Check Out my Envelope Accordion Album Project on my Card Inspired Blog Site

I'm sorry I haven't posted any projects or cards on this blog site today. I was working on a project for my Card Inspired Blog Site. It's another envelope type project. I'll be posting a tutorial on Card Inspired tomorrow but the pictures of the completed project is already posted.

Click Here to Check Out the Project

Blog Candy - Concerts I've Seen Live in Person. . .

***UPDATE***

Blog Candy Prize

I love mixing scrapbook embellishments and scrapbook paper with my rubber stamped cards so I thought this was a good mix of stuff for a blog candy. I especially love the alphabet chipboards right now so I decided to share some with you!!

*****************

Here is what you need to do to participate in the blog candy: Tell me (by leaving a comment) who you've seen in concert live in person and in parentheses, add a little note about the concert like I did with my list. Lastly, add one band or entertainer you wish you could see in concert.

I'll draw the name of the winner on Wednesday, May 2nd at 6:00 p.m. (PST). I'll post the picture tomorrow. I need to pick out some candy to give away.

Just so you don't think I'm a head banging chick! (See previous post). . .I've been to many concerts. I, actually, have a diverse taste in music. Below are concerts I've seen "Live" in person:

Def Leppard (Remember them in the 80s - drummer's one arm was amputated)

Boston (I was in the 6th Grade)

Rex Smith (haha, don't laugh - do your remember him?) - If you can tell me who Rex Smith is, I'll add an extra goody.

Carole King (Beautiful concert - it was a sit down dinner style concert - oldies but goodies)

Janet Jackson (By far the best concert I've been to - lots of choreography and stage production with lady bugs and people in costume. The concert was more like a show than a concert)

Michael Jackson (Second best concert - I had VIP sitting - purchased the tickets the day of the concert and the VIP seats opened up - I was in the 21st row to the stage. It ended with a huge firework show)

Deep Purple (seen them when I was in the 7th or 8th grade and had no idea who they were)

Ozzy Osborne (Not as crazy as people made him up to be - no bird's head was bitten off)

Black Sabbath (Serious rock n roll - not much I can remember. . .the venue was so large, I just remember walking around through out the whole concert)

Bon Jovi (Big hair days - they were actually very good)

Ted Nuggent (All I can remember was that he looked wild and someone in the audience spit on him and he spat back - disgusting)

Bobby Brown (Danced my butt off - it actually was a really good concert)

Run DMC (Major jammin' - everyone was dancing and the place smelled of sweat)

Celine Dion (Great songs but a real mellow concert - very Vegas like)

Alanise Morisette (She was strange, all she did was rock back and forth in one place like she was zoning out and did funny things with her hands. She also looked bored)

Switchfoot ( I think the singer was drunk - he stumbled on stage and sounded as if he was slurring)

Los Lonely Boys (Great rockin' with a latin flavor - great guitar solos)

Hootie and Blowfish (Really mellow - this was a concert years after they were popular. The singer wore a straw hat and looked much older than what they are known to look)

B52s (Not my style - this was a concert when they were older - they looked like they were in their late 50's or early 60s)

Train (He did these weird ballet moves - not very rock n roll if you ask me)

Britney Spears (Great entertainer - fun concert - she did a benefit concert when she did a TV special in Hawaii. The concert stage was at the beach)

Destiny's Child - Beyonce Knowles (Sexy ladies that's for sure - great concert - this is with the last set of girls - not the original group)

NSYNC (Fun concert - great choreography - they wore harness and floated in the air over the audience. . .I brought my daughter for a New Years Eve Concert - she was bored, I had fun)

The Police (It was their "farewell" concert - the last concert before they disbanded - it was a touching concert)

I've seen more concerts but I can't remember all of them right now. They were mainly rock concerts in the 80s.

Like I said in the previous post, I'm going to see 30 Seconds to Mars, the Used, Plain White T's, the Bravery, Say Anything, Social Distortion, and more to be announced on May 20th at the X-Fest San Diego. Whoohoo! Can't wait to see them!!

I would love to see Green Day!!

Guess Who I'm Going to See in Concert!!

Before I tell you the good news. . .here is a card I made this morning. I like how it turned out. I know. . .it's Christmas colors but it's a great color combo.

I'm still on my "A" stamp sets. Several weeks ago I organized a few of my stamp sets that were in my craft room in alphabetical order (not mentioning the ones stored in the garage). In order to use all of the stamp sets I have, I decided to use the sets in alphabetical order.

This stamp set is "All the Best". I think this is the first time I've used this stamp set. I had it for a long time but whenever I buy new sets, I forget about the sets I previously bought. Such is life.

The cardstock used are Sage Shadow and I believe Real Red. The inks used are Ruby Red, Real Red, Always Artichoke, and Old Olive. I blended the Old Olive and Always Artichoke by rock'in rollin' Always Artichoke over the Old Olive. I also blended Real red and Ruby Red by using the Real red markers to color the edge of the flower. I then cut the flower out and remounted it with foam tape to give a 3D effect. To create the leaves as backgrounds I masked the flower.

