Sunday, November 15, 2009

SG9 -I totally modified the sketch...


Aye yi yi! I have been so busy. Life certainly throws things at you. Of course, you just take it as it comes right? I look at all the cards that so many of my favorite bloggers have created in the last month with a twinge of envy. Gone are the days that I spend every night in my craft room....

Today was a very fun crafty day. My friend Lori is the director of a humane society (she's also the head vet) and she called on me to summon my crafty friends to create as many cards as we could to sell at their fund raiser coming up in December. We manged to create about 100 cards! Now, many are the same, which she will package, but it is still quite a feat. I made the card above in the spirit of sketch number 9. I couldn't get the double strips to work (which is too bad because they are totally me, and on any other card I would have thrown some ribbon on, but it didn't work with this card). The little felt trees are from the dollar bin at Michael's.

Here is another card we created. I think we made 25 of these. The glittered tree is from a HUGE pack of 1000 that I got on clearance last year. It was like $2.

I love this card. It speaks to the simplicity that I am trying to approach life these days. Plus I got to color. Lori reminded me today about how we used to color in Grad school when we would be stressed out. Color as in with crayons and using a Lion King coloring book. That was fun. But so are Copics :) I may make these for my Christmas cards this year. But I think I will add a tree branch for the ornament to hang on.
Anyway, totally sorry about the bad blogging. I will try to be better!
Now go to the Sketch Girls website and see what everyone else came up with!
TTFN!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Sketch Girl 7


Hello everyone! So this week's sketch gave me some trouble. Mostly because whenever I see horizontal lines I want to use ribbon. But I couldn't make the ribbon work with this card. I love the dino stamps from My Favorite Stamps....and it paired really well with the dino paper from Basic Grey.
So my son "shared" his stomach flu with me. Not nice. So this post is short so I can go and curl back up with a hot water bottle....
I have some more cards to share later....promise!
Supplies:
Cardstock: Archiver's
Patterned paper: Basic Grey
Stamps: My Favorite Stamps, Papertrey Ink
Ink: Memento
Markers: Copics

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Sketch Girl #6- Hallotini anyone?


Hello everyone! Time for Sketch # 6! I don't know about you, but I am in love with Copic markers. I know, I know..perhaps I am preaching to the proverbial choir, but the number of colors alone is enough to make me love them. So I busted out the copics to color this FUN image! It is from Impression Obsession and my love of Halloween demanded that I buy this stamp back in March!


So now all of you run over to the sketch girl blog and make a card yourself (I hear there are prizes this time! *grin*
Also, stop by and see the guest Sketch Girl Amber's card - welcome Amber!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Stampin Up
Patterned Paper: KI Memories
Stamp: Impression Obsession
Markers: Copics

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

SG5- Mix it up!



When I saw this sketch I thought there was no way I could come up with something remotely interesting. Too many circles and what papers could I use and...well you get the picture. Then I calmed down and squelched the clean and simple card maker in me. This could not be a simple card. The thing about sketches is that you can mix them up. So the focal point became a frame with an alligator, and the two small circles became stars! Don't be afraid to mix up a sketch...you just may like what you come up with!
Supplies
Cardstock: Stampin Up
Patterned Paper: Making Memories
Die Cuts: Making Memories
Brads: Making Memories

Monday, August 31, 2009

SG4- Gray is the new Black




Did you ever have one of those months? One where everything seems to happen at once? That is the month I am having. I can't really talk about work (Scientist at big Pharma company), but let's just say I have been hopping this past month. Add to that the fact I had scheduled vacation for a week and it amounts to a busy busy August with not much time for crafting (ie having a job and doing it well helps when one wants to go and buy new crafting supplies - namely the new Copic colors)....but I digress.


This card was very easy to do once I found the papers. The sketch was somewhat of a challenge, but I love the patterned paper lines that coordinate now. Once I found the Ambrosia stack from Basic Grey and I remembered the coordinating rubons I had tucked away for a rainy day (which is what we had all week here in Chicago) I was set.

