KanataNewf - Time Well Wasted

Shoebox Gathering #1

2012-01-30T05:00:00.000-05:00

Hi folks,

as promised, here are some photos from our first shoebox gathering at my house yesterday! Dearly beloved grabbed the camera and snapped a few pics of us getting our crafty on!

Intent on creating....

Me on the left, Chrissy on the right - we're working on the card that Dominique designed.

Dominique on the left, Tanya on the right....

The four cards we created....mine is by far the the simplest. Going to have to up my game for the next gathering!

And close-up photos of everyone's card design....

By Tanya.....Look at all the detail! Pretty ribbon, pin, charm and brad. Not to mention the stamped and embossed bird! I'm really going to have to take out my embossing powders and use them more.

By Dominique.....oh my! Those hearts are hand-painted. Very cool with pewter metallics mixed into the red. And that little key charm.

By Chrissy.....isn't that heart-filled mini-envelope the cutest? I'm going to be using this idea again I think. I can see it with hearts, flowers, shamrocks, cupcakes.....

And mine..... looking kinda ho-hum after the other three I think.

oh and this photo made me realize that my sample card has the heart locks upside down - and I thought the paper was omni-directional. doh! This is going to drive me crazy so I am going to have to try to fix the other card. sigh.....

So the great thing about today's get-together? I'm heading to Newfoundland again in late February to spend a week with my Mom when my Dad goes back out to sea. If I have time, I like to have cards prepped ahead of time for my sweetie. So....after today's get-together I'm off to a running start with four cards!

Thanks for stopping by - hope you are having a wonderful day!

My Shoebox Gathering Creation

2012-01-29T18:05:00.002-05:00

Hi folks,

Before Christmas I asked some of my crafty pals if they would be interested in having a little "shoebox" get together from time to time. If you are familiar with the idea of a "shoebox" get together it goes something like this - everyone makes a sample card and brings enough supplies for everyone else who is attending to make the same card. Since I've never done this before, I suggested we keep it fairly simple since we are all of different skill levels and experience when it comes to making cards. Then there's me -- "Miss slower than cold molasses running uphill" when it comes to CERTAIN aspects of card-making (seriously, I am the slowest person I know when it comes to colouring) and not everyone likes to colour or has the supplies for colouring.

Anyways, taking all of that into consideration, I came up with this fairly clean and simple card.

As you can see, I did two versions of it so the gals can choose for themselves which version they prefer. The papers are double-sided so it makes it easy to pick one or the other. The only thing I had to cut extras of were the hearts since the die is not symmetrical and has a different orientation if you flip over the die cut. I'm also going to leave it up to the gals to decide which sentiment they want to put on their cards - I do have a LOT at my disposal so.....

I've even got the bows already tied and ready to be attached to the cards -thank goodness for my Bow Easy!

I'll share with you tomorrow what the other gals had for us to create - the other three cards were just fantastic and VERY creative. Mine was definitely the simplest of the lot. I'm going to have to up my game for the next gathering!

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, kraft cardstock base
patterned papers: Martha Stewart Mat Stack
stamps: Verve Love Notes
die cut: Verve Jotted Heart
rhinestones: Stampin' Up
brown satin ribbon from my stash (Fabricland). I finally used it ALL up for the shoebox supplies (I've had it for a year or so at least, so now I get to buy more!)

challenges for these cards:

January 2012 Viva La Verve Week 4

2012-01-27T10:58:00.000-05:00

Hi folks,

below is the week 4 sketch for the January 2012 Viva La Verve challenge over at SCS.

With such a clean and simple layout, I decided to do something I've been wanting to do for a long time - do a background of 1/4 inch strips of papers. Now, I don't know if we're supposed to do vertical stripes like the sketch shows or if the big background is open for interpretation. I decided it was open for interpretation and went with a "quilted" background of strips. It's still a stripe pattern, just a bit skewed.

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, kraft cardstock base
patterned papers: Basic Grey Marjolaine
sentiment: Verve Amazing wishes
Spellbinders Petite Circles, EK Success Scalloped scallops border punch
ribbon and floss from my stash

additional challenges for this card:

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you are all having a wonderful day!

TGF Customer Challenge - Book turned Movie

2012-01-22T17:24:00.000-05:00

Hi folks,

well, I really wanted to play along with this month's TGF customer challenge over at SCS and lucky for me there were actually three themes with which you could choose to play along.

favourite children's book
favourite book turned into a movie
favourite book

Well, I don't have kids so trying to come up with a kid's book was difficult for me (there's still time to play along so I MAY still come up with something).

Favourite book? Hmmm....well, that might be a struggle as most of the books that appeal to me don't really have a TGF kind of image that I could use (I read a lot of horror, sci-fi, fantasy....)...or I don't have the stamp (I was thinking of The Help but I don't have the H&G Laundry image. THAT would have been awesome!) I do have Sassenach Anya and Laddie Ian so I may try to find the time to do an Outlander themed card.

But I did come up with a "favourite book turned into a movie" inspired card. If you know me in real life, you know that I LOVE to cook...and I have rather an extensive cookbook collection. I stopped counting years ago and have outgrown the special place in the kitchen that dearly beloved created for me in our island for all of my cookbooks.

Anyways, since I chose Cupcake Anya as my digi for having my card spied on TGF Friday Spyday this week, I REALLY wanted to use her on my card. So I thought to myself ... "Julie & Julia"! I loved this movie and totally channel the great Julia Childs when I cook -- I'm a firm believer in heavy cream and butter (if you are a FB friend you may recall my butterhenge and great wall of butter photos...)

Here's my card -- with two of my Julia Childs cookbooks....one of which is the book from which Julie was cooking in the movie/book.

and a close up of the card itself....

I THOUGHT I was closer on the colours of the books...but I missed it on the blue. grrr..

anyways, that's my card for the challenge!

card details:

finished size: 6x6 inches, CTMH chocolate card stock base
Cupcake Anya Digi from The Greeting Farm, coloured with Copic Markers (E000, E00, E01, E93, E35, E37, E47, E49, E57, R22, R24, R27, BG11, BG23, BG32, BG34)
sentiment: Verve Carpe Cupcake
patterned papers: My Mind's Eye Lime Twist "Life of the Party"
Spellbinders: Petite Oval
EK Success Scalloped Scallops border punch
some bling courtesy of pink half-back pearls from my stash
layout: CPS 252

additional challenges for this card:

Papertake Weekly Challenge: Buttons, bows, bling and blooms (use at least one - well, Anya has bows in her hair and my patterned papers have blooms!)
Shopping our Stash Challenge #35: Across the border
Sentimental Sundays #86: Die Cuts
Anyone for Anya: Bling it on!

thanks for stopping by! Hope everyone is having a fantastic day!

January 2012 Viva La Verve Week 3

2012-01-22T06:42:00.000-05:00

Hi folks,

Below is the week 3 sketch for the Viva La Verve challenge over at SCS.

I made another Valentine's day/Love you card with this sketch. Here it is!

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, kraft card stock
patterned papers: Basic Grey Bittersweet
stamps: Verve Swirling Hearts
die cut heart was made with a very old 3x3 inch Cuttlebug die called Concentric Hearts

Hope you are all having a lovely day. Thanks for stopping by!

January 2012 Viva La Verve Week 2

2012-01-21T08:53:00.003-05:00

Hi folks,

Below is the sketch for the January 2012 Week 2 Viva La Verve Challenge over on SCS.

After my failure to use the first sketch for a congratulations on your engagement card, I did meet with success on this one. Mind you, I don't have that particular sentiment in my rather vast collection of verve stamps. Can you imagine! Nothing for an engagement. So I settled for just congrats.

I find it looks a bit bold in the photo.....that tulip pink really stands out against the black and cream. Not to mention that paisley swirl paper. I hope they like it. Originally I had thought to use one of my PWCO wedding or love images for their card but I wasn't in a colouring mood when I made the card so....just a sentiment. Plus, I was kind of excited by all the new Verve that showed up in the mailbox this week.

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, white cardstock base, CTMH Tulip cardstock for mats, etc
patterned papers: Basic Grey Bittersweet
stamps: Verve Swirling Hearts, Wordy Birds
dies/punches: Spellbinders Petite Circles, Verve Vintage Oval Die, corner rounder punch

additional challenges for this card

Incy Wincy Designs #129: Bold and Bright
Going Grey with Scrap Creations: Die Cuts
Basic Grey Challenges #61: Favourite Things (well that's easy, Basic Grey paper, die cuts and Verve stamps!)

Thanks for stopping by today! I think I MAY actually take down the Christmas tree today....just as soon as I pop out to Michael's to take advantage of the 25% off your entire purchase coupon and the 40% off Martha Stewart Valentine's day stuff. I'm hoping to find a heart border punch....at 65% off that WOULD be a good thing.....

January 2012 Viva La Verve Week 1

2012-01-20T22:25:00.001-05:00

Hi folks,

After what seemed like a long break (I know it was only one month), the Viva La Verve challenges are back on SCS. The week one sketch is shown below:

When I started making this card, my intention was to make a congratulations on your engagement card for my brother and his girlfriend. But it became a Valentine's day card for my sweetie instead. I'll have to come up with something different for the newly engaged couple.

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, CTMH Chocolate card stock base
patterned papers: Bo Bunny Crazy Love
sentiment: Verve Love Notes (coloured in the heart with Copic R29)
Jotted Heart Die from Verve. I cut out three chocolate hearts and used them to mat the wordy paper.

additional challenges for this card:

Lollipop Crafts #63: No embellishments
Crafty Creations Challenges #153: Valentine Theme
DYSU #55: Patterned Paper (there are five different ones on the front of this card)

Thanks for stopping by!

Check out this week's Friday Spy Day!

2012-01-20T06:31:00.002-05:00

Hi folks,

if you are a fan of The Greeting Farm and like to play along with their challenges over at the Farm Fresh Challenge Blog, then I invite you to check out this week's Friday Spy Day challenge! If you are a follower of this blog, then you might recognize this week's inspiration card!

The clock is ticking! Be sure to play along before Mr Linky closes!

Imagine a world without free knowledge

2012-01-18T06:13:00.003-05:00

Now, educate yourself about SOPA and PIPA.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:SOPA_initiative/Learn_more

Now, take action.

SSS141 for Valentine's Day

2012-01-16T05:00:00.000-05:00

Hi folks,

back with another of this year's Valentine's Day cards for one of our nieces. This time I'm using the Sweet Stop Sketch Challenge #141 for the layout.

I had originally made this card for last week's Monday Fun Day challenge over at TGF but I missed the deadline for linking it up. Oh well! Must start keeping track of those deadlines! But I think it qualifies for the monthly retro fresh challenge (lucky in love) so I'll submit it for that instead.

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, CTMH Chocolate card stock base
patterned papers: Bo Bunny "Crazy Love"
stamped image: Fairy Chloe from The Greeting Farm (I have the original rubber version of this stamp but she is now available as part of a clear set called Fairy Princess). Coloured with Copic Markers (R81, R83, R85, R89, R000, R01, E0000, E000, E00, E93, E30, E31, E33, E34).
see that gorgeous crinkly ribbon? That was a yummy prezzie from my crafty pal Tanya and this is my first time using it. I actually wove it through the paper with the help of a ribbon slot punch and then on the exposed paper spots I made little ribbon knot flowers and stuck them on with really big glue dots. Looks great in real life. Thanks T!
lace ribbon is from my stash

additional challenges for this card:

Simon Says Stamps Challenge: Spots or Stripes
Crafty Creations Challenge #152: Use something new (the crinkle ribbon from Tanya is brand new - my first time using it!)
DYSU #54: Pink
Sentimental Sundays #85: Ribbon
Really Reasonable Ribbon #40: Valentine's Day

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you are having a wonderful day!

January SFYTT - Let Christmas 2012 begin!

2012-01-15T20:08:00.003-05:00

I know, I know. I'm starting my 2012 Christmas Cards and I haven't even taken down the Christmas tree yet. Yes, you ARE reading that correctly. It is January 15th and my Christmas tree is still up.

My rule is that it can't be taken down until after January 6th (old Christmas day)...but it has to be down before Valentine's day. Otherwise it becomes a Valentine's day tree.

I decided to use the January 2012 SFYTT layout for my first ten Christmas cards for 2012. Here's a pic of the sketch....

and here are my cards. All ten of them. All different - but using a mix of the same papers and four different polar bear images.

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, kraft cardstock
patterned papers: Basic Grey Jovial
stamped images: by Sunshine Designs from The Stamp Barn (CRS057CU lg). I picked this set up some time ago from Heather's Stamping Haven here in Ottawa. The images are coloured with PrismaColor pencils (because the cream coloured card stock isn't Copic friendly). PC925, PC916, PC938, PC918, PC911, PC904.
sentiment: CTMH Seasonal Celebrations
Spellbinders: Petite Circles

additional challenges for these cards:

Sparkles Weekly Christmas Card Challenges #7: Flourishes (or any christmas card will do). One of the polar bear images has little flourishes around the polar bear's head so I think that counts!
Let's Ink it up #19: Anything Goes

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

Sketch n Stash 78

2012-01-10T11:03:00.000-05:00

Hi folks,

today I'm sharing a birthday card I made for a daughter of some dear friends of ours.

