New Year Cards

I don't usually make New Year's cards but I was excited to use some things I found around the house this holiday season! You see, I love to find packaging and try to re-use it in cards. You can see another project HERE where my husband saved me a pretty chocolate box to use. I thought I'd try the "ribbon" challenge from Daring Cardmakers, one of the 4 dares they suggested for the end of the year. The two bottom cards are made using parts of our Christmas Crackers that we broke open before Christmas dinner. We had 2 kinds, the ones with the star bursts (left bottom) and ones with white and silver polka dots (bottom right). The card on the top used up a silver birthday invitation that my son got earlier in the year. It was such a pretty silver that he also used it to make his own ATCs. It was also used for the rivet stamp on the bottom right card. That card got a ton of milage!! and talk about good recycling! I don't know about you but I love organdy ribbon, and especially black organdy ribbon!! I find I use it all the time! As you can see, that is the ribbon I used to meet the Daring Cardmakers dare!! Well, I hope you all have a wonderful New Year celebration. I also wish you all the best in 2008!

Yeah for Presents!!

g

Here are some of the awesome presents I received for Christams. My wonderful son and husband really took care of me this year.

<----- See this!! It is a light studio. My craft room is very dark and even with the lights on full blast, I have trouble getting good photos... as you've probably noticed in the past. But, no more, now I will have great photos!! or at least well lit :-)

As well, I also got some paper shelves... finally. I have been trying to figure out how to organize my 12 x 12 paper. Before Christmas, we found some cube shelf units that can all be connected and they had paper shelf units. My wonderful husband bought me 3 of the paper holders and a few of the different drawer cubes.

They are wonderful and my craft room is much more organized than it used to be :-) That makes me a very happy crafter!!

My wonderful son bought me a stamp set. However, when it came time to wrap presents, it had not arrived from SU headquarters yet. So, he wrapped a piece of wood inside a box. Along with this, he added a note that read something like this, "I ordered you a stamp set for Christmas but it didn't come in on time. But that's okay because it's the thought that counts, right." It was so sweet! And then, hubby pulled out the actual stamp set because it did end up arriving just in the nick of time !! It was a wonderful Christmas around here! I hope you all had a great holiday as well.

Now, I'm very excited to start stamping and scrapbooing again!! I have been working on some lessons from my Design Basic book. I am learning a lot and can't wait to share with you too!!

Thanks for visiting.

Holiday Family Time

Hi everyone. Same as many of you, I will be taking the next few days off in order to spend holiday time with my wonderful family. I will also be busy reading my design book and coming up with samples to share with you as I learn. I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season and an exciting New Year! Donelda

Co-Worker Gifts

I made these boxes for my "team" at work. Inside is some yummy Peanut Brittle. My inspiration was from Emily's Color Challenge 140 way back on November 12. I saw the colors on Emily's sample cards and I knew I wanted to make these boxes!! I know that those swirls aren't really Christmas...but in the Purely Pomegranet they kinda take on a bit of a Christmassy feel!! And I love that Christmas Wishes sentiment from Papertrey Ink's Believe set....it is totally black now because I used it so much! I know I had said I was done with Christmas uploads, but I just ggave these out and wanted to share. Oh, and the boxes are the 2, 5, 7, 10 boxes which you can find a great tutorial on SplitcoastStampers in the Projects section!! Very easy to make!! Thanks for dropping by for a visit.

Scrapbook page

I wanted to share one of my very first scrapbooking pages I made about a year and a half ago. It is still one of my favorite pages. The pictures are of my son at the Build a Bear workshop store in the West Edmonton Mall. We were there for a family holiday and came across the store by accident. It looked like so much fun we had to give it a try. As you can see, my son enjoyed it so much!! And continues to love his bear today! For the left page, I created a quilted look by spritzing my cardstock with water, crumpling it, and then ironing it flat. Then, I actually hand stitched all of those quilt pieces!! My fingers were sooooo sore by the time I was done!! I also made those little read hearts from Fimo clay and painted them red. My favorite part of this page is the tilted close up of the "heart" being placed inside the bear in the middle. On the right side page, I wanted to show how much the bear has been loved over the years. I included a file folder and, although you can't see the front, it has all the places that the bear has travelled with us! Then, when you open it up, there are pictures of the bear now. He is looking pretty "worn" so I distressed the pictures, using sandpaper on them and then my Close to Cocoa on the edges to make it look distressed!! Finally, on this last picture, you can see the "quilting" that I did on this second page. I made little tears and cut some of the stitching so that the page matched the worn look of the bear in the pictures! I think it all came together well and it certainly shares a very special story for our family!! Thanks for visiting!!

