Moxie Fab World Shaped Sketch 66 - Fall Queen Bee

This is the first card I am doing for Moxie Fab World.  I have looked at their site many times but never had the time to play along.  This week I am feeling more creative and am looking for some new challenges so I thought I would try a few of their challenges.  I was surprised to learn they have 5 challenges all going at the same time.  I should be starting with the Tuesday Trigger since that one has the nearest deadline, but I saw this Shaped Sketch Challenge and it got me thinking of flowers.....

And where there are flowers - there are bees!  Seems like lately since fall is near all you have to do is think of opening a can of pop and the bees appear!   They are trying to collect every last bit of sugar to store up for the coming winter.  That is how I came up with my fall color scheme and my sweet Queen Bee.  This has been my favorite stamp since I first set eyes on her last fall.  You have to admit the girl's got attitude!  Just what I would expect from a Queen Bee.  I hope you like her too!

Products Used:
Stamps:  Catslifepress.com  Queen Bee and Sentiment
Patterned Paper:  K&Co. Tim Coffey TC Blossomwood Collection
Cricut Elegant Edges (Scalloped Circle), Accent Essentials (Plain Circles)
Die Cuts:  Spellbinders:  Nested Circles and Grommet Tags
Embossing Folder:  Sizzix
Gold Embossing Powder: Zing

Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge 206 - Week of August 27, 2011 Round Gothic Unicorn Card

This is my first time participating in the Mojo Monday sketch challenge.  There are so many blogs for inspiration and creativity I thought I would try a few new ones on weeks when I have a little extra time to be creative. 

I don't see too many circular cards so I thought this would be the perfect challenge for me.  I decided on these great stamps by Highlander Celtic Stamps because they look great side by side.  I went with purple because it is a rich royal color, and this neat lion button that I've had in my stash from who knows when was the perfect finishing touch!

I don't know if you can make them out or not, but I put little tiny crystals in the eyelet holes for a little more sparkle. 

Thanks for checking out my blog, and thanks for your kind words of inspiration!

Products Used:
Stamps:   Highlandercelticstamps.com - Rampant Unicorn, Rampant Lion Small
Paper:  My Mind's Eye 29th Street Market Collection - Carefree Adorable Polka Spots, Carfree Cherish Forever Floral
Die Cuts:  Spellbinders:  Grand Scalloped CIrcles, Grand Circles, and Classic Rectangles
Ink:  Momento Sweet Plum, Ranger/Tim Holtz Distress Antique Linen
Hug Snug Seam Binding Lavender
Faux Eyelets - JoAnn's

WMSC 62 - August 27, 2011 - Gothic Haloween Tag

I thought I would do a Halloween version of the sketch challenge.  I thought this would be great to tuck in with a bag of home made chocolate chip cookies for my daughter's best friend that went off to college this month - Go Purdue!  I bet she is missing home and some home cooking!

I used the "shoulder" stamps from the Vintage Labels 1 for my top and bottom row on the sketch design.   I used the Fancy Flourishes & Scallops & Dots to dress up the sentiment with a little magical swirl and topped it all off with a great big bow - this time some sheer wired organza, and an orange seam binding bow.  The die cut is made by Spellbinders for Xyron Creatopia - Joann's is carrying them now and I really loved the shape of this one - the 40% off coupon never hurts either.  I hand trimmed the outside off the tag so that the silver background shows around the edges.  The Fleur de Lis Square in black gives it the pefect gothic look.

Products Used:
Stamps:  Waltzingmouse: Midnight Feast, Vintage Labels 1, Fancy Flourishes & Scallops & Dots
Die Cuts:  Spellbinders for Xyron Shapes/Creatopia - Frame 2, Spellbinders Fleur De Lis Squares
Seam Binding:  Hug Snug Orange
Ink:  Momento Tuxedo Black, Ranger/Tim Holtz Distress Ink:  Spiced Marmalade, Antique Linen
Cosmic Brownie:  Little Debbies

CR84FN Color Challenge 37 Week of August 27, 2011 Light Blue, Turquoise, Neutral Love - Luckenbooth / Claddagh

Blue and Turquoise must be my colors for this week.  This is my third post in a row with lots of blue!    But that is OK - Blue is my favorite color!

