Erin's Paper Airplanes and More

Wednesday Morning Post for January 25th

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Good morning, thanks for coming to visit me in cyberspace on this wonderful Wednesday. Strap yourself in, get a huge coffee or tea because I have several projects to share today. The first of which is a 12x12 layout of my boys playing in the snow. The supplies for this project were a Christmas present from my hubby. How did he know what to get me? I ordered it for him. I purchased this kit online and it was super cheap (I think around $3 or so) and it came from close to here and came quickly. The papers are from Cosmo Cricket and the line is Twist and Shout. I did not hand cut all the letters for the title, they are die cuts, I did however add Crystal Effects to them and also to the robot, and all the cogs. Yeah, I went a little Crystal Effects crazy. At one point, I thought I was finished so I put it up on the board to be photographed and it looked a little flat so I added all of the metallic elements, brads and the CE accents. Much better!

The next few projects you will notice have some similarities. I told you that I get onto a technique, product or colour combo and work with it for a wile until I tire of it. I don't know what to call this technique, maybe ink collaging? Distressing? Not sure, but essentially what I did is stamp a background on white cardstock, then versamark ink an image, stamp it and then clear emboss. Pretty simple so far right? After heating up the embossing powder I used my Stampin' Sponges and two or three ink colours (in the first example Not Quite Navy and Soft Suede) and alternately rubbed ink in colour blocks onto the white paper and over the embossed image. I then removed the ink from the embossed image to reveal a white silhouette, this process is called "Emboss Resist". After all that I used my colour spritzer tool and a Not Quite Navy SW marker and blew blobs of ink onto the collage. Now something that I didn't do on this card that I meant to but realized when it was too late was to spritz it again with Perfect Pearls mist by Ranger. I did do this for the next project though.

Stamps: En Francais (background), Just Believe (flowers and greeting), Four Frames

Accessories: Soft Suede polka dot grosgrain ribbon, flower button, Decorative Label Punch, Aquapainter, Bella Bleue DSP, colour spritzer tool with Stampin' Write marker

I gave you a close up of this one to show you the effect of the Perfect Pearls Mist, this one is Turquoise.
Stamps: Woodgrain Background, Friends Never Fade, Baroque Motifs
Colours: Not Quite Navy, Pool Party, Soft Suede
Accessories: Pool Party 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon, Colour Spritzer Tool, Spellbinders Blossom Tags and Accents, Tim Holtz Brackets edge die, the Twinery twine in Cappuccino, button from neutrals collection

This last card uses the same technique as the previous two but is a little more involved... I started off with a piece of First Edition Specialty DSP and made two patches of emboss resist. I added more stamping in my chosen ink colours (the wings of the snowboarder, the dots in the corner and the fleur de lis motif), I then colour blocked with my sponges and then I came back in with some black ink to add more accents (stars and crown). At this point I should have misted with the Perfect Pearls, but once again forgot, so that came at the end after all the elements were put together and adhered to the card. This time I used Kiwi Perfect Pearls mist to bring out the kiwi kiss ink I used.
Stamps: Extreme Snowboarder, Extreme Elements, A Little Birthday Cheer
Colours: Not Quite Navy, Tempting Turquoise, Kiwi Kiss
Accessories: Spellbinders Lacy Pennants dies (for banner), 1" circle punch, Circle Designer Brad, Clear Emboss powder, Stampin' Sponges, Perfect Pearls Mist in Kiwi

Okay, that's all for today. I do have another 12x12 layout that technically I should be sharing because it was completed this week but I think I'll save it for next week when maybe I won't be feeling so creative. I hope you are enjoying the new format of my blog and the projects that I have shared this week. Come back again next Wednesday for more paper crafting inspiration. E

First Edition of Wednesday Morning Posts

2012-01-18T10:24:00.000-05:00

Good morning. Well this is the first installment of my new Wednesday morning posts. A little later than expected but I have three projects to share today. The first card has been made using the My Mind's Eye kit Good Day Sunshine. I find that once I start with a paper pack or colour pallet I use it for a few projects and then tire of it and move on to something else. I used another Pagemaps cardmap as inspiration. I find that using these cardmaps I am pulled away from using strips and squares on all my cards, I have to go out of the box. I used the SU! Blossom Bouquet triple layer punch and the mini flower punches for the accents and Spellbinders for the label.

This next card was made for my niece Clare who turned 4 yesterday. It is another one of the gift card holders that I have shown before. The cardstock is folded into four using a zig zag, the centre seam becomes the part that holds the gift card. I used the word window punch and the 1 1/4" circle punch to notch out the holder. I went a little DSP crazy on this one, every surface is covered! I used the Razzleberry Lemonade (Melon Mambo) and the Day and Night Specialty DSP on this one. I closed it with a belly band of DSP, black lace from my mom's stash and some 1/4" grosgrain ribbon in Basic Black. I cut out a heart using the heart punch and then layered it onto a die cut embossed heart. The sentiment is from the Birthday Bliss stamp set, and the button is from Bo Bunny Petal Pushers tied with Charcoal twine from the Twinery.

My last project is a scrap page that I have been meaning to do for a long time and just finally completed it this morning (hence the delay in the post). I have used DSP from the Greenhouse Gala series, I absolutely love this pack and had intended on using it for some home decor projects but I had to use it on this page, the colours were perfect for the photos and the layout. I once again have used a Pagemaps (October 2011) for this one, I can't stress enough how useful Pagemaps are and how much I love them! The punched butterflies are from Martha Stewart punches (I made these while at a crop at Up The Street Scrapbooking back in October). Not only was the scrap page fun to make the subject matter is also fun. Raising butterflies is amazing and so rewarding, imagine finding a tiny little egg or larva on a milkweed plant, bringing it home and watching it grow, chrysalize and then morph into a beautiful butterfly. The whole process takes about 30 days.

Well what do you think about the new format? I think doing a post once a week will take the pressure off me and reduce the waste in my stash because I can focus more time on my projects and not have to make so many. Also I think this will help with my blogging consistency. Happy reading! E

The New Year and Time for Change!

2012-01-15T14:39:00.001-05:00

Good morning folks, I have been contemplating for a while how I can change up my blog so that it is not such a task for me each morning. I started up my blog to improve my Stampin' Up! business which I no longer have and I still feel a great responsibility to all my readers (all twelve of you that is) to post daily. It is somewhat stressful for me as I don't always have something to post and find it wasteful to create something everyday just so that I have something to post. So from now on I will post every Wednesday morning and I will show all the projects I have completed for the week. So I will start with this week and will share what I can create in between now and then. I still have a couple of birthday cards to make so that is probably what you will see. I have not had the time, energy or money to "print" off pictures as of yet, I have a heap of scrapping to do with new photos. I guess I could dig into my stash of photos already printed off and get at it, couldn't I? As always, I will still take requests for special orders for invites and cards etc. I can also be hired to do scrapping for you... just a thought. I hope this Sunday afternoon finds you well my friends, check out yesterday's post as well, I forgot to link it to Facebook. Until Wednesday, E.

A Card For Cheryl

2012-01-14T12:00:00.000-05:00

Good day, I didn't post this card this morning because I hadn't been to Cheryl's house to deliver it yet and it's her birthday today. It is a petal fold card where the outside of the card acts as an envelope and the flaps overlap to close it. I made one like this for my mom for Mother's day last year. I once again used the Good Day Sunshine kit by My Mind's Eye, I just love the colours of it. I added some crystal effects to make the scooter glossy, you can see a bit of a reflection on the rear tire and fender... The photo quality isn't the greatest because they were taken at night and in poor lighting conditions (sorry).

Colours: Pool Party, Tangerine Tango, Chocolate Chip
Stamps: Create a Cupcake, In a Word, Pedaling Past
Accessories: Crystal Effects, Soft Suede ink and Stampin' Sponge (for distressing), circle cutting tool, Big Shot, Spellbinders dies, Basic Grey Jovial Jumbo Brad, Good Day Sunshine kit by MME

January is a busy month for birthdays for me, I can guarantee that you will see at least two more birthday cards this month. I'm not sure what else I'm going to get into, hopefully some scrapbooking. Have a super day, E!

January Birthday Card

2012-01-13T06:30:00.000-05:00

Good morning friends! I have to admit that yesterday I totally procrastinated and avoided house cleaning to make this little beauty. I had a moment of inspiration and had to go with it. I've been wanting to use this design from Pagemaps by Becky Fleck for a while. This design comes from the September 2011 edition of Pagemaps (visit pagemaps.com to access archived page layout and card designs or check out the current ones for January 2012). I used a kit that I purchased at Up The Street Scrapbooking from My Mind's Eye called Good Day Sunshine. I love the colours used in this kit... corals, browns, greens and aqua blues, YUMMY! You can see that I didn't follow the inspiration layout to a "T" but these layouts are always a good starting point. Once again I have used the cracked glass technique, this kit calls for the distressed look! On my focal piece I stamped the "hello" greeting and "happy birthday", sponged the edges and then covered in Versamark ink, a layer of glassy glaze enamel, heated it up and repeated. After two layers of Versamark and GGE I put it in the freezer and then gently bent it to crack the surface. I found the frame piece in my stash and it perfectly fit so I took that as a sign that I had to use it. To make a frame like this you will need a corner and a border punch (I used the scallop trim set from SU!) and follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to go around a square to create a frame. I do have a tutorial for this particular set if anyone is interested.

Colours: Chocolate Chip (all others are not SU! and I didn't match them up)
Stamps: Hello Again, Create a Cupcake
Accessories: My Mind's Eye Good Day Sunshine kit, Soft Suede ink, Stampin' Sponge, Glassy Glaze Enamel, Versamark, heat tool, Scallop trim border and corner punches, button Petal Pushers by Bo Bunny, Early Espresso twine, lace medallion, large brads Jovial by Basic Grey

I still have some more birthday cards to make, my son's teacher has a birthday this month and so does my friend Cheryl. So that makes 3 more cards to make. Busy, busy :} or maybe not. See you again soon! E

Astro-boy Birthday Card

2012-01-12T10:14:00.001-05:00

Good morning. Yes it is still morning. I still haven't caught up with my crafting, but, at least I'm not showing you a Christmas card. I did have to make a card this morning to have something to share. This afternoon I am putting the finishing touches on laundry and tackling the Christmas decorations still all over my house. This is so uncharacteristic of me. I generally take down the tree and put stuff away in between Christmas and the New Year. I guess that little venture to Quebec for a week and a half set me back a little. Today's card is made with left over supplies from the mini album (Cogs) I made for my MIL. I already had the little astronaut cut out and I found him on the disaster I call a scrapping table this morning. He was my starting point for this project. All the paper is from the BoBunny Blast off series. I even found the die cut star on my table. I added some green fine glitter to the face mask of the astronaut to add a little shine.

Colours: Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red
Stamps: Itty Bitty Backgrounds, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Accessories: Bo Bunny Blast Off paper, Basic Grey Jovial brads, Scallop Oval and Large Oval punches, fine Cosmo Glitter

Okay, that's all for today. One of these days I will get caught up and have lots of time to spend crafting. I do have to make a birthday card for my niece whose birthday party is Saturday and for my mom whose birthday is at the end of the month. I should probably make my mom a gift too. Until tomorrow friends, E.

The Last Christmas Card

2012-01-11T10:35:00.001-05:00

Good morning. I know, a Christmas card. In my defence though, I was cleaning up my table so that I could create and this project was sitting there waiting to be finished. So I thought I'd take the quick and easy route so that I could get a post up quickly. I used the cracked glass technique on this one. The snowman focal image as you can see from the photo looks like it is broken glass. How did I do this you ask? Well, I stamped my image on white cardstock in Cherry Cobbler ink, then distressed it with Soft Suede ink. I then covered the entire surface of the cardstock with Versamark ink and then covered it with Glassy Glaze enamel, heat embossed it and repeated the process. I added more Versamark, more Glassy Glaze enamel and then re-heated. I quickly ran my piece of cardstock to the freezer and let it "cool off". After a bit in the freezer I took it out and then cracked the surface and distressed by sponging on more Soft Suede ink.

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Inkadinkado (for snowman)
Colours: Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede, Pool Party, Old Olive
Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note die, Recollections paper, lace scrap, Cherry Cobbler twine, Jenny Bowlin button, snowflake punch, Basic Grey Jovial Brads, Glassy Glaze Enamel, heat tool, 1/2" circle punch, Word Window Punch

I still have so much laundry to do, Christmas trees and decorations to take down and a child to pay attention to today. I have a slight headache thinking about all the stuff to do. But it will all be worth it when I get to sit down to a yummy lasagna dinner tonight. Have a super day! E

First post in 2012

2012-01-10T12:56:00.001-05:00

Good ~~morning~~ afternoon! I'm back! I attempted to do this post earlier today but I've already had two sets of visitors and I unloaded the van and had a shower. I know I promised a stamped-paper crafted project but I must admit that I nipped out of province for a while. Actually a week and a half. Here is a photo of me having fun in Quebec, yes those are mountains behind me. I didn't go skiing even though there is a ski hill in my line of sight in the photo but we did enjoy many outdoor activities in the snow and visiting with family. We came home to greeny-brown coloured grass :( However, it is nice to be home. Hopefully sometime today I will be able to get over to the other side of the room here and pay some attention to my papercrafting supplies, we'll see, I can't make any promises. I do have a pile of laundry to do and stuff to put away, dinner is in the crockpot. I hope you all had a great holiday vacation, I sure did! E

Be Back January 9th or 10th

2011-12-28T08:11:00.003-05:00

Good morning my blog visiting friends. I hope you all had a safe, healthy and happy Christmas. We had a wonderful season this year, my mom's on the 23rd, Christmas eve spent at home with a steak and crab dinner, Christmas morning at home and then to the inlaws for a delicious dinner, my dad's on the 26th and then a visit with friends followed by a drive to Kincardine and back on the 27th. What will the rest of our vacation time hold? Who knows. However, I have been banned from ignoring my family while they are ALL off and that includes scrappin' (boo hoo). So, I am taking a vacation from blogging because I won't have any projects to share with you and I'm all out of things to share that are already complete. I don't even have anything half done right now. So I will return January 9th or 10th. I can't wait to see your bright, shining faces!!! Enjoy your time with your family! Go! E

The Last of the Teacher Gifts

2011-12-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Good morning, I'm glad to be back? Isn't Cheryl wishing she didn't receive the prototype right about now? I heart this project with all my heart. This gift has been given away so it is pretty safe to share, however, I did submit this project to a magazine we'll see what happens. It all started with me wasting time on Pinterest and now look what I can do. This one was made using scraps of paper out of my drawer, seriously. I made the dividers using Kraft (also known as Crumb Cake) cardstock, the labels were also cut using my new Spellbinders dies on Kraft as well. The butterflies were done with my Beautiful Butterfly embosslit die from scraps of scraps and sanded. I added the rhinestones from the September Up the Street kit to the centres of the B-flies. The B-flies are popped up using another one of the place card pins from one of the kits I have bought (love those, will have to get some more). I tucked a border cut using a MS punch on Basic Black cardstock into the lid, it is also glued on with Tombow glue and then tied using some more lace that I pinched from my mom (thanks mom!). Once again the cute little box and cue cards were purchased at Dollarama and stamped with my Smash products date stamp. I need to stop making these so nice, people are starting to request them now. Thanks for checking in today, come back tomorrow for another great project, IMHO ;) E.

