Who Are We?

I've been visiting the blog of an amazing designer, Paulina at PrettyPinkPosh and she had a wonderful, amazing idea to share a list of things about her (she called it rambling, but I think otherwise...) What a wonderful way of documenting your "real world life" and a great tool to record a random moment in time for a scrapbook page.
So here's my rambling about
my family.
1. I love my two boys more. than. anything. in the world.
2. My super talented oldest sister has an Irish Wolfhound (the largest dog)-I think its cool that my youngest son can walk under him and the dog doesn't mind.
3. Life is a circle. I met my husband at the wedding of a childhood acquaintance. We live a few blocks down from the couple now.
4. Becoming a mother made me appreciate, respect and admire my parents even more for what they went through while I was growing up.
5. My best friend is my identical twin sister who lives half way across the country. For the most part we despised each other until the age of 18.
random bits.
1. I still feel guilty every time I write my college loan payment check as there still aren't any design opportunities close by.
2. By nature I am quiet and shy, old people have a hard time hearing me.
3. Tomatoes and cucumbers out of my own garden are the best vegetables in the world.
4. I know I should go to church more often, but I never forget the importance of prayer. It's the first thing I do every morning.
5. Camping in tents, sleeping on air mattress and eating every meal that has been cooked by a fire is not my thing, but I will do it for my boys.
crafty things.
1. I cherish comments on my blog and read every single one of them.
2. Scrapbooking is my first true crafty love.
3. The color yellow makes me happy but I rarely ever use it on a card or layout.
4. You're Dandy by Practicing Creativity Designs is my all. time. favorite. stamp set. (...however I do have a wishlist!)
5. I think I babble when I comment on other people's posts, and tend to ramble even more when I am excited about something I see.

Supplies Used on the Monster Card (series of 4): SU Natural Carstock, Little Monsters Stamp Set by Reminisce, Colorbox Chalk Ink in Chestnut Roan, DSP (unknown), Fiskars Corner Punch, Signo White Gel Pen, Googly Eyes

Riding a Bicycle

This afternoon my oldest and I went to the church parking lot where he worked on stopping while on his bicycle. His previous way to stop was to lean his whole body to one side, fall and skin associated knee. After a considerable amount of time he has since graduated to putting a foot down and...then falling and lightly scratching such sided knee. The things we grown-ups take for granted is infinite.
For this card I started with a digital image of a vintage bicycle, removed the spokes in my editing software and printed it and the sentiment on cream colored cardstock. I took a strand of DMC black floss and threaded the spokes of the tires, as the current challenge at Everything but the Kitchen Sink is to use string- I think it adds a sophisticated and unexpected element. I then distressed the edges, stitched with regular thread the absolutely fabulous silky ribbon and accent line on the base and added some pearl embellishments. Simple but effective?
I chose the sentiment with my son in mind, after our adventure this afternoon, but my father often takes this course in life as well and it has proved to be successful. Cole is a bit too young to appreciate cards so I think this would work for a graduation, or someone starting their career.

Image Before String:

Image With String:

Supplies Used: Cream Cardstock from Georgia Pacific, Black Textured Cardstock, Digital file from keepdesigning.com, SU More Mustard Ink, May Arts Ribbon from Practicing Creativity Designs, DMC Embroidery Floss, Queen & Co. Pearls in Nightfall, Thread, Foam Adhesive

Vintage Rabbit

An Easter long ago the Easter Bunny gave three little girls a Beatrix Potter book in their baskets. How I loved the tale of Benjamin Bunny, and the book with its tiny little size and illustrations, and colors. I had that memory in mind when starting this card. I was the lucky recipient of Jane's digital Vintage Rabbit and finally tried him (and digital in general) out. I have to admit that working with digital images is a bit of a challenge for me, which is surprising considering I spent four years of my life devoted to that subject. I started with the beautiful blocked panel sketch from Nina. My intentions were to have the bunny stand out on a solid background and a pattern on the bottom to balance him out so I manipulated some digital stripes and printed it in tones to match the rabbit. I attempted printing my own sentiment as well, but my printer wasn't for that so it is handwritten instead. The colors were inspired by this bag at PonderandStitch's shop for the Etsy Inspired Challenge. All the edges were distressed, including the rabbit, for a worn, well-loved look. This card took a bit longer than I had hoped and there are a few things I would have done differently, but the important thing for me to remember is that I learned a few lessons to apply when working digital files the next time.

