Friday, January 30, 2009

Happy Firday... 4th Double Feature!

Happy Friday everyone!! Today I have a Double Feature. I used Whisper White or Very Vanilla as my card base and keeping the cards on the clean and SIMPLE side. I have been seeing more of this and it looks so elegant and soft. (Not to mention when you need a quick card this may inspire you!)

The first card is using SU! Pocket Silhouette, Upsy Daisy and the butterfly is from Perennial Favorites.
I used my scallop scissors on the bottom edge. Then punched 1/16" holes. My butterflies were stamped on Baja Breeze and I added 1/2 back silver pearls to the lower wings. Waterfall Stickles was added to the stamped image. I have a close up photo, but it's hard to see the details. (Click to enlarge image.) I used my SU! Large texture wheel with Craft white on my Chocolate Chip CS along with my MS ZigZag Border Punch. I doubled my ribbon for a fun look! :)


The second card is using scraps of DP and adding double ribbon on top. I added the lace border using my MS punch then stamping my images with SU! Cameo Coral and Baja Breeze. The fun part I like the most is I adding my 1/2 back silver pearls I picked up at Michael's on 3 flower buds.

See close up photo for a better look! I hope you enjoy them and let me know what you think... I love it when you do!! Have a super day and we'll chat more again soon...

Smiles... Michelle :)

(Card #1) Stamps: SU! Pocket Silhouettes, Upsy Daisy, Perennial Faorites Paper: SU! Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Baja Breeze Ink: SU! Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip Other: Scallop scissors, 1/16" hole punch, Waterfall Stickles, ribbon (American Crafts), 1/2 back silver pearls (Michael's), needle for paper piercing, MS ZigZag border punch, etc.

(Card #2) Stamps: SU! Pocket Silhouette, Cute & Curly Paper: SU! Very Vanilla and DP (?) Ink: SU! Baja Breeze and Cameo Coral Other: SU! Round corner punch, ribbons (Teal - Target $1 Spot and Coral (?), 1/2 back silver pearls (Michael's), MS Lace Border Punch, etc.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

OCC Challenge... Love Birds!

Morning everyone! I'm sorry I didn't post yesterday as the day got away on me. I finished my OCC Challenge card last night... late and was to sleepy to post! OCC is giving you a chance to win a NEW custom banner & watermark!!! (I could use that!!) Any, who, how have you been? It's warming up in Minnesota so that's a big plus... :)

For my card today I used SU! Love you Much set. I just got my Valentine Bundle from SU! this past Friday and sure love the DP!!! I used my SU! Top Note die to add a "frame" in the background, I did some paper piecing on the 2 birds, added my K&Company Pillow Heart stickers, and used a flower button which is postioned past the Nesties Scallop die to give a 3-D effect. I love the little extras to a card!! He.. He!

Have a super fun day stampers and thanks for the visit!!! I hope you have a chance to play along on the challenge... enjoy... get some stamping time in!

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Love You Much Paper: SU! Ruby Red, Very Vanilla, Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink, DP (Candy Lane) Ink: SU! Basic Brown, SU! Markers Other: Nesties dies, K&Company Pillow Heart stickers, ribbon (?), SU! Top Note die, dimensionals, flower button (?), mini scallop scissors (Target $1 spot), etc.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Organize Your CuttleBug Embossing Folders... :)

Happy Sunday everyone!! The sun is shinning and life it good... :) Last night I went into my craft room to make this CuttleBug Swatch Sampler of my embossing folders!! (I need all the organization I can get being I have 13 folders and can't remember the names of them all...LOL!)

I found this idea on Cuttlebug Challenge blog... YOU MUST CHECK IT OUT!!! Lots of great tips, ideas, challenges, organizing, videos, etc. Tracy Pounds came up with this FABULOUS idea and I chased it.

