Crystal's crafty corner

Baby Lockhart Arrives

2012-02-12T22:54:00.000-08:00

My absence over the last week and a bit is due to the fact that our little one finally arrived Monday February 6th. She weighed in at 7lbs 8oz and was 54cm in length. Both her dad and I are over the moon with out little angel. She has been keeping us quite busy. So until I get a routine going here with her at home, my posts will be sporadic at best. Once she settles down I hope to get some crafting time in.

Here she is:

Its gotta be Love

2012-02-05T00:32:00.000-08:00

I recently purchased a bunch of Stamps from The paper shelter. I love their images and especially fell in love with Love in Venice. I knew it would come in handy for Valentines day. I wanted it to be bright and fun so I decided to go with some non-traditional colours which were inspired by Basic Grey's Lauderdale paper line.

I used the following products to create my card:
The Paper Shelter image "Love in Venice", Basic Grey's Lauderdale 6x6 paper pad, Copic markers, and Starry Night Stickles.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Basic Grey challenge #61-Love/valentines
One Crazy stamper February challenge-Love is in the air
The Paper Shelter Challenge #49-Love is in the air
One Stop Craft Challenge #168-for the one I love
sweet n sassy digis challenge #39-valentines day

Trying to play catch up

2012-02-05T00:15:00.000-08:00

I always tell myself that I will eventually catch up on my scrapbooking pages, but it never seems to happen. So while baby is keeping me awake, I decided to get a few pages done before I have no time for catch up. This page is one from a trip my husband and I took last year. We went to Lake Louise and took in the Ice carving competition they host annually. It was amazing to watch the works of art come together, partake in some skating on the lake, and eating a fancy fondue dinner.

For this project I used the following:
Pink Paisley Snow Day paper, card stock, Tim Holtz Carnival thin strip die, and a cuttlebug. I really kept it clean and simple because I wanted the pictures to speak for themselves.

Got the munchies?

2012-02-02T23:09:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that I simply love the House Mouse stamps but rarely do I colour them in. I decided to go back to the very first stamp I purchased from them to create a new card and challenge myself with my Copic colouring. Here is the end result:

This card uses the following products:
House Mouse image "An Apple a day", Basic Grey Pyrus paper and matching bling, Martha Stewart Maple Leaf around the page punch, and Copic Markers.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Basic Grey Challenge #61-Favourite things
Craft us Crazy challenge #20-Anything goes
DYSU Challenge #57-Anything goes

I love you Honey

2012-02-02T22:51:00.000-08:00

I found this lovely coloured image in my stash and decided it was time to make something with it. With only 10 days left till my due date, my husband has been increasingly patient with me and my aches and pains. I plan on giving this to him when our little one comes just to show him how much he means to me. I love the bright colours and the Stampavie stamps are one of my favourites.

The card uses the following:

Basic Grey's Picadilly 6x6 paper pad design paper, Stampavie image "I Love Honey" by Penny Johnson, Cardstock and ribbon from my stash.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Basic Grey challenge #61 Favourite things
The Paper Shelter Challenge 49-Love is in the Air
Sarah Hurley challenge #59 Love is all around
Digi doodle shop challenge #93-Love is in the air
DYSU Challenge #57 -Anything goes

Make a Wish

2012-01-23T20:46:00.000-08:00

I fell in love with the House Mouse stamps a few years ago and just re-discovered one of my favourite images. It was a challenge with the glass and the cylindrical candles but I really liked the outcome. I decided to make this card into a birthday card for one of my guy friends who is nuts about Jalapeno peppers.

I used the following: House Mouse Stamp "Jalapeno peppers", Tim Holtz adage tag, cardstock, ribbon, and pearls from my stash. I tried to keep it simple and let the stamp speak for itself.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Truly madly crafty challenge-January
Birthday Sundaes challenge 40
Dream Valley challenge #24 Animals
The Squirrel and the fox challenge #9 critters

Little Red

2012-01-17T19:57:00.000-08:00

I finally got some crafting in and completely lost track of time. With it being so cold out its a perfect time to stay cuddled in crafting. I have fallen in LOVE with the digi images from The Paper Shelter. They are perfect for almost any kind of card and offer lots of room to shade and blend with your Copic Markers. They are currently hosting a Design team call and I would love it if I could say I made the cut.

This card uses the following: Little Red Riding Hood stamp from The Paper Shelter, DP by My Minds Eye Blush 6x6 pad, Copic markers, Spellbinders Petite Scalloped Ovals Large Die, Maya Road ribbon, White pearls, Sakura stardust pen on the flower centers, and Jumbo Java Ink to distress the edges.

