Sunday, March 27, 2011

Owls are ALL the rage right now.......

Have you noticed that owls are HUGE right now in fashion?  While shopping for prom accessories with my daughter the past couple of weeks, I have seen quite a few owl rings, necklaces and earrings.  I have even seen a few tops with cute owls on them.  Reminds me of when I was little and my Aunt Barb had quite the collection of owls in her home decor.  Having seen so many different owl accessories inspired me to bring out my owl stamp set You're a Hoot and play with it.  I really like these whimsical owls.  So fun and cute!

This owl was stamped in Pacifica on the white daisy image square first, then again on a scrap of White Daisy CS and Sky CS.  The wings were cut out and adhered just at the top of the wing with the tips of each wing slightly curled up.  The head was also cut out then pop dotted for dimension.  The eyes were cut out from the Sky CS image with Red Sparkles added.  The stripes of the owl were colored in with Sky and Cranberry markers.


This card was created once again using papers from the Fanfare Level 2 Paper Pack.  The Pacifica patterned paper is actually the back side of the black patterned paper used in the card below this one.  

Supplies used:
Paper used: Fanfare Level 2 Paper Pack, Sky CS, Cranberry CS and White Daisy CS
Stamp Set: You're a Hoot
Inks: Pacifica, Sky and Cranberry
Embellishments: Fanfare Level 2 Assortment (brads), Red Sparkles, White Daisy Grosgrain (bulk) and Pacifica Ribbon (from the Blue Ribbon Assortment)

Thanks SO much for stopping by!!  

What inspires you when you create your cards, scrapbook pages and paper crafting projects?  

Happy Scrapping and Stamping!!

Jen

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Making time to create this week......

Do you have time to create, but don't do it??  That is how I have been lately.  I honestly have quite a bit of time to sit down an play with my paper crafting "stuff".  BUT I find my time getting wasted on the internet, between blog hopping, searching for ideas and new techniques or just talking to my friends and family on Facebook.  Then there is the laundry that calls out to me, or the dog that wants to get played with or those darn kids when they get home from school wanting me to help them with school stuff and what not.

This week I have had to force myself to create something each day.  I chose to create cards.  What I really need to be doing is working on a unit meeting project that I am having a hard time coming up with an idea for.  I am running out of time to submit my idea and project dimensions......guess I should get to working on that next!


I am still working on papers from CTMH's Fanfare Level 2 Paper Pack and the coordinating embellishments.  The colors Pacifica, Cranberry, Sunny Yellow and Sky with bits of Black are SO BRIGHT and CHEERY to work with and I am having the best time playing!

The guitar is from Star Power.  I stamped it first in Black on the White Daisy background paper, then stamped it in Cranberry then cut and pop dotted just the guitar over the black.  If you click on the photo you should be able to see the dimension a bit better.  The brad in the center of the guitar is from the Fanfare Level 2 Assortment.

Supplies used:
Paper: Fanfare Level 2 Paper Pack, Black CS, Sunny Yellow CS and Cranberry CS
Stamp Sets: Star Power, Say it in Style
Inks: Black, Cranberry
Embellishments: Red Sparkles, Fanfare Level 2 Assortment (brad)
Tools: Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Sand Paper, Edge Distresser and Corner Rounder (to create scallops)

Thanks SO much for stopping by!!

I hope that this has inspired you to make more time to create.  Get off your computer and get your stamps, papers, embellishments and scissors out and PLAY!!  As soon as I am done with this post, my computer is going off......at least for a while.  LOL

Happy Scrapping and Stamping!

Jen

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Another Mojo Monday Sketch Card......#183

I am so excited that I have been able to participate in the past 2 Mojo Monday Sketch Challenges!  It gave me an excuse to pull out the new Fanfare Level 2 papers and play with them.  It is pretty sad to me that I purchased these papers clear back in the consultant preview period in January, but have just now pulled them out of the bag to actually use them instead of just drooling over them.  WOW Was that a run-on sentence or what??  LOL

Anyhoo......trying to find a stamp set that would not only work with these papers BUT also had to fit the area that I had to stamp in was quite a challenge for me.  Which reminds me of something that I was talking to my friend Cindy about earlier this morning.........


............When you set out to create a card, what do you start with first?  Do you have a specific stamp set in mind that you want to use?  Do you have a certain paper that you just bought and can't wait to cut into?  OR do you start with a sketch, like a sketch challenge and go from there?

Today, I started with the Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge AND the Fanfare Level 2 Paper Pack.  I knew that I wanted to play with the Fanfare papers, but also wanted to try out the new sketch.  But when it came to the stamping......I had NO clue what I wanted to use with it.  Which then created a challenge for me to come up with a set that spoke to me.  As soon as I ran across this set in my boxes, I KNEW it was THE ONE!  It yelled at me......USE ME, USE ME!!  I know you know what I am talking about.  lol

I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on this as I know everyone has a different way of creating that perfect card.......

