Rosemary Reflections

Nuts About You

2012-02-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

Yet another sketch from last year that I had to tuck away for future used due to the insane business of December which lead to very little stamping time.

The round circle was taunting me to use the "U" die once again, but alas, my "U" Die support group meetings have been doing their job LOL!

I've had my eye on these adorable acorn dies and matching stamp set from PTI for a while now, and can gratefully say some birthday money provided them a one way ticket to my house - happy, happy, joy, joy! Lots of great sentiments and different styled "tops" for the acorns so you can mix and match to your heart's content.

I knew the "nuts about you" sentiment would be great fun to use for a Valentine's Day card - thus the red acorns were born LOL! Still playing with polka dots and paired them with stripes this time. A fun, simple card that was great fun to make :)

What's In It?
Stamps: Autumn Acorns (PTI)
Paper: Dots and Stripes (Echo Park), Pink Stripe (Making Memories), Real Red
Ink: Black, Real Red
Accessories: Lacy Circle and Circle Nesties, Acorn Dies (PTI), 5/8" Sheer Black Ribbon, Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Black Half Pearls, Dimensionals

Love, Love, Love, Love, Love You

2012-01-31T01:00:00.000-08:00

Loving the new twist over at the Viva la Verve Sketch Forum on SCS. The fourth sketch of the month will be a CAS (clean and simple) one. So many fun ways to interpret a CAS sketch and a great challenge to go simple.

Being that I'm still on a Valentine's Day binge (any excuse to be able to use a heart as I just loooove hearts) I made yet another one. This time time I succumbed to using the Verve "U" die. I figured a four card break was long enough LOL!

This fun Bo Bunny Crush line of paper was a perfect fit for what I had in mind for the sketch and fit the concept I had for the sketch perfectly.

After a little break, I'm back to working on another job for hubby so I'm squeezing in as much crafty time as I can before it arrives :)

What's In It?
Paper: Crush (Bo Bunny), Real Red, Pretty in Pink
Accessories: Heart Nesties, I Heart You Die Set (Verve), SU Scalloped Border Punch, Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Chupa Love

2012-01-30T01:00:00.000-08:00

Continuing on with sketches from last year, this one from Chupa's Sketchbook Saturdays. I love simple sketches as you can dress them up or dress them down as much as you want.

The starting point of my card was this wonderful K & Company paper I got at Michael's, and the rest just flowed from there. Another crimped heart in lieu of the "U" die LOL!

My daughter feels pretty good about her piano exam on Friday, which is a huge tribute to her nerves as they were 50 minutes behind schedule!! We sat and sat and sat some more and her exam was scheduled for 10:15. Hate to think what later exam times would have to wait! We treated ourselves to some shopping at Old Navy and had a great afternoon together :) Now we just have to await her score and she jumps right into Grade 4 as she will be taking that exam in June (she is doing two grades in one year this year).

Wishing you a fabulous day and thanks for sharing a bit of yours with me :)

What's In It?
Paper: K & Company, Rose Red, Pretty in Pink
Accessories:Lacy Circle Nesties, MS Doily Punch, Marvy Heart Punch, Crimper, 5/8" Pink Sheer Ribbon, Pink Half Pearls, Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Casing Vicki D

2012-01-27T01:00:00.000-08:00

I just loved this fabulous, CAS Valentine's Day card Vicki posted on her blog last week (second card on her post). I switched out the colours, added a ribbon across the top and a button on the heart. The sentiment is from Verve's Love Notes. Love this set as it has so many wonderful Valentine's sentiments.

If I had PTI's linen embossing plate in my possession rather than on my wish list, I would have used it on the card front for a bit of soft texture. Thanks to some birthday money, it will soon be off my wish list and in my hot little hands :)

Off to drive my daughter to her Grade 3 piano exam. She's doing her Grade 3 exam today and then her Grade 4 exam in June as it is a challenge year - one in which she does two grades in one year. Sure she will do wonderfully well as she has a natural gift for playing and the songs she chose this time round she has mastered fabulously :) So proud of her!

What's In It?
Stamps: Love Notes (Verve)
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Real Red
Ink: Black
Accessories: Heart Nesties, 5/8" Red Satin Ribbon, Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Polka Dotted Love

2012-01-25T01:00:00.000-08:00

I loved this Mojo Sketch but didn't have time to play along before Christmas with the business of the season. So, I'm picking it up now, a month or so late, but a good sketch is a good sketch and just has to be used :)

The circle was tempting me horribly to use Verve's U die again, but since I've made three cards using it recently, I figured you needed a break and I needed to change things up a bit (though the call is still strong so I may very well go back and make another card using the U die with this sketch...I know, I'm hopelessly addicted LOL!).

This card was full of things I love: polka dots, hearts, lacy circle nesties, crimping, and a wonderful, bold colour combo that is always fun to use. Needless to say, I had great fun making this card :) May have to give it a while using pink instead of the red for a softer version.

Snow is all gone and it is rather strange seeing green grass again! Good news is soccer practices and games are back on and we are doing a happy dance as a family as it is an essential (at least in our eyes LOL) energy burner for my son who was bouncing off the walls for the past two weeks without it. He was a two speed baby - go and sleep - and is still that way to this day. Yeah for soccer LOL!

What's In It?
Stamps: Rubber Soul
Paper: Dots and Stripes (Echo Park), Back to Basics (Bo Bunny), Real Red, Black
Ink: Black
Accessories: Lacy Circle and Circlel Nesties, SU Scalloped Border Punch, Marvy Heart Punch, Crimper, 5/8" Sheer Black Ribbon, Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Monochromatic Love

2012-01-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

Loved this sketch by Verve Diva, Teresa. Perfect for another Valentine's Day card....surprise, surprise LOL!

I'm still addicted to the Verve "U" die so I just had to use it again on this card. I created the background on the blushing bride paper by stamping the love sentiment from Verve's You And I set and heat embossed it so it would show up a bit more.

This PTI doily die was a great one to layer on and a touch of ruffled ribbon finished things off.

