Celebrate!

My cousin Kimberly graduated yesterday from nursing school. We weren't able to attend due to my fab sinus infection. Bad. As I sat down to create a graduation card, I decided that I was sick of caps, gowns and tassels. Boring. So, I pulled out these fun kites from my Unity April KOTM and filled it with soothing colors and free-living feelings.


Supplies
Stamps: KOTM April (Unity Stamp Co.), Mixed Messages (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Memento Black
Paper: Kraft, Cameo Coral, Marrakech (Basic Grey)
Accessories: Copics, Silver BRads, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots, Baubles, Top Note Die

Fabulous Weather

I just wanted to post this sweet photo of Liam enjoying the warm weather on his backyard swing. He could have kept swinging all evening. It has been a bit chilly this weekend, but no rain! (The pic is from Tuesday...it was perfect shorts weather!)

Productive Day & Featured Sketch

Here are a bunch of Mother's Day and challenge cards! I also found that one of my cards was featured this week for the SCS Sketch Challenge! Woohoo! Pretty exciting!

Mothers are the Stitches
Stamps: April KOTM (Unity); Quilter's Stampler (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Memento Black
Paper: Kraft, Urban Prairie (Basic Grey); Very Vanilla, White
Accessories: Copic Markers, Souffle White Pen, Buttons (Most Basic Grey), Twill Tape, Linen Thread, Martha Stewart Border Punches, Black Photo Pen

Crochet Flowers
Supplies
Stamps: March KOTM (Unity Stamp Company)
Ink: Memento Black
Paper: Kraft, White
Accessories: Ribbon (Making Memories); Crochet Flowers (Etsy); Linen Thread, Black Photo Pen

Love you Berry Much
Supplies

Stamps: Tart & Tangy (Stampin' Up), Very Punny (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Memento Black
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, White
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds, Souffle White Pen, Baubles, Martha Stewart Border Punches

Belated Birthday Card...Oops!

My co-worker Jean is also a cardmaker and she always so gracious to make me a card for my birthday. I always try to do the same...until this year. I saw her birthday on the calendar and thought to myself, "Great, I will use spring break to make her card." Spring break came and went...no card. Last week came and went...same story. I saw her in the hallway today and it hit me like brick wall! You know those moments?

I wanted to do something special for her and I hope this does the job. This was the first time I put acetate into my Cuttlebug. Why had I not done this before? No clue!! I also love this adorable doll set from Hero Arts. Too stinkin' cute!

Supplies
Stamps: Dolls (Hero Arts), Mega Mixed Messages (PTI)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Acetate (The Paper Company), White (PTI)
Accessories: Copics, Prima Flower, Birds & Swirls (Cuttlebug)

Easter Sunday

Decided to post something while I am waiting for family to arrive. Liam is napping. Food is done. Mitch is driving back from the airport. Quiet time for me. Ah...

This will be Liam's 3rd Easter even though he is only two due to the way Easter is scheduled year to year. We started the morning with a mini Easter egg hunt. He enjoyed it...calling out the colors of the eggs as he found them scattered throughout the living room, then he hit the jackpot by the fireplace. The Easter Bunny had made a little scene with several things he had gotten in the past couple of years, so the jackpot was really not that big. All of it was new to him again. A couple things he got were Bertie the bus, a book about Easter, a brush for his animals, a Pooh bubble maker and a card from Ma'i and Da'i.

I feel in love with this vintage-type image when I saw it in Archiver's yesterday. I have never purchased a stamp by Northwoods, but I was throughoutly impressed by this one. All in all I was happy with the card except for a couple technical issues. The luxury cardstock did not seem to emboss well. (This was the first time I had dry embossed with it, so maybe better luck next time.) Also, I have been slowly collected Copic markers and didn't have any orange. What the heck was I thinking? I had to use markers to watercolor the carrot.






