A Kept Life: 08/01/2013

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Paper Sweeties Design Challenge - September

Happy September! I hope you are all enjoying the Labor Day Holiday! It's sort of the last hurrah of Summer isn't it? It's the beginning of a new month means and that means a new challenge at the Paper Sweeties blog! You have an entire month to play along using your favorite Paper Sweeties Stamps and who knows? You might be our next Guest Designer or even win some free Paper Sweeties Stamps! I love seeing all the different and creative ways to use my stamps on all sorts of projects.

Here's this months sketch! I decided to make a wedding card with the "Wedding Day" set. This is one of my favorites for it's clean graphic images - and no coloring required. I hope I'm not committing a fashion faux pas - remember when you had to put away your white after Labor Day? I layered a framed wedding couple silhouette image in a fancy frame on a crisp embossed background and then added some pretty trims and flowers. White on white is so elegant and the black and white image just adds to the drama - so perfect for a wedding day!

I'm looking forward to seeing what you create. If you need a little inspiration check out projects from the rest of the design team!

Debbie Marcinkiewicz

Pattie Goldman

Jeanne Jachna

Tammy Hobbs
Lori Hairston
Maria Patrick
Michelle Bala

Have a great day! See you over at Paper Sweeties!!

Supplies Used: Finished Size 4.25 x 5.5"

Stamps: Paper Sweeties Wedding Day
Dies: Memory Box Victorian Frame
Embossing Folder Darice Large Petal (THANKS TAMMY!)
Roses: Iamroses.com
Ribbon: 5/8" Sheer White Ruffle Edge Organza, 1/4" Polka Dot Grosgrain May Arts
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
Gems: K & Co.

Friday, August 30, 2013

12 Kits of Occasions - August Edition

Hi Friends! Glad you could stop by for a visit. Today I'm posting my 12 Kits of Occasions Just to refresh your memory - this is a group of 12 designers. We've each been assigned a month to create a kit for the rest of the group. We all receive the same kit and on the last day of the month we post the great things we made. It is fun and interesting to see how we all interpret the kit in different ways. My favorite part is looking at how someone might have used a particular "ingredient" that I just couldn't figure out!

This month is a little bittersweet for me. It is my last month with the group. I have exciting news that I will share in a few weeks about a new design team I am joining, but with the added commitments I've decided it's better for me to cut back on some of my obligations. I value the friendship of these ladies beyond what my words can express and I hope someday soon to be working with them again. In the meantime I hope that they don't mind if I stalk them from time to time. The good news is that original member Cathy Weber (who initiated me into this wonderful group) will be rejoining the team next month. The 12 Kits has had lots going on including a new blog site that I hope you will check out and follow.

The kit this month was put together by Amy from Stamp N Paradise. If you know Amy she is a very CAS gal. I think the kit she put together really reflects her style - take a look. Do you see anything missing? I just had to tease her and ask if she was trying to kill me - did you guess yet? Yep! No ribbon. Had to do like my friend Vickie always recommends in such cases - sit on my hands! In all honesty no one would have given me any trouble if I added my own ribbon - I just wanted to stay true to Amy's vision of the kit - by not "junking it up" and I hope I did that !

I made lots of things - I guess I'm going out with a bang so here goes!

Swirly Stars

Joy

In the Heart

Joy - Mini 3x3" Card

Glad Tidings - Mini 3x3" Card

Check out designs from the rest of the team - just click on their names below!

Renee - It's a Patchwork Life

Marybeth - It's Time For Paper

Joyce - Cards By The Sea

Amy - Stamp N Paradise

Christina Maclaren

Kim - Cupcakes Cards & Kim

Kara - K & R Designs

Jessica - The Paper Parade

Sharron - On Papillon Wings

Tracey McNeely - In My Creative Opinion

Kellly Schirmer - Gingham Girl

Oh and leave a comment on all the blogs you visit - one lucky winner will be receiving a Verve set of their choice valued at $15!!

Hugs and have a great Labor Day weekend!

