CAS Birthday Card

 

 

I am really excited to share with you

 that today is my first challenge as a DT member for Totally Paper Crafts!

The challenge is to creat a CAS (clean and simple) card.

I have to admit, that this challenge was hard for me.

When I first started making my own greeting cards 28 years ago, all my cards were

Clean and Simple.  In fact that was pretty much my style until just the past couple of years.

I still love the look of CAS cards but also am drawn to all of the fancy and fussy cards

that are popular right now.

 

Anyway, we would love to have you join us for this challenge. 

We are sponsored by Digi Stamp Boutique

 

Card Details:

Image: From Digi Stamp Boutique

Gorgeous Grunge Stampin Up background stamps

Spellbinders lacy circle die

Copics:  I forgot to write down the ones I used but here goes from memory...E43, E29, E27, E24, YR65, YR18, BT96, W0, W3



Valentine

 

This is my dt card for Aud Sentiments.

The theme is to use a Valentine Sentiment.

We are sponsored by QKR Stampede. I used this adorable image from them.

I remember writing and receiving notes just like this when I was in school (back when we used paper and pencil)  Nowadays, I bet the kids do it all by text messages.

I chose papers for this project that were not meant for Valentines day.  I knew I wanted to use red but I didn't want to make the card girly or frilly.  I found these papers are Hobby Lobby in their open stock papers. Turned out just perfect for a more masculine Valentine Card.

 

We would love to have you join us in the challenge.  Simply create a project for Valentines Day using an appropriate sentiment and link it up to Aud Sentiments.

 

 

Card Details:

Image:  QKR Stampede

Copics: B91, B93, B95, W0, W3, R46, R37, R24,YR24, Y21, E40, E41, R11

Spellbinders scalloped heart dies

Lacy Heart dies frin Quick Kuts Dies

 

Entered in the following challenges:

City Crafty Challenge:  Love Story.  Make a Valentine or use the word Story

Cuttlebug Mania: All You Need is Love

Everybody Art Challenge:  Use a Heart



 



Birthday Card for a Friend

Inside of card:

 

 

 

 

Today's card is for one of my best friends. 

At first I wasn't sure I liked the copic colors

 I chose to color this image but I think I like how it turned out.

Usually, I would choose pastel pink, blue or purple for this image but I

decided to try something different.

 

 

Card Details:

Image:  Sherri Baldy Besties

Copics:  E00, E11, E21, e50, E51, E53, E55, E25, E57, E81, e84, G24, G40, YR24, Y21

Die Versions Happy Birthday Corner Die

Sketch: Paper Take Weekly #86
Shabby White Embossing Enamel around image

 Lemon ice stickles on roses
Lime Ice stickles on hat and dress ribbons

 

Entered in the following challenges:

Paper Take Weekly:  Sketch free for all  #86
Top Tip Tuesday:  Favorite Sketch
Fan-Tastic Tuesday:  Cute or Sweet
Through The Purple Haze:  A Digi and a Die

Born To Ride

Our nephew and his wife just had a beautiful baby boy. 

I just love this image from Mo's Digital Pencil and couldn't resist coloring it up

for their sweet baby.

 

Card Details:

Image:  Biker Babe from Mo's Digital Pencil

Sketch:  Sketch N Stash

Tricycle: Boys Will Be Boys Cricut cartridge cut at 1.75 inches

Spellbinders lacy circle dies

Cuttlebug diamond plate embossing folder

Copics:  E00, E11, E21, B91, E30, E33, E31, E35, E43, E41, E40, R24, BG93, BG96

 

Entered in following challenges:

Sketch N Stash:  Sketch  (neglected item: embossing folder, Cricut cartridge)
Mo's Digital Pencil:  Lots of layers with a Mo's Image
Top Tip Tuesday: Use a sketch (mine is from Sketch N Stash and I liked the layers)
Bitten By The Bug2: Baby
Fantabulous Cricut Challenge:  Mix and Match pattern papers.
 





Penguin christmas Card

Another Christmas card done. 

This was a quick and easy one and all the embellishments were kept flat so that it is easier to mail. 

Since stamp prices are going up tomorrow, I figure I better really watch how much bulk I add to my cards.

 

Card Details:

Image:  Bugaboo Stamps

Copics: T1, T4, T7, T8, T10, YR65, YR18, E37, E35, E33, E41, E42, E43

Spellbinders snowflakes, rectangle and scalloped circle dies

Sketch: Sketch Saturday #294

After coloring the image, I used silver embossing power do do snowflakes around the edge and added white embossing enamel for falling snow.

 

Entered in following challenges:

Catch the Bug:  Photo Inspiration

52 Christmas Card Throwdown:  double embossing (i used wet embossing around image and there is dry embossing on the corner snowflakes, rectangle and scalloped circle...just hard to see in pic)

Sketch Saturday: Sketch



4th Birthday Card

 

 

 

I managed to participate in each one of the daily challenges this week at Catch The Bug.

It  has been fun making Birthday cards all week and my box of cards for the year is getting filled up.

