Jen P's Crafting Corner

Flashback Friday

2012-02-06T09:55:00.002-05:00

The Flashback Friday 20.0 Challenge is to repost your first black & white card. My first black & white card has a punch of pink & tons of bling (even though the picture doesn't show it - it's all glitter & sparkles!).

Make sure you check out the blog hop going on at Flashback Friday too - there are some awesome prizes!

Jen :)

Loving buttons!!

2012-02-06T00:25:00.001-05:00

When I saw the 5th Anniversary challenge on PTI I knew I had to enter. It's such an honor to say thanks to all the designers who we all get inspired by! I love all the designers but the card that caught my eye first was Maile Belles with the bright colors & buttons!

For my card I used the Day 5 sketch from CPS which is also celebrating their 5th Anniversary with challenges.

The combo of Maile's buttons & the circles on the sketch had me thinking...buttons for background paper! I used PTI's Fillable Frames set which is also one of my favorites.

Jen :)

The Outlawz 1000 Member Party - Twisted Thursday

2011-10-07T22:52:00.000-04:00

The Twisted Thursday challenge on the Outlawz is a color challenge - use Red, Yellow & Green.

I was running out of true "fall" stamps, so I decided to use this SU set that I've had for years (yes the CAS challenge again - I found this as I was looking thru stuff that was "haunting" me!). Of course I'm a week late for a good use for this card - my cousin's daughter's birthday party was a farm theme!

Jen P :)

The Outlawz 1000 Member Party - Sketch

2011-10-07T22:31:00.002-04:00

For the Wednesday's Sketch Challenge on the Outlawz

I used a Halloween set that I purchased last year:

This is what my cat would do if she could! She loves to play with my stamping supplies. I've lost a bunch of small rolls of ribbon...I think she's creating her own collection!!

Jen P :)

The Outlawz 1000 Member party - Greetings

2011-10-07T22:03:00.004-04:00

For Monday's Outlawz Greeting Challenge, I decided to keep it simple and use a PTI whimsical set my sister gave me ummmm months ago!

The Sunday CAS challenge had me looking thru my desk drawers and I found a bunch of great things LOL!

Jen P :)

The Outlawz 1000 Member Party - Copics

2011-10-07T21:43:00.003-04:00

For the Friday Copics Challenge on The Outlawz, I decided to make a card like a Christmas card I made a couple years ago - of course I can't remember the name of this type of fold!

Since we're going for a Fall theme, I made fall trees and who doesn't love to see hot air balloons drifting over the hills and fall trees! :)

Jen P

The Outlawz 1000 Member Party - CAS Card

2011-10-07T20:54:00.002-04:00

So the CAS challenge for The Outlawz is to pull out something that's been "haunting" you (i.e. most of my stuff - LOL!!) So one of my very first ink pads was a Kaleidacolor ink pad. I'm not even sure if they still make them, but I haven't used it in years! Amazingly it still worked! :)

Normally I like to layer so this seems bare to me, but I like how the Kaleidacolor worked...might have to keep it out!

Jen P :)

The Outlawz 1000 Member Party!

2011-10-03T14:25:00.001-04:00

Last week I received an email from Oozak which said they were sponsoring The Outlawz 1000 Member Party. I'm so glad I didn't just delete the email! They have daily challenges and this week have some great challenges and prizes for reaching 1000 members! Here are the details:

Whoo-hoo! The Outlawz is celebrating!

1000 Member Party

Monday, October 3, 2011, 12:01 AM EST

until

Sunday, October 9, 2011, 11:59 PM EST

There are 5 games, a tutorial blog hop, 2 scavenger hunts and 7 challenges. All seven challenges are participating in the party from start to finish. Unlike a regular week, all of the challenges start on Monday, Oct 3 and each has a different challenge for you to play to win prizes! The Challenges are located in the Challenge tab in the top tool bar with a drop down menu. Make sure you visit all 7 challenges to win more prizes!

Important: The 1000 Member Party has a tab in the top tool bar too with a drop-down menu. Make sure you access all 7 links in the menu to participate in the games, banner posting contest, and blog hop and to be eligible for more prizes!
That is a total of 14 places to visit and participate to win all the wonderful gifts the sponsors have donated for the party!

Let’s give our sponsors a huge THANK YOU! Without them, we would not be here!

Sincerely,
The Outlawz Design Team

Make sure you check it out!
Jen P :)

Welcome New Baby Owl!

2011-09-30T01:28:00.001-04:00

So I started making this new baby card and wasn't sure how to make it work with the sketch challenge on The Craft's Meow Blog...but then it all started to come together and needless to say yes it is 1:22am!! I figured I better go ahead and post this just in case I don't have time tomorrow (actually today - LOL!!). Here is the sketch & my card:

I love this set Owl Be Thinking of You! Definitely a new favorite! This pic isn't the greatest...sorry rushing, but you can see that I actually pulled out the sewing machine after midnight!

Jen P :)

Flashback Friday 15.0

2011-09-23T14:11:00.001-04:00

It is time for a flashback! The challenge for Flashback Friday 15.0 is to repost your first fall card. Let's head on back to fall of 2009 when I posted this...

Hmmm, great angle I have going on there!

-Jen

40 & Fabulous!

2011-09-09T13:14:00.007-04:00

I used this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge to make a 40th Birthday card for my friend. I know it's hard to turn 40 (not that I'm there yet!!) so what better way then to say she's fabulous?!? :) Here's the sketch:

I tried using just plain kraft paper since I've been loving all the cards I've been seeing with kraft lately. But I'm just not a plain & simple girl - I had to spice it up with some ink "distressing". Then I decided to make a little gift box filled with her favorite candies - Mentos!
I made up this box because I wanted to fit 6 rolls of Mentos in it. It it came out pretty good - very impressed with myself - LOL!
Jen P :)

YNSC #48 Beautiful Borders

2011-08-14T20:52:00.004-04:00

The YNS Challenge this week is to make a card using border punches or dies on your card. Since I just purchased my first YNS set, I had to make a card!!

I love this Birdie Banner stamp set because you can put any sentiment on the banner. Of course I realized after I started coloring it in, that I didn't have any good bird colors in my copic markers! So I used regular markers, but I think it came out okay.

Jen P :)

Flashback Friday 13.0 Challenge

2011-07-23T21:58:00.004-04:00

The Flashback Friday 13.0 Challenge is to post your First Non-Traditional Shaped card. It took some searching thru pictures but I finally found my very first non-traditional shaped card!
I made this card years ago for my niece's Christening. It's hard to tell from this picture but there is a layer of cardstock with a layer of vellum loose on top to make it look like a real dress. The cross is actually a real necklace - on the inside I made a little pocket to hold the chain.

Jen :)

Sundays with Crissy March Challenge

2011-03-13T19:26:00.004-04:00

Over on Crissy's blog Sundays with Crissy, the challenge for March is to use stitching on your card/project. I love how stitching looks so I couldn't pass up this challenge!
I know it's hard to see in this picture...but I did stitching on the sides of the first layer of patterned paper. Here's a close up:

I love this stamp from Whimsy...this dog is just so cute - who can pass up that face! And you'll notice that I'm finally putting my copics to use!