Supplies used:
Paper: Fanfare Level 2 Paper Pack, Black CS, Sky CS and Pacifica CS
Stamp set: Childhood
Inks: Pacifica, Sky, Cranberry and Black
Embellishments: Cranberry Ribbon, Fanfare Level 2 Assortment
Tools: CTMH 2" Scalloped Circle Punch, SU! 1 3/4 Circle Punch

Thanks SO much for stopping by today!!

I hope that this has inspired you to pull out those papers that you purchased months ago but have not touched since the day you brought them home!

Happy Scrapping and Stamping!!!

Jen

Monday, March 21, 2011

March Stamp of the Month: Sensational Season

I am in love with these bunnies!  They are SO precious and remind me of the bunnies in Peter Rabbit.  I guess that is why I colored the boy bunny blue.

If you like these bunnies, they are only available until the end of the month!  The stamp set is a D size stamp and is $22.95.  You can purchase it for $22.95 OR get it at a discount OR even earn it for FREE, depending on your order total.  For details on the SOTM program, visit my website by clicking on the Spring/Summer Idea Book on the side bar.


This first card is a 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 and the pattern can be found in the Wishes book.  The paper is again from the Creative Basics Wings Collection.  For both cards, the images were inked in VersaMark and Brown StazOn then embossed with Clear Detail Embossing Powder.  I used CTMH's Watercolor Pencils and Blending Pen to color them in.  If you click on the photo to enlarge it, you will be able to see the Liquid Applique that I used on the bunnies tails.  Love that stuff!!


This second card uses the papers from Miracle.  I just felt like these bunnies needed the green/blue tones with a darker brown as contrast.  Maybe because they are more earthy tones......in nature.  So tried to keep it softer and a bit more earthy.  

Supplies used for top card: 
Paper: Creative Basics Wings Collection, White Daisy CS, Juniper CS, Cocoa CS
Stamp set: Sensational Season March SOTM
Inks: Cocoa, Brown StazOn, VersaMark
Embellishments: Colonial White Ribbon, Mocha Opaques
Other supplies: Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Watercolor Pencils, Blending Pen, Liquid Applique
Tools used: Edge Distresser, Heat Gun

Supplies used for bottom card: 
Paper: Miracle, Chocolate CS, Bamboo CS, Colonial White CS
Tools: Marvy Scalloped Circle Punches (large and x-tra large), Paper Piercer
All other supplies on this card are the same as above and all are Close to my Heart!

Thanks SO much for stopping by!!

I hope that this has inspired you to get out your favorite lined stamp and give the Watercolor Pencils and Blending Pen a try!  It reminds me of coloring in a coloring book.  Easy Peasy!!

Happy Scrapping and Stamping!!

Jen

Friday, March 18, 2011

Mojo Monday Sketch #182

It's been a while since I have participated in the Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge.  I try to check in each week to see the sketch, but don't always get around to creating a card.  Well, this week I gave it a try.  Can't say that I am in LOVE with this card.......love the sketch, just not so sure about the card I came up with.


The patterned paper that I used is from the "Wings" Creative Basics Collection.  If you are not familiar with the Creative Basics Collections, it comes in a pack of 12 papers (6 each of 2 designs) and a coordinating ribbon.  The "Wings" Creative Basics comes with a dainty Juniper ribbon, the patterned paper in this card along with a thin striped paper. 

Supplies Used: 
Paper: Creative Basics Wings Collection, New England Ivy CS, Colonial White CS
Inks: Juniper, New England Ivy
Stamps: Miracle and Childhood Portrait
Embellishments: Colonial White Ribbon, Sweet Leaf Ribbon, Pearl Opaques
Tools: 2" Scalloped Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch

Thanks SO much for stopping by!!

I hope that this inspires you to follow the Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge sometime!!

Happy Scrapping and Stamping!

Jen

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Mix-n-Mingle Album with a twist......

Do you remember a while back when coasters were the thing to play with in the paper crafting world?  I bought a TON of them and made boxes, frames, and mini albums with them.  Well......as I was trying to come up with a dimensional submission, I ran across the Mix-n-Mingle Album that Close to my Heart sells.  It was featured in the Autumn/Winter 2010 Idea Book and brought back in the Spring/Summer Idea book as well.  If you look through the Idea Books, you will see that they use this cute little album for more than just an album.  Which was my inspiration for this frame.  A couple of years ago, I received instructions on creating a standing frame using 4x4 coasters and Close to my Heart's metal Hinges.  That was my 2nd inspiration for this project.

The first one was the original one.  My brother's wedding matched the colors to Sweetheart PERFECTLY!!  This will be a gift to them as soon as I get it back from my submission.


This second one I created using Mayberry for a dimensional project for a unit meeting project that I was to teach.  That is until I found out that the project for the meeting prior also used the Mix n Mingle album.  Darn it!!  OH WELL!  I loved the way it turned out.  Thinking I will find pics of the kids, Rod and myself and give it to my mom and dad.


All supplies are Close to my Heart.  The flowers were created using a 2" circle punch then spiral cut to the center and rolled up.  I have a tutorial on how to create these flowers starting with a square piece of paper.  These are created in the same fashion.  The leaves were created using a 1 1/4 inch punch by punching a circle then placing the circle back into the punch and punching a leaf shape.  You can create 2 leaves from 1 punched circle.  I then folded the leaf in half and inked the center and all around the edges.

