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Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts

8.23.2010

I Love Chocolate Chip Cookies


Hi Bleeps! Did you all enjoy your weekend? I got a few things done, but didn't quite do as much as I anticipated, but I did get some rest in, which is always welcome in my neck of the woods! I did create this card on Friday night after my much needed nap.

My inspiration for this card came from Webster's Page petite papers that I have. I flipped through the patterned papers and selected a couple that I thought were complimentary. I saved a strip from this card I made and coupled it with the other pattern. I really achieved two goals that I usually don't do: (1) used a scrap and (2) used patterned paper.

While at the CHA SuperShow, I picked up those Tim Holtz metal ornate plates. I really like these, so you'll probably see a few of them here on the blog until they're all gone! Another new thing I'm digging is this card size. It's sort of new to me, but 4.25" x 6" is becoming my favorite card size. I can fit more stuff on it! :) It still can fit in an A6 or A7 envelope, so perfect for shipping! That leads me to answer a question I've gotten before...shipping my cards. Well, I'm really a card designer, not a card sender, so I usually forget. But, when I'm on my game, I usually mail them in a regular envelope. If they're bulky and fragile, I'll use of my bubble mailers and slip them in a glassine bag. I love using the glassine bags as envelopes because the recipient can see the card before opening it; plus, you can embellish the bag a bit too!

Instructions
  1. Trim patterned papers to 6" tall. The lighter purple piece is 1.5" wide and the darker purple piece is 3" wide.
  2. Adhere both to a 4.25" x 6" rustic cream card base, slightly off of the scored edge.
  3. Corner round the top right corner.
  4. Add ripe avocado satin ribbon and tie into a bow.
  5. Stamp sentiment on patterned paper. Trim then adhere to card front center.
  6. Align metal frame and pierce holes where to add brads, then add metal frame and secure with brads.
Supplies

Stamps :: Waltzingmouse Stamps - say it with style
Ink :: Tsukineko - VersaFine vintage sepia
Cardstock :: Papertrey Ink - rustic cream
Patterned Paper :: Webster's Pages - seaside retreat collection (new discoveries - dark purple)
Embellishments :: Tim Holtz - ornate plates; Papertrey Ink - ripe avocado satin ribbon


McArthur and I have always loved baking chocolate chip cookies together. It's something that he has done with his family for years and we continue to do it in our home. We've been known to buy that big tube of Pillsbury cookie dough from Sam's Club in our college days and the typical roll from our local grocer. But, why oh why haven't I learned to bake my own cookie dough? Well, I did yesterday and they turned out pretty good. I didn't do too much research on cookie recipes, just did a quick search on the Food Network and found this one here. I was watching Barefoot Contessa on Saturday afternoon and her show on Double Chocolate Chip Almond Cookies got me all geared up to make some myself. See, I watch Food Network...A LOT! So, the Neely's (one of my favorites) came on too and they shared how to store your cookie dough, similar to that Pillsbury dough roll we're so used to buying at our local grocer so you can easily, "slice and bake." This really caught my attention because it made it ever so clear that I didn't have to bake all of the cookies at once (something we usually don't do). We like to bake about 5-10 cookies max for the night and then have a fresh batch on another day. McArthur was sooooo excited about this little fun time in the kitchen that he photographed me baking. Here's how I 'saved' the cookie dough to make it easy to "slice and bake."

This method also allowed me to alter the dough and add extra ingredients to my cookies. I like pecans in my chocolate chip cookies, but Mac prefers his plain. So, after slicing I add a couple of pecan halves into the cookie dough, pushing down into the dough as much as possible. This turned out great! You could add M&Ms, other nuts, or who knows what! This was really fun! I foresee little chocolate chip treat goodie bags on the blog here soon!



Spoon cookie dough onto parchment paper.

Shape cookie dough into a log shape.


Keep rolling to get that pretty shape!



Roll the dough in the parchment paper.
Freeze or refrigerate for a little while.
Remove from freezer/refrigerator and "slice and bake."
Keep stored in the log shape with cling wrap & parchment paper.


Enjoy your cookies fresh every day!

Do you have any cookie recipes to share with me? Please do! I'm slightly more confident now!
Thanks so much for stopping by and seeing what I was up to this weekend! Ya'll have a great Monday!

