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 Personalized this birthday card for "Carlos." Happy birthday cuttlebug embossing folder used to create the raised effect. The edges are distressed. I used white core cardstock to make the distressed effect more raw. The striped patterned paper is from an adhesive mat stack that has a masculine touch. "Carlos" lettering are similar to rectangle paper clips and personalize the card pefectly! Green grosgrain ribbon divide the embossed cardstock from the striped patterned paper. Personalization of cards is one of the best ways to show someone you care. Most people love to see their names on anything, so why not on a card?! 
 I know...I know...what in the world is that?! When I first saw someone using this at a crop I attended, I have to admit, I laughed, but not for long! This is one of the best investments I own in my paper crafts supply kit. I recommend investing in a "mega tape dispenser." This product was originally made for framers and has now transferred to scrapbookers! Pictured to the left is the Scotch ATG 714, which I own! It holds up to 60 yards of transfer tape! This applicator is to be used with 1/4-inch Scotch adhesive tape, so it is ideal if you work with smaller craft projects. You can get acid-free tape or not.  Pictured to the right, is the Scotch ATG 700. It holds either 1/4-inch or 3/4-inch Scotch tapes, so it is more versatile in sizes. However, when switching tape sizes, you must add an attachment for it to properly work. It holds over 60 yards of adhesive. Loading This is the most tricky part you will have to learn when first using your adhesive gun. Reading the directions is a good start, but didn't quite sink in for me, so I ventured out and found a web site with a downloadable video for future use. However, after about the second time of loading the tape into the dispenser, I was confident and experienced! When you go to this web site, click on the ATG 700 image for a video of a thorough explanation!Using the DispenserTo use the tape dispenser, you must depress the trigger and pull the gun in the direction you need to tape to be placed. It glides easily and evenly. Most importantly, it provides a strong hold for your projects, not leaving them to fall apart at a later time! CostsThe initial cost of the transfer gun is quite expensive, but it will pay for itself if you are using a smaller tape dispenser. You can find the tape dispenser online at places such as Overstock or Ebay ranging from $20-$70. I purchased my dispenser on Ebay in a bundle to include 6 tape refills so I would be good to go for a few months...yes MONTHS! I purchased my dispenser in January and have 3 dispensers left and have made countless projects. The tape lasts a long time and is reasonable. The 60-yard tape refill runs about $4-$5, which is the same price as a smaller tape refill, but with the ATG, you get much more tape for your money. Pitfall or Operator ErrorThere is only one disadvantage I have come across with using my tape dispenser. I am having a problem with it about halfway through the tape where the tension gets tight and the feed breaks, which causes me to have to re-load the tape again. This is a serious problem because it is much more difficult to load the tape once adhesive is exposed. So, what I started doing was not using the dispenser and just using the tape, similar to how you would use tacky tape. I think my problem is "operator error," so please do not take my disadvantage seriously! I have been trying to fix this error and am getting better, so soon I hope to use it without any problem. It may be defective adhesive, so I'm going to order some more and try again! StorageAs an added component, I purchased a wooden stand to store my adhesive gun. When frantically working on any project, adhesive can easily be lost under piles of paper, so this was a great find! This seller customized the wood stand to fit the Scotch ATG Adhesive Dispenser like a glove. I requested a plain stand and decorated it myself. I painted it with acrylic and added stickles and patterned paper to embellish it. If I Knew then What I Know NowJust because I purchased a Scotch ATG 714 does not mean it is the best mega adhesive tape dispenser out there. I just came across a new one featured on Oh My Crafts. The Crop & Glue - GlueGlider MAX is a new product that offers 114 feet of adhesive. It costs about $40 and the adhesive refills are priced at $13-$16 depending on your choice of permanent or repositionable tape. The refills are more expensive than the ATG version; however, they are much easier to install. The refills simply pull out to remove and push in to install! I'd say that's worth a few more dollars, especially if you have a hard time loading tape dispensers! With any of the large tape dispensers, I'd highly recommend investing in one, rather than continuing to get the $5 refills (even if you have a coupon) because those costs add up and keep you running to the store! Updated ReviewClick here for an updated review of the 3M ATG 714 applicator, regarding defective manufacturing! Click here for an updated results after fixing my applicator. 
