OK OK, here it is...

My very first uploaded picture with my NEW Cannon Rebel DS!! Obviously I'm still learning, but there appears to be a lot I can do with the included software. Can't wait to play some more! So here goes... What do you think? Can you even tell a difference??

As I mentioned earlier today, my son's birthday is today. So, here's the card I made for him. He is an avid outdoorsman who loves hunting, fishing, trapping etc. I pulled out some old In Colors to try to get a variation on camoflauge! Here I used River Rock, True Thyme and the current Kiwi Kiss, as well as some natural ivory. I had fun combining the Wildlife Reserve set with several background stamps: Sanded, Canvas and Weathered.

The sentiment is intended to imitate a target, which he is fond of. The inside says May you have the Happiest Birthday yet! To make the target I used a stamp from an old retired set Riveting, and the number is from the retired Newsprint alpha (or similar, not sure).

Other items I've used are retired Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware, linen thread, distressing tool, 1 3/8" circle punch, spiral punch, sponge and chocolate chip craft ink with clear embossing powder for the deer.

I also used an oval of scrap paper as a mask over the deer so the canvas stamp left a void to highlight the deer, if that makes sense.

Even though it is not specific to the New Year, I am using this for my DCBD 108 since it is celebrating TODAY! Hope that's OK. I'm sure I won't be stamping much more today.

Happy New Year to you all and Happy Birthday to my sweet boy!

(PS- looks like my spacing is wonky again. Sorry 'bout that. I give!)

ETA: in all the commotion of the birthday party this card got thrown away meer hours after I made it. :( I was sad, and when I asked my son about it (he didn't throw it away, he knows better) he asked if I could please make him another one. I don't know about that...

Nine years ago today...

I was in my 11th hour of labor about now! That's right, my oldest is a Y2K baby! My DH has my camera right now or I'd post a picture of my baby boy, all grown up. I plan to make him a birthday card while he's out checking his traps (which will take most of the day) and then I'll see if I can get my camera back to post it. (Here's one of the oldest digital pics I can find of him at 4. Before this we used film *gasp*)

For the Diva Coffee Break Design challenge today we are supposed to make something for New Year's (be sure to check out the other Diva's cards linked in the sidebar under the Coffee Cup Image.) Well, I think my birthday card for Hunter should count since today is his birthday and because I'll be lucky to make two cards today. In the mean time I was thinking I'd post a picture of all the nice cards I've gotten, but alas, no camera.

I shouold mention that I do have a camera. In fact, I got a Cannon Rebel DS for Christmas from my DH as a surprise!! But, as of yet I have not loaded the software so I can't upload photos yet. I suppose I could make that a priority today, among other things.

Until I post again (hopefully later today) have a safe and happy New Year's! See ya in 2009!

Where have I been?

Laundry

Organizing

Out with the old, in with the new (so kids' stuff will fit in their rooms)

Loading software for new cameras, MP3s, digital picture frames

uploading pictures & music

Downloading to MP3s & picture frames

Organizing

More Laundry

moving things from room to room

Trying out new holiday decor bought at steep discounts

Need I say more?! You get the idea! Hoping to have time to really "play" tomorrow! I'm in the mood to stamp something, ready to start scrapbooking and browsing some blogs!

Of course, I still haven't sent out my Christmas cards so I SHOULD make that a priority, we'll see. I generally don't fret too much if they go out near New Year's. I figure happy mail is still happy, regardless of when it arrives! I have an excuse, they are hand made and include a picture and include a handwritten note specific to each recipient. That's a good enough excuse right??

OK, off to bed. Thanks for checking back to see if perhaps I've possibly posted something interesting and easy on the eyes. I'll try not to disappoint tomorrow.
~Kristin

Happy Holidays to You and Yours! (DCBD107)

My final Christmas card post for the year is this for the weekly DCBD challenge. Here is the sketch which I turned on it's side because I had this tree all cut and folded but had never used. I started out really liking this, but the more I did the less it grew on me... I suppose if I had put the ribbons closer together that would help. And maybe a different sentiment?? I'm not sure. I just started out with high hopes. I absolutely LOVED it with the chocolate Stitched background on the Bashful Blue, and the tree before the red cosmo fine glitter. I do like it I guess, just not lovin' it. My photo isn't doing it any favors either- due to poor lighting conditions. I actual took more photos on a later day but my camera is out in the car so this'll have to do.

