Anything But a Card Challenge 20- Doing a little dusting...

Hello! I'm so glad you are stopping in today!  The challenge this week at Anything But a Card Challenges is to dust off your older materials and supplies.  If you're like me, this also becomes a challenge in cleaning and organizing your crafting area!  We are already on challenge #20! I am so excited to see so many playing along each week and hope that you will find time to link up with us too!

Before I began my project, I had to find my crafting table (knew it was under there somewhere..).  I was amazed at the various pieces of projects, and papers that were laying around.  So once my crafting space was tidy, I was ready to get started.  While cleaning, I found a cardstock box that I made about a month ago while trying out a template/tutorial I found here.  I also realized I have A LOT of paper!  I decided to use a lone leftover sheet of an old SU DSP.  I have no clue what the design is, but it is quite old! **Edit** I have been told that this paper was from Jersey Shore, retired quite a while back... The daisies in the paper led me to pull out my very neglected daisies die.  Both of these items were used to dress up my card box and I was on such a roll that I made 8 coordinating cards to complete the set!  You can see my cards posted here.  I am happy to say that my sheet of paper is a mere pile of scraps now and I completed a project that will now become a thank you gift for a dear friend.

the front view...

and the top.

The scale of the box is hard to see in the photos, but this easily held eight 4 1/4x5 1/2 cards (several of them a bit lumpy) and their envelopes.  I made a belly band from the left over 1" strips from the box and decorated it with the daisies.  Sadly, I don't have measurements to share because I kind of eyeballed it.  It's loose enough to slide off, but also doesn't fall off easily.

There were a lot of dusted off things on this project! The cardstock used for the box, the patterned paper, the daisies die, and the pumpkin pie corduroy brads were all quite old and neglected.  But no more!

I hope I have helped inspire you to dust off your goodies and play along this week! We would love to see what you have kept hidden away!  Be sure to stop by the challenge blog and see what the design team unearthed for their fabulous projects too!  Have a fabulous week and happy crafting!

Project Recipe: Cardstock- from stash, old SU DSP, wild wasabi and whisper white, Stamp Set-Fabulous Phrases, Ink-bashful blue(sponged on daisies) and pacific pointe, Accessories-daises 2 die, little leaves sizzlit, oval punch, scallop oval punch, pumpkin pie corduroy buttons.

It would be a Valentine, but we're calling it a love card...

Now how's that for a post title?  Confused??  Well, if you visit my blog at all, you know that I am a long time card carrying member of the Procrastinator's Club (well, I would have a card if they ever got around to making them...) and on occasion, my procrastinating leads to complete and total forgetfulness.  Today's card was created for a club in February and it WAS a Valentine card, but since it is now mid March, I don't want to look too absentminded, so I'm renaming it a Love card, perfect for an anniversary or just a 'honey, I love you' note.  Clear as mud, right?!  My intentions were to post this for Valentines day, but in my procrastinating to create the post, I completely forgot to make it.  And while I know that some people create Christmas cards all year long to prepare for the holiday, I don't know anyone who makes Valentines all year.    If you do, please don't tell me! I already feel like a slacker for not making enough cards for the times that I do need to send them!!  But enough of my endless rambling about forgetfulness...

Here is the once a Valentine, now a Love card...

I totally pulled inspiration from a dear blogging friend, Carole.  I loved the way she used the heart framelit for her card and had to make my own version!  She of course, was not a procrastinator, and had her card on her blog well in advance of Valentine's Day... I should despise that about her, but she is so super sweet and so much fun that I am willing to overlook her perfections!! Did I mention she has a wonderful sense of humor too?!

Well, I hope you enjoyed my card and don't think too poorly about me and my less than perfect posting habits! Have a wonderful rest of the week and happy crafting!

Card Recipe: Cardstock-whisper white, More Amore DSP, Stamp Set-That's the Ticket, Fabulous Phrases, Ink-real red, soft suede, Accessories-Hearts a Flutter framelits, Chevron folder, ticket duo builder punch, pool party ruffled ribbon

Anything But a Card Challenge 11- Tie it up!

