Spellbinders 2009 Design Team Contest

What an OPPORTUNITY!!
Click on the link above to learn how you can become a member of the prestigious Spellbinders Design Team!

~Remembering a Big Man with an Even Bigger Smile..

A quick and simple card made for a friend on the passing of her husband.
Supplies
Stamps: SU! Garden Silhouettes and Close As A Memory
Paper: SU! Kraft
Ink: SU! Craft White, Palette Hybrid Ink Noir and Burnt Umber.
Accessories: Sheer Polka Dot Ribbon from Wal-Mart Copic Marker Glitter Pen.

~Irene's "Hope You are Up & Around Soon" Card..

A good friend from work recently underwent major back surgery recently and is coming home Saturday. This card will be waiting for her to welcome her home.

Supplies:
Stamps: PTI Garden of Life Paper: PTI Summer Sunrise, Father Knows Best Patterned Paper, Stamper's Select White Cardstock and SU Kraft Ink: Palette Hybrid Ink Noir Accessories etc: PTI Berry Sorbet Swiss Dot Satin Ribbon, Pebbles Inc. Shimmer Chalks, Robin's Nest Dew Drops, Paper Piercer, Corner Rounder Punch.

~April Blog Hop Submission..

Each month Papertrey Ink hosts a Blog Hop as an inspiration to the individuals who are are its customers. A group is randomly selected each month to participate on the Featured List and viewers can vote on the entries.. Individuals who do not make this list may also participate on a Extras List. I am submitting my entry on the Extras List this month. The products themselves are great inspiration me.. and I hope that something small about what I do my offer some inspiration to someone else. I hope you will take time to offer feedback.

*:)

My intent was to create a simple clean looking card that first comes to mind when I think Papertrey. The Stamper's Select white card base measures 4.75" by 4.75" and the raised star image was constructed from four squares cut from the downloaded image provided for the Blog Hop, folded using the tulip fold, and glued together along the outer edge of each tulip. The star is mounted on a single punched square that is set on the card on a diagonal. The brad embellishment in the center of the star was coated with Summer Sunrise Palette Ink, heat set and then recoated using clear Versamark and clear embossing powder.

Supplies:
Stamps: PTI Father Knows Best, Simple Little Things.
Paper: Downloaded image from Father Knows Best Patterned Paper Collection, Stamper's Select White Cardstock
Ink: Summer Sunrise
Accessories: Basic Grey Two Scoops yellow brad, Paper piercer.

~Cornish Heritage Farms Challenge..

The Cornish Heritage Farms Forum, of which I am a new member, presented the perfect opportunity for me to use two stamp sets I had yet to use. The Challenge was simple enough.. create a card using the following sketch and CHF stamps.

The size was a size that I don't normally work with as was the added stitching with the sewing machine.

The tree was stamped then embossed on Old Olive paper with clear Versamark and clear embossing powder then inked over with black ink and then "polished" to allow the embossed image to show through. The ring was also clear embossed and raised on pop dots. I am finding that the challenges provide the sometimes needed direction and at the same time stretch my imagination.
Supplies:
Stamps: CHF Polka-Dot Background, Primitive Beginnings
Paper: SU! Black, Saraha Sand, Old Olive
Ink: SU! Saraha Sand, Black, Versamark
Accessories: Nestabilities, SU! punch, Ribbon from my ribbon stash, Clear embossing powder, sewing machine.

~Catherine vonMiestersinger Remembered..

You were introduced you to Catherine in the post above and I have no doubt that over time, now that I have another stamp set that includes a Great Dane, there will be more stories of our many adventures together.

Supplies:
Stamp sets: Hanna Stamps- My Best Friend, Large Breed Dog; SU! Canvas Background Stamp
Ink: Palette Hybrid- Noir
Paper: Arturo-Bright White, SU!-Real Red, Black, Plaid scrap from the Paper Drawer
Accessories: Ribbon from the Scrapbook Studio, Nestabilities, Copic Markers, Diamond Glaze, Zoe ate the red Prima Flower, Pop Dots.

~TCPTUES03 - King of the Grill..

