Kristen Spyker Designs

Three Little Cupcakes.

2009-11-02T05:36:00.000-08:00

I was thinking these would be a great Christmas gift for someone. I mean who wouldn't love to get a box full of cupcake notecards. These were so simple too. I just used cut 3x3 notecards and added Basic Grey's Nook and Panty paper collection. The cupcakes are just cut out of one of the sheets of paper. The yellow ribbon is from my ribbon collection that I am selling on etsy right now.

Also, sorry for the silence around here. I was sooo busy last week AND was soooo not feeling good. But everything is back to normal now. Thanks for your patience and I hope everyone had a HAPPY HALLOWEEN.

Goodie Bag Giveaway

2009-10-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

A Cherry On Top is giving away a free Halloween goodie bag with any oder of $25 or more, plus 25% of Halloween products. Just wanted to pass along the good news. Click here to start shopping.

Merry & Bright Embossing.

2009-10-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

Another non-traditional Christmas card. I used American Crafts embossing powder in Leaf over this chocolate cardstock from Bazzill. The rest of the supplies are from Stampin Up! The Merry and Bright is from one of their Christmas Rub ons and the ribbon is Old Olive and the cardstock is Cream Naturals. I think my embossing ink was getting a little dry because the powder just didn't stick all that well. I have such a love/hate relationship with embossing. I love the look but I hate that you can never get it looking perfect. But I guess that just gives it character right?

2009-10-26T06:35:00.000-07:00

Really simple card using embellishments that I found at Target. They are from the Marcella K. line I think by K. & Co. They are just so pretty and really dimensional. Other supplies used are ribbon from Stampin Up!, and paper from K. & Co. Black and Ivory Fusion.

Friday's Designer Tip

2009-10-23T07:18:00.000-07:00

Making your own buttons.

This is so simple and the result is sooo cute.

First you need to get yourself some clear buttons.

I used buttons from Stampin Up! here but I know 7 Gypsies also makes these in the same round and square design. You are also going to need a glue that will dry clear. I like this glue for three reasons. 1. It dries quickly 2. It dries clear 3. I like the two applicators. It has a fine tip and a broad tip. The broad tip allows you to get a really thin coat and that is just what you want here. The thinner the better.

Pick out some cute paper and place button down. For all of these buttons I used K. & Co.'s Black and Ivory Fusion.

Now wait for this to dry (or at least mostly dry)

Trim off the extra

And if you didn't wait for it to completely dry before you need to now. I start by poking a hole from the front with a pin. Then I recommend flipping the button over and putting the pin back through those holes and wiggling the pin around until you have holes big enough for ribbon to go thru.

Here they are done. They look equally as cute without the ribbon.

Hope you enjoyed. And here is a card I made using one of these buttons, it was for a tent topper challenge on Scrapbook.com

I used paper from Basic Grey's Eskimo Kisses collection pack, Stampin Up! stamp set, ribbon, and clear button. For the trees I used Versa Magic Chalk ink (becuase these were rubber stamps that ink works well here) and then added stickles silver glitter and perfect pearls in silver on top.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Home Sweet Home

2009-10-22T08:18:00.000-07:00

I thought this would be a great card to give to someone who just bought there first home or just moved.

I used October Afternoon's Weathervane collection pack. They have great packs because besides all the paper you get die cut and sheets of stickers. The Home Sweet Home is a sticker from the kit. The only things here that aren't October Afternoon are the ribbon and button. Those are from Stampin Up! The button is actually cordury and is adorable. You can use what ever circle cutter is easiest for you here I used the Coluzzle.

Here is a funny story about circle cutters. I used the EK Sucess circle cutter for the first time about a month ago and in an earlier post I mentioned that I hurt my wrist using it and had to wear a brace for a while. Well, it never fully healed and the pain is getting worse and worse and I actually have an appointment today with an Orthrapedic Dr. to take a look at it. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? All because of a darn circle cutter. The things we do for papercrafting.

Baby Love.

2009-10-21T09:53:00.000-07:00

Just a really simple card perfect for a baby shower or birth gift. I love this new (well, new to me because I just bought it but it has been out for awhile) Fiskars scallop heart punch (its really called my funny valentine.) I used October Afternoon's Ducks In A Row paper, Tim Holtz's Trinket Pins, and Stampin Up! taffeta ribbon. I also rubbed Paper Trey Ink's Vintage Cream pigment ink on the edges and then rounded the corners with the Corner Chomper.

Uh Oh...

2009-10-20T07:52:00.000-07:00

All I did was run downstairs for a minute and this is what happened. When he starts walking I am in trouble.

Christmas Journal Progress...Done.

2009-10-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

I put a journaling card on the inside cover. This journal piece is from Art Warehouse.

Nothing new here...

Or here...

I found this cute little envelope from Making Memories Christmas Vintage Findings and put this Santa's List journaling sheet inside of it. Santa's List is from Making Memories Mistletoe jouraling pad.

I also put this other journaling cards in the enevelope as well. They are from Elle's Studio. I thought the cookies and milk one would be a good place to write all the cookies we bake this year.

This is the other side of the envelope. I also added a Tim Holtz's Philosophy Tag (this one says believe) to the corner of the opposite page.

I added another page which will be the last page in this album. The journal piece if from Elle's Studio and the metal number tags are from 7 Gypsies. The paper is Bo Bunny and SEI Christmas Mint.

This is the otherside of that page. I am not sure if you can read it but the Journal tag read 'Santa Was Here'. I envision a picture of all the presents unwrapped and a picture of the huge mess that happens here.

So thats it. It is done for now. I will post this journal after the holidays are over and this book is filled with memories.

Friday's Designer Tip

2009-10-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

So this is just going to be a really quick tip to fix a problem that I run into very often.

I am going to show you a really quick fix for when your cutting blade was dull and frayed your paper. Sometimes you don't have another blade and sometimes you just don't want to cut another piece of paper, so here is what I do.

Well, actually first here is a picture of the problem.

The solution to this is simple and you have a couple of options. 1. Sandpaper 2. Nail file 3. Basic Grey's Presicion Filing Set. I used the 3rd option here but really and of these work.

It takes a few seconds and fixes a big problem. Here is a picture from the side of the paper after I sanded the edges down and you can see how clean the edge is now.

Hope that helps. I will leave you with a card...
Just recently I posted that I love traditional Christmas designs. Well, I must be going crazy because I just made this card and it is about as untraditional as it could get. Oh Well, I still like though.

The supplies I used here are Kraft paper, Thickers from American Crafts, the little elf is from Die Cuts With a View.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Zing Embossing Powder A+

2009-10-15T08:12:00.000-07:00

I have really wanted to try out American Crafts new embossing powder called Zing. The results were surprising, this powder is awsome. I have used glittery embossing powder before and its tends to be really scratchy and more glitter than the color and I never was a fan of it. This stuff though is like the perfect ratio of color to glitter. Its just great. I will be trying out more of these colors. You can get this embossing powder which is called Silver Glitter here.

Here is an up close view of the embossing. The other supplies that I used were circle tag from Little Yellow Bicycle, border stickers from Reminisce, ribbon from Stampin Up!, and Ho Ho Ho stamp is from Hampton Art which I found at Archiver's but I don't see it online anywhere. I also rounded the corners with my fav. tool the Corner Chomper.

Noel.

