{Stamped From the Heart}

Laurie, You'll Always Be My Idol!!!

2011-08-01T00:00:00.019-06:00

Happy Monday morning! Four months...yes, I know it has been a LONG time, but I'm here today with a very special post for a very special, and madly talented fellow Paperdoll. Laurie made it to the top 10 of Papercrafts Gallery Idol 2011. I've never had the guts to go for something like that, but Laurie went for it and did an amazing job with the various challenges she was given. I especially liked her take on the 'fabric meets paper' challenge for Round 3...you can see her card for that one here. Is that not the cutest little baby card!?!

Anyway, a few of the Dolls are hopping today to show her just how awesome we think she is. Thank you Lee Anne for setting this up! The 'challenge', if you want to call it that, was to choose a card of Laurie's and case it. If you'd like to play along, we have a linky over on the Doll's blog. We'd love to have you join us! Here's a list of the Dolls playing along with me today!

Amy (kolling143)
Christy (christea)
Kristin (jcmom04)

Suzanne (*suzanne*)

Katie (choc0holic) <---You're here!
Lee Anne (Lee Anne)
Renee (Renee L.)
Sara (hiinaz)

Tanna (tfiskers)

Now, I am very drawn to Laurie's style and would like to think that my style meshes with hers, so casing a card wasn't too much of a challenge for me. I decided to take this card of Laurie's to case. Here is her card {I hope you don't mind me borrowing it, Laurie!}:

And here is mine:

Clearly, I didn't change much from Laurie's card. I went with a color combination that I consider very "Laurie"....Kraft, Pure Poppy, and True Black. Instead of the silver brads, I used the red rhinestones. I also used a different impression plate and scalloped edge, but clearly it's not too different. Laurie is an amazing stamper; there's no doubting that! I always love stopping by and checking out her work. It truly inspires me. I sure wish I lived close enough to participate in the "Stamp Away" days she does with Amy and Jen! Those lucky girls!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy hopping...and please play along!

{THANK YOU, LAURIE}

All supplies are PTI unless noted

Stamps: Mehndi Medallion, Think Big Favorites 2
Paper: Linen Vellum, Stamper's Select (White), Pure Poppy, True Black, Kraft
Ink: Pure Poppy, True Black, Crumb Cake {Stampin' Up!}
Accessories: Medium Scallop Die, Linen & Canvas Impression Plate, 3/8" Corner Chomper {We R Memory Keepers}, Rhinestones {Hero Arts}, Dimensionals

Paper Dolls Challenge #35

2011-04-01T13:00:00.003-06:00

It's my turn to host the challenge over at the Paper Dolls Blog this week, so please go over and check it out. You won't need any special materials...what you have in your stash of scraps is all you need! Although there are many sketches that would have enabled me to use use more scraps on a single card, the following card is what 'came to me' as I was messing around. It will probably be the card I give my daughter for her 8th birthday coming up in June. Too bad the blinged border didn't shine in the photo like it does in real life. She'll love it!

The cut edge is on the front panel of the card, whereas the stamped Sweet Blush cardstock is on the back of the card. It was a BEAR to get a picture of this card so it would stick shut long enough using repositionable adhesive. ;) Although I always look through my scraps before cutting in to a new piece of card stock, it was fun to limit myself for a change. I love how the coordinating PTI products make it so easy!

Thanks for stopping by! Have you stamped something from your heart today?

MAKE A WISH}

All supplies are PTI unless noted

Stamps: Cupcake Collection, Mat Stack 4 Collection, Polka Dot Basics II
Paper: Sweet Blush, Stampers Select, Doodlebug Lily White Sugar Coated Cardstock
Ink: Sweet Blush, Dark Chocolate
Accessories: Mat Stack 4 Die, Cupcake Collection Dies, Edgers #1 Die, Dimensionals, Bling (from clearance at Office Max)

Papertrey Paper Dolls Blog Hop

2011-03-09T00:00:00.175-07:00

Welcome to the first Paper Dolls' blog hop!

If you're just stumbling across this post of mine head on over to the Paper Dolls blog to start from the beginning! We have a couple prizes up for grabs...details can be found near the end of this post, or over at the Paper Dolls blog!

We recently said goodbye to a few 'Dolls' and welcomed others to join us! We're having this hop to become better acquainted with each other. But first, I'll show you what I came up with...that way you can see what you're really here for...eye candy!

Lee Anne, the amazing 'doll' who organized this blog hop, challenged use to use P...T...and I on our card. I hope it's okay that I used some other things...like the Fillable Frames, Ripe Avocado card stock, etc. It's all PTI...that's all that matters, right?