Here is Tracy's info: When organizing your CuttleBug embossing folders consider making yourself a swatch book. It is a great way to see all the fabulous folders you own at a glance!…especially helpful when you’re working on a creative project and don’t want to take the time to go through every folder that you own. Simply flip through your tags … it will save you so much time! Also, you can see the positive and negative image of each folder by looking at the reverse side of the tag. Here’s another great tip…take your Swatch Book with you on your next shopping trip to help you remember which embossing folders you already have in your collection!


Follow these simple steps to create your own Cuttlebug Swatch Book:

1. Die cut a tag shape out of scraps of cardstock. (I used Nesties Label One die. I also die cut a few extras so as I purchase more embossing folders I'm ready to go... LOL!)
2. Emboss each individual tag with the embossing folders that you own. (NOTE: Write on the backside the name of the folder if you wish, as it's easier to do this before embossing or add printed labels after.)
3. Place all of your embossed tags on a binder ring.
4. Tie a few colorful ribbons on the ring just for fun!

I hope you enjoy this AWESOME idea!! Plus I love adding ribbon to anything for some "GIRLY" fun!!! Let me know what you think!! Enjoy.... :)

Michelle :)

Saturday, January 24, 2009

SC212... Let it Snow!!

Burrrrrr Baby it's cold outside!! Yes, we're having another cold blast in Central Minnesota. (-11 below and strong winds right now.) So this inspired me to make a card for the SC212 Challenge using snowflakes. Yes, I'm crazy and late on doing this challenge! My fuzzy slippers are keeping me warm... He! :)

On this card I used my CuttleBug for the snowflake and Swiss dots embossing. The "Ice Crystal" Snowflake die was cut out of blue foamie (2mm thick). I added Waterfall Stickles to give some BLING as I {{LOVE}} that part... :) I punched the small snowflake using my Martha Stewart punch adding it to the center along with SU! red gingham ribbon. The "let it snow" is from an old retired set from SU!... Tiny Talk. I even used my eyelets that have been lacking love. Time to start using them... I enjoy the look. :)

A close up photo of my snowflake to get a better idea on the bling and details. Stay warm everyone and enjoy the evening!!! I'm off to stamp more tonight. DH is in the shop working. Take care and thanks for the visit!!!

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Tiny Talk (retired) Paper: SU! Real Red, Kiwi Kiss, Ballet Blue, Whisper White, DP (Memories Complete) Ink: SU! Brocade Blue Other: SU! Large Oval Punch, CB embossing folders (Swiss Dots and Snowflakes), CB Ice Crystal die, SU! red gingham ribbon, MS snowflake punch, dimensionals, red eyelets, SU! Corner Rounder Punch, Waterfall Stickles, etc.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Happy Firday... with Warmest Wishes!

Hi stampers and bloggers! Here is a card I made Wednesday night and I want to share with you... :) This card layout was inspired by Laura at Scrapnextras. Check out her blog as it's just FABALICIOUS!! I wish I had a different plum paper color closer to the DP's plum tones, but it turned out pretty good. :)

I used my new Martha Stewart ZigZag border punch and SU! Baroque Motifs to create a medallion effect. I inked my stamp with SU! markers, clear embossed, and used dimensionals to give some 3-D dimension. I added a rhinestone brad to the center. I figured a soft organdy ribbon would be nice to make it a bit more elegant. I used my SU! Word Window Punch for the "Warmest Wishes" saying. You can click on the photos to get a closer look!!
Here is a close up photo of the center image. I hope you enjoy!!! Have a super great Friday coming up as I'm posting this late on Thursday night. Chat more again soon... thanks for the visit!!!!!

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Baroque Motifs and So Many Sayings Paper: SU! Perfect Plum, River Rock, Very Vanilla, DP's by K&Company Ink: SU! Old Olive and Perfect Plum, VersaMark Other: SU! Clear EP, SU! Word Window Punch, MS Zigzag border punch, dimensionals, brad rhinestone (JoAnn's), stamp positioner, organdy ribbon, etc.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Mojo Monday... Friends are the BEST!!!

