Endless Reorganizing -- Part 2

Although I really wanted to do some creating this weekend I found myself going into the next phase of reorganizing my studio.  Back in September I reorganized my ribbons so that I could select the colors more easily --- and determine what colors I needed to pick up at the next big Michael's sale.  You can see that post here. 

Last week my DH was home for a few days so I was able to get another pegboard panel put up where I could display my wooden stamps.  

 This is not necessarily a "before" picture, but more of a "during" picture.  I've had most of my wood mounted stamps in boxes similar to these sitting on top of my Ikea unit.  This unit is nearly 5 feet high and I am nearly 5 foot 3 inches high. Whenever I thought about using a particular stamp I would look up at this tower of boxes and think "Nah, digital again today." This system was not working! 

 I've often coveted the shelves of neatly displayed wood mounted stamps.   So....

 Here is my new stamp wall in progress.  I can go up a couple more rows of shelves.  Now that I can see some of my stamps I don't think I'll have much trouble looking for something for my Oldies But Goodies blog hop entry this week!  The Craftsman work table sitting below the pegboard is currently covered with other things I have yet to put away.  But it will be used primarily for preparing packages for mailing.

 I also made room for my Martha Stewart punches, saving valuable workbench space.  My DH looked at these punches lined up and thought they looked like little toilets.  I guess they do!

 They are actually the punch around sets!  

Many of my cling stamps are housed in CD jewel cases sitting in the wire baskets that the rolls of ribbon used to be in.  Below this wall is a handy Craftsman cabinet that I have set up for stamping.

 Also accomplished this weekend was to move these three cabinets and tool chests so they are all together on one wall.  I love these tool chests!  They are like the mechanics chests made of oak that can cost hundreds of dollars.  I found these at Lowe's Home Improvement a few years ago for a fraction of that.  

The tops open so I make sure not to put things on top of them.  In this chest the top is filled with small punches of assorted shapes and uses.  The drawers are shallow but perfect for packages of  rhinestones, brads, stickers, and embellies.  The cabinets below hold a variety of things from magazines to Stickles. 

 It's important to me to have my materials out in the open where I can easily see them. Now that I am accomplishing that mission there are many materials that I have forgotten about, don't need any more, or simply don't want any longer.  I still have lots of stamps and other materials to put away, but many of them will probably end up for sale or at the local thrift store. 

All of this rearranging is also giving me more space which I hope will be enough to bring in my favorite chair. I get tired of sitting at the computer or drafting table all the time.  With my favorite chair I might NEVER leave the studio!  Now, where to put the coffee pot and mini-firdge?

Four GRAND Reasons I've Been AWOL

It's been a week since I've posted or even worked in my studio!  Mom and I just got back from a trip to northwest Iowa to see some of my family.  Here are four of my GRAND nephews and nieces:

 Zander, nearly 5 years old

 Dylan (Zander's brother), 3 years old (going on 13!)

 Sienna, nearly 5 years old

Cohen (Sienna's brother), 3 months old

It is always so much fun to be with these little ones.  Zander always makes sure I have my camera with me.  Dylan is full of surprises. He had on a Batman t-shirt because he loves super heroes.  I asked him if he (Dylan) was Robin and he very firmly said "Robin is not a super hero! Only Batman is!"

Sienna likes to play coy at first, then she gets flirty with the camera.  Cohen, well he just sleeps -- sometimes! 

Dylan, Zander and Sienna playing a game with the biggest kid, my brother "Uncle Andy". 

I've been trying to keep up with everyone on Google Reader --- Wow, y'all have been busy!  I'll catch up soon, I hope! 

Birthday Card for a Friend

A quick post tonight to show a card I made today for a dear friend who's birthday is tomorrow. (Lots of birthdays this month!)

 The focus is on the scripture, which came from Our Daily Bread Designs Scripture Collection I.  The papers are from DCWV Latte Matstack.  I've had that stack for a long time but always forgot to use it! Now I have it out where I can see it and USE it!  The green card stock is Bazzill.  And the flowers are also some I've had for awhile and came from a set of Spare Parts by the Paper Studio.  They turned out to be the perfect colors! 

I used Memento Olive for the stamp.  My inspiration for this card comes from favorite designers like Becca Feeken and Betty Wright. They make such gorgeous inspirational cards.

Speaking of birthdays, today is my birthday and I have had a very nice day!  Lots of phone calls, lovely cards, and many emails and Facebook messages.  Thanks, everyone, for all your kind wishes.  It's hard to admit to this age ------ so I won't!  heheheheh!