Holiday Homework

2011-12-23T06:30:00.000-05:00

Good morning. While you are reading this I just might be getting my hair did. I'm going to look hot for the holidays. Well, I'll at least have nice hair. Today's card is another departure for me. This card is a square (5.25"), I don't normally do squares because I don't have envelopes for them but hey who says you have to wrap up the card? This card is also fairly involved even though it looks simple. I cut strips of patterned paper (Recollections) into 2.5" squares and stuck them down in a grid-like pattern. I then ran the card through the Big Shot using the large dots Texturz plate. The first card I made I attempted to sand the dots, love this look but it didn't work so well with the holly and words glittered paper. So I aborted mission and stuck with just texture (you can see the texture in the second photo - the close up). Next I wrapped some Pool Party ruffled ribbon around the middle seam, for a reason :) The greeting from Inkadinkadoo was inked using Old Olive craft ink and then embossed with Iridescent Ice powder. I used my Fiskars shape cutting tool to cut the greetings in an oval, sponged the edges of the white oval and the card base using Soft Suede, and then cut another larger oval in Cherry Cobbler. I added some chipboard snowflakes to the cards from Basic Grey Jovial collection and then added a co-ordinating epoxy brad in the centre. And done! I really like the colour combo on this one, part traditional part modern. Perfectly me. That's it for now, check back on the 27th, I'm hoping to have something for you then. Have a safe and happy Christmas! E

The Start of Next Year's Xmas Cards

2011-12-22T06:30:00.000-05:00

Good morning! You read this blog post title correctly. I have started Christmas cards for next year (or maybe even a few last minute gifts for this year). I have been finding myself with some extra time lately as I am pretty much all done my Christmas preparations. For once I have accomplished everything on my to do list and in a timely manner as well. I guess I'll just start on next year's preparations. Today's card is something pretty complex for my general style. I added alot of those if I have time/if I feel like it details such as sponging, texturizing backgrounds and embossing. So let me get started. The card base is Pool Party, I used my sanded background stamp and PP ink, then the snowflake from Inkadinkadoo (Ornate Christmas) in versamark and then clear embossing powder. I used Soft Suede ink and a sponge on the edges of the card base and all the embellishments. Layer #2 is cut from Cherry Cobbler cardstock and Recollections paper using the Top Note die and the Big Shot (plus a strip of green paper). I tied Cherry Cobbler twine around the Top Note and adhered it to the first layer using Tombow Multi-purpose adhesive. The next layer is the greeting, first stamped on Very Vanilla cardstock, then die cut using Spellbinders and again from Cherry Cobbler cardstock. I added green brads from Basic Grey (Jovial collection) and stuck it down. The last layer is the snowman, stamped, hand cut, and then sponged. I added an epoxy brad from Basic Grey (Jovial) to finish him off and stuck him down. See what I mean? Lots of steps. But the entire look is awesome *patting self on back*. I hope you like it, you just might be the recipient of it next year, LOL! Come back tomorrow I have one last project to share with you until after Christmas. We'll see how many posts I can do over the holidays, I've been banned from ignoring my family while they are home...

Cogs Mini Album

2011-12-21T09:14:00.001-05:00

Good morning. As promised I am delivering the cogs mini album that I created for my MIL as a Christmas gift. No worries, she's not very tech savy and won't be reading my blog and spoil the surprise. As I mentioned in my post yesterday, I bought the two mini chipboard albums about two years ago. They were really cheap and I loved the shapes of them, cogs for boys and a briefcase for men. The scrapbooking world really does fall short on products out there with a boy/man theme. Do you agree? Back in the early fall I bought the paper from BoBunny at Up the Street Scrapbooking with no plan in mind for it. It was in the clearance section (yes, I am so totally a clearance rack shopper it's the first place I go), but it was so cute with the space monkeys and aliens I just had to have it. A couple months down the road and inspiration kicks in. Perfect! What I do not like about this album is the ball chain closure, I might have to go find a snap ring to hold it, they work much better. I like how the title page of the book turned out, I used some Thickers chipboard stickers for the title, hand cut bits of paper for the embellishments and chipboard cogs that came with the album. The rocket swirl is a Unity stamp (Learn, Discover, Grow), Bashful Blue craft ink and Iridescent Ice embossing powder. I think it adds a nice little touch and "grounds" the rocket to the page. To the rocket I added some crystal effects to add a shine to it, just like I did to the windows and lights on the car of the dad book. The SU! colours used are: Kiwi Kiss, Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue, Night of Navy and Real Red. I used a mixture of fussy cut paper embellishments and buttons and brads (oh my!) to accessorize the pages and add interest. The twine used is from the Twinery, I love twine! If you have any questions about the book as always you are more than welcome to drop a line! Until tomorrow, E.

The Dad Book

2011-12-20T09:02:00.001-05:00

Good morning. Quite a while ago I bought this chipboard album from an SU! mini catalogue, it totally screamed dad to me because it is in the shape of a briefcase. At the same time I also bought the cogs album, come back tomorrow to see what I've done with that one. It was supposed to be a Father's Day gift for my husband, I think it was when I started working and didn't have time for crafting. He didn't receive it for Father's day that year, or the year after (ok, I know I suck). I did one Saturday (this year) finish it off and gave it to him though and he was even more surprised because he wasn't expecting anything (so now I suck less, right?). I used the Travel Journey DSP on this project, the colours are Pumpkin Pie, Garden Green, Sahara Sand, Bashful Blue and Night of Navy. There is so many elements on this book to mention them all, especially since each double page spread has a different theme. What I will mention is the front cover which I think turned out great. I fussy cut one of the sheets of DSP so that the car was on the front of the cover, I used Crystal Effects over the windows and headlights of the car to give them a sheen. Now on to the title of the book. The words "the" and "book" were done with drafting letters that rub on, easy to use and cheap! The chipboard letters that spell out dad are a mish mash of different fonts, love that look! So how did I get the polka dots onto the chipboard do you ask? Well first I ran them through my Big Shot in the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder making sure that the positive side (bumpy side) of the folder is meeting with the top of the letters to create an indent in them. And then, I used my Night of Navy classic ink pad and dabbed them with ink all over. Because the letters have been embossed the holes that were created do not get inked up. Neato mosquito! Haha, I started a sentence with "And" and "Because"! Well that's that, a pretty quick project. The most difficult part was cutting out the handles of the briefcases in the cardstock and DSP. Have a super day, only 5 left until Christmas! Yikes! E

A Honey Love Card

2011-12-19T09:38:00.001-05:00

Good morning. I'm sorry about being quiet over the net waves yesterday, I was a little under the weather and didn't have a completed project to share. I still don't have a current completed project to share but the next two posts will be a good segway into the third post. I don't know if I have shared this card or not, I made a series of cards for my husband after our anniversary when he spoiled me rotten and I didn't even make him a card. With each card or project I included a chocolate bar, his favourite junk food. I thought this card would be fun and flirty, I added a tattoo just to add some visual interest (I don't have a tattoo on my chest). The card measures 4.25" by 5.5", I used a circle to create a template for the breasts, the same template to cut out the bra and I used my scallop trim punch to make the lace trim on the bra. The straps are polka dot grosgrain ribbon in Rich Razzleberry. I also used a half back pear to add some bling to the card. I also made a thong card using the same template, I just added DSP in the shape of underwear instead of in the shape of a bra. Cute? I have seen cards like this all over the place this was my attempt. Come back tomorrow for a mini book that I also made for my husband, it's pretty neat. Until then, E.

Digital Christmas Card

2011-12-17T06:30:00.000-05:00

DISCLAIMER: NO CHILDREN WERE HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS PROJECT MAYBE JUST HUMILIATED A WEE BIT...

Well hello there! You will be glad you visited today. This is what I do to my kids in my spare time, and honestly they were willing participants. I stole this idea from somewhere, can't remember where, but it was probably Pinterest. I promise I haven't been on there in days, these are just ideas from my first few visits. Pinterest is a dangerous thing. For once my kids were allowed to make goofy faces in a photo and do you think I could get them to co-operate? However, the last shot was the best one. Kids move way too fast for my camera to keep up sometimes. I created this card/photo on Publisher, perhaps not as "easy" as doing it on Photoshop but it was probably quicker and more accurate (I'm still learning how to use Photoshop and am feeling the growing pains). So basically all I did is create a page 6"x4", inserted a photo in a shape with border, adjusted the border colour and added text boxes to create the words. I kept playing around until I was satisfied. Thank goodness for the undo button. The title is a "word art" with a shadow. Pretty simple and quick to put together. Time will tell how they printed out as I sent them to the Photolab last night. I'll keep you posted. Have a great day, I'm super busy as I'm hosting a Christmas Party tonight... We'll see if I can get back tomorrow for a post, it may be a late one. E

Again, Not a Paper Airplane

2011-12-16T09:14:00.000-05:00

Good morning, I just wanted to share a quick post with you and a super easy, quick and clean project. I have to admit I totally stole this idea off Pinterest (I really need to stay off there because I get inspiration overload) but I loved it and it was so doable with the time frame I have left before Christmas. I made two strands of these pom pom garlands, I originally made one but of course it wasn't long enough. I purchased these pom poms at Dollarama, they are awesome, they are almost like felt balls, perfect for stringing. I used a silver jewellery trim that I bought at Walmart last year for like $.50 on clearance. You could use any cording you want as long as it fits through the eye of your needle and can be threaded through the pom pom. Now how awesome is this... I was able to make them while sitting watching tv with my husband so that I wasn't completely ignoring him. So run, don't walk to Dollarama in Strathroy and buy yourself some of these pom poms even if you don't have time to make them this year you could save them for next (guaranteed you won't be able to find pom poms especially like these anywhere next year). Have a fab Friday y'all. E

Chicken Little, or Little Chicken

2011-12-15T12:12:00.001-05:00

Good afternoon. Apparently my Blogger issues are resolved. No, this is not a paper airplane I'm sharing with you today it is a knitted creation. I have warned you that this was coming. I found the pattern for this in a book I borrowed from the library, I think it is called Baby Knits. I did alter the pattern a little (mostly just on the feet) because they wanted me to crochet and I can't for the life of me figure it out. This is a Christmas gift for my baby nephew, I usually do sock monkeys but the chicken is way cuter. I love the tail feathers. Hope you are having a good day, I'm off to help out at the school today. E

Grade One

2011-12-14T06:30:00.000-05:00

Good morning, I don't even know where to start with this one. But first I must brag about myself a little bit. I think this is the best scrap page I have EVER completed. All right enough about me, on to the page...
Would you like to venture a guess as to where I got the supplies from? That's right at Up the Street Scrapbooking, the August Bookworm kit. Are you starting to believe me that there is great value in purchasing kits? You get all the pieces that co-ordinate and like in the kits Tara puts together you get embellishments too. Not every element on this page came from the kit but a good portion of it did. I'll start off with the base, a 12x12 piece of textured colour core cardstock by Core-dinations. I'm just discovering the world of colour core cardstock and I'm in love. If you sand it the core colour comes through, or better yet emboss it and then sand and see what happens. In this case I just sanded. Layer 2 is a piece of 11x11 basic black cardstock, Layer 3 is Simple Stories paper for the bottom two strips and SU! Crushed Curry DSP from the Write Stuff on the top. The next layer is the photos and what you see in photo #2, let's discuss... Right now things with banners are hot, hot, HOT. I have seen this technique in a couple of different places, strips of patterned paper (which were all scraps) with a different border treatment at the bottom "stacked" beside each other. The title was layered on top, it was cut from more scraps of DSP and the scallop frame was cut from more colour core cardstock (Whitewash collection, with yellow core) that I actually bought for another project but worked really well with this one. I sanded the colour core cardstock to bring out a little of the yellow core, then added some of the alpha sticker from the Basic Grey Oxford collection. The last layers, the "embellishments" all came from the same sheet of Simple Stories paper. It is like a collage that you can use as is or cut the various elements apart and use as you wish (that's what I did). The only stamp on this page is "no. 147" from the Nature Walk stamp set. The button is Basic Grey and is tied with Cherry Cobbler Baker's twine. Any questions?
I can't believe how close to Christmas it is, where has the year gone? Time to reflect... E

School Days Title Page #2

2011-12-13T06:30:00.000-05:00

Good morning! I have to say that my paper crafting is really on a roll lately. Maybe it has something to do with my break up with you know who and now that I'm exploring my options I'm expressing myself better. Now didn't that sound cryptic? No my husband and I are not having problems, we are so in love, I just wanted to clear that up. LOL! Many of the pieces of this page also came from the August Up the Street kit called Bookworm. I did however add some SU in there for good measure. I used a product that I previously wasn't so sure I liked but I am now almost converted. I'm talking about Smooch Spritz. When I try to use it to "distress" my page I end up with blobs, so I found another application for it. The big circle in the title was sprayed completely in Smooch Spritz. It was originally a piece of white cardstock that I gave a bath of spritz. I let it dry overnight, added the ring and the scallop circle layer, the letters and voila a cute little title. I really played around with the layout of this page, it was alot of work. I sponged the edges of almost everything. What I really like about this page is how neutral it is with a couple pops of colour instead of being colour barf (and we all know how much I hate colour barf). I just kept adding layers and elements to this page until I was happy. So after this I was inspired to create tomorrow's page, watch out it's a goodie! Another piece that I love is that Ryan helped me to create by adding his own name to the "sticker". I took a big risk letting a five year old write his own name on something that I only have one of but it turned out great! Get ready this one is supply heavy!

Supplies:
Colours: Crushed Curry, Soft Suede, Basic Black
Stamps: Headline Alphabet, Big Deal Alphabet (both for the A+ on the report card)
Accessories: Smooch Spritz in Log Cabin, Simple Stories paper, Basic Grey Oxford line (paper, buttons, stickers, alpha letters), Big Shot, Scallop Circle die, Tasteful Trim die, stampin' sponge, Early Espresso Baker's twine, Soft Suede SW marker

Ok, that wasn't so bad was it? Thanks for stopping by again today. Visit me again soon! E

School Days Title Page #1

2011-12-12T06:00:00.001-05:00

Good morning! Today I'm sharing with you the title page for Sean's school days scrap album. My plan is to collect report cards and awards etc. in one place along with individual photos and class photos. I used the products from the August Up the Street kit called Bookworm. I think that I previously posted a project using bits from this kit and quoted it as being the September kit, which it is not. The piece on this page to talk about most is the Kraft border/Title. I used the stamp that was included in the Bookworm kit to clear emboss and then stamped to make a collage effect using Extreme Elements. I also added the inspirational stamp that was included in the kit. The blue strip at the bottom of the page is cardstock that I texturized using Texturz plates and the Big Shot. I then sponged some Chocolate Chip ink to distress it. I also added a border cut from text DSP using the spiral punch.

