Saturday, December 31, 2011

Unity KOM Sketch Challenge for December

Well, nothing like waiting until the last day to get this post up!  I have been crafting away lately, but have not had a chance to post on my blog.  I guess it’s because I’ve been crafting late at night and then I go to bed!  Anyway…here’s the Unity Sketch…

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Here’s my submission…

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The “Love” stamp is from December’s KOM.  Design paper is MME.  Button and cardstock are Stampin’ Up!  Enjoy and God Bless! 

Joy : )

Saturday, November 26, 2011

November Unity Challenge

Today’s post is my submission to the Unity Stamp blog’s November challenge.  The challenge this month is “Let it Snow”.  I really don’t have many Unity stamps that are wintery (is that a word???) except the current KOM.  The adorable snowman has been used on many cards (and I love those creations!") and I wanted to “challenge” myself not to use him!  So, here’s my submission…

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I used the snowflake background stamp for November’s KOM and “unique” from October’s KOM.  I stamped the background on craft cardstock with VersaMark ink and embossed with white embossing powder.  The patterned paper is (yes…you guessed it) MME.  The ribbon is from PaperTrey Ink and the little clothespins (I had to have them months ago but just now used them, you know the story…) are from Stampin’ Up. I colored them with a Bic Mark-It (those things are so versatile!)   I used a Gelly Roll glitter pen to go over the word “unique”.  So, what do you think?  I am going to add this poem about snowflakes to the inside…

Snowflakes~
Every one is Unique
None are the Same
Falling from the heavens above
Twirling, dancing, frolicking in the cold air
So soft and white.

God Bless!

Friday, November 25, 2011

FWF-Unity Blog

My submission for this weeks FWF is a special card I made for my middle daughter.  I wanted to thank her for telling me about a local crop to support Relay for Life.  Not only did she tell me about the crop, she went with me!  This is my 14 year old…she spent her entire Saturday with ME!  I felt so blessed to have this time with her!  She used to be attached to my side until she turned about 12.  When she started middle school she started pulling away ( I know this is normal) and I have missed time with her!  So anyway, here’s the card I made for her…

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The Unity stamp used is the mustache.  It’s from the Echo Park “Favorite Mustache” collection.  The phrase is printed off my computer on MME paper.  All patterned paper used is MME Lost & Found Two.  The GEORGEOUS girl in the picture is my daughter! 

Here’s the inside…

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This stamp is also a Unity/Echo Park itty bitty stamp.

Enjoy your kiddos every chance you get…the time flies WAY too fast!  God Bless!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Friends with Flare

Hello!  Today is Friday and that means Friends with Flare over at the Unity Stamp blog!  Yeah!  I have a card that’s kind of a hodgepodge of Unity stamps.  I used three different stamp sets to create this card.  I wanted to make a card for my daughter. She has been working really hard in school this year and I wanted to make something special for her.  The card is a scene.  SB really likes cards that are like a scene.  I have to admit, I felt like a 7 year old when I put it all together!  I hope you enjoy!  Oh, and guess what paper I used?  MME, but it isn’t Lost and Found!  It’s from the Lime Twist collection! 


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I used Bic Mark-Its and chalk to color the little cutie.  I splurged a while back and bought a Copic marker in a flesh tone, that’s what her face and arms are colored with.  I went over the hearts and the ladybug with Shimmer paint over the marker.  So, what do you think?  If you were a crafty, imaginative seven year old girl, would you like it?
God Bless and have a wonderful weekend!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Unity’s November KOM Sketch

 

This is the sketch for the KOM Challenge over at the Unity Stamp Blog…

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I have to admit, I tried several cards until I was happy.  For some reason the tag just kind of threw me off!  I struggled because the way I see the sketch, the tag isn’t the main focus but more a background.  That’s the beauty of sketches, everyone sees them differently and creates something totally unique!  So, here’s my take on the sketch…

 

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I used the October KOM “Faith, Hope, Love…live by it”.  The card base is Stampin’ Up Crumb Cake, and all patterned paper is MME.  I even found some old MME from a 2006 collection called “Bohemia” in my stash!  The tag is from the “Lost and Found”  collection.  I added a small amount of bling to the flower, the light bulb and the title.  I embossed the background paper with the butterfly and star stamp (Oct. KOM also) with clear embossing powder.  Here’s a close up of those butterflies…

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So, what do you think?  Good interpretation?

God Bless!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Friends With Flare Friday!

