Scraps of life

Mami Doodles Patterned Paper - Challenge #43

2012-02-24T02:00:00.002-05:00

This is my card for Mami Doodles' Challenge #43 - Patterned Paper. There are some big announcements going on over at the Mami Doodles Blog, so I won't keep you here long. I have another post about the announcement coming soon...

Spring...in Montana!

2012-02-18T11:07:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my entry for the Waltzingmouse Blog Party!

This month's theme is spring. I took some liberties with the term "spring." For me spring is bare mountains and green fields. Sure, there could be wildflowers, but they usually don't show up until summer. For me, spring still has a chill in the air, and the threat of snow. There aren't quite flowers yet. :) Enough rambling, here's my card:

Hope you like it, and play along! There's still a bit of time before the party's over at the Waltzingmouse Blog.

Red Pink White!

2012-02-10T02:00:00.000-05:00

A quick post in the middle of a very busy week to share some Mami Doodle love! I made this card using one of Eliza's newest images for the Red Pink White challenge this week! Be sure to play along at the Mami Doodles blog!

Mami Doodles For A Loved One - Challenge #42

2012-01-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

Long week, quick card. Released a whole lot of work stress coloring these adorable fishy-faced cuties from Mami Doodled. Once I was done, I decided the card needed to be simple. I mounted the finished image on a white card base accented with a Red Spica traced scallop and the CUTE stamp from the American Crafts "Cute" stamp collection. (From my Simon Says Stamp card kit! Loving these kit clubs!) Polished off with a rounded corner, it's a simple little Valentine for my love!

Enjoy the card! Hopefully it will inspire some V-day ideas for all! And don't forget to play along at the Mami Doodles blog!

Waltzingmouse January Blog Party!

2012-01-17T10:42:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my sweet submission! I made this special card for my husband using the Waltzingmouse Stamps from "Flourishes - Scallops and Dots".

I stamped the scallops in brilliance pearl white on black PTI cardstock, embossed it in clear, and then rubbed red metallic creams over the images. Then, for added fun, I sprinkled more embossing powder over the semi-wet/sticky metallic cream and embossed again for a grungy all over sheen. I used a sticker from the "Yours Truly" paper collection from Echo Park and layered it on a piece of pre-sponged pure poppy PTI cardstock. A trio of twine knots and "Viola!"

Thanks for joining me today, and make sure you check out the rest of the Waltzingmouse goodness on the blog.

Dear Cats, I win! - A tutorial

2012-01-14T20:05:00.000-05:00

I have cats. I think that says a lot, but only to people who actually own cats. I never understood the oddities that cat owners had to deal with until I ended up with two of the little creatures in my home somewhere around 21. Don't get me wrong, they are fuzzy and cute, but mine are plotting to kill me. I even researched it and asked my vet. Look, it's been confirmed. I actually have scars from their attempts. Yet, I continue to let them mooch off of me for food and clean water. I'm a pushover, what can I say?
At the end of the day though, there are certain things that cats do that make me say @#$%^&! Point and case (and the reason for today's blog post) is the continual and utter destruction of the mini blinds. Fortunately, we won't have to pay to replace any sets that fall out of the windows, because the apartment people admit that they are cheap and just gave us new ones! (Hooray!) The cats caused this destruction though, and I'm not sure how to recycle vinyl blinds. So, I upcycled them. Booyah! I win! Ha! Cats 1, Me ∞! Details below:

The "I'm smarter than my cats" Mini Blind Basket

Step 1:
Gather your supplies. I used the broken blinds, a pair of scissors, double sided tape, a stapler, and ribbon.

(The photo shows only tape, but it was not strong enough to hold the corners together, hence the tiny attacher later in the photos.)

Step 2:
Cut the strings to take the blinds apart (this will vary based on your set of mini blinds) to get all the slats free.

Step 3:
Layout your "center" with 4 slats

Step 4:
Start weaving a flat panel and expand in each direction with the number of slats you desire. This will be your base when you are finished.

To determine my size I considered that I had 36 inch long slats and I wanted the box to be 5 inches tall. That meant that my base could only be up to 25 inches by 25 inches (36 inches - 5 inches for right - 5 inches for left - 1 inch clearance = 25 inches) The box pictured is 6 inches wide by 14 inches long by 5 inches tall.

Step 5:
Create pieces that will be long enough to wrap all the way around the basket. My basket was 14 inches long by 6 inches wide meaning that my strips for weaving must be 40 inches long. I measured some 6 inch pieces to add to my 36 inch long slats to make 42 inches (because I really like having room for errors!)

Step 6:
Start turning the work vertical.

Take one end of the long slats and staple it in a corner.

Weave toward the next corner and gently turn everything 90 degrees (vertical), fasten with another staple. Be gentle with the slats as you move vertically, they will break if you crease them. Move around the basket carefully continuing to staple in each corner.

(You could use tape here, but it just didn't hold well for me.)

Step 7:
Weave around the basket, stapling the corners and anywhere else that needs stability, with your long slats. Repeat until it is the desired height.

Step 8:

Finish the edges. When you are done weaving you need to secure the edges. In normal basket weaving you fold the edges and tuck them inside. You can't fold these edges in the same way, but you can break them off, stapling them in place as you go.

Step 9:
Take the ribbon and cover the raw edge along the top. Use the tape to hold the ribbon in place.

Step 10:
Put something exciting but low-duty in the basket.

(It is not the strongest thing in the world, so I would not put something important in it and attach it to your bicycle!)

Step 11:

Revel in how much you just schooled your evil cats. I hear that kids can break blinds too... I hope you parents out there need diaper storage! I think this is is WAY cooler than throwing the broken blinds in the trash! Also, this is all that I have left...I think I need to make woven coasters.

Mami Doodles White on White - Challenge #41

2012-01-13T00:01:00.008-05:00

Good morning friends! Hope all is well with you! I'm here to bring you another Mami Doodles card. This week I used the Ribbon Collection (which is quite a steal at less than 1 Euro!) for my image. The challenge was white on white (with a pop or color) and I took the challenge quite literally! Shimmer white on flat white, with an awesome ribbon image.

I know some people out there think it's really weird to use a digital ribbon image on a card. I however beg to differ. The idea is genius to me! Why? Because I mail a lot of cards home to my family in Montana and pass a bunch around the office. 2 things happen - with the mail service, since they are still using the Pony Express, the horses appreciate the lighter load...ok, just kidding. But seriously, no matter how awesome the envelope, USPS mangles all of my cards with dimension. Same thing happens at work. Every time I pass a dimensional card around the office, the first person takes it, smashes it open, and flattens it. I *cringe* and have actually taken to just passing around the card back and hiding the front in my desk. Of course all the lovely crafty folks I work with want to see the card, so it prohibits my ability to have a productive workplace when I am "forced" to talk about crafty techniques and supplies. :P It truly is a matter of two birds, one stone with a paper ribbon image. No jokes!

Take some time, play along with the challenge here and go check out the sweet ribbons here!

Happy Friday!!!

Runway Inspiration Card

2012-01-05T23:07:00.001-05:00

I made a card. From start to finish. In under an hour. That includes finding the inspiration. For real. And now I'm posting it. Who am I?

At any rate it is for the Runway Inspiration Challenge Blog (great late night discovery) and it went from being a phone themed card to a wedding card to a hello card fast. Really, fast. Glad I felt well enough to leave the couch tonight. :) Those resolutions of mine are only 1/2 working. Training for a marathon is apparently looked down upon when you have bronchitis. Not my call though, which makes me feel slightly less guilty about not exercising. Which reminds me, I should probably go take my antibiotic if I want any hope of feeling better in 2012!

Supplies: Waltzingmouse Stamps (herringbone background from Vintage Labels 4), Hero Arts (sentiment from Just Saying Hi), PTI Cardstock, MFT Loopy Flower Die, Eco-Fi Felt, Memento Ink (Tuxedo Black), Making Memories Specialty Glaze (Pearl), X-press It Adhesive tape

With Sympathy

2012-01-05T21:13:00.001-05:00

I've thought long and hard about what I want to say about this card, and quite honestly I've come up with nothing. The reason? Because I made this card for a friend who recently lost her mother and I am sort of at a loss of words as to what to say. I feel deeply for her, and I'm sorry for her loss. I hope she can take some small comfort knowing that someone is out there thinking of her. Here's the card:

Supplies: WMS Stamps (Blessed by You, Frame It), Ranger Archival Ink (Sepia), Ranger Paint Daubers (Copper), Celebrate It ribbon, SEI Monrovia (I think...it's really old!), and PTI Kraft
Challenges: WMS Sketch Challenge #78, Ribbon Carousel Challenge #34

Mami Doodles Home Decor - Challenge #40

2011-12-18T10:55:00.000-05:00

Long time, no post - I forgot to post my winner from the blog hop on Halloween, but I know that Elisa reached out to the winner she drew while I was in Europe.

** Congrats to Sammibug **

On to the new challenge. This challenge was to do some sort of altered art or home decor project with a Mami Doodles image. I decided that an ornament would be an appropriate home decor item for this time of year. Here's what I did:

People I have shown this to, keep asking how I did it, so here are some very brief instructions: I took a transparency, printed it on a laser printer, I cut out the 4 inch circle with a tab (to keep it upright) at the top, and colored it in with my Copic markers and glitter pens. When I was done coloring I rolled it up and carefully put it inside the glass ornament and arranged it with a pair of needlenose pliers (tweezers would work too, if you aren't too lazy to look for yours! :D) before putting snow white flower soft and snow tinsel glitter in the ornament. I put the cap back on, and voila! Quick and easy!

And to think, I used to be so afraid of clear glass ornaments! Enjoy and make sure you play along and check out what others have created over at Mami Doodles.

Mami Doodle Blog Hop!

2011-10-21T00:01:00.001-04:00

Hope you are having a very spooky Friday! It is a very exciting day here at Mami Doodles. We want to welcome the three *newbie* additions to our design team! They are ::drum roll:: Frances, Jenn , and Pam. I can't wait for you to see their AWESOME craftiness! In honor of our new additions, we're doing a blog hop today, to make sure you will say hi to the NEWBIE Kids on the Block. If you hopped from my buddy Ren-Yi's blog, then you're right on track. And to give you a little more incentive, Elisa is in a very generous mood. We have freebies AND prizes to give away. Are you ready?

Freebie 1

"Scary Mummy", but you need a password. Hint: it's in the DT's posts!

Freebie 2

"Boo!" is available on the Mami Doodles Facebook page

Prizes

Want to win 4 Christmas digis of your choice? We are drawing winners on *each* DT blog. That gives you TEN chances to win! All you have to do is tell me is what kind of Christmas or other holiday must-have traditions you have.

Shall we get on with the challenge? The theme this week is Black & Orange, in honor of Halloween. I used The Witch digi from the Mami Doodles store and coupled it with some dpp from Authentique's Glow collection. I am in love with this little witch and Authentique's paper. :) Here's my card and a few close ups:

I haven't seen daylight in a few days (and we're not discussing what my cat did to my lightbox *sigh*) so I am going to retake these photos on Saturday. Pardon me for now. :D Hope you enjoy my card and what the rest of the team has posted. And be sure to drop in and stalk a newbie or two! (PASSWORD HINT: the only "n" word in the previous sentence!) Your next stop is the incredibly bewitching Wendy!

And in case you got lost, here's the entire blog hop list... Elisa
Frances
Jackie
Jenn
Lisa
Manuela
Pam
Ren-Yi
Stephanie (Your current location!)
Wendy

A whole lot of catching up to do!

2011-07-14T23:23:00.000-04:00

In a stunning move, that will disappoint dear Belinda, I'm going to combine a whole lot of posts into one right now because I'm behind on blogging and I just want to 1) feel like it's not on my check list anymore and 2) share cards with the world! :D (Side note: I have been busy at work, loving what I do, but it's hard to come home from a tech job and hop on the computer! No more details, I'd like to keep this a work free zone!)
So here's what I have for you:
Mami Doodles - 6/24

Tuesday Morning Sketches - 7/5

Tuesday Morning Sketches - 7/12

The first two photos are demos of the awesome detachable bookmarks that we were challenged to incorporate into this week's card! I love the way this turned out! Let me know if you want instructions, I'd love to help!

That's all I have for you today, hope you enjoy! I'll start working on getting the posts out a little more consistently. :D (And no, BCL, I'm not sharing the cards I made in PA...I'm submitting them for publication.)

A post just to play!

2011-07-14T22:58:00.000-04:00

Just a quick link to post my get well card for the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge this week! Hope you like it!

Tuesday Morning Sketches #99

2011-06-21T00:01:00.000-04:00

Another fun week of designing for Tuesday Morning Sketches. This week we have this sketch to work with:

And here's my take:

My card was one of those everything-comes-together-perfectly kind of experiences. I used Kitchen Sink stamps (layered stamps) which I purchased and learned how to use the day before making this card. The paper is all blank PTI cardstock, which I had just organized and found the blue. And amazingly enough I knew where each item I needed for embossing was. This was my first time using SRM stickers and I'm very pleased with how well they worked, bet you didn't know that my sentiment was a sticker before I told you! :D
Hope you have a great day and play along at Tuesday Morning Sketches this week!

A quick post to celebrate!

2011-06-20T17:00:00.011-04:00

Because I'm in a generous mood, and I've hit 100 blog posts (as of Saturday), I am giving away a couple of items to the people who have stuck around to read and comment on my blog. First, the followers, I picked 1 random follower (using random.org) and I'm happy to send item numero uno to:

Follower #16 (alphabetically) t_mwalker

Secondly, I picked out 3 commenters from my 482 comments. The chosen few are:

#39 - Manuela

on Mami Doodles Spots and Stripes

#299 - Laurie Marmon

on And Now For Something A Little Different...

#61 - Crafty Math Chick

on Happy St. Patrick's Day

I have 4 random packages of embellishments and accessories to send out to you, but I need addresses! Email me at stephanie . gru ss (at) gma il (dot) com (remove spaces, I'm trying to confuse spammer bots :D) in order to claim your prizes! Thanks for following and commenting, you really encourage me to keep doing what I'm doing! Have a super day!

Waltzingmouse Waltz of Americana

2011-06-17T22:40:00.000-04:00

I almost missed the Waltz for June! But it’s still the 17^th by my time, so I think I’m still sneaking in! I have to admit, I got a little caught up in getting ready for Stamping Around and forgot to make my card. But I’m the kind of person who can create on the go, so I put this baby together while waiting for them to open the doors tonight. I would say this was a 5 minute card, because it really *could* have been. Alas, I was sitting with 4 of my favorite crafty ladies laughing my butt off and screwed up my stamping…and punching…the only thing I got right the first time was the glue, oh and cutting!

