One More Card

Here's the card that was being extremely uncooperative this morning.  I have to say - I'm not a big fan.  I used this bird during craft weekend and ended up giving the card to my friend.  I'm going to keep plugging away at this bird until I'm satisfied - God help me.  I hope everyone had a great day.  Until then...Happy Crafting!

MIA

I'm sorry I've been MIA this week.  Life seems to be getting in the way of my creativity right now and the blog has also suffered.  I have something big I need to take care of in the next few days.  I should be blogging back at full force by next Tuesday.  Here's hoping.  I am finally posting the cards from last weekend.  I also got the Basic Grey Cakey set in the mail yesterday.  I'm very excited.  I hope everyone has a wonderful Friday & weekend.  Until then...Happy Crafting!

BTW: Only one photo would cooperate.  I will try to make time to post the other card over the weekend!

Monday Madness

It's very early Monday morning and I can't hold my excitement until later.  Recently - my sister and I were looking online for the t-shirt "Make Cupcakes Not War."  During our search, we found two super cool shirts, "Keep Calm and have a Cupcake" and "With Cupcakes and Xanax You Can Conquer the World."  We loved both slogans so much.  I immediately started to look for a stamp set for the first slogan and came up empty.  Saturday (after a trip to Archivers) I found the cutest Finally Friday video by Kristina Werner on Two Peas and a Bucket's channel on You Tube.  And...what do you know!  There's my slogan - Keep Calm and Eat a Cupcake.  I immediately ordered the Cake Bitsy set by Basic Grey from scrapbook.com (2 peas was out).  I can't wait to have this new set.  So there it is - another perfect find - another great product for Monday Madness.  I absolutely can't wait until I can show you some cards with this set.  I hope everyone has a great Monday!  I will post a few projects this afternoon.  Until then...Happy Crafting!

BTW: Attention Family!  I'm not still awake - I just woke up in the middle of the night.  :)

Tired

It's been a pretty busy weekend.  I don't have any cards to post today - however, there will be some posted tomorrow afternoon. I'm so tired now that I'm just biding my time until I can go to bed.  That being said - I hate that feeling on a Sunday night (wishing for bedtime).  I want to try and enjoy every last moment of the weekend.  So here's to a few more hours of the weekend.  I'll have crafty goodness in tomorrow's post.  I hope everyone has had a nice weekend.  Until then...Happy Crafting.

It's Been a Long Day

Today was a long day.  I worked a modified day and am super tired.  I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be a pleasant person if I had to work midnights or swing.  God bless anyone able to work those hours.  So - instead of whining - I wanted to share a card I did this morning.  It's for another challenge site - Mojo Monday.  In case anyone is wondering, I love using challenges as a starting point.  It gives me the structured environment I need to be creative.  I sometimes have greater difficulties when I have infinite possibilities before me.  Challenges work for me.  They are conducive to my creativity.  Eventually - I hope to be able to start from scratch without getting down on myself.  For now - I will do mostly challenges unless my creativity drives me elsewhere.  I hope everyone had a wonderful Thursday.  Until then...Happy Crafting.

BTW: The scrapbooking the single life posts have been pushed back.  I will begin these posts the first week of November.

Reading Corner

I really debated skipping the Reading Corner this week.  It's not at ALL about not feeling excited about the book this week.  It's more about being dead dog tired.  Since I've found that skipping posts is a slippery slope - I've decided to go on with it.  I'm very excited to announce that Elizabeth Kartcher has written a follow up to Elsie Flannigan's 52 Scrapbooking Challenges.  The new book, called ( you guessed it) 52 More Scrapbooking Challenges is coming out November 1st.  I'm sure most of you have realized that I love challenges of all kinds.  I think I should maybe write a card challenge book - wouldn't that be great? Or, even better, how about one of those famous card makers write a card challenge book.  I already have some people in mind!  I digress, I have big plans to pre-order this book over the weekend.  I'll post more information when this little gem is in my hand.  For now, you can find a sneak peek here on the CK website.

In these economic times, it's important to cut costs.  Yes, I just said it was important to cut costs for those of you who know me way too well.  I have found that using Amazon Marketplace is a big saver.  I have found at least three craft books with prices ranging from $0.91 to $4.99 for brand new craft books ranging from $19.99 to $24.99.  Just a tip for those people crazy about craft books and about staying on budget.  Personally, I can't get enough of craft books - love them so much.  In case anyone is wondering, my downfall comes in the fact that I want four cheap books and the full price newer book.  Not a good idea at all.  I hope everyone had a nice day.  I have a date with Bumblebee tonight (the new movie just came out).  So until then...Happy Reading. 