Yeah!  It’s Friday and that means Friends with Flare at the Unity Stamp blog!  I promise I will start posting on a more regular basis when I get done working on cards for OWH.  I am trying to create “card kits” for a card making party.  I’ve never done this before!  It’s fun, but a little hard!  If anyone has any helpful hints I would love to hear them!  Anyway, on to my entry for Friends with Flare…

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This picture does not do the card justice.  The clouds are stamped on clear acetate, embossed and colored from behind for a stained glass affect.  I tried numerous times to snap a picture that would capture this but I couldn’t get one without a glare.  The stamp set used for the clouds is Unity’s “Happyville” and the balloon and title are from Unity’s Itty Bitty called “adventurous”.  The patterned paper is from My Mind’s Eye Lost and Found collection. 

Here’s a close up…

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It’s a little more obvious that I used acetate on this picture.  I stamped the clouds with Versa Mark and embossed with Zing Embossing Powder in opaque white.  I colored the clouds with a Bic Mark-It pen.  The balloon is colored with Stampin Up watercolor pencils and stickles were added.  So, what do you think?  I love this technique and I’m sure I’m going to use it some more! 

God Bless and have a great weekend! : )

Friday, November 4, 2011

Friends With Flare

It’s Friday, so I have a card I made today for the Unity Stamp blog’s “Friends with Flare”. 

The stamp is from Unity’s June KOM, “All Smiles”. 

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The card base is Bazzills embossed dot paper.  The patterned paper is from My Mind’s Eye Lost and Found collection.  Yes, I realize the words are upside down!  Oh well!  I think it’s okay anyway!  I used the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge to cut the scallops and the ribbon is some random ribbon from Hobby Lobby.  All edges are inked with Tim Holtz distress Ink in Tattered Rose.  I also colored the center heart with the same ink.  So, what do ya thing?

God Bless!

P.S. Thank you Unity for “Friends with Flare”!  I am so inspired each Friday by seeing everyone’s creations and motivated to participate!

Friday, October 28, 2011

Friends with Flare

It’s Friday, and that means Friends with Flare at the Unity Stamp blog!  Here’s my submission!  I made this card for my daddy’s birthday…
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The cake stamp is from “Think Happy Thoughts”, May’s KOM and the “Birthday Wish” stamp is from “All Seasons”, September’s KOM.  I used paper from my scrap stash to paper piece the cake, the other patterned paper is from MME’s Lost and Found.  The card base is craft cardstock.  I used stickels to add dimension and a Gelly Roll pen to accent.  I love how the “Happy” was already on the paper!  I was able to just plan my card around that! 
So, what do you think?
God Bless!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Unity October Challenge

I have another card I created for a challenge over at the Unity blog.  Once I found these challenges and the prizes I was hooked!  As I shared a few post back, I have a serious obsession with Unity Stamps lately!  I used to be a big Cricut crafter but I have not used my Cricut in quite awhile, but  I used the Wild Card cartridge to create the actual card,  but Unity Stamps to decorate. 

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The card base and the envelope are cut from the current DCWV fall stack.  The paper is glittered, I love it!  The solid paper is Bazzills  cardstock and the patterned green paper is from my stash of scraps.  The leaves are colored with Crayola colored pencils and a blender pen.  Everything is inked with Distress Ink in Walnut. 

Here’s a couple of close ups…

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So, what do you think?! 

God Bless!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Unity Kit of the Month Sketch Challenge for October

Here’s another card I made with beautiful Unity Stamps!  For this one I also used My Mind’s Eye Lost and Found paper!  I have so much fun creating with this combination! 

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When I finished the card originally it didn’t have the frayed twine on it, but I thought it was missing something!  I don’t think you can tell in the picture (sorry) but I embossed the stamp with clear embossing powder.  So, what do you think?  The stamp is from Unity’s April KOM called, “Just You”. 

Be inspired and God Bless!

Sunday, October 23, 2011

A Couple More Cards for Operation Write Home

 

Here are a few more examples of cards I made for OWH.  I forgot to add the pictures the other day!  Opps!  I used Unity Stamps, Stampin’ Up watercolor pencils and paper.  The patterned paper is from my stash of scraps that I am trying to use up. 

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These stamps are from Unity’s “Could I Be Cuter” set.  The entire set is adorable!

Here’s a close up of that adorable rainbow…

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And here’s another one…

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I used the same stamp set for this one.  Instead of coloring the bird I stamped her on another piece of patterned paper and paper pieced the wings and belly on her.  I love how simple it is to make cards with Unity Stamps because each stamp is beautifully created and able to stand alone. 

Here’s a close up of that darling little bird…

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I also used a deckled edge rectangle Nestibillitie die!  Thanks for looking!  Again, you should check out OWH’s website and join the fun and support!  God Bless!

