Jen's Sketch Challenge 11-27-10

Kendall is turning 16. I can't believe it. Yes, growing up is natural and she is supposed to grow and mature. Still, it's hard. I am sure it is for any parent. She was just 9 years old when God brought us together. She was shy and un-affectionate and tentative and quiet and kept to herself. She spent most of her time in her room by herself. Now she freely gives hugs. She has lots of friends. She loves to come out and socialize. We are close. She talks to me and shares what's going on in her life and with her friends and I am so thankful. I was her age not so long ago (ok it was a while ago, but it doesn't feel like it) and I was not nearly as open with my parents as she is with us. She is so grounded. She is an extremely hard worker in school and at home. She is honest. She is funny. She is sweet and kind and loves God. She amazes me and I am incredibly proud of her.

But she's turning 16. And, I don't know how much longer she will want to be close. She will get a job and a boyfriend and want to spend ALL of her time with her friends. It's coming, I know it is. And all I can do is hope that what we have today, what we have provided in guidance and support will stay with her as she goes out into the world and is confronted with challenges and temptations and that she will continue to do the right thing. I'm very confident she will, but it's still scary. I suppose this feeling is very typical for parents, but it's new to me.

But I know that we have given her our all and loved her completely and provided guidance and that's all we can do. As scary as it is to watch her grow up, it is also beautiful to see the way she has blossomed. She has such strength of character and has taught us just as much (if not more) than we taught her. She will be ok.....I just know she will!

Anyway, here's a card I made for our little rocker chick for her birthday. I had some gorgeous rub-ons that I was going to use on this card. I got them for 50% off at Archiver's and thought I was getting such a bargain. Until I tried to use them. Apparently they were 50% off because they had been sitting forever and WOULD NOT come off of the backer sheet. I tried and tried and tried and eventually had to give up. They are now in my garbage can. So sad.....but, I was very happy to find this awesome guitar on my Potpourri Basket Cricut cartridge. Is it not the cutest? I absolutely love it! I couldn't find the angel wings that were also on the rub-on pack that I planned to use, but I found these great stars on the same cartridge and some patterned paper that I had in my stash and I think it's still an appropriate rocker-chick card. Because, flowers and hearts and lace will not do for this unique girl we have. She is special in every way!

I used Jen's sketch from yesterday for this card. I took a little bit of liberty with it and moved the small panel to the left instead of the right. I should have angled the guitar in the other direction to fit the panel in the right spot, but I am happy with the way it turned out. That's the great thing about these sketches. You can make small modifications and make them your own, but still use the primary design Jen provided. I love it!

Supplies

Patterned Paper - Unknown (got a while back from Tuesday Morning)

Cardstock - The Paper Co

Ribbon - Offray

Buttons - Unknown

Scrapper's Floss - Karen Foster Designs

Spellbinders Dies

Cricut - Potpourri Basket Cartridge

Stamp - Hero Arts

Punches - Stampin' Up!

Rhinestones - K & Co.

Jen's Sketch Challenge 11-20-10

Time for another one of Jen's fantabular (Jay made that word up and I have adopted it...because I like it) sketch challenges! It seems like every week lately I have a card to make for a purpose, instead of just doing projects for fun. This is fine, but I do enjoy just creating to create and hope I can get back to that point sometime soon! I am grateful that Jen provides these wonderful challenges for me every week though. I have a jumping off point and when I'm in the midst of several projects at once, it helps to have somewhere to begin when I'm making a card.

This week, I made a birthday card for my wonderful, sweet, amazing friend Carrie's 40th birthday. Carrie and I have been friends since we were 18 or 19, so over half of our lives now. Carrie was dating a guy that I had dated previously and he introduced us. They didn't last, but Carrie and my relationship did and we have been friends ever since. She is so kind and generous and artistic and funny and makes me so happy. She lives in CA so I don't see her much, but I love her just the same and look forward to every moment we have together.

Since Carrie loves purses and has loads of them, I thought it appropriate to put a purse on her card. I also added some bling (since Carrie is the queen of accessories) and some Glossy Accents to make it extra special.

Enjoy!

Supplies

Patterned Paper - Basic Grey

Cardstock - The Paper Company, Stampin' Up!

Stamps - Unity Stamp Co (purse), Stampin' Up! (sentiment)

Ink - Stampin' Up!

Cricut Cartridge - Storybook (frames)

Border Punch - Stampin' Up!

