Happy Everything!

Valentine Goodness overload

2012-02-17T06:38:00.001-06:00

These are the cards I made for my kids for Valentine's Day. I used the cricut and Pebbles and PTI pattern paper for the card & envie. Stamps are PTI. The mailboxes are Target $1 and I used CTMH and Pebbles pattern paper, cricut for the guitar, stamps are PTI (the guitar was stamped with Grunge Me using Kraft ink).

Enjoy!

Kristin

PTI Day 1 Sketch 5

2012-02-10T09:23:00.001-06:00

PTI 5th Anniversary Day 1 Sketch 5
PTI is 5 years old! Nichole put 5 sketches on her blog and my interpretation of the 5th sketch is above. I changed it quite a bit but really like the bright colors. Not my usual style. Finally played with MS5 collection (swoon!). The sketch I used is in the link above.

Enjoy!

Kristin

In the Meadow birthday

2012-01-29T08:55:00.000-06:00

I put this card together almost a month ago over my Christmas vacation. It was for my FIL's birthday. I haven't done a sponging technique like this in a long time so it was fun to get all inky! He is definitely a country "man" (hard to call him a boy anymore, lol) so I am sure he enjoyed it.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Project Life: what I've been up too

2012-01-20T10:02:00.002-06:00

Have you heard about Project Life by Becky Higgins? I've been seeing & hearing about it for a couple of years. Previously I thought "not for me... it's one more thing and I like to *scrapbook*". Mainly, I have looked "over the shoulder" of Mish's PL pages as she shared them on her blog. Now, I've been scrapping for decades! I have scrapbooks going back to junior high. You know the ones: pictures, ticket stubs, notes passed in class, etc. Books stuffed full of my life as a teenage girl. I only stopped that scrapping shortly after getting married because I had a real job and husband and life and was busy!

I started it up again a couple years later, but this time I was introduced to scrapbooking as we know it today. The traditional layouts (1 or 2 pages), a title, some journalling, embellishments (i.e. stickers!), etc. I did this back and forth over the last 13 years. I have multiple albums full for my kids and a couple of family albums. But, they are just one event after another: birthday, easter, 4th of july, vacation, school, fall/halloween, thanksgiving, christmas, vacation, (and then start over)... what happened to our daily life?? I didn't really think about it.

Then, a little over a year ago I lost my mom. She had lived with us for the previous 5 1/2 years. My children only knew life with her in our home. And she was gone. I had lost my chance to document those days with her and them.

Most of my friends and even close family would never know that we are the family that might play music at dinner and the kids will get up to sing and my dh and I have even been known to dance to "Kiss the Girl" from Little Mermaid around the kitchen. My husband turned my mom's room into a craft room for my kids and I to craft together and spend time together in her room making good memories. We can work on their Smash books, make cards, or watch the NYE ball drop drinking cocoa. We have pajama day at schools, babydolls eat dinner with us, and watching a Star Wars movie for the first time is a BIG deal in our house! That is our life. And I want our kids to know that *this* time is a great time- we didn't just get up and go to school and wait for big events to happen. We didn't just let life happen to us, but we captured the joy life has to offer.

I've kept up with PL weekly (I'm currently caught up on wk 4 bc all my pics went into the sleeves last night and all my journalling was done after going over my Awesome Notes app from the daily notes I keep). It takes me 30 min a session after I email and print the photos at home. I have decided to keep it to the absolute basic. I make cards, I still scrap for the kids, I can papercraft to my heart's content in other areas. I won't allow PL to get overwhelming to me bc I won't set any expectations except to document our life.

I have loved this journey and am so glad I decided to do it. It has been so worth it. And the kids and husband love it so far. The album sits out even now. And they already look through it. :)

Enjoy!

Kristin

Clean and Simple Day 8

2012-01-19T21:00:00.001-06:00

The day 8 lesson was about mirror stamping. I learned one important lesson- detail stamps are better than solid stamps because I can't mirror stamp a solid stamp! :)

Enjoy!

Kristin

Clean and Simple Day 7

2012-01-17T21:43:00.001-06:00

Today is the Clean & Simple class again and yet again I have skipped a day. This time I skipped Day 6, but not for lack of effort. I threw away 3 different elements that I was attempting to make into embellishments because I hated them all. However, when I opened my email this morning I knew I could do this day. PTI MS1, B&B Wishes, Cane Print IP, Scallop border die, and Echo Park paper. I think in the picture the print of the cardstock and the pattern paper are busy but in real life the cardstock impression is more subtle. I also put stickles on the sentiment for a bit of bling.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Clean and Simple Day 5

2012-01-13T10:44:00.002-06:00

Today's class lesson was using techniques: watercoloring with Distress Inks. I used PTI Iconic Images and Healing Touch Sentiments. I used clear embossing powder on regular cardstock (the Walmart brand)... I'm assuming watercolor paper would have made a more finished product. Overall, it's a neat look.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Clean and Simple Day 4

2012-01-12T23:01:00.001-06:00

This post is for the Clean and Simple class... day 4 (I skipped day 3... too busy now and it's better for me to skip and feel like I am keeping up!). One stamp (in this case the background text) stamped in unique (or three different ways). I chose to stamp it and emboss it and then mask out a shape of a stamped flower (PTI Dark Chocolate). I have a threaded button on it as well. The other flower is larger but the same image. Then, just a strip of patterned paper (old My Mind's Eye) with pen stitching and sentiment is PTI B&B Wishes.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Clean & Simple Card Day 2

2012-01-11T22:01:00.001-06:00

Even though it is the end of day 3 of class, I'm just now posting my day 2 card (that I finished 5 minutes ago!). Alas, busy couple of days!

This had to be a one layer card. So, I masked off, misted, then stamped the inside with Holiday Photo Finishers, Embellishments, and Just the Ticket sets. Mister was Maya Road and everything else is PTI.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Clean & Simple Card Day 1

2012-01-09T20:41:00.001-06:00

I signed up for a card making class. I've never done this before but just what I read in today's notes showed me how much I will get out of this class! I chose the 2nd sketch (of 3) and did a monochromatic look. I used all Aqua Mist colors from PTI, Rosie Posie Stamp set as the background image on the panel, and the sentiment from Little Labels (embossed) in white with a white button.

As my own critic, I would choose a *larger* sentiment. I feel like it is getting swallowed up by the images on the panel. But my larger sentiments (from Think Big Fave's -PTI line) were too big... I don't have any *medium* size that I liked.... hmmm.

What do ya'll think?

Enjoy!

Kristin

8 years ago...

2012-01-09T05:00:00.000-06:00

Eight years ago today I became a mom... wow... the joy, wonder, and craziness that is held in that word.

Hardest job ever- and this is from a woman who has 3 degrees, has started a professional department out of nothing, then left it to start a private practice out of nothing (and worked countless hours).

And, it is the best job ever- and this is from someone who has seen a child hear for the first time, given a woman the ability to hear her child laugh for the first time, and cried with countless patients over the years as they heard leaves rustle and birds sing again.

I pray with both my children... "Thank you God for letting me be your mom" And that is such a true statement.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Pink Paislee Snow Day

2012-01-07T14:37:00.001-06:00

I *love* Pink Paislee's Snow Day line and I couldn't have been happier when they offered so many of their papers and embellishments for free online during December. I downloaded every single one!! I used a sketch from online (?? source- page maps- I don't know!).

Enjoy!

Kristin

Top Ten (plus 1) :)

2011-12-31T13:01:00.000-06:00

Here are my Top Ten for 2011 (plus 1... I couldn't resist the Birthday Banner I made for my daughter's 5th birthday in October!).

No particular order, although I do love the ones near the bottom as much as the ones at the top!

Enjoy!

