Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Zebra-loving Birthday Girl


zebra
This post is almost 4 months overdue.  That seems to be how I roll lately, ha.  This is a card and gift I made for our niece Taylor, who turned 18 this past November.  It’s so hard to believe!  She was born pre-mature, a little fighter from the beginning who I believe weighed under 3 lbs!  I have seen her grow up from a rambunctious, talkative, sweet little 4 yr old to a beautiful, still talkative, **dramatic and sweet young lady!   Taylor has hopes of becoming an actress, and I do believe she would do very well at it** wink. 
taylor zebra
Here is a picture of the birthday girl at her party.  We all went to San Antonio to the Magic Time Machine, it was a fun time.  She squealed with delight when she saw the Zebra card, scarf and fingerless gloves I made her because she LOVES Zebra.  It was real easy to make the scarf, I just put 2 layers of fleece wrong sides together and sewed down the middle then cut 1” strips on both sides.  If I make this type of scarf again, I would put sew more than 2 layers of fleece though, to make it more fluffy. 
When I asked Taylor if she was getting lots of use out of the scarf and gloves, she said, “yes I am , I love them Sooooo much ! They go well with my pink boots ! Ahhha”
The card was made using Gina K Designs Jumping for Joy stamp set.  The cardstock is Passionate Pink, White and Black Onyx pure luxury.  I stamped sentiments & confetti from the set onto the pink layer and the ribbon is black gingham
I just love it when I can coordinate my handmade gifts with my handmade cards – it makes it that much more special.  Pin It

Saturday, February 25, 2012

SFYTT and a beautiful Sunset!


Feb12SFYTT
Hi there!  I thought it was about time I stamped a card since it’s been a while!  I have to stay on track for each month’s Sketch For You to Try on Jen’s blog and I only had until 5 more days to go to get it done for February! 
I also used the StampTV challenge hosted by Regina Hardy this week to distress (easy enough!) I love sponging and distressing the edge of my cardstock with my distress tool.  I used the old typewriter image from the current StampTV kit True Love.  It’s so cute, and thought it would go well with my Circa 1934 papers by Cosmo Cricket.  I used pure luxury cardstock in lipstick red, black onyx and ivory.  I embellished each circle punch with a mini brad.  This layout was real fun to do!  

You should check out the challenges each week at StampTV, which are now hosted by StampTVfans!  You can win a grab bag of stamps from Gina K for free and you don't have to use GKD stamps, but if you do...your name gets put in the drawing twice!  Sweet deal.  Speaking of sweet deals, did you know each week on Monday Lee posts a DT Fan Mail thread where the Gina K designers offer up a card to be sent to our fans?  All you have to do is comment on all the cards and mention which is your favorite and the drawing is random so if your name is drawn, the designer will send you their card!!  It's so fun to get something in the mail isn't it?  Here is a link to this week's offerings so you can check it out. Just be sure to check the Big News thread each Monday and on Friday, the winner is chosen so be sure to check back to see because if you win, you are responsible to contact the designer directly (their emails are in the thread) with your mailing address.  Here is a link to the winner thread too.  If you like my card and would like for me to send it to you, try your chance at winning it this week because I am offering it up as DT fan mail on Monday!

Personal Stuff:  This may not be news to some of my readers, sunsetbut I just wanted to address why my blog posts are so sporadic especially to my new readers/followers.  I work full-time outside the home at a wonderful company, a job I prayed for and am so blessed to be a part of.  However, it is 37+ miles from home, in a great area of town so almost 2 hours of my day is spent commuting.  I am not complaining, it’s been a great opportunity to listen to audio books, pray and chat on the phone with family & friends when I remember to charge my blue tooth for hands free safe driving!  The downfall is all the time because I work early hours, when I get home I have cooking, cleaning and spending time with my dear husband and an early bed time, so it doesn’t leave much time for stamping or other things I love do to Mon through Thu.  I usually do the bulk of my creative stuff on the weekends.  I also am on the computer a LOT at work so lots of days, I don’t even boot up my laptop at home. 
The other night John had a really stressful day at work and because of how we designed our home (we have 39 windows) that is on 2 1/2 acres in the country, when I walk through the house, I can see the sun setting through our bedroom window (it backs up to 300+ acres) and I caught a beautiful sunset that we just HAD to enjoy!  So, we spent some time out on our deck enjoying it and chatting about his day.  I snapped a few photos because I wanted to share it with you too.  Life is too short sometimes to spend it in front of the computer, or in my stamp room or hunched over my sewing machine.  Sometimes I just want to get out and enjoy the beauty around us, that God has blessed us with.  This was one of those times, I have them more often lately and just wanted you to know why I don’t post that often. 
What is something that makes you stop ‘doing’ that you don’t want to miss out on?  Pin It

