RDH Card Crafter

First Boat Ride

2011-08-02T20:16:00.002-04:00

Here we all are!!! This is Major's first boat ride...............ever!!! He just turned one, and is such a terrific dog. We took him out to Long Lake to see how he did................great job. He loaded pretty good, and when it was time for him to go after his "dummy".......kersploosh!!! Into the water he went without hesitation. He hesitated when it was time to get back in, but once Chris showed him how, there was no stopping him.

Christmas Joy

2010-12-18T12:13:00.002-05:00

He's not liking it, but he's tolerating it. Major isn't really a fan of things on his head, but I think he posed for these pictures pretty darn good for a 5 month old.

It's Been a Long Time

2010-12-18T12:09:00.002-05:00

It's been forever since I posted. There has been alot going on in our lives............good and bad. I suffered all of the summer and most of the fall with my Ulcerative Colitis and the side effects from the Prednisone.
The great news is that we added a member to our family. Major was added in September, and what a blessing he is!!! It's been 4 years since our beloved Ben went up to heaven, and the time was right. He is a Black Lab and is full of energy. We are gearing up for a wonderful Christmas this year.
I have been creating cards and projects here and there. I'm hoping the New Year brings better health nad more crafting.

2010-06-15T21:36:00.002-04:00

This is our sketch challenge this week at ISC. I changed it up a bit this week and flipped it on it's side. The tag is not my creation........I got it from someone at some point in time, maybe an RAK or a swap??? The artist put her initials on it, but unfortunately that didn't help me. Since the tag looked a bit vintage to me, I decided to go vintage with the reast of it. I distressed the edges of the card with the distressing tool from SU. I also inked th edges because they looked to plain.

Well, I think that's it. As always, if you have any questions for me.......just ask and I'll try and get back with you. TFL!

This Week's Challenge at ISC

2010-06-13T14:10:00.003-04:00

Katherine is our challenge hostess this week at ISC. She challenged us to make a card with the faux silk technique. I've done this technique before, but it's been awile. I had alot of fun doing this card, I just wish the photo would've picked up the texture more. Oh well!! TFL!

Swap Time

2010-06-08T18:45:00.003-04:00

I'm not much of a swapper, but I was very interested in this one. It is a swap for extra postage. One would include this with her swap with her return postage inside. I usually just toss the stamps in myself. What a cute little idea.

The pansy is actually the "Butterfly" punch from Stampin' Up. I used the aqua painter and ink refills for the coloring. The actual envelope is from the "Two Tags" die cut from Stampin' Up. TFL!

This Week's Challenge at ISC

2010-06-08T18:42:00.002-04:00

Faith is our hostess for our weekly challenge at ISC this week. She asked us to make a masculine card. I already had both of my Father's Day cards prepared, so this one will have to be for a birthday or something.

I have such trouble making masculine cards because.......................I.................LOVE.............BLING!!!!

I think the embossing really pops due to the ink I sponged on it. The stamp set is "Lovely As A Tree" from Stampin' Up. TFL!

ISC Weekly Sketch Challenge

2010-06-08T18:34:00.003-04:00

We now have weekly sketch challenges at ISC!! Robin has been working her hiney off to get some sketches together and some sponsors for prizes. This is our very first week and boy was I inspired!!!

I stuck to the sketch as much as I possibly could. I am very pleased with the results. The three pairs of flip flops are actually in beer bottle caps (Oberon to be exact......yummy!). The stamp set is "Just Beachy" from Stampin' Up (with exception of the word SUMMER). The ribbon was sent to me by my dear friend Lisa, and the gold fish charm was sent to me by Robin herself. The bling was sent to me by my BFF Vicky.

If you have any questions, please feel free to leave me a comment, and thanks for stopping by!!

This Week's Challenge at ISC

2010-05-23T12:44:00.002-04:00

Chris is our challenge hostess this week over at ISC. She had a technique challenge in store for us this week. The technique she asked us to try was...............MASKING!!! I have done this in the past, but I guess I'm just too darn lazy to do it more. It is a very fun technique and packs alot of punch. Here is my card. TFL!

This Week's Challenge at ISC

2010-05-19T18:45:00.003-04:00

Jessie is our challenge hostess at ISC this week, and I am finally feeling up to making a card. She wanted a card using the following: 3 patterned papers, 3 flowers, 1 ribbon, 1 punch, and SUMMERY!!!!! I think I have all the requirements. It was a very challenging challenge........it really made me think. Thanks for the fun Jessie!!

Challenge card, and.......it's been awhile!!!

2010-04-05T17:33:00.004-04:00

Hello!! It's been quiet a long time since my last post. Here is the challenge card for ISC this week. Cheryl is hosting and requested only white cardstock be used and to stamp in only black. The other requirements were silver or clear bling; black, white, gold or silver ribbon.

I've been MIA due to a flare up of my Ulcerative Colitis. It's quite hard to do anything when you are always in the powder room. If anyone has any Ulcerative Colitis "tips", I would love to hear them. This has been a really long road for me, and I hope that soon we will find a medicine combo that works.

Thanks for stopping by!

Blog Candy!!!

