so much time, so little to do...

more changes

2009-09-16T11:29:00.001-07:00

Some photos of the fun we've had this month...

Science experiments with Daddy (that's a mock-up of a steam engine made from an olive can and some copper tubing)
S'mores in the backyard of Philip's parents' house
An ice cream treat at the zoo with cousin Sky (they are SO sweet together!)
Fun sliding down the 'Ant Hill' at the zoo...cardboard on AstroTurf makes a fantastic sled!
Jonathan nabbed a tray someone had brought over to the Ant Hill, and had fun using a tummy-sliding approach

Obviously, I haven't been blogging. It makes me a bit sad, but I also think it's been a good thing. I've 'disconnected' myself from most of my online activities (including emailing time, blog surfing, blog posting, etc...), and life feels a bit calmer, despite all the things going on at home.

We decided to split the master bedroom back to two smaller bedrooms (a previous owner had converted it into one bowling-alley-esque 13' x 28' room). Now, we have two smaller, but more than adequate, rooms - including a guest room!

My parents were able to take advantage of that new guest room (albeit without a door, as the doors had to be custom-made because of size), and just left this morning to fly back home to Missouri. I miss them already.

I've been going to LOTS of doctor visits, still trying to determine the cause of my fainting spells, and to determine whether there is a treatment that will control the spells and allow me to drive again.

We've been walking a lot: trips to the grocery store, Daniel's school, hardware store, UPS store, our family practioner's office, restaurants... I'm feeling very blessed to live where we do, with a ~10 minute walk to everything we *need* (and more).

Daniel started school 4 weeks ago, and is LOVING kindergarten. He's so excited to go, each and every day (though his favorite is Thursdays, which is his 'share day') *wink*

I started scrapbooking! Stay tuned for photos coming soon...I need my sweet DH to figure out why I can't download the photos at the moment. *sigh*

I'm planning to get back to my blog, but I'm going to take it slow. Please bear with me! *grins*

Make it a great day! Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Pattern Inspiration

2009-08-05T16:24:00.001-07:00

I've been doing a fair bit of web searching in the past few weeks, and I am *in love* with patterns. Check out these samples from The Stencil Library (first two images) and MB Historic Decor (third image) -

Aren't they fab?!? I'm seriously tempted to do some modern stenciling around the house...

I'm also loving block printed items, like these found in the HomeSweet etsy shop:

YUM!! Makes me wanna go carve some new stamps...

An update...

2009-08-03T13:03:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long time since my last post! No, I haven't abandoned my blog. *smiles* Things have just been a bit complicated lately...

For those of you that don't know, my son and I were in a car accident at the beginning of July. I had an episode of syncope, fainted completely, hit a light pole (which sheared off and went over my car), and ended up next to a field, up against a fence. The exact cause of the syncope is still being determined, but my cardiologist thinks it is neurocardiogenic syncope, which is caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate. Thankfully, neither one of us were hurt (though I do have some whiplash).

Because of the whiplash and tension in my neck/shoulders, I really haven't been making anything. It just hurt too much, and left me too sore, to bend over my table to work. Instead, I've been cleaning out my craft area, paring things down a bit to just the stuff that I *love* (which is still way too much! lol), and waiting for inspiration to strike. I have been making some jewelry here and there, so I'll be sure to take some photos and upload them soon!

I'm hoping and praying that I'll get a firm diagnosis this time (this has been occuring since I was 14 or so), and that it will be *treatable*... In the mean time, I'm not driving, and just taking it easy, trying to simplify life a bit. I'll definitely try to keep you all updated, and I'll be back soon with some goodies to look at!

Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

USC40 - Giggle Grove scrapling bookmark

2009-06-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

Good morning! (I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaccccccccccccccccckkkkkkkkk! *wink*)

We have a new Unity Addicts Challenge this morning from Cyndi, and I LOVE IT! Her challenge was "A double challenge…Use what you’ve got in your stash… Papers, buttons, brads, ribbons…needs to be scrap and not new from a package! And here’s the kicker…find your very first Unity set that you ever bought and use that!! Good luck and have fun"

Oh, I love this kind of challenge! I pulled out Giggle Grove, which was my very frist Unity Stamp Set, and the set that started my addiction even before I had the chance to buy it. I still {love} this set! *Everything* on this card is scrap, including the ribbon. The base is a scrap of Kiwi Kiss (I didn't even cut it down at all, just folded it in half and started building), which I stamped with one of the trees from Giggle Grove. I found a bit of Urban Prairie DP, and stamped one of the birds from Giggle Grove onto it, trimmed it out, and adhered it to the tree with foam tape. Then I found a teeny-weeny strip of Not Quite Navy, and punched it with a Martha Stewart Crafts border punch. The ribbon at the top of the card was a little piece about 5" long that was in my ribbon drawer (I have issues throwing away bits of ribbon...they're jsut so pretty!). I literally *barely* got the knot tied in it, and trimmed off about half a millimeter from each end just to get off the frayed part.
Then, I decided to make it into a bookmark. I dug into my magnet drawer, and found a tiny little flat magnet, and a thin metal piece it matched that I think I pulled off of a notebook I had finished with. (Yes, I do save anything I might have crafty use!) Here's a shot of the inside, with the metal strip that the magnet attracts to:
Isn't it fun? I love scrappy projects! *grins*

I hope you have a fabulous day!! Make sure to go stop by the Unity Addicts challenge thread to see the other addicts' projects!

Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Not Quite Navy CS (SU!); Urban Prairie DP (BasicGrey)
Ink: Stazon Jet Black (Tsukineko)
Stamps: Giggle Grove (Unity Stamp Company)
Other: Magnet clasp (recycled!); foam mounting tape (3M)

Yosemite!!

2009-05-24T21:37:00.000-07:00

Seriously, you're jealous, aren't you? *wink* (Don't get too jealous...I do have to endure a 5+ hour drive with two pre-schoolers...each way. Always exciting! LOL)

I'll be back Friday! Have a fantastic week!!
~Michelle

Oh What Fun!

2009-05-23T19:04:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post...I wanted to share this simple little card I made using some of my new(ish) Amuse stamps. It's so fun inking up new rubber!! And, I made it for no reason at all. It's been a while since I stamped without doing it for a challenge, or a tutorial, or MOPS, or a blog hop, or.... It was so nice just to PLAY!

The card base is a standard A2 (4 1/4" x 5 1/2"), using Amuse's Classic White card stock. I love that stuff...it's super sturdy, and stands up to being a card base easily, even if you load it down with embellishments. I stamped a circular pattern along the edge using PTI's Lemon Tart ink. Above the yellow stamped border, I stamped the sentiment using my Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement.

On a scrap of the white, I stamped the pinata image, and colored it in with Prismacolor pencils. That was added to a punched square of yellow and a scalloped square of Tangerine Tango using foam tape, and they were all added to the card with another layer of foam tape. To finish it all off, I tied on some Tangerine Tango striped grosgrain. QAS and EPLS! (that's Quick And Simple and Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy, in case you were wondering *wink*)

Have a fantastic weekend! Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Classic White CS (Amuse); Tangerine Tango (SU!); Yellow 'solid' DP (BasicGrey)
Ink: Stazon Jet Black (Tsukineko); Lemon Tart Palette Perfect Match (PaperTrey Ink)
Stamps: "Pinata" and "Oh What Fun!" (Amuse); "Clear Pattern Stamps" (Martha Stewart Crafts)
Other: Foam tape (3M); Tangerine Tango ribbon, Stamp-a-ma-jig (SU!)

Beach Bungalow Inspiration - USC36

2009-05-20T07:42:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday, and time for another Unity Addicts Challenge!! This week is my turn to pick, and I picked a Color Inspiration challenge (again...I {{love}} color, and almost always start my projects by choosing colors)! I find color inspiration EVERYWHERE. A tag off my clothes, the paint on a building, colors in nature... or a photo from a magazine article (which is where today's challenge came from):
(Image is from Martha Stewart Living) Isn't that just the most darling little bungalow kitchen?? I think it would be hard to be grumpy in a kitchen with these bright, sunny, fun colors. My challenge to the Unity girls was to make a project using the colors in this photo: Turquoise, tangerine, yellow, and lots of white. Here's what I came up with (thanks to the fortuitous arrival of my May KOTM...OMGosh, I {{LOVE}} it!!):
I have to say, I was totally jazzed about the idea to make the sentiment coming out of the chimney like a little thought bubble! *grins*

I paper-pieced the house out of scraps from my scrap bin, adding the hearts with foam tape for some dimension. I stamped the sentiment directly onto my card base (using a Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement), and then again onto a scrap of So Saffron to paper-piece the 'home', and colored in the hearts and doodles with my Prismacolor pencils. I tied on the ribbon and added the house with some more foam tape, then I drew the 'bubble' around the sentiment and the little bubbles leading from the chimney with a ZIG Writer.

Have a fantastic day! Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Classic White (Amuse); So Saffron (SU!); blue DP (Basic Grey 'Urban Prairie'); red CS (Bazzill); orange wood stain sample (Sherwin Williams)
Ink: Stazon Jet Black (Tsukineko)
Stamps: May KOTM '...Another Sweet Day' (Unity Stamp Company)
Other: Prismacolor Artist Pencils - Scarlet Lake, Yellowed Orange, and Light Aqua (Sanford); Tangerine Tango striped grosgrain (SU!); foam mounting tape (3M); black ZIG Writer

Unity KOTM Blog Hop!

2009-05-15T07:45:00.001-07:00

Hi Hoppers! (If you've just come upon my blog, please go to Unity's Blog to start at the beginning...you'll be glad you did!)

For my project, I altered a small notebook using the August 2008 KOTM 'Remember Happiness' (STILL my all-time fave, though this month's May KOTM may win once it arrives!) and the February 2009 KOTM 'Endings & Beginnings'.
The trailer was paper-pieced using some of the 'solids' from Basic Grey's 'Granola' line, and I colored in the small hearts using a Pale Vermillion Prismacolor artist pencil. That was layered onto a Sherwin Williams wood stain sample, then onto black, and adhered with foam tape. I stamped the Remember Happiness quote onto a blue solid to create my own background paper, layered it with black, and tied on some SU! striped Tangerine Tango ribbon before adhering it to the front of my notebook with foam tape. I stamped 'enjoy' and 'journey' directly onto the notebook, and wrote my own 'the' to create the sentiment. *grins*

Thanks for stopping by!

Your next blog to visit is Jackie at http://stampingsister.blogspot.com/

Enjoy the hop, and have a fabuluous weekend!!
~Michelle

Happy Birthday Unity!!

2009-05-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's official! Unity is ONE YEAR OLD today! (Can you believe it??) This company has completely renewed my creativity over the past year, and has provided me with some wonderful friends and experiences, too. {{Thank you}} Unity, Angela and Chris, the Unity guys and gals, Unity DT, and all my Unity Addict friends!

Here's a simple little card I made for one of yesterday's challenges (and completed after the deadline was up...c'est la vie, non?). The challenge was to a create a card with a special edge, so I pulled out my trusty Martha Stewart Crafts scallop dot border punch, some scraps of DP, and got started. I first stamped the image of the trees onto a scrap of Amuse white, and then again onto a striped mystery scrap (I think it might be daisy d's, but don't quote me), and again onto a scrap of Bo Bunny pink, and paper-pieced the trees, popping up one on a foam square. Then I distressed the edge with my scissors, and ran PTI's Blush Blossom ink over the distressing. The image was matted with a scrap of orange, and then mounted to the card with foam tape.
After punching the edge, I added a strip of blue DP, and a scalloped strip of orange to the inside of the card (to make my hubby happy when he opens it when I show it to him! LOL) *wink*

I hope you have a wonderful Friday! Be sure to check out the Unity Blog to see all the birthday happenings, and to find out who else is posting today!

Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Wild Wasabi CS (SU!); Classic White CS (Amuse); Orange and blue 'solids' (American Crafts); striped DP (unknown)
Ink: Stazon Jet Black (Tsukineko); Sweet Blush (PaperTrey Ink)
Stamps: trees - April KOTM 'Fresh Beginnings', sentiment - March KOTM 'Simple Life' (Unity Stamp Company)
Other: Scallop Dot border punch (Martha Stewart Crafts); Lemon Tart Saddle-Stitched Grosgrain (PaperTrey Ink)

USC33 - Happy Birthday Unity!

2009-04-29T08:27:00.000-07:00

I have about two seconds to post, so be sure to check out {this thread} to read all about this week's Unity Addicts Challenge...it's a sketch challenge, and we were supposed to use as many colors as possible. I think this card qualifies! *wink*

I'll be back later to edit this post with details! In the meantime, be sure to check out the Unity Blog and the Unity Forum to see the games and challenges for today (and every day this week!)

Have a wonderful day! Thanks for stopping by!!
~Michelle

mmmm....caffeine

2009-04-24T13:54:00.000-07:00

It has arrived!!I ordered my new espresso machine Sunday night, and it arrived Tuesday! Starbucks has some amazing customer service and SUPER FAST shipping...in my box was also a coupon for a free beverage, Starbucks chocolates, and a tin of after-coffee mints. *grins*

But, being sick, I just didn't feel like trying to figure out my new espresso machine until today (I did steam some milk yesterday for a vanilla chai, but didn't try out the espresso because I'd already had one that morning). Well, I just made my first white mocha on my machine, and I must say, it is dee-licious! Coffee, anyone? *wink*

Have a fantastic weekend! Be sure to check out the Mini VSN (Virtual Stamp Night) at SCS this weekend...there are some fabulous challenges lined up, starting at 10am EDT Saturday! Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

ETA: Forgot to tell you...there are also a couple surprise (rather high-profile) hostesses doing some challenges this evening, and there will be prizes involved! Check it out!

Unity Addicts challenge #32

2009-04-22T08:18:00.000-07:00

LOOK! I stamped! *grins*

Today's Unity challenge is to "Go ahead and get creative make something using something recycled or images that represent what Earth Day means to you". The boys play a game on Starfall that says 'Everyday is Earth Day', and I couldn't agree more...God gave us this earth, and we are called to be good stewards of what God has given to us.

Here's my card:
I interpreted the theme in several ways...everything on the card is from my scrap bin, and the photo turn and skeleton leaves are things I've had hidden away for YEARS. I also used this wonderful verse from Something Within, and the butterfly flowers silhouette image from April's KOTM "fresh beginnings". I stamped the silhouette onto the background using Stazon Cotton White ink, then stamped the verse onto a scrap of Bazzill (first in Cotton White, then in PTI's Dark Chocolate for a 'faux embossed' effect) . Then I simply layered everything on, trimming pieces as necessary.

Thanks for stopping by today! Be sure to see what the other Addicts are doing! *wink*
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Kraft CS (SU!); Textured CS (Bazzill....'Kachina', I think); Classic White CS (Amuse); corrugated paper (unknown)
Ink: Stazon Cotton White (Tsukineko); 'Dark Chocolate' Perfect Match Palette Ink (PaperTrey Ink)
Stamps: 'Something Within', April KOTM 'fresh beginnings' (Unity Stamp Company)
Other: Hodgepodge Hardware photo turn and brad (SU!); copper skeleton leaves (unknown)

Hard Workout wink ...just some funnies to share!

2009-04-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

So, the boys have both been sick on/off this week...which means I haven't had many breaks, and *no* chances to go to the gym (which I only joined last week). In an attempt to keep up my new habit, I've been doing workouts at home. Which is challenging. (Just try doing a workout with a 2 1/2 year old 'helping' you by climbing on your back while you do pushups, or sitting on your tummy during crunches, or bouncing on your fitness ball as you attempt a pike, and you'll see what I mean! LOL) Today, I decided to try a new video, and Daniel (my 4 1/2 yo) was my cheerleader/coach, echoing the trainer on the video. Near the end of the video, the chipper little workout lady suggested a way to 'take it up a notch' and I said "What is she, kidding??". To which Daniel replied (in the perfect deadpan that only a 4 1/2 year old with no understanding of sarcasm can use) "No, Mommy, I don't think she was kidding. You should keep doing it". LOL!! That kid seriously cracks me up! *grins*

After I finished, I went to get some water and lunch for Daniel (who hadn't eaten yet), and returned to find Jonathan (the 2 1/2 y.o.) like this:
Poor kid. Must've been a hard workout *wink*

I hope you have a fantastic weekend! Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

He is Risen!

2009-04-12T06:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter, everyone! Yesterday I finally had a chance to do a wee bit of crafting, and made my two boys' buckets for their egg hunt happening later today (I only bought the buckets about 3 weeks ago! LOL)

The images are from several Unity KOTMs, and were stamped on Amuse white cardstock, colored with Prismacolors, and cut out. The 'grass' at the bottoms are strips of burlap, with the tops cut into points, and the numbers at the top (from the March KOTM) were stamped using Stazon Cotton White. Everything is held on with Terrifically Tacky Tape (aka 'red liner' tape) and Mini Glue Dots. *wink*
I hope you all have a blessed Easter! I'm off to work on scalloped potatoes and stuffed eggs before church! *wink*

Thanks for stopping by today!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Classic White CS (Amuse)
Ink: Stazon Jet Black and Cotton White (Tsukineko)
Stamps: November 2008 KOTM "Enjoy YOUR STORY...laugh", February 2009 KOTM "Endings and Beginnings", March 2009 KOTM "Simple Life" (Unity Stamp Company)
Other: Buckets (Target); 'Summer Sunrise' Saddle Stitched ribbon (PaperTrey Ink); Prismacolor Artist Pencils (Sanford); Terrifically Tacky Tape; Mini Glue Dots; burlap

Life...

