Butterfly Journey

You know how it is when you have a TON of other things to do and you just end up sitting down to stamp instead??? That is where I am today . . . I've been itching to try out my new set of JustRite stamps, so I just decided to pull 'em out!! (You know why I was drawn to this, right?? It's been on my wish list for months!)

I am now at card #71 for my "Follow the Butterflies" challenge - that's two posts in a row with butterflies (see link/slideshow to the right)! I have to think my son is getting sick of all this girly-girl cards, but I have to admit that I am actually going to miss making them after he comes back home in September. Maybe I can keep it going, but just not as often . . . hmmmmm . . . must think that one through!!

I made this for today's color challenge over on SCS - CC199 - Handsome Hunter, Bravo Burgundy and So Saffron. I also changed up the fold a bit . . . this is folded 2" down from the top and 3 1/2" up from the bottom, giving it sort of a horizontal gatefold.

Guess I'm going to have to go and face the rest of my projects for the day. Have a Happy Tuesday!!

Stamps: Harmony Classic Circle Stamper III (JustRite), Print Pattern
Paper: Handsome Hunter, So Saffron, Bravo Burgundy, Very Vanilla
Ink: Handsome Hunter, So Saffron, Bravo Burgundy
Accessories: Spellbinders Standard Circle Large (S4114), Standard Circle Small (S4116), and Classic Scallop Circle Large (S4124) dies, hunter green organza ribbon, Cuttlebug Traffic Jam embossing folder

Time to Stamp?

Oh my goodness!! With all the holiday stuff going on, AND with the kids being out of school, I have had very little time to stamp just for fun! Shoot! I am even behind on my butterflies!! I finally did LAST week's card yesterday! Which means I am already needing to get going on THIS week's card! Gotta turn my brain on! Good thing I got some new butterflies for Christmas!

I was trying to think of something that would look wintery AND kinda New Year's-y, and this is what I came up with. Kinda funky, I know, but this DOES put me up to #70 in my "Follow the Butterflies" challenge (there's a link and a slideshow to the right if you want more info on that). Seventy butterfly cards! I can't believe how quickly the time has gone!! Eight more months and about 34 more cards to go (give or take). I have soo many new butterflies, that I should be good to go for at least 3 months or more!! Hooray!!

Have a terrific week! I'll be back soon!

Stamps: Vintage Butterflies by Cornish Heritage Farms, Weathered background stamp by SU
Paper: Basic Black, Brushed Gold
Ink: Gold Encore, Basic Black craft
Accessories: Martha Stewart branch punch (hate to admit how much I LOVE this punch!), glue dots and pop-up glue dots, gold-edged organza ribbon from Papertrey

Happy Christmas to All!

Just wanted to wish you all the happiest, safest and most love-filled of holidays! May the spirit of the season fill your hearts with joy and may Santa's elves fill your stocking with wonderfully crafty things!



Stamps: Butterfly Happiness, Year Round Sentiments and Let's Get Together by There She Goes
Paper: Ruby Red, Old Olive, Shimmery White
Ink: Old Olive, Certainly Celery, Ruby Red
Accessories: 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" circle punches, Spellbinders Ribbons Tags Trio (S3150), red organza ribbon, Crystal Ice Stickles, Martha Stewart branch punch, pop-up glue dots

Keebler Elves!!

That is what my son says he feels like . . . one of the Keebler Elves! We spent the better part of the weekend putting together our neighbor gifts. Well, actually, my daughter and I made TEN batches of cookie dough on Saturday, then on Sunday afternoon my husband, daughter and son baked the cookies (each one has to be rolled into a little ball and then rolled in sugar before it is placed on the cookie sheet). While they were busy with that, I was stamping and cutting and printing out the labels. I usually just print out all the labels on my computer, but after getting this adorable stamp set from JustRite, I knew I was doomed to hours of assembly so that I could make these cute tags!!!

Actually, I also had a bunch of circular labels as well. I bought them for a project about a hundred years ago and never ended up using them, so they worked out perfectly! (You can't see them in the photo, but you can use your imagination . . . they just say "To: ____ From: The Weixler's." ) I really like how cute these turned out! I also love the 4-for-a-dollar glittery snowflake ornaments you can get at Target. I just about cleaned my local store out of the white ones! I made 55 bags of cookies (each bag had 16 in it!). Plus, I had enough for two extra bags, minus the ornament. I know, I know, 4 does NOT go into 55 evenly . . . I kept one of the ornaments for myself!!

I hate pictures of myself (boy, do I look tired . . . WAIT! I was!!), but my daughter took this one of me assembling the bags (I had already filled several bags by the time she took this, so about a row and a half of cookies are already missing!). Just thought you would like to see what nearly 950 cookies look like when they are all stacked together (they are literally stacked three deep). They are small, but oh-sooo-yummy! They have been a family favorite for years. I am sharing the recipe here with you, as I know you are all DYING for another reason to bake, right???

Lucky Pennies

2 1/4 C. all-purpose flour
2 t. baking soda
1 t. ground cinnamon
1 t. ground ginger
1/4 t. ground nutmeg
1/4 t. ground cloves
1/4 t. salt
3/4 C. (1½ sticks unsalted butter, softened)
1 C. firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 C. molasses
1 large egg
granulated sugar (for coating cookies)

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and salt. In a separate large bowl, use a wooden spoon to cream the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the molasses and egg and mix until well blended. Gradually stir in the flour mixture until combined. Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 1 to 2 hours or until firm enough to roll into balls.

Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Use a teaspoon to scoop the dough from the bowl and roll the cookies into about 1"-in-diameter balls. Roll the balls in a shallow bowl of granulated sugar. Place the balls on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between the cookies. Bake for 6 to 9 minutes or until the cookies are crinkled and set.

Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Using a metal spatula, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat until all the dough is used. The cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month and at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Makes about 8 dozen cookies.

