Incredible CreatAbles

My Rubber Stamp Storage

2010-02-25T09:32:00.000-08:00

As most of you stampers know, storing stamps takes alot of space something most of us have very little of. This storage solution came from many sources and forums etc. Jennifer McGuire gave me the idea for the holders. She has since just changed her system. But that is what Crafty Storage is about, using methods that work for you and if they don't change to one that does. I just took and modified it to work for me.

This is not a project that can be done in a day. This did take me a few weeks and I prepared myself for that. Since I kept my stamps by type the first sort was easy.Sentiments, objects, birthdays etc. I then stamped each image on a 8 1/2 x 11 inch piece of cardstock. I then began to unmount my wood stamps by category. I put the stamps in the microwave for about 30 seconds. I then would remove the rubber from the wood and set aside.(There a numerous sites that can give you specific directions, just use a search engine and type unmounting wood stamps)

When I was done with the unmounting I used Alene's Tack over and over glue and put on the back of my unmounted stamps with a foam brush. I let them dry overnight then I used acrlyic sheets as a backing for the stamp. Then I used the Loose Leaf binder sheets from Office Depot to slide the sheets into. See below.

I then labeled each holder Objects 1, Objects 2, Sentiments 2, Sentiments 3, etc. This allows my system to grow because each new binder holder becomes the newest number and gets added the inventory notebook.

I then placed my stamped sheets into a notebook and used dividers to section them. I placed the stamped sheets in a sheet protector. I then used post its on the stamped images and then I counted how many object 1's I had and printed everything on the round labels that were made for the printer. I used a fun font. I then placed the round sticker on each image.

To keep my stamps sorted and organized I covered manilla file folders with decorative paper. I ran the tags thru my computer and then used my Nestabilities for the labels.

So when I get ready to stamp I pull out my Inventory Notebook and go to the category I need and I look at my choices and then I see the stamp is in Objects 2 then I pull the Objects 2 out and grab my stamp.

No more digging thru stamps. Easy peasy! Again remember that it was a long process but the results are so worth it. Please feel free to visit my blog

My Craft Studio

2010-01-15T22:55:00.000-08:00

My studio is located in what use to be our dining room. It is the first thing you see as you enter the front door so I wanted the space to look neat and tidy.

My sewing area is made with an Ikea computer desk that I placed an Ikea tabletop on the top for the main section. The other section is connected to my work table with brackets. The Michaels cubes fit perfectly underneath. I also have other plastic storage underneath. The shelving hardware is from the Elfa system from the Container Store. The actual shelves were purchased from Lowes since they were much cheaper. The clear containers were purchased from Joanns at 50% off. The containers are categorized by thread type then by color. The white boxes are from Michaels and holds many sewing notions.

My work table is a table that is 4 feet by 2 feet and was purchased from a thrift store for ten bucks! The actual top is genuine butcher block. I placed a piece of glass taken from a desk I use to have. It makes clean-up easier and makes the table look better. I also love this table because it is counter height. The sorter was purchased at the swap meet for $10 and is perfect for my frequently used things. I hid all of my unsightly stuff underneath the table which I covered with a curtain I made. The material was purchased at Wal-Mart and used for curtains too.

The Michaels cubes are stacked with more shelving from Lowe’s. These shelves were about the cost of one of the cubes tabletops. So more bang for the buck. The paper storage was purchased from a friend for $40. She purchased the sorter from a scrapbook store that was going out of business. The sorter holds all of my patterned paper. The very bottom has a Dunn Edwards paint chip sorter that I bought from Habitat for Humanity for 5 books. When I first saw it I thought I would just use the sorter, but the paint chip samples make great paper for borders and punches.

The embellishment center has an old wooden cassette storage that I bought at the swap meet. I purchased the clear container boxes and store all of my embellishments by color. The plastic containers with the white tops were purchased from Smart & Final for about a dollar and some change.

The dresser was another swap meet find. I paid $25 for it and it holds lots of stuffs. I have 2 drawers that hold my Cricut cartridges and overlays. I use the top to display my glass jars. One of jars holds my ornaments that I use for wrapping gifts and one holds cheap embroidery thread that I was going to throw away and I thought it would make a great decoration.

The apparatus behind my table is a quilting machine that I inherited from my mom when she passed away last year. She was an avid quilter. I have since taken up quilting so since this machine at its smallest is 5 feet wide it took away valuable real estate. I also used bed risers to raise it up since my back tends to hurt if I don’t stand at counter height. So I decided to store things underneath and hide-it with a curtain. A simple tension rod and material from WalMart. I store all my rubber stamps in baskets and I will describe my stamp storage techniques in a near future post.

My cutting center is a drafting table I purchased for $50 at Joanns after a coupon. I love it because I have my QuiltCut2 cutting system on it as well as my Cricut. Since I like to stand I raised the table up with bed risers and this made a tremendous difference for my back when I am working on my cutting projects.

The gift wrapping center is a Christmas gift. It was on sale at Michaels for 50% off and I had a gift card so I paid $30 out of pocket. I have all of my gift wrapping supplies in it. The shelves above are also Elfa harware and the shelves are from Lowe’s.

The beige caddy holds some of my ribbon collection and was also bought at the swap meet for $5. It use to be a Deli stand the held salami. The other ribbon stand is made from a dowel purchased at Lowe’s and a piece of spare wood. I used a wood screw from the bottom up through the dowel.

If you have any questions, please feel to e-mail me.

Thanks for looking.

The Cuttlebug Challenge July 27, 2009

2009-07-26T15:37:00.000-07:00

This weeks challenge was to show the inside of our cards. I have sometimes neglected the insides, but it is starting to become trendy to decorate the insides. I make alot of cards for work so everyone signs the card and makes remarks so I really can't decorate the insides like the outside.

This card was actually the inside of a card I did for the Taylored Expressions Cupcake Friday Challenge. Yahoo for working smarter this weekend. We have been having very warm temperatures so I can't be in the studio for long periods of time without breaking a sweat. The outside is actually cooler than out!

Thanks for looking.