Jen P :)

Dutch Dare Challenge

2011-02-27T18:25:00.007-05:00

My sister sent me another great blog to check out - Dutch Dare Card Challenges. They have weekly challenges with great prizes. This week is a sketch challenge:

I decided to try out my new PTI flower die...

...sadly I have to say that my sister had to show me the best way to make the flowers! I read most of the instructions online and thought I had it...but it was sticking out way too much and when I squished it down, it pretty much killed it! But she read the full instructions and needless to say - the flower looks great!

Jen P :)

Button Find!!

2011-02-20T13:48:00.005-05:00

I think stamping or crafting people are the only ones that could understand my excitement yesterday so I've gotta share what I found! I was helping clean out my great-aunt's house and we found this old shoe box filled with :

BUTTONS!! Come to find out - my great uncle & aunt both worked at a button factory years ago and I didn't even know. These buttons are awesome - so colorful and odd shaped. To everyone else it was just a box of buttons...but to me this was a gold mine - LOL!!

Jen P :)

List of Fours!

2011-01-11T19:47:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I was tagged by my sister Julie E to play along with the list of fours. It's like those emails you get where you list things about yourself. :)

4 shows you watch
So You Think You Can Dance
Project Runway
Amazing Race
Undercover Boss

4 things you are passionate about
My family & friends
My pets
Crafting
Reading

4 words/phrases you say a lot
Holy Mackanoly (that's me trying not to swear :) )
Back (the only word that stops my dogs!)
Outside?? (my dogs don't let me know so I'm constantly asking if they have to go out!)
Mindy!!!!!!!! (at my cat driving me crazy!)

4 things you've learned about the past
Don't be afraid to admit mistakes
Don't look back (too much)
I lied when I said I'd never dye my hair! :)
I need to get working on my crafting (when I did my top ten cards there weren't that many!)

4 places you would like to go
Australia
Hawaii
France
Anywhere with a nice beach & warm weather! :)

4 things you did yesterday
Worked :(
Visited my great aunt
Watched the Bachelor - I swore I wouldn't watch but I got sucked in!!
Read a book

4 things you are looking forward to
The weekend! :)
Spring
My sister said increasing her Copic collection - but I have to say actually USE THEM!! :)
Finally finishing my cruise scrapbook (that's my next project)

4 things you love about Winter

Snow days - hoping for one tomorrow!
Playing with the dogs in the snow
Getting cozy with a blanket & reading a book
Hot chocolate!! :)

Tag 4 people to play along
Dani, Wendy, Harriet, and Kelly

My Top Ten Cards of 2010

2010-12-28T22:00:00.007-05:00

What is a better way to end the year then to post our top ten cards of the year! Suzi (aka Mrs. Weyremaster) is doing a top ten cards of 2010 blog hop with some awesome prizes! Here are my top ten:

#10

#9

#8

#7

#6

#5

#4

#3

#2

And my favorite #1

Can't wait to see everyone else's top ten!!

Jen P :)

Dreaming of a White Christmas...

2010-12-22T20:03:00.004-05:00

Well my dogs may be dreaming of a white christmas...

But I'm dreaming of a warm one!! :) I made this card for most of my Christmas cards but didn't follow any challenges for it...so just want to wish everyone a wonderful Holiday and a Happy New Year!!

Jen P :)

Candy Corn Treats

2010-10-03T21:31:00.010-04:00

Yesterday I was working on a card for Verve's World Card Making Day Release Challenge and I decided to combine it with Julie E's 3D Challenge on Yvonne's blog. Here is the sketch I used for the Verve challenge:I haven't used many templates but was excited when I saw the Candy Corn nugget holder template on Annie B's Blog. I have this super cute candy corn stamp that I thought would work perfectly! Here is a close up of the treat holder.
I decided to use candy corn in a little bag instead of a nugget, of course I forgot to buy candy corn so just pretend that the M&M's are candy corn - LOL!!

Jen P :)

Honduras Scrapbook Page - STVSKETCHGK1

2010-09-08T19:52:00.003-04:00

Well I'm back to working on my cruise scrapbook...I'm only 2 years behind - LOL!! It seems like I'll never finish it!! I used the sketch challenge this week on Stamp TV for my layout:

I kept it simple with just stitching around the pictures and a flower using my new set from Verve! Hopefully I'll have some more scrapbook pages soon!

Jen P :)

Fall Flowers

2010-09-03T16:39:00.006-04:00

The challenge on Verve this month is to use an old release stamp set with a stamp set that was just released. Luckily my new stamps just arrived a few days ago so I couldn't wait to make something! When I saw the color challenge on LPS for this week, I was thinking pumpkins and halloween...but I decided to change it up and do a fall birthday card. Here are the colors:

So I used these colors to make a card and treat "box" for my friend's birthday.

For the "old" Verve set, I used Circular Sayings and punched it out with a punch from SU to make a tab on the side. Then I stamped the flower with my "new" set Great Friend. It's definitely one of my favorites! For the background, I used a swirl embossing folder on kraft paper and then sponged it with orange ink to bring out the swirls. On the flowers, I couldn't find paper I liked so I made my own using LPS's Behind the Scenes stamp set (the dots on the flowers).

The treat "box" is actually a tub of candy that I bought at Target. I saw the container and thought it would be perfect for what I had in mind. I think it came out pretty good...here's a closeup of the flower on top of the "box".

I loved the glazed look for the flowers so I pulled out the old crystal effects I haven't used in forever. Amazingly, the tip is glued shut, but it's still good in the bottle!!

Jen P :)

Verve Anni-Verve-sary Challenges - Wishing You

2010-08-19T21:17:00.006-04:00

For Verve's Anni-Verve-sary Challenges, there are 5 sketches:

I decided to stick with one stamp set - Wishing You. It's one of my favorite sentiment sets! And since I pulled out the Cosmo Cricket PP the other day...I decided to make a gift set of 5 cards using it!

I have to admit that after I saw my sister's cards (Julie E)...I pulled out the sewing machine and doctored up my cards!! I'm still a beginner (sewing) so don't look too closely!!

Jen P :)

Details: Verve Wishing You stamp Set; Cosmo Cricket PP; SU Old Olive, Barely Banana & Baja Breeze paper; PTI light green?? paper; SU Old Olive ink.

Baby Blocks - Card Patterns Sketch #76

2010-08-13T17:55:00.004-04:00

Another baby was born in my family - 3 of my cousins had babies just weeks apart. So it was time for another baby card. I used sketch #76 from Card Patterns:

I knew what stamp I wanted to use, but had a tough time choosing the paper...until I found this green Cosmo Cricket paper. Then it all just fell into place.

Oh and I finally found the thin cork sheet that I knew I had somewhere - LOL! So I punched circles in the cork to make wheels for the wagon. Here's a close-up:

I think I need to go buy some more cork - it was easy to use and looks pretty cute!

Jen P :)

Details: Paper - Cosmo Cricket PP, Old Olive SU; Stamps - Stamps by Judith R-24 (the wagon & blocks); cork, twine & brads.

Anni-Verve-sary Blog Hop!!!

2010-08-01T10:00:00.005-04:00

Welcome to the Anni-VERVE-sary Blog Hop! Verve turns three today and we’re celebrating with a hop, hop, hop! If you've already been hopping along, you arrived here from JULIE E's blog. If not, head on over to Julee's Blog (owner of Verve), for all the info on how to win prizes (after all, what's a party without presents?), and to start hopping from the beginning. If there's a hiccup along the hop, you can always head to the Master Hop List to get the full list of links.

