Wordless Wednesday

Hey there crafty peeps!  I don't have anything super special to share with you today, I just wanted to make a card.  We've had some transitions happening around here, and so crafting was halted a bit.  We're in the process of shifting my 'craft cave' to another part of the house, but I need to do some painting on the walls in those places before the shifting is complete.  With that being said, I'm waiting on my husband to have a bit of time off.  I did get in there, in the midst of the mess and chaos, and made this wordless beauty.  I just luuurve that Life is Sweet set from Papertrey Ink.

I'm entering my pretty roses in the Simon Says 'Anything Goes' challenge.

Stamps:  Life is Sweet

Ink:  SU Melon Mambo, SU Lucky Limeade

Paper:  PTI white, blue

Accessories:  Gold Viva Pearl Pen, TE Label Stacklets 3 die, foam tape, corner chomper

Thanks for stopping in to check on me :)

October Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients

Hey everyone!  It's been a few since I posted, but that is not from a lack of creating.  We are in the process of moving things around in the house getting prepped for a big move next year.  We have to make this place presentable, and I've been informed that a 'craft cave' out of my closet may not be the most appealing to potential buyers.  I say, those probably aren't the people I want to buy this home anyway ;)  Needless to say we're busy, like everyone else but I assure you I am creating. 

I'm showing you another card using the latest Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Kit!  I decided with Christmas around the corner, yes right. . .around. . .the corner, I should use the kit to make a Christmas card.  Nontraditional Christmas colors have always been my favorite, so pinks and teals, yes please!  I used the Winter Wonderland set along with the Winter Wonderland Snowflakes die and the Instant Photo Frames die too.

 Stamps:  Winter Wonderland

Ink:  craft white, SU Rich Razzleberry

Paper:  October 2013 TE KI Kit

Accessories:  ribbon from kit, TE Winter Wonderland Snowflakes die, TE Instant Photo Frames die, white embossing powder, white Sharpie, foam tape

If you haven't seen it yet, here's what the Kit looks like:

Pretty awesome stuff, huh?!  There are only a few more days that it will be available, so you may just want to get over to the Taylored Expressions store and order yourself one.  Think of all of the possibilities!

Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Kit

Happy Monday!  Today is another beautiful blessing from God filled with lots to do, however, I don't think I'm going to get around to doing much more than laundry.  We have sick one in our house, and that always breaks my heart.  Both her and I are a bit tired from being up all night.  School pictures were supposed to happen today, but that probably won't now.  Send prayers for healing if you think of it :)

Onto my card, which uses the October Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Kit.  Those papers are so rich a beautiful and come from Webster's Pages Recorded line.  I scrunched up my ribbon over the Banner Stacklets 2 die and used the Let's Chat stamp set from TE along with the matching Let's Chat die.

 Stamps:  Let's Chat

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  October 13 TE KI Kit

Accessories:  ribbon from kit, TE Let's Chat die, TE Banner Stacklets 2 die, Circle Nestabilities, Copics, foam tape

As you can see the kit is pretty awesome (as always):

If you've never heard of the kits, you really need to check out all of the benefits that the kits have to offer along with the 3 different kit options.  Not only that, but there is a Gallery filled with inspiration, so you'll never run out of ideas for the kits!

Thanks for stopping in. . .I need to tend to poor little sick one :(

Another HYCCT Card

This is as caught up as I am for the Hope You Can Cling To challenges going on over at Splitcoaststampers.  I was hoping to have a few more, but yesterday was filled with tennis and friends.  Today will be quite the same :)

Today's card was for Sabrina's 'Cover-Up' challenge, which was to create a card with a hidden message on the front.  What a fun challenge!  My card has an opening flap and uses a couple of Paper Smooches stamps; Chubby Chums & Word Salad.

Don't look too closely at the sentiment, because it's just a tad messed up :/  I did, however, think that the sentiments I chose go perfectly with the images.  Who wouldn't love a duck with red glasses?!