2009-04-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

Life sometimes gets 'in the way' of crafting. Lately there really does seem to be too much to do, and too little time. *sigh* I think I need to set aside some time for another crafting session, but first I need to get my craft room re-cleaned up (and really cleaned OUT). All the 'stuff' I've collected for this fabulous craft sometimes becomes a hindrance to creativity rather than a boost for it, KWIM? I think it's time for a clean sweep, and a bit of reorganization! *wink*

Alrighty, enough rambling...onto the card!
I absolutely love this set (Beautiful You) from Verve. It was a set for their 1-year anniversary, and each of the design team members picked a favorite quotation, so it is VERY versatile, and it has a beautiful floral image that is great as a focal or as a background image. Verve's stamps are clear polymer (aka 'acrylic'), and they are super high-quality...nice and thick, and give great detail and very clear stamping.

I stamped the 'Life' sentiment onto a scrap of Very Vanilla using Ruby Red ink, and mounted it to a scrap of Ruby Red CS, adding three self-adhesive rhinestones to accent the sentiment. Next, I stamped a panel of Kraft CS with the flower image using Ruby Red ink. The card base is a standard A2-sized card in Bashful Blue. I stamped a border along one edge using Versamark ink and Martha Stewart Crafts 'Clear Pattern Stamps' polka-dot border (it's actually stamped twice, and since the stamp is clear, aligning the pattern was EPLS). I tied a bit of satin vanilla ribbon around the base, then adhered the Kraft panel, and attached the matted sentiment to the top using foam tape.

This was a *very* quick card, and the layout is one that would be easily adapted for other cards (and it's a great way to use up scraps! *wink*)

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Bashful Blue, Ruby Red, Kraft, Very Vanilla CS (SU!)
Ink: Versamark (Tsukineko); Ruby Red (SU!)
Stamps: Beautiful You (Verve Stamps); Clear Pattern Stamps (Martha Stewart Crafts)
Other: foam mounting tape (3M); satin ribbon (Offray); rhinestones (Michael's)

Unity World Record Blog Hop is here!

2009-03-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ~Philippians 4:8

Next up: my friend Jessy at My Sanity Depends on Stamping!

Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White CS (SU!); Kachina, Pollen CS (Bazzill)
Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Versamark (Tsukineko); Chocolate Chip (SU!)
Stamps: March 2009 KOTM "Simple Life" (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: Detail embossing powder (Stampendous!); 'Labels One' Nestabilities (Spellbinders); rhinestones (Michael's); ribbon (unknown); Prismacolor Artist Pencils (Sanford) - Apple Green, Yellow Chartreuse, Pink Rose, Carmine Red, Scarlet Lake

GIU #5 - Happy Thoughts for HHH!

2009-03-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

I can't believe the week is already over! I've had *so* much fun sharing my {love} of Unity with you all, and you'll all made my week with the sweet comments that you've left. Thank {{YOU}} so much!

I will be back tomorrow with a post in the Unity World Record Blog Hop (see the blinkie to the right)...have you signed up yet? There's still time! *wink*

Today's card is actually one I made quickly yesterday morning for one of the Hip Hop Thursday challenges...'No Sour Grapes at Unity!'. The challenge was to make a card using black, white, and purple, and this is what I came up with:
I have to say, I *really* like how it turned out! *grins*

I pulled out my new 'Feel the Joy' image, the sentiment from the March KOTM, some scraps of Pale Plum, Perfect Plum, Basic Black, and Whisper White, and my new PaperTrey Palette inks, and got to work. I stamped the image three times using Lavender Moon ink, then twice more using Plum Pudding ink onto the Whisper White scrap. I trimmed it down, and then trimmed the Perfect Plum scrap and the Basic Black scraps to mat it, tearing the bottom edge of the black scrap. I tied a piece of Plum Pudding satin ribbon around the card (cutting a slit in the folded edge, since I didn't really plan this card!), and then mounted the matted image on top with foam mounting tape. I stamped the sentiment at the bottom, and accented the card with some Heidi Swapp Bling. Yet another card that took less than 10 minutes! Love that!

And now, the winner of a single of their choice from Unity:

True Random Number Generator Result: 72

Yaritza said...

You did a wonderful job on these cards. Specially love the trees.

March 26, 2009 6:38 AM

Congratulations Yaritza! I'll be sending you and Eryn an email, but be sure to send your choice of single and your address to Eryn[at]unitystampco[dot]com *wink*

Thank you all again for making *my* week so wonderful! Have a wonderful weekend, and I'll 'see' you on the blog hop!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Pale Plum, Perfect Plum, Basic Black, and Whisper White CS (SU!)
Ink: Lavender Moon and Plum Pudding ink (PaperTrey Ink); Stazon Jet Black (Tsukineko)
Stamps: Feel the Joy, March KOTM 'Simple Life' (Unity Stamp Company)
Other: Plum Pudding satin ribbon (PaperTrey Ink); foam mounting tape (3M); Jet Bling (Heidi Swapp)

GIU #4 - Two CAS KOTM Creations

2009-03-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

Are you all ready for HIP HOP??!! Make sure you go to the Unity blog to get all the details and to go through the blog hop...Unity's DT always has the *best* eye-candy! (The blog hop starts at 10 am CDT, and Hip Hop officially begins in the Unity Forum at 11 am CDT...come join us!)

Now, onto the cards!

First up is a 'No-layer' card...I just love this image! (See, told you I wasn't afraid of white space! *wink*)I recently ordered Amuse's Classic White cardstock, and let me tell you...I understand why Julie is so famous for her no-layer cards now...this stuff is thick, has a great feel, and stands up perfectly on its own as a card base! I made a 4 1/4" square card base, and then stamped the adorable tree 'couple' (from this month's KOTM) in the center using Stazon Jet Black, and then stamped 'happy' and 'together' (from Fall Festival) underneath using my Stamp-a-ma-jig. Then, I colored in the trees using my Prismacolors, and tied on some Papaya stitched grosgrain ribbon. Super EPLS! *grins*

My second card is also a quick, CAS one, based on a tag I got off of a shirt I bought recently! I loved the silhouette image and the color combo, and immediately thought of the silhouette flowers from the March KOTM:
I started with a French Roast square notecard (4 1/4" x 4 1/4"). I stamped the silhouette onto Whisper White CS using River Rock ink, and punched it out with my pink Marvy Uchida circle punch. Then I punched a scalloped circle from Soft Sky using the purple Marvy Uchida punch, and also punched three teeny little butterflies with the Martha Stewart 'Classic Butterfly' punch (it has three small butterflies). I stamped 'love grows' (from Love Grows) across the flowers using Bravo Burgundy, and adhered the three small butterflies to the image. I tied some Soft Sky stitched grosgrain around the card, and adhered the layered circles, using foam tape to mount them to the card. I honestly took me less than 10 minutes, start to finish...love that!

And check out how well the colors match the tag:
Oh, I miss Soft Sky and River Rock! Here's one last look at the card, with its inspiration:
Thanks for stopping by today! I'll be picking a winner for the Unity single (and a little extra goodie from me) this evening from ALL the posts this week, so be sure to leave some comments, if you haven't already! *wink*

Don't forget to go HIP HOP!!
~Michelle

Supplies used (Happy Together):
Paper: Amuse Classic White CS (Amuse Stamps)
Ink: Stazon Jet Black (Tsukineko)
Stamps: March KOTM 'Simple Life', Fall Festival (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: Papaya stitched grosgrain ribbon (Amuse Stamps); Prismacolor Artist Pencils (Sanford) - Apple Green, Yellow Chartreuse, Sunburst Yellow, Carmine Red, Sienna Brown, Dark Brown

Supplies used (Love Grows):
Paper: French Roast solid square note card (Amuse Stamps); Soft Sky, Whisper White CS (SU!)
Ink: River Rock, Bravo Burgundy (SU!)
Stamps: March KOTM 'Simple Life', Love Grows (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: Circle and Scalloped Circle punches (Marvy Uchida); Classic Butterfly punch (Martha Stewart Crafts); Soft Sky stitched grosgrain ribbon (SU!); foam mounting tape (3M)

GIU #3 - LIVE all the days of your life, and a mid-week WINNER!

2009-03-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

I {{love}} this sentiment!

Today's card was a stretch (color-wise) for me...I mean, seriously, it has pink and coral! But, in the end, I think it turned out pretty well! *wink*
This time I started with the image...I knew I wanted to combine the sentiment and this wonderful journaling spot from this month's KOTM from Unity, and that I didn't want them on plain ol' white (not that I have a problem with white, as you'll see tomorrow!). It took me a couple tries, but I finally settled on stamping the journal block with Versamark onto Baja Breeze, and then stamping the sentiment over the top with Not Quite Navy ink. I colored in the frame and the 'Live', and cut out the frame, trimming closely. Then I pulled out one of my mystery coral-ly pink shipping tags (I *think* I got them at a stamp convention, but I'm not sure who the manufacturer is), and cut off the top portion. I matted it onto white, aligning the edges of the three layers. Then I adhered them to the Kiwi Kiss card base, tied on some hot pink stitched grosgrain, and accented with rhinestones. Voila! EPLS! *wink*
On a side note, I wanted to point those of you that have asked me about my coloring to {this fabulous tutorial} that the talented Lisa Spangler made for the Hero Club Blog. She demonstrates in 9 minutes and 57 seconds what I spent several architectural rending labs learning and practicing. Truly, her video will give you all the basics, and then it's just a matter of playing with color combinations and practicing! (No blending solution, odorless mineral spirits, Turpenoid, or Gamsol required...though I do use those on occasion, too!) HTH!

And, (drum roll, please) the winner of my own extra little bit o' blog candy is:

#4 - StampinCathy

Love the Spring look! I'm so ready for Spring! Congrats on being the Unity's Stamper of the week. Can't wait to see what fabulous eye candy you have for us. Thanks

(Cathy, I'm going to attempt to figure out how to email you, but if you see this before I do, could you send me an email with your addy? Thanks!)

Thank you {{ALL}} again for the wonderful comments! Y'all melt my heart! *wink*

Thanks for stopping by! (Hopefully) See you again tomorrow!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White, and Baja Breeze CS (SU!); coral/pink shipping tag (unknown)
Ink: VersaMark (Tsukineko); Not Quite Navy (SU!)
Stamps: 'Simple Life' March 2009 KOTM (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: pink stitched grosgrain (Dashes, Dots, & Checks); small clear rhinestones (Michael's); pink rhinestones (Studio18); Prismacolor artist pencils (Sanford) - White, Indigo Blue, Slate Grey, Lime Peel, Cream, Pink Rose, Pink

GIU #2 - Thanks a bunch!

2009-03-23T21:15:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to day 2 of my Growing in Unity week! I want to start off by saying a big THANK YOU for all the sweet comments on yesterday's post! It made my day to read them all! *grins* I'm going to be pulling a name tonight (Tuesday night, 3/24/2009) for an extra little candy from me, so if you didn't leave a comment yesterday (or even if you did! *wink*), leave me one today so you'll be entered!

Okay, I know...onto the card!

This one is a much simpler one, showcasing one of the fabulous images from Unity's March 2009 KOTM (do you have yours yet?? It's fabulous, and probably the best deal in stamps you'll ever see!)
I used Taylor's Cupcake Challenge sketch from this weekend (TECC60), and built my card using that, and Friday's Limited Supplies Challenge (LSC212) on SCS to make a card featuring a bloom as the main image, and 'Soft Subtles' colors. I stamped this adorable little plaid flower onto Whisper White and colored it in with my Prismacolor pencils, then used my Coluzzle oval template to cut out the panel, and an Apricot Appeal oval to mat it. I punched the bottom edge of the second WW panel with my favorite Martha Stewart Crafts 'Scallop Dot' edge punch. That was matted with a panel of Pale Plum CS, and I tied a piece of PaperTrey Ink's Plum Pudding Saddle Stitched ribbon. Those were adhered to a Pale Plum card base (with a 4" x 5 1/4" Apricot Appeal panel) using foam tape. As a last touch, I highlighted the sentiment with a quick swipe of Chartreuse Prismacolor, a la Julie Ebersole, aka JulieHRR. *wink*
Thanks for stopping by! More Unity goodness for you (and a candy winner) coming tomorrow!
~Michelle

p.s. - Yes, I {{LOVE}} my Prismacolor pencils...they blend fabulously, they cost a lot less than Copics (not that they're exactly cheap, but they are cheap-ER), and I already had a full set from school. Glad I can finally put that color theory and blending techniques to good use! *wink*

Supplies used:
Paper: Apricot Appeal, Pale Plum, Whisper White (SU!)
Ink: Stazon Jet Black (Tsukineko)
Stamps: March KOTM "simple life" (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: Plum Pudding ribbon (PTI); 'Scallop Dot' edge punch (Martha Stewart Crafts); Coluzzle cutting system; foam mounting tape (3M); Prismacolor pencils (Sanford) - Dark Purple, Greyed Lavender, Cream, Canary Yellow, Deco Orange, Chartreuse, Lime Peel, Apple Green

Growing in Unity Day #1!

2009-03-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's here!! Since Spring arrived officially on Friday, I have a "Happy Spring" card to share as the start of my Growing in Unity week! *grins*

This is a Stair Step (aka Accordion) card...I started with a 5 1/2" x 10 1/2" piece of Pollen CS, and scored it at 1 1/4", 2 1/2", 4 1/4", 6", and 8 1/4", with the 1 1/4" fold at the front. Then, I stamped images from three different Unity KOTM's (August 2008 "Remember Happiness", November 2008 "Enjoy YOUR STORY...Laugh", and February 2009 "Endings & Beginnings") that had a Spring theme/feel onto Whisper White CS, using Stazon Jet Black ink.
I colored all the images with my Prismacolor pencils, trimmed them closely, and attached them to the different folds at various heights (the butterflies and the snail are adhered with foam tape). For the sentiment panel, I stamped 'spring' with Real Red ink and 'happy' with Tempting Turquoise, edged the panel with the Canary Yellow pencil, and then matted with 'Kachina' and 'Red Devil' Bazzill. I accented the card with 3 rhinestones, then tied it closed with some striped grosgrain from American Crafts.
Remember to leave me a comment...I'll be picking a winner for a Unity single from all of the comments this week, and am planning to throw in a few surprise blog candy gifts throughout the week! (hint, hint...)

Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Pollen, Kachina, and Red Devil textured CS (Bazzill); Whisper White (SU!)
Ink: Stazon Jet Black (Tsukineko); Real Red and Tempting Turquoise (SU!)
Stamps: August 2008 KOTM "Remember Happiness", November 2008 KOTM "Enjoy your story...Laugh", and February 2009 KOTM "Endings & Beginnings" (Unity Stamp Company)
Other: foam tape (3M); striped grosgrain (American Crafts); Self-adhesive rhinestones (Studio18); Prismacolor Artist Pencils (Sanford) - Lilac, Aquamarine, Light Aqua, Apple Green, Chartreuse, Canary Yellow, Sunburst Yellow, Yellowed Orange, Pale Vermilion, Carmine Red, Scarlet Lake

Unity SALE!!

2009-03-22T15:36:00.000-07:00

I just had to share...it's the enabler in me! I mean c'mon, it's THIRTY percent off!! Go check it out!

Plus, there are some amazing deals to be had if you sign up for the KOTM...like $15 off a past KOTM!

Sneak Peek Reminder!

2009-03-21T16:31:00.000-07:00

Just a little sneak peek to whet your appetite!

I'm hosting Growing in Unity: day by day, week by week ALL THIS WEEK. That means I'll have a new project (or two) to share each and every day featuring my beloved Unity Stamps, and all you have to do is leave a comment for a chance to win BLOG CANDY on Friday! *wink* And I've been busy preparing...stamping, cutting, pasting, coloring, punching, tying, die-cutting, embossing...you name it! Lots to show you this week!

Plus, I'll have one more for you on Saturday when the Unity World Record Inspirational Blog Hop happens!

Thanks for stopping by! See you Monday! *grins*
~Michelle

USC28 - Eco Snail Mail

2009-03-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

Oh, I loved this challenge!! Here is the fantabulous challenge that Sherry picked for us: "My challenge is going to be to use something that is not originally for card-making on your card or altered item. Like yarn, foil, something from a gift wrapped package, something recycled."

Now, I don't know about all of you, but I see card-making possibilities EVERYWHERE. And I gather up all these little gems, but rarely actually *use* them, so this was my chance!

How about the amazing texture on this drink jacket?
And look at all the great color and texture of these jeans:
(The jeans were my DH's. They were the 'thin' kind, and he quickly wore out the knees, and then ripped a hole in the seat while doing something manly like changing the oil in my car, so they weren't donate-able, and definitely not wearable. You'll be seeing denim on a lot of my cards...I have big plans for these!)

I cut a strip from one of the seams in the legs for this card:
And here is the final product:
Isn't that little snail just the cutest?!? I started with a standard A2-sized card base of Kraft, and cut a panel of Chocolate Chip down to 4" x 5 1/4". Then I cut some Basic Grey Granola paper (it seemed fitting for my earthy, eco-friendly card) to 3" x 3 3/4", and used red liner tape to adhere the strip of denim to the side. I frayed the edge a bit more, and used red liner on the back of the denim and foam mounting tape on the back of the DP to adhere them both to the Chocolate Chip panel.

I stamped the 'Snail Mail' (from February's KOTM 'Endings & Beginnings') onto a scrap of Confettie Cream CS using Chocolate Chip ink, and then colored it in with my Prismacolor pencils (see the colors in the photo below), edging the panel with the Peacock Blue, and running the Yellow Ochre across the sentiment to highlight it (a fabulous trick I've seen Julie Ebersole do on several of her cards). Then I mounted the image panel onto the square I cut from the drink jacket, and adhered both to the card with foam tape.
I hope you have a fantastic day today! I've already had a great morning...my town *finally* got a Trader Joe's, and I went shopping this morning!! (It just opened Monday) Be sure to check out who else is playing...go to {this thread}, or type {here} the gallery at SCS. Thanks for stopping by!!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Kraft, and Confetti Cream CS (SU!); 'Granola' DP (Basic Grey)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU!)
Stamps: February's KOTM 'Endings & Beginnings' (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: Prismacolor Artist Pencils (Sanford); foam mounting tape (3M); jeans and a drink jacket *grins*

The "J's" have it!

