It's been quite a while since I participated in a challenge! I went with CAS-ual Fridays this time around since I really liked the sketch for the current challenge.

I made this masculine card for my dad for his birthday. It's pretty simple and basic. I stamped the dots and swirls on the Linen cardstock, then ran it through the embossing folder for added interest. I hope this has inspired you in some way today! Thanks for taking a peek!

Supplies:

Stamps: Papertrey Ink - Grunge Me, Modern Basics (sentiment)

Cardstock: PTI - Linen, Rustic Cream; SU - Basic Black

Ink: SU - Basic Black, Mellow Moss

Other: Embossing Folder - Tiny Mosaic (Cuttlebug); Twine: Divine Twine

DeNami Design Anything But a Card Blog Hop

Welcome! You've reached the next stop on the DeNami blog hop. If you came from Sarah's blog, you're right on track! If not and you'd like to start at the beginning, head on over to the DeNami blog to get started!

I have created a paper ornament and a gift tag. I used this Tutorial for the ornament...it's really easy to do! I used a thinner kind of cardstock, and stamped the Starlet stamp repeatedly to get a patterned paper effect.

The next stop is the VERY talented Michele Gross! Thanks for the visit, and see ya around blogland!

365 Cards Publication!

WOW! The day has finally come! My first published cards are officially in print! This is a very exciting time for me. I received my copy of Paper Crafts "365 Cards" over the weekend, and oddly enough, the first page I opened to had one of my cards!! Imagine that! Below is a look at that very card...

I love the rainbow colors in this! The red, orange and green sections are patterned paper, just cut into strips. Then, I used PTI's Modern Basics stamp set for the blue leaves, and the purple sentiment. Thanks is stamped on separate cardstock and popped up with dimensionals. It's a very simple card to make, and you can easily swap out different patterned papers and colors!

I can only post one of my cards here on my blog, but I'll give you a hint where you can see the other one! Visit the Paper Crafts Magazine blog, and scroll down to the fourth card...

This special issue goes on sale today, so get out to your nearest craft store and pick up a copy of this very inspirational magazine! You'll get so many ideas...one for every day of the year! :)

Thanks for stopping by! I would love to hear your thoughts on my first published cards!

Supplies:

Stamps: Papertrey Ink - Modern Basics

Cardstock: PTI - Rustic Cream
Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket - Social Club, Salt Air.

Ink: SU - Night of Navy; Tsukineko - Eggplant

Other: Dimensionals

Make it Monday #39 - background building

Oh boy do I LUUVVV this week's PTI Make it Monday!! Creating your own custom background papers using stamps is just limitless!! I would make 100 cards for this challenge if I only had the time ;)

November is a very busy card month for me. My hubby, dad, and bro-in-law all have Nov bdays! Plus, we have a wedding to attend next week, so I gotta get on the ball and make a card for that too! :)

Well, I am ahead of the game a little for one b-day card (I am notorious for making last-minute cards!) thanks to this MIM!

My hubby loves music. Playing it, listening to it, talking about it, and singing along with it (often times changing very nice lyrics to very inappropriate ones) :/ Anyway, I finally got my hands on a couple "Dude" stamp sets, and I'm just loving them! My very girly stamp collection was in desperate need of some masculinity ;)

To highlight the guitar, I adhered it to the black diecut, popped up the diecut and the sentiment for added dimension. I love how this turned out....I think it's pretty Rockin'! :D

Supplies:

Stamps: Papertrey Ink - Boy Basics: Rock On; Grunge Me

Cardstock: PTI - White; SU - Going Gray, Basic Black

Ink: SU - Cherry Cobbler, Elegant Eggplant; TH Distress Ink - Pumice Stone, Tea Dye, Faded Jeans

Other: Nesties Circles, Dimensionals

DeNami Fall Blog Hop

For my Operation Julie's Smile Blog Hop post, please click HERE
 

Hello and welcome to the next stop on the DeNami Mini Cards Blog Hop! If you came from Tina's blog, then you are on the right track. If not, be sure to head over to the DeNami Blog to start from the beginning! You will definitely want to visit each blog and leave a comment for every participant because there are TWO $20 DeNami Design gift certificates up for grabs!!

