It's so good to be back!

Well, hello!  It has been a while since I've posted!  Life got in the way and before I knew it, my blog turned "legacy" and I became locked out!  But, I'M BACK!  And SO happy to be here!  

I've made some changes in my life and started to focus on my health.  Nearing 50 will do that to a person.  hahaha!  I will post more about my journey soon because it is just too good not to share!  

In the meantime, here's a couple of projects I made recently that I wanted to share with you.  They are gift card enclosure boxes I made for our nieces and nephews this year.  The boxes with bells went to the boys, and the boxes with the glittered reindeer went to the girls.  

Thank you ever so much for stopping by!

Supplies:  
Dies:  Lawn Fawn and MFT
Paper:  Papertrey Ink, Recollections, The Container Store
Other:  Hobby Lobby, Michaels

PTI Make It Monday #208: Ombre Stamping

This week's Make-It-Monday challenge is hosted by the lovely Laurie Willison.  This week Laurie has shown us a technique for getting the smoothest ombre inking effect using inexpensive makeup sponges.  I highly suggest you check out the video for yourself.  You can find all the information here.

I started with die cuts from the Happy Spooky Halloween set and went to town stamping ombre in several colors.  I couldn't part with any of those cute kitties, so I decided to make a tall card so that I would have room for them all!  Thank you for the inspiration, Laurie!

And, thank YOU ever so much for stopping by!  Hope you have a great day!

PTI Make It Monday #204: Watercolor Smooshing

This week's Make-It-Monday challenge is hosted by the uber creative, Betsy Veldman.  Betsy is crazy talented and makes the most amazing projects!  This week she has shown us a technique for getting the neatest watercolor effect using our stamp reinkers and water.  I highly suggest you check out the video for yourself.  You can find all the information here.

For my card panel, I chose to "smoosh" using Hibiscus Burst and Summer Sunrise inks.  I just love the soft look that was achieved.  I layered some stamped die cuts from Betsy's Quilted: Spring stamp set, accented with a sentiment die cut.  Finished off with a few sequins, and a few too many dots of glossy accents.  :)  And, lastly, I added some stickles to the floral centers as well as the sentiment (which turned out so pretty and sparkly in real life)!  I'm quite tickled with how this card turned out.  Thank you for the inspiration, Betsy!

And, thank YOU ever so much for stopping by!  Hope you have a great day!

WPlus9 Throw Back Thursday Challenge

Today's card was made for WPlus9's Throw Back Thursday challenge.  I am so excited to see one of my favorite stamp companies hosting a challenge again.  Oh boy, have I missed those Monday Mood Board challenges!  If you would like to see this challenge for yourself, you can read about it here.

For this card, I used my Stampin' Up D block and dabbed various Distress Inks onto it.  Then I spritzed the block with water until it was nice and pooled.  I turned my inked block over and set it onto my card stock panel.  I moved it around slightly to try and make as nice of a square shape as I could.  After letting the panel dry completely, I stamped and embossed my sentiment and stars.  Lastly, the entire panel was adhered to the card base with dimensional foam adhesive.  My favorite part about this card was how the ink colors came out looking so galaxy-ish.  :)  
Thank you for the inspiration, WPlus9!

Thanks ever so much for stopping by!

PTI Make-It-Monday #203: Doodling with Stamps

This week's Make-It-Monday challenge is hosted by the very talented and creative, Ashley Cannon Newell.  She is the master of doodling and just wait until you see the card she made for this challenge!  It's amazing!  If you would like to check out Ashley's gorgeous card, or the challenge, you can find all the information here.

For my doodle experiment, I chose to use the Funky Florals stamp set.  I used the rock-n-roll inking method to get a bit of variation in my flower colors.  Then I set about to doodle some definition.  I just kept adding more doodles until I was happy with the results.  Then, I went and covered up my doodled floral centers with some glittery Diamond Stickles … whooops!  Who knew clear glitter glue would cover up black ink?  Oh, well.  It just gives me an excuse to go out and buy some black Stickles.  :)

Thanks ever so much for stopping by!

PTI Make-It-Monday #202: Anchoring with Border and Banner Dies

This week's Make-It-Monday challenge is hosted by the lovely and ever so talented, Melissa Phillips.  She is the master of layering and has shown us some of her tricks and techniques.  If you would like to check the challenge out for yourself, you can find all the information here.

For my card, I chose to use a pattern paper background, with a Linen Vellum tag, topped with a skyscape die, die cut stars, star garland, and a cutie patootie cupcake.  I even managed to stamp a matching envelope.  Yea, me!  lol!

Thanks ever so much for stopping by!

PTI February Blog Hop Challenge

This month's PTI Blog Hop is an inspiration photo challenge.  Check out this sweet little number that Nichole Heady has found to inspire us to get crafty:

So what do you think about that photo!  Isn't it just lovely?  I love the watercolor look and the gorgeous colors!  Those are the two things that inspired my project today.

