Merci

Just playing around for fun can be rather theraputic, can't it? Having nothing pressing to do recently I decided to get out my brayer and some kaleidacolor ink pads that have been long neglected. This is what I came up with. Simple, but striking I thought.

Supplies
Paper: glossy white (SU), white CS (PTI)
Stamps: Kindered Spirits (SU), Sentiment (PTI)
Ink: Greens (Kaleidacolor), black (StazOn)
Accessories: Black satin ribbon (PTI)

Thanks for stopping by, have a GREAT day!

Spring! Where art thou?

I'm so tired of this snow! When will spring arrive? I'm ready for birds chirping, crocuses blooming and, mud!

This egg stamp is from Oxford Impressions. I love how speckled it is, and tried to keep that look on the card. Robin's eggs are blue, but not so much speckled...oh well.

Sentiment is also from Oxford Impressions. Isn't it great? *sigh* I stamped it with StazOn onto a clear sheet that PTI stamps come on! Then I brushed some metallic, pearlized paint on the back to make it pop out a bit, cut it out, and used my slot punch to thread the lemon tart ribbon through.

The card base was stamped with a wheel from SU, and I repeatedly stamped an image from PTI's anniversary set from last year onto the main panel to make a background and highlighted with a white gel pen. I'm pleased with it!

Supplies

Paper: Avocado, Spring mist, spring rain, lemon tart (PTI)

Stamps: Egg and sentiment (Oxford Impressions), vine (SU), small cross-type flower (PTI)

Ink: Spring Mist, Avocado, Spring rain, slate grey, black Stazon

Accessories: Lemon tart ribbon, blue button, hemp twine, white gel pen

Thanks for stopping by, have a GREAT day!

Not the last "hearts" card

Hearts don't have to just be for St. Valentine's Day, right? I love people year 'round, don't you? This card was my first inking up of Heart Prints from Papertrey. I made it weeks ago for my sister, Perrin. I used a monochromatic blue-green color scheme, but I think it would look good in any color, don't you?

Supplies

Paper: White CS (PTI)

Stamps: Heart Prints (PTI)

Ink: Aqua Mist, Ocean Tides (PTI), black (Ranger)

Accessories: Twill (PTI), heart punches (EK success)

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day.

Best color challenge EVAH!

I am so psyched! Just yesterday I was asking Dawn McVey to host a color challenge (because that girl is amazing when it comes to grouping unlikely colors together), and today she is! Well, actually, Papertrey Ink and Nichole Heady are hosting it, but it is based on Dawn's work. I think this might be the last PTI anniversary challenge, but it's my favorite so far. I like trying new things, especially color combos!
I chose this card of Dawns to base my submission on because it is such an unlikely combination for me to even think about. Red and green always look christmasy to me, so I don't often pair them together. Add in bright yellow and black and it seems crazy! (How does she make it work?)

This is a paltry attempt, I know, but it was fun anyway. Let me tell you how difficult it was for me to get some green on there! I was cringing the whole time, but once it was finished I rather liked it. I guess it just takes getting used to, right? Large flower is embossed with yellow ep and sprinkled with bright yellow glitter on black CS.

Supplies

Paper: Black, white CS (PTI), yellow CS (stash)

Stamps: Images (SU), sentiment (PTI)

Accessories: Red ribbon (stash), red heart pin (Joann), glitter (Joann), ep (Sprinkle and sparkle)

Thanks for stopping by! Have a GREAT St. Valentine's Day.

Happy St. Valentine's Day

Hope you are having a wonderful "heart" day!

Thanks for stopping by.

What a storm!

We had a power-outage for quite a while yesterday! And because it was a snow-day for school everyone stayed home and played games, made cards, and had general un-plugged fun.

I made this quick card using a set of stamps that I haven't inked up in probably two years!

I have to say that I love the way the Vintage Cream hybrid ink really is cream colored and gives such good coverage. It matches the cardstock so well. Paired with black and Berry Sorbet, I thought the cream was very pretty.

