My Paper Mountain

2012-01-10T09:33:00.000-05:00

WOW it's been a long time since I added anything here. This tells the big story of what's going on in my craft world. Basicly it's been ignored. : (
I got burned out. Sometimes you have to shut the door on a craft and leave it, just to get a new perspective.
The holidays have come and gone. WE are waiting on a new grandson-- anyday now!!! Come on Landon.
I've been dabbling with some crochet stitches. All I want to learn is how to make a few scarfs and those adorable flowers that folks are making to put on paper crafts.
Tomorrow is a scheduled day off and I am wanting to get my inks out and make something.
By the fall of last year I was burned out on the thinking that I HAD to follow card designs and patterns. All those dies the are the hottest thing on the market was making me think I couldn't hand cut out stamped images. Folks I think dies are a big waste of time unless they are for genaric shapes and you use them often. I can stamp and cut out an image by the time you hunt for your die, set up the sandwich for cutting and then put it all away.
By changing my thinking and not feeling the pressure to buy all the gadgets on the market, maybe I'll be back in the game!
Look for some new cards tomorrow!

2011-10-05T13:48:00.000-04:00

Gotta share my good fortune somewhere, so why not here????
Went to the Goodwill today just cause it's close to the bank where I was making a deposit, and it's always a good day to treasure hunt.
BAM... right in the door is a shelf with "RUBBERSTAMPS..... I couldn't help myself. Yes I bought some. I didn't buy all of them, just what appealed to me. I'm doing better! :)
68 individual stamps in all, at a price of $46.00. It's a steal and I am excited to use these. My mojo is running loose. Maybe this was what I needed to get some cards made.
Check out these pictures.

Even one of the cats loved the new stuff. He had a good time checking them all out. Now I know not all the stamps were in each SU case, but for me, I'm just going to unmount them and sort the stamps into catagories, and most won't stay in a set anyway. This is the best buy I've ever got at a Goodwill for stamps. So thanks to whoever donated them, I'm a happy gal.

2011-10-02T12:12:00.002-04:00

October time! The month is starting off with beautiful blue skies, leaves barely turning colors, and lots of cooler temps.
Kenny and I have really missed camping this year. With his job change and his work hours it's really too much work to set up and take down a camper for one night, never mind travel time going anywhere to camp.
BUT we really missed the ambience of the campgrounds and the campfires. Yes I know we have a firepit at home,, but it's not the same as a campground.!!!!!!!
We have had our camper for sell this summer and haven't used it at all. It's a 28ft. one slideout Coachman light weight nd we really enjoyed it.......but---------!!!!!
While surfinng Craiglist to see how our camper price was holding up to others on the market I found a 5th wheel that was too good to pass up. YES it was my fault. I found it and nagged to go see it.
This camper is 38ft long. 3 slide outs. Bathroom big enough to rivel a house bathroom, hardwood floors, new roof job, and the price was too good to pass up!
So it came home with us! It's at the RV repair shop getting new awnings and tires. We get to pick it up late next week and take it out for a spin.
Oh yeah I know are wondering where it will stay and how we are justifying getting it when time is a problem. We solved that by getting a seasonal space about an hr. from home where we can go and just unlock the door and be at home (away from home).
Here are some pictures from the craiglisting that I saved to my PC. I'll post inside pictures, and campground pictures later.
Thi camper has lots of room for hobby stuff. I can't wait to fill it up with some of my 'stuff'. Maybe my mojo will come back and I will get some stuff done!

2011-09-11T22:09:00.000-04:00

Hello blogland.
No I haven't fallen off the edge of the world. My world just became clogged up for a while.
My mom fell and broke her hip this spring. She came to live with me for the summer. My hubby's job hours have been erratic, but at least he has a job. I hate to use the "S" word, but stress has been a big part of my summer. Stress zaps all the creative mojo.
Finally today I have had some fun creating some cards and backgrounds for future cards. I hope to get some things uploaded soon.
For all of you out there, I hope you are full of lots of mojo and creative energy.
And lastly, I really miss my online hang-out and the friends I made there. I've not found a new comfort zone or place to share creative processes, as well as friendships. To all of my friends from the old SH.....I've missed you!

2011-02-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

Stamps are from an old company now out of business. Sugarloaf Stamps

2011-02-01T06:00:00.002-05:00

I love to layer images, so the big bug was layered 3 times. Makes him stand out!

2011-01-31T06:00:00.001-05:00

This is a first for me. I used a ruler and made the green border. The green marker and the green ink was too different on the paper, so I added the black stitch stamp overlayed. I think it somewhat mask the differences a bit.

2011-01-30T21:36:00.000-05:00

I love this paper from Basic Grey. I working on the last few papers. The colors are bright and cheerful. The stamps are from Paper Trey Ink. I love quilt stamps. The squares sare cut with a 3/4 inch square punch. And the border is from Martha Stewart.

