Following My Heart Led Me to You

Hey Bleeps! Happy Hump Day! Today, I am sharing a card inspired by a few challenges. I usually do not combine challenges because it's very difficult to do, unless it's a generic challenge, like masculine for JustRite and The Shabby Tea Room. I also used Kazan's sketch from 2 Sketches for You! :) I'm going to be honest here. This card took me about two hours to make. I was powered from a long nap, but just wasn't prepared to spend that long on a card. Good thing I had my leftovers to eat! :) Check out how I made it - seems easier and faster, but boy did this card's thought process take for-ever!

Instructions

1. Trim patterned paper to about 4" x 5.25", then adhere a black patterned paper strip in the middle.
2. Die cut and emboss label.
3. Stamp 'tags' and 'border.'
4. Punch holes and set eyelets.
5. Tie label onto paper with twine.
6. Die cut two circles to mat together.
   
7. On kraft circle, stamp sentiment, then pop off label die cut.

Tips & Tricks

• Patterned Paper :: If you have difficulty working with multiple patterned papers (like me), I recommend placing the patterns down and walking away to stare at them from across the room to see if it's too busy, not busy enough, too much, overwhelming, or just "it!"
• Use patterns from the same or similar manufacturers. Working with the same collection is also an easy way to match patterns too. Here, I used the same vendor, but two different collections.
  

Supplies

Stamps :: JustRite - romantic sentiments; Waltzingmouse Stamps - very vintage labels no. 1
Ink :: SU! - black
Cardstock :: PTI - kraft, true black
Patterned Paper :: Graphic 45 - a proper gentleman collection {harberdasher}, communique collection {a fine specimen}
Embellishments :: May Arts - twine; We R Memory Keepers - eyelets
Tools :: Spellbinders™ - labels one nestability (S4-161 ), standard circles nestability small, large (S4 -114, S4-116), wizard; We R Memory Keepers - crop-a-dile, crop-a-dile big bite

Now, in case that was a little too manly for you, here's something that should sweeten you up! I made some strawberry lemonade for the first time last night. I really like ordering this out at restaurants, so I thought why not?! I usually make fresh lemonade/tea and combine them (I will do a separate post for that concoction later), but this beverage screams summer and perfect for gatherings or just plain 'ole drinks in your house! Now, I'm sure you can 'jazz' it up a bit and add some 'licka' to it, but I haven't played with that just yet!


Here's how I made it:

3 lemons
6 strawberries
2.5 c sugar (about - to taste - WARNING - I don't measure)
lemon juicer
mortar and pestle

Cut lemons in half. With one lemon, slice it a few times and set aside. Juice lemons and add to your pitcher. Crush and juice strawberries in mortar and pestle. Add strawberries to pitcher. Add sugar and water, then stir until dissolved. Add sliced lemons, stir, and serve!

The mortar and pestle is a tiny one I picked up in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. I thought it was too cute. I never thought I'd use it, which is why I bought a 'baby' one! You can find one at your local kitchen gadget store.

Thanks for visiting today. I hope it was refreshing!

2S4Y :: I Love You

Hey Everyone! I'm getting really excited because today is Friday Eve! We're almost there; I can see the weekend and definitely can smell it. Anyway, I haven't participated in a 2S4Y challenge in a while and couldn't stay away after being inspired by Kazan's sketch #52! Hey Kazan!! There's so much lace on this card, it looks like a grandmother's window treatments! Anyway, I liked how it turned out and the sketch inspired me to create something bold and new!

Thanks so much for stopping by and enjoy your Thursday.

Instructions

1. Trim rustic cream cardstock to 4" x 5.25" and stamp music background pattern. Ink the cardstock.
2. Trim brown cardstock and mat over the bottom portion of the music background.
3. Add pearl embellishment.
4. Add lace layers using Scor-Tape and ruffle along the tape. (See video tutorial here)
5. Adhere to a spring moss A2 card base.
6. Add cream satin ribbon.
7. Stamp sentiment on spring moss cardstock, ink, and adhere under the ribbon. Curl a bit of the cardstock with your fingers.