I wanted to use Tink for her card as she is one of the few little girl stamps I have with short hair (birthday girl has shorter hair). I also gave her a darker complexion and dark hair as the birthday girl has both thanks to her Mom and Dad.

card details:

finished size: 6x6, CTMH cardstock base
stamped image: Fairy Tink from The Greeting Farm. My Tink is the original rubber version but you can now get her as part of a clear set of all three fairies. Coloured with Copic Markers (E30. E31. E34. E04. W4, W5, W6, W7, W8, V12, V15, V17, G0000, G000, G00)
sentiment: CTMH Seasonal Celebration
patterned papers: Pixielicious from Cosmo Cricket. This paper pad always seems to get pulled out of my stash whenever I use the TGF Fairies. I wonder why?
Spellbinders: Petite Circles, Lacey Circles
layout: Sketch n Stash #78. You will notice I flipped the sketch a little as I felt the sentiment was better suited on the other side for this card.

additional challenges for this card:

Craft your passion #92: Mythical Creatures (I think fairies qualify as mythical don't you?)
Anything Goes #58: Anything Goes

First Valentine of 2012

2012-01-09T07:57:00.000-05:00

Hi folks,

while I was making the birthday card for our youngest cat, I was inspired by something that I saw Kelly is challenging herself to do - use up some stuff! Images that are already coloured, supplies that should be used or should find a new home...that sort of thing.

Now the papers are new to me but the image is one I had sitting in a pile on my desk and, though it is actually part of the Get Well Abby collection from PaperWorksCo, I think it is perfect for all sorts of occasions. With Valentine's Day coming up, I took the opportunity to whip up a quick Valentine's Day card for one of our nieces. No need to spend a couple of hours colouring, no need to ponder over papers. It matched wonderfully with the papers already on my table for Newton's card! I even used the same sketch!

card details:

finished size: 5.5 x 5.5 inches, CTMH Chocolate cardstock base
stamped image: "Get Well Abby" from the PaperWorksCo "A Day in the life of Abigail C" collection, coloured with Copic Markers (E000, E00, E01, E93, BG000, BG01, BG45, BG49, Y04, R22, R21). Sadly, PWCO closed their doors on January 1st but if you are interested in getting this stamp, stop by the store site and drop an email to Peggy at the email contact left in the post on the main page. I'm sure if she has the stamp in her left-over stock she would be happy to hook you up.
sentiment: CTMH Seasonal Celebration
patterned papers: My Mind's Eye: Lime Twist - Life of the Party
Spellbinders: Petite Circles
EK Success Scalloped Scallops Border punch

additional challenges for this card:

Crafter's Companion Monthly Challenge #20: Love is in the air

Happy Birthday NewNew!!

2012-01-08T15:52:00.000-05:00

Hi folks,

if you are a friend of mine on Facebook then you know that one of dearly beloved's D&D pals recently gave me a crazy cat lady mug. And this post kind of reveals why. Today is our youngest cat's fourth birthday. Did he get a special birthday meal? Yes - tuna. Did he get a birthday present? Yes - a bunch actually. Did he get a birthday card? Well OF COURSE!!!

Here's our Newton with his birthday card (he kept pawing at it, knocking it over so this was the only good shot we got).

And here's the card up nice and close.

card details:

finished size: 5.5 x 5.5 inches, CTMH chocolate card base
stamped images: The Greeting Farm - cat is from "Ginger Bell", cupcake and candle is from "Susie Surprise". If I am not mistaken, both sets are retired since I can't find them in the active product list. The cat is coloured with Copic Markers (Y0000, Y000, Y32, Y35, Y38, E93, Y17 for the candle tip) and I used a fave texturing technique I learned from my crafty pal Tanya for some added dimension to the fur. I dabbed a terry face cloth in Copic Colorless blender and then lightly held it to the image for a couple of seconds. I LOVE using this on animal fur. Best...copic...tip...EVER!!!! And I just paper pieced the cupcake.
sentiment: Verve Big Wish
patterned papers: My Mind's Eye: Lime Twist - Life of the Party
Spellbinders: Petite Circles
EK Success Scalloped Scallops Border Punch
layout: Farm Fresh Friday Spyday #14 (I actually did two cards, one with a TGF image and one with a PaperWorksCo image. I'll share that card in a different post)

additional challenges for this card:

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you are all having a lovely day!

how I spent my saturday afternoon

2012-01-08T00:04:00.001-05:00

Hi folks,

Time for another craft room confessional. Earlier today (okay, Saturday, it took a while to write this post) ..... I decided to tackle a little long overdue tidy-up/re-organization of some of my crafty supplies. Here's SOME of the outcome....

The top shelf used to hold my much neglected Cricut cartridges and some 3-D crafty stuff that I have either made myself or have been lucky to have been gifted by other crafty peeps. The Cricut cartridges have found a new home (still in MY craft room - I haven't sold them or given them away, I WILL get back to using it sometime - sooner rather than later I hope).

The 3-D crafty stuff is still up there, along with lesser used supplies of stickers, sheets of metal and bits and bobs. Some of this will probably get donated to friends for their own use or their kids crafting when we finally get around to doing our long-awaited shoebox get-together. I just have to set up a box in my craft room for tossing stuff into for that purpose.

The middle shelf has my cases of brads, some buttons and other miscellaneous bits. Shoeboxes of flowers and skeins of ribbon and fibres.

Lower shelf has MORE ribbon and my oversupply of ATG tapes. Yes, 48 rolls. But that's not the confessional part of this post. In sorting through the ribbon I realized I have ... A LOT!!! By my guess-timate there's at least 150 rolls of ribbon in my stash. See that pretty box in the middle of the bottom shelf? Ummm, there's another one behind it. Between the two of them there's 90 rolls. The ribbon box on the left has about another 50 inside. And the two shoeboxes round it out.....and that doesn't count the skeins on the middle shelf.

See...Cricut cartridges are still in the craft room! I picked up these two organizers at Michael's during boxing week. I really should have bought three. Each case has slots for 16 cartridges but I honestly can't figure out how 16 overlays and books are supposed to fit into the spaces designed for them. I had to really squeeze my 29 into these two cases. So, next time there's a 50% off craft storage combined with a percent off your entire purchase coupon, I'll be picking up a third case.

Here's a peek into the ribbon box. It's meant to hold 27 rolls of ribbon but as I was sorting through I found multiples of some types so I just stuck them in together since the slots easily hold four ribbon spools. Then I decided I really wanted to keep the different types of the same colour together ....

So, some of the dispensing grommets have two ribbons coming out of them instead of just one.

Nice and easy to use.....thanks to the folks over at The Original Scrapbox. I won this last year during one of their blog hops and I am just now getting around to filling it up.

After tackling the supplies on those shelves, I also started putting away all the stamps I had lent to various friends over the last few months and those I had pulled out for making all the thank you cards I did a while back...and the birthday cards since Octoter. No photos of THAT adventure. While I was at it, I pulled out all my stamps I thought could be used for doing Valentine type cards. I have two shoeboxes OVERFLOWING with stamps for that upcoming occasion. I'm also now thinking I need to organize my stamps differently. I normally have them organized in binders by company but I think by theme might be more easy to make sure I get around to using all of them. How do you organize your stamps? I'm looking for ideas.....

And after all THAT -- I had a two hour nap from 5pm to 7pm. I was exhausted. Ready for card-making tomorrow!

Thanks for stopping by!

Another sad day, another store closing

2012-01-06T06:41:00.003-05:00

Hi folks,

as some of you know, some time ago I was one of the design team members over at PaperWorksCo.

I just wanted to pass along the sad news that as of January 1st, Peggy and Mike have decided to close up shop. There is a post over at the shop's main page announcing the decision. I know it was a hard decision for them to make and I will certainly miss getting cute new stamps from PaperWorksCo. But just because the company is closing up shop, it doesn't mean that you will stop seeing PWCO stamps on my blog.

In fact, I went to the store site this morning (since it was easier than getting into my craft room at the moment!) to check out the R.A.M. wedding release as I need to make a congratulations on your wedding engagement card for my little bro and wanted to see which one I could use. So....yep, I'll still be using them you can bet! And you all know that Harriet the Hippo is still my all time fave PWCO stamp - way back from the first stamp release!

Anyways, please join me in wishing Peggy and Mike all the best in all their other endeavours (they've left a contact email on the main page of the store site at which they can be reached).

Now...where did I leave that box of kleenex? sniff sniff.

ETA - since the store is closed now, I've updated my sidebar links. The link on the alumni PWCO DT blinkie now goes to my PWCO gallery on SCS so you can see my past and future creations using my PaperWorksCo stamps.

TGF Farm Fresh Challenge #13

2012-01-04T21:34:00.001-05:00

Hi folks,

just popping in with a quick card (for me) that I made tonight. It only took me about an hour or so (because I already had the image coloured) - man I am SLOW!!!

This card is going in the post tomorrow for a friend for her birthday. It will likely arrive late as her birthday is on January 9th and it has to travel to Newfoundland. I hope she likes it!

card details:

finished size: 5.5 x 5.5 inches, kraft cardstock base
stamped image: Sweet Anya from The Greeting Farm, coloured with Copic Markers (E000, E00, E01, E93, W7, YG00, YG05, YG06, Y11, Y13, E34, E35, E37, B91, B93, B95), with accents on her outfit using my "clear star" gelly roll marker
sentiment: Verve Wordy Birds
patterned papers: My Mind's Eye Lime Twist (my first time cracking open this 6x6 pad I picked up at Emily's Crop)
spellbinders: Labels 17
some REALLY old paper prima flowers from my stash, as well as the button and floss.
layout: TGF Farm Fresh Friday Spy Day Challenge #13

additional challenges for this card:

kraft journal: anything goes
papertake weekly challenge: anything goes & new (papers)
going grey with scrap creations: something old, something new (old flowers, new paper)
simon says: new something (my papers were opened for the first time for this card)

hope you are all having a lovely day!

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 149

2012-01-02T21:50:00.000-05:00

Hi folks,

It was with a heavy heart that I made this card. A childhood friend of mine passed away on December 29th at the age of 42 (same age as me) after being diagnosed two weeks previously with stomach cancer. I wanted her Mom to know that I was thinking of her at this difficult time. My friend was an only child and her Dad committed suicide when we were teenagers. Her Mom does have the loving support of their extended family and dear friends but I am sure that this was devastating.

Though the last time I saw Nancy was at her cousin's wedding (I was the Maid of Honour and she was one of the bridesmaids), I remember her fondly, always smiling and ready to lift your spirits if you were feeling down.

card details:

finished size: 5 x 6.5 inches
patterned papers: CTMH Bliss
sentiment: Verve New Mercies
lace and grey satin ribbon from my stash
paper doily
Spellbinders: Petite Circles
layout: Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #149

additional challenges for this card:

Stamptacular Sunday #145: Doilies make the world go round

Thanks for stopping by.

Mojo Monday 222 - for my Dad

2012-01-02T21:36:00.000-05:00

Hi folks,

My Dad celebrates his birthday on January 7th and, thankfully, this year he will be home. He missed Christmas and my Mom's last chemo treatment but he did get home in time for New Year's.

Here's the card I made for his birthday - the sentiment says it all.

My Dad REALLY IS some kind of wonderful and he is a big reason why I am the person I am today.

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, black cardstock base
patterned papers and chipboard pieces: Bo Bunny Timepiece (distressed the edges with my scissors)
stamps: CTMH Wonderful Friend (perfect stamp set by the way for these papers)
watch gears from my stash (can you see them in the upper left of the photo, above the centre horizontal panel?)
Spellbinders: Petite Circles
layout: Mojo Monday 222

additional challenges for this card:

Final 2011 Papertake Weekly Challenge

2012-01-02T20:17:00.001-05:00

Hi folks,

I made it into my craft room today (after much dilly-dallying I must say) and made a few cards that I needed for this week.

Here's one I made for a co-worker who celebrated her birthday on December 31st. We'll be doing her birthday cake at work tomorrow (as if we haven't had ENOUGH sweets over Christmas).

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 4.25 inches
patterned papers: Bo Bunny Gabrielle
sentiment: Verve Wordy Birds
chocolate twine: Jillibean Soup
EK Success Scalloped Scallops Border Punch
layout: PaperTake Weekly Challenge Final Sketch of 2011

additional challenges for this card:

Incy Wincy #127: Anything Goes

Hope you are all having a lovely day.

Happy New Year - Mojo 221

2012-01-01T17:16:00.003-05:00

Hi folks,

just a quick little pop in to wish one and all a happy New Year!

This is the card I made for my sweetie today (hey, it IS still New Year's Day!)

details:

finished size: 4.25 x 4.25 inches
patterned papers: CTMH Wonderland
stamps: CTMH January Word Puzzle (retired), Holiday Jubilee
ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, CTMH Twilight
Spellbinders: Create A Flake 2
techniques: die cutting, embossing, sponging
layout: Mojo Monday 221

additional challenges for this card:

Cute Card Thursday #197: Happy New Year
Pile it On: Anything Goes
Paper Sundaes #101: Something Old, Something New (very old stamps, very new papers)
Sentimental Sundays #83: Anything Goes
Come and Get it Challenges: Happy New Year

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you are all having a lovely New Year!

2011 In Review

2011-12-31T10:57:00.000-05:00

Hi folks,

those of you who have been following for a while might remember that last year I did a wrap-up post featuring my own personal favourite card for each month of the year. Well, it's a year later and here we go again.

In January I made 27 cards and this one was my fave. A cute little snowman on an acetate card.

In February I made 59 cards and this one was my fave. I just think it's pretty - especially with the little half-back pearls in the centre of the flowers.

In March I made 35 cards and this one was my fave - for my sweetie for his birthday. Another acetate card - with a metal mesh.

In April I made 50 cards (boy THAT was a busy month!) and this one was my fave. I actually used an old guitar string on the card.

In May I made 24 cards and this one was my fave - one of 2011's Mother's Day cards.

In June I made 25 cards and this one was my fave - the Father's Day card I made for my Dad. I tried colouring on kraft paper with my prismacolor pencils for this one and really liked how it turned out.