I was pretty excited to finally use my red, white, and blue twine! And I had planned on using my star stamp from the Back In The Saddle before I got distracted. Well, you win some and you laugh the rest off! Ha! Ok, time for me to get my sleep on so I can have more fun tomorrow! Happy trails to you!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2011-06-17T09:44:00.000-04:00

*My post has nothing to do with my mom's birthday other than I'm posting on her birthday! Love you mom!*

It’s Tuesday Morning Sketches time again! I’m a bit late in posting my card because I’m SUPER EXCITED!! For Stamping Around today and I’ve been packing and making my nametag and generally forgetting to blog! The challenge this week is an inspiration challenge set by Angela. Here’s the inspiration:

And here is my inspired card:

I used the succulent digital stamp from Tiffany Doodles and paper pieced it into layers. The sentiment stamp is from Waltzingmouse Stamps’ Say It Loud (sketch is WMS too!), and all of the card is from PTI. I’d say it was a quick card except for the hours I spent coloring, cutting, and embossing those flowers! I’m in it for the fun of it though, definitely not the pay! Lol

Hope you all have a great weekend and I will be back on Tuesday (and on time!!) with the next TMS sketch! I’m off to Stamping Around Ohio! Hooray!

So, you stuck around until the end of the post...this is post 99 for me. I'm pretty sure you can guess what's going to happen at 100! I would make sure you're a follower or a commenter before my next post (which will be before Tuesday)! ;)

Masculine Card with Mami Doodles

2011-06-10T10:06:00.000-04:00

It's been a long week with a lot of work put into this card! I used the wood grain paper from Emma's Shoppe Collection by Paper Crate to make a window frame (embellished with the "Congratulations" stamp from WMS Free Spirit Sentiments set). I also used the WMS sketch this week, and it seems to have served me well with the awesome Hot Air Balloon digi from Mami Doodles. (Inside the card it says "It's time to launch your dreams!")
Now it is time for you to get your "man card" on! That's right...back away from the glitter, and put the pink twine down...then head on over to Mami Doodles to see what the rest of the design team has brought you!

Case it!

2011-06-09T22:41:00.002-04:00

Here are the details...for those who noticed my photo-only link 5 minutes ago!

I love that Anya thinks outside of the box and makes jewelry with WMS. It makes me smile and get creative...you'll understand soon, I have a lot of congratulations cards to post... ;)

Here is the link to Anya's necklace that I cased. I tried to make a bracelet instead since I was hand linking all of the jump rings. All in all, I think it was a win! Anya is a genius! That's all there is to say! :D

Welcome to Tuesday Morning Sketches #97 - Take 2

2011-06-07T12:00:00.002-04:00

I'm a little sheepish, and embarrassed to admit it, but I used the wrong image on my first Tuesday Morning Sketches card. I apparently got *SO* caught up in getting it done on time and beautifully that I missed a detail about which image to use.

Here is my proper TMS card:

A lovely, punny, gorgeous specimen of cardmaking if I do say so myself! It's colored with Prismacolor pencils and a blender pen, and then paper pieced together, inside and out. I'm glad that I had a chance to redeem myself, and that Melissa didn't just shake her head in shame and pretend like I don't exist! (Just kidding!) Ok, it's time for me to go work on next week's creation, because I can't afford to make this mistake twice! :D

Welcome to Tuesday Morning Sketches #97

2011-06-07T00:01:00.001-04:00

Announcement time again...
*drumroll please*
I am now a part of the Tuesday Morning Sketches (guest) design team! Which, for my pushy friends out there, means you will see a blog post at least 3 times a fortnight, and a minimum of 7 times a month. But I can't stop there...you're going to see a lot more than 7 posts a month from me, because after a year of post-graduation real world life, I'm finally all settled in! Time to craft! Oh yeah!
Here is this week's sketch:

And my take on the sketch:

I used the "Bluebonnet" image from Whimsy Doodles (this week's sponsor), and I colored it in reds with my Copics. Yes, I know it's a Bluebonnet. I actually checked. There are RED bluebonnets. Yeah, awesome, I know! Dear Google, thanks for supporting my desire to use reds to color this image. Finished off with a WMS sentiment, some PTI cardstock, free ribbon, and a lot of dimensional adhesive! I have really enjoyed working with digital images in the recent weeks and I enjoyed doing all the fussy cutting to "pop" the flowers up, totally worth it!

Head on over to Tuesday Morning Sketches to play along with this week's sketch!

Scrap Our Stash May Challenge

2011-05-27T12:00:00.000-04:00

I struggle with using flowers on my scrap pages because I love the huge 3D flowers that are popular, so I decided to try a new type of 3D flower (well, new technique for me, many people have been doing these for a while.): The rolled flower.
I chose to do a card because I could put it in a box with a gift and not worry about it getting mashed as it would in my scrapbook. The flowers were pretty simple, since I'm not buying any new stuff for 2011 (with some notable exceptions) I didn't use a die or any templates. I just punched a circle and started cutting in a spiral. I scrunched, rolled, and then went nuts with Glossy Accents to hold it all together. I had to use hot glue to get the flowers to stick and I'm happy to report that I didn't burn myself. I wanted the flowers and the sentiment to pop, so I kept the rest white. Could have easily been a wedding card, even though I used it for a birthday. Super versatile!

Now it's your turn to take the May Flowers Challenge. See all the details HERE! Be sure to scroll down the page - Scrap Our Stash posts something new everyday.

Let's Party with Mami Doodles

2011-05-27T10:00:00.004-04:00

I totally thought I was over the plague (that's what I'm calling my bout with Ohio these days) and then I went back to the doctor this week and found out that I have added a sinus infection to the party! How does that saying go? Two's company, three's a crowd, and four is a party? Well, with layrngitis, bronchitis, a sinus infection, and allergies I definitely have a party going on! What doesn't kill me only makes me stronger! I've also identified my priorities - re: the craft room is 1/2 unpacked, my clothes are completely packed still. o_O You didn't come here for my rambling about packing and diseases though, you came for my Mami Doodles creation! Here it is:

I used shimmery paper (dark and light blue) and gold foil to compliment the metallic blue and gold colored pencils that I used as accents on the image. Unfortunately, the penciling is so subtle that I couldn't get it to show on camera. I'll work on some macro shots in the daylight and see if I can get something better for you! And yes, you are getting another flat card. What can I say, there are a lot of Montana birthdays that I need to send cards for! Hope you join the party over at Mami Doodles and play along in the "Let's Party!" challenge! I can't wait to see what you make!

You may have noticed I used a modified Tuesday Morning Sketch...again! I always find so much inspiration, when I'm set on colors but stuck on layout.

I'm fashionably late to the party!

2011-05-20T17:00:00.005-04:00

Happy Waltz Week!

(It's my party, I'll delay it if I want to! Ha! Ok, it's not really *my* party...)

I know, I'm a little late to the party. I'm ok with that though, because late means alive and well which didn't seem possible on the 17th. =D (Ok, <- That was a little dramatic it's just asthma, allergies, bronchitis, and laryngitis all at the same time. I'm going to be just fine.) But I'm good now! Sooooooooooooo, much better than I was at this time Tuesday!
Here is my awesome man card. Yeah, I used doilies and bling...because every award has bling...so there! I also used my itty bitty banners. In fact, if the other stamp sets I bought (<< Guilty confession right there!!) weren't gifts for others, I probably would have used them too...I'm just saying... Hope it rocks your socks and that you have a dancin' good time, because I am pretty proud of my doily award! :D (I'm feeling much, much, much, much better (as you can tell by my snark) than I have been for the past couple of months, it's a wonder what a geeky inhaler can do for a girl! lol Also, the fact that there are layers and handcut pieces also are a telltale sign of wellness.)

Waltzingmouse Rocks My Socks

2011-05-20T12:55:00.000-04:00

I have a post plague belated Waltz post, but first I wanted to share my super simple card for this week's WMS sketch. It's extra CAS because when I made it I was lucky to sit still for more than 3 minutes without coughing. I'm doing better now, I only coughed twice while typing this...a record for this week!
Back soon with more posts...and announcements!

Mami Doodles Spots and Stripes

2011-05-15T01:52:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my big announcement post!

1) I'm now a member of the Mami Doodles DT! *Yay!* *Hooray!*

2) This fortnight's challenge is spots and stripes, you can find more details here!

3) I've moved to a new apartment! (A very good thing for those who knew anything about my neighbors. *Ugh!*)

4) Spring has sprung! It's actually quite pretty here in Ohio right now, even though I'm allergic to it all. Only a few more days until my allergy test though, I'm learning a lot about patience. It's good for me.

5) For my birthday, I got a Big Shot Pro. =D You'll see projects that reflect this amazing news as soon as I get unpacked.

6) I have another big announcement coming soon...stay tuned.

7) I have another big announcement coming after that...continue to stay tuned!

On to the card:

This purple beauty is one I'm really proud of! I colored the image with Copic markers on PTI White Stock. All of the pieces of colored or patterned paper are scraps, most were pieces that I got for free! Yay! If you have Freecycle in your area, you should post a "wanted" for paper scraps, you'll be amazed at how many people actually just cut a chunk out and throw the rest of a 12 x 12 away. (You could probably post on CL too, but then you might have to pay $$ for it.) I love this party girl and can GUARANTEE that you will see it again on another one of my cards. Oh, and I used this week's TMS sketch, it was far too perfect to pass up!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! (Take Two!)

2011-03-17T23:57:00.000-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day...again!

I chose to do another card for St. Patrick's Day to give to a new friend who is absolutely nuts about St. Patrick's Day! I used the 2010 St. Patrick's Day shamrock freebie. I printed it on cardstock and did something I haven't done in a long time - Gamsol and colored pencils! (In doing this, I did something I've never done before -- used my Prismacolor pencils.) I followed the Tuesday Morning Sketch for this week, and did something that I don't normally do -- decorated the inside! I really hope she likes it, especially since I'm not like Belinda and give cards for non-standard card giving holidays.
My dear husband and parents are out right now, celebrating St. Patrick's Day the only way Butte, America knows how! ;) They are chilling at home now, pigging out on corned beef and cabbage like it's an Irish Thanksgiving! I'm glad they are having fun, but I'm not the wee bit jealous...ok, maybe a wee bit!

Here's a little taste of what it's like in Butte, my adopted hometown: http://ptc.mtech.edu/faculty/cokrusch/music.htm
If you'd like to support this local artist, you can buy this song here: http://www.amazon.com/St-Patricks-Day-At/dp/B001AKZ158

I'll leave you with one of my favorite Irish blessings (maybe Claire can tell me if I'm wrong and it's not Irish):

May you have the hindsight to know where you've been
the foresight to know where you're going
and the insight to know when you're going too far.

(Note - I rounded the corners after I took my photos, somehow it created a lot more unity. =D )

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T03:00:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the St. Patrick's Day WMS Waltz!

I've been hoping for months that Claire would keep the St. Pat's theme and she did! Thanks, Claire! However, I never thought I would say this, but I miss Butte. A lot. St. Patrick's Day is a big deal in that little town and it turns out I can't write much more about St. Pat's without getting really sad. =( So, I'll leave you with my Waltz project, and hope to calm down, and elaborate a bit on the fact that I scraplifted this fabby project from Joan!

Congratulations!

2011-02-28T23:09:00.000-05:00

I should have a Compact update tonight, but instead I want to take this time to post about cake. (Yay! Cake!) Two of my good friends found out this week that they are pregnant and I wanted to make a cake for them. Unfortunately, Brian and Emma Smith live in Anaconda, Montana so they will have to just make do with this 'virtual cake'. It is a butter pecan cake with homemade caramel on each of the layers with vanilla butternut buttercream frosting and royal icing flowers.Hopefully, they will appreciate the pain I am in after piping that super stiff basket weave and all of those flowers! Congrats again guys, now you have to tell me what you want as a baby shower gift!

Best Wishes!

2011-02-22T23:05:00.000-05:00

Just a super short post tonight to make sure I make some deadlines! There would be a whole lot more to this post if I hadn't gotten caught up in making royal icing roses all evening! :D Yum-o! (Tip: Use a Hershey's kiss for the base, because you get bigger, consistently-sized blooms!) Here's tonight's card:

It is a simple card that fell victim to my new found issue. I make cards for my team to sign at work but when I make them in the smaller sizes with big three-dimensional embellishments, no one can sign them! :D

Challenges: Moxie Fab World, Paper Crafting Journey, Really Reasonable Ribbon

Supplies are below: (I'm trying to do a better job about taking notes for that!)
Paper: The Paper Company (Kraft), Autumn Leaves, Foof-a-La (Thrift Store Collection, Polka Dot Paper), Pages from a 1984 copy of "Love & War" by John Jakes (die cut via Cricut into flat flowers and then arranged on the page)
Stamps: Hero Arts
Ink: Distress Inks (Chipped Glass, Worn Lipstick, Tea Dye)
Tape: Recollections (Pink Polka Dot)
Ribbon: Jo-Ann's Fabric & Crafts (bulk lace)
Glitter: Stickles (Crystal)
Adhesive: Glossy Accents, Zips Ribbon Adhesive

14 Days Of Valentines! The big winner!

2011-02-22T00:01:00.000-05:00

Here's a very quick post to let you know that comment #24 from jmarmon (Debbie Marmon) is the winner of the $25 gift card! I'm off to cake class shortly, bit I didn't want to keep you all waiting!

I have many a card, cake, and compact story to post this week, so you can continue to look forward to me actually using my blog! =D

Happy Tuesday!

Button me up baby!

2011-02-17T00:01:00.005-05:00

Welcome to the Waltzingmouse February Blog Waltz

The theme this month is buttons
(If you are looking for my 14 days of Valentines winner, scroll down or click here)

My card that I am sharing today actually features homemade buttons in the same shape as the handy dandy labels 4 die from Spellbinders. I used the Rescue Remedies friendship label as my sentiment and inspiration for this card. The colors actually come from a secret special gift (hopefully to be added to this post later today!) for one heck of a person!
I made the buttons using shrink plastic, a black Copic, and my big bite. I'm again thankful for the creativity I have oozing out these days as a result of only buying used items. That swirly pattern of the gems is not from a pre-arranged sticker pack. And while they are hotfix gems and arranged by me, they aren't your typical gems. I made my own wedding veils when we got married almost 4 years ago (!) and I applied real Swarovski hotfix crystals to my train length veil. These jewels are part of the languishing stash of supplies that I happen to still have on hand now, collecting dust, and now finally seeing the light of ~~day~~ lamps! I'm off to continue crocheting so that I can add that surprise to this post!

14 Days of Valentine - Winner #1

2011-02-15T00:01:00.001-05:00

My awesome hard drive platter rose!

Here's the dealio! Blogger and this blogist are no longer friends. (Ok, we're still friends, but we're just not BFFs at the moment!) I went to check the comments for my blog and realized that nothing has posted since day 10, I've been so busy that I didn't actually notice. (It's mostly a PEBCAK error, you know Problem Exists Between Chair And Keyboard!) Because of this, I've decided to give away two prizes.