Come Hither

That look...... you know the one I mean.  It makes you swoon. You go weak in the knees, your hands get all clammy and you lose all sense of reality.  It's that look..... come hither...............

Come Hither

That's the name of this haunting image by Mo Manning.  This isn't for any particular challenge, I just LOVE the new images by Mo.  Another one I did recently was "Dare". They are sexy, sultry and just a bit naughty! For this card I used a silver textured metallic card stock for the card base and a layer of the medallion by Nestabilities.  The black is not metallic, but more like patent leather, very shiny.  The red of the medallion is a very shiny metallic.  The swirly ribbon is actually from the new Christmas collection at Michael's and works perfectly here. Swirls of red and crystal rhinestones add to the dizzying effect.  The butterfly is from a vintage download I had laying out for another project, but it just magically flew onto this card!  Spooooooky!

Close up details of the Copic coloring and more of Mo's rich depth in the cape. 

Whew! This is getting too hot to handle --- I can't wait to color up another one!!

Thanks for stopping by today! 

Mo's DP2 Challenge #102 -- Our Furry Friends

My three little furry friends really like Mo's challenge this week.  Especially Mattie who loves going to Grandma's house, just like Little Red Riding Hood.  

Red and her furry friend are merrily on their way to grandmother's house.  I kept the card simple because there is so much going on in the image with her beautiful red cape, the basket full of goodies, and her little dog grabbing at the gingham napkin on the basket.  The red background is embossed with one of the embossing folders in the "Once Upon A Princess" Cricut Complements set by Cuttlebug.  The other paper accents are from scraps. I found the red checkered rickrack in a box that had been packed away.  It's a great find, except that it is a very large skein of the stuff! My guess is at least 10 yards!! I see lots of red checkered rickrack accents in my future --- ugh!

I forgot to mention that the sketch came from Deconstructed Sketch so I am entering their challenge, too.

Well, I love the image and she was so much fun to color! It did take awhile but one of my favorite things about coloring Mo's images is the luscious folds and draping in the clothing.  Of course I used Copics and what would I do without the colorless blender? 

For more inspiration and magnificent coloring with all sorts of media be sure to hop over to Mo's DP2 challenge.  Lots of furry friends, too.  And by the way, here is my little Mattie -- always ready to go to Grandma's house!

Thanks for stopping by!

Sassy Cheryl Challenge #83 --- Autumn Colors

Sassy Cheryl's challenge this week is Autumn Colors.   I think just about everyone loves this time of year when the trees magically change colors and the air has a cool crispness that helps us to forget the heat of summer. 

 This "Country Gal" is saying farewell to one of her favorite summer critters, the ladybug.  I used a bunch of odds and ends for this card.  I figure if I use them up I won't feel so guilty when I indulge in something new!  The covered brads are by Michael's Recollections. The green vine is a Martha Stewart border punch that I used on both edges of the strip of paper. I used a deckle rectangle Nestie to cut the image so continued the distressing on all the edges. I don't know why the photo is so dull, but the background paper is really a lovely yellow gold color. 

The image is colored with Copics.  Again, the photo is a bit dull but the colors are nice and autumnish. (spell checker didn't like that word!)  I love this image; her floppy hat and her long skinny legs, which I NEVER had!  She is a cutie!

I hope you all have had a great weekend and we able to get in some crafting.  There's still time to get something done for Sassy Cheryl's challenge and, for sure, you'll want to see the fantastic projects by the design team. Thanks for stopping by today!

Three Cards In One Day!

I made three cards today --- and they are all going to the same address!

First, for my niece-in-law, Anita, a birthday card ---- a very special one!  You see, last year I forgot her birthday, which was unforgivable because her birthday is the same day as mine!  

 I chose the image "Take Me Away" by Tiddly Inks.in hopes that Anita can get a few quiet moments on her birthday, even if it is just by looking at the card.  She is the mother of two little children and runs a daycare center.  She is one of the most patient and organized people I know!  The paper is all from the Basic Grey Wisteria collection, except for the metallic blue for the background.  I added lots of bling, lattice lace and a fabric flower by Prima. 

 The image is colored with Copics and the bubbles are spattered with light blue Stickles. 

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The second card is for Anita and Alan, my nephew.... and their new baby boy Cohen who was born in July. I haven't met my new little grand-nephew yet, but I will next weekend.  I love holding new babies!

