Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger: Velvet Pastels

This week's Tuesday Trigger submitted by Nina Brackett definitely says soft, sweet and PINK! Love those wonderful velvet stockings! I thought this lovely sentiment and heart from Waltzingmouse Seasons of Love-Tags would be perfect. And I really like the softness of grey, green and pink. Cardstock is Papertrey plus the unknown green that was in my stash. I stamped the heart in Memento London Fog and colored with Copic Blush. The ribbon is layered: PTI Sweet Blush with a swirly white from the LSS. Embossing folder is Quikutz. Extras: button, Dew Drops and pearls.

Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger: Variations on the Theme!

This wonderful Tuesday Trigger was suggested by Carolyn King (thanks Carolyn!) and is a charming moose tray by Crate & Barrel. When I first tried to put a card together, nothing seemed to look quite right. Like everyone else, my life is so hectic right now with all the holiday plans and purchases. But after a card making break, I came back and started to see any number of possibilities. I used the same trees for all 3 cards and I think I could have done a dozen if I had time! What fun.........

Card #1 is the most whimsical. Love the little stick figure reindeer by Savvy Stamps. The wee little 'Joy' is from Papertrey Ink Mixed Messages set (the original one with lots of smaller sized sentiments). The trees are a Sizzix embossing folder. For two cards I used some Bazzill cardstock in a lighter green (color unknown) and sponged the trees with some New Leaf ink (PTI). I then embossed two of the trees on Pure Poppy cardstock (PTI) and cut out pieces that were then glued on. For the ornaments I just punched out circles. I liked being able to cut out strips for the tree on the right. Then the strips could be glued on to create a more haphazard shape! Background paper is Bitty Dots (PTI). Some Sakura sparkle and Dew Drops finish things off.

For card #2 I made a piece of patterned paper using Waltzingmouse Off Beat Backgrounds (love, love, love this set!). Bottom layer is another Sizzix embossing folder: Snowballs on Pure Poppy cardstock. Ribbon from stash and a little bauble from LSS.

Card #3 was inspired by the background paper by Teresa Collins. This time the trees were embossed on New Leaf cardstock (PTI) and sponged with Vintage Cream ink (also PTI). Some Martha Stewart twine and another little charm and done!

Hope you enjoy! Thanks for taking the time to check my blog. I love whenever you can leave a little note!

Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger

This is my first Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger. I love red & white for Christmas and I knew immediately I would use this darling stitched stocking from Waltzingmouse Sewing Box-Christmas. I have used this set so much--absolutely love it! The stocking is paper pieced with some patterned paper from my stash. The snowflakes are from Merry & Bright (Papertrey Ink) and the sentiment is in the Sewing Box set.

My major undertaking was the background. It is a combination of stamps from Guide Lines and Sign Language, both from PTI. I have used these together before and loved the results. But yesterday I just couldn't get them lined up, even using the guidelines paper. Today I made another try just using plain paper--not perfect but okay. I think I need to practice more!

Cardstock is Papertrey White and Pure Poppy. Ink is Memento, Button-PTI, Twine-Martha Stewart, Embossing Folder-EK Success.

I plan to use this color combo again for cards/tags that will go with my cookie boxes and treats that I make for friends and neighbors. Usually I would make my own but I found some perfect Martha Stewart boxes on sale today at Michael's. Thought I would just cut a few corners and just work on cards and baking!!

Have a good one..........

Comfy On the Couch!

I had such fun today--playing with one of my favorite stamp sets. Stamping with On the Couch and On the Couch Additions from Papertrey Ink is like being a kid again and playing with paper dolls! Such adorable images (I especially love the kitty and books).

I needed a card for a friend who had back surgery so I wanted something whimsical to cheer her. Supplies include cardstock & patterned paper by PTI. Enjoy!!

