12.28.2010

Just saying hello

Hope you all had a wonderful and blessed Christmas!
I had lots of fun making food, wrapping presents, surprising people, and just being with my family. :)
Ooo, and I got some new things too (like twinkling H2O's) that I'm figuring out right now - I'm kinda stepping out of my patterned paper comfort zone, and messing around more with stamps. It's actually really fun, experimenting with this and that - it makes me really feel creative. :)

So, speaking of creative, thought from now until the first of January, I'd share with you a card that uses/utilizes something (a product, technique, etc.) that at the beginning of 2010, I never thought I'd do/try.

First off, a card I made for my Hero Arts WAD...



I hadn't done anything aside from plain stamping or paper piecing on my projects until I got this beautiful stamp, so this watercolor stamping was really new.

Well, just a quick post as I have a lot of catching up to do - thing to organize, rooms to clean, blogs to visit, etc. ;)

Thanks for stopping in and have a wonderful day!


*************************************
Card recipe
Cardstock: LSS, Hero Arts, SU!
Image: Hero Arts "Wild Bouquet"
Ink: Distress Inks
Colored pencils: Prisma
Trim: Websters Pages bloomers

Tools: trimmer, scissors, watercolor paper, adhesive, paintbrush, water

12.19.2010

Notice...

Hi all!
Just wanted to let you know that I will be taking this week off from blogging to spend time with my family and to celebrate Christmas. :)
Hope you have a blessed and very merry Christmas!!
Hugs!
Clare

12.15.2010

Happy wishes

Hey all!

Thanks so much for the super sweet comments on my layout - makin' me wanna try another one. ;)

I made this card for this weeks Waltzingmouse sketch, and I was totally inspired by Savitri Wilders card. :)


I actually took the blue rose off of the ribbon after pictures...I can't decide if I like the card better with it, without it, or with the yellow rose....oh, all the agonizing decisions we papercrafters must make!

And then the butterflies...also notice that beautiful blue pearl? Hero Arts yummy-liciouness! Mmmm!


So, I've been thinking, should/do I need to write down instructions for the cards? Shabby cards like this kinda take awhile to explain, and just wondering if it's helpful to anybody.


Now I want to share some of my latest finds;
Why haven't I seen THIS before?!
THIS is a super cool idea - already sent some people that list! 
THIS song is the current most popular Christmas song around the house - we seriously listen to it, finish it, listen to it, finish it, on and on and on....getting a little old now. ;)
Yum! THIS is making my mouth water - gotta try the challenge and recipe!
Want WANT THIS!


Well, now that you've made it through this link-bogged post, congrats! ;)
Thanks for leaving the super sweet comments, and have an awesome day!


*****************************
Card recipe
Cardstock: LSS
Patterned paper: Crate "Restoration", Cosmo Cricket "Honey Pie"
Stamps: Hero Arts "Thinking of You messages"
Ink: Tim Holtz "Walnut Stain"
Ribbon: Seam binding available HERE
Pearls: Hero Arts, Basic Grey
Flower: Remembrance
Other: Doily available HERE

Tools: trimmer, adhesive, scissors, sewing machine, Cuttlebug, Nestabilities

12.12.2010

the twins

I don't scrap. Ever.

....hardly.

This is my second attempt at scrapbooking, and I think I like the 8 1/2 x 11 format better than 12x12. 8 1/2 x 11 seems more cardy-ish, so I relate. But I can't really relate to taking pictures of layouts...I guess I'll always stink at that. ;)

Anyways, I used the Embellish challenge, and surprisingly had a fun time. I even made a card to match the layout!


I think the one part I really don't like about scrapbooking is the writing part. I just don't like the idea of my hand-writing mussing up the page. Or that someone won't like what I wrote. Or I'll hate what I wrote. Not very conducive to creative writing.
But moving on...

I cut out all twenty-one circles with my Fiskars punch, stamped the butterflies, and then sewed 'em down.
Ooo, and those chipboard letters? Making Memories, but they were pink, so I covered 'em up with green cardstock, and sanded them down.

Here's that matching card...


So two projects in one post - hope that makes up for the lack of posting the past few days. ;)

Thanks for stopping in, and have great Sunday!

