Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Thanksgiving...

This past Sunday I went to a cropping afternoon east of Tucson.  There was about 10 gals there and I did that little apple tag (posted a week or so ago) as a make 'n take.  The gals seemed to enjoy it and I got a few orders for Memory Works products which I will be putting together today to get sent in.  I did take a pic of a cool pumpkin covered with candy corn Duct tape but somehow it disappeared from my phone. Bummer... it was really cute!  While I was there we all did a make 'n take card using Close To My Heart products...


Take a good look at the pumpkin.  Would you believe the stamp we used was actually a TREE stamp??  If you have the current catalog it's on page 20. What a hoot!

I may not have a lot of posts the next few days... you'll just have to check.  My hubby's sister is flying in on Thursday for her art show in Tubac, AZ.  Tomorrow I have a class to teach using the One Sheet Wonder technique plus our church's "The Blast".  This is a small carnival with a salvation message to compete with Halloween.  Last year I think there was about 300 people attending.  Lots of work but great fun.  Hope you have a safe Halloween and my prayers are with the east coast for the tremendous losses there.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Intricate Star Card

I picked up the newest Card Makers magazine the other day due to a card I seen within its pages.  It's called the Intricate Star and it had my attention big time.  So yesterday I went to their website, entered the special code and got the PDF of the template.  I then scanned it into my computer and enlarged it to the recommended size.  Found some paper, traced, cut out....  Hmmm..... Can't figure out what to stamp or how I want to embellish it!  Have you done that???


Here's the outside.  I do have to work on the templates to get them to fit together a bit better.


And here's the inside.  The paper did beg (to me, anyway) for a western look and since the center showed a bit, no text in the center.  I'm debating stamping cowboy boots, or a hat, or something western to attach to the red triangles and maybe some smaller text to place between the horseshoes.  I'll have to go through my stamp stash to see what will work.

I have a funshop today for Memory Works in east Tucson.  I'll have the gals make the little apple tag I posted the other day and hopefully, get some orders.  I need to get some more cards made as next weekend one of my hubby's  sisters will be here for an art showing in Tubac, AZ.  I know I won't be making anything while she's here for 5 days! But maybe she'll let me photo some of her paintings to show you!

Friday, October 26, 2012

A project in process....

The other day I mentioned I was starting on a project... Well, it's becoming very major!


Here's the first step.... Do you remember what I said I was starting on?  I think this was the hardest part, but then, I've only started!  At this point, all paper is by BoBunny.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

WOYWW 177

Ah... Wednesday....  actually it's kinda late Tuesday night.... but I'm getting ready!!  It's time to show you my desk and take a peak at many others!  Thanks to Julia at the Stamping Ground for this colossal blog tour of desks!  My desk is rather clean at the moment but I've got a couple projects ready to go.  You'll see 2 cards that I'm making into birthday cards for a cousin.  We'll celebrate her birthday, Mom's birthday, and our anniversary Saturday evening at a Red Lobster.  I still have to make mom's card. Oh, Mom will give the orange card to my cousin and we'll give her the Celebrate Life one.  I've also got some BoBunny paper with a piece of card stock that I've drawn some templates on and a photo of a cool turkey that I plan on making.  I'm only in the planning stages, hope to have complete maybe this weekend.


So my desk is kinda boring.... It's quite a bit neater than last week but all the kids got their envelopes with their Autumn/Halloween goodies.

So, after leaving a comment here (if you want) just click on Julia's link above and have a look at other work spaces.  Some are truly amazing!

Apples and Pumpkins

Today is our 31st anniversary!  I'm having trouble believing it's been that long since we said "I Do" in front of a judge.  In honor of our special day we took a little trip this past weekend to visit some local sites to the east of us.  We visited a nice Native American museum called the Amerind Foundation at Dragoon, AZ.  They were celebrating their 75th anniversary!  Lots of cool exhibits.  From there we went to the Cochise Stronghold, where Cochise was born and raised.  Then to the Chiricahua National Monument.  Oh, this was absolutely amazing!!! To finish the weekend we went to Apple Annie's north of Willcox, AZ.  I love this place!


Dean cut the pumpkin off the vine...


