Gifts for Jen

My last post for 2011 ... can't believe how fast this year has gone by!  Had lots of fun creating in my art studio this year and looking forward to many more hours next year :)

Yesterday's "Queen for the Day" challenge from SCS (QFTD93) is to honor Jen (aka Miss Boo).  Jen is the "Queen of CAS" and I have really enjoyed entering the weekly challenges this year that she oversees.  I didn't know what CAS was until the spring, and I have embraced the clean and simple style whole-heartedly!

To honor Jen, I have used this card from her fabulous gallery for inspiration.  Hope you like (and hope Jen likes too!).

"Gifts for Queen Jen"

Stamps:  Happy Moments (SU!)

Paper:  Whisper White, Pacific Point (SU!)

Ink:  Pacific Point (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Maraschino, Denim and Lemon Drop Twine (The Twinery), Sizzix embossing folders "Polka-dot" and "Houndstooth", Cuttlebug embossing folder "D'vine Swirl", Big Shot, 1 1/4" square punch, corner rounder, adhesives, glue dots and dimensionals

* * * * *

I punched three 1 1/4" squares from Whisper White cardstock and ran them through my Big Shot, each with a different embossing folder.  I wrapped twine around each "gift" and tied a bow at the top.

I cut a strip of Pacific Point cardstock (1 1/2" x 5 1/2") and mounted it onto a card front of Whisper White cardstock.  I rounded all four corners of the card front and then mounted it onto a card base of Pacific Point cardstock (for stability) ... also with all four corners rounded.

I stamped the sentiment in the bottom right-hand corner in Pacific Point ink.  I placed a glue dot on the back of each of the bows (to hold them in place and keep them from coming undone) and then mounted the three gifts onto the strip, spacing them equal distance apart, and popping them up with dimensionals.

Beaded Floret

Today's SCS Way's to Use It Challenge (WT355) is - "Just Bead it!"  I had an old stash of pearl beads that I hadn't used for ages and thought they would really be nice as the center of a flower.  I used the same stamp set as yesterday's card (Fabulous Florets) and my all-time favorite DP from SU! ... Cottage Wall.  I curled the sentiment to give it some interest.  Hope you like.

"Beaded Floret"

Stamps:  Fabulous Florets (SU!)

Paper:  Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Cottage Wall (retired) (SU!)

Ink:  Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  six mini pearl beads, bone folder, sticky strips, adhesives, Tombow glue and dimensionals

* * * * *

I stamped the leaf sprig in Old Olive ink onto my main panel of Whisper White cardstock.  I framed it with a thin frame of Rich Razzleberry cardstock and set it aside.  I stamped the flower head in Rich Razzleberry ink onto a scrap of Whisper White cardstock and cut it out.  I added Tombow glue to the center of the flower and then placed the pearls on top; I set it aside to dry.

I stamped the sentiment in Rich Razzleberry ink onto Whisper White cardstock and cut it out.  I framed it with a thin frame of Rich Razzleberry cardstock.

I cut a panel from Cottage Wall DP and framed it with a thin frame of Rich Razzleberry.

I mounted all the pieces as shown above, popping up the flower head with dimensionals to add depth.  I used my bone folder to curl the sentiment and then attached it to the front of the main panel with sticky strips at both ends.

Enchanting Florets

It's been a very laid-back day.  Took it easy this morning, sipping on coffee for a couple of hours before getting busy.  My MIL had a good night's rest last night and is feeling pretty good today, so I'm happy about that!

I wanted to participate in the sketch challenge from SCS today (SC365) because it has several layers, which I rarely do ... so it is definitely a challenge for me.  I got several stamping supplies for Christmas, one of which was a pack of the Everyday Enchantment Designer Paper and I thought this sketch would work beautifully with this vintage-style DP.

Here's the SCS Sketch365:

I flipped it vertically.  Hope you like.

"Enchanting Florets"

Stamps:  Fabulous Florets (SU!)

Paper:  Real Red, Everyday Enchantment DP, watercolor paper (SU!)

Ink:  Real Red, Basic Black

Accessories & Tools: clear embossing powder, heat tool, water mister, Aqua Painter, bone folder, Cuttlebug "Textile" embossing folder, Big Shot, sponge, sticky strips and dimensionals

* * * * *

I stamped the flower in Basic Black ink onto watercolor paper and heat embossed in clear.  I spritzed the flower with lots of water and added Real Red re-inker to the center of the flower ... the pooled water on top of the watercolor paper spread the re-inker over the petals.  I let the flower dry thoroughly and then cut it out.  I used my bone folder to slightly curl the ends of the petals upwards.

I ran both a large piece and small piece of Real Red cardstock through my Big Shot with the Textile embossing folder.  I cut them to size and sponged with Real Red ink to highlight the embossing.  I cut the other pieces of the Everyday Enchantment DP to size.

I mounted all the pieces as shown in the picture above, popping up the flower with dimensionals to add depth.

Miss You

It's been a busy time for our family this past week.  My MIL had heart failure and ended up in the hospital Dec. 19th.  She was released today and will be staying with us for a while until she feels stronger and able to look after herself (she's 89 years young!).  We'll be celebrating a belated Christmas with her sometime in the next few days ... as soon as she's up to having the whole family over for a visit.