**********************************
Layout recipe
Cardstock: LSS, Bazzil
Patterned paper: K&Company
Stamps: Martha Stewart
Ink: Tim Holtz "Distress Ink"
Chipboard letters: Making Memories

Tools: trimmer, adhesive, scissors, sewing machine, printer, Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, Fiskars circle punch

Card recipe:
Cardstock: LSS
Patterned paper: K&Company
Stamps: Martha Stewart, Hero Arts "Tree, Birds and Messages"
Ink: Tim Holtz "Walnut Stain" and "Peeled Paint"
Pearls: Hero Arts


Tools: trimmer, adhesive, scissors, sewing machine, Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, Fiskars circle punch

12.08.2010

Hero Arts blog hop!

Hello there!
No, I'm not participating in another blog hop; I just wanted to let you know of one that's going to be happening this Friday!
Check out the Hero Arts blog hop on December 10th for previews of the new stamps from the 2011 catalog!


 Click the image for more information!

And, as promised, I have a new project to share with you, and what could be more fitting than a Hero Arts project? ;)


Instructions: Cut and score base, rounding corners. Cut patterned paper, and adhere to base. Stamp sewing pattern onto edge of patterned paper. Cut and emboss die, and stamp images and sentiment on it. Stamp butterfly, and adhere to stamped die cut. Adhere die cut to base. Distress edges of card base with ink.

Sorry for the crummy photo - it's been snowing the past two weeks, so now I can't really go outside and take pictures. :(

Anyways, I also promised to post the master winner list for the SSC Blog Hop - if you just go back one post, you can find the winner. :)

Thanks so much for stopping in, and have a wonderful day!

*********************************
Card recipe
Cardstock: Unknown
Patterned paper: Cosmo Cricket "Honey Pie"
Stamps: Hero Arts "Music Background", "Dolls", "Sew Artsy", Martha Stewart butterfly
Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Martha Stewart pink ink

Tools: trimmer, adhesive, scissors, Nestabilities, Cuttlebug

12.07.2010

Blog hop winner announced!

Hi!
Sorry for the late posting - we had SO many participants in the hop, some of the ladies still have to get back with their winners! ;)

But, I couldn't leave ya hanging, so I thought I'd post my winner, with the master list coming soon.
I used Random.Org, and out of 94 (adding the extra chances for those who became followers, but forgot to add the extra comment), it picked #47, which is....(drum roll).....Trina!

Congrats Trina! If you will just e-mail me your address (you can find my e-mail near the top, with the tabs), I'll send your package out ASAP! :)

Thanks again ladies for making this hop SO much fun and such a success!! I was honestly astounded with the number participants and than the ladies projects that were inspired by the hop! 
Oh, and one little hint - I will be hosting another giveaway in the near future, so keep a watch out for that. ;)
I will be back again soon with the promised master winner list, and a new project!

EDIT:
Master list of winners


Nikki's Blog - Simply AJ

Tammy's Blog - AnnFran

Rona's Blog - Jennifer Scull

Amy's Blog - Amy picked a winner and contacted them personally

Pryn's Blog - Evie

Clare's Blog - Trina

Theresa's Blog - Marilyn Nimmo

12.04.2010

Simply Scrapping Crafts First Annual Holiday Hop

Welcome to Simply Scrapping Crafts First Annual Holiday Hop! We have quite a line-up for you today filled with lots holiday inspired goodies! Our DT has been busy at work in Santa’s workshop creating a sled full of gorgeous holiday projects to help you decorate, scrapbook or use for gifts! Be sure to comment all of the blogs along the way because we have "hidden" some extra special treats along the way. There is no way to tell where we have them stashed, so be sure not to miss out! Some of our hop hosts are giving an extra entry for becoming a follower. Who doesn't appreciate more chances to win right? All winners will be announced on Tuesday, December 7th, 2010 via the DT blogs and also in the hop room at SSC, which can easily be accessed HERE You have until 11:59PM EST tonight, December 4th, 2010 to comment for your chance to win. All you need to do is click on each link and leave a comment as you hop along to the end of the list. 
Are you ready for a Holly Jolly Holiday Hop? Let's get hoppin'!

Maureen  http://stampandscrapwithmaureen.blogspot.com/
Theresa  http://procrastinatingscrapper.blogspot.com/
Nikki http://gracie33.blogspot.com/
Rona  http://scraprona.blogspot.com/
Colleen  http://cardsdelight.blogspot.com/
Amy  http://amybeansblog.blogspot.com/
------> Clare  http://bearydocardsinc.blogspot.com/ <-------
Pryn  http://mochavation.blogspot.com

 Lots'o super fabulous, super talented girls there, so make sure you don't miss a blog! ;) You should've come here from Amy's blog - make 110% sure you didn't miss this papercrafting-extraordinaire's blog!