Mojo Monday Week 114

This is my very late post for the Mojo Monday Sketch. This week has flown by! We had our big family Thanksgiving last weekend so were out of town for that. Then I filled in for 3 days where I used to work. It was just like being home when I drove into the parking lot! I know I've only been gone 2 months but my routine has changed so much. So great to see everyone and get a chance to catch up! On the official Thanksgiving Day we went out--along with lots of other people! Friday was a lost day--felt like I had a trace of the flu. Nothing severe but headache, chills and aches. Luckily I didn't venture out to do any shopping but still didn't get around to stamping until today.

The embossed deer is a Sizzix folder. The sentiment is from Merry & Bright from Papertrey Ink. Patterned paper by Cosmo Cricket and most cardstock (Scarlet Jewel & Kraft), button and ink from PTI. The green cardstock is a piece of Stampin' Up (color unknown). The 'nose' is a pearl colored with Copics. The border punch is EK Success. Not a lot of detail but fun to do the more simple designs.

I have so many projects to get done--hope this is a productive week. Hope yours is too!! Smiles.......

Mojo Monday Week 113: 2 Cards

We got up to a cold but wonderful sunny day. I always feel the sun gives me energy and often struggle with the overcast days. I am also finding that being retired and having more time has a down side and contributes to my being less productive. Ugh! I need to work on this!

Today's card is a simple one using this week's Mojo Monday Sketch--once again using a Plum Purdy design. I am always looking for something to color with my Copics so got to practice on the sweet little gingerbread man. I twicked the design a little by playing with the ribbon and deciding to use it on the bottom layer rather than the middle one like the sketch. The circle image is from Papertrey Holiday Tags 2008. Cardstock is Papertrey Ink, patterned paper is Imaginisce, ribbon from LSS.

I love when you visit and hope your enjoy your day!

Wednesday afternoon: I decided to add this card using the same sketch. I just love this set from Waltzingmouse Stamps, called Sewing Box-Christmas. I saw this paper from Imaginisce and I thought it would be perfect to use with the tree image. Took a little more time as I just can't glue buttons on--just have to sew them! Hopefully you will enjoy the pink and scarlet as much as I do. Additional supplies: Cardstock-Papertrey Ink, Buttons from Rhonna Christmas packet by Autumn Leaves, Sentiment: Merry  Bright-PTI, Twine & Ink also from PTI.

Mojo Monday Week 112

Still working on Christmas cards and today used this week's Mojo Monday Sketch--what a great way to start the week!

I decided to use another Plum Purdy stamp--super cute snowmen and birds--both always favorites of mine. I looked around trying to find some clever trick for doing snow globes but couldn't find anything so ended up just using some glitter for snowflakes! I recently found some of the new Sizzix embossing folders at a new (to me) scrapbook store. I used them in my Cuttlebug and they have such deep embossing. I am really happy with them and plan to add some more. I don't sew on cards but like the effect embossing gives so reach for them often. Additional supplies include Papertrey cardstock, Copics, Martha Stewart punch and some patterned paper and ribbon that I had handy (source unknown).

Thanks for visiting. Love it when you leave a comment. I always appreciate your thoughts. Hope you are having a good week! I am waiting on my new Waltzingmouse order and checking the daily posts for the current Papertrey release so it is definitely good here!

Plum Purdy Snowman

I just received these new stamps from Plum Purdy Designs and fell in love with this little guy. I wanted to submit something for the Moxie Fab Plum Crazy Challenge. Even though I thought first of doing something more vintage and elegant, I kept coming back to this snowman in these fun (plum is fun, you know!) colors. I did an earlier card with this same patterned paper and it seems so perfect for winter & snow! The sketch is from Mojo Monday Sketches--isn't it great! This week there is a contest so be sure to pop over and check it out. There is still time to enter!