I had a wonderful birthday weekend :) Got to sleep in on Saturday till 9:00 a.m. (3 hours later than mid-week), had lots of phone calls (probably spent 2 hours on the phone when it was all said and done), lots of birthday wishes on Facebook, my daughter played amazingly well at her piano recital and won the gold medal for the scale competition, we had sushi for dinner (ymmmm!!), the family got me 50 long stemmed roses and hubby got me a Kindle Fire. Think I'm ready to tackle the 50's full force now LOL!

Have a great day and thank you for sharing my birthday with me via this blog too :) Loved reading your comments.

What's In It?
Stamps: Love Notes and You and I (Verve)
Paper: Blushing Bride, Pretty in Pink, Dots and Stripes (Echo Park), Gracie - Bubble Gum (Dream Street), Silver, Kraft
Ink: Black, VersaMark
Accessories: Doily Die (PTI), Heart Nesties, I Heart You Die (Verve), 5/8" Regal Rose Grosgrain Ribbon, Double Sided Sticky Tape, Silver Twine, Button, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Phillipians 1:6. A New Decade Ahead And Some Thoughts

2012-01-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

Since today is my birthday and a new decade has dawned in my life (where do the years go?!!), I thought it fitting to use this Verve sketch with one of my life verses: Philippians 1:6.

Oh how I love this verse!!! Julee (owner of Verve) turned it into a Plain Jane and I can't thank her enough for doing so (hugs to you Julee!!). I get encouraged and energized by it every time I read it. Why?

Because I am a work in progress. I have not arrived at perfection. Each day, by the grace of God, He continues the work He began in me the day I gave my life to Him. Some of my rough edges are being polished off, my character continues to be built through circumstances and experiences both in and out of my control, and slowly, ever so slowly, I am being transformed into the person I was created to be. Unique. Like no other. My prayer is that I would submit to that work in my life, embrace it as it shapes me, and stand strong in the assurance that it will one day be complete :)

Fifty in of itself is not a number that has me wanting to crawl into a hole. In fact, it is just a biological number and not what defines me. As my hubby says, I still haven't grown up LOL. I love living life, reminding myself to stop and smell the roses, love learning something new, challenging myself, and looking for the little gifts each day brings. In addition, each decade brings new opportunities for one's experience and wisdom to be expanded, and hopefully a chance to pass that on to others, especially my kids.

Fifty has brought my life line into clearer focus, not in a morbid way by any means, but rather by fanning the desire within me to make my life count all the more, both inside and outside our home. We'll soon have two teenagers in the house, and the reality of how quickly those years will pass has me wanting to pour all I can into them so they have a firm foundation to stand on and experience to draw upon when they head out to conquer life on their own. That in itself should keep me pretty busy LOL! It has also reminded me to reflect and act upon the legacy I want to leave. All good things and lots to keep me busy over the next ten years :)

If you have stuck with me and read thus far, thanks for slugging through my thoughts :) Hoping for a little crafty time today before my daughter's piano recital, a good work out (still working on my "fit and firm at fifty" motto) and ending my day with a family sushi feast - yum! Tomorrow we have an extended family lunch at mom's and she's cooking one of my favorite meals: chicken and dumplings with a sour cream/caraway sauce and a delicious cake for dessert. My mouth is watering just thinking about it LOL!

Hubby gets big points for getting me a Kindle Fire for my birthday. The only drawback right now is you can't download apps in Canada as it is not available up here just yet...patience....ugh! Can't wait to see all it can do once we have full access to all the goodies. Until then, I'll be very happy to read away :)

Have a fabulous day, and thanks for sharing my birthday with me (((hugs))).

Challenge: Papertake Weekly

What's In It?
Stamps: Philippians 1:6 Plain Jane, Blue Skies (Verve)
Paper: Brenda Walton Madeline (K & Company), Cream Linen, Mellow Moss, Vellum
Ink: Black, VersaMark
Accessories: Lacy Oval and Oval Nesties, 5/8" Sheer White Ribbon, Lace, Button, Twine, White Embossing Powder, Half Pearls, MS Leaf Punch, Recollections Rose, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

In Love with CTD and Verve

2012-01-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

I just loved this week's Color Throwdown combo so decided to play along and use it for a Valentines' Day card as it would be fun to make one using these non-traditional colours. I had to sub mellow moss for the olive and white for the vanilla, so hopefully the CTD police won't be too upset with two substitutions. I really wanted to use this DP again as it caused white overload on yesterday's card and the kraft was a great solution to my issue :)

This Verve sketch created last year by none other than the uber talented Verve Diva, Amy Sheffer and is one I really liked working with as it is perfect for the Verve U die that was calling my name again (love that die!). This time, I even added a tag o the sketch. It is a very similar card to my first one using this sketch. You can see it here if you like.

Our cold snap is over and the warm weather is coming in along with lots of rain and/or freezing rain for part of today - oh joy! A few degrees colder and we would have been dumped on with snow - much to the kids disappointment as they have loved playing and sledding in the snow. My fingers and toes will be thankful for the warmer weather as standing on the sledding hill for 45 minutes after school does not make them very happy LOL!

Have a fabulous day and thanks for sharing a bit of yours with me :)

What's In It?
Stamps: Fancy Flexible Phrases (SU), Love Notes, Making a Statement and Text Objects (Verve)
Paper: Real Red, Mellow Moss, Kraft, Heart Buds DP (Art Impressions)
Ink: Black, VersaMark
Accessories:Scalloped Circle and Circle Nesties, I Heart You Die Set and Tiny Sweet Scallop Die (Verve) 5/8" Sheer Black Ribbon, Dimensionals

Mojo Out Playing In The Snow

2012-01-19T01:00:00.000-08:00

I loved this week's Mojo Monday sketch but think my little old creative gene is having too much fun playing out in the snow and therefore not showing up in the studio.

I think the issue is the DP I used as the pattern is small and there is so much white space on it I should not have used additional white on my card. I'm blaming my faux pas on snow blindness from all the white stuff we have outside right now - okay....lame excuse....I tried....LOL!

We are freezing our little butts off out here. -15C with the wind chill and though it may not be as cold as the prairies at -40C with wind chill, we are wimps out here as we don't get these kind of temps very often. Off to get a nice warm cup of green tea so I can stay warm.