In July I made 21 cards it was really hard to choose my fave. I actually quite liked most of them for that month. But choose I did and I went with this one...

In August I made 10 cards (starting to slip in the card making, I was a bit preoccupied) and this one was my fave - another Graphic 45/Verve combo.

In September I only made 6 cards and this one was my fave - a birthday card for one of my nieces.

In October I made 33 cards, some of which were from the annual Christmas card workshop but most were thank you cards for the fund-raiser held to benefit my Mom as she deals with a diagnosis of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and this one was my fave.

In November I made 28 cards and this one was my fave. I think I am going to start colouring more of the The Greeting Farm Creepers with funky coloured hair. Makes it easier to go all matchy matchy.

In December I have so far made 18 cards (will probably make at least one or two more today) and this one was my fave of the bunch made so far.

All together, I think I made a grand total of 336 cards - at least that's what the tally on my sidebar is telling me. I'm expecting that in 2012 I will exceed that total since I recently joined a weight-loss group and will probably be making birthday cards and notes of support for my fellow members. Plus, I missed making Hallowe'en cards this year due to my unexpected extended trip to Newfoundland.

Anyways, there you have it. My favourite personal creations of 2011. I'm linking this post up to the Year in Review Challenge over at Karin's "With an I for Paper" blog. A little bit of year end fun. If you are planning on doing a similar wrap up post, you should join in!

The final Christmas 2011 card

2011-12-27T21:08:00.002-05:00

Hi folks,

well, here it is. The last of my Christmas Cards for 2011. This one went to dearly beloved's grandpa.

card details:

5.5 x 5.5 inches
patterned papers: Kaiser Craft Dear Santa
stamps: Verve Ornamental Christmas

And now it is time to start working on the 2012 Christmas cards......and this year I think I will be making tags to go with as well. Nothing fancy and elaborate. Probably just coordinating tags using the same papers that were used on the cards.

Thanks for stopping by!

The last of the kiddo Christmas cards

2011-12-27T21:04:00.003-05:00

Hi folks,

here's my second last Christmas card for 2011 - this one was for another of dearly beloved's nieces.

I think this might be the first time I've inked up this stamp. Isn't it a cutie?

card details:

finished size: 5.5 x 5.5 inches, kraft cardstock
stamped image: Theo gives a prezzie from Stamping Bella, coloured with Copic Markers (R81, W00, W0, W1, W2, W3, W4, R00, R24, R27, R29, G21, G24, B0000, B000, B00)
patterned papers: CTMH Believe, edges distressed
crocheted flower: CTMH White Daisy Embellishment pack
ribbon from my stash

Thanks again for stopping by!

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #147

2011-12-27T20:14:00.000-05:00

Hi folks,

back again with a couple more of my last minute kiddo Christmas cards.

The first one went to one of dearly beloved's nieces.

And the second one went to the eldest daughter of a couple of dear friends (older sister to the little one who got the card from the previous post).

card details:

finished size: 5.5 x 5.5 inches, kraft cardstock
stamped image: Sledding Chloe from Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps (on sale right now AND Sparkle has a 25% off code good on orders over $30 until January 2nd....I have to place an order as soon as I get some time). Coloured with Copic Markers (E000,E00, E01, E93, V000, V12, V15, V17, W1, W2, W3, W4, R27, E30, E33, E34, E35, E37, G94, G99, G20, R00, R35, R37, R39, R59, R89, Y17. Brunette Chloe has E35 and E37 for hair, Blonde Chloe has E51 and E53 for hair)
patterned papers: Kaiser Craft Dear Santa
layout: Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #147 (from a couple weeks ago)

Thanks for stopping by -- only two of this year's Christmas Cards left to post!

Christmas Challenges Sketch #16

2011-12-27T20:00:00.002-05:00

Hi folks,

I know Christmas is over but, as usual, I found myself making a few cards the last couple of days before Christmas. This and the next couple of post will finish up the cards I made for Christmas 2011. My Christmas Card resolution for 2012 is to actually write the recipient name on the card as soon as I make it - that way I can check them off my list and know that I have them done. I thought I had made lots of cards, and in fact I do have some leftovers, but I didn't have the right card "type" for all of the recipients. I came up short on cards for the kids specifically.

Anyways, here's a couple for two little girls on our list. The first one went to dearly beloved's youngest niece.

And this one went to the youngest daughter of some dear friends of ours.

Same image and layout but I switched up the papers and sentiments.

card details:

finished size: 6x6 inches, CTMH cardstock used for the card base
stamped image: Mavis wearing Holly from Stamping Bella, coloured with copic markers (YG61, YG63, YG67, R85, R81, R000, N0, N1, N2, N3, BV0000, BV000, BG0000, BG000, BG01, BG02)
patterned papers: CTMH Wonderland
sentiments: Verve Ornamental Christmas
layout: Christmas Challenges {with sketches} #16

Thanks for stopping by!

Cute Card Thursday #196

2011-12-27T19:42:00.004-05:00

Hi folks,

phew. Is everyone pooped now that Christmas has come and gone? I don't know about you but I had four days off for Christmas and this is the first chance I have had to sit down to write up this and the following few posts.

I'll be happy to go back to work tomorrow so I can sit down for a few hours!

Anyways, here is a card I made last week for my friend's other 15 year old daughter's birthday. Yes she has two fifteen year old daughters and they aren't twins. Their birthdays are only two weeks apart though - one two days before Christmas and one the same day as my Dad on January 7th.

card details:

finished size: 5.5 x 5.5 inches, kraft cardstock base
stamped image: little peep's birthday cake from Stamping Bella, coloured with Copic Markers (E30, E31, E55, E57, E59, E49, B91, B93, B95, YG21, YG23, YG25, YG63, YG67. Y02)
patterned paper & buttons: Basic Grey Marjolaine
layout: Cute Card Thursday #196

additional challenges for this card:

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge #166: Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by at this busy time of year! Hope you all had a fab Christmas!

Pixie Cottage Challenge 101

2011-12-23T16:11:00.001-05:00

Hi folks,

while I still have a couple of Christmas cards for the kiddos to finish up before the big day, I had a more pressing need to get a a few more birthday cards ready for a few birthdays that happen over the next couple of weeks.

For you today, I have the card that I needed for today! One of the daughter's of a friend of mine is 15 today (my oh my where have the years gone?) and this is the card I made for her birthday.

card details:

finished size: 5.5 x 5.5 inches, kraft cardstock
stamped image: Izzie has a birfday cake from Stamping Bella, coloured with Copic Markers (BV0000, BV000, BV00, BV01, E51, E53, E55, E57, E59, E49, E30, E31, E34, YG63)
sentiment: Verve Big Wish
patterned papers: Basic Grey Wisteria (thanks Peggy! These were in a "crafty care package" that I got in the mail a while back and this is the first chance I've had to use them.)
prima paper roses from my stash
layout: Pixie Cottage Sketch #101 (challenge: someone special)

additional challenges for this card:

One stitch at a time #93: Anything goes

Thanks for stopping by at this busy time of year! Hope you are all catching a little time to relax in the middle of all the Christmas prep!

FTL 171 - even more masculine birthdays

2011-12-20T05:00:00.000-05:00

hi folks,

another quick post with more masculine birthday cards. If you are here for yesterday's post for The Greeting Farm Blog Hop, just scroll down or click through here.

card details:

5.5 x 5.5 inches, cocoa cardstock base
patterned papers: Bo Bunny Timepiece
stamped sentiments: Verve Big Wish & Amazing Wishes
Spellbinders: Petite Circles
layout: FTL171 from Clean and Simple Stamping

Thanks for stopping by!

Hopping with The Greeting Farm

2011-12-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hi folks,

I'll keep this short since I know most of you are here today because of the big hop being held by The Greeting Farm starting at 10am CST (I hope this post goes live when I scheduled it)

Here's the card I made for the hop - I went with a non-holiday card for my entry since I needed a little boy birthday card.

Now....get yourself back to the master list for the hop over at The Greeting Farm's Blog! But don't forget to leave a comment first - in addition to two blog hop participants winning the full January release for their blog hop creation, a random commenter on the hop will win the entire January release as well! How awesome is that?

Thanks for stopping by!

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, cocoa card stock base.
stamped image: Oliver and Amelia Happy Day from the Greeting Farm, coloured with Copic Markers (E44, E47, E49, E59, E30, E31, E34, B91, B93, B95, YG00, YG01, YG03, YR21, YR23, YR24, YR01, YR15, YR16, E07, E08)
patterned papers: Basic Grey Cupcake
button from my stash
layout: Card Patterns Sketch 146

ICS 144 - more masculine birthdays

2011-12-18T21:17:00.002-05:00

Hi folks,

I spent some time in the craft room today and managed to get five birthday cards made - all for guy birthdays!

Here's two of them...

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, kraft cardstock base
patterned papers: Bo Bunny Timepiece
stamped sentiments: Verve "Big Wish" and "Wishful Elegance"
Spellbinders: Petite Circles
cocoa coloured ribbon from my stash
layout: ICS 144

additional challenges for this card:

Hope you are all having a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

Bacon Appreciation Day

2011-12-15T22:00:00.001-05:00

Hi folks,

so are you sick of Christmas yet? If you are then you are in for a treat today (well, that's questionable but...whatever).

A friend of ours has a birthday on Saturday and in recent years it has come to be referred to as "Bacon Appreciation Day". The birthday dinner consists entirely of dishes that somehow involve bacon -- yes, beverages, appetizers, entree and dessert. It's only fitting therefore that his birthday card involve bacon...

And here is this year's entry....

I've had this stamp set for a while. I won it from Totally Stampalicious and have been saving it for this particular birthday boy even though it is really more of a thanksgiving kind of set when you look at some of the sentiments that are included. But for this particular birthday, this set definitely works.

card details:

finished size: 5 x 6.5 inches, kraft cardstock base
stamped image: Farmer Hawg from Totally Stampalicious coloured with Copic Markers (RV00, RV02, R00, E04, B91, B93, B95, B97, E30, E31, E33, E34, E35, W00, W0, W1, YG63, YG67). Sky sponged with CTMH Heavenly Blue - one of these days I WILL use my airbrush....one of these days.
patterned papers: Jillibean Soup's Chicken Noodle Soup (did you see the "Old MacDonald" music score??? Perfect!!! I also have it on the inside of the card)
layout: Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #147

additional challenges for this card

Corrosive Challenge #139: Anything Except Christmas

Anyways, thanks for stopping by at this busy time of year! Hope you are all taking at least a few minutes each day to sit back, take a deep breath and ....relax.

Use it Tuesday #21 - For the Holidays

2011-12-13T07:40:00.000-05:00

Hi folks,

As you can see by my left side banner, I was recently selected as a winner on the "Use it Tuesday" challenge blog and asked if I would like to play along with the today's posted challenge - For the holidays.

Well OF COURSE I wanted to play along! I'm still making Christmas cards and have come to realize that my stash of Christmas themed supplies is, well, growing rather diminishing. I must confess, when I set about to make this card, I found that I still have Christmas papers in my stash that I bought at LEAST four seasons ago - maybe even five!

Anyways, here's the card I made with a gorgeous collection of papers named "Mistletoe" from Close To My Heart. These are a little more recent - from 2010! I know, I know. I remember loving these papers so much that I had to buy the Level 2 paper pack, the matching Creative Basics set AND the workshop on the go kit. So.....ummmm, yeah, I have a LOT of these papers still in my stash. I think I need to learn that just ONE paper pack goes a long way - never mind THREE!!!

Do you recognize Elf Oliver? Uh, huh. This is another of the images that I coloured up a while back except that I switched up his hair colour for one of our other nephews. I have one more left to go! See, I'm even using up my stash of pre-coloured images!

Now, if you are like me and your stash is growing rather than shrinking, I would encourage you to play along with the Use it Tuesday Challenges. They are on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month and are a great way to tackle your stash!

card details:

finished size: 6x6 inches on CTMH Chocolate card stock base
patterned papers: CTMH Mistletoe (2010),
stamped image: Elf Oliver from Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps (Christmas 2010 release). Coloured with Copic Markers.
stamped sentiment: Verve "Ornamental Christmas" (my first time cracking open this stamp set. It's new to me - bought it a few months back - but looking at the code on it I think it might have been released in 2008).
layout: Sketch Saturday #185

additional challenges for this card:

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you are all having a wonderful day!

December SFYTT

2011-12-07T19:22:00.001-05:00

Hi folks,

well, I did it! I played along with all of this year's SFYTT challenges!

So here is the December SFYTT

and my take on it

cute huh? This card is going to our youngest niece.

card details:

finished size: 6x6 inches, CTMH chocolate card base
patterned paper: CTMH Wonderland
stamped image: Mavis Wearing Holly from StampingBella coloured with Copic Markers (YG61, YG63, YG67, R85, R81, R000, N0, N1, N2, N3, BV0000, BV000, BG0000, BG000, BG01, BG02)
sentiment: CTMH Holiday Wishes
Spellbinders: Petite Circles, Classic Rectangles

So now the BIG part of the SFYTT year-end wrap-up -- a link to ALL of the other cards I made this year for each of the SFYTT challenges

Wish me luck for the big draw on Christmas Day!

additional challenges for this card:

Hope you are all having a lovely day, thanks for stopping by!

