For My Little Sweetheart

Happy Saturday, my friends! My most favorite day of the week has arrived and I have a hot date with some new stamps from Waltzingmouse Stamps! Just wait until you see what's coming for February! Claire has already started the sneak peeks on her blog, but starting tomorrow, the WMS design team will be sharing projects with the new stamps every day leading up to the big release on February 4. A total of four new sets will be released...can you feel the excitement in the air?!? While we wait, how about another project using Sweethearts?

It's just so hard to put this set down! After working on a few baby related cards recently, I had this onesie shape leftover and it just had to be put to use! I made it using some Heidi Swapp paper that I've had in my stash for years. So glad I didn't throw it out; it was perfect for a baby girl Valentine. And a tiny pink safety pin and button finished it off:

How I love yellow and pink together! And can you believe I bought those tiny pins when my daughter was born, almost six years ago?! Either I bought them in bulk or I didn't follow through with a few projects. I'm guessing it's a little of both! It's so hard to resist adorable baby craft supplies, right?

Have a great weekend and be sure to check back in soon! My WMS sneak peek day is Wednesday, February 3, right around the corner! But, of course, I'll have a few things to share before then; we do have a holiday coming up and it's one of my favorite crafting occasions!










Stamps: Sweethearts (WMS)
Paper: Vintage Cream, Lemon Tart (PTI), Carefree - Hearts (Heidi Swapp)
Ink: Dark Chocolate, Hibiscus Burst, Sweet Blush (PTI)
Other: Rock-A-Bye Baby Click Simple Template (PTI), Ribbon Tag die (Spellbinders), small heart punch (EK Success), Lemon Tart luxe satin ribbon (PTI), Raspberry Fizz vintage button (PTI), pink safety pin, lace trim, foam mounting tape (3M), corner rounder punch (EK Success)

Peace Within

Happy Friday to you all! Whoo hoo! This was a tiring week and I'm glad it's coming to an end. Who's with me?!? I can't wait to spend some time in my craft room this weekend using my new Papertrey Ink stamps, especially the new Through the Trees set:

I love all of the tree images in this set, and the sentiments are so unique; they really fill a void in my collection. For this card, I stamped my trees in Dark Chocolate ink first, cleaned it, then inked it with VersaMark Ink and embossed it with white embossing powder to create a snowy look. I tore the edge of a sticky note to mask the trees and and stamped a text border from Background Basics: Text Style II to create the "grass." Tearing the edge gave a very subtle and realistic feel; much more so than if I had just stamped right across in a straight line. With the sticky note still in place, I sponged some Ripe Avocado around all the edges. I wanted to keep the card simple and rustic, so I added some twine wrapped twice around the card and then stamped my sentiment just below the image:

I really love how this card turned out. The Rustic Cream card base is just perfect paired with Kraft and Dark Chocolate. It gives it that something extra that works terrifically with the tree image and twine. Now I can't wait to try another tree from this set!

Enjoy your day and I'll be back soon! I have way too many new things to share to stay away for too long!

Stamps: Through the Trees, Background Basics: Text Style II (PTI)
Paper: Kraft, Rustic Cream, Dark Chocolate (PTI)
Ink: Dark Chocolate, (PTI), VersaMark Watermark stamp pad
Other: rustic jute button twine (PTI), foam mounting tape (3M), corner rounder punch (EK Success), white embossing powder (Filagree)

Scrapbook Love

While working on my Purple Onion Designs projects for January, I had the idea to tackle a scrapbook page. I say "tackle" because I have such a hard time making the transition to scrapbooking unless it's a mini album or small project. There's just something about a big empty page that intimidates me! But I did it anyway because I had a great picture that just needed some scrapbook love:

This is currently my favorite picture of my daughter, Olivia. She had photos taken around Christmas time and this is one of them. I kept things simple on this page, but did add some stitching around the photo. This was my first time sewing on paper and I managed to break the needle on my machine. Long story. Don't know how much more stitching I'll do from here on out...lol! The red heart, by the way, was cut out using my new Silhouette. It's one of the designs included with the machine.

