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Thursday, December 30, 2010

Cardabilities Sketch #18

It's time for another Cardabilities sketch today. Here is sketch #18:


You can see that this sketch is simpler than the one we had for #17. There are so many possibilities with this sketch. Here is what I created:


You're probably thinking that Christmas is over, why would I be posting another Christmas card?? This is actually a thank you card that I am sending out. We all need to send thank you cards to the folks who gave us Christmas gifts, don't we?

I used the Cuddlebug Highlights technique on the background and then simply stamped and cut out the stocking. I wanted the stocking to really pop out, so I used a bright pink color. It stands out from the blue and green background, doesn't it? :-)

There are more cards on the Cardabilities blog to inspire you today. Go check out what the Design Team gals have created using today's sketch and then pull out your supplies and create your own card. Maybe you will be inspired to get your own Thank You cards in the mail today? :-)


Stamps: Stocking Prints (PTI)
Ink: Versamark, Celery, Belle Rose (Palette)
CS: Celery, Aqua Mist, White, Eskimo Kisses dp (Basic Grey)
Other: Holly impression plate (PTI), nailheads (Mark Richards), scallop edge punch (SU)
TJ Technique: Cuddlebug Highlights

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

A Dear Friend


I've been itching to try out my new deer Sizzix die, so when I saw this sketch challenge on SCS, I just had to try it out. I pulled out the Pyrus papers from Basic Grey and cut out a deer from the greenish paper in the collection. Then I ran it through my machine with a music texture plate and did the Cuttlebug Highlights technique on it (from Technique Junkies). Yeah - AFTER I did all that, I realized that the notes are backwards and upside down. OY! Hee hee hee!

I couldn't resist using this sentiment from I Brake for Stamps with this - it's just too perfect! You can find this sentiment on the Every Day Phrases sheet LOL I needed a little extra something, so I used Holly's Tattered Background, also from I Brake for Stamps. I stamped that on the sentiment strip and on the whitish designer paper on the right side of the card. It's subtle but just the right touch I needed.

When you go shopping at I Brake for Stamps, remember to use this coupon code - SAVE10HOLLY - to save 10% off your order. If you haven't ordered Holly's Tattered Background yet, what are you waiting for? This is the best and most versatile background stamp I have ever used. :-)

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Faux Tile Birthday


A few weeks ago, I saw a challenge on SCS to create something using a Faux Tile technique, and I just had to try this out. I pulled out my old CHF backgrounders and sentiments and put this card together.

This card was mailed to a friend who actually shares the same birthday as mine - my "twin!" We've never met, and we are a few years apart in age, but we are still birthday twins. :-) I didn't want to post this until well after she had received her card, and I know it is safe to post it now.

Stamps: Vintage Chintz backgrounder & Thomas Kinkade Birthday - Cornish Heritage Farms
Ink: Wild Plum Adirondack
CS: White, Artichoke
Other: prima flowers, Martha Stewart punches, Orchid dew drops, sponge, scor buddy

Monday, December 27, 2010

SSS88 Distressed Papers


I needed to play with some non-Christmassy papers today, and the first package that jumped into my hands was October Afternoon's Thrift Shop papers. These looked like they would be fun to pair up with the Sweet Stop's sketch, so all I needed to do was find a stamp to fit with the papers and the sketch. This sentiment from I Brake for Stamps was perfect.

These papers reminded me of my grandmothers, and I wanted to convey a distressed, old-timey feel without sponging a lot of brown inks over these gorgeous papers. I found the Distressed Papers technique from Technique Junkies and that was the exact technique I needed. Once I made that decision, this card came together in less than ten minutes. Don't you just love it when the mojo hits ya? :-)

Don't forget - when you order from I Brake for Stamps, use coupon code SAVE10HOLLY to save 10% off your order. Happy Monday!


Stamps: I Brake for Stamps
Ink: Soft Suede, Antique Linen distress
CS: Soft Suede, Thrift Shop (October Afternoon)
Other: sponge, Bazzill Half the Edge strips, prima flowers, button (PTI), linen thread, Soft Suede ribbon, oval dies (Spellbinders), sandpaper
Technique: Distressed Paper

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Pocket Jester Bear

Did you all have a nice Christmas? I hope you enjoyed your time with your family and friends, and that Santa brought you everything you wanted. :-)

I created another pocket card just like the one I did in the post before this one, except this is a non-holiday card. I colored the adorable little Jester Bear from I Brake for Stamps with Copic markers and I paper pieced his hat and collar. I then decided to do the same thing for the little jester-on-a-stick so it looks just like the big bear.




The little bells are colored with a silver glitter pen and they match the silver brads that I used on the pocket. This card is one of the techniques, called the Attached Pocket Notecard, on the new Fancy Folds & Motion CD from Technique Junkies. You can click on the button in the upper right area of my sidebar to order this fabulous cd. There are so many fun new ways to create cards and boxes on this cd!