I am entering this card into the following:
The Paper Shelter's DT call
Art Impressions challenge 47-Pink Pink and more Pink
Scrapbooker's paradise challenge 49-tic-tac-toe

A most needed vacation

2012-01-16T21:51:00.000-08:00

This past weekend the Husband treated me to a Romantic Spa weekend in Banff. It was the last weekend we could leave Calgary until after Baby Lockhart arrives. We had a fabulous time exploring museums, eating at some great restaurants, and meeting up with friends for drinks and dancing (Mine being non-alcoholic of course) We also managed to get out to take some picturesque photos of the mountains which will serve as my creative soundboard for this coming week. I can't wait to get back to some creating. I have a feeling there may be some scrapbook pages coming to this blog soon.

New Printer for Digi's-Works well with Copics

2012-01-12T20:05:00.000-08:00

Over the holidays I finished moving my craft room to its new, and unfortunately smaller location. I have been purging my stamp collection (Which is painful) to try and get everything to fit. After making a resolution to commit to my blog, I have decided why not upgrade my stamps to digital ones. They take up less room and I can have fun re-sizing, flipping, etc. Not to mention they are more cost effective.

So, I had to break down and purchase a new printer, as my old one would not work well with my Copic Markers. After talking with one of my close friends who is really into digi's she suggested an Epson Stylus NX420. Unfortunately they are being discontinued to make room for newer models. The good news, any of their Stylus NX's use the same ink so its just the printer and its bells and whistles that are changing. I ended up purchasing an NX330 for a really reasonable price at Staples.

The images it prints off are fabulously detailed, the lines don't run with my Copics and my paper is feed straight in so no possibility of it getting crushed. The only thing I am noticing is that you have to fan your paper before you load it and you want to make sure its loaded pretty full so that it doesn't read as empty.

Hope this helps some other new timer's to the digital stamp world as I found my friend invaluable and its hard to find good information about printers that work with Copics online.

Queen for a Day

2012-01-09T22:43:00.000-08:00

Today I have a really cute card for you. I was inspired by one of my classes who are studying Ancient Places. Wouldn't it be nice to be queen for a day? This card is complete with regal reds and golds. Can't wait to find a special time to use it.

For this card I used a digital image from The Paper Shelter titled "Walk like an Egyptian." I coloured the image once again with my Copic Markers and added gold sparkle to her accessories using a gel pen. The design paper is from SEI's Homestead 6x6 paper pad. I embossed the gold rectangle the image is layered on with Tim Holtz's Brick embossing folder by Sizzix and distressed it as well as the adage tag with Aged Mahogany Distress ink. The card wouldn't be complete with some Prima Bling.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Art Impressions Challenge #46-Anything goes
The Paper Shelter challenge #45-Anything goes
Tip Top Tuesday Challenge #67-Anything goes
Truly madly Crafty challenge January-Anything goes

Sew Much FUN

2012-01-09T20:23:00.000-08:00

Two posts ago I noted that I had just gotten the brand NEW tool from We R Memory Keepers, The Sew Stamper. I decided to try to make my background of my card look quilted with it. I still needs some practice but I really do love this fake stitching option. This week there are lots of challenges going on that entail something new and anything goes like Basic Grey, Dream Valley, or the squirrel and the fox. Check them out for some creative fun.

For this card I stamped MFT's "Time to Celebrate" a la mode in momento black ink. I coloured her using my copics, which is my favourite way to colour images if you can't already tell. I made my quilted tiles out of Basic Grey's Lauderdale 6x6 pad and Basic Grey's Oxford 6x6 paper pads. Its a great way to get rid of little off cuts. Then I used my Sew stamper to make the cross stitch pattern. I used an EK success Scallop punch on the base of my card. Voila, super easy card in no time at all.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Basic Grey's Challenge #60-Something New
The Paper Shelter's challenge #45-Anything goes
Dream Valley challenge 23-Anything goes
The Squirrel and the Fox Challenge #8-Something New

Holiday Head Start

2012-01-07T21:09:00.000-08:00

I decided that this year I would get a head start on some of my holiday cards. Besides I needed a reason to keep making winter-theme cards. I just simply love making them.

