Party in a Bag

Today my first post went live on the SRM Stickers blog.  We had a birthday in our house this week.  This is an invitation set I made for the occasion.

Be sure you check out all the details over on the SRM blog.  Before you go, I'll leave you with a photo of the birthday girl.  I get the best photo ideas from pinterest.

Have a wonderful day and thank so much for visiting!

"Hello" Card

I have a quick post for you today, a card.  As you might notice in the photo, the rain is streaming down the window.  It has rained for the better part of this month so I decided to make a happy card with some fun colours and flowers.  I used the "Gone Camping" line by Best Creation Inc. in conjunction with a few of our product partners:  Helmar adhesive, Spellbinders dies and Epiphany Crafts' Shape Studio Tools.

Before I sign off, I want to share with you one other photo.  We have asparagus growing in our garden this year for the very first time.

I think next to the warm weather, our vegetable garden is my most favourite part of summer.  You can expect more of these kinds of photos as the season unfolds.

Thanks so much for visiting.

Happy Easter

Believe it or not, these projects were all made in December for the trade show last January. They were made using the "Bunny Love" line by Best Creation Inc.  I will admit it was very hard to get my head around Easter when Christmas was almost upon me, but you do what you've got to do.  On the bright side, it kept me on my toes and prepared well in advance when Easter finally arrives.  So without further rambling, here they are:

"I adore your baby blues"

(Absolutely nothing to do with Easter but it uses Easter paper just the same.)

Supplies:  Paper, Stickers (Best Creation Inc.), Letters (Best Creation Inc., American Crafts), Buttons (Epiphany Crafts & Stampin' Up), Border Punch (Fiskars), Lace (Dollarama)

"Hippity Hoppity" Frame

Supplies:  Paper, Stickers, Chipboard (Best Creation Inc.), Doily (Kaisercrafts)

Easter Table Top Decoration

Supplies:  Paper, Chipboard, Stickers (Best Creation Inc.), Flowers (Imaginisce), Beer Coasters, Bind-it-All (Zutter)

This decoration was actually made with beer coasters.  I attached them all together with my Bind-it-All once decorated and was able to make a quick Easter decoration, perfect for a mantle or window ledge.

"Happy Easter" Card

Supplies:  Paper, Chipboard (Best Creation Inc.), Die (Spellbinders), Ribbon & Pins (Michaels)

I made the Easter card this month for a cross promotion with Best Creation Inc. and Spellbinders.  Love their dies, especially this one.  Doilies are really popular right now and make the  perfect backdrop for a photo or sentiment like on this card.

There you have it, a flury of Bunny Love projects as we start the long Easter weekend.  Thanks so much for visiting and look for most Easter themed goodies on Monday as the Best Creation Inc. Design Team shows you all kinds of fun ways to use your punches. 

Until then, HAPPY EASTER!

EDITED TO ADD:

Look for this card in the Spring, 2012 issue of Canadian Scrapbooker magazine.

Paper Piecing Gone Old School

The April challenge on the Imaginisce blog is all about paper piecing.  Today is the second round of inspiration projects from the team and I have decided to do my pieced cards the old fashioned way:  with clip art, scissors and a pencil.  There really is no secret. I just print off a template, size it on my printer and then cut the pieces out.  I transfer the pattern to my paper, cut them out and piece them all back together again.  It sounds like alot of work, but really it doesn't take long at all.  So here they are, a couple of pieced baby cards.

I used my i-Top to create the cute little buttons for my overalls, which is also the prize for this month's winner.  (Get your entry in!!) 

The canvas stickers make the perfect cloth addition to a card modeled after a piece of clothing don't you think?

I used another canvas sticker on the interior of the card, layered on a sticker stacker.

That's all I have for today.  Don't forget to check back in over on the Imaginisce blog and let us know what you think of today's projects.

 Have a wonderful Monday!

The Little Cutie release party finishes today with baby boy projects.  I'm sure you've all seen onsie cards done a hundred different ways, but I made one anyway and put my own little twist on it.  Since the card is modelled after a piece of clothing, I decided to stitch it to make it seem that much more real.  I also added a canvas sticker to give it more texture.

I used the i-Rock tool to set the hot rocks and glam rocks.  For a little tutorial on how I make my shaped cards, you can check out THIS POST and check back Monday for some paper pieced shaped cards.

On a totally different topic, I finally got my hands on an antique floral frog, two actually.  Many thanks to Connie for helping me out.  It is so much easier to stage cards now.