What's In It?
Stamps: Love Notes (Verve)
Paper: SU DSP, Real Red, Black, Red Heart Buds (Art Impressions)
Ink: Black
Accessories: Scalloped Circle and Circle Nesties, Mat EF, Marvy Heart Punch, Crimper, 5/8" Black Sheer Ribbon, Button, Twine, Black Half Pearls, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

You Make My Heart Flutter

2012-01-18T01:00:00.000-08:00

Boy, can I tell it has been along time between stamping sessions....this SFYTT sketch ground my gears but good! Kept it pretty CAS as the training wheels are back on for a few cards until I get going again.

This cute little bird stamp is from the Michael's $1.50 bin. I coloured it with Twinkling H2Os and added some ribbon and a sentiment panel at the bottom to balance things off. Nothing much too it. Sorry I can't remember who the heart paper is by as I cut off the manfacturer somewhere along the way so the piece I had didn't have any info on it :(

The snow they were predicting for us seems to have bypassed us and headed south into Washignton State so that means I get a reprieve from shoveling LOL! Thankfully the kids had a great day yesterday sledding down the hill . The snow cat is still standing so all is good :)

Enjoy your day!

What's In It?
Stamps: Studio G
Paper: Unknown DP, Rose Romance, Old Olive, Cool Caribbean
Ink: Black
Accessories:Twinkling H2Os, Doily Die (PTI), Seeing Spots EF,, 5/8" Blue Satin Ribbon, Button, Twine, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

In The Front Yard We Will Build A Snowcat :)

2012-01-16T16:20:00.000-08:00

Well, they were threatening snow and it actually arrived today, with more to come throughout the week. Needless to say, the kids are ecstatic and anyone that has to drive in it isn't LOL!

Today we only got 2 1/2 inches of snow and it provided my daughter and I a wonderful, impromptu session of building a snow cat (she is an avid cat lover thus the snow cat vs. a snowman). Just as I had finished shoveling the driveway, she got back from school, so we stayed out and had some wonderful mother/daughter time :) Love creating memories like this!

Here is a picture of our creation. It's a bit hard to see but there are two legs in the front and of course, that stump to the right is the tail :)

And here is my wonderful daughter with her creation :)

Promise the next post will be a card. Just had to share my afternoon activity with you :)

Blessings,

Yeah! Viva La Verve Sketches Are Back!

2012-01-14T01:00:00.000-08:00

Now that it is January, the Friday Viva La Verve sketches are back and this is my card for the first sketch of 2012.

I went with a Valentine's theme as I just love making cards with hearts on them (you may very well get sick of seeing them as we work our way toward Valentine's Day!).

I paired a Spellbinder heart with an embossed "U" from Verve's I Heart You die set and added the hugs and kisses tag for a little extra something. I may use it as hubby's Valentine's Day card as it has clean lines and not a lot of fru-fru stuff on it.

As far as the car issues goes, looks like the damage was all cosmetic - yeah! - so we should get it back by the end of next week. The irritating part of this whole experience is the fact we were blamed for 75% of the accident!!! When I asked why we are taking the bulk of the blame, I was told when you are turning left on a residential street (versus an intersection) it is your responsibility to make sure it is safe to turn left, which includes watching out for someone who is coming up behind you! Still haven't quite wrapped my mind around the logic of this rule as that is what blinkers are for (and the adjuster even admitted many people do not know about this rule....I wonder why???!!!). Ridiculous is the polite word I'm using for my thoughts regarding this law and outcome to our accident!! However, we are thankful nobody got hurt so we are choosing to focus on that instead.

Wishing you a fabulous weekend. Planning on getting some inky time myself which bodes well for some posts next week :)

What's In It?
Stamps: All Year Cheer I (SU)
Paper: Yours Truly (Echo Park ), Pretty in Pink, Basic Grey
Ink: Black, VersaMark
Accessories: Heart Nestie, I Heart You Die Set (Verve), Lattice Embossing Folder (SU), Button, Twine, Bakers's Twine, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Self Directed Pick Me Up

2012-01-09T13:13:00.000-08:00

This is another one of the Inkspiration cards I had worked ahead on before the challenge was shut down so I thought I would share it with you. Just love this colour combo and will definitely be using it again.

I am thrilled to say, skewed panels don't throw me into a tail spin the same way they used to - yeah!! Guess practice does make perfect. Or in my case, brings a much higher comfort level :)

It was a nice cheery card to post today as self imposed pick me up after our car was hit yesterday as we were turning into our driveway!! The guy behind us didn't like our slowing down, and missed the signal light so he decided to pass us on the left side just as we were turning into our driveway. Not a nice way to end a wonderful evening of volunteering to prep, serve and clean up at a community dinner that feeds 175 people! Thankfully there were no injuries other than the cars and a bit of the front lawn. The front left panel of our car and the front bumper are not a pretty sight right now as the bumper got ripped off the frame about a third of the way across. Hoping the damage is just the superficial stuff we can see and nothing more as it was more of a side swipe than a direct hit. Guess we'll find out soon enough...

This wonderful PTI flower die creates the best flowers :) I don't think I'll ever tire of using it as they are so easy to use and fun to layer. The leaves were made from PTI's Leaf Print dies (still sneaking in ways to use them even though Fall is long over lol). A fun breath of colour, flowers and thoughts of spring always make me happy :)

Still working for hubby so posts are going to still be a bit sporadic...will do my best to get back sooner than later. Have a fabulous day and thanks for popping by!

What's In It?
Stamps: River City Rubber Works
Paper: Dots and Stripes (Echo Park), Black, Creamy Caramel
Ink: Black
Accessories: Stampin' Up Scalloped Border Punch, Crimper, PTI Flower and Leaf Print Dies, 1/4" Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Buttons, Twine, Bling, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Beautiful In Its Time

2012-01-05T01:00:00.000-08:00

The New Year is here and it is nice to have things get back into a routine, especially when it comes to getting some stamping time in :)

This week's Mojo Monday sketch was a good way to get the juices flowing again. I decided to go a little on the shabby/girly side - for reasons unbeknownst to me. Must be Diva Andrea's Diva Dust floating its way across the continent once again (waving wildly to you Andrea!).