Stamps: Christmas Ensemble by JustRite
Paper: Night of Navy, Whisper White
Ink: Silver Encore, Night of Navy
Accessories: (I cheated a little here . . . I did use my Spellbinders S4114 Large Circle Nestabilities to cut out the navy circle, but opted for my Mega Marvy circle punch to do the "Happy Holidays" in the center . . . it was slightly larger the the nestie circle, which is a perfect fit, but it saved me a lot of time, so I chose the lazy way out!), vanilla grosgrain ribbon, 1/4" circle punch, cello snowman bags, Target snowflake ornament

Winter's Butterfly

I have been finding precious little time to stamp ANYthing that isn't a neighbor gift or Christmas card or project that I am helping someone ELSE with for Christmas. I did get a chance to make this butterfly card for my son over the weekend, though (this makes card #69, for those of you who are counting). If you have no idea what I mean, see the link on the sidebar to the right for more details . . .

I HAD to buy this set as soon as I saw the sentiment . . . what could be more perfect??? Making butterfly cards in the winter is challenging, so this is a perfect fit!!

I was able to combine a couple of challenges on SCS, too! SC207 and HCE01 (which is the first of a series of challenges that started on Saturday for the holidays . . . like we all have EXTRA time to stamp, right?? HCE is Holiday Challenge Extravaganza).

Hope you are all ready for Christmas! I still need to pick up a gift certificate for the in-laws and do ALL my wrapping (which I plan to finish up tonight). My daughter is in Ballet West's Nutcracker all this week (starting tomorrow), so I have no choice but to get my act together!!

Have a wonderfully love-filled week, surrounded by family and friends and those you love!!

Stamps: Winter's Butterfly by Hero Arts
Paper: Whisper White, Soft Sky
Ink: Soft Sky
Accessories: Clear Ice Stickles, lt. blue organza ribbon, white embossing powder, D'vine Swirl Cuttlebug embossing folder, pop-up glue dots

Housework??!!??

Every year while I am in the rush of things for Christmas I SWEAR that I will NOT get so crazy again the NEXT year! So much for that!! I still have 10 pair of pj pants to sew (and half still to cut out!), neighbor gifts to make (and I have about 50 of those - TONS of cookies on my horizon this weekend!) and I haven't wrapped one single thing! Sigh . . .

Here's a card I made for There She Goes last weekend! I noticed that Christmas is also ahead of Housework AND Stamping in the dictionary! Sadly, this week it holds true!!

Have a wonderfully busy day!!

Stamps: Crafy Taglines by There She Goes
Paper: Old Olive, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Bella Rose dsp
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Ruby Red
Accessories: Spellbinders Standard Circle - Small (S4116), Standard Circle - Large (S4114), and Classic Scallop Circle - Large (S4124) Nestabilities, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder, Offray brown microcheck ribbon

Goin' Green . . .

Imagine how surprised I was when the challenge for last Friday on SCS (LSC198) was to create a "green" card using recycled bits and pieces! The reason I was so surprised at the timing was that I had just gone to my book group Christmas party the night before, and during the book exchange, specifically picked the book I did because of the way it was wrapped. I LOVED the paper and ribbon and knew I wanted to make a card out of 'em!! Funny, eh?

The purple paper with the gold little fleur-de-lys-looking things came from (of all places) IKEA!! It feels like pressed paper and is very wonderful! The ribbon was also around the book, so it was the perfect touch. (I got a collection of short stories by Ernest Hemingway, by the way . . . can't wait to read it!)

The coolest thing about this "green" card, though, is that the silver parts of my snowflake medallion piece are actually cut out of a soda pop can!! (Hooray for caffeine-free Diet Pepsi!)!! YUP!! I ran those soda pop cans through my trusty Wizard and came up with this! Super fun and environmentally friendly!!

Speaking of the Wizard . . . check out this link! It has all the deets about how YOU could be on Spellbinders' Design Team starting in April!!

Spellbinders Design Team Contest

Have a great day! It's freezing here and we are expecting MORE snow! BRRRRRR!

Stamps: Short & Sweet
Paper: Brushed gold, patterned paper from Ikea, shimmery white
Ink: Elegant Eggplant
Accessories: soda pop cans, Spellbinders Snowflake Wonder (S4185), Small Pinking Circles (S4172) and Sunflower Set Two (S4158) dies, small oval punch, yellow rhinestone brad, pop-up glue dots, Versamark, Gold Glitter embossing powder by ClearSnap

#68 is Great!

#68? Could it really be possible? I have done 68 total cards for my "Follow the Butterflies" challenge! Unbelievable!! I can honestly say that time has shot by soooo quickly! (If you are new around here and are clueless as to what I am talking about, check the "Follow the Butterflies" link on the sidebar to the right . . . I even have a slideshow of all the cards I have made thus far!).

This is a fun little fold (and you KNOW how I am about those!). The cardstock started out as 3 1/2"x 11". It is about 1/2" shorter after it was cut with a scalloped circle Nestabilities die. It was scored at 4 1/4" and 8 1/2" from the bottom edge (the edge that was NOT cut with the die). This color combo is kind of fun and interesting, too! It is for CC196 - Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze, and YUP, you got that right . . . Taken With Teal (a color which often scares me off, but I kinda like it with these other colors!).

This is also a Spellbinders die fest!! I had NO idea i was gonna run so amok with those dies! One of the fun things about being a Spellbinders DT member is having access to sooo many dies . . . definitely a great perk! Not to mention that I got this fun butterfly set to show off for ya from Jessica at There She Goes (a perk for working with HER!). What fun!! I also used my "Butterfly Happiness" TSG set for the leaf-age in the background.

I FINALLY got my Christmas cards out the door late on Wednesday. HUZZAH!! That's why I haven't been around much this week! Sooooooo glad to have them off and on their way. The USPS guys have me a little freaked about the likelihood that my cards will reach their destinations, however. Not only are they "oversized" (5 1/2" square envelopes!), but since they have a ribbon on them, they almost made me pay for PARCEL postage (meaning that each card would have cost me $1.17 to mail . . . times 60 I decided I just was NOT gonna go there!). I actually stamped them with 62 cents worth of postage and they warned me that they could come back to me if they get caught in the machine! WHAT??? I mail cards with ribbon on 'em ALL the time and I have NEVER had one come back!!! Cross your fingers for me, will ya friends???

TTFN!!

