9.30.2014

Unique Blog Hop

My dear friend Kristie asked me if I wanted to take part in a unique blog hop.  Of course I said yes.  Thanks for thinking of me Kristie!

1. What am I working on?
Right now I am working on videos/card for a Holiday Class coming up in late October as well as cards for World Card Making Day this weekend.  StampNation will be rocking their challenges around the clock.

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?
There are 2 differences between me and the "typical stamper".  First, I didn't get my start in cardmaking.  Instead I got my start in scrapbooking.  Not only that, but I was a TERRIBLE cardmaker for years.  About 10 years ago I completely gave up and resigned myself to the fact that I would never be able to make cards that anyone other than my family would like.  Something finally clicked about 3 years ago and now I can't stop playing with my card supplies.

The second thing that sets me apart is that I am also a quilter.  I know I am not the only one out there, but most people are paper crafters or sewers, not both.  I try to reserve weekends on my blog for sewing, scrapbooking and other personal pursuits since cardmaking is now my job.

3. Why do I write/create what I do?
For others.  I want to bring them the same joy when they open their mailbox as I get from mine when there is a card instead of a bill.  Now that I have been on the receiving end of some gorgeous handmade cards I understand just how much love can be felt by the receiver of my cards.

As for teaching others, I do it because I was told I wasn't creative nor artistic as a child/young adult.  I can't draw, I can't paint beautiful landscapes and I haven't had any formal art training.  Since discovering the joy of creativity and how it has enriched my life I have wanted to share that blessing with others.  Any time I figure out a new technique or find a new tool I want to share it so you can try it too!

4. How does your writing/creative process work?
I pull creativity from several different sources and I never stop learning.   Last night was an example of that.  As I was finishing mowing the lawn I turned the corner and saw the most amazing sunset.  The way the light of the sun hit the clouds and washed the sky in colors of blush, peach and ocean blue instantly made me want to grab my camera for a picture and then my watercolor brush and white paint to make a card.  I circled the tree with my lawn mower and wished there was fabric in that design so I could make a bag to match a whole cloth quilt.

Once I have my inspiration I start thinking of ways I can translate that into a card, quilt or layout.  I look for colors, design, etc. to fit into the feeling or look of my inspiration piece.  If all else fails I look for a sketch.  I LOVE sketches and use them often as a jumping off point.

Now I get to nominate 2 people to keep this blog hop going.

First up is my dear friend and Stampin' UP! upline, Joan Robertson, of Joan's Daily Stampede.   Joan's Step It Up Saturday series taught me soooooooooooo much about the creative design process.  Without her help I would not be where I am today in my cardmaking.

Next I want to invite YOU to participate!!!!  This hop has been going around for awhile and many of you have already participated, but not all of you.  If you have not yet played along with this blog hop I invite you to answer these questions on your blog, ask 2 people to carry on and leave a link here so others can see your post.  (including me!)



9.29.2014

Coffee Lovers Blog Hop

***If you are looking for the Stampin' Celebration Challenge post click here or continue to scroll down.

Today is a fun day in blog land.  Chaitali has joined forces with some amazing sponsors to offer us prizes and gifts.   (As if having a cup of coffee with hundreds of your online friends wasn't enough.)  I'm predicting this will be a BIG one that you won't want to miss out on.


I enjoy a little coffee with my chocolate and flavored cream.  :)  My husband teases me asking if there is even any coffee in my drink.  Fresh ground coffee is one of my favorite smells.  There is a comfort in its rich aroma.  Here is my "ode to coffee" no matter what style of coffee you prefer.

  
If you saw my Friday post, then you probably recognize the sketch I used from Freshly Made Sketches.   This one is a keeper!


Stamping Supplies:
Stamps: Perfect Blend (SU), Gorgeous Grunge (SU)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Soft Suede (SU)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Retired DSP (SU), Rich Razzleberry, Very Vanilla, Whisper White
Accessories: Chevron Embossing Folder (SU), Embellished Tag (Mama Elephant), Early Espresso 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (SU)

Blessings of Fall ~ Stampin' Celebration

Stampin' Celebration has moved to an every-other-week format, so I have a new challenge for you up a few days earlier than usual.  :)  This challenge is sure to get you in the mood for making fall cards, or at least using some of the lovely autumn colors.

