Share Joy #53 -- Notable Blooms

Hey all. . . if there is anyone left out there!  It's been a long time, but I won't bore you with why I haven't been posting anything in a hot minute.  Let's just say my mojo had shifted to other crafty endeavors, but I'm back baby!

What better way to come back than with a card for a challenge?!  Taylored Expressions has a weekly Share Joy Challenge, and I decided to use the sketch as my inspiration.  I used the Notable Blooms and matching dies for this card.  One of the great things about the challenge is that we are to send our card out to 'share joy'.  I plan to send this card to someone special celebrating a birthday at the end of the month :)

Now folks, I don't have a lot of new goodies to share.  I'm going to do my best to use what I have for the time being, however, that's not to say that I won't buy some new goodies from time to time.  In fact, I have a few cards to share later in the week that use said goodies.

Stamps:  TE Notable Blooms

Ink:  Onyx Black Ink, Distress Inks

Paper:  SU Night of Navy, Canson 140lb watercolor paper, Crate Paper Flea Market

Accessories:  TE Notable Blooms die, clear embossing powder, foam tape, Circle Nestabilities

Thanks for stopping in!

Deconstructed Sketch 195 -- Thanks

My final post of the day is for the Deconstructed Sketch #195.  Jen's sketches are always awesome, and since I had time to play I pulled up the sketch.  The challenge actually starts today, but she gives you a preview of the sketch on the Facebook page the night before.

I used Papertrey Ink set that hasn't seen a lot of light in the past called Trendy Tree Tops along with the matching Die.  It's such a darling set, which why I bought it, right?!  The only stamping I did on this card are the sentiment and the little birdie.  The papers are from the American Crafts Serendipity line.  Come play along if you can!

All right, I'm off to get some lasagnas made.  Have a wonderful Easter weekend!

Deconstructed Sketch: Love You

Hey everyone!  I hope you're having a fantastic start to your Tuesday morning!  I just wanted to stop in quickly to show you a card I made using the Deconstructed Sketch #187.  I used just a couple of goodies from Taylored Expressions:  Tag-a-long Valentine, Tag-a-long Valentine dies, and Build a Tag 2 die.  

I love the sketch that Jen has for us this week.  They are always good and definitely work jotting down to save for another day as well.  I used some Tombow markers to watercolor my cute little kitty, and finished the whole look off with some heart stickers.

Here are the links to the products I used in the TE store:

Tag-a-long Valentine

Tag-a-long Valentine Dies

Build a Tag 2

Tim Holtz Distress Watercolor Cardstock

*foam tape - 1/16" thick

InLinkz.com

Gratitude

Hey everyone!  This last weekend was our last full weekend here in Georgia, so I was up spending time with my mama and her husband.  Leaving her will certainly be the hardest part of leaving.  Needless to say we had a wonderful time.  We always do.

I have a card to show today, because I was so inspired by some new goodies I recently bought from Taylored Expressions.  The set is called Notable Blooms and it as a matching die.  I love that TE is doing that now, because I'm really quite a sucker for a matching die ;)  The papers, Carta Bella Sew Lovely, are from a past Key Ingredients Kit from TE.

I was also inspired by the new Deconstructed Sketch.

Stamps:  Notable Blooms

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento Espresso Truffle

Paper:  pink cardstock, Choice White, Carta Bella Sew Lovely

Accessories:  TE Notable Blooms die, Copics, mister, foam tape, Buttercream Liquid Pearls, Circle Nestabilities, sponge

Thanks for stopping in!

For You: Sketched Blooms

Hey everyone!  How about this crazy weather everyone is getting?!  This weekend I spent all day out at the tennis courts in 80+ degree weather, and now it's rainy and cold.  It's a crazy Spring we are having!  I had a bit of time on Friday to create for fun, so I used some new goodies from Taylored Expressions to make this card for an old Retrosketches challenge.

The images are from a new set called Sketched Blooms and the vase is a new die from the Various Vases dies.  The papers are from a an older Key Ingredients Kit.  There is always so much great stuff in a kit, that you get your money's worth and more!

