DCWV Giveaway

Personally, I think every scrapbooker and cardmaker needs to have a good supply of DCWV paper stacks.  I am a big fan of the mat stacks, since I use them for cardmaking.  Working with a Mat Stack makes it so easy to combine patterned papers since all the work is done for you.  I honestly don't know what I'd do without them!  Speaking of  DCWV Stacks, check out this link DCWV giveaway to enter to win two great stacks:  Street Lace Stack and Colorful Life Stack.  They look like so much fun to work with!

Good luck!

Take time to get inky today!

Oh how I miss you!

Dear stamps, ink pads, paper, buttons, bling and blogging friends,

Oh how I miss you!  It's been so long since I blogged anything, and quite frankly, it's been way too long since I got inky!  I recently got a job and work a few evenings week and Saturdays.  Unfortunately, it's been 20 years since I worked retail, and forgot how exhausting it can be!  The store I work at started Christmas hours (and Christmas music) the day after Halloween, so there wasn't much 'easing into the craziness' for me.  Most nights I work from about 6pm to 12:30am.  The extra money and the store discount is great for holiday shopping, but there are some days I feel like a walking zombie - I'm so tired!

But, most of all, I miss you all!  I miss getting inky!  I miss being creative!  and I miss sleep!

I have a few ideas for Christmas gifts, so hopefully I will squeeze a little creative time into the next few days.  In the meantime, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by your greatest blessings. 

Enjoy this blessed season and take time to get inky!

Just Flying By.....

Hi!  Remember me?  It's been so long since I have posted anything.  I'm still adjusting to the kids being back in school and new schedules.  I honestly don't know what's taking me so long.  I need to get organized and get busy stamping!  I've missed it!

I finally got busy yesterday and popped out this card for this week's Stampendous Saturday Sketch Challenge.  This week there was not a sketch to follow, but rather a "recipe".  We were to create cards using ribbon, the color black and some sort of bling.  How fun!  That recipe just screamed "HALLOWEEN CARD!" to me.  So off I went.  I won this cute little stamp (Mini Witch Shoes) from a previous Sketch Challenge.  I decided the witch that wears these shoes must be a pretty ritzy gal, and gave her blinged-out shoes. 

If you have a chance, check out this week's Challenge, and see what you can create.  It's a lot of fun - and if your card is chosen as one of this week's winners, you could win wonderful Stampendous stamps (great incentive!)

recipe:  stamps:  Stampendous Mini Witch Shoes, Hero Arts Happy Halloween; DCWV Glitter Mat Stack, The Paper Co.; Crystal Stickles; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black Ink, Persimmon ink; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-Gone, Tortillons; JoAnn's Ribbon

Fall Posie Doodles

My mojo seems to be on vacation lately, so I thought I'd give it a jump start today.  I've never participated in a Color Challenge before....until today.  This is my entry for this week's Stampendous Saturday Sketch Challenge.  It was really a lot of fun, and now I can't wait to try it again.  When I first saw the colors posted for this challenge, I struggled to decide which stamp to use.  This usually isn't a problem for me, usually I see a sketch for the challenges and a stamp immediately comes to mind.  Not so this time!  But then, the other day I was at church for a meeting, and I noticed the most beautiful fall floral arrangement on the altar with a big green bow.  Call it "Divine Intervention" if you want, but I knew right then which stamp to use.  I think I'll send this card to a church member or our Pastor...seems only right!

It's a dreary, rainy day here in the Chicago area....hope you're enjoying better weather wherever you are.  Take time to get inky today!

recipe:  stamps:  Stampendous Posie Doodle; Recollections card; DCWV Neutral Matstack; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-Gone, Tortillons; Fiskars Border Punch; Crystal Stickles; JoAnn's Ribbon; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black ink

Stampendous Comfort

Sympathy cards are always hard to make.  Probably because I only make them when I need them, and then it's hard to create with a heavy heart.  One of these I will get organized, and make a bunch of sympathy cards to have on hand for whenever I need them.  It's nice to be prepared for those situations, a card means so much to a grieving family. 

The leaves and vines in this Stampendous Encouraging Words set are so graceful and elegant and the sentiments are perfect for many occasions. 

Take time to get inky today and create a few cards to have on hand when those around you need comfort and support - it means so much.

recipe: stamps:  Stampendous Encouraging Words; paper: The Paper Co, CM designer paper; JoAnn's sheer ribbon; Tsukineko Sand, Pesto inks

Posie Doodle Hello

I had a hard time working with this stamp originally, my mojo just wasn't flowing....until I turned the image on it's side.  Then all of the sudden this card came together for me.  I don't know why, but it just wasn't working for me with the image running vertically on the card.  Does that ever happen to you?  Strange how "mojo" works sometimes.