I actually made two of this card for two special boys who will be turning 4 years old this spring.

Today's challenge was to create a card using the freebie or to use something in increments of four.

Not only did I use the Number 4 but I also used 4 stars.

 

Card Details:

Image: Astronaut Rocket from Bugaboo Stamps

Copics:  E00, E11, E21, B21, B32, R46, R37, R24, T1, T4, T7, BG13, BG70, YR24, Y21

Number 4: Base Camp Cricut cartridge cut at 1.75 inches

Alien:  Everyday Paper Doll Cricut cartridge cut at 1.5 inches

Stars: George Cricut cartridge cut at .75 and 1.25 inches

Happy Birthday diecut:  Die Versions

 

Entered in following challenges:

Catch The Bug: Inrements of 4

Alphabet Challenge: Y for a Young One

Stampin for the Weekend: Happy Birthday

 



3rd Birthday Card

 

 

I just love the way this card turned out. 

It is for a very special young lady who will be 3 this spring.

I got to use one of my new dies that I got at Christmas.

I love the way this die cuts out the phrase Happy Birthday so it wraps around the corner.

I can tell I am going to get a ton of use out of this one.

I had fun with this card.  I added glitter to her shoes since all stylish 3 years olds wear glittery shoes these days.  I also glittered the number 3 and then added 3 punched butterflies.

 

Card Details:

Image:   Brat Girl with Balloon Bugaboo Stamps

Copics: E00, E11, E21, E50, E51, E53, E55, B91, B93, YG11, BG10, BG70, BV31, BV02, Y21

Number 3:  Base Camp Cricut cartridge cut at 1.75 inches

Border:  Memory Box die

Happy Birthday: Die Versions

Butterflies: Martha Stewart paper punch

Branches:  Martha Stewart paper punch

 

Entered in following challenges:

Catch The Bug:  Card for a child

Deep Ocean Challenge:  birthday

Fan-Tastic Tuesday:  Make it feminine



Funny Birthday Card

 

I am loving the birthday challenges at this week at Catch the Bug challenges.

I am getting several cards made and hope to be ahead of the game this year for birthdays.

 

Card Details:

Image: Stella from Bugaboo Stamps

Copics:  E00, E11, E21, E25, E27, E37, E35, E99, T1, R29, R37, R46, B00, B02, YR18, YR24, Y00, Y21, BG10, BG70

Spellbinders dies

 

 

Entered in following challenges:

Catch the Bug Challenge:  Funny birthday

Creative Knockouts:  Birthday



Birthday Fairy

 

Here is the next of my birthday cards. 

 This one is for an adorable young lady who will be six next month. 

After coloring the wings with copics, I painted them with extreme glitter paint for some added sparkle.  I also added some stickles to her skirt.

 

 

Card Deatils:

Image: Kidz Fairy from Bugaboo Stamps

Copics:  B00, BG70, BG10, YG03, E25, E27, E29, RV000, RV00, RV02, E11, E21, E00

 

 

Entered in the following challenges:

Catch the Bug:  Bling It UP

Created With Love Challenge:  Things with Wings

Sparkle and Sprinkle Challenge:  Anything goes with glitter, embossing or flock

Birthday Card

Here's my next birthday card for the week. 

I really worked ahead for this card. It is for a special little girl who will be 5 in April.

Card Details:

Edward Elephant from Bugaboo Stamps

Copics: RV66, RV55, RV52, BG70, BG10, R000, R00, R11, YR18, YR65, YG03, Y21, T1, T4

Sketch:  Sketchy Colors

Spellbinders dies

Entered in following challenges:

Catch the Bug:  Photo Inspiration birthday card

Sketchy Colors: Sketch

Gus Birthday

 

I am having fun playing along with the week long birthday challenges at Catch the Bug.

Today's card is for another one of my brothers-in-law.  Gus is always good for a laugh and

is perfect for guy cards.

Card Details:

Copics:  E00, E11, E21, G14, YG11, YG06, YR18, YR65, B91, B95, B97, W0, W3, T1, T4

Sketch: Birthday sketch at Catch the Bug

Spellbinders dies

Martha Stewart border punch

 

Entered in the following challenges:

Catch the Bug:  Birthday Sketch

Digi Sketch Challenge:  One for the men

Ooh La La Challenge: A Man Card



Belated Birthday Card

 

I missed my brother-in-laws birthday so I needed to make a card to say I was sorry.

This Mustache Guy from Bugaboo stamps was just perfect for the occassion.

 

Here's the inside of the card:

 

Card Details:

Image: Mustache Guy from bugaboo stamps

Copics:E00, e11, E21, R59, T1, T4, T7, T8, T9, T10

I and U: Base Camp Cricut cartridge

Mustache:  Paper Doll Dress Up Cricut cartridge.  I used just the mustache from the Santa beard

Spellbinders die

 

Entered in following challenges:

Catch the Bug:  Birthday Bingo  (I used Bugaboo image, free and ribbon)

Dream Vally Challenges:  Boys/Men





Christmas Card Organization

As promised, I am sharing how I organize all of the Christmas cards I make.  This is the system I used last year that helped me get all of my cards made, addressed and ready to mail  a week BEFORE Thanksgiving!