The first prize is a secret, mystery prize (otherwise known as a few things that I've been saving to give away as gifts!) that goes to the person who was randomly chosen for commenting up until this point. That person, by random draw is:

Alicia

(Send me an email or FB message with your address!)

The second prize is the $25 Amazon Gift Card that I will pick a winner for on President's Day (February 21)! So, there you have it folks, go back comment on the last few days, and let me know how your love day was! Cheers!

The standard rules:
1) You must become a follower, and stick around until the 15th (when I draw).
2) Comment each day to get an entry for a fabulous prize! It's the perfect gift for anyone!

14 Days of Valentine - Day 14

2011-02-14T00:01:00.002-05:00

It's finally Valentine's day! Woo hoo! Thanks for sticking with me! I just want to remind you to spend this day with those you love, and spend the other 364 days of the year doing the same. I would spend today posting about our plans for tonight except for the fact that I do not know what we are doing tonight. Ryan is totally in charge, and I'm in the dark. It's pretty sweet arrangement for me!

Happy love day and I'll be back tomorrow to announce the winner for the $25 Amazon Gift card! Don't forget to comment!

Here's the scoop:
1) You must become a follower, and stick around until the 15th (when I draw).
2) Comment each day to get an entry for a fabulous prize! It's the perfect gift for anyone!
3) I will have a special bonus post to get you an additional entry (or two, or three) sometime in the 14 day countdown, so be on the lookout!

14 Days of Valentine - Day 13

2011-02-13T00:01:00.001-05:00

Yummy! Food! Here's the kind of cake-y part of Ryan's Valentine's day gift! These are gigantic over-sized yellow cupcakes (Purchased undecorated from Whole Foods because I don't own a ginormous cupcake pan!) that I adopted, claimed as my own, and then decorated! I used Cherry Flavored Red Fondant from Satin Ice and Bright Pink Buttercream fondant from a company that I can never remember! (I'll try to take note the next time I'm at the cake store buying fondant!)
Honestly, these were just as easy as they look! I rolled out the fondant, cut 3 scalloped circles, 'I', 'U', and a scalloped heart with cookie cutters, and went crazy with pearl dust on any red piece of fondant. In case you're wondering, the frosting underneath is homemade cream cheese (leftover from a carrot cake I made recently) and yes, I did accidentally stab the "I" cupcake with my thumb when I moved it. I was not impressed with myself for that one! I know that they are super simple, but my love for the hubby is pretty straightforward!

Here's the scoop:
1) You must become a follower, and stick around until the 15th (when I draw).
2) Comment each day to get an entry for a fabulous prize! It's the perfect gift for anyone!
3) I will have a special bonus post to get you an additional entry (or two, or three) sometime in the 14 day countdown, so be on the lookout!

14 Days of Valentine - Day 12

2011-02-12T00:01:00.002-05:00

We're almost there! It's almost Valentine's Day! Woot! Today's post will be short because I still have to write in Ryan's card. He's super good at doing that whereas, I suck! :P Here's a quick rundown of the card. It is inspired by Robert Indiana's classic painting of "LOVE", which I saw a replica of when I went to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in 2009. The little "dots" are actually hand-sewn beads...that took me two hours to attach in the swirly patterns. The letters are die cut from shimmering paper and the jewels are hand placed. The heart patterned paper is actually white shimmer paper with "distressed" Red Barn inked WMS hearts. I don't know why, but I had an overwhelming urge to add some lace or ribbon so I embedded the lace at the bottom between the layers of paper. Viola! A true labor of love!

Here are the good bits:

1) You must become a follower, and stick around until the 15th (when I draw).

2) Comment each day to get an entry for a fabulous prize! It's the perfect gift for anyone!
3) I will have a special bonus post to get you an additional entry (or two, or three) sometime in the 14 day countdown, so be on the lookout!

14 Days of Valentine - Day 11

2011-02-11T00:01:00.001-05:00

Reasons I love you, #10: You love me!
Everyday, you give me another reminder of this fact in some form. I really don't know how to expound on this topic without making the other people who will read this puke from all of the mushiness! Ha! We are truly a unique couple, and I like it that way!
Sweet and simple with the card, I'd just like to point out that this is another demonstration of my love for the Copic multiliners. Uh-may-zing! (Read: Amazing!)
You're off to comment now! Don't forget the rules are below!
Here's the scoop:
1) You must become a follower, and stick around until the 15th (when I draw).
2) Comment each day to get an entry for a fabulous prize! It's the perfect gift for anyone!
3) I will have a special bonus post to get you an additional entry (or two, or three) sometime in the 14 day countdown, so be on the lookout!

14 Days of Valentine - Day 10

2011-02-10T00:01:00.001-05:00

Reasons I love you, #9: You try new things
I know that I already mentioned my hubby's pb&h addiction in an earlier post. But I have another try-new-things-out-of-love-food-related-story that I want to share. Waaaaay back, when I was a senior in high school, Ryan was invited over for dinner at my parent's house. Now, this may seem like no big deal to most people, but you have to consider the facts.
* Both my mother and my father were feared in the group of guys Ryan hung around.
* My father is Mexican. (If you can guess from "Gruss", Ryan is not.)
* Based on the second fact, it's not hard to come to the conclusion that the food we ate was often quite different from the food Ryan ate.
* At this point we had been together for 2.5 years, and this was the first time my father had actually *invited* him over.
* I was nervous, and totally projected that all over Ryan...poor guy never saw it coming...
Those are the facts, on to the tale. So, before Ryan came over I helped my mom decide what was for dinner, and started to help make dinner with her. My mom has a reputation for eating really spicy foods, and I warned her at least 15 million times - Don't! Make! It! Spicy! I told Ryan what we were having over the phone, and tried to convey that it wouldn't be spicy because my mom had been lectured by me.
Well, turns out that all the lecturing and all the assisting in the world won't stop a jalapeño on a mission. I still remember the look on Ryan's face. He's a real trooper! He ate all of that tortilla soup that my mom made. I think he also drank a gallon of water and all of the soda! I don't remember anything else that we had for dinner. Just the soup. To think, when I met Ryan he truly did not like soup, or spice. For dinner this week, we had homemade taco soup...twice.
The page today is supposed to look like a prize! Awarded to Mr. Gruss for his bravery in all of our ~~stupid~~ crazy adventures! I used a ribbon punch to make two even holes in the paper. I wanted total ribbon control and found that punching holes made the ribbon lie flat and display the same side. I carefully placed the ribbon, adhered it to the paper, and then took the brad apart...-ish. I split the legs of the brad and ran each leg through one of the ribbon holes to cover up the holes and perfectly place the brad. I then folded the legs toward each other for extra stability and applied extra adhesive over the brad when putting the backing on. Easy peasy! Leave your thoughts in the comments, and don't forget the rules are below!

Here's the scoop:
1) You must become a follower, and stick around until the 15th (when I draw).
2) Comment each day to get an entry for a fabulous prize! It's the perfect gift for anyone!
3) I will have a special bonus post to get you an additional entry (or two, or three) sometime in the 14 day countdown, so be on the lookout!

14 Days of Valentine - Day 9

2011-02-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

Reasons I love you, #8: You make me smile
If you can't tell by now, my hubby and I have a lot of good times together. There is a lot of laughter in our apartment. Usually it stems from Ryan putting on a puppet show with the cat/dog/random inanimate object. Honestly though, it's not the side-splitting laughter that does it for me. It's all of the little things he does to make me smile. Like randomly cleaning the kitchen. Or waking up to a kiss and "I love you!" The box of notes he is hiding in the closet from when we dated in high school. The way he pushes me to stretch myself, and is there to selflessly congratulate me at the end. It's the funny faces, enthusiasm for life, and devotion to our relationship that make me smile!

To change it up a little, I wanted to give you a hint as to what I'm giving away - it's a gift card! To where? How much? You'll just have to wait and see! Want an extra entry? Tweet this post and tag me @sagruss before 2/14/11!

Here's the scoop:
1) You must become a follower, and stick around until the 15th (when I draw).
2) Comment each day to get an entry for a fabulous prize! It's the perfect gift for anyone!
3) I will have a special bonus post to get you an additional entry (or two, or three) sometime in the 14 day countdown, so be on the lookout!

14 Days of Valentine - Day 8

2011-02-08T00:01:00.001-05:00

Reasons I love you, #7: You can make anything punny
Yesterday you reminded me that if I wanted hominy, I needed peas (peace and harmony) when I wanted to know if there were any cans of hominy left for the taco soup. Even though you stole it, you pull varieties of "sheet happens" regularly. When I'm stitching on a card you seriously say "Make it sew" (Star Trek reference, in case you didn't get it!) Other puns that you pull out regularly "Tooth Hurty, time to go to the dentist!" and "There are 10 kinds of people in this world" (That's more math joke, than pun.) At any rate, it's all about puns all the time around here. If' I hated puns we'd be in trouble. Obviously though, it's one of those things I truly love about you! (Now that I'm trying hard to think of puns to post about, I can't think of a single one! I may have to edit this post later to add more punny things you say...maybe I'll start carrying a notebook!)
I used a set of Spellbinders dies for the first time to make the embellishment on the side. I wanted to do something a little different but I couldn't come up with a punny way to do it. Any suggestions? Leave them in the comments, and don't forget the rules are below!

Here's the scoop:
1) You must become a follower, and stick around until the 15th (when I draw).
2) Comment each day to get an entry for a fabulous prize! It's the perfect gift for anyone!
3) I will have a special bonus post to get you an additional entry (or two, or three) sometime in the 14 day countdown, so be on the lookout!

14 Days of Valentine - Day 7

2011-02-07T00:01:00.003-05:00

Reasons I love you, #6: You are one of a kind

I have never met anyone else who is so unique like you. You are manly, but not a brute. You are nerdy, but not socially deficient. You are smart, but on the same level I am. (Which means we can have even, open conversations!) You are supportive, but you don't lose yourself in me. You are Ryan, and there's no other way to put it. Half of my friends want to steal you away and the other half wouldn't have anything to do with you. My only hope is that I'm as unique as you are, so that I get to keep you forever. That is, after all, my plan - to keep you forever! (In a loving, non-evil way, of course!)

I really wanted this page to reflect the wording. Last year I bought some brads to go with Ren-Yi's Swap Kit and I happened to have a few left over (I actually bought them at the Scrapbooker's Hideaway in Missoula, Montana and I remember Ryan helped me pick them out.) Believe it or not, the brad layout took a lot of careful planning because I didn't want the super tall brad to look awkward or be too close or run out of space. I think I managed to get it right though and produced a one of a kind page! That's all folks, don't forget the rules are below!

Here's the scoop:
1) You must become a follower, and stick around until the 15th (when I draw).
2) Comment each day to get an entry for a fabulous prize! It's the perfect gift for anyone!
3) I will have a special bonus post to get you an additional entry (or two, or three) sometime in the 14 day countdown, so be on the lookout!

14 Days of Valentine - Day 6

2011-02-06T00:01:00.001-05:00

Reasons I love you, #5: You're a good sport! Even when I'm not!

If you were paying close attention yesterday, then you noticed that mention about me kicking Ry's butt at games, and him doing the same to me. Since I have been on quite the bullet list kick lately, I'm going to list out all of the games I love playing with my hubby!

Euchre
Jenga
Guitar Hero
Dr. Mario, Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros.
Raving Rabbids
Yahtzee
Poker
Pinochle
Rummy
Killer Bunnies
Sorry
Monopoly
Trouble
Risk

We don't have cable, so we spend a lot of time hanging out playing games together and chatting. I like it that way. :) Just to set the record straight, we each win about evenly at board games and games of general skill. However, he kicks major butt at most video games especially Guitar Hero. I dominate at Tetris, Blokus, and Dr. Mario. Period. I win. No questions asked. Did I mention, I am kind of a bad sport sometimes? :D What are your favorite games?
This page is one of the first ones I did. I wanted to use the words to embellish the page, so I made the other details rather simple. I used my Copics (Of course!), a segment from one of my favorite sewing embellishments (in my stash, featured in my January waltz post), and all of the themes that are on each of the other pages! As usual, the rules are below!

Here's the scoop:
1) You must become a follower, and stick around until the 15th (when I draw).
2) Comment each day to get an entry for a fabulous prize! It's the perfect gift for anyone!
3) I will have a special bonus post to get you an additional entry (or two, or three) sometime in the 14 day countdown, so be on the lookout!

14 Days of Valentine - Day 5

2011-02-05T00:01:00.003-05:00

Reasons I love you, #4: Every day comes with a kiss
Another short post because I am certain that I'm the only one that loves Ryan's kisses! So, just for fun, I'll bullet point the best parts of my day!

A kiss first thing when I wake up
A kiss when I come downstairs for breakfast
A kiss when I'm leaving for work
A kiss when I'm actually leaving for work for real
A kiss when I get home, plus bonus puppy kisses!
A zillion kisses while I make dinner
A kiss as we put dinner on the table
A kiss as we do dishes together
A kiss after I kick his butt at cards or after he whips my butt at Guitar Hero
A kiss when we head off to bed
A kiss right after I brush my teeth
A kiss when we get into bed
A kiss goodnight
A kiss after Ryan asks if he got his kiss goodnight (I think it's a ploy to get extra kisses!)
A stolen kiss after Ryan falls asleep

That's my typical day, it only gets better from there!

Page details - I wanted something simple but different from the other pages. I went for the writing in a circle tactic, and used the same colored brads as I did on the other pages. Once again, my Copic multiliners came in handy! I was able to use the .03 point to make that teeny little heart above the i in kiss. I never would have been able to do that with a standard set of markers. I think I'm in LOVE! As usual, the rules are below! (< I keep copying this text!)

Here's the scoop:
1) You must become a follower, and stick around until the 15th (when I draw).
2) Comment each day to get an entry for a fabulous prize! It's the perfect gift for anyone!
3) I will have a special bonus post to get you an additional entry (or two, or three) sometime in the 14 day countdown, so be on the lookout!

14 Days of Valentine - Day 4

2011-02-04T00:01:00.001-05:00

Reasons I love you, #3: You understand me even when I'm sobbing
I am an extrovert. I share pretty willingly. However, I think I'm just going to leave the details out of this post and use some bullet points.

I am a girl
Sometimes, it is reflected in my emotions
My husband understands me during these emotional times
He also understands me when I'm not emotional
It's a nice arrangement!

One quick blip about this page. IF you decide to use metal embellishments and IF you decide they need to be flat do NOT use your brand new Big Shot cutting plates to sandwich them. I bet you can guess by looking at the very flat copper and black hearts on this page, just how I know that! :D Short and sweet today, it is Friday after all! As usual, the rules are below!

Here's the scoop:
1) You must become a follower, and stick around until the 15th (when I draw).
2) Comment each day to get an entry for a fabulous prize! It's the perfect gift for anyone!
3) I will have a special bonus post to get you an additional entry (or two, or three) sometime in the 14 day countdown, so be on the lookout!