Using Sakura Souffle Pen I created dots around the borders and to create the shaped edge I used Stampin Up "Wave" scissors (I believe discontinued)

The techniques used were both rock' n roll and masking (Click on the technique name to link to the SCS tutorial)

Anyway. . .on to the AWESOME news. Guess who we're going to see on May 20th at the X-Fest Concert in San Diego!! My favorite band - 30 Seconds to Mars. I have a crush on Jared Leto, the main singer (remember Jordan Catilano in "My So Called Life"). And to top it off he is an awesome singer and the band has great songs. My second favorite band, the Used. . .will be there too. There's a bunch of other bands such as Sum 41, the Bravery, Plain White T's - that will be at the X-fest concert also but I'm happy to just see the two main bands I mentioned above. My daughter wants to see the Plain White T's.

Your saying. . .aren't you a little too old for this sort of stuff. Ummmm. . .maybe, but who cares!! You're as old as you care to be and right now, I don't care to be old. Besides, my kids LOVE the fact that their parents aren't old farts who listen to elevator music!!

Anyway, pictured below are the two main bands we're going to see in concert. . .don't forget to scroll down to view pictures of my kids and dogs hanging out in the backyard and more importantly to you, the sketch of the card above. . .

30 Seconds to Mars (Jared Leto is the third guy)

The Used

My daughter with our dog Dakota and my husband's butt.

Anton with Dakota and Phoenix

Finally, the sketch!!

Until later. . .

Daily Special - Anything But Cards - Pocketbook Box

Good Morning Everyone! Today's Daily Special is "Anything But Cards". This non-card project is a Pocketbook Box in the case you're wondering. . .

I bought a pattern template at Target the other day. Target sells a bunch of templates by Paper Bouquet. They must be some obscure company because when I looked them up online, I couldn't find them. The package came with two templates 4 1/4" x 4 1/4" and 3 1/2" x 3 1/2". The templates cost $3.99. . .not bad.

The box in the back is one I created for my Card Inspired Blog Site because I used scrapbook pieces instead of stamped images to decorate the box. Check it out.

Just a bit of detail on the materials I used. The images were from three different stamp sets: Polka Dot & Petals, Office Accoutrement, and Designer Label Punch Box. The designer paper is by K&Company, which by the way makes BEAUTIFUL designer paper.

The cardstock used were Apricot Appeal, Sage Shadow, and I believe Pixie Pink. . .sometimes, I'm not sure because I sometimes don't keep track of the cardstock colors.

The ink used is Baroque Burgundy (which is retired).

The frilly thingy is something I bought from Walmart a long, long time ago. I think those are used to decorate lamp shades, pillows, and such. I don't know who makes those beaded pearls. Just stuff I buy that I think may be useful to use on my cards. If it's pretty, I'll buy it. The brads are from JoAnn essentials.

Anyway, this was fun to create. I haven't made any non-card projects for a while and making this box was a breath of fresh air.

Hope y'all have a great day!!!

Until later. . .

I Posted a Bunch of Cards on My Card Inspired Blog Site

Hey everyone. . .check out my Card Inspired Blog Site . . .I posted a bunch of cards today - as well as sketches so be sure to drop by my other blog site. There's tons of card creations, sketches, and tutorials on that blog site that are not posted on this blog site.

Click Here to be directed to my Card Inspired Blog Site

Daily Special - Technique Day - Double Window Card Tutorial - Ways to Use Double Sided Pattern Paper and Envelope Project

**UPDATE**

I added the tutorial - check it out

Click Here for the Tutorial

This is the last Daily Special for the Day! Today's Special is a Double Special. . .as a matter of fact even a Triple Special. Why, you're asking. . .well, this project covers a technique to create a project on "Ways to Use. . .", in this case "Double Sided Pattern Paper" as well as another of my "Envelope Projects". I'll be posting the tutorial and updating this particular post tomorrow.

For subscribers, your email will not be updated with the tutorial so in order to view the tutorial, you will need visit my blog site.

I wasn't able to finish the tutorial so I won't be able to post it today. I just wanted to post a picture of this project in time for tomorrow's email feed. Unfortunately, any updates on any old postings are not sent to subscribers. Only new posts are sent through email.

Anyway, this was a fun project. . . a little tedious to some degree but fun nonetheless. I've been trying to come up with ways to use my double sided pattern papers. . .this is my third project today covering this topic. It also covers the use of envelopes. . .which I'm also trying to come up with ways to utilize them in my projects.

See my two previous posts for examples on ways to use double sided pattern paper.

Anyway, it's time to go to bed. Goodnight, my friends!

Daily Special - Ways to Use . . .Double Sided Patterned Paper #2

Today's Daily Special - Ways to Use. . .this is a second post on the same subject (see my previous post). As I said in my previous post. . .I can't imagine wasting the other side of a double sided patterned paper. It's such a waste. I mean, it's wonderful for a scrapbooker because it's like a two for one thing. . .but for a card maker, well it's a waste if the other sided is glued on to a card base.

So. . . here's an idea. . .fold part of the paper so part of the back is exposed. If you have remnants after cutting the paper, turn it around and use it to mat the card like I did with the scalloped edge. I also used the scrap to punch a flower using the "Daisy" punch.