Supplies

Stamps :: Unity - music background; PTI - out on the limb (large sentiment)

Ink :: Hero Arts - latte; Ranger - old paper

Cardstock :: PTI - spring moss, rustic cream, dark chocolate

Embellishments :: PTI - vintage cream satin ribbon; Prima - pearl flourish; Craft Supply - lace trim

Tools :: Ranger - blending tool

So Grateful

Hey there, Bleeps! I hope you had a good start to your week. Today, I'm sharing a card inspired by Sarah Martina. She created this bonus sketch over at 2S4Y this week. When I saw it, I knew I had to make a card with the layout! Of course, I changed it just a tad because the cardstock strip I had was pre-cut to a certain length. I always lay things out before I adhere and just liked the way it looked, so I kept it that way.

Hop on over to 2S4Y this week to see the design teams' amazing projects and also for your change to win some great prizes! Take care and thanks for taking a peek!

Instructions

1. Trim embossed cardstock to 4.25” x 5.5” and sand.
2. Add red cardstock strip.
3. Trim kraft cardstock block and stamp flower images.
4. Add white markings to flower images with pen.
5. Tie black ribbon around kraft cardstock, then adhere to card front with foam adhesive.
6. Trim cream cardstock strip, stamp sentiment, and ink.
7. Add sentiment strip and button to card front.
8. Adhere card front to an A2 card base.

Supplies

Stamps :: Papertrey Ink - life; Waltzingmouse Stamps - blessed by you

Ink :: Stampin’ Up! - black; Ranger - antique linen; Uniball - signo white gel pen

Paper :: Core’dinations - core impressions (black magic); Papertrey Ink - rustic cream + pure poppy + kraft

Embellishments :: Papertrey Ink - black ribbon + button + twine

Tools :: sander

2S4Y :: My Dream

Happy Monday, Bleeps! I survived the Blizzard of 2010, but the conditions are still a bit grim on the road out there, not to mention the mountain of snow in our front yard that is about 2 feet taller than me! Alright, I know that doesn't mean much since I'm a 'shorty!' But believe me, it's HIGH! Today, I'm sharing my last card as a member of the 2S4Y DT. The last three months have been amazing and I'm grateful to Kazan and Laura for the opportunity to break me from my fear of sketches! I'll miss working with the team and sharing projects with you each Monday. Have no fear, the sketches are always here and you can still find them there. Did I just make a rhyme?! Well, sorta!

This week, we used Sakura pens to embellish our cards. I used my pen to make faux stitching around the card's border. I'm really liking this greeting, "My Dream." It's from the Cosmo Cricket Early Bird collection. I have so many dreams. Some of them have been accomplished, but many more are still out there, ready for me to grab them, experience, and take them as mine. One dream of mine is going to be fulfilled in two weeks. I was going to play a little game, but decided not to. I will share my dream fulfilled with you once it's done!

How about you? Do you have any dreams? Let's hear them!

Before I go, I wanted to share a few cooking dreams come true, really just things that I am really into:

1. Kitchen Aid mixer
2. Giada cutting board
3. Wusthof Chef's Knife
4. Martha Stewart cast iron casserole

Thanks so much for visiting today! Enjoy yourself!!

Instructions

1. Make an A2 card base.
2. Trim striped patterned paper strip and adhere to card front.
3. Trim scalloped patterned paper strip, cut out scallops and adhere to card front.
4. Add ribbon (Tip: Cut a small slit in card fold to thread ribbon through the card).
5. Adhere tag with foam adhesive.
6. Add buttons (with twine).
7. Pop sentiment off tag.
8. Draw faux stitching.

Supplies

Paper :: Cosmo Cricket (early bird collection); SU! - crushed curry

Ink :: Sakura - micron black pen

Embellishments :: Nice Package - mini tag; PTI - ribbon, buttons

2S4Y :: Thanks Bear

Happy Monday, Bleeps! I hope you enjoyed your weekend! I took it really easy and enjoyed the snow on Saturday. Well, I actually did not step foot outside, but I enjoyed food, fire, and movies! I finally made it to my scrap area to create this card for this week's 2S4Y sketch by Kazan. I really like the circle card layout. I made mine into a scallop circle card because I wanted more curves! :) The sponsor this week is KLM Digital Designs. That's right, the bear is a digital stamp! I did stamp the "thanks" on the heart in a traditional way though!

As an update on my CHA photos, I was really thinking about a song to use and finally, it came to me last night! One of my current fun songs to use! So, I hope to be able to finish it VERY SOON! :)

If you like photography, McArthur has been hard at work posting a few of his last creative sessions a bit at a time. You can check out his blog here to view some of his recent posts!

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy!

