Butterfly Thanks and a Cover

Happy Thursday - Just about done the week - hope it's been a good one for you.  I've been busy, but I've had my share of lazy moments too.

Today I'm sharing a card created with a sketch from Freshly Made Sketches....I can't believe I used these two pieces of DSP, but I do like them together.  My father would be scolding me right now though - because the patterns aren't matched up to flow properly from one into the other.  (That brings back sewing memories!!!! Yeup - my dad taught me to sew)

I embossed the framelit pieces just to add a bit of texture, and of course the butterflies are "flying" off the page.

I'm also sharing my 1st Altered Book Cover that I finished the other night.  I had a lot of fun with it.  

1) I added an expired strip of DSP along the spine

2) I added Marina Mist reinker to Gesso to paint the cover and get rid of the original yeuky colour.  I painted over some of the DSP, but left the spine free of paint.

3)  I created a "gel skin" with Self Levelling Clear Gel and used some of our retired beads mircrobeads and glitter.

This is the piece I created and I've only torn off chunks to use on this cover.  That much glittery goodness needs to be spread around!

Here is a side view of the book - it's full of the Mandalas and Zendoodles that I've been doing over the past couple months.

Have a fantabulous day - Thanks for stopping by.

Joan

Umbrella Thoughts

Well - considering I was challenged outside my comfort zone, I'm pretty happy with the end result.  This week at Friday Mashup! half of Amy's challenge was to use different patterns.  Because I'm a GenX gal, this goes against how I was brought up - but a challenge is a challenge and I was up for it!

I took DSP from Patio Party, Summer Smooches, and the new Sycamore Street.   I guess I really didn't follow the guidelines I learned from Carrie Cudney in the "I'm a Pattern Mixing Pro" session at Convention this summer - one of her RULES was to stay with the same package collection.    But then she also said that rules were made to be broken.

The sketch comes from Freshly Made Sketches.

So here are the challenges

1. Make a project using "Different Patterns".
2. Or Make a project with the three or more colors from "Summer Starfruit, Tangerine Tango, Island Indigo, Early Espresso and Sahara Sand".
3. Or "Mash it Up" and create a "Patterned Project with the Challenge Colors".

If you want to join the Friday Mashup you'll still have time, but I've just sneaked in under the wire for the Freshly Made Sketch challenge.

Hope you are having a marvelous day.

Thanks for stopping by.

Joan

Love Heart

It's hard to believe it's the end of the week!  I could totally not go back to school on Monday - only because I've been getting a lot done at home.

I did a Friday Mash-Up Card today 

1. Make a project using the "Sketch".
2. Or Make a project featuring "Hearts".
3. Or "Mash it Up" and create a project using the "Sketch and Hearts".

I love this paper - the colours are so cool - and it matches the embossing folder, which is a plus!

I had an unexpected opportunity to see Elliot today - I took his mom to shop for an outfit for his first birthday; which is coming up this week. WOW, this year has passed quickly!  So... I took some quick pictures of him playing with the toys.

Hope you were able to play with some toys today - craft like or other! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Joan

Sunday Stamps Spider

Woo Hoo - It's sketch day at Sunday Stamps and Tara has a fabulous one for us this week.  She's told us to not be afraid to think outside the box - and I guess that's what I did.  I had just finished putting together the Spook-tacular Halloween Printer's Tray Kit and decided to use left over pieces to create this week's card.

The glittery spider web and the chevron piece are from the kit.  I created a smaller spider using the new 1 1/4 inch scallop punch.  He's a little less "in your face" than the spider I made last year.

Give the sketch a whirl - there are so many creative possibilities with it!  If you need some extra inspiration, pop over to Sunday Stamps to see what the rest of the design team came up with.  Once you've finished your project, don't forget to link your creation to the challenge blog.  You may get selected as a guest designer.

Here is my Printer's Tray.  I followed the instruction exactly - EXCEPT for the section with the flying witch.  The original design had a photo in it - but I decided to see what Michelle Zindorf has been doing, and copied her tutorial.

I'm very excited today, because my son is finally back from Cupertino - now an Apple Genius - and we get to resume our Family Sunday Dinners.  We did have one while he was away - but I missed two while Elliot and his mom were out of town.  Three weeks without seeing a little one is a lot!  I'll be having my camera out for sure.

Hope your day holds something special for you.  I look forward to seeing what you create for Sunday Stamps!  Thanks for stopping by!
Joan

Fishy Fishy...

I am a whole lot later posting this than I expected to be....and I have two scrapbook pages to share - but I didn't like the lighting in my stamping room tonight - so I'll re-photo them tomorrow and post them then.

This little silver fish is part of two challenges; the sketch is from Freshly Made Sketches and the colours come from an Inspiration challenge over at Stampin' Royalty.

