Gotta love these colors :)

Awhile ago I made a card for SCS color challenge. The challenge was to use Soft Sky & Groovy Guava together. It turned out I love that combo! I added Certainly Celery to this card...Don't they look like they were made for each other??!

I made this card for a technique swap that I am in. The technique: Faux Metal. Can you see it in the picture? You might have to click on it to enlarge it, but the little circle embellishment under "let it snow" has a faux metal snowflake on it.

Recipe:
Stamps: Big on Christmas, Short & Sweet (snowflake), Cold Play (Snowflake)
Paper: Soft Sky, Groovy Guava, Certainly Celery, WW
Ink: Soft Sky, Groovy Guava, Certainly Celery, Versamark
Accessories: Silver EP, White EP, Celery Brads, Celery 5/8" Grosgrain, Soft Sky stitched grosgrain
Tools: Aquapainter, Corner Rounder, 1/16" punch, 3/4" circle punch, 1" circle punch

I have no idea what happened to all of my pictures from the previous post??? Anyone know why they would all of a sudden disappear?

My Mailbox Overflow-eth!

Here's some of the great b-day cards I received the other day! I'm just blown away!

This one is from my 3-year old. She's starting to draw people now!

This one is from Becky: our Great Swaps organizer-Thanks Becky!!

This one is the one my mom made! I love those papers! Thanks mom!



My sister made this one, my mom & her did the same design---must have had the same brainwaves going! Thanks Deb!

Isn't this one beautiful? My SIL made it-Thanks Brandy! I love these papers!






Vera from my swap group sent this cute one! Thanks Vera!



Jackie who is also from my swap group sent this one! I'm so humbled to be in the same swap group as these girls! Such talent! Thank you so much!

Thanks!

You guys are awesome! I had a great day yesterday! I had a nice lunch with my family, then came home to relax and soon Nate got home from work.

He surprised me with some $$ for a new camera and here's where he was so thoughtful-he scheduled a 1 hour pregnancy massage at City Looks! It was so amazing (I've never had a massage before) If you haven't had a massage before-I recommend you go out and get one soon! I'm going back to get another one before I have this baby!

I was also surprised by the awesome b-day cards I received in the mail by a lot of stampers: my mom, SIL, swap group friends...you guys have amazing talents! I'm going to post my mom's later...I'm so proud of her :)

BTW-this picture is me & my daughter with the cake that she helped her daddy make! It was so good!

27 Sketches in 27 Days-#27

Sketch #27 & Card....

This one was a lot of fun! It measures 5x5. I love these colors and the defining stamps.

I had to stamp off my M's once otherwise it was too dark behind the definition. I used regular classic ink on the on board accents.

I hope everyone has a great day! I'm off to have lunch with my family, then Nate told me he's coming home early from work. We'll probably head up to Rochester for shopping and the usual stuff!

Recipe:
Stamps; Defining Alphabet & Define your life
Paper: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Blue Bayou, VV
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Blue Bayou
Accessories: Chocolate 5/8" Ribbon, ON board blossoms & Basics

27 Sketches in 27 Days-#26

Sketch #26 & Card......

I don't know if you can tell, but I added a scalloped edge on the right side of the card. If you click on it to make it larger, you can probably see it better. I also layered the photo corners which you will see better in the larger photo.

only one more sketch to go, guys, be sure to link your card if you make one!

Recipe:
Stamps: flowers & flourish
Paper: Ballet Blue, Barely Banana, WW
Ink: Ballet Blue, Barely Banana
Accessories: Banana Brads
Tool: Photo corner punch

27 Sketches in 27 Days-#25

Sketch #25 & Card.......

This is such a simple, simple layout! I love to us it a lot! These colors are so springy, but I don't care.

Hope you can try some of my sketches sometime! Be sure to check out the links to some cards that other girls have tried, they're great!

I'll be back later today to post another sketch, because tomorrow is the last day, and I'm one sketch behind my days!

Recipe:
Stamps: Bud Basics, Short & Sweet, Polka dot background
Paper: Lavender Lace, Barely Banana, Certainly Celery, WW
Ink: Lavender Lace, Barely Banana, Certainly Celery, Basic Gray
Accessories: Celery 5/8" Grosgrain

More Card Links

Angel's been busy!
her card for #13
her card for #6
her card for #15

MJ's card for #20

27 Sketches in 27 Days-#24

Sketch #24 & Card.....

Here's another card completely made out of a SS kit-Winter Bright! This one has great colors to work with and I love the patterned paper too!

