paperflair

Ur 1

2011-09-19T08:28:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday, all!

I know it's been awfully quiet around here. Sorry about that. :( The hubs and I just started a new eating regimen and it's taken a couple of weeks to get adjusted to. All is great and we've steadily lost poundage! woot! :)

Today's card is a fun one. I created this a month ago, I believe, for a dear friend of mine. She had a friend whose little one was turning one! Birthday cards are so much fun to make. I especially enjoyed making this one, since I tried a pack of dimensional stickers for the first time. Will definitely be incorporating more of these fun things in the future. :)

Forgive the dark photo.. I definitely need higher watt daylight bulbs. But, isn't that cake just awesome??? Love it!

Hope you enjoy this and have a great week ahead!! :)

CS: PTI Lemon Tart, New Leaf

PP: DCWV Sweet Matstack

Other: Spellbinders Label 4, K&Company Confetti Cake Grand Adhesions, Me&MyBigIdeas Alpha Chips

I am Glam! (ha!)

2011-09-02T10:59:00.001-04:00

Happy Friday!!

So excited!!!!!!! to share that my card from yesterday's post was recognized by Friday MashUp's Design Team member Lesley Croghan! I am beyond ecstatic. wee!!! :)

(Click here for Lesley's post.)

Creating cards have become such a blessing to me. It keeps me sane *and* causes episodes of insanity at the same time. (You all know what I mean, right?? **paper! yummy paper!!** {insert shriek here} HA!) Truly though, being able to create and express one's creativity and then have that creation enjoyed by others is simple happiness to me. But then having it applauded on top of that is just... it absolutely warms my heart. It's a real gift.

So, to Lesley and the fab ladies at Friday MashUp: THANK YOU. {shriek!}

PS. Don't miss out on the fun over at Friday MashUp! Check them out!

This week's challenge is SUPER fun! :)

Be yourself...

2011-09-01T09:38:00.002-04:00

Morning, all!

Can you believe it's September?!? acckkk! This means I'll soon get to create my most favorite: Christmas cards!! Trees and trimmings, reds and golds.. Nativity, angels, reindeer!! wee!!! Before I get *too* excited, let me get on with today's card. ;-)

I was reading through my blog roll and came upon a new-to-me challenge blog. Discovering new blogs is such a treat! I enjoyed the challenges on this newly discovered blog that I spent a good half of the morning reading through the pages. Much inspired by the DT, I decided to join in on the fun and create a card following Friday MashUp's Challenge #21 - Bossy and Sketchy!

The challenge is to create a card using the sketch and to add a dry embossed element. Hence, the name "Bossy and Sketchy." FUN, yea? :) I also took inspiration from Color Throwdown #157. Those color ladies sure know how to challenge! It took me a good 15 minutes to get my mind around combining blue, burgundy and... *gasp!* LIME green. After a few rough sketches, (I draw up the sketch and add elements on paper first. It saves me from wasting supplies. Yep, lesson learned. hehe) I decided on using patterned paper with all the beautiful shades and butterflies to boot! (I looooovvvvvvve butterflies!)

I busted out my Cuttlebug Script folder for the bottom strip. Don'cha just love that texture? :) The color challenge has us use a burgundy color. I swear that sentiment is a dark red. It's showing up bright red on my monitor. booo!

As you see on the left panel, I chose to cut out the large butterfly's wings (just the wings) to make it pop out from the rest of the butterflies on the paper. This was inspired by the sentiment. BE YOURSELF! Love that!

Anyway, that'll be it for now. I hope you all have a great Thursday. Stay yourself and be happy!!!! yay! :)

CS: PTI Enchanted Evening, Kraft, Spring Moss
PP: K&Company Amy Butler Söla Mat Pad, K&Company Susan Winget Botanical Mat Pad
Stamp: Fiskars Forever Friends Quotes
Ink: Memento Rhubarb Stalk
Other: Cuttlebug Script folder, Recollections pearls

Just because...

2011-08-28T21:46:00.000-04:00

Happy Sunday!

Late post today. Had a comfy lazy day with the hubs, catching up on some Netflix. Tonight's card is inspired by Taylored Expressions Sketch #145 and is also my take on Stampin' Royalty's Challenge #86, which is So. Much. Fun! Glitter and rhinestones and sparkles! What could be more fun?!

I took out one of my fave matstacks from DCWV and cut out a few glittered flowers. I also took this really cute bejeweled bird.. Isn't he perfect for the challenge?! wee! :) To complete the theme, I added rhinestones on both sides of the sentiment.

I hope this card makes you smile. Be sure to check the goddesses out here and of course, check out TE too!

CS: PTI Lemon Tart
PP: DCWV Citrus matstack
Stamp: Inkadinkado Gemstone Birds, StudioG sentiment
Ink: Stazon Timber Brown
Other: Michael's grosgrain ribbon, Spellbinders Label Die 1, Recollections rhinestones

Good friends...

2011-08-24T14:25:00.001-04:00

Hellooo!

Happy Hump Day! ;) It's a nice warm afternoon here in the west coast of Florida. I have new craft blogs to peruse and enjoy while sipping medium roast coffee with NCIS reruns in the background and my lil bugger, Stewie keeping me company. It's a good day. :)

Today's card is my take on CAS-ual Friday's Challenge No. 16. This is my second entry and I look forward to joining their challenges every week. I absolutely love clean and simple designs, yet most times, it's a challenge for me to accomplish. You see, I love supplies!! So I have a tendency to want to use most of them on one card. I hope I am not alone in this. ... Am I??? :-/

Anyway, this week's challenge is all about embossing: dry, heat set, folders. I figured I'd use all three methods and still keep it clean and simple. Talk about a challenge, eh?! I also tried a new-to-me technique for using dies for creating embossed frames. I followed this easy-to-follow tutorial by Ms Laura. Don'cha just love learning stuff?? wee!

To keep the design clean, I used a TON of restraint and subtlety. ;) You'll see folder embossing on the smaller pink flower, heat set embossing on the sentiment and of course, dry embossed framing the focal point. Whew! I must say, I'm proud of myself. lol

I hope you enjoy this card as much as I enjoyed creating it. Oh, and isn't that sentiment so true? Turning 30 just this past weekend, I have been blessed with a small group of wonderful ladies that I can absolutely, truly count on. Yay for awesome friends!

That's about it for now. I hope this makes you smile.. Have a great day! :)

CS: PTI Berry Sorbet
Stamp: Fiskars Friends Forever Quotes
Ink: Memento Rhubarb Stalk, VersaMark
Tools: Spellbinders Label 4 die, Prima flowers, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder, Recollections pearl, Stampedous clear embossing powder

His and mine are the same...

2011-08-23T10:40:00.002-04:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!

I hope everyone is having a great week so far. The weekend sure did fly by! I celebrated my 30th this weekend... had a really nice dinner with the hubs, went to see a movie (which, unfortunately was a dud - but enjoyed the time together) and had a couple of really enjoyable meals out. Yes. We love to eat. HA! ;)

Along with celebrating my birthday, we also had to have all four tires and the alternator replaced on our Jeep. Fun. Stuff. It really set us off track with our savings, but all of it's necessary and so we simply need to get back on track! I am truly grateful that the hubs really enjoys his work, which provides more than enough for us. We are simply blessed.

With all that gratefulness in mind, I put this simple card together, inspired by Just Us Girls Challenge No. 98. {It's been a good while since I joined in on the fun with the "Girls." I've missed the great fun and inspiration there! Be sure to check them out. :) }

Although I adore patterned paper, floral and distressed ones like this kinda intimidate me. I just don't know how to work them at times! So, I kept it clean and let the colors be the main thing.

Oh, and how about that sentiment?! I just absolutely love it! I think it describes how most of us feel about that important person in our lives. :)

Have a great rest of the week and thanks for stopping by! Leave a comment, I love reading them. :)

CS: PTI Dark Chocolate, Pure Poppy, yellow piece from Michael's paper pack
PP: from an old stash
Stamp: Fiskars Lasting Love Quotes
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa
Other: green grosgrain ribbon from Michael's

"Folded" Love...

2011-08-19T23:07:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! Happy Friday!

Earlier today, Kristina (KWernerDesign) added a new video for the "Focus Fridays" series. It was such an awesome tutorial that I *had* to try it! You can check out the vid tutorial here.

For her card, Kristina used Martha Stewart's All Over The Page Punch. While it certainly makes punching out a shape much easier, I thought a regular punch could also do the trick, albeit a little... well, tricky. ;)

I used the MS Royal Butterfly Punch and after a couple of test punches on scrap cardstock, I figured out where the score line had to be to create the perfect punch.

