Tuesday, December 23, 2008
We've had an adventure
I've been missing, but I promise it is all for good reason. We took a trip up to Big Rapids, Michigan for a family get graduation and had to mess with the ice storm that recently decended upon the midwest. We had to leave a day early (in an effort to beat some of the weather), so there wasn't really any time to post. I also didn't have time to put together a project, so there won't be anything new to report until we get home to Columbus. Sorry to disappoint. Have a happy holiday and we will return to our regularly scheduled programing soon. Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
This just in. . .
I was featured in the Columbus Dispatch today along with several other artists in the area that make and send their own Christmas cards. Emily, Eva, and I all worked at the same place (at different times). I am a big fan of both of these talented ladies. Check out the article here (though most of the cards aren't online). This is the card I submitted.
The photo isn't great because I didn't stage it like I usually do. The Dispatch wanted it to be a simple head-on shot and it's too late to rephotograph right now. The stamps are all Papertrey. I stamped using Burnt Umber Palette ink and then colored with Prismacolor pencils. I'm happy with the card, but it really didn't translate in the newspaper as well as I was hoping. It's nothing like a magazine!
Recipe:
Cardstock: Ripe Avocado, Pure Poppy, Kraft - Papertrey Ink; Ultimate White - Strathmore
Stamps: Boards & Beams, Boards & Beams Holiday Additions, Snowfall - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Ripe Avocado, Spring Moss - Papertrey Ink; Burnt Umber - Palette, Frost White - Colorbox
Other: Glitter Pen - Sakura; Foam Tape - Scotch; White Embroidery Floss - DMC, Buttons
The photo isn't great because I didn't stage it like I usually do. The Dispatch wanted it to be a simple head-on shot and it's too late to rephotograph right now. The stamps are all Papertrey. I stamped using Burnt Umber Palette ink and then colored with Prismacolor pencils. I'm happy with the card, but it really didn't translate in the newspaper as well as I was hoping. It's nothing like a magazine!
Recipe:
Cardstock: Ripe Avocado, Pure Poppy, Kraft - Papertrey Ink; Ultimate White - Strathmore
Stamps: Boards & Beams, Boards & Beams Holiday Additions, Snowfall - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Ripe Avocado, Spring Moss - Papertrey Ink; Burnt Umber - Palette, Frost White - Colorbox
Other: Glitter Pen - Sakura; Foam Tape - Scotch; White Embroidery Floss - DMC, Buttons
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Suggestions?
Does anyone have a home remedy for arthritis? Even I think I'm taking too much Advil these days. Healing power of mangoes? Soothing relief from cracked black pepper? Anyone?
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Peace On Earth
Hello, All. I've been working on submissions, so I'm sorry that I haven't posted as much as I should be. The right knee in my favorite jeans blew out this week. I'm bummed. Anyone that knows me personally knows I despise clothes shopping. It's the worst time in the world to actually need to go shopping too. Perhaps I'll just live in my khaki pants and backup jeans until after Christmas. We'll see...
I made this card last week. I love the doves and I wanted to make sure I used them at least once before the busyness of the season stole all of my craft time. I also used the Guidelines set for this card. I really like the look I can get with those stamps but I never remember to use them. I almost always reach for the Polka Dot Basics set when I need a background quickly. I'm going to try to use it more often. You are my witnesses.
I used some silver cardstock I had laying around too. I don't often use metallic papers in my crafting, but I like the cool richness it adds to this project. I also used my beloved glitter pen on this card, but you can't really see it. It sparkles and shines in real life though. The whole dove medallion is adhered using foam tape to give it a little more pop. Lots of layers; very blue. I hope you've enjoyed today's card. Take care and watch out for crazies when you're out doing your holiday shopping.
Recipe:
Cardstock: Stonewashed & Admiral - Bazzill Basics, Silver - Paper Source, White - Strathmore
Stamps: Believe, Holiday Tag Collection 2008, Guidelines - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Prussian Blue - Palette, Frost White - Colorbox
Ribbon: Navy Grosgrain - May Arts
Brads: White mini brads - American Crafts
Tools: Nested circles, Nested Flowers - Quickutz; Die Cut Machine
Other: Foam Tape - Scotch
I made this card last week. I love the doves and I wanted to make sure I used them at least once before the busyness of the season stole all of my craft time. I also used the Guidelines set for this card. I really like the look I can get with those stamps but I never remember to use them. I almost always reach for the Polka Dot Basics set when I need a background quickly. I'm going to try to use it more often. You are my witnesses.
I used some silver cardstock I had laying around too. I don't often use metallic papers in my crafting, but I like the cool richness it adds to this project. I also used my beloved glitter pen on this card, but you can't really see it. It sparkles and shines in real life though. The whole dove medallion is adhered using foam tape to give it a little more pop. Lots of layers; very blue. I hope you've enjoyed today's card. Take care and watch out for crazies when you're out doing your holiday shopping.
Recipe:
Cardstock: Stonewashed & Admiral - Bazzill Basics, Silver - Paper Source, White - Strathmore
Stamps: Believe, Holiday Tag Collection 2008, Guidelines - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Prussian Blue - Palette, Frost White - Colorbox
Ribbon: Navy Grosgrain - May Arts
Brads: White mini brads - American Crafts
Tools: Nested circles, Nested Flowers - Quickutz; Die Cut Machine
Other: Foam Tape - Scotch
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Oops. . .
I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving! I really don't mean to be gone as long as I am sometimes. All of a sudden it hits me that I haven't been back to the blog in a few days and I start to feel guilty. Then I feel like I have to bring something super fantastic to wow anyone that has been patiently waiting for a post. Bring on the performance anxiety.
Anyway, I'm going to push through the guilt and bring you a couple of small projects. I've been working on gift tags lately. Every year I wrap our gifts in recycled kraft or white butcher paper (ironic for a vegetarian, huh?) and then embellish with either fabric ribbon or baker's twine. I really like the baker's twine because the presents look like they're wrapped in candy canes. This humble wrapping lends itself quite well to a nifty tag. I never liked the dueling patterns on my gift tags and wrapping paper when I was a kid. This wrap job lets the gift tag sing!
So far this year I have made several sets of gift tags for craft shows. I was making a few more sets just yesterday to restock and I thought it might be nice to share. These two are my favorites.
Each tag is stamped with charcoal ink and then colored with pencils. I also used a glitter pen to embellish the snowman's hat and the garland and star on the tree. There is a sip of adhesive on the back to make them super easy and self-adhesive. Peel & stick!
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. If you are in the area I am going to be at the St. Joe's Montessori School Winter Festival this weekend. The kick off is tonight and Sunday there will be fun from 12-5. Take care, everyone!
Recipe:
Cardstock: Strathmore
Stamps: To/From - Papertrey ink (Spooky Sweets set), Snowman/Tree - I'm not sure. I got them at Archiver's in the Hot Spot bins last year. I'll update this if I find their blocks (I unmounted them).
Other: Colored Pencils - Prismacolor, mineral spirits, glitter pen - Sakura, Permanent Double Sided Tape - Scotch
Anyway, I'm going to push through the guilt and bring you a couple of small projects. I've been working on gift tags lately. Every year I wrap our gifts in recycled kraft or white butcher paper (ironic for a vegetarian, huh?) and then embellish with either fabric ribbon or baker's twine. I really like the baker's twine because the presents look like they're wrapped in candy canes. This humble wrapping lends itself quite well to a nifty tag. I never liked the dueling patterns on my gift tags and wrapping paper when I was a kid. This wrap job lets the gift tag sing!
So far this year I have made several sets of gift tags for craft shows. I was making a few more sets just yesterday to restock and I thought it might be nice to share. These two are my favorites.
Each tag is stamped with charcoal ink and then colored with pencils. I also used a glitter pen to embellish the snowman's hat and the garland and star on the tree. There is a sip of adhesive on the back to make them super easy and self-adhesive. Peel & stick!
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. If you are in the area I am going to be at the St. Joe's Montessori School Winter Festival this weekend. The kick off is tonight and Sunday there will be fun from 12-5. Take care, everyone!
Recipe:
Cardstock: Strathmore
Stamps: To/From - Papertrey ink (Spooky Sweets set), Snowman/Tree - I'm not sure. I got them at Archiver's in the Hot Spot bins last year. I'll update this if I find their blocks (I unmounted them).
Other: Colored Pencils - Prismacolor, mineral spirits, glitter pen - Sakura, Permanent Double Sided Tape - Scotch
Monday, November 24, 2008
Tag - I'm it . . .
I took a day off of my computer and come back to find out that I've been tagged by the lovely and talented Sharyn. Why not play along? So, the rules as I understand them are to post 7 random things about myself that will come as news to you the reader. I'm supposed to tag seven more people, but I think we're going to consider this an open call. I feel it is only fair to warn you all that I went through a mildly edgy stage at the tail end of high school, that said...
1. I shaved my head the day after high school graduation. Frankly, I was just sick of putting effort into brushing and styling and blow drying and mousse. So I shaved my head, or rather, my friend Jim shaved my head on my front porch. FYI: hair clippings are difficult to sweep out of fake grass.
