FLEUR de Lo

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T18:27:00.000-07:00

Hello, my long lost blog buddies! Oh how I’ve missed you!!!

I desperately hopethat my life is back in order enough to ease back into blogland. I have beendoing a bit of crafting in my blog absence but not nearly as much as I wouldhave liked. Hence the incredibly simple, last minute Valentine that we exchangedthis year. Truth be told I only remembered that we needed them last night andreally should have allowed “Scooby Doo” or “McQueen” to bid our holiday wishes.In so doing, however, I would have committed treason to my soul. J

I hope your Valentine’s Day has been chuck full of love.

Carbon Copied

2011-09-28T06:40:00.001-06:00

YAY! A card! {I am mortified by the photo quality, but I just had to post something so Karen's 257 readers wouldn't be left hanging.}

Thank you, Karen Baker, for giving me the shove I needed to take a tiny step back intoblogland. As many of you know, Karen hosts a feature called “Carbon Copied.” Weenter the same challenge and using the same stamp set. We chose to participatein the Clear Block Challenge from Piali Biwasfrom Yvonne’s Do More with Less blogusing the Wplus9 set Poinsettia Patterns. I was excited totry stamping off a clear block because it was something I’d never done before.What do you think? I think it adds just the perfect hint of another color.

Because I’m late posting this I just took a peek at Karen’s card. OMG!!! Is there anywonder she’s one of my very favorite fellow crafters?

I’m so sorry. LLast night as I was thinking about how fun it will be to play along I realizedthat I’d never taken a picture of my card. My Ott light is on the fritz. I’mworking on getting a decent photo; it looks like that's not going to happen without the sun.

My Dilemma

2011-09-21T07:02:00.002-06:00

I know, I know—after all this time away the least I could dois post a card, eh?

Background:

CTMH just released their bi-yearly catalog. Whenever they dothat they host a competition for consultants to encourage use of the newproducts. This has been my favorite release in years because of a little thing called Art Philosophy. It’s aCricut cartridge that corresponds with stamps and chipboard elements. Awesome!Awesome! Awesome! I can’t even tell how many ideas this one product alone hasproduced. So, in the month of August my house was a MESS as I pursued ideaafter idea. {I had a BALL!!!}

Sidenote:

In the midst of this creative explosion, after havingattended my favorite kid birthday party to date, I decided to mesh my manyloves and go a little crazy for my own little guy’s birthday. In the end I wasso enraptured by this that I neglected to submit a single one of my creationsto the CTMH contest. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? I’m still mad at myself about it. ARGH!!!

Anyway:

Most of my new crazy ideas came through in mynot-so-standard format: scrapbooking. I made loads of mini books. {And I justlove them!!!} I don’t know why the stars aligned as they did to offer me suchinspiration. Perhaps it’s because the age of my son dictates new events andthus new things I’d like to remember? I don’t know but everything I createdinvolves him and it’s all insanely personal to me.

More Background:

I love, love, love getting to know fellow blog buddiesthrough the information they share about their families. There is nothing moreimportant to me in life than people. The very most important people to me?Family. {If you’re reading this and your heart just sank a little let it riseagain because there are many, MANY people Iinclude in this classification that are in no way connected through biology.}

Yet:

As I’ve mentioned before in this post, as a 6^th grade teacher I was horrified by theabsolute cruelty I witnessed from one child to another on a daily basis—DAILYhorrible, HORRIBLE acts of cruelty. Horrible. And I wasn’t working in somerandom demographic that represented the fringe of our society. These were runof the mill, everyday typical kids. I’d even call them “good kids.” My heartached for those children and they weren’t even my own.

Dilemma:

I’m a fairly open book when it comes to myself, my strugglesand occurrences in my life but I don’tfeel the same liberty with other peoples’ stories, least of all my son. How isit that so many of you are comfortable publishing such personal informationabout your families with the world at large? Am I being a paranoid,over-protective parent?

I’ve been burned many times because of my open nature. Ofcourse I have to accept that possibility as a natural consequence but can Iaccept that for my child?

Glitzy Dots

2011-08-09T17:56:00.000-06:00

I love Glue Dots! Glitter? I’m not always a fan. Therefore, when I first saw CAS-ual Friday’s Glitzy Glue Dots Challenge, it was with mixed enthusiasm. Luckily my {big fat} Close to My Heart order arrived with a graphic stamp set that sent all my apprehension packing. I must admit it’s the glitter that really gives this card its punch. Thanks for the new idea, Girls! {Any tips on how to easily transfer the Glue Dots? Some of my attempts ended up rather crumpled.}

It was the lovely Valerie who tipped me off to the For Your Inspiration blog. They post beautiful pictures to help get the wheels of our creativity turning. I was inspired by the symmetry of the landscape of FYI Challenge #11.

Another site that I recently stumbled upon is Simply Scrapping Crafts. {I really should stop surfing. How many supplies does one crafter need? J} It looks like they host a monthly challenge. They must be great because their challenge follows right along with CAS-ual Friday’s: Glitter. Fun! Fun!

Supply List:

Paper: {White Daisy cardstock}CTMH,

Stamps: {Dreamin’ Workshop Stamp Set}CTMH

Ink: {Sunset, Twilight, Sky}CTMH

Other: {glue dots}Glue Dots, {glitter}Martha Stewart

Citrus Hello

2011-08-08T21:03:00.000-06:00

Would you believe this is the first time I’ve used alphabet stickers on a card? I think I’m always afraid of “wasting” the letters. Instead I’ve hoarded a whole drawer full of them. J

Play Date Café’s challenge #93 and the accompanying citrusy mix of colors gave me a good excuse to change my ways. Hopefully this will be the first of many for I’m determined to use some of my old stash so I won’t feel the twinge of guilt when I “replenish.”

Another thing I’ve been working on is using up my scraps. {What is it about me that refuses to chuck a 1x2 piece of paper?!} Sketch 080511 over at Sketch Frenzy Friday offered the perfect backdrop for a whole pile of my pinks. I made a whole bunch of these babies with different versions of hello: hey, Hi, g’day, ciao & salut.

I wish I had posted sooner so the rest of you would be drawn to play along with Ribbon Carousel’s Let’s Get Crazy challenge. Unfortunately the need to clean my messy, MESSY house took precedence. Hopefully we can keep it in its current cleaner position so I don’t have to squander more of my craft time. J

Supply List:

Paper: {Colonial White}CTMH, {White Daisy}CTMH, {scraps}

Other: {alphabet stickers}MM, {ribbon}CTMH, {tulle}, {3D foam}CTMH

Celebrate Misting

2011-08-05T18:03:00.001-06:00

So…it’s safe to say I’ve never created a card like this one before. That is the beauty of a good challenge: stretching. As you know, I’ve recently discovered the most fun blog: Yvonne’s Do More with Less. {I know, I know—where have I been?!} Her latest guest, Helen Tilbury, shared the most beautiful layout that I couldn’t help but overcome my fear of misting to join her Mix Your Mists challenge. I’m grateful she shared step-by-step instructions since I had never tried this before and I was a little scared. J

Though I made quite a mess, I’ve been sold! Now I’ll be stalking her site and Karen Baker’s {another misting genius!} for more ideas and excuses to get messy.

I pulled my sketch inspiration from the Unscripted Sketches #117 challenge and the color combo from the oh-so lovely OTWC #58. You still have loads of time to join in all of these challenges so why not try your hand at them?

Happy Stamping!

CTMH supplies

12x12 Colonial White Cardstock, 1388

5 ½ x 4 ¼ Colonial White Cards & Envelopes, Value Pack, X1410

Twilight Exclusive Inks Re-Inker, Z2260

Heavenly Blue Exclusive Inks Re-Inker, Z2226

Autumn Terracotta Exclusive Inks Re-Inker, Z2201

Create-A-Shade Paint Pearl, Z1039

Spray Pens, Z1380

Bonding Memories Glue, 1512

Memory Book Glue Dots, 1772

Memory Book Mini Glue Dots, Z341

Splendor Level 2 Paper Packet, retired

Felicity Collection, retired

Dimensional Elements Flower Garden, retired

Other supplies

BIGkick Machine, Sizzix

Crop-A-Dile, We R Memory Keepers

Bigz Die-Stars, Sizzix

Die 2x6 Flowers, Provo Craft

Orange Wide Eyelets, We R Memory Keepers

Self-adhesive fabric, Making Memories {old}

Metal sentiment

Felt

Enjoy Life

2011-08-01T07:07:00.000-06:00

Ah! Patterned paper! It was my first paper crafting love.

As I’ve been cleaning and organizing my stash, I realize that I’ve strayed a bit from my roots. I think it’s because I enjoy the camaraderie of challenges and they often require specific color choices that limit my use of multi-colored paper. How happy I was to see Embellish Magazine’s Patterned Paper Color Trends Challenge!

I made this flower from some old jeans. Upcycling is a trend I plan on never releasing. J

CTMH supplies

12x12 Bamboo Cardstock, 1301

12x12 Colonial White Cardstock, 1388

12x12 Kraft Cardstock, Z1375

Fill in the Blank {stamp}, D1465

Buttons Basic Assortment, Z1358

Cocoa Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad, Z2114

Bonding Memories Glue, 1512

Majestic Blue Level 2 Paper Packet, retired

Other supplies

Flower Layers #3, Sizzix

Photo Labels Large Punch, EK Tools

Paper Edger Scissors: Scallop, Fiskars

Thread

Glue Gun

A Fancy Congratulations

2011-07-31T17:35:00.001-06:00

I don’t consider “fancy” cards to be my forte. Perhaps it’s because I’m just not a fancy girl? I usually go through many busts before finding satisfaction when it comes to wedding cards. The colors for the Play Date Café Challenge 92 melted away all my anxiety with their airy appeal. How could I possibly go wrong with that beautiful, floral ribbon? {Thank you! Thank you, Denise!}

Dawn’s lovely layout for CASE Study Challenge 50 was naturally a great combination with the peaceful colors. I’ve always loved the way she bumps up big portions of her cards to add dimension with utter simplicity.

I heat-embossed the sentiment with a pearl embossing powder. It’s hard to photograph but it adds such a nice, glossy sheen. It definitely fits the “fancy” bill. J

{I’m going to try to start including supply lists with my posts. I always appreciate it on others’ blogs. Hopefully it will soon feel commonplace to me.}

CTMH supplies

8½x11 White Daisy Cardstock, 1320

12x12 Baby Pink Cardstock, 1299

Designer Ribbon Pink Collection, Z1384

Silver Pearl Embossing Powder, Z678

3-D Foam Tape, Z1151

Other supplies

Chatterbox, Practicing Creativity Designs

Champagne Simply Sheer Ribbon, Offray

Happy {CAS} Birthday

2011-07-31T11:47:00.000-06:00

This card begs the question: is it possible to go too simple? The verdict is still out in my court, what do you think?

