What Makes Me Happy...

Bundle of Joy

2011-03-08T16:44:00.007-06:00

Today I am sharing a card that I submitted for the Go To Sketches call at Paper Crafts. It wasn't accepted, but I'm participating in a blog hop over at Amber's blog for all of the rejects!! Okay, this is such great idea....I have loved looking at all of the rejected cards. There is some serious talent out there....I had to keep reminding myself that these are the ones they didn't pick up!! Crazy! This was the first time I have ever submitted for publication, so I had zero expectations! Good thing, huh? lol! Paper Crafts reported they had over 2700 cards submitted for consideration! WOW....that's a lot of cards!
Here is my first rejected card based off of sketch #35:

Be back soon with reject #2!

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies

Cardstock: Stampers Select White, Summer Sunrise, New Leaf, Hawaiian Shores (Papertrey Ink)

Stamps: Tiny Treats:Valentine, Fresh Alphabet, Bitty Background Blocks, Mega Mixed Messages (Papertrey Ink)

Ink: True Black, Hawaiian Shores, Summer Sunrise (Papertrey Ink), Clover Meadow (CTMH)

Other: Button Card Collection die, 1/4" White Silk ribbon, Cream Button Twine, button (all Papertrey Ink), Cuttlebug tag die (Provocraft)

Papertrey Ink February Blog Hop Challenge

2011-02-25T08:45:00.007-06:00

TGIF....and as an added bonus it happens to be the 25th!! This month's PTI blog hop theme was all about scallops. I know there will be a lot of great cards to check out so I'll keep the chit chat to a minimum!

So, I layered strips of scallops cut out with the medium scallop border punch, glued them all together and ran it thru my cuttlebug using the cloud dies.

I wasn't sure it would cut it cleanly, but it did. I had to make a few snips here and there with my scissors, but it did cut it better than I thought it would! I sponged some fresh snow ink over the "humps" before I adhered it all together to give it some depth. I really like how they turned out. I'm not sure the picture does them much justice! I'm already thinking of scalloped trees or a sunrise.....if only there were a few more hours in the day!
Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies (all Papertrey Ink, unless otherwise indicated)
Paper: rustic white, spring rain, harvest gold
Stamps: Up, Up and Away
ink: true black, pure poppy, fresh snow, simply chartreuse, hibiscus burst, orange zest
other: limitless layers die, clouds die, medium scallop die, sunshine impression plate

"Make It Monday" Challenge....

2011-02-18T18:35:00.006-06:00

...on a Friday. This week's PTI's "Make It Monday Challenge" was to use a vellum sentiment strip. Sounds easy, right? I've discovered that I'm not a fan of vellum. Don't get me wrong, I would love your card with vellum....just not mine. It's kind of like salad for me. I love eating salad as long as someone else makes it, but if I make one it never tastes as good. Does that happen to anyone else!!?!? So, anyway, here is my attempt at a card with a vellum sentiment strip:

This is for my nephew's birthday next month. I am loving these weekly PTI challenges...I might actually make a few cards before I need them!

Thanks for stopping by,
Melanie

Supplies (all Papertrey Ink, unless otherwise noted)
Cardstock: Harvest Gold, Pure Poppy, Hawaiian Shores, Simply Chartreuse, True Black
Ink: True Black
Dies: Banner Borders, By the Numbers, Seeing Stars, Double Ended Banner
Impression Plate: By the Numbers
Other: Lemon Tart button, DMC black floss

"Make It Monday" challenge

2011-02-08T11:08:00.004-06:00

Have you seen all of the exciting things going on over at Papertrey Ink? This is my absolute favorite company related to this hobby I love so much! February is their anniversary month and it's one big celebration! I'm sure if you are reading this you have gotten here from their new facebook page, but if not here is a link to Nichole's blog (one of the owners of PTI) to see what I'm talking about!
Here is my entry for the very first challenge in the new Make It Monday series:

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies (all Papertrey Ink, unless otherwise indicated)
card stock: Rustic white, berry sorbet, sweet blush
Stamps: My Punny Valentine, Heart Prints, Around and About Sentiments, Everyday Button Bits, Mega Mixed Messages, Say It with Style
Ink: Berry Sorbet, Sweet Blush, Dark Chocolate
Other: Fiskars border punch

Welcome, little baby bee

2011-01-30T23:15:00.007-06:00

Hello! Hope everyone out there is keeping warm. Here in St. Louis, we are hunkering (is that a real word?) down for what the meteorologists are calling a historic winter storm. Great. We have already had 8 snow days and if we get what they are predicting, this whole week could be a wash. The kids are going to be going to school until July at this rate! Hopefully, there will be a few clear hours tomorrow before it all starts....I really need to get to the bank and post office. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
This is a card that I made for a friend of mine to donate for a fundraiser. (I'll have to update with more information on that later!) I made two sets of cards and I will post them over the next week or so. I have to mention that this was kind of tricky for me, because they had to be mailable. So, no ribbon bows or too much extra stuff that makes a card so cute! I did sneak in a few buttons and some flatter ribbon treatments on some of the cards, but that's about all.

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies- both cards (all Papertrey Ink unless otherwise indicated)
Cardstock: Harvest Gold, Vellum (wings)
PP: Bitty Dot Basics
Stamps: Baby Button Bits
Ink: True Black, Chamomile-vintage touch tea dye duo
Other: Medium Scallop die, black button, button twine

Papertrey January Blog Hop Challenge

2011-01-25T13:01:00.006-06:00

Gosh, where to begin....It's been a long time. Wow! Nine months to be exact...and no I did NOT have a baby! Get it? Nine months....okay, that's probably only funny to me!
I wish I had some great reason for my absence, but fortunately it's just been life. Everyone is healthy and happy and, well, busy! I think I've been gone so long, I need to update my profile picture! Those kids look cute and little, mine are bigger and still pretty cute, but definitely older!
This month's blog hop at Papertrey Ink was just what I needed to get back into the swing of things.

This month's blog hop challenge involves you challenging yourself to use a Papertrey stamp set that has yet to see ink or even one that might be collecting a little dust! Go through your stash and see what little used treasure it might hold.

Okay, so this is just speaking to me. I just might have a stamp set (or ten!) that has never seen ink!! The real challenge here is deciding which one to would use! :) I finally decided on Up, Up and Away. I loved this set from the minute I saw the sneak peeks....

First let me just say, I love PTI's dies and Impression Plates!! Those little cloud dies are to die for!! (pun intended!) Love them. I also used the Sunshine Impression Plate on this card and I just love how it gives the card a sense of movement under those balloons. Surprisingly, it even photographed well... Bonus!

On this next card, I used the Fancy Flourishes set in addition the the Up, Up and Away. FF has always been one of my favorites and it has definitely seen plenty of ink!

Now that I'm back, I hope to continue posting. I love it and just wish there were more hours in the day or maybe a few less extra-curricular activities for my kids. Either way, I have several more cards to post over the next few days, so please come back!
Thanks for stopping by,
Melanie

Supplies- both cards (all Papertrey Ink unless otherwise indicated)
Cardstock: Spring Rain, Stampers Select white
PP: Bitty Box Basics
Stamps: Up, Up and Away, Fancy Flourishes
Ink: True Black, Pure Poppy and Simply Chartruese all PTI , and Sunflower (CTMH)
Other: Sunshine Impression Plate; Cloud, Hot Air Balloon and Ric Rac dies; Simply Chartruese felt; gems (other)

Papertrey Ink Blog Hop

2010-04-25T18:17:00.006-05:00

This month's blog hop at Papertrey Ink is all about incorporation tissue paper into your project. I decided to make a couple of tags for my project. I have been wanting to try these flowers for awhile and it didn't seem practical to put them on a card as I don't see how you would fit it into an envelope! If I need a card to go with them, I can always make something that coordinates without all of the puffiness of tissue paper!

On this second tag I also used tissue paper for the border along with the felt. I intentionally left off the sentiments on these tags, so that I could use them for whatever need comes up.
Thanks for stopping by and have fun tonight!
Melanie

2010-03-21T22:21:00.004-05:00

Is everyone keeping warm?? We were teased with a touch of spring only to be shocked back to winter this weekend! Hopefully this is it for the winter-like weather...now here comes the rain every other day. But, I'll take it and I'll try not to complain too much!

This is a card for the Paper Crafts Gallery challenge featuring babies and brides. One of my favorite new Papertrey Ink stamp sets is their baby button bits which I used on this card. The striped pattern was created with the Faux Ribbon stamp set.

I am supposed to be working, so I better get off here. Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies (all Papertrey Ink unless otherwise indicated)
Cardstock: Ripe Avocado, Spring Rain, Stampers Select white
Stamps: Baby Button Bits, Background Basics: Tin Types, Faux Ribbon
Ink: Ripe Avocado, Spring Rain
Other: Ripe Avocado button, Spring Rain ribbon, twine, Nestabilities Label 3, Copic markers

Moxie Fab World's Olympics of Stamping challenge

2010-03-08T17:23:00.011-06:00

I read that today was the deadline for the Moxie Fab World's Olympics of Stamping challenge so I thought I would enter the few Christmas cards I made into the Season's Greetings category. Thanks for looking...

Tis the Season:

Supplies {all Papertrey Ink, unless otherwise indicated}:
Cardstock: Kraft, Dark Chocolate, Raspberry Fizz, Vintage Cream
Ink: New Leaf, Dark Chocolate
Stamps: Tree Trimming Trio, Signature Christmas, Text Style
Other: EK Success edge punch, Queen and Co. gems, sewing machine

We Wish You a Merry Christmas:

Supplies (all Papertrey Ink, unless indicated otherwise)
Cardstock: Kraft, Dark Chocolate
Stamps: Vintage Ornaments, Signature Christmas, Polka Dot Basics 2
Ink: Pure Poppy, Fresh Snow, Dark Chocolate
Other: glitter-Martha Stewart, ribbon- unknown, button and twine-Papertrey Ink

Love Peace Joy:

Card Supplies
paper: Smokey Shadow, Pure Poppy (PTI)
stamps: Tree Trimming Trio, Holiday Button Bits (PTI)
Ink: True Black (PTI), Versamark
Other: Stickles, Spellbinders label 1 die, EK Success paper edger, embellishment (Michaels), clear embossing powder

Papertrey Ink Blog Hop

2010-02-25T18:00:00.004-06:00

This month's Papertrey Ink blog hop is a fun one! As soon as I read the details, I knew I wanted to participate.
From the Papertrey Ink website:

Since we just finished up our 3rd Anniversary Festivities, we thought we would do something extra special for this month's Blog Hop! Design Team Appreciation Day! Your challenge is to go through the Design Team gallery or any of the Design Team Members' blogs and find a project that is especially inspirational to you! Then recreate the project with your own spin, making it unique! Be sure to share a link and photo of the original project that inspired you! And you can also use this opportunity to thank the team for all their contributions this past year! I know they inspire ME daily and I never seem to thank them enough! We look forward to seeing your projects!

I have always said that I think Papertrey Ink has some of the most talented designers in the industry. They are each so unique and inspiring in their own way. I'm excited for them to get a lot of *love* tonight!! So, the agonizing decision of who/what to showcase was extremely difficult!!! I ended up choosing something that when I first saw it...It was one of those WOW! moments for me. It was on Mish's blog and it is something she calls rib-n-strips. Here is the blog post where she introduced this very clever idea.
Here is Mish's card featuring her rib-n-strips:

Such a clever idea...and a great reason to hang on to those ribbon scraps!

Here is my card featuring Mish's rib-n-strips:

This was such a fun blog hop idea and I truly can't wait to visit everyone's blog. Thank you to Mish and all of the design team members for their daily inspiration! I seriously could of picked any one of them for this blog hop. They are ALL truly awesome!!

'til next time!
Melanie

Supplies (All Papertrey Ink, unless indicated otherwise)
Cardstock: Stamper's Select white, Spring Morning, Raspberry Fizz
Stamps: Turning a New Leaf, Baby Button Bits, Everyday Classics (annv. set)
Ink: True Black, Spring Morning
Other: Ribbon (all PTI), EK Success edge punch, Nestabilities Label One die, Copic markers, buttons from stash

"I'm in pieces..."