Flower - Kaiser Crafts

Button - Basic Grey

Scrapper's Floss - Karen Foster Designs

Glossy Accents - Ranger Industries

Orange Rhinestones - Mark Richards

Copic Markers

Jen's Sketch Challenge 10-30-10

I'm very late posting on this card for Jen's SFYTT back on 10/30/10. I do have a good excuse this time. I made this card for my mom's birthday and wanted to wait until the package was delivered before posting a picture of the card so as not to ruin the surprise.

I had lots of fun with this butterfly. My friend Stephanie gave me this wood mountain butterfly stamp just because. Just because she knows how much I love butterflies and wanted to make me smile and she did! I was at a mutual friend's birthday party and Stephanie presented her with a gorgeous pointsetta stamp and told me she had a gift for me as well. It was completely unexpected, but very much appreciated! I had lots of fun coloring the butterfly with my Copics. I also love the way the tags turned out that I cut using my Cricut. Once again, Cricut to the rescue!

Supplies

Patterned Paper - Webster's Pages

Cardstock - Stampin' Up!, Bazzil, Neenah (for Copic coloring)

Stamps - Creative Impressions (Butterfly), Stampin' Up! (Sentiment)

Cricut Cartridge - Sentimentals

Edge Punch - Stampin' Up!

Corner Punch - We R Memory Keepers

Flower - Prima Marketing

Glimmer Mist - Tattered Angels

Ink - Stampin' Up!, Tsukineko

Pearls - Kaiser Crafts

Copic Markers - YR02, YT87, Y13, C1

Jen's Sketch Challenge 11-13-10

Time for another fantastic sketch by Jen Del Muro! This week is another sponsored sketch, so be sure to stop by Jen's blog and play along. I find my time so limited lately that I rarely end up making a card aside from the weekly sketches, so I really appreciate having at least one project per week and absolutely love the challenge that a sketch provides.

I had a couple of friends over yesterday for a crafting day! We had such a wonderful time. I made a pot of chili in the crockpot and some cornbread muffins and the girls came over at around 11:00 and were here until 6:00. We played Christmas music and holed up in my scrap room and worked on Christmas projects all day. I also set aside time to make a birthday card with this week's sketch for a friend from work.

I have to tell you that I am absolutely loving this paper from Crate paper. The yellow and turqoise combination is so beautiful. I would probably not normally put these two colors together, but they compliment each other so well. I also love the hat on the stand. I can't remember life before my Cricut ;).

Anyway, hope you enjoy!

Supplies

Patterned Paper - Crate Paper

Cardstock - Stampin' Up!

Brads - Stampin' Up!

Stamp - Stampin' Up!

Ink - Stampin' Up!

Flowers - Prima Marketing

Cricut Cartridge - Heritage

Nestabilities Die (Oval)

Word Punch - Stampin' Up!

Snowy Christmas

I made another Christmas card last week. Unfortunately, this one took me like 5 days! I just wasn't feeling the mojo and ended up re-doing the bottom panel. I started off with the rafia ribbon tied in a bow and a gigantic red button on top (to the left) with no twine and just kept staring at it, unhappy and unable to move foward, so I took the panel off and added the rafia with a criss-cross and then cut a snowflake on my Cricut and added a smaller red button with twine and was much happier with the results and found that the rest of the card came together rather quickly after that. The red around the top panel is dauber paint and you can't tell in the photo, but you can sort of see through it in parts, which gives it kind of a rustic look.

I love that little snowman also. I paper pieced his scarf and the band around his cap and I think he looks rather dapper. I am definitely getting into the Christmas spirit!

Next up....shopping.

Supplies
Patterned Paper - Jillibean Soup, Little Yellow Bicycle
Cardstock - Stampin' Up!, The Paper Company, Neenah
Rafia Ribbon - Paper Reflections
Twine - Stampin' Up!
Button - Basic Grey
Stamp - Verve Stamps (Snowman), Stampin' Up! (sentiment)
Ink - Tsukineko, Stampin' Up!
Nestabilities Dies
Cricut - Joys of Christmas Cartridge
Copic Markers - YR04, YR18, 100, C1

Jen's Sketch Challenge 10-23-10

**Edited**

I added the snowflake brads and red Stickles to the wreath. I like this card so much better now!

Even though Christmas is still two months away, in the crafting world, time is quickly running out! I certanly am in no rush to get to December 25th (or for sonow, for that matter), but I do have to plan ahead when it comes to projects. I already have a couple of projects in the works that I'm giving away as gifts and I have about 9 individual cards that I need to create and have ready to be mailed and delivered by the big day. I am already feeling a little behind.....we always seem to have something going on and sitting down and creating is sort of last on the list. Things like laundry, homework, calling family, cooking, oh yes, that job thingy....all take priority. And that's ok. That's how it should be. Still, I wish there were just a couple more hours in the day some days.

