made by m

Getting ready for the first day of school

2011-08-29T14:17:00.001-04:00

Swaps

2010-12-11T01:07:00.001-05:00

All supplies CTMH.
Notepads from Sam's.

Who couldn't use a pad for lists at this tine of year?

For the teachers

2010-08-21T17:53:00.001-04:00

I'm enjoying a crafting day with girlfriends. It feels great to craft ... even if it's just for a day.

I made a personalized notebook for each of the kids' teachers. Each page of the paper pad is stamped.

I love the way they turned out.

For a swap

2010-04-13T16:46:00.000-04:00

Happy birthday card.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Bekah's first pedi

2010-02-01T09:04:00.001-05:00

Another 12x12 layout. I wanted to add something in that top right corner, but after four attempts to add something (all of which didn't work for me) I give up. Done.

The foundation of this layout was a card (yes, card) sketch at Get Sketchy.

Journalling reads: "A birthday treat. A trip to Lady Nails for a mani & pedi. Bekah & Emma - princesses. 7/08"

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

12x12 ... No way!

2010-02-01T07:23:00.002-05:00

Here's my first 12x12 layout of the year, I think!

I followed the sketch at Pencil Lines this week.This is o-l-d CTMH paper, so kudos to me for using up part of the stash.

Supplies: Paper - Girlfriends. Stamp sets - Playful Flourishes, Express Postage, Spot On Backgrounds. Ink - Goldrush, Hollyhock, Garden green. Embellishments - Chipboard, rhinestone brad (Making Memories), jewels (JoAnns), flowers (Prima).

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Valentine's treat

2010-01-31T15:07:00.002-05:00

These were all white, wedding favor treat holders that I found at the Dollar Tree. Add a little ink and you get sweet treat boxes for teacher gifts!

Twelve treat boxes, ready to be filled with chocolates for the kids' teachers. How's that for working ahead?
(If it weren't icy outside, I'd go get the chocolate today!)

Supplies: White favor boxes. Ink - Blush and Cocoa. Stamps - Playful Flourishes, February Word Puzzle.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

14 years

2010-01-31T15:04:00.001-05:00

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength; loving someone deeply gives courage. - Lao Tzu"
I've had this frame for awhile, intending for it to frame a wallet photo. It was too small for my picture, but I then thought it'd be great for some altered use.
Tah dah. A great sentiment, considering Chris & I celebrate our fourteenth anniversary this week.

Supplies: Paper by Carolee's Creations (it's old - I'm sure it's retired); Flowers by Prima; Rhinestone brad by Making Memories; Stamps by CTMH - Playful Flourishes, The Gift of Love; Ink by CTMH - Cocoa, Sweet Leaf

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Framed Art for Nana

2010-01-30T10:45:00.000-05:00

Ironic that I'm working with photos of beautiful, colorful summer flowers amidst today's snowfall!

I took these pictures this past summer while at Chris' mom's. She has a great garden surrounding the pool. I had procrastinated working with these photos, but then Kelly posted a challenge to pull out pictures and scrap whatever I found. Ok. Challenge accepted. Flower pictures used. While it isn't a scrapbook page, it is a creation -- and, for me, that's good enough!

I don't know that you can read the captions, as I took the picture (lazily) with my phone. The top swirl sentiment says, "Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves ..." and the bottom one says, "It is when you give of yourself that you truly give."

Supplies: All CTMH. Paper - Daydream. Stamp set - Treasures of the Heart & Treasures. Ink - Blush, Cocoa, Creme Brulee, Sweet Leaf.

Cherish

2010-01-03T18:03:00.002-05:00

I was able to eek in the time on Sunday afternoon and, instead of working on lesson plans, I crafted one more card before my self-imposed back-to-work crafting hiatus begins.

It was Super Sketchy Sunday at 365 Cards.

I pulled out paper from the stash. This is OLD paper, like pre-CTMH consultant days. It was sectioned off in my paper stash, so the papers were from the same collection. It has a fun print on it; I see what enticed me to purchase it; the paper set is cute.

Anyhow, I used the four patterned papers to create this card:

The sentiment is two fold. I cherish my vacation time, especially this final day (as I head back to work tomorrow morning). But, at the same time, I have to trust my heart to know that this job of mine is part of God's plan for me. Work is where I am supposed to be these days ... and I have to put my heart into it.

Ok, enough inspirational jibber jabber.

The card is simply a hodge podge of stash items. The twill ribbon is CTMH (left over from the "stamp the ribbon" challenge the other day). The stamp sets are CTMH Playful flourishes (my favorite!) and CTMH Treasures. I used my edge distresser, of course. Other than that, I have no idea what any of the items' manufacturers are. (Sorry!)

With this, I say "Adieu" with hopes that I will be able to find time to sneak back into the craft room this week and create. If not, be on the look out on MLK -- another day off ... I will be back! :)

In conclusion ...

2010-01-03T02:01:00.001-05:00

This may be my final post for a bit, as the Christmas holiday break is over and reality starts on Monday. I'd like to say "I'll make time for crafting", but I know that that could be a lie. I am the type of person who has difficulty juggling being a wife, mom, full time teacher, and crafter ... and when something has to "give", that something is crafting. Anyhow, that being said ... here's my cards to show you today:

It's Five for Friday at 365 Cards. During the cleaning of my craft room, I discovered a baggie of flowers and buttons, obviously from some swap long forgotten. Well, the baggie of goodies came in handy as I created a card for this challenge.

Five for Friday means things should appear on the card in fives...

So, here's my take on that challenge:

1 - five pink flowers with five pink buttons
2 - five green flowers
3 - five stamped flourishes
4 - five rhinestones embellishing the flourishes
5 - five letters in the word SMILE
6 - five stamped "smile" sentiments
7 - five small rhinestones amidst the flourishes
Supplies - All embellishments from the stash, unknown sources. CTMH Playful Flourishes stamp set.

Then, it's Stamping Saturday at 365 Cards. The challenge is to stamp on ribbon. I stamped on twill for this challenge. Now that I look at it, I think I will add some small rhinestones onto the ribbon between the stamped words.

Supplies: All CTMH. Embellishments - clear sparkles. Twill ribbon. Stamp sets - Solo W, It's Your Day. Colors - Hydrangea, Sunny yellow, Star spangled blue, Clover meadow, Holiday red.

Look at this yummy blog candy offered by Janet at Pink Gem. Be sure to click on the link and visit to sign up to win the goodies!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T09:10:00.008-05:00

I used the sketch from Mojo Mondays to create this card. Surprisingly, I had a difficult time putting together the elements for this card. There was something "challenging" to me about the rectangular element and the circle element being so close in size. I guess that's why it's a challenge, though - right?

At 365 Cards, the challenge was to pull something deep from the stash. I found a pack of Colorbok adhesive metal words from long long ago. I think they were "finds" in the Michaels dollar spot. I also discovered some Making Memories molding strips from years ago, so I added that too.

Here is the final product:

Supplies: CTMH Sarsparilla paper, Colorbok metal word, Making Memories strip, CTMH edge distresser, CTMH clear sparkles, EKSuccess scallop circle punch, CTMH Just Blooms, Prima flower, unknown big rhinestone, CTMH Playful flourishes stamp set, CTMH black ink.

CTMH Blog Hop: January 2010 Stamp of the Month

2009-12-31T20:00:00.006-05:00

Welcome to this month's blog hop!

You're in for a special treat today. Lots of CTMH consultants are part of this blog hop to showcase our January Stamp of the Month called True Friends, a set of eleven stamps. {If you're interested in purchasing this set, contact me or your own CTMH consultant.}

If you got here from Nancy's blog, you're going in the correct direction. If I'm your first stop on the hop, keep reading. From here, you'll go to Nona's blog and you'll circle back around and eventually, you'll end up back here (and then you'll know you're done hopping!). Just keep following the links on the consultants' blogs! {The link for Nona's is at the end of this post!}

I used the sketch at ICS to help create this card.

It was fun to find elements to match the sketch:

I used a photo corner (from the new Connection Club sets) in place of the circle element on the sentiment piece.
I used clear sparkles in place of the circle elements in the bottom right.
The layered flower makes the other element (with the bling flower from an old Connection Club set).

I dolled up the white daisy Just Blooms by stamping flourishes on it. I love that our flowers are so easy to work with!

Is anyone else addicted to edge distressing? I can't help but distress ...

And -- tah dah! -- here's my card:

Supplies used: All CTMH (unless otherwise noted). Paper - Sasparilla. Ink - black, cocoa. Embellishments - chocolate ribbon, clear sparkles, twilight photo corner. Stamp set - True Friends & Playful Flourishes. Tools - edge distresser, sponge dauber, SU flower punch, Fiskars border punch.

From here, you're headed to Nona's blog to see another use of this month's stamp of the month!

Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy the hop!

Quadrants?

2009-12-30T05:54:00.006-05:00

The challenge on 365 Cards today was quite the challenge:

It's about dividing your card into quadrants - there should be 4 equal parts and each quadrant should contain one of the following:1 stamped sentiment,1 punched out item, 1 floral embellishment, 1 rhinestone.

I liked being "forced" to meet requirements, and I'm actually happy with the end result.
In the top left quadrant, I tried to make a flower using three crumpled circles. I saw it on someone else's blog, and it looked more "flowery" than mine ... but c'est la vie.

In the bottom right quadrant, I punched the black cardstock and layered it over patterned paper. Punching the stem and leaves was harder than I thought. Again, c'est la vie.

Supplies: CTMH Sasparilla, SU punches, CTMH clear sparkles and brad, CTMH Treasures stamp set, black and CTMH cocoa ink.

From trash to treasure

2009-12-30T03:29:00.002-05:00

The challenge at Get Sketchy was to take something that would usually be trashed and transform it. I had saved two of these containers long ago - and I'm happy that I have finally used one of them to make something! There's nothing like a blog challenge to get me going!

This was before.

