52CCT Challenge - Christmas Tree Card

So exciting to feel creative and play with my hobbies in the evenings again!

This week the 52 {Christmas} Card Throwdown Blog is having a Color Challenge - use Red, White and Kraft on your card.  I love this color combination, so it was a lot of fun for me.

I went with an 'oldie but goodie' for this card and love how it turned out, even if the photo isn't worth a hoot!  (maybe I'll take a new picture tomorrow during the daylight)

Anyway...  I used the Cuttlebug Christmas Tree embossing folder, so this was a pretty fast card to make and is so pretty.  The tree has Candy Cane Stickles sprinkled throughout for added sparkle.  Cardstock is white, kraft and Regal Red - all from Stampin' Up - and I used pop dots on the red/white layer.

Deep Thoughts:  "Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!  How richly God has decked thee!

Happy Birthday Loni!

My beautiful daughter-in-law recently celebrated her birthday and of course we all love to celebrate.  We had dinner out with all the kids and both of my 1.5 granddaughters - a great time together as always!

Loni has always been one of my biggest Crafting Cheerleaders, so it's especially fun to make a card for her each year.  I also love the new 'My Spin on the Pin' challenge in our scrapbooking group - sure makes it easier to be creative!

This is the pin I used - http://pinterest.com/pin/82331499410733993/ - and here is my card:

Virtually identical to be sure.  The Happy Birthday stamp I used is from Morning Star Stamps, the circle punches and white cardstock are Stampin' Up.

The paper is a pretty cool deal.  I'm finding that more and more I'm using digital paper and just printing out what I need.  It's far cheaper and a lot less to store.  All of the pattern paper on this card is in the Go Floral Paper Pack by Studio Basic.  

What I did was open a page in Photoshop Elements, then put two inch squares of each of the pattern paper I wanted to use on the page.  Print, then cut to fit the openings I had punched in the card.  I used dimensionals to pop up that entire layer.

I'm pleased with how this turned out and of course it could be used for any occasion just by using a different sentiment stamp.

Deep Thoughts:  "Smile as much as you can, because today is your special day. Happy, happy Birthday to you!

Happy 4th of July Card

A local scrapbooking group is starting to do a weekly challenge we're calling My Spin on the Pin.  Our only guideline is that it must be paper crafting related so I'm hoping to get some cards made and ready to send out.

Here's the pin I'm using - http://pinterest.com/pin/82331499410634118/ and here's my card:

4th of July is one of my absolute favorite holidays ever.  For us it's all about getting together and having a grand time with as many family members as want to come along.  We are almost always at the lake for the 4th and that includes decorated golf cart parades, homemade ice cream and swimming.  That night we will have air beds throughout the house, so much so it's almost difficult to walk around!  Just love getting everybody together.  :)

For this card - my stamp punch was a little bigger than the pinned card used, so I only used 3 stars.  I also didn't have any twine, so instead I used pop dots to give it some dimension.  The stamps are from the July Fourth set from Stampin Up.

This is really a lot of fun and I encourage everybody to look through their pins once in a while and do them instead of just collecting them - and I'm saying that for my benefit just as much as anybody else's!

Deep thoughts:  "Good friends are like stars.  You don't always see them, but you know they're always there."

Card #2–Happy Birthday to My Son!

Every year on my kids’ birthdays I sit and smile to myself and think how lucky I am.  Wonderful children that have grown to adults we are proud of.

Today is my son’s birthday and when I raise my eyes just over the top of my desk and look at the pictures of him at about 7 years old I still smile.  He was fun then and he still makes me laugh now.

Tonight we’ll all have dinner together and of course nothing could make this mama/grandma happier.  Hopefully I’ll remember to snap some pictures tonight while having a grand time!

 

I find the masculine cards to be the hardest to make.  Girls are simple – bows and bling and color and so forth.  I based this card from one I’d seen on Pinterest  and I’m quite pleased with how it came out.

