A Special Thank You Card

Thank you cards are so fun to do! I love trying to pick the perfect image and sentiment to personalize the card. This card will go to a dear friend who loves animals and specifically cats! I think this image from Susana's Custom Art and Card Design will do just nicely! Hope you are having a wonderful day! I'm looking forward to doing some serious crafting in 2011!

Blessings

Lori

Card Design

5 x 7

Card Stock - Bazzill
Card Stock - Image - Gina K. Pure Luxury
Designer Paper - Bo Bunny - Olivia Stripe (reversible)
Stamps - Image - Susana's Custom Art and Card Design - Elisabeth Bell - Winter Emma
Stamps - Sentiment - Papertrey Ink - Mixed Media
Ink - Image - Memento Tuxedo Black
Ink - Sentiment - Memento Rich Cocoa
Ink - Background around image - Memento Desert Sand
Ink - Coloring - Copics

Die Cuts - Spellbinders - Eyelet Circles & Standard Circles Large
Ribbon - Offray - 5/8 Brown Satin

Boots - E35, E37, E39
Pants - E33, E35, E37
Hair - E33, Y11, Y15
Flesh - E00
Blush - R20
Sweater - G24, G28, G29
Collar and Trim - C1
Cat - C1
Bow - G24, G28

Dear Santa...

Dear Santa -

Forgive me for not posting since Thanksgiving... I found myself overcome by turkey, dressing and rolls... Then my hubby surprised me with a trip to Colonial Williamsburg (I posted a pic of the Governor's Palace above... cool huh?). Santa, he (my dear hubby) has been VERY good this year! So please bring him something nice. Would you believe I came home and caught a nasty respiratory bug.... YUCK! So Santa, please forgive me for slacking on my duties... and if you bring me a big lump of coal I will understand!

Lori

Forgive me for the long post but there is a project posted below. I thought you might enjoy some photos of my trip!

Some of the beautiful decorations at Colonial Williamsburg... Who would have thought hedge apples could look so good?



Day 2 we traveled to Jamestown. I visited there in 2002. In 2004, archaeologists discovered the actual fort and the Park Service has made some wonderful investments in this historic site. If you get the chance please check it out! This is what's left of the original church. It was built in the middle of the fort! It's been there for 400 hundred years!



And here's my Santa card. Doesn't she look mischieveous?

Card Design

5 x 7 inches

Card Stock - Navy and White (Bazzill)
Card Stock - Image - Gina K. Pure Luxury Designs
Designer Paper - Pressed Petals - Winter Theme
Stamp - Image - Susana's Custom Art and Card Design - Elisabeth Bell - First Snowball of Winter
Sentiment - Craft Smart (Dollar bin at Michael's) :-)
Embossing - Cuttlebug - Swiss Dots - White background
Ink - Image - Memento Tuxedo Black
Ink - Image - Coloring Copic

Skin and Blush - E00, R20
Hair - E35, E37
Jeans, Jacket, Scarf and Hat - B24, B41, B45
Shoes - C5, C7
Snowball and Mittens - C0

Ink - Sentiment - Close to My Heart - Moonstruck
Ink - Memento - Summer Sky - Sponged around image before removing from die
Die Cut - Labels 14 - Nestabilties
Flocking - Stampendous - White - Fur Trim on Coat and Ball of Hat
Ribbon - Offray - Satin - 5/8 Navy
Glaze - Diamond Glaze - Judikins - Boots and Eyes
Paint - Making Memories - Navy Scrapbook Colors - applied to edge of white background
Stickles - Frosted Lace - Two layers on Snowball



A close up of the flock and stickles....

I Come Bearing Gifts

I hope you and yours had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know I did! And I ate entirely too much! Hubby and I spent the day with our son and his family. My Mom came along with her famous homemade yeast rolls! Yum! I dread going anywhere near a set of scales for a while. We had an enjoyable day eating, sharing and enjoying one another. I worked a dimensional puzzle with the oldest granddaughter. That made my head hurt! But I know that memory is one she will cherish for years to come. Hopefully she will remember that when Lori is long gone. That's what it is all about really... passing on traditions and lore... creating memories with those we love. I plan on keeping that in mind as I prepare for the Christmas season. It shouldn't really be about stuff! Even though I have to confess I did take in some Black Friday sales.... more looking than anything else... LOL

Today's image is from Susanne's Custom Art and Card Design. I think this image speaks to my earlier point. Children just naturally love to share with others. We could learn a great deal from their zest for life! Blessings to you and yours today!

Lori

Card Design

5 x 7

Card Stock - Dark Brown, Dark Red - Bazzill
Card Stock - Image - Gina K. Pure Luxury
Designer Paper - My Mind's Eye - Holly Jolly - Winter Branches (reversible)
Stamps - Image - Susanne's Custom Art and Card Design - Elisabeth Bell - Flower Cheer
Stamps - Sentiment - Gina K. Designs - Blessed is the Season
Ink - Image - Memento Tuxedo Black
Ink - Sentiment - Memento - Rich Cocoa
Ink - Edge of Image - Memento Desert Sand and Rich Cocoa
Ink - Markers - Copic
Ribbon - Offray - Grosgrain 1 inch Brown
Die Cuts - Nestabilities - Standard Circles Large, Petite Scalloped Circles Large
Pearls - Kaisercraft
Glitter Pen - Sakura Gelly Roll - Clear Star (Hair Ribbon and Ribbon on Bouquet)

Copic Colors

Sweater - R49, R59
Cords - E33, E35
Hair - E33, E35, E37
Poinsettia & Ribbon - R27, R46
Greenery - YG67
Flower Centers - Y17
Belt and Shoes - E37, E39
Skin - E00
Blush - R20

MOJO161

Happy Friday! I am so glad to have another work week behind me! I intend to do some serious crafting but my house demands otherwise! LOL... What a wonderful problem to have though. In this time of job cuts, recession, families struggling to make ends meet, it humbles me to know how truly blessed I am. I know most families struggle in some way and mine is no exception. However, it is important to remember that there is always someone worse off. Unfortunately there is true pain and suffering in our fallen world! Praise God that when this time on earth is over we have the hope of eternal life with Him. No pain, no sorrow... Truly, what a day that will be!

