7.31.2014

Sew Saturday on Thursday ~ ALYOF

I'm cutting the deadline for A Lovely Year of Finishes close this month. Today is the last day of the month and I am happy to report my Michael Miller quilt top is finished.


It is too late to enter it into the Modern Quilt Guild Michael Miller fabric challenge, but just in time for A Lovely Year of Finishes.  Right now I have no clue how I am going to quilt it, but I do have a couple of ideas for the back.  Here is the quilt while I was trying to decide which border to add.


My first thought was to use the small scraps of fabric together to form a border, but it really distracted from the design of the quilt itself.  I started to set them aside, to the right of the quilt and this cool pattern started to form that may just work itself into the back.  Time will tell.  For now I am going to put it away and work on some colors I actually like.  ;)


Header Image

Tomorrow I will be at the South Sound Modern Quilt Guild booth at the Thurston County Fair.  If you are local, stop by and say hi.  I'll be there between 1-4pm.  It's my first time going to the Thurston County Fair.  Hopefully it won't be too hot.  My plan is to work on hand sewing the binding for my Modern Metallic quilt.  I'm looking forward to seeing all the quilt, scrapbook and card exhibits.  I'll try to take some pictures to share with you.

7.30.2014

For You ~ CAS(ES) this Sketch


A quick card for you today.  It's a sketch from CAS(E) this Sketch that I'm sure I will use over and over again.   I already have three other cards in mind using this sketch.  That's a good sign it will become one of my favorites.

CTS#86

Stamping Supplies:
Stamps: Tag Talk (SU)
Ink: Blackberry Bliss (SU)
Paper: Blackberry Bliss, Hello Sunshine (Lawn Fawn), Whisper White
Accessories: Tiny Triangles Embossing Folder (SU)

Tag Talk Clear Stamp Set by Stampin' Up!
Tag Talk
Tiny Triangles Textured Impressions Embossing Folder by Stampin' Up!
Tiny Triangles


7.29.2014

Play In the Sunshine + Blog Hop Winners!

Last week an adorable card popped on my Facebook page from Operation Write Home.  It had some super cute felt airplanes.  Immediately I thought of the felt flowers I had in my craft room that I didn't know what to do with and decided to CASE that card.


All last week the design team and StampNation members have been playing at the beach.   I wanted to keep the vacation going so I pulled out Daffodil Delight cardstock, cut it with Stitched Borders 1 from Pretty Pink Posh and lined up my flowers along the curved edge so that some of the stitching detail would show through the petals.  Then I had to add a sunshine sentiment, because that yellow curve reminded me of the sun.



Speaking of StampNation.... the blog hop winners have been announced!  YAY!  Are you one of the lucky winners?  Clicky to go to Catherine's blog and see if your name was randomly chosen!



The design team is taking this week off, so that members can catch up.   You still have this week to submit your projects and be eligible to win one of an additional six prizes!!!!  (from Ellen Hutson, Lawn Fawn, Pretty Pink Posh, and StampNation)  New members are eligible too.  Click below to sign up now.



Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps: Family Vacation (Hero Arts)

Color: Daffodil Delight (SU), Basic Black, Whisper White
Accessories: Fancy Felt Flowers (Hero Arts), Stitched Borders 1 Dies (Pretty Pink Posh)



7.27.2014

Sew Sunday ~ Rag Quilt ~ Michael Miller ~ Modern Metallic

As you may have noticed, I haven't posted many sewing projects this month.  That is because summer is a slow time in my sewing room.  I do have a few things to update you on.

First, my baseball/picnic quilt is finally finished.  It's so soft and warm.


When I was halfway through making this quilt I thought it would be my last jeans quilt.  It was so heavy to work with in my little sewing machine.  As I sewed the binding on by hand at my son's baseball games I decided I might want to make another quilt to work on next season.