After punching one side with half of the butterfly, simply flip and punch the other. I found it was helpful to draw tick marks to align the edges of the wing and body.

I added patterned paper on the inside of the card so it peeked through the butterfly, as though it had colorful dotted wings! weee! :) I also used the handy Stamp-a-ma-jig to achieve perfect placement for the sentiment on all the flaps.

That's it for now! Sorry about the blurry photos. Still learning how to capture clear photos.. Having to "direct" the hubs (that's him up there holding the card up) was an experience! LOL

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

CS: PTI Pure Poppy
PP: DCWV Citrus Matstack
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Stamp: Fiskars Lasting Love Quotes
Other: Spellbinders Label 4 die, Recollection pearls, MS butterfly punch

Cherish...

2011-08-16T11:54:00.001-04:00

Happy Tuesday!

As I write this post, I can hear thunder and the sky is turning a cozy shade of gray.. The rain'll start to pour any minute now. I actually enjoy rainy days. It puts me in such a contemplative mood...

Today, I am more and more aware of the fact that I am turning thirty in a few days. I am all sorts of emotions. Happy. Excited. Amused. Amazed. I think, more than anything, I am thankful. Thankful for having good people around me. Thankful for each and every opportunity. Thankful for this body, this mind (both of which I have committed to taking much better care of).

Inspired by these thoughts, I created a card following sketch number 144 at Taylored Expressions. Be sure to join the fun -- a prize awaits one lucky blogger! :)

I just love the different patterns on these papers! And the flocking adds amazing texture.

I hope this puts a smile on your face! :) Thanks for stopping by.

CS: PTI Smokey Shadow
PP: DCWV La Creme Matstack
Stamp: Fiskars Lasting Love Quotes
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Tools: Spellbinders square and circle dies, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Recollections pearls

Many, many thanks...

2011-08-14T19:41:00.003-04:00

Happy Sunday, everyone!

Had a pretty busy morning -- went grocery shopping, made a return and a stop at Home Depot. The hubs was nice enough to remember that I needed something called a plumber's gasket. No, I am not trying to learn the intricacies of plumbing. Believe it or not, I use it for embossing. Yes, embossing.

I'm pretty sure this piece of info is nothing new to most crafters, but allow me to share :) ... Also called a rubber gasket (see red piece in the photo), it's an effective and inexpensive substitute to the tan embossing mats used for the Cuttlebug (die cutting and embossing machine). The tan mat typically runs between $9-$12. I got two sheets for just over $4.50. I say, SCORE! hehe

Anyway, I recently discovered a challenge blog and I am absolutely loving it! CAS-ual Fridays is a weekly challenge blog dedicated to CAS: Clean and Simple designs. I love it! Love it, love it. Clean lines, straight forward design = happy sigh. ;)

So to end this lovely weekend, I hope you enjoy my take on CAS-ual Fridays Challenge CFC15.

Geez, that photo's massive! hahaha. But don'cha just love that cherry blossom??

"Many, many thanks" for stopping by!! Have a great week ahead! :)

CS: PTI Raspberry Fizz, Dark Chocolate and Spring Moss
Stamps: Hero Arts (sentiment), Rubber Stampede (cherry blossom)
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa
Other: Martha Stewart rose quartz glitter, Elmer's craft bond

You are Special..

2011-08-12T10:17:00.001-04:00

Helloooooo!

Guess who's back? :) ... After an 18 (yes, eighteen!) month hiatus, my creative mojo is back! {woot!} Much as I wanted to create, other things needed my full attention. The dust has settled... and I have been blessed to be able to participate, create and share with you again.

I may not have picked up a stamp or sliced into some yummy paper the past year and a half, but I have continued to follow my favorite ladies.. Lurking, ooh-ing and aah-ing at their beautiful creations! Such amazing talent out there! I love learning from them. :)

Today, allow me to share a card I made, drawing inspiration from Stampin' Royalty's Challenge No. 84. I joined in on the fun back in 2010, and it was such a surprise when the goddesses chose one of my cards. Be sure to check the blog as their challenges are great fun!

That'll be it for me today. Thanks for stopping by. Leave a comment, if you'd like. (I love reading them.) Have a great weekend!! :)

CS: PTI kraft
PP: DCWV Citrus Matstack
Stamp: Hero Arts (sentiment)
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa
Tools: Spellbinders Label 4 die, Fiskars corner rounder, Recollections pearls

Hello...

2010-02-05T10:04:00.012-05:00

Hey there!

It's so good to be back blogging. I have missed a number of challenges that I love this week. I'm trying to catch up! :) I hope you missed me.. ??? hee hee.

Today's card is my take on Embellish Mag's Color Challenge with RIBBON. I thought I'd try something different with the ribbon treatment. I came up with this flower last night. It just came to me while watching TV. I didn't think I could pull it off, but I like how it turned out. It may look a bit prosaic, but I like to keep things simple. :)

This week's challenge is sponsored by May Arts, so go check it out!

I hope this makes you smile! :) Yay.

Stamp: StudioG sentiment and flower stem - Paper: PTI Kraft, Stamper's Select White, Dark Chocolate, Raspberry Fizz - Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa - Other: Celebrate It! and Offray ribbon, Fiskars Apron Lace punch, Fiskars Round the Bend punch, Marvy 1-inch circle punch, Favorite Findings button

A Friend...

2010-01-27T13:12:00.009-05:00

Hello everyone!! :)

I've missed a few challenges this past week.. I've started my workout routine and it's kicking my butt! I don't have to go in to work 'til 4 today so I whipped up a card to share. :)

Color Throwdown #77 is such a FUN combo! When I first saw it, I immediately thought of the Amy Butler designer mat pad I recently purchased from Jo-Ann's! So perfect!

Today's card also follows Stampin' Royalty's Challenge #4. SR is a new challenge blog with a fun team of ladies sharing their talent. This week's challenge is a sketch, so check them out! :)

I hope everyone has a great week!! Yay!

Leave a comment. I so appreciate them! :)

Stamp: Inkadinkado Boxed Wishes - Paper: PTI Plum Pudding, Spring Moss, Spring Rain, Stamper's Select White, Colorbok Eggplant and Sage Stripe pp, Amy Butler Sola mat pad - Ink: Memento Sweet Plum - Other: pearls, Fiskars Scallop punch

Sending Smiles...

2010-01-20T21:52:00.022-05:00

Hello!!!!! :)

Did you have a good Wednesday?? I did my cardio at 7am (I am still a bit in awe of myself.. I actually got up at 6:45 and did it! Wow. haha) Had a so-so day at work. Got a few more toys at Jo-Ann's (they've still got that 40% off almost everything deal!). My awesome husband made dinner and finally, here I am posting! Wee!

Today's card is my take on Ms Mercy's Sketch for this week. I really really really like this sketch! :) I also used Color Throwdown #76 for the color inspiration. I am not fond of yellow, but because of this combo, I may have a change of heart.. ;)

I hope everyone had a great Wednesday! Keep on stampin'! :)

Stamp: Hero Arts sentiment - Paper: PTI Lemon Tart, Rich Avocado, Stamper's Select White, Heidi Grace Designs Mini Dots pp - Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black - Other: Fiskars Apron Lace punch, Fiskars corner rounder, pearls

Thanks For Being You...

2010-01-18T14:10:00.008-05:00

Hey there! :)

I am back today with a card that follows Taylored Expressions Sketch #98 and JUGs Color Challenge #16. Great balanced layout and fab color combo! I did some heat embossing and that's always FUN! :)

I've restarted my cardio routine this morning and I'm slowly feeling the effects.. My body wants to take a NAP! but I shouldn't because I know it'll ruin me tonight. :(

Anyway, I hope everyone's having a great Monday! :)

Thanks for looking!! :) :)

Stamp: Inkadinkado Flower Sentiments - Paper: PTI Scarlet Jewel, Sweet Blush, Best Occasions textured cs (gray), Recollections Basics light pink damask pp - Ink: VersaMark - Other: Sakura white gel pen, pearls, Stamp n Stuff white ep, Fiskars corner rounder

Thanks So Much!

2010-01-17T11:50:00.005-05:00

Happy Sunday everyone!!

Just a quick post today as this card literally took me 3 hours to make! Color Throwdown #75 was a REAL challenge! I could not for the life of me get these colors to come together! The problem, really, isn't the combination but the fact that I do not have SU! Rich Razzleberry or anything similar. :(

Ms LeAnne, thank you for the challenge!! I hope this makes you and, everyone who stops by, SMILE. :)

Have a great weekend!!