2010-02-17T18:20:00.005-06:00

Hello! Hope everyone is having a great week so far! We spent last weekend in Kansas City with some family and came home to a few inches of snow on the ground. The kids were already off for Presidents day on Monday, but I'm sure they would of been anyway. So, with the short week I feel like it's flying by! Normally a good thing, but we are celebrating my middle son's birthday this weekend and I'm not even close to being ready!
Anyway, on to the card! I made this for Betsy's challenge "I'm in pieces" Basically, she challenged us to do some paper piecing. The umbrella card she made with this technique is amazing...No surprise that this girl is the sole reason I have purchased so many Papertrey Ink stamp sets! In fact I've added Scattered Showers to my cart just because of this card! I love it!! So, I don't think if I've ever paper pieced anything before....so I dusted off my Cricut that I gave myself for Christmas *wink* and got busy!

I'm totally new to the whole Cricut thing, but I have to tell you, I'm hooked! I pieced together this cute little snail from a cartridge FULL of cute little critters called Paisley. I only have a few cartridges that I picked up on Black Friday last year, but I can see that I'm gonna have to do something about that... very soon!
Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies
Cardstock: Smokey Shadow, Summer Sunrise-Papertrey Ink
PP: all from DCWV 'the Spring stack'
Stamps: Turning a New Leaf, Pond Life
Ink: Smokey Shadow, Spring Moss
Other: Spring Rain button-PTI, Cricut and Paisley cartridge, sewing machine

{embellish magazine} color challenge w/ribbon

2010-02-11T08:38:00.015-06:00

Hello! I wanted to quickly post a card for the recent Embellish magazine challenge. I am having all sorts of camera issues this week. I can't seem to find the battery charger to my camera and it has finally died, just before I could photograph my card. Anyway, to make a long story short, I almost didn't get this up in time and I've just about got my house torn apart! I still haven't found the charger, but fortunately I hung on to my old camera. The picture quality isn't as good, but it will have to do!
So, here are the details for this challenge:

I lined a piece of cardstock with Terrifically Tacky tape and placed my ribbon strips at a diagonal across the cardstock. After the ribbon was secure, I cut the cardstock with my trimmer to the size I wanted. Fortunately, I had just replaced the blade, so it cut through it pretty well! I first saw this technique on a blog somewhere...I'll try to find the link. I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to give it a try! It's a good way to use up those ribbon scraps, too! Edited to add: I found the link...here. I knew it had to be one of the PTI girls!! lol
Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies
Cardstock: Stampers Select White, Hibiscus Burst, Dark Chocolate-all PaperTrey Ink
Stamps: Say it with Style-PTI
Ink: Dark Chocolate-PTI
Other: all ribbon-PTI except the teal (unknown from my stash), EK Success paper edger, Cricut Storybook cartridge, Copic Markers, gems-unknown, Terrifically Tacky tape-Provocraft

The Pink Elephant Birthday Blog Hop

2010-02-09T10:55:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Ella!!
Welcome to my stop on The Pink Elephant birthday blog hop! Hopefully, you started at the The Pink Elephant Blog....If not, click on the link above and get on over there!! {You don't want to miss anything!} For our participation, we were able to choose any of the challenges from the first year for our project. I went back to the beginning and picked the very first challenge, which was to create card using the colors Pink, Black and White. In honor of Ella!
Here is my card:

Your next stop on the hop is BJ Owens-DiCandia.....Have fun!!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies (all supplies from Papertrey Ink, unless otherwise indicated)
Cardstock: True Black, Raspberry Fizz
PP: Bitty Box
Stamps: Heart Prints
Other: Cricut & Accent Essentials cartridge, EK Success border punch, Marvy heart punch, button and True Black saddle-stitch ribbon-PTI

CPS 153

2010-02-08T23:49:00.000-06:00

The sponsor for the CPS #153 is Papertrey Ink, so of course I had to play along!

While I had the supplies out from the last 2 sketch challenges, I made this for the CPS challenge. I'm still loving this cupcake...but I'm ready to move on!! There are so many cute images in this set that I can't wait to ink up!
I'm keeping this short and sweet as it's almost 2 am here. School has already been called off for tomorrow, so I will get to sleep in a little. I'm kinda excited about that! I do have my post ready to go for tomorrow's blog hop celebrating one year of The Pink Elephant challenges. I can't wait!
Hope to see you then! ;)
Melanie

Supplies (all Papertrey Ink, unless otherwise stated)
Cardstock: Lemon Tart, Stampers Select White, Hibiscus Burst, Dark Chocolate
PP: Making Memories Cheeky Collection-Abby
Stamps: Baby Button Bits, Mixed Messages
Ink: Dark Chocolate
Other: Button, Rustic twine, Marvy Punch, Copic markers, Cuttlebug tag die. Melon Berry twill ribbon, safety pin

"Just Us Girls" Challenge #19

2010-02-08T23:23:00.000-06:00

Here is a super fun sketch from "Just Us Girls" for their 19th challenge:

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies (all Papertrey Ink, unless otherwise stated)
Cardstock: Lemon Tart, Stampers Select White
PP: Making Memories Cheeky Collection-Abby
Stamps: Baby Button Bits, Say It With Style, Vintage Labels
Ink: Dark Chocolate
Other: Buttons, Rustic twine, Marvy Punch, Copic markers

Card Patterns #50

2010-02-08T22:46:00.007-06:00

It's been awhile since I have participated over at Card Patterns...I had almost forgot how much I love their sketches! This week they are being sponsored by a digi stamp company called Inktegrity. Cute stuff! I haven't dipped my toe in the digi world yet, but these images may give me a push to give 'em a try.

This adorable cupcake is from the Baby Button Bits stamp set from Papertrey Ink. I don't have much need for another baby themed set, but I *needed* this cupcake...Isn't it sweet!?! Don't get me wrong there are plenty of other cute images in the set...but this one is my favorite. Love it!
Anyway, I will be back tomorrow with a card for The Pink Elephant Blog Hop. I also have more challenge cards to post from this week...I know, I can't believe it myself!! ha! Hope to see you then! ;)
Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies
Cardstock: Lemon Tart, Hibiscus Burst, Stampers Select White
PP: Making Memories Cheeky Collection-Abby
Stamps: Baby Button Bits, Mega Mixed Messages
Ink: Dark Chocolate
Other: Melon Berry ribbon, button, Rustic twine, Marvy Punch, Cuttlebug tag die, Copic markers

Compose a Card Challenge #2

2010-02-06T19:40:00.005-06:00

Hello everyone! Just a quick post with a card for Becky Oehler's 2nd Compose a Card Challenge.

Here is my card:

Dawn McVey has a great tutorial on how to make these fun little flowers on her blog...here.
I'm going to keep this short and sweet, so I can take care of my kiddos. They have been bitten by the bug...and I'm not talking about any ProvoCraft tool! One has Strep throat and the other two are complaining of stomach aches...Ugh! I was just bragging that they have all been so healthy...I'm eating those words now!
Have a good night!
Melanie

Supplies (all Papertrey Ink, unless otherwise stated)
Cardstock: Stampers Select White, Aqua Mist, Hibiscus Burst
PP: Summer Sunrise Bitty Box
Stamps: Everyday Classics
Ink: True Black
Other: Buttons, Rustic Twine, Nestibilites die

Compose a Card Challenge

2010-01-31T17:51:00.005-06:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, Becky Oehlers has started up a new weekly challenge called "Compose a Card". Can I just tell you this is so up my alley!! First I love card challenges of all types, but this one is like a color challenge and a card recipe all rolled in one neat little package!! If you are into card challenges at all, you should really check it out! Above all else, she uses Papertrey Ink products so that just makes it that much easier not to have to match up colors since that is pretty much all I use these days.

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies ( all Papertrey Ink, unless otherwise noted)
Cardstock: Kraft, Vintage Cream, Melon Berry
Stamps: Heart Prints, Background Basics: Hearts
ink: Melon Berry
Other: Melon Berry satin ribbon and button, Spellbinders tag die, EK Success heart punch

A little organizing...

2010-01-31T17:09:00.005-06:00

So my husband went on a ski trip this weekend and I have been seriously missing my crafty time. So, I rented the kids some movies and went to work! Unfortunately, the first thing I had to do was clean...ugh! Why do I have pile stuff up instead of dealing with it and putting it away? There is no flat surface safe in my house ...this includes my scrapbook room (which doubles as my home office). I have been wanting to organize my paper scraps for some time since I have outgrown my current system...which really isn't a system, but just a box! I ended up separating my Papertrey Ink paper scraps by color and putting them in file folders. I then cut a scallop circle swatch and adhered it to the folders. I'm hoping that I will actually use them up now. We'll see. Here is my new system... I saw this somewhere on a blog, but for the life of me I cannot remember where, so if anyone knows please share so I can give them credit for helping me get organized!

While I was taking pictures, I had to share this Copic storage rack:
It makes me so happy!! My mom got it for me for Christmas and I love it! I also got the Copic airbrush system and the cutest little air compressor from my wonderful husband! I haven't played with it much yet, but I will!!

The other thing I have been wanting to do was to make something to keep all of my online passwords for all of the websites I use in one place. While blog hopping, I ran across this super cute idea from Jennifer Holmes, using those plastic index card dividers. It literally took me longer to pick out the paper that would go with the rainbow of tabs then it did to assemble it. I did give my Crop-o-dile a good workout, though!! It's pretty plain, but I love it and I can now shred all of those little post-its and pieces of papers with login info on them!! Yay!

I used some old striped paper I found in my stash (not sure of manufacturer) along with Pure Poppy and Lemon Tart PTI cardstock and the stamp set Borders and Corners-circle and Take Note, also from Papertrey Ink.
Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Where does the time go?

2010-01-31T15:40:00.005-06:00

Hey everyone!! I'm still here...and I can't believe it has been over 2 months since I last posted! That's terrible, but it just doesn't seem like its been that long! The only thing I managed to get done before Christmas was a handful of Christmas cards and few tags. That's it! I really need to start on holiday projects months in advance or they just don't get done. **Can someone remind me of that next year?!?** Even though Christmas was over a month ago, I thought I would post my Christmas card anyway, who knows how many years before I do this again...it's a lot of work!! I got the idea from Becky Oehlers (who started a weekly card challenge that am super excited about...more on that in my next post) who made this super cute card. I love incorporating a picture of my kids into the design of a Christmas card, because I mainly send them to relatives who don't see them very often.
This is the picture I ended up with....I knew they would be holding a present embellishment and we took several different poses, but this one worked best.

Here is the finished card:

The inside says "Friends and Family are the true gifts of Christmas"

The only other paper crafting I did was mass produce these tags for several of these gift bags that I purchased from Target.

That's it. So, I really haven't had anything to post anyway. Enough with the Christmas stuff...I will be back with something a little more current!!
Thanks for stopping by,
Melanie

Card Supplies
paper: Smokey Shadow, Pure Poppy (PTI)
stamps: Tree Trimming Trio, Holiday Button Bits (PTI)
Ink: True Black (PTI), Versamark
Other: Stickles, Spellbinders label 1 die, EK Success paper edger, embellishment (Michaels)

Gift Tag Supplies
paper: Stampers Select white (PTI)
stamps: Made of Snow, Signature Christmas, Snowflake Serenade
ink: Pure Poppy, True Black (PTI)
other: Copic Markers, Prisma glitter, Cricut (tag), Pure Poppy ribbon (PTI)

Papertrey Ink Blog Hop

2009-11-25T16:28:00.011-06:00

It's time for another Papertrey Ink Blog Hop! This months challenge was:
(from the PTI website)
The holidays are going to be here before you know it! No matter how much planning you do, there always seems to be last minute gifts and wrapping to do! This month's Blog Hop Challenge is to create a quick & inexpensive wrap or tag that can be the perfect solution for "grab & go" gifts! We can't wait to see what you create!!!

This is what I came up with:

I found these Chinese take-out style containers at Michaels. I thought they would be the perfect size to package some candy and a gift card for the kid's teachers. I just made some quick tags and tied some ribbon and added an embellishment or two. This is so easy to do ahead of time so they are all ready to go when I need them. I can just slide the ribbon off without un-tying it to fill with goodies and then slide it back into place when I'm done.

I used Vintage Ornaments for this box. I can't tell you how much I love this set...and not just for cards, I think the ornaments are the perfect size to cut out for a super cute tag! I added some silver glitter to the ornament. (I had better pictures to upload, but for whatever reason blogger is not want to cooperate tonight!)

This one couldn't get any easier. The holly leaves are a Martha Stewart punch I bought last year. The snowflake stamp is from Holiday Treats and the sentiment is from Take a Bough.

