Long & Short

This weeks CAS-ual Friday challenge is entitled "the long & short of it."  The challenge is to create a CAS card that is 4x9.

Well I like tall things (probably because I am so short) so I figured my card would be "tall" and then I of course thought of one of my favorite Lawn Fawn stamps that would be perfect for this "tall" card.  

I tried out a couple new things on this card.  I stamped it on canvas and used some microbead accents on the leaves.  I adhered the microbeads with glossy accents, regular glue doesn't seem to work as well with these as it does with glitter.  The fat hemp cord gave me a time trying to wrap it around the top, but everything I had that was thinner just didn't have the right look.  So I cheated and adhered it to look like it was wrapped but of course it isn't.  It was messing up my lovely fringed edges so I had to stop fussing with it before I ruined my hard work.

And finally a fun Penny pic.  She doesn't normally eat breakfast with her toys but this morning was different. :) Actually she left it there all night and just stood over top of it while she ate this morning.  Silly dog!

Penny and Mr. Platypus having breakfast

Ladybug Smooches (Blog Candy Giveaway)

Ladybug Smooches?  Sounds like a cute card idea, gotta write that one down.  I will get to the Ladybug Smooches in a minute, first I want to share a card I made last weekend  to play along with {#1} the last week of Card Camp colors and {#2} the Paper Smooches Sparks challenge.  But alas I didn't get it uploaded to the Card Camp gallery in time and discovered I used a sketch from the wrong set for the Paper Smooches challenge.  Oh well, I just did not have my act together for submitting, but the card turned out nice.

I used all Paper Smooches stamps, Distress Inks over clear embossing and Jenni Bowlin Malted Milk for the the background stamping.  Now, speaking of Paper Smooches I have been gathering up a little collection of goodies for my crafty friends.  It all started with a Paper Smooches set I won from Paper Crafts May Gallery Challenge.  Some things were freebies and others I picked up just for you all.  The stack of goodies has grown, but rather than one big giveaway I thought a few smaller ones would be fun.

So here is the first giveaway... "Ladybug Smooches"

One random commenter will win:

Paper Smooches "Sentiment Sampler" set

Hero Arts "Bird with Long Legs" stamp

Puffies "Picnic" sticker set

Pink Iridescent glitter (in a fun little jar)

Fun Pencil

Fun Star Pin

Here's how to play:
1. Become a follower of my blog (I like making new friends). If you follow already even better!
2. Leave a comment on THIS post.  Your favorite color, favorite crafting item, favorite ice cream...any comment will do. :)
3. Spread the word... Post a link telling your other crafty friends about this giveaway on your blog, facebook, and/or twitter.

In Lawn Fawn giveaway style, you can leave a comment for each of these things (that's three comments!) for more chances to win.  Since I will be going camping next weekend and will be away, you have until Saturday August 6th to leave comments.  When I get back I will draw a winner.  I hope you all will play, even if you may already have some of these goodies.  The way I see it, if you do have them and win then you can give them away as well.  And that is always fun.

Lovely Little Lamps

Hi All.  This weekend I worked on something a little different for me, well actually two things.  I made a notecard set and I started on a mini album (only the cover so far). 

I have had my eye on the Decorative Lamp set from Hero Arts for awhile, but have resisted buying it... until now!  I finally dreamed up a project that required me to bring them home with me (that and stamps on sale + a coupon at Michael's).  It took me a little while to be happy with the elements of the cards and get them to look like what was in my head, but after some experimenting I finally figured it out and was really pleased with the finished product. 

 

I had to make the box twice because I forgot to account for the size of the envelopes the first time.  Whoops!  I used the emboss resist technique on all the solid panels.  Embossed the lamps with clear embossing powder then applied Distress Ink.  For the patterned panels I inked up the Hero Arts Envelope Pattern stamp (my new favorite) first with a little bit of the same color that was on the solid piece and then covered the stamp completely with a darker shade Distress Ink.  A few spritz with the mini mister and wha-la!  Then I added some of the lighter ink to the edges to give it some more definition.  The misting was they key.  I was never happy with the background until I added the water to blend the inks and give me some of those bigger splotchier areas.

