Angels are among us

Hi there!  Kathy's internet is still out. :(
Tonight I have a card of a very unique angel.  I collect angels and this particular stamp is from Guadalupe's Stamp Store (Stampa Fe) in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  It is their own creation.I've cut her out to make her pop and put svarovski crystals all over her dress.   (Martha Stewart bird punch). Enjoy! - Margaret

Living in the country

One of the downfalls of country living is when things go awry, it is not so easy to get them fixed. Our Internet is down so there will be no card from me today. I don't know if windstream works tomorrow but I sure hope so. I can't imagine an entire weekend with only my iPhone for Internet! Hope to be back soon! Kathy B

Happy Birthday Mom, and Mandala fest

Hello dear readers,
I have been ON A ROLL with cardmaking this week and have loved every second of it.  Today, I am posting a card I made last night for my mother's 66th birthday in a week and a half.  This is an Outlines stamp and a Cheery Lynn Diecut framing the stamp.  I popped out one of the flowers, its center, and the center of the yellow flower.  All were colored using Copics. You may not see it from this photo, but the card is super sparkly with lots of glitter and svarovski crystals (Details below). I think they still have the stamp available on their website.  As you may know, Outlines is closing their doors.  I am so sad over this as this was the stamp company that was one of the first few which hooked me into stamping.  I just adore their mandalas, one of which I'm posting below the card.  Unfortunately, I believe they're sold out of most of them.

Here you can see the parts that I cut away separately and popped up on foam tape.  I like to use the 3M foam.  Very strong adhesion.

The photo doesn't do it justice but I tried to capture some of the bling.  There are some Svarovski crystals on the pink and green flowers.

Now, onto part II.  As a tribute to with Outlines, I'm posting a mandala I made last year with one of their Blossom series stamps.  All papers were embossed card stock, with lots and lots of Svarovski crystals.  The pieces are adhered with 3M foam tape.  Kathy discovered that this tape provided the best adhesion and she's right!  I made numerous mandalas using the regular scrapbooking pop up foam circles, and they all fell apart after a year.  These just stick forever.  When you mount one of these in a shadow box, the bling just sparkles!  I hope Kathy posts some of her Mandalas because she does an awesome job of them.  In fact, that's who got me hooked on it!  And she uses these teeny tiny Svarovski's which are very hard to adhere -- so I'm just saying, her mandalas are a work of art!

Blossom Series stamp from Outlines Rubber Stamp Company.  Bling is all Svarovski Crystals.  White embossing powder.  All pieces attached with 3M foam tape.

Here you can see the different layers

This is another mandala, but here I used a medallion from Holly Berry Stamps.  If you have never heard of them, you must check them out...their medallions are GORGEOUS!  I don't think this one is in production anymore because i couldn't find it on their website, but as you can see they're very intricate.  There's also lots of opportunities to glitter them up.

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a wonderful Friday. -- Margaret

Happy Holidays

Before I tell you about today's card, I have a little brag.  I was featured over at Freshly Brewed Blog yesterday for a card (We're In This Together) I made for their challenge, .  I am excited about this because it is the first time I have been featured, so pardon the self-indulgence here. 

Okay, today's card is a little out of season, but I decided that these Christmas challenges are actually a good thing.  If I start now, I can have all I need done before Christmas and not have to spend so much time near the holidays trying to get something made.  This card is for the photo inspiration challenge over at ABC CHRISTMAS Challenge.

It's a simple card, using Basic Grey dp and a Penny Black image colored with Copics and Spicas.  The sentiment is from PaperTrey.  I used a die from Clear Dollar Stamps for the sentiment and nesties for the rest.  If you haven't figured it out by now, I have an affinity for all canine creatures, so you will see a lot of that here.  I thought this little guy was absolutely adorable.

I have taken a vacation day today so perhaps I will be back later with another post!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b 

It's Never Too Late

Today's card features a saying from Tim Holtz and  I used the template from The Deconstructed Sketch.  I am also entering this in the challenge at Party Time Tuesdays.

I love this saying!!! I used Bo Bunny dp and added 2 doubled up Prima flowers with Memory Makers silvery brads in the center.  I used a border punch from MSM and added three silvery Robins Nest dew drops complete the design. 

That's it for now. Thanks for stopping by.

kathy b

Birthday Diva and Product Review (Storing dies)!