For the CR84FN challenge I made this romantic heart card - I admit I was reading romance on my Kindle while resting from my dental surgery.  It was a gothic vampire novel with a princess of course.  I've got you thinking Edward and Bella right?  Suddenly it's all becoming so clear..... 

I used this Claddagh/Luckenbooth stamp from Highlander Celtic Stamps that I embossed in gold and then colored with Copic markers.   I just started my Copic collection and I'm learning on my own until there is a class in my area.  UTube has been very helpful with this.  Did you notice how I alternated the colors on the left side of the intertwined hearts?  These markers really do blend beautifully - and the color still came through nicely on this ivory colored paper.

The heart locket is a button that I snipped the back off.  I think it looks great with the key.  For the frilly ribbon that accents the heart I simply took about 8 inches of wired organza ribbon and pinch gathered it on one side.  The wire really helps it stay in place and makes it easy to tape down.  Thanks for checking out my blog and for your kind words of encouragement!

Products Used:
Stamp:  Highlandercelticstamps.com Claddagh/Luckenbooth
Copic R46, R43, B00, B04, YR12
Patterned Paper:  Echo Park Life is Good Collection - Grandma's Quilt
Zing! Gold Embossing Powder
Die Cuts:  HEARTS:  Spellbinders Nested Hearts, KEY: Timeless Heritage  FRAME:  Sizzix Frame w/Flowers & Vine
Ink:  Ranger Tim Holtz/Distress Broken China 

OWH Skech Challenge 84 - August 27, 2011 Travel Collage

I have some extra time today - my husband and son left early for a 50 mile bike ride.  They are meeting up with a group of scouts and will be gone for a few hours, that gives me time to be creative.  I've had this stamp from Stampabilities called Travel Collage for a while. I think it's a really great masculine stamp and I thought it would be a good fit for one of my OWH cards.

I just recently started using the seam binding from Hug Snug for my bows.  You can get it at Fabric.com (Amazon has it a little cheaper but no free shipping).  It runs about $10 for 100 yards - that's really affordable at 10 cents a yard.  It is made out of Rayon so it has a really nice shine and is easy to work with.  It looks great smooth or crinkled.  I haven't tried this but I heard that the white is easy to die to your perfect shade by mixing your favorite ink with a little water and spritzing the ribbon.  It comes in so many beautiful colors - you are bound to see a shade you will love!

Products Used:

Stamp:  Stampabilities Travel Collage  Just Because Stamp - Just Rite

Patterned Paper:  K& Company

Ribbon:  Hug Snug Seam Binding Aquarelle

Ink:  Momento Rich Cocoa, Tim Holtz/Ranger Distress Ink:  Antique Linen

Die Cuts  Spellbinders for Just Rite

OWH Any Hero Thanksgiving Card 8-25-11

 
I've been missing in action a little this week - but I guess better late than never.  I had a pasta party for the whole cross country team on Monday, and then on Tuesday I had some dental surgery so I have been spending time resting.  I felt like I was missing out on all the fun - the sketch challenge and then the mid week throw down - so I had to get back into the grove and make something!  Here is my Any Hero Thanksgiving Card. 

I know these aren't traditional fall colors - and I won't blame that on the pain killers.  I really loved the wheat design on the patterened paper by My Mind's Eye and went from there.  I used a pearl gold paper for the wheat die cut, and the light blue oval paper is Coordinations Gemstones so it has a pearl shine as well.  The wheat die cut is from the Cricut Thanksgiving Solutions Cartridge.  I haven't been using him (yes I call my Cricut Crick-EE and yes it is a him) in a while so I had to dust him off.

I hope you like it - I had lots of fun making it!

