Non-Winner #5

For the back to school and graduation season I needed a card or two and decided to enter this one in the contest.

I wasn't sure I'd like this pattern of papers, but it's grown on me!  Even though B isn't in school, I think I'll still be making a general "learning" page for him with it.  For now, it's just a card.

Supplies: Typeset L2, kraft cardstock, art philosophy collection, black ink, hemp, cork alphabet, liquid glass, foam tape.

Thanks for checking me out this week!  I'm taking the weekend off from posting the contest entries and may or may not be posting other projects depending on how busy our weekend turns out to be.

Non-Winner #4

It's not my favorite, but it's still stinkin' cute in my book.  I had a cluster of pearls by the flower and decided to alter it to more of a stem and leaf shape.  It worked better for my eye.  :)  In fact, this one was inspired by my own winning card from a year ago with butterflies and flight trails in sparkles.  Guess they figured they had seen that before...haha!

Supplies: Elemental L2, art philosophy collection, flutter paper shapes, heirloom assortment, bulk cocoa grosgrain ribbon, pearls, foam.

Come on back tomorrow for the last one of the week.

Non-Winner #3

I. love. this. card.

I really like the Dreamin' paper packet.  Our family just loves fall and this time of year.  I always have a ton of fall (and winter) photos to scrap so it's no wonder that this is my favorite this time.  Well, that and I ADORE the wide dark chocolate stripe ribbon.

I've added the supply list to this card post (found my notes!) and will be adding it to all the future contest cards.  Also, I've gone back and added it to the two prior cards.

Supplies: Dreamin' Level 2, colonial white cardstock, c1463 Harvest Happiness, Art Philosophy, chocolate ink, goldrush ink, dark chocolate ribbon, foam tape

Have a great day,

Non-Winner #2

This was one of those cards I had envisioned differently in my head, but I'm happy with how it turned out in the end.

The spider was the most fun to make for this card.  I "painted" the bling style hatpin using liquid glass and black re-inker and then let it dry.  The spider's legs are from the new felt shapes.  I cut small limbs from the tree and positioned them as legs.  The hat and sentiment are from the August stamp of the month.

Supplies: Mischief L2, August SOM - Wicked, wings L2 assortment, versa mark, clear embossing powder, black ink, black re-inker, liquid glass, bling assortment, midnight felt shapes, black hemp, foam.

See ya'll tomorrow!

Non-Winner #1

Hey all!  I've been seeing a fair amount of non-winning contest projects being posted, and, since I haven't heard a thing from corporate, I'm assuming I didn't win anything this time around.  I was only able to do 8 cards I think and there were quite a few projects I didn't get to.  What can I say, my nephew was being born and I was side tracked!  :)  I'll take him over a contest any day.  Ok, enough about the nephew's adorable-ness...on to the cards.  Here's the first.

This was the very first card I made for the contest.  Since it didn't win, I was free to give it to my mom for her birthday last Friday.  Happy Birthday, Mom!

I'll do one a day each weekday until I'm done, then I'll show you the other projects I didn't get to in time and all the other things I've been making in the mean time.

Supplies: Roxie L2, vanilla cream cardstock, love life, art philosophy collection, DE mixed shapes, black ink & reinker, versa mark, tulip ink, black floss, clear sparkles, pin clips, designer brads, bling assortment, flutter paper shapes, spray pen, clear embossing powder, piercing tool

See you all tomorrow,

Believe Layout Two Ways

Here's the last of my creative consultant assignments.

Assignment: A two page layout.
Supplies: Believe papers, Believe Stickease and the new green designer ribbons.

The layout above is for the team.  Something fun and festive that uses a fair amount of the stickease, something I don't usually use at all on my projects.  There's no ink on this one either so it came together really fast.  I also used the B&T as the background to show how lovely it is having it at the new cardstock weight.  The pattern is from the Magic book and because I borrowed it to make this layout, I can't remember the name of the pattern....sorry!

Here is my "blinged up" version...

I had to use different papers because there isn't enough in a pack to create this particular layout identically.  While I really loved the background B&T, I don't mind having plain green either.  I actually used Stickease on my layout too!  Shock & awe, I know.  The "journaling" was actually really cool and it means that I won't have to do any when I get to putting photos on this layout.  Thanks CTMH!  My bling included just that...the  glitz glitter gel in two colors - Stardust & Red.  Below is a close up photo so you can see what I did a bit easier.

Fast, fabulous and fun.  Thanks again to my upline for this wonderful opportunity.  I can't wait to see what she does for her blinged versions.