Kristin

PTI December blog hop

2011-12-26T08:54:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the PTI "Leftover" blog hop!

I had made several sympathy cards and then I made a mini album for my son's teacher and used an image in All Booked Up. Plus, the pattern paper and misting spray had been around for a couple of other projects. So, here is the outcome. Pinefeather is not the usual color of choice for me, but I think it turned out okay.

Happy Boxing Day to my Canadian friends!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T08:00:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!Kristin

Sending you

2011-12-22T07:08:00.000-06:00

I actually CASEd a Betsy Veldman card (but of course today when I try to blog the card... I can't find the original!) and pulled this off with OA paper and PTI supplies.

Enjoy!

And Merry Christmas!

Kristin

3 1/2 years in the making...

2011-12-20T20:43:00.002-06:00

This layout is 3 1/2 years in the making...

Great American Scrapbook Convention here in Arlington, TX ... papers & sketch from a class from 2008!!!!

Pictures from a photo shoot from 2009!!!

But, it turned out great and I love it!

Holidays are getting closer!

Are you ready??

Enjoy!

Kristin

Lots of Cards Today

2011-12-16T07:13:00.000-06:00

One month shouldn't contain the need to make so many sympathy cards when most of the recipients are in their 30s... but that is how the end of November was for many of my friends and their family. I'll say it again... tell those you love how much you cherish them. Put aside your differences and cling to your similarities. Give them a hug!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Wish Big

2011-12-11T08:51:00.001-06:00

Using a Make It Monday technique from a bit ago, here's a card I never uploaded. LOVE that little "happy" banner!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Princess 5th birthday

2011-12-06T05:00:00.000-06:00

Lots of cricut, CTMH, and PTI makes the perfect birthday LO, the perfect birthday "event" for the perfect birthday princess.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Photo Finisher sympathy

2011-12-04T05:00:00.000-06:00

I love the combination of these colors. Photo finisher dies were just made for the perfect touch on a clean and elegant card. Finally broke out the mini-pearls and so glad!

Enjoy!

Kristin

MIM: Pleated Ribbon & PTI: Pages 30 min LO

2011-12-03T11:14:00.001-06:00

The top page (left side of the layout) is for Leigh's Pages w/ Papertrey for a 30 minute LO. I used a sketch from this site and had completed my son's so I was sure I could do my daughter's in the time limit. I wanted to use the Make it Monday: Pleated Ribbon challenge so I used a bit of Terracotta Tile grosgrain ribbon as an accent to her page.

Now, for an apology of sorts. I have neglected my blog for the first time in a long time and neglected the ladies I follow as well. However, I have used my time to craft (a lot!) instead of surf (or even pin!). So, I've decided to post the pictures of the things I've made without any (or much) detail. If you want to know, please email me or leave a comment.

My goal by Christmas is to get back in the groove of visiting all of my blog friends too!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Season's Greetings... from 2010

2011-11-23T08:31:00.000-06:00

So, I finally got around to scrapping Jake's layout from last Christmas. Silver lining... I used this year's EchoPark "Season's Greeting's" line. LOVE IT! This sketch matches Emma's from last year (I uploaded it a long time ago... see it Here). The sketch from page 1 is from Bug Junkie. I honestly don't know if page 2 is a sketch from somewhere, or a combination of things put together- I almost always use a sketch though- so if you recognize it, please let me know so I can give credit. I went through my book and didn't see it!

I used lots of PTI products too: Holiday Photo Finishers (stamps and dies), BB:Christmas, In the Meadow dies, Jar Labels 2 dies, ribbon, and cardstock... LOTS of cardstock.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Double (Indepence) Trouble

2011-11-22T08:27:00.001-06:00

So, I was trying to be clever with my title... did it work? :)

I like using the same sketch for the kids' "event" layouts that go into their albums. Then, just use the same family photo and then pics that feature them. The paper is We R Memory Keepers and I used the cricut for everything else. PTI's Pure Poppy is my only other addition (buttons, cardstock).

Enjoy!

Kristin

PTI Scrapbook Sketch (November)

2011-11-20T16:49:00.001-06:00

Just a quick post. Leigh hosts 2 scrapbook challenges each month. I finally participated. Here is my layout for her sketch challenge for November.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Crafting

2011-11-20T14:45:00.001-06:00

So, I took a blogging break but not a crafting break. I actually participated in a PTI Make It Monday and never uploaded it. I've been trying to get some of my scrapbooking done and will do more of that this week. So, perhaps less blogging, less cards, more layouts will be coming. Hope to still see you stop by and comment, though!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Passing the Torch

2011-10-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

Wow, has this month flown by! I have really enjoyed working with the women of Amber Ink and running alongside the other torchbearers this month.

But, have I got a SUPER treat in store for you today! I am so excited, thrilled, and honored that Leigh Penner has agreed to run with the Blue Torch for Amber Ink in the month of November. Whohoooooo!!! Can you hear me down here in TX, Leigh??? :)

She is a one in a million crafter and will blow you away! So, get ready for an amazing month of projects!

I also want to take a minute and say thanks to Jessica for handing off the torch to me this month. I had some pretty big shoes to fill. She set a high standard and I hope I did her justice :).

Enjoy Leigh!!

Kristin

Amber Ink Recap

2011-10-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

I can't believe my time with Amber Ink is almost up!! Here is a recap "in pictures" of all the projects I showcased this month.

I'll be back tomorrow to pass the torch and I am SO thrilled and honored that she agreed!! You should be excited too.... (counting the minutes :) lol)

Enjoy!

Kristin

Amber Ink Project 6

2011-10-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

I can't believe this is my final project for Amber Ink! I've had a great time this month and I hope you've enjoyed seeing some different types of crafty things that can be done with the things in their shop.

Here I used the Shot to the heart iPaper as the mat for the picture and the sentiment "You still give me butterflies", a digistamp, as my title both from the Amber Ink Shop on my layout.

I also used misting spray for the first time! FUN!!

I'll be back later this week to wrap up and show you all the projects at once as well as "Pass the Torch" on Friday!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Amber Ink Project 5

2011-10-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that I only have two projects left to show you. First up is a set of Christmas tags. On another forum I frequent has been a lot of talk about traditional vs. non-traditional use of color at Christmas time. I am typically a VERY traditional Christmas-color kinda gal. However, when I saw this Christmas iPaper in the Amber Ink Shop I immediately knew I was going to make Christmas tags. I used some Bazzill shimmer cardstock for the pinked edge circle, and stamped the snowflake and to/from in a coordinating pink.

I pulled out a cute "Mom" and "Dad" stamp, some twine, and some pretty ribbon tied in bows to finish them off.

What kind of things to you have planned for the holidays? Check out the Amber Ink Shop for all the goodies there and see what you can find. Check out the Amber Ink Blog for lots of inspiration!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Amber Ink Project 4

2011-10-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

Back again with another fun card for my 4th Amber Ink project. This time it is a "card combo" because I wanted to carry the theme (and this awesome iPaper) over to an envelope. I used a coordinating die on the card, envie, and iPaper to tie everything together (as well as a cute little flower embellie).

Did a bit of sewing on the iPaper this time (and again, you would NEVER know this wasn't paper I hadn't bought online or at a retail store... LOVE it!), and then added on a clear acrylic tag to coordinate with the pattern on the paper and the sentiment on the tiny tag. Lots of ribbon and a big flower embellishment help to tie everything together.

Head on over to the Amber Ink Shop today and check out what they have in store for you! (lol, couldn't resist!)... there are also some great projects featured on the Amber Ink Blog by my fellow torchbearers.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Amber Ink Project 3

2011-10-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome again to another Amber Ink crafting project. One more time I am breaking away from traditional card making because I like showcasing what this company's products can bring to your crafting "table"... Again with the iPaper because I love it so!