Supplies Used: Cream Cardstock from The Paper Company, Pink and Yellow DSP from SEI, Vintage Rabbit Digital Image from Squigglefly, SU Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink, Barely Banana and Certainly Celery Ink, Colorbox Chalk Ink in Creamy Brown, SU Close to Cocoa Marker, Twine, Fiskars Scallop Border Punch, SU Blender Pens, McGill Tag Punch, Button (unknown source)

Wanted: One Outlined Cloud

I had a really fun time making a card with my oldest the other day...but it wasn't without side effects. Mainly, one missing outlined cloud clear acrylic stamp. Oh dear, I fear its been sucked up into the pits of the vacuum and thrown out never to be seen again...I think I've learned my lesson as mentioned by a fellow blogger, let young children only stamp with wood mounted rubber.

This card was created for a colleague who is fortunate to retire with her husband at a very early age. She's a hard worker and is very quiet, so I wanted my card to reflect her nature. I used the colors from Color Throwdown and the sketch from Card Patterns. I tried my hand too on a tip from the latest Creating Keepsakes Magazine, (the green tiles) but I think it would be best suited for a larger format. The sentiment and balloon are purposefully popped up in the center for dimension, I was hoping for a fleeting, blowing look. All the edges are distressed including the balloon and the paper pieced stripe. I would think that hot air balloon rides can be relaxing, only if you aren't afraid of heights.

Supplies Used: Cream Cardstock from The Paper Company, DSP from CTMH, CM and SU, Look Up Stamp Set from Practicing Creativity Designs, Congrats Stamp Set from SU, Colorbox Chalk Ink in Chestnut Roan and Creamy Brown, Green Grosgrain Ribbon from Offray, SU Pewter Brads, SU Linen Thread, Fiskars Scallop Border Punch

Some Are Hot

This is the story of this magical fantastically meaningful and bright card. Cole: Ooh Mama, I like this one. Me: You like that stamp set? Cole: Yeah, these balloons are hot. Can we make a card? Me: Umm, sure, but we really should be cleaning. Cole: Oh, but we have time. I picked out the sketch (Card Patterns 56), Cole picked out the paper, I cut the paper, Cole glued the paper, I guided the paper on the machine while Cole worked the pedal and stitched. He was very particular in his placement of each element and thought it unbelievably cool to stamp with clear stamps (but didn't care for the smell of Stazon or the Stazon Cleaner). He is so unbelievably proud of this card. And so is Mama.

Supplies Used: SU Whisper White Cardstock, DSP Wonder Years by daisyd's, Look Up and You're Dandy by Practicing Creativity Designs, Stazon Ink in Jet Black, SU Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Thread

P.S.: I'm really hoping that as a mom of a six year old that "hot" means temperature hot and not "smokin' good looking beautiful" kind of hot...

Cherish

My boys are so fortunate to be able to know and cherish their two grandpas, two grandmas, two great-grandpas and three great-grandmas! {We should visit the ones that live close by more often} I thought it was a nifty idea to make a card for my boys to give to one of these five very special ladies. Trying for a homespun feel, I grabbed some paper that reminded me of my time with my grandmas, added some old style elements and distressing and hand-wrote and stamped the sentiment, since I don't own any such grandparent stamps. This is my first time featuring my own hand-writing on a card..not sure if I am completely sold on the idea, I'll have to keep trying. The sketch for this card is from 2S4Y-with the panels flush to the edges and the card also fits the latest Poppy Seed Challenge: Use a light moss color, polka dots and buttons.