Hello! I am so glad you stopped by to visit and  I hope you had a marvelous weekend! My youngest was not feeling well earlier this week providing me with an additional day at home. So while she rested, I managed to get a little housecleaning done and also squeezed in some crafting time. One of the things I finished was my project for Anything But a Card.  You still have time to join us with your own wonderful creation and the challenge is 'tie it up'.  We really love variety and there are so many different ways to approach this challenge.  I decided to use some bakers twine on my quotes journal page.

The 'tie it up'  portion of my page uses pool party bakers twine.  I braided three strands of twine and then tied that piece around my cardstock.  I also used some of my hand made stamped tiles. I used scupley clay and a stamp to create the tiles and then painted them with acrylic paints after they were baked.  I wanted my 'bling' to match the blues on my page so I colored some clear rhinestones with a blue sharpie.

My quotes journal is slowly being completed thanks to some inspiring challenges, and I am so happy that I will have such a pretty way to display these wonderful quotes when it is finished.

Project Recipe: Cardstock-very vanilla, Spice Cake DSP (ret), Ink-soft suede, Stamp Set-fabulous phrases, cute by the inch (tile), Accessories-large oval punch, decorative label punch, pool party bakers twine, basic rhinestones, sculpey clay, acrylic paints

Anything But a Card Challenge #9- Sisterly Love...

It's time for week 2 of Challenge #9 at Anything But a Card.  We've made it so easy for you to play along with this challenge! The challenge is Anything Goes or Your favorite project from 2012. Now how simple is that! I hope that you will find time to link up a new or favorite project this week.  The design team has done a wonderful job with their submissions as well, so be sure to stop by and check them out.

I had something of a crafter's block going on the week before Christmas.  I managed to complete all of my projects but kept putting off my gift for my sisters.  I really wanted these to be special and was hoping my mojo would return before Christmas day.  I finally broke down on Christmas eve and decided these had to be finished one way or another.  I printed out the pictures I wanted to use and noticed that red was a focal color in both photographs.  Then I started the daunting task of choosing papers.  After discarding several options, I settled on the retired Sending Love DSP. I love the glittery accents on this specialty paper! Apparently this was just the jump start I needed. As I played with the paper patterns I started visualizing each little frame and the whole project fell into place.

I even manage to squeeze some sneak peeks of new products onto this! Of course, using the retired paper helped reduce my growing stack of DSP, and that's always a good thing. Gotta make room for new stuff!

The flower trim in this picture is one of the new products

available in the spring catalog, available January 3rd!

Vintage yumminess!!

I used three glimmer paper hearts symbolizing the 3 sisters.

Another new product-Real Red Core'dinations paper!

Well that's it for me!  I'm off to do a little more organizing of my crafting table (imagine an explosion in a paper crafting store...)  and then hopefully work on a few ideas that have been floating in my brain.  I hope you had a wonderful December and managed to share some crafty goodness with others!  May your new year be filled with happiness, health, and peace! 

Project Recipe: Cardstock-real red core'dinations, very vanilla, Sending Love DSP (ret), red glimmer paper, Stamp Sets-Joyous Celebrations (oval frame), Fabulous Phrases, Ink-real red, chocolate chip, Accessories-frame from Hobby Lobby (1/2 price sale!!), full heart punch, large oval punch, Holiday Frame embossing folder, sanding system, vanilla flower trim, Victoria crochet trim, 'sisters' metal embellishment from my stash

Flashback Friday with Cottage Wall

Hello! I had every intention of creating this post earlier, and just as I was winding down my MDS session for the evening, I realized I had not posted my Flashback Friday. So now here I sit at 1:30 in the morning creating my post! So if I get to rambling or talking foolishness, you know what's up!