Now on to my project....

I decided to go out of the box (excuse the pun) and make an ornament, and than a box to complete it.


 Inside the box....


 I didn't have any "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" stamp sentiments, so I had to leave the rest of the sampler blank


Recognize that house? I used it on the last hop - gotta love Hero Arts! :)


 The cross-stitched house was only my second attempt at cross-stitching, so the back looks pretty terrible - but I won't show you that! ;)

So, I tried making a video tutorial of the box, but that didn't work out - I was unhappy with how the ribbon came out the first time, so I took it out and messed around with it for about five more minutes....looked kinda dumb on video! ;) Than I actually DID make a video showing the box IRL, and the giveaway, but as I uploaded it to You-tube, it came out all weird and fuzzy. :( If you want to try to 'decode' the fuzzy video and maybe catch a glimpse of the giveaway, than it is HERE.

If you don't have the patience to sit/skip through the funky video, I'll tell what is in the giveaway package; stamps, LOTS of Christmas paper, and pretty embellishments. :)

To be entered in this giveaway;
1. Leave a comment telling me the nicest thing a crafty buddy has done for you this year
2. Become a follower of my blog (if you already are, leave an additional comment)

That's it!
Thanks SO much for stopping in - I hope you're enjoying the hop! Now onto the uber sweet and funny Pryn!

 **************************
Supply list:
Cardstock: Unknown
Patterned paper: Basic Grey 'Blush'
Stamps: Hero Arts 'Mi Casa', and 'Musical Background'
Ink: Staz-on, Tim Holtz "Walnut Stain", Martha Stewart
Ribbon: Seam binding
Other: holly and ivy, tissue paper

12.02.2010

Another something coming your way soon...

Hello there!
Well, things are chilling a little bit down here, so my plan is to get around to everyone's blogs soon - I've been sorely neglecting them, I'm afraid! :(
But anyways, wanted to pop in and share a little something with you....


That's right! SSC is hosting another fun/giveaway filled blog hop! Make sure you don't miss out on this one, because the girls have pulled off some AMAZE-ing stuff!
And for my Hero Arts friends, I will be giving you a special sneak peek regarding the giveaway on Saturday via the Flickr group, so keep your eyes open! :)

Hugs!
Clare

11.30.2010

thank yoooooo

Hi there! 

Bad blogger here again! I'll forewarn you that it's only going to get worse as Christmas approaches - can't believe it's only 25 days!

But, now that that's said and done, here is a thank you post, albeit a couple days late.
 

Instructions: Trim and score card base. Cut out patterned papers, and adhere together, Sew yellow paper to blue paper. Stamp image onto blue paper, and paper piece. Use gel pen for stars. Tie bow around patterned papers, top with button, and adhere to base. Stamp sentiment, cut out and adhere to base.

Thank yoooooo for reading this blog
Thank yoooooo for leaving comments, even when I can't always return the favor right away
Thank yoooooo for sharing your wonderful projects with me and the rest of the world
Thank yoooooo for the friendship! :)

Lots of hugs, and have a wonderful day!

***************************
Card recipe
Cardstock: Bazzil, Hero Hues
Patterned paper: DCWV
Stamp: Hero Arts "Friendly Forest"
Ink: Staz-on
Ribbon: Seam binding
Button: Joann Fabrics
Gel pen: Souffle pen by Sakura

Tools: trimmer, adhesive, scissors, sewing machine

11.24.2010

Just in time for Black Friday....

Hi!
Sorry I haven't posted in awhile - Life's at it again! ;) Anyways, I have an extremely long post to make up for it, and if you can make it past all this, than I have a little surprise waiting for you at the end.

As many of you know (or will, after reading this! ;)), one of my sisters knits and crochets, and I take photos of some of her creations, and then often share them with you. You may also know that we have a joint sister-shop over at Etsy, HERE. Maria's creations have sold out fast and now she's adding more just in time for the holidays, but I wanted to let you in on something.
We're running a special promo where, with every purchase (that includes my cards), you will be entered for a chance to win an owl in any color you want, provided Maria has the color - she has a very wide selection. Plus, followers of my blog can get a special 10% off discount (does not apply to shipping) by e-mailing me (HERE). You must be a follower for the coupon, so make sure you give me your google reader name.
The coupon will expire two weeks after I get the first request, while the contests ending time has yet to be determined. 