TECC75 Challenge

2009-07-26T15:19:00.000-07:00

This is the newest challenge from the Taylored Expressions Cupcake Friday Challenge. Good thing you don't have to use cupcakes cause I think shoes are just as yummy as cupcakes.

I paper pieced the stamped image, which I can't remember the maker of. I used DCWV cardstock and paper from Provocraft made for the Cricut. The ribbon was a gift and I don't know who it is by.

Anyway, I hope you like it.

The Cuttlebug Favorite Technique Challenge

2009-07-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to The Cuttlebug Spot Blog Hop! Our blog hop is sponsored by Kathe from Katz Designs.

Now hop on over to Marcelle at Stamping Thyme!

This week the challenge for the design team was to pick a technique previously done. I choose the double embossing for two reasons. First, I wasn't on the design team when previously done and second I really think it is neat. Please click here for Nilda's video. This video was great and I stopped and started it for each step. It was very helpful.

I stamped my Sweet Nellie image with Memento Tuxedo ink and colored her with my Copic Markers. I used the Hero Arts stamp for the sentiment. The papers used are unknown since I received these at a SWARM.

I am sorry that you really can't see the embossing, I am no photograhper LOL! You get the idea.

Mojo Monday Challenge

2009-07-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I have participated in this challenge. You can see the fabulous cards here at Mojo Monday Blog.

I stamped this cute High Hopes little girl with Memento Tuexedo Black Ink. I colored her with my Copic markers.

I wonder where she got her watermelon because I cannot pick a good one. I have tried all of the tips and tricks and still find it's a crap shoot.

Cuttlebug Spot Challenge

2009-04-07T06:16:00.000-07:00

Our challenge this week is to make a bag or box. This fit so easily on what I was doing for Easter. This bag is a template from Scor-Pal called the 2-4-6-8. It is so super easy and the results are great. I filled the box with the mini bags of jelly beans the tag reads:

The Jelly Bean Prayer

Red is for the Blood He Gave
Green is for the grass He made
Yellow is for the sun so bright
Orange is for the edge of night
Black is for the sins we made
Purple is for His hour of sorrow
Pink is for our new tomorrow

A bag of jelly beans colorful and sweet,
Is a prayer,
Is a promise,
Is a special treat

May the joy of Christ’s Resurrection fill your
Heart and bless your life

Hope your Birthday Rocks

2009-04-04T08:46:00.001-07:00

This was a gift ensemble that I did for a guy at work. He always comes into my office for mints, so I recycled this Chinese take out box and filled it with mints. I used this guitar stamp form Safire Designs. The sentiment stamp is one from a birthday kit from Michaels. The paper is DCVW Glitter Stack. Ribbon is from the Fabric Barn in Long Beach.

Here are the close-ups.

Serendipty Challenge

2009-03-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here is my entry for the Cuttlebug Spot Serendipty Challenge.

I stamped this High Hopes tea girl and colored her with my Copics. I used the airbrush system around the image and the green parts of the card. I did choose to be organized with the random patterned paper rather than tearing bits of paper.

My First Official Cuttlebug Spot Challenge

2009-03-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

Here is my first entry for the Cuttlebug Spot.

I used speciality paper from Kelly Paper. I used the Textile Texture Cuttlebug embossing folder and my Nestabilities oval and scalloped dies. The beautiful ribbon is from the Fabric Barn. The names are computer generated.

Buttons Challenge for TCS

2009-02-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

This card is for this weeks Cuttlebug Spot Challenge.

I used this darling image from Sweet Nellie Stamps. I colored the image with my Copic markers and of course used 2 different Cuttlebug folders. The buttons are vintage from my mom's button stash. She had so many buttons so I will need to try to use buttons on all of my cards. The paper is from DCWV and the polka dot ribboon is from Michaels.

In Honor of my Mom

2009-02-17T22:12:00.000-08:00

My mother passed away the day after Thanksgiving. Black Friday has a new meaning to me now. My mom was diagosed with renal cancer in March 2008 and had surgery to remove her kidney, spleen and part of her pancreas. After undergoing surgery she went thru radiation and chemotherapy. September 2008 she had a follow-up and was then told the cancer spread to her liver and lungs. She was admitted to undergo a drastic form of treatment called IL2. This treatment required her to be hospitalized for this type of chemo. She then went into a coma and we were called since my brothers and I live in other states. She did come out of the coma and was sent home with hospice. Well her battle ended on November 28, 2008.

Above is the card that I made that I sent to everyone that showered my family and I with gifts of love, time, and money. This card was inspired from one of my favorite blogs Amazing Paper Grace.

Great News!!!

2009-02-17T21:44:00.000-08:00

I have been selected to be a member of the Cuttlebugspot Design Team! This is my first design team and I can't wait for all the challenges. Here is my entry that was submitted for the design team try-outs!

Day 3 Gina K Designs

2008-08-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is day 3 of items for Gina K Designs. I just love these Festive Labels. I use them in most of my gift giving. This item was actually inspired by Gina's own blog entry sometime ago. I gave this to a girl at work who was new to our department and I didn't know very well at the time. The jar is filled with gloves, lip gloss, nail polish and other diva needed necessities. It turned out to fit her to a tee!

RECIPE:

INK: Versafine red and black ink

ACCESSORIES: Jar from Target, ribbon, gift items.

I have arrived!

2008-08-19T17:02:00.000-07:00

My entry was choosen for the JustRite Champion Weekly Challenge. You can get all the info here: Just Rite Champion. I feel like I just one an academey award! I just love these stamps, they suit every occassion.

Day 2 Gina K Designs

2008-08-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is a card that I made for my mom's birthday. She just loved the sentiment! I just love the Tickle your funny bone from Gina K.

RECIPE:

STAMPS: Gina K Tickle your funny bone

INK: Brillance, chalk inks

PAPER: Michaels

ACCESSORIES: Ribbon from Michaels, Nestabilities oval, Prismacolor pencils

First Design Team Entry for Gina K

2008-08-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

(Not)

Gina K is looking for new designers. I am very excited to submit my entries. I just love her stamps. They are the good ole fashioned red rubber! Nothing stamps like it. Of course you have to mount them on EZ Mount which kind of gives you the best of the acrylic and red rubber!