Supplies
Stamps: Bunny with Carrot ( Northwoods), Polka Dot Background (SU), Sentiment - Mega Mixed Messages (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Palette Snow (PTI)
Paper: Kraft, Gina K. Pure Luxury White
Accessories: Labels 3 Dies (Nestabilities), Copics, Watercoloring with Markers, Glitter, Souffle White Pen (Sakura)

Lots of Unity Inspiration

I broke out some of my Unity stamps for today's post. This one is Shine On, which was a freebie I got last month and also my submission for the SCS Sketch Challenge for this week.

Supplies
Stamps: Shine On (Unity Stamps)
Ink:Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: DP (Basic Grey), Pirouette Pink, PTI White, Kraft
Supplies: Swarovski Crystals, Nestabilities Labels & Tags, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Sakura Black Glaze Pen
Techniques: Paper piercing, paper piecing, dry embossing




And a couple more before I head to bed...


Supplies
Stamps: KOTM March (Unity Stamps), Dream Tree BG (Unity Stamps)
Paper: DP (Basic Grey), Kraft
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Black
Accessories: Large Rhinestones, Nestabilities Labels 4, Sewing Machine
Techniques: Distressing, stitching













Supplies
Stamps: Shine On (Unity Stamps), Chandelier (Amuse Art Stamps)
Paper: PTI White
Ink: Black
Accessories: Martha Stewart Border Punch, Stickles Fruit Punch, Ribbon
Techniques:

Flower Pens

As a frequent shopper at Archiver's, I am used to signing my credit card receipts with a fun pen from the floral bouquet in a little flower pot by the cash register. During my trip to the store today, I picked up a few groceries (enchilda night!!), bathroom trash cans (Whoever thought the cute metal trash cans with the foot petal were a great idea...think again...oh, I guess that would have been me!) and picked up supplies to make my own floral pen bouquet. Great for on my desk at work or in the craft room, by the phone or even a great
gift! (Mother's Day!)

Based on the quality and variety of materials available one could potentially make some spectacular creations. I may have to try some with glitter and various ribbons. ;)

Supplies
Green floral tape
Silk flowers (I have some Lady Di silk roses in the basement for my spring decor that I maybe using soon, too.)
Bag of small smooth pebbles (At Archiver's, they used some sort of small bean. I was in the mood for the little pebbles. I would imagine anything small with some weight to it would work.)
Clear glass container (I have seen metal and terra cotta pots used as well.)
Pens (I bought Bic Stick pens. I do prefer RSVP, but this being at experiment .88 for ten pens wasn't going to set me back much.)
Scissors (Utility would work best.)

Liam's 2nd Birthday

Our little guy turned two on Friday! How the time has flown! We had a fun birthday weekend with him at Grandma and Papaw Sweeney's on Friday evening and Saturday. On Sunday, we had a birthday bash with both sets of grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and some friends.

This was my first experience making a cake, which was a whole other story in itself. Thank goodness Loretta is a great cake maker and bailed me out with some great advice! This year he actually tried to blow out the candle. So sweet! He had to have some "birth-day cak" right away!

We are so thankful for the wonderful gifts that were given by his loving family and friends! I had never seen any Melissa & Doug handmade puzzles and toys until this birthday party...obviously, they are a hot item!

Melissa & Doug wooden tools and Elmer's paint markers w/book (the clean kind) - Grandpa and Nana Born
Melissa & Doug letter/word puzzle - Uncle Ian
Three Melissa and Doug puzzles & embroidered shirts - Grandma and Papaw Sweeney
Monkey Beanbag Chair - Aunt Loretta, Uncle Jeff, Nick, Kamala and Caden
Wooden Trains and Track - Aunt Shari, Uncle Dennis and Sergei
A Cool Outfit (Polo and Pants) - Cousin Heidi
Monkey Lantern, Coat for next winter, audio player - Great Aunt Ann & Uncle Rich
Thomas the Train in a Bath Boat - Christa and Caleb Knight
Two sets of pj's, t-shirt and a golf set - Jeanne and Brian Doan
Little Tikes Basketball Hoop, James the Train & Radio Flyer Tricycle - Ma'i & Da'i

The basketball hoop was literally a "slam dunk". He played for at least 45 minutes straight without stopping. He kept lining his cousins up like he was shooting free throws! lol! His little face was red from running around, jumping and shooting!