Now its your turn! Let's see what you can do! Don't forget to link to go to the Sketch Girl Blog and link to your project...YOU might be the guest designer for the month!

Supplies:
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey
Rubon: Basic Grey
Ribbon: Target
Cardstock: Stampin Up

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Sketch Girl 3 Sketch



Woohoo! Time for another Sketch from the Sketch Girls! I am scheduling this post so I am really hoping that it posts in time. I promise to be a better blogger when I get back! :)
This sketch was very simple, so feel free to mix it up a bit. I love using the stickers from K and Company. The Amy Butler line is awesome! I am in love with scallops, and I love the fact I can use my Silhouette to cut them any size I want! This one is a 4" square.
Supplies:
Cardstock: Stampin Up
Patterned Paper: K and COmpany
Purse Sticker: K and Company
Stamp: Hero Arts
Ink: Stampin Up

Friday, August 14, 2009

SG3 Sneak Peek

Hey Everyone! I am on vacation, which explains the lack of posting. Hope everyone is having a good week. Here is a sneak peek of my Sketch Girl Card for tomorrow!


Wednesday, August 5, 2009

August Card Exchange

Time for another card exchange. The theme this month is Birthday cards. I seriously thought about sitting this one out. I have like a million things to do (going on vacation again next week, plus work stuff)...but I figured if I could think of something acceptable in 10 minutes then I would participate. Sooo I came up with this. Everyone loves a scalloped card right? I cut some square on my Silhouette (love that thing!) found a sheet of patterned paper and viola! I still have to make the other 9 and get my hubby to drop them off (did I mention we work at the same company, and that he is very tolerant of playing delivery boy?

Hope you like it!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Stampin Up
Patterned Paper: American Crafts
Stamps: PTI
Ribbon: PTI

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Sweet Sunday #29


Ok, so I saw Karen's Sweet Sunday Sketch and decided I just had to play. Loved it. Then I started making this card and I did all sorts of crazy rule bending things. That's what I like about sketches though....
I turned the sketch on the side and used an oval panel rather than a square one. I also moved the sentiment lower on the card. I am really pleased how this card came together. Can't wait to see what everyone else does!
Supplies:
Cardstock: Stampin Up
Patterned Paper: American Crafts
Rub On: Chatterbox
Letter: Pressed Petals
Stamp: Hero Arts
Button: Foof-a-loof
Twine: PTI

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Sketch Girl Sketch #2


Hi Everyone! I hope that you are as inspired as I was with this week's Sketch Girl Sketch! As you will come to see, I am usually a clean and simple card maker. I admire those who can throw everything but the kitchen sink at a card and have it come away looking all shabby chic. But that's not me (I think it's the scientist in me; anything but straight lines have me hyperventilating. I have on occassion been known to tilt an image; but that's as crazy as I get)
Anyway, this was a fun card to make. I have been in a Kraft mood lately, which happens, so I started by finding some colored cardstock to use as a base. I grabbed green, which really isn't earth shattering for me, but I wanted a soothing color as a base. A little tone on tone polka dots and a few swirls and the base was complete. I could completely avoid the kraft, but it does kind of fade back with the distressed panel. The heart I die cut at Archiver's (left over from a valentine's project), and the sentiment is from the heartfelt sympathy: pet set from PTI (the set was only $5 people). This is a card I never hope to have a need for. I want to add a paw to the sentiment (and I actually have) but I am out of time this evening so you can imagine it for yourself.
Can't wait to see what all my other Sketch girls and YOU come up with! Oh and if you go to the Sketch Girl Blog and become a follower, then you could be entered to win one of 3 stamps sets! Woo hoo!
Supplies:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up
Ink: Stampin Up, PTI
Twine: Walmart (big roll $4)
Stamps: PTI

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Sketch Girl Sneak Peek


So if I had really been on top of it, I would have posted this sneak peek last night. But I wasn't (I was making teacher cards and wrapping gifts). But better late then never. Make sure you all come back to see the finished card tomorrow, and make sure you are following the Sketch Girl's Blog because there will be PRIZES Up for grabs!
See you all tomorrow!

