Card Patterns Sketch 124

I've been playing along with the Card Pattern sketches over the last month or so and have really enjoyed having the inspiration!  It even inspired me to create a few sketches of my own (see recent posts below).

I've also had lots of fun with cards of different shapes, like the card sketch this week.

Here's the sketch:

And here's my "take" on it:

Now, you know me, I just had to twist and turn it a bit...then alter the sketch a bit before I got my final design in place, lol...hopefully, it still resembles the intended sketch...as "loosely" as it is:)

I played with a Tim Holtz stamp, a Studio 490 stamp, a few buttons, some of my Bo-bunny 6 x 6 paper pack to complete this awesome card.

enJOY!

Frugal Sketch 102 Samples

I had so much FUN working on samples for my Frugal Sketch 102 today!  You see, I decided a while back that I wanted to start writing to my grandkids that live in PA...kind of a way to go back in time to when people used to write letters to each other...on paper, WITH A PENCIL no less, lol...

So I decided to use the Frugal Sketch introduced yesterday as my inspiration for these two cards:

For Alayna's card (the top card), I used some new paper and some REALLY OLD stamps!  You see, I've had this pkg of "chick" stamps for AT LEAST 5 years...and haven't even used them yet.  Since my granddaughter just LOVES animals, I knew she would think this chick was cute.

For Jayden, I used a Tim Holtz bike stamp (perfect for a little boy's card).  I also used a REALLY OLD stamp set for the "Superstar kid" sentiment as well as some REALLY OLD paper from my stash.  The birds on Jayden's card are also from a Tim Holtz set.  I first stamped the freshly inked stamp, then stamped a few more times without re-inking the stamp.  I love the way the re-inked birds just look further away.

Please see the post below for the sketch.  If the sketch inspires you, feel free to play along.  I hope to put a new sketch up once every two weeks or so.

EnJOY!

Frugal Sketch 102

I'm back with my New Frugal Sketch 102:)

I'm having so much fun playing with In Design and I just know that my skills will evolve, but while I'm playin' I'm also having a GREAT time designing sketches.  WAHOO!

Here is my Frugal Sketch 102.

As you may be able to tell, I just LOVE layering!  I think this sketch really gives us all an opportunity to be really creative!  Furthermore, it gives us all a chance to dig through those scraps we have and USE them!

I hope you play along AND comment with a link to your creation.

enJOY!

Your friendly Frugal Scrapper Extraordinaire:)

My First Card Sketch

I've decided to "play" this weekend and opened my In Design program which I haven't used in a REALLY LONG TIME.  Once I played a bit, I decided the BEST way to practice would be by having SOMETHING to accomplish...and I ended up with my very first FRUGAL SKETCH...now I know it's kind of basic AND I have to admit, I had way too much time playing with "fill" colors, but I'm REALLY PROUD of myself for remembering so much from a program I haven't used in over a year!

So if you are so inclined, feel free to use this 5 x 5 card sketch to design your very own card.  Since I don't have one of those fancy linking options, you'll have to leave a comment with a link to your card, but I'd LOVE to see what you've come up with....AND to all of you who prefer to make layouts, I'm sure you can incorporate this into an awesome layout!

Here you go.....the VERY FIRST "Frugal Sketch".

Remember, if you find this, my VERY FIRST Frugal Sketch inspiring, please feel free to leave a comment that includes a link to your project.

enJOY:)

Happy 4th of July

After being MIA on my blog for a few weeks, I'm happy to say I had time this morning to whip up a card that I will be sending to a dear friend's son for his 27th birthday.  You see, he is in Afghanistan serving in the ARMY and his Mom has requested that we all shower him with birthday cards for his birthday later this month.  What a great idea!  I was so happy to participate in this wonderful surprise for her son, Joe (or Joey as I know him)...you see, I haven't actually seen him since he was about 10 years old.

Now, I decided early on that I wanted to make a nice patriotic card and first found a great idea on Tim's site.  Then I saw a great sketch on the Card Pattern's blog that I thought would work out well. 

Among other things, I really liked the size of this card.  Now that I make my own envelopes, I can make card shapes I used avoid before.  Actually, a business size envelope also fits this size of card perfectly.

Putting all of my ideas together, I came up with this card which is sized 8 1/2 in. long by 3 3/4 in. wide:

So, Happy Birthday, Joe....AND Happy 4th of July EVERYONE!

Card Patterns Blog Entry

I haven't had time to play along with the sketches on the Card Patterns blog recently, so I'm really glad I had time to work on this sketch over the weekend.  I love the way my card turned out!