Here are the colors of distress inks I used for each card (from left to right)
Pink:  Spun Sugar & Worn Lipstick
Orange:  Wild Honey & Spiced Marmalade
Yellow:  Scattered Straw & Wild Honey
Green:  Shabby Shutters & Peeled Paint
Blue:  Tumbled Glass & Broken China
Purple:  Milled Lavender & Dusty Concord

Another first for me.  I have a pile of things I have gathered to make a mini album for our honeymoon just sitting on my desk.  I am not a scrapbooker because well a big scrapbook page scares me!  So I thought maybe, just maybe I could handle a mini book.  Needless to say, I haven't done anything with it until now.  I only made the cover so far.  I'm pretty happy with it I think.

  

I used Thickers for the first time...fun!  And about 6 different stamp companies, including the made in Hawaii "Aloha" stamp I picked up while I was there.  Figuring out the layout took me about 2 days so maybe I can get more confident at this and the rest of the book will move along faster.  I will keep you all posted! :)

Stamp-A-Scene

Hi Friends, just a quick post to share my Lawnscaping card for this weeks challenge "Stamp-A-Scene."  As always the Design Team whipped out some amazing inspiration.

Here is my card... I used a bunch of stamps from Lawn Fawn Critter sets, but only one little critter! :)  This card was all about patterns and textures...no coloring for once.

On another note, did you see today's post on the Hero Arts blog? No? Well you are missing out on some exciting summery projects.  I'm kinda partial to the first one (hehe) but the others are amazing too! You can check it out here.  Yes, that's mine.  My sweet little fruit card made me this round's Fresh Face winner.... WOW! I about fell out of my chair when I saw it.  Nice way to start off the day.  And I get to pick out some free stuff, even sweeter!  Only problem now is deciding what I want.  Maybe you all can help, what are your favorite "must-have" Hero Arts stamps? 

Picture Perfect Fluffy Flowers

I'm back, I know, twice in one day... sheesh!  But I haven't been very good about blogging my creations this past week.  I wanted to share two cards I made over the weekend that use some new crafting goodies.  First off I decided to try my rolled roses die with felt which rolled up beautifully!  Easier to roll than paper and so full and fluffy.  I will be doing this again.  I also just got the envelope background stamp from Hero Arts and I am in love! So just a warning, you might be seeing a lot of it.  It's perfect for creating a background that doesn't overpower the other elements.

I love those big leafy branches from Lawn Fawn's Blissful Botanicals.  Often I try to sketch my ideas out before starting a project.  It's just the perfectionist in me I think.  So I was sitting at work drafting away the other day and an idea just popped into my head, so I quickly sketched it out and stuffed it in my purse to bring home.

I think this is one of my favorite cards.  Weird thing is it actually started out with the idea to make the "picture perfect" pattern with the two colors to make the sentiment stand out.  Strange how things come about.  But I finally used the polaroid camera...yay me!  Okay I leave you today with some Penny love.

She likes to sleep in her beanbag on the floor beside my desk when I am crafting, but lately she has taken to sleeping in another one of her favorite spots, on top of the couch cushions.  It totally messes up the cushions for us humans to sit there but it is rather cute that she does it.  And here we are reading all your lovely blogs the other day.  Sometimes she won't let me do anything on the computer without being right in the middle of it.  Like right now, she is whining at my feet wanting attention.  So I better go.  Thanks for stopping by today (a second time).

File under 'D' for Donut

One of my husband's favorite Mitch Hedburg jokes....

I admit I find it funny too.  But maybe Mitch Hedburg humor isn't for everyone.  Anyway, on to the whole reason I shared this to begin with, my "sweet treat" CAS-ual Fridays creation!  I wanted to hijack the Krispy Kreme truck I was behind the other day, a side effect of being on a diet I'm sure!  So I opted for making a donut card instead. :)  

Just look at that sugary goodness!  Too bad you can't eat it, oh well.  I think I'll go find some Weight Watchers ice cream instead.  Have a SWEET day!

Chari

Stash to Stash

Awhile back I bought some cute little bird Puffies to make a birthday card for a friend (which you can find HERE). Only using two of the little birdies I was left with 3 more stickers from the pack unused so I pinned them up on my bulletin board above my desk so I could look at their cuteness.  Last weekend I decided I should try and use them for something, so I decided to add some generic CAS cards to my stash that could be used for a variety of occasions. 

These cards were quick and easy to create.  Versamark inked background, a sentiment, a puffies sticker, a little twine and wha-la! Done!  I do love that little tree.  And some quick matching envelopes to go with them.

With some lovely packaging I think these would also make a cute set to give as a gift to someone, don't you? Thanks for stopping in today!

Card Camp Week 3

I really like this weeks color combo, a whole lot of neutral with a splash of red. YES! I do love the color Red.  It makes me smile :) and reminds me of college, more smiles :).  Anyway on to my creation using this weeks card camp colors.

