Altered Canvas with a Vintage Look

I just realized that I forgot to post this before Christmas. I made this altered canvas for my Mum who loves daisies.  Some wall art for her crafty space.

I used some pretty lace, pages from a old novel and some vintage sheet music along with beautiful patterned paper, and some paper daisy flowers.  I stamped the flourish on the bottom and stamped and embossed the doilies in white. I distressed the canvas with Tim Holtz Tea Dye ink after mod podging everything on.
I free-hand wrote the verse in black gel pen, which reads, "Enjoy the little thinks in life...for one day you'll look back and realize they were the Big things."

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)
 

Masculine Birthday Wishes

I'm sharing a masculine birthday card with you today for my wonderful hubby's birthday this weekend. Happy Birthday, Jim!  :)

I used some beautiful patterned papers from a DCWV paper pad I got for Christmas from my youngest daughter.  She has good taste in paper...makes her Mama proud!  :) The 'Happy Birthday' stamp is from Impression Obsession and the ornate frame is from the Bonjour stamp set by KaiserCraft.

 Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Shoe Queen

This is not a traditional birthday card, I know, but one of my colleagues just celebrated her birthday last week and I made her this card that is truly fitting for her.   She wears some of the loveliest shoes around and just so happens to also run her own shoe business on the side.  She carries some gorgeous shoes...I just wish I could wear some of them without fear of breaking my neck!   lol  :)

I used the cute little pump stamps from the Shoe Queen stamp set by Impression Obsession.  The Shoe Queen sentiment is also from this set.   The flourishes I added around the sentiment are part of a stamp by Inkadinkado.

This Wednesday, there will be a new card challenge theme over at The Stampsmith Challenge so I'll have my card posted tomorrow for that.  Stay tuned to see what the new theme will be and for my Design Team creation.  I hope to see you play along with us!

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)
 

Flying Home

I have a sympathy card to share with you tonight that my hubby asked me to make. I'm not sure if you can see in the picture, but that's a Cessna (4-seater) airplane flying over the clouds, into the sunset. I thought it would be appropriate to give to the wife of a Cessna pilot, who just passed away.

I used a free image I found on the internet, and for the background, I used the Provocraft 'Diamonds in the Rough' embossing folder to add some extra dimension. For the inside of the card, I used one of my favourite sympathy sentiments by Impression Obsession.

May we all have a peaceful flight home, like in this picture.

Rest in peace, Bill.

TSC19: Teal & Yellow Challenge

Over on The Stampsmith Challenge blog, this time around we're challenging you to create something using Teal and Yellow. Since this is the first of the month, the challenge is open to any stamp company, so although we'd love to see your creations using stamps from The Stampsmith, please play along with whatever you have for your chance to win some new stamps from The Stampsmith.

The photostamp of Lucy that I used, is from the Fame #1 stamp sheet by The Stampsmith. The sentiment, "A Lady of Quality" is from the Say it With Flair Sayings stamp sheet, also by The Stampsmith.

The best thing about colour challenges is that everyone has such a different take on it. I hope you decide to play along in the fun and I look forward to seeing what you all come up with!

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

With Sympathy

Sadly, I had to make a sympathy card tonight for a friend who just lost his Dad to a battle with cancer. Sympathy cards aren't my favourite type of card to make for obvious reasons, but it's my hope that the recipient will know that I put my heart into making it and that my thoughts are with them during this difficult time.


Supplies:
Stamps: Natural Beauty (SU), Sympathy Sentiments (Impression Obsession)
Cardstock: Flat Black (CRS), Goldenrod Linen (CRS)
Patterned Paper: Beau Jardin Harvest (Bo Bunny)
Ink: Onyx Black Versafine (Tsukineko), Marigold Morning (SU)
Tools: Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug, Sponge (SU), Scissors
Embellishments: Marigold Brads (EK Success)

Dragonfly Dreams

Wow, what a hot day today. The temp got up to +35 C! It's now 8:25 pm and it's still +29 C inside my house. Yuck!  This is way too hot for my liking and we're supposed to have this heat wave all week here.   I hate to pray for cooler weather but the Fall really is my favourite time of the year. I love the cool days and evenings and the beautiful Fall colours as the leaves change.

Anyway, enough of my rambling. Onto my card. I made this card a while ago, but I wasn't happy with the stamped image as the ink ran a bit. So, I sat it aside and found it last night. The adhesive that I had used was the cheap dollar store double-sided tape and it completely dried out, so I had to put the entire card back together again! This time I changed the sentiment and added the dimensional stamped dragonfly.

Here's a close up of the dragonfly.   I used Peeled Paint Distress Stickles to make him look all shimmery.

This is the sketch that I followed.

