*You're The Best*

This is my card for last week's Fall to Layout at the Clean and Simple Stamping blog....  I kept meaning to post it earlier this week but somehow the week just got past me....  this working for a living is cramping my style LOL!

Wait, don't get me wrong... I really enjoy my job.... I like the people I work with.... I've surprised myself with how much I'm enjoying being back at it.  Believe me when I say I'm not thinking that at 5:45 on a Monday morning LOL!

Items Used:
*Cardstock: PTI White; Stampin' Up! Pear Pizzazz
*Images: Hero Arts
*Ink: Stampin' Up! Pear Pizzazz
*Tools: Perfect Layers Tools
*Embellishments: unknown brads; twine from The Twinery
*Challenges:  FTL181

*Toilet Paper*

A few weeks ago I teased that I had created a card at Crop-A-Ganza using toilet paper... and sadly it's taken me a while to get around to showing it to you.

I played around a lot with toilet paper, trying to do more than what I ended up with....  but nothing looked quite right.  Perhaps some water colour would have looked nice but I think it would have ended up disintegrating the toilet paper.  LOL

I did learn that 2-ply is wonderful for it's regular use, but a good single ply would work better in your card making....

Items Used:
*Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic Black, Pear Pizzazz
*Pattern Paper: toilet paper LOL
*Images: Unity
*Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
*Tools: Perfect Layers Tools
*Embellishments: bakers twine


Fun, eh?

*Fall To Layout #180*

Happy Sunday everyone... it is bright and sunny here in Calgary with the promise of warm weather.  We had a bit of snow last night that is melting as we speak.

I simply can not believe that it is already March.  I have created so little so far this year and blogged even less.  I find I am on my computer a lot less now that I work in front of one for 9 hours a day.

And the whole Mojo thing is just depressing to me.  When I have the time to create I have no mojo or desire to create.

And you know what's sad?  I don't know that I miss it all that much.  I think when I start to really miss it, I will make the time to create.... and the mojo will flow.

For today, here's my take on the latest sketch at the Clean and Simple Stamping blog.  You really should click on the link on the left side-bar and check out Natasha's sketches... the come together quickly and easily....

Items Used:
*Cardstock: PTI White; Stampin' Up! Basic Black
*Pattern Paper: Imaginisce
*Images: PTI Mega Mixed Messages; Penny Black
*Ink: Versafine Onyx Black; Copic Spica
*Tools: Big Shot; Spellbinders Nestabilities
*Challenges:  Fall To Layout 180

*Fall To Layout #179*

Happy Sunday, again....  it was a quick week for me... I had a wonderful weekend at Crop-A-Ganza in Red Deer with my sister and some friends last weekend.  Heather left at suppertime on Monday and I took Tuesday off work as a "me day".  I totally enjoyed the quiet house to myself.  I worked a long day on Wednesday trying to catch up a bit on the work that piled up.

It's amazing how fast a three day work week flies by.

It's been a great weekend despite the snow that has fallen (not nearly as much as other areas of the province).  I am now sitting in front of my computer and the TV, thinking about creating while watching "Something Borrowed".

But for you, here is my take on the current sketch at the Clean and Simple blog...

Items Used:
*Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip; unknown shimmer
*Images: PTI Signature Greetings
*Ink: Stampin' Up! Chocolate Chip
*Tools: Big Shot; Perfect Layers Tool; My Favorite Things die
*Embellishments: Kaiser Pearls
*Challenges:  FTL179

*Fall To Layout #178*

I have had a great weekend... and it's even better because today is a holiday in Calgary!  My sister arrived on Thursday afternoon and we spent the weekend at Crop-A-Ganza in Red Deer.  We had a great time with Shannon and Deanna, Kate and Lee-Anne (our tablemates)... it was great to meet Melanie face to face after knowing her online for years.  It was also great to spend time with Christy, Michelle, Brittany, Cathie, Allison, Susan...  it was a great event and I do recommend that you jump at the chance to go next year (you are doing it again, right???)

I was lucky enough to win a big door prize of Tim Holtz stuff as well as an honourable mention for a fun card I created.  I will share that card once I fix it.... my main card layer didn't hold up as well as I had hoped LOL!

Today I am here to share with you my take on the Clean and Simple Stamping sketch for this week....

