Bear Hug

I love Valentine's Day! To that extent I love Valentine's Day cards! All the pink, red and hearts all over. What else do you need in a card? PANDAS! I love pandas. They look so cute and cuddly! (I know that they aren't cute in person.) Especially all the cute panda videos. Oh man I could go on about pandas forever.

For this card I wanted to use a CAS layout. I started out thinking of using a bunch of different pink and red papers that I had. However, I cut out one of the hearts from this paper and realized there were a bunch of different hearts that I was missing. I ended up using the one piece of paper and cutting out my favourite hearts. Then I outlined the circles with pink or red ink. The Panda set is by Mark's Finest Paper Co.

Challenges:

• Jo's Scrap Shack - Valentine's Day
• Polkadoodles - Love/Romance
• The Stamping Boutique - Valentine/Love Card
• Totally Papercrafts - Valentine/Love
• Scrapbooker PhD - Hearts (use red and pink)

Week 28: Reindeer Love

With only two days till Christmas, today is filled with all the last minute tasks so that tomorrow I can just relax and enjoy everyone's company. I realized I need two more christmas cards and was VERY tempted to buy some, however making them meant I didn't have to go out into the stores. I saw this idea on Pinterest and decided I just had to try it! I also figured it would be a big hit since my most popular card post is the Fingerprint Christmas Lights. Best thing about fingerprint cards = only take 10 minutes!

How to:

1. Stamp the reindeer first so that they can dry before drawing on them. I did the heads first so that they are just touching. I used my 2nd finger for the reindeer. 
2. For the heart, try to get more of the base overlapping to give the look of the pointing end.  I wanted a smaller heart so I used my pinky finger.
3. Draw a nose, mouth, eye, antlers, feet and tails. 
4. Sentiment is from Red Rubber Designs. 
5. The background is leftover packing paper from wrapping presents.

Tips:

• The Stampin' Up ink pads will stain your fingers. So if you don't want that be careful to use washable ink pads. See picture below.
• Great project to do with the kids! 

Merry Christmas!

Week 27: Moroccan Holidays

I saw this inspiration photo by Stampin' Royalty and just fell in love. The Moroccan shapes and tones make me imagine a Christmas holidays some where warmer. The colour are not really Christmasy but I love the cool tones. Also the shapes remind me of Christmas ornaments. Moroccan Christmas anyone?

The layout I was inspired by CAS(e) this Sketch #54.The ribbon I picked up at Michael's at a Boxing Day Sale. The ornament stamps I received as a gift from Cndn Stamper.

Challenges:

• Stampin' Royalty: Picture Inspiration Challenge #203

Week 26 - Happy Washi Birthday

Another Pinterest win! Here is the card I made for the boy's birthday about two weeks ago. I finally popped into Michael's and picked up some washi tape. The best part was how quick the card took. After making the candles I just used 3 different stamp pads to colour the sentiment. I love CAS cards! Quick and beautiful!

Week 25: Rainbow Birthday

Starting to get back into the groove of things. I was going to wait to post this card because I don't want to ruin the surprise for anyone but I just couldn't resist!

For this week's card, I was checking out the CAS(e) this Sketch blog for inspiration for a clean and simple card when I saw this designer's card. I just got new ribbon recently that was just perfect to do the same thing. I hate replicating other people's card but I just couldn't resist this week.

The new ribbon I bought for me at Winners but it is by American Crafts. The sentiment was gifted to me and the rhinestones are from Michaels.

Challenges:

• Crafty Catz - Birthday

Week 24: Hawaiian Happy Birthday

I just came in from sitting on my patio because I was getting too hot. Can you believe it?! Its end of September. This type of weather is my favourite: sunny during the day and cool at night. Perhaps that's why I'm getting married at this time next year?! Speaking of which, I haven't posted any cards recently because any spare time I have had to craft lately I have been using to fool around with Photoshop. I am hoping to make my wedding stationary using Photoshop so I have to be good at it first ;) Once I finalize the stationary and its sent out to the respective people I will post a sneak peek.

It's funny how sometimes you start off with one vision in your head but by the time you've finished your card you end up somewhere completely different. That is exactly what happened to me this week. However, I love the end product, which I didn't think I'd say! I was inspired by CAS(e) this Sketch #46, however I wasn't quick enough in posting it so the entry has now expired. C'est la vie!

If you like the sentiment font check out this free download for Duxbury Beach. This would be so cute to use overtop of photos for a scrapbook!

 Just to brag a little...