I used the Thanksgiving Chickies stamp as the main focus of my card. It is such a cute scene, isn't it?!?! I used some gold Stickles to highlight the pumpkins and the Chickie's beaks. Around the edge I added a few swirls and leaves from the Leaf Accents Stamp Set. Finishing touches include the ribbon and button! I would love to hear your thoughts, so please remember to leave me a comment before you head to Amy Smidebush's blog!!

Supplies:

Stamps: DeNami: Thanksgiving Chickies, Leaf Accents Stamp Set

Cardstock: Core'dinations; PTI - Fine Linen

Ink: SU: Basic Black
Ribbon: PTI: Twill Tape - Terracotta Tile

Other: Diecuts: Spellbinders - Grand Labels Eleven; PTI Button; Stickles - Golden Rod

Operation Julie's Smile Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to the next stop on the hop! I am so glad you joined us on this amazing blog hop for Operation Julie's Smile. If you came here from Joycelyn Turner's blog, then you are in the right spot. If not, you many want to start from the beginning at the Sweet Stamp Shop's Blog (where a complete list of participants is) and take your time. You have ALL WEEKEND to hop with us and win prizes! Prizes will be drawn from: 1) Blog Comments - 2) PayPal Donation List - 3) Blog Hop Hosts

If you are unfamiliar with Julie's story, please read on.

The creative blogging community is coming together this weekend to help one of our friends, Julie Ranae. You may know her as the design team coordinator for many wonderful companies from Bakers Twine, die cuts, rubber stamps, and more. What many people don't know about Julie is that she has had some pretty major dental surgeries in her lifetime due to medication she had to take as a child.

Unfortunately, about a month ago, she chipped her front teeth. The dentist told her there was no way to save them, and that it was his recommendation that she give in and have all her teeth removed soon, but for that day, they needed to get her front teeth done so her gums could begin to heal. He said he would "work out payments with her to have ALL this work done", but when she called to make her appt for the 1st step of impressions, they told her the amount of money that was needed and that the "payments applied only to the two teeth that were extracted that day."

Her husband Paul was with her and that was his understanding as well. So this is how she found herself in this situation - needing at least $4,000 to get started and another $3,000 to finish the process. A total of $7,000!

If there is anything you can do to help with a financial donation, there is a Paypal donation button in my sidebar, ready for you to click >>>> Any amount is appreciated and ALL donations will be eligible for prizes from our sponsor pool of over $2,500!

Ok, now on to the CRAFTY stuff! Here's the card I created for this hop, and for a special couple who is getting married today! The picture doesn't do it justice...there are dots of Liquid Pearls throughout the stamped flowers...just beautiful when the light hits it the right way!

I hope you enjoyed your stop here! The next stop is JenMarie Taylor's blog. Make sure you leave a comment here before you go so that you can have a chance at the amazing prizes up for grabs and if you can, please make a donation so we can help bring back a new smile for our friend.

Supplies:

Stamps: Papertrey Ink - Gracious Vases; DeNami - Congratulations Script

Cardstock: PTI -Rustic Cream

Ink: SU - Elegant Eggplant; Tsukineko - Starlite Silver

Other: PTI Silk Ribbon; Pearl Stickers - Recollections; Liquid Pearls - Platinum Pearl

Celebrate Always...

I went to a wedding over the weekend, and thought I'd share the card I gave to the new happy couple! One of my favorite embellishments are pearl stickers. They add a very special touch, in my opinion! :)

Supplies:

Stamps: Papertrey Ink - Mat Stack 2 Collection, Boxes Bags & Tags

Cardstock: SU -Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip

Patterned Paper: Jillibean Soup - Dutch Mustard Soup

Ink: SU: Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip

Dies/Punches: EK Success Edger Punch - Acanthus Leaf; PTI - Mat Stack 2;
Spellbinders - Labels Four

Other: Pearl Stickers - Recollections, Dimensionals

Let's Try this Again...

