Diamond Filigree Background Stamp

Hi everyone,
    I hope all is well for you this evening.  I felt a little energetic and decided to play in my craft lab today.  I will share my little creation later in the post.  First, I want to share some sad news...I decided to close my store.   Yeah, I wasn't selling like I thought I might, even with self advertising on FB.  Although; I have to say, I'm really not broke-up about it.  I NEVER planned to have 25 cards in the store at one time let alone 100, which is what I was paying for.  I did it for one month and that was enough for me.  Just more work that I didn't need.  I don't mind selling my card and altered projects but when it turns my crafting into another job, that is where I draw the line! So no sorrow or sadness, more like a relief; one less thing to monitor and worry over.  Other sad news, my blog has been acting up really bad.  My post for Mema's Crafts last challenge did not post as scheduled.  I have timed all my post for her challenges and they have all posted automatically without a problem until this last one.  So I just corrected that and it is now posted.  The card is called the Graduate (I think).  It's really cute (once again, my thought).  
   Okay, so on to what I did today.  You know how you just keep collecting beautiful dies and stamps and say you are going to make something but you never do; then life gets in the way and then you don't have time?? Well, I decided today, I had some energy, I got out some stuff, look at some cards that inspire me and got to work.  And so that I would stay focused, I decided to take my energy as far as it would go and stop there.  My problem is I over work it and try to either come up with some spectacular design on my own and try to finish it all in one night.  I mentally and physically exhaust myself, I get frustrated, I end up rushing through the project, not giving it my best, disliking it, not finishing it, and being pissed because I wasted my crafting supplies.  Well, I just decided that would be a NO for today.  I would do what I could and when my mind started to wonder too much, that was it for that project or card for the day.  I was able to get the front of the card done today.  I did not do the inside yet but it will be something simple maybe just plane colour coordinated panels and I haven't made an envelope either.
   I used the JustRite Stampers Diamond Filigree Background stamp to make this adorable little A2 (4 1/4 x 5 1/2") card.  I also used Spellbinders Belly Bands Two, Stampin UP classic ink and cardstock Marina Mist, Recollections White cardstock, some white seam binding (love seam binding!!), some Recollections tiny flat pearls, and Wild Orchid Craft white Sweetheart flowers.  What a simple but elegant little birthday greeting.  Tip: Background stamps can be very difficult to control if you don't have large and steady hands (I have neither).  Thinking within my crafting box...I decided to use my Prima doll block.  The large Prima doll stamping block (I do not believe this to be it's official name) measures 6" x 8", this is more than enough room to accommodate most of your background stamps.  It also has a handle for even better control and pressure distribution.  So, if you don't have one, this is one of those highly recommended items (smile).   For my next venture I'm going to try a little game. I'm going to close my eyes, spin around my craft lab (pray I don't fall), point to something, and whatever I see when I open my eyes is what I have use in or on the next project/card.  Enjoy...

 

Hugz from Moi

The Graduate

Hi everyone,
   I hope this is a quick post, I'm tired from an unexpected trip to the capital today; waaaay too long a story to share.  Well anyway, sad news...Lesia from Mema's Crafts is retiring her challenge blog...boo-hoo (sad face with poked-out lip). So if you haven't, please join the design team in showing Lesia how much we appreciate her for her tremendous work, awesome creativity, and thoughtfulness during her challenge reign. Awesome work Lesia, thank you for the opportunity to show case my talent!   Ok, so for our last challenge the theme is "graduation" or a "masculine card".
The month of June plays host to graduations and Father's Day.  Father's Day is Sunday June 21st.  Come hang out for the last time with the M&M girls and Lesia for our June challenge.  Also, I will give you a hint...I WOULD LEAVE A COMMENT!    Well my peeps, like I said, I'm a little tired...no, I'm a lot tired so I'll say goodnight for now.  Enjoy the card, chat soon.  I chose the digi image called "The Graduate" our sponsor is Cute as a  Button check out her FB page.  She has some really cute images. 

Supplies used:
Black, red, and white cardstock; Bo Bunny-Enchanted pattern paper, JustRite Stampers Vintage Labels 5 die templates, Stampin Up Labels punch, image was coloured with Copic markers, Atyou Spica gold pen. The greeting is from the computer and MS Word, the sentiment is a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt. 

Hugz from moi!!
 