Instructions

1. Die cut scallop circle with a smaller circle die in the middle of brown cardstock.
2. Emboss scallop circle die cut and set aside.
3. Die cut circle from patterned paper and set aside.
4. Die cut circle from cardstock and set aside.
5. Assembled circle card front by adhering scallop circle die on patterned paper circle die with foam adhesive.
6. Add ribbon treatment.
7. Print digi-stamp, color, then stamp 'thanks.'
8. Adhere digi-stamp to circle center with foam adhesive.
9. Adhere circle die cut to back of card. TIP - only adhere the top portion of the circle die cut to the back of the front circle card.

Supplies

Stamps :: Hero Arts - everyday sayings

Ink :: brown; Copic markers

Paper :: PTI - dark chocolate; SEI - linda's homage (Juliette collection)

Embellishments :: May Arts - ribbon

Tools :: Provo Craft - cuttlebug, swiss dots embossing folder; Spellbinders - scallop + circle nestabilities

2S4Y :: Full Heart

Buy Now

Hey there! I survived my trip to California and am back. I'm getting a slow start this morning and trying to readjust to the time change. I got back very early this morning, but am so grateful I got the chance to go. I have so much to share, but just not today! However, since it's Monday, I do have a card inspired by Kazan's layout over at 2S4Y. Need a head start? Go on over and check out the sketch and some cute inspiration. This week's sketch is sponsored by JustRite. I love their stamps, especially this frame one!

Thanks for stopping by and I'll be back tomorrow with more to share!

Instructions

1. Make card base from cardstock.
2. Trim pink strip and adhere to card front center.
3. Trim patterned paper and adhere to card front center.
4. Add ric rac trim and staple.
5. Add buttons.
6. Stamp frame and die cut square.
7. Mat black square and pink sentiment square, then adhere to card front center.

Supplies

Stamps :: JustRite - decorative square frames, loving thoughts

Ink :: black

Paper :: PTI - white, raspberry fizz, black and white basics (patterned paper)

Tools :: Spellbinders - square nestabilities, wizard; Tim Holtz - mini attacher

Embellishments :: PTI - buttons, twine; ric rac trim

2S4Y :: I'll Leave the Light On

Buy Now

Happy MLK Day, Bleeps! It's such a great day to be off from work! We got the chance to spend the weekend with friends, some old, some new! The photograph session went well and I mostly was the 'entertainer' when the middle of the day arrived! I did wear a few hats, but the entertainer fit the best!

Today, I am sharing a card inspired by this week's 2S4Y sketch. This week's sponsor is Starving Artistamps. I am using a house stamp from this collection. Although I am not much of a colorer, I actually enjoyed coloring this image. However, I do wish I had a few more Copics in my collection! Sometimes, you have to work with what you have though and that is what I did here.

Thanks so much for stopping by and go take a peek at the sketch here.!

Instructions

1. Trim brown cardstock to create a 5.5" square card base.
2. Stamp house on white cardstock and color with Copics.
3. Add inking to white cardstock.
4. Matte white cardstock on polka dot patterned paper.
5. Add lace trim to bottom
6. Add ribbon strip and create a loop.
7. Adhere matted focal point to card front.
8. Add buttons (double them up and add twine).
9. Stamp sentiment and adhere to focal image center.

Supplies

Stamps :: Starving Artistamps - House and Garden

Ink :: Stampin' Up! - chocolate chip; Copic markers; Ranger - antique linen, vintage photo

Paper :: Papertrey Ink - dark chocolate, white, new leaf, bitty dots (patterned paper)

Embellishments :: Paper Source - gold ribbon; Papertrey Ink - buttons, twine; Michaels - lace trim

2S4Y :: Be Mine

Happy Monday, Bleeps! I hope you had a great weekend, even though it flew by! I got a chance to visit some great stores yesterday, including the Paper Source and Anthropologie. I forgot how much I really liked both stores, but Anthropologie blew me away. They were having a sale, which was really exciting and I picked up a few items, which put a HUGE dent in my wallet (*gulp*)! I guess I'll be wearing those pieces over and over and over again to make sure I get my monies worth! :) Here is a photo of one of the tops I found (not on sale UGH!) that I had to have. My style is a bit funky. I like traditional with something that pops. This shirt is SUPER comfortable. The necklace was much more flattering on than on the hanger. My favorite part is the embroidered colorful flowers of course! I love bright colors added to my wardrobe. I would share my other two finds, but they weren't on the site. If you have a store near you, check them out. If you don't like their clothes, you'll love their home decor!