Any who, this is a hostess gift that I decided to do 5 minutes before we headed to a off-to-college celebration. I already had the girls gift and thought I should give mom and dad a little something too.

RECIPE:

STAMPS:Gina K Festive labels,Just Rite monogram

INK: Versafine

PAPER: Imagience

ACCESSORIES: Cellophane, black gross grain ribbon, silver cord

I just love the festive label set, they are great for every occasion.

Kraftin Kimmie Friday Sketch Challenge

2008-08-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

I have had this Carousel Horse image from DOTS. I don't think they are in business. I had a DOTS home party back in 1995 and this was one of the stamps that I purchased!

RECIPE:

STAMP: Dots Carousel horse, Angel Company sentiment
INK: Memento Tuxedo Black, Hobby Lobby pigment ink, Copic Markers
PAPER: Neehah Classic Crest, DCWV Stacks, Js cardstock
ACCESSORIES: buttons, silver cord, Janome sewing machine

Cute Card Thursday Challenge 21

2008-08-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

I made this card for a challenge from Cute Card Thursday. The challenge was to using something found in a home. This image reminds me of a good old fashion farm and apple pie. You can't get more home than apple pie.

RECIPE:
STAMPS: Apple from Serendipity Stamps, Sentiment unknown, from some kit
INK: Memento Black Tuxedo
PAPER: Neehah Classic Crest White, DCWV yellow, and green from pre-made Michaels cards in a box.
ACCESSORIES: Copic markers, Dr. Ph Martins bleed proof white, ribbon unknown, apple die cut from Plantin Schoolbook cartridge (Expression), Cuttlebug swiss dots and circle embossing folders.

Frank Day

2008-07-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

Frank in our office celebrates his company anniversary by giving us a pizza lunch yum yum. Well he scheduled his pizza lunch on a day that we had something else going on. So instead of today the actual anniversary date we will have pizza tomorrow. Anyway I thought it would be nice to make tags that everyone in the department will wear in honor of his anniversary. Then I decided to make something for his desk so I re purposed the Michaels find from Saturday which is a little metal thingy. It cost 39cents after 90% off! I used the same paper on it as I did the card.

RECIPE FOR METAL HOLDER:
STAMPS: Just Rite Monogram Desk set, Monogram font
INK: Versafine red and blue
PAPER: Cricut Rainbow and Provo Craft red
ACCESSORIES: Ribbon from Js and Fabric Barn in Long Beach, scallop from Mini Monograms Cricut Expression

RECIPE FOR CARD:
STAMPS:Just Rite Monogram Desk set, Monogram font
INK:Versafine red and blue
PAPER:Cricut Rainbow and Provo Craft red, Georgia Pacific, Sizzix stacks
ACCESSORIES:Cuttlebug swiss dot folder, scallops from Mini Monograms Cricut Expression

RECIPE FOR TAGS:
STAMPS:Just Rite Monogram Desk set, Monogram font
INK:Versafine red and blue
PAPER: Georgia Pacific and DCWV
ACCESSORIES: silver eyelets, crop-a-dile II

Baby Boy Gift Set

2008-07-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

This was a baby gift set that I did for a close family friend's new little baby. I made my own paper by stamping the little feet all over the card stock. The initials were done using my Just Rite Stamper Curly Font.

The tin was leftover from the Michael's $5.00 stamp set that they sold at Christmas. The onesie idea was taken from Taylored Expressions. The onesies are sold at Joanns for $9.99 and with a 40% coupon what a score! I used the hippo from Gina K's Just So Hippy. I also used a little giraffe from Michaels and a bear from a very old Dot company stamp. The tin belly band was made from little boy patterned paper from Michael's. The ribbon is from the Fabric Barn in Long Beach, CA.

I really like the way this gift set turned out.

More Whiff of Joy

2008-07-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Katharina is taking pre-orders on her new Whiff of Joy stamps starting June 30, 2008. In addition, free shipping! So go check it out!

SCORE AT MICHAELS!!!

2008-07-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

I went to Michael's and got all this stuff for $1.77! Well I had a $35 store credit! The actual total was $34.63 minus $9.00 for a return.

This stuff was 90% off! I bought every item that I knew could be used. The wooden boxes were regular $19.99 and I paid $1.99! I am going to but wine in them and give them as gifts. Same with everything else. The clock was regular $59.99 and I paid $5.99. They were given this stuff away. I original went in to buy some more black embossing powder and the powder that keeps the embossing powder from sticking where you don't want it too. Of course I used a 40% coupon on the non sticking powder since it was $5.49. The bridal flowers were clearanced at $2.00! Oh the shadow box was only $3.99!

I just love a deal! My husband had a look as all the items were brought in and when I told him that I only spent $1.77 he was smiling more than me!

Happy Monday to you!

Whiff of Joy Designer Call

2008-07-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

These two cards are for the Designer call for a new stamp company called Whiff of Joy. These stamps are darling! I would love to play with these stamps! Go to Creative Ideas by Katharina for all the details.

RECIPE FOR PROM CARD:

STAMPS: Dress Michaels, Prom sentiment from Js on clearanced
INK: Memmento Tuexdo Black, Marvy watercolor markers
PAPER: Neehah Classic crest, DCWV black left over from several cuts from Cricut Accent Essential cartridge.
ACCESORIES: Cuttlebug swiss dots and Paisley folders, black velvet ribbon from Fabric Barn in Long Beach, CA, magenta ribbon from LSS, black embossing powder, dimensionals.

RECIPE FOR BELLA CARD:

STAMPS:Bella, SU Fashion Set
INK: Memento Tuexedo Black and Bahara Blue, Copic Markers,
PAPER: Neenah Classic Crest, Unknown teal Patterned paper, DCWV Black, Georgia Pacific White, Joanns basic teal card stock, Brown polka dots from Costco stack
ACCESSORIES: Brown ribbon Pic n Save, opaque white Dr. Ph Martins bleed proof paint, dimensial squares.

It's Saturday!

2008-07-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

This card was put together pretty fast for me. I wanted the image to be the primary focus. I am learning to use those Copics!