This past week has been a bit of a whirlwind and so I haven't been posting my usual card/day ... and that will continue for a little while.  

On to the card for today.  Today's color challenge from SCS (CC355) is Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, and Whisper White ... and my card today doesn't have the dessert (glitter).  Hope you like.

"Miss You"

Stamps:  Ain't Love Grand (SU!)

Paper:  Night of Navy, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, Basic Black (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  sponges, Cuttlebug "Diamond Plate" embossing folder, Big Shot, sticky strips, adhesives, glue dots and dimensionals

* * * * *

Using a cloud template I made with a scrap piece of cardstock cut with randomly sized scallops, I sponged the sky with Bashful Blue ink and created clouds at the top of my main image.  I sponged the bottom of the main image with Bashful Blue.  I stamped the plane and banner with Basic Black ink in the middle of the sky.  I used Stampin' Write markers to color in the plane.  I stamped the banner again onto Whisper White cardstock and cut it out.  I used rolled up glue dots to add the second layer of banner on top of the first to give it dimension (paper tole).

I ran a large piece of Whisper White cardstock through my Big Shot with the Diamond Plate embossing folder.  I cut it to size and used sticky strips to mount it onto a card base of Night of Navy cardstock.  I mounted the main image onto a frame of Night of Navy cardstock and adhered it on top of the embossed background, popping it up with dimensionals to add more depth.

Merry Christmas!

What a wonderful Christmas!!  We had a very relaxing day and then enjoyed a lovely turkey dinner with our family.  We are so fortunate to be able to be together this time of year!

This week's CAS challenge (CAS150) at Splitcoaststampers is a Technique - Windows.  There are many interpretations for this technique so I have made two different types of windows cards ... hope you like.

The first card has a window cut from the front panel of the card, revealing the paper-pieced tree on the inside of the card.  It's a little hard to tell in the photo that there is a window cut-out ... but there is!  This is made with SU! products plus the Nestabilities Labels two die-cut.

"Happy Birthday Tree"

Stamps:  Easy Events; Bitty Birthday (SU!)

Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Early Espresso, Real Red, Old Olive (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Nestabilities Labels Two die-cut, Big Shot, Stamp-a-ma-jig, 1/4" Old Olive grosgrain ribbon, pencil, eraser, sticky strips and Tombow glue

* * * * *

I positioned the Whisper White card front on top of the Old Olive card base, added the Labels Two die-cut in the bottom right-hand corner and ran it through my Big Shot.

With the card base only, I closed the card and traced the cut-out onto the inside using a pencil.  This is to mark where the cut-out shows through to the inside of the card so I can line-up my tree stamp in the middle.  I stamped my tree onto the inside, centering it in the penciled area using my Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement.  I stamped the tree again onto a scrap piece of Whisper White cardstock, added the dots of green, colored in the heart and then cut it out.  I glued the tree top on top of my stamped image.  When everything was dry, I erased the pencil marks.

Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig again for placement, I stamped the sentiment onto the Whisper White card front, centering it under the cut-out.  I wrapped the Old Olive ribbon around the top of the card front and tied a knot, just off center.  I used sticky strips to attach the card front to the card base.

____________________

The second card is literally a window ... I made a window using square punches that looks out onto a snowy, winter scene.  This is made with all SU! products.

"Scenic Winter"

Stamps:  Scenic Season; Just Believe (SU!)

Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Baja Breeze (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, post-it notes for masking, sponge dauber, 1 1/4" square punch, pencil, eraser, adhesives, and dimensionals

I placed a post-it note mask to mask the snow on a piece of Whisper White cardstock.  I inked the trees with Old Olive and then used the Always Artichoke Stampin' Write marker to add extra color randomly on top of the Old Olive ink.  I stamped onto the masked cardstock.  I sponged Baja Breeze ink long the top of the snow line and then moved the mask down lower and angled it differently and sponged along the top, creating banks of snow.  I sponged more Baja Breeze ink in the sky over top of the trees.

On a Whisper White card front I created a window by using a 1 1/4" square punch to punch out four squares to represent window panes.  Check out this tutorial on how I made the window.

Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement, I stamped the sentiment in Old Olive ink, centered just below the window panes.

I mounted the snow scene onto a card base of Old Olive cardstock.  I mounted the window-pane card front on top of the snow scene, popping it up with dimensionals.

Just buzzin' by to say ...

Yesterday we (the Crafty girls) had our Christmas get-together and also celebrated two belated birthdays for Fran and Kelly.  We went for High Tea at Applewoods in Delta.  The tea was delicious and we had a great time!  Afterwards, we went back to my place to relax, visit and have our Christmas gift exchange.  Thanks girls for a wonderful time!  And thanks for all the lovely gifts!!

Besides the usual gift that I give the girls from my kitchen (raspberry jelly, relish, red pepper jelly and cookies), I gave them each a sampler pack of twine from the Twinery.  I just love this twine and so do the girls!  We talked about having a card workshop in January featuring ... you guessed it ... TWINE!  So with that in mind, over the next while I am going to make a whack of cards with twine and then they can choose four or five that they'd like to make in the workshop.  Here's my first quick and easy CAS card using Lemon Drop twine ...and also using my new stamp set from SU! "Every Little Bit".  The sentiment is computer-generated "Just buzzin' by to say ..." and on the inside it reads "Happy Bee-Day".  Hope you like.