This was after. I made a mini flower arrangement to brighten up my craft room during the winter time. This is a close up of the vase part.

I like the cheery colors. I like using up the stash. I like my creation! :)

Supplies: All paper from unknown sources. Doodlebug ribbon. Maya Roads poms. SU oval and circle punches.

Inspired by Glee

2009-12-29T08:12:00.005-05:00

The challenge at 365 Cards today was to use this CD cover as inspiration. I was struck by the large white outlined number and the color palette. Yellow and red - what a bright and cheery combination in the middle of winter.

So, this is what I created:

Supplies: Colors - CTMH Holiday red, CTMH sunny yellow, CTMH black. Stamp sets - CTMH Floral elements, CTMH Treasures. Tools - EKSuccess border punch, EK square punch. Embellishments - (unknown source) flower, rhinestone

Flowers, flourishes, ink - oh my!

2009-12-28T04:35:00.000-05:00

On Practical Scrappers, there was an inspiring sketch (which I turned 90 degrees counter clockwise). The inspiration on 365 Cards forced me to find my flourishes stamp set. The Belli challenge led me to dig through an embellishment baggie and find this "reminisce" tag floating amidst a sea of flowers and buttons,

Supplies: Stamp set - CTMH Playful Fluorishes; Ink - CTMH Grey Wool; Embellishments - CTMH Clear sparkles, CTMH Flower sparkles, CTMH hemp, unknown flowers and buttons.

I had fun using up things from the stash.

Sketches

2009-12-27T19:31:00.006-05:00

It is Sketchy Sunday at 365 Cards. I was un-inspired until I saw Vicky's card - which is the last one of the DT cards on today's 365 Cards post.

Here is my creation:

Supplies: All CTMH. Ink - Lilac mist, Orchid, Grey wool. Stamp set - Butterfly wings. Embellishments - Prisma glitter.

I'm not sure if you can see it in the pictures, but there is prisma glitter on the butterflies' wings. I love some sparkle!

I did the rolling technique to ink the edges of the wings a little darker than the rest. I'm not sure if you can tell that either.

There's a lot of white space on this card, but I think it all works. I like the way it turned out.

Have I mentioned how much I have enjoyed crafting this week? School resumes on January 4 ... only 7 more days of vacation remain ...

Feeling blue

2009-12-26T07:43:00.005-05:00

I bought me a treat from WalMart. While unsuccessfully shopping for photo frames (why did I wait until Christmas Eve?), I stumbled across a cute mini easel for $7. It's mine! Hopefully, it adds some 'class' to my card photos!

Yesterday, at 365 Cards, the challenge was to create a snowflake. Ok, so I must admit it has been for-evah since I last cut out a snowflake. What fun I had ... although I have little bitty pieces of paper on the floor now!

Supplies: Everything is from my stash, all from unknown sources.

Today's challenge at 365 Cards was to tear paper. I combined that with Bizzy Becs challenge. The stamp image had never seen ink until today. The ricrac is from a swap from CKU 2005.

Supplies: Stamp sets - CTMH Spunky Greetings, CTMH Heartthrob. Ink - CTMH Moonstruck. Paper - Carolee's Creations (so very old!). Embellishments: Doodlebug ricrac, CTMH clear sparkles.

Almost 2010

2009-12-25T06:00:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas to those of you visiting today!

I woke up at my usual 4am and waited for the kids to wake up on this Christmas morning. I was able to create a single card before Bekah wandered in at 6am, ready to see what Santa had brought.

Cute Card Thursday had a challenge to use a New Year's theme which I mixed with Kazan's sketch at 2 sketches 4 you. I tried to use Penny's monochromatic challenge as I selected a series of blue papers, but I couldn't resist adding the red and white polka dot ribbon.

Supplies: Tools - SU spiral punch, SU scallop circle punch. Stamps - CTMH Spunky greetings, CTMH Today's date. Paper & ribbon from the stash. Colors - CTMH Holiday red, CTMH Outdoor denim. Foam tape for dimension.

Do you like Basic Grey?

2009-12-24T08:08:00.002-05:00

Check out this offer at Get Sketchy if you are interested in winning a great Basic Grey treat set! Tell them I sent you ... and then go get your friends to check it out too.

Spreading Christmas cheer

2009-12-24T05:25:00.004-05:00

Real quick post today - because it *is* Christmas Eve and there is much to do around here. :)

Day 299 at 365 Cards inspired to keep the holiday sentiment inside the card. LOL that this card I am posting is card #2. The first one, I finished and looked at - only to see that the border I used was a series of sentiments. Really. I obviously didn't have sufficient coffee intake before creating this morning!

Supplies: Stickles and ribbon. The rest, all CTMH - Stamp sets: Ms. Holiday Cheer, Jingle Borders. Colors: Black, Holiday Red, Goldrush, New England Ivy, Vanilla Creme.

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas! Wishing you God's blessings in the coming year.

Busy but sincere

2009-12-23T07:56:00.005-05:00

This is a stretch to fulfill today's ABC challenge, which is "K is for kissing". While the sample cards all used stamps sets with kissing images, I chose to use the technique of stamp kissing.

The result is a little busy, but - maybe due to my intense caffeine intake this morning - I like it. Some of the letters are raised with foam tape. I think I need to stamp off the paper in the top right corner, so I might add that - now that I see the picture of the card. Forever critquing ...

Supplies: All CTMH. Stamp sets: You've got flair, Headline alpha large, Spot on backgrounds. Ink: Grey wool, Heavenly blue, Outdoor denim.

Ok. So, it's 8am now and I need to "really" start my day. I must say, though, what a great way to begin a day, crafting and creating. I {heart} vacation!

One more for the morning

2009-12-23T07:00:00.002-05:00

It's been so long since I've blog surfed or looked at challenge blogs. Oh, how I miss that! But -- with just a little more time this morning, I popped on over to Penny's challenge blog and found one more inspiration for my creative morning. Stars. Well, I still had the Star Struck stamp set out on my table - so without much "looking for stamp set" effort, I created this:

Supplies: All CTMH. Stamp set: Star struck, Thank you. Ink: Grey wool, Holiday red, Clover meadow. Foam adhesive.

Flowers in wintertime

2009-12-23T05:56:00.005-05:00

As I challenge myself to stamp and use no other paper besides the card base, here's my creation for 365 Cards Day 297:

The challenge was to create a card with a non wintery theme - hence, the flowers. I went a little further with the "symbolism" in my card - but let me explain ... because otherwise you might not "get it". Hah. I chose grey wool as my ink color - a muted, grey color to symbolize winter. I chose the flower stamp - a sign of spring. I chose a turquoise button - a small burst of color like the first flower bud of springtime.

As I look at my sentiment that I chose earlier this morning, it is bittersweet. Between making this card and posting now, I found out that a friend of mine in Kansas City just passed away after a heart attack. "Through happy times and sad ... friend" takes new meaning now.

Supplies: All CTMH. Stamp set: Friendship word puzzle, Treasures of the heart. Ink: Grey wool. Embellishments: button, hemp.

Holiday creation time - Let it begin!

2009-12-23T05:47:00.003-05:00

Oh my. I have had near no time to craft since the school year started, so today was especially blissful to get up at my usual time, to brew a pot of coffee, and then to seek refuge in the craft room. Amen for Christmas break!

Where did I go to seek inspiration? Well - to 365 Cards, of course! Today's inspiration was circles and here is my creation:

Supplies: All CTMH except Stickles (which are in the middle of a few circles). Stamp set: Star Struck, Thank You. Ink: Lilac mist, Sweet leaf, Blush.

SOTM blog hop - Dec 2009

2009-11-30T19:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to this month's blog hop! If you got here from Kristie's blog, you're going in the correct direction.

This month's stamp of the month is a set of 41 stamps called NOTICE THE DETAILS. I have been really busy these days, with the Thanksgiving trip to Disney with the family ... and when I am short on creating time, I love creating 3" x 3" cards. It's enough to feel creative for me ... :)

So, here's my card:

As we get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I think this card speaks volumes about enjoying the day God gives us ...

Supplies used: All CTMH - paper: Good times; twill ribbon; clear sparkles; stamp set - Notice the details.

From here, you're headed to Laurie's blog to see another use of this month's stamp of the month!
Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy the hop!

November Stamp of the Month blog hop

2009-11-02T05:37:00.003-05:00

A day late and a dollar short should be my motto these days ... I'm not sure where my post went that was scheduled to show yesterday. I don't even see it in my drafts when I click on edit posts. Ugh. Maybe I tried to post with too little coffee in my system ... Ugh. My apologies especially go to Jamia (and all those listed after her). I halted blog hop traffic with my lack of posting. (Thanks Dawn for letting me know that my post was missing. I wasn't online yesterday to confirm that my scheduled post posted. I now know better!)

Anyhow, I'm trying again ...

Welcome to November’s Stamp of the Month Blog Hop where we will be featuring the Around the Block stamp set from Close to My Heart. If you have come here from Dawn's blog, you are on the right path! This is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

With two houses near me awaiting new owners, I'm thinking this card will accompany a sweet batch of homebaked goodies when new neighbors arrive!

Supplies: All CTMH. Paper - Good times. Stamp - Around the block. Ink - Twilight, Sweet Leaf, Chocolate. Embellishments - ribbon. Tools - Fiskars scallop punch.

Now "Hop" on over to Jamia's blog to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting and other fun ideas! Remember, the Around the Block stamp set is only available until November 30th!

Contact your CTMH Consultant or email me at maricar@myctmh.com to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!

*****************************

NOTE: If you get lost on the hop or find links that aren't working, go to Jena's blog for a complete list of participating blogs.

October Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

2009-10-01T19:54:00.005-04:00

[If you came by earlier, I apologize for the halt to the hop. I had unexpected technical difficulties. (Are those ever expected?) Anyhow, the picture is a little grainy because I had to take it with my BlackBerry in order to post here. Somehow, I have misplaced my card reader. (If you saw the utter chaos of the craft room, you'd understand.) Anyhow, I was able to clear off just enough room to create one card to share. Enjoy!]