2009-10-14T11:43:00.000-07:00

OK, so this is definately a card that doesn't photograph well. It is sooo much prettier in real life. But hopefully you will get the drift. I used Hero Arts Acetate Cards (I have really been in a acetate mood lately) and put this spectacular paper by Reminisce inside. Its one of the prettiest paper I have ever seen. Then on the outside of the acetate I used Little Yellow Bicycle's 25 Days Of Christmas Favorite Things Clear Stickers. The ribbon is my own which you can purchase soon from my Etsy shop (I will be added a Holiday collection shortly), and the button is from Jenni Bowlin.

Just trying to give you a better view of this paper, its just beautiful.

Goodies...

2009-10-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

I just recieved this in the mail today (along with maybe one or two other things :) It is just sooo cute I had to share it.

Its from Maya Road and it is their Canvas Pocket Binder Book. It is a chipboard book with the cover in canvas and then it has to canvas envelopes with a snap closure and then plain chipboard pages. I just love it. I am not sure what I am going to do with it yet. Possibly thinking of making a 1st Birthday book for my son Ethan (who turns 1 in 3 weeks). Its actually available on Two Peas In a Bucket right (don't know how long as new exciting stuff sells out quick, so get one now if you like it.) Oh by the way its ONLY $8!

A Christmas Planner

2009-10-12T15:50:00.000-07:00

Yes, its that time and I am an early shopper. I like to be done before December even starts. I can't stand how crowded everything gets in December. I also do a lot of my shopping online so its important for me to keep lists of everthing that I ordered. Its easy to forget what you bought online.

So its time for me to start planning and getting organized.

Every year I buy a Christmas Planner to make gift and card lists, write menus, and keep decorating ideas. This year I decided to make my own. I made the actual book out of Tim Holtz's Grungeboard. I like that it is flexible and there for more durable than regular chipboard. I rounded the corners with the We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper (a perfect example of why that tool is a must have on my list) and decorated the whole book with Basic Grey's Eskimo Kisses Paper Kit. The ribbon and the silver cord are both from Stampin Up!

The epoxy present stickers are from SEI and the glitter letter stickers are from Making Memories.

I used Making Memories Slice Ledger Paper to create perfect pages to keep lists on.

These chipboard Letters are from Basic Grey and the little candies and ribbons are also from Basic Grey but from there Eskimo Kisses Rub ons.

Here is another picture of the Slice Ledger Paper.

Ribbon

2009-10-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

I have started an ribbon Etsy store. I have been on the lookout for high quality grosgrain and satin ribbons and I have not been able to find what I was looking for. Some specialty stores sell it by the yard (a pain) and bigger discount stores sell spools but usually they aren't as good of quality. So, I thought I would start selling the kind of ribbon I have been looking for because maybe you have been on the same search.

Please check out my Etsy store. And there will be more to come.
http://www.kristenspyker.etsy.com/

Merry & Bright

2009-10-11T14:46:00.000-07:00

Here is just a really simple card I made using products from a bunch of different lines. The Kraft paper is from Stampin Up!. The Patterend paper is Basic Grey's Eskimo Kisses, the twine is from May Arts, the clear heart is from Fancy Pants, the Merry and Bright stamp is from Elle's Studio, and the round chipboard pieces are from Die Cuts With a View.

Friday's Designer Tips

2009-10-09T07:24:00.000-07:00

Must Have Tools.
I mean, these tools will really make your crafting life so much easier. Trust me these tools are a must have.

1. The Zero Centering Ruler by Deja View.

This is a clear flexible ruler that easily allows you center things on your project perfectly. Its funny becuase I used to just eyeball things and now I eyeball and then lay this ruler down to see how close I was to being perfect center and its just funny. Sometimes I am 1/2 inch off. I believe EK Success makes one of these rulers as well.

2. We R Memory Keepers Self Healing Magnetic Craft Mat

If you don't have a self healing mat you HAVE to get one. They are expensive but totally worth it. You can run a craft knife over this and it self heals, very cool. They also wipe up easily and you have a built in ruler and grid on the bottom and the sides. What is so special about this one in particular is that on top of all that it is also magnetic. Which means you can take the little magnet posts that come with this and secure your project down. It is a lot easier doing various techniques if you project is not moving around. Also, this ruler is a magnet so you can put it down and then cut with your craft knife without having to try to keep the ruler in place with one hand and then cut with the other. One other point about this mat in particular vs. Basic Grey Presicion Mat (also magnetic) is that I love the fact that this is purple. Not because I like purple but in fact because it is one of my least used colors. I have other mats that are black and when you are working with a project that is black/dark brown or really any other darker color it can be harder to see where the project begins and ends.

3. We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper

I know you are probably thinking why do I need another corner rounder. Well, I will tell you. First, in my experience most corner rounders do not make a perfectly round corner, this one does. On top of that is has a wide corner rounder on one side and a narrower corner rounder on the other. It also catches all the little pieces of paper and then you can dump them out when its full. But, most importantly, it goes through multiple pieces of paper at once and will also chipboard, grungeboard, fabric, thin metal ect... I have used this tool often to round that edges of a chipboard book.

4. Cutter Bee Paper Snipes

These are the very sharpest you can get. I also use Stampin Up! paper snipes but even they are not as sharp as these. These truly are the best and at around $10 they are a great deal.

5. The Coluzzle by Provo Craft (The easiest Circle Cutting System out there).

I don't know about you but I have a heck of a time with circle cutters. I actually sprained my wrist using the EK Success circle cutting system, and had to wear a brace for two weeks. I also just recently bought the We R Memory Keepers Crafters tool kit which comes with the magnetic mat and a compass that cuts circles and it didn't work for me at all. The compass kept slipping and it was a disaster. I have tried various others but sometimes the simplest method is just the best. The coluzzle is so simple and comes in round, oval, square, and other shapes. You just lay the template down and trace with a special swivel blade and it is sooo much cheaper than all the other fancier systems. For some reason it is hard to find the round and oval coluzzles so check out http://www.ebay.com/ or http://www.stampinup.com/.

6. The Big Shot by Sizzix

So, I know that a lot of people have the electronic die cutting machines (as do I) but let me tell you, this machine is sooo easy and sometimes I don't want to deal with test cuts, photoshop elements, and blade length ect...
You can also use virtually any dies/embossing folders/sizzlits/big dies/texture plates ect... It works with them all. And all you have to do is turn a crank.

7. Heat It Craft Tool by Ranger

If there was ever a tool I didn't think I needed it was this. I though, geez I already have a Stampin Up! Heat gun why would I ever need this. Well, I can tell you, I used this once and then put away my other heat gun forever. This doesn't blow air like the traditional heat gun it just gets really hot and that hot air is emitted but not by the gust of wind that the other heat guns give off. The benefit to this is the darn embossing powder isn't blown off the page anymore. I didn't even know how much better embossing could look until I gave in and purchased this tool. PLEASE trust me on this one.

***Also, another embossing tip DO NOT use Versa mark as an embossing pad, yes it does work but not that great. It is more of a watermark pad. Buy a pad that was specifically designed for embossing such as Top Boss, they are much thicker and stickier and will also help hold the embossing powder in place.

And I will leave you with a card...

