I was bored...

The other day, I had to drive my husband to meet a friend for a tour of her new office, followed by lunch. Now, I could have tagged along, but really didn't want to listen to a looooong discussion on how horrible the world is, and that politicians and big business are all evil and corrupt. But I knew sitting in the parking lot, just waiting in my car, would be way too boring. So I went shopping! How terrible, right?! LOL. I didn't bust the budget, but sure could have! Picked up some glue dots, tape refills, and a few 'extras'...gotta have a little fun, after all! One of those 'extras' was a package of Recollections Stickers from Michaels. They looked like the designs I used to scribble in my high school note books when I was bored. (There's that word again!) Say....these would be perfect for the Addicted to CAS Challenge! I had a ping, right then and there in the store!!! So without one bit of hesitation, I picked up a package and popped it into my basket. And one of those stickers has made its way onto the card I'm about to show you.

Had a bit of fun making this card, I have to say!

Isn't it the funnest sticker ever?! I stenciled the brick wall behind the sticker by own darn self! Used a mixture of MME Smoke ink (soooo love that stuff!), and some Ranger Potting Soil. I cut both the circle, and  the brick overlay using my Cameo. The sentiment is from PTI (love), and AE (you). Traced the inside of the circle just for emphasis. EZPZ. Lots of white space so you zoom right in on that sticker too. And now I'm off, running some errands and then it's back to the craft room. Happy dances everyone! : )

Missing the grandchildren

DH and I have a large family. Seven out of our eight children are married, and all have children. Too many of our kids and grandkids live out of town, and boy howdy, do I miss them!! We'll make the two hour journey to Madison on Saturday to watch Lily in her ballet recital, and see her brothers and sister, and we're very excited to go! Lunch with them all afterward, and lots of love and laughter I'm sure. Two more sons and their families live a bit further -- the Twin Cities. It's harder to get there on a regular basis. So I tend to send cards to the little ones. They love getting their own mail, and besides sending cards at the holidays, I like to send them cards when they're not expecting them! I've made a trio of mini cards that will go out tomorrow.

Lawn Fawn makes such sweet stamps, and they are perfect for the little one's cards. I was so inspired by this Lawnscaping Challenge #80, which is all about the minis. It didn't take long for me to come up with three little cards for three special little people.

This first one is for the big brother:

Love how this one turned out! Measuring 3x3, the base is a scrap of cardstock, but come to think of it, all the paper is from my scrapbox! I used LF dies to make the clouds, and the sun (it's two stars glued together), and only LF stamps. A red Copic for our flying friend, and some Jeni Bowlin ink. Oh, and one SC brilliant yellow sequin on the sun.

Next up is for the middle child:

I'm pretty sure she'll get a kick out of this. It's also mini, about a 3.5" circle card. The double sided dp is from Pink Paiselee. Not sure what the green base is, sorry. All LF stamps. SU black ink, and a couple of copics to make lemon meringue pie. I masked and combined a couple of stamps to make the "sweetie". I cut the card shape, and the scalloped circles with my Cameo. Popped up the pie and the whipped cream has some Wink of Stella on it, but as you all know, it doesn't photograph well.

Lastly, is for the baby of this family. She's 2 1/2, and I have to tell you how sweet and smart she is! She's memorized  John 3:16, and mommy got it on video, which she posted to FB. Made tears well up in my eyes. Don't know who I'm more proud of, Miss Girl, or her faithful parents. (Giving silent thanks here) So, in order to jot a bit of something inside, and get them ready for the mail, I'm going to run after you see her card. 

All I did for this card, was to use LF's Quinn's ABCs, stamped in MME Smoke ink, then colored them with various Copics. One little popped up sticker from K & Co. Other than the Neenah white base and panel, that's it. Happy dances everyone!

Another Shaker Card

I couldn't stop at just one shaker card...They are just so much fun to make and give away. Have you popped over to Paulina's blog to check out this hop? Here's her link: Pretty Pink Posh. Wow. So many wonderful shakers all in one place! And think about playing along...it will run until Monday just before midnight PST so you still have time to join in the fun. This little card took less than an hour to make...honestly! Of course I'd been planning it in my little head since yesterday...so with all the planning, it was pretty easy to pop together.

Went with a baby card for this card.

I'm just loving this one! I created a ton of dimension with the MFT die; I cut several layers and topped it with a green scrap. The stamps are from Gina K., except for the sentiment which is an old SU. The gray ink is MME, and the black is SU. I found some antique border stickers in my stash and cut them down to size. The green striped paper is from a tablet made by EP. And those sweet little star sequins are from SC. Oh, and the bear's paper is from a scrap about 2x2" found on my desk...go figure...Happy dances everyone.