"Just buzzin'..."

Stamps:  Every Little Bit (SU!); computer-generated sentiment

Paper:  Basic Black, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Basic Black, Summer Sun (retired) (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  computer printer, Lemon Drop twine from The Twinery, pencil, eraser, sticky strips and adhesives

* * * * *

I printed the sentiment onto Whisper White cardstock.  I stamped the bee in Basic Black ink.  I used a pencil to draw a loopy line to represent the bee flying and then using the thick end of my Basic Black Stampin' Write marker to make dots all along the loops.  After letting it dry thoroughly, I erased the pencil marks.

I colored in the bee with Stampin' Write markers and then wrapped two pieces of Lemon Drop twine around the top, tying a knot just off center.  I used sticky strips to mount the front panel onto a card base of Basic Black cardstock.

I stamped another bee on the inside panel on the bottom right-hand corner and colored it with Stampin' Write markers; then mounted the inside panel to the card base.

In the Studio with Heather

I'm in the art studio with Heather today and we're having so much fun!!  Heather wanted to make a card using the Gently Falling stamp set and the watercolor spritz technique.  I was planning on doing my own thing ... making a card for today's color challenge (Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder), but got caught up watching her and ended up using the same stamp set and technique ... :)  Thanks Heather for your inspiration!

Here's today's color challenge card (I didn't have the exact colors but used the closest ones I had) ... using yesterday's CAS challenge  (CAS149) - Sketch by the talented Charlene Merrick!    I made a square card this time ... and used all SU! products.  Hope you like!

"Thinking of You"

Stamps:  Gently Falling, Trendy Trees (SU!)

Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White, watercolor (SU!)

Ink:  Old Olive, Perfect Plum, Tangerine Tango, Elegant Eggplant (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, water mister, 2 mini Elegant Eggplant brads, corner rounder, paper piercing tool, sticky strips, adhesives, and dimensionals

* * * * *

I inked the leaf stamp randomly with Old Olive, Perfect Plum and a little Tangerine Tango.  I misted the stamp three or four times and stamped onto watercolor paper.  Once it was dry, I inked the outline stamp with Elegant Eggplant and stamped on top of the watercolored leaf.  I made a second leaf using the same technique.  I cut the leaves out and set them aside.

The background Whisper White cardstock was cut to size and the top right-hand corner was rounded.  I mounted the background paper onto a card base of Old Olive cardstock (also with the top right-hand corner rounded).

I stamped the sentiment (from Trendy Trees stamp set) in Old Olive ink onto Whisper White cardstock and cut it to size (leaving a little extra length on both ends for the brads) and rounded the top right-hand corner.  I mounted the sentiment onto a frame of Old Olive cardstock (also with rounded corner).  I pierced a hole on each end of the sentiment and threaded through the two Elegant Eggplant mini brads.  I mounted the sentiment onto the card base, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

I mounted the two leaves onto the front of the card, staggering them and trimming the bottom to match the edge of the Whisper White background.  The two leaves were also mounted on dimensionals to add depth.

Inspired Thank You

Here's today's card for this week's CAS Challenge (CAS149) - Sketch by Charlene.  I had a lot of fun doing my interpretation of Charlene's sketch.  I changed the shape to a scalloped round card and made a matching envelope to fit.  This set is made with all SU! products.  Hope you like.

"Inspired Thank You"

Stamps:  Inspired by Nature; Because I Care (SU!)

Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White, Cottage Wall DP (retired) (SU!)

Ink:  Always Artichoke, Rose Red, Early Espresso (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Sizzix circle die-cut, Sizzix large scalloped circle die-cut, Big Shot, sponges, Stamp-a-ma-jig, white gel pen, adhesives, Tombow glue, and dimensionals

* * * * *

I inked the coneflower with Stampin' Write markers and stamped onto Whisper White cardstock, twice.  I cut the flowers out and sponged more of the same colored ink over the images to darken them.  I cut the leaf off of both flowers and glued it higher up (otherwise it would have been below the circle and not shown).  I set them aside.

I ran the polka-dot DP through my Big Shot with the circle die-cut.  I ran two pieces of Old Olive cardstock through my Big Shot with the large scalloped circle.  On one of the scalloped circles I scored a line 1/2" from the top.  I folded the 1/2" flap down and used sticky strips to adhere the flap to the back the other scalloped circle, lining up the scallops, to create my card base.

I mounted the polka-dot DP circle to the front of the card.  The two flowers were mounted onto the card front, popping up both flower heads with dimensionals and securing the end of the stems with a dot of glue.

I stamped the sentiment in Rose Red ink onto Whisper White cardstock, cut it to size and mounted it on a frame of Old Olive.  I mounted the framed sentiment to the front of the card, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

I made a matching envelope for the card ... click here to see the instructions from SCS.

____________________ 

Yesterday I had a bake day with the crafty girls (Fran, Deb and Kelly).  We made shortbread cookies, nuts and bolts, and jewel bar.  It was fun!  Thanks girls for coming over!

I'm including a picture and the recipe for the Jewel Bar.  They are so "Christmassy" looking (and delicious too)!