SC88

This is my favorite time of year!  I love the long shadows of the sun, the cool crisp mornings and evenings, the amazing display of colors and the warm blankies on a rainy day.   Bring on fall!

My card was created by masking off a rectangle using post it note tape.  I started sponging with my lightest color on the right and moved left with darker colors.  Then I pulled out my long neglected Lovely As A Tree stamps set and inked it up in Early Espresso.  The finishing touch was to wrap some linen thread around the bottom.  You should have seen me debating between using my burlap ribbon and linen thread.  It is so hard to choose when both options look great.

I hope you will join us for this fall themed challenge.  Be sure to check out the website and see what the other amazing designers have come up with.

Supplies:
Stamps: Lovely As A Tree (Stampin' UP!), Fall Foliage (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Early Espresso, Scrap of DSP, Very Vanilla
SU Ink: Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Hello Honey, So Saffron, Tangelo Twist
Accessories: Linen Thread

9.28.2014

Sew Sunday ~ ALYOF

September is almost over and that means 2 things.  One, my mom's birthday.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! and 2 it's time to link up with my September finish on A Lovely Year of Finishes.

First up is a sneak peek of mom's card. I can't share the entire card with you, because she doesn't have it in her hands yet and it's for one of the StampNation challenges for World Card Making Day.


This is one of my all time favorite cards.  I've always wished I could watercolor like my great aunt Rosie and my mom's dear friend Ginny.  Unfortunately I did not get the drawing/artistic painting gene.  Thanks to stamps and water based ink though I was able to create a watercolor look that I am proud to send to my mama.


My main goal for September was to finish the backing for my Michael Miller challenge quilt.  I'm happy to report I did finish it!  YAY!  Now on to the quilting so I can get to my favorite part, sewing on the binding.


My second goal for September was to finish sewing on the binding for the Modern Metallic challenge quilt.  That goal was finished early in the month.  I didn't get to the last 2 goals I had.  Instead I made a snuggle blanket for my husband to keep his tootsies warm on these cold fall nights.  

Thank you Shanna and Melissa for having these monthly goals.  It helps me feel like I am truly accomplishing something each month even though my list of to-dos keeps growing on the other side.  

9.26.2014

Marla's Birthday Card + Video

Have you missed me? I've been absent from my blog this week in preparation for some fun things come up.  First up will be World Card Making Day, next weekend.  We are starting the festivities on Friday, October 3rd when WCMD first hits the world and wrapping it up on Sunday in the last location to start WCMD in the world.  Pretty cool, huh?  That means LOTS of cards being made to inspire you over at StampNation.



I've also been working some projects for an upcoming Christmas card class.  More deets on that coming soon, but for now, here is a sneak peek.


While making these cards I've also been filming videos and that means more time editing.  YIKES!  I did manage to sneak in some time to create a card just for my blog readers and youtube followers.  I was working on WCMD cards and thought one of the inspiration photos would make a perfect birthday card for my friend, Marla.


I kept the camera rolling while I created this card.  The pink flowers ended up being WAY brighter than I expected them to be, but Marla loved it anyway.  She is sweet like that.

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



The layout for this card came from the awesome sketch this week at Freshly Made Sketches.  Any time I am in a "time crunch" I know that using a sketch will help me out.  Thanks to this sketch I was able to create my card, start to finish, in 50 minutes.  That is awesome considering all the coloring I did.  Thank you FMS!  

FMS155





Supplies:
Stamps: Bloom with Hope (Hostess-SU), SPecial Wishes (Penny Black - Inside of card)
Paper: Flourish (Authentique), Lost Lagoon (SU), Smoky Slate (SU)
Copic: RV34, RV06, RV09, G24, YG63, YG67, Y08, Y11
Ink: London Fog (Memento), Black Onyx (Versafine)
Accessories: Embellished Tag (Mama Elephant), Clear Embossing Powder (SU), Sparkling Clear Sequins (Pretty Pink Posh)

Bloom With HopeHostess

9.20.2014

Confetti Crew Joins the Dream Team



This week the design team from Reverse Confetti had joined ours at StampNation to overwhelm you with inspiration.   As a sponsor Reverse Confetti sent the StampNation design team some of their product to work with and here is what some of the team came up with.


I say "some" because I think there were 19 of us in this collaboration!  YIKES!  Mine isn't even shown here.  Want to see a peek of mine?   I made an adorable little chalkboard using stamps and dies from Reverse Confetti.