Anyway, about the card! Today, I'm sharing a Valentine's card inspired by Laura's sketch over at 2S4Y! This week's sponsor is The Cutting Cafe and I got the chance to make an entire card from digital stamps! I had a lot of fun!

Here's a peek at the sketch! It's a great one, so I hope you all get a chance to create something inspired by it!

Thanks for visiting and enjoy your day!

Instructions

1. Trim raspberry fizz cardstock to create an A2 card base.
2. In Photoshop CS4, add color to heart pattern and print on matte presentation paper.
3. In Photoshop, size frame labels, add hearts, and print on cardstock. Cut out frame labels and hearts and assemble.
4. Matte heart digital patterned paper on black cardstock, then adhere to card front.
5. Add ribbon treatment.
6. Adhere frame label to card front.

Supplies

Stamps :: The Cutting Cafe - All About Valentine's Day

Paper :: Office Depot - matte presentation paper; Papertrey Ink - raspberry fizz, sweet blush

Embellishments :: Papertrey Ink - true black ribbon

2S4Y :: Best Year Yet

Hey there, Bleeps! I hope you all had a very merry Christmas! This week will be another short one to bring in 2010! How exciting! So, today I am sharing a New Year's card and treat inspired by 2S4Y layout and featuring a treat bag by Creative Cuts and More filled with caramel and chocolate popcorn! If you did not get a chance to send out holiday cards, you still have time to send out New Year's cards! *Clearing Throat* That's me who fits in that category! How is it that I can make a gazillion cards, but can't send them out? I believe that will be in at the top of my crafty New Year's resolutions!

Thanks for visiting and I hope you enjoy your week and have a grew New Year's celebration!

Instructions - Card

1. Trim black cardstock to create an A2 card base.
2. Stamp flourishes with black ink.
   
3. Trim silver cardstock and punch scallop borders, then adhere to card front.
4. Trim red cardstock, stamp polka dot background, sentiment, then adhere to card front.
5. Add ribbon and tie into a bow.

Supplies

Stamps :: Papertrey Ink- background basics (polka dot II), signature greetings, flourish
Ink :: Papertrey Ink - pure poppy; Stampin' Up! - black
Paper :: Papertrey Ink - pure poppy, silver, true black
Embellishments :: Papertrey Ink - true black ribbon
Tools :: Stampin' Up! - scallop edge punch

Instructions - Puff Box

1. Assemble puff box with glue dots.
2. Add contents.
3. Trim red cardstock strip, stamp polka dot background, then adhere around puff box.
4. Add ribbon and tie into a bow.

Supplies

Stamps :: Papertrey Ink - background basics (polka dots II)
Ink :: Papertrey Ink - pure poppy
Paper :: Papertrey Ink - pure poppy
Embellishments :: Papertrey Ink - true black ribbon; Creative Cuts and More - puff box

2S4Y :: Rejoice tag + Extra Extra...Read All About It

Hey there, Bleeps! Today, I am sharing a Christmas tag with you featuring Starving Artistamps. I stamped the angel, colored her in and added some stickles to the wings to make them pop. I added it on to a tag, which I cut out on my own, stamped with polka dots and a music background. "Rejoice" is highlighted in the background off of a decorative frame.

Instructions

1. Cut cream cardstock into a tag by trimming a rectangle. Draw a line with a pencil about an inch or so from the top. Marking the center of the paper. Draw two diagonal lines from top tag center point until you reach the paper edge/pencil lines. Trim off triangle at diagonal lines and erase pencil lines or flip over.
2. Stamp polka dot background and ink edges.
3. Trim cream cardstock and stamp music background.
4. Distress and ink edges.
5. Stamp "rejoice" and add frame.
6. Stamp angel, color, ink her up, and cut out.
7. Pop angel off of tag front, then add stickles to wings.
8. Punch circle at top of tag, add eyelet, tie ribbon.

Supplies

Stamps :: Starving Artistamps - O Holy Night, Christmas Nativity sentiments

Ink :: Clear Snaps - chestnut; Stampin' Up! - river rock, chocolate chip; Ranger - antique linen, vintage photo

Paper :: Papertrey Ink - vintage cream

Embellishments :: We R Memory Keepers - eyelet; Paper Source - ribbon

Tools :: We R Memory Keepers - crop-a-dile; Ranger - stickles

How was your weekend? Well, ours was filled with SNOW! We had a record-breaking December blizzard! Most of the area is still snowed in. Here are some photos we took this weekend!