Jewel Bar

Christmas Roses

Yesterday I met my friend, Tammy, for lunch to celebrate her birthday.  We went to the Secret Garden Tea Restaurant in Kerrisdale.  Tammy and I had a great time and lunch was delicious!  It was also the birthday for another good friend of mine, Kelly, and we'll be celebrating her birthday (she's one of the crafty girls) next week when the four of us crafty girls go for High Tea at Applewoods in Delta.  Again, happy birthday to Tammy and Kelly and hope you both had a wonderful day!

On to the card for today.  Today's challenge from SCS is "Free for All (F4A95) - Winter Flowers".  I made a CAS card with Christmas Roses (Helleborus) using all SU! products.  I used Crystal Effects on the jar to give it a 3-D effect, but it doesn't show very well in the photo ... definitely better IRL.  Hope you like.

"Christmas Roses"

Stamps:  On the Grow (SU!)

Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Basic Black; Stampin' Write markers:  Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Rich Razzleberry, Bashful Blue, Sahara Sand (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Black embossing powder, heat tool, Crystal Effects, 1/4" Old Olive grosgrain ribbon, corner rounder, glue dot and sticky strips

* * * * *

I stamped the jar of flowers in Basic Black ink onto Whisper White cardstock and then heat embossed with black.  I colored the flowers with Stampin' Write markers (colored the centers first and then the outer part of the petals).  I outlined the jar with Bashful Blue ... hard to tell in the photo :( ... and put a "shadow" under the jar with Sahara Sand ink.  I covered the jar with Crystal Effects to make it 3-D.  After letting the CE dry for an hour, I finished the card by stamping the sentiment in Old Olive ink.

Tip:  with small sentiment stamps, I find it better to ink the stamp with Stampin' Write markers.  Otherwise, the small stamps tend to rock when you stamp them and you end up with extra lines on your cards.

I wrapped the Old Olive grosgrain ribbon around the top of the card and tied a knot in the center, securing it with a glue dot.  I rounded the bottom corners of the card front and then mounted it onto a card base of Old Olive (also bottom corners rounded).

Happy Birthday Kelly!

Yesterday I spent most of the day with Nikki.  We had a Christmas bake day at her place - it was so much fun!  We managed to get three different cookies baked (gingerbread, brown sugar cookies, red velvet cookies) and also decorated the gingerbread men before I headed home.  It was so great to be able to spend some one-on-one time with Nikki!  And my grand-doggie, Penny, was so well behaved the whole time ... she's so adorable!

Today I'm staying home and getting some chores done ... but not before participating in the SCS Challenges (Tuesday's Color challenge - cherry cobbler, crumb cake, always artichoke and Wednesday's sketch challenge).  I combined the two challenges and created a lovely rose card that I am giving to a friend for her birthday.  Hope you like.

Here's the sketch for today - SC363 from SCS:

I "flipped" the sketch vertically ... here's my version:

Stamps:  Embrace Life, En Francais (SU!)

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  sponges, Sizzix Square Lattice embossing folder, Cuttlebug Floral Screen embossing folder, Big Shot, sticky strips, Tombow glue, glue dots, and dimensionals

* * * * *

I ran a piece of Always Artichoke cardstock through my Big Shot with the Floral Screen embossing folder.  I sponged Always Artichoke ink on top of the embossing to highlight.  I used sticky strips to mount it onto a card base of Crumb Cake.

I ran a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock through my Big Shot with the Square Lattice embossing folder.  I sponged Crumb Cake ink on top of the embossing to highlight.  I used sticky strips to mount it on top of the embossed Always Artichoke panel.

I stamped the En Francais with Soft Suede ink onto a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock and then sponged more Crumb Cake ink all over the panel.  I mounted this panel onto a thin frame of Cherry Cobbler cardstock and set aside.

For the rose, I stamped the flower in Cherry Cobbler ink onto Whisper White cardstock three times.  I sponged Cherry Cobbler ink over all three roses and then cut them out as follows (1 complete flower, one with the center two pieces, one with the single center piece).  I sponged Soft Suede ink around all edges of all pieces of the roses to give them an aged look.  I mounted the pieces on top of each other (starting with largest and ending with smallest) using rolled up glue dots (this is the paper tole technique).  The rose now has lots of depth and interest.  I cut a very thin piece of Always Artichoke cardstock for the stem and glued it on top of the En Francais panel.  I then glued the rose on top of the tip of the stem.

I mounted the main panel onto the card front, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

Oak Leaf for Nancy

Today's card is in honor of Nancy Littrell ... my new friend at Splitcoaststampers.  Nancy and I are just becoming acquainted now that we are both on the CAS Design Team for this winter (along with Charlene ...aka LilLuvsStampin).

Nancy was picked as "Queen for the Day" (QFTD90) last Friday and I really wanted to honor her and used this card from Nancy's incredible gallery on SCS for inspiration.  Hope you like (and hope Nancy likes it too!).

"Oak Leaf for Queen Nancy"

Stamps:  Gently Falling, On the Grow (SU!)

Paper:  River Rock, Early Espresso, watercolor paper (SU!)