We don't want to leave our awesome StampNation members out, so Reverse Confetti is generous enough to offer members a chance to win a $15 gift card to the Reverse Confetti store just by entering their card in a challenge!  Hop on it, my friends.

Not yet a member and want to learn more?  Clicky


StampsClass Act (Reverse Confetti), Forever Fall (RC)
Ink: Paper White (Fresh Ink), Black, Real Red, Wild Wasabi
Paper: Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Whisper White
Accessories: Class Act Confetti Cuts (RC), Top Note Die (SU), Stampin' Chalk Marker (SU), Mini Stapler (SU)

9.19.2014

Inspired by Feathers?

I'll be the first to admit that I did not jump on board when the feather trend first hit a year and a half ago.  In fact, I thought it was a trend that would fizzle out in just a couple of months.  I'll also be the first to admit I was wrong.  :)  In the classroom at StampNation today I have a video showing you how I was inspired to make this card.


I used my new stamp set, Fancy Feathers, that Stephanie Wincott, from Clearly Besotted, sent me.  Aren't those feathers lovely?  In the video I also show you how to create this entire card.  StampNation members can click HERE to go there now.

If you are not yet a member and want to join click HERE to sign up now and then go check out my video.  ;)




Speaking of StampNation, I get to announce the blog hop winner for my blog that gets a FREE 1 month membership to StampNation.  Drum roll please. Random Generator chose #12.


Sharon, be sure to email Catherine to get let her know she owes you a free month.  I'll let her know to watch out for it.

For all the rest of you who participated in the Housewarming party blog hop, be sure to head on over to Catherine Pooler's blog post HERE to see if you are one of the winners!  Good luck! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Fancy Feathers (Clearly Besotted)
Ink: Blushing Bride (SU), Coastal Cabana (SU), Lilac Posies (Memento Luxe - Imagine Crafts), Pool Party (SU), Versamark
Paper: Shimmery White (SU), Smoky Slate (SU)
Accessories: Aquapainter, Rounded Rectangles Stiched Dies (Lil' Inker Designs), Studio Matte Medium, Glossy Accents, 1/8" Smoky Slate Taffeta Ribbon (SU), Sparkling Clear Sequins (Pretty Pink Posh)


9.16.2014

Stampin' Celebration + Design Team Call

Yesterday a new challenge went live on Stampin' Celebration and I almost missed it!   Yikes!  I'm glad I was able to get my card submitted just under the wire because I think this sketch has so many creative possibilities.


The sketch inspired me to look for an extra large stamp in my stash for the background "circle".  I inked up my stamp with distress inks, then sprayed it with water before stamping it on a piece of cardstock.  There was still loads of ink on my stamp so I stamped it again for the piece you see in my final card.

Doesn't this technique give the stamp a unique watercolored look?  I wished I had my camera turned on for this card, but I had no idea where I was going and it would have been a 60 minute video.  I love the stark contrast of the white and the watercolor, but I needed to subdue it a bit for my sympathy card, so I sponged on a soft pink.  When I was about to adhere the vellum I realized I had no place to hide the adhesive.   Luckily I had some very thin washi tape laying next to me on my stamp table.  It worked as a perfect mask.


Stampin' Celebration is having a Design Team call and a few changes to the guidelines of the challenge to make it easier for all of us to remember.  :)  Be sure to check out this post if you have ever thought of joining a design team.

Before I go I wanted to remind you that tomorrow is the last day to take advantage of the $1 StampNation trial. If you've been curious about StampNation and want to try it out before you buy a full membership, then hop on it before it disappears.

Tomorrow is also the last day to take part in the housewarming party blog hop.  Clicky to see my post for more details.

I can't wait to see what you are inspired to create!

Stampin' Supplies
Stamps: Gathering Together (Penny Black), En Francais (SU)
Ink: Dusty Concord-Milled Lavender- Peacock Feathers- Picked Raspberry (Distress Inks), Versamark, Basic Gray (SU)
Paper: Basic Gray, Smoky Slate, Vellum, Whisper White
Accessories: In Color Sequins (SU), Clear Embossing Powder, Washi Tape, With Sympathy Die (SSS)

9.15.2014

From Our Home To Yours

Have you had a chance to take part in the Housewarming Party blog hop on Catherine Pooler's blog yet?  You can enter to win one of the prizes from her fabulous sponsors just by commenting, but it's more fun (and 3 more chances to win) if you make a project to share.  Here is my second card for her blog hop.  Even though I'm fairly certain I am NOT eligible to win anything.  I made this one just for fun.