Blog Break Alert

Until the end of the year, I am going to have irregular posts. I usually post every day of the week, but I am going to take a holiday break from the blog. I could pre-schedule posts, but that wouldn't be a real break! Now, I am addicted to blogging, so don't be surprised if you do see a post, just don't hold me to it either! I'll be traveling over the holidays and working on some projects, so this time will be great!

Thanks for being so supportive over the past year. This blog has grown tremendously over the past twelve months and it is all because of your readership. I just wanted to thank you for your following, support, comments, and encouragement you have offered! Happy Holidays to you and your families!

Publication Alert

If you are looking for something to read or browse, check out two publications over the holidays where I am featured!

CARDS magazine, January 2010 issue - I am the Designer of the Month and have lots of cards to share with you all and even a little blurb about myself. I am really excited about this special feature and really hope you get to see and read it! Please go check it out here by purchasing an online subscription for $4.99/month or purchase a copy at Oh My Crafts when it becomes available soon. Thanks so much for your support!

Paper Crafts magazine, January/February 2010 issue - I have a card featured in the Get Inspired column (the very last page of the magazine). Check out a copy by purchasing it at Borders or Barnes and Noble.

2S4Y :: Joy

Hey there, Bleeps! I hope you had a great weekend. Today's card is inspired by Laura's sketch for 2S4Y. We used digital images by Sassy Studio Designs. I used Photoshop to color the image. Simply use the paint bucket tool, select color choice, and click on the area you want to 'color'. It is definitely not as fun as using colored pencils or shading with Copic markers, but it is a lot faster! Here is how I created the entire card:

Instructions

1. Trim white cardstock to create an A2 card base.
2. Print image on card front.
3. Trim black cardstock strip and adhere.
4. Add ribbon treatment.
5. Stamp sentiments.
6. Add rhinestones.

Supplies

Stamps :: Papertrey Ink - snowfall serenade

Ink :: Stampin' Up! - black

Paper :: Papertrey Ink - white, black

Embellishments :: Papertrey Ink - scarlet jewel ribbon; KaiserCraft - rhinestones; Sassy Studio Designs - hanging the wreath

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a great day!

2S4Y :: Noel + Merry Christmas

** BONUS SKETCH **

Happy Monday, Bleeps! How was your weekend? I got the chance to photograph a family yesterday and it was FREEZING! I even managed to get Mac to take a few shots of me! I may share those with you later this week! But, what I really wanted to share with you today were these cards for this week's 2 Sketches 4 You layouts! I say layoutS because there is a bonus sketch this week by me! It is my very FIRST sketch, so take on the challenge and make two cards this week and link them up here! GCD Studios is the sponsor this week and you don't want to miss out on their fantastic products!

If you're looking for some holiday color inspiration, I didn't forget! Scroll down for the "traditional" color swatches I used in the above cards for 2 Sketches 4 You!

Thanks for visiting and have a great Monday!

Noel

Instructions

1. Trim white cardstock to create a 5" square card base.
2. Trim green patterned paper and adhere to card front.
3. Trim green strip and adhere on top of patterned paper.
4. Trim die cut and stamp sentiment and flourish design (heat emboss and add rhinestones).
5. Add die cut to card front.
6. Die cut scallop circle and dry emboss polka dot patterned.
7. Adhere scallop circle to card front with foam adhesive.
8. Trim Christmas tree from patterned paper and pop off scallop circle and add rhinestone.

Supplies

Stamps :: Papertrey Ink - silent night; Christmas saying

Ink :: Versamark

Paper :: GCD Studios - Christmas Sleigh collection; Papertrey Ink - white

Embellishments :: KaiserCraft - rhinestones

Tools :: Spellbinders - scallop circle nestabilities; Provo Craft - swiss dots embossing folder; die cut machine; American Crafts - green embossing powder

Merry Christmas

Instructions

1. Trim red cardstock to create an A2 card base.
2. Corner round the bottom right edge.
3. Trim patterned paper, corner round bottom right edge and adhere to card front.
4. Trim green strip, adhere to card front.
5. Add zig zag stitching.
6. Tie ribbon around card front.
7. Add sticker letters.
8. Stamp "Christmas" then pop off card front.
9. Add buttons.

