November Card Club

I was more excited for Card Club this month than before for several reasons: first, I was the hostess, so I got to get all of the neat goodies that Stampin” Up! offers to it’s hostesses; second, as the hostess, I got to choose what kind of card/technique Anne would demonstrate for us; third, this is the only month in which my two crafting clubs meet back-to-back (they are usually a week apart) so it was a fun conclusion to my crafting weekend.

The card/technique I chose was a “Magic Card.” I am usually pretty good about being able to follow written directions, but this card has eluded me for quite some time; I was thrilled when Anne agreed to show us how to do it. Ultimately, it was a lot of steps, but this time they were well worth it…I LOVE IT!!! I am definitely going to have to try this with other stamps, themes, designs, and so much more.

Thanks, Anne, for teaching me this fantastic new trick!

A Challenge, in so many ways

For my card club in November, the challenge was to make a card using circles. This very broad scope left the field wide open for interpretation and creativity; that should make it easy, right? Wrong! And, to top it off, I was the one who picked the challenge (since I was the hostess in November). When I did pick it, I had an idea in my head; I went home and tried it out, but it was not working out well…so back to the drawing board.

Circles…circles…circles…what to do with circles…? I couldn’t believe I was having so much trouble with this challenge. I tried to put it out of my mind, hoping that an idea would just come to me in a dream or something – no luck. I was sorting through my stamps one day and came upon a background stamp. Hmmmm…maybe I can use this. I thought and thought and thought; finally, I broke out my circle stamps and went to town on the image. I wrote it up, sketched it out, and decided on a card.

Think I was finished? Not even close. I decided on paper colors, chose the ink, found a phrase for the inside, stamped all the images, punched all the circles, assembled the layers, and voila…the card was complete. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I look at a card when finished and think, “Yup…I like that…I did good,” but this was not one of those times. What was wrong? What was missing? What needed to be changed? I was at a loss. It turned out exactly like I planned, but it was different than my sketch. I asked so many people what they thought I should change…add a ribbon, add a brad, add color, change the layout, change the stamp, and on and on and on…

I wasn’t sure what to do; I thanked everyone for their input (thank you all again…though I didn’t take your advise, I was happy to receive it), but decided to just stick with my original card. The more I look at it the more I realize that I do kind of like it (not full fledged “I like it” yet, but it is getting there).

I am interested to see what you think about the card. What would you change? Let me know.

Recipe: Pastoral Toile and All Natural stamp sets, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White, and Very Vanilla card stock, Going Grey and Staz-on ink, 1½ and 1¾ circle punches, and dimensional spots.

November W’ink

Each month there is more and more to learn and do at our W’ink Club Meetings. This month was no exception; Sharon pulled out all of the stops and spoiled each of us way too much (thanks, Sharon…you are so generous).

We made two cards and one exciting project for the upcoming holidays:

Cracked Glass

This technique takes layering to a whole different meaning; not only can you do it with paper and accents, but you can also do it with embossing powder, which is what helps to make the cracked glass technique so successful. After lots of layers and lots of heat, followed by a nice cool-down in the freezer (mine chilled out on a Heath Klondike bar…mmmmm), I was able to go crazy with the cracking. I think this is the only good kind of cracking glass there is. A little rub with some ink and it was good to go.

A little bit of everything

I so enjoy seeing all the different cards and projects we make in club, but this card is one of my favorites; it has all the things I love: layers, pretty paper, ribbon, sparkle, black/white color combo, and embossing. I do not think I have ever made a “Happy New Year” card before, but after making this I think I may try to change that in the future.

A little sparkle for the tree

For our project this month, we customized some clear glass ball ornaments with shimmer paint and our choice of ink colors. It took a bit of time, but they turned out beautifully. As the colors dried and the glitter was added, each ornament sparkled and dazzled – each unique, but spectacular just the same.

We don’t have another official W’ink meeting until February; I am going to miss it.

W'ink Challenge

Trust me when I say that I had no intention of participating in the W’ink challenge for our November Club Meeting. I was so busy and it didn’t even phase me not to make anything. I had a few moments before a meeting later in the evening and thought I would “just see” if I could “put something together” for the challenge.