Stamps: Bug Me Anytime and Butterfly Happiness by There She Goes
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Taken with Teal, Baja Breeze, Shimmery White
Ink: Ruby Red, Baja Breeze, Taken with Teal, Basic Black
Accessories: Spellbinders Lg. Pinking Circles (S4170), Small Pinking Circles (S4172), Nested Flowers (S4159), Scalloped Circle Large (S4124), Standard Circle Small (S4116) and Ribbon Tags Trio (S3150), Cuttlebug Swiss Dots and Houndstooth embossing folders, Offray microcheck ribbon, pop-up glue dots

Snowflake-y Challenge

Well, it was my turn as LSC hostess this last Friday, so I thought I would share the cards I made as samples with all of you!! My darling daughter, Amelia, helped me out once again by making a sample card as well (the red snowflake card is hers!)

Here were the official "rules" that I posted:

1. The only image stamps/embossing you may use are snowflakes. Yup! Only snowflakes (or something that looks like falling snow). No snowmen, snowwomen or anything, just snowflakes! The same goes for patterned paper . . . it must be snowflakes!! (Get the idea?)

2. Your creation must be monochromatic.

3. You need to add some sort of “bling” or sparkle to your card. Stickles, rhinestones, shimmery paper or ribbon . . . make it sparkly!!

4. Last, but certainly not least . . . sentiments may be ONE WORD only!

There were a LOT of fun ideas! Everyone is just sooo creative! Here is a link to the gallery if you want to see what my friends on SCS came up with:

LSC197 - "Let It Snow" Gallery

"Golden Winter" Supply List
Stamps: The Snowflake Spot, Snowfall (Papertrey for sentiment)
Paper: Shimmery brown, Shimmery gold, Very Vanilla
Ink: Gold Encore, Creamy Caramel
Accessories: Gold glitter embossing powder by ClearSnap, pearl sticker, 1 1/4" and 1" circle punches, gold ribbon (Papertrey), Snowflakes embossing folder

"Winter Blues" Supply List
Stamps: Snowflakes, Snowfall Additions (Papertrey)
Paper: Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Shimmery White
Ink: Blue Bayou, Soft Sky
Accessories: Martha Stewart Arctic Snowflake punch, small oval punch, Spellbinders Labels One dies (S4161), silver ribbon, lt. blue organza ribbon, rhinestone sticker

"Snowing Red" Supply List (Amelia's Card!)
Stamps: Snowfall, Small Script
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Ruby Red, Shimmery White
Ink: Ruby Red, Whisper White
Accessories: Large and small oval punches, Martha Stewart Arctic and Collectible snowflake punches, Emaginations snowflake punch, square rhinestone brad, rhinestone glitter embossing powder, Cuttlebug Snow Dots embossing folder

Magic of a New Day

My son sent me this picture several months ago. He actually took it of himself (not quite sure HOW . . . just know he has some thingy called a Gorillapod that holds his camera for him!). I think it is amazing, so I am sending it back to him, via a butterfly card. This makes card #67 in my "Follow the Butterflies" challenge (there is a link to the right of this post if you have no clue what I a talking about!).

It's pretty simple and straight forward, but it makes me happy!



Stamps: Sentiment from Word Collection by Stamp Oasis, Stampendous Butterflies
Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Basic Gray, Whisper White, Basic Black
Ink: Black Stazon, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Pumpkin Pie, Ruby Red, Summer Sun, More Mustard, Bashful Blue, Old Olive
Accessories: NONE (can you believe it???)

More Fun from There She Goes!

Jessica Knutsen, owner and creator of There She Goes Stamps, just released 11 new stamp sets on December 1. They are WONDERFUL!! One of the best perks about being on her design team is that I get a good portion of the stamp sets before they are officially released. What fun!! This set it called "Year Round Sentiments." To see the other new sets she has released, be sure to hit this link and go and check 'em out!

There She Goes Store

She also posted a challenge on her blog last week to have us decorate the INSIDE of our cards as well as the outside. I have to admit that I haven't done this hardly at all, so it was pretty fun. I like how it just "finishes" the card off. Just be sure to leave room to write something on the inside!!

Stamps: Year Round Sentiments by There She Goes
Paper: Always Artichoke, Sage Shadow, Soft Sky, Shimmery White, Wintergreen dsp
Ink: Always Artichoke, Soft Sky
Accessories: Marvy Extra Jumbo and Mega Snowflake punches, 1 3/8" circle punch, silver ribbon, paper piercing tool/mat

Cloisonne Butterfly

A few months ago I came across this lovely card by Birgit (Biggan on SCS). I loved the simple elegance of it. And that tree!! I saw from the description that it was by Michael Strong, so of course I immediately had to go and check out his website!!

Christmas in Green & White

I immediately bought not only the Christmas tree image, but this lovely butterfly as well (who woulda thunk it??). I've been meaning to do my own twist on this card for quite some time, so I used the challenge posting on Thanksgiving Day - WT194 - which was basically to make any sort of gratitude/thankful card.

And, by the way, this is card #66 in my "Follow the Butterflies" challenge (all the info is in the link on the sidebar to the right). I am starting to run out of butterflies!!! I have some more left, but am thinking I may need to start buying some of the ones I have just been thinking about. I have a LOT of butterflies, that's for sure!!

Stamps: Small Script, Cloisonne Butterfly by Michael Strong
Paper: Shimmery White, Basic Black, Perfect Plum
Ink: Perfect Plum, Whisper White craft
Accessories: Spellbinders Ribbon Tags Trio (S3150), Large Labels - largest die (S4168), Classic Scalloped Oval Large - 2nd largest die (S4113), and Classic Oval Small - 2nd largest die (S4112), White embossing powder, pearl stickers, shimmery white organza ribbon, Cuttlebug textile embossing folder

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Just wanted to wish y'all a wonderful, family-filled, pumpkin=pie laden, turkey-stuffed day!! For those of you outside of the US . . . Happy Thursday!!

I'm off to finish my share of the feast (prepping, that is!)! I probably won't be around tomorrow, as I am a SERIOUS Black Friday shopper. For those of you in other countries, "Black Friday" is how merchants refer to the day after Thanksgiving . . . there are HUGE sales everywhere, starting as early as 4 or 5 a.m.!! I get a LOT of shopping done, so I'll have to be in bed early if I am going to get a jump on things!!