Items Used:
*Cardstock: PTI White; Stampin' Up! Early Espressor, Blushing Bride
*Images: Hero Arts Essential Messages
*Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa
*Tools: Perfect Layers Tool
*Embellishments: assorted buttons; unknown ribbon
*Challenges:  FTL178

*FTL 177*

Good afternoon all... I got off work at 1:15 today so I could head to the airport to pick up my sister.  We had a quick (and late) lunch and then came home where I decided I should start packing for our weekend getaway.  I am happy to report that I am packed and ready to go tomorrow afternoon.  I find it SO hard to craft away from home.  But I am looking forward to the weekend with Heather and some of my crafty friends!

I created this card a couple of weeks ago and had planned to use it as a Valentine for my hubby.... but kinda forgot all about it.  I've never made a Valentine card other than when I was a little kid.

Maybe I'll use it next year LOL

Items Used:
*Cardstock: Bazzill Bling
*Images: Stampin' Up! Wonderful Words
*Ink: VersaFine Onyx Black; black marker
*Tools: Big Shot; Spellbinders Nestabilities
*Embellishments: unknon buttons
*Challenges: FTL177


This was a fun sketch from Natasha at the Clean and Simple Stamping blog....  I know there's not a lot of time, but I hope you can play along with this sketch too.

*Showcasing Patterned Paper*

Hi everyone... I am so sorry I haven't been around more.  I spend all day working in front of a computer screen and find myself not dragging out my laptop very much once I am home.  I am enjoying my job but I do miss my time alone and my freedom to create and to blog.

I did spend a bit of time creating last weekend as well as a bit of time so far this weekend.  My sister arrives on Thursday and she and I are heading off to Crop-A-Ganza in Red Deer next weekend and I hope to be good and productive while I am there.  It will be more difficult to pack for this than the retreats I've done in Ontario the last two years as I have no plans to make Christmas cards in February! LOL!

I am looking forward to a weekend surrounded by creative people and spending time with my sister and some of my papercrafting friends.  I'm sure it's going to be a great weekend.

I created this card a few weeks ago and just haven't gotten around to posting anything other than my design team requirements....

Items Used: 
*Cardstock: PTI White; Stampin' Up! Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler
*Pattern Paper: Imaginisce
*Images: Impress
*Ink: Versafine Onyx Black; black fine line marker
*Tools: Perfect Layers


I think that this is a great layout to showcase any fun patterned paper you might have.  I was inspired by a post on Pinterest to create this card.

Enjoy your day!

*FTL176*

Happy Hump Day friends!!!  I enjoyed a short day at work today as I had to leave early to come pick up Matthew and take him to the orthodontist.  He has finally lost his last baby tooth and in June we will be back at the orthodontist to start the consultation process.  I'm thinking he'll have braces by July.  I don't think he's thrilled by that but I am looking forward to seeing his beautiful smile!

It's crazy how little time I spend creating and blogging any more... I'm so sorry I'm not around more... I hope you enjoy your visits when there's something to see!

I am sharing my take on the current sketch over at the Clean and Simple Stamping blog...  I love these sketches because they are so quick and easy... and I really love the clean look.

I used the sketch to create a long and skinny card (fits in a business envelope) ... I just love these buttons!

*FTL175*

For those of you paying attention, you will notice a few things:
(a) I haven't posted in a while
(b) I didn't play along with the Fall To Layout last week.

I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry.

I will admit that I am spending a lot less time on my computer now that I'm spending 8+ hours a day on my computer at work.  And when I am home, I am not in my crafty space.  I like to spend some time with my husband, watching TV.  Not to mention the lack of Mojo.  When I do want to create, it's like my Mojo takes a vacation.

I did manage to create a couple of cards this weekend.... and Friday night a couple of friends are coming over to play so I hope to create that night too.

And then there's Crop-A-Ganza coming up in a few weeks... my sister and I are going together and will be spending the weekend in Red Deer AB taking a couple of classes and playing with some friends of mine.  If you're interested in going there are still a few crop spots left and I understand they have opened the classes up to the public (so if you're in the area you can just pop in to take one of the great classes).  If you sign up for a class, please let them know that I sent ya!

I really love the sketch for this week at the Clean and Simple Stamping blog....  I sure hope you can find some time to play along with us this week....