Ink:  Early Espresso, River Rock, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, Soft Suede (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  water mister, Stamp-a-ma-jig, acrylic block, Cuttlebug "Forest Branches" embossing folder, Big Shot, small oval punch, medium oval punch, hemp twine, small eye make-up applicator sponge, sticky strips, Tombow glue and dimensionals

* * * * *

I ran a large piece of River Rock cardstock through my Big Shot with the Forest Branches embossing folder.  I mounted the embossed card front onto a card base of River Rock cardstock and set aside.

The oak leaf is a two-part stamp set.  Using Stampin' Write markers, I inked the inside stamp randomly with Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie and Cajun Craze.  I misted the oak leaf lightly with water and stamped onto watercolor paper.  After it was dry, I inked the outline stamp in Early Espresso ink and stamped it on top (using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement).  I cut the leaf out and then used a small eye make-up applicator sponge to add Soft Suede ink along the edges of the leaf, giving it an aged look.

I inked the acrylic block with River Rock ink and misted it lightly with water, then stamped it onto watercolor paper.  I repeated it for a second stamping.  I cut out the first stamping, leaving a 3/8" border around it and then framed it with Early Espresso cardstock.  I mounted the framed block onto the front of my card, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.  I glued the watercolored leaf on top and then glued a small hemp twine bow on the stem.

I stamped the sentiment in Early Espresso ink onto the second acrylic block stamping of River Rock.  I punched out the sentiment with the small oval punch and then framed it on a medium oval of Early Espresso cardstock.  I mounted the sentiment onto the front of the card.

S-N-O-W and 'just chillin' cards

I haven't posted for a few days now ... well today I'm making up for it.  It's been a busy week.  I have done some more Christmas shopping, baking, etc. and spent time with good friends.  I also have been feeling under the weather with a cold that just hit me full-force on Friday.  Where did that come from??  I took it easy for a couple of days and am feeling better today.   I haven't been up to being in the art studio much the past few days and I went through withdrawal :)  So happy to be back in here having fun!

On to today's cards ... 

 

A while ago, I saw this really cute image at Bugaboo Digital stamps and so I went back and purchased it on-line a couple of days ago.  I love their images - they are all so adorable!  This is my first card for this week's CAS Challenge at Splitcoaststampers (CAS148) - Word Inspiration:  Chill out!  Hope you like.

"S-N-O-W"

Stamps:  Snow (Bugaboo Digi stamps)

Paper:  Whisper White, Pacific Point (SU!); snowflake DP (unknown)

Ink:  Basic Gray, Pacific Point, Pumpkin Pie, Pink Pirouette (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  clear glitter glue, small paint brush, Sizzix polka-dot embossing folder, Big Shot, Tombow glue, adhesives and dimensionals

* * * * *

I printed the image onto Whisper White cardstock and then printed it a second time onto the snowflake DP.  I cut out the "S, N and W" from the DP and glued them onto my main image.

I colored in the snowman's hat, nose and cheeks using Stampin' Write markers.  Using a paint brush, I added glitter glue to the snowballs and the snow covering the letters and snowmen (it's hard to see in the photo).  Once the glitter glue was dry I cut the image out.

I ran a piece of Whisper White cardstock through my Big Shot with the polka-dot embossing folder.  I cut the embossed cardstock to 2 1/2" x 4 1/4" and added a frame of Pacific Point (2 3/4" x 4 1/2").  I mounted the embossed, framed cardstock onto a card front of Whisper White and then mounted the whole thing onto a card base of Pacific Point.

I mounted the main image onto the polka-dot background, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

____________________

Here's a second card for this week's Clean and Simple challenge at SCS (CAS148) - Chill out!  I just got my latest SU! order and this time I purchased the stamp set "Every Little Bit".  It has 28 adorable, small images that I know I'll be using A LOT!  Today I used the cute penguin.  This card is made with all SU! products plus a computer-generated sentiment ---"just chillin" and on the inside it says "and wishing you the coolest birthday ever!".  Hope you like.

"just chillin"

Stamps:  Every Little Bit (SU!); computer generated sentiment

Paper:  Basic Black, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Basic Black, Baja Breeze, VersaMark Pen (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  post-it notes for masking, ice embossing powder, heat tool, crystal effects, pencil, ruler, eraser, and adhesives

* * * * *

I printed the sentiment from my computer onto Whisper White cardstock.  I used a pencil and ruler to draw a 2" box, centered on the card front (side to side) and placed so the bottom line is in the middle of the sentiment.  I used my Black Stampin' Write marker to draw along the lines of the box, free-hand, making sure to have the lines a little wiggly.  I erased the pencil marks.

I inked the stamp with my Black Stampin' Write marker and stamped the penguin inside the box (just off center).  I stamped the penguin a second time onto a post-it note and cut it out and placed it over top of my main image to protect the penguin as I will be sponging on top.  I cut a post-it note to make a mask for the snow hill and placed it just below the penguin so that his feet touched it.  I used my Black Stampin' Write marker to outline the curve of the hill.

I drew a line of icicles onto another post-it note in pencil and cut them out.  I used it to mask the top of the square and then outlined the icicles with the thin tip of the Black Stampin' Write marker.

 I used more post-it notes to mask off all the sides of the box.  I then sponged Baja Breeze ink inside the box.  I removed all the masks.

