Craft Critique: K&Company's Que Sera Sera Papers

My apology for the late post, but my Craft Critique article was originally scheduled for Friday and not Thursday.

I bought the K&Company Que Sera Sera Specialty Paper Pad and Designer Paper Pad at Michaels a few months ago. Love them. I have a complete review of them on Craft Critique. Make sure you check out the review there because I am also giving away a 4.75x6.75 paper pack Only comments submitted on Craft Critique will be eligible for the giveaway (no international shipping on the giveaway).

I made several cards to compliment the review. Check out my slide show of the cards.

"You're The Best" Card
cardsctock: craft supply and Die Cuts With A View (DCWV)
patterned paper: K&Company Que Sera Sera designer paper
heart die cut: CuttleKids
cork: Quartet Cork Craft Sheets (at Michaels)
stamp: Hero Arts
ink: Tim Holtz/Ranger
ribbon: Hobby Lobby

"Take Good Care" Card
cardstock: craft supply and Die Cuts With A View (DCWV)
patterned paper: K&Company Que Sera Sera designer paper
dry embossing: Quickutz labels embossing folders
stamp: Hero Arts
ink: Tim Holtz/Ranger

"Many, Many Thanks" Card
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: K&Company Que Sera Sera specialty paper
stamp: Hero Arts
ink: Tim Holtz/Ranger
ribbon: May Arts
scalloped circle die cut: Quickutz
circle punches: EK Success

"Happy Everything" Card
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: K&Company Que Sera Sera designer paper
circle punches: EK Success
butterfly punch: Martha Stewart/EK Success
twine: Darice
buttons: unknown

"Hello" Card
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: K&Company Que Sera Sera specialty paper
letter stickers: American Crafts Thickers

Tag Book
See the Que Sera Sera Tag Book short video including all the pages from the tag book

Thanks for looking.

Cuttlebug Challenge :: 28

This week's Be Inspired Cuttlebug Challenge theme is Home Sweet Home. As per usual, I made a card; at least one of them fits the theme since I ended up making two different cards. We're also using some very likable patterned paper from Marks Paper Company's Old Fashioned Courtship Collection. Oh, how I like the line. You'll see me using more of that in the coming weeks because I like it sooo much.

My craft stash is low and I did not even have a stamp to use for this project. But during a break at work, I went to Michaels and found this stamp in the $1 bin. Yay me.

Everything else is pretty basic. And the cards were easy to make.

Make sure you check out the other design team projects and why not enter this week's challenge?

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
first card
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: Marks Paper Company
butterfly punch: Martha Stewart/EK Success
stamp: Stampin Up!
ink: Tim Holtz
dry embossing: Cuttlebug

second card
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: K&Co. and Marks Paper Company
journaling spot: Jillibean Soup
stamp: Micheals $1 bin
ink: VersaColor
fabric brad: K & Company
ribbon: Michaels
dry embossing: Cuttlebug Texture Textile and word filled hearts

Cuttlebug Challenge :: 24 - Food Theme

This week's Be Inspired Cuttlebug Challenge is a food theme.

The Cuttlebug Challenge Design Team were provided with these cute little digital files. They're from The Cutting Cafe (and available for purchase).

I was going to do a bit more w/the card. For example, I think that it would look better w/brown ink as opposed to the black. But my printer is out of ink and I had to use my roommates printer. I almost did not use the ribbon because I did not want to cover up the embossing on the strip. I like the bow; it adds an elegant touch.

I wish I had time to use more of the cupcake digital files. They are awfully cute. I will probably use more in the future.

My apology for the glare on the image below. I will capture another image and replace it later in the week.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: Bazzill and craft supply
patterned paper: K&Co.
dry embossing: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots and hearts
ribbon: Offray
bling: unknown
circle punches: EK Success

Cuttlebug and Quickutz Cards

I failed to post up the details of the cards that are included in the Cuttlebug v. Quickutz article on Craft Critique.

So here are the details:


Shimmery Thinking of You Card
NOTE: this card was featured in the September issue of CARDS magazine
cardstock: Bazzill Bling
patterned paper: K and Co.
circle punches: Sizzix and EK Success
stamp: Inkadinkado
ink: VersaMark
embossing powder: Stampendous!
dry embossing and butterfly die: Cuttlebug Butterfly Combo
rhinestone: craft supply


Happy Love Day Card
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: Basic Grey
chipboard: DCWV
heart dies: Quickutz and Cuttlebug
stamp: ???
ink: Tim Holtz/Ranger

Cuttlebug Challenge :: 13

It's another week and another Cuttlebug Challenge. This week's challenge is to create a simple white card. Something elegant and usually that's what the white brings - elegance.

I think that the Textile Texture embossing folder brings some elegance as well. That's the folder I chose to use. I think that the ribbon is a nice touch as well. Oh, and how about the partial embossing. I like that technique so that I can leave space for my sentiment.

