Stamping at Will

TGIF!!!

2010-11-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

TGIF!!!! Truer words have never been spoken! This week has been very loooong. I've been at work everyday this week, and winter has arrived in Alberta with a bang. It started snowing Monday afternoon, and has been snowing off and on ever since. We now have about 6 inches of snow on the ground, and it is here to stay.

This card uses Jen del Muno's SFYTT from this past Saturday. The stamp is one that I found at Scrapbooker's Paridise, and is from a Canadian company called The Stamp Barn. As soon as I saw the Shakespeare quote, I knew I had to have it.

I stamped the image in black Staz On ink on watercolor paper, and used my aqua painter and distress inks to watercolor the image.

Here's the recipe:

Card Sketch : Jen del Muno's SFYTT

Stamps: The Stamp Barn - Shakespeare's Blessing

Paper: Enchanted Evening, Watercolor paper, Lavender Moon, Bo-Bunny DSP - Midnight Frost

Ink: Staz On Black, Distress inks - Vintage Photo, Broken China, Faded Jeans, Victorian Velvet, Forest Moss, Aged Mahogany

Accessories: Aqua painter, Cuttlebug, Shapeabilities - Snowflake Wonder, rhinestones, dimensionals

Techniques: watercolor painting, dry embossing

Believe

2010-11-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

If you've ever checked out my gallery at Splitcoast Stamper's, you know how I love patterned paper, especially Basic Grey!! I think I have owned just about every 6x6 collection that Basic Grey has released. Here is another Christmas card that I made using Basic Grey's Jovial collection. I think the card is pretty self explanatory so I'll leave you with the details.

Here's the recipe:

Card Sketch: SCS306

Stamps: PTI - Holiday Button Bits, Background Basics: Christmas

Paper: Simply Chartruse, Pure Poppy, Basic Grey DSP - Jovial

Ink: Versamark, Black, Distress Ink - Old Paper, Vintage Photo

Accessories: Cuttlebug, Nestabilities (Circles, Pinking circles), gold EP, clear EP, buttons, DMC floss, dimensionals

Techniques: embossing, sponging

Peace Be Still

2010-11-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

I think it's safe to say that I am in full Christmas card mode! This card uses Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge 99. The only thing stamped on this card is the sentiment, which I think is a first for me.

The dove is die cut from Vintage Cream felt, the circles are cut using nestabilities, and the die cut border is Papertrey Ink's Victorian Lace die. I cut the border out of Bermuda Bay twice, and offset it before adhering it to the back of the Jovial decorative paper. The Aqua Mist background is embossed with the bookprint impression plate, which is also from Papertrey Ink.

Here's the rest of the details:

Card Sketch: MTSC 99

Stamps: PTI - Peace Be Still

Paper: Bermuda Bay, Aqua Mist, Basic Grey DSP - Jovial

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Fresh Snow

Accessories: Cuttlebug, Nestabilities (circles), PTI Victorian Lace die, Peace Be Still Die, Bookprint Impression plate, vintage cream felt, Kaiser black pearls, clear rhinestones, aqua mist buttons, cream button twine, dimensionals

Techniques: dry embossing, sponging

The Ghost of Christmas (Releases) Past

2010-11-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

While I am waiting with breathless anticipation for Canada Post to deliver the latest Verve release, I got out some Verve from Christmas releases past.

I love this snowman from the Snow Wonderful set. He is soooo cute and easy to cut out. I stamped him on kraft cardstock, and colored him with Fresh Snow ink from Papertrey Ink, using a Q-tip. His scarf and nose are colored with Copic markers. His top hat, eyes and buttons are highlighted with Ranger Black Enamel Accents. The sentiment, snowflakes, and snowflake wreath are from Christmas in the Air. The decorative paper is from the 6x6 pad of Midnight Frost by Bo-Bunny Press. This collection has all sorts of different shades of blue snowflake prints, with a hint of burgundy.

P.S. Both these Verve sets are now on sale!!

Here's the rest of the recipe:

Sketch: Jen's SFYTT

Stamps: Verve - Christmas in the Air, Snow Wonderful

Paper: Enchanted Evening, Kraft, Bo Bunny DSP - Midnight Frost

Ink: Versamark, Memento Tuxedo Black, Fresh Snow, Chipped Sapphire, Stormy Sky

Accessories: Cuttlebug, Nestabilities(Circle, Label 4), white EP, Scarlet Jewel ribbon, Ranger black enamel accents, sewing machine, dimensionals, Copics

Techniques: sponging, embossing, Copics

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge - Marigolds

2010-11-08T07:00:00.001-07:00

Good Monday morning! I can say that because I have the day off! Yesterday, between walking Will in the Alberta sunshine, and preparing dinner for my parents, I made this card using Karen Giron's SSSC 92.

As soon as I saw the sketch, I saw this marigold image from Papertrey Ink's Year of Flowers set for October. I colored it with Copic markers (something I need to use more!), and matched it up with some Basic Grey Pyrus paper. The sketch calls for a large embellishment where the glazed brads are, but I wanted the flower to take centre stage, so I exercised some artistic license and used the brads instead.