2010-03-15T07:41:00.001-04:00

My dear friend Lisa has some great blog candy up for grabs!!! Please visit her blog for more information and to sign up for it!!

Mary had a little lamb, bunny and chick....

2010-03-06T14:54:00.003-05:00

I just got done making some cute spring paper characters. You may remember me making some Thanksgiving and Christmas characters last year. I can't take credit for the idea as I found them at Dream, Create and Share. Tammy has some great tutorial on her blog.

I didn't have the exact same punches as her, so I had to improvise. I think they turned out pretty nice. TFL.

Shadow Box Card

2010-02-16T21:05:00.003-05:00

Laying on it's back. You can pull the sides out and it will be perfectly flat for mailing.

I had to include this view because it shows the embossing. It's standing up.

A view from the top.

Here is a pretty neat card that I found a tutorial for over at SCS. It was a fun card to make and not all that hard either. TFL!!

Folded Paper Frame Card

2010-02-16T21:02:00.001-05:00

I saw a tutorial for this over at SCS. It's soooooo easy!!! I think it add a great effect! TFL!!

St. Patty's Day Cards

2010-02-14T07:25:00.002-05:00

Here are just a few of my St. Patty's Day cards for this year. I know it's early, but it will be here before you know it!! TFL!!

Matchbook Cards

2010-02-14T07:22:00.002-05:00

For a Designer's Lottery Challenge over at ISC, we are being challenged to make a matchbook card. Here are two that I made. I am submitting the one with the tree for the challenge. They are fun and easy to make. TFL!

Follow Your Heart

2010-02-14T07:09:00.003-05:00

I finally had a chance to participate in this week's sketch challenge over at Stamping 411. I used my new clear stamps from SU (the sentiment). They are more like cling stamps than clear, but it is pretty easy to place the image. The big thing about these stamps is that your clear block has to be very, very clean in order for the stamp to stick to it well. I'm guilty of not keeping them clean so this will be a big adjustment for me. I have found that rubbing alcohol works the best so far. I have tried baby wipes, but they seem to leave a slight residue that prevents them from sticking as best they can. Thanks for stopping by!!!

This Month's SU Projects

2010-02-12T06:54:00.005-05:00

Sucker holder. This would be great for a child's school party and could be converted to any holiday. I'm not sure where my SU demo found this idea. If you are interested, leave a comment and I can give a more detailed description.

Outside of matchbook candy holder. There is a tutuoial at Splitcoaststampers if you are interested.

This is the inside of the candy holder.

Here is a Criss Cross Card. There is also a tutorial for this over at SCS.

For this card, we did something a little different. We used a slot punch (not sure if this is the right name) so the front of the card tucks into the back of the card. If you look really close, you can see this in the image near the bottom. There is a tutorial for the flower over at.......yup, you guessed it........SCS.

I was hostess for our SU gathering this month. We had alot of fun with great projects and delicious food. We made four projects, each one was alot of fun to make and they all turned out great. TFL!!

This Week's Challenge at ISC

2010-02-12T06:52:00.002-05:00

This week our challenge hostess, Jessie, challenged us to make an Easter card. Here is mine. TFL!

Queenly Challenge Cards

2010-02-05T21:09:00.006-05:00

Our Queen at ISC has challenged us to do many things this week. Here are some cards I made for the challenges. The above card was made for the challenge to make a card that had both polka dots and flowers. I just got this stamp from my BFF Vicky in a PIF. Isn't it just adorable!?!?? The purples actually match in real life, but for some reason the camera makes it look like they don't match at all.

This is a card I made for our Queen's challenge to make a card that made you happy. I think the sentiment plus the image are too funny. The image is "Golden Oldies" from Stampin' Up. The sentiment card is from my dear friend Patti.

This card is for our Queen's challenge to make a card that has pink and green. I downloaded the image from 1st Floor Flat Freebies. And I went a bit crazy with my cuttlebug. I decided to get a little vintage/Tim Holtz thing going and grunge/antique everthing.

Our Queen also challenged us to make a summer card......beaches, sandals, summer holidays. I chose to use my stamp set that I purchased on ebay and make a 4th of July card.

This time our Queen asked us to make a card with pink and white. The PP is from DCWV.......I can't remember the exact name of the stack, but it's the Oriental one. Again, I purchased this stamp set on ebay. I just have to share this part.......I got it for $10 less than what it's in the catty for. The seller said it was used, but I was hard pressed to find any evidence of any ink on any of the stamps.

This Week's Challenge at ISC

2010-01-31T16:49:00.002-05:00

My roomie at the Former Queen's Retirement Home, Siouxsie, is challenge hostess this week. She gave us the dimensions of this card for our challenge. I changed the dimentions just a bit to suit my image...........shhhhhh........don't tell her!!!! TFL!!

Vicky's Queen ATC for the Queen

2010-01-29T17:30:00.002-05:00

Cindy is our Queen of the Week and she challenged us to make an ATC with a Queen theme. Well, for some reason the site isn't accepting this picture of Vicky's ATC, so I am posting it here. It really tickles my gizzard!!!! Great job Vicky!!!