Everyone knows that the Verve Divas are awesome so it's hard to stand up to their awesomeness but I tried...even pulled out the sewing machine!! If you've read any of my previous posts or comments on other blogs, you'll know that I love the look of stitching, but have no sewing skills at all - so don't look too closely LOL!! :) I love the Wishing You sentiment set from Verve, so I used that as my focal point. For the flower, I stamped several of the Elegant Flower stamp from Verve, cut them out to create layers and tied a button on top. Then I added the crochet-like trim, sewing the trim edge and also around the patterned paper piece. Here's a close up of the flower:

The next stop on the Blog Hop is JESSY'S blog. Have fun and don't forget to leave a comment!

Jen P :)

Shooting for the stars!!

2010-07-25T18:44:00.004-04:00

**Second post for the day**

On my second birthday card (for one of my twin nephews), I used the weekly sketch from Card Positioning Systems:

This space shuttle is from the same stamp set I made the first birthday card with. I added some sparkles to the top of the shuttle with a gel pen and a circle of silver paper to the middle. The striped background paper also has sparkles on it (hard to see in the picture!). I'm sure my nephew will be over the moon - LOL sorry had to say it!!

Jen P :)

Vroom! Vroom!!

2010-07-25T18:12:00.004-04:00

My twin nephews are turning 3 this week so it's time for some little boy cards! When I saw the sketch challenge this week on Stamp TV, I knew right away what I want to do. Here's the sketch:

I've had this little boy stamp set for awhile now and remembered the truck and stop sign:

I paper pieced the truck and used buttons for the tires. I punched silver paper for the bumpers and it's hard to see in the picture, but I used a piece of acetate on the window. I had stamped the stop sign in white, but it was hard to see as well, so I used a gel pen to make the "stop" stand out. Off to post my second card...

Jen P :)

Baby Congrats!

2010-07-24T16:05:00.006-04:00

Time for a baby card! I used the sketch from Card Positioning Systems - challenge #176:

This baby shoe stamp is one of my favorite baby stamps! I paper pieced the shoe laces to give a 3D feel, then used nesties to layer under the baby shoes. Then...because I love the distressed/antique look...I used ink to give an aged look. Definitely one of the best baby cards I've made!!

Jen P :)

Details: Stamp - Stampendous Baby Shoes; Ink - Creamy Caramel SU; Paper - Cream SU, various PP.

Hoppy Birthday!!

2010-07-24T15:38:00.005-04:00

Better late than never! I just realized I missed the cut off for the Always Playing with Paper challenge, but figured I would post it anyway... Here's the sketch:

I paper pieced the frog and lily pad...I love this little frog...he's so cute! Off to post my next card...

Jen P :)

Verve Seeing Stars & Color Throwdown Challenges

2010-07-11T16:53:00.006-04:00

The monthly challenge at Verve is to make a card or project using the Seeing Stars set. I decided to combine that challenge with the Color Throwdown #100 challenge. PS - They have tons of awesome prizes they are giving away, one of which is a Verve prize so make sure you check it out!

So the color challenge is to use the following:

I had some real troubles using the pink...but I love the other colors! I started to make a card, but ended up making a gift tin for my boss's birthday!

I love this set from Verve...the stars are so fun...but I definitely need a star punch to go with it. I thought I had one, but after much searching I couldn't find one (I recently moved my stamping area and thought it was organized - LOL!) So I cut out all of the stars in Certainly Celery & Baja Breeze, using the bigger stars to make the smaller stars stand out. Then used my nesties for the main piece and ribbon to tie it on - yes that's where I hid the pink (in the knot)!! Still not sure about the pink, but it works!

Jen P :)

Up, Up and Away - Verve Challenge/SG18

2010-05-27T19:44:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite sets at Verve is Up, Up & Away. I've seen so many awesome cards made with it! The monthly challenge at Verve is to make a card using Up, Up & Away. I used sketch 18 from Sketch Girl:

I needed to make a Congrats on New Home card and when I found this scrapbook paper from SU, I knew I could make it work with the Up, Up & Away stamp set! The balloon is flying over the houses to the new one - right?!?! LOL! :)

Jen P

Details: Up, Up & Away Verve set; SU paper.

Cupcake Cutie!

2010-04-25T18:32:00.006-04:00

For the Little Paper Shop birthday celebration challenge, I decided to combine the LPS color challenge (Pink, Raspberry & Chocolate) and Sketch Girl's sketch 16.

I flipped around the sketch and used Katie as one of the circles on the sketch. I decided to paper piece her & the cupcake, then used CB dot embossing for the background. LPS Cupcake Katie is such a cutie!!

Jen P :)

Another Bunny Card

2010-03-30T20:16:00.003-04:00

For my last Easter card, I decided to use the sketch on Card Positioning Systems:

This picture isn't the greatest so here is a close up of the bunnies:

These bunnies are just so sweet looking that I had to put both of them on my last Easter card! I kept it simple with only paper piecing on the bunnies (and the flower button on her headband!). I was going to add a layer of another color paper on the main card, but it was too busy so I just used Versamark & an old SU speckle stamp! Happy Easter!

Jen P :)

Sweet Little Bunny

2010-03-30T20:07:00.003-04:00

I love this card I made using the sketch this week on Stamp TV:

This bunny is just the cutest thing! I paper pieced her dress, headband & ears. And used my favorite embossing folder! Simple but cute!

Jen P :)

Happy Easter! SG14

2010-03-28T13:56:00.004-04:00

It's almost Easter so it's time for some Easter cards!! The sketch over on Sketch Girl worked out great with the card I wanted to make. Here's the sketch:

I decided to go with my favorites - vintage with some paper piecing and my favorite flower! It's a little hard to tell from the picture, but I antiqued everything with a stipple brush and SU Chocolate Chip & Caramel ink - mmm two of the things I love about Easter - the candy!! I hope to be back with some more Easter cards this week!

Jen P :)

Details: Stamp - Peter by CC Designs; Paper - SU Cream,Pink, Banana & Always Artichoke, misc PP; Ink - SU Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Caramel; PTI button.

Pretty in Pink - SG13

2010-03-14T19:19:00.005-04:00

It's all about the birthday girl on the card I made for Sketch Girl's sketch #13. And since she's only 3 yrs old...I went all out!! Here is the sketch:

I loved this little girl when I first saw her...she's just the cutest thing isn't she??! I paper pieced her & the cupcake and used watercolor pencils for her skin - no copics yet! The pink trim is actually velvet ribbon so with the glittery polka dots it has a lot of texture - perfect for a little girl!

Jen P :)

Stamps: LPS Cupcake Katie, SU ink Black & Chocolate Chip, PTI buttons, misc PP, ribbon & embr. floss.

Anniversary Card - SG12

2010-02-27T00:42:00.005-05:00

This week's sketch on Sketch Girl was much easier to work with than the last one!

I needed to make an anniversary card so I went all pink on this:

I ran the card thru my Big Kick using a Sizzix folder to give the card some texture. I love this new (to me at least) embossing folder - it looks so nice!! Then I used a flower that my sister gave me - thanks!! - and used the same paper from the flower for the layers on the card. Only bad thing was that the "a very Happy Anniversary" was kind of light and I didn't have any more paper. Oh well, it's handmade right?! LOL!!!