Okay, so now onto some pics of an owl that you could be entered to win. This particular owls name is Isabel, and is going to be sent off to a friend of mine soon, but is basically what the giveaway owl will look like, except maybe in different colors.




And the Maria's latest project, which is available for sale HERE.




Congrats! You made it to the (almost) end of this post! Now for that little surprise!
I have been posting pictures of Maria's animals and creatures here for a while, and thought it would be a good time to just make up another blog solely for those pictures. That blog is Knitted Tales and for the first post, I have a little photographic story for you. :) I will be adding more pictures of Hadley and Isabel later.

Thanks for sticking with me this far, and have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

11.16.2010

October pubs

Hi there!

Just sharing some October CARDS pubs - haven't seen the mag yet though, or for that matter, any of the mags I've been published in so far! ;)

Flower Power; I will be honest with you on this one - I did not really like this card, so I was surprised when CARDS picked it up


 This card won the digital category over at the Hero Arts blog in April, and I did like this card: Sew Special


Once again, using more lovely Hero Arts product - can't go wrong with HA!

Thanks for stopping today and for all the kind words!!

11.14.2010

Noteworthy

Hi there!
Just quickly popping in to share this card - cutting close to the challenge deadline again! ;)

My sister found this Noteworthy paper pack at an old shop, and called me up to see if I would like it. 'Are you kidding?!' I had just discovered this line when it was discontinued, so it was very hard to find online (not to mention the few places that had it had ridiculous prices), so imagine how happy I was when she told me the paper pack was there, and for only three bucks!
I'm not much of a purple person, but this line is too sweet not to love! :) So I made a purple card, with lace, following Clare's challenge over at The Shabby Tea Room.


Instructions: Go shabby.

Don't you just love the pom pom trim? My super sweet friend Theresa sent me it, along with the pink lace and button shown, and lots of other goodies - thanks again, Theresa! :)

Thanks SO much for all the sweet comments - I really appreciate each and every single one! :)

PS - I asked awhile back if anyone had any suggestions for a light box, and unfortunately no one did, but you wanted to know if I found anything. Well, so far, not so good, but I am trying something else, but I haven't had the time to see how the photos turned out. Will let you know when I do! :)

***********************************
Card recipe
Cardstock: Bazzil
Patterned paper: Making Memories "Noteworthy"
Stamps: MFT
Ink: Martha Stewart, Tim Holtz Distress Ink
Gems: Prima
Other: ribbon (unknown), trim (unknown), thread

Tools: trimmer, adhesive, Cuttlebug, MFT die, sewing machine

11.11.2010

No patterned paper...

Hello there!

I've been such a bad blogger recently, I thought two posts in a row couldn't hurt. ;)

I've also been having some mojo problems lately - I don't know if you noticed, but I'm rather into the shabby style now, with lots of patterned paper. Well, lately, I haven't been able to work with any patterned paper, so I accidentally made my first card that doesn't use ANY patterned paper a few days ago. Yep, even though I've made some pretty CAS cards, they've always had at least one piece of patterned paper in there somewhere, so this card made me pretty happy. :)
I made it with the Waltzingmouse and Card Patterns sketches in mind...


Instructions: Cut and score card base, than tie ribbon around the middle. Taking some scrap cardstock (of the same color as the base), stamp grass in light green ink, than stamp elephants. Adhere this to base.

Those elephants were a total accident - I didn't mean to stamp like that, but the first one came out with ink darker in some places, so instead of stamping all the grass again, I just did the last two elephants like that as well. And you know, I think it's kinda cute - hope you do too. :)

Thanks for stopping in!

*****************************************
Card recipe
Cardstock: LSS
Stamps: Hero Arts "Elephants"
Ink: Colorbox, Tim Holtz Distress Inks
Other: embroidery thread

Tools: trimmer, scissors, adhesive

11.10.2010

Thank YOU!

Hello there!

This post might be a little gushy, because it's a thank you post! Have to do one every once in awhile, just to to show my appreciation for you, my friends, readers and followers. :) All your kind words mean SO much to me! Can't tell you how much it encourages me!
So a thank you set that was featured on the HA blog a little while ago, and dedicated to all my papercrafting pals, especially those in the HA Flickr group...

I made the little card using the Russian doll stamp , and than quickly made the box for the cocoa packets. There's no template for the box, as I just "custom" made it to fit the packets. So then I decorated the box to match the card


I absolutely love this doll stamp, but I wasn't too sure what I was going to do with it when I first got it because I'm not much of a 'colorer'. But all's well that ends well. ;)



And the goodies inside...