Monday, July 27, 2009

Teacher Thank Yous


I had to make some thank you notes for my son's daycare teachers. He is transitioning to the toddler room next week. I can't believe he has been in daycare over a year already. It's very hard to be a working mom, and the daycare my son is at makes it a lot easier.

This was the first card I made, I will show more of the others later this week. (and don't forget to check out this week's sketch on the 30th. There may be a sneak peek...if I can finish it before the 30th *grin*). I like using premade accents on my cards when I have to make a bunch. It simplifies things and the premade accents are so much better constructed these days.
For this card I used the PTI Teacher set. I love this set. I know that this will be my go to set for any card I make for teachers. Then I added a bug accent from The Paper Company Studio. It is on a little spring and is so cute! I used my Silhouette to cut some grass and added some punched flowers with a little bling. A quick and simple card that any teacher would love!
Supplies:
Accent: The Paper Company Studio
Cardstock: Stampin Up
Bling: Crystal Stickers
Stamps: PTI
Ink: Stampin Up

Friday, July 24, 2009

With Appreciation

I have been on a little hiatus from blogland. I have been relaxing and reading and enjoying summer. Sometimes you just have to take a step back.

I got the new In Bloom paper pack with my new PTI order and I wanted to use these citrusy colors to make a fun thank you card. Of course I had to add a bit of Kraft cardstock :)

Hope you all are looking forward to a great weekend!

Supplies:
Cardstock: PTI, Archiver's
Patterned Paper: PTI
Ribbon: May Arts
Sentiment: PTI
Ink: Memento

Monday, July 20, 2009

New PTI- Just a little something


Whew! It has been quite the busy week for me. I know I haven't posted in awhile, but there was work, and there was a picnic to plan and go to, and then there was the recovery from said picnic...you get the idea! But I did get a chance to order some new PTI goodies last week, and look at the fun card I was able to make! I can tell the button set is going to be one of my favorites. It has a bunch of images and all you ahve to do is add the buttons!

I kept this card simple. I added some making memories buttons to the stamped images and paired it with some K and Company paper. Of course it was on a base of Kraft cardstock...I can't get enough of that!
Hope you all have a great week!
Supplies
Stamps: Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink
Buttons: Making Memories
Ink: Stampin Up
Ribbon: Dots and Dashes

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

What's the Buzz? -Sketch Girl DT!

Totally exciting news! I am a Sketch Girl Designer! I can super excited! Here's the skinny....

Today is the offical start of Sketch Girl! Sketch Girl is a bi-weekly sketch challenge created by Annie B (Leigh Ann). The Sketch Girl blog will be home to all the sketches in one place, so run on over and add yourself a follower so you can get an update as soon as a new sketch is added. In the future there will be a contest or two with prizes! If you make the sketch and upload to a forum, please use keyword SG1. Annie's Blog is where the details are right now. This is a very new thing for me and I am way beyong thrilled that I was selected. Now for my card:


I had made a Father's Day card with this beehive and I thought it would translate perfectly for this sketch...what do you think? The hive is colored with my Copics (the poor things have been sorely neglected lately), and I love the yummy felt ribbon from Making Memories. So come on, let's see what you do with the sketch!
Supplies:
Cardstock: Stampin Up
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey
Stamps: Saltbox Studio (the set was on sale for $3.90 on the Amuse website a month ago)
Button: Basic Grey
Ink: Memento
Markers: Copics
Twine: Walmart

Monday, July 13, 2009

Christmas in July- Card Exchange

The theme for the card exchange this month was Christmas in July. I just finished my cards tonight and they are due tomorrow (whew, I always sweated a deadline). I went with what my friends may call a "Classic Katie" Card. Simple, yet elegant...not to mention easy to duplicate. The Basic Grey paper was great for the base and I decided to make a Thank you card instead of a Christmas card to send out (I have a few more months to work on that concept!).