2009-03-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

**BLOG CANDY WINNERS!!**

Thanks for the suggestions, girls! I went to random.org, and it picked comments #1 and #5:

Jess said:

Go Michelle!! What an awesome prize!! My favorite Papertrey set, although I have NONE yet, is Damask Designs... someday when I have money again, I will be loading up on PTI stuff--it all looks fabulous!!

March 12, 2009 10:01 AM

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Jenn said:

hey stranger ;) Glad to have you back!

How generous of you to share your winnings, my favorite PTI set is My Punny Valentine.

Just FYI, I think your dates are a little off, the Unity blog hop is the 28th of March and if you unity week is next week, that Saturday is the 21st. :) Can't wait too see you Unity creations though.

March 12, 2009 1:02 PM

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

I'll send you both emails so I can get your prizes out to you! *wink*

In other news, I went to work on my desk yesterday...and it's certainly better, though by no means 'finished'. Shannon and I did have an adventure yesterday, though! She came over to hang out, and just after she walked in the door, we heard a HUGE crash. The shelf I had hung to the side of my desk (in order to get some stuff *off* of my desk) had pulled its screws and wall anchors out of the wall, and was laying on the floor upstairs, with the 2 of the 3 glass jars of ribbon smashed all around it! Poor Shannon came over to hang out, and the first thing we ended up doing was cleaning up that mess! (and it was a MESS...the floor was stacked with stuff, so glass was all over and inside all of it!) THANKS SHANNON!! You're a gem! {{hugs}}

Here's a "before" picture...notice that there is NO open space on my desk!:

(psst....see all that ribbon hanging on the left side? That's the ribbon from PTI...GOBS of it!)

And here's a wider shot, showing all the junk on the floor that ended up being buried in glass:

Thanks for stopping by! Hopefully I'll actually have something for you all to *look* at SOON! And I'll give you an updated pic of the "after" of my craft space... *wink*

~Michelle

BAD blogger ....and BLOG CANDY!

2009-03-12T09:34:00.000-07:00

Sorry! You know how life goes...so I won't make excuses, but I will give you a little update!

Last week, my AMAZING prize from PaperTrey Ink arrived:

It included a gorgeous card made by Nichole Heady, a $50 gift certificate, the Tags for Spring stamp set, eight of PTI's color-matched Palette ink cubes, 8 eggs full of their new Vintage Buttons, and TONS of ribbon. This container is 10" square and 4" deep, and it is *stacked* with tight little coils of ribbon:
Here's a picture of the loot in my lap as my 4-year-old gleefully opened all the eggs (everything came in plastic eggs...so fun!)
There is more ribbon there than I really need ( I could convince myself otherwise, but I'm trying to work through my ribbon addiction)...so I'm going to share! Go to PaperTrey's website, and leave me a comment {by 12:01 AM Pacific time on Sunday} with your favorite stamp set, and I'll pick TWO random winners on Sunday!

Coming up in two weeks is my Growing In Unity week...5 full days of Unity goodness, culminating in Unity's World Record Inspirational Blog Hop (see the blinkie to the right) on Saturday! There will be more blog candy to be had, so be sure to come back! (Now, I must go clear off my stamping desk...it currently has an 8" layer of stuff stacked across the full 6 foot length and 30" width!) My plan is to get it cleaned off, and do some warm-up next week to make sure the "mojo" is flowing, so there will (hopefully) be some eye-candy as well!

(*ETA: Thanks Jenn!! I gained a whole extra week...my GIU week dates are actually March 22-27, and the Unity World Record Inspirational Blog Hop is March 28th*)

Have a great day, and thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to leave me a comment for your chance to win! *wink*
~Michelle

sympathy and strength for Sherry...

2009-03-04T13:17:00.000-08:00

This week's Unity Challenge Wednesday is a special one...dedicated to one of own, Sherry Campbell, and to remembering that life is sometimes much to short. Sherry lost her mother this week, and we wanted to lift her up during this difficult time.

Sherry, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time...I'm praying for peace and comfort for you all, and for the strength to carry on...
I based my card on Amber's sketch challenge for this week. I started with a standard Chocolate Chip A2 card base, and added 1 1/4" x 4" strips of Cosmo Cricket DP. I stamped this sentiment from Something Within onto Kraft card stock, then matted it with Chocolate Chip (with the edges distressed), and then with a scrap of green Bazzill CS. I stamped the butterfly from February's KOTM onto Kraft using Apricot Appeal and Really Rust ink and rock-n-roll technique, and then stamped the flourish from the same stamp over the top of the butterfly. I trimmed it closely and mounted the butterfly over the top, using two layers of foam tape at the ends of the wings, and a glue dot at the center.

Thanks for stopping by today! If you have a chance, head over to Sherry's blog and give her a {{hug}}.
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Over Easy DP (Cosmo Cricket); Chocolate Chip and Kraft CS (SU!); green textured CS (Bazzill)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Apricot Appeal, and Really Rust (SU!)
Stamps: Something Within, February KOTM (Unity Stamp Company)
Other: foam mounting tape (3M); mini Glue Dots

A card for Princess Taylor

2009-02-27T13:16:00.000-08:00

Taylor Jones, the sweet little girl who inspired the 'Spunky Princess' set from Unity, is turning 4 on March 3rd, and the Unity girls are showering her with cards. *smiles* She's such a strong, courageous little girl, is always smiling, and her story has really touched me and the wonderful Chelsea, who first challenged us to send her some cards just to bring another smile to this sweet girl's face. (To read about Taylor and see pictures, click {here}) This is what I came up with:
It's sweet and girly, don't you think? The cherry paper at the bottom is hand-stamped, make-your-own DP (Rose Red on a coral-y pink shipping tag). I paper-pieced the cupcake using Rose Red and Pink Pirouette papers, and added LOTS of layers and foam tape (there is foam tape under the cupcake's Rose Red mat, under the Whisper White mat layer, and under the Rose Red mat layer!). Yep, it's going to cost me a bit more to post, but I think Taylor is worth it! *grins*
I also stamped the envelope with lots of flowers all around the edge from the same set. *wink*

I'm hoping to be back later with more to share, but it's been a slow week (at least stamping-wise!). The kitchen is mostly finished, and I've been spending most of my time this week trying to get everything put into the cabinets and drawers so we can get the kitchen out of the living room *wink* I'll post pictures so you can all see once I have it finished...

Have a wonderful weekend!! Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Pink Pirouette, Rose Red, Whisper White (SU!); pink shipping tag (unknown)
Ink: Rose Red (SU!); Stazon Jet Black (Tsukineko)
Stamps: Ginormous Sweet Cupcakes (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: rhinestone brads (K & Company); ribbon (American Crafts); foam mounting tape (3M)

One of those weeks...

2009-02-21T15:10:00.000-08:00

It's been one of those weeks. There's just so much time, and so little to do...scratch that, reverse it. This week has been crazy! It's been fun in its own way, but definitely hasn't left me much time for stamping. Believe it or not, I started this card on Monday, and just finished it this morning!
The layout is Julee's Mojo Monday Sketch #74, and the color combo was taken from Amy's inspiration challenge for the Unity Addicts this week (USC24). I took three of the colors from the image she gave us, purposely picking three that would challenge me. (*Confession time...I'm not a big fan of purple, at least not on cards, and I can't really say why.*) However, these three colors (purple, orange, and green) form a triadic color scheme, meaning that their positions on the color wheel form an equilateral triangle. So, as long as the tones you pick are similar, the combination will work. (See, I did learn something from my design and color theory classes! *wink*)

The card base is a Perfect Plum A2-sized card. I stamped the verse from 'Something Within' onto Whisper White using Perfect Plum ink, stamped a wish stick from the August KOTM with Apricot Appeal, and sponged Apricot Appeal around the edges. I also stamped the butterfly from the August KOTM onto a scrap of WW, sponged it, and trimmed it closely, then stamped this flower image (from the grab basket at Unity's CHA booth!) onto a circle of WW. I punched a scalloped circle with the blue Marvy Uchida punch, and mounted it behind the circle, and cut a panel of Perfect Plum and a panel of Wild Wasabi to mat the sentiment. Since green was the dominant color in the photo, I also cut two strips of Wild Wasabi DP to follow the sketch. Then I assembled everything, tying on a piece of Apricot seam binding, and mounting the butterfly with foam tape (using 2 layers under the wings for extra 'lift' *wink*).

I'm hoping to get to play along with VSN sometime this weekend (like maybe later tonight), so I'll be posting those when I finish them...hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Perfect Plum, Wild Wasabi, Apricot Appeal, Whisper White CS, 'Jersey Shore' DP (SU!)
Ink: Perfect Plum, Apricot Appeal (SU!)
Stamps: 'Something Within', 'Remember Happiness' August KOTM (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: Apricot seam binding (Martha Stewart Crafts); scalloped circle punch (Marvy Uchida); foam mounting tape (3M)

Shout out to Sheetload!

2009-02-17T13:36:00.000-08:00

So, y'all know how much I love ShortCuts (see {this post} for my review, and {this post}, {this post} and {this post} for some cards I've made with their products) ..but have you checked out their sister blog, SheetLoad of Cards? Each month, they put out a web-based, FREE newsletter showcasing their DT member's work, a sketch, and all the measurements to make a whole bunch of cards in just a wee bit of time using that sketch! It's AWESOME...go check out February's newsletter! (oh, and my Unity buddy Joy Stagg (aka daiseyfreak on SCS) is the featured designer for this month...HI JOY!!)

Go check them out!! *wink*
~Michelle

Viva La Verve (times 2)

2009-02-17T12:44:00.000-08:00

Catching up on the Verve VLVFeb sketches...these are such great sketches (shout out to Amber!), and if you complete all of the month's sketches by the deadline, you get entered into a contest to win free Verve!

This card I actually started on Thursday, and finished Friday, but haven't uploaded yet. I used an approximation of the color combo Nichole Heady had as one of the PTI release challenges, and the VLVFeb02 sketch, and came up with this:
Oh, and I love, love, {{LOVE}} it! Something about the simplicity and the color combo just makes me *smile*!

The twist for this sketch was NO DESIGNER PAPER, so this is all card stock. The base is a standard A2 in Baja Breeze, and then I built up the card suing the sketch. The yellow scalloped circle is Summer Sun, cut with the Coluzzle, and then scalloped on the edge with my medium corner rounder. The white oval was also cut with the Coluzzle, then I stamped it with the sentiment and the flowers before adhering it to a scrap of Real Red and trimming closely to add just a hint of red mat. The Baja Breeze scalloped circle was punched with my purple Marvy Uchida punch, pierced in the scallops, and mounted to the card with foam tape. For the three dots in the sketch (on either side of the red panel), I used some Heidi Swapp Jet Black Bling. (LOVE those!)

Next up, VLVFeb03, with a monochromatic {twist}...
I've done *lots* of monochromatic cards, and I'm shooting for 'growth' this year, so I wanted to do a color I'd never done before. And ORANGE was that color. The only problem? I've only recently 'discovered' my love of orange, and hardly have any DP that is orange (part of that problem is that they don't make a lot of orange DP for anything other than Halloween...and I don't do Halloween). Happily, several of the Jersey Shore DPs are orange!!
The two polka-dot pieces were actually cut from the patterned strip sheet, so their width is whatever that paper had, but I love the variety of scale! The base is a standard A2 in Pumpkin Pie, and then because I wanted a lot of white, I added a 4" x 5 1/4" panel of Whisper White, with the edges heavily distressed. I stamped the sentiment on a scrap of WW, and punched it out with the blue Marvy circle punch. Then, I punched a Pumpkin Pie circle with the pink Marvy punch, and discovered that the EK small corner rounder goes around the edge perfectly!! (Ah, gotta love those happy accidents!). I matted the two polka-dot pieces with thin Pumpkin Pie mats, and made a wide mat for the daisy paper, and scalloped the bottom edge with the same small corner rounder. Then I put everything together per Amber's sketch, adding foam tape under the vertical panel, under the right half of the larger-scale polka dot panel, and under the scalloped circle panel (with a double-layer of foam tape at the bottom right edge).

Thanks for stopping by today!! Have a wonderful week!
~Michelle

Supplies used (Gratitude Blossom):
Paper: Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Summer Sun, Real Red, and Whisper White CS (SU!)
Ink: Stazon Jet Black (Tsukineko); Old Olive (SU!)
Stamps: 'Beautiful You' (Verve Stamps)
Other: foam mounting tape (3M); Coluzzle cutting system; paper piercing tool (Tonic Studios); scalloped oval punch (Marvy Uchida); corner rounder (EK Success); Jet Black Bling (Heidi Swapp); black grosgrain ribbon (unknown)

Supplies used (Fun is Good):
Paper: Pumpkin Pie and Whisper White CS, 'Jersey Shore' DP (SU!)
Ink: Pumpkin Pie (SU!)
Stamps: 'Beautiful You' (Verve Stamps)
Other: foam mounting tape (3M); Coluzzle cutting system; blue circle punch (Marvy Uchida); corner rounder (EK Success); white satin ribbon (unknown)

giddy

2009-02-16T08:44:00.000-08:00

¹gid·dy \ˈgi-dē\ adjective:

1 a: dizzy <giddy from the unaccustomed exercise> b: causing dizziness giddy height> c: whirling rapidly2 a: lightheartedly silly : frivolous b: joyfully elated : euphoric

(*WARNING: excess gloating and giddiness ahead!*)

Oh yes, I am GIDDY! Why? Well, check this out:Can you believe it?!?! I won one of the PTI Anniversary prizes!! Out of 1407 comments, they picked MINE! **doing a happy dance**

So, what did I win? Check it out at the end of {this post} ...a Spring Basket prize package, worth over $100!! Including the amazing new set Tags for Spring, and a $50 gift certificate...so even though this will be my first experience using PTI, it's not going to be my last! *grins*

THANK YOU, TONYA!! (She's the one who let me know!)

Okay, that's enough for now... I'll be back later with some actual projects! *wink*
~Michelle

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T15:02:00.000-08:00

This is the card I made for Philip, my DH, for Valentine's Day. It has no stamping, uses a black base, *and* I used paint around the edges...3 things that are not my norm, but Philip liked it, and commented on how cool the paint looked. *wink*
The card is pretty basic...I used my corner rounder for the scalloped edge on the right, the purple Marvy Uchida scalloped circle punch for the green, the pink circle punch for the pink, the yellow heart, and a Martha Stewart butterfly punch, which I cut in half for under the wings. The heart is mounted on foam tape for dimension.

Hope you have a fantastic Valentine's Day, and enjoy the 3-day weekend (for those of you who get to enjoy it!)!
Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Urban Prairie DP (Basic Grey); Basic Black, Apricot Appeal CS (SU!)
Ink: NONE!
Stamps: NONE!
Other: black ZIG Writer; foam mounting tape (3M); heart-shaped snap (Making Memories); punches (Marvy Uchida, Martha Stewart Crafts, and EK Success)

HHH - Fabric Flowers

2009-02-13T10:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday, and Happy Hip Hop Hangover!! (Sorry I'm late with this post...it's been a crazy morning!) ..Be sure to stop by the Unity blog to see who else has posts for this Friday!
Yesterday's Way to Use it challenge (WT205) at SCS was a good one...using fabric on your cards. Last June(?) I went with my friend to a quilt shop (she a quilter, not me), and picked up a pack of 6" squares of Moda fabric. The colors and patterns were so vibrant and fun, I just had to have it for inspiration. So, I pulled that pack off my display bar, and got to work:
I used my Cuttlebug and flower dies to cut flowers from the solid coordinating fabrics (for a thin fabric like this, I had to add 2 cardstock shim pieces), cut a tiny hole at the center of each one, rolled them in my hands so they would fray a bit, and layered them together with a silver brad.

Next, I stamped the verse from Something Within onto a scrap of Whisper White using Real Red ink, and distressed the edges. I matted it with Taken with Teal CS, and cut another panel of TwT, and tore a panel of one of the fabrics, then built the card using Jen's Sketch For You To Try from this weekend on an A2-sized base of Kraft CS.

Hope you have a wonderful day, a very Happy Valentine's Day, and a great weekend!
Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Kraft, Whisper White, Taken with Teal (SU!)
Ink: Real Red (SU!)
Stamps: Something Within (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: 'Fresh Squeezed' fabrics (Moda); foam mounting tape (3M); silver brads (Making Memories); Pop-up Glue Dots

HHT New Release - 'Spin, Baby!'

2009-02-12T07:55:00.000-08:00

HIP HOP!!I don't know if you've noticed, but I {love} Unity Stamp Company. Not only do they have the most fabulous stamps (they're #17 in the Stamping Top 50 after only 9 months selling their product, if that tells you anything), the also have the most wonderful PEOPLE. Seriously wonderful, caring, truly-a-community type people. If you haven't had a chance to go hang out in the Unity forum, you really, really should.

A few weeks ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to go to CHA and meet a few of them. They're even better in real life! *wink* Here's photo I cropped of Angela and me:
So, where am I going with all this?? Well, sweet Miss Angela let me pick out a not-yet-released single from her display before I left! And today, it's for sale!! HIP HOP indeed! *grins* So, just for you, and just for Hip Hop and its release, here's a card I made with it! (I've been saving it for this special occasion! *wink*)
It's a *gigantic* version of the sweet little pinwheel from November's KOTM "enjoy YOUR STORY...laugh"!! I love the whimsical style of this pinwheel, and it just makes me smile everytime I use the November kit! And now, I get to enjoy it in almost-life-size gorgeousness. *grins*

The whimsical style reminds me of the fabulous papers in BasicGrey's 'Urban Prairie' line, and I used SIX different papers from the line for this card. The only plain CS is the Apricot Appeal card base, which is 7 1/2" x 8 1/2", folded in half to create a 3 3/4" x 8 1/2" card that fits into a standard business envelope. I added an punched 'Morning Glory' edge at the card's opening, and adhered a stripe of 'Kettle' and a large panel of 'Weathervane' to the card base.
For the main image panel, I stamped the 'Spin, Baby' image onto a piece of 'Bluebird' for my image base, then again onto 'Bountiful' for the pinwheel and 'Petticoat' for the handle, and cut and paper-pieced the image together, adding a pink bling brad for the center. I matted the image onto a piece of 'Morning Glory', leaving just a thin 1/16" border all the way around, and added it to teh card, using foam tape. To finish off the card, I tied a scrap of ribbon into a knot for the pinwheel's handle, added three adhesive rhinestones to the corner, and stamped a portion of the 'Remember Happiness' sentiment (from the August 2008 KOTM) onto the card base at the bottom.