Card Detail:

Stamp set: Office Accountrement, Small Script, Soft Swirls

Paper: Rose Red, K&Company Brenda Walton Neopolitan Double Sided Designer Mat

Ink: Rose Red, Pretty in Pink

Accesories: JoAnn large brads, Daisy Punch, Fiskar "Cloud" scissors

The card below is a card I had posted on my previous post. I reposted the card from my because I forgot to edge the sketch.

Daily Special - Ways to Use. . . Double Sided Pattern Paper

Today's Daily Special is "Ways to Use. . ." in this case, double sided pattered paper. For a card maker, what's the point of double sided patterned/scrapbook paper? I can't imagine using double sided pattern paper and wasting the other side. I just can't. It's such a waste of beautiful patterns.

I bought a stack of double sided designer paper by K & Company. Oh my, their papers are BEAUTIFUL! I almost don't want to use them and would prefer to hoard them but yeah, that's silly.

Because I can't imagine wasting the other side of the paper, I decided to come up with some way to still be able to use the pattern on both sides at the same time.

What I came with was to create a 3D window with the sentiment on the inside of the card. Creating this window is similar to the process of creating a shaker card.

As simple as the design of my card to the left and below, because of it's simplicity, it was actually difficult to make. The measurements in the front needed to match up with inner portion of the card. It would have been easier if I did create a shaker card because my problem was the window sentiment on the inside was off-centered. I did not want to waste the paper so I had to figure out a way to modify the front of the card in order for the sentiment on the inside to be centered. It was annoying. What's important is it worked out in the end.

As you can see, there's a window on the inside. The pattern of the 3D window is the backside of the double sided paper. I used foam tape on the front to recess the sentiment on the inside.

I used acetate to cover the window and the inner sentiment is actually recessed into the card giving the card a 3D appearance. As you can see in the picture, a reflection of me taking the picture.

I forgot to add the sketch for this card but if I do it now. . .well, Blogger gets a little weird and my post alignment gets messed up so I'll add it on my next post.

Take a look at my next post showing another way to use double sided paper.

Card Detail:

Stamp Set: Small Script, French Script
Paper: Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke, Bliss Blue
Ink: Old Olive, Certainly Celery, Bliss Blue
Accesories: Hodgepodge Hardware - Pewter, Organdy ribbon, Acetate, K&Company Classic Double Sided Designer Paper, 3 inch Square Giga Punch, Fiskar "Cloud" scissors

Until later. . .

Post Revisted - Mixed Bouquet

I made these cards a while ago and posted them way back in November. Once a week I'm going to repost a card I posted a while ago. These cards were made using the "Mixed Bouquet" stamp set. I really like this set. I haven't used this set for such a long time. I don't even know where I stored them. The background of the card below was created using Future Floor Wax and Pearl Ex. I think I'll do a tutorial on this technique in a few days considering I have a whole bottle of floor wax.

I'm not going into detail on these cards. Jus' wanted to share the pictures. I'll post the sketches tomorrow. It's time to go to bed. Goodnight, my friends.. .

Check Out the Tutorial on my Card Inspired Blog Site

I created a tutorial for my Card Inspired Blog site on a tutorial I named "Square Coat Card". I'll post a card sample here on this blog site when I have the time. In the meantime,

Click Here to be directed to the post on my Card Inspired Blog Site which contains the link to the tutorial.

Until later. . .

Daily Special - Technique Day - Fun Shaker Card Tutorial

Click Here for the Tutorial

Good Morning Everyone! Today's Daily Special is "Technique Day" and today's tutorial is creating a "Fun Shaker Card". Shaker cards aren't new and the tutorial is on a standard shaker card but if you've never made one, check out the tutorial. It's actually very simple once you get the hang of it. This shaker card tutorial is to create a shaker box using a "container" type of image.

Both cards were created using "All Wrapped Up" and "Amazing to Zany" stamp sets. With the first card, I used punched flowers from the "Spring Bouquet Flower" punch for the shaker card filling. The color combo is tempting turqoise, pink passion, and green galore. The patterned paper is by DCWV Ultimate Stack and ribbon byBasic Basic. The image was colored with pastels and markers.

The stamp sets used for the second card are "All Wrapped Up" and "In My Thoughts" stamp sets. The color combo is Certainly Celery and Tempting Turqouise. The background papers are from DCWV Summer and Ultimate stacks. The swirl clips are clips that I bought at Office Depot, the brads are by JoAnn and the ribbons are by Basic Basic. The filling that I used for the shaker were micro beads. To color the container I used pastels and markers and the fish was colored with Prismacolor markers.

Don't forget to scroll down for the sketches!!

Until later. . .

Random Cards - Coloring With Prismacolor Markers

I don't know if you can see it. . .probably not but the bunny have different shades of brown. The beauty of Prismacolor markers is you're able to layer colors and create a non-flat appearance to your images. By using the blender pen by Prismacolor, you can use various shading and highlighting techniques to give your images a little depth.

I'm still on letter "A" as far as stamps sets I have. This stamp set is called "A New Little Someone" which is still a current stamp set available in the current catalog. To give the bunny a 3D effect, I cut the image out and mounted it with dimensionals.

The scrapbook paper is by DCWV and organdy ribbon were used on both cards. I used Fiskar "Cloud" and "Cotton Candy" scissors to decorate elements of the card. On the first card, I used Sakura Souffle Pen to create the dots.