Stamps:  Chubby Chums, Word Salad

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Rocket Red Brilliance, SU Baja Breeze

Paper:  Choice White, random dp, SU pink note card

Accessories:  Copics, TE Quatrefoil Cutting Plate, foam tape, blue half pearls

Thanks for stopping in, and have a very blessed Sunday!

2 Cards for HYCCT

I have two more cards to show for Hope You Can Cling To, the challenges going on over at Splitcoastampers!  I am now a few cards behind, because of school and this being a four day weekend for my husband.  Monday I'm hoping to get a bit more caught up :)

My first card is for Misti's the Many Colors of Cancer challenge.  I chose to use the color Lilac, which is for all cancers.  I'm blessed that cancer does not run in our family, but we have had way too many friends affected by this horrific disease.  For that reason, I chose lilac to symbolize all of them.  This card uses a Simon Says Stamp called Very Special along with a Simon Says Stencil called Moroccan Stencil.

 Stamps:  Very Special

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, SU Wisteria Wonder

Paper:  Choice White

Accessories:  Moroccan Stencil, sponge, purple half pearls

My other card for today is for Lori's Peaceful Leaves challenge.  It uses a couple of Papertrey Ink stamps called Friendship Jar and Friendship Jar Fall Fillers, along with the August 2013 Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Kit.

Stamps:  Friendship Jar, Friendship Jar Fall Fillers

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  Aug. 13 TE KI Kit

Accessories:  ribbon from kit, Friendship Jar die, Jar Toppers die, foam tape, Copics

I need to run.  We have a couple of my son's friends over for breakfast this morning, and teenage boys equals food :)

4 New Cards for Hope You Can Cling To

I'm almost entirely caught up with the Hope You Can Cling To challenges going on over at Splitcoaststampers.  If you're new to HYCCT, you really need to check it out.  It's an amazing opportunity to use the talents that God has given you to benefit others!

The first card I'm showing you is for Lydia's first challenge to us, which was to create an card with a dimensional image on the inside that can be seen from the outside.  I used the new October Stamp of the Month from Taylored Expressions along with the Key Ingredients Kit, to make a retro card.  I loved mixed tapes as a kid, and creating them was so super fun.

 Stamps:  Instant Love

Ink:  SU Cameo Coral, Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  October 2013 TE KI Kit

Accessories:  ribbon from kit, cream twine, TE Remember When die, TE Ric Rac Border die, TE Label Stacklets 3 die, Tape Deck Charms, Copics, Tags Nestabilities, foam tape

My second card is for Jeanne's challenge to make a card to put a smile on someone's face.  That chicken from the Paper Smooches set called Green Acres puts a smile on my face, hehe.  The background paper was made with some Distress Tumbled Glass ink and some water misters.  I finished that off with some gold powders in a water mister too.

 Stamps:  Green Acres

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Tumbled Glass

Paper:  kraft, Choice White, watercolor

Accessories:  copics, water misters, foam tape, orange ribbon

My third card was made for Bridget's PINKterest challenge, to create a card from one of the Pinterest pictures she posted as inspiration.  I chose one that had beautiful oil paints in these colors painted in blocks of color.  I used a couple of Papertrey Ink sets called Signature Greetings II and Happy Harlequin.

 Stamps:  Signature Greetings II, Happy Harlequin

Ink:  SU Rich Razzleberry, SU Pale Plum, SU Pink Pirouette, SU Melon Mambo, SU Pretty ink Pink, SU Crushed Curry, Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  PTI Rustic White

My final card for the day is for Lee's Pink Camo challenge.  I used 2 Paper Smooches stamp sets called Circle of Honor and Good Gab.  I went pretty simple on it, although I wanted to be more creative.

Stamps:  Circle of Honor, Good Gab

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  SU Kaliedoscope dp, Choice White

Accessories:  Copics, foam tape

I have more, but I'm going to pace myself on posting them.  I really do hope that you'll join me and many others in the challenges over at Splitcoaststampers!

