New Years: Sealed with a Kiss

This is my debut as guest designer at One Crazy Stamper. A friend of mine suggested I apply for a guest designer spot at this fabulous website and I was fortunate enough to be chosen. The challenge for January is Red, White, and another colour. This was definitely a challenge as I only wanted to use three colours and most of my stamps called for more than that. However, when I saw this cute Crissy Armstrong stamp from Whimsy, I knew it was perfect for this challenge as well as a card I wanted to get done for my dear husband at Christmas.

First I stamped "Sealed with a Kiss" by Crissy Armstrong with momento black ink. I coloured the seals with Copic Markers W00 and W1 and then blended them out with my blender pen. I added little black noses with Sakura black glaze pen and used polar white Flower soft to create the ground. Then I die cut out the image with my Spellbinders Labels 18. I used grey cardstock as the base of my card and layered red, and white cardstock, as well as design paper from Basic Grey's Little black dress line. I finished the card with ribbon and charms from my stash. Super simple but I think it really makes a statement.

If you have never checked out the One Crazy Stamper you really should. They have amazing prices and the service is top notch. Not only that but you are supporting a Canadian company. Head on over to their website to check out their store and challenges at: One Crazy Stamper.

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:
Basic grey challenge 59-Anything goes
Whimsy challenge 19 charms

Happy Early New Years 2012

These last few months have flown by. I love all things holiday and New years is no exception. I have so much to look forward to this year.  I plan on keeping up with my blogging even if I have only one follower. Its a digital journal of where my crafts have come from and how they have developed over time. I have learned I love clean lines and simple but elegant or cutesy styles. My Husband and I are expecting our first child and I am anxiously awaiting that. My parents are coming down to Calgary and I can't wait to show them our home as they have never been here. That's just to name a few. In honour of this special celebration of things to come I have prepared not one but two cards. Enjoy.

Card one: I stamped MFT's A la Modes "Cheers" with momento ink. Coloured in the image with my copics and added some tiny rhinestones as bubbles. I layered the image on cardstock and DP paper by Basic Grey's Lauderdale and Picadilly 6x6 pad. To finish it off I added a brown bow using my bow easy and ribbon from my stash.

Card two: I stamped MFT's A la Modes "Cheers" stamp in momento ink and coloured the image with my copics. I once again added tiny rhinestones for bubbles and red rhinestones to her dress. The image is layers on cardstock and Prima Design paper from their reflections line.

I am entering Card one into the following challenge:
Basic Grey challenge 58-Anything goes

New Challenge for myself

I wanted to challenge myself to do something I had never done on a card before. Most of my stamps and images have always been coloured with blonde or brown hair and fair skin. For this card I challenged myself to actually do black hair and African American skin tones. I think it turned out well for a first attempt.

I stamped the image "Baby Fairy Ayana" by Mo Manning in momento black ink. I then coloured her with my copics (Colours listed below) and added some shimmer to the wings and her dress with a Sakura stardust gel pen. I used Prima's Sweet Fairy 6x6 pad of design paper, a ribbon from my stash, a little baby charm I found in a jewelry store and four purple rhinestones for the finishing touches.

Colours used:
Hair: C3, C5, C7, C10
Skin: E25, E13, E11, E21
Cheeks: R32
Dress, flower: BV13, BV17
Wings: V000, V01
Grass, stem, leaves: G94, G99
Rocks: C1, C3
Water: B000, B00

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Whimsy challenge 19-Charms

Old Fashion lace

I was a lucky winner on The Paper Shelter's blog hop last week and wanted to share a card I have made with one of their lovely images.

I stamped the image "In the 20's" in momento black ink. I used my copics to colour in my image. I love basing my colour choices on the paper I plan to use so this time I looked for inspiration with Authentique's Gathering collection 6x6 designer paper pad. I loved the turquoise, oranges, and browns. I finished it off with a piece of ivory lace from my stash, a blue flower, and ivory pearl.