Get you mojo on today and get inky!  See you back here later!

recipe:  stamp: Stampendous Posie Doodle; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-gone, Tortillons; The Paper Co.; Crystal Stickles; Fiskars Scalloped Scissors; JoAnn's sheer ribbon

My First Card Design

I'm in the process of uploading all of the photos on our computer to Shutterfly (what a job!).  While I was sorting through the pictures, I found pics of a bunch of cards I forgot I had ever made.  It was fun to take a little trip down Creative Memory Lane.  The card pictured above was the first card design I ever made.  I actually started making cards out of necessity.  It was my nephew's 2nd birthday, and by the time I realized I had forgotten to buy him a card it was too late to go get one.  So, being a scrapbooker and having a ton of paper and stickers, I decided to make a card.  This is the design that I came up with (although my nephew's card said "Brad" on it).  I made this card for every kid I knew for the next six months. That was six years ago, and I have not purchased a card since. 

Early on, my cards were mostly decorated with fancy paper and stickers.  It took me awhile to discover the joys of stamping (I wonder if I can find the photo of my first stamped card......hmmmm...I think I need to look for that!)  I'd like to think I've come a long way, it's been a fun and creative journey and I'm looking forward to see where this path leads. 

recipe:  paper: Creative Memories; stickers Making Memories Letters, Mrs. Grossman's stripe; CM Circle Punches; Sakura Micro Pen

Best Fishes

This card was for my nephew for his 8th birthday.  He has a few fish, so I thought this would be a fun card for him.  As it happens, I gave this card to him while we were on a family vacation, and he spent much of his time fishing and caught quite a few. So, this card was perfect for the little fisherman!

I really need to get my hands on a stamp that says "best fishes" - I'm never happy with the way my handwriting looks on the front of a card.  Don't get me wrong, I like my handwriting, and I don't mind journaling in scrapbooks or writing a message inside a card, I just don't like my writing on the front for some reason.  I can't explain it.

These little fishies were fun to color, I think I'll be getting them inky again soon.  The Stampendous Sushi Bowl Party stamp set is so much fun! 

Ok friends, I'm off to get inky.....hope you'll join me!

recipe:  stamps:  Stampendous Sushi Bowl Party; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black; The Paper Co; Sakura Star Glaze Pen; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-Gone, Tortillons

Thanks Flourish

I made a bunch of these cards last year with a bunch of different sentiments to add to my stash.  This was the last one.  I usually tend to make "cutesy" cards, but I thought this one was pretty elegant.  It was easy to make, and would be a great card to customize with a variety of sentiments or monograms for a gift set. 

Quick post today, friends, time to go get inky.....hope you will too!

recipe: stamps:  Hero Arts Fantastic Flourishes, Hero Arts Simple Messages; Tsukineko Wheat, Coffee Bean ink; The Paper Co; Stampendous clear embossing powder, Marvy Scalloped Circle Punch

Sunflower for Mom

Have you ever made a card that just had a mind of it's own?  This one certainly did!  I had every intention of making this card yellow and purple based on some really cute polka dot ribbon I found in my stash.  Well, this card had another idea!  It definitely wanted to be yellow, orange and green.  But, it all worked for the best and when I was done, I realized why.  You see, I was making this card for my Mom's birthday, and this card would have been completely at home in the bedroom Mom decorated for me when I was a little girl.  In my room, I had 2 walls papered with big yellow, orange and green flowers and 2 walls papered with green gingham (welcome to the 70s!)  It was such a fun, cheerful, happy room - and I think this card is fun and cheerful, too. 

It's hard to tell in this photo, but I used an X-acto knife to cut around the flower petals and curled them up a bit to add dimension to this card.  There is a layer of orange paper under the flower that can be seen under the upturned petals.  For added texture I used the Scor-It to make the stripes on the background.

Hope you're having a creative day, take time to get inky!

recipe:  stamps:  Stampendous Sunny Flowers, Everything Happy; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black; Scor-it; The Paper Co; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-Gone, Tortillons; Me & My Big Ideas bling; Target ribbon; Crystal Stickles

Back to School Goodies

Every year before a new school year starts I make a little Back to School goodie for my niece and nephew.  This year I made these Jr. Legal Pad notebooks.  I also made one for my son to give to his new 1st grade teacher (wouldn't you know I forgot to take a picture of that one!  I hate when that happens!)  Anyway, these little notepads are so much fun to make and are the perfect little gift for any occasion.  I take the Jr. Legal Pads to Kinkos and have them cut in half - my store does a pack of 12 notepads for a few dollars.  Such a deal!

The notepad pictured at the top of this post was the one I made for my nephew, at the bottom of this post you'll find my niece's.  I also made them each a matching RSVP pen.  They are both into office & school supplies (must get that from their Aunt Krissy!)  By the way, now is the time to stock up on school supplies since they are all on sale this time of year.  These Pentel RSVP pens I got at Staples for only $1 a pack, regular price can be $4 or more.  I love a good bargain!

Now that my oldest guy is back in school, maybe I will stop ignoring my blog so blatantly!  I have a few cards done and photographed, so maybe I'll actually get them posted soon.  My youngest still has a few weeks before Preschool starts, then summer is officially over for our family. 