2011-01-12T05:00:00.001-05:00

I've wanted a stamp set by Paper Trey Ink called "Friendship Jar". Not only is it a jar, but it has stamps of stuff to fill it with. Today while looking for another stamp set, I found an old 2004 Stampin' Up set called Fill it up. Yes there was the jar I have wanted! So glad I waited. now I can use little stamps I already have and create the same effect....and I've saved money. YEAH!

So many times we see a NEW stamp come on the market, and most of us have something similar that will create a similar look! I'm content with my version!

2011-01-11T08:24:00.000-05:00

I'm on a Rubbernecker Stamp kick. They had a great sale last week and I've added to my collection!

I'm loving the striped background stamp. This will be a go to stamp for lots of projects. It's always hard to find striped paper in colors to match a project!

The tiger lilies are another Rubbernecker stamp. This time I've used a little stamp from an old Sugarloaf Company morsels set. I edged the oval to fill the 'white space'.

Layering the tiger lilies give the card more pizzaz! And using a cuttlebug folder on the plain green adds more wow factor!

2011-01-10T10:34:00.000-05:00

These stamps are from an old Sugarloaf stamp set!

2011-01-09T20:24:00.000-05:00

More cards made.....

I love stamps from Rubbernecker/Stamp Oasis stamps. These images used today are both from there!

The border is a Martha Stewart punch.

Look closely at the border here. I laid it on a label--stickey side up, then covered it with glitter. The glitter stuck to the stickeyness.

2011-01-08T16:57:00.001-05:00

Ok blog land, I am trying to get back on track and post some things I've stamped. It's all about Valentine's Day.

First card is just plain red cardstock. The flourish stamps are oldie goldies from Autumn Leaves. I added the little white dots around them with my white zig pen so it would tie the white heart to the red part! The heart is a MS punch, and the sentiment is a $1.00 stamp from Michaels.

I don't know who makes this stamp it was a RAK. After punching the heart border, I used 3 of the little hearts on the white image. The background is a cuttlebug embossed heart folder.

close-up.....

This paper is older than most of my paper, but I've hoarded it for long enough! The roses are from Michaels, and the heart was punched and covered with stickles.

close up.....

These hearts are a background stamp from DRS stamps. Colored with MS markers.

Thanks for stopping in. I have more cards lined up for later postings1 Come back soon!

2010-12-26T11:28:00.000-05:00

Thanks to my friend Brenda, I have new to me stamps! She got them in an EBAY auction, and she already had copies of them. I got to buy them at a great price! These are from Random Rubber. When I did a search for them the company didn't come up. Anybody know where these are made now?

2010-12-17T20:27:00.000-05:00

Punched a bunch of these using the Martha Stewart punch. I added the red berries on the tree using dimensional paint.

2010-12-04T18:52:00.000-05:00

This card uses a vellum piece embossed with a Cuttlebug folder. I inked the folder before I embossed the vellum paper.

This is tone on tone. White embossed paper and silver ink embossed circle. Silver/glitter paper punched with MS snowflake punch.

More of the hoarded sliver/glitter paper that I punched with the snowflake punch and the icicle punch.

And here is a Hero Arts background stamp used on the white paper. Silver/glitter bells are a MS punch.

I don't know why holiday cards are so hard for me to make. I feel forced to make them. Not sure why! Oh well now to just get these in the mail!

2010-11-11T20:06:00.000-05:00

Our house is up for sale. Had to make the room look bigger, so lots of the 'stuff' had to go. I'm liking this alot. More open and somehow more restful. Thanks for looking.

2010-10-25T08:23:00.000-04:00

Life has some really good inspiration, especially when it taste good! I stamped the orange paper with black ink, then embossed with the swiss embossing folder. Gently tap the black ink pad on the paper to cover the dots. Ohhh and yes the donuts were GREAT!

2010-10-17T19:52:00.000-04:00

Finally I'm back to post a card! Life sure does get in the way of craft time!

This is a photo posted on The Shabby Tearoom Blog. It's the inspiration photo for this weeks challenge. I used a fall stamp, a paintchip sample, a cuttlebug folder, and some old paper from my stash. A little corner punch and some ink made this card a shabby vintage card that was inspired by the photo. Thanks for looking!

2010-09-12T19:56:00.000-04:00

Long time No post! Why not start posting again with pictures of my craft room. I set it up so that all the things I use the most are close and within arms reach.

2010-08-22T08:45:00.001-04:00

All stamps are from CTMH-Stamp of the month pick!

I made this card for my friend Brenda.

2010-08-20T18:43:00.002-04:00

I'm back! Can't believe how fast the summer has gone. So much going on during this time away from my blog. NOT alot of paper crafting, but I have accomplished so many other things.
Today I wanted to start the blog off with a challenge from The Shabby Tearoom .