Here's the recipe:

Sketch: SSSC92

Stamps: PTI - Year of Flowers:Marigold, Signature Greetings

Paper: Always Artichoke, Orange Zest, Wild Wasabi, White, Basic Grey - Pyrus

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Cuttlebug, Nestabilities (Square, and Scalloped Square), Copics, Basic Grey glazed brads - Pyrus, Woodgrain Impression plate, dimensionals

Techniques: dry embossing, Copics

Jingle All the Way

2010-11-07T07:00:00.001-07:00

Good Morning all! Here's my card for Viva la Verve for the second week of November. As you can see, I went with the red and cream color scheme again in the second photo. I did however use a tiny bit of blue from the first photo, so we'll call this a doubly inspired card! (LOL!!)

The snowflakes are from PTI's Peace Be Still set. I placed five of the snowflakes on one acrylic block so it was quick and easy to stamp the snowflake ovals. The plaid mat, bell, and sentiment are from PTI's Tiny Treats Christmas set (which is SUPER CUTE!) I colored the bell with Copics, and mounted it on a pinked circle of Pure Poppy felt cut from PTI's Limitless Layers circle dies.

That's all for now. I'm off to church this morning. We are having a mass said for my Grandma who passed away 4 years ago. I hope to spend the afternoon stamping before my Mom and Dad come over for supper.

Here's the recipe:

Amber's Sketch for November Week 2

Stamps: PTI - Tiny Treats Christmas, Peace Be Still

Paper: Pure Poppy, Very Vanilla, white, Rustic Snowflakes DSP

Ink: Vintage Cream, Pure Poppy, Tea Dye Touch Duo, Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Cuttlebug, Mat Stack 1, Limitless Layers circle dies, Nestabilities oval dies, Copics, Pure Poppy felt, dimensionals

Techniques: sponging, Copics

MOJO Saturday

2010-11-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

It's Saturday!!! It's been ages since I've been able to play with Julee's MOJO Monday sketch challenge. This week's sketch really caught my eye. It is very simple, so there are oodles of possibilities!

I've been following Jennifer McGuire's Thinking Inking Christmas series over at her blog, so I was inspired to dig out my distress inks and blending tools to make the main background. The nativity stamp is from Stampendous which I picked up at my local scrapbooking store, Scrapbooker's Paradise. It is stamped in Versamark on some Basic Grey Jovial paper, and then embossed with chocolate embossing powder. The Merry Christmas sentiment is from PTI's 2010 Holiday Tag set. The little charm dangling from the ribbon is a Tim Holtz fragment with some more Jovial paper.

Now it's time to take Puppy Will to Three Mile Bend for a walk, and then I'm going to see the movie version of The Tempest with Christopher Plummer, that was filmed at The Stratford Shakespeare Festival this past season. I was fortunate enough to see this production in person in September during my yearly visit to Stratford. It was AMAZING so I've had today circled on my calendar for a long time.

Here's the Recipe:

Sketch: MOJO163

Stamps: Stampendous - Sacred Silhouettes, and Music Score, PTI - 2010 Holiday Tags

Paper: Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Basic Grey DSP - Jovial

Ink: Versamark, Distress Inks - Peeled Paint, Fired Brick, Antique Linen, Vintage Photo

Accessories: Cuttlebug, Nestabilities (long rectangles, scalloped rectangles, labels 4), White EP, Chocolate EP, Cranberry Crisp stitched ribbon, Tim Holtz Fragment, dimensionals, gold cord

Christmas Wishes

2010-11-03T09:39:00.003-06:00

Happy Wednesday! It's that time of year where I start to think about Christmas cards. I don't know about you, but I LOVE Christmas stamps. Every year I add to my collection, and this year is no different. This card uses PTI's Big & Bold Holiday Wishes, and Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 91. I kept this card super simple so that it is easy to mass produce. In the past, I would decide on one design of Christmas card, and that's what everyone on my list would get. Recently though, I've started making fewer cards of the same design, to allow me to show some lovin' to all my Christmas stamps. I don't make a different card for everyone, but I am making a bigger variety of Christmas cards. KWIM?? I made 6 of this design which are probably destined for my church's craft sale.

Here's the recipe and link to Karen's Sketch:

Stamps: PTI - Big & Bold Holiday Wishes

Paper: Pinefeather, Blueberry Sky, Christmas Print, Distressed Dots, white

Ink: Pine Needles Distress Ink, Pure Poppy, Pear Pizzazz

Accessories: Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, Red Rhinestone, dimensionals

Techniques: stencilling, sponging

Sketch: SSSC91

You Make Me Smile

2010-11-01T09:33:00.004-06:00

Well, it's the beginning of another new month, so it's time for a new addition of Viva la Verve. My card this week uses some new Verve (at least new to me!), and a red and cream color scheme. Dawn McVey did a fantastic set of tags in this color scheme which you can check out HERE. Then a few posts later, she created this AMAZING CARD.

Here's the Recipe:

Amber's Sketch: VLVNOV2010 - Week1

Stamps: PTI - Quilter's Sampler Additions, Fillable Frames 9, Verve - Fabulous You, Stampendous - Music Score

Paper: Very Vanilla, Pure Poppy

Ink: Vintage Cream, Pure Poppy

Accessories: Cuttlebug, Beautiful Blooms Dies, Fillable Frames 9 die, Pure Poppy, and Vintage Cream felt, SU Neutral buttons, red eyelet, MS Baker's Twine, DMC floss

Happy Birthday Nicole

2010-08-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was my niece Nicole's 6th birthday, and the entire family was at my brother's for a birthday barbecue. It didn't rain until about 8:30 but the air was very smokey due to forest fires in British Columbia, so we had to take the party inside. We are all hoping that the rain will take care of the smoke.