I hope you have a great Thursday! Be sure to go to the Unity blog to start the blog hop at 10am CST (8am Pacific), and to see the specials at 11am CST (9am Pacific).

Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Apricot Appeal CS (SU!); Urban Prairie DP (BasicGrey)
Ink: Stazon Jet Black (Tsukineko)
Stamps: 'Spin, Baby!' and sentiment from 'Remember Happiness' August KOTM (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: Scalloped edge punch (Martha Stewart Crafts); foam mounting tape (3M); pink bling brad (Karen Foster); adhesive rhinestones (Michael's); ribbon (unknown)

Painted Lady

2009-02-11T09:36:00.000-08:00

*Note: This week's Unity Addicts Challenge is in the next post*

This week's Color Challenge was a tough one for me...I'm not really a pink and purple kind of girl! But then I saw the adorable house from Unity's January KOTM, and remembered all the 'Painted Ladies' (a nickname for Victorian houses) in San Luis Obispo, and *knew* they were meant to be together. Victorian houses often have very colorful paint schemes, and this is actually a very typical combo from the Victorian era. If you go to SLO, you'll see pink houses, and you could probably find one with this exact color combo: Pink Pirhouette, Perfect Plum, and Kiwi Kiss/Old Olive. *wink*

I stamped the house onto Whisper White, then colored it in with my blender pen and ink pads (to get the darker green, I used reinker). Then I started layering, following Julee's awesome Mojo Monday 73 sketch. To get the ribbon through the image panel, I laid it on top where I wanted it to come through, made two tiny pencil marks for the width, and then cut a slit for the ribbon to fit through using my favorite finger-tip knife from Fiskars. The image panel (and its Perfect Plum mat) and the pink base layer are on foam tape to give the card dimension. I taped the ribbon to the back of the pink panel, and put the pink bling brad through before attaching it to the card base.

So, all in all, I think I'm happy with how it turned out, though I don't think it's really 'me'. I'm definitely going to keep this sketch on hand, though...very cute and versatile!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Whisper White, Pink Pirhouette, Perfect Plum, and Kiwi Kiss CS (SU!)
Ink: Stazon Jet Black (Tsukineko); Perfect Plum, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, Bordering Blue (SU!)
Stamps: image - January KOTM 'Love, etc.' , 'home' - Tiny Trinity (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: Striped grosgrain (SU!); pink bling (Karen Foster); foam mounting tape (3M)

BOOM - USC23

2009-02-10T20:40:00.000-08:00

Today's Unity Addicts Challenge comes from Lori..."For this week's challenge, come up with a tiny Valentine along these lines--one image, bright and colorful, Valentine-ish sentiment". (Lori's a school teacher, so she sees *a lot* of these kinds of Valentines!)

Here's mine:
I started by stamping the 'Boom' image onto a scrap of Whisper White (the scrap was actually perfectly sized...I didn't cut it, and I'm not really sure what the dimensions are...approx. 2 3/4" x 3 1/2", I think). Then I stamped the image again on a scrap of Jersey Shore DP, and again on a pink shipping tag I picked up a few years ago at a stamping convention. I cut out the parts I wanted, and pieced the turtles onto the white base. I colored in the 'BOOM' and the small heart on the bubble with straight Real Red reinker, and used the Real Red ink pad and my blender pen to add some shading to the heart (which mostly soaked into the tag's paper and didn't really show up!). The design seemed a bit off-balance, so I added a 'pond' for my turtles with a different piece of Jersey Shore DP. Finally, I added a piece of Real Red CS to the back to create a very thin mat for the card, and give it some stability.

Be sure to check out what the other girls have made for this great challenge, and play along, by checking out {this thread}.

Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Real Red and Whisper White CS, Jersey Shore DP (SU!); pink shipping tag (unknown)
Ink: Stazon Jet Black (Tsukineko)
Stamps: Boom goes my {heart} (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other:

Love Grows - USCSC14

2009-02-10T14:26:00.000-08:00

Being home with two sick little boys is, oddly, allowing me to get a lot of cards done. My 4-year-old wants me to 'craft with him' (which entails handing him crafting items such as tape, glue dots, my 'crocodile' aka Crop-a-dile, and scraps of goodies off my desk), and my 2-year-old wants to alternately crash in front of 'a show' and cuddle with Mommy. So, while crafting with Big D I do a bit of crafting of my own, and while cuddling Little J, I upload and blog! *wink*

So, here's the latest, based on Amber's fabulous Unity Sketch Challenge #14:

I stamped the heart tree from 'Love Grows' using various ZIG Writers to color the image for stamping onto Whisper White, then trimmed the image and stamped 'love grows' next to the trunk. I matted the image on Wild Wasabi textured CS, then found scraps in coordinating colors for the other two panels (Pumpkin Pie and Rose Red). I stamped 'love grows' repeatedly on the Rose Red scrap, and tied a ribbon and taped it around the Pumpkin Pie scrap. For the background panel, I cut a 4" x 5" piece of Jersey Shore DP (now retired), and punched a strip of Wild Wasabi CS, which I taped to the back of the DP panel. I adhered everything down onto a standard A2 Rose Red card base, and added some felt Flower Fusion flowers to the corner of the image panel. So glad I finally broke out those felt flowers!!

Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie, and Whisper White CS, Wild Wasabi textured CS, and Jersey Shore DP (SU!)
Ink: Rose Red (SU!); Chocolate, Spice, Rose, Pure Orange, and Spring Green ZIG Writers (Kuretake Co.)
Stamps: 'Love Grows' (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: grosgrain ribbon (American Crafts); foam tape (3M); Flower Fusion I (SU!); scalloped edge punch (Martha Stewart Crafts)

Moxie Fab combo!

2009-02-10T10:22:00.000-08:00

Here's another double challenge! This one for Sunday's Featured Stamper (FS105 - I picked {this} card of k dunbrook's to CASE), using the Moxie Fab Yellow and Gray color challenge for my color combo. That said, knowing the layout, color combo, and even which *stamps* I was planning to use, I *seriously* struggled with this one, and I DON'T KNOW WHY! Ah well, back to the growing pains, I guess...

I started with an 8 1/2" x 4 1/4" rectangle of Basic Gray textured CS, folded to make a 4 1/4" square base. I stamped the wheat/grass image from January's KOTM onto Whisper White, then used my Stamp-a-Majig to stamp directly over it for a darker image, and then to stamp off to the side for a faux-embossed/drop shadow look. Then I die cut and embossed the image with my Nesties, adhered it to a black paper from SEI's Charlemagne paper pack, and trimmed around to get a frame around the image. Next, I cut and embossed some DP from the same pack pack, adhered is to some Basic Black CS, and trimmed again. Then, I cut some 'Straw' DP from the Urban Prairie line of BasicGrey, adhered it to Basic Gray CS, and trimmed again. The final layers are a 3 3/4" square of Going Gray CS and a 3 7/8" square of 'Straw' DP. I added black brads to the corner of the Going Gray square, and then began layering, adding black ribbon around the card, and foam tape under the SEI DP panel and the image panel.

I stamped the sentiment onto Whisper White, cut it down to size, ticket-punched the corners, and then mounted it to a piece of Basic Black CS with the corners also punched. I added some Heidi Swapp Jet Bling to the sentiment, and was *finally* done. I like it now that it's done, but I felt like I was banging my head against Lori's brick wall all day yesterday!!

Hope you find something to inspire you on a creative journey today! Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Going Gray, and Whisper White CS (SU!); herringbone and black DP (SEI 'Charlemagne'); 'Straw' DP (BasicGrey 'Urban Prairie')
Ink: Stazon Jet Black (Tsukineko); Going Gray (SU!)
Stamps: January 2009 KOTM 'Love Etc.' and September 2008 KOTM 'friendship. LOVE. miracles.' (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: Foam tape (3M); Labels 2 Nestabilites (SpellBinders); Jet Bling (Heidi Swapp); black grosgrain (unknown)

MOPS Crafts - Lots of Love! (Pt. 2)

2009-02-10T08:12:00.000-08:00

Here are the rest of the MOPS crafts we made for our Valentine sweeties...love notes to hide around the house, in that cute mailbox (see the Part 1 post), or wherever/whenever your heart desires, and a triangle treat box filled with dark chocolate Kisses (get it? 'Kiss me'? Sorry...my DH is the *master* of punny jokes, and it rubs off! LOL!)

So, first up...the punny Kiss box:
We started with a 4" x 8" rectangle of red card stock, and scored it per the tutorial on SCS. Before folding it, though, we stamped it all over with various Valentine-y stamps using Fired Brick ink. Then we folded it, punched the holes to hold it together, and tied on a stitched velvet ribbon. For the front, we stamped 'Kiss me' onto a scrap of pink paper, punched it out with my purple Marvy Uchida scalloped oval punch, and pierced the scallops, then attached it to the front with foam tape. EPLS!!

Here's a coordinated love note (the sentiment sounds best if you say it with a Southern accent like my sweet friend Kim *wink*):
For this one, we stamped the front of a 3"x 3" white card with the cupcakes from the December 2008 KOTM 'Little Reminders' using Fired Brick ink, and then stamped white circles (punched with the pink Marvy Uchida circle punch) with 'Kiss me', 'Sweet Thing', hearts from a retired SU! alpha set, and filled in around the edge with Jeanne's swirl from the January 2009 KOTM 'Love, Etc.'. We adhered that to a scalloped circle of DP, and then attached it to the front of the card with foam tape.

Last, but by no means least, my most favorite of the love notes:
Isn't it awesome?? Now really, what man wouldn't love that as a Valentine? There's no ribbon, no pink, no lace...just a BBQ, some 'studs', and a fun little sentiment. This one started with a red CS 3"x3" card base. We started by stamping the little grill onto white scraps with Stazon ink, punched it out with the blue Marvy Uchida circle punch, and colored it in with a red Prismacolor pencil. Next, we stamped 'Hey hottie' onto the card base, then punched the holes in the DP for the brads, added the brads, and adhered it to the card above the sentiment. Then, we attached the image circle with foam tape to the center of the card.

Hope you add a little love to your week! Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used (all):
Paper: Red, pink, and white from Valentine's Day Value Pack (bought at Michael's), B&W polka dot DP (Making Memories); 'Love Note' DP (ChatterBox)
Ink: Distress Fired Brick (Ranger Industries); Stazon Jet Black (Tsukineko)
Stamps: 'Kiss Me', and swirl from January 2009 KOTM 'Love Etc.'; Cupcakes from December 2008 KOTM 'Little Reminders'; swirly heart, arrow from October 2008 KOTM 'Thinking About the Good Times"; "Smooch", "Sweet Thing", and "Hey Hottie" from 'Mix-Up of Cuteness' (Unity Stamp Company); bbq (StudioG - from the Michael's $1 bins); Heart (on Kiss Me card) from 'Spunky Alphabet' (SU!)
Other: foam tape (3M); brads (Making Memories); punches (Marvey Uchida); Prismacolor artist pencils (Sanford)

MOPS Crafts - Lots of Love! (Pt. 1)

2009-02-08T18:54:00.001-08:00

How cute are these?? This month is our MOPS groups' "Tunnel of Love" (the whole year is themed "Adventures in Mothering", and we're theming each month after a different attraction!). So, in preparation for Valentine's Day, we made love notes, a sweet little mailbox, and a chocolate treat box...in this installment, we'll take a look at the mailbox and one of the love notes. *wink*

First up, the box to put those sweet notes in:

Target had these in their $1 bin!! Can you believe it? To cover them, I cut different DPs into varying widths, and ran them all through my Xyron machine...that made this a peel-and-stick craft. (The 11" length covers the sides and nearly touches at the bottom, the 12" length overlaps on the bottom). For the front, the DP is cut to 3" x 2 1/2", and the corners were sanded off for the rounded edge. Then we stamped the love postage stamp from Unity's January KOTM 'Love, etc.' onto textured red CS, trimmed closely, and mounted to the front with foam squares.
For the flag, we stamped the heart from SU!'s 'Priceless' set onto white CS, cut it out, and attached them with foam tape. Then we tied on 3 ribbons for that girly touch. (And just so ya know, when I say 'we', I mean the MOPS moms...I'm not speaking of myself in the 'Royal We'! *wink*)

Here is the first of 3 different 'love notes' that we made to put in our mailboxes:
This is a 3"x6" piece of pink CS, folded to create a 3" square card. The background is stamped in Versamark using a SU! wheel (sorry...it's hard to see in the pic!). The front edge is punched with my favorite Martha Stewart scalloped edge punch, and then backed with a 3" x 1 1/2" piece of red CS. We stamped the 'Priceless' heart twice onto white CS, and cut them both out. One is attached directly to the card base, and the other is popped up on foam squares. To finish it off, we tied on a piece of black and white striped grosgrain.

Hope you enjoy the projects! Don't forget to make something for your sweetie (V-day is Saturday, you know!) *grins*

Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used (mailbox):
Paper: red textured CS (Bazzill); DP by Chatterbox ('Love Note'), Making Memories (black and white polka dot), and 7Gypsies (harlequin, brocade, and french script)
Ink: Stazon Jet Black (Tsukineko); Distress Fired Brick (Ranger Industries)
Stamps: January KOTM 'Love, Etc.' (Unity Stamp Co.); Priceless (SU!)
Other: foam mounting squares (Making Memories); ribbon (Dashes, Dots and Checks)

Supplies used (2Hearts love note):
Paper: Valentine color pack (Value Pack)
Ink: Distress Fired Brick (Ranger Industries)
Stamps: Priceless, Lots of Hearts wheel (SU!)
Other: foam mounting squares (Making Memories); ribbon (Dashes, Dots and Checks)

Just say it...

2009-02-06T12:50:00.000-08:00

(pssst...If you're here for the Unity HHH post, it's the next one down! *wink*)

Today's Limited Supply Challenge (LSC206) was to 'Say what you feel'...make a card where the *only* stamp you use is a sentiment. I don't feel this way today, but believe me, there are days where this quotation from W.C. Fields completely speaks to me!

This time, I started with the DP...a fabulous piece of Cosmo Cricket that I *never* would have picked up on my own. (Not because I don't like it, but because it's not "me", or at least not the old "me". The new, *growing* "me" is absolutely lovin' it. So, "thank you" to my darling, 4-year-old son for grabbing it at the LSS!)
I cut the DP to 3 3/4" x 5", then a 3 7/8" x 5 1/8" panel of Basic Black for a thin mat, and mounted both to a standard A2 card base of Very Vanilla. Then I stamped the sentiment onto a scrap of VV, and mounted it to a piece of DP from the same line of Cosmo Cricket. I cut four circles of DP and Basic Black using my punches, and began layering them onto the card base, threading some black grosgrain through a couple, and adding foam tape to portions of the DP circles (see the first pic for a close-up of that). I taped the grosgrain down on both sides of the card, and trimmed the ends, adding a black metallic snap to keep it from falling off the card. Last, I attached my sentiment panel over the top using foam tape.

Hope you have a fantastic weekend! I have a few more projects to share with you, so stay tuned! Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Very Vanilla, Basic Black CS (SU!); 'Picnic' and 'Blowing Bubbles' DP (Cosmo Cricket 'Hello Sunshine')
Ink: Pumpkin Pie (SU!)
Stamps: Edgy Eloquence (SU!)
Other: black snap (We R Memorykeepers); black grosgrain (unknown); foam mounting tape (3M)

HHH - Stretching some more!

2009-02-06T07:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Hip Hop Hangover! I have another card that I used to challenge myself...still working on that 'GROWTH' goal! Check out these colors:WOW, right? Definitely not typically me, but I love how it turned out! I pulled this color combo from my SU! catalog...it's a DP called 'Pink Flamingo', and the colors are Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Cameo Coral, and Summer Sun.
I used the VLVFeb01 sketch for my card, pulled out this adorable peacock from the Unity's January KOTM, and the sentiment from 'Hey Chick' (makes me laugh every time!). I stamped the peacock and the sentiment onto Whisper White, colored with reinkers and blender pens, and cut the image into an oval using my Coluzzle. Then I cut a second oval from Tempting Turquiose, and scalloped the edge with my medium corner rounder. The base is a standard A2 card in Real Red. Next, I layered a 4" x 5 1/4" panel of Tempting Turquoise (with corners rounded), and a 3 3/4" x 5" panel of Cameo Coral (corners rounded and embossed in the Cuttlebug). I added a strip of Summer Sun per the sketch, and taped Real Red grosgrain around the entire panel. I added my image panel using foam tape, and added a bow to the top, and rhinestones as shown in the sketch, and to the centers of the peacock's outermost feathers.

So...what do you think?? Did I pull it off? Too bright? I'd love to hear your comments!
Be sure to check out what the other HHH bloggers have today (either on Unity's blog, or in {this thread} on SCS).

Thanks for stopping by today!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Cameo Coral, and Summer Sun (SU!)
Ink: Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, and Summer Sun (SU!); Stazon Jet Black (Tsukeniko)
Stamps: Hey Chick, January KOTM 'Love, Etc.' (Unity Stamp Company)
Other: Coluzzle cutting system; foam tape (3M); blender pens, Real Red grosgrain ribbon (SU!); Cuttlebug and embossing folder (Provo Craft); corner rounder (EK Success); rhinestones (Michael's)

Verve's Project Parade #2

2009-02-05T16:31:00.001-08:00

I just had to do another project for the Verve January Project Parade 'Kid at Heart' theme this month! *grins*

This time, I went with a super quick covered lollipop...you could whip these up for a class room of kiddos in no time flat! (I might reserve the Prima embellished one for the teacher, or maybe give her a whole bouquet! *wink*)

I punched two scalloped circles of DP using my purple Marvy Uchida punch, and adhered them to both sides of the lollipop with glue dots. Then I created a layered flower with some Primas and a button, and attached it to one side:
Then on the other side, I attached a punched circle of Whisper White, which was stamped with the Winnie the Pooh sentiment from 'Beautiful You' and colored with a ZIG Writer:
Soooooooooo EPLS!!

