Cheetah Girl!

Here we are again with another Scrapbook Monday post!  Today's page features actual photos from 2011 (ooohs and aaahhs from the crowd).  I decided I better work on my newer photos as well as the older ones or I would forget what they were for...  This is from my DD's birthday party.  She is a cheetah fanatic and this attraction is fed by her 'fairy Godmother', who is also my sister.  This year she received a bath towel and a ultra chic scarf from her aunt.  Daddy thought he might look good in animal prints as well and tried on her scarf.  My layout was based on a sketch from Simply Stampin' Challenge.  This was their challenge a few weeks ago, but I didn't get around to creating with it until now.

Her scrapbooks are already full of layouts using cheetah/leopard prints, and quite frankly, I'm tired of using them! So I went with a sahara sand base, brown accents, and added just a hint of the animal print by using strips of fleece material as ribbon.

The background print was made using versamark, clear embossing powder, and a quick shot from the heat gun (have I mentioned my fascination with this process??)  The rest is pretty self-explanatory

Page Recipe: Cardstock-sahara sand, soft suede, very vanilla, pretty in pink, Ink-early espresso, crumb cake, pretty in pink (sponging), Versamark, Stamp Sets-sprinkles (ret), Broadsheet Alphabet, Notes and Details, Accessories-clear embossing  powder, heart to heart punch

The Gnomes Part 2

If you came here today expecting a dignified post and intelligent conversation, SORRY!!  Remember my Gnome Sweet Gnome  card?  I was trying  to come up with a cute little saying to put inside and my blogging friend, Lisa,  gave me several ideas.  I settled on "Gnome-one is as special as you!".  She also planted the seed of a sequel as she was wondering where they were off to and what adventure they would have.  Well...I can't tell you all of the details, since neither would kiss and tell, but Chip and Rocky (he's a little chipped and she's made of stone, get it?!) wanted me to share their latest adventure...

That's right, they fell in love, are now happily married and living in Boulder (sorry...couldn't resist)!

Check out Chip's fancy suit and his crystal effects hat, jacket, and shoes.  Of course, Rocky is all dressed up as well.  Did you know that when you put lots of dazzling details on vellum, it wrinkles?  I didn't. However, since it is her wedding day, we are calling them ruffles and just attached the vellum to a piece of blushing bride card stock!!

I had so much fun with this card, especially since it really wasn't for anyone other than me!   Oh, just a heads up that Chip and Rocky are keeping in touch and may show up on my blog again for another adventure.  I hope you have enjoyed my 'pun'filled adventures of Chip and Rocky! If not, I blame Lisa! She started it!!

On a more professional, crafty note, I used my heart framelits for the first time on this card. I LOVE THESE THINGS!!! Can't wait to see what SU comes out with next in this department!!

Card Recipe: Cardstock-very vanilla, Sending Love DSP (ret), real red, vellum, Stamp Set-Gnome Sweet Gnome, Ink-stazon black, assorted markers, Accessories-very vanilla seam binding, cherry cobbler & original dazzling details, crystal effects, snow burst embossing folder, hearts collection framelits

A Three Hour Card, A Three Hour Card...

I think I know how the people from Gilligan's Island feel now! They only intended to take a 3 hour tour and spent what felt like an eternity on the island instead.  I set out to make a bridal shower card, not a big feat, and ended up spending 3 HOURS from start to finish on this!!  Those of you who follow my blog will understand immediately why this took me so long! I'm a CAS card maker by nature.  I do enjoy vintage and shabby, but they still end up being pretty simple.  Not this card, my friends...

In an effort to spare those from the challenge blogs who don't really want to hear my tale of endless crafting, here are the challenges I chose to  submit my card.  Shopping Our Stash is asking for all that glitters, sparkles, or shines (not a problem on this one!), SUO Challenges is asking for an infrequently used or new technique (lots of embellishing and Smooch spritz), and Top Tip Tuesday has an anything goes challenge. And my 3 hour card...

and the inside...

I saw the inspiration card on Robyn's Stamping Hood a few months ago and thought this would be fun to recreate. I must have been channeling Anne Marie  (aka the Bling Queen!) because the next thing I knew I was pulling out pearls, embossing folders, ribbon, smooch spritz, glimmer paper, and lots of other shimmery bling!  In all fairness, there are a lot of crafters out there who could have made this in 15 minutes, but this was so far out of my comfort zone that I would pull paper out, then put it back. Try this punch? No... What about this one?  Big pearls or tiny pearls?  It needs texture... No, that's too much...Hmm...which sentiment should I use... Even cutting the paper for the cake layers was an ordeal (cut 3 different times til I was happy)! When I finally was committed (or needed to be!), and adhered everything to the card, it still needed something.  Out came the Smooches!  When I finished, my table looked like the entire SU catalog had exploded and I had shimmery fingers from the smooch spray! But I have to say, when I picked up the finished project, this truly is one amazing card, by my standards.  Of course, with snow and freezing temperatures, I was not about to go outside just to get better lighting, so even though you may not be able to see all of the shimmery, glittery goodness, believe me! It's there!!