Hope everyone's Monday was ok!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Stampin Up
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey
Ribbon: May Arts
Foil Stick ons: JoAnn's
Other: Thread

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Flocked Thanks


First, I love this paper. Second, I love the rhinestone bling- its from the vintage button score that I got at a garage sale a few months ago. I finally found a card to use it on. The paper is the flocked Doodlebug designs. This card was a 5 minute card and I love it!
Sorry I have been a few days away. I rediscovered how much I love to read. I went to the library for the first time in ages and got some books, so that has taken some time as has some stuff at work. My little guy is feeling much better! We had a great day today he was very playful and fun and we even had out second swimming lesson. Hope you all are having a great night!
Supplies:
Patterned Paper: Doodlebug
Ribbon: from the stash
Rhinestone bling: Vintage
Stickers: Making Memories

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Sweet Sunday Sketch

Apparently I am not the only one to have issues with automatic posts when I went on vacation. Karen over at the Sweetest Thing also had some problems,which is why the sketch was not posted until tonight.

I haven't posted in a couple days because the little guy was sick again (it's been a bad month). Thankfully my mother was able to come over and take care of him so that my husband and I could still go to work. And of course Jack loves his Grandma...

For this card I just wanted to put something together that was simple (and a Birthday card of course). The sketch lended itself to that beautifully. I love the paper line "offbeat" from Basic Grey.

Hope you all have a great week!

Supplies:
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey
Cardstock: Archiver's
Stamps: Stampin Up, Hero Arts

Saturday, July 4, 2009

New Color Challenge!

I wasn't looking for a color challenge tonight. Honest. I was just going to play a bit in my craft room and then go to bed. I blurfed a bit and saw that Randee, Sarah-Jane , and Kelley all had the same color challenge submissions on their blog (Seriously, I started to think I had missed the memo ladies). It was a new challenge Travellingmama had started. So fun! Then I started sorting and putting stuff away in my room. I sat down and made a card (wasn't really planning on doing a challenge tonight) and when I was done I looked at it and thought, well I could use this for the Traveller's challenge! So here it is:


Nothing really fancy here. I am a pro at nothing really fancy. My copics are crying in their little boxes right now....
I used a felt flower from K and Company and added some gable green and raspberry fizz cardstock. Then used the patented Tiffany punching technique to add some visual interest and added a PTI birthday sentiment (still building the birthday stash).
Hope it inspires you!

Friday, July 3, 2009

Raspberry Suite #11

I was a little nervous when I saw the colors for this week. Five colors?!!! Seriously? So last night I made some just to create (which was fun) and tonight I tackled the colors challenge. Out came all the paper and embellies that had these colors.


What resulted was a card that has a little bit of this and a little bit of that. I love mixing manfacturers. All of the flowers are from Prima and I layered them myself. I capped them with a fabric brad from K and Company (I am addicted to the fabric covered brads). The paper is from PTI and Stampin Up, the ribbon is from Michaels and the stickers are Making Memories.
I need to increase my stash of birthday cards....so that was my self imposed challenge as well. Hope you liked it!

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Pink Paisley Thanks


Hey everyone! I was unsure what I was going to make tonight. One of those nights where I had just cleaned the kitchen, picked up the toys and moved a couple piles from one place to another. I saw Dawn McVey's Color challenge, but the colors are a little scary...5 colors! Oi!

So I just grabbed a bit of this and a bit of that and did a typical Katie card. So fun and relaxing. Helps that my Cubbies are majorly kicking butt tonight as well...and its a Holiday from work tomorow! Have a great 4th of July!

Supplies:
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey
Cardstock: PTI
Sticker: K and Company
Letter Stickers: Making Memories

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Everybody's doing it...

Have you tried drawing a box around a focal image yet? I have seen this again and again in recent days. I like to think that my friend Tiffany helped to make it popular...no one does it better :) I couldn't find an actual card that she made using this technique, so I linked to her blog. Snoop around a bit.