 

I’m trying to get better about putting a lighter color cardstock on the inside of the card so it’s easier to write something mushy inside.  :)

 

Supplies used for card:  Stampin’ Up cardstock; Happy Everything stamp set from Stampin’ Up

Card #13–Sympathy Card

Sympathy cards are the hardest to make or buy.  There is no way this little folded piece of paper can ever convey the feelings you want to send.  We do the best we can.

I just had reason to have a sympathy card for a friend and this is what I came up with:

I like that it’s not overly glum, but at the same time it’s not a happy sunshine card either.

 

Inside of the card – a beautiful saying and I needed to put some lighter cardstock over the chocolate brown as there’s no way any writing would show up on this brown.

 

Supplies Used for Card:  stamps are from the Close as a Memory set from Stampin’ Up; patterned paper from Basic Grey; ink is Tim Holtz Distress Ink… I believe Tea Dye

Card #11–You’re So Tweet!

One of the common misperceptions of handmade items, including cards, is that it will save you money.  That might be true in the long run, but I’m here to tell you that buying supplies for a card can be rather costly.  We come up with lots of ways to justify it and really the bottom line is that it’s an enjoyable hobby and therefore needs no justification.

But I won’t tell you how much the supplies for my cards cost….

When I bought the items for this card the scrapbook gal and I had a big laugh over me telling her everything was for one card.  And I do know that the stamps and markers will be used for years to come and if I genuinely cared I suppose I could figure out how many projects they are used on and then divide it out.

As if…..

 

A friend did an amazing thing for me in recognition of Joe and I couldn’t let it go by without sending a card. 

I had a lot of fun making this one – paper piecing the little girl’s dress, using the Copic markers and the colors – oh the colors!  Rather a retro, vintage feel and I just love it.

Oh and on another note – the card holder?  Got that while antiquing with a friend.  I learned that this is called a “frog” and is used at the bottom of a vase to hold flowers in place for an arrangement.  A day spent with a friend can be fun AND educational!

 

Supplies used for card:  You’re So Tweet set by My Favorite Things; buttons and pattern paper by October Afternoon; Very Vanilla cardstock by Stampin’ Up; blue cardstock by Bazzill

 

* Linked to Card Makin’ Mamas Be Thankful Challenge, Inspire Me Friday at Joyful Stamper

Card #10-Mojo Monday #211–Happy Birthday

Today is my daughter’s 26th birthday!  We’ll be celebrating later, but for today I want to show the card I made for her.

 

I used the Mojo Monday sketch and it came together quite easily. 

 

The flower in the corner?  I *MADE* that!  It was so simple and as soon as I read about it on Stampin’ Pretty’s blog I knew I had to try it.  The only problem with finding something that cool and that simple is that I fear I’ll be using the same flower on everything I make for awhile.

Supplies used for card: stamp from Stampin’ Up’s Well Scripted set

** Linking to Mojo Monday, Make It Monday

Card #9–OWH Holiday Card Blog Hop

 

For World Cardmaking Day I’m participating in the Holiday Card Blog Hop with Operation Write Home.  If you’ve never heard of this organization I encourage you to click above and see what it’s all about.

 

A clean and simple, monochromatic card for Christmas, since that seems to be my favorite style.

 

I stamped it twice and cut out the sentiment, putting it up on pop dots.  I like the added contrast.

 

Now I just need to get to work and get a bunch more made and mailed before the October 31 deadline for Christmas cards!

Supplies used for card:  All Stampin’ Up! products – stamp from Holiday Best set; white cardstock; Real Red striped grosgrain ribbon, 1-1/4”

Card #8–Wedding Card

During the school years one of the easiest ways to find friends with common interests is through the elective classes.  My daughter played the viola, so was in the orchestra all through school. The fun thing is that many of the friends she made she still sees today.

As a Booster Club parent, I got to know the kids very well.  Our orchestra went on a trip each year for a competition.  We rotated back and forth between in state and out of state trips.

The best trip of all was when we went to New York City. Obviously it wasn’t cheap, so the entire school year we worked for tips on Saturdays as carhops at our local Sonic. What a fantastic fundraiser that was! The bonus was that spending so much time with the kids made it even more fun when the trip rolled around and my mom and I went along as chaperones.

