Birdcage Neutrals

I loooove a neutral color theme, and take delight in making a card with it.  On a scrap of kraft cardstock, I stamped Stampin' Up! "Elements of Style" toile flower in background, also in a kraft color.  Then the Hampton Arts "Bird Cages" was stamped on top of it, in black.  The grungy paper layer behind it is a digital image from I think My Porch Prints.  The two little labels added were stamped from Tim Holtz "Curator" and Globeland "Vintage Numbers" (a brand I find on Amazon; good prices, good quality). 

Thanks for taking a peek, and have a wonderful day!

Beachy Wedding

Hello there!

I had a little bit of time this past weekend to photo-edit some cards from June. LOL  And here's one!

It's another cluster card, done in a beachy style for some happy couple, somewhere. :-) I looked in my box of already-stamped-and-colored images, and thought these nautical cuties would be pleased to get together with one another.

It's my favorite way to make a card when I'm pinched for time: look on my craft desk at the inevitable little piles all around me, and challenge myself to make something good out of assorted pieces.  I've honed the formula, too:  

• Stamped images (or stickers) 
• Patterned paper or embossed cardstock (or both)  
• Little embellishments such as pearls/gems, or sequins
• Fabric (in the form of ribbon, or a smidge of burlap,etc.)
• Maybe a sentiment; depends on how much room is left.

I like my cards to be touchable, and have a bit of texture, and possibly a bit of bling. :-)  Today's card certainly fits the bill!

Thanks for taking a peek!

Stamps: starfish, sand dollar - Seashells with Rounded Frame; shell, rectangle - Seashells with Rectangle Frame - Blockheads Paper Arts; sentiment - Wedding - Hampton Arts Paper: kraft, Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink; swirl pattern - Stampin' Up!  Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark - Tsukineko; Close to Cocoa, Crumb Cake - Stampin' Up!; Walnut Stain - Ranger Fibers: Cameo Beige seam binding - Hug Snug - The Zipper Stop Accessories & Tools: Sand sequins - Pretty Pink Posh; Matte Gold sequins - MJ Trimming

Anniversary Nest

Hello!

If these papers look familiar, it's because you saw a New Home card from me on Monday using the same Sweetness collection from Pink Paislee.

This is an anniversary card featuring roses, a stamped bird from Hampton Arts' Carpe Diem set, a die cut doily, and a handmade burlap nest...complete with pearls for eggs.  I had a snippet of burlap wire-edged ribbon leftover from another project, and it was actually in kind of a triangular shape.  I just wound it around in a circle a couple of times, and used glue to secure it to the doily die cut. Also...can you see the tiny pearl eye on the bird? :-)

Wishing you a wonderful, blessed day!

Stamps: bird- Carpe Diem - Hampton Arts Paper: Crumb Cake, yellow (?) - Stampin' Up!; white - Papertrey Ink; patterns - Sweetness - Pink Paislee Ink: Soft Suede - SU Fibers: burlap Accessories & Tools: rose stickers - Anna Griffin; pearls - Recollections; Decorative Doily Duo die - My Favorite Things

Modern Mr. & Mrs.

Hi there!  One of the cards I recently delivered to A Beautiful Touch in Westmont NJ is this clean and simple guy right here:

I had some Crumb Cake patterned paper scraps lying around, complete with Crumb Cake cardstock mats (yes, it was another thing in a Stampin' Up! scrap bag ;), already trimmed.  I thought that the little groom's tux and bride's gown images (Hampton Art's Wedding) would look good framed by them.

The gold-embossed circular sentiment is from the same set.

Have a beautiful day!

Stamps: sentiment, dress, suit - Wedding - Hampton Art Paper: True Black - Papertrey Ink; Crumb Cake, patterned - SU Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark - Tsukineko Accessories & Tools: gold embossing powder - SU; White Opal Liquid Pearls - Ranger; Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder - SU; circle punch

The Card Concept #18 - Apples For You

Time for a new Card Concept challenge!  We've got a Back-To-School theme, and I made a card to give to a teacher.

Here's our inspiration photo, below.  I was inspired by the chalkboard, the tree, the apples, and the colors.

I employed the chalkboard technique with a Verve sentiment from Glad Tidings, and a little Hampton Arts flower, paired with fun glittered Jolee's stickers.

My spot on the Card Concept Team is as a Classy & Elegant designer.  The definition is listed as any of these:

polished
shiny finish
sparkling embellishments
rich color scheme
sophisticated sentiments
regal
sweeping
dramatic
monochromatic
layered textures
awe
impress

Must admit I had a hard time working with a school theme and still creating something elegant.  Not sure I've actually achieved that...