P: Pure Poppy card stock and ink

T: Rustic Jute Button Twine, Teacher's Apple stamp set

I: By the Numbers Impression Plate, Inside & Out: Thank You stamp set, It's Official stamp set

If you don't want to read the 'getting to know you' stuff, hop along to Laurie at Hiding In My Craft Room! If you get sidetracked or find a broken link, you can always go back to the Paper Dolls blog for a complete list. Don't forget to leave comments along the way...we have a "Made of Snow" stamp set up for grabs for a random commenter. It could be you! After you've finished the hop, we'd love to have you play along! A $25 PTI Gift Certificate is up for grabs!!! I KNOW!!! With a new release right around the corner, I'm sure $25 would be helpful! Link your project up over at the Paper Dolls Blog!

As I mentioned above, the dolls are holding this blog hop to get to know each other. So here goes...my forum name is "choc0holic"...when I signed up over at SCS 'chocoholic' was taken, so I substituted the 0 for the middle 'o.' Rather than try to keep track of different forum names, I've stuck with 'choc0holic.' I currently live in Utah but will forever be an Oregonian by heart. I'm a "Domestic Engineer" with 4 kiddos...ages 7, 6, 4, and 1 (almost 2). Yup...I've got my hands full. My wonderful husband (we've been married for 9 years next month) tolerates my PTI addiction because he knows how much joy I get out of making cards, giving them to others, as well as participating in this amazing online community.

I've known about PTI from the very beginning. I waited a couple months to place an order because I was unsure if I was ready to make the jump from red rubber stamps to clear photopolymer, but I haven't regretted that jump one bit! Oh yes...I wanted to qualify for free shipping too...back then it wasn't so easy to meet that requirement. :) I'm one of the 'original' Dolls...the group was formed last April...and consider myself so lucky to be part of this group of amazing and talented stampers! I've been a terrible blogger since last summer, but I have tried to keep up with commenting on the Dolls' blogs and am continually inspired by them!

Thanks for stopping by! Have you stamped something from your heart today?

{CARD TITLE}

All supplies are PTI unless noted

Stamps: It's Official, Teacher's Apple, Fillable Frames #11, Inside & Out: Thank You
Paper: Pure Poppy, Stampers Select, Ripe Avocado, Kraft
Ink: Pure Poppy, Dark Chocolate, Ripe Avocado
Accessories: Rustic Jute Button Twine, By the Numbers Impression Plate, Foam Tape

Make It Monday with Foam

2011-03-05T23:30:00.001-07:00

Back again and it hasn't been over 6 months...amazing, I know! Papertrey Ink's new Make It Monday's have me really thinking outside the box and I've been able to try things I never would have considered trying. Take this past Monday's challenge...to use fun foam. How fun is that!?!?! I finally snuck down to my room tonight after getting the kids down for bed and played a bit with fun foam.

Please forgive the poor lighting on the photo...hopefully I'll be able to get a better picture when the sun comes up. I die cut the Jar Label die from white fun foam, and inked it up with Aqua Mist ink to create the look on the right side of the card. I then cut another Jar Label from Stampers Select card stock for the sentiment. See the Aqua Mist layer under the sentiment? That's actually the fun foam I used for the stamping. Cool, huh? I scored a line to 'separate' the inked portion of the card base from the uninked portion. It seemed to be lacking a little something so I drew a narrow white line. For the rest of the materials see the 'recipe' down below.

Have a happy day...or night as the case may be!

{THANKS SO MUCH}

All supplies are PTI unless noted

Stamps: Friendship Jar, Background Basics: Text Style II, Tag-Its #1
Paper: Aqua Mist, Stampers Select, Happy Spots
Ink: Aqua Mist, Dark Chocolate
Accessories: Jar Label Die, Signature Series: Butterfly Die, Limitless Layers: 1-3/4" Circle Collection Die, Foam Tape

PTI Blog Hopping with Scallops

2011-02-25T19:49:00.005-07:00

From the moment I saw this month's challenge to use scallops, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. Then my kids got the flu. And of course, after giving plenty of huggles and snuggles, I would up getting sick myself. So instead of making a killer card with scallops cut from a vintage dress pattern I've had in my stash and pairing it with a few of the new doily products and the new Button Boutique set, I made a scrapbook page. Let me clarify that I in no way consider myself a scrapper. However, a 'memory or gratitude' page was requested as a gift for my husband's grandmother who is celebrating her birthday today.

I am actually quite pleased at how much I enjoyed the process and am actually hoping to make more of an effort recording my family's memories. The scallops seemed to be just the right thing for this page. And look...there's even a strip of glittered up Scor-tape! (For you PTI fanatics like me, that was this week's Make It Monday challenge.) I blinged up the center of the flower with glitter as well.