Time for a sleigh ride

2011-12-04T21:06:00.001-05:00

Hi folks,

found my way back into the craft room yesterday and today and managed to finish this card (yes, I am that slow at colouring and yes I am still making Christmas cards for this year)

card details:

finished size: 5.5 x 5.5 inches, kraft cardstock base
stamped image: Sledding Chloe from Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps, coloured with copic markers (E000,E00, E01, E93, E27, E47, E49, V000, V12, V15, V17, W1, W2, W3, W4, R27, E30, E33, E34, E35, E37, G94, G99, G20, R00, R35, R37, R39, R59, R89, Y17)
patterned papers: Kaiser Craft Dear Santa Collection 6x6 pad (picked up from Tracy of the Embellished Connection at Emily's Crop)
layout: Inspirational Card Sketches #142
Spellbinders: Petite Circles
ribbon and buttons: CTMH Olive
floss from my stash

Additional challenges for this card:

Do You Stack Up #48: Ribbon (or anything you can tie) - I used ribbon and floss on this one.
Seriously Creative Challenges: Christmas
Let's Ink It Up #18: Christmas Projects
Pollycraft Monday Challenge #120: Christmas Fun

Hope you are all having a wonderful day. Thanks for stopping by at this busy time of year!

Who's been naughty? Who's been nice?

2011-12-02T22:18:00.001-05:00

Hi folks,

Well, I sat down a couple of nights ago to sort through my Christmas cards and decide who would be getting which card. And wouldn't you know it, I had not made enough "kiddo" type Christmas cards. So tonight I sat down to colour up some age appropriate boy images for a couple of our nephews.

I did get three images coloured but only finished one card. For this one, I used this week's sketch challenge over at Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps. I rotated the sketch though for my card in order to fit the two text panels.

card details:

finished size: 6x6 inches
stamped image: Elf Oliver from Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps, coloured with Copic Markers (E000, E00, E01, E93, E30, E31, E35, C5, C7, C9, YG93, YG95, YG0000, R20, R21, 22, R24, R27, E99)
stamped sentiment: CTMH Believe Workshop Stamp set
patterned papers: CTMH Believe
buttons from my stash
Spellbinders: petite circles

additional challenges for this card:

I'll be making the other two images I coloured (like this one) into cards sometime between now and Christmas so....you will be seeing them here on the blogarooni at some point!

Thanks for stopping by! Nighty Night to all!

November Viva La Verve - Week 4

2011-11-27T22:13:00.001-05:00

Hi folks,

Well, I have to say that I found the week 4 sketch for the November Viva La Verve Challenges to be QUITE the challenge! Here's the sketch:

See what I mean about being a challenge? Lots of elements - a bit busy for my taste but, I decided to go outside my comfort zone and tackle it with these four cards.

On the first one I pretty much stuck with the sketch, though I did change the shape of one element as I wanted to use one of the tags that was in the Bo Bunny Gabrielle kit I was using for these cards.

For this second card, I switched that same element to an oval shape and moved the banner element up just a little.

for the third and forth cards, I stuck with the circle shape this time but omitted the banner as I didn't want to cover the butterfly images that I was using from the kit.

I thought about stamping sentiments in the lower left corner of the last two cards but I decided not to so that they can be used for any occasion. I'm sending these to my Mom as part of the package of thank you cards for the recent fundraiser held in her honour. I figure if she has enough thank you cards, she can use these for some other occasion.

Overall, even though the cards are a bit busy for my liking, I do like how they came out. The paper kit that I was using made it really easy to coordinate all the bits and pieces.

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches
patterned papers: Bo Bunny Gabrielle (from a kit I picked up from Tina's Scrapbooking Creations at the Crop for the Cure back in May and have been hoarding ever since)
stamped sentiments: Verve Big Wish, Words Cannot Express
lace and half-back pearls from my stash. I even made the little flowery embellies myself from the lace.Very easy to do...just hand sew some thread through the edge of the lace and gather it up until you have a flowery shape the size and fullness you want.
Spellbinders: Petite Circles

Challenges for these cards:

Use it Tuesday #20: Giving Thanks (for the gratitude card)
Raise the bar #85: Thank you/Grateful (for the gratitude card)

Hope you are all having a lovely day! Thanks for stopping by!

November Viva La Verve - Week 3

2011-11-27T21:16:00.001-05:00

Hi folks,

well, I had originally planned to do more thank you cards with the week 3 sketch for the November Viva La Verve challenges, but when I checked my calendar I saw that there were a LOT of male birthdays among our family and friends this coming week so I switched gears and made four birthday cards instead.

First up, the sketch:

And here are the cards:

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, kraft cardstock base
patterned papers: Bo Bunny Timepiece (6x6 paper pad I picked up from Tracy of The Embellished Connection at Emily's Crop last weekend).
Stamps: Verve Big Wish (sentiments), CTMH Wonderful Friend (pocket watch image)
Spellbinders: Petite Circles

Challenges for these cards:

Birthday Sundaes #37: Birthday Card

Hope you are all having a lovely day, thanks for taking the time to stop by!

November Viva La Verve - Week 2

2011-11-22T19:29:00.000-05:00

Hi folks,

time for me to show you my take on the Week 2 sketch for the November Viva la Verve challenge shown below

Once again I made another batch of Thank You cards to thank the folks that helped out with the fundraiser held last weekend for my Mom. Warning, lots of photos as I made ten cards, all just slightly different by mixing up the sentiments and the die cuts. Note that I DID omit the bow element - to make the card more mailing friendly.

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, kraft cardstock
patterned papers: 7 Gypsies "Savannah". I've had these papers for a while now and am FINALLY getting around to using them.
stamps: Verve "Beautiful You", "Thanks So Much" single, "Dream Big", "Beautiful Kindness", "Words Cannot Express"
Spellbinders: Petite Circles, Labels Four, Labels Eighteen

Challenges for these cards:

Use it Tuesday #20: Giving Thanks
Lollipop Crafts #58: Anything Goes
Frosted Designs Fabulous Friday Challenge: Die Cuts
CCEE1146: 2 Die cuts (each card has the petite circles paired with either labels four or labels eighteen)
Simon Says Stamp: Giving Thanks

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you are all having a lovely day!

Toxic Amplified

2011-11-20T17:56:00.001-05:00

Hi folks,

well it's been a busy few days around here. Yesterday I attended "Emily's Crop" in Perth. I didn't get much done but I did finish these two cards.

The first one was given to dearly beloved's eldest nephew at his family birthday party today.

The second one I punked up a little with some funky red hair. No one in mind for this card so it will just go into my stash.

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, black card base
stamped image: The Greeting Farm "Sweet 'n Toxic", coloured with Copic Markers (E000, E00, E01, E93, C00, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, B72, BG75, BG78, Y21, Y32. Blond hair E30, E31, E35. Red hair R000, R30, R32, R35, R37, R39
patterned papers: Sassafras Amplified
layout: inspired by a Bellarific Friday sketch from Nov 11
sentiments are from other TGF sets

Challenges for these cards:

Thanks for stopping by, hope you are all having a lovely weekend!

An Eclipse Birthday

2011-11-12T23:21:00.001-05:00

Hi folks,

for those of you who are fans of the Greeting Farm, be sure to check out their first ever SCS Customer Challenge. You have all weekend to load up your "movie" inspired creations for a chance to win any two of their clear stamp sets.

As it happens, this was a VERY well timed challenge for my card-making needs. A friend of mine who is a big Twilight fan has a birthday this weekend and I had picked up passes for the local movie cinema for her so she could go see the next movie in the series when it releases this coming week. So, I had it already planned to make her a Twilight inspired card...and here is what I came up with:

This original Wild Sprout Camille Digi (aka Bella) from The Greeting Farm was perfect. And a great partner to the Sparkly Edward card I gave her for a previous birthday!

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, black cardstock base
image: The Greeting Farm (this particular digi is no longer available but I think you can get it in rubber form). I'll have to come back to update the list of Copics I used to colour it.
sentiment: computer generated (I really wanted to play on one of the movie titles for the birthday greeting)
papers: Pink Paislee Bayberry Cottage
layout: November Sketch For You To Try

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

Cardmaking with a friend

2011-11-11T07:49:00.001-05:00

Hi folks,

back with another post today. Strange for me, I know, but it goes with the fact that I actually crafted on two consecutive weekday nights this week - even more strange.

Anyways, a friend of mine was recently introduced to card-making and asked if she could come to my place and get some help making a birthday card for her boyfriend. She wanted to make him a card with a guitar on it, since he plays as a hobby. It took us a long time but here is what we came up with.....

I can't tell you for sure which Copic markers I used to colour the image for her (since she's never done it she asked me to do the honours) but I think I used E000, E00, E01, E93, B91, B93, B95, B97, C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, E49, E47, E37, E57, YG13, YG23.

The funky blue/green background paper and denim papers were hers, the blue/green immediately under the image is from my CTMH Stardust papers.

The birthday sentiment is Verve. Notice how the birthday year is on a guitar pick? That was my friend's idea. She thought it would be neat to put his actual birthday year on the card as well. Originally we did a paper one but then along came my dearly beloved and suggested we use a real guitar pick. So he let us raid HIS stash and this metal one looked the best. I then wrote "38th" using the chisel end of my 110 Black Copic marker. I know you can actually buy a guitar pick punch (it's actually marketed to musicians) -- I'm going to have to get one or dearly beloved's pick stash is going to dwindle.

Oh, and the die cuts are Spellbinders Wonky Rectangles. I think these might be my current favourite Spellbinders shape...I think they go really well with the funky Critter images from The Greeting Farm.

The layout? Well we started out with the November SFYTT but it quickly morphed into something a little more funky......especially when we tossed in those Spellbinders die cuts and then changed the orientation.

Hope you are all having a lovely day - I'm trying to decide if it is a day to finish making my Pumpkin Pickles or to do some paper-crafting. If I get my butt off the couch I may be able to do both!

November Viva La Verve - Week 1

2011-11-10T08:56:00.003-05:00

Hi folks,

Well, will wonders never cease? I actually played with the Week 1 November Viva La Verve sketch seen below the first week after it was published!

I needed a birthday card for one of my Aunts so I made this card:

and since I had everything out, I doubled up and made another Thank You card to say thanks to another person for helping out with the fundraiser being held to benefit my Mom next week

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, kraft cardstock base
patterned papers: Basic Grey Curio
sentiments: Verve "Big Wish" and one of the many thank you stamps that gets included as a freebie when you place an order with Verve.
Spellbinders: petite circles

additional challenges for these cards:

Totally Stampalicious: Anything Goes (for the 1st card)
Paper Sundaes #94: A rectangular card (for the 1st card)
Birthday Sundaes #34: Include birthday wording on your card (for the 1st card)
The Sisterhood of Crafters: Giving Thanks (for the 2nd card)
Craft Your Passion #83: Brown + Anything Goes (for the 2nd card - the base colour for the paper in the rectangular panels is brown with the pattern overlaid)

Hope you are all having a lovely day! Thanks for stopping by!

November Card Kit from PaperWorksCo now available

2011-11-07T13:39:00.001-05:00

Hi folks,

I saw today over on the PaperWorksCo blog that the November PaperCard kit is now available for purchase!

To quote the post:

This Kit Contains:

12 – 6×6 Patterned Paper from Echo Park’s Holly Jolly Christmas
3 – 8.5x 11 sheet of Prismatics Cardstock
5– 8.5 x 11 sheet of Cardstock from Bazzill Basics’s Smoothies Line
2 – 8.5×11 sheets of Simply Smooth White Cardstock from Bazzill Basics
Assortment of Brads and buttons from Basic Grey
3 yards of Ribbon
~BONUS – 12×12 Border Strip from the Holly Jolly Christmas Collection

Enough to make AT LEAST 10 full size cards! (ETA - based on my experience, you get way more than 10 cards from each kit, way more).

All this for $11.99!!!

This kit will be sold for the month of Nov while quantities last..

You can pick yours up here in the shop!

Better late than ...

2011-11-04T06:31:00.000-04:00

hi folks,

remember that card I made for my folks for their wedding anniversary? Well here is a similar card I made for my sweetie. The only difference being the sentiment.

card details

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, kraft cardstock base
stamped image and sentiment: Verve
patterned paper: PaperWorksCo Monthly PaperCard Kit featuring Authentique's Journey Collection
layout: Viva La Verve August 2011, Week 4 sketch

challenges for this card:

Raise the bar #82: No embellishments

Hope you are all having a lovely day! Thanks for stopping by!

PaperWorksCo New Releases - Still Time to Win

2011-11-03T09:06:00.001-04:00

Hi folks,

in case you missed it, this past weekend my fave Canadian stamp company released TWO (yes TWO!) new sets of their signature adorable animal stamps. Yes, PaperWorksCo has come out with two sets that I have long been dreaming of adding to my collection.

Barnyard Buddies

and

Forest Critters

As usual, Peg has some wheeling and dealing going on over at this post and yes, I absolutely have already taken advantage of the deals! Both full sets are on their way! In fact, I was so excited by these new stamps that when I popped over to Multi-Crafts this week to get some of my big square envelopes, I HAD to pick up the Jillibean Soup Chicken Soup papers (to go with the barnyard buddies) and the Bo Bunny Zoology papers (to go with the forest critters).

And if you are interested in trying your chances at winning the stamps sets, be sure to check out this post with the links for the release day blog hop. One lucky commenter will get all the stamps!

Don't forget, if you play along with the PaperWorksCo challenges, you can also win some PWCO goodies...so there are even more chances for you to get your hands on these new cuties!!!

have fun!

October Viva La Verve Week 5

2011-11-02T12:39:00.000-04:00

Hi folks,

back today with the last of the cards I made for the October Viva La Verve Challenges Week 5 sketch shown below:

again, I made four thank you cards

same sentiment and papers on all four, but switched up the patterns so that all of the cards are different.

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 4.25 inches, kraft cardstock
patterned papers: Basic Grey Hopscotch (from a PaperWorksCo Monthly PaperCard kit)
sentiment: Verve "Beautiful You"
buttons are Basic Grey Hopscotch
ribbon from my stash
spellbinders: Petite Ovals

Challenges for this card:

Dolce Stamps and Cards: Die Cuts

Hope you are all having a lovely day!