The challenge was to make a card using this beautiful room as inspiration. I love all things roses, so I HAD to play along. Thanks for a reason to get back at my desk and create something.

The paper is from Basic Grey, the flourish was cut using a Sizzix die and inked with CTMH ink. The sentiment is from Hero Arts, and the stamp is made by Bouji. I stamped the rose part twice and layered it. Also the corner tab was cut using an EK success punch. Thanks for stopping by! And thanks for a fun challenge.

2010-08-08T18:59:00.003-04:00

Hello blogland. I'm guessing that there isn't anybody out there for this blog since I've left it alone for so long. Just a couple of more days and I can get back to some ink time. I've really missed my craft time, but it's been a great summer for family and other projects.
Thanks for stopping if you do!!!!! See you soon.

2010-06-23T06:08:00.002-04:00

Thanks for taking your time to stop here. Due to family obligations, I won't be posting here till the first of August! Till then....enjoy a summer off!
See you again in August.

2010-06-15T12:41:00.001-04:00

Lori from .PINKCLOUDSTAMPERS has a challenge to make cards using CTMH products. The theme is patriotic. I use dth eclelbration set shown. Made the blue lines by repeatedly stamping the dotted stamp. The using another little stamp, made the frame and even mitered the corners. LOL

I'm loving a shabby chic look and decided to challenge myself to take a stamp set that seems 'modern' and give it an old comfy look!

Thanks Lori for being such a good rep. and the fun challenge here!

2010-06-12T15:07:00.003-04:00

This embossed background was a RAK from Martha-aka embee. I used Ranger distress inks = denium and vintage photo to bring the embossing to life. The diecuts were inked , then popdots were used. Had to show the punch used to make the sentiment too. LOVE these 2 punches. So easy to grab.

Thanks Martha for the lovely RAK.

2010-06-11T07:12:00.004-04:00

Today I'm entering a Blog challenge. And for this Blog Challenge choice, I chose The Shabby Tearoom . This is for week #13-Just for Dad!
This also fits the OWH blog sketch challenge for this week.

The stamps are from DRS stamps, the paper is from my stash. I've distressed the edges. I used h-vac tape to stamp the duct tape image on, then sanded it slightly in 2 different directions to give it dimension. The inside says Happy Fathers Day!
Thanks for looking!

2010-06-08T07:08:00.000-04:00

WOW I didn't realize how long it's been since I've posted anything. I'm a slacker!!!
Nothing made though. I've been down with my neck and back. Going to the chiropractor this morning though. I can only get through work. Should be improving soon....
I do wnat to put in a plug for my friend Lori Leng. She is a CTMH (Close to My Heart) rep. She has me hooked on these stamps and the ink! Thanks girl......
This month is a great time to try out their products, cause the company is offering stuff at DAILY jackpot deals. Yes every day there is a new jackpot to try! I've already ordered one time,a nd I'm sure I'll be ordering again!
Order through her website and make her day!
http://pinkcloudscrappers.blogspot.com/

Check out her SB pages and cards... Yep she is talented too!
https://lorileng.myctmh.com/Retail/Products.aspx?CatalogID=1601
This the direct link to the June Deals.
Enjoy a great product and a great rep!!!!!

2010-05-28T06:39:00.001-04:00

These stamps and the paper is from the Close To My Heart Company.

Such beautiful paper and the stamps are so easy to use!

Clear stamps that are so easy to use and just as easy to store!

Lori's Blog- Pinkcloud Scrappers

This is where you can get your CTMH stamps and learn more about that company as well as get inspiration for great stamping projects! Thanks Lori for introducing me to this great company!

I used a Sizzix Die for stamping on and hand cut the extra 2 layers for backing.

2010-05-27T06:23:00.000-04:00

DCWV papers, sizzix vine die, pearls are MS, and the image is a digital. Colored with prisma markers.

2010-05-22T22:01:00.000-04:00

Christmas in May! My CTMH order was delivered Friday...Thanks so Much Lori !

I have to share a picture of all the goodies! 11 stamp sets and 3 packs of paper. The barter system is a great way to get what a person wants with out breaking the bank!!!!!

These stamps are awesome. The paper is yummy. Now I need to USE it!

2010-05-12T09:51:00.000-04:00

Today I gave myself permission to make something without a reason.
I've got caught up in making cards all for a reason instead of just to satisfy my need to create. I sell cards at my work-about 20 a week, and then donate cards to OWH as I get a box filled. Right now I have a box waiting to ship that has about 200 in it.
After reading a post on Stamp Haven from Pam, I realized I too don't take time to make things just for my own enjoyment, always for a reason. Thanks Pam for the idea to free myself and just create!!!
I've been a big fan of Louise and her Tag Challenge Blog . I love to look at all the submissions. Such small canvases, but big results.
Today I made a tag! Not for a challenge there, but just to make one. The tag was cut with a sizzix die using a cereal box. I finally cut up a reprint vintage Sears catalog for the background paper and stamped stuff on it with some sugarloaf stamps. Distress inks and some sand paper finish it off.
I'm loving the feel of just making something that satisfies me!
Now what will I do with this? ? ? ?
I'll hang it on my wall!

