Simply Deneen

Hello Friend

Hello Friends and Happy Monday

Today I am excited to be sharing another card for The Rabbit Hole Designs.  I love the sweet Hello Friend image illustrated by Dustin Pike.

 

I started by Copic coloring the adorable image and then adding glitter to the wings of the little bee.  I used the Cottontail embossing powder tool then stamped and heat emblossed the sentiment.  I used the Amanda stencil for my background and ink blended some distress oxide ink lightly over the whole stencil then using the bitty bunny blending brushes added more ink so the leaves would stand out. I timmed the stenciled background to fit on a mini slimline card front and added a white frame.

Don't you think this images is just the cutest?

Until Next Time

You're the Best

Happy Monday Friends, Today I am sharing a card featuring some of the smaller stamps in the Flower Whale stamp set from The Rabbit Hole Designs.  I also used a sentiment from the Thanks Scripty stamp set.

 

Often times I seem to overlook smaller stamps in a stamp set but I challenged myself to use only some of the smaller images for my card today. This is a pretty clean and simple card for me. 

Here are steps I took to make this card:

1. Stamp images with copic friendly ink
2. Color the flowers with R81, R83, R85 and Y11
3. Color the leaves with YG01, YG23 and YG17
4. Die cut images using the coordinating dies
5. Stamp sentiment in the center of your card base
6. Arrange the flowers and leaves in a circle around your sentiment and glue in place
7. Add gems

 

Do you use the small stamps in a set on their own?

Until next Time

You're my best Friend

Happy Monday Friends, Today I am sharing a card featuring the Friend Scripty die set from The Rabbit Hole Designs.

I started by die cutting the Friend die three times.  Twice from White card stock and then once from mat silver cardstock.  I then stacked them together to create some dimension. Next I stamped the "You're my Best" from the Friend Scripty stamp set on black card stock with embossing ink and embossed with white embossing powder.  I die cut a piece of the alcohol ink card stock to 4.25 x 5 and then adhered the sentiments to the lower front of the card.

The Friend Scripty Die set is so fun and I love it paired with this gorgeous alcohol ink pattern paper designed by Niccole Kulig of Nic & Viv Designs for The Rabbit Hole Designs.  

I love making Friendship cards, how about you?

Until Next Time

 

 

Friend you mean the world to me

Happy Monday friends, today I'm sharing a card featuring the Friend Scripty stampset from The Rabbit Hole Designs.

 If I am going to use a large sentiment it is usually a die cut but I stepped outside my comfort zone and stamped the large Friend word and I really love the way it came out.  I like that the letters are large enough that you can add pen details to them if you'd like.

What to make this card just follow the steps below:

1. Stamp the Large Friend word on the top third of your card front using blue ink then stamp the sub sentiment under and to the right of the large word.
2. Stencil the lower part of the card front using the Back Alley stencil and blue ink.
3. Using the Flower Whale stamp set stamp and color the Whale, one of the flowers and three of the leaves.  Color with Copic markers and die cut.
4. Cut a strip of silver glitter cardstock to 1/4" and adhere it using liquid glue between the sentiments and the stenciled part of your card.
5. Add foam tape to the Whale and the flower and adhere to the card, next tuck the leaves under the flower using liquid glue.
6. Finally add details to the large stamped Friend using a white gelly roll pen.

Do you use large word stamps?

Until Next Time

Flower Whale

Isn't this Flower Whale stamp set the most gorgeous whale you ever have seen?  It was designed by Tatsiana Zayats for The Rabbit Hole Designs.

I had so much fun creating this Birthday card and here are the steps in case you'd like to create one too.

I cut a rectangle using the largest die from the Outside In Stitched rectangles from Lawn Fawn.  Then I used distress oxide ink to blend the background and slattered it with water and liquid stardust.  Next I stamped and die cute the images from the Flower Whale stamp set and colored them using copic markers.  I cut out the Birthday Scripty Die from lavender cardstock and used a white gelly roll pen to add details.  I figured out where all my die cut pieces would go and stamps the word wishes from the Birthday scripty stamp set and finally adhered my images.  I used foam tape behind a couple of the images.  As always if you have any questions please let me know.

What do you think, does it look like the whale is trying to blend in to her surroundings?  

 

Until Next Time

 

Shaker Happy Birthday Card

Today's card features the Scripty Birthday word and shadow die from The Rabbit Hole Designs.

 

Here are the steps I took to make this fun shaker card:

 

 1. On a 3 3/4 x 5 piece of white cardstock ink blend distress oxide inks using the Amanda stencil and the Bitty Bunny Blending Brushes.

2. Using clear scrap packaging I made a shaker pocket and added some fun shaker bits.

3. I used a stong adhesive to attach the shaker panel to a 5 1/2 x 4 1/4  white card base.

4. I die cut the Scripty Birthday word from Black cardstock and the shadow from White cardstock then using liquid glue I attached them together.  

5. I stamped one of the images from Clarence Birthday and colored him with Copic markers.

6. I stamped and embossed the word Happy on black cardstock using white embossing powder and then attached the Happy to the cake.

7. I attached the birthday die and the Clarence Birthday image to the front of my shaker panel.

8. Using a white gelly roll pen I added details to image as well as the word birthday.

 

Have you ever made a full panel shaker card? Let me know in the comments below.

Until Next Time

Thank you for being Mermazing

Happy Monday it's time for another card featuring Stamps and dies from The Rabbit Hole Designs.

I love mermaids and this adorable stamp set Harley Merbunny is so cute and made the perfect thank you card.

I watercolored on regular cardstock by mistake and as you can see the paper started to pill up.  I kinda liked the texture it added to this panel so I decided to go with it.  Next I  colored the bunny with Copic markers and die cut it with the coordinating dies. Once the watercolored panel was dry I stamped the sentiment and added the the image with foam squares. Finally I glued the panel to a note card and added sequins.