This Week's Challenge at ISC

2010-01-24T20:29:00.003-05:00

Your's truly is this week's challenge hostess at ISC. I challenged the ladies to make an Easel Card. This was a fun card to make........mine lays a little far back, but oh well. I used a tutorial off of a blog to make mine, but a few weeks later SCS came up with one that had clearer instructions...........just my luck. The recipient of one of these cards can easily display it on a desk, shelf, table etc. They do stand up nicely.

The first picture is what it looks like all unfolded and ready for display. The second is a picture of it unfolded, and from the side. The third picture is of it folded up and ready to go in the envelope. It fits in a standard A2 envie!!! TFL!!

Weekly Challenge at ISC

2010-01-19T07:52:00.003-05:00

Robin is our challenge hostess this week at ISC. She challenged us to make a "sailor" themed card without using the colors blue or green. I picked up this free vintage image from The Vintage Moth. I think it works well. The blog owner has quite a few vintage pictures that you may use for free...........go check it out!!! Thanks for stopping by!!

Pot of Gold

2010-01-17T10:47:00.003-05:00

Here is my card for this week's challenge at Stamping 411. The operators came up with quite a unique sketch!!! I had a ton of fun with this one. I'm into making St. Patrick's Day cards right now. I know it's early, but I don't like waiting til the last moment. TFL!!

This Month's SU Projects

2010-01-15T19:58:00.002-05:00

We met last night for our January SU group. We skipped December due to craziness and it was fun to get back together. I do apologize for the crudeness of the group pic. I really wasn't motivated to try and figure something else out. You do get a small glimpse at my table tho:)

As you can see, we altered a tin can. I basically put the paper on in group and then came home tonight and did my own thing, I like to be able to think a bit and then go with what I'm feeling at the time. I like to have my own supplies at hand and use different elements.

The cute little basket was made at group, I didn't do anything special to it. She had a wonderful template that we all got to bring home for future use. I think it's adorable.

The sour cream container............oh that thing!!!! We origingally made one out of vellum in group. Mine left sooooo much to be desired. First of all, my ink didn't dry on the vellum.......apparently there is a right and wrong side to stamp on??? We DID NOT use craft ink either. Anyway, mine was a total mess!!! I came home tonight and pulled up the tutorial on SCS and that made a world of difference!!!!! I made my own paper and I really like this result. I don't have a crimper, so I used my Score-Pal. Worked beautifully!!!

Finally the card, I love this color combo...........so pretty. I have this set at home so all I did was the big butterfly and the small brown ones at group. It looked really plain......I got home tonight and added the flowers and bling. It made all the difference.

Thanks for stopping by!!!

This Week's Challenge at ISC

2010-01-11T12:40:00.003-05:00

Faith is our challenge hostess this week. She has challenged us a pretty good challenge!!!! We need to make a card containing:

Our favorite color.............layered with only our favorite color

Bling

3-D element

Ribbon

Here is my card..........TFL!!!!

Easter?!?!!?!?...........in January!!???!?!?

2010-01-10T15:56:00.004-05:00

Yes, I know it's January............but I just couldn't help myself!!! I just purchased (stole) this stamp set on ebay. I couldn't wait to use it and bring some spring to my blog. This card is for this week's sketch challenge over at Stamping 411. It was a fun and easy sketch this week, which is good because I'm really into the easy side of things as of late. Hoping for less stress in my life this year...........hahahahaha!!!!! Thanks for stopping by!!!!

Inchies, Inchies.........EVERYWHERE!!!

2010-01-09T20:52:00.010-05:00

There is an inchie explosion over at ISC. Nikki and Chris are hosting some inchie swaps and they have gone thru the roof!!!!! I have never done them before, but purchased a 1" punch awhile back with good intentions. Well, I decided to give it a try. Mine are pretty plain, but they are my firsts. Let me give you the run down.......

Nikki is hosting for: green (shamrock), and neon (butterfly).

Chris is hosting for: hearts/love (heart), coffee/tea (coffee bean), bugs (ladybugs), birds (bluebird), by the sea/beach (ocean theme stickers). TFL!!

Kiss Me, I'm Irish!!

2010-01-03T15:22:00.003-05:00

Well, not really. I figured I'd take a walk on the wild side and make a St. Patty's Day card for this weeks sketch challenge over at Stamping 411. This isn't really a favorite holiday for me to make cards for. It doesn't seem to bring with it very many cute stamps and such. If anyone knows what I did with one of my Leprechaun stamps, please let me know. It seems to have run off somewhere!!!! It's a wood block stamp, so it's not like it could really disappear like those clear ones seem to do!!!! I made my own background paper and just punched out partial images of some of the stamps I have. TFL!!!

Weeklly Challenge at ISC

2010-01-03T10:23:00.004-05:00

Anne is our challenge hostess at ISC this week. You should check out her blog, she has a great one. Anyway...........she challenged us to make something with alcohol inks and use our brayer for a background. Well, we could do either one or both. I chose BOTH!!!!

I made a card with my last ATC of 2009 using my alcohol inks. I covered cardstock with aluminum foil, used the Top Note die cut and then embossed it with a CB folder. After all that was done, I used my alcohol inks on it. I really like the result of this technique.