These cards were super easy. Have you seen the new line from K and Company? Actopus to Zelephant? Love it. Found these grand adhesions stickers and paired them with some stamps in my vast collection. Very sendable don't you think?




Supplies:
Cardstock: Archiver's
Stamps: Paper Makeup Stamps, PTI
Ink: Stampin Up
Stickers: K and Company

Monday, June 29, 2009

Where have I been?


So although I have posted several times I have been on vacation! My parents own these two cottages just over the Wisconsin border in the Upper Pennisula. We have had them for almost twenty years, so I have lots of memories of this place and the area surrounding it. The weather was great, the bugs were terrible (my little guy got so bitten up at night when he was sleeping it looks like he got chicken pox). Now I am back to reality and back to blogging....

I had to make a card for my MIL's bday that is coming up this weekend, so I employed some assistance from my little guy...the rest was easy, just some cardstock and ribbon! Off to see what I have missed in the blog world this week!
Supplies:
Cardstock: PTI, Stampin Up
Paint: Making Memories
Ribbon: Dots and dashes
Twine: PTI
Stamps: PTI
Ink: Memento

Friday, June 26, 2009

Kick Back and Relax

I love these bunny slippers from My Favorite Things! I had lamented to my friend Tiffany that I didn't have any pink flocking (I have since remedied that situation, but didn't remake the card). I did add some sparkle to the card with a Veramark Glitter Pad. The ribbon is something that I picked up at Michaels and I thought it coordinated perfectly!
Supplies:
Cardstock: Wausau Paper, Bazzil
Stamps: My Favorite Things
Ink: Memento, Versamark Glitter Pad
Ribbon: Dots and Dashes

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Believe in You

Ok, the blog seems to not be scheduling like I want it to, my Father's day post went up and said it was Saturday when I posted it on Thursday night. Sigh



This is another quick card with the Fancy Pants journaling cards. Nothing fancy here. Just some cardstock and a Fab button (using up scraps!)



Supplies:
Cardstock: PTI

Patterned Paper: Fancy Pants, Basic Grey,

Button: Foof a loof

Twine: Walmart

Monday, June 22, 2009

You are in my Thoughts

I still had all of the scraps on m table from the card exchange last month, so when my mother said she needed a sympathy card I just grabbed a bunch of scraps and this is what I came up with! I think I would just keep making stuff with Amy Butler papers if I didn't stop myself. I also love that I cut some extra butterflies with my silhouette- they come in so handy!

Supplies:
Patterned Paper: Amy Butler
Stamp: Amuse
Button: Fancy pants
Twine: Walmart

Saturday, June 20, 2009

I Love Dad


edited: I don't know why this posted. Notice that it says it is posted on Saturday, yet today is Thursday. This irritates me. I have another post I want to schedule, but I don't want to bombard the blog. Sigh....


Happy Father's Day! I hope that all the Dad's out there will have a great day! Since I am on vacation, i am sure fishing will be on the agenda!



This card is a layout I have used before (truth time, I frantically made this card when I remembered I needed a Father's day card for my husband and that I needed to go and pack for my trip...like immediately.) Colored Bronto with copics, added some buttons....Perfect!



Supplies:

Carstock: Bazzil, PTI

Patterned Paper: Basic Grey

Stamps: Studio G, Paper Makeup Stamps

Markers: Copics

Buttons: Basic Grey
Twine:PTI

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Congrats Grad


I am going on vacation, so I won't be posting as often. Hopefully I scheduled the posts correctly. I won't have internet either (gotta love the Northwoods), so don't think I haven't forgotten about everyone!
This card is another that I made for a graduation. Very quick and simple. I just a patterned paper from my stash and added some hibiscus burst ribbon, the star stamp is from PTI and the swirls are something I picked up at the $1.99 bin.
Supplies:
Carstock: Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Anna Griffin
Stamps: Hero Arts, Papertrey Ink
Ink: Memento
Ribbon: Papertrey Ink

Monday, June 15, 2009

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #9


Another color challenge from Dawn McVey! I love these colors, but of course when I went to sit down with them I was itching to throw some Kraft cardstock in. I resisted that urge, but my craft table is piled high with green, black, and cream ribbons, papers and accents - does that happen to anyone else?