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Friday Night Sew In Results!!


dinner

We had so much fun with Friday Night Sew In!  Stephanie is on the left and Megan on the right – they braved the rain on the drive over.  We had vegetarian chili and multi-grain bread for dinner. and red wine.  yum.

 

steph cutting

Once dinner was over, Megan got a tour of the house.  Then, we went to work setting up.  It was hard getting started at first because Megan wanted to hear the story of how John and I met and well, that took a while.  Funny.  It was the 2nd time today I told our love story.  it was nice reminiscing. 

 

pillow case

Megan was the first to complete her project – she made a pillow case for her little girl’s doll bed.  She was thrilled to learn a new technique! 

 

 

hobby lobby

Here is Megan ‘shopping’ in my stamp room!  When she was done sewing, she moved on to her next project but I didn’t get a picture of it.  She is decorating alphabet letters for her daughter’s room – so cute.  I told her to check out my goodies to add to her letters like flowers, buttons etc.  She was like a kid in a candy store!

megan dessert

For dessert we had chocolate sponge cake yum!  I covered it with strawberries and fresh whipped cream.  delicious, can you tell?  Can you see Stephanie in the background?  She is ironing. 

 

 

Megan brought a bag of these!  O.M.G. – they are dangerous!  I love them – ate too many.  Megan said we can have more for breakfast.  ha.    Stephanie also brought some strawberry cupcakes with homemade frosting her dmil made.  Yum!!  Lots of goodies!!

 

 

 

makeup bag

I tried making this cute thread catcher but had a hard time with it (think I sewed some on backward) so I abandoned that idea and moved onto making a black and white makeup bag for my sister Deana (at her request because I made her a tissue holder with this fabric for her birthday and she liked it!)  This is a good standby project, one I know I can complete in a decent amount of time.  At least I got to cross one thing off my To Do List!  Mission accomplished.  Lots of fun tonight with these gals!!  It’s almost 12:30 in the morning, nearly time to go to bed! 

I plan to sew the rest of the weekend so it may be a while before I post again so I can devote some time to knock a few more things off my to do list!

Thanks for stopping by – hope you have a great weekend!!

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Thursday, February 16, 2012

Patriotic Thinking of You


thinking of you

My friend Maria  (from CA **waving** she reads my blog) called me a few weeks ago out of the blue to ask me to make her a card to send to her sister-in-law who is stationed overseas.  I immediately thought of this card I had seen posted on Pinterest, by Chris Simon and I emailed it to her and she really liked it so here it is!  I love making quick & easy cards!  I’m sure her sister-in-law will appreciate it and is ready to come back home to her family! 

The card base is Kraft (my favorite), and I used Red Hot, White Pure Luxury by Gina K.  The blue is Stampin’ Up! because I needed a more true blue for the patriotic colors.  The Thinking Of You is from the Various Verses set.  I love the combo print/script letters.  I used my small star punch by SU! and popped up the panels with foam dots.

I am excited for this Friday – it’s FRIDAY NIGHT SEW IN (there are already 119 people committed to sew the night away) and I’m having my best friend Stephanie and her friend Megan come over to sew with me and have a sleepover!  John will be out of town so it was perfect timing; I won’t have to be alone although it never bothers me to be.  I love it out in the country and feel safe here. We did this back in August and we had intentions since then but you know, the holidays got in the way!  I’m not entirely sure what I will work on, I have SO many projects!!  One is a quilt with some of my favorite Michael Miller Fairy Frost fabrics. Then I have my Free Motion Quilt Challenge I can work on for February.  Then there are new fabrics by Malka Dubrawsky (who happens to be an Austinite) called Stitch in Color that I fell in LOVE with, and there are countless projects for others I have to do.  What to do, what to do.  I better decide quick huh? 

Thanks for stopping by – hope you have a great day! 