On my second card, I used my evil brayer. I am so clumsy with this tool. I always feel awkward using it. The result was pretty good........for me. TFL!!!

Jennifer has BLOG CANDY!!!!

2010-01-02T19:34:00.003-05:00

Head on over to Random Vintage Finds to enter the drawing for some AWESOME BLOG CANDY!!! Woot!!! Woot!!! Jennifer is offering up some terrific stuff. She also has a great blog and terrific projects. Take some time, grab a beverage, and be prepared to oooohhhh and ahhhhh at her creations.

Happy 2010!!

2010-01-01T15:08:00.005-05:00

I have been a busy gal today. I've made some crafting resolutions for the year, and one of which is to use the stuff I have!!!! I have a ton of ATC's from other crafters that I have been hoarding. I decided to put them to use today. The ATC's are from Vicky, Katherine, and Jennifer. The one from Jennifer came to me on a cool vintage spool of thread, but clumsy me knocked it off my crafting table and the ATC popped off!!! Instead of re-attaching it, I am using in on a card for my mom. I hope she doesn't mind. The lighthouse one is for a male birthday and I found the anchor button in my collection.......what a perfect find. TFL!!!

The Last of 2009

2010-01-01T15:03:00.002-05:00

Here are my last 2 creations of 2009. I closed out the year with a card and an ATC. I actually made an ATC for the card itself and another to use later. The ATC on the card is covered in plaing old aluminum foil and colored with alcohol inks. I really like the result. TFL!

A Better Flower Pot Card

2009-12-31T08:24:00.002-05:00

I like this one better than the one I did the other day. I feel it yields a fuller look. These are really fun cards to make. They aren't hard, but they look like they are. I used an embossing folder on the bottom portion of the pot and really like it. I think the flowers look alot better when they are done this way, layering them really helps. TFL!

Scraplifted Card

2009-12-31T08:18:00.003-05:00

I saw this card over at The Spotted Canary and immediately wanted to scraplift it. I love the punch it packs. I opted to use turquoise paper instead of green. There is a strip of black at the top............I didn't realize it when I was taking the pic that it wouldn't show up as the card is lying on black paper...........duh!!! TFL!!

Another Faux Silk Card

2009-12-31T08:16:00.004-05:00

I really like this technique. It's very easy to do and yields such a striking card. On this card I stamped on white tissue paper and then adhered it to red cardstock. TFL!!

Silky Lavender Card

2009-12-26T16:02:00.004-05:00

Here is my card for this week's sketch over at Stamping411. Please head on over there and take a peek..........possibly play along!!!!! I used a technique that I found over at SplitCoastStampers called Faux Silk. It was a real neat technique. The result in person is wonderful. As usual, the picture doesn't do the card justice. Thanks to the Operators for putting out such wonderful sketches week after week. TFL!!!

Vicky's Cards for the Queen

2009-12-24T16:07:00.002-05:00

I am posting Vicky's cards for our Queen's Challenges here as I can't post them at ISC.....dunno why........technology!!! I think she did a marvelous job on all of them!!!!

Monochromatic Red Card

2009-12-24T09:56:00.004-05:00

Queen Robin strikes again!!! She challenged us to make a monochromatic red card. This is for Valentine's Day. I handmade the dew drops below the ribbon. I think they look nice and they were CHEAP!!! Just a drop of glue from my glue gun, then colored with alcohol inks. I got the idea off of TheCraftiblog.

Monochromatic Green Card

2009-12-24T09:52:00.005-05:00

Queen Robin also challenged us to make a monochromatic green card. The pp is actually from my "hoarded paper stash". It was really hard to cut into it!!! I have been hoarding it because of the other side that is shimmery purple with cute litte birds on it. The butterfly is die cut from some other hoarded paper......wow, did I sacrifice for this one!!! I think this card came together nicely. TFL!

That Little Black Dress

2009-12-24T09:49:00.002-05:00

Queen Robin challenged us to make a glitzy New Year's Card. I've never done a New Year's Card before and really wanted to give it a try. The white paper beneath the dress is actually shimmery paper and looks awesome!!! There is bling at the bottom of the dress and the ribbon around the waist is that shimmery/glittery kind. I really like how this turned out.

Per Queen Robin's Request

2009-12-23T18:10:00.003-05:00

Robin is our Queen of the Week over at ISC and she has ordered us to make a card of green, pink and white. Well this paper worked beautifully!!! I will be using this card for Valentine's Day 2010!! I was able to use my new die Two Tags from SU and a stamp from the stamp set my SU demo gave me. Yippeeee!!! TFL!!

Flower Pot Card

2009-12-23T18:07:00.003-05:00

I just got this die from SU. I love making these flower pot cards. They are easy and pack alot of punch. After looking at the flowers, I will do them a bit differently next time. I think I will layer the flowers (2 layers) and then just add leaves here and there. Possibly emboss the flowers or make them from PP. Use buttons as the centers..........the possibilities are endless. I do really like the bee on the pot tho. Oh......maybe a tag on the ribbon too!!!! TFL!

Fashion!!!

