A Vintage Masculine Birthday

Hi folks,

Well, I've been having a hard time getting in to the mood to make cards this year. One of my other hobbies (quilting) has been using the bulk of my crafting mojo instead. I'm not going to fret about it - just go with the flow. Maybe I'll start updating this blog with my quilting adventures - there seems to be a LOT more of them lately. Stay tuned!

I figure though that it is about time I share one of the two cards I have so far this year. This is one that I made for my Dad's birthday back in January.

I used a bunch of supplies from my stash for this one.

• kraft cardstock base
• Authentique papers
• the vintage masculine image is from Unity Stamp Co
• the Happy Birthday sentiment is from CTMH
• I *think* the Dad sentiment is from Verve
• the twine is from my stash
• the shipping tag was no doubt a freebie from one of my Unity KOM orders. I must say - I REALLY like using shipping tags for my stamped images these days - especially if I am not colouring them.
• layout: Viva La Verve January Sketch

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Birthday Wishes Dad

Hi folks,


Well, for once I am ahead of the game for a birthday card for my Dad. His birthday is today and I actually made his card and got it into the mail with the Christmas cards! Woo hoo!

card details:

• finished size: 5.5 x 5.5 inches, black card stock base
• patterned paper: Authentique "Suave"
• stamps: CTMH Seaside Greetings (D1609), Hats Off (C1593 - a hostess rewards tamp), You're the Best (C1571)
• embellishments: CTMH Silver Shimmer Trim

challenges for this card:

• Loves Rubber Stamps #133: Anything Goes
• Clear it Out Challenge Blog: Theme: Anything Goes. Stash: Anything Goes (shimmer trim)
• Papertake Weekly Challenge: Anything Goes

As always, thanks for stopping by!

And happy birthday Dad!!!

By the way, if you haven't heard about Anya, Oddies and Others you should stop by and pay them a visit. It's a great place to share all of your card creations! I'm adding this card to the January linkup for others!

Getting Scrappy

Hi folks,

After making the four cards with the Mojo Monday sketch a little while ago, I found myself looking at the pile of scraps sitting on my desk and decided to make a few more cards for my stash.

Some that would be easy to mail (flat) and a couple with some paper flowers that will need to be gifted in person.

card details:

• finished sizes: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, 5.5 x 5.5 inches, black card stock bases
• patterned papers: Authentique "Gathering"
• stamps: Verve

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Mojo Monday 355

Hi folks,

When I saw this week's Mojo Monday sketch, I thought it would be perfect to add a few cards to my stash.

So, I made four cards.

card details:

• finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, kraft card stock base, black card stock accents
• patterned paper: Authentique "Gathering"
• Verve: "Birthday Surprise", "Kind Words"
• Spellbinders: Petite Circles, Scalloped Circles
• EK Success Scalloped Scallops Border Punch
• Washi tape and black paper roses from my stash
• layout: Mojo Monday 355

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Mojo Monday 341 Inspired Card

Hi folks,

back again to share the last of the cards I made that were inspired by the Mojo Monday 341 sketch.

The card has all the elements of the sketch - they have just been re-arranged.


card details:

• finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, kraft card stock base, cream mat
• patterned papers: Authentique "Hope"
• stamps: Verve "Big Wish"
• layout: Mojo Monday 341

challenges for this card:

• Seize the Birthday: Anything Goes!

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Mojo Monday 341 - 20th Anniversary Wishes

Hi folks,

Well, I am back today to share the THIRD card I made using the Mojo Monday 341 sketch from last week.

Friends of ours celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary last week (in Jamaica) so when they return I'll be giving them this card.


card details:

• finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, kraft card stock base, cream mat
• patterned papers: Authentique "Hope"
• stamps: Verve "On Occasion", "Calendar Countdown", CTMH Solos "4"
• layout: Mojo Monday 341

challenges for this card:

• Addicted to Stamps #91: Anything Goes

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Mojo Monday 341 - Happy Easter

Hi folks,

Well, leave it to me...see this card?