I decided to use Jen's sketch this week to make another Christmas card. I used another adorable digi stamp from CC Designs. I absolutely adore these stamps! And, after I fiinished a lengthly argument with my printer (it did not want me to print on a paper size less than 8.5x11 but you'll be happy to know that I won), I had lots of fun coloring the design with my Copics. I popped in a movie last night (Valentine's Day.....sort of a disappointment) and sat and colored while my hubby played a video game on his computer and Kendall went and got the daylights scared out of her at a local haunted museum.

I also used my Copics to color the Prima flower and then spritzed it with Pearl Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist. You can't see in the photo very well, but the flower sparkles and the coloring is so rich. I absolutely love it.

So, winter may come with Christmas but I am also looking forward to:

• Our 5 year wedding anniversary
• Making more fun crafting projects for my wonderful family
• Eggnog Lattes from Starbuck's
• It's a Wonderful Life, The Nativity Story, The Bells of St. Mary's, Charlie Brown Christmas, The Grinch
• Mom's peanut brittle
• Winter Wonderland at church
• Remembering that day so long ago that my Savior was born in such a humble manner
• Lights, oh so very many lights
• The smell of pine
• Snuggling up by a warm fireSupplies

Patterned Paper - Bo Bunny

Cardstock - Stampin' Up!, Michael's

Stamps - Digi Stamp (CC Designs), Background Stamp (Hero Arts), Sentiment ( Studio G)

Copics - E00, E02, E25, E27, E29, B39, G28, YG97, R39, R46, R89. RV11, 100, 0

Ribbon - Stampin' Up!

Ink - Stampin' Up!

Nestabilities Dies

Corner Punch - We R Memory Keepers

Flower - Prima Marketing

Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist

Jen's Sketch Challenge 10-16-10

For Jen's sketch challenge this week, I had a little more fun with my Cricut. In fact, I've been having so much fun with it that I had to change the blade for the first time. I was starting to get tears in my paper when cutting and still had some tearing even after I changed the blade, but after I slowed down the cutting speed and changed the blade depth the problem was solved. I also had my paper slip a little bit so it might be time to start using a new cutting mat. I didn't realize just how much I've been enjoying that machine!

My dear friend Nancy just announced she is pregnant (with baby #3!) and I wanted to make a congratulations card for her and her husband. This isn't there first, but I believe EVERY baby (both the born and the unborn) are worth celebrating and since I can't be in California to celebrate with her, I made a card to mail off to her.

Since she's newly pregnant, we don't know the baby's gender yet, so I used a lot of different pastels on the card. For whatever reason, I feel like this one might be a girl, but I don't trust myself anymore. Up until my friend Kim's first pregnancy I had NEVER been wrong - not once on guessing a baby's gender but I seem to have lost my mojo. Whether a girl or a boy, we will love this baby....still since I have announced my guess here on this blog, I am not so secretly hoping it's a girl. I just like to be right :).

Oh! I used the Fun Flock again on the pom-pom on the night cap. I got a little more to stick this time than the last, but it's still not very much. I am still trying to figure out what the trick is ther, but I love the texture of that stuff so I am going to continue to try.

Anyway, enjoy....

Supplies
Patterned Paper - Little Yellow Bicycle

Cardstock - Yellow (Unknown), Green, Blue, Pink, White (Stampin' Up!)

Stamps - Verve Stamps

Ink - Stampin' Up!

Embossing Folder - Provo Craft

Cricut Cartridges - Storybook, Potpourri Basket

Buttons - Basic Grey

Pearls - Kaiser Crafts

Ribbon - Portafolia

Fun Flock

Flower - Prima Marketing

Glimmer Mist - Tattered Angels

Happy Halloween!

I made this fun card using some adorable Halloween paper from Stampin' Up! I believe it's last year's line, but it's new to me and I absolutely love it! It's got lots of really intriquate designs on it and it isn't corny. I am more drawn to elegant than I am to corny. It's just my style, which is why I like this paper so much. It's still a little bit spooky, but is very elegant at the same time and I love that! I also really like the colors. A lot!

This is another card that I did in two sittings. In the first sitting, I thought I had finished the card, but it was missing something. On the green scalloped circle, it just looked too simple with the frame and the scull and crossbones. I thought about the design overnight and then stared at it again in the morning and decided it needed some splattered paint on it to make it a little darker. My original plan was to take a toothpick and flick paint onto the image, but the paint was too thick so I ended up just smearing it around with the toothpick. I like the look. I think it's just what this card needed.