Sequin Shaker Blog Hop - Pretty Pink Posh

There are some types of cards that I've been afraid to try. Shaker cards are not one of them!! Check out the how-to video Paulina has on her blog if you're a bit intimidated, and you'll see just how easy shaker cards are to make! And hey, if I can do it, anybody can, lol!! Scoot on over to Pretty Pink Posh, and see the amazing creations already up, check out the sponsors, and leave a little love for the sweet and generous Miss Paulina! This is going to be one fun hop!

Naturally I have a card...

This went together fairly quickly, and without too many glitches. Only wish it would have photographed a little better; the colors are sooo much more rich irl! A Neenah white base, and all the rest of the papers are from my scrap boxes. Various sequins, a portion of an acetate sheet, a bit of twine from the Twinery, Clear and Simple Stamps for the sentiment, and some pink Versa Color ink. I cut the bubble gum machine out using my Cameo. The blue and the pink panels were cut with MME dies. And that's it. So go do some happy dances, and head on over to Pretty Pink Posh!

One More Go

Things got off to a slow start with me and The Card Concept Challenge. The theme, as you know, is "Umbrella." A very focused theme, and a true challenge! Before I made my first card (see this post), I did lots of thinking. Then Voila! Ping! Another card popped right into my brain! This second card of mine still has an umbrella, but this one is even more "out of the box!"

It makes me chuckle...

A teeny-tiny drink umbrella in a tropical drinky-pooh. If I hadn't stamped the umbrella on a smidge of dp and fussy cut it, it would be a one-layer card. Neenah white base, the stars, sentiment and umbrella are stamps from Skipping Stones, and the glass is from Clear and Simple stamps. SU black ink, Studio G aqua and pink inks, and MME Smoke ink. I traced the stars with my Wink of Stella, then sprinkled some MS glitter on them. 

Tomorrow marks a fun blog hop over at Pretty Pink Posh. I'm hoping to add the graphic to my sidebar but will also make a clickable link within this post. Very excited for Paulina about this. She's one of the sweetest crafters in blogland. It's all about making Sequin Shakers, and Paulina will have a linky-widget for us all to post our creations on her blog! She's got tons of sponsors, and prizes! The hop runs from tomorrow beginning at 6 a.m., PST, and goes until 11:55 p.m., PST on Monday April, 28th. Be sure to get your creative juices flowing and join in the fun!

On a Roll

It's mid afternoon and I'm on a roll. I'll get supper started pretty soon, then it feels like I should play some more in my craft room. But for the moment, I'll post these cards, and then decide what to make next. I've got cards for a few challenges, but the one I wanted to get done first was the "Far Away" challenge over at Addicted to CAS. My dear friend Anita is Guest Designer there, and so I wanted to be sure to jump in on that one. I've also got a card for CASology, and one for The Card Concept.

Up first, is my card for ATCAS

It's a square card and in case you can't tell what this is, it's an airplane...or at least a section of one. The sentiment inside reads, "Let your dreams take flight". I cut the plane tile using my Cameo, and inserted shiny silver paper (from Michaels) under the body of the plane. Here it looks green because of the reflection of my living room walls. There is a snippet of blue for the sky and some MB die cut clouds. The gray paper is also just a scrap. 

Next is the card for CASology:

Talk about CAS...this was sooooo fast. I had made another card, but once I looked at it with a critical eye, it just wasn't CAS enough. Back to the drawing board....And while searching for something completely different in my flower sticker box, I ran across these. They're from Sticko. A sentiment from MFT done in Colorbox silver ink, and TaDa! Done!

And the last card for this post will go into the Card Concept Challenge. Had to think hard for this one. I wanted to be different. First, I thought I'd use up all my little flowers with the rhinestones on them, you know, cover the whole umbrella...nah...(I think Mr. Mojo was trying to be snotty on that one...). But how to use an umbrella in a 'different' way... It's not CAS, or CAG, I think it's a CAL card. See what I came up with...

I cut everything with my Cameo once again. The stamp is from Lawn Fawn and I used some Studio G ink. The 'room' was drawn with an SU water color pencil. Scraps for everything except for the base, which is Gina K. kraft. So that's it for me for this post. (I do have another card, which I'm totally in love with, but am saving that for a special occasion later this summer) Five cards before 3:00, is enough for now. So with that, go watch the rest of the Cubs game as they celebrate 100 years at Wrigley Field today. Or just do a little happy dance! 

Beating a couple of things....

The first thing I'm beating today, is Mr. Mojo. He hasn't been cooperating the last couple of days, so I reiterated my ultimatum from a few posts back. Either he shows up, or I punish him by cleaning the basement and NO crafting! He pouted. He dug his heels in. He crossed his arms and turned away. However...He forgot who he was dealing with! I finally wrenched out a card that I'm happy with. We'll keep going and make another attempt yet this afternoon. After I go pick up my car from the dealers, and stop at JoAnne Fabric for some black thread.