Well, it was SUPPOSED to go with us to Easter dinner at dearly beloved's Dad's. I forgot it. Apparently, I can MAKE the cards, I just don't remember to GIVE the cards. sigh. Oh well, in the stash for next year!

card details:

• finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, kraft card stock base, cream mat
• patterned papers: Authentique "Hope"
• stamps: Verve "Eggstra Special"
• layout: Mojo Monday 341

challenges for this card:

• Loves Rubber Stamps #99: Easter or Spring Theme
• The Pink Elephanat #246: Easter
• Craft Your Passion #209: Bunnies, Chicks and Eggs

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Mojo 341 - You're egg-stra special

Hi folks!

Happy Easter to those of you who celebrate!!! Just thought I would pop in and share a few cards this morning before we head down to have Easter dinner with dearly beloved's family.

Up first is --- an Easter card!

I know it has flowers on it but I'm giving it to dearly beloved anyway. So there. I probably could have swapped out the flowered paper for the polka-dotted paper in this pad but - oh well, it's Spring, it's Easter, he's getting flowers on his card!

card details:

• finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, kraft card stock base, cream mat
• patterned papers: Authentique "Hope"
• stamps: Verve "Eggstra Special"
• layout: Mojo Monday 341

challenges for this card:

• Loves Rubber Stamps #99: Easter or Spring Theme
• The Pink Elephanat #246: Easter
• The Kraft Journal #167: Bunnies or Lambs
• Craft Your Passion #209: Bunnies, Chicks and Eggs

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Sister Act Card Challenge #42 - with Digi Darla

Hi folks!

It's Friday so that means it is time for me to share my latest creation for our weekly "Anything Goes" challenge over at the Sister Act Card Challenge!

As you probably know by now, the rules for joining in our weekly challenge are pretty simple - anything goes as long as it is a new card of your own creation! Just join in the fun by linking up to your blog post featuring your lovely creation and you will be in the running for the prize offered by this week's sponsor - DigiDarla Designs! I can't wait to check our your fabulous creations!

In the meantime, here are TWO cards I created using the "Ye Olde Sailing Ship" image from Digi Darla Designs (it was a freebie for their Copy Cat challenge back in September).

This is the first card that I made...

and since I had coloured a second copy of the image, I decided I may as well make a second card - same papers as the first card but just a different layout.

card details:

• finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, kraft card stock base, brown Bazzill textured card stock for mats
• patterned papers: Authentique "Strong"
• digital image: Digi Darla Designs "Ye Olde Sailing Ship", coloured with Copic Markers (E50, E51, E42, E31, E33, E35, E37, E39, BG70, BG72, BG75, BG45, BG09, R56), sky is sponged with CTMH Heavenly Blue
• sentiments: Verve "Small Phrases" (first card), "Small Celebrations" (second card)
• Spellbinders Deckled Rectangles (first card), Labels Four (second card)
• embellishments: brads (second card)
• layouts: first card: Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #204, second card: improvising with the same pieces for a slightly different look.

additional challenges for these cards:

• Seize the Birthday: Anything Goes Birthday (toppings: chevron)
• Clear it Out: Singing the Blues
• Cute Card Thursday #306: Something New (my first time cutting into this pad of Authentique paper!)

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Viva La Verve August 2013 - Week 4

Hi folks,

I'm back again with a quick post to share the last two cards I made for the Week 4 Viva La Verve August sketch challenge - the deadline to share at SCS is tonight so I'm double posting today as I was too busy all week to get these posts prepared.

Here's the Week 4 sketch:

And here are the two cards I made:

card details:

• finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, kraft card stock base
• patterned paper: Authentique "Gathering"
• stamps: Verve "Kind Words", "Doodled Occasions"
• Buttons: Basic Grey "Nook & Pantry"
• CTMH Waxy Flax

additional challenges for these cards:

• Seize the Birthday: Anything Goes
• Sister Act Card Challenge #21: Anything Goes

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Mojo Monday 291

Hi folks,

back with still another Mother's Day card! I used the Mojo Monday 291 sketch for the layout.