Viva La Verve October Week 4

2011-10-31T20:27:00.001-04:00

Hi folks,

playing along with the Viva La Verve October Week 4 sketch challenge shown below

I came up with these thank you cards:

again, mixing up the papers and sentiments so that the four cards are all different.

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches
patterned papers: Basic Grey Hopscotch (from a PaperWorksCo Monthly Paper Card Kit - have you been keeping track? That's 12 cards from a single paper pack. And I STILL have papers in the kit not yet cut into. What a great deal!)
stamps: Verve Beautiful Kindness and Words Cannot Express
Spellbinders: Petite Circles

additional challenges for these cards:

Paper Pretties Monday Challenge: Use a sentiment

Hope you are all having a lovely day! Thanks for stopping by and please excuse the brevity of this and the previous two posts but I've have "handing out the treats" duty tonight ..... so far we've had just over 80 trick or treaters so I've been popping back and forth to the door while typing up these posts. I'm pretty sure we won't be getting many more as it is just about 8:30pm here now and we usually don't get many more after this time of night. Uh oh....there's going to be lots of leftovers!

Viva La Verve October Week 3

2011-10-31T20:18:00.001-04:00

Hi folks,

playing along with the Viva La Verve October Week 3 Sketch challenge shown below

I came up with these thank you cards:

mix and match on the papers and sentiments so all four cards are actually different!

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, kraft cardstock base
patterned papers: Basic Grey Hopscotch (from a PaperWorksCo Monthly PaperCard kit)
stamps: Verve
Martha Stewart Border Punch
Spellbinders: Petite Circles

additional challenges for these cards:

Kraft Journal: Banners or Border Punches
PollyCraft Monday Challenge #117: Anything Goes
Raise the Bar Challenge #81: Sew What (faux stitching in the stamped sentiment)

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you are all having a lovely day!

Viva La Verve October Week 2

2011-10-31T20:13:00.001-04:00

Hi folks,

playing along with the Viva La Verve October Week 2 sketch challenge shown below

I came up with these simple thank you cards

same papers, same sentiment, but each a little different.

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 4.25 inches
patterned papers: Basic Grey Hopscotch (from a PaperWorksCo Monthly PaperCard kit)
stamps: Verve Amazing Wishes
Spellbinders: Petite Circles

challenges for these cards:

Incy Wincy Challenge #118: Dots and Stripes (for the last card)
Lollipop Crafts Challenge #55: Anything Goes

Hope you are all having a lovely day! Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Hallowe'en

2011-10-31T07:05:00.001-04:00

Hi folks,

well, I had good intentions this year to do Hallowe'en cards for the nieces and nephews, as I usually do, but the mojo just wasn't there. And I even had gone out and bought new Hallowe'en papers and new Hallowe'en stamps from Sparkle (they are still sitting unmounted in my craft room by the way) before I went to Newfoundland but....meh, never seemed to get around to it. But at least I'll have them for next year so I can get a head start!

I only managed to make the one Hallowe'en card this year - for my sweetie. Very simple....

card details:

finished size: 5.5 x 5.5 inches, black cardstock base
stamped image and sentiment: CTMH August 2011 Stamp of the Month "Wicked"
patterned papers: Recollections Hallowe'en
Spellbinders: Label Ten
self-adhesive black gems (I have a tendency to hoard these little babies and use them sparingly)
did both some ink (sentiment panel) and scissor distressing (background paper) to add a little interest to an otherwise plain card.

Challenges for this card:

Use it Tuesday #18: use orange, black and/or purple on your card (use one or all three)
Sisterhood of Crafters: Hallowe'en
Corrosive Challenge #136: With a flourish (the patterned paper has one and the framing around the stamped sentiment has a nice flourish to it as well)

Hope you all have a frightfully delightful Hallowe'en!

TGF - Farm Fresh Challenge

2011-10-30T19:31:00.001-04:00

Hi folks,

Dearly beloved's family got together at a local restaurant earlier today to celebrate Jenn's birthday (it was October 24th) and this is the card I made to celebrate the occasion.

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, CTMH Chocolate base
stamped image: The Greeting Farm Miss Anya Hats Off, coloured with Copic Markers (E000, E00, E01, E93, Y32, Y35, Y38, E50, E43, E42, E23, E25, E27, E29)
sentiment: Verve Small Phrases
patterned paper: Jillibean Soup Dutch Mustard
Spellbinders: Petite Ovals, Classic Rectangles, Wonky Rectangles
layout: Farm Fresh Friday Spyday #4

Hope you are all having a lovely day! Thanks for stopping by!

Christmas Card Workshop - last post

2011-10-30T05:40:00.000-04:00

Hi folks,

So I've reached the last two cards we made at our annual Close to My Heart Christmas Card Workshop with Jenn.

These two are nice and simple and also use the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge for the die cut shape.

challenges for these cards:

Winter Wonderland: CAS christmas card

Hope you all have a lovely day!

Christmas Card Workshop - Part 5

2011-10-29T06:03:00.001-04:00

Hi folks,

back with the fifth installment of the cards we made at Jenn's annual Close to My Heart Christmas Card Workshop.

I love the elegance of these ornaments on the card and, of course, the sparkly gems.

Hope you are all having a lovely day! I had a great evening last night. One of my friends came over and we spent FOUR hours getting crafty! I have 12...yes 12 cards that are almost finished thanks to that crafty time. You'll get to see them in the next few days!

Thanks for stopping by!

Christmas Card Workshop - Part 4

2011-10-28T06:00:00.000-04:00

Hi folks,

back with two more of the cards we made at Jenn's annual Close To My Heart Christmas Card Workshop.

These two are nice, simple and easy to mail!

I'm in love with the blue plaid. Just so pretty.

And those jolly Santa's. Aren't they cute?

As usual, all of the stamps and papers are from Close To My Heart.

Hope you are all having a great day! Thanks for stopping by!

Viva La Verve October Week 1

2011-10-27T17:53:00.001-04:00

Hi folks,

playing along with the Viva La Verve October Week 1 challenge sketch seen below

I came up with this card for a friend of ours for his birthday

card details:

4.25 x 5.5 inches, kraft card base
patterned papers: Graphic 45 "A Proper Gentleman"
sentiment: Verve "Big Wish"
Spellbinders: Classic Squares, Petite Circles
Martha Stewart border punch

Challenges for this card:

Simon Says Stamp Challenge: Anything Goes

Hope you are all having a great day! Thanks for stopping by!

Christmas Card Workshop - Part 3

2011-10-27T09:03:00.000-04:00

Hi folks,

back with a couple more of the cards we made at this year's Close to My Heart Christmas Card Workshop.

I haven't decided if these will be gifted as side-fold cards (as I photographed the first one)

or as tent fold cards (as I photographed the second one)

I think they would work well either way, don't you?

All supplies (paper and stamps) are CTMH. The snowflakes were cut out using the exclusive CTMH "Art Philosophy" Cricut cartridge. We jazzed up the snowflakes with some liquid applique which we then puffed up with a heat gun.

Pretty huh? I must say that I really like this card design from Jenn. It might be my fave from this year's workshop.

Anyways, hope you are all having a lovely day! Thanks for stopping by!

October SFYTT

2011-10-26T06:53:00.000-04:00

Hi folks,

well, I finally ventured into my craft room. Had to do some MAJOR putting away of papers that were strewn about because of my under-pressure card-making before I went to Newfoundland. The craft room is still not tidied away by any stretch of the imagination as I basically cleared away JUST enough "stuff" so that I could make this card for my one of my uncles for his upcoming birthday (it's going to arrive late but...oh well).

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, kraft card base
patterned paper: Graphic 45 "A Proper Gentleman"
sentiment: Verve Small Phrases
layout: October Sketch For You To Try

Hope you are all having a lovely day! Thanks for stopping by!

Christmas Card Workshop - Part 2

2011-10-25T08:58:00.000-04:00

Hi folks,

back with two more of the cards we made at our annual Close to My Heart Christmas card workshop.

The kraft card bases are shapes from the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge. The papers, stamps and embellies are all from CTMH as well.

challenges for these cards:

Hope you are having a wonderful day! Thanks for stopping by!

Our annual Christmas Card workshop

2011-10-24T06:05:00.005-04:00

Hi folks,

this weekend we had our annual Close To My Heart (ctmh) Christmas card workshop with Jenn. Thanks to Chrissy who took over the hosting duties for this year! Over the next few days, I'll post photos of the cards we made.

Aren't these first two pretty?

Back in August, CTMH released a Cricut cartridge called "Art Philosophy" and we made several cards that used shapes from the cartridge. Both the sentiment panel AND the card base were cut using the cartridge. Isn't that neat? Jenn was a doll and saved us time by cutting out the shapes for us ahead of time. All we had to do was attach our patterned papers and trim them to match the card base and stamp our sentiment panels and decorate them.

Of course, all the supplies are from CTMH. I'll update the supply list later today (when I update my shopping list as well - love that blue plaid).

challenges for these cards:

Tuesday Throwdown #71: Shaped Cards
Christmas Stampin' All Year Long: Spar-ka-lay (love those self-adhesive gems from CTMH and the glittery gold ribbon)

Hope you are all having a lovely day!

Monthly Shoebox Shop or Swap our stash - any takers?

2011-10-23T15:26:00.000-04:00

Hi folks,

this one is really for my local crafty and want-to-be crafty peeps. I'm just wondering if there is any interest in getting together roughly once a month or so and having a little combination Shoebox Shop and Swap our stash gathering?

Now, some of you might not be familiar with the idea so prepare yourself for a long-winded explanation.

A Shoebox gathering basically works on the idea that everyone who comes designs a card or some such project and brings enough supplies (pre-cut papers, pre-stamped images (colouring optional), pre-stamped sentiments, embellishments - in a shoebox, thus the name) for each of the attendees to make the same project. Well, with artistic license of course. You could always choose to make your version of the project different, but you have the supplies! Ideally, the projects would all be simple enough that they could be mostly finished in the time that we had for the get-together.

Of course, the exception to that being if you had images that need to be coloured. I, for one, am notoriously slow colouring my images so I would probably just assemble my card and then colour my images later.

Now, there's lots of ways each Shoebox gathering could be organized. They could be "anything goes" - where we know absolutely nothing ahead of time about what we would be making. They could be themed - so a specific occasion (eg. Christmas, birthday, sympathy) or recipient (little boy, little girl, masculine, feminine, anybody). They could be technique (note that you MIGHT be required to share your supplies if not everybody has them!) based (colouring with Copics, Prismacolor, sponging, masking, unique folds, die cuts). And you don't have to be shy about using "the latest and greatest trendy supplies". Remember, most of the people for whom we make cards REALLY don't "ooh and aah" over the latest papers from (name your fave company). The idea for the shoebox gathering is to USE UP the older stuff we have gathering dust!

I also thought that, in addition to the Shoebox idea, if there was interest we could add a "Shop or Swap" our stash element. SOME of us have been doing papercrafts for a few years now and have more supplies accumulated than some local paper-crafting shops. You know who you are (yes, I am looking into my mirror now).

I know we all hate to part with our much loved stash but, if we are honest with ourselves, sometimes we look at our "stuff" and say "why did I buy THAT?" or "my style has changed, I wish I knew someone I could give/sell this too". Or, if you are like me, you bought a specific stamp or set of stamps to make a card for someone and now have no more use for that stamp. Let's face it - all those little kids for whom we bought those cute stamps are now teenagers and they REALLY won't like getting another cute ballerina or cowboy card for their Sweet 16 birthday card will they? Of course, those of you who do get commissioned by friends, family or co-workers or do craft shows actually DO get to reuse your stamps but, if you are more like me, you make a couple of cards with each stamp and then it is effectively retired from use. Collecting dust. Except, of course, my Verve stamps. I can always reuse my Verve.....

And it doesn't have to be stamps that we sell or swap. It can be that "have to have it" tool that you never used or used just once and didn't like it. Or version one of the tool for which you now have the new and improved version two! It can be your stash of "I'll never use these" embellies (eyelets, brads, flowers, ribbon, chipboard, etc). It can be a partially used paper pad or pack, inkpads, markers, pencils, chalks. Or a particular colour of cardstock, patterned paper... what have you. It can be a Cricut cartridge, a Spellbinders Die, a Cuttlebug folder....you get the idea.

So, why NOT share the love you once had for those neglected stamps or supplies with other crafty peeps? Doesn't matter if they are new, gently used or lovingly used. Doesn't matter if they are in their original packaging or not. Pop them into a ziploc bag, put your name and a reasonable selling price on a sticker. Stick them into a rubbermaid bin, your big ole scrapbooking tote, your laundry basket or reusable shopping bag (or in my case a U-HAUL!!!) and bring them to the monthly gathering. They might not go at one gathering but they might at the next or the next!

Oh yeah - I WOULD like to have this open to both seasoned crafting veterans and newbies alike. I personally have friends that are new to paper-crafting or would even just like to try it out to see if they like it. So, it might happen that, first starting off, some participants might not be able to bring a project for others to do. I would suggest that if we have any newbies that they could bring a snack for everyone instead of a card project or pay a nominal fee for each of their craft project packages that everyone else brings along. Sound like an idea? I'd be happy to trade a ziploc bag of card supplies for a cookie or muffin (doesn't even have to be home-made - I'm good with store-bought) or sell you some of my no-longer-being-used supplies or tools!

