Just a Little Note

Nothing spells summer to me like the colors red, white and blue. This stamp from Whiff of Joy warms my heart. There is something so cute about this little lady with her toes stretched out in her cute little dress. When I saw the cherries on the print I knew I had to go with blue and white for the rest of her outfit.



Card Recipe (4 1/2 by 5 inches)

Cardstock - Bazzill, Image - Gina K. Pure Luxury
Pattern Paper - Bo Bunny Shabby Princess - Cherrie Pie Mini Dots
Ribbon - Gina K. Designs
Diamond Glaze - on the cherries - Judikins - Diamond Glaze
Spellbinders - Nestabilities - Petite Scalloped Circles Large & Standard Circles Large
Ink - Image - Tuxedo Black, Summer Sky - sponged on background, Lady Bug - Cherries stamped on pattern paper, Paris Dusk - Sentiment
Stamp - Whiff of Joy - Sitting Summer Willow - Elisabeth Bell
Stamp - Sentiment - Stampendous - Just a Note Cling
Stamp - Cherries - $1 Michaels Stamp - stamped on dotted paper
Pens - American Crafts - Ultimate Gel Pen Pastel - White - dots on face
Pen - stitching - Creative Memories - Fine Tip Navy



Copics

Hair - E33, E35, E37
Skin - E00, E13
Blush - R20
Shading - Dress - C1
Dress/Hat - B000, B34, B41, B32
Cherry and Stem - YG17, R46

A Little Touch of Christmas

I love the holidays! And when it is 100 degrees outside who wouldn't like a little blast of cold! :-) So to put myself in the snow boot frame of mind I decided to start on Christmas cards again. During the coming months I hope to do a few each month. Then when December rolls around I won't be frantically throwing things together. So bear with me as I share my creations. I do love Christmas and making cards makes me want to start singing! (Christmas carols of course...) I guess the stores won't be far behind with holiday music and decorations... Ok, that depressed me... Take a close look at the dress on this image. I tried the Copic Colorless Blending Solution Technique again. I love this! Hope you are having a wonderful week!



Card Recipe (5 X 7 inch)

Cardstock - Bazzill, Image - Gina K Pure Luxury
Pattern Paper - Kaisercraft - Belle Collection - Claira
Stamp - Whiff of Joy - Elisabeth Bell - Willow w/Lantern
Sentiment - Studio G. - Series 37
Ink - Memento - Tuxedo Black
Ribbon - Offray - 5/8 inch Red Satin
Embossing - sentiment - Versamark, Ranger Queen's Gold Royal Satin Embossing Powder
Scrapper's Must Haves - Gold Dew Drops
Spellbinders - Nestabilities - Fancy Tags



Copics

Hair - E33, E35, E37, E39
Dress - YG17, YG25, YG67
Dress - Colorless Blender Solution applied to terry cloth and blotted on dress for
mottled look
Holly and Berries - G07, R59
Skin - E00, E11
Blush - R20
Lace - CO
Ribbon and Dress Trim - R29, R46
Flame - YR68, Y15
Lantern Glass - C0
Lantern - C5

Other accents

Ribbon and Shoes - Sakura Gilly Roll Pen - Clear Star (glitter pen)
Holly - Sakura Glaze Pen - Clear (for glazed look on holly leaves)

On Eagles Wings

Isaiah 40:31 is one of my favorite scriptures. Eagles are one of the most majestic and powerful birds in the world. I think of them as our national symbol so strong, free and beautiful sailing across the sky. My college mascot was an eagle and that reminds me of friendships that last a lifetime. I think of the promise of this scripture. No matter how tired we are with God anything is possible. This is also one of our Pastor's favorite passages. Today was his last day with us after being called to serve a church in Florida. This stamp from Our Daily Bread Designs seemed a natural fit for this final card. Blessings to you and yours for a wonderful day.