14 Days of Valentine - Day 3

2011-02-03T02:01:00.001-05:00

Reasons I love you, #2: You join me on my crazy adventures!
You don't have to look far to know that I talk Mr. G into doing a lot of things that he normally wouldn't do. Case in point - Running the Disney World Princess Half-Marathon last February. Other crazy things I've "convinced" him to do include: Moving to the midwest, driving days on end for 1700 mile road trips (for fun!), going to theme parks (including riding on rollercoasters), getting a dog, meeting Belinda in Akron, OH, making 700 cookies for Christmas, dressing up as an old couple for Halloween, trick-or-treating in aforementioned costumes for canned goods, going an entire year without buying anything new, moving forward on plans to (possibly) adopt and (probably) move over the big pond to open the next chapter of our lives together. It's pretty obvious that we have done some pretty kooky things together. You would never guess it from the guy he claims he was when we met. He claims that at one point, if it wasn't a peanut butter and honey sandwich, he wouldn't eat it.o_O I can't imagine that, and I will admit that he's changed since we first met, but what do you expect from someone you met in high school pep band? We've grown together, and I can list the unusual things he's managed to get me to do! (Did I mention that I was a computer science major for two years? My parents thought that was weird too!)
You came for details on the page (and probably to comment as well!) so I'll get to it! This layout is a throwback to my newspaper days - I wanted columns! That pretty much explains the layout in terms of positioning. The heart brads are from Joann's and even though I bought these before we were even married, I can guarantee that you can still buy them. :D I guess they are just that classic! I remembered some of the things I learned about design in school and made sure that I had an odd number of hearts. Although I found it difficult to place them without clustering them. Have you ran into this issue when placing large numbers (there are 15 on a 4x4 page!) of "random" embellishments on a page? Okay kids, my rant about hearts is over, please commence commenting! As usual, the rules are below!

Here's the scoop:
1) You must become a follower, and stick around until the 15th (when I draw).
2) Comment each day to get an entry for a fabulous prize! It's the perfect gift for anyone!
3) I will have a special bonus post to get you an additional entry (or two, or three) sometime in the 14 day countdown, so be on the lookout!

14 Days of Valentine - Day 2

2011-02-02T02:01:00.013-05:00

Reasons I love you, #1: I can be myself when I'm with you!
I have been with my husband for nearly 10 years, so I really cannot pull the "pretend not to be crazy" act like Elliot on Scrubs ). I guess I'm more like this except for he already knows! :D At any rate, my hubby knows that I am a neurotic, driven, random, spazzo of a person with a soft spot for camping, stamps, and Office Space. I'm bipolar when it comes to Star Trek and even worse when you make me pick between things like Friends and Seinfeld. (We have both in the DVD rack!) I can be honest with you and you listen. I really appreciate that there's no faking who I am...unless it's Halloween!
On to the page I made for him! That little heart is the result of a very random creative thought! I needed a way to trace a heart onto the page but I tested a light pencil mark and erased it and the results were not pretty! This was while I was sitting in the Archiver's crop area and as I stared at the wall of punches I had a brilliant plan - I would emboss a heart punch-out! I grabbed the best looking heart off of the wall punched out a piece of cardstock and sandwiched it all together before running it through the Big Shot. The result was a noticeable but subtle heart embossed perfectly on my page. I used that to punch my holes with a piercing tool, and then used metallic embroidery floss to backstitch my homemade design. Pro tip - Plan to use shorter lengths of the metallic floss and have multiple ends on the back because it tangles impossibly, and fast! I used my Copic Multi-liners on all of the pages of the book - way better than a Sharpie and much more versatile! (Also, much more expensive!) Done with the rambling, you are free to comment for the giveaway - the rules are below!

Here's the scoop:
1) You must become a follower, and stick around until the 15th (when I draw).
2) Comment each day to get an entry for a fabulous prize! It's the perfect gift for anyone!
3) I will have a special bonus post to get you an additional entry (or two, or three) sometime in the 14 day countdown, so be on the lookout!

14 Days of Valentine - Day 1

2011-02-01T02:01:00.007-05:00

When it comes to Valentine's Day, I'm all in! I love my husband dearly, and Valentine's Day is a socially acceptable all-out mush-fest! Boo-fricken-yah! (I kind of treat everyday as a mush-fest but, the "awww so cute" I consistently hear from my boss indicates that I'm not normal. Or socially acceptable!) I thought I would share the love this Valentine's Day, and have a little countdown. I'll be sharing the gifts I made for my better half for Valentine's Day, in an effort to inspire you! I'm also giving away a prize, check it out at the bottom of this post!

DH was out of town for a week, which gave me a chance to work on this project like a mad woman! It also gave me a lot of time to consider what I wanted to give him. It became clear one day when we were on the phone and he asked "Why do you love me?" Granted, he was being particularly obnoxious, but I found it to be appropriate fodder for his Valentine's Day gift. I give you Part 1 of my grandiose 2011 Valentine's Day Present: The Book.

This it the cover. Like the rest of the book, the cover is cut from the largest Labels 1 die. Unlike the rest of the book, I used chipboard letters and a very special heart stamp from Waltzingmouse Stamps. To put the cover together, I attached two sheets of white shimmer cardstock to a piece of chipboard. Before attaching the white paper, I used red tape around the edges of the chipboard and adhered the red ribbon to make a nice edge. The letters are threaded onto the same type of ribbon and adhered firmly with a bit of red tape (and the weight of a "real" book). I'm sure you're ready to hear about the giveaway, so I'll put my Barn Door Distress Ink away, and give you the deets.

Here's the scoop:
1) You must become a follower, and stick around until the 15th (when I draw).
2) Comment each day to get an entry for a fabulous prize! It's the perfect gift for anyone!
3) I will have a special bonus post to get you an additional entry (or two, or three) sometime in the 14 day countdown, so be on the lookout!

Thanks for playing along, and let me know, are you a Valentine's Day enthusiast?

SOS February Challenge - Love

2011-01-31T22:35:00.000-05:00

Dear Hubster - Stop reading my feed. I know you read this, I'll let you know when you can come back!

I can hardly contain myself! I just wanted to give you a heads up to make sure you pop on over to the Scrap Our Stash blog to check out my February challenge post. It's a case of Belinda's "framed" layout...which you'll be able to read all about here between February 1 and February 14!
Can you see the cased elements? (Make sure you come back to read all about it!) A few highlights and my description will be posted later today!

I'm so excited!

2011-01-31T02:01:00.008-05:00

So, unlike the rest of the world (at least that's what Hollywood would have you believe) I actually LOVE Valentine's day! Maybe it's because I'm with the sweetest guy in the whole world. Although, I've always liked V-day, maybe it was the candy before boys were important. :D I'm guessing it's the repressed hippie in me, and what hippie would say no to free love?
Here's the deal, I'm doing what everybody else does for Christmas, I'm counting down...and I'm bringing you with me!

Yes, it will be sappy!

Yes, it will be inspiring (hopefully)!

Yes, there will be hearts!

And yes, there will be cake! Woo hoo!

Of course, there will be a little something in store for you, my loyal reader. (Make sure you're a follower!) Be sure to comment each day (there will be directions) and you'll be happy you did! For now, I'm leaving you with a sneak peak!

See you February 1, 2011!

January Scrap Our Stash challenge - NEW!

2011-01-30T12:03:00.000-05:00

For this month's challenge over at Scrap Our Stash, I designed this cute little birthday card! I've been on a bit of a streak for little cute cards, I'm terrible at sending cards if I have to make them in advance so I'm working to get better about that by making them in advance.
Other than my work-ahead approach, you may be wondering what's new about this card? This card uses a cupcake from my favorite new paper pad (SEI, Happy Day Collection), my new lightbox (made from tissue paper, scrap fabric, and a cardboard box; approximate directions can be found here), one of my (few) new stamps from The Ink Pad, and a new technique (the shadowbox layout) that I picked up from the WMS Grand Calibur party!

I am working on my photos of my cards and I feel like the lightbox is helping a ton! Note: When I'm using it, I normally have the light directly above the box, but I needed light to take a photo of the box! Any suggestions on things I could try? I even added props to this darling little photo! (Keep in mind that about 40% of my problem is that these days I'm going to work and coming home in the dark, so I can't take advantage of that wondrous phenomenon called daylight!) The hubby's out of town so it's off to craft a bit more for me! If he's lucky, I may even think about cleaning off my table! Ha! If you're looking for something to create, you should check out the January New Challenge at Scrap Our Stash. Check out all the details here!

The Compact for 2011

2011-01-25T02:01:00.007-05:00


After 5 days and 2000 miles, we entered Ohio on 7/23/2010.

Last year was stellar. I graduated from college (finally with 3 fancy diplomas!), made it onto a design team (Scrap Our Stash), fulfilled a dream to be a summer counselor, and started my shiny new grown up job! That last accomplishment meant a 2000 mile cross-country move. So, the Mr. and I sold everything we could bear to part with, shoved our lives into a U-Haul trailer, loaded up the pets, and left Montana. Life has been quite different here in Columbus, Ohio; but it's made me a better person. I hope the hubby would agree with that! The best part of living here? That feeling to keep up with the Joneses has dissipated.
It started when we had our first moving sale. I realized that I was wasting a lot of space (and money, and creating a lot of carbon) with stuff I was never going to use, and I owned a lot of things just for the sake of appearances. It was stupid. And materialistic. Did I mention it was stupid?
After we moved we picked up new-to-us furniture from Craigslist where we got great deals, met some new people, and learned the lay of the land; a far better experience than we would have had buying a bunch of new furniture from box stores. That's when it clicked - I don't have anyone to impress here. I'm buying things that will make my life comfortable. Out with the LCD big screen tv we had in Butte, in with the freebie CRT tv that spends little time glowing in our living room, but isn't in the dump! Out with the lavish Pampered Chef pots and pans, in with a simple set of stainless steel pans that will probably last for decades instead of years. Out with the consumer mindset, in with local foods and a dramatic reduction on our environmental impact. The 5 months of 2010 that we spent in Columbus, will surely pale in comparison to the challenge we have set forth for ourselves in 2011!
Ryan and I made a compact for 2011. Nothing new! Nothing! Here are the rules we are using:

- Allowed items

Food items - with an emphasis on eating and buying local. We're currently getting our groceries from Green Bean Delivery and selecting midwest and local produce. Eating seasonally will probably seem more exciting when spring rolls around!
Toiletries - We have tried a few things and will continue to try others as the year goes, but the fact remains that we both need deodorant. Period.
Cleaning Supplies - This only applies to chemicals (vinegar, Nature's Miracle, bleach, soaps, baking soda, etc.) and not "hardware" (vaccums, steamers, etc.). Maintenance items are allowed, such as filters and belts when absolutely needed (ie - belt is broken, not stockpiling).
Safety Items - Headlights for the car, a fire extinguisher, smoke detectors, bike helmets...you get the idea.
Underoos - This should be self explanatory
Pet items - Someone argued that I wouldn't be consuming rawhides and catnip!
Entertainment and services - Movies, digital media, massages, zoo and waterpark excursions, hair cuts, etc.

- Not allowed

Anything new - We can buy items at secondhand stores, garage sales, off of Craigslist/eBay/Amazon (used only), and refurbished items. The idea is to turn away from the typical American Consumerist mindset and make only mindful, purchases of items we "need" rather than impulsively buying what we "want." (Note: We have decided that we can buy any item on eBay/Amazon that is used or is from a "private" seller (not a store). Similar to buying from a virtual garage sale.)
If something truly cannot be purchased secondhand, it can be purchased new at a local store or from a small business.

What does this have to do with crafting? Even though the original compact (link at the end of this post) allowed all crafty purchases, my better half and I decided that there were only 2 items that I can buy new:
- White cardstock
- Adhesive
but I only get to buy them when I'm completely out (this was my idea, not his, please be gentle!). At this rate, I will last through at least March! There is a third exception to that rule: I get to put in one order of Waltzingmouse Stamps since I never got to buy them at Christmastime. It's the hubby's belated Christmas gift to me. :) Fortunately, they are US made, high quality, stamps from a very small business!
There are a few saving graces to this situation, namely I live in a highly populated area where the "Art" section of Craigslist is well used, and I live near Scrapbook Art -- The most fabby scrapbook store ever! This is why: GARAGE SALE! (For those following my cake craziness. Please remember, fondant, meringue powder, and vanilla are all foods. I'll still be making cakes!)
Before we started this, we decided that we would consider having a "jubilee day" on the middle day of the year (July 2) where we would be allowed to buy anything we wanted, new or otherwise. There's only one thing I can think of that I would even consider purchasing at that time and it's only because I damaged my Big Shot in transit. I want the Big Shot Pro. However, until my Big Shot actually goes out, I only am at "want". (That, and it's going to cost more than my Cricut Expression did!) If you've followed my blog for very long you already know that I rescue buttons and ribbon from Goodwill, scavenge Freecycle, and have been known to modify stuff I find in my home for the sake of crafting! I'm looking forward to a year filled with "Frugal Friday" tips galore. Wish me luck with this adventure! I'll be posting an update on our successes and opportunities on a monthly (or so) basis here on my blog. It should be entertaining at the very least!

Useful links for The Compact and this post:

Green Bean Delivery: http://www.greenbeandelivery.com/
Waltzingmouse Stamps: http://www.waltzingmousestamps.com/
Scrapbook Art: http://scrapbookartpolaris.com/
Freecycle: http://www.freecycle.org/
The original rules: http://sfcompact.blogspot.com/2006/01/new-years-resolution.html
The original blog: http://sfcompact.blogspot.com/
The yahoo! group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thecompact/
The Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Compact

A very inspired happy birthday!

2011-01-23T19:14:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday! Twice in one month, that's some sort of record for me! Well, you should get used to it. I have a lot of posts saved up and will be posting a lot more often! (Plus I start another cake class on February 1, I plan on sharing!) This week, I made this lovely happy birthday card for three fantastic challenges:

It's a sweet happy birthday card for my stash! It feels good to get these kinds of cards done when I don't even need them. Maybe now that I'm out of school and the hubby is away on a business trip I'll be able to give people cards on their actual birthdays! (I'm not off to a remarkable start though, since I missed Ren-Yi's early January birthday! Fail!)

For those Cuttlebug embossing addicts out there, do you have tips on not trashing your pp when you run it through an embossing folder? Specifically the Cuttlebug brand folders. I like the pseudo distressed look it gives this card but it doesn't always work for me!

One last shout out before I go look up hubby's next flight - I used the fabby NEW Just Rite stamps that Laurie gave me for Christmas. Perfect for the Scrap Our Stash January Challenge of playing with something NEW! Have you played along yet?

Will you dance with me?

2011-01-17T02:01:00.001-05:00

ETA: Hijacking this post to add to Glenda's RAC #100!

