Feeling Blue?

Stamps and Smiles has a new sketch challenge this week. This was a fun card to make.I used Bazzil dotted swiss CS. I punched holes in it and wove ribbon through the holes. Stamps are from studio g. Patterned paper is DCWV The Spring Stack. Ribbon is from Hobby Lobby and rhinestones are from Queen and Co.

Sketch Something Challenge: 2 + 1 Cased

Stamp Something is honoring Emily this week. Here is her sketch for this week. I made two cards and cased another. The first was done in shades of blue. I used CS from The Paper Co., and patterned paper from The Summer Stack DCWV. Stamps are from studio g. Ribbon is from Hobby Lobby and rhinestones are from Queen & Co. I love the paper I used on this card. It is from DCWV The Summer Stack. I cut the paper to show off the corner borders. The only stamp that I used was for the sentiment; studio g. I cut the butterfly with a Nestabilities butterfly. The ribbon is from Hobby Lobby and pearls are from Hero Arts. It was interesting to see how differently these two cards turned out using the same sketch. The third card is one that I cased. The original card is here. I used DCWV paper, again from The Summer Stack. The stamp is studio g. Ribbon is from Hobby Lobby and pearls are from Hero Arts.

My Timeless Template Challenge

It's time for another My Timeless Template Challenge at Lauren Meader's blog. Use one of Lauren's templates to make a birthday gift. Use the color purple or a butterfly or both for your project. I chose Lauren's newest template, Ready, Set, Wrap. The CS I used was Bazzil Dotted Swiss, Plum Delight, and Black. Patterned paper was from The Paper Co. which I colored with a purple marker, I used a Martha Stewart punch, Nesties butterfly, a Sweet Baby button, and ribbon from Hobby Lobby.

Let Them eat Cake.......

and Chicken tortellini! I cooked this weekend. My husband loves to cook and he does most of it. He hates to clean up afterwards, and I don't mind at all. So we have the best of both worlds! My husband does not bake, but I do. It is strawberry season in the south, and I couldn't help but pick up some containers of strawberries at the grocery this weekend. I decided to experiment with a strawberry cake, and this is what I came up with! I made a Pillsbury white cake according to package directions. I made a batch of Wilton's Buttercream Frosting. (I used this recipe when I made my daughters' wedding cakes, and everyone loved it.) I lightly frosted the bottom layer, and made a two layer "dam" of frosting around the edges. I then placed the layer in the freezer for about ten minutes to allow the frosting to set. I opened a 16 oz. container of strawberries, and rinsed and hulled them. I took about 4 oz. of strawberries and finely chopped them. I added enough strawberry glaze to coat them. (Strawberry glaze is sold in 13 oz.containers in the produce section.) I removed the cake from the freezer and added the strawberries to reach almost to the top of the icing "dam." Then I lightly frosted the top layer and placed it icing side down on top of the strawberries. This was so all of the strawberry glaze and juice from the berries would not sink into the cake. Next I frosted the sides with a normal amount of frosting. On the top I added a very thin layer of frosting and piped shells around the outside. The remaining strawberries were sliced thinly, coated with gel and added to the top of the cake. Then I sprinkled red sugar around the top and sides. Delicious! or as my grandson says, "Yumma, yumma, gumma, gumma!"

Chicken Tortellini
This is my version:
4 boneless chicken breasts
16 oz. sliced fresh mushrooms
20 0z. three cheese tortellini

1 can cream of chicken soup
3/4 c. heavy cream
2 cloves fresh garlic
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 pkg. chicken bouillon powder
Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside. In skillet, cook chicken in one tablespoon of oil until done. Remove and cut into dice sized pieces. Set aside. In large skillet saute mushrooms in small amount of butter. Add cream, soup, crushed and chopped garlic, bouillon powder, crushed red pepper, and a dash of salt. Stir well until blended. Add chicken and tortellini. Bring to a light boil. Cook 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until hot. This dish will fill a large 9" x 13" pan. Enjoy!

Thank You Cards Challenge (2)

Lauren is thanked this week for her contributions to Stamp Something. The challenge is to case some of her cards and make your own. I chose two. This is the first. Scroll down to see the second. Lauren's style is clean and simple. I used a star on my card instead of a heart. Glitter CS is DCWV and patterned paper is DCWV The Summer Stack. Solid color CS is The Paper Co. Ribbon is from Hobby Lobby. For the second card, I used the same basic sketch but different colors. I also added a tag. I used ColorBok CS and DCWV patterned paper from the Spring Stack. Stamp is from Michael's and ribbon is from Hobby Lobby. I used an oval punch and Fiskar's Threading Water.

Tulles of the Trade

The focus is on tulle at Limelight Papercrafts! This card is for the Six Chicks Challenge Sketch #21. Mandy used a cupcake on her card, and I did too. The best part of the cupcake is the icing, so I decided to "frost" it with tulle. I punched holes on the cupcake and then wove the tulle through the holes. I used glitter cardstock for the large circle and then chalked it with yellow chalk. I also tied a tulle bow in the circle. The little cupcakes at the bottom are actually buttons that I bought at Walmart last summer. I cut the shank off the back and attached them to the card with Fabri-Tac. CS is from ColorBok and Patterned paper is DCWV The Summer Stack.

