My sweet Darjeeling!

Hee hee! I couldn't resist using this phrase with my new Gabrielle stamp. Too cute! I totally LOVE how this card turned out! I even was able to tie in another of my cool CTMH Irresistables. I love how I can color them to match anything.

Enjoy your Sunday! Another day of work for me, but it's raining anyways.

Materials
Stamps: Kraftin' Kimmie's Gabrielle
Paper: BG Kioshi, CTMH cs, kraft
Other: Copics, MS punch, foam tape, CTMH Irresistables and inks, rhinestone, lace.

Pamper Yourself

I haven't played with Me Time Anya in a while, so this is what I ended up with. I just kept layering and adding. I like the way it turned out.

Hope you all have a nice and relaxing holiday weekend. I have to work :( but I do have Monday off--paid holiday too! It'll be a nice paycheck!

Materials

Stamps: TGF Me Time Anya

Paper: BG Kioshi, CTMH cs, kraft

Other: Copics, CTMH inks and ribbon, Nestibilities, foam tape, lace, Kaiser apoxy drops.

10 minute card

Back with another graduation card. Super simple layout and one stamp. Just added some ribbon and this Jolee's betterfly that's been hanging around for too long. Covered up the wire with this rhinestone. This is one of my favorite sentiments.

Happy Friday! Only one more day until my Friday!

Materials
Stamps: CTMH Follow Your Dreams
Paper: CTMH cs, KI Memories dp
Other: CTMH inks, Jolee's butterfly, rhinestone, misc. ribbon, Coluzzle

Quick and simple

I was in need of a stash of sympathy and graduation cards, so I sat down with my fun new Marigold stamp from Amuse and got to work. Pairing it with the elegant Veranda paper from CTMH made the sympathy cards a breeze to make. Lately I've had friends that have had sad events in their lives, so I thought that as long as I had to make one, might as well make a few.

Also the same with the graduation cards. This one was one I made for my cousin who earned her Master's degree. Make one, make many. Now I'm all stocked up!

It's Thursday, but what am I going to do tonight? No new Survivor, no new CSI, no new Bones. And I just sent back my Netflix this morning. *sad* :( Guess I'll have to craft some more!

Materials

Stamps: Marigold and sympathy sentiment is Amuse, "dreams" sentiment is CTMH

Paper: CTMH cs and Veranda dp, KI Memories dp

Other: CTMH inks and ribbon, EK border punches

More cupcakes and Lemonade

Of course I colored two of these RAK cupcake images. Might as well so I can use up some more of my BG Lemonade dp. This was made using all those scrap cuts from cutting one 6x6 sheet down to A2 size. It's a great way to use every last scrap. Makes me feel like I'm getting the most out of my purchase.

Materials
Stamps: RAK cupcake image, CTMH Fringed Phrases
Paper: BG Lemonade dp, CTMH cs, kraft
Other: Copics, Cuttlebug folder, BG Lemonade buttons, foam tape, CTMH inks

Couple of Grad cards

Using up some more paper packs. These were made using the last of my Game-On paper from CTMH. Again, it feels SO GOOD to use it up! I made multiples of each to sell at the shop, on my Etsy, and to actually mail. Lol! Now I'm working on so more "girly" graduation cards.

Materials: All CTMH. Cherish the Moment ss, Star Power ss, For Every Occasion ss, Game On L2 pp, desert sand and colonial white cs. Black, juniper, and olive inks, sanding kit, black brads, olive marker.

Other: Coluzzle, EK border punch, foam tape

Unscripted #55

I've been having some trouble using this particular sheet of the BG Nook&Pantry paper. I don't know what it is about it. Maybe it's too geometrical for me. I finally found a way for it to work though. It all just started clicking together once I got going.

I used Unscripted Sketches #55 for the layout. I thought the sentiment was funny for Drucilla. It made me giggle! I also used the metal-rimmed tag from something I bought at a thrift store last week. Re-use and re-purpose!

Materials
Stamps: Kraftin' Kimmie Drucilla, CTMH Fringed Phrases
Paper: BG Nook&Pantry, CTMH cs, kraft
Other: Copics, CTMH inks, brads, and flowers, metal rimmed tag, Stickles

Sketchy (last) Saturday

I love how this card turned out! I haven't inked up Bree in a while, so I thought I'd use her for this week's Sketchy Saturday sketch over at Club Anya. My first thought of this sketch was that it was a little plain, but once I started to play around with the elements it turned out to be the perfect balance. This "snail mail" sentiment from Amuse is one of my favorites.