Thanks so much for visiting.  I hope you have enjoyed all the baby inspired projects you've seen this week.

Sharing Another Card

I made this card a few weeks ago for Lori Allred over at Imaginisce.  The design team flooded her office with Berrylicious cards to celebrate her birthday.

All Supplies Imaginisce except twine by Martha Stewart.

To create a shaped card, I google clipart for the desired shape, in this case a strawberry.  When I find one I like, I print it and then enlarge it on my copier until I have the desired size.  I cut all the different pieces out and trace them onto my patterned paper and then I glue it onto a card base and cut it all out.

I stitched the pieces before I placed them on the card base.  To create the card base, fold a sheet of white cardstock and layer the strawberry on top so that the left edge is offset slightly.  This will create a hinge for the card once it is all cut out.

I used the same process when I created THIS CARD last fall.

Shaped cards are a quick and easy way to create a dramatic card.  Next time you see a card like this on my blog, I hope to have it staged on my "new" antique floral frogs.  I'll give you more details on those when they arrive.

Thanks, as always, for visiting.



There is no such thing as a mistake in paper crafting.

I love embossing folders.  Maybe I should qualify that statement.  I love to collect embossing folders, or so it would seem.  They really are a wonderful invention and allow paper crafters to create so many unique and custom pieces.  So why is it that I rarely use mine?  It's hard to say, but today I decided I would break that trend...which leads me to the title of today's post. 

I cut out my card base and carefully lined it up in the folder and put it through the machine.  It looked great except for the bottom left corner.  For some reason, the impression wasn't fully made so I was left to decide if I should use it anyway or start again.  I mulled it over for awhile as I fussy cut some flowers from my patterned paper.  In the end, I decided to keep the "defective" card base and use my flower to make that mistake disappear.  Some of my most creative work has been created while fixing a mistake.  I'm not so sure this card ranks up there with the best of them, but it certainly worked and totally drew the attention away from the embossing in that area.  It also feels great to know that you didn't waste a bunch of product and have to start all over again.

Supplies:  Paper & Stamp (Upsy Daisy Designs), Pearls (Kaisercrafts), Embossing Folder (Sizzix), Glitter (Craft Supply Store), Glossy Accents (Ranger), Cardstock (Bazzill)

To give the flower a little more interest, I raised it with foam mounting squares.  I added pearls to the flower center and then filled the entire green area with Glossy Accents.  A sprinkling of white glitter over the wet glue gave me just the look I was after.


This next card is another quick and easy one to recreate.  I used a mix of "Vogue" (used above also) and "See You Later Alligator" lines.

Supplies:  Paper, Brads (Upsy Daisy Designs), Card Base (Stampin' Up), Cardstock (Bazzill)

The corduory brads give such  nice texture to the card and you all know how much I love texture.

That's all for now.  Thanks for visiting.

EDITED TO ADD:  Look for this card in the Winter, 2011 issue of Paper Creations Magazine.

More Safari Girl Projects

As promised here are a couple of more baby themed projects using the adorable Safari Girl line by Best Creation Inc.

A Baby Gift Bag

and a Happy 1st Birthday card I made for Daphne a few weeks ago:

Supplies:  Paper, Chipboard (Best Creation Inc.), Twine (Martha Stewart), Rub-Ons (Upsy Daisy, Jenni Bowlin), Epoxy (Epiphany Crafts)

Don't forget to come back on Friday for a fun twist on a "made from scratch" mini album.

"Bee Mine" Card

I can't remember the last time I posted a card on my blog so I'm definitely overdue. Today's card was also made with the new Berrylicious line by Imaginisce.  Even though Valentine's day was last week, I couldn't resist a love theme with these cute little die cut bees.

Supplies: Paper, Die Cuts (Imaginisce), Cardstock (Bazzill), Letters (American Crafts, Basic Grey)

That's all for today.  I have another love themed layout to share this week and another mini album.  Until next time,

Handmade Flowers Blog Hop with Best Creations

Hello and welcome.  If you have just happened upon my blog today, you may wish to go to the START of the blog hop so you don't miss a single one of the fantastic handmade paper flowers ideas. 


Accordian Flower:
The flower I decided to make today is not a new one.  In fact, accoridan flowers are everywhere these days.  What I did a little differently this time was to use my border punch to make the edge a little fancier.  Before I folded the paper, I punched it with my Fiskars's effervescence border punch.  Once it is all folded and made into a flower, you get this really cute edging from the border punch.