Now, have you got the idea about how these gatherings would work? If I've only muddied the waters more, drop me a line via email or facebook and I'll try to do a better job explaining. Interested? Leave a comment here or via email or via Facebook, letting me know what type of papercrafter you consider yourself to be (newbie, seasoned vet, casual, totally without any experience) and we'll see about getting the first one organized. Maybe if we are really keen we could even have one in November. But with the Hallowe'en crunch entering its final week and the start of the crazy Christmas season looming, we might not get started full force until into the new year.

Oh - one thing to remember. Pet allergies for those that might have them. If you have pets at your house and are open to hosting, be sure to mention your fur-babies. If you have allergies to the pets at the host for the month and can't attend but would still like to participate "long distance", we might be able to make arrangements to swap the shoebox supplies all the same.

On that note - I have two cats. I'm mildly allergic to them myself but obviously not that bad. I do seem to have very strong reactions to certain scents (candles, air fresheners, perfumes and the like) so....I don't do well around those but can usually control my itchy eyes with over the counter allergy drugs.

Project 15 - Week 1

2011-10-23T12:19:00.001-04:00

Hi folks,

Nothing crafty from me today. But I am sharing a "self-improvement" project upon which I have decided to embark. I call it my "Project be a better housekeeper in just 15 minutes a day" or "Project 15" for short.

My friends and family have long been told to accept the fact that if they don't like my housekeeping skills they can either not visit or they can pick up something (like a mop or a broom or a dust-cloth) and help me where they think my skills are lacking.

You see, I have no problem cooking. I have no problem doing dishes. I have no problem doing laundry. Heck, I don't even mind scrubbing the toilets (weird I know, most people hate cleaning the toilets and we have three in our house). I even enjoy ironing but I like to let it build up so I can spend the entire Sunday afternoon doing it.

But I do tend to neglect other chores of which I am not so fond

vacuuming/sweeping: I find the act of vacuuming soothing. But I hate the noise. That's why we have two robotic vacuums that run when we aren't home on weekdays.
scrubbing the floor: my knees really can't take the kneeling. I do have kneepads but...well, they aren't that comfortable so I tend to sit on my butt when I scrub the floor....and my feet fall asleep. I have gotten better about mopping the floor though. I figure if I do it at least once a week I can kind of stay ahead of the full scale scrub with the scrub-brush on my hands and butt.
scrubbing the shower: the smell of the nasty chemicals really bothers my asthma. My sweetie does this for me and I am VERY grateful that he does. I have no problem cleaning the tub, however (I try not to use nasty chemicals). So as long as it is done whenever I use the tub, no problem.
cleaning the oven and fridge: just because it is such a messy chore and takes so darn long. Spray the oven the night before, clean it the next day. I invariably wind up with chemical burns on my skin, even though I wear long sleeves and long rubber gloves. I always get the oven cleaner on me somewhere. And it hurts!
cleaning the windows: honestly, my other half does a better job than I do. I always manage to leave smudges. Grr... More often than not, our windows have little nose smudges. Right about kitty cat height.
dusting: I REALLY hate dusting. It is my most despised chore. EVER. That's why we keep the knick-knack clutter to a minimum in our house. And it is also why it is usually my sweetie who does the dusting. Not only does the dust make me sneeze but I really hate the smell of cleaners. Lemon Pledge is awful!

But, I've decided I really should try to get over the hated chores. If my Mom can be fighting cancer and still keep an impeccably tidy house, I can try to do better.

So 15 minutes a day.....with my secret weapon.

The rules for Project 15 are pretty simple:

set the timer for 15 minutes
tackle a chore that you wouldn't normally do (i.e. for me, cooking dinner or doing dishes or laundry doesn't count towards my 15 minutes but dusting does!)
if it is a small chore and you finish in less than 15 minutes, you must start something else.
if it is a bigger chore and takes longer than 15 minutes you CAN walk away and resume the next day. Or you can set the timer for another 15 minutes and continue. But you must do the full 15 minutes if you reset the timer.

What did I accomplish this first week of Project 15? Well, I did do a vacuuming day (the robots don't do stairs or cold air returns or ceiling fans) and I tackled this white elephant in our kitchen

Obviously this took more than 15 minutes. But when you break down cleaning two or three cubes (and their contents) in a 15 minute chunk of time, it becomes a much more approachable task.

Next up - the kitchen cupboards!

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend. And if you decide to do your own Project 15 - be sure to share!

too many pumpkins

2011-10-16T15:11:00.002-04:00

hi folks,

well I am back in Ottawa but have stayed out of my craft room except to quickly toss in some new stamps that came while I was away. It's just too messy to do anything in there right now....

but I did get busy with some pumpkins.....

twenty of them at our front door waiting to be carved on Hallowe'en weekend!

and one that got cracked on the drive home....

so....roasted pumpkin seeds for my sweetie and then made some pumpkin puree which was turned into...

Pumpkin Pecan Crumble Pie (I modded the recipe to do a crumble instead of just straight up pecans on top) before baking and before the crumble was added

The finished pie

some pumpkin spice cupcakes

and there's still about 2.5 cups of puree in the fridge. I'm thinking that these Pumpkin Drop Biscuits from Lauren's Latest might be tasty! or maybe some pumpkin risotto....or pumpkin ravioli....or ..... if anyone has any fave pumpkin recipes they would like to share. Just send them to me via my email link in the sidebar or link up in the comments.

hope you are all having a lovely day. Thanks for stopping by!

ps. please forgive the photo quality - these were all snapped with my phone and I've never quite got the hang of focusing the photos. I was just too lazy to get out my DSLR and edit photos for blogging...

Crop for Emily Picard - Nov 19

2011-10-15T06:39:00.004-04:00

Hi folks,

I am back in Ottawa after my three week visit to Newfoundland. As I was catching up on my blog reading this morning I came across a post regarding a crop being held in Perth, Ontario (it's actually being organized by my dearly beloved's step-Mom) to help raise funds for a local family facing months of medical issues.

The details about the crop can be found at this link over at ScrapPaper - the Ottawa Scrapbooking Blog with some additional details about the family here.

Perth isn't very far from Ottawa - especially if you live in the West end like me, so please attend if you can. I'm going to check my schedule and will probably attend and try to make lots of cards that day!

A Rockabilly Birthday

2011-10-07T00:30:00.000-04:00

Hi folks

back with the last of my scheduled card posts while I am on vacay. You won't see another new card from me now until after I get back to Ottawa.

This card is the one I made for my sister's birthday - which just happens to be today. Yep, she will be 39 (for the first time) today. I'm sure she will like this card as she is big fan of all the cards I make for her kids, especially the ones which feature the TGF cast of characters.

card details
finished size: 6x6 inches
stamped image: The Greeting Farm "Cheeky Rockabilly" coloured with Copic Markers (E000, E00, E01, E93, E57, E47, E49, R35, R37, R39)
patterned paper: Basic Grey Curio
layout: inspired by the Sweet Stop Sketch Challenge 126 (the spin was "starstruck" - I don't know. She DOES kind of look like the old style pinup girls don't you think?). I've left out a couple of the elements but the card kind of sticks to the basic sketch.

ta ta for now! Hope you are all having a great day....

Light the Night Walk 2011

2011-10-06T13:06:00.000-04:00

Hi folks,

as some of you may know, I am currently in Newfoundland. I am spending some time with my Mom as she undergoes chemotherapy treatment for non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

She seems to be responding quite well to her treatment and is definitely in good spirits, considering. In fact, she is determined to keep doing everything she has always done....like making a fresh batch of home-made bread when her eldest daughter comes to visit...

Guess what I insisted on having for dinner the night Mom made this? You betcha! I had bread for dinner!!!

Anyways, on October 22nd, I will be joining some friends and co-workers for the Light the Night Walk 2011 in Ottawa, Canada. What is the "Light the Night Walk", you might ask? Well, this excerpt is from their site and offers a brief explanation:

Light The Night Walk: Taking Steps Toward Cures^TM

Each year, in communities all across Canada, families, friends, neighbors and teams from local businesses and national companies come together for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS's) Light The Night Walk events to bring help and hope to people battling blood cancers.

Funds raised by walkers provide:

Lifesaving blood cancer research

Free educational materials and events for patients and their families

Local programs such as Family Support Groups and First Connection, a peer-to-peer counseling program

Comprehensive, personalized assistance through our Information Resource Center

Light The Night Walk events are evenings filled with inspiration. Carrying illuminated balloons - white for survivors, red for supporters and gold in memory of loved ones lost to cancer - thousands of walkers - men, women and children - form a community of caring, bringing light to the dark world of cancer.

Whether you're a cancer survivor, supporting someone who is battling cancer or have lost a loved one, please join us and help Light The Night.

So, if you are able to donate in support of this cause, please just click through this link to the Light the Night Walk 2011

On behalf of those affected by blood cancers, I offer my sincere thanks.

An Amplified Birthday

2011-10-06T00:30:00.000-04:00

Hi folks,

back with another scheduled post!

This card is one I made for my nephew who celebrates his birthday on October 18th.

card details
finished size: 5.5 x 5.5 inches
stamped image: "Jack" from The Greeting Farm "Creepin" set coloured with Copic Markers (E53, E51, E50, E000, E00, E01, C1, C3, C5, C7, C9, Y13, R24, R27, R29)
sentiment: Verve
patterned paper: Sassafras Amplify (bold, huh?)
layout: The Pixie Cottage Sketch #87

ta ta for now! Thanks for stopping by!

A Sweet Anya Birthday

2011-10-05T00:30:00.000-04:00

Hi folks,

back with yet another scheduled post!!!

Today's card is for another of my niece's who will celebrate her birthday while I am here in Newfoundland. Her birthday is not until Oct 12th but I think I am pretty safe posting her birthday card here a few days early.

card details

finished size: 5.5 x 5.5 inches, kraft cardstock base
stamped image: The Greeting Farm "Sweet Anya" coloured with Copic Markers (E000, E00, E01, E93, W7, YG00, YG05, YG06, Y11, Y13, E34, E35, E37, B91, B93, B95), with accents on her outfit using my "clear star" gelly roll marker
patterned paper: Jillibean Soup Spotted Owl
layout: not really sure of the sketch source but once I track it down I'll update this post.

additional challenges for this card:

Magical Monday: Go Green!

ta ta for now! Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Anniversary to my parents

2011-10-04T00:30:00.000-04:00

Hi folks,

back again with another scheduled post!

The timing of this visit to Newfoundland actually coincides with a busy month of occasions in my family -- all of which can be traced back to this particular date - October 4th. Today marks the occasion of when my parents were wed. This is the card I made for them (and gave to them on Sept 25 before my Dad set out to sea for the next month).

Actually, I made a card for MY sweetie as well, using this same design, before I left Ottawa for this trip. I'm sure that somewhere I have a photo - if not, then I'll be sure to post it when I get back to Ottawa.

card details

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, kraft cardstock base
stamped image and sentiment: Verve
patterned paper: PaperWorksCo Monthly PaperCard Kit featuring Authentique's Journey Collection
layout: Viva La Verve August 2011, Week 4 sketch

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! Love you both....more than words can say.

Cards for Christian

2011-10-03T14:49:00.003-04:00

hi folks,

since blog land and the stamping world are pretty small, most of you probably already know that Betty of Simply Betty Stamps recently received some devastating news regarding her son, Christian's, health. If you don't know the details, please stop by the Simply Betty Blog. If you are able, please make a donation to the family, buy some of Betty's delightfully quirkly images (rubber OR digi!!!) or send Christian a little pick me up card.

Betty has even released a digi image that will be sent to everyone who makes a donation to the "Help Christian" Fund. I'm looking forward to receiving mine and making a card when I finally get back to Ottawa.

ta ta for now.....

Let the voting begin

2011-10-03T13:34:00.002-04:00

Hi folks!

Well it looks like my little princess card made it into Round 1 of the voting over at Practical Scrappers. If you think I deserve your vote - please drop by this post and leave a comment saying you are voting for Sheena B!

The details for voting can be found in this post.
Basically, you can vote every day for up to three different projects. That simple. Just go to the post containing the project for which you would like to vote! I'm in group three by the way!!!!

for the happy couple

2011-10-03T00:30:00.000-04:00

Hi folks,

back with another scheduled post!

As some of you may know, Peggy aka "the boss lady" over at PaperWorksCo got married on October 1st to her beloved Mike in the most romantic of locations - Hawaii!

Since they were having a tropical destination wedding, I made them tropical wedding card in celebration of the happy event.

card details

finished size: 5.5 x 5.5 inches
stamped image and sentiment: Verve
patterned paper: CTMH Moon Doggie
layout: Viva La Verve August 2011 Week 1 Sketch 1

Challenges for this card:

Paper Sundaes #89: Lots of Layers

Congratulations Peggy and Mike!

A little birthday Princess

2011-10-02T00:30:00.000-04:00

Hi folks,

back with another scheduled post! Hoping it goes live as planned.

For today's post, I have the card I made for my youngest niece. Her first birthday was on September 28th and, for once, I was actually here in Newfoundland for the occasion.

Since her birthday party (held yesterday) was a princess theme, I decided to make a princess birthday card.

card details

finished size: 5.5 x 5.5 inches
stamped image: The Greeting Farm "Princess Anya" coloured with Copic Markers (E000, E00, E01, E93, R81, R83, R85, E30, E31, E55), with accents on the tiara and wand using my "clear star" gelly roll marker
patterned paper: CTMH Daydream
layout: inspired by the September Sketch Challenge over at OneCrazyStamper.com. Of course, I omitted a few elements so....it isn't completely loyal to the sketch. I think I may have been in a bit of a rush and kind of forgot those other parts of the sketch.

I also submitted this to the call for a pink card over at Practical Scrappers....

ta ta for now! Thanks for stopping by!

Hats Off to Miss Anya

2011-10-01T00:30:00.000-04:00

Hi folks,

back with another scheduled post!