 This is one of my custom card creations for a customer. It's for a 40th birthday and was uniquely designed to include a paper gift...coupons! I designed 3 matching coupons that were included in a pocket on the inside of the card. The coupons were designed to fit the friendship. Patterned paper was used throughout the card for coordinating appeal. The patterned paper on the front is divided by layered chocolate and green ribbon. Happy Birthday is stamped on the front in an luxury font. Since the sentiment alone seemed plain, I stamped three flowers on the green solid cardstock, then cut them out and popped them off the paper for dimension.  Here is another view of the card and the coupons. I bundled the coupons with the layered chocolate and green ribbons. I used an A.C. Moore coupon as inspiration when I designed this coupon. I added the bar code for authenticity and used the recipient's birthday as the code numbers for added personalization. 
 I created this card simply to challenge myself. I try hard not to form into one particular paper artist mold so that my designs are diverse, bold, and new! So, this challenge required me to use a series of patterned paper. Personally, I do not like to use multiple patterned papers because they look mis-matched. However, after completing this card, I overcame my fear of too much patterns and liked the results. I framed it with ribbon and added a popped rectangle with a rub-on sentiment. Maybe I liked it because I used the color brown, one of my favorites when it comes to paper art!
 Just wanted to share a simple birthday card I gave my co-worker. It is personalized with a monogram. Most people love to see their name or initials on anything since it's custom. The monogram is stamped on green cardstock with a dotted circle border surrounding it. For added color, I placed it on a red scalloped circle. I used patterned fun and bright paper and tied a green grosgrain ribbon around it. Happy Birthday is stamped in the lower right corner for simplicity. 
 Who needs material gifts when each day you wake up to experience something new? "Each day provides its own gifts" is the sentiment I chose to send my friend from law school for her birthday! I wanted to send the message that each day, there is a new adventure that you can embark on and pursue. Living in the moment may not include skydiving or learning to speak a second language fluently, but most of the time it is the small mundane parts of life that really matter. So, I encourage each of you to live your life and never miss your moment because if you do, it is a gift that is not for sale and may never cross your path again. What was your gift today?
Friends are great, so why not let them know! Friend, It's Your Day! This card is appropriate for a birthday, celebration, congratulations, or just because. The flower patch is stamped in pink and green. The flower buds have a little sparkle with the use of stickles. And of course, with flowers, there must be bling, so I added the two pink rhinestones.
The stamp set used to create this card includes an array of women to send cards to, so the "Friend" can be personalized for "Mom," "Sister," "Daughter," "Grandmother," "Aunt," or "Mother." "In-law" is an additional customization this stamp set provides. So, whether you are sending a card to express "Thank You," "Celebrate," "Happy Birthday," or "Happy Mother's Day," you definitely can personalize a card!
 How many ways can you tell someone "Thank You?" Well, this card gives you a lot of options! I used the Cuttlebug to dry emboss the thank you sentiments in the background. Thank you is in English, Spanish, and French. To get this effect, I challenged myself on my favorite stamping web site and used my chalk on my embossing folder to get the inked/rustic effect. I added the popped "thank you" stamped sentiment on top of a rippled chocolate ribbon. The edges are sewed with a zig zag stitch and layered on a rustic blue and brown patterned paper. Well, thank you for reading my post today! 
 Thought I'd give everyone an Easter card this Sunday! I really gave this card to my mom and sister...they loved it! Notice the bunny brads? Just an added touch! I used an argyle pink and green ribbon for an added flare. My only Easter stamped is overused this season, but next season I'll venture out more! This time, I used the wet emboss technique for a raised effect.I hope everyone is enjoying their Easter. 
 Is it time for graduations already? No, you have about a month to prepare; unless, you know someone who's graduating from the U.S. Armed Forces Basic Training! This card is for an Army Basic Training graduate! This blog post is dedicated to members of all U.S. Armed Forces. Thank you for fighting for our country and protecting our freedom. Without you, America would not be what is is today. Have a great weekend and a Happy Easter! 
 This "Thinking of You" card offers color, dimension, and style. I stamped the flowers and cut them out and popped them off of the white paper. I used vellum to allow a visual perspective of the flowers, then added the rub-on sentiment "thinking of you." I used the same patterned and solid paper to make it aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The three solid strips at the top are adorned with rhinestones or...bling! No reason is needed to send a card; just a thought is all you need...and some flowers and bling of course! 