Jen P :)

All about Flowers - CPS153

2010-02-13T17:15:00.006-05:00

This week's challenge at Card Positioning Systems is sponsored by PTI. So I decided to use the CPS sketch for the contest today on PTI, which is to make flower embellishments and use them on a card as well as make six on a piece of acetate to give to someone. The CPS sketch:
Here is my card:
And here is the embellishment sheet:
Since I love my 5 petal punch, for the embellishments, I decided to use different petal layers with a button for the center. Some of them have the smaller 5 petal punch layers as well. Just a note...you may want to use removable glue dots...the regular permanent glue dots are just that - Permanent!!!

Jen P

Back to Cruising! Stamp TV - STVSCJH10

2010-02-10T13:04:00.005-05:00

My boss is planning a cruise this year and all the talk about cruises brought back memories of my cruise in 2008. I had started scrapbooking it last year, but never finished, so I decided to pull out the cruise pictures again! This week's sketch over on Stamp TV was perfect for the 2nd page of formal night pictures.

Here is what I came up with:

I had already done the first page - click here - so I went with the same colors and flowers (my favorite stamp!). I was stumped with the middle oval, because I was thinking I had a larger oval nestie...so I used the smaller ovals and put some flowers to fill in the bare spots. Together the 2 layouts look really nice!

Jen :)

SG11 - Layered Hearts

2010-02-10T12:52:00.007-05:00

Over on Sketch Girl, the current sketch is pretty challenging!!

I decided to go with a Valentine's card...

I have very few heart stamps so I went all out with the layers - it's actually one stamp stamped several times and pieced together. I was stumped as to what to put in the corners so I decided to go with the scallop circle and a button. I was going to do ribbon on the top and bottom, but it would have been over the top!!

Jen P :)

PTI "Paint" by Number Challenge

2010-02-08T20:35:00.009-05:00

Well it's been a long break...but the hope for winning a PTI $100 Gift Certificate has me breaking out the crafts again! :) Of course this was a hard challenge to get back into crafting with! PTI has made a sketch for us to use "paint" by number on:

And they've given specific color palettes to use based on the first letter of your user name. I think the H-M color palettes was the hardest - almost changed my user name - LOL!!

So this is my card - a little funky - definitely not my usual colors and style!

I used PTI Ripe Avocado, Raspberry Fizz & White Paper, but didn't have the other 2 colors in the color palette - Orange Zest & Terracotta Tile. So I improvised by using SU Pumpkin Pie paper and inked the CB embossed swirls with SU Really Rust Ink. Inside it says "the Happiest of Days" (stamps from Verve). It's one of those cards that grows on you because I'm actually kinda liking it now! Hope you do too!! :)

Jen P :)

Ready for Christmas!!

2009-11-04T21:28:00.005-05:00

I can't believe I'm saying this - I've finished making my Christmas cards!! :) I wasn't going to post one online since I mass produced and made 34 cards, but it fits the JUGS challenge this week! The 5th challenge is a Wild Card challenge - create a holiday card designed to present a photo.

I used a stair step style to create a photo holder. The photo is a collage print from snapfish which has a red background and 2 pictures. The green behind it is just a frame to hold the picture. I embossed the green with a CB swirl embossing folder. Then used my nesties to create a tag. Here's a closeup:

I cut out the holly and used a button for a berry. On the back, I folded a strip of paper to make a stand to keep the photo up right. Then I added the ribbon to dress it up. Merry Christmas - LOL! :)

Jen P :)

Details: PTI Holiday Button Bits; SU Paper - Real Red, Old Olive, White; SU Ink - Old Olive; Misc - ribbon & button

Candy Corn Ruffle Card

2009-10-24T12:26:00.005-04:00

Since I needed to make one more Halloween card, I decided to use the 10/15 sketch from Sketch Girl and incorporate ruffles for the Moxie Fab World Ruffle Challenge:

Here is my take on the sketch:
I pulled out the SU Sweet Treat cups for this one and just used K&Co DP - no stamps - OMG?!?! I don't know what it is, but lately I really like the look of just DP and no stamping. To dress it up, I sewed the ruffles onto the purple paper, then ran ribbon over the top to give it a skirt look. Inside (sorry forgot to take a picture!) I cut a large circle to put over the sweet treat cup and folded it. Then I put permanent glue on one side of the circle and semi permanent on the other side, then put a ribbon tab on the semi permanent side so that it could be opened. Anyone have better ideas about making the Sweet Treats openable without ripping the card apart??? I've been trying to figure out a way to do it and it's driving me crazy!

Jen P :)

Boo! Did I scare you?? - CPS138 Sketch

2009-10-24T11:50:00.004-04:00

On this week's sketch for CPS, I decided to go with a Halloween card. Here is the sketch:Here is my take on the sketch:

I used my Sizzix embossing plate on the card - hard to see in this picture - then used K&Co DP for the layers. I stamped the Boo (not sure who made it, it's another one of those that I cut and mounted on wood myself) then cut it out and layered it on the bottom. Inside it says "Did I scare you"... :)

Jen P

JUGS2 - Halloween Card

2009-10-14T13:50:00.001-04:00

Has everyone seen the new challenge blog Just Us Girls Challenge? It looks like it's going to be pretty cool with challenges every week. This week's challenge is a technique challenge - Paper Piecing. And of course the blog candy is awesome - $25 to either Gina K or PTI!!

It's time for Halloween cards, so my card is a little Halloween treat card:

I stamped the SU Sweet Treat stamp on purple paper with darker purple ink, then stamped it on white, green & black papers to paper piece the ghost, witches hat & Frankenstein. With the SU Sweet Cup, I had to improvise since I didn't have the correct circle punch...but the scallop circle punch doesn't look too bad. Here is a close up without the candy:

I folded the green paper so that I could make it easier to get to the candy corn in the center. And I added 2 black clasps to hold it closed. A cute little treat holder, right?!?! :)

Jen P :)

SG6 - Baby Girl Card

2009-10-14T13:29:00.004-04:00

For the 10/1 sketch over on Sketch Girl, I decided it was time to pull out the sewing machine! :) I've been oohing and aahing over all the cards I've seen with stitching, so I needed to try it out myself. Of course before you look at the picture...note that I haven't used a sewing machine in 10 years and it was just luck that I could thread it up correctly - LOL!! :) Here is the sketch to follow:

And this is the card I made:

I needed to make a baby card and unfortunately I don't have many baby stamps. I saw this really cute PP and decided to use the bird image instead of stamping. I embossed the pink card with dots, cut out the bird & used pop ups to make him stand out, and stitched the PP onto the green (I know it's not perfect - but that's what homemade is all about right?!?! :) ). For the finishing touch, I tied a pink button onto a looped piece of ribbon to make a bow. Pretty cute right?!?! :)

Jen P :)

Papertrey Ink - WCMD Challenge #2

2009-10-04T21:57:00.004-04:00

For the 2nd challenge on Papertrey Ink's Blog, we had to make a card inspired by Mexico. I don't know why...but I had so much trouble thinking up what to do. So I did some research online and looked up flowers from Mexico. The national flower is the Dahlia, so I decided to try making one with some of my paper punches. Here is the card I made:

The picture doesn't do it justice - sorry!! I used a Sizzix flower embossing plate on the yellow card, then used nesties to cut the rest. For the "dahlia" I used my large & small flower punches from SU. I punched 4 large and 2 small, then bent them up and put a button in the middle. I also rubbed the edges of the flower with darker pink chalk (hard to see in the pic!!). Oh and on the sides of the card, I used my new flourish punch from Martha Stewart - it was a steal at Christmas Tree Shops for only $3.99! :)

Jen P :)

Details: SU Paper - Barely Banana & Pretty in Pink; SU Ink - Rose Red; PP - K&Co; Misc - ribbon, nesties, SU flower punches

Papertrey Ink - WCMD Challenge #1

2009-10-04T16:41:00.003-04:00

For Papertrey Ink's first challenge, we had to make a card inspired by Japan. Here is what I came up with:

I decided to go simple with this card since I don't have many Asian themed stamps or PP. I used a Japanese Maple Leaf stamp from SU's Oriental Gardens as the focal point. Then I just used a CB D'vine Swirls embossing folder for the background. Simple but elegant!