I tried several different embellishments on the left so as to maintain a similitude to Technostamper’s Sketch 184. Try as I might, however, it always felt like it needed to stand alone.

Months ago I raided the clearance section of large scrapbook store only to discover several rolls of gift-wrapping ribbon. {When am I not doing that? Cheap-o, indeed!} I don’t know why I’d never thought of using that sort of “ribbon” before. It has the feel of decorative tape and comes in such variety. Anyway, when I saw the simple sketch I knew this ribbon would not only fit it perfectly but would also give me an excuse to play along with Ribbon Carousel’s Stitch in Time challenge. {Have you played along with these guys yet? They are definitely one of my new faves.}

Finally, my simple card also fits nicely among a Tic-Tac-Toe challenge from a site that I’ve long been stocking but am just barely finding participation: The Paper Variety. My three picks of poison: stitching on a card that includes pink.

A month ago I was a firm believer in one challenge/card. Lately I’ve been mixing many of them. It has taken my cards to new and interesting places and, frankly, I’m loving it. Thanks for stopping in today; it’s always a pleasure!

Beautiful Pink Ladies

2011-07-24T18:44:00.001-06:00

Do you ever spend loads of time on a card only to discover you’ve just created an atrocious, googly-eyed monster-of-a-card? This card used to be that beast.

My original vision was spawned by a cross between two enticing challenges: SSD#85 at Skipping Stones Design and Perty & Flirty at Moxie Fab World. I thought the {gorgeous} ruffle of the coat would translate nicely into the scallop of the sketch. And surely those black buttons could grace a triptych of floral centers, no? NO! I’m telling you, the result was a mangy creature that will never grace blogland.

Fortunately I was able to salvage my elbow grease by heading in a simpler direction when I ditched my yellow-pages flowers for a single pink one. All the pink got me thinking about the many women I personally know who are fighting or have conquered the beast of breast cancer. Could there be a more appropriate sentiment for such woman? I think not.

Three cheers for two additional challenge sites who, apparently, have great minds because they’re thinking alike: Ribbon Carousel’s Challenge 12 Button it Up and the Recipe challenge over at Less Is More.

Circle of Life

2011-07-24T09:25:00.001-06:00

Tuesday our family received the unfortunate news that my niece’s body had been recovered. L

Anytime I think of death I think of circles. Death is part of life; life is part of death. Once the initial wave of intense emotion passes the idea of a circle of life offers me hope and comfort.

Though I was not close to my niece, both her disappearance and death have profoundly affected me. Perhaps it is because I understand her tendencies to experience life by extremes. At any rate, my heart continues to ache for the internal loneliness and despair I imagine her to have felt.

While I love the sentiment of this card, Becca’s life and death stand as inspiration to me to move beyond kind thoughts in behalf of others. There are many people among us who could use kind words and actions. It is my hope and prayer that each of us {myself especially} will look beyond ourselves a little more, that we will reach out and lift others. I know that it will only enrich our own lives to do so.

Thank you to Diana’s Color Dare Challenge #2 as well as the Clean and Simple Challenge from Wee Memories for the inspiration on the details of my card. And, thank you to the Heart to Heart Challenge Blog for inviting me to seek my own inspiration. The events of my life have always afforded the most powerful inspiration. The current encircling fog seems to clear a bit when I’m crafting. I appreciate the gentle nudges these challenges give me to craft through my sorrow.

I appreciate the kind words and prayers so many of you have offered over the past few weeks. I have personally felt lifted from your support. God bless you, every one.

Peace

2011-07-19T10:21:00.005-06:00

One of the benefits of card making is the meditation that accompanies it. This morning I was lost in memories of my father…

Always the professor, he used to chide me and my generation for the apathetic comfort of our lives. J Indeed his generation experienced social and political unrest as they paved the way for a more peaceful society for those who followed, myself included. Though our passions often sided on different fronts, I appreciate his living example of the importance of swimming against the stream for internal causes and commitments.

The war cry that most often surfaces in my life is a message of peace, usually verbalized in the form of “be nice.” As a sixth grade teacher I was horrified by the unkindness of my students’ treatment of one another. Once we spoke of the grave injustices portrayed in the movie Hotel Rwanda. Though all agreed that sort of cruelty was dreadful, it didn’t take long for a return of the nastiness in our classroom.

This inspiration photograph from Pals Paper Arts challenge exudes that peace that I seek. Thank you for indulging me in a little personal stroll this morning.

{I was excited to see Lynnda's minimal challenge over at Do More with Less. I'm pretty sure 90% of what I create would qualify. I'm choosing this one because it just feels simple to me.}

Happy Day

2011-07-18T21:25:00.000-06:00

How fun to have found yet another challenge here in blogland! {Thank you to the talented Savannah O’Gwynn for pointing me in the right direction.} I foresee a comfortable future within the realm of the Ribbon Carousel challenges, for who does not love ribbon?

My handy, dandy flower was easy, peasy to produce thanks to some rockin’ ribbon from CTMH. It comes pleated so all I had to do was pinch together a circle, add some glue and a bit-o bling.

I truly wish the sentiment of this card reflected good news of my missing relative. Unfortunately it does not. Thank you, blog buddies, for all of your kind wishes and prayers in regards to my previous post. I continue to hope and pray for a positive outcome and will let you know if and when such a day arrives. God bless you, every one.

Unspoken Love

2011-07-12T18:49:00.000-06:00

This is the kind of post I hope no one else ever has to write…

A member of our family has been missing for well over two weeks. While we all continue to hope and pray in her behalf, the more time that passes the less certain I am of a positive outcome of this tragedy. I’ve run a wide gamut of emotions since I heard the news; Sunday was the day I lost it. Though I cannot pretend to understand her experience my reflections leave my heart aching for the internal anguish that so many of us face.

With my heart longing for tranquility, I was instantly drawn to the soothing colors of The Play Date Café’s Challenge #89. Angi’s Challenge over at Do More with Less inspired me to make card packets to aid in the thank you of the quest to bring our loved one home. Moxie Fab’s Stamping Prowess Challenge gave me the perfect method to create a stash of easily mailed cards.

Here’s hoping we all use our limited time together to speak words of love.

Happy Birthday Erin!!!

2011-07-05T07:00:00.001-06:00

Anyone who knows anything about Erin Thiem knows how kind she is. So kind, in fact, that on her birthday she decides to throw a party where others are the gift recipients. I know—kindness to the core! And how fun that I get to be a part of it!

Thank heaven Karen Baker commandeered some of the planning so the birthday girl could sit back and revel in the day. Be sure to hop along all the stops to see the many great sketches she came up with for all of us. I believe there will even be a link on the birthday girl’s blog to a file with all the sketches. You’ll notice our birthday sentiments hopping around our cards in honor of the good ol’ blog hop. {Fun idea, Karen!}

I knew just where to turn when I read the “kraft & red” request for my card—straight to my post-Christmas-clearance-ribbon stash from “the Red House.” {That’s what we call Target in the house of Dalley J} Is anyone else thinking of flapper girls? Let’s party it up like they did in celebration of Erin’s big day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GIRLIE! I count myself fortunate to know you, even if it is as yet merely virtually.

If you’re hopping along in order then you came here from Michele’s blog and are on your way to Lynn’s blog. Here’s a list of all the participants in case you’ve missed anyone:

Karen: The Bald Dragonfly

Jen: Jen Shears Designs

Sav: Savannaland2

Emily L: Art from the Heart

Yvonne: Do More with Less

Michele: Studio MSG

Lora: Fleur de Lo {you're here!}

Lynn: Miller's Ink

Emily K: My Little Slice of Bliss

Erin: Homeade Cards by Erin {birthday girl!}

Feeble Thanks

2011-06-29T15:41:00.000-06:00

Why stop with my new challenges when I’m on a roll?

Blogland is abuzz with red, white and blue challenges these days. I love a grand ol’ flag card as much as the next gal, but when push comes to shove I have limited use for them. {Please don’t exile me!} Instead, to play along with Heart 2 Heart’s color challenge, I decided to focus on the neutrals with a punch of color. What do you think?

This card of Jessica’s left me drooling and anxious to {finally} play along with the twisted sisters over at Twisted Sketches. Their fabric twist gave me a good excuse to pull out an old shirt I’ve been hanging onto for years. I made 18 cards out of a single sleeve! {Freak? Dork? All of the above?} I knew the 100% cotton would fray beautifully.

Finally, CAS-ual Fridays sent me back to my newest love {CTMH’s color ready kraft borders} when inviting me to “Get Edgy.” It’s a good thing these beauties come in packs of 50—it helps me let go of my hoard-all-favorites tendencies. J

On a more serious note, all the while creating this card I had a scripture meandering around, reminding me of all the wonderful people I have rubbed shoulders with throughout my life: “Succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.”

Never in my life have I felt more in need of lifting hands. Thank you to dear ones who have strengthened my feeble knees.

Proud Mama

2011-06-26T19:56:00.001-06:00

Of course the highlight of any child’s birthday party for me is the opportunity it affords me to make a card or decorate a gift. This week my son trumped me when he decorated the gift for his buddy. The friend’s response? “That’s weird.” I thought it was fantastic. J

Throwing My Hat in the Ring

2011-06-23T18:49:00.001-06:00

Let’s face it, with over 800 entries in Paper Craft’s Gallery Idol 2011 competition my chances are slim to none for being chosen. But what kind of crafter would I be if I didn’t at least throw my hat into the ring? So this is it: my one and only shot at wooing the judges. Best of luck to everyone! Whoever is chosen will have loads of cards congratulating them. J

How nice that my creation fits cozily into Heart 2 Heart’s current challenge? This is yet another site I’ve been long following without participation. Hopefully they won’t kick me out because I did fudge a bit on my entry. {Instead of a border punch I used CTMH’s Color Ready Kraft Borders and some scalloped scissors.} In my defense, aside from the big central faux pas, I made a big cross on their ol’ bingo board. At any rate, there’s still plenty of time to join in either of these competitions. Hope to see you there!

Side note on the kraft borders: I LOVE THEM!!!! Since kraft is my new black I was thrilled to see this product in the line-up! And, how do you like the flowers I made from packaging material? I think it's great to make a "fancy" card out of "garbage." J

Flashback: Happy Birthday

2011-06-20T17:09:00.002-06:00

After my walk of shame with my Forum for All Things Awful, I stumbled upon a challenge site that invites us to glory in our past creations: Amy Tsuruta’s Flashback Friday Challenges. I love the idea of exposing a bit of the unrefined. The problem for me is that I haven’t been doing this blogging business for very long. Even since I’ve been blogging I’m much less prolific than so many of my blog buddies. Translation: I don’t have a huge stash of oldies but goodies to choose from. So, for the current “Summer Colors” challenge, I could only dig back two years for this little birthday card. After browsing through some of the entries I realized that I have a watermelon card using the same stamp set as this card from Tammy, but of course I never got around to posting it. You still have a few days to play along; hope to see you there!