Halloween is just around the corner and we all need to add a little "creepy, crawly" flourish- even to our craft area. Here, I downloaded and printed their Spider Polkadots-Candy Corn Tiny (so cute!) iPaper and put my cricut to work again cutting out a picture frame. The iPaper was the base, black cardstock for the web and white cardstock for the back and "foot" to make it stand up.

While this is an older picture, I do love it. I don't mind having non-traditional pictures (like this of my daughter looking down) because I remember the moment. They were both giggling so hard they couldn't make a straight face. My kids (being a scrapbooking mom) know I like at least 1 "good" picture and they both were trying (even tho my dd was only 2) and no matter what they did they just had the giggles. Such good memories!

Take a look through some of Amber Ink's paper and stamps and see what you find that sparks a memory of you growing up with your family or your kids today. It'll be worth it!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Amber Ink Project 2: Oh What a Doll!

2011-10-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome back to another Amber Ink project! Today I am showcasing two digiStamps: Oh What a Doll! and a cute princess babe. These are separate images you can get at the Amber Ink Shop. This was my first *real* time venturing into digiStamps, even though I have used printed journalling off the computer. And, I must confess I am no copic coloring goddess like many other crafters. I actually sold all my copics awhile ago. I do use watercolor pencils and like the effect, but mostly I paper piece stamped images. So, I needed to see what I could do with this princess image to do her justice.

And, well, I paper pieced her! I traced her onto the Yellow Dot iPaper after printing out my page onto regular copy paper using something similar to a lightbox. Then, I cut out her dress and shoe (as one piece), and her crown. I adhered those pieces to the cardstock image I had printed her on and then finished coloring her with watercolor pencils. Then, I die cut her image and a mat out of cardstock. I printed the sentiment and die cut it as well. The pattern paper was die cut multiple times with a scallop border. Everything was adhered to the card base and the princess matted image was popped up. Buttons, pearls, and stickles were added as finishing touches because she is, after all, a PRINCESS! :)

Enjoy!

Kristin

AI Yellow Tiny Swiss Dots	Princess stamp	AI Oh What a Doll sent	PTI Med Scallop Die
PTI Photo Finisher Die Collection	PTI Perfect Match Lavender Moon Cardstock	PTI Fillable Frame #10 Die	PTI Lavender Moon buttons

InLinkz.com

Amber Ink Project 1: Birthday Banner & Princess Wands

2011-10-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hello! Welcome to my first project for Amber Ink. I am so very excited to showcase what their products can bring to your crafting projects. I have lots of different types of projects lined up for you this month, starting with today's post: Birthday Banner and Princess Wands using Amber Ink iPaper. I used Tiny Picnic Gingham Whisper and for the first time ever using digital paper I am thrilled to death at how easy it was and how wonderful it was to coordinate my projects!

As most of you know I am a working mom of two kiddos. October is a crazy busy month around my house. Throw in a birthday for my youngest and that just escalates the chaos. This year my dd chose "Princess Theme" and I went all-in (don't I every year?? We won't revisit the hours I stayed up creating Gotham City for my son in 2010).

Anyway, banners are HUGE and I had just bought the Cricut Princess Party Event cartridge so of course I needed patterned paper for the banner. I ended up printing 2 sheets since the first sheet wasn't enough... that's right... I made the cardstock banner a bit too big (and we ALL know I had enough cardstock to make my banner 4 times larger!) but I just went to my printer and out pops another perfectly coordinating gingham patterned paper. The cricut did all the work after that, of course. I just assembled and bam, the banner was done!

Well, then a few days passed and I was putting together the "goodie tins" for the girls (the boys will be knights and they get silver tins... I know, cute) and realized that the cartridge had wands in it. Well, it's a princess party and I wanted wands. I showed my dd and so I started cutting out the wands. The "coordinating layer" *had* to match my banner since it will all be on display on the same table. Out came a couple more sheets of pattern paper! SO EASY!!!

I am completely sold on digital paper now. I'm telling you it's the best thing that has happened to me since clear stamps... and that should scare my poor husband's wallet! :)

I'll be back next week for another project. Check out the Amber Ink Blog for more eye candy!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Amber Ink- Think Pink

2011-10-04T12:42:00.000-05:00

Head on over to the Amber Ink Blog ... NOW... there is some great news there and by participating you can receive a 20% discount on some CUTE iPaper.

Did you go? Have you seen it?? What are you waiting for???

Enjoy!

Kristin

Exciting News: Amber Ink!

2011-09-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

I'm thrilled to announce that this month I've been passed the BLUE TORCH for the Amber Ink *Think Tank* (their version of Guest Designer DT). Jessica sent me an email asking me if she could pass the torch to me this month and do I have some big shoes to fill! She is an amazing paper-crafter... please take a look at her creations and leave her some love!

While you are at it, you can surf around the Amber Ink Shop - they sell both clear stamps, digital stamps, and iPaper. It was my first time to play around with iPaper and I've had a really great experience! I can't wait to show you some of my creations - a little bit of something for everyone!

Come back on Monday, October 3rd my first project both here and the Amber Ink Blog.

My Fellow Torchbearers this month are: (visit them today and congratulate them too!)
PINK: Sara
BRONZE: Susa
PURPLE: Esther
ORANGE: Michelle

Enjoy!

Kristin

Bloom Builder 3 and scallops

2011-09-26T19:03:00.002-05:00

Well, just a quick post from me tonight... seems like that is all I have time for lately... {sigh}. Anyway, I (for the life of me) can't remember why I made this card. I didn't have a post-it note reminding me of a color challenge or sketch challenge, but I made it nonetheless. I've got it set aside for safe-keeping in my anniversary stash. It's Ocean Tides, Scarlet Jewel, and Vintage Cream. Really very pretty together.

Enjoy!

Kristin

More 1st day of school goodies

2011-09-21T07:06:00.001-05:00

Here's the last of my first day of school "goodness"... using the glasine bags, the cricut version of the lunchbox note die for the chocolate squares and notes to the teacher. I believe the paper is Pink Paislee.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Dump Truck Birthday

2011-09-20T00:14:00.001-05:00

A little guy turned 4 this weekend and he *LOVES* dump trucks! I cut one with the cricut three times and layered. Added buttons for the wheels, Distressed Stripes stamps in versamark (for those dump truck line thingys), and Birthday Boy is from Enjoy the Ride.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Dad's birthday

2011-09-16T14:27:00.001-05:00

I used the new Layerz MS 1 die, MS 1 die, and MS 1 collection stamp outline. Then, I piled lots of Happy Birthday stamps onto a big background block and alternated stamping over the card front. I embossed the main image, popped it up, and put some ribbon behind it.

Dad loved it- that's all I needed :)

Enjoy!

Kristin

Gratitude Mini Journal for my girl

2011-09-11T20:01:00.000-05:00

Picture HEAVY so I'll let you peruse it and ENJOY! Main stamp set is PTI's Gratitude Journal and of course a Flower Fusion and great sentiments from Top Ten and Signature Series line.

Enjoy!

Kristin

out from under the rock :)

2011-09-03T13:04:00.001-05:00

Hey there! I really haven't meant to be hiding under a rock... it just sorta happened that way. The first weekend after school started for my son, my husband and I spent the entire weekend painting and moving JetMax cubes into my "new" craft room. It is actually going to be a craft room for my kids and I. They *love* to craft with me and I love it too. So, I now can truly spread out and have "stations" : stamping/assembling (main work area), cutting/diecutting/cricut, laptop, mini-books, and sewing. Finally, one of the only things we purchased was a 5 ft. (foldable) table that is in the center of the table for the kids. They can sit there and leave their crafts out- or I can sit with them if we are doing a project together (instead of on the floor which is what happened in the past!). OR, if I have a BIG project or girlfriends over, most all of that can MOVE and everyone can have their OWN spot!! So, we just need to finish up the walls and I'll post pictures.WELL.... that was a LONG intro into those 2 cards (sorry!!). Do you remember SAFaire weekend? Nichole posted lots of challenges. Well, these were cards I made (the top was close to a CASE of Pine's card- #3) for the challenges. The bottom ended up being my dh's birthday card and it was for #6 with the notches/twine.