Colours used:
Skin: E50, E51
Cheeks: RV10
Hat, Jacket, Shoes: E70, E74, E77, E79
Dress: BG72, BG 75, BG78
Leaves: G94, G99
Flower, bow, purse: YR02, YR04, YR07

Merry Christmas

With the in-laws settled into our guest room a.k.a. my craft room, a fridge full of yummy goodies, and the presents all wrapped and under the tree, I just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. We have quite the busy day tomorrow with present opening starting at 10 and then a family dinner starting at 4. I know I won't be able to finish any of my creations until boxing day...since I ran out of adhesive tonight. Rest assured there will be quite a few coming within the next few days.

Till then, enjoy the company of family and friends.

Oh Baby!

Just had my 32 week check up and when I got home I was definitely in the mood to craft for Baby. I decided to get a head start on my announcement cards, something I have been saying I would do for months now. I purchased a MFT stamp a long time again and have been itching to use it but unfortunately just haven't had  much time. I couldn't choose which colour combination to post so I am posting both of them to let you decide which one you like best.

I stamped the My Favourite Things "A la Modes Bundle of Baby" both in momento black ink and coloured them using my copic markers. The sentiment is from Lili of the Valley.

On the purple card I used E00, E01 (Skin), RV10 (Cheeks), E25, E49, E53, E59 (Hair) V12, V15, V17 (Dress, shoes, hairband, rattle band) R81, R83, R84 (Pants, Baby blanket, Rattle).

On the Green card I used E00, E01 (Skin), RV10 (Cheeks), YR 23, Y23, E35 (Hair), YR12, YR14, YR16 (Pants, baby blanket, rattle), YG21, YG23, YG25 (Rattle band, headband, dress, Shoes).

Once coloured I fussy cut them out leaving a white boarder. I matted them on cardstock and design paper from Basic Grey's Kioshi 6x6 paper pad. I also used my spellbinders labels 8 to cut out one of the layers. I completed my card with some buttons to match my colour scheme.

I am entering my cards into the following challenges:
Basic grey challenge 59-Anything goes
Scrapbookers paradise Challenge 46-Buttons
Art impressions challenge 44-Buttons

Touched by Love at Christmas Time

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post ever as a guest designer. I am happy to have been given an opportunity by Whimsy Stamp Challenge to be their guest designer for the Add a Charm Challenge. They have so many cute stamps to choose from it was so hard to narrow it down but in the end Crissy Armstrong's Touched by Love stamp won my heart. Hopefully it wins you over too.

I used the following to create my card:
*Crissy Armstrong's Touched by love stamp
*Bo Bunny Snowfall Collection 6 x 6 pad
*Best Creations Glitter cardstock in Opal white
*Bazzil cardstock for the base of my card
*Copic Markers in E50, E51, RV10, E35, YR23, Y23, B21, B23, R35, R37, BG72, BG75, G21, G24, E44, E47
*Hero Arts Snowflake sequins
*Queen & Co Snowflake pearls
*Love charm left over from my wedding invitations
*Ribbon and RicRac  from my stash

Check out all the great deals and challenge details on the Whimsy challenge blog at:

http://whimsyinspires.blogspot.com/

I am also entering this card into the One Crazy Stamper Christmas/holiday theme challenge at:

One Crazy Stamper Christmas/holiday challenge

Holiday wishes and Merry Christmas

After a much needed get together with a dear friend tonight I came home ready to create. I am running low on Christmas and Holiday cards as neighbours have been dropping by to pick up cards here and there to send off to loved ones. Not that I am complaining but my stash is getting rather low and I have yet to mail my own cards out. So I decided to get to work in my workshop.

For the following card I stamped Crissy Armstrong's stamp "Snow fun" in momento ink and coloured with my copic markers. I layered teal and red card stock and attached some pattern paper from Bo Bunny's Snowfall collection onto the top half. I then tore some white cardstock to create snowy hills. I finished the card off with Hero Arts Snowflake sequins, red, teal and white pearls, and stardust stickles.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Onecrazystampers Christmas/holiday theme challenge at: http://onecrazystampercom.blogspot.com/2011/12/december-challenge-christmasholiday.html

Whimsy challenge 18 pattern and pearls challenge at:
http://whimsyinspires.blogspot.com/2011/12/challenge-18-patterns-and-pearls.html

Lili of the Valley Challenge 123 Anything but a Christmas card

While I can't take all the credit for the creation today. My little Yorkie Poo Roxie was a big "help" sitting on my lap while her mom coloured and put things together.