 America is great; however, living in America can get the best of us. The hustle and bustle of the daily tasks can be demanding and daunting. Thus, making it is easy to forget that "Every Day is a Gift." This card is a reminder of that sentiment. This card was handstamped. The larger design was stamped, then cut out and popped for dimension. Thanks for browsing! 
 The Cricut Expression (pictured left) is a personal die-cut machine. It cuts letters, shapes, and phrases in various sizes and fonts. The Expression uses a 12" x 24" mat or 12" x 12" mat. The Expression allows you to cut larger die-cuts for scrapbook layouts, classroom displays, or signage. The LCD display allows you to view exactly what you are cutting.
The Cricut Machine is a personal die cutter. There are countless possibilities that allow you to cut different shapes, letters, or phrases. The personal Cricut only weighs 7 lbs. and does not require much space. You can create die cuts ranging from 1" - 5.5". Although there is no LCD, there is a small screen that allows you to see what you have typed (just not shapes).
Expression or Personal Cricut
Thinking about purchasing a Cricut? This review will provide you with some factors to consider prior to making your purchase and hopefully select the right Cricut that is suitable for your use. The Expression is larger and will provide larger size die cuts; the Personal is smaller and will provide die-cuts up to 5.5". If you plan to work on projects that you know you will need larger than 5.5" die cuts; then you definitely should go with the Expression. Make sure you have enough space to adequately store your Expression. It will need open operating areas in the front and back to allow the machine to feed the mat through without any interference. Both Personal and Expression machines use the same cartridges and neither requires a computer. However, the Cricut DesignStudio is a program now available that enables you to connect the Cricut to the computer and customize die-cuts using multiple cartridges. By the way, cartridges are inserts you use that includes the shapes, phrases, or letters. If you are more of a scrapbooker, I recommend the Expression. If you are more of a cardmaker, I recommend the Personal.
The price difference between the Expression and the Personal is another deciding factor. The Expression retails at $499.99 However, local craft stores and online suppliers sell them at significantly lower prices around $380. I purchased my Expression at a local craft store on sale. It was a bundle price that included the Expression, a 12x12 mat, 4 cartridges, and a set of ink. Do your research and shop around before making a purchase to get the best deal. You may even find them as an auction for someone who no longer needs theirs. Most of the time, I use my Cricut for scrapbook layouts. At times, I think it may feel neglected, so I may try to use it for my cards (a challenge for me some times)!
The Cricut is an excellent addition for any paper artist. It allows you to customize and personalize phrases to projects. It is electric and does not require pushing, turning, or cranking for die cuts like other counterparts on the market. Could I create great paper art without a Cricut? Sure, but I am glad I own one because it provides another technique to my projects.
 Stamping is the main technique used to create this card. I stamped the leaves in three earth tones (autumn terracotta, spring moss, and desert sand). "Amazing Grace" is also stamped in autumn terracotta ink. I added spring moss ribbon and two eyelets. Hemp is used vertically to suggest a cross for spirituality. This card is for a young man who was in a motorcycle accident and is recovering. I hope this card reaches him in good spirits. 
  Yesterday was Palm Sunday, so that means Easter is next Sunday. It's a little early this year. So, I had to fulfill a few Easter card requests. Here are a couple of them. Both cards have the same "Easter egg" stamp. Scalloped edges were used around the egg. Pastel colors are appropriate for Easter cards as Spring is fast approaching, but I reverted to my comfortable earth tone shade of brown for the ink color on the egg. 
 Hope you are all having a good weekend. It's been a relaxing, yet busy one for me! Although I love this hobby, it can be quite challenging some times. I am still working on the re-design of my web site and hope that it will be all finished soon. I did get a chance to create this card. I used my sewing machine to zigzag the edges. The stamped sentiment is highlighted with a berry flower from the Making Memories Berry Flower patterned paper. This is a quite simple card, but has much presence. Thinking of anyone today? 
 This card was made last weekend for an anniversary. I wanted to send the message of "love." The sentiment, by Helen Keller, is stamped at the top and reads: "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." This is a great greeting for an anniversary. To create this card, I stamped the tree limbs, then stamped the leaves. I added ribbon and created a bow using a ribbon charm. At the bottom, I used a love stamp and added eyelets to each side. I hope this card gave them a warm and fuzzy feeling!