One Last Christmas card...

....I hope!!! I've got to admit, I am really getting sick of stamping Christmas cards. So hopefully this is the last one to make. Don't get me wrong, this card is for a very special person, Jenny!! I was asked by my "team" to make her a Christmas card (which is always an honor to be asked to make a card for someone)! She is such a nice person and she is crafty and makes cards and scrapbooks. So I wanted to make something really nice.

I started out using some of the Anna Griffin holly paper I had used on THIS card. But then I wanted to use this little holly stamp from Papertrey Ink's Borders & Corners {Oval} set and it got too busy. So, I decided to use this red Basic Grey paper from the Blush collection. I love this red paper and by using this piece, I only have about 1/3 of the 12x12 sheet left. I will be so sad when it is all gone. I'm not sure if you can even buy it anymore!!

I know I matted it with black and it looks kinda dark but, I really like it!! I stamped the little holly leaves with Wild Wasabi ink and then glued on these red beeds using Crystal Effects (SU). The sentiment is from Papertrey Ink's Believe set... definately the sentiment I used the most this year!!

I hope Jenny likes it!!

Thanks for visiting.

Rick Rack Card

I made this card for the Caardvarks rickrack challenge!! The only rickrack I have is this multicolored stuff. So I decided I needed to have some color fun!!

I saw my textboxed set from Papertrey Ink and realized that I haven't even used the stars yet ... so I decided to have fun with it. I started out by embossing the box with black ep. Then I cut out the stars using my hobby knife and matted the box onto a multi-colored sheet of paper. In real life, those stars are partly blue and sorta purple. Then I put this onto a piece of black cs. I then added the bottom strip of rickrack. But then what... I had a ton of space and some horrible balance problems. See this is why I need to learn more about design basics!! I was STUCK. I stamped the sentiment onto more of the multi-colored paper and stamped and cut out a tiny star to add to it. But where to put it?? Well I fiddled and farted around until I decided to add the second piece of rickrack at an angle and put the sentiment off to the right. I'm not sold on this card but it is definatly striking when it comes to color!!

thanks for visiting!!!

My Thoughts for 2008

Hi everyone!! I have been thinking about doing this for a while now and I figure I will start in January. I have never been lucky enough to take any kind of art class or design class. When I work, it is always "guess work". Well, I'm tired of not feeling confident in my work so I have decided to get myself a book and learn a thing or two about Design Basics!! It should be a lot of fun so I've decided to post on my SCS gallery and here on my blog what I learn. On Tuesdays, I will post what I have learned and show a card that I have made that is done the "wrong" way and one that is done the "right" way. I may follow the same lesson a few weeks in a row if it is a concept that I need more work on. I am soooo excited. So, drop in and visit me on Tuesday if you want to learn along with me :-)

Presents for my Demo

Well, I'm delivering this tonight so I thought I could finally upload it without her seeing it! You see, it is a gift for my Stampin' Up demo!! She has given me the opportunity to get involved with this awesome craft and I wanted to be sure to wish her the merriest Christmas with some gifts!!

I found 2 post it notes with her initial on it. They were blue and brown and were to initial inspiration for my entire gift package. I made the 2 post it note holders to put them in. See that brown polka dot paper -- it is the Au Chocolate paper from SU. But I wanted blue dots instead of the vanilla so I simply swiped my Soft Sky blue ink pad over the dots and it looks great once it is dry!!

Then I made the band and topper for the jar of home-made raspberry jam!! I decided to make a matching genie bag to put it all in.

But then, I saw the cool Criss Cross box that Nicole Heady created on her blog!! and I knew I wanted to make one to add to this gift package. As I indicated earlier, I made my box using my scaled down version and inside are a few Russell Stover chocolates.... YUM!!!

I certainly hope she likes all of it!! I know I had a lot of fun making all of it :-)

Thanks for visiting!!

Another Calendar

c

I'd said that I had more calendars on the go and here is another one. I did it using the same package of basic grey papers - only the green sheets. I used only one stamp with this one, the small leaf from Papertrey Ink's Test Boxed set! It is the perfect leaf. As well, I only used one color of ink -- Close to Cocoa - I love that color!! Now that I have these calendars figured out, they only take a short while to make!! I love them. I might have to make one for myself.

See the other calendar I posted HERE.

Thanks for visiting. Please leave a link if you've made a calendar that you have made! I'

Candy Cane boxes

I was checking out Nicole Heady's blog (she's the brains behind Papertrey Ink!!) and her countdown is on to her newest stamp release on the 15th. She does projects each day until the release just to tempt us all!!! I love it.