We were given a sketch provided by the Mojo Monday blog, week 108 to be exact. All I knew is that I didn’t want to make a card, but what could I do? I decided to use a picture frame with a photo of me and my husband (I have several pictures of us in my office, but I have a larger one of us on the counter top…I decided to swap it out). All I knew was I didn’t want it to be “girly,” and I wanted the accent to be a ribbon with a bow (tied on top of the glass). I did a little treasure hunt through my patterned paper and found exactly what I wanted.

It turned out great…well, at least I think so. What do you think? Click here to see what Sharon, W’ink’s demonstrator, thought of it.

Recipe: Urban Garden Designer Series Paper (two different patterns), Soft Sky and Basic Black cardstock, black organdy ribbon (wide), black 8’x10’ picture frame, and a photo of the most handsome husband in the world (taken at Lake Powell).

Beautiful...

So, my husband is still not awake yet (this is a big surprise since he is usually awake before me) so I was cruising around the crafting blog superhighway again and came across a beautiful card by Michael Funke at Stampin-Style.

I have seen many different holiday cards: some are cutsie, some are funny, some are religious, and some (let’s face it) are just a bit over the top excessive. When I saw this card by Michael, I was floored; it is so beautiful. I actually read all about how he made it and now I want to make one myself…not today, though, but definitely soon. I couldn’t help but to try to share his creation with more people.

I hope you love it as much as I do; check out his blog to see more of his creative projects and ideas.

Thanks, Michael, you have made my morning!

Quiet time in the morning

It has been a while since I have posted a creation for a challenge, so I thought I would take a little bit of time to do one this morning before my husband wakes up. I went to all of my favorite challenge blogs, but decided to check one more place. I went to Card & Scrap Sketches to see what the new sketch was; I decided to make a card with this sketch in stead.

So, this has happened with clothes, food, and even television, but it rarely happens to me with stamps. I had an idea in my mind about this sketch and I went to my supplies to find what I needed. I looked through each set and thought, “I can’t find anything I need,” even though I have a plethora of images from which to choose. I knew I wanted to use the grass image from the Asian Artistry set (I got a thank you card from Sharon with this image on it and I fell in love with it), but I was having a difficult time finding the right image for the lower part of the sketch. I decided to alter it a bit and use a saying instead…I hope that is ok, Monica.

I hope you like it; I like the way the sparkle on the three wild flowers picks-up on the bit of sparkle in the ribbon. It feels like a little bit of Spring in the middle of the cold Winter (actually, I don’t think it is officially winter yet…oh well).

Recipe: Asian Artistry and Friendship Flowers stamp sets, Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Sage Shadow, and Whisper White card stock, Perfect Plum and Sahara Sand classic ink, Pale Plum Stampin’ Write Marker, dazzling diamonds, and narrow white organdy ribbon.

A new spin on an old favorite

Can you remember back to a previous post of mine raving about some adorable Halloween treat bags decorated with the Stampin’ Up! Big Shot Top Note and punches? I was blown away by them…super adorable. After visiting Gretchen’s blog multiple times a day to look at them (and after attempting my own version of them) I thought, “Wouldn’t it be adorable if I could make some for Christmas?” Then it happened: the clouds parted, the light shone down, and a miracle occurred: CHRISTMAS GIFT BAGS WITH THE TOP NOTE AND PUNCHES!!!

I was on top of a cloud. I immediately sent Terri an e-mail stating that I found them…she seemed to get as excited as I was about them (if this was even possible). I want to start by saying that I think Gretchen is amazing with the creations she makes, both the treat bag and her many other projects. As I looked at her bags and then looked around “crafting-blog-ville,” I saw so many versions of these bags. I took them all into consideration and nailed down one of my own.

It was Halloween night and I was able to complete my faces between Trick-or-Treaters. After I finished I just lined them all up and looked at them; I was so happy with all of them. Even now, I love to look at them. I have given up on choosing a favorite because each day it changes. Which is your favorite?

Thank you to everyone who has created their own version of these; I love seeing how new ideas and projects get re-interpreted by different people around the world.

Some News

I spoke with my sister yesterday (yes, actually yesterday...which means this post is current) and she said that she finished some really cute Christmas stuff and she would be getting it in the mail to me withing the week. I can hardly wait to see what she sent....

