Gotta Love Glitter!!

Here's another card I made for VSN (FEB11VSNE) over on SCS - the challenge was to incorporate a little red dress...what???? I don't HAVE any dress stamps!! I was lamenting to my BFF, Kathy, about it. She basically said, "Duh!!! Don't you own a Cricut???"

Well, DUH is right!!! Have LOTSA images on there I could use, so this is what I made. I soooooo love glittery paper ... don't you??? (Okay, don't tell me if you don't, 'cause I can't imagine that anyone WOULDN'T!)

Stamps: Fabulous Phrases
Paper: Real Red, Whisper White, Night and Day DSP, Glimmer Red DSP
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Cricut Forever Young Cartridge, Large Oval Punch, Small Oval Punch, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Pearl Stickers

Bargello???

I wasn't quite sure what this meant when I first saw it for the Technique Lover's Challenge over on SCS (TLC313). I mean ... what the heck???? In the end, I ended up LOVING this technique. You can check out Joan Ervin's tutorial HERE.

Pretty danged cool, eh? I actually did this for VSN (Virtual Stamp Night - FEB11VSND). The challenge for THAT was to use at least two different techniques on your card, so I tried the Bargello thing with some good ol' dry embossing. Have to say that I {{HEART}} this Bargello thing!! I'm DEFINITELY gonna do it again!! Too-too fun!! (And I LOVED pulling out some of my old-time-fave DSP - Bella Bleu!!)

Stamps: Friends Never Fade, Fabulous Phrases
Paper: Not Quite Navy
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Bella Bleu DSP
Accessories: Decorator Label Punch, Small Oval Punch, Perfect Polka Dots and Elegant Lines Textured Impressions Folders, Crumb Cake Taffeta Ribbon, Pop-Up Glue Dots

Enjoy your weekend!!

Aloha Friday!!

I was trying to come up with an idea for the Free for All Challenge over on SCS for tomorrow ... couldn't think of much. That's where my BFF, Deb Felts, came to the rescue!!! I had some ideas, but couldn't figure out how to tie them together. She told me that when she lived in Hawaii they had what they called "Aloha Fridays" ... you know how us "Mainlanders" have "Dress Down" or "Blue Jeans" days ... the ones at work or school where they let you wear your comfy clothes??? In Hawaii they are allowed to do the same thing (even wear a muu-muu if they want to!)!

So my challenge basically was to do something inspired by the islands ... Polynesian, tropical, Asian ... lots of options! This first card was a little more Asian. I have really been liking all my Asian-themed "toys" lately ...

Stamps: Asian Dreams
Paper: Crumb Cake Whisper White, Basic Black, So Saffron, Cherry Cobbler
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Wide Oval Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Folder, Pearl Stickers, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Pop-Up Glue Dots

This was my second sample ... where I used more of a tropical feel ... (this is more of a "something old" - the stamps and ribbon - "something new" - the Tiny Tags stamp set - "something borrowed" - my darling daughter's paper-cutting skills as she cut out the flowers for me - and something blue with the Pacific Point ink and paper!)!

Stamps: Tropical Party, Tiny Tags
Paper: Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Pacific Point, Melon Mambo, Tangerine Tamgo
Accessories: Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder, Wild Wasabi Double-Stitched Ribbon, Pop-Up Glue Dots

Sooo ALOHA, FRIDAY!!

Happy Birthday A-La Freaks!

Happy Birthday!! Well, at least Freaky-Style!! You should have just come from the AMAZING blog of my incredibly talented friend, Dawn Olchefske. I'm am never NOT floored by what she comes up with!

My first project today is just a color block card ... I love doing this sort of thing. A "block" card can be done for anyone of any age ... boys, girls, young, old ... just change up the colors and the images a little, and you're good ta go!!!

Stamps: Bring on the Cake
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Marina Mist, So Saffron, Real Red, Wild,Wasabi, Whisper White
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Marina Mist, So Saffron, Real Red
Accessories: Whisper White Satin Ribbon, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder, Bitty Buttons, Bitty Punch, Dimensionals

And what's a birthday without a banner to help celebrate it?? I was really trying NOT to use the "Create a Cupcake" stamp ... honest ... really ... but I couldn't help myself!! Those stinkin' cupcakes are just stinkin' ca-YOOT!!!


Here's a closeup ... my favorite thing to do with the cupcakes is to texturize the frosting with the Perfect Polka Dots and Elegant Lines Textured Impressions Folders ... I'm just hooked, what can I say???

Stamps: Create a Cupcake, Lovely Letters
Paper: Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler
Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Build a Cupcake Punch, Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding

Next stop on the hop?? Lee Ann Greff! Check it out!!

Cricut's a-Chirpin'!

Another quick little post today ...

I made this Hello Kitty birthday card for my cousin's little girl, Emma. She turned 6 yesterday!!! I remember 6 ... barely ... sorta ... time seems to go faster and faster as the years go by. Why is that??? I also used this as my sample for today's F4A challenge over on SCS - F4A52 - Kinder Birthday. The challenge was an easy one ... to create a birthday card for a special little person in your life! That's pretty much all ...