2010-05-08T09:33:00.001-04:00

The above little stamp is selling for $124.95 on Ebay! Yes--PSX stamp

The auction is over May 21, Rare PSX stamp so after that date the link won't worl. but I had to post this. I can't believe the things people will pay for something. I guess I am just cheap!

Oh and if I did have this stamp, up can bet it would be up for sale!!!!

2010-05-04T18:31:00.003-04:00

Flexie left me a blog award! Thank you for thinking of me!!!

Here are the rules. You need to say something nice about the person who gave you the award, copy and paste, share a few little personal details about yourself, and pass it on. You are suppose to share ten things people don't already know about you and pass this award to ten other bloggers.

A busy lady who has been so nice online... I'd like to meet up with her someday and stamp too! She has her hands full of so many things, but seems to always have an upbeat attitude! Keep in touch Flexie!

Now following the rules: here is 10 things about me that maybe you don't know!
1. Fast forward version of my life! Married first time at 18, 2 children, widowed at 34, remarried at 39, grandma at 43, empty nester at 45, still working on my bucket list!!!!
2. First scrapbook was of my late husband. Very carthartic to fill it with pictures and memories for my kids.
3. I love my day job! Hairstylist- it's a great way to work with people and make them feel good about themselves. And its' another way to be creative!
4. I want to see the Western United States. Would love to RV it around that part of the country and visit national landmarks.
5. I'm a nut for CAVES. Yes you read that right. I love caves, and made my first trip through the Bat Cave here in NC when I was 17 yrs. old. My next cave needs to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico!
6. I HATE to watch TV. I'd rather read a book. Commercials ruin TV time. That's why I love DVRing programs so we can fast forward thru the commercials.
7. I'm the middle child of 5 children. Does that tell you anything about my personality?
8. I hate spiders!
9. I have a real bucket list!
10. I love to dance! Dancing makes you feel good and it's good for you!
+++++++++++
Now here's 10 people I want to pass the award on to!
Martha at peachy paper crafting is always a great inspiration!

Pam is full of inspiration, not only at her blog, but also at Stamp Haven.

Lyneen is always on the look out for good stuff! Girl I'd love to go yard saling with you!!! LOL

Lori. is the go to lady for CTMH stamps and stuff. Oh yeah she has gotten me addicted!!!!

Gini is Lori's sister and a really talented stamper/paper crafter! She has used some great stuff on her cards! Look for the computer part on one of them!

Lynn is always full of ways to recycle things to make cards.

Karen G. is a top OWH lead card maker I think!

Susan is the queen of CAS-clean and simple! I love this style, but my love of paper over takes my desire to be simple!!!!!

Sarah probably doesn't know I visit her blog, but I love the vintage style she has. Love to see her work!

Bibbi has great style to for the shabby chic look.
++++++++++++++++++++
These are places I go each day for inspiration! Click on their names to visit their blogs!!!

2010-05-03T06:35:00.000-04:00

Time for Mother's Day Cards I've made to sell at work! Sorry, I'm swamping you! I just wanted to put them all in one post. Thanks for looking!

2010-05-02T12:49:00.001-04:00

Operation Write Home -- sketch #15

I'm cleaning out the scrap paper basket. the image was shabbied up with distress inks to match the paper. Thanks for looking.

Remember all cards for Operation Write Home goes over seas to military bases. Then they have cards to mail home to loved ones.

After looking at the picture online I thought it needed the lace extra!

What do you think?

2010-05-01T20:24:00.000-04:00

Another sketch from Operation Stars and Stamps Blog

Thank you for taking time to stop and look at my card. I really appreciate the sketch.

Last week when I did the sketch I took creative license to place the sentiment on a different angle. I appreciate Karen's sketch, but felt that the size of my letters didn't lend itself to the diagonal placement.

No disrespect to Karen, but I think someone else questioned my changes. So today I would like to point out that although the sketch calls for a rectangle, I chose to use the oval! Just another way to make this sketch work for me!

2010-04-25T04:00:00.001-04:00

Today I want to show you my new marker storage. I tried the cubes turned on their sides so the markers were stored horizontal. I tried in a marker holder purchased from Dic Blic, but it only held 24, and that meant 3 cases I had to haul around. I wanted storage that I could use to be portable, but also at my desk. I wanted the color families to be stored together for blending purposes.
Finally I found what is working for me!!!!!!!!!
Michaels sells this 'photo' storage holder. It meets all of my needs! The price was wonderful with the 40% off coupon too! $29.00 and then take the 40% off! About $16.00 and my solution to marker storage. Each box holds 14 prisma markers. Not sure of how many copics, or other brands it would hold per box.