This K & Company paper was perfect for my girly card and I paired it with some pleated ribbon with lace over top. As you can see I had a few issues getting the ribbon straight on the card - ugh! Going to have to fix that! Added a butterfly and a flower as I am already wanting Spring to come! Mind you I can't really complain about the weather as we have had a very mild winter so far (today was over 50F!) as well as some lovely sunny days thrown in amidst the rainy ones. I just love spring so it can never come quick enough!

Have a fabulous day and thanks for popping by for a visit :)

What's In It?
Stamps: Ecclesiastes 3:11 (Verve Plain Jane)
Paper: K & Company (Brenda Walton), Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Old Olive
Ink: Black
Accessories: Labels 18 Nesties, Martha Stewart Leaf, Monarch Butterfly and Border Punch, Lace, Recollections Flower, Pink and White Half Pearls, Dimensionals

Congratulations Star

2012-01-03T09:44:00.000-08:00

I had worked ahead on my Inkspirations challenges so I had a few left over after the last challenge was posted in December and this is one of them.

This masculine colour combo was great fun to work with and I paired it with this Skipping Stones Designs sketch which I saved in my sketch file in April of last year! Can't turn down a fun sketch :)

I used these wonderful, saturated colours to create some colour blocking and added a crimped star as per the sketch. The horizontal panel was run through my Tim Holtz brick embossing folder to add a bit of texture. Believe it or not, wrapping the twine around the star in just the right way took me forever! Into my masculine card stash this one goes :)

Kids are back in school today and I'm going "aaaaaah......" as the house is all mine and I finally get to enjoy some crafty time before the craziness of activities and working for hubby begins once again. Wishing you a fabulous day.

What's In It?
Stamps: Amuse
Paper: Early Espresso, Marina Mist, Wild Wasabi
Ink: Black
Accessories: Sizzex Star Die, Tim Holtz Brick Embossing Folder, Black Twine, Half Pearls, Dimensionals

Happy New Year and A Year in Review

2012-01-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! Hard to believe it is the beginning of a new year!

Last year was a tough in many ways so I am glad to see it go and am looking forward to a better 2012 :) I have the trials of 2011 to thank as I they made me grow in character, grow as a person, and caused me to reach new levels of patience and faith in a sovereign God.

Amidst the trials I was able to enjoy some special moments like my daughter's graduation from grade 7 and her earning the Citizenship Award, a great week of camping with friends, a fabulous two week vacation in Alberta visiting family and friends, and some wonderful quality and quantity family time (one of the things I hold nearest and dearest).

In addition, I wish to thank all of you for your support and comments throughout 2011. Your friendship and comments were all greatly appreciated and were often the ray of sunshine I needed in my day. I look forward to a wonderful 2012 with you :)

In closing, I thought I'd take a walk down my card making memory lane as many others have also done. Here are each month's favorites for 2011 (along with a few doubles as I just couldn't decide LOL).

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Thanks again and wishing you all a wonderful 2012 :)

Blessings,

XOXO Mojo

2011-12-26T10:19:00.001-08:00

Hello all :) Managed to squeeze in a little card making time and it sure felt good even though the old mojo was moving in slow gear.

We had a delightful Christmas. Hubby cooked a prime rib roast on the BBQ to perfection (I'm drooling just thinking about how good it was) and complimented it with Yorkshire pudding, a huge assortment of veggies and side dishes and my mom provided dessert in the form of apricot crapes and some of her home baking. Hmmmm hmmmm good!! I have also satisfied my puzzle making bug for yet another year. Five puzzles down and one on the go to wrap up the season. Being able to poke my nose into two books (finished The Help - great book - and am working on Ken Follet's latest book Land of Giants) and have thoroughly enjoyed staying up late and reading in bed (sometimes far too late!).

Since this is round or square week over at the Mojo Monday blog and since I just love making round cards, I figured it was the perfect launching pad back into the stamping world :) With Christmas behind us, it's time to move on to Valentine's Day cards. I looooove hearts, so this is one of my favorite types of cards to make. Be forewarned, you may get sick of seeing them over the next month or so!

It's hard to believe this year is drawing to a close, but I must admit I am glad to see it go. It has been a tough year in many ways, so I am looking forward to a much better 2012.

What's In It?
Stamps: Love Notes (Verve)
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Rose Romance, Silver, SU DSP
Ink: Black
Accessories: Lacy Circle, Circle, Scalloped Heart Nesties, Hearts Embossing Folder, 5/8" Brown Satin Ribbon, Marvy Heart Punch, Button, Silver Twine, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T00:30:00.000-08:00

Wishing each and every one of you a blessed Christmas as you celebrate with family and friends. Thank you for all your support and kind comments this past year. I greatly appreciate the time you take to leave a few words of encouragement and know that each one is a treasured gift and greatly appreciated :)

I am in awe of how many wonderful, kind and giving people this hobby has introduced me to. Card making cyber friends rock (((hugs)))!

Thank you for making this a wonderful year in blog land and I look forward to sharing 2012 with you!

Blessings,

Glad Tidings

2011-12-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

This is Jen's last SFYTT for 2011 and it was a nice easy one to work with. Phew, as time is tight right now and I almost forgot to do it!

I snuck in one final Christmas card using MME's Lost and Found as I just love the colours in this line and I'm sure I can use one last minute card somewhere :)

Out came my Verve snowflake and I embossed the image with clear embossing powder on Artichoke and a scrap of tan paper I had in my stash.

First card I have made in seems forever, and it sure felt good! A short reprieve amidst the busy schedule we have up through Christmas. Not sure if I'll get back before the New Year as I have a few books I'd like to poke my nose into over the break once all the company is gone.

Thanks for popping in today and hope your Christmas preparations are going well :)

What's In It?
Stamps: Glad Tidings (Verve)
Paper: MME Christmas Lost and Found, Always Artichoke, Tan, Linen Cream
Ink: Black, VersaMark
Accessories: Lacy Circle Nesties, Clear Embossing Powder, SU Corner Punch, Red Twine, Half Pearls, Dimensionals

Inkspiraions Christmas Joy

2011-12-16T01:00:00.001-08:00

Hi all :) I haven't fallen off the face of the earth just yet, just super, super busy!! Can't wait for a bit of down time over Christmas and hopefully some stamping time too!

