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 :: 33

Cuttlebug Challenge #33 is to use a monogram. This week the design team was provided with journaling blocks/tags from Elle's Studio. I don't think that there is a prize this week, but we hope that you'll still play along.

My goal here was to keep it simple. I think I accomplished that. I do like the way that wine color pops out. And I do like that monogram. Just a cute little 'k'.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: K&Co.
journaling block/tag: Elle Studio
ink: Color Box
dry embossing: Cuttlebug Leafy Branch
Stamp: Studio G/$1 stamp from Michaels
ribbon: Hobby Lobby

Masking - Butterfly Card

I made this card for DIY Die Cutting week 2 on Two Peas in a Bucket. At first, I thought I would not be interested in this class, but there are always some nice tips and I love seeing their samples. This week's class was hosted by Kristina Werner. Love her work.

So I had some time to do this card. I used my Cuttlebug butterfly die cut. I don't use it enough, but it will show up again in the next few days.

I like the masking technique ... basically you are inking around the die cut. My problem is that I don't have a sponge, so I just used the small Color Box ink pad. I was unsure of how it would come out w/the butterfly since there are some fine details, but it works. I had intended to use the butterfly die cut on the card as well, but I always go back to my mantra ... "simple is best".

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: Basic Grey
ribbon: Offray
die cut: Cuttlebug
stamp: Hero Arts
Ink: Color Box

2 Sketches 4 You :: Take Good Care

I almost did not do this week's challenge because I don't have any large stars. I guess I could make one, huh?

But I was near Archiver's and that made it possible. I went to As, bought a piece of cardstock and used their Ellison dies. I was hopeful that I could match up the cardstock w/some patterned paper.

This ended up looking nice. At least I like it. I have been soooo critical of my cards lately, but this one has a bit of character.

Nothing new and nothing fancy; just the basics.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply and Bazzill
patterned paper: K&Co. Que Sera Sera
star die cuts: Ellison
ribbon: Offray
stamp: Hero Arts
ink: Color Box
dry embossing: Cuttlebug Texture Textile

Cuttlebug Challenge :: 25

This week's Cuttlebug Challenge is to use acetate along w/a sketch from SheetLoad.

I did not use acetate. But I did base my card on the sketch.

What I like most about this card is that I used somle new paper that I just got this weekend @ Michaels. I love K&Company and they have done a bang up job on this set of papers. The line is called Que Sera Sera. I have the specialty papers and the designer paper. And the image does not do it justice. I usually go for more muted papers and earth tones, but there's so much color here, but not too bold. I am not too crazy about the embellishments. But that's okay. Also, it was nice to get the paper packs using a 50% off coupon from Michaels (even though now they only allow you to use one coupon per day; they need some store signage on that one).

But as per my usual, this card is simple. I just don't feel as creative w/out a dedicated craft area. So the sketch was really helpful for me or you would have gotten another version of what I did last week or the week before only w/different paper and ribbon. Not really, but you get the picture. And one more thing, I did notice that my bow is upside down, I started to change it, but then I thought, nah ...

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: unknown (looks like Bazzill, but I know that it is not)
patterned paper: K&Company
dry embossing: Cuttlebug Texture Textile folder and Thanks
ribbon: Hobby Lobby
circle punch: EK Success

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

Thanks :: 2 Sketches 4 You

Okay, so I've been away from 2 Sketches 4 You for a few weeks. I hope to participate more frequently. If all else fails, I am keeping up w/the activity over there. Like there is a new design team. Congrats to all especially my friend Savitri. Love her work.

Here's the back story on today's creation: recently moved. Most of what I own is in storage. Packed two bags and a box of craft items to take w/me. Can't find the box. Don't remember what I did w/the Cuttlebug (CB) (see previous post). Used a 40% coupon and bought a new CB @ Michaels today. Happier.

As card making goes, this one was simple. Love that.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: K & Co.
ink: Tim Holtz
stamp: Stampabilities
ribbon: Offray
dry embossing: Cuttlebug

Cuttlebug Challenge :: 15

Loving this month's Cuttlebug Challenges. Just creativity out the wahzoo.

