Cuttlebug Challenge :: 34

This week's Cuttlebug Challenge was quite simple for me: use Basic Grey. I love, love, love BG. I love the patterns and the colors and just the whole image of the company. Good stuff.

This week's sponsor is Mothers and Daughters Creations. I'm sure that there will be some fabulous prize.

This challenge was easy because I have lots and lots of BG papers. I prefer the 6x6 paper pads, but I also have a few single sheets as well as entire lines.

I did not use a great deal of BG on this card, but it's subtle and has a nice girly touch. I also got out my Nestabilties for this one. Oh, my new acrylic stamps from Autumn Leaves. The stamps are new for me, but I think they've been around for some time. I got them for $7 at Cord Camera. There are seven stamps in the set.

Oh, and this just in ... this will be my last submission on the Cuttlebug Challenge Design Team. New ventures are on the horizon. And make sure you come back on Friday, June 5, 2009 ... I'll have a giveaway!

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: Basic Grey
stamp: Autumn Leaves
ink: Tim Holtz/Ranger
dry embossin: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots
oval and scalloped oval die cuts: Nestabilities
ribbon: Hobby Lobby

Cuttlebug Challenge :: 32

This week's Cuttlebug Challenge Be Inspired is to use butterflies and hearts. I like this one. Probably because I did not have to make any additional purchases and I do have a soft spot for the Cuttlebug butterfly die cut and embossing folders. I like the hearts too.

This card was easy enough, as you can see. But I did try one that is different. Though it was difficult to capture in my images. I took the script texture embossing folder and ran my patterned paper through the Cuttlebug, then I took the leafy branch embossing folder and I also ran the patterned paper through that one one top of the script texture. Interestingly enough, the embossing from the script did not totally flatten out. I started to ink the embossed section, but I really wanted to the focus to be on the butterflies.

Make sure you check out the other Cuttlebug Challenge Design Team work. Then get to the challenge and make a card or project for your chance to win this week's prize - which I believe is a prize package from ProvoCraft, the maker of the Cuttlebug.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: Basic Grey
butterfly die cut and dry embossing: Cuttlebug
stamp: Stampin Up!
ink: Tim Holtz
button: unknown

Cuttlebug Challenge :: 29

This week's Cuttlebug Challenge is a Mother's Day theme that includes use of some digital images from MyGrafico.com. Additionally we were to include an envelope w/our projects.

I normally relish the opportunity to rant about the challenges w/challenges, but I'll spare you the grumbling ... just because I feel like I'm beyond my whining quota for this month.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply, Archiver's, DCWV and Basic Grey (envelope)
digital image: My Grafico
dry embossing: Cuttlebug Texture Textiles and word filled hearts
ribbon and letter stickers: American Crafts
die cuts: Nestabilities ovals and scalloped ovals

Craft Critique: Button Cover Tutorial

I have an article posted on Craft Critique. It's a review and tutorial on using button covers.

I do like fabric covered brads and buttons. They bring a classy element to the craft world. I've come to like making my own too. Especially since I don't have a lot to work with in my current craft stash. And when you purchase button cover kits, the only other thing you need is the fabric. And I must admit that I sometimes grab some fabric swatches from Joann.

So, if you get a chance, check out the button cover review and tutorial on Craft Critique. I'm especially interested in what folks think about the video tutorial. I sort of like it.

Here's the scoop on the card that accompanies the article:
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: Basic Grey
ribbon: Offray
stamp: Hero Arts
ink: Tim Holtz/Ranger
scalloped circle dies: Cuttlebug
twine: Darice
felt: unknown

Be Inspired Cuttlebug Challenge :: 23 Unusual Die Cuts

This weeks Cuttlebug Challenge is to use punches in an unusual way. I've done this in the past and I like the results.

My project for today is quite basic. I do like the simplicity that comes with using the Swiss Dots embossing folders.

I started to use a sketch for this challenge. I will next time. I think sketches get me to do something different. I do like the basic, but it's not unusual. Maybe next time. Oh, but I did get excited because I used some new Basic Grey paper. I picked it up at Cord Camera a few weeks ago. It's from the Porcelain line - Dresden. I only got one sheet, but I really like it.