RECIPE:

STAMPS:High Hopes, sentiment purchased at Hobby Lobby
INK: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers
PAPER: Neehah Classic Crest, Stack III, DCWV
ACCESSORIES: Plastic embellishments (unknown)

Oh Happy Day

2008-07-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

This was a simple card that I made to practice coloring with my Copics. I colored the bike with intergrating colors.

RECIPE:

STAMPS: Image, High Hopes, Sentiments Fiskars
INK: Memento Tuxedo Black
PAPER: Neehah Classic Crest, Stack Patterned Paper
ACCESSORIES: Copic markers, sewing machine, yarn from Michaels

Rappin Bear

2008-07-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

This card is for a pre-teen. I airbrushed the chipboard letters and the bear's background with my Copic markers.I colored the image with Prismacolor markers months before. I stamp images and color and then use the images later. I embossed the burgandy cardstock with Cuttlebug folder. I used brads and silver string around.

RECIPE:

STAMPS: High Hopes
INK: Mememnto
PAPER:Neehah Classic crest, Js basic cardstock
ACCESSORIES: Copic markers, airbrush, silver string, silver paper type ribbon, brads

Aloha

2008-07-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

I really have to work on taking better pictures. This picture doesn't do this card justice! I have to say this is one of my new favorites because it's simple and the Copic markers really pop off the page. Just take my word for it. I made my own coordinating ribbon by taking plain grosgrain ribbon and making circles with my Copics. The aloha sentiment is a rub-on that I also colored with Copics.

RECIPE:

Stamps: High Hopes
Ink: Mememnto
Paper: Neehah Classic crest, and Stack patterned paper
Accessories: Grosgrain ribbon, nestablities ovals, rub-ons

IPOD Bella

2008-07-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

I made this bella card for my niece's birthday. She just 24 and I think this was the last year that I could get away with using the young bella for her.

RECIPE:

STAMPS: IPOD Bella
PAPER: Neehah Classic Crest, cardstock, Js patterned paper
INK: Memento ink, black
ACCESSORIES: Copic Markers, ribbon, sewing machine stitching, Making Memories tags, chipboard flowers,brads and Nestabilities oval

BBQ time!

2008-07-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Since I haven't blogged in such a long time I have had a lot of projects to share. Last month we had a BBQ celebrating our youngest daughter's middle school graduation. I made 100 of these invites! I kept it very simple because of the amount that needed to be done. I did everything in stages and it took me about a week working on them after work. I stamped the BBQ pit which is a stamp set from Provo Craft that I bought on clearance from Js last year. It was $2.97! Anyway I colored them with my Copics. The BBQ was cut using my Cricut Expression Alphalicious cartridge. I used Cuttlebug folders for the embossing.

I can't seem to locate the pictures of the party favors. I guess I didn't transfer all my files to the laptop. I will post them when located.

A Lil bit of me is posting some blog candy! Yum Yum! Go check it out!

http://mar1ene.wordpress.com/2008/07/19/mmmmm-blog-candy/

Happy Sunday

2008-07-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

We had an awesome dinner last night. I grilled steak, scallops, shrimp, crablegs, and asparagus. If that wasn't enough we had a baked potato on the side! Delicious. My husband loved how I grilled everything. He took a picture cause he said no one would believe it!

To the card:

This card for this week's Taylored Expression challenge.

The card is stamped on Neehah Classic cardstock with Memento Ink. The stamp is from Safire Designs. I colored the image with my Copic markers. I used stickles to give the cupcake a little sparkle.

I'm Back.............

2008-07-19T22:23:00.000-07:00

Sharing a computer with a husband and 3 teenagers makes blogging hard. So now I have a Laptop! I don't have to kick anyone off so I can blog and download pictures. I have no excuse not to blog!

Anyway to the card! This card was made for Kraftin Kimmie's Challenge.
I actually downloaded the cupcake image from Microsoft Office templagtes clip art and colored it using my Prismacolor pencils. I just love using clipart like this cause there are no stamping mistakes! The paper is Georgia Pacific Cardstock. The ribbon I believe is Martha Stewart and the buttons are from Wal-Mart. The patterned paper is from Joann's. The large flower was cut using my Cricut Expression George cartridge.

Well I have had a busy day so til tommorow.

Artfully Illa Card Challenge

2008-04-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a challenge for Artfully Illa. I just love her work.

This stamp is by Safire Designs. I used Prismacolor pencils with baby oil.

Ribbon Blossom

2008-01-03T18:40:00.000-08:00

My husbands long time friend mother passed away and the funeral is Saturday. This is the sympathy card that I made.

The ribbon blossom was from this wonderful tutorial on this blog called Indigo Studio http://indigostudio-4hounds.blogspot.com/2008_01_01_archive.html.

I need to practice more.

Pay It Forward

2007-12-11T17:58:00.000-08:00

I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on this post requesting to join this Pay it forward exchange. I don’t know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it next week, but you will receive it after the New Year.
The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog. So basically, if you comment, you’re on. I’ll send you something crafty that I’ll make for you. Once you sign up, copy and paste the above paragraph on your blog, and three other lucky people will be recipients of your handmade work. I got mine from Jami at www.crazydaisycreations.blogspot.com.

Cake Box

2007-12-05T16:54:00.001-08:00

I made this cake box by using a paper mache hat box and decorating with Christmas papers. I made a box using Christmas ribbon. Inside is the most incredible pound cake you would ever taste.

The card is made with a Whipper Snapper Snowman image colored with my Prisma markers.

This was mailed to a lady on the Cricut Message Board. We are swapping Christmas containers with our favorite recipes.

I hope she likes it.

Card and Matching Journal

2007-12-02T17:08:00.000-08:00

I made this card for my sister-in-laws birthday.

I used stamps from the Angel Company. I paper pieced the image and used my Cuttlebug folders for the "Happy Birthday" embossing.

The journal was a ugly spotted composition book from Staples that I used matching paper on. The sentiments that are stamped are from Quotopia.

She absolutely loved it.