Hope you're having a wonderful day, the weather is beautiful here in Chicago today - it's a nice break from the heat and humidity we've had lately! 

Take time to get inky today!

recipe:  stamps:  Stampendous School for Changito, Stampendous School for Max; paper: Bazzill Cardstock, miscellaneous DP; Pentel RSVP Pens; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black, StazOn White; Hero Arts Paper Flowers; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-Gone, Tortillons; Misc. buttons from Gram's stash♥

Miss you!

Dear Blog-  I miss you!  I promise I will be back as soon as I get organized and get TJ off to 1st grade!

Love, Krissy

Winter is Warmer with Snowmen

8/10/10 - Edited to Add-  Just found out that this card was one of the winners for this week's challenge!  Woo-hoo!

I am so excited with the way this card turned out!  Don't you just love when a plan comes together?  I had this idea in my head, but wasn't sure it was actually going to work until I started playing with the design.  It was really a fun card to work on!  I think I might make a few more of these.  It would be fun to add the right number of snowmen to correspond to the number of people in the family you are sending this card to.  Know what I mean?  Did that make any sense?  Like this card, would be great for a family with 4 kids and a mom & dad. 

This is my final entry for this week's Stampendous Saturday Sketch Challenge.  This has been such a fun week to participate, it has really made me jump-start my Christmas card production.  Now if I can just keep working on them every week, I might actually get cards mailed this year!

Well, friends, I have to be going.  I need to get a few things done around here before my little guy wakes up from his nap.  I hope you're having a wonderful day and that you will take time to get inky today.

recipe:  stamps:  Stampendous Winter Warm, Snowplace; The Paper Co.; Tsukinko Tuxedo Black ink, White Staz-On; Frosted Lace Stickles; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-Gone, Tortillons; Liquid Applique

Santa Snow Globe

This card makes me smile!  How cute is this little Santa?  When I saw this week's Stampendous Saturday Sketch Challenge, I knew I wanted to make make a snow globe card.  This is such a fun card to make, I found the instructions on Splitcoast Stampers.  There are a bunch of great instructions for some beautiful projects in the Resources section at SPS, take a look when you get a chance. 

Are you tired of seeing my submissions for Stampendous yet?  I hope not, because I still have one more to show you.   Stay tuned......

recipe:  stamps:  Stampendous Elf Wishes, Changito Snowplay; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black, White Staz-On; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-Gone, Tortillons;  DCWV Holiday Stack, The Paper Co.; Liquid Applique; Acetate Sheet; JoAnn's ribbon

Christmas Blessings

It seems that every Christmas I need a simple, more reserved card for someone.  This will be that card for this year.  I made this one for the Stampendous Saturday Sketch Challenge.  This is a quick card to make, just simple paper piecing for the cross.  I've made this same basic card for several occasions with a variey of patterned papers for the cross.  I hope you'll try it, too!

recipe:  Stampendous Sunlit Cross, Lily Blessings Topper; Yours Truly Red Card; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black, Versamark; Detail Gold Embossing Powder, Clear Embossing Powder; DCWV Cream & Green Holly Paper

Snowy Day Changito

Another one of my submissions for this week's Stampendous Saturday Sketch Challenge.  I thought I'd try to use Rainy Day Changito but make him Snowy Day Changito.  Don't they look like they are cuddling under that umbrella trying to stay warm?  I added Liquid Applique to the tops of their boots to make them look more wintery.

Still more to show you....don't change that channel!

recipe:  stamps:  Stampendous Rainy Day Changito, Snow Place, Winter Warm;  Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-Gone, Tortillons; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black, Aegean Blue, Gingerbread, Watermark; Stampendous Detail White Embossing Powder; Diamond Glaze; Liquid Applique

Krafty Elf Wishes

I've been busy today making cards for this week's Stampendous Saturday Sketch Challenge.  There's actually no sketch to work with this week, the only guideline is to make a Christmas card.  How fun!  I had so many ideas running through my head, and couldn't decide on just one, so I made 4 or 5 cards this week.  I was on a roll!  My creativity was flowing!

This little elf makes me smile!  Isn't he cute?  It may be hard to see in the photo, but I added Red Stickles to the tips of his little elfin shoes and Liquid Applique for the "fur" trim on his jacket.  They both add a fun texture to cards.  To add a little more texture, I used my Scor-it to score evenly spaced lines on the green strip.  Until I get a Cuttlebug, this is an easy way to add texture to paper.  I had a lot of fun working with kraft paper, I'll have to do it again soon!

I've got more to show you.....stay tuned.  In the meantime, take time to get inky!

recipe:  stamps:  Stampendous Elf Wishes, Warm Winter; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black; JoAnn's Red Pigment Ink; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-Gone, Tortillons; Red Stickles; The Paper Co.; Scor-It; Liquid Applique; CM Gold Pen

New Stampendous Products!

How cute is this?