I stamped Birthday Flopsey on watercolor paper in Staz On black ink, and then used my aqua painter and reinkers to color him in. I added some pink rhinestones to the top and bottom of the frame, and some Diamond Stickles on the flames of the candles, because Nicole LOVES anything that sparkles.

Here are the details:

Stamps: MFT - Birthday Flopsey, PTI - Background Basics - Tin Type

Paper: Simply Chartruse, Aqua Mist, Pink Pirouette, watercolor paper, Basic Grey DSP - Lemonade

Ink: Staz on black, Pink Pirouette

Accessories: Cuttlebug, Swirls EF, Nestabilities Labels 10, watercolor pen, SU reinkers (Creamy Caramel, Pink Pirouette, Melon Mambo, Green Galore), Diamond Stickles, Kaiser pink rhinestones, dimensionals

Sketch used: MTSC61

More Verve and Happy B-Day Nicole

2010-08-19T07:00:00.002-06:00

I got a chance to finish the two remaining sketch challenges for Verve's 3rd Anni-VERVE-sary. I have to say the sketch three was a bit of a stinker! I'm very happy with how it turned out though. I painted the butterfly with Smooch Illuminate ink after coloring it with Copics, so it is very shimmery in real life. All the Verve Divas are doing an awesome job with the sneak peaks, so I REALLY hope I win a little something. My wallet could use the break!!!

Sketch A

Stamps: Verve - Abundant Blessings

Paper: Blushing Bride, Real Red, Very Vanilla, October Afternoon DSP - The Thrift Shop, Blushing Bride DSP

Ink: Blushing Bride, Soft Suede, Tea Dye Touch Duo

Accessories: Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, New Leaf Bitty dots ribbon, Diamond Lace border punch, dimensionals

Sketch C

Stamps: Verve - Blue Skies

Paper: Pure Poppy, Simply Chartruse, Very Vanilla, white, October Afternoon DSP - The Thrift Shop, and Fly a Kite

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black,Crushed Olive Distress ink

Accessories: Sewing Machine, Copics, Pure Poppy ribbon, Corner Rounder, dimensionals, Cuttlebug, X-large ric-rac die (PTI), Simply Chartruse felt, black mini brads, Smooch - Illuminate

Today is my niece Nicole's 6th birthday. The entire family (two-legged, and four-legged members) are heading to my brother's place this evening for a birthday barbeque. Here's hoping the weather holds out!! I hope to have her birthday card to show you tomorrow.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLIE-BEAR!!

Verve Sketches X 3

2010-08-18T07:00:00.001-06:00

Happy Wednesday!! It's Verve release week, and even better, it's Verve's 3rd Anniversary. Julee has created some awesome sketches for this release week challenge. I have three of the five done. Hopefully I can get the other two finished today. Here's what I have so far.

Sketch B

Stamps: Verve - Believe, One Person

Paper: Marina Mist, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, White, October Afternoon DSP - The Thrift Shop

Ink: Marina Mist, So Saffron, Memento Rich Cocoa, Tea Dye Touch Duo

Accessories: Sewing Machine, Copics, Chocolate satin ribbon, Antique Linen Stickles, Corner Rounder, dimensionals

Sketch D

Stamps: Verve - Blue Skies, Floral Whimsy

Paper: Spring Rain, Blushing Bride, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, October Afternoon DSP - Fly a Kite

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Spring Rain

Accessories: Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, Square lattice EF, sewing machine, SU markers (Blushing Bride, Daffodil Delight), Spring Rain ribbon, corner rounder, crystal effects, dimensionals

Sketch E

Stamps: Verve - Accent Notes, Always on My Mind

Paper: Very Vanilla, Real Red, Aqua Mist, October Afternoon DSP - The Thrift Shop

Ink: Aqua Mist, Real Red, Tea Dye Touch Duo

Accessories: Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, sewing machine, ribbon (Aqua Mist, New Leaf, Real Red), Kaiser Pearls - Bliss, Liquid Pearls - White Opal, corner rounder, dimensionals

MOJO Monday on Sunday

2010-08-08T07:00:00.002-06:00

Happy Sunday! It's been ages since I've participated in MOJO Monday. Last night, Mother Nature decided it was a great time for a thunder storm, so in between lightening strikes, I came up with this card.

Card Details:
Stamps: Beautiful Blooms II - PTI, Circular Sayings - Verve
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Blushing Bride, October Afternoon DSP - Fly a Kite
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Blushing Bride, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi, Tea Dye Touch Duo
Accessories: Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots EF, Beautiful Blooms Die, Corner Rounder, 1 1/8 circle punch, Diamond Lace border punch, Dark Chocolate felt, Wild Wasabi double stitched ribbon, Harvest Gold buttons, DMC floss

Card Sketch: MOJO150

Anni-Verve-say Blog Hop

2010-08-01T08:00:00.003-06:00

Welcome to the Anni-VERVE-sary Blog Hop! Verve turns three today and we’re celebrating with a hop, hop, hop! If you've already been hopping along, you arrived here from ANDREA'S BLOG. If not, head on over to Julee's Blog (owner of Verve), for all the info on how to win prizes (after all, what's a party without presents?), and to start hopping from the beginning. If there's a hiccup along the hop, you can always head to the Master Hop List to get the full list of links.