And I'm holding it for viewing! We took a hay ride and walked through a corn maze.  We also ate roasted corn and purchased some sweet corn, kettle corn, apple cider donuts, and a couple green peppers.

This coming Sunday I'm joining the crop gals east of Tucson and will have them make a little apple tag.  It's 2" wide and 4 3/4" long. Would make a nice bookmark...


The pattern paper is Simple Stories Harvest Lane collection.  The solid card stock and ribbon coordinates with it.  The buttons were purchased at Wally World.


I used my Cricut Expression and the Serenade cartridge to make the apple and the Plantin SchoolBook cartridge for the tag.  I'm learning!!!  I used the "fill page" and quantity buttons for the first time!! I have 19 tags ready to assemble for the gals and they can embellish how they want and use their own ribbon.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

It's Red Snowflakes!

I've been playing some more a technique from the Oct/Nov 2012 newsletter.  You may recall the blue "In the Middle" card I posted last week... well, here's another...


Stamps are by The Angel Co.  I think I like my blue card better but I still like the effect here.


I added crystals to the center of the snowflakes for that touch of bling.  I was using up some scraps that were laying on my desk (but I haven't even made a dent in my scraps!).  My desk is a LITTLE more neat compared to last Wednesday but that's not saying much!

Friday, October 19, 2012

Desert Scene

I've been asked to make some southwest themed cards and I got another finished.  I have no idea who made the stamp and the papers are all leftovers from classes.


All coloring was done with Copic markers and I had fun "dotting" the image!  Love the effect!


This is a bit different for me.  I guess this image would be kind of a stained glass look. Wasn't real sure about how to color but I like how it turned out.  What do you think?

This weekend we're going to take a little overnight trip and see some of this great desert.  We're celebrating our 31st anniversary.  Last year we celebrated by going to the Sedona, AZ area and had a great time though Dean had his ankle in a cast as he broke it a few days before we left!  So, if you leave a comment this weekend I might not be able to moderate/publish it as I don't know if I'll have the laptop with us.  We're taking our pickup as we'll be driving some dirt roads.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

WOYWW 176 and My Favorite....

Boy, I almost forgot what day it is today!!!  It's WEDNESDAY!!!  It's your day to look at my workspace.  And do you know what you'll find today?  It exploded!  I've been busy getting my cards and treats together to send to the kids, grand daughters, and great grandson!  Tomorrow my desk will be clean as I work on new projects.  And you can thank Julia over on the Stamping Ground for this huge blog hop of over 100 other crafters as we all share our spaces.


I have a little pumpkin in each envelope and now I'm deciding who gets what card.  Tonight hubby will sign them and I'll have them mailed either tomorrow or Friday.


My last post showed a card I made using a technique from the most recent Technique Junkies newsletter.  Today I'll share another.  This technique is called In the Middle.  When I first seen it I was rather baffled.  But, as I read the directions then went to the website and viewed the picture tutorial I was hooked.  You'll probably see more of this style coming up.  All stamps are by A|Muse Studios.


Maybe this close up will give you more of an idea about it.   I REALLY like this technique!  What do you think?  And don't forget to head over to the Stamping Ground!  And I just noticed that my blog has had over 50,000 hits!  I want to thank all of you who visit and leave a little love comment!  You all inspire me to keep creating!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Loving Life

Oh my.... I missed my post!  I forgot!  Well, I had to work yesterday on the off chance I would have jury duty today but last night I was excused.  So was a friend so possibly the problem was settled out of court or something.  Anyway....   You know each month I take part in the Technique Junkies 1 on 1 swap and I almost missed it this month.  I never got the initial email telling me to sign up!  The moderator took me on and this past weekend I played with a couple of the techniques from the Oct./Nov 2012 newsletter.  This one is called Inky Bands...


I've kinda played with this technique quite some time ago when I seen a card while blurfing.  I love the look... easy yet beautiful!  The floral image is a stamp by Sunday International.  The text is by Unity for Simple Stories.  I added the 3 black rhinestones for that touch of bling....


Here's a closer look at the technique.  I think I'll be doing this again! What do you think??

