Owl Pillow

It's homecoming weekend here so I spent the afternoon yesterday making chocolate covered pretzels and bagging them so that my daughter's Ultimate team could sell that at the football game tonight.  Afterwards, I relaxed for a bit and decided to make an owl pillow using Lori Whitlock's Heart Owl  file as a template for my design.  Here is what I came up with:

I just printed the owl out on cardstock and then cut the felt and fabric shapes using the paper shapes as a template. Very easy!  The last time I used this design to create something, I made my youngest daughter a tooth fairy pillow.  You can see that HERE.  This time, I just made a cute little fun fall-ish owl pillow...just for kicks:) (Was that enough adjectives?)

Have a great weekend!

Creating Dimension

Today, I have a post up on the Cardmaker Blog about adding some interest to your cards by creating dimension to your stamped images.  You can check it out here, if you want :)

Supplies used: White and kraft cardstock from Gina K. Designs; Paradise Beach Red and Hello Summer Butterfly Sky patterned papers from Echo Park Paper Co., Party Monsters stamp set from Taylored Expressions; Copic® markers from Imagination International Inc.; Birthday Boy Alpha+Bits stickers from Bella BLVD; We’ve Got Your Border-Baby Girl stickers from SRM Stickers; Mandarin and Denim baker’s twine from The Twinery; corner rounder punch from Creative Memories; Tiny Attacher stapler from Tim Holtz; foam mounting squares from Helmar Inc.

Thanks for stopping by!

Taylored Expressions Studio Challenge

It's time for the Baker's Dozen Studio Challenge.  This is a monthly opportunity for us to share what makes our stamping studios hum.  Each month we will have a fun, crafty question so we can share our favorites, some tips and tricks, stamping advice and more.

This month's theme is:  Within Arm's Reach - What do you keep within arm's reach at your stamp table?  Show us what you have access to without leaving your seat.  What organization methods do you use?  Tell us which ones you love and which ones you'd like to change.

Here is a picture of my view as I sit at my desk.  As you can see, there is a lot of hooey on my desk and that is the way it typically is.  I create tons of cards/projects and then clean off the desk when it gets unmanageable.  I am not a neat as a pin crafter and I am not even sure how one accomplishes that.  I don't clean the ink off my stamps. Never have.  It honestly started out as a lazy thing--I used to pile the used stamps in the corner of my desk and clean them when the pile overwhelmed the desk.  But after awhile, I noticed that the dirty stamps held the ink so much better and stamped better--so now I prefer to leave them inky.  I will, however, clean a stamp off before using a color other than black.

I keep all the current pub calls in the black file bins on the wall.  The call that expires next is usually the one I have on the magnetic part to keep me on track.   You can see a few of my Taylored Expressions sets/cards out.  I was working on a card today for a post later this week (shhhh!) using Party Monsters (one of my favs!): 

If I look directly to my left while sitting down, I have a stack of stamps that I am working on creating samples with.  I leave my newest release sets out on the desk in a stack so I can work through them.  After the release, they get filed away by manufacturer.  There is also my magnetic board filled with containers of embellishments and my ribbon carousel.  If you look closely---you can see the NEW Taylored Expressions stamps and dies that will be released next week.  (JK!--they are in the shipping box...made sure to put them away before taking the pic!):

To my right, the top drawer of my desk holds all my Copic markers so I can pull the drawer out when I want to color an image:

Right above my desk is my peg board storage that my sweet husband made for me for my last birthday. I love it because it holds a ton of things and keeps them out in the open so I can see what I have:

Finally, here are some clear blocks I leave out for stamping.  Tip:  One of my favorite tips for cleaning these blocks is to use Goo Gone to easily remove the adhesive, ink and all the mess that collects on these blocks:

I cannot wait to check out the view's from the following members of the Taylored Expressions Baker's Dozen:

Taylor
Charmaine
Jen
Jodi
Karen
Melody
Regina
Sankari
Shannon
Shelly
Stephanie
Wanda

Thanks for stopping by!

Operation Write Home Birthday Bash

SRM Stickers is partnering  with Operation Write Home all week long to celebrate their birthday. Operation Write Home is an organization that sends blank handmade cards to deployed service members so that they can write home to their families.  SRM Stickers blog will have lots of inspiring ideas from the team and a fun reader challenge so that you can create a card and enter to win some FABULOUS stickers! 