I spent some time clearing off part of my desk area and getting rid of scraps. It felt so good to clear all the clutter away. Now I just have to work on the rest...ughh. Oh and see that row of ribbon spools near the top. They have been there for nearly 6 years now, and I rarely use them! I guess it's time to take them down huh? They drive me nuts by dangling down in my face while I'm working. My general ribbon storage is totally different so I never think to look at the one's right in front of my face! Supplies

Paper: Black, cream, berry sorbet (PTI)

Stamps: Flowers (Fontwerks), sentiment (Hampton Arts)

Ink: Black (Ranger), cream (PTI)

Accessories: twill ribbon (PTI), cream flower (stash), button (stash)

Hope you have a wonderful day! Thanks for stopping by.

Bright light! Bright light!

Short post today, I'm terribly busy. Aren't we all? *grin*
Although I've not been using bright colors recently, I was inspired by Dawn, of PTI fame. She has an amazing ability to pair bright gorgeous colors together that are quite eye-catching and fun. Digging through one of many scrap piles in my studio, I saw this PP from Cosmo Cricket and knew it would be perfect for trying to break out of my color rut.

I took the chance to use some of my under-used eyelets and put an entire row of them along the bottom! Word was stamped using the Trajan Alphabet stamps from PTI. Love those letters!

CPS #102

It's been quite a while since I've done a CPS sketch. I used to participate regularly, but had fallen off the blogging bandwagon for a while after my Dad died. The most recent challenges on Nichole's blog for Papertrey Ink have induced me to get back up on that creative horse and have a go at things. I don't have any photo editing software on my home computer, so the past few cards I've posted have been a bit off color-wise, but this one is the worst! It's vintage cream CS base, with PTI patterned paper and Lavender moon cs. I did some paper piecing with the pram (baby carriage) and was happy with how it turned out. Simple cards aren't my first love, but I occasionally pull them off!

Supplies
Paper: Vintage cream, lavender moon, kraft CS (PTI), patterned paper (PTI)
Stamps: Bitty Baby Blessings (PTI)
Ink: black (Ranger)
Accessories: cream lace (MM), scallop scissors (Provocraft), white gel pen

Friends 'till the end Challange

I can't stop with the challenges that Nichole keeps issuing along with sneak peeks of the new Papertrey Ink products. The newest thing is monthly Kits! Each with samples of new paper, inks, and ribbon so you don't have to purchase EVERYTHING in order to make some gorgeous cards.

She has issued a challenge for a chance to win TWO of the newest kits (one for you and one for a friend).Here's the card I made for my BFF, Mary. Our mothers introduced us when I was 2 and she was 3. She's been my best friend ever since. She's really smart, hard working, dedicated, and thoughtful. She's just the best.

Supplies

Paper: Black, aqua mist, white CS (PTI), patterned paper (PTI)

Stamps: Ladies Drinking tea and blue hair sentiment (VivaLasVegasStamps)

Ink: Black (Ranger), Aqua Mist (PTI)

Accessories: ribbon (PTI), paper piercer, pop dots, blender pen, nestabilities

Bitty Dots Challenge

Are you following along with Nichole's challenges this month? Papertreyink never ceases to astound me! I love the new CS and PP sample packs that will be available on the 15th, and that new green leaf color that they are releasing is so pretty. I was hoping for another green!

Anyway, today's challenge is a connect-the-dots puzzler that leads to a card sketch. I love that she is making it fun for all of us.

So here is my sample.

I turned the sketch on it's side to begin with and just knew I wanted to ink up a set that had long been neglected. Men of Life was a "must have" for me when it was first released, but I hadn't ever used it! I decided to make a Father's Day card for my husband, but when it was done I realized it is a bit "boyish". Do you think so? Maybe the colors are wrong...I don't know.