The base of the card has been "scored" with the diagonal plate and embossing folders were used for the large turquoise piece, the fish and one of the little banners.  I've used the wing from the bird punch to create all of his little fins sponging the edges with white craft ink.

It's been a very busy day - I got a lot accomplished...and now I'm off to bed.

I hope your week has been productive in the areas you want - thanks for dropping by!

Joan

CAS & KickOff

It's Friday!

It's Summer!

It's the long weekend - WoooHooo!

I'm keeping things Clean and Simple today 'cause there's a lot to get done and I'm raring to go!

For today's main feature I used the colours from Create with Connie and Mary (Basic Black, Real Red and Sahara Sand) and the sketch from   Just Add Ink....which creates a perfect Clean and Simple card.  It's always difficult for me to leave crisp clean card stock - but I backed away today.  The butterfly has some texture - I combined the Elegant Butterfly punch with the Beautiful Wings Embosslit die.

Now on to even more texture....this is the card that my guests will be creating at my Holiday Catalogue Kickoff today.  It contains absolutely NOTHING from the Holiday catalogue - but I've got displays of lots of things that were created with the new toys.....

So - off I go - Hope your day is full of fun stuff to do.

Thanks for taking the time to visit.

Joan

Embossed Elegant Bird

I finally pulled out this bird die to play with.  I didn't purchase it right away - but I grew attached to it seeing some of the wonderful creations that have been done - and then using at an Extravaganza.... so I've used it for the challenge over at Hand Stamped Sentiments to use birds in this weeks' creation.

I've incorporated the colours from the Splitcoast Colour Challenge - Baja Breeze, Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler and the "dessert" was Lucky Limeade.

Finally - I've included "frilly" elements for the SUO Challenge; "Fancy Frills".

I realized when after I embossed the edge, that I don't have the matching scallop Edgelit....at least it was easy to cut out.  I know I'm going to enjoy all of the different paper piercing guides.   WoooHooo!!!!!

I had a fantastic time this afternoon at school with the grade 3-6 classes.  I created a campfire with a lamp, we sang the campfire songs that I taught them, and a mom came in to help bake some-mores for us.  What a blast.

Hope you have a great end to the your week!  Thanks for stopping by for a visit.

Joan

Popsicle Enjoyment

 I could have used a couple of yummy popsicles today - it was beautiful outside!  That's one thing that summer brings more of - the ice cream treats.  We went to a family owned ice cream spot last night with the family - they're only open through the spring/summer months.  Makes it an extra special treat!!!

Anyway - today's sketch is from Stamping 411 and the Summer theme is from The Paper Players.  I love the bright colours in the Floral District DSP.  For the Daffodil Delight section, I used the White Craft Pad with the Fancy Fan Letterpress Plate.  I can't wait to get my new Fancy Fan embossing folder!!!!

For the popsicles, I used our coloured embossing powder.

This past Saturday I had my Open House and Retirement Sale.....here is the Make and Take that the ladies did.

 This weekend was extra special because I got to visit with Elliot Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I love him to pieces!!!

Hope there is someone in your life, young or "old", who you love to pieces.  

Thanks for taking time to stop by - 

Joan

Sunshine Rainboots

Okay - I digressed as I was writing, so I'm going with the card details first and then if you feel like reading on you can...

I used an old sketch from Just Add Ink from quite a while ago and the colours are from Create with Connie and Mary - Wisteria Wonder, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade and Early Espresso.  I love these little boots - they're just so cute.  They come from a Hostess set that will be available....TOMORROW!  I almost added some "mud" to the bottom of one boot - but decided agains it.

Anyway...

What a wonderful day it has been.  At school I got to see a couple of women friends who I haven't seen in a while and the morning was full of hugs.  Then I had a fantastic lunch with my dear friend, Lori, who I hadn't seen in a while - Thanks again Lori ......so I'm living in the sunshine today - in colourful rain boots!

Gosh I wish we had rain boots like the ones I see the kids wearing sometimes.  I remember as a young adult having a pair of white gum boots that I wore when I took Brownies to camp.....

.....I'm pretty sure that if I had those white gum boots today, I'd be stamping on them with Staz-On ink!  Which reminds me - I never shared my iPhone cover that I stamped over a month ago.  Actually, this is the second edition.  I stamped the white case with Staz-On Black, but the images did start rubbing off after a couple of weeks.  So I took everything off, with nail polish remover, and started over.  This time, I added a coat of Crystal Effects overtop and it has endured a month of use.  I may put another coat on eventually.

I like it because it's just so - Me!

Thanks for stopping by to visit - Hope your day has been full of sunshine!

Joan

Blossoms, Blossoms, Blossoms

This afternoon has been full of blossoms, live and paper.  I bought some bedding plants before coming home from school, and have spent the afternoon using Betsy's Blossoms in my stamp room.  Ya know, when I got this set I never anticipated using it as much as I have already.  Now, that may just be because it's one of the few new ones that I own.  Just wait until June 1 hits!!!!!!