I used some Teresa Collins pp that I had in my stash.  I really LOVE the way this card turned out.  A bonus was getting a chance to "play" with my nestabilities!

enJOY:)

Havin' a "BLAST" with Cosmo Cricket:)

The card I made to share with you all today was SO much fun to make!  I had a "BLAST" with it:)  I started with a piece of Cosmo Cricket "circa 1934" pp and used my limited supplies (of cardstock, buttons, "some" ribbon, etc) to make yet another 5 x 5 card that I'm THRILLED with!

I just love the fact that my stepmother's neighbor (after seeing some of my cards) went over to her house and brought back some "embellishments" from her home to let me use on my cards:)  The "snaps" and button were courtesy of her kindness.  THANKS, Theresa!

My stepmother also had some scrap material that I used for two strips and a button tie.  I think it blended well with this card, don't you?

Here is a close-up of the snaps I used.  they were the perfect addition to this card!

I decided to leave the inside of this card "blank" so there would be room for a nice personal note.

enJOY:)



She who listens sees...

So....I've FINALLY had a chance to view some of the She Art videos for the on-line class I signed up for...well...almost 3 months ago, lol! Christy from Scarlet Lime teaches these classes.  Make sure you visit her site.  And prepare to be AMAZED!

AND....I have to SAY...I'm a HUGE fan!

Take a look at my first SHE ART creation...I'm AMAZED...and THRILLED...and HUMBLED...and all around, over the top in LOVE with this new venture in ALTERED ART...WAHOO!

I started out using a 6 x 8 canvas for my first attempt.  I also decided to use my current TNT kit from the TNT club at Ever After Scrapbooks.  Our monthly meeting is this Tuesday and I can't wait to share my new creation!

As I was creating, this piece "SPOKE" to me and the quote just came to me...

I just LOVE this color combination that was inspired by this month's TNT kit.  I was also thrilled to be able to use some of what my dear friend, Teresa gave me...pages from an old book...in GERMAN...Thanks, Teresa!

I used some "found items" in this project...specifically:

• bubble wrap
• rubber shelf liner
• paper filling from who knows where (see hair)

I also used the following from my TNT kit:

• burgandy flower
• letter stickers
• two pieces of the patterned paper (one of which is mostly covered)

From my stash:

• rub-ons
• acrylic paint
• filmstrip stamp (stamped on to flimsy packaging)
• bling from Prima
• Mod Podge
• canvas from Blick Arts
• Studio 490 stamp
• sharpie (black)

enJOY!

One "October Afternoon"...

I have to say it again...I'm just THRILLED at all of the creations I've been able to complete while on my visit to PA this week!  I probably helps that it's been sooooooo hot AND humid out, that it's too uncomfortable to spend any time outside...so what's a girl to do?...WELL...stay INSIDE and CREATE!

I really feel like my "frugal" side is getting some much needed attention, too...Did you ever consider the fact that MAYBE, just MAYBE some of the creative block we sometimes experience is from TOO MANY choices?

This takes me back to being a young mom...I used to say that when kids have TOO MANY choices in toys to play with, they cannot concentrate and just be happy playing with one toy at a time...WELL, I think this same "rule" applies to paper crafting!  I used to put some of my kids toys "away" in a closet and would rotate them out every 3 months or so...THEN they always thought they had NEW toys to play with (or old FAVORITES that came back into play).  Since we didn't have much disposable income back then, I felt we got alot more out of what we DID have, but rotating it in and out of "PLAY".

Soooooo, since I brought just a FEW pieces of pp with me (about 12 sheets), I've been able to zero in and just get down to business.

Today, I played with my October Afternoon sheets again.  Since there were 2 sheets of pp that I brought, both double sided, so it was like bringing 4 sheets.  WAHOO!

Here's what I created today:

I did use a few embellies that my stepmom has had FOREVER...those would be the little aqua flower brads...remember them?  The ribbon is also from her stash...

I just LOVE IT when a FRUGAL creation comes together!

enJOY:)

Just paper and a great "sketch":)

I'm still working with limited supplies while visiting family in PA and I have to say, this is REALLY fun!  Today I completed another BD card using JUST PAPER (well, and stamps for the sentiment).  I used an awesome card a friend of mine made for some "sketch" inspiration.  You can find her blog post here.  All of Melody's cards are AMAZING, so you should definitely visit her blog if you haven't already been there:)

Here is my card using primarily scraps left over from other cards I've made.  I used cardstock and pp from the Little Yellow Bicycle Twig line.  I have to say these are some of my favorite colors to work with!