2. I met my husband at a punk rock show. I didn't even know anything about punk rock. I was just there because it was the only thing happening on the last day of 11th grade. He was wearing a "Proud Father of Twins" t-shirt and flailing around like a crazy person. We've been married 5 years. He rarely flails like a crazy person anymore.
3. I went vegetarian after reading a Shel Silverstein poem and I never went back. I've lost track of the time. I don't miss it. Being vegetarian isn't even something I really think about anymore. Unless someone is serving soup...then I get nervous. Just because it isn't beef stew doesn't mean it is vegetarian. Chicken stock is still chicken.
4. I played the lead in "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" in the eighth grade. At some point afterward I developed a serious case permanent stage fright though. Now I can barely sing "Happy Birthday" in front of other people.
5. I haven't colored my hair since my Aunt Gina (sounds like Guh - eee - na) passed away. She used to give me static about how coloring my hair was a denial of my heritage and how I should be proud of my dark tresses. After she passed, I sort of decided to leave my appearance alone as an homage to her.
6. I only eat certain junk foods when I'm on a long car ride. As soon as I'm staring down a 6 hour drive the first thing I buy to take along is a giant bag of cracker & cheese Combos.
And finally...
7. I have three pairs of Chuck Taylors that I wear constantly. The brown ones are in heaviest rotation, but the black ones and the pink ones get in there every so often too.
Alright, I don't know who to tag, so if you are reading and you want to play along, just leave a comment and I'll be sure to read your 7 random things. Thanks for reading, folks. I'll try to post a project either tonight or tomorrow. Take care!
1. I shaved my head the day after high school graduation. Frankly, I was just sick of putting effort into brushing and styling and blow drying and mousse. So I shaved my head, or rather, my friend Jim shaved my head on my front porch. FYI: hair clippings are difficult to sweep out of fake grass.
2. I met my husband at a punk rock show. I didn't even know anything about punk rock. I was just there because it was the only thing happening on the last day of 11th grade. He was wearing a "Proud Father of Twins" t-shirt and flailing around like a crazy person. We've been married 5 years. He rarely flails like a crazy person anymore.
3. I went vegetarian after reading a Shel Silverstein poem and I never went back. I've lost track of the time. I don't miss it. Being vegetarian isn't even something I really think about anymore. Unless someone is serving soup...then I get nervous. Just because it isn't beef stew doesn't mean it is vegetarian. Chicken stock is still chicken.
4. I played the lead in "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" in the eighth grade. At some point afterward I developed a serious case permanent stage fright though. Now I can barely sing "Happy Birthday" in front of other people.
5. I haven't colored my hair since my Aunt Gina (sounds like Guh - eee - na) passed away. She used to give me static about how coloring my hair was a denial of my heritage and how I should be proud of my dark tresses. After she passed, I sort of decided to leave my appearance alone as an homage to her.
6. I only eat certain junk foods when I'm on a long car ride. As soon as I'm staring down a 6 hour drive the first thing I buy to take along is a giant bag of cracker & cheese Combos.
And finally...
7. I have three pairs of Chuck Taylors that I wear constantly. The brown ones are in heaviest rotation, but the black ones and the pink ones get in there every so often too.
Alright, I don't know who to tag, so if you are reading and you want to play along, just leave a comment and I'll be sure to read your 7 random things. Thanks for reading, folks. I'll try to post a project either tonight or tomorrow. Take care!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Tiny Canary: Final Summary
The show went really well! Had a lot of fun, but I did need a few days to recuperate. I didn't get any really great photos, but my friend Wendy worked her photo magic and got some beautiful product shots.
This is one of my greeting cards. I had two baskets of handmade cards sitting at the front of the table.
This is the 2009 desktop calendar that I designed. Wendy suggested I have December showing to get people into the gift buying mindset. She's a smart girl, that Wendy.
I made several of these pillow boxes to use as jewelry or gift card holders. People really seemed to like them and they made a really nice, eye-catching display.
These are a couple of my boxed holiday card styles. These mittens are embellished with just a tiny touch of glitter on the snowflakes. I think they may be my favorite of the three styles I designed for this year.
Alright. That's all of the photos I have for now. I did update the Etsy store for anyone that is interested. Thanks again for sticking with me during this period of thin posts. Take care!
This is one of my greeting cards. I had two baskets of handmade cards sitting at the front of the table.
This is the 2009 desktop calendar that I designed. Wendy suggested I have December showing to get people into the gift buying mindset. She's a smart girl, that Wendy.
I made several of these pillow boxes to use as jewelry or gift card holders. People really seemed to like them and they made a really nice, eye-catching display.
These are a couple of my boxed holiday card styles. These mittens are embellished with just a tiny touch of glitter on the snowflakes. I think they may be my favorite of the three styles I designed for this year.
Alright. That's all of the photos I have for now. I did update the Etsy store for anyone that is interested. Thanks again for sticking with me during this period of thin posts. Take care!
Poshta Design Makes the List!
Last weekend at Tiny Canary one of the editors of Columbus Alive came around taking photos of "Great gifts under $20." I just checked the Columbus Alive website and there it was, a photo of my bookplates at the very top of the article! I haven't gone looking for a paper copy of the magazine yet, but I will be sure to check for one tomorrow at the library. How exciting! You can see the article here. I also just updated the Poshta webstore with all of the new items I debuted at the show.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Tiny Canary: Day 1
Today went well. I took a few photos and I'll make sure to post a couple of those after the close tomorrow. I could use a nap, but I'm still in good spirits. Thanks for hanging in there while I've been absent these past few weeks. I expect to start posting more consistently next week. Till then...
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Go Vote!
Sorry for my absence. I've been super busy preparing for Tiny Canary and haven't had much time to photograph anything. I do want to take this opportunity to ask everyone to take the time to vote today. It is important! Go VOTE! Back to tying tiny bows on pillow boxes. Peace out...
Thursday, October 16, 2008
I'm sorry I haven't been posting much lately. I've been super busy getting ready for Tiny Canary and designing goodies for the Etsy store. Today I'm sharing a tiny gift card. This itty bitty note measures 2" x 3.5" and it fits into a small business card-sized glassine envelope.
I used the Papertrey Ink stamp set Rustic Branches (designed by Heather Nichols) for the branch and sentiment. The branch is colored with Prismacolor Pencils and odorless mineral spirits. I used a short length of hemp cording to dress it up a little bit. Pretty simple, but I'm pleased with the result.
Recipe:
Cardstock: Green - Bazzill, White - Strathmore, Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink, Dark Moss Chalk Ink - Colorbox
Other: Colored Pencils - Prismacolor, Odorless mineral spirits - Weber, Hemp Cord - Darice, Glassine envelope - Paper Source
I used the Papertrey Ink stamp set Rustic Branches (designed by Heather Nichols) for the branch and sentiment. The branch is colored with Prismacolor Pencils and odorless mineral spirits. I used a short length of hemp cording to dress it up a little bit. Pretty simple, but I'm pleased with the result.
Recipe:
Cardstock: Green - Bazzill, White - Strathmore, Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink, Dark Moss Chalk Ink - Colorbox
Other: Colored Pencils - Prismacolor, Odorless mineral spirits - Weber, Hemp Cord - Darice, Glassine envelope - Paper Source
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Great News!
I just found out that I've been accepted into the Tiny Canary Indie Design Market! It's a juried art and craft show on November 15th & 16th at Junctionview Studios in Grandview. I am really excited about this opportunity. I hope anyone in the Central Ohio area will stop by and say hello. I'm sure I'll be talking about this event more and more as the dates approach. Support indie arts!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
A Couple of Additions
I wanted to point out that I've added a subscription option and a direct link to my Etsy shop to the sidebar of the blog. I've had a couple of people ask about the subscription thingie and I've recently put a number of things in the shop, so I thought it was time. Thanks for sticking with me during this dry spell! G'night...
Monday, October 6, 2008
An Autumn Thank You
I seriously haven't made a card in a week. I'm starting to get the shakes. One has no time for card making when building an empire. Ha! Empire! Ha!
Anyway, I made this card awhile ago and I thought I might share it today. I used the copper ink to stamp a swirl from the Inkadinkado Swirls and Dots set onto dark chocolate cardstock. The Papertrey Text Boxed and Limitless Labels sets were both stamped in New Canvas Palette ink. The series of dots in the fern leaves are also from the Text Boxed set. The fern is also stamped onto dark chocolate cardstock and matted with copper cardstock. The white "photo corners" and white fibers pull the whole thing together.
I'll try to get back on the craft horse soon. Thanks for checking in today...
Recipe:
Cardstock: Chocolate - Paper Source; White - Strathmore, Copper - Bazzill
Stamps: Swirls & Dots set - Inkadinkado; Text Boxed, Limitless Labels - Papertrey Ink
Inks: Cosmic Copper - Brilliance, New Canvas - Palette
Fibers: Daisy Collection - CTMH
Tools: Corner Rounder - EK Success
Other: Foam Tape
Anyway, I made this card awhile ago and I thought I might share it today. I used the copper ink to stamp a swirl from the Inkadinkado Swirls and Dots set onto dark chocolate cardstock. The Papertrey Text Boxed and Limitless Labels sets were both stamped in New Canvas Palette ink. The series of dots in the fern leaves are also from the Text Boxed set. The fern is also stamped onto dark chocolate cardstock and matted with copper cardstock. The white "photo corners" and white fibers pull the whole thing together.
