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Wednesday, November 30, 2011

*Winter Tree*

I will admit that this card isn't completely my idea....  when I was in Ontario for the retreat in October, we went to my most favourite stamp store called Stamp Art in London.  It's a great store with lots of fun product... and a very friendly and knowledgeable staff.  A card similar to this was in the store... and was the impetus for me to buy this tree stamp...
I will also admit.... their card looked better LOL!
Items Used:
*Cardstock: PTI White
*Images: Penny Black; Kaiser Craft Christmas Sentiments
*Ink: VersaMagic Aegean Blue, Aspen Mist, Jumbo Java
*Tools: Big Shot; Spellbinders Nestabilities
*Embellishments: Kaiser rhinestones; Stikles

Monday, November 28, 2011

*Joy Love and Peace*

I will admit that on Monday mornings I'm not quite sure why I got myself a full time job...  5:45am comes awfully early to this non-morning person!  But, I did like getting notice of my first pay deposit on Friday and I enjoy the work and the people I work with.  I can't believe I'm starting my 4th week of work already!

This card was extremely simple to put together....  one I made while at the retreat in Ontario last month....
Items Used:
*Cardstock: Bazzill Bling; PTI White
*Images: Stampablilties
*Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
*Tools: Big Shot; Scrollwork Cuttlebug embossing folder
*Embellishments: Pebbles Candy Dots

Saturday, November 26, 2011

*Fall To Layout #168*

It's funny how much more I appreciate the weekend now that I'm working out of the house full time!  It's so nice to leave work at 12:30 on Friday and have some time to myself.... and then know that there is no alarm clock in the morning!!

It's time for another sketch over at the Clean and Simple Stamping blog....  I had a bit of trouble with this one.... I like it, but it's not one of my favourites.  I'm sure some of the other gals have done a better job with it!  I was working with limited supplies while I was at the retreat in Ontario with my sister in October
Items Used:
*Cardstock: PTI White; Stampin' Up! Tempting Turquoise
*Pattern Paper: My Mind's Eye
*Images: Penny Black Winter Wonder
*Ink: Stampin' Up! Tempting Turquoise
*Tools: Big Shot; Spellbinders Nestabilities
*Embellishments: unknown ribbon
*Challenges:  FTL#168

Friday, November 25, 2011

*Playing in Paradise #43*

This week, for the Playing in Paradise Challenge, Kasia challenged us to use household items in our creations!  



I decided to play with a technique I haven't used in a VERY long time....  you simply take a piece of waxed paper and crumple it up....  smooth it out somewhat with your hand and place it between two pieces of cardstock.  Put scrap paper around the sandwich to protect your iron and your ironing surface... and then iron with a hot dry iron.  The heat from the iron transfer the wax to your cardstock.  If you do it with glossy cardstock you can then use the wax as a resist for ink techniques.  I liked the way it looked on it's own...
Items Used:
*Cardstock: PTI White; Stampin' Up! Pear Pizzazz, Chocolate Chip
*Images: Stampin' Up! All Year Cheer 1
*Ink:  Stampin' Up! Chocolate Chip
*Tools:  Perfect Layers
*Embellishments:  unknown satin ribbon



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...

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

*Holiday Flourish*

For those of you who have asked, I'm here to update you on my new job.... I am here to say that so far, I am really enjoying it!  Someone asked if I "loved" it and I can't say that I love it.  I like the work, I really like the environment and my co-workers.  I'm not liking the early mornings and the bus, but the early mornings mean I'm home at 5:30 instead of 6 which I do like.  The first week I was so tired I could barely move once I got home.  This week I feel a lot more human.

I think we've all adjusted pretty well to the change.  I know that the kids aren't thrilled with cooking dinner one night a week each, but WOW do I appreciate it!  Besides, it's a good lesson to learn before they move out!

I really like working an extended day Monday thru Thursday so that I am leaving work at 12:30 on Fridays...  *that* makes me happy!  Last Friday I drove my car to the LRT station and took the train downtown....  which  meant I had a quick trip to my car after work and was able to run a few errands before heading home and crafting the afternoon away!