Hope you get a chance to play with us!  Check HERE for all the details.  :-)

Stamps: sentiment - Glad Tidings - Verve; flower - Wedding - Hampton Arts Paper: True Black - PTI; Poppy Parade - SU Ink: Versamark - Tsukineko; Whisper White craft - SU Fibers: bakery string - from a real bakery! Accessories & Tools: white embossing powder - SU; apple, tree, branch stickers - Jolee's; large tag die - SU; White Opal Liquid Pearls - Ranger 

It's Your Day

Hello there!  Are you enjoying summer, as it's officially here?  My kids are finished with school (whew!) and I know they're sooooo glad.  They are planning many dips in the pool, and sleeping in as late as they can! Ahhh, to be that young again.

Well, after all the masculine cards I've been sharing as of late, I've got something quite feminine to share today.

I started out with the dotted piece of retired Stampin' Up! paper, and built the color scheme from there.  The fancy cake is from Hampton Arts' Wedding set, and I added some 'frosting' (pink liquid pearls).  That was fun.  That's about the closest I'll get to decorating a cake.  =)

I did use lots of scraps on this card - yay! -- even the ribbon was a scrap.

Thanks for coming by today, everyone!

Stamps: cake - Wedding - Hampton Arts; sentiment - Just Because Sentiments - IBS Paper: Regal Rose, Orchid Opulence, Old Olive, polka dot - SU; white - PTI Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black - Tsukineko Fibers: yellow satin ribbon Accessories & Tools: doily - Wilton; Petal Pink Liquid Pearls - Ranger; Chevron Stripes die - My Favorite Things/Dienamics; ribbon die - Ribbon Banners - Spellbinders; pearls

A Tiffany-Style Wedding Card

Tiffany Blue is so pretty, isn't it?  Like the hue of a robin's egg, it speaks of elegance and new beginnings.

I found a piece of cardstock in my stash that is a close match to that blue.  I have NO idea where I got it. I'd like more!  LOL  Now that I think of it, it might be from Mark's Finest Papers, when I was on their team years ago.  Anyway, I also happened to have ribbon in the same color, and this card was born:

I heat-embossed some Hampton Art Wedding rings in silver near the Hero Arts sentiment, and added rhinestones in the top corner.

Less than two weeks to go at my temp job, at an accounting firm.  With the April 15th deadline looming, we're busier than ever.  I have the utmost respect for anyone who is in this line of work full-time.  Tax season is grueling for accountants and their staff.  The partners at the firm where I temp are working 6-7 days a week, for months on end, and their days are really, really long.  Well, at least they get to come up for air pretty soon, on April 16th.  :-D

Stamps: rings - Wedding - Hampton Arts; sentiment - Best Wishes - Hero Arts Paper: robin's egg blue (?) Ink: Versamark, Versafine Onyx Black - Tsukineko Fibers: robin's egg blue satin ribbon - Offray Accessories & Tools: silver embossing powder - SU; Diamonds & Dots embossing folder - Lifestyle Crafts; rhinestones - Queen & Co.

The Bridal Collection - Part 4

Finally, my last installment of the cards I'd delivered to the bridal shop, A Beautiful Touch, back in January. You can see my other Bridal Collections here:  Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.

The shop owner told me there are many brides who have beach themes for their weddings.  With that in mind, I created a card that could be given to a couple for their engagement or wedding, or just to the bride for the shower.

You can see a peek of a seahorse stamped inside the card in the following photo.

Stamps: seahorse - heart - Year Round Sentiments; sentiment - Best Wishes - Hero Arts Paper: Creamy Caramel, Whisper White - SU Ink: white - Ranger; Close to Cocoa - SU; Frayed Burlap - Ranger Fibers: twine - Creative Impressions; burlap ribbon; fabric medallion accent - Webster's Pages Accessories & Tools: Scallop Tag punch - Martha Stewart; Elegant Scrollwork die - Memory Box; starfish; white craft paint; glitter; rhinestones - Queen & Co.

The owner also mentioned many brides LOVE their bling, so I kind of went all-out on this next one, which was very tricky to photograph.  It's got a shimmery silver layer on a gray card base, a strip of metallic-looking studded ribbon trim from Webster's Pages, and glossy accents on the flowers of the cake. There's also a piece of black glitter cardstock, and rhinestones.  And when you've got black AND white, the camera is very confused as to how to read the light.  Sheesh!

You can see the gloss on the flowers better in the photo below.

Stamps: Wedding - Hampton Art Paper: Basic Gray, Whisper White - SU; black glitter; silver shimmer - WorldWin Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black - Tsukineko Fibers: sheer black ribbon; stud ribbon trim - Webster's Pages Accessories & Tools: rhinestones - Queen & Co.; Floral Ovals die - Spellbinders; Copic marker; Glossy Accents - Ranger

I love the sweetness of this next one.  I created my own background with old Stampin' Up! stamps: Canvas background, and a white flourish in the corner from Baroque Motifs.

