Taylored Expressions Blast From the Past Blog Hop November 2010

Welcome to the Taylored Expressions Blast From the Past November Blog Hop!  The theme this month is Autumn/Thankful, and Sankari once again provided us with a really fun sketch:

I don't have any Thanksgiving or Autumn TE stamps, so I decided to use the tree from "In the Park" and put it in the fall season.  I chalked the leaves, but used Copic markers for the trunk of the tree (and tried to make it look like various textures).  I couldn't resist adding in the little dog, he's just too cute, and added some glittery leaves I cut out for the three little elements.

Happy Fall!

Stamps:  In the Park (TE)
Ink:  Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Cardstock:  Pumpkin Spice (Gina K), Stamper's Select White (PTI)
Patterned Paper:  Autumn Abundance (PTI)
Accessories:  Glitter (MM), chalk, ribbon (SU), copic markers




Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I can't wait to see everyone's beautiful creations, and I also wanted to wish all our US friends a Happy Thanksgiving next week!

Chris

Tag--You're It! WMS Christmas Challenge 2010

Hello Everyone,

It is November already--can you believe it?  To get ready for the holidays, Claire at Waltzingmouse Stamps has a great challenge--the Tag, You're It!  Christmas Challenge 2010.  The challenge is to make an elegant, classy type of Christmas tag.  So here is what I came up with:

Merry Christmas

I found this cool tag shape on one of my Cricut cartridges.  I paper pieced the stocking and then added some iridesent ice embossing powder to make it look sparkly.  I then found some pretty ribbon with the same iridescent edging and thought it would coordinate.  I also edged the fine linen tag with some tea ink to finish it off.

Stamps:  Sewing Box Christmas (WMS)
Ink:  Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Cardstock:  Fine Linen, Pinefeather, Stamper's Select White (PTI); Cherry Cobbler (SU)
Patterned Paper:  Making Memories
Accessories:  Ribbon (Michaels, Making Memories); Brad (Making Memories); Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder (SU)

Thanks so much for stopping by, have a wonderful day!

Chris

Taylored Expressions Blast From the Past Blog Hop October 2010

Welcome to the Taylored Expressions Blast From the Past October Blog Hop!  Our focus this month is for the upcoming holiday and Christmas season.  We were to either use a TE holiday stamp set, or give a holiday spin to any other TE stamp set.  We were also given this wonderful sketch:

 

I chose to use the stamp set Holiday Wonder, and wanted to create my own magical home.  I first stamped the house in white, then fine linen, then cherry cobbler, and then paper pieced the layers.  I also cut out the two windows and clear embossed then to make them shiny (it's a little hard to see in the photo).  I also paper pieced the curtains, and stamped the Christmas tree in the window.  I added lots of glitter, some sparkly fluff for the snow, and then put together the background.

"Enjoy the Magic of Christmas"

I also made the door to open, and added a little sentiment.  My son had great fun holding the door open!

Stamps:  Holiday Wonder (TE)

Ink:  Tuxedo Black (Memento)

Cardstock:  Stamper's Select White, Ripe Avodado, Spring Rain, Fine Linen (PTI); Cherry Cobbler (SU)

Patterned Paper:  Bitty Stars (PTI)

Accessories:  Glitter, Clear Embossing Powder, Sparkly Fluff, Glitter Ribbon, Tinsel Ribbon, Rhinestones, Copic Markers

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I can't wait to start hopping and see all the wonderful holiday creations!

Chris

October Friends of Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Waltz

Hello Everyone!

I am so excited to be participating in Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Waltz for the first time!  This month's theme is Autumn/Harvest, so I used some images from Bountiful Baskets Additions.

Let Us Give Thanks

I used the leaf from Bountiful Baskets Additions and some embossing powder to make the background paper, plus a little sponging on my nestabilities to frame my image/sentiment.

Stamps:  Bountiful Baskets Additions (WMS)
Ink:  Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Cardstock:  Fine Linen, Ripe Avocado (PTI); Pumpkin Spice (Gina K Designs)
Accessories:  Nestabilities, Copic Markers, Ribbon (CTMH), Clear Embossing Powder

Thanks so much for stopping by--can't wait to see what everyone has created on the waltz, WMS blog waltzers are so talented!

Chris

Birthday Planes!