This last one is probably my favorite! I was so excited when I saw this container because I knew the snowmen looked exactly like the snowman from Made of Snow. I colored his hat and scarf with Copics. The acetate snowflake is from Me and My Big Ideas.

Thanks for stopping by! Now I'm off to finish cleaning my house for tomorrow.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! I look forward to checking out everyone's projects hopefully later tonight or in the morning.
Melanie

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #19

2009-11-23T09:24:00.008-06:00

Hello everyone! Happy Monday! Is everyone ready for Thanksgiving? My kids are so excited to have a short week. They keep telling me how the week is reversed with 2 days of school and 5 days off! All a short week means for me is cramming a full week into two days! UGH!

Dawn posted another color challenge for this week, and let me tell you it was a tough one (for me)!! Anytime I see more that 3 colors, I usually run the other way! Here is the inspiration photo:

I am totally in Christmas mode...which is so unusual for me this early! So, I used my new favorite stamp set Vintage Ornaments. I know I have said this before, but I love this set!! I was having trouble photographing this card...it is really sparkly IRL!

I used the ever popular Martha Stewart punch for my branch. I bought this last spring and was on a kick for awhile using it for non-Christmas cards. If you're interested, some of these cards are posted on my blog here, here and here. I still see this punch at Walmart if anyone is still looking for it.

Okay, I'm off to get some things done. I will be back on Wednesday night for the Papertrey Ink Blog Hop...and believe it or not, I already have my project done!!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies (all Papertrey Ink, unless indicated otherwise):
Cardstock: Aqua Mist, Dark Chocolate, Vintage Cream
Stamps: Vintage Ornaments, Polka Dot Basics
Ink: Lavender Moon, Raspberry Fizz, Fresh Snow
Other: Gems-unknown, Glitter-Stampendous, Martha Stewart Punch

Thanks for stopping by!

A new challenge site!!

2009-11-08T00:00:00.000-06:00

It is so quiet around here...my kids are off to their grandparents for the weekend. I couldn't resist the opportunity to make a card or two while they're gone! I discovered a new challenge site called Just Us Girls...or JUGS for short! That just makes me laugh!! Anyway, they posted a sketch challenge today that I couldn't resist!

I have gotten some really cute Christmas stamps from Papertrey Ink, but this one called Vintage Ornaments has to be my favorite!

The ornaments are really glittery IRL...

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies (all Papertrey Ink, unless indicated otherwise)
Cardstock: Kraft, Dark Chocolate
Stamps: Vintage Ornaments, Signature Christmas, Polka Dot Basics 2
Ink: Pure Poppy, Fresh Snow, Dark Chocolate
Other: glitter-Martha Stewart, ribbon- unknown, button and twine-Papertrey Ink

Halloween

2009-11-07T22:40:00.003-06:00

Hello everyone! I give up on making excuses on why I can't seem to post regularly on this blog...I could mention that my husband went out of town for a week returning the day before Halloween and that we hosted friends and family on Halloween, oh and I can't forget about Avery's tonsilectomy surgery last Monday, but the reality is that everyone has busy lives so I won't bore you with the details!!! I think we could all benefit from a few more hours in the day....or night {wink}!! So anyway, I hope everyone had a fun, safe Halloween. We had our family and some friends over and did some trick or treating in the neighborhood. Since we only have about 8 homes in the subdivision so far, we went up to a local church who was having a trunk-or-treat....Totally new concept to me!!! So much fun!

Here is a picture of my kids:

And I can't resist posting a picture of my brother's family of vampires. My SIL, Jen, is so creative and gets the whole family involved in dressing up....isn't this awesome!!!

I'll be back with a second post...I discovered another challenge site!!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

It's been too long!

2009-10-22T16:12:00.007-05:00

Hello everyone! I'm still here...I hate it when life gets in the way of blogging! This time of year is always busy, but this year seems especially hectic! Between school and extra activities, we just don't hold still very long. I'm sure most of you can relate! Fortunately, we have avoided the flu bug so far {knock on wood}, but friends and family have not been so lucky. I'm hoping for a quick recovery for all of them and anyone else who has been plagued with this nasty bug!
I got some new stamps and have been dying to break them out and finally got a chance to participate in Dawn McVey's Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #18. I love her color challenges! She has such an eye for color and always has some amazing combo's...plus she uses Papertrey Ink colors which is just an added bonus!! There are a few other color combo challenge sites out there, but most reference Stampin' Up colors {which I don't have} so it makes it harder to match up colors.

I also used The Pink Elephant Challenge #37 for this card. It was a sketch challenge this week.
If you haven't checked out this challenge site...you should! One of the girls, Robin, is offering some FREE Halloween digi stamps available to download and they are super, super cute!! Go check it out....the info is in the link above.

I love these colors for Christmas...and since I'm up to my eyeballs in all things Halloween right now, it's a nice change!!

Thank for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies {all Papertrey Ink, unless otherwise indicated}:
Cardstock: Kraft, Dark Chocolate, Rasberry Fizz, Vintage Cream
Ink: New Leaf, Dark Chocolate
Stamps: Tree Trimming Trio, Signature Christmas, Text Style
Other: EK Success edge punch, Queen and Co. gems, sewing machine

WCMD Challenge #1: JAPAN

2009-10-05T23:37:00.000-05:00

Paper crafters all over the world celebrated World Card Making Day this past Saturday. My favorite stamp company, Papertrey Ink, celebrated by hosting a day of challenges using inspiration from all around the world. I was really, really excited, until I realized that I had lost the charger to my camera battery! :( With a dead battery in my camera and no way to upload pictures of cards, I gave up on making cards for these challenges. Fast forward to today (Monday)...I found the charger ( under my bed...go figure!) at about 4:00pm with a deadline of 7:00am Tuesday. Yikes! Okay, I have never in my life made 4 cards in one night, but I was determined! So, here goes....

WCMD Challenge #1: JAPAN

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

WCMD Challenge #2: MEXICO

2009-10-05T23:33:00.000-05:00

I'm back with the second of the four challenges hosted by Papertrey Ink.

WCMD Challenge #2: MEXICO

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

WCMD Challenge #3: INDIA

2009-10-05T23:31:00.003-05:00

Here is the third of the four challenge cards for the WCMD challenges that Nicole posted on Saturday.

WCMD Challenge #3: INDIA

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

WCMD Challenge #4: AUSTRALIA

2009-10-05T23:30:00.001-05:00

Here is the fourth card for the challenges posted on Nicole's blog for Papertrey Ink's celebration of World Card Making Day.

WCMD Challenge #4: AUSTRALIA

Well, that's all of them! I still can't believe I made four cards in one night...and it's only 11:40 pm!! That is a record for me! I admire those who can make a card in 10 minutes...because that is not me!
Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

An update and some exciting news :)

2009-09-22T11:18:00.004-05:00

It has been such a crazy few weeks here, sorry my blog has been a little neglected! First, things are going well after surgery....actually, much better than I expected. I still have residual nerve damage in my left leg, but my doctor is optimistic that the nerve will repair itself over time. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
We celebrated Avery's sixth birthday over the weekend. We had a Luau...so much fun! Unfortunately, I couldn't find my camera battery charger so I don't have pictures of my own. I was able to use my mom's camera, so I'm just waiting to get a disk from her and I will post pictures then. We had so much fun and I can't believe my baby is six!!!

And then....the most exciting news yet....I earned an Honorable Mention for Papertrey Ink's September Guest Star Stamper contest for the category Best Halloween Project! This was my entry here. I can hardly contain myself!!! Anyone who knows me IRL, knows that I live for Papertrey Ink stamps.... I love this company!!! So, this is a huge honor for me!! You can see the announcement on Nichole Heady's blog here. If you have time, be sure to check out all of the great projects.
AND....If that weren't awesome enough....I was choosen for Dawn McVey's Raspberry Suite Color Challenge spotlight w/ this card! I am totally excited about this...there were over 200 entries and some amazing cards in this challenge! You can check out Dawn's announcement and see the other cards that made the spotlight here.

If you've made it this far, thanks for sharing in my excitement!!! I hope to post some cards soon. After having two sick kids over the last few weeks, I have finally caught a bug myself. So between that and trying to catch up on work from being out with surgery I haven't had much crafty time lately!

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Witch's Broomstick

2009-09-13T19:25:00.003-05:00

Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year! I had first seen these cute broomstick gift bags last year while browsing the internet and I have been wanting to try one myself ever since. I followed the instructions from Martha Stewart's website here. I made the tag with two older Papertrey Ink Halloween stamp sets. The witch and circle scroll on the 'moon' are from Spooky Sweets II. The witch was stamped first in black ink and then stamped over that with Versmark and heat embossed with clear embossing powder. The bats are heat embossed on True Black cardstock and then cut out and attached to black wire so they would appear to be flying around the moon.

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies (all Papertrey Ink, unless indicated)
Cardstock: Stampers Select white, True Black, Summer Sunrise, Raspberry Fizz
Stamps: Spooky Sweets and Spooky Sweets II
Ink: True Black, Versamark
Other: Marvy scallop circle punch, raffia, black craft wire, paper lunch sacks, twine, stick

A couple of new challenges

2009-09-03T16:21:00.009-05:00

...at least new to me! I'm so excited to have found a couple of new challenge sites. I have combined the two on this card. The first is called Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenges and here is this weeks sketch:

and the second is a site called Pals Paper Arts and their challenge this week is to create something with a Halloween theme. That I can do!! I love Halloween!
So, here is my card that fits both challenge criteria:

I embossed the moon with a Cuttlebug embossing folder (not sure the name...maybe spots and dots?) and then I lightly sanded the surface to give more of a contrast to the moon 'craters'. Everything else is pretty self explanatory!

Anyway, I am looking forward to checking out these blogs a little more in depth...looks like some great stuff!!
BTW, for those of you who know me IRL and are wondering how I'm making cards, posting on my blog and blog surfing three days after back surgery when I am only supposed to sit for 30 minutes a day...well, the computer part is easy to explain-I'm just using my laptop in bed. As far as the card making...the island in my craft room is countertop height... So no worries!!

Edited to add: Okay, so I missed the deadline for the Pals Paper Arts Halloween challenge. Oh well! It was the inspiration for the theme and I'll blame not realizing it was last weeks challenge on the pain medication! *wink*

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies (all Papertrey Ink, unless otherwise indicated)
Cardstock: Dark Chocolate, Kraft, Vintage Cream
PP: Autumn Abundance
stamps: Boo To You
Other: Dark Chocolate polka dot ribbon, Cuttlebug embossing folder

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #16

2009-09-03T12:00:00.007-05:00

I love these colors! Okay, I know I say that just about every time, but I really mean it this time! I had a few ideas immediately, but ended up using my new Autumn Abundance stamp set from Papertrey Ink. Of course, getting to play with my Copics was an added bonus! So, here is what I came up with for the Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #16:

I know its kind of hard to see in the picture, but I stamped the little acorn cluster with VersaMark on the dark chocolate layer.

I intentionally left off the sentiment so that I could use is for whatever need may arise. I thought it would be pretty easy to add one in the white space around the flowers. I hope it doesn't make the card look unfinished for the purpose of the challenge!
Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies (all Papertrey ink, unless otherwise indicated)
Cardstock: Kraft, Vintage Cream, Dark Chocolate
stamps: Autumn Abundance, Background Basics: Text
Ink: Dark Chocolate, Vintage Touch tea dye duo, Versamark: Tsukineko
Other: Summer Sunrise saddle stitch ribbon, wood button, button twine, Nestabilities Label 3 die

The Pink Elephant Challenge #29

2009-08-29T18:11:00.008-05:00

This week The Pink Elephant challenge #29 was a great sketch and I happen to have some time to play along!

I had so much fun with this card...I got to use some new goodies. I used my Copic markers for the first time and all I can say is OMG! ...These little markers are addicting! Now I want more stamp sets that have images that can be colored. This could get very expensive!! I did use a new stamp set from Papertrey Ink that was super fun to color. The polka dots are heat embossed.

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies (all Papertrey Ink unless otherwise indicated)
Cardstock: Rustic Cream, Scarlet Jewel
stamps: Autumn Abundance, Polka Dot Basics
Ink: Scarlet Jewel, Versamark
Other: Scarlet Jewel button, button twine, Nestabilities-Label 3, Clear embossing powder, Copic markers

Avery's new 'do!

2009-08-24T22:39:00.004-05:00

I'm having trouble with my Facebook...all of the sudden I can't comment or upload photos. Ugh!! I hate computers! Anyway, Avery got her hair all cut off and I couldn't be more excited! She is not a morning girl and getting the knots brushed out of her hair before school was no easy task! So, here she is...4" of hair lighter:

How cute is she?? Love this girl!

