My Cup of Tea

Happy Friday everyone!

It has been a long week and I'm looking forward to the weekend! Have a bit of fun planned, a haircut, a little shopping and even some crafty time! Should be great and hopefully I'll have a lot of stampy goodness to share by the end of the weekend! :)

Speaking of stampy goodness I have this sweet tea card to share. I used the tea bag and the sentiment from Unity's December KOTM and cut a little blue teacup from designer paper. I layered the teacup on a piece of white cardstock for extra sturdiness. To finish, I sponged the edges with Creamy Caramel and added machine stitching. For the rest of the main image I stamped the teabag on white cardstock, colored with Copic markers and cut out... I pieced this over the one stamped on the Kraft panel and stamped the sentiment. Easy peasy oh so happy! :)

Recipe:

Stamps: Dec '09 KOTM - Delightful Moments (Unity Stamp Co.). Paper: Not Quite Navy, Kraft, Old Olive (SU!), white (PTI), Maine Blueberry designer (SU!). Ink: Creamy Caramel Classic, Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers. Other: sewing machine and white thread, jute (May Arts), 5/16" white brads (SU!), mat pack, paper piercer, dimensionals.

So Sorry

Sympathy cards are not the easiest for me to make but every once in a while I do need one. I don't have very many sympathy stamps (not something I tend to think about buying when shopping) so I used this simple nature image from Unity Stamp Co. and paired it with the "So Sorry" sentiment from SU!'s Fundamental Phrases. The card did end up being a bit brighter but I think that might be a good thing... a little bit of cheer on a sad day.

Quick notes: I stamped the image and colored with Copic markers. I added a bit of Rock Candy Distress Stickles to the flower buds. I decided they needed a bit more sparkle so while the Stickles were still wet I dusted the image with Dazzling Diamonds Glitter. After attaching the sentiment to the image with dimensionals I added attached a couple of layered buttons with a doubled up piece of jute. Any questions just let me know!

Recipe:
Stamps: Gratitude = Joy (Unity), Fundamental Phrases (SU!). Paper: Aqua Mist, Dark Chocolate, Pure Poppy, White (PTI), Craft Fair designer (American Crafts). Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Copic markers. Other: ribbon and jute (May Arts), Deco Scallop Edger punch (EK Success), brown brads and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (SU!), Labels 5 Nestibilities (Spellbinders), buttons (PTI), Rock Candy Distress Stickles (Ranger), sewing machine and white thread, dimensionals.

Look Ma! No Sewing!

Hee hee... I finally made a card without any sewing on it! Are you in shock? Maybe just a little bit? Although I did have to distress the edges of many of the layers... they just looked a bit too naked without any sewing on them! ;)

I really like how this card turned out (I even added Swarovski Crystals). It is going to take a lot for me to part with it... maybe a fork lift OR a bunch of chocolate! Well, I'm off... I need to hide this card in a safe place.

Recipe:
Stamps: Giggle Groove (Unity Stamp Co), Rough Edges Mini Alphabet (SU!). Paper: Lemon Tart, Ocean Tides, True Black, White (PTI), Noveau Chic Designer (SU!). Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers. Other: Ribbon (May Arts), Buttons (PTI), Scalloped Scallop Edger punch (EK Success), 2 Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (SU!), Turquoise Swarovski Crystals, Edge Distressor Tool, dimensionals.

Warm Fuzzy Boots = Warm Heart

There is nothing like a nice pair of fuzzy boots to keep you warm on a cold winter day... and a stylish coat doesn't hurt either. ;)

For this card I used last week's Bella Sketch for the layout and a whole lotta red and pink. I do need to work on sewing around curves... don't look to closely at the stitching on the ovals. Hee hee.

Recipe:

Stamps: Snowbunnybella (Stamping Bella), Winter Schminter (Whipper Snapper Designs). Paper: Kraft, Pretty in Pink, Purely Pomegranate (SU!), Pure Poppy and White (PTI), Fun in the Sun Mat Stack (DCWV). Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers. Other: Swiss Dots embossing folder (Cuttlebug), ribbon (SU! - retired), Baby Girl Glittered brads (American Crafts), Large Oval and Large Scalloped Oval Nestibilities (Spellbinders), Sewing Machine and white thread, dimensionals.

Sorry, I'm Late!

I'm always late with birthday cards... always. The funny thing is that I remember a birthday weeks ahead of time and will even make a card but then I forget to mail it until it is too late! Does that happen to anyone else?

With that in mind I made this card using one of the new images from Unity's January KOTM. I spent a bit of time (okay, way too much) creating the background from little 3/4" squares of Craft Fair designer paper and a whole lotta zig zag stitching. Maybe strips of designer paper would have been a better idea! For the main image I colored it with Copic markers after stamping in Rich Cocoa Memento ink. I applied Crystal Effects to the mushroom tops and then dusted with Fine Crystal glitter (very subtle effect). I also added a bit of CE to the snail's shell. The finished card size is 5" x 5".