Good morning everyone!  I'm about as amazed as you are that I'm posting twice in one week..but we have Spring break right now so I'm on a more relaxed schedule.  And the stamping bug has hit me hard this week.  So today I'm very inspired to share TWO things with you.  A card and a product review.  But let's get the important thing done first.

My daughter Claudia will turn 11 next week.  On Good Friday...much to her dismay (since that means no party and celebrations until the following week).  I come from a Polish background and growing up we were so strict we weren't even allowed to watch TV, listen to the radio, or even use scissors from Holy Thursday night through Easter morning!  Anyway, this child of mine is a DIVA through and through so I was happy to have this UPTOWN girls stamp in my stash.  The background is a lovely glitter paper from American crafts...You can't tell from the card but it is SUPER sparkly!  her shoes are stickled in gold.  This is most appropriate since since she is getting gold sandals similar to this style(the heel not so high...LOL).  Inside, the sentiment says "Wishing you a birthday that is just your style" which comes with the stamp.  By the way, her dress is covered in stickles so it is also super sparkly, just like this child!

Stamps: Stamping Bella (Uptown Girl Posh), sentiment from Stampin Up.  Die cuts: Nestablities.  Leaf Punch: McGill (old).  Flowers: Flowers are from Michael's Recollection line.  Paper: (blue) POW! Glitter paper from American Crafts; Flower paper is Crate Paper Farmhouse Collection; orange strip is Basic Grey. Stickles used on dress and gifts.

 

 

Now, onto the product review.  Have you ever wondered how to store your Nestabilities?  I should probably do this with all my dies, but Nesties are so large.  So I have 3 systems, which I will show below, but I think I will convert to System 1...the newest system called the Art Bin which I purchased from Archivers, but also saw that 7 Kids College Fund sells them too (currently on preorder).  I just love this new little case!  See below for explanations.

System 1.  The Art Bin.  Has magnetic pads within 1 bin.  The pros are you can store everything in one place and it saves room.  You can purchase 3 magnetic sheets in one package.  In the photo, there are 6 magnetic sheets in the bin with plenty of room left to add more.  The downside is that you have to flip through all the sheets to get what you want but it really isn't too much of a burden.  I love the compactness of it all

System 2.  I purchased these wooden things in Michael's and painted them.  Then I added a magnetic strip.  LOVE the fact that it's all there in front of you so you can see it all, but it's very space consuming (and time consuming to make them).  You can hang these on the wall or stack them. 

System 3.  The oldest system.  These are old CD cases to which I added magnetic strips.  I don't really like this system at all because I feel like I'm constantly flipping through all the cases and it's hard to compare the sizes (the basics come in a larger and smaller version).  The other downside is that most newer nesties won't fit in the cases.

Hope you enjoyed today's post.   Thank you for stopping by and see you soon (sooner than you think!) Margaret

We're in This Together

Happy Tuesday! 

I have a cute card for you today that uses a stamp from Freshly Brewed Designs. 

Isn't she fun?  I thought I would give this to a friend who is trying to exercise more, as I am.  We can be motivating for each other!  I colored her with Copics and Spicas.  I added 2 Teresa Collins rhinestones and used Papertrey ribbon.  DP is from my stash, old KI, I think.  The challenge at Fresh Brewed is dots.  I used the sketch over at The Sweet Stop.  I am also entering this at Card Crafters Circle (bling, ribbon & diecuts [BINGO]).

Thanks for stopping by!

Of "Corset's" your birthday!

Long time no see everyone!  I found this card in my stash that I made a year ago. I love giving this kind of card to folks on their birthdays because it's so "different" so to speak.  Do you recognize this old old Stampendous stamp? This one is embossed in red dragon (from Stampendous) on black cardstock.  I recently posted a wedding gown made out of this same stamp on 3/17/12 (Here comes the  bride).  Today's post is a risque birthday card.  I used nestabilities to cut out the frame, one of those 50 cent specials in Hobby Lobby for the ribbon and the embossing is Cuddlebug.  The sentiment is an Art Impressions stamp (from the year 2000!)  Martha Stewart punch for the border and the patterned paper is just from my scrap bin.  The red ribbon is taped to the back of the stamp.  I hope this card inspires you to shock and surprise a friend of yours...:)  Til next time.  Thanks for looking. Margaret

Wishing I Could Make You Appear

It's an eventful Monday around here.  I got up and headed to work today, only to turn around after 13 miles when I got the call that they want to start on our 500 feet of fence today.  Yea!  Now all we need is a doggie door and we will have 3 outrageously happy schnauzers!