Materials
Stamps: TGF Bree, Amuse sentiment
Paper: BG Lemonade (surprise!), CTMH cs,
Other: Copics, foam tape, Nestibilities, EK circle punch, adhesive pearls, CTMH inks and edge distresser, BG buttons, Prima flower

Mojo Monday #139

Back with yet so more Lemonade paper. Are you sick of it yet?! I only have a few sheets left! Yay!! I forgot I had all these matching Lemonade buttons and brads to use uptoo. I also made some Father's Day and graduation cards this week using up the last of two CTMH paper packs. Feels so good to use it up!

Another RAK image. Thank you Sparkle! Huggabuggs are so cute! I used this week's Mojo Monday sketch #139 for this cards layout.

Hope you all enjoy your Friday. It's only my Thursday, but I'm almost there!

Materials
Stamps: RAK Stamping Bella image, Amuse sentiment
Paper: BG Lemonade dp, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, CTMH inks and hemp, EK border punch, Nestabilities, BG button, Stickles

TESC #113

Still working on my Lemonade paper. I've had this RAK image for a while now, and I don't know what took me so long to use it....it's sooo cute and fun to color! I'm going to have to find this image to buy! I used Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #113 for the layout of this card. Another square one. Still don't know why I don't make them more often...

Enjoy your Thursday. It's back to rain and wind here. And no more Survivor. :( But that means I can devote that hour back to Bones. Love that show too!

Materials

Stamps: RAK image, CTMH Say It In Style

Paper: BG Lemonade dp, CTMH cs, kraft

Other: Copics, foam tape, CTMH inks and paper piercer, BG buttons, Coluzzle, Cuttlebug folder, EK border punch, hemp

Using random scraps

This card was created by using all those random cut scraps that I've kept. Needed to USE them! It might have made this card a little busy though. I still think it turned out fun. I mean....Chibi always makes things fun anyways! I really, really like how the coloring turned out on Chibi. Strawberry cake anyone?!

Materials
Stamps: TGF Chibi digi, CTMH Fringed Phrases
Paper: BG Lemonade dp, CTMH cs, kraft paper
Other: Copics, foam tape, Prima flower, BG Lemonade buttons, CTMH inks

TESC #112

More Lemonade for you! I had some fun experimenting with Copic coloring on Suzette's dress. I didn't really have a green that matched this paper that well, so I played with blending a few Copics together. I think it turned out pretty fun!

I used Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #112 for this layout. Having fun discovering new sketch blogs!

"Glee" is on tonight! AND....it's the Neil Patrick Harris episode!! I've been anxiously waiting for this episode ever since I heard the rumor. AND....Joss Whedon is the Director! LOVE him! Total Buffy/Angel fan. (yes, I'll admit it!)

Materials
Stamps: Stamping Bella Ketto, CTMH Fringed Phrases
Paper: BG Lemonade dp, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, CTMH inks and piercing tool, BG brads

Back in the swing

Sorry I've been more miss than hit this last week. Crazy busy with a lot of projects. I finally had a lull this weekend that I could play and create some fun cards to share.

I used Sweet Sunday Sketch #69 for today's layout. I'm trying to use up the last of my Lemonade dp, so you'll be seeing a lot of it this week. Now I'm off to make some breakfast. Hope you all enjoy your day!

Materials
Stamps: TGF Reeta, CTMH Fringed Phrases
Paper: BG Lemonade dp, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, Coluzzle, CTMH inks and piercing tool, BG Lemonade buttons and brads, foam tape

May Card Class cards

So much for having these pictures up to show my card class attendees BEFORE card class! Haha! Things have just been to hectic for me lately. I actually designed and made these example cards just this last Tuesday night....when my first class was the next night! Yikers!

For this class I wanted to show the versatility of using only one stamp set for all three cards (besides sentiments) and how they can get very different looks. I chose the "You're Sweet" stamp set from the new Spring Idea Book. This is such a fun and cute set!

For this first card, I just showed an easy way to use the basic image of this pear. We used the "Rock & Roll" technique to make a "green" pear and a "red" pear. I also showed them the often-forgotten technique of dry embossing and then sanding to get the cool corner effect.

This second card is similar to the things I've seen with cherry images here in blogland with using buttons for the cherries. Nice and simple, yet super fun.

