And the winner is...

Well,

the winner of my card is Angela!!

her comment makes me laugh since she won...

I love it, I want it :) Angela

So, shoot me a message and I'll send you the card :-)

Thanks for playing everyone!! maybe we'll do this again sometime

Enjoy!

Kristin

Don't forget

Don't forget that I made a card you could post a comment for and receive from me...

check it out here

you have until tomorrow to post or make a card...

Enjoy!

Kristin

Fun Stuff card #3

So the last fun card I made was with the PTI Dark Chocolate cs, pp, polka dot ribbon and CTMH Watermelon textured cs. I stamped the image and sentiment in CTMH cocoa, and used the blender pen with chocolate, desert sand, and bubblegum inks. Again, the image and sentiment came from the Life's a Jungle set.





I think it turned out super cute!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Making a card to Win a card

So, Sarah C. and Holly from Hog Wild about Stamping will both get their names in my drawing twice (and Lauren too, b/c technically it was HER card that started the challenge). You can see Holly's card here and Lauren's card here.

Sarah, a friend of mine in Las Vegas (we used to work together but we both got out!!), doesn't have a blog so she emailed me her picture of her card... VERY cute!!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Fun Stuff card #2

So, the 2nd card I made actually came from a sketch (that I kept altering... see #1 and then #3). It was from Steph's Stamping stuff on July 11th (from Taylored Expressions)... you can see the post here.



This time I used Grey cs from Oriental Trading (it was 150 different colored sheets for about $20). I then used CTMH Watermelon retired B&T paper and some Watermelon textured cs. I stamped the image in CTMH Grey Wool and then used my blender pen to color it in (with Bubblegum ink for the ears). I used some random pink grosgrain ribbon.



Check it out...


So, on the outside it says Life's a Jungle... but it's such a cute, pretty card! On the inside I wrote "but it IS easier to manage when you're looking good!"

Enjoy!
Kristin

Another card to win...

Hey all, a blogger named Holly at Hog Wild about Stamping apparently does a card giveaway every Wednesday. She posted a comment on the one about my card, and her card (click the link in her comment) is AWESOME... super cute!!

Check her site out- wow, she is very talented!

So, go on over and try to win her card...

Enjoy!
Kristin

Are you ready for....?

...a challenge!!?? (okay, so some of you might have thought football, but we still have a few more weeks before that starts!)

One of the blogs I read often is Lauren's My Time, My Creations, My Stampedence. She is a mom of 3, but her oldest daughter has Down Syndrome and apparently had a form of cancer that afflicts children with down syndrome. So, while her daughter is now cancer free (praise God!), she certainly went through a lot of trials and tribulation with that experience. (puts in perspective when you have a whiny, stubborn child... at least they are healthy!).

Anyway, every Saturday she posts a card sketch and I copy down (in my little card sketch notebook) the ones I like. But, I've never just sat down and crafted one and posted it and linked to her blog. But, today I did!

If you'd like, you can play along too... here is the link to the post with her "Saturday Sketch" for today.

And, here is the card I did:

I am very happy with how it turned out EXCEPT for the vellum stamped image. I stamped the image (from the Love In Bloom CTMH set) in Petal. It looked too plain, but nice. So, I decided to outline it with stickles... except the vellum got kinda crinkly (yuck).

I will probably take off the vellum and try again with something else (but more on that later).

Anyway, the cs is PT Lavender Moon and all the other paper is CTMH Paper Garden (one of the best sets ever!!). I used 2 lavender brads and the b/c of the way I cut that purple paper, my square nesties had to make a rectangle paper. But, then I was able to stamp my sentiment above the flower and make it look like I planned it that way (yea, that's right!!).

So, here's the deal... if you like this card (with or without the flower on vellum) you MUST post a comment and I'll pick a winner and send it to you!! Blank! Meaning, you can send it along to someone else. I think the Love in Bloom sentiment would go well for an anniversary or wedding occasion.

BUT, here's the REAL kicker... if you make a card too and either post a link or email me an image to post AND you want the card, you'll go to the top of the line!!

If you don't know how to post a comment or card, let me know and I'll walk you through it...

We all have too much stuff to do with little time... I know! But, sometimes you've got to set aside time for yourself and have fun!

You have until Wednesday the 30th to post a comment and/or a card (and again, I'll trade out the flower for something else... your choice!)

Enjoy!

Kristin

p.s here's some close-ups of the card:

Birthday #6

So, today is my stepmother's birthday. She is such a neat woman. She is a fabulous cook, very intelligent, very organized, and has great taste!