Welcome to my submission for the January WMS Blog Waltz!

It's been a while since I've participated but I'm finally getting in the swing of being a workin' person and I've figured out how to get some crafty time in! My card is a two-fer, it's perfect for the WMS Waltz (See the LOVE-ly participants here) and I used the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge #30 (Check it out here). Here's the eye candy!

I rescued some pieces from my stash, that I have been eyeballing for a while. I never have a problem using my paper but for some reason, any type of ribbon or "embellishment" that I bought for a sewing project I can't seem to bring, even long after the fabric has been used or given away! The silver chain across the middle is something I bought in 2009 when I got this wild idea that I was going to make new stockings. I've since given away the red and white fuzzy fabrics and I sold my sewing machine in May. You'd think I would have used the chain by now, especially since I love it and think that it should be on everything!

The paper is typical fare for me, assorted DPP out of the clearance rack at my LSS, foam from a pack I was given as a stocking stuffer this year, and ribbon from my stash (most likely from the exact same place the paper came from!). The thing I'm really excited about it the adhesive! I used my brand new (Read: AWESOME Christmas gift from DH) Glue Glider Pro and I'm very happy with the results!

One last little thing, see that key? That's my Compacty effort on this card. The card really needed a key, and I really needed my house key, so I set out to buy a key for embellishing my card with. I had two options for this item 1) go to the LSS and buy a Tim Holtz pre-distressed super cute key. (Kind of pushes the limits of The Compact, but still ok) or 2) Find one at a second-hand store. I chose option 2 and spent an hour digging through boxes with my mom and my hubby before we found a few key options. I took my key home, colored it with black and red Copics and then used steel wool to rough it up and make it look a bit distressed. I think it turned out nicely! (Then again, I'm quite biased!)

I'm glad I played along this time! I have been stamping for the sake of my new year's cards (which I'm just going to send with the hubby when he goes to Montana next week) but I haven't been using WMS. When I sat down to stamp this card, I remembered why I love WMS. See that sentiment? Can you read it? Is it sharp and crisp and clear? Yeah, that's why I love WMS! Even a heavy handed stamper like me can get it right with Claire's awesome stamps! :D

Don't forget to check out the other dancers' cards! Have a super MLK day, I'm off to the zoo with my mom!

Cakes, cookies, and pie! Oh, my!

2010-11-21T02:01:00.003-05:00

A modified version of this post was featured on Scrap Our Stash Show n Tell Sunday on November 22, 2010!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and Christmas is lurking in the shadows! I can't believe the holidays are already here! The season is filled with pies, cookies, candies, and all types of cinnamon-y goodness. This year though, I'm saying move over to my traditional pumpkin and apple pies and I'm making room for CAKE! I just started taking a cake decorating class which I'm hoping will lead to more cross-crafting goodness (I envision matching cakes, invitations, and birthday cards...not to mention the memory-laden scrapbook pages! The first victim of all of this matching will be my mother-in-law who will be here on Wednesday!) It's really good timing too, everyone at work has already given up on their diets and I have a super easy method for pawning off my many decorated cakes! Here's a shot of my first at-home practice cake.

It's a strawberry cake (semi-homemade) with (homemade) dark chocolate frosting. To add to my repertoire of cake skills I also torted it (meaning it's filled with delicious strawberry jam)! It's kind of a little guy because I wanted to get some extra practice out of my extra layers, but I think it turned out pretty good anyway. The sides were deliciously smooth and then I made the grand mistake of pulling the wax paper out from under the edges of my cake. *Sigh* Should have put them closer to the edge of the cake. I guess it was a good thing though because I got to try a part of the cake (the chunk that stuck to the paper) before anyone else! Woo hoo!

I took it to work to welcome a new member to our team and the cake quickly disappeared! My boss made one recommendation for the next cake "bigger or nastier...you can't bring in tiny delicious cakes, that's just not right!" I guess if I never get the hang of writing, I've certainly got the flavor aspect covered! (Ugly cakes have fewer calories, right?) One of the guys on my team also teaches a cake decorating class so, it's pretty nice to be getting tips from him on my at home practice cakes as well as my normal cakes.

I'll be posting my cakes weekly on my blog as I go through all of the decorating courses. Wish me luck! Tomorrow we are doing a gel transfer on our cakes! Eeeep!

November Challenge at Scrap Our Stash

2010-11-19T03:00:00.000-05:00

First and foremost - make sure you check out the Scrap Our Stash blog to see my original post!

I have been super busy figuring out how to make friends out here in Ohio. I think I've found the answer...stalk anyone at work who even mentions any kind of craft until they finally agree to hang out with you! It's this kind of resolve that has resulted in a couple of good opportunities to hang out with some new people and impersonate a socially functional person!

Most of the time though, I hang out at home with the hubby and spend a lot of time baking. Why baking? 1) I love to bake! 2) My craft area has been a disaster ever since we moved to Ohio! It was clean once, then I started going through our remaining boxes from the move and giving things away on FreeCycle. It turns out that my craft desk is the dumping ground for the few items we're keeping. Well, it's finally clean now, errr, was clean! I got it all prettied up just in time to catch a glimpse of Sketch 3 over at SOS! It all went downhill from there!

Here's the lo (It's a Disney one! Woo hoo!) and all the deets from the original post:

When I saw the sketches, I knew that I had the perfect moment to scrapbook! These three photos are from our trip to Disneyworld in February and I fell in love with the castle. (Unfortunately, I don't think the hubby would like a book filled with castle layouts!) I knew I needed to make it into an 8x8 which is why I modified the number of images, but there was something else that struck me.

While creating this layout I just knew that I was going to need the perfect "Thickers" to give my title the right emphasis...so, I made my own! I Used a previous Frugal Friday tip that drew me to the SOS Blog! I chose my favorite magical feeling font (It's a Sizzix font called Sunset) and some fun, silver, glittery, self-adhesive foam and created a custom title for my page. The remaining elements are cut from self-adhesive metal that I colored using my Copic markers. In the end, I ended up with a truly homemade, cost effective, memory capturing page! Perfect for someone who just received their first student loan bill in the mail, no?

If you haven't had a chance yet, pull out those crafty supplies and play! There's plenty of time to get in on the November challenge!

A long, long time ago...

2010-11-05T20:29:00.000-04:00

I can still remember... when I used to craft all the time! Hahahaha!

I made this tag way back when Claire first announced the tag challenge and I'm just now posting it. Things have been quiet on the blog front for a while now because I've been working on Christmas cards and presents. While that means my blog suffers, I think it's a hit I'm willing to take right now. For the sake of meeting new people though, I may just have to go to another crop...and post more! :D
So here's my WMS inspired elegant tag.

Can you pick out the WMS stamp sets I used? There are two and I'm betting Laurie can pick them out. I was thinking that this tag would be excellent for a secret santa gift at work but I'm not sure how that will work since (a) my coworkers all have this blog address and (2) I don't think this particular group of people are going to be game for doing a gift exchange. Maybe I'll have to be a little more sneaky!

Thanks again for the challenge Claire!

'thx' for that!

2010-09-01T06:34:00.000-04:00

Today is my dad's last day as a 49 year old. Tomorrow, he will be 50! So this is a short post just to show off my first acetate card before I hop on a plane to go see my folks! (I'll post my dad's birthday card when I get back! It has fishing lures on it!!) So here's my card for this week's Get Sketchy Thursday Challenge, and I changed it up a little! I hope you like it! Have a great week and I'll post the winner of my candy when I get back!

SOS August Challenge

2010-08-29T17:42:00.000-04:00

I hope you came my way from the Scrap Our Stash blog (if you didn't, you should definitely check out what's going on over there!) I made this card for my bestie and I hope she really likes it. It features a great sentiment stamp from one of my favorite stamp companies: Waltzingmouse Stamps! I also used this week's Tuesday Morning Sketch for some inspiration! The tricky part wasn't the crochet flowers or chain. It wasn't matching the purples or cutting the paper. It was getting the darn metallic Staz-on ink to stamp right. I've never used this stuff before, but I really like it...now that I've spent hours practicing on scrap paper with it! You can't really tell, but the paper that it's stamped on is mirrored and purple, I think it came out quite nice in real life!
This is the part where it pays to read through all of my ramblings! If you read this thing regularly, you know that I said my SOS post would be sweet, and it is! I have a stamp set to give away! I was at a store this week and I saw this Basic Grey stamp set and thought to myself - a set with flowers, what a perfect giveaway! So, here's the deal: post a comment about your favorite stamping technique/brand/ink/paper/etc and become a follower by September 1 at 12:00 am eastern time to be entered into the random drawing. EXTRA BONUS: Post again if submitted anything for the August SOS Challenge to get a bonus entry (This is open to Design Team members)!

Merry Christmas...again!

2010-08-26T22:40:00.002-04:00

So, I was over at Claire's blog today and I saw that there was a WMS Challenge Blog. Ok, I knew that it had existed but I never really paid much attention to it. Until today. When I saw Claire's post about free stamps, I thought "eh, I never win anyway" but then I saw the sketch.
Oh, the sketch. I love the sketch. I was super inspired by the sketch. And yes, this is a very simple project, but I now feel ready to tackle Christmas. Oh, yeah!
It was one of those easy nights for crafting. :) You know those days when you have a vision and you know which paper you'll use and where the heck everything is! Long story short, I chose to use the sketch to make this cutie of a tag. Can you guess what the family and friends that are now smattered across the country are getting for Christmas? Thanks, Claire! (Oh, and who am I kidding...winning would be AWESOME!)

A little color and a little sketch

2010-08-26T11:09:00.000-04:00

I've been in a really crafty mood lately, it's resulted in all sorts of cards for my friends (this being one of them). I took the colors from the SPCC Challenge and matched them up with the sketch at Get Sketchy and created this card for my shoe junkie friend. I'm getting more and more into paper piecing but I'm just not all the way there yet.As per usual, my card is super simple. I may *consider* something a little more "fully-loaded" next time. I'm just not so sure about that whole arena of cardmaking...or scrapbooking! This card has SU stamps and ink, colored with Copic Sketch markers, and Bazzil paper. And it wouldn't be my card if the button and ribbon weren't from Goodwill! (I have to find a new one now that I've moved!) BTW - You will want to keep an eye out for my SOS post, I'm sure it'll be "sweet"!

Hi, my life is crazy! I'm sure yours is too!

2010-08-22T20:35:00.008-04:00

In case you were wondering, I did finally make it to Ohio. We unpacked the essentials, bought furniture from Craigslist and IKEA, went grocery shopping, and then I left for training in Jersey City, NJ. Apparently my life is full of craziness and I'm not allowed to live anywhere for more than 2 weeks now. Oh, did I mention we're about to fly back to Montana too? Yeah, really crazy life around here. And I'm pretty sure that a cold in August is really considered the plague. So I guess I'm just spreading the plague around the country, thanks NJ! :P I guess I could spread some love instead!
In all of the craze I forgot to post my winner for the blog hop in July. So hopefully Michele sees this post and gets back to me because her special something is all bundled up and waiting to be addressed! Are you there Michele? This is what she had to say about my post:

Michele's Scrapy Creations said...
I love ornament! I just became your follower! Thank for the idea!

Of course, no post is complete without a project! I have a special card for you that is going to a special friend and it's for a challenge site that I hold dear to my heart. Yeah, that's right, this card is for the Technique challenge this week at Tuesday Morning Sketches. I'll give you more pics and details once she gets the card. :) Hope you like it!

PS - This is from the June Swapping Sisters stash...I have no idea where July is...

I want to wish you a very merry SOS Christmas in July!

2010-07-22T01:26:00.001-04:00

I'd like to welcome you to the very first Scrap Our Stash blog hop.It's Christmas in July and I'd like to share with you my creation. Please start at the beginning if you stumbled upon my blog today and there is a list at the bottom of this post if you need to start over! I chose to make this very versatile ornament which I actually made on the way to Ohio! I wanted to make something that reminded me of Christmas at home. So, using these supplies:

I made this ornament:

It's a super easy ornament and I chose to make mine out of Christmas themed paper. However, once I get to Ohio, I'll be making a set out of photos that I can send home to the folks. Thanks to mom for showing me how to make these! Hope you're having a very merry Christmas in July! Just to make it a little more merry, I'll be doing a random drawing for you to win a special gift all you have to do is become a follower and leave a comment. I'll close my drawing at midnight (eastern time) on Sunday.

I bet you're looking for something else though. I bet you are looking for my secret word! My word is "and" and here are the details! If you visit all the blogs in the order given - you will have the complete phrase. Send an email to scrappinpsycho@live.com with the secret phrase (all words must be in the correct order). At the conclusion of the blog hop - a lucky winner will be drawn from all the correct phrases, and will be awarded the GRAND PRIZE, an assorted array of Scrapbooking supplies from several of our Design Team Members.

Your Next hop will be to Design Team Member Laurie's blog. She will provide you with your last word.

Here's the list:

Stephanie (that's me)

Laurie

A very short, very belated post...and a winner!

2010-06-07T01:37:00.000-04:00

I've been busy lately. We're moving out of the house so the renters can take up residence before we leave for Ohio. Before we move back in with the folks/move into the dorms (the Hubby's going with his folks and I'm going to be an RA for the summer) we've decided to go on a little road trip. However, I know that I need to post an update before I disappear on the beach for the rest of the week.
My blog candy winner is Ren-Yi Lo! Coincidentally, her card ended up earning her a guest design team member spot with Scrap Our Stash! Congrats! (Please email me when you decide which WMS stamp set you want!)
Next bit of news: I'm applying for Samantha Strachan's new design team! Wish me lots of luck, and I'll let you know how it goes!
I'll leave you with my rules of (this) road trip:
If you realize you forgot something, you must laugh. There's no point in getting mad anyway! :)
Physics makes a great drinking topic, especially with a couple of physics majors!
The rain is not an excuse, you must still get out of the car...and you won't melt!
Forget about everything that you didn't do at home before you left. (I can't pack from Oregon anyway!)
Have fun & take lots of photos! (I'll be scrappin' this when I get back!)

I'll be back with another post after we return from our trip on June 13! Happy Monday!

This is SO much better than packing!

2010-05-25T18:59:00.000-04:00

I just can't seem to have one of those lives where I literally have nothing to do. Now that graduation is over I have to start packing and getting ready to move. Actually, I have to pack for move #1, there will be 4 moves for me in the next two months. Oh, joy. So, as you can see, I have plenty to do. However, I have lots of commenting on blogs to do and I am in need of some wedding cards. Guess that means I have to do some crafting and take a break. WOO HOO!
I have a couple of graduation scrapbook pages coming your way but since it's wedding season, I thought I would entertain you with this pretty blue card I made for Paper Play Challenge Week 20,
Tuesday Morning Sketches #47, and most importantly, my friends Charmaine and Dustin who are getting married in June. I even made a super envelope using the snazzy scoring board that Molli bought me for my birthday! (And it's lined too!)