Supplies from Amy:
Stamps: Poinsettia Christmas, Glad Tidings, Christmas in the Air, Tag Time (Verve)
Paper: Rustic White (PTI), Electric Red (MFT), Old Olive (SU)
Pattern Paper: Joyeux Noel (Glitz)
Ink: Pure Poppy (PTI), Grass (Amuse), French Roast (Amuse), Rich Cocoa (Memento)
Dies: Pennant Trim Die (Verve), Double Ended Banner (PTI), Sweet Scallop Tag Die (Verve)
Tiny Sweet Scallop Tags (Verve), Curvy Bookplate Die (Verve), Tagged Rectangle Die (Verve)
Snowflake Tidings (Verve), Banner Bundle Die Set (Verve)Twine: Cherry/Olive Christmas Twist (Timeless Twine by Bella Creationz)
Misc: Gems (Paper Studio), Burlap (Paper Studio), Metal Snowflakes (Momenta)
Mini cards/envies (studio g)
Things I added:
Dies: Spellbinder Floral Flourishes, Standard Circles, Classic Long Rectangles, Cheery Lynn Heartland America
Border Punch: EK Success Double Embossed Dotted Lace, Zig Zag Stitch
Gems: Recollections
1/4" Corner Rounder Crop A Dile
Buttons, Copic Markers

Waltzingmouse Pajama Party! Bedtime Story Sketch #2

Have you checked out the new Waltzingmouse Pajama Party? I'm still in love with the idea of staying up all night with a few good friends, chatting and making things. No you don't need to invite people over to participate - I'm "just sayin" that's what the name Pajama Party makes me think of!! Don't you remember as a kid - painting each others nails, playing with make up, trying on each others clothes? That's turned into trying out different products and dipping in to new ink colors! The idea is simple - just have fun!!

If you've been a fan of Waltzingmouse Stamps for while you will remember the Sketch Challenge every Saturday. I've been missing them too. It was always a great opportunity to see different ways to use your Waltzingmouse Stamps. There was also a Blog Party on the 17th of every month featuring a different theme. Claire has been trying to spice things up a bit and give us a chance to have some fun with the newly released stamps. How often do you purchase a new set of stamps an wait for an excuse to use them? Now there's no putting it off! It's time to get inky my friends!

Here's your chance to get inky with those newly released stamps and possibly win some blog candy, or a chance to be guest designer for the next party!! The categories this time are ..... Tie a Knot In It, Get Nauty, and The Sketch Challenge... Oh and if you didn't get a chance to purchase the newer stamps - a new category has been added called "Golden Oldies". You can get all the details and link up your design here.

I made my card based on the Bedtime Story. It features die cut and regular stamped flowers from the 2 Step Sprig (sounds like the name of a dance doesn't it?) with the zig zag background stamped in hot pink.

So head on over to the Waltzingmouse Makes blog - check the deets and lets get stamping!!

Supplies Used: Finished Size: 6 x 4.75"
Stamps: Waltzingmouse 2 Step Sprig, Simple Sprig, Zig Zag Background, Big Day Today
Ink: Memento Lady Bug, Love Letter, Angel Pink, Rose Bud, Cantaloupe Dandelion, Tangelo, Pear Tart, Bamboo Leaves, Morocco, Versafine Onyx Black
Dies: Spellbinder Petite Ovals, Petite Scalloped Ovals, Cut FiIles Waltzingmouse
Ribbon: 7/8" Satin Fuchsia
Card Stock: PTI White, Raspberry Fizz

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Serendipity Stamps New Release - Bird Die

Don't you absolutely love new products? I don't know if I am more in love with making beautiful things or just buying them some times. I see something gorgeous and well - I just can't say no. Well this one - if you love it - you are definitely going to use it! Today the Serendipity Stamps Design Team is having a blog hop to celebrate the release of a brand new bird die. If you are following along with the hop you should have gotten here from Anya's blog. If you'd like to start at the beginning a complete list can be found here on Serendipity Stamps blog (or further down in my post).

The new die is beautiful and so versatile - I can see this detailed beauty being used for Christmas, Weddings, Valentine's Day/Love, and Religious events like Communion and Baptism (as the symbol of the Holy Spirit).

I made two projects today - one for every day use - to say I love you in the most romantic way.