8.15.2010

DeNami Design :: Polka Dot Blog Hop




Hey there Bleeps! Happy Sunday to you. Today, DeNami Design is hosting a blog hop. The theme is polka dots, so I created a card that's a bit on the 80s side! Have you tried their stamps? If not, you should. I stamped my card today with a new polka dot background stamp and it was SUPER EASY to line up the dotted design...yes, even with a rubber stamp! Just thought I'd share that tidbit because I surprised myself too! Their stamps are cut around the images as opposed to a straight line, which means you can peek over one side and see where you are stamping. This also means that no extra ink gets on that red rubber. DeNami Design's stamps are great quality rubber stamps.

Prize: 3- $20 DeNami gift certificate. (One "hidden" winner on three different blogs) The winners will be chosen and announced on the DeNami Design blog on August 17th.

Thanks for hopping by! Please hop on to check out
Ayana Posadas!

Instructions
  1. Trim rustic cream cardstock to 4" x 5.25" and stamp polka dotted background with black ink.
  2. Spritz glimmer mist on cream cardstock and mat on black cardstock.
  3. Stamp square border on soft stone cardstock and die cut square. Then, stamp sentiments.
  4. Trim a 1" strip of pink cardstock and adhere it to card front at an angle.
  5. Adhere square die cut with foam adhesive.
  6. Add double ribbon treatments with button embellishments.
  7. Stamp flowers on turquoise paper, cut out and pop off square die cut.
  8. Adhere onto turquoise cardstock and an A2 card base.
Supplies

Stamps :: DeNami Design - polka dot background, sending you love (sentiment), whimsical flower, med. double line square
Ink :: Close to My Heart - black; Tsukineko - memento tuxedo black; Tattered Angels - SWAK, turquoise blue, pomegranate glimmer mist
Cardstock :: DeNami Design - turquoise, pink; Papertrey Ink - rustic cream, soft stone
Embellishments :: DeNami Design - black, pink buttons; Papertrey Ink - true black twill tape; KaiserCraft - rhinestones
Tools :: Spellbinders - S4-128 Classic Squares SM, Wizard

7.14.2010

Sending Love

*This card will be published in CARDS Magazine January 2011*


Hey there! Happy Hump Day! Today, I made another clean and simple layout card with a flair of elegance. Using some of my new goodies, I had fun creating. I'm feeling the need to get back into a zone of crafting after being so project-focused for so many weeks. It's almost like I'm free as a bird. So, I thought it was quite fitting to add "Mr. Birdy" here to this card! I don't necessarily like birds in real life, but really like them on my projects. I haven't added one to my designs in quite a while, so I'm happy about using one here. The handwriting font used in the DeNami Design sentiment stamp is just perfect for a personal card to send that touch of love. This color combo is so much fun. You'll be seeing it very soon (wink, wink)!

Instructions
  1. Trim brown cardstock to about 3.25" x 3.5" and stamp the Moroccan tile pattern, then add clear embossing powder and heat set.
  2. Add vintage trim to the bottom of cardstock.
  3. Add bunched ribbon, then adhere pearls.
  4. Pop bird die cut off stamped background and pop it off an A2 rustic cream card base.
  5. Stamp sentiment on blue cardstock and pop off card base.
Supplies

Stamps :: Savvy Stamps from Impress Stamps - tile pattern; DeNami Design - sending you love
Ink :: Versamark; Versafine - vintage sepia
Cardstock :: PTI - rustic cream, dark chocolate, aqua mist
Embellishments :: Craft Supply - crinkled ribbon; KaiserCraft - pearls; American Crafts - embossing powder; K&Co - die cut bird from Handmade Emphemera Pack; Making Memories - vintage trim

*Don't forget to check out the Spellbinders' Blog Frenzy Event going on NOW!

Thanks for stopping by and take care!

7.08.2010

You Fill My Heart With Love


Hey Everyone! I'm back today with a card I made a couple weeks ago. I'm still wrapping up a few more projects, but next week, I'll be free as a bird! I can't wait.

I'm in a rush (as usual), so I'll leave you with how I made this card. LOVE the bling on this card!