Jen P :)

Details: SU Paper - River Rock, White & Always Artichoke; SU Ink - Always Artichoke; Misc - CB D'vine Swirls & brads

Papertrey Ink - WCMD Challenge #3

2009-10-04T16:32:00.003-04:00

For Papertrey Ink's 3rd WCMD Challenge, it was a card inspired by India. We had to use jewels and rhinestones in an artistic way. I wasn't sure about this one...but I think I came up with something really pretty:

I think WCMD for me meant pulling out the old stamps - LOL! Well I don't have many new ones so that's not that hard...but for this card, I pulled out the old stamps I got at a stamp convention that are the kind with just rubber and you mount them on wood yourself. The design is so pretty alone, but adding the rhinestones and organza ribbon just make the card!

Jen P :)

Details: SU Paper - Black, Lavender Lace & Eggplant Envy; SU Ink - Eggplant Envy; Stamp - an old misc stamp; Misc - rhinestones & ribbon

Papertrey Ink - WCMD Challenge #4

2009-10-04T16:20:00.007-04:00

Over on Papertrey Ink's Blog, Challenge #4 was a card inspired by Australia and we had to use either Dotted Outlines or Masking. I decided to go with the Dotted Outlines:

I stamped the flowers, then cut them out and used a white gel pen to make the white dots, then I added a button for the middle on each. Then I stamped the Happy Birthday with chocolate ink and then used the white gel pen to make dots next to the stamped words (Happy Birthday ended up seeming like the focal point on the card so I thought it needed the white dots too!). I added some ribbon and stamped small flowers to make a background. Overall the white dots make the card look pretty cool! :)

Jen P :)

Details: SU Paper - Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip & Close to Cocoa; SU Ink - Chocolate Chip & Ruby Red; Stamps - misc Happy Birthday & SU Simply Said; Misc - buttons & ribbon

Splitcoaststampers - MFT Challenge - WCMD09G

2009-10-04T16:11:00.003-04:00

For the MFT Challenge on Splitcoast Stampers, the challenge was to use Pink, Black, White & Bling! And there's no bling like some glittery PP and rhinestones! Here's what I came up with:

I'm not a big bling user - if there is such a thing! - but it was easy to pull out a couple different glitter papers and make it work! I used my nesties to make the Happy Birthday tag and then used my SU flower punch for the flower. I added the rhinestone to the flower for extra bling. Hope it's bling-y enough for you! :)

Jen P :)

Details: SU Paper - Rose Red, Black & White; SU Ink - Black; PP - Doodlebug polka dots & DCWV stripes; Stamp - Endless Creations Happy Birthday; Misc - rhinestone.

Splitcoaststampers - Verve Challenge - WCMD09E

2009-10-04T16:02:00.002-04:00

For the Verve Challenge on Splitcoast Stampers, the challenge was to pick a flag and use those colors to make a card. Well I was hoping I could make a Halloween card, so I used the flag from Bhutan, which is Orange, Yellow & White. Here is what I came up with:

There's nothing cuter than this little Candy Corn for Halloween!! :) I started the card using just orange in the background, then decided it needed some yellow, so I ended up cutting pieces off everything to make it work. I had a pile of the thin scraps and thought...that would look cool on the card...so I put them on instead of using ribbon! And since I didn't really need the ribbon, I just cut off a piece that says Happy Halloween and put that as the saying.

Jen P :)

Details: SU Paper - Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron & White; SU Ink - Pumpkin Pie; Stamp - misc Candy Corn that I bought years ago (the kind you have to put on rubber then attach to wood); Misc - misc PP, Happy Halloween ribbon.

Splitcoaststampers-Gratitude Challenge-WCMD09D

2009-10-04T15:50:00.003-04:00

For the Gratitude, Chocolate & a Sketch Challenge for WCMD on Splitcoast Stampers, we had to use this Sketch:

And make it a Thank You card using Chocolate colors. So of course that means another Thank You card for my dogs to give my neighbor for their presents! :)

I decided to go simple on this card and just colored the dog in with ink & watercolor blenders plus a little bit of watercolor pencils on the collar - no copics yet :( . Then I used my scallop punch with a circle of brown and cream and some pop ups. Pretty cute if you ask me! :)

Jen P :)

Details: SU Paper - Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa & Cream; SU Ink - Chocolate Chip & Close to Cocoa; Stamps - SU Think Happy Thoughts, Copper Leaf Creations Dog & a misc paw print; Misc - SU Watercolor pencil & Watercolor Blenders.

Splitcoaststampers - Gina K Challenge - WCMD09J

2009-10-04T15:36:00.004-04:00

Over on Splitcoaststampers, they had several challenges yesterday for WCMD. So I was up past midnight last night working on cards...of course I started late - LOL!! For the Gina K challenge, we had to use Pumpkin, Chocolate & Vanilla colors. Of course in New England...that means fall foliage and covered bridges...right?!?! :) Here's what I came up with:

It's hard to see in the picture - sorry I can't take good pics of cards no matter what I do - but I used a Fiskars Basket Weave embossing plate (with my Big Kick of course) on the chocolate background. Then I distressed everything with chocolate ink to give it a fall look (the pumpkin pie was too bright for the look I was going for). Makes you remember that Thanksgiving is just right around the corner!! :)

Jen P :)

Details: SU Paper - Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie & Vanilla; SU Ink - Chocolate Chip; Stamp Set - SU Changing Seasons & Tags and More (leaves); Misc - SU Chalk, Fiskars Basket Weave embossing plate.

Wags 'n Whiskers Blog Hop!!

2009-10-01T22:18:00.002-04:00

So anyone that has checked out my blog knows that I love animals...so what could be better than the new Wags 'n Whiskers company and blog! They are releasing their first stamps and are giving away a complete set...just follow the instructions! And their blog hop and release is on October 9th so make sure you check it out!!

My Timeless Template Challenge - MTTC06

2009-09-28T16:34:00.003-04:00

Over on Lauren's blog, she has a new My Timeless Template Challenge. For this challenge, you can use any My Timeless Template, but you need to use it to package candy! Who doesn't love a challenge like that?!?! :) This challenge was just in time for a birthday present my mom asked me to make for her boss. She is diabetic so I decided to use the basket template to hold sugar-free hard candy:

Here is a close-up of the top of the basket:
I was going to stamp some flowers, but then I saw these flowers on PP from K&Co that I think look gorgeous! I cut out the flowers & leaves, then used pop-ups on the flower part. My only stamp used was the Happy Birthday - OMG! :)

Jen P :)

Details: SU Paper - Certainly Celery, not sure on the blue (it was scrap paper - LOL!); PP Paper - K&Co; Misc - Happy Birthday stamp (not sure on info), brads, pop-ups.