Recipe:
Stamps: Jan '10 KOTM: Savor the Journey (Unity Stamp Co.). Paper: Real Red, Soft Sky (SU!), White Perfect Panel (MFT), Craft Fair designer (American Crafts). Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Copic Markers. Other: Crystal Effects, Ribbon (May Arts), Fine Crystal Glitter (Martha Stewart), Medium Baby Boy Glitter brads (American Crafts), Deco Scallop Edger (EK Success), Sewing machine and white thread, dimensionals.

Happily Freezin'

Well, not really. I'm not that big of a fan of cold weather but happily I do have a pair of knitted boot like slippers - so toasty warm! Laugh... talk about a tangent! ;)

Anyways, this card uses a stamp set I've had for a while but neglected to use. Yay for the New Year's resolution to use what I have... although the yen to purchase new cute stamps has been quite hard to ignore. Really REALLY difficult, especially since it seems like everyone is either releasing drool inspiring new products or having a fabulous sale. Gack... I think my wish lists have wish lists! Hee hee.

For this card I used CPS Sketch 150 for the layout and the MFT Stamps set Cool Yule. Hmm... I think this one is self-explanatory but if you have any questions just ask! Now I'm off to do a bit of internet window shopping. Heh heh.

Recipe:
Stamps: Cool Yule (MFT Stamps). Paper: Pure Poppy, Ocean Tides, White (PTI), So Saffron (SU!), Report Card designer (October Afternoon). Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers, So Saffron Classic. Other: Crystal Effects, Frosted Lace Stickles (Ranger), buttons (PTI), red jute (May Arts), So Saffron Grosgrain and vintage brads (SU!), Sewing Machine and White Thread, dimensionals.

A Balloon for the Birthday Girl

I hope everyone has been having a splendid weekend (and maybe even have tomorrow off from work?)! I took a break from paper crafting this last week to work on a different project (crocheting a scarf) and cleaning my house in prep for a Wii party yesterday. Yes, I bought a Nintendo Wii and had to have a little get-together to break it in... it was sooooo much fun (non-stop laughter) that we'll have to have another one soon. :) And what would make a fun weekend even more perfect? A little time in the crafty room!

I need a few birthday cards and was inspired by Joanne's "beloved" challenge to use one of the Pure Innocence stamps in my stash to make this bright and cheery card. I kept the layout very simple (at least for me) and added a few fun accents to liven up the card: a paper pieced red gingham dress, Crystal Effects on the blue balloon, and a touch of glitter on her barrett, heart and shoe buckles. Oh and a few pearls and machine stitching... ;)

Just a little tip - I'd apply the Crystal Effects to the balloon after the sewing was done. My plastic foot on my machine was stiching to the CE like a clear stamp sticks to an acrylic block. So don't like too closely at my sewing there! :)

Recipe:

Stamps: My Balloon - Pure Innocence (MFT). Paper: Farm Fresh designer (October Afternoon), Pure Poppy and Aqua Mist (PTI), Ivory Perfect Panel (MFT). Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers, Red Copic Spica pen. Other: Kiwi Kiss striped ribbon (SU!), white thread and sewing machine, Crystal Effects, Deco Scalloped Edger (EK Success), Ivory pearls (Kaiser Craft).

Have a Little Shimmer with that Flower

Hi crafty peeps!

I'm back this chilly Sunday with a Spring inspired card: lots of flowers, yellow and green! On that note, have you seen the fun flowers that Dawn M. has been creating left and right over at the Raspberry Suite (click HERE to see her fabulous video tutorial)? I think they are fantastic and had to try my hand at making a version of them.

I didn't have vintage book print but decided using various patterns of black and white designer paper would work... but then I thought a little color would be nice so I decided to add a bit of Glimmer Mist (gotta love the sparkle!). Since the Glimmer Mist would dampen the paper and cause rippling when it dried I decided to take advantage of that and made my flowers using the following steps:

1.) Punch four scalloped circles (I used SU!'s scalloped circle punch).
2.) Spray circles liberally with one or more colors of Glimmer Mist.
3.) Mentally prepare yourself for the next very messy step.
4.) Using your fingers scrunch up each of the pieces of paper. Your fingers should be nice and sparkly now and a bit inky... you'll survive. ;)
5.) Set aside the crumpled/scrunched pieces and let dry. OR you can use a heat tool to speed up the process.
6.) Once dry (yes you should wait until they are fully dried) unfold the pieces and flatten a smidge.
7.) Layer the four pieces on top of each other and fasten together using a brad OR sew together using a button and a piece of thread/jute.
8.) Attach to card using dimensionals!
9.) Sit back and enjoy your craftiness!