Card Recipe

Cardstock - Georgia Pacific and Bazzill
Pattern Paper - The Paper Loft - Back Country - Lodge
Stamps - Image - Our Daily Bread Designs - On Eagles' Wings, Sentiment - Our Daily Bread Designs - Grow in Grace
Ink - Memento - Desert Sand - Image and sponged on, Memento - Rich Cocoa - Sentiment
Spellbinders - Nestabilities - Labels One - Emboss and cut
Ribbon - Offray 5/8 Inch Satin - Navy
Making Memories - Distressing Tool - Edges of pattern paper
Close to My Heart Ink - Outdoor Denim - sponged on pattern paper for distressing
Wire Brush - distressing of pattern paper

The Road...

How true is this sentiment? My hubby and son just returned from a three day adventure in Lynchburg Virginia. Michael is leaving in a few weeks to pursue his Master's at Liberty University. He is excited but apprehensive. Dad and Step-Mom are too! This is the first time he has really been away for any period of time. He commuted back and forth on weekends as as undergraduate to work with our church's youth. So being 8 hours away seems a little far for all of us! But we realized with God's help anything is possible and this young man is embarking on an exciting new chapter of life. Mom and Dad will be visiting often and sending those all important packages and cards! So I would venture to say this card says it all. The road to a friend (or family members) home is never long. Here's hoping you have a wonderful Saturday!



Card Recipe

Stamp - Gina K Designs - Stamps by Asela Hopkins - The Journey
Ink - Memento - Tuxedo Black
Markers - Copic - 110, C0, C1, C2, C5, C7
Paper - Gina K. Pure Luxury Off White
Cardstock - Bazzill
Pattern Paper - Reminisce - Road Trip
Punch - Martha Stewart - Modern Garland
Embellishments - Scrappers Must Haves - Clear Pearls

Hot Pink, Little Girls and Dress Up

As a little girl I loved to play dress up. My mother's poor sheer curtains saw endless hours of playing wedding! I would toddle around in her number 9 shoes and dream of the day I too would wear high heels. Today, I can't wait to get them off that one day a week (usually Sunday) I wear them. Funny how our perspective on things changes. But no doubt little girls still love to dress up and pretend to be all grown up. This stamp captures that image so well. I guess we should all try to keep a little bit of the child in us. But I sure can do without those high heels! Here's hoping you have a wonderful day!



Card Recipe

Cardstock - Image - Gina K. Pure Luxury, Bazzill
Pattern Paper - Doodlebug Designs - Little Lady
Inks - Image - Memento - Tuxedo Black, Memento - Summer Sky
Markers - Copic
Image - SCACD - Elisabeth Bell - All Grown Up
Spellbinders - Nestabilities - Standard Circles Large (embossing and cut), Petite Scalloped Circles Large
Uniball Gel Impact - Gold - Hardware on Purse
Diamond Glaze - shoes and purse
Embellishments - Petaloo - Color Me Crazy Flowers - Hydrangea Petals
Smooch Spritz - Pink Sprinkles - spritzed on flowers
Buttons - Unknown
Floss - Making Memories
Rhinestones - Kaisercraft



Copics

Flesh - E00
Hair - E00, E33, E35, E37
Blush - R20
Lips - E04 - Gelly Roll Pen - Clear Star - to look like lip gloss
Pearls - C0
Purse/Shoes - C1, C2, C5, C7 - Diamond Glaze for that patent leather look

Grow in Grace

Black and beige are one of my favorite color combinations. They make such striking cards. Our Daily Bread Designs is hosting a color challenge. The project is to make a card using a colored image. Although the image and sentiment come from different sets they seem to complement one another nicely. After all when I think of grace and beauty I think of songbirds. Here's wishing you a wonderful day and make sure to soar!



