Clean and Simple... From Me, To You

I'm constantly in awe of stampers who can create "clean and simple" cards. I decided to head over to the Clean & Simple Stamping blog for some inspiration. My card for today uses one of their sketches, FTL47. I didn't realize until after I made my card that suggested dimensions of each part of the card are even posted -- I tend to eyeball sketches and use them more as a guideline, but I know some of us like to go by them like blueprints. Either way, this sketch is a fun one!

I stamped the damask from Damask Designs onto my white cardstock with PTI Dark Chocolate ink, then I stamped over it with VersaMark Dazzle champagne to give it a subtle shimmer. The dark brown "strip" is actually satin ribbon. It was impossible to get either to photograph really well, though. The sentiment is from one of Verve's new sets, Just For You.

Have a wonderful day! Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Damask Designs (Papertrey Ink), Just For You (Verve)
Cardstock: Classic Crest Solar White (Neenah), Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink), Champagne VersaMark Dazzle (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Oval and Scalloped Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug (Provo Craft), Morocco Lace border punch (EK Success), Ribbon, Foam Tape, Thread, Sewing Machine.

Birthday Wishes... Final Verve Challenge

Good morning! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

This is the final card that I made for the June Verve release which was on Friday. I used Julee's sketch, VSJUN05. With less than 1/2 hour to finish my card by the deadline, I feel like this isn't my best work, but it is what it is. Why I chose to use Stickles on a card that needed to be finished quickly is beyond me!

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Floral Whimsy, Circular Sayings (Verve)
Cardstock: Vintage Cream (Papertrey Ink)
Patterned Paper: Lemonade paper pad (Basic Grey)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Rectangle, Scalloped Rectangle, Circle and Scalloped Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders); Cuttlebug (Provo Craft), Markers (Copic), Star Dust Stickles (Ranger), Ribbon, Button (Papertrey Ink), Twine, Paper Piercer, Foam Tape.

Constant Friend... Another Verve Challenge

My card for today uses Julee's sketch, VSJUN02. I just love how you can use beautiful patterned papers {new Basic Grey Lemonade} and a Verve sentiment {not only does she have the best sentiments and quotes, but the fonts that she chooses are just wonderful!} to create a simple card that is sure to brighten someone's day.

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Floral Whimsy (Verve)
Cardstock: Vintage Cream, Kraft (Papertrey Ink)
Patterned Paper: Lemonade paper pad (Basic Grey)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Square and Scalloped Square Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Crochet Flower (made by me!), Paper Piercer, Pearl Brad, Foam Tape.

Baby Girl... Verve Challenge

After making a couple of baby boy cards, I decided to make a couple of baby girl cards, too. Yes, I know I said that I should do it in my last post, but I don't always do what I think of doing then I forget about it! I'm sure I'm not the only one that happens to!

My baby girl card uses Julee's sketch, VSJUN03. I embossed the top and bottom of the card with a row of buttons (using a Cuttlebug border embossing folder). I wanted to keep the card very simple, so I just added a little stitching and finished it off with the sweet sentiment from Practically Perfect.

I hope you're having a great weekend! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Practically Perfect (Verve)
Cardstock: Hollyhock (CTMH), Classic Crest Solar White (Neenah)
Patterned Paper: Nana's Nursery Baby Girl stack (DCWV)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Petite Oval and Scalloped Petite Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Frills Border embossing folder, Cuttlebug (Provo Craft); Ribbon (CTMH), Button, Foam Tape, Thread, Sewing Machine.

How Loved You Are... Verve Challenge

Good Morning! I have been in need of a new baby card for friends who had a baby boy a few weeks ago, so I decided to make a couple ~ one to send now and one to keep in my stash. I should really make a few pink ones, too!

My card today uses one of Julee's release week sketches, VSJUN04. She has created 5 wonderful sketches, but I am quickly running out of time to participate in her challenge as the release is tonight! Even though I may not complete all of the challenges, I will definitely use these sketches for future cards.

See that yummy-looking silk ribbon? I got it from Sharon's store... it's so soft and easy to work with - just love it!

Have a wonderful weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Little Star Plain Jane (Verve)
Cardstock: Spring Rain, Summer Sunrise, Vintage Cream (Papertrey Ink)
Patterned Paper: Nana's Nursery Baby Boy stack (DCWV)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Circle and Scalloped Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders); Swiss Dots embossing folder, Cuttlebug (Provo Craft); Markers (Copic), Silk Ribbon (May Arts), Foam Tape, Thread, Sewing Machine.