I was not contacted by the original blog candy winner, so today might be your lucky day! Time to pick a new winner! This time it's....Carol!

Carol, please send me an email to designer_purple (at) yahoo (dot) com with your full name and mailing address by Tues, Sept 27th so I can get your goodies out to you!

Blog Candy Winner!!

It's time to announce the very special lucky lady who won my blog candy! I apologize for the delay in this post, but I started a new job recently and this was a pretty stressful week for me. I'm hoping it's better in the weeks to come :) Thanks to all who stopped by and entered the candy. It was fun reading your comments and hearing what your favorite card is! So now....the randomly selected winner IS....

Larissa Heskett!

Congrats Larissa! Please send me an email with your mailing address to designer_purple (at) yahoo (dot) com by SATURDAY, SEPT 10th, and I will get the package out to you! If I don't hear from you by then, I will have to choose another winner.

Have a great Labor Day weekend everyone!

100TH POST BLOG CANDY GIVEAWAY!

Hello Fabulous Followers! A special hello and WELCOME goes out to all of you who are new to my blog!

I have finally reached my 100th blog post and to celebrate, I am giving away the goodies you see below to a very lucky winner! (See the itemized list below the picture)

IF I REACH 200 FOLLOWERS by the end of the giveaway, there will be a SECOND winner of a special mystery blog candy! Make sure to spread the word to all your crafty friends! :)

(Only US residents are eligible)

Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Eleven Die
Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Wild Honey
Pearl Stickers
Inkadinkado Beach theme clear stamps
K&Company "Roam" Tag Pad
K&Company Adhesive Chipboard Alphabet
K&Company Die-cut Alphabet Stickers
DCWV Mariposa Alphabet Stickers
Cloud9 Glitter Stickers

HOW TO ENTER:

*Leave a comment on THIS post for EACH of the following that applies to you*

1) You must be a follower (new followers are welcome! US residents only, please)

2) Post about this giveaway on your blog, linking back here. It can be a post or in your sidebar.

3) Take a look around and tell me which of my cards is your favorite!

This means you have up to 3 entries to win!

The giveaway will run through Wednesday, August 31st. I will randomly choose a winner (two winners if I reach 200 followers), and post the results here on my blog by Thursday evening, Sept 1st! Make sure to check back to see if you are a winner! :)

CAS Birthday Card

Hello all! I have a clean and simple card to share with you today. I've combined the following challenges....


Horizontal Sketch Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

CR84FN37 Color Challenge

Papertrey's Make it Monday #30: Colored Pencils

....to come up with this! The flower is handmade out of PTI Satin Ribbon using this Tutorial. I colored in the butterfly with 3 different Prismacolor pencils for a graphic, striped look. What do you think? I would love to hear your feedback! Thanks for visiting!

Supplies:

Stamps: Papertrey Ink - Modern Basics, Borders and Corners Monogram Edition (sentiment)

Cardstock: PTI - White

Ink: SU: Bashful Blue, Sage Shadow; StazOn: Black
Ribbon: PTI - Hawaiian Shores Satin

Other: Prismacolor Pencils; Pearl Brad - the Paper Studio; Other pearl stickers - Recollections

DeNami Product Spotlight - Solid Polka Dot Border

Good morning! It's time for the next Product Spotlight over at the DeNami Design blog! This is my last post as a Guest Designer. It's been a fun month being a part of all the fun, and now I'll show you my project featuring the Solid Polka Dot Border stamp.

This is a very simple card to make, and you can change up the color scheme in a heartbeat. The background pattern was created using the Mini Starlet. The dark purple cardstock was embossed using a Tim Holtz Texture Fades folder. I stamped the Solid Polka Dot Border twice on white cardstock, and cut them out. A hole was poked near the end on each one, and I threaded Baker's Twine through to create the bow. Lastly, the congrats tag from the Thoughtful Greetings Petit Fours set is the finishing touch!