Supplies...
Colours: Bashful Blue, Kraft, Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black, Always Artichoke
Stamps: Extreme Elements and Headline Alphabet (SU!), Learn, Discover, Grow (Unity)
Accessories: Basic Grey paper, stickers and buttons (Oxford collection), Simple Stories paper (report card embellishment), heat tool, clear embossing powder, Early Espresso baker's twine, spiral punch, First Edition Specialty DSP

Check back tomorrow for part two of the title pages for the boys' books. It's super! E

Proud Momma Moment #2

2011-12-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Good morning, it's Sunday... just in case you were wondering. Sometimes I forget what day it is. Hopefully this morning you were able to sleep in a little. This card is the one my 5 year old son made for his teacher and unlike Sean's card (shown yesterday), Ryan's card was done almost completely by himself. Ryan stamped both snowmen where he wanted and coloured them using Stampin' Write markers, and stamped the snowflakes too! I think he did a really good job!

Supplies...
Colours: Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss, Bashful Blue
Stamps: Snow Buddies
Accessories: scraps of DSP I can't remember the name of, Kiwi Kiss corduroy button, garage string, SW markers

Are you enjoying the nice cold weather? I am from the comfort of my stampin' room as my kids play outside. I love being in the "dining room" where I have a ginormous window to let in lots of natural light and I can watch the little monkeys play. That reminds me I have yet to share my "new" space. It will come. Have a good and slow day, relax, you deserve it. DO NOT GO CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TODAY, BAD IDEA, MAJOR!!!! E

Proud Momma Moment

2011-12-10T08:15:00.001-05:00

Good morning, it is a bright and sunny wintry day today. Yep I just checked the current temperature it's -9, brrrrr! Sometimes I really feel the void of not having a daughter, you know someone to be your sidekick, your partner in crime, your little shadow. But I do have two awesome little boys who love their momma to bits and like to spend time with their momma even if it means having to make cards together. They actually like it and look forward to it, Sean had been bugging me for days to make a Christmas card for his teacher. So this is what we created together, it looks awesome and Sean actually helped a whole bunch. Sean stamped the trees and Dasher, he also cut the trees out with my very sharp scissors, I also let Sean use the very hot heat tool to emboss the trees and reindeer. He looked at me funny when I told him to dump the jar of glittery embossing powder on the wet ink and asked "the whole thing"? Sean also applied the adhesive and stuck all the bits down. Sean was also allowed to play with mommy's prized possession, the Big Shot to die cut the scalloped circle, he was so thrilled to use his manly powers to turn the crank. Good to know! Next time I need a hundred pieces of something cut I know who to call!

Supplies...
Colours: Real Red, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla
Stamps: Patterned Pines, Dasher
Accessories: Iridescent Ice embossing powder, heat tool, Big Shot, Scallop Circle die, Christmas Jingle SS kit, 5/8" grosgrain ribbon in Old Olive

I hope you are having a super Saturday, the boys have invited friends over and for a couple hours this afternoon it is going to be crazy around here. Why do I do these things to myself? Because I love my boys, that's why! E

Teacher Gift Idea

2011-12-09T09:04:00.001-05:00

Good morning my scrappy little friends! I'm hap, hap, happy today because I woke up to some snow this morning and last night during one of my insomnia moments I was able to complete teacher gift #1. Yes this is another journal in a box, but a much more revised version. While at Up the Street Scrapbooking one day I picked up a Spellbinders die set, best scrappin' purchase I have ever made with the exception of my Big Shot of course. Yes! You can use Spellbinders in your Big Shot, you just might have to play with them a little but \I discovered that if you put all the tabs on the platform and use the regular cutting plates you get a nice clean cut (I didn't have to add any additional layers). Then to emboss I flipped the die over and ran through my BS again but this time removing one tab, using a standard cutting plate on the bottom, the embossing squishy thing and then the embossing plate on top (like you would use if using the embossing plates from Sizzix). So needless to say I die cut twelve of the tabs along with twelve of the text paper labels and then I used my computer to print off the months on vanilla cardstock and cut them with my Word Window punch. The little flowers were 1 3/4 inch circles punched out and then spiral cut and then re-spiraled into the flower and adhered with glue dots. The flower centres are 1/2 circles cut from the reverse of the paper and a half back pearl. Now let me talk about the heart embellishment... how cute did this turn out? The place card holder pin (that's what I'm calling because I have no idea what it is) came in a kit I bought at Up the Street, I didn't even realize what it was until last night, but I love it and will be tracking down more of them. So what I did with it is slide the heart and banner into the loop and then pushed the pin through the lace and into the box. I'm really starting to realize that papercrafting gets easier with the more tools you have, but that gets expensive.

Supplies...
Colours: Basic Black, Very Vanilla, and I added a little Kiwi Kiss in the banner
Paper: Basic Grey Just the Basics line, left over text paper
Stamps: Smash stamp (for the date), Pennant Parade (hello on heart tag)
Accessories: Big Shot, Spellbinders Blossom Tags and Accents, Word Window punch, 1 3/4" and 1/2" circle punches, Heart to Heart punch, Stampin' Sponges, half back pearls, glue dots, place card holder pin, black lace stolen from my mom's stash (tee hee), Tombow multi-glue
Dollarama: Mead cue cards, "recipe box"

Phew, that was alot of work! Of course I have left stuff out, I always do, so if you ever have questions about how I did something or what products I have used by all means contact me, I'm more than willing to share! I hope the teachers really appreciate these gifts because if they don't they will get a mug filled with teddy bears and cheap chocolates next time *wicked laugh*. Last night the boys and I worked on Christmas cards for their teachers, will be my next two shares. I think you will be impressed. Until then, E.

Quick Pic

2011-12-08T08:14:00.001-05:00

Good morning, thanks for coming to visit today. I hate to disappoint you but I don't have a project to share, I'm spending some quality time with my baby boy. Here's a peace offering, I will share a recent photo taken of me and my boys at Niagara Falls. Hopefully tomorrow I will have one of the teacher gifts ready to share. I need to track down some black ribbon. See you soon! E

Don't Eat Yellow Snow

2011-12-07T10:57:00.001-05:00

Good morning, I know I said I was done making Christmas cards but I decided to make some as a gift for someone. This is what I came up with. Technically it doesn't have to be a Christmas card, it could be for winter or even a winter birthday card. The plaid paper is out of the Up the Street kit for September, it went perfectly with the colours I wanted to use. I created a strip of crinkled paper torn at the edge, a spiral strip and a strip of textured DSP inked direct to paper and then torn. The card base was texturized using the Big Shot and a Sizzix embossing folder. The cute puppy stamp was purchased at Up the Street for $1.99 or $2.99, it is acrylic which I generally don't prefer but I couldn't resist this one. I'm sorry but I can't remember the manufacturer because I threw out the packaging to put it in a stamp case, oops. I watercoloured the puppy and added some yellow snow and then glittered it (you may have to enlarge the photo to see the glittery effect). I LOVE this card!

Supplies...
Colours: Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, So Saffron (for the pee)
Stamps: by Inkadinkado (thanks Tara!)
Accessories: plaid paper from the Basic Grey Oxford line, Vanilla Naturals cardstock, spiral punch, Neutral Buttons collection, Early Espresso Baker's twine, Dazzling Diamonds glitter

My oldest son is somewhat obsessed with eating snow. I'm trying to stop that by saying that eating snow is like drinking out of a puddle, gross. I just might have to make him one of these cards! He does have a winter birthday LOL! Where did all my snow go? Please, please, please snow!!! E

Apron Invite

2011-12-06T08:53:00.001-05:00

Good morning friends. Today I'm sharing something kinda cutsie with you. I made these apron cards as invites to my Christmas party for those I couldn't reach through Facebook. As you can see I only had to make two. These girls are a top fold card with a right angled triangle cut from the two top corners. I added the 1/4" grosgrain ribbon "neck pieces" (the word isn't coming to me) and then covered them with DSP. Next I added the ruffled ribbon embellishment and attached it with my Tombow multi-purpose glue, the tie is once again 1/4" grosgrain ribbon attached with glue dots and added the holly and snowflake embellishments from the Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin' kit. Have you been keeping track of how many projects I have made with that kit? I've lost track but I have done at least one 12x12 page, 15 cards and who knows what else. I think the kits are a great value especially for the beginning cardmaker or scrapper. I'm a happy camper today, we have a small dusting of snow this morning and hopefully we'll get more. Have a great day! Christmas cards are being mailed today, wohooo! E

Another Gift Idea

2011-12-05T09:12:00.001-05:00

Good morning, are you all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed? I'm not, I'm still in a fog. We overslept as a whole family this morning and my husband (love you Jasey) had to drive the kids to school. I didn't create this project specifically to share on my blog, to be honest I wasn't going to share it at all, but this morning when I came into my space I started to wonder what I was going to share. I'm working on two extensive gifts right now and will share them when complete. I just might have to share a few knitted creations as well (I'm working in the cutest thing right now). Ok Erin, on with it! For this album I did alot of re-purposing. I used spare 6x6 page inserts that I had taken out of a book to be replaced with different 6x6 page protectors. I definitely was not going to throw them out, I have a hard time throwing useful things away (yes Jasey, I know I'm a pack rat). The idea for this book came to me quite quickly. The book covers are re-purposed as well, they are the backing boards from paper packs. See? I don't throw useful things away. So what I did was cut them 6" by 7", scored along the short end at 1" to make the spine and embellished them. I "sealed" the book by using four jumbo eyelets, two through the back (do this first so that the rough edge does not show to the front of the book) and then two through the front and cinched them using my Crop-a-dile. I then tied some bailer twine, also re-purposed from an Up the Street Scrapping kit, through the eyelets and tied in a bow. For the inside of the book I created a 6x6 page for every month of the year and made a blurb about what Sean and Ryan were up to that month. I like this idea I just might have to do it every year!

Supplies...
Colours: Kraft, Pacific Point, Real Red, Bashful Blue, Pear Pizazz
Stamps: Full Calendar (for the month titles)
Accessories: Celebrations DSP, Celebrations accents, garage string, brights buttons, "R" and "S" chipboard from Close to my Heart inked with real red Craft ink, chipboard "&" in Bashful Blue Craft ink, bailer twine, Big Shot, Sizzix embossing folders (for some of the title frames)
Punches: Modern Label, Scallop oval, Large Oval, Extra Large Oval

And there you have it! A cute little book to give as a gift to someone you love. It's raining here again today, I wish it was snow! Take care! E

Handmade Gift Idea

2011-12-04T10:59:00.001-05:00

Good morning friends, thanks for coming back to check out today's project. When I first got up this morning the lighting was crap and I like to take photos with as much natural light as possible. So I had to wait to take a photo of the finished project. The first photo shows the outside of the box and the pretty packaging, the second photo is a bit of a fuzzy close up of the tag, and the third photo shows the inside of the box with dividers. How cute did this turn out? Let me tell you that these little things are time consuming, but fun! I designed the box and dividers, it was actually quite easy, I just measured how much space I would need and then added two inches to the length and the width. These extra two inches act as the sides of the box. The dividers were 2 1/2" wide, scored at 1/4", 1 1/4" and 2 1/4". I even added little tabs (1/4") at the end of each divider to attach to the sides of the box for added stability. More details to add, the letters on the tags were hand cut from the bingo title on the cards, I used the scallop circle and 1 3/8" circle punches for the "bingo balls" and 3/4" circles for the bingo markers.

Supplies...

Colours: Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla

Stamps: Bingo Background, Jolly Bingo Bits

Accessories: left over chipboard, Sizzix Scallop tags die, Spellbinders Blossom Tags and Accents, Itty Bitty flower punch, green rhinestones, hemp twine, 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Jolly Holiday DSP, jumbo eyelets, scallop circle, 1 3/8", and 3/4" circle punches

I have made three of these Bingo sets as gifts for my nieces, it is just a small token gift, I think they'll like them and will give the girls something to do on Christmas Day. I hope you are happy you visited today, I'm always happy to have you! E

2011-12-04T08:54:00.001-05:00

Blog post coming today, just waiting for better lighting to photograph my masterpiece.

Special Saturday

2011-12-03T08:25:00.001-05:00

Good morning my blog visiting friends. I am all out of completed projects to share with you, hopefully I will have something ready for tomorrow. In the meantime I will share photos of my two lovely boys, they are holding their letters to Santa in front of my non-traditional Christmas tree. Have a great day. E

P.S. yes, Ryan is always that difficult to photograph because he makes the goofiest faces :(

Remember When?

2011-12-02T08:49:00.000-05:00

Good morning, remember when I posted my 500th blog post and I said if you leave me a comment I will draw a winner to receive a prize, a something handmade by me? And only two people left comments? And I said that they both win? Well I'm finally getting around to getting them their prizes. This one is going to Cheryl, I haven't decided what to make for Patti yet. What is this you ask? I am calling it "Journal in a Box", I snatched the idea off Pinterest (yes I'm mentioning that two days in a row now). Of course I modified mine and it doesn't really resemble the original but I'm sure it is just as fabulous. Guess what else I'm going to do with these... Christmas presents! I think they will make a great teacher gift!!! In essence what a journal in a box includes is a cue card for every day of the year (hopefully) and each day you take that card out and write a little something on it. A quote that you heard and loved, an idea, happy news/sad news, how you are feeling or something one of your adorable said that made you laugh. There is space on this journal to write for many, many years to come! Did you spot my error? Yep, I stamped with 2011, so to cover my mistake I'm going to write on the card of the day that the project was completed, that I completed it on that day. You do have to write which year you are writing about unless you have one of these handy dandy date stamps like I do. You can also write birthdays on the top line so that you never forget a birthday. The date stamp is a Smash product, I picked it up at Up the Street Scrapbooking no less, you could also get them at Staples (they're more expensive and not as cool). This weekend is Tara's Open House at Up the Street, you should go! I am! Snow again today, yay! E

The Bootroom is Done?