For this card I used the following:
Greeting farm's "Rain, snow, shine" stamp set
Momento Ink
Copics in C00, C0, G0000, G000, E25, E31, E50, E51, RV10 and the colourless blender.
Sakura stardust glitter gel pen
Crystal Stickles
Martha Stewart punch-Aspen
Design Paper from SEI's Silver Valley collection
Snowflake sequins and white pearls

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Anyone for Anya-Its all white challenge
dilly beans challenge-winter-wonderland
DYSU Challenge 53-let-it-snow

Another new tool

2012-01-06T17:27:00.000-08:00

With some of my Christmas money this year I decided to treat myself to a new tool. I don't have time to stitch on my cards by hand and don't have a sewing machine so the We R Memory Keepers Sew Stamper tool is perfect. It will take getting use to to get the flow of ink right but I like it. I also think its time to invest in a new camera as my pictures continue to get more grainy. Thanks for baring with me so far.

I Used the following to create my get well soon card:

MFT-"Love you a latte a la mode" stamp

Momento Black ink

Copic Markers

We R Memory Keeper's sew stamper tool

Basic grey DP from the Picadily line

A couple of light brown rhinestones

I am entering this card into the following challenge:

Basic Grey challenge #58 Anything goes

Got Cocoa?

2012-01-06T07:50:00.000-08:00

This is another posting for my guest designer spot on the One Crazy Stamper blog. The challenge this month is red, white, and one other colour. I had to stretch the rules a little and add two tiny spots of orange but hopefully you will forgive me.

The image is Served with love by Crissy Armstrong for Whimsy stamps. I stamped it in momento black ink and coloured using my copic markers. I fussy cut out the image leaving a little boarder all the way around to make it pop and added little rhinestones to the scarf. Next I layered the image on some design paper from Basic Grey's Nordic holiday collection and black cardstock cut out with my Spellbinders Lacey squares die. I added some candy cane sequins I found in my stash and popped them up using 3D dots. Then I added red stickles and used Viva decor pen in ice white to add the lines to the candy canes and finish up the card.

If you haven't already done so check out One Crazy Stamper's blog and store for great deals. Super fast shipping, great customer service, great prices, and best of all its a Canadian company.

I am entering this card in the following challenges
Basic grey challenge 59 anything goes
Art Impressions challenge #46 Anything goes

For a little princess

2012-01-03T08:06:00.000-08:00

I was a lucky winner of a prize from the blog hop a few weeks back and wanted to share two cards I made using my Paper Shelter image "Rapunzel". These images are so cute it was hard to pick just one. I am currently in the "Nesting" stage of my pregnancy and anything girly appeals to me.

This card uses The Paper Shelter image "Rapunzel", DP from Imaginisce Enchanted line, Copics,

Spellbinders labels 17, Versamagic Pink Petunia ink, Bazzill basic rub ons, and ribbon from my stash.

This card uses The Paper Shelter image "Rapunzel", DP from Imaginisce Enchanted line, Copics,
Spellbinders labels 17, Versamagic Ocean depth ink, Bazzill basic rub ons, and ribbon from my stash.

I am entering these cards into the following challenge:

The Paper shelter's Tie a bow challenge

New Years: Sealed with a Kiss

2011-12-31T23:39:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-28T23:14:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-28T22:06:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-27T14:19:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-24T20:37:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-12-19T20:23:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-14T05:40:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-08T22:40:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-06T18:40:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-04T17:39:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-04T17:30:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-26T16:15:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-26T08:54:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-21T17:52:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-20T19:12:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-17T17:39:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-15T22:05:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-15T21:57:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-15T21:50:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-15T21:38:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-15T21:24:00.000-08:00

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

2011-10-12T16:42:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-28T15:16:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-23T16:38:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-12T13:32:00.000-08:00

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

2011-03-12T13:23:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-13T23:08:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-13T22:58:00.000-08:00

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

Wedding update

2010-10-10T22:57:00.000-07:00

I have been away the last few weeks and thus not able to post. The reason I was away was for my wedding. After 1.5 years of planning the day arrived and went. It was a wonderful time and I was thankful to share it with family and friends. The photos are not out yet but I did manage to snag one off of one of my friends. Here it is...

Time saving scrapbook class

2010-09-18T08:24:00.000-07:00

This past week I taught my second class at Scrapbookers paradise. It was a lot of fun, the ladies were great. This class was designed for the busy scrapper in mind and used photo album pages to create one double page layout. These pages could be altered or made as simple or elaborate as you have time to make them. It could simply be using pattern paper and photos or you could do a variety of techniques.

Material used:
We are memory keepers pages
Basic Grey Olivia paper and buttons
Martha Stewart Micro lustre beads
Glitter ritz microfine glitter
Basic Bazzill embroidery
Tattered angels glimmer mist in cherry blossom and moonlight
Butterfly 3D dazzles
Spellbinders labels one die
Divine swirls cuttlebug folder

Holiday Head Start class info.