Celebrate!

Yes, I'm celebrating! After about a week of not having a microwave, I now have one! Our old one went to microwave heaven. We mourned the loss, mostly the loss of popcorn. But our game is on again! In celebration, I chose House Mice popping popcorn, of course! This card is for the sketch challenge at Stamps and Smiles. I used CS from The Paper Co., Dotted Swiss Cuttlebug folder, Martha Stewart Floral Lace punch, and ribbon from Hobby Lobby.

Welcome to my Garden!

The Project Tuesday challenge over at Stamps and Smiles was to create a paperclip bookmark. This was a fun challenge! I used my Cricut to cut out the flowers and then shaded them. I used a studio g stamp for the bee. The dragonfly was from Inkadinkado's Patterned Bugs, and the butterfly was a Martha Stewart punch. I decorated my "bugs" with markers or glitter pens and added wire antennae. I tied green rickrack around the "stems." I couldn't resist adding some fancy background to my photo. I used glitter tissue paper and DCWV Spring paper.

Pretty in Pink

, I have two cards for this post. The challenge this week at Stamp Something is to make a pink birthday card for Melissa who is leaving the design team. Melissa has also donated some "blog candy" for this challenge. I used wavy edged scissors to cut around the oval, added some rhinestones, and drew dots around the edges with a pink gel pen. Happy birthday, Melissa! Sad to see you go! Bazzil Watermelon Surprise and Tropical CS, DCWV patterned paper from the Spring Stack and The Summer stack, Stamps are Flourishes from Inkadinkado, and Happy Birthday from Studio g. Rhinestones are from Hero Arts. For my second card I stamped the flowers and then traced over them with a pink glitter gel pen. I tied embroidery floss through the holes on the button before attaching it to the card. I used pop dots to attach the medallion. Bazzil Tropical CS, DCWV patterned paper from "The spring Stack and The Summer Stack. The floral stamp is from the Flourishes from Inkadinkado, and the medallion is from Fiskars Wishes All Around. Pearls are from Hero Arts.

My Time to Inspire

This is my card for Lauren Meader's inspiration challenge this week. I think I have enough paper to cover every wall in my house if I wanted to, but I found out that I have very little paper that is purple. In a way it was easier to make this card because I didn't have a lot of choices. I used a purple marker to color some of the circles on the patterned paper. I used a purple stamp pad to color the polka dots on the black nylon ribbon. I used my brand new "Threading Water" punch by Fiskars (that I got for Mother's Day) to make the border on the side of the card. I embossed the flowers and then drew the leaves with a black marker. I liked the look of the card and decided that I did not want to add a sentiment on the outside. Sometimes less is more! I used paper from Bazzil and The Paper Co., "Constellations" stamp by Penny Black, and ribbon from Hobby Lobby.

SASMR4 Challenge

My last entry was the most fun to make. I love Changito and I have always loved blowing bubbles! I used CS from The Paper Co. and Patterned paper from DCWV Spring Stack. Pearls are from Hero Arts.

SASMR3 Challenge

The third card in the challenge has a zoo theme. I used Mindy's Zoo stamps from Stampology. I embossed the giraffes and colored them with gel pens. I used Animal Cracker's CS from DCWV and Bazzil CS.

SASMR2 Challenge

This is the second challenge post for Stamps and Smiles. The cupcake looked like it needed a cherry on top, and then I saw this little bird. He looked just like a cherry, so I put him on top of the cupcake! I used Patterned paper from DCWV Spring Stack and CS from The Paper Co. I embossed the little birds (Mindy's Zoo by Stampology) and used glitter pens and Stickles on the cupcake.

SASMR1 Challenge

Over at Stamps and Smiles, there are four card challenges. This card is for the first sketch. I used a Changito stamp from Stampendous, and Animal Crackers CS from DCWV. I used Nesties to make a medallion and then punched around it with a hole punch. Then I popped it up with pop dots.

Something for Mom Challenge

Stamp Something is having a challenge! The theme is "Something for Mom." To participate you need to case one of Cindy's cards. I chose this card. Scroll down to see the second card that I cased. I really liked all of the swirls on the card. I used my cricut to make the swirls. I used the Swirl Border from Joys of the Season on the shadow setting. Then I colored the swirls with a marker. I chalked the patterned paper inside of the circle. I stamped the butterflies and then outlined them with a copper gel pen. I think it has a nice vintage look. I also used: CS from Color Bok and The Paper Co., DCWV Ppaper from The Spring Stack, and Patterned Bugs from Inkadinkado. Brads are from Michael's. I couldn't resist using my Lambie Pie stamp that I bought at Hobby Lobby on sale. I think the Animal Crackers CS goes perfectly with it! I cut around the circles in the cardstock, and then used a hole punch to make my own border at the bottom. I embossed the little lambs and lightly colored their wool with markers. I stamped the sentiment with mini alphabet studio g stamps which I got at Michael's in the dollar bin. Gotta love a bargain! Patterned CS DCWV, The Paper Co., Lambie Pie from Stampabilities, mini alpha stamps from Studio g

Matching Card

I decided to make a matching card for the gift card holder.Well if it doesn't match exactly, at least the colors and papers are the same! I used Studio g stamps for the flowers and Fiskars "Wishes All Around" for the medallion.