This card measures 5x5. I colored the image with markers and the tree with an aquapainter & Wild wasabi inkpad. Kind of runny, but it works.

Recipe:
Stamps: Big on Christmas
Paper: Winter Bright SS kit
Ink: Basic Gray, Real red, bashful blue, regal rose, so saffron markers

More Card Links

check these out!

Angel's Card for Sketch #21

Janine's Been busy:
Card for #21
card for #20
card for #19
card for #16
Card for #15
card for #14
Card for #13
card for #10
card for #5

Angel's Card for #10

Tracy's Card for #11

27 Sketches in 27 Days-#23

Sketch #23 & Card.......

I'm coming close to the end of the sketches, which means it's almost my birthday! YIPPEE!! whatever. My whole live I've thought about what my "golden" birthday would be like. I always imagined I would "party" hard! I've really settled down quite a bit and a lot of you know I can't "party" this year anyway. So I'm expecting it to be just another day-like the last 6 birthdays :) Actually-my family is taking me out for lunch which will be nice. Who knows if my husband has anything planned. All I know is we're probably going out for dinner. I'll have the 'deets' on Friday as to what we did.

Back to my card: I can't seem to do anything else with this horse than to make it run. Somebody help me! Oh well...I'll figure something out some other time. Love these Outlaw papers, don't you??

Recipe:
Stamps: Wanted
Paper: Outlaw DP, Close to Cocoa, VV
Ink: Close to Cocoa
Accessories: Chocolate Chip Taffeta, Natural Hemp, dimensionals
Tools: 1 3/8" square punch

27 Sketches in 27 Days-#22

Sketch #22 & Card......

This little notecard measures 3x3. I cannot get over how cute that snowman is! He's just darling, and so easy to stamp too!

It's such a beautiful day here-80 degrees and sunny! LOVE IT!! I'm going to head outside soon to go play!

Recipe:
Stamps: Merry & Bright
Paper: River Rock, Real Red, Dashing DP, WW
Ink: Basic Black, Real Red & Always artichoke Marker
Accessories: River rock & Red Gingham Ribbon
Tools: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" Circle

been tagged lately??

It's been a while for me, but I'll try my best :) Thanks Emily-She's Got a great blog...go check it out!

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) - Spike Taurus
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fav ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) Vanilla Chocolate Chip
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) S-Red
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) - GreenDog
5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) Red-Sa
6. SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd favorite color, favorite drink put “The”) The Purple Appletini
7. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)- Isaac Herbert
8. STRIPPER NAME : ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne, favorite candy) Eternity Whopper (OH MAN!)
9.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ) Mae Isaac

I guess I have to tag 5 people-Check out their Blogs--->great stuff there!:

Brandy-My SIL
Angel
Emily
Barb
Kandis

Links to more cards

MJ's Card for sketch #2

Janine's Card for Sketch #9

Janine's Card for sketch #6

Janine's Card for Sketch #3

Janine's Card for sketch #7

Linda's Card for Sketch #6

Dani's Cards for sketches #4,5,6,& 8

Kathi's Cards for sketches #6,7,10,&18

Great cards ladies!!

27 Sketches in 27 Days-#21

Sketch #21 & Card........

This one was inspired by a card in the SU catalog, pg 3. I used my Cricut to cut the letters for "thanks" out of vellum. I had a hard time getting a good picture of it so you could see.

Just a quickie post today, I'm catching up on some scrapbooking and cleaning my stamp area. That is an all day process, believe me. Have a great weekend everyone! I'll be back tomorrow with another sketch!

Recipe:
Paper: Rose Red, Barely Banana, Regal Rose, Vellum
Ink: Mellow Moss & Barely Banana Craft ink
Accessories: On Board Blossoms & Basics, Rhinestone brads, Ribbon from Fairy Tale Ribbon originals
Tools: Spring Bouquet Flower punch

Links to more cards

Becky's Card for sketch #16

Angel's Card For Sketch #19----->BTW...I was curious and counted....Angel has done 12 cards so far! Way to go Angel!! Maybe there should be a prize???!!!

Janine's Card for Sketch #11

27 Sketches in 27 Days-#20

Sketch #20 & Card......

Only 7 more to go!


It's getting to be about that time to start thinking about Christmas cards! It will be here before you know it. It's going to be a very special Christmas for our family this year as we are expecting our 2nd baby a few days before.

And since it's so close to Christmas, I don't know if I'm going to send out a "normal" Christmas card. I may combine the birth announcement and Christmas card together, that way I'm not making twice as much work for myself.