Morning everyone!! Last night I had a chance to do the Mojo Monday challenge... what fun it was!! This card was originally started at Julie's SU! card class I have once a month. I didn't have time to finish the card, so I'm glad I waited!! I just added the 1/2 circle and Curly Label saying to complete it.

This was a Technique card that we did using "Foil Embossing". What you do is stamp the foil on the back side, using a permanent ink. (She had us use the foil seals off a cappuccino mix... heavier than aluminum!) Allow to dry. Place the foil on a foam pad with stamped image facing up. Using a stylus, etch (draw) around the stamped lines. Turn foil over and you will see a raised image!! How easy is that... check out Julie's SU! web page!!

I have a close up photo of the Foil Embossing for a better look! The stem and leaf is from the NEW SU! catty... Petal Pizzazz. The saying "are the Best" on my Curly Label punch was from SU! It's your Birthday set as I took off the Birthday part! Sneaky right?!?!? :)

Have a great Wednesday and if you have a chance remember to get some stamping time in!!! Smiles....

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Petal Pizzazz and It's your Birthday Paper: SU! Temping Turquoise, Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss, YoYo Yellow, Basic Black and Whisper White Ink: SU! Kiwi Kiss, Basic Black, Tempting Turquoise Other: SU! Curly Label, Scallop Circle, and 1 1/4" circle Punch, Nesitie's, paper piercing, crimper, brads (JoAnn's), ribbon SU! Basic Black and Tempting Turquoise, dimensionals, etc.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Two Blog Awards... O'my!!

What a day! A new president, I got my NEW SU! catty to look at, and today I have 2 blog awards to pass on! I'm so happy to have received them both as it was such a BIG SURPRISE and honor!!!! :)

The first award was given to me by Lisa at
The Craft's Meow. She is such a {{{sweetie}}} cyber friend who has many talents and a "fabalicious" blog! You must pop in as Lisa has been working on challenges and enjoys visitors!!!


The 2nd award was given to me by Debbie at Debbie P's Place. This is such a great honor on this award. Debbie is another {{{sweet}}} cyber friend I've meet since I started blogging! Always sharing such fun eye candy and great tips. Very genuine person! Pop in to visit as I know she would love it if you'd say "HI"!!

"This is called The Proximity Award. These blogs believe and invest in PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers, who must choose eight more and include this cleverly written text into the body of their awards”.

Here are the 8 blogs I've chosen and you can take both awards if you choose!! These ladies have great talent, share there passion for paper crafting... and are truly genuine to life!! :)

Lisa The Craft's Meow
Alberta
Alberta's Closet
Jen
Simple & Sincere
Ann
Creative Antics

Here are the details…
1. Post the award logo on your blog.
2. Add the link to the person who nominated you.
3. Nominate 8 other blogs and add post their links as well.
4. Let those people know that they received the award.

Sit down with a cup of coffee and check out these lovely BLOGS... enjoy!!!

Michelle :)

Sunday, January 18, 2009

SFYTT... On the wild side!

Happy Sunday! Are you having a great weekend? Sorry for the late post today... this weekend my DH has been working on storage units for my craft room and that brought ??'s on measurements, function of each unit, etc. And he did bring in one piece from the shop he finished on Saturday... It looks so nice!

Today's card was inspired by Jen's SFYTT Challenge. It's on the "WILD SIDE" or busy I think?!?! I used my SU! Filigree brads, and my NEW CB Vintage die. The hearts are from the SU! A Happy Heart set which I used SU! Glassy Glaze EP (only embossing once). I used MS Dove punch and added Stardust Stickles for bling, and the silver 1/2 back gems are from Michael's... another new item for me!

Here is a close up photo of the hearts, doves, and to get the feel of the dimensional effect. Let me know what you think as I'm not sure if it's on the "WILD SIDE" with using 2 DP's. Thanks for the visit!! I have 2 blog awards to pass on this week... Have a super Sunday evening!!