Thank you SO much for stopping by today!!  

I hope that this has inspired you to dust off those coasters that you purchased 4 years ago with good intentions!  OR purchase a Mix-n-Mingle Album from your favorite CTMH consultant and get playing!  You can create 2 tri-fold frames and have enough left over for a double frame.  

Happy Scrapping and Stamping!!

jen

Friday, March 4, 2011

Fun Times with the Color Ready Kraft Borders

This is one stamp set that I could just use OVER AND OVER AND OVER again.  I love it because it is SO stinkin' cute!  I have to be honest though.....it has been a while since I have pulled it out and used it.  So, as I was putting this card together today, I was going through my stamp sets to find one that spoke to me and this was the set that not only spoke to me but screamed at me!

These Color Ready Kraft Borders are my favorite embellishment right now!  Plus they just happen to come in the "Miracle" Workshop on the Go Kit.  I added a 1/2 strip of Sweet Leaf CS behind the border to give it just a hint of color which I think was just enough to tie in the Sweet Leaf stripes and the Sweet Leaf border around the snail image.


The crochet ribbon is in the Colonial White Ribbon Round Collection, still one of my favorites!  I also used the Pearl Opaques on top of the snail's shell along with a Mocha Opaque for his eye.  

Supplies used: 
Paper: Miracle Level 2 Paper Pack, Bamboo CS, Colonial White CS, Crystal Blue CS, Sweet Leaf CS
Stamp set: Fun Times
Inks: Chocolate (snail body), Desert Sand (distressing) Crystal Blue and Sweet Leaf
Embellishments: Pearl Opaques, Mocha Opaques, Colonial White Brads, Colonial White Crocheted Ribbon, Color Ready Kraft Borders
Tools used: Edge Distresser

Thanks SO much for stopping by today!!  

I hope this has inspired you to pull out your oldie but goodie stamp set from years past and play with it! 

Happy Scrapping and Stamping!!

jen 



Tuesday, March 1, 2011

OH Sophia, Sophia, OH how I love thee.......

I know that I am totally misquoting!  BUT I DO LOVE "SOPHIA", the new paper pack from Close to my Heart's Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book!!!  I believe it is my favorite of all the new papers that were released in February.  Love the color combo of Hollyhock, Pear, Blush and Goldrush!  So bright, so cheery, so ME!

These cards are both created using the same pattern from Wishes.  I don't know why, but I find myself liking the 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 card size lately.  Do you ever find yourself finding a card size or even a scrapbook page size that you like and can't make enough of?  That is me right now!  I also like the 3x6 size as it can be made from 1/4 of a 12x12 piece of paper.

ANYHOO......Here are the cards that I created using Sophia.  The first card uses the stamp set that comes in the Sophia Workshop on the Go kit, but the sentiment is from the set Baby Love.  The second card uses the stamp set that comes in the Mayberry Workshop on the Go kit.


Don't forget that if you want to see any detail up close, all you need to do is click on the photo and it will enlarge it to a MUCH BIGGER SIZE.  


Supplies used: 
Paper: Sophia Level 2 Paper Pack
Stamps: Sophia Workshop on the Go stamp set, Mayberry Workshop on the Go stamp set, Baby Love (happy thoughts sentiment)
Inks: Hollyhock, Goldrush, Pear
Embellishments: Pear Ribbon (mini medley) Bitty Sparkles, Red/Pink Sparkles, White Daisy Grosgrain, Buttercup Ribbon Collection, Hollyhock Brad (Pink Brad Assortment)

As always, all products can be purchased on my website or from your favorite Close to my Heart consultant.  

Thanks for stopping by!!

Hope this inspires you to get yourself some of this super sweet paper!!  You will LOVE it too!!

Happy Scrapping and Stamping!

jen


Video Tutorial Creating a Mini Purse from a Notebook

Remember the little "Purse" that I made using a mini composition notebook?  Well, I decided to make a video creating one and the flower that goes on it.  The video is a bit long......like 17 minutes......guess I got to talking and did not realize how much time I spent on the project.



I also have to apologize for the angle.  I was trying to aim for the mat only, but I ended up getting a nice shot of my boobs the whole time!  LOL  After recording, I was happy with the way it turned out in general so decided that I was just going to keep it as is.



The 17 minutes consists of the supplies that I used, cutting the notebook edges and putting together the scrunched flower on the front.  I would love ANY feedback......good OR bad!  I hope to try again and improve as I go.  So, bare with me as I enter into the world of video tutorials......

Thanks SO much for stopping by!!

I hope that this inspires you to go out and find one of these little notebooks and give this a try!

Supplies used:
Paper: Mayberry Level 2 Kit
Inks: Olive, Smoothie, Honey
Embellishments: Smoothie Brad, Smoothie Button, Smoothie Ribbon
Tools: Paper Piercer, 2" Scalloped Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Scissors

Happy Scrapping and Stamping!!

jen