Color Blocked Birthday

2011-06-19T21:36:00.003-06:00

Working on these cards was like having my own private party; I HAD SO MUCH FUN!!! I generally gravitate towards the muted side of the rainbow spectrum. These cards, however, are bursting with full-color goodness. That’s the beauty of a great challenge {or three}—pushing me out of my element, charting new territory. Thanks Moxie Fab World for a little shove into the world of rainbows!

Throughout my crafting hiatus the challenge that continues to tug on my heart is CAS-ual Fridays. As a CAS girl through and through I was trilled when they started teasing us with the Girl Friday intros. I LOVED this week’s theme: color blocking. {Be sure to stop by the Moxie Fab post they referred to if you need a refresher.}

And last, but certainly not least is Jenny’s Wee Memories “Party Time” challenge. As mentioned earlier I really did feel like I was celebrating while working on these cards. I think these would make great party invitations by switching the sentiment to “It’s a Party!”

WHEW! There’s a reason I don’t usually combine challenges—it’s hard work adequately mentioning all of them. These ones just all melted together perfectly for my cards so I just couldn’t resist.

{I don’t have any Waltzing Mouse stamps yet so I’m not really entering this week’s challenge, but I did want to give credit where credit is due: Claire’s sketch was the inspiration for my layout. Thanks!}

Boom-Di-Ada Birthday

2011-06-04T18:26:00.000-06:00

Hello, my long lost friends!

My creative life has been rather stagnant over the past month or so. Having enough crafting supplies to launch an online store {not really, but just about}, makes for an extremely looooong organization process. I’m getting there. It’s just not nearly as fun as the crafting so I am easily pulled away, thus prolonging the daunting task. There comes a time, however, when a girl has to say, “Enough is enough!!!—I’m making a card!” Enter Boom-Di-Ada Birthday.

In all my cleaning I’ve realized that I’ve strayed far from my roots of pattern paper. I LOVE PATTERN PAPER!!! This flower was actually die-cut from some paper that I don’t love on its own, but sliced, diced and embellished it adds a bright splash that I quite like. How fortunate for me that Jenny over at Wee Memories is hosting an “Anything Goes” challenge.

Crossroads Confessional

2011-04-12T20:14:00.000-06:00

This one’s personal: lots of talking, lots of sharing, all about me. I won’t fault you if you don’t want to keep reading. J

Many things have come together in my life to provoke my latest project: Operation Organize. Truth be told, if I performed this operation the way I truly envision it could take YEARS to sort through my EXTENSIVE stash of stuff. {And I’m just talking about my paper crafting supplies.}

I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching recently in regards to my accumulation of paper crafting goods. Can I ever have too much? {I didn’t used to think so. J} When IS enough enough? Did I pass that threshold years ago? J Do I need to temper my current perspective?

The bottom line conclusion of my searching…Yes, I can have too much. That line of “enough is enough” was, in fact, crossed years ago. And yes, I would benefit from a bit of temperance in this regard. Believe it or not, these conclusions are astonishingly empowering.

Are my days of paper crafting consumer behind me? NO WAY! This passion of mine deeply enriches my life. I truly use a large portion of what I own and I try hard to share what I have with others. With that said, however, I do have much that could find better use in another’s hands. I could stand to share more and consume less.

Therefore, I’ve decided to be a smarter shopper but before I can do that I need a full reckoning of what I already have. àInsert hyper-anal-retentive Lora. I’m photographing all of my stamps so I can put them in a little book to flip through when I have a project or desire to make a purchase. I will either need to REALLY love the new possibility or not already have something similar. What do you think? Can I do it? YES I CAN. {I hope J}

Enjoy the Journey

2011-04-10T10:17:00.000-06:00

In spite of my most recent blogging absence, I just love all my blog buddies! I’VE MISSED YOU! This time around I have been crafting but not posting and the circle just never quite feels complete without the sharing portion. {Thank you Calamity Jane for checking in! WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO START BLOGGING? I’m dying to get to know you better through your projects!!!} So now I have a stack of cards the height of the Eiffel Tower created for what I call unrequited challenges {deadlines missed}. Hopefully I’ll get my act together so I can share some of them with you?

So, the card: I am thrilled to join Aaron in her inspiration of the pink bicycle. {And thrilled to use my rejected phone book on the card. Aaron was one of the first to catch my eye in her use of book pages, ledgers and what-have-you in her creations.} Stop by her blog today if you have an extra minute for a challenge.

“Enjoy the Journey” as truly become the most recent mantra of my life. Not because I’ve mastered it but because I so long to master it. Somehow life has a way of getting busier and busier and BUSIER—too often too busy to enjoy. I’m grateful for some recent happenings in my life that are helping me to s-l-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-w down and truly enjoy life before it runs away without my participation in it.

{Messy} Thinking of You

2011-03-15T19:35:00.001-06:00

Rare is the day when I post more than one time. I’m so very glad that today happens to be that day since the last time I made a card for a Play Date Café challenge I was too sick to drag my sorry bones out of bed to post it. This may be my favorite inspiration photo EVER! I need to dig deeper into Dina Wakley’s blog {the photo is a snip of a journal she made} because she is clearly oh-so talented.

I had a ball making this slightly messy card. Thank you! Thank you for the inspiration!!! {I added the close one because I like how it mirrors the photo. I've said it before and I'll say it again and again: DORK! I know.}

Bloom Where Planted

2011-03-15T18:29:00.000-06:00

As a teenager I attended a presentation with a “Bloom Where You Are Planted” theme and I have loved the saying ever since. It reminds me of my value as an individual and to seek beauty wherever I may happen to be.

Susan had an uber-fun challenge this week. She invited us to browse one of her buddy’s Pinterest postings to be inspired. I had fun browsing through someone else’s picts. If I had a little more time on my hands I would have made several cards from her picts, as I was inspired by more than just the tree on a nursery wall.

Speaking of time, does anyone else feel like life could be dominated by an online existence if only we were to let it? There are SO BLASTED MANY WAYS to drain time right away online. I’ve had to make a choice where I will spend my online time; blogging is my particular poison of preference.

Thanks for spending a minute of your precious time with me. It’s the interaction that blogging offers me that has pushed it to the top of my virtual priorities.

Thank You Bicycle

2011-03-11T18:25:00.001-07:00

With my brain still barely functioning, I nearly missed my opportunity to play along with Courtney’s Practicing Creativity Sketch Challenge…

Check out this cute card that makes the paper-piecing of my bicycle seem rather pathetic. No matter—despite it’s simplicity, my card makes me grin every time I see it.

Birthday Animals

2011-03-10T12:48:00.001-07:00

I’ll be attending my very first princess birthday party this week. Perhaps someday I’ll know the joys of all things princess. In the meantime, our birthday girl will have to do with some boy-friendly birthday animals. Thank you Clean and Simple Stamping for making my job easy with sketch 130!

Escape

2011-03-07T17:41:00.007-07:00

Such was the only coherent whisper in my mind over the past week as I’ve been confined to my bed due to illness. I must say, this card proclaims the thought with much more grace than did my self-chatter.

The sentiment fits nicely into the “Spring Fling” theme over at The Kraft Journal this week. Why merely escape the current wintery snowstorm outside right now? Why not jump all the way beyond the showers to the flowers of spring? If only I knew the brew for such a wish…

{Are you finding yourself playing the “I Spy” game looking for the kraft cardstock in this one? I promise it’s there. This card went through several versions, many displaying much more prominent kraft. This light, wispy version wound up being my favorite, though.}

I also uploaded this to the Paper Crafts Color Inspiration Challenge #2 gallery on Flickr. This color combination reminds me of creamy sherbet. Mmmm!

Flapper Girl

2011-02-27T20:25:00.004-07:00

Anyone out there like Robert Redford? I love his work. Whenever I think of flapper girls I think of one of his movies, “A River Runs Through It.” Had I lived in the 20’s I may very well have been appalled by the actual flappers, but as it stands, through my Hollywood-tainted eyes, I view them as fresh and daring trailblazers. I couldn’t get those dancing girls out of my mind as I was creating this card. I think the flourish reminds me a feather-donned, flowered headband.

Those of you joining me from Get Sketchy probably think you’ve clicked on to the wrong page. I realize I’ve strayed far from the sketch on this one—I hope you don’t mind. I had a picture in my head the moment I saw Sketch #76 and Summer’s card. I couldn’t wait to use my postage borders and dotted stamp. Try as I might my creative flair kept dancing away from the blocked squares. Really the sketch is just a springboard, right? Thanks for the inspiration!

Thank You: Butterfly

2011-02-22T20:23:00.010-07:00

This card marks my first entry in two challenges: CASE Study & The Play Date Café. Thi
s week they are combining challenges so it worked out nicely for me. I have to say, though, I’m not entirely comfortable with the CASE idea. I feel like I just blatantly stole Christina’s great card idea. Am I doing something wrong? Am I supposed to come up with a card that looks a lot different from the original? If I’m totally not getting the point of this challenge, please let me know. At any rate, I had a great time playing along…

Want some more inspiration? Check out all the great entries in CASE Study Challenge #27 and The Play Date Café Challenge PDCC69.

YAY!!! I just realized that my card received an honorable mention "Cream in our Coffee" over at The Play Date Cafe!!! Thanks ladies!!

Little One

2011-02-20T10:56:00.013-07:00

With many of my favorite challenge sites closing their doors and moving on, I’ve gone searching for othersto tickle my fancy. As you may have already noticed, I’ve found several. Here’s one that I was THRILLED to discover since I can’t seem to ever to have enough kraft in my creations. Kraft Outlet hosts a weekly challenge encouraging the use of anything they sell or kraft cardstock. Count me in, ladies!