Stamp TV/Scrappy Sunday - Sunflower Page

2009-09-21T20:32:00.008-04:00

For the 2nd part of the Stamp TV 9/15 Scrapbook Challenge, I used the Scrappy Sunday sketch for this week.

I was flipping thru some old pictures and the sunflower theme went perfect with pictures of my mom's birthday from 2006. My niece was sharing smiles with everyone :)

Here is a close up of the sunflower and also a peek of the ribbon running behind the pictures:

I loved this sketch! Make sure you check out the sketch from last week too...it's a flip of this week and works perfectly as a 2nd layout with this one.

Jen P :)

Details: SU Ink - More Mustard, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip; SU Paper - More Mustard, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip; Paper - Debbie Mum PP; Stamp - Sunflower Designs by Rubber Stampede; Misc - Ribbon

Sketch Girl Challenge - SG5

2009-09-21T17:12:00.006-04:00

The sketch for 9/1/09 over on Sketch Girl was very challenging!! It looks easy but I think the set up of the boxes and circles just gives a huge challenge of what to use!

I decided to use this sketch for the Stamp TV Scrapbook challenge this week, which is a double duty challenge - meaning you have to make a card & scrapbook page! The only challenge was that you had to use the same stamp set for both the card & page. Here is the card using the SG5 sketch:

I knew I wanted to do something fall and had pulled out some old pictures that I've been wanting to scrapbook. But I couldn't decide on what stamps to use - I need some new stamps ~ LOL!!! I ended up just using a sunflower stamp because it went so nice with my Debbie Mum PP. Check back for my scrapbook page...I'll post that later today...

Jen P :)

Details: SU Ink - Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, More Mustard; SU Paper - Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Always Artichoke; Debbie Mum PP; Stamp - Sunflower Designs by Rubber Stampede; Misc - Buttons & ribbon

Sketch Girl Challenge - SG4

2009-09-13T12:17:00.003-04:00

So it's last minute again on my card for the Sketch Girl Challenge!! The sketch is due by the 15th and this time they're going to pick a guest designer for challenges in October!! Hopefully I get picked!!! :) Here is the sketch:

I decided to go with another dog themed card - one more thank you card for someone who gave the puppies presents! Instead of just putting a picture inside the card, I used them as part of the card. I cut down the two pictures and put them side by side with ribbon in the middle. I tried to go for simple clean lines and only stamped the circle/scalloped embellishment.

It's hard to see in the picture but I did emboss the lighter brown frame with my Fiskars embossing pad -using my Big Kick! Here is a closer look so you can better see the embossing:

Also on this closeup picture, you can see that I used pop ups for the small circle and also to place the scallop on the card. Together with the brown ribbon, it just makes the card!

Jen P :)

Details: SU Thanks stamp (not sure what set!), Inkadinkado Dogs stamp; SU Paper - So Saffron, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Barely Banana; Misc - SU brown ribbon, scallop & circle punches, Fiskars dog print embossing plate

Verve August Project Parade

2009-09-12T18:00:00.005-04:00

So it's the last day of the August Project Parade and I've finally finished my project! For August, the project is "Happiness for Hostess". I decided to go with a Christmas theme on my project:

I took a small paint can and altered it with paper & ink. Then I pulled out some old wood ornaments that I never painted - LOL! I painted them first, then added paper and some embellishments. Here is a closer look at them:

I distressed the edges with ink on both the ornaments and the can. Together they make a great gift set for a Christmas party hostess!!

Jen P :)

Supplies: SU sets -Season's Sketches & So Many Scallops, SU Ink-Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, Creamy Caramel, SU Paper - Old Olive, Naturals Ivory & Holiday Thyme DSP, misc - buttons, brown ribbon, wired paper twine & paint

CPS Sketch Challenge - CPS131

2009-09-04T21:13:00.006-04:00

This week's sketch challenge on CPS has a Stampin' Up demonstrator as a sponsor and the prize is $30 in Stampin' Up!!! I just received my Holiday Mini Catalog and I love the Sweet Centers stamp set...so I definitely need to win - LOL!! It's also a great sketch:

Here is my take on this sketch:

Stamp: Happy Birthday from an old Stampin Up set - not sure which one since I took it out of the set to put it in my sayings drawer!!

Ink: SU Pumpkin Pie

Paper: SU Pumpkin Pie, SU Ruby Red, SU So Saffron, SU Washington Apply PP

Misc: Sizzix flower & embossing plates, Fiskars embossing plates, Buttons, Ribbon

I've wanted to make a card layered like a birthday cake since I saw a card with a christmas tree layered. It looked so cool with different embossing layers and I kept thinking a birthday cake would be cool too. So using different embossing plates, I inked them & also used markers to make them pop.

PS - I'm loving my Big Kick!! Make sure you keep your old Fiskars embossing plates...you can use them in the Big Kick like you use your Sizzix embossing plates!

Jen P :)

The Scrapping Cottage Shopping Spree!!

2009-09-03T22:35:00.002-04:00

Everyone needs to check out the contest going on over at The Scrapping Cottage!! Follow the steps and you could win a $250 shopping spree - now is that great blog candy or what?!?!

Jen P :)

Moxie Fab Shabby Chic/Vintage Style Holiday Card

2009-09-01T13:36:00.004-04:00

My favorite style challenge over on Moxie Fab World - http://www.moxiefabworld.com/ - is the Shabby Chic and Vintage Style Challlenge! I'm a big fan of the distressed look - never knew it was shabby chic! :) I loved making this card...if it wasn't so much work I would make it for all my christmas cards this year!! Here's a picture of it:

Stamp: the Poinsettia is an old wood stamp & I'm not sure on the company - it says "K784 & PSX" - anyone ever heard of PSX???

Paper: SU Ruby Red, SU Naturals Ivory, Debbie Mum PP

Ink: SU Caramel (I think that's what it is...it's an old color)

Misc: old pearls from my grandmother, SU pop ups

When I saw this challenge, I knew right away that I wanted to make a poinsettia card. I stamped the poinsettia and cut it out. Then I added a pop up layer to make it stand out and distressed it a little with the same color ink. I couldn't decide what to use for the centers, then my grandmother stopped by with a tub of old buttons - she was going to throw them out (OMG - she hasn't seen how much buttons are in the craft stores!!). I found these old pearls in there (they're fake but definitely vintage!). I tried it out and it worked! I distressed the layer of red & ivory then added the layer of red PP. I couldn't find a ribbon I liked so I added a strip of distressed red paper. Then I used a nestie on the PP which says Noel and placed the poinsettia on top. Sounds easy...but the poinsettia and distressing takes too long to make more than one or two of these cards! I might have to make a few more though - LOL!!

