Saturday, November 27, 2010

Heart 2 Heart Thank You Challenge


Many things to be thankful for this season, and reasons to have some pretty thank you cards to send. This week has been busy, and I have finally had a chance to do some stamping.

Isn't it funny how reluctant I can be to cut some of my favorite paper? Afraid to use it up, I guess. I've also been hoarding the pewter flourishes. These thin metal embellishments come with adhesive and are so beautiful. The package has 13 shapes for a bargain $4.95!

I've made this 5X5"card from the richly colored CTMH Olivia paper, which I have folded. This makes good use of the gorgeous colors of the double-sided designer paper.

Thank you for stopping in - hope you are enjoying this holdiday weekend.


Dena


products used: My Refelctions Olivia pp; New England Ivy texutred, bamboo and barn red cs; Sunset and barn red inks, Foundry Flourishes (Z1331); cocoa ribbon; (D1361) Thank You stamp set.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Birthdays + A Gift Card





Just needing a break from Christmas things today. Lots of those still to do, but it was play time for a bit this afternoon.

The gift card is a very quick one inspired by Tresa Black. The inside has a pocket to hold a gift card. It can fit in a 31/2 X 5" envelope. I used CTMH paper from the Aspen pack and some of their blooms also - the large one is Colonial White and the smaller one a Creme Brulee. The brad makes it special. I punched a 1/2" piece of Aspen paper and attched it to the brad and then placed the clear button on top. I got mine from SU! but saw them at Michaels also.

The birthday card is a standard 41/4 X 51/2/, made using CTMH Perfect Day background paper, Juniper and Colonial White cardstock. I made the flower using four 1 1/2" scalloped punched pieces of the paper, ink distressed the edges, and gathered them with a Colonial White brad. I put a flat-backed pearl in the center of the brad. The punched border edge is a Martha Stewart punch.

Must start dinner now. The boys are coming for a sleep over, and we will be making little apple pies! They love to bake.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Snowfriends

and inside:

This one has some clear sparkle on the snowflakes and at Eggbert's feet - not showing well in the photo-

The 50% of sale at Bugaboo stamps got me! They have so many adorable images. I love playing with the sizes of the digitals, and coloring. I paper-pieced the hats on these two cards of Eggbert. Both use CTMH heart papers ( Aspen and Jingle) and their coordinating markers, a Colonial White button and some Creme Brulee ribbon.
There is a darling dog image waiting...but I must grade papers now. I am trying to stay ahead of the wave (more like tsunami!) of papers generated by six classes.

It has been a wonderful weekend of relaxation, crafting and housework. Made a cake, pot roast smelling good, sheets clean, vac + dusted....life is good.

It has been a delightful surprise to see new followers and comments here. Thank you so much! I am glad to be back posting so I appreciate your encouragement.

Dena

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Heart 2 Heart Challenge - Out of Shape!


Shape cards are fun. I loved making aprons last summer, and will be making some Christmas apron cards soon. But for this week's H2H challenge, I thought I'd try a mitten. I used My Reflection Jingle papers, White Daisy cardstock, a little Juniper cs, and tulip ink on a cute little round stamp from the Just for the Holidays set (all CTMH). Some Martha Stewart punched snowflakes, glittery Stickles, and a tiny bell add a little sparkle. Makes me wish for a little snow...

Caught a bug?

and inside:


Fortunately, I haven't. But plenty of folks at school have caught a bug.
All things came together today - I needed get well cards, saw a challenge on a favorite blog (http://www.thespottedchick.blogspot.com/), and found a 50% off sale at Bugaboo stamps - the best digital stamp source.

So here is my get well - bugaboo challenge!
I paper pieced the bow.

Hope you are well and enjoying a restful weekend.


products used: Kraft paper, Animal Cookies paper (CTMH), chocolate cardstock (CTMH), Bugaboo digital, black mini brad

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Christmas Workshop

This card uses one of the prettiest papers from the CTMH mistletoe collection, and the shimmery ribbon from the Creative Basics set.
This card uses CTMH Creative Basics paper and 'Timber' stamp set.

Quick card - love my punches! I saw a 'popped' wreath on someone's blog and had to try one with CTMH 'Festive Frills' and 'Holiday Commentary' stamps.

This card is similar to one Vicki Wizniuk posted a while back - with some different papers. The coolest idea was to stamp the tree with a snowflake. I used Indian Corn Blue ink and matted the embossed white daisy on Sweet Home background paper.


Oh, how lovely Friday is! I left school, and after a trip to Michael's and Costco (armed with new punches, ribbon, adhesive and lots of coffee) I rushed home to paper play. The school papers are still in the car. I supposed I'll have to pull them out and grade tests . . . later.
Hope you will enjoy your weekend. I look forward to making these with good friends, and having the grandsons for a sleepover Saturday.
Dena

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Sleigh bells ring....








There are too many choices for Christmas! So many paper sand stamps to choose from .
I am very happy to have traditional colors return to the Close to My Heart assortment. Christmas begs for glitter and ribbons, but they don't mail well, so I'm trying to find ways to have flat sparkle... that sounds strange.

The first card uses an image from CTMH reitred set 'Victorian Christmas,' and a new metallic marker. Got that great idea from Susan at http://www.simplicitybylateblossom.blogspot.com/ - this is the best-ever blog. She not only makes stunning cards, she gives delightful comments and good directions.

The next card (also a design from Susan) uses a new CTMH sentiment set, 'Everlasting Life.'

Snowman is what's left after tearing apart at least three attempts.

The last card is made from Mistletoe Creative Basics paper set - a fabulous deal of coordinating two-sided papers and yards of matching ribbon. The stamp set used is the Mistletoe Workshop set. The card says NOEL inside.

I took a break for dinner and Jeopardy. I'm headed back up to the stampin' cave :)

Birthdays and buttons


















I so wanted to be able to make lots of things today. The list was long. I had fun, but it was slow going . . .
The birthday card on top and "Dude you rock' card I did myself - finally got the mojo going. I used up some cut scraps from Halloween Hooligans. This will go off in the mail to my brother tomorrow.

The next card is a close copy of one on Aaron Brown's blog last week. She did a week of pink cards raising funds for breast cancer research. I changed the embossing and added some different charms and fibers, but the design is hers. CTMH bamboo, white daisy, baby pink, some circles puched out of Precious Paisley for the flower( long retired from my CTMH stash), and lots of bottons, pearls and a charm.

The falling leaves card is another close copy of one on Kathy Carlson's blog. I didn't have the same leaves and I changed the sentiment, but again, it was such a great card, I had to have one!
And last, I bought this gorgeous striped ribbon from Stampin Up! last summer, and have been waiting for inspiration. The card looks really elegant and soft.
I have Christmas cards up next. Still working on them, and wishing I could play all night.