I used a VersaMark pen to draw a line of clear ink along the top of the snow hill and then used ice embossing powder and a heat tool to set it (it's hard to see in the photo, but it adds a lot to the card).

I used Crystal Effect to fill in the icicles (also hard to see in the photo, but it adds gloss and dimension to the icicles).

After it was all dry I mounted the front panel onto a card base of Basic Black.

____________________

Last night we had dinner at our friends' Cindy & Chris.  Chris just finished renovating their kitchen and he did an incredible job!!  It is the most beautiful kitchen that I've ever been in!  He also is a fabulous cook and made Gord and I a wonderful dinner (Smoked Salmon and cream cheese Quesadillas, Chicken Parmesan, Mushroom Risotto and roasted veggies).  Cindy made a delicious Caesar salad and dessert - Brownies with a layer of Aero chocolate bars in the middle - AWESOME!  Thanks to you both for having us over.  We had so much fun hanging out with you (as we always do!).  Oh, and the Canucks beat the Ottawa Senators 4-1 ... Go Canucks Go!

Friday night we had our friends, Karen and Hans, over for dinner.  We've been friends for many years and it's always great to spend time with them.  Karen is a chef, so it's wonderful when we can find some time to get together as her schedule is always so busy.  I don't know where she's gets all her energy!!

Karen brought an appetizer for us that she wanted to try out for an upcoming dinner party she's catering ... Puff Pastry cups filled with caramelized onions and topped with smoked Gruyere cheese ... so delicious!!  She also brought a bottle of Tasmanian Pinot Noir that her and Hans picked up earlier this year when they were on vacation "down under".  The wine was perfect for the easy, casual dinner that I made (Sweet & Sour meatballs, Basmati rice and Roasted Veggies, Gingerbread cake with Caramel Sauce and Coconut Sorbet).  Karen tries to avoid dairy as much as possible, so I thought I'd try making the sorbet rather than serving ice cream.  Plus it's great to have dairy-free recipes because there are so many people that have problems digesting dairy.  The sorbet was delicious with my Gingerbread cake (which I served warm), drizzled with caramel sauce.  I'm including the recipe in the baking section of the website.

Gingerbread cake

Happy Birthday Liz!

Today I'm making nuts and bolts ... four batches.  I make them every year for Christmas.  The trouble is that I have a hard time leaving them alone ... so I have to try to hide them on myself :)  I'm including a picture below and also the recipe in the baking section.  Hope you'll give it a try!

Nuts & Bolts

____________________

Today is the sketch challenge and I love triptych cards, so couldn't pass it up.  I made a simplified version (still in CAS mode).  This is a birthday card that I'm going to give to my dear friend, Liz.  It's her birthday on Dec. 17th and I'm taking her out for lunch next Monday to celebrate early.  I have know Liz since 1979 - wow, how the years have flown by!

Here's the sketch for today - SC362 from SCS:

And here's my version ... made with all SU! products ... and one of my all-time favorite DPs from SU! - Cottage Wall.  Hope you like.

"Happy Birthday Liz"

Stamps:  Happiest Birthday Wishes (SU!)

Paper:  Rich Razzleberry, Cottage Wall (retired) (SU!)

Ink:  Rich Razzleberry

Accessories & Tools:  1/4" Rich Razzleberry grosgrain ribbon, adhesives, sticky strips, glue dot, and dimensionals

* * * * *

I cut the three panels and adhered them to a card front of Rich Razzleberry.  I mounted the ribbon at the bottom of the panels, covering the edge slightly and secured it at the back of the card front.  I mounted the front panel onto a card base of Rich Razzleberry ... I did this so that the ribbon would be sandwiched in-between the layers of cardstock and the ends wouldn't show.

I stamped the sentiment in Rich Razzleberry ink onto Whisper White cardstock and mounted it on a frame of Rich Razzleberry cardstock.  I cut out a flower from the DP and attached it to the bottom of the sentiment using a glue dot.

I mounted the framed sentiment onto the front of the card, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

Pot of Poinsettias and Christmas Wreath cards

Today's color challenge from SCS is Very Vanilla, Real Red and Wild Wasabi ... with the dessert (optional) being 4 layers.  I made two cards, one with dessert and one without.  I now have made so many Christmas cards that when I made my latest donation of cards to Children's Hospital in Vancouver, many of them were Christmas cards.  But I can't help myself, I'm Christmas crazy right now.  My house is decorated (except for our large tree that we'll put up around Dec. 20th) and I've been playing Christmas music and have almost finished writing my cards for this year.  It's my favorite time of year!  Hope you like these latest Christmas cards - both of which are CAS (clean and simple).

The first card has four layers and is made with all SU! products.

"Pot of Poinsettias"

Stamps:  A Flower for All Seasons, Short & Sweet (SU!)

Paper:  Real Red, Very Vanilla (SU!)

Ink:  Sahara Sand, Wild Wasabi, Real Red, Early Espresso (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, Scor-Pal, adhesives and dimensionals

I inked the stamp in Early Espresso and stamped onto Very Vanilla cardstock.  I colored in the image with Stampin' Write markers.  I cut the image to size (1 3/4" square) and mounted it one larger square of Real Red cardstock, popping it up with dimensionals.