Stamps: Rubber Stampede Wild Rose Background, Hero Arts sentiment - Paper: PTI Kraft, Spring Moss, Stamper's Select White, Recollections paper (green) - Ink: Memento Lilac Posies, Stazon Timber Brown - Other: Fiskars corner rounders

Thanks...

2010-01-16T20:01:00.027-05:00

Hey everyone!!

Are you having a great weekend so far? I know I am! :) I had planned on going to Michael's after work today but then a "little voice" told me to check out Jo-Ann's instead. (I'm not hearing voices. I promise I'm sane. hahaha. Promise.) Boy, am I glad I went! Almost everything was 40 percent off!! Weee!!! So, I have more than a few new toys that I can't wait to use and the best part, I get to share my cards with all of you lovely people! :) Yayy!

Today's card is my take on Embellish Mag's Color Challenge *with STRIPES.* I am beyond excited with this color combo! I love love love love ... did I say, love? ... PURPLE!

This card's layout was inspired by a few Kristina Werner cards. I have been really inspired by her videos and how it shows her design process. I admire her tons! So, if you haven't checked her out (which I doubt because she's awesome), go here! :)

I tried something new (to me) with the ribbon. I thought it turned out really pretty. After finishing the card with the handwritten sentiment, I thought the floral focal image could've been placed a tad lower.. But darn those mini pop dots! hahaha. I hope you enjoy this! :)

Also, Embellish Mag's Color Challenge this week is being sponsored by Clear and Simple Stamps. It's a super fun challenge so, check them out! :)

Thanks for looking!

Stamp: StudioG ($ bin) - Paper: PTI Dark Chocolate, Plum Pudding, Kraft, Recollections Basics Purple Pinstripe pp - Ink: VersaMark - Other: Sakura white gel pen, satin ribbon, pearls, Fiskars corner rounder

Thinking of You...

2010-01-12T08:13:00.014-05:00

Hello everyone!

It is a chilly 30deg, yet bright and sunny Tuesday morning! It looks amazing out but, I think I'm staying in! I've got my warm old puffy blanket, my lil doggie Stewie (to keep me extra warm.. I'm amazed how warm this little 13lb rat terrier is!!) and a good read. *sigh* But before I get all comfy and settled in, I've got a card to share with you. :) :)

Today's card is my take on Mojo Monday's Sketch #121 and Ms Dawn McVey's Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #21. I loved combining these two!

I whipped up this card pretty quickly.. The only thing that was a real challenge was tying that bow right! I fiddled with it to no end! haha. I saw Ms Dawn's tutorial a few days ago and have tied a couple of bows using her technique with ease. But this aqua ribbon was kicking my butt! I won in the end though! Wee!!! (I just have to say, learning new things is just the awesomest thing in the world! A few posts back, I mentioned learning a trick from Ms Gina of StampTV on bow tying. Now, with Ms Dawn's video, I've got another technique in my cardmaking arsenal! Yay!! for awesome teachers!!)

Don'cha just love that patterned paper?? I do!! It is from a stack I got forever ago. I thought it was the perfect backdrop for this card as it had the right combination of colors. Hope you enjoy this card! :) :)

(click photo for larger view)

Thanks for looking!! :) :)

Stamp: StudioG clear stamps Series16 - Paper: PTI Dark Chocolate, Aqua Mist, Lemon Tart, Bazzil Mother of Pearl, patterned paper from Michael's - Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa - Other: Michael's satin ribbon, paper piercer, Fiskars corner rounder, Recollections pearls, Martha Stewart royal butterfly punch

Be Mine...

2010-01-11T11:05:00.017-05:00

Happy Monday!!!

I hope everyone had a great weekend! The weather is still a bit too cold for my liking. We are still getting mid-30s. I spent all day yesterday with my family shopping for jackets and gloves. I say, **all day** because it seemed like every store has been ransacked and out of cold weather clothing! Luckily, I found a pair of really comfy leather gloves at Target for half off! Yayy!! I'm so glad I found them as my hands get cold pretty quickly! :) I hope everyone is keeping warm.

Okay, on to my card! Today's card is my *humble* attempt at Ms Kristina Werner's Color Challenge #57. Oh my goodness, these colors!! I wasn't sure how all of these colors were going to fit in one card! But, after perusing other talented ladies' creations, I mustered up enough courage to take it on! Weee!!!

Since the color combo was a real challenge, I thought I'd keep the layout simple and chose Ms Taylor's Sketch for this week.

I also incorporated JUGs Technique Challenge - Stitching. How d'ya like that?? I managed to combine three challenges! Wow! hee hee.

I hope you enjoy this card. I had so much fun making it! :) Have a great week everyone!! :)

Leave a comment! I read each one and love them all! :) :)

Stamp: Recollections Whimsy Double - Paper: PTI Pure Poppy, Summer Sunrise, Lemon Tart, Spring Rain - Ink: VersaMagic Cloud White - Other: Sakura white gel pen, Sharpie fine point red, Marvy round punches, Fiskars Upper Crest punch and corner rounder, Michael's grosgrain ribbon, Cricut Expression

Live...Laugh...Love

2010-01-07T23:27:00.009-05:00

Hello everyone!!

It has been a crazy couple of days here in "sunny" Florida! We've had freeze warnings the past couple of nights and they say we may even get snow flurries tomorrow!! *gasp!* I know I musn't complain because a lot of people up North are getting a lot more than flurries. I'm just not too fond of the freezing white stuff! hee hee. I do hope everyone stay safe and keep warm. :) :)

I took on the Color Throwdown today! So happy to be doing a CTD challenge again. Also, the ladies have Ms Kristin as their new design team member! What fab news!! A super talented lady added to an awesome group of ladies! SO MUCH FUN! Wee!!! This week, there are prizes to be had so check them out you guys! :)

Also, I used Ms Taylor's Sketch as insipiration. I have to say, this sketch was a real challenge. The layout is simple but, I wanted to treat it differently than what is expected. I had fun trying and creating. I hope you enjoy it!! :)

Thanks for looking!! and of course, I'd love to hear what you think! :)

Stamp: StudioG ($ bin) - Paper: PTI Dark Chocolate and Stamper's Select White, Recollections pink and orange - Ink: Memento Tangelo, RoseBud - Other: Fiskars Apron Lace punch, CB Swiss Dots and Stylized Flowers ef, Recollections silver pearls, Sakura white gel pen, paper piercer

LOVE..

2010-01-05T10:45:00.017-05:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!!

I can't get over how cold it is here in Florida!! Woke up to 39deg! BRRRRR.. At least the sun is shining.. :)

Today's card is my take on Ms Mercy's Sketch #55. This card also follows Embellish Mag's Hearts Color Challenge.

I had a lot of fun making this card.. I hope it makes you smile! :) :) :)

I swear that's PTI Sweet Blush (small hearts, panel behind focal image). My camera doesn't seem to want to pick up the pink hue. It looks cream to me. :( :( :(

Thanks for looking!!

Stamp: StudioG $ stamp Paper: PTI True Black, Pure Poppy, Sweet Blush
Ink: VersaMagic Cloud White
Other: Cricut Expression, Michael's grosgrain ribbon, Sakura white gel pen

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! I'M BACK! =)

2010-01-04T17:32:00.013-05:00

Hello blogworld friends!!

I am SO happy to be back cardmaking and blogging again! Even with a crazy work schedule over the holidays and with family visiting, I couldn't resist checking out blogs over the past few weeks. I was *ITCHING!* to join a few challenges, but I felt a short break would be okay and being with family was much needed. :)

For today's post, I have two cards! Wee! I decided to take on Mojo Monday's Contest Sketch and Just Us Girls Sketch Challenge! Yay!!! So FUN, so INSPIRING!

**Before I go on though, I'd like to say THANK YOU, MS KRISTIN over at JUGs!!! Thank you, thank you for recognizing my work for last month's Chalk Challenge. I truly appreciate it. It means a TON! and I just needed to let you know that!**

On to the cards! Yayy!!