In honor of Verve's 3rd Anniversary, I used two of my favorite Verve sets for this card. Petals and Stems, and Blessings, along with a bunch of new Stampin' Up goodies.

Thanks for hopping by! Now it's time to hop on over to SARAH'S BLOG, for a little more Verve-y goodness. Thanks for stopping by!!

Card Details:
Stamps: Blessings and Petals and Stems by Verve

Paper: Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzazz, white, Sunny Garden DSP, Greenhouse Gala DSP (SU!)
Ink: Poppy Parade, Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait
Extras: Sewing Machine, buttons, DMC floss, dimensionals
Card Sketch: Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #122

Viva la Verve July 2010

2010-07-28T07:00:00.002-06:00

It's that time of the month again (No, not THAT time!) It's Viva la Verve champions post time!! Here are my cards for the month of July.

Week 1
Stamps: PTI - Year of Flowers: Roses, Take Three: Summer
Paper: White, Raspberry Fizz, 2009 Bitty Dot DSP, Wild Wasabi
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, In Bloom Impression Plate, Copics, sewing machine, Fiskars Apron Lace border punch, Kaiser pearls - black, dimensionals

Week 2

Stamps: Verve - Blue Skies, PTI - Giga Guidelines, Background Basics:Tin Types
Paper: White, So Saffron, October Afternoons DSP
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, So Saffron
Accessories: Cuttlebug, Square Lattice EF, Nestabilities, buttons, DMC floss, So Saffron Twill ribbon, Smooch - Illuminate, dimensionals

Week 3

Stamps: Celtic Knots, Verve - Always on My Mind
Paper: Sahara Sand, Early Espresso, River Rock
Ink: Early Espresso, Chocolate Chip, Soft Suede, Vintage Cream, Versamark
Accessories: Paper piercer, mat pack, Making Memories Lacy brad, clear EP, dimensionals

Week 4

Stamps: Favorite Thoughts, PTI - Tea Time Additions
Paper: Pacific Point, Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Blueberry Crisp DSP
Ink: Pacific Point, Sahara, Sand, Not Quite Navy, Basic Gray, Vintage Cream
Accessories: Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, Victorian EF, Ric Rac die , and teacup die (PTI), Kaiser Pearls - Chino, kraft taffeta ribbon, dimensionals

You Make Me Smile

2010-07-26T21:26:00.004-06:00

A HUGE thank you to everyone who commented on my blog hop post yesterday! This card was inspired by Kristina Werner's Make a Card Monday from July 12. I have a ton of ribbon scraps so this is the perfect way to use them up.

Card Details:

Stamps: PTI - Signature Greetings, Background Basics: Petal Power
Paper: Kraft
Ink: Vintage Cream, Black
Accessories: Cuttlebug, Beautiful Blooms die, ribbon scraps, button, cream button twine, white gel pen, dimensionals

Happy Birthday Julee!

2010-07-25T07:00:00.002-06:00

Hey There! It's Juliee Tilman's Birthday, and I am thrilled and honored to join the Verve Divas and friends in a special birthday blog hop. (My very first blog hop I might add!!!) I love all of Julee's creations. I love all the sentiments and sayings she puts together for the Verve stamp sets, and I really love her stamping style. She is also a very generous person. There's always a chance to win Verve stamps between new release giveaways, Project Parade giveaways, and my personal favorite, Viva la Verve on Splitcoast stampers.

Here's my birthday card for Julee. It uses one of the first Verve sets I bought, and one of the sets that got me hooked on Verve - Floral Whimsy. It also uses another one of my "go to" Verve sets, Circular Sayings.

Thanks for stopping by. The next stop on Julee's Fabulous Birthday Journey is Verve Diva Extraordinaire, Charmaine Ikach of Oodabug Alley

Card Details:
Stamps - Verve Floral Whimsy, Circular Sayings
Paper - Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss, white, Basic Grey DSP - Olivia
Ink - Memento Rich Cocoa
Extras - Copics, 1 3/8" circle punch, SU scalloped circle punch, paper piercer, Mat Pack, Sewing Machine, Kaiser pink rhinestones, Bazzil Basics Whirlpool double dash ribbon, dimensionals.
Card Sketch - Jen Del Muro SFYTT

I'm Baaaaack!!

2010-07-24T18:04:00.016-06:00

It has been AGES since I've posted anything here. There are lots of reasons, but it all boils down to life getting in the way. Another reason is what I like to call Birthdaypalooza! What's birthdaypalooza? Well, in my family we have a birthday or family get together just about every weekend from Mother's Day until July 9th. This includes Mother's Day (May 9), my Grandma's B-day (May 21), sister-in-law Leigh Ann's B-day (May 28), brother Tom and sister Leanne's B-day (June 6), #1 nephew's B-day (June 12), Father's Day (June20), Canada Day (July 1), and finally my Dad's B-day (July 9). As you can probably guess, I have one or two birthday cards to share.