Taylored Expressions Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Hey there my crafty friends!  Welcome to the monthly Taylored Expressions Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!  If you stumbled over here, cool!  If not, I hope you're enjoying the hop.  Grab some coffee and enjoy the inspiration that is being brought to you by the Taylored Expressions Baker's Dozen and Key Ingredients Teams :)

October's Stamp of the Month (SOTM) is called Instant Love and it's matching die set that is sold separately is called Remember When.  Both are simply awesome, and I know I'll be using them over and over again, because I just love how retro they are!

Taylor offers 3 different Kit options, so there is something for everyone:  The Stamp of the Month, for those that just want stamps, The Key Ingredients Kit, for those that want just want papers and ribbon that match, and The Deluxe Key Ingredients Kit, for those that want all the matchy goodness and the best deal out there!

For my card I used both the kit and the SOTM.  I'm a freak for things that match, and Taylor's kits take all of the guess work out of it.  My image was stamped using the Rock 'n Roll technique, where you stamp your image in one lighter color and then just roll the edges around on a darker color.  As always, I'm in love with the papers in this kit from Webster's Pages Recorded.  Of course I used the matching dies, and topped it off with the Lily White Doodlebug Sprinkles that Taylor has in the shop.

My card was also made for the Hope You Can Cling To challenge, 'Punch Out Breast Cancer' going on over at Splitcoaststampers.  I used the new dies as my 'punches' since I actually don't own anymore punches :)

Stamps:  Instant Love

Ink:  SU Crumb Cake, Memento Tuxedo Black, SU Cameo Coral

Paper:  October 2013 TE KI Kit

Accessories:  ribbon from kit, TE Remember When die, Lily White Doodlebug Sprinkles, foam tape

Here's a sneak at what the kit, SOTM, and die look like:

If you're new to the idea of Taylor's Kits, then you'll need to go and check out all of the option on her Kit Page.  Plus, there is a gallery set up every month that gets filled to the brim with ideas in the Key Ingredients Gallery, as well as the Stamp of the Month Gallery.  You'll never run out of inspiration!

There is more hoppy goodness to be seen, so be sure to keep on hopping!

Amy Crockett

Carole Burrage

Cassie Trask

Charmaine Ikach

Jen Shults

Monika Davis

Shelly Mercado

Stephanie Kraft

Taylor VanBruggen

Tracy Clemente

Thanks for stopping by!

Hope You Can Cling To

It's that time of year again, and my company has left so I am making time to get cards made for the Hope You Can Cling To Challenges going on over at Splitcoaststampers!  You can read all about what a wonderful campaign it is HERE.  

I'm behind by two already, but I may remedy that later on.  To start I used Lori's challenge of Courage and Strength.  Red and Orange are the colors of courage and strength, so I inked up my background with both colors, and topped it off with a sentiment from a Taylored Expressions set called Happy Heart.

Stamps:  Happy Heart

Ink:  Craft White, Distress Barn Red, SU Pumpkin Pie

Paper:  watercolor, black

Accessories:  water mister, white embossing powder, white twill ribbon, TE Banner Stacklets 2 die

My second card was made for Beate's Flat and Fabulous challenge.  I used one layer of kraft cardstock and stamped those flowers from the Reflections set by Paper Smooches.  The sentiment is from Good Gab.

Stamps:  Reflections & Good Gab

Ink:  Craft White, SU Always Artichoke, SU Cameo Coral, SU Apricot Appeal, SU Pumpkin Pie, Distress Black Soot

Paper:  kraft

Accessories:  corner chomper

Get over to Splitcoaststampers and check out the challenges!  There will be new ones everyday and an opportunity for you to make a difference with the gifts that God has given you :D

Last Day to get the September TE Key Ingredients Kit

I hope you had a lovely weekend, friends!  We have been celebrating my husband's promotion with his parents and our military family around here.  It's been a fun weekend, which is why it has been a bit quiet around here. 

I did have this card to show you to remind you that if you haven't ordered your September Key Ingredients Kit from Taylored Expressions, today is the last day!  I used the kit along with the Stamp of the Month and those darling matching Dies.