I didn't get a picture of the reverse side of this page, but it may be even better than the front. I stamped a large flower and two leaves for each of my kids to color. They were quite colorful...although my son opted to go with only red. I hope my husband's grandmother enjoys the page as much as I...we...enjoyed making it!

Thanks for stopping by...I'd love to know what you think!

{VIOLET MEMORIES}

All supplies are PTI unless noted

Stamps: Year of Flowers: Violets

Paper: Kraft, Lavender Moon, Plum Pudding
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark
Accessories: Medium Scallop Dies, Scor-tape, Dimensionals, Copic Markers, Clear Embossing Powder

New Challenge over at the Paper Dolls Blog

2010-06-17T09:00:00.003-06:00

I'm hosting this week's challenge over at the Paper Dolls Blog. Here's a peek at what I made for it!

I'd love for you to play along! You have three whole weeks to add your creation! Have a fabulous day!

{CARD TITLE}

All supplies are PTI unless noted

Stamps: LIST STAMPS USED
Paper: LIST PAPER USED
Ink: LIST INK USED
Accessories: LIST ACCESSORIES USED

Paper Dolls Challenge #6

2010-06-16T18:45:00.004-06:00

I'm totally trying to squeak this one in. This post will have to be done in record time to link it up over at the Paper Dolls blog. You'd think 3 weeks would be plenty of time for me to make one little card. Deena, it's not that I didn't like the sketch...I love it, in fact. I have had NO time down in my stamp room. Between running after my 4 cuties and trying to get some work done outside before it becomes unbearably hot, my fingers have seen very little ink.

What seems like an eternity ago (but in reality was only three weeks ago), Deena gave us a fabulous sketch from Papercrafts magazine's Go-to Sketches to work with. Here's a sweet, but simple little thing I came up earlier this afternoon while my baby napped and my oldest played at a friend's. I broke out several background sets for this one. Love them!!!

When friends and families welcome a new little baby to their homes, I really like to be able to help out by bringing in a dinner. After having 4, I know how nice it is to not have to add making dinner to the schedule with a newborn in the house. Unfortunately, I don't live close enough to do so for everyone. In such cases, I give the family a gift card to a restaurant that's convenient for them to get some take out from. For the purposes of showing the card, I cut a piece of Kraft card stock to size to slid into the little pocket. I'm thinking I may save this for one of my fellow Paper Dolls who is expecting...those lucky gals!!!

Well, it is too late to participate in this challenge, but there are a couple fabulous challenges hosted by Laurie and Lee Anne that are still open (and yes, I am behind on those too). Oh yes, and how can I forget!?!?! A great new challenge will be up tomorrow...hosted by moi...so you NEED to play along with that one. ;)

Thanks for stopping by! Have you stamped something from your heart today?

{CONGRATS ON YOUR NEW LITTLE BUNDLE}

All supplies are PTI unless noted

Stamps: Signature Greetings, Background Basics: Text Style, Background Basics: Petal Power, Background Basics: Botanicals, Background Basics: Geometrics
Paper: Sweet Blush, Lavender Moon, Lemon Tart, Aqua Mist
Ink: Fresh Snow, Lavender Moon, Sweet Blush
Accessories: Vintage Buttons, 1/4" Silk Ribbon, SU Dimensionals, WRMK Corner Chomper

PPD Challenge #5

2010-05-26T06:00:00.012-06:00

Two days in a row!?!?! Don't get used to it. ;) Summer is coming and I've got 4 kiddos to keep happy! They love 'making' with Mommy, but when they're 'making' I don't get to do a whole lot of my own work.

Anyway. The last challenge from the Paper Dolls was a color challenge: Hawaiian Shores (hee-hee, my tired fingers just wrote 'Hawaiian Snores'...is that my hint that I should be getting to bed?) Anyway. The color challenge was Hawaiian Shores, Berry Sorbet, and Dark Chocolate.

Lots and lots of masking on this one. I really like how it turned out though. I have a confession to make...I don't think I've ever used the Melon Berry ink on a card before. It stamped much darker than I expected it to...almost has a Terracotta Tile look to it. This card has more layers than I usually use...but it worked on this one. The scallop border at the bottom was created by running some Hawaiian Shores felt through my Big Shot with the Eyelet Lace Die. This would have been my fall back card if I hadn't come up with something else for last night's felt-related PTI Blog Hop.

There's still time to join in the color challenge over at the Paper Dolls blog...I hope you do!

Thanks for stopping by! Have you stamped something from your heart today?