Don'cha just LOVE! those balloons?!?! They're so FUN! Gotta love Inkadinkado images! :)

CELEBRATE - MojoMonday

Stamp: Inkadinkado Birthday Sentiments
Paper: PTI Stamper's Select White, Melon Berry, Pure Poppy, Hibscus Burst
Ink: Memento LadyBug, Tangelo, RoseBud
Other: CB Paisley ef, Recollections pearls, Michael's grosgrain ribbon, Fiskars Upper Crest punch

* * * * * * * * * *

I tried something NEW with this card: coloring with pencils. I colored in a few areas on this supercool! butterfly and softened it a bit with a blender pen. The colors bleeding outside the lines bothered!!! me in the beginning but I think I'm loving it now.. :)

THANKS FOR BEING YOU - JUGs

Stamp: Rubber Stampede Stylized Butterfly, TPC Christmas Glamour, StudioG sentiment
Paper: PTI Aqua Mist, Berry Sorbet, Lemon Tart
Ink: Stazon Timber Brown, VersaMagic Cloud White
Other: Koh-I-Noor color pencils, blender pen, paper piercer, Recollections pearls, Michael's grosgrain ribbon

THANKS FOR LOOKING! Please leave a comment. I've missed them so! :)

Joy..

2009-12-16T23:17:00.010-05:00

Hello!!!!

Second post today! I just couldn't wait to tackle the Just Us Girls Challenge this week after checking out the blog again earlier today! When I saw it at first, I knew I couldn't join in on the fun because I do not own chalks. But, when I checked them out again today, I read the update on the very top saying "powdered make up like eyeshadow or blush" could be used in place of chalks. *gasp!* Yay!!! Eyeshadow and blush I certainly own! :) So, after deciding I'd use Color Throwdown's colors again, I figured, what the heck!, pair it up with Everything But the Kitchen Sink sketch! Wee!!

I really like how soft the images turn out with this technique. I think the softness makes a big impact against all the strong colors around it. I may just try this again!! Yay! :) Instead of using a sponge dauber (as suggested in the tut), I used a soft eyeshadow brush and tapped the color on instead of swirling it on the image. I tried swirling at first and it gave the image sort of a halo of color around it, made it muddy. Yay for learning new things!!!! :)

I hope you enjoy this card as much as I enjoyed making and sharing it with you! :) :) :)

Stamp: TPC Studio Christmas Glamour
Paper: PTI Rich Avocado, Spring Rain, Spring Moss, Pure Poppy
Ink: VersaMagic Cloud White
Other: Sakura white gel pen, Recollections silver pearls, Fiskars Upper Crest punch, buttons from WalMart, Michael's grosgrain ribbon, eyeshadow in red and light blue, eyeshadow brush

Soar..

2009-12-16T12:21:00.008-05:00

Happy Wednesday everyone!

I was expecting a fuller schedule at the spa today but, a few clients cancelled and I don't have to go in until 4pm today. Bummer, yes but it gave me a few hours to finish the dishes, put folded laundry away and of course, make this card and post it! Yay!!

I have to admit I love how this card turned out. This combo is Color Throwdown #73. I wasn't quite sure how Spring Rain was going to look with the other colors. But, as always, the result is just awesome. Thanks to Ms Tammy at CTD for this week's combo!! :) I also used Ms Mercy's Tuesday Sketch #52 as inspiration. Yay for challenges!! :)

I think I am addicted to tying bows!! haha. After drooling over Ms Maureen's perfect bows (like this one!! *drool!*), I knew I had to find a video or tutorial on how make these little things! I found one on YouTube that was really helpful but can't find the exact one at the moment. But, the awesomest!! trick I learned was from Ms Gina over at StampTV! Ok, I'm sure this clever trick may not be new to most of you but it is to me and I'm just so happy I learned it! Wee!! Ok, so I've tried making bows by tying it onto the card as though I was tying one on a boxed present. Never worked. Plus, I ended up wasting ribbon. :( What I learned from Ms Gina was to take some thread and tie it around a strip of ribbon already adhered onto the card and basically cinch it. Place the seperately tied bow on top of the cinch and there you go! Perfect looking bow! Weee!!! Learning new stuff is AWE. SOME. :)

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the week.

Merry Christmas!!!! :) :) :)

Stamp: Inkadinkado GemStone Birds
Paper: PTI Rich Avocado, Spring Moss, Spring Rain
Ink: Stazon Timber Brown
Other: Michael's grosgrain ribbon, Recollections pearls

Tis the Season to Embellish =)

2009-12-15T15:09:00.011-05:00

Hello everyone!!

It's great to be back bloggin' again! I've missed a couple of sketch challenges this past week. Life just took over a bit! I hope some of you missed me. *wink*

Today's card is my take on this week's Embellish Color Challenge *With Snowflakes* It was so much FUN using these colors together. It may just be added to my fave list! Wee!!

I recently found a blog called SVGSHOP.com that offers free SVG files for the Cricut Expression using SCAL. (Check her out! The images are fab!!) I downloaded the snowflake svg and used it for this card. It was the perfect snowflake accent! Don'cha just love it when things just ... work??!!? Yay!

I hope you guys have a great week and I'd love to hear from you!!

I've missed you!!!

Stamp: TPC Studio Christmas Glamour
Paper: PTI Kraft, Dark Chocolate, Lemon Tart, Bazzill Basics Tiara
Ink: VersaMagic Cloud White
Other: Michael's satin ribbon, Fiskars Upper Crest punch, Recollections pearls, Cricut Exp, SCAL

Deck the Halls..

2009-12-09T09:59:00.011-05:00

Happy Wednesday everyone! Are you having a good week so far? :)

Today's card is my take on Mojo Monday Sketch 116. (It's contest time this week!!) I also used Color Throwdown #72 for the color combo. Such pretty colors..

Christmas is only two weeks away!! Are you ready??? It is such a great holiday.. I try to enjoy the true meaning of it especially in tough times like these. :)

I hope you enjoy this card. Have a great day!!!

Thanks for looking!! :) :)

Stamps: TPC Studio Christmas Glamour
Paper: PTI Kraft, Aqua Mist, Sweet Blush, Recollections paper pack (red), DCWV Textured Neutrals (cream)
Ink: Memento Bamboo Leaves, Danube Blue and Lady Bug, Stazon Timber Brown
Other: Recollections rhinestones, Michael's grosgrain ribbon

I wish you JOY..

2009-12-07T22:44:00.006-05:00

Hey everyone! I'M BACK! Ran some errands this afternoon like I said in my earlier post aaaannnnnddd I got a little bit of Christmas shopping done. Yay! :) Here's another card!

This one took longer to make than usual. I played with a damask-like stamp from the TPC Christmas Glamour set and I got carried away! hee hee! :) I used Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #93 as inspiration. Not exactly as the sketch required but, I enjoyed making it and I hope it makes you smile! Wee! :)

Thanks for looking and commenting!!! It means so much! :)

Stamp: TPC Studio Christmas Glamour
Paper: PTI Raspberry Fizz and Pure Poppy, Bazzil Mother of Pearl
Ink: Memento Lady Bug
Other: Michael's grosgrain ribbon, Cricut Expression, SCAL, Sakura white gel pen

'Tis the Season..

2009-12-07T11:53:00.005-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!!

I whipped up this card today using Ms Karen's Sweet Sunday Sketch #47. I am trying to finish up with the Christmas cards so I can send them out this week. I have to send out a couple soon because they're for my dear dear friends in the Philippines. :) I have a ton of errands today! I like that I have two weekDAYS off. It makes running these errands a bit easier as I am not running around battling through weekend crowds!

I hope you enjoy my take on Ms Karen's sketch. I will be back later today with a card using Ms Taylor's sketch! And maybe even a Mojo card! Wee!!! :)

Thanks for looking! And, as always, I'd LOVE to hear what you think! :) :)

Stamps: TPC Studio Christmas Glamour
Paper: PTI New Leaf, Aqua Mist, Stamper's Select White, Recollections Basics Green Damask pp
Ink: Memento New Sprout
Other: Fiskars Upper Crest punch, Michael's satin ribbon, StampNStuff White opaque ep, Recollections silver pearls

Glitter! Glitter! Glitter!

2009-12-05T22:52:00.010-05:00

Hey everyone!! Did you have a good Saturday?? Had a full day at the spa today.. My weekend starts tomorrow! Wee!!! :)

When I saw Everything But The Kitchen Sink's Around The House challenge earlier this week, I knew I had to play. I got my notepad and started drawing out how I wanted to do it. Four pages and a couple of days later (HA!), I decided on making a Christmas card using pink as the main color. I couldn't decide on a sketch so, I went through my blog list today and a card by Ms LeAnne at Wee Inklings caught my eye! (She's such an inspiration. Check her out, if you haven't!) It was a card for Just Us Girls Challenge. I immediately loved the sketch! :)

I used two ornaments from TPC Studio's Christmas Glamour stamp set. I stamped them on a piece of cardstock, cut them out, measured and cut the toothpicks to follow the contours and laid them onto the image with repositionable adhesive. I then laid Terrifically Tacky Tape on top of the toothpicks and adhered them onto the cardfront. I peeled off the cardstock, layered some glue on the toothpick ornaments and glittered away! I think I may have fallen in love with glitter! Weee!!! :)

Thanks for looking! I hope this card makes you smile! :) :) Leave a comment. I love reading them!! :)

Stamps: TPC Studio Christmas Glamour, Recollections $ stamp
Paper: PTI Kraft, Raspberry Fizz, g.c.d. studios Pink Medallions dp
Ink: Stazon Timber Brown
Other: Martha Stewart Rose Quartz glitter, TTT, Recollections rhinestones, Michael's grosgrain ribbon

My girly blinged out reindeer!