This is a card I did for SC204 yesterday, by the way. I think I just may take it to my aunt's house with me and give it to her!!

Hugs to all!!



Stamps: Happy Blessings, Holidays & Wishes
Paper: Bordering Blue, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Pumpkin Pie, Watercolor
Ink: Black Stazon, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Pumpkin Pie, Ruby Red, Summer Sun, More Mustard, Bashful Blue, Old Olive
Accessories: Spellbinders Ribbon Tags Trio (S3150), Cuttlebug Autumn Type embossing folder, blender pen, paper distressing tool, brown microcheck ribbon by Offray

Fall is Fleeting . . .

I am always amazed at how quickly fall passes us by. Yes, the leaves are still falling and we haven't had much snow (yet), but after tomorrow we will be in the winter mode full swing (Christmas shopping galore!). I love the colors of fall and the briskness in the air. I'm not quite sure I am ready to switch gears, but I guess Mother Nature marches forward!

I did this card yesterday for CC194 - I initially thought that Really Rust, Going Gray and Very Vanilla were a totally odd combo (which they ARE!), but I like how they look together. I pulled out my Cuttlebug maple leaf embossing/die combo one last time this season. Sigh . . . jingle bells are on the way!!

Stamps: Small Sayings, Weathered
Paper: Very Vanilla, Really Rust, Going Gray, Basic Gray
Ink: Really Rust, Going Gray
Accessories: Spellbinders Ribbon Tags Trio (S3150), Cuttlebug Maple Leaf die/embossing folder and Distressed Stripes embossing folder, Gray Taffeta Ribbon

Me & Mini Me!

I saw a card of Jennifer Meyer's several weeks ago (she is Lovetostamp6 on SCS) that I knew I just HAD to attempt myself! I totally and instantly fell in love with it! It's awesome! I had the chance to "case" this card and put my own twist on it last week for a combined challenge I did. I used SC203 and WT193 (to use pearls or something pearly). I LOVE how it turned out!! Here is Jennifer's card:

Christmas & Snowflakes

I may just use this as NEXT year's Christmas card!!

Stamps: Winter Post
Paper: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze, Shimmery White
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White craft
Accessories: Cuttlebug Snowflakes, Snowdots and Christmas Village embossing folders, designer label and 1 3/8" circle punches, Emaginations snowflake punch, single stitched choclate chip ribbon (SU Seaside), May Arts brown polka dot organza ribbon, pearl stickers, iridescent ice embossing powder

So then, after case-ing Jennifer, I cased myself yesterday for the technique lover's challenge - TLC196 - a pop-up gift card holder. But, instead of using it as a gift card holder, I made a little pop-up surprise!

This card is officially card #65 in my "Follow the Butterflies" challenge. I CANNOT believe I have done that many!! (See the link on the sidebar to the right if you want an explanation as to WHY I am doing this!)


I changed the colors a little bit from the previous card. I used Ruby Red and Blue Bayou instead of Riding Hood Red and Baja Breeze (not a HUGE difference, but subtle changes are good!). I really like this idea, though. If I end up giving out any gift cards for Christmas I will definitely use this!! It's hard to see in the picture, but both the snowflakes and the white parts on the butterfly are done with sparkly-glittery white paper. It really does look COLD!! Brrrr!!!

Stamps: Fancy Flexible Phrases
Paper: Kraft, Ruby Red, Blue Bayou, Chocolate Chip, Dazzling Diamonds white
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White craft
Accessories: Cuttlebug Snowflakes and Christmas Village embossing folders, Quickutz Butterfly die, Martha Stewart arctic snowflake punch, word window punch, May Arts light blue polka dot organza ribbon, single stitched chocolate ribbon, rhinestones, iridescent ice embossing powder

Fun Little Project

As part of our work with the design team for "There She Goes," each of the team members takes a turn on Fridays to create a project from something that they picked up for a dollar! Hence, Jessica calls her blog posts on Fridays "Dollar Find Friday." It was my turn last Friday, and this is the project I made. She already posted it on her blog, but I thought it would be fun to share it with all of you, so here it is!

I am a lover of a good bargain. In fact, my family often calls me frugal (okay, well . . . cheap!). I am really good at hunting out great deals! Target's Dollar Spot has long been one of my favorite places to find fun, alterable items (this comes in especially handy when my daughter wants to make something for ALL of her friends).

As I was perusing the merchandise . . . on the hunt for something fab to share with all of YOU . . . I came across this cute little white cutting board. I think this would be really fun to give as a housewarming gift, or just as a "thank you" for a special friend.

The best part is, it was pretty simple and requires no special instructions. Here is a photo of the supplies I used to create my "Dollar Find". The only things not included in the photo are cardstock (I used SU's Pale Plum, Garden Green and Shimmery White), the ribbon (you can really use any coordinating color) and the green raffia (because I used my VERY last piece on the cutting board, so I had none to photograph!).

Supplies
Tea for Two, Tea for Two Special Blend and Butterfly Happiness Stamps by There She Goes
Olive Green StazOn Ink
Jet Black StazOn Ink
Family Treasures Daisy Punch
Spellbinders Standard Circle Small (S4116 - third smallest die), Standard Circle Large (S4114 - third smallest die) and Classic Scalloped Circle Large (S4124 - second smallest die)
Green rhinestone brad by Making Memories
Copic Markers - V01 Heath, BV000 Iridescent Mauve and BV02 Prune
Pale Plum, Garden Green and Shimmery White Cardstock by Stampin' Up
Green Raffia
1/4" Lt. Plum Grosgrain Ribbon
Glue Dots
Zip Dry Adhesive

The only thing of special note is that I used StazOn ink, as regular ink rubs right off of plastic surfaces (because the are non-porous). The teapot and teacups were stamped on cardstock, colored with Copic Markers, then cut out and adhered to the board with ZipDry adhesive (LOVE that stuff!). Other than that, it is all pretty straight forward. Have a great week!

Love Medallions!

After having made a medallion for TLC193 (see November 4 post HERE, I have been itching to make another one with a more "snowy" theme. This is what I came up with when I used this week's color challenge (which, coincidentally enough, is CC193 - red, black and kraft) to incorporate the medallion technique. i still NEED to get me some more corner punches so I can try some other, different-looking medallions!