Monday Madness

This weekend, I felt a little stressed about what products I was going to present for Monday Madness.  I think this is a telltale sign that I've spent way too much money in the past few weeks.  I have a few patterned papers that I'm coveting right now and a few books (more on that tomorrow) - but I've been really struggling with other products.  Enter My Favorite Things stamp company.  I'm absolutely in love with their stamps.  They are good quality and allow me to represent different ethnic groups in my cards.   Since diversity is a big part of my process when picking stamps with people - they are definitely one of the best companies out there.  I found a cornucopia of amazing products and want to share a few with you today.  I hope you enjoy the stamps and have a rockin' Monday.  Until then...Happy Crafting.

Coffee/Tea?

Stephanie Fizer - Grow Love Plant a Tree

 Reading Flopsey

Stephanie Fizer - An Owl for All Seasons

BTW: I absolutely love the last set.  I love the look of the owls!

It's All About the Challenge

It's Sunday evening and I'm feeling very content with the crafting I have done this weekend.  I love being in this phase of the creativity cycle when my ideas are flowing.  It feels good having my mojo back.  On the other hand - I'm stockpiling a lot of cards.  I think I might need to consider selling them.  I'm just not sure of the best way to do it.  I have completed five cards for five challenges.  It makes me so happy.  So without further ado...here come the cards!

Color Throwdown

*This is a joy fold card.  I found a great tutorial here.  I really hope the addition of orange is okay.

Cinema Saturday Challenge

Mojo Monday

Friday Sketchers

Card Positioning Systems 138

I hope everyone has a lovely week.  I for one am hoping it's goes by quickly and without much notice.  I hope you liked the cards.  Please leave a comment if you have any suggestions for what to do with my ever growing card stash.  Until then...Happy Crafting!

52 Book Challenge

I have great news to report for those of you even remotely interested in my 52 book challenge.  I have FINALLY finished Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.  I have moved on to a new book - Piece of Work by Laura Zigman.  It's been a pretty quick read so far.  I've been obsessing about catching up - so I am changing things yet again.  My new goal is to read 34 books in the 52 week time period.  I picked the number 34 because it is one of my favorite numbers and because it gives me some leeway for larger books and hard reads.  This way - I can veto as much as I flippin want.  Currently, I have read 3 books.  So that's the update.  I hope everyone has a great Saturday!  I will be back tomorrow to post  my take on a few challenges.  Until then...Happy Reading & Crafting.

Craft Weekend #2

Today is going to be short and quick. I'm on the lookout for a new technique so I hope to post some links and a few examples from other crafters (and maybe myself). Today is going to be a pretty low-key day. It's time to get the lead out and start studying for a big exam I have coming up. So - I might start looking at those materials tonight. Fun, heh? I hope everyone has a beautiful Thursday. I'm going to leave you with the remaining cards from Craft Weekend. Until then...Happy Crafting!

Craft Weekend #1

Today I wanted to show a few of the cards I made during my craft weekend. I also thought I'd give a short recap of my craft shopping. My friend and I only went to local scrapbooking stores in the area - which makes me feel a lot better about my spending. In fact, I haven't set foot in a corporate store in about a month. Trust me - that's great for me. The first store we went to was an absolute paper fest. I bought at least 25 pieces of patterned paper including the new Nutmeg line from Cosmo Cricket. I absolutely must have a mini-deck and possibly a larger paper pack from this line. It's that good. I also got pieces of paper from Bo Bunny and Basic Grey. I got the new Rock Candy Distress Crackle from Ranger. I really want the Rock Candy Stickles - I had no luck finding it. At the next store - I got 2 amazing stamps from Hero Arts - 3 birds & Modern Lines. There were more purchases - but these were the most exciting. I'm including photos of four cards I made over the weekend - one using the three birds stamp. I hope everyone has a great Wednesday! Until then...Happy Crafting.

