Misc.

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Taylor’s Sketch Challenge #99


Happy Saturday to all!

Today I have a bright and cheery card for you. Before I start, I want to dedicate this card to all my blog friends who are dealing with the crazy snow in the east coast. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw pictures of 20+ inches of snow. I hope you all are staying warm and maybe even getting some crafting projects done.

It’s been quite a while since I had a chance to participate in Taylor’s sketches. They are always so fun and the samples are superb. If you haven’t checked out Taylor’s blog, be sure to do so! You’ll definitely be inspired! The card for today was based off her 99th sketch. I was trying to see when the last time I played…I think it was way back when the sketches were in the 50’s! Wow, I can’t believe how fast those weeks go by!

Before I close, I wanted to post the picture that I took with Taylor at the CHA SuperShow for those who didn’t see it before. That girlie is so incredibly sweet! Her booth was utterly adorable and her staff was wearing the cutest aprons ever!
Thanks for stopping by! Hope you were inspired! Have a great rest of the night!

Stamps: Small Solid Circle, Keys to My Heart, Vintage Labels, Everyday Button Bits
Paper: Cream, Brown Kraft, New Leaf, Raspberry Fizz
Ink: Vintage Sepia, Tea Dye Duo
Other: Marvy 2″ scallop circle punch, Marvy 2½” scallop circle punch, Martha Stewart scallop border punch, green button
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Emboss Resist Challenge

Hello!

Did you notice the last word in the title? CHALLENGE? Yes, that’s definitely what this card was for me. I had NEVER tried to emboss resist before- that’s probably a good thing. After FIVE failed attempts, I finally got one that turned out. How did Nichole made it look so easy in the video?!?

I decided to keep the card design fairly simple since the embossed leaves are the focal point of the card. I used Chocolate Brown Brilliance and clear embossing powder to get the elegant, rich color for the leaves. I forgot how pretty things look when you emboss- I may need to do it again soon! However, I’m thinking I’ll leave the emboss resist technique to the pros. ;)

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Hope you were inspired!

Stamps: Turning A New Leaf, Handwritten Notes, Dots Background
Paper: Cream, Brown Kraft, Dark Chocolate
Ink: Vintage Sepia, Chocolate Brown, Aqua Mist, Ocean Tides, Tea Dye Duo
Other: Lemon Tart grosgrain ribbon, button, twine, corner rounder, SU! scallop border punch, clear embossing powder

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Friends Forever

Before I start with my post, can I just say that I have some fab followers? It still boggles my mind that people visit my blog all over the world! While I was contacting someone via email (on official work business), I found out that she follows my blog! BIG shout out to Martine in Ohio! If you follow my blog and haven’t left a comment before, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to hear from you! You can leave me a comment or even send me an email- I love hearing from you guys!

Onto the card for today….With Courtney’s new stamp set releasing tomorrow, I thought I would make time to play with her “old” set before I got the new one. I’m SUPER excited for her new one to release! If you haven’t taken a look at her sneak peeks, I would encourage you to visit her blog. Leave her a comment- you can tell her I sent you. ;)

Ever since I posted the Pastel Cupcake card, I couldn’t get that argyle/ cupcake combo out of my mind. I decided to play with some purple this time around. Oh yes and let’s not forget that cute pom pom at the top of the cupcake or that fun ribbon technique!

Any fun plans for the weekend? I’m planning on hitting the gym, seeing a movie with a girlfriend and then lots of crafting along with catching up on Burn Notice, Psych and White Collar. :)

Thanks for stopping by, friends! Hope you were inspired!

Stamps: Keys to My Heart, Teeny Heart, Baby Button Bits, Vintage Labels, Tiny Treats: Valentine,
Paper: Cream, Brown Kraft, Dark Chocolate, Bitty Box Basics
Ink: Vintage Sepia, Lavender Moon, Tea Dye Duo
Other: Labels 1 Spellbinders, corner rounder, button, pom pom, Chocolate Brown grosgrain ribbon, Quickie Glue Pen, Lavender Frost glitter

CHA Pics

Hey there!

Yup, I’m finally posting some snapshots of the CHA SuperShow. However, I realized that I really didn’t take that many pictures….I thought I took a bunch…I do have some links of some fab pictures that others took- you’ll find that at the end of this post.


The picture above was one of the first things you saw when you entered the show. It was a lounge area where people could rest your feet/ show what you got/ meet up with people. Didn’t they decorate it adorably?! I saw them bring in the balloons and couldn’t wait to see where they put them! Such a fun, happy area!
These next two pictures are just a tiny snapshot at how many people were at the show. Do you see the sign above where it says Aisle 500? There were SIX aisles! This picture barely showcases just how many attended.

