JLJ Designs Crafting Blog

Travel Journal Take 2

2012-01-31T02:01:00.002-06:00

I have some Crafter's Companion announcements before I get started today. The Crafter's Companion Design team has a contest going on between the designers and you can win too! If you live in the US (sorry it's not open internationally :(), consider becoming a follower of the CC Blog. If you do become a follower, email Bindy (bindy@crafterscompanion.com) and say:

"Hi! I just became a follower of Crafter's Companion. Jen (JLJ Designs sent me)."

You'll be in a drawing for a $100 gift certificate (wow, wow, wow)! to spend at the Crafter's Companion store. You'll be helping me because the designer with the most "referrals" gets a spending spree as well.

Be sure to check out the Challenge Blog. This week we're giving away Deserve a Treat from the SWALK collection. All you need to do is leave a comment!

Yesterday's post had lots of details on how I made these travel journals. They were so easy (and the stamps are so great), I made three! For my cover today, I used Time in Paris. I stamped it on Cryogen White and added Distress Ink to give it some texture. I added white paper flowers with gem centers.

For the inside, I stamped Rose Clock on brown cardstock and colored the roses with colored pencils. I added iridescent glitter to the clock face.

Happy Crafting!

Crafter's Companion Travel Journal

2012-01-30T02:01:00.003-06:00

I have some Crafter's Companion announcements before I get started today. This post is a tad long, so settle in.

The Crafter's Companion Design team has a contest going on between the designers and you can win too! If you live in the US (sorry it's not open internationally :(), consider becoming a follower of the CC Blog. If you do become a follower, email Bindy (bindy@crafterscompanion.com) and say:

"Hi! I just became a follower of Crafter's Companion. Jen (JLJ Designs sent me)."

Be sure to check out the Challenge Blog. This week we're giving away Deserve a Treat from the SWALK collection. All you need to do is leave a comment!

Now for my project. When I saw these new Stamp It stamps, I immediately thought travel journal. Now, I've been on a crafting spending fast this month, so I pondered how to make a travel journal using things I already had in the craft room. I started with a 12x12 piece of heavy card stock (it was dark green, but I covered it all up). I had some pretty purple parchment stationary from my wedding (keep in mind this was 13 years ago!) that I decided to use as the pages. The stationary was 9" x 6.5", so I made my cardstock cover 10"x7". After cutting the rectangle, I used my Boxer Board and Ultimate Tool to crease it down the center of the long side, making the book shape. Then, I covered both sides of the paper with Mod Podge and torn papers from my stash. I did this in two steps allowing one side to dry before doing the other.

Now it's time to decorate. I stamped Destination on brown card stock and Mod Podge-ed it to the front with a paper flower behind it. When that was dry, I added tulle, buttons, and flowers.

Here's the inside, where you can see the torn paper detail. For the parchment pages, I stamped Compass on the first pages and used the other stamps at "random" through the book.

Here is the very inside of the book. You can see Destination again and also Faith Birds. It was a little tricky to get the staples in the center. I turned the empty box that the parchment paper came in upside down and opened up my stapler so it was flat. I put the book on the box and stapled through the pages and the box. Then I gently pulled the book off the box and folded the pointy ends of the staple down.

I have two more journals to show you, so be sure to come back tomorrow and Wednesday!

Happy Crafting!

Craft Your Passion #95 - Beary Sweet

2012-01-30T00:01:00.018-06:00

We're Beary Sweet this week at Craft Your Passion with Crafty Sentiments as our sponsor. It's my last week as a guest designer. Thank you to Jenn and Lisa for a great time!

I made two projects this week. My first uses Mushroom Bear, but he's hidden inside. I made a gatefold card with my Ultimate tool and used Happy Birthday paper over the center.

I thought it would be cute with the image hidden inside. I used the same birthday paper to keep the theme inside as well.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenge:

1. Sweet Stampin' - animals

For my second project, I tried something totally new. I started with a candle card using my Ultimate tool and Boxer Board. I kept the design really simple and added a thank you sentiment.

Then I made an Envelobox to hold my gift. I decided this wouldn't be an Envelobox to mail, but would act more like gift wrap. I decorated the front with Henry and Poppy from Crafty Sentiments.

I'd like to enter this project in the following challenge:

Fairy Fun Fridays #71 - anything but a card

I used this products to make my projects:

Happy Crafting!

Cupcake Inspirations 145 Sponsored by DRS Designs

2012-01-29T00:05:00.001-06:00

It's time for another yummy challenge at Cupcake Inspirations. This week we're sponsored by DRS Designs.

DRS Designs generously gave the CIC DT a choice of stamps and I got to play with this one - Silhouette Horse. I stamped the horse on Cryogen White and then wrote a sentiment underneath. I was inspired by the colors in the cake - black, white and pink are so fun together. I added ribbon, a flower, and craft pins from my stash.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. Simon Says - anything goes

2. Little Darlings #16 - polka dots

3. Secret Crafter #170 - ribbon

4. Stamp Scrap and Doodle - Anything Goes

5. Fussy and Fancy Friday - polka dots

Happy Crafting!

Australia Day Blog Hop

2012-01-26T04:00:00.027-06:00

It's Australia Day in the Land Downunder and what better way to celebrate than bring you some NEW Australian themed Digi Stamps and offer you some inspiration with a quick blog hop!!

To celebrate, Zoe's been teaching us the language and local customs. You'll see the language isn't very difficult to pick up : ) Here's a little history for you from Zoe: "What is Australia Day? Well in short, it's the day that the first fleet of convicts arrived in Sydney Australia (yup we are a bunch of convicts!! haha) but today we celebrate what's great about Australia with our family and friends and it usually involves a few snags on the barbie (BBQ)!"

I never need an excuse to party, so let's celebrate amongst friends from around the world and share some crafting inspiration with an Aussie Outback theme!

If you're already on the hop then you should have arrived from Jenn otherwise if you want to hop from the start head on over to say G'Day to AJ.

I got to play with these super-cute possums (they don't look like the ones we have here in the southern US). I love the mama and baby together and they just screamed Valentine card for my mom. Well, they didn't actually scream :-) I colored them with Copics on Make It Colour paper. I had a really good time practicing the fur (check out who colored the sample on the MIC site - it still astounds me that I get to color with these amazing ladies!)

Now I guess you're looking for the next mate to hop on over to??

Well before you do... Make sure you comment below for your chance to win an Australian Souvenir. Each of us will be selecting someone from our comments to receive a little Aussie Souvenir from Zoe!

PLUS Zoe is offering 20% OFF store wide at Makeitcrafty.com until the 28th January! Hurry on over (when you get through the hop of course!) to grab some bargains!!

OK OK... It's time to head on over to see my mate, Maria.

Thanks for celebrating with us!! Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!!!

I'd like to enter this card in the Top Tip Tuesday #68 - sketch.

New contest at Crafter's Companion Blog!!

2012-01-25T17:54:00.001-06:00

**link fixed**

Hello all! As you may know, I'm on the Crafter's Companion Design team. We have a contest going on between the designers and you can win too. If you live in the US (sorry it's not open internationally :(), consider becoming a follower of the CC Blog. If you do become a follower, email Bindy (bindy@crafterscompanion.com) and say

Hi! I just became a follower of Crafter's Companion. Jen (JLJ Designs sent me).

You'll be in a drawing for a $100 :o gift certificate (wow, wow, wow)! to spend at the Crafter's Companion store. You'll be helping me because the designer with the most "referrals" gets a spending spree as well.

Thank you for following!

Birthday Girl from Crafter's Companion

2012-01-23T02:01:00.002-06:00

Hello all! Before I share my project for today, I want to let you know about a great giveaway at the Crafter's Companion Challenge blog. This week, we're giving away Babe from the Strawberry Kisses collection. All you have to do is leave a comment on the challenge blog. It doesn't get much easier.

I have a fun birthday card to share. I used Birthday Girl from the Humphrey collection at Crafter's Companion. I love these sweet elephants. I chose red since it's Peanut's (my 4 y.o.) favorite color. My card is 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" (this is 1/2 of a sheet of letter sized paper). I added button centers to my flowers, which I haven't done before. I really like the effect.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:
1. Friday Sketch Challenges #9 - sketch by Genevieve
2. Party Time Tuesdays #51 - Happy Birthday
3. Dream Valley #24 - animals

Happy Crafting!