2009-12-03T09:33:00.010-05:00

Happy Thursday everyone!

I have a semi-full day at work today and so I thought I'd sneak this post in before I get too exhausted to do so when I get home tonight. Today's card is my take on Ms Mercy's Tuesday Sketch and this week's Color Throwdown! :) I'm thinking of changing things up a bit by combining two other challenges because so far, I've been combining Ms Mercy's sketch with CTD.. Maybe next week... Weee!!! Love these challenges!!!

I love this reindeer image! I stamped *her* onto PTI Sweet Blush, paper pieced her cute little nose with Pure Poppy and blinged her out! Wee! :) I hope you enjoy it! :)

Thanks for looking! Have a great rest of the week! :)

Stamps: Recollections ($bin at Michael's)

Paper: PTI Pure Poppy, Sweet Blush, Rich Avocado, Dark Chocolate, Recollections paper pack (cream)

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa

Other: Fiskars Apron Lace punch, Recollections rhinestones, Michael's grosgrain ribbon

Mojo Monday 115

2009-12-02T11:12:00.005-05:00

Hey everyone!

I am a couple of days late with my Mojo Monday card. I have to admit, I was starting to feel quite discouraged by all these cards I've been making. It started to feel like I was wasting ... supplies? Does anyone feel like this? *sigh*

I am quite happy about how this card turned out, though. I may actually make a few more exactly like it. :) I hope you have a great week and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!! Weee!!! :)

Show me some love! :) :) :)

Stamp: Inkadinakdo Warm Holiday Wishes, Christmas Silhouettes
Paper: PTI Raspberry Fizz, Kraft, Pure Poppy
Ink : Stazon Timber Brown
Other: Michael's grosgrain ribbon, Recollections silver rhinestones, CB Textile ef, Fiskars corner rounder

Many thanks.. Many thanks.. Many thanks.. :)

2009-11-29T17:42:00.022-05:00

Hello everyone!! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday! :) I had yams for the first time in 20 years or so.. It was made with marshmallows and although the yams were delicious, I didn't care for the gooey stuff with the turkey or anything else, for that matter. Candy + meat = me no likey. :( ... On to my card!

Today's card is my take on Ms Karen's Sweet Sunday Sketch #46. I love this sketch. I think I'll be using this one for a few more cards. The color combo is from Embellish Mag's Color Challenge *with Leaves, Acorns and Pinecones.*

Thanks for looking and as always, I'd LOVE TO HEAR WHAT YOU THINK! :)

Stamp: StudioG Hampton Art (sentiment), Recollections (images) : Michael's $ bin
Paper: PTI Rich Avocado, Dark Chocolate, Recollections paper pack for other shades
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa and Potter's Clay

"...Living is joy enough."

2009-11-25T22:24:00.013-05:00

Hello everyone!

I am happy to be in my craft room again! It has been a busy couple of days, working and spending time with the fam. :) Today's card is my take on Color Throwdown #70 and Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #49. I hope you enjoy it! :)

I got a few new *toys* this weekend and I was happy to use them for this card. I used Fiskars Upper Crest punch for the edging and CB Script embossing folder for the Kraft layer. So much FUN! :)

I decided to use this vellum sentiment because I found it fitting for the upcoming holiday. :) I have so much to be thankful for yet, I find it a challenge to remember that every day. I hope everyone finds happiness in each day and to remember that simply living.. breathing.. being.. is quite... awesome! Weee! :) Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Let me know what you think. I LOVE LOVE LOVE reading your comments! :)

Paper: PTI Rich Avocado, Plum Pudding, Kraft, Recollections paper (orange)
Other: Colorbok vellum phrases, Prima flowers, CB Script ef, Fiskars Upper Crest punch, clear dew drop

Happy Birthday..

2009-11-23T14:44:00.015-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!

I am finally starting on making our Christmas cards! I had to take a break though and make a card following Ms Karen's sketch for this week and Embellish Mag's Color Challenge. I started out making this card for Embellish but I didn't have the right color brads. I got some yesterday and this is what I came up with. :)

In writing the sentiment, I realized I may need a better white gel pen. Any suggestions? :)

Thanks for looking!

Stamp: Recollections ($ bin at Michael's)
Paper: PTI Enchanted Evening, Pure Poppy, New Leaf and DCWV Textured Neutrals
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa
Other: EK Success punch, Recollections brads, Sakura Gelly Roll pen, Sharpie ultra fine point marker

Many Thanks..

2009-11-23T00:27:00.006-05:00

Hello! I hope everyone had a great weekend. I sure did! Went and saw New Moon and it was quite enjoyable. Team Edward!! ;)

Anyhoo, today's card follows Ms Taylor's sketch #92 and Ms Dawn's Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #19. I really like color challenges because I can very easily get stuck using the same colors over and over and this allows me to break out of that. This month's challenge has FIVE colors!! It was a little intimidating at first but I think I like how this card turned out. :)

I went to Michael's today, with the intention of just looking *wink* but I found a patterned paper that caught my eye. It's Basic Grey's Euphoria... and I believe this paper is called Fields. It has all five colors from the challenge and it's just so pretty. :)

Thanks for looking and as always, I'd love to hear what you think! :)

Stamp: StudioG Hampton Art ($ bin at Michael's)
Paper: PTI Dark Chocolate, Raspberry Fizz, Aqua Mist, Spring Moss, Lavender Moon, BasicGrey pp
Ink: Stazon Timber Brown
Other: Cricut Expression, SCAL, Recollections rhinestones

Peace..

2009-11-18T17:54:00.025-05:00

Hello everyone!

I am indeed back with another card. Today's card is my take on Ms Taylor's sketch #91 and the colors are based on this week's Color Throwdown. I love combining challenges! Wee!!! :)

As soon as I saw Ms Taylor's sketch, I knew I wanted to make a gate fold card. I remember watching Ms Beate Johns' tutorial and immediately fell in love with it! Now, I actually get to make one and share it. :) I decided to use the same pretty angel I used in this card. I love the detail on this angel! What's more fun is that I got to heat emboss her! Weee! The embossing isn't as clean or "sharp" as I've seen on most cards.. Even so, I love how it turned out. Yay!! :) I used VersaMark on the left panel and stamped a kind of flourish swirly image, as though the angel is blowing snowflakes through the air. hee hee. I stamped the "peace" sentiment with Memento Bamboo Leaves and a small leaf stamp in the center with a few rhinestones to complement it. The bottom border is a piece of patterned paper from Story of Us that I got from Michael's. It is so pretty. :) The card base is a cream colored textured c/s from Best Occasions. PTI Pure Poppy, Rich Avocado and Dark Chocolate were used. All stamps are Inkadinkado.

Thanks for looking! I hope you have a great rest of the week! :)

Feel better soon.

2009-11-17T14:44:00.010-05:00

ETA: Scroll down for my Mojo card. Two posts in a day! Wow. hee hee. :)

Hey everyone!

This card is one I made for my sister in law. She is going through some tough health issues and we're all hoping she feels better soon. :) I used Ms Mercy's sketch for this week and chose PTI's Scarlet Jewel as the main color because it reminded me of my SIL's red living room walls. :) I hope she likes it and I hope you enjoy it too!

Thanks for looking.. better yet, show me some love! Wee!!! :)

Stamps: StudioG
Ink: Stazon Timber Brown
Paper: PTI Scarlet Jewel, Melon Berry, Kraft, DCWV The Green Stack pp
Other: EK Success Scalloped Scallop punch, JoAnn Essentials flower, Michael's ribbon

Precious and few..

2009-11-17T11:34:00.014-05:00

Hello all! First off, I want to thank everyone who take the time to check out my blog and leave comments. I am so grateful. I am really new to this and to know that there are so many who care and encourage creativity simply makes me happy. I appreciate each and every one of you. **hugs!!!!** Weee!!