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #15

2009-08-24T21:59:00.008-05:00

Here is my card for Dawn McVey's Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #15:

I loved the colors she choose for this challenge! They remind me of sherbet ice cream. Yum! I bought the Little Lady stamp set from Papertrey Ink to make Avery's birthday invites/thank you's for her birthday last year and haven't touched it since! I stamped the body in Vintage Cream ink on Melon Berry cardstock and then after it dried, stamped the spots with Melon Berry ink on top. I scored the ladybug down the center of the wings and bent them down and adhered it with foam dimensionals. I stamped the antenae directly on the Bitty Box paper so I didn't have to cut them out.
Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies: (all Papertrey Ink)
Cardstock: Vintage Cream, Melon Berry
PP: Bitty Box
Stamps: Little Lady, Pond Life (sentiment)
Ink: Vintage Cream, Melon Berry
Other: Buttons, cream button twine

My First Pink Elephant Challenge!

2009-08-23T20:59:00.006-05:00

Just a quick post for The Pink Elephant challenge. The challenge was to design something with a fun summer theme!

We are having a Luau for Avery's birthday party this year. This is the invitation and party favor bag and table place cards, which I will make for each of the girls. The little "purse" is a MyTimeless Template from Papertrey Ink. These downloadable templates make such easy work of creating little favor bags. I seriously love them!! I have some other ideas, but this is all I could get together for the challenge deadline. Now for the mass producing...Ugh!!
Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Luau Birthday Supplies
Stamps: Garden Isle: Lizzie Anne Designs; Fresh Alphabet (place card name): Papertrey Ink
Ink: Dark Chocolate and Hibiscus Burst: Papertrey Ink; black Stazon
Cardstock: White, Hibiscus Burst: Papertrey Ink
DP: Bitty box: PTI; stripe: unknown
Other: My Timeless Template-Petal Pocket: Papertrey Ink, Copic markers, Hibiscus Busrt ribbon-Papertrey Ink, Button twine-Papertrey Ink, EK Success paper edger, sewing machine

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #14

2009-08-14T19:23:00.006-05:00

Hey everyone! Just wanted to pop in with a card for Dawn McVey's Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #14. I've been a little missing in action lately... My back is acting up again...ugh!! So, Tuesday I meet with my doctor again and go over my options. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that surgery isn't the only one...I don't think I can go thru that again. Anyway, here is my card for the challenge:

{all supplies Papertrey Ink}

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #13

2009-07-29T18:19:00.005-05:00

I had some time today to make a card for Dawn McVey's Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #13. Another fun color combo!

Here is my card:

{click on picture to enlarge}

I love the quilted look to this card and I think it would make the cutest baby cards. Unfortunately, I don't need baby cards very often so I will have to adapt it to other kinds of cards. I'm actually on a kick right now and a few of the next cards I have to post are "quilted" in some way. This is probably my favorite little bird from Bird Watching Additions and I think he looks so lonely sitting on that branch all by himself!
Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies (all Papertrey Ink, unless noted otherwise)
Cardstock: Stampers Select white, Berry Sorbet
PP: Pink Patterns, Bitty Dot Basics, Bitty Box Basics
Stamps: Bird Watching Additions, Out on a Limb, Mega Mixed Messages
Ink: Dark Chocolate, Pure Poppy, Spring Moss
Other: Berry Sorbet and Spring Moss buttons, button twine, Spellbinders Label 3 Nestibilities, sewing machine

Remphry Family BBQ

2009-07-28T14:42:00.003-05:00

This past Sunday we invited James' family over for a BBQ and a day of swimming. We had so much fun! The boys {and by boys, I mean the adult 'boys'!} spent the better part of the day trying to hurt themselves on the diving board. I'm sure they regretted it the next day...I know James was a little sore! We had a great turnout... we were only missing two of James' cousins and their spouses and James' nephew. The weather was beautiful and I think everyone had a really good time just hanging out. Hopefully, we can do it again before the summer ends.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Our Backyard Oasis

2009-07-26T23:31:00.008-05:00

I'm so excited to post some pictures of our *new* backyard. We couldn't be happier with the way it turned out. Don't get me wrong there is still plenty to do, but it's to the point were we can sit out back and enjoy watching the kids swim or listen to the waterfall and really just feel a sense of accomplishment.

This is the view from the patio looking towards the waterfall which sits in the back, right corner of our property:

This next picture is also taken from the patio looking further to the right:

This one is still from the patio just looking off to the left {we love this view!}:

And finally a close-up of the waterfall:

I didn't take any pictures of the patio because all of our furniture is not in yet, so I'll save that for another day.
If you're interested... I posted a few pictures of the progress here and here. It has been a long, painful process, but so worth it in the end!

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Papertrey Ink Blog Hop

2009-07-25T13:07:00.007-05:00

I love the 25th of the month! The crafty people who follow Papertrey Ink are so talented so it is so much fun to see everyone's take on the challenge. So, for this month it's all about text. Here is what the challenge is:

Taken from the Papertrey Ink website (written by Nicole Heady):
I have been experimenting a lot with text lately, whether it be in the form our or recent addition Background Basics: Text Style, some of our text patterned papers or even old book print. I'd like to see your twist on anything text integrated into a fun project! Cut it, punch it, tear it, distress it, paint it, ink it, brayer it, stamp it, stitch it, layer it. Use it as a background, border or a focal point. Use several text styles on one project or just focus on a single look. Try a technique layered on top of text like emboss resist or watercoloring. You could even run it through an embossing folder. Most of all, have fun and experiment! Branch out and try something new! We look forward to seeing all of your fabulous creations!

It was a challenge for me just to use text on a card...I did have Background Basics: Text on hand so that is where I started. I bought this set when it came out and I'm ashamed to say it has never seen ink til today.

I stamped the print text onto Kraft cardstock and embossed the flourish over the text with clear embossing powder. I also embossed the scripty text on my flower petals with clear embossing powder. Once I started embossing, I couldn't stop! LOL

I used Papertrey Inks Vintage Touch ink around my petals and also on the Polka Dot cardstock layer....which those polka dots are embossed, too... I couldn't help myself!

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies (all Papertrey Ink-unless indicated)
Cardstock: Lemon Tart, Kraft
Stamps: Fancy Flourishes, Background Basics-Text, Mega Mixed Messages, Polka Dot Basics
Ink: Dark Chocolate, Versamark (Tsukineko), Vintage touch-Chamamile
Other: Lemon Tart button, twine, clear embossing powder, Cuttlebug flower and tag die, Nestibilities Label one die

2S4Y #31

2009-07-23T22:46:00.004-05:00

Is tomorrow really Friday?!? Where has this week gone? Oh well, I'm just glad the weekend is almost here! We are home again this weekend...I can't get my husband to leave the backyard!! I can't blame him...he put a lot of work into it and he is very proud!! I promise if tomorrow is sunny, I will take pictures. We have had the strangest week of weather for July... it has been cool and low humidity and just really unusual for our area. I'm not complaining, I just know if we didn't have a brand new pool in our backyard it would be 110 degrees in the shade all summer!! Anyway, I made a card for the 2 Sketches 4 You challenge this week.
Here is the sketch:

I used Everyday Button Bits again on this card. I just can't put this set down. It is seriously the best stamp set ever!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies
Cardstock: Sweet Blush, New Leaf; PTI
PP: DCVW
Stamps: Everyday Button Bits; PTI
Ink: Topiary; CTMH
Other: Fiskars Threading Water border punch, buttons, PTI; sewing machine

Somebody Pinch Me...

2009-07-22T21:21:00.006-05:00

Seriously, I can't even believe it!!! Dawn McVey picked my card to be 'In The Spotlight' this week for the Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #12. How cool is that?!!?! I can't even tell you how excited I am! Check out all of the amazing 'In the Spotlight' cards here.
So, In the words of my 5 year old...... "this is the best day ever"!!! (Of course she says this just about every day!)

Card Patterns #24

2009-07-21T20:33:00.013-05:00

Just a quick post for card I made for Card Patterns #24

Here is the sketch:

....and my card using Papertrey Ink's new Everyday Button Bits stamp set. You need to run, not walk, and check out this amazing set...It is so cool!! It is definitely my new favorite PTI set!

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies:
Cardstock: Summer Sunrise, Vintage Cream, New Leaf (all PTI)
PP: DCVW
Stamps: Everday Button Bits, Mega Mixed Messages, PTI
Ink: New Leaf, PTI
Other: Button twine, PTI; Lemon Tart Buttons, PTI; EK Success edge punch, Cuttlebug tag, sewing machine

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #12

2009-07-20T12:59:00.007-05:00

Hello! I am buried in paperwork today, but thought I would take a break to post my card for Dawn McVey's Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #12. Here is the inspiration photo:
This reminds me that I need to take "after" pictures of our backyard waterfall and landscaping project. Maybe I'll do that next...after I finish working! *wink*

I used some new Papertrey Ink stamps on this card, including Polka Dot Basics II and Everyday Button Bits (sentiment, which I curved to fit around the flourish...gotta love clear stamps!). The bird is from Bird Watching Additions. I also ran the blade of my scissors along the edge of the Spring Moss layer to rough it up a little.
Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies (all Papertrey Ink, unless indicated otherwise)
Cardstock: Spring Moss, Scarlet Jewel, Raspberry Fizz, Cream
Stamps: Bird Watching Additions, Fancy Flourishes, Polka Dot Basics II, Everyday Button Bits (sentiment)
Ink: Scarlet Jewel
Other: Scarlet Jewel buttons, Cuttlebug embossing folder, sewing machine, Fiskars threading water border punch, pink gems-unknown

CPS 124

2009-07-14T00:32:00.007-05:00

It's been awhile since I've played along with a CPS challenge. I loved the sketch this week and this is what I came up with for CPS 124:

I'm posting this from the office today and for some reason the background looks pink-ish. I hope it's just my monitor here, cause there is no pink in this card! Anyway, I have a ton of work to do and only 4 more days of summer school for the kiddos so I need to take advantage of every quiet minute!
Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies:
Cardstock: Rustic Cream (PTI)
PP: DCWV
Stamps: Fancy Flourishes (PTI), Mega Mixed Messages (PTI)
Ink: Topiary (CTMH)
Other: Butterfly die (Spellbinders), button (PTI), Rustic cream twine (PTI), pearl gemstones (unknown), EK Success edge punch, corner rounder, sewing machine

Card Patterns # 23

2009-07-13T12:11:00.006-05:00

Okay, I'm trying to get back into the swing of things after spending the last month with Edward! {wink} Seriously, the Twilight series should come with a warning...Only start reading these books when you have nothing to do for weeks. I mean nothing!! So, I wanted to jump back in with a sketch challenge, but I had the hardest time with this one. I finally pulled out the scraps from the last card I made and used those to pull this together. I know...a teacher card in July?? At least I will be prepared for the next school year...right?!?! Which I might add is right around the corner!
So, here is Card Patterns sketch #23:

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies: {all Papertrey Ink, unless indicated}
Cardstock: Dark Chocolate, Kraft, Raspberry Fizz, Vintage Cream
PP: Chocolate Remix (alphabet paper)
Stamps: Teacher's Apple, Fancy Flourishes, Writing Paper Scrapblock-Cornish Heritage Farms
Ink: Dark Chocolater, Raspberry Fizz
Other: Dark Chocolate satin ribbon, EK Success edge punch, Nestabilities Label 2 die, hemp twine-PTI, Prima flower, sewing machine

I'm back to accept my "bad blogger" award!!

2009-06-26T14:20:00.003-05:00

I just have one word for you.....Twilight...enough said! Throw in a few birthdays and weekend trips and it's a recipe for a bad blogger!! I know, I'm a little late to jump on the Twilight bandwagon, but I'm so glad I finally broke down and started reading these books. I can't believe how disconnected from the real world I've been! Fortunately, I was able to borrow the first and second book from my sweet SIL, now I'm on a waiting list at the library for the last two. Which is a good thing, because you wouldn't believe how much work can pile up when you deviate from your normal routine! This is why I don't read much anymore, I get so wrapped up and let everything else go...including blogging. We have a weekend lake trip planned and then hopefully I can get back into the swing of things next week. I am seriously missing my crafty time!
'til then
Melanie

Happy Belated Birthday Lauren!