 The image is a Sassy Cheryl digistamp .  I used a variety of patterned papers from my stash, keeping everything in the traditional boy blue.  Besides I like blue!  The white border is Martha Stewart lace punch and the beaded flowers were in the clearance bin at Michael's.  

 The image is colored with Copics, but on paper that I won't use again for Copics.  It bled too easily, especially with the darker colors. 

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The third card is for my grand-niece, Sienna.  She is Alan and Anita's four year old daughter and Cohen's big sister.  I made this card to make her feel good about being a big sister. She is actually doing great, and has started pre-school so she's feeling like quite a big girl.   

  Inside is a little note to her about being Cohen's big sister like I am her grandpa's big sister and that she will be a terrific big sister. I used Mo Manning's image "Helena and Henry". The card is made from more scraps  from my stash and distressed for texture.  The flowers are mulberry paper flowers and I haven't a clue where I got them.  Those and the center brads are things I've had for ages! The pearls are new, though, from Michael's Recollections.

I colored the image with Copics, of course.  I love this image! I forgot to mention in the other descriptions, but all of the die cuts are Nestabilities.  

All of the cards are neatly packaged and ready to go out priority mail tomorrow.  I'm not missing Anita's birthday this year!!

Thanks for stopping by today!  It is getting quite late so I'll say goodnight and sweet dreams.  Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Bah! Humbug! Challenge 38 --- Nativity

This is my last challenge as Bah! Humbug! Guest Designer.  It is so hard to give up the keys to Humbug Hall, although I was lucky to have five Fridays instead of the usual four.  These ladies are fantastic to work with, lots of fun and so gracious.  Thank you for the experience!

Now for the challenge this week --- Nativity.  My card is quite a different style for me, but when I found the clear stamp set by Inkadinkadoo I knew just what I wanted to do.

 There are several pieces to the set, but I used only four due to space limitations.  I went with the easel style card to maximize visibility of the images.  The images are stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black then highlighted with Pentel metallic gold gel pen.  

The card base is black card stock and I used gold metallic textured card stock for the next layer.  Keeping the colors and shapes simple I used layers of the gold and black cut with the Nestabilities.  The photo corners are made with the Martha Stewart punch.

I kept the look clean by not adding any embellies at all and to keep from overwhelming the simplicity of the images.

To my friends who are experts at clean and simple, tell me what you think of this.  I nearly had to put a lock on my rhinestone drawer to keep from adding bling!

Thank you for stopping by today and be sure to hop over to Bah! Humbug! to see more inspiring work from  Ann and Max and the participants.  Join in the fun!

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The deadline for this challenge is 

12 noon (UK time)

Thursday 6th October 2011

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You are free to create whatever you like ... it doesn't have to be a card ... in fact, show us as many different Christmas Projects as you want to share. 

Phindy's Place Challenge --- Color Wheel........

........ and another birthday card.

When I saw the challenge at Phindy's Place I thought it would be fun to use the color wheel and I added a bit of a twist.  I took the wheel in my hand, closed my eyes, and started turning the center circle.  The idea was that I would use the color combination that came up.  For me, not a great idea, because it couldn't have been a harder color combination for me to work up.  Especially since I had a new Phindy's image of Mrs. Comfort that I wanted to use specifically for a dear friend's birthday card.  

First, the color wheel as it landed...........

 My mission was to make a card using yellow orange and purple.  My two least favorite colors.  But I wanted to make a birthday card with this new image, and I hope my friend likes how it turned out.
P.S.:  My friend, Peggy, who I can now reveal is the recipient of this card, asked about the color wheel.  I realized it is not clear with this scanned image where I was actually looking to get my color combo.  There are two little triangles with stars in them and they are opposites on the color wheel.  Actually, I could have used the little black arrows, too, but I didn't see those till I just now read the directions on how to use this thing!  I don't remember where I bought this but it is by EK Success and comes with detailed instructions.  It's like a slide rule for colors! It is one of those Oldie But Goodies things that I don't use often --- but SHOULD!  

After coloring the image the real challenge was finding paper in my stash to make the card.  I have a bad habit of coloring the images then matching the papers.  That can be tricky at times!  I should know better by now!

The image is colored with Copics.  The chair and the robe are done in the colors from the wheel, or pretty close.  The knitting project is in red as that is a pretty good third color for the combo.  

I included a photo of the inside to show the accessory image, the yard skein and balls, which I almost forgot to place in the card!  I don't remember where I found the sentiment, but I keep it in my favorites.

I think this card turned out ok.  One thing is for sure -- it is filled with lots of happy birthday wishes, big hugs, and a lot of love for being such a caring and inspiring friend!  Happy Birthday, PM aka WA!

