I Lost An Hour...

Happy Wednesday! Boy, am I glad that the week is nearing an end. It’s been a busy, hectic day and I got to end it at the dentist! It was only a cleaning, but that’s just not how I want to spend an hour of my life. Not to mention the friendly lecture about the importance of the almighty dental floss. I get it, I need to floss, let’s move on people. And speaking of moving on, how about another Valentine’s card?



I’m not sure why I am making so many cards for Valentine’s. I think I got all my loved ones covered. But, as I mentioned before, they one of my favorite cards to make. And now for a totally random thought. I’ve been meaning to share a new blog that I discovered around the holidays. If you are the crafty, creative type (and we know you are) and you love to bake (and who doesn't?) then you have to check out this site. I just think these are so cool. It’s fancy shmancy stuff that I wish I had the time to do. Hey, that’s what I could have done with that hour today…








Stamps: Heart Prints (PTI)
Ink: Dark Chocolate, Berry Sorbet and Sweet Blush (PTI)
Cardstock: Kraft, Vintage Cream (PTI)
Tools: Cuttlebug (ProvoCraft), classic oval Nestabilities die (Spellbinders), Crop-a-Dile
Ribbon: Berry Sorbet satin (PTI)
Other: foam mounting tape (3M), antique gold eyelets

Papertrey Ink January Blog Hop

Whew! Better late than never! I didn't think I'd be able to make this month's Blog Hop, but here I am! The irony is that this month's challenge is to make a birthday card and I'm late because I just got home from a...you got it...birthday party!

I made this card using a set I bought early on, Little Lady. It was fun to get this set out again to make this card for my niece. I used black wire for the antennae and paper pierced the lady bug trail. I just bought the Lemon Tart paper, so I challenged myself to use it tonight. I love the way it looks with Raspberry Fizz! But then, doesn't everything look good with that color?!?

Okay, I'll be back to add my supply list after I hop a little later! Thanks for stopping by! I can't wait to see what great, cute and clever things you have all come up with!

Stamps: Birthday Basics, Heartfelt Basics, Little Lady (PTI)
Ink: True Black, Raspberry Fizz (PTI)
Cardstock: Lemon Tart, Raspberry Fizz, SS White (PTI)
Tools: corner rounder (Fiskars), paper piercing needle
Other: foam mounting tape (3M), black wire

A Little Cupcake

It seem my cards definitely have a similar theme these days - birthday, Valentine's and sweet treats. Well tonight's Purple Onion card seems to be a little of all three rolled into one:

This is another die cut card I made using the Label One dies from Spellbinders. I promise I'll put them down eventually but for now I am H-O-O-K-E-D. For this little card I used three different sized dies. I used the edge of the smallest die to trace a blue line around the cupcake image, then colored it in my fabulous woodless pencils. I haven't tried any fancy techniques with these pencils yet - they work great just as they are. To finish off the cupcake, I added some Liquid Pearls for "icing" and a bit of glitter adds a sugary touch. Sweet, sweet, sweet!

Hope you are enjoying your weekend! We went to my niece Grace's 10th birthday party with the kids and tomorrow is the family party. More cupcakes...real ones...yum!

Stamps: Doodle Birthday (Purple Onion Designs)
Ink: Dark Chocolate (PTI), Frost White (ColorBox)
Cardstock: Dark Chocolate, SS White (PTI)
Patterned Paper: Upsy Daisy Designs
Tools: Cuttlebug (ProvoCraft), Label One Nestabilities dies (Spellbinders)
Other: foam mounting tape (3M), Pink Petals Liquid Pearls (Ranger), glitter, Koh-
I-Noor colour pencils

Floral Birthday

I'm taking a brief break from all the hearts to bring you a few birthday cards. This is one I made for Purple Onion Designs:




I love the Damask stamp! I used it to randomly stamp the background. Because I used the same color ink and paper, it gave a much more subtle look. And you may recall that I have made this size of card before (3 x 6 inches). They are cute little cards to make, especially if you own the long rectangle Nestabilities dies.

I have recently finished adhering my unmounted rubber stamps from POD onto mounting foam, which clings to the acrylic block. Because of this, I was easily able to manipulate the stamp to form the flower's curved stem. I then paper pieced the flower and adhered it to the card with foam mounting tape, to give it some lift. And, of course, no card is complete without some satin ribbon - my fav!

Although we still have quite a bit of Winter left, I really am starting to get into the Spring-like colors and thoughts of flowers and bunnies. It's still early, I know, but I'm ready to warm up a little! And now this is about the time my friend, Hollie, comments to give me an update on the weather in Hawaii. Thanks, Hollie, really...