Happy Halloween!

Supplies

Patterned Paper - Stampin' Up!

Cardstock - The Paper Company, Stampin' Up!

Stamps - Inkadinkadoo (Scull and Crossbones), Endless Creations (Frame)

Ink - Stampin' Up!

Paint - Claudine Hellmuth Studio

Epoxy Stickers - Making Memories

Ribbon - Stampin' Up!

Flower - Kaiser Crafts

Button - Basic Grey

Scalloped Circle Punch - Marvy

Jen's Sketch Challenge 10-09-10

Time for another one of Jen's fantastic sketches! For this week's card, I wanted to make a birthday card for my stepdaughter Nicole and her favorite color combination is pink and black, so I chose this bright pink paper from Basic Grey (left over papers from a mini album I did) and combined it with black cardstock. I also had a chance to use this adorable digi stamp from CC Designs. These kids are just too cute for words! And, they are a blast to color with Copic markers. I also used some Fun Flock on the bottom of her dress, but I obviously need more practice because hardly any stuck to the paper. I used a glue pen (Tombow) and I think 1) I didn't put enough glue down and 2) I didn't press the flock into the glue before I flicked the excess off of the card. Next time, I think I will use the Tombow Mono Multi Glue instead. I am excited to use some more of that Fun Flock for Christmas and winter cards though, that stuff has the best texture and some really great sparkle to it. Such fun.....

I am finding lately on the projects that I make I end up being happier with the results if I make them in at least two settings. When I try to complete an entire project in just one setting, I find that they don't have as many details and my creativity isn't stretched as much as if I start the project, walk away, think it over some more and then come back to it either late thate day/evening, or the next day.

Unfortunately for me, for some reason, the creative part of my brain really peaks late at night. If I could do all of my papercrafting after midnight, I think I would come up with some amazing work, but a girl needs her sleep :).

Anyway, enjoy!

Supplies

Patterned Paper - Basic Grey

Cardstock - The Paper Company, Papertrey Ink, Stampin' Up!

Stamps - Digi Stamp (CC Designs), Background Stamp (Unity), Sentiment (Stampin' up!)

Ink - Stampin' Up!, Papertrey Ink

Ribbon - Papertrey Ink

Button - Papertrey Ink

Flower - Kaiser Crafts

Copic Markers - RV29, RV69, RV93, E00, E02, E25, E27, E33. 100, Colorless Blender Pen

Stampers Floss - Karen Foster

Spellbinders Dies

Edge Punch - Stampin' Up!

Scalloped Square Punch - Stampin' Up!

Stickles - Ranger

Fun Flock - Stampendous

Jen's Sketch Challenge 10-02-10

For this week's sketch challenge on Jen Del Muro's blog, I used some absolutely adorable travel-themed paper that I got from Stampin' Up! a while back. It was from the summer mini catalog and I absolutely love the colors. I purchased the paper for scrapbooking, but I decided to try using it for a card. I used my Cricut to cut out that adorable tag and when you swing it open, there is an adorable image behind it. I just attached the tag with a brad and then cut out a square piece of cardstock, stamped the truck image onto it, and then rounded the corners so that it would fit behind the tag. The stamps are all Tim Holtz and are of incredible quality and I absolutely love the artistry! Anyway, if you haven't done so already, stop by Jen's blog and play along.

Supplies

Patterned Paper - Stampin' Up!

Cardstock - Stampin' Up!, Michael's

Ribbon - American Crafts

Stamps - Tim Holtz for Stampers Anonymous

Ink - Stampin' Up!, Ranger

Emobssing Powder - Ranger Distress Embossing Powder

Punches - Martha Stewart Crafts (Border), We R Memor Keepers (Corner Rounder)

Cricut Cartridges - Sentimentals (Stamp Border, Tag), Heritage (Luggage)

In Memory

**Edited** - I felt the left side of the card needed a little something so I added some bling from ZVA. I think it's just what this card needed.

My dear, sweet, wonderful great-aunt Helen passed away a couple of weeks ago. Aunt Helen lost her husband Al several years ago and her mind was suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Because of this, she did not have any real quality of life in her later years and it's a blessing that she is now home with her heavenly father and once again reunited with her wonderful husband.

Aunt Helen and Uncle Al were always so good to me and my family. They were loving and funny and kind. They were incredibly generous with hugs and kisses and laughter. Aunt Helen was also an amazing cook! I remember going to visit at the house and she made these beautiful homemade breadsticks and ginger cookies. Everything looked as good as it tasted.