2009-12-23T18:03:00.003-05:00

I can't take all the credit for this card. I was on ebay and stumbled across some card kits. The seller was selling something like this. All it did was take a scalloped nestie and "alter" it a bit. I never use the stamps that are on the blue paper, so I decided to see if I could make them work. I'm not head over heels about my color choices, but oh well. I do like how the dress turned out and I think it would look great on a wedding/bridal shower card. TFL!!

I Finally Used It!!!

2009-12-23T17:42:00.003-05:00

I received this "file folder" die from my great friend Lisa many moons ago. I have looked at it a thousand times and have come up blank as to how to use it on a card. I posted about my dilema at ISC and the girls gave me some suggestions. Here is what I came up with. I like the result. You can't see it too well, but the green and purple papers are actually embossed with an embossing folder to give it some depth and texture. It says Happy Birthday on the inside. TFL!!

Designer's Lottery Gypsy

2009-12-20T10:01:00.002-05:00

Yes, I am the busy little bee this morning. I am getting things out of the way. Maybe it's the coffee!?!?!?!?!!? Another cup please!!!!

I just got my Gypsy ATC done for the Designer's Lottery over at ISC. I am getting better at these ATC's. Gotta branch out ya know??

My mom always used to tease me when I was a wee tot that the Gypsies would come and get me if I misbehaved. They would kidnap me and make me steal things for them. If I got caught by the police, they would simply leave me in jail because I wasn't their kid. I would never see my parents again. Hehehehe!!!! I totally bought it......hook, line and sinker!!!! Don't worry, no permanent scars. Whatever works right??? TFL!!

Goofed up........again!!!

2009-12-20T09:04:00.002-05:00

It appears everything is messed up again!!! I have used my Help option and it looks like there are alot of others having trouble with the gadgets. I'm going to try not to mess with things right away.

Got Cake???

2009-12-20T08:36:00.008-05:00

Here is my card for Sketch Challenge 130 from Stamping 411. I didn't follow everything exactly........but when do I???

This little guy is just too cute!!! I debated coloing him..........still may go back and do so........but I wanted to make a card with just the three colors. I found this to be another great sketch from The Operators!!!! These sketches really help me get the lead out.

Over at ISC, we have weekly challenges and we decided not to have an official challenge this week due to the Holiday. I did issue a No Challenge Challenge to them this week and this is it!!!! I challenged them to head on over to Stamping 411 and try the sketch. Hopefully some of them will do so.

TFL!!

Sympathy Cards

2009-12-20T08:33:00.005-05:00

I am getting better and more comfortable at making these. I just purchased this set from SU!!! I really like the set. It's very versitile too. I sponged the colors onto the stamp to give it a little different look. I kept it simple as Sympathy Cards should be. I ended up making six of them. I had all the stuff out and it's helpful to have them on hand. TFL!!

Wedding Card

2009-12-20T08:31:00.005-05:00

I saw something similiar on a blog somewhere..............for the life of me, I can't remember where. I thought I'd make something up to have on hand for a wedding. I'll probably kick myself for making a card like this when it comes time to send it due to the bulky "feather thing". I think it's elegant!!! TFL!

Altered Band-Aid Tin

2009-12-20T08:25:00.004-05:00

I actually crafted somethig FOR ME!!!! I can't believe it!!!! I'm not an ATC collector, but have had some ATC's in this Band-Aid tin for quite awhile now............yup...........hoarding as usual. I finally forced myself to use some of them on cards the other day and they looked wonderful!!! This inspired me to alter the tin and keep it handy so I can use them.

The paper and letter "H" comes from a paper pad that my BFF Vicky sent me for Christmas. She also gave me the bling!!! The metal label holder comes from my dear friend Lisa. The other stuff I had on hand.

Fixed???? Sort of........

2009-12-15T18:35:00.002-05:00

Well, I thought about it all day............typical Type A personality........and I decided to try and fix my blog. I have not clue what happened, but it happened. I went thru and removed all the gadgets. I then picked a new template, and then added the gadgets back. They ended up at the side as they should be. The only one that didn't "transfer" is the one that attaches to the labels of my posts. I deleted it, but it says it's still there. Oh well, I added a search instead and it actually takes up less space so............good trade off?? I was to chicken at this point to delete the followers gadget. After what happened to the above..............I am leaving it at the bottom for now.

If I had your blog as a Papercrafting Blog before, and you don't see it now.......let me know.......I may have missed it.

Oh technology!!!!

HELP!!!

2009-12-15T07:23:00.002-05:00

I was messing around with my blog..........stupid I know........now I can't get my gadgets back to the side!!!! HELP!! I tried new templates both here and other sites........eeeekkkkk!! If you have any suggestions, please leave me a comment. TIA

Vicky's Decorations

2009-12-14T16:49:00.002-05:00

Last week at ISC, Queen Michele asked us to post our Christmas decorations. This is actually a picture of Vicky's decorations. She is having technical issues (as we all do with our lovely computers) and this is the only place I could upload for some reason. Thank Goodness for my blog huh???

Vicky's Card for Sue's Challenge

2009-12-14T16:46:00.001-05:00

My dear friend Vicky is having technical problems and asked me to help her out. Here is her card for this week's challenge at ISC.