Hello Everyone,

Well, I said I would post these planes back in September . . . time sure got away from me! I hope you guys are all staying healthy, my youngest is having a hard time with that since school started. Without further ado, the airplanes:

Happy Birthday

My son was invited to a birthday party for two of his friends, and these are the cards I made to go with their presents.  They just seemed like fun little boy cards!  I used the distressing kit from CTMH, those different brushes are sure fun!

Stamps:  Fly Away (PTI)
Ink:  Tuxedo Black (Memento), Spring Rain (PTI)
Cardstock:  Stamper's Select White, New Leaf, Spring Rain (PTI)
Accessories:  Distressing Brushes (CTMH), Cricut (planes)

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Chris

Taylored Expressions Blast From the Past Blog Hop September 2010

Welcome to the September Taylored Expressions Blast From the Past Blog Hop!  This month, we were to use any stamp set from June 2010 or earlier, and Sankari Wegman had an amazing optional sketch for us to use as well.  Last month during the hop, I started creating cards to use as part of a series for Christmas presents, and this month I chose to continue working on that set.  To see the first part of this Christmas gift, look at my August blog hop post.

My cards this month are using the Taylored Expressions stamp set Sweet Occasions.

"Thanks"

This card was so much fun to make!  I was able to find some of the new Cuttlebug Companion Embossing Folders and couldn't wait to try them.  So first I embossed the cupcakes on Coordinations Cardstock, then sanded the cardstock to make the cupcakes pop.  I then paper pieced the "Thanks" and had lots of fun with glitter!

Stamps:  TE Sweet Occasions

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, PTI tea inks

Cardstock:  Enchanted Evening, Vintage Cream (PTI), Coordinations

Patterned Paper:  Chloe's Closet (MM)

Accessories:  Rhinestones (Michaels), Glitter (CTMH), Felt Flower, Ribbon (SU), Button (MM), Copic Markers

Because Sweet Occasions has such great stamps for the insides of the cards as well, I stamped the inside as well.  To add that extra special touch, I also did an envelope liner in coordinating paper as well.

Inside of card

Card with Envelope

"Congrats"  

 

The next card in my gift set was fun on the embellishment level.  I don't think you can tell in the picture, but the roof is covered in white flocking.  The two lollipops and the peppermint candy by the roof are done in glitter, and my favorite touch--the doorknob is a Taylor's Tiny Twinkle!

Stamps:  Sweet Occasions (TE)

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, PTI tea inks

Cardstock:  Orange Zest, Simply Chartreuse, Enchanted Evening, Vintage Cream (PTI)

Patterned Paper:  Chloe's Closet (MM)

Accessories:  Trim, Glitter (MM), Taylor's Tiny Twinkles, Flocking (Doodlebug)

And here is the inside and envelope for this card:

Inside of Card

Card with Envelope

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I can't wait to start blog hopping later on today and see what everyone has created!

Chris

Sending Good Thoughts!

I can't believe what a whirlwind the last few weeks have been.  School starting and working on your house create a lot of chaos! I finally got some time to play today by necessity--had to create some cards for a bridal shower.  I created two cards, one for my gift and one for my Mom's.  So here they are:

Congratulations

This card was just kinda fun, especially adding all the bling--the Embellie Gellie is really a useful tool!

Stamps:  Heart Prints (PTI), Warmest Regards (SU)
Ink:  Hibiscus Burst (PTI), Rich Cocoa (Memento)
Cardstock:  Hibiscus Burst (PTI)
Patterned Paper:  Pebbles
Accessories:  Taylor's Tiny Twinkles (TE), Ribbon

This next card was really fun to make--I was playing around with sanding an embossed image on the Coordinations cardstock, and tried sanding the debossed side instead, so that the sanding would outline the design.  Here's how it came out . . . .

Wishing You All the Best

Stamps:  Year of Flowers Sweet Peas (PTI)
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Cardstock:  Sweet Blush (PTI), Coordinations Cardstock, Ivory (LSS)
Accessories:  Ribbon (SU), Taylor's Tiny Twinkles, Sizzix Embossing Folder

Thanks for stopping by, I have some cute boy birhtday cards coming up tomorrow!