Supplies Used: SU Very Vanilla Cardstock, Bo Bunny Cherrie Pie DSP Collection, SU Baroque Motifs Stamp Set, Ranger Distress Ink in Walnut Stain, SU Always Artichoke Marker, Fiskars Scallop Border Punch, SU Corner Round Punch, CM Circle Punch, Fiskars Cloud 9 Button, SU Linen Thread, Thread




(Thanks for sticking we me, I know I've been hopping around with different style cards. I am enjoying trying to find out what I like best. Although sometimes I tend to believe its ok to have more than one style, and to just create in a way that strikes me at that moment!)

Thread Bare

Eight colors? How does one put eight colors on one card? My take: Make it Clean and Simple. The layout and thread usage came to me while I was sleeping, does that happen to anyone else? I used the eight color concept from the CARDS blog latest challenge and the ever-inspiring Lucy's latest challenge to keep it clean and simple. I started with five punched white squares then wrapped each with red, orange, yellow, green and blue thread, glued them onto a craft base and added a black sentiment. There are these funny little nuances within the thread (cheap-o stuff I had in a kit in college) that stand out nicely against the white, and the craft paper has specks in it as well that shine because of the simplicity of the card. Another bonus of this card for me? Easy and inexpensive to mail.

Supplies Used: Archers Paper Craft Cardstock, SU Whisper White Cardstock, Heidi Grace Thank You Stamp Set, CM Small Square Punch, SU Basic Black Marker, Fiskars Corner Round Punch

Sometimes You Need to Make Them

Do you feel saddened by the thought of making sympathy cards, but you find yourself creating them because you want that one person to know that you care for them at their time loss-really care? I brought a box full of cards to work a while back and all the sympathy cards sold-its kind of sad, really, to know that you will eventually need them someday. I took on the last of Kim Hughes' color showdown, to use pink, and to base a card by Windy Robinson found on this post. I pulled out some patterned paper from 2002, I think. I must have thought I was going to have a girl someday to scrapbook about, its been laying dormant in my stash since then...

Supplies Used: SU Very Vanilla Cardstock and Satin Ribbon, Bazzill Basic Textured Brown Cardstock, Kelly Panacci DSP in Stonewashed Pink and Argyle Sweater-by SandyLion, SU Always in my Thoughts Stamp Set, Colorbox Chalk Ink in Creamy Brown, McGill Tag Punch, Thread

Orange Rays

Since I started Kim Hughes' "focus on one color" series, I was determined to play all days, no matter what color she revealed next. Orange! Whew, hard one. This card came together pretty quickly, as it was my intention to keep this clean, graphic and simple, perhaps to give to a man (perhaps due to time restraints)? This was my first time embossing these rays onto patterned paper, as suggested by Courtney during her release. (It's a really neat effect!) I also wanted to include some black stitching on this card, as I had done with the others in my color series. Black seems to go with everything...I am thinking this card would work on the feminine side to if I were to change out the colors to a pink flower pattern with yellow accents?

Supplies Used: Georgia Pacific White Cardstock, K&C Co. Hopscotch DSP, SU Sweet Pea DSP and Soft Sky Cardstock, You're Dandy Stamp Set from Practicing Creativity Designs, VersaMark, SU Basic Black Marker, SU Clear Embossing Powder, SU Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Metal Tag (unknown source), Thread

My Red Wagon

Seems like the latest trend in papercrafting is to use fabric, and I'm lucky that me and my Janome Sew Mini get along! Here's a card I made for the latest Embellish Magazine Challenge: Fabric. Humor me as I walk you through the steps, as I felt the creativity flowing through my fingers for this one. I stamped the medallion in blue chalk ink on a kraft panel, cut it to size, distressed and then added white craft ink to the edges. (Note to self, if attempting this again, thoroughly let the white ink dry before sewing!) Then I cut the designer paper to size and sewed both the medallion panel and the paper panel to the card base with green thread. I then cut two scallop strips out of white muslin and sewed them together with a banner of red grosgrain ribbon. I colored parts of the medallion in with a white gel pen and topped it with a flat back button. The finishing touch was to add the sentiment in the bottom corner. None of this was how I originally planned my card, but I let my compulsiveness go and the creativity take over.