Craft Your Passion #94 - Color Bingo

2012-01-23T00:01:00.002-06:00

This week's challenge at Craft Your Passion is Color Bingo. We're sponsored this week by Limited Runs Digis. I'm so happy to have another week as guest designer!

For my card, I chose the bottom row of the color bingo and I used Sunny Mug. I printed the image on Make It Color paper and colored it with Copics. I added fiber frames around the image and flowers in opposite corners.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. Secret Crafter #169 - food and drink

Happy Crafting!

CIC #144 - Sponsored by Fresh Brewed Designs

2012-01-22T00:05:00.015-06:00

Welcome to challenge 144 at Cupcake Inspirations! This week we're sponsored by Fresh Brewed Designs. We have fun winter cookies for inspiration this week.

Here's my card. I went for a clean and simple design with lots of snowflake paper. I used Girl with a Snowman. I added sparkly buttons to finish the card.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenge:

1. Fussy and Fancy - let it snow

Happy Crafting!

A Chance to Play

2012-01-21T19:37:00.000-06:00

It's been a crazy week for me - not much time to play in the craft room or digi scrapping. I carved out a little time today to play with my new Wryn image from Tiddly Inks. I just love her - she reminds me of Peanut!

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. Tiddly Inks Challenge #78 - green, yellow, orange, blue

2. Sketch Saturday #191 - sketch - I tried to turn it upside down.

3. Crazy Challenge - tic-tac-toe - I used ribbon/image/pearls.

Here are the products I used in my card:

Happy Crafting!

Crafter's Companion - Kanji Stamps

2012-01-19T02:01:00.002-06:00

Have you seen the giveaway at the Crafter's Companion Challenge blog? All you have to do is leave a comment on the post to win the Art Kure Tewksbury stamp. Easy peasy, right? The giveaway is open to US residents. You have until 8 pm on tonight to enter!

Here's my last gate fold card featuring the Kanji stamps from Crafter's Companion. I made the cards using the Ultimate tool, which made making the gate fold incredibly easy. I love the calming blues on this card. For the front, I used a "Thankfulness" stamp.

For the inside, I stamped fans on vellum and used them on each side. I added some vellum in the center to write a message.

Happy Crafting!

Crafter's Companion - Kanji Stamps

2012-01-18T02:01:00.002-06:00

Have you seen the giveaway at the Crafter's Companion Challenge blog? All you have to do is leave a comment on the post to win the Art Kure Tewksbury stamp. Easy peasy, right? The giveaway is open to US residents. You have until 8 pm on Thursday to enter!

Here's my third gate fold card featuring the Kanji stamps from Crafter's Companion. I made the cards using the Ultimate tool, which made making the gate fold incredibly easy. For this card, I just decorated the front with a Happy Birthday sentiment.

Happy Crafting!

Crafter's Companion - Kanji Stamps

2012-01-17T02:01:00.006-06:00

Have you seen the giveaway at the Crafter's Companion Challenge blog? All you have to do is leave a comment on the post to win the Art Kure Tewksbury stamp. Easy peasy, right? The giveaway is open to US residents. You have until 8 pm on Thursday to enter!

Here's my second gate fold card featuring the Kanji stamps from Crafter's Companion. I made the cards using the Ultimate tool, which made making the gate fold incredibly easy. For this card, I used two of the flower stamps on the front.

I decorated the inside with "Friendship."

Happy Crafting!

Crafter's Companion - Kanji Stamps

2012-01-16T02:01:00.004-06:00

Crafter's Companion has new Kanji stamps this week. I thought it would be fun to use these stamps on gate fold cards (I made 4 different cards that I'll be posting this week), which were super-easy to make using the Ultimate tool. I usually avoid these types of cards because it's difficult to match the fold, but the Ultimate tool matched everything up easily. I covered my cardstock base in Asian-inspired papers. I stamped the Kanji background onto vellum and then mounted it on patterned paper. I attached it to one side of the gate gold card.

I decorated the inside the same way. Hubby is always looking for "flat" thank you cards. He means ones without a lot of embellishments. I added a stamped "Thanks" to the inside of the card. With the patterned papers and stamped images, I don't think this card needs anything else, so I'm happy and hubby is happy.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenge

1. Divas by Design #18 - new beginnings and/or thanks

Happy Crafting!

Craft Your Passion #93 - In the Bag/Box

2012-01-16T00:01:00.006-06:00

This week's challenge at Craft Your Passion is In the Bag/Box. Our sponsor this week is Bugaboo Stamps. When you're guest designing and you'd like to make a good impression, it's good idea to read the directions! Turns out, the challenge was to MAKE a bag or box. I decorated a bag for my project, and then looked more closely at what I was supposed to do. So I made a box using my Ultimate tool - super easy, by the way! I thought I'd go ahead and share both of them with you.

I'm going to share the project that I should have made for the challenge first. I made the box using my Ultimate tool. This was my first box with the tool and it was super easy. I made it out of two pieces of 12x12 cardstock - minimal cutting and NO measuring! I printed the Scene It Ava Deacon Birthday image on Make It Colour paper and colored it with Spectrum Noir markers. Here's the top:

Here's the front:

I'd like to enter the box in the following challenges:

1. C.R.A.F.T. Challenge #137 - celebrations

2. Sweet stampin challenge - all that glitters
3. The Crafty Pad #153 - glitter and gems

Now for the project I did first, which would not qualify for the challenge. I've been really enjoying decorating plain white gift bags (dollar store 2 for $1) and turning them into something special. I used the same image as for the box. I printed the image on Make It Colour paper and colored it with Copics. Then, I let loose with the Stickles. I think a birthday bag needs lots of sparkle. I added a sentiment and some embellies to finish it.

I'd like to enter this bag in the following challenges:

1. Whimsy Inspirations #21 - happy birthday
2. Charisma #1 - Happy birthday
3. Card Crafter's Circle #5 - happy birthday
4. Sentimental Sundays #85 - ribbon
5. ABC Challenge - H is for Happy Birthday

Here are the products I used:

Happy Crafting!

New Magnolia Cards

2012-01-15T10:54:00.000-06:00

Please scroll down for my Cupcake Inspirations card.

I finally got to play last night with my Sweet Crazy Love Magnolia kit. It arrived shortly before the holidays, but I didn't have time to play. For my first card, I used Tilda with Cozy Heart. I colored her in black and white. I hadn't tried doing skin in black and white before and I really like the way it turned out. I used iridescent sparkles for the heart. I dug some papers and black grosgrain ribbon out of my stash and included a pop of red.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. Magnolia Down Under #129 - black and white image

2. Sketch Saturday #190 - sketch

3. 7 Kids #38 - try something new - I tried coloring skin with greys.

4. Crafty Creations #152 - something new

5. Let's Ink It Up #19 - anything goes

6. Really Reasonable Ribbon #40 - Valentine's Day

7. One Crazy Stamper - red, white and one other color - I chose black

I went totally the opposite direction for this card - pink all over the place. I used Tilda loves flowers. I think I may have gone a little overboard with the flowers on my card...I really need to work on the elegant floral arrangements I see on other cards.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. TOMIC #32 - monochromatic pink + bow
2. Magnolia-licious Highlights - anything goes
3. Just Magnolia #139 - sketch
4. DYSU #54 - pink
5. Paper Sundaes Second Birthday - I love challenge #56 pick your sundae toppings. I love pink and flowers!
6. Stamp and Create - anything goes

I used the following products for these cards:

Happy Crafting!

Cupcake Inspirations #143 - Sponsored by Amber Ink

2012-01-15T00:05:00.000-06:00

It's time for another yummy challenge at Cupcake Inspirations. We're sponsored this week by Amber Ink.

I was totally inspired by the chocolate-y goodness of this cupcake and I went with a chocolate card. I got the Sweet Crazy Love Magnolia stamp kit before Christmas, but I haven't had a chance to play. I finally got a few inked up tonight and you'll see them over the next few days. I used Edwin with Heart to make my chocolate card. I made the heart red glitter to make it stand out. I went with a simple design that was inspired by a card Delphine sent me for Christmas.