I haven't posted a tutorial for about a week but I've been experimenting with video as a mode to present tutorials but I've having a bit of technical difficulties. I'll post a tutorial in a few days whether its on video or the regular way. I've come up with this cute brag book that I want to present.

Don't forget to scroll down for the sketches!

Until later. . .

Daily Special - Paper Piecing Cards

Today's Daily Special is Paper Piecing Cards meaning the design is primarily created using scrapbooking pieces. I did stamp a sentiment at the top using Warm Words stamp set. I punched the flower using a Marvy's Flower punch and the circles using Stampin Up 1 3/8", 1 1/4", and and 1/2" circle punches using scrapbook paper and cardstock. The MOM alphabet was created using "Making Memories Creative Letters" stickers. The scrapbook papers are from the DCWV summer stack and the edge cut using Fiskar "Sunflower" scissors. The brads are JoAnn's large brads.

I'm going to start creating cards using scrapbook pieces which will be primarily posted on to my Card Inspired blog site unless I use a Stampin Up stamp or scrapbook paper. I'm taking a poll right now (above at the header) asking if I should start a new blog for paper piecing projects and looks like the majority prefer I incorporate it into my current blogs. I'll continue to leave the poll and post paper piecing projects and see if the consensus will change.

I have so many scrapbooking pieces and embellishments and I rarely have an opportunity to use them because I've been making cards and projects primarily with rubber stamps. I really would like to start using them so this is the reason why I've decided to start creating cards with minimal stamping. I am going to continue to make cards with rubber stamps but I want to do both.

Here is the sketch for this card:

I've Been Busy. . .

I've been busy making cards for a special order. Above are the cards tha I made. I had family over on the weekend so I was unable to make cards for blogging. I'll be back in full swing tomorrow.

I did a tutorial on a video camera and was all set to download it on to my computer. I bought a new computer 6 months ago and realized I did not install the video capture program on to my new computer. The program was installed on my old computer but my husband reformatted my old computer so that it could be used for other purposes.

Unfortunately, despite looking, I could not find the CD program. I'm a little annoyed right now because I had this grand idea that I could start doing my tutorials on video and right now, I can't until I find the CD program. So much for my bright ideas. Why can't things be simple? There's always seem to be obstacles. . .

Until later . . .

I've Been Tagged Again: 7 Random Facts/Habits About Me

Well, I've been tagged again. . .this time by Allison at Stampin When I Can. This one is fun, so I'll play.

Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their seven facts, as well as these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

Here are my 7 random facts/habits about me:

• I'm 5 ft. short. If I was 2 inch shorter, I would, technically, be considered a "dwarf".

• I have a Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing but if I could go back in time, I would choose to be an Art major instead.

• I'm fascinated with CSI and crime stories. I watch a lot of forensic types of shows such as Forensic Files, Crime Detectives, Court TV, and any show that is related to crime stories. I'm fascinated by the criminal mind because I cannot understand how a human being can be capable of killing someone else. It's my attempt to understand the level of evilness a human being can reach.

• While in college, I worked as a waitress for a month and was asked to resign because I was told I sucked as a waitress.

• When my grandmother passed away, my cat Dory suddenly became very attached to me and I began to think that my grandmother was spritually visiting me through my cat. Haha! Isn't that hilarious? Honestly, I kind of wished that was true.

• I hate to sleep. I think sleeping is a waste of life's precious time. There's so many fun stuff to do in life and sleeping prevents me from enjoying them.

• I once ate Thai food every day for 2 weeks straight. Afterwards, I could not look or smell any Thai Cuisine without feeling sick. I couldn't eat any for close to a year but I'm okay with it now.

I'll add my tags tomorrow. Unfortunately, it's 2:00 in the morning. I need to go to bed.

Until later. . .

Help Shane Reach His Goal

Click Here to Shane's Web Site

Shane Bernier is a courageous seven-year-old boy from Lancaster, Ontario who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia when he was only five. On June 6th, 2006 Shane and his family received some unfortunate news: Shane experienced a relapse after completing 108 of 130 weeks of treatment.

However, despite the bad news, Shane has managed to keep a positive outlook on his situation and has made a heart-warming wish... He hasn’t asked for money or toys or anything of the sort. Instead, his birthday is on May 30th and he would like to break the world record for the most birthday cards ever received. His goal is 350 million cards. With every card, Shane’s courage grows. Something as simple as sending a birthday card could be enough to help Shane find peace and joy in his current circumstances.

Please take the time to send a card to Shane and make his dream become a reality. Share his story with your friends, family and co-workers. If at all possible, get your youth groups, church congregations, employees, neighbours or communities to set aside a few minutes to write a thoughtful note to Shane.

With every card, Shane’s smile grows...

I've Been Tagged. . .5 Favorite Blog Sites

As I stated yesterday, I was tagged (see previous post). I wrote a commentary on each blog site stating why I chose the 5 blog sites below but when I went to save the post, it crapped out on me and I lost the post and all the stuff I wrote.

I don't want to rewrite everything - I'm too upset to do so right now. I chose the following blog sites because of their unique card making style. They were featured on my Card Inspired Blog site as my past "Featured Blogger of the Week" and wanted to highlight them again on this blog site.