Since I used primarily scraps of pp for this card, I thought I could also use this as an entry for the Two Peas in a Bucket Challenge to produce a card that you can then "mass produce".  Feel free to go on over to Two Peas and "play" along:)

enJOY:)

On a "roll" with Little Yellow Bicycle

I have yet another birthday card to share today.  It's rather simple in design, and it takes me back to a technique I used to use long ago...paper tearing...I'm also using an embellishment I haven't used in a while...embroidery floss.

I'm still having a great time using the Little Yellow Bicycle "Twig" line along with my stamp set I bought recently (but STILL can't remember who makes it, lol).  I have also incluced my Cloud Nine Design sentiment stamps.

enJOY:)

Happy Birthday, Billy:)

I'm so happy to have crafting time while I'm visiting PA.  This morning I've made a great BD card for my dear hubby whose birthday is tomorrow:)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR HUBBY!

For this card, I visited my good friend Gloria's blog and used one of her amazing card sketches.  You can visit her blog post showcasing this sketch here.  I've also posted a pic of the sketch below:

I decided to follow this one pretty closely because the papers I had matched well with her finished projects and I love how hers turned out.

Here is my "take" on it.  I'm so glad that this sketch made it easy to complete a card with a masculine feel.

Thanks for the inspiration, Gloria!  Your sketches ROCK!

enJOY:)

Happy Birthday, Mom:)

While we are visiting our family in PA, we wanted to celebrate my mother-in-law's birthday a bit early since we won't be here on her actual birthday this year.

My husband was going to buy a card for her, but I told him I had the perfect idea for a card for her.  I brought some of my October Afternoon pp with me which has this amazing vintag-y feel and was perfect for what I had in mind.  I also brought along some darling stamps I bought a while back...and here is the hard part...I forget who made them!  I tossed the packaging and just CANNOT remember who makes these stamps which is a REAL bummer since I like to give credit to the manufacturer whenever I can.

Needless to say, if any of you out in Blogland want to give an altered girl some help, please feel free to comment with the manufacturer of these stamps so I can give some credit....I just LOVE these stamps!

First of all, I have to say, I just LOVE this October Afternoon line.  The counted cross stitch pattern is such a throwback to my past.  I've always been a crafter and remember my grandmothers creating counted cross stitch projects that were AMAZING!.

These stamps were a perfect addition to this card, too.  (The birthday wishes stamp is another stamp from my "stash).  I stamped the lamp and telephone onto the pp background, and then again on another piece of paper (for the lamp, a yellow background; for the telephone, an aqua background) so I could fussy cut around parts of the lamp and phone to pop them off the page.  I also cut around the patterned paper and made my own handcut scalloped edge across the top of this card.  KEWL, huh?

The inside of the card is really kewl, too!  I just LOVE finishing the insides of my cards now...and the bonus is...when I give them away, the recipients just LOVE these cards...I don't know about you, but I just LOVE the compliments I get when I give away one of my homemade cards:)

The sentiment on the inside of this card is from Cloud 9 design.  I just love these "simple thoughts" kind of stamps...they are SOOOOOO inspiring!  This quote is perfect for my MIL...she is such an inspiration and DEFINITELY has MORE beginnings than endings!

Happy Birthday to the BEST MIL!

Wedding Card....Take 2:)

Before I show my creations for the day, I want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to all of our military personnel that are risking their lives (and for some, giving their lives) to make the UNITED STATES of AMERICA continue to be the LAND OF THE FREE...

THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL YOU DO FOR OUR COUNTRY!

I'm visiting family this week in PA and we are having a wonderful time!  I knew I'd have some "down" time while I'm here, so I did bring a few of my scrappin' favs to make a few creations while I"m here.  I had made a card for my niece's wedding, but although I was very happy with it, I realized it seemed more appropriate for someone buying a house...good news...the next person that buys a house is going to get an AWESOME card from me:)

So, back to the drawing board I went, and came up with this instead:

I decided to stick with my Bo-Bunny 6 x 6 paper pack (which, yes, I brought with me) to make this card that I have to say, came out really great.  The best part is that my stepmother (who I'm staying with) is also a paper crafter, so I "borrowed" a few of her supplies to complete this card (specifically the red cardstock and the red/white ribbon).

Initially, the red wasn't exactly the shade I was looking for, so I used some Red Barn distress ink (that I DID bring with me) to richen the red paper up to what I was looking for.

I really love the way this turned out and can't wait until I get to give it away to my niece and new nephew-in-law next week.  The stamps I used for this card are from Inkadinkado.