The Bright Side of Life - Viva La Verve

This is my final Viva La Verve card for June. It is based upon Amber's sketch, VLVJun01, her first sketch of the month. I really struggled with this one {which is why I saved it for last!}. The "twist" was to use 3 {or more} stamp sets, 3 {or more} colors of cardstock and 3 {or more} types of embellishments.

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Because of You, Fluttering By, Sweet on You (Verve)
Paper: Razzleberry Light, Frosted Kiwi, Suede Brown Medium (Prism); Patterned Paper ~ all from Taylored Expressions Easter Key Ingredients; Vintage Cream (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Citrus Leaf (CTMH)
Accessories: Forest Branches embossing folder, Cuttlebug (Provo Craft), Scalloped Oval punch (Marvy), Scalloped Scallop border punch (EK Success), Flowers (Prima), Brad (TE Easter Key Ingredients), Ribbon, Distress Tool, Foam Tape.

TSC Wednesday

Good morning! Earlier this year I had a fun announcement that my friend Stacy was opening an online store. She had asked me to head up her Design Team, but both of us are relatively new to this. To get things going, we decided to start The Scrapbooking Cottage {TSC} Wednesdays. For now, it will just be she and I who will post artwork to showcase some of the items in her online store. Down the road we hope to expand our Design Team and maybe even have some fun challenges so you can play along with us!


My card today features Sunglasses Emma. When I first saw her, I thought of my own DD, Sabrina, who has so many pairs of shades that I lost count... LOL! Sometimes she puts 4-5 pairs on at a time! I used Frances' sketch, MFTSC86, for my card layout.

Here are some TSC links:
The Scrapbooking Cottage (store site)
The Scrapbooking Cottage Blog

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Sunglasses Emma, Beach Sentiments (C.C Designs)
Cardstock: Classic Crest Solar White (Neenah), Pure Poppy (Papertrey Ink)
Patterned Paper: Citrus (Die Cuts With a View)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Long Rectangle and Scalloped Long Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug (Provo Craft), Markers (Copic), Flowers (Bo Bunny), Candy Dots (Pebbles), Foam Tape.

In Memory of Ethan

If you came here looking for artwork, please scroll down to see my post from earlier this morning.

**Edit: I have added my card to honor Ethan. I used Julee's Mojo 92 sketch. Most of the photos I had seen of Ethan showed him wearing a black cowboy hat and a white shirt, so that is how I chose to color my image. Thanks for visiting!**


When I first started blogging less than a year ago, I created this blog to share some of my scrapbooking and stamping creations. I didn't know if anyone would be interested in visiting, but I decided to blog for me and not worry about how many hits I got. During this time, I have met some amazing people through blogging, Splitcoast Stampers and other online stamping venues. My friends and family often ask me "Who is so-and-so? -- You talk as if you know her personally." It is true that most of the people who I talk about or whose blogs I may link to I have never met in person, but that is not to say that I don't consider them acquaintances or even friends.

I do not personally know the Weiman family, but I do "know" Alicia from visiting her blog and from viewing from her creations in the stamping world. During one visit, I read the story of her little boy, Ethan. I was touched by her openness to share his story. Ethan recently lost his battle with neuroblastoma cancer shortly before his 5th birthday. My heart goes out to his entire family, especially to his parents and little sister, Ava.

So why am I writing about this? Some amazing women have pulled together to help the Weiman family and to raise money for the Make-a-Wish foundation in honor of Ethan. Please visit the Pink Cat Studio blog for more information. Melissa has created some adorable digital stamps to help raise money. HERE is the direct link to purchase the stamps. The stamps were just released this past Monday {June 22} and they have already raised close to $1000. I hope to help spread the word in any way that I can.

I have just printed off a few of these images and will be posting my card soon! Thanks for stopping by and for listening!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Weiman Wranglers ~ Cowboy Ethan (Pink Cat Studio)
Cardstock: Kraft, Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink); Classic Crest Solar White (Neenah)
Patterned Paper: Red ~ 2008 Bitty Star Basics (Papertrey Ink), Stripe (DCWV Nana's Kids stack)
Ink: Antique Linen Distress (Ranger), Digi stamps printed on Epson Photo RX620 inkjet printer
Accessories: Deckled Rectangle Nestabilities and Double-ended tags (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug (Provo Craft), Markers (Copic), Twill ribbon w/ ric rac (Reasonableribbon.com), Star Brads (Bazzill), Foam Tape.