Grandma's B-Day card details:
Stamps: PTI - Delightful Dahlia, A Little Argyle
Paper: White, Hibiscus Burst, Aqua Mist, Spring Moss
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Ripe Avacado, Versamark
Accessories: Clear EP, Dahlia Dies (PTI), SU Scalloped border punch, Picnic Plaid and Woodgrain impression plate (PTI), Copics, dimensionals.
Card Sketch: Karen Giron's SSSC 54

Sister-in-law Leigh Ann's B-day card details:

Stamps: Bow Wow, A Little Argyle, and Round and Round (PTI)
Paper: white, Chocolate Chip, Hawaiian Shores, Basic Grey DSP - Max and Whiskers
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Chocolate Chip, Vintage Cream, Spring Rain, Hawaiian Shores
Accessories: Copics, Basic Grey brads (Max and Whiskers), Dark Chocolate Satin Ribbon, Vintage Cream felt, Terracotta Tile Ribbon, Rick Rack die (PTI), Cuttlebug, dimensionals

Card Sketch: MOJO 138

Tom's B-day card details:

Stamps: Verve - Relax, and Circular Sayings
Paper: white, Brilliant Blue, Wild Wasabi, Kraft
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, New Leaf, Spring Rain, Distress Ink - Vintage Photo
Accessories: Copics, Cuttlebug, Nestabiliaties, cloud die (PTI), Distressed Stripes EF, Basic Grey brads (Marrakech)

Card Sketch: TESC114

Sister Leanne's B-day card details:
Stamps: Watercolor Trio
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, white, Cottage Wall DSP
Ink: Old Olive, Orchid Opulence, Rich Razzleberry, Tea Dye Duo
Accessories: Cuttlebug, Nestabilities (circle and Blossom), Woodgrain Impression plate (PTI), Embosslits Beautiful Wings, sewing machine, Kaiser Pearls - Chocolate, dimensionals
Card Sketch: TESC114

Dad's B-day card details:
Stamps: PTI - Masculine Motifs
Paper: White, Spring Moss, New Leaf, Basic Grey DSP - Origins
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Memento Rich Cocoa, Spring Rain, Soft Sued, Distress Ink - Crushed Olive, Tea Dye touch duo
Accessories: Copics, Cuttlebug, Woodgrain Impression plate, Basic Grey brads - Origins, dimensionals
Card Sketch: SC255

Weekend Sketches

2010-04-12T14:02:00.006-06:00

Welcome to Monday. I had a very interesting weekend. On Saturday, my sister and I went to Laura Fredrickson's stamp sale, and what a sale! I got 10 Stampin Up! sets for $88! Most of them were retired Hostess sets, but some, like Garden Whimsy, were sets that had been on my wishlist for a long time. So, you know that once I got my new goodies home, I had to try them out. This card uses Jen's Sketch for You to Try for April 10, and is an SU only card. By the way, all the remaining sets that Laura did not sell are available on her blog, Scrapnextras. All her stamp sets are in great shape, and some have never even been mounted.

This second card is for my cousin's new baby Charlie. My Mom and Dad are headed to Saskatchewan to visit my Grandma, so they are going to deliver the quilt that I made for Charlie.

This card uses Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 64.

Here are the details:

Best Friends Listen
Stamps: Garden Whimsy
Paper: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Taken with Teal, White, Welcome Neighbor DSP, Sweet Pea DSP
Ink: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Taken with Teal, Bashful Blue
Accessories: SAMJ, Nestabilities, sewing machine, dimensionals
Techniques: sewing, sponging

Simply Adorable

Stamps: Cute Converse, Doodlebug Baby
Paper: Bashful Blue, Basic Gray, white, Delicate Dots DSP
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Basic Gray, Versamark
Accessories: Clear EP, So Saffron ribbon, button, DMC floss, Copics, Crystal Effects, Sewing Machine, dimensionals

Viva la Verve April - The Little Things

2010-04-09T20:56:00.004-06:00

Happy Friday! Here's my first card as Amber's sidekick for Viva la Verve for April. This month's inspirations come from the living room. I chose this as my inspiration photo. I love the casual feel this room has, and I love the display of pottery on the bright pink shelf in the back corner. I used my favorite Verve set, Petals and Stems. This was one of the first sets I ever bought from Verve, and it is definately one of my "go to" sets.

Here are the details:

Stamps: Verve - Petals and Stems
Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Basic Gray, white, K&Co. DSP - Wild Raspberry
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Regal Rose, Basic Black, Bashful Blue, Tea Dye Duo - PTI
Accessories: Cuttlebug, Birds and Swirls EF, buttons, DMC floss, Butterfly Die (PTI), Nestabilities, Kaiser Pearls - Charcoal, dimensionals

Viva la Verve March Recap

2010-04-05T20:39:00.008-06:00

Here's a quick recap of the last two weeks of Viva la Verve sketches for the month of March. This first card was for week 4. The inspiration photos were all different aprons. Now I love to bake, but I am not an apron wearing kind of girl. However, I might be persuaded to wear the apron used as inspiration for this card. I actually have a bag made of this same fabric ( It's designed by Amy Butler - one of my favorites!!)

The inspiration for week 5 was up to us to find. It could be anything from your own kitchen, or a kitcheny photo from the internet or a magazine. I chose this small quilt which sits on my kitchen table as my inspiration. It was made from a Thimbleberries pattern designed by Lynette Jensen. (Another favorite of mine)

So all my cards for the month of March were done, and posted to the March 2010 Champion's Thread over at Splitcoast Stamper's. On Friday morning before I went to church for Good Friday, I checked my email, and SURPRISE... I won for the month of March!!! I won Verve's stamp release for the month of April, and I get to be Amber's sidekick for the sketches for April! How cool is that!!!

Here's the rest of the details for these cards.