I have to say, I am in love with this card!!!  I love this swirl I borrowed from my sister...  and it's such a clean and simple design...
Items Used:
*Cardstock:  PTI White; shimmer cardstock
*Images: unknown flourish; PTI Signature Christmas
*Ink: VersaMagic Night Sky
*Embellishments: unknown snowflake brads

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

*Use It Tuesday #20*

Welcome to another challenge with the Use It Tuesday Design Team!!!  I want to remind you that they're looking for applications for their new Design Team....  click on the link in my left sidebar for more information.  It's a great design team and a great way to challenge you to use some of the items in your stash!

This time around, we're being challenged to create a Thank You card.


Items Used: 
*Cardstock: PTI White; Stampin' Up! Island Indigo
*Images:  Hero Arts Great Flourish
*Ink:  Brilliance Coffee Bean
*Tools:  Heat Tool
*Embellishments: clear embossing powder; Kaiser Pearls
*Challenges:  UseItTuesday#20

I didn't dig into my stash for the stamp... it's one I bought while I was visiting my sister in October.  But the ribbon is from deep in my stash.  It's from a package of cupcakes my husband bought me a while back... they use this beautiful satin ribbon to pretty up the cupcake box.  I sometimes wonder if I like the ribbon more than I like the cupcakes from there!  This card used up the last of my stash of this ribbon.... I guess it's time for more cupakes!

I hope you'll take some time to play along with us!

Monday, November 21, 2011

*Jingle-Balls*

We have survived the first cold snap of what will probably be many this winter (yes, I know it's technically still fall)....  it was awfully chilly all weekend long!  And tomorrow should be above seasonal averages again... a welcome change!

I can do the cold as long as it's not for long long periods of time... a few days with a break is just fine with me!

I absolutely love these little snowmen from Whippersnapper.... so adorable!
Items Used:
*Cardstock: PTI White
*Images: Whippersnapper
*Ink: Versafine Onyx Black; assorted markers; Sakura Stardust glitter pen
*Tools: Big Shot; Snowflakes Cuttlebug embossing folder
*Embellishments: unknown ribbon

Saturday, November 19, 2011

*Fall To Layout #167*

It's time for another Clean and Sample Fall To Layout.....  and I made it Christmas-y (of course)!  The sketch for this week is perfect for showcasing a patterned paper with a small design or a great embossed paper....  as well as an image.  So versatile....

I chose to showcase some patterned paper I had on hand.
Items Used:
*Cardstock: PTI White; Stampin' Up! Pear Pizzaz
*Pattern Paper: TPC Studios
*Images: Hero Arts Very Merry Christmas
*Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
*Tools: Big Shot; Spellbinders Nestabilities; Perfect Layers Tool
*Embellishments: silver brads
*Challenges:

Friday, November 18, 2011

*Playing in Paradise #42*

It's my turn to challenge you all for the Playing in Paradise Challenge... and I decided it would be fun to play with a round card!!!

I had fun with this one.... a fun die from Spellbinders and a great idea for a sentiment that helps keep my card upright when it's standing!!!


Items Used:
*Cardstock: PTI White; Bazzill Blin
*Images: Kaiser Craft Christmas Sentiments
*Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black
*Tools:  Big Shot; Spellbinders Nestabilities; Perfect Layers Tools
*Challenges:  SBPC#42



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...

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

*Happy Holidays*

Good afternoon all....  another Christmas card to share with you....  I truly love the simplicity of this card... wondering if I should have used green buttons instead though
Items Used:
*Cardstock: PTI White; Stampin' Up! Garden Green
*Images: Penny Black Winter Wonders
*Ink: Stampin' Up! Garden Green; Versafine Onyx Black
*Embellishments: assorted buttons; Frosted Lace Stickles; Sakura Stardust glitter pen

Monday, November 14, 2011

*Snowman Joy*

Ahhh... my favourite reason to be creative....  I love love love creating Christmas cards!!!  I don't like snow, I don't like the cold, but I love all things Christmas....

This is the first of the cards I created while I was at the retreat in Ontario with my sister a few weeks ago....  as I was creating this card, I discovered that the only colouring tools I had brought with me were dry.... my Copic Spica markers mostly didn't work and my Blender Pen was dry.