Ok, I have to get some more work done that I didn't get done today.   It's just too bloody hot here!  

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Dragonfly (Impression Obsession), Dream (Studio G)
Cardstock: Flat White (Staples), Chocolate Brown (CRS), Pink Pirouette (SU)
Patterned Paper: Sugared (Basic Grey)
Ink: Memento - Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Tools: Scissors, 3/16 " Pop Dots (SU), Distress Stickles - Peeled Paint (Tim Holtz)
Embellishments: Light Pink Grosgrain Ribbon (Michaels)

Thank You Tri Fold Shutter

I know, I know, another tri fold shutter card...lol  :)   But, I was asked to make a special card for someone who donated a substantial amount to us at work, so I thought I would make another one of these, with some really pretty sparkly and sheen papers.  I hope she likes it!  :)

I'm also submitting this 'winged creation' to the current Stampotique Designer's Challenge.  You can see the current challenge here.  You'll always see some gorgeous work over there and some funny, off the wall creations, too!  I always get a kick out of some of them!  lol  :)  Here's a link to my inlinkz submission.  I hope I did this right!

This is what my card looks like when it's all folded up like a standard A2 style card.

Here's a bit of a close up of the embossed sentiment and the butterflies that I cut out from the patterned paper and popped up off the card.

Here's a view from the top of the card to show you the dimension.

Well, I bought some new paint for my living room to spruce it up since I just got new furniture, so I need to go start taking off the existing wallpaper border and fill the cracks.  By tomorrow I should be able to start the painting.   Finally, after being in our home for 4 years, we're getting around to painting the last room in our house!  We're quite the procrastinators!  lol  :)  Anyway, I think it will look really nice when it's done...off to work! I'll post pics when I'm done.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Thank You - Greetings Galore (Impression Obsession)
Cardstock: Burgundy (Creative Memories), White (Staples)
Patterned Paper: Chocolat Cherie (sei), Pink Swirls (DCWV)
Ink: VersaFine (Tsukineko)
Tools: Scoring Board (Martha Stewart), Embossing Buddy (SU), Embossing Tray, White Opaque Embossing Powder (Stampendous), Heat Tool, Scissors, 3/16" Glue Dot, 1/8" Dimensional Squares (EK Success)

Easter Chick and Eggs

I wanted to make an Easter card for our neighbour's little girl and this is the design that I came up with.  I used my small circle Nesties to die cut the eggs, then I embossed them each with a different pattern.  I've been wanting to play with this cute little chick for some time now...I only got the stamp about 2 years ago and just haven't got around to it yet...sound familiar?  lol  :)  Seriously, I think this little chick (called, Just Ducky) is simply too cute for anything.  He looks so sad - like he thinks you're going steal his eggs!   Poor little guy!  lol  :)

I know my pictures have been pretty bright over the past couple of days, but Jim has our camera.  So, I've been using my scanner and I'm not good at changing the colours to make them look more realistic.  Anyway, I guess you get the gist...just imagine that they're not quite as bright in real life!   lol   :) **Edited** I changed the colour a bit in PhotoShop, so now this card looks more like it does in person.

Well, I'm off to play with the kids.   They're done their easter crafts and they want to go play a board game.  I hope everyone is having a nice, relaxing Easter weekend with their family and if you're travelling - drive safe!

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Just Ducky (Impression Obsession), Happy Easter - Greetings Galore (Impression Obsession)
Cardstock: Soft Mauve (Recollections), Lime Green (CRS), Flat White (Staples)
Patterned Paper: Easter Bunnies (came from a paper pack - not sure who made it)
Ink: Memento - Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Watercolor Crayons: Apricot Appeal, Barely Banana (SU)
Tools: Small Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug, Textile Texture Embossing Folder, Paisley Embossing Folder, Birds & Swirls Embossing Folder (ProvoCraft), Aqua Painter (SU)
Embellishments: Mauve Gems (Colorbok)

Mojo131 Sketch Challenge

This is a long card that I made for the current Mojo Monday sketch challenge. It measures 8 1/2" x 3 1/2".  I don't normally make long cards, but this was a fun one to make...unfortunately, now I'll need to make an envelop for it, too, since I don't have any envelopes that size.