This is the card I made for my eldest niece for my visit to Newfoundland.

card details

finished size: 5.5 x 5.5 inches
stamped image: The Greeting Farm "Miss Anya Hats Off" coloured with Copic Markers (E000, E00, E01, E93, Y32, Y35, Y38, E50, E43, E42, E23, E25, E27, E29)
patterned paper: Jillibean Soup Dutch Mustard. I must confess to hoarding these and being very reluctant to cut into them but...finally I did!
layout: well, I started out with the Farm Fresh Challenge Blog Which One Wednesday Sketch #11 but totally went off course as I wanted to do a square card and I wanted somewhere for Miss Anya to perch ever so daintily. But, I'm happy with how it turned out anyways....

additional challenges for this card

Raise the Bar #77: Hats Off
Use it Tuesday: Chocolate (one of my fave chocolate bars is a coffee crisp which comes in a golden yellow wrapper, of which these Jillibean Soup papers remind me)

ta ta for now! Thanks for stopping by! Can you believe that it is already October? Do you know what that means? Today is World Card Making Day and for the first time I WON'T be spending my day making cards. I'm in Newfoundland with no crafty supplies WHAT-SO-EVER! I hope the rest of you get to have some paper-crafting fun today!

Tuesday Morning Sketches #111

2011-09-30T00:30:00.000-04:00

Hi folks,

yes, this is another of the cards I made for my trip home - this one for the only nephew on my side of the family.

Yep - he's one of the reasons that I DO get to hone my skills at making masculine cards.

card details

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, kraft cardstock base
stamped image: The Greeting Farm "Special Autumn" coloured with Copic Markers (E000, E00, E01, E93, YR12, YR1, YG63, YG67, B91, B93, B95, B97, E30, E31, E55)
patterned paper: Basic Grey Wander
layout: Tuesday Morning Sketches #111

ta ta for now!

Card Patterns Sketch 133

2011-09-29T00:30:00.000-04:00

Hi folks,

back with a scheduled post of another of the cards I made for one of my nieces here in Newfoundland.

I have to say, love the Basic Grey Marjolaine paper -- and this particular Creeper from TGF ... I meant to give her goggles a little glossy look but was a bit rushed for time so I left them as is.

card details

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches
stamped image: "Harlow" from The Greeting Farm "Creepin" kit coloured with Copic Markers (E55, E57, E47, BG93, BG96, BG99, E000, E00, E01, E93, YG01, YG00, YG0000)
patterned paper: Basic Grey Marjolaine
layout: Card Patterns Sketch 133 (well, most of it - I flipped the sketch and left out the embellies on the centre panel)

additional challenges for this card:

Sew Many Challenges #69: Use Ovals

ta ta for now! Thanks for visiting!

PWCO Super Sketch 96

2011-09-28T13:38:00.000-04:00

Hi folks,

yep, two posts from me today. This is another of the cards I made for another of my nieces to go with HER little present from Auntie Sheena.

card details

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches
stamped image: "A New Adventure" from the PaperWorksCo Rachelle Anne Miller Collection, coloured with Copic Markers (E000, E00, E01, E93, E29, E25, E35, E51, E33, E37, E99, YG25, YG23, YG21, YG00, YG17, R27, YR000, YR12, YR16, W0, W1, W3, W5, R21, R22, R08, Y02, BG34, BG10, BG11), sky background sponged with CTMH Heavenly Blue
patterned paper: Cosmo Cricket Nutmeg
layout: PaperWorksCo Super Sketch #96

additional challenges for this card:

Paper Sundaes #88: Anything Goes

I think I'm going to write up the rest of the cards as scheduled posts and see how that goes.....don't be alarmed if you comment and don't see it approved for a while. Not sure when I will get back to the library for some web time!

ta ta for now!

Catching up on a few cards

2011-09-28T13:30:00.003-04:00

Hi folks,

well, I popped into the library again today and decided to see if I could manage to post a few of my recent cards. Hopefully, the blogger scheduler will play nice and you will see a few scheduled post go up over the next couple of weeks while I am here in Newfoundland.

This is the card I made for my youngest niece, to go with a little present I brought home for her.

card details

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches
stamped image: "Get Well Abby" from the PaperWorksCo "A Day in the life of Abigail C" collection, coloured with Copic Markers (E000, E00, E01, E93, BG000, BG01, BG45, BG49, Y04, R22, R21)
patterned paper: Echo Park Little Girl
layout: PaperWorksCo Super Sketch #98

Hope you are all having a lovely day! Thanks for stopping by!

p.s.

I may actually grace the blog-arooni with some photos from around my hometown while I visit. I've been going out for a walk every day, well, limping actually. First day after I arrived I went for a jog but blew out my Achilles tendon so while it is on the mend I've been limping around trying to get a little bit of exercise at least. NOT a good feeling let me tell you! I keep forgetting to take the camera with me but....eventually I will remember. And, after all, I AM here for three whole weeks so......

ta ta for now!

Just a quick update

2011-09-27T13:55:00.001-04:00

Hi folks,

yes I did find my way to Newfoundland and found myself an internet connection at the local library. How is this for irony though - I came to the library to update my Kobo (my ebook reader). It would appear that I did not download all of my books to my actual reader before I left! Doh! And, of course, now that I am here at the library I forgot to bring my cable for the reader itself. So....I'll have to come back. sigh....

but the visit is going okay. I miss my own home but it was good to see my Dad before he set sail for the next month. And it is good to see for myself how my Mom is doing - which, by the way, is very good. I definitely know from where my stubborn-ness comes from!

I may pop back in again in a few days....I have photos of cards I completed before I came down which I can post and if I feel like blogging then maybe you will see them up here on the blog-arooni before I get back to Ottawa!

ta ta for now!

off to the Rock

2011-09-21T06:59:00.000-04:00

Hi folks,

just a quick little post to those loyal readers who may pause for thought over the next three weeks wondering why I'm not posting - I am off to my home province of Newfoundland and will have limited (if any) internet access. Where I am going (my home town), even my cell phone doesn't work!

My folks refuse to have internet access at their house so - unless I go scoff a connection at my sister's or brother's - no interwebs for me. I may have to resort to hanging out at the library like I did when I was a kid - just so I can get my daily blog fix!

So, my apologies to those whose blogs I follow - you probably won't see me commenting for the next while.

I have mixed feelings about this trip - there have been lots of tears the last few days. My sweetie and I have never been apart for this long so....sniff sniff. And of course there are my kittehs...and the crafting (no supplies were brought with me -- absolutely none!)

And then there is the reason for my visit - and the reason why I have been out of sorts with crafting lately - my Mom is ill and is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments for non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. She's had three treatments so far and the fourth will happen while I am home (my Dad has to return to work shortly - thus my visit at this time). Theoretically she will likely need between six and eight chemo treatments.

So, there you go....and there I go. See you in a few weeks

Mystery Monday - with a Creeper

2011-09-18T20:37:00.002-04:00

Hi folks,

cutting it close for this week's Mystery Monday challenge over at the TGF Farm Fresh Challenge Blog but here's my creation!

This card will be given to my eldest niece - who will be 17 on her birthday in late October. I hope she likes it!

card details:

finished size: 5.5 x 5.5 inches
stamped image: The Greeting Farm, coloured with Copic Markers (E000, E00, E01, E93, E43, E42, E50, R81, R83, R85)
papers: Basic Grey BitterSweet
stamped sentiment: Verve Wordy Birds

Additional challenges for this card:

Use it Tuesday #15: An uninked stamp (yes, believe it or not, this is the first time ink has touched this stamp even though I have had it since the set was released).

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend!

September SFYTT

2011-09-16T19:57:00.001-04:00

Hi folks,

I know it's a rarity these days but I actually have a new card to post! This one is for the 2nd generation D&D player in my other half's D&D group. Yes, my other half plays D&D and the SON of one the other guys he plays with has a birthday tomorrow. And yes, the son has been playing with them now for about 4 or 5 years. He's only going to be 17 but, to be honest, he is sometimes more mature that the 1st generation players!

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, kraft cardstock base
patterned paper: Recollections Garage Sale (from Michael's) & textured red card stock
stamped image: "Yapple" from StarvingArtistamps DoodleFactory Creatures , coloured with Copic Markers YR000, YR15, YR16, YR18
sentiment: Verve Big Wish
Spellbinders: Petite Circles
layout: September Sketch For You To Try

additional challenges for this card:

Not sure when I will be back again with another card - but on Saturday I do have some crafty time booked with Tanya and Danielle so....there might be something new on the blog in the next couple of days.

Have you seen the new images from the Pixie Cottage?

2011-09-07T17:15:00.000-04:00

Hi folks,

it looks like the artists who design for the Pixie Cottage have been busy!!! You have to check out this post to see some of the delightful new rubber from Alisa and Artish...along with a few new sentiments! Let Michelle know which is YOUR fave and you can win three new stamps to add to your collection - personally, I'm rather partial to the cute bear with blankie -- and of course Buffy the Bunny. And the diner /restaurant background by ArTish is incredibly detailed.

hope you are all having a lovely day!

Cool new blogging tool

2011-09-05T20:48:00.001-04:00

hi fellow bloggers,

not sure how many of you follow the Lily Pad Cards blog by inlinkz but they did a blog post introducing the new link manager tool. Ummm....awesome for anyone who lists and links the tools/products used on their projects. When I finally get around to doing something crafty again, you will see it pop up on my blog I'm sure as I have gone ahead and registered and have started to build my list of links....starting with my PWCO stamps as those are planned to be used on a project for my sister.

hope you all had a lovely long weekend!

PaperWorksCo September Paper Card Kit

2011-09-05T11:52:00.002-04:00

hi folks,

just a reminder that a new month brings a new paper card kit from PaperWorksCo. This month Peggy is featuring a new paper company - Authentique and their "Journey" Collection.

Be sure to stop by the blog or the store for all the details!

And don't forget - you could actually win one of these kits by playing along with just two of the challenges in the month of September. Be sure to use your stamps from PaperWorksCo to qualify to win!

Local craft fair call for vendors

2011-09-03T09:44:00.000-04:00

Hi local crafty peeps,

Just thought I would pass along this little bit of info I saw in the Kanata Kourier Community Events listings this morning.

St. Martin de Porres Elementary School in Kanata is holding its annual Christmas Craft sale on Saturday November 26. They are looking for new and creative vendors to make this year another success. The show is from 9 am to 3 pm. Cost $30 for space approximately 8 feet by 8 feet. Please email st-martincraftfair@yahoo.ca or call the school at 613-836-4754 for more details.

So if you are interested in selling your crafty creations at a local craft show ..... here's an opportunity. And no, I don't plan on participating in the craft fair myself.

Cutting it close with the August SFYTT

2011-08-31T17:45:00.000-04:00

Ummm.....ummm....exactly how did August get away from me? As you know, I've been very light on the card-making this month - I'm sure at some point I'll explain why but....just not now.

I almost missed doing the August SFYTT and only remembered because one of the blogs I follow reminded me of it earlier today.

Anyways, here's my go at it

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches
patterned papers: Graphic 45 Domestic Goddess
sentiment: Verve "Big Wish"
layout: August SFYTT

Thanks for stopping by!

Time is running out!

2011-08-30T08:23:00.001-04:00

Hi folks,

just a reminder that you have until midnight August 31st to play along with at least two of the August challenges over at PaperWorksCo for a chance to win your choice of the August Paper Card Kit (featuring Basic Grey's Out of Print collection) or two of their super cute rubber stamps! Just remember that if you are using stamps on your project, they have to be from one of the many PaperWorksCo collections for you to qualify for the monthly prize. If you don't have any of their stamps in your collection yet, there is a freebie digi frame up on the blog that I am SURE you can incorporate into a couple of the challenges!

And just to make it easy for you, here is a list of the challenges so far this month!

August 26th Recipe Friday: an underwater inspiration photo teaming with colour and sea creatures.
August 24th Super Sketch #95
August 19th Recipe Friday: Lemon, Lime and Coconut
August 17th Super Sketch #94
August 12th Recipe Friday: a stunning inspiration photo of tulip fields in full bloom
August 10th Super Sketch #93
August 5th Recipe Friday: Babies, buttons and bows
August 3rd Super Sketch #92

Now, another sketch goes up tomorrow (being Wednesday and all), but I am not sure if it is considered part of the August challenge or September challenge. Anyways, you have lots to choose from in the list above! Who knows? Maybe you could be the next winner! I was the winner for the July challenges!

ETA - today's sketch challenge is counted for September!

Happy Birthday Packet

2011-08-28T20:06:00.000-04:00

Hi folks!

yesterday was our eldest cat's birthday. And yes, I got him a birthday present - a couple of cat toys, a couple of cans of tuna and five bags of dental treats - it was his fifth birthday after all.

He seems to know what it's all about....

getting into the prezzie....

and yes, Packet also had his own birthday card

my first time inking up some new to me Penny Black stamps I picked up at our Crop for the Cure in May from Tina's Scrapbooking Creations (from nearby Winchester).

feel free to call me crazy cat lady....haven't made any cards in what seems like forever and what do I make? A card for my cat. Off to the loonie bin for me I think!

card details:

4.25 x 5.5 inch kraft card stock base
stamped image: Penny Black "In the Garden", copic markers W00, W0, W1, W2, R27
patterned papers: Graphic 45 "Domestic Goddess"

Anyways, hope you all had a fabulous weekend...back to work tomorrow with a long weekend coming!

A great freebie offer from Viva Las Vegas Stamps

2011-08-27T08:32:00.001-04:00

Hi folks,

one of my crafty pals gave me the heads up to a great promo over at the store blog for Viva Las Vegas stamps. See that blinkie on my left sidebar? Just by putting it on YOUR blog and letting them know, they will send you a sampling of their unmounted rubber and sentiments. All of the details can be found on the store blog here.