I'm So Glad.. Viva La Verve

My card for today is another Viva La Verve sketch! This one is VLVJun04 (I got behind on these this month, and I'm totally going out of order!). Amber's "twist" was to use one pattern of designer paper as inspiration. My DP is from the Wild Raspberry line (K and Company). I drew inspiration from both the subtle pastels and the butterflies. It's hard to see, but I stamped the small butterfly from Beautiful Kindness in Lemon Tart, then I stamped the sentiment (from Dad's Day) over it.

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Beautiful Kindness, Dad's Day (Verve)
Cardstock: Juniper (CTMH), Lemon Tart, White (Papertrey Ink)
Patterned Paper: Wild Raspberry (K and Company)
Ink: Lemon Tart (Papertrey Ink), Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Swiss Dot embossing folder, Cuttlebug (Provo Craft); Corner Rounder punch (EK Success), Butterflies punch (Martha Stewart), Pearls (Queen & Co), Ribbon.

Happy Graduation Viva La Verve

Happy Monday! I'm getting a slow start to the week after taking the weekend off from stamping. My card today is clean and simple. I used Amber's Viva La Verve sketch, VLVJun03. The "twist" was to leave as much white space as possible on the card.

Hope you have a great week! Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies
Stamps: Dare to Be (Verve)
Cardstock: Classic Crest Solar White (Neenah), Black Bling (Bazzill)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Petite Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Script Texture embossing folder, Cuttlebug (Provo Craft); Scalloped Scallop border punch (EK Success), Ribbon, Foam Tape.

Father's Day Tribute

Good morning! I hope you're having a great weekend so far! This month's Verve Project Parade theme is "It's a Guy Thing". I thought it was perfect timing for a Father's Day gift and for showcasing some of the new Verve stamps that Julee released last month.

My project is a gift that Sabrina and I will give Dan tomorrow for Father's Day. It's a desktop photo caddy that I picked up at Wal-Mart. It's designed for you to slip in 4" x 6" photos. I made four - 4" x 6" mini scrapbook pages. My pages couldn't be very bulky, so I had to keep my embellishments to a minimum and chose the thinnest paper from my stash. What is great about this gift is that you can make new pages and swap them out anytime in the future! For his gift, I chose 4 of my favorite photos from this year that show him being a good Daddy.


Side 1: I used Julee's Mojo Monday #90 sketch for this layout {also for side 3}. Ever since she was a baby, Sabrina would find comfort cuddling with her Daddy. Now that she's older, she doesn't like to cuddle as often, but when she does, he's always there for her. "#1 Dad" is from Dad's Day.


Side 2: A couple of years ago, Dan decided to train for his first Ironman triathlon. In April of last year, all of his dedication and training paid off as he participated in and finished his first Ironman. We are SO proud of him! We looked for a t-shirt for Sabrina, but by the time we got to the store, they were sold out. So, we came home and designed our own t-shirt and had it printed {which she proudly displays here}. "So proud" is from Father Figure and "Dad" is from Dad's Day. The tiny stars stamped in the corners {also on side 4} is from Swirly Stars.


Side 3: Sabrina has had gross motor delays all of her life and didn't walk on her own until she was 3 1/2 years old. We saw her progress from crawling to a walker to crutches to one crutch to finally walking on her own. This photo is a precious reminder that she was not always so steady on her feet and shows that her Daddy will always be there to hold her hand. "Best Dad Ever" is from Dad's Day.


Side 4: Sitting on Dad's lap and having a favorite book read is just one of the things Sabrina loves. The words from the Verve stamp set, Protector, perfectly summarize Dan's role as a Father.

If you're still with me, thanks for visiting!

Supplies
Stamps: Dad's Day, Protector, Father Figure, Swirly Stars (Verve)
Cardstock: Chocolate, Colonial White (CTMH)
Patterned Paper: Good Times (CTMH)
Ink: Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink)
Supplies: Nestabilities - Circle, Inverted Scallop Circle, Star, Rectangle, Scallop Rectangle, Deckled Rectangle (Spellbinders); Swiss Dots embossing folder, Cuttlebug (Provo Craft); 1 1/2" circle punch (EK Success), Rhinestones, Foam Tape.