I'll try to get back on the craft horse soon. Thanks for checking in today...
Recipe:
Cardstock: Chocolate - Paper Source; White - Strathmore, Copper - Bazzill
Stamps: Swirls & Dots set - Inkadinkado; Text Boxed, Limitless Labels - Papertrey Ink
Inks: Cosmic Copper - Brilliance, New Canvas - Palette
Fibers: Daisy Collection - CTMH
Tools: Corner Rounder - EK Success
Other: Foam Tape
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
A Happy Home
I love the Boards & Beams stamp set by Papertrey Ink. I have used it so much! The houses are super fun to color and they are a great size so it's really easy to create quick cards (that look like they took forever...shhhhh).
In addition to the Boards & Beams set, I made this card with patterned cardstock from Crate Paper and a few buttons that I had laying around. I love adding Glossy Accents to the windows of the houses! I feel like it adds such a cool effect. I used Prismacolor Pencils rather than markers to color my house. I haven't gotten swept into the Copic marker craze. I've never been able to use markers for anything other than writing and doodling. The pencils give me more control with shading and their itty bitty tips get into the details of the images. Well, thanks for looking. I hope you've enjoyed it. Cheers...
Recipe:
Cardstock: Dark Chocolate & Kraft - Papertrey Ink, Lagoon - Bazzill
Ink: Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink
Stamps: Boards & Beams - Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Crate Paper
Other: Buttons, Embroidery Floss - DMC, Prismacolor Pencils, Foam Tape, Glossy Accents - Ranger
In addition to the Boards & Beams set, I made this card with patterned cardstock from Crate Paper and a few buttons that I had laying around. I love adding Glossy Accents to the windows of the houses! I feel like it adds such a cool effect. I used Prismacolor Pencils rather than markers to color my house. I haven't gotten swept into the Copic marker craze. I've never been able to use markers for anything other than writing and doodling. The pencils give me more control with shading and their itty bitty tips get into the details of the images. Well, thanks for looking. I hope you've enjoyed it. Cheers...
Recipe:
Cardstock: Dark Chocolate & Kraft - Papertrey Ink, Lagoon - Bazzill
Ink: Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink
Stamps: Boards & Beams - Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Crate Paper
Other: Buttons, Embroidery Floss - DMC, Prismacolor Pencils, Foam Tape, Glossy Accents - Ranger
Saturday, September 27, 2008
WCMD
I've noticed several of my favorite bloggers getting excited about this year's World Card Making Day celebration and I thought I would help spread the word. Essentially, WCMD is a holiday card crafting kick-off and all-round fun event geared at getting paper crafters of all sorts excited and sharing with one another. WCMD is celebrated annually on the first Saturday of October. That means next Saturday! Visit the WCMD website for more information on how to get involved including event ideas and a gallery.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Blog Hoppin' Santa!
Hooray for Blog Hop! This is the first time I've been able to participate, so I am really excited. I made a Santa card for tonight's events.
I stamped Santa in Charcoal Palette ink and colored him with Prismacolor Pencils and odorless mineral spirits. Then I glued him up and added Fun Flock to his beard, jacket, and hat. It doesn't look as lumpy in real life as it does in this photo. Hmmm... I also added Glossy Accents to the cranberries in the wreath so they are all shiny and bumpy.
The patterned strip on the card base was created using Guide Lines on the Linen Vellum. I haven't used that vellum enough. It's really fabulous stuff!
I hope you've enjoyed my Blog Hop entry this month. I look forward to getting to do more of these events!
Recipe:
Cardstock: Pure Poppy - Papertrey Ink, White - Strathmore, green - unknown
Specialty Paper: Linen Vellum - Papertrey Ink
Stamps: Believe, Guide Lines, and Faux Ribbon - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Charcoal - Palette, Moonlight White - Brilliance, Pure Poppy - Papertrey Ink
Color Medium: Prismacolor Pencils
Fiber: Red embroidery floss - DMC
Other: Fun Flock - Stampendous, Glossy Accents - Ranger, Foam Tape - 3M
I'm Punting
I haven't gotten as much accomplished today as I had originally hoped, so I'm going to drop back and punt in order to buy some time to do my Blog Hop project (pardon the football reference - we are in the thick of Buckeye Country, if you don't make at least one a week you are shunned by your neighbors). My craft room (and the adjoining landing) looks like a craft bomb exploded. Or, perhaps, there was a window open during the wind storm. That pesky wind storm is going to be blamed for quite a bit over the next few days/weeks/as long as I can get away with it...
At any rate, I wanted to share the card that got me into the Gallery Idol contest in the first place. This is the one I finished 15 minutes before the deadline. We are two hours ahead of Utah, so that meant this card was being posted at 1:45 am. I slept in the next day.
The most interesting part about this card is the base. I had wanted to do a card with a shape, but had a really hard time making anything work the way I had envisioned. Finally I had the idea to cut a semi circle out of the front of a standard 4Bar so the card would still have visual interest, but still be able to fit properly into a standard envelope. I then covered the entire front of the card in handmade paper so the edge would be nice and soft.
I used Papertrey's Butterfly Kisses and Faux Ribbon sets for this card. I stamped my butterflies onto cardstock and then carefully cut them out and scored their wings. This allowed me to attach only their middles to the card and bend up their wings so they looked like they were flying.
There is glitter on just about everything. I have the hardest time getting glitter to photograph well. Does anybody have any tips? I'll be back later with a Christmas theme. Ta-ta....
Recipe (this one is a little rusty, but I'll try):
Cardstock: White - Strathmore, Kraft - Papertrey
Patterned paper: Red Dots - Paper Source
Stamps: Butterfly Kisses & Faux Ribbon - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Dark Chocolate - Papertrey (it may have been called Burnt Umber Palette at the time I made this card though)
Tools: Nesting Circles Dies - Quickutz, Corner rounder, die cut machine, Threading Water Punch - Fiskars
Ribbon: 1/4" Brown Satin - American Crafts
Other: Foam tape, glitter pen - Sakura
At any rate, I wanted to share the card that got me into the Gallery Idol contest in the first place. This is the one I finished 15 minutes before the deadline. We are two hours ahead of Utah, so that meant this card was being posted at 1:45 am. I slept in the next day.
The most interesting part about this card is the base. I had wanted to do a card with a shape, but had a really hard time making anything work the way I had envisioned. Finally I had the idea to cut a semi circle out of the front of a standard 4Bar so the card would still have visual interest, but still be able to fit properly into a standard envelope. I then covered the entire front of the card in handmade paper so the edge would be nice and soft.
I used Papertrey's Butterfly Kisses and Faux Ribbon sets for this card. I stamped my butterflies onto cardstock and then carefully cut them out and scored their wings. This allowed me to attach only their middles to the card and bend up their wings so they looked like they were flying.
There is glitter on just about everything. I have the hardest time getting glitter to photograph well. Does anybody have any tips? I'll be back later with a Christmas theme. Ta-ta....
Recipe (this one is a little rusty, but I'll try):
Cardstock: White - Strathmore, Kraft - Papertrey
Patterned paper: Red Dots - Paper Source
Stamps: Butterfly Kisses & Faux Ribbon - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Dark Chocolate - Papertrey (it may have been called Burnt Umber Palette at the time I made this card though)
Tools: Nesting Circles Dies - Quickutz, Corner rounder, die cut machine, Threading Water Punch - Fiskars
Ribbon: 1/4" Brown Satin - American Crafts
Other: Foam tape, glitter pen - Sakura
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
AAACK!
I'm not a delinquent, I promise. We lost the internet from last Thursday to Tuesday. Someone a block over had a tree fall (I assume it had something to do with the wind storm) and the resulting damage caused our DSL to implode. The AT&T tech didn't show up on Monday (like he was supposed to), so I had to call and get snarky. I'm not a naturally snarky girl, so that made me a little uncomfortable, but it also got me moved to the top of the list on Tuesday.
I spent most of my internet-free time cleaning my house and typesetting invitation samples, therefore I don't have anything to post today. Tomorrow I'll post twice though. I'm planning a regular post and a Papertrey Blog Hop post. I am so excited for the Blog Hop! I've never been home and able to participate. To be honest, I won't even be home for the first part of the Hop, but I'll post before I leave and check in as soon as I get home. See you all tomorrow!
I spent most of my internet-free time cleaning my house and typesetting invitation samples, therefore I don't have anything to post today. Tomorrow I'll post twice though. I'm planning a regular post and a Papertrey Blog Hop post. I am so excited for the Blog Hop! I've never been home and able to participate. To be honest, I won't even be home for the first part of the Hop, but I'll post before I leave and check in as soon as I get home. See you all tomorrow!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Holy Hurricane Batman!
Yesterday brought crazy gusts of wind. Hurricane Ike wrecked Ohio (nothing like Texas, but still more action than we usually see here). Frankly, I was surprised. We lost the internet around 3:00 in the afternoon and power followed at 4:30ish. Our power came back early this morning and was gone again by late afternoon. It is back for now. We'll see how long it lasts. I missed the Papertrey release party last night. I was bummed, but there wasn't much I could do about it so I tried not to dwell.