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! A Happy Heart Paper: SU! Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White, DP's (Doodlebug) Ink: SU! Real Red, VersaMark Other: SU! Word Window and Large Oval Punches, Filigree Brad, CB "Vintage" Die, MS "Dove" Punch, dimensionals, crimper, SU! Glassy Glaze EP, Stardust Stickles, Silver 1/2 back gems (Michael's), etc.

Friday, January 16, 2009

3rd Double Feature... and it's Friday!!!

Happy Friday stampers!!! Crazy weather we are having in Minnesota... the -25 to-35 below temps.... BURRRRR BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE! I'll be in my fuzzy slippers and drinking lots of hot cocoa... :)

Today I have a 3rd Double Feature to share!! I took the same colors, DP, and Nestie's Label die for both cards and just changed things up a bit! The first card I sponged around the Thinking of You using the Nestie's Label One die as a stencil to get he nice white edge.

Next I did the same around the larger Label die using Perfect Plum to give a deeper tone. I used my new MS Dove punch and embossed them using a Pearl EP to give an elegant touch. Also the swirls by the doves are embossed using SU! Plum Perfections EP (Retired).

The 2nd card I JAZZED it up by using my acrylic gold metallic paint on a chipboard flourish, adding Prima paper flowers, 1/2 back pearls, giving dimension by layering, etc.

Below is a close up shot to get a better look!!

Have a super great Friday bloggers!!! I'll be blog surfing during the weekend. Make sure you get some stamping time in and Smile!! Thanks for the visit!!! I LOVE it when you do...

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Elegant Greetings, Finest Flourishes and Hero Arts Paper: SU! Perfect Plum, Very Vanilla, More Mustard, DP All my Memories Ink: SU! Perfect Plum, VersaMark, Pale Plum Other: Nestie's Label One Dies, scallop scissors, paper piercing, 1/2 back pearls, dimensionals, organdy ribbon, sponges, MS dove punch, SU! Plum Perfections EP, Making Memories Chipboard Flourishes, gold brad, Prima paper flowers, etc.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

I {{heart}} You... Valentine!

Burrrrrrrr it's cold out baby! The temp is -19 below and we have a Wind Chill Warning. I just got in from have a day of shopping and yes, I did manage to get to Micheal's and Crafts Direct!!!! That was my "Happy Shopping"... I picked up 2 Martha Stewart edge punches, chunky glitter, a few $1 stamps at Micheal's, etc. I can't wait to play!!! :)

Last night I made a card using Jen's sketch challenge. (SFYTT) Jen has some AWESOME give-aways... Check it out!! I had so much fun making this valentine card using my SU! A Happy Heart. For the 3 circle I chased this idea from Mary at Stampin' Pretty. I used K&Company Puffy Pillow heart sticker in the center of my black circle. To create a fun edge around the circles, I used my SU! retired flower punch in Basic Black and Real Red. I white EB my "Happy Valentine's Day" and added white ribbon and small piece of black gingham around the heart.

Enjoy the evening stampers!! I have another Double Feature to share on Friday!!!!! So pop in and say "HI"!! I love it when you do... SMILES!

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! A Happy Heart Paper: SU! Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black, DP's by Doodlebug and Target $1 spot Ink: SU! Basic Black, Real Red, Craft White and SU! Markers. Other: SU! 3/4" circle punch, paper piercing, scallop scissors, SU! retired flower punch, SU! ribbon, SU! white EP, K&Company Puffy Pillow heart sticker, dimensionals, etc.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Be Mine... Valentine!

Hi everyone! Did you have a great weekend? We did, but it sure went FAST! I have a quick post for tonight.... as I have Julie's SU! card class this evening. This weekend I had some scraps laying around and came across this DP from Provo Crafts... to make a quick Valentine!

It's very simple looking as I didn't even use dimensionals, ribbon, etc. I jazzed it up by stamping my own background and added SU! Crystal Effects with glitter in the heart to give it that extra BLING!!