Here are my Top 5 favorite blog sites in no particular order:

Colleen's Distinctive Touches
Cori's INKventive Expressions
Fairle's Stamping 101
Pam's Stamping with {Serendipity}
Allison's Stampin When I Can

When I no longer feel upset about losing the post, I'll write a little bit about why I chose the aforementioned blog sites.

I've Been Tagged

I've been tagged by Monika at M.A.D. Stamper, who by the way has a wonderful blog site with lots of great card ideas.

I need to choose 5 of my favorite blog sites. There's a slight problem. . .I rarely visit any blog sites on a regular basis. Not that I don't want to but I just haven't had the time to do so. There are so many out there and so little time.

So. . .my mission today will be to search through the blogging world so I can choose my 5 favorite blog sites.

I do have one blog site that I can say I do visit regularly. . .it's Allison's Stampin When I Can blog site. Her blog site is awesome, not only because she has great creations of her own but her blog site is a one stop place to find everything and anything that is going on in the blogging/stamping world

I'll be back sometime later with my top 5 blog sites.

Daily Special - Challenge of the Day - Same Layout, Same Stamps, Different Techniques

Today's Challenge for you is to use the same layout, same stamps, different technique.

I'm going to start a challenge several times a week. It's a way for me to expand myself a little. I tend to stick to what's most simple and fastest way to create a card but I found that it's very limiting sometimes.

Check out my Card Inspired Blog site. . .my post yesterday was "one primary image, 5 different layouts". Try it out!

Click Here for the post.

This post is a continuation of the previous post. I didn't have the time to take pictures of the cards so I was unable to post them. So be sure to check yesterday's post which contains the sketch of the cards on this post.

I don't like to use flash when taking pictures of my cards so the only time I can take pictures of my cards are during the day time. I didn't have enough of a light source yesterday to take the pictures of these cards.

Okay, enough of the rambling. What's my point with these cards which have the same layout and the same stamp images? Well. . .we have a tendency to buy a lot of stamps. I am VERY guilty of this terrible habit of buying a lot of stamps and not utilizing them to make more than several cards. It's always about the next image rather than the next technique or the next layout.

I wanted to do more with this stamp set which happen to be the "All Natural" stamp set. Rather than coming up with a new layout, I decided to use different techniques to create distinctively different cards using the same images or stamp set.

The first card was created using a technique that I posted a tutorial on about a month ago. It's a technique using "Classic Ink Re-inkers with Lumiere"

Click Here for the Tutorial

The only difference is I did not heat emboss the stamped image as shown in the tutorial.

The second card, I wanted to emphasize the versatility of using scrapbook paper as a material to create your cards. I rubber stamped the image on to scrapbook paper and cut out the image then used scrapbook paper as a background.

The smaller flowers were punched using Stampin Up "Daisy" punch and layered on to the cut out stamped images.

Card #1 Detail:

Stamp set: All Natural

Paper: Positively Pink, Old Olive

Ink: Positively Pink and Old Olive Classic re-inkers

Accessories: 1 3/8 Square Punch, Organdy ribbon, Hemp Cord, Colored Buttons - Soft Subtle, Colorbok metal embellishment

Card #2 Detail:

Stamp Set: All Natural

Paper: DCWV Scrapbook Paper, Gable Green, Lavender Lace

Accessories: Round Tab Punch, Key Tag Punch, Hemp Cord, Colored Buttons - Soft Subtle, Basic Basic Ribbon, Colorbox metal embellishment

A challenge for you is to use the same layout, same stamps, different techniques!

Have fun!

Until later. . .

Faux Watercoloring and Cuttlebug Embossing

A few days ago I posted a tutorial on the "Faux Watercoloring" technique. This tutorial covers a technique that results in a watercolored effect without the brushwork of traditional watercoloring. The results are also brighter and more vibrant. In addition to this technique, I dry-embossed the cardstock using the Cuttlebug embossing folder to give the images a little bit of texture. You can't really see it in the picture but the flowers have circular embossed images.

Click Here to review the tutorial.

After completing the steps outlined in the tutuorial, run the cardstock through a Cuttlebug embossing folder of your choice to give the images a textured appearance.

Blogger has been flakey today. . .I couldn't upload pictures so I had to use a host service to upload my pictures. Furthermore, some of my images on past postings are not loading and just appear blank. Hopefully, the problem with Blogger will be fixed tomorrow.

Card Detail:

Stamp set: All Natural
Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Cameo Coral, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Cameo Coral, Tempting Turquoise
Accessories: Soft Subtle Colored Buttons, Key Tag, Organdy Ribbon, Hemp Cord, Colorbok metal embellishment

Yes, I Have a New Header. . .Again

Yeah, I changed my header again. I think I'm going to keep this one for awhile until I get bored with it. I did say a few days ago. . .well, that is if you read my posts. . .that I was going to change my header.

I took a picture of this really awesome scrapbook paper I recently bought and added the text using a photo editor. I LOVE the design. What do you think? Well, I hope you like it better than my previous "amateur" looking heading. Now, I can stand proud with this new header. . .haha.

I did create a card. . .I'll post it later tonight. I need to head for dinner. . .