 Stamps:  Sending Smiles SOTM

Ink:  SU Pale Plum, SU Lucky Limeade, Memento Tuxedo Black, Craft White

Paper:  September 2013 TE KI Kit

Accessories:  TE This Way to Smiles die, TE Label Stacklets 3 die, ribbon from kit, white embossing powder, white pearl pen, foam tape

Here is one last sneak at the kit (that you know you want):

Tomorrow a new kit comes out, so get this one while you can!

September Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients

Hey there crafty peeps!  This has been the craziest and busiest week, and it has only just begun.  Yesterday, I had the total honor of getting to 'pin' my husband's new rank on him.  If you are familiar with military terms, you know what I mean.  Regardless, he now has his new rank and we are so proud of him!  The rest of the week is party planning for a party on Wednesday that I am helping hostess and my husband's promotion party on Friday.  Not only that, but his parents get into to town on Friday as well.  Busy, busy, but I'll make due.  I can crash or lock myself in the 'craft cave' after his parents leave.  That isn't why you came to the blog.  You came to see some craftiness!

This card features the September Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Kit along with the September Stamp of the Month.  Both are fabulous and look so good together, because that set was literally made to coordinate with the papers.  Not only that, but Taylor designed a die to match!  Eeeeee!  The set is called Sending Smiles, the die is called This Way to Smiles, and I used the From the Heart Frame die as well.  There are 3 different Kit Options that you really should check out if you aren't familiar with them.  There is something for everyone!

 Stamps:  Sending Smiles SOTM

Ink:  Craft White, Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  September 2013 TE KI Kit

Accessories:  TE From the Heart Frame die, TE This Way to Smiles die, Copics, foam tape, Mint Liquid Pearls

Thanks for stopping in!  I want to say I'll have something more to show later this week, but I'm not sure.  For sanities sake I really need to try ;)

Taylored Expressions Share Joy Campaign: Birthday Photo Inspiration Challenge

 Hey there, and welcome to the final day of the Taylored Expressions Share Joy Inspiration Challenge Week!  Today, like the rest of the week, a few of the TE Design Team, Key Ingredients Team, and alumni are teaming up to bring you some birthday inspiration.  Today's challenge is a Birthday Photo Inspiration Challenge!  Check out Taylor's Blog for all of the details so you can play along.

Let me tell you a bit about Share Joy before we get too far in the post.  At the heart of Taylored Expressions is a mission to share joy by helping their customers live creatively. This is by no means an original idea. Since the first greeting cards were made and exchanged back in the 15th century, the making and giving of handmade cards has been the mission of a long line of creative people who intentionally share joy through the creation of these little bits of happiness. Those of you who make and share cards can certainly attest that it brings great joy to put a smile on someone's face with a work that you created by your own hands.

The Taylored Expressions 5th Birthday Bash is continuing this week with a new Share Joy Campaign, benefitting the Union Rescue Mission of Los Angeles , Prodigal's Home of Phoenix, and Iowa Homeless Youth Shelter of Des Moines . These wonderful charities work tirelessly to bring comfort and care to many homeless individuals and families throughout the year. One way they are sharing joy each and every day is by celebrating the birthdays of their participants, and you can help by sending in your handmade birthday cards! 

That photo is so super gorgeous and vibrant!  The bright pink flowers were screaming at me, so I decided to use the Taylored Expressions stamp called Zinnia Bouquet.  I got lost is coloring it with my Copics, as I usually do with my coloring.  Those vibrant pinks were a blast!  The sentiment was stamped on a TE Designer Mini Tags die.

Stamps:  Zinnia Bouquet

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  kraft, Choice White

Accessories:  Chevron embossing folder, green ribbon, TE Designer Mini Tags die, foam tape, Copics, watermelon baker's twine

So come play along and share some joy!  Head to Taylor's blog for all of the details!

Taylored Expressions Share Joy Campaign: Birthday Technique Challenge

Hey there, and welcome to the Taylored Expressions Share Joy Inspiration Challenge Week!  Today and the rest of the week a few of the TE Design Team, Key Ingredients Team, and alumni are teaming up to bring you some birthday inspiration.  Today's challenge is for a Birthday Technique Challenge!  I think you'll really love participating in this one!  Check out Taylor's Blog for all of the details so you can play along.

