Re-Do



A bit of a re-vamp on my card that I made for Unscripted Sketch #147.  The original is 'okay' but just not really my style.  There was something that I just wasn't happy with.....maybe too much black ???  Anyway, I managed to gently remove the embossed panels (see tip below) without tearing the paper!  I also changed the color of the embroidery cotton and re sized the card.  A new clean & simple look that really draws the eye to the pretty little glass bead (that I totally love).

Tip:  One of the girls from our stamp club (Terri) shared this with us and it works!!!  Gently heat the back of the card with your heating gun and quickly pull off the panel that you want removed.  You might have to reheat a bit more as it does cool quickly.  It really does work!  The paper may warp a bit but is fine once it is glued down. Use an adhesive remover if there is any glue that needs to be removed.

Unscripted Sketch #147

Another new embossing folder (Hobby Lobby - $5) that I absolute love.  Although it might look like patterned paper, it really isn't!  I rubbed the debossed side of the paper with Momento Black ink until the white paper didn't show through.  I preferred the embossed side but I just couldn't get the ink to go on evenly over the embossed images (without streaking on the paper) so I settled for this version.

It is not obvious in the photo, but the ribbon is actually looped on the left side.  It was 2:00am when I was uploading the picture and there was no way I was spending another 1/2 trying to get a better picture.  Why didn't I do this sooner you ask?  Because I am a procrastinator and probably (most likely) will never change!

The sentiment is Stampin' Up (an old rub-on set from way back).  I really like how it looks turned sideways along the image.

Anyway, you know the drill....take a peak at the DT creations, get inspired, get busy and get linked!

Unscripted Sketches #147

Happy crafting!

Unscripted Sketches #146

.... I can hardly wait to see the cards that are created with this sketch!  No matter which way you flip it, the possibilities are endless. And the optional stitching challenge....love it!

My nephew's girlfriend LOVES everything Pink!  If it is pink, Pam has it.  This card was specifically created for her birthday.  For some reason though, the pink cardstock looks faded  in some places in the photo....much better in RL!

Sometimes when I look at a sketch I get overwhelmed with ideas.  I find that if I taylor the card to a specific individual, the colors, embellishments, techniques just seem to come together easily.  Otherwise, I spend hours (and I mean HOURS) jumping from one thing to another.

I enlarged the photo considerably so that the french knots would show up. I used a shiny/silky crochet cotton for the white knots and plain black embroidery cotton for the black cross stitches.  The cute polka dot ribbon was a $1 score from Hobby Lobby as was this great embossing folder ($5).  I rubbed a dark pink pigment ink over the embossed images (really makes the images pop).

Head on over to Unscripted Sketches , take a peak at what the rest of the DT has stitched together for you and then link up your creations. 

Happy crafting!

Unscripted Sketches #145



Staples, cork & twine - perfect for hubby's birthday card! I used some decorative staples that I bought a kazillion years ago! They were silver so I inked them up with some Black Stazon, then heated them with the heating gun....presto, black staples.  The die cut cork 'buttons' are mounted on black cardstock and stitched with black embroidery floss.  I added a bit of linen thread (two strands to make it look more like twine) and voila - a quick guy card!

PS..."In real life" the colors are Cajun Craze & More Mustard (honestly, it is not red!).

Happy crafting!

The rest of the DT has 'gone & done it' again with some amazing projects! Hop on over to the blog, check things out and then link 'em up!

http://unscriptedsketches.com/2012/02/unscripted-sketches-144/

Unscripted Sketches #144

A close up of the panel.

A baby card for Sketch #144.   You have got to stop by, check out the goods and get busy crafting!  The DT has outdone themselves with this one!

This card was made specifically for my good friend's daughter who had a baby just before Christmas.  Her other daughter had a baby a couple months earlier so she is Grandma twice over within a couple of months....she will be busy!

I love this color combo!  Pool Party, Rich Razzleberry and a bit of patterned paper from an old In Color collection (might be Soft Sky). 