Here are the products I used for my card:

Happy Crafting!

Friends are the Flowers of Life - Tiddly Inks Blog Hop

2012-01-13T12:00:00.013-06:00

When I saw the announcement about the Tiddly Inks blog hop, I just had to play along. I've been loving these suitcases made with my Ultimate tool and boxer board. I thought Aida would be perfect for the suitcase. I added distress ink around the edges, which I don't usually do, but I love the effect here.

Here's the inside. This paper with old newspapers on it was perfect. I had it in my stash.

I'd like to enter this project in the following challenges:1. Polkadoodles #2 - vintage/retro2. Stampin for the Weekend - out with the old - everything I used is at least several months old. I'm on a buying hiatus so I'm all about stash.
Here are the products I used for my project:

Happy Crafting!

MIC - Coloring Blades of Grass

2012-01-13T06:08:00.000-06:00

I've been remiss in making DT cards for the Make It Colourful Challenges. I'm turning over a new leaf in the new year. The challenge this week is Coloring Blades of Grass. I used Cici since I thought she'd be cute in a fields (and she's one of my favorites to color). When I trimmed the image to color, I left extra space at the bottom. To make the grass, I made upward strokes starting at the bottom. I made them fairly long. I added a dark green spot under Cici's feet. Then, I trimmed off the bottom where I had the heavy parts of the marker. I borrowed this idea from Vicky.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:
1. Simon Says - spots and/or stripes
2. Paper Sundaes #102 - saturated colors

Here are the products I used for this card:

Happy Crafting!

Crafter's Companion - Winter in Wells

2012-01-13T02:01:00.002-06:00

This is the last of the notecards I made. I did something a little different on this one and antiqued the cream card before I used it with Tim Holtz Distress Ink - tea dye. I'm not sure how I feel about the ink... I used my watercolor pencils again on Winter in Wells from Crafter's Companion. There wasn't much to color, so I went to town with the iridescent glitter. Then added Tim Holtz gold shimmer mist to the cream card and iridescent shimmer mist to the image.

Happy Crafting!

Saturated Canary Design Team Call

2012-01-12T05:24:00.000-06:00

Saturated Canary is having a design team call and I had to go for it. Ivy reminds me of me and I thought she'd be perfect for a Valentine's day card for my hubby. I dug everything else out of my stash and just went to town with the layers. The papers are Basic Grey.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:
1. TPE #130 - hearts
2. Crazy Challenge #101 - lace and/or pearls - I used lace
3. Just Tracy - love is in the air

I used the following products for my card:

Happy Crafting!

Crafter's Companion - Clapper Bridge

2012-01-12T02:01:00.002-06:00

As promised, I'm back with the fourth of the notecards I made. I used my watercolor pencils again on Clapper Bridge from Crafter's Companion. I used iridescent glitter for all the snowy areas. Then added Tim Holtz gold shimmer mist to the cream card and iridescent shimmer mist to the image.

Happy Crafting!

Crafter's Companion - Cook Castle

2012-01-11T02:01:00.001-06:00

As promised, I'm back with the third of the notecards I made. I used my watercolor pencils again on Cook Castle from Crafter's Companion. I used iridescent glitter for the snow. Then added Tim Holtz gold shimmer mist to the cream card and iridescent shimmer mist to the image.

Happy Crafting!

Clean and Simple

2012-01-10T21:06:00.000-06:00

I'm still coloring the new Saturated Canary images that I bought before the holidays. Have I told you that I'm on a spending fast - no spending on what I would consider discretionary things, which includes stamps, digis, paper, etc. 10 days into it and I'm doing really well. Maybe I needed to go cold turkey. I have SO much crafting stuff that hasn't seen the light of day.

So here's my clean and simple card. I love the way it turned out. These images are so fantastic that you want to focus on them.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:
1. Saturated Canary #8 - clean and simple
2. Crafty Cardmakers #59 - no floral embellishments
3. Lollipop Crafts #62 - anything new goes - the image is new for me
4. Cupcake Craft #174 - something new
5. Anything Goes #58 - anything goes

Here are the products I used for my card:

Happy Crafting!

Crafter's Companion - Ann Hathaway's Cottage

2012-01-10T02:01:00.002-06:00

As promised, I'm back with the second of the notecards I made. I used my watercolor pencils again on Ann Hathaway's cottage from Crafter's Companion. There wasn't much to color, so I went to town with the iridescent glitter. Then added Tim Holtz gold shimmer mist to the cream card and iridescent shimmer mist to the image.

Happy Crafting!

Crafter's Companion - Lower Slaughter

2012-01-09T02:01:00.002-06:00

Hi! When I looked at the new stamps from the Art Kure line at Crafter's Companion, they just screamed watercolor pencils to me. So I dug mine out, bought a new water pencil and got to work. I really love this one - Lower Slaughter. I love how the buildings are reflected in the water. When I was done coloring, I added iridescent glitter to all the snowy parts. I sprayed the bottom card with gold pearlescent spray and the image with iridescent pearlescent spray. These cards REALLY shine, although I can never get that to photograph well.

I ended up making a set of notecards that I've sent to my husband's grandmother. She loves to send cards and write letters and can't get out as much to buy the nice cards she likes. I'm going to post one of the notecards each day this week.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. Craft a Scene #1 - anything goes

2. The Squirrel and the fox #8 - something new

3. Crazy 4 Challenges #118 - something new

Happy Crafting!

Craft Your Passion #92 - Mythical Creatures

2012-01-09T00:01:00.013-06:00

Mythical creatures will be spotted this week at Craft Your Passion. The sponsor this week is A Day for Daisies. I am in love with ADFD images. They're so whimsical and beautiful. I was so excited, I asked to play with two for this week.

The first is Sweet Dragon. I like making gate fold cards with the Crafter's Companion Ultimate Tool. I thought this image would be a fun one for that kind of card. I added lots of sparkles to the image and frame.

Here's the inside:
I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:
1. Sweet Stampin' - spots and dots
2. 2 Sisters #73 - things with wings
3. ABC Challenge - G is for green

For my second card, I used Tucking in My Bugs. I just couldn't resist. There's something about this little girl that reminds me of Peanut. I tried something different with her hair and used lots of yellow Copic dots, which didn't turn out quite like what I'd expected. I'm wondering how to color curly/wavy hair when the lines aren't there to guide you. Ah, well, something to work on.
I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:
1. Magical Monday - anything goes
2. Crafts and Me - anything goes
3. Dream Valley Challenges #23 - anything goes

Products I used in today's cards:

Happy Crafting!

Something New!

2012-01-08T20:38:00.000-06:00

I got some crafty time today to play with my new toys! I got a Boxer and Envelobox Creator along with the tutorial DVD - so much fun! I bought several Saturated Canary digis before the holidays and I haven't had a chance to play with them yet. I finally got to color them. I love Copica. Isn't this little box perfect for a crafty gift? The suitcase is one of the tutorials on the DVD. It was really easy once I saw how to do it.

Here's the inside:

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

1. Simon Says - New Something
2. Fab 'n Funky #102 - something new
3. Cute Card Thursday #198 - What's New!
4. Crafty Calendar - New news

Here are the products I used in this project:

Happy Crafting!

CIC #142 - sponsored by Stamp Fairy

2012-01-08T00:01:00.003-06:00

It's time for a new challenge at Cupcake Inspirations. This week we're sponsored by Stamp Fairy. I love the fun bright colors in this cupcake and they inspired my card. I used one of the Lenny Ice Cream images. I had fun coloring the bears in bright colors.I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. Papertake Weekly - Anything goes
2. The Paper Shelter #45 - anything goes
3. Fussy and Fancy Friday #53 - happy birthday or use animal print
4. CES Challenge #67 - anything goes
5. Top Tip #67 - anything goes

Products I used to make this card:

Happy Crafting!

Still More Strawberry Kisses

2012-01-04T05:00:00.001-06:00

When I joined the Crafter's Companion design team, they very generously sent me an Ultimate Tool to play with. I finally had a chance to get it out of the box and take it for a spin. Lucky for me, it includes a DVD so I could see how to use it.