When I read on Leigh O'Brien's blog that The Cat's Pajamas was offering a Tuesday Card Challenge, I finally made up my mind to make the commitment to enter some of the cards that I make on a daily basis, not only on my blog but also as challenge submissions. I've never been one to market myself and my work. My blog has served as a sometimes outlet for family stories and personal thoughts via my love of stamping and card making. I am hoping that this will be one way to get myself "out there" and a little better known. As a dog lover and collector of "all things DOG" it made the commitment easy. Yes.. Yes.. I know.. its The CAT'S Pajamas, but don't tell Zoe, she is very possessive of her own snuggly jammies and only shares them with her wire haired terrier cousin, Jake.

Supplies:
Stamps:The Cat's Pajamas ;
Paper - SU! Brilliant Blue, Wild Wasabi, Pumbkin Pie, Designer Paper Jersey Shore; Ink - Palette Hybrid Ink Noir; Accessories - Nestabilities dies, Copic Markers, SU! Wild Wasabi ribbon, SU! Build-a-Brad kit, At You Sepia Twinkling Stars Pen, Judikins Diamond Glaze, White Tulip Puffy Paint

~Sweet Blush of Spring..

Ellen Hutson posted a card on her blog recently using parchment paper that had been stamped with white ink and then colored. The translucency of the paper g ives much the effect of frosted leaded glass when stamped. I chose to pick up the colors of the new PaperTrey Pink Patterns printed paper and colored in the Plaid Butterfly with Copic markers, much like reverse painting, on the wrong side of the paper. It gives a softer effect. The butterfly is offset mounted on the Lockhart Stamp Company image Ranunculus also colored with Copic markers. The sentiment is from PaperTrey's Garden of Life stamp set and is mounted offset on PaperTrey's new Berry Sorbet Top Notch Twill Ribbon. The embellishments on either side of the sentiment are Robin's Nest - Poinsettia glass beads also from Ellen's store.

~My Best Friend..

As a collector of "all things DOG" and specifically DOG stamps I'd waited for a long for time an image of a whippet/greyhound to be released. Not only did Hanna Stamps satisfy my wishes but went steps further!

Before my wonderful Zoe, there was Catherine, my grand and great Great Dane, a magnificent harlequin (black and white spotted for those of you who aren't familiar) lady in every aspect of the word. Catherine was my constant companion for nearly twelve years. As a pup she spent many a late evening in the depths of the Churchill Memorial and Library In the United States (specifically Missouri) while I finished my work. She accompanied me to New York City and quickly won the hearts of the Astoria shopkeepers and multi-cultured residents, road in taxi cabs, and spent lazy summer afternoons snoozing in the sun on Governor's Island. And in her old age retired to Florida, as do may bred and born northerners. I am sure you will see both the Great Dane and the whippets image reoccurring on many of my cards as time goes on.

Supplies:
Stamp sets: Hanna Stamps- My Best Friend, Large Breed Dog.
Ink: Palette Hybrid- Noir
Paper: DCWV-The Pets Stack, Arturo-Bright White, SU!-Taken With Teal
Accessories: Gift Ribbon from Ellen Hutson, SU! Punch, Dog Bone Eyelet from my sister, Nestabilities, Copic Markers, Lyra Rembrandt Polycolour Pencils, Gamsol, Pop Dots.

~Challenges..

Not only has PaperTrey launched a new forum for its faithful followers but has also started a Casual mid Weekly Challenge hosted by Emily Davis. (take a minute to check out her blog .) Since I've never done anything like this before I though this would be a good time to begin. After reading the outline for this week's challenge and printing out the sketch I set out to complete my first submission and actually amazed myself that I not only completed the card but also uploaded it to the forum.. AND.. to my own blog as well. I'm sitting here patting myself on the back pleased that i met more than the obvious challenge!

Supplies:
Stamp set: PTI Spiral Bouquet.
Ink: Palette Hybrid-Burnt Umber, Versamark-Clear.
Paper: PTI-Aqua Mist, Everyday Blessings, SU Chocolate Chip.
Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Marvy Uchida Punches, Sponge Daubber, Pop Dots, Create-a-Cut paper cutter.

~Thank You PaperTrey!