Check Out the Card Sketches on My Card Inspired Blog Site

Click Here to be linked to my Card Inspired Blog Site

For those who love card sketches, I just wanted to let you know that I created a bunch of card sketches on my Card Inspired Blog Site. The sketches won't be posted on this blog site so if you love sketches, be sure to check it out.

I'm trying to promote my Card Inspired blog site because the visitors to Card Inspired is half the amount of visitors to this blog site. I don't duplicate the same projects and sketches for both sites.

Sometimes we get caught up in a particular brand of products or type of stamp images and in my opinion, the image itself is not necessarily what makes a card pretty or cool, it's what you do with the image that is more important. The layout, the color, the techniques and the embellishments that compliment a stamped image are what makes a card stand out. Even an ugly or not so pretty stamped image can result in a great card if you take the time to add several elements to your card creation.

Most of all. . .have fun when creating. . .I think handmade cards can reflect, to some degree, the essence of the person who created them!!!

Until later. . .

And The Winner Is. . . .Ilene B.

The winner of the blog candy is Ilene B. Yay! Ilene, can you please email me with your address at lbmcd66@hotmail.com by Thursday, April 19.

Let's all congratulate Ilene B. for winning the blog candy! Ilene chose # 3 as her favorite. As for the votes, there were 137 participants and 71 chose card #3 which makes it 51% of the votes. So "hands" down (haha), you felt that #3 is the best card design of the three cards.

How did I choose the winner? Well,I printed a list of all the participants and assigned each a number. I then placed the numbers into a bag and my daughter pulled the number out of the bag. I then matched it to the number on the participant's list. I opened the email associated with that number and that is how I chose the winner.

Well the person who I designed the cards for did not like the color combo and layout that she chose after seeing the end results of the design.

Sometimes a color combo and layout may look nice with a particular theme but not for another. She decided that the colors were too harsh and the layout too plain. Instead, she chose the card to the left as the design that she wanted me to create but instead of the hearts, she wanted the booties on card #2 as the primary image.

I did feel the colors were too harsh when she chose the color combination and I'm glad she found a color combo and design that she prefers. It's better that she is satisfied with the results.

Personally, I do prefer this card. What do you think? Anyway, thank you everyone for participating in my blog candy. I really appreciate your visiting my blog site and taking the time to vote!

Until next time. . .

Blog Candy Prize Winner to be Announced at 5:00 p.m PST

Here is the blog candy prize that the winner will receive for participating in my blog candy. It's all the essentials needed to make a bunch of cute cards or scrapbook brag book.

***Cardstock Bundle by American Tradition Designs containing 8x8 cardstock and designer papers a total of over 140 sheets, ribbon, brads, and buttons
***Rubber stamp "Special Moments" by K&Company
***Fiskar Sunflower Scissors (my favorite)
***Xyron Grosgrain Ribbons

Actually, I bought the exact same set of materials for myself. I'm a scrapbook paper, ribbon, and Paper Edger Scissor freak. I don't know if you noticed but all the prize items are all materials incorporated in the design of my cards.

The Fiskar Sunflower scissors is definitely by far my favorite paper shaper scissors. It has a scalloped shape with a zig-zag edge. . .awesome for decorating the edge of your cards and mats. Hopefully, the winner don't already have it.

I love scrapbook paper. . .I cannot even begin to tell you how crazy I am about them. I can't walk into a craft store without buying a pad of scrapbook paper. Unfortunately, I have so many of them that there is no way I will be able to use all of them but I will try.

Last of all, my favorite brand of scrapbooking materials outside of Stampin Up is K&Company. They are the company that makes the Basic Grey Designer Papers which are absolutely delicious. They make the most beautiful embellishments and scrapbook paper. I loved the sentiment stamp by K&Company so I decided to buy it for the blog prize.

I hope the winner likes the prize. It's everything that I would buy for myself and like I said, I did. I'll be announcing the winner at 5:00 p.m PST today. My daughter is in school right now and she's the one that pulls the winner out of the hat so I need to wait until she gets home and finishes her homework to announce the winner.

Good Luck, my friends!!

Update on the Blog Candy

I was suppose to announce the blog candy today but I promise to do it tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. PST. I have something in mind to give away as a blog candy but I need to buy it so I can post a picture of it. I didn't have the time today to buy it and I will be able to do it tomorrow. I'm sorry. . .I could announce the winner today but I want to post the prize picture with the announcement. I want it to be a good prize because you all have been wonderful in participating. I really appreciate your votes and all your kind comments. Y'all have been a great help!!

Again, I will announce the winner of the blog candy tomorrow April 17, 2007 5:00 PST.

Daily Special - Technique Day - CD Envelope Shaker Card Tutorial

Click Here for the Tutorial

Whoohoo! I came up with another envelope project! If I'm not careful, I'll be called the "Envelope Lady". I don't know if any of you actually "read" my blog but I've written on several post that I come up with ideas for rubber stamping and card projects when I'm in bed, right before I fall asleep. I have a sketch book at the side of my bed so in the morning I can note whatever I came up with the night before and while its fresh in my mind.

Well, a while ago I bought a box of CD envelopes with the purpose of using them as card envelopes with a picture window. I've made a few cards and used the CD envelopes as actual mailing envelopes. I also use the CD envelopes as envelopes for chipboard coaster projects.