Thanks for stopping by today!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: polka dot DP (Fancy Pants)
Ink: Stazon Jet Black (Tsukineko)
Stamps: Beautiful You (Verve Stamps)
Other: flowers (Prima Marketing); button (Foofala); ZIG Writer, Zots adhesive dots (ThermoWeb)

Unity Addicts Challenge #22

2009-02-04T05:51:00.000-08:00

This week, Carole challenged us to "Use a non-valentine stamp, in a valentine way ! You must also use ribbon and buttons on your card!". I combined it with the wonderful Unity Sketch Challenge from Amber, and here was my result:
I have to say, this is one *heavy* card! LOL! Definitely not one that'll be easily mailed...

I started with a standard A2 card base in Very Vanilla, and began building. I cut the orange polka-dot paper to 4"x4", rounded the two right corners, and added to strips of coordinating DP from the same paper pack. Next, I punched a scalloped circle from Chocolate Chip, and a circle from Whisper White (I actually originally did this on VV, but it looked too bland...the WW gave it a little more light). I stamped my favorite little owl from Mix-Up of Cuteness onto the white circle using Chocolate Chip ink, stamped the owl onto a DP scrap and some Creamy Caramel, and paper-pieced him. I adhered both circles to the base, then started playing with buttons, flowers, and a scrap of brown twill until I came up with my arrangement.

For the sentiment, I wrote 'loves you?' with a ZIG Writer, and then spelled out the 'Whoo' with chipboard letter stickers from Making Memories to give it a Valentine-y theme *wink*, and added three 'candy dots' to the corner.

Go to {this post} to see what the other Unity chicks are up to, and to play along! Thanks for stopping by today!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Very Vanilla, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel CS (SU!); "Chloe's Closet" DP (Making Memories)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU!)
Stamps: Mix-up of Cuteness (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: "Chloe's Closet" Blossoms & Buttons, Noteworthy chipboard alpha (Making Memories); Glue Dots; 'candy dots' (I*kan*dee by Pebbles, Inc.); twill ribbon (Martha Stewart Crafts)

Growing pains

2009-02-03T15:22:00.000-08:00

Don't get me wrong, I {love} how this card turned out. But it took me *so* long to finish this card! My word for this year is 'GROWTH'. I've been striving for growth in all areas of my life, and that includes card-making, so I've been trying to stretch myself in terms of colors, layouts, patterns, challenges, you name it. And I'm feeling the stretch, and in the end, it really, really is good. (But it can still be frustrating in the midst of the growth!)

Anyhoo, enough about me, and back to to the card. This one is for Julee's fabulous Mojo Monday Challenge #72. {Love} this sketch! The stretch for me on this one came with the mix of patterned papers. I started by pulling out some gorgeous Scenic Route 'Sonoma' line DP, and went from there...
The card base is an 11" x 4 1/4" piece of textured red CS, folded to a 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" card base. Next I layered on a 5 1/4" x 4" piece of DP, and used that for the rest of my colors. I cut a 1 1/2" by 4 1/4" strip of a coordinating DP, and a 2" x 4 1/4" strip of the textured CS, which I scalloped on one edge using my small corner rounder. I attached both to the base, tied on a vanilla satin ribbon, and continued with the main image panel. I cut a 1 1/2" x 3 3/4" piece of So Saffron CS, and layered it on top of a 2" x 4 1/4" panel of the textured CS, and scalloped the bottom edge with the small corner rounder again. The I stamped the butterfly sentiment onto a scrap of Very Vanilla CS, cut it to 1 7/8" width, and layered it onto a 2" wide strip of the red. I punched a scalloped circle from the red CS, and mounted it to the sentiment using foam tape. The butterfly was stamped onto a pink tag, trimmed closely, and attached using one layer of foam tape at the center, and two layers under the wings. To finish off the card, I added the 3 half-back pearls at the bottom right corner.

Here's to a little bit more growth! *cheers* Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: red textured CS (Bazzill); patterned papers ('Sonoma' by Scenic Route)
Ink: Distress Fired Brick (Ranger)
Stamps: Beautiful You (Verve); September KOTM (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: foam tape (3M); 2" scalloped circle punch (Marvy Uchida); pearls (Michael's); satin ribbon (unknown)

Kid at {Heart}

2009-02-02T13:55:00.000-08:00

As soon as I saw that the theme for this month's Verve Project Parade was 'Kid at Heart', I immediately had this idea (it just took me almost two weeks to get around to making it!). Who didn't love conversation hearts as a kid?? I get nostalgic when I see them in the store around Valentine's Day, so, that's what I based my project on!

I took a box of conversation hearts, and first covered them with red CS (cut 4" x 8", and scored at 2 1/2", 3/4", 2 1/2", and 3/4", with the left over amount for taping at the back), then a piece of pink CS, cut to the same dimensions, but punched on each long edge with my Martha Stewart scalloped punch. I cut a 1" strip of red CS as a 'belly band', and tied on some black gingham ribbon for a little 'punch'. I took a scrap of the pink CS, stamped the 'Fun is Good' from Verve's Beautiful You set, and punched it out with my blue Marvy scalloped punch. After coloring in the letters with a ZIG Writer, I attached it using foam tape, and then added a little layered Prima flower to the corner. It was fast and easy, and you can still open the end to get to the candy inside! *wink*
Hope you have a great day! Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: red and pink CS (Valentine pack from Michael's ...not sure of the brand)
Ink: Stazon Jet Black (Tsukineko)
Stamps: Beautiful You (Verve Stamps)
Other: ZIG Writers; black gingham ribbon (JoAnn's); flowers (Prima); brad (Making Memories); foam tape (3M); Sweethearts (Necco)

Post #150!!!

2009-01-30T09:52:00.000-08:00

(...Sorry, I just noticed that, and had to let y'all know! I've actually stayed with this crazy little blog, and even have people that read it! Thank you for letting me share my cards and projects and crazy life! {{hugs!}})

And now, on to the card...

This one is for today's Limited Supplies Challenge (LSC205). The challenge today was to make a Clean And Simple card, aka CAS or EPLS (easy peasy lemon squeezy) as Jennifer Buck and I like to call 'em (Charlie and Lola, anyone?).

I went with a one-layer card (or no-layer, depending on who you ask), using a standard A2 card base in Pale Plum. I have to confess, I pulled this out *specifically* because I never use purple, and need to get over that particular peculiarity. Then, I took the frame from the November KOTM and stamped it straight in the center using Perfect Plum ink. After masking off the frame (just the frame...I didn't bother with the circles), and I stamped the frame 6 more times using Going Gray, Old Olive, and Pretty in Pink inks. I stamped 'Whateva' from the December KOTM in the center of my main frame with Close to Cocoa ink, and then broke out the Prismacolor pencils, coloring in with coordinating pencils and highlighting the 'Whateva' with white.
To finish it off, I tied on that fabulous pink twill, and I was D-O-N-E. Even with the masking and all the coloring, this took me less than 20 minutes. *grins*

Go find a challenge and play along! Enjoy your weekend! Thanks (again) for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Pale Plum CS (SU!)
Ink: Perfect Plum, Going Gray, Old Olive, and Pretty in Pink(SU!)
Stamps: frame from November KOTM, 'Whateva' from December KOTM (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: Pink twill (unknown); Prismacolor pencils (Limepeel, Metallic Purple, Metallic Silver, White, and Pink Rose)

HHT - "Bright & Bold" Unity

2009-01-30T06:57:00.000-08:00

Did you Hip Hop yesterday? I didn't get to spend much time chatting, but I did make a card for the 'Bright and Bold Unity' challenge (and used Amber's VLVJan03 sketch!). Today is typically our Hip Hop Hangover blog hop, but since the Unity crew has been gone all week and is busy catching back up, there may not be a post on the Unity blog...you can still see everyone who is participating, though, by going to {this thread} in the Unity Friends forum. Now, on to the card! *grins*
(Some of you might not think this is all that bright, but trust me, it IS! Well, except for the So Saffron base...I chose that from the stripey paper to tone down the rest a *tiny* bit! *wink*)

I started with a standard A2 card base in So Saffron, and found the strip of punched Tempting Turquoise in my scrap bin that matched the DP I used. I cut the pink-and-red polka dot DP to match the scrap, then cut a 3 3/4" x 5" panel of the striped DP to put behind it. (The dotted paper/scalloped strip combo is popped up with foam tape.)

I stamped these adorable two images from the November KOTM 'Enjoy YOUR STORY...laugh' onto scraps of So Saffron, punched them with my 1 1/4" circle punch, and colored them in with Prismacolors, adding white around the edges so they'd really 'pop'. I stamped "delightful" onto a strip of the So Saffron (used stamped-off-once Tempting Turquoise), added a silver snap to the end, and adhered it to the case (following the sketch). Then I attached the three circles with foam tape for dimension.

I think it came out super cute...I really should play with these kinds of colors more often! I tend to lean toward the more muted/earthy colors, but I love how happy the bright colors make me lately! (To see the other "Bright and Bold" challenge cards, check out {this thread} in the Unity forum)

Have a wonderful Friday everyone! Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: 'Make Merry' and 'Play' DP from the Celebrate by Michelle Coleman line (Fancy Pants); So Saffron CS (SU!)
Ink: Stazon Jet Black (Tsukineko), Tempting Turquoise (SU!)
Stamps: 'Enjoy your story...laugh' November KOTM (Unity Stamp Co)
Other: pewter snap (Making Memories); foam mounting tape (3M); circle punch (SU!); scalloped edge punch (Martha Stewart Crafts); Prismacolor pencils

CHA - more awesome booths!

2009-01-29T17:16:00.000-08:00

me&my big ideas:

I just loved the paper chain canopy and garland, and the twisted columns of paper pads:
Graphic 45:

I'd never heard of this company, but their booth was awesome!
Sassafrass Lass:

Doodlebug Design:

Their whole booth and the decorations were modeled after a confectioner's shop, complete with a soda fountain counter! Loved all the glittered, sparkly treats:
Here's Angela checking out the cupcake flowers, with Eryn and AJ in the booth:
Jenni Bowlin Studios:

Great vintage-looking, classic products...

BasicGrey:

Fun display items:
Did you know that Moda makes BasicGrey fabric??!?:
My two favorite new lines...Marrakech:
...and Lime Rickey:
And look at all the new BLING they have!!:
That's all! (Well, not ALL, but I don't think you wanted 57 posts about CHA, and I certainly don't have that much time to blog! LOL) I hope you enjoyed my little peeks into CHA!

Thanks for stopping by! *wink*
~Michelle

More CHA - Maya Road and Heidi Swapp

2009-01-29T17:01:00.000-08:00

Maya Road:

(and I didn't even take pictures of the side of the booth with all the sheers and the embellishments! *duh!* Their booth was like eye-candy overload!)

Check out all the chipboard in their darling little suitcase-packaging!:
And some beautiful inspiration pieces and projects:
Love this album with all the different scalloped edges:

Heidi Swapp:

I didn't get an overall look of her booth, but I *loved* this chalkboard display wall with notes written by Heidi:
(I also didn't get a picture of Heidi...she was busy with *real* customers, and I don't take pictures of people unless I have their permission, KWIM?)

These are some new papers she was demonstrating, though...it has raised glossy designs, and you can get *amazing* effects using different products...paints, inks, you name it:
Super cool, and gorgeous designs. Definitely another thing for my wishlist! (Because I need more paper like a hole in my head!) *wink*

More CHA - featuring TIM HOLTZ!

2009-01-29T16:25:00.000-08:00

I'm a HUGE fan of all things Tim Holtz. The guy has talent in buckets, and is a product GENIUS! He has the best products, and with so many companies...his own Idea*ology line, Ranger, Stampers Anonymous, Tonic Studios...

Anyhoo, enough gushing! Here's the man himself, workin' his magic with the Grungeboard and inks at Ranger:
And showing off his own personal recipe for home-made glimmery mist (a dropper full of Distress reinker, a small scoop of Perfect Pearls, and water to fill a Mini Mister, then SHAKE like crazy to mix):
And a book one of his fellow artists made showing off Grungeboard and its awesome qualities (this one is colored with Adirondack alcohol inks, and it looks like leather!):
Photos of the Idea*ology booth, and the PHENOMENAL projects

Grungeboard shapes in frames:
New mini-masks:
A cool collection of old type-face-looking letters in a shadow box (they're apparently NOT real typeface, since the letters would be backwards, but they're very convincing!):
One of Tim's cases, decorated with papers and Fragmentz:
This card was AMAZING...you wouldn't believe the depth it has IRL:
Did you know that you can sew on Grungeboard, and that it's washable, so you can do stuff like this?:
Some amazing jewelry made with his Idea*ology sprocket gears and trinkets and stuff:
And this display literally made my jaw drop! The flowers are all made from Grungeboard!! I stood and stared for such a long time! (Grungeboard, I learned, has a 'memory', so you just shape it how you want it to look, and it stays...so cool):
And close-ups:
Here's another that was in a Grungeboard mini scrapbook:
And a cool page showing a TON of products:
Tim, thanks for the inspiration, and all the wonderful new tips and tricks! *grins*

CHA (1 of ???) - The Unity Crew

2009-01-29T15:54:00.000-08:00

{LOVE} this company!! (But you have probably already guessed that, if you've ever read this blog! *wink*)

A couple months ago during Hip Hop, the chat thread was talking about CHA, I mentioned wanting to go and that it was only about 2 1/2 to 3 hour drive from my house, and Chris (magtheman) invited me to come join them!! I about fell off my seat, then I jumped out of my chair and did a happy, happy dance...seriously, going was a DREAM COME TRUE!

My only regret...I MISSED GETTING PHOTOS WITH EVERYONE! I got a couple good ones with the Unity chicks, but NONE with the Unity guys, and I missed my chance to get pics (on my camera, at least) with Jeanne, Heather, Emily, Jane, Gina, Robyn...hopefully I can find them on other people's blogs!

I can't believe I didn't get a photo at least with Chris...he really is the big teddy bear he seems like! The second I walked into the booth, he scooped me up in a bear hug and lifted me off the floor! And you *have* to hear the "HIP HOP!!" in person sometime...there's no comparison to just hearing a recording! *grins*

Here is the big group shot I *did* manage to get:

AJ, Maren, *ME* (they gave me a Unity shirt to wear ALL DAY!!), Angela, Brooke, Eryn, and Shemaine!

They really, really are just as sweet and funny and beautiful in person as they are online. I'm SO glad I had the chance to meet so many of my online friends!

You can see some more overall views of the booth on the Unity blog, but I thought I'd show you some closer shots of the new packaging...it's so classic and so professional!! {love} it!

*Wood-mounted cassettes*

*UM Sets - they're in chipboard envelopes with a clear window at the back*

THANK YOU AGAIN - CHRIS, ANGELA, and the ENTIRE UNITY TEAM! {{HUGS}} AND HIP HOP!!

a note for my love...

2009-01-29T14:50:00.000-08:00

This was a card I made for my amazing hubby...he was so sweet to let me take off Saturday night to go to the Donna Downey class, and then ALL day Sunday for CHA. He takes such wonderful care of me and our family, I just had to give him a little love note! *wink*
I used a standard A2 card base in Chocolate Chip, with Swiss Dots debossed down the edge using the Cuttlebug. All of the sticker elements are from Stampin' Up!'s Messenger Accents and Elements (which is now retired...sorry!). I put the 'UR fabulous' sticker onto a strip of Ruby Red (after punching the edge with my Martha Stewart scallop punch), and added a layered flower that I built up from 3 graduated stickers, with a pewter snap in the center, and foam tape underneath. I left the chipboard letters raw, and added a hand-cut Ruby Red heart to link them.

Every time I make a card, my DH *always* looks inside...even though he knows I tend to leave the inside blank so that the card can be customized later. So, just for him, I finished the inside of this one. *wink*
I centered a 3 1/4" x 4 1/2" panel of Kraft CS, and added one of the Messenger sticker strips to the edge, and another layered flower to the corner.

He {loved} it! It's sitting on his desk at work now... *wink*

CHA photos are coming up next!!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Kraft, Ruby Red CS (SU!)
Ink: none!
Stamps: none!
Other: 'Messenger' Accents and Elements (SU!); pewter snaps (Making Memories); chipboard alpha (Heidi Swapp); scalloped punch (Martha Stewart Crafts)

Unity Addicts challenge #21! (a day late...)

2009-01-29T14:28:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was our weekly Wednesday Unity Addicts challenge...and though I had this card made, I didn't know how to download the photos onto the new computer until this morning. Sorry girls! I'll do better next week! *grins*

Lisa (yes, the one who draws such FABULOUS designs for Unity) challenged us to "make a card all about LOVE and use RED, YELLOW (ex. Sunny), PINK and BLUE (ex. robins egg)."