Enjoy!

Kristin

First day of school

2011-08-18T21:01:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the first day of school for my son (second grade already!!) and Monday is the first day of PreK for my baby girl!!

Last month PTI hosted a StampaFaire. While I didn't get to go they had lots of videos and pictures throughout the day. One of the women there was working on a card very similar to these. This is a pretty close CASE but I never got her name.

Enjoy!

Kristin

baby card

2011-08-14T09:06:00.000-05:00

I made this for a friend who recently found out she was having another baby.They are so very excited to welcome this newest addition into their family. I used a bit of embroidery floss for the clothesline and held it to the card with mini glue dots. Hanging out, Tiny Tags, and Congrats All Ways are wonderful complimentary sets!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Easter layout

2011-08-11T07:08:00.000-05:00

We've been discussing scrapbooking quite a bit over on the forums so I thought I'd show a layout (to finally complete my son's book- 1/2008 to 12/2010) that I did a couple of weeks ago. It was Easter 2010. It was a super important layout for me to complete, because this is the Eater when my son accepted Christ.

I used some recent PTI product that I purchased from all those great PTI gift cards I'd been saving. :) I LOVE Half & Half... it is a DREAM come true!!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Papertrey PaperDolls challenge #43

2011-08-04T06:01:00.000-05:00

I am the host for this challenge over at the Papertrey PaperDolls blog. Come on over and join us!

enjoy!

Kristin

Birthday (Party Time) ... for ME!!

2011-08-03T10:10:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday (to me!) I made this card on the day of PTI's Stamp a Faire Challenges. I used Dawn's sketch for her Make n Take (and the colors) and decided this morning it wa a PERFECT birthday card for *me* today!

I also have a Birthday Buddy out here in BlogLand- so happy birthday MICHELLE!!

Have a great day everyone else!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Sending you get well wishes...

2011-08-02T05:00:00.001-05:00

I am *the worst*... PTI has this great weekly feature called Make It Monday. Every week there is a neat video with a new, or different twist to an "old", technique. I usually can't play along till the weekend. Then, I have to take pictures, upload, and write the post.

Well, I love to make the cards and taking the pictures is no big deal. The rest... not so much fun :) (blog writing isn't bad- I *just* need the pictures!! lol).

So, we had to make a pocket with a decorative edge a few weeks ago and this is what I did. I used the reverse image of the simple circles border die. Different. Unique. But, I liked it.

Enjoy!

Kristi

Laurie-Our Gallery Idol Blog Hog

2011-08-01T06:00:00.002-05:00

Welcome!! If you are joining in the Blog Hop today you should be coming from Christy's blog. If you'd like to start at the beginning, please go to our PTI PaperDolls Blog where LeeAnne posted ALL the details! :)

One of our PaperDolls made it ALL the way into the TOP 10 of the PaperCrafts Connection Blog Gallery Idol competition!! We are SO proud of her and want to celebrate her success!

Laurie, is truly a CAS (Clean & Sophisticated) *Queen* Stamper if there ever was one... and I love her style! I was happy to jump on the bandwagon to do this for her. And, I knew immediately which card I would CASE in her honor.

I remember seeing THIS card the first time and thinking... WOW, that is beautiful, genius, and I MUST have that stamp set!! There aren't a lot of stampers who can really make me see a stamp set, I truly thought wasn't my style, in a whole new light.

Here is my CASE of that card using Iconic Images and watercolor pencils:

I really enjoyed doing this for Laurie and hopefully she knows she IS our idol :)

The next blog you should go to is: Suzanne

Enjoy!

Kristin

Ad Sense= "Sonic" thank you! :)

2011-07-29T09:02:00.000-05:00

If you've had any (and I do mean *any*) experience with the gals (and guy) on the PTI forum you know how incredibly gracious and generous they are with everything!

I do not own the PTI set Ad Sense (or die), but my wonderful receptionist regularly brings me Sonic drinks (cherry Dr. Pepper!) "just because"... yes, she knows HOW MUCH I VALUE HER!! :)

So, I had to give her a proper Thank you!!

I've always thought the die cut image- when stamped- was so similar to the Sonic sign.

So, I asked on the Forum if anyone would mind stamping off a couple in PTI Pure Poppy for me and Cari (see her blog here) was so sweet to offer. What perfect stamping, yes??!!

Then, I stamped the Thank You in Fresh Alphabet and did the rest with ribbon and cardstock layering.

She LOVED it!!

Enjoy!

Kristin

PTI July Blog Hop

2011-07-25T08:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the July PTI Blog Hop!! This month Nichole challenged us to use a beautiful photo as our inspiration to create a card. Here is the photo she chose:

I chose to use not only the colors in this photo but some of the overall design...

The Terracotta Tile curtains, bamboo shades, and the soft white light coming into the room.

Here is my card:

I put some details in this card - some to soften it and some to more closely match the inspiration photo.

I really loved this card so much when I completed it that I immediately began looking around the web for other photos to inspire me. So, thank you Nichole! :)

Enjoy!

Kristin

Wedding Wishes

2011-07-24T05:00:00.001-05:00

Recently, a couple in our church got married. My husband knew the groom well and even though we couldn't attend the wedding I wanted them to have a special card. I actually used Distressed Stripes behind the Mat Stack and ribbon. I'll probably never use that set to it's full potential but I just love the possibilities it can deliver!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Botanical Silouhettes

2011-07-22T07:39:00.000-05:00

Even though I've not used it often, the PTI anniversary set is one amazing beautiful set! Plus, I just LOVE Label Basics. Today and tomorrow, since I can't go to Cinci with my PTI friends, I am getting to play (less today because I have to do those wife and mom things like buy food and laundry!)... and I can't wait to play with Little Labels!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Road Trip and Beautiful Blessings

2011-07-14T19:33:00.000-05:00

I love this Road Trip paper!! This was the first time I used it and WOW it is wonderful. I always say I have too much paper but this is GREAT paper!! Pulled out FFrame #10 and Beautiful Blessings and Healing Touch Sentiments and "went to town" :)

Lost first tooth layout

2011-07-13T05:00:00.002-05:00

Layout showcasing my ds having lost his first tooth last year. I used PTI's spiral notebook die as well as selected stamps from MSS:Tabs to tell the story (along with journaling). Cricut cut out shapes/diecuts.

I also wanted to point out here (for fellow PTI forum friends) that I used a vertical strip in the upper left corner. One picture and the journaling info is on it.

Can't wait for those Half and Half strips!!

Enjoy
Kristin

A little bit of this and a little bit of that...

2011-07-11T19:40:00.000-05:00

So, I made *another* easel card as a birthday card for my mother in law. We have A LOT of birthdays in July. I am forever making birthday cards (all females) in June for July birthdays. I feel like I threw everything but the kitchen sink in here (as far as stamp sets go)... lol!

Let's see:
Signature Greetings
Tiny Tags
Tiny Treats: Birthday
Fruit Fusion: Berry

PLUS:
double ended banner die
and... spiral notebook die (just for good measure!)

The paper is some older October Afternoon (Fly a Kite) that I just love and have a hard time using up.

All the cardstock, ribbon, twine, and ink is PTI.

Enjoy!
Kristin

Paper Dolls Background Stamp Challenge

2011-07-08T06:49:00.000-05:00

I am finally posting a card again! This completes the PTI Paper Dolls challenge #40 to use a background stamp. Please visit our blog and play along!

