Thank you card

Since I have been sitting around doing "nothing" for almost six weeks now, I thought I would post what my "nothing" actually consists of. If' you've never been put on bed rest for any medical reason, you don't know how crazy you can actually go while you're still sane. Let me tell you, pregnancy and especially bed rest, isn't for the weak! On the days that little man is out of the house, I try to use my one allotment of "stair time" to get down to my craft room to work. Some days I can spend all day working and some days I get distracted by phone calls, knocks at the door, etc. My craft time at first was spent making thank you notes because of all the help we were getting: meals, cleaning, babysitting, laundry, groceries, and more! I needed five cards in just one day! I knew my stash wasn't going to last much longer (actually, it only lasted days) but I also knew I couldn't make them one at a time either. So, I went through my "inspirational" folder on my computer and printed a bunch of photos of artwork from my sister consultants. While there was a lot of cards I made from their artwork, I won't post those to keep their artwork pure. (I'm working on a list of blogs and artists I continually come back to for inspiration, but that's another post.) Instead, over the next few days/weeks, I will post the artwork I created, and be ready - there's a lot to come!

First, here are two similar cards I made using a sentiment from different cardstocks:

The flourish is from "You & Me".

The flourish is from the February 2011 Stamp of the Month.

Scrappy cards, part 2

After getting out my Fanfare paper pack of scraps, I noticed I had four card bases cut and scored already. Inside, I found some cut B&T. After scrounging around for my Fanfare WOTG instruction book, I realized that I started to do the cards that were included in the WOTG but never finished. Since I couldn't find the stamp set that went with the paper pack, I improvised with left over Stickease that were in the pack. The sentiments are from the Card Chatter - Birthday stamp set and Outdoor Denim ink.

Scrappy Cards, part 1

I had some time today to simply just browse the internet looking for card ideas. After collecting some ideas, I sat at my desk and pulled out a retired paper pack full of scraps.

This is a card design out of one of Jeannette Lynton's design books: xxx on page xxx. It's perfect for a birthday, anniversary, wedding or any other event where you would bring a gift. I used the Fanfare paper pack because all I had were scraps in this pack and got to work.

 The stamps are from the Card Chatter - Birthday stamp set. White grosgrain ribbon and cranberry ribbon from Cherry-O Creative Basics. I used Cranberry & Outdoor Denim inks and cranberry marker to draw the line.

Sympathy cards

I'm in need of sympathy cards again and since this set will go to the same families as my last post on cards, I made a new set.

Thankfully, after browsing the internet this morning, I was inspired by something I saw (I only wish I can remember where I saw it, just to show you where I started) and proceeded to make my own version. I used the big rose from the Card Word Puzzle stamp set in Gray Flannel ink and the sentiment is from Card Chatter - Sympathy in Black ink. I added a little bit of Sparkle but because I'm mailing them, I didn't do too much else.

I tried to take a picture of the edges, but couldn't get it to show up better, but I ran the edges of the Colonial White card stock through a gold metallic ink pad (non-CTMH). I think next time I will use a silver metallic ink instead because in person the gold edges looks not right with the silver of the Sparkles.

Valentine's Day treats for school

Last weekend, my son and I worked on the cards he was going to exchange with his preschool class for Valentine's Day. I chose to get the My Originals Sweet Surprises Card kit. The kit was the perfect size (10 pieces) for his class and there was candy involved - what kid could pass this up? Due to the fact that I was working as hard as he was I was not able to take as many photos as I would like. But I did get two!

Here is a photo of one of the finished cards:

And here is my son diligently working on assembly:

He was really proud to be able to hand out his cards to his friends that he made - there was even enough for his teachers too!

And the winner is.....

Thanks to everyone who participated in my online Open House this weekend - I feel truly blessed to be able to move it online and still have a great "turnout"! I'm going to sit back and enjoy the rest of the big game but I wanted to announce the winner of the free stamp set ...

Drum roll, please....

Laura F.!

Laura, I will send you an email shortly!

In the meantime, everyone have a great week!

Open House round up

Wow! I was really busy today! Thanks everyone for checking in on me - yes, I'm fine but I'll be getting more rest through this pregnancy than I previously thought. I'm still available to help you with the new Idea Book and any questions you have about products and colors though I'm not available for awhile to host gatherings or workshops until my little one arrives. That being said, I can still help you with online/catalog gatherings and you're always welcome to come over to work - I'm here a lot more these days!

If you've requested an Idea Book, I will get one out to you soon (have to get someone to run to the post office for me) but you will get them this week. I'll be finishing up any orders tonight so it's not too late to get one in to me today (and get an entry into my stamp set give away). I will be doing the drawing tonight for the give away and announcing it here by 7pm EST so check back to see if you've won!

In the meantime, I wanted to share with you some of the products I love out of this Idea Book that I didn't get a chance to use yet in an actual project.

Adhesive Springs

These are a fun way to add a fun dimension to your artwork! Stick them as you would a 3D foam square but watch them bounce!

Velvet Rub ons



Available in dark chocolate, these rub ons provide an elegant display of flourish!

Color Ready Seam Binding



Use your sponge dauber to ink this ribbon in any color to perfectly match your layout!

Just for You stamp set

B1398 Just For You

Set of 7
Recommended My Acrylix® Blocks:
1" × 3½" (Y1002), 2" × 2" (Y1003), 3" × 3" (Y1006)
Stamp images outlined in red coordinate with the Cricut® Art Philosophy collection (Z1686).

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$9.95   B1398

Crafted with Love

B1399 Crafted With Love

Set of 11
Recommended My Acrylix® Blocks:
1" × 1" (Y1000), 1" × 3½" (Y1002), 2" × 2" (Y1003)
Stamp images outlined in red coordinate with the Cricut® Art Philosophy collection (Z1686).

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$9.95   B1399

Thank you for visiting my Open House! I hope you had as much fun as I did! Please contact me with any questions about this new Idea Book or the products you just have to have! Enjoy!

Stephanie