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Operation Write Home Cards

For several months I have been working on cards for OWH.  I try to make extra cards every time I make cards and then I put them aside for OWH.  I finally have a flat rate box FULL!  Yeah!  The box is going to the post office today!  I feel accomplished!  The last few cards I made are my favorites (isn't that usually how it goes!!).  Of course they are made with Unity Stamps (my new addiction obsession)!
  I read on the OWH site that they were needing "love" cards and I thought these would be nice. 
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The last one is my absolute favorite! 
If you don’t know about Operation Write Home, I encourage you to visit their website.  Basically they collect hand-made cards and send them to soldiers.  Then the soldiers can send the cards back home to their loved ones.  It’s an awesome opportunity to do something for those who risk it all for us! 
Thanks for stopping by today!  God Bless!

Friday, October 21, 2011

Unity Stamp Friends with Flair

I must confess that when it comes to crafting I have two new loves!  The First is Unity Stamps and the second is My Mind's Eye Lost & Found collection.  Today's post is of a card I created for the Unity Blog Friends with Flair contest. 



Cloud 9 Design Halloween paper from 2010

Stampin Up Certainly Celery cardstock

PaperTray Inc Orange Zest ribbon

And...

Unity's "Best Witches" stamp set



I stamped her on green paper with black Memento ink, used Bic Mark-It pens to color and a piece of purple paper from the stack for the dress.  Oh, and orange stickles for her cute heart!  I absolutely love these stamps! 

Thanks for coming by!  God Bless!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

One of My Favorite Layouts!

 

My daughter and a friend decided to tie dye a shirt for each girl in their “group”.  I have to admit I was a little nervous about letting them do it at my house.  I had heard horror stories of how washing machines would somehow get color in it and ruin good clothes.  So, after some research and much pleading, I let them do it!  I have to say that I am the “crafty” mom, so they would have been confused if I said no!  I did find dye that can be rinsed out in the bathtub (my fabric shower curtain is now tie dyed in a few spots!).  Anyway!  This has got to be one of my all time favorite layouts because it’s my daughter being “crafty” too!

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The patterned paper is DCWV and solid paper for the base is Bazzils.  The die cuts are from Rock Princess and are colored in with the Imagine.  I used some Stickles to add some “glam”!  I absolutely love this fiber/sequins strip at the bottom.  I only bought a yard of it and wish I’d gotten much more!  I got it at a CK Convention, here’s a close up…

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Enjoy life, enjoy your children and scrapbook it all!!!  Take care and God Bless!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

A Couple of Summer Layouts!

 

I am a little behind with my scrapbooking and even more behind in posting to my blog!  LOL!  I guess that’s what happens in the fall when school starts and life gets hectic!  So, as life is increasingly more hectic and temperatures are cooler (cold tonight here in Southern Illinois!) I thought I’d share some layouts of carefree, warm summer days!  Enjoy!

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Here’s the next layout…

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The paper is actually winter paper (snowflakes on the back) but I thought it was perfect as “waves” in a water layout. Patterned paper is BoBunny and the solid paper is Bazzils. The titles  and fish/seahorses are cut from Life’s a Beach and the little snorkel dude and bathing beauty are from Everyday Paper Dolls. I used a tag hidden behind a picture to journal. I get so carried away decorating my pages and putting as many pictures on them that will fit, that I forget to leave space for journaling.  I used Stickles to bling things up a little!  So, what do you think?  Did these layouts make you think of warmer days?!!

Take care and God Bless!

Thursday, October 13, 2011

“Going on a Bear Hunt” Layout

 

During a vacation to Gatlinburg, my fearless husband spotted a black bear walking through the parking lot of our condo.  While everyone else was terrified, my brave husband followed the bear with his camera and got some really neat shots!  I love these pictures!

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The bear and the phrase on the sign are from the Animal Kingdom Cricut cartridge and the sign is from Walk in my Garden.  The title is cut using Alphalicious, my favorite Cricut font.  All paper is DCWV (Indian Summer Stack).  The photo corners and red brackets are from American Crafts.  Thanks for looking and have a blessed day!

 

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Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Card Front for Swap

Today’s example is for a Card Front Swap, the them is “vintage” or “distressed”.  I actually made mine distressed and vintage!  I thought to make it look vintage I needed to distress it a little.  So, here’s my front!

