


Items used: CTMH Animal Cookies paper and matching Stickease, CTMH Circle Charms and clip, American Crafts Thickers.

I was in need of a new journal so as always, I grabbed a composition book to alter. This is so easy to do! The inside covers are lined with coordinating paper. The tags and paper are Cosmo Cricket Everafter. Ribbon, photo hanger, large flower, and buttons are CTMH. Blue flower is Bazzill . Now I can write in a pretty book again!!

Bo Bunny's Gypsy in a Couple Different Ways

Paper to me is like fabric is to a seamstress. And just every once in awhile I run across some paper that absolutely takes my breath away. That's how I felt when I saw one of Bo Bunny's line - Gypsy. The colors and textures to these papers are amazing! I picked them out to do a couple layouts that will go into different books.


The first layout you are looking at is a sketch from Bo Bunny. I wanted to use the paper itself for as many elements as possible, so I made embellishments for the page with my Slice. Along with Gypsy paper, I used a couple of Bazzill flowers, two Fancy Pants buttons, CTMH bamboo waxy flax, and some Hero Arts gemstones. If you open this up, you will see that I used Liquid Glass on the copper-colored round spots. No journaling yet! I made my lines on the right side with my Crafter's Workshop template, but I'd like to finish the companion page first.


The second layout is a template from Inspired Blueprints. Again, the paper is so gorgeous that I just didn't want to use much else. I used CTMH rub-ons for journaling the pictures. That retained the beauty of the paper and yet allowed me to put names to faces on this heritage layout. I add a touch of Artsylicious velvet ribbon and a old fashioned pin from Tim Holtz. You'll also find CTMH antique copper brads along the layout.

Wander

I was looking over some pictures I took of Jerry when we were up by Mille Lacs Lake. Truly sometimes a picture speaks a thousand words!

For this layout I used:

• CTMH Colonial White Cardstock as base
• Bo Bunny Flutter Butter paper & diecuts
• Making Memories Transparencies
• Bazzill Paper Flowers
• CTMH Organic & Fancy Pants All Fall Buttons
• CTMH Bamboo Waxy Flax
• Slice Cartridge "Think Pink" for letters

Sisterhood

This is a great sketch by Creative Scrappers. These are pictures from a sister's weekend in 2006. For five of us to re-arrange our schedules was quite a feat. But how wonderful for all of us to get together! That was the last year we were all able to have a "full" sister's weekend with all 5 of us. I am hoping someday that we will have this precious time again, How special to shop, laugh, eat M&M's, and just be friends and sisters for a weekend.

• CTMH Grace Paper and matching journaling stickease
• Bazzill and Prima flowers
• Random chocolate sparkles
• CTMH Dazzling Die-Cuts scalloped circle
• Thickers letters

Oh, and to complete the recipe, 5 lovely girls. Can you tell I love my sisters very much?

Bo Bunny Sketch

Bo Bunny is a fresh crisp paper to work with. I like that it is two-sided as it takes very little paper (less than one sheet) to make a 5x7 card. I am not used to working with these bright colors - especially yellow - but I like the result with the flowers!
Bo Bunny Gift of Love Paper
Bazzill Flower
Prima Flower
CTMH Craft Buttons, Waxy Flax, Ribbon, Brads, and Clip