I've come across their site before and have considered ordering some of their steam punk stamps (they have a MASSIVE collection). Even if there aren't any steampunk images in my freebie grab bag, this is at least a great way to try out their stamps and see if I am happy with the quality.

You should give it a whirl! And if you are interested in doing some actual shopping, they have free shipping on until the end of the month!

One Crazy Stamper

2011-08-25T19:46:00.003-04:00

Hi folks,

just wanted to give you all a heads up that Lora over at One Crazy Stamper is celebrating her new bricks and mortar store opening with one HECK of a blog candy.

if you want to know all the details, you HAVE to go over to the store blog to check it out...I don't want to spoil the BIG surprise for all of you!

You can BET your piles of cardstock and patterned paper that I'll be entering to win!

Back in the craft room again

2011-08-23T17:30:00.000-04:00

Hi folks,

long time, no crafty! My mojo seems to have gone off on summer vacation recently and is taking it's sweet time coming back from holiday.

I did FINALLY make it back into the craft room on Monday night to make four cards - two masculine, two feminine - with the Week 2 August Viva La Verve Sketch over on SCS.

Here they are:

The masculine version, using Graphic 45 "A Proper Gentleman"

The feminine version, using Graphic 45 "Domestic Goddess"

card details:

finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, kraft cardstock base
patterned papers: Graphic 45 "A Proper Gentleman" and "Domestic Goddess"
stamps: Verve Big Wish (note that Verve has it's annual anniversary sale on right now and this set is 20% off)
Spellbinders: Petite Ovals
Border Punches: Martha Stewart and EK Success
accessories: black gems for the feminine cards, black brads for the masculine cards

challenges for these cards:

Corrosive Challenge #130: Girlie (obviously, just the feminine cards, not the masculine cards. Girlie papers, gems...girlie to me!)
Sentimental Sundays #69: Birthday. Any of these would do since they are all birthday cards!

WOYWW - August 17th

2011-08-17T04:23:00.001-04:00

Hi folks,

it's time for What's on your Workdesk Wednesday. If you don't know what it is all about, be sure to stop by Julia's blog, the Stamping Ground, to see everyone who is playing along (and maybe link up a peek into your crafty space).

Here's my usual desk, with some different supplies for me....

My younger sister has asked me to make a few decorative pieces for her youngest daughter's room (she will be a year old in September - my niece, not my sister!). I had previously given her a frame using the Safari friends from PaperWorksCo and she would like me to use those same stamps on these pieces. She sent me some inspiration photos of the sort of thing for which she is looking - little pictures with zoo animals and alphabet blocks sort of thing.

So....I have picked up some 8x10 artist canvas (10 of them but I will probably only use 4) and some Mod Podge. I have a rough idea of what I want to do but decided it would be a good idea to stamp out the images on some sticky notes first, cut them out and then draw out my actual design plan first. Then I'll choose my papers and cut them out for the backgrounds, stamp my images for real and colour them up and then mod podge it all onto the canvases. Hopefully I can actually implement what I have pictured in my mind. I'll be sure to post the project here if it turns out (heck, even if it doesn't)! If it works out well, I have some ideas for the other 6 canvases I will have left over (though I expect at least one will be lost to me figuring out how to do this mod podge stuff).

Oh, and the Cricut cartridges are out because she has also asked me to decorate some wooden letters that spell out her daughter's name using either the same PWCO images or the cricut animal cuts. I'll be playing with those as well over the next few weeks.

And yes, since my last post I have acquired the last of my Copic Sketch markers. I have them all now! Yay! If only my creativity would make a reappearance!

Hope you are all having a fabulous day!

Christmas Card Challenge #37

2011-08-14T17:37:00.000-04:00

Hi again folks,

here are the other two Christmas cards I made today...for the CURRENT challenge over at Sparkle's Christmas Card Challenge Blog - #37 Christmas Cheer (now I need to catch up on #30 through #36!)

card details:

stamped image and sentiment: Lily Hot Cocoa from Pink Cat Studio, coloured with Copic Markers (R27, R24, R17, E35, E33, E37, E000, E00, E01, E93, G40, G82, YG00, Y00, W00). I used my white gel marker to draw in the faux stitches on the image panel
patterned papers: Basic Grey Jovial
layout: 365 Cards: Day 166 Super Sketchy Sunday (I flipped the sketch to fit my image)

Thanks for stopping by - hope you are having a great weekend!

Back to Christmas Cards...finally!

2011-08-14T15:54:00.000-04:00

Hi folks,

well, I decided to try to ease myself back into making card today by getting back to making Christmas cards. The last time I posted a Christmas card was June 18th - so it would appear that I decided to take the summer off. I figured the best way to get my Christmas card mojo back would be to pop over to Sparkle's Christmas Card challenge blog to resume where I left off, with challenge #29. The challenge that week was to make a card using {Fabric}.

Even back when I first read that challenge, I knew what I wanted to do - use my Spellbinders Holiday Cheer die cut to make a christmas stocking out of some fabric from my stash.

Here's what I came up with:

Pretty fabric, huh? I was tempted to do the entire card front with fabric but I decided to just stick with stocking as it would have taken me hours to go through my fabric stash (it's not as bad as my paper but...there's a lot).
card details

Spellbinders: Holiday Cheer, Petite Circles. For those of you who might wonder, I have purchased almost all of my Spellbinders dies from PaperWorksCo (they are in the shop here). Peg has the most awesome everyday prices on her dies (plus you get 5% of the price into your emergency craft fund so...you can't go wrong!)
sentiment: CTMH Seasonal Celebration
patterned papers: DCWV Holiday Collection Christmas Stack
layout: Priscilla Styles: Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #116. I chose to use the simpler of the two sketches.

additional challenges for this card:

Craft your passion #70: under the sea or your favourite season (Christmas is definitely up there as a fave for me!)
Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge #147: Christmas is Coming!

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you are all having a lovely weekend. I have two more Christmas cards that I did today, I'll be sure to share them sometime this week.

Sunday morning musings

2011-08-07T08:42:00.004-04:00

Hi folks,

well, I STILL don't have anything crafty to show you. Dearly beloved and I have been thoroughly enjoying the new motorcycle and went for a ride yesterday to a pretty little town south of Ottawa called Merrickville.

It is one of my favourite little places to go for a little day trip. It is very picturesque, filled to overflowing with artisans of all sorts.

And, of course, places to eat. Yes, another motorcycle trip that involved food.

We ate here, at Gad's Hill Place

Every time we go to Merrickville, we eat here.

There's my sweetie, waiting for his "Pickwick Club Sandwich" and beer. I had a yummy-licious grilled veggie and goat cheese sandwich. Umm Yummm - any restaurant that can make a good grilled veggie sandwich gets my approval! And mine was perfect.

Then, of course, we set to shopping! Now, since we were on the motorcycle we were limited in what we could buy. No visit to the local glass-blowing artist's studio (too fragile) and no fudge (too frakkin' hot and humid with no ice packs to pack it on).

But we did get a few things at a couple of our favourite haunts and a new gallery we discovered.

At Rowland Leather, my dearly beloved got me another new bag.

This one isn't one of Michael Rowland's designs (I have every one of his designs that I DO like already so)...but this one will be another great sling it over your shoulder and go bag. With the bonus I won't have to scour the bag looking for my cellphone and keys with those convenient pockets,

Of course, no trip to Merrickville is complete without a stop as Mrs. McGarrigle's. Sadly, being on the bike, I had to behave with my nommy purchases.

Some granola that was being demo'd that day (we didn't taste test though because we were still full from lunch), star anise, dried kaffir lime leaves and a lime vinegar. Only one breakable and I was nervous about that!

We also visited the Canal Gallery where they have added works by Jasmine Becket-Griffith. Again, being on the bike, we couldn't buy anything large so I satisfied myself with a few notecards of her prints.

Some Steampunky/Alice in Wonderland style images

and these two

Probably a little dark and disturbing for some people but I really like them. And no, I won't be giving them away to anyone - these are for me, just to have.

Then we discovered Anarchy Gallery. Again, good thing we were on the bike as I had to limit myself to these cards by the owner/artist Angelina Wrona.

Again, more slightly disturbing images (my fave is the autopsy Y-cut....I don't know why, it just is). And no, I'm not giving these away either so don't worry about them showing up in your mailbox!

As a cardmaker, I would LOVE to see rubber stamps by these artists. They would make for some pretty cool, dark cards!

Anyways, that's it for me today. Not sure if I will get crafty or not today. I STILL have to make the Ginger Lemon Marmalade I have been planning for a few weeks now. Dearly beloved is going to a local winery with one of his pals - I was debating whether or not to go but I think I will stay at home and get a few things done.

Oh....and I am looking for suggestions. My sister would like me to make her some projects for her little one's bedroom using the Safari Friends and Jungle Jesters from PaperWorksCo. She already has the photo frame I did a while back using the Safari friends but she would like a few more pieces. Any ideas? I'm going to be scouring the PWCO Gallery for some inspiration but I am open to more ...

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend!

Craft Room Confessional

2011-08-05T20:18:00.001-04:00

Hi folks,

So any of you who are regular readers may have seen my post for WOYWW where I bemoaned the fact that I could not find some quilting fabric for which I was searching. Well, I tackled the mess in front of my craft room closet door and found it wasn't there (where I THOUGHT it was). So that meant I was finally able to actually look inside the closet.

gah! nasty!.....all sorts of sundries in here.....top two shelves are packed with fabric (but not the fabric for which I was searching!). The other shelves are a mish-mash of all sorts of stuff. But guess what? That tidy canvas basket in the bottom right hand of the closet? Well, that's where I stashed the wool I bought last spring to resume knitting. And guess what else was in the basket?

Yep - the elusive fabric! Now it just needs to be washed, coordinating fabrics purchased and I can maybe get around to some quilting!

Oh, and while I was at it, I got a bee in my bonnet about finding my Christmas fabrics so that I could use some on some Christmas cards. You may have noticed I haven't made any Christmas cards since June. Well, ONE of the reasons for that was that the next challenge (after the last one I did) over at Sparkle's Christmas card challenge blog was to use fabric on your card. I knew I had some around and could not find it either. Well....the light bulb went on and guess what I found in my hallway linen closet?

Yep, hiding behind a mesh sweater drying rack - a box CLEARLY LABELLED as Christmas fabric.

Is this how those people on the tv show "Hoarders" get started?

hmmmm.....

so, anyone else got any craft room confessions to share tonight/today?

WOYWW - August 3rd

2011-08-03T19:51:00.000-04:00

Hi folks!

well, it IS still Wednesday here in Ottawa. I debated whether or not to do a WOYWW post today ... aren't you all tired of seeing my messy desk by now?

But I offer up as proof that, during my week off, I did find my way into my craft room to add to the mess that was already there.

I did make cards (and bookmarks) and most of the papers that I used are still on the table. Growing the pile on the left. And if you could see my OTHER desk, growing the pile over there as well!

So, yes, the Copics that showed up LAST Wednesday have all been put into my NEW container. I'm missing only ONE of them now (RV63) as my usual supplier was out of stock when I placed my final order. I have a few other suppliers on my list so I'll be trying to hook myself up with that last errant marker on my next order from one of them.

Now, I do have yet another embarrassing confession about my craft room. Last week I had planned to make a baby quilt or two while I was off. Ummm....well, I couldn't find the fabric. It IS in my craft room - I just don't know where. It isn't in the closet with the rest of my fabric. I'm sure it is buried under a pile of .... something....somewhere.....but I'm afraid that if I move any of those piles and they fall over that I won't be found for days. Well, hours really. The cats would kick up a fuss if I missed their next feeding.

Anyways, if you would like to sneak a peek at any of the other desks playing along, be sure to drop by Julia's blog, the Stamping Ground for the full list!

A Trio of Bookmarks

2011-08-01T21:05:00.000-04:00

Hi folks!

Well, I'm very sad to say that my short week-long respite from work has come to an end. Tomorrow, it's back to the office for me.

I did squeeze in a little crafty time late this afternoon while my other half was napping to make these corner bookmarks that my brother's girlfriend requested after seeing the one I made for her daughter (my niece).

I simply followed the tutorial on SCS, made a few minor adjustments and there you go. Kept these fairly simple as I think too many layers would make these hard to stay put in your books.

The patterned papers I used are Cosmo Cricket "Pixie-Licious", the border punches are two from Martha Stewart and one from EK Success.

Hope you are all having a lovely week so far. Thanks for stopping by!

Girls can do anything!

2011-07-31T21:12:00.000-04:00

You bet we can! Even make a card with no embellishments! That's this week's challenge over at the Kraftin' Kimmie blog. Now, I quite often make cards with no embellies - especially if the papers are image are particularly pretty. Funny thing is, when challenged to make a card without embellishments, I suddenly WANT to! But, I prevailed and this is the card I made:

card details:

finished size: 6x6 inches
stamped image and sentiment: Lavinia from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps, coloured with Copic Markers (E50, E43, E42, E0000, E000, E00, E93, E04, E07, E08, E09, E30, E31, E33)
patterned papers: Bo Bunny Timeless
layout: Cute Card Thursday Challenge 175

additional challenges for this card:

Sew Many Challenges #62: Anything Goes!

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

KanataNewf - Time Well Wasted

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Light the Night Walk 2011

Light The Night Walk: Taking Steps Toward CuresTM

Funds raised by walkers provide:

Lifesaving blood cancer research

Free educational materials and events for patients and their families

Local programs such as Family Support Groups and First Connection, a peer-to-peer counseling program

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