I have really been enjoying my Cricut and Gypsy lately. It's fun to combine the cut out images with some embossing folders and some stamps. I like it when I can use a variety of things to create something. Good thing I have lots of fun toys, er TOOLS, to play with, eh?

Stamps: Create a Cupcake
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Basic Black, Whisper White, Real Red
Ink: Melon Mambo
Accessories: Cricut Hello Kitty Greetings, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, 1/16" Circle Punch, Cupcake Embossing Folder from Once Upon a Princess Companion Set, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder, D'Vine Swirl Embossing Folder, Silver Thread, Dimensionals

Be sure to tune in tomorrow evening for this month's Control Freaks Blog Tour ... we're going to be highlighting birthdays (so today is just a warm up!)!

TGoodnessIF!!

A Birthday and Some Valentines ...

Just a few photos to share with ya today ... I think I may actually live at this point. I wasn't so sure this past week as I have struggled with the throat "Gamboo" ... I HATE being sick!! No fun and SUCH a waste of time!!

This is a card I made for my cousin's birthday this week ... guy cards always seem to be so much work - I always have to think so much more in order to get a finished product. Why is that??? Could it possibly be that so many of my stamps are flowery??? Hmmm..... could be!!

Stamps: Plane & Simple
Paper: Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait, Crumb Cake, First Edition DSP
Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Decorative Label Punch, Photo Corners Punch, Square Lattice Textured Impressions Folder, Paper Distressing Tool, Linen Thread, Paper Piercing Tool/Mat

And here are a few photos of what I made for Valentine's Day. I made these heart-shaped Rice Krispie treats for my girls at church. I used the coolest mini cake pan that I bought at Michael's on Saturday. It was a sticky, gooey process, but I think these turned out kinda fun (and the girls just gobbled them up!).

Here is what they looked like after I packaged 'em up ... kinda fun, don'tcha think??

Stamps: Filled With Love, Punch Bunch
Paper: Whisper White
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso
Accessories: Large Heart Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Rhinestone Stickers, Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, Cellophane Wrap, Silver Thread

And one last picture ... I also acquired another cool cake pan while I was at Michael's ... this one allows you to make a cake with a tunnel through the middle shaped like a heart, see??? I KNEW as soon as I saw it that my darling daughter would want to make a cake with it ... which she did ... right away!! Totally fun! And totally yummy! I took this picture with my phone, so the quality is not quite as good, but it was a red velvet cake with raspberry cream filling. YUMMMMMM!!!

Birthday Blossom

I can't count how many times I have seen a new punch/stamp combo and said, "I'm NOT going to get that!" Case in point ... the Build a Blossom punch/stamp combo ... I had NO interest in this ... seriously, I wasn't gonna buy it!!

But then, of course, you start seeing what other peeps are making with it ... and you cave ... same thing happened to me with the cupcake punch and the bird/branch punch ... wasn't gonna get THOSE, either. WhatEVER!!

So, this is what I came up with. I think it is going to take LOTS of experimenting to see what I can really do with this combo ... lots of pieces to play with, that's for sure!!

I can finally talk again (hooray!), but I still sound like Froggy the Gremlin (my dad always used to call me that when I would get laryngitis). I sooooo can't wait for spring and some warmer weather, how 'bout you??

Stamps: Build a Blossom, So Happy for You
Paper: Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, First Edition DSP
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, Old Olive
Accessories: Tulip Frame and Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folders, Blossom Petals Punch, Corner Rounder Punch, Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding, Springtime Vintage Big Designer Button

Cupcakes, Anyone??

After my last looong, epic post from my nearly-failed attempt at making a cake this past weekend, I am going to make this one short and sweet ...

I did a swap with my upline/sideline friendies this past week (waves to Shellee, Chairl and Cheryl!!). This is one of the cards I did for them ... I must have "cake on the brain" ... I guess it could be a theme kinda thing, right??

Been battling a sore throat/laryngitis sorta thing this week. Not too much fun, but I think my family is enjoying the peace and quiet!!!

Happy Wednesday!!

Stamps: Create a Cupcake, Lovely Letters
Paper: Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake
Ink: Melon Mambo, Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Cupcake Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Tulip Frame, Perfect Polka Dots and Elegant Lines Textured Impressions Folders, Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon, Eyelet Border Punch

"The Tale of Two Cake-ies"

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times… it was the age of fondant, it was the age of frustration, it was the epoch of shortening, it was the epoch of powdered sugar, it was the season of colorful icing, it was the season of colorful adjectives, it was the spring of lofty ideas, it was the winter of despair, we had the promise of cake before us, we had epic cake failure before us, it was all going direct to our stomachs, it was all going direct to the garbage - in short, the period was so far from expectation, that some of its staunchest believers insisted on trying until a finished product was achieved, for good or for evil, in the loosest form of “cake” only.

Hoooooooly Smokes!! I had definitely anticipated some bit of learning curve as I attempted to make my very first creation with my happy-new Cricut Cake machine … what I DIDN’T expect was the EPOCH struggle I had with the marshmallow fondant that I decided to make myself!! SHEESH!! Marshmallow fondant is supposed to be YUMMIER than regular ol' fondant, right???