2010-04-24T19:11:00.001-04:00

Operation Stars and Stripes sketch challenge: #13 Also used this for the Earth Friendly challenge at Stamp Haven. I recycled the circles from a Pepsi box.......

I chose to put the sentiment horizontial instead of on the diagonal for easier reading!

Thanks for looking.

2010-04-24T12:51:00.000-04:00

Time to show you some of my craft room organization ideas.
I have a VERY small room- 10'x12' plus a closet across one end for an added 2'x 10' of shelving. I took the doors off the closet for easier access. Added some curtains to cover the storage for a 'cleaner' look at times. The closed curtain look is just when company comes and seem overwhelmed by all my stuff! LOL
Time to show you the glue holder my husband made for me. A pet peeve is waiting for the glue to flow down to the opening of the bottle when stored in a normal manner.
He cut a block of wood and added holes that hold the bottles upside down. Voila! !, glue at a moments notice. I keep it in my 'Prime Space"--the wall space to the left of my chair
By the way, "Prime Space" holds stuff that I use most every time I sit down to work.

2010-04-17T20:46:00.000-04:00

More cards and more coloring fun!

If you look closely, you can see some glitter in places. This is from a 'clear' glitter pen from the Gelly Roll company. Adds a great little bling to small areas!

2010-04-15T06:40:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I had time to play and use some of my lace stash. A store just up the road from wherer I work is going out of business. The store sold lace and fabrics for PJ's to Wedding Gowns. Some of the lace has obviously been in the store a long time, but for me it's fine for cards. Here's some of my cards with lace:

Thanks for stopping by and taking a look at what keeps me busy and out of trouble!

2010-04-07T19:58:00.004-04:00

Operation Write Home sketch and a couple of cards!

2010-04-04T10:33:00.000-04:00

The other 2 images from the Dover Publishing Co. 4 images total.

I used a clear glitter pen from gelly roll. Love the subtle bling it adds to an image. I even added it to the prima flowers.

2010-04-02T20:31:00.000-04:00

It's a DCWV paper pad tonight! Oh and the MS butterfly punch was still out on the desk so I used that too!

2010-04-01T22:00:00.000-04:00

Images from Dover Publishing Co.

Colored with prisma markers.

2010-03-31T06:17:00.000-04:00

It's Spring.............and I love flowers! I'm on a mission to use more as embellishments on my cards!
After looking at the prices of some pre-packaged flowers, I went out to find an alternative.
At Michaels and AC Moore I found different bunches of flowers that will work for me. Some of the tiny bunches are in the wedding section, and some were just seasonal bunches. It's amazing how many little flowers are on a stem. Take them off the stems and even glue-dot the centers. VOILA a great card embellishment.

2010-03-27T06:00:00.003-04:00

I'm hooked on square cards now I think. Thanks Lori and Gini... You girls rock the square look!

My card today uses a vintage image.

The yellow paper is stamped with a rubbernecker background stamp. A Martha Stewart punch was used for the edge and the leaves. The flowers are just off a $1.00 stem of flowers.

It's great to be back doing some crafty things. Gotta get to the taxes though! :-(

2010-03-26T06:32:00.000-04:00

A store is going out of business. Here's my load of lace. All for $20.00. I chose lace widths that would be small enough for card sizes. But what can you do with so much white lace???

Color the lace!!!!!

The pictures show the products I used to color the lace. These spools of lace are polyester based.

I just rubbed the ink pads over the lace, and rubbed the lace with the side of the markers. More rubbing makes darker more intense color using the markers.

The reinkers and alcohol inks really add great color, but I think I wasted more ink.

I cant' wait to use some of this lace on my cars now!

2010-03-25T18:45:00.002-04:00

Here is my first square card.
I've been blog surfing and seeing more square cards being made.
After making this one I know I'll be making more. It's lots easier to balance a design using the square size.
This card came together in about 10 minutes. Yes the bird was already colored, but the layers and all were a breeze. The reason?? Paper inspiration and Lori's pep! (She's a mom to 2 darling little boys and still manages to make cards, as well as work at the day job and then sell CTMH too! Go girl....)
Lori came in to see me this morning and brought me a pack of paper from the CTMH company. It's the Sweet Home collection, and yes it's beautiful!
I came home for lunch and while looking at the paper decided to make a card. The bird was an image that worked with the colors.

Hopefully my mojo is back, all BEFORE I get the taxes finished!