I have seen the circle cut off the side of the mat idea and wanted to give it a try myself.  I love it!  I will be trying this again in the future.

Also I had a couple questions about how I make my matching envelopes for square cards.  So I created a page of directions with photos showing to make them.

I uploaded a PDF version HERE (the title along the side doesn't show up in the preview but it is there if you download it... go figure) I have also uploaded it to my Flickr photostream as a JPEG if you would like to download it from there instead.  Hope this is helpful and answers the questions.  Thanks for stopping by today!

Berry Sweet

I am not a huge fan of summer (because I hate the heat) but I do like the pretty days and other things that summer brings with it.  So this weekend I created a couple summery cards.  The first uses some sweet strawberry stickers I purchased recently.  I don't typically buy stickers but these were cute and sparkly (but don't seem to photograph well).  This card was also based on one of the additional Friday color combos from Summer Card Camp.

 I like how the envelope turned out on this one!

My second summery card features one of the best things about summer, ice cream & popsicles! YUM!  I wanted to make a card using these stamps to play along with the current Wee Memories "Summertime" Challenge.  There's nothing like a cold treat on a warm summer day.

 

Supplies:
Berry Sweet
Stamps:  Hero Arts {magical background, designer fruit} Lawn Fawn {admit one, cozy christmas & blissful botanicals (envelope)}
Paper:  Papertrey Ink {aqua mist, spring rain & lemon tart}
Ink:  Jenni Bowlin {soap powder, lemon drop & chewing gum (envelope)} Memento {rose bud}
Other:  Sticko stickers {strawberries epoxy} Sheer Ribbon

Sweet Friends
Stamps:  My Cute Stamps {sweet kawaii & fishy fun (envelope)} Hero Arts {friends & life of the party dots (envelope)}
Paper:  Papertrey Ink {ocean tides} My Mind's Eye {lime twist happy go lucky paper pad}
Ink:  Memento {tuxedo black & rose bud (envelope)} Jenni Bowlin {stick candy (envelope)}
Other:  Twinery twine {caribbean, lilac & honeydew}  DeNami Boutique Buttons {aqua} Zing Embossing Powder {white}

Card Camp Week 2

As I said last week, color combos are hard work for me for some reason. Maybe because I haven't had much practice with them.  I got a little better at it last week but this week I am struggling again. Ugh! Frustration!  I have made 2 cards so far with this weeks color combo.  I am hoping that I can make some more and get more practice at it.  I love color, so this should not be difficult right?  Anyway, I will get better, I am determined!!!  Card Camp is a good thing for me. :)

I actually really like this first one.  This big Hero Arts flower is really growing on me, and this time I tried the technique of coloring it with distress inks.  It is bright and cheery and on kraft so it makes me smile.

Distress inks go #2.  I found that I had most the colors in the color combo in my distress ink collection so I tried my hand at making a gradient background.  I did the background stamp + water technique on it as well but the polka dot pattern is a lot more subtle than I intended.  The "flower" is actually the heart stamp from Paper Smooches Falling for you set, embossed with Red Zing embossing powder. 

I think next I will try a card that focuses more on one color with hints of the others rather than trying to incorporate them all evenly.  Perhaps that is my problem.  If anyone has any color combo creating tips I'm all ears.

Pop, Pop, Pow!

I keep hearing fireworks around the neighborhood even though the holiday is over.  But speaking of Popping, did you see the new Lawnscaping Challenge?  The theme is "don't forget the inside" and all the DT made awesome cards that pop out on the inside.  You should really check them out.

Outside

Unfortunately I don't have a cool die cut to make those pop out pieces so I reverted back to my college days and the world of model making to fashion a pop out structure of my own.  After one practice piece it was a success!

Inside

Pow! What do you think?  :)

Happy Independence Day!

** If you are looking for my Young Crafters Unite Blog Hop post please click HERE **

**There is still time to comment to win some fabulous prizes, you have until 11:59 PM CST today**

Hi Everyone, just wanted to stop in and wish everyone a Happy Independence Day (or a Happy Monday if you don't live here in the US) and to share a few cards.  I hope you all have some fun things planned for today.  We are going to a baseball game and then watching fireworks afterwards.  I'm glad to have the day off!  Anyway... on to the cards!  First a card to celebrate the holiday here in the US.  I just think this set from Stampendous is so cute!