Butterfly Thank You

Stamps: PTI - Butterfly Wishes, Background Basics: Tin Type
Paper: Spring Moss, Raspberry Fizz, white, Basic Grey DSP - Sultry
Ink: Raspberry Fizz, Hibiscus Burst, Basic Black, Spring Moss
Accessories: Cuttlebug, PTI butterfly die, sewing machine, dimensionals

Seeds of Today

Stamps: Verve Plain Jane (sentiment), PTI - Quilter's Sampler Additions, Garden of Life
Paper: Lemon Tart, white, Garden Green, Basic Grey DSP - Origins
Ink: Lemon Tart, Garden Green, Distress Ink - Scattered Straw, and Vintage Photo
Accessories: sewing machine, dimensionals, Basic Grey brads - Origins

Happy Easter Monday

2010-04-05T20:19:00.006-06:00

Hope everyone had a Happy Easter weekend. I spent Easter Sunday at my Mom and Dad's with my brother and sister, and their families. I'm very lucky to have everyone here in Red Deer, so it makes it easy to get together for holidays. Here are the cards and Easter treats I made for my nephew Ethan, and niece Nicole. The little Easter baskets were made using the Easter Basket tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers. Ethan's card (My Little Funny Bunny - and he is!!) uses Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge 64. Nicole's card (Pure Innocence - My Basket of Eggs) uses Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge 63.

Here are the rest of the details.

Easter Baskets:

Stamps: PTI - Egg Hunt
Paper: Plum Pudding, Hawaiian Shores, white, Egg Hunt DSP
Ink: Spring Rain, Lavander Moon, Spring Moss, Apricot Appeal
Accessories: Cuttlebug, egg die - PTI, Basic Grey brads (Wisteria, and Origins), Spring Moss ribbon

My Little Funny Bunny:

Stamps: PTI - Egg Hunt, CC Designs - Love Ya Much
Paper: Spring Moss, Aqua Mist, Orange Zest, white, Bitty Box Basics DSP - PTI, Kioshi DSP - Basic Grey
Ink: Spring Moss, Aqua Mist, Tea Dye Duo, Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Cuttlebug, egg die - PTI, Scallop Trim border punch, Prismacolor pencils, OMS, Basic Grey brads - Marrakech

Pure Innocence - Happy Easter:
Stamps: MFT - My Basket of Eggs
Paper: Ripe Avacado, Plum Pudding, Lavender Moon, white, Basic Grey DSP - Kioshi
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Ripe Avacado
Accessories: Copics, Cuttlebug, Petals-a-Plenty EF, sewing machine, Ripe Avacado ribbon, Smooch - Illuminate, dimensionals

Happy Friday - or is it??

2010-03-19T09:51:00.004-06:00

TGIF everyone!!! Today is kind of a glass is half full/half empty kind of day. On the one hand, I have to work the evening shift this weekend (Boo!!), but on the other hand, I got to sleep in this morning (Yeah!!) This card was for SC270 over at Splitcoast Stampers. I love the DP because they remind me of 1930's feedsack fabrics, which are some of my favorite to use in quilts.

Here's the recipe:
Stamps: Sense of Time - SU!, The Journey - Tim Holtz
Paper: Bordering Blue, Kiwi Kiss, Very Vanilla, Chloe's Closet DSP - Making Memories
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Melon Berry, Close to Cocoa, Bordering Blue, Distress ink - Antique Linen, Vintage Photo
Accessories: Sewing machine, dimensionals

Kitchens Viva la Verve Style X2

2010-03-15T19:14:00.007-06:00

I spent Friday evening getting caught up on my Viva la Verve inspiration challenges. The first card is from week 2. It's based on the color scheme of this retro kitchen. I just realized that Papertrey Ink's new Hawaiian Shores tourquoise blue is an a pretty close match for the main color of this kitchen.

The second card is from week 3. It is based on the color and the lacy table cloth. Did you notice that amazing chandelier?? I thought it was so over the top when I saw it that I had to use tea as the theme of my card, and the teapot as the focal point.

Here's what's in it:

Card 1 - Retro Inspired

Stamps: Verve - Asian Flair, PTI - Background Basics: Diamonds
Paper: Pacific Point, White, Basic Grey DSP - Cupcake
Ink: Pacific Point, Pure Poppy, Fresh Snow
Accessories: Cuttlebug, Rivit EF, sewing machine, Real Red 5/8" ribbon, crystal effects, dimensionals

Card 2: Instant Wisdom

Stamps: PTI - Tea for Two, and Garden of Life
Paper: Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilla, Basic Grey DSP - Porcelain
Ink: Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Vintage Photo Distress ink
Accessories: MS Doily Lace border punch, Kaiser pink rhinestones, dimensionals

Birthday Wishes

2010-03-12T23:11:00.003-07:00

Here's another card from Verve's release week challenges. This card was for challenge 3, which was a color challenge. The colors were green, yellow, and brown. This card also uses Jen's SFYTT from Mar 6/10. Hope everyone has a great weekend. I'm planning on seeing The Hurt Locker with a friend of mine on Saturday evening.

Here's the recipe:

Stamps: Turning a New Leaf, Daily Designs Sentiments - PTI

Paper: Garden Green, white, Spring Moss, Basic Grey Origins DSP

Ink: Close to Cocoa, Spring Moss, Distress Ink - Vintage Photo, Antique Linen

Extras: Cuttlebug, Scorpal, Sizzix Embosslits - Beautiful Wings, Nestabilities, Chocolate Chip ribbon, Kaiser Pearls - Chocolate, sewing machine, dimensionals.