 

If you make a mistake while crafting do you throw it away or try to make it work?  

Until Next Time

Masculine Happy Birthday Card

Today I am sharing my first official card as a Brand Ambassador for The Rabbit Hole Designs. 

The stamp set is called Clarence Birthday. How handsome is Clarence?  I am always trying to come up with masculine birthday cards and this stamp set fits the bill perfectly.

I created the tag for this card using the Bitty Bunny Blending Brushes along with the Amanda Stencil and distress oxide inks.  Clarence and his cake are colored with Copic Markers and then die cut with the coordinating die. I also stamped the Happy Birthday sentiment from the same set and white heat embossed it on black cardstock.  Can I just say the Cottontail Embossing Powder Tool is amazing and if you don't already own one you should definately give it a try!

Head on over to The Rabbit Hole Designs to see more ways to use these products. If you happen purchase anything I would love to see what you create.

Do you struggle with Masculine cards or do they come easy to you?  

 

Until Next Time 

Brand Ambassador

It's Official I am a Brand Ambassador for The Rabbit Hole Designs!

I am honored and humbled to be a part of such an amazing team of talented crafters. I am on Social Media team and will be sharing mainly on Instagram but more than likely I will be posting my projects here as well.  I am looking forward to this opportunity and hope you will follow along with my journey.

My official first day for sharing projects is the 10th so stay tuned for that.

You can check out the other new designers by visiting this post and while you are there be sure to check out all the designers on the team.

 

Until Next Time

Welcome to 2022

My word for 2022 is

Improve  

There are many aspects of my life that I would like to improve upon this year.  These are just a few of those things:

My relationships

My Health

Organizing my home and being able to let go of things

Carving out some me time without feeling guilty

Reaching some of my crafty goals

 

Do you make New Years Resolutions or choose a word to focus on for the year?  If so I'd love to hear about it.

 

Until Next Time

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Sheet Load of Birthday Cards

Since June is the month in which I was born I felt it was a good time for a Sheet Load of Birthday Cards.  I had so much fun creating my cards this month. I really enjoy coloring and I think I have colored this cute little mouse well over 30 times already but you can never have enough lawn fawn mice am I right?

This is my last month as a sheet load collaborator for the Instagram team and I would like to take the time to thank Alicia for allowing me to be a part of it for the last year and a half.  I have made some great friends being a part of the team and cherish those friendships.  Don't worry I will still be following along and creating many more sheetloads in the future. 

One of the things I love about the sheet load instructions that Alicia provides is that she gives the dimensions so if you want to create just one card you are able to do that easily.  For the card below I was digging through my scrap box and found the small scrap of green dotted pattern along with the piece of floral paper that was left over from another project and I was able to create a quick card using the June template.  

 The mouse, party hat, birthday sentiment, colored ink and colored cardstock are all from Lawn Fawn and the pattern papers are from Doodlebug Design.  I used the June Sheet Load of Cards instructions which you can find over at Call Me Crafty Al's YouTube channel.

 

Find out how to download the June 2021 SheetLoad of Cards, here: https://youtu.be/aIrOk6mXCWo

 

If you create cards using this month’s SheetLoad, make sure to use the following hashtags: #SUYSJun2021 #ShowUsYourSheetLoad

      Get more details on how to “Show Us Your SheetLoad”, here: https://youtu.be/8r6JbbGfWmo

Make sure to check out all of the SheetLoad collaborators!

YouTube Team:

   Call Me Crafty Al / Alicia: https://www.youtube.com/callmecraftyal/videos

   Creative Chelsey / Chelsey: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCszCS397ptot3vJdvLCirTg/videos

   Bourbon Creek Crafts / Beth: https://www.youtube.com/bourboncreekcrafts/videos

   Fresh and Renewed with Teresa / Teresa: https://www.youtube.com/c/FreshandRenewedwithTeresa/videos

   Cool Cakes and Crafts with Amalia / Amalia: https://www.youtube.com/user/petunia10466/videos

   Project39 Mini Albums / Debbie: https://www.youtube.com/c/Project39MiniAlbums/videos

   Karen Aicken / Karen: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKOxgY7H_ooBinWEh0FOWvQ/videos

 

Blog Team:

   Stamp with Sandie / Sandie: http://stampwithsandie.blogspot.com/

   Airbornewife Stamping / Pam: http://airbornewifestamping.blogspot.com

 

Instagram Team:

   @scrpbkgrl / Lisa: https://www.instagram.com/scrpbkgrl/

   @fuzzyslippersdesigns / Moriah: https://www.instagram.com/fuzzyslippersdesigns/

   @craftaholicmomma / Stacy: https://www.instagram.com/craftaholicmomma/

   @deneen03 / Deneen: https://www.instagram.com/deneen03/

   @lizzies_happy_mail / Elizabeth: https://www.instagram.com/lizzies_happy_mail

Creating with Packaging

Awhile back I received a package from Lawn Fawn that had green paper crinkles to help keep my products safe. For whatever reason I just couldn't stand to get rid of it.  I thought I might use it in a gift bag or basket to give a gift to someone.  I kept it for this reason and put it away for later.  

I had a bit of time over the weekend and I wanted to try out a technique that I've seen several people do. The technique is ink blending a small strip across the front of a card and then adding a stamped and die cut image to it along with a stamped sentiment right below the ink blending.  Once I had the ink blending done and the bunny and sentiment in place I felt like it just needed something else and thats when I thought about those green paper crinkles and dug them out to see if they might work.  I have to say I love the way they turned out and I still have plenty left for more cards or projects.

For the first card I masked off the area above and below where I wanted the ink blending to be and then I blended Mowed Lawn distress oxide ink.  Once I was done with the blending I splattered water on top of it along with some metalic watercolor paint to add some interest.  Next I stamped my sentiment right below the ink blended area and then added my green paper grass to the panel and finished it off with one of the cute bunnies from Lawn Fawn's Eggstra Special Easter set.