My card today is an "I miss You" card for Margaret and the girls.  Funny thing is, I made the card last night.  It's funny because when I went to the mailbox today, there was a BIG envelope with 2 cards in it...I Miss You cards from THEM!

This is one of those wonderful Pure Innocence stamps from MFT.  I LOVE them and have a ton of them.  I used 2 MFT dies and 1 nestie.  The paper is My Mind's Eye (double-sided) and losts of rhinestone bling.  I also added crystal accents to her shoes, heart on her dress, barrette and wand, but you can't really tell in the photo.  I used the template for MFT Wednesday Sketch challenge.

Only 56 days, 22hours and 47 minutes til I head for Colorado!  Still, I wish I could make you appear...

kathy b

I am also entering this over at Scrap-Creations.

Spring!

Happy Sunday Morning!

Before I have my coffee, OJ and cinnamon rolls, I want to get this post in.  I have a card for the challenge over at Outlines. and the challenge at Scrap-Creations.

You can't tell from the photo, but the flower is actually 3 layers, popped up with 3M tape.  A pearl is added to the center, as well as to the hand drawn sentiment.  The tag is a die cut from Memory Box.  The dp is from my scrap bin and I thought the flourishes were great for looking like stems and leaves!

Okay, time for breakfast!  Have a great day!

kathy b

Hoppy Easter

It was a beautiful day on the mountain, perfect weather.  Tomorrow should be the same.  Yea!  We spent a lot of time outdoors today.  Then we watched March Madness!!! 

Okay, you are here for the card.  Just a quick Easter card using an Impression Obession stamp and a Studio G sentiment. 

I used Copics and Spicas to color the images.  Ribbon is from Papertrey and lace is from Kaiser.  I used my nesties to cut out the image and my SU! punches for the sentiment.  Paper is from my stash.  The sketch is courtesy of the Critter Sketch Challenge. 

Hope you are having a good weekend.

kathy b



Sitting on a Bench

I've got a quick post for you tonight.  I made this card in stages.  A little one day, a little another, and I finished it tonight.  Not that it was complicated...just that life got in the way!  I found the sketch at Anyone for Anya?, so you guessed it, I will be entering that challenge!  I added a few more elements than required, but the basic sketch is there.

The girl and bench are from CC Designs.  The sentiment is Inkadinkado.  DP is Basic Grey, ribbon is Papertrey, rose is from Michaels and the other 2 flowers are WOJ.  I used SU punches for the sentiment and nesties for the girl and bench.  The bench is popped up with 3M tape and then the girl is double popped up to get her to sit on the bench and not be falling backwards.  HA!  I added rhinestones on the stars at the bottom, but you can't see them for the watermark.

We had a beautiful sunny day today and I did a lot of spring cleaning.  Hope tomorrow is as nice for all of us!'

kathy b

Gardening thank you

Hi everyone!  I did an unusual thing...I stayed up to do a card for a guest speaker that I've had in my class today.  I teach courses in nutrition and our speaker today came and had planned this FABULOUS presentation for our students about gardening.  So our class got very dirty with worms, dirt, composting...it was amazing.  And this amazing man brought tubs among tubs among tubs of manure, worms, seeds, everything you can think of to demonstrate how to garden well.  SO, I figured he would appreciate something a little handmade. :)  He was truly touched by this card so I am glad I did it!  He said he will frame it...it's moments like this that makes that extra special effort so worthwhile.  I used a lot of paper in this card...and Kathy can appreciate this...I am completely stingy with paper.  I just want to hoard it and look at it but not use it because I may need it for that extra special occasion...so this was a difficult moment for me to be cutting into all that beautiful patterned paper, but now I know I did the right thing. LOL  Thanks for obliging me in my mad paper obsession.