I hope you are having a great week so far; we've made it to Wednesday! I've got lots of new stamps to play with this week, so now I just need to find the time to get at it! Too bad I have to have eight hours of sleep each night...it's cutting into my crafting time...lol!










Stamps: Date Me, Doodle Hearts, I Love _____, Doodle Word Set (Purple Onion Designs)
Paper: Berry Sorbet, Vintage Cream, Kraft, Pure Poppy (PTI)
Ink: True Black, Berry Sorbet, Hibiscus Burst, Pure Poppy (PTI)
Other: Hibiscus Burst, Raspberry Fizz and Pure Poppy vintage buttons (PTI), pink button, embossed curve border punch (EK Success), classic circle dies (Spellbinders)

Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Hop

Welcome to the first ever Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Hop! Not only is this the first, but it's a surprise hop in honor of owner and designer, Claire Brennan's, birthday! Now if you got to my blog first, you'll want to go to Anya's blog to start from the beginning. Happy Birthday, Claire, this one's for you...

Since I'm a new member to the WMS design team, I'm still growing my collection. This means I needed to be a little creative when it came to a birthday card. But, Claire's sets are so versatile and packed with so many great sentiments it's easy to find one for any occasion. And, in this case, the perfect sentiment for such a dear, sweet woman:

I really wanted to use this great tree image from the Blessed By You set. Then I got the idea to add a heart, to echo the sentiment. I stamped the large solid heart from Sweethearts in VersaMark ink and embossed it with clear embossing powder. To make it stand out a little bit more, I sponged white pigment ink on the base and wiped off the excess ink on the heart with a tissue. I think it made for a nice, wintry effect; a great contrast to the sentiment:

If you're following along, the next stop is Julia's blog. Have a great day, Claire, you deserve it! Thanks for your friendship and the chance to work with your terrific stamps; it's an honor to be a part of WMS!











Stamps: Blessed By You, Sweethearts (WMS)
Paper: Kraft, Rustic Cream, Ripe Avocado (PTI), Green Tea Leaves patterned paper (PTI)
Ink: Dark Chocolate, Fresh Snow (PTI), VeraMark watermark ink (Tsukineko)
Other: Ripe Avocado vintage button (PTI), rustic jute button twine (PTI), embossed curve border punch (EK Success), upper crest border punch (Fiskars)

Happy Birthday, Kathy!

Today by big sis, Kathy, turns 42! That's her on the right, and me on the left. Yes...it was the 70's! Happy Birthday, Kathy! I don't say it as often as I should, but I love you and I'm glad to have you as my big sister. And I'm so glad we have better fashion sense now...LOL!

P.S. When I asked Olivia how old she thought Aunt Kathy is today she replied, "25." Yes!

Baby Boy Elephant

Before I get into today's project, I wanted to answer a question about the Silhouette. A few of you asked me how I decided on this particular digital cutter. The biggest factor for me was the fact that I didn't need to purchase separate cartridges to use this machine. The Silhouette allows you to create your own images using all the fonts you already have on your computer. And there are thousands of downloads available to purchase online, with new designs being added weekly. There is a ton of information out there to help you decide. For instance, this was just posted the other day and gives great side-by-side comparisons on the cutting quality. If you Google "Silhouette review" or "Silhouette vs Cricut" you will find all kinds of helpful information.