Thinking of You - Verve Style

2010-03-11T20:23:00.003-07:00

Last week was Verve release week, and the Verve Divas issued 5 challenges. This card was for challenge number 2 which was a sketch challenge. I used some of my all time favorite DSP (Georgia Peach) from Stampin Up!

I stamped the tulips from Verve's Miracles Blossom set twice, cut one set out and popped them up with dimensionals. I also have a new Janome sew mini sewing machine which I put to use by doing some straight stitching around the three decorative paper panels.

Here's what's in it:

Stamps: Miracles Blossom, Circular Sayings

Paper: So Saffron, Regal Rose, PTI white, Georgia Peach DSP

Ink: Close to Cocoa, So Saffron, Old Olive, Bashful Blue, Kiwi Kiss

Extras: Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, Sewing Machine, dimensionals, Sizzix Embosslits - Beautiful Wings, Kaiser Pearls - Lemon, Scattered Straw Distress Stickles, Swiss Dots EF

Clean and Simple Flowers

2010-03-10T20:28:00.002-07:00

Happy Wednesday! Here is a style that I don't attempt very often, but I am always happy with the results when I do. My biggest problem with creating clean and simple cards, is that I have trouble knowing when to stop with all the "extras". I also have a HUGE collection of "extras" (buttons, ribbon, brads DSP...) that I am always trying to use up so that I can buy more "extras"

Here's what's in it:

Stamps: Vintage Vogue (SU!)

Paper: PTI Stamper's Select white

Ink: Aqua Mist, Lavender Moon, Spring Moss, Close to Cocoa

Extras: Lemon Tart buttons, DMC floss, Close to Cocoa marker

Kitchens Viva la Verve Style

2010-03-09T20:26:00.002-07:00

It's time for another month of inspirations from the Viva la Verve sketch challenge. This month, the inspiration comes from the kitchen. I chose this shabby chic kitchen, and based my card specifically on the wood table with the peeling pink paint. I used the cracked glass technique for the main panel to imitate the peeling paint. I highlighted the cracks by rubbing Vintage Photo distress ink after the ultra thick embossing enamel was applied and cracked.

Here's what's in it:

Stamps: Background Basics:Textstyle, and Giga Guide Lines - Papertrey Ink, Damask - Sandylion.

Paper: Close to Cocoa, Sweet Blush, Very Vanilla, Sending Love DSP - SU!

Ink: Pretty in Pink, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Vintage Cream, Versamark, Distress Ink - Vintage Photo

Extras: UTEE, Distress tool, dimensionals.

Post Olympic Mojo Blues

2010-03-08T20:22:00.006-07:00

I think that my mojo died with the Olympic flame when it went out last Sunday in Vancouver. I've been having trouble finding motivation to create anything. This card was made using Karen Giron's SSSC57 from a couple weeks ago. I didn't realize it at the time, but the colors on this card are from the Olympic rings!! That's how you know you've overdosed on the Olympic coverage - LOL!!!

Here's what's in it:
Stamps: Everyday Button Bits - Papertrey Ink
Paper: Black, White, In Bloom DSP - PTI
Ink: New Leaf, Bashful Blue
Extras: Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, PTI buttons, Chit Chat rub-ons (SU!), White satin ribbon, DMC floss, dimensionals

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T21:48:00.006-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day!! I haven't been able to post for a while because last Friday I came down with a lousy cold courtsey of my nephew Ethan. This valentine is for him. My sister Leanne (Ethan's mom) is alway calling him her little monkey man, because he likes to hang off of her like a monkey. I made this card for Viva la Verve's at Home with Verve sketch challenge for the 2nd week of February. Here's the dining room that I chose as my inspiration.

The colors in this room reminded me of French Provincal style with it's yellow, blue, and red color scheme. Yellow is not a color I use very often, but as soon as I saw this room, I though of the Love Me Do collection of DSP from My Mind's Eye.

The monkey is from Verve's Love Monkey set. He was stamped in Close to Cocoa ink, and then stamped again in Versamark ink. I then embossed him with clear embossing powder. Each panel was paper pierced so I could add some faux stitching with a white gel pen, or a Close to Cocoa marker.

Here's the Recipe:

Stamps - Love Monkey (Verve)

Paper - Real Red, Night of Navy, Creamy Carmel, Love Me Do DSP (My Mind's Eye)

Ink - Close to Cocoa, Versamark

Extras - Clear EP, paper piercer, mat pack, white gel pen, Close to Cocoa marker, Basic Grey brads (Sugar Rush, and Marrakech), Dimensionals

Here's The Scoop

2010-02-05T16:33:00.005-07:00

Isn't this the ultimate Friday end of a tough work week treat? Lounging in your favorite chair in your comfy clothes, eating your favorite treat? If this was me (and it has been me - LOL!) it would be with anything that is dark chocolate with mint! This card uses MTSC57

Here's the recipe:

Stamps - My Favorite Things - Here's the Scoop

Paper - Aqua Mist, Dark Chocolate, white, Basic Grey Nook & Pantry DSP

Ink - Chocolate Chip, Memento Tuxedo Black

Extras - Martha Stewart Scallop Dot border punch, Copic markers (E25, E29, E21, E31, BV23, YR20, R20, R32., BG11)

A Thought Away

2010-02-04T20:26:00.004-07:00

Last week was a banner week for new goodies! On Monday I received goodies from My Favorite Things, and Verve, and on Tuesday my Papertrey Ink, and Stampin Up! orders arrived. This card uses some of my new SU! toys. BTW, two big thumbs up for the new cling mount option from SU! This card uses SSSC48 from Karen Giron's blog.