Instructions
  1. Trim polka dot patterned paper to about 4” x 5.25”, then adhere on A2 cream card base.
  2. Add ruffled ribbon treatment.
  3. Die cut circle, then stamp sentiment in the center.
  4. Adhere acetate die cut on top of circle die cut and add rhinestones.
  5. Pop circle die cut off card front.Add flowers.
Supplies

Stamps :: JustRite – loving thoughts
Ink :: Tsukineko – tuxedo black
Cardstock :: PTI – vintage cream, rustic cream
Patterned Paper :: GCD Studios – paris nights collection
Embellishments :: Prima – flowers; Craft Supply – twill tape; Me & My Big Ideas –
acetate die cut; Jolee's Boutique - rhinestones
Tools :: Spellbinders – standard circles large nestabilities (S4-114), wizard

EDITED TO ADD: By the way, I've received a few questions about the Me & My Big Ideas embellishments I've been using lately, such as here and here. I'm not sure any additional information; however, I did pick up these embellishments at my local Michaels, so I hope that helps you all in finding what you want. They were not in the "embellishment" aisle, but the center aisle near the scrapbooking section as a 'feature' on an end cap. I hope you can find what you're looking for. I am not affiliated with Me & My Big Ideas, so I cannot give any additional information on their products. I list the supplies with as much detail as I can before I discard the packaging, but sometimes, I may not identify the product with every single detail that is probably available. I hope you all can find it at your Michaels store.

Take care!

6.21.2010

Celebration of Love


Hey Everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend. Last week, I made this card by request. Vintage Hawaiian (not too flowery) was the theme I had to go off on for this wedding card, so this is what I came up with for the happy couple. By the way, this card goes down in history as a card for a happy same-sex couple who married in Washington D.C. after a recently passed a same-sex marriage law. Perfect card, right?!

Instructions
  1. Trim cream cardstock to about 4" x 5.25", then stamp post cards into a background pattern. Add distress ink with blending tool to entire paper.
  2. Hand stitch around the border.
  3. Ruffle twill tape.
  4. Tie tag around and secure with twine and a button.
  5. Pop off an A2 aqua mist card base.
Tips & Tricks
  • Stamping a Background Pattern with an Image - Start in the center of your cardstock and work your way out to the edges. This will allow you get an even distribution of the image to create a pattern.
  • So I won't get overwhelmed with stamping, I do not stamp on large cardstock sheets. I stamp on sheets that will fit a card front or slightly larger.
Supplies

Stamps :: PTI - aloha
Ink :: Ranger - antique linen
Cardstock :: PTI - aqua mist, vintage cream
Embellishments :: Graphic 45 - Le' Romantique collection (Le' Romantique tags); May Arts - twine; PTI - aqua mist button; Melissa Phillips - twill tape
Tools :: Ranger - blending tool

Thanks for stopping by! Make the best of your Monday!

6.09.2010

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!

5.26.2010

Embellish Magazine Blog Hop





Today, we have a fun blog hop for all of our fans, readers, members, and subscribers! We have some great designers who are featured in Embellish Magazine's Premiere Issue who have created some awesome projects to share with you today. We are really excited about our first issue and its success and we hop you will celebrate with us this weekend.

Exclusive Crinkly Stained Ribbon Tutorial is now available to Embellish Magazine members and subscribers! If you have access to view the magazine, then you will have access to this great new tutorial! Embellish Magazine members and subscribers, please click here and login to access the video. If you get lost, go to the “Dashboard” and it will be the first posting under the “News” section.

If you are not already a member or subscriber, you can easily obtain access here.

Make sure you hop around to each designer and leave a comment on every blog. There will be prizes awarded to blog hoppers who leave a comment. There will be 10 winners of various prizes, including twine samplers, crinkly stained ribbon, Embellish Magazine subscriptions, Lawn Fawn stamps, and as an added surprise bonus a Clear and Simple Stamps gift certificate.

The blog hop will be open through Monday, May 31, 2010 at 5:00 pm EST. Winners will be announced on this blog on Tuesday as well as the selected 'mystery' designer's blogs.

The blogs will be chosen at random as will the winners, so make sure you leave some 'love' on each designer's blog for your chance to win the following:


5 persons will win a subscription to Embellish Magazine



2 persons will win a twine sampler




2 persons will win crinkly stained ribbon



2 persons will win Lawn Fawn stamps




1 person will win a $25 Clear and Simple Stamps gift certificate


*Make sure you stop by CSS blog for your chance to win*




Embellish Blog

Ryann Salamon

Tessa Wise

Charlene Austin

Renee Van Stralen

Lori Roop

Julie Campbell

Sara Martina Parker

Tammy Fite

Heather Pulvirenti

Regan D'Agostino

Emily Niehaus

Maile Belles

Tiffany Johnson

Anya Schrier

Leigh Ann Baird

Amy Rohl

Mariana Grigsby

Kelly Marie Alvarez

Michelle Woerner

Tina Fussell

Maureen Plut

Brenda Weaver

Julie Lacey

Ashley Cannon Newell

Clear & Simple Stamps

Embellish Blog


Thank you to all of our sponsors, designers, and subscribers who have supported us on this great adventure!