Their “Hip to Be Square” challenge came at exactly the right time for me, since I was planning on making some thank you cards for one of my friends who is decorating her little one’s nursery in brown, cream, red and blue. I revamped these cards I had created earlier. Don’t they just make you want to have a baby so you can send out cute thank you cards? {Okay, maybe I’m the only one tugged by such insanity. J}

Do you think I should feel a twinge of guilt over desecrating a book for one of my creations? True, I never would have read it, but would someone else? Guilt or no guilt I love the results so much that I have two other cards in the works using the rest of the pages…

The Best

2011-02-17T17:30:00.003-07:00

Sometimes I wonder if paper crafting may be a communicable disease that I picked up somewhere along the line. I have quite a large stash of stamps, supplies, what-have you. Somehow, though, I continue to stumble upon new-to-me items and I think, “Ooo, I better put that on my wish list!” No matter how many times I tell myself I don’t need anything else for a while I find something that works very hard to convince me otherwise…

With this card I introduce you to my latest temptation: Waltzingmouse Stamps. That’s right, yet another stamp company to leave me drooling. They have so many vintage and background sets that I just long to have. Since I truly cannot afford to spend any money on supplies right now {my recent Robert’s triumph was generously funded by my Mama, gracias!} I will attempt to “earn” a set by entering the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenges. {This one is for #34} In case you haven’t heard, the weekly prize over there is one of their stamp sets! Surely the odds will one day roll in my favor, eh?

Random side note: All the while making this card I had Tina Turner singing in the back of my mind. I’m seriously so unsatisfied that I don’t have it to listen to. I found a TERRIBLE knock-off version of it online. Simply NOT the best! J

Love You

2011-02-17T12:09:00.009-07:00

I have been Embellish absent for WAY TOO LONG!! I’m so glad they are rolling with their challenges again. {Of course, I got wrapped up in so many other things that I nearly missed this one as well. Whew!} I found this color combination to be absolutely delightful. It’s nice to be prodded into adding a couple of non-traditional colors when creating for a holiday. And, now that good ol’ Vday has passed, without the bonus colors this little darling would be rendered obsolete.

Side question: does anyone else out there find the joy I find in mixing and matching stamp sets? {This one? Three sets all from three different companies: BasicGrey, CTMH and PDC.} Honestly, sometimes I feel a little {LAME} crafter’s guilt doing it—it’s never a pure promotion for one of my favored companies. {I guess I don’t need to worry about that until the blessed day comes when someone actually wants to pay me or compensate me in some way for my creations, eh?} Anyhoo, I continue to blame so many of my crafting tendencies on my quilting history. I love the idea of combining bits and pieces of different things from here and there in a mix-o-love.

Side note: anyone tempted to poke fun of my Utah residence might consider this bargain bounty that I claimed just this week. That’s right $400 worth of product for a mere $40. Zion indeed. J

Cupcake Valentine

2011-02-07T20:36:00.004-07:00

Christmas and Valentine’s Day—my two favorite card/tag making holidays. I wish they were spread throughout the year a little better. I still haven’t quite recovered from December by the time February rolls around.

My cute little guy woke up this week requesting we make cupcakes to give to his buddies. How could a mom resist such an offer? I couldn’t, especially not when it gave me the opportunity to participate in my very first Pals Paper Arts color challenge. I found this color combo to be absolutely dreamy. {Click here to see the other entries for PPA79} Happy heart day, all!

A Whole Load of Winners

2011-02-06T18:59:00.002-07:00

So it probably wasn’t the nicest thing to do: make all sorts of new friends and then drop off the face of the earth. Sorry. I wasn’t trying to offer a cold shoulder. Daily blogging for a week, though, EXAUSTED me! I had to step back into real life for a bit and play the catching-up game.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! To everyone who played along with any of my celebratory festivities! I had loads of fun!!

On to the goods…

à Spunky Greetings from All Things Awful: Janet L. {I announced this earlier but have yet to hear from her. Does anyone know her? Unfortunately I don’t have any way of contacting her. If I don’t hear from her by tomorrow night, I’ll give the stamp set to an alternate winner.}

à Happy Everything kit from All Things Awful: JanR

à Bonus stamp set for All Things Awful: Erin {Homemade Cards by Erin}

{Thank you ladies, for braving the world of the undesirable. Apparently it’s not a place many are willing to roam. J}

à 3 stamp sets from All Things Awesome: Aly

à Close to My Heart stash from Thank You, Ghiberti: Mari

à Leaving Prints stash from A Competition of Kindness: Julie E

à $25 gift certificate from A Competition of Kindness: Vance & Aly

CONGRATULATIONS WINNERS! Please email me with your mailing information so I can send the goods your way.

Oh—and just a reminder: visit this post to download some free Monogram Snowflake Tags if you haven’t already.

“See” you soon, everybody!

A Competition of Kindness

2011-01-28T11:42:00.006-07:00

Anyone out there like receiving comments? Really I don’t think I know anyone who doesn’t love them. My week of Moxie fun has left me basking in the glow of so many kind comments. Thank you so very much. Every single one of them brightens my day.

Today marks my final installment of 5 days of blog candy offerings. I wish to spread the joy of a comment-filled inbox with as many people as possible. It’s a sort of “Pay it Forward” if you will. I know, everyone who cruises the highways of blogland is busy, busy, busy. I hope you slow down for a few days to take the time to participate in this final competition of kindness. Following are four opportunities for entries:

1—Anyone who leaves me a kind comment anywhere on my blog {maximum one/post} between now and the closing of this kindness competition will receive one entry per comment.

2—Post something on your blog that links others back here encouraging them to participate. {be sure to leave me a comment telling me so I know to give you credit}

3—Go out into blogland and leave a kind comment on a blog that has never previously been graced by one of your comments. {again, come back and tell me when you do this} I’ll give you an entry for every comment to a “new” blog that you leave.

4—Leave links/urls {in the comment section of this post} of the “new” blogs you visit so I can likewise go and leave a kind comment. {Hopefully this will give others the opportunity to find new blogs on which to leave kind comments as well}

Aside from the satisfaction of brightening someone’s {or many someone’s} day I offer you two potential prizes:

1—One random participant will receive the pictured prize {details listed here eventually}

2—The participant with the most entries will receive a $25 gift certificate to one of my favorite online vendors: Amazon.com, Close to My Heart, or Practicing Creativity Designs. {winner’s choice}

You ready? You have until 11:59pm MST Thursday, February 3, 2011 to fill blogland with kindness for entries. I’ll announce both winners here at Fleur de Lo on Friday, February 4, 2011.

Have fun!

Thank you Karen Baker of The Bald Dragonfly for inspiring me with the idea of this competition. I have not personally met a kinder blogger.

Winner: Spunky Greetings

2011-01-28T09:02:00.002-07:00

Congratulations Janet L! You are now the proud owner of the stamp set Spunky Greetings. Send me an email with your mailing information and I’ll send them your way. Thank you! Thank you! For joining me in my week of celebration!

Thank You, Ghiberti

2011-01-27T10:38:00.004-07:00

Many years ago I received a degree in Photography from a reputable university. While I loved the program, I felt entirely inadequate to be a part of it for the first couple of years. {Were I to direct you to the blogs and websites of my colleagues you would truly understand.} I likely would have eventually selected another path had I not been blessed with a moment of clarity about myself…

I’ve always viewed Italy as the representation of human potential. After years of darkness and repression there seemed to be an explosion of life and beauty in that particular part of the world. As I struggled with the self-doubt of a young college lad, I found myself in Florence, enthralled by the replica of Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise. I had just read in my travel guide that Lorenzo Ghiberti worked on his masterpiece for over 25 years. YEARS. A significant chunk of his life dedicated to something he felt was worthwhile.

It was in that moment that I realized there was likewise something incredible and yet attainable inside of me. I was nowhere near where I wanted to be in that moment, but where would I be in 25 years? I am Ghiberti; my masterpiece is my life.

Why do I share this story? I share it because I believe the same thing about you. Yes, you. True—I barely know you, if at all. Yet I believe it.

In spite of the niceties of the crafting community here in blogland, occasionally I find myself revisiting that insecure college girl as I’m browsing others’ blogs. Others seem so accomplished, so able to deal with things that thwart me, so full of the time and financing I can only dream of at this point, so…complete. Anyone else ever been there? In case you have, I just wanted to remind you: YOU ROCK! You are Ghiberti!

To qualify for this stash of Close to My Heart products {detailed list here}, you have three options:

1—Tell me about one of your strengths, talents or gifts. How are you Ghiberti?

2—Tell me about a clutch moment in your life when you learned something significant about yourself. Or,

3—Tell me both. {I’ll give you three entries.}

About the photo: I wish I had taken a picture of the doors when I was in Florence, unfortunately I did not. This one was taken in St. Peter’s Basilica and was my favorite from the trip. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE ITALY?!

You have until Tuesday, February 1, 2011 to qualify for the stash. Thank you for stopping by!!!

Winner: Making Memories Stash

2011-01-27T08:56:00.003-07:00

YAY! YAY! YAY! I’m so excited to announce the winner of my very first giveaway! Join me in a hearty round of congratulations to Ann of Creative Antics! Shoot me an email so I can send your goods on their merry way. {I used an Excel spreadsheet to give multiple entries for answering all questions then used Random.org. I promise the process was completely impartial.}

I’ve had such a ball reading all of your introductions! I can’t wait to have some time to respond to each of you!!

I'll be back soon with today’s {EASY} blog candy opportunity. And don’t forget about the three that are still open. Are we really willing to simply let JanR claim “Best of the Worst” with her wedded bliss? Come on! Let’s make her work for it. J

All Things Awesome

2011-01-26T07:21:00.007-07:00

With the resounding response {J} of yesterday’s post, I thought it best to switch gears today…

This Christmas I went a little crazy making tags. A person’s connection to me determined the kind of tag received: friends received this tag, neighbors received this tag and family received the tag pictured on the left. {Confusing? Just wait…}

Right at the last minute, since I hadn’t finished our new {elaborate, of course} stockings I decided that immediate family needed—that’s right—another tag. Problem? This decision was made the day of Christmas Eve. Oops! Any sane person would have just stacked the additional, untagged presents next to the ones already designated by the “family” tags. I’ve never made the claim of sanity, though, so I called in some trusty tools and whipped out the pretties pictured on the right.

The speed with which I produced the last tags could never have been achieved had I been without some stored-up inspiration from sites that I frequent. Here’s the path I took:

à Came across picts of cute, FREE, printable tags while casually visiting a friend’s blog

à Followed the link to Martha Stewart and fell in love with the idea of the monogram tag

à Remembered these simple tags from the Twinery and the thought of how much I would like the circle ones punched with a scallop border

à Jumped back to this tutorial {also on the Twinery blog} for using buttons as cute attachments

à And finally, quickly browsed my stash of free fonts from KEVINandAMANDA.com and settled on the Café Rojo font

Surely all of you have cruised similar paths. I thought it would be fun to share some of your personal favorite hotspots on the big ol’ World Wide Web with the rest of us. I don’t mind if you leave links to your favs in the comments, although I’m pretty sure readers of your blogs would also appreciate such a list. {I don’t mind if you link up an old post if you’ve already done something similar.}

These stamp sets {details here} will belong to the person who introduces me to my new favorite stop. Winner announced here on the blog Tuesday, February 1, 2011.