Fish in a Bowl and a Wedding Card

Hi everyone,
Today I am sharing my cute little Mema's Crafts DT inspiration card.  The inspiration for this card can be found on YouTube (see link below). The challenge will be posted on Monday, May 4th.  Our gracious sponsor for this challenge is I Break for Stamps! and the theme is everyone's favorite...Anything Goes! Come join in on the fun for your chance to win a really cute digi. Our mission for May's challenge was to make 2 cards or projects.  One using an image from I Break for Stamps digis and the other was to use flowers of some kind.  I used the Fish for my DT inspiration card.  The digi can be found by clicking the link.  I Break for Stamps also has the pretty flowers I used for my 2nd card- 2 toned chocolate Sweetheart Flower.  I used the fish because he reminded me of something from the "Little Mermaid".  I'm not sure what kind of fish he represents but for me, I made him a Gold Fish by colour (lol).  PS: if this is you first time trying the water card with the treat cups; be patient. It took me 3 times before I was okay with the results.  He is my supply list and some photos my fish card:

Title/Theme: Gold Fish in Bowl
Date: 050115 (this is the date I made the card)
Tutorial/Video:  Fishin' Around Card   By Esther Boyle
Category: Many Occasion
CS:  Recollections white, Stampin Up Marina Mist, Old Olive
Patterned Paper/CS:   N/A
Flowers/Greenery:  N/A
Ink (s): STAZ-ON Black, Stampin Up Chocolate Chip and Marina Mist
Marker (s):  Tim Holtz Distress Markers Stormy Sky, Faded Jean, Peeled Paint,  Wild Honey, Forest Moss, Broken China, Tumbled Glass, and Mustard Seed.                             
Embellishments:  N/A
Stamp/ Set(s): Stampin Up By the Tide, Just Rite Stampers Large Fancy Sentiments, Autumn Leaves (Stampology) Fourishes v.2, Magnolia Seaweed
Adhesives:  ATG runner, Scor-Tape, and Hot Glue Gun
Punches:  Stampin Up 1 ¾ circle punch, 1 ½ punch (generic)
Die(s): N/A
Tools (other): Stampin Up Textured Impressions Embossing Folder “Fancy Fan”, and items in a basic crafting tool kit.
Misc.: No. 1 paint brush, Strathmore 140lb (cold press) Watercolor Paper, Stampin Up Diamond Glaze, Water, Stampin Up circle Treat Cups.
Card Dimension: 4 1/4" x 5 3/4 "

The embossing folder I used worked out well. I made it look like waves on the front and when you open up the card they look like sea shells. 



 

I love how the Diamond Glaze looks like sparkling sand on the bottom of the fish bowl.

 

 

 

 

 

I added a place for a gift or special message.  I Made this card for a wedding but this layout works well for many occasions.

 

 

Well that's it for now  but I'll be back real soon with my last couple of Mother's Day cards.   Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the challenge! Hugz from me.

Mother's Day Greetings

Hi everyone,
   I hope all is well.  Just a few words about some new cards I made.  With Mother's Day fast approaching, yes...May 10th is almost here; I thought I better take this opportunity to get started (while I got my mojo).   Here are a couple of cards that were inspired by a Stampin' Up demonstrator.  Unfortunately, I got her name from my Lesia and I can't remember what it is. I think this card can be found on Split Coast Stampers. The link will take you to Split Coast Stampers, not the actual cards. I did alter the card and created my own measurements for each piece of the card and made a coordinating lined envelope for each card.  Being a former Stampin' Up Demonstrator, I still have a lot of the old stuff around.  It might be old but it still makes a beautiful card. The supplies I used were: Stampin' Up retired DSP, smooth card stock ( retired colours Sage Shadow and Rich Razzleberry), retired Crumb CakeTaffeta ribbon, retired stamp set Well Scripted (one of my favs), Recollections white cardstock, Paper Studios pearls. And what even better...I sold the burgundy one already in my on-line store My Enchanted Paper Creations.  Well once again, thank you for stopping by.

 

Hugz from moi

 

My Enchanted Paper Creations Store Open!

Hey everyone! 
Good news (I think)!  My scrappin' BFF Lesia of Mema's Crafts and our newest paper crafting convert Lady Kre of Fun KREations have encouraged me to sell some of my handmade paper crafts.  It took them a little nudging but eBay surly pushed me over the edge with their jacked-up fees!!  So, I am open for business! As tedious and detailed as paper crafting can be, I think opening the store was work!  And you know me...if I think it's going to turn into a 9-5 type situation...that's a wrap!! I already have a full-time job.  However, if I thought it would pay off my student loans, I'd be working like a blessed Hebrew.  Ok, so a little bit about the store; the name...wait for it...MY ENCHANTED PAPER CREATIONS!!!  I know, imagine that, very creative wouldn't you say?   And of course no store opening goes without issues. For the most part I think I worked them out.  We (meaning me) are still in the probationary period with the running of the store thing, so there are a limited number of cards in there currently.  Next month I will decide if I want to take it to the next step and pump up the volume of cards to sell.  Below is the newest card with the matching lined envelope available in the store now. 

Supplies: Creative Imagination patterned paper, Michaels Vanilla CS, Spellbinder die templates-Basic Banners 3, Nested Lacey Pennants, Labels 11, and Grand Labels 11, Stampin Up stamp set Bring On the Cake, Cherry Cobble Stampin' Write marker, Studio g Alphabet Stamp Set, WOC rose buds, and Tim Holtz Distress Ink Antique Linen.  Other supplies: clear Velcro dot, Hemp, corded ribbon, hot glue,  

Thanx for stoppin' by Hugz from moi