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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentine’s Day!


vday

I am such a last minute Lucy lately!  Here are some Valentine cards I made to send to my sister Val & BIL Tom (left-Wreath of Love), nephew Joey (middle-Capture My Heart) and niece Gabby (right-S.W.A.K.).  These sets are all from Taylored Expressions.  I have missed stamping with those cute stamps!  There just doesn’t seem to be enough time to use all the stamps I have or time to stamp period with the limited free time I seem to have lately!

I had to make quick cards so I though ATC size would be perfect since I had to get this in the mail ASAP!  I snuck in a few candies and some $1 toys from Michael’s for Joey & Gabby.  They will be so excited about it! 

Hope you have a fun, love filled day!  It’s not anything John and I really go all out for but I did get 2 beautiful bouquets of assorted colored roses last year (one he purchased, the 2nd was an error on their part!)  I’m sure we will go out to eat somewhere so I can get a break from cooking although I love to cook! 

Thanks for stopping by today! 

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Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Happy Birthday Gina K–surprise hop!


ginabirthdaygraphicI’m glad you stopped by today because it is a special day – Gina K’s birthday!! 

We have all made cards to share made for Gina as a surprise hop for her! 

 

 

My card was made using Stately Flowers 1 (with her home state of gina bdayWisconsin, the Wood Violet).  I thought it would be a lovely complement to the new Wisteria Lane pattern paper that was recently released!  The beautiful cuttlebug background is Kassie’s Brocade.  I used a card layout in Tami’s Cardmaker’s Sketchbook Birthday Celebration which is on sale for only $2.95 at Annie’s Attic – what a deal!  I just love using sketches to make my cards, it’s a great starting point than having to create your own layout sometimes! 

Please be sure to visit Gina K on Facebook or on the StampTV Facebook page to wish her a Happy Birthday today!!

Then go check out all the birthday greetings from the following designers:

Thanks for stopping by!!

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Tuesday, February 7, 2012

A Year of Flowers Hop


Thank you for hopping along today with the Gina K. Design Team!! If you arrived here from Cat’s blog, then you're right where you should be. You can always go to StampTV to start from the beginning to make sure you don’t miss any of the inspiration along the way. 
The inspiration for today's hop came from Melanie Muenchinger's new book called, A Year of Flowers While you can make every design in the book with Melanie’s all occasion “A Year of Flowers” set (AYOF), today’s samples showcase her coordinating florals, which can also be used with the book's tutorials and designs, and provide endless options and more value for your money.
AYOF hop
We are excited to share cards and projects we created using some of our favorite flower sets designed by Melanie! We love her new book and know you will too - don't miss out on getting your very own copy which you can purchase HERE!
My sample uses Pressed Flowers, the bold stamp companion to AYOF.  I used Melanie’s February Lattice Technique she shares step-by-step in the book.  It was easy to follow and just by changing up the colors I used (she used red, white and black), I made mine into a Cheerful Get Well Soon card that I sent off to a friend last week who was recovering from surgery!  I hope it brightens her day.  Pure Luxury cardstock used: white for card base and what roses are stamped on, layered onto Soft Sand and Bubblegum Pink.  My sentiment is stamped on Bubblegum pink and die cut with Spellbinders labels 17. I stamped the roses with Memento inks: Dandelion, Angel Pink and Lulu Lavender.  Then I added subtle shading with prismacolor pencils.  It sure made a difference (wish I had thought to take a before picture to show you)
Hope you're finding some great inspiration and wonderful designs to get your creativity jump-started!  You can find the newest stamp sets and lots of wonderful accessories in Gina's Store.  And then join us on Stamp TV for the challenges and surprises and crafty videos galore!!!

Leave comments along our hop today to enter to win one of Melanie's coordinating floral sets of your choice. The more comments you leave the more chances to win! Melanie will draw a name randomly from one blog and post the winner tomorrow morning.  She is also giving away her Crazy Daisy digital patterned paper FREE if you link Gina's video or her post, please see Melanie's blog for details! Good Luck!

Be sure to check out Emily’s blog, to continue the hop!