I used two American Crafts stamp sets small sentiments and large sentiments. How I got this 'watercolor' look was by using regular dye inks on clear stamps. This is a good example of why you should use waterproof dye inks if you want a sharp crisp image. For this card I wanted a soft imperfect look. I used various Stampin Up! inks. The ribbon and the square punch are also from Stampin Up!

Have a Great Weekend.

Grungeboard halloween.

2009-10-07T06:28:00.000-07:00

This is a card that I made for a Halloween card challenge. I really wanted to do something neat with Tim Holtz's Grungeboard. I used the Grungeboard basics in the stripes pattern and rubbed the entire top with black Memento ink. I then went back over and rubbed Pumkin Pie Ink (Stampin Up!) over again this time pushing a little harder to get some of it into the lower stripes. The paper is from Pink Paislee's Twilight Collection, and the ribbon is from Making Memories I DO Trim (I know its stange to use wedding ribbon on a halloween card but I just thought the black lace was fitting.)

Anyway, I just finished getting my little Halloween tree up, hung the little pumpkin potholders on the oven door, and put my harvest wreath on the front door. Its beginning to look a lot like Halloween and the start of the crazy season.

Cute Fall Card

2009-10-06T06:26:00.000-07:00

When I made this card I didn't really want much going on because the paper is cute I wanted that to just be the focal point. The paper is Basic Grey's Mellow. The chipboard letters are Basic Grey's chocolate Chip chipboard letters, the other patterned paper at the bottom is from Cosmo Crickets Earth Love Double sided Borders. The ribbon is from Stampin Up! and so is the cardstock it is Chocolate Chip.

Happy Fall!

A Baby Card

2009-10-05T09:44:00.000-07:00

Baby Card - Almond fig Cardstock from Bazzill, Paper is Paper Doll from K. & Co., Ribbon is PaperTrey Ink, Scallop punch from Stampin Up!, and misc. buttons. Chipboard Letter Stickers are from??? Oh wait I don't remember I will find out and get back to you.

A Blogger's Challenge

2009-10-05T09:35:00.000-07:00

So I am participating in a blogging challenge. The first challenge is a get to know me interview and here are the questions.

1. What is your real name and why did you choose your screen name?
Well, my real name is Kristen Spyker and I usually use the screen name Krisspy because its just shortened Kristen and shortened Spyker.

2. Tell us about yourself, what you do, and your family.
I have been married to Scott for 4 years but we have been living together for 8 years. He has two daughters that stay with us on weekends. Sarah is 17 and Stephanie is 13. We also just had a baby boy named Ethan and he is 11 months old. He will be 1 years old on 11/11/09. My husband has a consulting business and travels A LOT for work. I do odds and ends for his business and other than that I am a SAHM. We have 3 dogs two Chiahuahua (Jake and Taco) and a girl Maltese named Lilly.

3. What type of Scrapbooking do you do, and what gives you your inspiration?
First, I don't do a lot of scrapbooking. I mainly do cards and mini albums (which I guess is a scrapbook). I am begining a baby Scrapbook of Ethan but I find it very hard. It is a totally different mindset then making cards and I am having a hard time with digital files and enlarging and printing and everything. I did just do my first 3 layouts since I was 17 or something. I will be posting those when I get pictures on them. I also just signed up for Ali Edwards current Scrapbooking workshop at Big Picture Scrapbooking. I am hoping that will help get me into the right framework for scrapbooking.

4. What are you other favorite things to do?
I love to cook and bake, read, knit, my favorite thing ever has to be cuddling on the coach with my husband and watching movies on a Fri. or Sat. night. Thats the best.

5. What do you like to do to relax?
Read a good book and take a hot bubble bath.

6. What is your favorite kind of music?
I don't really know, I don't listen to a lot of music, I always listen to talk radio in the car. Most CDs I own are 60's Rock. But I also love classical and the Blues.

7. Do you have a favorite TV show?
Yes, my all time favorite is the original BBC Office with Ricky Gervais. Funniest show ever, I could watch it over and over.

8. Do you collect anything?
Well, other than papercrafting supplies, not really, I am really trying to have less stuff in my life right now.

9. What makes you You?
That is a really tough question. I am very friendly, I like to laugh, tend to be very positive (can turn any lemon into lemonade), love to play boardgames, I am a closet nerd (I am a politics junky, read science mags, and debate everything). I don't know how else to answer this question.

10. And lastly is the old Desert Island Question.
Besides my family and pets, I would probably buy a Kindle so I would have unlimited books to read, a couple decks of cards, and a teddy bear that I have had since I was a baby.

An Apple Challenge

2009-10-03T11:02:00.000-07:00

So, I am in a card making challenge and I am suppose to have an apple somewhere on the card. Here is what I came up with...

See it??? I told you it was there. The supplies I used for this card were KI Memories Toy Box paper Pad, American Crafts Fabric Thickers in Ladybug, and Yoyo Yellow ribbon from Stampin Up!, Stampin Up! Scallop punch, and the Corner Chomper from WR Memories Keepers (goes through both pieces at once, awsome!)

2009-10-03T09:12:00.000-07:00

Happy World Card Making Day!

Friday's Designer Tips (Something New I am going to try)

2009-10-02T12:24:00.000-07:00

What is the difference between all the different Stamp Inks?

OK, so I am going to give you the skinny on what all these different types of inks are and how to use them.

This is something that often confused me when I first started and I am sure others out there feel the same way. Once you really understand the differences in all of these inks it will really open up a whole new world of techniques for you. Lets start with the basics.

Dye Ink

Other examples of this ink would be

1. Stampin Up! Classic Ink
2. Memories Ink by Hero Arts
3. Nick Bantock Dye ink from Ranger

Important information to know about this ink...

a. they are not waterproof

b. they work great with traditional rubber stamps
c. they don't work so great with the new clear stamps. (ink beads up on the polymer)
d. they clean up very easily with soap and water
e. they will fade over time.
f. The are acid-free

What Can I do with these inks?
1. Once you have stamped an image on paper you can color them in with 'dry mediums' such as colored pencils, crayons, and chalks.
2. You can use these inks as watercolor.
2. You get beautiful watercolor looks by spritzing the image with water after it is stamped on the paper. Another I idea is to ink up the stamp and spritz the image before you stamp it on paper. Play around with it and see what you can come up with. You can find other watercoloring techniques on http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/

Distress Inks

OK, distress inks...really they are just dye inks. The only difference between Ranger Distress Inks and classic dye inks is that these are more wet. They will stay wet longer giving the designer more time to blend and distress (designers use these especially the browns, to create the 'old look' by blending the colors around the edges of paper). Because these stay wet longer if your using it as a stamp pad you just want to make sure and be careful not to smudge the image.

Important information to know about this ink...

1. this ink is a dye ink that stays wet longer.

What Can I do with these inks?

a. Everything you can do with a standard dye ink

b. Easily blend colors and give something an old look.

c. Use with Tim Holtz Distress ink's blending tools which give really cool effects. See his website for more information and techniques. http://www.timholtz.com/

Waterproof Dye Inks

Other examples of this ink would be...

