Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Shadow Box Card

Ooh, what a gloomy day here in England. Perfect day to make cards, which was difficult with a 75-lb dog practically on your lap. EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) crew were blowing up a few things on our base today, needless to say, Rocky wasn't a fan of the 3-4 loud blasts, and crammed in my room with me. (If you saw my closet, you would understand...pics to come once it's photo ready!) Anywho...

This weeks challenge over at Hand Stamped Sentiments was a Shadow Box Technique challenge. Let me just tell you that this was about the easiest card I've ever made, came out beautifully, and will be making them again for sure!!!!

So, for directions on this project, I naturally popped on by Dawn Griffith's blog ( I just noticed the card in the ad above is a Dawn Griffith card!) where she has the most amazing project videos. You can find all the directions and measurements there as well. She is the first place I go for any directions or inspiration for a project.  She makes it so easy!

So, here is my card!

 I used SU's Elements of Style set, Baja Breeze and Wisper white paper, Baja Breeze, Soft Suede, Jet Black Staz On,  and Pear Pizazz inks. Some Dazzling diamonds for that little extra sparkle and Very Vanilla seam binding ribbon.

Thanks for stopping in today! Have a scrap-tastic day!!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Its a Zoo Mashup!





Finally a slow week in our household....time for craftiness!!! YAY! Yesterday was spent playing catch-up on my cleaning around the house. I forgot what happens when you are gone all day for the week. I feel for you full time workers! (I'll go back, one day)

So, this week's mash-up challenge is the Zoo. I used a CTMH 'It's a Zoo' set, but had a hard time really coming up with something.  Then when I did, I changed it all together. Funny how that works. Here is what I came up with:




 I'm loving this monkey, he's just hangin' around!









  These are a few cropped shots of the inside. I forgot to take a picture before writing in the card. I'll be sending this one away to my nephew in Louisiana.
 This hippo would've looked better in a solid color, but I wanted to make him look muddy....
 Have a scrap-tastic day!  I'm off to work on another challenge!!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

8 Pocket Tag Book

Pfew, what a busy day! Our Elementary School is having it's bookfair this week and because I'm the PTO president, I try to show max participation in our volunteer department. Speaking of books, I made this cute 8 pocket tag book at our last club meeting at Mrs. Kathy's! Isn't it darling??  She and some friends went to a crafting event in the Isle of Wright here in the UK and learned how to make these.  What's nice is that it can be very easily adapted for any of life's joys, a brag book, a gift, add some pics and send to the family? Or maybe while a loved one away is on a deployment or a teacher? So cute and easy!


I'm choosing to add mine to the Hand Stamped Sentiments challenge this week!

The last 2 weeks for this challenge has been easy-peasy since I recently made items that applied to their challenges! Can you believe that the base of this book was made from one 12x12 of card stock! Then it was probably another sheet of 12x12, then DSP.  A-dorable.  Mine is blank still since I don't know what I'll be doing with it!

 If you are interested, I haven't formally typed up the directions, but I did take a picture of the posted directions at the club!  Make sure to read the note at the top about not using textured card stock, it breaks from all the scoring and folding, and the smooth just holds up better.
Once you fold the 2" sides in, you then accordion fold the card and glue together the backs that face each other. (I attached a picture below that may be a little more help, although it may not be all that pleasing to the eye.)

Also, the directions say to make 8 decorative squares cut at 2 1/2x 3 1/2 -cut 10-so there is one for the front and back.  These will layer on the 10 solid pieces of card stock for each pocket.  Some of the little pockets will be open on some of the outsides, if you are going to adhere them, use a very THIN line of glue or sticky strip, and I suggest doing this AFTER your book is all folded and inside pockets decorated, so that the tags and layered DSP with card stock fit in there properly.  I used staples as you may see in the above photo.

Let me know if you have any questions! Have a scrap-tastic day!!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

A Sweet Celebration

Wow, I'm on a card-making roll these last few days!! This card here is inspired by one I made this summer at Kendra's Inky Fingers card club. Its so cute, I changed it up to more girly colors for my mother-in-law's birthday! I used Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla, Baja Breeze, So Saffron, and Crumb Cake for the cones. So pretty!


Sorry that its a bright picture. Its evening and I have terrible lighting.  I also used the Tulip Border embossing folder for the bottom edging. Just needed a little something without being so overboard. Plus, I didn't want to make a complete cookie-cutter card.

Here is mine paired up with the original. (That was Evan's that he made at the club)  Evan was a frequent visitor at our card club this summer, Dad was working or had something going on, so it was just easier for Evan to hang out and craft.  He really had a good time, and sometimes turned out better projects! I'll tell you that he can eyeball the 2-set Stampin' sets with amazing accuracy.  Me, because I'm stubborn and convinced I can do it without the Stamp-a-ma-jig, are all off. Anywho, Hope you enjoyed today's post!