I made this card for Aunt Helen and Uncle Al's son Keith and his wife Katie and their daughter Natalie. They are such a dear, sweet family and I know that they are happy for Aunt Helen that her suffering on earth has come to an end, but still miss her dearly. Keith was the son that Aunt Helen and Uncle Al always dreamed of and he was the apple of their eyes. The love in that family was evident every moment that you spent with them.

Aunt Helen, I know you weren't really here over the last few years, but still you are missed terribly. I look forward to seeing you again one day in heaven. Until then, you will remain in my thoughts. I love you!

Supplies

Patterned Paper - Webster's Pages

Cardstock - The Paper Company

Ribbon - Unknown

Cricut Cartridge - Heritage

Hardware - Making Memories

Spellbinders Dies

Edge Punch - Stampin' Up!

Corner Punch - We R Memory Keepers

Jen's Sketch Challenge 09-18-10

For Jen's SFYTT this week, I broke out some Halloween patterned paper from Stampin' Up! that I got on clearance a few months ago. I thought this paper was absolutely adorable when it first came out, but I am glad I waited to order it because I got it for a great price, and even though it's not new to the scene, it's new to me! I also got to use a stamp set that my dear friend Leslie gave me about a year and a half ago. It's from a retired stamp set from SU, but again...new to me :).

We don't make a big deal of Halloween around here, but I do like to make cards for the girls and love breaking out supplies that I don't get to use very often.

I hope you enjoy!

Supplies

Patterned Paper - Stampin' Up!

Cardstock - Stampin' Up!, The Paper Company

Stamps - Stampin' Up!, Martha Steward Crafts

Epoxy Sticker (Skull) - Making Memories

Acrylic Tag Sticker - Making Memories

Ink - Stampin' Up!

Ribbon - American Crafts

Gemstones - Little Yellow Bicycle

Edge Punch - Martha Stewart Crafts

Corner Punch - We R Memory Keepers

Tag Punch - EK Success

Fun with the Cricut!

I am having so much fun with my Cricut! I actually made this card for a friend's birthday and showed it to my friend Carrie at work (we share projects with each other all the time) and she loved it so much that she took a picture of it and kept coming back into my office and commenting on it that I had to give it to her instead. I made a different card for her birthday, but decided that since she loved this card so much, she should have it. So, essentially, Carrie picked out her own birthday card ;).

This card was a lot of fun to make. Once again, I used a collection from Basic Grey. I used the Oliver collection on this card, which was designed for little boys, but I have made a couple of feminine cards with it now and I think it's extremely versatile.

I used the Sentimentals cartridge to build the owl using coordinating cardstock and made him the focal point since he is so extraordinary that he demands attention!

Supplies

Patterned Paper - Basic Grey

Cardstock - Bazzil, Stampin' Up!

Uniball Signo White Gel Pen

Spellbinders Die - Scalloped Oval

Sizzix Die - Top Notz Made for Stampin' Up!

Stamps - Stampin' Up - Frame and Sentiment

Flower - Bazzil

Brad - Basic Grey

Ink - Stampin' Up!

Corner Rounder - We R Memory Keepers

Jen's Sketch Challenge 09-11-10

Let me just say this. I am not ready for Christmas. I am not ready for cold and snow. I am still enjoying the warmth of the sunshine and the scents of summer. But, I know that it's coming. It's around the corner and I am going to have to get used to fuzzy socks and thick sweaters and scarfs and having a dirty car.

The only good thing about winter coming is Christmas. I love December. December 17th is our wedding anniversary and Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. I love having the house decorated and baking cookies and singing Christmas carols and buying gifts for the people I love and celebrating the birth of our Savior.

I also love making Christmas craft projects. The papers are all so very delightful and sweet. Last year I didn't get around to making indvidual Christmas cards for the family and am determined that this year I am going to make individual, handmade cards for immediate family members. In order to accomplish this goal, I must get started early!!!!

So, I took Jen's sketch this week and used Basic Grey's new Jovial collection to make my first Christmas card for 2010. I think this collection is SO beautiful! I love the blue-greens mixed in with the traditional rich reds and forest greens. There are lots of poinsettas and snowflakes and beautiful plaids. Basic Grey continues collection after collection to push the bar higher and higher. This is one of my favorite Christmas collections to date!

Supplies

Patterned Paper - Basic Grey (Jovial collection)

Cardstock - Stampin' Up!