DON'T FORGET! You need a new set of WMS' stamps and I'm giving one away! Scroll down to the May 17th post for details on how to win!

A little extension...

2010-05-24T13:57:00.000-04:00

I'll be closing my giveaway Friday, May 28 so that more people can play. My buddies Belinda and Ren-Yi have put the challenge out there to their follower and I hope a see a few more people! (Also, I'm doing a random drawing so don't feel like you have to compete!) Go on, see what "outside the box" is for you, or check out the awesome sketch at Scrap Our Stash. Hope you can play!

Waltzingmouse Stamps' Beautiful Birthday Blog Waltz!

2010-05-17T12:05:00.000-04:00

* Fair warning, this is a long post. I think it's worth reading about the giveaway and at least there's a pretty card at the end! *

Welcome to my lengthy post for the Waltzingmouse Stamps' (WMS) May Blog Waltz. This month is both WMS' and my birthday and I have quite the birthday present for you! It's been 6 weeks since I've blogged. (It hasn't been quite that long since I crafted, check out Scrap Our Stash to see some of my other projects!) A lot has happened in 6 weeks, let me fill you in:
- I missed the April WMS Blog Waltz, and I was sad for days. :(
- I became a Guest Design Team Member at Scrap Our Stash
- I *successfully* defended my thesis
- I had a birthday on May 1!
- I was denied a margarita...and then got it for free (<- Critically important after a thesis defense!)
- I ran in the Montana Women's Run with my best friend and my new B-Squad mom!
- I graduated from college with my 2 bachelor degrees and my masters degree
- I said goodbye for the last time to some dear friends
- I accepted a job offer that will take me to Columbus, Ohio in July
- I went through my craft stuff and I have decided to sell almost 1/2 of it!
Those are just the highlights! A lot has happened and I've decided that I will be giving away some goodness as a way to celebrate!
Here's how to play along:
1) You must become a follower of my blog
2) You must go to Scrap Our Stash and submit something for either one of the May challenges (There's a sketch and theme challenge)
2.5) If you use WMS Stamps, you'll get 2 entries!
3) You must comment on this post with a link to your blog post!
What will you win?
You will get a Fiskars Stamp Press and the WMS Set of your choice! This is a rather large prize (especially for any of my stateside followers) and I want a ton of people to participate so, I'll leave this open until May 24!
You're probably wondering what I did for this Blog Waltz, huh? Here's my card!

I used the Labels 5 set, and some inspiration from WMS Makers' blog to make this lovely birthday card! It's a birthday card for my bestest friend! Her birthday is today and I didn't mail the card. I may just have to deliver it myself! *wink, wink* (Hi Molli!) The card is made with papers that Belinda sent to me as part of our Swappin' Sistahs challenge and a piece of copper metal sheet. I embossed the words and frame so that they stood out better on the patterned paper. If I were to submit this as my "outside the box" card at Scrap Our Stash I would have to say that using the metal sheet and the flowers-on-a-pin as something I always see but never use. In case you're wondering the card is a little mini 4 x 4 card and I'm thinking it needs a matching envelope. Back to my craft area now!
For those who are Waltzing with WMS and stumbled on my blog, go check out the WMS Forum or Claire's Blog for all of the links to the other participants' blogs!

You have to see this paper...

2010-04-01T19:21:00.002-04:00

"...it's made out of wood!" Those were the first words out of my mouth to my dear friend Molli when I saw the paper that I used on this card. Her response, "isn't all paper made out of wood?" And my quick retaliation, "yeah, but you can tell with this paper!"

So, I'm a little rediculous! It just so happens that I'm not alone because my dear hubby thought that the paper was pretty freakin' sweet too. Then again, I was making him hang out in a scrapbook store during his 4 day Florida vacation! (This was prearranged, I did a lot of research before I finally decided to go here!) Anywho, I decided that I was not brave enough to be "trendy" alone so, I picked up a couple of sheets and brought them back to Montana. This Florida paper was sent to both coasts and I'm pretty sure I heard Laurie say "wood, really?" when she opened the envelope. Normally, for our swaps we send each other paper and embellies. I chose to send paper and a sketch. Without further ado, here's a bit about what I made for this month's swap card!

I used the wood paper to stamp the sentiment, Olivia the owl, and her branch from Sweet 'n Sassy stamps. The ink is Stampin' Up black and I used my green copic marker on the acrylic dots in the corner. I used Gamsol (I don't actually used Gamsol. I use generic odorless mineral spirits also called artist quality turpenoid. However, people generally know what Gamsol is and it's less to type!) and my trusty Crayola twist up colored pencils on Olivia and the leaves. Olivia is stamped on some Bazzill white cardstock and the leaves are stamped on the wood paper. I cut out the colored leaveds and popped them up. Inside the card says "Good for you!" and I think I know just who I'll be sending this card to! I think I'm going to try a new challenge blog too. It is April Fool's day and since I was the butt of one joke today I think I'll take advantage of the special twist in this challenge!

Do you have any tips for using wood paper? Thoughts? Ideas? (I'm not a fan of blog candy...only because I never win it but if you actually follow me and comment...I may be inclined to perform a RAK!)

Blogger is a jerk!

2010-03-29T13:15:00.000-04:00

I don't know what happened but apparently Blogger ate all of my images. I'll check back this afternoon and if they haven't reappeared, I'll reload them this evening. Hope you had fun reading my grumbly rumbly!

Waltzingmouse and Stamping Around - A challenge made in heaven!

2010-03-28T17:07:00.002-04:00

(This is my second post of the day. To see my TMS submission, please click here.)

I'm on my way to a 1-year-old's birthday party. (I made this piggy bank for her birthday.) To make it a bit easier to handle this adventure I got a bit crafty this morning. I used the Stamping Around Inspiration challenge as, well, my inspiration. I picked up the pretty colors and the stacked plates as elements in my card. To be honest, I am pretty excited about this card because it is pretty different from the cards I normally make. I was inspired by the Raise The Bar challenge to mix it up...and I did! I actually sewed. More than that, I sewed beads onto the card. This is my first experience with Gamsol and colored pencils too. All in all, I'm quite pleased with the way it turned out.

A Hallmark Holiday and a Tuesday Morning Sketch

2010-03-28T12:02:00.000-04:00

So, I don't make cards for people. Well, I make cards and give them to people, but I don't make cards for people to give away to other people...this is confusing. I don't make cards for hire. But when my mom asked me to make cards for "provider's day" I caved like a piece of limp celery and found myself struggling to make something. I wanted it to be simple and durable because they were going to be passed around the office for signatures but, I didn't want them to look like I just slapped it all together. So I picked a sketch (Tuesday Morning Sketches #38) and got to work. I made three cards and gave myself heartburn. I'd say "never again" but I know I'll give in to my mom again!

SRM Stickers has inspired me...

2010-03-24T13:14:00.000-04:00

...to make a baby card! First of all, I'd like to thank Get Sketchy for introducing me to SRM Stickers. Secondly, I'd like to thank SRM for making an incredible line of stickers that I REALLY want. In fact, I want them enough to make a baby card! *Gasp!* So, for any of you who know me well, you know that I'm not going to have kids until after the hubby and I go to Europe on vacation. (That same group of people also knows that I'm about to graduate with 6 years' worth of student loans coming due in November!) So, pretty much what I'm saying is that I'm not having kids any time even remotely considered soon...or so I hope! But my friends are...
So, I made this card for the next happy lady that I know who happens to become impregnated with a female form of these so called "babies." (Can you see why I'm not all gung-ho for my own yet?) I had a lot of fun making this card though. It gave me a chance to try my hand at faux stitching...and then covering it up! Which lead to my first experience with Stickles...and if you give a Stephanie a cookie...
Anyway, I used letter stickers for the first time in ages. And I used a new trick I picked up a few Frugal Fridays ago on the Scrap Our Stash blog (the base card is from the packaging for the stickers)! I used this week's Get Sketchy Sketch #30 (and blog hop EXTRAVAGANZA!) for the layout of my mini card. Well, it was a 4x4 mini card until I saw the packaging for the stickers and then it turned into a 4 3/4 x 4 3/4 card! I'm still claiming it's a mini! Hope you like it. I'm going to go practice saying "your baby is so cute" for a while, I've got at least 9 months with most of my friends! ;)

A good way to say I heart you!

2010-03-24T12:48:00.000-04:00

So, not too long ago I got some pretty roses and a card from the hubster. Also, not too long ago, I was in my LSS and I saw a set of stickers that I just had to have. (I'm getting somewhere, stick with me!) Last night, while the hubster was riding away on the exercise bike I snuck away to my craft cave and made this sweet card for him. A little background - this summer I went to the SF Museum Of Modern Art and I saw the famous Robert Indiana "LOVE" painting. I fell in love! Does that explain why I just had to have these stickers?
Enough with the sappiness, here's the scoop on the card. It's for 2 challenges, the March Scrap Our Stash challenge and this week's Die Cuts R Us challenge it's a recipe - 3 jewels/buttons, ribbon, 2 die cuts, and one stamped image.
I used my (old) first set of Nesties (labels 3) to make my two die cuts and couldn't keep my hands off of the fuzzy flocked paper in one of the (new) DCWV stacks I got for Christmas (Downtown Loft). I pulled the shades of brown from my (old) stash of cardstock and did the same with the ribbon. The stamp is from the drawer of doom (aka - clear stamps without backing live there) and I used Al A Carte embossing powder. My jewels/buttons are, in fact, jewels but you can't see them very well in this photo. There is a pretty heart one on the LOVE sticker and two little round ones accenting the embossed swirly. As you can see, I still can't tie a bow...but that knot is HOT!
PS - I took this photo in my liquor cabinet....I don't drink much but I drink well! :)

And now for something a little different!

2010-03-21T14:40:00.007-04:00

The Tuesday Morning Sketch this week is actually a challenge to make something other than a card. Of course, once I figured out what I was making, I had to make a card to go with it. :) Here it is, Serena's first birthday gift!

What is it? It's a piggy bank! This however is the point where I've been instructed to "step away from the laptop if you want to go to Michaels." So, I'll be finishing this post from the road! :)
Unfortunately, my new phone didn't play well with Blogger so, I'm finishing this post now. Here's the run down on the project. The jar is a pickle jar that I wrapped in My Mind's Eye butterfly patterned paper. I used this week's Frugal Friday tip from Scrap Our Stash to make my own "Thickers" from foam that I've had FOREVER, an alphabet that I bought on clearance, and my favorite Distress Ink pad, Worn Lipstick. This is the first time I have ever used my perfect pearls too, a little interesting but it seemed to really make the card and jar match. I am not going to lie, I really liked this project because I used a hammer, a nail, and a power drill to make the hole in the lid. Too much fun!
For those who asked - I bought some memory glass, a Weathered Wood Distress Ink pad, and a couple of other small things. Unfortunately, I have to drive 80 miles one way to go to the nearest Michaels so, it also meant a trip to Costco, Ross, the mall, and dinner with a friend. It's always fun to go with the hubby! He's a pretty great guy!

A sweet bit of Irish for you!

2010-03-17T16:43:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the St. Patrick's Day blog hop with Waltzingmouse Stamps! I'm happy to be bringing you my card for this hop. Last hop, I brought you WMS's first digi templates and this time I'm using WMS's first digi stamps! Thanks, Claire! I used a bit of inspiration from CPS Sketch #55 and the supplies from our Swappin' Sistah's swap. (Thanks, Laurie!) For the first time, I actually used some Aidirondack Alcohol Inks on one of my cards. I also kind of wish that I had ironed my ribbon! :) Thanks for joining me on this hop and here are the details for following the rest of the hop!

(Details below have been"stolen" straight from Claire's blog here)

Here's how to follow the hop - pop on over to the WMS Forum here and register if you haven't already, it takes just a sec and they don't ask any awkward questions, lol.

Go to the 'Play Room' and you will see the March blog hop posts, one is a list of participants and the other is a thread for chat and the Leprechaun hunt!!!

The Leprechaun Hunt!
As you work your way through the hop you will see that the DT ladies are participating, check the DT photos very carefully, if you see any leprechauns, note them and count them all up. Post your Leprechaun tally in the chat thread that accompanies the hop list and I will pick a random winner from the correct answers to win a free Stamp set of your choice, Claire will pick the winner on Saturday night!!!

Now, happy hopping, remember the master blog list is in the forum here.

Wow! That was hard!

2010-03-16T12:59:00.001-04:00

So, I found this challenge blog.
It's a movie challenge blog.
It hurt my brain.
I like the torture! :)
This week's challenge on Cinema Saturday is to do a card/layout based on the movie "Dear Frankie" and using a map. I did it! I used red as the background for the layout because when I watched the trailer it was the one color that stood out time and time again! Also, the map is recycled out of a NYC Guide Book, perfect for the Spoon Full of Sugar Challenge LAST WEEK. Oops! But it does work for this week's Pollycraft Challenge of sparkly things. Yay for glitter!
It was hard for me to get everything about two Broadway shows onto the two 8x8 spread but I think it turned out well. I was going to use a tiny clothes pin to hold all of our tickets but I decided that a pocket would be better because it would allow me to do some journaling on the pages. I can't believe that I've gone from hating journaling to making it an essential part of my scrapbook layouts! Oh, I'd also like to note that I did TWO pages in March! Woot!

A quick post to kick off spring break!

2010-03-15T00:03:00.000-04:00

I'm coming in under the wire on this one but I just wanted to share this card that I made for Stampin' Around's color challenge. The colors were sugar pink, pale yellow, pale green, and a neutral such as kraft or white. This card is for a couple of other challenges but I am up way past my bedtime (I was up at 4 am for work today) and I need some sleep. I'll finish the post tomorrow. Maybe I'll also learn more about procrastination...nah, another day! Oh, yeah, I almost forgot! It's spring break! I'm free! (For a few days anyway!) Have a great night!