 I created this card last night as a challenge on my favorite stamp community site. As background, the site has daily challenges for stampers and paper artists to challenge themselves and dive into their creativity. I used a combination of stamps to create this "Dream Big" card. Around the scalloped circle, it reads: Dream Big; When you wish upon a star; Makes no difference who you are; Make a wish. The buds on the tree have jewel stickers for an added 'pop.' I have a tendency to lean towards earth tones, so my personal challenge is to add color! This is an encouraging card. So, if you feel inclined to lift someone's spirits, let me know, it's available...don't forget to Dream Big!
I thought I'd make a compare and contrast blog for a couple of direct sales stamping companies. Stampin Up! (SU!) and Close to My Heart (CTMH) are the two companies I will address today.
Stampin Up! SU! sells a variety of wood-mountable rubber stamps, sold in clear boxes for easy accessibility and storage. I wood mount my stamps, but you can opt not to as they come separate for you to make the final decision. If you choose not to wood mount rubber stamps, you can apply them to acrylic blocks by purchasing "Tack 'n Peel" by Tsukineko. his allows you to cut a reusable cling sheet to an acrylic block by applying the unmounted rubber stamp to the block for use similar to acrylic stamps. SU! also sells other paper craft supplies, such as paper, embellishments, rub-ons, tools for storage needs, or any other paper craft necessity you may need. If you can name it, SU! pretty much carries it, from ribbon to ink. The great concept that SU! has created is that their products are grouped and can follow a color scheme. So, you can get patterned paper to match solid cardstock and ink. SU! products are not sold in stores; you can only purchase their products through a demonstrator. You can locate a demonstrator in your area by going to their web site. I located my demonstrator via this method and she communicated with me by e-mail. I was able to place my orders and have even attended a workshop. She is a highly qualified demonstrator and is featured in many paper craft publications including Paper Crafts and Card Creations. She is also on numerous design teams. The main issue I have with SU! is their method of ordering: limited direct sale by a demonstrator. I think they could reach a larger audience if they opened their products to everyone by web sales. SU! also offers catalogs to preview their products and ideas; however, there is a charge for them - even if you order. Although you can view the catalogs online, I prefer browsing the old-fashioned way! I received my SU! order in about two weeks, which is a bit longer than I'd like to wait for processing/shipping. SU! promotions are limited. Currently, they are running a "Sale-A-Bration" campaign that includes free stamp sets from a special catalog. This offers a little something special to your purchase, but is not an on-going campaign. Close to My Heart CTMH is another leading company in the stamp industry. They offer a wide array of paper art supplies, such as acrylic stamps, paper, embellishments, and tools. CTMH uses consultants to market their products; however, you can also order their products directly from their web site. This is a clear advantage over SU! I used this method recently to order my new stamp sets and tools! Upon locating a consultant in my area, she gladly communicated with me via e-mail and was very appreciative of my recent orders. I received two complementary stamp sets in addition to two idea books! You can also view the idea books online, but they are much more enjoyable in person. I thought CTMH offered much more appreciation for my orders. My orders were shipped to the address of my choice within one week, which I thought was great! When I received my orders, the acrylic stamps were packaged in compact, yet effective clear plastic envelopes. I love their packaging because they do not take up too much space, yet you can see the stamps you need. I'll have to be a bit more creative in how to store them once my collection builds because you would not want to sort through dozens of envelops to find one. CTMH sells a case to store the plastic envelopes. Their ink is amazing! Their innovative designs allow the ink to be stored upside down, but when it is time for use, it swivels right side up. Getting use to this packaging can be a little tricky or messy if you're not careful! The inks are stackable and colors are clearly marked...LOVE IT! As for promotions, CTMH offers a Stamp of the Month set that you can purchase for a discount or free, based on your total purchased. I received February's Stamp of the Month set free of charge! This is a great marketing campaign that keeps customers returning to the site to buy more! I really enjoy shopping with both companies and a few other designer stamp companies online. This is merely my own personal opinion and not intended to strike one company over another. But, between SU! and CTMH, I'd have to select CTMH for their acrylic stamps because you can see where you are stamping. I also think CTMH is more diverse by offering the convenience to shop online. Sometimes, it's the small things that count. Regardless of my opinion, I'll continue to order from every store, as each has their own unique products and...I am a certified "shopper!" 