Anyway, I made bookplates for the release this month. I was really happy with how they turned out, so someone may get these for Christmas. Heck! A few people may get these for Christmas.
I used the Birds of a Feather nest and eggs along with one of the polka dot backgrounds in the Polka Dot Basics set. I used the Simple Alphabet to create my text. The name line is actually the high-wire stamp from the Birds set. I covered the eggs with Glossy Accents so they would have a little dimension without adding bulk. I put the bookplates in one of the Papertrey Nugget Tins decorated with ribbon.
I ordered a couple of Christmas sets this morning (you know, while the internet was working) so I will be pumping up the holiday fun shortly. Hold on to your Santa socks, people!
Recipe:
Cardstock: Kraft - Papertrey Ink, White - Strathmore
Ink: Moonlight White - Brilliance, Dark Chocolate & Aqua Mist - Papertrey Ink
Stamps: Simple Alphabet, Polka Dot Basics, Birds of a Feather - Papertrey Ink
Ribbon: 1/4" brown satin - American Crafts, Hemp Cord - Darice, Aqua Mist Twill - Papertrey Ink
Other: Nugget Tin - Papertrey Ink, Glossy Accents - Ranger, Corner Rounder - EK Success
Anyway, I made bookplates for the release this month. I was really happy with how they turned out, so someone may get these for Christmas. Heck! A few people may get these for Christmas.
I used the Birds of a Feather nest and eggs along with one of the polka dot backgrounds in the Polka Dot Basics set. I used the Simple Alphabet to create my text. The name line is actually the high-wire stamp from the Birds set. I covered the eggs with Glossy Accents so they would have a little dimension without adding bulk. I put the bookplates in one of the Papertrey Nugget Tins decorated with ribbon.
I ordered a couple of Christmas sets this morning (you know, while the internet was working) so I will be pumping up the holiday fun shortly. Hold on to your Santa socks, people!
Recipe:
Cardstock: Kraft - Papertrey Ink, White - Strathmore
Ink: Moonlight White - Brilliance, Dark Chocolate & Aqua Mist - Papertrey Ink
Stamps: Simple Alphabet, Polka Dot Basics, Birds of a Feather - Papertrey Ink
Ribbon: 1/4" brown satin - American Crafts, Hemp Cord - Darice, Aqua Mist Twill - Papertrey Ink
Other: Nugget Tin - Papertrey Ink, Glossy Accents - Ranger, Corner Rounder - EK Success
Thursday, September 11, 2008
I'm Back . . .
A little later than I expected, but back none the less. This has been a busy couple of weeks. I've been working to get my business in line with my launch later this month. I won't bore you with the details.
I've also been working on several different projects that I can't share just yet. Sometimes it's a bummer to work really hard on things, only to not be able to share them with everyone. But it will be that much cooler if I can share a project along with an announcement. Hopefully that will happen one day soon.
For today though, I have a Christmas card. I've been thinking about Christmas a lot lately, and I figured this might be a nice way to encourage others to think Christmas, too. It comes so fast. One minute it's Labor Day and the next you are fighting for your life in a department store. Not this year.
Anyway, it's a pretty simple card. Mostly Papertrey products. The cranberries (or holly berries, or whatever berries you like) are dotted with Glossy Accents so the have a slight texture and shine. You don't really see it in the photo, but it's there.
Alright. I need to draw this fun to a close. I am currently suffering from a mighty wicked cold and I need a nap. This is one of those "sleep-23-hours-a-day-wake-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night-gasping-for-air-see-double-of-everything" sorts of colds and the longer I'm on the computer the more I become a cranky pants. Peace out...
Recipe:
Cardstock: Pure Poppy - Papertrey Ink, White - Strathmore, Green - Bazzill
Stamps: Rustic Branches - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Spring Moss, Pure Poppy, Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink
Ribbon: Spring Moss Saddle Stitched - Papertrey Ink, Brown 1/4" Satin - American Crafts
Brads: Round Copper Mini Brads - Making Memories
Dies: Nesting Flowers Dies - Quickutz
Other: Foam Tape - 3M
I've also been working on several different projects that I can't share just yet. Sometimes it's a bummer to work really hard on things, only to not be able to share them with everyone. But it will be that much cooler if I can share a project along with an announcement. Hopefully that will happen one day soon.
For today though, I have a Christmas card. I've been thinking about Christmas a lot lately, and I figured this might be a nice way to encourage others to think Christmas, too. It comes so fast. One minute it's Labor Day and the next you are fighting for your life in a department store. Not this year.
Anyway, it's a pretty simple card. Mostly Papertrey products. The cranberries (or holly berries, or whatever berries you like) are dotted with Glossy Accents so the have a slight texture and shine. You don't really see it in the photo, but it's there.
Alright. I need to draw this fun to a close. I am currently suffering from a mighty wicked cold and I need a nap. This is one of those "sleep-23-hours-a-day-wake-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night-gasping-for-air-see-double-of-everything" sorts of colds and the longer I'm on the computer the more I become a cranky pants. Peace out...
Recipe:
Cardstock: Pure Poppy - Papertrey Ink, White - Strathmore, Green - Bazzill
Stamps: Rustic Branches - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Spring Moss, Pure Poppy, Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink
Ribbon: Spring Moss Saddle Stitched - Papertrey Ink, Brown 1/4" Satin - American Crafts
Brads: Round Copper Mini Brads - Making Memories
Dies: Nesting Flowers Dies - Quickutz
Other: Foam Tape - 3M
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Graduation
A friend is graduating this weekend, but I have to be out of town (more on that in a minute) so I can't be there to congratulate her in person. I made this card today so Sean can give it to her on Sunday. She's really excited about graduating and we're both really happy for her, though we will miss her when she moves away.
It's a pretty simple card really. I just covered a chipboard rectangle with white paper and stamped it with a sentiment from It's A Celebration. The gray scalloped rectangle is hand cut with Fiskars mini scallop scissors. I did use my brand-spanking new Pure Poppy ink pad for my sentiment. The color is as nice as everybody says. I added a little sparkle with my glitter pen on the patterned paper. I should say that the color scheme was determined by the graduate's school. You can't graduate from The Ohio State University and not get a super scarlet and gray card.
Now, for my other news. I am going away for a few days and will likely not have the time or energy to check in here. My mom is undergoing surgery tomorrow, so I will be staying with her for a little while. I'm not even going to bother taking craft stuff with me. I will be home sometime early next week. Thanks for understanding...
Recipe:
Cardstock: white - Strathmore, red linen - Archivers, gray - Bazzill
Patterned Paper - DCWV
Stamps: It's A Celebration - Papertrey Ink
Ink: black pigment - Colorbox, Pure Poppy - Papertrey Ink
Ribbon: velvet scalloped - Maya Road
Other: Rhinestones - Darice, Foam tape - 3M, Glitter pen - Sakura
It's a pretty simple card really. I just covered a chipboard rectangle with white paper and stamped it with a sentiment from It's A Celebration. The gray scalloped rectangle is hand cut with Fiskars mini scallop scissors. I did use my brand-spanking new Pure Poppy ink pad for my sentiment. The color is as nice as everybody says. I added a little sparkle with my glitter pen on the patterned paper. I should say that the color scheme was determined by the graduate's school. You can't graduate from The Ohio State University and not get a super scarlet and gray card.
Now, for my other news. I am going away for a few days and will likely not have the time or energy to check in here. My mom is undergoing surgery tomorrow, so I will be staying with her for a little while. I'm not even going to bother taking craft stuff with me. I will be home sometime early next week. Thanks for understanding...
Recipe:
Cardstock: white - Strathmore, red linen - Archivers, gray - Bazzill
Patterned Paper - DCWV
Stamps: It's A Celebration - Papertrey Ink
Ink: black pigment - Colorbox, Pure Poppy - Papertrey Ink
Ribbon: velvet scalloped - Maya Road
Other: Rhinestones - Darice, Foam tape - 3M, Glitter pen - Sakura
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
New Feature
Ok...so I've been a little absent this week. I've been busy doing things around the house that aren't that much fun to post about. No one needs to hear about laundering all of the rugs in the house. We also went to the farm this week. Farm days pretty much lay me flat for the rest of the day.
Anyway, I ran across this website last week that allows you to make word art using any series of words you choose. They also allow you to plug in a website and you can see which words are used most frequently on that site. The website is Wordle. I decided to have a little Wordle-fun with my blog and see what it looked like. Here are the results:
Neat, huh? You should try it. All the cool kids are doing it...
Anyway, I ran across this website last week that allows you to make word art using any series of words you choose. They also allow you to plug in a website and you can see which words are used most frequently on that site. The website is Wordle. I decided to have a little Wordle-fun with my blog and see what it looked like. Here are the results:
Neat, huh? You should try it. All the cool kids are doing it...
Friday, August 15, 2008
Guest Star Stamper Submission
No luck on the Guest Star Stamper contest. Nichole still has the Honorable Mentions to announce, but that won't be for a few days. The projects this month were amazing! There are some really talented ladies in the paper crafting community.