2009-06-08T22:54:00.008-05:00

On May 14 my niece, Lauren, turned 10 years old. Isn't she beautiful! {Sorry this is so late, Lauren!}
So, Let me tell you about my favorite niece...she is going to be an entrepreneur some day! This girl is always thinking of ways to make money! Like when her mom was helping organize a vendor fair at her school. She had Lauren with her who was coloring quietly on the bleachers, until Jen realized she was missing...she was selling her artwork to the vendors as they were setting up their booths!! Or when she used to lay out her treasures (painted rocks, drawings, etc.) on the table and invite her grandparents over to shop. Currently, she is into making beverages at the lake house for their guests and she sets up a tip jar!! So watch out and come with spare change when you visit! TOO FUNNY!
We celebrated this milestone with a pizza party at the lake. It was a short weekend trip. Nobody got in the lake (too cold!), but the kids did get some fishing in. So much fun!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #8 and 2S4Y Sketch Challenge

2009-06-06T13:37:00.008-05:00

Hello everyone! Just a quick post for the Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #8.

Dawn choose a great color combo this week {no surprise there!} I took the opportunity to incorporate this color scheme with the First Annual Ultimate Card Showdown at 2 Sketches for You AND make it into a card for one of my kids teachers. So much fun! Here is the sketch:

and finally, here is my card:

Thanks for stopping by! Hope everyone is having a great weekend so far.

{Aunt Janet-I promise to post those pictures this weekend, hopefully tonight! Sorry!!}

Supplies: {all Papertrey Ink, unless indicated}
Cardstock: Dark Chocolate, Kraft, Raspberry Fizz, Vintage Cream
PP: Chocolate Remix (alphabet paper)
Stamps: Teacher's Apple, Writing Paper Scrapblock-Cornish Heritage Farms
Ink: Dark Chocolater, Raspberry Fizz
Other: Dark Chocolate satin ribbon, EK Success edge punch, Nestabilities Label 1 die, hemp twine-PTI, Prima flower, glossy accents, sewing machine

Moxie Fab World Citrus Color Challenge

2009-06-02T00:28:00.011-05:00

Here is a card I posted for the Moxie Fab World Citrus Color Challenge. I'm tellin' ya I am digging these color challenges! Here is the color inspiration straight from a Pottery Barn catalog:

The flowers were stamped originally for another card, but after changing directions on that card, I decided to start over. I kept the stamped image and was able to use it for this card. I love it when things just fall into place!

So, I've realized that I am in a papercrafting rut! As I scroll thru my recent posts, I notice a reoccurring theme...Papertrey Ink's Life stamp set and Nestabilities Label One die. So, I vow not to pick up either of those two products for awhile! I didn't even realize I was doing it... I just love them! Anyway, I have a couple of new challenges I'd like to try this week so hopefully I will get some stamping time in soon and I promise to use a different stamp set! {Lord knows I have plenty to choose from!!}

I also have a lot of family stuff to share in the next week or so. I still want to do a birthday post for my niece, Lauren. Her birthday was May 14th and we went to their lake house for the weekend. I also celebrated a birthday last weekend and we had our first official pool party and I got some great pictures. {Jen-Watch for those...you won't want to miss that!!! HA!}

'til then...
Melanie

Supplies {all Papertrey Ink -unless indicated}
Stamps: Life, Borders and Corners-Circle
Paper:Lemon Tart, Spring Moss, Ripe Avocado, Stamper's Select White
Ink: Ripe Avocado, Versamark
Other: button, twine, Lemon Tart ribbon, EK Success border punch, Inkssentials opaque pen

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #7

2009-05-26T11:12:00.006-05:00

Hello! Just a quick post to link my Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #7.

Here is my card:

Hope everyone had a great weekend! We are out of school middle of next week so these last few days are busy with end of year stuff. Actually, two of my kids have field trips this Friday. I will never understand why we always have our field trips on the last few days of school. Like it's not busy enough!! Oh well, I'm sure they are climbing the walls at school anyway and it's probably not easy to teach them this time of year. I was talking to the principal a few weeks ago and she stated that something like 80% of her disciplinary actions are taken in the last 6-8 weeks of school. That's crazy! So, I guess they get the majority of the curriculum done so that when the kids are restless at the end of the year they do the fun stuff. So, I guess I understand more than I realize!! I also said this was going to be a quick post....Sorry, about that!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies (all Papertrey Ink, unless indicated)
Paper: Raspberry Fizz, Ripe Avocado, Spring Morning
Ink: Raspberry Fizz, Ripe Avocado, Versamark
Stamps: Life, Friends til the End-sentiment, Polka Dot Basics
Other: Ripe Avocado twill ribbon, Swiss Dots Cuttlebug embossing folder, Spellbinders Nestibilites Label one die, Cuttlebug tag die

PTI May Blog Hop

2009-05-25T18:46:00.010-05:00

It's that time of the month again!! I so look forward to Papertrey Ink's Monthly Blog Hop. This month with it falling on Memorial Day, it's a nice end to a wonderful 3 day weekend! It was a great three days of swimming and relaxing after several weeks of chaos. Hopefully, it will prove to be a nice rejuvenation to push through to the end of all this work around the yard!

Anyway, for May's blog hop we are asked to utilize the color yellow in some way.
Here is my card:

Thanks for stopping by! I'm off to check out everyone's amazing cards...
Melanie

Supplies: (all supplies are Papertrey Ink, unless indicated)
Stamps: Fancy Flourishes, Everyday Classics, Polka Dot Basics
Ink: Smokey Shadow, Lemon Tart
Paper: Guide Lines 1 Grid Sheet, Smokey Shadow, Lemon Tart
Ribbon: Lemon Tart
Other: Spellbinders Labels 1 Die, brads-unknown, sewing machine, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #6

2009-05-19T21:37:00.006-05:00

This one was harder for me than it looked. I love the colors together...on someone else's card!! Ha! Seriously, I am loving these color challenges...even more than the sketch challenges {if that's possible!}. I used Everyday Classics (bird/sentiment), Out on a Limb (One of my all time PTI fav's) and Polka Dot Basics (my absolute all time PTI favorite...like 'I can't live without it' set!) for this card.
Anyway, Here is my card for Dawn's Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #6:

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies
Stamps: Out on a Limb, Everyday Classics, Polka Dot Basics (PTI)
Ink: Dark Chocolate, Berry Sorbet, Fresh Snow (PTI)
Paper: Aqua Mist, Berry Sorbet, Dark Chocolate (PTI)
Other: Berry Sorbet twill ribbon (PTI), Dark Chocolate button (PTI), hemp cord, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Nestibilities Label 1 die, Liquid Applique (Marvy Uchida)

Designing Women Challenge #1

2009-05-18T19:05:00.005-05:00

I joined a Papertrey Ink blogging group a few weeks ago. The name of the group is Designing Women and it's just a bunch of gals who love Papertrey Ink and we have challenges every couple of weeks. The first challenge, issued by Peggy, is to create a card using an animal and 2 designer papers. This was so much fun for me. I have only done sketch challenges and color challenges so far, so I was excited to work on this. Unfortunately today is the deadline and I am getting this in just under the wire!! Girls, I promise I'll be more timely in the future!!! This past 2 weeks have been crazy around here and probably will be until school lets out. So, here is my card for the first challenge for the Designing Women blogging group:

I love this Wise Owl set from Papertrey Ink, but unfortunately it hasn't seen much ink. The papers are from Imaginese.

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

It's done!!

2009-05-14T11:07:00.002-05:00

Well....almost! They finished landscaping the waterfall and we couldn't be more excited! I love how it turned out. We are just waiting on the electricity to run the pump and then we can fill it up with water. Yeah!! The kids are so excited and are already naming the fish that we don't have yet!

The view from the patio:

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge

2009-05-11T19:28:00.006-05:00

I'm getting this in just under the wire! I couldn't pass up this color challenge from Dawn this week. I love these colors together. The new Smokey Shadow from Papertrey Ink is quickly becoming my favorite new color! No time to chat, I must get this posted and linked by 8:00.
Here is the Raspberry Suite Color Challenge for week 5:
{aren't they pretty!}

Here is my card:

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies {all Papertrey Ink, unless otherwise indicated}
Paper: Smokey Shadow, Hibiscus Burst, Raspberry Fizz, White
Stamps: Friends til the End, Polka Dot Basics, Faux Ribbon
Ink: Smokey Shadow, Raspberry Fizz, VersaMark-Tsukineko
Ribbon: Raspberry Fizz
Other: Nestabilities tag die, Martha Stewart punches, silver ball embellishments-Michaels

More backyard stuff...

2009-05-06T23:08:00.007-05:00

Finally, I can see light at the end of the tunnel with this yard!! We're not there yet, but getting closer. It rained so much last week and there was not much progress til today. They poured the patio today and will finish tomorrow when they power wash the release color off. I can't wait to see what it will look like. That was the most stressful decision to date! I took a picture, but keep in mind that the release color is a powder and it is covering the whole patio.

Also, the pool guys were out today putting in the ladder, handrail and diving board. They also cleaned it-It looks so clear now!! So, of course the kids jumped off the board as soon as they got home. And, by kids, I mean James, too! The boys didn't even change, they jumped in with their clothes on! They were so excited that I didn't have the heart to stop them! Avery did go get her suit on and her flip-flops, life jacket, floaty ring and whatever else she could drag out there! She is so funny! You can tell my kids were raised in a boat. They think nothing of having a life jacket on in the pool! She is not a great swimmer yet, so I will just let her wear it as long as she wants!!

First, Aaron jumped in {of course!}

Then, Andrew

Then Avery, no jumping off the board for her, she is happy just to hang out on the steps at the other end!

Finally, James couldn't stand to be left out!

It was only 72 degrees out and the pool water was 66 degrees.
Brrr...much too cold for me!

Thanks for stopping by!

Melanie

PTI Spring Fling Challenge

2009-05-03T22:56:00.013-05:00

The design team members of Papertrey Ink were challenged to create a project based off of something that inspired them this spring. They then shared their inspirational pieces and challenged us to pick one of the pieces and use it to create something. You can see Nicole's post HERE for all of the details. This was fun! First, it was difficult choosing which piece to use. I was inspired in different ways and for different reasons by all of them. They were all great, yet so different. In the end, I went with Heather Nichols' piece:

If you follow PTI at all, you know that Heather has a very distinct style. She is an amazing stamper {and stamp designer!} and I haven't seen anyone else quite like her! I used CP Sketch #13 for this card.

So, here is my card based on the inpiration piece that Heather choose and CP Sketch #13:

Photographing this card was truly the challenging part! I have never quite mastered this skill, but this one was more difficult than most. The ribbon has a slightly shiny texture and the flash was really reflecting on it. Anyway, this is as good as it gets, since the sun has long set and the PTI challenge ends by morning!

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies:
(all Papertrey Ink}
stamps: Polka Dot Basics, Spiral Bouquet, Simple Little Things, Mega Mixed Messages
paper: Vintage Cream, Kraft, Ripe Avocado
ink: Vintage Cream, Ripe Avocado, Smokey Shadow
ribbon: Smokey Green Stripes
other (non-PTI): Cuttlebug tag die, safety pin, Souffle pen (yellow)-Sakura, sewing machine

Just Because

2009-05-02T23:22:00.010-05:00

This is my first time participating in Dawn McVey's Raspberry Suite Color Challenge. Dawn is known for the color combinations that she puts together in her cards. So, while a lot of people are doing sketch challenges, it seems fitting that she is doing color challenges!

Her inspiration and colors for this challenge are:

I love brown and aqua together! In fact, my bedroom, bathroom and, most importantly {!} my scrapbook room are all based off of this color combo. So, it seemed like a perfect week to jump in!
Here is my card:

I used Papertrey Ink's Life stamp set. {I am lovin' this set!} I stamped my flowers, then cut the rectangle into three sections and mounted them on dark chocolate paper. I used the blade on my scissors to distress the edge of the dark chocolate paper.

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies
(all Papertrey Ink, unless noted otherwise)
Stamps: Life, Mega Mixed Messages
Cardstock: White, Aqua Mist, Dark Chocolate
Ink: Aqua Mist, Dark Chocolate
Other: twill ribbon, button, Cuttlebug tag die, hemp cord

Card Patterns #12

2009-04-27T23:27:00.006-05:00

I finally got a chance to play with the Papertrey Ink stamp set, Life. I LOVE this set!... and to think I almost didn't get it!
I used it on Card Patterns sketch #12.