I always work hard to make sure that any card I send is really good. I ended up being VERY happy with this card.

I had gotten some paper samples of some CTMH paper and started going through them. I had almost decided on one, when I really started looking at the Boom-di-Ada paper. I originally didn't think I would like that paper color combo, but I have really changed my mind!!

Take a look:

I used 3 of the papers... the flowers, the polka dots, and the pink (on the dimensional flower). I used brown grosgrain ribbon to help tie it together. I ran the polka dot paper through the cuttlebug swiss dots embossing folder, and then used some olive cs and stamped "Celebrate" from the Say it in Style stamp set in antique photo from Ranger Inks. My favorite thing was putting stickles on all the hollyhock (pink) flowers for sparkle and shine!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Fun Stuff Card #1

So, with all the "fun stuff" I got on Wednesday (inks, stamp sets, papers/ribbons) I had to make some fun cards (yea, I know, I was just complaining about having no cards to make... but I really do need to scrap some pages soon!!).

So, the first card I did I have no idea who it'll go to- but hopefully they'll like it! I used CTMH autumn terracotta stamp pad and cs (textured so there is a lighter color on one side), Boom-di-Ada paper, blender pen with Goldrush ink, and Life's a Jungle stamp set. (ribbon is American Crafts) I also used Spellbinder's nestibilities for the embossed square and square scallop.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Thank you card

Okay, so it SAYS "Happy Everything", but on the inside it says Thank You!! I decided I did like the card the way it was (so no bad words, please!)...Okay, so I used Papertrey Ink Berry Sorbet cs and polka dot ribbon. I also used PTI Dark Chocolate pp (polka dots and the 2 vases are paper pieced from the same pp). I then took CTMH Hollyhock and Sweet Leaf ink for the flowers and stems. I used Ranger Ink vintage photo ink and CTMH With Love stamp set and sentiment.

Enjoy!
Kristin

Fun Stuff for me!!

Today I got all my fun (and FREE) stuff from the CTMH technique party I did with Melissa a couple of weeks ago. I got 8 inkpads and a stamp set. I immediately sat down and started making a card!! I used some of my paper and ribbon from Papertrey Ink. It is very inexpensive and seems to be very good quality. I think I am going to use it as my Thank You card that Terry asked for (he wanted a tennis themed one, but I have NOTHING like that!!). '

I think it is done, but not completely sure, so I will wait a day or so and then post it.

Hope you are enjoying your day!

Kristin

Birthday #5

Wow, today I have a niece who is a teenager!! I have had all the other nieces (and 1 nephew) on Terry's side reach that age, but I wasn't there shortly after they were born!! They were all little kids to pre-teen when I met them. So, it's a big deal to me that my sister's daughter is 13!!

I wasn't sure what I wanted her card to look like, but I've seen some cute color combos lately (okay, for over a year now) of brown and pink. I have continually resisted it- mainly b/c I didn't think brown was a very girly color (go figure!).

I used my DCWV summer cs stack for the brown and pink. Then, I used my DCWV glitter cs stack (that is printed papers, really). I decided that the cricut scallop .cut file from okie ladybug would be perfect matched along with some AC ribbon- Christmas brown with silver edging!! The image I stamped took forever to come up with. No Happy Birthday or celebrate stamp looked right. I finally decided on the P (her first initial) monogram in dark brown (cat eye ink) with a sponge dauber of dark roan (lighter brown) and light pink (stampabilities pigment ink). Last I added stickles to the P for some extra glitz.

Hope she likes it, I think it came out wonderfully!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Houston, we have a problem...

So, I should finish up the card for July birthday #6 tonight and get it posted (#5 will show up on Tuesday and #6 will show up next Saturday). I will then be done with July birthdays!

Then, I have Terry's bday card to make for August 5th... and then a "dry spell" so to speak of needed cards.

So, here's my problem, I want to make cards but don't have any occasions or people to give them to... now, Terry has asked for a 'tennis-themed' Thank you card for a woman at work (she gave us a racket that is Jake-sized), but I have no TENNIS anything.

Do you have any ideas for me??

This does mean I am going to start pulling out some ideas for scrapping, but still card-making is very refresing b/c it's techniques I don't use on pages and I finish quickly.

Post your comments below.

enjoy!

Kristin

Birthday #4

So, today is one of my dearest friend's birthday. I won't say how old she is (b/c she isn't that old!! but it is older than me-hehe). We have known each other since we were summer missionaries together in St. Louis in 1993. That was a LONG time ago. We shared a room together, and besides Terry, she is the only person I have successfully lived with for any length of time! (I don't count my siblings b/c they were siblings- that was forced upon us! haha... or my mom b/c she STILL lives with me!).

