Vintage Peach Thank You Card

The idea for this card came from Theresa Kline's

 sketch #274 for

 Mojo Monday's challenge

 and the fact that I needed to make some

 thank you cards to send to some

 special people for their very thoughtful

 Christmas gifts. 

Challenges I'm entering with this card are:

(Mojo) Monday #273 @ http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/

http://www.oldbackporch.com/ - 52 card pickup

http://www.lisasomerville.com/2012/12/sparkle-and-shine-bloggers-challenge.html - Sparkle and Shine Blogger's Challenge

http://movingalongwiththetimes.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/thank-you.html - Thank You

New arrivals!!! I'm so psyched!!! I LOVE to craft!

I just love it when the mail man honks his horn at my gate! 

 I know that there is a new crafting medium to try. 

 Especially when it's a package from blitsy.com

Guess what I'm going to be doing today? 

 I just HAD to try out the new stains immediately upon unpacking them (like a kid at Christmas).  

Will post some pics of today's projects a little later on. 

 Right now, I have some SERIOUS crafting to do!!! 

You know, if I would break down and try a heat gun (instead of my stove) - some of these projects might go a little quicker.

  Any recommendations?

 Have a super Saturday - and be kind to each other!

Faith

The inspiration for today's card came from  a digi quote I found by  Helen Keller.  

I used 4 alternating layers of grey and pink cardstock which I embossed and cut with a Spellbinders A2 Matting Basics B Nestabilities die set (spellbindersPaperArts.com).  Boy does it ever make quick layers with out all the measuring.  I can't wait to find the Basics A on sale somewhere so I can add them to my collection.

Each layer was treated a little differently.  The sentiment layer was distressed a little with pink and ice Color Box Pigment Stamp Pads (www.clearsnap.com)

The second layer (which is actually grey cardstock) was distressed with the Color Box ice but then distressed with a Ranger Adirondack Earthtones Cranberry Pad (www.rangerinks.com). For the final touch I sprayed with water and used a Tim Holtz Distress Metallic Stain in Brushed Pewter (www.rangerink.com).  The metallic stains in this line are becoming one of my favorite new purchases.  I bought the pewter and the antiqued bronze (although the bronze has something wrong with the applicator and it is difficult to apply) from Scrapbook.com after trying for hours to purchase them on sale on the Blitsy site (www.blitsy.com).

The third layer was lightly inked with the Color Box Ice.

Layer four was heat embossed with an old star stamp that I've had for years using Zing Embossing Power in Silver 9 (http://www.americancrafts.com).

All four layers were attached to the card base with crafter's tape and poinsettia flowers cut with a Spellbinders die cut set and stamped with a matching Hero Arts stamps set. 

 They were embossed using the same Zing silver powder and a couple of dots of Liquid Pearls  Flamingo (www.rangerink.com) finished them off. 

 Some old silver ribbon was inked with the pink pad, shaped into the Awareness Ribbon and all attached with  Aleene's Original Tacky Glue (www.duncancrafts.com).

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Craft Us Crazy@  http://craftuscrazy.blogspot.com - anything Christmas/New Year/Altered,etc

Bugaboo @ http://www.catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/ - use a border

 Milk Coffee Challenge @ http://craftuscrazy.blogspot.com - Christmas or Winter Holiday

Stamping Dragon Designz @ http://stampingwithdragon.blogspot.com/2012/12/stamping-dragon-challenge-waiting-for.html - Waiting for Christmas 

Card Crafters Circle @ http://cardcrafterscircle.blogspot.com/2012/12/challenge-54-its-christmas.html - It's Christmas (opps - forgot about the time difference in Australia - missed this one)

Crafts for Eternity @http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.com/2012/12/r103-anything-goes.html - Anything goes

Sweet and Sassy Digi Stamps Challenge @ http://sweetnsassydigis.blogspot.com/2012/12/snsdc85-favorite-color.html - Favorite Color

For Fun Challenges @ http://forfunchallenges.blogspot.com/2012/12/wishing-you-very-merry-christmas.html - Christian Christmas

Creative Craft Challenges2 @ http://creativecraftchallenges2.blogspot.com/2012/12/non-traditional-christmas.html - Non Traditional Christmas

The Paper Make Up Stamps @

http://papermakeupstamps.blogspot.com/2012/12/digi-makeover-challenge-68-anything-goes.html - Anything with digi download Challenge #68

Di's Digi Designs @ http://disdigidesignschallenge.blogspot.ca/2012/12/christmas-challenge.html - anything Christmas