Stamps: Damask, Doodle Birthday, Doodle Flower (Purple Onion Designs)
Ink: Lavender Moon and Ripe Avocado (PTI), Antique Linen (Ranger)
Cardstock: Vintage Cream, Lavender Moon and Plum Pudding (PTI), soft yellow
Tools: Cuttlebug (ProvoCraft), classic and scalloped long rectangle Nestabilities dies (Spellbinders)
Ribbon: Ripe Avocado satin (PTI)
Other: foam mounting tape (3M), button

The Right Combination

If you are anything like me, when you get the combination right, you want to just keep going. Whether it is a card or an outfit, I just can’t resist a good match up. And when I made this card, I just knew I had the right combination of colors and patterns:

I loved this card so much, in fact; I made another with a slightly different design, but with the same elements:



There is just something about that Berry Sorbet and Pure Poppy combination that I really love. The shading is deep and rich. And did you notice the glitter on the second card? I used my Xyron for that, lightly brushing off some of the glitter so that the sentiment would show through better. And Kraft cardstock? What can I say? I still love it! What are your favorite color combinations for Valentine’s Day?

Stamps: Heart Prints (PTI)
Ink: Dark Chocolate, Pure Poppy and Berry Sorbet (PTI)
Cardstock: Kraft, Dark Chocolate and Vintage Cream (PTI)
Patterned Paper: My Mind’s Eye
Tools: Cuttlebug (ProvoCraft), classic and scalloped circle Nestabilities dies (Spellbinders), Label One Nestabilities die (Spellbinders), Crop-a-Dile, Xyron
Ribbon: Berry Sorbet satin (PTI)
Other: foam mounting tape (3M), brass eyelets, Prisma glitter (Hero Arts)

Here It Is...

Some of you may recall in this post I mentioned I was waiting for one last birthday present. And the hint was that it’s pink and it can do it all. Well, only one of you guessed correctly. And here it is, in all its glory…



That’s right! I’m the proud owner of a brand new Bind-it-All! And I have just one thing to say. Why didn’t somebody tell me sooner about this?!? I took the photo with it still in the package because even the presentation got me all excited! I hardly wanted to open it! But when I finally did, I made this:




With this project I used another one of my favorites, the curved rectangle die from Spellbinders to make the shape of the book. The chipboard covers and inside pages were all cut from the same die using my Cuttlebug. The stamps are from Purple Onion Designs and the sentiment is just perfect for this project. I layered the main image on top of a flower chipboard piece. Because the color was very close to the patterned paper on the book, I placed it on top of a piece of chocolate cardstock to really make it pop. It's hard to tell, but I also embossed the chocolate cardstock to give it more interest and texture.

I will warn my friends and family now. You may all be getting some form of bound notebook for every holiday and birthday from now on. I just don’t know if I’ll be able to stop!








Stamps: (Purple Onion Designs)
Ink: Dark Chocolate, Raspberry Fizz and Berry Sorbet (PTI), Antique Linen (Ranger)
Cardstock: Vintage Cream, Dark Chocolate, Raspberry Fizz (PTI), white
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey, Creative Imaginations
Tools: Cuttlebug (ProvoCraft), classic and petite scalloped circle Nestabilities dies (Spellbinders), curved rectangle Nestabilities dies (Spellbinders), Textile embossing folder for Cuttlebug (ProvoCraft)
Ribbon: Raspberry Fizz swiss dot (PTI)
Other: chipboard flower (SU!), foam mounting tape (3M), heart button, chipboard

Nuttin' Better

After sitting out last month, I managed to make a few submissions for Papertrey Ink's Guest Star Stamper contest. It's so much fun to participate, and even more fun to see what everyone else makes!




I tried out my new petite scalloped circle Nestabilities on this card. I think it adds just enough scallop without adding too much fuss. I really wanted to acorn to have its moment. And I love this little acorn! It is possibly one of my all time favorite stamps from any PTI set. It comes from First Fruits and I was thrilled for the excuse to use it again - it's perfect for this sentiment! Acorns...they're not just for Autumn any more!

I think this will make a perfect not-so-mushy card for Valentine's. And I have several friends who are deserving, so I better get to makin' some more!