I used the Year of Flowers: Violets stamp set heat embossed in clear, and watercolored using Tim Holtz Distress Inks as my medium.  I typically make cards for my projects, but decided to keep this beauty for framing.  Thanks for the inspiration, PTI!

Thank you ever so much for stopping by!

PTI Make It Monday #182: Mason Jar Stamping

This month's Make-It-Monday challenge is hosted by the Queen of Shabby Goodness, Melissa Phillips.  She has shown us her techniques for creating fun home decor by painting and embossing on mason jars.  If you would like to check things out for yourself, you can find all the info here.

For this challenge, I first painted my mason jar a vintage green color.  Then I stamped using the Autumn Adornments set using white, orange, and red embossing powders.  I decorated a trimmed down Tag Sale #9 with a sentiment from Sunflower Bouquet.  I tied on some ribbon and trims using Melissa's fabulous junk bow technique and lastly, added a few crinkled and inked leaf die cuts to accent.

This technique was much easier than I'd anticipated and it sure gives a lot of bang for your effort!  Thank you, Melissa, for sharing your talent and ideas with us!

Thanks ever so much for stopping by!

PTI September Blog Hop

This month's PTI Blog Hop is an inspiration photo challenge.  Check out the gorgeousness that Nichole Heady has found to inspire us to get crafty:

So what do you think about that photo!  Isn't it just lovely?  I really like the pattern on the pail, the softness of the knit sweater, the purple berries, and the cool color palette.  What's not to like, right?  So let's get to some projects!

I started with the pail as inspiration.  I pulled out some embossing paste, tinted it grey, and used the PTI Twist cover plate as a stencil.

I added a sentiment from the Beautiful Brushstrokes kit, Sweet Life die cuts, Scribble Circle die cuts, some splatters of ink, and finished with a few drops of Glossy Accents to add some interest.

While I had the embossing paste out, I used another stencil to make an angled ombre(ish) pattern for this card:

I kept the card CAS, adding an ombre-inked die cut sentiment and some color-coordinated homemade enamel dots using Betsy Veldman's clever technique.

And, since I had all the stencils out, I decided to try an inking technique to make a colorful background for this card:

I used another sentiment and more die cuts from the Beautiful Brushstrokes kit.  I also crocheted a stand of grey yarn to use for the bow.  I really like the soft touch the yarn lends to the project.

The pattern of the pail made me think of Betsy Veldman's Luxe Letterpress impression plate.  I started with a lavender moon panel and masked off around the center panel to stamp the floral pattern.  When I was done, I decided it was all too monochromatic (i.e. boring :), so I used the coordinating die to cut the center of the panel out and die cut the letter L from the center.  To finish, I positioned the center piece underneath an ivory impressed panel.

Lastly, I have a card using the interesting technique from this week's Make-It-Monday challenge.  Danielle Flanders showed us a neat way to craft with toilet paper.  Yes, I said toilet paper!  Image that!  If you would like to check out the video, the challenge, or the great projects made with toilet paper, you can find it all right here.

I added some color to my toilet paper medallion using splash inks.  I used Marybeth's idea of adding my medallion behind the card's front panel.  I like the finished look doing so lends to the project.  Thanks for the inspiration, Marybeth!

That's all for me today.  Thanks ever so much for stopping by!  Happy Hopping!

PTI Stamp-A-Faire 2014!

The event we've been waiting a year for is finally here!  I've been so excited!!!  There is so much crafty inspiration to be had and tutorials to drool over, I thought my head might explode!  ha!  The posts and videos are still free for the viewing, but the challenges aren't, so let me get right to it!  And, incase you would like to check out all the fun for yourself, you can find it on Nichole Heady's blog.

I got a late start this year, as there was a soccer game that I just couldn't escape!  On the bright side, I was able to get started around noon with a crafty friend by my side this year!  I was thrilled to be able to share in this craziness with someone who GETS it!  Thanks, Mackenzie!  :)

Here is the low down on the projects that were made over the weekend.  I'll be brief for now and edit to fill in with more writing tomorrow!

The Regency Era:

The 1920's Era:

The 1940's Era:

The 1980's Era:

Sadly, that's a SAF 2014 wrap!  I wish I had another week free to complete all the other eras!  I leave you with a photo of all the projects together:

Thanks ever so much for stopping by!

PTI Make It Monday #174: Diamond Wallpaper Stamping

This month's Make-It-Monday challenge is hosted by Ashley Cannon Newell.  She has shown us a technique for using our stamps to make a diamond wallpaper look for our crafting projects.  If you would like to check things out for yourself, you can find all the information here.

I thought this challenge would lend itself perfectly to a nautical theme, so I set about making a monogram card set to gift to my step-mother.  She and my father are happiest when they are cruising around on their boat in the sunshiny summertime.

I created my diamond pattern with New Leaf ink using the same stamp set and technique as Ashley.  I added the anchor image in Spring Rain ink followed by the rope image in Copic-safe Memento Expresso Truffle.  After coloring the rope image with Copics for some definition, the monogram was stamped with Blueberry Sky and Enchanted Evening inks.  The main panel was then added to some dark navy card stock.