Feel free to leave a comment:)

Happy Memorial Day!



Happy Birthday, Sean!

My "middle" child turns 30 tomorrow...so, I ask...what does that mean to me?  Well, it definitely means that I now have 2...yes, I said 2 children in their 30's...now HOW did THAT happen?

It seems like only yesterday....yes, I'm sure you know how the story goes, lol...

Well...HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY, SEAN!

And here's the card I made especially for you:)

and of course, the inside...

hmmmm. the inside pic looks a bit brighter than the front pic...and I used the same functions in Photoshop for both...interesting, very interesting...

Supplies:

Some REALLY old paper from my stash...some Bohemia from My Mind's Eye (yes, I still love the Bohemia papers) and some Blue Raspberry Paisley from Deja Views...and of course some Bazzill Cardstock.

The stamps are from a set I've also had forever and don't have the packaging for anymore...sorry.

The HB is a sizzix alphabet die cut.  I bet I've had these for 8-10 years...AND I still go to them from time to time.

I added a little stickles and some homemade embellies and some ribbon from my stash...and voila, my card was complete.

enJOY:)

And so the story goes...

What a PERFECT time for an "and the story goes..." card:)  It's that time of year when WEDDING BELLS are ringing and buying NEW HOMES are on many FAMILIES minds...

So, I've been in a "NESTING" mood lately...ya know the kind that put you in the mood for buying a place of your own to call home?  BTW, heavens NO, I'm not thinking of nesting in the traditional way, lol...no more babies for this FRUGAL Scrapper...unless they are more grand babies of course:)  (hint, hint, Dan and Stephanie)...I'm just saying that my love of having NO maintenance issues by renting a condo are being upstaged by my need to FINALLY hang something on the walls AND to let go of the feeling that things aren't PERMANENT.

Anyway...I have a VERY SPECIAL niece who is getting married in two weeks, so I thought I'd work on a card for her...due to my "nesting" mood, I decided to use some of my favorite Studio 490 stamps...now I know I've had these for a while, but they ARE exactly what I just had to use for this card.

So onto the card (oh, and THANK YOU, Karen for your inspiration).

In addition to the theme, I decided I wanted to limit the colors on my card to natural colors.  Since BUILDING a life together starts with a VISION, I like to think that the color comes LATER.

and so the story goes...

Of course, I'm continuing with my decision to ALWAYS finish the insides of my cards...sooooo...

and they lived happily ever after...THE END

I made sure to leave some space on my card for a personal message to my niece and my new nephew-in-law.

Supplies:
Studio 490 Stamps SCS031
Studio 490 Stamps LCS018
Random stamps from the Carson Stamp Show (measuring tape and buttons stamp)
Bazzill Cardstock
K & Company patterned paper
Ranger Archival Ink - Coffee
Ranter Distress Ink - Wild Honey
Buttons from my stash

enJOY:)

Goin' Masculine...with CARDS:)

Hello out there, blogland:)

Frugal Scrapper Extraordinaire here with a VERY IMPORTANT announcement...after 2 straight years of Frugal Scrappin' monthly classes at Ever After Scrapbooks, this Frugal Scrapper Extraordinaire is taking some time off...yes, it's time to regroup, refocus, and rejuvenate over the summer....but WAIT a MINUTE!

There's ONE more chance to JOIN the Frugal Scrapper Extraordinaire (aka Lori) and here awesome sidekick, Karen for our LAST class of the season!

What better way to sign off for now, you may ask?  How about some AMAZING masculine themed cards?

We will USE SCRAPS as we complete 4 masculine themed cards.  In addition, as my friends Gloria and Melody have taught me...it is REALLY IMPORTANT to finish the insides of our cards.  It's amazing to me to see what a difference it makes in my cards when I finish the inside of a card.  Now you will get a chance to do so, too.

Please join Karen and I for our LAST CLASS on Thursday, May 26th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  This class, like all Frugal Scrappin' classes is sure to be a HIT!

Below are the class samples:

We will use some awesome papers from Graphic 45, Little Yellow Bicycle, and Paper Loft.  Also included will be Tim's Sizzix die cuts, distress inks, paint dabbers, archival inks and more!

Here is the supply list:

Frugal Scrappin’ 5/26 Supply List

Ranger Archival Ink-Coffee (or some other brown ink)
Distress Ink – Corduroy Brown, Scattered Straw, Forest Moss (or other similar colors)
Gold Paint Dabber
Tape Runner
Glue Dots
Pop Dots
Paper Trimmer
Scissors

Now, go on and give Ever After a call at 760-630-2767 and sign up soon!  As you may know, our classes have been known to sell out fast!