Have you seen the new Stampendous products that are out this week?  If not, check them out here.  I can't choose a favorite - I love them all!  I have a special fondness fo the polar bear stamps, since my little guy will be in the "Polar Bear Class" at Preschool this year.  I think I'll probably have to add some polar bear stamps to my ever-expanding stamp collection and make some sort of polar bear ornament for all of his classmates at Christmas.  Anyone have any ideas to share?  I've never combined stamping and an ornament before - this will be a first.  I'll keep you posted on my progress.

I've been busy this week working on a couple of cards for this week's Stampendous Saturday Sketch Challenge.  I've got one card done and have started another.  I'm really enjoying these weekly challenges, it's been a great way to build up my stash.  Don't you hate when you need a card and you don't have one ready and waiting?  I'm trying to avoid being stuck in that situation.

Better run, friends.  Hope you're having a wonderful day, take time to get inky!

Bouquet for a Friend

Here's the last card I have to show you that I made for this week's Stampendous Saturday Sketch Challenge.  I love the three butterflies getting ready to land on the flowers.  I "blinged" up the butterflies a bit by adding Crystal Stickles to the edges.  This card came together quickly since I already had the image stamped and almost completely colored.  (tip for the day:  when you have a stamp already inky, stamp a few extra images and store them with the stamp set for later use!  I keep my clear stamps in the original packages and keep a few extra stamped images in the packages just waiting for when I need to make a card quickly!)

Hope you're having a good day!  Take time to get inky!

recipe: stamps:  Stampendous Spring Sprigs, Party Invite; DCWV Pastel Matstack, Latte Stack; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-Gone, Tortillons; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black Ink, Pretty Petunia; Sakura Clear Star Pen; Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch; Crystal Stickles

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

I have to say making this card in July was a welcome break to this hot weather we've been having.  I, for one, am looking forward to the temperature dropping a bit!  I'm ready to turn off the air conditioning and open the windows and get some fresh air!

The whole time I was making this card, I had the song running through my head...

♪♫♫♪ "Oh, the weather outside it frightful, but the fire is so delightful

and since we've no place to go, Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!♫♪♪♫

I must say it cooled me off a bit (even if my boys looked at me like I had completely lost my mind!)

This card is based on this week's Stampendous Saturday Sketch Challenge.  I had already completed 3 cards to submit for the challenge and as I was cleaning up the mess that naturally occurs while I am busy creating, I ran across this stamp set and the card immediately came together in my head.  I love it when that happens!  One component of the sketch was to have three of something in one corner, the "let it snow" stamp perfectly fit the bill!  Voila!

I think pink and blue in bright tones are a crisp combination.  And I think Changito is secure enough to use a pink-handled shovel!  It may be hard to see in this photo, but I used Liquid Applique on the snow drifts.  What fun!

Take a look at this week's sketch and see what you can come up with for the challenge, it's really a lot of fun....and a good reason to get inky today!

recipe:  stamps:  Stampendous Changito Snowplay; HOTP Pink Swirls; The Paper Co,; snowflake paper unknown; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black, Aspen Mist, Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-Gone, Tortillons; CM Oval Cutting System; Liquid Applique

Jingle Bell Elf

Is this little elf just the cutest thing?  I have a feeling he and his little buddy, Santa, will seeing a lot of ink between now and Christmas!  He's just so stinkin' cute!

This is another of my entries for the Stampendous Saturday Sketch Challenge.  I stretched my limits and "thought outside the box" on this one.  I didn't want to used buttons or snowflakes in the upper left corner....but what was going to work?  All of the sudden I thought "Jingle Bells!"  I love the way they look on this card and how they tie into the jingle bell on the tip of this little guy's hat. 

I find that in the few weeks I've been participating in this Sketch Challenge I'm getting more adventurous when it comes to mixing patterned papers.  Of course, DCWV makes it so easy if you use one of their wonderful stacks.  They take all the thought out of it!  The hardest decision is which beautiful paper to choose!

Take time to get inky today!  Check out this week's sketch and see what you create.

recipe:  stamps: Stampendous Elf Wishes; DCWV Holiday Stack; Primacolor Pencils, Goo-gone, Tortillons; Miscellaneous Jingle Bells; Creative Memories Gold Pen; Liquid Applique; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black, Red Brick

Friends Through Thick & Thin

Yesterday I needed to find a project to keep me busy while my close friend, Stefanie, was in the hospital having a lumpectomy performed.  What better way to keep busy than to get inky?  Of course, I always think Changito is adorable, and this image with him and his little friend made me smile.  The sentiment is from a different set (Stampendous Ribbon Hope) but I think the message is perfect for these little monkey friends.  And perfect for me and Stefanie.  Over our 25 year friendship we have endured a lot, including high school, her living in Korea for a few years, college, boys, men, weddings, pregnancies, parents' illnesses; we've gone through just about everything together.  Unfortunately, with our weight fluctuations, we've also been through "thick and thin" according to the scale ;-)!

This card was based on this week's Stampendous Saturday Sketch Challenge.  I'm really having a good time working with the sketches their wonderful team provides.  It has really challenged me to be a little more creative and to get more cards made to add to my stash.  Thank you, Stampendous!