Click here to accept these Snowflake Monogram Tags as a personal gift from me as a thank you for joining me in the land of Fleur de Lo. Please let me know if you run into trouble viewing, saving or downloading the file. Happy crafting!

Scroll down to previous posts for other blog candy opportunities if you haven’t already done so…

Free Download: Snowflake Monogram Tags

2011-01-26T07:20:00.001-07:00

I thought I’d post this direct link to the file for those of you who don’t want to have to dig through my sermon. Thank you! Thank you! for stopping by and for all the kind comments you leave! {Please let me know if you run into any trouble viewing, saving or downloading the file.}

We Interrupt...

2011-01-25T20:44:00.002-07:00

…This celebration for a public service announcement:

Susan really cracked the whip on her OWL37: SentimentS challenge. I’m pretty sure I’ll be kicked from the camaraderie for bending the rules with that dotted line. Forgive me? It was just screaming for a third color.

Random passers by: be sure to click here to view my current blog candy opportunities.

Forum for All Things Awful

2011-01-24T21:55:00.008-07:00

Welcome to day two of this Moxie Fabber’s celebration! {Find day one here.} I’m having so much fun “meeting” new people! Thanks for taking this little ride with me!

The combination of one of Cath’s questions and this post from a hilarious blog buddy of mine, JanR, got me thinking about my rickety journey through the world of paper crafting. My hearty successes have undeniably been accompanied by astonishing failures. In our efforts to put forth our best feet in life we often neglect to share the disasters that bring us to the desirable. While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, why not drop our lovely cloaks of victory for a moment? Out with the appealing, ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to revel in the truly awful!

Speaking of awful, how ‘bout my scrapbooking? Does this “layout” leave any wonder as to why I’ve transitioned into mostly cards these days? I was going to try to explain it—how can I? There are simply no words.

Lest you think a mere lack of maturity can explain away the stars, allow me to share a card from the not-too-distant past. Why stick with one simple flower on a busy background when I could use every embellishment I own?

Beauties? Don’t I know it!

Am I crazy for even suggesting this? I hope not. I hope you’ll give me {and others} good reason to chuckle with remembrances of some of your own personal shame. Hopefully the following will answer any questions you may have:

à Deadline: 11:59pm MST, Friday, January 28, 2011

à This call need not be limited to papercrafting, if you made it and you’re at least slightly ashamed of it, I’ll accept it

à You’ll have the weekend to cast your vote for “The Best of the Worst”

à “The Best of the Worst” will receive the Happy Everything kit {click here for a detailed list}

à International participants welcome

à Email me—FLEURdeLo {at} gmail {dot} com—if you don’t have a blog but would like to participate or if you need help linking your lovely

à Thank you for your participation!!!!

For those of you who’d rather not take the walk of shame, click here to see stamp set I’m willing to part with to one random commenter who leaves me some love. {deadline: 11:59pm MST, Thursday, January 27, 2011; winner announced Friday.}

I'm Moxie Famous!

2011-01-24T06:15:00.008-07:00

Astonished?

Yes!

Elated?

YES!!!

Such was the gamut of emotion I felt when I saw “A Moxie Fab World Request from Cath” in my very own inbox. Little ol’ me? Seriously? Okay. Okay. Breathe. I know—it’s not like I was just crowed queen of the world or anything. But why stifle my enthusiasm? Truly, it feels like I was just crowned queen of this here crafting blogland! I don’t know about anyone else, but when I am happy, happy, HAPPY, I want to spread the joy. How ‘bout five days of celebration? {In other words: five days of blog candy opportunities.} You with me? I certainly hope so!

Let’s kick off our celebration with a little meet & greet. You can read a bit about me below or on Cath’s post. Now I’d like to get to know you. Leave me a comment introducing yourself {or just to say hello} for your chance to win this stash from my latest Making Memories warehouse sale raid. {Click here for a detailed list of the goods. Or to see an alternative prize in case you aren't a crafter.}

Need some help on the introduction? Here are some ideas to get the wheels turning:

Name? Lora

Screen name? Fleur de Lo

Blog? You’re here—you know it

Crafter? Definitely!

Other interests? Reading, photography, people

Vacation destination? Arches National Park

Books? “Hunger Games” series by Suzanne Collins

If granted $10 million? Host a masquerade in Venice. Ah! Venice!

Best place for deals? Target clearance racks J

Pet peeve? READING ALL CAPS IN CASUAL CONVERSATION!

Relaxation technique? Making cards, of course!

Fictional character? Fox Mulder of “The X-Files”

Song? “Human” by The Killers

Movie? Hmm…I loved the latest BBC “Sense & Sensibility”

Game? Settlers of Catan

Color? Purple

Food? Garden-fresh tomatoes

Drink? Water

Dessert? Cheesecake

Guilty Pleasure? So You Think You Can Dance

Hope? Stability

Fear? Chaos

Advice? Be true to you

Etc. I always tear up when I see marathoners finishing races

Etc. I used to teach elementary school

This started out as a quick list to spark ideas…then I went a little crazy…then I decided to answer them. I’ll give you two additional blog candy entries if you answer all the questions. Also: you have until 11:59pm {MST} Wednesday, January 26, 2011 {winner announced Thursday here on my blog} to be considered for the stash although I’d LOVE to meet you even if you find me after Wednesday. And: International participants welcome. Finally: Good luck & nice to meet you!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you’ll come again. Check back tomorrow for my personal favorite celebratory activity.

Delight {and Dismay}

2011-01-21T10:40:00.008-07:00

Last night my husband took our little guy on a long and varied journey to find a non-battery-powered Bertie the Bus, thus giving me a {MUCH!} appreciated opportunity for some uninterrupted crafting time. As it turns out my time would have been better spent giving in to the fatigue I was feeling…

With a chunk of time on my hands I decided to make a whole stack of cards inspired by last week’s Clean & Simple sketch 123. I had a ball and beamed with pride for starting and nearly finishing so many cards in one sitting. That is until this morning I realized that 57% of my efforts were for naught—I glued OVER HALF of my patterned paper to THE WRONG SIDE of my cards! ARGH! {I guess that’s what I get for being cheap by using a card-base instead of just folding cardstock in half, eh?}

There is a monstrous part of me that wants to just add the flowers and hope the recipients don’t notice. Alas, the ~~anal retentive~~ perfectionist part of myself would never let that fly. So, this morning, instead of moving on to the next creative journey, I find myself backtracking, all the while utterly annoyed.

The silver lining: I had fun using my new Slice for the very first time. I have a feeling I’ll be pulling out that trusty tool again and again. And, I had fun digging into my vast stash of Making Memories goodies from my latest raid of their warehouse. Stick around if you like what you see—I’ll be giving away my very first blog candy {starting with some MM goods} in the next week or two.

Here’s hoping your day is fraught with less angst than is mine. J

Delight : Happiness : Treasure

2011-01-21T10:20:00.009-07:00

Grey Hey

2011-01-16T20:16:00.003-07:00

I thought I’d capitalize on all the blood, sweat and tears from my last card; this one came together much faster.

This pillow from Moxie Fab’s “Grey Is the New Black” challenge was just screaming at me to try another version of the “Hey” card. Being the purple nut that I am, I think I prefer this one. And you?

I actually made three versions of this card using white, light grey and dark grey cardstock. Though I found them all fairly yummy, this one was my fav.

Hey!

2011-01-11T21:50:00.005-07:00

I’ve discovered my most recent love/hate relationship: one-layer cards. The sheer simplicity of them is a natural draw for me. When they are nailed they are some of my absolute favorites. For some reason, though, THEY ARE SO HARD FOR ME TO CREATE! After making my very first one, I had such a ball that I came up with this idea: make a one-layered card out of every single stamp set that I own. Mind you, that’s a lot of cards, but what a fun idea, eh? Though my mind rattles away with ideas of them this is only the second one to be actualized. I’m not giving up; I will slowly press on…

Is it my semi-Southern roots {Texas} that attract me to this sentiment? With two English-professor parents you’d think “hey” would have been stamped out of my vocabulary years ago. In my opinion, anything connected with “To Kill a Mockingbird” is worth hanging on to. So, Hey everybody! Hope your new year is rolling out nicely!

Incidentally, Susan’s OWL35: Yellow challenge was the inspiration for this card. It was fun to throw away real-life responsibilities for a moment and crank out a card. Thanks for giving me the push I needed to get crackin’ on my one-layered cards! Need a little more sunshine in your direction? Check out some of these beauties: Heather, PetraB, Sarita, Stempelomi, Susan.

{Have I mentioned that I love PCD stamps? They’re always a pleasure!}

{I tried this card on a couple of different bases. I liked the creamy, muted yellow, but the white popped the color making it bright and happy so it's my fav.}

Amore

2010-12-17T21:52:00.005-07:00

So I have lots and lots to say about this card, but I'm TIRED and I'm going to go to bed. I used all sorts of favorites in it's creation. Perhaps I'll return another day to discuss them? Perhaps...{probably not}

At any rate, you should know that I was inspired by the very talented Karen Baker. {This card specifically.}And I was playing along with the Wee Memories Scrappy Saturday Challenge {#35}.

Cookie Tags

2010-12-17T10:17:00.006-07:00

In accordance with the gift-giving theme of our month, my son and I whipped up some sugar cookies for all of his little buddies. I’m hoping that covering the plates with tinfoil and festive tags offers ample distraction—I have yet to master the “ideal” as Martha clearly has.

While I love, love, LOVE stamping, I am FAR too lazy to stamp names unless I am only doing one. No matter! There are lots of cute typefaces out there. I found this one on kevinandamanda.com; it’s called Wish I Were Taller. Isn’t that “w” just delicious? Unfortunately, Wyatt never enjoyed the pleasure of his cookies. After sitting in the car for a few days we decided someone had better enjoy them before they became inedible. Oops! {Lest you be too disappointed in us, he has a handmade gift headed his way on Christmas day.}

Most Wonderful Time...

2010-12-14T14:34:00.005-07:00

I love giving gifts. {I love receiving gifts. J} I love that Christmas gives me a reason to make lots of tags and give lots of gifts.

It almost doesn’t matter what’s inside the gift when it’s adorned with a stylin’ wrap job, no? Of course, who wouldn’t want to receive a little pack of handmade cards? I made a stack of these for some of the amazing women I rub shoulders with at church.

I just knew I’d find good use for that CHEAP, clearanced ribbon from last year’s Target leftovers…

Once Upon a Time

2010-12-04T12:14:00.007-07:00

How nice to have a request for wedding cards at the same time Little Miss Moxie Fab suggested them? {Play along with the Card Creations: Favorite Occasions Love Challenge here.} I hope this isn’t vanity speaking—I just love the way these ones came together!