 Stamps:  Sketched Blooms

Ink:  Memento Espresso Truffle

Paper:  Choice Buttercream, Simple Stories Fabulous dp, SU Espresso cs

Accessories:  TE Various Vases die, foam tape, Copics, ribbon

Thanks for stopping in this morning.  I don't have a decent lamp so I have to rely on natural light when I'm creating, so hopefully the sun will poke out later so I can create some beautiful things :)

Deconstructed Sketch: Coffee

I'm about ready to get started on some Love Fest challenges, which are from Splitcoaststampers, which I'll explain later.  Before I do, I wanted to show you a card I made for a friend using the Deconstructed Sketch from this week. 

I used a stamp that I haven't inked up before (gasp) from Papertrey Ink.  It's called Warm Happiness.  I just had to have it, since it's a coffee stamp.  I don't even drink that much coffee. . .1 cup a day, but I do love all things coffee and tea.  I drink both black, because I truly do love the taste, mmmm.

Stamps:  Warm Happiness

Ink:  SU Melon Mambo, SU Crumb Cake, Memento Espresso Truffle

Paper:  green cs, Simple Stories Fabulous dp, Choice buttercream

Accessories:  PTI Warm Happiness die, TE Banner Stacklets 2, Icicle Stickles, blue satin ribbon, pink button, cream twine, orange ribbon

Thanks for stopping by!

Mojo Monday Smiles

Happy Wednesday, friends!  My house is so clean right now that I found some time to play yesterday.  'Why is it so clean?' you ask.  Well, the house went on the market this last Saturday and we've already had 2 showings.  If you know anyone who is interested in buying check it out HERE!  Shameless plug I know ;p

You came for the card, so let me tell you about it.  I saw the Mojo Monday sketch, and was very inspired by it. . .always am.  I pulled out my new Crate Paper Flea Market paper pack along with my PTI set called Garden Variety along with the Garden Variety die.  I really love how it turned out!

Stamps:  Garden Variety

Ink:  SU Regal Rose, SU Crushed Curry, SU Soft Suede, SU Crumb Cake, SU Pool Party

Paper:  Choice Buttercream, Crate Paper Flea Market dp

Accessories:  PTI Garden Variety die, SU Crushed Curry ribbon, Cream Viva Liquid Pearls, Circle Nesties

Thanks for stopping!  Be sure to come back tomorrow to catch the reveal of the newest additions to the Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Team!

A Graphic Birthday

Yay, the weekend is here!  Unfortunately my weekend is filled with decluttering a few more rooms along with some painting touchups throughout the house.  After those are checked off of the list, the last things will be the outside of the house.  We've only held off on that, because the weather has been so bad.  C'mon sunshine!

I guess that must have been what I was thinking when I made this card for my sister-in-law.  I was just drawn to the bright yellows of this Fancy Pants paper from a prior TE Key Ingredients Kit.  I used the Graphic Greetings Birthday stamp from Taylored Expressions and followed Jen's latest sketch from Deconstructed Sketches.

Stamps:  Graphic Greetings Birthday

Ink:  Craft White

Paper:  past TE KI Kit to include Fancy Pants dp

Accessories:  ribbon from kit, white embossing powder, Doodlebug Pearls, corner rounder

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend enjoying family or whatever else you like to do!  May your days be super crafty :D

Deconstructed Sketch

 

Good morning everyone!  It seems to be a beautiful Friday morning here in Columbus, GA, and despite the fact that I am fighting a chest cold I'm planning to have a good day.  We were all pretty sick yesterday, so we didn't do school, but I did manage to get in the 'craft cave' for a bit.  I made this card for the Deconstructed Sketch.

Those sketches are always a treat, and I'm sad I don't get to participate every week.  I keep them in the memory banks. . .namely Pinterest, so that I can participate later.  I used a PTI set from last year called Sunflower Bouquet and its matching die.

It's such a gorgeous set, and so fun to color.  I need a bit of practice stamping it onto the die cut.  It works, but I could still use some practice.  I've been taking to decorating the insides as well.  I really love the look of it and feel it finishes it off nicely.