I told her that I would send her samples and supplies for my Christmas Treat Bags (that's a teaser...pics will be on my blog tomorrow). I can't wait to share them with all of you; if you are going to Anne's Christmas Card Making Event tomorrow, then you can see me put more of them together (since I don't send out Christmas cards, it is a great time for me to put these together)...if you ask nicely I may even let you do one yourself.

That's all the time I have now; I have to leave for my "day job." It is so cold out (and I don't think the defroster got all of the frost off the car so that means I have to do a little scraping); I would rather stay wrapped up in a blanket with my girls (my dogs) at my feet.

Bye for now...check back tomorrow.

Have I seen that before?

I was taking pictures of different cards and projects in my office and set my camera down on the countertop. As I was setting-up my next picture and looked over to the camera I saw this picture on the screen. I snapped it just so I could look at it more; I love the way it turn out. I suppose I am just used to looking at everything from a certain angle; I couldn’t believe how different my ink holder and printer look from this slightly lower angle.

It makes me want to crawl around on the floor looking at different objects…well, not really, but you get the idea.

There was something odd, though…

I came home from work and found in the mailbox not only an envelope from my sister, but also one from my mother. Since it was a bit before Thanksgiving, I knew right away that the one from my mother was a Thanksgiving card, so I opened it and saw the creative card she made (left). Feeling upbeat after that unveiling, I opened the package from my sister and found a Thanksgiving card from her; it was exactly what I liked: layers, colors, and layout…a hat trick of creativity (right). There was something odd though…something vaguely familiar about her card, but what could it be. I looked again at my mother’s card and then it hit me…can you figure it out?

Both my mother and my sister used the same stamp in their cards. The image in my mother’s card is a bit smaller and used as an accent whereas in my sister’s card, it is the star of the show. I sat there just looking at the two of them, back and forth, mesmerized at how different the same stamp looked in each card. Each card is so much characteristic of it’s maker, but still so different.

Wow…

October Card Club

I know, I know: I am a bit late with this, but oh well….

Shimmer Paint was the theme for club in October. I had used it a couple times before, but this time we used it differently: as a spritzer and mixed with reinkers. I love the way the sparkle brings these two holiday cards to life. Anne was so inventive with her use of materials and layout for both the Happy Holidays card and the Give Thanks card.

Though this was enough to entertain me during club (well, this and my constant jazzing of Monica…hi Monica), I think what made me laugh was how Anne wanted to “shimmer” everything, “What else can I spritz with shimmer paint?” she would say. I love it…I do the same thing. It still surprises me how much a little sparkle can change a project. It’s like magic!

Ta da…introducing the Amazing Anne and her Shimmer Paint transformations!!!
Thanks, Anne. What a fun afternoon.

A Halloween Treat

I got a Halloween package from my sister (ok, so I am little behind in posting) and it some pretty cute treats in it: a card holder (it is supposed to hold about six cards with envelopes, but I am currently pushing that limit as it hold all the cards I need to file away), a super cute Halloween card, and a little treat box (for some reason, the treats inside seemed to disappear not long after they arrived…spooky).

I enjoy seeing what little treasures she sends me.

A New Experience

I have heard about Stamp-a-Stacks, Super Saturdays, and Stamp Cramps for a while, but I have never attended one before. I attended my inaugural event and made thirty different cards (five each of six cards); it was an experience…for sure.

First of all, I went with two ladies who are absolutely hilarious and between the three of us, there may have been five minutes of silence (maybe it was when were eating lunch). We laughed, stamped, joked, and joshed each other the entire time. Then there were all of the stampers in attendance; it was fun to see everyone around and all working on the same projects. Finally, the hosting SU demonstrators created idea boards using the various stamps and supplies which were used on the cards we made; while some were similar, others were over the top beautiful.

Overall, it was a nice and enjoyable way to spend the good part of a Saturday.

In need of inspiration...

This month’s swap challenge for Card Club was to create something using punches. I have been collecting various punches over the past several months (ok, years), but have not integrated them into my day-to-day crafting. All I knew was that I wanted to make a card which would “wow” at the swap. I put the thought from my mind and got on with life.