This week's challenge is to use a sketch and Trudi chose a PageMaps sketch. Lots and lots of circles and boy do I like circles.

I really do like my finished card. I like the colors - how about that patterned paper? It's Basic Grey's Figgy Pudding line. More of a deep red and not traditional red. I like that I stamped on the ribbon. I was uncertain as to how that would come out, but there's nothing like crossing your fingers and hoping for the best, right?

I also like those little epoxy's. They're from Making Memories. And of course I like the embossing. I used several different ones: 2 different full-sized ones (heart blocks and Swiss Dots) as well as 3 small ones from the Playful Circles set.

Just an fyi: I made some cards last year that I really fell in love with. Only I made them for a friend, so I had to let them go, but boy am I glad that I took pics. Check out the Queen of Hearts set.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: Archiver's
patterned paper: Basic Grey
dry embossing: Cuttlebug
epoxy's: Making Memories
ribbon: unknown
stamp: Savvy Stamps
ink: Tim Holtz and StazOn

December Blog Hop :: Reuse Repurpose Recycle

Papertrey Ink's monthly Blog Hop is tonight. Going on right now. This month's challenge is to recycle. Use something on a project that is recycling from the holiday.

So here is a little ornament that my mom received after participating in a local craft fair. It's a cute little trinket and she was kind enough to let me use it on this card. I did not bring a lot of items from my personal craft supply, but I like the result here. The Cuttlebug embossing adds something to an otherwise plain card.

Have fun blog hopping and thanks for Papertrey Ink for always hosting.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: Bazzill
dry embossing: Cuttlebug
Merry Christmas embellishment and ribbon: unknown

Happy Everything :: Color Inspiration and 2 Sketches 4 You

Wow, the week almost went by w/o me doing much card making. Just taking it slow is all. I did get the Cuttlebug Challenge done (see yesterday's post).

I do like the inspiration for the Color Inspiration - skeins of yarn. I love when I see the DMC floss all lined up and color coordinated. The 2 Sketches 4 You sketch is a no-frills sketch. Love that.

I don't have much more to say about this card. It's just simple and fresh. I started to distress the edges and do some sewing, but sometimes less is more.

Thanks for looking .... here's what I used:
cardstock: Bazzill
patterned paper: ??
stamp: Hero Arts
ink: Tim Holtz/Ranger
ribbon: Michaels
flower die: Sizzix
felt: craft supply

Cuttlebug Challenge :: 9

This week's challenge:

• create a Christmas/Holiday themed project, something other than a card

Now card making is my biz, so yes, another challenge-challenge for this girl. But I'm going sneaky on them this week and making tags! That's right TAGS, lots of tags. Also, great embellishments for ... you guessed it - cards!

I used my Cuttlebug in so many ways here.

• dry embossing using the Cuttlebug embossing folders
• cutting out the Nestabilities squares
• cutting of the tags using a Sizzix die to cut through chipboard
• cutting out scalloped circles using a Quickutz die
• cutting out scalloped circles using a Cuttlebug die to cut through chipboard

So much fun too. I had to color coordinate and add all sorts of details like the bling, heat embossing, ribbon, twine, eyelets, buttons, etc.

I even pulled out my Crop-A-Dile to cut holes through the chipboard and then add eyelets. I had put away most of my holiday stuff and this time around I discovered several items that I had not even used this season. Like the snowflake embellishment and the the star button. Ha.

Oh and my mom gave me the idea for the tags. I had cut her out some of the holiday themed Cuttlebug stuff and she's using her newly created tags on her cookies for cookie exchange.

Don't forget that you can write the 'to' and 'from' information on the back of the tag.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: Bazzill, Archiver's and craft supply
patterned paper: K&Co.
ink: VersaMark
tag die: Sizzix
scalloped circle dies: Quickutz and Cuttlebug
dry embossing: Cuttlebug Winter Jelly and Christmas
a variety of buttons, ribbons, eyelets and other embellishments

Cuttlebug Challenge :: 8

Time for another Cuttlebug Challenge and this one was indeed a challenge. I have been working on it for a couple of weeks. I must say that after this challenge, I will leave the making of embossing folders to the makers of the Cuttlebug. And that was the challenge: to make your own embossing folder.