For the second card I decided to change it up a bit and use a stencil to blend some clouds on the panel.  I then used the largest die from Lawn Fawn's Outside in Stitched Rectangle to add another layer to the card. Next I pretty much followed the other steps of adding my stamping, paper grass packaging and images.

All images were colored using copic markers and a white gel pen.

Have you every used packaging when creating cards?  I'd love to hear your experience and how you used it.

 

Until Next Time

 

March 2021 SheetLoad of Cards

That's right its time for another Sheetload of Cards and this month I had a blast making birthday cards that will work for either Guys or Gals.  The best part for this month was I was able to create 12 cards using two sheets of patterned paper.

I used the fun cupcake die from Lawn Fawn and sentiments from The Ton Stamps to complete my cards.  The zig zag strip unfortunately I am not sure who it is from, I've had it for years and it was before I started labeling items in my stash.

I am also trying out my new Replica Surfaces.  I really like them for clean backgrounds however I need to work on my lighting skills now.  I used artificial light for the top photo and natural window light for the bottom photo.

 

Find out how to download the March 2021 SheetLoad of Cards, here: https://youtu.be/7fJOFmr5w8E

 

If you create cards using this month’s SheetLoad, make sure to use the following hashtags: #SUYSMar2021 #showusyoursheetload

Get more details on how to “Show Us Your SheetLoad”, here: https://youtu.be/8r6JbbGfWmo

 

Make sure to check out all of the SheetLoad collaborators!

YouTube Team:

   Call Me Crafty Al / Alicia: https://www.youtube.com/callmecraftyal/videos

   Project39 Mini Albums / Debbie: https://www.youtube.com/c/Project39MiniAlbums/videos

   Karen Aicken / Karen: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKOxgY7H_ooBinWEh0FOWvQ/videos

   Creative Chelsey / Chelsey: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCszCS397ptot3vJdvLCirTg/videos

   Bourbon Creek Crafts / Beth: https://www.youtube.com/bourboncreekcrafts/videos

   Fresh and Renewed with Teresa / Teresa: https://www.youtube.com/c/FreshandRenewedwithTeresa/videos

   Cool Cakes and Crafts with Amalia / Amalia: https://www.youtube.com/user/petunia10466/videos

 

Blog Team:

   Airbornewife Stamping / Pam: http://airbornewifestamping.blogspot.com

   Stamp with Sandie / Sandie: http://stampwithsandie.blogspot.com/

 

Instagram Team:

   @deneen03 / Deneen: https://www.instagram.com/deneen03/

   @lizzies_happy_mail / Elizabeth: https://www.instagram.com/lizzies_happy_mail

   @scrpbkgrl / Lisa: https://www.instagram.com/scrpbkgrl/

   @fuzzyslippersdesigns / Moriah: https://www.instagram.com/fuzzyslippersdesigns/

   @craftaholicmomma / Stacy: https://www.instagram.com/craftaholicmomma/

 

2021 Goals January progress

Hi Friends I thought I would pop in here today and share my progress on my 2021 goals. But first how about a quick photo of one of my Precious Moments that has a special meaning to me.

The reason this particular Precious Moment is special to me is because it was very special to my mom.  My Grandfather was in the hospital having by pass surgery and he told my mom that he wanted her to go and buy herself and my aunt a Precious Moment from him.  She bought "God Loveth a Cheerful Giver" for both her and my aunt.  Boy I sure miss both my mom and my Grandpa but every time I look at this piece it brings a smile to my face and happy memories of the love my grandfather had for his daughters. My mom also met the creator of Precious Moments Sam Butcher at a store in the Fremont Hub called the Gift Gallery where he actually hand signed three of her Precious Moments and this is one of them.  I will have to take a picture of the signature on it as well to share sometime. She was once offered a lot of money for this piece but said she couldn't sell it because of the meaning behind it and I feel the same way.

I also have to say that so far I am loving my new backdrops from Replica Surfaces and am planning to take photo's of most of my Precious Moments collection (or should I say my moms collection LOL).

 

Goal	Goal Met
Make 12 cards per month	Yes	27
Post 2 Blog posts per month	Yes	3
Complete 6 Layouts this year	No	0
Mail Cards monthly	Yes	1
Destash 20 items	Yes	1
Learn to use my Cameo	No
Use planner to track progress	Yes
Read 10 books this year	Yes	1
Try 1 new Recipe each month	No	0
Focus on eating healthy & exercise	Yes	down 8 lbs

 

As you can see in the above chart I made progress on 7 of my goals this month.

 I started eating healthy and so far have lost 8 lbs.  I have a long ways to go but am feeling pretty good about my progress so far and hope to keep it up. I am eating three meals a day with a snack in the evening and drinking approximately 100 oz of water per day along with 1 diet pepsi which I tend to have at lunch.  Anyone who knows me knows this was probably the hardest habit for me to cut down on but it was needed.  I decided to cut down to only 1 a day instead of trying to cut it out completely because I felt that was too restrictive for me and I didn't think I would stick with it.  Knowing that I can have one a day really helps.

I really want to learn to use my Silhouette Cameo 4 that I got for Christmas but truthfully I haven't even opened the box.  I need a new computer that is capable of handling the program as the computer I currently have is too old. It uses Windows Vista and it doesn't meet the minimum system requirements.  I have been saving up for a new laptop but I still have a ways to go before I will be able to get one so in the box my lovely cameo sits.  I have been watching  YouTube videos on how to use it but truth be told it is killing me not to be able to play with it yet.

I was only able to read one book in the month of January but I enjoyed it and I am currently reading the 2nd book in the series.  Did I mention I am a slow reader?  Between work, home comittments and crafting I am trying to fit in reading for enjoyment even if it's only a page or two at a time.  I love a good mystery or thriller.  

