December 29, 2011

Pals Paper Arts Best Dressed List


It's time! :) Hope you're ready to check out the Pals Paper Arts Best Dressed List for 2011! The PPA Design Team each selected our favorite winner for each month of the year. Here's my pick for August:

Diane Oliver's fun card was one of the top picks for the Pals Paper Arts Soften the Edges Challenge #108 and my favorite for the month of August. I love all the little details that went into this card that make it so fabulous - the bright colors, the paper piercing, the distressed leaves, the scalloped edge on the rosette, the fun Designer Printed brad, and the unexpected mix of Designer Series Paper and Fabric! Plus, the inside of the card is really cute too! Stop by Diane's blog, Rubber' n Rafters to check out the details!

And don't forget to stop by the Pals Paper Arts to check out the rest of the Best Dressed List for 2011!

December 28, 2011

I {Heart} Ribbon Challenges Extended!

Don't forget! There's still time to play along with the current I {Heart} Ribbon Challenges! Click the challenge badges below to play along!

Pals Paper Arts Preview

The Pals Paper Arts Design team is taking a little break this week, but don't worry, we still have something fun in store for you! Stop by tomorrow to check out the Best Dressed List, featuring our top 12 PPA challenge picks from 2011. Don't forget to stop by today to check out the winners from last week's challenge!

December 22, 2011

Pals Paper Arts Tags

It's the last Pals Paper Arts challenge of the year! I hope you'll bring our your crafting goodies and play along! Remember, you can play with any brand of products!


This week's challenge is all about tags! You can choose to make a tag or add a tag (or tags) to your card. I chose to do the latter and I'm loving this card!


Here are the DEEtails:

I started with an Old Olive card and stamped some trees from Stampin' Up!'s Season of Joy with some VersaMark ink. Then I added some Riding Hood Red DSP and layered on some Whisper White card stock, trimmed with some punched Dotted Ribbon Border in Riding Hood Red. I stamped a portion of the sentiment from SU!'s Heard from the Heart. Then I wrapped some Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine around the card and tied on some Jewelry Tags, punched from some Old Olive and Riding Hood Red DSP and stamped with letters from SU!'s Occasions Alphabet.

Be sure to hop over to Pals Paper Arts and link up your fabulous tag creations! I can't wait to see what you come up with! :)

December 21, 2011

I {Heart} Ribbon Challenges Extended!

I'm sorry I haven't been around much lately! The holidays are such a busy time for everyone! I've spent the past few weeks putting together a huge holiday celebration for my school. I haven't had much time to craft (or rest)! I'm sure you've been busy too. For that reason, I'm extending the past two I {Heart} Ribbon Challenges until January 2nd to give you an opportunity to create! Click the challenge badges below to play along!

Pals Paper Arts Preview

Sorry for the delay! Today was my last day of school before break and it's been quite a busy week! Here's a sneak peek of this week's Pals Paper Arts Challenge! Be sure to pop over tomorrow to check it out! And don't forget to check out last week's Top Picks in the mean time! :)

December 15, 2011

Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge


This week's Pals Paper Arts Challenge is a sketch challenge, created by out talented artist, Margaret Moody! I love how versatile and simple this week's sketch is and I'm sure you'll love it too! Get out your crafty goodies and play along with us! You can use any brand of paper products you like!


Here are the DEEtails:

I decided to flip the sketch upside down to create my sparkly vintage Christmas card. I started with some Very Vanilla card stock, which I stamped the sweet image from SU!'s Greeting Card Kids. I colored her in with some ink and a Blender pen. I trimmed the girl and adhered her to a piece of Very Vanilla card stock with some Stampin' Dimensionals. Then I added some Victoria Crochet Trim and a some Sticky Strip, covered with Glass Glitter. I stamped a strip of SU!'s Music Notes on Very Vanilla card stock for the background and added a Riding Hood Red Poinsettia, punched from the Boho Blossoms punch and added some Old Olive leaves from the Bird punch. I added a cute Jewelry Tag, stamped with the sentiment from SU!'s Pennant Parade and tied up with some Linen Thread.

Can't wait to see what you come up with! Join in on the fun at Pals Paper Arts today!

December 14, 2011

I {Heart} Ribbon Challenge 13


Hello dears! It's time for another fabulous I {Heart} Ribbon Challenge! I thought we'd try an inspirtation challenge this week and something a little festive...

Source

Isn't it lovely?! I can't wait to see what you create! Feel free to interpret this inspiration however you see fit! And remember, ths inspired by ribbon challenge is the only I {Heart} Ribbon challenge that doesn't require you to use ribbon! :) Have fun and link up!