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The very vintage looking stamp is from a Unity kit of the month.  I colored the birds with a watercolor pencil & blended the color to make it more subtle.  I used the Deckle Edge Spellbinder’s Die to cut out the two rectangles.  The patterned paper is random paper from my stash that I’m using up!  I rolled the paper into a ball, then flattened it back out, then inked with Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Tea Stain.  The brad and photo corner are from American Crafts.  The twine is from my stash.  So what do you think?

Have a great day and God bless!

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Addicted to CardMaking-Using up Scraps Card #3

The theme for November is “Punches”.   We are to use punches however we want!  That was fun!  I have a scallop punch that I absolutely love.  It’s Martha Stewart and I got it for dirt cheap on e-bay!  I love e-bay! 

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“hi” is punched on a Stampin’ Up punch and the circles are punched with a 1 inch circle punch.  I used ribbon from Stampin’ Up or PaperTrey Ink on each card. 

Here are all the different ones…

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So, what do you think?  Be inspired and

God Bless!

Friday, September 23, 2011

Addicted to CardMaking-Using Scraps Card #2

The theme for October is “Winter Wonderland”.  Here’s my card…

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My new love is watercolor pencils.  I used Stampin’ Up Watercolor Pencils and a blender pen to bring this snowman to life.  The snowman is from a random stamp set that I bought on clearance years ago.  The sentiment is from PaperTrey Ink’s Mailbox Greetings set.  The snowflakes on the background are from Stampin’ Up, stamped with white craft ink. 

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Addicted to CardMaking-Using up Scraps-Card #1

When the kiddos went back to school I decided to start cleaning and getting rid of excess!  I did this with my craft stuff too!  It was very hard, trust me.  I am a paper hoarder/collector.  I decided to only use scraps for projects.  I first took all of my scraps of patterned paper  and cut them into nice, neat quadrilaterals (fancy way to say four sides!).  If the paper was big enough to make 6 x 6 pieces, I did that first.  Reasoning behind that… I figured they were the right size to put on a Cricut mat.  After I went to all that trouble, I decided that I was going to use only my scraps.  Yes, that's right!  I am only allowing myself to use scraps until they are gone or until the first of the year.  This is my plan!!!  The other benefit to doing this is I will not be creating any new scraps.  You may be asking yourself, “how does she plan on scrapbooking?”  Well, I did cut myself some slack!  If I am making a layout (mine are always 12 x 12) I can use new paper.  All of the die-cuts are made from scraps.  So, my first challenge was to create cards for the Addicted to Card Making swap.  I usually make 12 (I keep 2 for myself) identical cards.  So, I had to make cards out of different papers in order to use up my scraps!  Let me tell you, if you are looking for a challenge, challenge yourself to do this for a while!  It really makes you look at paper in a different way and match paper together that you would have otherwise never done! 

Here are the cards for September.  The theme is Monochromatic...

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I love this stamp from Stampin’ Up! Full of Life set! 

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Here are some of the other cards I made with the same “recipe” but with different papers…

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Also!  My husband got a new camera so I am having a blast with “posing” my craft projects!

Be Inspired and God Bless!

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Ladybug Card

I am so glad I actually had a few minutes to craft last night!  I created this card for a baby shower I’m going to TODAY!  I have several baby cards in my stash, but I wanted to create a ladybug card since the baby’s room has a ladybug theme!  I used a ladybug from Create a Critter and colored it with patterns from Better Together.  The card base is Stampin’ Up Daffodil Delight and the pattern paper in the background is Bella Blvd.  The stamps are from Stampin’ Up’s Fabulous Phrases.  
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Let me know what you think!  God Bless!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Last Week of Summer Card Camp

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Here’s my card.  What do you think?  These colors were a little hard to use for me.  A little to monochromatic! 

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So, here’s the funny story about this card…while we were driving home from vacation earlier this week I watched several Stamp TV episodes on YouTube.  I was unable to watch the tutorial video for this weeks class for the Summer Card Camp.  I fell in love with this faux letterpress technique.  I decided what my card was going to be while still on the road.  So, imagine my surprise when I was finally able to watch the tutorial this week!

I also used some new “puffy” embossing powder for the little fish.  I’m not sure what to think of it, any suggestions would be appreciated!  It seemed to take forever to melt and then it didn’t really look smooth.

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All of the cardstock and stamps are Stampin’ Up, except the shiny blue cardstock, I think it’s Bazzill’s.   The ink is Tim Holtz “broken china” distress ink.  The embossing folder is Cuttlebug Swirls.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Week 3-Summer Card Camp

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Here’s my card.  I used Stampin Up paper, ink and seam binding.  Stamps are from the Unity kit of the month called “Just You”.

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I love the leopard print background stamp!