I better get going and get this card in the mailbox before the mailman arrives.  Please keep a good thought for my friend and say a prayer that her lab results next week bring good news and that there is no need for further treatment.  Thank you!

Take time to get inky today and maybe make a card for one of your good friends to let them know how much you love and appreciate them....

recipe:  stamps: Stampendous Rainy Day Changito, Stampendous Ribbon Hope; DCWV Nana's Kids, Pastels Mat Stack; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black, Pretty Petunia; Sakura Star Glaze Pen; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-Gone, Tortillons; Miscellaneous Buttons, Paper Flowers; Diamond Glaze

Life's Uncertain.....

"Life's uncertain.....eat dessert FIRST!"

Words to live by, if you ask me!

I love this image.  It's my only Fluffles stamp (so far!☺)  I made this card for my husband's aunt for her birthday.  Linda is a big cat-lover.  So, I thought she'd get a kick out of Fluffles.  This was a quick card to make, since I already had the image stamped and colored.  I think I'll make a few more like this to build up my stash.  I hate when I need a card, but don't have one already made and don't have time to make one.  Inside Aunt Linda's card I stamped "Everyone knows birthday calories don't count!"  Oh, if only that were true!

Take time to get inky today.....

recipe:  stamps: Stampendous Full Fluffles, Birthday Calories; DCWV Citrus Matstack; The Paper Co.; Marvy Scalloped Circle Punch; CM Circle Cutting System; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black, Aegean Blue; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-Gone, Tortillons

Skating Changito

ETA:  Good News!  This was one of the two cards that were winners for this week's challenge!

I had a fun day today making two cards for this week's Stampendous Saturday Sketch Challenge (see details here).  If you haven't already, take a look at this week's sketch and see what you are inspired to create.  This is the second time I'm participating, I've had good intentions every week, but sometimes life gets in the way.  Oh well!  Today I was determined to get these two cards completed.  It was fun, the boys sat at the table with me and played with my Marvy Punches.  They thought that was big fun! 

Anyway, back to the card.  This is the second time I've made a card using this stamp and these same papers.  I love these papers together.  In the past I've had difficulty using two or more patterned papers together, but have found that if I use a DCWV stack it's much easier since the papers are all coordinated.  The large pink snowflake was done by hand the old-fashioned way since I don't have a Cuttlebug or other die-cutting system.  It was fun to make snowflakes in July!

I added Liquid Applique in a few places on Changito.  I thought he needed a little "fluff".  And glitter was the perfect finishing touch for the gift box. 

Well, friends, better get going for tonight.  It's about time to put the kiddies to bed, and I think I won't be far behind.  All this creating wiped me out today.  More to come tomorrow.  Hope you'll take time to get inky!

recipe:  stamps:  Stampendous Changito Snow Play; DCWV Holiday Stack; The Paper Co.; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black, VersaMagic Oasis Green, Gingerbread; CM Oval Cutting System; Fiskars Scalloped Scissors; Martha Stewart Snowflake Punch; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-Gone, Tortillons; Liquid Applique; Cystal Stickles; Stampendous Sea Green Ultra Fine Glitter

Changito Hello

Have I mentioned that I love Changito?  He's just so darn cute!  This is one of the cards I made for the Stampendous Saturday Sketch Challenge (see details here).  It's a fun challenge!  Take a look at the sketch and see what you are inspired to create.

This card came together pretty quickly for me (don't you love when that happens?)  I knew I wanted to use this big red paper bloom, but struggled to find something to add at the center of the flower.  Bling didn't work, brads didn't work, round buttons didn't work.....then I found it!  Ta-da!  An oval button!  It was from my Gram's button collection that I was lucky enough to inherit.  I remember as a kid playing with her button collection.  She used to keep them in old Ball jars and some were in cute little tins.  I thought they were a big treasure - and I still do!  So, this card will have to go to someone special since it includes a special "Gram" button.  ☺

Well better run, I have one more post for tonight.  Another take on the Stampendous Saturday Sketch Challenge.  Of course, it's another Changito.  Stay tuned!

recipe:  stamps: Stampendous Changito Spring, Stampendous Happy Messages; DCWV Green MatStack; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black, Gingerbread; Making Memories Daisy Red Paper Flower; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-Gone, Tortillons; Miscellaneous button (thanks, Gram♥); Hemp Cord

Christmas In July

7/15/10 ETA-  I uploaded this photo again, hopefully it's better this time. ☺

OK-  I don't know what the deal is with my photos lately.  For some reason last time I uploaded to Splitcoast Stampers it said that all of my photos were too large.  So now when I transfer them from SPS to my blog they are small and out of focus.  Sorry about that!  I'll work on it and see if I can get it resolved.  Unfortunately, all I know about computers could fit in a thimble, but I'm getting better.

Anyway!  This was another card made for Sue with the Stampin Up stamp sets that she gave me (have I mentioned how generous that was!?!?)  It was a lot of fun to make a Christmas card on a hot July day.  Made me feel cool!  I like the way the scalloped circles on the card with the bow above almost looks like a Christmas ornament.  How fun!

