Con'grats Grad... Going Green!

Happy Sunday! Hope your weekend is going well.... :) The weather is great here today and we just finished giving Cooper a bath!! (I have a photo of him below!)

Aren't these flower just the cutest!? My two cards are inspired by Wendy Johnson from the newest issue of Paper Crafts, (July/August 2009) In the beginning of the magazine there is a section called "Ask the Pros" and one topic was "GOING GREEN".

On Wendy's card she used printed cardboard packaging. But I decide to use printed copy paper! Both cards have a female edge... obviously! The top one is for a High School graduate and the second card is for my husbands niece who just graduated from college. So I made that one more sophisticated with softer lines. I just LOVE using my embellies with these flowers... :) I used my Craft Chocolate Chip and clear EP on the sentiments.
Click on the photos for a closer look! I hope you enjoy and have a chance to get some stamping time in today!! Thanks for poppin' in and the lovely comments ladies... always appreciate the visit!

SMILES... Michelle :)

Here is "Cooper" after his bath!! He's just about dry now!!

Stamps: SU! Congrats, Congrats Grad! ($1 stamp Studio G) Paper: SU! Chocolate Chip, Cool Caribean, DP Delicate DOts, printed copy paper Ink: SU! Craft Chocolate Chip, Cool Caribean Other: SU! daisy Punch (retired) and SU! Boho Blossoms & Trio Flower Punch, MS border punch, Nestie Label one, ribbon (Target Club Wed), clear EP, sponge, jewelry spacers, misc. buttons, rhinestones, brads (JoAnns), dimensionals, glue dots, tan floss (DMC), CB Swiss Dots folder, etc.

MoJo Monday & CC220... Rockn' Roll!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!! The weekend is here and I'm looking forward to it... how about you? Last night I made my 2nd card using MoJo Monday Sketch Challenge and this time I decided to use SCS Color Challenge (CC220). Which was So Saffron, Bashful Blue and Pumpkin Pie colors.

I found this DP that matches perfectly with Pumpkin Pie and wanted to make a card with my Flight of the Butterfly set. I embossed the So Saffron cardstock with the D'vine Swirls folder and sponged the high parts to get more contrast. On the butterfly I did the Rockn' Roll Technique!! The fun part is I decide to use a button for the butterflies body!! I placed wire through the holes and up the back to create tentacles. I used my tweezers for this... LOL! I should have grabbed a needle nose pliers. The rest is pretty basic. The sentiment is a rub-on from JoAnn's. Click on the photo's for a closer look and I hope you have a chance to play with these challenges this week! SO FUN!!

Thanks for stopping in for a visit and I hope you enjoy!! I love your comments... Have a super weekend and fun in the sun.... :)

Smiles... Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Flight of the Butterfly, Dot Circle (Hero Arts) Paper: SU! Whisper White, Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, DP (Chatter Box) Ink: SU! Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie Other: SU! 1 3/4" and 1 3/8" circle punches, snaps, ribbon (?), CB embossing folders (Swiss Dots, D'Vine Swirls), Rub-on (JoAnn's), sponge, foam tape, glue dots, wire (?), SU! button, etc.

MoJo Monday Challenge!!

WOW, did this day just fly by!! I didn't get into my craft room till late this evening and wanted to quickly post my card. I followed the MoJo Monday sketch challenge... :)

I challenged my self to use blue as I have so many DP's with blue tones, but seem to stay away from them... not sure why! I think of blue during the winter months... which we don't need right now! Today was pretty cool and cloudy. This weekend we may have WARMER temps!!

My card is pretty cut and dry! I sure enjoyed using my SU! punches, CB Swiss dots folder, adding white snaps in the corners and I used SU! Organza Ribbon which I just love!! I don't actually have a roll of it, I must have had a scrap from class, but it's on my wish list!!

Tomorrow I have a hair appt and running errands. I so enjoyed this sketch challenge that I have plans to make another card... so stay tune my stamping friends!! Thanks for all the lovely comments and visits... I truly enjoy them ALL!!

Smiles... Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Best Yet, Pocket Silhouettes Paper: SU! Close to Cocoa, Creamy Carmel, Whisper White, Bashful Blue, DP (?) Ink: SU! Creamy Carmel, Craft Chocolate Chip, Brocade Blue Other: SU! Large Oval, Oval Scallop, Circle Scallop, 1 3/8" circle punches, Making Memories white snaps, SU! Organza Ribbon, dimensionals, SU! Clear EP, paper piercing, CB Swiss Dots folder, etc.