I have to say that there isn't a toy that he hasn't played with today. With all of these wonderful gifts I am going to need to sort through his toy box to a bit of toy rotating. ;)

Thanks again for making it such a special birthday! He had the best time as did we!!

Craft Show Experience

On Saturday my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, niece and I set up a couple of tables at the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette craft show, which benefits educating students in journalism. This past week was an absolute bear trying to get everything I wanted completed and organized not to mention the logistics of the entire weekend. (Packing for all of us for an overnight at my in-laws along with all of my cardmaking supplies and product to sell as soon as I got home from work, then rushing off to pick up Mitch at work on the way to the in-laws...not to mention throwing a birthday party for Liam on Sunday.) The week ended on a sweet note in the birthday party for Liam. The little guy is now officially two!! What an amazing journey is has been so far!

As I reflect on the show, I am both inspired with new ideas and also disappointed in the lack of actual crafts at a "craft show". One thing I learned from this experience is that bags of M&M's with a stamped sentiment go much faster than actual cards do. What the heck? How crafty is that? My strategy for the June show will be more things that people can eat and play with to accompany the cards. (pens, notepads, gifty items, etc.) I spent a decent amount of time prior to the show reading threads about craft shows concerning what people make, how they price, etc. I didn't really think that little trinkets were the way to open the sale to a card. I will be better prepared next time.

Onto my rant about craft shows lacking actual handmade "crafts"...there were several booths of beaders/jewelry makers as well as homemade preserves/candies/honey, candles, crocheting, embroidery, etc., but most of the booths were filled with items that were craft-like items (a lot of primitives/signs/furniture) that were not even made by the people at the booths rather imported from China or the like. This infuriates me for a couple of reason: 1) At a craft show one would expect the items to be handmade or hand"crafted". I guess at some point they have to be "hand" something not matter where they are made. 2) Given the current economic conditions, I will buy as little that is not made in the USA as well as from those who do not practice fair wages and safe working conditions. Not only because I want Americans to have jobs, but I am firm supporter of fair-trade and will not support the outsourcing of jobs for unacceptable wages in poor conditions just to save a buck or ten. I know that I buy things that are imported EVERYDAY and this supports the global economy, but frankly, I think our reliance on imports has gotten dangerous for other countries and ourselves.

Despite the appearance of things that had nothing to do with crafting at the show, there were some absolutely amazing crafters exhibiting their creativity and talent. My booth was surrounded by intoxicating soy candles ( Loretta and I had a little sniff fest!) and honey/beeswax products. There was also some beautiful blown glass, which I only found out after there was an ear-shattering crash on the floor after a table collapsed. I felt that in the pit of my stomach.

Here are a few of the cards that I made especially for this particular show. I didn't have much time to post them before. These were quick photos with the cards in the clear envelopes, so there is glare and a mailing envelope behind each card. I did not include many sentiments to make the cards more all occasion. I find it boring, so I doubt I will go that route next time around.

No details for these. If you have questions feel free to email me and I'll get back with you. :)

A Partridge and A Topiary

This is the first product of my Unity KOM for March. I like the simplicity of it. (Pretty ironic) Fresh and springy.

I'm still working on tons for the upcoming craft show. Hoping to post more of what I am selling soon. ;)

Supplies
Stamps: Simple Life (Unity Stamps)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo
Paper: Kraft (SU), White (PTI), Urban Prairie (Basic Grey)
Accessories: Copics, Clear Gemstones (Hero Arts)

Bloomin' Beautiful Birthday

I spent most of today and yesterday working on individual pieces for an upcoming craft show, which I am participating in with my mother-in-law and sister-in-laws. When I hopped into bed last Mitch was joking about my evening of "coloring". I guess I was coloring, but when he said that I was thinking, "It's not like I grabbed my son's Crayola Wonder Color markers and started coloring Winnie the Pooh pictures." lol. I think this takes a bit more skill and finesse. Maybe not... ;)

This card happened completely out of the blue. I had stamped and colored several of these floral images and while trying to come up with simple sketches for the show this more complex design jumped into my head. Most of the cards I make to sell are not as developed as many I upload here, unless requested. Too much planning and time to sell for a couple dollars. Most people are not willing to pay for the materials and time that goes into something like this. Crafters and artists know what I mean. ;)

I guess this will be my birthday card to myself!