Embossing Folder - Cuttlebug

Stamps - Verve (Snowflake Border), Inkadinkadoo (Sentiment)

Ink - Stampin' Up!, Clearsnap

Hardware - Snowflake Brads (Unknown), Frame, Brads (Unknown)

Dimensional Sticker - Basic Grey

Cricut Cartridge - Christmas Village

Stickles

Spellbinders Dies - Oval, Scalloped Oval

Jen's Sketch Challenge 08-28-10

I love all of Jen's sketches, but this one I really, really like! The layout provides endless possiblities and I just had so much fun creating with this one.

I decided to use my Cricut again, since I just can't get enough of it! I am finding it is pretty easy to use, just as long as I stick with heavyweight cardstock. I am a little intimidated to try thinner patterned paper with it. My mat isn't quite as sticky as it was, but I still have to use my spatula to pry pieces off of it and I'm afraid I'd tear up anything other than CS.

So, for now I am using it to cut cardstock and just love it! I used the Storybook cartridge to cut the flowers and leaves for this piece. After I finished it, I decided the colors are very Christmas-y (it's my blog, I can make up words if I want to) and although that was not my intent, I am now in he mood for making Christmas projects. I just ordered the new Christmas Village Cricut cartridge and am looking forward to playing! It has nativity pieces....delightful~

Anyway, hope you enjoy.

Supplies

Patterned Paper - Unknown (got in a huge pack from Costco a couple of years ago and did not save the packaging)

CS - Stampin' Up!

Cricut Cartridge - Storybook

Stamps - Stampin' Up! (sentiment), Hero Arts (Background stamp)

Punch - EK Success Label Punch

Ink - Stampin' Up!

Pearls - K&Co.

Jen's Sketch Challenge 08-21-10

Well, big news....I got a Cricut! It was totally a gift from God, I just know it was. I was looking at the Cricut Expressions and saw the $400 price tag on the machine and then saw the $70 price tag on the cartridges and had decided it wasn't something I would invest in right now. I was considerig putting money aside each month and saving up for one, but it really wasn't a huge priority. I just started investing in Copics and felt like using dies in my Cuttlebug would be just fine for now.

Then my friend Carrie at work comes in one day and tells me I'm getting a Cricut. What???? She was bidding on machines on eBay and accidentally bid on a Cricut personal cutting machine and she wanted the Expression, so she was giving me the personal machine. Of course, I could not accept it for free, so I offered to buy it from her. She got it for $100 and it came with a cartridge that she wanted, so she took the cartridge and I paid her $75 for the machine. So, I got a Cricut for $75!!!! It's brand-new and I think the size will work just fine for my needs, since I am primarily a card-maker.

I also found some cartridges for great deals online. I made this adorable tea set using the Heritage cartidge. I hand-stamped it with a damask stamp from Unity to give it a little added interest. I am still learning to use my machine (and will be learning for years), but thanks to all of the great tutorials on You Tube, I don't feel like I have to start from scratch!

Jen, thank you for yet another great sketch.

Supplies

Patterned Paper - Making Memories
Cardstock - Stampin' Up!
Stamp - Unity Stamp Co. (Damask), Stampin' Up! (Sentiment)
Ink - Stampin' Up!
Cricut Cartridge - Heritage
Die Cutting Machine - Provo Craft
Punches - Marvy Uchida (Large Scallop Circle), Stampin' Up! (Border, Mini Hearts, Word Punch), Corner Punch (We R Memory Keepers)
Flower - Prima Marketing
Glimmer Mist - Tattered Angels
Gemstones - Kaiser Crafts

Jen's Sketch Challenge 08-14-10

For this week's sketch for Jen's SFYTT, I used a Sugarplums CC Designs digi stamp. These are a new discovery for me and I absolutely LOVE them! They are the cutest kids and they totally remind me of Precious Moments figurines that I had growing up. I still have a few that my grandmother gave me and they are so sweet. I think that's partly why I am so drawn to these Sugarplums....aside from the fact that they are so stinken cute!

I also got another chance to use my Copics. I have once again fallen in love with coloring. There are some things that never get old, no matter what your age:

• Long talks with mom
• Afternoon naps (in fact, these get better with age)
• Ice cream
• Disney movies
• Sand castles
• Coloring
• Laughter between sisters (if you're lucky enough to have one)
• Dancing
• Staying up way past your bedtime

In our busy lives, it' so important to appreciate the little things that bring us joy. Making this card brought me joy. I hope it does the same for you!

Supplies

Cardstock - The Paper Company, Neenah

Patterned Paper - Basic Grey (Ambrosia Collection)

Digi Stamp - CC Designs

Frame Border, Sentiment Stamps - Stampin' Up!

Ink - Stampin' Up!