I probably would have done both (Christmas & birth announcement) for my first child, but with a busy 3 year old, I don't think I'll have as much time on my hands. People are just going to have to understand!!

Recipe:
Stamps: Well Worn Alphabet, Many Merry Messages
Paper: Old Olive, Dashing DP, Very Vanilla, River Rock
Ink: Old Olive
Accessories: Red Gingham Ribbon, Cricut (for ovals)


Thanks for the very sweet comments about my daughter's pictures yesterday! I appreciate it. Sometimes you just don't know if stuff looks okay until you post and get such reassuring words.....Thank you.

27 Sketches in 27 Days-#19

Sketch #19 & Card......

I am loving this color combo! This is the 2nd time I've used it, but here's the first card I made with it: Merry & Bright

Isn't it fun? I get to dig out my Orchid Opulence and use it up! That's another color I rarely use, in addition to yesterday's Brilliant Blue.

You're probably thinking that my ribbon doesn't match, and yes, it is a little dark. I took my White Taffeta ribbon and dyed it with my Blue Bayou Ink pad. It did come out a bit dark, I'll agree. But IRL, it doesn't look too bad.

Recipe:
Stamps: Eat Cake
Paper: Orchid Opulence, Blue Bayou, Certainly Celery, WW
Ink: Orchid Opulence, Blue Bayou, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds, WW Taffeta Ribbon-Dyed in Blue Bayou Inkpad

More Card Links

Check these out!!!

Dawn's Card for Sketch #18

Jodene's Card for Sketch #16

Angel's Card for sketch #7

MJ's Card for Sketch #15

Keep 'em comin! love to see them all!

Some recent pictures

My daughter turned 3 a couple weeks ago. I finally got around to taking some pictures this week. I usually have them done at Target, but kept putting it off, and now it's too late. Here's some favorites:

Card Links

Dani's Cards For Sketches #1-3

MJ's Card for sketch #11


Thanks Girls!

Remember to link your cards if you made any!

27 Sketches in 27 Days-#18

Sketch #18 & Card.......

I actually made the card first and the sketch came from it. But I was inspired by someone's card on SCS, but cannot find it again. Please email me so I can give credit if you know.

I made this card at a party last week, and I love how the 3 for You Punch Box works so well with Artfully Asian!

Recipe:
Stamps: Artfully Asian
Paper: Certainly Celery, Regal Rose, Apricot Appeal, VV
Ink: Certainly Celery, Regal Rose
Accessories: 5/8" Celery Grosgrain, gold brads
Tools: 3 for you Punch

Attention DSLR owners!

I have a dilemma. My camera has dust on the sensor. I took it to Ritz (where I purchased) and they said it will cost $65 (which isn't the problem) but will take 6-8 WEEKS! Dang. I cannot go that long without my camera. I don't have a backup either.

Anyone have an easier solution? I could just go and buy a p&s for the time being, but I'm sure hubby would think that is ridiculous. Although it would be nice to have a smaller camera to throw in my purse everywhere I go.

What do you suggest I do?? And if I buy a p&s, what do you recommend....I've been out of the camera tech-y loop for over 2 years!

ETA: I own a Nikon D70, I was told that there used to be a place in the twin cities that did it, but now closed. They (Ritz) sends the cameras to the East coast, but gave me the option to go through the Nikon Service center, which could take a month.

I have done research on this and I know about the "cleaning mode" but I don't dare touch the sensor because I might break it and cause $300 in repairs.

27 Sketches in 27 Days-#17

Sketch #17 & Card.......

This sketch was inspired from a card I did a couple years ago. These are totally NOT my colors, but I think they're fun anyway. When is the last time I've dusted off Brilliant Blue? Probably 2 years. Seriously.

But that's the great thing about these sketch challenges, right? It challenges me (and you!) to think a bit, get out of your "rut" and produce some out of the ordinary stuff.

A while ago I committed myself to making the SCS Challenges. I quickly lost track and stopped doing them for no apparent reason. Now I'm busy with my sketches, which is great, but next week I'll be done, and I'm going to promise myself to start the challenges again. Honestly, they do make you a better stamper! So go ahead and try a few, you'll be surprised by what you come up with :)

Recipe:
Stamps: Label Classics, Little Pieces, Defining Alphabet, Short & Sweet
Paper: Brillant Blue, Only Orange, Positively Pink, Green Galore, WW
Ink: Brillant Blue, Only Orange, Positively Pink, Green Galore
Accessories: Orange Eyelets
Tools: Crop-A-Dile, Stamp-a-ma-jig

27 Sketches in 27 Days-#16

Sketch #16 & Card.......