A few weeks ago, I thought of an idea of using the CD envelopes for the purpose of using them as shaker boxes. I drew the design but never executed the process. I kept putting the project aside but last night I decided to make it and see if it worked. And. . . .it did!

I'm so excited about it because my goodness, the shaker cards are sooooooooooooo easy to make. No more foam tapes, punched windows, and the long drawn out process of making a shaker box. What I hate most is to make a card that takes a lot of detailed steps. I avoid these types of projects because when I do manage to finish the project, I feel tired and don't want to make any more of them.

A box of 5" x 5" CD envelopes can run between $10 to $15 for a 100 envelopes. That's not bad considering each envelope will only cost 10 cents to 15 cents. If 10 cents can save me time, I'll buy it. There's also smaller paper envelopes for mini CDs that you can use to create smaller CD envelope shaker boxes. I couldn't find them at my local office supply store so I will need to look for them online.

Try out the tutorial! I really, really believe you'll think it's easy. Try it out and if you'll be nice enough give me your opinion and send me a sample. I'll post your creation on my blog as a guest stamper. If you have a better idea on how to tweak the process of making the project, let me know. Many heads of ideas are better than one.

Card Detail:

Stamp set: Bodacious Bouquet, Cute Converse
Paper: Pixie Pink, Green Galore, Apricot Appeal, Pretty in Pink, Sage Shadow
Ink: Pixie Pink, Green Galore, Apricot Appeal
Accessories: CD Envelopes, Basic Basic Ribbon, Round Tab Punch, Word Window Punch, Gold Metallic Cord, Stickles glitter, Metallic Gel pen

I also posted this tutorial on to my Card Inspired Blog Site with another card sample.

Anyway, have fun making it! Email me if you have any questions at lbmcd66@hotmail.com

Until later. . .

Random Card - Happily Ever After

When I have the free time, I sometimes stamp images, color them, then store them for future use. This "bride" image from the "Happily Ever After" stamp set was one that I colored and stored into my crop file.

I used Orchid Opulance marker to color the edge of the dress and veil and added glitter to it.

The background is embossed paper by DCWV but the paper was white. To add color to the paper, I took a sponge dauber and smudged pastel in Orchid Opulance and Lavender Lace.

The charm is a metal charm by Making Memories.

I've been playing with watermarks and plan to change my blog site heading in the near future. The current heading was just a test heading. Now that I've figured out how to put a picture for a heading, I'm planning to create a better one. Currently, I don't like my title heading but I've too lazy to work on making another one.

As for the watermark, I think I like this one. It's not too large and too fancy. I want it simple so not to distract from the card. I've seen a lot of fancy watermarks and sometimes, the first thing I look at is the watermark rather than looking at the card first.

I know this is a simple sketch and not very original. I wasn't going to make a sketch for this card because of its simplicity but I did anyway.

My Other Blog Site - Card Inspired

Click Here to be linked to my Card Inspired Blog Site or click on the link above my posts titled "Card Inspired Blog Site"

For those of you who have never visited my other blog site "Card Inspired", I just want to let you know that I have another rubber stamping blog site. Card Inspired is focused on rubber stamping ideas and projects using rubber stamps and materials other than Stampin Up products.

Stampin Inspirations focus on Stampin Up rubber stamps and occasionally I'll use other products on this blog site but the rubber stamped images are always and foremost Stampin Up. If you are an equal opportunity rubber stamper who likes to use other products rather than "just" Stampin Up products then please visit Card Inspired. I don't post Stampin Up images on Card Inspired. Other rubber stamping products featured on Card Inspired are Hero Arts, Penny Black, Fiskar, Stampabilities, Stamps Happen, Magenta, House Mouse Series, etc. . .

I create different projects and sketches for each of the blog sites so if you want more ideas, then check out Card Inspired too when visiting this blog site. Sometimes there are great products made by various companies that Stampin Up don't sell. I don't like to limit myself to one product or brand. From time to time I do product reviews of other brands on Card Inspired.

Until later. . .

Happy Birthday to My Hubby

Yesterday was my husband's birthday! Whoohoo! We celebrated his birthday at the Pechanga Resort and Casino here in Temecula. Since moving to Temecula from Hawaii, we have never visited the resort but it's only about 5 miles from our home.

Wow, once we entered the casino area, it felt like Vegas. Cool! Chicago was doing a show there last night as a matter of fact. Anyway we had a nice dinner. . .the food was excellent. We racked up a $400 bill (including tip) for just the 4 of us (me, my husband and the kids). Obviously, the restaurant had expensive food. Sheesh. . .imagine how many rubber stamps I could buy for $400. It's okay. . .it was for a good reason.

I took a few pictures at the restaurant but it didn't turn out too well because I felt it was rude to use the flash so the pictures came out dark and blurry. The picture above of my husband was taken after dinner when we got home. I bought my husband a little cake but I forgot to buy candles so we just ate it without singing happy birthday. Anyway, it was a great day!

Happy Birthday Hubby!