I look forward to seeing you in class:)

Two Peas Card Challenges

Two Peas in a Bucket ran a month long event called 30 Days of Stamping & Cardmaking for the month of April.  There was alot of inspiration and tuturials and I wish I had the time to play along every day, but alas, life sometimes gets in the way.

I did, however, get a set of cards done that embraced a few of the challenges throughout the month.  I'm so happy with these cards that I have already sent them out to loved ones.  As part of my "word of the year", CHALLENGE, I am trying to share my love of all things altered by actually sending my cards out.  No longer will I have boxes and boxes of completed projects under my crafting table!

What is the purpose of creating all of these beautiful cards, if I don't plan to share them, right?

So here is the card set I made over the last few weeks (you'll notice you've already seen one of the cards).

I consider these cards a set because I used the same patterned papers on all of them.  On the first card, I used the paper strip technique that is great for using all of those scraps we all have around.  I was able to also use some of the flowers I've had for "years".

The card in the middle is the one I already posted about.  If you scroll down, you will see it in more detail.

The last card I made especially for my friend, Denise.  Denise and I have been friends for YEARS and I don't see her much anymore since we now live almost 3000 miles away from each other.  I do want her to know, though, that I do still CHERISH our friendship. 

On this last card, I used one of my favorite Tim Holtz Alterations Dies and layered my patterned paper similar to the first card, as paper strips...with a twist:)  I also used the CHERISH stamp that I've had for YEARS and never even opened!  (shame on this Frugal Scrapper, lol)  I finished off by using these really cute "typed" letter stickers that Cosmo Cricket makes.  They are soooo much fun and are the PERFECT size for use on cards.

Enjoy!

Can't wait to craft again:)

Hello out there:)

I've just been on the most wonderful trip with my stepmom, daughter and two of my grandchildren.  I'm still in the last hotel with a flight scheduled for later today that will take us home so I thought I'd drop a note here in blogland since I haven't posted in a while.

I have so many awesome pictures to craft with and have seen so many inspirational art pieces to help get my creativity kicked into high gear...now to just find a quiet place to craft...soon, I hope:)

Our trip started out in San Antonio, Texas with a visit to the Riverwalk and the Alamo.  Then off to a "dude" ranch (really a guest ranch since THEY do all the work and WE have all the fun!).  We went horseback riding, played miniature golf, swam in their awesome water park...with a wave pool and lazy river...all the ambiance of the beach...without the messy sand, lol.  Of course, s'mores ended each evening around a campfire.

Lots of entertainment included, too.  We had a champion roper, wagon rides to a "ghost" town, saw hats get branded (as well as some wooden play guns).  There was even a chuckwagon dinner with an old fashioned "shoot out" at the ghost town.

The Texas hill country and the Bandera area is beautiful.  The Flying L Ranch was great and I recommend it to anyone looking for a bit of western adventure with modern conveniences.

I will be back with some amazing scrapbook pages...which I'm thrilled to get back to since I haven't scrapped in quite a while.

Come on back for a visit, ya hear?

Happy Scrappin'!

All Dressed up, creatively sewing, and Two Peas Card Challenge

I've been following the new card challenges over at Two Peas and this challenge sounding interesting so I thought I'd give it a try.  I've only completed one card so far...and I have to say, I've gone WAY overboard with the actual challenge (which is to use pop dots on your card).

First, I decided to get my "new" (new to me, but actually secondhand) sewing machine out to play:)  I'd been admiring my friend Melody's cards from afar (well actually, I've been able to see the originals, but Melody always makes me give them back, lol)...anyway, I've been wanting to try sewing on my cards for a while and FINALLY did it today!

Here's a sneek peek:

Now, I did realize that I need to buy more thread...and probably need to use something that is thicker than normal sewing thread...so back to Melody I'll go for more advice:)

I've realized that I've also given you a sneak peek into how I altered two of Tim's dies...the rosette die and the hanging sign die:)  More on that further down...

Here is the entire dress:

I used some old Cosmo Cricket paper I had (and STILL LOVE) to form my "dress".  I used the rosette die to make the skirt and then cut the die apart and laid it in layers on the card.  I also used the hanging sign die (the hanger part) to make my stand for my dress form.  Oh yes, and I got my dress form here.  It was the perfect size for a card.  I printed the dress form picturs from the post and drew around it with a black sharpie.  Since the sharpie went through my paper, I turned it over and used the back of the picture for my template...genious, huh?

I just LOVE how this entire card turned out!