Instructions

  1. Trim white cardstock block and stamp grid pattern in red ink. Add distress ink to the edges and adhere to a 5.5 square card base.
  2. Stamp vintage post card image on white cardstock and add distress ink. Cut out and add crinkly stained ribbon and twine/button treatment.
  3. Pop postcard off card front.
  4. Die cut large scalloped circles from kraft colored tissue paper, crinkle, stain and add button treatment.
  5. Add poofy flowers to card front.
  6. Stamp sentiment on postcard.
  7. Add vintage red trim.

Supplies

Stamps :: Waltzingmouse Stamps - blessed by you (sentiment), off beat backgrounds (grid background); Unity - vintage postcard

Ink :: PTI - pure poppy; SU! - chocolate chip; Ranger - vintage photo, old paper, tea dye

Cardstock :: PTI - dark chocolate, white

Embellishments :: Craft Supply - crinkly stained ribbon, tissue paper; Jenni Bowlin - buttons; KaiserCraft - red rhinestones (placed on buttons); May Arts - twine; Webster's Pages - red trim

Tools :: Spellbinders - wizard, big scalloped circle sm nestabilities (S4-250); ranger - blending tool

5.20.2010

Everyday Delight :: Belgian Chocolates


Hey there, Bleeps! I hope you're enjoying your week. I'm really glad to see that Friday is right around the corner, finally! Today, I have a card to share with you featuring *no stamping*! That's right, I didn't use any stamps on this card, but I used lots of ink! I made a card using some fun elements and techniques I've been indulging lately. Take a peek at how I did it:

Instructions
  1. Trim cardstock to 5.5" x 4.25".
  2. Trim .5" cardstock strips from a 8.5" x 11" rustic cream cardstock.
  3. Ink the edges of the cream cardstock with tea dye distress ink.
  4. Adhere the strips at a diagonal on the A2 card front. Trim the excess from the edges of the card front.
  5. Ink the remaining of the cardstock strips with antique linen distress ink and blend the tea dye ink.
  6. Adhere brown lace trim.
  7. Add ruffled cabbage rose ribbon.
  8. Ink mini shipping tag and clothes pin and add twine then attach.
  9. Adhere flower die cut to tag.
  10. Ink sentiment strip and adhere to card front.
Supplies

Ink :: Ranger - tea dye, antique linen
Cardstock :: PTI - rustic cream, vintage cream
Embellishments :: Craft Supply - mini clothes pin, mini shipping tag, twine; Donna Downey - fabric scrapbook kit (sentiment); K&Co - flower die cut; MemrieMare - cabbage rose ribbon; Websters Pages - brown lace trim
Tools :: Ranger - blending tool

Thanks so much for commenting on my card and recipes yesterday! :) I enjoyed sharing it and hopefully there will be more. Last night, we had the baked ziti leftovers. Another secret I have is that I really dislike leftovers. I like the idea of them, especially for lunch, but after that I'm pretty much done with it and want something 'bold and new!' Most of the ziti is gone now (yes, just two of us eat in this house)!

So, tomorrow I have another meal planned...pulled pork sandwiches with cole slaw and french fries. I have a pork loin that I am going to slow cook all night. If it turns out right and I don't forget, I'll be sure to share that with you Friday. By the way, I don't discriminate against food! I like and eat just about everything! :)

Yesterday, Mac's college roommate and friend sent us some Belgian chocolates. He travels the world with his job and told us he was going to send us some chocolates when he last visited us. I had completely forgotten, until now that is! To sum these chocolates up...WOW! They are absolutely amazing. I am not a chocolate connoisseur, but the truffles, not photographed, but in that box look like large Hershey kisses and are extremely rich. I let them melt in my mouth and about two minutes after it was gone is when that satisfaction hit. WOW! I might look into a Belgium vacation sooner than later! The chocolate seashells are just so intricate in detail. I'm really glad I had the chance to try these out!

I created this card after I indulged in the chocolates, not realizing the sentiment I picked! I guess I discovered another everyday delight...Belgian chocolates! I have many daily delights, but now Belgian chocolates have been added to the list.


Thanks so much for stopping by again today!