Thanks for visiting,

Blog Award & Scrapbooking Sale

I realized today as I went to post this that it's my 301st post.  WOW!  That's a lot of typing.  That's actually  not the focus of my post today, but I had to mention it since I noticed it.

On to the real reason - I've received a blog award!

This lovely award comes to me from Becky B.  I'm sure most of you have heard me singing her praises before and I just can't help myself, she's just so darn nice!  Go see her over at Scrappin' Becky B. and say hi.  :)

Now, for the acceptance requirements - I need to answer the following questions and pass the award on of course.  Here we go...

1. Name your favorite color. Well, I have two - Pear & Lagoon.  Yes, CTMH colors.  :)

2. Name your favorite song.  Hmmm...don't get much chance to listen to professional music lately so right now it's "Do Your Ears Hang Low" by my son.

3. Name your favorite desert.  Seriously?  Just one......ok.....Chocolate (the whole category)

4. What annoys you at the moment?  My deck that is falling apart due to the previous owners.....that's a whole other post though!  lol!

5. Your favorite pet?  I have two, my cats, Peanut & Punkin.  (Do we see a pattern of indecision here?)

6. Black or White?  Ummmmm....does this refer to color in general, clothes, shoes, chocolate....?  How about both!  Unless it's clothing, then maybe black because it's more slimming.  I've never been one for white shoes either.

7.  Your biggest fear?  Something horrible happening to my family.

8. Best feature?  Most days I like my hair....when it cooperates and I have time to style it.

9. Everyday Attitude?  Happy.  After I've had my coffee of course.  :)

10.  What is perfection?  A crazy thing many people aspire toward (sometimes myself included...yep, perfectionist here) but usually don't achieve anything more than unnecessary stress.  Relax, ya'll!  No one is perfect.

11. Guilty Pleasure?  Shopping! (not the going to the grocery store kind)

12. When you're upset you...?  Talk to my hubby, mom, dad, or friends.

I am passing this award on to the following bloggers:
1. Debbie Carriere @ Scrappin' My Heart Out
2. Vicki Wizniuk @ Wizard's Hangout
3. Annette Green @ Annette's Creative Journey

The other part to this post is a sale in my area.  A local store is hosting a scrapbooking supplies garage sale and I've gotten myself a table.  I've gone through everything and there's going to be a ton of stuff there!  CTMH, personal stuff, you name it, it's there.  So, if you're in the Grand Rapids area and can make it to Scrap Scribble & Stick between Friday at 10am and Saturday at 5pm, you'll get to shop all the sales tables and score some great deals.  :)

Have a great Monday,

Mischief Door Hanger

Ok, moving on from the note pad and back to the creative consultant stuff I've created.  If you're lost on what that is, you can read more about it here.  This is technically the first project that was requested from me.

Assignment: A 3-D item using the new Art Philosophy cartridge.
Supplies: Mischief  papers, Mischief complements rub-ons and the new felt shapes.

Here's what I made for the team:

And here is my "blinged up" version:

I didn't actually add much from the original version.  Just a few more cutouts from the random sign/label paper, some black hemp and some yummy goodies.  The door hanger box was cut at 11.5 - the largest it could go on my cricut.

Thanks for stopping by today & have a great weekend,

Purse-proof Notepad Tutorial

Before I share the tutorial, I've got to show this alternate version I made this weekend with the Believe papers...

Sorry for the glare....plastic...  I've used liquid applique for the faux snow borders and lots of the glitz glitter gel on this one.

Closeup of the "hanging" ornament.  This is from the new bling assortment.  I clipped the pin part off with some wire cutters.  Handy things, my husbands tools.  :)

Glare stinks.  This says "Santa's Helper" and there are some faux snowflakes from the Tiny Typewriter set I was using.

For my fellow consultants, please feel free to steal/teach/do with as you wish.  I'd love to see what you create though, so please link back or email and tell me about it!  I found my outside plastic protectors from Oriental Trading Company.  It was a 12 pack of those purse calendar things for insanely cheap and I added them to my order on a whim, knowing I'd do something with them some day.  I don't know how many they have left, if any.

The notepads are from Staples, but you can get them anywhere.  I buy the small legal pad type style that are about 5x7 sheets.  Then, I have them cut the whole stack in half for me.  For this project I also needed them to be only 6.25 in length, so I had them do that too.  You'll have to double check your measurements for the size of plastic sleeve you are working with.

Ok, on to the tutorial.  Remember to read all of the instructions before you begin and if you have questions or issues, just holler.