I have to tell you, I'm absolutely giddy with excitement over this card - I know, that sounds funny and  you're probably thinking, "Well, Julie, why don't you just pat yourself on the back!"  lol  :)  So, I'll explain my excitement.  Tonight, from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM we were supposed to turn off the lights in support of Earth Hour.  So, we obeyed the no lights rule and lit some candles instead.  Well, I made this entire card in the dark - by the light of just a few tealights!  I think I did a pretty good job with my matting, don't you think?  lol  :)

Here's the Mojo sketch that I followed:

I also used some gorgeous, double-sided, patterned paper that my friend, Val gave to me.   We each bought paper for the other person and challenged her to use that piece of paper on a card.  A fun challenge and Val was good to me, giving me this gorgeous paper to work with!  :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Sentiments I (Impression Obsession)
Cardstock: Wine (CRS), River Rock (SU), Flat White (Staples)
Patterned Paper: Christine Adolph (Creative Imaginations)
Ink: Memento - Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Fired Brick and Shabby Shutters (Ranger)
Tools: Quilling Tweezers, 3/16" Glue Dots, Silent Setter (ProvoCraft) - to punch another hole in the metal tag
Embellishments: Sheer Olive Polka Dot Ribbon (Michaels), Metal Edged Frame, Silver Dragonfly

Eskimo Proverb Sympathy Card

***Edited to Add***
FroggieTalks left a comment wondering where this Eskimo Proverb stamp is from - it's from the clear stamp set, "Sympathy Sentiments (CL114)" made by Impression Obsession.   If you click on the CL114 link, it'll take you right to the Impression Obsession website where you can see the whole stamp set and order from there if you'd like, too.  Happy Shopping!  :)

This sympathy verse is one of my favourite sayings for this occasion.  This Eskimo proverb is such a lovely way to think of those who we've lost.  I tend to use it a lot for sympathy cards that I make and I like to keep a few extra cards like these on hand, just to have ready when the unfortunate time comes, that you do need one.

A close up of the bow, simple but elegant in keeping with the theme of the card.

Here's a close up to show you the flourish that I stamped using white craft ink, then over-stamped the sympathy verse in rich cocoa.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Sympathy Sentiments (Impression Obsession), Flourishes (Stampabilities)
Cardstock: Soft Sky (SU), Chocolate (CRS), Flat White (Staples)
Ink: Soft Sky (SU), Memento - Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko), Whisper White Pigment Ink (SU)
Tools: 1/8" Dimensional Squares (EK Success), Scissors, Cuttlebug, Fancy Scalloped Border Piercerabilities (Spellbinders)
Embellishments: Decorative Satin Ribbon (Michaels), Jumbo White Brad (Dollarama)

Princess for a Day

I totally forgot that I had this Butterfly Impressabilities and found it this morning!  So, I thought I'd play with it for a card that I needed to make for a friend of my oldest daughter for her birthday party this weekend.

I used the Butterfly Impressabilities to emboss the background.  Then, I used my new Fancy Scalloped Border Piercerabilities for the border and embossed with it first.  Then, I cut out the scallop on the top as it only embosses, it's not a diecut.  I added an extra diecut layer on the bottom and paper pierced the swirls around the butterfly.

Here's a close up to show you the embossing and the paper piercing that I did using the Border Piercerabilities.  A fun tool to use!  :)

Thanks for stoppin' by!  :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Crown - Fairest of Them All - Snag'em Stamps (Imaginisce), Just Chillin' (Making Memories), Sentiments 1 (Impression Obsession), Butterfly by Kathy Davis (Inkadinkado)
Cardstock: Light Pink (CRS), Soft Sky (SU), Flat White (Staples)
Ink: Coal Black (Ancient Page)
Tools: Fancy Scalloped Borders - Piercerabilities (Spellbinders), Butterfly Impressabilities (Spellbinders), Paper Piercing Tool, Paper Piercing Mat, Quilling Tweezers 
Embellishments: Blue, Pink and Clear Bling (Dollarama)

Easter Bunny

This card is pretty cutsie for me, but I thought with Spring right around the corner (hey, I can dream can't I?), that I'd try something for Easter to give to my girls.  I'm think they'll like this card.  :)  Now, I'll have to make one more, though!

I followed the current sketch by Jen del Muro of I{heart}2stamp:

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Happy Easter (Impression Obsession)
Cardstock: Goldenrod (CRS), Sage Green (Bazzill), Flat White (Staples)
Patterned Paper: Watercolor Background Note Card (Hero Arts)
Ink: Coal Black (Ancient Page)
Watercolor Crayons: Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink, Blush Blossom, Certainly Celery, Perfect Plum, Pale Plum (SU)
Tools: 3/16" Dimensional Squares (EK Success), Aqua Painter (SU)
Embellishments: Mauve Flower (Prima), Mauve Pearls (KaiserCraft)

Let Your Dreams Find Wings

A friend of mine recently got a promotion and I wanted to make him a card. I always find masculine cards a challenge, but I like this sentiment and I thought an image of an eagle soaring would be nice to go with it. I don't have an eagle stamp, so I opted to use a digi image instead.  Thanks to my friends, Val and Kim for helping me find the perfect one!  :)