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Sunday, February 5, 2012

Phoebe Bag & Zippy Wallet in Veranda


veranda phoebe
I am happy to report my laptop is not dead anymore!  DH just unplugged all I had plugged into it and it booted right up.  So now I am in the habit of unplugging everything when it’s not in use.  Then I also went out to get a 16 GB sd card to back up my stuff ‘just in case’! 
I was so excited to finally order some Veranda Fabrics by Amanda Murphy (for Robert Kaufman) and make a Spring/Summer bag!  A long time ago I came across this free tutorial for the ‘Phoebe Bag’ by Rebeka Lambert and was waiting to get the perfect fabric I thought would make a perfect bag!  Well, when I was ordering at The Fat Quarter Shop this week (Aurifil thread was the notion of the month for January so it was 20% off), I knew it was time to add some much coveted Veranda fabric!  For the outside of my bag I chose Veranda Sorbet Paisleys and Florals and for the inside (and front tab) I chose Veranda Leaf Ripple Dots.  Isn’t it adorable?  It fits perfectly on my shoulder too, just the right size to tuck in under my arm. 
inside bag
Here is a picture of the inside of the bag and a closer look of the green fabric, isn’t it fun?  I love how the pocket has the tulip with the same leaf ripple in the paisley (total accident, not planned!) but I love it when that happens! 

zippy veranda
Next up is a cute little zippy wallet I made using Anna’s tutorial that I also pinned** a long time ago!  It is the perfect size for credit cards, license, some cash and a little change.  There is a zipper area on the top.  I love the pearl snap on the front!   I think next time I make one, I will increase the size by at least another 1/2” because the cards are super snug inside and I would like a little more room.  But how perfect is this?  I even have some more fabric left so I plan to make a matching makeup bag too, I will just need to get a zipper for it since I used my last white one.

jan leaves
Now for the not so fun part of finally sharing what I did for January’s Sewcalgal Free Motion Quilting Challenge. oh my goodness…this.was.so.hard.  It just doesn’t feel natural, free flowing or anything!  It was so choppy and I was getting so frustrated I wanted to quit!  But, I usually don’t quit that easily and I keep hearing Darlene say that it takes practice, practice, practice.  Which is why we work on an 18” surface.  So, I will keep at it.  I was frustrated that my laptop died before I had the chance to share and upload this challenge in the month it was issued because I didn’t get in the drawing to win something.  oh well.  Next time. 

**About pinning – are you on Pinterest?  I know I haven’t spoke very much about what it is, but I have to tell you it is addicting and SO inspiring!  It replaces bookmarks in your browser, it’s a virtual pinboard where you have pictures of what you pin for later use and you can follow others and they can follow you.  I have added a ‘follow me on 'pinterest’ tab under my photo if you’d like to check out my boards! 

Thanks for stopping by – hope you have a great day and week! 

Sharing on the following link parties this week:
Flamingotoes
Sundae Scoop
Sew Can Do
Sew Darn Crafty
Skip to my Lou
Ta-Da Tuesday!
We Did It Wednesday
A Crafty Soiree
Craftionary 
Fingerprints on the Fridge
Show & Tell Saturday
Along for the Ride
Love Affair with my Brother

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Friday, February 3, 2012

Gina K Inspiration Hop Day 3



So glad you’ve joined us for our last day of inspiration hops for the Gina K release!  I hope you have inspired along the way! 

Today we are sharing creations made using the new One Free with 3 set, Fresh Start!  I just love these mini sets that Gina offers for FREE when you purchase any 3 sets.  All you have to do once you add 3 sets to your cart, is add this one as well at no charge!  So you get rewarded with your purchases! 

My card is made my using markers directly on the solid stamp to separate the tree from the hearts.  I used some of the new Red Carpet pattern papers on this one too.  Isn’t this a fun card that screams Spring?!  I know who is going to get this card as well.  There is a co-worker of mine that I am trying to encourage in eating healthier and I check up on her periodically.  Sometimes she doesn’t make that wise of choices (me including), but I keep telling her that  can she can start over with right now and forget what has happened in the past!


As you hop through the designer’s blogs, make sure you leave comments on each one for a chance to win a grab bag full of 12 stamps!! We will randomly choose two winners so the more comments you leave, the more chances you have to win. The Winners will be announced on Monday in the forum Big News  on StampTV!
 
Be sure to check out StampTV each week Monday and Friday we have challenges posted where you can win MORE free stamps!!
Thanks for stopping by today!  Depending on if my laptop can be repaired, or if I have to buy a new one, in may be a while before I post again - thanks for your understanding!!