5.13.2010

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

4.21.2010

Truly Love



Hey Everyone! I hope you are enjoying your week! I just got back from Phoenix yesterday and was there for just about a week for the Spellbinders' retreat. We had a great time! So, I came back from the trip truly inspired and created this card last night. Since I was feeling the love, I made a love themed card.

Thanks so much for your visit! Enjoy your Wednesday!

Instructions
  1. Trim brown damask patterned paper to 4.25" x 5.5" and adhere to an A2 card base.
  2. Stamp ledger on rustic cream cardstock, distress and ink, then adhere to card front at an angle.
  3. Apply scor-tape and add lace and rose trim.
  4. Stamp sentiment on melon berry cardstock, ink and pop off card front.
  5. Ink scrolls with dye ink and adhere to card front. Pop one end off card front with foam adhesive for added dimension.
  6. Spray card front with glimmer mist for subtle sparkle.
Tips & Tricks
  • Gather rose trim to create a full rose pattern and overlap on lace trim for an elegant effect.
Supplies

Stamps :: JustRite - loving words; Unity - vintage ledger
Ink :: Ranger - anique linen, vintage photo, old photo; SU! - chocolate chip
Cardstock :: PTI - rustic cream, melon berry
Patterned Paper :: Melissa Frances (brown damask)
Embellishments :: Websters Pages - lace trim, rose trim; Pink Paislee - artisan element scrolls

4.08.2010

You Are My Greatest Joy

Hey Everyone! I hope you are enjoying your week! It's Friday Eve, so I am super excited about that. Today, I'm sharing a card inspired by The Shabby Tea Room's challenge. Basically, you have to create a white card with a touch of color. This is no 'congrats on your expecting bundle of joy' either. So, I'm going to try to make another card that fits! When I create, I just let it happen. It's really difficult to create some cards on demand and the momma/poppa-to-be is one of those! Maybe I'll have a bit more luck this weekend.

Have a great day and thanks for your visit!

Instructions
  1. Trim white cardstock to create an A2 card base.
  2. Stamp pattern on doilies and ink with blending tool and dye inks, then adhere to the corners, removing the excess.
  3. Punch 1.25" white squares and ink edges.
  4. Pop 'inchies' off white squares.
  5. Adhere flowers and ink flowers.
  6. Adhere squares to card front center.
  7. Stamp sentiment and ink the card edges.
  8. Stamp sentiment on spring moss cardstock and ink, then pop off doily.
Supplies

Stamps :: Technique Tuesday - loving words, rococo
Ink :: Ranger - vintage photo, antique linen
Cardstock :: PTI - white, spring moss
Embellishments :: Craft Supply - doilies; Prima - flowers; Inchie Arts - 1" squares
Tools :: Creative Memories - large square punch

2.09.2010

XOXO


Hey there, Bleeps! I'm back with a quick card to share with you. This card was finished in about 15 minutes. The longest part was the coloring the flowers. The stamps on this card are all by Hero Arts. I colored the flowers with Copics and embellished with rhinestones. Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Do you have any plans? Let's hear them!

DC Weather Update: We're still snowed in. The federal government is still closed and we're expecting another 10"-20" tomorrow evening and through the night on top of our 30" blizzard from the weekend. I'm not even sure where we'll put the snow that's expected because there is already no more space! The mountains of snow are so high that it makes it very difficult to drive and see past them, which is causing accidents in the area. I'll be stamping tomorrow hopefully and spend my day working from home!

Thanks for visiting! Enjoy your weather, that is if you're not in the DC area!

Instructions
  1. Create a 4.25" square card.
  2. Stamp heart and sentiment.
  3. Color stamped image.
  4. Embellish with rhinestones.
Supplies

Stamps :: Hero Arts - blooming heart + everyday sayings
Ink :: Tsukineko - VersaColor Opera Pink; Copic markers
Paper :: PTI - white
Embellishments :: KasierCraft - rhinestones

1.25.2010

2S4Y :: Full Heart

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

11.19.2009

I Adore You :: Happy Anniversary










This post is dedicated to the celebration of our wedding anniversary (just a fair warning)! Four years ago today, McArthur and I decided to tie the knot. However, exactly 11 years ago when we started dating I knew we shared something special. We dated 7 years before Mac proposed and got married near our 8-year dating anniversary. So, when we celebrate our anniversary, it is not only our wedding anniversary, but our anniversary of our relationship.

