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