I hope you enjoyed my card, and thanks for stopping by!
My blog candy giveaway ends in one week, so make sure to check it out --------> HERE

Cardstock Organization and Storage

A few months ago, I finally got all my cardstock labels printed and assigned to the correct folder! You see, the cardstock was organized into separate file folders, but I didn't have labels on them for the longest time! What good are separate folders if you don't know what is inside them?!?!

Here's what I did...

• Typed the name of every color of cardstock I have, and put either "SU" or "PTI" for Stampin' Up! or Papertrey Ink after the name. I printed on regular white printer paper, then used my paper cutter to cut them out quickly
• Left some blank space to the left of the name to place a small circle punch shape for a sample of the color!
• Placed the label inside the clear tab, then attached the color swatch to the outside of the tab with a little dab of adhesive
• Alternated each tab in a different position so it's easy to read the labels
• Opted to organize it by color, not alphabetically or by color family

Edited 11/8/11: I've had a few questions about the size of the file box I use.
It's about 14" x 23" x 10". Here is a link to a box just like it. Hope this helps! 

I LOVE THIS SYSTEM!! Makes finding the color I need SO easy! It is also a good reminder to use colors I don't use that often. The pieces you see right in front are half sheets that are already cut. It's easy to quickly check that spot if I need a specific color. I hope this guide was helpful and gave you some ideas on how to organize your stash of cardstock! If you have any questions, just leave a comment on this post! :-)

PTI Make it Monday AND CAS-ual Fridays/Clean and Simple Stamping...

I'm so excited to have a chance to do a card for a few challenges!  It feels like AGES since I made a challenge card, LOL!

I've combined Papertrey Ink's Make it Monday #28: Glitter Die Borders, and CAS-ual Fridays CFC#15, who have teamed up with Clean and Simple Stamping for a sketch! WOW...that's a mouthful, HUH?!?

I really love the look of the glitter border around the die-cut shape. I would have never thought to do something like this! I used the Mat Stack 2 PTI die to trace around with a glue pen, and then sprinkled it with glitter. The stamped die-cut shape is popped up with foam adhesive for that added touch of dimension.

The flower is a 'sparkly' white Prima flower. I inked the edges with a bit of ink to give it character and to match the dark pink in the sentiment and twine. The photo just doesn't do all that glitter and sparkle justice!!

Thanks for stopping by for a visit!!!

Supplies:

Stamps: Papertrey Ink - Background Basics: Diamonds, Mat Stack 2 Collection, Signature Greetings

Cardstock: SU - Close to Cocoa; PTI - Rustic Cream

Ink: SU: Mellow Moss, Purely Pomegranate; Tsukineko - VersaMagic: Jumbo Java

Other: Twinery Twine: Pink Sorbet; Prima Flower; PK Glitz Glitter - Sand; SU Brad; Dimensionals

DeNami Mini Cards Blog Hop

* TO SEE MY BLOG CANDY POST ----> GO HERE *

Hello and welcome to the next stop on the DeNami Mini Cards Blog Hop! If you came from Carol's blog, then you are on the right track. If not, be sure to head over to the DeNami Blog to start from the beginning! You will definitely want to visit each blog and leave a comment for every participant because there are TWO $20 DeNami Design gift certificates up for grabs!!

I chose some bright, summery colors for these mini cards. They all coordinate, so it would be a cute little gift to package up and give to someone special.

The patterned paper was created using stamps from the latest DeNami release: 
Ornamental Flowers
Leaf Accents
Ornamental Vine

The sentiments are from the Thoughtful Greetings stamp set. I stamped them on a piece of vellum, scored a line along the top and bottom edge, and added a couple of matching buttons!

If you haven't heard, I am having a special giveaway to celebrate 100 posts!
Check it out HERE!

Your next stop is Shirley Chang.

DeNami Product Spotlight - Rainbow

* TO SEE MY BLOG CANDY POST ----> GO HERE *

Good morning! It's time for the next Product Spotlight over at the DeNami Design blog! Since I am the Guest Designer this month, I get to show you my project featuring the Rainbow stamp.

I stamped the Rainbow, and instead of coloring it in, I stamped a bunch of the Mini Hearts, and then filled them with a colorful mix of Stickles.