At any rate here is my submission:
I wanted to create a message board for our house that wasn't super girly or frilly. Luckily, I had picked up a small cork board earlier this summer that I thought would work out perfectly. I stamped the trees from Father Knows Best and Boards & Beams along with the branch from Beautiful Blooms on some natural colored weaver's cloth. I used the rock & roll technique (ink the entire image in one color and roll the outer edges in a different color) to ink the tops of the trees and the leaves on the branch. That way there was a little more visual texture to the images. I adhered the fabric to the board and sponged all of the edges with dark chocolate ink (Note: to sponge the inner edge, I covered the cork with painter's tape so it would stay clean). I also pulled a few threads from the edges to give the fabric a worn look. Then, I added some olive stitched ribbon to the bottom of the cork board and through two hooks on the back. That way the cork board can hang from a single nail and will be easier to straighten. The ribbon is secured with two antique copper brads.
My finishing touch is the embellished push pins. I stamped leaf images from Father Knows Best on the cloth and cut them into 1/2" circles. I adhered the circles to flat headed push pins with glue dots. I did the same thing with vintage buttons tied with hemp cord. I love the way it turned out! Thanks for stopping by...
Recipe:
Stamps: Father Knows Best, Beautiful Blooms, Boards & Beams - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Spring Moss, Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink; Dark Olive Chalk - Colorbox
Ribbon: Olive stitched - Michaels
Fabric: Natural Weaver's Cloth - Joann's
Brads: Antique Copper Square - Gary Burlin
Other: Cork board - Target
At any rate here is my submission:
I wanted to create a message board for our house that wasn't super girly or frilly. Luckily, I had picked up a small cork board earlier this summer that I thought would work out perfectly. I stamped the trees from Father Knows Best and Boards & Beams along with the branch from Beautiful Blooms on some natural colored weaver's cloth. I used the rock & roll technique (ink the entire image in one color and roll the outer edges in a different color) to ink the tops of the trees and the leaves on the branch. That way there was a little more visual texture to the images. I adhered the fabric to the board and sponged all of the edges with dark chocolate ink (Note: to sponge the inner edge, I covered the cork with painter's tape so it would stay clean). I also pulled a few threads from the edges to give the fabric a worn look. Then, I added some olive stitched ribbon to the bottom of the cork board and through two hooks on the back. That way the cork board can hang from a single nail and will be easier to straighten. The ribbon is secured with two antique copper brads.
My finishing touch is the embellished push pins. I stamped leaf images from Father Knows Best on the cloth and cut them into 1/2" circles. I adhered the circles to flat headed push pins with glue dots. I did the same thing with vintage buttons tied with hemp cord. I love the way it turned out! Thanks for stopping by...
Recipe:
Stamps: Father Knows Best, Beautiful Blooms, Boards & Beams - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Spring Moss, Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink; Dark Olive Chalk - Colorbox
Ribbon: Olive stitched - Michaels
Fabric: Natural Weaver's Cloth - Joann's
Brads: Antique Copper Square - Gary Burlin
Other: Cork board - Target
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Papertrey Release Tonight!
I am so excited! The newest Papertrey release is tonight at midnight. I have a few things on my wish list before I even see the new sets in their entirety, so I may have to make a few cuts to my final shopping cart. I should have a project or two to share tomorrow (a Guest Star Stamper entry, for one). I've been working on some things for other people lately so I haven't done as much "fun" stamping (who am I kidding...it's all fun) as I would usually do in the course of a week. Come on over to the Papertrey website if you are so inclined. The party gets rolling early, so put on your speed typing fingers! Have a great night...
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Nothing To Share
Sorry! I've been working on Papertrey Guest Star Stamper submissions this week, so I don't have any projects to showcase yet. I've also been working to finish up a friend's wedding trousseau. Yesterday was "typeset the programs" time. I love to typeset. I miss it immensely sometimes.
I also have my final doctor's appointment today. It has been a long 4 month process to get my back repaired, but I feel so much better now. I can actually get out of bed in the morning and I don't have to take Advil every four hours just to tolerate the ache. I'm going to have to deal with the arthritis forever, but that's nuthin' compared to what it was!
The kitties have been vigilant lately. They've been sleeping outside my craft room door to keep an eye on me. I've not gotten a glass of water alone for the last two weeks. I think they really love having me home. Buddy in particular. He likes to sleep on me when I'm trying to type. This is a large cat, folks. 18 pounds of love snuggled up on my lap.
The weather here has been cooler the past couple of days. Especially the mornings. I can't wait for fall. We go to Hocking Hills once every fall to hike and take pictures. The nights have a chill so people in our neighborhood burn branches in their outdoor fire pits and it smells like the whole block is camping. I pull out the cardigan sweaters and we go pumpkin picking. Sounds blissful, right? I'm so excited.
I'll try to get something sharable finished soon. Have a great day!
I also have my final doctor's appointment today. It has been a long 4 month process to get my back repaired, but I feel so much better now. I can actually get out of bed in the morning and I don't have to take Advil every four hours just to tolerate the ache. I'm going to have to deal with the arthritis forever, but that's nuthin' compared to what it was!
The kitties have been vigilant lately. They've been sleeping outside my craft room door to keep an eye on me. I've not gotten a glass of water alone for the last two weeks. I think they really love having me home. Buddy in particular. He likes to sleep on me when I'm trying to type. This is a large cat, folks. 18 pounds of love snuggled up on my lap.
The weather here has been cooler the past couple of days. Especially the mornings. I can't wait for fall. We go to Hocking Hills once every fall to hike and take pictures. The nights have a chill so people in our neighborhood burn branches in their outdoor fire pits and it smells like the whole block is camping. I pull out the cardigan sweaters and we go pumpkin picking. Sounds blissful, right? I'm so excited.
I'll try to get something sharable finished soon. Have a great day!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Farm's Tree
So, today I get an email from Sean..."Farm (sounds like F-ahhh-m) just scalded the snot out of her foot when water from a double-boiler went down her left shoe. She should do voice overs for horror films..." Nice visual/audio clip, heh? A get well card was added to the agenda. Everyone's favorite linebacker (or second favorite - Guadelupe is still my favorite) can't get hurt and not receive a get well card.
I wanted to make a pretty card that was full of bright and cheerful colors. I had it in my head to use one of my Maya Road trees. I've seen some really cute stuff done with these trees so (of course) I had to buy them and do super cute things, too. I repeatedly stamped a bubble cluster onto a couple of pieces of green cardstock. Then, I adhered one piece of stamped stock to the chipboard tree shape and the other to a Basic Grey chipboard frame, cutting them out using a craft knife. I like the craft knife better when I am cutting out chip board shapes. I did the same thing with some brown cardstock and my tree trunk before I sanded all of the cut edges with a nail file. That makes all of the edges smooth and hides any cutting mistakes.
I looked around and found some funky patterned paper that I thought might be fun without being too busy. A little layering, distressing, ribbon and ... Voila! A get well card is born.
The card had to be pretty big so everyone would be able to sign it. Between the service staff and the kitchen staff there are nearly 50 people in the cafe. The finished size is 5 x 7" and there are two white panels inside so there is plenty of signature space. I hope it adds a little sunshine to, what I imagine, is a morphine induced haze. Poor woman. Feel better, Farm! We're thinking of you!
Recipe:
Cardstock: Blue - DCWV; White, Brown, Parakeet, Red - Bazzill; White (inside) - Strathmore
Patterned Paper: Be Bopn' Boomerangs - SEI
Stamps: Circles & Dots - Inkadinkado; Faux Ribbon - Papertrey
Ink: Landscape - Palette; Moonlight White - Brilliance; Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink; Dark Brown Chalk Ink - ColorBox
Chipboard: Tree - Maya Road; Frame - Basic Grey
Brads: Copper Mini - American Crafts
Ribbon: Cranberry Grosgrain - CTMH
I wanted to make a pretty card that was full of bright and cheerful colors. I had it in my head to use one of my Maya Road trees. I've seen some really cute stuff done with these trees so (of course) I had to buy them and do super cute things, too. I repeatedly stamped a bubble cluster onto a couple of pieces of green cardstock. Then, I adhered one piece of stamped stock to the chipboard tree shape and the other to a Basic Grey chipboard frame, cutting them out using a craft knife. I like the craft knife better when I am cutting out chip board shapes. I did the same thing with some brown cardstock and my tree trunk before I sanded all of the cut edges with a nail file. That makes all of the edges smooth and hides any cutting mistakes.
I looked around and found some funky patterned paper that I thought might be fun without being too busy. A little layering, distressing, ribbon and ... Voila! A get well card is born.
The card had to be pretty big so everyone would be able to sign it. Between the service staff and the kitchen staff there are nearly 50 people in the cafe. The finished size is 5 x 7" and there are two white panels inside so there is plenty of signature space. I hope it adds a little sunshine to, what I imagine, is a morphine induced haze. Poor woman. Feel better, Farm! We're thinking of you!