Craft Door Magazine @ http://www.craftdoormagazine.com/2012/12/ttcrd-challenge-50-dec-26th-dec-31st.html - Anything goes challenge #50

Tuesday Alchemy @ http://tuesdayalchemy.blogspot.com/2012/12/challenge-46-anything-goes.html - Anything Goes Challenge #46

Perfect Sentiment @ http://perfectsentimentschallenge.blogspot.com/

Aud Sentiments @http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/use-any-sentiment.html - anything with a sentiment

Card Makin Mamas @http://cardmakinmamas.blogspot.com/ - Happy Holidays

http://christmasblogchallenge.blogspot.com/

Have a fantastic Friday!  

Be kind to everyone and everything you come into contact with today!

White on White Christmas Tree

I love the look of white on white with just a few embellishments.  

I will be entering this card in:

Simon Says Stamp http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/ (anything Christmassy)

Card Makin Mamas http://cardmakinmamas.blogspot.com/ (Happy Holidays)

Sending Caring Thoughts Your Way

The Christmas season does not make us exempt from heartache, which comes in many forms. 

 I wanted to make something very special for a person who is one of those special friends. 

You know the ones, you may see them only once every year or so, but it doesn't matter, because the "ship" is so close that you just take up like it was yesterday. 

 Facebook keeps us all aware of events in each other's lives, even if we don't have the time or ability to see these friends face to face as often as we wish you could.

 Unfortunately, this week, my friend has suffered the horrible loss of her family pet - her "furbaby" has passed on to Rainbow Bridge.

  I know, I know - you're thinking "why not some sort of rainbow, or paw print"?

  I thought this too, originally, but also wanted to keep a bit of the current season in the card as well and not JUST make it a "sympathy" card.  

I'm not photographing the inside of this creation, for obvious reasons.  

The "scalloped" is embossed with a Cuttlebug "frills" folder

 and

 inked with gold Colorbox Pigment Brush Pad www.colorbox.com

The edges were "distressed" with and the sentiment was stamped with

 Stampabilities Acid Free Pigment Ink Pad in Brown www.stampabilities.com using a

 Hero Arts With Sympathy image (#CL476).  www.heroarts.com

The snowflake was cut on my Cricut using the Best Images of 2007 cartridge. 

 The circles and tag were cut using the Best Images of 2006 cartridge.  

Some discount store ribbon and acrylic jewels were attached with Tacky Glue www.duncancrafts.com

I used 1/8" ScorTape for a border of gold glitter

 (I absolutely LOVE this product!!!)

. www.scor-pal.com

The entire layout idea came from

 Card Sketch #25 from the 

September 2011 CardMaker Magazine

 www.cardmakermagazine.com

I am realizing that if I actually USE the layouts that it cuts my time by about 50% in making the cards. 

 I'm so very glad I found this library of sketches.

  I printed out all 33 of them and keep them on my desk for inspiration now.

As always, I have a recipe card available, if you want it just drop me a line.

Have a special Sunday.

Be kind to everyone and everything you see today!

Trudy

Submitted to:
  http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/ for the Snow Flake Challenge
and
http://cardmakinmamas.blogspot.com/ for the Gold and Silver Challenge

Snowflake Challenge - My First!

Today I found a card challenge on Simon Says Stamps and decided to enter my very FIRST one! 

 For those of you interested the link is:  http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/.  

The creation had to be anything at all with snowflakes - and since I'm busy trying to make and perfect my Christmas cards, I thought, "why not".

Here is the process as I pulled the papers, ribbons, scraps and ideas together.

I really wanted to try some colors that weren't so "traditional".

 I brushed on tacky glue with a small paintbrush (oh how I wish Santa would bring me a Xyron). 

The process of cutting these snowflakes on my Cricut was a bit of a chore (there are MANY) 

pieces to remove both from the image AND the cutting mat.

 I used the Best Images From 2007 cartridge for the die cut. 

I found this scrap of old Christmas ribbon in a box - perfect!

 Close up showing the dry embossing with a Cuttlebug D'vine Swirls folder and the shimmer on the blue cardstock. 

I was in such a hurry to post this today that I didn't even wait for the glue to dry on the rhinestones -

 silly me.

Have a wonderful Wednesday 

and

 remember to be kind to everyone you encounter today!

Embossing Problems

Advice, please....     I'm trying (really) hard to emboss some burgundy card stock for today's project. and after numerous attempts, I  keep getting the "stray" flecks on my paper.  

Not to be one to give up too easily, I began my search on the internet to find a solution.  