1. Stampin Up! Basic Black, Basic Brown, and Basic Grey

2. Ranger Archival Inks

The Tsukineko ( Sook-en-echo ) Memento Inks are my personal all time favorite ink to use. My only beef is that I wish there were more colors. (there is 24, I believe right now but most are the brighter hues)

Important information to know about this ink...

a. Once dry these inks are waterproof (yaaaaaah!)

b. They are less fade resistant then traditional dye inks.

c. They work excellent on both traditional rubber stamps and clear stamps (yaaaaaah!)

d. They provide a much crisper stamped image than traditional dye inks (yaaaaaaah!)

e. You can you with Copic Markers (yaaaaaah!)

f. They are acid free.

g. Sometimes you may need to work a little bit at cleaning your stamps but usually soap and water will work, and this is a fair price to pay for all of the advantages.

What Can I do with these inks?

1. Did I mention yet that you can use copic markers on them? (yaaaaaaah!)

2. You can also use 'wet and dry' coloring mediums with them, so you can add chalks or you can watercolor.

Pigment Inks

Other examples of this ink would be...

1. Adirondack Pigment Pads

2. Tsukineko Versacolor

3. Tsukineko Opalite

4. Tsukineko Encore

5. Colorbox Metallics

Important information to know about this ink...

a. these inks tend to be thicker and do not absorb into the paper but sit on top and dry there.

b. they inks take longer to dry than dye inks.

c. sometimes they can be a little harder to clean off your stamp.

d. these work well with both traditional rubber stamps and clear stamps.

e. they do not give as crisp of an image as the dye inks.

f. they are fade resistant.

g. once set with a heat gun they are waterproof.

h. they will never completely dry on vellum/plastic/acetate.

i. they are acid free

What can I do with these inks?

1. My favorite thing do with these inks is to color chipboard with them. Traditional dye ink soaks in and does not give good color saturation on chipboard. Pigment inks sit on top and give great color on chipboard.

2. Your can emboss with them. Especially with the non-glittery/metallic ones (those are faster drying)

3. You can stamp with them just as you would with a dye ink (just won't be as sharp but it still looks good)

Chalk Ink

Other examples of this ink would be...

1. Tsukineko VersaMagic Chalk Ink

2. Memories Chalk finish

3. Stackable Colorbox Queue Chalk Ink

These are just pigment inks matte finish that resembles chalk.

Important information to know about this ink...

1. these inks dry quicker than other pigment inks so embossing isn't an option.

2. they are fade resistant

What can I do with these inks?

1. Everything you can do with a standard pigment ink (except emboss)

2. They look especially beautiful on dark cardstock.

Solvent Based Permanent Ink Pads

Important information to know about this ink...

1. These are permanent on almost any surface, including plastic, metal, wood, acetate, vellum, ect...

2. They come in transparent and Opaque finishes.

3. They dry almost instantly on porous surfaces and on non-porous surfaces (plastic) they take about 5 minutes to dry.

4. They smell like almond extract (I imagine to cover up a nastier smell).

5. they are acid free.

6. YOU CANNOT USE COPIC MARKERS WITH THESE, I know this seems counter-intuitive but the alcohol in those markers will smear the solvent in these pads.

What can I do with these inks?

1. You can stamp on almost any material (excluding fabric that will be laundered).

2. They are waterproof, so you can watercolor or use a blender pen.

3. You can make great looking acetate cards with these inks.

4. My basic black stamp pad that I use all the time is either Memento or Stazon. In my mind there is no reason to use a black dye ink because Memento or Stazon give a crisper image and also because those two inks also give me more options as to how I am going to color the image in.

Hybrid Inks

Other examples of this ink would be

1. Papertrey Ink's Perfect Match Inks

Important information to know about this ink...

a. They are part pigment part dye ink

b. They can be used on any surface.

c. It dries instantly but needs to be heat set on glossy or non-porous surfaces.

d. They are semi-opaque

e. They don't provide as crisp an image as the waterproof dye inks (in my opinion.)

f. They can be used on traditional rubber stamps as well as clear stamps.

What can I do with these inks?

1. You can stamp with them using rubber or polymer (clear stamps)

2. You can use them on all different surfaces including acetate and vellum

4. You can color in and use a blender pen with them or watercolor.

So, with all this information you are probably wondering which ink pads do you need to have? Here is what I suggest any stamper should have in their arsenal.

1. A Black Stazon Pad

(for stamping an image on acetate or vellum and also for watercoloring, or as I do, just use this as standard black pad because it gives a crisp image and has the most versitility. )

2. Black, Brown, and a couple other often used colors in the waterproof dye inks.

(This is so you can get a crisp image when using your clear stamps. Remember, dye inks bead up on clear stamps. )

3. A Couple pigment inks in darker colors

( so you can color chipboard)

4. A Couple pigment inks in lighter colors

(so you can use these on darker cardstock)

4. A couple pigment inks in sparkly or metallic colors

(for the holidays or any other time you want to add some sparkle)

5. Various Dye inks in colors you love, Dye inks have the most color options, and are a great option for rubber stamps.)

Thats it. I hope this information was helpful to someone because it took a long time to type.

Have a great weekend.

Le Jardin Boutique

2009-09-30T14:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a card I made a while back but never put it on my blog. All Supplies are from Stampin Up! Kraft, Chocolate Chip, and Whisper White Cardstock, Taffeta Ribbon, and Le Jardin Boutique Stamp Set. Every now and then I get into a mood to color an image in. Usually what I do is use a blender pen with markers. If you use just the marker you get a very heavy look with minimal shading abiltiy. I take the blender pen and just rub it on the tip of the marker. I then test it on a sheet of paper to see how saturated the color is before I apply. It is a good rule of thumb to start light and then build up the color. (You can always add color but you can't take color away). Also and very important you must you Stazon when using a blender pen. It is a special ink that will not smear when blending or watercoloring. Because Stazon really STAYS ON you also need a special cleaner to get it off of your stamp pads. The cleaner is (you guessed it) Stazon Cleaner.

Things I am loving right now.

2009-09-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

I am really into these new Basic Grey Christmas Bling. Pretty much they just make an entire card. You really don't need much when you have these.

This is Snowflake bling, Ivy Tree, and Cherry Present.

Here is a really simple card I made using the snowflake bling.

This card took me maybe 10 minutes. I really dislike doing cards in bulk but this design I could stomach because it is so fast and easy and like I said, the bling really makes the whole card. I used the Hero Arts Acetate Notecards agains (which also reduces the amount of work, no cutting or scoring here), and then I used a polka dot border stamp PaperTrey Ink's Polka Dot BasicsII Stamp Set (using uneven pressure so it looked kind of worn) with Memento's London Fog ink. The Silent Night is from Technique Tuesday it is called Ali Edwards Peace Joy Love Words We Love Stamps (Wow! thats long)

Also, I am in heaven with Art Warehouse's Christmas paper/transparencies/stickers, I prefer traditional Christams items in papercrafting (and decorating) for the Holidays so I was really excited when I saw these new papers come out. I can't wait to use them.

Here are their names Hollyberry Song Art, 25 Days 12x12 Cardstock Stickers, and Mistletoe Transparency. A Cherry on Top.com carries the whole line and its 10% off there so check it out.

Merry Acetate

2009-09-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

A Christmas Card!

I am so excited for Christmas this year (probably because its the first year of celebrating with a child). He will be 13 months when Santa comes and I can't wait. I am not sure what to do about the christmas tree. Do you just not put ornaments down low? Or do you just put the whole tree in a room they aren't allowed? Any advice would be appreciated since I am all new at this. He is already into everything. I have had to clear out soooo much stuff its unbelievable. Vases, plants, books, wine racks, magazine racks, dog food/water bowls. I didn't really even think about all the stuff was in his reach until he got his walker. Anyway, so here is my first Christmas card of the season. What do you think? It was sooo easy.