2010-09-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

This post if for the 6 ladies who gave me the priviledge of teaching them a Basic Grey scrapbook kit class entitiled Holiday Head Start at Scrapbooker's Paradise this past weekend. Ladies I have not forgotten to post pictures and those cards for you. I should have them up by mid-week. However, if you are keen on completing your scrapbook pages the photos of the pages are on the Scrapbooker's Paradise website under North Store. If you click on the images they will enlarge for you to get a better look.

I wanted to thank you all for your kind words and having patience with me as I went through my first class teaching. It was a pleasure and I hope to teach you again sometime in the future.

Cheers,
Crystal

Flourishes timeless Tuesday challenge-Lace (FTT C81)

2010-08-30T19:59:00.000-07:00

I have been waiting for an opportunity to use my new Flourishes Beauty within stamp set with my spellbinders labels dies. I just had my Bridal shower and am now making thank-you cards to all the ladies and this challenge was a perfect starting point.

Materials Used:

Flourishes Beauty within stamp set

My favourite things flower flopsey sentiment

Martha Stewart Doily lace punch

Spellbinders labels eleven

Doodlebug pattern paper

Pink lace-Bulk

Copic Markers

Anyone for Anya sketch challenge

2010-08-29T20:51:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun this past week attempting two challenges that I decided to try and complete three for this week. So keeping with this goal in mind I figured it was best to start early. Anyone for Anya has a sketch challenge this week. One of the hardest parts for me is to put everything cohesively together when it comes to cards so this challenge was perfect. I just had to pick the paper and image...they did the hardest part for me.

Materials Used:

BoBunny Mamarazzi paper line (I Love this line)

Tim Holtz film strip ribbon tape

Distressed ink in Denim and vintage photo

Crackle accents on the sentiment

C.C Design-stamp from their Say cheese set

Happy Birthday Anya Challenge

2010-08-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

This is my first time trying the Anything for Anya challenge although I have been a fan for quite some time. I sometimes find it intimidating after seeing such wonderful creations from the design team but I figured what the heck, give it a shot. It gives me a reason to get out my copics and create. I hope to start making it a weekly thing.

Materials Used:

Doodlebug Designs Inc Cherry pie plaid paper

My Mind's Eye Mary Mary "Happy Birthday" Grown up paper

CC designs Cupcake Kiki La Rue and Summer sentiments stamps

Basic Bazzill paper in lime green, hot pink, brown, and white

Ek Success Scalloped boarder punch

KaiserCraft Snow white pearls

Pink brads-brand unknown

Copic Markers

Crinkled ribbon challenge

2010-08-25T08:25:00.000-07:00

This is the first online challenge I am attempting and hopefully not my last. With life being so hectic I don't have tons of time to try these challenges although I droll over the design teams' ideas each week. I felt it was time I gave it a go. I was inspired by Imaginisce's Splash Dance paperline and so I went from there to create a cute card using one of my favourite stamps from CC Design.

Materials I used were:

Imaginisce Splash Dance: Bubble Bash paper

Bazzill Bling paper in orange

Bazzill basic cardstock in white

Diecuts with a view cardstock in turqouise

CC Design Mermaid Emma and Beach sentiments Stamps

Tim Holtz fragment pieces

Quickie Glue

Glimmer Ritz microfine glitter in Cool highlight

KaiserCraft Rhinestones in Champaigne

Copic Markers

Bulk Ribbon from Michaels

Tim Holtz Fun

2010-08-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

I made my own personal challenge last night to create an stylish organization system using product from my favourite scrapbook store in hopes of it being put on display there. Friends and family alike call me an organization freak and so I decided to stop fighting that stereotype and just use it to create.

I used a Karen Foster design it drawer unit along with some of my favourite Tim Holtz distressing tools (Alcohol inks, film strip ribbon, ornamental tags, fragments) and Bo Bunny's Mamarazzi paper line to create this masterpiece.

Review of products

2010-07-17T11:27:00.000-07:00

Product:
Doodlebug design inc. Go to sketches card companion kit

Description:
The complete kid to make 18 doodlebug cards featured in Go to Skteches Magazine

First impressions:
I love the Doodlebug design papers so when I saw this kit I definitely wanted to try it. They had so many cute cards that I could definitely see using and sending to friends. The bright colours really appealled to me.

Review:

After opening the package and organizing the papers into each card group, I immediately noticed that there was not enough large pieces of cardstock to make the card bases. Luckily I had some paper in my stash that would cover the difficiency.

The second thing I noticed was that I would have to do a lot of cutting for the cute tags and embellishments. Instead of making them punch out Doodlebug went the cheap way and just printed them on one single paper so that the consumer has to cut out all of the items. Some of these embellishments and tags are farely complex and hard to cut out even with my small craft scissors and knife.