I found Linda Isreal's Blog( http://lindaisrael.com/2010/06/13/how-to-make-an-anti-static-bag-for-embossing/).  Ok - now I'm excited since ya'll have to remember that I live in the Country (and I say that with a capital "C") - being approximately 50 miles (one way) to the nearest crafts store and the fact that I dont' have the financial ability to purchase all the supplies and tools and trinkets I wish I could,  I have to make do with with I have on hand and improvise on the rest quite often.

Now that I FINALLY received my Spellbinders Grand Calibur https://spellbinderspaperarts.com/Home.aspx) which I bought from someone on ebay (and I say finally, since it took the person almost 3 weeks to send my item, I was really beginning to think I had been "taken").  

I was so psyched since I had purchased the Spellbinders Shapabilities Layered Poinsettia dies from Marcy's Stop N Shop on Ebay (http://stores.ebay.com/stampingit) the same day. 

 I had a coupon from Cut @ Home and bought the Heartfelt-Creations Petite Pointsettia PreCut Set and the Spellbinders Grand Raspberry Plate  

(You can become a VIP member simply by signing up here:  http://www.ucutathome.com/vip.php).  

I had all of these great new toys and not the machine to operate it.

 Now that I have it I am trying everything I possibly can with it and loving it!

I knew I wanted to make the poinsettia flowers but that was the entire card idea, period......

Thus the fun in pulling together various items in the crafts room.....

Using a Ranger Adirondack Earthtones Dye Pad in Cranberry and Currant 

(purchased from Blitsy from one of their GREAT sales - https://blitsy.com)

 on pink cardstock gave me just the look I wanted.

I got to use the Just My Type Cuttlebug Embossing folder (dotted swiss) and the Frills (scalloped border) for the first time and have to admit it was a little confusing trying to remember which plate to load in which direction, but loved the results.

Of course, I had to use glitter and absolutely love the clean lines that I get from using the 1/8"  Scor-Tape (http://scor-pal.com/store/).

The rest was just a matter of playing with the arrangement until I was satisfied.  A few more sparkles and a bow and it is ready to send.

Wishing you a beautiful day full of crafting!

Be kind to everyone!

Blitsy is the Best

Gotta just love the people from Blitsy's.

Can you tell how much I'm looking forward to Friday?

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/536648_436228036433831_2016099845_n.jpg

Sticky Fingers: Blitsy Black Friday (Whoo Hoo!!!)

Sticky Fingers: Blitsy Black Friday (Whoo Hoo!!!): I'm so very excited about the the giveaways and sneak peaks Blitsy came out with today.   I LOVE THEIR SITE Make sure you visit  fo...

Blitsy Black Friday (Whoo Hoo!!!)

I'm so very excited about the the giveaways and sneak peaks Blitsy came out with today.  

I LOVE THEIR SITE

Make sure you visit  for a chance to win 

 and get some great deals in the process.

http://blitsy.com/

Help - I'm Having So Much Difficulty with Glitter (and I love it so much)

Blue Christmas

What would be the best way to attach this?

This die cut from a Trim The Tree Cricut cartridge presented a challenge for me.  

I didn't know how to attach the intricate cut to the back layer.  

So I tried a Precision Tip Glue Pen from Elmer's http://www.elmers.com

and didn't control the flow well enough for it to be as clean as I would have liked. 

So then I decided to glitter the tree to "cover up" my initial mess - ok, right.

What is the easiest way to glitter something this "dainty"?

Notice how the glitter was really hit and miss.

 I diluted Elmer's Glue and applied it to the cut out with a paint brush. 

 It seemed to

 (1.)  dry a little too fast or

 (2.)  I didn't cover it well enough, or 

(3.) the ceiling fan over my work table contributed to it.

(4.) maybe a little of all of the above

The coverage for the star background on the  white cardstock was pretty

 hit and miss with the embossing glue.  

Which meant that not all the stars were glittered.

Whatever the reason(s), the coverage was not what I'd hope it would be.

Inside of card was stamped with a 

Stampabilities

(Merry Christmas 07 DR1105)

http://www.craftsetcwholesale.com

 stamp that I found at Hobby Lobby while on a mini vacation (thanks, Ash).

Anyone else see the "fingerprints" on this?  

LOL

 I told you, I'm learning!!!

Any and all suggestions of how to correct some of these issues and

 learning techniques from others is my 

primary goal for this site.  

Please help out those of us who are new to this craft and add your suggestions. 

 It is always nice to learn from other's experience.  