So today's card is a Magnolia card...as you can see it's a gardening theme.  The Kind Thanks sentiment is Stampin Up cut out on a Nestabilities die. The oval and rectangular frames are all Nestabilities as well.  The strawberry, Edwin and Tilda are all Magnolias...older versions.  The butterfly is a Martha Stewart Punch with black stickles in the middle.  I think the paper is Pebbles.  Inside the card the punched side is also Martha stewart and the sentiment is just printed off the printer.  It says, "Gardening is the art that uses flowers and plants as paint, and the soil and sky as canvas - working with nature provides the technique."  It is a quote by Elizabeth Murray.  I hope you enjoyed the card!  Thanks for stopping by. - Margaret

The front of the card

Inside the card

Anything is Possible

Yea!  It is Thursday and my work week is done!  Boo, it is pouring buckets outside my window, yet again!  I just had to stop and give some Composure to my 14yr old Schnauzer, Sadie, who is afraid of thunder.  Poor girl!

I do have a card for you tonight.  It uses this week's sketch over at Mojo Monday.

It uses 2 dp from my stash (KI, I think).  I used a Cheery Lynn die and stamped the Verve sentiment on an MFT die cut out.  Ribbon is from Papertrey and the flower is from Michael's.  I arranged several rhinestones to complement the saying.   I think I spent more time selecting the parts than I did putting them together!  I need to become more efficient at that!

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b



Brighten Your Heart

It has continued to rain buckets here on the mountain.  We have a brief reprieve right now, but more is on the way.  Ugh!

Okay, today I have a bright and sunny card for you.  I used the sketch over at Deconstructingjen.

The bunny stamp is from Stampabilities and the sentiment is from Northwoods.  This uses Basic Grey papers, kraft paper, Prima flower, & a few rhinestones.

I will also be entering this in the following challenges:

Crafty Emma's

Crazy 4 Challenges

Crafty Ann's

The Pink Elephant

The Kraft Journal

There She Goes

Simply Create Too

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b



Lili with Butterfly

 I started blogging less than 2 months and since then I have discovered so many neat little stamp/digi companies.  Yesterday I got my first order from Lili of the Valley, over in the UK.  They have some very sweet little stamps.  The stamp I am showing today is the one that caught my eye and led  me to the store and thus place an order. 

I used an oval nestie to cut her out and then mounted her on the French Lace Frame from Cheery Lynn.  The butterfly is also from Cheery Lynn.  I cut it out in yellow and white, glued it together and added pearls.  Lili is colored with Copics and then I added Art Institute pearl glitter to her wings, skirt, headress and wand.  The flowers are from Whiff of Joy.

I will be entering this in the challenge at Lili's Little Fairies and Simply Create Too. and Crafty Ann's Challenge.

Thanks for stopping by.  Happy Stamping!!!

kathy b

Gardeners Know The Best Dirt

Well, Monday is almost over.  It has been a busy day at work and with all the pollen flying around, I'm not feeling so hot.  I did manage to make one card tonight, though, after a short nap!

This is for the challenge over at MFT.  It uses their sketch and the Mud Buddies stamp set, as well as the MFT grass die.  I also used old Memory Box papers and some skittles.

 

I paper-pieced the girl, which is something I really enjoy doing. I colored her face, hands, hair and barrette with Copics. 

Hope you like it.  Check back again tomorrow!

kathy b



A Warm Hello

I'm back, like I promised.  I have another quick card for you tonight.  I used the new Stampin' Up! frame dies to create the card as well as cut out the design. 

I colored the Penny Black image with Copics and Spicas.  The sentiment is from Hero Arts.  I attached the front to the back (green parts) with red line tape and used my Scor-Pal to crease the top section so the card could be opened easily.

Thanks for stopping by.  Have a good evening and be sure to stop by again tomorrow!

kathy b

I will be entering this into the following challenges:

Critter Sketch

Simon Says
Party Time Tuesdays

Blah Go Blah Blah Walk

No, I have not forgotten how to talk.  When you see the card, you will get it!

The stamps are from Impression Obsession and the dp is a 3-d paper from American Crafts I picked up at a LSS.

I used an MFT die for the fence, tied stash ribbon and used stash cardstock that was already made into a card (whoo hoo!).  Cut the image out with nesties mounted the image and sentiment on handmade paper from my stash (which is why you can see flecks and imperfections - this is actually the backside of a printed paper).  The trees on the paper are popped up, giving it even more dimension.  Turned out pretty cute, huh?

I will be back later with another card.  I love Sundays in the studio!

kathy b

This card will be entered over at Simon Says, Whimsical Designs, Kaboodle Doodles, and Crazy 4 Challenges, Sassy Cheryls, and Rainbow Ladys, which all require GREEN, and Party Time Tuesday, monochromatic, and Sundays with Chrissy.