 Good Morning! I made this card this weekend for one of my college friend's birthday. I like creating birthday cards that have a simple saying on the front besides the typical "happy birthday" sentiment. I like to use the word "wish" often because I think as we all grow older, we forget how to wish or even dream. So, you'll probably see more cards with a "dream" theme soon! To make this card, I used stamps. After stamping, I cut out the flowers, stems and leaves, then popped them with foam dots. I mounted each flower on three separate cardstock and sewed around the edges. I inked the edges and added a green ribbon to adore at the bottom. Even if it's not your birthday today...Make A Wish!
 Ever make a mistake? We all do! Why not send a card to apologize? It's a great way to express your accountability for your actions and show you care. This customer simply wanted to apologize for not attending an event. Although it was not intentional, it still exemplifies that she was aware her absence from the event could cause a strain on the relationship. This card relieves that strain. The main technique used on this card is distressing. I used a distressing tool to make the edges appear torn and also inked the edges for a finished look. Three brads were added on the side for balance.
 I hope all of you remembered to spring forward today! I love the spring and how it transitions into the summer. Now that the days will be longer, I can get more done - right?! I decided to share a Baptism card I made for a customer last week. I stamped the tree limbs and the buds on the trees. I also stamped "Blessings." I added a red ribbon on the side and tied it in a knot to add more color. This is one of my favorite new stamp sets! Wishing everyone blessings on this Sunday!
 I designed this card for a customer who is attending a bridal shower. I decided to do something unique by designing a stylish wedding gown. I sketched a template on plain white scrap paper, then traced the template on a white A7 scored card. I cut out the template, then added dimension by cutting a tulle template to place on top of the dress. I decorated the dress using Jolee's boutique Wedding Cake dimensional flower stickers to create the waist and accented with rhinestones. This wedding gown design can be used for engagement, bridal shower, and wedding cards and can be customized for each wedding by including wedding colors of choice! It's hard to deviate from the norm sometimes, but I thought this was a great start. I love fashion, so this card allowed by the opportunity to design a wedding gown! Although most gowns do not have tulle on the outside, I thought it was great to use here to signify the importance of tulle that most wedding dresses use in the slip to make them "poof."  My customer told me that the bride loves pink, so I added the pink into the design by making the insert pink. I thought this also made the white wedding gown stand out. I included a sentiment inside the bottom portion of the dress. I also added a rhinestone to 'dot the i' in Bride! I hope she likes it! Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!
 Today, I decided to share one of my common gifts...wine and all that jazz! I went to a friends/family 40 th surprise birthday celebration a few weeks ago and decided to give her a bottle of wine. Handing a bottle of wine to the gift recipient is lovely and very thoughtful, but looks much better with a card that matches the bottle packaging. First, I designed the card using American Crafts Tomato Basil patterned paper and Archiver's 5x5 card. I stamped the present and enjoy using Timber Brown StazeOn ink. I added green ribbon and red jewel brads. Once the card was complete, I used leftover patterned paper to cover the bulk of the wine bottle. I dressed this wine up with a green strip and decorated it with jeweled stickers to make a button-down shirt effect. I added a green and red ribbon, both tied in bows. Together, they make an attractive couple I must say! This gift received much attention at the party! By the way, I gave a Pinot Noir! On my upcoming "Shopping" web site, I plan to offer a selection of gift bags, including wine containers with matching cards, so you too can be the talk of the party! So, keep checking, as I am working on paper art to sell on the web site.