Jen P :)

Moxie Fab Fun & Cute Style Holiday Card

2009-08-31T23:02:00.007-04:00

Another Moxie Fab - http://www.moxiefabworld.com/ - contest is the Fun & Cute Style challenge. With this card, it was anything goes as long as it's fun and cute! Here is my take on Fun & Cute:

Stamp: Feline Navidad by All Night Media

Paper: SU Wasabi, SU Real Red & DCWV Xmas PP

Ink: SU Black

Misc: Red/White Ribbon, SU markers

Well anyone that knows me, knows that I love cats & dogs! So what better way to make a cute christmas card then adding a cat! :) This was an old stamp I found while I was searching thru my christmas stamps and I thought it definitely fit the occasion. I used markers to color in the tree & cat - I wish I had copics :( - and decided to use scallop oval nestibilities to cut it out. The PP already had sparkles so it was perfect for this card!

Jen P :)

Moxie Fab Stamped Style Holiday Card

2009-08-31T22:37:00.009-04:00

Over at Moxie Fab World - http://www.moxiefabworld.com/ - there are some great "style" contests going on. I made this card for the stamped "style" contest, which means it just has to have at least one thing stamped. Here is what I came up with:

Stamp: Mistletoe Chickadee by Impression Obsession

Paper: SU Wasabi, an old xmas SU PP, & misc Silver paper

Ink: Black SU

Misc: chalks & silver twine

I started this card using red paper, but it just wasn't working out. Then I found some old SU christmas paper and loved the green. I used a touch of chalks to add a tint of color on the stamped bird & branch, then decided to add the silver twine to tie in the silver paper. Together it's a great combination...simple but elegant!

Jen :)

Sketch Girl Challenge - SG3

2009-08-24T21:30:00.004-04:00

On the Sketch Girl challenge SG3, I decided to make mine into a scrapbook page...to keep me scrapbooking my cruise! Here is the sketch:

And here is my version:

Stamps: Polka Dot Punches

Ink: Close to Cocoa & Chocolate Chip SU

Paper: SU Close to Cocoa, SU Pretty in Pink & SU DSP Berry Bliss

Misc: Brown ribbon, clear dots, flower punch SU

This was a photo taken at Formal Night on our cruise. My friend Jenn & I - yes both Jens!! - went on the cruise last year and I never did my scrapbook. I made one for her for her birthday, but my stuff went in the drawer and only came out recently! So using the SG3 sketch and a similar idea from a card I made for SOA, I came up with this. I love pinks and browns lately, and everyone liked the flowers & "leaves" so I decided to go with it on this too.

PS - I can't take pics of 12x12's for the life of me - LOL!!

Jen P :)

Awesome Blog Candy!!

2009-08-24T21:24:00.002-04:00

Check out Steph's blog - http://stephaniecastrodesigns.blogspot.com/2009/08/some-thank-you-blog-candy.html - for some awesome blog candy! Since she's had 25,000 blog hits & now has over 100 followers, she's giving away a $150 giftcard to the place of your choice! How cool is that?!?!? Make sure you check it out!

Jen P :)

Stamp TV Scrapbook Challenge - STVSCR26

2009-08-24T17:03:00.008-04:00

This week's Scrapbook Challenge at Stamp TV is keeping my cruise scrapbook album alive...instead of back in the drawer where it's been for a year LOL! :) This is the sketch for this week's challenge STVSCR26:

Here is my version:

Stamps: Tags & More SU, Bitty Bugs Roller SU, misc small dragonfly

Paper: Eggplant Envy SU, Mellow Moss SU, misc stripe & flower PP

Ink: Eggplant Envy SU

Misc: Scrapnfont Scrap Color Me 5 (title) & Scrap Baby (journaling)

This is a scrapbook page of Cave Tubing in Belize. While we were tubing down the river, there were tons of dragonflies...some even landed on us! So I decided to use dragonflies instead of stars on my scrapbook page. After much searching thru my old stamps, I finally found some dragonflies - one from the SU Tags & More set, one from the SU Bitty Bugs Roller and a misc one I found. Here is another page of our time in Belize:

Using the same stamps, ink, paper & SNF, I added a strip of ribbon to tie in the green since I didn't have another page of the stripe PP. Side by side the two pages look really nice!

Jen P :)

ScrapNgal Template Challenge

2009-08-17T20:21:00.005-04:00

The monthly challenge at ScrapNgal this month is a template layout challenge - http://www.scrapnfonts.com/scrapbooking_blog/. I decided to pull out my cruise pictures from last year and get back into scrapbooking - I had only done a few pages!

This is the template:

Here is my version:

Paper: K&Co SP, Summer Sun & Ruby Red SU

ScrapNfonts: Heat Wave (the title), DB Flowery Flourishes (the flowers) & Scrap Casual (the journaling)

Misc: buttons

I thought it was fitting to use the Heat Wave font for the title because this was the hottest day on the cruise. It was about 115 degrees that day and we picked the worst excursion - a bus tour & shopping. Doesn't sound bad...but the bus didn't have AC!! Then they took us to a beautiful beach but we were never told to bring bathing suits so we had to look in envy as everyone else was swimming! Luckily the view was awesome!

Jen P :)

Dog Days of Summer!!

2009-08-14T23:38:00.004-04:00

Well it's been a busy month with 2 new Cocker Spaniel puppies in the house!! I finally got a minute to make some thank you cards for those who gave Luke & Lily presents - yes my dogs are like my kids - LOL!!

This card is made using Stamp TV's sketch STVSC24 which I really liked, but didn't get a chance to make! I saw Whimsy Stamps challenge for the week - Animals - and had to use it.

Stamps - Inkadinkadoo Dogs (the Woof!)

Paper - Chocolate Chip & Close to Cocoa SU, misc dog SP

Misc - Cuttlebug dog & spots, Nesties scallop oval & some twine

This next card is for the CPS sketch challenge this week - CPS128. It's all about the dogs...

Stamps - Inkadinkadoo dogs (the Woof!)

Paper - Chocolate Chip & Close to Cocoa SU, misc dog SP

Misc - Cuttlebug dog again and some ribbon

And the last card is for the Sketch Girls challenge ending in...hmmm 8 minutes!! Yikes!!! :) It's more dogs...no cuttlebug this time!

Stamps - Inkadinkadoo Dogs

Paper - Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa & Cream SU

Ink - Chocolate Chip SU

Misc - Fiskars embossing plate - yes it works with the Big Kick!! And ribbon & tag

On this one I decided to try using my Fiskars embossing template with my Big Kick. After some tries, it finally worked! I just placed 2 pieces of scrap paper, then the template, cream paper, rubber mat & embossing pad. Just make sure you don't put the paper over the Fiskars label!

Sorry for the quick descriptions...but I have to post this before midnight!!