While I usually gift card sets of 6 to 12 cards, I petered out after the second card in the set. lol!  The result is beautiful, but the stamping is a bit much.  I have until October to complete this project in time for my step-mother's birthday.  Anybody want to make a wager on whether I manage to make more cards to add to the set?  :)

Thanks ever so much for stopping by!

PTI Make It Monday #173: No Outline Watercolor - Part 2

This month's Make-It-Monday challenge is hosted by the talented Heather Nichols.  She has shown us a special technique for using our stamps to make us all look like watercoloring experts.  If you would like to check things out for yourself, you can find all the info here.

This is my second post for this week's MIM challenge.  If you would like to see some rainbow watercoloring using the No Outline Method, you can see them in this post. 

For this card, I used the PTI Harvest Berries stamp set and Distress Inks (which are turning out to be my favorite watercoloring medium to use for great vibrant colors).  After the watercolored panel was added to the card base, a strip of Pure Poppy was added along with a die cut from the Filigree Border die.  A sentiment from the Mini Blooms stamp set and a few wraps of red bakers twine finished off the project.

All supplies are from PTI (aside from the watercolor paper and Distress Inks).

Thanks ever so much for stopping by!

PTI Make It Monday #173: No Outline Watercolor

This month's Make-It-Monday challenge is hosted by the talented Heather Nichols.  She has shown us a special technique for using our stamps to make us all look like watercoloring experts.  If you would like to check things out for yourself, you can find all the info here.

For this challenge, I was able to make two 3x4 panels to use in my pocket scrapbooking projects.

The first panel uses the largest jar from the PTI Friendship Jar series.  I stamped the jar outline in a light aqua color and then carefully applied water to the entire inside.  Once the area was good and saturated, I used a small brush to apply a rainbow of Distress Ink colors: Festive Berries, Worn Lipstick, Spiced Marmalade, Mustard Seed, Mowed Lawn, Salty Ocean, Shaded Lilac, and Dusty Concord.  Once the panel had completely dried, I went back and stamped tiny stars in the same colors.  And when my order of printable transparencies arrive, I'll overlay a neat sentiment Danielle posted in the forum, "Magic is something you make."  While I love to make cards, I'm happy to be keeping this creation in my scrapbook!  :) 

The second panel is made using the sentiments from the PTI Wet Paint series.  The same Distress Ink colors were used on the "smile" portion of the sentiment.  The second part of the sentiment was stamped with Smokey Shadow ink.

I tried a new-to-me watercolor paper for these projects - Artistico Fabriano Hot Press 140lb (a purchase inspired by Betsy's Beautiful Brushstrokes kit).  I have to say that I regret stocking up on the cheaper stuff I bought at Michaels when it was on sale.  This Fabriano Hot Press paper is SO much better, that I don't think I'll ever go back!  I guess the kids have a new supply of watercolor paper to play with.  *wink*

Thanks ever so much for stopping by!

PTI July Blog Hop

This month's PTI Blog Hop is an inspiration photo challenge.  Check out the gorgeousness that Nichole has found to inspire us to get crafty:

I am really digging this photo!  The color palette, the shabby chicness, the lace doily, weathered wood, fabrics, and flowers … I love it all!  I had so many ideas and simply too little time to execute them all.  I did manage two cards that I'm pretty tickled with.  So glad you're here for me to share them with!

For the first card, I created the background using a base of Stampers Select White card stock swiped with one of my pigment ink pads, back and forth across the front until I reached a weathered wood look.  I accidentally swiped some ink past the folded line onto the backside of the card base.  I decided a little washi tape would cover that up nicely.  haha!  Super Stripes was used to create the plaid panel die cut from the Wine Bottle Tag die.  That was topped with a Circle Scribbles die and a tissue paper flower.  I colored the tissue paper with some Copic markers to get the right colors.  The Tiny Tag tied with twine tops it all off.

The second card uses a kraft panel for the base.  I swiped both white and green Gelatos (and, no, not the ice cream ;) across the front and softening the look by smudging it with a water-wetted finger.  I made the bouquet from the flowers in Betsy's Beautiful Brushstrokes kit (seriously LOVE that kit!), popping some flowers up with dimensional adhesive.  A rustic jute twine bow tops it all off.  No sentiment on this one.  I didn't feel that one fit into the design.  Even a Tiny Tag seemed too big and distracting.  Any suggestions for me in regards to adding a sentiment?

I was so happy to be able to participate in this month's blog hop.  It's been much, much too long!  Thanks ever so much for stopping by!

PTI Supplies:  
Stamps and dies:  Beautiful Brushstrokes, Tiny Tags, Super Stripes, Wine Bottle Tag, Scribbled Circles
Inks:  Berry Sorbet, Pure Poppy, Scarlet Jewel, New Leaf, Pinefeather, Hawaiian Shores
Card Stock:  Stampers Select White, Rustic White, Kraft