The front panel is popped up on dimensionals. I should have taken a side profile picture to show the space behind the vellum and the striped panel.  I wanted to keep the card 'soft' so the embellishments are intended to support the color rather than be the highlight. 

I can hardly wait to see the gallery!  It is so nice to see more and more people playing along with these fun sketches.

Just click to submit:
http://unscriptedsketches.com/

Happy crafting!



One Layer Wednesday 76

Okay, okay....I know that this is the third version of this card, but.......

Somewhere in my blog stalking travels I came upon Lisa's awesome blog titled I'm in Haven .

While visiting Lisa's blog, I discovered Simplicity, hosted by the talented Susan Raihala, the master of clean and simple!  Susan has taken the time to post several step-by-step, no nonsense, learning tutorials.  You really, REALLY have to pay her blog a visit!

So while there, I discovered yet another challenge - One Layer Wednesday 76.  Grey, white and a pop of color on a one layer card.  Hence, my third version. 

I inked up my stamp (Inkadinkado) with two colors - base layer was Basic Grey with Bordering Blue tapped gently on top (Basic Grey alone was too dark).  My 'pop of color' is the two wee aqua colored pearls on each side of the sentiment.  I wanted to keep the 'pop' somewhat subdued as this is a sympathy card.

....I promise there won't be a fourth version!

Unscripted Sketches #143

I definitely took an 'unscripted' approach to the sketch this week!  But remember, these sketches are just a starting point that will hopefully inspire many different ideas.

I love this stamp and knew that it would work well with this sketch!  I stamped the image in the corner to imitate the semi-circle element.  The stamp is quite intricate so I wanted to use a small sentiment (sympathy seemed appropriate for the image).  The black pen border really grounded the image nicely.

I used Black Stazon on Very Vanilla cardstock.  I made the same card (previous post) on white cardstock but definitely like the look of this card better.

The design team has produced some amazing cards this week so pop on over to Unscripted Sketches, get inspired, then get busy creating and sharing your handiwork with us!

 http://unscriptedsketches.com/

CFC36: Create a Clean And Simple Project that is only black and white.

A really simple and quick card that I thought was perfect as a sympathy card.  The challenge was to create and clean & simple project.  This card does not get any simpler than this!

The stamped image is considerably darker in 'real life'.  I am still trying to figure out the best settings on my new camera - especially with white on white.

Here is the link to the challenge.  There are over 250 amazing entries, so head on over and check out the goods.

http://cas-ualfridays.blogspot.com/2012/01/cfc36.html

Map to Your Heart Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

Same card - different photo background

How many of you have done a google search on "crafts made with maps"?  There was literally hundreds of pages of trendy projects using old maps - now who would have thunk it?  Cath (Moxie Fab World) was bang on when she said that "using maps in your paper crafting is nothing short of all the rage". 

I made this card specifically for the Map to Your Heart Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.  I have listed the link at the end of the post if you would like to play along. 

I actually started by using up one whole map (that dear hubby may be searching for one day) but wasn't happy with the color combo.  I then decided to download a map of the city of  Winnipeg (capital of Manitoba, about 4 hours from where we live).  I printed it in black/white and my color combo was born.  This is my DH valentine's day card so I also wanted to keep it masculine (black, white, red).

I might have strayed a bit off track (no pun intended) when I used the map to create a maze on the card so that I could use my creatively punny sentiment:
Our {heart = love} is a-Mazing!!

Although it is hard to see in the photo, the heart is punched out on the main card so that the red glimmer paper (popped up on dimensionals) shows through. 

http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2012/01/map-to-your-heart-challenge.html

Unscripted Sketches #142

Oh dear! This was scheduled to post Saturday morning at 6:30am but it didn't happen!

WOWZERS!  Did you see all the unbelievable, super-calla-craftalicious creations this past week at Unscripted Sketches?  I can hardly wait to see who has been inspired by this week's sketch!

Another sketch with so many possibilities....and I think I put every single one of those possibilities onto this card :)  Honestly, I seriously think that I am way out of my comfort zone here!  I really had to work to come up with something I was happy with.  Hence, the word challenge!