I made this card featuring the new Strawberry Kisses stamps from Crafter's Companion. The Ultimate Tool made it SUPER easy for me to fold the card. I love the crisp fold I got. I also used it to make a scalloped embossed edge. I embossed two lines and then cut along the lower one to reveal the inner part of the card.

Here are the products I used for this card:

Happy Crafting!

More Strawberry Kisses

2012-01-03T05:00:00.007-06:00

I couldn't stop with one Strawberry Kisses from Crafter's Companion project. They're just so cute! Doesn't this little kitty look like she's just had too much birthday? I stamped on Make It Colour paper and colored with Copics. I added seam binding and craft pins from JLJ Designs. I finished the card off with flowers.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. Quirky Crafts #1 - food

2. The Pink Elephant #129 - anything goes

3. The Crazy Challenge #100 - party

4. Joanna Sheen - Celebrations

5. Really Reasonable Ribbon #39 - sparkle and ribbon

6. Pile It On #1 - anything goes

Happy Crafting!

Craft Your Passion #91 - Anything Goes + Distressing

2012-01-02T06:25:00.003-06:00

Please scroll down for my first Crafter's Companion DT post.

I've been asked to GDT at Craft Your Passion this month! I'm so excited and honored. I'm a little late with my post as I was supposed to do it last night and it totally slipped my mind - so much for my new to-do list :-)

This week's challenge - anything goes + distressing - is sponsored by Delicious Doodles and The Paper Shelter and Stitchy Bear Stamps. I got to play with Rosalee from Delicious Doodles. Now, you may have noticed that distressing is outside my comfort zone, but I gave it my best effort. I distressed the edges of my papers and added Distress Ink to the sentiment and the edges of my image. I was really pleased with the way it turned out.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. Sketch Saturday #188 - sketch

2. Crafts 4 Eternity #52 - include a quote

3. Winter Wonderland - Red and White

Happy Crafting!

Crafter's Companion DT!

2012-01-02T02:01:00.001-06:00

I can't believe it, I was chosen to be on the Crafter's Companion Design Team! I love all their fantastic products. This week, we're introducing a new line of stamps - Strawberry Kisses.

I've been really in to making gift bags recently, must be a hold over from the holidays. Peanut has been going to a lot of birthday parties recently since she started preschool. I thought this would be a fun bag for a party this year. I used kitty in a flower pot. The image and the sentiment are perfect for a gift bag. I used A LOT of purple - I was inspired by the colors in the background paper.

I'd like to enter this bag in the following challenges:

1. Paper Sundaes #101 - Something Old, Something New - the flowers, papers, and gift bag are old. The stamp is new.

2. Sentimental Sundays #83 - anything goes

3. Squirrel and the Fox #8 - something new - I used a new stamp.

Happy Crafting!

Crafter's Companion January - Anything Goes

2012-01-01T02:01:00.001-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I'm so excited! I'm now a member of the Crafter's Companion Challenge Blog design team. It's a monthly challenge and today I have my first project. This month the challenge is anything goes (super easy, right?) as long as you use a Crafter's Companion stamp.

For my project, I used Best Friends from the Humphrey series. I love this stamp - it's so cute. I colored the image with Copics. I don't know why peach and purple called to me, but they did.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. Crafting When We Can #8 - friendship

2. Totally Gorjuss #112 - happy

Here are the products I used for this post:

Happy Crafting!

Open House at TCC - Stupendous Saturday

2011-12-31T09:12:00.003-06:00

The last game of the week is posted at The Crafter's Cafe! You have until tomorrow night to enter the challenges and play the games. Today's game is sponsored by A Day for Daisies. I'm in love with their images. They're so beautiful. I used Rolling Momma's Yarn for my project.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenge:

1. Card Crafter's Circle #3 - anything goes

Happy Crafting!

Open House at TCC - Fabulous Friday

2011-12-30T08:41:00.000-06:00

More fun this Friday at The Crafter's Cafe Open House. You still have time to enter the great challenges. We have new games every day and a door prize - all you have to do to enter is stop by and say hi!

Today's game is sponsored by Guylou's Inimitability. I used Suzanne and Gift to make this sweet thank you card. DH is always needing thank you cards, and he likes them to be "flat" for easy mailing. I printed this image on Make It Colour paper and colored her with Copics. I added a bunch of glitter, since I couldn't add flowers to make DH happy.

I can't wait to see you at The Crafter's Cafe.

Happy Crafting!

December Daily Day 25

2011-12-29T22:27:00.000-06:00

Credits

Papers and elements from Merry and Bright by geniaBeana Scraps

Daily Date Stamp from Ziggle Designs by Kami

Font sf Natalie

December Daily Day 24

2011-12-29T21:59:00.000-06:00

Credits

Papers and elements from Jolly Holly Days by Meredith Cardall Designs

Daily Date Stamp from Ziggle Designs by Kami

Font sf Natalie

Happy Scrapping!

December Daily Day 23

2011-12-29T21:27:00.001-06:00

Credits

Papers, elements, and alpha from Magical Christmas by Jady Day Studio and Studio Flergs

Daily Date Stamp from Ziggle Designs by Kami

Template by Ali Edwards

Font sf Natalie

Happy Crafting!

December Daily Day 22

2011-12-29T21:03:00.000-06:00

Credits

Papers, elements, and alpha from A Girl's Perfect Birthday by Jady Day Studio (Scrap Orchard)

Daily Date Stamp from Ziggle Designs by Kami

Template by Ali Edwards

Font sf Natalie

Happy Crafting!

Open House at TCC - Thursday Fun

2011-12-29T16:44:00.000-06:00

Please scroll down for my Little Miss Muffet post.

We have more fun today at The Crafter's Cafe. Hop over for a fun game sponsored by Glitterbabe. I got to make a fun card featuring Glittercat. Isn't she fun? I printed her on Make It Colour paper and colored her with Copics. Since it's Glitterbabe, I had to go all out with the sparkles.

Peanut loved Glittercat, too, and she wanted to color. She used Crayola markers. You can see her favorite colors, dark red and dark blue, in the glitter and sparkles.

I hope to see you at The Crafter's Cafe today!

Happy Crafting!

Little Miss Muffet - Saffron

2011-12-29T02:00:00.003-06:00

Have you seen the challenge at Little Miss Muffet? It's anything goes and Barbara is offering Saffron, one of the Sugar and Spice dolls, as a freebie! Isn't she cute? I had the peach paper in my stash and I thought it would be a fun color combo for my card. I added flowers and sparkly candy decorations I found in pre-Christmas sale.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. Top Tip #66 - anything goes

2. Simon Says - anything goes

3. ABC Christmas - Z for Zingy Colors

Happy Crafting!

Open House at TCC - Wednesday's Whimsies

2011-12-28T08:00:00.003-06:00

We've got games and door prizes this Wednesday at The Crafter's Cafe Open House. You still have time to enter the great challenges. We have new games every day and a door prize - all you have to do to enter is stop by and say hi!

Today's game is sponsored by Floppy Latte Designs. I used Funky Floral for my card. I wanted to focus on the image and I think this embossing really sets it off. I colored the image with Spectrum Noir markers. It was my first time coloring with these markers, and I thought they colored great.

We can't wait to see you at The Crafter's Cafe!

Happy Crafting!

Open House at TCC - Terrific Tuesday

2011-12-27T08:52:00.003-06:00

We've got games and door prizes this Tuesday at The Crafter's Cafe Open House. You still have time to enter the great challenges. We have new games every day and a door prize - all you have to do to enter is stop by and say hi!

Today's game - word scramble - is sponsored by Create with TLC. The TCC DT is playing with Christmas picture stamps - a super cute set of 4 digis. Here's my card featuring one of the images. I colored the card with Spectrum Noir markers from Crafter's Companion.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. 2 Sisters #71 - snowflakes

2. Crafty Calendar - cold and frosty

3. Alphabet Challenge - W for White Christmas

4. Fussy and Fancy #52 - monochromatic and sparkle

Happy Crafting!

December Daily Day 21

2011-12-26T21:33:00.002-06:00

Credits

Papers and elements from Together is Home Scrap Orchard Mega

Daily Date Stamp from Ziggle Designs by Kami

Font sf Natalie

Happy Scrapping!