Chris

Taylored Expressions Blast from the Past Blog Hop August 2010

Welcome to the August Taylored Expressions Blast from the Past Blog Hop!  To play along this month, you could use any Taylored Expressions stamp set from May 2010 or earlier, and there was an optional sketch.  I chose to do my own thing this month, because I'm getting ready (or at least trying to!) for Christmas.  Every year, I make several card sets to give as gifts--for my Mom, Mom-in-Law, Sister-in-Law, and my kids' teachers.  This Christmas, I've chosen the TE stamp set Sweet Occasions, and this cute paper pad Michael's had a while back called Chloe's Closet.  I had hoped to get a few cards done to show you, but with the kids home and going on vacation, we just have the beginning (but I'm happy to have started Christmas already in August!).

"Friend"

Stamps:  TE Sweet Occasions
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, PTI Tea Inks
Cardstock:  Simply Chartreuse, Harvest Gold, Stamper's Select White (PTI)
Patterned Paper:  Chloe's Closet (MM)
Accessories:  Ribbon, Flower (MM), Rhinestones (Michaels), Copic Markers

The Sweet Occasions set also has these great sentiments--I chose to use them to embellish the inside of my card as well.  And since I had the Chloe's Closet paper in both the 6 X 6 pad and the 12 X 12 paper stack, I used the same print I used for the frame in Friend to line the inside of the envelope to make the card look I hope perfect for a gift:

My daughters wanted to play along as well in the Blog Hop, they just love Taylor's stamps:

Here is my younger daughter J's card, using the Sprinkled with Love Stamp set:

"Sprinkled with Love"

And my older daughter K's card, using the Make the Grade Stamp set:

"You're an A+ in my Book:"

Thanks for stopping by!  I can't wait to see everyone's creations, we are on vacation today but I'll be blog hopping soon!

Chris

Gift Bags!

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to share some gift bags I made up for my daughters' dance teachers.  I had meant to give them out at the end of June, around recital time, but you know what they say about the best laid plans . . . .  I got the idea from my SU demonstrator,she had these little bags and cards at a workshop a few years ago.  So I made a little bag for each teacher, and then filled each bag with three little gift cards that they could use in the future.  I also included a flower pen in each (I really like including flower pens, they just look so cheerful) and then made a tag for each bag.  I thought they made a fun gift!

Gift Bags

Gift Cards Included Inside

Stamps:  Around and About Sentiments (PTI)
Ink:  PTI, Doodlebug
Cardstock, Patterned Paper:  SU
Accessories:  Ribbon (SU), Taylor's Tiny Twinkle (TE)

Thanks for looking!  What are you working on these days?  I am trying to work on some Christmas presents and hopefully sneak in a few challenges!  Have a great day!

Chris

Papertrey July Blog Hop Challenge

Hello Everyone,

Welcome to the July 2010 Papertrey Ink Blog Hop!  This month, the challenge was to use office supplies in your project--things like paper clips, binder clips, rubber bands, file folders, staples, binder rings, adhesive labels, post-it notes, and so on--you get the idea.  I have to admit, this challenge was exactly that--a challenge!  It was fun to see what office supplies were hidden in various places in the house, but a little harder to figure out how to use them!  So here is what I came up with:

"Notes"

I revisited several of the design team members' blogs from when they introduced "Take Note," and found that Lauren Meader had created a really cute notebook, and provided dimensions.  So I used her template to come up with this little notebook.

Opening the notebook

Back of notebook

These pictures show some other views of the notebook, specifically the view from the back, and the view as you open up the first flap of the notebook.

Betsy Veldman made this notebook and had such cute stamping inside I decided to try it!

This final picture shows the view when you completely open up the notebook, and the two different notepads featured inside.  I thought this would be a cute notebook to give as a gift to a busy Mom to keep in her purse, to help remember the millions of things Moms have to remember!

Supplies:

Stamps:  Take Note, Tags of Spring, Egg Hunt (PTI)
Ink:  True Black, Dark Chocolate, Smokey Shadow (PTI), Bamboo Leaves, Rose bud (Memento)
Cardstock:  Soft Stone, Smokey Shadow (PTI)
Patterned Paper:  Bitty Dots (PTI)
Accessories:  Misc. Office Supplies from around the house!

And before you continue on the hop, my daughters also wanted to try this challenge:

My Daughter K's Card

"You've Got Mail"

Supplies (all PTI unless otherwise noted):
Stamps:  Vintage Picnic, Vintage Picnic Sentiments, Mailbox Greetings
Ink:  Tuxedo Black, Rich Cocoa, Danube Blue (Memento)
Cardstock:  Spring Rain, Vintage Picnic
Accessories:  Copic Markers, misc. office supplies

My Daughter J's Card

"Take Note"

Supplies:
Stamps:  Take Note (PTI)
Ink:  Lovely Lilac (SU)
Cardstock:  SU
Accessories:  Misc. Office Supplies, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder

Thank you so much for stopping by--we hope you enjoy the hop tonight!  I can't wait to see what everyone has created!