2011-12-01T09:39:00.001-05:00

Good morning! I don't have a "creative" project to share with you today, just a home decor project. I got my inspiration from Pinterest (thanks Diane) so I have shared my inspiration photo and the actual photo. Needless to say, I haven't had very much time to craft lately I've been busy setting up my Christmas tree, decorating for Christmas and putting up Christmas lights on top of designing and building this marvel. I know it is not complete yet but I wanted it functional for the start of boot season because I definitely don't want the entries to my house all cluttered up. Not to mention the fact that I don't have the funds to totally complete the project yet... It is Christmas and all. Have I mentioned yet that all my Christmas shopping is done? And that I'm working on my Christmas crafting now? So that's where I stand. Oh, yeah, I'm also trying to get my Christmas cards signed, sealed, and delivered. I even wrote a Christmas letter this year. I do have a homemade Christmas gift idea coming up for you tomorrow, promise! Until then... E

Can't Wait for Dec. 25

2011-11-30T08:55:00.001-05:00

Good morning! We finally got our first snow! My kids are over the moon today, we've already had a huge snowball fight. I am sharing with you a page that I started to create for one purpose (apple picking) and then ended up using for a completely different page altogether (Christmas). I often find that traditional Christmas papers don't match anything in my life. I have two boys that wear blue (not red and green), my Christmas theme is purple, you can see my dilemma. I am totally a non-traditionalist. The DSP used here is called Celebrations, it didn't say what celebration you had to use it for. I have also added some of the self-adhesive die cuts from the Celebrations line to this page. But wait, there is Christmas elements on here too. I used the self-adhesive die cuts from the Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin' kit for the title and the holly. This is a simple page but I like the cleanness of it. This page goes to show that you can create with whatever you want, break all the rules, be different. I certainly am... Have a super snowy day! E

Family Traditions at Christmas

2011-11-29T09:07:00.000-05:00

Bienvenue! Welcome! Here is another example of me getting off track, but I think it was well worth it in the end. While making my Christmas Jingle cards I also made this page, I just adore it, mostly because of the sentiment that it brings. The photos were taken at our old house on Christmas eve 2009, on Christmas eve we have developed certain traditions such as a finger foods dinner (yum!), playing games and watching Christmas movies. Pretty low key, no gallivanting around, but I wouldn't have it any other way because to me, Christmas is all about spending time with family and that is what we do. I truly cherish moments like these.

Many of the elements on the page come from the kit, however I will mention the ones that don't. The buttons and Baker's twine were added by me, and also the scalloped border and the zig zag border are cut from Real Red and Old Olive cardstock using the Big Shot and the Tasteful Trim die. What a great investment that die was, I did manage to pick it up as a half priced hostess item and I use it all the time! At this time I invite you to share with me some of your Christmas traditions, I'd like to hear what some of my readers do... see you soon! E

12x12 Layout Re-make

2011-11-28T06:30:00.000-05:00

Good morning! If this blog post looks familiar that is totally possible and you have been reading my blog for quite a while, thanks! In the process of me moving my stampin' stuff from downstairs to up, and from all over the place into nice organized spaces I have been finding some UFO's and some projects that are complete but don't really feel that way because I may not necessarily like them. Today's post falls into the second category. I made this page quite a few months ago, never really liked it. I think the problem is that there was only one small photo and too much blank space, in hindsight I think I should have created a smaller box to put the photo in. So while I was making all my Christmas cards with the Christmas Jingle Simply scrappin' kit I came across this page and revamped it. I added a second photo, the one of my other son and Santa and put the title at the bottom and repurposed many of the elements from the original page. The top photo is the new remake and the bottom is the original not so great. If anyone says they like the second photo better I just might have to get cyber violent on them, LOL! Have a great day! E

Jolly Holiday Series #12

2011-11-27T06:30:00.000-05:00

Good morning, I am sending you warm fuzzy thoughts as I am snuggling in my bed. I chose to sleep in today and since I'm still in bed this is obviously a scheduled post. We have so much work to do today including outdoor lights, Christmas tree and boot room wall decorating. Wish us luck as I'm here avoiding work.

Today's card is a much better example of my "best" work. Yesterday's cards were just horrendous, what was I thinking? The good news is that this is the last post in this series, you will never have to look in on this colour combo again. I might even be done with making Christmas cards for this year so I will share some gift ideas instead. Now I just have to sign, seal and deliver them, a task I generally look forward to but for some reason this year I am dreading and avoiding. I'm starting to notice a trend here, me avoiding doing things, not good! I have sold this stamp set now and the co-ordinating punch, I found I just wasn't using it much and I got tired of tieing little ornaments on strings...

Supplies

Colours: Cherry Cobbler, Pear Pizazz, Very Vanilla

Stamps: Delightful Decorations, Christmas Greetings

Accessories: Jolly Holiday DSP, Holly and Jolly rub ons, Ornament Punch, Cherry Cobbler Baker's twine, clear basic rhinestones, rhinestone brads

I'll be back tomorrow to give you an update on how productive we were, my husband is off on Monday so we do have that day to continue with all our work. We are done our Christmas shopping so we have lots of time on our hands I guess. See you then! E

P.S. My spell checker isn't working for some reason so if there is errors I'm sorry.

Jolly Holiday Series #10 and #11

2011-11-26T06:30:00.000-05:00

Good morning to you, bad morning for me. While you are reading this I am probably sitting in an all day training session. I did have a good time last time but to waste a whole Saturday sitting in a hot room? I'd rather be crafting! I don't know why I'm sharing these cards with you, I don't particularly like them but oh well what's done is done. At least I shared them both at the same time and didn't waste your time coming back twice to view them. Sometimes I guess you just have to humble yourself and share your less than best work.

Supplies

Colours: Cherry Cobbler, Pear Pizazz, Very Vanilla

Stamps: Snow Swirled, Christmas Greetings

Accessories: Jolly Holiday DSP, Holly and Jolly rub ons, Regals buttons, Cherry Cobbler Baker's twine, clear basic rhinestones

I am hoping you are having a fun day, think of me while you are having fun. I really wanted to sleep in today :( E

Jolly Holiday Series #8 and #9

2011-11-25T06:30:00.000-05:00

Good morning everyone! It looks like it is going to be a bright and sunny, cool and crisp fall day here in SW Ontario. Yay! I do love fall but I'm kinda anticipating waking up to that first snowfall too. I'm continuing to progress (slow but sure) on my stampin' room, I have so much stuff it is hard to find a place for every stray accessory and bit of paper or die cut. My biggest problem is my UFO's, UnFinished Objects or ones that are complete and don't have a book to go into. My whole house is a mess and I feel so overwhelmed by the chaos!!! We are working on it though, trust me. By mid December this house is going to be spotless!

For today's cards I didn't see the point in sharing them separately as they are almost identical with the exception of accessories added in different places. I want to start off by defending myself on purchasing this stamp set A Cardinal Christmas, I have been teased so much for owning this one. I like it because it is very traditional and it is good to make cards to send to little old ladies, lol. Normally I would stamp these birds in Staz On black ink and water colour them but I decided to go for a red work or toile look. Does anyone know what that is? Red work is stitchery done completely in red on a white background, and toile is a fabric that has a print on it usually in one colour, the print tends to be pretty traditional. I like red work, I like toile fabrics and I like A Cardinal Christmas, so there! I'm an old fashioned fuddy duddy at heart. Have a super day, I will the boys are at school! E

Supplies

Colours: Cherry Cobbler, Pear Pizazz, Very Vanilla

Stamps: A Cardinal Christmas

Accessories: Jolly Holiday DSP, Holly and Jolly rub ons, Cherry Cobbler Baker's twine

Jolly Holiday Series #7

2011-11-24T06:30:00.000-05:00

Good morning all! I love, love, LOVE this card and this stamp set. Patterned Pines has to be my all time favourite Christmas stamp set, it was a hostess only set which makes it more rare. I don't think I will ever part with this one. Today's card is a bit more finicky than some of the others I have been sharing, I stamped the trees in two colours (the trees come from a one piece stamp), so I had to stamp in Cherry Cobbler, clean the stamp and then stamp again in Pear Pizazz. Next, I cut around each tree and mounted them on a background that was embossed using the Perfect Polka Dots folder and Big Shot. Oh I guess I tied the Cherry Cobbler twine around the one tree stump before adhering it down. I also added a button from the regals collection and a mat which was layered on a card front decorated with Jolly Holiday DSP and a cardstock strip, and done. Here's a TIP for you: use glue dots to adhere buttons, they hold really well.

Well that's all for today's post. Hopefully today I can get some order into my stampin' room. So far the desk has been installed and the shelves were put up last night (yay!), now I just need to organize my disaster and get rid of one of the three tables in my room. My son and I also have to finish the painstaking task of finishing his letter to Santa. This will be our third attempt, it's a good thing he is cute. Have a great day! Come back tomorrow and see another card from this series, there's only 3 more posts left! E

Jolly Holiday Series #6

2011-11-23T06:30:00.000-05:00

Good morning! I have about 4 minutes to do this post, busy day shopping ahead. This is a cute card IMHO, I really like the bow in the corner. Have a great day! E

Colours: Cherry Cobbler, Pear Pizazz, Very Vanilla (with a hint of Old Olive)

Stamps: Dasher

Accessories: Jolly Holiday DSP, Holly and Jolly Rub ons, clear rhinestones, paper clip from clips assortment, 5/8" grosgrain ribbon in Old Olive

Jolly Holiday Series #5

2011-11-22T06:30:00.000-05:00

Good morning! We are back from our mini vacation, I can't quite say that we are all rested because we had quite the active and busy weekend, but we had fun and some well deserved family time. And, to top it all off we made a pit stop at Ikea on the way home and bought all kinds of stuff for the house, including my stampin' space. Do you know how happy this made me? I now have an awesome desk (that we had to put together as soon as we got home lol) and some shelves!!! The shelves are hopefully going up tonight, then I'm going to have to find curtains and chairs and boxes and art, so fun! I don't know where all the money for this is going to come from but I guess I'll have to take it one day at a time. I do have plans in the future to buy a matching desk for the other side of the room to put my computer on. That will be my next trip to Ikea.

Today's card is a little different from some of the others I have shared, it is a tent fold card (meaning the fold is at the top and it looks like a tent) and it includes DSP, stamps, rub ons and twine, oh my! Now I'm just missing some rhinestones and buttons and it would be completely done up.

Supplies...

Colours: Cherry Cobbler, Pear Pizazz, Very Vanilla

Stamps: Dasher

Accessories: Jolly Holiday DSP, Holly and Jolly rub ons, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine

My sister and baby nephew just left, I was in the middle of my post when there was a knock at the door I am sorry this is a little bit late but I just had to get my baby fix. I hope you all have a good day, I certainly am! Productivity 0, Love 100%! Oh well, it's all worth it! E

Jolly Holiday Series #4

2011-11-21T06:30:00.000-05:00

Good morning, this card looks similar to yesterday's... I guess I could have shared them in one post together... I did change things up a little like using rhinestones on the antlers instead of the baker's twine. I love the polka dot DSP, I'm partial to p-dots though. Living large, E.

Supplies:

stamps- Dasher

accessories- Jolly Holiday DSP, Holly and Jolly rub ons, clear rhinestones, Scallop circle punch

colours- Cherry Cobbler, Pear Pizazz, Very Vanilla

Jolly Holiday Series #3

2011-11-20T06:30:00.000-05:00

Good morning! Super quick post today just eye candy no babble :p

Supplies:

stamps- Dasher

accessories- Jolly Holiday DSP, Holly and Jolly rub ons, Baker's twine, Scallop circle punch

colours- Cherry Cobbler, Pear Pizazz, Very Vanilla

Have a great day all! See you tomorrow. E

Jolly Holiday Series #2

2011-11-19T06:30:00.000-05:00

Good morning all! I'm going to try to keep this one quick, we have a super busy day and I'm doing this post in real time. Not to mention the fact that my kids are hounding me for breakfast. This is another card in the series using Jolly Holiday DSP, no rub ons this time but it does use my favourite Christmas stamp Dasher (isn't he dashing?) and the very cute greeting is from Christmas Greetings, the snow flakes are from Snow Swirled which I have just sold. This card is a side fold with a strip of DSP along the edge, a border using the Scallop Trim punch and some baker's twine tied at the "intersection". I often times like to hide seams like this using twine, ribbon or garage string. I didn't add any bling to this card but you totally could. Well we are off to the Santa Claus parade this afternoon and then my grandma's 85th birthday party. I have about 1 000 001 things to do!!! Guess I'd better get going, maybe I'll see you at the parade! E

Jolly Holiday Series #1

2011-11-18T08:30:00.000-05:00

Good morning, I attempted to take pictures of my scrap pages that I have ready to share but the batteries are dead until further notice. So, I'm moving on to my next card series called Jolly Holiday. This time I have used a combination of DSP (Jolly Holiday), stamps (Dasher) and rub on transfers (Jolly and Holly) instead of a Simply Scrappin' kit. I do love how versatile the products can be because yesterday I shared a page using the same DSP and rub ons. This was a pretty simple card to get together, I stamped Dasher on a rectanglar piece of cardstock, added some clear rhinestones, matted it on Pear Pizzazz cardstock, rubbed the greeting onto Cherry Cobbler cardstock punched out using the scallop circle punch and layered all the elements onto a Very Vanilla card base. Easy peasy! Did you get snow yesterday? I saw approximately 3 flakes while driving, what the heck happened to me living in the snow belt? I know I'm getting a little over anxious it is only mid-November, but we better have snow for Christmas or I will track down all you snow haters out there and beat you with a candy cane! Santa does not want to travel by helicopter this year, I know this because he told me so. Apparently this weekend we are supposed to go back up to 15 degrees, ok I'll take it. Today is a PD day, I think the letters in PD stand for Parental Distress. My kids woke up in fine form this morning let me tell you. I think I need to send them outside today, all day! Did I mention that I woke up with a headache, and my plan to sleep in? Well let's just say that was destroyed by a five year old with bad breath. Gotta love em! Or else they just might not exist. Have a fantabulous day everyone. I feel a trip to the local paper crafting store is in order today! See you soon! E

X-mas Traditions

2011-11-17T09:08:00.001-05:00

Good morning! I'll try to make this short and sweet, my son really wants to go skating this morning. I crafted a scrap page this week, I had a little help from Tara at Up the Street, she helped me find some products that she had in store that would work with my page. This scrap page is an excellent lead into my next card series as the DSP is the common element. Most of the products used on the page are Stampin' Up! such as the DSP and the rub ons but I have used other stuff as well. Here is some notable details...

1. The title was done with kraft core cardstock by Tim Holtz what that means is that if you texturize it as I have using the Big Shot and an embossing folder and then sand off the top layer (green) then you get the kraft core colour popping through.

2. I also used kraft core cardstock on the holly leaves, I cut the shape, folded them in half, ran them through my paper crimper on an angle and then sanded, pretty cool huh?

3. The tag shown actually fits into a slot in behind the photos and acts as a journalling spot, I've been using alot of these journalling tags lately.