Well, her last project was this cool Criss Cross Box that she designed based on the criss cross card on SCS.

Well, I LOVED IT!! Is that not just the coolest!! I made a full sized one but then thought it would take a lot of "something" to fill it at that size. Then I saw the Ghirardelli and Russel Strover chocolate squares that I bought and knew I needed to "adjust" the size to fit a few of these!! It was actually much easier than I thought it would be!!

It took me forever to decide on how I wanted to stamp my background. I didn't really want to do snowflakes and I couldn't think of anything I had that was red and/or green and christmassy. Then, I thought about my Faux Ribbon set from Papertrey Ink and knew I could do a candy cane look!! However, I don't have a block large enough to hold the long strips from that set....but have no fear.....I am all about improvising!! I found the largest glass I could

and used it as an acrylic block. It worked perfectly!!!

I love the bands on the boxes, especially this one one with the scalloped edge inked in green and those tiny holly - they are one of the tiny stamps from the borders & corners {oval} and then I used Crystal Effects to glue some small red glass beads.

These are gifts for my son's teachers. I hope one of them does not decide to check out my blog or she is going to see it before she gets it!!

For my box, you need to score across the bottom 2 1/2", 1/2", 2 1/2", 1/2"and 2 1/2" Along the vertical you need to have 3 1/2" at the top, then 1/2" and 2 1/2" at the bottom. Basically, you just follow Nicole Heady's template with the folding and cutting but just make the score lines at the places I've indicated here. I tried to draw a template but I can't figure out how to upload it!! Hehehe.

I'd love to see your criss cross box!! Please leave a comment with a link to yours!!

Thanks for visiting.

Bright and Shiny!!

Well, this card is certainly not my usual style!! I am probably going to have to work on this baby a bit more to make it "doable" for me. It all started with that shiney colorful strip.......see it!! Believe it or not, it is Aluminum Tape that I picked up in the hardware area of our Dollar Store. I thought I would be able to use my new Adirondack Alcohol Inks with it... and I was right!! I used Strem, Lettuce, and Wild Plum. Those colors lead me to the turquoise and orchird cardstocks. I added a bit of black to "tone it down a little". The drink is also colored with the same inks and the corner of a piece of felt. I made it circular because Sharon over at No Time To Stamp? had a challenge (Stamp Simply Challenge #12) to make a circle card. And the "tape" fits into Julia's challenge on SCS to use tape in some way on a card. Wow, I think this might be the only time I've ever actually "doubled up" on a challenge. Now, if someone had just had a challenge to use extremely bright colors on a card.... hahaha!! Here is a little peek at the project I will be posting tomorrow! You are going to like it so make sure you stop by for a visit!! Thanks for visiting.

Star Ornaments - Tim Holtz style

I need some help. I want your input!! You need to tell me whether you would buy these star ornaments at a craft sale if you saw them. If you would buy them, why? If you would not buy them, why not? It is okay, I am fine with some honest feedback (as long as you are kind about it!!) I appreciate your help!

Can you tell I've been reading Tim Holtz's blog?? These are totally done in his distressing style! If you haven't checked out his blog you MUST !! He is doing some awesome techniques and giving away some increadible prizes each day!!

These star ornaments I got at Michaels for $1.00. I covered them with vanilla acrylic paint, being careful to leave lots of spaces to make it look kinda weathered. Then, I added some metallic gold paint to the spots I'd missed and added some here and there around the edges. Next, I used Walnut Stain or Broken China distressing ink and stamped on the images. I covered these with clear embossing powder. I also added the Believe sentiment from the Papertrey Ink's Believe set. It is such a beautiful font! Then, I sponged some of the distressing ink around the edges of the star. On the swirl star, I also sponged a bit of barely banana (SU) craft ink to highlight some of the more white spaces.

So, what do you think?? Would you buy these or not?? I am looking for some kind but honest opinions... and some understading of what you did like or what you did not like about them!! Thanks for your time in commenting.

Thanks for visiting!!!

Sisterhood of the Blogging Stampers 4

I joined this group of other bloggers who love stamping. It makes a nice community of others to share crafting ideas!! I have tried to put the badge on this post but I am just unsuccessful! Here is a little about me. I've been stamping for almost 2 years. I fell in love with the craft instantly. I mostly make cards but love to create 3D itmes as well. I have made many scrapbooks as well throughout those 2 years but I mainly seem to make mini books these days. The whole scrapbook page is so overwhelming to me after the size of a card. Looking forward to visiting with my other SBS4 sisters!