{Stop and Smell the Flowers}

All supplies are PTI unless noted

Stamps: In Bloom, Vintage Picnic Sentiments, Polka Dot Basics II
Paper: Stamper's Select White, Dark Chocolate, Berry Sorbet
Ink: Hawaiian Shores, Berry Sorbet, Dark Chocolate, Versamark
Accessories: Eyelet Lace Die, Vintage Buttons, White DMC floss, seam binding (from my stash)

PTI May Blog Hop : Felt

2010-05-25T16:00:00.004-06:00

I was so excited when I saw this month's challenge for the PTI Blog Hop...felt! PTI's felt is absolutely divine. I remember the first time I touched it...it is amazingly soft. The quality is amazing. I can't wait to have it in all of PTI's lovely colors! In fact, I 'felt' (no pun intended) somewhat limited by the few colors that I have

My first project for tonight is a simple thank you for my daughter's Preschool teacher. Yesterday was actually the last day of school, but her teacher happens to be one of our neighbors so we'll just walk it down the street! When I taught school before marrying my husband, I backed all of the bulletin boards in my classroom with black felt. That way I didn't have to change out faded butcher paper every other month due to the large wall of windows in my classroom. I loved the classic look it gave me of 'blackboards' even though my classroom was equipped with a dry erase board. My old bulletin boards gave me a starting point for this card.

After cutting the felt with a circle nestability, I stamped the outline apple from Teacher's Apple in Fresh Snow ink so I would have an outline to follow. Then I stitched the various parts using DMC embroidery floss and PTI's Rustic Jute Twine. I mounted that on a circle of cardstock, created a 'medallion' using Bitty Box Basics Patterned Paper in Pure Poppy and stacked that all on stop of a piece of New Leaf cardstock cut with the Mat Stack I Die. I sure wish I'd had the Background Basics: Geometrics to stamp somewhere on the card...it's a perfect match for the patterned paper! It's hard to see in the picture, but I stamped a few letters from the Trajan Monogram Alphabet on the strip of Pure Poppy underneath the black scallop (in case you're wondering why I have it listed in the supplies below!)

Here's a second card with just a little bit of felt for the flower centers, to show how just a little bit can pack a great punch. I can't wait to try making a much more colorful garden of flowers when more PTI felt becomes available!

The pink ruffle behind the flowers was made by attaching some seam binding (it matches Raspberry Fizz quite well) to a strip of black cardstock. I felt it needed a little something more, so I colored a few white pearls with Copic markers.The other supplies used are listed below.

I am really looking forward to when the felt becomes available in more and more colors. While perusing the web for something innovative, I saw some fabulous home decor projects I'd love to try.

Thanks for stopping by! I can't wait to see the rest of the cards on the hop! I'll be back tomorrow with another post to share my take on the most recent Paper Dolls challenge.

{Thank You, Teacher}

All supplies are PTI unless noted

Stamps: Teacher's Apple, Trajan Alphabet, Vintage Picnic Sentiments
Paper: Kraft, Pure Poppy, True Black, New Leaf
Ink: Pure Poppy, True Black
Accessories: Mat Stack I Die, Large Scalloped Die, Embroidery Floss from my cross stitching days ;)

{Thinking of You, Always}

All supplies are PTI unless noted

Stamps: YOF: Lily of the Valley
Paper: Stamper's Select White, Linen Vellum
Ink: True Black
Accessories: Beautiful Blooms Dies #3, True Black Buttons, 1/4" White Silk Ribbon, Raspberry Fizz Felt, Hawaiian Shores Felt, Kaiser Pearls, Copic Markers, Seam Binding from stash

PPD Challenge #4

2010-05-19T15:30:00.002-06:00

Well, here I am again. On the eve of another Paper Doll Challenge and I am just now getting around to posting my take on the last challenge. This challenge was issued by the talented Jen Carter. She sure upped the ante with this one...

I initially thought about taking the easy route and making baby cards. Nah...this is supposed to be a challenge, right? Nothing clicked for quite a while. All I had accomplished was creating a major mess trying things out. Of course, none of those 'experiments' made it onto either of these cards. I did see that one of the stamps in Star Prints coordinates perfectly with Dot Spot. Eureka! Two cards were born! Or should I say, "Two stars were born!"

So, what do you think? Is the 'masculine' card masculine enough? I think next time I'd use a complementary color for the 'dot spot' that's right underneath the star...just to add a little somethin' somethin'. Or maybe I'd try covering the card base with dot spots! Oooh...now wouldn't that be daring of me? ;) Thanks for the great challenge, Jen!