---AND---

It saves alot of frustration and ultimately money in

 unusable projects and 

unnecessary/incorrect application of products.  

Wishing you a very relaxing Sunday!

Be kind to everyone!

Those Who Are The Happiest, Never Did Have Everything. But Rather They Are Thankful!

I saw this quote on the internet one day 

and just knew I would have to use it on one of my cards.  

Thanksgiving seemed like the perfect time.

Although I try to be thankful every single day

 (and have actually started a gratitude journal ).  

Right now I'm grateful that I remembered to save it when I read it!

I printed the quote on Deluxe Textured Orange Cardstock#45264E (Primary TC) from http://www.colorbok.com and distressed it around the quote with a brown Pigment Ink Pad from Stampabilities that I found at a Hobby Lobby in Dothan, AL

And then I cut an "inside cut" with the  Creative Memories oval template from Creative Memories http://www.creativememories.com

I then cut my "copper" metallic cardstock #33747F Metallic Paper pack from ColorBok http://www.colorbok.com and did an "outside" cut with it.

I mounted the fall folage paper from the #68118 Outdoors Patterned Paper Pad from Colorbok on the Orange Card Stock and then added the ovals.

I printed the sentiment on light orange card stock and
 cut this to size and mounted it on the inside of the card.

The leaves, glitter and acryllic stones were added last.
 I trimmed the edges of the leaves flush with the sides of the card.

I hope everyone has a Fantastic Friday!

and remember.....
Be Kind To Every Living Thing!!!

I'm Happy For You

The card today is a great color combination of brown and turquoise card stock.  After trying a few different ideas (and having to cover up a few mistakes), this was the outcome:

The First Obstacle 

I had to overcome was to correct the position of the stamp.  This is a Stampin' Up! (http://www.stampinup.com) wood mount that I bought on ebay. 

 Notice how crooked the message is on the stamp (not a good thing for a beginner, like me).

 Can someone tell me how to fix this stamp?

The Second Obstacle

Since I am new to card making and have limited supplies (only because my balance in my checking account will NOT allow me to buy something every day), I'm learning to make due with items I have around the house already. 

 In this case, I wanted a "border" of sorts at the bottom and didn't have any of the great punches I've seen  - so, out comes a 30+ year old metal hole punch that belonged to someone in my family (thanks for hand-me-downs).  I had to fold the cardstock to get the punches like I wanted them, not the best solution  (next time I will simply cut the paper in 2 pieces since the cut would be hidden by the ribbon anyway).

The Third Obstacle

I ran my tape too close to the edge when mounting the first layer of brown and it showed up as a white strip on the left edge of the card. 

 I attempted to "cut" it out only to make a bigger mess.  Then, VOILA, I remembered my handy dandy 1/8" scor tape  (http://www.scor-pal.com) that I got last week.  I added a "border" around the edge, added glitter (you KNOW I love glitter), and the problem was solved!

I have started "pressing" the glitter down and rubbing it on the scor-tape to help with the problem of people "wearing" my beloved glitter when they open the card.  

It really seems to be working.  

Thanks to my card making friends for this great tip!!!

Of course, I couldn't just stop there - I added more tape and glitter to the inside of the card just to dress it up some.

The flowers were made on my Cricut with the George and Basic Shapes cartridge.  I know, I know, I keep using this cartridge over and over - I only have 4 so I'm limited, but I'm learning (slowly) the capabilities of my machine and the Design Studio and Craft Room (http://www.cricut.com/home/craftroom) where I've been able to purchase single images or take advantage of the "freebies" they offer each month.

The brown card stock from #61197 Earthtone pack www.colorbok.com
Turquoise is from #45264E - Primary Text. Cardstock www.colorbok.com

Wishing you a terrific Thursday!!!  

Be kind to every living thing.

Autumn Blessings Card

Happy Wednesday!!!

The Autumn Blessings Card was made to invite family members for Thanksgiving dinner.  I added a hand written note (Cocktail Hour: 4 PM - Dinner:  5 PM  Deep fried turkey, baked ham, and all the fixin's)  inside.  

The leaves are from a discount store.  You know I had to add a little glitter (and I really only added a little, this time).

The inside sentiment I made with a Word program on my computer

Of course, I just had to add a little "something" to the envelope, too

Just a reminder to check out the Blitsy site at http://blitsy.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/61020/ - they have incredible prices on special items every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  I bought a few new Ranger Inks for $3.33 each.  These are for some Christmas Cards I have in the back of my mind.

 Can't wait to get them..