Don't forget that you can try out StampNation for just $1 right now.  Clicky  Offer expires soon!  9-17-14



Which card do you like better?  The first one I posted last week (clicky) or this one?

Stamping Supplies
Stamps: Heartfelt Holiday (Wplus9)
Ink (SU): Baked Brown Sugar, Real Red, Soft Sky, Wild Wasabi
Paper: Whisper White (SU)
Accessories: Springtime Mix Sequins (Pretty Pink Posh), Pansy Purple Sequins (PPP), Sparkling Clear Sequins (PPP), Oval Framelits (SU)


9.13.2014

Sew Saturday ~ Update

September is a wonderful month to sew.  :)  I'm making progress on my sewing goal for September, to finish the backing on my Michael Miller fabric challenge quilt.  This is what it looked like last weekend.


This is what it looks like today.  The patterned fabric you see on my wall is all I have left.  I'm trying to decide how to finish it off, because there is not enough to have the row of color continue up the entire length of the quilt.  I'm thinking about leaving some blank rows of white between the remaining 3 strips of color.  What do you think?



I also went to work on the Block of the Month for our South Sound Modern Quilt Guild.  The block was created by fellow member, Kathy, from Eagles Nest Designs, based on her balance quilt.  It's actually a fairly easy, paper pieced pattern, but I couldn't remember how she showed me to do it, so I practiced on some scraps of fabric in my stash.  Now that I figured it out I hope to make the 2 blocks today and be ready for my guild meeting early.  (there's a first time for everything, right?)




9.12.2014

Camouflage Dog Tags with Alcohol Inks ~ Video

Have you ever played with alcohol inks?  I picked up some at my LSS going out of business sale and they are fun to experiment with.


In the video below I will show you how you can create you own backgrounds using various colors of alcohol inks.


You can easily create different looks just by changing the color of ink you use and how much you "pounce" on your glossy paper.  They do stain, so be sure to protect your work surface.



On my card today I took the background piece and die cut out a tag.  What would you do with your background?

Stamping Supplies
Stamps: For Your Country (SU), Honeycomb Hello (SU)
Ink: Various Alcohol Inks from Adirondack, Pico Embellesher (Imagine Crafts-Tsukineko), Black Staz-On
Paper: Cartographer (Prima), Basic Black, Glossy Photo Paper
Accessories: Tags Bags Boxes and More (Cricut), Circle Punches, Black Twine (Pretty Pink Posh),

For Your Country
Honeycomb Hello

9.10.2014

Housewarming Party Blog Hop

Welcome to the Housewarming Party Blog Hop for Catherine Pooler's website makeover.   


My friend, and founder of StampNation, Catherine Pooler, had a "big girl" makeover on her blog recently and this week she is celebrating.  In the video below you will see how Catherine me while making this card for her blog hop.



Instead of getting gifts though, she is giving them away.  What?!  Yes, that's right.   Even better she is letting me give you a party favor or two!

http://www.cartville.com/app/?Clk=5190078



Click on the link above and you can try out StampNation yourself for only $1 and see why I love it so much!  You can even jump right in and participate in the challenge going live today.  Here's a peek of what the design team did with this challenge.  If you saw my blog post yesterday you already know which one is mine.





That's not all.  One lucky person who leaves a comment on this blog post will win a FREE ONE MONTH SUBSCRIPTION TO STAMPNATION.


As if that wasn't enough, you have a chance to win some door prizes too!  Click on the picture below to go to Catherine's blog where the blog hop begins.  Then comment and link up for your chance to win one of the over $300 worth of prizes including...


  • One FREE year membership to StampNation
  • Some Odd Girl ~ $20 Gift Card
  • Ellen Hutson ~ $50 Gift Card
  • CASual Fridays ~ $25 Gift Card
  • Winnie & Walter ~ Home Themed Stamp Set
  • Penny Black ~ Shades Creative Die
  • Pretty Pink Posh ~ $50 Gift Card
  • Clearly Besotted ~ £30 Gift Certificate
  • Hero Arts ~ $30 Gift Certificate

I know, right?  Completely awesome.  So, make a Home card to celebrate Catherine's new home on the web, visit her site to see all the wonderful changes and enter for your chance to win.  Be sure to leave a comment here before you go to be entered to win a free 1 month subscription to StampNation.