This last one, I really wanted to show them how they can get a completely different look from both the same paper pack and the same stamp set. We took a somewhat plain looking dp and added "dots" which is actually the cherry image from this stamp set. Then we did some more dry embossing and sanding on the sweet leaf cardstock. Then I showed them how to turn the strawberry image from the stamp set into a pretty flower. They had a lot of fun with all these cards. My far the cutest ones I've come up with!

Materials: All CTMH. Cherry-O Level 2 paper pack, You're Sweet stamp set, Say it in Style stamp set, hemp, cocoa grosgrain ribbon, clear buttons, embossing stylus, corner rounder. Tulip, chocolate, cocoa, black, crystal blue, sweet leaf, buttercup, and blush inks.

Other: Foam tape, red buttons.

Busy, busy, busy...

...which is why I'm posting this card I made for The Greeting Farm's "CASEing Critters" contest. They had a few Critter Crew guest DT spots to hand out and the entry was to CASE a card of the current Critter Crew. Of course I had to CASE Sparkle's card! She's my girl! Thank goodness I still had this RAK Randy image to work with! I think the sentiment was appropriate as I was CASEing "Sparkle"!

They've announced the winners today--congrats to Shaela, Jen (not me), and Amber! Though I would've been totally honored if I won a guest spot, I'm kinda glad since I already have an awful lot on my plate right now. Hopefully down the road when there's another call I'll have the time. Guess my guest Monday Mania spot at CA & F's is as close as I'm going to get for now.

Hope you all enjoy your Thursday. My second card class is tonight. Hopefully I can get them on a roll enough to scoot them out before Survivor starts! Lol!

Materials
Stamps: TGF Randy w/flower digi, Amuse sentiment
Paper: BG Nook & Pantry dp, CTMH cs, kraft
Other: Copics, CTMH ink and hemp, Prima flower, misc. button, foam tape

Monday Mania--Guest host!

About a month ago, I received an e-mail from my blogland friend Amy Young. She had asked me to be the Guest Host for today's Monday Mania challenge over at Club Anya & Friends!! Of course I said "YES"! I was totally honored and humbled that Amy asked me. I've been a huge fan of Amy's artwork and awesome stamp designs for quite awhile. So it was only fitting that I used one of her Sprout creations for this challenge.

My challenge for today's Monday Mania is to "Pierce it, Punch it, Piece it"! Create a project using ALL three of these techniques. Those are the requirements to qualify for my challenge (diecuts don't count as a punch), along with using a qualifying TGF stamp. Upload your creations to the TGF galleria by Saturday May 15th. I will view all the entries and choose a winner to be announced on Monday the 17th. That winner receives a single TGF stamp of their choice!

You can see all 3 of my challenge elements in this photo. For my "Pierce it", I used my piercing tool and piercing guide to pierce around Chelsea and my sentiment. "Punch it" was done using my latest go-to EK border punches. And "Piece it" was done by paper piecing Chelsea's skirt with the matching BG paper from the background. I based my layout off of Jen del Muro's Sketch For You to Try #34. Another new sketch challenge I decided to try out. I think I'll be using this fun sketch again.

I can't wait to see all the fun and unique creations you all come up with! Thank you for playing along with my challenge and Club Anya & Friends! And thank you Amy!

Materials

Stamps: TGF Chelsea and Up, Up and Away

Paper: BG Kioshi dp, CTMH cs, kraft

Other: Copics, foam tape, EK border punches, Coluzzle, CTMH inks and paper piercer, misc. ribbon, adhesive pearls, Stickles

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mom's Day Mom! I love you! Hope you enjoy your card today.

I usually color Reeta to look like me and Simon, but coloring the cat black wouldn't match the paper. Have to be matchy-matchy! The layout for this is based off of Mercy's sketch #70. I double layered the ribbon and used a handmade lollipop flower for the "bow".

Hope you all have a perfect Mother's Day with your mom/grandma/kids. We're going to our annual Mother's Day brunch place and then I'm kidnapping Mom for some shopping and other shenanigans. ;)

Materials
Stamps: TGF Reeta, Clear $1 Stamps-sentiment
Paper: BG Indian Summer dp, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, EK border punch, CTMH inks and ribbon, rhinestones

"Crazy" Kimmie

Ha ha! Everytime I see Drucilla, it makes me think of some vendictive ex-girlfriend ready to act out her revenge on an old boyfriend. That's why I chose the sentiment-Don't tempt me! She looks good as a redhead too. I had fun coloring her. I decided her outfit should be just as wild as she is. The layout is based off of Taylored Expressions sketch challenge #105. I haven't tried one of her sketches yet and it was quite fun!

