Surprise Changito

Found another card that I never managed to post.  This was a fun card to make - you can't go wrong with Changito!  For the background I used Stampendous Boss Gloss to make a polka dot pattern on my card base then sprinkled on Stampendous embossing powders (PearLustre Embossing Powders would be great for this!) and heat set.  What a fun background!  I stamped my favorite little monkey, Changito and colored him with Prismacolor pencils.  This stamp is Stampendous Surprise Changito.  Punch the edge with a notebook punch add some twine and a button, stamp a sentiment (this one is from Stampendous Happy Messages Perfectly Clear stamp set) and VOILA!  A fun card for any age!

Thanks for stopping by today!  My boys went back to school today and my to-do list is a mile long now that the house is quiet again!  First on my list is to make a few cards for an upcoming Stampendous catalog - just wait until you see the new stuff!  You are sure to be wow-ed!!!!

Have a great day!

Take a little time to get inky today!

Happy Birthday, Brad!

You know how I love my little buddy, Changito!  I had to get him good and inky for my nephew's birthday card.  This little guy couldn't resist digging into the birthday cake (neither can I!)  I paired this image with DCWV Animal Crackers Mat Stack.  I love the the little leaves are glittered.  This was my first attempt at a multi panel card - I found a YouTube video by Dawn.  She has some great videos online - take a look!

While I'm here, I thought I'd share a picture I took of my nephew, Brad, this afternoon. Brad is a good boy and always eager to help everyone.  At 9 years old, he is a bundle of energy and I'm so proud to be his Aunt and Godmother.  Our family (10 of us) are all enjoying our annual getaway in Wisconsin.  While we're here, we always celebrate August birthdays (Brad, my Mom, my hubby and my SIL).  We've been busy partying! 

Happy Birthday, Brad!!!!

Ok, friends, gotta skedaddle!  Time to get back to my family.  Hope you're all having a good day and that you'll take time to get inky today.

recipe:Stampendous  Surprise Cake, Birthday Assortment Clear Messages; DCWV Animal Crackers Mat Stack; Prismacolors Pencils, Goo Gone, Tortillons; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black ink; Me and My Big Ideas Bling

Happy Birthday, Slugger!

Happy Birthday, Owen!

This card is for our nephew, Owen, who turned 8 years old last week - my, how time flies!  Owen is getting ready to start Little League Baseball, so I thought this little Stampendous Changito Play Ball was perfect for him.  Unfortuately, this little monkey has been discontinued, but I have seen him recently at Archiver's.  If you hurry, you might still be able to grab one!  There was a coordinating stamp that said "Hope your birthday is a hit!" - but they didn't have that one, so I'm hoping to still be able to track it down.  At the same time I also picked up the discontinued Changito Golfer - but the accompanying sentiment wasn't available for that either.....so now I'm on a mission to find them!  You know how crazy I am for this little monkey, so now I have to complete my collection - there are still a few others I'm searching for, like Changito Baker.  I'll get them all eventually - maybe my boys and I will make a game out of it this summer.

It may be hard to see in the photo, but I added Diamond Glaze to the bubble that Chagito is blowing, it looks just like a freshly blown bubble.   I think that's a fun little finishing touch.

Better get going, friends, I'm hoping to get inky this afternoon and have more to show you tomorrow.  Hope you'll find time to get inky today, too!

recipe:  stamps:  Stampendous Changito Play Ball, Happy Messages; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black Ink; Yours Truly Red Card; DCWV Classic Print Matstack; Prismcolor Pencils, Goo Gone, Tortillons; Diamond Glaze

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Being a redhead, I've spent years listening to people tell me that St. Patrick's Day must be MY holiday.....nope....not a drop of Irish blood in me.  People are always shocked on St. Patrick's Day to learn that I am not an Irish redhead, but a Swedish/English/German redhead....sorry to disappoint them!  So, as a kid I always kind of dreaded this holiday.  However, my husband and kids have Irish blood running through their veins, so it's much more fun for me now.  Last year, when my oldest was in Kindergarten, we learned that leprechauns are very mischievious little blokes.  When he arrived at school that morning, the kids found that the little fellows had gotten into their classroom and wreaked all kinds of havoc!  They turned over the tables and chairs, doodled all over the whiteboard, turned over baskets of books....those little stinkers!  So, this year he's excited to see what trouble they cause in first grade.