Today is a bitter sweet day. Inkspirations is celebrating its 100th challenge, but is also closing its doors. Keesh has been running this challenge for approximately four years and with the huge host of challenges available in blog land and her having a very busy life right now, she felt it best to shut the door on this chapter of her life. A huge thank you to you Keesh for all the amazing challenges you have provided. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the DT for the past year and a half and wish to thank you for the fabulous opportunity (((hugs))).

But before Inkspirations signs off, we have one last challenge to enjoy :) This week's challenge is Christmas. Simply create any sort of Christmas goodie: a card, 3D item, altered item etc. I am the first to admit that straying beyond cards is not my forte, but it is always good to stretch the old wings and dive into something that is not your norm. After some pondering, I decided I would finally cover some wooden letters and make myself a little Christmas joy for my craft area.

Thankfully my local dollar store had all the letters I needed - though I was freaking out at there being no "O" when I happened to glance down and found one that had fallen to the shelf below - phew! A coat of white paint on each letter and then I covered them with various papers and added a little something to each one. It looks great up in my craft area and I can't think of a better word to describe what Christmas means to me :)

Kids are off school as of today and I'm looking forward to decorating a gingerbread house, baking and decorating cookies, wrapping gifts etc. with them. Having to do squeeze some work time in there too, but at least there are great "Christmas prep breaks" in between :) Have a great weekend and thanks for gifting me a bit of your time amidst the busyness of today :)

What's In It?
Paper: I Believe Christmas Pad (My Mind's Eye)
Accessories: Dollar Store Wooden Letters, Lacy Circle and Circle Nesties, The Cat's Pajamas Snowflake DIe, Martha Stewart Snowflake and Fern Punch, Marvy Snowflake Punch, SU Flower Punch, Half Pearls, Gold Bell, Dimensionals

Inkspirations Sketch Challenge #99

2011-12-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

For some reason, this sketch caused my brain to go mush. Ever have one of those days? My initial thought was to use the tree from Season of Friendship, but it was too large so had to go with Plan B. That lead me to this wonderful set and a breath of spring amid all the Christmas cards. Hmmmm... I do recall I did a spring card last week too. Yikes! It's not even officially winter and I'm already wishing it away LOL!

I kept things CAS due to time constraints - craaaaaazy busy week for our family and next week is no better! Nothing much to explain about it, and even no excuse about using a butterfly in the middle of winter :-p

Looking forward to school being out on the 16th. Kids are off for two weeks and I always enjoy having more of their vacation time before Christmas versus afterwards. You can make cookies, gingerbread houses, wrap presents etc. and fill in the time until Christmas Eve (that's when we celebrate) quite nicely. When the vacation falls into the end of the first week of January, the time seems to drag much more as all the excitement is over. At least that is my experience with my kids. This year they are back on January 3rd and you jump right into the New Year :)

The rest of the Design Team has some fabulous cards for your inspiration.

Cindy
Kirsty
Makeesha
Renée
Brandi
Carrie
Helen
Ilina
Lee-Anne
Marisa

Just a reminder that each week Keesh will select a winner and an honorable mention and post their cards on the Inkspirations Challenge blog. We'd love to see your card posted as a winner, all you have to do is play along.

Next week we have a bit of a treat for you as it is time to celebrate challenge number 100! Hope to see you then.

What's In It?
Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly and Inspired by Nature (SU)
Paper: Real Red, Brilliant Blue
Ink: Garden Green, VersaMark
Accessories: Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, White Embossing Powder, 5/8" Black Satin Ribbon, Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Black Half Pearls.

The True Gift of Christmas

2011-12-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

With a busy, but effective weekend behind me (house decorated for Christmas, company over on Saturday night, Christmas letter written, son's soccer game, helping my daughter study for a test etc.), I finally managed to sneak in a bit of time in my craft area. The added bonus being it is contest week over on the Mojo Monday blog :)

After inundating you with MME's Lost and Found Christmas papers lately, I figured this Echo Park paper from last Christmas would be a nice twist. I had a heck of a time finding a second blue for this card (other than navy), and after going through every blue I owned and the back sides of DPs, I finally had to settle on Bordering Blue as nothing else I had really worked. Nothing like getting to know your paper up close and personal LOL!

The Cat's Pajama's snowflake die was calling my name again and a burgundy snowflake was born. The distressed stripes embossing folder on the bordering blue panel symbolizes the wood in the stable and gave a nice background for the sentiment.

Thanks for popping in today amidst the business of your day!! Back on Friday with my Inkspirations card.

What's In It?
Stamps:Richly Blessed and Tag Time (Verve)
Paper: Echo Park, Night of Navy, Bordering Blue, Burgundy
Ink: Black, Baroque Burgundy
Accessories: Cat's Pajama's Snowflake Die, Distressed Stripes Embossing Folder, Curvy Bookplate Die (Verve), 5/8" Brown Satin Ribbon, Fiskars Threading Water Punch, Marvy Snowflake Punch Button, Twine, Bling, Half Pearls, Silver Brad, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Inkspirations Color Challenge #98

2011-12-02T01:00:00.000-08:00

A wonderful bright pallet chosen by Keesh today and one that had green so I was happy LOL! I combined it with one of Chupa's older Sketch and Stamp sketches.

With the overload of Christmas cards lately, I thought it would be fun to go in a spring/summer direction this time. Absolutely LOVE this sentiment and every time I read it I remind myself to speak the kind words I am thinking of and not just leave them in my mind. I know I sure appreciate a kind word, and in a world that tends to focus on the negatives of life, it is always nice to get some positives to help you along in your day :)

The rest of the Design Team has some fabulous cards for your inspiration.

Cindy
Kirsty
Makeesha
Renée
Brandi
Carrie
Helen
Ilina
Lee-Anne
Marisa

Just a reminder that each week Keesh will select a winner and an honorable mention and post their cards on the Inkspirations Challenge blog. We'd love to see your card posted as a winner, all you have to do is play along.