I just bought this paper recently-don't ask me why I didn't sooner-because it's awesome! I'm such an "earthy" girl-look in my house, my wardrobe...everything! And now that it's almost fall, I'm so happy!

Here I've used such a simple sketch, but added my DP which adds a lot, I think. I don't necessarily think the Spotlight flowers match this paper, but I used it anyway.

I also used our new Library Clips from the Holiday Mini-super cute! And this striped ribbon from the "Jersey" ribbon originals.

Make sure to check out the cards that some girls have linked up! They're great! Thanks everyone for sharing!

Recipe:
Stamps: In the Spotlight
Paper: Fall Flowers DP, Really Rust, Old Olive, Soft Sky
Ink: Soft Sky, Really Rust, Old Olive
Accessories: Library Clips, Ribbon from Jersey Ribbon Originals

Answering a question

Melissas had a question on my card from my post early this morning: Sketch #15
Here's Melissa's question:

I love this card, especially the way the oval snowflake piece is tied
on using the ribbon. But I can't figure out just how you tied it. Will
you share how you did it?


Well, Melissa, I hope I can answer this question easily. Basically I took my ribbon and cut it to the length that I needed. Then I made a knot on one end. I punched holes in my Ovals, then threaded the ribbon through one side so the knot was now at the hole. Then I brought the ribbon around the card and threaded it through the other hole in the oval. I made a knot on that side (tight) so the ribbon would stay there. Then I put adhesive on the "tails" and stuck them to the ribbon.....Does this make any sense??? Hopefully that helps!!

More Card Links

Angel's Card for Sketch #9

Angel's Card for Sketch #14

Tracy's Card for Sketch #7

27 Sketches in 27 Days-#15

Sketch #27 & Card.....

I came to check emails this morning and found a bunch of you posted such kind words in yesterday's post. I appreciate them all and it helps with the healing. Last night we were playing outside and Daisy was whining as she was walking around the front of our house. I felt terrible. But then later she was playing ball with me, so she is probably on the mend. Thanks again for your well wishes and kind words.

Onto my card...I've wanted to make one of the "non-traditional" color Christmas cards like everyone else. This set is perfect for that. I colored it in with markers and the snowman's face I colored with an Aquapainter. The 3 little snowflakes come from Short & Sweet.

Everyone have a great day! Link your cards here when you're done!

Recipe:
Stamps: Big On Christmas, Short & Sweet
Paper: Basic Gray, Bashful Blue, Pretty In Pink, Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery, WW
Ink: Basic Gray, Bashful Blue, Pretty In Pink, Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon, Celery Brads
Tools: Lg & Sm Oval Punches

27 Sketches in 27 Days-#14

Sketch #14 & Card

I'm starting to fall behind...Oh dear! I was ahead of myself last week, and finally life got busy with the weekend and everything, I haven't had a chance to get cards made for this week!

It was a very sad morning here at our house. Our dog gave birth to 4 stillborn puppies very early. We don't really know what caused it, this was her first litter and we were so excited and actually had a few of the puppies spoken for. It would have been quite appropriate to have the puppies for my daughter-to see how babies are born and that whole miracle-before we have our own baby, but unfortunately we can't and decided not to tell her about it. Anyway, Daisy (our dog) is doing much better. Some people say animals don't have feelings, but I have to disagree. I saw disappointment and sadness and mourning in her eyes this morning. It was really sad to see her that way, and I got teary-eyed from it.

Anyway-back to my card: I just bought this set a couple weeks ago, and LOVE IT. Don't know what exactly I'll do with it but I really like the Outlaw papers that coordinate. Makes great masculine cards anyway!

I started making the card and decided it needed to be a square card just by the size of my images. If you're wondering what the heck I did to the "wanted": I stamped it in Sage shadow first, then lightly in Chocolate chip. That's how I got that rustic weathered feel.

Thanks for stopping by, Remember to link up your card creation here!

Recipe:
Stamps: Wanted
Paper: Outlaw DP, VV, Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow
Accessories: Chocolate taffeta ribbon, natural Hemp

More Card Links

Angel's Card for Sketch #11

Lisa's Cardfor sketch #8

Tracy's Card for sketch #10

Angels' Card for Sketch #12

Thanks girls! Awesome cards!

27 Sketches in 27 Days-#13

Sketch #13 & Card

Not totally excited about my card I created, but it will do.