 

Do you Read just for the enjoyment of it?  If so I'd love to hear about the type of books you like to read in the comments below.

Until Next Time

 

 

 

 

February 2021 Sheet Load of Cards

This month my Sheet Load of cards didn't use any stamping instead I used a piece of American Crafts pattern paper with sentiments on it and cut them out using a circle die.  I used Pebbles pattern papers for the main papers on these cards and I really loved the soft colors. Pink and brown happen to be a favorite color combo of mine so these papers were right up my alley.

Here's a closer look at the cards 

Hope you enjoyed this month Sheet Load as much as I did.

Find out how to download the February 2021 SheetLoad of Cards, here: https://youtu.be/MgMxf5Rkxd8

 

If you create cards using this month’s SheetLoad, make sure to use the following hashtags: #SUYSFeb2021 #ShowUsYourSheetLoad

Get more details on how to “Show Us Your SheetLoad”, here: https://youtu.be/8r6JbbGfWmo

 

Make sure to check out all of the SheetLoad collaborators!

YouTube Team:

   Call Me Crafty Al / Alicia: https://www.youtube.com/callmecraftyal/videos

   Project39 Mini Albums / Debbie: https://www.youtube.com/c/Project39MiniAlbums/videos

   Karen Aicken / Karen: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKOxgY7H_ooBinWEh0FOWvQ

   Creative Chelsey / Chelsey: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCszCS397ptot3vJdvLCirTg/videos

   Bourbon Creek Crafts / Beth: https://www.youtube.com/bourboncreekcrafts/videos

   Fresh and Renewed with Teresa / Teresa: https://www.youtube.com/c/FreshandRenewedwithTeresa/videos

   Cool Cakes and Crafts with Amalia / Amalia: https://www.youtube.com/user/petunia10466/videos

 

Blog Team:

   Danni’s Dreams / Danni: http://dannisdreamscrafts.blogspot.com/

   Airbornewife Stamping / Pam: http://airbornewifestamping.blogspot.com

   Stamp with Sandie / Sandie: http://stampwithsandie.blogspot.com/

 

Instagram Team:

   @deneen03 / Deneen: https://www.instagram.com/deneen03/

   @lizzies_happy_mail / Elizabeth: https://www.instagram.com/lizzies_happy_mail

   @scrpbkgrl / Lisa: https://www.instagram.com/scrpbkgrl/

   @fuzzyslippersdesigns / Moriah: https://www.instagram.com/fuzzyslippersdesigns/

   @craftaholicmomma / Stacy: https://www.instagram.com/craftaholicmomma/

 

What is your favorite technique when card making?

Until Next Time

Sheet Load Leftovers

Hi I am back today to share the cards I made using the left over pattern papers from the January 2021 Sheet Load of Cards.  I was able to make 8 cards with the left overs. Some of the cards were made using sketches and I will make sure to note which sketches I used below.  The sketches I chose were based on the scraps of pattern paper I had left.

I used a sketch from Sunday Sketches #011 along with a sentiment from Simon Says Stamp. The heart embossing folder is from Hampton Arts. 

For these two cards I used another Sunday Sketches #002 along with stencils, dies and stamps from Lawn Fawn colored with Copic Markers.

This card uses a sketch from Operation Write Home #123, sentiment was another from Simon Says Stamp and a heart die from Lawn Fawn.

Sentiment from Simon Says Stamp and I did not use a sketch for this card and I am not sure where the scalloped die is from but the circle die is from Hero Arts.

This was the other card I made using the January 2021 Sheetload sketch and the stamps are from Pretty Pink Posh colored with Copic Markers.

I was able to make a slimline card as well.  I used stamps from Simon Says Stamp and dies from Lawn Fawn and Mama Elephant.

I think this may be my favorite card of the bunch.  I used a sentiment stamp from Simon Says Stamp along with the panda image stamp from Gerda Stiener Designs colored with copic markers and a die from My Favorite Things.

This is what is left after making all my cards.

I was able to make a total of 17 cards which I thought was pretty great and it was fun to challenge myself with using those scraps.

Are you good at using up your scraps? Let me know in the comments below.

Until Next Time

January 2021 Sheet Load of Cards

It's January 2nd and that means it's time to share this months Sheet Load of Cards.

This month if you followed the Sheet Load printable you were able to make 9 cards.  I was actually able to get 10 cards with this design but I will share the other one in my up coming blog post about using the left over pattern paper scraps to make even more cards so be sure to check back soon to see how many cards I was able to make using up those scraps.

I really liked this months layout and felt it really was great to show case these fun patterned papers from Bella Blvd.  I chose the sentiment stamps so that they could work for other occassions besides Valentines Day.  My husband and I celebrate the day we started dating which happens to be in January so the "Our love story is my favorite" will be for him this year.  The other sentiment "You make my heart smile" will be used for my girls Valentines Day cards as well as to send to family or friends who just make me smile.

Supplies Used:

Pattern Paper - Bella Blvd

Sentiment Stamps - Simon Says Stamp and Gina K

Heart Die Cuts - Lawn Fawn

 

Do you make cards for Valentines Day?  Let me know in the comments below.

 

Find out how to download the January 2021 SheetLoad of Cards, here: https://youtu.be/UaW71V0U4kk

 

If you create cards using this month’s SheetLoad, make sure to use the following hashtags: #suysjan2021 #showusyoursheetload

Get more details on how to “Show Us Your SheetLoad”, here: https://youtu.be/8r6JbbGfWmo

 

Make sure to check out all of the SheetLoad collaborators!