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Thursday, February 2, 2012

Gina K Inspiration Hop Day 2



Welcome to Day 2 of our inspiration hops.  Today we are sharing creations made with Theresa’s Whimsical Spring and Tami’s Girl Talk. 

I apologize in advance my blog posts for the 2 remaining day inspiration hops are going to be short and will not include direct links to the supplies I used.  My laptop won’t boot up so I have to use my (limited) lunch time at work to be able to upload my posts.  If you have any questions about products or anything else, please feel free to put it in your reply or use the contact me button under my photo.  Here is a link to the WHAT'S NEW category where you will see everything in one place!!

I was really bummed my laptop is not working but thankfully I had photographed, edited and uploaded my photos to the design team group at StampTV so I can still participate in the hops!  

First up is my card using Whimsical Spring.  It is a gorgeous set in the signature whimsical style that Theresa captures with beautifully illustrated butterflies, bird, flowers and leaves!  On this card I created a 3 panel card (I know I’ve done this before but I love the look!) with 3 button jar colors (Wild Lavender, Sweet Mango, Blue Raspberry) that were on my desk at the time that I wanted to translate into a card.  I stamped the leaves with VersaMark ink and popped up the butterfly, made a trail for the butterfly (who is ‘chasing’ its dreams!) 


Here is my card using Tami’s Girl Talk – I just adore this cute girl with a flower in her hair!  The quotes are cute and hilarious too!  I know lots of friends I can send these to.  This one is going to my co-worker (single) who LOVES chocolate – we’re always teasing her about how it doesn’t last long at her desk.  She is always on the hunt for more.  I will give her this along with some chocolate soon to brighten her day soon!  I paper-pieced this gal with Echo Park’s Times and Seasons paper and added simple embellishments of double stitch black ribbon and a red rhinestone brad.  I was channeling fellow DT member Carolina Buchting with how I did my bow this time! 

As you hop through the designer’s blogs, make sure you leave comments on each one for a chance to win a grab bag full of 12 stamps!! We will randomly choose two winners so the more comments you leave, the more chances you have to win.  The Winners will be announced on Monday in the forum Big News  on StampTV!


Be sure to check out StampTV each week Monday and Friday we have challenges posted where you can win MORE free stamps!!

Thanks for stopping by today - hope you come back again tomorrow!





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Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Gina K Inspiration Hop Day 1


magnolia
Welcome to our first of 3 days of inspiration hops for the new Gina K release!  I hope you were able to make it to the party last night – they are always jam packed full of lots of fun!!  My first card using Stately Flowers 3 is one I shared yesterday.  I wanted my big magnolia flower (Louisiana) to take center stage and pop off the cardstock so I kept my design clean & simple.  I love coloring on cardstock with my colored pencils so I stamped my image with Memento rich cocoa ink on kraft pure luxury cardstock.  I used gold lined ivory organdy ribbon and a simple pearl brad for embellishment.  You’re going to love the next 4 state’s flowers along with beautiful sentiments in this next set!  Louisiana/Mississippi (Magnolia), Montana (Bitterroot), Alaska (Forget-me-not).  Once you collect a few (including Make a State-ment), you will find yourself with endless possibilities with sentiments for the outside and insides of your cards!!
mehndi
Next up is my card using Mehndi Wishes by Rupa Shevde.  For those of you who are not familiar with the word, here is a link for you to read up about it.  Basically it is Indian Henna tattoos.  I have always been intrigued by them, I think they are so elaborate and gorgeous!  And since they are not permanent, I’m sure they would appeal to those who wish not to permanently alter their skin/bodies.  I wanted to color my fish image with colored pencils as well.  So this time since I was stamping on chocolate cardstock, I used white craft ink and colored directly on the ink with blue & red pencils. 
I used gorgeous new pure luxury pattern paper that Gina K is nowredcarpet manufacturing/printing in her shop and this one is called Red Carpet which coordinates nicely with chocolate, red hot white, wild dandelion, turquoise sea cardstock.  Isn’t it divine?  Just wait until you feel the texture – it’s just pure luxury, silky smooth. 
As you hop through the designer’s blogs, make sure you leave comments on each one for a chance to win a grab bag full of a dozen assorted stamps!! We will randomly choose two winners so the more comments you leave, the more chances you have to win. 


The Winners will be announced on Monday in the forum Big News  on StampTV!
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