Fun cards and news!

Hello everyone!  Well it has been some time since I blogged!  I've been working on lots of crafty goodness, but much of it is not ready to share with you yet!  I've been *gasp* actually scrapbooking instead of making cards a lot this week!  =)  Pics will come soon when the scrapbook is ready!  =D

Next, I was so so SO excited to get chosen for the Froggin Fantastic Four over at Lily Pad Cards!  Have you checked out their website yet?  They have lots of fun challenges and tips and tricks for card makers everywhere!  It's such a fun, new site and I'm honored that they chose me!

Ok, and now onto today's cards:

I'm really happy with the way this card turned out!  I started with this incredible paper from Paper Source and then used PTI's Tag-it's #1 and #2 to make the great Mother's Day tag!  The pearly rose was handmade with my new molds from mold muse on Etsy!  If you haven't checked them out yet either, definitely do that too!  =)  Here's a close-up of the card:

Also, I'd like to give credit to Britta Swiderski for the great twine-wrapping idea!  She used it a few weeks ago for her card on her Video Tutorial Monday, and I felt that this card needed a little something more!  Then I remembered her twine idea, and voila!  =)  This card was inspired by:
1. CR84FN #24: 

 

2. Etsy Inspired #135 - The Creating is Fun Shop.  I was inspired by this picture with the beautiful pearly buttons:

UPDATE: I'm also entering this card for consideration over at the Practical Scrappers blog for their Challenge me Tuesday challenges!  This week's challenge is twine so it was perfect!  I'd never been to their blog before, but it's fabulous!  Check it out here! 

And now, onto the next card:

 

Wee Memories is having an "All Things Adorable" challenge this week!  In my world, there is little that is more adorable than my little dog, Lucky!  I recently saw this stamp set on clearance at my local Michael's and I couldn't resist all of the cute cute pupples!  I especially liked this one because he reminds me of our little guy when he's on alert:

Hehe!  I also love this Max and Whiskers paper pack from Basic Grey and thought that this all went just perfect together!  =)  Again, this card was inspired by the current Wee Memories Challenge:

Ok everyone!  Well, I hope that you are all having a wonderful week, and that those of you celebrating Easter have a lovely Easter weekend!  =)  Enjoy! 

Ladybugs!!!

Hey there blogland!  We are smack dab in the middle of a wonderful weekend at HOME and I'm loving it!  It's been so long since we had a nice, quiet weekend at our house and I have to say it's been lovely!  =)  Not only did I get a bunch of housework done, but I also had LOTS of time this morning to craft!  =D

I was so excited to use this new stamp set from PTI that I recently bought.  It's not a newly released set, but it's new to me and I love LOVE ladybugs!  Anyway, here's my card:

I am really happy with how this card turned out!  I just love LOVE this sentiment, it's so true that you have to stop and enjoy the little joys  in life, like having a weekend at home!  =) 
All of these papers came from my box of scraps, which I am trying to use up!  This was convenient since Tuesday Throwdown's challenge this week was scraps!  =) 
Speaking of inspiration, this card was inspired by the following challenges:
1. Card Patterns #106 Sketch
2. Tuesday Throwdown #39 - Use Scraps in/on your project
3. Etsy Inspired Challenge #130 - Artwork by Lori/The Royal Bead Shop.  I was inspired by this awesome piece of jewelry to add the flowers to this project:

   

Well, I hope that everyone is having a great weekend!  Stay tuned tomorrow for the DeNami March Blog Hop!  It's sure to be a good one!!!!  =D




Paper: 
* PTI - Stamper's Select White Cardstock
* Bazzill Basics - Black Cardstock
Stamps and Ink: 
* Memento - Tuxedo Black Ink
* Ranger Distress Ink - Barn Door
* PTI - Hey Lady
Other:
* Red Glitter
* Scor Tape
* Foam Adhesive
* White Button
* Red Floss - DMC
* Black Rhinestones

Baby, Baby!