2010-03-13T08:02:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post to let you all know that this blog will be silent till after Easter (first weekend in April). This time of year is a tough time.
I need to do taxes, spruce up the house for a friend's visit, and in general devote some time to my personal mental health...........whatever that is at this time of year!
See you in April.

2010-03-09T07:04:00.000-05:00

Finally I'm getting the cards uploaded for OWH's Sunday sketch:

Here's the sketch!

This sketch is a great way to use up small left over scraps of paper!

Thanks for a fun challenge!

2010-03-08T06:00:00.014-05:00

On a Wild streak with wild cards for Operation Write Home. The background paper is from a wallpaper sample book. Martha Stewart grass punch.

2010-03-07T10:19:00.000-05:00

Do you ever run across a blog that holds your interest and covers so many ares of crafting??? I discovered one this morning:
http://justsomethingimade.blogspot.com/
I didn't stop till I had made my way back to the start of HER blog. So many free downloads, so many ideas for all kinds of crafts. Just had to share this one as I put it in my favorite links!

2010-03-01T06:03:00.000-05:00

Here's another Operation Write Home Sketch Challenge......

And the 2 cards I made thos week. Simple images makes this sketch a fun one to use.

Bunny image is a Studio G stamp,a dn the Chick is a Recollection Stamp from Michaels.

The green is not part of the cards... just my cardstock that I had the cards laying on!

2010-02-28T06:31:00.003-05:00

Today's post was inspired by a friend Lyneen on the west coast. http://dreamingofcastles.blogspot.com/2010/02/paper-roses-class-at-rubber-soul-227.html
That is the link to her blog. Yep. Only thru the magic of the web, can we learn share info like this. I will be trying hard to make flowers like hers, but till then here is my take on making these 3-D flowers.

Step #1 Punch circles

Step #2 Layer the in a stack and punch hole for the brad. The bigger the brad the wider the center will be.

Step #3 Attach the brad, then crumple the layers upward.

#4 Unbend the layers slowly, till you get the look you want.

#5 Find a project to use these goodies on!

My leaves are a Sizzix diecut taht I've colored and bent the leaves up.

Thanks for looking and I hope this can help you.

Also thanks Lyneen for the inspiration.

2010-02-22T08:13:00.002-05:00

First is the sketch from Operation Write Home Blog http://www.owhstarsandstamps.org/ . I had some paint strip samples in my scrap basket. This sketch just called for me to use those! Thanks for the sketch!

2010-02-22T05:58:00.002-05:00

This is a card for my mother-in-law. She has pneumonia. I love these little roses. Found them at AC Moore int he wedding dept. Pulled them apart and cut them off their wire. Added punched leaves and gave them a home on this card. I have a few more of these roses to use on a small box I want to cover.

2010-02-20T19:13:00.001-05:00

More cards for the last weekend of StampHaven's Winter Stampfest!!!!

2010-02-18T06:57:00.003-05:00

2010-02-13T22:10:00.000-05:00

More cards for the different challenges at Stamp Haven:

2010-02-12T05:23:00.001-05:00

More stamped cards for the challenges at Stamp Haven's Winterfest!

2010-02-07T20:47:00.001-05:00

Playing at StampHaven...... lots of great challenges and fun with stamping.

2010-02-05T06:29:00.003-05:00

Time to Play..... Two weeks of stamping fun. Challenges and prizes for participates at all levels of skill. Lots of encouragement and socializing. A friendly place to jump in and enjoy some stamping time.

http://www.stamphaven.com/

2010-01-31T20:10:00.002-05:00

http://www.owhstarsandstamps.org/ The Operation Write Home Blog is set up to inspire card makers. This is the sketch from Jan.31st.

Here are my cards using the sketch!

2010-01-31T08:20:00.000-05:00

2010-01-28T05:53:00.002-05:00

2010-01-24T14:34:00.001-05:00

Martha Stewart punch for the umbrella. Topped them with diamond glaze and microbeads. Then my favorite dotted swiss cuttlebug folder for the paper.

2010-01-11T06:40:00.000-05:00

Craft punches for Christmas have finally been used, and I love them!

2010-01-08T06:23:00.001-05:00

Wow I was given a jackpot of treasures. One of my clients gave me a bag filled with 'paper stuff' she had saved for years. She claimed the only reasons she had saved this stuff , was it was too pretty to throw away! When she saw my cards at work, she decided I could use it and appreciate it! Welllllll Yeah I could and I love everything. I have more from the bag to show you another day!!!!

Where should I start using this????? LOL

2010-01-04T05:00:00.001-05:00

A card using dimensional paints for dots!
The stamp is from Rubbernecker Stamps........love them!

2010-01-03T20:19:00.000-05:00

Valentines Day cards made this weekend. The first one has a black/white strip border made with a stamp=black ink on white paper. And the black ink on red for the heart!

Same stamps for the green

This is a SU chocolate candy stamp.