Stamps: First Fruits and Year Round Puns (PTI)
Ink: Dark Chocolate and Berry Sorbet (PTI), Creamy Caramel and Old Olive (SU!)
Cardstock: Kraft, Dark Chocolate, SS White (PTI), pink
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey
Tools: Cuttlebug (ProvoCraft), classic and petite scalloped circle Nestabilities dies (Spellbinders), ribbon slider die (Spellbinders)
Ribbon: Dark Chocolate satin (PTI)
Other: foam mounting tape (3M)

Sweet Love

Now that I've started, I just can't stop! Making Valentine's cards, that is! And as soon as I bought my new Martha Stewart cupcake punch, I went right home and whipped up this little card:

That Martha, she knows what she's doing. The cupcake and lace border punches I used on this card are both hers. The linen vellum was used for the lace border. I think it gives the lace a softer look over regular white cardstock. To give it a little texture, the cupcake liner was embossed with my Swiss Dots embossing folder. I added a second layer of "frosting" to the cupcake with foam mounting tape to make it stand out. I used pink Liquid Pearls for frosting and sprinkled on a little glitter before it dried. Doesn't your frosting sparkle?!?

That's it for now. I'm working on my Purple Onion Designs deadline and can't wait to share those sweet treats with you soon!

Stamps: Mixed Messages (PTI)
Ink: Dark Chocolate (PTI)
Cardstock: Sweet Blush, Aqua Mist and Linen Vellum (PTI), white shimmer
Patterned Paper: Upsy Daisy Designs
Tools: Cuttlebug (ProvoCraft), Swiss Dots embossing folder for Cuttlebug (ProvoCraft), classic circle and classic scalloped circle Nestabilities dies (Spellbinders), lace border punch and cupcake punch (Martha Stewart Crafts)
Other: Pink Petals Liquid Pearls (Ranger), Prisma glitter (Hero Arts)

Hinged Die Cut Card Tutorial

You asked, so I did it! I finally put together a tutorial on how I made these cards. In this tutorial I used the Label One Nestabilities die from Spellbinders, but any shaped die will work. This label shape and the round scalloped are my favs!

I start by making a square card that is slightly larger than the die I am using. For instance, if the die is 4 inches wide, I make my card 4.5 x 4.5 inches. You need the extra space to tape your die down, but you don't want to make it too big, or you're just wasting cardstock.

The next step is position the die on the fold in such a way so as it doesn't cut all the way through the fold (see above). I try to get it as close as I possibly can, to preserve the shape, but yet keep enough so that the card will open and close nicely. This took a few practice tries to get it just right, so use some scrap cardstock on your first few cards.

Once I get the die where I want it, I tape it down with Scotch tape. I usually stick the tape to the back of my hand a few times so that it's not super sticky and hard to remove later. You want to make sure that you don't place the tape on the inside of the die, which will become your card. You want to stick it to the "waste" part of your cardstock, outside of the die. Are you still with me?

Now run it through your die cutting machine! I have a Cuttlebug and it works just great! You will need to run it through two or three times, depending on the thickness of your cardstock. You want to make sure you get a nice, clean cut all the way through. When it's cut, you simply remove the tape and the die, and you have a hinged card in a unique shape! And here's what I did with mine:

Please feel free to contact me if you have questions. This is much easier to do when you're "hands on" rather than just reading it. Give it a try!

Stamps: Heart Prints (PTI)
Ink: Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Fizz (PTI)
Cardstock: SS White and Raspberry Fizz (PTI)
Ribbon: Brown satin wired
Tools: Medium Heart punch (EK Success), Tiny Tags for Cuttlebug (ProvoCraft), Labels One Nestabilities die (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug (ProvoCraft)
Other: foam mounting tape (3m)

Three of Hearts

My latest order from Papertrey Ink has arrived! And although I didn't have much time to stamp tonight, I just had to try out their latest color of paper and ink, Raspberry Fizz! So I made this quick and easy card:




I think I'm truly going to love this new color! It's going to be great for Valentine's and Spring cards - very bright and fresh! And although I thought I didn't need one more set of hearts, I'm glad I broke down and bought Heart Prints! You gotta love any set that coordinates with punches! And my long rectangle Nestabilities were a great fit for this 3 x 6 inch size.

By the way, thanks for the great comments about my new blog design! I just can't resist seasonal decorating, even in the virtual world! Besides, if I couldn't change my blog, I'd be painting my bedroom...again!










Stamps: Heart Prints (PTI)
Ink: Raspberry Fizz (PTI)
Cardstock: SS White, Aqua Mist and Raspberry Fizz (PTI)
Tools: Cuttlebug (ProvoCraft), long classic and scalloped rectangle Nestabilities dies (Spellbinders)

Time For a Little Love

It's a new year and a new holiday is on its way! That's Valentine's Day, of course! I love making Valentine's cards. All that pink and red goodness is just too much!