I was looking through a magazine and came across a section where a simple mask was altered to create different looks: a chick, an eagle, and…an owl. As I looked at the picture I thought, “That would make a great card.” My mind started picking out shapes which coordinated with punches I owned; voila…the birth of my owl card. I made one and after much contemplation, was happy with the result. Then I realized that I needed to make nine more.... After many punches, a lot of sponging, and several glue sticks later, they were complete.

Recipe: Soft Suede classic ink, Soft Suede, Sahara Sand, Basic Black, Green Galore, Really Rust, Summer Sunflower, and Pumpkin Pie cardstock, Scallop Edge punch, 1” 1¼” 1¾” 2¼” circle punches, medium oval punch, and sponges (yes, every edge is sponged in the classic ink).

October W'ink

W’ink Card Club came around a little sooner than I was expecting, not that I minded much. I was excited to pack-up my little toolbox and head out to Sharon’s (especially since some of us in the club have started to carpool). We got to make three different cards utilizing three very different techniques:

Stamping with bleach

I love this card; I love everything about this card! First of all, stamping with bleach is so cool; it is like a mini magic trick right in front of your eyes. Secondly, I am not a big “tree stamp” fan, but I fell in love with this set and had to buy it (granted this took about a week for me to make this decision…the buying part, not the loving it part); I can’t wait for it to arrive. Thirdly, what a amazing color combo: Soft Suede and Mellow Moss; if Sharon wasn’t thinking of me when she decided on it, then I don’t know how she did it…I love it! Lastly, (this may be a little difficult to explain) the “all over the place”-ness of the card. Sharon explained that she used four different stamp sets to create this card; I love this about her. She doesn’t just create from one set; she has such a keen skill for putting different stamps and textures together to create a cohesive project.

Faux stained glass

I had a difficult time with this new technique. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I suppose I thought there would be more to the technique. I like the way it looks in the end, but I am not so sure that “stained glass” would be a way I would describe it. Like I said, I like the way it looks, but it doesn’t look like stained glass (well, at least I don’t think it does…maybe I am a bit off).

Christmas Tree pop-up.

If you have been following my blog (thank you, by the way), then you already know that I love cards with movement or something special about them; this card is exactly that. A nice card transforms into a paper paradise. I didn’t want to take the time during club to decorate the tree (and I haven’t even done it yet), but am looking forward to adding my own touch to it.

It was a great time…as always.

(W'ink this month came with a challenge...click here to see what it was and what I submitted)

My take on Iris Folding

As much as I enjoyed my time at Anne’s card club last month, I have to admit that I was a bit frustrated with the Iris Folding technique. I didn’t want to make a judgment as to whether or not I enjoyed it right away; I thought I would practice it a bit first to see if my frustration stemmed from the novelty of it or the technique itself. I tried several different patterns and feel that I am ready to make a call: though the results are stunning, my overall impression is that it is a bit over-rated. Perhaps if I need to make one (maybe two) project with a big “wow factor,” then I may try this technique, otherwise, I will probably try something different.

3-D Cards (with a side of inspiration) Please

I am all up for a card with a twist, so I was happy to attend a 3D card class by Sharon (diorama card details and shadow box card details). These three cards were a blast to make (that coupled with the fantastic company at the class makes an unbeatable combination): a pop-up card, a diorama card, and a shadow box card. I enjoyed learning how to add this depth (literally) to my cards and projects; I may try to use what I learned again…we will see.

Thanks, Sharon, for some great ideas!

Finally, something that works (for me, at least)

It took a while, but I finally found a way to organize my scrap paper so that I will actually use them. I found this file folder box at Target and thought that it may work well will my scraps (and it was big enough to hold pieces which were 12” long (and if it didn’t work out, then I will at least have a storage box for some files). I got the folders organized and all of my scraps sorted; I put the box within reaching distance (as opposed to the top shelf of the cabinet) so that I can flip through it quickly and easily. It has really helped: I have been able to retrieve and use small pieces instead of “breaking in” full pieces as well as filing away new pieces easier than before.

I am not sure if any of you have had this same issue before (or still), but the only advise I have is to keep trying different things…eventually one will stick.

An added bonus...