I can tell this is NOT the last time I'll put sewing on a card!  Of course, also based on Melody's advice, I did finish the inside of this card (and sewed in there too), but forgot to take a picture of it...

And ya know, I still just LOVE this sentiment...and how the angle on this picture makes it mean even more (to me anyway)...

Oh and BTW, if you've been here before, you know I've totally changed my blog around...again...and don't ya just dig how this card matches my new color scheme?  Gotta love it "when a plan comes together"...

Happy Scrappin'

Frugal....REALLY?

Hello all:)

I've been thinkin' about something that a VERY GOOD friend of mine mentioned to me the other day, so I thought...WOW, if this AMAZINGLY insightful friend of mine thought this...I'm sure it's crossed the mind of many other of my blogging buddies...and this is now my question of the day...

FRUGAL...REALLY?

Now I'm sure you all know that there are two things that are very "Close to my Heart" when it comes to paper crafting...FRUGALITY and TIM HOLTZ products...and the question came up about how I tie these two things together...and this is a VERY good question indeed:)

So I decided to reflect on what I mean, and thought I'd share a few things with you on my interpretation:)

Now, I do have to admit...I don't consider ALL of Tim's goodies to be frugal and those are items I typically use sparingly on my projects.  That being said, there are MANY things linked to Tim's name that I do find to be VERY FRUGAL purchases. I NEVER go anywhere without these products. When I think of FRUGAL, I think of "cost per use" basis shopping.


My top 10 are (in no particular order)

1. Distress inks & stains

I've been surfing the web this morning looking at some AMAZING projects and am hardpressed to find ONE that doesn't use at least ONE of Tim's products...Distress inks are definitely up there at the top...a paper crafter should NOT live without them:)


2. Alcohol Inks
 
Now, you know that the challenge has always been how to "paint" metal, glass, plastic, and other non-porous surfaces, right?  Well, alcohol inks do a TREMENDOUS job on these surfaces...and the best part is that the coverage is transluscent so the character of the surface is still evident.  I now by MOSTLY white/cream pearls and rhinestones and change the color as needed with my handy alcohol inks.
 
3. Perfect Pearls

These awesome powders work tremendously well with distress inks when applying them directly to your project...they act kind of like embossing powder as it clings to the distress inked areas and are set with the Heat Tool....but better yet, when mixed with a little water in a mini mister, they become an awesome glimmery spray.  I just love using the spray technique because I can apply my distress inks to my project with more control for color and then spray my perfect pearls concoction to add the perfect level of glimmer.

4. Ranger Archival Ink

My FAVORITE ink for use with stamps when I want a really CRISP finish (perfect for sentiment stamps and flourishes, etc).  Stamps with alot of detail are also great because this ink doesn't "bleed" on your paper.

4. Distress tools (all are in this category such as the applicator AND the sponges)

Now, if you know me well, you know I started out with "frugal" distress ink/alcohol ink tools...but now????  I have to admit I have a separate distress tool for each color of distress ink I own...why, you may ask???? My second "frugal" philosophy...TIME IS MONEY, lol...I was tired of having to switch my sponges each time I wanted to use a new color of distress ink (plus, have you ever tried to "label" sponges with the color they are?)  Now I know there are some amazing ideas for keeping the sponges with the inks, like attaching a velcro piece to the bottom of the ink pad and attaching the sponge to it when not in use, but again, TIME IS MONEY...and I'd still have to keep switching them, lol...

5. Mini Misters

What can I say here?  Mini Misters are a MUST HAVE!  The can be filled with water, blending solution, perfect pearls concoctions, etc.  I use these ALL the time!

6. Heat It Tool

The quietest, but most effective heat tool I've come across.

7. Paper Distressor

NOT distress a paper edge???  It can't be!  I distress EVERYTHING!!!!  I do sometimes use scissors, but normally tear the paper MORE than I intended, so this distress tool is the BEST!

8. Tonic Scissors

The BEST scissors I've found for the price.  LOVE THEM!

9.  Alterations Dies

Now, I know you do need some sort of diecutting maching to use these...but you can now find them secondhand, so no need to fret...I use the alterations dies ALL the TIME...remember cost per use basis???  I'm talkin' pennies with these since I use them so much...the best part is that they don't just cut through paper, they can cut through chipboard, corregated cardboard, fabric, fun foam, aluminum (think soda cans)...plastic (think packaging), etc.

10.  Texture fades

I just LOVE these embossing folders for altering paper and adding texture to my projects...another MUST HAVE.

