Saturday, December 30, 2006

Scrap Happy Thanks



Just got home from my in-laws celebrating our last round of Christmas. It was a wonderful day.

I decided to post my limited supply challenge card - scraps of patterned paper and punches were to be the main focus on the card. I love Basic Grey papers so I have plenty of those scraps lying around. I haven't used my big monogram letters in a while so I decided to pull one out as well.

Hard to believe tomorrow is New Year's Eve - where has the time gone? Any resolutions? I'll have to get back to you on mine!!

Friday, December 29, 2006

Another Swap Card



Another card for the "Different Kind of Swap" in which the recipe is given and you take it from there. Song Birds is the stamp set, Earth Elements is the color, and embellish as you wish. I also used Weathered background. The colors of the paper are Ruby red, Creamy caramel, Cameo coral and Chocolate chip. The bird was watercolored and Stickles highlights the snow on the branches. Dotted background paper courtesy of Basic Grey.

Back to stampin' I must go! Have a wonderful weekend!!

Button Up Sweet Stuff!!



Okay, it's almost 3am, and I'm updating my blog - there's is something seriously wrong with me!! Today we traveled to see my folks which meant round 2 of Christmas for my boys. Mom cooked an awesome spread of food, all I did today was eat! Now Saturday we go to see my in-laws then our holidays will be complete! The weather sure is cooperating for us.

When we got home I hurried up and stamped this card for the Ways to Use It challenge on SCS. Buttons needed to show up somewhere on your card. This card is too simple for me but I still like it for that very reason.

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Sketch Challenge


I can't believe I did three SCS challenges this week! I always seem to fade midweek. Guess it helps being off work - that and Christmas is over!
Super fun sketch! I will definitely be using this one again in the future. I stamped the tulips from Both Way Blossoms in chocolate chip on so saffron. The flowers were watercolored, then I sponged so saffron all over - you need to see it in real life to see what that did, just really richened up the color. Close to cocoa was sponged around the edges and Weathered was stamped in Creamy caramel. I adore backgrounds, whether those stamps from SU that are fantabulous, or background paper, I feel my cards are incomplete if anything is left plain. Hardware and ribbon are another passion of mine, so I ended up using both.
Check out the challenges on Splitcoast - the ladies who come up with them everyday do a super fantastic job. They are the best!!

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Color Challenge


Today's SCS color challenge - Rose red, Cool caribbean, Vintage violet. I used the Sellabration set "Delight in Life" as the main image. Other sets used are Dotted and Weathered backgrounds and Riveting. I ended up making a 5 1/4" square card to fit everything in. The ribbon is by Basic Grey - doesn't match exactly, a little too red, but I ended up using it anyway. Fun card to make. I need thank you cards to for all the generosity sent our way this holiday season.

Monday, December 25, 2006


Another swap card, using images sent to me from my SCS friend steffie1027. I need some birthday cards so I may make some extras of these. I don't know if the scan picked up good enough the "Happy Birthday" from Warmest Regards over the Apricot Appeal layer in apricot ink. Also, the candles and flames are highlighted with Stickles for a little glitz! I'm really liking the Living Large set, may end up having to get it -- so what else is new!!!
Merry Christmas everyone and best of everything for the New Year.

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Monochromatic Swap Card



For a swap I have been dragging my feet on starting. We begin with a "recipe" then create away - it's always amazing the different cards that come out with the same starting point. For this one Noble Deer was to be used with greens or browns to make a monochromatic card. Don't know if I'll add words to this or not, not sure where. I got the idea for it from someone on SCS. Of course sponging was done and I used Chocolate chip, Close to cocoa and Creamy caramel cardstock with Basic brown and Creamy caramel ink. Fun, fun, fun!!

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Christmas RAK



Such a cute Christmas card I received from fellow SCSer Linda Palmer! Isn't it adorable?! I love everything about it. I feel the need for these reindeer stamps now - shame on you Linda!! Haha!! The colors of course immediately caught my eye because they are so non-traditional which is something I adore!!! Thank you so much Linda, I truly appreciate you, your talent, and your wonderful wishes. Merry Christmas to you as well!