Better get going and clean up my scrap area before I start dinner.  It's a mess!  I have a few projects "in process" and have the parts and pieces all over the dining room table.  I'm not what you would called a "neat crafter".  Oh well!  It's a creative process!  (that's my story and I'm sticking to it! ☺)

Take time to get inky today!

recipe:  stamps: Stampin' Up All God's Children, Hero Arts Winter's Butterfly; The Paper Co.; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black, Galaxy Gold, Watermark; Stampin' Up Watercolor Wonder Crayons & H2O pen; Sheer Ecru Ribbon JoAnn's; White Embossing Powder

Love is Spoken Here

I have another card to share with you.  Can you tell that I'm avoiding housework and other boring tasks?  I'm sure the dust will still be there when I turn off the computer (unfortunately!)  This is yet another card that I included in the assortment I made for my friend Sue.  I figured she was so generous in giving me all these beautiful Stampin' Up stamps that she deserved to have at least one card made with each of the stamps in the sets!  Boy did I have fun creating!  Supplies are so much more fun to work with when you didn't have to pay for them!  ☺

All of the images in this stamp set (All God's Children) are so cute!  I think I'll probably use it to make a set of cards for our Pastor's wife, she always so kind and sending cards to everyone.  I'll just add that to my long list of cards & gifts to make (please tell me I'm not the only one that has a never-ending list of projects!)

OK- gotta go this time.  My little guy wants to cuddle - not much that's more important than that!  He wants to show me the new freckles he just discovered on his ankle.  So exciting!  Before long he won't want to cuddle with Mom anymore, so I better soak it up while I can!

Take time to get inky today!

recipe:  stamps: Stampin' Up All God's Children, Hero Arts Hello Circles, Hero Arts Dots Background; Stampin Up Watercolor Wonder Crayons & H2O Pen; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black, Coffee Bean, Sahara Sand , Sage inks; Watermark Ink; White Embossing Powder; DCWV Neutrals Matstack; Making Memories copper eyelets

Kindness Begins With Me

This is another card I made for my friend, Sue, who's retiring as our Preschool Director.  This stamp is from the Stampin' Up All God's Children set.  I think the image is just so cute and sweet.  The center panel is lifted on pop dots, so it's not swallowed up by those fun big polka dots.

I just noticed on Lin's blog Sending Hugs that there is a "Fun and Cute" challenge at Moxie Fab World.  I think I might upload this card and play along, I hope you will too!

Better get going, I have more I'll show you in a little while.  Take time to get inky today!

recipe:  stamp: Stampin' Up All God's Children; paper DCWV Nana's Kids; Making Memories Brads; Stampin' Up Watercolor Wonder Crayons & H2O pen

Make a Joyful Noise

I told you before that the Director of our Preschool is retiring.  This is a card that I made for her as part of a gift.  About a year ago she gave me three sets of Stampin' Up stamps.  So, I decided to make her notecards using all of these stamps.  I'll have more to show you in the coming days. 

She is very musical, so this was a great card for her.  I used the Stampin' Up Watercolor Wonder Crayons to color the stamped image (a full set of crayons came from her, too!  she's so generous!)  These crayons are so much fun to work with.  From what I understand there are many ways to use them.  I chose to use a H2O pen and touch the tip of my paintbrush to the tip of the crayon to pick up the color and then "painted" the image.  It was really a lot of fun, and a great project to work on after the kidlets went to bed and the hubby and I were watching TV. 

I need to make a birthday card for my husband's aunt today, I think I'll use Fluffles since Linda is a cat lover!  I'll share that card soon.

Hope you'll take time to get inky today....

recipe:  stamp: Stampin' Up All God's Children; The Paper Co, patterned paper?; ribbon JoAnn's; Marvy Scalloped Circle Punch; CM circle cutting system; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black ink; Stampin' Up Watercolor Wonder Crayons & H2O pen

I'll Hang on to You!

It's me again!  Three times in one day!  WOW!  This is one of the cards I made for my wonderful husband for Father's Day.  I haven't decided if Changito represents me or one of our boys clinging to his leg.  We all hang on to him tightly!

I'm not quite sure how I did it, but after I finished coloring the jeans, I realized that they looked like they actually had texture to them.  Now to figure out how I did it, so I can do it again! 

recipe:  stamps: Stampendous Hang On set; paper: Deja Vu, The Paper Co.; ribbon JoAnn's; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-gone, Tortillons; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black, Coffee Bean inks

Dad's Taxi Service

This is the card I made for my Dad for Father's Day (I'm a little late in posting it....sorry!)  I just love my Changito images!  Inside the card I used to computer to print "Thanks Dad, for always picking me up when I need a lift!"  The background paper is from Creative Memories.  I crumpled it up (crumple?  is that a word?  it is now☺) then flattened it and ran my Gingerbread ink pad over it to age it a bit.  My other favorite embellishment on this card is the pop-top from a Pepsi can that I used like a buckle on the ribbon.  How's that for recycling?