For the following card I stamped Lili of the Valley's Bunny Cupcakes stamp in momento ink. I coloured the image using my copics and then added some Rhinestones for the little decorations on the top of the frosting. The DP is from Authentique's Uncommon 6x6 bundle and the ribbon is from my stash. I tend to not put sayings on my cards that way if I need one in a pinch I can add whichever saying I need to suit my needs.

I am entering this card into Lili of the Valley's Challenge #123 Anything but a Christmas Card found at:
http://liliofthevalleythursdaychallenge.blogspot.com/2011/12/challenge-123anything-but-christmas.html

Minimal colour card

This is the first time I have ever reduced the amount of colour on my card creations. I have to say that I liked the effect I got and it challenged me to be even more creative. I am most definitely going to have to do this again.

For this card I used White card stock, Star dust stickles, White pearls, clear rhinestones, Cuttlebug snowflake embossing folder on the bottom half of card, Sizzix icicles embossing folder on the top of the card, and of course Penny Black's adorable Snowy stamp. The picture really doesn't do it justice as you can't see all the glitter added but trust me its cute.

I am entering this card into the following two challenges:
Penny Black's Whiteout challenge week 180:  http://pennybfriendssaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/
Onecrazystamper's Christmas/holiday theme challenge: http://onecrazystampercom.blogspot.com/2011/12/december-challenge-christmasholiday.html

More Christmas challenges

Before I had to dismantle my craft room to move it to its new home, I managed to create a few cards for this coming weeks challenges. Not sure when my room will be up and running again as moving it while 6 1/2 months pregnant is quite the challenge. It sure will be nice when its done though. It also means I can start decorating the nursery.

This card features A Greeting Farm's stamp from their Rain, Snow, and Shine collection, designer paper from Bo Bunny's Midnight Frost Paper Pad, Best Creations glitter paper, Martha Stewart's Aspen around the page punch, copics and some purple rhinestones. I just love the non-traditonal Christmas colours.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Anyone for Anya Christmas Challenge: http://anyoneforanya.blogspot.com/

One  Crazy Stamper's Christmas Holiday theme challenge: http://onecrazystampercom.blogspot.com/2011/12/december-challenge-christmasholiday.html

Productive day

I have had a relatively busy day for a Saturday after report cards. Its amazing how good you feel when you have completed everything on your to do list. Its even better when you still find time to create.

Below is a card I have created for the Lili of the Valley Challenge 122 Anything goes. I used my Best Creations glitter Christmas pack paper, some cardstock, Spellbinders labels 16, copics, and of course my Lili of the Valley stamp titled "Little Holly". I couldn't resist creating another card with her as I didn't get my last one done in time to submit. Check out the Lili of the Valley challenge blog at http://liliofthevalleythursdaychallenge.blogspot.com/2011/11/week-122-anything-goes.html

Basic Grey Challenge Winner-Yay

Woke up this morning to the great news that I have officially won my second blog challenge. I have to say that although my blog has been stagnant the last little while I have really enjoyed entering all the challenges over the last week and sincerely hope I can continue with the motivation to do so now that I have started.

I will be on later to post some of my latest cards and of course enter a few more challenges.

Cheers.

Baby update and another challenge submission

Well,
I have officially made it to the third trimester. My little baby girl and soon to be crafter is growing big and strong and already keeping her mom up. I have to say that my favourite part of being pregnant is those times I wake up to my little one kicking. I know that I will miss that once she is born.

My little fur baby, little yorkie-poo, loves sitting on my tummy and bouncing as her little sister kicks her. We are working hard to teacher her the command gentle and will soon be introducing her to a little baby doll to get her ready for the change that will happen in her home.