*TIP* - I didn't have ALL the different colors of Stickles, so I colored a few with ink and a blender pen, and then used clear Stickles on top of them! :)

The Heart Chickie sits perfectly underneath the Rainbow, don't you think?! I added a pink rhinestone to that heart, and then 2 small red rhinestones in the other two hearts. The background pattern was created using one of my favorites, Curly Garland Border.

I hope you enjoyed my card, and thanks for stopping by!
If you haven't entered my blog candy giveaway yet, check it out --------> HERE

Hint. Hint. (and a Card!)

I know I haven't been posting a lot of cards lately. My July was a VERY busy month, and things have settled down a bit now. I look forward to squeezing more crafty time in!

Something I've mentioned a few times before is that I will be doing a BLOG CANDY giveaway for my 100th post. Well....this post is number 99! So that means VERY VERY SOON you will get to see what goodies I have for you! If you are a stamper/card maker, I think you will be pleased ;-)

Take a look at my card below. This was my first application for the Spellbinders Design Team earlier this year. I love how it turned out, and I was absolutely shocked to hear that I made it through the first round. Unfortunately, I didn't make it past the second round, but was so happy to be included among so many other talented people in round one.

Spellbinders is one of my favorite manufacturers. Their dies are just plain AWESOME! Do you have any Spellbinders dies?? Which is your favorite? How many do you have?

*Like I said before, you will love the blog candy*

**hint**hint**

Thanks for visiting!

Supplies:

Cardstock: Stampin' Up - Sage Shadow, Very Vanilla
Patterned Paper: The Paper Studio - Poteeka Souffle

Spellbinder Dies: Classic Squares LG, Labels Nine
Other: Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - Textile; Prima Flower; DeNami Button, Dimensionals

DeNami Sketch Challenge #9 - I'm a Guest Designer!!

Today is a very special day for me! It's my debut as the August Guest Designer for DeNami Design Rubber Stamps! They are one of my favorite stamp companies, with the cutest, most elegant, and whimsical stamps! Some of you may be familiar with them, but if not, I encourage you to go check them out! The blog is also full of lots of ideas! I am positive you will find SOMETHING you like ;)

Today begins the next challenge, a Sketch Challenge by owner and stamp creator, Nami. You have until Sunday, August 28 at 11:59 PM PST to have your card uploaded to your blog or photo gallery, and linked to the sketch challenge thread on the DeNami blog. We would LOVE for you to participate in the challenge and see what awesome things you do with this sketch! The winner will receive a gift certificate to the DeNami online store!

I used some of my favorite stamps from the new collection for this card. The Water Lily takes center stage on a Spellbinders Fancy Tag, and I created some patterned paper with one of the stamps from the Ornamental Flowers Stamp Set. Of course, I had to add a little bling to each of the leaves---such a fun finishing touch! I also added a dab of clear Stickles on each leaf of the Water Lily.

Thank you SO MUCH for stopping by for a visit today! It would mean the world to me if you took a minute to leave me some feedback on my FIRST card as a Guest Designer!! :) I'll be back with another post or two this week!

Supplies:

Stamps: DeNami - Water Lily , Ornamental Flowers Stamp Set

Cardstock: PTI - White; SU - Basic Black, Cool Caribbean
Ink: SU - Basic Black, Rich Razzleberry

Other: Spellbinders Fancy Tags Three, Stickles, White Pearl Stickers, Dimensionals

My attempt at Gallery Idol 2011...

Good morning!

I've been eager to share a very special card I made recently for a chance at Paper Crafts Gallery Idol 2011. The top 20 finalists were announced yesterday on the PC blog, but unfortunately I was not one of them. It was my first attempt at this, and with 1600+ entries, there were some awesome submissions!! Check out the list of finalists, and get ready to vote starting Monday for your gallery idol!

The theme was Congrats and I really wanted to think outside the box for this one. Well, I think I accomplished that goal! What do you think?!?! I would LOVE to hear your comments!