Chris

The Sweet Stop Sketch #65

Hello Everyone,

Just popping in with a quick post for the Sweet n Sassy Sketch Challenge blog.  I had so much fun playing along last week that I thought I'd try this week's sketch. This was my first time trying to make a bow with some twine, I think it came out okay! 

"Cheer Up"

Stamps:  Elly and Friends (SNSS)

Ink:  Memento (Tuxedo Black), PTI (True Black)

Cardstock:  Ocean Tides, Ripe Avocado, Stamper's Select White (PTI)

Patterned Paper:  Polka Dot Parade, Bitty Box (PTI)

Accessories:  Ribbon, Twine (PTI), Felt Flowers (SU), Button Brads (MM), Copic Markers

Until next time . . . .

Chris

Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #121

Hello Everyone,

I hope everyone had a great time checking out the July Blog Hop from Taylored Expressions!  I know I sure did, and I was so excited to see that I was picked to receive a free stamp set!  Woo Hoo!  After much deliberation, I "think" we have chosen a stamp set (my kids all had to get in on the selection process :) ).  Check out the details here to participate in Taylor's August Blog Hop.

Getting back to stamping . . . here is my card for Taylor's latest sketch, which you can see here.  I had a lot of fun with this card, using my big scalloped circle nestabilities, and getting to use both glitter AND liquid pearls for the chocolate. 

"Make Mine Chocolate"

Stamps:  Cuppie in the Kitchen (TE)
Ink:  Tuxedo Black, Rich Cocoa (Memento)
Cardstock:  Pure Poppy, Kraft, Dark Chocolate, Stampers Select White (PTI)
Patterned Paper, Ribbon:  from my stash 
Accessories:  Glitter (MM), Espresso Dimensional Pearls (Adirondack)

Thanks so much for stopping by, please come back soon!

Chris

Taylored Expressions Blast from the Past Blog Hop July 2010

Welcome to the Taylored Expressions Blast from the Past Blog Hop! This month, to play along, you could use any TE stamp set released in April 2010 or earlier, and you could use the sketch shown on the right to jump start your creativity. I chose to try the sketch and used the stamp set For the Love of Cupcakes, one of my favorites! I used some glitter patterned paper from Making Memories, and again had to use some of Taylor's Tiny Twinkles--I am really enjoying adding rhinestones with the Embellie Gellie, it is too much fun!

"Cupcakes Make Life Sweet"

Stamps: For the Love of Cupcakes (TE)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Pink Pirouette (SU)
Cardstock: Bravo Burgundy, Pink Pirouette (SU), Vintage Cream (PTI)
Patterned Paper: Pitter Patter (MM)
Accessories: Taylor's Tiny Twinkles (TE), Copic Markers, Ribbon (SU)

With the darker color base for the card, I decided to do an insert for the inside of the card as well. Plus, I figured the sentiments kind of went together!

Inside of Card

Thanks for stopping by!

Chris

The Sweet Stop Sketch #64

Welcome Back! Today I decided to try out some new Sweet n Sassy Stamps--all with Cocoa the mouse! Cocoa is their adorable mascot and just too cute! My daughters and I all decided to play along with the Sweet Stop Sketch Challenge, which is Sweet n Sassy Stamps' Challenge Blog, and here is what we made based on sketch #64.

"Let's Get Together"

Stamps: Tea Time Cocoa (Sweet n Sassy Stamps)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Cardstock, Patterned Paper: SU (except for Stamper's Select White, PTI)
Accessories: Ribbon (SU), Copic Markers


My daughters played along with the sketch as well, and I was so impressed--I thought they achieved very professional results!