Here's the sketch:

and, of course, I used the square option for this card for dearly beloved's step-mother:

card details:

• finished size: 5x5 inches, white card stock base
• patterned papers: Authentique "Gathering"
• stamps: CTMH "May Word Puzzle"
• black satin ribbon from my stash
• Spellbinders Petite Circles

additional challenges for this card:

• Gem of a Challenge #79: Things with Wings
• Sister Act Card Challenge #6: Anything Goes
• Daring Card Makers: Ink it Up. I rarely "ink up" my CTMH stamps these days. And I have dozens upon dozens of sets. But, usually, once a year, this set gets "inked up". The May word puzzle as it has some Mother's Day sentiments AND some lovely spring silhouettes like this butterfly. 

Thanks for stopping by!

MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge #123

Hi folks,

back with yet another Mother's Day card! This one was for dearly beloved's Mom.

card details:

• finished size: 5x5 inches, white card stock base
• patterned papers: Authentique "Gathering"
• stamps: Verve "Because of You", "Mother's Day" plain jane
• aqua gems from my stash (centres of the flowers)
• layout: MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge #123

additional challenges for this card:

• The Sisterhood of Crafters: April showers bring May flowers (use at least one flower)
• Dare to be Sassy #176: April showers bring May flowers (use flowers)
• One Crazy Stamper: May Flowers

Thanks for stopping by.

Sketch 'n Stash 113 - Again

Hi folks,

Well, since I had the two other pieces sitting on my craft table from making this card, I decided I should use them to make another Mother's Day card - but opposite!

I also added another pop of colour with matching card stock mats in the dark coral colour.

card details:

• finished size: 5 x 5 inches, white card stock base
• patterned paper: Authentique "Gathering"
• stamps: Verve "Because of You" (sentiment and floral silhouette)
• layout: Sketch 'n Stash 113

additional challenges for this card:

• The Sisterhood of Crafters: April showers bring May flowers (use at least one flower)
• Papertake Weekly Challenge: Anything Goes + option of 2 stamps
• 365 Cards: Day 128: Word Wednesday - Mother
• Sister Act Card Challenge #6: Anything Goes

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Sketch n Stash 113 - For Mother's Day

hi folks,

Back again with ANOTHER Mother's Day card! This one is for my brother's fiancee.

card details:

• finished size: 5 x 5 inches
• patterned paper: Authentique "Gathering". I REALLY need to work on not buying more paper. My stash is completely out of control - I should take a photo of all my DPs....except that would actually require MULTIPLE photos!
• stamps: Verve "Because of You"
• flower brad from my stash. Isn't it the sweetest? I wish I had more of these.
• layout: Sketch 'N Stash 113

additional challenges for this card:

• Pile it On #18: For a Mother
• Craft your Passion #161: Floral Delights
• Love to Create #64: For Mom or Special Lady
• The Pink Elephant #198: Mother's Day
• Clear it Out Challenge: Theme: Anything Goes, Stash: 2 or More DP
• Shopping Our Stash #100: Mother's Day

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend! It's a wet one here and since I'm kind of tied to the house because I'm on-call I don't really mind. Really hoping to get in lots of crafty time! I need to make up for being away for a couple of weeks!

Mojo 292 - For Mother's Day

Hi folks,

Here's another card I made for Mother's Day - this one for my sister.

card details:

• finished size: 5 x 5 inches, die cut white card stock base from my stash. Don't you  just love the curvy edge? I picked up a "few" of these some time ago at Michaels. I won't confess just how many. That might be incriminating!
• patterned paper: Authentique "Gathering"
• stamps: Verve "Because of You", "Great Friend"
• EK Success Scalloped Scallops Border punch
• corner rounder punch
• layout: Mojo Monday 292

additional challenges for this card:

• Pile it On #18: For a Mother
• Craft your Passion #161: Floral Delights
• Love to Create #64: For Mom or Special Lady
• The Pink Elephant #198: Mother's Day
• Clear it Out Challenge: Theme: Anything Goes, Stash: 2 or More DP
• Shopping Our Stash #100: Mother's Day

Thanks for stopping by! And if you are a Mom - hope you are having a lovely Mother's Day weekend!