Products used:
Wheat Die Cut:  Cricut Thanksgiving Solutions Cartidge
Oval Die Cut:  Spellbinders
Tag & Sentiment:  Just Rite Happy Everything Tag Making Kit
Patterened Paper:  My Mind's Eye
Hug Snug Seam Binding Fig Beige

WMSC 60 - Week of August 13, 2011 - Save the Date

I know, I'm running late this week for the sketch challenge.   I'm planning a pasta party and that has been consuming most of my time.  Perhaps you are familiar with this - but if not, families of the kids that are on the cross country team take turns getting the kids carbed up the day before the race by serving them lots of pasta and bread.   This upcoming Monday is our turn to host and I am expecting between 50-60 high school boys and girls.  That's alot of pasta and Gatorade!   

For this week's challenge I made a fun invitation.  I made this one for my 18 year old daughter who will use any excuse to throw a party!  I think this is a really pretty way to present someone with an invitation that really stands out.  I think with a little change of colors and papers you could use this lay out for almost anything, from a bridal shower to the actual wedding invitation.  Maybe Sweet 16?  How about all in black for "Over the Hill"?   It's up to you.

I put little pearls on the flowers, and if you look at the close up image you can make out a teeny tiny little gold gem on that candle.  I also embossed the "Save the Date" on the folder/envelope and used a small dot of velcro so it has an easy open/close. 

Products Used:

Waltzingmouse Stamps:  Big Day Essentials, Eat Cake, Join Us, Fancy Flourishes & Scallops & Dots

Spellbinders Die:  Creative Book Pages

Reflections Glitter Paper Purple Swirl

Momento Ink:  Sweet Plum, Lulu Lavender

Tim Holtz/Ranger Ink:  Antique Linen
Zing Embossing Powder Metallic Purple

Waltzingmouse Blog Waltz - August 17 - Asian Tea Bag

Are You Waltzing?  On the 17th of every month Waltzingmouse Stamps has a blog waltz.  The theme of this month's waltz is tea/coffee.    My personal preference is tea - and since it is still a hot summer here - mine is on ice. Typical American right?  Since I still haven't gotten the "Afternoon Tea" set I went another route.....   Asian!  And to top it off I thought what better than that great tea baggie template on the Waltzingmouse site  (here's the link: http://www.waltzingmousestamps.com/products/freebie-tea-bag-baggie).

I tried to glam this up as much as possible for a formal look.   I embossed all stamped images on this project.   I used Ranger Adirondack embossing powder color Bottle for my leaves and was surprised to find little specks of red glitter in it.  I used the Labels 10 for my top closure and used velcro to hold the flap down.  I topped things off with a little gold bird cage with beads hanging off gold cord and put a sparkly flower center on the flap.  I can't wait to see what everyone else came up with.  Thanks for visiting my blog and for your sweet comments!   

  

Products Used:
Waltzingmouse Stamps:  Asian Gardens, Vintage Labels 10
Template:  Tea Baggie - Waltzingmouse Digital Image
Die Cuts:  Spellbinders:  Labels 10, Small and Large Labels
Embossing Powder:  Ranger Adirondack Bottle, Stampendous Ultra Detail Gold

Gem:  Prima Flower Center

OWH Sketch #82 Week of August 14, 2011 - Bustin' Mustangs!

I hope everyone is having a great week. Summer is winding down and school starts at the end of this week. I am sorry to see the kids go back to school, but I will be glad to be back to a routine. Somebody has been sleeping in a little bit too much lately - and no it's not me!  

I met with a bunch of scouts today to work on some Boy Scout Eagle badge requirements.  It was great to hear about all the fun things they did all summer - from Sea Cadet Training to a trip to Europe, and lots of great places in between!  Their excitement is contageous!

I've been staying close to home playing taxi driver and trying to take advantage of the time I am not in motion.  The days are getting shorter and it's getting cooler at night so I know fall isn't far behind.  My Tomatoes and peppers are just starting to come in.   I'm looking forward to a big bowl of homemade salsa!  Maybe that's how I got thinking cowboys!