Miss you x 3

So once again, here I am posting...  I made this little card yesterday for Kathy.  I still have not sent her last card, so this is supposed to make up for the wait. :)  I love how this turned out.  The big die is Cheery Lynn. I used the metal template and it still didn't cut out all the way.  OY YOY.  But I covered the bad parts with hearts.  The two bigger hearts are four Memory Box dies (LOVE THEM) and I put pearls all over them.  The little heart is a punch that I bought back in 1999 when I was a scrapbooker, and the sentiment was a little $1 stamp I bought in a bin.  And the bottom stamp says "I miss your face", though you can't really read it well.  It's a Tim Holtz stamp.  You can't really tell from the picture but the cut out dies are actually sparkly paper... The three hearts are supposed to represent me and my two girls...we can't wait for Miss Kathy to come visit and saturate our lives with ART. Enjoy, thanks for stopping by! - Margaret

Here comes the bride

Hi everyone,
I'm  back...finally after a 2 week hiatus.  I'm uploading a card I made last spring for a friend's niece who was about to get married.  Unfortunately, the marriage fell through, but the card stayed alive in my files.  I LOVE this stamp.  it is an old stamp by Stampendous and it has so many uses!  It's great stamped in red or black for a more risque card, and of course white, beige, gold or silver for a wedding/bridal shower card. For this card I used a pearly beige embossing powder.  The little "pearls" are actually liquid pearls and the glittery material on the dress is just glittery chalk with a touch of glittery paint (Stargazers).  The punch on the side was Martha Stewart and those are svarovski crystals lining the side, along with a prima flower and a specialty ribbon I had purchased from the local scrapbook store.  And yes that dash of glitter is glittered cardstock.  I hope you enjoyed this card, and will hope to put some more stamped creations up here soon.  Thanks for visiting!

Thank You

I'm back this Saturday morning with another thank you card.  This one is for the Verve Mojo Monday challenge.

I used the Grateful Elegance set, creating my own background paper on which to place the sentiment.  I added 3 black rhinestones to the sentiment, used Michaels ribbon, dp is from Bo Bunny and cs from my stash.

Now it is time to work on our Saturday projects.  I may post again if I can get back to my studio, so please check back!

Happy Saturday!!!

kathy b

Special Thanks

HI!  I'm back with a new card for the challenges over at TGF Farm Fresh.

I used the Saturday Sketch Challenge #7, a stamp set from 2008 for the Retro Challenge and Black and White for the Monday Challenge.  How's that?  I design for 3 challenges on one blog!!!  I colored the bird with C3,C5 and C7 Copics, the white die cut the bird is on is from MFT, the border and corner are Nesties, the black die cut is SU!,  black rhinestones are from Kaiser, dp is Bo Bunny, sentiment is MFT and cut out with an SU! punch.

I have March Madness basketball playing on my computer while I craft.  The best of both worlds...yea!

Happy Stamping to one and all!

kathy b

With Sympathy

Today's card uses the sketch at CardPatterns.  I really enjoyed this sketch so you may want to pop over and give it a try yourself!

This card has lots of elements.  There are 2 diecuts from MFT, 1 from Cheery Lynn, 4 punches from Stampin' Up!, ribbon from Michaels, a large rhinestone and my recycle products of the card base from the back of a pad of paper and the bottom section of a Prima flower pack (the teal section with the flowers and birds), cs from Bazzill Basics (tan) and white 110lb Xerox.  I will be entering this in the recycle challenge at Sentimental Sundays.

Hope you are having a great day.  Go March Madness!!!

kathy b

Miss You!

I have another quick card today.  I am wiped out and have already taken a short nap that wasn't long enough.  I am fading fast.  I used a Sizzix embossing folder.  The ribbon and sentiment are from Papertrey.  The circle stamp is from Stampin' Up!, as is the punch I used to cut it out.  I popped it up with foam tape and added Swarovski crystals all around it.  That's all there is too it!

hAPPY sTAMPING!

kathy b

I am entering this in the City Crafter Challenge (what's in your heart) and Crazy 4 Challenges (spring).

ps...this is a virtual card for Margaret!

Imagination

Wow!  It's the day before the start of March Madness!  I love this time of year!!!

Okay, don't worry, my card today has nothing to do with basketball.  As a matter of fact, it has everything to do with art, creativity and imagination.

