Sketch N Scrap Card Sketch #8!!!

Well hello again my crafty friends!!!!

Just here to share with you the new Card Sketch #8 over at Sketch N Scrap!!!  Here is the sketch:

And here is my card:

I decided to focus more on the "tag portion" and make that into a card.  This was made for a close friend that recently gave birth to a beautiful baby boy!!!  I used Kraft as my "core" and layered from there!!! I embossed another piece of Kraft and inked it using "Tumbled Glass" Distress ink and added  various papers by K&Company.  The bear was stamped on Spectrum Noir Premium White cardstock and colored in with my Spectrum Noir markers.  I topped it off with a button, a little ribbon, and some twine!!!!  

Well, there you have it!!! Thanks for stopping in and have a LUCKY day :-)

Using Your Punches... Outside of the Box!!!

Happy Tuesday everyone!!!! I'm here to inform you that Colorful Creations has a NEW section of their website called "Tuesday Tutorials" where you can learn FABULOUS new techniques to use on all your scrapbook projects!!!  This week, I'm up for the bid and I have some wonderful things to share!!! 

If you're anything like me, you have tons of paper punches lying around, using them here and there to create a decorative edge or die-cut.  I've watched several videos on how to use them in other ways, but usually I'm just too lazy to do them or just plain forget!!!  So this week, I decided to pull out ALL the stops and show you just what can be done with these AMAZING tools!!!

Decorative Paper Doilies using Corner Edge Punches

You know when you buy those "Punch Around the Page" sets that come with that corner piece that you only use to finish the edges of your die-cut?!?  Well, not anymore!!! Take a look a what these bad boys can do...

I started by cutting circles in increments of 1.25" as that is how wide the average Martha Stewart paper punch is.  If you're using a different type you can measure the width of what the "punched" portion would be and cut a circle in increments of that... Or you can just "eyeball" it and see what happens!!! THERE'S NO WRONG WAY TO DO THIS!!!!!!!

If you don't cut a "perfect" size circle, do what we do best... improvise!!! Add an embellishment on top or hide it under something else on the page!!!! Works for me!!!!

I cut three different size circles and used three different corner punches... Here

 are the results:

7.5 inch circle and Martha Stewart "Double Loops" corner edge punch

8.75 inch circle and Martha Stewart "Spiderweb" corner punch 

This is the opposite side of the above paper...

10 inch circle and unknown Martha Stewart corner punch

Aren't these wonderful?!? And certainly a lovely addition to any project!!!  They can be misted, inked, painted, etc...  I did complete a scrapbook page using the 7.5" one but I need a little sunlight to photograph it.  I will upload it later today or tomorrow!!!  

If you can remember, I  recently posted a tutorial on making PAPER ROSETTES which can ALSO  be made using your paper punches!!! Take a look HERE to see how it's done!!! 

Okay gang!!!! Well, thanks soooo much for stopping in and have a LUCKY day :-)

Deconstructing Heidi Swapp!

Happy Thursday Gang!!!  I have been working on a few things here lately and decided to give you a peak at one of the items!!!

"Take Wing" Handmade Birthday Card using Heidi Swapp

One of my FAV card sketch sites is Deconstruted Jen.  She has WEEKLY sketches to feed your addiction!!! Here is this week's sketch:

I had some Heidi Swapp "Sugar Chic" scraps lying around that were PERFECT for a card for my sister!!!  Here's a look:

I absolutely LOVE this paper line but have certainly used almost ALL of it... every LAST piece!!!!

I followed the sketch quite literally, which is a little unusual for me :-)

I started by using my black Sharpie to outline most of the pieces, and used stamps by Heidi Swapp and Studio 112.  I pulled out my Pink Shimmer Mist to dye the flower ribbon trim, added a few pearls, and a bit of ribbon and various cords.  I hand stitched the pocket on the front, adding a tag on the inside that quotes "You Make My Day"!!!  My sister has recently moved and I miss her dearly... We are as close as close can be!!!! 

Well gang... Thanks so much for stopping in.. Have a LUCKY day :-)

New: Card Sketch #7 at Sketch N Scrap!!!

Hey there gang!!! Hope you are enjoying your week thus far!!!

I am writing to tell you about the NEW card sketch over at Sketch N Scrap!!!  Don't forget to stop in and check it out!!!

Handmade Masculine "Lighthouse" Birthday Card

Here's a look at the August 10th Sketch:

Isn't it lovely?!?  I had fun making a birthday card for my uncle using this sketch... Here's a look:

It's a wonderful masculine card for any special man in your life!!!

I used papers by MME and distressed and inked all the edges.  The lighthouse stamp was actually purchased in the dollar bin at Joanns!!!  I couldn't believe the amount of detail in a stamp that cost only $1.00!!!!!  The other stamps are sentiments from a pack by Stampendous. 

For the edge, I cut some kraft paper and stamped it with a "distressed" type stamp using Brown Stazon Ink.  I adhered it to the side, then hand stitched the edge using hemp cord.  I topped off the card with a metal piece by Tim Holtz and a button by Recollections!!!  Voila!!!! Another one bites the dust!!! Hahahaha!!!!!