In January, I went to Scrapbooks Plus in Chantilly, VA for the first time. Although I was aware of Scrapbooks Plus' existence, I never visited probably due to me being an avid shopper at Recollections, prior to its closing. My venture to Scrapbooks Plus started out bumpy. Normally, I have a great sense of direction and do not get lost; however, this time I'll have to admit I got a little turned around. I think my main problem was that I had the old address where Scrapbooks Plus was previously located, which put me on the other side of Rt. 50. Once I found the old location, there were directions on how to find the new location...duh! I'm not sure how I had the old location, but I got it from somewhere! Finally, I found the store that resides in a warehouse style location. The store appears small when you enter, not knowing it opens up in the rear. I was not a big fan on how the store was organized or designed. I was a little confused and walked through it a couple of times to make sure I didn't miss anything. The categories with relevant papers and embellishments were organized well, it was just a little congested. There was a crop area in the back where they hold classes/crops. They had a wide variety of merchandise that I really appreciated. They even carried a line of the local high schools, which I think is extra special. I was not offered any assistance or help during this visit. When I purchased a few items, I personally signed up for the newsletter e-mail list and the cashier asked if I wanted to purchase a Scrapbooks Plus key tag. I've received a few newsletters and they inform you on new classes, workshops, and recently a design team. The key tag is a promotional campaign that you can purchase for $2. When you make a purchase, your key tag is punched for each $5 increment from your pre-tax total. When you fill up your key tag, you can redeem it to receive $15 merchandise certificate. I think this is a great special for the frequent shoppers because these supplies can seriously add up fast! Although I did not like the design of the key tag, I accepted it and placed it in my wallet, instead of on my key ring; it's already overloaded! The store offers many classes and the web site shows a calendar along with the samples of items you will create in the class. They also have featured teachers that are highly recommended, which is great. I visited Scrapbooks Plus on a Wednesday, mainly because of their 40% coupon day! On their web site, you can print a 40% coupon off of any regular priced item for every Wednesday. I've been trying to re-visit the store, but have not. I think there was a disconnect between me and the store in which I did not identify myself with it. This is an important component of store branding, marketing, and merchandising where retailers need to place the 'gotta have it' factor to all of their visitors to make returns inevitable. Can you tell I was a marketing major in college?! Recently, I have discovered many scrapbook, stamp, and card supply vendors online and by catalog. I'll discuss the stamping vendor comparisons in another blog later! So far, I have not felt the need to re-visit Scrapbooks Plus. Perhaps it's because I've ordered so much 'stuff' that I really don't need anything now...a serious possibility! However, I'm sure I will soon, but it will definitely be on a Wednesday! Really, there are not any other scrapbook suppliers in the Northern Virginia area besides Michael's, AC Moore, JoAnn Fabrics. I have come across My Home Scrapbook Store located in Bristow, VA where she actually makes home deliveries. I have not visited or received a delivery yet, but when I do, I'll be sure to let you know!
The beginning of 2008 for me started a bit on the difficult side. My father passed away two days after Christmas, so the holidays were a bit on the sad side. I dedicate this blog to Roy L. Cannon and his life and memory! So, to keep me busy, I decided to redesign A New Design and that included decorating my paper art studio! How fun and exciting! I'm thankful enough to have a room dedicated to my passion, so how lucky to be able to decorate it as well. One day, I went to IKEA to get some shelves and other organizational supplies to jazz up my space. Another day, I went to Lowe's to select my paint colors and get supplies. Here are some pictures of the before...and after...what a difference some painting makes!  BEFOREObviously, this is studio that I used before in 2007. It was great having my own studio, but it lacked my personal style and touch, which I was itching to incorporate. It was a great room at the time, but did not have the inspirational design factor that it so desperately needed. From the cream whiles that screamed 'paint me' to the lack of storage for my growing supplies. This paper art studio was screaming for an HGTV makeover...or maybe just an Ashley design makeover. I had plenty of paint samples and design concepts that I contemplated for a few weeks, until I decided on a couple of colors.  AFTERFrom this picture, you can get sense of how I enter into my studio. First, you may see the striking design painted on the wall. There is a story behind this design! Initially, as I spoke about above, I had a design concept for the room. That design concept included painting horizontal stripes on the wall in the opposite paint color. However, my husband offered to help me paint, so of course, I accepted! I am guessing he was inspired too and had a great idea to paint a design using one of my favorite stamps as inspiration. I was a bit skeptical despite his outstanding artistic abilities. I closed my eyes and said "Go for it!" As I watched him paint it, it grew on me fast! Now, I am so glad I did not paint those harsh stripes and have this free-flowing design...at that one of my favorite designs! He painted the design from the front wall to the rear wall to make it look like a continuous design. On this wall, I used what I call a coffee with lots of cream hue. The design is painted with Martha Stewart's Ground Paprika hue. From this view, I have installed two shelves ( IKEA) for storage. I use the craft table ( IKEA) for extra workspace and also store paper and other supplies in the two carts below. And what better way to decorate the studio than with a cute Yorkshire Terrier...Ozzy approves!  