Happy Veterans Day

2007-11-12T19:07:00.001-08:00

Unfortunately I had to work today! Life isn't fair! One good thing is that the traffic was great since everyone was at home!

Anyway, I purchased this stamp at Ms and really fell in love with it. I stamped the image with Versafine black onyx and colored using my Prismacolor markers. I made this card for a girl at work for her birthday and she loved it.

Thanks for looking.

Dirty Challenge

2007-11-11T13:14:00.000-08:00

I am entering this card into Kraftin Kimmie's Dirty Challenge. I used Tim Holtz Distress ink to dirty parts of the card. The Stamp is Northwoods.

Happy Friday

2007-11-09T18:05:00.001-08:00

I made this card for a special friend at work. I stamped this shopping Bella on the patterned paper that I first used Autumn Leave swirls in brown ink and then used my Prismacolor markers to create my own patterned paper to match the ribbon. I then paper pieced the clothing to her. I used the Nestablities oval to frame her out. The sentiment stamps were from the Ms $ section.

I love the way this card turned out and my friend loved it.

Happy Everything!

2007-10-29T18:10:00.000-07:00

I bought these cute little stamps at Wal-Mart for $2 and change! What a steal! I made my own background paper using the stamp and coloring with my Prismacolor markers. The sentiment stamp is from Ms on clearance.

Oh fooey! This picture is blurry and my DH has the camera so I can't retake the picture! I think you get the idea!

Take Note

2007-10-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

I purchased this little tablet from Ms and altered it. The "take" is from the Cricut Cartridge Plantin Schoolbook. Note is from the cartridge Printing 101.

I just love these little $1 section items at Ms!

Welcome Back

2007-10-23T18:19:00.000-07:00

I didn't get to post yesterday or the day befor.. This is a card I made for a friend at work who just came back from a 2 week vacation in Hawaii! The box had 2 little Hersey's nuggets that I decorated using the Holiday Treats Stamp set from Paper Trey ink. com. I can't wait to use these for Christmas poundcakes that I make.

The card is a stamp I bought at Ms on clearnance during the summer. I used Versafine Black onyx and colored the image with my Prismacolor markers. The welcome back are rubons. The inside states 2 Reality!

Happy Sunday

2007-10-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday,

We've just come back from church and are about to leave so our realtor can do a open house. I have the kids doing some last bit of cleaning. After all, this house would be spotless if it weren't for them LOL!

Last Saturday my husband and I went to a Taco Bar Party so I brought this as a Host Gift. This wine holder on sale from Ms with a bottle of Merlot. I bought the wine stamp from Ms and colored using my Prismacolor markers. I wrote the sentiment "You had me at Merlot" with a white gel pen. I have about 60 of these cards that I used paper to cover the name of the company and used my rubons to spell out cards.

This was quick and a big hit at the part.

Wedding card and box

2007-10-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

One of the gals at work got married while she was on leave. So we had collected money to give her a gift card. So I thought it would be nice to put the gift card in a box and make a matching card.

This origami box is so quick and simple you can search on the web for written instructions. Kristina Werner has a great video on her blog.

The card was very simple. Sometimes the simplest cards have the most impact. I just love the black and white. The wedding dress stamp was purchased at Ms and stamped using Versafine Smokey Gray. I then used Stickles and then used more iridescent glitter over the Stickles while wet. I of course used white George Pacific cardstock for the background and used my new ticket punch from Stampin Up. I used the bling rhinestones in the corner. They are Heidi Swap. I used good ole textured Bazzill card stock for the mat and white cardstock from Js for the card. The ribbon is from Ms $1.00 section. The stamp is also from Ms $1.00 section stamped with White pigment. The inside of the card has the stamp that reads " We love because He first Loved us I John 4:19"

I hope you like it. Everyone at work thought it was great.

From our house to yours

2007-10-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

I made this card using my Cricut Expression. I used the Christmas Cheer cartridge for the fireplace. I used Doodlecharms for the stockings and Mini Monograms for the scalloped image. The stamp is from Papertrey Ink from the holiday treat set.

Ribbon, ribbons, and more ribbons

2007-10-16T18:07:00.000-07:00

I just love ribbons and since I was watching Kristen Werner's blog I just had to go get some grosgrain ribbon.

There is this store called Fabric Barn in Long Beach that sells ribbon of all kinds and anything crafty.

I purchased all this ribbon for $45.00! I bought a 100 yard roll of white for $14.40 that's only 14 cents a yard! I figured I could use my Prismas for that hard to match ribbon. I wanted to buy a roll for every color but my bank account wouldn't allow it! LOL! Anyway the cost of the ribbon was 5 yards for a dollar. The snowman ribbon was clearanced at $3.00 for 10 yards and the red velvet was $1.50.

I got my ribbon fix for sure!

Kimmie's Challenge

2007-10-14T15:34:00.000-07:00

This card I am making for Kraftin Kimmie's challenge of using Brown and Pink. I think that brown is the "new" black and I love this combo. I decided to challenge myself further by making a non-traditional Christmas card.

I think this stamp lends its self to non-traditional. I purchased this stamp yesterday at Ms for 40% off! Yahoo! I used white pigment ink and stamped it on this brown card stock. I used the stripe paper from one of the Spring Stacks that I have. The card is pretty simple. The glitter card is from DCVW Christmas card pack also bought at Ms for $9.99 minus my coupon! Gotta love those coupons. Js had a stack of cards too but they wanted $19.99 for 60 cards before coupon. I just didn't think that was a deal.

Anyway thanks for looking.

Boxes, Boxes

2007-10-10T20:37:00.000-07:00

I learned how to make these adorable boxes from Kristina Werner's blog. She does great tutorial videos. She's awesome! Please go to ttp://www.kwernerdesign.com/blog/.

Go make some boxes!

Dear Santa Define Good

2007-10-08T18:32:00.000-07:00

I purchased this stamp from my LSS on Saturday. Isn't Santa just so cute. He is made by no other than Whipper Snapper Designs. I just love their stamps. When I grow up I want to be on their design team. I just can't get enough of their stamps.