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Joy Found

Last week I got a new stamp set from Chelsea Comer who is an consultant for A|Muse Studios.  The set is called Autumn Days and it consists of 5 leaves and 6 sayings.  Then I was over on Pinterest and seen a really cool card with inspired me.  Ready to see what came of that??


The "Joy, Found" is from The Angel Company but the background text and leaves are A|Muse.  I used my Corner Chomper to round the corners on the 2 bottom layers along with the text piece.  I had a different vision at first but it didn't quite work but I like how this turned out.


Here you see the leaves a bit better.  I used Cognac Palette Hybrid ink sponged on the edges of the card, center of the leaves and around the text to pull it all together.  And I have the perfect color of brads (at least to me)!  I like Pinterest but I try not to get on it more than weekly.  I can spend WAY too much time there! If you're interested I do have a button in the left sidebar where you can follow me.  I did make some Breakfast Tortillas from a recent "pin" and I made a batch...





They're done and ready to wrap to freeze!  I have to admit... I ate the first one I rolled as it didn't look so great.  It was delish!




Wrapped and ready to put in freezer bags.  The hardest part about these... the darn plastic wrap!  This brand that I use is great but sometimes it gets away from me when I'm tearing it for use.


Friday, October 12, 2012

Last 2 Thank You cards

I am so ready to make some cards that aren't for a class.  But I did finish the last 2 cards and am now ready to show them to you.   Ready??


I'm using the same papers but the text is from a The Angel Company set.  I'm still thinking about the button directly under the flower but that hot pink spot was just begging for something.


I colored my white ribbon with a Copic marker that matched the hot pink really good. And the button is fairly close to the peach base.  Did you notice the card holder?  I got it at the AZ Scrapbooking store in Green Valley, AZ.  Debi got it from a restaurant supply website.  It pinches very tight so I tried to loosen on side.  Don't do that.  But here's a closer look....


The only problem so far that I had is the tight side actually was very difficult on get the card into and it did lightly tear the card.   It stands 1 1/2" tall and seems fairly sturdy if the card isn't real heavy.

I just purchased a wonderful CD from the Technique Junkies called Great Gifts.  WOW! It has 40 projects that are amazing! I checked the website but apparently it's only available for us Junkies at this time.  If you decide to join us Junkies please let Pat know you heard out if from me! Thanks!

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

WOYWW 175 and another Thank You

Hey!  It's Wednesday!!  Do you know what today is???  Think....  Yep, you get to see my desk!  I'm right in the middle of a project for the grandkids! I purchased a package of these 4 paper m... (dang if I know how to spell it) pumpkin boxes at Michaels and now I'm painting.  They only have the first coat at this point.  I'll cut some acetate to line the insides of the boxes, sponge some brown ink around the edges, and fill them with goodies (in a bag for freshness).  I made cards for the kids which have already been posted.


I don't think they'll be checking my blog but they don't know what's going into these!  Each year I do a little something special.  One year I made paper bags that looked like brooms full of treats.  Another year it was little black wooden caskets.  This year, pumpkins.  And I have been working on my Thank You card class too.


I seen this layout at Page Maps a while back and thought it was pretty good.  I did find a better word Thank since I made this but I didn't want to try to peel off that square and redo. And the blue paper flowers... the blue ink that I had that matches the blue in the pattern... dry.  Bummer.  I did get another that should match better than that which I used on this card.  Funny how inks dry up when they get used a lot...  I do have a couple more cards to get made.  Will be working on that later today.  Depends on how severe the allergies are today.  I take pills but we had such a wet monsoon that the grasses and weeds are very prolific!  Lots of pollen in the air.

So, now that you're done reading my post and hopefully left a comment, check out Julia's blog, the Stamping Ground, and check out all the links to other crafters' desks!  

Monday, October 8, 2012

Thinking of You

Did you enjoy blog hopping on World Cardmaking Day?  I'm still hopping!  There was so much fabulous inspiration!! Oh my!!!  May take me most the week to get through them!

I've again been working on card samples for upcoming (hopefully) classes.  The "snowbirds" are returning to Green Valley, AZ and maybe the classes at AZ Scrapbooking will begin to fill.  I've been told I'm not the only one whose classes were empty which KINDA makes me feel a little bit better...  ok, maybe a lot bit better! LOL!  Debi, the store owner, wants a thank you class for my class on the 21st.  I had her pick the paper to try and use some that isn't selling well.  I think the pattern paper for this card is by American Crafts but I have NO idea who made the stamps.  These are from her stash at the store...