The build-a-brads were fun- hadn't used those in a while, and I like them layered with the felt snowflaked behind them. The origami tree was not too hard, but I don't think I'd do it for a workshop or class. At this point I don't have directions for it, but if I find them I will link them. Sorry!

Here's the sketch we were given. I do like it, and will try it again sometime probably. Be sure to check out my fellow divas under the coffee cup logo at the right! They do some mighty fine work!

Thanks for taking a moment to stop by. I'd love to hear from you so jot me a quick hello if you'd like! I'd love it even more if you'd play along with this (or any/all of the DCBD challenges) challenge and then link your card to my blog so I can find it!

Merry Christmas!
~Kristin

First day & Last day!

Today is the first day to get your Love You Much bundle (at 20% off retail!!) and your last day to cash in on FREE Shipping on $70+ orders (oh, and 10% off retiring stamps)! This is the perfect day to get those orders in!

This bundle is adorable and perfect not only for Valentine's projects, but also for any occasion you need to show a little love! It includes an awesome 3 heart punch as well as the 12x12 designer papers called Candy Lane, as well as the stamp set Love You Much all for only $41.48. That's 20% off the retail value.

If you'd like to see samples made with this bundle see my last two posts or click this link to see an entire gallery on Splitcoast Stampers. I will also link the flyer to the sidebar in my blog so you can see each individual element in this kit!

Thanks for stopping by today. I'm busy doing some painting for my FIL- an early Christmas present. I hope you are all done with your holiday bustle and ready to sit back, relax and enjoy it all!

I'll be back tomorrow with my Christmas Eve post for the DCBD weekly challenge (I actually got it done yesterday!). See ya then!

Love You Much!

Woo Hoo! Am having fun playing with this new set! This time I wanted to try it out without the paper it is bundled with just to show some variety. Most all the samples I've seen so far are in the reds, pinks and chocolates (which are awesome colors!) As you know by now the bundle also includes an awesome 3-heart punch- the first ever heart punch for me. And I love how it coordinates with a stamp in this set and has three different sizes!

I've combined a LOT of different items this time: the #2 Scallop circles die for the Big Shot, the Filigree brad (LOVE 'EM!), white gel pen, Kiwi Satin ribbon, Scallop Edge punch and a Flower ribbon slide from the Silver Hodgepodge Hardware kit! Ooh, how I got so many favorites on one card I have no idea! The last thing you may be wondering about is the jumbo wheel used on the Pacific Point cardstock. It is an old old one called Everyday Blossoms (no, I never get rid of anything!)

Hope you like! Be sure to click the link and get your bundle today! Don't forget to register if you order on-line and enter my name as your demonstrator (if you don't have one)- you'll save 10% off all orders that way.

Thanks for stopping in!

~Kristin

Fun new goodies- Sneak Peek!

UPS guy- Rob- gotta love him! He delivered another batch of goodies to me today. Don't worry, I didn't go crazy... just restocked some paper and ribbon and of course I took advantage of the Demo only preorder period for this Sneak Peek of a bundle available as a promo beginning Dec. 23rd (more details later) and in the new 2009 Catalog coming out in January! I know, new catalog already?! Hard to believe, but so exciting as always!

Anyway, Rob showed up just as I was thinking "hmmm, what set will I use for today's challenge on Splitcoast?" *Ding Dong* He can read my mind, I tell ya! (of course if he's not here by 10:45 am on delivery mornings he's in the dog house and he knows it). :)

So here is the first card I've made with the new set called Love You Much. It reminds me of a few very popular sets that I never purchased so I felt totally non-guilty for ordering it!! This sketch is today's SC203 (oops, make that Wednesday's as I'm scheduling this to post on Friday). I'm also playing along on a thread on SCS where you make a card for the person that posts below you (and get a card from the person you posted after)- FUN! If you want to try it out click here. Guess who posted just below me--- Lisa Henke! I get to send my card to a real live friend!

ETA: (11.20.08 I just found out that I am not permitted to post this to my blog until the bundle special is actually announced via the SU website so I am rescheduling this for Dec. 22. Keep in mind that this post was actually written 11.19.08)

Live Like You Mean It!

Today's DCBD challenge, compliments of Dannie Graves, is for us to use the gorgeous color combination of Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip, Baha Breeze and one of either Kiwi Kiss (which I used) or Tangerine Tango.