Happy Friday everyone :)

What's In It?
Stamps: Kind Words (Verve)
Paper: So Saffron DSP, Rose Red, Wild Wasabi,
Ink: Black, VersaMark
Accessories: Label Nestie, Flutter By and Elegant Leaf Die (Verve), Corner Rounder, Crimper, 1/4" Green Gingham Ribbon, Paper Piercer, Black Half Pearls.

Merry and Bright

2011-11-30T11:06:00.000-08:00

Well, Sankiri got the old brain cells a churning with this sketch! Oh my! So many elements to deal with my simple mind had some time wrapping itself around this sketch. However, once I got to working with it, it fell into place quite nicely. Love a good challenge :)

I decided to use the same papers as my last card as they were still out on my desk with the bonus being the addition of another Christmas card to my stash. Love this fun snowflake die from The Cat's Pajama's and it was perfect for the circle on the sketch.

Yeah, November Verve sketches are all done and now we play the waiting game for the announcement of this month's $100 Verve gift certificate winner. What a wonderful Christmas present that would be!

Thanks for popping in today! Always enjoy the company :)

What's In It?
Stamps: All Year Cheer I (SU)
Paper: Fancy Pants Paper (Brrr), Burgundy, Certainly Celery, Kraft

Ink: Black
Accessories: Snowflake Die (The Cat's Pajama's), Circle and Scalloped Circle Nesties, Corner Punch, Seeing Spots Embossing Folder, Gold Twine, Gold Half Pearls, Dimensionals

Celebrate the Season

2011-11-29T01:00:00.000-08:00

I loved this week's MFT sketch - no skewed panels LOL. It was on my my hit list all week and I am just now getting to it. A little "me time" as a break from all the work I'm doing for hubby, as well as a great excuse to make another Christmas card.

Love this Fancy Pants "Brrr" paper - it's green (my favorite colour) and has lots of snowflakes on it - score! I gleefully used my Cuttlebug snowflake die for the big, burgundy snowflake, and after rejoicing in the fact there was no skewed panel on the sketch, I ended up creating one of my own - go figure LOL!

Thanks for popping in today. Have to get this month's last Verve sketch done so I'll definitely be back before Thursday at midnight.

Until then, I'll be basking in the BC Lions football team's Grey Cup win (equivalent of the NFL Super Bowl) yesterday. They played and won at home - can't get much better than than :)

What's In It?
Stamps: Amuse, Verve
Paper: Fancy Pants (Brrr), Certainly Celery, Burgundy, Kraft
Ink: Black
Accessories: Cuttlebug Snowflake Die, SU Scalloped Border Punch, Crimper, 1" Circle Punch, Script Embossing Folder, 5/8" Tan Grosgrain Ribbon, Buttons, Twine, Gold Cording, Gold Half Pearls, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

A My Mind's Eye Christmas

2011-11-27T01:00:00.000-08:00

This week's Mojo Monday sketch made me have to pause and think once again. Love the challenge of being able to master a sketch, and hate it when a sketch works me over, or even worse, beats me to a pulp! Yeah...it's that competitive part of me again LOL!

I am still madly in love with this particular design of My Mind's Eye Lost and Found Christmas paper. Went back to my LSS last week and got six more sheets of it so I have lots to play with and most likely a stock for next year! Just love the stylized Christmas trees with the sparkly red star on top and the colour combo is right up my alley.

Christmas means snowflakes in my books, so out came these fabulous Verve snowflakes. I embossed them in white on some Artichoke paper and cut them out by hand as the matching dies are still on my wish list versus in my craft room. The empty space on the right of the sketch gave me grief, but since this week's sketch creator Debbie filled it with an image I figured I could do the same LOL! I opted to use a tag and dressed it up.

Trusting all my American friends and followers had a great Thanksgiving, and your Black Friday shopping was successful if you chose to get out and brave the crowds. We'll be watching the Grey Cup (Canadian version of the Super Bowl) today as the BC Lions are in it and we hare hoping for a win!!

Challenges: Crazy 4 Challenges - Snowflakes

What's In It?
Stamps: Glad Tidings (Verve)
Paper: Lost and Found Christmas (My Mind's Eye), Always Artichoke, Vanilla, Burgundy
Ink: Black, Versamark
Accessories: Snowflake Embossing Folder, A Cut Above Dies (Verve), 5/8" Tan Grosgrain Ribbon, Martha Stewart Snowflake Punch, Buttons, Red Bling, Gold Twine, Gold Half Pearls, White Embossing Powder, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Inkspirations Sketch Challenge #97

2011-11-25T01:00:00.000-08:00

First of all, Happy Thanksgiving Weekend to all my American followers! Wishing you a fabulous time with with family and friends! Eat some turkey and trimmings for me :)

Love the sketch Keesh came up with this week. The basic layout allows you to dress it up or lean more toward the CAS side of things. The sky is the limit :)

I went for a more CAS look and pulled out some PTI dies to accomplish just that. I decided to go with this great MME Lime Twist polka dot paper (oh how I love my dots LOL!) which I got over at Paper and Such (Julie's low shipping fees are the best!). I paired it with my favorite PTI flower die and used Melon Mambo to make it pop. Was a fun card to make and I can definitely see myself using this sketch again :)

The rest of the Design Team has some fabulous cards for your inspiration.

Cindy
Kirsty
Makeesha
Renée
Brandi
Carrie
Helen
Ilina
Lee-Anne
Marisa

Just a reminder that each week Keesh will select a winner and an honorable mention and post their cards on the Inkspirations Challenge blog. We'd love to see your card posted as a winner, all you have to do is play along.

What's In It?
Stamps: Wishing You (Verve)
Paper: MME Lime Twist, Not Quite Navy, Melon Mambo
Ink: Black
Accessories: Flower and Label Die (PTI), 1/4" Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Crimper, Button, Twine, Half Pearls, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Christmas Blessings

2011-11-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

Diva Tosh came up with a wonderful sketch this week. I need a few more Christmas cards so I jumped at the chance to make another one. My starting point was these wonderful Echo Park papers and I gleefully put navy and brown together because when I was growing up it was a big no no to wear them together.