The cellophane window doesn't really show up in the photo (bottom of the removable tag peaks through the window).   The sentiment banner also has a pleat that isn't visible in the photo.  The flip side of the tag has a simple To and From stamped on the back - perfect for the recipient of the card to use on a future gift.

My new Stampin' Up Edgelit Die just arrived and I was eager to use it on this card.  I cut three different color pieces, glue them together and placed it just off centre, highlighting the nice soft curve of the die.  The flowers are from MFT Dienamics.

I really hope you find time to join us this week at Unscripted Sketches.  I know that we will be blown away again by all the amazing submissions!

Unscripted Sketches #141

This week's sketch:

This sketch is guaranteed to generate some awesome submissions this week!

I wanted to use my new Spellbinder Impressabilities - Flower Silhouette as it is such a pretty image.  I used velum for a nice soft look.  I ran the sandwich through my Big Shot four times to get a nice deep impression.  It looks really great when the card is partially opened and the light can filter through. 

I 'unscripted' the sketch somewhat as well by going with a square card...only reason is that I don't have any rectangle spellbinders! 

I can hardly wait to see this week's cards! Honestly, I check the website for new submissions at least three to four times a day!  It is such a good feeling knowing that crafting minds are being inspired all over our world.

Just click on the link below and share your creations with us:

http://unscriptedsketches.com/

Happy crafting everyone!

ric#3 - Gareth Pugh Spring 2012 and Die Cutting Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

The inspiration (WOW!!!) .... how does she walk in those shoes?

This is my first visit to this challenge blog and I absolutely love everything about the site. Make sure you take a peak at all the submissions - so many talented people happily sharing their creative endeavors with all of us!

(Now, honestly, I can't imagine being out and about in our small community in an outfit like this but what this signature piece might lack in functionality, it more than makes up for it with inspiration!)

Here is the link if you would like to play along:
http://www.runwayinspired.blogspot.com/2012/01/ric3-gareth-pugh-spring-2012.html

I used my Nestabilities (Long Classic Rectangles Large) to cut out the sections of the card front.  It did take a bit of planning and measuring to get it right!  I used graph paper to draw out my original templates. Please see the pics below:

I am also entering this card in the Die Cutting Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.  They have some great challenges (and prizes) going on all week for their Cool Tools Week. Pay them a visit and check out all the great information on the latest and greatest tools.  Just click below and get busy crafting!

http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2012/01/cool-tools-week-die-cutting-challenge.html

Unscripted Sketches #140

I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season, surrounded by the love of family and friends. 

It is nice to get back into my craft room. Santa picked up on all my "not-so-subtle" hints and I did get a new camera for Christmas....so now the learning begins!  Our daughter gave me a crash course but it is definitely going to take some major trial and error to find the right settings. 

Another fabulous sketch this week.  I actually did two versions of the card.  My original intention was to make the card with a portrait orientation but out of habit, I made it landscape and submitted it that way!  So, I flipped it on it's side, moved the hearts around (good thing for dimensionals that aren't too sticky) and posted this version as well.

I hope that you have been inspired by the awesome creations of the design team.  We would love to have you play along with us this week at Unscripted Sketches. Just click on the link below and share your handiwork with us.

http://unscriptedsketches.com/

Happy crafting everyone!

Unscripted Sketches #139

Love, love, LOVE this sketch!

Clean & simple....definitely my style.  Our daughter and her fiance are home for Christmas so she decided to help out dear old mommy get ahead on my DT duties.  She chose the paper colors, the embellishments and the stamp so this card was an absolute breeze to make!  I was completely finished the card in under two hours.  Believe me, this NEVER happens.....two days is more like it for me.  So, thank you Brady for helping me out!

Wishing you all a very happy new year!

Unscripted Sketches #138

The same card against a different colored background.

The sketch reminded me of window panes so I adapted that theory into a brick wall that took forever to do as I cut out each brick separately, glued them on to the card....only to find that most of them were covered by the 'windows' !!!  I added window panes, however, they interfered with the hanging balls so I had to offset the ornaments from the centre.  I used sookwang tape (great stuff) to make the glittered balls (green & gold glitter).