Not being a huge fan of Tangerine Tango I decided immediately that I'd go with Kiwi Kiss! I also wanted to use this sketch, which is from the Splitcoast Stampers Dare to Get Dirty Challenge they have each month. If you are not a "Fan Club Member" on Splitcoast, I highly recommend joining. I believe the rate is reduced right now during the holidays (I could be wrong though). As a member you get rights to view the exclusive and amazing gallery of the "Dirty Girls" or the Dirty Dozen. They are among the most talented stampers out there and do awesome work. An added bonus is that you may upload any day of the week to SCS (non members are not permitted to upload on Sundays) and you don't have to wait for approval to upload. This significantly cuts the time it takes to see your uploaded pictures in the gallery.

Anyway, I used the hostess set called Live Like you Mean It. I love that sentiment and the set is very pretty and versatile too! Plus it's a level one so it's easy to earn. The white cardstock used here is all Glossy White so there is a pretty shine to it that may not show in the picture.

The flowers in this image I inked up with ink from the lid of the ink pads and a blender pen. This is why the Riding Hood Red isn't very vivid. At first I was disappointed, but then the softness grew on me. The flower at the bottom right was originally in a white square which I decided after it was all glued down that I wanted it to be a circle instead. It's a little worse for the wear, but works much better now. Trust me.

Did you notice the background on the Kiwi paper? I haven't done this in a while since my first instinct is always a background stamp, but this time I used the words from the sentiment and stamped them over and over in Kiwi ink. I love how this looks and plan to do it again soon.

SU Supplies

Stamps: Live like you mean it, Think Happy Thoughts (for the dotted circle), Canvas (on the Blue strip)

Paper: Glossy White, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip, Baha Breeze

Ink: Riding Hood Red, Baha Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate chip

Accessories: Baha Grosgrain, Circle Punch, Square scallop punch, Antique Brass jumbo eyelet, antique brass brad.

Froggy For Lyndon!

A friend of my son's in his third grade class recently was diagnosed with cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. He has a very good prognosis from what I understand, but we worry about him and hate thinking of all he's going through right now. It always touches my heart when I hear of a child with such a scary illness, but when it is a friend, a child my own child's age, it is extra hard! He is expected to miss the rest of the school year, so in his seat in the class is a teddy bear with a backpack for the kids to put letters, pictures, cards or anything they want to send him. My son has been leaving him messages on his Caringbridge website but I made this card to he could also send him some mail. We all know how nice real mail is to receive!

From what I understand this little boy loves frogs so that's what made me start with Unfrogettable. I am completely out of standard sized envelopes so I reached for one of my Long Notes that came with envelopes a year or more ago. I still have some left in this old In Color Cool Caribbean, So Saffron and Sahara Sand! I really wanted this card to bring a smile, so immediately thought of the interactive pop-up style.

The patterned paper on the front and used for the grass is Print Patterns in Wild Wasabi (another retired In Color). Other stamps used along with Unfrogettable are Curvy Verses and Frames With a Flourish. The sun on the inside is the snowflake punch (hope it looks like a sun) and the cloud which is popped up on dimensionals I just cut free-hand and sponged a little. To make the frog pop up I just added a rectangle of the Cool Caribbean and cut two slits in it. Not much measuring, just eyeballing for this.

I hope he likes it and it brings his cheer his way. My son, of course, will have to give final approval before it gets sent!

Thanks for stopping by! Tomorrow I PROMISE I will post a color challenge for the Diva Coffee Break Designs because I already have it done. HA! Can't wait to show you!

~Kristin~

Put to good use!

Friday's challenge to re-use something on a card got me going so I did another one to show you. I haven't had time to upload until now, sorry!

My downline, Jennifer, is getting married Dec. 27th and her invitation was a beautiful piece of velvet paper with some organdy ribbon and the announcement layered on top. I used to save all things like this but one day realized I had no more room for filing cabinets and had to quit. I couldn't throw it away, so I decided to repurpose that gorgeous velvet paper into a wedding card for her! I wish I'd taken a before picture, but I didn't think of it so you'll just have to trust me that this is what I did!

The velvet paper was easy to punch through with my new heart punch, and I also used it to mat the main image and the sentiment. I also reused some of the ribbon since it matches so great!

The card base I had stamped for another project and decided not to use, so I started with that. I used the Paisley background (which is retiring by the way) and either white or vanilla craft ink, I can't remember which. The vanilla paper is confetti cream I believe, also old scraps. I also used an old stamp set for the sentiment called Word on Word.