I stamped him with Versafine Black Onyx and colored him using my Prismacolor markers. I just love my Prisma's. ( I really want Copics but just can't manage it on my budget) I got a great deal on my Prismas at Carpe Diem store.com and basically paid $70 for 48 markers. The cost of the Copics I would only have 24 and I need variety!

This was a very quick card. The inside reads "Dear Santa Define Good".

Got to go Dallas is playing!

Kraftin Kimmie's Card Challenge

2007-10-07T17:58:00.000-07:00

I made this card for Kraftin Kimmie's Card Challenge.

The image is from Michael's $1.00 section. The image is stamped using Versafine Black Onyx. I used my Prismacolor markers. I also used my Spellbinders nestabilities for the image paper and the mat. I tried using a sponge to distress the image with Distress ink in Tea Stain. I still need practice. The sentiment is used with my Dymo labeler that I used my Prismacolor markers to highlight the words.

Kraftin Kimmie's Challenge

2007-09-25T19:01:00.000-07:00

I just love Kim Reid's blog kraftinkimmieskorner.blogspot.com/. blog. I am submitting this card to this weeks challenge.

I used my Cricut Expression to cut the little dress and bottoms using the New Arrival Cartridge. I embossed the leftover packaging with my Cuttlebug. I love embossing the plastic. I also embossed the dress and bottoms with my Cuttlebug. Added ribbon and highlighted dress with Prismacolor pencils.

Back from Roseville

2007-09-24T18:07:00.000-07:00

My daughter and I flew from Southern CA to Northern CA on Saturday morning so that we could attend a Cricut SWARM from 10:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. Our flight was at 8:00 a.m. My husband dropped us off at the airport at 7:00 since we had checked in on-line 24 hours prior to flight.

Well let me say that deciding what stuff to bring was daunting! I mean I need everything. I started with 2 craft cases on wheels and 1 suit case for my craft items and decided that I needed to downsize. So I ended up with the two rolling cases and my Cricut Expression in the original packaging. Well we checked in 4 suitcases, 1 just for our clothes and 3 craft related. This is one reason I don't go to crops because I can't decide and pack up the whole house.

When we boarded the plane we could see the baggage guy loading the plane and we saw my craft cases (which are plastic rolling tool cases from Wal-Mart) on the tarmack. We then saw the guy somehow undo the case and my supplies were exposed! Well we sat there and watched this baggage handler put things back and one of my Heidi Swap large flowers blow in the wind! I told my daughter why did we have to have this view.
I was able to get a picture of the guy for evidence I told my daugher.

The flight ran into a lot a turbelance and lets say that my Carmael Machiatto and Vanilla Biscotti from Starbucks didn't stay in my stomach and I utilized those little white bags that are in front pockets. (On the way back I thought those bags would make great bags for holiday gift giving) I know crafts on the brain!

After my daughter and I fighting with 3 wheely bags, I large box and all of our carry one stuff we made it to the car rental place. Now in the Sacramento Airport all of the car agencies are in the same location. Why was everyone and their mother in the Dollar Rental Car line like me? The Enterprise was empty, the Hertz was empty, man we waited 30 minutes. Well I reserved an economy car because I was just driving to the SWARM and that's it no site seeing or anything. Well they end upgrading our car because the economy car was unavailable. So they gave us a Dodge Charger! I just loved that car! I have car envy because I am FORCED to drive the kidmobile van while my husband drives our sedan. Gas prices he says, it's not my fault that he's in sales and drives around and it would be too expensive. I HATE driving the van. Oh sorry I go on these tangents.

Well my daughter tells me I stink! How dare her! She said mom the throw up! I managed to get something on my shirt. Now I used my purse Oxyclean and went to the restroom but I guess the aroma just lingered on. Well I only had a grungy t-shirt in my suitcase since we were leaving early Sunday morning. So I told my daughter that we will stop if we see a Wal-Mart.

Well we start to drive to the SWARM and naturally there was a shopping center that my daughter says I saw from a mile away that a Wal-Mart was in. So I went in to find the exact shirt that I had on and found it! Don't you love Wal-Mart? No matter where you go they are all the same and since I had bought the throw up shirt the night before it was available. Hey what was that movie with the Starwars girl that her boyfriend left her at Wal-Mart? I just loved that movie.

Anyway we make it to the SWARM and we were greeted so warmly. I just love my Cricut Sisters what a great bunch of ladies!

Well one of the ladies asked for a show of hands for people that are in the Secret Sisters on the Cricut Message Board and I raised my hand and she said someone's Secret Sister has a gift and a gift certificate for the Scrapbook Store. Well she called my name! My not-so-secret Sister Lynn arranged for me to receive the gift talking about a surprise.

I cannot tell you what fun we had! There were raffles every 22 minutes since there were 22 participants, snacks and of course shopping. We did our own thing for lunch but we had the best pasta dinner of cheese tortellini with a cream pesto sauce and penne pasta with a cream marinara sauce. This was served with garlic bread and salad. Then one of the ladies made this dessert that had brownies, cheesecake pudding, whipped cream, and chopped up Heath bars! Yum Yum.

At the very end there was a grand prize drawing and I was the winner! Talking about a dream day!

Well I only knew these ladies from the message board and now there are faces to names and I am so grateful at the opportunity to meet them in person.

Here is our group photo I am the one with black and curly hair.

The flight home on Sunday was horrible! We hit a wind pocket and the plane really shook and when the pilot told the flight attendants to take their seat that was scary. I spoke to the winds and told them to stop in Jesus' name and began to pray softly and it stopped and never started again. Praise God! Jesus is the name above every name and wind is a name so it had to cooperate.

My husband and 2 other kids picked us up from the airport around noon and we went to get something to eat. I felt queasy but didn't get sick on the way back. Well after we got home I took a 2 hour nap and started to unpack. I noticed things were not in the same places that I had put them. I then discovered this note from TSA informing me that they inspected my bags. I understand the security and all but did you have to break my Crop-a-dile case?

Today going to work I felt like Cinderella the day after the ball, the beautiful coach turned into a pumpkin.

I will post a card tomorrow that I will post for a challenge.