The best part about this card is that I used up some scraps I had leftover from some of my holiday cards. Yes, what a perfect transition...Christmas red to Valentine's red! The second best part of this card was the fact that the stamp I used only cost $1.00 at Michaels! I simply added the "I Love You" to the center with a few stamps I already owned. Now this is reuse and recycle...crafty style! Oh, I almost forgot! The red heart I stamped out with my heart punch and it fit perfectly! What are the chances of that? Love it!

And I'm happy to debut my new light box! I used it to take a photo of this card. I learned how to make one here, and you know what? I think it really does make a difference with the pictures. No more weird shadows! If you haven't done so yet, give this a try!

Stamps: Mixed Messages (PTI), Heidi Swapp, Hampton Art
Ink: Pure Poppy, Berry Sorbet and Dark Chocolate (PTI), white pigment (ColorBox), Antique Linen Distress (Ranger)
Cardstock: Aqua Mist, Pure Poppy, SS White (PTI)
Patterned Paper: Upsy Daisy Designs
Ribbon: Pure Poppy satin (PTI)
Tools: Cuttlebug (ProvoCraft), Labels One, Classic Cirlce, Petite Scalloped Circle Nestabilities dies (Spellbinders), heart punch (EK Success), Textile embossing folder for Cuttlebug (ProvoCraft)
Other: Stardust pen (Sakura), white glitter heart button, rub-ons (SU!)

And We Have a Winner...

Before I get to that, I want to thank you all for the birthday wishes! I really enjoyed reading about your “best” birthday presents. Some were very simple and sentimental, others quite extravagant. But all were sweet and personal, and some were very touching. Thanks for sharing! Now on to our winner...

And lucky #23 belongs to shondaw who said:

Happy Birthday Jennifer. I too understand your b-day feelings as my birthday is today also:-)...Anyways enjoy your day to the fullest and I hope that you have many many more...My fav birthday gift was a surprise party thrown by my DH- the gift was getting to see my best friend who he flew in from Florida!

Congrats to you and I hope you had a great birthday! Please contact me with your mailing address so that I can send your goodies out to you right away!

So you will be happy to know that I did indeed celebrate my birthday. My sister-in-law told me a long time ago that when your birthday falls on a Friday you need to make the whole weekend about you! Great advice! So Friday night I went out to dinner with friends, thanks to my friend, Peggy, who arranged the whole thing. We had a great time and I laughed harder than I had in weeks! Then on Saturday we went to a holiday light show. I know, a little late, but snow and winter storms in our area prevented us from going before Christmas. My daughter loved it and told me, “Mom, it’s Christmas again!” Then, to top it all off, my local scrapbook store had an inventory sale and everything in the store was 20% off! Needless to say, I bought myself several birthday presents! But I’m saving the best for last. I’ll show it off on my blog once it arrives in the mail! Here’s a hint: it’s pink and can do it all! Any guesses?!?

Thanks again for your kind words and compliments. I’m so glad you keep visiting! And for those of you who have asked recently, I am working on a tutorial to show you how I make the round scalloped cards. I hope to have that posted by the end of the week. So come back soon!

It's My Birthday!

That's me, the birthday girl, several...20...okay...more like 30...years ago! Yikes! How did that happen?!?

Let me start by saying that I am usually not that excited about my birthday. Not at all. Why, you ask? It has nothing to do with my age or getting older, I swear. You see, those of you who have a birthday around Christmas time will understand. It's just one more thing "to do," and after the holidays, who wants to go to another party, buy another gift, or eat another dinner out?!? Not even I do, and it's my birthday! Many of my friends forget ("It snuck up on me!") and I usually get a bit bummed about the whole thing. But I really should change my attitude, right?!? Well, to make things a little more exciting, I'm celebrating number 36 by giving you a gift...and singing this song while I do it! Come on, you know the words...

So here's the stuff....


There's a little bit of everything here, including: Friendship Blooms stamp set from Stampin' Up!, two bottles of Stickles, a VersaMark watermark stamp pad, a YoYo Yellow stamp pad from Stampin' Up!, Birds and Swirls Cuttlebug embossing folder, a 6x6 mini album, an accordion book kit by Studio K, and some embellishments, accents, rub-ons and stickers! Whew!

Do you want it?!? All you have to do is leave me a comment on this post and answer this question: "What was the best birthday present you've ever received?" You have until Sunday, January 4, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. PST to leave a comment. I'll use random.org to select one lucky winner and post the name on my blog shortly after. And I'll also fill you in on what (if anything...okay...kidding) I did for my birthday! Good luck party people!

P.S. If you have five minutes to spare, check out this funny birthday video clip I found on YouTube. Remember The Golden Girls? Hilarious!