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! We will be featuring October's SOTM, which is "Holiday Warmth", a set of 11 stamps. If you have come here from Traci's blog, you are on the right path!

This month we have a lot of Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. This is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one!

Here's my card:

Supplies: Paper - CTMH Good Times. Stamps - CTMH Holiday Warmth. Tools - Crayola watercolor pencils, CTMH blending pen, CM and SU! punches. Ribbon - Michaels.

Off to see the next card, which is on Pam's blog. Happy hopping!

Every teacher needs a calendar

2009-09-02T05:51:00.004-04:00

Finding the perfect calendar.

It's such a daunting task for me.

Not enough space to write. Too much space to write.

Ugly or boring cover.

Too big. Too little.

Too expensive.

AHHHH!

But then I stumbled upon this at the Dollar Tree. So ugly, but for one dollar - even if I mess it up, I wouldn't feel too badly if I gave it to Bekah for doodling paper.

And, so the ugly and boring planner was mine. And, I came home and tried to work some papercrafting magic.

Here's my planner for this academic year:

Supplies: Bazzill cardstock. Doodlebug ribbon. CTMH stamps - Faith. CTMH sparkles.

September Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

2009-09-01T05:17:00.005-04:00

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! We will be featuring Septembers's SOTM, which is Treasures, a set of 13 stamps. If you have come here from Michelle's blog, you are on the right path!

This month we have a lot of Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. This is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one!

Here we go!

For those of you who don't know me, I returned to the full time work force two weeks ago as a middle school science teacher. After crafting most of the summer, my free time has come to a screeching halt. Disappointingly, that means that my time to craft is severly limited these days. I know that once I get "into the groove" things will be better and I will be able to make time to craft. This is my first post in two weeks. Don't worry - I'll be back!

My card follows a sketch I saw somewhere in Blogland. I tried to find the sketch to link it here, but no such luck. (If someone recognizes it, let me know so I can give credit where credit is due!)

Supplies: All CTMH. Stamp set - Treasures. Colors - Topiary, Outdoor denim, Barn red, Cocoa. Embellishments - Chocolate ribbon. Tools - Edge distresser.

Now, hop on over to Antoinette's blog to see her work!

Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Remember, the September SOTM is only available until the end of the month! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!

If you get lost on the hop or find links that aren't working, click here for a complete list of participating blogs.

Thanks for stopping by!

Attempting (poorly) to juggle

2009-08-24T21:21:00.002-04:00

Ugh.
I wish I had something to show you ... but I don't.

Instead of being buried in buttons, ribbon and paper, I am being engulfed by school books and lesson plans. It seems I don't have it "all together" yet, but I am slowly getting there. I hope.

Last week was filled with in service meetings and classroom reorganization. My Cricut came in handy as I created bulletin boards!

Today was the first day back for students, so this week will be incredibly crazy. I'm struggling with juggling - wife, mom, teacher, crafter, cook, maid ... you know the list. I need to determine the "happy balance" and then all will be good again!

So, bear with me -- I will be back.

Felt galore

2009-08-18T20:50:00.000-04:00

I received a bunch of felt flowers in a swap long, long ago. As I was cleaning up the other day, these were laying on my workspace, and I saw a card in the making. Here's what I made:

Supplies: Stamps - CTMH Thank You. Everything else is from the stash, unknown source.

Faith

2009-08-17T07:17:00.006-04:00

Call me the master of procrastination ... but instead of preparing for my first inservice day, I utilized my spare thirty minutes to blog hop, find a sketch, and create a card. I have to leave for school in 40 minutes, so once I post, it's off to shower, dress, grab a cup of coffee and be on my way. As much as I already miss the idea of leisurely morning cups of coffee on the deck (Did I mention how crisp the air is today? It is so so wonderful outside!), I am looking forward to starting a new school year. A new beginning.

Anyhow, before I get all sentimental, here's my sweet and simple card that follows the sketch on Card Patterns:

Supplies: Paper - unknown (another dinosaur old paper); Stamps - all CTMH, Faith, Hope, Charity and Delight in Everything; Embellishments - all from Michaels, ribbon, rhinestone; Ink - CTMH black

Now, off to start my life as a middle school science teacher. Bring on the day!

Flowers for you

2009-08-16T10:09:00.000-04:00

As I was cleaning today, I stumbled across a half (or more than half) used scrapbook kit. Most of it was just scraps and leftover stickease, but I was able to put some pieces together to create this:

Supplies: Stamp set - CTMH Dream Big. Everything else is from the stash.

Shape-ing up at 365 Cards

2009-08-15T07:25:00.003-04:00

I'm late, I'm late, I'm late.

Life is crazy here. Somehow, the fatigue of the summer caught up with me yesterday. I arrived home at 1pm and immediately rested on the couch. It's 7am now. Uh, yeah. No, I didn't sleep the entire time, but I did little (if anything) productive beside lie there and rest. No laptop. No blackberry. No magazine. Just me and restful quiet. I should feel completely revived now -- but knowing that "real life" starts Monday is causing me some anxiety. (I'm a school teacher, and inservice begins on Monday.)

Anyhow, I meant to post this yesterday.

Here's my card using Wednesday's inspiration at 365 Cards, which was to use a star on the card.

Supplies: Colors - Dutch blue, Autumn terracotta, tulip. Stamp sets - Star struck, Faith.

Inspired x 2

2009-08-13T07:09:00.000-04:00

So, I go to 365 Cards on Tuesday and see the challenge - a really funky color scheme. "Do I have any paper with those colors?" I ask myself. Wierd colors. I guess it's another challenge I will pass on. But, I - of course - took the time to click on the links of those who had already completed the challenge. At that point, it was just Chrissie and Hannah. Well, I saw Chrissie's card - and viola! The creative muses hit me and I knew I could complete this challenge. [Sorry it took me so long to post.]

So, here's my take:

So, inspired by Chrissie's take, I was able to use the colors for 365 Cards color challenge. Whew.

Supplies: Stamp sets - CTMH Thank You and Delight in Everything; Ink - black; Embellishments - CTMH waxy flax, CTMH clear sparkles, buttons from stash.

O happy day

2009-08-12T00:03:00.000-04:00

For this card, I followed the sketch on 365 Cards. I doubt once school starts that I will be able to complete more than one challenge on 365 Cards each week, but for the past month, I have totally enjoyed the inspiration I find there!

This card uses another of Penny's digi stamps. (She just released some new ones over the weekend - you should take a peek!) I used my CTMH watercolor pencils and blending pen to color it. I am enjoying coloring images ... and hopefully, my skills will improve as I continue to practice! :)

It also satisfies the Use It! challenge for this week:

My new technique was using waxy flax as thread. OMW -- I think I'm in love. Waxy flax was so much easier that embroidery floss. I'll have to look to see what other colors CTMH offers!

My virgin stamp was from CTMH's Kid Power. OMW -- I bought that before I was a consultant and I have been a consultant for over 2 years. I guess it was about time that stamp met ink!

And, the new paper is the card base. I had purchased white scored notecards from PTI a long long long time ago, but they sat in the drawer as I used up the sets I had bought from Michaels. Well, I finished my last pack from Michaels and opened the PTI set. OMW -- if you don't have these as your card bases, you are missing out. The quality of this paper -- it's like comparing 250 count bedsheets to 900 thread count bedsheets. I'm hooked, after just one card!

Supplies: Paper - unknown source (it's that dinosaur old paper from the stash). Stamp set: CTMH Kid Power. Ink: Olive. Embellishments: CTMH waxy flax, CTMH ric rac, unknown buttons. Tools: CTMH watercolor pencils, SU word window punch, CTMH blending pen.

OCD meets collage

2009-08-11T05:01:00.002-04:00

The challenge on Saturday for 365 Cards was collage. So, when I think of collage, I think of piling all sorts of stuff ... and in the end it looks like an organized hodge podge. (Wow, that's an oxymoron!)

Well, the creative muses hit me (or so I think - you decide when you see the card!) ... and while this card is completely out of my OCD mentality of straight lines and measured spaces, I had a lot of fun creating.

I went through my scraps box. If you look closely at this card (and you have looked at my recent cards), you will recognize the papers. I just tore and glued. Tore some more. Glued some more. Until all the white space was gone. Tah dah, my collage!

So, then I had to decide on a sentiment. Hmm ... who would actually want to get this card and realize that it was a creative canvas and not simply a paper scraps dumping ground?

Hmm ... birthday? No.
Congrats? No.
The generic, thinkikng of you? Maybe.
And then, I found it.

Isn't the sentiment perfect for a card front filled with random this-and-thats? Well, I think so.

By now you've noticed that aside from the papers, there are no embellishments. Purposeful omission. This card fulfills the zero embellishments on the ABC challenge blog.

Had it not been for the challenge, I would have added a flower or a button, or something. But now that I look at it, the card seems complete. Surely, there is enough going on with the 20 different patterned papers!

If you're looking for more blog candy offers, check out Rowena's.

Thanks & more blog candy

2009-08-10T05:07:00.002-04:00

Ok, I said I was "out of" BoomDiAda paper. But, before I cleaned up - I found Penny's Challenges and I had just enough BoomDiAda paper for one more card! Her first challenge was buttons - so I pulled out the container of buttons and - tah dah! - this card was created:

Supplies: Paper - CTMH BoomDiAda; Stamp set: CTMH Thank you; Embellishments: CTMH black hemp, Prima flowers, buttons from stash, stickles; Tools: CM square punch.

And, as I was blog hopping today, I stumbled across True's blog and she is giving away some blog candy. Yummy, isn't it?

4U friend & some blog candy

2009-08-09T04:15:00.001-04:00

My card for totday fulfills the challenge at No Time to Stamp, which was to use the word "friend".