Pals Paper Arts Preview

Hello friends! Hope you had a lot of fun playing along with the Pals Paper Arts Challenge last week! Be sure to check out the Artist Picks and Mystery Blog Candy winner! Are you ready for tomorrow's challenge? Here'a little peek :)

December 13, 2011

December Blog Hop


Welcome to the December Pals Hop! This month, we're featuring Birthday themed cards and projects! I hope you enjoy the hop and the amazing creations that the Pals have come up with.

You've likely hopped over from Rae Harper at Wild West Paper Arts, I'm stop number 15 on the Pals Hop and I'm glad you hopped in! I'll help you "hop along" from blog to blog where you'll find great ideas for Birthday paper projects from the Stampin' Pretty Pals! Should you hop off course, simply click on any of the links in the Pals Hop Line-up below and you'll be back on track!

Today I'm sharing a fun little project that I was excited to create for my hubby who celebrated his birthday on Friday. It's a little sparkly and maybe a little girly, but thankfully my husband puts up with my sparkles and wore it proudly. :) Perhaps it also helped that we didn't leave the house until after I asked him to take it off so as not to damage it! *Giggle!*


This birthday badge was made with some Pocketful of Posies DSP, which I scored with my Simply Scored tool to create a rosette. Then I layered some silver Waffle Paper, arranged in a circle, and added a cardstock circle, which I covered with Sticky Strip and Baja Breeze Glass Stampin' Glitter. I love the big chunks of glitter! I stamped the sentiment from SU!'s Bring On The Cake on Baja Breeze card stock and heat embossed it in silver. I cut the sentiment out and adhered it to my badge with glue dots. Then I added some pretty Baja Breeze satin ribbon and some glittery ribbon from my stash. Perfecto! I can't wait to make a girly pink one next!

Hop along for more inspiring ideas from Cindy Hall at Pretty Impact, stop number 16 on the December Pals Hop! Thanks for "hopping" by!

  1. Patti MacLeith at Papercrafts by Patti
  2. Angie Blake at Angie's Musings
  3. Kylie Nicolosi at Kylie's Crafty Corner
  4. Melanie Collins at Oops a Daisy Designs
  5. Angela Richwine at Stampin' Away with Angela
  6. Mikki Sarkisyan at Mikki's Creative Corner
  7. Barb Furlong at The Love of Stamping
  8. Jennifer Takacs at My Stampin Blog
  9. Linda Fisher at Linda's Stamin Loft
  10. Julie Trevett-Smith at The Stampin' Affair!
  11. Nancy Gleason at My Stampin' Space
  12. Nicole Watt at Impressions By Nicole
  13. Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty
  14. Rae Harper at Wild West Paper Arts
  15. Nina Dee at Deesigns by Nina Dee
  16. Cindy Hall at Pretty Impact
  17. Benjamin Turner at He Stamps

December 11, 2011

Make Merry!

Hello friends! I hope you are having a nice weekend so far! I'm sorry I haven't been blogging much lately. My hubby has been having some health issues that we are still trying to figure out. It's hard for him to do a lot right now, I've been busy taking care of him and taking care of some of the things he usually takes care of. This hasn't given me much crafting time, but I've been trying to sneak a bit of time in here and there.


Today's card is for this week's Cupcake Inspirations Challenge. These cute cupcakes really get you in the Christmas mood, don't they?


DEEtails:

The card was a bit tricky to photograph with all the white, but I really wanted to do something with white on white. I love the way the image turned out. So simple, yet festive. I used the image from SU!'s The More the Merrier and stamped it in VersaMark ink. I added white embossing powder, then colored in the scarves, hats, buttons and cute carrot noses. I took my white Souffle pen and filled in the snowmen. It's hard to tell in the picture, but it makes a bit of a difference. Then I used my VersaMark pen to add some Heat and Stick powder and some white flocking to a couple of the hats and the earmuffs. I added some more "snow" on the bottom with the VersaMark pen and white embossing powder. My creative juices weren't really flowing beyond that, so I just slapped the image on a 3x3 card and added the sentiment from SU's Berry Christmas. I may pull my snowmen off and add them to a better layout later. Here's a closer look at my snowy friends.

December 8, 2011

Pals Paper Arts Puttin' On The Ritz!


Have you seen the well-to do... Up and down Pals Paper Arts... :) Today we're Puttin' On the Ritz!


You'll definitely want to join us this week, because we're going all out with a MYSTERY Blog Candy Blow Out!  
One lucky participant will be showered with Stampin' Up! products from each of the design team members! It's an event you won't want to miss! So hurry up and put on your best!