This week, I decided to use an old Page Maps sketch that had lots of squares on it.  I thought this would make for a clean and simple card, plus use up some of the retired DSP that is crowding my paper hopper!  I decided at the last minute to give it a quilted look and used my square lattice embossing folder.  Then I just added a few brads and I think it turned out pretty good!

My oldest DD even gave it her approval, although it does have a lot of purple in it, so it might just be the color talking...

I took the easy way out with the squares and used my punch. I know... it's probably not much faster than the trimmer, but I do love that I can line up the pattern when I use a punch.  Not to mention that it validates my purchasing yet another punch... 'Yes, Dear...  I really do need ALL of them!'

My Flashback items are the Cottage Wall DSP (ret) and pale plum cardstock (also retired).

Well, I am heading off to bed! Thanks for stopping in!  Hope you have a wonderful weekend and happy crafting!

Card Recipe: Cardstock-pale plum, old olive, Cottage Wall DSP, Ink-rich razzleberry, Stamp Set-Fabulous Phrases, Accessories-1 1/4" square punch, brights brads, square lattice embossing folder, big shot, paper piercing set

A Completely Shameless CASE

I have really been enjoying my spring break! I'm actually getting some cleaning and organizing done, laundry is back under control, and I even have found time to be crafty every day so far! Unfortunately, my internet connection has decided that this week would be a perfect time to do an impersonation of cold molasses pouring from a jar...  So it has taken forever to visit my blogging buddies and next to impossible to upload pictures.  I'm really hoping the entire week won't be like this!

On Sunday, I was organizing the files of wonderful cards I have found on the internet and saved to my computer.  Most of these were pre-pinterest and even though I did note who made most of them, I do not have direct links to the cards on the blogs.  I am bringing this up because I really wanted to CASE several of these and I think it is only appropriate to give credit to those who inspired me.  So, while I'm giving you the blog link for today's inspiration, it is not the direct link to the card.  Sorry...Did I mention my molasses-like internet connection?

Normally, when I CASE a  card, I end up changing bits and pieces of the card or changing the images.  Not today!  This is a shameless case of the gorgeous card made by Susan.  I don't even remember when I saw this on her blog, but I was so impressed by the elegance of this without too much fuss.  The only changes I made were the colors.  I was so stuck on which colors I would like best, so in the end, I used all of them!! Since these will be wedding/anniversary cards, I can always use a back up stash for those moments when I remember "OH! That's THIS Saturday?"

and a close up shot for more detail...

Well, I'm off to bed! Another fun filled day of running DD to practice, grocery shopping, and more spring cleaning will be waiting for me tomorrow!

Card Recipe:  Card stock-baja breeze, very vanilla, crumb cake, soft suede, basic black, Ink-basic black, Stamp Set-Fabulous Phrases, Extras-scallop oval punch, large oval punch, elegant lines embossing folder

Be My Valentine

Ever look at a piece of patterned paper and think 'Wait a minute...There's a card in there...'?  That is pretty much what happened with this card.  I was looking for some red sparkly paper for a different project and came across this paper.  It's a retired paper from SU and I actually forgot I had some left.  As soon as I saw the pattern, I had a pretty good idea what my card would look like.  I remember seeing somewhere that someone made an envelope with hearts spilling out, but wouldn't you know, I didn't save or pin that one (a million others, yes...)  So if this was your original idea, please let me know.  The basic design and layout, other than the heart envelope, is from my little ol' head.

**UPDATE- While reorganizing my pinterest card pins, I came across the original card and wanted to give credit where it's due.   Darlene Design is the website where you can see the inspiration piece!

This was not CAS or QAS (quick and simple) and I made 4 of these!  I do not have an envelope die (gasp!), so I used a template that I had from ages ago.  Then I got busy punching, and punching, and punching, and embossing, and glittering, and you get the picture.  I'm slightly obsessive when it comes to putting patterns together, so the hardest part for me was arranging the hearts into a design that I thought looked just right.  I really like the way it turned out!

