A Sympathy Card

Within the last week or so, some dear person posted a beautiful sympathy card on their blog.  I just loved the look of the card and knew I wanted to make one like it.  Well, a good friend of mine lost her mother to a brain tumor.  So I have made a card very similar to the one I saw and loved.

The Bible is cut from the INSPIRED HEART cartridge.  And the paper and flowers are from Photo Studio.  The stamp is from Scrappy Mom Stamps.  

If and when I recall who posted the original card on their blog, I will be delighted to give credit and say thanks so much for a wonderful idea.

Happy Birthday!!

This is one of those cards that I had a difficult time choosing the papers for.  But once that was accomplished, it was a breeze.  The cupcake is cut from the CELEBRATIONS cartridge.  The circle with the bird in the tree is from CINDY LOO.  And the label in the center is from the LACEY LABELS cartridge.

The "Happy Birthday" stamp is a Scrappy Moms Stamp.  The frame stamp, I am not sure of.  I know I purchased it at Michaels.  The papers I used to make the card are from The Photo Studio and DCWV.  The blue ribbon is from the $1.00 bin at Michaels and the brown ribbon is from Hobby Lobby.  The cupcake has some pink glitter glue on the frosting.  And I just had to give it a little bling!!

Challenges
Cooking With Cricut   Birthday
Paper Cutz   Cake, cupcake, or candy

A Special Friendship Luncheon

A little over ten years ago, one of my oldest, and closest friends was diagnosed with cancer.  It was a very bad kind of cancer in a terrible location.  Not to go through the awful details, I will just say that after spending most of one year in the hospital either on chemo treatments and then a couple of months on life support, she finally came home to her husband and little girl.  When she was able to get up and do some things, she wanted to celebrate her life and her friends.  She made the most fabulous, (gourmet) lunch for us.  It has since been an annual event.  She calls it her friendship luncheon.  We all look forward to it every year!
Today was the friendship luncheon day.  And it was as good as we all knew it would be.  The food was delicious, and the company was even better.  This is the card I took to her today.

The paper is from My Mind's Eye.  The two center circles are cut from the PRESERVES cart. and the little cat is cut from CRICUT LITE MEOW.  I added the ribbon for some flair and the three little flowers for some extra detail and dimension.  I gave the flowers a little glitter glue in the centers.  The stamp is from SCRAPPY MOMS STAMPS. And then to top it off, I added the 3 little yellow pearls above the sentiment. 

The inside message, I typed on the computer.  And after making the card, I think it was the perfect card for a perfect day!  

Challenges 

Jitterbuggin  Follow sketch and use something yellow and something striped.

Crafty Catz   Flowers

A Sweet Birthday

I made this card for a friend who is having a birthday next month.  Her dad was our minister and her parents were my parents best friends for many years.  Her parents are gone now and so each year on her birthday, my mom always invites her to dinner.  It is like going back in time.  We always have so much fun talking about all the good times.

The cupcake is from the SWEET TREATS cartridge and the heart is from GYPSY WANDERINGS.  I also used GYPSY WANDERING for the sentiment. The papers are from G. E. D.  I used a Martha Stewart heart punch on the top paper. The bow ribbon came from Hobby Lobby.  I just love it because it has the cutest little cupcakes on it. 

 The pink and while lace came from a stash I have had for a very long time.  Someone gave it to me years ago.  The are many yards in the bolt.  I just never knew how I would ever use it.  I never could find anything in all my sewing to use it on.  So I am delighted to use it on the card.  

The little bling flowers are from EK and the buttons are some I have had a while.  I also added stickles to the Cupcake and sentiment.  I just love using glitter glue.  

Challenges  

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge    Sweet Shop

CARDZ TV  cupcake

Paper Playtime  Anyting party related

Little Red Wagon  lace

My Sheri Craft Blog Challenge #41

I could not be more excited or honored as I am now.  I was asked to be the guest designer at My Sheri Crafts this week.  The is my first time EVER as a designer on any blog other than my own.  First let me say that I am somewhat of a novice at making cards.  Lets just say that you can count on one hand the number of months I have been at it.  So to Sherri,  I say,"Thank you so very much for this opportunity".

If you have not yet visited My Sheri Crafts, please go there and check out all the wonderful projects.  You will also want to join in on the challenges.

Now, on to the card.  When I was told the theme for the week is ORGANIC, I began thinking of what direction I should go.  Should I use something organic to make the card, or should I make the card about something organic?  And of course, a garden came to mind.  So that took my thoughts to the very FIRST garden,  EDEN.  Nothing is more organic than that.  No pesticides, or pollutants... I cannot imagine how beautiful it must have been.