Challenges:
The Color Throwdown - color throwdown #261
Animal Friends - brown + green + yellow/blue
Fairies Challenges Blog - Birthday
Tok Bobok - Indian Summer

Week 23 (catchup): Love is in the Air

Long time no post! Summer has been busy for me thus far. All my time away from home has not allowed me to craft as much as I'd like. I have a few cards that I haven't posted yet so you can look forward to those soon.

This weekend my brother is getting married to the love of his life. The wedding colours are inspired by the Seattle Seahawks thus this fun card. The colours also happen to match the Sparkle N Sprinkle Challenge perfectly. 

The idea for the flap that opens came from a card one of my girlfriends got at her bridal shower. Its not quite as cute as I had hoped but definitely a little different than your average card. The stamp is from the Old Island Stamp Co. I love these love birds! 

Challenges:

• Sparkle N Sprinkle - Color Challenge
• Crafts 4 Eternity - Here Comes the Bride

Week 22: Happy Cupcake Day

Do you ever feel like certain months or even certain weeks are particularly dense with birthdays? The last 2 weeks of May is definitely one of those times. I have to admit that I start to wonder what people were people were doing 9 months prior ... ewww *shakes head* 

Anyways, confession is that I was unable to keep up with all the birthdays. For those that I missed I apologize. I owe you one random card at a random time hehe. This card was for one of my girlfriends who loves tiffany blue. This can be slightly difficult to match exactly with paper so I settled for more of a robin's egg blue. The stamp is by Craft Smart at Michaels. I picked it up in an after Christmas sale across the border. This stamp takes a lot of ink so I thought using different colours rather than just black would be better. This means that it never comes out perfect but I do still love the affect. Its a totally different feel than using markers. 

It is a pretty simple design but I think that helps to offset the numerous colours. PS did you notice this card is the same colours as my blog? Can you tell what my favourite colours are?

Week 21: thanks

I am officially living up north for 5 weeks for my schooling. I am lucky enough to have a brother who is willing to take me in. As a result I made this card for him and his fiance as a token of my appreciation. 5 weeks is an awfully long time to have to put up with me.

This is one of my first "rustic" cards. I must say I think the twine makes it! I will definitely use more twine in the future. As in my rainbow card, I carefully stamped out the main message in green and the dictionary definition in black. It is simple but impactful. I hate to gloat but I love this one! 

Week 20: Bridal Bliss

Wedding Season has started again and this year I am more than a mere spectator. I have officially started planning my own wedding about one month ago. However, my wedding is not for about a year and a half so I have lots of time to think about it... 

In the mean time, we have a couple weddings this year for close family and friends. I must say I love weddings. When else do you get to go to a huge party that celebrates love and meet all the people that are special to that couple. I can't imagine a more perfect idea! This week's card (or should I say last week's card) was for my sister-in-law. She had her bridal shower this past weekend. Unfortunately I was unable to attend as I was out of town for the Victoria Day long weekend here in Canada. 

This stamp I have used a bunch of times but it is one of my absolute favourites. Happy Couple by Stampendous is so simple but timeless. I love using patterned paper as my inspiration for the colours in a card (much like my wardrobe). The bride is using navy blue and lime green. This pattern is the closest that I had. If you look REALLY close, the scrolls are lime green.

Week 19: Oh happy day x2

Happy Mom's Day to all the mothers out there young & old! Since I have two mothers now, I thought matching cards would be perfect. 

The sketch from CAS(E) this sketch this week was just so inspiring. I found the hedgehog in these quirky squares from Red Rubber Designs and thought it fit the sketch perfectly. While the matching sentiment that came with the sketch is not Mother's Day specific I still thought it was fitting. However, when I went to stamp the pink card I got a smug from the outer edge of the stamp. I stamped the polka dots on the outside to try & cover it up. 

Looking at the brown paper for the sentiment, I think I'll have to use that colour in the future with some kind of wood grain stamp perhaps. 

Challenges:

• CAS(E) this Sketch! - sketch #27
• Chocolate, Coffee & Cards - Mother's Day

Week 18: Have a Sassy Birthday...

This week I have been on placements for my program which means that I work somewhere for 5 weeks (without pay). As such I have very little homework to do in the evenings. I am able to fill my evenings with reading, swimming, and yes.... CRAFTING. This is my second card this week! Perhaps I'll make a third :)

A couple weeks ago I won a challenge for my Rainbows After the Showers card and received two digi stamps from Sassy Studio Designs. I used one of the digi stamps to make a sassy card for one of my good girl friends. Its her birthday coming up and I wanted a card to reflect how fun and vibrant she is.  The image is "Martini Pin-up Sassy" from Sassy Studio Designs. The accent paper is from Creative Memories and the ribbons I got from Michaels. The inspiration for the colours in this card from a picture from the Sparkle N' Sprinkle Challenge blog. The hammock and bright colours reminded me of an old trip to Ecuador.