With a little girl on the way I have been drawn to all things girly and couldn't resist colouring some more of my Penny Black Mimi Stamps. They are way too cute and I couldn't resist.

For this card I kept it simple. The stamp is called Sweet thing by Penny black, the sentiment is from Penny black too.I coloured using my copics and then used opaque white to add highlights. I used Lilybee design's Picket fence design paper, cardstock, and ribbon from my stash.

I am entering this card into One Crazy Stamper's November food and drink challenge found at: http://onecrazystampercom.blogspot.com/

Check it out. You can enter up to 5 times and could win some great prizes from their store. No time to enter the challenge, check out the store for great deals and fabulous customer service.

Whimsy stamps challenge 15 Flower power

In the beginning of October I was the Whimsy Wee stamp winner. Once I got my hands on my prize I couldn't wait to test drive them. Or course life got in the way. I noticed this week on Whimsy Stamps their challenge was the perfect opportunity for me to break out my prizes and put them to good use. The following is the card I managed to create.

I used my Wee Stamp titled Sweet Blossom. There are tons of cute little flowers on the stamp which I thought would really work for this challenge. I Stamped the image with Momento black ink and coloured using my copics.  The sentiment is from Lili of the valley and I used a green chalk ink to change its colour. The ribbon is from my ever growing stash. I fell in love with the design paper  from Basic Grey's Lauderdale line. It really brought the colours together creating a nice sunshine filled card. Lastly I used my Spellbinders labels 16 to cut out my image.

I am entering this card into Whimsy's stamp challenge 15 at http://whimsyinspires.blogspot.com/

Check it out. I can't wait to make a few more of these.

Creative outlet

This year when it came to report cards I made sure to allow time to unwind with some good old fashion creative time. Last night I decided to get crafty with Art Impressions Snowy tots snowman stamp.

For this card I used Art Impressions Snowy tots snowman stamp in momento ink. I coloured them with my copic markers and layered and mounted them on to some DP paper from last years Bo Bunny Christmas line. The ribbon is from my stash. I added little white pearls to the tops of the snowmen hats to add dimension.

Last post for Tonight

Wow, I really got a lot done. I am glad I had time to share what I have created this weekend as most often than not I just run out of time to blog. I have created one more card to add to my stash. I love to have all kinds of cards on hand. It means I always have one ready to go if the occassion arises and I am not in a creative mood.

For this card I stamped the image from Your Next Stamp titled Pierre from France in momento ink. I coloured him using my copic markers and cut out the image using my spellbinders labels 2 die. I distressed the image using Jumbo Java ink and layered him over DP from Basic Grey's Oxford paper pad. The sentiment is from a Technique Tuesday set I have.

I am entering this cutie into the One Crazy Stamper Challenge found at http://onecrazystampercom.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-11-06T03:00:00-07:00&max-results=10

If you haven't checked out the onecrazystamper.com online store I highly recommend you do. They have great deals and fast shipping as they are based here in Canada

Entry #2 for onecrazystamper's November challenge

If you haven't already done so, you definitely need to check out Lorna's shop at onecrazystamper.com. She has lots of great deals and I love supporting fellow Canadians. Her shipping is super fast and customer service top notch.

For this card I used lots of cardstock, some design paper from My Mind's Eye Lost and Found Blush 6x6 paper pad,and Spellbinders labels 11. The stamp is a C.C. Design stamp called Latte Kiki which is of course coloured with my copics. I love the Kiki images as they allow lots of room for blending.

I am entering this card into onecrazystamper's November challenge found on their blog at: http://onecrazystampercom.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-11-06T03:00:00-07:00&max-results=10

For a dear friend

A friend of mine is going through a hard time right now so I decided to make the card above for her to let her know that someone loves her just the way she is. I stamped MFT's Miss you a Latte in momento black ink and then coloured with copics. The sentiment is also from MFT's Flopsey bunny stamp set. The DP is from my Basic Grey's Out of print 6x6 pad and then I added a few rhinestones to complete the card.

