Sparkles and Sunshine

Hello all! I'm back this week with a fun card using Bicycling Chloe from Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps. I love adding a scene to this image. I added the grass for Chloe to actually have a ground to ride on. This card was one of the many pre-colored images I had in my big stack before I lost my mojo. So happy with the way it turned out! Do ya see the the stick pin? Yep, I made that too. :)

The shop loved it too and they snatched it right up! Hopefully it will find a perfect home. Enjoy your Saturday. I'm going to a WHL hockey game tonight to root on my Everett Silvertips against the Vancouver Giants of Canada. We beat them last Saturday, so I'm hoping for a repeat!

Materials
Stamps: Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Bicycling Chloe, sentiment is A Muse, CTMH Simple Stitches
Paper: Basic Grey dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cardstock
Other: Copic markers, EK border punch, ribbon, PTI button, AC rhinestones, CTMH ink, Memento ink, Nestibility die, straight pin and beads

SCRS catch up

Good morning everyone!

Well, my little (and I mean little) roll I was on as far as posting goes didn't last very long. Sorry. Life caught up with me. Six-day work weeks and my BFF's baby shower I had to plan left little time for creating.

My one creation, other than the card today, are the two huge garden beds of veggies my Mom and I planted about two weeks ago! I'm so excited to actually be sustainable and grow our own food. I wanted to learn how to can, so we planted lots of roma tomatoes, green beans, and beets. I love pickled beets!

So anyways, onto the card today..... I had time last night to make this card for the last Sparkle Creations challenge which was a sponsor sketch, but Blogger didn't like me so I couldn't post it last night in time for the challenge deadline. :( Oh well. Blogger likes me today though!


I decided since I missed the previous week's challenge, which was an easel card, that I'd make my first ever one! Plus....Sparkle told me they weren't that hard after I whined that I'd never made one before. And what do ya know?! they are easy!

Hope to be back tomorrow with a Greeting Farm card. Enjoy your Monday. It's my one day off here, and it's SUNNY!!

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Crusin' Chloe, PTI Button Bits (sentiment)
Paper: BG Wander dp, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, stitching, Memento ink, CTMH ink, buttons, EK punch

Combo Card

Good morning all! Sorry I've been so random with my posts lately. My big stack of colored images have just been staring at me for about a week, but I just haven't had the mojo to make anything. That, and I came down with a good 'ol cold. :P

So my card today uses Cafe Lucy which is one of Sparkle's images I've been dying to use! I love this image! The color combo is from the SCRSC #45, and I also made it for the Ribbon Carousel Challenge #5 where anything goes as long as it contains some kind of ribbon/twine/etc.

Hope you all are hiving a great weekend! It's actually supposed to be in the mid 70's and sunny all weekend! Yippee! Hopefully I will feel well enough to enjoy some of it.

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Cafe Lucy, sentiment is A Muse
Paper: BG Hello Lucious dp, Memory Box cs, CTMH cs, black notebook paper
Other: Copics, foam tape, Memento ink, CTMH ink and hemp, BG brad, Prima flower, EK punch

May SFYTT

**UGH! I set this post for 6 "pm" instead of "am"! GRR!**

Hello all! Hope you had a lovely holiday weekend. I also hope that you remembered the significance of Memorial Day and reflected on those who help protect our country so that we are allowed the joys of barbecue weekends. Sad to say, but 6,018 soldiers have lost there lives since we started combat in Afghanistan and Iraq in 2001. I thank them so much for their sacrifice so that I may sleep soundly, and I'm thankful for my brother who has already served three tours to the Middle East and has returned safely each time.

So now that my serious speech is over, onto the fun! Can you say "last minute"?! Only posting my card for the May SFYTT on the LAST possible day! Eek! I like living on the edge. ;) Isn't this Ruby image so cute?! It's another from Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps, and as you've learned from me, anything mirroring the Seattle lifestyle I always have to get it! It was another image that I paper pieced. I also tried making my own felt flower. I've been seeing them in blogland, and decided to try it out. You Tube has been my friend, and I'm going to try a couple more techniques with them.