Supplies:
-one old (or new) clear purse calendar/checkbook cover
-one notepad, cut to size
-your favorite pattern paper (of course a new CTMH paper - hehe!)
-coordinating cardstock
-regular adhesive
-super sticky adhesive of choice (tacky tape, crafty power, etc...)
-coordinating ink, stamps, embellishments and ribbon for cuteness

Cut List:
Cardstock:
1 base @ 7 x 6.5 scored on the 7" side at 3.25 and 3.75
1 pocket (optional) @ 4 x 3.5 scored on the 4" side at .5 and 3.5, scored on the 3.5" side at 3
1 notepad topper @ 1 x 2.5
1 pen holder @ 1 x 2.25 scored on the 2.25" side at .5, 1, 1.5 and 2

Pattern Paper:
2 @ 2.75 x 6
1 @ 2.5 x 2.5 (for the optional pocket)
1 @ .75 x 2.25
1 @ .5 x 1

Grab all of your pieces and either distress/ink if you want to.  In the photo below I don't have the pocket or the notepad topper...I forgot to get them in there.  It happens.

Now, attach the two large pattern papers to the base and embellish away.  Remember, once it's in it's sleeve, it will all be protected.  Plus, you won't be able to get it back out for further embellishment later.  I also show the pen holder assembled - so easy.  Place your adhesive on the 1/4" section and fold over into a square to attach.  Add the pattern paper and you're ready for the next step.

Attach the pen holder to the base first.  I put my pen in the holder first so I could position it just so.  Don't want it sticking out the top or bottom!  Attach the holder to the base piece not on the spine portion as shown  in the photo below.  The spine will get some wear and tear and this helps the holder not fall off after continued usage.

Now, attach the pattern paper to the cardstock for the topper.  Can't have that ugly cut off Staples logo in there...sorry Staples.  :)  If you decide this part needs more embellishing later - go for it!

This is very important - Insert the base of the notepad holder into the plastic sleeve before you attach the notepad.  Flip the pad over and attach at least 3 strips of your super sticky tape of your choice.

Line your notepad up with the edges of the cardstock that are in the plastic sleeve.  You'll have a border around all 3 of the edges.  It's kind of like you're matting the notepad.  The pad should be stuck to the cardstock and the protector.  This will help keep the protector on.

If you're not adding the pocket, you can skip to the end.  If you are, grab your pocket pieces and distress/ink if you haven't already.  You'll also need to cut out the corners of the cardstock pocket so it folds right.

Embellish your pattern paper and attach, or attach and embellish - personal preference.  :)  Then add super sticky adhesive to the three flaps as shown.

Before you attach the pocket, you'll need to fold it first.  Sides in and then bottom up.  This helps things slide easily into your pocket later.

Lastly, attach the pocket as shown lining it up just like you're matting it onto the bottom.  Make sure to press down well so that it sticks firmly to both the cardstock and the plastic.

That's it!  You've got a cute (recycled too!) notepad holder with pen and pocket for receipts or coupons that won't get destroyed in your purse.  Waa-Hoo!

If you can't find any of the plastic sleeves, you can always make it with out that or get extra creative and sew your own out of a page protector.

Happy crafting!

Purse-proof Notepad & RCC19

You know the adorable cardstock covered skinny notepads that everyone has been making?  Fab, right?  But stick that bugger in your purse and it's totally destroyed in about a week.  Here's my solution.  Find one of those super cheap two year purse calendars or use the cheap-o checkbook cover that the bank gives you and recycle it!  Instant protection for your adorable design.

I made this one with CTMH's new Typeset papers in a back to school type theme.  Yes, the twill ribbon is retired, I'm just not able to let go.  Ha-ha!  Here's a better view of the spine portion.  It says "notes..."

The notepad and optional pocket are attached to both the cardstock and the plastic cover so it's not going to fall off in your purse any time soon.

Plus, you can decorate to the moon and back w/o finding pearls, ribbon and chipboard at the bottom of your bag a few weeks later.

Want to make your own?  If you're part of my crop club - you're making this tonight!  If you're not part of the club, a full tutorial with all the instructions and loads of photos is coming on Monday.  :)

This fab creation works for this week's challenge over at the Ribbon Carousel Challenge Blog too!  It's anything goes week so you can't go wrong.