I also used a technique that was popular way before we all started sewing on our cards. Remember faux stitching? *giggle*

Supplies

Paper: white, spring rain, kraft CS (PTI), Red CS (SU), polka dot PP (PTI)

Stamps: Men of Life (PTI)

Ink: Black (Ranger), Red (SU), Versamark, Spring rain (PTI)

Accessories: White gel pen, paper piercer, pop dots, black brads

Over the Rainbow Challenge

Not having participated in any sort of challenge in quite some time, I took it upon myself to break out and give it a shot.
Nichole Heady of Papertreyink is issuing a color challenge today. Ripe Avocado, Ocean Tides, Summer Sunrise, and Pure Poppy. I like these colors together very much so I gave it a whirl. I only had a half hour to dedicate to this project, so it's quite simple...nothing elaborate. As I haven't been in my studio much lately, it was a terrible mess and I couldn't find my Summer Sunrise and Pure Poppy CS, so I substituted with Real Red and Marigold Morning, both of which were within reach and readily available.
Supplies
Paper: Ocean tides, ripe avocado, and white CS (PTI), pure red and marigold morning CS (SU)
Stamps: Images and sentiment (PTI), background (CHF)
Ink: Ocean tides, ripe avocado (PTI), pure red, marigold morning, chocolate chip (SU), black (Ranger), Versamark ink (Tsukineko)
Accessories: white EP (Sprinkle and Sparkle), pop dots.

Baby Christening

I don't think I ever posted this card I made for a baptism last year. I remember I had a lot of fun making it. The LO was from a similar card I saw somewhere online, and I thought that the dress stamp was perfect to use for a baby girl christening.

I was proud of myself for using up some things I had been hoarding! The tiny copper ribbon letters that spell out the baby's name had been hidden away in hopes of just such an occasion! I wanted the brads to match the Aqua Mist CS so I used white brads and dabbed on matching ink. I was happy when they dried to just the right color! The Basic Grey PP was sewed onto the CS and the main image was aged with distress ink. I added the sentiment with PTI stamps. SUPPLIES

Paper: Sweet Blush and Aqua Mist CS (PTI), Cream and chocolate chip CS (SU), patterned paper (Basic Grey)

Stamps: Dress (SU), sentiment (PTI)

Ink: Distress (Ranger), Aqua Mist and Sweet blush (PTI),

Accessories: Copper letters (Joann), Ribbon (Joann), white brads (stash), water brush (Ranger), white gel pen, Janome sewing machine

Happy Groundhog's Day!

Yes, you should expect it by now. This is one of my favorite celebrations of the year! Who can resist the chubby, furry, Punxsutawny Phil? (Except for when he sees his shadow and predicts 6 more weeks of winter! UGH.) I am so done with the snowy cold weather...

And yes, I made Spicy Groundhog cookies once again. But no one can resist the crunchy edges and chewy middle and spicy goodness of these cookies. And because I only make them once a year, they are a special treat. Both children take them to school/daycare, and my husband takes them to work, and no leftover cookies ever come home!

So good with a glass of soymilk!

Although I have shared the recipe before HERE, I'll type it again. These are egg and dairy free, but you can substitute whatever you like.

SPICY GROUNDHOG COOKIES

Sift together:

1 1/2 c. unbleached flour, 1/2 c. whole wheat pastry flour, 1/2 t. salt, 1/2 t. bkg soda, 1 t. bkg powder, 1 t. ground ginger, 1 t. ground cloves, 1 1/2 t. ground cinnamon.

Cream together:

1/2 c. vegan butter (I use Earth balance), 1 c. sugar.

Once fluffy, Stir in:

1/2 c. molasses, 1 egg yolk (I use Ener-G Egg replacer).

Gradually add the flour mixture to the rest and stir until incorporated. Form into a ball and chill, overnight if possible, but at least 3 hours. Roll out to 1/4 inch thick onto parchment lined baking sheets and cut out. Remove excess dough from around the cut-outs and re-roll. Place currents into dough for eyes. Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes, letting them rest on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes after removal from the oven. This is the third year I have shared these on my blog, and I have to say it gets harder to photograph them each time. I mean, how many different ways can you show a groundhog cookie?! I think I like last years photos best...