I love topiaries.  This one - Flourishes / DIY Topiaries -  was sitting in my UFO (unfinished object) box, colored and waiting to be used.  I added a tag and sentiment from Verve.

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Canvas background - SU; DIY Topiaries - Flourishes; Love Story - Verve Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White - SU; floral pattern - Lost & Found/Madison Avenue - My Mind's Eye Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black - Tsukineko; Crumb Cake, Whisper White - SU Fibers: gingham ribbon - Really Reasonable Ribbon; vintage thread Accessories & Tools: doily - Wilton; Copic markers; Scallop Tag punch - Martha Stewart; Elegant Scrollwork die - Memory Box; pearls - Queen & Co.

Hope you enjoyed seeing the finale of the collection!

Violette France

This is my second post for today.  Please 

click HERE for a Fleur de Lis Anniversary.

My friend Audrey, aka audreyann in the Splitcoast galleries, was chosen as Queen For The Day (a week-long honor) over there.  They've already chosen a new queen, so I am late, but really wanted to play along for my pal.  Audrey makes THE most amazing cards.  She is a talented, gifted paper-crafter, and sweet as heck to boot.  I chose THIS card of Audrey's to CASE.  I used the same layout and a similar embossing folder on my version.

I used a new-to-me stamp from the Hampton Art/Graphic 45 set, Olde Curiosity.  When I visited the Houston area in early October, I picked this set up from Hobby Lobby.  Man, we NEED a Hobby Lobby in the South Jersey area!!  What an awesome store.

I stamped the bottle first, then the label.  The set is neat 'cause you can mix and match bottles and labels.  After coloring it, I sprinkled clear glitter on the 'glass' sections and added a tiny twine bow.  The velvet ribbon is my new addiction, too.  It's from May Arts and feels so soft and luxurious.  You'll be seeing more of it from me!

I'm entering this at Simon Says Stamp and Show:  Inspiration Francaise.

On a personal note, yesterday I spent hours weeding through our closets and cupboards to gather donations for the victims of Hurricane Sandy.  In my little town alone, there are donation drives all OVER the place, with people driving buses, trucks and cars filled with needed supplies to the hard-hit areas.  It makes me feel good inside to share what I have with folks who lost everything.  My heart aches for them.



Dimensions: 4.25" x 5.5"
Stamps: Olde Curiosity - Graphic 45/Hampton Art; Kind Words - Verve
Paper: Whisper White, Crumb Cake - SU
Ink: Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap - Ranger; Memento Tuxedo Black - Tsukineko
Fibers: twine - Creative Impressions; gray velvet - May Arts
Other: Infinite Loops punch - Martha Stewart; pearl; Copic markers; Floral Ovals die - Spellbinders; Ornate Flourish embossing folder - The Paper Studio

Twin Boys

My cousin asked me to make a card for a christening she'll attend soon, for twin boys.  She liked THIS card of mine, and requested a similar one.

This was the most appropriate sentiment I had for a christening, and used a cross inside with the words, "Celebrate Today".

I'm scheduling this post ahead, since I don't know if we'll have power after this hurricane blows through.

Thanks for coming by today!



Dimensions: 4.25" x 5.5"
Stamps: Wedding - Hampton Art; Oh, Baby! and Delicate Doilies II - Inspired By Stamping
Paper: white - PTI; Garden Party, Nana's Nursery Boy - DCWV
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black - Tsukineko; Summer Sun - SU
Fibers: Lemondrop twine - The Twinery

Seek Joy

Let me say how much I've missed being here, blogging with all of you!  I have been SO very sick these last two weeks.  I have bronchitis, and treatment upon treatment didn't seem to cut it.  My doc put me on a steroid a couple of days ago, and at long last I feel able to breathe.  Sweet relief!  It was so bad that just taking a shower or sitting at the computer winded me and I had to lay down most of the time.  Yikes.

But here I am, ready to share a card with you.  I'm so glad.  :o)

I am playing in the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday challenge, where we are to CASE one of their DT members' creations.  I found THIS beauty by Cindy Haffner, and loved the color combo and touches of lace.  Cindy's card inspired me to bring out some chocolate and pink inks and stamp on an old book page.

I'm also playing at Shopping Our Stash.  The challenge:  "What Was I Thinking??"  I bought these stamps by Inkadinkado and Hampton Art at Michael's quite a while ago 'cause the prices were too good to pass up, but they have just sat, untouched until now.  

This page tore as I removed it from the book, but I like how it looks in the corner.  Looks like a little mouse nibbled on it.  ;o)

Thank you SO much for your visit and comment -- I relish each and every one!