Here are the DEEtails for my card:

I started with a couple of pieces of Whisper White card stock. I folded the corners over and layered them to make the shirt. I tied up some Basic Black satin ribbon for a bow tie and added some Rhinestone Jewels colored in with a black sharpie for some buttons. Then I took a couple of pieces of Bassic Black card stock for my jacket. I folded the corners over and punched a little detail with my 1" square punch. Then I added some clear embossing powder to add a little texture and shine. I overlapped them on the front of my card for a perfect tuxedo. I didn't have anyone special in mind to send this to, but I can easily add a sentiment for a special occasion - Congrats, Happy New Year, Let's Celebrate, etc!

Do whatdya say? Won't you join us?! Bring out your paper crafting goodies (yes, that sparkly stuff too!) and Put On The Ritz! :)

December 7, 2011

Winner Wednesday

It's Winner Wednesday, and you know what that means...!


I know, I usually post the card of the I {Heart} Ribbon Challenge winner, but who can resist polka dots, ribbon, and flowers all rolled into one!? :) Oh my gorgeousness! I was a bit giddy when I saw Mynnette's fabulous creation.


Pals Paper Arts Preview

Psst! Do you love a giveaway?! Do you love surprises?! You're in luck because this week, the Pals Paper Arts is hosting a MYSTERY Blog Candy Giveaway this week! Oh yeah! Woohoo! :) Be sure to check out the details tomorrow morning at the Pals Paper Arts Blog. Until then, check out this sneak peek of tomorrow's card and don't forget to stop by to check out the Artist Picks from last week. See you tomorrow! :)

December 2, 2011

Questions Answered...

Good morning friends! Sorry for my disappearance earlier this week... I was enjoying the time with my family over the holiday that it was a bit of a rude awakening going back to work on Monday! Plus, this time is always an extremely busy one for me at school as we get ready for the holidays.

I don't have a card for you today, but I wanted to answer a few questions about my Pals Paper Arts card last week.


Before I begin, I want to thank all of you for your super sweet comments! I was floored by your kindness!

Eemili asked for a closer look at the pearls... Here you go!

Bakerbabe asked if the pearls are adhered directly to the circle that I punched out or to the card... The pearls are adhered directly to the card. The punched circle was used as a guide as the outside of the card. I adhered it with some removable adhesive, added the outermost circle of pearls, then removed the circle.

Ellen asked about what kind of pearls I used... I used Stampin' Up!'s Basic Pearl Jewels, which are half-back adhesive pearls. I used the 3 sizes - 5mm, 3mm, and 2mm. I ran out of the 3mm size, so I had to cut apart the strips of connected 3mm pearls (which is why you can see a bit of messy adhesive when you look very closely).

If I can answer any other questions, feel free to ask away! :) Thanks again for your kind comments!

December 1, 2011

Pals Paper Arts Celebrity Color Challenge


Knock! Knock! Are you ready for a fabulous and festive celebrity color challenge? We are over at Pals Paper Arts! :)


Here are the DEEtails:

I started with some Cherry Cobbler card stock. I stamped it with the Woodgrain background stamp and cut some door panels, matted and adhered to my Cherry Cobbler door. I added a Chocolate Chip brad for the door handle and adhered it to a piece of Very Vanilla card stock. Then I punched a bunch of leaves from the bird punch and created a wreath and bough. Then I added some Riding Hood Red Taffeta ribbon for a little extra pizzazz.

Hope you like it! And I hope you'll play along too! Remember, you can use your favorite products to create a card or project using the color palette above.

November 30, 2011

Pals Paper Arts Preview


Hello friends! Here's a little sneaky peeky at this week's Pals Paper Arts Challenge. I hope you're ready to play along! Stop by bright and early tomorrow morning to find out the challenge details at Pals Paper Arts! In the mean time, check out last week's Favorite Picks.

I {Heart} Ribbon Challenge 12

Hi friends! It's time for another fun I {Heart} Ribbon Challenge! Today I have a color challenge for you that I hope you'll enjoy.



I'm not a huge fan of red, so I don't have a ton of cards with red ribbon. Here are just a few of my favorites:





Remember, this challenge will run for 20 days, which allows you to play two challenges at once! To play along with the previous challenge, click here. I can't wait to see your fabulous creations!


Winner Wednesday!

Oh my! I'm so behind! This Winner Wednesday was supposed to post LAST WEEK! Yikes! So, without further ado... the winner of the I {Heart} Ribbon Grosgrain Ribbon Challenge is...



November 27, 2011

Colorful Christmas


Today I'm sharing my card for this week's Cupcake Inspirations Challenge. Check out this adorable little gingerbread house for inspiration!