Supplies Used: SU Kraft Cardstock, CTMH DSP, SU Medallion and So Many Sayings Stamp Sets, Colorbox Chalk Ink in Ocean Breeze and Creamy Brown, SU White Craft Ink, Signo White Gel Pen, Fine Lines Red Grosgrain Ribbon by Morex Corp., Button (unknown source), SU Distresser, Thread



Curious about the title of the post, other than having the color red in my card? Last night our youngest son decided to haul both our kitties in the wagon, who promptly decided they enjoyed the ride and the warmth and stayed there all evening. This of course, was after he decided to color his head with a purple-not washable marker- all the while the oldest was laughing!

Truth About Purple...& Lace

I don't really like the color purple. I find it hard to work with. It may stem from growing up as an identical twin, as I always chose pink, my sister purple. Maybe it is because I have two boys now and nothing around is purple to convince me to like it. I agree with Kim Hughes: Purple. "It's pretty... well, that's all I have to say about it." I also pulled out lace for the Caardvarks Lacy Days Challenge. I feel the exact same way about lace as I do purple. Even though my preference isn't to pull out purple paper products and lace, I still did and had just a teensy bit of fun doing it (ok, making any kind of card is fun...) For this card, I first cut a circle from the front, layered the scalloped lace behind it and then stitched the two together. To cover the mess from the inside, I adhered a white panel, that showcased the lacy texture nicely, I think. I then added the lace border, pearls and buttons to contradict/compliment (can work either way) the frilly-ness of the lace. For the sentiment, I colored chipboard with black and added Glossy Accents to match the pearls.

Supplies Used: SU Vintage Violet, Whisper White and Pale Plum Cardstock, Lil' Davis Designs Stripped Chip Alphabet Playtime, Lace by Offray, CM Circle Cutting System, Queen & Co. Pearls in Nightfall, Ranger Glossy Accents, SU Basic Black Marker, Button (no source), DMC Floss, Thread

This is my second post for today, if you have time to check out my two other cards for Kim's challenge, please do!

Hello Chica(s)

Intrigued by Kim Hughes' informal challenge to her readers to create cards based around one color, thought it would be quite challenging and stretch my limits actually to use colors I don't normally gravitate towards, so here are two that I made.


Yellow: Hello Chica
This shimmery yellow paper printed with random chicks made me smile. I added the mixed stitching because it reminded me of the chicken scratch and the orange it pulled from the outlines. Polka dots are just fun, so I added the ribbon and the embossed scallop border for some added interest.
Supplies Used: Easter Chicks DSP by Reminisce, Georgia Pacific White Cardstock, Really Rust SU Cardstock, Swiss Dots Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Making Memories Rub-on Alphabet in Providence, SU Dusty Durango Ribbon, Fiskars Scallop Border Punch, Foam Dots, Thread



Green: Welcome Neighbor
I think this is one of the fastest cards I've ever put together that actually has results I can be proud of. Somewhat difficult to photograph, the background on this card is a speckled green which provides a nice contrast to the white rub-on sentiment.
Supplies Used: Archers Cardstock, Heidi Grace Rub-ons in A Little Bird's Tale, SU ChitChat Rub-ons, Thread

When the Boys are Away...

This early evening I had the house to myself and rather doing laundry or the dishes, I made a card! And it's a girly card at to boot! Earlier this week Kim Hughes posted her fun and whimsical drawing of a clover rainbow on the PaperCrafts Blog and I grabbed it up and revised it a bit using clouds instead of the clovers. I knew right away that I wanted to do something ultra feminine, so I printed the image in gray, colored it in with pastel inks and a blender pen and for the very first time ever, added some Stickles. (What an interesting product to work with, it'll take me some getting used to, this whole glitter thing...) The sentiment is a clear sticker and I just outlined that and the card with a white gel pen to ground everything. The card size is 4.25x4.25 inches. I thought clean and simple was best to feature the image, and, I think it will be great to give for a girls birthday, or baptism or any other special event in her life. Lots of fun, this whole girly thing...