While I Prepare Another Card for Posting.........

Besides making cards and taking photos I have another favorite activity that I haven't indulged in for several years.  That is until the past few months.  Here's a teaser..................

For more details you can read about it on my other blog "Hampton Road Photography".  Now, back to work on more birthday cards..................

A Birthday Card for a Special Lady

This time of year brings lots of birthdays in my little corner of the world, so this weekend I've been working on several cards for these occasions.  Some are done and ready to mail so I thought I would share one of them with you today.  The special lady who will be receiving this won't see it for a few days, but since there are a few I'll just keep them all guessing.

There is no stamping on this card, but three different Nestabilities die cuts were used (one is cut in half and placed on the sides) and a butterfly punch. All of the papers are from the DCWV Mariposa stack.  That is one of my favorite dp stacks and I just want to horde it!  That's part of my problem, papers are so gorgeous I hate to part with them.  But it really is much more fun to share them in cards with people we love!

The image is from my collection of vintage postcards and greeting cards.  Some of them come from generous ladies who share their antique treasures on their blogs.  This is one that was shared by Bumble Button.  It's hard to see in the photo but I coated the image with crackle for more vintage feel.  This is such a beautiful image, the flowing sheer overlay on the dress and the lovely movement portrayed --- and those teeny tiny feet!!

Sideways view shows the double layers of the butterflies, the top being gold-flecked vellum that will pop up once the card is opened.  Otherwise I kept the card quite flat for mailing.

The sketch I used is from the magazine "Card Ideas for Paper Crafters".  I think it is still on the shelves, but it is full of great sketches, each with several cards made to show the versatility.  I often start with a sketch but end up with something quite different, though this time I stuck pretty much to plan.

Well, I've been writing this post between errands and phone calls, now I have to go pick up my freshly groomed dogs.  Thanks for stopping by! More birthday cards to come!

Bah! Humbug! Challenge38 --- Reindeer or Rudolph

It's already my fourth week as guest designer for Bah! Humbug! and I am having so much fun at Humbug Hall, especially since the spiders have been eradicated.  This week we are celebrating a much cuter critter --- reindeer or Rudolph.

I had fun using nearly all new materials for this card.  The papers are from the Recollections Love Letters and the reindeer stamp is part of a new Christmas set also from Recollections, the Michael's brand. The reindeer ribbon is new at Michael's for the Christmas season. The glitter flowers, center brass brad, and red rhinestones are from my stash.  The reindeer (isn't he cuuuuute?) is heat embossed with red embossing powder.  Easy-peasy!  He is stamped on one of the papers from the collection and matches the card base. The red patterned paper is all glittery.  All of the papers in this stack are Kraft based, so the larger Nesties die cut is actually the back side of a leftover piece.  

Close up of the bow ensemble.  Love the woven ribbon!

The card measures 5 X 7 in all so easily fits in that sized envelope.  Lots of room on the inside for personal notes and even a reprise of the reindeer stamp.

Just a little side note:  These aren't reindeer, just regular deer, but they are frequent visitors to my backyard.  It's unusual to see them in the daytime, though this was fairly early in the morning.  There are two mamas and two babies, and very likely a couple of bucks in the trees.  They usually come out at dusk, or after dark, and head to a nearby pond.  I can tell they are there because my dogs go crazy barking at them.  The backyard is pitch black unless the moon is bright so they are nearly impossible to see, and incredibly quiet. 

Now, back to the Bah! Humbug! Challenge.  

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The deadline for this challenge is 

12 noon (UK time)

(1:00 am US CDT)

Thursday 29th September 2011

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You are free to create whatever you like...it doesn't have to be a card.  In fact, show us as many different Christmas Projects as you want to share.  I am so enjoying looking at everyone's projects this month (and added many new favorite bloggers to my reader, too). We are quite sure that we will be seeing lots and lots of wonderful reindeer!  Hmmm, I wonder how many will have red noses??

Thanks for stopping by --- now, get busy!!  ;-)

Design D.I.V.A.S. Oldies But Goodies Blog Hop

Today is the 3rd Wednesday of the month and that means another Design D.I.V.A.S. Oldies But Goodies 

BLOG HOP!  

 This is when we use neglected and forgotten items from our stashes.  The Design D.I.V.A.S. is a private Facebook group, which is a branch of the Original Design D.I.V.A.S. on the Splitcoaststampers website. The acronym for the D.I.V.A.S is, Divine, Inspirational, Virtuous, Artistic (or annointed) Sistahs. This is a very talented and supportive group, which I'm blessed to be a part of . 