Recipe:
Cardstock: Blue - DCWV; White, Brown, Parakeet, Red - Bazzill; White (inside) - Strathmore
Patterned Paper: Be Bopn' Boomerangs - SEI
Stamps: Circles & Dots - Inkadinkado; Faux Ribbon - Papertrey
Ink: Landscape - Palette; Moonlight White - Brilliance; Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink; Dark Brown Chalk Ink - ColorBox
Chipboard: Tree - Maya Road; Frame - Basic Grey
Brads: Copper Mini - American Crafts
Ribbon: Cranberry Grosgrain - CTMH
Friday, August 8, 2008
A Thank You
I made this "thank you" card for a friend to give to a couple that opened their home to her family. I really enjoy making cards like this one. It is such a warm and loving thing to invite someone into your home. The least I can do (or help someone do) is send along a note of heartfelt appreciation. I'm not as good at this as I should be, but it gives me a fuzzy feeling inside when I work on a project like this one. The Boards & Beams stamp set is fantastic for such cards. The images just beg to be colored and the sentiments are simple and poignant all at the same time.
The card itself is rather straight forward. I stamped my townhouse and colored it with Prismacolor pencils and odorless mineral spirits. The look this technique gives is so nice. There are so many wonderful marker options in the industry , but I still really love the texture of a colored pencil. There is something so beautifully tactile about seeing the grain of a pencil stroke.
Thank you all again for your seriously humbling show of support during the Gallery Idol contest the past few weeks. I have had the opportunity to work and play in an industry I love and it has made me ever so happy. You are all amazing people and I am fortunate to have you. Have a great night.
Recipe:
Cardstock: Navy weave - Paper Company, White - Strathmore, light blue - Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Canopy Plaid - Chatterbox
Stamps: Boards & Beams - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Midnight Blue - StazOn
Ribbon: Red grosgrain - Offray
Brad: Pewter Mini - Making Memories
Pen: Silver Gel Excel - Marvy
Colored Pencils - Crimson Red, Poppy Red, Canary Yellow, True Blue, Indigo Blue, Dark Brown, Black - Prismacolor
Other: Glossy Accents - Ranger, Foam Tape - 3M, Turpenoid (Odorless Mineral Spirits) - Weber
The card itself is rather straight forward. I stamped my townhouse and colored it with Prismacolor pencils and odorless mineral spirits. The look this technique gives is so nice. There are so many wonderful marker options in the industry , but I still really love the texture of a colored pencil. There is something so beautifully tactile about seeing the grain of a pencil stroke.
Thank you all again for your seriously humbling show of support during the Gallery Idol contest the past few weeks. I have had the opportunity to work and play in an industry I love and it has made me ever so happy. You are all amazing people and I am fortunate to have you. Have a great night.
Recipe:
Cardstock: Navy weave - Paper Company, White - Strathmore, light blue - Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Canopy Plaid - Chatterbox
Stamps: Boards & Beams - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Midnight Blue - StazOn
Ribbon: Red grosgrain - Offray
Brad: Pewter Mini - Making Memories
Pen: Silver Gel Excel - Marvy
Colored Pencils - Crimson Red, Poppy Red, Canary Yellow, True Blue, Indigo Blue, Dark Brown, Black - Prismacolor
Other: Glossy Accents - Ranger, Foam Tape - 3M, Turpenoid (Odorless Mineral Spirits) - Weber
Gallery Idol Winner...
...is not me. It's ok though. Congratulations to Nancy Cienfuegos! And a great BIG thank you to everyone that supported me through the contest. I appreciate your efforts more than you can possibly know and am totally humbled by your willingness to help a girl out. I had a lot of fun with the contest and it really did a lot to raise my confidence level. Hopefully my participation will lead me to bigger and better things! I'll try to post again later. Have a great day!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Gallery Idol - The Final Round
The final round of the Gallery Idol contest has been posted! The challenge for this round was to incorporate a silhouette. Everyone did a fantastic job! To see the cards click here.
To vote for your favorite click here.
My card is the first one. I had so much fun making this card! The challenge was tough, but it pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me try something different (which was a very good thing). I really love the results. I don't make many Halloween cards. I should.
I created the silhouette myself. The trail behind the witch is created using the Dot Flourishes stamp set from Inkadinkado and the Spooky Sweets and Text Boxed stamp sets from Papertrey Ink. The bat to the far right is also popped off of the front so it looks like the bat is flying. I also distressed the edges of the Kraft layer.
The moon was cut from light orange cardstock. I ran the cardstock through my Cuttlebug with the Bubbles Fiskars embossing plate to create the craters. The edges are sponged with darker orange ink.
I accented Witchie-Poo's trail with glitter and Glossy Accents.
This card fits into a standard business size envelope. I hope you'll all go and look at the Gallery Idol entries. They are all so amazing and unique. My favorite part of this contest has been getting to see the projects every week. Good luck to all of the super talented ladies in the contest!
Recipe:
Cardstock: Dark Chocolate & Kraft - Papertrey Ink, orange - Bazzill
Ink: Dark Chocolate & Summer Sunrise - Papertrey Ink, Moonlight White - Brilliance, Autumn Orange - Memories
Stamps: Dot Flourishes - Inkadinkado, Spooky Sweets, Text Boxed, Birds of A Feather - Papertrey Ink
Ribbon: Summer Sunrise Twill - Papertrey Ink, Orange Stitched - May Arts
Other: Copper Brad - American Crafts, Glitter Pen - Sakura, Glossy Accents - Ranger, Foam Tape - 3M
To vote for your favorite click here.
My card is the first one. I had so much fun making this card! The challenge was tough, but it pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me try something different (which was a very good thing). I really love the results. I don't make many Halloween cards. I should.
I created the silhouette myself. The trail behind the witch is created using the Dot Flourishes stamp set from Inkadinkado and the Spooky Sweets and Text Boxed stamp sets from Papertrey Ink. The bat to the far right is also popped off of the front so it looks like the bat is flying. I also distressed the edges of the Kraft layer.
The moon was cut from light orange cardstock. I ran the cardstock through my Cuttlebug with the Bubbles Fiskars embossing plate to create the craters. The edges are sponged with darker orange ink.
I accented Witchie-Poo's trail with glitter and Glossy Accents.
This card fits into a standard business size envelope. I hope you'll all go and look at the Gallery Idol entries. They are all so amazing and unique. My favorite part of this contest has been getting to see the projects every week. Good luck to all of the super talented ladies in the contest!
Recipe:
Cardstock: Dark Chocolate & Kraft - Papertrey Ink, orange - Bazzill
Ink: Dark Chocolate & Summer Sunrise - Papertrey Ink, Moonlight White - Brilliance, Autumn Orange - Memories
Stamps: Dot Flourishes - Inkadinkado, Spooky Sweets, Text Boxed, Birds of A Feather - Papertrey Ink
Ribbon: Summer Sunrise Twill - Papertrey Ink, Orange Stitched - May Arts
Other: Copper Brad - American Crafts, Glitter Pen - Sakura, Glossy Accents - Ranger, Foam Tape - 3M
Saturday, August 2, 2008
It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...
Well...if your Christmas is 90 degrees and humid. Perhaps this is just wishful thinking. I'm not a big fan of the cold, but this heat wave is for the birds! I'm in a constant state of nap today. I can't function when it's this hot. The downstairs in our house yesterday reached 87 degrees before I finally turned on the A/C. Now it's a balmy 80* in here. The upstairs is perpetually 10* warmer (or colder depending on the season) so I think I might have been able to bake bread in the dormer had I tried. Needless to say, tank tops have been in great demand.
At any rate, I have been thinking Christmas lately. The new Papertrey Ink releases this month will have a Fall holiday theme. Next month will be Winter holiday theme. I really just want to warm up for those releases. I can't wait!
This card uses one of the sets from last year. This is Take A Bough. I love the build-an-ornament feature of this set. The card is pretty simple actually. I stamped the branch, foliage, and sentiment in Palette inks. The ornament is stamped with copper and paprika pigment inks. I traced the hook and the ornament decoration with a glitter pen and covered the entire ornament with Glossy Accents. The green layer is stamped with the individual piney things. Both Kraft layers are sponged with copper ink. I tied sheer cranberry ribbon around the focal panel and mounted the whole thing with foam tape. Easy Peasy. These could be really great to do en mass for the holiday.
Well, I should get back to work. I'm trying to set up my snazzy high-res color laser printer today. OOOhhhh! AAAAhhh! Have a good day!
Recipe:
Cardstock: Kraft - Papertrey Ink, Parakeet & Cajun - Bazzill
Stamps: Take A Bough - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink, Landscape - Palette, Cosmic Copper - Brilliance, Paprika - VersaColor
Ribbon: Sheer Cranberry - CTMH
Other: Glitter Pen - Sakura, Glossy Accents - Ranger, Foam Tape - 3M
At any rate, I have been thinking Christmas lately. The new Papertrey Ink releases this month will have a Fall holiday theme. Next month will be Winter holiday theme. I really just want to warm up for those releases. I can't wait!
This card uses one of the sets from last year. This is Take A Bough. I love the build-an-ornament feature of this set. The card is pretty simple actually. I stamped the branch, foliage, and sentiment in Palette inks. The ornament is stamped with copper and paprika pigment inks. I traced the hook and the ornament decoration with a glitter pen and covered the entire ornament with Glossy Accents. The green layer is stamped with the individual piney things. Both Kraft layers are sponged with copper ink. I tied sheer cranberry ribbon around the focal panel and mounted the whole thing with foam tape. Easy Peasy. These could be really great to do en mass for the holiday.