The sketch for today is yesterday's Mojo Monday sketch and the "theme" is "Bright Summer Days"  from the SUO Challenge blog.

I've been bopping, while stamping, to the music from the SMASH soundtrack.  I wonder if the neighbours will mind if I continue to blast the music while I putter in the garden.  Hmmmm, never know until ya try.

Hope you're having a wonderful be-bopping day.  Thanks for stopping by.

Joan

Inspired by Spring

It's a bit drizzly today - so hopefully we will get blossoms soon.  Hand Stamped Sentiments is looking for Spring inspired projects this week.   When I arrived in Vancouver last Thursday afternoon, I loved seeing all the trees in blossom - a smile came to my face when I saw a row of trees with pink blossoms covering the branches as well as a blanket of pink below, on the ground.  It was a beautiful scene.  Our day will come in Alberta - we just need patience.

The sketch for today's card comes from Freshly Made Sketches.  I moved the arc of embellishments to the upper section of the circle so that they didn't interfere with the branch that I "pulled" off the circle.

Off to cut paper for my tea party on Sunday.  I'm excited because my daughter has offered to bake goodies for the event.  The house is going to be filled with warm smells on Saturday!  I'm just hoping for some self control!

Hope spring has blossomed where you are - thanks for visiting.
Joan

Kite Mashup

Today's Friday MashUp! is...

1. Make a project using "Colorful Twines".
2. Or Make a "Kite themed" project.
3. Or "Mash it Up" and create a "Kite themed project using some colorful Twine".

The little set with the kites is one of the few out of the Occasions Mini that I didn't end up getting.  So I had to get a kite shape from someplace else - I actually ended up tracing Laureen's image off my computer screen.  I used a wee bit of the Pool Party Coloured Twine - I love it and must remember to use it more!  Hopefully it will continue to be available.

Well, I've decided today is the day I'm going to purge one of our basement rooms that gets stuff thrown into it.  Gonna crank up the music and get to work.  

Hope you have a fantastic Friday!  Thanks for dropping in for a visit.

Joan

Sunshine Smooches

I am loving this design from the upcoming "Summer Smooches" Designer Series Paper.  It's just so bright and fun.  

Today's card uses the sketch from The Paper Players.  Quick and easy to work with.  In addition to the new DSP, I used one of the Designer Fabric Summer Smooches Brads.  Oh, my, word!!!  I love these because they're covered with fabric.  Rich elegant fabric!

And to make things more fun - Stampin'Up! is opening up this Summer Smooches Special to EVERYONE from April 1-30.  You can purchase these items and more, which will be in the upcoming 2012-13 Idea Book and Catalogue.  EXCEPT for these fabulous fabric brads - they are exclusive to this special....your not going to want to miss them - they're so gorgeous.

e-mail me if you want to find out more.

I'm off to work on my Newsletter - busy busy day...I'm aiming towards a movie and knitting tonight!

Hope your day is great!  Thanks for stopping by!

Joan

Two Down, One to go...

Busy, busy, busy.  Conventions and report cards are now done - kids get their report cards at the end of this next week, but I've met the deadline for having marks in!  Now, I just have to get through Music Festival on Monday and Tuesday and I'm clear to look for other stressors.  Ha ha ha!

So - I was very pleased to be able to actually create one of my own cards today before moving on to cutting and prepping for next weekend.

I've used the Everybunny set from the Occasions Mini and incorporated the colours from the Friday Mashup - ....yellows and greens and the sketch from Stamping 411.  I'm sure this is the first time that I've only done one part of the Friday Mashup - the second part this week was to create a treat basket - this bunny's basket probably doesn't count for that.

Well, I'm off to cut paper for an event next weekend, and I just realized that I have to make sub plans for tomorrow - yeuk!  Oh well.....

Hope, if you are busy with chores and activities today, that you enjoy doing them.  Thanks for stopping by!
Joan

Get Well Stamps

Good Monday Morning - Just flying out the door to school but wanted to post this card I created yesterday in preparation for the March technique class.  This is not the technique of the month - just a case of a Christmas Card that I got from my fellow stamper, Amy Barry.  I've used the SAB Designer Series Paper and the matching Fresh Vintage stamp set, ribbon and brads.

Hope you have a marvellous start to your week.  Thanks for stopping by.