DEEtails:

I loved the button roof in the inspiration card and knew I had to incorporate some buttons in my card. I used them as a focal point and added a small piece of Brushed Silver card stock and some Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine. I matted it with some Baja Breeze card stock and adhered it to a card with some fun patterned paper from my stash, some Scalloped border, die cut with the Tasteful Trim die and some red grosgrain ribbon from my stash.

Hope you'll play along this week with this fun and colorful inspiration!

November 26, 2011

Hello Friend!

I took a little break yesterday to SHOP! Did anyone else hit up some Black Friday sales? :)


My card today is another Rosette card. I loved the effect on my card last week and thought I'd try it out again. :)

Here are the DEEtails:

I started with some Pool Party and Very Vanilla DSP, which I made two different sized rosettes out of. I attached a cute doily sticker from my stash to the center of each rosette. Then I stamped my sentiment from PTI's Think Big Favorites on Very Vanilla card stock, matted with some more Pool Party DSP. Hope you like it!

November 24, 2011

Pals Paper Arts Pearls



Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you're ready for a feast! :) Every year on Thanksgiving, my brothers and I put up our Christmas tree, so I thought it fitting to share an ornament card with you! Today's challenge over at the Pals Paper Arts is all about Pearls! They are a perfect way to add a little sophistication to any card.



Here are the DEEtails:

I created my pearly ornament by punching out a circle on a scrap piece of card stock. I used some removeable adhesive to attach it to my card as a guide for my pearl placement. Then I pulled out my Pearl Jewels. I used several partial sets, so I can't give you a real estimate of how many pearls I used, but it was quite a bit! I started with the outline, then filled it in. Once my ornament was done, I added some Whisper White Taffeta ribbon.

I'm always trying to find creative uses for pearls, so I can't wait to see what you do! And don't forget that you can play with any of your favorite crafting materials over at Pals Paper Arts. What are you waiting for? Go make something crafty while the turkey is in the oven... Hurry and link up! :)

November 23, 2011

Pals Paper Arts Preview

Here's a teeny sneaky peeky at tomorrow's card for the Pals Paper Arts challenge. Don't forget to pop over to check out the Favorite Picks from last week! See you tomorrow! :)

November 22, 2011

Fun Flower Headband

Good morning dear friends! In just a few hours, hubby and I will be packing up the car and heading home to visit our families for the holidays. It's been quite a stretch of time since we last saw everyone, so we're a bit excited to go back.


Today I thought I'd share something fun that I worked on over the weekend. Let me tell you that the plan was not to make a headband, but the project evolved into this sweet little creation. And boy was it fun to make!

The evolution started with some closet cleaning a few weekends ago. *giggle* I had some gray corduroy's in my closet that no longer fit. The fabric was fabulous and I knew it would make a great flower embellishment. I had planned to make a cute embellie for a card that would double as a pin. I pulled out the Fun Flowers die to cut some layers for my flower. As I was digging through my fabric scraps, I found a cute brown and white striped tank that looked great with the gray. I die cut a few more layers and added a brown button to the center. While playing around with my flower, it donned on me that the tank fabric would make a cute headband with the flower clipped on. LOVED IT! So, I created this no sew headband with a removable flower clip. What do you think? Can't wait to wear it!

November 21, 2011

Forest Friend


Today I'm sharing a card that I made for this week's WeeMemories Challenge. I can't resist a card with a fun forest friend! :)


Here are the DEEtails:

I started by stamping the sweet images from SU!'s Love Bandit. I cut the tree pieces out and the little owl and adhered them together. I added some Stampin' Dimensionals to make my owl pop up a bit. Then I layered some Lucky Limeade DSP, Chocolate Chip card stock, Cherry Cobbler Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch and tied on some Early Espresso Grosgrain ribbon.

November 20, 2011

Turkey Time



Are you ready for Turkey Day? Someone sure is, making this Turkey cupcake creation! Hee hee! :) That's our inspiration for this week's Cupcake Inspirations Challenge. Hope you're ready to play along!



DEEtails:

This ribbon turkey sure was fun to make! I punched out an Early Espresso Circle and started looping and layering my ribbons. To keep them in place, I used Sticky Strip (and lots of it!). The ribbons used here are More Mustard Grosgrain, Crushed Curry Polka Dot Grosgrain, Riding Hood Red Taffeta, Early Espresso Satin, and Chocolate Chip Grosgrain. I sure do love a card that used lots of ribbon! To make the rest of Mr. Tom, I punched smaller circle for his head, hole punched some Basic Black eyes, cut a little triangle for his beak and added an upside down heart (from the owl punch) for his gobbler. I added some little feet, using the bottom of the owl punch. I layered everything onto a Scallop Circle die cut. I feel like I could have used a little more ribbon, but I'm still pretty pleased! Nice to meet you Mr. Tom!