It was a great way to keep warm and keep my hands busy.  Especially when I was nervous about the game or even bored when we would be down by 20 points.  (ok, maybe not 20, but some days it felt like it)  Baseball season is cold, wet and windy here in the Pacific Northwest, so having a heavy quilt at games is a must!


The front is soft flannel and the back was cut from old jeans that my family had outgrown or ripped holes in.  The jeans are fairly soft too because they've all been washed multiple times.  After the binding was done I threw my quilt in the washer and dryer to fray the edges.

My Modern Metallic quilt just needs binding. I'm hoping to sew that on this week and bring it with me to the fair to hand sew the binding down while I work at the South Sound Modern Quilt Guild booth.

As for my Michael Miller Challenge for the MQG and ALYOF... the half square triangles are done, but the quilt top is nowhere near finished.  I did manage to "build" my new design wall.   It's 2 large foam boards (1 3/4" each)from Home Depot, covered in Warm and White cotton batting.    


It's floor to ceiling on the short wall in my sewing room. :)   The best part is I can use T pins to stick the bigger/heavier pieces on my wall so I will be able to design better as my quilts come together.


Time to put this Michael Miller challenge into high gear.  Only a few more days in the month left and I really want a finish this month for ALYOF!

7.25.2014

Beachcombing with Blendabilities ~ Video



One of the things I love about the beach is climbing around the rocks to view the tidepools and picking up little treasures off the sand.  The last challenge is up for the StampNation Beach Vacation and it is a Beachcombing challenge.  I made two videos showing how I created my card.


***Note- If you are reading this post in a reader or email you may need to go to my blog to view the video.  Click the post title to go there now.  :)

The part 2 video will show you how I created sand with Copics and pulled the card together.  StampNation members can go there now to see SN Beach Vacation #6.

Not yet a member?  Click here to learn more and sign up today.


Supply List:
Stamps: By the Seashore (SU), Chalk Lines (SU), Gorgeous Grunge (SU)
Ink: Coastal Cabana Blendabilities, Lost Lagoon, Soft Sky, Tuxedo Black Memento
Accessories: Sand Sequins (Pretty Pink Posh), Marshmellow Sequins (PPP)


Stampin' Blendabilities™ Markers Coastal Cabana Assortment
Coastal Cabana Blendabilities
UNSET
By the Seashore

Chalk Lines Photopolymer Stamp Set by Stampin' Up!
Chalk LinesClear Photopolymer

7.23.2014

Special Boy

Yesterday I saw this sweet face on my Facebook page with a plea for birthday cards.  He's only 5 years old and has an in-operable chemo resistant brain tumor.  He wants cards for his birthday.  Of course I had to answer the call.  Clicky to read his story and find where to send your cards.

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I took my cue from the picture and made a boat card for him using the sketch at Cardz4Guyz.


If I had super powers they would include healing all children.   Since I don't, I will pray for this little boy and send him a card to hopefully make him smile.

Cardz4Guyz#28

Would you like to send a card to Danny?  Here is the address to send it to:

Danny Nickerson
P.O. Box 212
Foxboro, MA 02035

Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps: Need For Speed (SU), Pictogram Punches (SU)
Paper: Milo (My Minds Eye), Very Vanilla, Basic Grey
Copics: Y08, Y11, Y19, YR68

In other news, the 4th challenge is up on StampNation's Beach Vacation.  We are going under the sea to view some adorable sea creatures.  Here's a sneak peek of my card.



Not yet a member?  Click here to learn more and sign up today.
My For Sale page has been updated.  Please check it out and see any of my retired sets want to come home with you.

7.22.2014

Retired for Sale

I'm running out of room in my craft space for new stamps, so it is time for a SALE.   Check out my "FOR SALE" page by clicking on the link at the top of my blog.  Or clicky to go there now.  ;) 

Add $5 SHIPPING for the first item and $3 shipping for each additional item.  Shipping to US only.  