Here is my card that is featured on the SRM blog today:

SRM Stickers used:
We've Got Your Sticker- Happy (#53001)
We've Got Your Border- Baby Girl (#57003)
Express Yourself- Birthday (#42021)
Sticker Sentiments- Happy Birthday (#51003)

Thanks for stopping by!

Elorapalooza 5K Race

*Note: this is a non-crafty post so for all of my blog friends who just want to see that...just skip this post :)

Today I signed up for the Elorapalooza 5K.  The proceeds of the race jointly benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Elora's HOPE Foundation.  Elora was a special needs 7th grader in our area who passed away from Leukemia.  Despite her physical limitations, she loved to participate in 5K races and encourage other racers.  This race continues her legacy and raises money for two great causes.  Perfect!

I headed out to the race early this morning and was greeted with VERY cold temps: 42 brrr!

As I sat in my car, I was seriously wondering if I had lost my mind when I could have been warm in my bed.  (Thank goodness I had extra clothes too because I need to double up on the long sleeve shirts!)  But, despite the frigid temps and the fact that my lungs were burning by the end of it....it was a lot of fun.  It was a huge turnout for a great cause.  And....I did better than my last race (even though I didn't feel as great at the end!)

5k finish: 23:01:20, 7:25 min/mile; 1st in age group (35-39), 5th female finisher and 26th overall:

One of my favorite parts of this race was the "medals"----they were handcrafted pottery necklaces with a heart on it created by disabled artisans at The Clayworks at Disability Supports. The attached card tells me all about the gentleman who handcrafted it.  It is my most prized medal for sure.  Here is a sweaty, cold me sporting my medal: 

 Whew!  I'm tired :)  Hope you enjoy your day!
Thanks for stopping by!

HELLO friend!

Hope you are enjoying your weekend!  It is a rainy mess here today so I am thankful that my husband was home to take my son to his baseball game and I could stay inside with a nice cup a tea and play squinkies with my daughter :)

Today, I have this quick card to share with you.  I used a sentiment from the Taylored Expressions set Let's Chat and the adorable new Dial in Style phone die:

 

I love all the ways you can use this die and I know it is going to get a lot of mileage.  I love the adorable squiggly phone cord. 

Speaking of Taylored Expressions, just got my stuff for the October release....jaw drop! Cannot wait to share with you!!

Hope your day is wonderful!  Thanks for stopping by!

Cardmaker Blog Hop- Graceful Leaves

Hello!  Welcome to another Cardmaker Blog Hop.  This month's theme is Graceful Leaves---cards celebrating the first day of autumn with leaves in golden colors.  Here is my card:

 

Yippee! I love fall!

For this card I used the the Gina K Design's set Fall Foliage (that was a stretch, I know!) and created the leafy background using all the beautiful leaves in the set.  I combined inks to get a beautiful combination of fall colors--just like we are starting to see here in PA :)  

Here are the inks I used for the leaves:  Memento Morocco, Memento Dandelion, Memento Cottage Ivy, Memento Rhubarb Stalk, VersaMagic Gingerbread dew drop, Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger).

To keep with the fall theme...I backed the sentiment with a scrap piece of burlap to add texture.

I cannot wait to see what the rest of the team came up with!  Are you ready for some autumn inspiration?  Check out these blogs:

Cardmaker Blog

Anya

Carolyn (you are here!)

Colleen

Glenda

Jennie

Kimberly

Trudy

Thanks for stopping by!

Tag Wall Calendar

Hello! Happy Monday! Thanks so much for all the comments and emails from my last post.  I just love my super fabulous blog friends!

Last year I created a wall calendar made up of tags that hang on this birdcage in my kitchen.  I decided to update the tags for 2013 since it has been a big conversation piece in my house.  The tags feature SRM Mini Calendars and a LOT of other SRM stickers (listed below!)  You can see in the detail pics all the other stickers I used (including lots of border stickers!) Here is the finished product that was on the SRM stickers blog last week:

SRM Stickers used:
Stickers by the Dozen- Valentine’s  #62004

We’ve Got Your Border- Halloween  #57005

Express Yourself- St. Patrick’s Day #42036

Freestyle Winter #50001

We’ve Got Your Border- Valentine’s #57007

Mini calendar 2013 Standard #48009

Mini calendar 2013 Decorative #48008

Sticker Sentiments- Life is Good #51014

Year of Memories 2013 #48007

Express Yourself- Water Fun #42039

Express Yourself- Graduation #42019

Quick Card- Class of 2013  #52043
Express Yourself- School #42020

Other supplies used are from these companies: The Twinery, Ranger (Distress inks), Gina K Designs, My Favorite Things, Bella Blvd, October Afternoon, Little Yellow Bicycle, Echo Park Paper, My Little Shoebox, Lori Whitlock (Penguin Silhouette Shape).