Well, gang... Thanks so much for stopping in and have a LUCKY day :-)

Handmade Minnie Mouse Invitations!

Happy Friday!!! Again!!!!  I just wanted to give you a peak at the new Minnie Mouse invites I promised I'd share...  It's just the outside so far... But I'll post the rest when i'm finished!!!

I came across an embossing challenge over at Frosted Designs earlier this month and thought it would be PERFECT for these invites!!! I already had the "purse" idea in mind but embossing took these invites to a whole new level!!!!  

Here's a look at what I've done so far...

Isn't it just adorable?!?  

I started by digging through my far-too-many cartridges in my Cricut Craft room to design a purse that would fold for an invitation and fit nicely into an envelope!  All the "pre-made" purses have too much depth to send through the mail so I made my own using the "Ornamental Iron 2" cartridge.  I welded together three different shapes, scored where I needed to, and came up with this design that I cut using my Cricut Expression 2!

Then I used my Sizzix Grand Calibur and various Cuttlebug embossing folders to add detail!  I used the "Mickey and Friends" cartridge to cut the mouse and bow, then added rhinestones to the center of the bows.  I finished it with some ribbon tied into a bow to keep the invite closed until it gets to its selected recipient!!! 

Voila!!! An easy invitation that will appeal to almost anyone who loves Minnie Mouse!!!

Here's a couple more pics:

Interested in purchasing these for your own Minnie Mouse lover?!?  Head on over to my Facebook page to see these and other fabulous party favors!!!!

Well gang... Thanks so much for stopping in and have a LUCKY day :-)

New Scrap Your Story and 2 Broke Girls challenges!

Happy Friday all!!!  Is it just me or has this week just flown by?!?!  I'm knee deep in Minnie Mouse invites for my youngest daughter and will post them once they're finished.  With all the glue I've used this week I'm surprised I don't stick to my sheets when I sleep!!!!!

"Play" with Simple Stories 24/Seven

Any who... I have a couple of things to share with you today!  2 Broke Girls has posted Sketch # 15 and it is WONDERFUL!!!! Here's a look:

I've had the Simple Stories 24/Seven line lying around for some time and always forget it's there!!!! So I pulled it out because it was absolutely PERFECT for this sketch!!! Here's what I've come up with:

This picture was taken at Sea World earlier this year... My daughter is such a goof!!! Just like her mother!!! Hahahaha!!!!

Now, about the page... I started with basic Avalanche White Bazzil cardstock layered atop red Bazzil cardstock to add some "pop" to the red in the layout.  I found this "Kraft Core" cardstock by Coordinations and I am in LOVE with it!!! I used a black piece as my "base" for layering embellies.  All the papers and embellies are from the Simple Stories 24/Seven paper line and flow together quite well!!!  I also cut a small piece of the black kraft core cardstock and hand stitched embroidery thread through it to add a "divider" between "sections" following the sketch.  

I also cut the mat behind the photo into a sunburst and layered it on white cardstock to make it "pop" as well.  I have to admit... I wasn't too sure about this at first but I am happy with my final creation!!!! 

This page was also entered into Libby's Song Challenge over at Colorful Creations.

Now onto the next thing on my list.... 

"Wish" using Cloud9 Design

This is a page I crated for the new Challenge #23 over at Scrap Your Story.  The challenge this week is to create a page with a "Birthday" theme.  I happened to have these photos of my oldest daughter on her 6th birthday last year and decided to put them to goo use!!!

Sketch N Scrap also has this WONDERFUL new sketch that I couldn't wait to start on!!! Here's a look:

Isn't it AMAZING?!?

I actually followed the sketch quite literally which is something I don't do very often!!! Hahaha!!!! 

Any who, here's my page:

I used some old papers by Cloud9 Design and a couple of my Martha Stewart punches to complete this one!  

I started by cutting the papers into the "shape" of the sketch and then went to work layering (my "trademark"!).  I fussy cut the flowers from coordinating pattern paper and added some brads for detail.  I hand stitched the squares using colored embroidery thread, added the K&Company chipboard title, and finished it with little quotes at the top.  It is a little "busy" but the sketch itself was too so I guess it's right on target!!!! 

This page was also entered into Brenshevia's "August Plus" Challenge over at Colorful Creations where the task is to create a page using circles, flowers, and butterflies and Cheryl's Fussy Cut challenge over at Sketches4All.

Well, gang... Thanks soooo much for stopping in and have a LUCKY day :-)

Tim Holtz "Style" Altered Photo Box

Well Happy Sunday gang!!!  It's been pretty rainy here the past few days so I've been able to catch up on a few things....

Tim Holtz "Style" Altered Box

My husband came to me some time ago and asked me to make him something to keep all his tags and bookmarks I make him.  No problemo!!!!  So I went to Michaels and picked up some photo boxes and decided to get to work!!!  