Fumi with Gift

hi folks,

Have you been playing along with the Spread the Love event at Yumi & Fumi? There is a month long celebration which you get to via the link on my sidebar.

One of the events is to create a project using a Y & F image. I decided to use Fumi with Gift for a birthday card for a friend of mine.

card details:

• finished size: 5x5 inches, white card stock base
• patterned paper: Authentique "Gathering"
• stamped image: Yumi & Fumi "Fumi with Gift", coloured with Copic Markers (E000, E00, E01, E93, E57, C1, C3, C5, C7, C9, G94, E77, E79, YR01, YR02)
• sentiment: Verve "Purely Sentimental"
• flowers from my stash
• layout: Sketch 'n Stash 112

Sorry for the brevity of my posts these days - I am currently in Newfoundland helping out my parents as my Dad had hip replacement surgery a couple of days ago and typing on my tablet, even with my bluetooth keyboard, is a different experience than on my laptop! But thank goodness for the keyboard - typing on screen is even less enjoyable!

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Mojo Monday 288

hi folks

Well, I found some time to play along with the Mojo Monday 288 sketch this week and wound up making a birthday card for one of dearly beloved's brothers.

Here is a peek at the sketch

and here is the card

Very clean and simple - great for a card for a guy.

card details:

• finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, black card stock base
• patterned paper: Authentique "Curiosity" 6x6 papers
• stamps: Verve "Doodled Occasions"
• Spellbinders Petite Circles

additional challenges for this card:

• Papercraft Star #140: Use a Stamp
• CCEE1315: Recipe: 2 designer papers, a Circle and a Square.

Thanks for stopping by!

Mojo Monday 287

hi folks,

I was happy to find some time to play along with this week's Mojo Monday 287 sketch challenge

Here is this week's sketch

and here is the birthday card I made using the sketch using some new papers I picked up at Multi-crafts last week during a little lunch-time excursion.

card details:

• finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches, kraft card stock base
• patterned papers: Authentique "Gathering", edges inked with Memento Rich Cocoa
• stamps: Verve "Doodled Occasions"
• CTMH Autumn Terracotta brads from my stash, hydrangea blossoms from my stash were used to build my flower accent
• Spellbinders Lacey Circles

additional challenges for this card:

• Hiding in My Craft Room #91: Freestyle
• Make it Monday with Kraft Outlet: Anything Goes
• The Pink Elephant #193: 3 decorative papers and your favourite embellishment (I love dressing up girly cards with flowers, lately I've been assembling my own from these huge hydrangea blooms I picked up at Michael's years ago. Just pop off the different sized little blossoms, layer them together with a brad and you have a perfect little flower!)

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you are having a fantastic week!

November Viva La Verve Week 4

Phew! Done!

Yep - all four cards for the November Viva La Verve challenges on Splitcoaststampers - IN ONE NIGHT! Has to be a record for me.....

Here's the week 4 sketch

and here's my fourth thank you card for the evening....

card details:

• finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches
• patterned paper: Authentique "Journey"
• stamps: Verve "Joyful Blooms", "Words can not express"

challenges for this card:

• Pile It On #48: Anything but Christmas
• Tuesday Throwdown #125: Lots of Layers 

thanks for stopping by ... 

November Viva La Verve Week 3

You betcha! Back with my third card for the November Viva La Verve Sketch challenges over at Splitcoaststampers. I committed to crafty time tonight so I could get all four cards made - just under the wire!

Here the week 3 sketch

and here's my third thank you card

another easy peasy to mail card! Have to admit - clean and simple cards are definitely among my favourite cards to make.

card details:

• finished size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches
• patterned paper: Authentique "Journey"
• stamps: Verve "With Love"
• washi tape (that was part of a lovely gift from my dear pal Tanya)

challenges for this card:

• Pile It On #48: Anything but Christmas
• Through the Craft Room Door: Anything Goes

thanks again for stopping by! One more card to go!