My cost per use philosophy:

Let's use the Heat It Tool as an example since that's probably the most expensive item on my top 10 list...It retails for around $25, but I've probably used it about 200 times since I purchased it...so we're talkin' about $.125 per use.  Now I could have purchased a less expensive heat tool, but they are MUCH louder AND tend to blow my projects ALL over the place while the Heat It tool is VERY quiet and while it really HEATS, it does so without blowing my projects around.

If you have any questions, or have other suggestions for uses of my top ten items above, feel free to leave a comment:)

Under Construction:)

Hello all of you wonderful, amazing crafters and artists:)

Happy Saturday!

For those of you that have visited my blog for a while, you know that I have a "kind of" ADD when it comes to my blog...every so often, I just have the need to "re-construct" the appearance of my blog...

My added CHALLENGE (remember this IS my WORD of the YEAR, lol)...is that I now work full time (well, I have for the last year, actually)...and this is the FIRST time I've had the urge to change my blog since going back to FT work...so......I just haven't found enough hours in the day to complete my latest construction project...SORRY for the kind of messy appearance, but I KNOW what I want to do....

It's just a matter of LEARNING how to do it!

If I can pull it off (getting what is in my "altered artist" head) and getting it onto my blog...this MAY be the last time I try to re-construct!

If anyone knows anyone who knows how to create blogs (you know, like altering HTML & stuff like that) and would LOVE to assist me in this re-constrution, please feel free to let me know...

Thank so much for visiting, and have a VERY BLESSED day!

Missing you...and a Bo-Bunny sketch, too...

O.k. fellow bloggers...I'm certainly glad my hubbie doesn't blog...or facebook...or any other of that social media stuff...because...well...I have to say I really MISS him this week...now I do know how to pull up my "big girl panties" and and definitely NOT a "needy" wife, but ya know, I've had to do alot of stuff that is usually done FOR me...ya know...like laundry, and cookin' and cleanin'...I know, I know, I'm spoiled, but there ARE things I do, too...like creatin' great MESSY ART...(and yes, I DO have to clean up my own ART room)...

So....I bought a Bo-Bunny 6 x 6 paper pack yesterday...it's kinda "dark and serious"...and took me to a place I don't go often...a "deep" place...I think that's why I never got into the Harry Potter or the Twilight CRAZE...way too "deep and dark" for me, lol...

Anyway, from the paper pack, I decided to go to the Bo-Bunny site to see what challenges are out there that I might partake in...and low and behold, I see a card sketch challenge that "spoke" to me...so I print out the sketch and go back to my paper pack, fan through, and a thought comes to mind...why don't I make a "missing you" card for my hubbie???

So there you have it...it's a bit "darker" than what I usually do, but I'm tellin' a story with this card...not one that I'll bore you with, but it's a story just the same...it'll be my little "secret"...except for my friend Gloria, who I spilled the beans to and now probably thinks I'm totally off my rocker, hee hee....little does she know...I really AM off my rocker...my ART rocker, heehee...

O.k., so here's the sketch:

Here's my "take" on it:

Along with some close-ups:

and the link to the challenge if you'd like to play along:

Bo-Bunny card sketch challenge

I used the Bo-Bunny Timepiece 6 x 6 paper pack for this card.

And remember...ART saves CREATIVE minds:)



One Stamp Three Ways

I've been lurking over at 2 Peas in a Bucket recently and have found that they are expanding their site to include more for card makers.  I think it's a great idea since card making is so popular right now.

WAY TO GO, 2 PEAS:)

With that in mind, I've decided to play along with one of their challenges....using 1 stamp 3 ways...

I have one stamp in particular that I use alot, so I knew I already had one card made that I posted a while back, but I like it so much, I thought I'd incorporate it into this challenge and just use the stamp 2 more ways.

Here is a picture of all 3 cards:

This is a stamp I've had for a while from one of Tim Holtz' sets.  This stamp is perfect for many different ideas.  As you can see, there are 3 distinctly different feels to each card, all using the same stamp.

For the card on the left, I used the stamp with 3 different distress inks:  Broken China, Peeled Paint, and Pumice Stone.  I used these colors to match with the patterned paper in the background and LOVE how this card turned out.  Of course, I used another stamp from Studio 490 as well as one of Tim's metal embellishments.  I added some ribbon from SEI to complete the look.  It's very subtle and soothing in my opinion.  Here is a close-up of the stamping:

Next I made a card using another technique I just LOVE!  I started with a piece of glossy cardstock, spread some alcohol inks on my craft mat (colors were Citrus, Sunset Orange, Sunshine Yellow, Pool, and some gold mixative).  Then I just laid my glossy cardstock face down and smooshed and swirled the paper until it was completely coverd.  I then used my FAVORITE black archival ink by Ranger.  This ink is so vibrant and shiny and I just LOVE to work with it.  As you can see, this card has a very different feel to it...kind of a Fall/Autumn feel.  See below for close-up.