Anyway, check out the others. Also, you can get involved too.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: Basic Grey
dry embossing: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots and 'Thank You' embossing folders
ribbon: Offray

Cuttlebug Challenge :: 16

This week's Cuttlebug Challenge is to create a card using distressing. You can sand it, ink it, tear the edges and/or use a distressing tool.

Well, I've had some fun w/distressing in the past. Not that this card was not fun because it was, but it was not elaborate in the area of distressing. It does not really live up to my 'distressed past'. (lol).

Actually, the stamped panel I had laying around - torn edges and all. I guess I had planned on using it and just had not gotten around to it. I thought that the yellow would add more color. It has a white core, so I did sand it though it is not so visible.

That's about it for this simple one.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: Bazzill and Die Cuts With a View/DCWV
patterned paper: Basic Grey
stamps: Whispers (to my friend) and Inkadinkado (flower)
ink: VersaMagic and Tim Holtz
other: sewing

Bless You :: 2 Sketches 4 You and Color Inspiration

It's has been a slow craft week for me.

But it was fun to coordinate this card. Actually, it should be much easier w/a sketch and the colors, but everything has to be just right.

I'm working w/the 2 Sketches 4 You card sketch and Kristina Werner's Color Inspiration.

I like the result. I used my newest craft purchase - or the most recent to arrive - the labels Nestabilities. Love those. For coordinating colors, I am having much success using my Die Cuts With A View (DCWV) Mat Stacks and Border Strips. They have lots of color variations so that helps out a lot. That's what I used w/the browns on this one.

I almost went overboard too by adding three felt flowers along the right side ... it was just too much and I again went w/the 'simple is best' approach. Oh, and I had wanted to do another 'Thank You' card, but I like this sentiment and I have not used it in a while.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: Bazzill and Die Cuts With A View (DCWV)
patterned paper: Basic Grey
die cut labels: Nestabilities
stamp: Hero Arts
ink: VersaMark
embossing powder: Ranger
ribbon: American Crafts
dry embossing: Cuttlebug
other: sewing

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

More Thick Stickers

Just continuing to provide the supply list for the cards that I made for my Craft Critique review of American Crafts Thickers.

THX
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: Basic Grey
chipboard letters: American Crafts Thickers
other: sewing

hey!
cardstock: Bazzill and Bazzill Bling
patterned paper: KI Memories
foam letters: American Crafts Thickers
buttons: Bazzill and Miss Elizabeth's

And there is one more in the very first picture; the card in the upper right-hand corner.

Thank You
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper and letter stickers: Basic Grey
chipboard letters: American Crafts Thickers

Thanks for looking.

Card Making with a Purpose

I made this card as a submission for the 2 Sketches 4 You Design Team. Unfortunately I did not make the cut - not this time. I'll try again in the Spring. Congrats to the new DT; their work looks awesome.

But do I love this card? Heck yeah! It has a lot going for it: colors, texture and just plain old fun.

You can vaguely see that I stamped on the Thickers. I used a Tim Holtz's Tattered Rose which is a light shade of pink. I stamped w/a stamp w/writing on it. I do like that look. Additionally, I used my Cuttlebug along w/a Cuttlebug die to cut through the felt for the flower. I like the mix of patterns on top of the Bazzill Bling. I think this one really came together.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: Bazzill Bling
patterned paper: Basic Grey, Creative Imaginations, K&Co.
letter stickers: American Crafts Gift Box Thickers
ribbon: Wrights
felt: unknown
other: sewing
button: Foof a la
floss: DMC

Color Inspiration 27 and cps :: 87

I'm just a bit behind in getting this done and posting. So much so that this week's winner has already been posted for the Color Inspiration. But it's not always about winning, now is it? Besides this card fulfills not one, but two challenges. Actually, the card is also based on this week's Card Positioning Systems sketch.

The Color Inspiration Challenge is very cool. Helps me to diversify my color palette. Otherwise, I'd only use olive green and brown. This week's color was red or pink as the main color.

I'm sort of feeling this card. I used up some scraps. I also made it open face. I like my interpretation of the cps sketch because I did not follow the sketch inch for inch.