I used Beautiful Blessings for the sentiment, but pulled out Fall Elegance for "Hope"... I just love it when things like that work out! The papers are Cosmo Cricket (LOVE!) except for the Spring Rain cs I used to balance it all out. I stamped Polka Dot Basics II in versamark to keep up the theme but stay subtle.

My photography needed a little work since the card seems a bit "sideways!" :)

Anyway, sorry for being so absent this past month. With visitors for long stretches (who were all dear friends), 2 business trips, 2 different sets of swim lessons, 2 additional out of town personal trips, 1 vacation (and that was JUST June!) by the time the July 4th weekend rolled around we were just done.

Thankfully, we can now have a bit of rest. We have VBS, friend playdates, and fun swimming to look forward too... but until school starts mid-August we have (or should have) NO more craziness.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Fruit Fusion

2011-06-29T06:54:00.000-05:00

Finally played around with Fruit Fusion stamp set and paper. In. Love.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Father's Day cards part 3

2011-06-21T21:41:00.000-05:00

Last of the Dad's day cards that I'm posting for this year.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Father's Day cards part 2

2011-06-17T17:32:00.000-05:00

Here's my next Father's Day card (scroll down a couple of posts to see my first one). Still using My Hero My Dad... finally using my FIRST impression plate- Woodgrain (go me!!). How did I wait so long??? And, why did I ever get one of these can now I can't resist them???

Paper is from a big Michael's stack of "boy" paper and I used Kraft and Terracotta Tile cardstock. Fresh Snow, TT, and DC inks. DC Baker's Twine and sewing (with a TT button).

Enjoy!

Kristin

PTI MIM: Tissue Paper

2011-06-10T16:14:00.000-05:00

Well, this was an interesting challenge for me... I wasn't quite sure how it would turn out, but in the end I really liked the results. I made an easel card (you can google easel card tutorial) out of Rustic Cream cardstock and use Road Trip stamp set and paper. Then, I added in a bit of Botanical Silhouettes. I didn't have Melon Berry ink, so I mixed some inks to create the illusion. Then, added in some distressing and sewing and even a few diecuts to create some additional interest. Finally, I covered it with the tissue paper (and yea for running it through your die cut machine- that is a must!). Then, more distressing, restamping the sentiment and adding a few more things to balance it all out and voila. :) It was done!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Father's Day cards part 1

2011-06-09T20:41:00.001-05:00

Hi all! I'm back again (don't you love vacations!) with a masculine card using 2 of my favorite sets: My Hero, My Dad & Grunge Me. This also qualifies for the Papertry Paper Dolls Challenge #39 here. Please play along. Each challenge is open for a long time but we post a new one every other Thursday. I used Dark Chocolate and Fine Linen (FAVORITE!! neutral) with lots of Versamark ink and stamping off DC ink. Double ended banner die, chocolate twine and button "ties" it all up nicely.

*** I do have one thing to say about Tiffany Pastor's MHMD set. A lot of people on the PTI forum only wanted to have the corrugated stamp from this set (and yes, it is an amazing stamp!!). I must say that this entire set is worth every penny. I do have 2 cards to make for my dad and FIL for Father's day (and then for my kids to make their "grandpa" cards) and I can make a card for my husband from the kids (he really likes my cards) and then they can use it to make their cards for Father's day... but there are lots of other uses. I recommend you take a fresh look at this set again for all that it can do for your cards or scrapbook layouts. ***

Enjoy!

Kristin

Teacher cards part 2

2011-06-08T23:29:00.000-05:00

Quick post today... this was to thank my 4 year old daughter's daycare teacher for such a great year. Teacher's Apple stamps and Beautiful Blooms paper are perfect! The card was cut like a file folder from my cricut.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Happy Anniversary to "us"

2011-06-07T05:00:00.005-05:00

Today my dh and I celebrate 14 years of marriage. Striking to me that so many years have passed when I can still clearly remember our wedding day in great detail. I treasure those details to remind me of the importance of each passing year.

*** Before any of you go, I also wanted to let you know this card also completes the PTI Paperdolls #38 challenge here *** (join us!! We'd love to have you play along!)

Now, back to the regularly scheduled post if you want to keep reading :)...

Also, I have been writing the blog now since 2008 shortly before our 11th anniversary.

I thought I would give you the opportunity to take a peek into our lives by reading some of what I have written about him. Most blog posts are a bit about the kids or friends, but mostly about the card or scrapbook layout.

However, on our anniversary each year I have taken the opportunity to stop and write down for anyone to see how lucky I am. In fact, over the last 18 months we have watched several couples we know experience great marital hardships and some of them are now divorced. He asked me once why I wouldn't ever leave him ... and here was my answer, "I have been given gifts from God over the years, but I prayed specifically and with purpose from the time I was 14 years old to marry the right man he had for me. And you? He put you in front of me on a silver platter one day and said 'Kristin, here he is- the man you prayed for all those years ago.' Well, I will never give up that gift!"

Here is the June 2008 post

Here is the June 2009 post

Here is the June 2010 post (I didn't write much here because we had just entered an extremely difficult time in our family life- our marriage was and is rock solid I just didn't have time to devote to a post- but I still love that card!)

I have had time to really reflect over the past many months on our marriage and I have so enjoyed seeing how richly God has blessed my life with such an amazing man after God's own heart.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Teacher notecards

2011-06-03T14:56:00.000-05:00

I absolutely loved a card similar to the notecards I made for Jake's teacher out of Floral Fusion #3. I have searched the DT, Nichole, Melissa B blogs, AND the gallery and can't find it to link. I can tell you it isn't my idea! :)

Then, I took Teacher's Apple to make a coordinating card for her and with the Library Pocket Die on the back filled it with gift cards.

So glad summer is here!!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Thanks a million!

2011-05-31T05:38:00.000-05:00

My son played baseball with his school friends this season (made the playoffs, too, Good Job, Cubs!). I wanted to make the Head Coach and Assistant Coach some thank you cards for all of their hard work with the boys. But, knowing these cards probably wouldn't be "treasured" (if you get my drift), I wanted them to be simple. I used the Cricut baseball cartridge, PTI Enchanted Evening, Blueberry Sky, and Pure Poppy cardstock (Fine Linen for that ticket). Thanks a million sentiment is from the Sig Series stamp set.

Enjoy!

Kristin

score boy bday monkey

2011-05-27T07:01:00.001-05:00

I've done it several times and THIS is probably my fave example.

I always score first, then mask, then stamp. I used several shades of green with TANL and then the monkey from TT:B (I'd LOVE the monkey image a bit bigger!! anyone else??). Finally, the sentiment is from Big Birthday Wishes.

Enjoy!

Kristin

May PTI Blog Hop!

2011-05-25T08:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the May Papertrey Ink Bloghop: Flowers

May is the month when many flowers finally go into full bloom after a long winter's sleep. For the blog hop this month we want to see your favorite take on flowers. You can stamp backgrounds, create custom floral embellishments, showcase unique flower center additions (buttons, rhinestones, beads,etc...), flowers die-cut from different materials (like fabric, felt, vellum, etc...) or anything else you can
dream up!

I used Delightful Dahlia and a sentiment from MS 1 on the double ended banner die accented with rhinestones. Lots of patterned paper so that it would qualify for the Papertrey Paper Dolls challenge #37

Happy Birthday Merry Bloghop

2011-05-22T11:30:00.000-05:00

Today is Merry's birthday. She is a "PTI forum friend" and *LittleMissT* arranged a wonderful surprise for her today. We are all so glad to be able to take part in brightening her day today. I, personally, hope that this card and my post brings a smile to her face. She has one of the best avatar pics on the forum- this great big friendly smile and bright eyes.