**Update**So I guess I DID jinx the weather! It was overcast all day Sunday, but the sun made it's appearance on Monday. And the new router I bought to hopefully fix my wifi vs. iPad issue totally worked!! Yippee! Even made my laptop faster! :D

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Rainy Day Ruby with sentiment
Paper: BG Hello Lucious dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, CTMH ink, Memento ink, Nestie dies, felt, pearl, EK corner rounder, Stickles

Sweet Wishes

Good morning all! Hope you are all having a great holiday weekend and that it's sunny where you are! Miracle of miracles!...it was nice weather here yesterday, and today and tomorrow are supposed to be sunny too! That NEVER happens in Seattle. If it's a holiday, especially one that outdoor plans are usually the norm, it ALWAYS rains! Hope I don't jinx it by blogging about it!

So anyways, onto card. This is one of my favorites I've made of late. It's so clean and cute! I'm digging Sweet Treats Emily! Her baking outfit is adorable, and yes, I'll take some cookies! Her outfit was easy to paper piece. I used my multi-liner and a ruler to make the boarder around the edges and free handed around the Nesty die. I made this card for 365 Cards Monday prompt challenge which called for ruffles. I also played along with the new Ribbon Carousel challenge which was an inspirational challenge. I went with using some of the fun colors from the picture.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. I'll be having some family time up at our favorite place to go camping, and then a big BBQ on Monday.

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Sweet Treats Emily, sentiment is A muse
Paper: BG Hello Licious dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, AC ribbon, Stickles, Memento ink, rhinestones, Nestie die

SCRSC #44 sponsoring 365 Cards

Hello all. Sorry to be gone so long. My laptop is giving me issues and I haven't upgraded my wireless router to be able to use my iPad at home. (at Starbucks to use theirs!). So today I'm sharing the adorable Chef Oliver from Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps. I bought this stamp specifically to make a card for my good friend Josie who is a chef at the Seattle Art Museum's restaurant, Taste. She often complains that every female chef artwork depicts the woman as fat. (maybe Aki can design me a special one for Sparks to produce?!!). Well, Oliver is definitely NOT a girl, but I think he'll still put a smile on her face!

The challenge over at Sparkle Creations is in collaboration with 365 Cards' Tuesday prompt which is to use hats. Chef hat works! And how appropriate is BG dp?! So go check out both blogs and join in on all the fun! You can possibly win some of Sparkle's stamps!

Well, all of my shows have had their season finales. *sad*. But, my hockey team is going to the Stanley Cup finals!!!! Way to go Vancouver Canucks!!!! I really, really wish I got my passport so I could drive up to BC for a game! Dang! But I'll still cheer loud enough for them to hear me!

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Chef Oliver with sentiment
Paper: BG Offbeat dp, PTI kraft and cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, PTI buttons, Memento ink, CTMH ink and hemp, CB folder, stitching, EK punch

Sparkle Creations Challenge #43

Good morning everyone! I'm back today with a card for this week's Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Challenge #43 which is "May flowers". Well here in the Seattle area, April showers just brought more showers in May! A few flowers have sprung up, but they, like all of us, are confused with the cold and rainy weather. But there's hope! It's supposed to reach 70 degrees this weekend!

So anyways, I got side tracked...Daffodil Charlotte is an easy choice when it comes to flowers on a card. Plus I got to use some more of the cute mini daffodils! Love them! This card was quickly sold to a co-worker who bought it to give to her friend's mom who is a huge gardener. Love it when they sell as fast as I make them!

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Daffodil Charlotte
Paper: BG Hello Lucious dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, Nestie die, Memento ink, CTMH ribbon, CB folder, rhinestones

Happy Birthday Aunt Cheryl!