Sigh

I made due with some of the markers that others had... nothing great, but better than nothing....
Items Used:
*Cardstock: PTI White; Stampin' Up! Garden Green
*Pattern Paper: Echo Park
*Images: Whipper Snapper; Kaiser Craft Christmas Sentiments
*Ink: Versafine Onyx Black; assorted markers (LOL); Sakura Stardust glitter pen

*Tools:  Perfect Layers Tool; foam dots
*Embellishments: unknown brad

Sunday, November 13, 2011

*Fall To Layout #166*

Good afternoon all...  sunny, cool and windy here in Calgary.  We've been lucky so far with our weather this year...  so glad we don't have a tonne of snow yet!

I have survived my first week of work.... I think I am going to enjoy the work environment and my co-workers but there is no way I will ever start liking being on transit at 6:30 in the morning!  I am at my desk around 7:15 in the morning and am on the bus to come home around 4:30.... and back in the door at 5:30  We work longer Monday through Thursday and can take Friday afternoons off.  I like that idea!

I haven't had a lot of time for anything... nor the energy to do much more than sit on the couch after work.  I'm sure that will change eventually.  I'm glad I managed to make a bunch of cards to share, although I have a few cards I need to make for design teams.

I'm just excited that it's Christmas Card season again!!!
Items Used:
*Cardstock: PTI White; Stampin' Up! Bashful Blue
*Pattern Paper: Stampin' Up!
*Images: PSX
*Ink: Blue Encore Ultimate Metallic
*Tools: Big Shot; Snowflakes Cuttlebug embossing folder
*Embellishments: unknown ribbon
*Challenges:  Fall To Layout166

Friday, November 11, 2011

*Playing in Paradise #41*

This week, for the Playing in Paradise Challenge, Allison has another great sketch that can be used for either a card or a scrapbook page.


Items Used:
*Cardstock: PTI White; Stampin' Up! Baja Breeze, Early Espresso
*Images: Hero Arts
*Ink:  Stampin' Up! Early Espresso
*Tools:  Perfect Layers
*Embellishments:  unknown flower; Doodlebug sugared brad; Kaiser Pearls



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...

Thursday, November 10, 2011

*Use It Tuesday Design Team Call!*

If you like being challenged to use items from you stash and would like to share your creations with others, then do I have an idea for you!

The gals over at Use It Tuesday have posted their 2nd Design Team Call....  my term is up at the end of December and they are looking for a few good Users to join them for a 6 month term!  Here's the information they had on their blog... 

We are happy to announce an open call for our 2nd Design Team; we are looking for people with all experience levels.


Requirements:
- have an online gallery and/or a blog
- if you have a blog, you need to be a follower of Use It Tuesday to apply :)
- have a Facebook account or a willingness to make one
- be able to work with deadlines
- make and post 2 inspiration projects per month
- comment on players’ projects
- be a team player
- have a positive attitude

Term: January 1-June 30

Interested? Please email the following completed application to UseItTuesday@gmail.com by November 30th.

1. Name
2. Links to your online galleries and/or blog
3. Your previous DT experience, if any.
4. Please tell us a little about yourself.
5. How did you hear about our DT Call?
6. Have you played with us previously?
7. Please tell us why you would like to be on our team.
8. Please share one fun fact about yourself.
Thanks and we look forward to hearing from you!!

Wednesday, November 09, 2011

*Sweet Stop Colour Q*

I cheated.... I spent some time on the weekend scheduling a few posts for the week....  I have a good reason, really....

Monday marked my first day back at work.... I accepted a full time job about a month ago and Monday was my first day.  I am writing this on Friday so I have no idea how the day went, but I'm going to go with "good" LOL! This is my first full time job outside the house in more than 16 years....  I'm excited and scared.... and am hopeful that life will sort itself out!