Looking at my supplies list below, I was amazed at how many different things I used to create this baby. i had NO clue I used so much to put it together (although, judging by the mess I left behind, I shoulda clued in!)!!

Weekend's almost here, so enjoy it and go stamp somethin'!!

Stamps: Holiday Woodcuts (for sentiment)
Paper: Basic Black, Kraft, Real Red, Shimmery White, Diamond Dust White (snowflakes)
Ink: Basic Black, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Really Rust, Lovely Lilac, Night of Navy
Accessories: Spellbinders Large Standard Circle and Large Classic Scallop Circle Nestabilities (S4114 and S4124), EK Success Interlaced Corner Adorner punch, Emaginations Snowflake Punch, 1 1/4" and 1" circle punches, Marvy jumbo and extra jumbo snowflake punches, Cuttlebug Snowflakes embossing folder, pop-up glue dots, 5/8" red organza ribbon, white silver-edged organza ribbon

Non-Butterfly Challenge Butterfly Card!

I can't believe I actually made a card that has NOTHING to do with my own butterfly challenge! To be truthful, I had already used this image and sent it to my son, so I COULDN'T send him this, now COULD I??

I did this for FS93 last Sunday. The Featured Stamper was Kendra. That girl rocks socks!! I LOVED this little pocket card she did. And . . . well . . . you know me and funky folds! It took me, like, forEVUH to figure out how to do it with my Nesties, too, but more about that in a minute . . .

Here is Kendra's card:

BBQ Invite

I ended up using a piece of cardstock that was about 9" by 4". I scored the card to make the front "flaps" at 3" and 6". I had to place my long rectangle Nestabilities die at an angle, with the flap piece kind of "in and out" of the die. The edge I wanted to cut was on top of the die, while the rest of the cardstock was placed through the die and allowed to rest underneath it to keep from cutting it. Does that make sense?? To make the scalloped "half oval" top edge, I cut an additional piece of cardstock down to 3" x 5", then used the same "in and out" technique so that I would only cut the top edge of the cardstock. I then taped this piece to the inside middle of the card, making it appear as though it is all one piece. Got it?? The card insert itself is 4 3/8" x 2 1/2" (the Garden Green piece). The vanilla piece is approximately 4 1/8" x 2 1/4". Again, I employed the same "in and out" technique to cut the half oval top edge of the card.

So, although this IS a challenge card, it just isn't for my butterflies!!

TTFN!

Stamps: Butterfly Happiness by There She Goes
Paper: Close to Cocoa, Garden Green, Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla
Ink: Chocolate Chip craft, Garden Green
Accessories: Spellbinders Large Classic Scallop Ovals (S4111), Small Classic and Small Classic Scallop Ovals (S4112 and S4113) and Long Mega Scallop Rectangle (S4143), Cuttlebug Houndstooth embossing folder, pop-up glue dots, Offray brown microcheck ribbon

Grateful for Butterflies

It seems that, week after week, I am starting to get into a rut with my butterfly cards. I discovered, much to my dismay and chagrin, that I accidentally used the same butterfly stamp on two different cards! And here I have been trying SOOOO hard NOT to do that!! It was actually on two of the older cards I have done. I remember when I used it the second time going through the process in my head and actually thinking that it was NOT the same one!!! Oh well! I guess it was BOUND to happen!!

It seems I have been using butterflies as the focal image waaayyy more than I had intended, so this week I tried to sneak one in there. I know this butterfly has absolutely NOTHING to do with Thanksgiving, but I think he looks pretty darn good in here!! I cased myself on this card, too!! Remember the "Friendship Fruit Salad" card I did last April (yeaaaaahhhh . . . like y'all are gonna remember back THAT far!)? Here is a link to it:

Friendship Fruit Salad

I love the "quilted" look of this layout! I had some trouble coloring this for some reason. I used Adirondak ink, which I thought would be particularly good for coloring, but it seem to bleed into everything!! I was sorely disappointed, but much too lazy to go back and restamp everything . . . so there ya go . . .

This brings me up to butterfly card #64, by the way, for those of you who aren't keeping track!! (If you have no idea what I am talking about, see the link and/or slideshow to the right!!)

Have a lovely Tuesday!!

Stamps: Turkey Lurkey by Fiskars, Shapes & Shadows
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Really Rust, Pumpkin Pie, More Mustard
Ink: Adirondak Espresso, Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, Pumpkin Pie, Ruby Red, Summer Sun, Old Olive, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa
Accessories: 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" square punches, keytag punch, blender pends, chocolate polka dot satin ribbon (Paptertrey), pop-up glue dots

Where Have I Been, You Ask?

Well, I'll tell you!! I haven't been posting as much this past week because I chained myself to my craft table in order to finish this crazy-huge batch of cards. Many of you will remember that I did a street fair in my neighborhood several weeks ago. Needless to say, it didn't go very well. However, one of my neighbors bought a few of my cards. She called me a couple of weeks later and asked if I could make her some more thank you cards. (In my head I'm thinking . . . great! I'll do some Cuttlebugging, a little bit of image/sentiment and some ribbon . . . done!!) She says,"I'd like you to make some more like the one I bought at the street fair." Since I couldn't remember at ALL what she had purchased, I asked, "Which one is that?" She responds, "You know that lovely one that looks like a piano that pops up?" I inwardly groan . . . I remember thinking when I made that card last year that I never wanted to do it again. I was just dinking around and it ended up being way more work than I had planned! I paint a smile on and say, "Sure! How many would you like?" Her response?? "200!!" I nearly choked!!! "Really? That should be no problem," I hear myself saying back to her. Those suckers are paper-pieced, pop-up nightmares. All those black and white 1/2" strips had to be individually cut and taped down! I think I am losing my mind!! I see stripes EVERYwhere!!

The happy news?? I'M FINISHED!!! She came over and picked them up last Saturday!! HOORAY!!! The best part??? She paid me $4 a piece for them!! Yep!! You read that right!!! I made $800!!! (But it took me about 5 weeks to get 'em done!!)

These are the photos I took of the original waaayyy back last September (2007). I wanted you to see what they look like close up. I can guarantee you that I will NEVER make another one of these suckers again!!