In keeping with my upcycling obsession, I made these flowers out of some of my old, holey pants. {You wouldn’t believe the stash of old clothes I hang onto thinking some day I’ll use them for quilting. J} The tag, of course, was punched from an aluminum can.

Has anyone noticed another current obsession of mine? I definitely go through waves in my creativity. Right now kraft is what I can’t seem to escape. I used to fight my streaks; now I embrace them. {Need some of your own kraft inspiration? Check out Heather’s blog. Her work is fantastic!}

Btw, I feel I must give another shout out to Practicing Creativity Designs: I placed a big, fat order on the oh-so-generous-cyber-Monday sale. I had my stamps in my hands on Thursday!!!

Cash Cards: Once Upon a Time

2010-12-04T12:04:00.005-07:00

Gratitude: 2010

2010-12-02T10:28:00.003-07:00

Anyone remember this fantastic song from the ‘90s? {Thank U, Alanis Morisette, “Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie”} I loved it then; I love it now. One {altered} line has consistently surfaced my thoughts as I’ve grasped both hope and despair in the past year or so of my life:

How ‘bout going two weeks without unabashedly bawling your eyes out?

I like to focus on the positive. I like to see the best in people in spite of the accompanying worst; I try hard to do this with myself. This week as I’ve contemplated gratitude I’ve had an epiphany. Sometimes I center so much on the positive that it becomes a denial of the negative. My year of teetering on the very brink of insanity has taught me that truly accepting some of the dark realities of life means acknowledging them, facing them.

This is my version of honesty. In a public forum I admit that I am often an emotional wreck.

And the card?…

In the desolation of the dark valleys of my year past, I see rays of light. Much of that light has shone in the form of individuals reaching out despite busy, busy, busy, busy lives. Many times those random phone calls, those hellos in passing, those invitations for interaction and even those cheery notes on blogs have lifted my heavy heart.

In honor of numerous kind people, this year invited a new Thanksgiving tradition into our home. We now annually host an awards ceremony of sorts. After reflection of the previous year we’ll make, write and send notes of acknowledgement and gratitude to a few of those people whose compassion stands out. This is my card from Gratitude: 2010.

Thank you: my virtual crafting community, your kindness elevates all of us.

Thank you: Courtney of Practicing Creativity Designs, your stamps are brilliant.

Thank you: Elise of Wplus9, your color combination was perfect.

Thank you: Nathan, I appreciate every creative moment you offer me.

Hooray!

2010-11-10T20:08:00.010-07:00

Could the winds of my life be changing to actually include creativity on a regular basis? I doubt it, but I’ll take what I can get.

Lately I have become ~~fascinated~~ obsessed with the whole “upcycle” idea. I have yet to decide whether or not it is actually a better environmental option. True, something is getting used again. Reuse=good. Had I not upcycled it, though, I would have recycled it. Recycle=good. Eventually, though, after a short upcycled life, it will end up in the round file. Landfill=bad. Opinions anyone? Regardless I find myself stashing all sorts of trash with the intention of finding a new cozy home for it.

Such is the background of this card. The star was punched from some Matchbox packaging, the circle from a Pepsi can. Am I a dork or what?

I found the color combo over at the EBTKS challenge site appropriate for a masculine birthday card. Little did my husband know that his {nasty} habit would support my crafting. Thanks, babe and happy birthday!

{Here are some of my faves from the challenge: Brenda, Cathy, Lalo, Lisa & Samantha. Beautiful work, ladies!}

Two Loooooong Months

2010-09-24T06:29:00.002-06:00

Yikes! I can’t believe how far removed I am from card-making blogland right now. I miss it! Miss it! Miss it! Even more than the blogging, though, I miss the card making!!!!! I can’t seem to maintain a regular pulse without that part of my life Hopefully some of my non-crafting projects will ease up a bit so I can jump back in again.

JanR—I’m sorry to have ignored your kind tribute for so long. I’m honored to have been noticed by someone! I promise that I will {eventually} respond….

I made a whole bunch of these cards for one of my Old Testament lessons a while ago. We were talking about the effects of unkind words. I thought it would be fun to counter all of the unkindness out there with little notes of goodness. As the recipient of a couple of notes, I thought it was a hearty success. J

{Speaking of unkindness, in my absence my site was targeted by some anonymous spammer. Who are these people who set this trash up? Thank you, Blogger, for awesome spam detection.}

Playing Away the Summer

2010-07-27T15:42:00.002-06:00

What I really need to do is tell myself that I only have until Monday for the CAS-tastic Challenge. It totally messes me up that the deadline is Tuesday evening; I think I have until after bedtime…

So we’re running out the door to the zoo. I’ll need to come back later to chat about this one. I had SO MUCH FUN making the pinwheel!

Possibilities

2010-07-19T20:51:00.010-06:00

Do you ever make a card that just makes you happy? This is that card for me. It just seems so positive, so hopeful. Here’s the thing, though—anything really does mean anything…

Today I learned that my stepmother caught a last minute flight to Europe to visit her father who may very well be dying. This is the same woman who, tragically within the past year, said farewell to both her husband and her mother. SERIOUSLY? Seriously. Anything…

It reminds me of one of my favorite Beatles songs: “Across the Universe”—Nothing’s gonna change my world. In some ways it sounds melancholy, but it’s always been a bit of a fight song for me. It’s inspiration to stay determined regardless of the comings and goings of life. Surely I would absolutely crumble if I were faced with the same trials as my stepmother, but since I’m a little more distant from the situation it just reminds me to cherish the ups since the coin can flip at any moment. God speed, Corina. L

This card was inspired by Sketch #19 over at Everything but the Kitchen Sink. Thanks for keeping my creative juices flowing, ladies. The deadline is not for another week, so I’ll return later with my faves. In the meantime, here’s the link to the other versions of this card. {Lately I’ve seen a lot of stacked white cardstock with sentiments or images. I gave it a try on the light blue card, but decided it didn’t work for me; I’m just more of a plain Jane—no need to throw in another layer just for kicks & giggles.}

Cards: Possibilities

2010-07-19T20:49:00.010-06:00

A Part of Me

2010-07-17T12:28:00.008-06:00

Boy was I happy when Cath announced another week on her Tuesday Trigger over at Moxie Fab World! Her BEAUTIFUL trigger tugged at my soul like nothing has in a long time. The moment I saw it I knew it would have to be coupled with Courtney’s sketch over at Practicing Creativity. {I did, indeed, miss her deadline but she inspired me so I need to give her a shout out nonetheless.}

I loved the contrast of all the black paired with a couple of bright colors. I thought it would be fun to balance out all the movement of the patterns in my card with Courtney’s stable background.

Both the photo and the sketch reminded me of one of my old passions: quilts and quilting. I’ve always loved pulling little pieces of LOTS of different fabric together to form a new stunning whole. I thought Helen Keller’s genius described that idea perfectly.

Only the Traveling Mama...

2010-07-16T08:44:00.002-06:00

…could entice me to blog again after my absence. {I miss, miss, MISS my crafting but life & illness have gotten in the way lately.} Anyone who crafts will likely already be aware of the creative genius that is Tina Fussell. This post is mostly to introduce her to my local blog buddies who may not know of her nor her goodness.

I’d been blogging for a bit on the personal side of my life and had heard about others following blogs of people they didn’t know. I always wondered how anyone could squeeze out time to find that sort of interest in strangers. The Traveling Mama opened those floodgates for me. Her work has always stood out as fresh and unique, but it was her humanity that really hooked me. I found in her a woman who sought to bring out the best in everyone; she seemed genuinely happy, adored her family and created an uplifting community among us ladies with inky fingers.

She claims a number of firsts in my blogworld: first blog I followed without knowing the creator, first hosted challenge in which I participated, and first awarder of blog candy in my behalf. I still LOVE the decorative tape you sent me! {Of course it’s nearly extinct by now.}

True to her inspirational form, she and her husband, the Traveling Man of the Traveling Tribe, have started yet another journey. He is a brilliant photographer and now shares his work on their new website, Flying House Studios. Go take a peek and be ready to be floored.

{Though I’m not one for buttons on my blog, theirs is a beauty.}

Let Freedom Ring

2010-07-04T19:30:00.006-06:00

PSALM 107

1 O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.

4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.

5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.

6 Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.

7 And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.

8 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

This morning I taught a lesson from the book of Psalms in the Old Testament. I thought it only fitting that I share part of one along with some of my thoughts on this day of celebration here in the states.

While it may be said that I believe in the separation of church and state, today the two have mingled in my mind. Many of my ancestors travelled at great lengths and personal sacrifice to find solace in a land where they were free to worship however their own consciences dictated. I realize Americans do not stand alone in this and other freedoms; it is, though, a part of my personal heritage of which I am grateful.

Three cheers for life, liberty and the possibility of the pursuit of happiness! May we continue to find ways to live together in love and respect despite our many {wonderful} diversities.

Thank you, Susan, for another inspiring Simplicity challenge! Here are links to some of my faves: Angie, Colleen, Janelle, Monika K. & Susan. Nice cards, ladies!

I've Missed You

2010-07-02T15:56:00.004-06:00

The past ten months of my life have been emotionally brutal. While I have SO MUCH to be happy about and to be grateful for, my year has been scarred with loss and separation. I have often found refuge in my cards. I draw great strength from the many talented people with whom I’ve rubbed shoulders in blogland. Each kind comment left here has raised my spirits. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

One talented and generous blogging friend, Karen Baker, has graced us with an excellent sketch for this week’s Cas-tastic challenge. Though I have many pressing things far above card-making on my lengthy to-do list, I had to throw all my responsibilities to the wind as soon as I saw her sketch. {I wouldn’t be in such a pickle had it not been the 2^nd time this week I’ve made such a slack decision—I was one of the fools at a midnight showing of “Eclipse.” J}

Here's the link to all the versions of this card as well as a list of supplies. Thanks for looking. {I'll be back later in the week with a list of my faves.}

Mom, Dad, Alanna, Nicole, Dennis, Monica, Stephanie, Ima, Gigi, and Malisa—I’ve missed you.

I Miss You: Cards

2010-07-02T11:27:00.001-06:00

Someone Else's Stash

2010-06-25T15:10:00.003-06:00

I’ve been visiting a friend for the past week. What do I miss most about home? My husband {of course}, Internet access and MY PAPER CRAFTING STASH!!!!! I feel like I’ve been wandering aimlessly through a heavy fog. While I love, love, LOVE being a mom, part of that love involves a consistent, healthy dose of some sort of creative escape. With very little escape over the past week, I was on the brink of cardiac arrest {☺} this morning when my friend generously offered use of anything in her stash. It’s always a ton-o-fun rummaging through someone else’s goodies.