OK, so on to my card. I am a day late for this week's Mojo. I really enjoyed this week's sketch! I like how my card turned out. Lots of layers, but I kept it simple, like I usually like it. Oh and not to forget, butterflies. Oh, how I love them! :)

Thanks for looking and as always, I'd LOVE to hear from you! Have a great week! :)

Stamps: Inkadinkado Expressions
Paper: PTI Melon Berry, Aqua Mist, Stamper's Select White, Me and My Big Ideas pp
Ink: StudioG black pigment ink
Other: Recollections rhinestones, CB Textile folder, Cricut Expression, SCAL, Michael's ribbon

Found another one! =)

2009-11-16T16:52:00.010-05:00

Hello everyone! I am really excited about finding another challenge blog! I went through my blog list this morning (sometimes, I do this even before breakfast. HA!), checking out all the *fab!* creations and found Everything But The Kitchen Sink mentioned in Ms Maureen's blog, Buttons and Bling. I'm a newbie blogger, so finding these sites make me all giddy! hee hee.

I loved all the samples those amazing ladies presented, that I just had to give it a go! :) I was so unsure about how I wanted to go about my card that it took me about 4 hours (waaahhh!!) from deciding which stamp to use or the colors to finishing it until I was satisfied. I always feel some *anxiety* when I try out a new challenge. This was definitely fun and challenging! I look forward to trying it again. Yay!!!

Thanks for looking! I'd love to hear what you think too! *big smiles*

Stamps: Recollections rubber stamp (Michael's $ bin), Inkadinkado Warm Holiday Wishes
Paper: PTI Berry Sorbet, Stamper's Select White, Pure Poppy, Lemon Tart, Raspberry Fizz
Ink: no name black ink
Others: CB Swiss Dots, Recollections rhinestones

You're Sweet.

2009-11-16T00:57:00.009-05:00

Hello!! I hope everyone had a great weekend. :)

Today's card is my take on Ms Karen's Sweet Sunday Sketch. I used some patterned paper that I've been wanting to use since I purchased it. I think I've been putting it off because it's quite bright and has mostly primary colors in it. But with this week's Embellish Magazine challenge, I thought it was the perfect excuse to use it. :) Although, I don't think I will submit this one. The challenge, apart from the use of the colors blue, red, yellow and green, is to use brads of those same colors. I have not a single brad of those colors. *sadness* BUT! Making this card was super fun!! So, here we go. I hope you like it. :)

I started with PTI's Lemon Tart as base. The patterned paper is from DCWV. It is so bright and cheery with all those sweet little birdies!! Weee!!!! :) I cut a Pure Poppy circle using my Cricut and embossed it using CB Swiss Dots folder. I then cut a piece of New Leaf and popped that on top of the circle, then tied the ribbon in place. I took another small piece of LT and rounded opposite corners. I stamped the sentiment with Memento Lady Bug. I chose two super adorable birdies from the group, cut them out and popped them up! I'm not sure I love all these colors on one card but, it sure is a cheerful card. Yay!! :)

Thanks for looking! :)

Missing you..

2009-11-12T00:02:00.010-05:00

Hey everyone! It's a little after midnight as I start this entry.. I started working on my card at 9. *Oh my..* I have to say, this week's Color Throwdown challenge gave me a bit of a headache. hee hee. Orange isn't a color I'm fond of but, I like how these colors came together once I finished the card. :) I used Ms Taylor's Sketch #90. I am trying her sketches for the first time. Yay! :)

I started out with PTI's Pure Poppy as base. I used patterned paper from a pack I got from Michael's. I thought it was such a cute pattern. It kinda matches PTI's Summer Sunrise, which I used for my blinged out birdie (Inkadinkado GemStone Birds). Stamped it with some black ink and cut him out. I propped him up on a Smokey Shadow circle and placed the whole thing on another piece of PP, pierced on all sides. The sentiment is from StudioG. By this time, I hadn't added anything that was a shade of Only Orange. After looking through my bins for something, I ended up adding Prima flowers with rhinestone centers. I lined them up as though it was a border, as the sketch requires. :)

I had so much fun with this one! Thanks for looking. Have a great Friday! :)

Oh my goodness!!!!!!!

2009-11-10T12:46:00.006-05:00

I just posted my card for Mercy's sketch and clicked on my dashboard to find "2 comments to be moderated." I love reading everyone's comments; it makes my day..it truly does! But I could not have prepared myself for reading Ms Elise's comment which said: "Back to say congratulations..." which then made me think: "Congrats for what???" And then IT HIT ME!!

I am FEATURED STAMPER on Color Throwdown! I still can't believe it! This has got me so excited, I'm sweating! LOL. This is so amazing. I can't thank Tammy and the ladies enough! I have been lurking, watching videos, learning techniques, ooh-ing ang aah-ing over other's creations over the past 8 months that when I finally decide to start a blog documenting my love and enjoyment for this craft and to be recognized... I am just so happy right now. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It makes me want to do better.

Weee!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) Thank you, Ms Tammy! and every one of you who inspire me. :)

Happy Thanksgiving! and my first attempt at paper piecing.

2009-11-10T12:24:00.005-05:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!!

Today's card is my take on Ms Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #47. I just love these sketches! They start my week off wonderfully! Yay!!!! :)

As the post title says, this is my first try at paper piecing. I love this Inkadinkadoo stamp because of the fun swirlies. I just love swirlies and flourishes! :) I stamped it with Memento Rich Cocoa onto PTI Summer Sunrise and then again on Lemon Tart and cut the three flowers out. I matted this onto some Dark Chocolate. The first panel is from DCWV's The Green Stack paper pack. I scored it on all sides, about a quarter of an inch in to frame it. Got this idea from Ms Jessica over at Recapturing Wonders with THIS card. :) *Thank you for the inspiration.* I then took a strip of Dark Chocolate, punched both ends with EK Success Moroccan Lace. I don't have great quality white ink at the moment, so I wrote Happy Thanksgiving with a white gel pen.

I'm really happy with this card. I need more practice, but that's the FUN part! Weee!! Thanks for looking and have a great rest of the week! :)

Let's get together, best friend!

2009-11-09T23:53:00.010-05:00

Hey everyone! I hope everyone had a great Monday. I'm posting really late.. It's been a busy day. The card today is my take on Mojo Monday's sketch for this week.

The colors I used for this card were inspired by some ribbon I got from Michael's a few months back. I used PTI's Spring Moss, Aqua Mist and Lemon Tart. I embossed the first layer using CB Paisley folder. The stamps are from StudioG, inked with Memento Bamboo Leaves. (got a little heavy handed there. hee hee *blush*)

I hope everyone has a wonderful week ahead! Have a good night. :)

Christmas is on its way!!

2009-11-08T11:11:00.009-05:00

Happy Sunday everyone!! I hope you all had a great week. I sure did! My sister's birthday was yesterday and on Friday, I planned a surprise party for her and it was a success! Yay!! Fun times. :) On to today's challenge!

Ms Karen's Sweet Sunday Sketch for this week is fab! After going through my recent stamp purchases, I found an image that I wanted so much to ink up. But, I quickly realized it wasn't going to work with the sketch. Sooooooo.... I figured, I'd flip the sketch! (Karen, I hope that's okay. *big grin*)

I chose a color combo that I remember was fairly popular not too long ago. My sister even painted her bedroom with these colors: blue and brown. I used PTI Dark Chocolate, Enchanted Evening and Spring Rain. For the vertical panel, I matted an embossed EE piece over SR. I stamped this really pretty angel onto SR with Stazon Timber Brown and the sentiment with Memento Rich Cocoa, placed that onto EE and popped it up with some foam thingies. Lastly, I added silver brads up in the corner. **Click photo for larger image.**

Don'cha just love this angel?!?! I can imagine her heat embossed. *Ooohh...purrty!* I am lovin' Inkadinkadoo sets. I may just run to Michael's and grab some more... I do have that coupon they sent out yesterday.. Wee!!

Have a great Sunday everyone! :)

Autumn Thanks

2009-11-04T12:39:00.007-05:00

Happy Wednesday everyone!

The ladies over at Color Throwdown have presented another awesome color combo! I am really loving these color challenges. It allows me to learn new things each time I try them. :) I love that. I am also trying Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge for the first time! Weee!! So, here we go..

I used PTI's Aqua Mist, Ripe Avocado and Kraft. To substitute SU's Dusty Durango, I found a similar (*I think...*) shade from a paper pack I got from Michaels. Mercy's sketch calls for an oval but I wasn't too sure I could work it with the image I chose for this card. This image is part of a set from Inkadinkadoo called Autumn Foliage. I stamped it with Stazon Timber Brown. The sentiment I got from Studio G, stamped that with Memento Rich Cocoa. Three buttons from a pack I got from WalMart and finished it off with brown ribbon I got at the dollar bin from Michaels. **Click photo for larger image.**

I truly enjoyed this color combo and sketch. Have a great day everyone!! :)

A Mojo Birthday Card

2009-11-03T15:19:00.006-05:00

Happy Tuesday!