This Saturday one of those girls is getting married.  She also was one of my daughter’s very first roommates when she first moved out.  I truly cannot wait to go to her wedding and I know visions of the young girl will be going through my head as I see her in her wedding dress. 

 

Naturally I had to make a card for her.  This card also proves that you are never too old to text a picture of a card you’ve made to your mom, then call her and ask her opinion. 

My original plan was to put the sentiment on another piece of cardstock and mount it on the lower right of the card. But when I got to this point I just loved the way it looked and kind of hated to add to it.  My mom agreed and loved the card the way it is, so I stamped the sentiment on the inside, which reads”happiness always.”

Supplies used for card:  Cuttlebug Embossing Folder; Offray 1 1/8” Antique White Satin Ribbon; sentiment stamp by Stampin’ Up

* Linked to:  Strut Your Stuff, I’m Lovin’ It, Inspire Me Fridays

Card #7–Clean and Simple FTL144

This week’s card sketch at Clean & Simple Stamping apparently struck a chord in me because I actually finished a card on the same day the sketch came out!  I’m not sure how clean & simple my card is since I added a few things, but it was a fairly fast card to make.  And again, I just happen to have need for a Thank You card, so hopefully this will go in the mail pronto.

 

For the longest time I was a “pink place” and everything I made or wanted was pink.  I still adore it, but turquoise/teal is sure giving pink a run for its money here lately!

One note – if you decided to use Stickles as a flower center as I did, I *highly* recommend affixing the flower to the card first and then applying the Stickles.  A blob like this takes a very long time to dry. 

Supplies used for card:  Stamp – Curly Greetings set from CTMH; Cuttlebug Embossing Folder; Prima Flowers; Waterfall Stickles; SU Cardstock

Linking to:  Clean&Simple Stamping, Inspire Me Fridays

Card #5–Just When I Need You

Isn’t it wonderful how we have people in our lives that are always there when we need them? I am so blessed with a beautiful person/mentor that never seems to mind when I just need somebody to listen.

So during a recent crop with friends, while all I managed to finish was one card, it was a card from the heart.  I’m looking forward to getting this in the mail and hopefully brightening her day!

The quote – since it’s hard to read – says “You always pop up just when I need you!”

Supplies used: Stamps – Furnished With Love (Stampin’ Up); Ribbon – Soft Suede 1/2” Polka Dot Grosgrain (Stampin’ Up); and Stickles!!!

Card #4–In My Thoughts

This card has seriously taken its sweet time making it up on the blog.  I made this card some time ago while scrapbooking with friends and was honestly one of those cards that just kind of came together.  I had in mind one certain friend to send it to and then kept thinking of others that could use it right now.  My new plan is to see if this paper is still available and make quite a few of this design and get them all in the mail to friends.

 

Supplies used – Stampin’ Up Old Olive 5/8” satin ribbon, Stampin’ Up Whimsical Words stamp, an old heart shaped Sizzix die, cannot remember the pattern paper

Card #3–Happy Birthday Beloved

So even though his birthday was a bit ago I’m still going to post this card.  

My Beloved celebrated his birthday and I was pretty pleased with how the card came out. His favorite color used to always be orange, so that’s what I went with. And one of his favorite things to say is “Love”, which he pronounces in a monotone (maybe you’d have to be there to fully appreciate it), so I was delighted to find this very old Stampin’ Up set amongst my goodies.

 

The ribbon is also Stampin’ Up and the the little hearts on the sides are free form with Stickles.

A very fast to make card…except for the Stickle drying time. 

Card #2 – FTL 128 – Just Saying Hello

So of course once I decide to do something I have a hard time with all the “documentation” involved.  Back in January I shared about the 52 Weeks, 52 Letters for 2011 and how great an idea I thought it was. Well I’m running behind on sharing the cards online, but that’s ok.  I also realized that if I send a “store bought card” (*GASP!*) that I’m not going to say anything about that on the blog, so my numbers might not look right online at the end of the year.  And that’s ok.

Moving on….