Sweet, eh? ;) Sorry, that was cheesy!

I will be having a giveaway here soon, but after having the issues with my Grandma, and than feeling a bit sick myself, it'll wait a little while.

Thank you so much for stopping in and have a great day!

**************************************
Card recipe
Cardstock: Bazzil, Hero Arts
Stamps: Hero Arts "Dolls", "Ledger"
Ink: Staz-on, Tim Holtz Distress Inks
Half pearls: Hero Arts
Other: twine

Tools: trimmer, scissors, adhesive

11.04.2010

Update

My Grandma did have a small stroke, but what was really worrying was that she was having seizures after that as well. Right now, she's still in the hospital, but she's doing better - she's now taking food and talking a little bit, which is a good sign. :)

Thank you so much for your prayers/hugs/everything!, and please continue to pray - this is/has been especially hard on my Mom!

Hugs!,
(a little something I made awhile back :))

 Clare

10.31.2010

Sorry...

...for being a naughty blogger. The last half of this past week was pretty crazy, with a tournament going on Thursday to Saturday, and when I came home, I found out my Mom had left to go to my Grandma's house, as she was feeling ill. The latest news (which I heard this morning) is that my Grandma is in the ICU, and they think she may have had a stroke. If I could have your prayers for my Grandma, Mom, and family, I would really appreciate it.
Thank you and hugs!
Clare

10.25.2010

Amy's Digital Bobble's

Hello!

Today I have a card featuring a digi from one of my awesome DT friends, Amy. She was going to open a shop for all her digis, but found she doesn't have the time to set up something like that.  :( However, plans are to offer them occasionally as freebies over at SSC, so keep your eyes peeled!

Here is how I used her adorable cake stamp....


Not liking the rest of the card, but I love that cake - little pearls on real cakes always fascinated me, so had to add some half pearls to this one.



Thanks for stopping in!

***************************
Card recipe
Cardstock: unknown, Bazzil
Patterned paper: October Afternoon "Thrift Shop", Colorbok
Stamps: Amy's Digital Bobbles, Sugarloaf
Half pearls: Hero Arts
Ink: Staz-on
Ribbon: Offray

Tools: Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, adhesive, foam squares, trimmer, scissors

10.21.2010

Nuts about you

Hi there!

Just a quickie post, before I head back to the tv to watch the hockey game (I'm a Pittsburgh Penguins fan!)
I used this weeks Waltzingmouse Sketch; my first time playing along with the challenge, and certainly not the last!

Anyways, onto the card; I didn't really know where to stop, so....yeah, that pretty much sums up this card. ;)


Instructions: Trim card case and score. Cut out patterned paper, adhering cream paper to base and tying bow around. Adhere rose to ribbon, and lace right below. Add tag to card base using foam squares. Stamp sentiment and add pearls. Stamp images onto cream and brown paper, than cut out and adhere to tag. Distress card.

Yup, that's pretty much it. ;)
Thanks for stopping in!

***********************
Card recipe
Cardstock: Bazzil
Patterned paper: K&Company, Basic Grey
Stamps: Hero Arts
Ink: Colorbox
Ribbon: Seam binding available HERE, American Crafts
Flower: Remembrance (Michaels)
Half pearls: Prima, Basic Grey



Tools: trimmer, scissors, adhesive, foam squares

10.18.2010

Blog hop winners announced!

Thank you SO much everyone, for all the incredibly sweet comments you left here the past few days - they are so appreciated, and I hope to return the favor soon!
Now on to some fun news - the blog hop winners are being announced early! 
Simply Scrapping Crafts would like to thank YOU for making our very first Blog Hop such a smashing success!  We had so much fun creating our projects for you and hope that they inspire you to create ones of your own and share them with us!

As you know, we had some prizes "hidden" on certain blogs.  Without further adieu, here is our master winners list:
Barb's Boys...prize hidden on Deb's blog
Julie M....prize hidden on Georgia's blog
Lisa (Purple Place) AND Trina...there were 2 prizes hidden on Theresa's blog
Andrea6760...prize hidden on Rona's blog
Helen...prize hidden on Amy's blog
Terry G (T)...prize hidden on Emily's blog 
****** Denise...prize hidden on Clare's blog ******
Roxann...prize hidden on Pryn's blog

Again, we would like to thank you for your participation and look forward to bringing you many more hops in the future :)  Please do not be a stranger and stop back anytime you would like!  We would love to have you :)

Congrats Denise! If you will just e-mail me your address (you can find my e-mail near the top, with the tabs), I'll send your package out ASAP! :)


And another little warning - I'm going to be hosting another giveaway soon. Look for it at the end of October. :)
Thanks again ladies for making this hop SO much fun!!