Anyway, I almost forgot why I was here today!  I wanted to share with you this St. Paddy's Day card I made.  Everyone knows Changito is my little stamping buddy.  I love this little monkey!  I thought it would be fun to incorporate the Irish flag on the background of my card and highlight Changito with a scalloped circle.  I couldn't resist using this really cute shamrock ribbon I found at JoAnn's.  Unfortunately, this little "Changito Shamrock" stamp set has been discontinued, but I have seen it at a few stores recently, if you run out right away, maybe you can still find him!  Don't wait one more minute!  If you can't find Changito, get Irish Shorty by Stampendous, he would look really cute on this card, too!

Ok stamping friends, my time is up.  I hope you all have a wonderful day - watch out for those leprechauns!  Take time to get inky!

recipe:  stamps:  Stampendous Changito Shamrock; paper:  The Paper Co, Core'dinations cardstock Orange, Bright White, Asparagus;  ink:  Tsukineko Tuxedo Black, Gingerbread, Coffee Bean;  Prismacolor Pencils, Goo Gone, Tortillons; Marvy Scalloped Circle Punch; CM Circle Cutting System; JoAnn's ribbon; Misc. button

Cocoa Changito

My youngest son wanted to bring his little Preschool friends a little Christmas gift on the last day of school before Winter Break.  This little cocoa packet was what I came up with.  It's hard to see in this photo, but I stamped snowflakes on the glassine bags with White Stazon ink.  Inside the bag is a package of cocoa, a little baggie of marshmallows and a mini candy cane.  It was a quick and easy gift to put together - and ended up being pretty cheap, too, since I found a great sale for the cocoa, marshmallows and the candy canes.  An added bonus was that the glassine bags were given to me by a friend as samples from her work.  Woo-hoo!  I love free samples!

It's no secret that Changito is one of my favorite little buddies.  This image is perfect for the gift of cocoa!  I'll be making more of these next Christmas!  They are great for school goodie bags!

Take time to get inky today!

recipe:  stamps: Stampendous Changito Snow Play, Hero Arts Winter's Butterfly; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black ink, White StazOn ink; Prismacolor Pencils, GooGone, Tortillons; CM Oval Cutting System; The Paper Co.; glassine bags; cocoa, mini marshmallows, mini candy canes; Offray ribbon

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

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

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

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

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

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

Changito in Space

Love this little SpaceMonkey! Changito is on a mission - to wish someone a Happy Birthday! Saw a card like this some time ago on Splitcoast Stampers. I love exploring the galleries at SCS for inspiration. There are some really talented papercrafters on there!

Take time to get inky today....


recipe: stamps: Stampendous Changito in Space, Hero Arts Flourishes Background; The Paper Co.; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-Gone, Tortillons; Crystal Stickles; Tsukineko Graphite Black Ink; Diamond Glaze; CM Star Punch

Changito in Space

This is the card I made for my nephew for his birthday last year. It was my first attempt at a Tri-Shutter card. I found directions on www.splitcoaststampers.com. It was so much fun. Once again, I used my favorite little monkey. I found the perfect paper to go along with this little SpaceMonkey in the DCWV All About Boys Mat Stack. I added Diamond Glaze to the dome of the rocket and the helmet to make them look like glass.

Hope you'll give a tri-shutter card a try. Take time to get inky today.....

recipe: stamps: Changito in Space; DCWV All About Boys Mat Stack, The Paper Co.; Tsukineko Graphite Black; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-Gone, Tortillons; Diamond Glaze

Teacher's Appreciation Week - Day 3

Here's the little gift TJ took to school for his teacher today. The card was one I made for the Stampendous Saturday Sketch Challenge a couple of weeks ago. Then I made an acrylic frame post-it note holder to match. I think it turned out really cute! I already got an e-mail from his teacher this morning saying that she loved it and had already showed it to the other teachers in their wing. She said the teachers wanted to know if I sell any of the things I make.....the short answer....YES! Maybe I'll get a few orders for gifties.