BBQ Riley - Best Dad

Happy Friday! Riley's cooking up something good for Father's Day. I made this card for Sabrina to give to her Daddy. In our house, Dan's in charge of the BBQ (charcoal) and I'm the griller (gas). But, don't worry -- we won't make him {or me!} slave over a hot grill this Sunday. It's his day, so it's his choice what to do. Most likely we'll let him sleep in, make him a light breakfast, head north to one of his favorite restaurants for lunch, and then back home (to his recliner) to watch the race.

I stamped Riley and colored him with Copic markers. As a final touch, I added Liquid Applique to his chef hat. This is another card for the Hanna Stamps Guest Designer call. Details are in the forum here.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there! Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies
Stamps: BBQ Riley Moose (Hanna Stamps), World's Best (Verve)
Cardstock: Classic Crest Solar White (Neenah)
Patterned Paper: Lime Rickey (Basic Grey)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Mega Curved Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug (Provo Craft), Markers (Copic), Dotted Wave border punch (EK Success), Brads (Bazzill), Liquid Applique (Marvy), Grey Rhinestones, Paper Piercer, White Twill, Foam Tape.

I'll Be Moosing You

My card for today was inspired by this card by Debbie Olson, here. I loved the layout of her card, but I chose bold, bright patterns as opposed to her muted pastels. Can you tell I'm in "vacation mode"? So, even though I'm not on a tropical vacation, I can live vicariously through Riley, who looks like he's having a wonderful time!

I paper-pieced his hammock to match the background patterned paper and added a little bling to his drink! Hanna Stamps is having a guest designer call, so I decided to submit my card for the fun of it. All the details are here.

I hope you're having a great day! Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies
Stamps: Hammock Riley, Things Riley Would Say (Hanna Stamps)
Cardstock: Hibiscus Burst, Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Solar White (Neenah)
Patterned Paper: Summer Cool (Imaginisce)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Markers (Copic)
Accessories: Octagon Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug (Provo Craft), Waterfall Stickles (Ranger), Ribbon, Pearls (Kaisercraft), Foam Tape, Thread, Sewing Machine.

Mojo Dad's Day

While searching through my patterned paper to find something suitable for a masculine card, I came across my Basic Grey Lime Rickey pad and opted to make a bright, fun Father's Day card for my dad. When I was growing up in CA, we used to see brightly colored hot air balloons in the early mornings. Ironically, we see them here in AZ, too! It must be a desert thing...


On to my card... I used Julee's Mojo Monday #91 sketch. I kept the frills to a minimum, but I did manage to add a bit of ribbon and 2 tiny black pearls on either side of the sentiment. I also used a cornice border punch on the narrow black strip, but I ended up covering most of it up... This one went in the mail as soon as I photographed it. I hope my dad likes it and I hope he has a wonderful Father's Day!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies
Stamps: Up, Up and Away, Dad's Day (Verve)
Cardstock: True Black (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Solar White (Neenah)
Patterned Paper: Lime Rickey (Basic Grey)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Markers (Copic)
Accessories: Deckled Rectangle, Long Rectangle and Petite Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug (Provo Craft), Cornice border punch (Martha Stewart), Ribbon (Papertrey Ink), Pearls (Kaisercraft), Paper piercer, Foam Tape.

Life is Good!

Good morning! I used Taylor's sketch, TECC72, for my Life is Good! card today. I still had the Die Cuts with a View Citrus mat stack out on my desk, so I decided to use it again. I modified my layout ever so slightly and put the narrow vertical panel on top of the blue vertical panel. I had punched out the beach border on the Kraft cardstock and realized that it would all be covered up if I followed the sketch exactly.

I stamped and colored "Beach bum" cuppie, who is relaxing in a lounge chair. I stamped, colored and cut out the palm tree, then popped it up to provide some shade behind her. The 3 beach balls are also stamped, cut out and popped up with foam tape.

I hope you're week is going well... Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies

Stamps: Beach Bum (Taylored Expressions)

Cardstock: Summer Sunrise, Kraft (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Solar White (Neenah)

Patterned Paper: Citrus mat stack (DCWV)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Markers (Copic)

Accessories: Circle and Deckled Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Mesh Texture embossing folder, Cuttlebug (Provo Craft), Dotted Wave and Beach border punches (EK Success), Rhinestones (Kaisercraft), Foam Tape.