Card Recipe (5 X 7 inch)

Cardstock - Bazzill Simply Smooth - image, Bazzill
Pattern Paper - Bo Bunny Press - Shabby Black & Kraft
Ink - Image - Tuxedo Black, Background - Summer Sky - sponged on
Markers - Copic
Uniball Signo Gel Impact Pen - White - accents on berries, wings and tail
Punch - Martha Stewart - Modern Garland
Stamps - Image - Our Daily Bread Designs - You Will Find Refuge
Stamps - Sentiment - Our Daily Bread Designs - Grow in Grace
Nestabilities - Labels Eleven, Fancy Tags
Versamark - embossing
Ranger Embossing Powder in Copper
Embellishments - Kaisercraft Rhinestones - Black



Copics

Berry - R46
Bird /Branch - E00, E21, C0, C1, C2, C5, C7, W3

Mary Had a Little Lamb

We have sheep. Do you know why the bible refers to us as sheep so much? I am convinced it is because we are so stubborn and refuse to follow our Lord! They are beautiful creatures but boy can they do some dumb things! Sound familiar? (Great big finger pointing back at me...) Anytime I see a stamp with sheep I can't help myself. This stamp from Magnolia reminds me so much of the innocence of childhood. It even reminds me of the beauty of those little lambs. It's just a shame they have to grow up... kinda like teenagers... Here's hoping you have a wonderful day!

Card Recipe (5 X 7 inches)

Cardstock - Image - Bazzill Simply Smooth, Other - Bazzill
Pattern Paper - Kaisercraft - Bohemian Threads - Velvet
Image - Magnolia - Tilda as Shepherd
Ink - Image - Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento Summer Sky (sponged on background)
Markers - Copic
Punch - Martha Stewart, Corner Rounder - Creative Memories
Flower - Petaloo - Color Me Crazy - Assorted Flower Layers
Smooth Spritz - Wine Berry - Applied to Flower
Tattered Angels - Glimmer Mist - Iridescent Gold - Applied over spritz on flower
Brad - unknown - gold
Ribbon - unknown (tied in bow and flower applied over knot)
Pop Dots

Take Time to Smell the Flowers

Do you remember webbed lawn chairs? I do. They were the staple of every family reunion at my house for the first twenty years of my life. Today we have camp chairs with cup holders but I just can't seem to get my old bones out of them easily... LOL... We always had some sort of green chairs. I think that was my Mom's favorite color. My mother is incredibly frugal. I remember her buying webbing to "re-string" her chairs. After all "the frames are still good." :-) This image from Lockhart reminds me of those chairs and when I saw the ribbon... I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! I guess I need to send this card to Mom!

Thanks also to Our Daily Bread Designs Blog for recognizing one of my cards this week as their customer card of the week. I love their designs and look forward to doing more! If you want check the post out at

http://ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/customer-card-of-day-lori-aka.html



Card Recipe 5 X 7 inches

Cardstock - Image - Gina K. Pure Luxury, Bazzill
Pattern Paper - 3 Bugs in a Rug - Little Chick - Bee-utiful
Image - Lockhart Stamps
Sentiment - Close to My Heart (Thanks Emily!)
Punch - Fiskars and Creative Memories (1 1/2 inch)
Markers - Copic
Ribbon - Unknown
Ink - Memento - Rich Cocoa - Sentiment, Tuxedo Black - Image

Christmas in July

I'm guilty as charged! What am I guilty of? Pushing the seasons! LOL Many stamp companies are coming out with beautiful Christmas and winter releases right now. I can't resist making a card and yes, even humming a Christmas carol when I see these beautiful images. Today's card was made with a new set from Gina K. I absolutely love this set! The image and sentiment both just speak to my heart. The original Webster's dictionary defines a conspiracy as an evil plot. Sounds kinda morose, doesn't it? But I think this sentiment means so much more!

John 3:16 says "that God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life."

You see God loved us so much that when sin entered the world in the Garden of Eden, God already had a plan. His Son would die for us. So at this season when everyone proclaims good tidings to all the most wonderful tiding we can share is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That is truly a "Blessed Season." Here's hoping you have a wonderful day!