Daily Special - Technique Day - Coloring Background Images Tutorial

Click Here for the Tutorial

Well here is another tutorial. Today's Daily Special is Technique Day. The technique is coloring background images using Classic ink pads and sponge daubers. A Sponge dauber is a little sponge tool that has a holder that allows you to insert a finger and dab color to an image. Typically, it's used for adding colors to stencils.

This is a very simple tutorial. . . more for a beginner stamper. There's many ways to color background images but this is a simple way to do it, especially if you want to color individual parts of the image.

I'm not going to add the card detail t because I need to figure out which stamp set I used for this card. When I find the name of the sets, I'll write the details. I can tell you that I watercolored the flowers using Twinkling H2O. . .a type of watercolor that has a shimmery appearance. It's like blending watercolor with Pearl Ex. I used 1 inch and 1/4 inch circle punches and the Word Window Punch and attached brads to them to add a few design elements to the card. I also used Fiskar's "Cloud" scissors to scallop the edge of the mats. The colors used were More Mustard, Apricot Appeal, and Green Galore.

Anyway, try this simple technique to color your background images to give them a little bit of color. Here is the sketch challenge for this card.





Until later. . .

Daily Special - Technique Day - Faux Watercoloring Tutorial

Click Here for the Tutorial

Yay! I created a tutorial. I haven't created one for over a week. I've been lazy lately and didn't want to work so hard on creating a tutorial. It's not difficult to create a tutorial but it's so time consuming, especially when your program flakes out in the middle of the process. Yup, I had to re-do it because my computer froze in the middle of my creating the tutorial. Annoying, lemme tell ya'.


Anyway, what's this tutorial about. Anybody bought the Stampin' Up Color Spritzer Tool? Well, I did and I was sitting down looking at it wondering what else could this tool be used for besides creating speckles. I mean if I'm going to pay $12.95 for something, it better do more than one thing.


This technique creates a result similar to the shaving cream technique but less swirly. Is swirly a word? Anyway, yeah. . .if you stamp an image over it, it looks like you watercolored the image. I'm sure somebody already thought of this and already named it but I just sort of experimented and I liked the result. If this is already a known technique, can someone clue me in to it's name.


Anyway, I liked the results. . .I don't like to watercolor much because sometimes the watercoloring results in a dull appearance. But I like how this technique looks really vibrant and still appear as if it was watercolored.


When you have a chance, try it out and tell me what you think.


Don't forget to participate in the Blog Candy on the previous post. . .just vote on the best card. I'll post pictures of the prize maybe sometime today! Be honest. . .if you think all of them are ugly - you don't need to choose one - just say "none". Ha! You'll still be included in the Blog Candy. I don't mind criticism. Sometimes constructive criticism is important for growth.


The person I made the cards for don't like the cards. Mainly because of the "adult" like colors. She chose the color combo but color combos may look great as a combo but may not work for a specific theme. We decided to make the cards in "pink" rather than "purple". I'll post the new pink cards on Saturday and I'll replace the "purple" cards.

P.S. I'll add the sketches sometime today. I'm tired after creating the tutorial and I'm going to take a break. Besides, it's my husband's birthday today and maybe he and I can eat breakfast somewhere.


Until later. . .

Blog Candy - Vote For the Best Card Design

Someone asked me to design a card for a "thank you" note for I assume is a baby shower. She's going to choose the design that she wants from the card samples below. She chose the sketch she wanted and the colors. The cards below are what I came up with based on the colors and the sketch she wanted.

To win the blog candy all you need to do is vote for which card design you like the best and I will do a random drawing (pull the name out of a hat). I haven't come up with the prize yet but I'll make it a good one. You may email me with your vote at lbmcd66@hotmail.com or comment by clicking on "comment" below this post. The cards are numbered #1, #2, and #3 based on the order it is pictured on this post. I will do the drawing on Monday, April 16th. Thank you for your participation!!

Daily Special - Another Retired Stamp Set - All I Have Seen

Okay, I'm having fun with "All I Have Seen" and "Tropical Blossoms" stamp sets. I know both are retired but I love all my stamp sets. I just hate to see them gather dust.

I worked a little harder on this card because I had to cut all the leaves and flowers from the "Tropical Blossoms" stamp set.

What's with the picture of the egg timer below? Well, I use it to time myself. I limit my card making time to 30 minutes. If the card is a little more complicated like this card because of all the cutting I had to do, I'll give myself a little more time.

Why time myself? I don't know. . .it helps me to remain focused and to prevent myself from working on a card for too long. If the egg timer is hitting close to the one hour mark, I try my best to finish up the card and stop. In most case I can finish within an hour.

I think I'm going to stop timing myself. I want to be more creative but my 30 min to 1 hour deadline restricts me sometimes. Anyway, I like this card. I like the flowers.

As for the the dragon fly image from the "All I Have Seen" stamp set, I rubber stamped it with positively pink and colored the dragonfly with the positively pink marker. I then added clear Stickles to give it a glittery look.

Card Detail:

Stamp sets: All I Have Seen, Tropical Blossoms, Small Sayings. Canvas
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Green Galore, DCWV scrapbook paper
Ink: Positively Pink, Positively Pink marker, Pretty in Pink, Garden Green
Accessories: Word Window Punch, Fiskar "Sunflower" scissors, large silver brads, Clear Stickles