Every now and then when making a card you just feel it. That’s what happened with this card and equally wonderful was being with two girlfriends while making the card.  Great afternoon, even though this is really all I have to show for it. 

This is my Card #2 and it’s using the FTL128 layout from the Clean & Simple Stamping blog. Keith and I were just saying at dinner tonight that sometimes sending a card for no reason can be even more important than a card for an occasion. We never really know what other people are going through and this jaunty little bird stopping by to say hello might be just what somebody needs to hear/see.

• Stamps – a set from Hero Arts (I bought it at a scrapping/stamping garage sale and it didn’t have the outer envelope with the stamp set name on it)
• Ink – Stampin’ Up Chocolate Chip
• Paper – Stampin’ Up cardstock
• Size – 4.25 x 5.5

** Linking to Clean & Simple Stamping

Card #1 - FTL122–Thank You Card

One of my high school friends recently posted on her Facebook page about a book that she was going to try and follow. It’s called 365 Thank Yous: The Year A Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life by John Kralik (the link takes you to an author interview on NPR). This book chronicles the author’s decision to write a thank you note to one of his friends, family or even a stranger every day for one year.

I think this is a tremendously great idea and really goes along with the Friday Fave Five posts in that it helps you to focus on the positive. Honestly can’t you right now think of people that you could send a Thank You too?

However….that’s a rather lofty goal for me, so when I first read about it I agreed to myself that it was great, but not for me. But my thoughts keep returning to this book.

Then this morning I read somewhere that a person’s handwriting is fast becoming a lost art. I’ve mentioned before how much I love getting notes in the mail and when I read this about handwriting it gave me pause. A lost art? How sad that would be. Seeing a person’s handwriting can take you down memory lane faster than many things.

So all this leads me to my mutant version of the the book and the handwriting. In my version I’m going to try to send out a card a week – more if the situation warrants (I’d hate to put off a birthday card because I’d already sent a card that week!!!). There is *always* something you can send a card for and if there are no birthdays or anniversaries then it’s time to send a Thinking of You, Thank You or Missing You card. Can’t we all think of somebody that would fit one of those categories?

I’m hoping that I will also make the card I send so that I can justify my card making craft supplies. But I’m not going to beat myself up if it’s a busy week and I can’t get to it since the real point is to get a card sent.

** Edited to add - Apparently I'm not the only one that came up with this mutant idea! Today in reading blogs I found a link to 52 Weeks, 52 Letters where she challenges us to do the same thing. I added my link and if you've decided to do something similar to this post I encourage you to link there as well.

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Here is Card #1 using the FTL122 layout from the Clean & Simple Stamping blog. I do have a reason to send a Thank You card, so I’m off to a good start. Now all I need to do is handwrite a message on the inside!

• Stamps – Whimsical Words by Stampin’ Up
• Ink – Palette Noir Black
• Paper – Kraft (Stampin’ Up), Spring Moss (Papertrey Ink), pattern paper/blue paper Metropolitan Plaza (American Crafts)
• Size – 7x6 folded in half

* Linking to Get Your Craft On, Monday’s Blog Hop, Take-A-Look Tuesday

Birthday Card for Lynne’

I forgot to post the card I made for Lynne’ in her birthday post!

 

I had a little trouble capturing the exact colors – of course it all worked together and looks better in person.  :)

When Lynne’ was a young toddler I always used to call her my Little Ray of Sunshine.  Every morning I’d hear her sing-songing in her room and when I went in there she was standing in her crib, looking out the door with the biggest grin on her face.  As I entered the room she’d start that bouncy dance that littles do and you really couldn’t help but smile back at her.

The colors in this card reminded me so much of that time.  So even though there’s no sun on the card, it really does say Little Ray of Sunshine to me.

CREDITS:  Paper and Ribbon - Stampin Up;  Flower Stamp – Morning Star Stamps; Sentiment Stamp – Stampabilities; Glittery “stuff'” on flower - Stickles

Happy Thanksgiving Stampin Up Card

I mentioned briefly in my weekend update post about going to Stamp Club with my daughter-in-law.  Let me tell you more!