Let me tell you a bit about Share Joy before we get too far in the post.  At the heart of Taylored Expressions is a mission to share joy by helping their customers live creatively. This is by no means an original idea. Since the first greeting cards were made and exchanged back in the 15th century, the making and giving of handmade cards has been the mission of a long line of creative people who intentionally share joy through the creation of these little bits of happiness. Those of you who make and share cards can certainly attest that it brings great joy to put a smile on someone's face with a work that you created by your own hands.

The Taylored Expressions 5th Birthday Bash is continuing this week with a new Share Joy Campaign, benefitting the Union Rescue Mission of Los Angeles , Prodigal's Home of Phoenix, and Iowa Homeless Youth Shelter of Des Moines . These wonderful charities work tirelessly to bring comfort and care to many homeless individuals and families throughout the year. One way they are sharing joy each and every day is by celebrating the birthdays of their participants, and you can help by sending in your handmade birthday cards! 

This Brayer and ink technique really is a fun and easy technique to try out.  I liked it so much that I will be doing again!  I used an embossing folder called Victoria from Cuttlebug along with my brayer and some ink.  Isn't that a beautiful background?  The stamp set I used is the free set from this last release for spending $50 called From Me to You and it's matching die.  I also used the Bless Your Nest Dies from Taylored Expressions and papers from a previously released TE Key Ingredients Kit.

Stamps:  From Me to You

Ink:  SU Pool Party, SU Crushed Curry, Memento Espresso Truffle

Paper:  July TE KI Kit

Accessories:  ribbon from the kit, TE Bless Your Nest dies, Victoria embossing folder, brayer, Candy Buttons, TE From Me to You die, foam tape

So come play along and share some joy!  Head to Taylor's blog for all of the details!

Taylored Expressions Share Joy Campaign: Birthday Sketch Challenge

Hey there, and welcome to the Taylored Expressions Share Joy Inspiration Challenge Week!  Today and the rest of the week a few of the TE Design Team, Key Ingredients Team, and alumni are teaming up to bring you some birthday inspiration.  Today's challenge is a sketch! Check out Taylor's Blog for all of the details so you can play along.

Let me tell you a bit about Share Joy before we get too far in the post.  At the heart of Taylored Expressions is a mission to share joy by helping their customers live creatively. This is by no means an original idea. Since the first greeting cards were made and exchanged back in the 15th century, the making and giving of handmade cards has been the mission of a long line of creative people who intentionally share joy through the creation of these little bits of happiness. Those of you who make and share cards can certainly attest that it brings great joy to put a smile on someone's face with a work that you created by your own hands.

The Taylored Expressions 5th Birthday Bash is continuing this week with a new Share Joy Campaign, benefitting the Union Rescue Mission of Los Angeles , Prodigal's Home of Phoenix, and Iowa Homeless Youth Shelter of Des Moines . These wonderful charities work tirelessly to bring comfort and care to many homeless individuals and families throughout the year. One way they are sharing joy each and every day is by celebrating the birthdays of their participants, and you can help by sending in your handmade birthday cards! 

Pretty great sketch up there, huh?!  I decided to make mine a long card, because well. . .I had an image that I was fixed on using.  That image is Taylored Expressions stamp called It's Your Birthday A la Carte.  I paired it up with this month's Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Kit, because it's that awesome!  Every month I love the kits more and more.  I added some Prima Flowers and the TE Mini Leaves die as my embellishments.  The balloons and star were colored in using some Liquid Pearls.

Stamps:  It's Your Birthday A la Carte

Ink:  Craft White, SU Pool Party

Paper:  Sept TE KI Kit

Accessories:  white embossing powder, Prima Flowers, TE Mini Leaves die, scallop border punch, Mint Melody, Petal Pink, & Buttercream Liquid Pearls

So come play along and share some joy!  Head to Taylor's blog for all of the details!