My Daughter K's Cards

"Watermelon Cocoa"

Stamps: Feelin Fruity Cocoa (SNSS)
Ink: Tuexedo Black (Memento)
Cardstock & Patterned Paper: SU
Accessories: Ribbon (PTI), Copic Markers

My Daughter J's Cards
"Cupcake Cocoa"

Stamps: Sweet Cocoa
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Cardstock & Patterned Paper: SU
Accessories: Glitter, Copic Markers, Ribbon (PTI)

My son also had fun coloring some Cocoa images, but he told me that "Mommy, it's not ready to go on the blog just yet." He is doing a great job coloring though!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Chris

Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #120

Hello Everyone,

Just popping in with a quick card for Taylor's sketch challenge, just barely making it by the deadline! :) I just got Taylor's new set "Feelin' Groovy" and wanted to play a little! I also had a lot of fun with some Tiny Twinkles and the Embellie Gellie!

Peace, Love, & Happiness

Stamps: Feelin' Groovy (TE)
Ink: Hawaiian Shores (PTI), Rose Bud (Memento), Limeade (Doodlebug)
Cardstock: Hibiscus Burst (PTI), Pink Pirouette (SU)
Patterned Paper: Feelin' Groovy (DB)
Accessories: Summer Sunrise Twill (PTI), Taylor's Tiny Twinkles (TE)

Be back soon!

Chris

Back to Crafting Again!

Hello Everyone!

Well, you don't realize how much time gets away from you--our last post was so long ago! With school, holidays, and kids' activities, the months just seem to fly by. So I've been spending some time cleaning up the blog and crafting so we could start posting again. My first post is what I call my "blue series;" my stampin' up demo gave me a bag of scraps at stamp class in May. I started playing around, and made one card. Then it became a challenge to see how many cards I could make out of a small stack of scraps, and the cards below are the result! I hope you enjoy them!

"The Blue Series"

"For My Friend"

Stamps: A Flower for All Seasons (SU), I'd Pick You (Sweet n Sassy Stamps or SNSS)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), True Black (PTI)
Cardstock: SU
Accessories: Ribbon (SU), buttons (Making Memories), Lace, Copic Markers, Smooch (it's on the flowers, kind of hard to see)

"Flyin' by to Say Hi"

Stamps: A Flower for All Seasons (SU), Pond Pals (SNSS)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), True Black (PTI)
Cardstock: SU
Accessories: Ribbon (SU), buttons (Making Memories), Lace, Copic Markers, Smooch (it's on the flowers, kind of hard to see)

"Oh Hoppy Day!"

Stamps: A Flower for All Seasons (SU), Pond Pals (SNSS)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), True Black (PTI)
Cardstock: SU
Accessories: Ribbon (SU), buttons (Making Memories), Lace, Copic Markers, Smooch (it's on the flowers, kind of hard to see)

"for you"

Stamps: A Flower for All Seasons (SU), Fillable Frames #5 (PTI)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), True Black (PTI)
Cardstock: SU
Accessories: Ribbon (SU), buttons (Making Memories), Lace, Copic Markers, Smooch (it's on the flowers, kind of hard to see), Taylor's Tiny Twinkles (TE)


My children also wanted to spend some time crafting . . . . . . so here are their creations:

My Daughter K's Cards
"Her Really Rust Series"

Supplies for All of the Cards:
Stamps: Around and About Sentiments (PTI), Celebrations--Solid (CTMH)
Ink: Potter's Clay (Memento)

Cardstock: Really Rust (SU! Retired), Stamper's Select White (PTI)
Patterned Paper: Really Rust (From SU!'s Patterned Pack III)
Ribbon: Autumn Terracotta (CTMH Grosgrain)
Accessories: SU! Scalloped Circle Punch, Pop Dots, Taylor's Tiny Twinkles (TE)

My Daughter J's Cards:
"Purple Set"

Supplies for Purple Set:
Stamps:Around and About Sentiments (PTI), Tiny Treats (PTI), Little Lady (PTI), Celebrations--Solid (CTMH)
Cardstock: SU! Stamper's Select (PTI)
Patterned Paper: SU!
Accessories: Basic Gray Ribbon (SU!), Blue Rickrack (MM), Pink Flowers

"Pink Set"

Supplies for Pink Set:
Stamps: Tiny Treats (PTI), Vintage Picnic (PTI), Around and About Sentiments (PTI), Fillable Frames #5 (PTI)
Cardstock: SU!, Stamper's Select (PTI)
Accessories: Dark Chocolate Chalk,Pink and Blue Bows

My Son K's Cards

Stamps: A La Carte Dad Tools (TE), A La Carte Dad Car (TE), Cuppie in the Kitchen (TE)

Thanks so much for stopping by--we'll be posting again soon!

Chris