Have a super great evening and I'll have more to share soon!! Thanks for the visit stampers as I totally LOVE it when you do... and I'll be blog hopping later tonight... fingers crossed!

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! So Many Saying and BG stamp Paper: SU! Rose Red, Going Gray, Whisper White, Basic Black, DP (Provo Craft) Ink: SU! Basic Black, Craft White, Rose Red Other: Stamp Positioner, SU! Crystal Effects, glitter, SU! black brad, etc.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

2nd Double Feature.... Verve Challenge #4


I'm back! I decided to do another Double Feature. Where I take a card layout and change it up a bit on a 2nd card. Sorry it took so long... we step out for an hour tonight and when we came home I jumped into my craft room to finish my cards.

My first card is using the Verve Challenge #4 layout. I realized after I took my photo I didn't add my 1/2 back pearls under the Happy Birthday saying. (the 2nd card does!) I used my retired SU! In-Color Cranberry Crisp with my DP by Daisy D's. I love the Nesties Label Dies... So many options! I paper pierced around the edges to give some detail. I also used my die as a stencil to sponge around the edges to give added color. Plus I had to use my CuttleBug for dry embossing... Another fun tool!


The 2nd card is my version I came up with! I used the same colors, supplies, but added the 1/2 back pearls, scalloped scissors and my 1/16" hole punch was used. Let me know what you think!!!


I'm going to get into my craft room and stamp more tonight. I'm trying to get into Challenges this year, so keep your fingers crossed!! Have a super evening ladies, stamp your hearts out, and just relax your minds.... ENJOY!

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Elegant Greetings (retired) Paper: SU! Cranberry Crisp, Bordering Blue, Very Vanilla, DP (Daisy D's) Ink: SU! Chocolate Chip, Bordering Blue, Cranberry Crisp, More Mustard Other: Ribbon (Target $1 Spot), gold brads, 1/2 back pearls, Nesties Label One dies, CB embossing, dimensionals, sponges, 1/16" hole punch, paper piercing, scallop scissors, etc.

My 1st Blog Award... So Honored!!!

I'm so honored to receive this blog award from LeAnne at Wee Inklings!!! Thank you so much LeAnne!! This is my first award and I'm just tickled... Can you see the big SMILE ON MY FACE!!! :) I'm thrilled that bloggers enjoy my blog and think it's worthy of an award!!

I'm going to nominate 10 more lovely bloggers who have such great talent! Pop in for a visit to check out the great "EYE CANDY" they have to share with you!!

Lisa The Craft's Meow
Alberta Alberta's Closet
Debbie Debbie P's Place
Gretchen
Happiness Is
Karen
Paper Playhouse
Shelley
Stampin' Garden
Andrea
EnchantINK
Jamie
Stamp This!
Susan
Susan's Day Off Creations
Patty
Pepper's Papercrafting

Here are the details…
1. Post the award logo on your blog.
2. Add the link to the person who nominated you.
3. Nominate 10 other blogs and add post their links as well.
4. Let those people know that they received the award.

Again, check out these ladies' wonderful creations! I'll be back with a card to share... I'm going into my craft room now to have some "Play Time" which is long over due! He... :) Chat again soon and thanks for popping in! Hope your having a great weekend...

Michelle :)

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Birthday Card... Celebrating You!

Hi stampers in blog land! Sorry I'm late on posting... this day got away on me big time. It's strange how that happens... can we buy time! It would be worth MILLIONS!! LOL! :) So I'm posting now to give you some eye candy. This card is a design I followed out of an old SU! catty. (2007 I'm thinking.) This design is fun for masculine cards also.

I used staples to attach my ribbon ends, layered scraps of cardstock which were stamped to create patterned paper. I LOVE using my scraps and recycling. I used my SU! Spiral punch for a more finished touch.

Very simple, and you can do less or more to make it your own style!!!!

Enjoy your day and thanks for popping in!! Stamp when you can and clean only if you need too... He, He!! (Just my small sense of humor!)