I had a nice day today...Went to church, came home and my husband made lunch. Then I decided I needed to go shopping and I was able to go ALONE!!! Which was awesome by the way! I got a ton of new maternity clothes and some shoes (yay-I have a really hard time finding shoes in my size) Then I came home and hubby had dinner ready to go! What a guy! I think I'll just relax tonight. My hip is bothering me again.

Recipe:
Stamps: Fabulous Flowers
Paper: Basic Black, WW, Wild Wasabi,
Ink: Basic Black, Groovy Guava, Wild Wasabi
Accessories: Green Rhinestone Brad, Black Brad, Groovy Guava Ribbon

I'll be back tomorrow afternoon with another sketch! Thanks for checking them out!

More Card Links

Dawn's Card for Sketch #11

Sandy's Cards for many sketches!

MJ's Card for sketch #10

Here's another card:

MJ's card for Sketch #7

Thanks for playing along! Get ready for more next week :)
:)

27 Sketches in 27 Days-#12

Sketch #12 & Card.....

Don't you just love our new Basic Gray?? I love pairing it with softer pastels-it makes the best compliment for those colors.

I colored the butterfly on this card with an Almost Amethyst marker, but it came out really really pale. This usually happens to me when I color with a marker, but not usually this light. Then I colored in the centers of the wings with an Aquapainter and Basic Gray. I mounted this piece on a piece of Basic Gray and added dimensionals.

I stamped the row of flowers and "to you from me" in Versamark and embossed it with white embossing powder. Under this is some paper from the "Uptown" paper pack. Love that stuff too!

Recipe:
Stamps: Just Like You, All in a Row
Paper: UPtown, Basic Gray, Almost Amethyst, WW
Ink: Almost Amethyst, Versamark, Basic Gray
Accessories: White Embossing powder, dimensionals, Aquapainter


Thanks for stopping by! I hope everyone has a great weekend. I'll be back with another sketch!

Hostess Gift

Here's one of those Coaster Boxes I made for a hostess gift. Here's the tutorial from Splitcoast: Coaster Gift Box

I filled this with chocolate (because who wouldn't like chocolate???) I hope she likes it!

I used the Cutie Pie DP here and just tied instead of stitched the edges. I also added a scallop circle to the front and cut out one of the flowers from the papers. Then used my Spring Bouquet punch to punch out a pomegranate flower and a little 1/4" circle for the center. Added dimensionals to the back and stamped "for you" on one of the petals.

Recipe:
Stamps: Happy Everything
Paper: Cutie Pie DSP, Bashful Blue, Purely Pomegranate, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Bashful Blue & Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals
Tools: Spring Bouquet Flower Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 1/4" Circle punch

27 Sketches in 27 Days-#11

Sketch #11 & Card....

No stamping here guys! This is all from the "Secret Garden" SS kit!

Actually there's no embellishments on this one either....what the heck? I guess I felt it didn't need anything. All I added was a couple dimensionals under "thinking of you" and the old olive square on the bottom center.

I love all of our kits this year, especially this one and the new "Happy Me" hostess kit. They make pages come together in a snap and cards even easier!

I hope you're enjoying these sketches! After the 27 days, I think I'm going to start a weekly sketch....What do you think? They're really fun!

Recipe:
Paper: Old Olive, Self adhesive die cuts from Secret Garden SS kit.
Other: Dimensionals.
Tools: Corner Rounder

More Card Links

Nikki's Card for Sketch #8

Dawn's Card for Sketch #4

Shadowcatcher's Card for Sketch #9

MJ's Card for Sketch #9

ETA: Here's one more! Check 'em out!!

Dani's Card for Sketch #10

27 Sketches in 27 Days-#10

Sketch #10 & Card......

I thought I would throw a square card into the mix! I don't usually make square cards myself, but I see a lot of them and they look awesome! I think I should do more, because it's a nice change!

Some of you are wondering if you can participate in the sketches?.......OF COURSE!!! I'm just doing this for fun and anybody is welcome to share their creations. I actually enjoy seeing all of your cards that you've come up with.
And what you do with the sketches is up to you also! You can flip them, turn them upside down, or whatever you please. They are for inspiration! Whatever makes YOU happy-makes ME happy :)

This card is pretty simple (actually most of my cards are on the simple side) I had this color combo in my head for a while and needed to do something with it, so here it is! It's River Rock, Elegant Eggplant, and Old Olive.

Recipe:
Stamps: Baroque Motifs
Paper: River Rock, Elegant Eggplant, and Old Olive, VV
Ink: River Rock, Elegant Eggplant, and Old Olive
Accessories: Elegant Eggplant Ribbon