Supplies:  Paper & Glittered Cardstock (Best Creation Inc.), Leaf (Prima), Cardstock (Bazzill), Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug), Epoxy (Epiphany Crafts), Die (Spellbinders), Crocheted Flower (American Crafts), Rub-Ons (Jenni Bowlin), Border Punch (Fiskars)

The flower center is actually made from an Epiphany Crafts' epoxy shape and the Bella line from Best Creation.

I also made a coordinating goodie bag to match the card.  I used another miniature accordian flower here as well.  I tied some twine around the bag in such a way that the goodie bag could be hung as a surprise to the recipient.  I can see it hanging off the corner of a computer monitor or maybe a door knob as a sweet surprise on Valentine's Day.

The final stop on our blog hop is Teresa Horner's blog.  Be sure to take a moment and check out her beautiful flowers.  I do hope you've been inspired today.  Have fun and thanks for stopping by.

Let it Snow

Although every last trace of the snow we got on the weekend is gone, I still have some wintery projects to share today.  The first is a card that was published in the winter issue of Canadian Scrapbooker magazine. 

I made this card and ornament set awhile ago, testing out my epoxy tools. I stamped and embossed a white snowflake on blue cardstock and then turned it into an epoxy.  I do believe this was my first "wow" moment with the epoxy tool.  The fancy mirror piece and white lace were both treasures found at the Dollarama.

Supplies:  Paper (Bo Bunny), Stamps (myStamp BOX), Chandelier Crystals (Heidi Swapp), Ribbon (Chatterbox), Sheer (KI Memories), Embossing Folder (Provo Craft), Epoxy (Epiphany Crafts)

I'll leave you with that for today along with a wish for a wonderful weekend. Thanks for stopping by.

A Trio of Holiday Cards

Supplies:  Paper, Chipboard, Rub-Ons, Ribbon & Acrylic Snowflakes (Imaginisce), Cardstock (Bazzill), Embossing Folder (Sizzix), Liquid Pearls (Ranger)

This is my first assignment work with Canadian Scrapbooker magazine.  I used the adorable "Cottage Christmas" line by Imaginisce.  I think the first one is my favourite but I'm also really loving the ornament paper on the last one.  For complete, step by step instructions look on page 67 of the winter issue.

Your Adventure is Here

The second line released last season by Scrap Within Reach is called "The District 406".  I decided to try my hand at making a masculine birthday card, something I do not do often enough. The elements you see on the card are all cut from the journaling card paper.  The shield was popped up with craft foam and I hand stitched black cross stitches to add some texture.

Supplies:  Paper (Scrap Within Reach), Cardstock (WorldWin), Stamp (myStamp BOX), Button & Twine

Don't forget to check back in on Monday for a blog hop full of Christmas projects to kick start the holiday season.
Have a wonderful weekend.

Autumn Splendor

Today I am sharing with you my first projects designed for Best Creation Inc.  I used the new "Autumn Splendor" collection and love it so much you will be seeing more projects from this line.

Supplies:  Paper, Chipboard Alpha (Best Creation Inc.), Flowers (Autumn Leaves, Queen & Co.), Page Pebble (Prima), Bling (Zva Creative), Button (American Crafts), Trim (Pink Paislee, Dollarama, Maya Roads)

I love using chipboard letters, but sometimes I find it difficult when I have several words in my title to balance it all out as the fonts are usually on the larger side.  On this page, I opted for a banner to help achieve the right scale of the "for you" relative to the word "flower".  I also like to mix things up a little by substituting pictures for letters like I did here with the cut flower.  It also relates back to the theme of the page.

This next project is a fun little back to school themed card.

Supplies:  Paper (Best Creation Inc.), Feltie (Basic Grey), Stamps (myStamp BOX)

That's all for today.  Look for more Best Creation projects before the month is out.  In the meantime, I have a My Little Shoebox page to share later this week and I used my favourite myStamp BOX set on it.  Does anyone know which one that is?

Thank You Card Set

I love it when a line of paper has at least one sheet that has all kinds of fun elements that can be fussy cut to create custom embellishments.  This sheet from the "Home Sweet Home" line by Upsy Daisy is perfect for this sort of thing.