Have a scrap-tastic day!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Annie's Birthday

Good morning! I made this as part of my crafty Friday! Here is a birthday card I made for my best friend from kindergarten, Annie.  Her 28th birthday is fast approaching and I needed to get in gear to get it mailed on time!


I wanted to keep this as simple and elegant as I could. But, its hard when you are used to adding lots of cutsies! I used Elegant Eggplant, Melon Mambo, and River Rock just like my SU Color Coach said to. (Sometimes I doubt that thing, but rarely do I ever have anything bad turn out. If I do, its from my own doing.)  I ran the strip of River Rock through my crimper, doubled up the Very Vanilla seam binding and tied it with twine. I framed the 'stamp' stamp (lol) with Baja Breeze and distressed it a bit. I also used the Circle Circus stamp set for the bubbly look in Melon Mambo on the same colored paper, just to add a little umph to it. The 'just for you' is from the Sock Monkey stamp set.

I have no idea the origin of the Butterfly Stamp set, I picked it up at a local thrift store. I believe it's an SU oldie, but can't be sure. The set came in one of the SU plastic cases that the wood mounts come in, but the previous owner didn't label it. There are a bunch of vintag-y stamps in there and is a real pretty set. If you know its origins, feel free to let me know!

Have a scrap-tastic day!

Friday, March 18, 2011

Mash Up 36!

Good morning! Today, I dedicated my Friday to being crafty and it was amazing! So, this friday mash-up was just what I needed to get my mojo going!






I was feeling woodsy and natural, so here's my take:

I'm really pleased with how this turned out! I used the Good Neighbor 6x6 paper pack that was I believe a SAB freebie or was in the 2010 Spring Occasions Mini. I can't quite remember, but I love it just the same! The trees are a Close to My Heart (I know, I know) but, when I love a set, I do occasionally purchase from other companies. This is the My Acrilix Hook Line and Sinker set (Its cute, for the outdoorsy boys in your life!) and are stamped in Old Olive and Early Expresso.

The 'I heart nature' is from the SU Go Green set. An Early Expresso ribbon and some twine tie this card off beautifully...oh, and a wee butterfly in the tree!

Have a scrap-tastic day!!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Mash Up 35

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I've been working on this, then had a creative slump. Then today, my Stampin' Success Magazine arrived just in the nick of time! So here is my card! I used Baja Breeze (my new FAVE!) Poppy Parade and So Saffron. I also used a corduroy brad in Crumb Cake and Pear Pizazz for the leaves and a white ribbon. Hope you enjoy!


If you're a SU Demo, you probably saw the "Awash with Flowers" card listed on page 19. So cool! If you're not a demo, I used the 4 petal flower outline (because there is a double-set) and stamped it three times. I cut them out and colored them, then layered them to make a full flower! Added the corduroy brad (because of what I have that looked the best) I also added some dazzling diamonds to make the flower dewy.

Have a scrap-tastic day!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Terrific Tuesday

Today had one of those starts only a mother could appreciate.  Evan's Tupperware Sandwich keeper was crushed in his lunchbox (don't ask how) and those things are pretty durable. The furniture repair person didn't show up (they claimed they called) and while cooking dinner, my favorite year old deep dish baker cracked while roasting a chicken!

But, there are ALWAYS perks! I talked to my amazing friend Belinda, who moved to Germany last summer. (we talk ALL the time...one of those friends who is always on the same wavelength. You all know what I'm talking about.)  We also received our itinerary to move to Alaska! (with a pit stop to visit friends and family along the way) And I got to be crafty while watching the Today show!  Turned out to be a pretty great day! To top things off, the t-shirt company that has been neglecting me, finally got back to me with the last purchase invoice! YAY! The final thing to check off of my PTO checklist. Hey, you gotta stay positive, right!!

Anyway, on the the card! Sorry for the terrible picture.


I thought I would visit Mojo Monday for some inspiration. I attempted to use this sketch:

Changed it a slight bit, and originally had the ribbon stripe down the side, but didn't like it, and also moved the sentiment. I love this stamp set (pedaling past from the SU Summer Mini) and always want to use it for a masculine card, but it never turns out quite right.

I really love the flower! (Thanks again, Mrs. Belinda!) It was so easy to make! Punch out four scallops in any shape, stack them and punch a whole in the center. Crunch them up in your hands like they are garbage! (recycling of course!) Then put a brad in through the whole in the center and fluff it up a bit. Cute, eh?

Have a scrap (and stamp) -tastic day!