My second project is a holiday card in blue and tan featuring the dove a symbol of peace.

I know you want to see all the designs showcasing the new die so I will keep it short. You know the drill... the other DT members names and links are listed here. Make sure you leave comments as you go. One lucky winner will be selected to win $20 off their next Serendipity Order - that's like getting this new bird die free - plus a little something extra - maybe a sentiment?

The next stop on your hop is the sweet and talented Jenny Gropp - and let me just say - that girl can Copic color like nobody's business!! Here's the complete list if you want to start from the beginning.
Julie Warner
Vickie Zimmer

Anya Schrier

Jeanne Jachna (Thats Me!)

Jenny Gropp

Miriam Napier

Marybeth Lopez

The winner will be announced on Mary's blog on Tuesday Sept. 2. Have a beautiful day!

Supplies Used:
Love Finished Size: 6.25 x 4.5"
Dies: Serendipity Stamps Bird Die
Stamp: Serendipity Stamps: You Are My Only Heart 190D
Pattern Paper: Crate Paper: Emma's Shoppe Collection 12 x 12" "Fabrics" & "Inventory"
Card Stock: PTI Vintage Cream, Aqua Mist, White
Martha Stewart Kraft Swiss Dot Envelope and Tag
Embossing Folder: Cuttlebug "Bit of Paisley"
Ribbon: 3/4" Canvas Black Music Notes May Arts
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black

Peace Finished Size: 5 x 7"
Dies: Serendipity Stamps Bird Die, Spellbinder Opulent Ovals
Stamp: Serendipity Stamps: Peace SM 159C
Pattern Paper: My Mind's Eye "All is Bright" Collection 6x6"
Embossing Folder: Sizzix Compass - Tim Holtz Alteration
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Versamagic Sea Breeze
Buttons: Misc., Pearls : Recollections, Snowflake : Favorite Findings
Ribbon: Ivory Button Twine, 5/8" Taffeta Iridescent Ivory, 1/2" Crochet Ivory (May Arts)
Coarse Glitter: Martha Stewart

CASE Study Challenge #155

Are you gearing up for a long weekend? The weather here is unusually warm - this week has been in the 90's - really unusual for the end of August in the Chicago Area! We might just get some use out of the pool yet before it's time to close it up for the winter. Labor Day at my house will always mean my Mom's birthday. We will have her here for a cook out or if she's not up to it - make sure to invade her home with our rowdy bunch! Yes - even Stinker Binker - she adores her Grandma :)

It's Thursday so time for a new CASE Study Challenge. It's the end of the month so it will be our last one with Jennifer McGuire. Not to get on my soapbox - but while Jennifer is a relatively famous name in the card making world - I can't tell you how many wonderful and talented ladies I've been introduced to through CASE Study. There is a whole world of styles out there - and Chupa does all the research bringing you someone who is fresh and innovative. Check out our inspiration for this time. What do you love? The pattern, the stripes, the banner edges, the hearts, the clean layout of the card, the colors... I always want to take elements that stand out to me and rearrange them to make them uniquely "all mine" somehow. This time I focused in on the zig zag chevron pattern of the stripes and made an entire background of them. I mimicked the banners with my banner sentiment, and instead of hearts i sprinkled on a few gems. Do you see it? The inspiration?

Check out all the different directions the rest of the design team spun this one! I know it will inspire you to make it all YOUR own!

Our special guest designer this month is Kimberly Wiener - she's done a wonderful job this month you want to be sure to check her out first!

Chupa - Iwona Palamountain

Amy Wanford

Andrea Ewen

Clare Buswell

Debbie Hughes

Jean Martin

Maureen Plut

Teneale Williams

Tasnim Ahmed

Maureen Merritt

Silke Ledlow

Have a great weekend if you're sneaking out early today and BE SAFE!

Hugs!

Supplies Used: Finished Size: 5.5" x 4.25"
Stamp: Lil Inker "Thank You" Set
Dies: Lil Inker Impression Plate Chevrons
Pattern Paper: Basic Grey "Hey Girl!" 6x6" Pad
Card Stock: PTI Vintage Cream
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
Gems: Jolee's Boutique

Friday, August 23, 2013

Happy Birthday Marybeth!