Today is my Aunt Cheryl's birthday! She is a very special woman near and dear to my heart. Hands down the nicest person you'll ever meet. As you recall from one of my Mother's Day posts here, my Aunt is an avid gardener, so I try to include flowers on all the cards I make her. Charlotte with her rose was a great choice for her card. I also used Sketch Saturday #152 for the layout.

So what'd you all think about Boston Rob winning Survivor? He's always been a favorite player of mine, and I enjoyed all his frank comments. I think I'm more happy I don't have to see or listen to Phillip anymore! And how about Hawaii 5-0 last night?! That's the one thing about season finales that drive me nuts...the wait to see what will happen! I hope to catch up on CSI tonight.

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Charlotte w/rose, sentiment is PTI
Paper: BG Hello Lucious dp, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, Nestie die, PTI ribbon and buttons, Kiaser Crafts pearls, stitching

Another Mom's Day card

This was another paper pieced Charlotte card I made. The Shop bought this one to resell, hopefully it found ae great new home and brightened someone's day! Can you tell that Charlotte is my favorite one to paper piece? I think she pairs really nicely with this particular Basic Grey paper.

Enjoy your Tuesday. Nothing special for me going on today, FINALLY!! Just a much needed day of relaxation! ....and maybe some housework.....maybe. ;)

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Charlotte with Rose, sentiment is A Muse
Paper: BG Kioshi dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, memento ink, CTMH ink and button, Nestie die, EK punches, rhinestones, Prima flowers

Party Emily

Happy Wednesday everyone! Boy, do I wish it was my hump day! This week at work has already been one disaster after another, and it's only my Tuesday. Ugh! "Nothing but uphill from here" to quote from the Due Date movie. That is a funny movie, you should check it out.

So anyways, today's card isn't for any challenge or for a special occasion. I just wanted to play with my new favorite Basic Grey paper again and I thought Emily would be a fun choice with all the bright colors.

I've been super busy lately, and I finally had a chance to catch up on some of my shows. All caught up except Hawaii 5-0. Too busy again today to watch it, but when I do, I'll have to watch Survivor online too. Hopefully I don't hear who gets voted off before I watch it! Can't believe the season's final episode is this Sunday already.

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Cocktail Emily, CTMH Say it in Style
Paper: BG Hello Luscious dp, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, Nestie die, Memento ink, CTMH ink, rhinstones, ribbon, Prima flower, stitching

Grandmothers day

Hello all! Hope you had a terrific Mother's Day yesterday! My day was quite busy and exhausting, but at the end of the day I was able to relax for a bit and ready all my blog posts for the week. My Brother bought me an iPad with his Sargent's bonus and brought it with him cross-country when he came home last month. This thing is loads of fun! The only catch is that it's WiFi, and my router is sooooo old that I haven't been able to use it at home. Works great on my work's WiFi though! Just need to find a new router at a decent price, and soon!

Now on to the card....I made this one for my Grandma for Mother's Day. I just love paper piecing Charlotte's outfit. That much less to color! Lol! Tomorrow's card is pretty similar to this one. I think Charlotte makes beautiful Mother's Day cards.

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Charlotte with Rose, sentiment is A Muse
Paper: BG Kioshi dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, Memento ink, CTMH ink, Stickles, EK punch, stitching

Happy Mother's Day

Hello all. Long time no blog, yeah? Believe me though, I have LOADS of images colored and ready to go, as well as some cards to share. Yay!

Today's card is my Mother's Day card I'm giving to my Aunt Cheryl. She's a fantastic gardener and is a plant expert at Molbak's Nursery, so Daffodil Charlotte was the perfect choice. I couldn't wait to get my SCRS order from Sparkle when we met up with Nona for a craft night together! I bought these mini silk daffodils just to pair with this image. I used this week's SCRSC sketch.