So, Happy Birthday Merry! May the Lord bless you and keep you!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Playing around

2011-05-15T14:00:00.000-05:00

Quick post... I was just messing around a few weeks ago (I seriously think I made this card sometime in March and never posted it!)... and just kept cutting and stamping and this came about. I have no idea if I even like it. But, here it is :)

I do believe I will start being more active again. I go through waves and I have several cards and projects I just need to upload and post. So, should be seeing them soon!

Life is about to be a lot busier too (for all of us I'm sure!)... end of school, start of summer... so much to do over the next well 3 months, my schedule is already full (at least I have a vacation planned in there... I will need it!).

enjoy!

Kristin

NSBD Tag into project (post 3)

2011-05-08T14:46:00.000-05:00

This is the 3rd post of the day... you can scroll down if you want to see a Masculine birthday card or a MIMonday anniversary card.

Nat'l Scrapbook Day was yesterday and I played along with My Pink Stamper. The challenge for this layout can be found at her website.

I got the paper on clearance at JoAnn's but it is awesome! Shimmer pink with snowflakes and a coordinating printed paper too. I used some old bling/shimmer cardstock (have had it since she was born) both pink and white. Then used PTI Sweet Blush, Hibiscus Burst, and Shimmer White cardstock. The only way I was able to do this so quickly is the sketch came from the Bug Junkie and was pretty easy to layout and I've known I was going to do this layout all week. Adding the tag at the end was easy. (I personally still think it needs something... maybe in the middle; plus the 2nd page to the 2 page layout, but I didn't have time).

Enjoy!

Kristin

NSBD Kraft Card (post 2)

2011-05-08T14:36:00.000-05:00

Saturday May 7th was Nat'l Scrapbooking Day. There were lots of blogs and websites celebrating. I was working on some projects but when I needed a break I would play along with Robyn over at My Pink Stamper. (there is also a gal in the PTI Dolls group, Laurie, who was celebrating and I checked in with her too... *hi Laurie*... but never got to any of her challenges)

Anyway, I had already intended on making a masculine birthday card and this challenge : USE KRAFT CARDSTOCK (#2) was perfect for me!

I used one of the Make it Monday "challenges" from several weeks ago (was this the first one??) and masked out the image of the die for MS 1. Then used a gel pen to dash in the outline and stamp in my sentiment. Thought it was pretty cool.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Make it Monday: Impression Plate Tricks (post 1...)

2011-05-08T14:28:00.000-05:00

This will be a busy blogging day. I have several creations to share but each has to have it's own post. (because today is personally a difficult day for me... my dh gave me a lot of time to devote to my love of this hobby... he IS wonderful!)

This first post is for PTI's MIM series. See the video here to find out how I did it!! Pretty neat, except I used a cuttlebug folder opened up. Just remember... the cutting edge of the die towards the paper!! (and the ribbon is hiding the edge of the paper since I used 2 folders)

Enjoy!

Kristin

Caring cards

2011-05-06T07:01:00.006-05:00

These are a couple of cards I sent to a friend and her son awhile ago. On the top card I wanted to use an idea floating around in my head based off of one of my fave cards from Lauren Meader from probably 2 or 3 years ago. She had stamped the image in black multiple times and then overlaid a popped up piece of cardstock where the image was colored in copics. It wasn't the "complete" image and blended perfectly with the black/white of the card. I've done that a few times. So, with Smokey Shadow cardstock and CTMH Daisy White ink I went to work. It created the perfect greyish background. A bit of color with the pink (bad memory and I can't tell if that is Hib Burst or Rasp Fizz from the photo) and then I stamped the image again on an SU dsp that has a greyish/pinkish background for some subtlety.

The little boy card was fun. My kids and I had a blast creating a card that was just for him. Lots of ideas were flowing around the craft table that day (in fact, if memory serves, he could have received an entire zoo of cards if my children would have their way!). I don't own the double ended banner dies... but seeing this reminds me I want them. sigh... lots of measuring and cutting :)

Enjoy!

Kristin

Piles of fun

2011-05-04T07:01:00.001-05:00

So, I just started adding embellishments on top of embellishments to see what I liked. I kept stamping, distressing, sewing, adding a bit of bling, a scrap of ribbon, more die cuts, etc. Eventually I ended up with "piles of fun" for a card. Hope it will bring a smile to a friend.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Make it Monday: Frames

2011-05-01T15:32:00.000-05:00

It's the end of the week, but this past week Nichole showed a fantastic video of drawing frames for Clean & Simple cards. She is the Master of these frames and many times I have wondered how she did it. Now we know! :)

I used the following sets: Take Note and Big Birthday Wishes. The 7 and the starburst matted circle are both cut from the cricut. I used Clearly Creative Cardstock for the "Take Note" sentiment (stamped with staz-on)... first time for doing that!! Yea me! and I popped up the 7 for a bit of dimension.

The line was drawn with a green gel pen. I did use Nichole's tip so watch her video here to learn how!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Blue Butterfly

2011-04-28T04:30:00.001-05:00

Another quick post from me today. This printed paper has fast become some of my favorite (Beautiful Blooms from PTI), MS5, SN die, always love the SS:Butterfly die, and BB: Text Style II. This also was a "reject" from that Paper Crafts sketch call.

I'm thinking of submitting for their current new call... it would help if I would do more than walk *by* my desk. Cards and gifts apparently do not magically appear by osmosis... LOL

Enjoy!
Kristin

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T11:31:00.003-05:00

Luke 24:5-6

"⁵ “Why do you look for the living among the dead? ⁶ He is not here; he has risen!"

Kite Flying

2011-04-21T07:01:00.001-05:00

Quick post today! Lots of scallops and polka dots! Inspired by a previous PTI blog hop of scallops, I used a similar theme here. The kite is from an October Afternoon stamp set that matches the paper by the same line "Fly a Kite"... I paper pieced it.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Paper Dolls Scrap Challenge

2011-04-16T07:01:00.001-05:00

Today I am posting my "scraps" challenge card. So, this ended up being waaaaaay harder than I thought it should have been- especially considering I trashed my first one and had to get *new* scraps, lol!
The scraps on this card were the Embellishments cuts (I stamped the coordinating image in versamark), the Take Three cut and Just the Ticket cut that I sewed together and cut off the edges (and used button brads on). Finally, the Library Pocket die cut was also a scrap. I added that scrap of ribbon too. The rest were *new* to finish off the card. I stamped image on the Library Card is the topiary button plant from Everyday Button Bits with the sentiment "from me to you".

Enjoy!

Kristin

Make It Monday: Masking with Dies

2011-04-15T10:23:00.000-05:00

Here is my card for this week's MIM!! Since Maile Belles introduced BB: Chevron Stripes I was inspired and pulled out BB: Christmas with the dotted version. Using the negative of the Take Three die I sponged around the edges with a light yellow and then stamped the stripe repeatedly in a pretty blue (those two inks were CTMH).

Now I know we are *just* getting into Spring but I'm a TX girl so barefoot or flip flop weather can never come soon enough!! I love summer! I pulled out the ones from Day at the Beach and Inks were Hibiscus Burst and Scarlet Jewel with a bit of stickles. Sentiment is from same set.

Enjoy!
Kristin

Lovely day

2011-04-12T19:18:00.005-05:00

I *love* this card. Everything about it really. I submitted it for the Paper Crafts sketch call last month (or Feb??). Not selected. No idea why. This is the only card I actually think they were wrong in not choosing, lol! Meaning, other cards they didn't pick, it didn't bother me. No matter how hard I worked on them, I just don't have an issue with rejection- mainly because I grow to love my cards soooo much that many times I can't imagine giving them to someone who won't cherish them as much as I love making them!! (so to send it away to some *unknown* person left me a little concerned! ha!)