My first attempt at this cake was an hours-long disaster!! It was all mixed by hand ... the kitchen table was covered in a sticky pile of goo, which, despite adding and adding and ADDING powdered sugar, it just didn't seem to get "un"sticky!! After rolling it out forEVER, I finally got a piece that I "thought" would work. I transferred it to the cake only to discover that it was too small ... and cracked on one side. NOTHING I could do about that. As embarrassing as it is to admit, I was sooo frustrated that I hucked it into the garbage (much to the dismay of my hubby, who can't STAND to see a perfectly "good" UNEATEN cake go to waste!!). See that speck of yellow?? That is all that remains of attempt #1 ... I was soooo sick of yellow that I decided to move on to a new color ...

Sooo ... I trudged back to the store for another cake mix. It was late ... I was tired ... NOT a good combo! I baked another cake, and was kinda impatient to get it out of the pans. I wanted it to be done so I could be DONE and go to bed and start again the next morning. Well, you know what happens to cake when it is STILL too warm to take out of the pans??? Needless to say, the guys had a large ziploc baggie full of cake parts to snack on ... (which really makes this the "Tale of THREE Cake-ies" ... but I am just choosing to ignore this second attempt, as frosting/decorating was never even started!!).

Once again, Amelia and I tromped BACK over to the store (not quite sure what time it was at this point ... but it WAS late! Good thing we live right across the street from the store!). Amelia convinced me to buy a few extra cake mixes ... JUST in case!! Happily, this cake was baked and cooling when I headed off to bed ...

I decided to use my trusty ol' KitchenAid mixer to "aid" me in mixing up the fondant. Good idea, right??? NOT!! I didn't even get halfway through adding the powdered sugar when it started slowing my mixer down ... I am pretty sure I was making a batch of CEMENT!! I removed it from the mixer and began kneading it .... and kneading it ... and kneading it ... added some blue coloring and was FINALLY able to cover it so that it looked like this ... (a Smurf cake, right??? When my bff, Karen, said it looked Smurf-like, at least it made me smile long enough to keep on trying!!)

Then, I added a little yellow to it. At his point my husband asked me if I was making a Steelers cake or a Packers cake ... what??? Is THAT who is playing in the Super Bowl??? How the heck should I know ... as far as I was concerned this was for my high school team ... our colors were blue and gold ... GO PIRATES!! Anywho ...

I added a football ... kinda sad, but it sorta looks like one, right??? I wanted to put some grass "turf" around the sides of the cake, but this fondant was just NOT the right consistency. Anything I tired to cut on my Cake machine that had ANY level of intricacy got shredded up when I tried to cut it. Sigh ... So I settled for simple circles and stars (which are pretty wobbly, at best). And BEFORE you ask ... I DID put the mat in the freezer BEFORE I tried to cut it out. I was only MILDLY successful ... sometimes ...

SOOoooo ... this is the best I could come up with!! Moral to the story??? Do NOT attempt to make marshmallow fondant to cut out with the Cricut Cake machine ... unless, of course, someone else does it FOR you ... and makes it to the absolute PERFECT consistency ... my husband said, "Aren't you glad that at least the machine was FREE??""

Cricut Cartridges: Cake Basics, George and Basic Shapes, Everyday Paper Dolls

A LITTLE Color ...

Wowza ... been trying to get my act together since returning from sunny Southern Cal and CHA. Seems it takes oh-so-much longer to get your schedule back on track when you leave it alone for a few days .... SHEESH!

It was my turn as hostess of the Free for All challenge on SCS today. I chose to go with what I am callin' "Almost Monochromatic." The rules were to use (1) white or vanilla cardstock, (2) AND one neutral color of cardstock, (3) AND one other color of cardstock AND (4) to stamps ALL images/sentiments/backgrounds in the same color.

I didn't realize 'til I was posting this challenge that I actually kinda cheated ... I have just a TINY hint of some Early Espresso cardstock behind the butterfly image ... I just couldn't help myself, I guess!! Well, the rules are more like "guidelines" anyway, right?? (Kinda like the Pirate Code, right???)

Stamps: Nature Walk, Occasional Quotes
Paper: Always Artichoke, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla
Ink: Early Espresso
Accessories: 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Large Oval Punch, Square Lattice Textured Impressions Folder, Always Artichoke Seam Binding, Corner Rounder Punch, Pop-Up Glue Dots

This was my second sample (and there isn't ANY cheating going on here!)! Love this little easter set in the new Occasions Mini for SU ... it's TOTALLY makin' me LOOOONNNNGG for some Spring here, people!! Get us up outta the single digits at least!!

Stamps: Easter Blossoms
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla, Sahara Sand
Ink: Not Quite Navy
Accessories: 2 3/3" Scallop Circle Punch, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Buttons Embosslits Die, Linen Thread, Paper Piercing Tool/Mat, Linen Thread

I'm totally planning on playing with my Cricut Cake machine this weekend. If I make something presentable here I'll post some pix for ya!!

Enjoy your weekend!! Since the groundhog DIDN'T see his shadow last Wednesday, I'm just DREAMIN' about that summer sunbun!!