If you have been checking out Papertrey Ink's Click Simple templates, then you know that the plan is for them to be available in file formats compatible with digital cutters. Nicole explains all of that very well here. Well...while reading the PTI forum this week, I read that Nichole is planning to have these file formats available next week! Whoo hoo! And, speaking of templates, I just had to make this little guy from the Rock-A-Bye template collection:

I couldn't resist adding a little butterfly I had leftover from this card. I realize it probably makes it less "boy," but I can always take it off before I give it away...lol! My truly favorite part of this little elephant is the "water" coming from its trunk. I made it by putting one of my stamps from Fancy Flourishes underneath a scrap piece of Clearly Creative Cardstock. I then used my Glossy Accents and traced the shape. When it was dry, I cut it out and adhered it to my card, just under the trunk. I darkened a close up shot so you can see it better:

Isn't that cute? Now I am wondering what other projects need a splash of "water" added to them...lol!

I hope you are all enjoying your weekend. We don't have any big plans so I'm hoping to lock myself inside my craft room with my Silhouette...but somehow I don't think that will happen!

Stamps: Polka Dot Basics, Damask Designs, Bitty Baby Blessings (PTI)
Paper: Lemon Tart, Spring Rain, Summer Sunrise, Stamper's Select White (PTI)
Ink: Spring Rain, Spring Moss, True Black, Summer Sunrise (PTI)
Other: orange and black adhesive rhinestones (PTI), butterfly punch (MarthaStewart Crafts), tiny tag die for Cuttlebug (ProvoCrafts), Glossy Accents (Ranger), twine, Cream vintage button (PTI), long rectangle scallop die (Spellbinders), Clearly Creative Cardstock (PTI), Rock-A-Bye Baby Click Simple Template (PTI)

Isn't Technology Great?

I can't believe it's Thursday already! Dang, my little blog has been sitting idle for several days now. I don't like to do that, I really don't. I blame American Idol. It's cutting into my blogging time. It's just so hard to resist; although a few of the contestants make me a little uncomfortable. I question their...uh...stability. Let's hope they get a proper referral shortly after they leave the show...lol!

Now, on to the bit about technology. As my post title asks, "Isn't technology great?" And by technology, I mean this:

Yes, I did it! I bought a Silhouette SD digital cutter! I've been considering buying a digital cutter for quite some time now. I've read reviews, checked out the comparisons and determined this one would be good fit for me. And when my husband told me he didn't know what to get me for my birthday, I made the decision for him! It's just what he would want me to have if he knew that I wanted it...and knew what the heck it was and how to get it!

So, without further ado, here's my first project using my brand spankin' new digital cutter:

This gable box was a download I purchased online. I used clear cardstock, cutting the image twice to insure it cut all the way through. I just copied and paste the image right on top of itself and the cutter did the rest! Before assembling the box, I stamped it using the hearts from my Sweethearts set from Waltzingmouse Stamps. I used white StazOn ink and re-inked the pad before stamping to make sure I got a good solid white image. I assembled the box and added the candy hearts inside. Side note: Don't you remember these tasting better as a kid then they do now as an adult? Kinda like candy corn...? Anyway...I stamped the "I Just Love You" sentiment onto white satin ribbon and added a larger heart to finish it off. I stamped part of two different sentiments on the heart to mimic the look of the candy hearts inside the box.

Hey, if you have one of these cutters, I'd love to hear what you think about yours! Do you use it a lot? What are your favorite things to do with it? Any suggestions for future accessory purchases? I'm checking out the vinyl. I can think of a million different things to do with it!

One more thing: Make sure to pop onto Claire's blog soon; she's starting to share some sneak peeks of next month's releases! And trust me when I say you don't want to miss a thing!










Stamps: Sweethearts (WMS)
Paper: Stamper's Select White, Clearly Creative Cardstock (PTI)
Ink: Pure Poppy, Sweet Blush, Hibiscus Burst (PTI), white StazOn
Other: Fresh Snow luxe satin ribbon (PTI), Hibiscus Burst vintage button (PTI), twine, large heart punch (EK Success), gable box template (Silhouette Online Store)

Mojo Monday

Happy Monday! I unexpectedly got the day off today after I went into work and discovered our power was out and not due to come back on for several hours. Whoo hoo! Let me tell you, that is very rare, but we had high winds and power outages in our area last night and a tree fell near work, knocking out a power line. I was happy to get the day off to spend with my daughter and create this card for this week's Monday Mojo sketch, shown above. This is my first time playing along, can you believe it? Where have I been?!?