Next I have a card that plays along with this weeks CAS-ual Friday Challenge "Krafts-men" which is of course to make a masculine card using Kraft.  I used one of the bonus color combos from Summer Card Camp for this one and tried to make a one layer card.

It's sort of one layer, the washi tape is the only thing on top of anything else, the rest was accomplished with masking and distress ink.  I colored the body of the TV with my Versamark marker so that it would still be Kraft color but have some contrast from the background.

Continuing with the Kraft theme, I made this card a few days ago but am just now getting the chance to post it.  I just got this mini fruit set from hero arts and wanted to make a simple card featuring it. 

I like how the envelope turned out on this one, I have been making the envelopes to go with my square cards because I haven't found any to buy.  It also lets me make them whatever color I want!  Finally I made this card last night, it started out as a completely different idea, and after ruining one card front I decided the idea just wasn't going to work, it was awful.  So I salvaged my flowers and my green hill and tried something else.  

Thats it for me today.  I'm off to play with this weeks Summer Card Camp colors so I hope to see you all again soon with some more to share!   - Chari

Supplies:

United We Stand

Stamps:  Stampendous {patriotic pair & firework trio}

Ink:  Memento {tuxedo black} Jenni Bowlin {spice tin & cough syrup}

Paper:  Neenah Crest {solor white}

Other:  Ribbon, Copics, Stickles, Gelly Roll Gitter Pen, Star gems

Krafts-men Television

Stamps:  Paper Smooches {boob tubes}  Papertrey Ink {a little argyle}

Ink:  Distress Ink {wild honey & tumbled glass}  Jenni Bowlin {brown sugar}

Paper:  Papertrey Ink {kraft}

Other:  Washi Tape, VersaMark Marker

Fruity Thoughts

Stamps:  Hero Arts {designer fruit & friends sentiments}

Ink:  Memento {tuxedo black}

Paper:  Papertrey Ink {kraft}

Other:  Ribbon, Copics, Corner Chomper

Beautiful Blooms

Stamps:  Lawn Fawn {blissful botanicals & partly cloudy}  Hero Arts {magical background}

Ink:  Memento {tuxedo black} Distress Ink {shabby shutters & tumbled glass}  Jenni Bowlin {chicken feed & soap powder}

Paper:  Papertrey Ink {spring rain}  Neenah Crest {solor white}  

Other:  Copics, Smooch Spray, Papertry Ink Cloud Dies, Silver Uniball Pen 

Young Crafters Unite!

www.youngcraftersunite.com

Hey everyone! Welcome to the next stop on the Young Crafters Unite Blog Hop!  If you are following along the hop you should be arriving here from Heather's blog.  If you are not a hopper but want to join in the fun you can start at the beginning by visiting the Young Crafters Unite website by clicking HERE!

So what makes me a young crafter?  Well I may be in my early Thirties but I am still young at heart for one thing.  I have been a crafter my whole life, but in recent years I lacked inspiration and time.  In December I started looking at blogs and finding amazing resources for paper crafting online.  So I started a blog myself in order to rediscover my love of paper crafting.  It totally worked!  So I feel young because I am fairly new to blogging and connecting with the paper crafting community.  You all inspire me and I can't thank you enough!  I have that new crafter feeling and it is amazing!

The theme for this blog hop is "our favorite things."  There are so many things that are my favorite but I decided to go with my favorite stamps.  If you are not familiar with Lawn Fawn stamps you should really get acquainted with them.  I don't remember how I discovered Lawn Fawn, but it changed my world.  The images are cute and fun and just my style.  It's safe to say the played a big part in my renewed love for paper crafting. :)  Here is the new card I created for the hop!

One thing I love about Lawn Fawn stamps (in addition to their great quality) is the ability of many sets to work together.  In this card I used stamps from 3 different sets.  They are really fun to color too.  I had a hard time just choosing one older card to feature as another "favorite" of mine, so instead you get three favorites!

So glad you all hopped by today.  Please Don't forget to leave a comment.  There are prizes up for grabs for some lucky hoppers!  And who doesn't like prizes right?  Randomly selected commenters will have the opportunity to win a $20 from Simon Says Stamp, their choice of stamp set from Paper Smooches or their choice of stamp set from Lawn Fawn.   Comment by Monday, July 4th at 11:59PM CST to win.  Winners will be announced Wednesday July 6th at Noon CST.


Now Hop on over and visit Janice Daquila-Pardo.  She's the next stop on the hop!  Thanks again for stopping by!  I hope if you are a new visitor you will come back again very soon.


Love, Chari