It also fullfils the Tealy Good challenge at Cute Card Thursday which was to use a teal/red color combo. I will admit that these are colors that I would never have put together if it weren't for the challenge. Nor would I have searched for my Friendship word puzzle so I could have the word "friend" on this card.

And, since I was feeling a little "out of my box" with the colors, I searched for a sketch and found one on Truly Scrumptious. So, this card, in its entirety was challenge based. I'm so glad there are blogs to help us feed our mojo.

Here's my card:

Again, I know you can't tell - but the rectangular piece in the middle is attached with foam tape. The button and ribbon at the corner hide a stamping error - my laziness got the best of me and I tried to stamp with an incorrect size acrylic block ... um, let's just say after that I got up and got my blocks! Oh, and I put the paper in the Cuttlebug upside down, so my dots are "reverse embossed" ... uh, yeah. Only you paper crafters would know ... (or understand the error, perhaps?).

Supplies: Stamp set - CTMH Friendship word puzzle. Paper - really old DCWV and American Crafts. Embellishments - all unknown sources, from my stash. Tools - Cuttlebug dot folder, EKSuccess scallop circle punch.

And, while you're blog hopping today, be sure to visit Alanna. She is celebrating 300 posts and a whole lot of hits. Visit her blog!

Make it a great day today!

Mojo Monday for a gift card holder

2009-08-08T00:03:00.001-04:00

This is the Mojo Monday sketch for this week.

Using this sketch, I created a gift card matchbook card suitable for a girlfriend. The scallop circle is attached with foam tape. There are stickles all over the flower petals. (I'm loving all that shimmer!) I didn't have enough ribbon to tie a bow, so hence - the knot.

Inside, I used a small paper bag to hold the gift card. Here's what the inside looks like:

And here it is with the gift card holder pulled out. This piece has a notch cut into it to secure the gift card.

With the flowers on the patterned paper, the stickled flower, and the inside flower, this card also fulfills the floral frenzy challenge on A Spoon Full of Sugar.

Supplies: SEI Aunt Gerdie's Garden (omw - how old is this paper?); Silk flower; Michael's stitched ribbon; Stickles; Small paper bag

Gracias

2009-08-07T00:02:00.007-04:00

When I was out of town (and away from crafting), there was a challenge that I saw that I wanted to (but couldn't) do. So, today, I played "catch up" and incorporated Day 152 (Peek a boo) at 365 Cards into this card.

Tuesday's 365 Cards challenge was to use a sign on your card. I looked through my stamps. Nothing. And I didn't feel creative enough to "create my own sign". Disappointed, I figured I wouldn't have anything to contribute ... but, once again, the creative muses were on my side.

The other day I stumbled upon a new blog offering a free trial of some digi stamps. I tried one out and really liked the idea of digi stamps. Well, Penny (from Creations by Penny) was looking for DT members, and I was interested ... and (tah dah!) Penny asked me to be on her DT! I'm so so so excited about this opportunity. Be sure to go to her site and see the digi stamps she has created! Anyways, now that I am a DT member, she sent me some of her digi stamps. {Thanks Penny!} Yeah, you guess it. One had a sign. Toot toot for me! So, off to create I went.

And, then I found my CTMH watercolor pencils. It's a good day in the craft spot of the Harris house!

Here's my card: [Penny, I *know* you don't like BoomDiAda ... but your bear looks cute with it! :) And, I'm out of scraps ... it's the end of the paper pack!]

I'm sure you can't tell by the picture, but the sign (and paws) are popped up. Can you see the sparkles in that orange border? I'm really liking those tiny CTMH Clear sparkles!

Here's the inside: (Remember, the PeekABook challenge on 365 Cards!)

And more:

This was my first time doing a card like this, so it was a lengthy process to get things to work. In the end, though, I am happy with what I created!

Supplies: Paper - CTMH BoomDiAda; Stamps: Creations by Penny Bear with sign, CTMH Thank you; Embellishments: CTMH grossgrain ribbon, CTMH hollyhock arrow and brad, CTMH Clear sparkles, Prima flowers, Stickles; Tools - CTMH watercolor pencils, CTMH blending pen, dauber; Colors - (all CTMH) Brown bag, hollyhock, olive, black.

Revisiting BoomDiAda

2009-08-06T05:11:00.001-04:00

My card for today is inspired by two separate challenges: Day 157 at 365 Cards which was to use a sunflower and Kazan's Sketch at 2S4U.

I found a small sunflower in my stash, and then I had to decide what paper to use with it. I stumbled across a remnant set of BoomDiAda paper. I remember when CTMH released this paper - and I couldn't get enough of it. I love the colors, the design ... I {heart} this paper!

The card came together very easily and I really like the way it turned out. Am I biased because I {heart} the paper? Maybe. You decide. :)

Ok, so I didn't follow the sketch exactly. Now that I am posting the sketch with the card, I realize that. Hmm ... that's what I get for looking at the sketch downstairs and then going upstairs to work on it. I apparently morphed the sketch as I worked. C'est la vie ... (and I still like the card!)

And, please check Alison's blog out for some blog candy!

Thinking of you

2009-08-05T00:58:00.007-04:00

I somehow stumbled across the Creatalicious Challenge blog and toot toot, they are offering some blog candy. You ought to check it out by clicking here.

It's funny how sometimes creativity is out looking for you, just as you are looking for it. I was blog hopping from challenge site to challenge site, looking for a sketch to get me going today. And - aha! - I found one at the Creatalicious site. So, not only did I find a new cool site to visit, I could possible win some blog candy AND I found a sketch to use for today. Win, win, win ... don't you think?

This card also fulfills the Pile It On Challenge with three flowers and the Creative Inspirations challenge with bling.

So, here's my card:

Supplies: Paper - CTMH BoomDiAda; Embellishments - CTMH stitched ribbon and clear sparkles, flowers from unknown souce, felt coaster from Michaels; Stamps - CTMH Dainty Thoughts; Tools - CTMH edge distresser, Tim Holtz stapler, SU spiral punch.

And, while you're blog hopping today be sure to stop by Passion for Papertrey and see the blog candy they are offering this week!

Flowers anyone?

2009-08-04T06:36:00.002-04:00

At 365 Cards, the inspiration for Day 156 was an ad. I liked the color of the table and the flowers. I wish I had something to add texture like the wicker baskets below!

I had downloaded this digital stamp from Penny's blog. I wanted to use my watercolor pencils to color it, but - alas - in this sea of mess, I couldn't find them. I settled on using markers, but I'm not good at coloring, so please ignore the stroke lines from my brush tip marker. (Anyone want to offer me helpful hints on coloring?) The bee is attached with foam tape to add a little dimension. Anyhow here's my card:

Supplies: Digi stamp - Creations by Penny. All other supplies CTMH. Colors - garden green, hollyhock, honey, sunny yellow, sunkiss yellow, black, bamboo. Embellishments - clear sparkles, organdy ribbon. Tools - dauber, Cuttlebug.

Enjoy a photograph

2009-08-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

I am so enjoying the inspiration I am finding at 365 Cards. This is my take on the sketch from day 155. By now, if you've been looking at my cards over the past few days, you'll notice that I haven't yet cleaned off my table -- and so, many of my cards are being made with similar supplies. Tomorrow will be the big clean up day ... and then I'll start fresh, I think!

Supplies: by CTMH - Say it in style stamp set, stitched ribbon, clear sparkles. by Fiskars - border punch, SU word window punch & ticket corner punch. Everything else is unknown and old from the stash.

This is a picture that I took while we were in Georgia. I was testing my new lens for its macro capabilities and the flowers in Nana's garden were great subjects. I liked the detail in this one, so I added text to it in PhotoShop. (I'm not well versed in PhotoShop, and I wish I had time to take a class on how to use it.) So, the flower itself is as the photographer (me) took it - no changing color saturation (whatever that means) or photo editing ... except for adding the text. I was looking for a pretty Biblical verse about plants - but got tired of searching, so I settled for this. What do you think?

More blog candy

2009-08-02T08:40:00.004-04:00

Check out Penny's new digital stamp set. Read more about her new venture by clicking here. Good luck, Penny!

Do you like giveaways?

2009-08-01T19:50:00.001-04:00

Check out this new sketch challenge blog: Get Sketchy!

They are having a giveaway on August 3 - be sure to go see how to win!
Make sure you leave a comment, and tell 'em I sent you there.

Hi

2009-08-01T19:32:00.005-04:00

I was supposed to go to a crop today, but I woke up with a horrendous headache (the result of having a little too much fun with the guys last night). Instead, I stayed home, slept until about 2pm, have eaten very little, but found a little bit of time to craft. This is my second post for the day. I guess that is pretty busy for me! Hah.

This one was inspired by Hannah's challenge on 365 Cards, which was to use a journalling tag on your card. The half circle is a journaling stamp by Autumn Leaves. I used a journaling stamp and then an EKSuccess tag punch (which hadn't been used in forevah!) to create the "hi" tag. I still had stickers and flowers out from making my previous card (4U) , so I guess this one was still sort of inspired by Melisa's Use It challenge! I like the ribbon loop on the hi tag, which is adhered to the card with foam tape for dimension.

I'm not so much an empty space person, but I think this card has enough. What do you think?

Supplies: Paper - CTMH Animal Crackers. Colors - CTMH Dutch blue, tulip. Stamp sets - CTMH Star Struck and Autumn Leaves journaling. Stickers, ribbon, flower - all unknown sources. Tools - Tim Holtz stapler, EKSuccess tag punch, 3M foam tape.

4U

2009-08-01T16:43:00.004-04:00

I've been gone all week, so I'm playing catch up with some challenges. I am really enjoying having challenges to help get the mojo going. I had a rough morning, but I managed to get this card made in under 30 minutes after finding two blog challenges to use.