I just got this pom pom ribbon at Archiver's this weekend. It was one of those "it's green" (my favorite color) purchases. Plus I have been seeing the pom poms everywhere and I was determined to make a card using it. The chipboard letters were a $1.99 spot purchase at Archiver's as well. It just didn't look right with just the pom pom and the letters, so I put a Heidi Swapp flower under the letters and added some stamping with Retro Basics. I could have added more, but the clean and simple cardmaker in me called shot clock and I determined that I was done.
Hope you like it! Off to see what you created!
Supplies:
Cardstock: Stampin Up
Stamp: Retro Basics (Papertrey Ink)
Chipboard Letters: Pressed Petals
Flower: Heidi Swapp
Ink: Memento

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Sweet Sunday

Another Sunday coming to a close. I am really enjoying playing along with Karen's Sweet Sunday Sketch. I put the baby to bed, and then come down and relax in my fab scrap room with some tunes or the t.v. on. This week's sketch was a little difficult at first, since there were two circles. But then I had to remind myself that the sketch is only a guide. So this is what I came up with.


I love the series of boy quotes from Cloud 9. I use them all the time it seems! The cards with those sentiments always tend to be a little shabby chic, which isn't my typical style, but I just go with the flow. Hope everyone has a great week!
Supplies:
Patterned Paper: Fancy Pants, The Paper Wardrobe, random scraps (green)
Stamp: Coud 9
Sticker: K and Company
Ink: Memento, Ranger Distress
Ribbon: Making Memories

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Color Inspiration Challenge #54


YAY! I was able to make a card for the color inspiration challenge this week. Last week was bad with my family being sick. Of course I am terribly behind on everything else, so this card had to be quick.

I decided to use one of my stamps from Paper Makeup Stamps. They have the best dinosaurs! I paired it with my favorite dinosaur-like embossed background and added a senitment. The dino was colored with Copics.

Supplies
Cardstock: Stampin Up, Papertrey Ink
Stamps: Paper Makeup Stamps
Ink: Memento
Ribbon: Stampin Up

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Quick Graduation Card


This is my fall back card template. I needed a couple quick graduation cards for this week, and this became one of them. I really love the contrast of black and white with red and to be a bit different I used my other favorite - Kraft! Nothing fancy here folks, of course the bow looks terrific because nothing ties like the PTI ribbon.
Supplies:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: American Crafts
Stamp: Hero Arts
Ribbon: Papertrey Ink

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Sweet Sunday Sketch


Sometimes I see a sketch and the card makes itself! This card was one of those times. I had all my Amy Butler papers spread out from yesterday, and I still had some of the purses from a sticker set I had gotten 50% off at Archiver's. It took maybe 10 minutes to put together...love that! It was very fun to punch out a bunch of squares and arrange them on the front of this card; I'll have to keep this sketch in mind to use up scraps in the future!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Stampin Up
Patterned Paper: Amy Butler (K and Company)
Purse: K and Company
Ink: Stampin Up
Stamp: PTI

Monday, June 8, 2009

My card for the June Card Exchange

I think I am finally coming out of the fog that was the last week. It is amazing how illness can bring things into perspective. I am a little bummed because there were a ton of challenges and sketches that I missed out on participating in. My mojo took a big hit too. That happens when I go through the blogs and see what wonderul things you are all creating.

This is my card for this months card exchange. Its a sketch based challenge, but of course, I don't have the sketch handy....This was a tough month for a lot of us in the exchange, many had to opt out due to family stuff.

This card is full of Amy Butler goodness....plus a butterfly cut using my Silhouette.

Have a great Tuesday!

Supplies:
Patterened Paper: Amy Butler
Cardstock: Stampin Up
Stamp: Amuse
Ink: Stampin Up
Button: Making Memories
Twine: Walmart