I decided to try my hand at the current Embellish challenge—all things baby with super, soft colors. This card was especially fun to create for it brought thoughts to my mind of the friends I mentioned in this post. Miraculously, only two months ago they were approved for adoption and last week they brought their brand new baby home. YAY!!!!

Another fun highlight: the ink used on the stamp is from a Crayola marker. It’s been ages since my friend used any of her supplies and all her inks dried up. As I’ve looked at this card today I’ve gone back and forth in my approval of it. I kind of like the contrast of the rough, textury nature of the card verses the soft, cuddly subject.

Here are links to some of my faves: Chloe, Cindy, Courtney, Cristina, Renee, & Steph.

Finally, this is a pict of the big mess we all made as we crafted:
p.s. I can’t wait to get back to my own adhesives at least.

A Big Thanks

2010-06-08T18:44:00.004-06:00

I'll be back later to chat about this one--I just had to get it up since the link will SOON be disappearing...

{This is my very first Cas-tastic challenge.}

Celebration Wyatt

2010-06-07T11:45:00.007-06:00

This has been a fun one for me…

Not long ago I received an email requesting participation in the first cardmaking challenge on the InLinkz blog. I was thrilled the moment I saw the theme and the color combo for I had just been invited to the birthday party of my cute nephew.

While I find the theme & color exciting, to understand the full reason for my rejoicing one must be privy to a little background information. You see, I received teasing and torment {okay—it wasn’t really as bad as I all that} from said nephew’s father when I chose this exact color combination as the palette for my own son’s nursery. Maybe he’ll consider an apology if I win one of the generous prizes and buy his boy a nice birthday present? J

I’d love to take credit for the cozy abode of my little guy, but I must give credit where credit is due: to my mother. She provided a worthy distraction from my NINE MONTHS OF MISERY by engaging me in the creation of the perfect bedroom for my Angel Boy. I have indeed inherited a rich legacy of the creative. Thanks mom and happy birthday to Wyatt!

Before we move on to the looooooong details of this challenge, may I take a moment to beg of you some patriotic consideration. {J} Later this afternoon, after the contest has closed, the voting begins. While I would never dream of telling you how to vote {though I certainly have my own particular bias} I merely ask that you do, in fact, vote. I don’t know if their attachment will magically switch to a voting platform or if I will need to direct you to their site. Either way, I’ll be in touch…

Butterfly Tag

2010-06-02T20:15:00.004-06:00

It feels like AGES since I’ve done an Embellish challenge—I’ve missed them. I’ve had a wedding present for a friend’s daughter sitting in my car for weeks just waiting to be decked out and given. Do you think this will suffice?

The top of the tag was this black and clear thing from Making Memories; it was just begging to be combined with some kraft. I think the green and the bling polished it off nicely for the wedding theme. What a fun color combo to work with!

Like You Cards

2010-06-02T19:54:00.005-06:00

A Great Find

2010-06-01T16:21:00.008-06:00

I find there is always an abundance of inspiration to be found out there in blogland. I recently stumbled upon a site that I am thrilled to have discovered. It is “Simplicity by LateBlossom,”—Susan Raihala. Her mantra seems to be simplify, simplify, simplify.

I see SO MANY amazing cards out there with layer upon layer and embellishment after embellishment. I try to incorporate those techniques, but it often feels like shoving my square peg in an awfully round hole. There’s always this pull from deep within urging me to pull back and, yes, SIMPLIFY!

With all the de-cluttering I’ve tried to do, though, I’ve always shied away from the one-layer card. You’d think it would be right up my alley, but I was so terrified of the task that I recently purposely ignored several blogs offering one-layered challenges. Well Susan has bested my beast with her many, many, MANY beautiful one-layered cards. After creating just one I’m in love. Fortunately for me, Susan hosts a Wednesday challenge that will surely beat all of my fears from me forever. I created this card to fulfill this/last week’s challenge of overlapping an image with a sentiment.

For those of you who are up for another simplicity challenge, there is a CAS-tastic Wednesday Challenge that I’m dying to be a part of. {Truth is, I did create something for one of them but had my head in the clouds about the deadline. I’ve decided to save it for something special.} Thank you my blog buddy, Karen, for introducing me to that challenge!

Here's the link to the other versions of this card. {Product list is under "labels."}

Here are links to some of my favs from the challenge: Agata, Christina, Diane, Laura, Susan, & Torico.

Mary, Mary...

2010-05-31T20:51:00.007-06:00

I couldn’t get the nursery rhyme out of my head as I was making this card, so I’m calling it one of my garden cards. {Though the neglect of my garden this year does not currently show it, I love to garden. My mother is the absolute expert in the floral department; I have tinkered mostly with vegetables.}

I love the title of this challenge, if it is, in fact, a “challenge”: Tuesday Trigger. To me trigger implies the beginning of a journey, not a destination. I felt free to be inspired by the artist but not compelled to merely copy.

My favorite part of this journey was FINALLY being inspired to use something that has been sitting in my stash for years and YEARS—the photo corners behind the flowers. I had once envisioned them on a scrapbooking project but as is the common story of my scrapbooking, my idea has remained a mere vision. I’d much rather see them out “living” on a card.

MAN ALIVE! I’ve seen some fantastic cards associated with this trigger. Take a gander at some of my favs: Amy, Be(e), Chrissy, Kasia, Stephanie J & Traveling Mama.

{Find other versions of this card here.}

Garden Cards

2010-05-31T20:10:00.003-06:00

2S4Y Flowers

2010-05-28T17:11:00.011-06:00

I have many reasons for my blog absence as of late, my favorite of which is the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. {After doing a little bit of Internet research I happened upon the term “urban fantasy.” I used to always say “reality-based science fiction.” Either way, it’s one of my favorite genres. Yeah, yeah, I know—GEEK!!!}Anyway, I’ve resurfaced from a land of Shadowhunters and demons to participate in my very first 2 Sketches 4 You challenge. How could I resist when one of my favorite design studios {Wplus9} is sponsoring it? I found these great chipboard embellishments on sale and couldn’t wait to rush home and use them. I actually took the time to make my traditional three-for-one trio—I’ve gotten a little lazy about that lately with all of the exciting deadlines to keep up with. Here's the link if you'd like to see all of them.
Here’s the link to Kazan’s sketch 53.
While the net is flooded with people using the ruffling ribbon these days, I think my first glimpse of it was on Ashley Newell’s blog. {I can’t imagine that if you’re reading this you haven’t heard of her, but in case you haven’t, she’s well worth a visit.} I need to track down her tutorial because I had a beast of a time getting it to look decent. {☺} I think I need to try using a different adhesive next time. Any tips from you seasoned pros?
As usual, here are some links to a few of my favs: Hanne, Jackie, Janelle, MumAngel, Savitri, & Tammy.

Chipboard Floral Cards

2010-05-28T16:30:00.001-06:00

Color Photo

2010-05-11T16:12:00.004-06:00

Though I think she has great work, it has been AGES since I stopped by Kristina Werner's blog. {So many blogs, so little time.} She's hosting a two-part challenge where she calls for photos with interesting color combinations. I thought I'd post one even though I'm quite sure I'll be voting on one of the first photos posted. This is a picture of the temple where my husband and I were married.

Thank You On Cue

2010-05-07T20:08:00.013-06:00

I was so in love with the grayish blue that Dawn used on her card that I wish I had a close version of it. Unfortunately, however, all my blues seem to have a lot of pigment, so I had to settle for gray. I was bummed until I realized it opened the door to play with two recent finds: washers from the hardware store randomly stashed in my basement and my new metal rimmed tag maker from the Making Memories warehouse sale. {I should post a pict of ALL my magnificent MM finds, but I’d rather showcase them within projects, so keep your eyes peeled.} I love, love, love this soft color combination for the Color Cue {3} Challenge. I never seem to have enough “Thank You” tags, so I made a slew of them to have on hand. I found loads of favs with this color combo. I’ll likely add the links in the morning. Thanks for stopping by.

My Version of Mother's Day

2010-05-06T21:41:00.004-06:00

Women: We are smart. We are creative. We are witty. We are compassionate. We are fun. We are gorgeous. We are kind. I tip my hat to women everywhere. Here’s hoping we can all discover and share the divine in each of us.

I have long loved the technique of embossing. Many times have I sworn I will never again stamp black without the glossy sheen of a heat emboss. How else could you stamp on a busy, busy background and still have an image pop? Thank you, Embellish, for reminding me of one of my first paper crafting loves.

So many fantastic entries on this one! Stop by and visit some of my favs: Noora, Jessica T., Clouds, Karen B., Trinh & Lynnette.

Wish You Were Here

2010-05-05T10:36:00.005-06:00

Leave it to me to get sentimental about a card contest…

I am THRILLED to announce my first official card-win! Last month Close to My Heart started a new competition for consultants. They will be calling for artwork created from their new products the months before the new Idea Books release. The sheer number of chances to win {20} gave me the confidence to submit a few cards. YAY! YAY! YAY! I’m so happy that I did!

The sentiment surrounds the particular card that was chosen. You see, last fall my father died. I thought of him all the while making the card—wishing I had made and sent him Father’s Day cards when I still had the chance. He was always head cheerleader in my creative pursuits. I still miss the phone calls when I told him my latest ideas and he followed with confidence that I would succeed, whatever the dream. The picture is of the two of us in Romania, back in my college days. Always the world traveler, he often brought me with him, thus opening my eyes and heart to diverse places and people. I love you, Dad. I wish you were here.

Lacing Cards

2010-04-12T17:52:00.014-06:00

I’ve been kicking around ideas in the back of my mind ever since I saw this great post over at Moxie Fab. I narrowed in on this one when I saw my boy threading a “snake” {Bella’s leash} in and out of well, anything with an opening. Since we are thrilled about all things alphabet at our house these days I decided to make correlating words to go with the picts. Thank you Microsoft Clipart for the framework of the objects. Aren’t the papers fabulous? One of my good friends designed them. Unfortunately her company, Leaving Prints, is no longer with us.