If you purchased the Back to Basics Box template from Papertrey Ink or saw my sneak peek, then this card might look familiar. After making my project for the download, I knew I'd want to re-visit if for a card. I just don't get these colors together often, but I really liked how it turned out. The butterflies and rhinestones are especially fun to incorporate into a project. And I love the Damask Designs set for creating backgrounds. I definitely need to get that one out more!

So thanks for stopping by Mojo friends! I'm off to check out what others have made with this sketch!










Stamps: Damask Designs, Turning a New Leaf (PTI)
Paper: Kraft, Vintage Cream, Ripe Avocado, Lemon Tart (PTI)
Ink: Summer Sunrise, Spring Moss, Ripe Avocado, Dark Chocolate (PTI)
Other: corner rounder punch (EK Success), classic oval and scallop dies (Spellbinders), orange adhesive rhinestones (KaiserCrafts), butterfly punch (MarthaStewart Crafts), Ripe Avocado luxe satin ribbon (PTI)

Fill This Day With Joy

Does this ever happen to you? You're getting ready for a special occasion and realize that you don't have a card for the gift? I'm not sure how that can happen, considering I'm making cards all the time! But it happened today as we were getting ready to go out with friends to celebrate a birthday. When I find myself in that situation, I have to come up with something quick, so I usually draw on something I've done before. Let's face it, when you're in a hurry you don't have time to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece! In this case, I thought of my Christmas card and made a slightly different version:

I wanted to try out my Terracotta Tile cardstock and ink, one of the newer colors from Papertrey Ink. Because I messed up the inside by using the same sentiment as the front (told you I was in a hurry), I added a contrasting piece of cardstock and created my sentiment by combining two stamps from Everyday Button Bits:

I hope you all had a great weekend! I don't have the day off tomorrow, but if you should, do a little extra stamping for me!










Stamps: Fancy Flourishes, Turning a New Leaf, Everyday Button Bits (PTI)
Paper: Terracotta Tile, Vintage Cream (PTI)
Ink: Terracotta Tile, Dark Chocolate, Spring Moss, Ripe Avocado, Vintage Touch Chai & Chamomile (PTI)
Other: Label Eight die (Spellbinders), foam mounting tape (3M), corner rounder (EK Success)

Sweet Little Baby

Hello and happy weekending! I am sure glad the week is over. And good news; I have finally rid my computer of its nasty virus! Now I am ready to install and use a new toy that I am soooo excited to try out! Any guesses as to what it could be??? I'll be sharing some projects very soon, but until then, I have a baby card to share.

I rarely have a need for a baby card, but I wanted to try out the latest Click Simple template, Rock-A-Bye Baby. The onesie template included in the download was just calling my name. And because I couldn't decided between a Valentine's or baby card, I ended up combining them both into one! It's a slightly different twist on the traditional pastels. Wouldn't this be great for a baby due around February 14th?

My favorite part of this card is the little bib; I used my oval dies to create it. I cut out the plain and scallop ovals and made a light pencil mark around the neckline so I knew where to cut. I did the same thing for the bottom flap, but just cut the oval in half lengthwise and added two brads.

Well, I must get back to finishing up my check list. We've spent a quiet day at home lounging and crafting, which means that I now have a pile of laundry calling my name. How three people can create so much dirty laundry is beyond me!

Enjoy your weekend!