This picture was taken while I was in a TWENTY minute lunch line. The worst part? I was two people away from the front and got a text that there was a huge line at our booth. If you know anything about me, you’ll know that I’m super dedicated to my job. Yup, you guessed it, I made my way to the booth and lost my place in line. It was alright though, I ate lunch after the mad rush of people. Paulina + no food= not a nice person to be around. ;)

I don’t think the next booth needs at introduction- you can see the sign. Making Memories had such a cute booth, but that really isn’t a surprise. Did you notice that adorable scooter? I would normally never ride one of those things, but that one may have persuaded me otherwise. I mean, it’s pink! People were giving demonstrations on the Slice, but I didn’t watch any of them. Since I have both a Cricut Expression AND a Big Shot, I really don’t think I need another machine. ;) Oh yes, did I mention that I spent ZERO dollars at the show? That’s right, I was SUPER DUPER good this time!

I didn’t catch the name of this booth, but they sure had pretty ribbons! This is just a little peek at the colors they had. I think they had ever color imaginable! Of course I had to take a picture of the pink ones….
Lastly, here are some adorable button cupcakes! I was cruising the aisles and stopped in my tracks when I saw these. Aren’t they yummy? You may remember my button trees from a while ago….I want to make some more button items! Any suggestions?

That’s all the pics that I took. As promised, here are some links of friends that posted pictures from both the CHA SuperShow and the CHA Tradeshow:

Amy Tsuruta
Ashley Cannon Newell
Kelly Marie
Lisa (aka Papergrace)
Tiff (aka iheartart)

Hope you enjoyed these! I’ll be back later with a card post!

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You’re A Blessing

We have made it to the middle of the week! This week has gone fairly well for me- how has yours been? Granted I have been a bit tired, but that’s only because I have been staying up way too late crafting! I must say, I’m a tad bit jealous of those who can stay at home and craft all day. *wink*

Like I promised, here is my second take on the Embellish Ribbons Color Challenge. I think I like this card better than my first one….how could you resist that turquoise glitter and that fab button?! I had so much fun using my Spellbinders Labels Four dies and then adding glitter to the embossed edge. Since I don’t own any glitter paper, I figured I would make my own. ;) I have a feeling that you’ll see me do this again in the future.

In closing, I want to make sure you all know that I AM going to post my CHA pics. I’m sorry for the delay! Oh yes, and make sure you check out Lisa’s fabulous birthday blog candy!! She is such a sweetie pie and this candy is super delish!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you were inspired!

Stamps: Vintage Labels, Signature Greetings
Paper: White, Sweet Blush, Dark Chocolate
Ink: Vintage Sepia, Sweet Blush
Other: White grosgrain ribbon, Labels Four Spellbinder dies, Aquamarine glitter, Quickie Glue Pen, button

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Embellish Ribbons Color Challenge

Hi-ya friends!

Today I have a card based off the Embellish Ribbons Color Challenge. I must admit, I had no clue what to do when I saw that the card needed to have turquoise. I don’t have any papers or ink pads that fit that color….thankfully I have some fun, turquoise buttons! I think I have buttons in every single color. :D

I have another card for the Embellish challenge that I’ll post in the next couple of days. {That picture also turned out horribly.} I hope that you’ll participate in the challenge this week. It’ll most likely stretch you and have you think outside the “box”. Can’t wait to see what you create!

Stamps: Dots Background, Baby Button Bits
Paper: White, Sweet Blush, Dark Chocolate
Ink: Vintage Sepia, Tea Dye Duo, Sweet Blush
Other: Chocolate Brown grosgrain ribbon, turquoise button, corner rounder

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Birthday Wishes


Wow, when was the last time I did two posts in a day? It seems like it has been forever! I wasn’t planning on doing another post, but then I *had* to stop by Nichole’s blog before I “closed shop” for the night. {I’ve been stamping ever since dinner…just couldn’t stop!} Oh goodness, have you seen all the fun happenings that are going on over there?! Right now they are celebrating their 3rd birthday, so there are lots of exciting things going on.

Nichole put out a challenge to use one of the printed designs that a PTI DT member created. I had trouble choosing an image but finally decided on this great design from Melissa Bickford. With my dad’s birthday a week ago {gasp!}, I still needed to give him a card. I have a large stack of cards at my disposal, just not any masculine cards. I really need to build up this stash…I had being late with cards and also stressing about making them!

You may remember this card design from a while ago. I had trouble deciding on a concept and remembered this fun one. If you follow my blog, you know that I sometimes recycle my card ideas. I personally don’t think there is anything wrong with that…. ;) I think this card turned out fairly well, considering that I’m not super comfortable making “guy” cards.

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you were inspired!