Weedsgalore's Challenge at ISC

2009-12-13T16:59:00.005-05:00

My roomie at "The Former Queen's Retirement Home" is our challenge hostess this week. She gave us a sketch challenge. I turned it on it's side.......just to be different of course. I used my new Tags die cut from SU. The stamp set it Flight of the Butterfly from SU.....oh, the flowers on top are from Priceless from SU and the papers are from SU too. I guess I was really into SU products today huh?!?!? I really have to quit hoarding all this stuff and USE IT!!!! TFL!!

Homemade Flowersoft

2009-12-12T18:10:00.006-05:00

I've seen several tutorials here and there on making your own flowersoft. When I looked at the craftstore, I couldn't believe how expensive this stuff was!!!! I decided to give it a try.

All you have to do is:

Rub 2 white styrofoam craft balls together over a large ziplock bag
Add a few drops of re-inker

"Stir" using a kabob skewer

Let dry

You will then adhere the flowersoft to your image just as you would real flowersoft. It's that easy!!!

I made the above two cards with my homemade flowersoft. I think they look pretty darn good. The butterfly is stamped first with the matching color ink, and I colored the House Mouse before adding the "flowersoft". I did color his fur as well. I felt that this would look better than not s I'm sure you would be able to see some white if I hadn't.

This technique not only saves you money, but allows you to get the exact color you want. Who could ask for more??? TFL!!!

Hot Rod Birthday

2009-12-12T11:44:00.004-05:00

Yet another great sketch from the gals at Stamping 411!!! This is sketch 129. These sketches really help with my mojo:) I'm really in need of some masculine Birthday Cards and the sketches are a great way to get me to do some. My friend Anne sent me this image and I think that it works really well here. TFL!!!

This Week's Challenge at ISC

2009-12-09T07:38:00.003-05:00

I'm a bit late at getting this posted!!!! That time of year I guess. Our Challenge Hostess this week at ISC is my BFF Vicky. She wanted to take a break from all the Christmas stuff. She challenged us to make a Valentine's Day Card. Her requirements were: black, white, splash of red. She requested something to dress it up like ribbon or bling. I may have more than a splash of red........shhhhh.......don't tell!! TFL.

Stamping 411 Sketch 128

2009-12-05T20:39:00.004-05:00

Well, I used a very loose interpretation of the sketch this week. I used an olive green cardstock for the base, patterned paper that resembles wood, and the white core burnt orange cardstock that I ran thru my CB and sanded. The black is actually some ribbon scrap. I turned the sketch on it's side for something different. The image is from SU and is watercolored on watercolor paper. TFL!!

Hail, Hail, the Gang's all Here!!!

2009-12-05T11:52:00.002-05:00

I finished up my "Top Note Gang" today!!! I am pleased with the results!! The Reindeer, Snowman, Elf, and Santa came from Dream, Create and Share. Mrs. Claus came from Gretchen Barron's Blog. Please check them out!!! I didn't have all the dies that these ladies had, so I had to improvise just a bit. TFL!!!

This Week's Challenge at ISC

2009-11-30T18:35:00.006-05:00

Robin is our challenge hostess this week and she challenged us to make a card with the following requirements:

Christmas theme

light blue, light green and white papers

2 different fibers (it's hard to see both on mine, but they're there....I promise;))

I rarely use fibers, so this really was a challenge for me. I do like the result however. TFL!

Here Comes Santa Claus!!!!

2009-11-27T11:22:00.003-05:00

I made a Santa character today!! I didn't have all the same dies that are on the tutorial, so I improvised. TFL!!!

Snowman Soup Anyone???

2009-11-23T16:39:00.003-05:00

I made Snowman Soup Bags today. I have never done these before myself, but have seen them on some blogs. They went together pretty easily once I got an assembly line going. I stamped snowflakes on the outside of the main bag, but unfortunately you can't see them once everything is in the bag.

Mojo Monday 113

2009-11-21T14:34:00.004-05:00

I finally had the motivation to do a card for Mojo Monday 113!! I have been cursed with headaches all week and finally felt like crafting. TFL!!!

Stamping 411 Sketch 126

2009-11-21T10:14:00.006-05:00

Here is my card for sketch 126 at Stamping 411. I just got this embossing folder and stamp set from SU and was just itching to use it!!! I've seen this color combo several places and wanted to give it a try. This sketch was a bit more challenging than last week's, but I still had alot of fun doing it. I think I'm finally done with my Christmas cards too!!!! TFL!!

Top Note Characters

2009-11-16T20:38:00.005-05:00

I visited a wonderful blog recently, and Tammy has some great tutorials on her blog. She is extremely talented!! Please visit her blog, Create, Dream and Share, sometime and see it for yourself. Anyway, her blog is where I found tutorials on how to make those cute Top Note characters that I see all over the place. When you get there, scroll down to the very bottom and choos the word "tutorials". This will make it easier to find these cute Top Note characters. I tried my hand at them today, and I am very pleased with the results!!! I didn't have all the punches that she has, so I improvised. TFL!!!

Deanne's Blog Candy

2009-11-15T22:09:00.002-05:00

Deanne at Three Trees {paper} Creations has some terrific blog candy!!!! Please check it out!! Just click on her name at the beginning of this post!!