The last card, the one on the right, I made using one of my newest Tim purchases...ink stains!  This was actually the first time I used them and I LOVE them!  Whoo hoo, I can guarantee, these will be one of my FAV's!  First, using a piece of plain white cardstock, I stamped the image with embossing powder.  Next I added white embossing powder (you could use clear, but I really like white better).  After heat setting the embossing powder, I used my Broken China ink stains and just rubbed across the entire paper.  I'm tellin' ya...I've done this technique using the distress inkpad to paper, but these distress ink stains are AMAZING!  Vibrant color without alot of work...if you haven't tried them yet, what are ya waitng for?  Anyway, back to the card...after the ink stains dry, just rub lightly with a dry paper towel over the embossed area to remove any excess ink (although I didn't really see any).  See close-up below:

Oh, and by the way...I did then add a little mist from my mini mister filled with water and some Pearl perfect pearls.  It's really subtle, but looks awesome!  As with this last card, it definitely has more of a summertime feel.

LOVE this challenge!  Thanks, 2 Peas!

Another Counterfeit Kit Challenge Project:)

O.k....I have to say, I just LOVE Gloria's sketches.  Again today, I just had to use one of her awesome sketches to complete yet another card using my March kit inspired by the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog.

Check Gloria's sketch out here.  Make sure to scroll down to the bottom of this post for the sketch...trust me, it's worth "scrollin'" for!

I'll also post her sketch here, but DEFINITELY visit her blog, too!

Here's my take on it:

I did twist the sketch just a bit, but was very happy to use the items from my kit to complete this card.  The only other thing I added was a piece of coredinations paper that I embossed using one of my cuttlebug folders.  I love the way it matches the paper on the top of the card...but in reverse!

enJOY your day!

Gloria's CPC Sketch #99

O.k...how many of you out there are old enough to remember "99"?....do you remember what show that is from?....Think back to the 1960's or so....since there was also a movie made recently based on this show, some of you younger peeps may also know....

Anyway, I'm not gonna tell ya what I'm referring to (although I'd LOVE comments with guesses, lol)....no prizes, baby...no sirreeeee, but just some plain 'ole trivia fun...

Sooooo, I was "lurkin'" over at one of my favorite creative peeps blogs today, and fell in love with this sketch she recently did.  Her name is Gloria and since it is her CPC Sketch 99, I thought I'd play along...well kinda, anyway...I'm using Gloria's sketch for my card below. 

I liked the sketch so much, I didn't even change anything. Go visit her blog if you want to see the sketch.  Trust me, you'll be AMAZED at her talent!

I did use my March Counterfeit Kit Challenge kit to make this card.  I just LOVE the way one of my patterned papers (the one with the words) lined up perfectly to show the words SWEET DAUGHTER.  Since my daughter just had a birthday AND I didn't send her a card...I know, I know...what a terrible Mom, right?...I did call her AND I did send a gift, so it's all good:)

And now?  Since I have this beautiful card all made up and ready to go, I'm going to send it to her with a very nice note about how much she means to me...kinda like a bonus birthday wish...because she DEFINITELY deserves it!

enJOY your day!

Tulle Daisy:)

Well, I'm really making some progress today and I'm really HAPPY about that!  I've completed another card using some of the techniques found over at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog.

They have this really cool link for making daisies out of tulle (and fabric).  Since I've been looking at my tulle supply lately (yes, I do have alot of it), I had planned on surfing the 'net for some ideas...then low and behold...the Counterfeit Kit Challenge blog posts a link to a tutorial...I'm tellin' ya...this blog is DEFINITELY right up my alley!

Here is the link: Click here for tulle daisy link.  Just scroll down a bit and you'll find the link directly to the tutorial.

Now here is my take on it:

Since the most important part of this card is the tulle daisy, here is a close-up of it.

Now, I have to be honest and say that while I think my very first tulle daisy turned out o.k., I have to also admit, this wasn't my "favorite" project...Will you be seeing alot of tulle daisies in future frugal projects?...Uh...I don't think so...but one never knows for sure, right?

Give this flower a try and stop back and let me know what you think...to ALL my awesome sewing peeps, this just may be right up your alley, 'k?

As always, have an amazingly CREATIVE and BEAUTIFUL day!