This card uses the number "4" as the homophone for "for" and so succcessfully accomodates the challenge at 365 Cards. I was also able to complete Melisa's Use It! challenge. The colors and flowers were from the ad inspiration. The tool I used was my Cuttlebug swiss dot folder. And, the sentiment is made with old, old, old stickers.

Supplies: It's all old stuff from my stash, so I have no idea who makes any of it - but it probably doesn't matter, since the product is most likely no longer available for purchase!

August SOTM Blog Hop: It's Your Day

2009-08-01T00:01:00.002-04:00

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! We will be featuring August's SOTM, which is It's Your Day. If you have come here from Sherry's blog, you are on the right path! If this is your first stop, you may want to go back to Jena's blog and start from the beginning!

This month we have over sixty Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this month's SOTM and other great CTMH products on their blogs. Join the hop! This is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

*****

I made another card earlier that used the birthday cake part of this stamp set. I thought the cake stamp was darling and with it being three separate pieces so easy to make a colorful cake! What do you think?

But, when I was thinking about this blog hop, I wanted to try to use the set a little "out of the box". Well, this is as "out of the box" as I get: (Don't roll your eyes!) I used a square, which I think was intended to be a gift package. I used it to create a background pattern.

And, my card doesn't necessarily have to be for a birthday, showing the versatility of this stamp set. Notice the absence of gifts, presents, candles and the word birthday. I could send this as a congrats card or even as an "I'm thinking of you" card(and write on the inside how happy I am when I think of that recipient).

I really like the way this turned out:

Here are some close up of the card. (Have I finally figured out how to take a picture to show the foam tape dimensionals? Pick your jaw off the ground!) My foam tape is thin, so I layer it to get more height.

Parts of the background are popped up, and the word tag is popped up as well. Here's a close up of the stamped panel of the card. The center of the smaller flowers are those small clear sparkles. The center of the big flower is a clear button layered over a piece of stamped paper. (You can click on the picture to enlarge it, if you want a better view!)

The words "It's a" came from the stamp that said "shh it's a surprise" ... and I used my marker to color only the parts I wanted. It was easy to stamp it where I needed it - the beauty of the acrylic stamps!

CTMH supplies: Stamp set - It's Your Day. Colors - black, tulip, dutch blue, sunny yellow, clover meadow. Embellishments - stitched ribbon, Just Blooms, Clear Sparkles, clear button. NonCTMH supplies: embroidery floss, foam tape, Cuttlebug embossing folder.

Now "Hop" on over to Traci's blog to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas!

Remember, the August SOTM is only available until the end of the month! Contact me to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!

***

If you get lost on the hop or find links that aren't working, here is a
complete list of participating blogs:

Jena DeVries http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/
Kristie Horness-Herdener http://www.goofyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Carla Ironside http://www.carlacreates.blogspot.com/
Deb Young http://www.scrapbookczar.blogspot.com/
Alanna Moses http://www.damoses.blogspot.com/
Paige Dolecki http://www.paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/
Wendy Kessler http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com/
Heather Painchaud http://www.twindragonflydesigns.blogspot.com/
Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com/
Barbra Otten http://barbraotten.blogspot.com/
Haley Dyer http://www.inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Nona Davenport http://www.nonapearl.blogspot.com/
Michelle Robinson http://www.amaizenbluelady.typepad.com/
Cindy Leek http://www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com/
Melissa Laverty http://www.fancymelissa.blogspot.com/
Katy Donaldson http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com/
Amy McVey http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com/
Tammy Lea Pinchard http://www.creativeimpressions-pinchme.blogspot.com/
Leslie Markland http://pandascrapper.blogspot.com/
Judy Burger http://makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com/
Laurie R Newton http://scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com/

Kami Welter http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/
Tracy Oleksak http://www.mamaolie.blogspot.com/
Karen Norman http://www.gettinscrappywithit.blogspot.com/
Chris Shouse http://www.houseostamps.wordpress.com/
Cibele Glazer http://www.flowerfoot.blogspot.com/
Debra Van Patten http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com/
Terrie Dodd http://www.my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/
Jamia Bankhead http://www.papermadnessinc.blogspot.com/
Anne Beck http://www.anniemuses.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Patrick http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Laurie Levnik http://www.creationsbylaurie.blogspot.com/

Lori Miller http://www.clearlyfromtheheart.blogspot.com/
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
Dawn Ross http://www.iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/
Dawn Slipcevic http://dawnscrapsalot.blogspot.com/
Barbara Harris http://www.paper-creations117.blogspot.com/
Carol Taggio http://craftycarol55.blogspot.com/
Jill Lucas http://scrapwench.blogspot.com/
Chris Green http://www.createwithchris.blogspot.com/
Nancy Ball http://www.ballisticdesign.blogspot.com/
Dawn Heuft http://www.stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
Kelly Triggs http://www.stampinallday.blogspot.com/
Beth Naumann http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com/
Antoinette Herrin http://www.godblessyourart.blogspot.com/
Jessica Booth http://jessicabooth.blogspot.com/
Jen Rubio http://www.jenrubio.blogspot.com/
Misty Jackson http://www.misstscraps.blogspot.com/
Adeline E. Brill http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Lori Leng http://www.pinkcloudscrappers.blogspot.com/
Pam Klassen http://eimmap.blogspot.com/
Pamela OConnor http://www.cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Royal http://www.craftroyalty.blogspot.com/
Caren Goldsein http://www.scrappycaren.blogspot.com/
Shannon Pelletier http://www.mycolorfulworldinvt.blogspot.com/
Sherry Thompson http://www.picturespatternsandpaper.blogspot.com/
Maricar Harris http://www.maricarharris.blogspot.com/
Traci Godbee http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com/
Laura Dame http://www.thecroppersconnection.blogspot.com/
Miranda Kurz http://www.scrampinwithmiranda.com/
Leisa Hubley http://www.bigredscraps.blogspot.com/
Julia Menssen http://www.ralphandjulia.blogspot.com/
Jan Moxey http://scrapandstamp4ever.blogspot.com/
Jody Gustafson http://www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com/

Haitus

2009-07-29T09:02:00.002-04:00

I'm in a week long tech class (remember, in my "real life" I am a middle school science teacher), and so creating will be on hold until Friday.

I just didn't want anyone to worry about me - since I wasn't posting.

See you all on Friday.

Thinking of you

2009-07-26T02:45:00.000-04:00

A CTMH goodie box arrived while I was on vacation. I opened it, saw this stamp set and thought of the 365 Card challenge Day 144. I stamped the image twice, cut it out and adhered it with foam tape. The flowers are cut from a felt coaster I got at Michaels. And, I just tried using my new Tim Holtz stapler. OMW ... love love love it! It uses those mini staples, but staples so easily! Oh, I like my new toy!

Supplies: Mostly CTMH. Stamp set: Say It In Style & Miracle. Ink: black, desert sand, bamboo. Paper: Sarsparilla. Embellishments: Stitched ribbon. Non CTMH supplies - Tim Holtz stapler, felt coaster, Glaze pen, Fiskars border punch, CM circle punch.

More To Adore

2009-07-25T10:50:00.001-04:00

In one of June's Goodie Boxes, I got a set of 24 More To Adore papers. These were preprinted pages, like in a Level 1 paper pack.

So, what does one lady need with 24 sheets of the same preprinted page? Umm ... I saw it as the "fixins" for a quick and easy card.

I used Wishes template Designer Tag (page 97) to create this quick and easy card.

Supplies: All CTMH. Paper: More to adore. Ink: Chocolate. Stamp set: A Huge Thanks (business builder set). Embellishments: Edge anchor and blush ribbon.

Here is another card I made using the same papers. Yet another quick and easy card. (Would you expect anything less?)

Supplies: All CTMH. Paper: More to adore. Ink: Chocolate. Stamp set: Solos T and Dainty Thoughts. Embellishments: organdy ribbon.

Thinking of you

2009-07-24T07:05:00.000-04:00

This card is based on the Wishes sketch, Sentiment Secured (page 78).

No, I didn't stamp the flower using white daisy ink. Instead, I used the technique where you stamp on the backside of the paper, trace the image with your stylus, then flip the paper over and sand it to reveal the white core of the cardstock. I like the effect.

Supplies: All CTMH. Paper: Whoops A Daisy. Stamp sets: Dainty Thoughts, Buttoned Together, Star Struck and Treasures of the Heart. Colors: White pigment. Embellishments: White grossgrain ribbon.

Orange? Really.

2009-07-23T13:43:00.000-04:00

I didn't think I would have time to craft today, but I really enjoyed taking time to let the inspiration hit me with Amy's ad inpsiration. Here's my take for Day 145 at 365 Cards. The challenged worked for me, as these are colors I don't usually choose.

Again, all the papers are DINOSAUR OLD and came from a stash of paper that had been long forgotten. Ribbon and flowers were from a box containing stuff from a swap at least a year ago. Way to go ME for using up old stuff!

Supplies: Paper and embellishments are all oldies from my stash. Stamp sets - CTMH Say It In Style and Miracle. Colors - CTMH Dutch Blue and Black. Tools - Prisma glitter, Tim Holtz stapler, daubers, CM circle punch.

Friendship

2009-07-23T06:16:00.001-04:00

When I first saw Cloud's sketch, I wasn't sure what to do with it. I blog hopped a bit, and I found inspiration in Savitri's card. Here's my take:

I don't know if you can tell, but the flowers are popped up using foam tape. I had pulled out these papers from my scrap stash earlier this week. How fun it is to be USING UP stuff, even if it is years (yes, years!) old!

A simple card, but I really like the way it all came together. Thanks Cloud and Savitri for the mojo to create this.

Supplies - Stamp set: CTMH Buttoned together. Everything else is just random stuff from my stash.

One more for today ...

2009-07-22T15:24:00.005-04:00

I was just looking at others' cards for today's 365 Cards challenge. I stumbled across Michelle's card, really really liking the star and hemp on her card. I continued my blog hopping and made my way to Amy's blog, eyeing the sketch she used.