My sister had asked me to make a card for her friend's birthday. I made two cards and decided to share this one. I used Mojo Monday's sketch 111 and one of Dawn McVey's past color combos: Pure Poppy, Aqua Mist, Kraft and Dark Chocolate. **Click photo for larger image.**

Have a great day everyone! :)

Mojo Monday!!!

2009-11-02T21:30:00.013-05:00

Happy Monday everyone! It's MojoTime! It is the first of the month and that means, contest time over at the Mojo Monday blog. :) Below is the sketch for this week.

I purchased a few stamps over the weekend. Michaels had all their clear stamp sets 25% off, so I *had* to grab some! Wee!! For this card, I used an image from Inkadinkadoo's Christmas Silhouettes set and a sentiment and snowflake images from the Warm Holiday Wishes set. I enjoyed the color combo from Embellish Mag's current challenge that I decided to use it again. A bit non-traditional for a holiday card but when I look at this card, it just feels like a big warm hug! Yay! :) **Click photo for larger image.**

Started with PTI Stampers Select White as base. The Dark Chocolate piece is about 4.75 by 3.75, embossed with the CB Swiss Dots folder. The Berry Sorbet piece is 4.75 by about 1.25, stamped with 4 snowflake images using Memento Rich Cocoa. I added little white dots on a few of them with a white gel pen. Next, I took a Kraft piece and stamped THE AWESOMEST REINDEER EVER!! (look at that detail! *stamp love* wee!!) with Memento Rhubarb Stalk. I matted that onto Spring Moss. I then took a small piece of Berry Sorbet (I am lovin' this color. I just want to eat it! lol), ran it thru the CB using my Labels 4 and stamped the sentiment with Rich Cocoa. Lastly, two clear dew drops up in the corner.

I am lovin' this card. It makes me giddy! Thank you to Ms Julee Tilman for another great sketch and of course, Ms Ashley Newell for a fab color combo. Have a great Monday evening!

Embellish with Owls & Sweet Sunday Sketch

2009-11-01T19:48:00.021-05:00

Happy Sunday evening all!

I am indeed back with another card today. This card was created with Ms Ashley's challenge over at Embellish Mag in mind and using Ms Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch. Ms Karen's sketches are very inspiring and I am very excited to add her to my list of challenges to try! :)

So, here we go. I started with a Spring Moss base. Matted a piece of pattered paper from my DCWV Green Stack paper pack onto Dark Chocolate. Took some Berry Sorbet cardstock and punched one side with EK Success Scalloped Scallop punch. Matted Spring Rain onto that and Dark Chocolate on top. For my *fancy* owl (Inkadinkadoo's GemStone Birds), I stamped it using Stazon Timber Brown and the sentiment with Memento Rich Cocoa onto another piece of Berry Sorbet cardstock with two opposite corners rounded off.

Click photo for larger image.

These were two great challenges! This card just makes me smile. :) Have a great week ahead!

Happy Sunday!

2009-11-01T10:50:00.015-05:00

Hey everyone! Hope you had a great Halloween.

I am back to share another card and this time, I am trying Color Throwdown! I've always wanted to try this challenge but my stamping and cardstock supplies have limited me from participating. Now that I have more than a few essentials, I am just so excited to share! :)

I used Papertrey Ink's Plum Pudding and Spring Rain (first two colors) and found the closest shade to substitute for Rich Razzleberry from a value pack I got from Michaels. Started with PTI Stampers Select White for my card base. I then stamped a floral "pattern" onto Spring Rain and matted it on Plum Pudding. Stamped the sentiment and the same flower stamp with Memento Grape Jelly and to finish it off, tied a bow. :)

Click photo for larger image.

Another great challenge! Thanks to the ladies over at Color Throwdown. Have a great Sunday! :)

"They say it's your birthday!"

2009-10-27T16:17:00.009-04:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!

I have a couple of birthday cards to share today. Two of my wonderful clients are celebrating their birthdays in November. I decided to give Ms Beate Johns' Weekend Sketch Challenge a go! Yay!! :)

I started out this card with the patterned paper. I just really liked how the swirlies looked with the roses. I embossed two Scarlet Jewel squares with the CB Paisley folder, matted it onto Kraft. I printed out the sentiment on cream cardstock using MS Word, cut and embossed using Labels 4 die. I am just in love with this font! I believe it's called Champignon Swash. Lastly, I tied a bow with ribbon I got from the dollar bin at Michaels.

For the second card, I decided to go a little BRIGHT! Started out with PTI's Stamper's Select White cardstock. Matted patterned paper (me & my big ideas paper pack) onto Aqua Mist, rounded all corners for both. Switched the sketch to have the squares on opposite ends and used CB Flower Fantasy for the embossing. I stamped a flower image in pink (StudioG) and green (Memento New Sprout) with the sentiment stamped in Rich Cocoa (Memento).

I had so much fun trying another challenge! Have a great week everyone! :)

Happy Mojo Monday!

2009-10-26T13:45:00.010-04:00

Happy Monday everyone!

I am really excited to share my very first Mojo Monday entry. Weee!!! :) I used PTI Aqua Mist, Ripe Avocado and Kraft. I've been wanting to do a butterfly card and I woke up today with Mariah's song in my head! So here it is.

I didn't have the right color ribbon to add to this card so I left it out. I think it still worked out nicely. :) I printed out the text background and sentiment using MS Word. The Aqua Mist butterfly was cut using my Cricut Expression. I added two clear dew drops for the butterfly's body and the third for its "head." Used CB Textile (*again!!*) for the left panel and patterned paper for the background I got from Michaels.

Have a great Monday!! :)

Another first! Raspberry Suite Color Challenge 18

2009-10-23T01:23:00.007-04:00

Hey everyone!

I had so much fun creating for Ashley Newell's challenge, I had to do it again! This time, I finally mustered up enough courage to try Ms Dawn McVey's Raspberry Suite Color Challenge! Yay!!! I have been lurking, ooh-ing and aaah-ing over the fab creations over Ms Dawn's blog for a few months now and I am just so excited that I finally get to share.. :)

This color challenge was a little intimidating.. Love Raspberry Fizz and Dark Chocolate together - yum! Kraft and Cream are just wonderful neutrals. But then, add NEW LEAF?!?!?!?!?! Obviously, I have color combo anxiety. I had to literally go through a lot of others' samples to "get" it. LOL.

I got some inspiration from Mojo Monday (yet again - I just love Ms Julee's sketches!!) I *had* to use my new EK Success Morroco Lace punch again and the Labels One nestie. I decided to use a vellum phrase with this card since I do not have a lot of image stamps that I could use as a focal image. The sentiment was just perfect, I thought.. I don't have much right now, but I sure do enjoy what little I have. Weee!!!

I ran the vellum and New Leaf cardstock through my CB with the Labels One nestie, cut and embossed. Cut generic cream (I do not have Vintage Cream *sadness*) cardstock with Labels One as well, this time the next size up. I pierced the vellum and New Leaf dies and added silver brads to hold the two together. Popped it on top of the cream die cut with pop dots.

I punched through a strip of Raspberry Fizz and Dark Chocolate, layered the two and I was really surprised how much I liked how it turned out. :) I assembled all the pieces and felt it was too... eh? At the last minute, I decided to run the Kraft base through the CB with the Textile folder with the deboss side facing the front of the card and added the faux stitching with a white gel pen.

That's it. My very first Raspberry Suite Challenge entry. This makes me smile. :) Hope you like it.

Embellish The Cure with Bling!

2009-10-21T22:16:00.010-04:00

This is my very first challenge entry! Weee!!!

Ashley Newell of Embellish Magazine challenges everyone to get crafty with PINK, GREY and FUSCHIA. Oh and don't forget the BLING! Since this is my very first challenge, it was really nice that Ms Ashley gave her readers some direction (cuz I NEEDED it! lol). It was a a whole lot easier when she posted Rasperry Fizz, Sweet Blush and Smokey Shadow as examples of the color challenge hues. All I had to do was go through my PTI file drawer and off to creating I went! Yayy!!

I used Mojo Monday's Sketch 109 for inspiration. I tweaked it a bit, just to challenge myself even more. ;) Used Labels One Nestie with the Rasp Fizz, ran it through the CB with the Textile folder, lightly rubbed white ink over it (to emphasize the embossing), popped the layer up with some dots for dimension and used 3 Prima flowers as the focal image. I didn't have rhinestones (for the bling part of the challenge) so I used clear dew drops as the flower center and alongside the sentiment.