4. Most of the red buttons I bought at Up the Street.

Supplies

Colours: Pear Pizazz, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla
Stamps: Lovely Letters Alphabet (used for the "R" on the stocking tag)
Accessories: {Jolly Holiday DSP, Jolly and Holly rub ons, scallop circle punch, Big Shot, square lattice embossing folder (stocking top), jumbo eyelets, 3/4" circle punch, Eyelet Border punch, regals button collection, subtles button collection, Gold Glory embossing powder, Versamark ink} all SU! {Kraft Core cardstock Tim Holtz/Coredinations, Sizzix Christmas Ornament, light and stocking die, Cuttlebug embossing folder, Cosmo Cricket tiny type alphabet stickers, Jenni Bowlin buttons}

Okay, that's all! I guess this wasn't such a quick post, Ryan is about to lose his marbles! Gotta run! Have a super day! E

Christmas Jingle Series Card #14

2011-11-16T08:30:00.000-05:00

Good morning! The end is here! This is the last Christmas Jingle card I am sharing with you, aren't you excited? I am in a sense. I get bored easily. Tomorrow I will start sharing some scrap pages with you before I start the next card series. It is going to start feeling alot like Christmas around here soon! With the weather starting to cool down today and possible flurries tomorrow and the Santa Clause parade on Saturday... I really do love winter (I know shoot me now). My husband hates it so he's totally game for taking a vacation this year, it will be our first ever together, and we've been together almost 14 years. Well my kettle is ready now, guess I'll go eat breakfast and have my coffee. Until tomorrow my friends... E

Supply List (for all cards in the series, the green highlighted ones used on this card)

Colours: Real Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Vanilla Naturals, Chocolate Chip

Stamp Sets: Dasher, Christmas Greetings, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Accessories: Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin' kit, Season of Cheer Rub ons, Big Shot, scallop square die, designer frames embossing folder, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing folder, Cuttlebug large dots embossing folder, Early Espresso Baker's twine, random red buttons, red rhinestones, jumbo brads, extra large oval punch, word window punch, modern label punch, scallop edge punch, scallop trim border and corner punch, 5/8" and 1/4" grosgrain ribbon in Chocolate Chip or Old Olive, chipboard hearts, crystal effects, silver brads, antique brass jumbo eyelets

Christmas Jingle Series Card #13

2011-11-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

Good morning everyone! We are on the home stretch now! Two more days of Christmas Jingle cards and then I'll do a couple of scrap pages and then on to the next series. I thought that I would quickly do up a post today while I get my tea ready. I often times have difficulty using embellishments such as these ornaments, I have a hard time incorporating them into my work. This time I think I did ok, I do like how the ornaments are grounded, it almost looks like they are hanging from a mantel by a nail or something. I also like the bows tied at the top. Have you started your Christmas cards yet? Better get on it! Christmas is only 40 days away, I'm almost done my shopping now I really need to get on my knitting. I am hoping that you have a really productive day, wish me luck in having the same! E

P.S. I can't believe we are mid-November already...

Supply List (for all cards in the series, the green highlighted ones used on this card)

Colours: Real Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Vanilla Naturals, Chocolate Chip

Stamp Sets: Dasher, Christmas Greetings, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Christmas Jingle Series Card #12

2011-11-14T06:30:00.000-05:00

Good morning, thanks for coming back! Or welcome, if you are a first time visitor. This is card #12 of 14, we are almost there. Yesterday's card was a simple use the scrappin' kit add rhinestones card. Today's card is that plus... All I added was a strip of cardstock cut with a border punch and a random scrap of DSP and a piece of grosgrain ribbon. It definitely adds to the cost a little by needing extra tools and embellishments but the card is jazzed up a little bit more because of it. I do hope you are enjoying my card series it might get boring I guess checking in for two weeks to see the exact colour combo over and over. My next series isn't as long, I promise. Maybe I will share a page or two in between... We'll see! Until then take care of yourselves! E

Supply List (for all cards in the series, the green highlighted ones used on this card)

Colours: Real Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Vanilla Naturals, Chocolate Chip

Stamp Sets: Dasher, Christmas Greetings, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Christmas Jingle Series Card #11

2011-11-13T09:25:00.000-05:00

Good morning my blog visitors! Yesterday was such a lovely day, too bad I had to spend it in an all day training session. Today is looking a little more bleak, windy and cool, but not too cold. A perfect day for doing laundry and for crafting/reading. Yes that is the plan for my day. I really like the way this card turned out and it is another example of taking a Simply Scrappin' kit and adding a couple of rhinestones and voila easy card! Jeez, I have to start filling out all my Christmas cards that I plan to hand deliver for the most part. I generally try to mail them out December 1st so that the owner can enjoy them for a while. If you are going to take the time, energy and expense of creating a masterpiece you don't want to deliver the card December 25th to have it thrown out December 26th do you? Anyway I wish you a fantastic finish to your weekend, I'll be back tomorrow with another creation. See you then! E

Supply List (for all cards in the series, the green highlighted ones used on this card)

Colours: Real Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Vanilla Naturals, Chocolate Chip

Stamp Sets: Dasher, Christmas Greetings, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Christmas Jingle Series Card #10

2011-11-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

Good morning, I'm off for a full day of training. My husband is home with the boys, I'm wondering what kind of trouble they will get into today. This card is also one of my favourites in this series and it all started out by goofing around using up stuff that was left over. I should mention however that I have used a couple of things on this card that I failed to mention in my original supplies list which are: The Tasteful Trim XL die and some scrap paper in Old Olive. Obviously I am not able to get any scrappin' in today, but fear not I still have 4 more cards from this series to share with you... Oh the torture! Wishing you a super Saturday! E

Supply List (for all cards in the series, the green highlighted ones used on this card)

Colours: Real Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Vanilla Naturals, Chocolate Chip

Stamp Sets: Dasher, Christmas Greetings, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Christmas Jingle Series Card #9

2011-11-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hi! Welcome back! It's Friday, it's Friday! And it's Remembrance Day here in Canada. I'm thinking about all those who fought for our country but most of all the rights of others. Yes, I'm still on the Christmas Jingle kit series (I think there is 14 cards), so if you hate this colour combo you might want to check back this time next week, LOL. I think this card is tied for my favourite in the series, I just really like how it turned out, hope you did too otherwise you just wasted your time checking out my blog. I'm home today with just my little guy, maybe we can do some reading and homework today... if only I can pull him away from the XBox. Seriously, I wish those things never existed! I have a party to go to tonight and then an all day training session on Saturday (now that's gonna be fun). Hope you get to have a nice relaxing weekend! E

Supply List (for all cards in the series, the green highlighted ones used on this card)

Colours: Real Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Vanilla Naturals, Chocolate Chip

Stamp Sets: Dasher, Christmas Greetings, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Christmas Jingle Series Card #8

2011-11-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

Good morning all! I am not doing this post in real time today because hopefully, I'm still asleep! I really could use a good conk out! I haven't been doing very much creating lately, I do have a Christmas 12x12 page in the works but luckily enough I have a million Christmas cards to share. This card was stupid easy and would be really cost effective because I have used only pieces from the kit, no stamps and only a piece of ribbon as an embellishment. Love it! I'm all on my own at home today who knows what I will get into. Hoping you have a nice day! E

Supply List (for all cards in the series, the green highlighted ones used on this card)

Colours: Real Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Vanilla Naturals, Chocolate Chip

Stamp Sets: Dasher, Christmas Greetings, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Christmas Jingle Series Card #7

2011-11-09T07:16:00.001-05:00

Good morning all! I'm posting this in real time instead of having it scheduled. My kids are eating their cereal and getting ready for school. It is going to be a quietish day around here, I am hoping to get so much accomplished. At 6:30 this morning I was bringing in the patio furniture and setting it up in my room. Today\s card is a simple one but I really liked the way it turned out. It is supposed to be a mild but wet day here in SW Ontario, which I am going to enjoy. Last night on the news I heard that there was ski hills opened up in BC? Already? Don't get me wrong, I love snow but it is just a little early yet. Have a fab day wherever in the world you live! E

Supply List (for all cards in the series, the green highlighted ones used on this card)

Colours: Real Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Vanilla Naturals, Chocolate Chip

Stamp Sets: Dasher, Christmas Greetings, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Christmas Jingle Series Card #6

2011-11-08T06:30:00.000-05:00

Hi, thanks for checking in today. This card is not one of my faves, but I did use up a bunch of leftovers on it, which is always a good thing. The bits on the left are die cut borders that were too short to go across the short end of the card so I stacked them and added a ribbon/bow on the seam. Ingenious, if I do say so myself. Hoping you are having a T-riffic Tuesday! E

Supply List (for all cards in the series, the green highlighted ones used on this card)

Colours: Real Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Vanilla Naturals, Chocolate Chip

Stamp Sets: Dasher, Christmas Greetings, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Christmas Jingle Series Card #5

2011-11-07T06:30:00.000-05:00

Hi all! I have a busy week this week and then life will settle down a little (thankfully). I won't ramble on today about this card, I will tell you that it was one of the first ones I made in this series, or the goings on in my life (which is good). I will however, wish you a great start to your week!

P.S. Due to the overwhelming response to my 500th post I have decided to give all commenters a prize! So congrats Patti and Cheryl that means you... goodies coming your way soon!

Supply List (for all cards in the series, the green highlighted ones used on this card)

Colours: Real Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Vanilla Naturals, Chocolate Chip

Stamp Sets: Dasher, Christmas Greetings, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Christmas Jingle Series Card #4

2011-11-06T06:30:00.000-05:00

Good morning all. How has your weekend been going? Did you check out yesterday's post? You should! You have until midnight tonight to get in on the fun. How simple is this card? Use a Simply Scrappin' card kit and some red rhinestones and a piece of cardstock for a mat and done. I love simple, easy and stunning cards. I think that in my Christmas crafting journey this year I already have enough cards, especially considering I am going to try to avoid mailing them at all cost. CP ticked me off so much this year that I feel they don't deserve my business. I might be hand delivering cards still in June but so be it! LOL I am definitely in full Christmas mode already but I'm not decorating or turning on my outdoor lights until December 1st. That is my rule. Any sooner is too much! I bet there is people out there that are turning their lights on already, absolutely ludicrous! I find it funny that when Halloween isn't even over and the Christmas stuff is out, commercials playing the full nine yards. No wonder everyone is grouchy by Christmas, I usually am, they've had too much. Ok, enough of that rant. Here's the details for the card:

Supply List (for all cards in the series, the green highlighted ones used on this card)

Colours: Real Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Vanilla Naturals, Chocolate Chip

Stamp Sets: Dasher, Christmas Greetings, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Christmas Jingle Series Card #3

2011-11-05T06:30:00.000-04:00

Good morning/afternoon/evening wherever you are. Today is a special day, it is my 500th post. What? I actually made it to 500! I never thought I would and I kind of thought that I would stop blogging at 500 because really, who reads this? But I'm in the middle of a card series and I have another one to follow up with after this one is done so I guess I'm not stopping. So here's the deal, I'm going to give away some blog candy... nothing super special except some handmade cards by me (and maybe some other goodies I have come up with) but you need to leave a comment on this post to qualify, you have until midnight on Sunday. Pass on to your friends and family my blog address, let's see how many comments we can get. Otherwise I am just going to give the cards to my friend Diane who faithfully reads my blog, leaves comments and boosts my ego (all good things I must say). So if you want to give Diane a run for her blog comments then feel free... Thanks in advance for your support! E

Supply List (for all cards in the series, the green highlighted ones used on this card)

Colours: Real Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Vanilla Naturals, Chocolate Chip

Stamp Sets: Dasher, Christmas Greetings, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Christmas Jingle Series Card #2

2011-11-04T06:30:00.000-04:00

Good morning! Yes, we are now at day 2 of this card series. I forgot to fill you in on a little important detail, shame on me. As of November 1st, I am no longer a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. I decided that after 5 years I could no longer afford to keep myself active (LOL). I am also discovering the products of other manufacturers and have found that I would like to support a local business than people I don't even know hundreds of miles away. I have mentioned this before but I really like the paper crafting store here in Strathroy called Up the Street Scrapbooking, she also sells antiques, candles and candies ( here's the link if you want to visit... http://www.upthestreetscrapbooking.com/) Also if you want to you could also visit the bridal shop next door or the children's shop A Star is Born two doors down. I'm not getting paid to endorse the store but I feel that if you don't support the local businesses they will disappear. And, if I have to drive into London for my supplies I will be angry because it is not so convenient! Don't get me wrong, I still believe in the quality of SU! products and will continue to use them, I'm just broadening my horizons a little. Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? I HAVE!! For my kids I have about 5 presents each (just small little things like stocking stuffers), I have also made a scrapbook for someone and have a few knitted gifts ready. Speaking of knitted gifts... my nephew visited me yesterday and he was wearing a hat that I knitted for him, he looked so adorable! Do you think that I thought to take a picture? Of course not! Maybe next time. It's Friday, it's Friday... yeah! Have a good one! E

Supply List (for all cards in the series, the red highlighted ones used on this card)

Colours: Real Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Vanilla Naturals, Chocolate Chip

Stamp Sets: Dasher, Christmas Greetings, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Accessories: Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin' kit, Season of Cheer Rub ons, Big Shot, scallop square die, designer frames embossing folder, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing folder, Cuttlebug large dots embossing folder, Early Espresso Baker's twine, random red buttons, red rhinestones, basic rhinestones, jumbo brads, extra large oval punch, word window punch, modern label punch, scallop edge punch, scallop trim border and corner punch, 5/8" and 1/4" grosgrain ribbon in Chocolate Chip or Old Olive, chipboard hearts, crystal effects, silver brads, antique brass jumbo eyelets

Christmas Jingle Series Card #1

2011-11-03T09:18:00.002-04:00

Good morning. No I didn't fall off the face of the planet again, this time I was off saving the world from alien domination. I did manage in my travels to spend some time crafting. The last girls night I hosted I was not sure what project to start working on and I didn't feel like committing to something long and complicated. I pulled out one of my Simply Scrappin' kits that I bought awhile ago and never used, I thought I would attempt a scrap page. After looking at the Christmas Jingle kit I realized that many of the die cuts were more suitable to making cards. The birth of a card series... Over the next little bit I will share the 14 card designs that I came up with using this kit. Some of the cards I made in duplicate so therefore I have actually made more than 14 cards and I still have DSP and die cuts left over to maybe one day use on a scrap page. For all cards in this series I started off with a card base of Vanilla Naturals Cardstock.

Supply List (for all cards in the series, the red highlighted ones used on this card)

Colours: Real Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Vanilla Naturals, Chocolate Chip

Stamp Sets: Dasher, Christmas Greetings, Teeny Tiny Wishes

That's all for today folks! Hope you enjoy this wonderful Thursday! E

Love Overboard!

2011-10-24T06:30:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone. I am sharing with you today a page that I made with pictures from our romantic getaway to Niagara Falls. Well it was supposed to be romantic...LOL! I think the whole trip was cursed from the beginning. However, we now have some memories to talk about for years to come. I have used a kit that I bought at Up the Street (really reasonable) from My Mind's Eye called Good Day Sunshine (I think). I just love the colours. I have blended pieces from other manufacturers such as the flowers that were made using the Blossom Bouquet triple layer punch, and the frame for the photo using the scallop trim edge and corner punches and the E and J heart all from SU! The tickets were in one of the monthly kits I bought at Up the Street, I embellished them using a heart stamp and the word love from SU! to make them love tickets. Our romantic getaway was cut short by sick kids at home so we lost the money we had paid for the hotel and jetted home. I think from now on I'll just travel with my children. Have a marvelous Monday! E

Seany's Card for Jase

2011-10-23T06:30:00.000-04:00

Good morning! Today I am sharing with you the card my 6 year old made for his dad. He chose the colours, the theme, the paper and did it mostly by himself. Yes, I am sharing another proud momma moment.