Stamping 411 Sketch 125

2009-11-14T19:08:00.005-05:00

I've never done a card for this site before, but thought I'd give it a try. I'm in need of some "Just Because" type cards and decided to make one for this sketch. TFL!!

Mojo 111

2009-11-12T06:21:00.005-05:00

Here is my card for Mojo Monday 112. I brayered over the white cardstock that had been embossed with Snowflakes CB embossing folder. The scalloped border, brown snowflake and snowflake on the half circle are from a SU scrapbooking kit, the brown cardstock is from JoAnne's and is stamped with SU white craft ink and the NOEL is a piece of chipboard coverd with white cardstock and a Martha Stewart stamp. TFL!!

Weeklly Challenge at ISC

2009-11-08T17:53:00.005-05:00

Our hostess this week is Jessie!!! She gave us a sketch challenge. We also have the option of sending this card to Jaimie Cates. TFL!!!

Mojo Monday 111

2009-11-02T15:25:00.005-05:00

Here is my card for Mojo Monday 111. I'm in full Christmas Card mode here and am making progress!!! Everything I make these days seems to revolve around Christmas. Thanks for looking!!!

Weekly Challenge at ISC

2009-11-01T18:14:00.003-05:00

I am the challenge hostess at ISC this week. I challenged the ladies to make a Christmas card with white and only one other color. They are only allowed one color including the ink they stamp with. They can use as many different embellies as they wish as long as it's just the one color. TFL!!

More Christmas Cards

2009-10-31T12:54:00.002-04:00

I've been working my hinny off on Christmas Cards as of late. I need to send out at least 80!!!!! Everyone is different!! I'm getting there, slow but sure. Below are some of my latest. Thanks for looking.

2009-10-31T12:52:00.002-04:00

2009-10-31T12:51:00.003-04:00

Weeklly Challenge at ISC

2009-10-26T08:29:00.004-04:00

BeachBum, Chris, was nice enough to fill in as challenge hostess this week. She challenged us to a technique chaqllenge. Bleach stamping!!!! I have done this technique before, but it's intimidating. Just make sure you are wearing old clothes and take care as to where the bleach is at all times. Here is a card I made for the challenge.

Light Blue, Red, and White

2009-10-26T08:26:00.004-04:00

I challenged the gals at ISC to make a Christmas card using Light Blue, Red and White. It sounds like a weird color combo, but when it's all said and done...........it looks really nice. Here are my cards.

2009-10-19T20:50:00.004-04:00

I received this blog award from 2 of my great friends, Lisa and Jessie. These two gals are just the best!!!! First, let me tell you about Lisa. She is one of the most generous people I know. She has a kind heart and is extremely talented!!!! I just love her to bits. Please go check out her blog when you get a moment. Now, let me tell you about Jessie. She is a great person and has such a kind heart. She is totally addicted to her Cuttlebug and has an awesome blog. She is always up to something creative. I hope you have a chance to visit her great blog!!!

The rules of the award are that I have to share 5 things with you that I am addicted to and then pass on the award to 5 other blogs that I love …..

1. Chocolate

2. Crafting......any type

3. Wavy Lays Potato Chips

4. Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum Series Books

5. Chatting with my gal pals at ISC

The 5 blogs I award are:

1. Lisa

2. Jessie

3. Karen

4. Heidi

5. Jennifer

There are some terrific blogs here, I encourage you to visit them all and leave some comments.

2009-10-19T20:01:00.005-04:00

Here is my take on MOJO Monday 109. I used: SU Real Red cardstock for the base, the Designer Series paper and the self adhesive die cut came from the "I Wish" Simply Scrappin' Kit, the brown cardstock is: Espresso cardstock from The Paper Company, "Christmas Ornaments" embossing folder from Provo Craft, a little bling from JoAnn's, and the stamp is "Poinsettia" from Rubber Stampede, it is colored in using a blender pen from SU and a variety of SU markers. TFL!!

Some Christmas Cards

2009-10-19T19:58:00.002-04:00

I have been working on my Christmas cards and wanted to share.

This Week's Challenge at ISC

2009-10-18T12:39:00.002-04:00

My great friend Anne is challenge hostess this week at ISC. She has challenged us to make something with a tree on it. I really need to get going on my Christmas Cards, so that's what I did!!!! TFL!!

Warm Wishes

2009-10-18T12:08:00.002-04:00

Just a quick little card for Christmas.

Interactive Card Challenge

2009-10-18T11:59:00.004-04:00

We were challenged at ISC to make an interactive card, here's mine.

This Week's Challenge at ISC

2009-10-11T16:38:00.003-04:00

Madison is hosting this week's challenge at ISC. She challenged us to make something with a pumpkin on it.......card, ATC, bookmark, altered item..........anything!!!! I altered some votive candles. I stamped the image on white tissue paper, cut around the image, laid the image on the candle, wrapped waxed paper over that. I used my heat gun and VIOLA!!!!

Here is a link to the tutorial at Clearly I Stamp.