Here is a a card I made using Hero Arts Acetate Cards w/ Envelopes. What these are so great is because the acetate is already pre-cut and folded and it has the white cardstock cut to fit along with it. It makes card making so much faster.

Here is a better view of this being an acetate card. Doesn't really show up well in a picture.

The rest of the supplies used are Basic Greys Undressed Chipboard Letters which I colored red with Colorbox's Red Chalk ink. The ribbon is from Stampin Up!, the polka dot piece is from Making Memories Mistletoe Collection it is their Masking Tape, the flower/button embellishment is also Making Memories its their Mistletoe Poinsettia Buttons (soooooo cute, I think I bought 3 packs of these)

A Couple Amy Butler Cards.

2009-09-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned lately how much I like Amy Butler paper?

Cardstock is Natural cream from Stampin Up!, Paper is from Amy Butler Lucky Flowers, Flowers are Hero Arts White and Cream Art Flowers (these are awsome, you can stamp on them), Middles are from (hum...I am not sure sorry ) and the FRIENDS is Amy Butler Sola Adhesive Chipboard Stickers.

Cardstock is Kraft paper. Patterned paper is Amy Butler from her Lucky Flowers collection. The SMILE is from Amy Butler's Sola Collection (link is above). The Blue paper is Bordering Blue from Stampin Up! as is the linen thread.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Monstrosities Alphabet Book

2009-09-23T15:05:00.000-07:00

This was soooooooooooo much fun. You know how I love Woolies (from Basic Grey)? WELL, now I love FELTIES (from Sassafrass Lass). I have several of Sassafras' paper collection but then at Archivers the other day I saw these.

And I thought what a cute Alphabet book these would make for Ethan.

This is my favorite page. I love those little legs. I cut them of the bodies of one of the monsters. I love how they look like they are dangling.

When I finished this book I thought how thick it was, was going to be a problem. It turns out, its great that it is so thick. The book sits up all on its own. I think it will look adorable on his shelf.

Here are the Supplies I used

1. Kraft Cardstock

2. Sassafras Lass products.

Ok, more specifically I used kraft cardstock from Stampin Up!, Unknown 4x4 chipboard pieces for the front and back, binder rings from 7 Gypsies, a White Gel Pen, and then here is a list of the Sassafras products that I used.

1. Alpha Token Blue Chipboard Alphabet (the inspiration)

2. Amplify 6x6 Wee bundle

3. Monstrosities 6x6 Wee bundle

4. Sweet Marmalade 6x6 Wee bundle

5. Fuzzy Friends Felties

6. Under the Sea Felties

7. Silly Monster Felties

8. Zoom Zoom Felties

9. Monstrosities 12x12 Journaling Stickers

10. Amplify 12x12 Journaling Stickers

11.Free Rein Blossoms

12.Spot On Double Sided Monstristies Paper

ONLY 2 PRODUCTS USED.

2009-09-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I made 2 cards with only 2 products. I think that should be a challenge. If anyone else can make a card using only 2 products leave me a link. I would love to see them.

I used Kraft paper from Bazzill Basics and rub ons from Basic Grey's Indian Summer Collection. Thats it.

Lexicon of Leaves.

2009-09-22T09:26:00.000-07:00

I am still in this natural cream paper mood (from Stampin Up!). So here is another fall card using it as well as a stamp set called Lexicon of Leaves also from Stampin Up!. I watercolored the leave with Stampin Up! markers and then used some Glossy Accents by Ranger on top to make the leave really stand out.

I also distressed this middle piece with the Basic Grey Precision Filing Set (a must have).

And then I just wrapped it up in Linen thread from Stampin Up! This is a really simple layout

that could be used so many different ways for so many occasions. This is one of those layouts

I always come back to if I am out of ideas.

Christmas Journal Progress

2009-09-20T17:51:00.000-07:00

So This is what I have so far page by page.

Below is the paper that I added a Silvery finish too.

However, that just was not sparkly enough for me so I went spread some silver

stickles all over the top also. The Silver Flourish is from Making Memories.

This metallic damask overlay in from Hambly Studios.

This half circle of paper if from Making Memories from their Mistletoe collection

I just cut it in half and glued the two halves together to create this page. I also added Making Memories

Clear Specialty Finish Paint to it (before I cut it) to make is shiny.

I added another Making Memories Flourish here and also Poinsettia's from Prima.

The Snowflake overlay is from Making Memories Mistletoe Collection.

I know I have used a lot of their stuff. I really like it and its really one of the

only Holiday collections already out.

Here is the front. Not sure what I am going to put here yet. Binder rings are from

7 Gypsies. I have gotten a lot done I just need to finish up the cover and then add some more details inside. I think I am also going to add a few more pages but we'll see. Leave a message if you have any ideas of how I should decorate the cover. I could really use the inspiration.

If you would like any more information about the products used please see (in the archives) my 1st Christmas Journal post.

OOPS!

2009-09-18T06:44:00.000-07:00

This is so funny to me.
For some reason in my mind I was thinking this sticker said Love not Live. I didn't notice it until I went to take a picture and I saw it thru the lens of the camera. Wow, are minds really do funny things. That is something to think about.

This card uses kraft paper, a white Singo Gel Pen, Stickers from Sassafras Lass' Amplify Collection, and the U. is from K. & Co.'s Actopus to Zelephant line.

Here is another 'Love' card using Sassafras products.

I used the same alpha stickers here as I did above however, I used them as a mask here. I also added some yellow stickles in the middle.

The paper is Sassafra Lass' paper Sweet Marmalade. I use their wee bundles because they are great for cards and they are a fantastic price. The orange suede ribbon is from Making Memories Great Escape Trims. Baby is crying so I am cutting this post short. Sorry.

Ugliest thing ever and the CUTEST thing ever.

2009-09-18T06:19:00.000-07:00

The mess in my husband's and my office. Yuck. But then three feet is away is the

cutest and sweetest person that ever existed (but I am not biased). His name is Ethan and he is 10 months. He has one tooth and is dying to walk already.

Sleepy Ghosts and 31.

2009-09-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

Here are just a couple more Halloween cards.

I love the Black on Black on this card. It was really fun to do. You can't tell in this picture but there is actually a lot of different textures going on here with the dotted swiss embossed paper from Bazzill Basics and the wet embossing I did using Hero Arts Designer Stamp in the floating leaf pattern and then the ghosts are these really cool glittery foam stickers from Making Memories.

An up-close view of the embosing.

This card used the new Rub-ons from Making Memories and I think sometime in the future I will review different rub-ons because some are so easy to use and apply so nicely and others are just a pain. These fall into the latter category. They are really cool to look at and even have glitter in the designs but they tore easily and and at least 4 or more times I had to lay the rub-on back down to get the little part that didn't rub down. However, with the lttle extra effort these do look really nice. The glitter in them didn't show up well but its there.

The background paper I used it Pink Paislee's Twilight collection and the orange pieces with the Trick or Treat on it is from Fancy Pants.

HAPPY DAY.