Stamps: Small Solid Circle, Dots Background, Background Basics: Retro
Paper: White, Brown Kraft, Aqua Mist, Dark Chocolate, Lemon Tart, Bitty Dots Basics
Ink: Vintage Sepia, VersaMark, Aqua Mist, Tea Dye Duo
Other: Ivory grosgrain ribbon, Marvy 2½” scallop circle punch, Marvy 3″ scallop circle punch, printed design from Melissa Bickford, brown rhinestones

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Decorated Candy Bars

Greetings!

Today I don’t have a card for you…. I have a project! While I was working at the DeNami Design booth, I saw Nami {owner/ designer} create decorated candy bar wrappers. I thought they were the cutest idea ever, so I had to gift it a whirl. DeNami carries these fab clear boxes that fit 4 candy bars perfectly. I made these with Valentine’s Day in mind, but you could easy decorate them for any occasion {birthday, baby, graduation, thank you}. This whole project took a grand total of 20 minutes, but that’s only because I was trying to decide which stamps to use! Once you get going, you can whip a bunch of these out easily.

No gym for me today. I went six times last week and can tell my body is in need of a little break. However, if it weren’t for that and the gym being so busy on Monday’s, I would SO be there! I think watching The Biggest Loser has really pushed me to really dedicate myself to exercising. Oh yes, and I’m starting to see some results which motivates me even more. ;) Anyone else on the journey to losing weight? I’d love to hear what you’re doing and hear about your progress! I know it helps to have “cheerleaders” on your side…

Hope you all have a fab Monday!

Stamps: Mini Heart, Decorated Love, Rosebud Trio, Decorative Flourish
Paper: White, Mint Green
Ink: Onyx Black, Aloe Vera, Opaque Cotton White
Other: Hot Pink grosgrain ribbon, Sheer Black ribbon, Clear Boutique Box, candy bars

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Pastel Cupcake

Hello friends!

Wow, I totally slept in today. When I looked at the clock it was 10:56! I think the crazy CHA weekend and jumping back into work finally caught up to me. :) Thankfully today will be a very relaxing day. I’m taking my little sister to a movie and dinner for her birthday{18, baby!}. Where has the time gone?! I am so very blessed to have her as my sister. She is always making me laugh, she is absolutely gorgeous {which I’m jealous of}, she is super talented in cooking and baking, and she has an awesome relationship with the Lord. I’ll make sure I take some pics with her so you can see how beautiful she is!

In my last post, I featured the fabulous set by Court Baker. Well, like I mentioned in that post, I just LOVE the argyle stamps from that set. Just to forewarn you, I will be using that stamp a ton in the future…I’d really encourage you to get that set. It’s only $13 and the possibilities are endless.

As you’ll notice, this card isn’t exactly *my* style. However, I am totally in love with it. I love the pretty background and of course, that sparkly cupcake! I must admit, I was craving a cupcake after I stamped this card. Don’t worry….I was good and stuck to my diet! I still have 15 pounds to go before I hit my ideal weight. It’s a slow process but it’s so great to see results from my hard work. :)

Since it’s so late, I suppose I should get ready for the day. Thanks for stopping by my blog! Hope you were inspired!

Stamps: Keys to My Heart, Teeny Heart, Baby Button Bits, Vintage Labels
Paper: White, Brown Kraft, Dark Chocolate
Ink: Vintage Sepia, Sweet Blush, Tea Dye Duo
Other: Labels 1 Spellbinders, glitter, Sweet Blush grosgrain ribbon, button

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Welcome Little Baby

Yippee, it’s Thursday!! 8 hours of work and then I’m DONE for the week! Even though I have lots of plans this weekend, I’m hoping I can sneak in at least one nap. Goodness know that my body and brain need it!

Like I mentioned in my “meeting new friends” post, I was able to meet the fabulous Courtney Baker. I still can’t get over how sweet and cute that girlie is! Anyhow, I was able to pick up her amazing stamp set, which is a SUPER fun set. I am utterly in love with the argyle stamps from this set- I made three cards featuring them! {I would have made more but my bed was calling to me.}

For this card, I paired up three different stamp companies- DeNami Design, Papertrey Ink and Practicing Creativity Designs. I love it when you can pair up different companies to complete a card. :) As you’ll notice, I’m starting to work on my stash of baby cards….not an easy occasion for me to do! I always seem to have the hardest time making wedding and baby cards, don’t know why they are so difficult for me. However, with the new Baby Button Bits set, I’m thinking that I wouldn’t have *as* hard of a time.

I hope you all have a fab Thursday! My agenda for today: work, gym and CRAFT! Woohoo!

Stamps: Key to My Heart, Teeny Star, Baby Button Bits
Paper: White, Brown Kraft, Dark Chocolate, Bitty Dots Basics
Ink: Vintage Sepia, Spring Moss, Tea Dye Duo
Other: EK Success scallop border punch, corner rounder