I created this card a while back using a ColourQ palette and a Sweet Stop Sketch challenge.... you can tell since there are flowers in the background LOL!
Items Used:
*Cardstock: PTI White; Stampin' Up! Soft Suede, Island Indigo, Bermuda Bay
*Images: Hampton Art
*Ink: Stampin' Up! Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay
*Tools: Big Shot; Spellbinders Nestabilities; crafts Too Daisy Delight embossing folder
*Embellishments: Michael's Bridal flower; assorted buttons; Twinery twine; Kaiser pearl
*Challenges:  SSS#122; ColourQ98

Tuesday, November 08, 2011

*Use It Tuesday #19*

Welcome to another challenge with the Use It Tuesday Design Team!!!  This time around, we're being challenged to use a theme of "cooking" in our creation.

My first thought was to decorate a recipe card with a favourite recipe on it, but it wasn't going to be easy to incorporate goodies from my stash in to my creation... so instead, I grabbed a cupcake stamp I haven't used in forever and created a card....
Items Used: 
*Cardstock: PTI White; Stampin' Up! Basic Black, Pear Pizzazz
*Patterned Paper:  Upsy Daisy
*Images:  Hero Arts Cupcakes
*Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black; Copics
*Tools:  Big Shot; Spellbinders Nestabilities; Perfect Layers Tool
*Embellishments: unknown ribbon; Kaiser Pearls; Frosted Lace Stickles
*Challenges:  UseItTuesday#19

I've had the Bazzill Bling cardstock in my stash for a long time.... and Only Orange and Lovely Lilac hardly ever see the light of day....  I also don't do a lot of heat embossing and the brads aren't in colours I grab for very often....  yup, lots of stuff from my stash used in this card!

I hope you'll take some time to play along with us!

Saturday, November 05, 2011

*Fall To Layout #165*

I absolutely LOVE making Christmas cards.... I have so many beautiful Christmas stamps and I just love to use them.  I think that the majority of the cards you'll see from me for the next while will be Christmas.... with a few non-Christmas thrown in for good measure!

It's time for a new sketch challenge over at the Clean and Simple Stamping blog (see the link on the left sidebar)...  As soon as I saw the sketch for this week, I knew I needed to pull out snowflakes!
Items Used:
*Cardstock: PTI White; Stampin' Up! silver; Bazzill Bling
*Images: Hero Arts Merry Christmas
*Ink: blue Encore Ultimate Metallic
*Tools: Marvy snowflake punches
*Embellishments: Prima pearls
*Challenges:  FTL165

Friday, November 04, 2011

*Playing in Paradise #40

It's the first Friday of November... and I'm slowly giving up my flip flops.  I can't wear them to work so I might as well make the break.  My new job starts on Monday morning and I am both excited and nervous about it!  It will be a big transition for me and for the family.  I haven't worked full time outside the home since before Alex was born in the spring of 1995.  The kids are older now and perfectly capable of chipping in and helping out.... let's just hope they agree LOL!

This week, for the Playing in Paradise Challenge, Merlie has asked us to make an easel card.... I love easel cards!  There are lots of directions out there.... just Google Search it.....  I used the directions found HERE

Items Used:
*Cardstock: PTI White; Stampin' Up! Basic Black
*Pattern Paper:  Jillibean Soup
*Images:  Stampendous; Hero Arts Sending Smiles
*Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black; Copics
*Tools:  Spellbinders Nestabilities; Martha Stewart border punch
*Challenges:  SBPC#40



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...

Wednesday, November 02, 2011

*Fall To Layout #164*

My apologies for being so late with my card for the Clean and Simple Stamping sketch from Friday.  I was in Ontario visiting my sister for the last week.  I took my laptop with me but had internet issues so I ended up on my sisters laptop instead.... without access to my card photos.

I had a great time at the retreat last weekend put on by The Kit Company.... I even managed to make 21 Christmas cards while I was away!  Last year I made more than 70 cards (35 different designs).... had I made two of each card I'd have more but I wasn't in the mood to make two of everything.  There is one card that I really like that is quick and easy, and if I run out of time to make more Christmas cards, I will top up my numbers with that design.

But for today, a clean and simple card....
Items Used:
*Cardstock: PTI White; Bazzill Bling
*Pattern Paper: Hot Off The Press
*Images: Amuse
*Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
*Tools: Marvy snowflake punch; Perfect Layers tool
*Embellishments: unknown brad
*Challenges:  FTL165