Well, I should get back to work. I'm trying to set up my snazzy high-res color laser printer today. OOOhhhh! AAAAhhh! Have a good day!
Recipe:
Cardstock: Kraft - Papertrey Ink, Parakeet & Cajun - Bazzill
Stamps: Take A Bough - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink, Landscape - Palette, Cosmic Copper - Brilliance, Paprika - VersaColor
Ribbon: Sheer Cranberry - CTMH
Other: Glitter Pen - Sakura, Glossy Accents - Ranger, Foam Tape - 3M
Friday, August 1, 2008
A Birthday Present
I've been working on this card for two days. I just couldn't get it quite right, and I'm not sure that it is there yet. I'm done fiddling with it though. I need to move on, I think.
I've had this gift stamp from Denami Design for a very long time. I had it in a give away box earlier this summer, but changed my mind. I have this idea in my head that this stamp could be really great for birthday cards, but I'm having a tough time falling in love with my results. I'll keep trying. Without further ado, here is the most recent card using the present stamp.
First, I colored the image with Prsmacolor Pencils and mineral spirits. Then, I cut through the image with a craft knife and threaded ribbon through the cardstock to look like the ribbon on the present. There is also glitter on each of the stars and around the edge of each layer. The blue layer is randomly stamped with the star cluster stamp in the It's A Celebration set from Papertrey Ink. It's really sparkly in real life. I feel like the card is maybe missing something, but I'm not sure what it is. In any case it is a very post friendly card. No angry postmaster with this card. It's nice and flat. I have a nice postmaster that likes to answer questions and help me. He's one of the few. I'm lucky, super lucky.
Now back to the silhouette search. Thanks for visiting!
Recipe:
Cardstocks: white - Strathmore, Limeade - Bazzill, blue - DCWV
Stamps: Present - Denami Design, It's A Celebration (star cluster) - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink, Moonlight White - Brilliance, Sky - Paper Salon
Colored Pencils: True Blue, Apple Green, Canary Yellow - Prismacolor Pencils
Other: Ribbon - American Crafts, Glitter Pen - Sakura, Foam Tape - 3M
I've had this gift stamp from Denami Design for a very long time. I had it in a give away box earlier this summer, but changed my mind. I have this idea in my head that this stamp could be really great for birthday cards, but I'm having a tough time falling in love with my results. I'll keep trying. Without further ado, here is the most recent card using the present stamp.
First, I colored the image with Prsmacolor Pencils and mineral spirits. Then, I cut through the image with a craft knife and threaded ribbon through the cardstock to look like the ribbon on the present. There is also glitter on each of the stars and around the edge of each layer. The blue layer is randomly stamped with the star cluster stamp in the It's A Celebration set from Papertrey Ink. It's really sparkly in real life. I feel like the card is maybe missing something, but I'm not sure what it is. In any case it is a very post friendly card. No angry postmaster with this card. It's nice and flat. I have a nice postmaster that likes to answer questions and help me. He's one of the few. I'm lucky, super lucky.
Now back to the silhouette search. Thanks for visiting!
Recipe:
Cardstocks: white - Strathmore, Limeade - Bazzill, blue - DCWV
Stamps: Present - Denami Design, It's A Celebration (star cluster) - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink, Moonlight White - Brilliance, Sky - Paper Salon
Colored Pencils: True Blue, Apple Green, Canary Yellow - Prismacolor Pencils
Other: Ribbon - American Crafts, Glitter Pen - Sakura, Foam Tape - 3M
I'm in!!!
Holy smokes! I made it to the final round of the Paper Crafts Gallery Idol contest. The challenge this round is to design a card that features a silhouette. This should be interesting! I can't wait to see what the other ladies come up with for this round. Boy, what am I going to do with all of my time when this is all over? Not feeling compelled to look at the Paper Crafts website 15 times a day will surely free up at least an hour. Sadly, probably more...Oh, well! Off to search out nifty silhouettes.
I did make a card to share, but it still needs photographed, so it will be a little later. Sorry for the wait!
I did make a card to share, but it still needs photographed, so it will be a little later. Sorry for the wait!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Home at last!
We arrived home last night, but I have been busy tying up loose ends today. All of my craft stuff is still in bags, so I haven't created anything yet. In lieu of a new project, I thought I might post a few vacation pictures.
Saturday, Sean Linda Nick and I broke ranks and visited a couple of museums. We saw the Mattress Factory and the Warhol Museum. Neither place allows photography, but the whole clan did go on an evening riverboat cruise that offered plenty of shutterbug time. Here are a couple of the highlights.
The whole group of us went to a Pirates game on Sunday. They lost to the Padres, but it was still a good game. Who am I kidding! I know nothing about baseball. All I know is it was HOT! Here's a photo of the field. I liked the giant hedge with "Pirates" carved into the top. It's too bad that I'm not a shrub fan or we could have one in the front yard that says "Joneses". Perhaps not...
This is a statue of Honus Wagner that stands outside PNC Park.
Then, on Monday, most of the family left, but Sean and I stayed in the city long enough to visit the National Aviary. Super Cool! The only problem is, most of the birds travel too quickly to be properly photographed. These images will have to do. You'll notice that most of the birds in these photos are stationary.
Well, that's all for now. Have a lovely night.
Saturday, Sean Linda Nick and I broke ranks and visited a couple of museums. We saw the Mattress Factory and the Warhol Museum. Neither place allows photography, but the whole clan did go on an evening riverboat cruise that offered plenty of shutterbug time. Here are a couple of the highlights.
The whole group of us went to a Pirates game on Sunday. They lost to the Padres, but it was still a good game. Who am I kidding! I know nothing about baseball. All I know is it was HOT! Here's a photo of the field. I liked the giant hedge with "Pirates" carved into the top. It's too bad that I'm not a shrub fan or we could have one in the front yard that says "Joneses". Perhaps not...
This is a statue of Honus Wagner that stands outside PNC Park.
Then, on Monday, most of the family left, but Sean and I stayed in the city long enough to visit the National Aviary. Super Cool! The only problem is, most of the birds travel too quickly to be properly photographed. These images will have to do. You'll notice that most of the birds in these photos are stationary.
Well, that's all for now. Have a lovely night.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Round 3, here I come!
I made it into the third round of Paper Crafts Gallery Idol! I found out over vacation so I was spending my down time in Pittsburgh working on my project. Did you know that the best photography light in a Hampton Inn is in the bathroom? True story!
Anyhow, the challenge this round was to feature an attributable quote. Luckily, I had the Out On A Limb stamp set with me on vacation. There is a really lovely Helen Keller quote in that set that says, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they must be felt with the heart." I used that quote with a chipboard heart covered in patterned paper and some pretty ribbon to create a really clean and simple card. I'm really happy with the way it turned out.
To view the cards in this round click here.
To vote click here.
I am CreativeCritter in case you choose to vote for me. Thanks so much for the support!
Recipe:
Cardstock: White - Strathmore, Pool - Paper Source, Kraft - Papertrey Ink, Brown - Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Heidi Grace
Stamps: Out On A Limb - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink, Moonlight White - Brilliance
Ribbon: Dark Chocolate Twill & Aqua Mist Saddle Stitched - Papertrey Ink
Other: Chipboard Heart - Basic Grey, Brad - American Crafts, Flower - Prima, Foam Tape - 3M
Anyhow, the challenge this round was to feature an attributable quote. Luckily, I had the Out On A Limb stamp set with me on vacation. There is a really lovely Helen Keller quote in that set that says, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they must be felt with the heart." I used that quote with a chipboard heart covered in patterned paper and some pretty ribbon to create a really clean and simple card. I'm really happy with the way it turned out.
To view the cards in this round click here.
To vote click here.
I am CreativeCritter in case you choose to vote for me. Thanks so much for the support!
Recipe:
Cardstock: White - Strathmore, Pool - Paper Source, Kraft - Papertrey Ink, Brown - Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Heidi Grace
Stamps: Out On A Limb - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink, Moonlight White - Brilliance
Ribbon: Dark Chocolate Twill & Aqua Mist Saddle Stitched - Papertrey Ink
Other: Chipboard Heart - Basic Grey, Brad - American Crafts, Flower - Prima, Foam Tape - 3M
Thursday, July 24, 2008
In Pittsburgh
We're on vacation right now and it seems unlikely that there will be any card making done tonight. Jenga, yes...card making, no. Perhaps tomorrow. Also, tomorrow I'll know about the Gallery Idol results for the last round. Wish me luck!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Wuv . . . Twu Wuv
I made an anniversary card today for a friend to give to someone else. 50 years. Wow. Good for them. I don't really have any background information, so I'll leave it there.
Recipe:
Cardstock: White - Strathmore, Aqua & Turquoise - Bazzill
Stamps: Guidelines - Papertrey Ink, Love Sentiments - Cloud 9
Inks: Aqua Mist - Papertrey Ink, Water Lily Green - Palette
Die Cuts: Ring - Quickutz
Punches: Circles - Creative Memories, EK Success, Corner rounder - EK Success
Glitter Pen - Sakura
Rhinestone - Darice
Foam Tape - Scotch
Ribbon - May Arts
Recipe:
Cardstock: White - Strathmore, Aqua & Turquoise - Bazzill
Stamps: Guidelines - Papertrey Ink, Love Sentiments - Cloud 9
Inks: Aqua Mist - Papertrey Ink, Water Lily Green - Palette
Die Cuts: Ring - Quickutz
Punches: Circles - Creative Memories, EK Success, Corner rounder - EK Success
Glitter Pen - Sakura
Rhinestone - Darice
Foam Tape - Scotch
Ribbon - May Arts
Monday, July 21, 2008
I made it!