Party Hearty... Froggy card!!

Hello everyone!!! Today I have a card to share from my April stamping retreat that I forgot to post. This "Cutie Patootie" frog is so fun to play with... don't you think?

I started with bright colors for a kids b-day card, CB embossing my yellow cardstock, layered up the frog and adding a "Swirl" coming out of this mouth... he,he! I acutely took the SU! Swirls Scribbles die to get this effect. I added some paper piercing and used my circle punches to create "rings" for more fun!

Enjoy my stampin' friends!! Fun birthday card for a kid OR a grown up who is a "Kid-at-Heart"!! Have a super day and summer is coming... :)

Smiles... Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Party Hearty Paper: SU! Real Red, Whisper White, YoYo Yellow, Green Galore, Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black Ink: SU! Real Red, Craft Whisper White Other: SU! Detail White embossing powder, paper piercing, SU! circle and oval punches, white gel pen, SU! grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals, Sizzix frog die, SU! Swirls Scribbles die, CB embossing folder (Happy Birthday), etc.

Make a Wish... with Western Flair!!

Morning!! Wow, it's been 3 days since I posted and the longest I've went! I hope everyone is enjoying this fantastic LONG weekend... for my US bloggers that is! Yesterday my hubby and I did get quite a bit of work done in the yard... and by mid-afternoon I took Cooper for a nice long walk. When coming back I picked up the mail and guess what??? My newest issue of Paper Crafts was in my hand.... life is good! Talk about everything falling in place for a nice stamping afternoon with some new inspiration!! :)

Now I must confess, this card is not inspired from my new Paper Crafts magazine, but from Debbie at Thinking Inking! I good friend of mine, Diane which we had a fun "field-trip" to some craft stores this past Tuesday, e-mailed me Debbie's card to show me the Top Note edges at the bottom of her card. We looked into how this was done. You place your DP or cardstock on the long side of the Top Note and send it through part way and back it out... pretty cool!! I like the Western Flair... I just had to try this technique as I'm CRAZY about the Top Note die!! (can you tell from my cards I post!!) :)

Take a look at the card I CHASED!! I change it up a bit, but still used DP from Cosmo Cricket. Love those buttons, a great way to use them up!

I want to share a photo of our flowering Crab Apple Tree north of the house. It's just gorgeous!! The hummingbirds and bee's are VERY busy... and the smell is sweet! Enjoy my stamping friends, and thanks SO much for the visit!! Have some stampin' fun... :)

Smiles.... Michelle :)
Stamps: SU! SO Many Sayings Paper: SU! Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red, Very Vanilla, More Mustard, Wheat (Archiver's), DP (Cosmo Cricket) Ink: SU! Creamy Carmel, Chocolate Chip, More Mustard Other: SU! Large and small Star Punches, CB Tiny Mosaic embossing folder, SU! and misc. buttons, DCM floss for the buttons, SU! 5/8" grosgrain Chocolate chip ribbon, SU! Top Note Die, sanding block, sponges, foam dots, sewing machine, SU! Wide Oval punch, silver star (WalMart), stamp positioner, etc.

SFYTT and DRS Designs... Wild Side!

Hi everyone!!! Hope all is going well where you are at... :) Can you believe I made another card using Jen's SFYTT challenge and this cute monkey from DRS Designs ... that the SWEET Susan from Susan's Day off Creations mailed me stamped images of... It's the little girl in me! Pop in for a visit as I know Susan would enjoy it... :)

This time I turned the layout, different colors, cut the "michelle" monkey out for more of a 3-D effect and added a party hat. That sentiment is so fun and I worked off my DP for the colors this time. Check out my first card using this monkey!!

Click on the photos for a closer look! You can see how the monkey is popping off the card... ready to PARTY!!


I can't wait for this coming weekend as we have 3 days... to enjoy gardening, grilling, walks, sleeping in, and STAMPING!! Yes, I'm taking one of the 3 days to enjoy my passion... he! :)

Have a super evening ladies (gentlemen too!) and thanks for stopping in for a visit.... Love it when you do!! Enjoy...

Smiles... Michelle :)

Stamps: DRS Designs ("Michelle" Monkey), Party Hearty Paper: SU! Real Red, Brilliant Blue, Whisper White, DP (The Paper Patch) Ink: SU! Summer Sun, Chocolate Chip, Cream Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Real Red Other: SU! Corner Rounder, 3/4", 1" and 1 1/4" Circle Punches, Nesties, dimensionals, sponge, Aquapainter, silver pearls (Michael's), etc.