Colours: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black and Gray, Always Artichoke, Pacific Point, Tempting Turquoise
Stamp Sets: Spooky Bingo Bits, So Happy for You
Accessories: paper crimper, punches (scallop circle, 1 3/8" circle, 1 1/4" circle), very old Halloween DSP

I am absolutely thrilled that my boys like to craft with me, maybe I don't really need that daughter that I always wanted. Girls are pretty dramatic, LOL! Have a super Sunday! E

My Card to Jasey

2011-10-22T06:30:00.000-04:00

Hello my blog visiting buddies! I am still recovering from last night's girls night I had at my house. We were trying to get some scrappin' and card making done. Yesterday was my husband's birthday but today is the day that him and I are going to celebrate (we are having a date night). I didn't want to pull a repeat performance of our anniversary on his birthday so I just had to make him a card. I know it is not very manly but it was what was inspiring me at the time. I have used quite a few elements on this card so I will put them in list form...

Colours: Pool Party, Soft Suede, More Mustard and Very Vanilla
Stamp Set: So Happy For You (SAB 2011)
Accessories: Spice Cake DSP (love it!!), baler twine, smooch spritz in Log Cabin, (vintage wallpaper, designer frames and square lattice embossing folders), sanding blocks, regals buttons in MM, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch, large oval punch, stampin' sponges

Just a quick note about the card base... I sprayed it with the smooch spritz leaving some bare patches, let it dry and then ran it through the Big Shot. Before layering the paper strips on it I sanded the heck out of the cardstock to remove some of the spritz and to allow some of the pool party colour to come back through. Is this how I intended my card to look do you ask? Heck no! The background was a mess up but I tried to make lemonade out of my lemons and look what happened.

Jasey's B-day

2011-10-21T06:30:00.000-04:00

Good morning, big shout out goes to my hubby today who is having a birthday. Not only did I completely drop the ball on our anniversary (I didn't even make him a card), I have scheduled a girl's night on his birthday. Now before you get all judgemental on me, fear not, I have some tricks up my sleeve in store for him. Today I am sharing with you the card my 4 year old son made for his dad, we are totally on the ball and have had this made for a couple of weeks now. My boys love to sometimes enter my girl cave and get all creative. My youngest son likes to make things for his grandmas, my oldest boy (he's only 6) likes to make love cards for the ladies. So this is what we came up with...

Stamp set: Up, Up, and Away

Colours: Pacific Point, Real Red, Old Olive/Pear Pizazz, Bashful Blue

Accessories: circle punches (1 3/4", 1 3/8", and 1 1/4"), Celebrations DSP, scallop edge punch

When stamping with my kids I usually like to keep things simple. I did "help" quite a bit on this card but Ryan was with me and helped stick stuff down (hence the off centred greeting). It's all good! Hope you are having a good day! E

Halloween Bingo Bits

2011-10-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning! Don't you just love this set? Or sets I should say? My baby boy is turning 5 and we are having a Monster Mash Birthday Bash for him. We have invited about 20 kids and are going to have a costume party. I was so happy the day he was born because he was 16 days early, and born the day before Halloween. I always wanted a Halloweeny so that we could have Halloween themed parties. So fun! Last year the Bingo board and the Jolly Bingo Bits appeared in the Holiday mini catalogue, I fell in love but did not buy them. When the new Idea Book and Catalogue came out in July the Spooky Bingo Bits were in it, and I squealed with delight and decided that I would be purchasing the Bingo Board, Jolly Bingo Bits and Spooky Bingo Bits. This is what I came up with, we are going to play Spooky Bingo at my son's party. I laminated the bingo boards and the "bingo balls". My husband helped me by doing the punching of the scalloped circles, 1 3/8" circles and the 3/4" circles for the bingo chips. He did a really good job and saved my hands!!!

Colours: Kiwi Kiss, Basic Black, Basic Gray, Pumpkin Pie, Rich Razzleberry, Pool Party, More Mustard

I hope you enjoyed my Boo-ti-ful work today. I'm glad it's all done and I have another thing checked off the list. Have a great day! E

All Star Sean

2011-10-19T06:30:00.000-04:00

Hello again! Thanks for coming back to visit me in cyber space! This may be the last post for awhile depending on how much creative time I find myself having in the next little bit. I have run out of projects to scrap (as of Oct. 11 when I blogged like crazy doing some scheduled posts), I guess I'll have to hit the paper and get crafting! I think I am all caught up on my sports scrappin' now. This is the page I did for Sean for soccer this year. My journalling goes along the top of the DSP in behind the letters and also on the Wild Wasabi tag (a die cut Top Note) tucked in behind the photo. The circles were punched in Tempting Turquoise along the top, the stars were die cut using the Stars #2 die in More Mustard DSP scraps, the title was die cut from scrap chipboard and then inked using Basic Black craft ink. I added two die cut borders in MM along the bottom. The DSP is from the Prep School series from way back. I think I have finally used it all up now. My favourite memories of this soccer season were: A) coaching the team, B) Sean showing extreme dedication playing while sick, C) Sean scoring 4 goals in one game. I'm definitely a proud momma! So to all the moms out there...give yourself a pat on the back for doing such a great job, then go shopping and treat yourself to something nice. Go on, do it! Have fun! E

Carving Up Some Fun!

2011-10-18T06:30:00.000-04:00

Good morning all! I am still making my way through "old" photos trying to get caught up on my scrapbooking. These pics are from last year's Halloween. I'm not doing too bad for being behind, I don't think. We carved quite a few pumpkins last year, I mean I carved quite a few pumpkins last year. My kids lose interest quite quickly. Of course I took photos of all the pumpkins lit up and unlit, had them printed off and then wondered what the heck I was going to do with all these pumpkin pictures. So I hand cut them out and made a pseudo border out of them. I put alot of elements on this page, I added die cut borders, stitching, punched borders, photo corners, and a die-cut-hand-stamped-rubbed-on-embossed title with glittery brads that were hand-glittered. What I haven't done yet is the journalling, it is going up in the top left corner. I'm looking forward to Halloween, it is my favourite time of year. Not too long now! My kids costumes are ready, and now I'm making preparations for my son's Halloween Birthday party. So fun! Have a Boo-ti-ful day! E

Are We There Yet?

2011-10-17T06:30:00.000-04:00

Hi all! I think that the paper that I bought to use for scrapping the photos from this road trip work perfectly with the sentiment of this page. I'm a bit of a photo dork, I photo document every little step of important events such as a big road trip. So of course I have to start with the car shots, and pics along the way. The first three photos were taken in the driveway, the last two were taken as we pulled into Canada's Wonderland! I really like how each square follows the natural emotions of a road trip. Let's Go! Are we there yet? and Yes!!!!! My boys did really well with the road trip, the highlight for them was seeing the airplanes coming and going from Pearson. I can't remember the name of the company for this paper, I cut all the strips off and threw them away and it was garbage day just yesterday so everything got cleared out. The SU! colours used are: Bermuda Bay, Dusty Durango, and Rich Razzleberry. That's all for today folks. Check in again soon! E

Wonderland Fun!

2011-10-16T06:30:00.000-04:00

Good morning, and a Happy Saturday to you. I am so not doing this in real time as I have 5 kids home with me today and no husband... Today's page is from our family vacation this summer. Yes, I have once again skipped chronological order because I was feeling inspired. You are allowed to do that you know! I bought this paper at Up The Street Scrapbooking the first time I went in there, knowing that we were going to be doing some road trips this summer. I did not co-ordinate outfits this time though. Our family of four went to Canada's Wonderland for the first time as a family this summer. Our kids are little dare devils and wanted to go on the biggest rides (which they are too small for). Sean wanted to ride the Behemoth, which I would never go on (anymore that is), the kid has no fear which for a mother brings lots of fear! I really like the look of a collage page, I mounted the pictures on white cardstock to adhere them together. I added the ticket strip, each ticket was individually stamped and then I trimmed the curves on each one. The tag is part of a what I like to call a journalling spot, trimmed down and made into a tag using a jumbo eyelet and some baker's twine (another hot item these days). The buttons are SU! from the Regals and the Brights collection. I also used the Bigz XL die Tasteful Trim in Rich Razzleberry and a strip of RR designer prints DSP behind the photos. The letters for the Family Time title are cardstock stickers from Sassafrass and the Fun was stamped. I really like the way this page turned out. I love the look on Ryan's face. Take care! E

Bookworm Kit Card #2

2011-10-15T06:30:00.000-04:00

Good morning, thanks for stopping by today! I am sharing the last of the cards made with the Bookworm kit today. My husband calls me a hoarder, I think maybe I have mentioned this before, because I save all kinds of bits and bobs to be used on future craft projects. I don't like to waste, I am not a hoarder just a re-purposer. With the exception of the cardbase, all products are from the kit including the baler twine. At Up The Street Scrapbooking, Tara packages up the kits in paper bags tied with baler twine and a simple white tag. The overall look is very nice, I re-used the baler twine to tie this card. I didn't hoard it, so there! The card is very simple but I really like the way it turned out. Sometimes simple is good! Come back tomorrow, who knows what kind of crazy stuff I will be sharing! See you soon E.

Bookworm Kit Card #1

2011-10-14T06:30:00.000-04:00

Good morning! As promised I am sharing with you a card made using "scraps" from the Bookworm kit that I bought at Up The Street Scrapbooking, here in town. I have to say that this was a first for me. I have never made a graduation card before as my kids are only in SK and grade 1. So needless to say if anyone wants this card it is for sale, or I can just hang on to it for another 7 years until I need it. The only SU product on this card is the Bashful Blue cardstock for the card base and the buttons from the Regals collection. I used the stamp from the kit that says "Learn. Discover. Grow." on the inside with a flourish as well. A nice quick and easy card! Hope you enjoyed your visit today, here is some virtual tea! E

Up The Street kit Page #3

2011-10-13T06:30:00.000-04:00

Good morning, this is the last page from the Bookworm kit that I am going to share for a while, promise. However I did not promise to not share the cards that I made with leftovers, so guess what is coming tomorrow? You got it! A card made with the Bookworm kit. This one is of Ryan's first day of school last year. Once again I combined SU! product with the kit to create this adorable page: the Bashful Blue cardstock base, the Kiwi Kiss c.s. for the scalloped border, Not Quite Navy c.s. for the letters in the title "off", chipboard letters coloured with a SW marker (Ruby Red), Riding Hood Red c.s. for the photo mat, scalloped edge punch and the spiral punch. I just love the striped paper and the Bingo board from the kit. I also used buttons from the kit as Bingo markers. Right now Bingo cards and paper with newsprint text seems to be really hot. I definitely like working with them. I'm trying to keep my posts short and sweet, if you have any questions about products or techniques please feel free to ask and I'll get back to you ASAP. Have a wonderful fall day! It's my favourite time of year! E

Up The Street kit Page #2

2011-10-12T10:41:00.000-04:00

Hello again! I took the time the other day to do up some posts in advance because who knows when I will find the time again. This is the second page that I completed with the Bookworm Scrapbooking kit from Up The Street Scrapbooking. This is from Ryan's first day of school this year. I know, I've skipped a whole bunch of stuff but I was feeling so inspired that I had to go out of chronological order. I even planned the little guy's outfit to co-ordinate with the kit (and I hadn't even bought it yet! LOL). I did combine Stampin' Up! product with the kit... the Crumb Cake cardstock base, Old Olive c.s. for the rick rack border, the stamp set for the title and the die to cut the border. I love taking my SU! products and combining them with other manufacturers and creating something spectacular. I especially love the "journalling spots", they really add interest to the page while giving you somewhere to start with your journalling. Don't forget to visit the Up The Street blog and FB page to check out this month's kits. Have a super day! E

Up The Street kits

2011-10-11T10:14:00.000-04:00

Good morning all! It has been a long time (well a month give or take) since I have blogged. Once again I am apologizing for my absence. I have a couple of really good excuses... 1) I had three foster children placed with me first day of school and it has been a little hectic around here lately, 2) The amount of "spare" time has been greatly diminished, 3) Some of my stuff was upstairs, some was downstairs and my computer was down so matching up all the stuff was a little challenging. I have had some creative time though, and over the next little bit I will share it with you. This summer I discovered a cute little scrapbooking and oddities store here in town (that's Strathroy, ON, Canada for those of you who don't know where I live) and I have become a bit of a regular customer there. The store is called Up The Street Scrapbooking, the proprietor is Tara (she is super cool!) and there is a Facebook group and a website/blog you should visit. Yes, I am still a Stampin' Up! demonstrator (only by the skin of my teeth, I'm in pending status once again) but I'd rather support a local business where the owner knows me by name and face and not a major company where I am just a number. I still believe in the products SU! sells but I like to be able to go pick something up when I need it, not have to wait. A couple friends and I attended a crop at Up The Street on Friday night and had a blast using new tools and different punches, dies and stamps. I almost forgot to mention why I'm going on about Up The Street Scrapbooking and Tara... My project that I am sharing with you today. Every month Tara does up two kits and you can have them delivered to your door. This kit is called Bookworm and was an August 2011 kit. For around $35 you get many papers and embellishments, I have already made three 12x12 layouts and two cards with this kit and I have hardly used up half of the supplies. This kit even came with stamps!! How cool? So today's challenge to you is to check out Tara's store online and to make a point to visit. P.S. she sells chocolate in the store, candles too, and some antiques as well. Even if you are not a paper crafter you should still visit. Have an inspiring day! E

A New Home Card

2011-09-04T04:22:00.000-04:00

Good morning everyone! This card was the only thing I have created in two weeks. I've been reading alot and also doing a bit of knitting. This new house card was so simple... I used a piece of 6x6 DSP from the Good Neighbour prints pack and folded it in half so that the houses ran along the front of the card (finished size 3x6). I then used the co-ordinating stamp set and created the focal piece using punches as well. I also stamped directly onto the DSP using the Word Play stamp set and Stampin' Write markers to create different colours on the image. The buttons are from the brights collection, the twine in the flower button is Early Espresso baker's twine which is hot, Hot, HOT right now! I inserted a piece of white cardstock into the inside of the card because the backside of the paper is also patterned and may not necessarily be good to write on. I'm home alone with the kids today as my husband helps my parents paint the new cottage. Good times! I think I will need some creative therapy later. Enjoy the last few days before back to school! E

SK-FI

2011-09-03T09:59:00.000-04:00

Good Saturday morning to ya! I've been away for a while haven't I? Well alot has happened since I've been gone. To start off with we were on vacation. We didn't go anywhere fantastic like Disney or anything like that but we spent some well needed family time together doing day trips and crossing things off our to do list for the summer. I didn't have time to prepare a whole bunch of posts for when I was away, I had a hard enough time organizing schedules for 6 people and packing for them all. We were "off" for 10 days and then three days later my foster kids went home. What a great day for them but I will miss them terribly! I'm ok though. This page was the one project I completed leading up to our vacation, a first day of school page for my oldest son. That is him hugging his girlfriend in the lower left photo. I made an 8x10 of it and framed it for him. They even went out on a date this week, man kids grow up too fast! The background paper is Cosmo Cricket, the "newsprint" paper is SU! along with all the other elements with the exception of the black rub on letters (and the googly eyes). I love the way this page turned out, the rulers on the paper just made it so schooly. Three more sleeps until this little one goes back and now he goes everyday. Yeah!!!! I love him to bits but man does he have way to much energy in him with a touch too much mischief. Soon I will be taking another round of pictures of first days of school. Have I said yet that they grow up way too fast? They do! Hope you enjoy your day, it is supposed to be super gross and sticky here in SW Ontario, I think I'll just stay inside and create! Take care on this long holiday weekend my friend, be safe! E

Posy Punch #3

2011-08-24T04:30:00.000-04:00

Good morning! What a busy day we had yesterday! Details to follow soon... This card is the last of the series and my favourite. It is actually the first card that I made, a wedding card. I love the colour combo on this one (definitely one of my go to colour combos). I started off by playing with the Posy Punch stamp set and then added a couple more and voila done. The Rich Razzleberry flower was stamped and hand cut. For some reason, when you stamp the images from this set and then punch them with the Fancy Flower punch there is too much "white space" so I prefer to hand cut the flowers and then layer them on punched out Fancy Flowers. I even hand cut the flower centre (stamped in black).