I still have one more card I think I'll post tonight.  I know it's a shock!  I told you I was busy creating last week - I have a lot to show you!

It's not too late, you still have time to get inky today....

recipe:  stamp: Stampendous Changito Driver; CM Map Paper, The Paper Co.; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-Gone, Tortillons; JoAnn's Ribbon; Pepsi pop top; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black, Gingerbread; Mark Richards adhesive metal nail heads

Sending Hope

Today's card is one of my favorites. I love the simplicity of this one. Sometimes I tend to get carried away with layers and embellishments, this one is clean and simple. I center flower was stamped first and then masked to make the flowers look layered.

A good friend of my sister-in-law is battling breast cancer. My Mom, being a cancer survivor, has decided to send Terri weekly cards of encouragement. Mom really appreciated the cards and notes that she received when she was undergoing treatment and saw this as her turn to "repay the kindness". If there is someone in your life who is battling cancer, or suffering from another illness, why not take the time today to make them a card and let them know that you are thinking of them? It's a small gesture, but means so much.

I still have more cards to show you, I'll be back (maybe even today!) Sorry my photos lately are a bit small, I don't know what's up with that.

Take time to get inky today....


recipe: stamps: Stampendous Ruffled Bloom, Ribbon Hope; Hero Arts Everday Sayings; Primacolor pencils, Goo-Gone, Tortillons; Crystal Stickles; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black, Pink Petunia inks

The Lord Shine on You

This card was created as a farewell card for the Director of Preschool at our church. She is a wonderful woman, and will be greatly missed by our church, the staff, the students and the families. And especially me! This was a fun card to create. Although I'm still a little uneasy when it comes to mixing patterned papers, I've found that if I use a DCWV Matstack they've taken all the work out of it for me. All the papers are coordinated, the hard part is choosing which Matstack to use!


It's hard to tell in the photo, but I've stamped a Sunlit Cross behind the scripture in Galaxy Gold. I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig for the first time one this card to create that panel so it all lined up nicely. What a great tool!


Better run. I've promised the boys popcorn tonight while we watch "Mulan." Time to get poppin'!


I'll be back in the coming days, I've been busy and have a lot to show you! Take time to get inky today!

recipe: stamps: Stampendous Sunlit Cross, Stampendous Shine on You; ink: Tsukineko Tuxedo Black, Galaxy Gold; DCWV LaCreme Matstack; Sheer Ecru Ribbon

Card drive for Grace

The following information was posted on Jennifer McGuire's blog, http://jennifermcguireink.typepad.com. Jennifer runs a wonderful program called Cards for Kids, wherein cardmakers make cards for sick children and their families, and Jennifer distributes them. Unfortunately, Ellie, one of the little girls recently lost her battle against cancer. Ellie leaves behind a twin sister named Grace. Jennifer is collecting cards to be sent to little Grace. Anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated! The details are below.



You may or may not have heard about a dear little girl named Ellie who lost her battle to cancer last week. It was a rough road, but she fought a good fight and is now happy in heaven.

She left behind a twin sister named Grace. Grace has been an amazing sister to Ellie - so admirable!


So, I contacted her mom to see if we could send her cards. She said yes.

Here are the easy details:

We want these cards fast so that Grace can get them ASAP. I need them all to me by the end of July, please.
One card is even fine. Just put it in the mail to me and I will transfer to another envelope. If you can send more? Even better.

Happy cards are best. Silly jokes, fun pictures of pets... anything. Or just "thinking of you." Have your kids draw from things or color. Or stamp some blank images for Grace to color. Anything.
Please send your cards to this address by the end of July...
Jennifer McGuire
Cards for GRACE
PO Box 428612
Cincinnati, Ohio 45242


I hope you'll take time to get inky and make a card (or two or three or more) for Grace. When your done, hug the kids in your life and cherish every moment you have with them!

Patriotic Birthday Wishes

With the 4th of July coming soon, I'm starting to get into a patriotic mood. Although I haven't made any red, white & blue cards yet this year, this cupcake is one of my favorites! I made this one about a year ago for my son to give one of his Preschool classmates. Red, white and blue always look so cheerful and summery to me!

I've had my eye on a really cute little Patriotic Pair by Stampendous. It includes a cute little Statue of Libery and a little Uncle Sam. They are so sweet! I think I hear them calling my name....listen...."Krissy, bring us home!.....we want to hang out with all your Changitos".....did you hear that? I better get to Archiver's this week and rescue them!

Take time to get inky today.....

recipe: Hero Arts Cupcake; watercolor pencils; JoAnn's ribbon; paper ?; Crystal Stickles; Tsukineko Graphite Black Ink

Birthday Cupcakes

This was a fun card to make, it was my first attempt at masking. I'm really happy with the way it turned out. I sponged the "icing" with Tsukineko Brilliance inks, and used gel pens to color the "sprinkles". Inside I stamped "Seize the Cupcake!"