Stamps: Bitty Baby Blessings, Polka Dot Basics (PTI)
Paper: Pure Poppy, Sweet Blush, Stamper's Select White (PTI)
Ink: Fresh Snow, True Black (PTI)
Other: Rock-a-Bye Baby Click Simple Template (PTI), brads, classic and scallop circle and oval dies (Spellbinders), long scalloped rectangle die (Spellbinders), foam mounting tape (3M)

Sweets For My Sweet

Love is a dangerous thing. Love of chocolate, that is. And what makes that love even more reckless is buying Valentine's candy the first week of January. And eating it. And eating it. Until you get sick. Not that I've ever done that...just sayin'...

A better use of your chocolate is to package it up in cute little glassine bags and give it away...quickly!

I was just itchin' to make another project with the new Sweethearts stamp set from Waltzingmouse Stamps. Which meant I had to buy candy. The sacrifices I make, I tell ya. Now, don't be like me and stamp the wrong side of the bag. See the seam? I was so excited to stamp tonight that I didn't pay attention to what I was doing. Must have been the insulin shock. Even so, it turned out pretty cute. My favorite ribbon tag die, satin ribbon and a few hearts finished it off. I used the "rock and roll" technique on the large hearts to get some nice shading:

And, how exciting that the hearts in this set coordinate perfectly with the EK Success heart punches! Love it! Now...make sure you stop by Claire's blog because she's having a little contest and free stamps are at stake! Go on, go!










Stamps: Sweethearts (WMS)
Paper: Vintage Cream (PTI)
Ink: Pure Poppy, Dark Chocolate, Scarlet Jewel, Berry Sorbet, Hibiscus Burst (PTI)
Other: large heart punch (EK Success), ribbon tag die (Spellbinders), Berry Sorbet luxe satin ribbon (PTI), glassine bag (PTI)

Make a Wish

It's Monday again, huh? I hope you all had a great weekend. It sure does go by quickly, doesn't it? Thanks to all of you for your comments about my PTI Click Simple peek. I can't wait to use the new templates coming out this month. Just.you.wait!

So this weekend we attended a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese's. And while it's not my favorite place to go, my daughter had a blast with her little friends. This is the card I made for the birthday girl:

Nothing says "six year old girl" like a pink bow and polka dots! I have to remember to use my Cupcake Collection set from Papertrey Ink more often. It's a fun set; making the sprinkles and icing is the best part! Above is the "before" photo; before I had the chance to add Stickles to the sprinkles and Glossy Accents to the candle. The other photos were too blurry to post, but here's a close up of the "after," with the extra sparkle and shine:

And speaking of sneak peeks, if you haven't stopped by Nichole's blog lately, you really must! This month's release at Papertrey Ink is shaping up to be a great one (once again!). Have you spotted any "must haves" yet? I know I have!

Stamps: Cupcake Collection, Polka Dot Basics, Vintage Labels (PTI)
Paper: Hibiscus Burst, Aqua Mist, Stamper's Select White (PTI)
Ink: Aqua Mist, Hibiscus Burst, Summer Sunrise, Sweet Blush (PTI)
Other: Glossy Accents (Ranger), Diamond Stickles (Ranger), Sweet Blush luxe satin ribbon (PTI), foam mounting tape (3M), Label One die (Spellbinders), Berry Sorbet Copic Color Collection (PTI)

Papertrey Ink Sneak Peek: Back to Basics Box

It's time for another Click Simple Sneak Peek for Papertrey Ink! This one is for the Back to Basics Box templates.

As someone just starting my template collection, a set of basic boxes is just want I needed! And the integrated closure on these boxes keeps them looking clean and simple. Stacked together, they reminded me of a contemporary wedding cake; a project that would be great for wedding favors, bridal gifts, or an elegant decoration. It may be called “basic,” but the possibilities are anything but!

Complete instructions & supply list for my project are provided in the companion idea download that comes with the template, which will be available for purchase on January 15th from Papertrey Ink. Check out the countdown excitement on Nichole's blog, as well as a few more sneak peeks of this template from the other Click Simple team members:

• Betsy Veldman
• Laurie Schmidlin
• and our special guest designer, Valerie Johnson.