Amazing Family $12
Another Great Year $12
Best of Greetings $12 
Best of Love $12
Collage Curios $10
Express Yourself (Hostess) $12

Fabulous Phrases $13 
Forever With You $11 
Friendship Preserves $10
Happy Watercolor $15

Lacy and Lovely $12
Language of Love $9
Loving Thoughts $15 
Oh, Hello $12

Peaceful Petals $13
Peachy Keen $9
Pennant Parade $10
Perfectly Penned $10

Postage Collection (hostess) $12
Seasonal Sayings $10
See Ya Later (SAB) $7
Simply Sketched (hostess) $10
Sweet Essentials $10
You're A Gem
You're Amazing $15

Wanderlust (clear photopolymer) $7

Happy Shopping!








7.21.2014

Sunset Joy Ride

Day 2 of our StampNation Beach Vacation has arrived and we are sitting on the beach watching the sunset over the ocean.  The inspiration photo for today is one of my favorites from the event.  I wasn't signed up to make a card for this challenge, but I couldn't help myself.  Here is a sneak peek at my card.



Originally I had a totally different card in mind to make, but Ellen Hutson sent me some Craft-A-Board and some My Favorite Things Joy Ride dies, so I decided to park on the beach and watch the sunset.  Isn't this fun?!

Members click here to see day 2 of the challenge.

Not yet a member?  Click HERE to learn more and sign up to join in the fun. 

7.20.2014

StampNation Beach Vacation Design Team Blog Hop

How would you like to take a beach vacation with a fabulous group of people who love stamping?  Well, come along for the StampNation Beach Vacation.  To kick things off the amazing StampNation Dream Team and fabulous Guest Designers have put together a blog hop for you, and we are letting you all see our first card.



Our first challenge is Beach Style.  If you're going to the beach you are going to need some beach shoes for walking in the sand.  Mine had to have a little bling on them, so I added a sequin flower and rhinestone.  :)


Now for the full card.  It's so fun to be able to share a full design team card with all of you.



Now for the really fun part.  PRIZES!  Be sure to comment on each of the blogs to be eligible to win...

One of 3 one month StampNation memberships

A $25 Gift Certificate to Pretty Pink Posh
(hello sequins and stitched dies!)

$25 Store Credit to Ellen Hutson

***StampNation members ONLY- Look for the 15% off code for this week!***

Choice of Lawn Fawn Stamp Set & Let's Polka 6x6 Pad

For each of these prizes, one winner will be randomly drawn from all the blog hop comments.  A second winner will be chosen from all the challenge entries at StampNation!

You have until 11:59pm EST on July 27th to leave a comment.  Winners will be chosen randomly and will be announced on Monday July 28th on Catherine's blog. Ready to get hopping?  Next up on the hop is the incredibly talented Allison Cope.


Just in case you got lost along the hop, here is a list of everyone participating.  :)

Catherine Pooler 
Maureen Merritt
Kristie Goulet 
Heather North >>>You Are Here<<<
Allison Cope 
Virginia Lu 
Iwona Palamountain 
Paulina Nakamura 
Jean Manis 
Suzanne Dahlberg 
Sandy Allnock 
Amy Sheffer 
Tracey McNeely 


We hope you will join us for this fun event.  Let me show you one last sneak peek of a card I have coming up later this week on StampNation.


Card Supplies for Beach Gear
Stamps: Bring on the Sun (Technique Tuesday), Life Is Good (Lawn Fawn)
Copics: Y08, Y11, YR68, YG63, YG67, E53, E55, E57, B0000, BG000, R24, R29, R89
Paper: Bazzil White, Pink Lemonade - Limeade (Lawn Fawn)
Accessories: Life Is Good Lawn Cuts (Lawn Fawn), Stitched Borders 1 Dies (Pretty Pink Posh), Basic Rhinestones, Springtime Mix Sequins (Pretty Pink Posh)

7.17.2014

Hello Darling + Video



It was so much fun to be on the OWH blog yesterday.  Thank you to all the new visitors who have stopped by my blog or left me a comment.  You made my day.  Here is the video I promised showing you how I created that card.