When I finished this card both of my DD came over and exclaimed "We want to make these for our Valentines!" Ummm.... I DON'T THINK SO!!!!  So now I'm trying to find a more basic way to recreate this so they can make duplicates for their friends.  Plus, I'm not so sure the boys in my youngest DD's class will appreciate this very girly card!

Card Recipe: Cardstock-pretty in pink, real red, very vanilla, Sending Love DSP (ret), Ink-pretty in pink, real red, chocolate chip (distressed edge of envelope), Stamp Sets-Fabulous Phrases, Just Believe, Punches-heart to heart, modern label, word window, Accessories-very vanilla seam binding, basic pearls, square lattice folder, snow burst folder, dazzling details

Boo!

Today was a great day to play with my stamps and paper! I blog hopped and found a few challenges that I wanted to try. Sketches By Carly had a fun sketch that I wanted to try. Then I saw the color challenge at My Create Ink, rich razzleberry, basic gray, and lucky limeade. Hmmm... I checked in on the ladies at Hand Stamped Sentiments and they were having a Halloween challenge. Three challenges in one card? Too cool! (It doesn't take much to excite me!) I had lots of thoughts and ideas going through my head and then I remembered that I had seen the owl punch turned into a ghost somewhere in blogland. I don't usually work a lot with gray and was afraid that the only gray would be my ink.  Then I remembered the gray corduroy buttons & brads I had bought from the clearance rack a long time ago! Here is my 3 challenge card...

As you read my card recipe, you may be a little confused. Just where is that Word Play stamp set on this card?! Well, I knew I wanted to put B-O-O on my banner but the alphabet stamps that I own are too big to fit on the banner. So, I used the B from 'wish big' and the O from 'thanks a million'. Necessity is truly the mother of invention! After I had the card put together, I started thinking that I should have done some dry embossing or stamping on the base. It just looks a little bare... Let me know what you think!

Card Recipe: Cardstock-lucky limeade, rich razzleberry, whisper white, & rich razzleberry DSP from the brights pack, Inks-basic gray and rich razzleberry, Stamp Sets- 4 frames, Word Play, Fabulous Phrases, Accessories-decorative label punch, owl punch, 1 3/4" circle, 1" circle, 3/4" circle, basic gray corduroy brads (ret), spider web embossing folder, rich razzleberry 1/4 grosgrain ribbon, white bakers twine

Sweet and Kind

I've been working on several projects and haven't had a lot of 'free' stamping time lately.  But today I felt the need to just play! A great blogging friend (Lisa) introduced me to another fabulous challenge blog called Simply Stampin' Challenge.  This week they have an awesome color challenge using Pear Pizzazz, Chocolate Chip, Soft Suede, and Very Vanilla.  I found a great sketch at The Paper Players to go with this color combo!

This was a great way for me to use up a few pieces of retired DSP too!! Simply Stampin' Challenge is also having a design team call and I'm submitting this card for that as well! Thanks for looking!

Card Recipe: Cardstock-very vanilla, chocolate chip, soft suede, pear pizzazz, pear pizzazz DSP from In Color  Paper Stack, choc chip & soft suede DSP is from retired sets, Ink-pear pizzazz, soft suede, Stamp Sets-Four Frames, Fabulous Phrases, Accessories-decorative label punch, very vanilla seam binding ribbon, basic pearls

Celebrate with Four Frames

This is another card from our recent class featuring items from the NEW catalog!  The inspiration for this card came from Sheryl's blog, so be sure to check out her awesome cards too! This card features the Paisley Petals DSP.  To be honest, this was not my favorite paper at first, but the more I use it, the more I like it! Guess I just had to step out of the comfort zone for a while!! TFL!