I found this paper from Basic Grey's Urban Prairie line, and went with it, and added the "giggle" because it reminds of those teenage crushes/romances! *wink*
So this one was super-simple. I started with a base of Soft Sky, and added a panel of the Urban Prairie DP to the left side. I stamped "*giggle" onto Whisper White and traced around the letters iwth a pink Prismacolor pencil, added a *thin* mat panel of the Urban Prairie bright yellow 'solid', and a larger mat of the pink and red Urban Prairie pattern, which I edged with Real Red craft ink. I mounted the whole "giggle" panel ensemble to the card with foam tape, and then added three buttons to the bottom corner with glue dots. (Since I don't usually like my buttons to go nakey, I used thin strips of the yellow DP as 'thread' for the holes!) And, of course, I tied on a big red grosgrain ribbon to the left side. *wink*

Back in a bit with more! Stay tuned!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Soft Sky CS (SU!); Urban Prairie line DP (BasicGrey)
Ink: Real Red craft ink, Certainly Celery (SU!)
Stamps: Giggle Grove (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: Buttons (yellow = Making Memories, red = Michael's); red grosgrain ribbon (unknown); foam mounting tape (3M); mini Glue Dots; Prismacolor pencil

Unity in the Twilight

2009-01-29T08:50:00.000-08:00

I joined a Twilight swap at SCS, and these are the cards I made (and shipped off today). Sorry for the awful pics...something about the combo of all the black and the embossing and the rhinestones wigged out the camera, so they're VERY washed-out.

I started with a 4 1/4"x 11" card base in Riding Hood Red, folded to make an A2 sized card. On top of that I layered a panel of 4" x 5 1/4" textured black card stock, then a 3 7/8" x 2 1/8" panel of DP and a 3 7/8" x 3" panel of textured black card stock that was stamped with Royal Day and heat embossed with clear EP. I tied a piece of 5/8" black grosgrain around the layered panel before adhering it to the card base. To finish off the Twilight-y goodness, I stamped 'together forever' from Unity's January KOTM onto a piece of Riding Hood Red CS, rounded the corners, adhered it to a scrap of textured black CS, and then adhered both to the case base with foam tape. Three little self-adhesive rhinestones completed the card...
I hope my swap group enjoys them! It's not a literal translation of the books, but more an interpretation of the romance and black, red and white color scheme of the covers.

I'll be back with more, including the USC card I made for yesterday's Unity Addicts challenge, MOPS projects, and CHA PHOTOS! *wink*
Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Basic Black textured CS, Riding Hood Red CS (SU!)
Ink: Stazon Jet Black (Tsukineko)
Stamps: Royal Day background, 'Together Forever' from January KOTM "Love, Etc." (Unity Stamp Company)
Other: black grosgrain (unknown); self-adhesive rhinestones (Michael's), foam mounting tape (3M)

Wondering where I've been?

2009-01-28T11:24:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been seriously busy. But in a good, good way! This past weekend was like a DREAM weekend for me. But first... what happened to last week?

Well, Monday was a craft day for MOPS, so I put together 3 little 'love notes', a mailbox project, and a treat holder for 20 women. That took up most of my creative time last week, and I'll have pictures for you soon.

Saturday I went to a class taught by the fabulous Miss Donna Downey herself. It was AMAZING, she was AMAZING, and so, so FUNNY! I'll show you a pic later to prove that one, too.

And Sunday, I was invited to go down to CHA in Anaheim with Unity Stamp Company!! U-N-B-E-L-I-E-V-A-B-L-E!! I have 100+ photos of the amazing event and people that I met, but I still need to resize them.

The only issue: we got a new computer, and all my old processes have to be re-learned a bit for the new setup. But I will have them up!! Soon! So stay tuned! *wink*

Later gators! Have a fantabulous day!
~Michelle

Wanna win some paper?

2009-01-27T13:47:00.000-08:00

Paper Trunk is giving away the entire new lines of Socialite and Maybe Baby, and all you have to do is spread the word and link it up!! So, I'm spreading the word...in case you didn't know it, I'm a paper addict. And nothing is better than free, GORGEOUS, double-sided DP, no? Go check it out!!

Hugs,
~Michelle

USC20 - Favorite Bookmark

2009-01-21T11:37:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's Wednesday, it's a Unity Addicts challenge day, and I'm late with my post AGAIN. *sigh*

On the upside, this one only took me about 10 minutes, uploading the photos included! *wink* Sometimes, it all just works for you, KWIM? The challenge this week was to make a themed bookmark, using a favorite book for inspiration. Obviously, my most recent favorite book(s) has been the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyers, so here it is:I cut a 2" x 5" piece of acetate from a ShortCuts clear sheet, and stamped Royal Day onto it using Stazon Jet Black ink. Then I stamped 'together forever' from Unity's January KOTM 'Love, etc.' onto a scrap of textured red CS, trimmed is down, corner-rounded the edges, and added an adhesive rhinestone. I punched the CS and the acetate, tied through some red satin ribbon (by Club Wedd from Target), and I was D-O-N-E, done.

Make sure you go check out the other girls' creations in the Unity Addicts Challenge thread! Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Mini-VSN creations

2009-01-19T14:02:00.000-08:00

This weekend (Friday and Saturday) was the first of the Heartbreaker VSN's 'Friday Flirtations' (with a challenge each Friday), and the Crush mini-VSN (which had 12 challenges). [Note: If you're wondering what a VSN is, check out {this thread}]

I got to play a little bit, and completed the Friday Flirtation challenge and 3 of the mini's challenges, but wasn't able to upload the photos until today. The challenges are all FABULOUS, so if you missed the VSN, I'd recommend still trying out the challenges! I'm definitely going to try to finish up the rest this week.

Feb09VSNF1:

Here's the first, a 'scrapling' for the Friday Flirtation 'Castaway Love'. (Scraplings are created from the strip of paper that gets cut off when you trim a standard A2 card down to a 4 1/4" square, so they're typically 4 1/4" x 1 1/4")
Aren't they so cute? I started with an Old Olive scrapling base, and stamped Distressed Dots in Old Olive ink for the background. Then I stamped 'love ya' from Mix-up of Cuteness onto a Whisper White scrap, and cut, embossed, and stenciled it with my new Labels 1 Nestabilities dies. (I sponged Apricot Appeal into the center of the label with the die still in place to get that white edge). I attached it to the card, along with a paper blossom and button from the Chloe's Closet paper line, and tied on a strip of Apricot seam binding, knotted with yellow embroidery floss.

Feb09VSN1:

This was the first challenge of the actual mini VSN...'Save the Date'. The challenge was to make a 'save the date' card. Since I don't have any weddings or showers coming up, I decided to use my birthday as my 'event' (though it falls on a Thursday, so I probably won't actually have a party on that day! *wink*):
This is the 4 1/4" square Old Olive card that my scrapling was generated from! *grins* I stamped the background with a cupcake from Ginormous Sweet Cupcakes, then rummaged through the scrap bin for the rest of the card. I punched the edge of a Tempting Turquoise scrap, and wrote the 'save the date' sentiment at the bottom with a ZIG writer. Then I added a scrap of retired SU! DP, and a strip of Whisper White, stamped with 'party' in the lower right corner, and with the 30*30 theme spelled out with felt Thickers. I doodled around the Thickers with the ZIG Writer, and scraped the edges across my Tempting Turquoise pad for some extra definition, then added it to the card, backing it with foam tape. To finish off the card, I tied a scrap of ribbon around the fold.

Feb09VSN2:

This challenge was to create a card using the Burned Batik technique. I used it for my background paper, and used Distress Fired Brick and Aged Mahogany for the inks. (The Fired Brick is actually a spray I made using a Mini Mister, and filling it with a dropper full of reinker, a small scoop (maybe 1/4 tsp) of Perfect Pearls, and water to fill the mister...an easy way to make your own 'Glimmer Mist' in any color combo you want!)
I matted the Burned Batik background with Whisper White, then adhered both to a Cranberry Crisp A2 card base from the scrap bin (yes, this WHOLE card is made with scraps!!). I tied a strip of brown twill around the card, added a piece of Chocolate Chip, and then the 'love' hearts from Beautiful Life mounted on foam tape (stamped with Aged Mahogany and rock-n-rolled with Chocolate Chip ink and cut out). Last, I spelled out 'you' with some foam Thickers.

Feb09VSN3:

Ever do something that makes your head just a bit bigger? This card seriously made me feel like some sort of card-making genius! *grins* The challenge this time was to add a soft element....check it out:
I know, you're thinking "it's cute, but where's the genius?", right? Well, the sheep is made from a top from Ginormous Sweet Cupcakes, stamped onto fleece and cut out! Isn't that cool??? I love it when I get to use a stamp in a whole new way!

This card base was from my scrap bin...it fits in a business-sized envelope. I added a 'hill' cut from some Urban Prairie DP, and then built my sheep on top from the fleece cupcake-top and some scraps of black DP (from the Urban Prairie line), cut to make the legs and face. I added a jet black rhinestone for the eye, and stamped the little sun from the December KOTM onto yellow DP (also from the Urban Prairie line) and cut it out and adhered it to the card base. I added a jumbo eyelet at the bottom of the card, and tied some white grosgrain through it, and then added the '{love} ewe' using white
chipboard Thickers.

Here's a close-up of my cupcake sheep *grins*:
I hope you have a fantastic week!! Thanks for stopping by today!
~Michelle

Supplies used (scrapling):
Paper: Old Olive, Whisper White CS (SU!)
Ink: Old Olive, Bordering Blue (SU!)
Stamps: Mix Up of Cuteness (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: Chloe's Closet Blossoms and Buttons (Making Memories), Labels 1 Nestabilities dies (Spellbinders); Apricot seam binding (Martha Stewart Crafts); yellow embroidery floss

Supplies used (30*30):
Paper: Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White CS, retired DP (name unknown) (SU!)
Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive (SU!)
Stamps: Ginormous Sweet Cupcakes, Mix Up of Cuteness (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: scalloped border punch (Martha Stewart crafts); Playroom felt Thickers (American Crafts); black ZIG Writer; foam mounting tape (3M); grosgrain ribbon (unknown)

Supplies used ({heart} YOU):
Paper: Cranberry Crisp, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip CS (SU!)
Ink: Aged Mahogany, Fired Brick Distress Inks (Ranger Industries); Chocolate Chip (SU!)
Stamps: Beautiful Life, December KOTM (Unity Stamp Company)
Other: clear embossing powder (Stampendous); Perfect Pearls, Mini Mister (Ranger Industries); brown twill (Martha Stewart Crafts); Remarks 'Rootbeer Float' Thickers (American Crafts); foam mounting tape (3M)

Supplies used ({love} ewe):
Paper: Chocolate Chip CS (SU!); Urban Prairie DP (Basic Grey)
Ink: Ruby Red (SU!)
Stamps: Ginormous Sweet Cupcakes (Unity Stamp Company)
Other: Jewelry Box Thickers (American Crafts); jumbo eyelet (SU!); white grosgrain (By the Spool); craft fleece (Michael's)

Color Inspiration #38 - Hey Chick!

2009-01-17T09:49:00.000-08:00

It's time for another Color Inspiration challenge from Kristina Werner!Isn't that paper fabulous? As soon as I saw it, I thought of this 'chick' single from Unity, and *new* I'd have to make a no-layer white card...
Super simple one this time (though it did take a bit of time to do that cuctom-color!)...I started with a 4 1/4" x 11" piece of white CS, which I scored and folded in half to create my A2-sized card base. Then, I inked the entire chick stamp in Pretty in Pink, and used a baby wipe to clean off the beak, legs, and flowers and dots that I wanted in different colors. Then I used the corner of my Ruby Red ink pad to color the flowers ('huffing' on the stamp periodically to keep the ink wet), and used some Pumpkin Pie reinker with my blender pen to color in the legs, beak, and some of the dots. I 'huffed' on it one more time, and stamped to get the image. Then I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig and stamped the 'Hey Chick!' with Pumpkin Pie ink. To finish it off, I tied on some pink picot-edged satin ribbon. Very CAS, and I think pretty cute! *wink*

Hope you enjoy it! Today is the Crush VSN Mini, so if you're looking for some inspiring challenges to get you going, make sure you check it out!

Thanks for stopping by today!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Whisper White (SU!)
Ink: Pumpkin Pie (pad and reinker), Ruby Red, Pretty in Pink (SU!)
Stamps: Floral Feathers, Hey Chick (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: Stamp-a-ma-jig (SU!); pink picot-edged ribbon (American Crafts)

I'm late for HHH!

2009-01-16T11:09:00.000-08:00

But I do have TWO cards to show you! (Does that make up for it?) *wink*

I actually uploaded both of these to SCS yesterday for the HHT challenges, so I'm sorry if you've already seen them....

Beauty of Dreams
The first one was for the "I {heart} Unity" challenge to use hearts on a Unity card (the hearts could be anything: images, patterned paper, embellishments, etc.):
I started with a standard A2 card base in Regal Rose, and cut a strip of Basic Grey 'Urban Prairie' DP for the background, scalloping the top with my medium corner rounder. Then I stamped the 'Beauty of Dreams' single onto a piece of Whisper White using Regal Rose ink, and framed it with a scalloped felt frame that I cut from a coaster. Yes, a coaster. Go check out the Michael's $1 bins...they have fantastic felt coasters in 4 different colors, and you get 4/$1. (The middles have awesome laser-cut flowers and designs, so I'll be using those, too...but that'll have to wait for another card!). I tied on some American Crafts picot-edged satin ribbon, then attached the sentiment and frame to the base using mini Glue Dots, and added the 3 heart-shaped snaps in the lower corner with my Crop-a-dile. Other than cutting out the frame (and that only took awhile because I'm OCD), this was a VERY fast card!

Indulge...it's your birthday!
The second challenge was to make a birthday-themed card, in honor of the Unity Queen Diva herself, Angela, who celebrated her b-day on Tuesday. (Jeanne gave her that title, not me...I think Angela is WAY too sweet to be a diva!)
(...and I have to confess, this is a card that I made last month for my DMIL, Chris. *grins* But, I hadn't uploaded it yet, and it fit the challenge...so here it is!) Ironically, this one is also built on a Regal Rose standard A2 card base. (That wasn't planned, it's just what worked with the DP for both cards)

I used Taylor's TECC47 sketch, built my card from there. I added a 5 1/4" x 4" piece of Whisper White onto the card base, then a panel of My Mind's Eye DP, matted with Pumpkin Pie CS. I punched a scalloped circle of Regal Rose using my purple Marvy punch, then a WW circle using the pink circle punch, pierced the scallops, adhered them together, and attached them to the card using foam tape.
I stamped the base of a cupcake from 'Ginormous Sweet Cupcakes' onto a scrap of the same DP using Pumkin Pie ink, then stamped the top onto a scrap of Regal Rose in Versamark, and heat-embossed it with white, and filled in the center with Frosted Lace Stickles. I pieced the cupcake back together on the circle, lifting the top up on foam tape for dimension.
To finish off the front, I stamped 'indulge' from the August KOTM using my glue pad, and sprinkled it with pink glitter, and added three clear rhinestones beneath it.

*Inside*, I finished off the sentiment using a ZIG writer, and traced over it with a Sakura Glaze pen, with gives it a raised, shiny finish:
...And stamped one of the candles across the bottom using Pumpkin Pie ink.

Hope you enjoy today's (yesterday's) creations! Thanks for stopping by, and have a fantastic weekend!
~Michelle

Supplies used (Beauty of Dreams):
Paper: Regal Rose, Whisper White CS (SU!); Urban Prairie DP (Basic Grey)
Ink: Regal Rose (SU!)
Stamps: Beauty of Dreams (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: felt coaster (Michael's); heart snaps (Making Memories); picot-edged satin ribbon (American Crafts); Glue Dots

Supplies used (Indulge):
Paper: Regal Rose, Whisper White, and Pumpkin Pie CS (SU!); plaid DP (My Mind's Eye)
Ink: Pumpkin Pie (SU!); Versamark, Essential Glue Pad (Tsukineko)
Stamps: Ginormous Sweet Cupcakes, August KOTM (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: foam mounting tape (3M); Frosted Lace Stickles (Ranger Industries); pink glitter (Martha Stewart Crafts); rhinestones (Michael's); Glaze pen (Sakura); paper-piercing tool (Tonic Studios); Mega and Giga punches (Marvy Uchida)

ROCKIN' the challenges...

2009-01-14T07:47:00.000-08:00

Seriously...Rockin' 'em. This is a TRIPLE challenge card, and I whipped it out in 32 minutes. Awesome. (And before the rest of my family was awake, to boot!)Yes, it's Wednesday, and that means it's a Unity Addicts Challenge! (Number 19 to be exact...can you believe it's been 19 already??) I also used yesterday's Color Challenge CC201 (Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, and Kraft), and Verve's VLVJan01 sketch from last week.
I started with a standard A2 card base of Kraft, and then grabbed some NQN, Baja Breeze, and Very Vanilla CS from my stash, and found that fab leaf paper from Scenic Route. Using the sketch as a guide, I cut all my pieces to size (the DP is 4" x 2 1/2", the NQN is 1 7/8" x 2 3/8", and the Baja Breeze is 1 7/8" x however long the scrap was *grins*) and adhered them to the base. Then I stamped 'Good Times' from the October KOTM on the NQN panel using NQN ink and my Stamp-a-ma-jig. Since the color scheme was blue, I thought it'd be the perfect chance to do a masculine card, so I stamped 'Old Skool Ride' onto the VV scrap using NQN ink. I punched it using my pink Marvy circle punch, and lightly raked my blending tool around the edge with some more NQN ink. Then I punched a NQN circle using my purple Marvy punch, and sponged NQN ink onto it using the blending tool. I adhered both of those circles using 2 layers of foam tape (one under the VV circle, one under the NQN circle) to the card base, and the *front* was complete.

Maria's USC19 challenge to us was to make a card that's decorated on the *inside* and the *outside*. So, I started on the inside:
I cut a 1/2" strip from my dp, and used it at the bottom, and then stamped one of my all-time favorite Unity stamps (from the August KOTM) in NQN ink. Isn't it perfect with the front?? Happiness and travel...good times and a bike...I love it when a plan comes together!