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Happy Everything, Mixed Greetings, Maple Leaf (?) Paper: SU! Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Kraft Ink: SU! Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie Other: SU! Spiral Punch, stamp positioner, staples, Ribbon, etc.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Double Feature... Pocket Silhouettes!

I have a double feature today! Over the weekend when I was cleaning my craft room I came across this ribbon from American Crafts and the DP is from, DON'T LAUGH, Archiver's Fall mailer. It's the banner they have at the top of each page and I just LOVED it! So I cut them out and realizing it matched quite well with my ribbon... YUM-O!! :)

So in doing that I put 2 card designs together. My 1st card is a simpler layout and nice for a note card to give a dear friend. The 2nd card I jazzed it up by playing along with this weeks challenge at Our Creative Corner. (OCC) So in using this layout and adding more then my first card this is what I came up with. I love them both and I hope you do too!!!! Enjoy... :)
Thanks for stopping in and visiting! I love it... Smiles!!

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Pocket Silhouettes, Warm Words Paper: SU! Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Whisper White, DP (Archivers) Ink: SU! Chocolate Chip and Baja Breeze, Craft White Other: SU! Curly Label and Large Oval Punches, SU! brads, 1/2 pearls, paper piercing, dimensionals, ribbon (American Crafts), twine, Scallop Scissors, etc.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Valentine.... Cherish!!!

Happy Sunday!!! Hope your weekend is going well... :) Yesterday I got into my craft room, mid-afternoon, and I stood there thinking "I NEED TO CLEAN THIS MESS"!! (Still having Christmas supplies out!) So that's what I did for 3 hours. Very Happy Now! :) Alberta inspired me as she did a full sweep organization over the holidays in her craft room. Check out her blog Alberta's Closet as she has great eye candy to share!!! So that gave me some creative juices to make a card last night using Jen's SFYTT challenge. Play along if you can... and she has a Designer of the Month listed!!!

I found DP's for Valentine cards when cleaning so I picked out 3 to work with. I was very challenge with this card after I started... I must have been tired from cleaning earlier!! LOL!! Anyway, I used my Swirls die, SU! circle punches and cut my hearts out to give a more flourish and dimensional feel. The best part about the card for me is the 3 rhinestones I added! I like the 3 different sizes. He! (A kid at heart!!) TIP: I did stamp "Cherish" before using my CB Swiss Dots embossing folder.

Thanks for the visit and popping in... I hope you enjoy today's card!!!!

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Baroque Motifs and A light Heart Paper: SU! Whisper White, Positively Pink, Basic Black, Real Red, DP's (Doodlebug Designs, DCWV, Target $1 Spot) Ink: SU! Real Red, Positively Pink Accessories: SU! 1 1/4" and 1 3/4" circle punches, Sizzix "Swirls" die, rhinestones, dimensionals, stamp positioner, etc.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Happy Hellos.... in 2009!!!!

Morning Stampers!! I hope you are having a great start to the New Year... I still can't believe 2009 is at our door steps. Now to start writing 2009 on your checks. I'm challenged that way.... LOL!

Remember the Sassy Suzie card I posted a few days ago, well I have another to share. She cracks me up! I used a $1 stamp for the flower stem on the right side, added ribbon from Target's Club Wed section, and had a plastic pink flower to top it off! Plus I added a scallop edge and punch 1/16" holes to give more of a "girly" look!

I plan on having low key weekend to catch up on things and just veg in my craft room. It misses me and I miss my stamps!! Thanks for the visit and have a great Friday!!!

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Sassy Suzie, Lots of Thoughts, Michael's $1 stamp. Paper: SU! Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White, Positively Pink, Green Galore, DP (Provo Craft) Ink: SU! Basic Black, Purely Pomegranate, Ink Re-fills Accessories: White Target Club Web ribbon, Plastic pink flower, blender pen, dimensionals, stamp positioner, scallop scissors, 1/16" hole punch, etc.