Yesterday I came home from work and followed my usual routine. I laid my purse on the hand painted Windsor chair, picked up the martingale collar and lead and went in search of Zoe for our after-work walk to check the mailbox.. and other things along the way. I found her burrowed between the layers of bedding near the head of the bed nested among the assortment of pillows taking her afternoon nap. With a single call of her name she came bounding to the surface throwing pillows in all directions ready to search out the stray cat that has been sleeping in the bed of azaleas for the past week. The cat was no where to be found so we headed for the mailbox.

Anticipation always builds shortly after the 10th of each month, but it was only the 9th and the new PaperTrey releases had not even been announced so I was not expecting a box of goodies to be waiting for me. The Anniversary Set had completely slipped my mind. What a wonderful surprise! We didn't dilly dally on the way home and went straight to the craft room and set to work. The set is delightful and will quickly become a well used favorite.
Thank you PaperTrey!!
If you are interested in finding out more about PTI, the wonderful products and the lady behind this awesome company register and become a part of the PTI Forum, follow Nichole's Blog or bookmark the PTI store.


Supplies:
Stamp Image: PTI Anniversary Set
Paper: SU! Kraft, Old Olive, Very Vanilla
Ink: Palette Hybrid Ink - PTI Spring Moss and Burnt Umber

~License to Scrapbook..

I was first introduced to paper crafting through my sister and her memory rich scrapbooks that she had begun creating for our family. It was an incredibly creative way to display our pictures and her talent brought the books to life. This was in the very early years of scrapbooking and as new products became available her imagination soared and her attention to detail inspired me to follow in her footsteps. After awhile and many attempts to complete an entire album i decided I needed an outlet that would allow me to create on a smaller scale and actually finish a project! From this frustration my first card was born. I had already utilized stamps on my scrapbook pages and it became a natural carryover. I do still enjoy from time to time telling little scrapbook stories in mini albums that I give as gifts.

Not long ago I found these bare chipboard license plates by Keller Creations at Scrapbook Studio, my local scrapbook store and thought that they would make fun wall hanging for my craft room. And as usual, Zoe often becomes the subject of my scrapbooking tangents.

~Mom's Backyard..

My mother has the most inviting back yard anyone could imagine. Beautiful beds of flowers and shrubs shaded by tall pine trees overlook the lake that hosts the seventh hole of one of Florida's premier golf courses. The camellias, azaleas and amaryllis are full bloom and Easter lilies and variegated greens and pinks of the hostas are peeking through the bedding of fragment pine straw mulch still damp from the morning dew. White herons and egrets stock the banks of the lake for a morning snack while the turtles sun themselves on a patch of sandy shore. Pull up Adirondack chair, sip a cup of steaming coffee, lean back, relax and enjoy!

Supplies:
Stamp Image: Lockhart Stamps purchased through Ellen Hutson's Store
Sentiment: PTI Green Thumb
Paper: Basic Grey Blitzen, SU! Mellow Moss, Close to Cocoa textured cardstock, PTI and Stamper's Select White Cardstock
Ink: Palette Hybrid Ink Noir SU! Craft White
Tools & Incidentals: Spellbinder's Wizard, Nestabilities, Copic Markers, Pen, Create-a-Cut paper trimmer, Scor-It.

~Old Sayings in New Colours..

A repeat of yesterday? Well, sort of, but I believe in the saying, "Once you find something that works, no need to change it." I've been a long time fan of Ellen Hutson, her blog, the quality products she selects for her online store, and the generous assistance she has offered to my sometimes silly questions over the past two years. The same can be said for Nicole Heady, and her incomparable company, Papertrey Ink. As a result of this lady and her incredible products, my entire focus has changed. Thank you both for all you do!

Supplies:
Stamp Image: Lockhart Stamps purchased from Ellen Hutson
Sentiment: PTI Shapes by Design
Paper: PTI Berry Sorbet, Pink Blush, Pink Patterns, and Stamper's Select White Cardstock
Ink: Palette Hybrid Ink Noir
Tools & Incidentals: Spellbinder's Wizard, Nestabilities, Copic Markers,Cornish Heritage Farms White Flocking, PTI Berry Sorbet Saddle Stitch Ribbon, At You Spica Clear Glitter Pen, Create-a-Cut paper trimmer, Scor-It.

~Springing forward..