I finished all my Mother's Day cards yesterday and got them in the mail to all the special Mom, Grandmas and Aunts in our lives. I never did finish the sympathy card, though. Guess that's today's project along with Teacher Appreciation Week Day 4 gift. I'll be back tomorrow to show it to you!

Take time to get inky today!

recipe: stamps: Stampendous School for Changito, Book Border; The Paper Co., DCWV Classic Mat Stack; Grafix Clear Craft Plastic; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-gone, Tortillons; CM Circle Cutting System; Marvy Scalloped Punches; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black, Moonlight White, Mediterranean Blue inks; JoAnn's Ribbons; 4x6 acrylic frame Wal-Mart; Office Max Post-it Notes

Changito and his Mom

You didn't think I could avoid posting about my favorite little monkey today did you? This card was inspired by a card I saw in the new Stampendous catalog. If you haven't seen it yet, you are in for a treat! The new catty is full of beautiful cards that have really inspired me! Everytime I flip through it, I find another stamp or two that I HAVE to have! This is dangerous!

The outside of the card reads "No matter the weather" and the inside says "I'm glad we're together!" A perfect sentiment for Mother's Day! Mom's help to get us through every storm! (mine definitely does!)

I still have more to post...stay tuned!

recipe: stamps: Stampendous Rainy Day Changito; paper: The Paper Co., DCWV Pastel Mat Stack; Tsukineko Tuxedo Black, Pearlescent Orchid; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-Gone, Tortillons; Fiskars Border Punch; CM Circle Cutting System; Diamond Glaze; Sakura Star Gel Pen; WalMart Gemstones; Ribbon JoAnn's

Changito Dos

Before my oldest son started Preschool last year, we spent sometime before school started in his classroom so he could get used to his new surroundings. One day while we were checking out all the toys, he noticed that there were balloons on the cabinets with names and dates listed. He asked me what they were, and I told him that those were all of him new friends' birthdays. With that, he told me, "well then, I need to bring them cards on their birthdays. You can make them!" So, the tradition began. Now in Kindergarten, he still likes to bring his friends cards on their birthdays and my little guy brings cards for his Preschool friends. My sweet boys!

Anyway, back to the card! Changito is always a hit with the kids. This set (Changito Dos) is especially easy to adapt to just about any card for the kids. The set even comes with a few different messages to insert into the frame for different occasions. This was a fun card to make, and a good one to use up some leftover paper from another project.

Take time to get inky today....

recipe: Stampendous Changito Dos; Tsukineko Graphite Black; DCWV Mat Stack; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-Gone, Tortillons; JoAnn's Ribbon; Clear Stickles

Thank You, Lunch Lady!

This is another card that would come in handy this time of year. I made it for my son's Lunch Lady last fall. Mrs. Dee is a sweet woman and all the kids love her, so I tried to make her little gifts a few times through the year to thank her. I thought the little Feed Me lunch box was perfect for the lunch lady!

recipe: Stampendous School for Changito; The Paper Co.; Marvy Scalloped Circle Punch; CM Circle Cutting System; JoAnn's Ruler Ribbon; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-Gone, Tortillons; Tsukineko Graphite Black, Moonlight White Inks

Thank you, Teacher!

Here we go with Changito again! This is the card I made for my son's teacher last fall, after the first week of Kindergarten. It was a huge transition for him (and for Mommy) and I wanted to thank her for making his first week so much fun. Here we are at the end of the school year, and he's still loving it! Yay!

I'm sorry I can't remember where I originally saw this card, but I do know I "copied" it from some very talented cardmaker! I love that it incorporates a pop-tab...doesn't it look like a belt buckle?

I have a few more teacher cards I'll share with you later. Take time to be crafty today!

recipe: Stampendous School for Changito; Tsukineko Graphite Black Ink; Prismacolor Pencils, Goo-Gone, Tortillons; Hero Arts Flower & Gemstone; The Paper Co.; Marvy Scalloped Oval Punch; Ribbon Target $1 Spot