I used the sketch from Sweet Sunday Challenge. 

It is totally done in black and white, on purpose, to give one pause.  I used BoBunny dp, ribbon from Michaels, pearls from Martha Stewart and this great stamp comes from Stampers Anonymous.  I bought it while on one of my agility trial journeys out-of-state.  Isn't great to be able to shop for stuff while travelling for a different purpose?  It's difficult to tell from the photo, but the base is white, with a black border and then dp, so it is very multi-layered and really pops in person. 

I will also be entering this in the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge (no image, just words).

Until next time, happy stamping!

kathy b

Queen For a Day

I'm back from agility class and headed straight to the studio to help me wind down.  I have a pretty and glittery card for you.

This is a digi image that I think is so cute!  I downloaded it in December of 2009 and cannot remember where it was from.  I am so sorry :( about that.  The sentiment is from SU!  I used a nestie, a SU! embossing folder and 2 SU! punches.  The princess is colored with Copics and I painted glue onto her skirt and added extra fine glitter.  The final touch is a beautiful Prima flower.

I will be entering this over at Simon Says Challenge (mother's day, special friend), Pink Gem Challenge (pastels), Lexi's Challenge (mother's day), and Come and Get It Challenges (white on white).

Glad you stopped by.

kathy b

Happy Birthday

It's my day for agility with Geena Bea so this will be short and sweet.  Today's card uses the CAS sketch over at 4 Crafty Chicks.

I added 3 mulberry flowers from Michaels, 3 Swawrovski crystals, & a scallop  border.  Paper is from my scrap pile.  Gotta run!  Geena Bea is calling me!!!

Kathy B

Crib Notes

Happy Monday Afternoon!  I am back with a baby card.  I used an old SU! stamp, KI dp and cs from my scrap pile.  I have a Sizzix die that I used to create the shaker box and threw some little itty bitty buttons in in.  Ribbon is from PaperTrey.

It's a simple card without a lot of fuss, but really cute! 

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b

I am entering this into the challenge at Truly Scrumptious

Jeweled Button

  We're still here and don't need a boat yet!

I have a different style card for you today, not my typical stuff.  I used a stamp from Pink Persimmon and I embossed it in a dark green, then added lots of Swarovski crystals.  I mounted it on a background stamp from Studio G that I embossed in a matte gold.  This card has a very Celtic look to it, which I thought was appropriate for St. Patrick's Day coming up on Saturday.

Thanks for stopping by.

kathy b



Wish Big

Another rainy day up on the mountain.  We have had very few breaks where we can get the dogs outside to do their business, it has been rainy so very hard!  Enough for the weather report, I have a card for you using a darling Pure Innocence image I have has for a long time. 

I colored her with Copics and Spicas and cut her out with Nesties.  The pennants were punched out as were the sentiment & mounting (all SU!).  The border is from MFT and I added rhinestones all the way across it and on the pennants and sentiment. 

I didn't follow a particular sketch this time, but I am entering this in challenges at Stamp with Fun (pink & green) and Lori Boyd (color challenge).

Until next time (unless we float away), happy stamping!

kathy  b

Dance

Beautiful Saturday - what a glorious day.  I've been in my studio for awhile, creating a card for Mojo Monday.  I used the "Dance like no one is watching" sentiment from the Beautiful You set.  I really liked this week's sketch.

I used my Nesties, as well as a Sizzix tag die and MFT perennial flowers die.  I hand cut the banner and the framing for the tag.  I used a Cuttlebug embossing folder on the half circle.  Ribbon is from PaperTrey and I added 4 large rhinestones as well as a small flourish.  Hope it inspires you to try the sketch, too!

kathy b

Fun in The Sun

Well, I got busy after dinner and made one more card today.  I used the sketch over at Bizzy Becs to create the card for the challenge at Come and Get It.  I am also entering it at Stamp n Doodle.

Once again, I have managed to use a lot of different materials from multiple companies.  The stamps are both from CC Designs.  I embossed the girl then colored her with Copics.  I used a Tim Holtz border die, my diehard nesties, a flower from Michaels, ribbon from who knows where, rhinestones from Creative Imaginations and dp and cs from my longtime stash.  The challenge was to do a vacation card.  I'll save this one for this summer when Margaret's girls are with their dad.  They are both swimmers so they should like this one

Okay, I am done for the night.  I am going to spend the next 45 minutes cleaning my room before I go watch Blue Bloods...it's my Friday night vice!!!  It will be nice to come in here tomorrow with things put away and a clean surface to mess up all over again! HA!