Good evening readers!  The weekend is almost here!  I hope that everyone has been able to stay warm this week!  It sure is cold here in Pennsylvania!  We've had lots of delays this week for school, and so I've enjoyed the extra hours of sleep!  =) 

I told you that I'd have more fun cards this week, and here's one that I made with lots and LOTS of Lawn Fawn:

I'm totally valentined out, and so I really wanted to do this week's Lawnscaping challenge but I didn't want to make another love card!  That's when I thought of a baby card!  You can't have too many hearts on a card for a new mother!  =)  I used three different Lawn Fawn sets here, and also made an accent flower.  Add some smooch spritz all over this card, and voila! 

This was inspired by two challenges:
1. Lawnscapings #3 - All About Love

 

2. Etsy Inspired Challenge #125 - Daisy Petal Designs Shop; My flower was inspired by this amazing headband:

Is everyone ready for the DeNami Blog Hop on Sunday?  I know I'm sure excited for it!  =)  I just love buttons!!!  Can't wait to see you all there!  Until then, have a cozy and fun weekend!  =)

 
Paper: 
* Neenah Cardstock
* Scrap of Purple Cardstock
Stamps and Ink: 
*  Ranger Distress Ink - Worn Lipstick
* Purple Pigment Ink
* Lawn Fawn - Teeny Tiny Backdrops, Harold's ABC's, and Sophie's Sentiments
Other:
* Flower and Rhinestone
* Baker's Twine (Purple and Pink - Divine Twine)
* Purple and Pink Glittery Twill Ribbon
* Smooch Spritz - Vanilla Shimmer
 * Copic Markers

Valentines!!!

Well, I said I really didn't want a snow day and here I am... having a snow day!  I was able to clean the kitchen and bedroom, and hopefully I'll get some post-lunch crafting in!  =)

I'm so excited, because my OTHER favorite card-realted holiday is right around the corner --> Valentine's Day!!!  I have always believed that Valentine's Day is NOT just about couples, but about telling everyone in your life how much you love them!  Because of that, I've been sending out LOTS of valentines for many many years!

Along with my own valentines this year, I'm making lots to send to the Cards St. Jude's card drive that the lovely Winter is putting together!  This is especially a special cause for me because I am a survivor of childhood cancer.  Six years ago, I was diagnosed with and treated for Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  I'm 100% healthy now, and it is extremely important to me to be able to do something for other children with cancer.  To give cards to this drive, click here:

Here's a pair of cards that I created for the card drive:

  

I just love Lawn Fawn's new set, My Silly Valentine!  I think these cards could make just about any little kid smile!  And of course I had to add buttons, because buttons are just so much fun!  =D

These cards were also inspired by the Etsy Inspired Challenge 121 - LaPomme.  Here's the picture that inspired me:

I also made another valentine that will probably go to someone in my family!  I'm really happy with the turnout:

Don't you just love these little flat heart cards from Paper Source?  I buy them every year to make very old-fashioned looking valentines!  I also just bought some stamp die-cuts and so I was really excited to try them out!  This card was inspired by three different challenges:
1. Off the Wall Craftiness Color Challenge #40:

2. Wee Memories Scrappy Saturday Challenge #38: Use Twine on your Project

3. Tuesday Throwdown 31: Background Stamping



St. Jude's Button Cards: 
Paper: 
* Recollections Cardstock
Stamps and Ink: 
* Memento Tuxedo Black
* Lawn Fawn - My Silly Valentine
Other:
* Buttons
* Cream Grosgrain Ribbon
Heart Shaped Valentine:
Paper: 
* Paper Source 4 Bar Red Heart
* Neenah and Recollections Cardstock
Stamps and Ink: 
* Ranger Distress Ink - Antique Linen and Barn Door
* Versamark Watermark Ink
* Whispers Snow White Embossing Powder
* Lawn Fawn - Teeny Tiny Backdrops, My Silly Valentine, Sophie's Sentiments
Other:
* Red and White Baker's Twine from AR Creations Etsy Shop
* Red Pearl
* FloraDoodles from Petaloo

Finally!!!