I'm hoping to find some time to play with more of the fun techniques on the cd. I haven't made a New Year's resolution yet, so I should think about that this week, huh? Should my resolution be to make more time for my stamping habit? :-)

Don't you just love these adorable little bears that I have been posting? When you place an order at I Brake for Stamps, use coupon code - SAVE10HOLLY - to save 10% off your order. I would love to see what you have created with these adorable bears from I Brake for Stamps.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Belli Challenge #107 - Merry Christmas!

Today is the last Belli Challenge of the year. Can you believe this year is almost over? Where did the time go??

The Belli Girls want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and we are showing off our Christmas cards today. There is no "official" challenge this time around - just share your Christmas/holiday cards with us and spread the Christmas cheer.



This card is one of the techniques, called the Attached Pocket Notecard, on the new Fancy Folds & Motion CD from Technique Junkies. You can click on the button in the upper right area of my sidebar to order this fabulous cd. There are so many fun new ways to create cards and boxes on this cd!

I stamped this gorgeous pine tree image from Paper Bag Studios with green ink and then sponged and distressed the edges. This image just screamed for some rustic plaid papers and I added in some hemp twine for that country feel.

You can see more Christmas cards on the Belli blog, and while you are there, feel free to share a link to your own holiday card/project. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and join us for our first 2011 Belli challenge in January!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

New Calendar Kit from Creative Cuts and More

I wanted to pop in and let you know about a great new kit in the Creative Cuts and More store - the Calendar Kit. This is a GREAT idea and perfect for getting ready for the new year!



This kit comes with a blank calendar and all the fun die cuts, cardstock, and diva drops that you would need for making each page. Noelle has done some fun pages here:





Go check out the Calendar Kit at the website HERE. There is a list of all the fabulous die cuts and cardstocks and diva drops that you will get with this kit.

Go order this kit today and you will have plenty of time to work on this after the Christmas festivities are over. Want to save 10% off your order? Use this coupon code - CC&M10Holly - when you place your order and you can save money and have a fun project to work on while your kids are playing with their new toys. :-)

Monday, December 20, 2010

Baby Blue Hugs


This is for my niece who is in the hospital waiting to find out what is causing her pain. Her favorite color is baby blue, so I used that color for my inspiration. The sketch is from the Sweet Stop Sketch blog - #87, and I used faux stitching cuz I don't sew at all. LOL

The flower is punched out and covered with Baby Blue Stickles, then layered and stacked on top of each other (3 flowers total). The main image is stamped with Versamark and then colored with pale blue shimmery chalk. Here's hoping this will put a smile on my niece's face and that the docs can fix her up lickety split before the Christmas festivities begin.

Stamps: All Holidays (SU), Serene Silhouettes (SNSS)
Ink: Brocade Blue, Versamark
CS: Bashful Blue, White, Brocade Blue
Other: Martha Stewart flower punch, Baby Blue Stickles, Hero Arts rhinestones, shimmer chalk, circle punches, white tafetta ribbon, white gel pen, hole poker thingie, Rusty Pickle button

Friday, December 17, 2010

Lady of Winter - IBFS


Have you seen the "Ladies" over in the I Brake for Stamps store? There is a lady for each season, and they are all gorgeous! I bought all four of them and after coloring this Lady of Winter, I can't wait to color the other three.

I used Copic markers to color in the flowers, leaves, pinecones, lady, and the tiny little birdie in her hand. I also used some Creative Inspirations Paint - Sunshine (yellow) in the centers of the flowers and Garnet (bright red) for the berries. Look over in the lower left hand corner at that poinsettia. I used the Paper Tole technique (from Technique Junkies) on that flower for a little dimension.

When you place an order at I Brake for Stamps, use coupon code - SAVE10HOLLY - to save 10% off your order. I'd love to see your creations with these "Ladies" from I Brake for Stamps.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Joy Christmas Flower



I gave this card to my Mom for Christmas this year. She loves flowers and ribbons and fancy, feminine, detailed cards like this, so I knew this would be perfect for her. :-)

The sentiment, JOY, comes from the Every Day Phrases sheet at I Brake for Stamps. I love this versatile sheet of sentiments - it makes my cardmaking so easy. The rest of this card uses patterned paper from Memory Box and May Arts ribbon and a glittery Prima flower.

When you place an order at I Brake for Stamps, use this coupon code - SAVE10HOLLY - to save 10% off your order. Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Cardabilities Sketch #17

Today is the reveal day for Cardabilities' Sketch #17. This sketch is more detailed and fancier than the previous sketches, and I had a great time adding these fun elements to my card. First up, here is Sketch #17:



Cool sketch, right?? Love that banner across the top left corner! Here is what I created for this sketch - I stretched it out to fit a normal A2 sized card (5.5" by 4.25") instead of a square:




I needed that extra room on the right side so I could tie my ribbon into a bow without it covering up the cardinal. The stamps are from Flourishes (Christmas Classics), and I colored the cardinal with Copic markers. I used the Wisped Frames technique on the circle around the cardinal.