Thanks for stopping by!

Down but not OUT

Well, for those who remember…I posted about a month ago on facebook that I was going to take the plunge and try out for the Bella Blvd design team.  I did it to keep me from chickening out.  If I told everyone on facebook…I HAD to go through with it…right?  (giggle!)

I had given myself the creative challenge to get on a paper design team this year and time was ticking away when I saw this call.  Now…I am limited because there are only about 5 paper companies that I actually feel like I could do a good job promoting or whose style fits mine.  So…I was excited to see this call because I love Bella Blvd’s bright colorful and whimsical designs.

Well, yesterday was the call backs and guess who did NOT get a call back. Yep…pointing those thumbs right back at me.  While I am disappointed, I am not crushed.

I KNOW there will be other calls.  But, I did want to share this because so many times I have heard from people "well, that company will just send it to you" or "I bet you just get everything for free."  Definitely not the case!  And I definitely have my share of disappointment.  The key is not giving up :)

I am sooo blessed to have made The Twinery and SRM Stickers design team this year and I am so fortunate to work with the best stamp companies out there.  And, I know I am not horrible designer…just not the right fit for them.

As frustrating as it is---there are more important things in life and it keeps me striving for that ever elusive goal of working on a paper design team.  It will happen….someday :)....  I think!

Thanks for stopping by!

Party Time!

Just wanted to share a project that is featured in this week's (Sept 12) issue of Crafts n Things Newsletter:

Details and instructions can be found HERE!
If you would like to receive the newsletter in your inbox, just sign up at the link at the top of the page! It's free!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Soccer Star Treat Bag

My Soccer Star Treat Bag  is the Crafts 'n Things Craft of the Day  today.  You can find the instructions and supplies HERE!

While you are there----> Sign up to have the Craft of the Day and Weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox!  It's free!  Look for links at the top of the page.

Thanks for stopping by!

Carolyn King---Exposed!

Check out the newest feature on the Cardmaker Blog today!  (Please do NOT judge me :) Ha!

Thanks for stopping by!

Taylored Expressions Birthday Bash- Day 4!

* At Taylored Expressions we are celebrating our 4th Birthday and you’re invited to our Birthday Bash!
* All of the new products are NOW available for purchase. You'll find it all in the Fresh out of the Oven Department.
* Lots of inspiration from the Baker's Dozen - just follow the link list at the end of this post.
* Check out the Current Specials to find out how you can earn a FREE Belated Birthday A la Carte Stamp or a FREE You Take the Cake Full-size Stamp Set. Birthday Bash Specials will award you FREE stamps with purchases over $50 and over $150.

* It's time to shop!  But first, we have more new stamps and dies to show you. We are featuring Let's Chat, Up a Tree, Mixed Blooms, Dial in Style Dies, Let's Chat Telephone Dies.

I used Let's Chat stamp set, Let's Chat Phones and Curly Border die on my card:

 Inside:

Now...you KNOW I had to use that quote from Carole King on my card!  Funny enough, I about fainted when I saw this set as my older sisters used to sing this classic to me when I was younger.  I grew up with fond memories of this song long before my name was Carol King :)  And even without that memory...I LOVE this set so much.  I have several cards started with this set and this was the first one I finished.  Just so much fun to play with!

Head on over to the blogs below for more inspiring ideas using the new sets and dies:

• Charmaine Ikach
• Jami Sibley (DT Coordinator)
• Jen Shults
• Jodi Collins
• Karen Giron
• Melody Rupple
• Regina Mangum
• Sankari Wegman
• Shannon White
• Shelly Mercado
• Stephanie Kraft
• Taylor VanBruggen
• Wanda Guess
• Carolyn King (Guest Designer)  You are here!