February Scrapbook Page

2010-02-27T19:40:00.000-05:00

Ok, this is the last post today, I promise! I also promise myself that every month I would do at least one scrapbook page. Yes, I know that others do one page a week but I should really be focusing on school and not doing any! :P So, I did this layout for my 2009 NY Marathon scrapbook and I used the Tuesday Morning Sketches' colors and ten lacing brads for the Scrap Our Stash 10 for '10 challenge. This is the first time I've ever done any journaling on a page and the first time I've ever had a scrapbook page all laid out in my head before I laid it out on paper. In fact, I took this photo of my shoe when I took off the real shoelaces to retrieve my d-tag from my shoe. This is an 8x8 page so that shoe isn't 10 inches tall it's more like 6. :) That's pretty close to real life which goes pretty well with the real d-tag (BTW - the d-tag is the timing device that they use for making sure that people actually run the race and to get an official finish time) and the real color of the laces. The TMS colors this week are chocolate chip, vanilla, and light orange. I did pretty well with the vanilla and chocolate chip but deviated a little bit with the light orange. See, the shoe laces that I actually wore on my shoes were BRIGHT orange and matched the d-tag. So, I'm sorry Melissa, I hope you understand! :)

Scrap our stash 10 for '10 - Easel Card

2010-02-27T19:14:00.000-05:00

So, I'm on a bit of a post streak today even though I'm not "supposed" to be working on crafty stuff! I am killing 2 birds with one stone with this card, (1) It's a b-day card for our girly swap and (2) I used 10 stars on the card which met the Scrap Our Stash February challenge. The stamps that I used are the rocket and stars from the robot set that Laurie brought me from California at Christmastime. This is the first easel card I've ever made and let me tell you it was super simple. I cut a piece of paper 4" wide from a 12x12 sheet of cardstock. Then I scored it a 4" and 8" and folded them in. Then I scored the middle 4x4 square at 2 inches. I glued the top two inches to the back of the card front and then did a lot of creasing of the scored folds. I feel like I either need to find someone else's tutorial to show you or I need to make another card and make my own tutorial. Ok, I'm going for option #2. See you after Orlando! :)

Scrap our stash - Spring Cleaning!

2010-02-27T18:51:00.001-05:00

After reading the Scrap Our Stash challenge blog, I decided to take part in their spring cleaning challenge. This is a quick post just to show off my DISASTER of a crafty area. Once I took the picture I had to clean it up. I think I'll let you look at this mess for a while before I post the "after" photos.

Room details:

Location: My basement

Flat surfaces: 4 - two computer desks, one table that was formerly a bar, and the empty keboard tray on one of the desks

Shelves - two corner shelves and a printer stand (that is exactly 12 inches wide!)

Drawers - Three stacks but only one is 12x12 friendly. :(

Junk - Yes, did you look at the photo?

Silhouettes of a crafty hiatus

2010-02-27T18:41:00.000-05:00

Here's a card using something old (Bazzil Basics black stock), something new (Dream Silhouettes stamp from Sweet n' sassy stamps), something borrowed (Stampin' UP Sentiment that I borrowed from Molli), something blue (ribbon from stash). No, the card's not getting married but it is serving as an important messager. Unfortunately, one of my friends is grieving over the unexpected death of her father and since I live so far away I'm sending her this card.

The embossing powder is such a dark blue, that it looks black. It works anyway. :) Also, I have a pretty heavy hand on the stamp so the bottom two lines aren't as crisp as they could be. I'm working on that.

Even though I claim to be on a crafty challenge hiatus this card is for:

Hope you enjoy my poor attempt at a hiatus!

Card details:

Paper - Black by Bazzil, Salmon adhesive cardstock by DCWV, Striped pattern by My Mind's Eye

Stuff from my stash - Ribbon, Buttons, Flowers

Stamps - Sentiment from Stampin' UP and Dream Silhouettes from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps

Embossing Powder - Mettalic blue from Ala Mode

Waltzingmouse Stamps Customer Blog Hop (AKA - My very first blog hop!)

2010-02-22T03:00:00.005-05:00

Welcome! This is my very first blog hop and I'm super excited! I hope this is just the beginning for me! :) (Ok, I'm a bit excited right now! :D ) You should have come here from Julee's blog and if you've just stumbled on my blog today, you'll want to start from the beginning at the Waltzingmouse Stamps blog. Because I'm across the pond from Waltzingmouse Stamps and still lusting after a set from Claire's awesome collection, (my next set of stamps will be from Waltzingmouse Stamps though! Right, hubby?) I am very happy to be sharing with you Waltzingmouse Stamps' first digital templates. I hear that digital stamps may be next! Yay!

On to the project! I used the super cute Spring Basket Template both ways (tall and short) to make a basket and a "vase" for Easter. I let the hubster pick out the colors and I'm sure by the time he reads this he'll already know why! (Hi, honey!)
For both of these, I used whitecore pastel cardstock from DCWV and did all of my decorative trimming with a scallop blade in my Fiskars rotary trimmer. For the handle on the short basket I used a blue piece with an "inverse scallop" on top of a normal scalloped yellow piece. For this project, I started with 12 x 12 paper and trimmed it to 11 x 8.5. I used the trimmings to make my handles. Each handle is 1 inch wide and 10-12 inches long. I should also mention that I broke the rules a little and folded over the liner so that the little basket had a flat edge with contrasting scallops on the outside panels. (This involved a teensy bit of trimming and some engineering with the handle.) Apparently, I can't follow a template any better than I can follow a sketch which is how my tall basket turned into a short vase.
I feel inclined to share how I made my basket into a vase. So, here's what you need to do - put your basket completely together except for the liner. (We'll get to that later.) Take a very sharp craft knife and cut across the base of the "basket" piece (you should end up with 6 flaps where you had a solid basket. Using sticky dots or glue glue each of the flaps to the inside of the "shaft". Attach the handle. Next, you can either glue in the liner and do the same cutting process or you can cut it into 6 pieces before gluing it into the basket and the shaft. Next, you need to decide if you will be using fresh flowers or silk flowers. If you are using fresh flowers you can cut a sandwich baggie in half (so that it's short) to wrap the stems in (to protect the paper) and then place them into the vase. Voila!
Thanks for joining me on this magical hop adventure. Next, up is Tamara and don't forget that you can always check out what's going on at the Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog!

One last challenge post before I go!

2010-02-21T13:57:00.001-05:00

I have to go back to school tomorrow and between school, work, two onsite interviews in the next week, I just don't see much crafty time in my immediate future. Ok, really, I just don't have a good enough reason to make crafty time this week...yes, I'm still on about DT calls. :D I had a lot of fun making this card because anytime I use a manual eyelet setter the dog goes bonkers running around the basement! (I couldn't get my Big Bite to set the eyelets properly. :( ) Here's the scoop on this card it's for a couple of new challenges and another Get Sketchy Challenge.

I don't know what got into me, but I decided that the card needed to open a bit differently. It swings open by the metal brad in the upper left corner. This was initially going to be a birthday card with a donut in the middle but blue and green donuts didn't really look all that appealing. *yuck!* Instead I inked up my coffee set from Skipping Stones and played a bit with my blue embossing powder and glitter pen. I tried some distressing of sorts with a craft knife to change the look of the cup. I like how the cup turned out and I'm glad that the card looks good all together. However, I'm a little annoyed that I put two smudges on the card after spending hours on the thing. Argh!

Details:

Paper - Solids from stash
Embellishments - Blue Sticky Ribbon thing from Michael's Clearance bin (but from an unmarked package)
Eyelets - K&Company
Stamps - Skipping Stones' Funny Coffee Vol. 1

Swappin' Sistahs...a little late this time!

2010-02-19T17:26:00.013-05:00

So, I am kind of late with this post and I'm also late getting to a meeting right now. I'm making this one quick. Which is quite ironic considering how many hours I spent working on this thing!

Also, my brads may or may not match. I had to buy new heart ones...only the dog and my cats know where the ones Ren-Yi sent are.

Ok, so today's going to be one of those days. I've already written out this post twice and it won't save. So, I'm just going to say that the inspiration came from a TCP Tuesday Inspiration Challenge and to answer Laurie's question - this is how the card opens:

I'll update this post properly when I'm not at work and not angry. Argh!

Friday is relaxtion day...

2010-02-19T17:11:00.003-05:00

This will be the first of many posts in the next couple of days. It will also be the first in a cluster of posts before a slight crafty drought. Unless I make a DT...*crosses fingers* Here is my card for this week's Tuesday Morning Sketch, Die Cuts R Us Challenge 26, TCP Tuesday, A Spoon Full Of Sugarand the Whiff of Joy Challenge pearls and swirls challenge.

This card is based on a difficult sketch from TMS, I just tweaked the sketch ever so slightly (turned it and nudged the middle elements up). I really tried to follow the sketch...so, close! I used pearls and swirls but I wish I had some off-white or sage/olive pearls instead of the white ones. But I think there's enough sage and tan around that it reflects those colors. Ah, colors...

So the first papers I picked out were green, purple, patterned, and designed. Major fail once I found the DCRU challenge to use non-designer, non-patterned papers. So, I used solid papers from my stash and even used a roller stamp from my first PeachyCheap purchase. I was inspired by the Skipping Stones Hop(e) for Haiti and, so I finally inked up my funny bras stamps. I paper pieced the bra and hanger together and I'm pleased with them together. Then, I busted out my corner punch, embossing powder, and Cat's Eye Chalk for distressing, and got to work. Hope you like the end result!

Details:
Embossing Powder - Sage Metallic and Gold Metallic from A La Mode
Stamps - Glitz Giant Roller Doodles and Skipping Stones Funny Bras Vol. 1
Embellishments - Pearls by The Paper Studio
Corner Punch - Fiskars 4-Corner Punch
Ink - Gold by Martha Stewart
Paper - Solid sage greens and tans from stash

Sometimes, the dryer is the only free place for photos!

2010-02-17T18:24:00.002-05:00

I'm not a particularly confident person when it comes to my crafty skills. However, I saw a DT call and I'm thinking that I'm going to apply. So, if you could, comment lots on this card...give my crafty confidence a little boost. :) On to the card!
This card is for the Sketch N Stash Challenge, the SPCC Color Combo #35, Your Next Stamp Spring Color Combo, A Spoon Full of Sugar Challenge #91, and the Pollycraft double-up challenge. Ah, multiple challenges, how I love thee. Anyway, I'm really excited about this card because as part of the SNS Challenge, I needed to use some new/neglected/never used part of my stash. So, I used two new stamps, new ribbon, my neglected buttons (Ok, only one neglected button! Ha!), and my neglected glitter paper. I'd just like to say that I love this card. It's so summery and it makes me feel warm. Ah, summer, are you here yet? (Because let's be honest, "spring" is another term for "mild winter" in Montana!)

Card Details:
Glitter Paper - DCWV
Solid Paper - Bazzil
Ribbon - Offray
Sketch - Sketch N Stash Challenge
Color Combo - SPCC Color Combo #35
Stamps - Sun image from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps' Spring Scenes and sentiment image from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps' Snow Friends
Ink - Marvy Brush markers
Button - Stash from Goodwill

The card that HAD Glitter on it

2010-02-12T21:43:00.000-05:00

Apparently, I have a thing for making the background hearts show. (See post below) That's, again, why I tweaked this card's sketch (thank you CPS). This card is a fail on manly love card it has ribbon, a HUGE pink heart, glitter, and the word love strewn across the front. It's still pretty simple though, and I know he'll love it! I kind of wish that Sami had a use Stampin' UP! stamps challenge because, through a random chain of events I actually used a SU stamp on this card (do you "love" it? ha ha ha)! I had a different heart over the ribbon that I glittered but I decided that I liked this one better, it seems to bring in the colors from the background paper well.

Hope you're having a happy Friday! I'm thinking I may work on a card for the Caardvarks wedding challenge Monday since there's NO SCHOOL! Yay! (But no school means I have to work, of course!)

Details

Patterned Paper and punchout - Target

Red Cardstock - The Paper Company

Ribbon - Scraps from Laurie's Swappin' Sistah's supplies

Love Stamp - Stampin' Up

Sketch - CPS #153

Ink - Copic Marker...I'm a rebel...yo...

Quick and dirty!

2010-02-12T21:24:00.001-05:00

I got glitter EVERYWHERE while making this card. Yes, I'm aware, there's no glitter on the card. This afternoon I only had an hour and a half to make the cards I needed to have done for Valentine's Day. I used the Get Sketchy sketch for this week and (as usual) tweaked it just a bit. I used my new curvy cutter cutting system to cut out all of the pieces on this card. I like the system and it was definitely the way to go for me. I can now cut some basic shapes in very large sizes and small sizes. Both of which I need. Way cheaper than buying a bunch of nesties (which don't go as big as I need) but just as effective!

As usual, I tweaked the sketch just a little bit. I wanted more of the whole hearts to show on that background paper. Now that the hubby is away from his RSS feed for the weekend, I can post his new V-Day cards! :D (Yes, cards. I'm a technical writer, what did you expect?)

Please note that I have again made a "glitter/flower/massively-pink/ribbon"-free card for Mr. Man! Yay! By reducing bumpy embellies on the outside, I also maximized the amount of room I have to write in on the inside!

Details:
Red Cardstock - The Paper Company
Patterned Paper - Target $1 bin
3-D Pop Dots - Some random adhesive company! :)
Sketch - GS #25

To my devoted husband...

2010-02-11T18:21:00.000-05:00

I love you very much. However, I am aware that you read my blog. Also, I posted "your" V-Day card on my blog. This arrangement bothers me greatly, because that means that you've seen your card. On another note, that card is quite small. I need room to write. Long story short, you're not getting that card...for now anyway. Don't be surprised come Sunday.
Love you,

Your psychotic wife!

The Box

2010-02-11T13:35:00.002-05:00

So, you get another short post today but since I work on Friday night (loads of fun!) I intend to finish a couple of these posts! This is another Tuesday Morning Sketch inspired creation. I learned something that they never taught me in school - Measure twice, cut once, try folding and fitting, CUT AGAIN, and glue once. Another thing that can't be taught in school is how to cope when your measurements weren't good enough the first time! (That glue was permanent...those were my only two sheets of paper. *sigh*) This box went from being a two piece get-up (a box with a lid) to a one piece contraption (a box with an attached tip-open lid). I used the exact same paper, ribbons, brads, and flowers as I did on the card set inside. There are even some envelopes in the box! Yay! I have just a smidge of ribbon and a couple of flowers left so I may have to decorate a pen to put in the box as well! Enjoy my slightly cock-eyed attempt at a card set!

Details:
Medium Weight Natural Chipboard - Grafix
White Cardstock (inside box) - The Paper Company
Polka Dot Paper - My Mind's Eye "All Girl" Stack
Flower - Fabric Fancies "Aquamarine"
Brads - SEI "Wintersong" Collection
Pearls - The Paper Studio
Ribbon - Goodwill Stash
Adhesives: Zips (ribbon adhesive), 3M Clear Scrapbook Glue

It's been a while...

2010-02-07T18:23:00.003-05:00

I decided that I would use the Tuesday Morning Sketch to make a sweet little notecard set this week. You'll see this set of cards again next week because I'm going to use the next sketch to make a sweet box for this card set.
That's all for now, I'm grossly involved right now in my thesis. It's like housework, I need to do it while I'm motivated!

Attempt number two...

2010-01-15T14:00:00.001-05:00

I realized something as I was making this condolence card. I don't actually know if my co-worker's mother died. For all I know, I could have made "the wrong" card again. *Sigh* Guess I'll find out today at work.

Anyway, I decided that I would make another challenge card. I like having sketches to work with and I like being a part of something. It makes me feel like less of a nerd in a basement. (Even though, deep down, I know that I'm a nerd in the basement.)