I've made several cards since I last posted, but each time I think about uploading one I'm struck with writer's block. Coming up with something catchy to say beyond just, I used this paper and that ink and the stamp is from so-and-so, seems to come easier for many of the bloggers I read than it does for me. I don't have children to brag about or a husband to share interesting stories of so on a day to day basis I am often lost. Now that my northern friends have returned home and I will no longer have an opportunity to share my work with them personally, I will once again make a concerted effort to find a few words to attach to my cards.
Supplies:
Stamp Image: Lockhart Stamps purchased from Ellen Hutson
Sentiment: Papertrey Ink Spiral Bouquet
Paper: SU Wild Wasabi Special Product Offer, Papertrey Ink Stamper's Select White Cardstock, and the red and white polka dot is from my bin of I just can't throw away my scraps.
Ink: Palette Hybrid Ink Jardin Moss and Noir
Incidentals: Copic Markers and Lyra Rembrandt Polycolour Pencils, White SU Grosgrain Ribbon, Create-a-Cut paper trimmer, Scor-It.

Post Note:
The inspiration for this card was born out of frustration. The Special Product Offer paper, unbeknownst to me when I placed my order, was already scored in an offset layout I had never worked with before. My Lockhart Stamps had just arrived from Ellen and the garden clogs seemed to be the perfect fit and balance. One thing led to another and a new card was born!

Happy Easter

Wishing all of you a Happy Easter!

~Hugs & Kisses..

Since the clear-top hinged tins filled with PaperTrey Holiday Treats covered chocolates were such a big hit at Christmas, it was a given I would be making Valentine's Day tins using the Sweet Love set. The printed papers are from my local scrapbook store which has recently changed hands. I'm looking forward to all the new products they will be offering and their new website. The covered tea tin, of course was filled with special Valentine dog treats for Zoë.

~The Rainbow Bridge..

This is one of my favorite The Cat's Pajamas stamps. I originally purchased it as my Rainbow Bridge dog, a needed stamp for all dog lovers. If you aren't familiar with the story.. or even if you are.. grab a tissue..

The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

~Classical Elegant Notes..

Every time I pull this Stampin' Up! Elegant Notes set off the shelf I think of my multi- talented niece. She is not the typical teenager with earplugs in her ears and an iPod hanging from around her neck listening to rock and rap. Her iPod is full of Rachmaninoff and Schumann, Beethoven and Satie, Oboe Adagios and Piano Concertos with an occasional U2, Coldplay or Beatles track stuck in here and there. She is a straight A honur student who serves on her highschool's Senate, plays the piano and the oboe, and holds an after school job. As a Christmas gift I made her a box of thank you cards using this set. I embossed soft white Arturo cards from Ellen Hutson's online store using my rectangular Nestability dies. The text stamp from Elegant Notes was inked with SU Soft Sky and stamped in the center of the rectangle. Half of the cards were stamped with the treble clef and half with the base clef in Buckaroo Blue as an overlay. The Thank You sentiment was also stamped in Buckaroo Blue. The finished cards placed in a Clearly Creative Box from Papertrey and tied with Martha Stewart's Cloud Piped Nylon ribbon.

~A gift for one of Molly's..

many MySpace friends.

My sister's Wire Haired Terrier, Molly is a popular dog. She even has her own MySpace page with more friends than me! For Christmas Molly received a package from one of her four-legged online friends. So my sister asked me if I would make a little something to send to Molly's friend Justin, who was having a Very Old Dog birthday, as a birthday present, a thank you for her Christmas present, and token of her appreciation. Justin's person has already contacted me for my homemade dog treat recipe that i used to fill the tin! My recipe for the decorated tin is as follows:
Stamp by Stamp Gallery, Paper by Bo-Bunny - Roll Over Dog, Ribbon from the scrap jar stained with walnut ink from Tsukinek, Marvey Scalloped Punches, Stampin' Up Rounded Tab Punch. Dog Treats: Hills Prescription Diet Treats for photo purposes .

~better than Victoria's Secret..

my new Pajamas.. from The Cat's Pajamas! Two new sets in the series Cowboys and Indians have just been released in the Clearly Swanky Clear Stamp sets Havin' a PowWow and Its a Western Thing . They can also be purchased as individual traditional wood mounted rubber stamps. The other series, Love is equally as nice and just in time for Valentine's Day.