I met Mac when I was 13 years old, he was 14. I traveled to North Carolina to attend a summer science and math camp for I think 1-2 months and he attended as well. We were friends, but merely that. At the end of the camp, we said our goodbyes and parted our ways, never to exchange numbers. We ran into each other twice since the camp, once in Baltimore and the other in Raleigh. Finally, in Raleigh he asked for my number and I gave him my pager number (the sign of the time)! I never returned his pages because the number was unrecognizable! HAHA One day, he saw me walking on campus (our third run-in) and he gave me a ride. I can remember that day so vividly, so clear. That was our last run-in because we never parted again.

Our journey together has been amazing. It's such a remarkable life experience to see someone, let alone your partner in life grow. Mac and I share a lot of commonalities, especially the arts; however, we also have our differences, such as he's the "talker" and I'm the "watcher." Whether we're celebrating 4 years of wedded bliss or 11 years of partnership, I'm so thankful for our time together and our relationship we have built.

Today, I say I love you to my husband, my partner, my best friend! Happy Anniversary, "Flave!" (...don't ask about the nickname, I give him a new one every so often and he does the same to me!)

The photos of us above are in chronological order from old to new. I wish I gave more time to this to dig up and scan some really old ones so you can see how young we looked, but darn it, I ran out of time.

Thanks for stopping by to share this day with us and I hope you enjoy the card, which was quite difficult to make. It is inspired by SCS Sketch SC255.

Instructions
  1. Trim navy carstock to create an A2 card base.
  2. Trim white cardstock into a block and adhere to card front center.
  3. Trim green cardstock strip and adhere to card front.
  4. Trim kraft cardstock block, stamp text background, stamp leaves, stamp sentiment, and adhere with foam adhesive on card front.
Supplies

Stamps :: Papertrey Ink - text background, rustic branches; Melissa Frances (sentiment)
Ink :: Papertrey Ink - enchanted evening; Stampin' Up! - white
Paper :: Papertrey Ink - enchanted evening, ripe avocado, white, kraft

9.18.2009

Fast Friday Card :: Sweet


I'm back with a Fast Friday Card! I know it's been a while, but I could not resist making a fast card today because I'm so happy it's Friday! So, this card may not 'seem' to be fast based on the instructions below, but the reason why it was fast to me is because steps 2-4 were already completed. I previously die cut this apple and never used it. So, I'm sure you have items like that hanging around your workspace, if so use that in place of my apple here and it will be a faster card!

I had nothing else better to do with this card, so I kept on distressing it, over and over again! I also had an 'accident' when handwriting the sentiment. My handwriting is not the best because I need to practice using tools other than pens/pencils, but anyway I goofed the first time. So here is what I did to fix it. I erased it very lightly until most of the white was gone, then just wrote back over it and it worked! Can you see it? Be honest! :) I'm just proud that I actually wrote a sentiment with my own handwriting and it didn't look like chicken scratch!

By the way, if you're looking for something to do over the next couple of weeks, check out Embellish. We're hosting a blog challenge in addition to the December challenge issue! Go check it out!

Thanks for visiting to me today. I appreciate each of you and your comments and I hope you enjoy your weekend.


Card Instructions
  1. Trim soft suede cardstock to an A2 card.
  2. Die cut apple using Cricut.
  3. Dry emboss polka dot pattern.
  4. Punch scallop circle halfway to create a 'bite.'
  5. Trace stem on brown paper, then adhere to apple.
  6. Color embossed dots with marker and pen and distress.
  7. Adhere apple to card front with foam adhesive.
  8. Corner round edges and add faux stitching.
  9. Adhere buttons with twine.
  10. Write sentiment.
:: My Goodies {sweet} ::
Cardstock: Stampin' Up! - kiwi kiss + soft suede
Patterned Paper: Making Memories - passport (brown stem)
Accessories: Papertrey Ink - buttons + twine; Uniball - white signo gel pen; We R Memory Keepers - corner chomper; Marvy Uchida - scallop circle punch; Provo Craft - cricut + plantin schoolbook cartridge + cuttlebug + swiss dots embossing folder; Stampin' Up! - soft suede marker; Tim Holtz - paper distresser
Card Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

9.10.2009

P.S. I love you



Hey there! It's Thursday...Friday Eve people! YAAAY I can't wait to break out my "Friday Hey Dance!" Have you ever received 'junk' at a store and thought, "What am I going to do with this?" Well, that happened to me earlier. I stopped by Bath and Body Works to pick up some hand soap and I received the "P.S. I love you" pin for free with my purchase. I rolled my eyes (not really, but to myself thinking why do companies waste?)! So, once I got home and saw the pin, I thought perfect for a love card! So, here is where it ended and guess what? It's not waste! Do you want one? If so, you have to buy something at Bath and Body Works! :)

Honestly, it took me forever to come up with a concept for this pin. This is my third card and still I am unsure if it's an IT card! Regardless, it will have to do.