I used a LOT of goodies on this card and amazingly 90% was stuff I've had for quite a while! I am hoping that the bride-to-be will enjoy this card! I honestly don't know her, but she is marrying our neighbors son, and I have known him since he was a baby! Hope you have managed to make it through my extremely long post and that you enjoyed visiting!!

Card Recipe: Cardstock-pretty in pink, real red, very vanilla, Sending Love DSP (ret), red glimmer paper, Ink-real red, blush blossom marker (for shading edges and hearts inside), Stamp Sets- Loving Thoughts, Sprinkles (ret), Punches-modern label, heart to heart, scallop oval, corner rounder, large oval, Accessories-elegant lines embossing folder, basic pearls, vanilla shimmer and blushing bride smooch spritz, Chantilly crochet trim

A Sneak Peek Valentine

In an effort to actually have my Valentines finished before Valentine's Day, I'm trying to make a few each week.  I don't send out a lot of cards for this holiday, so if I can keep with this plan, I should be ready!

Today's card is a CAS sneak peek at the Sale-A-Bration's Catalog.  The inspiration for my card came from the catalog itself.  I changed the flower and instead of stitching the stem and leaf, I used one of the sentiments from the stamp set to create them.

The stamp set is called Outlined Occasions and both stamped images you see are from this set.  If you would love to own this set, it can be your's for FREE during Sale-A-Bration (starts January 24th) with a purchase of $50 or host a workshop or class and get it free with a qualifying total!

I punched 3 flowers using the 5 petal punch and sponged the edges, then attached them together with a glitter brad.  The Love tag was created by rolling one side of the tag and threading white bakers twine through the curl before tying a bow.  It is hard to tell from the picture (in hindsight, I should have went w/ a darker ink), but the stem and leaves are made with the sentiment 'be mine'.

Card Recipe: Cardstock-crumb cake, pretty in pink, whisper white, Ink-pretty in pink, certainly celery, Stazon black, pretty in pink & wisteria wonder markers, Stamp Set-Outlined Occasions, Accessories- 5 petal flower punch, pretty in pink glitter brad, white bakers twine, corner rounder punch

Christmas Past

Here we are in week two and I actually have another scrapbook page!  I'm still about 5 years behind on some of my pictures, so there is no lack of material, just finding the time to properly display them!

This week's page features some older Christmas pictures.  Every year after the children's Christmas service, my girls pose for a picture in front of the nativity.  Time for a little history...I always get a bit nostalgic about this nativity.  We attend the church that I have been a member since my birth.  When I was very young, I was asked to place baby Jesus in the manger during our Christmas service.  It was such a special honor for me.  Over the years, this tradition continued with different children until it was replaced with the children acting out the story of the nativity.  However, the nativity in this picture is still the very same set that was used when I was a child.  I often wonder just how many children have enjoyed placing Jesus into his special place.  But I digress... you came here to see my scrapbook page!

When I finished this page I kept thinking it needed something, but I also didn't want it to be too cluttered.  Let me know what you think!  Notice the scalloped edge pieces behind 'you'  and 'me'? That is a piece of the NEW labels collection framelits cut in half. I am loving this set!!  There's also some 'stash' items on this, so if you don't see it listed by name, that's why!

Page Recipe: Cardstock-whisper white, real red DSP (from brights stack), Ink-soft suede, cherry cobbler (sponging), Accessories-Victoria crochet trim

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

Back in Time for the perfect guy card

At the risk of showing my age, I need to share a story about this card.  As I was going through my stock pile  of cards, I realized I did not have nearly enough 'guy' birthday cards.  Masculine cards are never easy for me.  It shouldn't be so hard, but I seem to spend way more time trying to come up with a good man card.  After looking through my DSP and not finding anything I liked, I remembered the small box of 81/2 X 11 patterned paper that I rediscovered while cleaning.  I dug through lots of little girl and baby theme paper and then found something that made me stop in awe.