Card Recipe: cardstock: crumb cake, chocolate chip, whisper white, and Paisley Petals DSP, ink-chocolate chip, stamp sets-Four Frames, and Fabulous Phrases, accessories-1/4" chocolate chip ribbon, and decorative label punch

Sketches & Punches & Buttons

I was trying to come up with a title for today's card and kept thinking 'buttons'. Suddenly 'sketches & punches & buttons' popped in my head (you know...'lions and tigers and bears, Oh My!). Warped right? Anyway...I had a sketch from Stamping 411 that I have been looking at this week and had finally decided on a card when I saw the challenge at Hand Stamped Sentiments was using buttons.  I decided to trade out my stamped flowers for buttons to tie the two together.

I tend to over-analyze most of my cards and this one is no exception.  Before I put it together I kept thinking that the large white space was too 'blank', so I dry embossed it.  After finishing the card I thought maybe it looked better with the 'blank' space. Hmm... I may go back tomorrow and try it out, but for now I'm going to be happy with what I have. I do love my little vase made w/ the ornament punch!

Card Recipe: cardstock- daffodil delight, whisper white, wild wasabi, and pacific point DSP from the brights pack, ink-wild wasabi, stamp set-Fabulous Phrases, accessories- ice cream parlor buttons (ret), elegant lines embossing folder, brights brads, ornament & scallop trim border punches

CAS Anniversary Card

I had a little extra time over the long weekend and today to check out some challenge sites. I found a great sketch at Clean and Simple Stamping and then saw that both SUO Challenges and Top Tip Tuesday had challenges for Anniversary cards.  I can always use a few more of these on hand so I decided to play along! I'm apologizing in advance for my crooked picture...

Card Recipe: cardstock-pretty in pink, very vanilla, and Lap of Luxury DSP (ret.), ink-concord crush, pretty in pink, and basic gray, stamp sets-Just Believe and Fabulous Phrases, accessories-very vanilla 5/8" satin ribbon, 1 3/8" circle punch

Hello and Goodbye...

I just received my new stamp set previews this weekend and couldn't wait to play around! I haven't participated in Stamping 411's sketch challenge in the past 2 weeks and thought this would be a great place to start! I knew I wanted to use Precious Butterflies (a new hostess set), so my next decision was which DSP? Elegant Soiree is retiring from our current catalog and I thought this would make a nice blending of old and new...Which led to my creating wedding cards. You know-something old, something new, something blue (Sorry, nothing borrowed!).

As you can see, I changed the second card a little. This new stamp set is quickly becoming one of my favorites! TFL!

Card Recipe: Stamp Sets-Precious Butterflies, Fabulous Phrases, Card Stock-Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze, and Whisper White, DSP- Elegant Soiree, Inks-Baja Breeze & Soft Suede, Accessories-square lattice embossing folder, baja breeze seam binding ribbon (returning from spring mini), 1 3/4" and 3/4" circle punches

Enjoy Your Day (part 2)

Same stamps as last time, but different color combo and used two circle punches instead.  The card is tempting turquois and I used temp. turq. and chocolate chip inks.  The patterned paper is some of my stash.   I thought this one looked a little more manly!

Enjoy your day!

I needed a few more birthday cards and decided to use up some of my paper stash at the same time.  Since I made several of these, the layout is pretty basic.  SU supplies used were the scallop circle & border punches, pretty in pink & elegant eggplant inks, and Fabulous Phrases stamp set.  Everything else is either retired or non-SU product.  I am finding that I LOVE the Fab Phrases stamps.  They are so versatile!  TFL!!!

gift card holder

OK!  First creation downloaded without a hitch!  Since I'm a newbie SU demonstrator, I decided to play with some things for my upcoming open house.  I CASEd part of the idea from some pics on Splitcoast, but put my own little twist on it.  The original was a tag book, but I liked the idea of it housing a gift card better.  This started as a pitiful toilet paper tube (or paper towel) and was transformed by using DSP from Springtime Vintage, very van. satin ribbon & cardstock, and stamped w/ Soft Suede.  I used the stamp sets Just Believe and Fabulous Phrases.  I'm considering adding one of the flower adornments and a bit of pear pizzazz seam binding to bling it up a bit and also tie into the DSP pattern.  Hope you enjoy this and TFL!