Stamps:  Sunflower Bouquet

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, SU River Rock

Paper:  PTI White, Simple Stories dp

Accessories:  Sunflower Bouquet die, ribbon, foam tape

Thanks for stopping in.  We have some make up school work from yesterday, so it will be a busy busy day :)

Forget the Cake

Happy Saturday morning friends!  I'm playing some tennis right now and then we are headed to Six Flags to celebrate my daughter's birthday!  We were supposed to do this last weekend for her actual birthday, but the weather was super crumby.  I thought it was fitting to show you this birthday card that I had made for my time on the Dirty Dozen for Splitcoaststampers.  That adorable image is from The Cat's Pajamas and it's called Forget About the Cake.  

I watercolored him on some Papertrey Ink Rustic White cardstock. . .not traditional I know, but it worked, and used a Martha Stewart punch to get the dripping icing effect.  The papers are from Studio Calico.

Hopefully the weather cooperates today and we'll be screaming our brains out on some crazy rides.  Wish me luck :D

A Saturday Sketch on Monday

Happy Monday!  It was a wonderful weekend in our house.  My husband got back from a residency week on Friday afternoon, and we just enjoyed time together.  It was our 14th wedding anniversary last week, but we celebrated Saturday evening by heading up to Atlanta for an amazing dinner at a place called Fogo de Chao. . .OMGoodness it was so delicious!  On the way home we took a detour and drove through the town of Senoia, which is where the Walking Dead filmed a lot of season 3.  It was a fun little adventure.  

I treated myself for my anniversary by buying myself a few new goodies from Taylored Expressions.  Have you checked out all of the new awesomeness that they just released?!  I plan on playing some more today with my goodies hehe.  

I used the Saturday Sketch along with my new Zinnia Bouquet set and the Branches, Banner, & Bloom dies that matches a previous Stamp of the Month .  Talk about fun to color!  I was able to use a couple of Spellbinders dies that I haven't used in quite a while. . .the Large Hexagon & Large Scalloped Hexagon.  It always feels good to use some older things.  It justifies why I hang onto so much ;)

Stamps:  Zinnia Bouquet

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  MME Up, Up, & Away, green cs, PTI rustic cream

Accessories:  Copics, foam tape, Large Hexagon & Large Scalloped Hexagon Nestabilities, TE Branches, Banner, & Bloom die

Thanks for stopping in!  I'll see you tomorrow for the Taylored Expressions Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

Mojo Monday

Hey stampy friends!  I have a quick post today to share a card I made for the Mojo Monday challenge.  It uses some Papertrey Ink products that were available only last year.  I honestly can't find them on the website, so I'm going to assume that they are no longer available.  Sorry about that.  I used a paper kit from Simon Says that was available just a few months ago.

I'm just trying to use what I have, and that's a good feeling :)

We may be doing some dissection today. . .I'm not sure if I have one of the two convinced quite yet.  The other is super excited, because she wants to be a vet.  My oldest is completely disgusted by the idea, haha.  For a little summer dissection fun you can check out Home Science Tools to pick up a kit.  I think the price was pretty reasonable for what we got :)

June Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients

June?!  Yes, June, ladies & gents!  It is now officially June and it is time for a new Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Kit!  I'm kinda in luuurve with this one (I know, I know. . .I say that every month).  However, I really am.  The colors and papers are just perfect!  The kit all coordinates and comes with a 6" x 6" pad of Simple Stories Vintage Bliss. . .and it really is some bliss!

I saw Jen's Deconstructed Sketch, and really wanted to play along.  I grabbed my Fruity Friends set from TE, and got inky.  It's been super busy with end of the school year parties, work promotion parties, military stuff, and so on, so I haven't gotten as inky as I have wanted to.  I plan on getting pretty inking in the next couple of weeks, believe me!