YouTube Team:

   Call Me Crafty Al / Alicia: https://www.youtube.com/callmecraftyal/videos

   Project39 Mini Albums / Debbie: https://www.youtube.com/c/Project39MiniAlbums/videos

   Creative Chelsey / Chelsey: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCszCS397ptot3vJdvLCirTg/videos

   Bourbon Creek Crafts / Beth: https://www.youtube.com/bourboncreekcrafts/videos

   Fresh and Renewed with Teresa / Teresa: https://www.youtube.com/c/FreshandRenewedwithTeresa/videos

 

Blog Team:

   Danni’s Dreams / Danni: http://dannisdreamscrafts.blogspot.com/

   Airbornewife Stamping / Pam: http://airbornewifestamping.blogspot.com

   Stamp with Sandie / Sandie: http://stampwithsandie.blogspot.com/

 

Instagram Team:

   @deneen03 / Deneen: https://www.instagram.com/deneen03/

   @lizzies_happy_mail / Elizabeth: https://www.instagram.com/lizzies_happy_mail

   @scrpbkgrl / Lisa: https://www.instagram.com/scrpbkgrl/

   @fuzzyslippersdesigns / Moriah: https://www.instagram.com/fuzzyslippersdesigns/

   @craftaholicmomma / Stacy: https://www.instagram.com/craftaholicmomma/

 

Until Next Time

2021 Crafty Goals & words for the year

It's a New Year so I thought I'd pop in here to share my words for the year, my crafty goals and maybe a couple non crafty goals too.

This year instead of chosing just one little word I chose two.  I kept feeling like my word for the year would be shine and kept seeing it everywhere but then I felt like the word progress would be a perfect fit.  I just couldn't make up my mind and then I thought why do I have to chose just one and so I decided on two little words for this year. 

My words are SHINE & PROGRESS

Isn't this planner cover perfect?  It was actually my planner from last year but I am re-using the cover for this year as well because I really do love it and it will be great to keep track of my progress.

Now onto my goals for the year

 

• Create 12 cards per month 
• Post on the blog at least twice a month
• mail cards each month
• Complete 6 scrapbook pages this year
• Go through my craftroom and destash 20 things this year
• Learn how to use my new silhouette
• Buy less and use more
• Use a planner to keep track of goals and progress
• Read 10 books this year
• Try 1 new recipe each month
• Focus on healthy eating and exercise habits 

 

I think these are reasonable goals but only time will tell.  I intentionally didn't put a number on the amount of cards to mail each month or how much weight I'd like to lose because I feel like mailing one card, losing any amount of weight and including any form of exercise would be progress.

 

Do you set goals, make resolutions or choose a word for the year?  I'd love to hear all about it so please leave me a comment below

Until Next Time

 

 

My Instagram 2020 Top Nine & Christmas

I loved seeing my instagram top nine for the year 2020.

Interesting to note:

• 4 of the cards are slimline
• 4 of the cards are A2 sized
• 1 photo is of my stamped and die cut images that I was getting ready to color for the daily marker 30 day coloring challange
• All nine were craft related
• the card I made for my husbands Granny's 100th birthday made the top nine and that made me smile
• I used copic markers on all the cards (even the gnome cards where I added color to the noses and beards
• 5 of the cards have Lawn Fawn images
• stencils were used on 4 of the cards
• pattern paper was used on 3 of the cards
• all nine include die cuts
• 5 include ink blending
• 3 were made using the Sheetload templates
• I need to work on my i-phone photography skills to insure consistant color and brightness in my photos

 

I was spoiled for Christmas so it looks like I will have to get busy learning how to use my new Silhouette Cameo 4.  I also received a new i-phone and the best present was that all my girls were able to be with us.

 

Do you use the Top Nine app for instagram, if so what was interesting about your Top Nine for 2020.

 

Until Next Time

Happy New Years Eve

Sheetload of Cards December 2020

It's the most wonderful time of the year and also time for another Sheetload of Cards.

If you follow this months Sheetload you are able to make a total of 9 cards.  Making multiples is one of the things about Sheetoad of Cards that I really love.  I have found myself making more sets of cards this year.  For this month I chose to make some everyday cards and chose the simple sentiment Hi.  

Here's a closer look at 3 of the cards:

I added a diecut flower from Lawn Fawn to complete my cards.

 

Find out how to download the December 2020 SheetLoad of Cards, here: https://youtu.be/oMpkpeblh1A

If you create cards using this month’s SheetLoad, make sure to use the following hashtags: #suysdec2020 #showusyoursheetload

Make sure to check out all of the SheetLoad collaborators!

YouTube Team:

   Call Me Crafty Al / Alicia: https://www.youtube.com/callmecraftyal/videos

   Bourbon Creek Crafts / Beth: https://www.youtube.com/bourboncreekcrafts/videos

   Cool Cakes and Crafts with Amalia / Amalia: https://www.youtube.com/user/petunia10466/videos

   Creative Chelsey / Chelsey: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCszCS397ptot3vJdvLCirTg/videos

   Deb Houck’s Crafty Cottage / Deb: https://www.youtube.com/c/DebHoucksCraftyCottage-DahliaDesigns/videos

   Lil Crafty Nook / Nikki: https://www.youtube.com/user/musicaligirl58/videos

   Mel’s Card Corner / Melissa: https://www.youtube.com/melscardcorner/videos

   Scrapping for Less / Teresa: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV_oc92wpRz495Cp1qYK4VQ/videos

   Stmpgrl / Paige: https://www.youtube.com/user/stmpgrl/videos

   

Blog Team:

   Airbornewife Stamping / Pam: http://airbornewifestamping.blogspot.com

   Danni’s Dreams / Danni: http://dannisdreamscrafts.blogspot.com/

   Stamp with Sandie / Sandie: http://stampwithsandie.blogspot.com/

 

Instagram Team:

   @craftaholicmomma / Stacy: https://www.instagram.com/craftaholicmomma/

   @deneen03 / Deneen: https://www.instagram.com/deneen03/

   @fuzzyslippersdesigns / Moriah: https://www.instagram.com/fuzzyslippersdesigns/

   @lizzies_happy_mail / Elizabeth: https://www.instagram.com/lizzies_happy_mail

   @scrpbkgrl / Lisa: https://www.instagram.com/scrpbkgrl/

 

If you didn’t know my favorite flower is a Daisy. What’s your favorite flower?