I chose to do a non-traditional shape - A BABY BIB! I hand-drew the shape on cardstock, cut it out, and traced it again on Bashful Blue cardstock, and cut out a border from that as the trim for the bib. I'm not gonna lie...it was pretty tedious, but I think well-worth the finished product! I also made a little pocket on the front (you know how a lot of those baby bibs have one so it catches the extra food, lol) for a place to put a smaller card for the recipient's message.

I hope you have enjoyed this! Just a reminder that I have 3 more posts until my 100th post BLOG CANDY GIVEAWAY! :)

Supplies:

Stamps: DeNami - Polka Dot Elephant, Polka Dot Background, Congratulations Script, Giraffe

Cardstock: PTI - White, Stampin' Up - Bashful Blue, Mellow Moss, Pretty in Pink
Ink: SU - Bashful Blue, Mellow Moss, Pretty in Pink, Apricot Appeal, Whisper White

Other: PTI - Medium Scallop Border die; Divine Twine; SU Corner Rounder Punch; Buttons

Cardabilities Design Team Reveal #34: Patriotic Card

 

Welcome to Cardabilities Design Team Reveal #34! This is my last post as a design team member, and I want to thank Karan and the rest of the design team for this fun experience! :)

This week's sponsor is Robyn's Fetish Digital Stamps and More. They will award either 5 digital stamps or 4 digital stamps and 1 paper pack of the winner's choice to the winner of this challenge. So what are you waiting for?! Get in that craft room and create something with this awesome sketch!

I decided to rotate the sketch and use a patriotic theme. I can't believe July is almost here...but that means it's time for BBQ's, time spent with family and friends, and a long weekend just around the corner!

I used a the Primitive Birdhouse digital stamp by Robyn's Fetish Digital Stamps and More, and colored in parts of the image with a blender pen and ink. The banner on the side is made using PTI's Banner Builder dies and stamp set.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

I am very excited to tell you that I am only 4 POSTS away from publishing my 100th post! I will have a very special BLOG CANDY GIVEAWAY to celebrate this occasion! I can't tell you when it will be posted, but it's likely going to be in the month of July (my favorite month). So make sure to visit me often so you don't miss it!!! Happy 4th of July weekend to you all!!!

Supplies:

Stamps: Robyn's Fetish - Primitive Birdhouse Digital Stamp; PTI - Banner Builder stamp set

Cardstock: Stampin' Up -Whisper White, Real Red, Night of Navy
Color Medium: Blender pen with dye ink

Other: Miscellaneous Buttons and Brads, Dimensionals

Cardabilities Design Team Reveal #33

It's time for another Design Team Reveal over at the Cardabilities blog! This reveal is sponsored by Whimsie Doodles. I had a chance to choose from several of their latest released images, which you can find here. The congrathootlations owl is pretty cute, huh? 

I colored him in with PrismaColor pencils. The background papers are from Cosmo Cricket. I think it's a fun Graduation card! I plan to give it to one of my cousins :)
Thanks for taking a look today! Hope your week is going great!!

Supplies:

Stamps: Whimsie Doodles - Congrathootlations Digital Stamp

Cardstock: Stampin' Up - Very Vanilla
Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket - Social Club
Color Medium: PrismaColor pencils
Ink: TH Distress Ink - Pumice Stone

Other: Nesties Labels Eighteen, SU Corner Rounder Punch, DeNami Buttons, BasicGrey Ribbon, Dimensionals

DeNami Fabulous Frames Blog Hop

Good morning and welcome to the DeNami Fabulous Frames Blog Hop! If you arrived here from the extremely talented and creative artist, Amber, then you are on the right track. If you are lost or want to start at the beginning, just head on over to the DeNami Blog! You are definitely going to want to visit each and every blog, leave a comment, and leave with LOTS of inspiration! You have a chance to win one of TWO DeNami gift certificates!