***Note- If you are reading this post in an email or viewer, you may need to go to my blog to view the video above.  



 Even though I am entering this card in Sandy's scarf challenge I had already planned to do this exact background for my card.  It's great when life works out that way.  I've been working on my Design Team submissions for the upcoming StampNation Beach Vacation and I had summer sunset on the beach on my mind.  I've been experimenting with different ways to create the backgrounds I want for my images.



If you would like to see more of my beach cards be sure to pop in on Sunday when the entire StampNation Dream Team and Guest Designers will be doing a blog hop.  Better yet, sign up for StampNation and take the vacation with us.  :)





Click Here to see yesterday's post.
Click Here to visit my guest spot on the OWH midweek throwdown.
Click Here to see the card I showed in the video.

Supplies:
Stamps: Hello Darling (Stampin' UP!), Kinda Eclectic (SU)
Stampin' UP! Ink: Calypso Coral, Crisp Canteloupe, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi
Misc: Clear Embossing Powder (Stampin' UP!), Embellished Tag (Mama Elephant), Stitched Rectangles (Lil' Inker Designs)

Hello Darling Clear Stamp Set by Stampin' Up!
Hello Darling

7.16.2014

Hello Darling ~ OWH Midweek Throwdown & Scarf Challenge

Have you visited the Operation Write Home blog lately?  If not, you might want to take a peek today.  About a month ago someone from OWH contacted me and asked my permission to use one of my cards for their midweek throwdown in July.  Are you kidding me?!!!!  Of course I said I would be honored and delighted if they used my card.  


In light of this special occasion I have made a card for Operation Write Home's new Scarf Challenge.  


It fit perfectly into the style of cards I have been making in preparation for the StampNation Beach Vacation starting on Sunday.  Don't you love when a challenge lines up with a card idea you had in mind to create?

Come back tomorrow to see the video I filmed while making this card.  Be sure to follow by email if you don't want to miss when I post.  :)   Want to see more cards I've made specifically for OWH?  A good place to start is typing in OWH in the "Search This Blog" on the right sidebar.

Operation Write Home is near and dear to me heart and I am so grateful to Sandy Allnock and her team of volunteers that give all of us cardmakers an opportunity to serve the men and women who serve us.  Be sure to check out their blog to see more of my story and the card they have featured.

Supplies:
Stamps: Hello Darling (Stampin' UP!)
Stampin' UP! Ink: Calypso Coral, Crisp Canteloupe, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi
Misc: Clear Embossing Powder (Stampin' UP!), Embellished Tag (Mama Elephant), Stitched Rectangles (Lil' Inker Designs)

Hello Darling Clear Stamp Set by Stampin' Up!
Hello Darling

7.15.2014

Summer Thanks

It's sketch time at Stampin' Celebration, and we have another great one for you this month.

SC83

This card was so much fun to make!  Perhaps it is the colors.  Lately I can't get enough of the bright teal, orange, pink and yellow combo.  


The tag was actually from a practice scrap that didn't make it into the final cut for THIS CARD.  The leaves were stamped too far apart, but I didn't throw it away because I knew I would be able to use it in a future card.  Love it when I can use scraps from other projects, don't you?


Be sure to head on over to the Stampin' Celebration blog and see the fabulous projects the rest of the design team has created.  Then show us what you can do with this fun sketch.

Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps: Kinda Eclectic (SU)
SU Ink: Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi
Paper: Basic Black, Soft Shades Double Dots Pack (Bo Bunny), Whisper White
Dies: Embellished Tag (Mama Elephant), Stitched Rectangles (LID), Script Thanks (Memory Box)

Kinda Eclectic Clear Stamp Set by Stampin' Up!
Kinda Eclectic