In this picture, you can see that I actually do have a window! It faces other houses, but in the far distance, I actually have a view of the mountains on a clear day! This wall is painted in the Paprika hue, which is striking and fun! I have a storage cabinet installed ( IKEA) by using Hercules Hooks, which I couldn't live without! How they hold that heavy cabinet I'm not sure, but hey...it works! To save my glass computer L-shape desk, I kept it and continue to use it for my paper art work! I also have a matching glass cart, which holds my Cricut Expressions die cut machine and other paper. My blue chair does not match, but is comfortable!  In this view, you can see the coffee with lots of cream paint! Yet, another shelf was installed here. At this time, I'd like to thank my sister for helping install the shelves. That was a story by itself. In the end, we finished and they're up holding supplies! I subscribe to a few paper craft magazines, so the magazine holders help keep those in place. I also installed a couple of mini shelves to hold some Prima flowers in glass jars, which I purchased at The Stamping and Scrapbook Room and my Ranger Stickles collection. I also kept an old bookshelf from my college years, which holds all four printers...yes, four printers! I hope to sell a few and get one that I use everything for one day!  In this picture, you get the final view of the room. There is a small closet that is used for junk at this time! One day I hope to clean it out and install shelves for additional storage. I also have another shelving unit ( IKEA) which holds scrapbook albums, paper, and other supplies. Thanks to my husband and sister for assisting me in the renovation process! We stumbled across some bumps along the way, but they just provide more stories to our collection! If you are interested in the paint selections, I purchased from Lowe's: - Valspar's Cincinnatian Hotel Carl Tan (3002-9C)
- Martha Stewart's Paprika (MS076)
Recently, I've been working hard on a baby scrapbook album for my co-worker and his wife! Sunday, I went to the baby shower and finally got 'rid' of this project...and boy and I'm glad! They truly loved the gift. I love creating paper art, especially for preserving memories and what better gift for a new baby!  "Sweet Pea" was one of my favorite layouts. I used DCWV chipboard letters for the title. For the striped paper, I used DCWV Nursery collection for baby girls. I circle punched in basic white and inked the edges to give it a finished look. I added a few pink brads to side green DCWV paper for a decorative touch. Now, all it needs is a picture!  I can't believe I actually cut out the pea pod! I free handed the pea pod. As a point of reference, I always use Google images as a guide to sketch my artwork. I cut out my sketch, then added dotted lines along the edges with my black marker for a dimensional look. And of course I included in the lettering inside to create the 'pea in the pod!'  "Daddy's Little Girl" turned out fabulous! I did not think this would be one of my favorites, but it is. The background paper is a "Dad" theme with all of the possible names a child would call him. I like the combination of the fuchsia with the army green! I stitched around the edges to add a little extra spice using my Janome Sew Mini. I added three green eyelets by using my Crop-a-Dile.  I used my Cricut Expressions die cutting machine to cut the title "Daddy's Little Girl." I used the Alphalicious cartridge. I also used the Stretch Your Imagination Cricut cartridge for the flowers. The flower buds are accented with pink and green buttons. The wave design I sketched, then cut using my Tim Holtz scissors.  I also decorated a plain white gift bag to match my card "Baby Girl." On the card and the bag, I stamped a dressy "onesie" and the wording "baby girl" in pink ink. I added a pink and green ribbon to the bag to dress it up a bit. I also matched the gift box that included onesies.  Originally, this was a plain white box and included "onesies" for the little one. I would have loved to stamp each onesie with a cute 'girly' image, but did not have the permanent ink in my supply closet. So, I just rolled each onesie separately and bundled them with ribbon that matched the gift box. I used my circle scallop punches and stamped "baby girl" for the top. The lid can easily be removed and keeps its decorative touch! I'm still busy researching the best options for my website, so hopefully I can make a final decision this week! Until then, this blogging concept is catching on pretty well! Happy Tuesday!
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Personalized this birthday card for "Carlos." Happy birthday cuttlebug embossing folder used to create the raised effect. The edges are distressed. I used white core cardstock to make the distressed effect more raw. The striped patterned paper is from an adhesive mat stack that has a masculine touch. "Carlos" lettering are similar to rectangle paper clips and personalize the card pefectly! Green grosgrain ribbon divide the embossed cardstock from the striped patterned paper.