Until Next Time

Christmas Ornaments 2020

Each Year I make handmade ornaments. It's a tradition that my family really loves.  I remember when I stopped making ornaments for a few years and my family informed me it was the one of the things they really missed each year. About 8 years ago I started the tradition back up. 

I am sharing part of the process of making my 2020 Ornaments below and hope you enjoy.

 

I started by ink blending Candied Apple Disress Oxide ink on a small piece of Canson Watercolor paper.

Next I spritzed the paper with water from my Distress Sprayer and soaked up the excess with a paper towel.

 I die cut the Stitched Poinsettia petals from the watercolor piece and I love the look with the distress spots on them, the leaves I cut from green cardstock and I added details with a copic marker. As you can see below it really makes a difference in the look of the leaves and gives them a little depth. Finally I cut out the center pieces from Gold Glitter cardstock and then glued them together using liquid glue.

I glued the finished flowers onto some thin wood slices and put a piece of string though them to hang them from.  Most of the ornaments I only used the medium and small petals because of the size of the wood slices.

I really like the way they turned out and hope you enjoyed seeing a little of the process.

Do you make homemade ornaments if so I would love it if you would share your ideas with me.

Until Next Time

November Sheetload of Card share

I'm back today with another Sheetload of Cards to share with you.  One of the things that I really love about the sheetload of cards is that it helps me get the most out of my supplies. This month I decided to focus on some Teacher appreciation cards.  I work at a school and I see first hand just how much our teachers are going above and beyond during these crazy times and I know they will appreciate some words of encouragement.  

The November Sheetload of Cards made a total of 6 cards.  I used Lawn Fawn stamps and dies as well as pattern paper from Bella Blvd to make my cards.  I'd love to see what you create using the November Sheetload of Cards.  To find out how to download a copy for yourself please head over to Alicia's YouTube channel which you can find here.

 

If you decide to play along and create cards using this months sketch please use the hashtags

 #suysnov2020 #showusyoursheetload

Make sure to check out all of the SheetLoad collaborators!

YouTube Team:

   Call Me Crafty Al / Alicia: https://www.youtube.com/callmecraftyal/videos

   Bourbon Creek Crafts / Beth: https://www.youtube.com/bourboncreekcrafts/videos

   Cool Cakes and Crafts with Amalia / Amalia: https://www.youtube.com/user/petunia10466/videos

   Creative Chelsey / Chelsey: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCszCS397ptot3vJdvLCirTg/videos

   Deb Houck’s Crafty Cottage / Deb: https://www.youtube.com/c/DebHoucksCraftyCottage-DahliaDesigns/videos

   Lil Crafty Nook / Nikki: https://www.youtube.com/user/musicaligirl58/videos

   Mel’s Card Corner / Melissa: https://www.youtube.com/melscardcorner/videos

   Scrapping for Less / Teresa: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV_oc92wpRz495Cp1qYK4VQ/videos

   Stmpgrl / Paige: https://www.youtube.com/user/stmpgrl/videos

   

Blog Team:

   Airbornewife Stamping / Pam: http://airbornewifestamping.blogspot.com

   Danni’s Dreams / Danni: http://dannisdreamscrafts.blogspot.com/

   Stamp with Sandie / Sandie: http://stampwithsandie.blogspot.com/

 

Instagram Team:

   @craftaholicmomma / Stacy: https://www.instagram.com/craftaholicmomma/

   @deneen03 / Deneen: https://www.instagram.com/deneen03/

   @fuzzyslippersdesigns / Moriah: https://www.instagram.com/fuzzyslippersdesigns/

   @lizzies_happy_mail / Elizabeth: https://www.instagram.com/lizzies_happy_mail

   @scrpbkgrl / Lisa: https://www.instagram.com/scrpbkgrl/

If you're a card maker which type of cards do you make the most?

Until Next Time

Using supplies I already have / Christmas Cards

I am back today to share a couple of cards I made using up supplies I already had in my stash.  I finally had to face the fact that I am a paper crafter and over the years I have accumulated supplies faster than I can use them. That started to change this year when I decided to get my craft room in order and when my medical insurance went up so much that my monthly crafting budget took a big hit.  

My very good friend Laura is the queen of organizing and I admire her ability to be ruthless when she purges supplies.  I started going through my collection of patterned paper and am happy to say I was able to let go of about 24 inches worth. I still have a long way to go but I am feeling more confident in my ability to let things go and get this done. It's funny how getting rid of things can actually make you feel better and become more productive.

Are you good at purging supplies or do you struggle with it?

Until Next Time

Gel Press & Edgeless Shaker Butterfly card

After watching Jennifer McGuire's video on using a gel press I knew I had to try it out.  This background is one of my first attempts at this fun and easy technique.  After making several of them back in September, I set them aside.  Yesterday while I was having lunch at work I decided to watch a couple of YouTube videos.  One of the video's that was suggested for me to watch was Easy Frameless Shaker Cards by Ilda Dias.  After watching the video I knew I had to try out her technique using a page protector right away and I couldn't wait to get off work.

Once I arrived home I headed straight to my craftroom and got busy working on a frameless shaker.  I started digging around in my stash of previously made backgrounds and pulled this one out.  Next I went into my stash of previously stamped sentiments and found this one that I really liked. Finally I went to my stamp sets to find the perfect butterfly stamp to go with it.  I colored and cut out the butterfly and then it was time to assemble my card.  

The great thing about an edgeless shaker is it will be easy to mail since no foam tape was needed. The shaker bits still have very nice movement to them as well.