If you've never been to RCC - go.  Great inspiration for ribbon, twill, twine, etc. lovers.  (Go visit the shop too - she's got awesome twine that I'm addicted to - teeheehee!)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Dreamin' Card Two Ways

My CTMH upline has honored my with a request to be our team's Creative Consultant.  (OMGosh!)  So, of course I said yes!  My assignments are to create projects within certain parameters that our team can then re-create and show their hostesses.  I've been tasked with creating the "anyone can make this" version to show customers how easy it really is.  Then, my upline, Tara, is planning to "bling up" my version to show more experienced customers how they can expand upon the basic designs.  I've taken the liberty to "bling up" my versions already (can't wait to see what she does though!) because I won't be able to attend any of our meetings.  We're on different sides of the state...sigh.  Anyway, I was assigned three projects for this quarter.  I'll do one a day so you can create each project too if you'd like.

The first project I tackled was actually my second assignment...go figure.  I guess I just got inspired by the Dreamin' papers first.

Assignment: Thanksgiving Card
Supplies: Dreamin' Level 2 Paper Pack, Dreamin' Stickease, Harvest Charms & I was allowed ink and one small stamp if necessary.  (Thank goodness! I can't do a card w/o one.)

I used the Gallery pattern from Wishes.  Here is the beginner card I created.

I tried to limit the ink because not everyone is used to using it on everything like I do.  :)  The scallop border is Stickease and there is a layered Stickease on the inside of the card as well for extra embellishment.  I totally forgot to photo that before I sent it out.  Whoops!  It's also a one layer card for easy creation and mailing.

On to my "blinged up" version.  I added twill ribbon (retired), foam tape and bronze glitz glitter gel.

I inked the edges of everything - totally me.  Then I popped the embellishment square with foam and tied some twill ribbon (retired) around it.  I just can't get over the fact that we don't have twill anymore...so sad.  I also added bronze glitz glitter gel to the dots in the border and used a slightly different stamped sentiment.  What can I say, I like change.  :)  Now that I'm looking at it, it wouldn't have hurt to add a little extra background stamping...guess that's for next time.

Thanks for stopping by,

Elemental Swap Card

Swap Spoiler Alert!  If you're in my swap, don't look below...

This is the finished version of the card I put up the other day.  I decided to go with the sentiment in Pacifica instead of Creme Brulee as I had originally planned.

Yes, that's cork in the middle of the flower.  A new CTMH item is color-ready cork alphabets.  While fabulous, everyone knows how to use an alphabet, but what do you do with the leftovers?  Well, my goal for the swap was to show what you could do with them.  For the centers of letters like O and Q, you can use them as centers for a flower.  Another idea would be to put two bitty brads through them and make them look like a button.  Think outside the box and use everything!

Your turn now!  Does anyone else have ideas on how to use the alphabet leftovers?  It doesn't have to be just the new cork kind.  Leave a comment with your idea - I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!

Dad's Birthday

Today is my dad's birthday.  Happy Birthday Dad!  We celebrated yesterday at our house.  He requested a very "American Holiday" menu.  Grilled chicken, corn on the cob, potatoes, cherries & punch.  For desert, all he wanted was something chocolate.  Well, that's easy!  More on the food further down, for now, let's get to the card and present.

 I whipped up this quick card to go with the presents that I actually wrapped first.  Yes, I'm 100% backward.  It's a kraft card with Sonoma paper (the green) and the sentiment on bamboo.  The ribbon is American Crafts from M's, the sentiment is Studio G and the button and brads are CTMH.  I used my last wooden button on the card so that means I get to buy more...right?  :)

Here's the card with the packages...clearly my inspiration.

Looks much better all together in my opinion.  More on my backward abilities in a later post.  While cropping with my friend Nicole, I made the discovery that I believe I work better backwards.  Strange, I know.

Now, on to the food.  Yum.  Becky of Scrappin' Becky B inspired me to post food on my blog.  Thanks, B!

This delicious looking thing got a rating of 11 out of 10 from my mom.  :)  Here's the easy recipe for Triple Chocolate Brownie Torte.  One package of Ghiradelli double chocolate brownie mix.  Make according to directions on the box in a round pan and cool.  Make a simple ganache of 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream and 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips heated over low heat in a small sauce pan stirring constantly.  Once melted, pour over brownie.  To not get the puddle like I have around my torte (I was being lazy) put your brownie on a cooling rack over a jelly roll pan before you pour the ganache over it.  The excess will then drip off the sides and you can transfer it to your cake plate later.  Let the ganache cool a bit while you drain and pat dry maraschino cherries.  Place them around the edge of the torte and you're done!  Warning - this is very chocolate-y and rich.  :)  Enjoy!

I hope everyone had a happy and safe holiday weekend!  This week will be full of artwork posts - I was a busy girl.  :)