Supplies:

Stamps: Plum Purdy, Papertrey Ink

Cardstock: Papertrey Ink, Stampin' Up

Patterned Paper: PTI Guide Lines

Additional supplies: Ribbon-PTI. Rain Dots, Pearls (colored with Copics), Glitter-Martha Stewart, Copics

Scandinavian Snowflake

I am running late and just now posting a card for Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge 88. As I was photographing I noticed how much this reminded me of a Scandinavian design. I had purchased this sheet of punch shapes from Cosmo Cricket at the end of last year but never used them so decided to punch out the snowflake ornament and worked from there. The center snowflake is another stamp from Sewing Box-Christmas by Waltzingmouse Stamps. Check Claire's blog tonight--she has posted a sneak peek of a new set and it has a charming little cottage in this same style! So anxious to see what else is included! The sentiment is from her Seasons of Love-Tags. Small snowflake stamp is Sign Language, Papertrey Ink. Cardstock is all Papertrey Ink; patterned paper and brad are from Basic Grey; and ribbon is from Stampin' Up.

Hope everyone is staying warm. We have had rain since yesterday but lots of snow west of us so I'm not complaining! Hopefully I will get a couple more challenge entries done on the weekend. Tomorrow the furkids go to the vet for a check up. We are changing vets so hope all goes well. I don't look forward to the weekend like when I was working but for everyone who stills counts the days--it's almost Friday! Yeah!

Raspberry Plaid!

Guess what--more plaid! Can you guess that I just love this stamp set by Waltzingmouse! Makes me want to add plaid to everything! This plaid creation is for Raspberry Suite Color Challenge 18. I always love Dawn's selection of color but this is a particular favorite. I just adore the pink and green.

Supplies for today:

Stamps: Sewing Box-Christmas, Off-Beat Backgrounds-Waltzingmouse; Signature Christmas (featuring Dawn's gorgeous handwriting)-Papertrey Ink

Cardstock: Dark Chocolate, Vintage Cream, Raspberry Fizz, New Leaf, Kraft-all PTI

Ink: Vintage Cream-PTI; Rich Cocoa, Bamboo Leaves, Rose Bud-Memento

Embossing folder: Snowflakes-Cuttlebug

Twine-PTI

Hope everyone is having a good weekend! It was gorgeous this morning when I was out--still wonderful fall color. It has been perfect here this year--rain in the summer and cool but no hard frost yet. Makes me want to savor every moment!

Plaid & Ruffles: 2 Challenges

This card is my 2nd Moxie Fab Not Your Regular Ruffles entry and also for Laura's Sketch 37 at 2 Sketches 4 You. Hard to believe but I am actually doing another ruffle card! This was such fun! More playing with Waltzingmouse Off Beat Backgrounds and adding a Sewing Box-Christmas stocking. Claire's newest sets are wonderful and I have been using them a lot. I paper pierced the stocking, added some buttons and a couple of pearls--I think I love this one!

Additional Supplies:

Cardstock: Rustic White, Lavender Moon, Enchanged Evening-Papertrey Ink

Patterned Paper: Guide Lines-PTI

Ink: Paris Dusk, Sweet Plum-Memento; Lavender Moon-PTI

Buttons: PTI

Houndstooth Embossing Folder-Cuttlebug

Pearls-Hero Arts

Embroidery thread

Capturing Autumn

This is a rather long post with 2 cards and some autumn photos! The first card is for Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge 87. Keeping with the fall theme I started with some Basic Grey Indian Summer paper. Additional supplies include:

Stamps: Autumn Abundance: Papertrey Ink

Cardstock: Dark Chocolate, Lemon Tart-Papertrey Ink; Buttercup-Brazil

Extras: Autumn Harvest Jewels-Paper Company Studio, Nesties, Copics, EK Success punch,

Quikutz Embossing Folder.

Some more Indian Summer paper and the willow tree from my new Waltzingmouse Stamps. The tree is from Blessed by You. I have had such fun with these and love this tree! I added the bunny (Martha Stewart punch) and wasn't sure if he was needed but he looked kind of cute! The other stamp set that I have been playing with (a lot!) is Off Beat Backgrounds. Isn't the stitching one clever! I will post one using the plaid tomorrow.