10.16.2010

I remembered!

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR THE SSC BLOG HOP POST, PLEASE SCROLL DOWN ONE POST

Hi there!
Thought I'd forgotten my promise of two posts today, eh? Not a chance. ;)

So, here are TWO cards - four in one week, but crammed into two days. Sorry about that - this week was unusually busy, like I said, but I still managed to get a card made for this weeks 2S4Y sketch, and one for the Wee Memories challenge (which I'm guest designing for - thanks Jenny! :)) Unfortunately, the weather this past week has either been stormy or super bright, which isn't my ideal for taking pictures. So without further ado...

The 2S4Y card;


Instructions: Cut and score card base. Cut patterned papers, distress edges, and tie bow around it. Adhere to base. Stamp image onto doily, color and distress. Stamp butterflies, cut out, adhere to doily and adhere to this to base.

And for the Wee Memories challenge, which I also used the 2S4Y sketch on...


Instructions: Cut and score card base, then distress. Cut patterned papers, distress, and adhere to base. Tie bow around base. Cut purple and cream patterned papers using dies, and stamp sentiment. Adhere felt image to die cuts and adhere to base.

Pretty much it for today - hope you had fun and enjoyed the hop!
See ya next week! ;)

*****************************************
Cards #1 recipe
Cardstock: Unknown
Patterned paper: Girls Paperie
Stamp: Martha Stewart, unknown
Ink: Martha Stewart
Ribbon: Seam binding available HERE
Other: colored pencils, doily


Card #2 recipe
Cardstock: Bazzil
Patterned paper: October Afternoon "Thrift Shop" and "Fly a Kite", DCWV, Crate Paper
Stamp: Hero Arts "Elephants"
Ink: Colorbox
Ribbon: Unknown
Image: Martha Stewart

Simply Scrapping Crafts Haunted Hallow Blog Hop!

Welcome to Simply Scrapping Crafts First Annual Haunted Hallow Hop!  We have quite a line-up for you today filled with lots of tricks and treats!  Now what would trick or treating be without candy?  Eye candy that is!  Our DT has been busy at work in Dr. Jekyll's lab creating just the right formula to inspire your hauntingly sweet projects this year.  Be sure to comment all of the blogs along the way because we have "hidden" some extra special treats along the way.  There is no way to tell where we have them stashed, so be sure not to miss out!  Some of our hop hosts are giving an extra entry for becoming a follower.  Who doesn't appreciate more chances to win right? 

 All winners will be announced on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 via the DT blogs and also in the hop room at SSC, which can easily be accessed here.  You have until 11:59PM EST tonight, October 16, 2010 to comment for your chance to win.  All you need to do is click on each link and leave a comment as you hop along to the end of the list.   


Are you ready for a frightfully wicked Haunted Hallow Hop?  Let's get to hoppin'!
First off, I'd like to let you know I'm not a big Halloween fan - sorry! However, Halloween is in the fall, so I went ahead with a fall theme - hope that works! ;)


Card recipe: Cardstock (LSS, Bazzil), Patterned paper (Making Memories, Girls Paperie, Basic Grey, Crate), Stamps (Hero Arts "Mi Casa"), Ink ("Staz-on, Tim Holtz Distress Ink), Other (twine)
Lots of paper piecing, as you can see.  :) I also had just gotten my first Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pads the day I made this, and I was so excited, I went a little overboard with the distressing on the house (edited for Lisa; the house is from the Hero Arts "Mi Casa" stamp set - gotta love it!)

Now please hop on over to my utra-talented, uber sweet sistah who brought this whole hop together, Pryn!

One last thing - if you are a follower, please leave an extra comment, and you'll be entered twice for the prize! And I will be double-checking. ;)

10.15.2010

I give up....

...fall has won. I usually love fall, but this year, I was stuck on summer! I've been resisting fall for awhile, but we had one beautiful weekend awhile ago, and now I've "fall"en. ;)

Even though I love fall, I usually don't make fall cards, so the card below is actually my first one. I had to give it a try when I saw Hero Arts contest last month, even though I don't have any fallish stamps.


Did a lot of masking on this stamp, so it would fit the theme a bit better...