Thanks for stopping by!

A True Friend

Hello! Happy Tuesday!  Since we celebrated labor day here in the states yesterday, this is going to be one of those weeks that I am always a day off!  YES, I had to double check the day before typing that!

Well, today I have a card to share that I have worked on little by little.  I was trying to play along in the Moxie Fab Challenge: The Asymmetry Challenge.  In doing so,  I discovered that when you create a design that happens to turn out asymmetrical, that is one thing....but trying to create something asymmetrical is quite another.   I started off in several different directions but finally went with this design.   I like that the sentiment is in black to draw your eye toward it, with only a few other small details on the card being black to keep your eyes focused on the important part :). Otherwise, every other element was in 12 different positions before they were finally glued in their final place.  

Supplies: stamps- My Favorite Sentiments (My Favorite Things);  cardstock- Ivory (Gina K Designs);  Patterned paper- Escape Collection (Little Yellow Bicycle); baker's twine- Ocean (The Twinery); sewing machine; ink- tea dye distress ink (Ranger), Memento tuxedo black (Tsukineko); ribbon-Offray; flower and pin- Wild Orchid; rhinestones- Recollections (Michael's).

Have a great day! Thanks for stopping by!

 

Taylored Expressions Birthday Bash Day 1

* At Taylored Expressions we are celebrating our 4th Birthday and you’re invited to our Birthday Bash!
* All of the new products will be available for purchase on Thursday, September 6th at 8am PST. You'll find it all in the Fresh out of the Oven Department.
* Sneak peeks Monday through Wednesday and the party continues with spotlights Thursday and Friday - with lots of inspiration!
* Check out the Current Specials on Thursday morning to find out how you can earn a FREE Belated Birthday A la Carte stamp or a FREE You Take the Cake full-size stamp set. Birthday Bash Specials will award you FREE stamps with purchases over $50 and over $150.

* 2 WAYS TO WIN!*

1. You Take the Cake Contest Go to Taylor's blog  to get all the details on how you can win two stamp sets of your choice by guessing which illustrator contributed each image in our You Take the Cake Sampler Set.
2. Join us on Facebook for an early reveal of all the new stamp sets Wednesday night beginning at approximately 6 pm PST. Leave comments during the party for a chance to win one of the gift certificates we’ll be giving away!

This month's release is the biggest release ever with 17 new stamps and stamp sets + 7 new dies and die sets--- so much awesomeness that the Birthday Bash will be 5 full days of inspiration.

Today, my card features a new Belated birthday a la carte set-- Oh carp!  I was immediately drawn to this set because I just love the sentiment "Oh Carp! I forgot your birthday...Hope it went swimmingly!" Too funny (esp to someone who says "Oh Crap" a little too often!)

Here is the front of my card.  The fish are on the inside of the card and I cut the window in the front so that you could see them.  I braided a piece of hemp to staple along the bottom of the card to give it a nautical feel.  I embossed the "Oh Carp!" on the front panel and then used the rest of the sentiment in the inside:

Inside: I stamped the sentiment and fish and I colored the fish with Copic markers.  I used that fantastic die that I used yesterday again---it is called Curly Border:

Here are all the old and new Belated Birthday A La Carte sets:

And the fun part?----customers will be able to get one of these FREE with a $50 purchase through Monday 9/10- details will be posted on the current specials page.

The full sized set being peeked today is You Take the Cake.  It is the first ever sampler set and showcases 
 the designs of all of the TE illustrators. This set will not be available for sale until after the October release- but you can earn it free NOW with any purchase of $150 or more.  It is an adorable set. 

Head on over to Taylor's blog today to get all the contest details!  And when you are finished there--be sure to visit the blogs below for more inspiring ideas using the new sets and dies:

• Charmaine Ikach
• Jami Sibley (DT Coordinator)
• Jen Shults
• Jodi Collins
• Karen Giron
• Melody Rupple
• Regina Mangum
• Sankari Wegman
• Shannon White
• Shelly Mercado
• Stephanie Kraft
• Taylor VanBruggen
• Wanda Guess
• Carolyn King (Guest Designer) 

If you missed yesterday's post, I posted a card using another new set that the team will be peeking tomorrow!   I will be back Thursday with another TE project!

Thanks for stopping by!