 If you came here from the multi-talented Cindy's blog you are on the right track.  She is a tough act to follow and I am honored to be in her company! To start at the beginning of the hop pop on over to see what our amazing and sweet Carolyn has put together.

Recently I was sorting through dusty boxes and came across 3D Memory Keepers from Deja View.  I think I got these for scrapbook pages to hold trinkets, coins, and other keepsakes.  Since they are in two pieces and seal rather tightly they hold the FloraCraft Diamond Dust quite well, too.  So, inside I used these adorable little penquin foam stickers with just enough "snow" for them to dance in. 

Even the penquin paper is obg, since I haven't used it since last year's Christmas cardmaking. Along the top I added red trim shaped with Martha Stewart border punch.  Dangling from the scallops are little stick-on snow balls.  I use lots of these during the season!

Here is a close-up of the happy penguins.  They make me think of the adorable movie "Happy Feet".

It's been a fabulous blog hop so far, right?  There are actually more stops!  Hop on over to Dru's where you will surely be delighted by her gorgeous creations!  Thanks for stopping by today!

CAS Sympathy Card

Yesterday I posted a couple of the six cards I made.  This is one of the others. It is clean and simple, which for me isn't all that simple, but I do like the way it turned out. 

The design of this card has been in my head for literally months.  I saw one similar to it in one of the many card magazines I look at.  The feathers were what touched my heart.  I had found out, quite by accident, that a man who was very special in my life (during my single days) had passed away.  Though I had not had contact with him for about 17 years, this news hit me hard and it has been difficult to express my sympathy to his daughter.  The feathers are significant because every card he ever sent me contained a feather of a wild bird that he picked up in the woods when he hiked.  This stamp is from Inkadinkadoo.  I stamped one image with Jet Black Memento, then masked it and stamped two more images with London Fog Memento without re-inking.  The sentiment is computer generated and was done before the stamps.  The scored lines along the left and bottom don't show well here, but help to balance the off-center placement of the top layer.  I think I am ready to finally let go and send this card.  And, yes, there will be a feather inside.

Busy Day In the Studio

While sipping my morning coffee, I made a list of cards I need to make, not just for challenges but personally. I was stunned at how long the list became.  So I got busy in the studio and now I have six cards done!  I was able to get pictures of only a couple of them before the natural light faded, though.  

 The first one is a quick "Thank You" note that my step-dad needed to give someone who volunteered to do an enormous amount of "DVD burning" for the office. It is simple yellow cardstock embossed with Stampin' Up Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder.  The image is from a collection of vintage art that I found in free downloads.  A couple of Martha Stewart daisies and a sentiment tag was all it took to finish it. 

This sympathy card is for family friends who recently lost their father/father-in-law.  Mom and I will both be sending cards and this is the one I made for Mom to give them.  Again using vintage art I matched up scrapbook paper I've had in my stash forever, then added a pearl swirl. 

I have another sympathy card to send them, but the photo I took just didn't do it justice so I will post it later.  I actually made two sympathy cards nearly alike.  Kind of depressing, making so many sympathy cards in one day.  On a more cheerful note, I did get my card done for the Bah! Humbug! challenge that will be posted on Friday.  This Wednesday is the Design D.I.V.A.S.  Oldies But Goodies blog hop and I have that card ready, too!  So, all in all, it was a very productive day.  Believe it or not, I still have three birthday cards to make and a few challenges that I want to participate in.  Looks like tomorrow will be a busy day, too!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a wonderful week!

Mo's DP2 Challenge #100 -- Let's Celebrate!

Congratulations to Mo Manning's DP2 100th Challenge!  Time for a celebration and that is the theme this week.

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The March Hare found this to be a great time for a party so he got out his best party clothes and gold tea set  to celebrate this 100th challenge.  This was a pretty easy card to put together, using the Nestibilities die for the image and background. The buckle accents a piece of silver and black glitter ribbon, or more accurately the other way around.  The ribbon is really pretty but doesn't show much here.  Don't worry, it will show up on another card for sure!  The square stickons in the corners look like zebra skin but blend well with the other patterns.

Close up you might see the glitter on the tea set and everything else is colored with Copics. 

  The inside of the card has more of the dp and a blank white space for a personal note.  

There is a big party going on over at Mo's challenge!  Wait till you see what the DT put together!! Wowza!  Better get on over there and take a look!