Hop on over there now and don't forget to take advantage of the $1 trial for StampNation.  Clicky



Stamping Supplies:
Stamps: Kinda Eclectic (Stampin' UP!)
Inks: Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi, Blackberry Bliss
Paper: Whisper White, Melon Mambo,  Stripe (Tattered Angels)
Accessories: Sparkling Clear Sequins (Pretty Pink Posh), Embellished Tag (Mama Elephant), Happy Die (Simon Says Stamp), What's Up Punch (Stampin' UP!)

9.09.2014

Falling into Thank You

My long overdue summer thank you cards.  When I saw the Seasonally Scattered stamp set in the Holiday catalog I knew I would be using them to make my August and September thank you cards.



Isn't the Fall Thanks stamp scrumptious?  It looks so pretty all on its own, or decorated as I have done here.
***Note**** If you are reading this post in an email or reader you may need to go to my blog to view the video below.





I was so inspired by the stamp set that I made 2 more designs.  Here are the sneak peeks.  The first one should be up on my blog very soon.


The second one will be on StampNation tomorrow.  Speaking of StampNation.... there is a very special blog hop going on tomorrow and a chance for you to try out StampNation for $1.  Come back tomorrow for all the details.

eta: Linking up to the Our Daily Bread Challenge over at Operation Write Home.  The September challenge is to make your own background.  I've been doing that a lot this month.   Clicky

Stampin' UP! Supplies:
Stamps: Seasonally Scattered
Ink: Blackberry Bliss, Hello Honey, Mossy Meadows, Versamark
Paper:  Whisper White (+ notecards), Hello Honey, Blackberry Bliss, Tangelo Twist, Mossy Meadows
Accessories: Gold Embossing Powder

9.05.2014

Sew Saturday ~ ALYOF ~ September Goals

Lots of goals this month for sewing.  I love sewing in September.  The kids go back to school, and the weather cools down.  Ahhh...bliss.  :)   Here are my goals for September.

1. Finish backing for the MQG Michael Miller challenge.
2. Finish binding on MQG Modern Metallic challenge quilt.
3.Quilt Michael Miller challenge quilt.
4. Quilt Jelly Roll Race quilt.
5. Make another Jelly Roll Race Quilt.

My sincerest hope is that I will get the first 2 done.  There is less than an hour's worth of sewing on each.  I'm in the mood to really get these charity quilts done though, so hopefully I will have time for some serious quilting.


This is where my backing was on September 1st for my Michael Miller challenge quilt.



Wish me luck.  Linking up with Melissa and Shanna for A Lovely Year of Finishes.

ALYoF2014
ALYOF September 2014

9.01.2014

My Lucky Stars ~ Stampin' Celebration

New month, new challenge at Stampin' Celebration.  This month we have a wedding theme, with rich deep purples and gold.  Instead of a traditional wedding card I made a card that a bride & groom could give each other for their wedding or anniversary.

SC86

The background was created with distress inks, watercolor brush, gold embossing paste, and white embossing powder.  A little gold shimmer spray adds a nice sparkle to the entire card.


It doesn't show up in the photo, but I used white shimmer paper for my card base.  I wanted the entire thing to sparkle.   September=Sewing for me.  Every year in September I get the urge to start sewing again.  :)  So, I had to add some stitching to my card.  It's so easy to add this little touch to my cards.  If only my sewing machine was downstairs closer to my stamp room.  (first world problems, I know) 


Now it is your turn!  Head on over to Stampin' Celebration to be inspired by the rest of the design team and then create a masterpiece of your own.  Don't forget to link back up to the challenge by September 12th and let me see what you come up with.

Stampin' Supplies:
Stamps: Lucky Stars (Wplus9), The Big The Bold & You (Winnie & Walter)
Distress Ink: Dusty Concord, Seedless Preserves, Victorian Velvet
Accessories: Metallic Gold Embossing Paste (Wendi Vecchi), Gold Sheer Shimmer Spritz ( Tsukineko), White Embossing Powder (SU), Heart Border Punch (SU)