Supplies

Stamps :: Papertrey Ink - silent night

Ink :: Papertrey Ink - pure poppy

Paper :: GCD Studios - Christmas Sleigh collection; Papertrey Ink - pure poppy, white

Embellishments :: Michaels - ribbon; GCD Studios - buttons, alphabet glitter stickers; Papertrey Ink - twine; thread

Tools :: sewing machine, corner rounder

2S4Y :: Rejoice

Happy Monday, Bleeps! It's hard to return to work after a four-day weekend, but also a bit easier than a typical weekend. So, I'm grateful for those additional two days off! Today, I'm sharing with you a card I made for this week's 2 Sketches 4 You layout. This week's sketch is sponsored by Starving Artistamps. These stamps are perfect for your holiday cards and to truly celebrate the reason for the season. So, join the 2S4Y DT this week and make a fun card using this week's sketch! Here's a peek at the sketch:

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your day!

Instructions

1. Trim brown cardstock to create an A2 card base.
2. Trim gold shimmer cardstock block, stamp background text.
3. Stamp "rejoice" over background text stamped design.
4. Stamp baby Jesus, color, and cut out, then pop on top part of the gold shimmer cardstock block.
5. Distress frame, then adhere with foam adhesive.
6. Score a line on card front.
7. Add red cardstock with punched decorative edge.
8. Tie ribbon around card front into a bow.
9. Adhere gold cardstock block to card front.
10. Add berries.

Supplies

Stamps :: Starving Artistamps - O Holy Night, Christmas Nativity (sentiments) ; Papertrey Ink - background basics (text)

Ink :: Clearsnaps - chestnut; Stampin' Up! - river rock; Copic - markers; Ranger - vintage photo

Paper :: Papertrey Ink - dark chocolate, pure poppy; Cut Cardstock.com - gold shimmer

Embellishments :: Offray - oatmeal ribbon; Pier One - berries; Tattered Angels - framed fonts

Tools :: EK Success - decorative edge punch

2S4Y :: Winter Snowflakes

Hey there, Bleeps! I hope your weekend was fab! Mine was, well partially! Saturday, on about 2 hours of sleep, took a bus trip up to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. It was a lot of fun, but it really wore me out! I slept all day Sunday and took it way too easy!

Don't worry, because my 2S4Y card is ready to share and the sketch is too, so head on over to the blog to check out the great designers of 2S4Y to see what they drummed up. I'm sure they rocked out their designs using this sketch; it was a tough one for me! You know how I feel about my sketches sometimes; sketch challenged, but I pulled through and made something and you can too! This week's sketch challenge is sponsored by JustRite! They have a great holiday stamp collection out and you can check them out here.

Up for grabs this week for the Card of the Week winner are lots of JustRite stamps! Everyone can receive 20% off on all Christmas sets and 48-hour shipping. Check out the details over at 2S4Y!

Have a great Monday because this week will be a short one for most of us! Wednesday will be here before we know it and our tummies filled by Thursday! Black Friday will be a mad house and the weekend will be here again! YAAY Thanks for visiting!

Instructions

1. Create card base from aqua mist cardstock.
2. Stamp sentiment and die cut scallop circle.
3. Stamp snowflake and cut a circle, then distress it.
4. Add rhinestone to the snowflake center, then pop off scallop circle center.
5. Tie ribbon into a bow around card front, then add scallop circle.
6. Ink chipboard corner element, then adhere to top right corner.

Supplies

Stamps :: JustRite - A Merry Little Christmas

Ink :: Papertrey Ink - raspberry fizz; Stampin' Up! - white, chocolate chip

Paper :: Papertrey Ink - aqua mist, raspberry fizz

Embellishments :: Craft Supply - random chipboard corner pieces; KaiserCraft - rhinestone

Tools :: Spellbinders - scallop circle nestabilities

2S4y :: Holiday "Purse" Gift Card Holder

Hey there, Bleeps! Happy Monday to you! Today, I'm sharing my 2S4Y project. Creative Cuts and More has a load of various die cuts, which are perfect for the upcoming holiday season. I selected to use a purse die cut and will use it as a gift card holder. So, check out the rest of the design team's creations here and start sketching your ideas out for this week's challenge! Here's a peek at the sketch, but go on and hop on over!