Well, I am swamped ... thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply and Bazzill
patterned paper: Basic Grey and K&Co.
epoxy embellishment and alphabet stamps: Making Memories
heart die cut: Sizzix
heart button: Dress It Up
button: Foof a la
ribbon: Creative Impression
ink: StazOn
paper flower: Prima
twine: Darice
dry embossing: Cuttlebug Script Texture
other: sewing

The World's Best Looking Greeting Card

Okay ... so I was a bit over the top w/the title post, but a girl can dream right? And in my world it's all about the dreams.

This card is based on a 2 Sketches 4 You sketch. This week it was Laura at the helm. Sometimes I scratch my head w/sketches, but not this time. I have way too many scraps in my work area so I just started pulling some and tried to coordinate. Then I lost the desire to coordinate, but somehow it still works here.

I purchased some lace a few weeks ago because I've been seeing it on more and more projects and I thought today'd be a good day to try it out.

I have a lot going on here. That's why I mentioned it as "The World's Best Looking Greeting Card". Here are the elements from the designer's perspective - that would be me:

• Used the Cuttlebug and inked the dry embossing
• Used the sewing machine to add more texture
• Stamped on the patterned paper for added effect
• Used a journaling stamp, but did not journal - ah, ha ...
  
• Created the flower using felt, muslim, stamp and button - love that
• Used felt and die cuts to cut out heart and the letter 'u' - that was tricky since my felt is flimsy and the heart and letter did not cut cleanly; had to use scissors
• How about that ribbon? It's got the wire in it so I could fluff it up (still working on my bow making skills)
  
• And finally, the bling - a heart bling - it's all about the bling!

This card is truly one of my favs and it did not take forever to make. Oh, I'm also submitting this to Card-A-Licious. And yes, it is as yummy as it sounds. The challenge was to use a journaling spot.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: Basic Grey
stamp: Scrappy Cat
ink: VersaMagic
dry embossing, heart and alpha die cuts: : Cuttlebug
ribbon: Wright's
button: Foof a la
stamp: Inkadinkado
bling and felt: unknown
lace: Wyla/Joann
other: sewing

Cuttlebug Challenge :: week 3

Another week and another challenge over at the Cuttlebug Challenge blog. This week's challenge almost crippled me. Sometimes I just don't want to think outside of the box.

The challenge was to make something other than a card or layout. I had to make a list of things I might be interest in making: magnets, book marks, ATCs ... yeah, it was a short list for me. But then I sort of got an idea that I had wanted to try out last year, but never got around to it. I had to high tail it to Michaels and find the star that I ended up altering. I know that Pat Catans has paper ones, but Pat Catans ain't so close to where I live. The one here is metal.

This project was not simple in the least. I ended up creating a parallelogram template to use for each point on the star. Who wants to do alegbra at my age? Took me a couple of tries to get it near right. But wah-lah! I like the way it looks, though I am going to go back and use some Modge Podge on it because the paper is not staying on.

Oh, and love that paper, right? Basic Grey does not disappoint. I used paper from a couple of different lines. I think it's Figgy Pudding and Dasher or Blitzen.

Well, thanks for reading my post ... here's what I used:
patterened paper: Basic Grey
dry embossing: Cuttlebug (one of the small snowflake folders)
ink: VersaMagic
star: Michaels
ribbon: American Crafts

Happy Birthday :: sketch this 70 / Color Inspiration 25

I haven't been over the sketch this in a bit, so I popped over to see what this week's sketch looked like. Nice enough for me. I was able to pull this card together in no time.

I'm doubling up on this card because I also checked out Kristina Werner's Color Inspiration Challenge. This was kinda cool too. There are four colors, but I only managed to get in three of the four.

Here's the thing about this card, the flowers are so likable. For the sheer flower, I used a milk jug. That's right, I rinsed it out and let it dry, and then I cut out the flat panels. I took my Sizzix flower die and ran it through my Cuttlebug and wah lah! I wanted to add some alcohol inks, but I was not in the mood to experiment and/or make a mess.

I'm also liking that 'happy birthday' epoxy. It's from Making Memories. Finally, the other flower gets some cool points too. Mainly because of the metal embellishment in the center. It's from K&Co. Just adds a nice touch.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock, button and paper flower: Bazzill
patterned paper: Basic Grey
metal embellishment: K&Co.
epoxy sentiment: Making Memories
flower die cut: Sizzix
rick rack: Creative Impression
floss: DMC
other: sewing, staples and plastic milk jug

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