LOL!!! :)

Jen

Sketch Girl First Challenge - SG1

2009-07-23T15:26:00.008-04:00

Sketch Girl - http://www.sketchgirlannie.blogspot.com/ - is a new blog with bi-weekly sketch challenges. My sister is a designer so make sure you check out her website too at http://lastminutecrafter.blogspot.com/. This week's sketch is pretty cool:

Here is my version:

Stamps: Hedgehog Happiness SU

Paper: K&Co SP, Chocolate Chip & Confetti Cream SU

Misc: Brown Ribbon SU, misc brad, Chocolate Chip Ink SU with blender pens

My other obsession lately has been using browns with everything. Yeah I actually didn't use a Changito stamp on this one - LOL!! It looks a little like a sepia photo, but it's the right color. I distressed the cream with the chocolate chip ink and the SP looks distressed too. I used flower punches from SU with the smaller one in the center with the brad. Simple, but nice! :)

Jen P :)

Stamp TV Color Challenge - STVCC22

2009-07-23T09:17:00.005-04:00

Over at Stamp TV http://stamptv.ning.com/, the 7/20 Color Challenge requires you to use Green, Brown & White/Vanilla on your card. This worked out perfectly for me! I had been planning on making a card with the Changito Tire Swing stamp I just bought - yeah I know I'm obsessed - LOL!!! So after searching and searching for a palm tree to use, I finally found one at my friend Jenn's house. She was going thru all her stamping stuff - beading is her new thing - and we found a store bought die cut Palm Tree hiding away in a drawer. It was just right for what I wanted to do:

Stamps: Changito Tire Swing by Stampendous, Happy Birthday from a SU set

Paper: Garden Green & Confetti Cream SU, misc background paper & Palm Tree Die Cut

Misc: Twine for rope swing & cover wire for the monkey's tail

Taking some inspiration from my sister's idea of the little girl swinging - http://lastminutecrafter.blogspot.com/2009/07/swinging-on-by.html - I wanted to make the monkey swing when the card is opened. I used some twine and freestyle cut the opening with a Purple Cow cutter. Since the challenge was only Brown, Green & White/Vanilla, the tire had to be brown, but I think it's cute anyway!

Jen P :)

TCP Tuesday - Inspiration Challenge

2009-07-22T23:50:00.004-04:00

This week's TCP Tuesday challenge is an inspiration challenge hosted by Leigh - http://sunflowerstudio.typepad.com/sunflower_studio/. She was inspired by fabric that had some great colors in stripes and one with flip flops. I loved the colors...but sadly realized I don't have much of those colors in my huge collection! But when I was doing the blog hop (started on Leigh's blog), I saw that someone used some Washington Apple DSP from SU. And then I was inspired because I did have a few scraps left of that! So this is what I came up with:

Stamps: Changito Kick by Stampendous, Wishes to You by Close to my Heart

Paper: Apricot Appeal, Ruby Red, Pumpkin & DSP Washington Apple from SU

Misc: Pop-ups

Since this is an inspirational challenge, I have to use another Changito stamp! :) Of course it's for a little boy so it has to be cute! The DSP brought the card to life, but it was the letters that killed me! :) It was tedious work - very carefully cutting out the Happy Birthday & stars then using pop-ups (which you probably can't tell in this picture). But in the end, I think it looks cute!

Jen :)

CPS Sketch Challenge (CPS125)

2009-07-22T23:04:00.004-04:00

This week's CPS Sketch Challenge is sponsored by JustRite Stampers - http://www.justritestampers.com/. They have some awesome blog candy to give away so check it out - http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/!!

Here's my version of the sketch, flipped on it's side:

Stamps: Changito Bubbles & Birthday Brackets by Stampendous

Paper: Misc background bubble paper & Bashful Blue SU

Misc: Brocade Blue ink SU, Blue ribbon & a clear page pebble on the large bubble

I think I'm in love with all the Changito stamps by Stampendous!! I saw them at a local stamp/scrapbook store about a month ago. I loved the samples they had on display so I had to buy some! Then I found out that Michael's sells them...ohhhh 50% coupons... :) So I'm on my way to a collection of them! This bubbles stamp is one of my favorites...especially with the Blowing Birthday Wishes Your Way stamp (goes perfectly so I had to have that too)!! Hope you fall in love too!

Jen :)

Whimsy Stamps Recipe Challenge

2009-06-28T22:09:00.006-04:00

It's been a while since my last post...sadly my dog passed away and I haven't been feeling very crafty. But after some encouragement from my sister - I finally have something to post!

This week Whimsy Stamps has a Recipe Challenge. You have to use 2 patterned papers, 1 ribbon and 3 embellishments. Here is my version:

Paper - SU Barely Banana & Cream

SP - K&Company

Stamp - Stampendous Changito Thank U

Misc - SU Brads & Pink Ribbon

I'm really loving all the Changito stamps from Stampendous! On this one, I stamped it on cream and used watercolors to color in the monkey & leaves. Then I stamped the flower on Barely Banana & again on the SP in pink. I used pop ups on the whole flower and again on the center for another layer. I couldn't decide on the embellishments so I just used 3 brads in pink on the right top corner - they're kind of hard to see in this picture. Simple but nice!

Better Late then Never!

2009-06-06T19:01:00.012-04:00

Here we go...my first blog post!!

Thanks to my sister Julie - check out her blog http://lastminutecrafter.blogspot.com/ - for the past few weeks I've been checking out all of the great craft blogs and now I'm hooked! So I figured I better start one myself! I've been stamping for about the past 10 years and have only been seriously scrapbooking for the past few years. Lately I've been thinking that I'm only a collector since all the supplies are just sitting there...and yeah I've still been buying! :) But I've been so inspired by checking out everyone's blogs...the challenges and contests are a great way to keep you stamping!

Last week my sister and I joined the Stampin' Out Alzheimers website for a week of great challenges and prizes. It was a hectic week...racing home from work to start another challenge...staying up late trying to figure out how to take a good picture of the card- LOL! But it was worth it...my sister and I both won prizes!! Thanks Jen Tapler - check out her blog for more info on Stampin' Out Alzheimers http://jentapler.blogspot.com/

Here are a few of the cards I made for the SOA challenges:

Stamps - Stampin Up Fanciful Flowers
Paper/bg paper - Stampin Up Apricot Appeal & Certainly Celery

This challenge was to make a card using acetate. I thought it was going to be the hardest challenge, but it ended up being pretty easy. I cut the paper part of the card so there was only an inch or so for the front, then put scrapbook paper on the inside and on the front. I attached flowers onto the scrapbook paper on the front. Then glued the back of the card to a folded piece of acetate (full card size) and used a glue dot to add one more flower to the front. Only hard thing was trying to take a picture of it! :)

Stamps - Stampin Up Frolicking Frogs

Paper/bg paper - Stampin Up Garden Green, not sure the darker green or the background paper

Misc - fake flies :), handmade tag

This card was for a sketch challenge. Don't worry...the flies are fake!! I knew I wanted to use the frog and when I was looking for my pop ups, I found the flies! They were one of those collector things that I didn't know I had...LOL! The tag is handmade...yay I finally used my tag maker!! :)

Stamps - Stampin Up Polka Dot Punches - used SU Flower punch

Paper/bg paper - Stampin Up Chocolate Chip, not sure which pink or which background paper

Misc - SU buttons and misc ribbon

This card was for the Two by Two challenge. We had to use only Brown, Pink and one neutral color as well as 2 different types of embellishments. I had so much trouble trying to add in the ribbon. At first I was doing a strip of ribbon, but it just didn't look good. Finally I said why not make them the leaves! :)

Stamps - Monkey from Mindy's Zoo Acrylic stamp set, Happy Birthday from SU but not sure what set

Paper - Stampin Up Chocolate Chip & Barely Banana

Misc - SU ribbon, misc eyelets

This card was for another sketch challenge. I thought this monkey was so cute, he didn't need anything but "Happy Birthday"...just some eyelets and ribbon to add some texture. Simple but cute! :)