I must say I had to colour this image twice. The first time I tried putting "highlights" in the girls hair and it just looked AWFUL. I only have a 12 basic colours pack of Copic markers so the highlights just looked too dark. I love how all the warm colours came together though.

• blonde hair = Y13 Lemon Yellow
• red dress/heels/olive centre = R08 Vermilion
• dress accent/earrings = YR04 Chrome Orange
• olive picks = E09 Burnt Sienna
• olives = YG03 Yellow Green

Question: What Copic markers would you recommend, based on the ones I have, to blend? What Copic markers are your essentials?

Challenges

• deconstructing jen - Deconstructing Sketch No.100
• Sparkle N Sprinkle - SNSSC19 (see colour swatch above)
• The Stamp Spot - simply feminine 
• Mad for Markers - One for the Girls

Week 7: Love is in the Air

Happy Valentine's Day!

Well I thought I would only one Valentine's Day card this year but I was so inspired by all the love in the air that I decided I needed to do at least one more. I sent out my second card to some other special people in our lives. I think we should appreciate not just our partner but all the special people that we have in our lives. (Although in hind sight ALL the people that we love would be ALOT of cards. We don't want to get "Christmas card" style crazy)

Rather than using red, pink and white like my last card, I wanted to mix it up a bit and use some other shades. I love how the pink, blue and yellow came together. Picks up on the birdies in the background so well. I have used this stamp, by Old Island Stamp Company, before for weddings, engagements, etc. Very versatile and epically cute! The other thing I love is that Old Island Stamp Company is a local Canadian stamp company. You can see them at Circle Craft Fair every year. The paper I found at Michael's and had to pick it up when I saw how well it matched.

To be honest, I originally made this card off last weeks Mojo Monday sketch but I finished the card at 12:02 am and the linky had closed. It was a sad state of affairs but still a great sketch!

Challenges:

• Crafty Sentiments Designs - Valentine's
• Ladybug Crafts Ink TLT - Pink + ??? (Blue/Yellow)
• Ribbon Carousel Blog - Love is in the Air
• Tuesday Alchemy - My Hearts All a Flutter 

Week 5: Warm & Cuddly Christmas

Superbowl Sunday, Midterms, Grocery Shopping...How could I possibly find time to make a card this week? Well ladies and gents I did something that may blow your mind. I planned ahead! I know right; what a novel concept. I am so good at it when it comes to my school life. I make a study schedule and stick to it pretty well. Same thing with running, if I am doing a race I will plan it out and I find the race is easy by the time I get there. However, who schedules in relaxation time? I should! Its the only way I will do it. What I tried to do this week, was if I wanted to watch one of my "awful" tv shows I would plan or make a card at the same time. Worked out pretty well except for the whole sleeping thing but who really needs that anyway!

This week I used my own design. The pattern on the white paper is a stamp that I got from Red Rubber Designs. Same with the hedgehog and sentiment. I loved how it turned out! What a great way to create patterned paper when you don't have any. The corners are embellished with chocolate pearls. I thought they were the perfect said for a Christmas card since I love red and brown together. The scalloped edge of the oval I created by using my corner rounder. The guiding edges come off so that you can create a scalloped edge but it does take a lot of concentration and time. 

Challenge

Christmas Stampin' - Anything Goes
Hiding In My Craft Room - Reds
2 Sisters - Color Challenge
Christmas Card Challenge - Christmas/Gingerbread(optional)

Week 2: I'm Folding Under the the Pressure

Here is a novel idea for you: I made my card a day ahead of my personal deadline. Felt so good! I got this idea off Pinterest and was led to the great tutorial on Inkspired Treasures. 

Folded Christmas Trees

1. You will need double sided paper.

2. Download the template off the Inkspired Treasures blog post. You can see the template below. She posted two different sizes of circles so they will create different sized trees.

3. Cut out the circle. Cut the circle is half. Score the paper along the score lines. I used the bone folder out of my Cricut Tool Kit.

4. Fold along the score lines, making sure to fold back and forth. Secure with some sort of double sided adhesive.

Improvements: 

• I really wanted to do the message with white embossing powder but I don't own embossing powder or a heat gun. Its on my craft wish list. Hopefully at the end of this month if there is money left in the budget I can do some craft shopping.
• I think it would be beautiful to add some strategic glitter to the trees. I haven't really played with glitter so I wanted to wait and do more research before I go messing around with it (Type A much!). 