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Holiday Stress

I know everyone has it, there's no getting around it, the stress these holidays can bring. I can't believe I haven't updated my blog in a week -- what's up with that!!! No new cards to share, even though today is a color challenge day. Hold onto your hats because I have been spending my evenings scrapbooking!!!!! As a matter of fact, later this morning I'm heading out to the scrapbook store to cruise the aisles and, knowing me, buy, buy, BUY!!! I'm definitely a beginner when it comes to scrapping. I see a great sketch for a page then try for hours to come up with a second page. I can't stop doing a mirror image of the first one. I NEED HELP!!! One reason for the trip to the store, talk to the experts. Besides, last time I was there I wanted to purchase a gift certificate - would you believe I left the store without one??!!!!! Must have planned it that way because I must go back to the scene of the crime and try to remember that certificate!!!!!

Wednesday, December 6, 2006

Fluffles sent me a Christmas card!!



Can you believe this adorable card I received in the mail!!! Thank you so much dtstampz!!! She and I have been sending each other Fluffles' images thru Wish RAK and she has out done herself with this one! Inside were some images of the same lady and sled - one had a Christmas tree on the sled, the other had a margarita glass!! That one made me laugh!! I have been so fortunate to have met so many wonderful ladies on SCS. I feel like I have been friends with all of them for years!

Tuesday, December 5, 2006

Color Challenge #91



I am so happy how this one turned out I had to post it right away! This is for the color challenge - Cranberry crisp, Sage shadow and More mustard. I wasn't too sure at first about these colors then I found this background paper which worked perfectly. I already had the flower stamped and colored so there was no turning back, time to put it together. Of course I then turned to my background stamps - I love these stamps, always looking for fun ways to combine them. I used Flannel Plaid on the sage (also sponged the edges), and Linen and French Script on the main image. More sponging and DTP added that vintage feel I was going for. Don't you love it when a plan comes together. Paper piercing, distressing, punching and more DTP finish it off. I didn't like the heart on the Riveting stamp so I covered it up with a button that fit perfectly. Wow, only one little piece of ribbon, what is the stamping world coming too!!!!

Monday, December 4, 2006

Merry Christmas Snowman



Where did the weekend go? Next thing I knew, I was getting things together for the usual Monday rountine of returning to school and work. I did attend my downline's stamp camp - she did three wonderful Christmas cards, I had so much fun!! Thanks Anya!!

Here is the one and only card I made Sunday night. Weekends I like to work out of my scrap bin and this card is no exception. I received the ribbon from a fellow SCSer Linda Palmer and used the colors as my inspiration - Certainly celery, Lavender lace, Bashful blue and Basic brown. I figured hey, why not a Christmas card with this great combo!!! Anything is possible. Stickles added the always needed glitz to any snowman.

Friday, December 1, 2006

Card #1 for Stamp Camp



I hold Stamp Camp once a month and average 15 ladies. I must admit, many stamping addicts have come to be as a result of the camps!!! Several have asked me to do stamp camps in their home so they can invite their friends - great alternative to a workshop where I would demonstrate everything. I'd rather they all get their hands dirty playing with the stamps and inks.

This card is one of the Make & Take kits offered by Stampin' Up. I altered it slightly by adding the Print Pattern background to the card, the canvas background to the piece of Ruby red, and the "be merry" from Warm Words. They showed it using the Glad Tidings set, and since I don't have it, I decided to use Snowflake Spot. I used marker to color the snowflake and sponged around the edges. Super easy and super fun!

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Color Challenge - Cranberry crisp, True thyme, Blush blossom



Here is my take on the color challenge from this week. Now blush blossom is not my favorite color, I very rarely use it - guess that saves me money!!! Haha! Anyway, I used just a pinch of cardstock (and it's all distressed) as well as one spot of the ink on the Weathered background over the Lace Snowflake. I love, love, love the cranberry and thyme and do I really need to say anything about my passion for the ribbon!!! I just found out that SU will continue to offer the stitched grosgrain ribbons from the holiday mini until June 2007!!!!! I'm still going to order more today though!!