Card Recipe (5 X 7 in)

Cardstock - Georgia Pacific
Pattern Paper - SEI - Alpine Frost - Dust of Snow
Provocraft - Cuttlebug Folder - Flurry (embossing white underlay of sentiment)
Image - Gina K. Designs - Blessed is the Season
Ink - Close to My Heart - Barn Red
Ribbon - Offray - 7/8 Inch Satin - Sherry
Embellishments - Ranger Stickles - Diamond - (applied to snow and trees)
Pearls (corner of card) Unknown

Little Girls and Horses

Do all little girls love horses or is it just my granddaughter? Beth LOVES horses. For as long as I can remember she has wanted some form of horse paraphernalia or toys on special occasions. This year she will be 10 years hold. My, where does the time go? And each year she gets older I see a little more of that little girl slipping away. This stamp reminds me so much of her as a young girl playing with her model Breyer horses. This year she wants a REAL horse. How I wish she wouldn't grow up so fast... Blessings to you and yours...



Card Recipe (5 X 7)

Cardstock - Bazzill
Cardstock - Image - Gina K Pure Luxury
Pattern Paper - Boxer Scrapbook Productions, LLC - Giddy Up Print, Giddy Up Words
Image - SCACD - Elisabeth Bell - At the Horse Show
Markers - Copic
Ribbon - Stampin Up
Ink - Memento - Tuxedo Black - Image
Memento - Summer Sky - background

Little Color

When I read this challenge, I thought how in the world will I EVER manage that? After all, almost every card I do is pretty bold. The more I played with the idea the more it came together for me. It actually took a great deal of stress out of the creative process. Let me explain. Most of my friends and family would describe me as a perfectionist... a true Type A personality. When I design a card, I have been known to agonize for days over pattern selection, colors and images. It's not that any of the ideas are hideous. It just seems I take so much time trying to make the "perfect" card. If I wanted to send that, I would go to Hallmark, right? (Insert BIG goofy grin here...) It's the little quirky imperfections that make handmade cards unique! I know I certainly appreciate receiving one. So the next time you try to make a card, take some of the stress off and just go white... or cream... or gray... You may never make cards the same way again! Here's wishing you a wonderful day!



Card Recipe

5 X 5 card base
Cardstock - Georgia Pacific 5 X 10, scored at 5 inches, Bazzill 4 3/4 X 4 3/4 inches
Cardstock - Image - Bazzill Simply Smooth
Spellbinders - Nestabilities - Fancy Tags - 2 slit in half and adhered to back of image with turquoise cardstock
Image - SCACD - Elisabeth Bell - Heartstrings
Ink - Memento Tuxedo Ink
Markers - Copic
Punch - Martha Stewart - Eyelet Punch Around the Page
Punch - Martha Stewart - Alpine Snowflake LE
Embellishments - Color Me Crazy Hydrangea Petals
Smooch Spritz - Vanilla Shimmer
Pearls - unknown

Copic Colors

Hair - E33, Y08, Y11, Y21
Skin - E00, YR00
Blush - R20
Dress and Shoes - C0, C1, C2, C5
Greenery - YG17
Birdhouse - B000, B00, B02, B04, BG10



I spritzed the hydrangea blossoms and snowflake punches (4) with the Vanilla Shimmer Smooch. After they dried, I double up the blossoms and adhered them with Score Tape. I had to cut the snowflake punches in half to make them more like foliage. I adhered them with pop dots to make them stand out. Place some beautiful pearls in the middle and VOILA!

Bread of Life

This is one of my favorite verses in the Book of John. Both of these stamp sets from Our Daily Bread are incredibly versatile. I wanted to create something that reminded me of wheat. I think this color scheme worked. Plus I got the opportunity to try my embossing skills again. Hope you have a wonderful day!