Instructions: Cut out patterned papers and white cardstock. Adhere leaf paper to pre-cut and scored card base. Stamp sentiment onto paper, and cut out in a tag shape. Tie bow twice around base, and slip tag on. Stamp images onto white cardstock, and adhere to yellow paper. Distress edges with scissors, and adhere stamped cardstock to base.

I used three different stamps sets, one wooden stamp, and two Hero Arts non-stamp products - probably the most HA I've ever been able to pack in one card! ;) The white cardstock actually comes from the packaging of the clear stamps - love sneaking in paper like that!

The card utilizes this weeks SSC Card challenge - check out the deets HERE!

Sorry for being MIA this week - it's been an usually hectic week, but to make up for it, there might be a second post later today, and if not, TWO posts tomorrow, one of them having to do something with a hop. ;)

Have an awesome Friday, and hope to see you here tomorrow!

**************************************************
Card recipe
Cardstock: Hero Arts
Patterned paper: SU!
Stamps: Hero Arts "Bicycle", "Be Happy", "So Sweet", "Sending happy thoughts"
Ink: Staz-on
Other: twine, watercolor pencils

Tools: trimmer, adhesive, scissors, masking paper

10.08.2010

Flowery birthday (because I couldn't come up with a better title)

Hi there!

{Sigh} I love Fridays - it means you're close to Saturday, which is my favorite day. :)

This is a recent card - I seriously hadn't made a card for almost two weeks before making this. Right now, cardmaking wise, I'm in this little rut where I think 'I'm not putting anything together unless I'm 100% sure it will work!' I was getting pretty desperate when I finally remembered this weeks 2S4Y sketch - I've been having a hectic week where everything is slipping my mind! So I pulled out my latest cardmaking faves - Girls Paperie paper, hand-dyed seam binding, a pretty sentiment and cream, speckled cardstock, and put this little number together.
Oh, and psst! You might want to take a look at the sketch I used - COTW wins a spot on the team! ;)


Instructions: Cut and score card base; round corners. Stamp images onto cream paper, and add glossy accents. While this is drying, cut patterned papers out and sew together. Cut two small slits in between the papers, and tie a bow through this. Adhere button on bow. Adhere image to patterned papers. Stamp sentiment and adhere to patterned papers. Adhere patterned papers to base.

I suppose you can't see the glossy accents from the photo, but they're there and I absolutely love them! I've been sticking it on everything, even embellishments I wasn't even planning on using! It's just so much fun. :)

And lastly, before THIS slips my mind as well, thanks so much for all the sweet comments yesterday! They are VERY much appreciated!
Have a sweet weekend!

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Card recipe
Cardstock: LSS
Patterned paper: Girls Paperie, Basic Grey
Stamps: Martha Stewart, Sugarloaf
Ink: Colorbox, Martha Stewart
Ribbon: Hand-dyed available HERE
Other: glossy accents, button, embroidery floss 

Tools: trimmer, scissors, adhesive, sewing machine

10.05.2010

September pubs

Hi!
A quick post, as I've got a list of things to do that's a mile long....okay, maybe not a mile, but definitely the length of my arm!

Here are two cards that were published in the September CARDS mag.



And both are, of course, featuring Hero Arts stamps. ;)

So that's pretty much it - thanks so much for popping in and I hope to return the favor soon!

10.02.2010

Beautiful day

Hello!

Happy World Cardmaking Day!!

Over at Simply Scrapping Crafts, we've got a fun little challenge going on, which you can find HERE. All you need to do is post one of your oldest cardmaking photos, and than post you latest card, with some optional fun questions to answer. There is a small mystery RAK up for grabs - check out the link for more details!

Thought I'd share the pic of one of my first cards - terrible, but funny. You can see the other one over at SSC....that is, if you really want to. ;)


I got some AWESOME lighting the day I took this photo, so I'm really pleased with how it turned out.
I felt like going a little retro with this card...the perfectionist in me is going crazy with how the paper isn't centered, and how the stamped frame isn't centered, but I'm just going to let go with this one...go a little wild. haha. ;)
Admittedly, I wasn't too wild about this paper pad at first, but it's grown on me, and now I love it (well...at least this particular pattern, anyways ;))


 Won the gorgeous stamps and die from 2S4Y - thanks SO much, girls! :)

Instructions: Cut patterned paper and adhere to pre-cut card base. Adhere strip of ribbon down patterned paper, roughing up the bottom end. Using die, cut out cream paper and stamp frame image and sentiment. Adhere to base, and top with roses.