Here's the list 'o challenges that I did this card for.
- Raise The Bar's Debut Day Challenge
- Get Sketchy #21 (Ok, this is a little bit of a stretch, but the Papertake and Get Sketchy sketches were SO close, I had to try it!)
- Cute Card Thursday - Pink & Grey Color Challenge
- Papertake's Weekly Challenge Sketch #32

I am hoping that it will be lovely enough to convince Mr. Randomizer to pick me as the guest designer for Papertake's design team. *crosses fingers* Wish me luck!

On to the card, I used 2 new stamps the butterfly is from the Martha Stewart clear butterfly stamp set and the sentiment is from Stampology's Remember stamp set. I used silver ink (generic) and stamped both pieces onto pink vellum from Making Memories. (Yay, clearance bin!) I used gray metallic (Yes, it's gray metallic and not silver; I also have silver in this set. :) ) embossing powder from Al A Mode on both stamps and then colored in the back of my butterfly with pink Sharpies and Vellum Writers. The cardstock that the elements rest on is from an unbranded "mulberry" pack that I got at Ben Franklin's in Havre, MT. Why is it that Havre has a BF but Butte doesn't? Lame. Back to the card, the pink glitter dotted paper is from Target's $1 deals and the gray cardstock (the small one that the butterfly is on) is from DCWV. I think that about covers what I did and where I got it from. Oh, if you want to check out a really awesome tutorial for "stain glassing" stamps check out Erin's Inky Smiles blog where she shows a multicolored butterfly! Thanks, Erin!

Oops! My major card faux pas!

2010-01-14T16:09:00.001-05:00

Monday, I was called into work because a co-worker's mother had fallen ill. I, in my own special way, assumed that the illness was standard "elderly parent needs care". Unfortunately, her mother had been given only a few hours to live. Something I learned after making this card. So, I brought the card back home with me. As you can see, it's a bit too whimsical for a condolence card. I think I might send it as part of the cards that I'm planning to send for Jennifer McGuire's latest Cards For Kids drive.

Anywho, the card is intended for two card challenges
- Sketch and Stash's Sketch 26 (I tweaked it a little bit, the sentiment and cloud make the little rectangles in the top right corner.)
- Lucy's Monochromatic challenge (A very slight deviation with the ear and cheese, these were pre-colored.)

Oh, there are some new bits in my card - a new image (thanks to a Creative Commons search) and a new stamp (Sweet n' Sassy sentiment stamp from Owl Occasions). Also, the paper and the brads are all SEI Moravia leftovers from the Swappin' Sistahs' latest card swap. A great way for me to use some scraps...wait, I think I saw a scrap challenge recently. Hold please...nevermind, I can't find it now. But now, I'm determined to find it! Expect an update soon!

Two two-challenge cards in two days! How two-riffic!

2010-01-11T14:05:00.006-05:00

(Wow! Talk about FAIL blogging. Earlier today I updated to say that this card was meant for 3 challenges. But, in my hurry to get to work, I updated the wrong card. Now, I'm at work and looking at a very un-embossed card and asking myself "does that look like an embossed beer mug? I don't think so. If you're looking for the the actual YNS #7 - Embossing challenge card, click here, otherwise, read on!)

Well, I have to go back to school on Wednesday. *Sigh* Unfortunately, all of my crafty time will be obliterated with the start of my LAST SEMESTER! (This is my last semester though, that deserves a big WOO HOO!)

In the meantime - I present to you another multi-challenge card! This card is my entry for 2 challenges

- Get Sketchy's Card Challenge #20 - sketch

- SPCC Color Challenge #29

I just found out about Stampin' UP and I am kind of sad that I had to scrounge through my Bazzil and DCWV cardstock instead of using the SU colors. I tried my hardest to find something close to Melon Mambo and Rose Red. Honestly though, I just scrounged through my stack o' paper and said "Melon Mambo, Mambo Melon" over and over because it was fun to say aloud. ;)

This image is from Pollycraft Designs and it was last week's freebie. So, if you want it for free you'd better move fast! It won't be free much longer. I actually pre-colored the image while at work this weekend (now you know why I have the job I have!) before I decided to do the challenges. I love how the color combo and the sketch worked well to pull out the colors from the image. Not sure if you can tell, but the flower and hearts are popped up and all of the hearts and the flower have "Glossy Accents" over them. Oh, and the hearts along the bottom are pretty close to matching the color combo. I love it when things come together like that. Also, please note that my glitter addiction is alive and well, I outlined the hearts and sentiment with my glitter pen. It's not a boy card, therfore, it's ok!

Card Details
Paper: Cream (The Paper Company); Melon, Red, Blue (DCWV Adhesive Matstacks), Lavender (Bazzill Basics)
Stamp: Digital Image from Pollycraft Designs
Embellishments & Tools: Glossy Accents by Ranger, Glitter Pen by Gelly Roll, and Rub-on hearts and sentiment by Colorbok, 3-D foam by 3L Adhesives, Loew-Cornell watercolor pencils, waterbrush by Zig, Xyron Make-a-sticker 250

And now I'm even double dipping!

2010-01-10T18:00:00.003-05:00

(Edit: After learning of the amazingness of Your Next Stamp, this card is now for 3 challenges! w00t!)
This frosty birthday card is for three challenges. (That's pretty big for me!) The first challenge is the Pollycraft Monday Challenge. The challenge this week is to use winter/christmas stamps on a birthday card. So, I pulled out my DCWV Holiday matstack and my trusty Inkadinkadoo Snowflake stamps and made my own patterned paper (under the beer glass). I colored the beer glass with colored pencils and popped up the beer foam. I used light blue shading and some clear embossing powder to make it look a bit more enticing. Yum-o! Fantabulous embossing on the foam makes this card YNS #7 - Embossing worthy! Score!
I then used my making memoried magnetic stamp set (and the Rummage Alphabet) to make my sentiment. After I decided what I wanted to make, I decided I needed a sketch. I'm a little predictable with my layouts! So, I headed over to Tuesday Morning Sketches and found the perfect sketch. To make the sketch fit my bubbly beverage I pulled another piece of patterned paper from the Holiday matstack and cut out some equal sized snowflakes.
I think I've finally made a card for a guy without using glitter, ribbons, pink, or flowers. I'm beaming with pride now! And it worked for three challenges. Lovely!
Card details
Paper: All from DCWV Holiday Collection
Sketch: Tuesday Morning Sketches
Stamps: Magnetic stamp set by making memories, Grunge Alphabet
Embellishments: Clear embossing powder from A la card, Snowflakes cut from DCWV Holiday Collection paper, 3-D foam from 3L adhesives, colored pencils by Crayola, image from stash

Swappin' Sistahs Card Swap - My turn for torture!

2010-01-10T02:00:00.051-05:00

Note: We have a "name" now - we are the Swappin' Sistahs. I'll try to add this into my post titles from now on! :)

It was my turn to send the supplies this month so I headed to my LSS and picked up 2 SEI sets of paper and embelishments. I was the December sender (he he, that rhymes!) so the ladies got some extra supplies as a cheery holiday surprise!

I made two cards! Up first is this one - I used paper and acrylic brads from the SEI Winter Song collection and a stamp from the G Studio (AKA Michaels $1 bin). The scalloped edge comes from the special blade I picked up for my Fiskars rotary paper cutter. Even though I plunked down $40+ for a nice Purple Cows Cutting set (the freestyle mouse) I still prefer my rotary cutter. It probably has something to do with my poor dexterity and obsession with straight cuts! ;)

You might notice that I actually layered my card. Impressive, no? I used my new Cuttlebug die to cut out the intricate squares and made them into stickers...using the Xyron Create a Sticker 250 this time. :P While the paper is part of a Christmas collection, I really don't feel like the card is overly Christmassy. Thoughts?

The second card is also a thank you card, noticing a theme yet? The card uses paper and embellishments from SEI's Moravia collection which also came from my LSS. I actually had a dream that lead to this layout. (Don't ask, it's better that way!) I resisted the urge to put this on a solid background and went with the "subtle" pp approach. It's not too patterny and it seems to ground the lines under the copper panels well.

With the exception of the G Studio stamps (again, Michael's $1 bin) and embossing powder, I didn't add anything from my collection. I did cheat a little though. I used ribbon that I had from the Moravia set...but not ribbon that I sent out to everyone. Is that really cheating though? :) Also, I'm admitting to a cover-up mission. The oh, so, cute button embellishment is covering my crappy stamping/embossing job on the Thank you image, where there were supposed to be flowers there were roundish blobs. But I meant to do that! ;)

Hope you enjoyed my cards now head on over to the others' blogs so you can see their wonderful creations!

Belinda

Ren-Yi

Laurie

This month is Ren-Yi's turn to send out supplies and I can't wait to see what she's going to challenge us with!

The Wedding Scrapper - Part Deux

2010-01-08T20:53:00.001-05:00

As promised, here's the rest of the wedding scrapbook for Miss Jen. The title page features an 8x10 of my favorite wedding photo and uses all of the colors from the scrapbook. I kind of thought the book needed to begin on the same level that it ended on so I titled the page "Our Wedding". (For the record - All of the embellishments are from K & Company and all of the Vellum quotes are from Colorbok.)

Then we have the card I made for the pocket. I wanted it to match the book which meant it needed to be (1) simple, (b) in the same color spectrum, and (4) use the same set of embellishments (if any). (<- Sorry, that's a terrible reference to Home Alone...I apologize!). However, my rules didn't state that I couldn't go nuts and abuse my Sizzix! So, the "love" and <3 come from a Sizzix Bigz die, the blue base is from the labels 3 Nestabilities set, and the corners are from a Cuttlebug die. I couldn't help adding a little bling with the round gemstone from the K & Company embellishment from the album.

I used the sticker machine, again, to make the corners sticky. Which seems to have worked well. I kind of feel like it needed a little dimension but it's not bad the way it is. It's just kind of plain...oh, wait. In this case that works, and it's good! Woo hoo! I did something right!

On that note, I'm out of here! Have a happy Friday! Find yourself a date and get some love! ;)

We "owl" wish you a happy birthday!

2010-01-07T17:55:00.003-05:00

This week, I found another obsession - Skipping Stones Design. They had a blog hop earlier this week and just opened their store. I wanted some of their super awesome stamps pretty bad but, Christmas left me broke so, I just used their Card Sketch 2.
The details --
I used the 1/4 inch corner rounder on my Crop-a-dile Corner Chomper for all of the rounded corners. The balloon, hat, present, and Olivia the Owl are all cut out from the Owl Celebrations set by Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps. I used foam sitckies to raise the hat, balloon (but not the string), and the whole "Happy Birthday" section off of the cream base. I colored the stamps with my black Copic markers and assorted Marvy Brush Markers. The plaid and blue papers are from Die Cuts With A View and the Cream cardstock is from the Paper Factory. Being the queen of thrift, you can guess where the buttons came from. That's right - Goodwill! Best $7 giant bag of crafty stuff ever! I accented the Happy Birthday stamp, from Making Memories, with my Clear Star Gelly Roll pen. Yay, glitter!
It's a pretty darn cute card. I must say, I'm liking all of this time I have right now for crafting. :) Enjoy!
Check out the Skipping Stones designer that inspired me to make this card - http://scraptasticvoyage.blogspot.com/2010/01/tuesday-alreadyand-blog-hop.html

A wedding present: a little early and a little late, all at once

2010-01-07T03:00:00.055-05:00

My friend Jen got married in September and I (along with a friend) took photos for the wedding. Her very late but oddly early wedding/anniversary gift is this scrapbook. I will be giving it to her tomorrow, I let you know what she says about it.

Anywho, I'm being lazy, so this is just going to be a picture post with some assorted commentary from me (aka, the peanut gallery)! (Please note, the book is missing a front page and a card. Both will be completed when I get the photos I ordered after work. Look for another post in a day or two!)

Jacob & Jennifer McCulloch

10 September 2009

Each section is color coordinated: Ceremony, Formals, Portraits, Flowers, Reception

It's a little odd but, I felt like titling the family page...don't ask why!

Also, please note that I am merely an accesory to the assault of the bride in the spread above!

With the spreads on the left, above an below, I started to play with 2 pages that "go" together.

I like these 4 pages the best! (Plus I finally used some of the ribbon that I bought for invitations in July!)

While the flower page on the right (above) does have bling, you could tell that I was at a loss for layouts at this point. Oh, well. There has to be a "least favorite" part of every project!

On the left, we have photos from the micro-reception and subsequent car painting. And finally, I had a blank page...so, I filled it. Since I already gave the bride all of the pictures on a thumb drive, I figured that I would use the CD slot/envelope/thingy to put in a handmade card that matches.

There it is. 19 pages of "simple elegance". If you had any knowledge of the planning phase of the wedding you would totally understand the reasoning behind the super "plain" pages. I like to think of it as "clean" since I'm not one to go gaga over a 1 lb. scrapbook page! :) Oh, and before you ask - the album is in black and white because the two cameras used were not shooting in the same color profile...oops!

Copics, a pepper, and glitter on my man's card

2010-01-06T21:49:00.003-05:00

Poor guy...I don't have the decency, or restraint, that Belinda and Laurie have when it comes to making masculine cards, well, masculine. The only thing manly about my hubby's v-day card is...well, there's red on it...

I mean, seriously, it's for Valentine's Day! How manly is the holiday in the first place? On to the card!

This is another one of those "I'm a n00b" type of posts. This it the first time using:

- Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps (Punny fruits and vegetables)

- Copic markers

- my Xyron 150 sticker maker

- a knot instead of a bow

- paper from Target

- a Cuttlebug embossing folder in my Sizzix BigShot (Spots and Dots)

- a real easel to hold up my card

You see, I'm a total n00b!

I think the card turned out well even if I did use all of my Copics on this card! (Ok, I own these three!) They are actually really nice to color with, I'll be using these a lot! I also have an apple and pear that I can use from the Punny Fruits & Vegetables set! Oh, boy!

The only real problem I had was that the Cuttlebug folder cut out the Spots & Dots design instead of simply embossing it. I may need to review my "sandwich recipe". Oh, there was also a bit of "user error" with the 150 sticker maker. I didn't know which way was "face up." No, I wasn't at a crop. No, there's nothing wrong with my 250. Yes, I just wanted to play with the new toy that the hubby got me. For all of his caring and love, he got glittery hearts!

Enjoy the card and the artsy photo of my new markers...I think I'm in love! (Shh! Don't tell the hubby!) I'm braving the world of challenges again and submitting this for this week's A Spoon Full of Sugar Challenge. Wish me luck!

Digital Doodling

2009-12-25T12:40:00.001-05:00

I am working this morning so I'd like to spread some Christmas cheer! Here's a Christmas gift for you! I found this blog, Digital Doodling, and it has some of the greatest freebies I've seen in a long time! So, head on over to the blog and check out some of her great doodles and layouts.

Have a Merry Christmas and I'll post again next year!