The back side of the pattern paper is the hot pink.  And the peach is Bazzill.  I used both Black, Claret, and (once stamped off) Beaux Arts Blue Palette Hybrid inks for the stamping.


I added a medium sized crystal to the center of the flower.  I stamped it twice in the Claret and used a 1" punch to get the center and a 1/2" for the little blue flower.  Not bad to my way of thinking...  How about you?

Hubby was sent to Albuquerque, NM today and won't be home until either late tomorrow night or sometime Wednesday so I'll be blurfing to get more ideas for design layouts and inspiration.  I do have 1 more card completed and will post it next.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Pueblo Door on World Card Making Day!


Happy World Card Making Day!!!!  There are a lot of blogs celebrating today and a couple of my favorites are Operation Write Home and  Paper Crafts Magazine.   I'm not involved with any hops but I'll be looking at the ones I follow when I get home from my dental appt.

I was asked to make some southwest themed cards for the AZ Scrapbooking store in Green Valley, AZ.  I made this one between finishing another 15 cards to sell, 4 Halloween card kits, and prepping to make some sample cards for another class.  I used a stamp by  Terry Medaris called Prickly Pear Garden from the Southwest Adobe Collection.  The pattern paper is some leftover from a class.


I used chalks to color the image and my hubby REALLY likes this.  Hmmm.... maybe I need to get them out more.  I have 5 different sets by Pebbles Inc. and some great pointy cotton tip swabs.  I sprayed the image with some hair spray to set the chalk.  I like how the buttons matched the paper, too.  And added the white scrappers floss to finish them.


Here's a little closer look at the image.  I purchased this stamp at a garage sale a couple years ago.  I had to used an old mouse pad under my card stock to get a good image.  The mesquite tree did not want to stamp cleanly.  I think I need to put a note in with the stamp about this so I won't mess up more paper.  And yes, I do use the back side of the card stock when this happens but I still don't like getting poor images.  I have some more stamps that I purchased at that yard sale and plan on playing with them soon.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

WOYWW 174

Ah, another Wednesday.  I've been stamping but I can't show you.  I'm doing something special for a blog to post in mid-November!  But you will see the paper, tools, and stamps I'm using!


I'm using paper from PaperTreyInk and stamps from A|Muse Studios.  Oh, there's my Corner Chomper!  And some fibers!  It's obviously an autumn card and it's under the stamp case.  But you'll have to wait. I'll post it when the appointed time comes.  Meanwhile, check out Julia over on the Stamping Ground and visit other crafter's desks! I'll be checking some out later today and then work on some Thank You cards for a possible class. Bummer, but today's Halloween card class was cancelled.  Only one signed up so I'll be making some kits to sell.  I'm still taking cards from my stash and getting them ready to sell.  I think I've taken about 25 in to AZ Scrapbooking and have another 10 or so ready to go.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Final Winter Scene and Nevermore cards

Were you waiting to see my final card for the class??  It is quite similar to a card posted about a week ago or so but I used the same BoBunny paper so that all 4 cards tied together.


Bet you recognize the layout!  The previous card was done in blue.  Blue cardstock and blue ink...  I think the red is very, what's the word, Christmasy???  Is that a word??  Anyway, I like it in the red.

I really wanted a bit more to show you in this post and since I have some Echo Park paper collection called The Apothecary Park with great stickers I decided to make a card to honor Edgar Allan Poe.





Did you know the famous The Raven poem was about a lost love?  When I homeschooled 12 years ago we studied this poem.  It's fabulous!




I added a black gem to this cool raven sticker to represent the eye.




And I added more black gems to this cool sticker.  This paper is so cool and the stickers wonderful.  Memory Works isn't carrying this line this year but I need to use it up so I can get more!  And did you notice that there is NO stamping???  Nope, nada, nil...  Hubby didn't notice but I bet you did! 

I know it's kinda weird to have a Christmas and a Halloween card in the same post.  But I'm sure you'll forgive me!  LOL!  Just blame it on today being the first day of October!!