Purse Gift Card & Tutorial

I designed and made a little purse gift card holder for some friends of my husband and I who just adopted a sweet little baby girl. Here is how I did it. Choose one piece of CS that is 8 1/2" x 11", and two pieces of Ppaper. Cut the CS in half, so you have two strips that are 4 1/4" x 11". Turn the CS as pictured and score at 3", 5 1/2", and 8". Fold in half at the 5 1/2" score line. On the fold that was just made, draw a cutting line that is 1/2" wide and a little less than 1/2" away from each side. Fold the two end flaps up, forming valley folds. Open the card and place adhesive around the two edges and bottom only. Don't glue anywhere else or you won't have a "pocket" to place your gift card in. When you are finished gluing, close the card, and it will look like this: Cut the remaining piece of CS to 4 1/2" x 3". Cut a piece of Ppaper to 4" x 4". Optional: Round the corners on one end. Glue the Ppaper on top of the CS. Turn the paper over and score three inches from the end that is NOT scored. Apply adhesive to the back. Do NOT apply adhesive to the flap. Attach to back of card holder. Your project will look like this: Cut a piece of Ppaper 2 1/2" x 3 3/4" and adhere it to the front of the card. Punch holes on the fold line of the flap that are 1" from each side. Thread ribbon through the holes and tie in a bow at the top. Add velcro dots to the inside flap and outside of card. Decorate as desired. Now you have a cute little gift card holder that any girl, big or little, will just love! For this project I used: Meadow collection CS from the Paper Co., Ppaper from Michael's, Straight 'N Narrow ribbon from Michael's, Iced Got Flowers? which I colored with markers, Rhinestones from Queen & Co., and one small stamp from Fiskars "Wishes All Around".

THIS CONTEST HAS EXPIRED!

Hurry on over to Mandy's blog at Limelight Papercrafts! Mandy has some awesome Lemon Daisy Doodles up for grabs! All you have to do is leave some fun tidbit of useless info in her comment blog. Post her giveaway on your blog or tell friends, and you can leave TWO comments! What a fun contest! Click on over now, because this contest ends tomorrow!

My Time to Create Challenge

Here is my card and Lauren's sketch. I love cats! Unfortunately my two both passed away in the last month. They were brother and sister and were almost nineteen years old. They had a good life. I miss them! Well on to the card. I used CS from Bazzil and The Paper Company, patterned paper from "Formal Affair" Scrapworks, "The Spring Stack" DCWV, "Catitude" from Inkadinkado, embossing powder from Stamp-N-Stuff, and Hero Arts pearls.

Six Chicks Sketch 20

Here is my version of the "Six Chicks Sketch" over at Limelight Papercrafts. As soon as I saw the sketch I thought of a little lamb jumping through a window. This was a fun card to make! Here is a closeup of my Window. I decided to make it a "magic" window, so the little sheep could change colors as she jumped through it! LOL : D Yes, I know, I have read too many fairy tales in my life! I used CS from The Paper Co., patterned paper from The Spring Stack (DCWV), Martha Stewart glitter, Lambie Pie stamp from Stampabilities, and Spring Things from Stampendous, Celebrate Spring from Hampton Art. Rhinestones are from Dress it Up. Pearls are from Hero Arts.

Spring Fling Challenge!

Check out Nichole Heady's blog for the inspiration photos for this challenge. I chose Lauren Meader's. I just love the bright colors! I picked out my papers last night, so I would be ready to start today. Well, I had an inspiration that literally had me leaping out of my bed! I liked Lauren's idea of a tea party theme, and I just love party favors. So in my half awake state I envisioned a party favor that rocks! I chose Lauren's Timeless Template "Bun in the Oven" for my project. I omitted the oven door and turned the box on its back. Then I had an open favor box. The tab that normally goes at the top is now in the front, and it makes the perfect placecard to write each guest's name. The box is now ready to be filled with whatever you wish: candy, teabags, etc. I made a medallion for the top which can be attached to a lollipop or a cookie on a stick. This little box,filled with goodies, would also make a nice birthday or thank you gift for a co-worker. I used "Bun in the Oven" template from Papertrey Ink, Nestabilities, Flourishes stamps from Inkadinkado, Fiskar's Seasons Teeny Tiny Punch, Archiver's paper, and from my stash: ribbon, pop dots, and pens.