Hope you get a chance to play along with us today! Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Kraft, NQN, Baja Breeze, and Very Vanilla CS (SU!); leaf DP (Scenic Route)
Ink: Not Quite Navy (SU!)
Stamps: 'Old Skool Ride', 'good times' from October KOTM, 'Way of travel' from August KOTM (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: Foam blending tool (Ranger Industries); Stamp-a-ma-jig (SU!); Mega and Giga circle punches (Marvy Uchida); foam mounting tape (3M)

To bling, or not to bling? ...and lots of scraps

2009-01-12T16:25:00.001-08:00

I had a bit of extra time this afternoon (while waiting for laundry), so I decided to make a card...which meant I went through this week's challenges, both on SCS, and various blogs. And I decided to try out Friday's Limited Supplies Challenge (LSC202)...where everything is about HEARTS and RED (as soon as I read the challenge, I imagined this stamp and those little red heart buttons):
I started with a base of Riding Hood Red (sorry...the lighting in the photo above makes it look 'redder' than it is!), and stamped 'So & So Loves...' onto a scrap of white CS, then colored it in with a blender pen. I trimmed the image down, and realized 'Hey, that would fit into Verve's Viva La Verve challenge for this week!'. So, I matted that piece onto Chocolate Chip CS (also from the scrap bin), and found a scrap of heart DP, and matted it onto a scrap of Chocolate Chip CS, and distressed the edges with Chocolate Chip ink. I assembled everything per the VLV02 sketch challenge, added my cute red heart button and the last of a double-sided satin ribbon I've been hoarding, and Voila! A cute little finished card!

The problem came along when I remembered that the challenge has a *twist*, and required bling. So I added bling around one of the hearts on the DP...and I don't think I like it. What do you think? Normally I'm a fan of the bling (used judiciously), but I think it doesn't quite fit in this instance....
So, you're probably wondering "What's with all the scraps??", right? While cleaning up my desk area, I found scraps, which I added to my scrap file (which I have sorted by color). And I kept adding, and adding, and adding...until my scrap file looks like this:
Check out how it 'alligators' from the side:
Yeah, seriously need to work on depleting my scrap stash!! So, don't be surprised if my next *several* cards are constructed from scraps. *wink*

In other happy news, last week I {finally} put up my Rubba Rack that I won at HHT! And it's already full! *sigh* But check out how accessible my beloved Unity Stamps are:
Happy Monday, everyone! Thanks for stopping by today!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Red Riding Hood, Chocolate Chip, and Whisper White CS (SU!); heart DP (source unknown)
Ink: Stazon Timber Brown (Tsukineko); Distress Brushed Corduroy (Ranger Industries); Real Red reinker, Chocolate Chip (SU!)
Stamps: So & So Loves... (Unity Stamp Co)
Other: Ink Blending tool (Ranger Industries); satin ribbon (source unknown); foam mounting tape (3M); heart button and bling (Michael's)

HHH and Verve Looking for Love

2009-01-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy HHH!

(To see all the participants in today's blog hop, head over to the Unity blog) Now, on to the card! *grins*

This is the last of the Verve 'Looking For Love' release challenges (VSLFL4), and it was another sketch challenge (Julee always has *amazing* sketches!). I also made it to fit two other challenges, yesterday's HHT 'Unity Dazzle' challenge to create a card using rhinestones, and Joy (aka Daiseyfreak)'s challenge to make a love-themed card using ShortCuts products if you have 'em (and I do, so I did!).
I started with a ShortCuts frosted acetate card blank, and then built up my layers based on the sketch. The textured CS is by Bazzill, but I'm not sure of the color...I bought it at the same time that I bought this DP, and never noted the name (sorry!). Might be Papaya?

I stamped the Distressed Dot Butterfly from Unity's September KOTM, and reverse-masked it so that I could sponge on the Apricot Appeal and Regal Rose ink. THEN, I GOT TO USE MY NEW NESTABILITES DIES FOR THE FIRST TIME!!! Seriously excited about that...they really are all that everyone says that they are! I even did the embossing with the die, and used it as a stencil for sponging more Apricot Appeal ink around the edge...SO COOL! I attached the die-cut parts using some foam mounting tape. Check it out:
Of course, I added the obligatory bling *wink*, and a lovey sentiment from the July KOTM (which was inked with Apricot Appeal and then sponged on some Regal Rose before stamping...you can see that better if you click on the image to see the bigger version).

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to check out the other HHH bloggers! Have a great weekend!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Frosted acetate card blank (ShortCuts); textured CS (Bazzill); patterned paper (Scenic Route)
Ink: Apricot Appeal, Regal Rose, Close to Cocoa (SU!)
Stamps: butterfly from September KOTM, sentiment from July KOTM (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: Nestabilities 'Labels Two' dies (Spellbinders); foam mounting tape (3M); makeup sponge; rhinestones (Michael's)

Feelin' the Verve...

2009-01-08T08:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a *very* productive day for me, stamping-wise (can't say the same about my house...). I even managed to keep my desk in the same state of near-cleanness by putting things back in their home after I used them, and depleted a bit more of my humongous paper stash!

So, Verve is having a set of 4 challenges for its newest release (which will be tomorrow), and completing them gives you the chance to win the new releases! Isn't that cool? Yesterday, I managed to finish the first three:

VSLFL1:
The first challenge is a color challenge...Kraft, Riding Hood Red, and Blush Blossom. Unfortunately, I don't have a Blush Blossom stamp pad, and could only find a small scrap of Blush Blossom CS, so this is what I came up with:
The card is an 11" x 4 1/4" Kraft CS base (folded in half to make the A2 size), with a strip of Riding Hood Red that I stamped with Versamark and punched one edge using my new Martha Stewart border punch. I attached a butterfly punched from Blush Blossom CS (lifting the wings a bit for dimension), and tied on some $1 bin ribbon that matched the Kraft *exactly*. Super CAS (clean and simple), and so fast!

VSLFL2:

The second challenge is a sketch challenge...and the sketch had scallops on one side, but I wanted to make a 'masculine' card and use up some of the paper from a kit I bought from Cocoa Daisy awhile back, so I substituted some orange lazer-cut paper.
Seriously LOVING this card. I love the colors, love that I used some more of that fab Tinkering Ink paper, and love that I finally found a color match for those Pebbles candy dots! *wink* The panel with the sentiment is popped up on my beloved foam mounting tape (naturally), and that brown 'ribbon' is actually paper curling ribbon I bought at Ikea last year!

VSLFL3:

This challenge was a sketch also. And I had more issues than I would have thought...those two stripes kinda threw me for a loop, but I powered through!
I used my new border punch again, and the Chloe's Closet paper and blossoms that I used on my Unity challenge card yesterday. I just love the colors, and I finally figured out why when I made this card: they're *exactly* the colors I used in the boys' nursery (I didn't find out the sex of either of my kids before they were born, so I did 'neutral' baby colors). Makes me love this paper just that much more! *grins*

Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget that HIP HOP returns today!! *doing the happy dance!*
~Michelle

Supplies used (VSLFL1):
Paper: Kraft, Riding Hood Red, Blush Blossom CS (SU!)
Ink: Versamark (Tsukineko)
Stamps: Beautiful You (Verve Stamps)
Other: Butterfly punch, scalloped border punch (Martha Stewart Crafts)

Supplies used (VSLFL2):
Paper: Kraft CS (SU!); blue CS (Bazzill); 'Peavy' DP from the Gibson collection (Tinkering Ink); 'Gossip Hazard' lace paper (KI Memories)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU!)
Stamps: Beautiful You (Verve Stamps)
Other: I*Kan*Dee candy dots (Pebbles, Inc.); paper ribbon (Ikea); foam mounting tape (3M)

Supplies used (VSLFL3):
Paper: So Saffron and Whisper White CS, Wild Wasabi textured CS (SU!); Chloe's Closet DP (Making Memories)
Ink: Wild Wasabi (SU!)
Stamps: Beautiful You (Verve Stamps)
Other: Apricot seam binding and scalloped border punch (Martha Stewart Crafts); Paper Blossoms and Buttons (Making Memories); foam mounting tape (3M)

Penguin Snowglobe Card! (as promised)

2009-01-07T09:37:00.000-08:00

Ever make something and you're just totally jazzed about how it turned out and want to show everyone? Well, this card is it for me!! I had a vision of trying to do this while I was pondering my ShortCuts clear sheet, and just had to try...and it turned out even better than I imagined! *grins*
I started by punching two circles from the acetate using my purple Marvy circle punch, and then two circles of Whisper White using my pink Marvy circle punch. (As I've stated earlier, I can't remember what their actual names are, or whether 'Giga' or 'Mega' is the bigger one, so please forgive me!) On one of the acetate circles, I stamped 'snow' using Stazon Cotton White ink, and attached it to the front of the card base. I stamped my little penguin scene onto one of the white circles using Jet Black Stazon ink and 'Jolly Little Winter' from Unity Stamp Company, masking the penguin to add the elements behind him, and colored it in with blender pens.

The card base is a 6" x 4 1/4" piece of Chocolate Chip CS, folded in half, with the fold at the *bottom*...you'll see why in a bit. I cut a strip of Ski Slope DP and adhered that to the bottom, then cut a piece of Baja Breeze DP to look like a snow globe base, and drew a line across it with a Platinum ZIG Writer to define it, and attached it with the top aligned with the opening for the card. ('Merry Christmas' from Bitty Christmas Tags is stamped in Old Olive ink.)

The 'winder' for the snow globe is two photo turns, held together with a snap, and attached with a mini Glue Dot (I admit it, I thought it was a clever idea! Just look! ---------------------------------->)

Inside (and this is why the fold was at the bottom) is a gift card holder made from Baja Breeze CS, using the instructions from TLC196: I scalloped the edges with my corner rounder and punched the scallops with my Crop-a-dile. I attached one of the acetate circles to the Chocolate Chip base, then attached the penguin scene, and adhered the other white circle to the back to hide the adhesive. The ribbon (see above) is tied all the way around the card to keep it from flopping open...and because I love ribbon. *grins*

SO....What do you think?? Isn't it cool?!? (I'm seriously excited about it, but if it's not as cool as I think, don't burst my bubble, k?) *wink*

Thanks for stopping by today!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Whisper White CS, Ski Slope DP (SU!); Acetate sheet (ShortCuts)
Ink: Stazon Jet Black and Cotton White (Tsukineko); Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, and Going Gray (SU!)
Stamps: 'Jolly Little Winter' and 'Bitty Christmas Tags' (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: Photo turns and snap (Making Memories); Crop-a-dile (We R Memory Keepers); corner rounder (EK Success); Mega and Giga circle punches (Marvy Uchida); satin ribbon (Club Wedd by Target)

Sometimes Less IS More

2009-01-07T09:02:00.000-08:00

It's Wednesday! And, today is the return of the Unity Junkies challenge after a short Christmas break, and tomorrow is the return of HIP HOP Thursday!! (Isn't your week looking better already??)

Kim (aka doodersmom) is hosting this week, and challenged us to make a SLIM (Sometimes Less Is More) card: A card base (you can layer if you like), an image and/or sentiment, and one embellishment. Normally, these kind of cards make me nervous...but I tried to channel some Julie Ebersole, and 'embrace the white space'. And, I {love} how it turned out! *grins*
I started with an 8 1/2" x 4 1/4" piece of So Saffron CS, which I folded to make a 4 1/4" square card base. Then I stamped 'Whateva' from Unity's December KOTM 'Little Reminders' in Old Olive ink. Using blender pens, I colored in the sentiment with Brocade Blue and Really Rust inks. Then, I attached a layered flower from Making Memories' Chloe's Closet line, and added a strip of DP from the same line to the top of the card. (okay, that's two embellisments, but since she did say that we could layer if we wanted, I'm counting that little strip of paper as a 'layer'! *wink*)

I'll be back in just a bit with that snowglobe card I promised earlier, so stay tuned!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: So Saffron CS (SU!); 'Chloe's Closet' patterned DP (Making Memories)
Ink: Old Olive, Brocade Blue, and Really Rust (SU!)
Stamps: 'Whateva' from December KOTM 'Little Reminders' (Unity Stamp Company)
Other: 'Chloe's Closet' printed paper flowers (Making Memories)

Owls Again!

2009-01-03T17:33:00.000-08:00

Well, I don't have anything 'new' per se, but I do have some projects I made pre-Christmas, so I'll show you those before it's June. *wink* This is a card that I made for my MOPS group to do on our last craft day before our semester break.

The card base is an 8 1/2" x 4 1/4" piece of Chocolate Chip CS, folded to make a 4 1/4" square card. I stamped the base using Chocolate Chip ink and the Snowflake Spot stamp set from SU!. Then I stamped the Three Owls onto some Very Vanilla CS, and colored them with Prismacolor pencils. I mounted the stamped panel to a strip of Ski Slope DP, attached them both to the card base, and tied on some green satin ribbon to finish the card.

I'll be back again (probably tomorrow, though I won't make any promises *wink*) to show you a snow globe gift card holder that I made for some dear friends...it's seriously cool! *grins*

Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Chocolate Chip and Very Vanilla CS, Ski Slope DP (SU!)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU!)
Stamps: Three Owls (Hero Arts); The Snowflake Spot (SU!)
Other: satin ribbon (Club Wedd by Target); Prismacolor Art Pencils (Sanford)

ShortCuts give-away!

2008-12-26T13:04:00.000-08:00

If you've been reading my blog, you know how much I {love} the products at ShortCuts...their acrylics are awesome, and RIGHT NOW, they're giving away a Large Pack (20 sheets!) of Frosted acrylic to FIVE lucky commenters as blog candy!!

So what are you waiting for? Go check it out, leave a comment, and try to win! (And if you have a blog and post a link to the give-away, you get 5 more entries!)

A Frost-y Giveaway

Think snow!

2008-12-20T17:44:00.000-08:00

I'm thinking that snow may not be so far-fetched this year...can you believe all the reports of snow in no-snow areas?? Maybe we'll actually get some snow for Christmas (or at least a good cover on the nearby mountains so we could visit)!

This is a card I made for Jessica (jezirus on SCS)...she was *so* sweet to think of AJ (willosmama on SCS), who coordinated all the participants of Unity's Secret Santa. Since AJ wasn't able to participate, Jessica organized us hooligans to send a little something to her, and she put a *big* box of goodies together for our fearless SS coordinator! I thought that extra effort at least warranted a cute card, right? *grins*

I started with a Baja Breeze card stock base that was 8 1/2" x 7 1/4", folded in half to be 8 1/2" x 3 5/8", which fits perfectly in a standard business-sized envelope. (FYI: if you have a Scor-Pal, the score line for this size is marked with a small triangle...there is also a triangle at the 7 1/4" line in case you want to tri-fold a standard 8 1/2" x 11" sheet. Very handy if you're totally OCD, and want those Christmas letters perfectly folded! *wink*)

(Sorry, where was I? Oh yeah...)

I covered the front with scraps of SU!'s 'Ski Slope' DP. I cut them all to widts and lengths that were multiples of 3/4" (so 3/4", 1 1/2", 2 1/4", etc.), and then just tiled them on like a crazy quilt. Going with the quilt theme, I stamped some faux-stitching over the joints in Chocolate Chip ink. Next, I stamped that adorable little owl trio, colored them with Prismacolor pencils, adhered them to a Baja Breeze scrap, and faux-stitch-stamped around the edge. I attached the image panel to the card base with foam mounting tape, and stamped 'think snow' at the bottom right corner, added some adhesive half-back pearls, and tied on some chocolate satin ribbon.

For those of you buried in snow or dealing with freezing (or sub-freezing) temperatures, stay WARM and SAFE!

Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Baja Breeze and Very Vanilla CS, Ski Slope DP (SU!)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU!)
Stamps: Three Owls (Hero Arts); 'think snow' from Jolly Little Winter (Unity stamp Co.); Hanging by a Thread set (Technique Tuesday)
Other: half-back pearls (Michael's); satin ribbon (Club Wedd by Target); foam mounting tape (3M)

messy desk (as usual)...

2008-12-17T21:13:00.001-08:00

Except right now, it's so messy I don't even feel like making anything...isn't that awful? The photo above was taken Monday, when I cleared off some space to work on that corner-rounder-scallops-on-Coluzzle-shapes-tutorial. It actually looks worse right now. I'm going to have to get it cleaned off if I ever want to finish Christmas gifts and cards and crafts.... *sigh*

What's your desk situation? Are you a neatnik or a messy? (I definitely lean toward the messy, though my OCD heart desires to be a neatnik!) *wink*

Have a wonderful day! Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

Corner-rounder scallops using Coluzzle shapes

2008-12-15T19:14:00.001-08:00

Here it is, folks, by popular request! I've had several people ask me how I do the scallops on Coluzzle shapes using a corner rounder, and how I line up the corner rounder so that the scallops are even, so I'm giving you all a little tutorial. This has been my solution to not wanting to invest in Nestabilities...they're absolutely amazing, very versatile (you can die-cut and emboss, and use them as stencils) and you really, really do get a lot for your money, but I don't even know where to begin on that buying binge, and don't really want to start! LOL

Here are the corner rounders that I use...they are made by EK Success, and are at Michael's, Beverley's (a Southern California craft store), Target, etc.:
The green one is my favorite, it's the "medium" corner rounder, and the yellow is the "small" corner rounder. Both originally came with the guards you see on the yellow one (for lining up with the corner of your paper), but mine is off the green one more often than it's on, and now is lost in the abyss of my craft desk. *wink* Lately, if I need to actually round a corner with the green one, I just use the yellow one's guard.

Here's a photo of how the guard comes off...I just pull (gently) to one side to slide it out of the groove, and then pull the rest off.
And here's a photo with the guard completely off:
Next up, the Coluzzle templates. I bought mine as a set from Stampin' Up!. The set came with a circle template, an oval template, the cutting mat, and the swivel blade craft knife. I have both of my templates marked in red with the right size for creating a perfectly scalloped shape using my Corner Adorner Medium Rounder from EK Success:
(I haven't had my yellow ("Small") corner rounder long enough to test out which sizes, if any, work for a perfectly scalloped shape, but I'll let you know when I do...)