Well, we've had a doosie of a day here today along with last night with highs winds and lots of rain.   The power flickered on and off for a while this afternoon and then went out completely for a few hours.  So, we ordered a pizza tonight and ate it by candlelight!   It took 2 hours for the pizza to arrive...apparently, a few other people in the area had the same idea!  lol  :)  Anyway, by the time the kids finished dessert it was past their bedtime, so they went straight to bed.  Jim and I listened to our crank radio for a while until the power came back on.  It certainly is quiet, though, without all the sounds of everything running.  I can't imagine having to go very long without power, it just comes so second nature to try to turn on the lights even when there's a outage, eh?   Anyway, I'm glad it's back!  Ok, enough, rambling from me, time to call it a day.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Let Your Dreams Find Wings (Impression Obsession), Eagle Digi Image
Cardstock: Chocolate Brown (CRS), Lime Green (Bazzill), Ivory and Flat White (Staples)
Patterned Paper: Distressed Brown Stripes (Dollarama)
Ink: Chocolate (Ancient Page)
Tools: 3/16" Pop Dots (SU)
Embellishments:Antique Brass Iron on Studs (Hillary Duff Stuff)

Happy Valentine's Day, Jim!

 

This is the Valentine's Day card that I made for my hubby, Jim. I recently got this stamp and I love it, especially the "Kiss Me You Fool" sentiment, Jim will get a kick out of that, I'm sure!  :)

I just wish I had an easier time taking a picture of it, though. Because of the photostamp, after several attempts with different camera settings and in different lighting, I still couldn't get a good picture.  So, I opted to just use my scanner instead. Arg...I need to take a photography course! lol :)

This is a little container of yummy goodness for Jim for Valentine's Day.   Chocolate covered cashews and chocolate covered cherries.  Afterall, what's Valentine's Day, without a little chocolate! 

Thanks for stoppin' by!  :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Kiss Me You Fool - Photostamp (Inkadinkado), Sweet heart (Studio G), of mine (Impression Obsession)
Cardstock: China Red Linen (CRS), Chocolate Brown (CRS), Sky Blue (The Paper Company), Glossy White (CRS)

Ink: Memento - Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Vintage Sepia (VersaFine)
Tools: Sponge (SU), Cuttlebug, Textile Texture Cuttlebug Embossing Folder (ProvoCraft)
Embellishments: Jumbo Chocolate Brads (Dollarama)

Happy Birthday, Alysha!

My niece, Alysha, is having her birthday in a few days and I made this card for her. She's such a beautiful girl, so full of style and is really growing up. She's extremely intelligent and I'm so proud of her.  It's hard to believe that she's going to be 15 years old. I can still remember her as a little baby in her stroller when I got married. How time flies! 

 Thanks for stoppin' by!  :)

 





Supplies:
Stamps: Dance Party Collage (Impression Obsession)
Cardstock: Flat Black (Recollections), Flat White (Staples), Rose Weave (CRS)
Patterned Paper: Daddy's Girl (American Crafts)
Ink: Memento - Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Watercolour Crayons: Regal Rose, Rose Red & Ballet Blue (SU)
Tools: Aqua Pen (SU)
Embellishments: Pink Pearls (Dollarama), Pink Rick Rack Ribbon (DeSerres)

One Layer Card Swap

The monthly challenge with the our local crafty group this time around was to make each person a card instead of just one that we normally enter into the swap that only one person would receive. We were to make all the cards the same, but the challenge was that this was to be a 'One Layer' card. You could choose to use a card base, plus one layer or a card base plus one embellishment. So, I choose the latter and what a challenge this was! I'm used to using so many layers, that I had a hard time thinking up a simple design that didn't look super simple or just plain boring.

Anyway, I think I'm happy with the way that my swap card turned out. I'm excited to see what everyone else came up with. I'll post them on Wed night.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Asian Bamboo Butterfly (Rubber Stamp Ave), Dragonfly - Butterfly Wishes (Impression Obsession), Something of the Marvelous (Impression Obsession)
Cardstock: Flat White (Staples)
Ink: Old Olive (SU) Tools: Peeled Paint - Tim Holtz Distress Stickles (Ranger)
Embellishments: Green Bling (Colorbok)

Silhouette Butterfly

Ok, I lied, I have one more stunning card to share with you...but how could I keep this from you all! lol :) I forgot to post the dimensional swap card that I received last night from Kim along with the birthday gift that Kim gave me last night. I can't wait to play with another butterfly stamp and some pretty new dew drops! Thanks so much, Kim, I luv ya and really appreciate your thoughtfulness!

Kim played around with her new Silhouette to make this gorgeous butterfly - check this out! All I can say is WOW! What a fun machine - I can't wait to play with it some time. :)

Birthday gift from Kim

Ok, I'm heading to bed now! Have a great night!

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)