I am entering this card into the Onecrazystamper November challenge at: http://onecrazystampercom.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-11-06T03%3A00%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=10

More Holiday Creations

Once I got started on the Holiday gifts I couldn't stop. What better way to put my creativity to use. I definitely needed it after I spent a whole weekend working on Report Cards.

I made the following card using a stamped image from Lili of the Valley titled Snow Bears.  I love their little critter stamps and this one was so fun to colour I made a few. I used my copic Markers to colour in the image and then added Star dust stickles to the falling snowflakes and ground. I cut it out using a Spellbinders die. The pattern paper is from Basic Grey's Oxford, Jovial, and Nordic Holiday lines

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Lili of the Valley Challenge 120 creature comforts : http://liliofthevalleythursdaychallenge.blogspot.com/
Basic Grey Challenge 57 Mix and Match: http://basicgreychallenges.blogspot.com/

Penny Black gold and presents challenge

It has been a while since I posted but I have been a busy beaver. Getting ready for Christmas is my favourite time of the year. I rarely buy presents as I love being creative and making something special for everyone.  Here is a tag that one of my lucky friends will get on their package this year.

I used a manilla tag and coloured it with Tim Holtz new distress ink Festive Berries and Vintage photo. I attached gold snowflakes I punched out using a Martha Stewart punch and a ribbon from my stash. The image is By Penny Black titled Gift of Giving which is coloured with copic markers. I love the Mimi stamps. Its hard to see in the photo but the bows on the presents and the little dots on her scarf have been enhanced with gold Stickles.

I am entering this tag into the Penny Black Saturday challenge week 177 found at http://pennybfriendssaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/

Wee for Whimsy Winner

I know I have not posted in a while so I figured what better time than today. I tend to check various blogs I follow on a weekly basis but have lacked the time for my own posts due to work and the little bundle of joy I have on the way. I am glad that I keep up on my favourite blogs though because I entered a blog hop this past weekend.

I WON!!!
Sylvia Zet's lovely Wee stamps are now available at Whimsy stamps in Rubber. I fell in love with them when I was at my friend Shari's house but can't ever seem to get my digi's to work for me. I was thrilled to find out they would be available in rubber. I have won the set of 6 and can't wait to get creating. If you haven't seen these beauties you should check them out.

More ATC fun

This week I am heading off to camp with my grade 8 students. I am in charge of the paper crafting and camp games portion of the trip so I haven't had a lot of time to craft for myself. This weekend however, I managed to get a little bit of time to make 4 new ATC's. I have titled this set Vintage due to all the distressing. I was truely inspired by the colour scheme. I started with a black and cream and decided it needed a brighter colour to jazz it up. I put splashes of red in each one to make it cohesive.

The first one is made with the Tim Holtz unbrella man embossing folder from Sizzix. I used distress ink in Brushed Cordory, Fired Brick, and Aged Mahogany. To finish it off I used a Jesse James button and some rhinestones to make the rain. The saying is from a paper line called Paris Night from my stash.

Dress forms are all the rage right now and I often find myself turning to them for inspiration. I love them. This stamp is from one of the stamp sets I got on sale called Me & my attic-Pretty, as is the star burst on the bottom. The saying is from Art impressions. I cut a red shiny crown with my Mover's and Shaper's dies from Sizzix-mini crown and finished the ATC off with some pearls.

This card was inspired by the Carte Postale from Graphic 45. I just love how chic the papers are. I knew I had to use them on something. I  distressed the edges of the card with Zutter's distress it all tool. It does a great job of tearing up the edges in a second. I inked the edges with Brushed Cordory and Aged Mahogany distress ink and a blender tool. I then stamped the saying from Art impressions and the chandalier from Stampers anonymous Shabby French set in Fired Brick distressed ink and coated it in gold perfect pearls powder.

This last ATC is by far my favourite. I took three coordinating papers and ripped them on an angle, distressed their edges with ink and glued them down. I cut out fabric I got at my local Fabric land with my Vegabond and my Tattered Florals die and glued them together. I finished the flower with a Jesse James flatback button and a gold leave from Petaloo. Its so simple but elegant.