Before I hit 'publish post', I do want to say a big, huge thank you to those of you who have been kind enough to leave comments...I truly appreciate it!

Thanks for stopping by! Have you stamped something from your heart today?

{CARD TITLE}

All supplies are PTI unless noted

Stamps: Star Prints, Dot Spot

Paper: Stamper's Select White, Raspberry Fizz, Terracotta Tile
Ink: Versamark, Raspberry Fizz, Terracotta Tile, True Black
Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, White Embossing Powder, Star Punch (SU), Dimensionals, Spellbinders Labels Three Nestabilities, Adhesive Rhinestones

PPD Challenge #3

2010-05-12T21:00:00.031-06:00

Yikes I'm cutting it close! I'm not very good about getting to these Paper Doll Challenges in a very timely manner, am I? I was really excited to give the sketch a go, but I had a bit...okay, a lot...of things to get done before my parents came into town last weekend. My craft room doubles as the guest room, so I haven't had the chance to spend much time stamping. Tonight my parents are visiting some dear friends from their college days so I snuck down to give this sketch a go.

Okay, so I didn't get all that inky. Just the sentiment. But, hey. It sure was nice to play with some ribbon and paper! This card is sized at 4-1/4" by 4-1/4", so it will still fit in a standard A2 envelope. I used an airbrush to add a touch of color to the Spellbinders Tag. I thought the pearls, although probably not in the best position, added a nice touch to this sketch. I'm looking forward to see what the next challenge will be...and hopefully I'll complete it in a more timely manner! If nothing else, I need to time it so I can take a picture before the sun goes down! I need all the help I can get when photographing my cards!

Thanks for stopping by! Have you stamped something from your heart today?

{CARD TITLE}

All supplies are PTI unless noted

Stamps: Everyday Button Bits
Paper: Stamper's Select White, Ocean Tides, Pretty Pastels Patterned Paper
Ink: Smokey Shadow
Accessories: Flat back pearls from stash, Ocean Tides Satin Ribbon, Spellbinders Ribbons Tag Trio Die, BG72 Sketch Marker & Airbrush

PPD Challenge #2

2010-05-04T20:00:00.007-06:00

I finally finished my card for the second Papertrey Paper Dolls Challenge. As much as I love this sketch and everything that everyone has done with it, I struggled with it for some reason. That, and I needed to get a Mother's Day card made for my Mom (which I can't post yet because she reads this blog). Anyway...here's my take on the great sketch.

I made two of these cards...one for each of my sisters who are amazing moms. My big sister has 6 kiddos and my baby sister has 4. Yes, when we get together (only once a year), it can get really crazy. Anyway. The card is fairly straightforward...I hope they like them! Time to get them in the mail!

Thanks for stopping by! Have you stamped something from your heart today?

{Happy Mother's Day Sister}
All supplies are PTI unless noted
Stamps: Women of Life
Paper: Kraft, Vintage Cream, Beautiful 'So Cute' and 'Gorgeous' Quite Contrary by My Mind's Eye
Ink: Berry Sorbet, Smokey Shadow
Accessories: Dimensionals, Rustic Twine, Vintage Buttons (green one is from my stash)

PTI Blog Hop: Tissue Paper

2010-04-25T17:00:00.087-06:00

It's time for another Papertrey Blog Hop! Our challenge this month was to pull out the tissue paper and feature it on our projects. I like tissue paper, I really do, but I've never used it on a card before. It's great filling for gift bags and baskets and such, but never before had I used it on a card. However, after just a bit of playing, I came to see exactly how addicting this could become.

On this first card I used one stamp from Turning a New Leaf and a few small flowers from Beautiful Blooms II. I love how the tissue paper not only added texture to the background, but also how it tones down the bright colors of Raspberry Fizz, Hibiscus Burst, and New Leaf. The tissue paper flower was made from some tissue paper I had in my stash of gift wrappings that is almost a perfect match for Raspberry Fizz. Awesome! I crinkled up the leaves so the textures would match.

I love this next flower. I hope my Grandma does too...so happy to have a card done for her already! As you can see, I also had some pale pink tissue paper that matches Sweet Blush.

Just as a little note, to make the Raspberry Fizz flower I used a variety of EK Success scalloped circle punches. I got smart and used the Big Scalloped Circle Nestabilities from Spellbinders for the Sweet Blush flower. I'll definitely stick to using dies when making tissue paper flowers. No fuss getting all the layers of tissue paper in the punch, if you know what I mean. It was much easier to place a bunch of dies under tissue paper and run it through my Big Shot.

Anyway. On the second card I again used Turning a New Leaf and Beautiful Blooms II for the background, stamping off the stems to get the two tone background. Other supplies can be found below.