Card Recipe

Cardstock - Bazzill 5X7 card
Pattern Paper - Sweetwater
Image - The Living Bread - Our Daily Bread
Sentiment - Our Daily Bread - Our Daily Bread
Versamark
Embossing Powder - Zing! Brown Sugar - American Crafts
Ink - Memento - Rich Cocoa - applied - over embossed image and then wiped off to reveal cross
Spellbinders - Nestabilities - Standard Circles Large, Petite Scalloped Circles Large
Ribbon - Stampin Up
Punch - Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page - Modern Garland

Romance

Here is another shot I took on the grounds of My Old Kentucky Home yesterday. When I think of romance and flowers I don't often think of the Purple Coneflower. It seems terribly prickly after all. But after closer inspection I came to appreciate it's beautiful design. You see butterflies love them! And their delicate petals stretch back perfectly so the occasional butterfly can stop by and enjoy. Even though they have not been blessed with a wonderful aroma like the rose they have the most beautiful purple color. I tried to mimic that with today's card. This one is a 5 X 5 inch design. Hope you have a blessed day!



Card Recipe

Cardstock - Bazzill
Pattern Paper Bo-Bunny - Limited Edition Glitter Series - Jazmyne Plush
Image Cardstock - Bazzill Simply Smooth
Ink - Image - Memento - Tuxedo Black
Image - Magnolia - Romantic Tilda 2010
Markers - Copic
Cuttlebug Folder - Swiss Dots
Spellbinders - Nestabilities - Labels Eleven
Pop Dots
American Craft Gel Pen - White - dots on cheeks and eyes
Sakura Gelly Roll Pen - Clear Star - Wings
Background - Memento Summer Sky Ink - sponged on
Ribbon - Stampin Up
Dew Drops - Scrappers Must Haves - Egg Hunt
Flowers - unknown



Copics

Hair - E33, Y000, Y11, Y17, Y21
Skin - E000, E00
Blush - R20, white gel pen for dots on cheeks and eyes
Dress - V000, V01, V0450
Shoes - 110, C7, C5, C2, C1
Stems - YG17, YG23
Flowers - R22, R27
Wings - C0 - covered with Sakura Gelly Roll - Clear Star
Socks - outline with E
50

My Old Kentucky Home

I am so glad that "staycations" are all the rage. I love to travel but the last few years have found me longing to stay closer to home. This is a sure sign I am getting older and wiser, right? I have lived in the Commonwealth of Kentucky all of my life and as it usually goes I have failed to appreciate the beauty in my own back door. Dear hubby and I decided to take a little road trip today to Bardstown, Kentucky. While there we took in Federal Hill, the home of Judge Rowan. It is here that their cousin and house guest, Stephen Foster is believed to have penned the song "My Old Kentucky Home." This is our state song. Interestingly enough, he also penned the Florida state song, "Swannee River." (Hope I have that spelled correctly...) It was interesting to step back into a era gone by. I think I can get used to these staycations... Now on to important card business...



Card Recipe

Cardstock - 5 X 7 - White, Purple - Bazzill
Cardstock - Image - Bazzill Simply Smooth
Pattern Paper - DCWV - Latte Purple Floral
Image - SCACD - Elisabeth Bell - Emma
Ink - Memento - Tuxedo Black
Markers - Copic
Punch - Martha Stewart
Ribbon - Unknown - Michaels
Sakura Jelly Roll Pen - Clear Star - Highlight Emma's belt



I've tried to include a closeup of Emma's capris and shirt. To achieve this textured look I saturated a terry washcloth with Copic Colorless Blender Solution and daubed the image after coloring. This resist technique seemed to wash the color away in the pattern of the terry cloth. This also works well with items you want to look like denim. Just rip up an old pair of jeans and keep some patches around to use! A great way to be green and recycle! Hope you have a wonderful day!