I am usually the kind of crafter that will sit down and make a card from scratch all at one time however lately I have been making backgrounds using fun techniques and setting them aside for later.  I also have been stamping images and or sentiments when I get together with my aunt.  She has quite the collection of stamps and dies so it's fun to beable to use ones I don't have. The nice thing about this is when I need a card I am able to put one together really quickly.  I think this card took me all of about 20 minutes to create mainly because I had to stamp, color and cut out the butterfly.

Are you the type of crafter that makes a card all at one time or do you prefer to make your cards in steps? I'd love for you to share your answer in the comments below.

Supplies: Gel Press - Gel Plate 8x10, Stamp - Gina K Designs, Butterfly - Simon Says Stamp, Copic Markers, Sequins - Pretty Pink Posh & Studio Katia, Ink - Ranger Distress Oxide

 

Until Next Time

October 2020 Sheetload of Cards Share

I have 8 cards to share today featuring the October 2020 Sheetload of Cards design.  This month I knew I wanted to knock out a few more Christmas cards.

Each month Alicia from the Call Me Crafty Al YouTube channel creates a sketch along with a cutting guide which when followed will make between 6 to 12 cards.  With the October sketch you are able to make a set of 8 cards using two sheets of pattern paper as well as some card stock. 

When I first came across Alicia's channel I was so inspired and just couldn't get enough. I quickly found myself downloading all previous sketches and making more cards than ever in a shorter amount of time. Then in January she put out a call for collaborators and I submitted my application to be on the Instagram team.  I am honored that I was lucky enough to be chosen to be a part of the team and happy that I get to share my take on her sketches each month. 

First I gathered the papers, stamps and dies that I wanted to use and then I got to work cutting out all the pieces of pattern paper and card stock.  Next I die cut all my gnomes and glued them together and then stamped and heat embossed my sentiments. Then it was time to put them all together which really didn't take that long.

Supplies: Pattern Paper Bella Blvd, Cardstock Lawn Fawn, Glitter cardstock Lawn Fawn, Stamps Lawn Fawn, Gnome die cut Simon Says Stamp, Copic Markers

 

If you'd like to find out how you can down the October 2020 Sheetload of Cards sketch and cutting guide please click here.

 

If you decide to play along and create cards using this months sketch please use the hashtags

 #suysoct2020 #showusyoursheetload

so that we can find your work as well.

Please be sure to stop by and check out all the other Sheetload collaborators and leave them some love.  

Blog Team:

   Airbornewife Stamping / Pam: http://airbornewifestamping.blogspot.com

   Stamp with Sandie / Sandie: http://stampwithsandie.blogspot.com/

Instagram Team:

   @craftaholicmomma / Stacy: https://www.instagram.com/craftaholicmomma/

   @deneen03 / Deneen: https://www.instagram.com/deneen03/

   @fuzzyslippersdesigns / Moriah: https://www.instagram.com/fuzzyslippersdesigns/

   @lizzies_happy_mail / Elizabeth: https://www.instagram.com/lizzies_happy_mail

   @scrpbkgrl / Lisa: https://www.instagram.com/scrpbkgrl/

YouTube Team:

   Call Me Crafty Al / Alicia: https://www.youtube.com/callmecraftyal/videos

   Bourbon Creek Crafts / Beth: https://www.youtube.com/bourboncreekcrafts/videos

   Cool Cakes and Crafts with Amalia / Amalia: https://www.youtube.com/user/petunia10466/videos

   Creative Chelsey / Chelsey: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCszCS397ptot3vJdvLCirTg/videos

   Danni’s Dreams / Danni: https://www.youtube.com/user/DannisDreams

   Deb Houck’s Crafty Cottage / Deb: https://www.youtube.com/c/DebHoucksCraftyCottage-DahliaDesigns/videos

   Lil Crafty Nook / Nikki: https://www.youtube.com/user/musicaligirl58/videos

   Mel’s Card Corner / Melissa: https://www.youtube.com/melscardcorner/videos

   Scrapping for Less / Teresa: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV_oc92wpRz495Cp1qYK4VQ/videos

   Stmpgrl / Paige: https://www.youtube.com/user/stmpgrl/videos

 

Do you enjoy making multiple cards at once or do you prefer to make one card at a time? Let me know in the comments.

Until next time

Card Making Challenge #1

We all have times where we find ourselves in a creative slump.  I decided to try and do something about the one I recently found myself in.  I  challenged myself using the following guidelines.

1. Use stamps from multiple stamp sets on one card.
2. Choose a technique shared by the talented Jennifer McGuire.  
3. Make multiple cards at one time.

I decided to use the Sentiment Background technique from one of Jennifer's blog posts found here.  It was fun and a little time consuming going through all my different stamp sets but in the end I was so happy with the way this turned out. When looking through my stamp sets I realized that I was not just looking at the newest sets in my collection but any set I thought would work for the graduation cards I was making.  I ended up using stamps from 10 different stamp sets on my card.

With so many stamp companies coming out with new releases all the time I find myself feeling like I need to use the latest and greatest to make cards.  I was so happy to use stamp sets that I hadn't picked up in quite awhile and even one stamp set that has been retired.  This was a great experience and I am planning to challenge myself more often so that I can start building up my card stash and not be so last minute every time I seem to need a card LOL. I ended up making 13 cards as a result of this challenge and I'd call that a success.

Here's a few idea's of ways you can challenge yourself.

1. One stamp set 5 ways - check out Suzy Plantamura's blog to see the way she does this.
2. Using stamps from different companies to make one of a kind truly unique cards. You can check out Nicole Spohr's blog to see the way she does this often.
3. Make an interactive card.  Check out pinterest or you tube and search for interactive cards and you'll find something that is sure to inspire you.

If you have hit a creative road block try to challenge yourself and see what you can come up and then I'd sure love to hear about it.