Happy Birthday to You!!! Happy Birthday to YOUUUUU! Happy Birthday dear Marybeth!!! Happy Birthday to You!!!!! Surprised? I sure hope so! You have your besties Joyce and Cathy to thank for putting this all together and finding all your crafty friends! I hope each card is more delightful than the last! What probably made this an even bigger surprise was that your birthday was earlier in the month! Unbirthdays are the best aren't they?

Can you see Marybeth in this one? The blue?!!! And ahhh yes! SEQUINS! Oh my goodness so clean too!!

There's still lots of hopping to do so - continue on your way or visitors who just found this -
start at the beginning!!

Bev

Kim

Sue

Have a great day and big hugs to you Marybeth!!

Supplies Used: Finished Size: 4.25 x 5.5"

Stamps: Waltzingmouse Two Step Sprig, Big Day Today
Waltzingmouse Two Step Sprig Digital Cut Files
Card Stock: PTI Aqua Mist, White
Ink: Memento Bamboo Leaves, Love Letter, Lady Bug, Cantaloupe, Dandelion, Tangelo, Morocco, SU! Coastal Cabana, Soft Sky, Versa Fine Onyx Black

Thursday, August 22, 2013

CASE STUDY #154

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you are having a great day! I haven't been sleeping so good - my rotator cuff's been bothering me. I'm going for physical thereapy and trying to take better care of myself. I'm hopeful that I'm on the mend and can start swinging again! I'm even trying to get out there and walk the dog more. She is starting to associate my gym shoes with going for a walk. I like to keep my head up - gotta work on that posture! and I'm starting to see birds flocking together like they are thinking about leaving soon.

There's a new challenge at CASE Study posted today. Our muse this month is Jennifer McGuire of Jennifer McGuire Ink! This one is so fun. Just pick what inspires you - is it the stripes, colors, stamping, sentiment? It's all up to you. Just decide and then run with it! Just look at all those colorful stripes of paper That's definitely for me!! It really looks so neat how she stamped over all the layers. I took that in a different direction. I kept the layers of polka dot papers and die cut instead. Jennifer got a real subtle silhouette effect, and mine is more pronounced. What a great way to use up some left over scraps. My dots are all from different collections of October Afternoon paper that I just can't bear to part with

Need a little more inspiration? Head on over to the rest of the DT blogs and see what they made for this challenge. I think you're really going to like what you see! Our special guest designer this month is Kimberly Weiner!

Chupa - Iwona Palamountain

Amy Wanford

Andrea Ewen

Clare Buswell

Debbie Hughes

Jean Martin

Maureen Plut

Teneale Williams

Tasnim Ahmed

Maureen Merritt

Silke Ledlow

Have a great day! And I hope I see you over at CASE Study!

Supplies Used: Finished Size: 4.5 x 6.25

Stamp: Memory Box

DIe: Memory Box Honeyblossom Sprig

Pattern Paper: October Afternoon

Card Stock: PTI Kraft, Night of Navy

Ink: Versa Fine Onyx Black

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Serendipity Stamps Challenge - Gingham and Polka Dots

There's a new challenge today at the Serendipity Stamps Challenge Blog! This is a fun way to create something with your favorite Serendipity Stamps and link it up for your chance to win $20 off your next order. The challenge this time is to add gingham or polka dots to your design. I totally just went for it and used both. I mean ... I love them both ... so why not? The current sale at Serendipity is 20% off all Halloween (have you seen that pumpkin die? swoon!!) from 8-21 thorough 8-28!

This time of year there are sunflowers everywhere in the Midwest. I love the pop of bright yellow poking up every where in empty fields, and along the road. So many people plant the giant ones that stand 10 feet tall - they look like faces peeking out over the fences in their back yards. I took this shot of one in my own back yard. I love how the petals look like little fingers covering their open mouth smile! Think Stefon on SNL! Oh My!

I wanted a bit of a "harvest" or "farm" feel so I added the gingham and a bit of natural twine. I colored up my sunflower with Copic markers and fussy cut it. Isn't that brad with the bitty lady bug adorable?