Enjoy SFYTT

It seems like summer and life is really getting in the way of my stamping time! I usually try to stay ahead of things and pre-schedule my posts for a few days, but I haven't been able to do that lately. I did manage to sneak in a little stamping time this afternoon!


I used Jen's latest Sketch For You To Try for my card today. I was admiring the cards on Jackie's blog and was inspired to pull out my Citrus patterned paper. It's so fun that I thought it would go well with this image of Bathing Beauty Emma. I first stamped her with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, then I colored her with Copic markers. It seems that Stacy is out of stock of this particular Emma stamp right now, but she has a lot of other cute Sugar Plums in her store.

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies
Stamps: Bathing Beauty Emma (C.C. Designs), Mixed Messages (Papertrey Ink)
Cardstock: Summer Sunrise (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Solar White (Neenah)
Patterned Paper: Citrus stack (Die Cuts with a View)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Markers (Copic)
Accessories: Mega Curved Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug (Provo Craft), Ticket punch (SU!), Ribbon, Rhinestones, Foam Tape.

Smile Mojo Monday

Today's card features Lily, from Lily at the Beach. I used Julee's Mojo Monday sketch #90 for my card. As we are into summer now, I thought this image of was appropriate. She's all wrapped up in her towel after a fun day of snorkeling!

You can purchase Lily at the Beach, the patterned paper (All Kinds of Happy by Imaginisce) and many other fun items from The Scrapbooking Cottage. Stacy has some great stuff in stock in her store!

I hope you're having a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies

Stamps: Lily at the Beach (Pink Cat Studio), Circular Sayings (Verve)

Cardstock: Hollyhock, Sweet Leaf (CTMH); Classic Crest Solar White (Neenah)

Patterned Paper: All Kinds of Happy (Imaginisce)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Markers (Copic)

Accessories: Oval and Deckled Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug (Provo Craft), Foam tape.

Simple Thank You

I have a very simple card to share with you today. I often run across single layer cards that are just so clean and simple, so this time I decided to try doing the same using my handmade crochet flower.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend... thanks for stopping by!

Supplies
Stamps: Beyond Basic Borders (Papertrey Ink)
Cardstock: Kraft (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Vintage Cream (Papertrey Ink), Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Handmade crochet flower, Embroidery floss (DMC), Button (Papertrey Ink), Twine, Paper piercer.

Anniversary Wishes Viva La Verve

I'm finally back with my first card for June! After not crafting for over a week, I found myself a little out of practice when I sat down to make this card, so I decided to ease into it and make a simple card.

I used Amber's 2nd Viva La Verve sketch for June, VLVJun02, for my Anniversary Wishes card. The "twist" was to use something new. My something new is both new product and a new "handkrafted" embellishment. While we were in MN, I had a chance to visit an Archiver's store for the very first time! I found this beautiful K & Company patterned paper, which I used on my card. And I used the fabulous tutorial by Nichole to make my crochet flower.

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies

Stamps: Wishful Elegance

Cardstock: Juniper, Tulip, Buttercup (CTMH); Solar White (Neenah)

Patterned Paper: Wild Raspberry (K & Company)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Antique Linen Distress (Ranger)

Accessories: Deckled Rectangles Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug (Provo Craft), Tiny heart border punch (Martha Stewart), Pearls (Kaisercraft), Embroidery Floss (DMC), Crochet hook, Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Back Home

Good afternoon! I'm just popping into say a quick hello. I don't have anything new to share, but hopefully I will soon. Today is my parents' anniversary -- Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad! I had planned on making their card before our trip, but I simply ran out of time. A big oops...

We had a great vacation and it was hard to say goodbye. We packed a lot into a week, but now it's back to reality. I'm still trying to get back into the routine and haven't even had a chance to stamp. I have a few packages waiting for me... new rubber (and acrylic) stamps! Hopefully soon I'll be able to find some time to start creating again!

I ran across a great tutorial for crochet flowers on Nichole's site HERE. She is just so amazing! I think I may pull out my crochet hook and some embroidery floss and give it a go.

Hope you have a wonderful day and I'll be back soon with a belated anniversary card. Thanks for stopping by!