Here's the recipe:
Stamps - Vintage Vogue, Whimsical Words
Paper - Prety in Pink, Real Red, Confetti Cream, Sending Love DSP
Ink - Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip
Extras - Buttons, DMC floss, Distress Stickles - Scattered Straw, Dimensionals

5 Things I Love about Nicole

2010-02-03T18:27:00.004-07:00

I made this card for my niece Nicole (who is 5). This little girl from My Favorite Thing's Pure Innocence line reminds me of her. She is all these things and more. This card uses Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge 58, and is colored with Copic markers.

Here's the recipe:
Stamps: My Favorite Things Pure Innocence Flower Girl, Papertrey Ink Top Ten, and Top Ten Additions.
Paper: White, Raspberry Fizz, Ripe Avacado, Basic Grey DSP - Lemonade
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Raspberry Fizz, Hibiscus Burst
Extras: Martha Stewart Pinking Scallop border punch, dimensionals, Copics

Viva la Verve

2010-02-01T19:51:00.008-07:00

One of my favorite challenges is the Viva la Verve challange. I started doing these last year as part of my New Years resolution. My resolution last year was to quit copying cards I liked, and start coming up with my own combinations of colors, stamp to use and so on.

This year, our Viva la Verve hostess with the mostess Amber Hight, has come up with the idea to use three different photographs from decorating magazines as our inspiration. You can pick anything from the photo as your inspiration. It can be the general color scheme, the style of the room, or even a single flower that might be in a vase on the side table. Amber features a different room each month. This month's room is the dining room.

I chose this dining room picture for it's teal and orange color scheme. Blue and orange always reminds me of my favorite hockey team, the Edmonton Oilers who definitely need a little boost right now. ( Did I say little, how about a BIG boost!!)

Here's the recipe:

Stamps: Good Neighbors - SU! Sale-a-Bration set, Daily Design Sentiments (PTI)

Paper: White, Pumpkin Pie, Sweet Pea DSP, Welcome Neighbor DSP

Ink: Taken with Teal, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive

Extras: Paper piercer, mat pack, white gel pen, Basic Grey brads - Lemonade, Dimensionals

MOJO Monday on a Sunday

2010-01-31T20:28:00.005-07:00

Actually, these two cards were made on Friday and Saturday! One of my favorite sketch challenges is Julee Tilman's MOJO Monday. It's the perfect antidote to the Monday morning blues. This past Monday's sketch had two versions, one round, and one square. I used some of my new Verve stamp sets, and some Sugar Rush paper from Basic Grey. The square card uses Verve's Love's Flower set. The round card uses Heart's Desire.

Here's the rest of the details.

Round Version:

Stamps - Love's Flower

Paper - Pumpkin Pie, Ruby Red, White, Basic Grey DSP - Sugar Rush

Ink - Ruby Red

Extra - Cuttlebug, Sizzix - Bird and Blooms, Basic Grey brads - Sugar Rush, orange polka dot ribbon, dimensionals.

Square Version:

Stamps - Heart's Desire

Paper - Ruby Red, Versamark, Basic Grey DSP- Sugar Rush

Extra - Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, SU mini heart punch, Heat and Stick powder, Martha Stewart glitter - Candy Apple, stitched ribbon, dimensionals.

TGIF!!!

2010-01-29T22:48:00.004-07:00

Happy Friday! I am soooo glad the weekend is here. I received my SU! order on Tuesday, and finally got the chance to play with my new toys today. I'll try and post something with my new SU! goodies this weekend! Until then, here's a card that is almost an SU! only card. I like to mix and match my stamps, inks etc from different companies to get the look I like. I don't like to play favorites(LOL!) This card uses SC242 from Splitcoast Stampers.

Here's the recipe:

Stamps - Great Friend - SU, Dots and Flowers - Hero Arts

Paper - Bermuda Bay, Rose Red, White, Throughly Modern DSP

Ink- Rose Red, Bermuda Bay, Fresh Snow

Extras - Paper piercer, Mat pack, Liquid Pearls - White Opal, Dimensionals

Wish Big

2010-01-28T10:46:00.004-07:00

As Maria says in The Sound of Music, "Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start" I have big wishes for my blog but getting started has been the hard part, so here we go!

I started stamping 8 years ago when my friend Lezlie started to work with me. She told me about this company called Stampin'Up! It wasn't in Canada yet, but she was familiar with it from when she lived in Montana. When SU! came to Canada, Lezlie signed on to be a demonstrator, and has been my friend and "dealer" ever since.

I am crazy for sketches because they give me the perfect starting point for my cards. (Remember, I did say that starting was the hardest part.) This card uses TESC 98.

Here's the recipe:

Stamps - Everyday Button Bits, Big & Bold Wishes - Papertrey Ink

Paper - Ocean Tide, Spring Moss, Confetti White, Green Tea Leave DSP.

Ink - New Leaf, Chocolate Chip, Versamark

Extras - Clear EP, Swiss Dots EF, Martha Stewart Scallop Dots border punch, assorted PTI buttons.