Some of you will remember several years ago (early 90's) when hunter green was all the rage (I even had the trim in my kitchen painted this color).  Well, I found a piece of paper in hunter green! I have no clue how old this paper is and don't even remember why I bought it.  The scary thing is, I realized it was the perfect paper for my card.  As you can see below, the pattern looks a lot like a  man's flannel shirt.  Then I remembered that I bought a SU ink pad ages ago that would match it.  I was crossing my fingers that I hadn't sold it during one of my clubs.  I checked my 'sale' box and there it was!! So here is my manly birthday card and now that my pattern paper is gone, I can return the ink pad to the 'sale' box!

The color in the picture is a little off, but the paper and the leaves are both that lovely shade of green (known as forest foliage by SU)!

Card Recipe: Cardstock-early espresso, crumb cake, Inks-forest foliage (very retired!), early espresso, crumb cake, soft suede, Stamp Set-Lovely as a Tree, Just Believe (sent.), Accessories-chocolate chip ribbon (ret)

Gnome Sweet Gnome

I've had a new stamp set setting on my craft table for over a week now and just couldn't decide exactly what to do with it. This is where challenge sites really help out!  I found a great sketch at Stamping 411 and then realized during my challenge hunting that my card would also work for Top Tip Tuesday's Anything Goes and The Squirrel and the Fox's Something New.  Since this stamp set just came out in the catalog yesterday and I haven't inked it yet, I think this will qualify as new!  The pool party seam binding is also new.

I received this set for free (demo perk!!) and really wasn't sure how I would us it before this.  My girls loved it, mostly due to the movie Gnomeo and Juliette!  I haven't put a sentiment inside because I'm trying to find something 'punny' to go with the images. I would love to hear your suggestions!!

I did A LOT of fussy cutting on this and while I love the finished appearance, this is still not my favorite technique!  Guess I just need to keep at it!

Thanks for looking!

Card Recipe: Cardstock-crumb cake, pool party, whisper white, Ink-pear pizzazz, black Stazon, island indigo, pool party, blushing bride, and blush blossom markers, Stamp Set- Gnome Sweet Gnome, Accessories-pool party seam binding, pastels (for sky and blending in grass)

A Sneak Peek!

I've been playing with some NEW goodies from Stampin' UP!  Most of them will be available on January 4th with the release of the Occasions Mini.  The fabulous paper I used will be available during Sale-a-bration which begins January 24th.
As soon as I saw the labels framelits and coordinating stamp set, I knew these would be two of my first purchases!!  Then I realized there was a sentiment stamp set that would also work with these... Needless to say, it was just like Christmas morning when that box arrived on my doorstep.  I really love vintage and if it also happens to be a little shabby, all the better!  Both of the cards I made are going to be mailed, so I took it easy on the embellishments, but I am thinking of making another card adding the crochet trim and some pearls.

 Isn't the DSP gorgeous? It's called Everyday Enchantment and could be yours for FREE with a $50 order placed on or after the 24th!

Well, today I head back to work. I love my job, but it has been so nice being able to stay up late and sleep in every day since Christmas!  It will be nice to get the kids back into a routine again.  They have forgotten how to do their chores since Christmas break...

Card Recipe: Cardstock- pool party, soft suede, very vanilla, everyday enchantment DSP, Ink-soft suede, pool party marker, Stamp Sets-Apothecary Art, Loving Thoughts, Accessories-pastels, scallop trim border punch, square lattice embossing folder, labels collection framelits

Snowfall

Happy 2012! I hope that everyone had a wonderful new year!  Our's was pretty low key.  DH went to bed early because he had to work bright and early on  new years day.  The girls watched The Twilight Zone marathon and I crafted until 11:45 when we switched channels to watch the ball drop. Then we turned in for the night! Such wild and crazy party animals!!

One of my blogging friends invited me to join her in her new year's resolution of posting one scrapbook page a week.  Now, to be quite honest, I don't normally make resolutions because they tend to be very short lived (more like a 'to do' list for a week or two...), but this seemed like a wonderful plan to help keep me on track with my scrapbooking. So I am officially announcing that my new year's resolution for 2012 is to post at least one scrapbook page a week on my blog! (Oh the pressure...) I know that some of my dear friends will be sure to remind me if I start slipping on this!

So here is week number one's page-

Apologies for the shadows...the sun was starting to go down as I took my picture. It was also a little windy and my ribbon shifted as I took the picture.  It really is straight on the page now!  I used an old Page Maps sketch for my layout.

Page Recipe: Cardstock-baja breeze, early espresso, whisper white, Ski Slope DSP (ret), baja breeze DSP from subtles stack, Ink-early espresso, baja breeze (sponged around top note), Stamp Set-Broadsheet Alphabet, Accessories-top note die, baja breeze seam binding