By simply removing individual elements from this page, you can create something like this:

Supplies: Paper & Rub-ons (Upsy Daisy), Ribbons & Trim (Making Memories),  Cardstock (Bazzill)

Flowers cut from this same sheet were used to embellish this page:
-Life's Most Precious Gifts

In other news, we are starting a whole new chapter here today with my oldest daughter starting kindergarten.  I'm ready. She's ready.  It's just the whole unknown of the first day and a new routine that we need to get use to.  Wish us luck.  I'm sure it's only the beginning of many wonderful things.

Scrap Within Reach Cards

Our assignment this month was to work with Scrap Within Reach's adorable mini Kraft paper bags. Since you've all seen many pages with the bags, I thought I'd use them for some cards this month.

Supplies:  Paper, Kraft bags, Stickers (Scrap Within Reach), Stamp (myStamp BOX), Button (American Crafts)

Supplies:  Paper, Kraft Bag, Sticker (Scrap Within Reach), Button (American Crafts), Stamp (myStamp BOX), Trim (Dollarama)

I just realized that I have never posted this mini Kraft bag layout on my blog:

Supplies:  Paper, Kraft Mini Bags, Stickers (Scrap Within Reach), Trim (Prima), Brads (Upsy Daisy), Mini Letters (Websters Pages), Misc. Buttons, Border Punch (Martha Stewart)

For more Kraft mini bag projects, check out these pages:
-I am Cute
-This is Love
-Glamour Girl

Don't forget to get your name in the draw for the HUGE stamp giveaway on my blog.  Drawing will be later this week.

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful Monday!!

Another Card For You - "Hi, What's Up"

If you are here for the Epiphany Crafts Card-A-Palooza blog hop, scroll down to the next post. 

Supplies:  Paper (Kiki Art), Stamps (myStamp BOX), Cardstock (Bazill), Adhesive (Helmar)

Today it's my turn to blog on the myStamp BOX blog and it is my pleasure to show you a card made with the adorable Hot Air Balloon collection by Kiki Arts, one of our sponsors this month.  Cruise on over and check it out for all the design specifics.

Have a wonderful Friday!

Epiphany Crafts' Card-a-Palooza Sweepstakes Blog Hop

Welcome to Epiphany Crafts inaugural blog hop and Card-a-Palooza.  If you have just happened upon my blog today, you may wish to go to the start of the blog hop so you don't miss any of the cards the design team has prepared.  As you hop your way from blog to blog you will see 12 different cards showcasing Epiphany Crafts used with 12 different manufacturers.  As you visit each of our design team member's blogs, make a note of the sponsoring company. After you know all 12 companies visit the Epiphany Crafts Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Epiphany-Crafts/138008244814 and leave a comment on the Card-A-Palooza thread listing the 12 companies (abbreviations are okay) and you will be entered into the drawing for a GIANT prize package. You will be receiving product from each of the sponsoring companies plus tools from EC. Best of all, you will be receiving the 12 handmade cards shown on the blogs, all ready to use throughout the year. This is a huge giveaway that you won't want to miss!

The month of August is full of birthdays in my family so I have prepared a Birthday Card today using the 14mm round shape tool in conjunction with myStamp BOX stamps.

Supplies:  Paper (Best Creation Inc.), Stamps (myStamp BOX), Floss (Karen Foster), Shape Tool (Epiphany Crafts), Gems (Kaisercrafts)

The pennants you see here are a brand new release from myStamp BOX. Look for it on the site in the very near future.  The sentiment is from the "Mention It" set.

I used two different pennant stamps to acheive the look you see here.  I raised the solid shape on top of the scallop pennant with foam mounting squres.  The little stars were punched directly from the Best Creation patterned paper.  You wouldn't know I made them if I didn't tell you.  That's how great these tools are!

Next up on your blog hop is the talented LISA WILKINSON. 

Have Fun & Good Luck!

I'm a Cover Girl!!!

I am in utter disbelief! I was just doing a little surfing and came across the advertisement for the June issue of CARDS magaine. 

And guess what??

 That's my card!!

OH MY WORD, THAT is MY CARD!!!

I bet you can see my mile wide grin and hear me squeal with delight from your house!  LOL

I am also happy to say that the stamps used to create the leaves on the tree are by none other than Bettina @ myStamp BOX.  Hooray all around!!!

Anyone want to join me while I do the happy dance??

it's your B-day

Supplies:  Paper (Nikki Sivils Scrapbooker), Feltie (Sassafras Lass), Stamp (myStamp BOX), Border Punch (Martha Stewart)

Today I'd like to pass along a very special birthday wish to a friend I've had since childhood. 

Have a wonderful birthday, Nancy!!!