Challenges:

Christmas Card Challenge - Christmas or Winter Card

Creative Card Crew - Snow & Ice

Scrappy Frogs Challenge - Try Something New

That Craft Place - Christmas

Gingerloft - Winter or Let It Snow

Week 1: By the skin of my teeth

Wasn't sure if I would actually make the Sunday 11:59pm deadline today! I am normally in bed asleep by now so I may regret this post tomorrow morning. I think this goal may be a little bit more difficult than I considered. Any encouragement you have is appreciated...

Tonight I received a free coat from a friend of my mom. It's so cute! I'm in love. I thought a nice card in the mail would be best. I love this card considering I threw it together half asleep.

Thanks a hoot
• stamp = The Greeting Farm
• markers = Copic sketch

Thanks a Hoot

• Stamp = The Greeting Farm

• Markers = Copic sketch

CAS... Cathy's Awesome Stamps??!

I learned about a new style recently from my reading my sister's blog. CAS or Clean and Simple is about using limited embellishment allowing your focus image to stand more against your neutral background. I have automatically been exploring these cards lately, not just for the style, but because I love how quickly I can make one. You can check out more CAS cards on SplitCoastStampers if you need some inspiration. 

The end of October is a busy birthday month! There are three birthdays including the boy. While in the middle of studying for midterm exams, the boy asked me to make a card for his mother's birthday. Normally I may have some ready made but I ran out of those a couple months back. After reading about CAS it was the perfect opportunity to try it out. I use the phrase stamp that I had and some old die cuts I had made for Christmas cards originally. Probably took 10 minutes. Love it! 

TIP: Rounding the corners on any CAS card really finishes it off and gives it some character. You can get a rounded corner punch at Michaels or even Walmart.

Here Comes the Bride

Wow! Long time no post. Sorry for the lack of posts but it has not been due to lack of crafting. We have had three weddings (one still to come in Maui) within a very short period of time. At least I have been able to "research" for our own wedding. Anyway, The inspiration for the layout of the wedding cards is from Mojo Monday, however I did not post them on the site because we have been away for some of these wedding.

Another Menu Board for a bridal shower I attended recently. To see how to make one check it out here.

Stamp = "Happy Couple" by Stampendous

Red Paper = DCWV Bright Cardstock Stack

Patterned Paper = Recollections

Black Glittered Paper = Recollections Precious Metals

I found this stamp in the $1.50 bin at Michaels. I think it was a mistake but it was good for me.

Stamp = Wedding Cake by Inkadinkado

Not too bad! I have already completed one more but the wedding is still coming up in two weeks. I will blog then.

Happy Crafting!!

You Put a Spring in My Step...

After getting my blog out there a little bit more last week I was very excited to participate in some more challenges this week. The bonus for me was that I really did feel challenged this week trying to incorporate all the challenges I chose.

You Put A Spring in my Step

• Stamp: Flowers for All Seasons by Stampin' Up
• Flower Paper: Quite Contrary . Jack & Jill by My Mind's Eye
• Plaid Paper: Recollections at Michaels
• Yellow Paper: DCWV - Cardstock Stack Brights

Challenges this Card Qualifies for:

• Mojo Monday - Sketch 234
• Simon Says Stamp - Bingo (Flowers, Lace, and Ribbon)
•        Flowers = Paper and Stamp
•        Lace = Yellow Trim
•        Ribbon = Pink knot
• Paper Sundaes - Spring Blossoms
• Do You Stack Up? - Plaid
• Fab 'n' Funky - In honour of Mum
• For Fun Challenges - Circles

What are your favourite challenge sites?

Chirp Chirp ... Fail!

In every life a little rain must fall. Cliche I know! However, it is spring time, which means Easter is just around the corner. I've never given Easter cards before but if I don't how do I use this cute stamp and paper?

There is one problem with today's card... I don't like it! I thought I'd try a new stamp effect on the title but I don't like it or perhaps it's the colour. Oh well! As I said RAIN.

Here are the details for today's card:

Stamp = A Good Egg by Stampin Up
Stickers = Creative Memories
Ink Pad = Stampin Up
Yellow paper = Stampin Up
Pattern paper = My Minds Eye: Quite Contrary . Jack and Jill
Markers = Crayola Super Tips

Here is a great gallery with ideas of how other crafters used this stamp: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=12510

Ps: I posted this from my phone using the Blogger App. What do you think? Does anyone have a better app they can suggest?