Fun Challenge

2009-10-10T21:29:00.003-04:00

The girls at ISC wanted a challenge for tonight, so I made one up. A card made with white cardstock only, use only white embellies, Christmas theme, and just a bit of soft muted color within the stamped image.......nowhere else. This is my card.

This Week's Challenge at ISC

2009-10-04T09:37:00.003-04:00

My wonderful friend, Vicky, is challenge hostess at ISC this week. She has challenged us to alter something........anything........and.........it has to be a given as a gift to someone. I was already planning on altering some things this weekend. This challenge couldn't have come at a better time!!!! I try to have some altered dominos on hand to give away as little gifts here and there, so that was a no-brainer. I am planning on sharing the Halloween dominoes (which are pins) with my coworkers. The tin is a little something for a friend for Christmas. TFL!!

More Thanksgiving/Fall Cards

2009-09-29T20:11:00.004-04:00

I made a few more seasonal cards!!!!

The first one is made from a SU set that I just love......"autumn" is part of an unknown set. I used SU inks and aqua painters. I decided to use pop dots on the squash and leaf just to add some dimention.

The second one is a bit plain for me, but it works. The green paper that is cut into the Top Note is actually shimmery and does look nice in real life. The enjoy stamp is SU. I used MS gold ink on the leaves and it does add some shimmer.

The third card actually turned out very masculine. I had the rub on in my stash, and have just never gotten around to using it. The orange paper is shimmery and looks real nice. All the colors look as tho they came in a card kit, but didn't.

The fourth card is made from one of my favorite stamps. It's just one of those clear $1 stamps. I love the way it colors up. I used SU inks and aqua painters for it. I really like that watercolor effect. I purchased the straw paper from JA and thought it worked perfectly with this stamp.

TFL!!!

Weekly Challenge 9/27 at ISC

2009-09-27T13:06:00.004-04:00

My good friend, Siouxsie, is challenge hostess this week. She created a sketch for us and we had to create a card from that. She came up with a terrific sketch, and I did my best to do her proud!! TFL!!

Jessie F Has Inspired Me!!

2009-09-26T18:25:00.003-04:00

My good friend Jessie recently sent me a card. It was an Asian themed card, and I loved it!!! I have been wanting to do one of my own forever, and finally had the insiration!!!! Thank you Jessie for the MOJO!!!!

Some Thanksgiving Cards

2009-09-26T18:11:00.004-04:00

Well, I'm in full Thanksgiving Card mode!! I bought the Pilgrim/Indian images from a consignment shop for $5 this spring.......it's a SU set from years ago and has about 26 images!!!! I purchased the turkey image last fall and never used it as it's a bit intimidating. I used SU aquapainters on it. TFL!

Challenge 9/13-9/19 at ISC

2009-09-16T18:06:00.004-04:00

Katherine is our challenge hostess for this week. She has challenged us to make a card using a brayer or sponging. I don't have a brayer, so...........sponging it is. TFL!

Designer's Lottery

2009-09-09T22:00:00.004-04:00

At ISC we have what is called a Designer's Lottery. Every two weeks we are challenged to make something different. A winner is drawn at random and then receives all of the entries as her prize. This time, Robin challenged us to make a vintage card. I am "vintage challenged" so this was a real stretch for me. I used SU Soft Suede ink on a make up sponge to "age" the paper after I stamped it with Staz On. I used SU inks/markers along with an aqua painter to add some muted color to the images. The buttons are from a rummages sale, the ribbon is from Walmart, the lace is from JoAnne's, and the paper is from a LSS. TFL!!

Challenge 9/6-9/11 at ISC

2009-09-09T21:57:00.002-04:00

Here is my entry for this weeks challenge hosted by my dear friend Lynnie. She challenged us to make a card using a photograph. Friends of ours will be celebrating their 50th this October. The invite had a pic of them on their wedding day. I really wanted to make a special card for them, and I decided to use that photo. Thanks for the challenge Lynnie! TFL!

Weekly Challenge 8/30 at ISC

2009-08-31T18:16:00.005-04:00

Our weekly challenge this week at ISC is: Make a card with some of your favorite things. That's what I did!!! This card has my favorite color (purple), my favorite stamp set....well, right now anyway...Loads of Love, my favorite fall paper from Debbie Mumm, my favoite bling (diamonds), my favorite season (fall), my favorite fiber (ribbon), my current favoite technique (watercoloring) and finally this is a sketch from my favorite sketch site............Mojo Monday!!!! TFL!

This Week's Challenge at ISC

2009-08-23T09:17:00.003-04:00

Deb is our challenge hostess this week at ISC. She challenged us to make a card with paper as the main focal point. I've had this paper sitting in my stash forever because I just couldn't figure out how to use it. Well, I decided not to over think it and make some cards. Here is the paper and 3 cards I made from it. TFL!

Melissa's Blog Candy

2009-08-20T07:22:00.002-04:00

Please check out Melissa's Blog Candy!! This Zutter is just one of the wonderful things she is giving away. Just click on Melissa to find your way to her blog!! TFL!

Queen Wanda's Monday Challenge

2009-08-17T13:40:00.005-04:00

Queen Wanda challenged us to make a card with red and orange. Flowers were a must too. The flower is stamped in orange and red so it photographed a little funny.