Inspired by both Michelle and Amy, I created this card.

Still focused on the "raise it up challenge" from 365 Cards, the layers are adhered using foam tape. I really like the dimension that adds to the card (even if you can't tell in the picture!).

Supplies: Except for the ribbon from my stash and tools, everything else is by CTMH. Paper - Sarsparilla. Stamp sets - Miracle, Star Struck, Say It In Style. Ink - Twilight, Barn Red, Desert Sand. Embellishments - Minibrads. Tools - Fiskars border punch, EKSuccess corner rounder, SU word window punch

For you

2009-07-22T00:13:00.010-04:00

EDITED AT 1:39am:
Ok, insomnia is the pits. I should be asleep, cleaning house, catching up on luandry ... but, oh no, I'm doing none of that. Instead, I poked around on the computer. One hour later, I have another card to share. I was looking around on PaperTreyInk at their July releases and was enamored by Everyday Button Bits. Of course, I don't own that set ... but I knew I had some CTMH sets that had stemmed flowers. To my good fortune (C'mon. something needs to go my way since I can't sleep), I had a set on my table with stemmed flowers. I stamped it on white and went to my button collection with more good fortune (as I found buttons of the correct size and in colors I liked). A little bit of this, a little bit of that ... and -- tah dah -- another card with dimension to it to fulfill the 365 Card challenge for today. With the scallop circle poking from the side, this is also my attempt to fulfill a previous 365 Card challenge.

Supplies: Paper: CTMH Animal Crackers. Ink: CTMH Clover meadow. Embellishments: buttons and ribbon from the stash. Tools: SU punch.

THE ORIGINAL POST:

Inspired by Michelle's card from earlier this month, here's a splash of spring colors. The color palette just makes me smile. So cheery. So fresh.

Before my trip, I had stamped and punched the squares, but they were left in the mess as I prepared for my departure. As I attempted to straighten up today (well, yesterday now ...) I found them. Lucky for me, I remembered where the inspiring card was so I could remember how to compose the card!

In the bottom corner is a set of three layered flowers. Each is stamped with dots. Can you tell? (I love that one can stamp on our CTMH paper flowers to create a fresh and fun look!) Those layered flowers are probably my favorite part of this card.

Michelle used buttons to embellish and I was stuck trying to figure out what to use in addition to buttons. As I was trying to figure out how to embellish (I was almost done ... it's midnight here!) all the flowers on the grid (knowing I didn't want to use all buttons!), I looked at 365 Cards for some inspiration. Aha! Add other dimensional things ... And, so I added dimensional and textural items - rhinestones, stickles, knotted ribbon. To continue the "pop it up" theme, I used foam tape to adhere the black piece onto the card.

Voila. Five minutes later and I'm done! Now, I can go to bed - the stickles can dry without risk of smearing! See, it's good to work late at night!

Gotta love when inspiration strikes like that. (And, I was first to post on the 365 Card blog ... that's a sure sign of insomnia!)

Supplies - Stamps: (All CTMH) Intrinsic Backgrounds, Spot On Backgrounds, and Spunky Greetings. Colors: (All CTMH) Sweet Leaf, Crystal Blue, Sunkiss Yellow. Embellishments: bling, stickles, buttons. Other: (All CTMH) Just Blooms, stitched ribbon. Tools: CM square punch.

For my priest at church

2009-07-22T00:00:00.005-04:00

This card is for my priest at church. Members of the congregation signed up for dates to send cards to Monsignor. I chose three dates - July 24, Oct 27, and Nov 20. These are all birthdates in the Harris family (so I wouldn't forget what dates I signed up for!)

I used some blog challenges to get me going. By using monochromatic papers, layered flowers, stamps, and a label, I fulfilled the Use It! challenge. As I was playing with these pieces of paper, I thought that I should find a sketch to guide me. I decided to used Kazan's sketch.

Supplies: All were from my stash. (Oh so old papers!) Bazzill cardstock. K&Co patterned paper. Chatterbox vellum. Silk flowers. Ribbon. Stamp set: CTMH He Is Risen and Faith.

Faith

2009-07-21T15:17:00.004-04:00

With scraps laying around and the religious stamp sets still out from the 365 Card inspiration, this is a quick and simple one that uses the Card Patterns sketch.

Supplies: Stamp sets: CTMH He Is Risen and Faith. Colors: CTMH Black and Desert Sand. Embellishments: CTMH mini brads and unknown ribbon. Tools: SU ticket corner punch.

Sympathy

2009-07-21T11:48:00.013-04:00

I'm back home. I had a splendid time out on the west coast, enjoying time with family I don't see often enough. I blogged part of my trip on my family blog, if anyone cares to read or look at pictures.

Today is my first day back into my craft room. I, of course, went to 365 Cards for some mojo guidance today. Today's inspiration was to create a sympathy card without the sentiment on the front. So, I used a sentiment on the inside of my card,

and I pulled out most of my religious stamp sets to create the card front. This was more difficult than I thought ... although when you see my card, you may wonder what exactly took so long. Maybe it was the "getting back in the groove" uphill battle ... who knows?

Regardless, it is nice to be back in the craft room creating again! Here's my card:

Supplies: All CTMH. Stamp sets: Frame of Mind, Faith, He Is Risen. Colors: Desert Sand, Black. Embellishments: minibrads, stitched ribbon. Tools: scorer, edge distresser, sanding block.

365 Cards: Day 136

2009-07-14T01:24:00.004-04:00

Ahh, amazingly similar to the card I made for day 135 ... I know.

If my husband knew I spent 10 minutes making a card, instead of finishing packing ... ack! (I'm leaving on a 6am flight to Oregon today. The kids' clothes are still strewn around as I do the final inventory of clothes.)

So, I came to the computer area to collect my camera and took a quick peek at 365 Cards and saw the inspiration for today: red, white and black. I am always in love with when I see others create cards with this combo. How could I possibly pass up the opportunity to create?

And so, here's another simple card from li'l me. And, of course, since I'm supposed to be packing and haven't had any time to clean and reorganize, the supplies I used for Monday's card are still laying on the craft table. So, of course, I reached for those items as I crafted a quick and easy card.

Quick and easy doesn't mean any less heartfelt when I use this card to thank a friend for a special something! :)

Supplies - Paper: CTMH Animal Crackers. Stamps: CTMH Solo T. Ink: CTMH Tulip and Black. Tools: SU scallop circle, CM circle. Embellishment: Ribbon.

Ok ... now I *really* need to finish packing.

365 Cards: Day 135

2009-07-13T11:04:00.004-04:00

So, I wanted to participate in today's 365 Cards inspiration, since this will be my final crafting creation for the remainder of the week as I will be of town. I am inspired by a blog I saw over the weekend. That bloggers blog was full of cards that were simple with lots of white space. I wish I remembered who it was, but I don't. So, when I created this, I was after lots of white space. This is obviously a talent I need to develop, as I'm not so sure about this card. I added the poms since I thought it was too plain. Maybe it'd be better without it. Hmm ...

Anyhow ... here's my card:

Here are some close ups of the card:
The inside sentiment.

The circle is punched out and inside the clear envie (that covers the opening) is prisma glitter.

Supplies - Stamp set: CTMH Solo T. Color: Black. Embellishment: May Arts pom ribbon.

365 Cards: Day 134

2009-07-13T09:57:00.003-04:00

I was out of town yesterday, and when I got home, I had some other business things to tend to ... so I am just now finding time to craft.

Yesterday's 365 Cards inspiration was a sketch. I combined that sketch from 365 Cards with a color inspiration from Jeanette's blog to create this card. I intended to do some masking as I stamped in the corner, but I just don't have the mojo today to do that. (Maybe the mojo will hit me later in the day. I hope so!)

Supplies - All CTMH. Stamps sets: Circle Around and A Huge Thanks. Colors: Bamboo, heavenly blue, clover meadow. Embellishments: buttons and thread.

Need $1000?

2009-07-12T20:07:00.000-04:00

I have just discovered that The Cuttlebug Spot is having a contest - "The Journey to 1,000"! They are trying to reach 1,000 followers by the end of July and need your help. To enter all you have to do is go to their site, sign up as follower and complete a few easy steps and you could win a $1,000 gift certificate to Custom Crops (www.CustomCrops.com)! GO NOW and check it out at www.TheCuttlebugSpot.com

Stuck on fluorishes

2009-07-12T07:21:00.003-04:00

This card is yet another showing my love love love for the Playful Flourishes stamp set. Different from the other ones I made last week, for this one, I used almost the entire set of flourishes and put them on one large block.

"Why?" you ask. Well, this card is one that I am doing for a card workshop. For OCD people like me, making those flourishes fit and flow on the card is a bit stressful. (Ok, that was an exaggeration ... but you know what I mean!)

To save the sanity of those attending the workshop (and, ok - yes, to make the workshop run a bit faster), I tried this -- and it worked splendidly! Don't you agree? Ahh, the beauty of acryllic stamps.

Supplies: All CTMH. Stamps: Playful Flourishes, Star Struck, Today's Date, and Dainty Thoughts. Colors: Crystal Blue, Sweet Leaf, Sunflower, Grey Wool. Extras: Foam tape (the big blue star is popped up).

Day 133 of 365 Cards

2009-07-11T05:40:00.006-04:00

I'm sort of rushed today, as I am headed to Georgia to pick up my kids from Nana's house .. so I have to find satisfaction in this card, because I'm out of time for this morning! :) This is what I created.

I wanted to use this stamp set (Butterfly Wings , a previous SOTM) and had already planned for today's 365 cards inspiration to shape the card for me. The basis of the card comes from the Originals sketch, a heartfelt classic.

While I'm not in love with this card, I do like the way the butterfly wings turned out. I used the technique when one inks the stamp in one light color and then rolls the stamp in a darker ink before stamping on paper. When I adhered the wings, I only put adhesive on the part closest to the body to allow the wings to be "in flight". There is prisma glitter on the wings as well.

