Coffee & Friends - the perfect blend

This is my entry for this week's color challenge on stamptv. You have to sign up as a member on Stamp TV to play along. The site is sorta like splitcoast. I am really enjoying being a member of this ning network site. They have a new challenge almost every day. I'm really on a roll - this is the 3rd or 4th challenge I've participated in! I can see how folks get addicted to challenges. They really get you out of your comfort zone, whether it be a color combination you wouldn't have ever used, or a new layout or design.
This challenge required us to make a card using black, kraft, and white. I immediately thought "coffee", since that is my other addiction (the other one being rubber stamps), so here is my entry. As you can see - it is a very simple and quick layout. Wasn't in the mood for anything fancy when I put this together last night. Enjoy!

Supplies
Stamps: Verve "Delightful and Delicious"
Ink: Jet Black Archival Ink by Tim Holz
Cardstock: Black, White Linen, Kraft
Other: Button by The Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby), Twine (in the button), Spellbinders Piercability Border "Fancy Scalloped Border" in the Big Shot, Cuttlebug Folder, Dimensionals, Adhesive, Black ribbon from Archivers

Hi Cutie

My first non-A2 card! Watch out...I'm getting whacky! :-)
Yes, it is about time I branched out and made a card that wasn't the usual 4 1/4 x 5 1/2. This one is 5 x 4 1/2. Cuh-razy!
Another way I'm branching out? I tried a new ink! I asked the staff at Archivers for a good black ink other than Stazon. They said they love Stazon, but another good one is Archival Ink by Ranger in Jet Black. I'm lovin it in a big way. It is waterproof, non smear, fade resistant, and acid free.
This card layout is cased from Melissa Phillips. She used different colors, different patterns, and a different sentiment - but the rest is very similar. She was published in "Card Creations Volume 7" by Papercrafts.
This owl has been very popular this year. I've seen the little guy in at least 3 of my card magazines. He's so adorable - I can surely see why everyone loves him. I love how he looks sort of like elementary school art.
*The owl was stamped on designer paper, and then trimmed out. I attached him with dimensionals, so the image would "pop".

Supplies:
Stamp Sets: Big Owl by Hero Arts. Sentiment is Woodland Animals by Hampton Art.
Ink: Jet Black Archival Ink by Ranger
Cardstock: Kraft (SU), Designer paper with the dots is SU (I think it is Urban Oasis...retired), Designer paper on the owl is Basicgrey "Granola"
Ribbon: Stampin Up
Other: Glue pen, dimensionals, sparkly black brads in the eyes (the package is long gone...sorry I don't know the brand), adhesive, corner rounder punch

Moxie Fab Challenge: The Taintor-tude Challenge!

Here is my entry for the Moxie Fab Challenge: The Taintor-tude Challenge!
I have only entered three card challenges in my entire span of papercrafting - but, when I saw this challenge I just HAD to participate! Anne Taitor is the designer behind those cheeky little products you see in the stationary stores with the vintage ladies saying smart-alecky little comments. They are just too fun! And, after all, my husband calls me his saucy little monkey - so is it any wonder I like this sort of thing?
I began this project by surfing the web for vintage photos. This image really caught my eye. The red cape is just gorgeous - and she really has attitude, don't ya think? Then I went searching for a designer paper that would match just so. I thought this sentiment "fit" her personality. Although, I did almost put, "I'd rather be wearing my snuggie." But, I was worried that might not go over as well. I completed the project by putting a "ruby" on her finger.
This is my first Anne Taitor inspired card, but now that I've made one...I want to make many more. I have ideas for three more. So - time willing, I will share them with all of you if I get them on paper.
If you would like to participate in this challenge, you can find it here.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Ivory Linen by Neenah Paper and Designer Paper by EK Success (Brocade Red)
Spellbinder Die Cut: Deckled Rectangles
Image: Vintage Postcard from the world wide web http://www.art-e-zine.co.uk/
Sentiment: Just printed from a font using my good ol' printer
Other: Rhinestone by Kaiser (stuck on her ring finger), Lace Trim purchased on ebay, and dimensionals

Valentines for Childrens Mercy

I just received an email from a local papercraft store, Scrapbook Unique, in Lenexa, Kansas. The owner is asking for home-made Valentine Cards for our local children's hospital. I am so pleased a local store owner is giving back to the children in our community. What a great idea. And, I am excited I have someone to make cards for! I hope you join and create some Valentines, as well. Here is her email:

"Again this year we will be donating handmade Valentine Cards to Children's Mercy Hospital.
You may want to include a personal greeting, a note or some small trinket that children might have some fun with.

Everyone bringing in 10 handmade Valentine Cards will get $5.00 off a $30.00 purchase. Limit one $5.00 per person please.

Please have the Valentines to the store by February 8, 2010 in order to have them to the Hospital in time for Valentine's Day.

Thanks for your help."

Another Girl's Night Out - Another Success!