The snow covered roof was my way of achieving the uneven top edge of the sketch.   I tried to add a sentiment at the bottom of the card, but nothing seemed to fit so I decided that the horizontal lines of the 'bricks' would satisfy the layout of the sketch.

I would like to take this time to wish everyone a very happy holiday season that is blessed with family, friends, good health and of course....tons of food!

Unscripted Sketches #137

 A fun but challenging sketch! 

I bought this gift card for our paper carrier last week (free advertising for Walmart) because I absolutely L-O-V-E the colors!  The layout of this sketch was perfect for a gift card holder.  Because I used the gift card as my inspiration for the colors of this card, I felt that it needed to be front & centre....so here it is!  I even added red glimmer dots to the reindeer noses! The embossed background mat serves as the Title/Greeting of the sketch. 

I hope you enjoy my creation today.  I look forward to seeing your take on this sketch at Unscripted Sketches!

Just click to link:

http://unscriptedsketches.com/

Unscripted Sketches #136



The sky was the limit with this great sketch! 

I had sooooo much fun making these wee books...it fit in perfectly with this sketch challenge.  The book does have several pages and is hand stitched down the centre (just like real old books).  I distressed the edges of the pages to achieve a well worn, aged look.  The wee pair of glasses were fashioned from some thin wire that I found on my husband's workbench.  The wire wasn't quite the right color but a can of spray paint fixed that.

Okay, anyone believe that the ribbon is actually Cherry Cobbler....not brown?  I really do hope that Santa Clause will bring me a new camera for Christmas.  If not, then I am hitting the Boxing Day sales to find one that can actually take a decent enough picture where red is really red!

Take a much needed break from the busy holiday season and show us what ya' got!

Just click on the link below cuz we are really looking forward to seeing your unscripted creations!

http://unscriptedsketches.com/2011/12/unscripted-sketches-136/

Unscripted Sketches #135

Thanks for stopping by!  I decided to stray a bit from my 'norm 'and use some really bright colors.  I was also tempted (again) to make a Christmas card but chose this instead. I promise that the next challenge (#136) will definitely be a seasonally themed card.

I wanted to stay as true to the sketch as possible this time and loved the idea of the popped up dice.  The sentiment, however, was a struggle!  In the end, I settled for plain old "Good Luck".... which actually is a very versatile greeting for a card.

I hope I have inspired you to get busy with your creations for this week's sketch at Unscripted Sketches.  We had a ton of amazing cards for last week's sketch .  It is awesome to see such great participation! 

So pull out the paper, ink up those stamps, grab a nice steaming hot cup of coffee and head to your craft room!  We would love to have you share your projects with us this week at Unscripted Sketches (click on the link below).

http://unscriptedsketches.com/

Anniversary Celebration: Sketch Challenge by Julia Stainton

This is my creation for the Anniversary Celebration Sketch Challenge by the talented Julia Stainton.  Ellen is celebrating her 5th anniversary with some great prizes and challenges.  You really should check it out!

The Night Before Christmas was always our children's favorite story as they were growing up and they never grew tired of hearing it over, and over and over.....so I decided to make my own wee version of the book. 

It is hard to see in the photo but the book does have several pages.  I distressed it a fair bit, added a bookmark and hand stitched it down the centre - just like the original books were made. This was just way too much fun to make!

Here is the link to Ellen's blog if you would like to join in the challenges:

http://ellenhutson.typepad.com/the_classroom_new/

Unscripted Sketches #134



SarahKaye has given us another fabulous sketch to work with this week!

I love this background stamp that I chose for this card....it is so elegant and wedding appropriate!  I embossed the image with Silver Pearl (CTMH) powder for a rich and elegant look suitable for a wedding card.  The bride and groom are probably a wee bit too contemporary for this card but it was the only wedding stamp that I have!

Please click on the link below to check out the inspirational buffet that the DT has prepared!  The sky is the limit with this sketch so get busy crafting and share your creations with us at Unscripted Sketches!

http://unscriptedsketches.com/