I hope you all have a great day planned with your loved ones. Mine's packed with an early shift at work, then late breakfast with my parents, grandparents, and uncle (Aunt Cheryl has to work), then off to do a six hour shift at a rest-stop to help raise money for the Shriner's Hospital! Whew! I'm going to be a tired puppy! Good thing I have the next day off so that I can take Mom to her favorite shopping place--Goodwill! We have tons of fun hunting for treasures.

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Daffodil Charlotte, CTMH Fringed Phrases
Paper: BG Offbeat dp, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, CTMH ink, Memento ink, rhinestones, silk daffodil

Thinking of you Ruby

Hello everyone! I must say, I'm so glad I found my Mojo again! It's nice to be back in the blogging world and seeing all the amazing creations out there and absorbing tons of inspiration!

My card today is for this week's Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Challenge #39 which asks you to include a handmade embellishment. I used my Nestie scalloped circles to create this layered flower out of my scraps. It kinda makes the card look a bit too busy, especially since I paper pieced Ruby's skirt. Noticed how I altered the stamp image too and cut off Ruby's rolling suitcase. Now it just looks like she's "thinking of you"!

Bones tonight! Can't believe there's only a couple episodes left already. :(

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Suitcase Ruby, CTMH Fringed Phrases and Intrinsic Backgrounds
Paper: BG Hello Luscious dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, Nestie dies, BG brad, CTMH inks, CB folder, Memento ink, EK border punch

SCRSC #38

Materials

Stamps: SCRS Traveling Josh, PTI Everyday Button Bits

Paper: BG Wander dp and kraft basics, CTMH cs

Other: Copics, CTMH ink, brads and hemp, Memento ink, EK punch

Well, I intended to post this yesterday to submit it into the Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Challenge #38, but my computer was giving me grief. Sometimes I just want to hurl it out the window! Last week's SCRSC was a sketch challenge, which was good since I had this Josh image colored up and ready to go.

My younger brother was here for two weeks on leave from the Army. He recently returned to his base in Fort Campbell KY from his second tour in Afghanistan. For the first week, we did a lot of family stuff together and just spent some quality time. The second week, his Army buddy Alex flew in. Alex has never been west of Fort Campbell, so this was a fun time to show fim all the sites of the Northwest. Here's the family when we went to the Chateau St. Michelle Winery.

Here's the boys when we took an impromptu ferry trip from Mukilteo:

They both exhausted me doing so many things, but it was a lot of fun and I miss them already. They left Friday morning to travel down the west coast. First stop is Portland OR to spend some time with our Cousin Lacey, then down highway 101 to see Tillamook (he LOVES their cheese) and then down to California to see the Redwoods and LA/Hollywood (where they pic up a buddy from the Australian Army), San Fran, then on to VEGAS! I know they'll have a great time.

Double the challenge, double the fun!

Back today with my card for this week's challenge over at Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps. The challenge is "Boy's Rule". SCRS is also sponsoring this week's CPS sketch. Twice the chance to win! I'm in for sure!

I've had this Traveling Josh image colored for quite awhile, so this was the perfect opportunity to use him. I had a little bit better luck making straight lines with my sewing machine this time! Haha!

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Traveling Josh, MM sentiment
Paper: BG Wander dp, PTI kraft and cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, Coluzzle, Memento ink, CTMH ink, stitching

Scooter Chloe

Sharing another SCRS card today. I saved this portion of my BG Wander paper specifically to use this Scooter Chloe image with it. Can you see? "Scooter Rental"! Haha! Couldn't resist.

Used my black thread again, and yet again, it got a little crazy. I tried to do a simple zigzag stitch in the corner, but the thread broke just as I started and still made the holes in my paper. Since I couldn't line it up perfectly stitch in the same holes, I just went back and forth a few times to make it messy looking. Whatever! It's fine. ;)

Last day of CU. :( It's been a blast. Can't wait to do it all again next year! Hope to have some pics to share soon.

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Scooter Chloe, CTMH Fringed Phrases
Paper: BG Wander dp, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, Nestie, Mement ink, CTMH ink, rhinestones, stitching

Street Corner Josh-SCRSC #30

Good morning everyone! Here today with a card for the Sparkle Creations challenge which calls for some paper peicing.