It has been just gorgeous here. Yesterday the fall colors seemed to have peaked and last night we got rain. The leaves are falling fast! We took the time yesterday to walk (and drive) a bit to take in the color before it is gone. We have the most spectacular American elm in front of our house with great golden leaves. The other 2 are just shots in the park close to our house!

We also walked thru our local botanical garden and here are some cute Fall Critters!

Aren't these fun.............

Simply Ruffled

I'm not your usual 'ruffle' person. Normally I don't even use a lot of ribbon! But what fun to find new challenges to help develop some 'outside the box' skills. This is for the Moxie Fab World Not Your Regular Ruffles challenge and is a simple thank you card with a little fluff. I love buttons and needed a home for a bunch of large black ones so this is perfect for a rather taylored card. And quick and easy so great to use for thank you notes! If you haven't tried adding ruffles on your cards, you might want to give it a try!

Supplies:

Stamps: Around & About Sentiments-Papertrey Ink

Cardstock: Summer Sunrise-PTI

Patterned paper: Bitty Bits Basics, Black & White Basics-PTI

Fluff: Ribbon, button-both PTI and I colored paper with Copics

Kazan's Sketch 37

Another Halloween card and a new challenge! I found this new blog yesterday--looks like lots of fun! Before I started my blog I mainly make cards for family and friends. I never took many photos or shared them with fellow stampers so it is exciting to expand my world and work on developing my stamping design skills. And I have so much to learn! I love checking the other sketches and sometimes just playing with designs before coming up with something I am satisfied enough with to actually take a photo. I know I have a long way to go before measuring up to the many fabulous creations that I often see but I am having a ball! Hope you enjoy!

Supplies for this card:

Stamps: Spooky Expressions-Taylored Expressions

Cardstock: Plum Pudding, Summer Sunrise-Papertrey Ink

Design paper: Hocus Pocus, Guide Lines, Bitty Dots-all PTI; Boo to You-My Mind's Eye

Ink: Memento

Embellishments: Rain Dots, Brads-Making Memories, Ribbon-LSS, Copic marker

TESC86-Happy Fright Night!

Halloween cards are always such fun! I just recently received my first order from Taylored Expressions--2 Halloween sets and just love them! For this card I used Brazil (sun coral) & PTI (spring moss) cardstock, vellum, Basic Grey Indian Summer patterned paper (aren't the colors great!), Memento ink, Copic makers, atyou Spica marker (clear), Rain Dots and PTI ribbon.

PTI WCMD Challenge #4: Australia

I think this is my favorite--a little bit like aboriginal art. The cardstock is Brazil and the patterned paper was in a pack that I got at Michael's ages ago. The Pond Life set was perfect!

Add some white dots and a sentiment from Life and another easy creation! Hope everyone had a much fun as I did! Now I can take time to check out what everyone else has done! Then get started on my thank you notes............

PTI WCMD Challenge #3: India

This was definitely the easiest card--super quick to make! The last time I was in Archiver's they were giving away paper pads by Deja Views. The flower in the center is a punch-out. The plum paper is PTI and I used the stamps from the new Vintage Labels set and embossed them in gold. I know I will use these a lot---they are so cool! Anyway, added a few gems and was done!

I decided not to add a sentiment but glued a lavender paisley paper that matches the flower on the inside. Thought it would be pretty as the background to a written note.

PTI WCMD Challenge #2: Mexico

This is my least favorite card! Coming up with colors was easy but just couldn't work out a design that looked right. The stamp sets are Guide Lines I with sentiment from Scattered Showers. All other supplies are PTI except for embroidery thread.

PTI WCMD Challenge #1: Japan

A huge thank you to Nicole and PTI for offering these WCMD Challenges, with great prizes too! And what a challenge--I really struggled with the one for Mexico! Japan was much easier and I immediately thought of the Life set. I had been playing with the Quikutz Stripes embossing folder and decided to stamp first and then emboss for this card. I like the effect and hopefully it shows in the photo. The dragonflies are from Pond Life and I stamped off once and then touched the edges of the wings again in the ink to get the watercolor effect.

