Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Here Mojo, where are you?

Since Thanksgiving my mojo is missing!  It may have ate too much and is resting it off...  Or did it hide in shame as I didn't go shopping on Black Friday (rarely do I go)?   Or maybe...   Well, anyway.   It's missing.  I spent an hour blurfing for ideas for a card for our youngest granddaughter's birthday.  I'm almost ashamed to show this card as I feel it just didn't come together.

I had a scrap of this paper left over from a class and it kinda got me to thinking Asian...  So out came the TAC set called Konnichiwa that I got at the last convention.  As I colored with my Copics I definitely felt terribly rusty!  Man!  I haven't colored in AGES!


I think the hair came out fairly good but that's about it.  I also do not like the lay out.  The pattern paper is a bit overwhelming.  But, I decided to show you one of my "goofs".  I really struggle sometimes to get a card to come together. Bummer.  Well, the granddaughter is still getting the card.  There's a lot of me in it.  And you should see the bits and pieces that I tried to incorporate that are sitting on my work table!



Sunday, November 27, 2011

Upcoming class at the AZ Scrapbooking Store

I finally finished all my samples for my December classes and this class is scheduled for December 7th at 1 pm.


These are Pull-Out Christmas cards.  I learned the technique from my friend KellyRae and will give the link AFTER my class.  This is the card closed.


Card open.  The text (and text on following) is from a TAC set and I think the cactus is by Stamp Mania but I can't say for sure as the stamp isn't mine (and neither are the following main images).  I colored this with Copic markers and used the Stardust Clear Gel pen on the light bulbs.




I had a heck of a time getting the directions made up and still may have to "fine tune" them.  So, if you are in the Green Valley, AZ area the first Wednesday of December and want to take the class or are interested in other classes available check out the AZ Scrapbooking site.


Friday, November 25, 2011

More Christmas Cards!

I'm still making Christmas cards with the 25 Days of Cards over on the Memory Works consultants forum.  I hope you're not getting tired of them.  And I hope they inspire you to get yours made as Christmas is just a hair over a month away!

How do you like my tree?  I used my Nestie Scalloped Circles die (the largest in the set), cut it in half, then folded it.  The paper had a tendency to crack on the folds so I got out my Copic markers and colored the edges to hide the white core.

I then added the star brad to the top of the tree.  The text is from a TAC™ set. The pattern paper is from Memory Works made by Basic Grey called Nordic Holiday.

Want to see another??


There is NO stamping on this card and all papers (except for black) is also from Memory Works made by Simple Stories called 25 Days of Christmas.   This came together so quickly I was surprised!

I still have more Christmas cards to post and am still enjoying the challenges.  I've also seen some great little gift card holders and banners.  I just ordered the Nov. Kit from Memory Works which is loaded with Christmas elements and paper as I'm running a bit low right now.  So stay tuned!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

{TAC} Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is the TAC Design Team Blog Hop!  Again we are sharing our love with The Angel Co.™ stamps.

Tomorrow we celebrate all the blessings we have and had.  Usually we share a dinner with family or friends and enjoy visiting with each other.  We are having a traditional turkey dinner with my parents.

Do you know how this day, the 4th Thursday of November, was set aside?  It was our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, that set this day aside as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise back on October 3, 1863.  His speech shows how much our LORD GOD was a part of his life and the history of this nation:


By the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

William H. Seward,
Secretary of State


Today I'm sharing a card to give thanks to my LORD GOD.  I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Him.  He sustains and protects me and gave me His salvation and eternal life when I gave my life to Him.


I used The Twinery twine and the Spirelli technique on the scalloped circle made with a Spellbinders die.  The acorns and text is from a TAC™ set called Give Thanks.  The scallops are from a DCWV Scalloped Cardstock Stack. And the cool pattern paper is by Papertrey Ink.

I colored the acorns with Copic markers and added some Stardust Clear Gel pen on the leaves veins.  I sanded the edges of the scalloped circle for a bit of aging.  (Besides, when I punched the DCWV cardstock it made some of the edges white anyway.)

What are you thankful for?  Will you be sharing a meal with family or friends?  I pray for you, my readers, today for His grace and mercy upon your life and great blessings.  I appreciate you for stopping by my blog.   Thank you as you keep this blog going.  You are a blessing to me.

 Now, please go visit these fun blogs of wonderful designers who belong to the TAC Design Team!




Monday, November 21, 2011

Sedona Globe Frame

My hubby and I took a 4 day trip to Sedona, AZ the end of  October to celebrate our 30th anniversary.  We so enjoyed riding the Verde Canyon Railroad and taking a Hummer drive to the top of the Colorado Plateau.  I had to make something to commemorate our special trip and the AZ Scrapbooking store in Green Valley, AZ had the answer!  I purchased a really cool frame by Globe Craft Memories and used some great paper by Simple Stories called Destinations that I got from Memory Works...