Items Used:
*Cardstock: PTI White
*Pattern Paper: Stampin' Up!
*Images: Amuse
*Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
*Tools: Perfect Layers Tools; Big Shot; PTI dies
*Embellishments: assorted buttons; black marker
*Challenges:  FTL175

*FTL173*

My apologies for not posting this sooner.  I made it with lots of time to post this week but didn't get around to taking a photo of it!  Bad bad Nancy.  I suddenly realized that the new challenge would be posted tomorrow so I thought I should get it up.

Items Used:
*Cardstock: PTI White; Stampin' Up! Cameo Coral
*Images: Inkadinkadoo Dot Flourishes; Hero Arts Essential Messages
*Ink: Stampin' Up! Pear Pizzazz, Cherry Cobbler
*Tools: Big Shot; Couture Creations Intrinsic embossing folder
*Embellishments: Prima Pearls
*Challenges: FTL173; ColourQ118


This card looked so much better in my head....  sigh

*Playing in Paradise #49*

I am here to share with you, my final post as a Playing in Paradise Challenge Team Member....  I have stepped down from this team as my creative time is extremely limited.  I found that being on 3 teams, the only things I was creating anymore were for challenges.  I am hopeful that I will be able to carve out a little time to create for me instead of creating for design team commitments.

This week, Kasia has a Tic Tac Toe challenge for us.... you need to choose any three items in a row to use in your creation.

I chose Text, Button and Ribbon....

Items Used

*Cardstock: PTI White; Basic Black
*Images:  Hero Arts Sending Smiles
*Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black
*Tools:  Perfect Layers
*Embellishments:  American Crafts ribbon; assorted buttons

I invite you join us in playing this week... simply add your card to the links at the bottom of the challenge post HERE before midnight on Thursday for your chance to win a prize from Scrapbookers Paradise as well as a chance to play along with the Design Team in a future challenge.

Take a few minutes to check out what the rest of the Design Team has been up to...

*Allison

*Kasia
*Laurel

*Merlie

*Nina

*FTL 172*

Happy Hump Day everyone....  the weather has turned to average temperatures here in Calgary.  A week ago we had a record for daytime high for the date and now we're looking at it getting worse over the next few days.  I sure hope we don't see record colds!!

Life is busy but good.... I am really missing my creative time.  My plan had been to play on Sunday but I woke up with a migraine, complete with nausea, and ended up doing absolutely nothing all day.  Big sad face.

I really like the sketch for this week over at the Clean and Simple blog (see the link my sidebar).... Some of the gals on the design team have made it simple, others have made it less simple.  Very versatile!

Items Used:
*Cardstock: PTI White; Stampin' Up! Wisteria Wonder, Pear Pizazz, Chocolate Chip
*Images: Hero Arts
*Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
*Tools: Spellbinders Nestabilities; Big Shot
*Embellishments: Michael's Bridal flower (coloured with Wisteria Wonder); Kaiser Pearls
*Challenges:  FTL172; ColourQ105

*Quiet Blog*

Happy Sunday everyone....  I want to start with apologizing for how quiet my blog has been lately.  The new full time job has taken up most of my creative time.... and when I am home from work I am often too tired to want to create or find myself without Mojo.

So, for a while, I think this blog will be quiet.  I will post when I have something to share.

I have decided that I can't put stress on myself to create so that I can blog as I think that is creating the problem with the lack of mojo.

I have one last 2011 Christmas card to share with you today....

Items Used:
*Cardstock: PTI White; Bazzill Bling
*Images: Impression Obsession
*Ink: Blue Encore Ultimate Metallic
*Tools: Big Shot; Scrollwork Cuttlebug embossing folder; Heat Tool; Corner Chomper
*Embellishments: Kaiser Pearls; Blue Pearl embossing powder

*Playing in Paradise #48*

Welcome to another Playing in Paradise Challenge!  I am lucky enough to be the first challenge host in 2012!

I have fun playing with tall and skinny cards... and I hope you will too!

The card I have created is 8.5" long and 3.75" wide...

Items Used

*Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Baja Breeze, Ruby Red
*Images:  Stampin' Up! All Year Cheer I
*Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black; Copics
*Tools:  Big Shot; Couture Creations Intrinsic embossing folder
*Embellishments:  unknown ribbon; Petaloo flowers (coloured with Copics); Doodlebug flocked brad

I invite you join us in playing this week... simply add your card to the links at the bottom of the challenge post HERE before midnight on Thursday for your chance to win a prize from Scrapbookers Paradise as well as a chance to play along with the Design Team in a future challenge.