OCC Challenge... Butterflies!

Hello!! Last night I decided to play along with the OCC Challenge which was a "color challenge" using Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, and Bashful Blue. I also chased Dawn McVey's card lay-out at My Favorite Things! Check it out... :)

I think I have to much Regal Rose going on... I'm more of a Certainly Celery girl... LOL! :) I loved using my Top Note in a different way, the bling, paper piercing and using my twill celery ribbon.

I'm off to watch Dancing with the Stars now... Can't WAIT to see who wins!! Enjoy your evening and enjoy some stamping time... I know I will!

Smiles... Michelle

Stamps: SU! Best Yet, Flight of the Butterfly, Baroque Motifs Paper: SU! Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Whisper White Ink: SU! Regal Rose, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, Basic Black Other: SU! Top Note Die, paper piercing, rhinestones (Hero Arts), SU! Celery Twill Ribbon, dimensionals, 1/16" hole punch, etc.

CC218, SFYTT and DRS images from Susan!!

Morning Everyone!! The sun is shinning bright and beautiful weather... :) Today's card was inspired by Susan at Susan's Day Off Creations who mailed me these SWEET stamped DRS Designs images... the "Michelle" monkey and sentiment!! (YES, the name of the monkey is MICHELLE... LOL!)

Yesterday I decided to play with the colors from CC218 and Jen's SFYTT challenges. First off the CC218 was Susan's creative idea!! Which is using Kiwi Kiss, Summer Sun and Only Orange... FUN! My DP matched perfectly to the Kiwi Kiss color, and creating a banner look for the sentiment. No ribbon, I'm so proud of myself... instead I added the large yellow brads.

Have a super day stampers and enjoy!! Thanks SO much Susan for the fun "surprise" in the mail!! Visit her blog for some FABULOUS inspiration!! I have another idea to try with these every SO cute monkey images!! Stay tune... :)

SMILES... Michelle :)

Stamps: DRS Designs (Michelle Monkey) Paper: SU! Kiwi Kiss, Summer Sun, Only Orange, Whisper White, DP (Scenic Route Paper) Ink: Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, Blush Blossom, Summer Sun Other: SU! circle punches, Nestie dies, SU! Word Window Punch, CuttleBug Swiss Dots folder, rhinestone, yellow brads (?), sponge, foam tape, mini flower punch (Michael's), etc.

Wishes... come true!!

First I want to say "THANK YOU" for all the sweet comments on my craft room I posted. My room is not as clean as the photos show, but very controlled "so far"... LOL! :)

A couple nights ago I started this card, which was kind of an oops! I CB embossing my Top Note die cut and taking my ink pad directly to the embossed image. I had ink all over, but after I looked at it... I thought "Lets see what I come up with!" I like how it turned out!! :)

A fun mix of colors Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze and Not Quite Navy. The Kiwi Kiss really POPS on the embossed image. I embossed 2 dragonflies in bronze and over lapped them to give a motion of fluttering!! The white circle ring in the background is to high light and accent the image. (Was a scarp I had... Love it!)

I hope you are having a nice weekend so far!! We have colder temps and wind in Minnesota for the weekend, but the sun was shinning bright... :) Take a look at my close up of the dragonfly to see the 3-D effect. (Click on the photo for a detailed look.) Thanks for poppin' in and enjoy friends!!!

SMILES... Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Bunch O' Bugs, Heard from the Heart Paper: SU! Not Quite Navy, Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze Ink: SU! Kiwi Kiss, Not Quite Navy, VersaMark Other: SU! Top Note die, SU! Bronze EP, ribbon (Target Club Wed), CuttleBug embossing folders (Swiss Dots and Stylized Flowers), SU! 1 1/2" and 1 3/4" Circle punches, foam tape, etc.

My Craft Room... A slice of HEAVEN!!

Hi everyone!!! :) Here is my slice of HEAVEN... I'm grinning from ear to ear with finally having my craft room completed. I have a few photos, links, and details to share with you. Click on the photo's for a closer look and to see more details!!

NOTE: This post is long so grab a cup of coffee or just brows threw if you wish... :)

First off I want to THANK my dear hubby, Mark, for building storage/shelf units, hanging peg-board, setting up wireless Internet, floor to ceiling shelving in my closet, and just helping me on ideas I tossed at him. The first photo is my craft table with peg board and open back shelving I designed. The size of my room is 11 1/2' x 10 1/2'... originally a bed room, but now my craft room... I tried to get as much function out of the dimensions I had to work with. The shelf unit above my table is for holding jars of ribbon, (each ribbon is put on a clothes pin, then organized by color.), displaying cards I've made and cards received by "super talented" stampin' friends!! I have a few storage boxes ready to fill... room for growth!!