The second thing I'm beating is the deadline over at TIME OUT Challenge. Wanted to play earlier, but with the holiday prepping, and the stubbornness of Mr. Mojo, things didn't gel until today. The theme is to make a birthday card, with or without the optional twist of making it masculine. Done and done! This one goes to Joe, our second oldest son, and the younger of the twins. I first made one for his twin, Tom, but it pretty much sucked (thanks Mr. not-so Mojo!), so I'll redo his later. Joe's actually turned out.

And I want to convey my sister Sue's thanks to you for the wonderful wishes on her birthday. She was so touched by your kindness! I'll add my thanks too. You're the best!

Every single piece of paper for this card came from my scrap box. Except for the Neenah white base, which you can't see. The flag shapes, and the oval shapes were all cut with my Cameo. The stamp is an old one from SU, and the navy ink is Jenny Bowlin. Some CTMH brads and that's it! And although the tan paper looks textured, it's perfectly flat. Love the look. Happy dances everyone.

Happy Birthday SUE!!!

Today is my best friend's birthday. She also happens to be my sister. My OLDER sister....hahaha, Sue! There are so many wonderful things about who she is and what she does...I don't even know how I could even begin to tell you about her, because there aren't enough words that can fully describe her, and no blog could ever hold all I love I feel for her.

She makes the best Potato Salad in the world. And one of my personal favorite treats, German Chocolate Bars. Sue is an excellent cook! She does flowers, crafts and scrapbooks. Not only did I get her addicted to scrapbooking, but I've also enabled her card making habit too! I got her started, but the student has surpassed the master! She has the kind of house that the minute you walk in the door, it feels like home. Her home decorating skills would make most interior decorators envious. But it's not about what's placed in her home, but how her very presence makes everybody comfortable and loved. And don't get me started about how she takes care of everyone from our dad, to her children, grandchildren, family members, and friends. Sue is fun, funny, sweet and all the most excellent of adjectives you can think of! She is a genuine, loving person. I love her dearly. Can't tell you how richly I am blessed to have her as my sister. So happy birthday, Sue. This one's for you.

You know I couldn't celebrate without a little party...so here we go. We'll start with some party settings...

Now I know that this looks like a baby's party, but this could have been Sue and I a "few" years back. And Sue's hair would be blond...I'd be the one going after the cake...

Since it's a party, we have to have a few beverages, and some snacks. Her favorite is raspberry, so I thought we'd start with those luscious floating raspberry drinky-poohs.

And we'll need a birthday cake or two....









And some special presents!! I picked these out just for you, Sue!

Since your current craft room is a blank canvas, I thought one of these would make the perfect gift:

Next up is a blue jacket. You'll notice the blue checks on the cuffs. It's the best I could do to replicate the one that I "stole" from you all those years ago...

Diamonds are April's birthstone, lucky duck, and since I know you're fond of snowflakes, I thought this would be just the ticket:

Something cool to put your iPod on while you craft....





A planter for your back deck, figured you'd like this one....

And last but not least, a few more crocks to add to your collection:

Now all I have to do is win the lottery so I can give you all these things. In the meantime, you have my love and my best wishes for the happiest birthday so far. You're the best.

Sunday Morning Sweethearts...

You probably know that I teach Sunday school, and direct our Children's Choir. My class ranges in age from three-year olds to kindergartners. They are naturally funny. Little Miss H., who is three, came down to the fellowship hall where I was sharpening colored pencils for one of our crafts. She's dressed all pretty in a little white dress with a full tulle skirt. She looks up at me and clear out of the blue says, "I don't have to listen to you!" I wanted to bust out laughing, but instead said, "Oh...why not?" Little Miss H. says, "Because I'm a princess!"   Can't argue much with that! I've been laughing about it ever since!

I actually do have a card. Started it yesterday and finished it up after church. It's going over to the Lawnscaping Challenge, where we're to try a new technique. Didn't figure I'd play with this one, but as it turns out, I'm getting more brave these last few days, at least as far as trying new things in papercrafting.  My last two cards involved stenciling, which was a new technique for me, but since I've already posted cards with stenciling, I thought I'd branch out. I've got one here with embossing paste. Well....sort of... I didn't have any of the real stuff, so I took a hint from dear friend, Anita, and used some spackle, which I tinted. To mix the color in, I grabbed a disposable knife. Loved the ridges it left in the mixing process, so decided to go with it on the card. You'll see...

Here 'tis:

Don't the stars look like corduroy? Love how they turned out! All the stamps are from LF. Black SU ink, MS chunky white glitter. Scraps of yellow and blue card stock (yay!), and a Neenah white base. And since I'm behind on commenting, and emails, I've got to run for this afternoon. Happy Palm Sunday everyone!