To top it all off, I found my first grey hair this morning. *sob* Actually, my husband found it when he was kissing me out the door. I didn't believe him at first, but he showed me in the mirror. *sigh* I'm only 31!!!!!

A New Day.

Here on the pulse of this new day
You may have the grace to look up and out
And into your sister's eyes, into
Your brother's face, your country
And say simply
Very simply
With hope
Good morning.
from Inaugural Poem by Maya Angelou

Picture update!

It's a new day! I love America! Change is a-comin'...

Sorry for not being more regular now that I'm inside more...I've been working on some wedding invitation samples for a potential customer. Plus, this being my favorite time of year (the Autumn equinox, Halloween, my DH's and youngest DS's birthdays, our "adoption day" celebration) I've been a bit busy!

Here are some recent photos just to let friends and family know were are still here and kickin!

Above pictures from a recent camping trip in PA (Allegheny National Forest)

Raking leaves in the backyard (in our Crocs boots!).

Our four pumpkins in the front yard.

My two trick-or-treaters all dressed up!
Dr. Frankenstein's Monster. (I'm not the best at face make-up and really had no idea how to give him the bone structure he needed...)
My little Garden Gnome.

My two carved pumpkins (which, for the first time since we moved here 5 years ago, DIDN'T get smashed by pranksters!)

All Hallows Eve is coming up!

Are you ready for Halloween? I've been sewing like mad to get the boy's costumes ready. This weekend we will be choosing our perfect pumpkins. I love to carve and usually go all out...remember last year?

Don't blame me

if you don't leave your computer for days because of this little black box.



This thing is seriously addicting. I keep going back for more and more.
If you are interested in discovering new blogs about things you never imagined, then click "decide" and see where it takes you. This thing will broaden your blog-horizons and get you out of your comfort zone! Plus, you can add your own "deciding factor" and link it back to your blog so others might arrive there too!

Have fun, but don't blame me...

First Day Back

Today is Crumbgrabber's first day of third grade. He is delighted to be going back to school; new backpack, new school supplies, not wearing "play-clothes", etc. Then, I remembered that my camera is broken. Oops. So much for the requisite "first day" photo! Here's one from a month ago instead...

Now you know the title of this post has double meaning because I've been an anti-blogger for a few months now, so to welcome myself back to the blogosphere I made cupcakes. (I've been making a LOT of cupcakes this summer.)

These were Peanut Butter cupcakes, with chocolate hazelnut mousse filling, marshmallow buttercream frosting, and topped with dark chocolate shavings.

Um yeah. *drool*

BUT....I detest peanut butter, so they had to be enjoyed by everyone but me. I was told they were "magnificent" and "best ever", so I'll have to take my husband's and 9 year old's word for it!


Here I am filling the cupcakes with the mousse.
All filled!

Adding the marshmallow buttercream...
Don't they look yummy?

Ooh, a touch of dark chocolate on top is the perfect crowning touch.
Hey, check out the flower in the background...is it coming out of the top of the cupcake?

So, welcome back to me. I hope you enjoyed this little photo essay on cupcake making. I promise to get cracking in my studio soon and produce some much needed cards for your viewing pleasure. I miss working with paper, although I do have lots of creative food posts to share from my summer.

Happy Birthday!

Today is my awesome friend Bobbie's Birthday, and I want to wish her every happiness she desires. She's a super-mom and also very creative when it comes to stamping and making cards.

I know it's been a while since I posted, but I wanted to let all my subscribers know that I am considering taking my blog back to my original intention and posting food photos and recipes again. I've had several readers ask why I stopped posting about everyday life and saying they missed the recipes and "food porn" (as I call photos taken of food)!

So, to start, here is one of our favorite quick, week-night meals:

I saute diced faux-chicken (we buy it in bulk from vegieworld.com) with onions and spinach, and toss it with couscous that's been cooked in vegetable broth, and sprinkle feta on top. YUM!