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #17

Wow! I have spent most of my weekend creating! My retirement is official--last day was Wednesday! They gave me a wonderful luncheon, many fabulous gifts and I got to see some dear old friends--just a cherished memorable day. I haven't even started on thank you cards as I took time out for the color challenge and then the WCMD contests at PTI! Good thing I don't have to go to work tomorrow! I would never get everything done! I am doing laundry while I post and took a enough time this afternoon to go grocery shopping--still have all those necessary chores!

This card uses a bird stamp from a Christmas set by Inkadinkado. Paper, ribbon and button by PTI. I used 2 embossing folders--one by Cuttlebug and then other is Stripes by Quikutz. Nicole used it in a sample during the last release and when I saw that Hobby Lobby carries the new folders, I was able to get 3 of them by using 40% coupons--great buy--and I love them all. The sentiment is from Dawn McVey's newest set, released in September, Signature Christmas. This is such a fabulous set and I have had such fun using it. It is going to be one of my favorites--just hope she can do another one with different sentiments soon!

Waltzingmouse Entry

For the Waltzingmouse Stamps "win it all" contest we were to select our favorite stamp and use lots of green! Picking a favorite stamp is pretty near impossible but I decided to select a favorite flower stamp. I just love this PTI set by Melissa Bickford. Floral Frenzy is one of those great basic sets that work for so many occasions. Plus this card also reminds me of these last warm summer days!

I have been checking Claire's blog, http://waltzingmouse.blogspot.co/, every day and I am amazed at the wonderful new sets she is introducing on Tuesday. If you haven't yet, be sure to check them out. Her background set looks like it is going to be more than fabulous! And the others look so tempting too--this is going to be a hard choice for my very first order!

Almost Fall

Hope everyone had a productive weekend. I finally got time this weekend to do some stamping! The cooler weather helped to foster my fall mood but we also had rain this past week with lots of overcast days and only an occasional glimpse of the sun. Being one of those people who need 'light', I enjoyed working upstairs where there are windows on 3 sides! Needing to make a birthday card for a dear friend, I got a chance to play with a couple of my favorite new PTI sets. My friend also weaves baskets so I thought a fall basket would be appropriate. I am really loving working with images that I can color. I just got some Copic markers earlier this summer so I am still in the learning stage but loving playing!

All supplies are PTI except where noted:

For Card 1, I used Autumn Abundance Stamps with a piece of Debbie Mum paper. Cardstock is Dark Chocolate, Summer Sunrise, Spring Rain, Vintage Cream & Kraft. I found the neatest button in my Dark Chocolate button box with 3 holes that I used to thread the Rustic Jute Twine through. Also used nestabilities, Cuttlebug embossing folder & Copic markers.

Card 2 is using Vintage Picnic Stamps. Cardstock is Scarlet Jewel, Vintage Cream & Kraft. PP is Autumn Abundance. Buttons are Scarlet Jewel. Sentiment stamped in Scarlet Jewel. EF by Cuttlebug. Copic markers.

I AM TAKING THE PLUNGE! My very own 'under construction' blog!

Can't believe I am finally getting the nerve to start my own blog! I wanted to post a photo on Dawn's Raspberry Suite Color Challenge and since I have a 3-day weekend, I decided "why not". I am winding down things at work and have set an official date (Sept 30) for retirement. I think just knowing I will have more time for fun makes me eager to start something new!

I have become a PTI addict since stumbling across Nicole's blog last year. A co-worker invited me to a Stampin' Up party prior to that and I got hooked. Now I faithfully follow Nicole and all the fab design team members for inspiration. What a great group!

So now I will have an avenue to share my own creations. Here's my latest!

All Papertrey except as noted:

Stamps: Butterfly Kisses, Mailbox Greetings

Paper: Summer Sunrise, Dark Chocolate, Kraft, Vintage Cream

Patterned Paper: Chocolate Mix (colored with Copics), Bitty Dots

Ink: Burnt Umber

Autumn Harvest Jewels (Paper Co Studio)