TFL! Sorry in advance for posting irradically over the coming weeks. I just know it's going to happen but I'll be back in full force in January.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

That's the theme for today's Limited Supply Challenge on SCS (SC198)! I love the idea of recyling, even if I'm not great at it. In fact, at 6 my DD even begged me to start her own recycling business (I may have mentioned this in the past). We made up business cards and passed a few out, but never got started. She mentions it periodically and I am racked with guilt that I haven't helped her get it going. I promised recently that we will try it in January. I want to support her young efforts at taking care of our earth!

Anyway, I was ready to stamp again today and need a few birthday cards for my sister and niece. The recycled part of this card is the shiny mirrored flowers- they fell off a headband of my daughter's that I was throwing away. Before I added them, this card was a bit lacking for me, but I think they added the perfect finishing touch. The main image was in my reject pile from a few weeks ago and I keep looking at it thinking I should use it... so today it was saved. The sentiment is from On Your Birthday set which is fairly new to me. Hope you enjoy, and thanks for stopping by. Hope you are all healthy!

Christmas Quickie

This is a quick and easy Christmas card using the Big Shot, Top Note Die and several punches! The designer paper is all from the Holiday Treasures pack in the SU Catalog right now. The punches I used are the 1 3/4", 1 3/8", 1 1/4" and the large oval. I also used the spiral punch for the toppers on the ornaments. Hopefully I'll get some motivation to stamp again tomorrow. Thanks for stoppin'!

Under the weather

Sorry for missing my DCBD post yesterday- after volunteering for my daughter's classroom for Christmas Craft Day in the morning I had to bring her home sick. Found out later that she has strep throat so no wonder she's been feeling so bad lately. Unfortunately I've been fighting a sinus thing off and on all week and am a bit down today which is when I'd hoped to get that card done. I may later, but for now I'm just posting this quick apology and update. Slinking off to blow my nose and play Disney Monopoly for a little while... Have a great day!

Ooh, thought I should add that Stampin' Up! has announced FREE SHIPPING now through December 23rd! Don't miss out on this rare opportunity. Also, they posted the Retiring Stamps list on Tuesday and are offering 10% off all stamp sets on that list. I'll post a link to the list later, but you can always go to www.stampinup.com to check it out (although currently the site is experiencing technical difficulties it looks like). Don't forget you are welcome to order on my website linked at the right!

Thinking of You

Hi! I'm taking a break from my internet shopping for a little bit, and in between classroom volunteering thought I'd make a card. Unfortunately I need a sympathy card again for a stampin' sister who lost her brother this week.

I love this flower stamp from an old set from 2005 called The Art of Life. I had these colors laying on my desk and decided they look very pretty together. They are Baha Breeze, Basic Gray and Silver. The far right edge is the silver cardstock, and the sentiment and flower are both embossed in silver.

The left edge is stamped in Baha with the Floral background stamp. All the edges are smudged with white ink. The one thing used on this card that is not from Stampin' Up is the glass dew drop thingys. These were a gift from my good buddy Lisa Henke and I truly adore them! It would be a dream if SU offered a nice variety of these in our next catalog (fingers crossed!). Last item used on here is our Basic Gray Taffeta ribbon.

Thanks for stopping by today.

~Kristin

Frosty Gift Card Holder- Thanks Leann!

I saw this snowman card on one of my stamping idol's blogs and just had to try it! Leann Greff is as talented as they come so be sure to check out her blog! It was fun, easy and best of all, useful!

It seems there is always a use for a gift card holder so I added a little fold on the inside, adorned with a tag and the stamp on top from Punch Pals allows the sender to circle the most suitable phrase for added fun.

The front of Frosty is fairly obvious, using the 3/4" and 1 1/4" circle punches, plus I used a portion of the large star punch for the nose. The white gel pen gives a stitched look to his hat, and that felt snowflake adds a fun punch of color. It may not be apparent in the picture, but the eyes were made with glossy white cardstock so they stand out a bit from the white face.

I love how Leann did her flower on the hat as well, and may do that instead if I'm concerned about running out of snowflakes. Also, the blushing cheeks is a perfect touch so I will add that as well (totally forgot).

If you'd like to make this, start with a sheet of whisper white cardstock ("4 x 8.5") then score at 1 1/4" & 4 7/8". You may need to experiment with this some, but those are the measurements mine worked out to. Then the bottom flap can be folded in and adhered on the edges to make a little pocket. The hat brim is 1"x 4 1/4" so it fits neatly into a standard envelope. The top part of the hat is 3 1/8" wide, by 2 1/4" or so. This part will overlap under the brim but be sure the entire length of the card ends at 5 1/2" so it fits in that envelope!