December Daily Day 20

2011-12-26T21:06:00.000-06:00

Credits

Papers, elements, and alpha from Magical Christmas by Jady Day Studio and Studio Flergs

Daily Date Stamp from Ziggle Designs by Kami

Template by Ali Edwards

Font sf Natalie

Happy Scrapping!

December Daily Day 19

2011-12-26T19:57:00.002-06:00

Working my way through my December daily. I fell off the picture taking wagon at the beginning of last week. We'll see what I come up with.

Credits

Papers and elements from Together is Home Scrap Orchard Mega

Daily Date Stamp from Ziggle Designs by Kami

Template by Ali Edwards

Font sf Natalie

Happy Scrapping!

Open House at TCC - Inspired by... Challenge

2011-12-26T06:27:00.000-06:00

It's finally here! Open House at The Crafter's Cafe! We have a ton of fun planned. There are challenges that start today and will be open all week. We'll have a different game with a prize every day. You can win a door prize just for stopping by and saying hi each day. We have a ton of great sponsors and fabulous prizes! We hope you'll stop by each day for fun and games.

Today, I have my sample cards for the challenges. We have five challenges that start today. I'm going to post each one in a different post. I hope you'll check them all out.

I think this is my last card for today (breathes sigh of relief). This challenge is "Inspired by..." For this challenge, we're asking folks to find a card or project that inspires them and make a project. The challenge is sponsored by Make It Crafty.

I'm always inspired by Zoe's coloring :-) I saw this card on her blog that really inspired me the other day. So I studied it carefully and tried my best to use shadows in the same way she did. It was a challenge, and I got to experiment with making shadows using my C grey copics after I'd colored the main color. I'm really happy with how it turned out! I used Lizzie with a Gift and the presents from Festive Elements by Make It Crafty. The image was large and I wanted to focus on the coloring so I left the card very simple.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. Stampin' for the Weekend #23 - anything goes

2. Crafts and Me #66 - anything goes

3. Totally Papercrafts #97 - time to party

4. Charisma Cards #50 - anything goes

5. Paper Sundaes #100 - celebrate

Here are links to the products I used:

Happy Crafting!

Open House at TCC - Recycle It Challenge

2011-12-26T06:25:00.000-06:00

Today, I have my sample cards for the challenges. We have five challenges that start today. I'm going to post each one in a different post. I hope you'll check them all out.

The next challenge is - Recycle it. This challenge is sponsored by Stitchy Bear Stamps. For this challenge, you need to recycle something from your Christmas decorations or gift wrapping stash. I used a pink gift bag from Peanut's birthday and made a tag for Valentine's day. I used I love my mom from Reese's Scrap Pieces. I printed the image on Make It Colour paper and colored it with Spectrum Noir markers. The markers are new to me and I'm learning them. I really like the way they color. If you want to get started with alcohol markers, they're really affordable!

Happy Crafting!

TCC Open House - Birthday Challenge

2011-12-26T06:19:00.000-06:00

Today, I have my sample cards for the challenges. We have five challenges that start today. I'm going to post each one in a different post. I hope you'll check them all out.

I have a card for our birthday card challenge. This challenge is sponsored by Robyn's Festish digital stamps. I used English Tea Cup for my card. I printed the image on Make It Colour paper and colored it with Spectrum Noir markers. You can see I then went a little nuts with the gold glitter. I was going for a feeling of old-time china with gold trim.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenge:

1. Paper Playtime #63 - anything goes + sentiment

Happy Crafting!

Open House at TCC - Hybrid Challenge

2011-12-26T06:13:00.000-06:00

Today, I have my sample cards for the challenges. We have five challenges that start today. I'm going to post each one in a different post. I hope you'll check them all out.

For the So what is hybrid? challenge, Wendy of Wendybird Designs is very generously providing her Treat Tent template for EVERYONE to use for the challenge! Hop over to The Crafter's Cafe to download the template. I made project to give some tasty treats this Christmas. I used digi papers from JLJ Designs (I'm getting out of the designing business, so I don't have a link for them). The template was super easy to use. I finally found a use for some wired fuzzy ribbon I bought a few years ago!

I'd like to enter this project in the following challenges:

1. Bunny Zoe's Challenge #19 - fancy folds/shaped cards

2. Prairie Fairy #68 - Holly Jolly Christmas - no red or green

Happy Crafting!

Welcome to The Crafter's Cafe Open House

2011-12-26T06:06:00.000-06:00

Today, I have my sample cards for the challenges. We have five challenges that start today. I'm going to post each one in a different post. I hope you'll check them all out.

My first card is for the thank you challenge. Now that you've sent the Christmas cards and opened all the gifts, it's time for thank you. Jellypark Friends is sponsoring this challenge, and they're generously providing a freebie to use for the challenge. Isn't she so sweet and perfect for a thank you card? I printed her on Make It Color paper and colored her with Copics. I used my craft pins, seam binding, papers from a Cardmaking and Papercraft freebie, along with flowers from my TCC Secret Santa.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. Sparkles Forum - anything BUT a Christmas card

2. The Crafty Pad #152 - anything BUT Christmas

3. Secret Crafter #166 - anything goes

4. Crafty Creations - Thank you

5. Sweet Stampin' - Sparkle and Bling

6. Delicious Doodles - anything goes

Happy Crafting!

Merry Christmas and Open House at TCC!

2011-12-25T21:38:00.005-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I hope everyone had a great day and you have a joyful year. We're just starting to get the ball rolling at The Crafter's Cafe Open House. Things will really start swinging tomorrow morning. We hope you'll stop by. It's like an Open House in the "real" world - stop by when you can, stay for as long as you like. We posted the token game a little early because it takes a little printing and preparation. The token game is sponsored by The Stamping Boutique and Tracy has a great stamping kit for a prize. For my card, I used Smoochie the Artist with her Easel by The Stamping Boutique. I printed her on Make It Colour paper and colored her with Copics.

We need a ton of thank you cards for our generous family and friends this holiday. Peanut and I have been coloring like mad. DH likes simple, easy to mail thank you cards, so I left it fairly plain for him.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. Everybody Art #173 - anything goes
2. Crafts 4 Eternity #51 - embossing - can you see the edge around the card?
3. Try It on Tuesday - anything goes

Products I used in this post (what do you think of the link manager tool?):

Happy Crafting!

December Daily Day 18

2011-12-23T14:27:00.000-06:00

Credits

Papers and elements from Glad Tidings Collab by Faith True Originals, Designs by Kat, and Tracie Stroud Designs (Scrap Orchard)

Daily Date Stamp from Ziggle Designs by Kami

Font sf Natalie

Happy Scrapping!

December Daily Day 17

2011-12-23T13:43:00.000-06:00

Credits

Papers and elements from Tutu Cute by Chelle's Creations (Scrap Orchard)

Daily Date Stamp from Ziggle Designs by Kami

Template by Ali Edwards

Font sf Natalie

Happy Scrapping!

December Daily Day 16

2011-12-23T13:14:00.001-06:00

Credits

Papers and elements from Jolly Holly Days by Meredith Cardall Designs available in her guest shoppe at PDW thru Dec 31

Daily Date Stamp from Ziggle Designs by Kami

Font sf Natalie

Happy Crafting!

December Daily Dec. 15

2011-12-22T22:06:00.000-06:00

Credits

Papers and elements from Glad Tidings Collab by Faith True Originals, Designs by Kat, and Tracie Stroud Designs

Daily Date Stamp from Ziggle Designs by Kami

Template by Ali Edwards

Font sf Natalie

Happy Scrapping!

December Daily Dec. 14

2011-12-18T16:21:00.001-06:00

Credits

Papers and elements from Stir It Up by WM[squared]

Daily Date Stamp from Ziggle Designs by Kami

Font sf Natalie

Happy Scrapping

December Daily Dec. 13

2011-12-18T15:36:00.001-06:00

Credits

Papers and elements from Glad Tidings Collab by Faith True Originals, Designs by Kat, and Tracie Stroud Designs (Scrap Orchard)

Daily Date Stamp from Ziggle Designs by Kami

Font sf Natalie

Happy Scrapping!