Colours: Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black, Very Vanilla
Stamp Sets: Posy Punch, Four Frames, Together Forever
Accessories: Fancy Flower Punch, Fancy Label Punch, Star Brad, Rich Razzleberry DSP prints, Day and Night Specialty DSP, First Edition Specialty DSP (which I almost didn't buy but am so glad I did!), Stampin' Sponges

I still haven't made it through all my new stamp sets yet, but soon I will have some time to play. My next project to share is going to be a scrap page (or two...) so stay tuned. Until then, E.

Posy Punch #2

2011-08-23T04:54:00.000-04:00

Good morning again! This card is #2 in my Posy Punch series. It ended up being a sympathy card, maybe a little too bright and cheery for a sympathy card but I can always swap out the greeting. I ran this card through the Big Shot in the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder and then layered torn strips of co-ordinating DSP. I stamped, hand cut and punched layers using the Posy Punch stamp set and the Fancy Flower punch. I used the same twill tape as yesterday but unraveled it a bit for the piece behind the flower (attached with a NQN brad). The greeting is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set punched out using the Word Window punch (of course).

Colours: Not Quite Navy, So Saffron, Very Vanilla
Stamp Sets: Posy Punch, En Francais, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Accessories: Bella Bleue DSP, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Fancy Flower punch, Word Window punch, Earth Elements brads in Not Quite Navy

Hopefully today turns out to be a nice day as I have a day filled with outdoor activities planned. See you again tomorrow! E

Posy Punch #1

2011-08-22T10:24:00.001-04:00

Good morning all! As we get ready for a busy week around here I managed to find some time to do up a quick post for you. I was playing around in my stampin' room the other day and made a series of 3 cards using the same stamp set. I am going to reveal them in the order of which are my favourite, saving the best for last.

Colours: Very Vanilla, Not Quite Navy, So Saffron with a hint of More Mustard
Stamp Sets: En Francais (background on yellow flower), Posy Punch (a hostess exclusive)
Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, Scallop Trim border punch, Fancy Flower punch, 3/4" circle punch, DSP that I can't remember the name of and some scrap twill trim that probably came off a gift that I saved to re-use someday.

Hope you like, have a good day! E

Believe it, You've Seen it!

2011-08-20T10:24:00.000-04:00

Good morning! This card I do love! It also started off with the dyeing of garage string and twill tape. I learned a new technique thanks to Monica Gale a Stampin' Up! demonstrator in the UK. Let me tell you how talented Monica is, her cards are gorgeous and she just quit her job to be a full time demo. She had a tutorial on how to make these little roses so I gave it a whirl and boy do I like what I accomplished. I finished mine off with some half back pearls (which are just pearls that have been cut in half). This card is such a departure from my norm, every now and then I come up with something stunning and I did it all by myself! I thin the greeting is suitable for the occasion. First I had to "believe" in myself that I could make something spectacular, and then I could "see" the results. You can do it too, you just have to believe! I hope you are having a good weekend, mine is just about to be great. More on that later. Have a super Saturday! E.

Colours: Kiwi Kiss, Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze

Stamp Set: Just Believe

Accessories: Big Shot, Little Leaves die, Urban Garden and Urban Oasis DSP, half back pearls (attached with glue dots), garage string, 1 3/8" circle punch (for the roses)

Just For You in Blue

2011-08-19T07:37:00.007-04:00

Good morning! Do I love this card? No, but I do love parts of it. Like yesterday's card this one also started with me playing with re-inkers and dyeing twill tape and garage string. The twill tape is more identifiable in this card because it is not all shredded. Also on this card I repeated the technique of texturizing DSP by running it through the Big Shot and then by sanding it. I added a medallion as a focal piece and then layered it with circles punched out. I hand cut the greeting and then glued it on. What I'm not so sure about on this card is the colour combination. I'm not really sure about the More Mustard added in there. I was trying to stray from my typical colour combinations, I probably shouldn't do that. Just a quick post for you today, I have one more card to share and then hopefully I'll have finished some scrap pages to share as well. Wish me luck! E.

Colours: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, More Mustard

Stamp Sets: Just Believe, Gallery

Accessories: twill tape, garage string, regal button collection, 1 3/8" circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, sanding blocks

Hydrangea Shower

2011-08-17T08:20:00.000-04:00

Bonjour! I made this card quite a while ago and apparently never got around to posting it. What started this card off was me playing with reinkers dyeing things like the piece of twill tape and the piece of garage string on this card. Twill tape you say? Yes, I unraveled the twill tape and then tied it with some garage string and a button. I love how the garage string took up the purple colour in two intensities. It gives the effect of baker's twine which is really hot right now. I added a tag using the Word Window punch and Modern Label punch combo. Another thing I really like about this card is the background. I used a piece of Pale Plum DSP that was left over from a Simply Scrappin' kit, attached it to some Perfect Plum cardstock and then ran it through the Big Shot inside an embossing folder (Vintage Wallpaper, I think). I then sanded the raised surface of the DSP and made it look distressed. The hydrangea was stamped, watercoloured and then hand cut. This card was quite involved but was worth it in the end. Now I once again have 1 bridal shower card in stock. Thanks so much for checking in today, I have another post ready for tomorrow! Until then, E.

Colours: Basic Gray, Pale Plum, Perfect Plum, Kiwi Kiss

Stamp Sets: Because I Care, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Accessories: garage string, twill tape, subtles button collection, aqua painters, modern label punch, word window punch, Big Shot, vintage wallpaper embossing folder, sanding blocks

Manly Bot-day Card

2011-08-16T07:10:00.000-04:00

Well hello there! I mentioned last week that I have difficulty making manly cards. Here is another example of what I tend to use for them... cogs, metallic elements, the spiral punch and of course manly colours. I used up some scraps in my scrap drawer (will I ever get to the bottom of it?) and so I don't remember the names of the DSP. The striped pattern is either Urban Garden or Urban Oasis, the checked pattern was from a Hostess level 1 prints pack. I think this card turned out cute, I really like the tone on tone stamped binary code at the very bottom of the card. I'll have you know that was an afterthought, but it turned out well. The cog punch is retired so is the spiral punch but I'll NEVER part with them! I used my SW markers to colour in the bot and silver brads (small and large) for the cog centres. Just a quick post today! Come back tomorrow! E.

Colours: Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, Going Gray, Not Quite Navy, Basic Gray

Stamp set: Lots of Bots

Accessories: Cog punch, silver brads, sprial punch, SW markers

Up In The Air Over You

2011-08-15T07:59:00.000-04:00

Good morning! I have been spending an unusual amount of time in my stampin' room these days. I have moved all (or most) of my stuff upstairs to my grandma's bedroom so that I can paint and decorate my space downstairs and I think that is why I have been using my stuff more because of the sheer accessibility of it all. It is way too easy to slip away from the kids and scrap while also keeping an ear on them and knowing that they aren't destroying my house, or if they are stopping them before they get too carried away. I made this card for my hubby, I didn't end up sending it to him though, I showed it to him. He loved it, and maybe some time in the future I will tuck it into his car at night when he least expects it. But first I have to wait until he forgets about it, so next week should be good LOL! This stamp set is a new one, totally adorable and versatile. I bought the clear mount version of it and I find it easier to "place" the inked stamp. Have I told you that the clear mount stamps are growing on me yet? I now purchase most of my stamps in clear mount because they are cheaper and skinnier so that makes them easier to store. Some other new items to me on this card are the zig zag border that is from the new die, and the fancy label punch. The DSP is called Prep School and it retired a long time ago but the colours were perfect for what I was envisioning. This card turned out better than my vision, how often does that happen? Well, I picked up my photos and have lots to do so I better get at it, see you on the flip side! E.

Colours: Wild Wasabi, Real Red, More Mustard, Tempting Turquoise

Stamp set: Up, Up and Away

Baby Onesie

2011-08-14T07:15:00.000-04:00

Colours: Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip
Stamps: Everything Nice
Accessories: 1 3/8" and 1 3/4" circle punches, scallop circle punch, pink gingham ribbon, Sending Love DSP, SW markers

Hiya! How cute is this card? I once had a model similar to this on my etsy.com shop and sold a package of them. And then the customer contacted me again and purchased another bunch. I think the onesie card is just darling, and I really like to make them look like they are graphic onesies, like the real life ones that are so popular these days. Back when I first created this card I created a template and now every time I make one similar I just trace the template and punch away. Super easy! This card is for a friend who recently had a baby girl, I'm not going to mention who because this post is going live before the card can be delivered. I'm really excited for this friend and can't wait to meet her little bundle. I also got to meet my newborn nephew the other day, very briefly though and I didn't hold him or even touch him. As I mentioned before my house has been a hotbed of sicknesses this summer. I would be really upset if baby Dane got the chickenpox or something at two weeks old. So I had to admire him from afar, but believe me when I say that kid is going to get some serious smoochy time from his auntie when we're in the clear. I love babies! But then again who doesn't? I'm looking forward to another busy weekend. How about you? Until later! E

JK All The Way

2011-08-13T07:09:00.000-04:00

Good morning! Today I am sharing a 12x12 layout with you that I absolutely love. It took me quite a while to complete it because I wanted it to be perfect. I think I hummed and hahed over this one for three days! I have used such a jumble of manufacturers on it... The cardstock, yellow and text paper, buttons, journaling spot, ribbon and stamped images are all SU! The dotted paper (red and green) and the border strip are Cosmo Cricket (I love their paper), and the letters are Sassafrass Lass. My inspiration for this page came from the border strip and the yellow oval that I made into a sun, they happened to land together on my scrappin' table and voila, ideas were sparked. I then had to come up with a theme, I thought a school theme worked okay with it. Some notable things I did to this one...1. the group shot is actually a pocket and the journaling spot slides out. On it is the names of all the kids in the class with a little journaling added in. 2. the group photo had a really ugly border on it that the photographer adds, I cropped it off and now it looks "normal". 3. I used every scrap of that yellow paper to make the sun. 4. the zig zag border near the top was cut with my new die (and yes I'm still using pliers to make my Big Shot run, new one is on the way!!!). 4. The world's most handsome boy, I just want to pinch his little cheeks! I am still about two years behind in scrapbooking but that is soon going to change. The other day I sent a huge online order to Walmart, I will have close to 400 photos to scrap. Yahoo! You don't even want to know what that is costing me, ouch! I am anticipating that over the next bit you will see lots of layouts, until I am caught up. This layout will be part of Sean's School Days Album. In between the pages I am going to stash report cards, awards, and some of my favourite artwork. Unfortunately you can't fit all that onto a page, believe me I tried (unless you scan them and reduce them that is). So hopefully I have added some inspiration into your day, you never know when you are going to get hit with the inspiration bug. Sometimes it just falls into your lap, or in my case onto your table. Have a great day! E.

More Hand Knit Tags

2011-08-12T07:15:00.005-04:00

Hi folks! As I mentioned before I spent an evening goofing around in my stampin' space with no particular idea in my head just an urge to make something (and quite possibly a bottle of beer or two). This was one of the end results. What I did was cut several flowers from More Mustard DSP using the Fancy Flower punch, crinkled them, layered them, then adhered them. I stamped the "Hand knit for you" image on Crumb Cake cardstock (formerly known as Kraft) and then used a SW marker to add a little colour to the border. I then layered a punch out of one of the new 3 step punches, a button and either hemp twine or baker's twine and adhered it to the flower. These tags will be a great addition to some of my knitted creations. That's all for today, a nice quick post. Come back tomorrow, I have another post ready for you. Until then, E.

Hannah's B-day

2011-08-11T10:06:00.000-04:00

Colours: Tempting Turquoise, Rose Red, So Saffron
Stamp Set: Sweet Scoops
Accessories: "Island themed" DSP, oval cutting template, Scallop trim border punch

Good morning all! My niece is turning 5 and we have been invited to her party this weekend. Since she has an August birthday I thought it would be good to use some bright summery colours and ice cream for her card. All the items used on this card appeared in last year's summer mini catalogue (or maybe even two years ago) and didn't reappear in the main catty. I thought the Sweet Scoops stamp set was too cute and went well with the DSP, the name of which I can't remember. I used my fiskars oval cutting template to do the ovals and hand cut everything else. The border was punched using the scallop trim border punch. I added some crystal effects to the cherry to make it glossy, a pretty cute effect. I had quite a few cards to make tail end of July early August, of course I couldn't just pull some from my stash, it feels less personal that way. I also had quite a few gifts to buy (ouch!). Oh well September is a quiet month and then October... busy, busy. Christmas is just around the corner too! I'm really looking forward to some cooler weather. Aren't you? Have a nice chillaxin' day! E

My Bro's B-day

2011-08-10T09:55:00.000-04:00

Colours: Night of Navy, Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue
Stamp set: And Many Mower
Accessories: Travel Journal DSP, spiral punch, SW markers, edge distressor

Hola! You came back? Good for you! This card is for my brother's birthday, the party is this weekend but his actual b-day is not until the 17th. He's gonna be 31, man we're getting old! Along with many other stampers, I find it difficult to create manly cards. Here's why... The selection of stamps and papers geared toward men is very limited to say the least, not to mention that it is more difficult to accessorize them because men don't really want buttons, ribbons, bows or flowers on their cards. So what do you use? I find I tend to use alot more texture, metals, stars, cogs and sometimes manly buttons on my cards. I love this stamp set, it was available only once in a mini catalogue and then vanished for all of eternity. And Many Mower has images and greetings to make 4 or more variations for cards for both Father's day and birthdays. So every second year your dad or husband will receive the same card, but if you use different colour combinations he probably won't notice LOL. I hate to say it but men aren't exactly the most observant breed not to mention that they have terrible memories and tend to not pay attention. Just sayin'! I'll probably hold onto this set for quite a while seeing as though I'm surrounded by men in my life. Oh yeah, I should probably tell you what is on the inside of the card. It says "Relax, Happy Birthday". The card isn't too fancy but considering who it is going to it's definitely the thought that counts. Have a nice day, hump day, half way through the week. E

Leah is Turning 3!