3 CARD SET - Click on image to enlarge

INSIDE SENTIMENT - You're special

INSIDE SENTIMENT - Thinking of you

INSIDE SENTIMENT - Happy Birthday

It's a funny thing that I'm the next stop after Amber on the hop because I was inspired by her project HERE for my blog hop project (Thanks, Amber!). I loved the idea of the square card set, so that's what I did here. Each card measures 4.25" x 4.25". I chose a CAS look, and made the main focus the frame and heart inside it. I absolutely LoVe this set! They are sooooo simple to make, you can choose any color, use just about any diecut shape, and use any small stamp for the inside. The heart is perfect for it though, right?!
So, I diecut the Nesties label on the card front to create a window. I used two Nesties together to diecut the frame shape, then stamped it with the Polka Dot Background, and adhered to the front of the card with dimensionals. The heart on the inside is also popped up. When you open the card, the sentiment is revealed! I also scored a frame border on the card front.

I hope I have inspired you on the hop today! Enjoy the rest of the stampy creations ;-)

Your next stop is Debbie Marcinkiewicz

Supplies:

Stamps: DeNami - Hearts Petit Fours, Polka Dot Background, Thoughtful Greetings Petit Fours

Cardstock: PTI - White
Ink: SU - Lavender Lace, Taken with Teal, Regal Rose

Other: Nesties Labels Fourteen, Dimensionals

Cardabilities Design Team Reveal #32

Happy Memorial Day!! I hope you are enjoying your long weekend with family and friends, and of course getting some crafty time in as well!

We've got another great design team reveal over at the Cardabilities blog today, so be sure to check out what all the other DT members have created! I really love this sketch because you can do SO MANY different things with it! I opted for the CAS look, and had to use one of my new favorite PTI sets, Modern Basics. I chose a color combo I don't think I've ever used...lovin' the high contrast on this card.

I hope I have planted some kind of inspiration in you today! Like always, I love to hear your feedback so I would love to get a comment from you before you leave! ;)

Supplies:

Stamps: PTI - Modern Basics

Cardstock: PTI - White; Stampin' Up - Basic Black, Pixie Pink
Ink: SU - Pink Passion, Brilliant Blue, Basic Black

Other: Circle Nesties, SU Corner Rounder Punch, SU Button, Colorbok Metal Dots, Dimensionals

DeNami Product Challenge #8: Patterned Paper

 Plain Paper. Cardstock. Patterned Paper. I love it ALL! My favorite though is definitely patterned paper! There are endless colors, shapes, and themes available out there, and I'm a sucker for 'em! :) This DeNami challenge is to use patterned paper, and I happened to come across some 'forgotten' paper today while I was putting away supplies. I thought it would be PERFECT for a baby card. I just so happened to recently purchase DeNami Design's darling Giraffe stamp, and wanted to make a Congrats card for friends of mine who are having twins! So, two little paper pieced giraffes are front and center on this cute little card. I created my own patterned paper in the background using the "congrats" stamp from the Thoughtful Greetings set and Polka Dot Background.

If you'd like to see more samples using this adorable Giraffe, check out the Design Team's work in the Product Spotlight this week! They are AMAZING!!!

Thanks for taking a look today! Hope you visit again soon!

PTI May Blog Hop & CR84FN29

Good evening! I'm here with a quick post...this card is for the PTI May Blop Hop - Flowers, and the CR84FN Color Challenge #29.

I used PTI's Year of Flowers: Violet. The Kraft piece was folded in half and diecut with Spellbinders Nesties Label One, so that is the 'inside' of the card (the card base is just one layer). I colored in the flower with PrismaColor pencils, and popped it up with dimensionals.

THANKS FOR TAKING A LOOK AT MY CREATION!

I'm Going To Be...

PUBLISHED!!!!

I am absolutely, super psyched about this! I made a goal for this year to get at least one card published in a magazine, and it's finally happened! (well, almost)

Here's the deets.

Magazine: Paper Crafts

Issue: A Card A Day

Date of Release: November 8, 2011

# of my Cards Chosen: TWO!

My Reaction to the INCREDIBLE news: YIPPEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

As much as I hate winter and the cold weather, I can't wait till November!  :D

Cardabilities Sketch #31

Hello! Here is my take on the Cardabilities Sketch #31! I will be back later to add my supply list :)