Since we are expecting rain

2007-09-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

Since we are expecting rain and everyone was wearing boots to work I thought about Snorkel Girl. I just think she is the cutest. She is from Highhopes Stamps.com. I used Prismacolor pencils to give her life.

Goodbye Snorkel Girl...see ya next year.

Happy Hump Day

2007-09-19T20:15:00.000-07:00

I forgot who makes this stamp but you can purchase it from Addictedtorubberstamps.com and it's name is Sundae Shoes. I just love shoes so this stamp is one of my favorites. I stamped the image with Versafine black onyx and colored with Primacolor pencils. I used the Cuttlebug to emboss the card stock. I love the way it turns out. I outlined the picture with the rhinestones that are on a strip. The ribbon is from Ms.

Classic Car

2007-09-18T19:55:00.000-07:00

I just received my Spellbinders Nestabilities from Ellen Hutson yesterday. She had great instructions on her blog. Well I followed the instructions and I couldn't get the Cuttlebug to emboss my image. It cut the paper great but didn't emboss. Well today at work I call Ellen's Customer Service # and the Rep. said let me see if Ellen's available. What? I'm thinking, Ellen herself is going to come on the line. Well Ellen came on the line and I explained what was happening and she said well let me stay on the line why you try the instructions. I told her that I was at work and that I will try the suggestions. She assured me that she has the Cuttlebug and that the "sandwich" recipe is tried and true. So I know it has to be operator error! Anyway she told me to email her the pictures of what it's doing and let her know how it turns out.

Needless to say I couldn't wait to get home however my son has an orthodontist appt and I have to do that first. Can't his teeth wait? Anyway when we do get home I go straight to the Cuttlebug and try it again. Well it works! The problem was that I needed to basically have 4 sheets of cardstock for the shim and not the 2 as instructed. Now my Nestabilities are working great. I am so excited.

I will email Ellen and let her know. I tell you she is the sweetest woman and she told me that she doesn't want anyone to buy anything from her site and store it in a closet and not use it.

I am a stickler for customer service and she went above and beyond and I HIGHLY recommend to anyone her website. I know I will be buying my Copics from her as soon as I can embezzle the money from our account LOL. ( I shouldn't have said that, my DH could be reading!)

Anyway, this card is one of my favorite Cricut items that I have made this far. I used the Mickey and Friends cartridge for the car and used my Prismacolor pencils to highlight the cuts. I used the computer for the sentiment. The stamp is from the Ms clear $ stamps. This card was made for our neighbor who just celebrated his 70th birthday. I know this card turned out well 'cause my DS said he wanted one bigger!

Is it Friday yet?

2007-09-17T16:43:00.000-07:00

It was a very hard Monday. I woke-up so sleepy. I need a weekend from my weekend.

I made this candy bar holder with my Cricut Expression. The cartridge was from Tags, Bags, Boxes and More. The item was ticket1 cut with 12 x 12 paper fit-to-page (white card stock). The inner striped paper was also cut at the same dimensions except that I fooled the Cricut by cutting the paper in half and so the Cricut cut on the mat so that I didn't need to use 11 sheets like I did for the white. I used the Accent Essentials accent#25 for the large flower cut at 3 1/2 inches that I embossed with the Cuttlebug. The flower was from the TBBM cart shadowed and cut at 2 1/2 inches. I stamped the white card stock with my Autumn Leaves "All Girl" Clear stamps in a bright yellow pigment ink. The ribbon is from Ms as well as the star wire. I had to go to 3 Ms to find this ribbon because I made 20 of these. Dove bar from Smart n Final yum yum.

Fall Door

2007-09-16T12:46:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness we survived last night's play. How can I say longggggggg and boring.....? The play was 3 hours long and didn't really keep your attention and needed some serious editing. I literally feel asleep during the play.What keep my attention going was thinking about the dinner we were going to have. Of course since we went to dinner with dear friends it wasn't' a total bust. We then went to Weiland Brewery in the heart of downtown LA. They repeat happy hour from 10 p.m. to close and appetizers are half price. Overall the evening was good.

I purchased this stamp from Stampin from the Heart in LA from Northwood Stamps. The image was stamped using Versafine Black Onyx and colored using Primacolor markers. I highlighted the pumpkins with white Sakura gel pen. I am beginning to really like that pen. It makes the images simply pop.

Happy Saturday

2007-09-15T10:25:00.000-07:00

I wish I could just freeze Saturdays! We went out last night to Roscos Chicken and Waffles. I must try in LA! I had the usual Country Boy (3 fried chicken wings and a waffle). Simply delish!! After we went to the Grove and watched some of the strangest people you want see! I stopped in Kado a Sushi restaurant to get dessert to take home. Dessert in a sushi restaurant sounds weird huh? Well the dessert is called Andreas Chocolate Pot. I have your attention now! Well it is this fabulous thick chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings served with these absolutely great pistachio biscotties! YUM YUM YUM! I didn't eat last night so I just finished eating it along with a cup of coffee. I just love Saturdays!

Tonight we are going to see a play and dinner so I am hanging around the house doing my chores! I am going to work on some little gifts that I am taking to a SWARM next week in Roseville. No Roseville is not a new t.v. show but a small suburb near Sacramento CA. I am flying out next Saturday Morning. This SWARM is with my Cricut Message Board.

So in honor of my so neglected E-Bug here is a card that a friend of ours asked me to make for his trucking bosses. I had to make 3!

The truck was cut using the Cricut Expression New Arrival Cartridge. The cut was at 4 inches. I used eyelets in the corners. I used glitter for the tire rims. Pretty good I think for 1 day notice.

JBWW All that Glitters Challenge

2007-09-14T18:31:00.001-07:00

I did this challenge for the Inky Paws Blog. The image is Northwest and is stamped on Georgia Pacific Cardstock with Versafine Black Onyx ink. The image is colored using Prismacolor markers.The paper is form the Christmas Stack from last year. I used glitter and the star wire from Ms.

Sketch Challenge Entry

2007-09-14T18:08:00.000-07:00

Thank God it's Friday!!! I live for the weekends!

I entered this card in a sketch challenge that you needed to use 2 pattern paper. This was a bit harder than I thought because I like to put things where I want them.