Embellish Stitching Challenge

2010-04-08T15:47:00.014-06:00

How happy I am that I took on this challenge! A few years ago I feel in love with the look of stitching on cards—after all, I was a quilter first. I pulled out my rusty sewing machine with great delight. Upon reading others’ tips and tricks, I felt like I would be hitting the ground running. Apparently I forgot to secure a parachute because I FAILED MISERABLY. I tried every adjustment I could think of but never could get my machine to grab the paper. Finally I gave up and glued flannel to the back so there would be something of substance to pull it through. The cards were adorable but the million extra steps it took me turned me off of the sewing machine forever. Or so I thought…

The moment I saw this challenge I posted a comment asking for suggestions. The response was to go slow, slow, slooooooooooooooooow. I could try that. I probably was going too fast. This time when I pulled out my machine some magical switch must have been flipped because it worked like a dream. YAY!!! Who knows what I was doing wrong? I don’t know and I don’t care—so long as the problem never again resurfaces. {Is there anyone out there who blabs more about one tiny, little card? I doubt it. J}

The soft colors of this challenge instantly sent my thoughts towards babies. Lately thinking about babies means thinking about some dear friends who have been anxiously awaiting an addition to their family for over three years. They have just completed their application for adoption. {Here’s a link to their blog.} I designed this card with them in mind. I know it might be a while before they need birth announcements, but a girl can hope and prepare, right?

I don’t know how the design team over at Embellish is going to be able to narrow down favorites for this challenge. I have a ton-o favs, here are links to but a few: Maureen, Iwona, Lisa, Be(e), and Alanna.

Color Cue {2} Challenge

2010-04-06T19:53:00.008-06:00

This is another card that endured quite the process of evolution. I wish I could snap a quick shot of the card I envision so as to compare it to the final product. I was just so set on a specific {terrible} idea for this color combination—truly I almost gave up. At long last I found that place of harmony and now I love it.

I’ve been dying to try some of these crumply flowers that are popping up everywhere. {Here, here & here are a few I bookmarked to remember.} I was actually surprised at how long they took to make. Maybe I’m doing it the wrong way? Maybe I don’t need to crumple each layer separately? Anyone have any handy, time saving tips?

Here’s the link to the Color Cue Challenge. And here are links to a few of my favs: Renee & Be(e) Incidentally, Renee used a crinkly flower, too. Great minds, eh?...

YAY! My Card Is "Hot"

2010-03-31T07:26:00.002-06:00

I was thrilled to see my card highlighted on the Embellish Magazine blog yesterday. I know, everyone else in blogland has long since been recognized, but this is my first—and I’m EXCITED!!!!! J {dork, I know}

I know it may seem redundant to repost my card nevertheless…I love the labels feature of blogs. Later when I become more prolific with my crafting I think it will be fun to click a button and see all the cards other people appreciated.

Thank you! Thank you, Embellish! I have a ton-o-fun with your challenges!

Our Bella Bella

2010-03-29T10:54:00.011-06:00

Here's a pict of our new puppy that I mentioned in the previous post.

We think she's pretty cute...

Embellish Fabric Challenge

2010-03-25T20:01:00.006-06:00

I’ve been sitting on this card for a week—our lives have recently been turned upside down with the addition of a new puppy to our home. {I really need to post some pictures because she is such a doll, but I’ve been so busy trying to train her that any time I have a moment to relax the last thing I want to do is clock some more puppy time. J}

It’s always interesting to hear other people’s opinions about these challenges. I read many complaints about this color combo. I, for one, thought it was FANTASTIC. You see I’ve always been a fan of the darker, muted colors myself. And I think the fabric threw a nice wrench into the mix, too. I was surprised to read how many people wrote that they didn’t have any fabric on hand. My loves of paper and fabric have always gone hand in hand. {I think I’ve spent more time with paper only because it seems to take me so much less time to turn out a finished project—but I certainly have NO shortage of fabric on hand at any given time.} One final point of interest surrounding these challenges is the cards that win. Sometimes they match up with my favs, but often they do not. I’ve decided to play a little game and link to some of my favorite ones and see if any are chosen by the hosts. {due to bedtime I’m going to need to return later to link to my favs}

For the fabric on my card, I used a nifty product from Making Memories. The truth is I’ve had it in my stash for AGES—I bet they don’t even make it any more. {Sometimes I think a product is super cool, but either never find the perfect project for it or don’t want to “waste” the good stuff. Ridiculous, I know.} These come in adhesive-backed sheets of fabric. I used a Sizzix die cut for the stars. The stamps and paper are, of course, Close to My Heart. What do you think?

{Embellish link here}

Felt Flower Cards

2010-03-15T20:52:00.000-06:00

Felt Flower Minis

2010-03-15T20:51:00.003-06:00

Color Cue {1} Challenge

2010-03-15T20:13:00.010-06:00

I love the access that blogging gives me to so many talented people. I continue to stumble across crafters {artists, really} who inspire me. Not long ago I discovered Dawn Woleslagle and her business Wplus9 Design Studio. Her work is simply gorgeous. I was thrilled to hear that she hosts a monthly color challenge & couldn’t wait to participate. {Though you’d never know it since I’m only posting this the day before the challenge closes. J}

Onto my cards…

Someday I need to find a way to document the journey of an idea through to a card. These ones experienced quite the process of evolution and I’m so pleased with where they landed. I feel like I could live for ages in this color palette. And, I’m pretty sure I won’t be leaving felt embellishments behind anytime soon. {In fact, just today I was lucky enough to wipe out a clearance rack full of felt pages. I’d feel guilty as I’m on a tight crafting budget, but I spent just over 5 bucks. Who could resist that? NOT ME!!!}

I actually have six versions of these little gems, but I didn’t want to burden the challenge followers. Should you desire to see all of them, here are the links to the cards and the minis.

Thanks for stopping by!

Embellish Border Challenge

2010-03-09T11:07:00.009-07:00

I’ve had this big flower for ages. {Really, I have several of them.} I was always afraid to use them on cards, though, because they are so blasted big. As I’ve moved into a things-don’t-quite-have-to-fit stage, I’ve given myself all kinds of creative license. I find it refreshing, actually.

Anyway, here’s my latest installment of the Embellish Challenge. This was a fun one for me because I’m not much of a pastel girl—it pushed me into uncomfortable territory. I love the soft, happy result.

Here’s a link to other versions in slightly different palettes. Coordinating tags and minis to follow…

Believe

2010-03-09T11:00:00.002-07:00

I like to create sets of cards made within the same color palette. These ones don’t work as a set for me because the red is just too bright. I do think it is a cute card when it stands alone. I’m just not sure how to sell them since the three don’t sit well together with me.

A Little Bit of Love

2010-02-14T18:09:00.014-07:00

Let me not to the marriage of true minds

Admit impediments. Love is not love

Which alters when it alteration finds,

Or bends with the remover to remove:

O no! it is an ever-fixed mark

That looks on tempests and is never shaken;

It is the star to every wandering bark,

Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.

Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks

Within his bending sickle's compass come:

Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,

But bears it out even to the edge of doom.

If this be error and upon me proved,

I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

I could never say it better than Shakespeare. I love you, Nathan.

Journey Tags

2010-02-09T17:40:00.007-07:00

I had so much fun with this color combination that I had to make some coordinating tags. I still have some smaller ones floating around in my head so be sure to check back.

Embellish Ribbon Challenge

2010-02-07T18:55:00.019-07:00

I dwell within the valley of the insane. Though the looks I receive lead me to believe this basin to be undesirable, I live in good company. You see, I’ve witnessed much madness co-mingled with creativity. I’ve tried to tuck my flower squarely away to float in the center of my box. Regardless of my efforts, however, my flowers always seem to tip right off the edge as the wind whispers softly, “Enjoy the journey…” At long last I’ve given into the eternal tug. I now sprint and leap and live free without regret. Join me in my unpolished abode—for a visit, perhaps, if you can’t commit to reside. You’ll be glad you did.

Malisa—this one’s for you. Love you, girl.

{Embellish link here}

Embellish Stripes Challenge

2010-01-28T18:42:00.012-07:00

There are many reasons I rarely participate in these challenges. I will share two: 1—I have recently been inhumanely robbed of naptimes {translation: I have nearly NO free time} 2—I always manage to come up with the craziest of ideas that could never be turned out so quickly. Such was the case with this challenge, though I’m thrilled to have attempted it because I’m walking away with a book that I already cherish. I’m making a mini-book highlighted my seven dearest friends. {I’ve been blessed with so many incredible friends through the years, narrowing it down to seven was a true challenge.} Of course the book is not finished yet so I have but a few pages to share. I figure if people can contribute with a single card, I should be able to play with a couple of layouts, eh?

I loved the stripes theme of this challenge. I tried to carry “stripes” in the way I placed the photo in my choices with the typography. {I wanted it to look a little like a striped ribbon. Did it work?}

Something that I usually tend to do when designing nearly anything is start out with highly embellished, {J} loaded picture in my head. As the process moves along I always simplify, simplify, simplify. I frequently end up wondering if I've pared it down to the point of boring. I hope that's not the case. With this particular project I wanted the difference on the pages to be the wonderful women highlighted. I thought the best way to accomplish that would be to keep all the layouts exactly the same. Blah, blah, blah... I will have a few different pages {and the cover} but those are on the back burner until I finish another project that has a rapidly approaching deadline. {You'd think I'd stop dragging myself into so many projects with such little free time, but I swear it's this unconquerable pull—why bother fighting it?}

{btw: I’ve always been a purple NUT! I loved everything that was created for this challenged and would be hard-pressed to choose a favorite because the color combo was so remarkable.}

Embellish Hearts Challenge

2010-01-14T11:00:00.020-07:00

Either I’m smart or I’m lazy—okay, probably both. When I spend the time to make a card, I want to get a lot of mileage out of it. Why stop at one when it can easily be pushed to three? Here’s what I created for the latest Embellish Magazine color challenge. Thanks for the push I needed to jump into my Valentine’s before it was too late. I’m a bit of a novice when it comes to these color challenges, though. I just couldn’t get purple out of my head when I was designing these cards. Hence, I have three other color options on these same cards that I will post soon post. For now, I say farewell with a tipped hat to Tina F. Congrats on your new assignment and thanks for introducing me to yet other creative inspiration.

Shower Gift

2009-11-23T17:58:00.005-07:00

You know those people who don’t ever make their beds because they’ll only be messing them up again in a matter of hours? I’m considering adopting such a philosophy for my entire house. {J} I can spend loads of time cleaning and organizing, only to get wrapped up in a project for a day or two and see it turn to complete disaster in my absence of diligence. ARGH!!!! Oh well, such is the price of sanity in my life.

My latest favorite baby shower gift is thank you cards. This is what we’re giving to a family member who is fortunate enough to be expecting a little girl. If only I had actually made it to the shower so others could appreciate the results of the demolition of my house…

Thank You Baby Girl: Soft

2009-11-23T07:42:00.013-07:00

Hand In Hand

2009-08-21T12:00:00.002-06:00

Thanks: Boom-Di-Ada Flower

2009-08-21T11:56:00.002-06:00

Thank You So Much: Moon Doggie

2009-08-21T11:55:00.002-06:00