2009-09-16T10:38:00.000-07:00

I have an awful time trying to make masculine cards but this one came easy to me while using (the appropiately named) Paper Kit from Fancy Pants called That Boy. It is from their Kraft Kutzs collection. The bottom two layers are stickers from the same package the patterned number paper was in this really cool die cut shape that I had to unfortunately chop up to make this card.

The letters I used here are Basic Grey's Piper Micro Milk Chocolate Chip Alphas. I use these all the time they are just great. And that's it. Such a simple card.

Christmas Journal.

2009-09-15T13:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was reading Ali Edward's blog and looking at some of her older projects and it inspired me to get a mini album done. I am not a huge scrapbooker I like doing ones for special occasions like a baby or wedding but I don't have a desire to scrapbook every picture I take. I do however love Christmas albums. I would love to be able to capture Christmas moments in a book. I love Ali's idea of having the album done before December even starts and then placing bits and pieces of the whole month in the book. Duh, why didn't I ever think of that. That sure beats scrapbooking photos after Christmas when your not even in the mood any more.

I decied to document the whole process on my blog for a couple reasons one being that I like the idea of having this online scrapbook of creating a scrapbook, thats pretty cool and then also hopefully, something I do will give you an idea that you can take and create your own project. So here I go...

I started by collection materials that I was going to use for this album.
Some I bought and some I already had.

Here are a couple close-ups of the materials I am going to use. I decided to go with a 7 gypsies 8 X 8 chipboard pieces which I will make into an album. I am someone that thinks everything at Christmas should have glitter on it. So a lot of what is in this pile is either glittered already or is getting ready to be glittered.

I am loving these Mistletoe chipboard buttons by Making Memories here below. Aren't they cute?

First things first, I got organized.

I always do this. Everything that has a bunch of loose pieces I always put in a ziplock bag. Here I dumped out the Tim Holtz Fragments and the Making Memories Silver (glittered) Flourishes and 7 gypsies tags and put them in bags. That way I don't have to worry about keeping everything in those little packages. I put all the remaining embellishments in another bag and then the painting supplies all together as well. A little organization goes a long way here.

And then I began...

I layed out how I wanted the book to go.

I decided to alternate between chipboard, acrylic, and smaller white chipboard pages for a little interest. By the way those are the Jenni Bolin papers that I am going to be altering next.

But first I painted the cover of the album red with Making Memories Cranberry Red acrylic paint.

I started painting upstairs on the kitchen counter (over yesterday's Macy ad) because my little Ethan (10 months) was playing in this jumpy seat thing and I didn't want to disrupt his fun and take him to the basement where my space is. So anyway I painted this red and then I also put a coat of Making Memories Clear Glaze on too.

Next,

I started by prepping some of the paper that I had bought. I love the vintage papers by Jenni Bolin for Christmas but I did decide that they needed a little somthing.

I started with Jenni Bolin's Bookprint paper and gave it a wash of MM cranberry paint. Acrylic paints are water soluble so you can add water to thin them out if you want. I wanted an uneven wash look.

Next I applied a wash of silver paint to Jenni Bolin's Red Love song paper. I love how this sparkly silver paint gave a nice shimmery wash to the whole page. I loved it so much in fact I went back and added this layer to the Bookprink sheet.

That is it for now....I am out of time

I will keep updating this project as I go along. Thanks for looking.

-Kristen

Thinking Flowers

2009-09-14T14:35:00.000-07:00

I really wanted to do a super girly card which I don't do a lot but was in the mood for this past weekend. I used KI Memories Sheer Delights Die-Cut Plastic Paper. I scalloped the white paper underneath shorter than the KI paper and I love how that turned out. It almost looks like the slip of a skirt hanging down. Anway, The stamp I used is from Heidi Grace and the flower is Prima. The Stitched ribbon is Stampin Up! (Rose Red) and I also added perfect pearls in gold to the middle of the little pink flowers for some extra dimension. Here is a close up of that.

When you are applying perfect pearls you really want only a small amount and you should practice on some scratch paper so you know how fast it will come out.

Once you have applied it very gently tap the back of the paper to knock down any points on the pearls.

This stuff is awsome for flowers, polka dots, and anywhere you want a little dimension. I highly recomment trying this product. It comes in a variety of colors as well.

Join The Circus.

2009-09-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

This is K. & Co.'s Join The Circus Chipboard Stickers. Have I told you lately how much I like K. & Co. right now. Everything is so bright and cheerful. I found Bazzill's Bling paper went really well with these stickers. On this large lion one I used Bank Roll and Blind Date. Which reminds me, did you know that Scrapbook.com sells every single Bazzill paper now? Very cool. It was hard to find certain colors before, but not anymore. Oh, and I used Stampin Up!'s Yoyo yellow grosgrain ribbon.

Here is my Favorite.

I actually hate clowns but I love these two aren't they cute? I used the same paper mentioned above plus I used some retired Stampin Up! Taffeta ribbon. Here they are up close and personal. So cute.

And then there was the adorable giraffe.

He was just begging to be put on a long narrow card. On this card I added Bazzill's Bling in Pink Cadillac and Paper Trey Ink's satin ribbon. Also, on all three of these cards I used Bazzill's Kraft cardsstock.

For You.

2009-09-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

I have fallen in love with confetti cream card stock from Stampin Up!. I can't believe it has been right under my nose this whole time. Its so soft and pretty. Also, I have matched it pretty close to Bazzill Basics Oyster paper which has even more beautiful specs. The stamp set is With Gratitude from Stampin Up!. I stamped the images using Black Stazon Ink and then colored the image in using Stampin Up! markers and a Dove blender pen.

The reason you have to use stazon in the application is because the solution in the blender pen with smear the stamped image if it was stamped with typical dye ink. You also want to be careful with Stazon ink it smears easily until it is dry (a 20-30 sec.) Also, you can't use Stazon ink with Copic markers, the alcohol in those markers smears the Stazon ink. I know its confusing. The rest of the supplies I used here are White Taffeta Ribbon from Stampin Up!, and the little piece of woodgrain paper at the bottom is from K. & Co.'s Actopus to Zelephant. You can also just by a single sheet of the woodgrain paper here. (or maybe not, it seems to be sold out). Have a great Weekend.

3 Little Notecards QUICK AND EASY!

2009-09-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

These three notecards were made using Kraft Paper, Pink Paisley's Captivating Sticker Book, and Cosmo Cricket's Earth Love. I got to be honest, the alpha stickers in the sticker book were very hard to use. They were soooo tiny and bent really easily. I am not sure if I would by those stickers again. I do however love the woodgrain shape here on the thanx card. These little cards were so quick and easy so could make I was thinking of making a cute little box to store them in and then maybe giving them as gifts. Hummm......

Fancy Hi.

2009-09-10T04:31:00.000-07:00

Here is a card I made using My Minds Eye For Her Ooh LaLa Paper and accessory kit. Seriously, gorgeous paper. Check it out. The flower/leaves and the white shaper are die cuts that come in the pack. There is really cute die cuts and borders in there as well. The Hi is from Card Sentiments by Autumn Leaves. I stamped it in brown memento ink and the added stickles to the top to make it glittery. I also added stickles to the edges of the die cuts.

I love this effect. It really looks like they came this way.

Update.

2009-09-09T05:57:00.000-07:00

I found the sticker I used to make the 2nd Boo! card below ONLINE. If you are not familiar with this card it is 5 posts below. You get 2 of these for $2 how cool. Moonstruck Laser Cut Sticker.
Have fun!