Sittin' By the Dock of the Bay

Ahhh... the adirondack chair... a place of comfort, relaxation and peace... Seeing one reminds me of lazy afternoons at the beach... breezes along the lake... just being still and listening to my Lord. Here's hoping you have a wonderful day and take time to hear that voice.

Card Recipe

Cardstock - Bazzill - size for base of card is 5 X 5 inches
Sandpaper - (yes, sandpaper) - 3M 150 Fine Grade
Image - Lockhart Stamps
Ink - Memento - Tuxedo Black - Image



Ink - Splattered with a tooth brush - Memento Reinkers -Desert Sand and Rich Cocoa
Ink - Sky - Memento - Summer Sky - sponged on
Markers - Copic
Chair - C0, C1, C2, C5
Grass - YG23, YG25
Flowers - R27, Y04
Flowerpot - E33, E99
Sand - E11
Ribbon - Unknown
Spellbinders - Nestabilities - Small Labels
Pop dots

A Kiss from the Sun

I love the smell of laundry fresh off the line. It seems like sunshine has a smell. I know that isn't possible but my clothes just smell so darned good! This Hero Arts stamp set reminds me of hanging clothes out during the spring and summer months. My childhood home had a clothesline and Mom spent many afternoons putting out and taking down laundry. Even though I live in the country now I do not utilize a clothesline. It just seems easier to stuff things in the dryer and wait for that old familiar buzz. Maybe I need to put one out this summer. I will add that to my honey do list. I'm sure hubby will be excited! :-) Have a wonderful day!



Card Recipe

Cardstock - Bazzill - Image - Gina K.
Pattern Paper - American Crafts - Heat Wave - Creamy Coconut
Ink - Image - Tuxedo Black, Background - Memento - Summer Sky - sponged on
Markers - Copic
Ribbon - Unknown
Spellbinders - Nestabilities - Labels Eleven and Twelve
Image - Hero Arts - Kiss the Sun

Quilting It Up

Today's card is definitely outside of my comfort zone. I decided to try to play along with the SCACD challenge. The goal was to create a card using a stamp from the site along with a quilting technique. I do not do machine stitching so this one was pieced the old fashioned way... glue and faux stitching... compliments of my trusty black acid free pen and straight edge. I really like how it turned out! Here's to trying new techniques!



Card Recipe

Cardstock - Bazzill, Image - Gina K Pure Luxury
Pattern Paper - Bo-Bunny Lunch Sack Splatter, Pressed Petals Blue Plaid, Bo-Bunny Shabby Princess Bluebell Blossom (cut in 3/4 inch stripes and adhered randomly to cardstock base and trimmed)
Punch - Martha Stewart - Eyelet
Image - SCACD - Elisabeth Bell - New Friends
Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black
Memento Desert Sand - Sponged onto pieced work to age it
Memento Summer Sky - Sponged around image for sky
Markers - Copic
Ribbon - Stampin Up
Spellbinders Nestabilities - Labels One - Used to cut and emboss image

SCACD Challenge

I hadn't planned on doing two posts today! This must be a record for me. :-) I stopped over at Susana's Custom Art and Card Design to check her blog out. I love their Elisabeth Bell stamp line! I just purchased the one featured in this card. She is called Howdy. I hope you love her as much as I do! I was so excited to put my Copics to work. I decided to post this card on this week's challenge. Enjoy!



Card Recipe

Cardstock - Bazzill
Pattern Paper - Moxxie - Buckaroo - Stallion
Karen Foster Design - Red Gingham
Markers - Copic
Ink - Memento - Tuxedo Black (image) stamped on Gina K. Pure Luxury White
Ink - Close to My Heart - Outdoor Denim - Sentiment
Stamp - Image - SCACD - Elisabeth Bell - Howdy
Sentiment - Unknown
Embellishments - Jute
Pressed Petals - Chip Chatter Shapes - Stars
Spellbinders - Nestabilities - Frame around image - Ovals Large