The card base is ivory card stock.  The two layers of printed paper are from DCWV Garden Party.  I used an EK border punch to create the border on the top layer.  The little boy planting is from the A CHILD'S YEAR cartridge.  He is cut on pastel yellow card stock and shadowed on a melon print card stock.  Then inked around the edges with a melon ink pad.  I then embossed a pastel green small rectangle with the swirls and birds folder in the Cuttlebug.  Then went over it with a couple of shades of green ink pads.  I just used the computer to create the sentiment.  It says "Time  Began In A Garden".  It too was inked with the same two green ink pads.  The flowers were cut using the A WALK THROUGH MY GARDEN cartridge.  The paper for the flowers is also from DCWV. I added glitter glue to the flowers of various shades to match the paper.  

There are two different ribbons on the card.  I first attached a pale yellow ribbon and then paced a layer of whispy green wired ribbon on top.  Both of the ribbons came from the $1.00 bin at Michael's.  Then I tied the bow with just the green ribbon ribbon.  And for a little extra, I added  small tag that says "Beautiful" that I got in a package of eight assorted, from JoAnn's.  It too was in the $1.00 bin!  The little tag was attached with a flower brad from Recollections.

I think the card turned out to be very cheerful and pretty.  Therefore, I am very pleased.  Again, thank you Sheri, for a fun challenge.

Challenges

Cooking With Cricut   3 Flowers

4 Crafty Chicks   Ribbon, Brad, & Pattern Paper

Paper Cutz    Your choice

Brown and Gold and Fabulous

I am going to a "Sip and Stroke" birthday party tomorrow for a friend.  She always like to "dress up".  I have only seen her in jeans once.  So< I thought I would make a card for her that had a sense of style to it.

The papers are from DCWV and The Paper Studio.  The layered frame is cut from WINTER WOODLANDS.  The top layer was embossed with the paisley folder in the Cuttlebug. The handbag was cut from the FOREVER YOUNG cartridge.  The handbag is embellished with a double layered flower from The Paper Studio.  It is attached with a gold glittered Recollections brad and rhinestone flower.  There is always room for bling!!  The clasp on the handbag was created with two small gold balls.  And to finished it off, I tied a sheer brown ribbon to the handle and added a small gold charm from my stash.  The card has a double layered ribbon of brown and gold.  And the stamp says Absolutely Fab-ulous!  The stamp is from The Scrappy Moms Stamps.  

And here is the inside.  She is a hat lady and so I thought a hat would be appropriate.

I hope my friend likes her card and has a fabulous birthday party!!  

Challenges

Jitterbuggin  Brown + one more color and add a bow

Music Monday   Golden

A Little Encouragement

This is just a little  card of encouragement.  It is a simple card but I think it is very powerful.  The cross was cut from INSPIRED HEASTS.  And the True Love sentiment is from ROCK PRINCESS.  I know that those two cartridges make an odd combination.  But, I think it works here.

I emboss the card using the Cuttlebug.  The ribbon is from Michael's $1.00 bin.  I have really enjoy using this ribbon.  It is easy to work with and I love the color.  It is just a much deeper red and most red ribbon.  I added glitter glue to the sentiment and lastly added a small red rhinestone to the card.  I just wanted something to symbolize Christ's heart.

Challenges
Paper Playtime   Use the word LOVE

Thanks

Don't you just love to get a card in the mail from someone?  I am always so grateful to receive them.  It doesn't have to be a handmade card that excites me.  Just any old card will do.  Now that we have email, there is so much less snail mail.    Don't think that I am against sending email.  I'm all about it and I love Facebook.  But, I just think we are losing a  part of ourselves by depending on technology for all of our communication.  We are losing our penmanship, and most rules of English grammar and spelling.  But most of all we are losing our manners and a lasting artifact.

I have cards and letters saved from many people through the years.  To read something in someone's handwriting is so special.  I have saved recipes that my grandmother and great grandmother gave me.  I have letters my mom and wrote to me while I traveled and went to college.

But the most treasured letter I have is one my grandmother wrote to her US Senator and the US Marine Corp.  She was inquiring about my dad and his condition after he had been critically injured in the Pacific during WWII.  I even have the response she received.  These are true treasures and worth more than gold to me.

Saying all of that, I like to make cards and  send them to those who have sent me something from challenges or blog hops.  So here is a recent Thank You card I made for that purpose.

The handbag is cut from the FOREVER YOUNG cartridge and the scalloped label is from the  PRESERVES cartridge.  I cannot remember which cartridge I used to cut the word "thanks".  If I remember, I'll add it.  The paper is from DCWV and a Tim Holtz ink pad was used to distress the paper. The flower, from Michaels is attached with a gold glitter brad from Oriental Trading.  