Stamps: Elegant Notes, Polka Dot bg, All in a Row
Paper: Going Gray, Basic Black, Whisper White, Real Red
Ink: Basic Black, Going Gray, Real Red
Accessories: Red polka-dot May Arts organza ribbon, clear circle crystal brad, primitive heart punch, large tag punch


AND . . . before I forget . . . Spellbinders has a new WEBSITE and a new BLOG!!! Be sure to go and check them out for fresh, fun and creative ideas (and a great place to buy your Nesties and other fun dies!!)

Spellbinders WEBSITE

Spellbinders BLOG

Quick 'N Easy Tea for Two

I know I shared the Tea for Two stamps from There She Goes with y'all last week. It is soooo stinkin' cute! I made this card as a "quick and easy" project with that set. I also used my Spellbinders Labels One dies again. Shaped cards are awesome!!

For embellishments, I had originally just started with the polka dot organza ribbon, but decided it just needed "something" . . . hence the additional chocolate chip grosgrain and little rhinestone blings!!

Quick and easy card . . . quick and easy post . . . how's that??

Stamps: Tea for Two by There She Goes
Paper: Close to Cocoa, Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Summer Sun, Cameo Coral, Old Olive, Basic Black
Accessories: Spellbinders Labels One dies (S4161), scallop square punch, wide oval punch, brown polka dot organza ribbon by May Arts, 5/8" chocolate chip grosgrain ribbon, amber/brown rhinestone stickers by Doodlebug

2008 Christmas Card

I FINALLY figured out what to do for a Christmas card this year! Hooray!!

The most shocking thing of all, though, is that I actually bought a Thomas Kinkade stamp. (I hate to admit it to all the Kinkade lovers out there, but I do NOT care for his art). I knew I was sunk as soon as I saw this AMAZING card by Dawn over on SCS (aka TreasureOiler). It's jaw-droppingly beautiful!!

Dawn's Cracked Cottage

I almost immediately headed on over to Cornish Heritage Farms and bought this image. I think doing these images monochromatically does them much more justice (at least in my mind)! I also got to use my Labels One dies from Spellbinders. LOVE the shape of these!!

Now I just have to make about 60 more of 'em . . . sigh . . .

Stamps: Stonehearth Hutch by Thomas Kinkade, Believe by PTI
Paper: Night of Navy, Shimmery White, Brushed Silver
Ink: Night of Navy
Accessories: Spellbinders Labels One dies (S4161), Cuttlebug Snow Dots embossing folder, navy and shimmery white organza ribbon, large oval punch, Martha Stewart branch punch, pop up glue dots

Featured Stamper?? ME???!!!

Imagine my total amazement and giddiness when my good friend Kathy (hi-ya, girl!!) left a comment on here last night congratulating me for being picked as this week's Featured Stamper on SCS (#92 to be exact!)!! WOW-OH-WOW-OH-WOW!! Somebody PINCH ME!!! I am sooo tickled (man, I DO sound like my mom!! That's a word SHE would use!!)!! Seriously, I feel so totally honored and excited! How much fun it is going to be for me to check out all the lovely creations in the Featured Stamper gallery! Totally stoked doesn't even BEGIN to describe me!!

Here is a card I did for the Limited Supplies challenge (LSC193) on Friday. I totally loved the Snowfall and Snowfall Additions sets when I saw them last month on PTI for their new stamp release. I simply HAD to have them AND all four punches needed that coordinate with the images!! So this is REALLY an expensive card!! I got loved masking off the punched snowflakes and sponging around them. It reflects how I feel, too!!! BRRRRR is right!! It started snowing here already this week, so winter is definitely upon us!!!

I am having a hard time sleeping, as I am super happy about the FS thing! Better go and see if I can grab a few more minutes of shut-eye before I have to get up for real!!

Happy Sunday!!

Stamps: Snowfall, Snowfall Additions by Papertrey
Paper: Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Shimmery White
Ink: Pale Plum, Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant
Accessories: scallop circle, 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" circle punches, jumbo, extra jumbo and mega snowflake punches by Marvy, silver tinsel ribbon by Papertrey, pop-up glue dots, sponge

Butterfly Tree - #63!

You will have to excuse me for using the same stamp set again this week for butterfly card #63 . . . I saw this adorable punch (by Martha Stewart, no less . . . whose products I have sworn NEVER to purchase . . . I am failing miserably since she started doing so many fabulous punches!!) at Michael's last Monday night when I was looking for a corner punch to create the medallion I posted last Tuesday. I am weak and i just couldn't resist it! I have been thinking about making a tree full of butterflies for quite some times, and this punch just clinched it for me!! (If you have NO idea why I am making so many butterfly cards, see the "Follow the Butterflies" link on the sidebar to the right!)

I also used my Marvy maple leaf punch. This card was really a work in progress . . . I'd "finish" it, then go back and add a little something else . . . then a little something else. When the Ways to Use It challenge was posted Thursday morning, I changed it yet again!! I added the corner punching (ticket and tag corner punches). I think it turned out pretty cute, though. I did actually stamp the leaf images that comes with this Season of Friendship set underneath the layers of maple leaves and butterflies. In person you can see them peeking out here and there. I am also guilty of using the chocolate chip felt ribbon, yet again, that came in the Alpine ribbon package from Stampin' Up's holiday mini catalog. I totally love the stuff (think I have mentioned that before). Great texture!! (Hard as I tried, I just could NOT keep the chocolate chip cardstock out of this card, either!! I really DID try, but it somehow snuck it's way in there!!!!)

I'm off to do the typical, busy-mom-Saturday stuff. Have a wonderful fall weekend!!

Stamps: Season of Friendship
Paper: Close to Cocoa, Not Quite Navy, Kiwi Kiss, Naturals Ivory, Creamy Caramel, Baja Blue, Very Vanilla
Ink: Chocolate Chip craft, creamy caramel
Accessories: Martha Stewart butterfly double craft punch, ticket corner and tag corner punches, maple leaf punch (Marvy), Cuttlebug Forest Branches embossing folder, Alpine chocolate chip felt ribbon, paper piercing tool/mat, glue dots

Chocolate Chip Forever!!