Enough of me...time for you to hop on to someone else! Thanks for stopping by tonight! Happy hopping!

{Thanks So Much}
All supplies are PTI unless noted
Stamps: Turning A New Leaf, Mega Mixed Messages, Beautiful Blooms II

Paper: Raspberry Fizz, New Leaf, Stamper's Select (white)
Ink: New Leaf, Raspberry Fizz, Hibiscus Burst, True Black
Accessories: Tissue Paper, Vintage Button, Raspberry Fizz Satin Ribbon, Embroidery Floss, variety of EK Success scalloped circle punches

{Happy Mother's Day, Grandma}
All supplies are PTI unless noted
Stamps: Turning A New Leaf, Beautiful Blooms II, Women of Life
Paper: Sweet Blush, Stamper's Select (white), Ripe Avocado
Ink: Ripe Avocado, Sweet Blush, True Black
Accessories: Tissue Paper, Big Scalloped Circle Nestabilities, Wide satin ribbon (from stash), Dimensionals, Imaginesce pearl brad

PPD Challenge #1

2010-04-24T21:00:00.085-06:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, I recently joined a talented group of bloggers over on the PTI Forum, the Papertrey Paper Dolls. I've been more motivated to get inky than I have in a long time. Laurie got the ball rolling with a fabulous sketch:

A few of the other "Dolls" have already participated, and I love seeing the variety that can come from one starting point. Here's my take:

Right after finishing my card I saw that Jen (another "doll") had posted her take on the sketch. We must be kindred spirits, seeing as we used the same focal image and shape in place of the oval. Fortunately our cards are different enough that I didn't feel like I needed to head back to my stamping table to try again. Jen was smart and didn't try hand cutting the little bird...I did. That was not an easy feat. I love the Tiny Twinkle (from Taylored Expressions) that was just the perfect size for the bird's eye. (Almost said, 'birdie'...as that's what they're called in our home!) I actually attached the buttons right to the white card stock, sewing them right on. I love how it turned out with the variety of 'stitches.'

If there happens to be any design gurus out there reading my little ol' blog...notice how I have my 'threes' on this card? I'm pretty proud of myself...three splashes of each color. I didn't start out with the intention of that happening, but once I had the trios of Raspberry Fizz and Ripe Avocado, I knew I needed to add that little strip of Summer Sunrise as well. Anyway, enough blabbering from me for today. Thanks for the great sketch Laurie!

Thanks for stopping by! Have you stamped something from your heart today?

{Wishing You}
All supplies are PTI unless noted
Stamps: Signature Greeting, Round and Round
Paper: True Black, Summer Sunrise, Raspberry Fizz, Ripe Avocado, Stamper's Select (White)
Ink: True Black, Summer Sunrise, Raspberry Fizz, Ripe Avocado
Accessories: Vintage Buttons, Rick Rack Die, Dimensionals (SU), Prisma Glitter, 1/8" Scor-Tape, Taylor's Tiny Twinkles from Taylored Expressions, White Embroidery Floss

Wishing You...

2010-04-22T10:00:00.023-06:00

...lots of stamping time! Seriously. Who doesn't *need* more stamping time? I know I do! Being a mommy is a pretty fabulous 'job', but I sure do love to make cards! My April release order from Papertrey Ink arrived yesterday and I couldn't wait to ink up new stamps! After L went down for her nap, I set E and B to work 'making' on their side of my craft room and happily sat down to get inky! Of course, there were numerous interruptions with "I need a glue dot" and "Can I use that', and the floor is now very glittery with a jar of sequins that B spilled...but I did manage to get a card finished, so I'm not going to complain!

One of our favorite babysitters will be graduating from high school next month so I made the following card for her.

I am IN LOVE with the argyle set. I could spend all day just trying out different patterns and never make a single card. It really is that fun. It will most definitely be 'loved.' The frame that comes with 'For the Graduate' is going to be so much fun to use with so many different sets. I love how I get more 'bang for my buck' with Papertrey Ink!

In other news, I recently joined a blog group over at PTI to 'encourage' me to make more cards and to do more than just look at/organize all of my pretty stamps, paper, and ribbon. I've been busy setting up the blog for the group, and have had a ball getting to know them a bit better. The links to all of the fabulously talented ladies can be found in the left column. Our first challenge (a sketch this time) was posted today, here, and we'd love to have you participate! I've already got something in mind and am hoping the stars align for some nap time stamping this afternoon..

Thanks for stopping by! Have you stamped something from your heart today?