Challenges

Crafty Catz   Thank You

Cross My Heart

Ok,  put on your shades for this one.  There is so much bling and glitter on this one.  But sometimes you just can't have enough of it.

The skull is cut from MINI MONSTERSand the heart is cut from LACEY LABELS.  The green printed paper is from K & Company.  The metallic lilac paper is from American Crafts.  It was embossed using the Cuttlebug.  The ribbon I found in the early fall at Michaels.  They were just putting it out on the shelf.  I loved the colors and knew I had to have it.  I just think it makes a flashy statement, and can be used for many kinds of cards.

As for all the bling, The skull eyes, teeth, and heart flowers are from Mary at CARDZ TV.  I was lucky enough to be a winner in the All That Glitters blog hop.  And Mary was so generous the blog candy bling.  Thank you Mary!!  The pink heart on the crossed arms is from Hobby Lobby.

The sentiment on the front of the card says "Cross My Heart"  and the inside says "You Are The Best".

Challenges
My Sherri Crafts   Bling!
Cooking With the Cricut   Glittermania
Flaunt It Fridays   Skull from Mini Monsters,  non Halloween
Really Reasonable Ribbon   Heart
More than Favors  Cricut Cartridge Chaos Challenge Mini Monsters

His Eye Is On The Sparrow

Over at Jitterbuggin there is a challenge this week called "For the Birds".  The challenge is to make a card or layout using the provided sketch, include favorite cricut bird, and include pink.

I used my Gypsy to make the card.  I got the Gypsy in late October, but due to limited time did not begin using it, or should I say,learn to use it until mid December.  Now, I don't know how I made anything without it.  Technology, and small gadgets are changing, and sometimes controlling our lives.  

The paper is from My Mind's Eye and DCWV.  The tree ovals have been embossed using the Cuttlebug.  The ribbon is from Hobby Lobby.  The pink rhinestones are from Michaels and the little cross is from my stash.  

The ovals are cut from the LACEY LABELS cartridge.  The branch and leaves are from CINDY LOO.  And the cute little sparrow is from the CRICUT LITE, FOUR LEGGED FRIENDS.  

I wanted to make a "thinking of you" or card of encouragement.  I never seem to have enough of them.  

I decided to use one of my favorite hymns for the sentiment.  

"I sing because I'm happy, 

I sing because I'm free.

For His eye is on the sparrow

And I know he watches me."

Challenges

Jitterbuggin   Use a bird

4 Crafty Chicks  Show us some metal

The Cuttlebug Spot   Inspired by a song

Getting Cricky Challenge    Bird on project

Hot Cocoa

It is back to school tomorrow.  While home todayI made this little card about our winter weather.  The paper is from My Minds Eye The snowflake was cut from the WINTER LACE cartridge.  The cup of cocoa is from the CHRISTMAS CHEER cartridge.  And the mittens are from the JOLLY HOLIDAYS cartridge.  The borders were punched with the EK snowflake punch.  The snowflake, cup, mittens and borders were are embossed using the Cuttlebug.  The wide ribbons at the top of the card are from Hobby Lobby and the thin ribbon on the left side is from Michael's.  The little tag came in a pack of 12 assorted tags from the $1.00 bin at JoAnn's.  I like them so much, I am going to get more.  And just to give the card a little extra something, I added rhinestone flowers to the mittens and glitter glue to the snowflake.

And now for the inside of the card.

The paper is the same as on the from of the card.  The blue tag came in a little tablet of tags from JoAnn's $1.00 bin.  The little metal basket is from my stash.  And the sentiment was created on the computer.  It may be a little difficult to read.  So it says...

Hot cocoa in my cup,

Yum, yum,

Drink it up!

This is a little saying I use in my kindergarten class along with an art project.  I have no idea where I found it.  I have used it for many years.  I just like it so much, I thought I would just use it in a card.

Challenges

Paper Cutz Use something metal

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge  Winter Warmies

Pink By Design Challenge  Winter/Warm

You Are 50 and Still Hot!

Well, two good friends turned 50 last week.  They are identical twins who look to be about 35 years. old.  They both taught kindergarten with me until their recent retirement.  Can you imagine retiring before you are 50 years old.  I am in my late fifties and still teaching.  I have the years in to retire, but I like working, so I might as well continue a few more years.

Last week I went to a birthday dinner for them.  Here are the cards I made them.  

I just love the finish product.  I thought it only appropriate to use the NIFTY FIFTIES cartridge to make the cards.  This first card was made with paper from K&Company.  The ribbon is holiday ribbon from Michaels.  And the sentiment I created on the computer using  the fifties diner font.  I love the sentiment and think it is hilarious.  It got a lot of laughs.  