Instructions

1. Punch circle.
2. Stamp polka dots.
3. Emboss with gold and heat set.
4. Tie gold tinsel string around purse closure.
5. Add circle "ornament" and secure with a glue dot.
6. Add decorative trim and strip of cardstock.
7. Add dew dots.

Supplies

Stamps :: Papertrey Ink - polka dot basics 2

Ink :: Versamark

Paper :: Creative Cuts and More - Purse die cut; Bazzill - cardstock strips; Papertrey Ink - pure poppy

Embellishments :: dew dots; gold string; KaiserCraft - rhinestone

Tools :: Creative Memories - circle punch

This & That

Hey there, Bleeps! Today, I'm sharing something old, but not really! I never got a chance to share the projects I submitted for 2S4Y design team. There were two sketches to use, one by Laura and the other by Kazan. For the first, I made a notepad, inspired by Mish's notepads by Papertrey Ink. The second card is just a happy-go-lucky card!

Thanks for visiting and enjoy your day!

Instructions - This & That

1. Trim ocean tides cardstock to fit notepad template.
2. Stamp one side with polka dots.
3. Trim lined patterned paper, ink edges, then adhere to right side of note pad cover.
4. Trace a half circle, cut out, then adhere to notepad front.
5. Tie ribbon around notepad into a bow.
6. Add button and twine.
7. Punch scallop circle and circle.
8. Stamp circle edge and sentiment and adhere to make a tag.
9. Add rhinestones.

Supplies

Stamps :: Papertrey Ink - take note

Ink :: Papertrey Ink - ocean tides, chamomile; Clear Snaps - colorbox chestnut

Paper :: Papertrey Ink - ocean tides, orange zest, raspberry fizz, dark chocolate; Making Memories - passport collection (lined paper)

Embellishments :: Papertrey Ink - ribbon, button; Craft Supply - twine; KaiserCraft - rhinestones

Tools :: Spellbinders - circle/scallop circle nestabilities; Provo Craft - cuttlebug

Instructions - Happy Birthday

1. Trim brown cardstock to create card base.
2. Trim patterned papers to fit card front and mat together.
3. Add ric rac trim and ribbon.
4. Add cardstock trim.
5. Adhere to card front.
6. Ink and cover chipboard bird and add rhinestone eye, then adhere to card front.
7. Stamp sentiment.

Supplies

Stamps :: Papertrey Ink - paper tray

Ink :: Clear Snaps - colorbox chestnut

Paper :: My Mind's Eye; American Crafts; Stampin' Up! - kiwi kiss; Papertrey Ink - dark chocolate

Embellishments :: Stampin' Up! - so tweet chipboard; KaiserCraft - rhinestone; Craft Supply - ribbon, ric rac trim

2S4Y :: Happy Holiday Season

Hey there, Bleeps! I'm back with my first card using 2S4Y sketch as a design team member....WOW! The sponsor this week is DRS Designs. I used two stamps by DRS, which can be found here and here.

Please join 2S4Y this week and make a project using Kazan's sketch below. Have fun and I can't wait to see what you all make!

Thanks for stopping by today (again)!

Instructions

1. Trim berry sorbet cardstock to 4 x 6.75.
2. Stamp tree images.
3. Add glitter.
4. On green cardstock, stamp sentiment, then mat on brown shimmer cardstock.
5. Punch slots in green matted cardstock (to place ribbon) and also through berry sorbet cardstock.
6. Tie ribbons into bows.
7. Adhere to berry sorbet cardstock with foam adhesive.
8. Adhere berry sorbet cardstock to a brown card front sized at 4.25" x 7".

Supplies

• Stamps :: DRS Designs - winter trees, wishing you every happiness greeting
• Ink :: Clear Snaps - colorbox chestnut
• Paper :: Papertrey Ink - berry sorbet, dark chocolate; Cut Card Stock - green, shimmer brown
• Embellishments :: Palette - glitter; Papertrey Ink - ribbon
• Tools :: Stampin' Up! - slot punch

Thinking of You :: 2S4Y

WOOOO WEEEEH! It's almost the weekend!! I will be so excited when it finally arrives. Today, I am sharing a card inspired by a 2 Sketches for You layout. I'm not a big fan on how it turned out, but I finished it fairly quickly and that's probably why! See, what happened was, I was planning to post something else to realize I was a day early, so I had to make something...FAST! A sketch was definitely needed for this last minute card and this is how it turned out. I used a combination of lots of things here, so bare with me!

Thanks for visiting and have a great Friday Eve!