The curtain rods hold my punches and ribbon, which I purchased at Wal-Mart... only $1.99 to $2.99 a rod. The idea to hold my punches was seen at iStamp as Nancy uses peg-board to hold lots of her tools!! You can see I have my rods FULL OF PUNCHES! But, I have a solution to that, you'll see in another photo! (I have seen other crafters buying IKA rods and attach them to there walls!) The ribbon with the curtain rods was seen at Stampin' With Markie's Mom. I have 4 stacked storage cubes with draws in front of my peg-board. I decide to run the peg-board the same length as the top shelving unit to give me more options if I want to change this around in the future. LOVE options!... Doesn't any women!! :)

This photo is a full view of my craft table. I have a small oak shelf unit serving as an END-CAP to hold my baskets of embellies, re-inkers, an misc. items. My cardstock is sorted by file folders in this plastic tote on the floor. I would like to have something on wheels someday. I tried to work in a short file cabinet, but room was an issue.

I set up my work area in a "L" shape. This works the best for me, as I have a work surface behind me with access to stamping supplies. Under the window I have a narrow shelf unit that holds my SU! back ground stamps, MORE PUNCHES, CuttleBug, misc. items and scrap paper. I have my embossing gun hanging on a 3M adhesive hook next to the black bag under my table. (It's kinda hard to see, but works great when I need it... I find I emboss more now!!) The 2 portable totes on top hold my ink pads (old SU! Pads). I have each draw labeled with the name of each pad color and took a pencil eraser to stamp a sample so you can look at-a-glance. Now my goal is to get this ink storage unit (seen on iStamp) to hold the NEWER SU! pads, markers and reinkers. This is why the shelf is lower to accommodate the height of the unit. Right now they have a 10% off sale... Woo, Hoo! I just might get my unit ordered from Storage Unit, Ink & More today!

At this angle you can see a better view of how my room is flowing. I found storage baskets for my shelving unit, behind my chair, which I purchased at Target. They have wire frames and the weaving is hand twisted paper... going GREEN BABY! The smaller baskets have fabric liners and the large baskets are Milk Crates. I also have 2 -12"x12" containers to hold DP's!! I have my lap top close by to get any challenges or surf my LARGE file of favorites when I'm ready to stamp!! This photo gives you the idea of where my closet is located and the start of the second half of the room. I chose not to show the world my closet... LOL! Mark did put floor to ceiling white melamine shelving inside. I have tons of stamps sets, gift wrapping, card stock, holiday stamps and embellies in totes to grab when I'm ready for them. I do have room for growth!! I did get rid of some 12x12 DP which I donated to the YMCA's day care. I will be getting rid of SU! stamps and other embellies soon. I have two more blogs that have "great" craft room inspiration... My Favorite Things by Dawn McVey and Stampin' Pretty by Mary Fish... check them out!!

This photo shows my two paint colors in my room... a lite tan and a color matching Certainly Celery. I LOVE THIS COLOR!! (My photo's show the green as bright, but NOT I.R.L.!) I did accent my room with bright orange, pinks, yellows, and blues! Don't worry, the rest of my house is earth tones colors!! :) My hubby built me "FLOATING SHELVES" for this area that I seen in a magazine 3 years ago. I decide to use this as a focal point when you walk into the room. Plus I have my little library of craft magazines ready in hand!! (My hubby thinks I have waisted space... one shelf made for "2" vases... he shakes his head!) I just smile and say "It's a girl thing!"

Last photo shows my accent wall with 3 Iris storage carts tucked under a unit made just for them. It hold stamps and has a work surface!! :) I do have my sewing machine on it now. So maybe you'll see more stitches on my cards... :) The lamp works perfect for light on the ceiling and counter. I have a few funky retro wall pieces that I just couldn't pass up. In the future I want to add some SU! vinyl decor elements below the wall grouping. I love the mini circle mirrors hanging on fish line... when the sun is just right I feel like I have a disco ball in my room... he! :) That's it!!

If you have any ??'s about my craft room e-mail me and I will reply as soon as I can!! Or leave a comment, but make sure the comment links your email address!! Otherwise I can't reply back. I hope you enjoyed seeing my craft room and get inspired to organize... this will be the last time you will see my craft room CLEAN! :)

Enjoy your day and thanks for poppin' in for a visit!!

SMILES everyone... Michelle :)