I started by measuring out all my papers and using Mod Podge to get them on the box.  I covered the lid and inside of the box as well.  After all the paper was down, I went to work embellishing!!!!  I didn't want to do too much, as this is for a "man" and it will also be used quite a bit.  I wanted to stay simple with no bulky embellies.  Here's some pics of what I was able to come up with:

These are the sides of the box.  As you can see, aside from just paper, I added some simple things to add detail like the tags (one of which I stamped with various Tim Holtz stamps) and Bingo card.  I also added a button with Crinkle Ribbon which was dyed using Peeled Paint Distress Stain.  

 For the longer sides, I added various stickers and added a quote straight from a pack of Tim Holtz Stamps!!!  I also stamped the famous "Umbrella Man" using Ranger Archival Ink and added some metal trinkets.  

Now for my favorite part... The top of the box!!!! I had a little more play room here so that's exactly what I did!!!  I started by adding paper and tissue tape to completely cover the lid.  I also used thin black tissue tape to separate the top into "sections".   I used several stamps with the Archival Ink and several tid-bits from the paper stacks.  For added detail, I added metal "hands" on the clock.  The "pictures" were cut into strips from the paper pack and added to form a square.  I also stamped the vintage pointing-hand on some grungepaper, then colored it with Distress Markers and adhered it to the top :-) 

My husband's name is Oscar and he went by the name "Osc" in his younger days which was commonly mistaken for "Ox".  This animal card seemed perfect for him!!!!!

I covered the sides of the lid with tissue tape and added metal "label pieces" as handles.  I also used a different tissue tape to cover the sides.  

As I said, I completed the inside of the box as well.  I started by using paper, then cut several "Alphabet Animal Cards" from a piece of paper from one of the paper stacks.  I separated them with black ribbon style tissue tape.  Then I laid a neutral colored piece of felt on the bottom for a "softer" touch :-)

Well gang... I hope you enjoyed looking at my creative ideas!!!!  Thanks so much for stopping in and have a LUCKY day :-)

2 Broke Girls Overhaul... Great New Look and Prize Giveaway!!!

Well hello and happy August everyone!!!  

This is My Story with Maggie Holmes

Okay... Now this next one is a page I've been wanting to make for quite some time.  This is for my Creative Monthly Project Challenge over at Colorful Creations.  The challenge this month is to explore the world of "paper tearing".  

I, myself, am a "colorful" person of sorts.  I'm outspoken, extremely personable (from many years in the hospitality industry), and sometimes down right obnoxious!!!!  I'm also good-hearted, I give when I can, and help others as much as possible :-)

One way I express myself is through my tattoos.  Yes, I have several of them, and they all provide a glimpse into who I am.  I wanted to make a page that reflects me as an individual.  A page that gives you an idea of "who I am".  And this is it:

This page turned out better than I expected!!!!  I LOVE IT!!!!  I used papers by Crate Paper Maggie Holmes collection to start things off.  I distressed and tore edges, and created the big tear down the center.  I used a MS paper punch to punch the edges of the torn area, then layered punched edges of different paper, ribbon, and a little Liquid Pearls.  I created the flower cluster using various flowers by Recollections and Paper House Studio.  The chipboard pieces are from Blue Fern Studio and were heat embossed, inked,  misted and then topped off with Perfect Pearls and Liquid Pearls.  I used my Spectrum Noir Black Alcohol Marker to go over some teal glittered Thickers so that the chipboard color was black, but the glitter would remain teal to match the page.  This page is easy on the eyes, full of sparkle, and a little rough around the edges.  Pretty much sums me up!!!!!  

"Summertime" Anything Goes at Sketches4All

Sketches4All is hosting a "Summertime" Sketch Challenge where ANYTHING GOES!!!!  That's right... Make what you want as long as you follow the sketch:

I decided on a layout using pics from my trip to Cozumel in 2011.  Here's a look:

I've had these papers by The Girls Paperie sitting for quite some time and thought I would finally put them to good use!!!!  They went well with the photos anyhow!!!  

Instead of using three photos, I cut one into two and then added one of me and my husband on shore.  The embellies and ribbon are all from the same paperline, aside from the K&Company tag (bottom right) and the metal balloon by Recollections.  Looking at these pics make me want to revisit this tropical paradise!!!!!   

Handmade Baby Girl Card using Crate Paper "Little Bo Peep"

This is a card that I made for SketchNScrap's July 20th Card Sketch Challenge and FORGOT to post as we were in Fort Lauderdale!!!!!!  Browsing all my sites last night, I realized I hadn't even posted it yet... Better late than never I suppose!!! Hahahaha!!!

Any who... Here is the sketch:

My husband needed a baby girl card for his boss and this was the perfect sketch to get it done!!!  Here's a look at what I came up with:

I had this Crate Paper that I also TOTALLY forgot about and finally pulled it out to use!!!  Seems like a trend around here!!!!  I followed the sketch quite literally, adding only minor changes.  I hand cut the tag, hand-colored the elephant with my Spectrum Noir markers,  and heat embossed "Congratulations"  using pink powder.   I finished it with ribbon, buttons, and a couple of flowers!!!!  That's it!!!  Easy Baby Girl card out the door :-)

Well gang... that's all for today!!! Stay tuned for some more exciting projects coming in the next few days!!!  Have a LUCKY day :-)