Twisted Tuesday

Hello. It's been a little while - at least longer than I would like. I've been MIA since last Thursday - but it was for a good cause...crafting. I visited a good friend in a neighboring state and got the opportunity to catch up, meet her gorgeous new daughter, and craft. So - I'm back now and I need to make up Monday Madness. So without further ado...
I found this gem while reading my most recent copy of Scrapbook Inspirations. I fell in love with the city scene immediately. The stamp set is from Yellow Owl Workshop. They have five stamp sets available. This is my favorite by far. I'm a big fan of city skylines. I'm also a huge fan of New York City. This stamp set reminds me of all the goodness that can be found in a big city. For those who are curious, the stamp set is in the September 2009 issue. I can't wait to add this set to my ever-growing supplies.


Today's Reading Corner is going to be short and sweet. I read about this book in my Scrapbook Inspirations magazine and am very keen on buying it. The book is by Katherine Duncan Aimone. She has written a number of books on arts & crafts. I own her book, The Art of Jewelry: Polymer Clay. She has a very unique style and tons of projects in her Polymer Clay book. I'm hoping this book follows the same structure. I'm excited to get a look at this book and make a decision about taking it home with me. For me, I never have too many craft books.

I did get some projects done over the weekend. I will be posting those pictures on Wednesday and Thursday. I also plan on introducing a new topic on Thursdays starting next week: scrapping the single/newly married-committed life. I hope to include topics and post layouts. I hope everyone is having a wonderful Tuesday. Until then...Happy Reading & Crafting.

Reminder

I haven't been in to scrapbooking lately - but I thought it would be nice to post a few pages I've done in the last couple of months. It's a good reminder for me and there pages I haven't posted here. So without further ado...




I really love some of these pages - but I really have problems with others. I'm not consistent with my scrapping; and, I think I try to be artsy too much without staying true to the few staples I really like in a page. So after all those pages, I couldn't leave you without a card. Hope you like the layouts/card and have a wonderful Thursday. Until then...Happy Crafting!

Reading Corner

I have to be honest - I wasn't really feeling Reading Corner this week. I had no idea what I was going to write about until I saw Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger at Target. Since The Time Traveler's Wife, I have waited for this author to write another book. I had begun to believe that the sophomore slump had hit and she wouldn't write another novel. And then, I see it - her second novel. Surprisingly - I was able to control myself and I didn't buy the book. Huge gold star for me. I need to wait until it's on paperback. I will be waiting impatiently until it's in my house. I hope everyone has a super nice Tuesday. Until then...Happy Reading!

Make Cupcakes Not War

I was watching Food Network Challenge's "Edible Cities" last night and one of the team leaders (Jorg) had a shirt on with the coolest slogan. Can you guess it? Yep, it said Make Cupcakes Not War and there was a cupcake in the O. I loved that shirt - I love cupcakes and I love the message too.

Ok - so before I get off track let's move on to cupcakes. I believe life looks better after a cupcake. This set is from Papertrey Ink - my new favorite clear stamp company. I love cupcakes - no question about it. I love the mix and match approach used in this set. It's different and provides numerous different options when it comes to stamping. In my opinion, it's another win for Papertrey Ink - as if they need anymore. So - I know some people are visual. If you need a picture of all the stampy goodness that can come from this set, take a look here, here, here, and here. Hope you enjoy the pictures of this rockin' stamp set.

In other news - my sister has told me it's crap to give myself extra time on Pride and Prejudice and Zombies - so I'm overdue. I need to kick it into high gear and get done. I think I'm going to choose a longer book to try and catch up if I ever get done with PPZ. So that's it for today. I hope everyone has a super nice Monday. Until then...Happy Crafting!

Sunday Challenge

Good evening all. It's Sunday night and I'm pretty excited with the two cards I made today. Two cards/Two Challenges - not too shabby for a girl that was tapped out just last week. I'm pretty excited to be in the inspiration phase and am looking so forward to this Friday when I'm going on another craft excursion to my friend Monica's house. And the best part - I get to meet her "new" baby. Her daughter is 3 1/2 months old now - still pretty new to the world and brand new to me. Just can't wait to see the WB family.

In other news - I'm changing the rules to 52 Book Challenge just a little. First, I am allowing myself one veto per month. A veto will be used for a book I can't stand. However, I'm still responsible for reading a book that week. Second, I am allowing myself two weeks to read any book that is a classic or has classical language (such as Pride and Prejudice and Zombies) that is up to 400 pages. Anything longer than that and I honestly will NOT be reading it. Third, an additional week can be added for small print. Lastly, an additional week can be added if there is weekend travel. I know - a lot of changes. But it's gotta make sense to me. And those rules make sense. Plus I get an additional week for PPZ which I desperately need. So on to the cards.