Hi blogland!  =)  I really wanted to post my cards last night, but the internet just wasn't cooperating with me!  I had lots of crafty time yesterday, which was really good since my stress level was literally THROUGH THE ROOF!  But I'm trying to stay positive and hope for everything to work out... =) 

I did get some good news yesterday, my Father-in-Law and his long time girlfriend (we've all called her "stepmom" for years) decided that they are getting MARRIED this spring!  The hubs and I are so excited!  We absolutely love them and wish them the best!  I made them this card to celebrate:

I really love how this card turned out!  =)  This was was SUPER inspired by a bunch of challenges:
1. Off the Wall Craftiness 39
2. Repeat Impressions What If? Wednesday Sketch #D2910
3. Simon Says Stamp - New Beginnings
4. Tuesday Throwdown 30 - Embossing Technique
5. City Crafter Challenge Blog 38 - Winter White

     

I also made a card that was EtsyInspired this week!  Their store inspiration for challenge 120 was Muffa, this great store with adorable little crocheted mini characters!  Here's my card and the inspiration that I chose:

I just can't get enough of that Stampendous Birthday Bee!  I also wanted to make it look like he was high in the sky, so I used some masking and distress ink to make the Happy Birthday sentiment look like it was inside of the sun!  =)  Can you tell I'm already getting tired of winter?  Haha.  Here's the inspiration photo, I just loved the colors and the little whimsical gnomes:

Well, thanks for stopping by today!  I hope you have a crafty weekend everyone!  I'll be celebrating Orthodox Christmas with family and friends, so I'll be back Sunday for the DeNami Design January Blog Hop! =) 



Congratulations Card:
Paper:
* Neenah and Bazzil Cardstock
Stamps and Ink:
* Wedding Stamp Set -
* Memento Tuxedo Black
* Versamark Ink
* Whispers Silver Embossing Powder
Embellishments:
* Silver Satin Ribbon
* Recollections Sticker Letters and Symbols
* Rhinestones

Happy Birthday Card:
Paper:
* Neenah Cardstock
Stamps and Ink:
* Stampendous - Happy Bee Day to You Set 
* Paper Source - Sentiment Stamp
* Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
* Color Box Green Pigment Ink
* Ranger Distress Ink - Barn Door
* Ranger Distress Ink - Mustard Seed
Embellishments:
* Blue Rick Rack Ribbon
* Scalloped Circles
* Copic Markers
* Ranger Stickles - Crystal
* Chipboard Letter and Number

More Daytime Craftiness!

Hello again readers!  So we once AGAIN had a snow day today, so I'm tucked in comfortably working on stuff for the next week of challenges!  Today I have two cards to show you!  I've also been working on some fun stuff for the DeNami Gift Tag Blog Hop for next week! And hopefully, I'll get some more stuff done for tonight!  Anyway, here's the first card I have for today:

  I just can't get enough of these penguins!  This card is a CASE study challenge from Repeat Impressions!  I was using CASE #N24 originally created by Dana Joy, here's her card:

 

And now, onto the next card I have to share with you today!  

  I love the CAS design of this card!  This one didn't take very much time, but I think that it is very elegant!  I always love any chance I get to use some pretty gingham ribbon!  This card was inspired by several challenges:
1. The Play Date Cafe 58 - Red and White
2. Jay Gee's Nook Challenge 2 - Inspired by the Photo Below

 

3. Tuesday Throwdown 28 - Clean and Simple
4. City Crafter Challenge 34  - Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!
5. Etsy - Inspired Challenge 117 - Paper Seeds Shop: I was inspired by this picture:

Well, that's all I have for you today!  =D I hope you enjoyed my cards, happy crafting, and stay warm! 

 
Merry Christmas Penguins: 
Paper:   
*Neenah and Recollections Cardstock
* Basic Grey Patterned Paper

Stamps and Ink:

* Repeat Impressions - Christmas Penguins

* Memento - Tuxedo Black

* Ranger Distress Ink - Barn Door

Embellishments:

* Gold Pearls


Red and White Joy Card: 
Paper:   
*Neenah Cardstock

Stamps and Ink:

*Lawn Fawn - Frosties

* Inkadinkado - Warm Christmas Wishes

* Ranger Distress Ink - Barn Door

Embellishments:

* Red Button
* Red and White Baker's Twine from AR Creations

Snowy Window!