I did, however, finally come up w/something that I could use on a project.

I cut out some hearts using a die from CuttleKids. I then layered them inside a piece of folded plastic. I think it was the plastic from the front cover package of one of the Cuttlebug embossing folders (before they began to use a picture on the front). Then I carefully laid the cardstock on top of the row of hearts and just as carefully laid the plastic folder in my sandwich for embossing ('A' plate, 'B' plate, plastic folder and 'B' plate). I ran the sandwich through the CB and then rolled it back.

I am more proud of my felt flower than the embossing. I don't have many colors of felt, but my brown and cream are two of my favs. I originally made this flower to use for last month's Papertrey Ink. Blog Hop, but I did not use it. It ended up being a good fit for this card though.

Overall, this was a pretty simple card to make. And it's got a cute thing goin on ...

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper and fabric brad: K&Co.
die cut hearts (used for the embossing): CuttleKids
die cut flowers and circle: Sizzix
letter stickers: American Crafts
felt and ribbon: unknown
other: sewing

Just a Simple Thank You

I made this card using some scraps. However, the labels are a new purchase. They are from Martha Stewart. They are supposed to be gift tags, but I just love the labels w/that hint of gold trim. So I added the stamping and heat embossed w/gold embossing powder. I'll probably do more of the labels like this. The ribbon adds another level of simplicity, but classic.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply
dry embossing: Cuttlebug
stamp: Hero Arts
ink: VersaMark
embossing powder: Joann
ribbon: Michaels
label: Martha Stewart

What's Up :: cps 91

Another day and another really fun card. I created this one for this week's Card Positioning Systems (cps) sketch. I really like the simplicity of this sketch.

For me the focal point is the stamping. I like that stamp too; very cool sentiment. Picked it up this past weekend. Actually, my mom got it for me. There was only one in the $1 bin. It's one of the Studio G ones. I like when the stamps are more solid and the heat embossing melts together. And the olive embossing powder is nice too. It's from Close to my Heart.

Everything else is kind of basic ... except for the fabric. Just a piece of some fabric that I picked up for $1.49 from Joann.

Oh, and I'm trying to get things back to normal computer wise. Though it's not normal yet. I did install Picasa on the laptop that my friend gave to me. So I am getting more and more comfortable w/this one. As opposed to going back to my laptop. Anyway, Picasa allows me to easily add my name and blog address to the pics.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply
fabric: Joann
stamp: Studio G
embossing powder: Close to my Heart
ink: VersaMark
ribbon: Morex
oval and scalloped oval die cuts: Nestabilities
dry embossing: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots
other: sewing

So Thoughtful :: Card-a-Licious

The design team over @ Card-A-Licious have some awesome work to check out. I like lots of layers and they have that. Sometimes I go simple and they have that too.

For this card, I went w/the layered look. I have been seeing some cards w/the bow and the flower on top and I've been meaning to try that. Well, here it is. I actually tied a very nice bow and almost did not want to cover it up. I like the double-faced ribbon too.

Then there is that flower. It's a nice little stack, right? I do like that new flower die from Sizzix. It's one of the Hello Kitty ones. I almost overlooked that one and the price is scary too - $19.99. Of course, I had a coupon.

I am officially in love w/K&Co. patterned papers. The paper here is from the news stack/pack that I purchased called "Life's Journey". Love that. And the mini journaling page is from Making Memories.
Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: K&Co.
stamp: Hero Arts
ink: Tim Holtz/Ranger and VersaMagic
circle punches and die cuts: Sizzix, Quickutz and EK Success
fabric button: The Paper Studio/Hobby Lobby
flower die cuts: Sizzix and Cuttlebug
ribbon: Michaels
mini journal page: Making Memories