Mojo Monday Challenge

For those who are interested, the bicycle and sentiment stamps are from Papertrey Ink's Everyday Button Bits set. The paper line is Indian Summer from Basic Grey and the buttons are unknown. I believe the cardstock is Making Memories. I found MM's cardstock at Michael's in California and have never seen it since. It is my absolute fave.

Color ThrowdownI had a hard time with this card - and it's definitely got some flaws - but I like it overall. I'm not sure who the manufacturer is for the patterned paper. The green cardstock is from Basic Grey. The transparency is from Hambly Studios; and, the couch and sentiment is from the On My Couch set at Papertrey Ink.

So that's it for now. I hope everyone's week is spectacular! Until then...Happy Crafting!

World Cardmaking Day - Challenge #7

I'm done! Well...at least done for the day. I had some major mishaps with this card. Black ink smudging my FINISHED image - colored and all. Trying to ground the tree with very unappealing results. So - I tried to make some adjustments to make the card better - and I can say I don't feel like it's a total loss - but I've done a lot better at executing a design. But I won't beat myself up - because I made six cards today AND finished fifty pages of my book for this week. Mind you I need to read over 150 tomorrow but I'm hopeful! So that's it for today. Happy World Card Making Day to everyone!

BTW: I might have one more card coming tomorrow - have an idea for Halloween - oh, dreaded Halloween.

100th Post & Challenge #6

I can't even believe it! This is my 100th post and I'm so happy to be sticking with this new chapter in my creativity. I guess it's not so new anymore. There have been some rough patches, but it's great to come out on the other side with new found joy in all things crafty. I'm also happy that my 100th post is on World Card Making Day. I'm also glad my 100th post includes this card from the Papertrey Ink Everyday Button Bits set. I showcased it in a previous Monday Madness and it arrived today. I hope everyone likes the card. I had a lot of fun rockin' it out!

World Cardmaking Day - Challenge #5

Challenge #5 was all about finding inspiration from magazine ads, fashion, and home decor. One of the ads - used my favorite color scheme, teal, robin's egg, chartreuse, etc. I decided I needed to push the envelope a little more - so I chose the red dress and leather purse. Something about these two items reminded me of distress inks - so I took this opportunity to try out one of my new stamp sets (BTW: I love the city scene). The end product is something I really like - different but with little touches of my own style - layering, patterned paper, flowers, etc. This challenge was very cool, very cool indeed.

P.S. I tried without luck to find an easy way to link to the stamp set. The name of the set is Rockstar by Tim Holtz. It's sold and distributed by Stamper's Anonymous.

World Cardmaking Day - Challenge #4

I have been wanting a few sets from Papertrey Ink for quite some time. On My Couch was high on my list and I'm so happy to have them in my house (they arrived today!) and already put to good use. I really like this card - I made a few mistakes - which I did my best to cover up. But I think that's the beauty of a handmade card - there isn't perfection. The fourth challenge's focus was on bling. I used Distress Stickles and Hero Arts bling to try and bring some glamour. Again - totally out of my comfort zone. I don't really do bling. But I like the outcome - and that's all that matters!

World Cardmaking Day - Challenge #2

Another hour - another card. I loved the sketch for this challenge. I'm less satisfied with this card. I wasn't sure what to do to make changes - couldn't think of anything to add. I'm happy with the color scheme - but I wish I would have pushed it a little more. BTW: Anyone see a color scheme emerging? I think I'm going to take my time a little more this next round. Here's hoping for something the pushes my limits!

BTW: The next challenge focuses on Halloween. I'm not a big fan of Halloween and have no products or interest in the holiday. Sorry for all the fans of this holiday. So...I'll be opting out of the next challenge. Good luck to all those that love Halloween!

World Cardmaking Day

I've never really gotten into World Cardmaking Day in the past. I've never been confident about my cardmaking skills. Fortunately - now I'm more confident and always up for a challenge. On Ellen Hutson's blog today - there is a challenge day. They are posting a challenge every hour from 9:00-2:00 PST. I'm excited to jump in - so without further ado - here is my take on the Inchie Challenge.