Materials

Stamps: Drucilla-Kraftin' Kimmie, CTMH Simple Stitches

Paper: BG Green at Heart, CTMH cs

Other: Copics, foam tape, CTMH inks, misc. ribbon and button, EK border punch

Life is sweeter

This little Unity image is so cute. I love it paired with the sentiment too. More of my KI scrap paper. I'm so glad to be ride of it! Have a swell weekend!

Materials
Stamps: Unity March KOTM
Paper: KI Memories dp, CTMH cs and orange dp
Other: Copics, CTMH inks, misc. buttons, foam tape, EK border punch

Totally {heart} this card!

Isn't this sooo bright and fun?! The whole time I was making this card I had a silly happy smile on my face. The image is so adorable and I love the green/orange/pink color combo.

Another night for Survivor. It's getting very cutthroat now! So much back-stabbing and flipping that I can't keep it all straight. I just want to see Russell go. I'm done with him.

Materials
Stamps: Unity KOTM, Clear $1 Stamps
Paper: BG Green at Heart dp, CTMH cs and orange dp
Other: Copics, EK punches, foam tape, CTMH inks and ribbon

Scrap creation

I've been sitting on this silly paper forever! I'm glad I've finally used it up on this card and the one for a later post. Since I'm a master paper-hoarder, this is a good thing! Lol! The inspiration for this layout is (very) loosely based off of Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #66.

Materials
Stamps: Stamping Bella-Ketto, CTMH Fringed Phrases
Paper: KI Memories dp, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, CTMH ink, AC button, Prima flower, Stickles, Coluzzle, foam tape

Mojo #137

I've had this RAK image that Sparkle gave me for quite awhile. I thought it would be a perfect complement to my Kioshi paper and a good fit for this week's Mojo Monday sketch. The tiny-tiny leaves were a little trying to my coffee induced shakes, but I think it turned out alright. The image was a little tall for this sketch, but I really wanted to use it so I made it happen. This was also a great way to use up some of those little scraps of Kioshi that have been hanging around my craft table.

Materials

Stamps: RAK image (House Mouse?), TGF Anya Says

Paper: BG Kioshi, CTMH cs, kraft

Other: Copics, foam tape, CTMH inks, paper piercer and liquid glass, EK punches, misc. ribbon, adhesive pearls

I finally bought some!!

Yay! I've been drooling over these Kraftin' Kimmie images since I first saw them! I finally saved up enough fun money to buy a few. In addition to this Charlotte image, I also bought Garbrielle and Drucilla. I {heart} them!! They're really fun to color too.

One thing I realized when I got them in the mail is that you get just the rubber. They don't come mounted on Cling like TGF or SN stamps. But my little trick around that was to use my ATG tape and just directly glue it to my acrylic block. Then I just stamped it as though I was using one of my CTMH acrylic stamps and used my foam under my paper. The cool thing about my tape is that it easily rubs off when I'm done. So that saved me another $10!

Materials
Stamps: Charlotte-Kraftin' Kimmie, CTMH Fringed Phrases
Paper: BG Nook & Pantry, CTMH cs, kraft
Other: Copics, CTMH inks and corduroy brads, EK punches, foam tape, scrap lace

NEW Summer Idea Book release!!

Time for some **NEW** Close To My Heart products! The NEW Summer Idea Book releases today, and it's got some seriously cool new stuff in it!

First off is this new paper pack that is my total favorite: "Splendor". The color combo, flower print, houndstooth (my fav!), and overall fun of this pack was a must have.

Second are the NEW "Irresistables" Pizzazz die cut chipboard. The super-cool thing about the Irresistables is that they have various patterns of resist material on them so that when you ink them up, the pattern stays white and pops out. Love them! You'll definately be seeing more of these on my cards.

Next is the NEW "Glitz" Glitter glue. This has the same great quality of the Stickles brand that I usually use, except you get twice the amount for the same price! I love that idea! So far CTMH has it only in "Stardust" (which I used here), and "Silver". Great new product that adds instant bling to anything!

Now the stamp set I used for the flower is actually the NEW "You're Sweet" set that has images of fruits. I used the strawberry image to stamp out flower petals and them arranged them around another cool NEW product: Splendor Designer Brads. These brads come in an assortment of fabric, apoxy, and printed brads that perfectly match the Splendor paper pack.

If you have any questions about any of these new products, please feel free to contact me. I can easily mail you an Idea Book too! Enjoy your Saturday!