Just Because

Today's card is for a challenge over at Crazy 4 Challenges.  I liked this challenge because it was different than the other ones I have done recently.  This time the card needed to have a different kind of fold.  So I used a gatefold style.

I used stamps from Clear Dollar (Simon the cat), Memory Box (crow) DRS (butterflies), and SU! (bee & sentiment) and dies from MFT.

I am also entering this over at Sundays with Chrissy.  Pop over and take a look.  She has pretty cool challenges.  This one is animals.

 

kathy b

Rain Rain Go Away

It is rainy cats and dogs.  Can you believe it?  The meterologists were correct this time!  Well, I have been working away in my cozy room and I have a card to share with you that I will give to a friend of mine who really appreciates the cards I make for her. 

I don't know about other parts of the country, but finding ethnic cards is not always easy.  The stamp is from Rubbernecker and the paper is old stuff from my stash.  I used VersaMark and embosses the imaage with black then colored it with my Copics.  The paper and the image are busy so I didn't want to clutter it with excessive embellishments.  I'm still learning Photoshop and haven't figured out how to straighten my cards like I could in Picasa, but I'll get there!

Depending on what else I manage to do tonight, I may be back with more.  Otherwise, see you tomorrow!

kathy b



Happy Day

Happy Thursday one and all!

I am back today with a card that uses the sketch from the challenge over at The Sweet Stop.  I am also entering this over at Pink Gem Challenges.

It's been a while since I used a House Mouse stamp and I really like this one of Monica in a broken egg.  I used sparkly pastel flower paper (it looks a little darker here than in real life).  I colored with my Copics and used my Spicas to add sparkle to the Easter egg.  The greeting comes from PaperTrey Ink. The ribbon is from Michaels, the dp is DCWV, the cs is from my scrap pile.  I have no clue where I got the cute little sequinned and pearl flower, but it adds additional bling.

We are suppposed to get up to 6 inches of rain over the weekend, so maybe I can hold up in my room and just create!!!! I've got my fingers crossed!!!

Until next time, happy stamping!

kathy b



You've Got Mail

Happy Hump Day!

My card today is one that I paper-pieced.  I like doing this sometimes when I don't feel like coloring. 

I used Basic Grey papers and SU! ribbon.  The stamp set is from MFT. I love it because it is definitely ME!

I used the MFT Wednesday Challenge sketch and will also be entering this in the challenge at Stamp and Create.

Happy stamping!

kathy b 

You're a gem

Hello everyone!  I have been missing my dear friend Kathy like crazy lately and I think the countdown needs to start now until she comes to visit me in May.  :)

I made this card a couple of weeks ago for my aunt who has been so tremendously helpful to me lately with the girls and my busy work schedule.  I tried to make an extra special card because it is hard for her to move around due to Parkinson's and so I especially appreciated her help.  She LOVES horses, cowgirl, cowgirl boots, you name it.  In fact, she own two horses, Lucky and Jasper. They pretty much keep her sane with all the health conditions coming down on her.   I made this card in honor of her love of horses, and I think this little Magnolia would be her and Lucky (Lucky is a particularly charismatic horse with a very strong personality--I know, I took care of her for a week!). 

The stamps are from Magnolia stamps (the horse is actually from an older collection).  The sentiment is Stampin Up and the tree is a die cut from Memory Box (I LOVE these die cuts!).  I cut the tree out using sparkly cardstock.  These are actually two dies one layered on top of the other.  I attached a few Svarowski Crystals to the tree.  The paper is from a very old stash I had for baby themes.  I also sprayed the "your'e a gem" with a glitter mist and popped it up on more sparkly paper cut out with a nestabilities die.  Attached a few pearls from Recollections by Michaels on the corners.  The rope that the cow girl is holding is made from twine and I put a few stickles on Tilda and her horse though it's a bit hard to see from the card.

Here's a closeup.  I hope you enjoyed today's creation...I feel like I am slowly getting my creativity back after all these months of not stamping.  When summer comes, watch out!  I have two girls and they EXPECT cards every week while they spend the summer with their dad. Thanks for stopping by...til next time!  -Margaret