The banner is actually some Jenni Bowlin stickers that I bought about 5 months ago and never used. It was great to pull those out and use em here.

There are more cards on the Cardabilities blog to inspire you today. Go check out what the Design Team gals have created using today's sketch and then pull out your supplies and create your own card.

Stamps: Christmas Classics (Flourishes)
Ink: Rich Cocoa Memento, Chocolate Chip, Antique Linen distress
CS: Choc Chip, Real Red, Vanilla, Olive, Garden Green, Merry Moments dp (SU)
Other: Copics, circle dies, Label 3 Nestabilities, Red Banner Stickers (Jenni Bowlin Studio), sponge, dotted scallop edge punch, Martha Stewart branch punch, May Arts ribbon
TJ Technique: Wisped Frames

Friday, December 10, 2010

Paper Pieced Stockings



Are you freaking out yet?? We have 15 days til Christmas!!! I really don't know where the time went - wasn't it summer just a few weeks ago??

I wanted to play with these cute stockings from Flourishes, so I pulled out some Basic Grey Jovial papers and mixed and matched until I got a combination that I liked. I paper pieced the stockings and colored the stocking stuffers with Copic markers. The bright turquoise ribbon really brings out that color in the background paper - love that!

Have you mailed out your Christmas cards yet? Don't feel bad - I haven't either!! LOL I'm hoping to work on that this weekend and get them in the mail on Monday.

Enjoy your weekend!!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Valentine Heart Bear - IBFS


Have you seen these adorable new bears over at I Brake for Stamps? I'm in love with every single one of these.

This card is actually the fifth one I was working on, and I just wanted to see how this sweet bear looked in white instead of the browns I had been using on the other bear cards. I shaded here and there with a pale gray Copic marker and gave her a little blush in her cheeks. The cape and hearts as well as the larger heart brads are all colored with Creative Inspirations paint. After I cut out the bear, I added some tiny pearls to the top of her crown.

The layout is from the What If sketch challenge #D110, and I used the Mono Dies technique from Technique Junkies on the background.

When you go shopping at I Brake for Stamps, be sure to use this code - SAVE10HOLLY - to save 10% off your order. I'll have some more bear cards to show you in the coming days, so you will definitely want to go order all of these adorable bears right now. :-)

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Belli Challenge #106 - Christmas Embellishments



Today's Belli Challenge is to create a card or project with your Christmas embellishments. Don't we all have ribbons, buttons, chipboard, glitter, and designer papers that we bought for making our Christmas cards? Pull them out and use them up!

I bought this Penny Black pine branch stamp last year and never got around to inking it up. So this year I was determined to get this stamp inky, and I ordered some Christmas Ornaments #02 - Mini from Creative Cuts and More. I ordered these mini ornaments cut from tacky tape, which meant that these ornament die cuts will be sticky on both sides.

I peeled the wax paper off just one side of each ornament and poured some Martha Stewart glitter on them. After I stamped my pine branch, sentiment, and sponged the edges, I peeled the wax paper from the back of each ornament and stuck them down on the cardstock. Quick and easy! :-)

The layers needed a little extra distressing, so I used the Torn Frames technique from Technique Junkies on the white and brown layers. I love the contrast of this rustic, tattered feel with the elegant, glittery ornaments.

Come play along with us at the Belli Challenge blog. Check out what the other Belli Girls have created and leave them some love. By the way, when you enter in your order at Creative Cuts and More, use coupon code CC&M10Holly to save 10% off your order.


Die Cuts from Creative Cuts and More: Christmas Ornaments #02 - Mini cut from tacky tape
Stamps: pine branch from Penny Black, sentiment from Cornish Heritage Farms
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU), Meadow (Adirondack)
CS: White, Brown
Other: Martha Stewart glitter, sponge

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Sneak Peek - New Year's Bear!!!


How adorable is that teddy bear???? Awwwwww....... this is a special sneak peek of what is coming to I Brake For Stamps. You are going to LOVE what Della will have available in the IBFS store very soon. :-)

I used today's Sweet Stop Sketch #85 for this card along with some yummy papers from Bo Bunny. The New Year's Bear is colored with Copic markers and then I used the Wisped Frames technique around him. I didn't have any dark blue rhinestones, so I colored some clear ones with a Copic marker and attached them to some teeny little snowflakes and added those to the corners.

When you go shopping at I Brake for Stamps, use this code - SAVE10HOLLY - to save 10% off your order. This New Year's Bear will be up in the store soon along with some more adorable stamps. Stay tuned for more eye candy! :-)

Stamps: New Year's Bear - I Brake for Stamps
Ink: Tuxedo Black & Summer Sky Memento
CS: Night of Navy, White, Midnight Frost from Bo Bunny
Other: copic markers, sponge, oval dies, Half the Edge cardstock strips (Bazzill), May Arts ribbon, snowflake punch, rhinestones