I didn't have any other ribbon that matched the coral colored flowers in the paper except for this Dear Lizzy strip, and, since it looks kinda bunchy tied into a bow, I just used it straight - never done that before!

Thanks SO much for stopping in, and here's to another year of cardmaking goodness! ;)

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Card recipe
Cardstock: Hero Arts
Patterned paper: Sassafras "Indie Girl"
Stamps: MFS
Ink: Staz-on
Ribbon: Dear Lizzy, Websters Pages
Roses: Remembrance (Michaels)

Tools: trimmer, adhesive, MFS die, Cuttlebug, scissors

9.30.2010

Russian doll

Hi there!
I felt bad about not blogging in a while (being busy, and than sick for awhile can really eat up time! ;)), so I thought I'd share this quick little number.

So this was the first card I made after getting my long awaited box full of HA goodies...it brought me out of my two week long creative rut - yay!
I loved THIS set - I knew that I didn't have (and wasn't going to pay for) Copics for these, and that they weren't very paper piecable, but they were just too darn cute. I also didn't use ribbon or twine on this one - a non paper pieced stamped image and no ribbon - how weird is that? ;)


 My "crazy" coloring skillz...;)

Instructions: Take pre-cut base and distress lightly with ink. Stamp border image, cut out and adhere to base. Stamp image onto paper, color and cut out. Adhere to distressed and cut piece of white paper, and adhere this to base. Take light brown piece of paper, stamp ledger image, and than sentiment. Adhere to base right below image. Cut strip of coral paper and adhere to base.

Once other fun thing that happened today - I passed my drivers test the first try! My five older siblings all had to try at least two times, so I was feeling the pressure. ;)

So, yup, that's pretty much the cats meow around here - I hope to be blog-hopping soon this weekend. I know lots of gals will have awesome things to share on World Cardmaking Day - are you doing anything special?
Thanks so much for stopping in!

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Card recipe
Cardstock: Hero Arts, Bazzil
Stamps: Hero Arts "Dolls" and "Ledger"
Ink: Staz-on, Colorbox
Gems: Hero Arts
Other: Coloring pencils

Tools: trimmer, scissors, adhesive

9.24.2010

My room...ish

Hello!
Thank you so, so much for all the sweet, encouraging comments yesterday! I feel way better (about scrapping that is - now I have a sore throat!), but, still don't have any card to share with you. Instead, I thought I'd show you bits and pieces of my scrap room (CLEANED!) - I took a video, but, they just take way too long to upload on this computer, so that will have to wait.

So, first off, my desk, where all the "magic" happens...(you can click on the photos to enlarge them)


My drawers that hold most of my embellies on the left of the desk...


On the right of the desk, I store my clear stamps - I forgot to take a picture of my most favorite part! I'll add that later if I have the time (and memory!)

But now, right below the desk, on the right, is where I store all my 12x12 papers - I don't even use half of these! Going to see if I can pass them on soon....(sorry the photo is blurry!)


So, turning to the left of the desk, is this little piece of furniture I picked up free at a garage sale a long time ago; it holds the cards I haven't put away yet, and my ribbon in the drawer...


And my small stash of ribbon found in the drawer...


Than turning left again, I have another table, with my 8x8 paper just lying on it, as I don't like it to get lost with my 12x12's, but don't have anywhere else to put it.


And than some of those adorable Ikea jars on the table to store (in order of there appearance - haha); metal, buttons, random stuff, and chipboard


And on the far left of the table are some coloring pencils, and an 8x8 scrapbook album with which I sort my paper scraps according to color, and than manufacturer


And underneath, on the side of the table, is where I store my non-clear stamps. Inside are HA stamps, along with a few Sugarloaf sets; my entire collection of wooden HA stamps looking at you right there....impressive, eh? ;) haha!


And than of course, there's a bunch of other random stamps and inks I picked up at the very beginning of my papercrafting journey, and this is how they are stored;


And underneath the table, in the middle, is a small cabinet-like piece of furniture that I picked up at another garage sale (loving all the un-coordinating furniture, right? ;)) in which I store, in alphabetical order, the rest of my cards - it's getting pretty stuffed in there now!


and than, my room as a whole...or half, I should say, since it only occupies half of this spare room.


The little blue cubicle on the desk there is what holds my clear stamps, but it looks better from the front - trust me. ;)

So that's pretty much it. Hope you enjoyed this little 'tour' and I would LOVE it if you would take pictures of yours and link them up! I always have so much fun looking at other gals scrapping spaces! :)

Thanks and hugs!
Clare