How did Day 133 inspire me? While there are no actual bubbles in or on my card, the inspiration manifested itself as I chose the color for the wings. When I think of bubbles, I think of blowing bubbles underwater. When I think of water, I think of blue. And so an inspiration with bubbles leads me to use the color blue. That works, right?

Supplies - Stamp set: CTMH Butterfly Wings and Thank You. Colors: CTMH grey wool, heavenly blue, star spangled blue. Other: Glaze pen, prisma glitter.

Day 132 of 365 Cards

2009-07-10T06:07:00.008-04:00

In my series of blog hops yesterday (you know, where you just keep clicking and finding inspiration -- never knowing where you're headed, just clicking on link after link after link ...), I stumbled across this blog called 365 Cards. An inspiration a day. A card a day. A great place to go to get that mojo going, don't you think?

So, "just for kicks" I pop on over there today (at 5am, since I cannot sleep). I see the inspiration. Ahh, birthday. Then I scroll down for the design team's creations. There, I see it. A card that completely inspires because I have the perfect stamp set in my collection! And, so - yes, around 515am - I begin to create. What a great way to start the day, don't you think?

For Day 132, this is the card I created (which is very much inspired by Sophie's card, if your couldn't tell!). Sherry's ad led me to choose white and primary colors for my card's palette today, as well as the red/white polka dot ribbon. I put stickles on the candle flames.

Supplies - Tools: Fiskars eyelet border. Stamp sets: (all CTMH) Spunky Greeting and It's Your Day [August 2009 SOTM]. Colors: (all CTMH) Black, Holiday Red, Sunny Yellow, Clover Meadow, Dutch Blue, Hydrangea. Embellishment: ribbon, stickles.

FaithSisters.com Speed Scrap

2009-07-09T14:56:00.005-04:00

Ugh.

So I was all ready to start cleaning, but I was going to check my email one last time ... We've all done that, right? Well, then I find an email from Merchi saying there's a Speed Scrap today. Yup. I got sucked into it.

In less than 90 minutes, I created this - following Merchi's challenge. This will be part of my 9x9 album of our recent Midwest trip.

Supplies - Font: CK Easy Goin'. Tools: SU! scalloped circle punch, EKSuccess photo corner punch, circle punch, Fiskars eyelet border. All the rest, CTMH. Paper/Stickease: Animal Crackers. Stamp sets: Today's Date and Spot On Backgrounds. Embellishments: grossgrain ribbon, minibrads.

Now, really, I need to get back to cleaning. People will be here in four hours.

Oh, and if anyone is interested, here's info about the Speed Scraps.

Another candy offer ...

2009-07-09T11:27:00.002-04:00

Visit Tammy's blog for another blog candy offer.

(Uhh, yeah. I'm blog hopping today. It's a good distraction to the ever growing mess in the craft room. Sooner or later - yeah, probably later - I have to clean it up as there are four women joining me tonight to make cards. Egads!)

No worries. If I find more candy, I'll post them! :) You can count on me!

Want some blog candy?

2009-07-09T10:49:00.002-04:00

Check out Lissa's blog for a great giveaway!

Unscripted sketch

2009-07-09T10:40:00.003-04:00

I made this card based on the Unscripted Sketch for this week. I was inspired by Alanna's card.

Supplies: All CTMH. Paper: Notebook. Stamp set: Star Struck and A Huge Thanks. Colors: White Pigment, Blush and Crystal Blue. Embellishments: Hollyhock stitched ribbon.

Using Wishes

2009-07-07T09:04:00.002-04:00

Using the lucky layers sketch from CTMH's Wishes book, I made a birthday card that we will make at my card workshop this week.

I used the Easter Eggs set to stamp the balloons. Cute use of eggs, huh? The balloons and the sentiment are layered using foam tape.

Supplies: All CTMH. Paper - Animal crackers. Ink - Sunflower, Dutch Blue, Tulip. Stamp sets - Dainty thoughts, Easter eggs. Embellishments: itty bitty brads, ric rac, grossgrain ribbon. Tools: corner rounder, foam tape.

Do you need $50?

2009-07-07T07:28:00.001-04:00

Check out this blog for details.

2009-07-01T10:51:00.003-04:00

Just a quickie set of 3x3 cards for today, as I have a couple errands to run before I head to my doctor's appointment.

Supplies: All CTMH. Paper: Notebook. Embellishments: Just Blooms, button, embroidery floss. Tools: Edge distresser.

Supplies: All CTMH. Paper: Floral Tapestry. Stamps: Thank You and Spot On Backgrounds. Embellishments: Just Blooms, button, embroidery floss. Tools: Circle punch.

Recipe swap: Seafood

2009-06-30T20:01:00.006-04:00

I'm in a recipe swap with eight local ladies. This month's theme was seafood, so I did yummy crab dip. I used a blue theme (think: water).

Here's my creation for this month:

Supplies: Paper - CTMH Notebook. Stamp sets - Star Struck, Today's Date and Playful Flourishes. Embellishments - bling and Doodlebug ribbon. Tools - Fiskars eyelet border. Foam adhesive. Recipe fonts - all CTMH.

Congratulations, Graduate!

2009-06-30T19:03:00.008-04:00

So, while I was doing the recipe card (next post - recipe card), I really liked the layering with the flourishes.

I have two male cousins who graduated earlier this month, and I wanted to make a card to send to each of them. I finished one tonight.

Here's what I created:

Supplies: All CTMH. Stamp sets: Playful Flourish, Today's Date, Star Struck, and Dainty Thoughts. Ink: Creme Brulee, Sweet Leaf, Grey Wool, and Crystal Blue. Foam adhesive.

Happy birthday

2009-06-30T08:35:00.004-04:00

I so love making 3" x 3" cards! This is a simple one (which is "my way", if you haven't already gathered that). Except for the trimming of the stem & leaves image and the threading of the button, this was pretty quick and easy!

[I'm sure you realizing that I have used to same stamp set and paper set for the past few days. Umm ... yeah, not feeling the drive to clean up the table, so I'm creating with what's out. Consider it a "use up your stash" challenge -- but it really is an confession of a lazy scrapper who doesn't want to clean.]

Supplies: All CTMH. Paper - Notebook. Stamp set - Dainty thoughts. Ink/Marker - Cocoa, Olive. Embellishments - minibrads, button, Just Blooms paper flower, embroidery floss.

FaithSisters Speed Scrap Challenge

2009-06-29T15:11:00.004-04:00

I meant to post this Sunday, but forgot.

This is the layout I made when I participated in Saturday night's speed scrap on FaithSisters.com.

The picture is from my trip to Kansas City in January 2009 when I was able to catch up with two scrapbooking friends.

Here is a close up the bottom left corner:

Here is the top left corner:

[Using a silver gel pen, I wrote "scrapbooking" between the stamped words.]

And here is the other side of the title:
[I stamped on the Color Ready alphas, then added more words with the silver gel pen.]

Supplies: All CTMH - Desert Sand ink; Intrinsic Backgrounds, Express Postage and Moments in Time stamp sets; Just Blooms; minibrads, ribbon, bling and buttons. Silver gel pen.

Take Ten magazine sketch

2009-06-29T14:59:00.003-04:00

It took me more than ten minues, but this is what I created using the Take Ten sketch.

Supplies: All by CTMH: Notebook paper, Just Blooms flowers, Hollyhock buttons, Designer ribbon rounds, Antique minibrads, Hollyhock ink, Cocoa ink, Desert sand ink, Dainty thoughts and Intrinsic backgrounds stamps.

WSC 79: Thinking of you

2009-06-27T23:54:00.005-04:00

Back from the abyss, I am.
Hopefully I am here to stay.
Time shall tell.

I completed a challenge on FaithSisters.com, but the lighting is so poor this late at night that I cannot get a photo of the layout that is worthy of sharing. I'll try again with the morning ambient light.

As I was looking around tonight (believing I had some creative mojo tonight), I found a card sketch and was able to create something based on it. You can click here to see Beate's weekend sketch challenge.

Here's my take on the sketch:

Supplies: Paper - CTMH Notebook; Stamp - CTMH Dainty thoughts; Ink - CTMH Cocoa; Embellishments - CTMH Designer ribbon, CTMH Edge anchor, CTMH Just blooms paper flower, CTMH button, white thread; Tools (punches) - Fiskars scallop border, CM circle, SU! scallop circle

Update

2009-04-14T21:14:00.002-04:00

I am cleaning up the craft room.
I am GOING TO CRAFT.
You've probably lost hope in me, knowing that I've attempted to return to the crafting world several times (unsuccessfully).

Actually, you would be surprised (happily) to know that I went to a crop this month and completed eight simple pages.

I have 12 (well, ok, 24) recipe pages to complete by April 25.

So, I not only WANT to craft, I need to craft!

But, what I wanted to post today is an enabler alert. One of my friends passed this on to me - and so I encourage you to visit this site for daily specials.

I am alive ...

2009-01-23T02:43:00.002-05:00

and I found that under all the stacks of &^$%@ in my craft room is a table and a workspace. Who would have thought?

I have been creative a little ...
So be on the look out.

Maybe a spark of creativity might make a post here ... Now, wouldn't that amaze you all?

Gosh, I'm still out here ...

2008-11-28T20:23:00.002-05:00

I'm such a loser.
I really do need to find time to craft ...

But, I have a long list of excuses.
If you follow my other blog, you know that
1 - I started a new parttime job on Nov 4
2 - I am now sporting a pretty red cast on my left foot
3 - My husband is deployed, so I am parenting three kids solo
4 - I am not disciplined about making time to craft

What to do? What to do?

I'm home alone tonight, but I am so very tired, that I am just laying on the couch. I mopped the kitchen floor (which was gross, BTW - since it hadn't been mopped in over nine days) and now my foot (the bad one, the one in the cast) is sore. Ugh.