Now, I've had this Josh image colored up for some time and really wanted to use him, but what part to paper piece.......It didn't feel right to piece any of his clothing, especially with the city-themed BG paper I was using. *lightbulb*! There was this little scrap left from this dp chilling on my craft table, and on it was all these little tiny street signs that were perfect for piecing into Josh's street signs! Tah-dah!

I finally bought some new bobbins so I can thread some more sewing colors. Got a little sloppy with sewing around the main image. Tried to do it all in one try, but kinda lost control towards the bottom! Haha! I'll get better.

Doing my final packing for Creative University today! Can't wait to have a nice and relaxing, crafty weekend with some amazing ladies! Gotta wake up super early to be at Nona's to carpool to the airport. MUCH better that driving 7 hours to Coeur d'Alene!! Here's a view of my scenery the next few days (plus 3 inches of snow!):

Image courtesy of Nichole Lewno

Materials

Stamps: SCRS Street Corner Josh, CTMH Fringed Phrases

Paper: BG Wander dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs

Other: Copics, foam tape, EK punch, Memento ink, CTMH ink and hemp, misc. buttons

SCRS Challenge #29

Squeezing this one in in time for the Sparkle Creations Challenge deadline! Yikes! Cutting it close!

I've had this Cupid Emily image colored for over a week now, and I've finally had time to make a card using the sketch challenge. I flipped the sketch to put the band at the bottom since this image is top-heavy. The pink and lime green color combo is one of my all time favorites.

Enjoy your Sunday. I'm off to meet a friend for coffee and to sell him my Valentine Oliver card that I posted here. Then I'm going to cheer on my hockey team at the arena tonight. Go Tips!

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Cupid Emily, CTMH Affection
Paper: BG Eva dp, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, CTMH button, ink and hemp, MS punch, Memento ink, satin ribbon, Stickles

Same, but different

Good morning!

I'm back today with another card where I used the same paper and sketch as my last post. Cupid Emily lends a totally different, romantic vibe from Oliver's card. The lace and damask CB folder helps with the overall feel.

I knew when I first colored up this image that I wanted to cut her out. It was painstaking, but I love the result. Had to draw the bow's wire back in with my multiliner.

Sparkle just released her latest stamps today, so head on over to the site and check them out! There's a 20% off SALE through the 22nd. The discount code is CELEBRATE. Just click on the banner below:

Enjoy your weekend! I desperately need to finish my cards for my class next week and my sample for my class at Creative University next month. It's the only time I'll have before a jam-packed week!

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Cupid Emily, MM sentiment
Paper: BG Curio dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, CB folder, CTMH ink, Memento ink, scrap lace, Stickles

Valentine Oliver

I'm back!! I finally had some crafty time to play with some new Sparkle Creations stamps. Totally in *love* with the two new Valentine stamps!! This cutie is Valentine Oliver. He looks so dapper in his vest and hat. And a man with flowers AND candy?! HELLO!

I was also able to play with my BG Curio dp that I've had since it first came out but hadn't had time to use yet. I like how it adds a cool vintage look. Some more first-time-uses are this Cuttlebug folder and the flourish stamp that is from my new CTMH "Wings" stamp set.

And what do ya know....I actually made this for TWO challenges! It's been awhile since I've done that! The first one is Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Challenge #24 which is "tie it up". I know my "tie" with the hemp is kinda a flimsy entry, but I just couldn't but a big 'ol bow with this image....but some scrap lace snuck in there! The second is the sketch. It's from Jen Del Muro's newly re-vamped SFYTT. It's now a monthly challenge with some cool sponsors! I'm glad Jen decided to keep on with her fabby sketches!

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Valentine Oliver, CTMH Wings and Thoughful Seasons ss
Paper: BG Curio dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, CB folder, CTMH hemp and ink, Memento ink, MM button, scrap lace.