I don't know why, but I am stuck on these purples, Plum Pudding and Lavender Moon from Papertrey Ink. I am normally not a *purple* kind of girl, but I'm going to have to quit saying that as I think I have used these colors on the last several cards I have made!

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies
{all Papertrey Ink, unless otherwise noted}
Stamps: Life
Paper: Kraft, White, Plum Pudding
Ink: Plum Pudding, Lavender Moon, Fresh Snow
Ribbon: Lavender Moon twill
Other: brads-unknown, sewing machine, Nestibilities Label One die
I distressed the edges of the Plum Pudding with a pair of scissors

Lovin' my crafty little girl!

2009-04-27T23:02:00.005-05:00

I was putting my new PTI stamps in the cases, when Avery brought her stamping stuff into my scrapbook room and pulled up a chair. It was a proud moment!! This is something Grandma gave to one of the boys, but it is her favorite thing at the moment. It's a book and inks for making fingerprint art. Notice her little ink cubes look like mom's Palette cubes. She loves that!

The finished product:

She said this was just practice and didn't want to waste the *good* paper!!

Backyard Update

2009-04-27T09:54:00.005-05:00

I promised my mom I would post some pictures on the progress of the landscaping and waterfall. We had a few rain-free days last week, so they were able to get some things done. Unfortunately, it is supposed to rain 4 days this week. Ugh!!!

The new {larger} pond

The boys vacuuming the bottom of the pool. They finished the pool and filled it on Friday. Yes, it was that dirty. Can you see the dirt line?!?! Sadly, the dirt resettled an hour after they finished! It has been so windy, I feel like I'm in Kansas! {That's for my Aunts who live in Kansas with that awful wind!} So, the dirt from the yard just blows right in. I imagine we will be dealing with that until we get grass back there!

The four Spruce trees on the left are a few of the trees they got planted. They are still all tied up, but hopefully will give the backyard some privacy. There are still lots more plants that go where those trees are.

This is the front where they are building a rock wall outlined by the gravel in the picture. Then there is a bed in front of the wall where they put in two of the trees.

This is the only picture I have taken of that other tree. You can also see where the wall will continue on the other side of the walkway.

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

April PTI Blog Hop

2009-04-25T18:28:00.010-05:00

It is that time again!

Lauren has already built an amazing array of printable templates in our store. Almost a reference library of sorts. Thousands of you have downloaded these amazing resources and have expressed how much you love them! Now's your chance to show us what you can do with them! Your challenge is to create a project using one of the Timeless Templates, any one of your choice. If you haven't tried them yet, there are some available for free HERE. Get really creative and put a new spin on one of the more basic designs. Use this as an opportunity to make a gift for someone special, just because. This would be the perfect opportunity to get out one of those new stamp sets that have yet to see ink! Have fun and play! We look forward to seeing your results!
{From Papertrey Ink website}

Sadly, I haven't used Lauren's templates much, but the ones I have gotten to play with are amazing! They are so easy to put together and so fun to make! So, I was excited to see this months blog hop challenge was to use one of these templates. It was the push I needed to make something for my favorite room! I choose the Filed with Flair template for my project tonight.

It fits perfectly on the shelves that are on one wall of the room. I used some of the My Mind's Eye papers that I based this room off of. I love these papers and have used them for several projects for this room.

Originally, I was making this to hold mail, but maybe I'll get an idea tonight for a different purpose!

I'm off to blog hop!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

I'm a Winner!!

2009-04-25T14:10:00.003-05:00

Yeah!!! I won a Lizzie Anne Designs stamp set and one of their new digital paper packs. No talent was necessary, purely luck of the draw!! LOL! I am so excited!!! I only recently discovered their stamps and haven't had much of a chance to play with the couple of sets I have purchased. I hope to change that soon! Anyway, I wanted to share my good news. You can see the new sets on their blog --here--. Thanks Lizzie Anne Designs!

Card Patterns #11

2009-04-21T09:32:00.007-05:00

I didn't participate in the Card Patterns sketch last week, but it wasn't for lack of trying!!! I stared at that sketch for days and just couldn't pull anything together. For whatever reason, that was a hard one for me! In my defense, I was severely distracted with all of the stuff going on in the backyard...That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!!

Here is Card Patterns sketch #11:

My take on the sketch:

I cut some of the petals of the flowers with my craft knife and then lifted them slightly for a little dimension. I used the back side of Papertrey's satin ribbon for a less shiny look. It's like getting two ribbons for the price of one! {wink} I tapped the New Canvas ink pad on top of the pink flower to tone down the brightness of the pink and give it a little texture. Everything else is pretty self-explanatory!

What I like about this card is that with this sentiment (from Heartfelt Basics-PTI) this card can be used in a pinch for many different occasions. At the last minute, I can stamp a 'happy birthday' sentiment or 'Happy Mother's Day' or even a 'Congratulations' on the inside of the card and use it for whatever purpose I need at the time. So, that's a bonus!

Well, I better get busy.... I have a stack of mail staring at me as I am typing this.

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies
Cardstock: Vintage Cream-PTI
Patterned Paper: DCWV
Stamps: Everyday Classics and Heartfelt Basics-PTI
Ink: Hibiscus-PTI, New Canvas-Pallette
Other: Ribbon-PTI, Buttons-PTI, edge distresser-Heidi Swapp, Nestabilities Label One die, sewing machine

Backyard Plans

2009-04-19T17:26:00.006-05:00

We have been very busy this last week finalizing plans for our backyard. We had always envisioned some sort of water feature on our back hill, but were always unsure how or when to embark on this project. Well, this is the year!!! We found a company that puts in the most amazing waterfalls and, after taking some things into consideration, decided to move forward with the project. So, they started on Thursday putting in this waterfall and pond. We also have a ton of landscaping that will be going in over the next two weeks.

I took a few pictures of the process. So far, they have dug out the placement of the water fall and poured the concrete footing and then shaped the walls of the waterfall and pond.

This is where we are today. It rained all weekend so as soon as it dries out this week they will be back to cover all of the concrete with boulders so that you won't see any of it on the waterfall.

It doesn't look much like the end result now, but I did take a picture of their waterfall at the nursery to give you an idea of what it is suppose to look like in the end:
Again, this is a picture of the waterfall at Frisella's Nursery. Ours is a much smaller scale.

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

A couple of cards...

2009-04-18T23:00:00.004-05:00

Here are the two cards I made for the April GSS at Papertrey Ink. Purple is not normally a color I reach for, but my mom recently came home from Kansas with these really pretty dishes from my Grandma Kazmaier. She used them for brunch on Easter, and they inspired my color scheme for these two cards.

Here is a picture I took of the dishes. Not the best picture, but you get the idea. Right? They are really pretty IRL!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Melanie

You're Too Kind

Stamps: Guidelines Two, Mega Mixed Messages
Ink: Plum Pudding, New Leaf, New Canvas
Paper: Kraft, Plum Pudding
Ribbon: New Leaf
Other: Marvy Scallop circle punch, CM circle cutter, Fiskars border punch, Prima flower, Queen and Co. pearls, Martha Stewart punch, Nestibilities tag die, The Paper Studio button, hemp cord, Inkssentials opaque pen

Thanks So Much

Stamps: Guidelines Two, Mega Mixed Messages, Background Basics: Retro
Ink: Plum Pudding, New Leaf, New Canvas
Paper: Kraft, Plum Pudding
Ribbon: New Leaf
Other: Prima flower, Martha Stewart punch, Nestibilities tag die, DaisyD's buttons, hemp cord, Inkssentials opaque pen

Easter 2009

2009-04-13T22:15:00.011-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter yesterday. Our weather was rather dreary, but aside from that we had a great day! We spent the day with my family at my parent's house. We had a really nice brunch and then played some cards after our Easter egg hunt.

I made these little baskets for each of the kids.

Fortunately, the rain held off long enough to get in the egg hunt. There were 85 eggs hidden for the kids to find. They only found 84 of them! We never did find that last egg.

{Click on any picture for a closer look!}

One last picture before they all changed clothes to play!

Thanks for stopping by!

Melanie

Celebrating 11 years!!

2009-04-11T13:41:00.009-05:00

Today my husband and I are celebrating our 11th wedding anniversary. Wow! I can't believe how time flies!
I can't believe how young we look! We actually got married on the Saturday before Easter in 1998 and I think this is the first year since that it falls on the same weekend again. At least in recent years anyway. We have Grandma Joanie coming over to stay with the kids this evening and we are off to The Melting Pot for dinner. We haven't been there before, so we are looking forward to a nice quiet evening away. My mom offered to have them spend the night out at her house, but I was afraid it would get to complicated with the Easter Bunny coming in the morning!

Oh, and I won a ten dollar gift certificate to Cornish Heritage Farms in their monthly online referral program for linking this card back to their website. Yeah!! It's shaping up to be a pretty good day!

Have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks for stopping by,
Melanie

Better late than never....

2009-04-09T19:18:00.007-05:00

I finally had time to participate in another sketch challenge over at 2Sketches4You. I studied this sketch for a looong time and almost didn't give it a go! This one was definitely a challenge for me!
Here is the sketch:

...and my take on Laura's Sketch 23:

It says "Happy Belated Birthday" on the inside.

I flipped the sketch on its side and this is what I came up with. I used all new stuff I bought at CKC last weekend. Including the cutest mushroom cutting die from Quick Kutz. I used it with my Cuttlebug and it worked like a charm! This opens up a whole new world of die cuts for me because QK has several I *need*!!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies
PP: Imaginisce
Cardstock: Pure Poppy, Stampers Select white (PTI), green (Bazzill) blue, orange (DCVW)
stamps: Inkadinkadoo
Ink: True Black (PTI)
Other: Prismacolor pencils and baby oil, EK Success edge punch, Quickutz 'mushrooms' cutting die, Labels 1 Nestibilities, Glossy Accents on snail's shell

CP Sketch #9

2009-04-06T14:11:00.007-05:00

I am having the laziest day today! It's so cold and icky outside and I just can't seem to get inspired to do anything productive. I just finished up my Card Patterns Sketch #9 and I desperately need to clean my 'room', so I guess I will get started on that.
Here is Sketch #9:

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies:
Cardstock: Kraft, white, Pure Poppy, Dark Chocolate (PTI)
stamps: Spriral Bouquet (PTI)
Ink: Pure Poppy, Dark Chocolate (PTI)
Other: Ribbon (PTI), brads (unknown), gems (The Paper Studio), sewing machine, thread

CKC and a card

2009-04-05T18:24:00.008-05:00

I've been on a little stamping hiatus! Finishing up on taxes the first part of the week and CKC on Friday and Saturday. I so look forward to CKC every year. I missed it last year because I had my back surgery on the first day of the convention. This year I took 3 classes, which were all wonderful! All three are acrylic mini-books and when I finish them I will post. I have been sort of intimidated by acrylic type books so I am very excited to actually complete one and of course I had to buy stuff for several other projects while I was there! Always a good time!
Here is my birthday card entry from CKC. I didn't win (duh!) but I thought it was at least worthy of a blog post!

Notice I didn't stamp anywhere on this card... That's a first for me!! Oh wait, I stamped a sentiment from Birthday Basics (PTI) on the inside. I didn't take a picture of it, but it's there!!

I'm off to work on a card for Card Patterns #9 and I still haven't inked my new PTI goodies!! Maybe I will combine the two!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Supplies:
All Paper: DCWV
Stamp: Birthday Basics -Papertrey Ink (inside sentiment)
Other: butterfly-Spellbinders, Fun Serif alphabet-Sizzix, Martha Stewart punch (branch), Fiskars border punch, Glitter-Martha Stewart (on butterfly), decorative accents (from Michaels), button (PTI), hemp cord

Card Patterns #8

2009-03-29T11:05:00.007-05:00

Okay, so I woke up this morning to about 3 or 4 inches of snow! I know they were predicting it but I just couldn't wrap my head around it! Well here it is....almost April and we get a snow storm. I heard some places west of us got hit really hard. Crazy weather!! Yesterday, after soccer games, James took the kids to rent movies at Blockbuster and I had some time last night to work on Card Patterns Sketch #8 while everyone else watched a movie.
Here is sketch #8:

Everytime I see this owl stamp I think of my mom and her sisters! It is from Pink Cat Studio, part of the QT Hooty stamp set.

The hats and wings were stamped and colored a second time then cut out and popped up on dimensionals.