Vagabond review

I have to admit that when I heard about the Sizzix Vagabond Machine I was skeptical. I really didn't think that I would ever find myself purchasing one. I had a Cuttlebug and it worked just fine until I went to do some embossing on thicker material. I also love the Prima flowers but just can't part with my money for a few fabric flowers. I tried to cut material on the Cuttlebug but it just wasn't working. Thus I did more research into the Vagabond machine.

I ended up selling my reliable Cuttlebug to a very nice lady and found a great deal online for the Vagabond machine. I had to wait for 3 weeks but it finally arrived on Friday. I carefully unwrapped it and the first thing that hit me was how gorgeous it was. I didn't even know if I wanted to ruin that nice finish with stickers, although later I decided to deck it out. On the appearance alone it suits my decor of my craftroom much better than the lime green Cuttlebug.

Next was the test drive. I cut, I embossed, I used my other brand name dies, and put it through the works. I have three words for it...I love it! For anyone who has arthritus its a great machine as you only have to push a button. I like how there is a compartment for the cord, and the rails hold the sandwich in place so no more moving once its in the machine. It sits sturdy on my desk and there is no need to hold down the machine, which is a big plus. I have even made my own fabric flowers. No more longing for those Prima ones now that I can make my own.

Artist Trading Card weekend II

For this card I used:
Graphic 45 Steam punk debunk paper
House mouse let your dreams take flight stamp
Tim Holtz ATC and corners die
Kaisercraft rhinestones

I created a set of four. Here are my two favourites.
I used the following materials to make my cards:

• Graphic 45 Circus paper
• Glimmer mist in Marigold, Tiger lily, Sapphire, Mels diner, and English Ivy
• Stampers anonymous Paris letter, and music notes
• Tim Holtz ATC and corner die
• Crafter's workshop Mini number collage template
• Blue Brad

Artist Trading Card weekend

Its been a while but with my school musical underway there is very little time or energy left to create. I managed to squeeze some time in this weekend to play with some Artist Trading Card Ideas that I have wanted to do for a while now. I like the fact that I can make them into cards later if I want or just display them in my craft room. I also like the fact that they are small so I can get more done and practice those techniques without wasting a lot of materials.

Here is my first one ever:

I used the following:

• an inkadinkado stamp 8490M
• Graphic 45 Steampunk Debunk paper
• Gaget and Gears die cut (Tim Holtz)
• Glossy accents
• Black distress embossing powder
• Pine Needles, Rusty Hinge distress ink

For my second one I used the following materials:

• Sewing room Die (Tim Holtz)
• Graphic 45 Steampunk debunk paper
• Fantasy fibre and film
• Ribbon
• I-rock tool
• My minds eye pretty stamp

Crazy for challenges heart challenge C4C74

This card qualifies for the Crazy for Challenges heart challenge C4C74.

I created this card using Penny Blacks Mimi's Heart Stamp. I coloured both my image and the flowers with my copic markers. I used liquid pearls to add some dimension on her hair band and heart.  I used Spellbinders Lacey squares and an old My Minds Eye paper. I can't wait to give it to my friend for Valentine's Day.

Scrapping weekend

I found some time to play around with a stamp "Women collage/passport"from Hampton Art Jill Meyer, that I picked up from Michaels a few weeks back. I love the collage vintage feel and really wanted to capture it in my project.

Steps:
1. Stamp using versafine black ink
2. Make perfect pearls mists using Broken china distress ink and Copper perfect pearls, and Frayed Burlap and a turquoise perfect pearl.
3. Mask Stamped image leaving a 1/4" frame around it with plastic from supplies
4. Using a brick template I misted the white cardstock to create the brick pattern behind my image.
5. Colour in select parts of image with colour pencils and blend
6. Made flowers from some 7 gypsy paper and Olivia from Basic grey, three different size flower punches, mini mister, and stickles. Added some prima flowers behind them.
7. Ink and adhere tissue tape from Tim Holtz line
8. Place flowers on frame
9. Distress frame using imaginesce distressor tool