I love the shape of this Stampin' Up ornament punch! My original intentions were to heat emboss something on the ornament but the silver paper is very slick, so rather than risk it, I decided to put a punched out snowflake on it instead. I'll save the daring stuff for another day LOL!

The font of this Christmas Blessings sentiment is perfect for this card as it ties in wonderfully with the shapes on the DP. It's the first time it's seen ink (why, I ask?!) and using it on this card has convinced me to add the large scale Plain Jane version to my Verve wish list :)

Thankfully, we had a nice weekend so I was able to get my Christmas lights up. Only glitch was the fact our front trees and shrubs have grown quite a bit so we need to get a few more strands of lights so it doesn't look like I quit half way through putting them on LOL!

To my American friends, Happy Thanksgiving a day early :) Enjoy your time with family and friends and indulge in some turkey and other goodies for me - yum! Best of luck to those of you who are daring the crowds on Black Friday!

What's In It?
Stamps: Glad Tidings (Verve)
Paper: Wintertime (Echo Park), Night of Navy, Early Espresso
Ink: Black
Accessories: Scalloped Circle and Circle Nesties, SU Ornament and Border Punch, Crimper, Martha Stewart Snowflake Punch, Marvy Snowflake Punch, 5/8" Brown Satin Ribbon, Button, Silver and Red Twine, Button, Silver Half Pearls, Bling, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

A Verve Noel

2011-11-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

When I first saw this sketch I was a little leery due to all the layers, but once I started working with it things fell into place. My starting point was some delicious Kaiser Craft Winter Wonderland paper, which unfortunately is mostly covered up.

I used Labels 17 nesties for the two side panel shapes and the doily is a PTI die. The snowflake is embossed in bronze and hand cut (yes, the newly released dies to fit this snowflake are on my wish list!), and since I don't own burgundy buttons or half pearls, I had to use dark red ones instead...but I think they passed as the burgundy paper is more towards the red side - phew!

Now that I'm working for hubby again, I'm coveting any craft time I can get :) Mind you I can't complain too loudly (just quietly to all of you lol) as I get to work from home which saves me driving time etc. and allows an easy transition to the after school kids. Love the fact we can work together as a team and since my parents did so for about 40 years, I guess it is in my blood :)

Have a fabulous day and thank you for stopping in today (((hugs))).

What's In It?
Stamps: Glad Tidings (Verve)
Paper: KaiserCraft, Basic Grey, Burgundy
Ink: Black, VersaMark
Accessories: Snowflake Embossing Folder, Bronze Embossing Powder, PTI Doily Die, 5/8" Silver Ribbon, Crimper, Red, Silver and Black Half Pearls, Button, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Techno Throwdown

2011-11-19T01:00:00.000-08:00

This week's Techno Stamper Monday Lunchtime sketch was one I wanted to use as I had a hankering to use Stampin' Up's Season of Friendship tree and the large panel fit the bill. I paired it with the wonderful combination for this week's Colour Throwdown. However, that was when things came to a grinding halt!

Ever had one of those cards that just works you over?! Since I didn't want to be outdone by some paper and ink (I know, sad statement LOL) and I was too stubborn to toss it out and start again, I pressed on....mercilessly letting the illusion of getting the card to work out torture, taunt and challenge me to get it right. I almost didn't post it, but decided I should just as a reminder of how some times things fall together and other times your creative gears get ground but good.

I think my troubles began when I used white instead of vanilla and then realized my error and had to work it in - first ugh! Things continued to be issues from there.....I didn't have Basic Grey or Red Riding Hood Ink so had to sub in colours; my tree image was bigger than I remembered but I was determined to use the image so the sketch got pushed to the limits; the teeny, tiny red sentiment panel overpowered the tree so I played around with different cording, ribbon etc. across the vanilla panel and settled on the twine; the tree was still getting overpowered so I added black half pearls to the base of each leaf to bring it out a bit more; tree didn't feel "grounded" so I added the little strip of black scallops at the bottom to ground it and get my "rule of three" going. After trudging through the above issues, I think I appeased the competitive gene in me enough to call it a card. Not one that will win first prize, but at least I got a participation ribbon LOL!

Thanks for listening to my woes :) Hopefully it encouraged you in some small way and provided you with a laugh as you pictured an obsessed, crazy woman (waving madly at you) competing against an inanimate object called paper! Trusting my next card will be a much more enjoyable experience - so there, paper LOL!

What's In It?
Stamps: Season of Friendship (SU), Hero Arts
Paper: Real Red, So Saffron, Basic Grey, Vanilla, Black
Ink: Going Grey, So Saffron, Real Red, Black
Accessories: SU Border Punch, Scalloped Circle and Circle Nesties, Crimper, Black Half Pearls, Twine, Dimensionals

Inkspirations Colour Challenge #96

2011-11-18T01:00:00.000-08:00

I'm just loving this week's colour combo and had great fun mixing the colours around to get them to work for me. I didn't even use a sketch this time! Came up with this one all on my own but I'm sure it is similar to some out there in blog land and they were my subliminal inspiration for this card. For the meantime, I'll go with wonders never cease LOL!

When I saw red in the mix, I wanted to use it as my pop of colour on the card. Played around with various ideas and then a light bulb went off and my creative gene started to dance. The result was Verve's Jotted heart die and "U" die to spell "love you". Stamped the corresponding words on each die shape and added "so much" at the bottom.

A fun card that may very well be hubby's Valentine's Day card - though remembering to save it and give it to him is a whole other issue LOL!

The rest of the Design Team has some fabulous cards for your inspiration.

Cindy
Kirsty
Makeesha
Renée
Brandi
Carrie
Helen
Ilina
Lee-Anne
Marisa

Just a reminder that each week Keesh will select a winner and an honorable mention and post their cards on the Inkspirations Challenge blog. We'd love to see your card posted as a winner, all you have to do is play along.