Supplies:
Stamps: Pink Cat Studio
Ink: Stazon black
Cardstock: Lt. Pink and Orange: DCWV; Dk. Pink-Hibiscus Burst: PTI
PP: DCWV
Other: Prismacolor Pencils, baby oil, button: PTI, hemp cord, gems: The Paper Studio , glitter: Doodlebug Designs, Glossy Accents, sewing machine, thread

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

PTI March Blog Hop

2009-03-25T17:31:00.007-05:00

I can't believe it is PTI blog hop time again. The 25th really sneaks up on me. Here are the details for this months challenge:

Background building sets have rapidly become one of Papertrey's signature traits. For this month's Blog Hop, we want to see all of your very best backgrounds. They can be multi-colored or monochromatic. Simple or elegantly detailed. They can be created with a set originated for that purpose or a reinvention of images that were not. Be sure to include a separate photo of your completed background BEFORE you add it to your project so we can see it in all its glory! (From Papertrey Ink website)

So, I was one of the unfortunate ones who did not get Guidelines 2, before it sold out on release night. I was so bummed!! I can't wait to see what everyone did with this set. Mine is finally on its way. I was able to get one Tuesday morning! Anyway, I used Background Basics:Retro and Simple Little Things for my background paper and let me tell you this challenge did not come easy for me!! (I guess that's why they call it a challenge!! {wink}
I made 3 backgrounds, but only one card! I just couldn't pull these cards together. I am so looking forward to seeing everyone's creations!

Here is my paper:

Here is my card:

Supplies:
stamps: Background Basics: Retro, Simple Little Things, Birthday Basics, Polka Dot Basics (PTI)
paper: Kraft, Ocean Tides (PTI)
ink: Dark Chocolate, Fresh Snow (PTI)
Other: Flowers (Prima and Making Memories), buttons (white-PTI) unknown, hemp cord, sewing machine, thread

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Happy Birthday Braden!

2009-03-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

Today is my nephew's birthday.

Happy 8th birthday Braden!!!

We celebrated his big day this past Sunday at the St. Louis Science Center. This was the last day of our Spring Break and the kids had already spent the better part of the week together at Grandma and Grandpa's house. So, this was one final day for them to spend together before going back to school. We had so much fun! We even got to see "Fly Me to the Moon" in the OmniMax theatre (located at the Science Center).

Make a Smilebox photobook

Card Patterns#7

2009-03-23T14:32:00.007-05:00

Just a quick post to upload my card for Card Patterns sketch #7. This is a birthday card I made for my nephew Braden's birthday. We celebrated yesterday with a trip to the Science Center. Anyway, Here is sketch #7:

And here is my card:

I had a lot of trouble with stamping the sentiment. I covered the chipboard 'gear' with silver ink, because I didn't have any silver paint. Well, the black ink did not stamp very well on top of the silver ink! I was in a hurry, so I just went over it with a black fine tip marker. If I had more time I would of tried something different. The moral of the story is not to wait til the last minute to make a birthday card!!

Supplies
cardstock: Stamper's Select and Pure Poppy (PTI), Silver (Bazzill Bling) navy (unknown)
stamps: Gizmos and Gears (Lizzie Anne Designs), Background Basics (PTI)
ink: Silver (ColorBox), True Black (PTI)
Other: Prismacolor Pencils, baby oil, chipboard (Maya Road), brads, Shimmerz-Silver Bells

Thanks for stopping by:
Melanie

AmyR Sketch #53

2009-03-19T00:30:00.002-05:00

I have been following AmyR's blog for awhile now, I just love her style! I finally got to play along with one of her sketches. Unfortunately, this card didn't turn out like I wanted, but the deadline is Thursday by noon, so it will have to do! I have to work today otherwise I would probably start over! Here is AmyR Sketch #53:

Here is my card:

Supplies
stamps: CC Design's Summer Fun
paper: DCWV
ink: Pallete Noir
other: Prismacolor Pencils, baby oil, Stickles, Fiskars border punch, brads, hemp cord, sewing machine, CM circle cutter

The inside says: Have a totally awesome day! I just printed it out on the computer.

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Card Patterns #6

2009-03-18T23:01:00.008-05:00

I wasn't able to participate last week in the Card Patterns sketch, due to a crazy week. I hadn't missed one since they started. Oh well, I was able to play along this week and it is such a great sketch! Here is Card Patterns sketch #6:

Here is my take on sketch #6:

Supplies
Stamps: URA Hoot (Cornish Heritage Farms-Kim Hughes Collection)
Ink: True Black (PTI)
Paper: DCWV
Other: Prismacolor Pencils, baby oil, Stickles, gems ( The Paper Studio), Sizzix, Fun Serif Alphabet, Nestabilities- Label One, sewing machine

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T23:06:00.002-05:00

I'm home from a weekend in Chicago. My friend, Jen, and I went on a road trip to IKEA. We had so much fun and as soon as I get her pictures I will post all about our antics!! Anyway, I made this card for the Papertrey March GSS. The background is stamped with Polka Dot Basics. I used the Heart Prints stamp set to stamp the hearts that make up the leaves of the 4-leaf clover. I actually heat embossed the hearts and stem with clear embossing powder.
The leaves are scored and slightly folded up for a 3D effect.

Supplies:
All supplies are Papertrey Ink unless noted otherwise
Stamps: Heart Prints, Polka Dot Basics, Limitless Labels (sentiment), Background Basics: Retro (stripe on stem)
Paper: Kraft, New Leaf
Ink: New Leaf
Ribbon: New Leaf Twill
Other : Clear Embossing Powder, hemp cord, EK Success heart punch, Nestabilities, sewing machine

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Aaron's Laser Tag Birthday

2009-03-13T18:20:00.003-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I finally got around to putting together some pictures from Aaron's Birthday party. The kids had so much fun!! Even some of the adults participated. ( You know James couldn't be left out!) Keep in mind that most of these pictures were taken in the dark. My camera did not like the lighting situation, so the quality of some of the pictures is not so good.

Thanks for stopping by!

Melanie

Quilter's Sampler cards

2009-03-13T16:37:00.005-05:00

I thought I would post pictures of the card set I made for my Aunt Janet. She is co-owner of a quilt shop in Leoti, Kansas, called Prairie Flower Quilt Co. If you're ever in the area you should check it out! My mom has been and says it is a really neat shop. Hopefully I will get a chance to check it out this year, although it is in western Kansas about a 10 hour drive from St. Louis! Anyway, I made a set of these cards as a gift to my Aunt. I thought it would be cool for her to send these to her friends as needed, being that she owns a quilt shop! My mom took them to her when she attended the grand opening.

This last card is the card I made for my mom to give to her with a plant she brought to the grand opening.

Supplies:
All supples from Papertrey Ink, unless noted otherwise
stamps: Quilter's Sampler, Polka Dot Basics
Cardstock: Kraft, Pure Poppy, Vintage Cream, Ocean Tides, Dark Chocolate
Ink: Dark Chocolate, Pure Poppy, Ocean Tide
Ribbon: all from PTI
Other: Nestibilities, buttons, heart punch, hemp cord, sewing maching

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

MIA

2009-03-13T16:25:00.003-05:00

It has been another busy week here. We had another short week this week- half day Thursday and off today. Next week is spring break so I should be home a little more with the kids. Unless Grandma takes some of them for a little sleepover! {wink} Unfortunately 2 of them have doctor check-ups and Avery is still getting those cavities filled (4 of them total *gasp*!!) next week. So it probably will be a lot of running around. Hopefully I will get to participate in a sketch challenge or two! I have some cards to share if I ever get around to writing the post. Making the cards is definitely the easy part-it is writing these posts that gets time consuming. Check back for a few cards and hopefully pictures of Aaron's Laser Tag party.
Later!
Melanie

SFYTT

2009-03-04T17:49:00.014-06:00

**Edited to add 2nd sketch card at end of post.

Hey everyone! This has been a kinda crazy week so far! The kiddos have 1/2 day tomorrow and off on Friday, so I feel like I need to fit a weeks worth into 3 days! This weekend is Aaron's big birthday celebration. We are trying something new this year and having the party somewhere other than home. I am big into planning birthday parties, so this is new for me! We are going to the Soccerdome for a Laser Tag Birthday! Sounds fun, huh? Unfortunately, the kids have to be 8 years old to participate in the laser tag, so that cut out about half of our extended family kiddos. :(
I have managed to sneak in a little card making this week. It's amazing what you can make time for if you want too!! {wink} I made this card based on this weeks 'sketch for you to try' at I {heart} 2 stamp. I really like this sketch, in fact I have started another card based on it that I will post later. I used my only Kim Hughes stamp set, U R A Hoot, to make this card. I love, love, love this owl! I colored the owl with my Prismacolor pencils and baby oil, then popped her up on dimensionals. I used buttons for my "leaves" and glittered the owl's eyelids. It's kind of hard to see, but I stitched around the edge. I am still getting used to my new Sew Mini, so don't look to close at my stitching!

Supplies
Cardstock: Stampers Select White, Papertrey Ink
PP: DCWV ( Nana's Nursery and The Glitter Stack)
stamps: URA Hoot, Cornish Heritage Farms- Kim Hughes Collection; Paper Tray-PTI (sentiment)
ink: true black, dark chocolate; Papertrey Ink
other: ribbon-PTI, buttons-PTI; stickles; Prismacolor Pencils

2nd Sketch card:

For some reason I'm drawn to these owls today! This one is from Pink Cat Studio. This particular set has several owl "puns", which I love! It is often the sentiments that tip the scale on whether or not I add a stamp set to my collection! This little owl was also colored with Prismacolor pencils, cut out and popped up on dimensionals.
Supplies:
Cardstock: Stampers Select White, lemon tart-PTI
PP: DCWV (Glitter stack)
stamps: QT Hooty Owl by Pink Cat Studio
ink: True Black-PTI
other: ribbon-PTI; Stickles, Glossy Accents (on thermometer), buttons, Nestabilities (Label 1 die), Prismacolor pencils

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

CP Sketch #4

2009-03-01T22:43:00.009-06:00

I spent part of the day with my good friend, Jen, helping her set up her blog. I can't wait 'til she is ready to share her talent with the world! We are going to have so much fun doing these card sketches together! So hurry up Jen, I'm waiting for ya! {wink!} Anyway, she is a CTMH demo and looking thru her stash of stamps inspired my to break out one of my favorite CTMH stamp sets. It also inspired me to want to order a bunch of stamp sets that I really don't need!!!
Here is my take on sketch #4 from Card Patterns:
For my friend, Jen, because she is ter.RUFF.ic! :)

I stamped the background on PTI kraft paper with the paw print from CTMH Puppy Love set and a polka dot (from PTI's Polka Dot Basics). I colored my puppy with my Prismacolor pencils and baby oil and mounted it on a scallop oval punch. This card opens on the right side, like a book, and is 5" long instead of 5.5" so that it would still fit into a normal A2 envelope with the button hanging off the edge.
ter.RUFF.ic
Stamps: Puppy Love, CTMH; Polka Dot Basics, PTI
Ink: Fresh Snow, Dark Chocolate and True Black, PTI
Cardstock: Kraft, Stamper's Select White, True Black, PTI
Other: Dark Chocolate ribbon, PTI; button, PTI, EK Success Edge Punch, Marvy oval scallop punch, CM circle cutter, hemp cord

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

CP Sketch #3

2009-02-27T22:14:00.011-06:00

I wasn't going to do this sketch this week, but at the last minute I changed my mind. All three kids have had friends over since they got home from school. I just needed an excuse to lock myself in my scrapbook room! Here is Card Patterns Sketch #3: Here is my card (just under the wire!):With Gratitude
all supplies Papertrey Ink, unless otherwise noted
stamps: Spiral Bouquet
ink: Raspberry Fizz, Dark Chocolate, Vintage Cream
paper: Kraft, Vintage Cream, Dark Chocolate, Bitty Dots paper
ribbon: Raspberry Fizz
other: EK Success edge punch, button

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

February Blog Hop

2009-02-25T16:59:00.012-06:00

I am so excited to be participating in my first Papertrey Ink Blog Hop. We were challenged to "put a little spring in our step" and create something inspired by spring. I knew immediately that I wanted to do something for Easter. So, I took the opportunity to combine two of my favorite things: papercrafting and party planning! Almost two years ago we moved into a brand new subdivision. We were only the third house built at the time. Since then we have gotten a few more neighbors and I thought it would be fun to organize a neighborhood Easter egg hunt!