I enjoy attending my stamp/card clubs, spending time at various classes and events, and (most of all) receiving my new product orders. As if these are not wonderful enough, Sharon (one of my SU Demonstrators) includes a wonderful thank you card or blank card with each order/event. This sample of a Christmas Card shows her eye for simplistic elegance; I love the way she took a minimalist layout and transformed it into a “frame-worthy” card (this photo does not do it justice; the way the light bounces off of the shimmer of the ornament is dazzling).

Absolutely beautiful.

True Confessions

Hello, my name is Nichole and I enjoy handwriting.

Whew…I feel a little better. This has not always been the case, though. I have to admit, growing up I did not have the best handwriting; I went through an awkward phase, a really really small phase, a very very big phase, and (what seems like) everything in between. I have found over the past several years that in my “I should be paying attention to whomever is speaking, but I cannot focus on him/her” moments (or two or six), I write my name…over and over again in various fonts. It has a very teenage-girl-crush-esque feel to it (even though I am married, I call my husband my boyfriend sometimes since he still tries to “win me over”), but oh well.

Ever since my “boyfriend” bought me my CraftROBO, I have not utilized my handwriting talent in my scrapbook as much since I have such a wide selection of fonts from which to choose on the computer. I miss it.

Anyway, I was cruising down the internet superhighway and ended up on Monica’s site, Giddy Greetings. She was talking about how it was her one year blogoversary (I can't believe she has only had it for a year; she it is so full of creative and interesting projects). As such, she is giving away some blog candy: a Sizzix die of the months of the year with a coordinating picture:

I wasn’t going to “enter” her contest, but the more I looked at the die the more it reminded me of my quirky habit. Thanks, Monica, for conjuring up those memories. I would love to “type” more, but I am having a sudden craving for a piece of paper, a pen, and my name written several dozen times.

“Write” more to ya later!

September Card Club

Albuquerque was in full “Balloon Fiesta Prep Mode” by the time our September Card Club rolled around. Anne was able to combine this with the Iris Folding technique; this is a new one for me, so I was pretty excited to learn. She is such a patient and detailed teacher (watch her cloud tutorial and her Iris Folding tutorial) which resulted in each member of the club successfully completing their iris folded hot air balloon.

What a great new technique to add to my list.

Thanks!

Yes, I am still alive.

I was looking at blogs the past few days and clicked on my own; I realized that I haven’t posted anything new in practically a month. Holy Cow! Some say that time flies when you are having fun, but I have to say that it can also fly when you are just super busy. This past month has been full of so many different events and activities – for me and for our family. I have found some time to do some crafting and will share it all with you over the coming days.

For those of you from the many challenge blogs I have been entering, yes, I realize I have been slacking in that area as well. I enjoy looking at everyone’s entries, but don’t always have the time to complete them myself. I am hoping that the coming holiday time will give the break of which I am in such need.

Stay tuned…

I still think it is too early…

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again, “It is too early to be making Christmas/Winter/Holiday cards!” However, being a true sport for my Card Club, I made this card since the theme was exactly that…Christmas/Winter/Holiday. Even when it is time for me to make some holiday cards (which usually does not exceed ten or so), then I try to stay away from the typical “holiday colors” and try to mix it up a bit.

There are so many things I love about this card: I love the way the purple and green work together: the juxtaposition of the dark purple and black against the white and pale green (in my opinion) is classic. I love all of the layers…the more the better; I think these bring a sense of depth to the card. I love the way it sparkles; through the use of silver ink, brads, and cord the card bounces the light around (the picture does not do it justice). I love the way it opens…well, swings open; I have never tried this type of opening before and was curious to see how well it would work.

Recipe: Season of Joy and Little Pieces stamp sets, Basic Black, Elegant Eggplant, Mellow Moss, and Winter White card stock, Basic Black, Elegant Eggplant, and Mellow Moss classic ink, silver encore pad, silver brads, silver cord, and dimensional spots.

Another Keeper

I had a few extra moments this morning, so I decided to catch-up on all of my bookmarked craft blogs and contests. I looked and found so many neat projects. I have come to expect them from this group since the work they do is typically top notch. On the Stamping 411 challenge blog there was a new sketch challenge (no big deal…I knew there would be), so I looked at the DT examples. For some reason, I decided to look at the projects that people have posted and was lead to a project that blew me away on so many levels.