2010-01-03T10:05:00.000-05:00

Time for Valentines Day cards..................

2010-01-01T17:44:00.004-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Yes another year is just a new journey! I hope to post many fun projects that I've enjoyed making, stuff I've learned from others, and maybe even discovered for myself!
Here's to all of you who kindly stop by to see what's going on in my world!
Happy Crafting.
Todays cards are made using some new stamps from Michaels $1.00 stamps. I only picked 5, adn left about 10 more! Hey I'm trying NOT to buy stuff I already have!

2009-12-05T17:52:00.004-05:00

My burlap Christmas stockings--- construction in pictures.

Muslin and burlap. Stamped with stazon ink and a Hero Arts rubber stamp.

Very simple and easy. Placed the burlap between 2 pieces of muslin, zig-zagged around the edges, then turned the fabric. The muslin was cut roughly 3 inches longer than the burlap. That made the cuff when I folded the muslin down over the burlap. I cut a piece of tagboard to fit under the cuff while stamping.

I could have covered the zig-zagged edge along the cuff with ribbon for a more finished look, but hubby agrees that it's fine! :-)

2009-12-03T07:44:00.008-05:00

Yesterday I went to my moms. As always I have to pass a GREAT goodwill store. I can always find lots of goodies! Here's the haul from yesterday!

the white over the door rack will hold punches. I just have to find wall space for it! The black rack will be for bottles of stuff for crafting. The expanding file holder will be for my embossing folders. I'll just recover it to suit my taste. Wallpaper border will make some great cards. The wall lamps and the white shelf will be for our bedroom. These twig balls are going to be great for my burlap/woodsey Christmas plans for this year.

I just LOVE bargins!

2009-11-30T12:42:00.003-05:00

Kenny's Birthday Card---2009---the big 50!

2009-11-24T00:02:00.000-05:00

2009-11-23T12:01:00.001-05:00

2009-11-08T19:57:00.003-05:00

A friend of mine brought me a bag of fabric trim samples. Made the old brain go...what can I make with this stuff !!!

Over at StampHaven there was a challenge to make an ornament! This was the perfect opportunity to use the trim!

I cut a thread on the trim so it would bend into a round shape. Punched circles and glued the trim on that. Covered the front and back for a clean look. Add a hook between layers of punched circles. Cover front circle with designer paper and add the stamped image.

The angel has glitter on her, and the santa is covered with paper glaze for shine!

2009-11-05T21:45:00.003-05:00

This post was inspired by a challenge at Stamp Haven. The challenge was to recycle something. Then the second challenge was to make a stamped gift.

I'm always losing my reading glasses. The 'around the neck' holder comes off too easily, and I'm always messin up my hair by wearing them on my head....

Here's my solution. An eyeglasses holder pin!!!!!

Made with wood squares and soda can pull tabs. All the pieces were glued together with Gorilla Glue.

I'll cover the backs with felt to finish them off.

2009-10-31T18:45:00.003-04:00

Ohhhh the fun of a GREAT bargin!

Last weekend I stopped at Hobby Lobby and found some good stamps. Then today I happened to be in Michaels about 10:30am and wowser the halloween stuff was 90% off. Yes you read right--90% off!!!!!!

Gotta show you the MS punches that were $1.59 each!!!!!!

I'll scan the receipt later!!!

2009-10-10T21:14:00.001-04:00

I'm cleaning off my desk and clearing out my stamped image pile! These wil go to Operation Write Home for out military!

2009-10-09T19:57:00.001-04:00

2009-09-25T07:44:00.003-04:00

Today I just want to thank my "Enabling" friend and CTMH rep! Well not only do these tags apply to her, but She's been my insurance agent since 1994 I think!!!!
Now her insurance needs to extend to the stamp stuff!!!! Girl, am I covered??? LOL
Seriously now, I think I have a new addiction. I love these clear stamps!!!! They come stored in great little envelopes with thier own index sheet. Good sturdy stamps too!
In addition to the stamps........... the inks!!!! First I loved all the colors grouped in families! I love the way the pad lids fold under too. Gotta do another order soon!!!!!!
SOOOooooooo Thanks Lori!

2009-09-17T14:30:00.006-04:00

The cupcake pictures.....using the same paint technique as in the previous post.

Since there is drying time involved in this process, I make lots of them to have on hand. No sense in waiting for just one!!!

2009-09-17T14:18:00.006-04:00

I'm not a video maker, so this is my "teaching by pictures" way if sharing my tips and techniques for special techniques.

I love 3-D deminsions on paper. This paint will create a raised effect. It's found in the fabric section of the big box craft stores. The glitter is a very fine detail glitter.

The stamps are Studio G wood mounted stamps found at Michaels. Colored with prisma markers on the donut. Left the "iced section white. Made the "sprinkles" with the paint, and let dry. Finished with the glitter for the glazed icing effect!