This is the "globe".  There are some wonderful samples on their website.


I went rather simple for my first attempt. With the "globe" reflecting light, flashes, and me, I had a tough time taking pictures of it.  If and when I find embellishments that work with my design I will add to this.  I stamped the 2 items at the top and bottom of the frame which are by Clear Stamps.  The word "Sedona" is computer generated.




I colored the bottom image with Copic markers.


And here's us.  Dean broke his ankle at work mid-October so he didn't have to work for 3 weeks - doctor's orders. Therefore, he's holding his crutches and has quite the "boot" on his foot. Since his ankle was broke we decided on the Hummer for more room but we were the only ones in the Hummer! The view above Sedona was just amazing!! And the weather was fabulous!  The sun was REALLY bright and it was warm!  We were a couple weeks too early for the foliage color change but we did get hints that it was on its way.

We haven't really celebrate any anniversaries other than just going out for dinner so this was a real treat!  I have quite a few pictures from our trip so still need to make some pages to show them off.  I'll post them when I get them done. 

Saturday, November 19, 2011

{TAC} We love Nina Brackett!

Today a few of us on the Totally Awesome Chicks design team are celebrating the great images by Nina Brackett.  I got some of her sets while at our last annual convention last June in Wichita, KS and even purchased a couple more before The Angel Company closed.   I'm using her set called Dotted Peony and TAC's Uptown Girl paper.

I seen a sketch design recently and felt this was perfect for my card! And my Claret PH ink matched wonderfully with the paper!  I was surprised when I took the photo that the black ribbons drooped on the right side!  Darn! I did manage to straighten them a bit with my thumbnail...

Here you can see the Stardust Clear Gel pen on the flower.  You can almost see the dimension of the flower.  I used a "Paper Shaper" to gently round the flower then I used some foam mounting tape to attach the flower. 

After leaving a comment here please check out the other Design Team members projects...


We would love it if you joined our {TAC} blog hop! Entries must use a Nina B set which appeared in the 2011 TAC catalog. To join our hop, link in using the button below and the full address to your blog post. One lucky hopper will win the Nina B set “Katy”! {Thanks SO much Nina!} The winner will be chosen at random; design team members are not eligible to win. This challenge is open until 11:54 pm (CST) Tuesday, November 22nd, so please join us!

get the InLinkz code


Thursday, November 17, 2011

Another Wedding Card

I just completed a wedding card from items of the recent wedding we attended.  I used pieces from the program and a cute covered candy bar.  I do like how it turned out and will finish the inside so hubby can give it to the couple (the "new" hubby works with my hubby).  I used one stamp from a TAC set called Congrats Grad.  What do you think??

Shannon had beautiful flowers on the tables at the reception that matched the ones on the card.  I don't know the name but they were just gorgeous!



This cool bow, hearts, and green ribbon were on the candy bar.



I was thrilled that I had the hot pink paper that matched the hot pink elements of the card.  I think it pulls the whole card together.  So what do you think??

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

How Beautiful Wedding Card

Last Friday we attended the wedding of one of Dean's co-workers.  I got to thinking of this beautiful paper pack by K & Company with matching Layered Elements and I was off and running.

The text is by Biblical Impressions and I used twine from The Twinery.  I rather like it but, for some reason, the center of the text didn't stamp as dark.

Here's a closeup of the floral element.  I added a couple more pieces of foam tape for more stability.  I found a cool poem for the inside online and printed it to use.

Since their flowers were hot pink I'll be making a card from bits and pieces of their announcement and program.  I'll be posting that when I get it finished.

This card would be good for birthday or anniversary, too.  How do you like it?

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Halloween and our granddaughters

I finally got some pics of our 2 youngest granddaughters and I bought paper just for this particular sheet.  It's one of Memory Works products by Echo Park called Apothecary Emporium Theme Set ($5.50 for 6 double-sided 12 x 12 sheets) plus I used a couple stickers from the Element Stickers ($3.00).


Our daughter-in-law had wonderful creativity when it comes to the girls and I just love these costumes!  Rylie is a "Nerdy Girl Prom Queen" and Rowan is "Frankie Stein".


I made the labels on my computer using a font called Vampire.  What a hoot! This is a very simple page as I didn't want to detract from the girls.  Sometimes simple is best.

Friday, November 11, 2011

I love Christmas!

Are you getting your Christmas cards made??  You know it's just a bit over a month away!  Gasp!!

Here's another card I made using a sketch challenge on Memory Works 25 Days of Christmas challenge.  This time I used Basic Grey Nordic Holiday papers and Unity's 25 Days of Christmas stamp set.

I could have used any number of Christmas stamps from my stash but decided to stick with products that Memory Works sells.