Post It Note Holders

I love making Post It note holders. They are so easy and you can make them either plain and casual or dress them up.

I wanted to make a couple for some friends who are having a little Christmas party, a little gift for the hostesses. Their names both start with P and I had bought a 2 pack of Post It notes that had the letter P on them and were purple. They matched perfectly with SU's Orchid Opulance. I also found this great piece of textured designer paper from my Old World Stack from Die Cut With a View. Finished it off with an encircled "smile" and black organdy ribbon and black mat.

I think they will like them.

Supplies: Cardstock: Orchid Opulance, Basic Black (Stampin' Up), Old World Stack (Die Cut With a View), Ink: Basic Black (SU), Stamps: Everyday Flexible Phrases (SU), Borders & Corners{circle} (Papertrey Ink), Organdy Ribbon (unknown)

Thanks for visiting

Calendars

Hi everyone. Sorry I haven't posted in a few days. Our furnice is not working and I've been stoking the fire the last few nights. As well, we are having a huge problem getting a replacement tire on my car. I'm just waiting to see what the third problem that will arise... as things always seem to happen in threes!!

Here is a project I've been trying to work on....at least I have a few done....

I decided I wanted to make little desk calendars for some friends. I started out printing off the little calendars using this site.

Then, I picked out the paper. I decided to make it all coordinate and I used this BasicGrey pack from K&Company.

I stamped the rounded square from the Boarders & Corners {square} set from Papertrey Ink with Close to Cocoa ink onto more of the Basic Grey paper. Then, I created a mask with a 3M sticky. That allowed me to stamp images inside the square. I used different images from my Year Around Fun 2 (Stampin' Up) set - so glad I got that set! I cut out these squares, and glued them onto the calendar pages. I then added the swirl from the Delight in Life set (Stampin' Up) also in Close to Cocoa.

On the front, I used some coordinating paper from the same Basic Grey pack. I adhered this to a coaster, sanded the edges, and then inked it up with my Close to Cocoa (boy, I love that color!!). I did the same with a second coaster for the back. I decided to keep the front pretty simple, just adding the year with some rub-on numbers from a wonderful set from EK Success.

I used my Zutter Bind-It-All to hold it all together. Here is the calendar opened and standing. I made it using 6 pages with Jan to June on the front sides and then turning the pages over July to Dec on the back sides.

This project came together quite quickly. I am hoping to make more and will show you them when I have them together!

Thanks for visiting.

Anna Griffin Christmas Holly

See this beautiful Designer Paper!! It is from Anna Griffin and I absolutely love it! It is, to me, the nicest Christmas paper I've seen!! I LOVE holly!! I bought this paper last year, 2 sheets actually, and I think this might be my very last piece.

I had so much fun with Sharon's (No Time To Stamp) blog challenge earlier, I decided to make another challenge card using this last piece of paper.

So, the challenge is to make a card using designer paper and only a sentiment stamp (from Papertrey Ink - Holiday Wishes) Voila!! Another simply yet elegant Christmas card! This one might need to go to someone special.

Thanks for visiting.

A Piglet Birthday

I love how this little Piglet card turned out!!

Over on Sharon's blog, she issued another Stamp Simply Challenge (#11) called Stick It On. Her challenge was to NOT stamp your main image. We were allowed to stamp backrounds and sentiments but were to use something else as a main image.

Well, I've had these Winnie the Pooh window clingers since my son was just a little boy. I found them in a drawer a few months ago and moved them into my craft room....knowing I'd eventually find something to do with them. Well, here is that something!!

Isn't it cute how Piglet is peeking through the window. That is a frame from KI Memories Funky Frams & Labels sheet. I got it from Rhea at R&R Scrapbooking. She donated some gift bags to our Innisfail Indulgence event in July (how thoughtful and kind of her) and a sheet of these cool frames were in my package. As you know, I am on a mission to USE, USE, USE!!!

I stuck a piece of sticky note in the place where the window would be (a mask) and then stamped the background stamp on the white cardstock. Then, when I put the frame and Piglet on the white cardstock, it would be solid white behind Piglet. The black lines are doddled around the white panel. This makes the front of the card feel finished.

Supplies: Cardstock - Pixie Pink, Whisper White (Stampin' Up), Ink - Pixie Pink, Basic Black (Stampin' Up), Stamps - Soft Swirls (Stampin' Up), Paper Tray (Papertrey Ink), Accessories - Piglet window clinger (manufacturer unknown), ribbon (unknown as it was a gift), balck marker (SU).

If you make a card using something other than a stamp for the main image, post a link in the comment section so I can have a look!!

Thanks for visiting.