Since creating these flowers is rather messy I thought I might as well go ahead and make a bunch of them all at once. I used various colors of Glimmer Mist and a couple different methods of fastening the layers together: buttons tied on with jute and a variety of different large brads. Currently I'm storing the flowers with a bunch of other flowers I crocheted. They look soooo pretty together! :)

Recipe:

Stamps: Delightful Moments - December '09 KOTM (Unity Stamp Co.). Paper: Night and Day Specialty (SU!), Farm Fresh (October Afternoon), Aqua Mist and Spring Moss cardstock (PTI). Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers. Other: Glimmer Mist by Tattered Angels, button (PTI), corduroy ribbon and jute (May Arts), Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), dimensionals, mat pack paper piercer.

Feelin' the Chill

I shoveled and I shoveled and then I shoveled yet more last night but at last the porch and the whole driveway was clear (why do I have to have such a large driveway?). Then what did I see as I left for work this morning? More snow needing shoveling (and why did my snow blower decide to take a vacation? Such a lazy machine!). Enough to probably make a few snowman cuties like the one on this card. But the shoveling will have to wait until tomorrow... after I've rested and recuperated from last night's hour of snow removal (okay, I'm lazy too when it comes to snow). Anybody need snow? I have some that you can have for cheap... you just need to pick it up (I'll even let you borrow my shovel). LOL! :)

Recipe:

Stamps: Just Chillin' Snowman (Whipper Snapper Designs). Paper: Kraft, Pacific Point, So Saffron, PTI White, designer (sorry not sure where I got this). Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers. Other: Rock Crystal Stickles (for the snow), buttons (PTI), jute and yellow polka dot ribbon (May Arts), Labels 5 Nestabilities (Spellbinders), dimensionals, white thread, sewing machine.

At the Happy Tree

If the trees in my yard had leaves right now they would be blue from the cold... at least that is what I told myself after I finished this card. But they do match the little leaves in the nutmeg designer paper! ;)

All stamps are from the December Unity KOTM... I really need to use more of these stamps. I seem to only find the time to use one or two of the stamps from each kit and then the next kit arrives... and I just have to use the new ones, right? lol. I stamped the sentiment twice in Memento Rich Cocoa ink. The first time on vellum which I had to carefully heat set. The second time on Sweet Blush cardstock from PTI. I cut out the "be happy" pieces and mounted over the matching words on the vellum piece with dimensionals. Easy peasy and it really makes those words pop!

Recipe:
Stamps: Delightful Moments - Dec '09 Kit (Unity Stamps). Paper: Nutmeg designer (October Afternoon), vellum, Dark Chocolate and Sweet Blush (PTI), Ivory Perfect Panel (MFT). Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Copic markers. Other: jute (May Arts), Sweet Blush Swiss Dot ribbon and button (PTI), brads (Recollections), dimensionals, white thread, sewing machine.

Brr... It's a Bit Chilly Outside

I shared a card just a few days ago made with the same stamp that I used on today's sample. What can I say? The weather outside is influencing me. BRRR! I did change up the color combination and used a fun fabric covered brad I put together using the iTop Brad Maker. I love the look of a fabric brad but sadly I don't have that many kinds of fabric. Do you think anyone would notice me going through the fabric stands at J's with a little pair of scissors? I just need a little scrap or two. Hee hee.

Recipe:

Stamps: Snow Day - Pure Innocence (MFT Stamps). Paper: Ivory, Not Quite Navy, White Perfect Panel (MFT), designer paper from My Mind's Eye and Recollections. Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers. Other: white thread, sewing machine, iTop brad maker and medium brad daddy, felt snowflake, scrap of plaid fabric, heart punch, dimensionals, vintage brads, suede ribbon (American Crafts), glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds glitter.

A Girl's Best Friends

Does a stamp image ever just make you giggle? This one gives me a big case of 'em! How many of you had a doll or barbie that was lacking in hair because of the amount of hair stylin' you practiced on her? I'll admit that I had a few! Hee hee :)

Recipe:

Stamps: Charlotte Moonlight Whisper (Kraftin' Kimmie). Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Spring Moss, Ripe Avocado, White, Cottage Wall designer. Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers, white gel pen. Other: buttons (PTI), lace (May Arts), Rich Razzleberry polka dot (SU!), Scalloped Scallop punch (EK Success), Vanilla Brads (American Crafts), dimensionals, sewing machine, white thread.

In With the New

To celebrate the new year I thought I would make a card with a new stamp set I recently purchased. Seems appropriate, don't you think? ;)

I stamped the flower twice and colored with Copic markers. I cut the middle out of the first and layered over the second using a couple dimensionals (if you are wondering I sacrifice many dimensionals in the making of my cards... hee hee). Using a 2-Way glue pen I adhered glitter to the edges of each petal and to the veins of the leaves.

Recipe:
Stamps: In Bloom (PTI), Sincere Salutations (SU!). Paper: Tempting Turquoise (SU), Pure Poppy, Aqua Mist, White (PTI), Thoroughly Modern Designer (SU!). Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers, Bashful Blue Classic, VersaMark. Other: 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, May Arts ribbon, large oval punch, corner rounder, black brads (Recollections), mat pack, paper piercer.