This is the Operation Write Home Sketch Challenge for the Week of August 14.  I went with a nice big cowboy image from Stampin' Up!  It was a little strange for me to frame him at an angle - I'm so used to having to line things up nice and straight.   I like the end result on this one - I sort of think this orientation makes my cowboy look like he is trying to tame a wild mustang! 

Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Cowboy: Stampin' Up!, Background Stamp:  Ornate Textured Background Stampabilities

Silver Star Cut out - Cricut Old West Cartridge

Red Flourish:  Spellbinders Floral Doily Motifs

Ink:  Momento Rich Cocoa, Desert Sand    

Tim Holtz/Ranger Distress Ink: Antique Linen

OWH - Thinking of You Compass Card - 8-10-11

I am honored to be the sample cardmaker this week for Operation Write Home mid week throwdown.  The challenge this week is to make a "Thinking of You" card.  Operation Write Home is committed to supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them.  If you are interested in participating please go to their blog at http://www.owhstarsandstamps.org to find out more.

I was drawn to the colorful world map patterned paper that is my background.  This struck a chord for me because I  know our service men and women are stationed all over the world.   I put the compass as my centerpiece (and yes it does really spin!) knowing that no matter where you are that your heart always points home.

I tied a pink raffia ribbon in a simple bow first and then adhered my seam binding looped bow to it.  In the center of the bow is a button I had on hand.  I like to use buttons because it is an easy way to add any sort of tie on - like the tag.  I dressed up the craft thread with some e-beads to add a little sparkle.  I hope you like it!  I hope you will feel inspired to make a card of your own - I am looking forward to visiting all the links on the OWH blog!

Products Used:                                    Finished Card SIze is 5.5 x 5.5"

Stamps:  Sentiment from Fancy Phrases Collection and Frame from Vintage Labels 3:  Waltzingmouse Stamps       Compass:  Stampabilities

Patterned Paper:  K & Co. Sweet Nectar Collection

Spinner Arrow - Tim Holtz

Border Punch:  EK Success Morocco Lace

Dies:  Spellbinders:  Labels Three, Tags Trio

Ink:  Momento Rosebud and Tuxedo Black

Seam Binding Hug Snug Summer Rose

Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge #59 Week of 8-6-11 - Dress Pattern

This is the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge 59 for the week of August 6, 2011.  My first glimpse of the sketch and I thought this would make a neat sleeve for a big tag or a card.  I made this card with a sewing / pattern theme  for my mom.  My mom's favorite color is Turquoise so I used that as a highlight.  I wanted to give my card that vintage feel that reminds me of those Simplicity envelopes that the patterns come in.  I used to love looking at the glamourous ladies drawn on those envelopes!!

When I was little my mom used to sew all my clothes - and with the scraps she would make an outfit for my Barbie Doll that matched mine exactly - same pattern, same material, even tiny little snaps to make it easy for me to get her outfits changed.  I didn't appreciate it at the time - all my friends had the fancy ball gowns that were store bought.  Mine had bell bottom jumpsuits and even crochet sweaters! 

I used Pebbles chalks to color the outfits - this worked out great because it looks more like those old patterns and when I went outside the lines it came right up with a quick swipe of an eraser.  This is what the card looks like out of the sleeve. 

Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Sentiment Eat Cake, You're Lovely

Die Cut:  Spellbinders Grommet Tags

Patterned Paper:  Tim Holtz Idea-ology Kraft Resist

Ribbon:  Snug Hug Seam Binding Elegant Peacock Blue     Ruler Ribbon:  Ribbon Trends Hobby Lobby

Flower made from Tim Holtz Tissue Tape 

Ink:  Momento Rich Cocoa

Chalk:  Pebbles

Border Punch:  EK Success

Waltzingmouse Case Card July 2011 Cameo

Today I am showing you my CASE (Copy and Share Everything) card for the Waltzingmouse competition.
Instructions are easy... Find a card or project from any of the projects posted over the past few days by the WMS Design Team, CASE that project using Waltzingmouse Stamp images, and link it using the Inlinkz on Claire’s blog at http://waltzingmouse.blogspot.com/. At the end of the competition, one project will be randomly selected to be highlighted with a Parade of its own on several of the Design Team blogs. Competition will close on August 10th. The hard part is deciding which design to case. 