Fall Woolies.

2009-09-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

My New Obsession is now Woolies....

The Woolies are from Basic Grey's Indian Summer collection, the brown cardstock is from Stampin Up!, and the patterned paper is also from Basic Grey's Indian Summer.

1 Card 2 Ways.

2009-09-08T05:07:00.000-07:00

This Paper by Carolyn Gavin for K & Co. and its called Greenhouse. I found it at Michaels I can't find it online though sometimes the retail stores receive things before the online stores so keep your eyes open.

I fell in love with the pink paper with little acorns all over it. I think I bought the whole pack because of that paper. I just wanted plain note cards here because I just wanted the paper to be the focal point.

BTW, the stamp Just a Note is from TPC Studio Greetings and the Just Because is from Heidi Grace Greetings.

Halloween Card by Stephanie, Age 13

2009-09-07T16:04:00.000-07:00

This card is done by my step-daughter Stephanie. She is very talented isn't she? What is so neat about her cards is all the details. Even on the inside.

3rd Boo.

2009-09-06T05:51:00.000-07:00

Typically I like things really clean and crisp but for some reason a halloween card has to look old and ragged. I guess because old things are more scary? Anyway I distressed every bit of this card from the Basic Grey Cardstock stickers to the ribbon which was ivory when I started with it. I just squished Distress ink over the top of the ribbon and frayed the ends. I got the edges white on this card using White Opaque Stazon. Regular dye would not show up on darker cardstock. You can even use it on metal, glass, and leather. Pretty cool!

2nd Boo!

2009-09-05T18:08:00.000-07:00

I can't believe its this time already. I dread seeing the Mums at the grocery store. But then I get over it and buy some to put in my outdoor pots. I guess I'm ready for fall I had a great summer, so its time to start thinking about Halloween. When I sat down to make Halloween cards I didn't realize that everyone I made said Boo! on it. So you will see the Boo! Series.

This card was so much fun to make. Believe it or not but the center of this card was a Mrs. Grossman sticker I found at Archivers. It was just a black shilhouette so I layed it down on glossy paper and then stippled different colored inks inbetween the black areas. I think it turned out pretty cool.

I also distressed the edge with the Basic Grey Precision File Set (which is awsome and under $7). I also used Tim Holts Distress ink in Vintage Photo on the edge of the paper. Which by the way, is a paper I found at Archivers that literally is like a brown paper bag. I don't remember the exact name but it is Archivers brand and it stands out because it looks like a brown bag. I love it though. I haven't seen it online anywhere. If any has please let me know.

Boo.

2009-09-05T17:40:00.000-07:00

Boo- Making Memories Ledger paper, Tim Holts Florets mini Masks, Little Yellow Bycicle Rub-Ons from their Frightful Collection, Bazzill Basics Black cardstock, Ribbon and Hodge Podge Hardware from Stampin Up!. I had never used Tim Holt's products before but masking looked easy enough. I wanted to make the background paper look old so I layered the mini floret mask all over the background and rubbed Stampin Up!'s Sahara Sand ink (just with a paper towel) all over the surface. It really gave me the affect that I was looking for. I really like a lot of white space on a card (I guess in this case it would be black space), its really important to have a focal point as well as a place for the eye to rest.

For You.

2009-09-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

Here is a card that I made for a Alpha Sticker Challenge on Scrapbook.com. I decided to make a matching gift bag and then give it to my Brother-in-law this weekend for his 40th B-Day.

Believe it or not but they do match, my lighting is just whacky. Here is an upclose view of the bag

This little bag is perfect for the gift card that I am giving. If you are interested in this template it is the Make A Wish Bag Template at http://www.scor-pal.com/.

Happy Day Bag - K. & Co. Addison Paper, Clear Acetate Sheets, Cloud 9 Design Alpha Rain Drop Stickers (got these at Joann's can't find them online sorry), Terrifically Tacky Tape, 5/8" Certainly Celery Grosgrain ribbon from Stampin Up!.

For you Card - Sahara Sand Cardstock and Certainly Celery 5/8' ribbon from Stampin Up!, White Opaque gel pen, Basic Grey chipboard letters (these are fantastic), and the coluzzle from provo craft.

New Tool and a Labor Day Sale.

2009-09-04T06:09:00.000-07:00

This really interesting new kit is from We R Memory Keepers (makers of the crop-a-dile, and the corner chomper) It is called The Crafter's Ultimate Cutting Toolkit. I am really excited to try this and will give you a review as soon as I do. What I am really excited about is that the mat is magnetic and there are little magnetic posts that hold your projects down in place. So when you are stamping or places pieces you don't have to be also holding the paper down. I am also hoping to get a cleaner cut than with the fiskar's trimmer. There is also included in this kit a circle cutter. I don't have a lot of luck with circle cutters (other than the coluzzle from provo craft) so I'm not expecting much with it, if it is easy to use it will be a great bonus.

Also, and more important A Cherry On Top is having a Labor Day Sale where literally every product is on sale. PLUS, it says you get a free gift. Check it out. Don't miss the 40% off one item coupon in the upper right corner.

Labor Day Sale

Riley Notecards.

2009-09-03T05:59:00.000-07:00

I am really having fun with blank notecards they give you the freedom to turn the card into whatever you what. When you need a card you just stamp whatever sentiment you want inside and your good to go.

The camera didn't pick this up but the little circles on the card to the right is all glittered. I took Stickles and spread it around on these little 1" circles and let them dry over night. It really looks like I bought glittered paper. Very cute. I am loving the new Anna Griffin paper. Usually her paper is not my style at all. Very flowery and soft but the new designs are bold and graphic and I am loving them. This is from her Riley Collection which is one of the cutest childrens paper I have seen in a long time. Its not over the top with childish designs.

Which leads me to a very good point that my really good friend Melanie was talking about a few weeks ago when we were scrapbooking together.

If you are doing a layout of a child picking pumpkins in a pumpkin patch you don't need to put pumpkins all over the page and use pumpkin themed paper. In fact the picture will stand out more if you don't. Instead just use complimentary patterns and colors because after all the picture should be the focal point.

The corduroy buttons and the white ribbon and silver cord are all from Stampin Up!

Prima Notecard.

2009-09-03T04:53:00.000-07:00

Prima Notecard - Very Vanilla and Rose Red Cardstock from Stampin Up!, Amy Butler's Belle Paper from K. & Co., Prima Flowers called Woodstock. I can't find this exact one online right now (maybe I have the name wrong?) but any Flower you like would work here. OK, actually I found the exact flowers (I did have the name right) Prima Woodstock. The leaves are Prima's Velvet 4 Seasons Leaves. If you go to the online store Scrapbook and search for Prima you will find a huge selection of gorgeous flowers and leaves. I highly recomend that store for their huge selection.

Also, I cut the 'pot' out of the Belle paper freehand. It doesn't need to be perfect, in fact it looks better not perfect, I think.

Just to show you how dimensional these flowers are.

Woolies.

2009-08-31T14:09:00.000-07:00

Basic Grey Woolies...

how do I love thy....

Let me count the ways...

To show you how dimensional these woolies really are here are a few side angle pictures.

Woolies 1. - Real Read and Basic Black cardstock Stampin Up!, Signo white gel pen, Rub on is from Cheery Chat Stampin Up!.