What's In It?
Stamps: You and I, Happy Phrases (Verve)
Paper: Kraft, Bashful Blue, Real Red, Cream Linen
Ink: Chocolate Chip, VersaMark
Accessories: Lacy Circle and Circle Nesties, Jotted Heart and I Heart U Die Sets (Verve), Crimper, Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Half Pearls, Dimensionals

Loving My Bronze Snowflake

2011-11-17T01:00:00.000-08:00

The first thing that came to mind when I saw the flowers on this week's Mojo Monday sketch was to use a big, sparkly, snowflake, so I dug into my Christmas DPs to see what would tickle my fancy. I pulled some yummy Basic Grey, Echo Park and what I think is some old Stampin' Up designer series paper that worked well together.

My initial thought was to go with a sparkly, red snowflake, but alas, my supply of such paper seems to have run out so I opted to go with a bronze one instead. My attempt at keeping red in the mix failed as using a red ribbon overpowered the card and totally wiped out my snowflake! Thus the monochromatic card. Thankfully I had some bronze twine to help tie things together (no pun intended LOL).

Hubby has a ton of work for me to do starting the end of this week and carrying on into the New Year, so unfortunately my creative time will have to suffer...sniff, sniff.... Since I refuse to give up my self imposed "Fit and Firm at Fifty" kick until that blessed day in January, as well as having to schedule in all the kids' Christmas activities and getting my own house in order for Christmas, I am hoping to be able to manage three posts a week. Could be a challenge, but hey, this girl loves a challenge, and after all, tis is the season to believe in miracles, right?! Will do my best, promise :)

Challenges: Divas By Design - Monochromatic

What's In It?
Paper: Vintage Santa (Echo Park), Jovial (Basic Grey), SU DSP, Sparkly Bronze chipboard, Gold, Always Artichoke, Linen Vanilla
Accessories: SU Scalloped Border Punch, Cuttlebug Snowflake Die, Martha Stewart Snowflake Die, Half Pearls, 5/8" Brown Satin Ribbon, Button, Bronze Twine, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Christmas Joy Wreath

2011-11-15T01:00:00.000-08:00

Loved this basic sketch by Jen for this month's SFYTT. You can keep it simple or dress it up, my favority type of sketch to work wtih. I paired it with this month's CR84FN challenge and hope my squeezing some (okay, a lot of) silver accents in doesn't get me in trouble with the challenge police.

Since Verve is this month's SFTYY sponsor, I used this fun wreath from Glad Tidings and coloured it with Twinkling H2Os. Then came the silver pearl application and a harsh reminder that my eyes are aging and I need to think about getting bifocals next time I get new glasses - ugh! The joys of aging - not!!

I crimped the back panel for a bit of something and used a double lacy nestie mat for the wreath to help it pop out a bit. A touch of silver, pleated ribbon (which I hope doesn't decide to unstick itself) and some silver cording called it a card.

Hard to believe this is the eleventh sketch of the year and only December's sketch is left to go! When that's done, all that is left for you to do is hold your breath and see if Random Org Santa will select your name as the participating prize winner and by doing so add to your Christmas cheer :)

What's In It?
Stamps: Glad Tidings (Verve)
Paper: Making Memories, Black, White
Ink: Black
Accessories: Twinkling H2Os, SU Scalloped Border Punch, Crimper, Lacy Circle and Circle Nesties, 5/8" Silver Ribbon, Silver Cording, Black and Silver Half Pearls, Dimensionals

Giving Thanks for Color Q

2011-11-13T01:00:00.000-08:00

I squealed with joy when I realized this week's ColorQ colours are a perfect match to MME's Blink of an Eye DPs - score! I was also tickle pink to be able to use this fabulous PTI set which I bought a while back and have not had a chance to ink up yet. Oh happy day :) I combined it with a Techno Stamper sketch challenge from a few weeks ago as it had the nice big panel that was perfect for the tree.

Just loooove this design on this paper so I am going on a hunt to see if any of our LSS have it in individual sheets. Sorry....I regressed.. I don't own the proper ink pads to match the colours so I subbed in with Creamy Caramel, Really Rust, and Pumpkin Pie.

A very straight forward card, and I'm loving the nestie that frames the tree. I saw someone in blog land put the button at the end of the sentiment by the flag and just loved the look of it so did it on this card. Balances things of wonderfully. Played with adding texture behind the tree but none of them seemed to work so I left it blank. Needless to say, I now have samples of many of my embossing folders LOL!

Kids have a Pro-D Day today so we are going to enjoy some R & R together and just hang out and maybe get a video and have "jammie day".

What's In It?
Stamps: Falling Leaves (PTI)
Paper: Blink of an Eye (MME)
Ink: Creamy Caramel, Pumpkin Pie, Really Rust
Accessories: Labels 8 Nesties, Scalloped Border Punch (SU), Button, Twine (PTI), Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Inkspirations Sketch #95

2011-11-11T01:00:00.000-08:00

First of all, I want to say a huge thank you to every person who has fought / is fighting for our country. The freedom we have has been paid for with a price and I wish to thank those who have gone before us and blessed us with something many countries wish they had.

I was in the mood for a fun card so I pulled out an old Stampin' Up set I just love, Wild About You. I've had this set for many years now and still find the animals in it adorable. Needless to say, this is a set I will not be getting rid of any time soon.

I found some funky leaf paper at Mike's a few months ago and decided it was a good fit for this card. The lion's mane and head are both popped up and I added the little bird on his back for a little something and some grass to ground him. The card needed some colour so I added this bright orange ribbon to give it some punch.

The rest of the Design Team has some fabulous cards for your inspiration.

Cindy
Kirsty
Makeesha
Renée
Brandi
Carrie
Helen
Ilina
Lee-Anne
Marisa

Just a reminder that each week Keesh will select a winner and an honorable mention and post their cards on the Inkspirations Challenge blog. We'd love to see your card posted as a winner, all you have to do is play along.

Have a fabulous long weekend, and please take a moment to remember and honour those who have fought for your country.

What's In It?
Stamps: Wild About You (Stampin' Up)
Paper: Night of Navy, Going Grey, Recollections DP (Michael's),
Ink: More Mustard, Garden Green
Accessories: Traffic Jam Embossing Folder, 5/8" Orange Grosgrain Ribbon, Brads, Paper Piercer, Dimensionals