I have lots of pics to share from our January Girl's Night Out! It was a very successful night! We had a wonderful group of ladies! We shared lots of laughs, our creativity, and some yummy food and wine. We made some cute Valentine's cards, an adorable hand-made paper purse, and a lovely Spring note with a matching envelope made from designer paper. Now, I can make designer envelopes for all my cards, time permitting. We learned about liquid applique and flower soft, used the scor-pal, and learned even more about the versatility of Copic Art Markers. Of course, a beginner can come to any of our classes! We are always there to teach every step of the way! Thanks again to the hostess with the mostess, Miss Peggy! See ya next time, ladies!
Here I am, setting up and getting ready for the class.

Here I am working on punching out a very testy spellbinder die cut.

Some of the ladies working on cards.

This is my darling niece. I was so thrilled she was able to come.

An attentive audience.

We always learn so much, but mostly we come to relax and have fun!

Hearts on Fire 2

Here is the other card I made with the Hearts on Fire stamp set. At first, I wanted to do this at a make and take - but there are way too many steps. But if you have lots of spare time - I definitely recommend the layout. It is worth the extra steps.
This card is CASED from the January 2010 issue of CardMaker. In fact - I was at the grocery store a couple weeks ago and was browsing through this issue. When I saw this card - I knew I had to buy the magazine. I went home and promptly ordered this stamp set.
Tip: If you decide to make this card - cut your fancy scallop border FIRST. Then trim down paper to size after you have your scallop edge.

Supplies
Stamp Set: Verve, Hearts on Fire
Cardstock: Petal Pink (Archivers), Black, White Linen, Grey (Bazzill)
Rhinestones: Kaiser
Other: Flowersoft in Baby Pink and glue
Ribbon: Black Ribbon from Archivers
Cuttlebug Folder: Swiss Dots
Spellbinders: Fancy Scallop Pierceability Border

My "Hearts on Fire", Baby!

I've been stamping all day. My eyes are worn out! Shwew. It all started with the card I intended to create for our upcoming make and take (not pictured). It was super, super challenging, although I did complete it. I will post it tomorrow. Although beautiful...it just has too many steps for a make and take. I surely don't want the girls to leave frustrated! So, I went back to square one and spent the afternoon dreaming of a new card, making a few sketches here and there. I came up with this! What do you think? I hope you guys like it.

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Verve "Hearts on Fire"
Ink: Black Stazon
Die Cut: Nestabilities, Fleur De Lis (One of the Christmas presents for myself, hee, hee), Oval Nesties
Cardstock: White linen, Black, Petal Pink from the Paper Company
Cuttlebug Folder and Machine (can't remember the name of the folder, and really wish they'd print the name of the folder on the folder)
Other: Flower Soft in Baby Pink and Original Tacky Glue, Dimensionals, Pink Rhinestones from Kaiser

You're So Sweet - Valentine's Day Card

Here is my first Valentine's Day Card of the year. We will be doing this at our make and take (Girl's Night Out!) Thursday night. I just LOVED the simplicity of this card. It is one of my goals to try some simple cards this year - I truly believe they can be just as stunning as some of the cards with oodles of layers - just in a different way.

I came out of hibernation for just a bit today. Ah! Actually, I wish I was joking. ;-) The temps here in Kansas are just horribly cold - and we had a blizzard. There is much snow on the ground, so we've been staying inside. Eli has been home from school for 22 days. So momma is going a little stir crazy! It is really hard to get anything done with a new puppy and a little boy. I love them dearly, though! Below the supply list, you will see what my son did to his own hair today!!! He cut it himself!!! Oh my!!! I'm soooo embarrassed. Too funny. AND - we have a game in the morning and there is no time to go to the salon before the game. So, he'll just have to play the game with a silly hairdo!

Hopefully - there will be many more Valentine's Day Cards to come. My New Year's Resolution was to clean the craft room - so I really, really, really hope this will inspire my to create waaaaaay more in 2010!!!

This is a case from page 55 of Papercrafts magazine, Jan / Feb 2010. Although I did change the sentiment, stamp set, add the liquid applique, and the bling...it really looks very, very similar. Enjoy!

Supplies

Stamp sets: (latte stamp) Shirley's 2 Girls, Cream in my Latte; (sentiment) Verve, Delightful and Delicious

Cardstock: White Linen, Real Red, Creamy Caramel

Punch: Marth Stewart Doily Lace

Ink: Black Stazon, Tim Holtz Tea Dye, Real Red Stampin Write, White Liquid Applique

Ribbon: Archiver's Black and White check

Die Cut: Scalloped Circle Nestabilities

Other: Sponge, Blender Pen, Red Bling Kaiser, Dimensionals

Eli cut his own hair today!

Me and new puppy, Lukas, ringing in the New Year.

Next Class Scheduled!

Our next class / girl's night out will be on Thursday night, January 14th.

We will be teaching how to make beautiful home-made Valentine's Day Cards.

If you are interested, please email me.