I thought that this package would be a time saver to make quick and easy cards but that definitely wasn't the case. All of the cutting slowed me down. I think it would almost be faster to design and make my own cards than use this kit.

The final products turned out well considering some of the disadvantages of the kit but another kit like this will not be on my wishlist anytime soon. I hope you find this review helpful.

Scraping Fun

2010-07-14T21:48:00.000-07:00

I have been on a mission today to create a fun and innovative class for the scrapbook store I just started working at. I really enjoy working there and getting constructive feedback from the girls on how I can make my pages more appealing and relevant to others. It helps me grow and move outside of my own box. I jammed so much technique into it once I went back and made some changes. Now I am just waiting to see if it will be approved for me to teach. Even if its not I still feel very proud of what I created and it definitely go me scrapping again. Sometimes I just need a challenge or project to get my creative juices flowing and to actually get myself to do something with my ideas instead of just letting them pile up and never getting them done.

I also talked to my friend who I just got involved in my scrapbooking adventures. In just 12 hours of cropping fun she learned so many new techniques and tools. She is totally inspired now to get some scrapping done too. She phoned me up for advice on what cartridges to get for her new cricut. I gave her the list of the ones I use the most, but does anyone else have any suggestions I can pass on to her? I really don't want her to have a bias response. Its so fun watching someone else's eyes light up with excitement and remembering that just last year I was in the same position. I think thats why I am so much of a "keener" to teach classes because I want to pass on everything I learned and see others come up with ideas I never thought of. The creative process is facinating...I can't wait to see what it has on its agenda for me next.

New and improved craftroom

2010-07-12T09:26:00.000-07:00

I am fortunate enough that my fiance has given me the spare room to be my creative space. After multiple attemps at finding an organizing system that would work for me (Which is hard since I have organizers for my organizers) I think I have found a more long term solution.

The main work area of my room is an Expedit bookshelf-desk combo. It has a large work surface so I can spread out and little cubbies on the one side to house my clear stamps (In plastic bins), my copic marker bag, my punches, and my adhesive. I placed a kitchen knife magnetic board on the wall over my desk to hold onto my scissors, paper piercer, hole punch, and cricut tools. The 6 drawer unit beside my workspace houses rubbermaid 2 drawer organizers which are perfect for organizing my inks, stamps, embossing powers, stickles, cuttlebug plates, etc.

My Embellishment centre holds all of my dew drops, brads, buttons, flowers, glimmer mists, smooch, and ribbons. Along the side of it I have put up a clothing line for my cards using 3M hooks and some string. Now I can see everything and am more likely to use it. I also love having cards I created on display. It helps get my creative juices going when I sit down to scrapbook or make cards.

Beside my main work station I have used cube storage I purchased at Michaels (I wouldn't pay full price but with 40% off its worth it). I was skeptical about how sturdy they would be, but they are well constructed and easy to put together. I now have room for my 12 x 12 paper, albums, and magazines. The drawers in the bottom of the unit are perfect for holding envelopes, 4x6 mat cardstock, decorative brads, photos to scrap, and those odd tools that don't seem to fit anywhere else.

I truely love my new workroom and now that I am organized I feel ready to create. My advice to anyone setting up their craftroom is to experiment with various storage units, find out what you really want, and then splurge. It is worth the investment because lets face it, our craft supplies are expensive and if we don't protect them we may as well be putting money down the drain anyways.

Summer projects

2010-07-04T21:50:00.000-07:00

After a fantastic Scrapbook frenzy where we made a wonderful scrapbook page layout using Basic Grey's Capella line of paper http://www.basicgrey.com/scrapbook/shop/collections/show/current/cappella, I decided to start my wedding scrapbook album beforehand so that after the wedding I just have to add pictures of the day. My goal for the summer is to complete the album. I will post pictures of my inspirational layout designed by the famous Kate as soon as I figure out how to do that.

I also want to try some online challenges and learn how to use this "Mr. Linky" thing they keep talking about. My computer lingo is a little lacking but I will learn it along the way. Any tips you have would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers for now,
Crystal

My dream part-time job

2010-05-14T20:45:00.000-07:00

Best Part-Time Job Ever!
This past weekend I was hired on at a Scrapbooking store in Calgary . I have always loved creating things and have developed a little bit of an addiction to everything scrapbooking and card making. With some help from the wonderful ladies at the store I have been able to pick up the techniques easily and can't wait to share my adventure's or learning this new craft with other beginners. I know that it will mean that I will probably spend my whole paycheck at the store getting all the latest goodies but I know I will have fun doing it.