It works on cupcakes too! My personal taste go for the 2 color sprinkles per cupcake, instead of the multiple colors. I did make one to show you how it looks. To me it looks too busy! JMHO!!

Thanks for looking and I hope you can use this info!

2009-09-16T06:00:00.001-04:00

The tape used for duct work is great for running thru the diamond plate cuttlebug embossing folder. Here's a CAS card using it. TFL

2009-09-15T07:39:00.001-04:00

Another CAS card. For Karen!!!!

2009-09-13T19:36:00.002-04:00

More Clean and Simple cards
using Studio G stamps.

2009-09-13T19:30:00.003-04:00

Today I really worked on becoming a CAS stamper! Not forever, but just having fun with the CAS style of stamping/cardmaking.

CAS--Clean And Simple

Colors- White, black and only one other color.

Minimal stamping. Lots of white space.

2009-09-11T21:14:00.002-04:00

A couple of quick cards tonight. I'm going to the Stamp show tomorrow in Greenville SC. I've got stamp fever!

2009-09-10T08:12:00.003-04:00

First is a card using a rubbernecker stamp. I love this little man and find him very versatile. The map stamp and direction stamp are from 2005 sugarloaf stamps that were a $1.00 at ACMoore.

The next image is an altered small 2x2 canvas. I found these for $1.00 at ACMoore. I think it needs something else around the edges, but can't figure it out. Any suggestions???

Thanks for looking today!

2009-09-03T06:38:00.005-04:00

Two cards made last night. The animal one was with SU stamps and the Don't feed the Animals stamp from M's new acrylic little stamps!

The Smile card has been in my mind since I first saw the new inkadinkadoo acrylic stamps with sayings by children. Finally the idea made it to "paper. The little stamps for the background smiles are also inkadinkado "muse" stamps.

2009-08-29T17:03:00.003-04:00

This started from a thrift store frame. I paid $1.00 for it. Painted the frame, then used some paper from "The Old World Stack", a paper slab. The corners are rub-ons from Basic Grey. The letters are die-cut with sizzix. I did a little distressing with white and brown inks on the red background, jsut to give it an aged look. From the camera angle it doesn't look as good as in person. I think it came out really good. Just a little something for the walls in my craft room!

2009-08-24T07:06:00.006-04:00

Birthday cards needed! I used QK embossing folders for both cards, and sanded to show the cardstock color. The flowers are really white, not blue! Ggrrr. I need to make a white background box and learn to take better pics!!!

Fast cards made with basic grey goodies, punches and flowers.

Gotta get these in the mail!!!!

2009-08-19T07:28:00.002-04:00

Today's post is about my thrift store treasures. I found a great chair yesterday. Leather with nail heads. Works perfectly in the sunroom. It's in great shape and even comfy. I've needed a side chair for that corner by the door! The price::: $10.00. Yeahhhh what a steal!

Hauled it home in the old "Pontiac Truck" I drive. (That would be the Pontiac Grand Prix) Makes the girls at work laugh when they see the stuff I haul around in it! Can't let a good thing get away!

2009-08-14T20:32:00.003-04:00

Pam over at StampHaven had used some stuff to make an ATC and it inspired me to try this for use. I don't know how much or how often I would use this, but it makes a neat background cover for chipboard.

First spread glue on a plastic surface. I used a lid. Smear in Pearl Ex powder. Let dry thoroughly. Then to peel off the lid and use on chipboard or CS you need a heat gun to slightly melt it and make it plyable. As it cools it becomes brittle again. I put a fresh layer of glue on the chipboard to hold it on as I melted it to the chipboard. Rub with your finger to gently adhere it to the paper.

I had some air bubbles, but I kinda like the aged look it leaves.

Thanks for looking. If you have questions... I'll be glad to answer!!!!

2009-08-12T06:58:00.003-04:00

Gotta stop all those pictures of that cluttered craft room! I'll be back with better pics of a more organized room later. ( when football season starts and I have time!!!)

Here's a picture of a card I made yesterday! Inspired by Martha over at StampHaven! The embossed paper is really a paint chip sample from Lowes. Embossed with a QK folder. Cowboy is a VVLV stamp and the sentiment is from an older sugarloaf stamp set.

2009-08-07T07:13:00.003-04:00

This is the top and bottom of the right side of my closet. Punches, are in the baskets. The 3 drawer sterlite containers are full of little punches, twinkling H2O's, chalks, brads, etc.

The red 5 drawer units have sentiment stamps by theme. These are so easy to grab! I'm glad I seperated sentiments and images in my stamp collection. I know it's messy, but I'm working on it now!!!!!

I'ts been inspiring for me to see my own mess in print. It's made me get busy and PURGE and reorganize. Also want to do some decorating in here too! NEEDS it bad!