It seems I can't make a card lately without using my Chocolate Chip cardstock! I swear it is the most versatile color I own (at least for me, anyway!)

I made this card the other night using Season of Friendship. That is fast becoming one of my most favorite stamp sets!! I have been thinking about this card ever since I bought it, and am just getting around to making it.

I loved cutting out the leaves to give this card extra dimension. I love doing three-dimensional stuff (as you can see, I do it practically every time)! A card just doesn't seem complete to me if it is "flat" . . .

And that Alpine chocolate chip felt ribbon!! I have used it three times this week!! I didn't even realize it was felt until I opened it up the other day! WOWZA!!! Another new fave!!

Stamps: Season of Friendship
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Pumpkin Pie
Ink: Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Old Olive, Really Rust, Creamy Caramel
Accessories: paper distressing tool, key tag punch, 3/4" and 1" circle punch, Alpine chocolate chip felt ribbon, pop-up glue dots, sponge

Amazing Circle Medallion

Ya ever see something every once in a while that just makes your jaw drop and the word "WOW!" come out of your mouth??? This circle medallion totally did that to me. Lynn (Lynn in St. Louis) hosted TLC193 and showed us this amazing fun technique. Here is a link to the medallion creator, the amazing Becca Stamps. She did a really great tutorial on it:

Becca's Medallion Tutorial

Another thanks to Lynn, 'cause I went to, YES - count 'em!, THREE different craft stores in order to find a corner punch that I could use for this technique! Jeesh!!!

I love having a new way to use my Nesabilities as well! This technique ROCKS!! I'll definitely be using it again!!

Stamps: Dotted Autumn
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla, More Mustard, Baja Breeze, Autumn Vine dsp
Ink: Really Rust, Chocolate Chip craft
Accessories: Spellbnders Nestabilities Classic Scallop Circle (Large) - S4124, and Standard Circle (Large) S4114, EK Success Interlaced corner adorner punch, Cuttlebug Leafy Branch embossing folder, Marvy maple leaf punch, 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" circle punch, Alpine felt ribbon, pop-up glue dots

Tea for Two

It has been a verrryyy long time since I participated in one of Beate's weekend sketch challenges (probably last spring!). I couldn't resist combining her latest one (WSC64) with these two new stamp sets from There She Goes - "Tea for Two" and "Tea for Two Special Blend." I thought that this card would surely brighten up the day of anyone who was feeling under the weather.

Have a wonderfully crisp, colorful and leaf-filled Monday!!

Stamps: Tea for Two and Tea for Two Special Blend by There She Goes
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Cameo Coral, Summer Sun, Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, Very Vanilla
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Summer Sun, Cameo Coral, Old Olive, Basic Black
Accessories: Spellbnders Nestabilities Classic Scallop Circle (Large) - S4124, and Standard Circle (Large) S4114, scallop border punch, D'Vine Swirl Cuttlebug embossing folder, single stiched chocolate ribbon, pop-up glue dots

They're HERE!!!

Oh my goodness! I have been waiting and waiting and WAITING (kinda sound like a little kid at Christmas, eh?) to get my hands on these lovely nested butterflies ever since those of us on Spellbinders' Design Team were given a sneak peak at 'em last spring!!! Hooray!! My butterflies flew in yesterday (along with a bunch of other fun Nesties and dies that I will be sharing with you soon!)! I couldn't wait to make something with this butterfly set, so with that in mind, this officially makes card #62 in my butterfly challenge (for those of you who are new around here, there is a link on the sidebar to the right that explains the whole silly thing!)

This was done for WT190 on SCS - to do some sort of "cracking" technique. I did cracked glass, which I haven't done very often because it seems I can never get the cracks to show up quite as much as I would like. I made my own designer-type paper for the base layer using Season of Friendship, Priceless and Itty Bitty Backgrounds. I have a bunch to do, so I will be off. I just was too excited to share this with y'all!!! LOVE my new toys, er . . . um . . . TOOLS!!

Stamps: Season of Friendship, Itty Bitty Backgrounds, Dotted Autumn (sentiment), Priceless
Paper: Very Vanilla, Really Rust, Autumn Vine dsp
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, Baja Breeze, More Mustard
Accessories: Nested Butterfly Shapeabilities by Spellbinders (S4171), 5/8" chocolate chip grosgrain ribbon, large and small oval punch, Glassy Glaze, pop-up glue dots, sponge

The Colors of Fall

I love it when it is my turn to host the Limited Supply Challenge on SCS. It really stretches my brain. I took my turn as hostess last Friday and decided I wanted to do something with a fall theme . . . namely, leaves. I don't think I will ever get too old to love running through a pile of leaves, feeling their crunch under my feet . . . kicking them along . . . sigh . . .

The challenge I proposed (LSC191) was to make a card using a leaf or leaves as the focal image AND to include some pink, somewhere, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. One of my dearest, most wonderful friends in the world lost her battle with breast cancer in August of 1997 at the age of 33. I think of her often and am grateful for her friendship and the life lessons she taught me. This challenge made me think of her.

This first card is a z-fold with a twist . . . instead of putting the main top panel smack-dab in the middle, I moved it up and to the left a bit, mainly to accommodate my ribbon and sentiment. I like how it turned out.

Stamps: Autumn Harvest, Autumn Leaf Prints
Paper: Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Espresso Adirondack, various Copic markers
Accessories: Cuttlebug Distressed Stripes embossing folder, Marvy maple leaf punch, large and small oval punches, paper distressing tool, 1/4" chocolate chip grosgrain, pop-up glue dots

This second sample is a layout I have used before (you will notice the card on the previous post has the same layout). I think that the long mega rectangle Nestabilities are my current favorite, if not for this layout alone. But, that may change, as I hope to be getting a box in the next day or two with my NEW Nestabilties dies (the ones I have been waiting for since we (members of the Spellbinders Design Team) did our Blog Blitz Preview before summer CHA! Can you say "fun new toys?"