One more thing! Did you know Gina K Designs sells luxury heavy-weight cardstock? It's GREAT! I used the pure white here and it has a smooth finish similar to Stampin' Up!, but a much heavier weight than Papertrey Ink. It's just that great! The other colors have a regular finish. Just thought I share that crafty supply knowledge with you all in case you were interested! If you have any questions about her stamps or cardstock, ask away because I've been using them up!

Thanks for taking a peek over here and have a great day!


Card Instructions
  1. Trim white cardstock to an A2 card.
  2. Trim kraft cardstock and stamp woodgrain pattern.
  3. Corner round edges and draw faux stitching.
  4. Trim raspberry fizz strip, adhere, and add twine.
  5. Add pin with foam adhesive.
  6. Stamp polka dot background on card front, then adhere kraft with foam adhesive.
:: My Goodies {p.s. i love you} ::
Stamps: All Night Media - woodgrain; Papertrey Ink - polka dot basics 2
Ink: Papertrey Ink - raspberry fizz
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink - kraft + raspberry fizz; Gina K Designs - white
Accessories: Papertrey Ink - twine; Corner Chomper; Uniball - white gel pen; Bath and Body Works - pin
Card Size: 5.5" x 4.25"

8.14.2009

Fast Friday Card :: All Things Grow with Love



Hey there! It's Friday and boy am I happy to see it get here! Here is a fast card featuring Papertrey Ink's Wise owl set (again). Instead of using owls, I focused on one of the flowers and highlighted it in a repetitive way. It's very simple, but colorful.

Thanks for visiting and have a great weekend! Be sure to stop back by here tomorrow...I will share some news with you all!!

Card Instructions
  1. Trim white cardstock into an A2 card.
  2. Trim raspberry fizz cardstock and dry emboss.
  3. Tear the bottom off of the cardstock.
  4. Stamp flowers and cut out. I stamped the bottom in green ink, then the top in pink ink and inked together.
  5. Adhere to card front with foam adhesive and add rhinestones.
  6. Trim summer sunrise cardstock, stamp sentiment, and adhere.
  7. Add twine and corner round edges.
  8. Adhere to card front.
:: My Goodies {grow with love} ::
Stamps: Papertrey Ink - wise owl + everyday button bits
Ink: Papertrey Ink - new leaf + raspberry fizz + summer sunrise

Cardstock: Papertrey Ink - white + raspberry fizz + summer sunrise
Patterned Paper: KI Memories - Elsie Jack+Abby apron dot self-adhesive fabric paper
Accessories: Papertrey Ink - twine; Provo Craft - cuttlebug + swiss dots embossing folder; KaiserCraft - rhinestones; corner chomper
Card Size: 5.5" x 4.25"

7.27.2009

True Love



How was your weekend? Mine was fun! Our cousin visited us for the weekend and my friend from law school came by for a photo session. We all hung out and had a great time. My cousin wanted a card for his wife, so I made this one. He liked it without a sentiment and I agreed that the card said enough by itself. I intended to join in on the PTI blog hop on Saturday, but we got a bit carried away with time and well...I forgot!

So, I'm gearing up for Orlando this weekend. Can Thursday get here fast enough? NOPE!

I made some Clam Chowder Soup last night and I enjoyed it, so I thought I'd share just in case you don't have a recipe. Please share any variations if you have any!

Ingredients
  • bacon/bacon bits (2 slices or a handful of cooked bacon bits from salad aisle)
  • onion (diced - medium size)
  • large potato (diced - about a cup or so depending on how many potatoes you like)
  • chopped clams (4-6.5 oz. cans - located near canned tuna at your local grocer)
  • clam juice (1 bottle - optional - located near canned clams)
  • heavy whipping cream (1 cup)
  • cream of celery soup (2 cans)
  • pepper (to taste)
Directions
  1. Cook bacon and chop (if using fresh bacon), then add onion and saute.
  2. Add clam juice from canned clams (or use bottled clam juice).
  3. Add potatoes and cook until tender.
  4. Add clams, heavy whipping cream, cream of celery soup, (and bacon bits if already cooked).
  5. Cook until thickened. If too soupy, add a thickner, such as corn starch or flour.
  6. Add pepper to taste.
Yields about 4-5 bowls.