I believe that the last time we saw each other was her wedding- 11 years ago on August 9th!! However, even though she lives in the Northwest and I live here, we still communicate through email and cell phone conversations. We just respect and care for each other so much- it simply shows how God brings people into our lives that are just "right"- you know?

So, here's the card I did for her...

it was a sketch from Jennifer at Stamps & all that Jazz

on July 6th. She got it from somewhere else, but it was her card that made me instantly pick out papers and tools to create it! I usually decide what kind of card (and for who) it is going to be and then pick a sketch and all the trimmings. This was one of the few cards I've done that I made those decisions afterwards. Great Inspiration!!

All the papers and stickers came from a free pack I got the last time I went to Recollections before it closed. The ribbon and ink color are CTMH Citrus Leaf (NOT a color I typically choose! but it matched). The stamp was stampendous from Hobby Lobby (or Michaels??). I watercolored it. I used the swiss dots cuttlebug embossing folder on the top of it.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Random Act of Kindness (RAK)

So, as the title suggests... a RAK is a Random Act of Kindness. Good thing is I have a lot of friends who do things for each other (and me for them) without it seeming to be such a big deal. But, I think it is. It lets us know there are people out there who love and care for us and have our interests in mind.





Well, a couple of weeks or so ago I was concerned about something in my life. It could have been such a big deal if it had not turned out well. But, God knew that I needed to be reminded of His guidance, my faith is in Him alone, and He is in control. My friend Melissa sent me this awesome card!!

It is from the CTMH set With Love (a stamp of the month set for June-sorry you missed it!). I absolutely LOVE this set (and so happy I now have 1). She stamped the images on paper and cut them out and glued them to the card (paper piecing). The flower and stem images are stamped directly on the card. Before she did anything (I think) she used a rubber brayer to lay down that background color- looks so smooth).

Such a fabulous card and I am so glad to call her "friend!" (Of course the best part was all the scripture verses inside to remind me of how Great a God we have!)

Enjoy!

Kristin

Par-Tay!!

Well, we had a GREAT time today at the party!! These ladies seemed to have a good time learning new stamping and embellishment techniques (I know I did!!). Check out some of what they did...

Enjoy!
Kristin

Scrappin' Fun

Well, tomorrow I am hosting a CTMH party and it's all about fun techniques to use on our scrapbook pages and/or cards. I am *hoping* to take a lot of pictures of ideas and show them here. Plus, it'd be fun to show you some examples of things that my talented friends can do too.

So, check back in tomorrow or Sunday and see what is happening.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Birthdays are coming...

The next few bday cards are done (or almost done), but I won't be posting until closer to the actual date of the birthday in case they are reading the blog- don't want to ruin the surprise. My niece's card will get posted, but I haven't figured out what I'm doing yet.

Any ideas for a girl turning 13??

Enjoy!
Kristin

Happy 4th of July SB pages!

As promised, here are my scrapbook pages I did on Friday (the 4th) of that day for each of the kids. Jake's was pretty straightforward, I always try to keep in mind that while he is my little boy now... one day, he'll be "a guy" and probably won't care quite as much as I'd like him too about all of it. But, that's okay- his wife and kids will probably enjoy them!

I folded the top corner down and glued a piece of the same paper I used for matting underneath. Then, on the large mat I used stickles on some of the stars for some sparkle. I double matted his picture for emphasis b/c it was such a great shot.

Emma's page is a bit more imaginative- I took an idea from the GASC class I took (where I actually used the paper and products from that class for her page) and made a little booklet for more pictures underneath. The paper is "Flowered Up" from the StoryTellers Club. It's a business that is a kit of the month club. They had some awesome stuff (I got 4 of their "premium" packs and 7 of their "deluxe" packs for FREE by taking the class!!).

This is what the page looks like in her book. You can see the ribbon got folded behind the pic and I double matted the family pic. I made the booklet of the pic of the 2 of them with the little tab folder thing on the picture. When you flip the picture (like a book)...

you get Daddy & kids, and then flip again...

and it's me and the kids.

Very easy to do!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Birthday #3

Hi all! Well, I actually scrapped Jake AND Emma's 4th pages (yesterday! yes, ON the 4th!)! It only took me about 2 hours total (and that's because I did something extra with Emma's page AND that includes selecting and printing the photos I would use). I will post the pics of the pages tomorrow.