Stamps:  Fruity Friends

Paper:  June 2013 TE KI Kit

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, SU Regal Rose, SU Bermuda Bay, Distress Peeled Paint

Accessories:  ribbon from kit, TE Labels Stacklets 3, sponge, Copics, foam tape, cream twine

If you haven't checked out the Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Kits, head on over the Subscriptions page to check out the three options!  When you're done there, you can check out the Key Ingredients Galleries for tons of inspiration that gets added to throughout the month :D  It's a win/win peeps!

Now I need to get ready for some end of the year baseball/softball parties. . .fun in the sun on the lake!

So Many Smiles

I had a bit of time this morning to make something for the Retro Sketches from Saturday.  They always have the best sketches to follow.  I pulled out a set from Papertrey Ink called Natural Beauty, that I earned earlier this year.  I just love those overlapping flowers.

My arrow comes from Studio Calico's wood veneer line that I purchased over at Simon Says Stamp.

Stamps:  Natural Beauty

Paper:  Neenah Solar White, MME Mabel dp

Ink:  SU Apricot Appeal, SU Pumpkin Pie, SU Pool Party, SU Bermuda Bay, SU Lucky Limeade, Distress Vintage Photo, Craft White

Accessories:  Hearts & Arrows Wood Veneer, white embossing powder, foam tape, Labels 11 Nestabilities, Buttercream Liquid Pearls

Thanks for stopping in!  Be sure to come back tomorrow :)

Happy Heart

Oh happy day, it's Friday!  I've been scrambling around getting the kids motivated to get the last few weeks of school done before we have our standardized tests.  In between I've made the time to create a few things.  I've made quite a few Mother's Day cards, but sadly had to get them in the mail so I didn't get pictures taken.  Normally I'm so good at taking pictures ahead of time, but not this time.  

Yesterday I saw the Mojo Monday sketch and decided to play along.  I pulled out the new May Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Kit along with a newer set called Happy Heart.  I'm so happy with how this one turned out.

 Stamps:  Happy Heart

Ink:  Craft White, Distress Black Soot

Paper:  May 2013 TE KI Kit

Accessories:  ribbon from kit, Prima flowers, Circle Nestabilities, foam tape, sponge, Liquid Pearls, white embossing powder

If you haven't seen what comes in the kit, take a peek:

Gorgeous stuff in there, huh?!  All right well, I'm going to go and educate my children for the day ;)  I'm hoping to have more crafting time, so I hope to see you later!

Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Kit for May

Have you checked out the latest Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Kit for May?  If not, you should!  It includes the papers from Echo Park's Sweet Girl line, and I just love all of the vibrant colors in the kit.  I used my kit this morning to make a card for 100th sketch over at Deconstructed Sketches.  Plus, it's my father-in-law's birthday this weekend.

I decided to flip the sketch on it's side, and I used the Oh Snap stamp set from Taylored Expressions that was released a couple of months ago.  There is a matching camera die that you can purchase to go with the set.  The little banner was made with a new die set that was just released to go with the new SOTM from Taylored Expressions called Branches Banner & Bloom.  Lots of goodies to see, I tell ya!

 Stamps:  Oh Snap

Paper:  May 2013 Key Ingredients Kit

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, SU Bermuda Bay, Distress Barn Door

Accessories:  ribbon from kit, Labels 12 Nestabilities, Oh Snap Cameras Die, Branches Banner & Bloom Die, foam tape, sponge, Copics

 It's a celebration for the 100th sketch, so you should really go check it out!  Congrats to the sketch team and Jen for providing so many wonderful sketches and inspiration!

Goat-tee

I played along with the Splitcoaststampers Sketch Challenge this morning, and came up with a birthday card for my son's friend at the same time.  