* * * * *

I cut a 4" square of Very Vanilla cardstock and scored on all four sides, 1/4" and 3/4" from the edge.  I cut an "X" in the middle section and then extended each tip of the "X" into the corner, stopping at the first score intersection ... I did this for all four corners.  I then folded back the triangles to the back, trimmed them down and adhered them with sticky strips.  I cut across diagonally on all four corners of my square, folded the 1/4" score line to the back and adhered with sticky strips.  This created a Very Vanilla frame.  I stamped the sentiment in Real Red ink on the bottom right-hand corner of the frame, using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement.  I mounted the frame on top of the main panel, centering the image.

I mounted the whole front panel onto a square card base of Real Red cardstock.

____________________

The second card is for the same color challenge as above, but also qualifies for another card for yesterday's CAS challenge - Twine!  Hope you like.

"Christmas Wreath"

Stamps:  Short & Sweet (SU!)

Paper:  Wild Wasabi, Very Vanilla (SU!)

Ink:  Real Red (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  scallop circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, Peapod twine and Maraschino twine (The Twinery), small red half pearls, two mini jingle bells, Stamp-a-ma-jig, adhesives and dimensionals

* * * * *

I punched a 1 1/4" circle from Wild Wasabi cardstock.  I centered the scallop punch over top of the hole, and punched it out creating a scalloped wreath.  I wrapped Peapod twine around the wreath and secured the ends of the twine to the back using adhesives.  I placed several small, red half-pearls randomly on the wreath.

I took piece of Maraschino twine and tied a very small bow, leaving long tails.  I threaded a mini jingle bell onto each tail, tied a knot to hold the bell in place and trimmed the end.

I cut a large piece of Very Vanilla cardstock, dry-fit the wreath on top to determine where my sentiment should be placed, using the Stamp-a-ma-jig.  I removed the wreath and stamped the sentiment in Real Red ink.  I mounted the front panel onto a card base of Wild Wasabi cardstock.  I mounted the wreath on the front of the card, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

Wedding Wishes and 'on my drum' cards

My first official cards as a CAS 2011 Winter Design Team member!!! :)  I'm so excited!

I had so much fun making these two sample cards for Monday's CAS Challenge (CAS147 - Twine)!  I hope these cards inspire some of you to participate.  It's so much fun and it's wonderful to see all the different creative ideas.  If you have time, check out the CAS Challenge forum on Splitcoaststampers and post a card - you won't be sorry!

"Wedding Wishes"

Stamp:  Easy Events (SU!)

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Soft Suede, Soft Suede DP (SU!)

Ink:  Early Espresso, Old Olive, Real Red (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  paper-piercing tool, embroidery needle, Cappuccino twine (The Twinery), adhesives and dimensionals

* * * * *

I stamped the main image in Early Espresso ink onto Whisper White cardstock and trimmed the image to 2 1/2" square.  I used Stampin' Write markers to color in the leaves and the heart.

I paper-pierced a border 1/4" in from the edge on all sides.  I threaded an embroidery needle with the twine and stitched all along the border, starting and stopping at the bottom right-hand corner (leaving a good-sized tail on both ends).  I wrapped a second piece of twine around two fingers, three times and then used the tail ends from my stitching twine to tie a knot in the middle of the bundle.  I separated the loops by gently pulling them apart.  I mounted the main image onto a frame of Soft Suede cardstock.  In hindsight, I should have mounted the frame before stitching as it would have made the main image stronger ... I'll know for next time!

For assembling the card, since the main image was square, I wanted to mount it in an area of the card base that was square ... so that determined that my strip on the left-hand side would be 1 1/4" wide (leaving the plain crumb cake portion of the front of the card to measure 4 1/4" x 4 1/4").  So I cut the side Soft Suede cardstock strip 1 1/4" x 4 1/4" and cut the Soft Suede DP strip 1 1/8" x 4 1/4".

I mounted all the pieces, popping the main image up with dimensionals to add depth.

____________________

 

Here's my second card for Monday's CAS Challenge (CAS147).  Hope you like.

"...on my drum"

Stamps:  None - the image and sentiment were both computer-generated

Paper:  Pacific Point, Whisper White, Garden Green

Ink:  Garden Green Stampin' Write marker

Accessories & Tools:  paper-piercing tool, embroidery needle, Denim twine (The Twinery), silver mini brads, wooden skewer, wire cutters, emery board, Tombow glue, adhesives and dimensionals

* * * * *

I "googled" musical drum images and found this image on-line.  I printed it off twice, once on Garden Green cardstock and once on Pacific Point cardstock.  I cut out the whole drum from the Garden Green and used that as my base.  I cut out the top and bottom pieces from Pacific Point and glued them on top of the Garden Green drum base.

I used the paper-piercing tool to pierce holes and then stitched the Denim twine across the middle part of the drum.  I added mini silver brads through the same pierced holes.

 

I used the wire cutters to cut two small pieces (each about 1 1/2" long) from a wooden skewer.  An emery board  was used to sand down the rough edges.  I used the Garden Green Stampin' Write marker to color a strip of green around each drumstick.

I printed the sentiment from my computer onto Whisper White cardstock and mounted it on a card base of Pacific Point.  I mounted the drum onto the front of the card, popping it up with dimensionals.  The two drumsticks were glued on top of the drum.