Supplies Used: Archers Kraft Paper, Georgia Pacific White Cardstock, SU Pretty in Pink, Apricot Appeal, Barely Banana, Certainly Celery and Bashful Blue Ink, Blender Pen, Ranger Stickles in Frosted Lace, Bo Bunny White Shabby Random Thoughts Stickers, Signo White Gel Pen, Fiskars Corner Round Punch

Happiness...Always

It was a wonderful happy feeling to open up Adobe Illustrator and be able to create again, it seems like its been too long! Before beginning this card, I had a particular bird style silhouette in mind and was happy that I could cater it to my needs. After printing the image in light yellow ink on my laser printer, I stamped it, clear embossed it and distressed the edges. I placed it in front of some wood grain patterned paper, capped with acetate brackets and added the button and twine for a rustic feel. I couldn't resist adding the stitching, probably because I really like my little Janome Mini. I'm enjoying stretching my creativity and taking creative liberties by playing with different products, textures and styles. Today was a long and stressful day at work and I was so happy to come home to my boys, enjoy the nice weather while it lasts, tuck the little ones to bed and make this card. A good way to end the day. Oh, and my husband's sister had her baby boy! I wish you and yours Happiness, wherever you may find it...today and always.

Inspiration for this card came from the following fantastic challenges: Sketch by Kazan at 2S4Y, colors from Wplus9's Color Cue and the CARDS Blog (use a bird image-but not an owl!).



Supplies Used: SU Natural White and Regal Rose Cardstock, SU Happiness Always and Baroque Motifs Stamp Sets, SU Barely Banana and Versamark Ink, Colorbox Chalk Ink in Creamy Brown, SU Clear Embossing Powder, Making Memories Clear Tags and Button from Passport Collection, SU Linen Thread, SU Scallop Trim Border Punch, Thread

Charlie Brown's Spring Day

When in doubt for titles for your post, ask your husband (or wife, or significant other). I should clarify, ask your husband what he would nicely name your card. So Charlie Brown's Spring Day it is. (Perhaps you'll get a laugh like I did) I think possibly because of the solid bold colors and black lines? I suppose I shouldn't even begin to guess. Anywho, this card came together for the latest Everything but the Kitchen Sink's Sketch Challenge. I thought of a quaint little ground landscape, so I went with it. I even used more of the gigantic twig leftover from a previous post, after coloring it with a sharpie to stay consistent with the color scheme. The clouds were masked, stamped and embossed, then outlined to keep the design cohesive. I stretched my limits on this one--I used a ton of different textures and I don't think I've ever created such a card with this kind of style.



{I wanted to also say thank you to all my visitors, followers and subscribers to my blog! I can't believe I made it to over 10,000 hits yesterday- an accomplishment that seemed unreachable when I started this as a way to share my creations. I never in my life imagined that this blog would bring into my life so many wonderful people. Thank you! I sincerely appreciate your peeks and your comments.}

Supplies Used: Georgia Pacific White Cardstock, Blue Cardstock from Recollections, You're Dandy Stamp Set from Practicing Creativity Designs, SU Rubons from the Chit Chat Collection, Heidi Grace Embossed Chipboard, SU Polka Dots Texture Plate, CM Black Journal Pen, Signo White Gel Pen, Fiskars Corner Rounder, Versamark Ink, SU White Embossing Powder, Sharpie Marker, Twig

The Wrinkly Paper

Hah! The wrinkly paper. That makes me laugh. One of my boys saw this card and told me he like it. Curious, I asked him why? His response, "Well, I like all that wrinkly old paper with the holes all over it. And the colors too, Mama." Ahh, a boy after my own heart.
Here's another go for Moxie Fab World Challenge: Diggin' on Doilies & Lace Challenge (mainly because I have this fascination with attempting to make the doilies modern and probably because the doilies came in a pack of 30...) For these, I sponged each of four with their respective ink colors and then spritzed with water. I was excited to see that the final result was a nice bright and blended look. I placed the four cropped doilies in a row and topped it with the black satin bow and fancy rub-on letters-I think the black grounds the colors and the clean and simple design is pretty darn sophisticated.