I used this flower stamp from Northwoods that I colored with my Prismacolor markers. I highlighted part of the flowers with a white Sakura Pen. The image was stamped with Versafine Black Onyx on Georgia Pacific Cardstock. I used 2 different pattern paper that was in a DCWW stack from last year. I used this old Christmas ribbon from Js to cover the seam between the 2 pattern papers. The heart chipboard that I covered with the patterned paper. The sentiment stamp is from The Angel Company from the Silly Girls collection.

Quick I need a birthday card

2007-09-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

My DH comes home and tells me that a very nice lady in his office is having a birthday tomorrow and they are taking her to lunch. Because I am such a good wife I say I will make a card for you! Now mind you that I am in the middle of making 3 cards that someone ordered for tommorow but called and ordered late last night! Well of course how can I say no? Anyway I decided to use a base of a card that I had already. You know the card you don't like the stamp work on that you messed up! Anyway luckily the card was salvageable and I just needed to stamp and color the image. I had a gift basket that I bought during a major clearance that I KNEW that would come handy! Of course when I bought the store out DH says why are you buying all of those? They were 75% off, da! Anyway when he gets home from karate tonight he is going to thank God that his wife had the hindsight and forethought to put all of this together so easily! I wrapped the gift basket with cellophane and tied a big bow out of the same ribbon that I used on the card. I love it when a plan comes together.

Ok to the card.

Stamp: Michaels

Ink: Versafine Black Onyx

Coloring: Prismacolor Markers

Background: Recycled acetate that I ran thru the Cuttlebugh Happy Birthday embossing folder.

Ribbon: Michaels $1.00

Accesories: Glitter Wal Mart $1.00 tubes

Cow a monga!

2007-09-12T14:59:00.000-07:00

Well I went on a wild goose chase for the second day in a row. A few weeks ago a met a lady at Js who said there was a person at the swap meet that sold Cuddlebug and Sizzix items for cheap. She said they were only there on Wednesdays. I'm like great how can I manage that? I have to work and they will be closed by the time I get off. Well the week before Labor Day I took Wed afternoon, Thursday,and Friday off. So I rushed down there to the exact spot she said he is at G18. Well I get there at 1:00 and the guy is gone! There was a trace of someone being there because there was a brass template package on the floor. So I felt like someone had let the air out of my ballon. Well I went to the swapmeet website and found the information and called the office and they told me that this vendor will be here Tuesday and Wednesday. Because I had to work Sunday for 2 1/2 hours I had that time to flex so I decided this time I will go in the morning then head off to work. I go yesterday morning and the guy is not there! Not again. Well being the eternial optimist that I am I thought I will go again tommorow since Wednesday is truly the only day he is there. Well I get off work at noon race down there and again the guy is not there! I GIVE UP! I know I am addicted! I am taking off work to fix my addiction! LOL! I guess I should stick with Ebay or Js coupons!

To the card (I know about time!)

I just adore this stamp by Penny Black! I bought her at addictedtorubberstamps.com. I stamped her with Versafine Black Onyx on Georgia Pacific cardstock. I used my Prismacolor pencils. She is simply fabulous!

Dance and Be Silly

2007-09-11T17:18:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize today was the anniversary of 9/11, time is just slipping away. My sympathies go out to all of the victims and their families today. I should be posting something patriotic but I blew it! Anyway I will post what I had already selected.

I just love these ladies from the Angel Stamp Company. I colored them using my Prismacolor pencils after I stamped them with Versafine Black Onyx on Georgia Pacific Cardstock. The gold tassels I made the good ole fashion way(remember making pom poms with yarn?) of wrapping the cord around a piece of cardboard and then tieing another piece thru the center after the cord is removed. Then you cut the sides and then fluff. The sentiment stamp is also by the Angel Stamp Company. I originally made this card for a fall color challenge. I think I did a good job!

I hate Mondays!

2007-09-10T17:41:00.000-07:00

Since I dread Mondays I thought Madge was the perfect stamp for today's post.

I stamped Madge from Art Impressions with Versafine Black Onyx. She was colored in with Prismacolor markers. I embossed the blue mat with textile Cuddlebug folder it kind of reminded me of the texture of her robe. I used 4 eyelets. The sentiment stamp is also Art Impressions and the inside of the card reads "I'll rise but I refuse to shine"!That's how I was feeling getting up to go to work! Why can't I stay home and make cards and scrapbook all day?

Beach Baby

2007-09-09T18:14:00.000-07:00

I recently purchased this adorable stamp at Michaels. I think she is so sweet. I stamped her with Versafine Onyx Black using 4" scallop cut using my Cricut Expression. I colored her in with my Prismamarkers and colored pencils.I used stickles on her dress sleeve and her hairbow. I also stickled her sea shells. I used the varigated fibers around the scallop sticking in places with the stickles. I love the softness it adds to the card. I embossed the purple and sand color cardstock using my Cuddlebug and Sizzix texture flower plate. The flowers have Heidi Swap rhinestones in the center. The sentiment stamp is from Stampin Up.

My First Post

2007-09-08T21:47:00.000-07:00

I started a post last week called marcipie.blogspot.com and I cannot sign in to edit the blog. I have tried everything that help suggested and emailed support without any response.

So I decided to start all over. So this is the post from that blog.

I stamped this image on Georgia Pacific White cardstock using Versamark Onyx Black. The image is by Whipper Snapper. I ust think it is the cutest thing! I colored it with my Prismacolor markers.I just love Apple Green and Crismon Red together. I made my own background paper by using the Paisley stamp from Stampin Up Polka Dot collection that I received from my NSSS Lynne K from the Cricut Message Board. Thanks Lynne! I matted the background with lime green cardstock from Joanns that was on sale last week. I also used a rectangle green piece that I used my photo corner punch to slip the red card stock into. I used my Cuddlebug embossing die to make the ribbon holder. I used white cardstock and my Prisma marker in Canary yellow to make it match perfectly! I love when a plan comes together! I slipped the ribbon througn and used tape underneath the circle. The circle is double pop dotted!
I am proud to this card! I hope you like it too!