We left from work on Friday and headed straight to Joann’s for some crafty shopping, followed by dinner at Fuddruckers.  We both got a kick out of what a cheap date we are as we both ordered the kids meal and ended up spending right at $5.  :)  But honestly, even with the kids meal I still left food!

Really it was nice to have some time just the two of us.  We talked and shopped and laughed.  I am so very fortunate to have a daughter-in-law that I genuinely like to spend time with.

 

This is the card we made and I absolutely love it!  It’s ok for me to say that I love something I made when it wasn’t my idea or design….LOL!  Of course they are all Stampin Up products and now I have to decide who to send my one card to.

And did you know that the great canned pumpkin shortage is coming to an end?  So glad as I love everything pumpkin.  The reason this even came to mind is that our hostess for the evening brought a pumpkin roll that was out of this world delicious.  Think about it – pumpkin bread wrapped around a cream cheese filling – what’s not to like?  She said that she just used the recipe on the inside of the Libby’s pumpkin label.

Congratulations Stampin Up Card

Finally was able to make it to Stamp Club the other day and am always so glad when I do. This bright and cheerful card was one of the projects we made and while it looks deceptively simple, we used the 3 wheel stamps and it was a challenge. Trying to line the word up just right took a couple of tries and lots of laughter.

Now to wait for just the right "congratulations" occasion to send this card out.

Supplies used (all Stampin' Up): Wheels - Confetti Explosion, You Did It, Striped; Paper - Peach Parfait, Daffodil Delight; Ribbon - Daffodil Delight 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon; Punch - Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack; assorted brads

FTL 102 - Starry Thank You Card

I have a few cards that I need to get in the mail and last night seemed like the perfect time to get started. Cause really when it feels like it's 150 degrees outside it's hard to get excited about doing much of anything other than staying inside!

I haven't done any stamping in a long time and while making this card I rediscovered how much joy this hobby brings me. I'm thinking it's time to dust off all the supplies and keep at it. :)

Since my card muse has left and set up who knows where, I decided to revisit one of the challenges I used to love on Clean & Simple Stamping. This is the FTL 102 (Fall To Layout - meaning it's a great layout and easy to use) sketch:

And this is my card:

I am *enormously* pleased with this card (pretend the photo above is super great and not washed out)! The colors in real life are vibrant and bold and right now are a favorite color combination of mine. I think it's because it's so summery - the citrus colors of lemon, lime and orange.

Supplies:

Stamps - July Fourth, Teeny Tiny Wishes (Stampin' Up)
Inks - Versamark, Palette Noir Black
Paper - Yoyo Yellow, Green Galore, Only Orange (Stampin' Up)
Embellishments - Dew Drops

** Linking to Making The World Cuter

Thank You Card – And Decorated Gift Cookies

I found myself in need of a Thank You card recently and this is what I came up with, with the help of a friend.  It’s actually quite a bit different than what I normally do – not quite as girly or overtly pink (but I did sneak some in!).  Overall I’m very pleased with it though and it’s already in the mail!

Stampin Up supplies used:  Watercolor Trio stamp set, Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, all inks and cardstock

And now the reason for the thank you card!  Mother’s Day weekend of course was a wonderful time.  After church Keith, Brooklyn (granddaughter) and I went to brunch with my mom, his mom and dad, my brother and sister-in-law.  It’s so very special to me that both sides of our family get along so well and enjoy being together – a true blessing.

When we all got to the restaurant Michele, my sister-in-law, came inside carrying beautiful gift bags and gave one to me, my mom, mother-in-law and gave me one to take home to my daughter-in-law.

They were so cute!  She’d ordered some personalized cookies from a gal in town that does this from her home.  Each bag had a cookie with our name on it and the bag contained more mom cookies and a cute flower cookie.  Such a darling and thoughtful idea.

I’ve thought about this quite a bit and have decided I’m going to try my hand at cookies like this.  I don’t hope to become as good as this professional was, but what I have learned is that it’s ok – the impact of this gift was great and I’m going to assume that others would like to receive it as well.

Don’t you just love when somebody out of the blue gives you a gift that you love so much that you want to do the same for somebody else?