EASY PEASY!

Enjoy your day and thanks for visiting!

Card Instructions
  1. Trim hibiscus burst cardstock to an A2 card.
  2. Trim vintage cream cardstock and stamp text.
  3. Adhere to card front and stitch.
  4. Stamp flowers (three times for the dimensional layers) + leaves, cut out and adhere to card front using foam adhesive.
  5. Add ribbon.
:: My Goodies {true love} ::
Stamps: Papertrey Ink - in bloom; 7 Gypsies - Nottinghill
Ink: Papertrey Ink - hibiscus burst
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink - vintage cream + hibiscus burst + spring moss
Accessories: Craft Supply - Janome Sew Mini; thread; Papertery Ink - spring moss ribbon
Card Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

7.17.2009

LOVE


TGIF! It's time for a Fast Friday card! This card's colors were inspired by K. Werner's color challenge. I have not used my Cricut in a while and I was determined to use it. I decided to use my brand new Home Accents cartridge. Although it's really not brand new, I have yet to use it until I made this card. Now, I feel better!

It's a super simple card and once the die cuts are made, the card pretty much falls into place.

Today, we also find out the Top 10 Gallery Idol finalists. Can you feel the butterflies in my stomach? I can't wait until later this morning until the finalists are revealed! These past few weeks have been so exciting for me. I really am enjoying creating a card each week for the contest, but really viewing all the cards on Monday mornings to see how each finalist interprets the theme. It's really amazing to see people's styles shine through a card.

What's in store for your weekend? Mine is blank! By that, I mean we have nothing planned. We went a few weekends with photography sessions back-to-back, so I'm happy not to do anything. I'll be watching Mac process all those photos! Then, I'll make a photo album for the happy couple! :) Can't wait to select the top pictures and show you all too! Of course, I'll get crafty here and there too.

Next week is another Girl's Night Out event! I'll be there along with many other vendors selling handmade jewelry, handbags, clothes, and body creams. There will also be pampering services such as make-up, massages, manis + pedis, and eyelashes. Lots to do for a lady on a Friday evening! Come join us in on the fun at Washington DC's National Harbor. Here are the details:


Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your weekend!


Card Instructions
  1. Trim white cardstock into an A2 card.
  2. Trim blue cardstock and stamp wood grain background and adhere to card front.
  3. Die cut LOVE (twice (1) rose red, (2) so saffron )
  4. Cut red heart and adhere to yellow die cut.
  5. Adhere die cut to card front.
  6. Die cut heart and adhere to card front.
  7. Stitch around blue cardstock.
:: My Goodies {LOVE} ::
Stamps: All Night Media - wood grain background rubber stamp (Michaels)
Ink: Stampin' Up! - white
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink - stamper's select white; Stampin' Up! - ballet blue + so saffron + rose red + certainly celery
Accessories: Provo Craft - Cricut + Home Accents cartridge; Janome Sew Mini; Thread
Card Size: 4.25" x
5.5"

7.14.2009

Love


Hey there everyone! How was your Monday? I enjoyed viewing the Gallery Idol cards for this week's round! The "Around the House" theme was interpreted in many ways and it was great to see that. If you haven't gotten the chance to vote for your favorite card this week, make sure you hop over to do that!

This is a card I made with a few new goodies I purchased recently at the Great American Scrapbook Convention.

Last night, I got my first look at the photos from the wedding we photographed on Saturday. I can't wait to share a few with you. They are so fun, colorful, and bright!

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your day!


Card Instructions
  1. Trim vanilla cardstock into an A2 card.
  2. Using a word processor, type sentiment and print.
  3. Trim berry sorbet cardstock into a rectangle and stamp damask background.
  4. Add felt ribbon, tie grosgrain ribbon into a bow, then add flowers.
  5. Stamp sentiment and add silver hardware.
:: My Goodies {Love} ::
Stamps: Papertrey Ink - damask designs; Melissa Frances
Ink: Stampin' Up! - chocolate chip
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink - vintage vanilla + berry sorbet
Accessories: Stampin' Up! - hodgepodge hardware; Creative Imaginations - felt ribbon; Craft Supply - grosgrain ribbon; Prima - flowers
Card Size: 4.25" x
5.5"
Blog Design: Girly by Design