ETA: Anita (dear friend that you are!...) let me know I should link up to the Colour Me Challenge. So will do! Thanks, Anita!!

A Little Something for Muse

This week's Muse over at the Muse challenge, is none other than Vicki Dutcher. She has a beautiful card posted with the most vibrant red colors. Ever since I was a little girl, I've been drawn to reds, and my sister Sue to blues. Once, when I was 10, mom and dad took us to Target for new spring jackets. Sue liked the blue checked one, and just to be contrary, I pleaded with mom to let ME have it. I must have been a real stinker in the store because I walked away with the blue checked jacket, and Sue was stuck with the red one. I knew that eventually the red one would be mine too! Best of both worlds! Poor Sue, though... Blue was her favorite color back then, and she looked really pretty in it. I stole that from her. Decades have passed, but I've never forgotten that incident. It must have made an impression on me, because I don't think I ever stole her color again. And I still love red. So when I saw Vicki's card, I was drawn to it immediately. Unfortunately, a design was not forthcoming. It took Mr. Mojo TWO days to come up with something. Creep! Well, I fixed his wagon! Either he cooperated, or there would be no more cards this weekend; I'd clean the basement instead! Ha! It worked!!! Fix your eyes first on Vicki's card:

Isn't that just rich?! Gorgeous!! For my card, I naturally went with red, but if you look at her roses, you'll see a smidge of brownish, and also some green. So I pulled those colors too.

I wish you could see this irl... the flower circle is more rich than it looks in the photo. I had sitting on my desk this circle which I had cut with my Cameo for weeks. I pulled it out in defiance of Mr. Mojo, popped it up on the Neenah white panel, grabbed a couple of ink pads (Colorbox & Studio G), and my finger daubers. Rather than try to dab the spaces in between the flower and leaves, I used an SU brown water color pencil and filled in the areas. Then I painted with my blender pen. Love the texture it gave! The font is Upper East Side, and is computer generated. Some Michaels' ribbon, and done. Now because I've lived dangerously and used a stencil, I'm also going to add this card to Virginia's View. And there you have it. Happy dances everyone!!

One small step...

I've tried stenciling. I totally sucked at it. I mean really, really sucked at it. The stencils moved, the inks were uneven, the colors stunk, and the whole image looked AWFUL. What a waste of paper, or so I thought. There were sooooooo many gorgeous stenciled cards out there, and I was longing to give it another go. Then (duh!) I started watching some of the stenciling videos. (Oh Laura Bassen, you are a saint!) Was there hope for me???? And I started remembering things too...like Geri's advice: "Start your project with clean hands." And the carpenter's or cook's rule: "Use the right tool for the right job." Hmmmmm.... Sometimes, making do with what you've got just doesn't cut it. So I thought I might try this stencil thing again. Especially after seeing what was up on Virginia's View Challenge. Oh what the heck! After a morning's running errands with DH, and a trip to Michaels for some PROPER supplies, I got to thinking that it just might work. Then....I got ambitious. Not a good idea for a beginner. You won't see my first card here. It's not as bad as it could be, but it's something I want to use as a comparison when my stenciling gets better. Maybe later I'll post it. (But don't hold your breath...)

Decided to go with a simple, yet appealing to me stencil. I cut a journal card with my Cameo on some cardstock, after enlarging it a bit. Added some bits and bobs, and there you have it:

Simple stencil. Worked for me. Neenah white base, Studio G ink for the stencil, Ranger ink with the N&T "you are" part of my sentiment. SU flower and leaf, MME enamel dots, and SC sequins. The pinks are a pretty medium color, but look almost orange or 'hot' in the photo. So sorry.... It's a sweet card irl. And just in case you're interested, you can see my first post of today here. Happy dances everyone.

Squeaking In

With less than two hours to go for the current Curtain Call Challenge, I actually have a card. I finished it yesterday, but had so much going on that I had to wait to post it until this morning. So will cut to the chase, no chatter this morning.

And mine in non-traditional colors:

Neenah white base, with a scrap of dp, and scraps of orange and green. The onsies stamps are from Newtons Nook, the sentiment from SU. Black SU ink, and Copic markers on the onsies. Red, blue and orange sequins, and a bit of KF twine for the clothesline. The frame was cut with an MFT die.

And while I'm here, I might as well add the second card. One for The Card Concept Challenge. Using a chipboard butterfly, I kept this one simple. Not CAS, but more clean and layered...I think.

And my butterfly looks like this:

Again a Neenah white base, a Gina K. woodgrain textured panel, three little pearls, a scrap of green ribbon, a PTI sentiment and some Ranger green ink. EZPZ. I don't remember who made the butterfly, sorry. It really looks pretty irl. So before I'm off and running AGAIN today, happy dances everyone.