But, this was a unique and stand out card, in my very humble opinion. PTI Shimmer cardstock with cuttlebug embossing. SJ ink and mat cardstock and SSeries sentiment. The double hearts came from a Stampabilities set (that I made sure could still be gotten too by the masses).

I know I will use this for a precious couple's anniversary (I might even make a duplicate!) but it could be a wedding day card. :)

Enjoy!

Kristin

Paper Doll Gratitude Challenge

2011-04-08T09:00:00.005-05:00

In the PTI PaperDolls blogging group, we have challenges every other Thursday here. Please come over and join in. They can really inspire you and get your mojo going! Or help you find it if it's gone missing :-)...

Many of us have truly come to realize the blessings we have in our lives. Family, friends, God, and even each other. Most of the Paper Dolls have never met yet we all came together, without ever actually discussing the *need* to do so, when one of us was hurting. And, I know we'd do it again.

So, our challenge was to create a card expressing "gratitude"... I decided my post would get mushy enough, so the card needed to be a bit more fun! This is a play on words "Thanks a million"...

I have a *million* friends to give this to... when my mom passed away in October I was completely and totally cared for by my very large group of friends. They just all stepped in and cared for us. Never asking what needed to be done, never expecting a thank you. Here I am months later, still needing help for things and they still are here.

I am blessed.

You are too. Really.

Say thank you to your friends and family. Hug your little ones. Tell your loved ones how much you appreciate them.

One day it will matter very much!

Kristin

Make it Monday: Heat Embossing

2011-04-05T21:00:00.000-05:00

So excited that I can post a project for another PTI Make it Monday! This week focuses on heat embossing. Here I have used clear embossing powder with versamark on the Spring Rain cs with TS: II. Also, I used All Booked Up on the circle image with black embossing powder. I used watercolor pencils for the coloring. All the other distressing and stamping look was done with PTI Tie Dye Duo. I created the doily and tiny tag with my cricut. The Storybook cartridge at 3" in Fine Linen for the doily and Plantan Schoolbook at 1" in Sweet Blush Bitty Dot paper. The scallop circle was cut from the cricut at 2" in Hibiscus Burst.

I hope you join in and create something with heat embossing! If you do, post your creation to the link page by Monday April 11th at 7am to be entered for a prize!

Enjoy!

Kristin

PTI Blog Hop!

2011-03-25T07:01:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the March PTI blog hop! Here was the challenge: to use embroidery floss in a fun and inventive way on your project. This could include stitching, wrapping it around and tying it like ribbon, braiding, accenting tags, embroidered patterns or anything else you can dream up!

So, I used the notecard cut from the Paisley cricut cartridge (similar to the lunchbox die which I love!) in New Leaf cut at 3". Pulled out TT: Birthday and stamped the balloons and the squiggle image on the back on the card. I *love* the little snail image for girls from the same cartridge so I pulled out Lemon Tart, Blueberry Sky, Hibiscus Burst, and Sweet Blush cardstock for all the layers. I used embroidery floss that matched SB over that same colored cardstock and stitched over it multiple times adding the perfect texture to the little snail bringing bday wishes to a lucky little girl.

Took the "happy bday" sentiment also from TT: B and stamped on the snail. When the birthday rolls around my daughter will finish out the inside for her little friend.

Thanks for the challenge! We had a blast!

Enjoy!
Kristin

Pretty in Pink

2011-03-23T18:15:00.001-05:00

Sorry my time has been so short these last two posts! I'll have a longer post on Friday for the PTI blog hop! This is PTI Sweet Blush, cricut cut from New Arrival, Everyday Button Bits sentiment on a MS3 border and Lap of Luxury SU! dsp. Stickles and Bella baubles with a bit of satin ribbon finish it off.

Enjoy!
Kristin

Vintage October Afternoon

2011-03-18T09:50:00.000-05:00

This is a quick post... All PTI and October Afternoon with a doily from HL that I distressed with Tie Dye Duo ink. The flower image was cut on my cricut.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Challenge Cards: MIM and PTI PD

2011-03-16T11:47:00.002-05:00

I have 2 cards today! Wow! The first card completes the challenge for PTI Make it Monday: Impression. I, sadly, do not yet own any PTI Impression Plates. I longingly look at them (especially Woodgrain, Book Print, and Linen/Canvas- hint, hint dh!! lol) but never end up getting any. So, I ended up using a cuttlebug folder (argyle) on the top portion of the card. I saw Erin Lincoln's idea on her PTI release post for putting a mat within the impression. Doesn't work in a cuttlebug folder people! Take my word for it! I don't think it's permanently ruined, but won't be doing that again soon!

Anyway, I then stamped from MS1 Collection in the "frame" area with Spring Rain ink on vintage cream cardstock and the celebrate sentiment from same set in CTMH Indian Corn Blue ink. Using same ink I stamped the other sentiment at the bottom. Tied the last of my sweet blue gingham ribbon between SR cardstock and VC cardstock. Bella baubles at the bottom and done!

The two cards together create a boy and girl *set* that completes the latest PTI Paper Dolls challenge by Leish. The girl card is also VC cardstock with score line around the edges. Masked off with MS1 stamp set for the *ribbon edges* (never sure what to call those) in SU ink that matches the PTI Sweet Blush cardstock cut in MS1. I did the same kind of technique using SS: Flower die and it worked great- impressed perfectly. Then, stamped the coordinating image. SU sentiment at the bottom and done!

The PTI MIM challenge is open until next Monday the 21st (but very early in the morning... then a new challenge is issued) and our PTI Paper Dolls challenge is open for quite a long time. A new challenge will be open tomorrow and a few others are already *out* and still open. Come play along!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Butterflies and flowers

2011-03-15T19:58:00.002-05:00

I was just playing around one day and this is what I came up with- not too shabby (yes, I do hear Adam Sandler in my head... if you don't get the reference just keep on going, lol). This is a little bit PTI (dies and felt), a little bit SU (dsp and cardstock), and a little bit CTMH (stamp). I figure when or if I decide the card will be given to someone I'll put a sentiment on it.

Right now, it appears plain and *blah* to me.

All you PTI fans who have listened to Erin's latest Radio Podcast... I'm asking for *real* constructive feedback...

What should I do to this card to make it better?? One thing, many things, trash it and start all over? :-)

Give me your suggestions and let's see what I can come up with this week on my days off for Spring break!

Enjoy!
Kristin

Baby Rattle

2011-03-11T07:01:00.001-06:00

A sweet but simple baby card cut from New Arrival on the cricut in PTI Polka Dot Parade pp and PTI Aqua Mist cardstock. I put stickles in the stars on the card and the "ribbon" on the card and used a vellum envie to the positive image and send the card. Fun!

Enjoy!

Kristin

PTI Paper Dolls Blog Hop

2011-03-09T07:01:00.000-06:00

Hi! Welcome to the PTI Paper Dolls Blog Hop!! You should be coming to my blog from Renee.
If you are a "regular" to my blog and would like to join in the hop (there are details on our main blog site here) then start with Jen. There ARE prizes involved including a stamp set AND a gift certificate so make sure you read the details!! :-)

Now... on to the "hop":
"PTI" is the theme. Please include something on our project that starts with a "P", something that starts with a "T" and something that starts with an "I".

The "P" in my project is "Plum Pudding" (cardstock), "T" is "Turning a New Leaf" stamp set and twine (wrapped around and tied in a bow), and the "I" is ink... and lots of of it! I used Versamark ink, Plum Pudding ink, and Simply Chartreuse ink.