Woolies 2. - Real Red and Basic Black cardstock from Stampin Up!, Stem Sayings Stampin Up!, and Signo White gel pen.

Woolies 3. - Real Red and Garden Green cardstock from Stampin Up!, Signo White Gel Pen.

A Girls Best Friend.

2009-08-31T06:39:00.000-07:00

Need I say more?

Here is the paper I am in love with right now...

Here are some of this years additions...loving the new metallics and bling.

Watercoloring.

2009-08-31T06:28:00.000-07:00

Watercoloring - Love this set from Stampin Up! called Just Buzzin' By. I thought this would make a cute blank note card. I stamped the image with Brown Stazon and watercolored the image with a Stampin Up! Blender pen and markers. The blender pen just gives the image a softer look instead of just markers. The ribbon is from Paper Trey Ink and the button is also SU! in their button boutique. Papers are all from SU! Kraft paper, Chocolate Chip, and Whisper White.

Lemonade Thanks.

2009-08-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

Lemonade Thanks - Basic Grey's Lemonade Paper, Very Vanilla paper from Stampin Up!, Thanks edge punch from Martha Stewart Crafts, Black Glaze pen from Sakura, I don't remember where I got this flower sorry:( I just love that Martha Stewart punch. The edges fold up so it doesn't take up as much space as the other fiskar edge punches.

Cutest Brads Ever used in a card 2.

2009-08-28T12:20:00.000-07:00

Cutest Brads Ever used in a card 2. - Brushed silver cardstock from Stampin Up!, White metallic Notes cards from the Paper Company, Making Memories Glitter Dot Paper, Making memories blossoms from the I Do collection, Wonderful Words by Stampin Up!, and of course the brads by Creative Imaginations,

Ohhhh... I just saw that these brads come in other colors.....must buy.....

Cutest Brads Ever used in a card.

2009-08-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

Cutest Brads Ever Card 1- Very Vanilla cardstock Stampin Up!, K.& Co. Designer Paper Black&Ivory Fusion, Making Memories I Do Ribbon Collection, Sentiments by Penny Black, and Black Velvet Ribbon is from the Ribbon Orginals Valet collection from Stampin Up!, the Corner Chomper from We Are Memory Keepers (This is awsome) and of course the brads from Creative Imaginations.

Faux Bois.

2009-08-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

Faux Bois - I am really enjoying all the faux bois paper, stamps, and other embellishments right now. I thought I would use Hero Arts Designer Woodgrain Wood Mounted Stamp. Also used is Prima - Artistry Flowers Collection - Flower Trio and 4 Seasons Velvet Leaves. The Thank you sentiment is by Inkadinkado the Thinking of You collection which I have used a lot lately because it is so versatile.

Cutest Brads Ever.

2009-08-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

The cutest ever. These are by Creative Imaginations. Can't wait to use these. These would be beautiful on a wedding card.

New Amy Butler Paper.

2009-08-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

Well, its new to me at least, I found this collection called Lucky Flowers at Michaels which is a store I just don't go into very often. Amy Butler is a designer for K. & Co. I use her papers all the time and love that vintagey fabric/wallpaper look she has. She does also design gorgeous fabric and other stuff you should check out her website http://www.amybulerdesign.com/

Earth Love.

2009-08-26T08:26:00.000-07:00

Earth Love - I love these cute little mushrooms on the paper from Cosmo Cricket called Earth Love. Its so 60's and I love anthing 60's. The camera didn't pick this up very well but there is a scallop on the bottom. The two stamp sets I used were Woodland Whimsy from TPC Studio and Thinking of You clear stamps by Inkadinkado.

Lemonade Papers.

2009-08-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

Lemonade Cards - Lemonade Paper by Basic Grey, Stampin Up! Very Vanilla, Just A Note Stamp by American Crafts, Thank you stamp by Dawn Houser for Inkadinkado, Memento Ink, Signo white gel pen, and Sakura Dark Glaze pen. I love this paper and really wanted a design that would show off lots of the different papers in the collection. I also experimented with faux stitching in a white pen vs. a black pen. I think I like the black pen better. Leave a comment and let me know which you think looks better.

Cake Card.

2009-08-26T06:47:00.000-07:00

Cake Card - Barely Banana Textured Card Stock from Stampin Up!, Lemonade Paper from Basic Grey, Rick Rack from Wright's, Little Yellow Bycicle Say What Clear Cuts, and Stickles (on the little candle flames. ) This card was interesting for me because if you notice there is no stamping or ribbon OH MY! I am also really digging the tent card right now. Its just something different.

This cake/candles was all just cut out free hand.

Very easy basic shapes.

Here is a close up of the candles

Happy Birthday Card

2009-08-24T18:41:00.000-07:00

This card was made using Amy Butler's Tea Box Paper from K.& Co. To add a little extra interest I decided to cut the paper apart and then piece it back together sort of randomly. This paper is really glittery in person I don't think the camera really picked that up very well.

The other supplies used were Paper Trey Ink ribbon in Berry Sorbet, Sahara Sand cardstock from Stampin Up!, and Card Sentiments by Autumn Leaves.

Flannimals!

2009-08-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

Flannimals Card - Stampin Up whisper white card stock, Stampin Up whisper white taffeta ribbon, K. and Co. Amy Butler Paper Lotus, Little Yellow Bycicle Flannimals, Inkadinkado Thinking of You clear Stamps.

Here is a close up view of the cute fuzzy stickers.

Goodies...

2009-08-23T07:45:00.000-07:00

Here are some products that I am loving right now.
You should definately check them out.

Embellishments
http://store.scrapbook.com/dv-bsb-180.html
Seriously, these are way cuter in person I will post a picture using them.
http://store.scrapbook.com/dv-zin-302.html
Loving these colors, so fun.
I am pretty much loving everything Little Yellow Bicycle.
Here is something from Basic Grey
http://store.scrapbook.com/bg-jun-1867.html

I never really got into prima flowers until about a month ago and now I can't get enough, here are a few of my favorites.
http://store.scrapbook.com/pri-529123.html
http://store.scrapbook.com/pri-532024.html
http://store.scrapbook.com/pri-530198.html

Stamps
http://store.scrapbook.com/ty-aelw.html
Check out all of Ali Edward's designs they are all great and just what I had been looking for.
http://www.tpcstudio.com/
Check out the Woodland Whimsy collection. Soooo cute. I will also post a card soon using that cute little deer soon.
http://www.creativityinc.com/node/13096&m=taxonomy_menu
My favorite is that Thinking of You stamp in the upper right corner. I haven't used it yet but when I do I will post the results.

Paper
http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/shop/amy-butler/69461-amy-butler-tea-box-12x12-specialty-paper-pack/?filters=_amy+butler_
Hands down the prettiest paper I have ever purchased. I want to wallpaper my entire house in the paper. Gourgeous. I have many samples using Amy Butler paper.
http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/shop/amy-butler/53181-amy-butler-belle-12x12-paper-pad/?filters=_amy+butler_%2Fkits
More Amy Butler....
http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/shop/amy-butler/53180-amy-butler-sola-12x12-paper-pad/?filters=_amy+butler_%2Fkits
Last one.

The other paper that I am really inspired by right now is....
http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/shop/basicgrey/81557-lemonade-collection-pack/?filters=_lemonade_
Again I will have some samples of these to post as well. Stay tuned.