Back on the couch. Leg propped up.
Erg.

I did, though, do a workshop last month - so I should post the set of five 3x3 cards we made ... and I did a gathering last weekend - so I have a make and take that we did there ... and I am in a swap with some Kansas City gals - so I have that card to post ...

Well, geesh, I guess I have been creating -- just a little.
I need to get the camera out, take some pictures, and post them here.

But, I am still around ... really, I am.

Inspired by Donna Downey

2008-10-29T07:03:00.003-04:00

Donna Downey came to Virginia Beach and I was able to attend two of her classes.

Here's me and Lauren:

I'll post our projects later. I had a great time and I totally was out of my comfort zone with the artsy-ness of the class, but I enjoyed every minute of it.

Leading the eye

2008-10-19T09:08:00.002-04:00

Last week's topic for my photogrphy class was leading lines. Here are a few I took:

Buses lined up for a sports event at Norfolk Academy, where Will was running a XC race.

Here is the track at Norfolk Academy. Oh, let me tell you about this school. It is way way way upscale. I need to look up what tuition is. The art room had its own kiln. The work out room was better equipped than the Hickory YMCA. Their courtyard had a fountain that would rival some Kansas City fountains. Let's just say I was a little impressed. (Hah.)

A driveway and picnic area of a nearby church. I actually stopped here to get a picture of a fog covered field across the street, but this picture turned out nicely too.

This week's assignment is night photos. I'm glad that it is getting dark here around 7pm now since I'm not much of a night owl anymore. I'll post more pictures soon.

Blog candy

2008-10-09T16:41:00.001-04:00

Lim has blog candy out there, up for grabs.

Not my creation -- but a fond memory of mine

2008-10-06T21:26:00.004-04:00

When I left Kansas City in 2006, my scrapbooking friends put together a crop, Mardi Gras style as a going away party for me. It was a great afternoon and just fun to hang out with friends, before my departure.

Micki just posted a layout she made of that special day, so I just wanted to link it here.

Girlfriends ... gotta love 'em and definitely need 'em!

Using macro in the morning

2008-10-03T08:20:00.004-04:00

After dropping Will off at the bus, I came home to work on something, but my "photographer's eye" (hah!) noticed the beauty of the morning dew. I grabbed my camera (not the Rebel again ... just my little point and shoot) and got these.

Yes, this is the same flower I photographed yesterday. It has a different "look" with the dew on it ... don't you think?

I was intrigued by morning dew, but then noticed on these leaves was a bug as well. For a moment, I thought about running in the house to get my digiRebel, knowing that I would take a better picture with that camera ... but then the bug crawled away. Hmm ... just like my kids -- leaving a photo session before Mom is done.

So, what did my neighbors think of the "wierdo" who just moved in who takes pictures of her grass?

So, no new card creations, no scrapbooking going on here -- if you could see the state of chaos in the craft room, you'd understand. But, it feels good to be feeling mildly creative as a photographer.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Photography 101

2008-10-02T22:35:00.004-04:00

I am taking a Photography class at our local adult education center. It's one of the things I am doing "for me" now that the three kids are all in school. It's something I have wanted to do for some time now, and I look forward to my class time.
This week, the focus was macro settings and the rule of thirds. Here are just a few shots I took using my Canon PowerShot A720IS that I bought in August. I still have my Canon Rebel too ... but I used my "small" camera for these.

So, no card creation, but I'm enjoying my photo creations, of sorts.

I'm still alive ... really

2008-10-01T02:39:00.002-04:00

Ok, so I am disappointing myself by not posting regularly to this blog.
Yes, I am disappointing myself because even with the three kids in school, I am not finding time to be creative and make something!
Definitely, I am disappointed that I have a bunch of unfinished (ok, not started at all) projects that I have the supplies for - but lack the creative mojo to get started.

It's not that I have been sitting around and doing nothing. If you check out my family blog, you will see that I have been oh-so-busy with other things.

I do have a clean house (the downstairs, anyways) -- wouldn't you guess that the craft room is upstairs! I do have a new car -- which I am loving, BTW. And, I do have kids that are happy to know that Mommy is coming to eat lunch with them at school, weekly. I have teachers who appreciate that I am coming in to do tedious tasks that no teacher should have to waste her time doing (like stapling book orders together, die cutting 28 of one shape, collating homework packets ... the "must dos" that take up teachers' precious time).

I thought September would be my month to return to the crafting world. I was sadly mistaken.

Maybe October?

All I know is that I WILL BE BACK. (I need to be back.)

Thanks for checking on me!

Eek.

2008-09-19T02:55:00.001-04:00

I've been creating, just not posting.
Stay tuned!

I'd say it's been crazy in the Harris house this past week, but that's the norm. Computer time has simply been limited with things going on. Hopefully, I will have time this weekend to regroup and reorganize ... and post.

Come back and check on Sunday!

Grateful

2008-09-10T08:48:00.004-04:00

Using the Originals Card Confidence program, I used the left of center sketch to create this card.

I don't really like the way the second generation stamping turned out -- looks "boxy" to me in the middle (I don't think it looks as bad in real life!), but for today it'll suffice. I'm fighting off some nausea and a headache ... ugh.

I may try it again later today ... as I do like the layout and the colors. Maybe it would look better with a different flower from the same stamp set (which I am LOVING, by the way!). This is a great stamp set to get if you don't already own it.

Materials: paper - CTMH Precious Paisley; ink - CTMH crystal blue, blush; stamps - CTMH Treasure Life; ribbon - Michaels

Thinking of you

2008-09-09T08:10:00.003-04:00

So, I didn't really feel like creating yesterday ... but heck, I was on a roll. Now, I'm seven for seven. Whoo hoo. I am, though, stuck in a rut - with this sketch of a horizontal strip across the card with some sort of block skewed to one side. It seems that many of my recent cards have followed this sketch ... so maybe for tonight, I'll pull out a sketch and see if I can do something different. Anyhow, I like the card, I like the bright colors, and I feel productive with my card making. Toot toot for me!

Here is the card I made last night. WhoopsADaisy paper was strewn all about my room, as I was preparing a swap kit over the weekend (and haven't yet cleaned up). I actually don't think I've ever used this paper, but it's pretty fun. I could see this as a great paper for "girlfriend" cards.

Materials - [all CTMH unless otherwise noted] paper: WhoopsADaisy; stamps: Playful Fluorishes, Spot On Backgrounds, Say It In Style; ink: Hydrangea, Ocean; tools: SU! scallop circle punch, CM circle punch; other: flower, Doodlebug ric rac, unknown ribbon

Can I make it eight for eight? Check back tomorrow and see!

Thanks (SU! style)

2008-09-08T00:07:00.004-04:00

Sunday, I went to a Stampin' Up! open house at Laura's and had a great time. I perused the catalog, ate some yummy food, ogled at some new stamps (I might *need* some!), enjoyed meeting some new ladies, and even crafted a little.

Laura put out some stamp sets, a collection of inks and markers, and passed out paper to each of us. We each created our own card, following our own inspiration, doing our own thing. This is what I created:

I think the papers are new. I don't think you can see it in the picture, but on the green card base I used versamark ink to stamp fluorishes. The dotted pattern behind the word THANKS is a journaling stamp (cute adaptation, eh?). I used markers to color/stamp the flowers. And, might I add, SU! has great ribbon. I love the two sided papers with patterns on both sides (I'm glad that CTMH followed suit on that one!)

I made a cute paperclip bookmark to coordinate with the card, but I forgot to take a picture of it - and since I'm cozy in bed right now, that will have to wait until some other time.

Six days, six cards. I'm on a roll!

Materials: all SU! [sorry - I don't know item names ...]

With love

2008-09-07T00:01:00.005-04:00

When I see a card I like, I sometimes mark it and save the link in my INSPIRATION FOLDER, hoping that I will one day have time to take the inspiration and do something with it.

Well, here is an instance when, although much delayed, the inspiration leads to my own creation of a card (even if it a complete lift, at least *I* put forth the effort to copy!)

C'mon - cut me some slack. I haven't created much of anything in months ... I gotta get the mojo flowing again!

Here is a card I made, inspired (ahem, copied) from Kathi's card using CTMH's June SOTM.

I used a post it note for the masking technique so the flower stems in the vase. I love the sparkles as the flower centers. And yes, I am once again using up some leftover papers. Whoo hoo.

Materials: paper - CTMH School Zone; stamp - CTMH With Love; ink - CTMH outdoor denim, cranberry, clover meadow; other - sparkles, CM circle punch, foam adhesive

No lion

2008-09-06T00:06:00.001-04:00

A cute (at least *I* think so!) 3" x 3" card using the July SOTM and my new watercolor pencils, which I am loving!

Materials: paper - CTMH BoomDiAda, ink - CTMH barn red, stamps - CTMH Life's A Jungle, other - foam adhesive, CTMH watercolor pencils, blending pen

Plant Smiles

2008-09-05T09:15:00.003-04:00

Just another simple card, but I wanted to take a quick moment to create something this morning before I really started my day! (Umm, yeah - the kitchen is waiting to be mopped and there's a load of laundry to put away.)

Anyways -- This card was made using things that were just laying around, waiting to be put away in my craft space. From the other day's card, the Cuttlebug and embossing folder were within easy reach. Minibrads were out from yesterday as well, as I was putting together some page kits for a swap I am in. I'm trying to use up some old paper - this is from the Everlasting Creative Basics I bought at Christmastime (this is the last piece of paper - so I might make a set of these cards for a gift set and use up the last of the paper ...). And, for the first time, I have inked up the September SOTM which is very versatile and a very pretty set which has been sitting out on the table waiting patiently to be used.

A simple card, but one I wouldn't mind giving to a friend!

Materials: paper - CTMH Everlasting; stamps - CTMH Treasure Life; ink - CTMH bamboo, ponderosa pine and cranberry; other - minibrads, swiss dots Cuttlebug embossing folder