Felt Ribbon - Creative Imaginations

Gemstones - Michaels

Copics - YR04, YR24, Y32, RV93, R08, R27, YG95, YG97, E00, E02, E25, E27, E33, C3, C5, B100, Colorless Blender

Punches - Large Oval Punch - Stampin' Up!

HP6500 Printer

Jen's Sketch Challenge 08-07-10

Can you believe it? I'm actually on time with my card for Jen's sketch for you to try this week. Of course, this week there is no sponsor, but I never play with Jen's sketches because of the sponsors, I play because they are so amazing and I always have fun challenging myself to find creative ways to incorporate all of the design elements into my design.

This week I made a card that can be for a birthday or for any special day (graduation, success on a test, promotion.) I used neutral colors and although I have been drawn to really bright, fun patterns lately, I was really happy with the way this card turned out.

I used lots and lots of punches and my new Deco Corner Chomper from Making Memories. Love it! Hope you enjoy.

Supplies

Patterned Paper - Jillibean Soup

Cardstock - Stampin' Up!

Stamps - Unity (border frame), Hero Arts (sentiment), Stampin' Up! (small flower)

Ink - Stampin' Up!

Button - Jillibean Soup

Ribbon - Stampin' Up!

Punches - Martha Stewart Crafts (border), Large Scallop Circle (Marvy Uchida), Large Circle (Marvy Uchida), Small Scallop Circle (Stampin' Up!), Medium Circle (Stampin' Up!) Mini Circle (EK Success), Making Memories Corner Chomper

Jen's Sketch Challenge 07-24-10

Time for another one of Jen's wonderful sketches! This was a fun one for me, because it was a little different from most and ... and ... I got another opportunity to use my Copics! I can't express how much fun I am having with those little gems. I can't believe they way they color. It is a-mazing!!!! I also got a chance to use my new Verve stamps that I purchased during the fund raise for Susan Lillies. I heart them.....they remind me of California. Anyway, hope you enjoy.

Supplies

Patterned Paper - Papertrey Ink, Stampin' Up!
Cardstock - Papertrey Ink, Stampin' Up!, Neenah
Ink - Momento
Stamps - Verve Stamps, Stampin' Up!
Copics - YG97, BG15. BG72, Y13, Y15, Colorless Blender
Buttons - Basic Grey
Word Punch - Stampin' Up!
Corner Chomper - We R Memory Keepers
Glitter - Stampendous

Jen's Sketch Challenge 05-22-10

Getting caught up on the blog tonight! Sitting here watching The Bachelorette (absolutely a total waste of time, but alas, still watching)....with my laptop on a TV try and mutli-tasking.

This is actually a Father's Day card that I made at the beginning of June for my Dad (D1) and used Jen's sketch from 06-08-10.

I was incredibly sad to hear that the card accidentally got tossed with the box the gift came in because 1) I worked really hard designing the right card for dad and 2) he was initially so disappointed that I didn't include a card with his gift. We talked and he knows I did include a card and I promised him I will make another one.

Fortunately, he never has to question my love, no matter what comes in a box! This was our 2nd Father's day apart since we moved to CO, so it was difficult, but we talked on the phone and we got to spend a glorious week together at the beginning of May.

I love you Daddy!

So, onto the card....I used the Graphic 45 Proper Gentleman collection and how much do I love this gorgeous paper? I also used the typewriter stamps from EK Success, which are perfect for this old-fashioned card. LOVE it! I will be using those a lot more with some other Graphic 45 collections. They are so artful and make me want to watch old Marilyn Monroe movies and walk the boardwalk.

Supplies

Patterned Paper - Graphic 45

Cardstock - Stampin' Up!

Stamps - EK Success

Letter Stickers - American Crafts

Paint - Ranger Industries (Sponge Dauber, Perfect Pearls)

Ribbon - Papertrey Ink

Hardware - Tim Holtz

Ink - Stampin' Up!, Ranger Industries

Distress Tool - Tonic

Border Punch - Stampin' Up!

Jen's Sketch Challenge 06-19-10

Once again with the kidlets getting bigger - our wonderful nephew Jason just turned 3. He's the size of a 5 year old and has the energy of 3 kids and is incredibly smart. We think it's cute - Mommy and Daddy probably don't find it cute all the time ;). As his Aunt and Uncle, we're entitled to find things cute that might not be so cute 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. But, he's a loving big brother and never afraid to give hugs and kisses and has a huge smile that lights up the room.

I made this card using one of Jen's sketches several weeks back. I'm just a little late in getting the card uploaded.