Hope you've enjoyed these projects so far. I'm off to design more!

Very Merry!

Here is another card I'm thinking of using this weekend at my Private Stamp Camp. I love these felt snow flakes and there are so many in the tin I won't have a problem sharing a few of them! This felt chocolate ribbon, as well as the snowflake, is in the current Holiday Mini Catalog so they will only be available until January 18th.

The patterned paper is from the pack called Holiday Treasures in the regular catalog. I love its funky colors and designs- festive and Christmasy but with a twist!

Stay tuned tomorrow, for an easy, snowy gift card holder!

SUO Supplies:

Stamps: Short & Sweet

Cardstock: Kraft, Riding Hood Red, Baha Breeze, Holiday Treasures

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Accessories: chocolate felt ribbon, Felt Flurries, Round tab punch, chocolate grosgrain.

Day 2- another Christmas card

So, yesterday I said I rarely CASE (means copy) something exactly... well, I've done it again, nearly! This beauty by Silke Ledlow has also been flagged as a favorite for a while. The things I've changed were not necessarily for the better, but for necessity. I do not own the same snowflake stamp, and the jumbo eyelet (which I adore) is not by Stampin' Up! We do have jumbo eyelets, just not that color (yet- there's always hope!).


I believe I used a different color of red, inadvertently, and may just change that since I think hers is just perfection! The white paper I embossed on is our Shimmery White cardstock and adds a lovely sheen in person! I hope my ladies like it as much as I do!

Thanks for stopping by!

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Snow Burst, Best Yet

Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Basic Gray, Shimmery White

Ink: Silver, Pink Pirouette, Basic Gray

Accessories: Basic Gray Taffeta ribbon, silver EP, silver diamone brad

The Holidays are upon us!

If you are looking for some last minute Christmas cards to make, look no further. For the next several days I am going to feature Christmas cards that I will be presenting at a Private Stamp Camp this weekend! This first one is a FAVORITE and the horse theme was requested by my hostess.



Normally I search far and wide for inspiration -pulling a bit from this and a bit from that. However, for this first card I found a card saved to a folder on my computer entitled "Cards to CASE!". Although a few tiny details are different, I have kept it almost identical, which is kind of rare for me. Here is the original, in all its glory, by Heather Nichols (AKA Pinefeather on SCS). I have had this card saved to my favorites for two years!



Anyway, here is my version. My green layer is Always Artichoke as opposed to True Thyme, and obviously I used the horse image from Wanted instead of the snowflake. Not that I don't like the snowflake- I DO!- but I am using snowflakes on two other cards and wanted to incorporate the horse that was requested.

Here are the SUO Supplies:

Stamps: Wanted, Warm Words, Paisley

Cardstock: Kraft, Bashful Blue, Always Artichoke

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Whisper WHite, Always Artichoke

Accessories: White EP, Artichoke button, linen thread, sponge, distressing tool

Oh boy...

..have I been gone a while! Sorry about that! We always go out of town for Thanksgiving then the laundry gets piled up and of course holiday hecticness (is that a word?) has set in! Anyway, today is Wednesday and time for my weekly Diva Coffee Break Design work. This week's challenge is to use the color combination Riding Hood Red, Summer Sun, Garden Green and Pumpkin Pie. My first thought was *ugh* but I don't know why- I mostly like these colors. The garden green is my least favorite I suppose and I don't use Summer Sun like I used to, but the RH Red and Pumpkin Pie are favorites!

Anyway, I really like how my card turned out. Of course I didn't spend a ton of time on it because it's due today and I just started it this morning. I also have a ton to work on today so...

I used the Sending Happy Thoughts Simply Sent Kit because I love it, and you should too! ;) Also whipped out the crimper which I do periodically, as well as a rhinestone brad, the scallop edge punch, Word Window punch and my beloved Polka Dot background. Oh, and that ribbon- comes in the kit!

In order to have the sentiment showing through the Word Window I used the SAMJ (stamp-a-majig) to line it up precisely to stamp. This tool is a wonderful thing to have IF YOU USE IT! Practice makes perfect too- so don't be afraid of the SAMJ.

Thanks for bearing with my extended absence. I'll try not to make a habit of it. This weekend I have a rather large Private Stamp Camp (yeah Carol!)- potentially 14 people so I'll be furiously designing and cutting Christmas cards for this fun group to make! That's what you'll be seeing from me the rest of this week most likely.

See ya soon!

~Kristin