 

I created this system because in 2012 I ended up sick on Christmas because I was so stressed out trying to create the perfect Christmas.  I was busy making cards, baking, shopping, wrapping, decorating, cooking, etc, etc that I missed out on taking time to really absorb the true meaning of the advent season.

So my goal for 2013 was to relax and really enjoy the season instead of trying to rush through all the tasks I thought needed to be done so it was special for the family.

 

I have two boxes.  One is for Christmas cards and the other is for all of the other cards I need throughout the year.  I found them at Hobby Lobby.  They are a faux leather and are very sturdy.  They measure 8.75" W, 6.5" H, 10.5" L so they are pefect for storing the various size cards that I make.

 

I start by going through my address book and making sure that I have current addresses for the people that will receive the cards in the mail.  I have a separate tab inside for each household that lists their name and address.

 

The tabs aren't fancy.  That wasn't  the point.  The point was to find a way to keep me on target for getting my Christmas cards done on time.  It was a bonus that I had them done early last year.

 

Once you figure out who will receive cards and have tabs set up, all you need to do is start creating beautiful cards.  I don't go in any specific order.  I simply reach in, grab a tab and create a card for that person.  If the card needs to be mailed, I make sure to keep the embellishments flat so that I save on the cost of mailing. 

The next step after creating the card is to address the envelope.  Yep, address them as you go so you aren't scrambing at the end. 

When I put the cards in the box, I turn the tab around backwards and put the tab and completed card in the back.  That way I know that card is finished.

If you want to affix postage, you can go ahead and do that as you address the cards.  I don't because I just take them all to the post office in one big stack.

 

This year I added a new tab in the back labeled Christmas Thank You Cards.

My plan is to have plenty of thank you cards made before the holidays so they too are ready to go.

If you like my system and give it a try, let me know how it works for you.  If you have another system that you use, please share that too. 



MaMaw Skiing

It's time for another challenge at Aud Sentiments. This is challenge 98!  It's been a fun ride creating for this team and I can't wait to create more projects in 2014 with this fun team.   With this new challenge we are welcoming new members to the team.  Oh boy are they creative!

 

For this challenge we are sponsored by Inky Impressions. 

They generously gave the dt a couple of images to use. 

 

This card is my first Christmas card for 2014! 

 Yeah, one down only a million to go!

Not really, but it always seems that way when getting started with holiday cards.

Last year I came up with a new system to keep me organized and I had all my holiday cards made, addressed and ready to go before Thanksgiving.  I will be sharing that system with you tomorrow.

 

 

 

Card Details:

Image: MaMaw Skiing from Inky Impressions

Copics: E00, E11, E21, B00, B91, B93, B95, B97, BG10, BG70, R20, R81, R83, R85, R59, R89, G21, G24, G40, W0, W1, W3, T4, T7, T8, T1

Spellbinders dies

After coloring the image with copics, I painted the snow with extreme glitter paint.  I love how snow glistens in the sun and the paint is a great way to achieve that look with my cards.  I also stamped snowflakes around the edge and used a glitter embossing powder.  Since this card will be mailed to the recipient, I kept it simple without bulky 3D embellishments.  This will help keep the cost down for when it come time to mail all of my cards.

 

Entered in following challenges:

Delightful Challenges:  BRRR!

In The Pink: Anything Goes as Long As It's Pink

Moving Along With The Times: Girly







Snowmany Thanks

I finally got back in to my craft room to make thank you notes for the holidays.

I spent the two weeks I had off at Christmas time with the family.  Our oldest son

was home from college and our youngest celebrated his 18th birthday on Chrismtas eve.

It was nice to have uninterrupted time with them but I was glad to get back to crafting.

Since I needed so many cards, I decided to make them simple.  I found this great pattern paper in my stash that worked just perfect as a background.  I did add some extra snowflakes with embossing enamel.

 

Project Details:

Snowman:  Doodle Charms Cricut cartridge cut at 3 inches

Hat and scarf: Everyday Paper Doll Cricut cartridge

Heart: George Cricut cartridge

Face Stamp: Peachy Keen Stamps Winter faces

Sentiment: stamp from my stash

Copics:  BG10, BG70, YR64, YR18, R24, R20

Diamond dust

White embossing enamel

 





Troubled Waters

 

The current challenge at Aud Sentiments is to create a card using the sentiment as the focus.

We are sponsored by Stamp Art Design by Kathryne for this challenge.  She has some great sentiment stamps in her shop that are priced at a fantastic deal.

I made this card in hopes to build up my stash of sympathy cards but I already need to use it. 

Guess I will have to make more.

 

Project Details:

Sentiment:  Help For Troubled Time by Stamp Art Design by Kathryne

Sizzix Dies

Martha Stewart Branch punch