This was so much fun! I hope you likey. :)

Don'cha just love the fall??

2009-10-21T02:12:00.005-04:00

Hey everyone!

Fall has finally come! I just love love love it when the temp dips to the mid 60's. I get to wear those cardigans I've pushed to the back of the closet, head out to a local shoppe and have a warm cup of cocoa. Yum! :)

I picked up a fall stamp set from Mike's recently and have been inking away! It believe it's called the Autumn Greetings set by Inkadinkadoo. It has 4 images and 2 sentiments. I will be sharing two cards today. For the first card, I used the sentiment "Autumn Greetings" and one of two pumpkin images. I just love the swirly vines on this one! :)

On this second card, I used the same swirly pumpkin image but only stamped the swirly parts to frame the sentiment, "Fall is when nature turns to gold." I was trying to be "crafty" (hee!) and I think it turned out okay. :)

I also got to use my new EK Success Morocco Lace border punch on both cards. It's simply stunning!

That's it for now. I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the week! :)

Tis the season of change.

2009-10-21T01:49:00.007-04:00

HELLO!!!

To my friends who've asked about my blog.. yes, I have changed the format. I am now dedicating my small slice of cyber space to everything handcrafted! (yay!!!!) For the past few months, I've rediscovered my love for making cards, crafts and things. I must say it's been so much fun! Life has been a little 'too' stressful and this has definitely kept me sane!

So, to my dear dear friends and hopefully new blog peeps!, I welcome you and I hope you enjoy what you see. :)

~fancypantz~

award, addictions and such

2009-01-19T17:58:00.012-05:00

Happy New Year everyone!!!! Three weeks in and well, life's still a lil crazy, a lil nutty and a whole lotta "huh???" lol.

My sweet sweet friend/fellow blogger Collyn awarded me with a Fabulous Award. Thank you, hun!

I now have to list five things I'm addicted to. Five? Five?!? This is harder than calculus. Ok, let's see.

(1) I am addicted to youtube.

(2) I am addicted to randomness. uh.. yea.

(3) I am addicted to food. Thai, Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Continental, Mexican, Filipino. pooood iz goooood.

(4) I am addicted to travel. Well, addicted is much too strong a word but, I really like travelling. I love the whole checking in your luggage, going thru security check, and people watching especially. I'd like to try a cross country train trip. yayy.

(5) Recently, I am most addicted to anything and everything Rob Pattinson and Twilight. Yes, I admit it, dammit! Rob is seriously hilarious without trying and he's a breath of fresh air in the overly superficial celebrityousness (yes, that's a word) of young hollywood. How can you NOT be addicted to this?????

I seriously need some kind of intervention. I've read Twilight twice, New Moon twice. I'm about to read Eclipse again and Breaking Dawn, three times. The hubby is not helping by downloading a bootleg copy of the movie and saying things like, "Are you going to change all your passwords to "i love edward cullen?" or "Would you marry me if i were edward cullen?" He's an absolute ass. That's why I love him. lol.

Life sucks at the moment, what with the economy being all butt-backwards so, ya'll can understand how a lil Twi-lovin' keeps it all balanced. Right? Right. :D

christmas eve, morning and the days leading to 2009

2008-12-28T10:37:00.004-05:00

hey everyone!! did you have a great Christmas?? i sure did! yayyy.

decided to celebrate bisperas at my sister's house. the morning of was pretty hectic. started the day at about 8 am, baking seven layer cookies. i don't know why it's called that 'cause looking at the recipe it calls for a layer of (1) graham cracker crumbs, (2) a can of condensed milk, (3) semi-sweet chocolate chips, (4) butterscotch chips, (5) shredded coconut, and (6) chopped pecans. the only other ingredient is a stick of melted butter mixed with the graham crumbs. butter, a layer? in any case, these cookies came out yummerrss!!!! it was chewy gooey LETHAL goodness. i also made brazo de mercedes and as our mother said the first time i made it, it was outstanding! :D

the spread consisted of mainly filipino dishes. the whole fam requested pork sinigang, pancit, lumpia, ham and pork bbq. i also made pork belly adobo (liempo) and menudo. the hubby made potato salad and potato latkes (it's a jewish thing). apart from the salad, brazo, cookies and latkes, i made everything at my sister's house. lemme tell ya, i am not doing that again anytime soon. it was super fun but boy, was it chaotic! **photos below. adobong liempo wasn't pictured, nor the brazo.**

a few of my sister's work friends had dinner with us and it made for a really enjoyable night. after a few hours of merry-eating (i know, that's not a word but it should be! lol), we watched tv waiting for the clock to hit midnight. as soon as the clock hit 11:59, gift wrap got ripped and bows got saved. got really nice stuff. more importantly though, we are just thankful for having family close and everyone in good health. :) we drove home around 1 am and opened more gifts from the in-laws. after all was said and done, we got into bed at 4. poopee!

we slept in christmas morning. sorta. we got up around 9am. cleaned up a bit and did a load of laundry. ate some leftovers. around 2pm, we headed out to the hub's brother's house for dinner with his fam. ate some more. opened more presents. around 7, headed out to the movies with sis and mom. we saw the curious case of benjamin button. it was a delightful movie. quite enjoyable, apart from the fact that is was three hours long. got home a little past 11.

my work week was shorter this week and will be this week as well. will only be working fri and sat. have yet to make concrete plans to spend new year's eve and day. any suggestions ya'll? doing downtown disney and watching the fireworks sounds good but... i'd like to try something else.

i am looking forward to the new year. the notion of starting anew and celebrating it has always been something that motivated me to reflect, learn from mistakes, be thankful and move on. so to all you, i wish you a blessed 2009! i hope all your hopes and dreams come to fruition.

eat, drink and be merry!!!!!

i'm addicted to youtube. don't hate.

2008-12-18T21:23:00.005-05:00

yea, i admit it. i'm on it every night for gawd knows how long. it started around may. i had a wedding to go to and needed insipiration for a smokey eye look. found a few "gurus" and i haven't looked back. i currently have about 6 makeup channels i've favorited. it is now part of my whole internet routine. fster, gmail, multiply, myspace (i may delete this soon tho), a few blogs and... youtube. well, add blogspot to that now too. (refer to my first entry. bwwaahahahaha)

so, in keeping with the whole yt obsession, there is this filipino tag game going around the yt community. simply because i can, i am doing it here. so there! hee hee.

the filipino tag game basically consists of 5 questions that you answer and at the end, tag another filipino to do the same. (i can't believe i just explained such a self explanatory game. *sigh* got boredom? lol)

anyhooooo! here are the questions.
(1) when was the last time you were back in the PI?
(2) name one dish of your culture you enjoy the most and why?
(3) name one household item that best resembles your culture.
(4) do you know how to speak in your language and if you do, say a phrase or two.
(5) what part of the PI are you from?

(1) the last time i was back home was in february of this year. went home to finalize the sale of our house and to fly back with our mom. i was there for a very short 7 days. not a lot of people knew i was back and i meant it to be that way. not because i didn't want to see certain people but because i knew i didn't have the time to see them all. i hope to be back christmas 2009! woot woot!

(2) okay, now it's hard to pick just one. anyone can say chicken adobo, sinigang, kare kare. those you can easily make here with oriental marts selling almost everything you need. but what i truly truly miss enjoying the most are suman for bfast, green mangoes with rock salt (not the shit they have here! i swear, the mangoes here don't hold a candle to PI mangga!) and tahoooooooooooooooo! are you feelin me?!?!?!
(on a side note: i've recently found a way to make taho. yezzzzz. :D )

(3) there isn't just one ya'll. there's the walis tambo. the walis tingting. the tabo. the tsinelas pambahay. the wooden spoon and fork sa kusina/dining area. the rice cooker. the rice dispenser. and being that it's the holiday season: the parol! (i promised myself i'd get one this year, but alas! next year na lang. double promise.)

(4) marunong ba raw akong magtagalog? ano sa tingin nyo?

(5) balibago, angeles city, pampanga 2009. :D

time to tag!!
i tag: whoever wants to do it. :)

have a great weekend everyone!

wumsie made me do ittttt!!!!!

2008-12-18T21:04:00.002-05:00

that's right. she sure did.

well, to be completely honest, i started this, well, 'cause... i am absolutely, utterly and unequivocally bored. ha!

i figured, im on the 'puter so much, might as well. :D

this is basically going to be all about everything and a little bit of nothing. so, enjoy!