December Daily Dec. 12

2011-12-18T15:07:00.000-06:00

Credits

Papers and elements from Merry Times by AnnaBV Designs

Daily Date Stamp from Ziggle Designs by Kami

Template by Ali Edwards

Font sf Natalie

Happy Crafting!

December Daily Dec. 11

2011-12-18T15:02:00.001-06:00

Credits

Papers and elements from Merry and Bright by geniaBeana Scraps

Daily date stamp from Ziggle Designs by Kami

Font sf Natalie

CIC #141 - sponsored by Amber Ink

2011-12-18T05:00:00.001-06:00

It's time for a new challenge at Cupcake Inspirations. For my project, I used Whispy from Saturated Canary. I printed her on Make It Colour paper and colored her with Copics. I need a gift bag for my dance teacher, and I thought Whispy looked perfect for the job. I haven't done many gift bags, but I had a stash of plain white ones in the craft closet. I was surprised at how easy it was!
I'd like to enter this project in the following challenges:

1. Friday Sketch Challenge #7 - sketch

2. Anything Goes Challenge #56 - anything but a card

3. Crafts and Me - Christmas

4. Paperplay #50 - Christmas

5. Charisma Cardz #49 - last minute Xmas makes

6. Really Reasonable Ribbon #38 - anything goes with ribbon

Happy Crafting!

Activity Bags

2011-12-15T17:40:00.003-06:00

For Christmas this year, I made bags for the kids to take with them to a restaurant or other place where they have to wait. I bought a book and toy and then I made some fun things - a tic-tac-toe game, a little coloring book with pencils. Peanut and I decorated the bag with puffy paint. I made a tag using the same digi scrap kit.

For the girls using Bushels of Fun by Meredith Cardall Designs.

For the boys, featuring Fish out of Water by Meredith Cardall Designs.

Happy Crafting!

December Daily Dec. 10

2011-12-12T20:42:00.000-06:00

Credits

Papers and elements from It's My Birthday by Julie Bullock (Scrap Orchard)

Daily date stamp from Ziggle Designs by Kami

Font sf Natalie

Happy Crafting!

December Daily Dec. 9

2011-12-12T20:39:00.000-06:00

Credits

Papers and elements from Wish List Letter to Santa by etc by Danyale (The DigiChick)

Daily date stamp from Ziggle Designs by Kami

Font sf Natalie

Happy Crafting!

CIC #140 - sponsored by Prairie Fairy

2011-12-11T04:00:00.003-06:00

It's yummy challenge time at Cupcake Inspirations. We're sponsored this week by Prairie Fairy. I love the images so much I made 2 cards. My first card features Skating Circles. Isn't he cute! I printed him on Make It Colour paper and colored him with Copics. I used DCWV papers from last year's Christmas stash. I finished it off with some green ribbon and red flowers.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. The Sketchy Challenges #12 - Jane's sketch

2. Papertake Weekly - anything goes

3. Cute Card Thursday #194 - anything goes

4. Fussy and Fancy Friday #51 - photo inspiration - I was inspired by the classic Christmas colors.

5. Stampin' for the Weekend #22 - Christmas

6. Crafts 4 Eternity #49 - red, green and cream

7. Card Makin Mamas #35 - Christmas

8. One Stop Craft #161 - traditional Christmas colors

9. CES Challenge #65 - Traditional Christmas

My second card features Roocat sliding.
I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. Sketch Saturday #185 - sketch

2. Top Tip #63 - let it snow

3. Simon Says - Christmas photo montage

4. Crafts and Me #64 - snow/snowflakes

5. Stampin with the Dragon - Christmas bling

6. Totally Gorjuss #110 - let it snow

Happy Crafting!

December Daily Dec. 8

2011-12-10T19:43:00.001-06:00

I'm slowly getting caught up! Three pages done tonight. I didn't take photos yesterday, so I'm not sure what I'm going to do...

Credits

Papers and elements from Everyday Moments by Secret Stash

Daily date stamp from Ziggle Designs by Kami

Font sf Natalie

Happy Crafting!

December Daily Dec. 7

2011-12-10T19:24:00.001-06:00

I got this kit on sale today at Scrap Orchard! I love it!

Credits

Papers and elements from Merry Times by AnnaBV Designs (Scrap Orchard)

Daily date stamp from Ziggle Designs by Kami

Font sf Natalie

Happy Crafting!

December Daily Dec. 6

2011-12-10T19:21:00.002-06:00

Credits

Basically Elegant by geniaBeana Scraps

Daily date stamp from Ziggle Designs by Kami

Font sf Natalie

Happy Crafting!

Sarah's Funny Blog Candy

2011-12-10T17:40:00.001-06:00

You have got to read Sarah's blog and become a follower - she's hysterical! And look at the amazing candy.

Happy Crafting!

December Daily Dec. 5

2011-12-08T21:49:00.001-06:00

Credits

Christmas Wishes by Meredith Cardall Designs

Daily date stamp from Ziggle Designs by Kami

Font sf Natalie

Happy Crafting!

December Daily Dec. 4

2011-12-07T21:42:00.001-06:00

I've fallen a little behind in my daily album. I'm really trying to put a lot of journaling as a challenge to myself. I want to make this a "December to remember."

Credits

Papers and elements from It's My Birthday by Julie Bullock (Scrap Orchard)

Happy Crafting!

CIC #139 - sponsored by Stamp Fairy

2011-12-04T05:00:00.002-06:00

We have another tasty challenge at Cupcake Inspirations this week. We're sponsored by Stamp Fairy and I've played with this Clementine cutie. I printed her on Make It Colour paper and colored her with Copics. I'm still playing with coloring white and I wanted to try making the ornament look shiny using only markers. I think I don't have the light source quite right, but I like it anyway. I went for a CAS layout to focus on the image.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. Simon Says - anything goes

Happy Crafting!

December Daily Dec. 3

2011-12-04T01:00:00.000-06:00

Credits

Papers and elements from Winter Memories by Jady Day Studio

Daily date stamp from Ziggle Designs by Kami

Template from Ali Edwards

Font sf Natalie

Happy Crafting!

December Daily Dec. 2

2011-12-03T21:35:00.001-06:00

Credits

Papers and elements from Merry and Bright by geniaBeana Scraps

Daily date stamp from Ziggle Designs by Kami

Template from Ali Edwards

Font sf Natalie

Happy Crafting!

December Daily Dec. 1

2011-12-02T16:23:00.002-06:00

Here's my December Daily day 1.

Credits

Paper, holly leaves, red brad, flower, candle from Love and Joy by Sherwood Studio (The Digichick)

Silver alpha, NYC alpha, N brad, word art, sewing from Great Escape by WM[squared] (Scrap Orchard)

Daily Date Stamp from Ziggle Designs by Kami (Scrap Orchard)

Template by Ali Edwards (Designer Digitals)

Happy Crafting!

Guest Designer at Corrosive Challenges - CASE a DT Member

2011-11-27T08:00:00.002-06:00

**just found out Susan is in the hospital - keep her in your thoughts - so my card may not be up at Corrosive Challenges right away.**

It's my last GDT card for Corrosive Challenges this week. The challenge this week is to CASE a DT member. Our sponsor is Inktegrity. I used Takoda the Kitty from Inktegrity for my card. Aren't they cute! I colored the image with Copics on Make It Colour paper. I went for a CAS card with some papers from my stash.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. Stampin' for the Weekend #21 - friends

2. Craft Your Days Away #34 - buttons or bows

3. Friday Sketch #6 - sketch

Happy Crafting!

Cupcake Inspirations #138

2011-11-27T00:00:00.002-06:00

It's time for another yummy challenge with Cupcake Inspirations! This week we're sponsored by Anita Be Stampin'.

When I saw this picture, I thought of the gingerbread candy house from Make It Crafty. I paired the house with Rocky, also from MIC. I printed them on Make It Colour paper and colored them with Copics. I added craft pins from JLJ Designs and flowers and ric rac. I went glitter happy and added little sparkly snowflakes on the image, so much glitter fun :-)

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. Everybody Art #169 - Christmas card

2. Crafty Calendar - winter wardrobe - don't you love Rocky's scarf and hat?

3. Charisma Cardz #46 - snowflakes

4. C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - unusual Christmas

5. Stamping with the Dragon - anything goes Christmas

6. Totally Gorjuss #108 - sparkle

Happy Crafting!