Hello everyone!  I just have one more card to share with you today!  I was inspired yesterday by our first snowfall of the season!  Considering I live in Pittsburgh, the fact that the first snowfall wasn't until November 27th is actually quite amazing! And even then it didn't stick.  None the less, I was looking out my window at the snow and feeling excited!  Later in the day, I checked out the new Etsy Inspired Challenge (#116) whose Etsy inspiration this week is a shop called Heartsong with beautiful artwork.  There, I found a photo of two people sharing a moment looking at the snow:

 

  Between these two snowy inspirations, my card was born:

  

My goal was to make the card look like a snow frosted window!  I stamped and distressed the window, and then covered the entire window part with clear embossing powder.  You can see that it is shiny in the pictures!

I then used ribbons to make the window appear to have "curtains."  I wanted the curtains to be sheer so the window could still easily be seen, and to tie back the curtains I used a velvet ribbon.  I also free-handed the candle and stole the little flame from Lawn Fawn's "Happy Hannukah" set.  The holly surrounding the candle was from an Inkadinkado' Holiday set.  I finished off the card with a little "Merry Christmas" from Lawn Fawn's Harold's ABC's!

Along with Etsy Inspired Challenge #116, this card was also inspired by the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #81.  This week I used the simplifed sketch:

 

  I hope you enjoyed my snowy inspired Christmas card tonight!  Tomorrow I'm looking forward to my last day off (gotta love hunting season in Western PA!) so that I can get some more crafting done and also get my house decorated for Christmas!  Yay! 

Paper:

*Recollections Cardstock

* Basic Grey PP - Jovial Set

Stamps and Ink:

*Lawn Fawn - Frosties, Harold's ABC's, Happy Hanukkah
* Inkadinkado - Warm Holiday Wishes
* Memento - Tuxedo Black

* Ranger Distress Ink - Broken China '

* Versamark Ink

* Whispers' Deep Impact Clear Embossing Powder

Embellishments:

* Sheer Brown Organza Ribbon
* Brown Velvet Ribbon
*  Red Rhinestones

Noel

Good evening everyone!  Today we had a SUPER productive day!  The hubs and I were able to get lots of stuff clean and I got lots of cards made!  I've been mass producing my Christmas cards (those will be shown in another post!), and I also had a little time for challenge cards too!  I had a lot of fun creating this very homey, cute card today:

I started with this adorable little Jenna stamp, and then I stamped over the stars with a tiny snowflake from a Lawn Fawn set to make it more of a winter card.  For the most part, this card is red, white and green, but I added a little splash of blue with her eyes and some stickles to the middles of the snowflake.  Here's a closer shot:

This card was inspired by the following challenges:
1. Tuesday Throwdown #26 - Buttons and Bows
2. City Crafter Challenge #31 - Cards with Small Children
3. Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #80
4. Etsy Inspired Challenge #115 (Queen of Tarts Cakes) using the colors from the picture below on the right:

  

As Thanksgiving is approaching, I'm getting more and more ready to embrace the holiday spirit!  There's lots to do between now and Christmas, but I'm super excited for it!  =D  I've also been thinking lots about how absolutely lucky I am to have such great friends and family, and so much awesome support for this blog!  Thank you for all of your wonderful comments and inspiration, you are all a blessing to me!  =)

And on that note, have a wonderful week!  =)

 
Paper:

* Recollections and Bazzil Cardstock

Stamps and Ink:

* Lawn Fawn - Bows and Holly and Critters in the Snow

* D'Amour Allure - Jenna

* Color Box - Green
* Memento - Tuxedo Black

Embellishments:

* Satin Red Ribbon
* Green Buttons
* Red and White Baker's Twine
* Waterfall Stickles