Joan

Recipe to Create

I love when there is a specified "recipe" to follow on challenge blogs.    This week at The Paper Players they have a "Let's get Cooking" recipe challenge which means a project that includes:

•  3 different patterned papers
• 2 different ribbons
• at least one punch
• and a sprinkling of glitter

I've used 3 different designs from the Beau Chateau DSP.  I've included the Chantilly crochet trim and the Velvet Stitched Ribbon.  I used some Linen Thread to gather up one edge of the crochet trim to create the rosette.  Three punches were used - Modern Label, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border and I used the Decorative Label punch to create the curved edges on the central piece.  The dressmaker's mannequin is covered in Dazzling Diamonds.

I hope your day is going well for you!  Thanks for stopping by for a visit!
Joan

Gem of a Friend

Mojo Monday - WoooHooo!  Very cool sketch today.  I pulled out my Beau Chateau DSP and decided to go with a totally Marina Mist card - not hard for me to do really - it's my favorite blue right now.  I guess I really only used one piece of the DSP, and coordinated with stamping from Vintage Vogue. 

I tried out the new Peekaboo Frames Bigz Die for the Big Shot.  I love the idea of being able to make little windows easily for cards, scrapbook pages and crafts.

I remember when the Big Shot came out I thought- "I just can't see myself using this enough to buy one"  Wow, I'm glad I broke down, got one with the Convention Special - I have used it sooooo much.  And now, Stampin' Up! is giving one for FREE to whoever purchases the Starter Kit in October.  Fabulous!

If you're interested in paying for your hobby or paying some bills AND getting a FREE Big Shot and a discount for your stamping or crafting , just contact me and I can help that happen for you.

I hope you've had a wonderful day -  Thanks for stopping by for a visit.
Joan

One Huge Spider!

 I feel like I haven't posted anything since - forever.  It really hasn't been that long, but it's been busy.  Thursday night was taken up with an event, and on top of having a Professional Development day for school on Friday, our family had our Thanksgiving dinner since it was the only time both kids would be around.  So - it's was busy - but it's nice to know that the rest of the long weekend will be relaxing!

So - today - once I gutted out my stamping room - AGAIN - I worked on the Friday Mashup!

1. Make a "Halloween themed" Project.
2. Or Make a Project using the colors: "Black, Pumpkin Pie, Lucky Limeade & Concord Crush".
3. Or "Mash it Up" and create a "Halloween project using the Colors listed above".

Honestly, I have been wanting to make a spider using the same method I've been making pumpkins with - and today was the day.  He is made with the Concord Crush - just to make him more deadly - and once I put the pieces together I spritzed them with the glimmer paint.  Finally, I just HAD to add some googly eyes which I have from past crafting days.

I brayered the raised side of the spider web embossing folder before putting in the paper.  I don't mind the little bit of smudging around the edging that happened while brayering. 

I used the Halloween image from the "It's a Wrap Holidays" and coloured in the "empty" words with the Versa Mark Pen.

This is a banner I worked on last week - I TOTALLY cased it from a demonstration at Regionals.  Well, all except the Y - for some reason I didn't take a picture of the Y.  Duh!!! 

Well, I'm off.  Tonight we are helping a friend celebrate her 50th birthday.  Should be a good time!  Hope you are enjoying your weekend so far - Thanks for visiting.  Joan

Gratitude Tea

Just a quick post before I run out the door to head to the city for our team meeting - well, and to be honest - browsing around one of the shopping centres first.

I used today's sketch from Freshly Made Sketches along with the colours from Stampin' Royalty: So Saffron, More Mustard, Old Olive and Elegant Eggplant.

For the main matt - I rolled More Mustard onto the Striped Embossing Folder with a brayer before putting the Saffron paper in to emboss it; so the Mustard is embedded in the "lower" stripes.  The teacup was done on watercolour paper and I had to do two to get one I liked.  Fancy teacups always remind me of my Grandma and going to the back lane neighbors for tea when I was a little girl.  I do remember proper tea parties too - I just don't recall what the "real" purpose of them were.    I do remember being dressed up and offering around the plate of goodies to the guests.  Good Times!  Good Memories!

And I'm off .... to more good times with Stampin' Friends - hope your day is enjoyable too!  Thanks for stopping by!
 Joan

Coffee anyone?

Got my challenge done early today - then I can do some business stuff after school today.  The colours for this card are: Sahara Sand, Pool Party and Basic Black - the combo from over at Create with Connie and Mary this week.  I'm sorry that I kept painting the Pool Party re-inker onto the coffee pot - it has deepened the colour considerably and looks more aqua.  Well, I guess that's a pool sort of colour too.  The sketch is from this weeks' Mojo Monday.

It wasn't the look I was going for - but that scallop circle - punched from watercolor paper, looks like a used coffee filter.  :)


Well, I'm ready for another cup of coffee myself.  Hope your day goes well.  I'm looking forward to school this afternoon because I have more than 40 little munchkins who are interested in joining an elementary choir.  I've never done a school one before, and I expect I'll lose a few - but I'm excited to get them going! 
Thanks for stopping by - Joan