MIC - Coloring White

2011-11-25T17:30:00.002-06:00

Would you believe I had the card done, but hadn't taken picture in time to get this posted for the Make It Colourful challenge going live this morning? When I first heard the challenge was coloring white, I thought that it would be a struggle. Luckily, some of the amazing MIC DT members uploaded their cards early and I used them for inspiration. I thought Angel and Cherub would be perfect for this challenge.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. Sketch Saturday #182 - sketch

2. Lollipop Crafts #58 - anything goes

3. Papertake Weekly - Christmas crackers

Happy Crafting!

JLJ Designs Sponsoring Crafty Sentiments

2011-11-25T17:00:00.001-06:00

JLJ Designs is sponsoring Crafty Sentiments this week!

The winner will receive a $10 gift certificate for ANYTHING in my Artfire Store - digital papers, seam binding, crafty pins, digi stamps...

Happy Crafting!

2011-11-23T05:23:00.001-06:00

Free shipping on all items in my Artfire store - including seam binding and craft pins! Enter code FREESHIPNOV11.

Happy Crafting!

Meredith Cardall Designs - Black Friday Specials

2011-11-22T05:00:00.002-06:00

Meredith's Store at Scrapbook Bytes

Meredith's Blog

Happy Scrapping!

Cupcake Inspirations #137

2011-11-20T03:00:00.001-06:00

It's a gobbling week at Cupcake Inspirations for challenge #137. Here's the fun inspiration photo:

Our sponsor this week is JLJ Designs (me!). The winner will get a $10 gift certificate they can use for anything in my store.

I used my Thanksgiving Digital Scrapbook Kit to make 2 cards. The first card uses the papers and elements from the kit to make a printable card. It was super-easy to make.
I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. Crafts and Me #61 - simple

2. Fresh Brewed Challenge #73 - I am Thankful

3. Papercutz #117 - let's talk turkey

For my second card, I added Kimono Kaylee from Some Odd Girl on this single layer card. I added some buttons and punched the corners to give it some texture.
I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. Some Odd Girl - recipe challenge

2. Simon Says - Thanksgiving/Thank you

3. Allsorts #130 - one layer - I didn't know if the buttons counted....

Happy Crafting!

A Brand New Day - Meredith Cardall Designs Release

2011-11-18T17:00:00.001-06:00

Meredith has a great new kit out today - A Brand-New Day. I love the colors in this kit, they're some of my current favorites.

I'm working on Christmas presents right now. With this kit, I made two hybrid projects that will go into presents for some of my teenage girl cousins. The first are magnets (I thought they'd be great for lockers). I used the circle elements from the kit (just print and cut), along with large clear glass stones for plants and fairly large circular magnets. I Mod Podge-d the elements onto the glass. Then, I hot glued the magnets on the back. Really easy and quick!
For my second project, I got some little hand sanitizer "purses" at the dollar store. I made a little layout that fit inside. I hot glued some red buttons over the clear buttons on the purse and Voila! a customized Christmas present.

Happy Crafting!

Christmas Present - Desk Calendar

2011-11-15T05:00:00.001-06:00

I've been looking for ways to make personalized Christmas gifts inexpensively this year. I had an idea for a desk calendar using a frame that I found at the dollar store. I made 4"x6" print-sized layouts using Meredith Cardall Designs products. I used the bottom of Meredith's Cut-away Calendars as templates for each month, which made the layouts go really quickly. I just added a photo or two where there was space. I had the photos printed during a sale where I got 100 prints for $1 + shipping (I made 8 calendars).

Below are the pictures of each month and the finished project.

Happy Scrapping!

Veteran's Day Challenge at The Crafter's Cafe

2011-11-14T17:00:00.003-06:00

It's time for a new challenge at The Crafter's Cafe! This month, we're kicking things off with a Veteran's Day challenge. I made this card with Officer Oakley from Digital Delights by Louby Lou. I went with a simple, no glitter design so that I can send it to Operation Write Home.

I'd like to thank all who serve and who have served.

Happy Crafting!

Odd-er Christmas

2011-11-13T18:00:00.005-06:00

This is my last post for today. I had a great crafty weekend. I keep thinking I'll save projects to post later in the week, but I'm not that patient. Scroll down to see the winner of my My Memories giveaway, my first Cupcake Inspirations DT card, and my guest DT card for Corrosive Challenges.

Some Odd Girl is having a guest designer call and I had to try out. I thought these Christmas Odd Girls - Bright Lights Kaylee and Winter Mae - would be perfect with the new MIC Winter Objects to create a little scene. I wanted to focus on my coloring, so I made the image fill up the whole card. I added some MIC chippies to frame the image. Don't these girls look like they're having fun?

It's the last week for the SOG flickr challenge - keep it simple. I used Bright Lights Kaylee again - she's so fun. I tried for white lights this time using iridescent glitter. I find simple cards the hardest, but I love this one with the text-y paper.

Happy Crafting!

Winner of My Memories Software and Freebies!

2011-11-13T13:39:00.006-06:00

Thank you to everyone who entered my My Memories Suite giveaway. I have a little freebie for everyone from My Memories. You'll get the quickpages and all the elements used to create the quickpage!

LINK

The winner of the My Memories software is Stacie (Hestia's Helper). I'll send your email to My Memories to claim your prize.

If you'd like the My Memories software, you can purchase it here. Use this code STMMMS93805 to get $10 off.

Happy Scrapping!

Cupcake Inspiration Challenge #136

2011-11-13T05:00:00.001-06:00

**This is my second post. Please scroll down for my Corrosive Challenge guest designer post.**

I can't believe it! I was asked to join the Cupcake Inspiration Design Team. Yippee!!!! I have my first card this week, inspired by this yummy, geometric beauty:

Our sponsor this week is Tiddly Inks. I love their cute digis!

I used the cutie - Fall Queen - for my card.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. Bling It On - November sketch

2. Charisma Cardz #44 - cutesy

3. C.R.A.F.T. Challenge #128 - cute

Happy Crafting!

Guest Designer at The Corrosive Challenge

2011-11-13T04:30:00.002-06:00

I was asked to be a guest designer at The Corrosive Challenges this month! The theme for this challenge is giving thanks. I wanted to do something a little different and when I found this quote by Robert Kennedy in my stash, I thought it would be perfect. The quote says "We must stop to thank the people who make a difference in our lives." I paired the quote with a sweet Tilda stamp from Magnolia Stamps. I stamped Tilda on Make It Colour paper and used Copics - mainly R22, R24 and R27.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. Just Magnolia #132 - black/grey + red + white

2. Pink Ink Sketch #10 - Kathrin's sketch

3. iCopic #55 - thankful

4. Simon Says - photo inspiration

5. Cute Card Thursday #190 - red for remembrance

6. Aud Sentiments #41- thank you

7. Card Makin' Mamas #33 - be thankful

8. CES Challenges #61 - roses and ribbons

9. Magnolia Down Under Challenge #122 - so sentimental

Happy Crafting!

Christmas Edwin

2011-11-11T21:57:00.002-06:00

I'm finally getting to play with my new Christmas Magnolia stamps. I was inspired by TOMIC guest designer Dina's card. I love the colors she used and I used them too! I stamped Edwin on Make It Crafty paper and colored him with Copics. I used B02, B00 and B0000, which I hadn't tried together before. The craft pins are available in my Artfire store.

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. TOMIC #23 - Edwin + sketch

2. Really Reasonable Ribbon #35 - Christmas theme

3. Magnolia-liscious Challenge - inspiration

4. Papertake Weekly - Christmas

5. Totally Gorjuss #106 - Christmas traditions

6. Wags 'n Whiskers #67 - Christmas

Happy Crafting!

JLJ Designs Sponsoring Do You Stack Up?

2011-11-10T17:00:00.002-06:00

JLJ Designs is sponsoring DYSU this week!

The winner will receive a $10 gift certificate for ANYTHING in my Artfire Store - digital papers, seam binding, crafty pins, digi stamps...

Happy Crafting!