Until Next Time

 

 

 

A new photo project

I started a new photo project on September 15th the same day I started a new workshop called "A Year In The Making".    We were challenged to do a 365 photo project during our year together in class.  I hadn't picked up my Canon 7D in a long time and at first I thought no I can't do this so I will attempt to do a project 52 like I did a couple of years ago.  But then I picked up my camera and just started falling in love with photography all over again.  I am not a professional and don't want to be one at this point.  I just want to take pictures and tell stories that someday maybe my children or grandchildren will be able to read or look back on and know exactly what I was thinking.  I think often about what it would mean to have the stories that go along with some of the photo's I have from when I was small in either my mom or my grandma's voice.  I don't want my girls to wish they could know what I was thinking I want them to know.  So this year I plan to take a photo daily and then at least a few times each month post them here on my blog along with the stories that go along with them.  I realize that all the photo's are not going to have stories but I'm going to try real hard to take photo's of meaning for the most part this year.

Day 1 - the beginning of my project life album for this year along with my chosen word to focus on.

Day 2 - Our current pet, Noah doodle.  Actually he is Kayley's dog but since she still lives at home he's ours too.  He goes to work with Kayley most days as she is a pet trainer.  

Day 3 - We went to the Oakland Zoo and had a blast.  This photo is my favorite from the day.  Ron's been ill the last few years and unless he is sitting down he usually doesn't hold our Granddaughter Audi because he is afraid he will drop her.  This day he had a great day the first in many months and he was able to horse around with her and hold her and it melted my heart. However the next several days he was down and still really hasn't had another day like this.  I will treasure each day he has a good day.  

Day 4 - Didn't do too much because Ron was down.  These flower trees in our backyard are so pretty to me and they are usually kept trimmed and nice looking however they are crazy out of control right now because Ron hasn't been able to trim them.  

Day 5 - Today started my story telling photo's.  My dad was a brick mason from the time I was born until he retired a few years before he passed away.  Growing up I used to tell my dad I wanted to be just like him and be a brick layer but he always told me no.  He did let me use his tools and let me smooth out the joints of his work from time to time.  When he retired he took his trowel and hammer and had them chromed.  My mom Jeanne recently gave them to me and I will treasure them.  I still remember the day he was working in my back yard building some pillars for us and Holly asked if she could help.  He told her yes and then helped her lay her first brick. 

Day 6 - My mom was a precious moment collector and this was the last piece she ever received.  A close friend of the family Lionel gave it to her.  The saying on it is "Lord I'm coming home".  For years after my mom died I wanted to smash this piece but now it brings me comfort and I am thankful that I did not smash it.

Day 7 - I picked up my oldest Granddaughter Angelina from soft ball practice and asked her if I could take a quick photo of her.  She said she didn't look good and I told her she is always beautiful.  Her smile can light up a room and my heart.  I asked her if she would like to start learning photography and handed her my Canon Rebel xti.  She said she wants to learn so we will be practicing together a lot this year if I have my way.  Love this girly with my whole heart!

 

I have a feeling this photo project will test me and help me grow in my photography skills this year.  I am looking forward to it and also looking forward to jumping back into blogging about life and my crafts and who knows what else.

What are you looking forward to this year?

Until Next Time

 

Share Handmade Kindness

The very kind Jennifer McGuire has started the share handmade kindness challenge.  I for one will be participating and am so excited to do so.  Please check out her website here for all the details.

 

 

Here is my card for the challenge.  I used the no line watercolor technique and peerless watercolors for this card and love the way it turned out.  It made me feel like a watercolor artist. I also tried a little hand lettering for my sentiment. I hope to make the person I am sending this too smile.

Join the fun in whatever way you can and we will spread kindness around the world! Don't forget to use the hashtag #sharehandmadekindness

Until Next time!

I'm Back

This year has been full of challenges and I haven't picked up my camera in so long or blogged in so long. I wasn't sure if I even should continue to blog but here I am.  I am sharing a photo that was taken way back in April and even published in the local news paper.  

This is the face she makes when someone says selfie and I love her selfie face LOL.

My sweet little grand baby is not so little any more and as a matter of fact is turning 2 next week.  I will definitely have to post more recent photo's of her.   She has changed so much and I am enjoying it all.

I have been trying to be kind to myself this year. I won't beat myself up or say I'm sorry for not blogging in so long it's just a part of my life right now and I'm ok with that. 

Until Next time

 

Happy New Year!!!

Well it's that time of year again when I decide on my "one little word" for the year.

At the end of 2009 I heard about the concept of chosing one little word for the year to focus on instead of making resolutions through reading Ali Edwards blog which you can find out more about by clicking here. I chose my first word for 2010 and loved the whole concept of it and it has become a tradition for me now.

This year I have chosen the word Kind (or should I say it chose me).  I had a word picked out and then the night before New Years Eve I woke in the middle of the night and the word kind was just stuck in my head.  

I am excited to see where this one little word will take me this year.

Here's a quote I found about being kind on this fun blog.  

This is the way I want to live my life.

By focusing on the word kind this year I am hoping to be kinder to people around me and notice the kindness of others as well.  Today I was touched by the kindness of a nurse at the doctor's office when I went in because I am not feeling too well.  

Have you chosen one little word for the year or do you still make New Year's Resolutions? Leave me a comment and let me know I would love to hear all about it.

Until Next Time!

Project 52

Project 52 or should I say project 49 as it turned out was quite fun and challenging all at the same time.  When I started out at the begining of 2014 I decided to take on a Project 52 and take a photo of my sweet  little granddaughter once a week for a total of 52 photo's through the year.  There were times I was out of town on vacation or times when my sweet little grand baby was not feeling so well and at the end of the year it was my turn to get sick.  So I think I did pretty well getting 49 photo's.  

49/52 - She had a great Christmas and loved her Sofia the 1st jammies we bought her.

48/52 - This was our little cutie in a gift bag and I thought she made a great present LOL

So with these photo's 2014 comes to a close.

Until Next time