August 30, 2008

2 Sketches 4 You--Laura's Sketch 7

Another week and another inspiring sketch from Laura at 2 Sketches 4 You. Here's Laura's sketch--Here's my card based on her sketch--

I'm totally getting in the Christmas spirit--it's almost September, you know! This card is made with some scrap cardstock I found on my craft table. It's olive green on the outside and light blue on the inside. The patterned paper is from my bargain Provo Craft Holiday Slab. I used the polka dot paper to wrap up a piece of cardboard to look like a present. The ribbon is from Hobby Lobby. The "merry christmas" stamp is Hampton Art Stamps, and the other one is a $1 Michael's stamp. I wrapped the striped paper and the ribbon around the front flap of the card, so it's pretty on the inside, too! Thanks for looking!

August 23, 2008

Caardvarks Music Challenge & 2S4Y Ingrid's Bonus Sketch

I made one card for two challenges--a music-themed card for the Caardvarks challenge which I based on Ingrid's bonus sketch over at 2 Sketches 4 You. I love the colors and combination of patterned papers.

I used Making Memories black cardstock for the card and dark brown cardstock on the flower, Provo Craft music paper, Paper Pizazz yellow stripe paper, the Paper Studio orange paper, Sizzix flower die cut with a Making Memories brad, and Rubber Stampede "just a note" rubber stamp. The inside of the card has ivory linen paper which is leftover from making my wedding invitations four years ago. I am proud of myself for making yet another card using supplies I already had--even the musical note paper. I hope the Michael's I usually shop at doesn't go bankrupt!

August 21, 2008

2S4Y Weekly Sketch--Kazan's Sketch 7

This week over at 2 Sketches 4 You, Kazan offers up this lovely sketch--

Here is my card based on the sketch--


I used Making Memories dark brown cardstock and ivory cardstock scraps, My Mind's Eye patterned paper, $1 Michael's flower and "just for you" stamps with brown paint, and ribbon from my stash. I did a lot of the cutting freehand with scissors which is so unlike me. I always use my paper cutter because I like everything perfectly square and straight. It's always good to try new things, though. Thanks for looking!

August 18, 2008

Etsy Handmade Kids Challenge

Etsy had a handmade kids challenge, and I actually completed a project on time to enter. There are seven different categories, and I made an entry for the toys category. I made this cute set of stuffed fruit--I think I did a pretty good job because my 19-month-old son was able to pick out the apple and "nana" which are the two fruits he knows how to say. I used cotton print fabrics lined with cotton batting and stuffed with polyester fiberfill. The set has one pear, two bananas on a toy ring, three apples, and four oranges. In addition to being fun to use in pretend play, they can also be used to teach colors, counting, matching, and sorting. You can check out the Storque article about the contest and voting starts August 25. If you want to purchase my entry, the listing is here. Thanks for looking!

August 17, 2008

Caardvarks "From Your Closet" Challenge


For the Caardvarks "From Your Closet" Challenge, I made a Christmas card using Sizzix diecut mittens as my "closet" item. The patterned paper is from the Provo Craft Holiday Slab V (my big 90% off Michael's bargain after Christmas last year). I did some snowflake embossing on white cardstock using Fiskars texture plates which I've been using a lot lately. It's a great way to dress up plain cardstock. I also embossed a snowflake on each of the mittens and added a little rik rak. The "warm wishes" stamp is from a Plaid All Night Media set and is another after-Christmas Michael's bargain. I still haven't purchased any new supplies in my quest to use what I already have. Thanks for looking!

August 14, 2008

2 Sketches 4 You--Laura's Sketch 6

Monday brought another fantastic sketch by Laura from 2 Sketches 4 You.

After trying to organize my craft area (again), I came across the Christmas Slab I purchased last year at Michael's for 90% off. I remember being tempted to buy all the Slabs they had because it was such a great deal, but I exercised some restraint and purchased only one. Who needs more than one Slab of holiday paper? Now I wish I'd bought them all. I made this winter-themed card based on Laura's sketch--


I used patterned paper from Provo Craft Holiday Slab V, snowflake embossed cardstock using Fiskar's texture plates and some blue chalk, ribbon left over from making my "something blue" wedding garter (four years ago!), and savvystamps "let is snow" rubber stamp. I also pulled out my Making Memories slot punching tool so I could thread the ribbon through the card. I haven't used it much, but it looks much better than using a hole punch. Now I'm ready to start making this year's Christmas cards! Thanks for looking!

August 13, 2008

Patchwork Cards


This past weekend I had time to work on some cards, and I came up with these. I cut 1-inch squares of patterned paper and used the zig zag stitch on my sewing machine to sew them to cardstock. It's a great way to use up those little paper scraps. They were a little time consuming but a lot of fun to make. I love it when I can combine hobbies. If you like these cards, they're for sale in my Etsy shop.

August 5, 2008

2S4Y Weekly Sketch--Kazan's Sketch 6

Another week and another wonderful card sketch challenge over at 2 Sketches 4 You. This week, Kazan has this great sketch--


I used her sketch to make this bright and happy card suitable for a birthday or just to send good wishes to somebody special.


I used Making Memories red cardstock, Daisy D's plaid patterned paper, My Mind's Eye blue paper, Vap! Scrap "wish" stamp, Stampabilities letter stamps to spell "BIG," blaze red StazOn ink, scraps of yellow paper and yellow cardstock, and red rik rak from my stash. This is the second week I've made a card from stuff I already had. After trying to organize my work space and seeing how much stuff I have, I'm trying not to buy anymore supplies! Thanks for looking!

August 1, 2008

2 Sketches 4 You--Laura's Sketch 5

After finding the 2 Sketches 4 You blog, I actually look forward to Mondays to see the new sketch. I immediately loved this week's sketch because I'm a big fan of layers and clean lines. Here is Laura's great sketch--
Here is the card I made from her sketch--
I used Making Memories red cardstock for the card and MM black cardstock which I embossed with Fiskars filigree texture plate. The silver cardstock is from a pack of flat cards--my big clearance bargain from Archiver's. The hearts are Sizzix die cuts. The stamped sentiment is a $1 Michael's stamp, and I used a little red glitter for accent. Three ribbons are tied around the silver flat card. I highlighted the embossing with some silver ink and used some ink on the hearts and stamped sentiment, too. This is my second attempt at the card. My first attempt didn't turn out exactly how I wanted it to, but now I can give the first version to my husband for our anniversary. He won't know the difference!