Just keeping it short and simple this week.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: Bazzill and Die Cuts With a View/DCWV
dry embossing: Cuttlebug
stamp: Stampin Up!
ink: Versamagic
embossing powder: Joann
ribbon: unknown

Oh, but I just had to add another card that I made last year. I'm including it because it has a white embossed focal point and it has a Valentine's Day theme and guess what is on the horizon? That's right and the ideas can't come soon enough ...

Here's what I used:
cardstock: Archiver's
dry embossing: Cuttlebug (heart blocks folder)
stamps: Stampin Up! and Michaels $1 stamps
circle punches: EK Success
ribbon: unknown

Have a Special Day :: Color Inspiration #32 and 2 Sketches 4 You

So far it's been a nice Thanksgiving Week. Hanging w/the fam in my hometown. We had crazy snow on Tuesday, but it has calmed down since then.

And today after an early morning, two-hour workout, then a nap and then some good eats, I managed to kick out this little card. I'm excited about it since when I packed my craft bag I forgot my adhesive tape, my craft scissors, some ribbon, ink for stamping and my paper cutter. Those are some of the essentials.

Thank goodness my mom was in the mood to share some of her goodies thus enabling me to make this card for two of my fav weekly challenges: Kristina Werner's Color Inspiration and Laura and Kazan's 2 Sketches 4 You.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:

cardstock: Archiver's

patterned paper: Basic Grey

circle punches: EK Success

stamp: Hero Arts

ink: Tim Holtz/Ranger

dry embossing: Cuttlebug Birds and Swirls

scalloped edge: made using EK Success corner rounder

Thank You :: Color Inspiration 31 and Hero Arts

I've gone and created a 'wowser'. Well, actually I was uncertain as to how this one would turn out and - to me - it has a wow factor. I've been seeing some cards that have more of a white card base. I usually use olive or other colored cardstock as a base. I also like the white card base w/a panel of white on top and in this case using the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing adds such a nice touch.

I used Kristina Werner's Color Inspiration Challenge. As you can see, the image that she uses is rustic and seasonal, but I did not tap into that feeling. I do like the mix of pumpkin and cocoa, but even the eggplant and the saffron bring a nice warm touch. And those are colors, but could easily be a meal. :-)

Now, for the Hero Arts Challenge:

"This week I challenge you to create a thank you card that uses at least one stamped scrap and one Hero Arts stamp."

I think I followed the instructions. I just purchased the Thank You stamp in the upper left corner. It's in a set of acrylic stamps - Heartfelt Messages. I am learning that I like rubber stamps better in many cases. I like the Tim Holtz inks and they do not work well w/the acrylic stamps. IMO. I've tried to use an eraser to take off the residue and create better absorbency, but no luck.

Lots of fun to be had w/these weekly challenges.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock and patterned paper: Die Cuts With a View (DCWV)
stamps: Hero Arts (Thank you's); Inkadinkdo: (script)
ink: VersaMagic and VersaMark
embossing powder: Ranger
fabric brad: The Paper Studio
dry embossing: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots and Textile Texture
ribbon: Joann
circle and flower punch: EK Success

Cuttlebug Challenge :: 5

This week's Cuttlebug Challenge is active and has been since Wednesday. Get on over and play. The challenge this week is to emboss on a metallic finish.

Oh, challenge me. I am not crazy about metallic finish. Just not my style. I've seen people work wonders with it though. The best I could do was pull out my Bazzill Bling. I do like the bling especially for wedding cards, but generally speaking, I just don't use it a lot. If you gave me a stack of it, I'd keep a couple of sheets and give it away to others.

So I did a little holiday card w/o the holiday colors. That I do like. Breaking away from the traditional. I do really like the traditional. But this card is just as fun in a different color scheme.

Oh, and I'm getting better at listing which Cuttlebug embossing folders I've used.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: Bazzill and Bazzill Bling
patterned paper: American Crafts
circle punches: EK Success
circle die cuts: Quickutz
stamp: Hero Arts
ink: VersaMark
embossing powder: Ranger
dry embossing: Cuttlebug Winter Jelly

Cuttlebug Challenge :: week 1

There's a new blog dedicated to the Cuttlebug and challenging you to do what you love to do - make projects using your favorite craft tool - the Cuttlebug.

Here is my submission for this week. The challenge was to use three different Cuttlebug folders. Stop by there and see what everyone is up to. And you have until next Wednesday to get in on the fun.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: Basic Grey
dry embossing: Cuttlebug (various folders)
butterfly punch: Martha Stewart/EK Success
oval die cuts: Nestabilities
bling: unknown

September Blog Hop

I'm way too excited about this month's Papertrey Ink Blog Hop. I have missed the last two. One because I was out of town and the other because I had absolutely no creative juice for what to do w/a cd case other than its initial use. Shame on me, eh? But I'm back, yes indeed!

So, here I am w/an actual idea and participation. My idea is not unique, as a matter of fact, I saw it on the Hero Arts Blog. I just love the idea of handmade book marks. I do a lot of reading, but you would not believe what I use as book marks: receipts, paper scraps, post it notes, torn pieces of newspapers, old bills or junk mail ... I could go on. How nice, to actually have a book mark for the purpose of marking my place in a book? So I've decided to give these to my reading group as an early holiday gift. There are only seven of us, so it's not a lofty project and of course, one for me as well.