Stamps: Autumn Fest
Paper: Rose Red, Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla
Ink: Rose Red, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: May Arts polka dot organza ribbon, Spellbinders Long Classic Scalloped Rectangle Megabilities (S4143), Spellbinders Scallop and Classic Small Square Nestabilities (S4129 & S4128), Leafy Branches Cuttlebug embossing folder, rhinestone icon sticker, pop-up glue dots

Kitchen Sink October Contest

I've been running around for the past two days and needing to get these cards finished for Kitchen Sink Stamps' monthly contest! I have to leave in about 10 minutes, so this has gotta be quick!!

This first card is my entry for "Best Use of Color." The theme this month is "Getting Ready for the Holidays." Wreaths always make me think of holidays, because they used to only be hung at Christmas time. This wreath - made from pansies of all things! - is to welcome and give gratitude for Thanksgiving. A little unconventional, but I like it!!

Stamps: 3-step Pansies, 3-step Hearts & Roses (for sentiment) and Thanks by Kitchen Sink Stamps
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Kiwi Kiss, Old Olive, Very Vanilla
Ink: Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, So Saffron, Really Rust, Ruby Red, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Kiwi Kiss
Accessories: 1 1/4" and 1" circle punches, small oval punch, chocolate chip taffeta ribbon, paper distressing tool, pop-up glue dots

This card is for "Outside the Box." I kept thinking of using this rose as a Christmas ornament, and I kind of like how it turned out!! Fun!!

Stamps: 3-step Hearts & Roses by Kitchen Sink Stamps
Paper: Night of Navy, Shimmery White, Shimmery Silver, Bashful Blue
Ink: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Brocade Blue, Night of Navy
Accessories: , Spellbinders Long Classic Scalloped Rectangle Megabilities (S4143), Spellbinders Scallop and Classic Large Square Nestabilities (S4129 & S4128), silver ribbon, silver cord, Cuttlebug Snow Dots Embossing Folder, Silver Ice Stickles, pop-up Glue Dots

Wish me luck!!

Spooky Butterflies??

Here I come again with ANOTHER butterfly card! Butterflies for Halloween??? You bet!! Especially if you needed a Halloween butterfly card for some crazy, self-imposed challenge!

I was channelling all sorts of sources for this card, which I did for WT189. I got the web idea a couple of years ago from Jeanne S and this card (the whole darn card rocks!):

Jeanne's Card

I did the sunset sky thing as a tribute to Michelle (Zindorf). She does in infinitely better than me, but I like the idea, nonetheless.

And of course, I did a similar layout, turned the other way, last year. So I cased my own self!

It is hard to tell from the photo, but the drippy goo is actually where the front edge of the card ends. The spiders and the saffron piece of cardstock are actually on the inside of the card.

This card also evokes the beginnings of the whole butterfly challenge. It started out with a Ron Weasley card. Remember the quote from the Harry Potter movie (Chamber of Secrets)? "Follow the spiders??? Why couldn't it be follow the butterflies?????" So we got both spiders AND butterflies in this one. A goofy Halloween card, to be sure!

Stamps: Arachnophobia Wheel, Best Fiends (sentiment), Butterflies by Stampendous
Paper: Basic Black, So Saffron, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Really Rust, Lovely Lilac, Night of Navy
Accessories: black twine, large and small oval punches, CM circle cutter, Martha Stewart Drippy Goo punch, pop-up glue dots, sponge, brayer

Fall, Fall, Fall . . .

The air has definitely turned brisk as the seasons have, officially I think, changed from summer to fall. I walked outside yesterday and I could see my breath . . . and it was already 10:00 a.m.!

As I looked at the sketch challenge on SCS yesterday (SC199) I was drawing a blank . . . for a VERY long time. I just couldn't think of what images I wanted to play with and incorporate into it. I must have stared at it and thought about it for at least at hour! When I FINALLY picked this "Fabulous Flower" stamp, the rest just seemed to run away like a freight train!! I think I kind of went overboard with all the different patterns and such. It has grown on me, though, and now I think I like it!! I think the Autumn Vine paper is just LOVELY!! Now, pass the hot chocolate!!

Stamps: Fabulous Flowers, Hugs & Wishes, Season of Friendship
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, More Mustard, Very Vanilla, Autumn Vine dsp
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, More Mustard
Accessories: 1" circle punch, button, raffia, 1/4" chocolate chip grosgrain, Swiss Dots Cuttlebug embossing folder, sponge dauber, pop-up glue dots

Nothin' to do???

You know when you have a TON to do, but instead you do something you really shouldn't? I did the color challenge on SCS yesterday . . . TWICE . . . all the while the 200 paper-pieced/pop-up thank you cards that I need to finish were sitting on the table were taunting me!!

This first one has grown on me the more I look at it. I kept thinking, "Why on EARTH would I put PINK in a Christmas card???" (The color challenge was to use chocolate chip, pink pirouette and kiwi kiss.) I had a lot of fun putting it together, although I still think that this Scandinavian Season set looks a bit Hawaiian! Too bad I didn't have a sentiment stamp that said "Mele Kalikimaka!"

Stamps: Scandinavian Season, Season of Joy
Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilla
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Rhinestone, chocolate chip satin ribbon, D'vine Swirl Cuttlebug ef, Silver Ice Stickles, large oval punch, paper piercing tool/mat

I have done a layout similar to this a couple of times in the last month or so. I really like the silhouette-style flowers as a strip along the bottom of the card with a Cuttlebugged/textured strip on the top of the card. I used "Here for You" stamps by There She Goes. It is just full of lovely sentiments that are perfect for a sympathy card. It does take a long time to color the stamp with markers, though. I like the effect, so I just keep right on doin' it!!

Stamps: Here for You by There She Goes
Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilla
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink
Accessories: Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Cuttlebug Argyle ef, paper punching tool/mat, glue dots

More Spookiness!

Here is another card I created using my There She Goes "Spooktacular Silhouettes" set. I only wish I had reinked my black ink pad first! I realized just how weak the ink looks AFTER I photographed it! Oh well!

I used a funky fold I learned on SCS for TLC166 clear back in April! Here is a link if you would like to download Beth's pdf or word file with complete instructions:

Beth's Tutorial

You know me and folds . . . :)

Stamps: Spooktacular Silhouettes by There She Goes
Paper: Basic Black, Lovely Lilac, Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Cuttlebug Spider Web embossing folder, black gingham ribbon, pop-up glue dots, paper distressing tool, sponge