Thanks for stopping!!

Supplies
Stamps: Trendy Trees (SU), Bloomin' Beautiful
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Basic Grey Bittersweet, Kraft, PTI White
Accessories: Copics, Glitter, Rhinestones, Spellbinders Tag Die, Making Memories Ribbon, Martha Stewart Border Punch

Unity Stamps Tiny Trinity

I always love posting my first card creation using stamps from a company new to me. I joined the Unity Stamps KOM club last month and last week received my first set. The set was HUGE in size and quantity with a FREE set included as an incentive for signing up during the last Hip Hop (blog hop) of the month, which is what I used to create this card.

I did the math for stamps I received and the amount I paid. I think it was under $1 per stamp given my free set. I think this could be a great alternative for those skimming back on stamping $$$. Great quality unmounted red rubber stamps in a whimsical/organic style. I am not much of a scrapper has I have posted before, however, these stamps, given their size and variety in themes are very versatile for cardmakers and scrapbookers alike.

I look forward to seeing what Angela and her company have to offer in the future. The sky is the limit!

Supplies
Stamps: Tiny Trinity & Beginnings and Endings (both Unity Stamps)
Ink: Palette Noir
Paper: Kraft, More Mustard, Very Vanilla, DCWV The Green Stack
Accessories: Copper Brads, Twill Tape, Copics

Riley Flies With Balloons

I had so much fun creating this card for several reasons: 1) It is my dad's birthday card. Always a blast! 2) I {heart} using Riley stamps! 3) I was creative! The Riley Plane image from Hanna Stamps is a fairly long stamp with a blank banner attached to the back of the airplane. I'm not a huge fan of the banner...seems a bit too small to include a message. I haven't experimented with it much, so in time I may change my mind. ;) Dad loves planes, so this will be a perfect fit.

Supplies

Stamps: Riley Airplane (Hanna Stamps), Cupcake Birthday (SU), Cupcakes Sentiment (Inkadinkado)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo, Palette Noir, Bashful Blue

Paper: Archiver's Red, Basic Grey DP, Very Vanilla, PTI White

Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds, Black Photo Pen, Copics

Pin-up Be Mine & Some Liam Pics

Just finished making Mitch's Valentine's Day card. I wanted to try something a bit different this year. lol. Hanna Stamps has a set called Pin-Up that gave me that extra something that I was looking for. Her clothes were stamped onto patterned paper used in the base, cut out and glued over the stamped image. SCS Technique Challenge 207
Please excuse the accidental placement of the bikini top dot. One of those things one doesn't think about until one is admiring their handiwork. Oops.

Supplies
Stamps: Pin-Up (Hanna Stamps), Heart Patterns (PTI)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo
Paper: Bittersweet (Basic Grey)l White (PTI)
Accessories: Martha Stewart Lattice Punch, Word Window Punch, Copics, Making Memories Ribbon, Martha Stewart Heart Gems, Nestabilities

~~~~~~~~Liam Pics~~~~~~~~

(Top - Liam watching tv with daddy's hat on. Bottom - Liam and daddy make a snowman before all the snow melts.)

Key to My Heart

I had a blast stepping out of my comfort zone on this one. This my non-traditional spin on a Valentine's Day card. I purchased this Inkadinkado set not knowing if it would be something I could actually create something I would like. (Sorry...can't remember the name of the set.) 40% off of a stamp set can persuade us to try most anything. lol!

Supplies
Stamps: Inkadinkado
Ink: Memento Tuxedo
Paper: DP (DCWV), White (PTI), Black
Accessories: Heart Gem (Martha Stewart), Border Punch (Martha Stewart), Nestabilities