The tree and the sentiment on the book mark are both $1 stamps from Michaels. For the stamped background, I used three different $1 stamps from Michaels that all say "Happy Holidays". Love that VersaMark look. And my seldom used colored pencils came in handy here.

As for the card, well, I've had that stamp- the trees - for some time. One of those wonderful $1 stamps from Michaels too. It looked so cute, like they usually do, but I've never used it. I got out my colored pencils here as well. Love that. I think I've used the Holiday Cheer stamp before. Maybe not. It's from Anna Griffin. Oh, and do you see the hint of Papertrey Ink Holiday Vintage paper? Yep, thanks Nichole for the free sample.

Enough gabbing, gotta hop around, right? Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: Papertrey Ink
dry embossing: Cuttlebug
stamps: Michaels $1 = Katie & Co., Studio G and Oogaloo; Anna Griffin
ink: Tim Holtz/Ranger
colored pencils: EK Success and Loew-Cornell
circle punch: EK Success
other: sewing

cps 83 :: Blog Hop Preview

Well, w/so much on my plate, I had to double dip at some point. I did have some fun w/this one. I had to go and pull out my trough of holiday patterned paper (made me decide right away that I can never purchase any more patterned paper - holiday or otherwise).

I do like this week's cps sketch so much. Thanks to Tami for hookin it up. Good stuff. Oh, and the Blog Hop Preview is that I used some of Papertrey Ink's most recent line of patterned paper - Holiday Vintage. Make sure you click the link to get the pdf and print it out for yourself.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: Papertrey Ink and Creative Imaginations
dry embossing: Cuttlebug
circle punch: EK Success
stamp: Michaels $1 stamps/Studio G
embossing powder: Ranger
other: sewing

cps 82 cards

This week's CPS (Card Positioning Systems) sketch is/was quite simple. I don't have a sketch preference meaning lots of details or very little. I just interpret the way that I want to.

So the interpretation this week could not be contained to just one card; not for me at least. I just got overly excited and the next thing I knew I'd made two different cards. Way too much fun. I did make a concerted effort to keep things simple.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
Thanks x 3 Card
cardstock: Bazzill
patterned paper: Basic Grey
dry embossing: Cuttlebug
ink: VersaMark and Tim Holtz/Ranger
circle punches: EK Success
other: sewing
Sending Love Card
cardstock: Bazzill
patterned paper: Basic Grey
heart die cuts: Quickutz
dry embossing: Cuttlebug
stamp: Oogaloo/$1 Michaels
ink: VersaMark
embossing powder: Ranger

Thank You :: 2 Sketches 4 You Bonus Sketch

I've somehow managed to carve out plenty of crafting time this week. Possibly to make up for not crafting at all last week.

This week on the 2 Sketches 4 You blog, they have a bonus sketch. I like that circle; I'm just attracted to it. So I quickly jumped to make a card. That little tag is cute too. I put some bling on the flower on the tag, but I don't know if it will stay that way. I wanted something flat that would slide in and out.

I used Basic Grey's Periphery. It's a bit bland and dreary, but I'm really smitten w/it. I found it on sale at Pat Catan's for .25 cents a sheet. Nice get, so I got it, and lots of it.

Well, enough chatter ... thanks for looking, here's what I used:
cardstock: Bazzill
patterned paper: Basic Grey
ink: VersaMark, VersaMagic and Tim Holtz/Ranger
stamps: Hero Arts (many many thanks) and ??? (thank you)
ribbon: Michaels and Offray
tag die cut: Sizzix
heart die cut: Cuttlekids
flower punch: EK Success
bling: Darice
other: sewing

Someone's Turning 40 ...

... and I don't know who it is. My girlfriend asked me to make her several 4oth birthday cards for her girlfriends who will be turning 40 in the coming months. On some of the cards, there is a sentiment inside that says "You're not turning 40, you're 22 with 18 years of experience!" So true.

These were fun to make. Especially the one's w/the Black women on the front. I used Photoshop for those. I was working w/a scanned image and I converted the image into a brush. I used a muted brown color to give the image a vintage look. The only downside is that the image is not as crisp as I would have liked it to be. But I did print it out on patterned paper so that the focus would not be on the image. I should have went w/the frayed/distressed edges too ... oh, well.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
Dress Card (above)
cardstock: Bazzill and craft supply
patterned paper: A Muse and K&Co.
ribbon: Michaels
dress die cut and scalloped circle: Quickutz
stamp: Stampin Up!
ovals: Nestabilities
dry embossing: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots
flower die cut: EK Success
bling: unknown
sentiment: created w/Photoshop

Black Women Card (above)
cardstock: Bazzill
patterned paper: K&Co.
ribbon: Offray
jump ring and metal embellishment: Making Memories
sentiment and image: created using Photoshop
other: sewing