When making the invitations I first stamped all of the eggs (from Limitless Labels). I then masked the eggs and stamped the grass. After removing the masks, I stamped a few more blades of grass on top of the eggs. I used all three PTI greens for the grass and it really looks like the eggs are hidden in there! There are only 8 kids in the neighborhood right now (including my 3!) so I made each of the kids a basket using Lauren's My Timeless Templates. I stamped some of the baskets with the stripe from Background Basics: Retro (love that set!!) and the rest with Polka Dot Basics. Each basket is identified by their initial. It is hard to tell from the pictures, but there is glitter on the flowers. For the party, I will fill these baskets with a chocolate bunny along with other candies and these will be a cute little party favor!
If you have not tried one of these templates, this is a good one to start with-it is sooo cute and a perfect size for a little gift!
I also put together a few cupcake toppers using that cute little bunny from the Tags for Spring set.

This was so much fun to put together and the best part is that I now have a head start on the party! I am off to blog hop! I can't wait to see what everyone came up with!

Easter Egg Hunt
all supplies: Papertrey Ink, unless otherwise noted
stamps: Tags for Spring, Borders and Corners Circle, Fresh Alphabet, Limitless Labels, Background Basics-Retro, Polka Dot Basics
ink: Ripe Avocado, Spring Moss, New Leaf, Summer Sunrise, Plum Pudding, Raspberry Fizz, Dark Chocolate
cardstock: white, Ripe Avocado, New Leaf, Summer Sunrise, Plum Pudding, Raspberry Fizz
ribbon: New Leaf, Summer Sunrise, Plum Pudding, Raspberry Fizz

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

CPS104 sponsored by Papertrey Ink

2009-02-22T20:17:00.012-06:00

Papertrey Ink is sponsoring another sketch over at C PS. A great sketch sponsored by one of my favorite stamp companies! It doesn't get any better than that for me! So here is the sketch:

Here is my card:

In real life it is very sparkly! The butterfly and the centers of the flowers are glittered. I stamped the polka dot background with Berry Sorbet ink then Fresh Snow ink on top of that. It just gave the polka dots some dimension and makes them pop off of the card!
Spring has Sprung
Cardstock: White, Sweet Blush, Berry Sorbet; Papertrey Ink
Stamps: Honey Bees, Polka Dot Basics, Fresh Alphabet, Simple Alphabet; Papertrey Ink
Ink: Ripe Avocado, Spring Moss, Berry Sorbet, Sweet Blush, Lemon Tart, Summer Sunrise, Fresh Snow; Papertrey Ink
Other: white button- Papertrey Ink, Nestabilities tag die-Spellbinders, glitter-ArtGlitter, butterfly punch, hemp cord, corner rounder

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

Happy Birthday Bryce!

2009-02-20T22:15:00.019-06:00

February is a busy birthday month for us! My nephew, Bryce, turned 6 today. Happy Birthday buddy! Tomorrow we have a fun day planned celebrating his birthday. After morning soccer games we will meet my parents and my brothers family and his in-laws at the Zoo! Despite the weather forecast {high temp. of 31 degrees and windy, eek!} we are all looking forward to spending the day with family. Fortunately, due to the weather, we won't have to fight much of a crowd! Avery is especially looking forward to spending the day with her favorite cousin.

Aren't they sweet!!!! These pictures are from a Royal Carribean cruise we all took last May. They are like 2 peas in a pod! Bryce is 7 months older than Avery and they are best buds!
For Bryce's birthday card I used the occasion to break out one of my new Papertrey Ink sets called Background Basics: Retro. This is going to be one of my new favorite PTI stamp sets!

It's hard to tell, but I put glossy accents on the dots in the background and on the frog.

Hoppy Birthday
cardstock: white, Spring Moss, Ripe Avacado
stamps: Background Basics: Retro, Pond Life, Borders and Corners: Circle, Paper Tray; Papertrey Ink
ink: Ripe Avacado, Spring Moss, New Leaf; Papertrey Ink
ribbon: New Leaf twill; Papertrey Ink
other: Cuttlebug tag die, brad, glossy accents
size: 4 1/4 sq.

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

OCC Sketch

2009-02-19T11:04:00.013-06:00

I loved this sketch the moment I saw it! It is from Our Creative Corner. It is just one of those sketches that immediately ideas were popping into my head. It doesn't mean it didn't take me forever to execute an idea! I really envy those people who can make a card in 10 minutes! I would settle for 30 min.! Anyway, Here is my take on the sketch...
---
I still haven't mastered photographing cards! I used some yellow Stickles on the owl's belly. I love that stuff! It makes it so easy to add a little sparkle! I also used my new Janome Sew Mini sewing machine on this card as well as the card in this post . I have a few comments on this little machine that I will post later today if I have time.
have a hOOt of a day
Cardstock: DCWV
PP: K and Company
Stamps: Wise Owl, Out on a Limb; Papertrey Ink
Ribbon: Dark Chocolate satin, Papertrey Ink
Ink: Dark Chocolate, Ripe Avacado; Papertrey Ink
Other: Fiskars Threading Water punch, yellow Stickles, Janome Sew Mini, Creative Memories Circle Cutter

Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie

SFYTT

2009-02-15T15:03:00.006-06:00

So, here's my card based on the sketch I found at I {heart} to stamp. Yesterday I did a couple of sketches and posted a card that I accidentally credited to this sketch. Even as I was creating the post I kept thinking to myself "boy, this is a stretch!" I try to stay pretty true to the sketches. It wasn't til later that I realized I used a different sketch for that card! Opps, sorry for any confusion! So, anyway, here is the actual card I made off this wonderful 'sketch for you to try' from Jen at I {heart} to stamp.

Have Fun
Card stock: white-PTI; Blue-unknown
PP: Flair Designs (fish); Making Memories (lt. blue)
stamps: C.C. Designs 'Summertime Fun'
Ink: black Staz-On, ColorBox chalk (blue)
Other: plasic fish-American Crafts; decorative accents from Michaels, Prismacolor pencils, hemp cord,

Thanks for stopping by!

Dawn's Color Challenge and CP Sketch #2

2009-02-14T15:15:00.013-06:00

The final challenge in the celebration of Papertrey Ink's 2nd anniversary is another color challenge. We are to choose a color scheme from one of fabulous cards designed by Dawn McVey. She is known for her amazing color combinations. She has a unique style all to her own! If you haven't seen it, you should check out her blog! Anyway, back to the card, I choose one of her more toned down color combos because I needed a sympathy card (more on that another time). I really wanted to use Raspberry Fizz as that color always reminds me of her, but not today.
I used CP Sketch #2 (despite what I posted yesterday! long story!!) Another fun sketch!

With Sympathy
Card stock: white, ripe avocado, aqua mist; Papertrey Inc.
stamps: Out on a Limb, Polka Dot Basics; Papertrey Inc.
ink: Dark Chocolate, Ripe Avocado, Aqua Mist, Fresh Snow; Papertrey Inc.
other: ribbon-Papertrey Ink; button, hemp, Sakura Souffle pen (white)

2S4Y Challenge

2009-02-13T17:33:00.011-06:00

Hello!
I found another card sketch site. Yeah! This one is called 2Sketches4You. I used a Papertrey Ink set that has yet to see ink called Teacher's Apple. It is one of my favorite teacher themed stamp sets that I have found. So I thought I would get a head start on the end of the year "thank you" teacher gifts and get a card made. I will later make something to go with this for one of my kid's teachers.
This card is based off of this weeks sketch #19 from Laura at 2S4Y.
(I flipped the sketch)

To Teach
cardstock: Ripe Avocado, Pure Poppy, Summer Sunrise, Vintage Cream all Papertrey Ink
PP: Bo Bunny
Ink: Pure Poppy, Dark Chocolate-Papertrey Ink
Ribbon: Papertrey Ink- Ripe Avacado twill ribbon layered on top of Lemon tart stitched ribbon
Other: thread, staples, McGill file tab punch
I cut the leaves out and rolled them for a little dimension.

Thanks for stopping by!

We survived the birthday dinner.....Barely!

2009-02-10T23:13:00.004-06:00

I don't know about you, but that birthday song was driving me crazy!! I replaced it with my current favorites.....ahhh much better! Seriously, Aaron loved reading every ones comments. I knew he would. I'm sure we will be reading that post over and over the next few days or weeks. We had a good night. Soccer went well.... both of the boys really enjoy playing soccer. We have only played indoor so far. I haven't looked into any outdoor leagues yet and not really sure what the difference is (other than the obvious!). Anyone have any opinions on indoor vs. outdoor? After soccer, we went to Aaron's choice of restaurants. Anywhere he wanted...I mean ANYWHERE ......guess where we went? I should make this into a contest, except a few of you already know! Yep, Hometown Buffet!! (insert gagging noise here!) I mean, where else can you have tacos, pizza and chicken nuggets followed by a generous helping of bread pudding (or if you're Avery-ice cream with gummy worms and sprinkles on top. mmmm) Makes you hungry just thinking about it, doesn't it? NOT!!! On the bright side, I didn't have to cook!
Thanks again for leaving him special birthday messages. He may even pop on here and thank you himself. He wants to-I'm just not sure I want to open that can of worms! KWIM?
Have a good night!

Happy Birthday Aaron!!

2009-02-10T08:00:00.001-06:00

Our little boy is turning 8 today!

We aren't able to have the official party until March, due to availability of the place we're having it. Apparently this is a crime in the eyes of an 8 year old!!! Before you feel too sorry for him, we are taking him out to the restaurant of his choosing and giving him a present or two. It's like he gets to celebrate his birthday twice this year. He still doesn't get it! So, I wanted to show him some extra special love on my blog today.

"Rock On" Aaron!!

We Love You!!!!!

Friends 'til the End Papertrey Challenge and CP Sketch#1

2009-02-09T22:04:00.012-06:00

Wow! Four days in a row, I'm getting tired! :) I got smart today and combined the Papertrey challenge with a sketch from Card Patterns. This was a great sketch and participating these sketches could get very addicting!!! It is so much fun! Fortunately, I need cards for my stash!

Nuttin' Better
cardstock: Kraft, Berry Sorbet, Sweet Blush; Papertrey Ink
stamps: My Punny Valentine and Polka Dot Basics; Papertrey Ink
Ink: Vintage Cream, Dark Chocolate, Berry Sorbet-PTI
Other: Sweet Blush satin ribbon-PTI; Nestibilities Label 1 Die; button, twine, thread, pop dots

I promise I do have other stamps/supplies from companies other than Papertrey Ink. When their anniversary week is over, I will pull out some non-PTI goodies.........Maybe! :)

CPS Sketch

2009-02-08T22:52:00.015-06:00

Papertrey Ink is sponsoring a sketch week over at the Card Positioning System Blog, so of course I wanted to participate! I am so glad I did-what a neat site! I will definitely go back to participate in more sketches. This one was so fun! Thanks for stopping by!

Love You Forever
cardstock: Pure Poppy, Vintage Cream Sweet Blush; PTI
stamp: Heart Prints; PTI
other, flowers: Prima-white, Making Memories-red polka dot; Pure Poppy twill ribbon-PTI

Papertrey Ink 'bitty dot' Sketch Challenge

2009-02-07T18:20:00.012-06:00

XOXO

Supplies:
Kraft, Vintage Cream, Raspberry Fizz Cardstock; PTI
Stamps: Heart Prints, Polka Dot Basics,Fresh Alphabet; PTI
Raspberry Fizz ink; PTI
Fiskars Threading Water punch, Nestibilities, EK Success heart punches, hemp cord

Here is my take on the sketch challenge over at Papertrey Ink. I really liked this one and will be using it again. I definitely need some advice on photographing cards. I doesn't seem like it should be difficult, but I am finding it a bit challenging! Okay, I know I should clear the junk off the counter first-this was the best of the card itself in about 20 tries! I'm going to work on that!

Papertrey Ink Over the Rainbow Challenge

2009-02-06T22:56:00.012-06:00

you made my day
supplies:
stamps: Simple Little Things; PTI
cardstock: Ripe Avocado, Ocean Tides, Summer Sunrise, Pure Poppy; PTI
ink: Ripe Avocado; PTI
Other: Cuttlebug Flowers Die, Fiskars Threading Water punch, Nestibilities ribbon tag die

I have no idea what I'm doing!! I should of never tried to participate in this challenge. I have so much to learn and I should of spent the time learning how to blog. Oh well, here is my card. I think I've missed the deadline, but I'm just excited to load a picture on my blog! So, please excuse the picture, the lighting wasn't good at 10:30 pm and I was in a hurry!