I have a bunch of other cards that I have made recently, but I need to get them uploaded then I will post them for you. I've been busy making Father's Day cards and a bunch of others. I'll show you soon!

Hope you take time to get inky today, and take time to thank the important fathers in your life!

recipe: Hero Arts Cupcakes; The Paper Co.; ribbon JoAnns; Tsukineko Brilliance inks; various gel pens

Changito Pencil Boxes

Every August, before the school year starts, I make my niece and nephew a little "Back to School" gift. Last year I made them these pencil boxes. Inside I placed a few pencils, an eraser, some highlighters, a glue stick, a post-it note pad and few other little school supplies. (They must get their love of office supplies from their Aunt Krissy!)☺ I wrapped the pencil box with a strip of leftover designer paper and then added my favorite little monkey! So easy!

Better start thinking about what I'll make them this summer. I'm leaning toward Jr. Legal Pads and matching pens....stay tuned!

Take time to get inky today!

recipe: stamps: Stampendous School for Changito; Prismacolor Pencils, GooGone, Tortillons; The Paper Co.; Marvy Scalloped Circle Punch; CM Circle cutting system; pencil box Walgreens

New Hero Arts Stamps!

First Aid Kit

Although this project doesn't include any stamping, it very easily could. I kept it simple since I was making 17 of them for end of year teachers' gifts. The first aid kit itself, is one from travel/trial size section at Target, it includes some bandaids and some cleansing wipes. It's a nice little size to keep in a glove compartment or desk. I decorated the outside with designer paper and printed my messages on the computer.

There was a little boy in our community who recently lost his battle with an inoperable brain tumor. He was a patient at Children's Memorial Hospital - so this gift and donation not only honors the teachers it is also in his honor.

Well, friends, I better get busy. I need to make a birthday card for my Aunt Maxine who is celebrating her 90th birthday this weekend!

If you have a chance, and you are on Facebook, check out the Stampendous page. They always have great posts and inspiration. Today one of my cards and my blog are featured! What an honor!

Take time to get inky today!

Thank You!

I love the simplicity of this card. This is the cutest little stamp from Stampendous. I made a few of these cards so I can write personal notes thanking my sons' teachers for their hard work this past year. So hard to believe that tomorrow is the last day of school for my guys. My oldest finished Kindergarten and the youngest completed his first year of Preschool. They both had a great time at school, thanks is large part to their kind and loving teachers!

Now that all the teachers' gifts have been made and delivered, I can get reorganized and start some new projects. I have a few in mind....stay tuned!

Take time to get inky today!

recipe: stamp: Stampendous Thank You word; The Paper Co.; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo Gone, Tortillons; Sakura Clear Star Glaze pen; JoAnn's Ribbon; Hero Arts Gemstones

Stampendous Blessings

This card was inspired by one I found in the beautiful new Stampendous catalog. If you haven't seen the new catalog yet, you are in for a real treat! It is beautiful and so full of inspiration!

I made this card for the new Lay Minister at our church. He's a really nice young guy and so excited to start his ministry.


Take time to get inky today!

recipe: Stampendous Sunlit Cross, Stampendous Lily Topper; Yours Truly cards; Creative Memories Designer Paper; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black ink

Hero Arts Release June 1st!

http://tinyurl.com/39z2sdv

Hero Arts is revealing their summer release on June 1st....can't wait to see their new stamps. On their blog today at www.heroarts.com they showed us a sneak peek. I love the little smiley face egg. I think this stamp set will have to be on my wish list!

Spring Sprigs

I made this card for my brother and sister-in-law who are celebrating their 13th wedding anniversary today. Their bridesmaids wore this same pink. It's hard to tell in this photo, but the ribbon runs behind the oval and then is threaded through the back of the oval and tied in front to look like a bow around the stems of the bouquet. I think I'll be getting this stamp inky often! I love it!

recipe: stamps: Stampendous Spring Sprigs; Friendly Messages?; DCWV Pastel Mat Stack; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black ink; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-Gone, Tortillons; Ribbon JoAnn's; CM Oval Cutting System; Crystal Stickles; Sakura Star Glaze Pen

Teachers' Appreciation Week - Day 5

I just realized I never posted Day #5 from last week's Teachers' Appreciation Week. Last Friday, we combined Day 5 and Mother's Day and got TJ's teacher a really pretty yellow gerbera daisy plant. To decorate it (I can't give a gift that I haven't customized in some way ☺) I made this plant stake. I type the quote on the computer and printed it onto cardstock. Then decorated with these cute little bugs and adhered the whole shebang to a wooden skewer. Add a bow, stick it in the plant and VOILA! a great gift.

I love this quote. TJ's teacher has really been great this year and he has loved every moment of kindergarten, thanks to her! She really has been busy planting seeds of knowledge in my little guy!

Take time to get inky tonight - it's still not too late!

recipe: stamps: Stampendous Flutterfly Friends; The Paper Co.; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo Gone, Tortillons; Sakura Clear Star Pen; Crystal Stickles