{Wishing You}
All supplies are PTI unless noted
Stamps: A Little Argyle, For the Graduate
Paper: Stamper's Select (White), Plum Pudding
Ink: True Black, Summer Sunrise, Plum Pudding
Accessories: Plum Pudding Saddle Stitched Ribbon, Prisma Glitter, Dimensional tape (3M)

A Rainbow of Buttons Blog Hop

2010-03-25T15:00:00.003-06:00

I am super excited to participate in tonight's Papertrey Ink Blog Hop. I've often hopped along but have never participated myself. Each month I think, "Self. This is the month." But life has a way of getting in the way sometimes. But when I saw this month's challenge to use buttons, I knew it was time to jump in.

I love looking at the pretty rainbow of button jars in my room, so that's where I took my inspiration for this card today. Small buttons....medium sized buttons...shiny buttons...matte buttons...two holes....four holes. I tried to get a good variety in a rainbow of colors. Oh yes...I usually don't like 'naked' buttons, but I couldn't find my white DMC floss anywhere! See the problem of hoarding supplies? At some point you get a nice 'stash' built up, but there's so much you can't find what you want when you want it. (My room is VERY organized...it's another addiction of mine.)

Anyway. I paired the rainbow of buttons with Scattered Showers Additions to create a card that I'm not 100% happy with...seems a bit bottom heavy to me, but I'm sure it's worth saving for a rainy day. Ha ha!

Thanks for stopping by and happy hopping!

Card Recipe--All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted
Stamps: Scattered Showers Additions
Paper: Stamper's Select
Ink: Summer Sunrise, Spring Rain, True Black
Accessories: Vintage Button in Lots of Colors, Prisma Glitter (around the clouds), Dimensionals (SU)

CPS153 "I Love You"

2010-02-09T00:00:00.012-07:00

I had so much fun making this little flower yesterday. When I saw the CPS Sketch on Sunday, I knew right away that I wanted to try making a little flower out of scalloped circles as seen in this tutorial on Dawn McVey's amazing blog. I thought it only appropriate to use Dawn's Damask Designs on this card as well.

I used a few different sizes of scalloped circle punches (by EK Success) instead of just one size and I think I like the variation. I stamped each circle with one of the patterns from Damask Designs in Sweet Blush. Next time I"ll stamp the vintage text paper before punching it out. Probably more time efficient that way! I love the new formulation of the PTI inks by the way!

I now know what I'll do when my mojo goes missing...make vintage text flowers! It was seriously SO much fun. I can see a rainbow of these little beauties just waiting to find their way onto a card. Stamp the text paper with different stamps...the possibilities are endless! If you haven't tried yet...what are you waiting for!?!? Happy stamping!

Card Recipe--All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted
Stamps: Damask Designs
Paper: Kraft, Vintage Cream, Sweet Blush, Vintage Text Paper (source unknown)
Ink: Dark Chocolate, Sweet Blush
Accessories: Vintage Button in Sweet Blush, Rustic Twine, Sweet Blush Satin Ribbon, Dimensionals

PTI Paint By Number Challenge

2010-02-08T17:00:00.101-07:00

First, I want to thank everyone who took the time to leave a comment on my previous post. I know that it takes extra time, but I truly do appreciate it!

Anyway. I can't believe I'm back with another post so soon. But really...who can pass up the chance to win a $100 Papertrey Gift Certificate?!?!? Certainly not me! I have really enjoyed checking in on Nichole's blog every night before crashing in bed to see what new things I can look forward to with Papertrey Ink. First dies...then felt...now PAINT!!! For a matchy-matchy perfectionist such as myself, it is all something to be very excited about!

Today's challenge was to combine a sketch with specific dimensions with an assigned color palette based on my online user name...choc0holic. My color palette included Kraft, Ocean Tides, Spring Moss, Lemon Tart, and Vintage Cream. I certainly wouldn't have ever put this color combo together myself, so choosing which color to put where was a challenge.

I used the small and large version of one of the leaf patterns in Turning a New Leaf, inking the smaller version with Vintage Cream ink, and the larger with Spring Moss (for tone on tone stamping). The Ocean Tides panel is popped up on dimensionals, as well as the Vintage Cream panel. Let's see...what else? Oh yes. The sentiment IS stamped straight...just didn't photograph that way. Oh well...at least I got the colors to look right on my screen...and for me that's not an easy task!!!

I had so much fun stamping this afternoon. I really need to make time to stamp on a regular basis. That will require training my kiddos to let me stamp after I've helped them with something crafty. ;) I even managed to make a card for the CPS sketch this week. I'm trying to win PTI goodies however I can!!! I'll post that tomorrow! Until then, have a great evening!