He has grown accustomed to making special requests for birthday cards, which is something I love.  They can't imagine buying a card from a store when Mom is right here to make a special one!  What he really wanted was for me to make a card with a minotaur on it.  Honestly, I was stumped so he had to come up with a different idea. . .a goat with facial hair, hehe.  I managed to do it, but now I know a way to make the minotaur.  I'll be saving that for his birthday ;)

Stamps:  Green Acres, Sentiment Sampler, Chubby Chums (Paper Smooches)

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Inks: Peeled Paint, Black Soot, Faded Jeans, Tumbled Glass

Paper:  watercolor, Neenah Solar White, SU Yoyo Yellow

Accessories:  washi tape, black embossing powder, foam tape

Copics:  T1, T3, T5, T7, Y13, Y17, 100

Joann's was having a super sale on their papercrafting section, and I happened to have a coupon for an extra 25% off my purchase for my birthday month.  I ended up getting a bunch of goodies for 75% off! I have a few new Distress Inks along with the Craft Mat (so stoked about that), so I made my background.  It is such a fun way to make a background, and I am sort of addicted so this won't be the last time you see that watercolored background :D

I better get the kids up and start school.  Thanks for stopping in this morning!

Birthday Bot

Well, it was back to the grind this morning after a couple of weeks of Spring Break.  At least, that's what it was for us since my husband happened to have a couple of weeks off.  That never really happens, so when it does we take advantage.  It was also my birthday weekend.  We had a very successful garage sale the morning of my birthday, and then my husband surprised me with a few friends over that night.  It was such a great time.

This is a big birthday month for our family.  My nephew's birthday is in a few days and my mother's the day after that.  Plus, my sister is due any day now with baby #2.  I'm so super excited, because my birthday present is a trip out to see her and help out after the baby is born!

This particular card I made is for my nephew.  He's turning 5, so the little Birthdaybot set from There She Goes Stamps was perfect for him.  I used the Mojo Monday sketch and colored on kraft paper with my Copics.  This is my first attempt, and it was great!  As you can tell from my picture, it was a bit hard to photograph. . .or maybe it was laziness since most of the day is gone :p

Stamps:  Birthdaybot

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  kraft, MME Funday Kraft

Accessories:  Copics, white Prismacolor pencil, foam tape

I'm off to check some papers from our school day.  It has been a rough start back after a long time off. . .for all of us, haha.  Thanks for stopping in!

A Deconstructed Sketch

I stole some time yesterday in between all of the 'purging' to make this card for the Deconstructed Sketch.  I used the Fancy Pants papers along with a Simon Says Stamp set called Happy Every Day.  I embossed the sentiment in white and apparently forgot to use my embossing buddy over the black cardstock first.  As you can see, it's littered with white specs of embossing powder. . .oops!

Otherwise I really like how the card turned out!  I made it for a friend, because we both potentially have some big changes over the horizon.  We are both trusting God, which is the best plan of action :)

This card measures 5 1/2" x 3 1/4", which fits perfectly in the matching Fancy Pants envelopes!  LOVE!

Thanks for stopping in!

Just a Note

I've been a bit busy lately, which is why I haven't posted as much as I normally do.  Most of you probably haven't noticed, because I'm sure you are busy with life too.  I did have some time over the weekend to play a bit in my 'craft cave'.  I made a card using the sketch from the Retro Sketches.  I absolutely LOVE those sketches, and when I can play those are the ones I'm drawn to.  

I pulled out my Vintage Dreamer set from Taylored Expressions along with this gorgeous Studio Calico paper.  I think I'm in love with the prima flowers too. . .even if I am a few years too late on that trend, they are still gorgeous.

 Stamps:  Vintage Dreamer

Ink:  PTI Ocean Tides, SU Pumpkin Pie

Paper:  kraft, PTI Rustic White, Studio Calico Everyday dp

Accessories:  cream twine, prima roses, foam tape

And here is why I've been busy:

Those two amazing kids have had me running with their Little League commitments and other school functions.  I'm so proud of them and their accomplishments as young people, athletes, and young academics.  My daughter took first place in her age for the Spelling Bee in our area this year.  My son had an amazing last game. . .a 3 run home run, a triple, and a single, plus a few amazing defensive plays.  Our daily devotions are my favorite part of the school day as I watch them grow in their faith.  Plus, they have been impressing me with their daily school work as well.  Most days I just can't believe how blessed I am to be their mom and their educator.  God is good.

I just thought you might like to see the beautiful faces that have taken a chunk of my time, and I wouldn't have it any other way ;)