Supplies Used: SU Whisper White Cardstock, SU Cameo Coral, Old Olive, Night of Navy and Pumpkin Pie Inks, SU Black Satin Ribbon, Making Memories Rub On Alphabet in Beach, Mini Mister

Whittling Away

There are so many great card designers out there that I admire from afar for their use of patterned paper-two or three different patterns or the ability to stamp on patterned paper and make it look like it was meant to be! I've been scared, so scared of patterned paper. But, I wanted to conquer my fear and I'm slowly whittling away at it. I started with the inspiration photo from Caardvarks, Sarah Martina's bonus sketch at 2S4Y, chose a few muted patterns from a single paper pack, and softened everything up. I also wanted to try my hand at a real twig on my card, as one of their crew members, Lucy, had done as well, and the twig was the first thing I noticed in the picture. I really like how the greens of the paper complement the red-ish/brown-ish of the twig and the ink. I really like how the blue patterned paper represents the sky and the green the earth. (And I really like how I actually did whittle away at the backside of the twig to have it lay flat on my card!)

I've had so many uplifting comments (thank you!) that made me open my eyes and understand that it is just fine to like my own cards because that is what can make you enjoy creating again. I've also learned that it is just fine and fun to participate (and not win) in challenges if they get you to create, assist you in creating something you like and challenges do something you normally would not have done. This my friends, is how I'm learning.

Supplies Used: Georgia Pacific White Cardstock, Sweet Pea DSP SU, Colorbox Chalk Ink in Creamy Brown, Inkadinkadoo Happy Days Clear Stamp Set, SU Chit Chat Rubons in Chocolate Chip, Fiskars Corner Rounder Punch, CM Circle Punch, Twig

Luck of the...

Are you of Irish decent? I don't think I really am, but I sure do don my green on the 17th. Our mom used to paint a tiny shamrock with food coloring on our hands and its a fun tradition that I have passed on to my kiddies. This Etsy Inspired Challenge was too good to pass up. I was inspired by the shape, the textures and the colors of the necklaces featured on the 3dots store, they have some beautiful products. This card was tons of fun to make, and came together fairly quickly. Well, except for this part: me thinking I lost my hole punch, going to the garage and hunting for something that would punch holes in the middle of a square, my husband finding a nasty greasy grommet tool that actually worked to punch holes, and then me finding the hole punch and redoing the four holes. (Shh, haven't told him that this wasn't his work!) I am so happy the way the dots in the center of each wood panel turned out, I love the added texture on the dots from coloring the backs with gold and turquoise markers.

Supplies Used: Cream and Brown Cardstock from the Paper Company, SU Woodgrain Backround and So Many Sayings Stamps, SU Chocolate Ink, SU So Saffron and Tempting Turquoise Markers, Green Rain Dots from Cloud 9, CM Square Punch, SU Corner Rounder and Hole Punches

The Story of the Butterfly

After last week's catechism class, my oldest son shared with me that they learned about the significance of Easter. Here's an insert from his packet: The butterfly is one of the symbols to signify Easter and the life of Christ. First, there is the caterpillar, which stands for His life on Earth. Second, comes the cocoon stage, portraying the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. The third and final stage is the beautiful butterfly, representing His raising from the dead in a glorified body. Wow, what an amazing way to explain the significance of Easter to a child. Of course, he then proceeded to ask when the Easter Bunny was going to come, so I'm not sure he retained much...
I haven't wanted to stamp much because I've felt a little bit down due to recent circumstances (i.e. the submission email acceptance never came...) but I came across a very intriguing site and challenge that made me smile, made me think, and let me enjoy creating again: Happily Ever Challenged #4 - A CRAFTy Easter! from Ted at Happily Ever Crafter. So fun, please check it out! I had lots of enjoyment shifting around items in my closet to find things that would fit.
C=Cardstock R=Red Ribbon and Rhinestones A=Antique Distressing F=Flocked Paper T=Thread
I absolutely adore this card now and I think mostly because it was created with so much symbolism. The butterfly in general, the red ribbon for His blood, the aged look. Aah, it feels good to be back!