Today, though, is Birthday #3!! Our best friends' daughter turns 4 this month and also loves all things princess (and barbie, and mickey, and, well she's a girl!). So, I used the cricut .cut file for the castle (made by Capedia) again, but did a bit more this time (and didn't use such a light color of pink!). I knew for Abby's card I wanted more glitz and bling, but couldn't figure out what I wanted... so, now I know for future princess cards!

So, I did the exact same thing as last time with the white gel pen on the flags, but this time I took my purple gel pen and made some "scribblies" (no, it is NOT a word, I know) and then poured some of my Doodlebug Sugar Glitter on top while wet and TADA!! More bling!

So cute!

Now, shhh, don't tell b/c her birthday's not until mid-July!

Enjoy!

Kristin

birthday #2

Okay, so this card I made for my mother-in-law. Still not sure I'm sending it - not completely happy with it. She has more simple tastes, likes "country" in decor, but something is lacking. If you have any ideas, PLEASE post them!! I don't need to mail this out till about the 8th!!

I used another idea from Inking Aloud, but changed it quite a bit. I needed a bigger card for that cupcake image I used last month. I also colored the "paper" cupcake holder in the same stripes as the pp. I used the square nesties and stickles again. I also used my cricut Celebrations cartridge for the "celebrate" but added a cupcake and welded it using the design studio software. Finally, I took a white gel/glaze pen and added the dots at the bottom, in the scallops, and on the celebrate word to give the illusion of stitching.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Birth of a Scrapbook Page (hehe)

Okay, not really, but I do have an example of what I do sometimes while scrapping. I decide what I want it all to look like, then I make sure the pics I take fit that layout or idea. Otherwise, I just count how many pics I have and go through the CTMH Cherish book and pick a layout and THEN pick paper, etc.



I had a video to explain all this, tried editing it, uploading twice and have spent way too much time on it!! My ideas are pretty cute, but you'll just have to ask in person! :-)

Enjoy!

Kristin

Birthday #1

So, Mom's birthday is tomorrow... I am hoping to download pics tomorrow and have a cute 4th scrapbook page (or 2) to show off by end of the weekend!

But, first I wanted to show off mom's card. It has to be one of my most favorite cards I've done so far. I don't know if it is the color, the look, or simply how nicely it came together.

The idea to use 2 of my 'bug embossing folders on the SAME sheet of paper came from Inking Aloud on her medallion card that she CASEd (essentially it's copy and steal- but in a good way- they inspire you!) from this card (awesome huh?). The flowers come from both The Paper studio (spare parts) and some other random flower. The brad has some stickles on it for bling (shows up in real life!) and came from Queen & Co. (I got a baggie for a $1 at GASC). The ribbon is American Crafts (love the polka dots!). Finally, I stamped it with Say It in Style from CTMH in white daisy ink.

Now, I originally stamped it in amethyst (see below), but it just didn't show up/pop for me. I like to live with cards for a day or longer and then see what I think. The white looks so much better!

Enjoy!

Kristin

Birthdays, birthdays, everywhere Birthdays!!

July is SO our month of birthdays for both families and friends (do y'all have a month like that?... every day or every week, someone is having a birthday!)...

July's events start off strong on the 4th- My Mom's up first. Her birthday really is on the 4th- neat day to have a birthday, but it does get lost a bit with parades and fireworks, then it's Terry's mom's day, then a couple of friends, our best friends' daughter (6 months younger than Jake), niece on my side, then finally, my stepmother- WHEW! A lot of birthdays!!

Good thing I started making cards, right? HA!

Anyway, I've got some cards made up and hope to scan them and get some things posted tonight or tomorrow (kinda depends on other "stuff")

Hope you enjoy!

Kristin

Daisy Card

Well, my friend Lisa LOVES daisies!! I (and the rest of her family and friends) have bought her daisy stuff for years! When I saw that I could get a free stamp set in June from CTMH, I HAD to get the Seize the Daisy set to make cards for her (and yes, let her borrow when she's ready to stamp again!).

The set is awesome! I first stamped the stems on the cards, the the petal images on another cs. I colored in with my copics (I think watercolor might have been a better option?). I then took a yellow and green ink pad and "swiped" it on the card base to show sun and grass. I cut out the petal images and popped them up on dimensionals and adhered to the card. I wasn't sure whether to put the sentiment on top or inside. I decided I'd use one of the cute butterfly images and do a paper piecing. I stamped the butterfly on the card first. Then, onto yellow cs, then onto pp. I cut out the body from the yellow cs and wings from the pp and layered.

Finally, added white rickrack ribbon and called it done!

Enjoy!

Kristin