I made it into the next round of the PaperCrafts Gallery Idol contest! The theme this round was to create a monochromatic card. It's so silly, I make quite a few monochromatic cards, but as soon as I was given the theme I couldn't find my bum with both hands. Not to mention, it's hard to design a greeting card when you spend your weekend sitting in hospital waiting rooms (hi, Mom). I just kept thinking "it's not easy being green" as a get well sentiment.
Well in any case, I finally got my project put together. It required an all-nighter, but the card did get finished. I emailed my photo with my last shred of energy and promptly fell asleep on my craft room floor. At some point I woke up and actually got to the bed...where I remain even now (thank Heaven for laptop computers).
Without further ado...my card:
My favorite color is green, so it only made sense that I pull out the verde for this round. I punched circles out of all sorts of patterned paper to make my tree. There is more foam tape on this card than any other card I have ever made. So much texture! My polka dotted papers have Glossy Accents on them and there is glitter pen all over the place. I need to figure out how to photograph glitter. I have varying levels of success, but rarely is it very clear. Oh, well. It's there.
Anyway, to see the whole gallery of Round 2 cards go here. Everybody did an amazing job! Their work really deserves a gander.
To vote for my card please click here. My screen name is CreativeCritter and the editors over at PaperCrafts are calling my project "Look Up To." I totally appreciate the support! Have a great day.
Recipe:
Cardstock: Vintage Vanilla - Papertrey Ink, Greens - Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Chatterbox
Stamps: Father Knows Best - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Dark Moss Chalk Ink - Colorbox
Circle Punches: Ek Success, Creative Memories
Glitter Pen: Sakura
Ribbon: Michaels
Glossy Accents: Ranger
Other: Foam Tape
Well in any case, I finally got my project put together. It required an all-nighter, but the card did get finished. I emailed my photo with my last shred of energy and promptly fell asleep on my craft room floor. At some point I woke up and actually got to the bed...where I remain even now (thank Heaven for laptop computers).
Without further ado...my card:
My favorite color is green, so it only made sense that I pull out the verde for this round. I punched circles out of all sorts of patterned paper to make my tree. There is more foam tape on this card than any other card I have ever made. So much texture! My polka dotted papers have Glossy Accents on them and there is glitter pen all over the place. I need to figure out how to photograph glitter. I have varying levels of success, but rarely is it very clear. Oh, well. It's there.
Anyway, to see the whole gallery of Round 2 cards go here. Everybody did an amazing job! Their work really deserves a gander.
To vote for my card please click here. My screen name is CreativeCritter and the editors over at PaperCrafts are calling my project "Look Up To." I totally appreciate the support! Have a great day.
Recipe:
Cardstock: Vintage Vanilla - Papertrey Ink, Greens - Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Chatterbox
Stamps: Father Knows Best - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Dark Moss Chalk Ink - Colorbox
Circle Punches: Ek Success, Creative Memories
Glitter Pen: Sakura
Ribbon: Michaels
Glossy Accents: Ranger
Other: Foam Tape
Friday, July 18, 2008
Out Of Town
I'm going out of town for the weekend and I don't know whether or not I'll have access to the interweb. If not, I shall return Monday. By then I'll know the results of the first round of the Gallery Idol contest and be able to share my new project (if I move on, of course). Have a good weekend!
Who Doesn't Love A Cupcake?
Oooh! Oooh! I love a cupcake! I do! I do! I also love these cupcake stamps from Papertrey's It's A Celebration stamp set. They are such sweet little things. Bite size even. I'm hungry....Anyway, I stamped these cute little guys and added Liquid Applique to their tops. That stuff is so nifty because, depending on how you use it, you can get two totally different looks. This is the heat set method. You squeeze your Applique onto your project and blast it with a heat gun for a few moments. Voila! You can also leave it alone and let it dry and it is all slick and shiny. I use the heat set method quite a bit because I think it looks like frosting. Every card I've made in the last 6 months that featured a cake or cupcake used heat set Applique.
The cupcakes are on layered bases that are mounted on foam tape (love that foam tape). I also snuggled a little rhinestone on the top of each cupcake to give it a little pizzaz. I think the color scheme is neutral enough that this could be a boy or girl card. Even boys like a little rhinestone action once in awhile. Have a good day!
Recipe:
Cardstock: Kraft - PTI, White - Strathmore, Blue & Brown - Bazzill
Ink: Dark Chocolate - PTI, Moonlight White - Brilliance
Stamps: It's a Celebration, Birthday Basics, Polka Dot Basics - PTI
Liquid Applique - Marvy
Rhinestones - Darice
Punches: Circles - Creative Memories, Corner Rounders - EK Success
Other: Foam Tape
Thursday, July 17, 2008
PaperCrafts Gallery Idol
I'm involved in year two of the PaperCrafts Magazine contest Gallery Idol. The contest is based on American Idol, hence the name. By some stroke of unbelievable luck I was chosen to be in the Top 20. We are currently in the middle of voting for Round 1 (challenge: incorporate scallops). Here's my card...
Technically, this is the second card I have done for this contest, but the first one didn't count. The voting got all messed up and we had to start over. The voting this time is much better. It is done through a third party survey website and somehow your computer is only allowed to vote once per round. Nice. If you'd like to vote for me before 12:00 noon MST today, click here.
So, a little bit about this card. The center image is stamped using the Piece of Cake stamp set from Papertrey Ink. The polka dotted background is done with the Polka Dot Basics set from the same folks. I love that company. I embellished with some punched flowers, rhinestones, and glitter. The pretty little scalloped border around the cake was pierced with a pin using one of those plastic mesh embroidery circle thingies. I used one of the smallest rings and created my own pattern. Time consuming...yes. But I love the result. The darker teal scallops were done by punching 1/2" circles out of cardstock and adhering them to the back of that chocolate layer. I stamped a sentiment on the inside too (with a few flowers). I love this card muchly. I think I've posted enough today. Enjoy!
Recipe:
Cardstock: White - Strathmore; Aqua, Teal, Brown - Bazzill
Inks: Water Lily Green - Palette; Dark Chocolate & Aqua Mist - Papertrey Ink
Stamps: Piece of Cake, Polka Dot Basics, Everyday Blessings - Papertrey Ink
Punches: Corner Rounder, Flower (larger shown on card), 1/2" circle - EK Success; Flower (smaller shown on card) - Fiskars
Rhinestones: Darice
Glitter Pen: Sakura
Other: Foam Tape, Embroidery Circle Thingy
Technically, this is the second card I have done for this contest, but the first one didn't count. The voting got all messed up and we had to start over. The voting this time is much better. It is done through a third party survey website and somehow your computer is only allowed to vote once per round. Nice. If you'd like to vote for me before 12:00 noon MST today, click here.
So, a little bit about this card. The center image is stamped using the Piece of Cake stamp set from Papertrey Ink. The polka dotted background is done with the Polka Dot Basics set from the same folks. I love that company. I embellished with some punched flowers, rhinestones, and glitter. The pretty little scalloped border around the cake was pierced with a pin using one of those plastic mesh embroidery circle thingies. I used one of the smallest rings and created my own pattern. Time consuming...yes. But I love the result. The darker teal scallops were done by punching 1/2" circles out of cardstock and adhering them to the back of that chocolate layer. I stamped a sentiment on the inside too (with a few flowers). I love this card muchly. I think I've posted enough today. Enjoy!
Recipe:
Cardstock: White - Strathmore; Aqua, Teal, Brown - Bazzill
Inks: Water Lily Green - Palette; Dark Chocolate & Aqua Mist - Papertrey Ink
Stamps: Piece of Cake, Polka Dot Basics, Everyday Blessings - Papertrey Ink
Punches: Corner Rounder, Flower (larger shown on card), 1/2" circle - EK Success; Flower (smaller shown on card) - Fiskars
Rhinestones: Darice
Glitter Pen: Sakura
Other: Foam Tape, Embroidery Circle Thingy
Newton Would Approve
This is one of my favorite cards ever. I loves me some rhinestone action! I made this card for a Papertrey Ink Guest Star Stamper contest back in May. I used the Father Knows Best and Faux Ribbon stamp sets. I masked off just enough of the stitched stamp in Faux Ribbon to create the border on the inside of the card. It's nothing super shmancy, but I like it just the same. I've realized that the red/green/kraft/chocolate color combo is a favorite. I use it a lot without even noticing. I also use a lot of foam tape. I think I could single-handedly keep 3M in business. I'm just sayin'...
Recipe:
Cardstock: Kraft - Archiver's, Brown & Green - Bazzill
Ink: Landscape & Burnt Umber (Dark Chocolate for you PTI junkies) - Palette, Red Pepper - Adirondak
Stamps: Father Knows Best & Faux Ribbon - Papertrey Ink
Rhinestones: Darice
Ribbon - Michaels