Instructions

1. Trim raspberry fizz cardstock into an A2 card by trimming an 8.5" x 11" cardstock in half vertically.
2. Stamp background design on patterned paper, trim to fit card front, and adhere.
3. Tie ribbon into a bow.
4. Punch circle, stamp sentiment, and adhere.
5. Adhere white strip of cardstock to bottom of card front.
6. Add chipboard decorative edge and rhinestones.
7. Stamp polka dot trim on white cardstock, then adhere to card front with foam adhesive.

Supplies

• Stamps :: Waltzingmouse Stamps - off beat backgrounds; The Stamps of Life - back2basics (September)
• Ink :: Papertrey Ink - raspberry fizz
• Paper :: Papertrey Ink - raspberry fizz + white + kraft
• Embellishments :: 7 Gypsies - chip tag elements; KaiserCraft - rhinestones; Stampin' Up! - certainly celery ribbon

Thank You :: 2S4Y

Hey there Bleeps! How is your weekend going? Mine is lazy and slow because it's rainy, but I'm about to head out of the door now for a party. So, this post will be super quick and to the point! This card layout is inspired by 2 Sketches 4 You challenge this week. I hope you like it! I used some new frame wallpaper I picked up or I should say ordered at TwoPeas! Love Hambly Prints! Check them out when you get a chance!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Card Instructions

1. Trim rich razzleberry cardstock to an A2 card.
2. Trim frame, stamp sentiment, add dew drops and set aside.
3. Add trims and ribbon to card front.
4. Add frame with foam adhesive.
5. Stamp sentiment and heat emboss

:: My Goodies {Thank You} ::

Stamps: Papertrey Ink - damask designs + heartfelt basics

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! - rich razzleberry

Ink: Stampin' Up! - rich razzleberry

Accessories: Michaels - ribbon + trim; Dew Dots; Hambly Prints - frame wallpaper; Gold Embossing Powder

Card Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

Birthday Wishes :: 2S4Y

Hey everyone! I'm back today with a card featuring layout by 2 Sketches for You. As I stated last week, following sketches are usually a real challenge for me. Last week, I was SHOCKED to be featured as a Fab 5 on the 2S4Y weekly challenge. Thanks so much. I think I needed that to boost my esteem that I can actually do a sketch and not to shy away from them. So, I'm back with this week's sketch. I had a few ideas flowing that started with using certain embellishments, specifically a ruffled ribbon and a felt butterfly. Well, obviously neither made it, but somehow during the designing stage, I came up with this. Does that happen to you? Do you intend to use certain elements, then somehow a totally different card is made? It happens to me quite often, but I'll take it because at least I made something! I sort of did not follow the sketch completely by off-setting a red tag component, but I just had to in order to get that sentiment in there! Almost everything used is Making Memories and Papertrey Ink. I don't think I've ever designed a card with this much MM product on it!

Anyway, the other night, McArthur and I photographed a gala at the National Archives in Washington, DC. The National Archives is the nation's record keeper. They locate, retrieve, and house many original documents, such as the Magna Carta, which I saw on display. The event we photographed honored Annette Gordon-Reed, the 2009 Records Achievement Award recipient. Gordon-Reed wrote The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family. The book tells the story of President Thomas Jefferson and his relationship with his slave, Sally Hemings. She received a Pulitzer Prize in History for the book. She is a Harvard Law graduate and teaches at NYU and Rutgers.

Here are a few other pictures that I took at the event:

Cokie Roberts, Journalist

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your Friday Eve!!!

Card Instructions

1. Trim pure poppy cardstock to an A2 card.
2. Trim polka dot patterned paper to fit card front.
3. Trim patterned paper strip, stitch to polka dot patterned paper.
4. Trim red cardstock, scallop edge punch, and adhere.
5. Tie ribbon into a bow and add button + twine.
6. Stamp sentiment on tag and adhere tags + clip to patterned paper.
7. Adhere patterned paper to card front.

:: My Goodies {birthday wishes} ::

Stamps: Papertrey Ink - mixed messages

Ink: Stampin' Up! - chocolate chip

Cardstock: Papertrey Ink - pure poppy

Patterned Paper: Making Memories - passport

Accessories: Craft Supply - thread + twine; Janome Sew Mini; Stampin' Up! - scallop edge border punch; Making Memories - tags + button + metal clip

Card Size: 4.25" x 5.5"