Taylored Expressions Share Joy Campaign: Birthday Washi Tape Challenge

Hey there, and welcome to the Taylored Expressions Share Joy Inspiration Challenge Week!  If you stopped by yesterday, you probably know what's going on.  If not, keep reading.  Today and the rest of the week a few of the TE Design Team, Key Ingredients Team, and alumni are teaming up to bring you some inspiration for some challenges.  Today's challenge is a Birthday Washi Tape Challenge!  Check out Taylor's Blog for all of the details so you can play along.

Let me tell you a bit about Share Joy before we get too far in the post.  At the heart of Taylored Expressions is a mission to share joy by helping their customers live creatively. This is by no means an original idea. Since the first greeting cards were made and exchanged back in the 15th century, the making and giving of handmade cards has been the mission of a long line of creative people who intentionally share joy through the creation of these little bits of happiness. Those of you who make and share cards can certainly attest that it brings great joy to put a smile on someone's face with a work that you created by your own hands.

The Taylored Expressions 5th Birthday Bash is continuing this week with a new Share Joy Campaign, benefitting the Union Rescue Mission of Los Angeles , Prodigal's Home of Phoenix, and Iowa Homeless Youth Shelter of Des Moines . These wonderful charities work tirelessly to bring comfort and care to many homeless individuals and families throughout the year. One way they are sharing joy each and every day is by celebrating the birthdays of their participants, and you can help by sending in your handmade birthday cards! 

I don't have a ton of washi tape around, but what I do have I luuurve.  That stuff is fun to make borders out of, backgrounds, you name it!  I went with some borders on my piece and used the Oh Snap! stamp set from Taylored Expressions along with the matching Oh Snap! camera dies and Film Strip Border die.  I just realized that I paper pieced again. . .I must be on a kick or something.  That camera does make me think of how fun it would be if we could have designer cameras :)

Stamps:  Oh Snap!

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  Choice White, light blue cs, MME Bright Side dp

Accessories:  various washi tapes, wood veneer heart, TE Oh Snap camera dies, TE Film Strip Border die, paper piercer, foam tape, copics

So come play along and share some joy!  Head to Taylor's blog for all of the details!

Taylored Expressions Share Joy Campaign: Birthday Color Challenge

Hey there, and welcome to the Taylored Expressions Share Joy Inspiration Challenge Week!  Today a few of the TE Design Team, Key Ingredients Team, and alumni are teaming up to bring you some inspiration for a Birthday Color Challenge!  How fun is that?!  Check out Taylor's Blog for all of the details so you can play along.

Let me tell you a bit about Share Joy before we get too far in the post.  At the heart of Taylored Expressions is a mission to share joy by helping their customers live creatively. This is by no means an original idea. Since the first greeting cards were made and exchanged back in the 15th century, the making and giving of handmade cards has been the mission of a long line of creative people who intentionally share joy through the creation of these little bits of happiness. Those of you who make and share cards can certainly attest that it brings great joy to put a smile on someone's face with a work that you created by your own hands.

The Taylored Expressions 5th Birthday Bash is continuing this week with a new Share Joy Campaign, benefitting the Union Rescue Mission of Los Angeles , Prodigal's Home of Phoenix, and Iowa Homeless Youth Shelter of Des Moines . These wonderful charities work tirelessly to bring comfort and care to many homeless individuals and families throughout the year. One way they are sharing joy each and every day is by celebrating the birthdays of their participants, and you can help by sending in your handmade birthday cards! 

As I mentioned earlier, today's challenge is a color challenge!  For my card I used the Life is a Circus stamp set from Taylored Expressions along with the Build a Scene - Sunshine Die.  Paper piecing is one of my all time favorite ways to make a card, so I couldn't resist paper piecing that darling elephant.  I added some Petal Pink Liquid Pearls to his ears and some Bumblebee Enamel Dots to the sun.

Stamps:  Life is a Circus

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, SU Crushed Curry

Paper:  green & gold cs, various dp

Accessories:  scallop punch, Swiss Dots embossing folder, corner rounder, Petal Pink Liquid Pearls, Copics, sponge, TE Build a Scene - Sunshine Die, Bumblebee Enamel Dots

So come play along and share some joy!  Head to Taylor's blog for all of the details!