Old World Santa

I've been busy the past few days, putting up lights on a few bushes and trees in my front yard and writing Christmas cards.  Today I'm hauling out the Christmas decorations and starting to decorate the house.  Starting because it takes me a few days (I'm a little Christmas crazy with my decorations!).  I'm hoping to get the bathroom done today ... that's right ... the bathroom :)  I have a small tree (about 2 foot) that sits on the bathroom counter and it's decorated with all things "reindeer".  I have three shelves above the throne, that I also fill with reindeer along with the window sill.  I have many handmade reindeer (made by me!) ... along with several from craft fairs that I collected over the years.

On to the card for today.  I was decorating the house and listening to Christmas music ... so, of course, I had to make another Christmas card.  This is an adorable digi stamp from Bugaboo (it was free!).  I added glitter glue to the fur cuff on Santa's coat ... and his mustache and beard are done with Sparkle Texture Effect from Martha Stewart which adds lots of texture (not sure if it comes across in the photo).  The sentiment is a from a stamp set that my friend, Kelly, gave me a couple of years ago.

"Old World Santa"

Stamps:  Old World Santa (Bugaboo digital stamps); small snowflake (Hero Arts)

Paper:  Always Artichoke, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Autumns Traditions DP (SU!)

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede, Pretty in Pink, Basic Black (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  computer printer, small paint brush, small sponge, adhesives, Tombow glue and dimensionals

* * * * *

I printed the image onto Whisper White cardstock.  I printed the image two more times, once on the tree DP (Autumn Traditions) and once on Cherry Cobbler cardstock (Santa's coat).  I stamped the small snowflake in Cherry Cobbler ink onto the coat (it's very subtle) and then cut it out and glued it on top of the main image.  I cut out the tree and glued it on top of the main image.  I used Stampin' Write markers to color in Santa's glove, nose, and the trunk of the tree.  I sponged pink for Santa's cheeks with a small make-up sponge.  I used a small paint brush to add glitter glue on the cuff of his coat.  I used another paint brush to add the sparkle texture to Santa's mustache and beard.  Once everything was dry, I mounted the image onto a frame of Cherry Cobbler cardstock.

I stamped the sentiment onto Whisper White cardstock and mounted it on a frame of Cherry Cobbler cardstock.

I mounted the main image and the sentiment onto a card base of Always Artichoke cardstock, popping them both up with dimensionals to add depth.

I made the team!!

Today was the reveal party for the CAS 2011 Winter Design Team for Splitcoast stampers ...

I made the team!!!

I'm so excited (and honored!).  I've been nervous for days now ... maybe I'll actually get some sleep tonight! :)

Congrats to LilLuvsStampin and Nancy Littrell for also making the team!!  It's going to be a fun three months!!

There are also twelve guest designer spots that were secured by:  scofield27, darsie1, star, tilly, vdutchr, stinkincute, tenia sanders-nelson, momof5sons, mamaxsix, janellelarson, kthaman and allee's - congrats to all these very talented ladies!!

Everyone that entered the challenge made fabulous cards ... it was wonderful to see all the different creative ideas.  I really happy that I entered into this challenge - it was a fun time!

__________________

I can't believe it's December already ... this year has flown by!!  Today I went out with my SIL, Moe and picked up some groceries at Bosa (an Italian market in Vancouver).  I love shopping there!  Also stopped on the way home at Charlie's Chocolate Factory in Burnaby.  I picked up lots of treats for Christmas and also lots of Belgian chocolate for making desserts - yum, yum!!  After shopping we had out last stop at Esquire's ... it's a wonderful, small coffee chain in the suburbs of Vancouver.  I like it better than Starbuck's.  Moe treated me to a Gingerbread Latte - it was delicious!!

Once I was home, I had the afternoon free to spend time in the art studio.  I had an idea for a couple of cards for November's Fan Club challenge, using some of my new twine I bought on-line from "The Twinery".  November's theme is "Child's Play" ... and I wanted to try doing the "More is More" Challenge - make a simple version of a card, and then make a stepped up version (they are still both CAS cards, in my opinion).  I decided to combine both challenges ... hope you like.  FYI, the stepped up version has sponged sky that is very faint in the photo, but much darker in real life ... sorry for the photo quality :(

 "The Sky's the Limit #1"

"The Sky's the Limit #2"

Stamps:  Up, Up & Away (SU!)

Paper:  Whisper White, scraps of Daffodil Delight, green DP, orange DP, yellow polka-dot DP

Ink:  Green (ColorBox), Bashful Blue (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Twinery twine (Peapod, Lemondrop, Mandarin), ScorPal, sponge, Tombow glue, glue dots and adhesives

* * * * *

I cut out scraps of DP to make the kites and layered alternating colors on top.  I scored each kite down the middle and from tip to tip on the sides.  I bent the score lines to give the kites dimension.

I used Tombow glue to adhere the "tail" for the kite.  On the stepped up version, I tied knots of alternating colors of twine down the tail.

Also for the stepped up version, I made a template of randomly sized scallops and used it for sponging the sky.  I mounted all the pieces as shown in the picture above, attaching the kites using one glue dot at the tip of each kite.

I stamped the sentiment in green ink.