I was very happy with the way the card turned out, with the exception of the goof-up on the liquid pearls. This was my first time using liquid pearls and discovered applying them properly takes a bit of practice. The little goof-up aside, I love the color combination and being that Jason loves giraffes, I think the giraffe stamp I chose is perfect for this card.

We love you big boy!

Supplies

Patterned Paper - DCWV

Cardstock - Stampin' Up!

Stamps - Image (Unit), Sentiment (Stampin' Up!)

Buttons - Unknown

Ribbon - Stampin' Up!

Liquid Pearls - Ranger Industries

It's Your Birthday Chris!

Somehow, our adorable nephew Christopher up and got a year old! The nerve of him. I can't tell you how many lectures I have given to my one precious niece and 4 amazing nephews and they don't listen. Not a one of them! All of them continue to grow up and lose their teeth and start saying words correctly and get too big to hold (although I still make Chrissi who is turning 11 sit on my lap.) I know it's part of life and it's healthy for them to grow, but we spend entirely too much time apart and every time they have a birthday or I see a picture with another tooth missing, I am reminded of everything I missed out on and I get sad. I want to be there for every moment! I want to hear every word, witness every milestone, and share every memory.

I know that's impossible, so I will have to settle for mobile photos and FB updates and shipping packages in the mail and the occassional, precious visits no matter how few and far between. Thank God for the webcam!

Our "newest" nephew Christopher is turning one. It's hard to believe that little guy is on his way to walking and talking and is growing more and more adorable every day.

I made this card using the BG Oliver collection (a new fav) to ship to him with his birthday gift. We'd love to be able to give it to him in person, but we'll have to settle for delivery by our friend the Post Man and hear giggles on the phone.

We love ou Chris and think you get more adorable ever day!

Supplies
Patterned Paper - Basic Grey (Oliver Collection)
Image Stamps (Plane, Banner) - Unity
Sentiment Stamp - American Crafts
Ink - Stampin' Up! (Riding Hood Red)
Buttons - Basic Grey

Jen's Sketch Challenge 07-10-10

Time for another amazing sketch challenge by the talented Jen Del Muro. I just recently started using Copic markers and this was my first card using an element that I colored with my new markers. I took a class a little over a month ago at my local scrap store and have been practicing coloring and trying to build up my collection and finally decided to use one of the images on a card. I made this card for my sweet little Punkin (my niece Chrissi) for her 11th birthday. Chrissi has beautiful strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes but since I don't have markers in the correct colors to make strawberry blonde hair, this little punk girl is a brunette with green eyes to match her stylish outfit.

I must admit, I'm proud of the way the image turned out. I know that when I look back on this image in a year or two, I will see many, many flaws as my skills develop, but I think she turned out pretty cute, considering how little experience I have.

I also used the new Oliver collection from Basic Grey (love it) and was happy to be able to make a feminine card with the collection, even though it was designed for little boys.

Patterned Paper - Basic Grey (Oliver Collection)

Digi Stamp - The Greeting Farm

Flowers - Prima Marketing (e-line) - didn't have any red glimmer mist, so I sponged Riding Hood Red ink from SU! on them and then spritzed with Pearl glimmer mist from Tattered Angels

Brads - Basic Grey

Sentiment Stamp - American Crafts

Cardstock - Neenah Solar White

Copic Markers - E0000, E02, E25, E33, E09, B39, G28, C3, Colorless Blender Pen

Jen's Sketch Challenge 04-17-10

I had a lot of fun doing this challenge by Jen Del Muro. I always have fun making cards for little ones an dI used this sketch to make a card for my nephew Samuel for his 7th birthday. He's such a wonderful little boy and I can't believe he's already 7 years old! He is extremely caring and sensitive and he loves baseball and laughter and having his family around him. It's hard to be away from him, but he's in my thoughts and in my heart at all times.

I love you Sam the man!

Supplies

Cardstock - Stampin' Up!

Patterned Paper - DCWV

Rub-On - DCWV

Stamps - Stampin' Up!, Unity

Ink - Stampin' Up!

Distress Ink - Stampendous

Mother's Day Mini Album - Mom

I made this mini album and coordinating card for my mom using Bo Bunny's Jazmine collection. I absolutely love this collection and it is so HER! Truth be told, after finishing this album and card, I am not going to be ready to use it again for a while, but I am going to hang onto all of the leftover papers and elements for future use because I know I will want to break it out again.

This was my very first mini album and I had so much fun making it that I made one for my step mom and one for my mother-in-law. I thoroughly enjoyed the process and most of all seeing the smiles on their faces. That is the beautiful thing about papercrafting....we get to bring smiles to people's faces doing what we love!