I did use the Stardust Clear Gel pen on the blue and green ornaments. You can just make that out from this pic. And I added a piece of foam mounting tape under the left ends of the 3 "ribbons" which were cut from one the the papers.  Isn't this gingerbread man paper just adorable!  I have a cool digital image from Whimsey and Stars Studio that would work wonderfully with this paper!

I just recently downloaded some cute Halloween photos of our 2 youngest granddaughters and hope to get a scrapbook page made. I  purchased a pack of Echo Park paper called Apothecary Emporium that will be great with their pics.  Just need to get it done!

I have also added a new feature in the sidebar!  Check out the top 5 most popular posts! But do keep in mind that The Angel Company™ is no longer in business as you look back.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

{TAC} Bee My Honey

Today is our {TAC} bi-monthly tribute to The Angel Company and I used a fun set to commemorate my hubby's birthday!  He is my honey and this set, My Honey, worked wonderfully for his card....

And Christine,  I did NOT figure out how to add that PNG file to my photo.  I just added the text in Microsoft Paint so if anyone knows how to layer these files on photos I'd be happy!  Anyway,  I used Miss Moxie designer paper and matching card stock for this card.  I had the purple brads from somewhere.  And I colored with my Copic markers and used the Spellbinders Labels 1 Nestie for the layering.


I tried to show that I used Crystal Lacquer on the honey and the Stardust Clear gel pen on the bees' wings.  Just couldn't get both to show up in the photo.   My hubby laughed when he got his card... It is kinda comical.

So now go visit the other {TAC} designers and enjoy!  Grab your coffee, tea, whatever and be inspired!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

More Christmas Cards!

I'm still making Christmas cards!  I've been so inspired by the sketches and cards by the Memory Works consultants doing the 25 Days of Christmas that I can't stop!!!  Do you want me too???

Anyway, here is a card again using the Simple Stories 25 Days of Christmas paper, matching cardstock, matching ribbon, and Unity's matching stamps.



It's a simple design the the stripes are NOT individual strips of paper but a piece of striped paper.  Cool beans!



Here you can see how I emphasized Christmas Day.  I used a coordinating Copic marker then my Stardust Clear gel pen.   I have some more cards almost ready to post plus tomorrow is our {TAC} Design Team bi-monthly post.  I will be showcasing the birthday card I made for my hubby.  So, please come back!

And if you've missed my Memory Works posts, just click on Memory Works in the Labels in the sidebar (down a ways).  That will bring up all the posts using their great products!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

3rd Sketch for the 25 Days of Christmas Challenge

I'm sure enjoying the challenges over on Memory Works.  Since I'm so new at working with stickers, chipboard, etc. playing with some of the products have been actual challenges! But, I'm having a blast!  Here's my Day 3 card....

I'm still using the Simple Stories line of paper called 25 Days of Christmas.  There are great stickers and more to go with this line.  I did use a TAC™ stamp for the greeting.  And I used some twine by The Twinery and my Stardust Clear gel pen.  I also used the Fiskars Treading Water border punch but not sure if I like it or not with the paper I used.  I would have preferred just the scalloped edge.



The sticklers are nice and glossy so taking a photo can be "fun".  Here you can see some of the glitter pen lines and dots.

I'm sure getting my Christmas cards done! Still have to put some text inside but that will come later.  Now I'm working on my hubby's birthday card and a wedding card along with a Globe Frame.  Stay tuned!


Friday, November 4, 2011

Another card for the 25 Days of Christmas

Day 2 of the Memory Works 25 Days of Christmas sketch was fun!  An idea came to me almost immediately!  How amazing!  So, without further ado....


I used the 25 Days of Christmas paper, Elements, Ribbon, and matching cardstock along with some rhinestones on this card.  The base is Kraft paper in a 5 1/2" card. I did sand the fold as I went against the grain and the fold got a bit wonky. Yet you can still see some goofy spots after I edged with coordinating VersaMagic ink.  My hubby liked this card! Said it's very bright... To me only the ribbon is "bright".



I really like how this turned out. I think it's quite elegant with the rhinestones but not overdone.  What do you think?  And I'm getting a long way toward my Christmas card goal!  I WILL be ready!  Will you?


Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Merry Christmas!

I finally played with some of my Memory Works papers!  I purchased the Simple Stories 25 Days of Christmas collection, matching card stock & ribbon, and the matching Unity Stamps set 25 Days of Christmas.  This card is my interpretation of a sketch yesterday on the Memory Works Studio (sorry, you gotta be an ind. demo. to get into this site) celebrating 25 Days of Christmas.

I so rarely use stickers but the ornament is one!  I like how it matches the red pattern paper.



I layered the stamped text on the pale green and used a VersaMark ink pad to edge all the solid card stocks.  Not too bad.  What do you think??  I hope to do more with the 25 days of sketches for inspiration.