Blessings to you and have a wonderful weekend!

Lori

Card Recipe

Finished Design
5 X 7 Inches

Card Stock - Bazzill
Card Stock - Image - Gina K. Pure Luxury
Designer Paper - Flair Designs - Autumn Harvest
Stamp - Image - Whiff of Joy by Elisabeth Bell - Fall Willow Catching Leaves
Stamp - Sentiment - Hero Arts
Ink - Image - Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic
Ink - Sentiment - Close to My Heart - Autumn Terracotta
Ribbon - Stampin Up
Punch - Martha Stewart
Die Cuts - Spellbinders Nestabilities - Classic Scalloped Ovals Small, Classic Ovals Small
Adhesive - Dotto, Scotch Brand Foam Tape

Stop the World, I Wanna Get Off!

I know you've been there... running here and yon... not sure if you're coming or going. That has been the story of my life lately. But honestly, I love it! I am perfectly happy multi-tasking and pushing myself to do just one more thing! It's amazing that God designed us, women that is, in such a way. Studies show that men and women think and reason differently. Does this REALLY surprise anyone? :-) But we are both wired so differently. What bothers me doesn't ruffle my hubby at all and what drives him nuts is just fine by me! The creator in his ultimate plan works it all out for good. Today I have to say I really don't want to get off this carousel ride. I believe my Savior has a great deal more to show me. Have a wonderful day!



Card Recipe (5 X 7 inch)

Cardstock - Bazzill, Image - Gina K. Pure Luxury
Pattern Paper - Bo Bunny - Shabby Princess - Ella Toile
Ink - Memento - Tuxedo Black, Sentiment - Close To My Heart - Hollyhock
Image - SCACD - Elisabeth Bell - Carousel Dreams
Sentiment - Studio G.
Markers - Copic
Gelly Roll Pen - Sakura - Clear Star (outlining mane and tail)
Smooch Spritz - Vanilla Shimmer - applied to carousel die cut for glitz...
Die Cuts - Provocraft Cricut Lite - Carousel - banners and carousel - layered twice with pop dots
Adhesive - Popdots and Dotto



Copic

Flowers - R20, G21
Saddle - R22, R32
Horse - C0, C1, C2, C5, C7
Pole - E33, E35

A Hybrid Card

It's not often that I whip out my Cricut to do cards anymore. Not that I don't love my Cricut but it seems I have taken on a new obsession with stamping. Every card I do anymore centers around some sort of stamping technique and particularly Copics. So for this post I decided to force myself to do some sort of hybrid card, blending my new love stamping with my old love, the Cricut. I wanted something with a fall theme since I had just recently purchased this Willow image from Whiff of Joy. I couldn't wait to color it and put it on a card. The die cuts are from the Straight from the Nest cartridge and seemed to work really well. I think you can have two loves, right? My Cricut and my stamps... Until next time have a wonderful day!



Card Recipe 5 X 7 inches

Cardstock - Bazzill, Image - Simply Smooth by Bazzill
Pattern Paper - Karen Foster - Amber Leaves
Spellbinders Nestabilities - Petite Scalloped Ovals Large
Ink - Memento - Tuxedo Black - Image, Memento - Desert Sand - Sponged on image
Ink - Distressing edges of pattern paper - Close to My Heart - Autumn Terracotta
Punch - Martha Stewart
Ribbon - Gina K. Designs
Die Cuts - Leaves and Fall - Provocraft Cricut Cartridge - Straight from the Nest
Markers - Copic
Image - Whiff of Joy - Elisabeth Bell - Fall Willow Catching Leaves
Gelly Roll Pen - (swirls around leaves) Sakura Clear Star



Copics

Hair - Y21, YR12, YR23, E37
Dress - E33, E37, E35, E39, E50
Apron - E00, YR00, E13
Leaves - YR02, YR00
Skin - E00, E13, R20
Shadow - C0

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)

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

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!

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!

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

Heart Strings

There is nothing more lovely than a little girl in a beautiful dress. I particularly love those beautiful green and velvet ones that come out at Christmas time. I suppose this goes back to my own childhood. I loved to dress up in fancy clothes. Many times this was a figment of my very active imagination with the help of my mother's lace curtains of course... So when I saw this stamp at Susana's Custom Art and Card Design I fell in love. I hope I never lose that sense of wonder and imagination!



Card Recipe

Cardstock - Bazzill
Pattern Paper - Imaginisce - Perfectly Posh / Frilly Floral
Provocraft - Cuttlebug - Plum Blossoms Embossing Folder
Image - Heartstrings by Elisabeth Bell for Susana's Custom Art and Card Design
Ink - Memento - Tuxedo Black
Markers - Copic
Ribbon - Offray - Sherry 7/8 Satin
Paper Shapers - Swirl Flourish
Pop Dots