This Week in Digi Scrap #9

2011-11-07T19:30:00.020-06:00

I was behind in posting layouts and then Digital Scrapbook Day happened. This is going to be a picture-intensive post! I hope you enjoy.

Credits (Brownie Scraps)

Papers and elements from Monkey See Monkey Do by Flutterbye Fairy and B2N2 Scraps

"Patchwork of My Life" by GUEST DESIGNER Meredith Cardall at Scrapbook-bytes.com

Credits (Brownie Scraps)

Papers and elements from Brownie Scraps Birthday Bash Collab

Font: MTF Sweetie, MTF Sweet Sky Dings, MTF Sweet Dings

Credits (Brownie Scraps)

Papers and elements from Love Actually by Marni Designs and Jacabean Designs

Credits (Scrap Orchard)

Papers and elements from At the Zoo by Jady Day Studio

Font: Traveling_Typewriter

Credits (Brownie Scraps)

Papers and elements from Super Spooky by Blue Hear Scraps

Super Spooky Template by Wendybird Designs

Credits (Scrap Orchard)

Papers and elements from Tutu Cute by Chelle's Creations

Font: sf Natalie

Credits (Scrap Orchard)

Papers and elements from A Life So Sweet by WM[squared] and Jady Day Studio

Font: sf Natalie

Credits (Scrapbook Bytes)

Papers and elements from Autumn Walk by JennCK

Template #3 from Greatest Dad Templates by JennCK

Credits (The Digichick)

Papers and elements from No Boys Allowed by Cluster Queen Creations

No Boys Allowed Template #2 by Cluster Queen Creations

Font: sf Natalie

Credits (Scrap Matters)

Papers and elements from Scrap Matters Garden Party Collab

Font: Freeze!

Credits (Scrap Orchard)

Papers and elements from Hitting the Waves by Jady Day Studio

Font: sf Natalie

Credits (Scrap Orchard)

Papers and elements from A Life So Sweet by WM[squared] and Jady Day Studio

Font: Traveling_Typewriter

Credits (Brownie Scraps)

Papers, ribbons, hinge, button, stitching, alpha, word art, gold flower, brown flower, pink flower with leaves from Simple Things by Flutterbye Fairy Designs

Apple from Apple of My Eye by Flutterbye Fairy Designs

Pink flower, red flower from Simple Things Mini by Ohana Designs

Font: Traveling Typewriter

Credits

Papers and elements from Boho Chic by geniaBeana Scraps

Scrap Matters Tuesday Template 10/11/11 by Designs by Camijo

Font: sf Natalie

Credits (Brownie Scraps)

Papers and elements from Fresh Picked by Blue Heart Scraps

Super Spooky Template by Wendybird Designs

Credits (Scrap Matters)

Papers and elements from Blessed to be Your Mother by Jady Day Studio

2011 DSD Template Freebie by Jady Day Studio

Font: sf Natalie

"Sunshine On A Cloudy Day" by GUEST DESIGNER Meredith Cardall at Scrapbook-bytes.com

DSD Template Challenge at Scrapbook Bytes by JennCK

Credits (The Digi Chick)

Background paper, yellow/pink paper from DSD 2011 Freebie by Paper Garden Project

Stamp from Cluster Caper by Karen Lewis Designz

Grafitti from grafitti splats by kimeric designs

Flower paper from DSD 2011 Freebie by Kellie Mize Designs

Pink patterned paper, leaf spray, scallop frame from DSD 2011 Free Gift by Danielle Engelbretson Designs

Light pink/yellow patterned paper, green button, pink/blue flower, button center flower from DSD 2011 Freebie by Wendy Page Designs

Circle patterned paper, tag from So Happy by Pixel Gypsy

Pink polka dot ribbon, pink/blue flower from So Sweet by elise's pieces

Heart patterned paper, orange flower, pink curly ribbon, cream flower from So Very Thankful by Sherwood Studios

Orange sunflower, bubble circle from Happy Family by Madame Wing Designs

Ribbon banner from DSD 2011 Sampler by Wishing Well Creations

Ribbon flower, memories word art from Hope Chest by Etc by Danyale

Stitches from DSD 2011 Freebie by Quirky Twerp

Heart from Forever Family by Cluster Queen Creations

Template #2 from Hocus Pocus by geniaBeana Scraps and Cluster Queen Creations

Font: sf Natalie

Digi Scrap Stores

Happy Scrapping!

TCC Digi Day - Gift Wrap Challenge

2011-11-06T00:05:00.001-05:00

We had a great time at the TCC digi day chat! You still have time to enter the challenges - they're open until Saturday, Nov 12.

This is my project for the gift wrap challenge. I made a basket using a 2 handled basket template from Wendybird Designs. The papers are from my Tidings of Christmas paper pack. I thought one of the new Christmas Tildas would make a great addition to my basket. I printed her on Make It Crafty paper and colored her with Copics. It's a little hard to see, but I did sheer sleeves on her dress.

I'd like to enter this project in the following challenges:

1. TOMIC #22 - Create a basket

2. By the Cute and Girly - Christmas girls

Happy Crafting!

TCC Digi Day - Holiday Treats Challenge

2011-11-06T00:03:00.000-05:00

We had a great time at the TCC digi day chat! You still have time to enter the challenges - they're open until Saturday, Nov 12.

This is my card for the Holiday Treats challenge. I used gingerbread man with buttons from The Stamping Boutique. You can see that I went a little overboard with the buttons :-)

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. Simon Says - buttons

2. Paperplay #44 - button up

3. Card Makin' Mamas #32 - cut it out

4. Allsorts #128 - anything but square

TCC Digi Day - Sparkle and Shine Challenge

2011-11-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

We had a great time at the TCC digi day chat! You still have time to enter the challenges - they're open until Saturday, Nov 12.

This is my card for the sparkle and shine challenge. The image is from Fresh Brewed Designs - Cat and Mouse Nap. I used papers from my Tidings of Christmas paper pack. I printed the image on Make It Crafty paper and colored it with Copics

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

1. Do You Stack Up #44 - teal

2. Digital Tuesday #135 - cute and cuddly

3. Fresh Brewed #71 - anything goes

Happy Crafting!

geniaBeana DSD grab bag

2011-11-04T05:59:00.005-05:00

geniaBeana has an AMAZING DSD grab bag available at The Digi Chick. It's only $5 and you get an astounding amount of product. All of the TDC designers (including geniaBeana) have a freebie on their facebook pages - see this thread for details.

Here's my layout using the kit and a template from the grab bag:

Happy Scrapping!

Happy Digital Scrapbooking Day/Weekend!

2011-11-03T19:45:00.001-05:00

Did you know this weekend is Digital Scrapbooking Day? There are so many fun activities and events going on. I have a giveaway for you! I was given the opportunity to try out My Memories Suite and give a copy away. I tried it out and it was really easy to use. I really like the tools for adding a paper to a shape and shadowing objects.

Here's a layout I created using Meredith Cardall's My Tunes.

So would you like to win a copy of My Memories? All you need to do is hop over to Meredith's My Memories store and leave a comment with your favorite product. I'll draw a winner on November 12th.

Can't wait to get My Memories Suite? You can use this code STMMMS93805 to get a $10 discount on the program, which includes $10 in coupons!

Happy Scrapping!

geniaBeana Nov Mix a Kit Release at Scrap Matters

2011-11-01T07:00:00.002-05:00

It's release day for the Scrap Matters Mix a Kit and geniaBeana Scraps has a great fall kit for this month. I used it to re-scrap a page I did several years ago. I love the result.

Credits

Fall Frolic Papers by geniaBeana Scraps

Fall Frolic Elements by geniaBeana Scraps

Fall Frolic Shabby Solids by geniaBeana Scraps

Fall Frolic Alpha by geniaBeana Scraps

Lotsa Layers V1 Template by geniaBeana Scraps

Happy Scrapping!

JLJ Designs sponsoring The Crazy Challenge

2011-10-31T18:00:00.004-05:00

Happy Halloween!

JLJ Designs is sponsoring The Crazy Challenge this week!

The winner will receive a $10 gift certificate for ANYTHING in my Artfire Store - digital papers, seam binding, crafty pins, digi stamps...

Happy Crafting!