Dimensions: 4.25" x 5.5"
Stamps: Carpe Diem - Hampton Arts; Floral Damask - Inkadinkado
Paper: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake - SU; book page; patterned paper - DCWV
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pretty In Pink, Crumb Cake, Basic Gray - SU; Frayed Burlap Distress - Ranger
Fibers: crochet lace trim - Mark's Finest Papers
Other: Big Shot; Labels Four, Fleur de Lis Motifs dies - Spellbinders; Scallop Dot border punch - Martha Stewart; pearls

Birthday Butterfly

Happy St. Patrick's Day a day early, everyone!  I've got a green birthday card to show you for this green kind of weekend.  :-)

The challenges I'm entering - Mojo Monday with this sketch:

...and DYSU challenge - Use Your Favorite Color.  I have several faves, green among them.

This is going into the kit of cards for my step-mom's birthday gift.  She likes to keep a supply of my cards on hand to give to others.  Hope she likes this one!

I didn't include any details on the making of this card, but if you have questions, feel free to ask away!  My email address is on the right sidebar, near the top.

Remember I mentioned that we had recently redone our bathroom?  I have pix to show you at my new blog, bleu hydrangea.  I'd love to have you visit.  :o)

My blog may be rather quiet for the next week.  My mom arrives for her week-long visit tomorrow, and we will be spending time with each other.  I'm sure I can sneak onto the computer a bit here and there, but probably won't be visiting blogs until after she goes home.

Thanks for joining me!  Have a wonderful week.



Stamps: Floral background, Something To Celebrate - SU; Butterflies - Lost Coast Designs; Old French Script - Hero Arts; Carpe Diem - Hampton Arts
Paper: Whisper White, Mellow Moss, Crumb Cake, patterned scraps - SU
Ink: Garden Green, Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake - SU; Memento Tuxedo Black - Tsukineko
Fibers: Taupe grosgrain ribbon, twill tape - SU
Other: pearl; Scallop Dot punch - Martha Stewart
Dimensions:
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Love You Anniversary

Tomorrow marks my 17th wedding anniversary.  My husband and I met in high school.  We dated a little during school, then went off our separate ways for colleges.  When we were 22 years old, we got together again, and have been together since (that's 23 years!). 

Last night, I made an anniversary card for my Bri.  Sure, it's got some feminine elements on there, but overall I think it can be considered masculine.  Guy cards are soooooo not my thing....(and he knows this)

The fleur-de-lis paper is from the DCWV Mariposa stack.  The Eiffel Tower is by Our Craft Lounge (Vintage Traveler), the frame Notably Ornate by SU, and the sentiment a combo of stamps ("Love") from Squarely Sentimental by Fiskars and Carpe Diem ("You") by Hampton Arts.

Those butterflies are from an old SU set, Botanicals, which I got cheaply on eBay not that long ago.  Love the set!!

This card is entered at the City Crafter challenge, using primarily black and cream.  My friend Stella Schenkel is the guest artist this week over there, and I'm so glad for her!  She is one of the most delightful people I have met, and has some utterly gorgeous creations on her blog.

I also entered at Ribbon Carousel, with my 'sparkle and bling' (gold papers, pearls).

October is a busy month for us, with many birthdays and of course our anniversary.  We have another anniversary to add to it now:  it's been one year since our beloved Smoat kitty died.  Although I am so fond of Cristabel, the black cat we adopted in January 2011, nothing can replace that good ol' orange boy of mine.  He was simply the best.

Miss you, Smoat!

Changing the tempo now.....
I wanted to acknowledge Linda B of Hands to Work...Heart to Love.  She bestowed upon me the Butterfly Award for my blog:

I'm supposed to answer some questions about myself and pass this award on to 10 other crafters.  Linda, I hope you won't be mad at me for holding off on that end of the bargain.  I have so much on my plate right now and just can't get to it yet!  Thank you for thinking of me and putting me in a crowd of super-talented crafters - that alone is an honor to me.  :)

At the Paper Players, my French Flair card won Headliner for last week's challenge.  :-)

Okay, that's quite a long enough post!  Thanks for reading if you've made it this far.  ;)

Colleen

Stamps:  Carpe Diem - Hampton Arts; Botanicals, Notably Ornate - SU; Squarely Sentimental - Fiskars; Vintage Traveler - Our Craft Lounge
Paper:  white, cream - PTI; Basic Black, Sahara Sand, gold - SU; pattern - DCWV Mariposa stack
Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black, Memento Tuxedo Black - Tsukineko; Walnut Stain, Antique Linen Distress - Ranger
Other:  Big Shot; Fleur De Lis Motifs die cuts - Spellbinders; Copic markers; pearls; black ribbon - Offray