Besides the great stamp image there are in my opinion two things that make this card special. Recently my sister called me from Denver while shopping at Joann's and asked me if I had the DCWV The Pets Stack. I didn't, and since haven't been able to find it anywhere else, so she sent it to me knowing my All things Dog addiction. The paper is from that set. The other thing that makes this card special is the dog's hat. Its flocked. I'd never used flocking before and decided what better time to try than on a white cowboy hat. This was a fun card and I'm looking forward to making more with my new stamps and paper.

~The DOG's Pajamas..

~The Cat's Pajamas.. in doggie clothes

Not long ago I ran across Alma and The Cat's Pajamas, a find that ranks at the top of my "places to buy stamps" list. {Privately I refer to Alma's cute and quirky retro designs as The Dog's Pajamas. } A good number of her stamps have already "Gone 2 the Dogs"! This covered tea tin works perfectly as a Valentine's treat jar and can be filled and refilled with your pets favorite treats.

~criss-cross my heart..

won't you Be Mine..
the December My Favorite Things stamp set offered by PaperPretties arrived just in time to headline my batch of Valentine's Day cards and gifts.

This is an adapted version of the criss-cross card which I paired with Stampin' Up's Ginger Blossom Designer Paper, Groovy Guava, River Rock and Whisper White cardstock.
My Copic markers added colour to the box of chocolates tucked into the outer flap on the front of the card. Thank you Kim! ~HUGS~

~an unexpected opportunity..

Yesterday a gentleman visiting the beach for a week's break from the cold Indianapolis winter stopped by our local activity center on a whim and offered to do a one day Stone and Silver Jewelry Workshop. Not since my college days had I an opportunity to work in this medium so of course I said, "Indeed, we would be interested!" Unfortunately for those who were unable to attend today's workshop due to the short notice, they missed out on a fun day and an entertaining, creative, and educational experience. Fortunately for myself and the other gentleman in attendance the nearly private one-on-one instruction was an experience well worth the effort.
Our teacher spilled out a container of unusual polished stones in a variety of shapes. I chose an irregular oval piece of lavender jade for my project. Within only a four hour block of time I had cut and shaped, soldered and filed, sanded and polished pieces of silver and stone into a finished piece of jewelry. When we were finished with our pendants, we were reminded that we had created a one-of-a kind piece and that it was the little imperfections that made it so. I chuckled to myself as this is something I am constantly reminding myself each time I sit down to create a card. Creativity, regardless of the medium, is a personal and unique expression.

~Picture This..

My little helper..




A picture is worth a thousand words! What more can i say?

Samp set: Stampin' Up retired Ruff Day. Paper and ribbon: from my personal stash. Altered frame: from Target Dollar Bin. Dog Bones: Purina One.

~Sweet Sixteen..

for my sweet niece..

Happy Sweet Sixteen

Sweet sixteen! Sweet sixteen!
I can't believe it's true;
The person sitting before is
Is really, really you.

May the days that lie ahead
Bring happiness untold;
Choices that are good and wise
For your life as it unfolds.

Sweet sixteen! Sweet sixteen!
Colored candles on a cake!
I send you a Happy Birthday
With a wish for you to make!

from your very proud Aunt..

~one of My Favorite Things..

As I's said before Kim van der Sanden 's My Favorite Things is one of my favorite things. And of all of her My Favorite Things Let's Go for a Walk tops the list. As a dog lover and a collector of dog stamps its no surprise. For over thirty years at least one loving Gentle Giant, more commonly known as the Great Dane, shared my home. My first was Tweed, a beautiful brindle who came into my life when she was only eight weeks old. Seven, a merle rescue came to live with us in Tweed's older years and after Tweed crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge Abby, another rescue, fine and elegant and blue as cold steel graced my couch. Abby and Seven have joined Tweed at the Rainbow Bridge as has Isis, my first regal and well bred Harlequin. Isis was also a rescue of sorts and lived to the ripe old age of twelve, nearly unheard of at that time in a Dane. I fell in love with bold black and white spots of the Harlequin and after Isis I sought out a perfect puppy of Isis' same breeding. Catherine Von Meistersinger came from Kentucky and shared my days and nights, my ups and downs, and my many moves and a very special place in my heart. Today Zoë, my wild and wooly wonderful Whippet graces my couch or any other place she chooses to lie. She is my constant companion.