Supplies Used: SU Kraft Cardstock, Ivory Cardstock from Paper Company, Flocked DSP from Heidi Grace, PTI Mixed Messages, Stazon Ink in Jet Black, Walnut Distress Ink from Ranger, SU Butterfly Die, SU Real Red Satin Ribbon, Fiskars Scallop Border Punch,Rhinestones from Michaels, Thread

Deconstructed Doilies

It began by a discovery of Vintage Violet Ink stacked in my pile of ink pads (you know, because doilies for the most part are vintage, right?), then continued by aging the bright white newly obtained paper doilies with a spritz of Vintage Violet and alcohol. Then I realized that I wanted to try something different. I wanted to see if I could make the doilies have a bit of a modern edge to them. So I cut them up and paired them with a graphic stamp and added a bit of flash. I sadly realized that I don't think a doily can ever look modern, there's just too much of a home-like, just-baked Grandma's cookies edge to them. Oh well, it turned out better in my head, I tried some new products and techniques, my fingers turned purple and I cut the doilies while watching my favorite shows (Criminal Minds and CSI:NY-awesome last night, by the way)...This is my first ever tall card, and is finished with a touch of doily lace trim on the bottom. Created for the Moxie Fab World Challenge: Diggin' on Doilies & Lace.

Supplies Used: SU Vintage Violet and Kraft Cardstock, SU Vintage Violet, Lavender Lace and White Craft Ink, SU In the Spotlight Stamp Set, Heidi Grace Thanks Stamp Set, White Paper Cake Doilies, White Grosgrain Ribbon, Rhinestones from Michaels, Fiskars Corner Rounder Punch, Mini Mister, Rubbing Alcohol

Hello Little Baby

How wonderful it is to pull out baby boy stickers from when I scrapbooked my babies' albums, and reminisce about the times when they were so tiny and dependent. {Seems too long ago!} I really wanted the stickers to be the showcase of this card, with their different but cohesive sizes and shapes, images and tones so I kept the card clean and simple. Proof to myself that I can a card can be made with stickers and not be overloaded with embellishments! I took an eraser to the edges of the stickers to lighten the print and soften the edges. Thanks again to SRM Stickers for the opportunity to walk down Memory Lane. **Sigh**

Supplies Used: SU Kraft Cardstock, Heidi Grace Designs Decor Shapes Cardstock Stickers in Baby Boy, SU Sweet Little Sentiments Stamp Set, SU Creamy Caramel Marker, Corner Chomper

Half-Backed Pearls

Aren't half-back self adhesive pearls divine? I love the touch of elegance that they offer for card-making, and their ease of use. At the crop I went to this past weekend (imagine my sadness when I forgot ALL my pictures) I had the opportunity to work on some cards using other people's stamps. I found the sentiment stamp and based my card around it. The sketch layout is from the latest challenge at Just Us Girls. (Oh, how I wish I could choose two sets from WPlus9!) I also knew that at some point in time I needed to try another of those pom-pom flowers, so I created this one out of vellum and various Sizzix dies. Each petal has been distressed and sponged, then curled around the center of a divine half-backed pearl. The scalloped ribbon is so gorgeous and lush in real life as well, a soft velvety brown. The monotone color palette emphasizes each of the embellishment on the card, and I really like that. The card itself is a mini card- pretty small, in order to feature the sentiment and flowers.

Supplies Used: SU Kraft Cardstock, Cloud 9 DSP, Vellum (no source), SU So Saffron Ink, SU Wellness Wishes Stamp Set, Scallop Cirle Sizzix Die, Cuttlebug Scallop Circle Dies, SU Flower Trio Punch, Velvet Ribbon (no source), Pearls, Corner Chomper