Wishing everyone a happy Thursday! My friend that I miss dearly is in from Las Vegas for a couple of days! I will get to spend some time with her tomorrow to catch up. Talking with friends over margaritas --- what could be better!!!

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

It's a No Post



I tried two times to upload this card onto SCS but both times it was removed. So I figured I would post it here!! I received the image thru wish RAK, a group of very generous ladies who send out images you have wished for. It's supposed to save you money by not buying a particular set - but that's only good in theory because that doesn't really happen, at least to me it doesn't!

I had fun playing with my paper piercing and distressing tools. But let me ask you, can you really de-stress Christmas?? If you can, please share your tricks!!! The yellow flower is from my DSS - thanks Viv!! And I love sponging, it so softens the edges. Another card using nothing but scraps!!!

Monday, November 27, 2006

Who Doesn't Love Fluffles!!


I needed to make some quick cards to send to the challenge chaser ladies that I stalk with throughout the week. Fluffles, by Stampendous, is so adorable and easy to color. I also wanted something I could use more scraps on, so this is what I came up with. Crystal Effects covers the ladybugs and Stickles glams up the center of the primas. I made four, sent one to a friend who just lost her cat; I know she'll love getting it. The other three went out this morning as CCRAKs - hmmmm, who are they going to???!!

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Nothin' But Scraps



Finally had time to stamp. I just bought this stamp (along with a few others) from addictedtorubberstamps.com so I couldn't wait to play. I started out wanting to make it for the Limited Supply Challenge from the weekend - make a kid's holiday card in traditional colors. Okay, so I made an oops, orange, red and blue aren't traditional. I've also set a goal for myself to use nothing but scraps over the weekends - just wish I could make a dent in my scrap bin!

Saturday, November 25, 2006

No Stamping Yet Today!

Nope, two days in a row and no stamping!! I had a house full of family for a fun day celebrating my youngest's birthday. He'll be 8 and hasn't met a present he doesn't like -- to rip open!!! He'll be in bed soon so maybe, just maybe, I can make it into my stamp room to play. I'll let you know tomorrow.

Friday, November 24, 2006

Happy Black Friday

Well, no early bird shopping for me today, I much prefer to sleep instead! I did end up going to Joann's and finding lots of fun stuff - Christmas decorations and stamping supplies. Couldn't pass up the 50% off rubberstamps!!! Started putting up some of those decorations too - I have family coming tomorrow to celebrate my youngest son's birthday. The tree will come much later, after my December stamp camp - I put it up in the same room as where the ladies sit and stamp!

Speaking of stamping, I haven't done any yet today. I plan to play the Limited Supply challenges jen70 posted on SCS. She always comes up with such fun things. Gotta get crackin'.

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Color Challenge #89


I love the color challenges on Splitcoast! This week's colors were Old olive, Bashful blue and Cranberry crisp. Not sure that I like this card, I'm blaming it on the fact I haven't been feeling too well. I know you can't see the Crosshatch background I did using white craft ink stamped over the Floral background. It faded right out, even in real life. I watercolored bashful blue around the tulips to give it a "sky" effect. This is a sketch challenge as well, gotta love those too!!
Stamps: Terrific Tulips, Filigree, Floral, Crosshatch, Words by TAC
Paper: Old olive, Cranberry crisp, Bashful blue, Very vanilla
Ink: Cranberry crisp, Old olive, Bashful blue
Accessories: Hodgepodge hardware, Ribbon
Let's Get it Started!

Well, let's see if I can do this, the most computer challenged person on the planet! I have so enjoyed reading everyone else's blogs on Splitcoast that I thought I would try one out for myself. My goal will be to update it everyday, so my fingers are crossed. I need to challenge myself to post pictures as well - oh well, that may have to be another day!!

The house is smelling of turkey, yum!! Happy Thanksgiving everyone.