And now moving on to the next card.   

Again the NIFTY FIFTIES cartridge was used.  The paper is from K I Memories and Recollections.  The ribbon I used, is left over from a sundress I made for my niece.  I really love double sided ribbon.  I added a few pink rhinestones and black glitter glue for a little bling.  And the sentiment I created on the computer using the diner dot sparkly font.  And of course, I just had to include a little humor.  

Challenges

4 Crafty Chicks  Travel

Stampin Royalty   Birthday

A Snow Day, No School!

It is Monday morning.  And instead of being at school teaching my sweet kindergarteners, I am watching television, drinking hot tea, reading the newspaper, and making a few cards.

Central and North Alabama has been covered with a blanket of snow. There are some places that have as much a 8 to 12 inches.  We have not had a snow of this magnitude since 1993.  Last night I began working on this card as the snow began to fall.  The card is large.  It measures 5.5 X 8.5 and will fit in an A9 envelope.

 The base of the card is ecru card-stock.  The background is a vintage look of sheet music. It is by The Paper Studio and purchased at Hobby Lobby.  The striped paper layer on the left of the card is from My Minds Eye, Wonderful Winter stack.  The blue and white snowflake paper is from Martha Stewart, Holiday stack.  I actually found it after Christmas, but just had to buy the stack because of this sheet of paper.  I think it is just about the prettiest snowflake paper ever.  The snowflakes are embossed!  The gold paper used to make the frame is from DCWV.  The frame is cut from the PRESERVES cartridge.  The  word "Winter" is cut from STRETCH YOUR IMAGINATION.  And the snowman is from GYPSY WANDERINGS.  His face is stamped with a"Snow Cutie Stamp" from Peachy Keen Stamps.  I used chalk for his cheeks.

The large snowflakes are from the WINTER LACE cartridge.  I added glitter glue to the snowflakes and a few blue pearls.  The smaller snowflakes are buttons from Hobby Lobby.  And the gorgeous ribbon is from Michaels.  The little tag sticker the snowman is holding,  says "Happy Times".  It is by Studio 112 and came from JoAnn's.

Challenges
Jitterbugin  Sketch, snow related and something blue
My Sheri Crafts   Winter
Cooking with the Cricut  Snow Fun

Martinis

Martinis have in the last few years become extremely popular.  In fact there are places that specialize in martinis.  For many years I only thought martinis came in one form (or flavor).  Now there are martinis in so many flavors, they often have a menu of their own.  I thought it was so much fun that this weeks Flaunt It  Friday's Challenge is flaunt with the martini from the FROM MY KITCHEN cartridge.  So here is what I came up with.

I remembered that Ogden Nash wrote a poem about the martini.  So I thought I might incorporate in in the card.  While looking for it on the internet, I ran across this little saying.  It says it all!!  Just decided to use a little humor instead of a real poet.  The striped paper is from the Signature Christmas stack from My Minds Eye.  And the rustic red paper is from the DCWV Amber Autumn stack.  The card base is an olive green from Recollections.  The ribbon and rhinestones are from Michael's.  And I added Stickles to the martini glasses.  

Challenges

Flaunt It Fridays  From My Kitchen Martini

Snowflake Kisses

Oh, I just love winter weather.  And I especially love to watch snow fall.  I have always thought that when it is snowing, the world just seems a little quieter and peaceful.  Living in central Alabama, we do not get many big snowfalls.  However we did have our first White Christmas Ever this year!!  I do travel a good bit to Washington DC.  Each year I am there I see at least one big snowfall.  Our nation's capital is beautiful and even more so when it snows.

Here is a card I made that can be used for many occasions.  I liked it so much I made multiple copies of it.  I thought it would be a great "thinking of you, thank you, and get well," card.  I just never seem to have enough cards on hand.  So my goal this year, is to do more multiples to increase my supply.  Now that I have my Gypsy, everything is so much easier.

The card is made using the WINTER FROLIC cartridge for the snowman, and the PRESERVES cartridge for the label.  The background paper is from K & Company and the label paper is from Oriental Trading.  I really love the paper I have bought from them.  I buy a lot of things there to use in my classroom at school.  When I got some of there paper for school, I liked it so much, I just ordered some for myself.  The paper used for the snowman is from Recollections at Michael's. The snowflakes are felt covered brads from Oriental Trading.  And the pink sheer ribbon is from Hobby Lobby.  The sentiment  says, "Snowflakes are kisses sent from Heaven".  It is from Scrappy Mom's Stamps.   

Challenges

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge  Snow Delights

Made By Momo  Snow

The Paper Variety   Snowflakes