Here's a photo of cutting an oval from card stock. I lay the template where I want to cut out, then push the blade of the swivel craft knife straight down into the channel. You should hear a 'pop' when the blade cuts through the card stock. Keep the knife vertical as you cut around the channel to avoid cutting into your template, or having a wonky shape.
Next is a photo of how to line up the scallops (sorry for the blurriness). Basically, you make sure the metal 'prongs' are both pushed flush against the edge, and then align the 'point' of the cutting edge so that it overlaps the previous scallop. You should see just a small opening (at the left in the photo below), and no card stock in that corner where you're overlapping:
If you play your cards right, this is what you end up with:
Now comes the disclaimer *wink*... Ovals don't always come out right (I've never had a problem with circles, just ovals). I think it's because of the varying radius of the curve around the shape. So, sometimes you end up with what I call a 'fish tail' (this happens on all the other sizes of ovals when you use the Medium rounder):
And if you try to force that fish tail into a perfect scalloped shape, you end up with something like this, with double cuts in the valleys:
Here's a photo (on a circle) of how it looks when the last scallop fits perfectly (notice the openings at both ends of the cutting edge):
Here are a couple photos to show you how the circle compares to Marvy Uchida's scalloped punches. It's just a bit bigger than the 'Super' (which is a 2" diameter):
And about 3/4" smaller than the 'Giga' (purple) scalloped punch, which is a 3" diameter:
I did try to see if I could 'guess' which size circle would work with the Corner Adorner Small Rounder from EK Success (the yellow one). I decided to try the second largest circle...
And ended up with a 'fish tail' (see it on the right?):
(As an aside, the corner rounders often leave divots on the reverse side...you can kinda see them in the photo below. These are awesome for piercing, since they're perfectly spaced and centered in your scallops. So, that's what I did! *wink*)
So how do I deal with that 'fish tail' problem when I want a different sized shape or my punching doesn't work? I tie my ribbon over it! Check it out...
Seriously, you'd be surprised how many cards that I've shown you on this blog are hiding fish tails! *wink*

For the card, I attached my pierced fish tail-ed scalloped circle to a Kraft A2-sized card base, and tied twill ribbon around the entire card, covering the mismatched scallops. I stamped the butterfly from Oh Happy Day! on Whisper White, and cut it out with my 'Super'-sized circle punch from Marvy Uchida, and then sponged the edge of the circle with Bordering Blue ink. I punched a 'Mega'-sized Chocolate Chip circle to mat it, and adhered both over the twill using foam tape. I stamped 'happiness' at the bottom, accented the butterfly with half-back pearls, and Voila! A card I'd be happy to give, and the recipient will be none-the-wiser about my mismatched scallops! *grins*

Thanks for stopping by today! And *please*, let me know if you have any other questions, or if any part of this is unclear...I've had a bunch of questions on this subject, so I'm hoping this will help! Have a great week!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Bordering Blue, and Whisper White CS (SU!)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU!)
Stamps: Oh Happy Day! (Unity Stamp Company)
Other: Coluzzle cutting system (Provo Craft); Small and Medium Corner Rounders (EK Success); Super and Mega circle punches, Super and Giga scallop punches (Marvy Uchida); Retractable paper pick (Tim Holtz by Tonic Studios); Mat pack (SU!) White twill (Martha Stewart Crafts); foam mounting tape (3M); self-adhesive half-back pearls (Michael's)

The Kitchen is painted!!

2008-12-15T17:32:00.000-08:00

Okay, here's the color, on our new drywall....now we just need lights and cabinets *wink*The color is 'Acorn' by Behr (290D-6)...it's a fabulous butternut-squashy-color, and I can't wait until we have our cherry-stained cabinets in there!! (Yes, I'm getting excited! *grins*)

Tutorial coming up later!
~Michelle

An answer for Kristen...

2008-12-13T07:58:00.000-08:00

Kristen asked me about where I found the felt eyelet doilies for my Felt Snowflake Joy card. I found them at my local Wal-Mart, and here is what the packaging looks like:
They're Martha Stewart Crafts 'Celebrate' Collection, and they were in with the wedding craft items. Martha Stewart has a whole collection of eyelet items for weddings, most of which are online at Wal-Mart. For some reason, though, these aren't. I'm not sure why they aren't online, but if you have a problem finding them at your Wal-Mart, send me an email and I'll send some out to you! *wink*

Here's a close-up of the photo showing the doily:
Like I said in my earlier post, *lots* of embellishment opportunities in that one package! *grins*

Up next (probably tonight or sometime tomorrow): a tutorial on doing a scalloped border with a corner rounder on a Coluzzle-cut shape, by request. *wink* If you have any questions for me (about anything that I use/do on my projects), leave me a comment and I'll do my best to answer!

Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

I've been tagged! ...twice wink

2008-12-12T21:44:00.000-08:00

It boggles my mind that I can be nominated/tagged when I've been MIA for so long, but thanks, girls!! (I can always count on those Unity chicks to keep me honest! *wink*)

First up, I was tagged by Jenn at Double N Designs (aka mspacmanpinky on SCS)....thanks Jenn!
So, hmmm....7 weird/random facts about me (in no particular order):
1. I took 6 quarters worth on glass techniques in college...glass blowing, glass fusing, cane work, glass casting. Seriously, seriously fun (and seriously, seriously HOT!)
2. I'm in charge of gravy-making at any big event that requires gravy (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.) It's really not hard, but for some reason I'm the designated gravy-maker.
3. I *adore* Chai tea...to be specific, Tazo Chai Tea concentrate, mixed in equal amounts with milk, heated to 180F, with vanilla syrup added. (Or, if you're at Starbucks, a Venti Vanilla Chai, extra-hot, no water)
4. My crafting desk is BURIED at the moment. Seriously, it's embarrassing. And I can't even work at it, and don't have time to clean it up unless I cut out a few hours of sleep per night for a week or so.
5. Christmas is my very most favorite holiday of the year...love the image of God sending His Son as a tiny baby to save us all (really, you couldn't make that up!), love the decorations, love the crafting, love seeing the 2-story tree all decorated in our church Sanctuary, love Christmas Eve candlelight services...love it all!!
6. We don't 'do' Santa with our boys (because we want the focus on Christ, not on presents....they also only get 3 gifts from us, just like Jesus received 3 gifts). And now that my oldest is 4, that can be a problem around kids whose parents do. (As in, "but Mommy, I'm just trying to tell them the truth"...he's like Susan Walker from Miracle on 34th Street).
7. I'm not a big dessert-eater (or sweets-eater in general). But, you'd be shocked to see the amount of sugar I like in my tea (as long as it's added while it's hot...if it's already been chilled, I drink it unsweetened). I think it must be because I was born in North Carolina, even though we only lived there until I was three...that's my story, anyway, and I'm stickin' to it! *wink*

As for the 7 nominees, stay tuned 'til the end...

Kim from Endless Inkabilities (aka doodersmom on SCS) nominated me for the Kreativ Blog award!! Thank you, Kim! *smiles*
Guidelines for Kreativ Blogger Award:
1. The winner may put the logo on their blog.
2. Put a link to the person who sent you the award.
3. Nominate 5 blogs.
4. Put links to their blogs
5. Leave a message for your nominees.

So, here are my nominees...that I'm also tagging with the 7 random facts thing from above! *wink* Check them out, I love these girls!! (psst....I tried not to double-tag anyone who had already been tagged, so don't feel bad if you're not on this list! {hugs})
1. Joy (aka daiseyfreak) ...this girl is amazing, and just started on the DT for Shortcuts (the company I did a review of last month)
2. Lindsay (aka lindsaybrooke) ...designs stamps for Unity!! As Jen would say, "shut up! it's true!!" And, they're AWESOME stamp designs! (of course!)
3. Tiff (aka Tiffguam) ...she's guest designer for Limelight this month, so you know she ROCKS!
4. Lori ...an amazing book maker/mixed media artist who just has the most amazing outlook and sharing spirit. She cheers me up every time I go to her blog!
5. Shannon ...my almost-next-door-neighbor who does *NOT* post enough of her stamping creations!!
6. Corey ...my seriously creative MOPS/stamping/"I'll take any excuse to get out of the house" friend *grins*
7. YOU!! Make sure you leave a comment so I can come check you out *wink*

(I also just realized I nixed some people who had the Kreativ award, but not the tagging, so if you wanna do the 7 random facts, consider yourself tagged!)

And now, I'm a bit loopy from being up too late 3 nights in a row, so I'm going to bed! Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle

I'm still here...

2008-12-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't been posting! The kitchen remodel is going really well, drywall was finished yesterday so today we are painting and fixing tile, then it'll be time to install cabinets and fixtures!! *grins*

I have been busy in the crafting arena, making things for my MOPS group and for our church Christmas tea, so I'll try to post those soon...thank you for being patient with me! Hope you're having a wonderful Christmas season!

~Michelle

Kaleidoscope Card How-to and Supplies List

2008-11-29T14:47:00.000-08:00

As promised, I'm back! *wink* Let me start out by saying that I did *not* come up with this idea on my own. I distinctly remember seeing it in a magazine (possibly Paper Crafts?), but I can't find a tutorial or mention of it on the internet. I did find one from an episode of the Carol Duvall Show, but the instructions seemed a bit vague and confusing. Hopefully, I can do a better job...though I must say, without 500 images, it's hard to explain clearly. If you have questions *PLEASE* put them in the comments and I'll answer as best I can (and maybe with more photos!).

I started with a sheet of 'Phlordilee' DP from Basic Grey's Aged & Confused Phresh & Phunky line. You can use most DPs for this process, but I find it's easiest if you choose one that has a repeated, mirrored image (i.e. a repeated pattern that is symmetrical), though you can get neat effects using a 'one-sided' image. (FYI: With this piece of DP, you could cut out 7 full pieces of the portion I chose). Here's a picture of the full sheet, with the pattern portion I used outlined:
And here's a close-up...you can see the outlined portion on the left, part of the cut-out portion below it, and a full repeat of the pattern to the right:
I cut out six (6) of the outlined portions, and then cut out the smaller heart-shaped part at the top for the image medallion. To piece together the medallions, I drew 6 evenly spaced intersecting lines on my work paper.
(Because this is a fairly large image, I only needed six...if you were working with a narrower pattern, you might need 8, 9, 12, etc. I drew my lines like the spokes of a snowflake, with 60 degrees between each one, using a 30-60-90 triangle. And you thought that high school Geometry would never be used! *wink*)
I put together the bottom medallion first. I used repositionable adhesive to attach the first piece to my work surface, with the center lined up on a line, and the point touching the intersection:For the next 5 pieces, I worked clock-wise, lining them up the same way (centered on the next line), and adhering the left side of each image to the right side of the one before. Once the 6th piece was attached on its left side, I tucked the right side under the 1st piece and adhered it there. So, in the end, the six pieces are sort of fanned out in a circle. Then I used my Coluzzle circle cutter to cut it out (since the finished medallion was too large for a card).

I followed the same procedure for the image medallion, but I didn't tuck the last piece under the first when I went around, because I would have had to cut it and didn't want to risk having a hole in the middle of my medallion! I put an adhesive flat-back pearl over the center to finish it off.
For the card, I began with a 10 1/2" x 5 1/4" piece of Kiwi Kiss CS, folded in half to make a 5 1/4" square card base. Then I cut the medallion using the second largest circle on my Coluzzle template, and a circle of textured Bayou Blue CS using the largest circle, and then adhered them to the card base and tied on some vanilla satin ribbon. For the center, I cut a circle from the Bayou Blue (I think the 4th from the center), and a ring of Kiwi Kiss, using foam tape to attach it to the Bayou Blue circle. I adhered my flower medallion to the center with foam tape, and then attached the whole panel to the base medallion using...foam tape. (I know, you're surprised. I'm really thinking about buying stock in 3M, I buy so much of their foam mounting tape! lol). I stamped 'Life' in the bottom corner using Not Quite Navy ink and my Stamp-a-ma-jig.

Like I said, if you have any questions, please let me know! This really is a great technique, and really not that difficult. As a note...if the design you choose doesn't come to a point like mine did, just cut it into one. (Since I'm a bit OCD and rather technical, I'd probably do it with a triangle to make a perfect 60 degree angle for each one so that they'd meet cleanly with no overlap, but that's just me. *grins*)

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Kiwi Kiss CS, Bayou Blue textured CS (SU!); Phlordilee DP (Basic Grey Aged & Confused)
Ink: Not Quite Navy (SU!)
Stamps: 'Life' from October KOTM (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: Coluzzle circle cutting system; foam mounting tape (3M); Stamp-a-ma-jig (SU!); ribbon, adhesive pearl (Michael's)

Etsy Inspired #12 - Mercy's Mark

2008-11-28T07:37:00.000-08:00

This is just a quick post before I head for some Black Friday shopping (at our local craft store and Michael's *wink*). The amazing Ms. Ashley has a noon deadline on her Etsy Inspired challenge, and I wanted to make sure I got this in on time...I'll come edit later to give you all the details!

This week's Etsy shop is Mercy's Mark...love all the purse goodies in there! I chose this handbag for my inspiration:

And here is my card:
It's a kaledioscope card made using Basic Grey's 'Pflordilee' from their Aged & Confused Phresh & Phunky line.

Be back with more later! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and Happy Black Friday! *smiles*
~Michelle

Felt snowflake joy! (CI32)

2008-11-25T12:29:00.000-08:00

(Note: although this mostly fits the Unity Junkies' Challenge, my real card is in the next post *wink*)

Did you know it's only ONE MONTH until Christmas? To get everyone in the holiday mood, Kristina Werner's Color Inspiration Challenge is a Christmas-y one of red and shades of white and cream...so elegant:
And I know I said I wouldn't be having time to do this, but I'm proving myself to be a liar, apparently. There's not much I can do to help my DH and his dad, so I'm keeping the boys out of their way, and away from the noise and dust....and the craft room upstairs is a pretty good place to do that. *wink*

While I was at Wally's World this morning picking up a box fan and filter for Philip, I also spotted a pack of Martha Stewart Crafts 13" Eyelet Doilies (3 per package!) made of felt, and *knew* they'd be perfect for crafting. Just think of how many embellishments I'll be able to get out of one pack! And then I saw the Kristina had a new Color Inspiration Challenge up, and everything came together perfectly!
I used a circle template, and cut out two eyelet images including the border, and one without. Then I cut two of the smaller daisy-shaped parts. I also cut a portion of the scalloped outer border to use later. After stamping 'Joy' from The Snowflake Spot using Versamark, I arranged the 5 snowflake/flower pieces on a A2 card base of Riding Hood Red (this one is 4 1/4" x 11" folded in half), and attached them using a combination of mini glue dots and silver brads.

Then, I adhered a 1" wide strip of Whisper White to a 1 1/8" wide strip of Sahara Sand, and mounted that over the edge of the scalloped border I cut previously, using foam tape to match the height. Last, I tied on a piece of woven ribbon that matched the Sahara Sand over the layered panel:
I absolutely love that ribbon! It has a slight sheen, almost metallic-looking, and the texture is fabulous. The only problem is that it warps if you pull it too tight, and frays easily when tying into a knot or bow...but I'm completely willing to overlook those problems for the extra touch it gives my card. *wink*

Thanks for stopping by (again) today!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, and Sahara Sand CS (SU!)
Ink: Versamark (Tsukineko)
Stamps: The Snowflake Spot (SU!)
Other: felt embellishments (Martha Stewart Crafts 13" Eyelet Doilies); Silver Brads (Making Memories); Mini Glue Dots; woven ribbon (Michael's $1 spot)

Cherry Lollipop Flower Card

2008-11-25T07:16:00.000-08:00

I know, I said I wouldn't be doing blogging for a bit because of the kitchen reno...but when inspiration hits, you just *have* to make something, KWIM? Besides, there's not much else you can do at 9pm when the boys are asleep and your DH is scraping 'popcorn' off the ceiling (that's my story, and I'm stickin' to it!)

This is a card for today's Unity Junkies challenge in the Unity forum...Carole picked this week, and here is her challenge: "As well as being thanksgiving, it's my son's 13th Birthday on Friday and his favourite colours are red and white (for Liverpool football club) ...so this weeks challenge is a red and white 'thankful' card". And here is what I came up with:
Isn't that lollipop flower a-dorable? I found a tutorial on how to make them last night on Label Tulip (check out this post: Scrap Love). So first I made the flower, then grabbed a half-sheet of Real Red to make my base (it's a standard 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" A2-sized card). I stamped Distressed Dots onto the top portion of the card, and stamped the sentiment at the bottom using Stazon Jet Black. Then I dug around in my scraps and found the white and black card stock pieces. I adhered them together, and tied a black and white gingham ribbon around them, and attached the panel to the card. Then I attached my flower, using foam tape. Really, it was a rather CAS card, including the making of the flower. I think I may make a bunch of them in my favorite colors just to have on hand for these kind of cards! *wink*

Thanks for stopping by today! Be sure to check out the challenge thread to see who else is playing!
~Michelle

Supplies used:
Paper: Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White CS (SU!)
Ink: Stazon Jet Black (Tsukineko)
Stamps: Distressed Dots, September KOTM (Unity Stamp Co.)
Other: 'Pearl' Adirondack Paint Dabber (Ranger Industries); foam tape (3M); ribbon (JoAnn's); brad (unknown)

And so it begins...

2008-11-24T14:59:00.000-08:00

Here's what my kitchen now looks like, after some seriously hard work this morning by my DH and his dad:You don't even want to see what the rest of the house looks like, now that a makeshift kitchen and our dining set are stuffed into our living room.... *sigh*

So, just to let you know...don't count on me having much to post in the next few days/weeks. (Sorry!) There is just too much else to do, and never enough time to do it all!

And also a reminder: Everything this week for Unity is moved up a day because of Thanksgiving. The customer challenge (usually posted on Wednesday) will be on Tuesday, and Hip Hop Thursday will be on Wednesday. Make sure you check out the Unity blog to see who's playing the challenge tomorrow, and to check out the happenings on Wednesday for Hip Hop! *wink*

Hope you have a wonderful week! Thanks for stopping by!
~Michelle