I've been watching the design team entry blogs for the past few days and decided on one by Sarah Martina Parker - you can check out her blog at SarahMartina.com.  OK it is hard for me to get used to the idea of copying someone else's design - so I tried to stick with her basic sketch pattern and make it my own.   Just as Sarah's daughter was the inspiration for her design - my daughter was instrumental in influencing me on this card.   I knew I wanted to do a 180 degree opposite of Sarah's design and decided  to use a glittery leopard print for my background.  My daughter flipped over this idea and gave the end project her teen seal of approval.

I couldn't come up with a gold flower to match so crafted my own out of the lace I used for the border at the top.  I just put some ribbon strip adhesive along the length of the ribbon and crimped it every few centimeters.  The center decoration is just a button I had on hand that I snipped the loop back off of. 

This is Sarah's card design.......................                                     This is my CASE Card.
   

Finished Card is 5 x 7"
Products Used:
Waltzingmouse Stamps:  Cameo to Go and Oval Classic Frames
White & Gold Embossing Powder:  Zing
Die Cuts:  Spellbinders:  Classic Scalloped Ovals, Classic Ovals
Border Cut:  Cricut Easter 2010 Cartridge 3.25"
Lace & Ribbon Hobby Lobby

OWH Sketch #80 - Week of 8-1-11 - Canine King

   

This is OWH Sketch #80 for the week of (can you believe it?) August 1, 2011.  Summer is going fast - time to do something really fun before it is the back to school routine.

Today I am featuring a card with a great stamp from Catslifepress.com.  If you do alot of scrapbooking you need to check them out - they have some of the best journaling stamps on the market! 

I'm still trying to focus on more personal cards for OWH - like sports, hobbies, etc.  I know one of the biggest things I miss when I am away from home is my dog - she's like one of the kids to me!  I couldn't resist this stamp!

Products Used:

Stamps:  Dog and Sentiment:  Catslifepress.com    Border:  Waltzingmouse Stamps

Ink:  Momento Ladybug Red and Tuxedo Black



CR84FN Challenge 35 - Lavender, Celery, and Gray Thank You!

I hope everyone is having a good week!  I can't believe it is August already. The weather here is still hot and humid.  My garden looks totally wilted!  I go out to water and the mosquitos start to swarm.  You know it's bad when even the dog wants back in the house!

I told you last week our Boy Scout Troop was hosting a troop that was riding from Illinois to Niagara Falls.  Some of our scouts escorted them 25  miles out and then returned home .  My husband, son and daughter took the 50 mile trek and did very well considering how hot it is here.  My job was rescue vehicle driver - like all good scouts you need ot be prepared for anything.   I had the bike rack on the back of my car and was ready with Gatorade and mobile air conditioning.  Fortunately no one required assistance and the adventure was complete with no incidents.

Things are back to normal now so had some time to work on my card for the CR84FN color challenge.  My favorite thing about participating in a challenge is that it gets me to try something new and step out of my comfort zone.  I know when I start working on a card I tend to gravitate to the same colors or a particular style.  Lately it seems like alot of purples for me so this week isn't such a big stretch - but sometimes I don't know where to begin!  Here's my card - I hope you like it!

Supplies Used:
Stamp:  Just Rite Stampers Heart to Heart
Die Cuts:  Spellbinders Lattice Pendant, Labels 18, and Just Rite Custom Rectangle
Ribbon:  Hug Snug Lavender
Ink:  Momento Sweet Plum  / Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Antique Linen
Glitter paper:  K & Co. Amy Butler Collection 
Polka dot paper:  My Mind's Eye Market Street Collection