2011-08-09T09:41:00.000-04:00

Good morning. I'm so thankful for the rain we have been having over the last couple of days. As most of you probably already know, I am not a fan of summer. The heat kills me! Yesterday was just about perfect though, only a touch too hot. It was wonderful sitting out back under the big old oak tree we have. Today's card was delivered on the weekend. It was made for little Leah who turned 3 (as the pennant the monkey is holding indicates). I have to say that I love this card. Pennants and banners are HOT! HOT! HOT! right now. That's the kind of heat even I can handle! I once again pulled out the sock monkey, it is such a multi purpose stamp set! Even though it has been retired I am NEVER parting with it! I paper pieced the pennant, hand cut the party hat, birthday wishes and banner. I added a Melon Mambo jumbo button from the collection that was available in the Occasions Mini. I can't remember the name of it but I bought them because of the Chocolate Chip buttons in the package. The ice cream brads are not SU! I bought them at Scrappin' Great Deals two summers ago. They went perfectly with this card and I just had to use them! Colours: Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Wild Wasabi, Melon Mambo. Leah had a great birthday party, they did a carnival theme, my kids loved it. The G family always puts on a great party. Well, that's all for today. I think I am going to do up some scheduled posts while the kids are zombified with the tv. Did I mention that my oldest is at day camp this week? Bliss! Best $150 I ever spent, well maybe not. I do own a Big Shot... Speaking of which, my new one will be en route any day now! Exciting! Have a super day! My shipment of new goodies arrived yesterday and I'm itching to craft. Take care! E

My Team and Bad News

2011-08-04T11:48:00.001-04:00

Good morning all! I'm writing this post as the morning is turning to afternoon. The kids are hounding me for something to eat. Well at least they've had breakfast, I haven't even had that yet today. Some sad news... my Big Shot ( for those of you who don't know what a Big Shot is it's my die cutting machine and my life) has bit the dust. Yep, that's it in pieces on my floor in the first photo. I disassembled it to see what was wrong with it as yesterday the handle snapped off and I had a "sandwich" stuck inside. The machine seized up on me. It appears to be the crankshaft that has snapped. The good news... it is still under warranty (3 years, wow totally unexpected). I emailed Sizzix, the manufacturer the other day inquiring about repairing it. They don't repair them anymore but do sell the parts to fix them for about $5 a piece, super! But then the lady emailed me back and said that mine is still under warranty and to call the customer service line. Well what do you know after about a 3 minute phone conversation I am having a new machine sent to me for free no questions asked! What? Who the hell offers customer service like that these days? I'm so impressed I'm waiting for the "too good to be true" part to kick in. So now I have reassembled my machine temporarily until my new machine arrives. It looks like the Edward Scissorhands of Big Shots, I have to manually crank it with a wrench. That's how often I use this thing!!! Not to mention that I was half way through cutting the title for this page. I just had to finish it!! This is this year's soccer photos that are being scrapped, and that is me in the yellow t-shirt in the group photo. I was conned into coaching their team this year. It was fun but totally stressful! I once again chose the colours based on the photo. Wild Wasabi, Tempting Turquoise, More Mustard. The cassette paper is not SU!, I think it is Cosmo Cricket. I have a pocket this time with our record on it done with drafting rub on letters, inside is the team roster. Our record for my first coaching year was 7 wins, 1 loss and 4 ties. Not too shabby if I do say so myself! I am also sharing a close up of my little Ryan in the third picture. He is notorious for making silly faces for photos, apparently the photographer caught him in one of his "rare" moments. He included this picture free of charge! Well, that's all the rambling for today. Have a good one! E

Neato Mosquito part 2

2011-08-03T08:13:00.000-04:00

Ok you guessed it! I am sharing Sean's soccer page from last year with you. If you are wondering about the post title, their team name last year was the Mosquitoes. They had a great coach, Jane. My kids loved her, I actually requested her this year but she wasn't coaching again. I have used many of the same elements on Sean's page that I did on Ryan's. Stamped and punched out soccer balls (from Just Soccer), and die cut stars, but I die cut the title on this one. I used the Simple Serif die set and backing board from a DSP paper pack to cut the letters. My husband calls me a hoarder, which I'm not, but I do see value and use in some odd things sometimes. I saved myself a pile of money using something that came free instead of buying chipboard letters. I used acrylic paint to colour the letters and from there decided that Wild Wasabi was the closest green to it. I really love the way the soccer ball border came out, my original plan was to do a scalloped border with them, I like this better! I'll keep this short and sweet today, I have a card to share with you tomorrow! Happy hump day! E

Neato Mosquito!

2011-08-02T08:02:00.000-04:00

Good morning! Yes, I do have another scrappin' page for you. And, yes, it is another sports themed page. This page represents Ryan's first year playing soccer. He was underage and the smallest kid on the team. When I registered him they asked me if he could keep up with the other kids, I replied " probably not, but I don't care". Ryan wasn't the greatest player, but he wasn't the worst either. He actually managed to get the ball a couple of times and had a bit of a break away. Then of course his big brother had to steal the ball away from him. I give him credit for his effort and his bravery. He even took a hard kick to the tummy a couple of times but that didn't stop him. He had fun and that is all that matters to me! I used the team colours on this page, boring black and boring gray. I had to add a pop of colour so I added some green, from the grass and trees in the background. How creative. The green is Kiwi Kiss. The title was done using the Jumbo Outline alphabet stamp set which I lovingly hand cut after being stamped. The stars are either chipboard stars that I purchased or some that I die cut. The soccer balls were stamped using the Just Soccer stamp set and then punched out with the 1 3/8" circle punch, the All Star accent piece was stamped using the Sporting stamp set and then layered on Basic Black cs and Kiwi Kiss cs. I added some black brads to the corners of the accent piece to jazz it up a little. The DSP is from the Urban Garden collection (I think) and it is Basic Gray and Black, the background cardstock is the retired Going Gray. I wish they hadn't retired that colour, but then again, I'm not the one making the decisions at SU!. This page took me a while to create, I kept flip flopping between this page and the one shown previously until I had them both completed. One more sporting page to share with you tomorrow, any guesses on what it will be? Until then, E.

Scrappin' the Day Away

2011-08-01T08:47:00.000-04:00

So the last few days I have been feeling like garbage!!! I get a summer cold every year it seems. Hopefully this year isn't as bad as last when I ended up with a killer sinus infection and had to go get some antibiotics. And I also hope that this passes quickly. In our household we are also in the middle of a chickenpox breakout. My oldest picked it up the last day of school and now my 6 month old baby has it. The poor little thing hasn't been vaccinated yet and has quite the case of it. I feel really bad for her. To top it all off the other three kids, boys 3, 4, and 6 are driving me crazy. They are so demanding, and have so much energy but no creativity. When I was little I made my own fun, today's child just doesn't know how unless they are in front of a tv or video game console. GRRRRRR!!!! So what do I do? I escape into my little haven, which currently is in my grandma's old room. I have a large window (yay) and a view of the backyard/baseball diamond. I am hoping to redecorate my dungeon of a stampin' room in the basement but I have to admit I kinda like where I am. Did you come here to get my life story? I think not, well let me get on with my post. I am so behind on my scrappin' it's not even funny anymore. I have two Christmases to do and everything following. The problem is that I don't have photos developed and as time goes on my bill at the photo lab is getting more and more expensive. Scary! So lately I have been scrappin' with my kids sporting photos. These photos are from a year plus ago, from the skating carnival. I started off the page in black, white and Buckaroo Blue. It just wasn't doing anything for me so I set it aside while I worked on other pages. Banners and pennants are HOT!!! right now so I was inspired to do a banner title. Unfortunately it didn't fit across the top so I had to do it in two pieces. I still really like the way it turned out though. The letters were die cut using the simple serif die set and then run through the Big Shot in a Cuttlebug embossing folder that looks like bubbles. The pennant colours are Riding Hood Red, Crushed Curry and Old Olive. I used the Crop-a-dile to set some eyelets on either side of the pennant and then threaded some bakers twine (also a hot item these days) through them. I added some flower shaped buttons in More Mustard to a couple of the pennants. The DSP is from the Day and Night specialty DSP. I tore the strips and layered them, my husband hates the tearing effect. He commented on a card the other day, "wow, you didn't tear anything on this one". Haha! But the next card I showed him did have some, tee hee! I used a white gel pen to journal at the bottom of the page. My next shipment of SU! goodies is going to have the Petite Pennants Punch in it, along with a co-cordinating stamp set. You will be seeing a lot of this technique coming up soon! The next couple of posts will be some more scrappin' pages. I really need to do some more, it's very therapeutic! See you soon! E

Teacher Cards

2011-07-31T11:10:00.000-04:00

Good morning! As we head into the afternoon I will share with you the two cards my sons made for their teachers. The top one my 4 yr old son made for his teacher as a year end thank you and the bottom one my 6 yr old son made for his teacher for her birthday which was the day after the last day of school. Let's discuss... My son Ryan was absolutely smitten with his JK teacher this year. All I kept hearing all year was "Mrs. Bondy says...". At Valentine's day he wanted to give her flowers, but not just any flowers, cauliflower. One day this spring I cut a piece off my teeny tiny lilac bush and let him take her some lilacs, but to Ryan they were Lilas. So when he wanted to make her card he wanted to put Lilas on it. Well I didn't have a stamp with lilacs so hydrangea had to work. He watercoloured the flowers with Rich Razzleberry ink and Kiwi Kiss for the stem. He had to add some orange so we made the flower centres Pumpkin Pie as well as a border for the focal piece. I tied a piece of organdy ribbon that I singed with my heat tool to wrinkle it. The textured piece of cardstock was done using the Big shot and an embossing folder (the name isn't coming to me right now). And voila, finished! Sean's card was a little more complex and he did most of it himself. We started off with a card base of Pink Pirouette textured cardstock, he then stamped it with Pink Pirouette ink and pieces from the Itty Bitty Bits stamp set. The striped paper is from the Sweet Pea collection, a chocolate chip eyelet border punched out adds a pretty touch along with some Rose Red 1/4" grosgrain ribbon. The focal piece was done completely with punches, 1 3/4" circle, 1 3/8" circle and the cupcake builder. Sean had to add green (Wild Wasabi, my fav) because green is Madame's favourite colour. I think he did a great job! I'm such a proud mama! I hope you enjoyed my boys' creations today, for tomorrow I'll share something completely mine! Until then, E.

Teacher Gifts

2011-07-28T21:05:00.002-04:00

Hi all. I know it is July and this gift was given away a month ago but I am just finding time now to get these posts up. I actually did use my scrappin' supplies to make this rag bag. Now you are starting to wonder if I used paper on them right? Ok maybe not, I used my Big Shot and the scallop square die to cut these pieces of fabric and then sandwiched them with batting and sewed an X through them. I then sewed all the squares together. The handle also has some batting in it and is quilted as well. After I had the bag assembled I washed it to give it that raggy look. I also made one in greens and pinks for my other son's teacher but somehow either he didn't give it to her, or she sent it home not realizing it was for her. So all she ended up with was some Lindor chocolate. Don't I look cheap and unappreciative (which I'm not). These little numbers are a quick and easy project especially after you make two. Thanks for checking in today. I'll be back soon! E

Bus Driver Thank You

2011-07-27T14:26:00.000-04:00

Good afternoon all! I have been meaning to share this card with you for a while now. I'm sorry about the photo quality, I took the picture without flash when the sun was semi-setting so everything looks sort of yellow. I gave it to my boys' bus driver on the last day of school. Let me tell you how nice this man is, he is terrific! So friendly and patient :) The card is a gift card holder (we put a Timmies card in it), I still have a bunch of these cut, scored and ready to be decorated. This time I used the owl punch with some googly eyes, die cut letters (Go Go Boots die set), and some punched clouds. Can anyone guess which two SU! punches I used to make them? The large cloud is the fancy flower with two of the petals cut off and the small clouds are the "icing" part of the cupcake punch. I used a sponge and some Baja Breeze ink on the edges. Other colours used are Taken With Teal, Chocolate Chip and Pumpkin pie. What a "hoot" I had making this card, I think I was chuckling and smiling the whole time I was making it. As you can see from the inside the greeting is a little punny, "thanks for owl you do". Love it! To create the slot for the gift card to fit inside I used the word window punch, punched three times across the fold and a circle punch to make a thumb slot to pull it out. I also used a piece of 1/4" grosgrain ribbon to tie it closed. I was so excited to give this card away that I sent my kids to school on the bus even though I was driving there (I'm a super dork, I know). However, my kids do love taking the bus so who am I to deny them their pleasures, right? If you would like instructions on how to make these gift card holders please email me and I will send you the info. Thanks for visiting me in blog world today, have a SUPER one! E

Knitting Tags

2011-07-26T20:34:00.000-04:00

I have to start this post off by saying that my hubby is the greatest! I was having some serious issues with some web pages, including Blogger (my blog provider) and he fixed it for me. I am a real dummy sometimes when it comes to computers and my husband is a genius with them! I wasn't able to create new posts because all my buttons were bunched in together and overlapping each other. Apparently it was by browser font settings or something like that, who would have known? Definitely not me, but Jasey did! So I'm back up and running and am now able to create new posts. I have quite a few things to share and hopefully I will find the time to do it. Today's post is a tag I created to attach to one of my hand-knit creations. A birthday gift for my friend Bonnie, yes I did give her a knit scarf in July... All my other friends received hand knit things so I had to be fair. She will appreciate it in December! My supplies for this one include: A "silk" flower from the pretties kit that I hand dyed Kiwi Kiss (I think), a circle punched out of scrap paper 1 3/8", a tag from the Hand Knit stamp set coloured with Rich Razzleberry and a RR flower shaped button with black hemp twine tied through. I attached this little concoction with a safety pin. I know, pretty technical but it works. I have also made a couple more of these in different colour combos for future gifts, may share later. Hope you enjoyed today's weather for those of you in SW Ontario, definitely a nice break from the heat. See you soon! E

A Wedding Card

2011-07-23T12:24:00.000-04:00

This is an old post that apparently didn't get published so here it is... a nice quick and easy post for today!

Thanks to Becky, Barbara and Lesley for checking out my blog! Yesterday (today for me) my sister, who has become one of my best customers (now that she has started paying me for my cards, LOL!), informed me that she would need yet another wedding card. Hi Jilly, I know you've been here too but are too shy to admit it :). So, instead of making her pick a card from my stash I made this one especially for the bride and groom. Their last name (will) start(s) with M so therefore I decided to monogram the card. This card came together quite quickly partially because the monogram and accent idea have been knocking around in my head for a while, and partly because I used fabulous DSP from Stampin' Up! all from the same pack so it co-ordinates magnificently. Believe it or not, I just got this pack (Urban Oasis) even though it is retiring after today! What a shame because it is just beautiful. The stamp sets used are Gallery and Lovely Letters, the colours are Kraft, Black, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze and White. Unlike me to not use ribbon on a card (ask my husband) but I did however use a Kiwi Kiss corduroy button (brad) that is also retiring (Boo Hoo!) and just by chance mimics the polka dots in the DSP. After today, bon voyage to the old incolor colours and bonjour to the new! I have mixed feelings about this if you can't tell... P.S. my next order will be going in mid July.