One card was made by Jennie Maier; I like it: she used several layers on her project (which you know I am a big advocate of layers) so that caught my eye. And since I did have a few extra moments, I decided to look over not only this one project, but her entire blog Jennie M’s Stampin Spot. As I scrolled down the scroll wheel on my mouse was paralyzed when I got to her post MojoMonday Brightness. Holy Cow! For me, this card is fantastic…on so many levels:

Designer Series Paper: Stampin’ Up!’s patterned paper has to be one of my favorite things about SU. It is of such good quality and I love the way the colors coordinate with their selection of solid paper and accessories. I know some people who view this as just a product they can use for scrapbooking, but as this card shows, they are a great addition to any card (or other craft project) as well.

Circle Circus: If you follow my blog, then you already know, “I love Circle Circus!” This card uses one of my favorites of the circles: I call it the honeycomb circle stamp. I think it is amazing how this one set (a bunch of decorated circles) is so versatile. I also love the layering of the large scallop circle from the set, too…see, that is a two for one for me.

Colors: I know I have said that the new SU In-Trend Colors are not my favorite this year, but that is just because I feel they are a bit too much like some of their current colors. But the reason I love the colors in this card so much is their ease on the eye. Since the colors are found adjacent to each other on the color wheel they are viewed as being softer together. They remind me of a sunset on this card.

Sketch: So I saw the Mojo Monday challenge the beginning of the week and have been mulling over it all week long, but was having a difficult time trying to put an idea together. When I saw how this card came together with the sketch I was amazed. Sometimes I feel that I need to alter the sketch slightly in order for it to fit with my taste and idea, but I love how this direct interpretation of it turned out so magnificently.

Thanks, Jennie, for sharing this amazing card with me (and everyone else). I have added your blog to my list of top notch blogs and look forward to seeing more of your amazing creations.

Adorable!

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again, “You guys are amazing!” I love looking at your blogs; I get to see so many neat projects, learn new techniques, and all around…just get inspired to craft the evening away.

I came upon Gretchen’s blog today for the first time and was blown away with her Halloween Creations utilizing various different tools and techniques. “Frankie and Friends” have made we want to decorate the house for Halloween, and I don’t even decorate for Christmas too much. They have to be the most adorable Halloween creations I have ever seen! Just think of the possibilities…endless!

Thanks Gretchen for sharing your creations (and thanks to Stamp with Heather which directed me to it).

A Creepy Treat!

I saw this template in a magazine as well as on several other crafters’ blogs and thought I would try it myself (I’m sending it to my sister…I think she will like it). The main part of the hat is a triangle “box,” the brim is added, and the entire “hat” is decorated like a witch’s hat…ok…a really girly witch’s hat.

What I like about the triangle box most is that you can make it any size you want…easily. The size I made was from a 6”x12” piece of paper, which gave it a more square-like dimension, but a narrower piece (like 3”x12”) would give it more of a spiked shape hat (like those worn in the renaissance by “damsels in distress”). I think the possibilities with this template are so vast…I can’t wait to mess around with different sizes, uses, and patterns.

I hope you like it.

Recipe: Certainly Celery card stock, Cast-a-Spell Designer Series paper, circle scallop punch, 1½”, ½”, and ¼” circle punches, flower punch, tri-flower punch, wide celery grosgrain ribbon, black classic ink, sponge, dimensional spots, and box template.

An inspired card

So, at W’ink this past weekend we utilized an alcohol technique to create a Halloween card with a dark cloud background around a haunted house. We made two samples (one as a “first time” and the other since we were “old pros” at it). I used one on the card for the club, but had the spare; I decided to make another Halloween card with it.

Let me know what you think.

Recipe: House of Haunts stamp set, Basic Black, Perfect Plum, and glossy white card stock, Black Staz-on ink, So Saffron Stampin’ Write marker, large black grommet, wide black organdy ribbon, narrow black grosgrain ribbon, ½” circle punch, and Pale Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Lavender Lace reinkers.

A cute little something

I have been meaning to post this for a while because I think they are so adorable. These three mini note cards were given to me as a door prize at a class I took a ways back. I think they are so cute; I haven’t used them because I wanted to be able to see them whenever I wanted, but I thought I would just take a picture of them and then I could give them away without missing them too much.

I love ‘em.