We are using the blog hop to get to know our Paper Doll "blog sisters" a bit better so here you can learn more about me:

-name Kristin
-state Texas
-age over 35 :)
-day job Audiologist (doctor who evaluates and treats disorders of hearing and balance)
-family married to the BEST husband (almost 14 yrs); 2 kids (ds 7 and dd 4)
-When did you discover PTI? 2008
-How long have you been a Doll about a month :)
-Favorite PTI products not counting stamps it used to be cardstock, now it is dies
coordinate with the stamp sets (*love those*)
-Favorite PTI stamp sets Signature Greetings, Tiny Treats, Mat Stack Collections
-Favorite PTI color used to be Lemon Tart, now Hibiscus Burst
-Favorite PTI color combo Lemon Tart, Spring Moss, Hibiscus Burst

Keep on hopping, you are almost at the end! You should be ending the hop with Christy.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Cherry Bday Wishes

2011-03-03T05:00:00.000-06:00

Cherry wishes to a blogging friend. This is s great example of how a scrap layout can be used for a card sketch.

Using Cherry-O paper from CTMH and all other PTI materials, I made a fun bday card for a sweet blogging friend.

Enjoy!
Kristin

Batman birthday boy!

2011-02-26T13:30:00.000-06:00

For my son's 6th birthday last year it was ALL Batman! We planned an outdoor playground party (I know- January in TX, but January in TEXAS... it's been 70 degrees before!!)... the week of his party it LITERALLY was 16 degrees!! So, my dh and I got all crafty and created an *indoor* party... Gotham City (that's where Batman lives) here we come!!

Cricut to the rescue!! For the layout I used the Carousel cartridge and PTI's Just the Ticket stamp set. Love that set!!

Enjoy!

Kristin

PTI February Blog Hop: Scallops

2011-02-25T11:06:00.004-06:00

Today is Papertrey Ink's February Blog Hop!! Welcome to the world of SCALLOPS ;-)... should be a fun hop!

My entry today is a compliation of lots of fun goodies. I used scallops cut from a cricut cartridge layered over each other and a scallop circle under the butterfly. What's fun is I have been using ideas and inspiration from Nichole and Dawn and Mish: lots of layering, cutting out dies ahead of time in different colors to have on hand when I am ready to craft, and using an inspiration jar. My "inspiration jar" holds my die cuts. All I knew when I started was the base color of my card would be Sweet Blush from PTI and I would use layered scallops along the bottom.

Enjoy!
Kristin

All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted:
Cardstock: Sweet Blush, Pure Poppy
Ink: Pure Poppy, Chai, CTMH Chocolate (last 2 for distressing)
Stamp: Everyday Button Bits
Die: Signature Series: Butterfly, MS4
Pattern Paper: Distressed Dots (PP & FL), Flowers & Frills from TPC, One of a Kind from OA
Other Cuts: Cricut-Scallop Circle (Lacy Labels 2"), Scallop Borders (Plantin 3/4"), Heart (Doodlecharms 1/2"), Flower (Paisley 1 1/4")
Doily: Hobby Lobby
Baker's Twine: Pure Poppy

Full of Joy

2011-02-23T09:56:00.001-06:00

I don't have a lot of flower stamp sets, but hopefully this will qualify for the Papertrey Paper Dolls FLOWER challenge! Please join us and link you card as well :-).

I was inspired by an Erin Lincoln card in this post (4th card down). Using Kraft cs as a base and SU dsp and their Poppy Parade cs and ink it really came out so pretty. Signature Series: Flower stamp and die (on a dimensional) finished it out perfectly.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Happy 7th Birthday Wishes

2011-02-20T09:37:00.001-06:00

Sorry I was absent for a week! This is the week of my annual business meeting out of state. Glad to be home! I usually set some posts to show up, but I didn't even have time for that this year. For my ds's 7th birthday last month, I made this cute card. The grass and sentiment are from PTI's Mailbox Greetings and Birthday Bash Sentiments. The boy and "word balloon" are from an October Afternoon Fly a Kite stamp set. He is mostly paper pieced. The cardstocks are PTI Fine Linen and Pure Poppy.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Love notes for the kiddos

2011-02-14T05:00:00.000-06:00

So PTI introduced the cutest little die last month: Lunchbox note. I think it is darling and have seen some cute things done with it. But, I do not have it on my must have list yet. Since I own the cricut, I have to be very choosy about dies. Well, I have several cricut cartridges and *before Christmas* as I have time I am cataloging my cartridge images and sentiments. I also wanted to know which ones made cards, tags, or 3D items. Big project even if you only have a few carts. Imagine my very pleasant surprise when I ran across the LB Note "image" in a cricut cartridge!! Paisley!! Yahoooo!! So, cutting it at 3 inches it appears to be just about right. I made these 2 *love* notes for the kids for Valentine's today. I paired them with Tiny Treats: Birthday images and Signature Greetings sentiments and TT: Valentine sentiments on the inside. On the inside I used more cricut cuts that matched the TT stamps. LUCKY me!! What a good day.

Happy Valentine's Everyone!

Kristin

Goodbye Teacher

2011-02-13T11:00:00.001-06:00

Goodbyes are always sooo very hard. Especially when it is your own child saying goodbye to a wonderful teacher. And this year my 7yo son's first grade teacher had to leave unexpectedly after the Christmas break was over.

Can I brag just a little?? This ENTIRE card was his idea/design and execution. I only told him of the cuttlebug folder with dots for the dolphin. Also, he wanted the "sentiment" to be so large I changed "You Are" to U R because it wouldn't have fit otherwise.

This is all Papertrey product because she was THAT good of a teacher, lol! The cartridge we used was Life's a Beach. (I was so glad we had gone to the beach earlier last year because that is the only reason I owned it... when he said her card *had* to have a dolphin I knew LAB had one... otherwise that would have been a VERY expensive card!!).

Enjoy!

Kristin

Color Challenge... PTI style

2011-02-09T11:23:00.002-06:00

Today's challenge over at PTI is a color challenge. I chose Jessica W.'s colors of Soft Stone, Summer Sunrise, Aqua Mist, and Raspberry Fizz. Her cards looked so amazing and different I really thought I could pull it off. Now I am not so sure!! I changed this card at least 3 or 4 times. At least I finally came up with something I could show on my blog :-).

So, the base is Soft Stone cs with a mat in AM. I used tone on tone color ink (AM) at the bottom with Text Style II to give the mat some character. I die cut the SG: Flower out of RF felt and the Spiral Notebook die from Soft stone. I used Versamark ink and the Embellishments stamp set on the SN page. I edged the AM mat and the SN page in Summer Sun ink. Then, I stamped the sent in Summer Sun. Finally, I cut my own banner in Summer Sunrise cs and put it behind the SN page. Still lacking something... I sewed an AM button onto the flower using SSunrise floss and put 3 rhinestones at the top for balance.

Hope you like it!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Make It Monday Week 1 #1

2011-02-09T11:02:00.002-06:00

What a FUN challenge! PTI is now issuing weekly "Make It Monday" challenges via a video on Nichole's blog and You Tube. It is open all week long and there is a prize at the end. This was the first challenge. We were to select similar type sentiments from a variety of sets and group them together. I've looked over a variety of cards (especially now with ANOTHER snow/ice day here in DFW today), and even though there have been several birthday cards... including Nichole's, I'm always needing masculine cards.

So, I pulled out my birthday sentiments... and I have finally accumulated *enough* (lol). Even though these came from only a few sets, there was a lot of variety. To help the black stand out on the Smokey Shadow I embossed the background sentiments. Then, I used soft stone and Matstack 1 and Enchanted Evening ink to soften that but keep it *manly*. Finally, it needed something extra, so I added a blingy rhinestone for the *I* in birthday on the MS the "to you" in Smokey Shadow ink and the EE ribbon behind the mat.

I might have to try this again in a few other color combos!

Enjoy!

Kristin