Card Recipe--All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted

Stamps: Turning a New Leaf, Vintage Picnic Sentiments
Paper: Kraft, Ocean Tides, Spring Moss, Lemon Tart, Vintage Cream
Ink: Vintage Cream, Spring Moss, Smokey Shadow (sentiment)
Accessories: Lemon Tart Satin Ribbon, Dimensionals, Scallop Border Punch by Stampin' Up!

Love You Forever

2010-02-05T12:00:00.007-07:00

Yes, it's been a LONG time since I've paid this little ol' blog much attention. I've been happily following the festivities over at Nichole Heady's blog celebrating the 3rd anniversary of Papertrey Ink. I even made a card a couple days ago for the challenge welcoming the Stamp Designers. Um yeah. It's still sitting down in my stamp room feeling very much unloved. So, when another challenge was issued for today, I decided it was high time I follow through.

The challenge was to use emboss resist somewhere on a project. I embossed the little hearts from Background Basics: Hearts on Vintage Cream and used sponge daubers to add ink in Sweet Blush, Hibiscus Burst, and a tad bit of Lemon Tart. The "Love You Forever" panel is popped up on dimensionals. I distressed all of the edges with the lighter of the two colors in the Tea Dye Duo.

I had great fun making this card this morning and look forward to even more challenges that get me down in my stamp room!

Card Recipe--All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted

Stamps: Heart Prints, Background Basics: Hearts
Paper: Kraft, Vintage Cream
Ink: Dark Chocolate, Sweet Blush, Hibiscus Burst, Lemon Tart, Tea Dye Duo
Accessories: Rustic Twine, Vintage Buttons in Cream and Sweet Blush, Labels 8 by Spellbinders

Bellarific Friday: Christmas/Winter

2009-11-06T00:00:00.060-07:00

Another 'challenge' I have been following is Stamping Bella's Bellarific Fridays. I am happy to say that with a 'theme' of Christmas/Winter today, I now have another card to add to my Christmas stash. Of course, I didn't finish it until after the kiddos were in bed tonight, hence the bad lighting for the picture. I tried to fix it...honest, I did! {Note to self: don't take the picture late at night next time. It can't be fixed.}

Here's my card using the Ornament with Holly stamp:

I have a good collection of Copics, but still need LOTS of practice before I'll be coloring anywhere near as well as Lindabella...isn't she amazing!?!?! I guess that's part of why this card took so long to complete. That and getting out my Mini {Janome Sew Mini} for the stitching. I highlighted the image with a Clear Spica Glitter Pen...it's really sparkly in real life. The bling was an afterthought, and I don't know that sewing and using the bling on the same card was such a good idea. Oh well. Too late now! I wanted to add a little somethin' somethin' more, but I ended up leaving as it is. This way it's still 'mail friendly.' Ta-Ta for now and Happy Stamping!

Stamps: Ornament with Holly, Merry Christmas {Stamping Bella}
Paper: Neenah Solar White, Purely Pomegranate {Stampin' Up!}, Eskimo Kisses {Basic Grey}
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Copic Sketch Markers, Clear Spica Glitter Pen, 'Bling' {Hero Arts}, Dimensionals,
Cool Tools: Deckled Rectangle Dies {Spellbinders}, Janome Sew Mini

Sweet Sunday Season's Greetings

2009-11-05T00:00:00.037-07:00

I have long been a fan of Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketches. Often I'll say to myself, "Hey self! That's a great sketch. You can use X Stamp and X Papers and it'll look amazing!" (Or at least I think it will look amazing.) Sadly, I'm much better at planning these things out that I am at actually putting ink to paper and creating said amazing card. Well, with this new blog all set up, and Christmas cards needing to be made, it was time to get busy!

This is for Karen's current sketch...yay me for getting it posted 'on time'. I've been admiring the nontraditional color combinations that are popping up all over on Christmas cards and was happy to give it a go with this card. Although the colors are slightly wonky in this picture, it works for me. It doesn't show in the picture, but I went over each of the ornaments with a clear glaze pen to give it a little shine. The best thing about this card? It's FLAT...I can mail it without worrying about any extra postage! Thanks for stopping by...I'll be back tomorrow {*crossing my fingers*} with a card for Bellarific Friday!

Card Recipe

Stamps: Take a Bough
Paper: Kraft, Sweet Blush, Aqua Mist, Spring Moss, Stamper's Select
Ink: Dark Chocolate, Sweet Blush, Aqua Mist, Spring Moss, Silver Encore
Accessories: Aqua Mist Satin Ribbon, Fiskars Apron Lace Punch, Dimensionals, Clear Glaze Pen