{Cresta's Creations}

Mojo Monday 228

2012-02-13T19:34:00.000-08:00

For my card today, I decided to combine a couple of challenges and came up with this:

I also challenged myself to leap out of my crafting comfort zone. I didn't use any printed paper on this one and it is not in my usual color palette, but I like the way it turned out!
The Papertrey Challenge was to use butterflies and leaves and it is based on the Mojo Monday sketch.

I used Papertrey Ink's Round and Round and Think Big Favorites #12 Mini Stamp Sets, PTI Dark Chocolate, Raspberry Fizz, Ripe Avocado, Spring Moss, and Kraft Cardstocks, PTI Dark Chocolate Ink, Versamark Ink, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, and Kaiser Craft Rhinestones.

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy your day!

May Arts Vintage Valentine Ribbon Challenge

2012-02-12T08:26:00.000-08:00

Hey There!
I am such a bad blogger... time just speeds by so fast! I have been making cards like crazy, but just don't take the time to post them. One of my New Year's Resolutions was to be better about blogging, but so far... well, you know. I am still going to try, though!

I have a project featured on the May Arts blog this week, I am kind of excited about that! The theme was Vintage Valentine, so if you are so inclined you can go over there and check it out, leave a comment to win the ribbons that I got to work with, and, if you like my project(s), vote for me! You can find the fun right here: May Arts Blog. There are a lot of amazing entries this month!

I will leave you with a card that I made for a different challenge a few weeks back, that I never did post here. The challenge was to use Graphic 45 papers and May Arts ribbon.

I hope to be back soon with more of what I am working on... Hope you have a fantastic day! Thanks for stopping by!

Lawn Fawn Challenge

2012-01-05T18:57:00.001-08:00

I created this card for the Lawn Fawn CHA Challenge using Critters in the Forest stamp set and the tiny little heart from Plus One.

I used PTI's Kraft Cardstock, Bazzill's Lizard, and some GP white. Ink is Memento Tuxedo Black. I used Copics to color the images.

Thanks for looking! Have a marvelous day!

Mojo Monday 214

2011-11-13T12:17:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends! I have been BUSY! But it is a fun busy... I just loved this weeks Mojo Monday sketch, so I decided to make not one, but two cards based on this fun design! It seems like I usually get my cards done in time, but never get the pictures taken, uploaded, etc. before the deadline to enter, but today I am getting it done!
Here is version one:

I used the Parisian Anthology papers by Pink Paislee, a Prima flower, some flowers from Michael's, some May Arts ribbon, and PTI's Smokey Shadow Cardstock, the doily is cut with the Storybook Cricut cartridge. The birthday sentiment is from Verve's Love Deepens set.

Version number two:

On this one I used Teresa Collins' Timeless line of papers, Fleur de lis Cuttlebug folder, Tim Holtz butterfly die, Spellbinder's Scalloped Circle and Circle Dies, PTI's Signature Greetings stamp set, Zva bling, and I found the ribbon when I cleaned my ribbon drawer (a 2-day project, but definitely well worth it!)

Thanks so much for stopping by today, enjoy your day!

Thinking of You Today...

2011-10-16T16:51:00.000-07:00

Today's card was born because my roommate needed a "thinking of you" card for her aunt, so I decided to create one based on Jen's Deconstructed Sketch No. 23, and Verve's Get Your Diva On Handmade Happiness Challenge.

I used Blush papers from My Mind's Eye Lost and Found Two Collection, Tim Holtz Vintage Photo Distress Ink, a sentiment from Papertrey Ink's Everyday Classics stamp set, and created a flower from an old pattern that I picked up for a dime at a yard sale this summer. I spritzed it with some Tattered Angels Pearl Glimmer Mist and sewed a PTI Sweet Blush button in the center.

I have been working on Christmas cards lately, will try to post some soon.

Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful day!

Back in the Craft Room!

2011-09-26T18:18:00.001-07:00

Wow! What a busy summer! A month and a half since my last post! I finally got some time to myself today and after catching up on my blog reading, headed to the craft room for some much-needed time with my papers and inks.
I made this card, using the sketch challenge DC20 from Deconstructing Jen and the color challenge #160 over at Color Throwdown. I think it's a first for me for either one of these challenge sites.
I used the Madison Avenue Collection of Papers from Lost and Found by My Mind's Eye, and stamps from the new You and I set by Verve.

Well, since there is still a bit of daylight left, I will see if I can get another card made before my day is over! Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful day!

Verve's Get Your Diva On Challenge

2011-08-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

This month's Get Your Diva On Challenge over at Verve is to incorporate a tag on your card or project OR make a set of tags. I chose to make a set of tags. I scored a fabulous deal on some Lost and Found goodies by My Mind's Eye at my LSS the other day and decided to sit down and play with those. I like how my little tags turned out and may even make some more! If you want to play along with the challenge, you have until Sunday the 14th to get your submissions in!

I am off to go camping with my cousins tomorrow on our annual Cousin's Camping Trip, and won't be back till late Sunday, so have a good weekend y'all! Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Hope Blooms, Circular Sayings (Verve), Daily Junque (Pink Paislee), Lost and Found Madison Avenue "Pretty" (My Mind's Eye)
Paper: Lost and Found Madison Avenue (My Mind's Eye), Velvet Paper (SEI)
Ink: Fountain Pen (jenni bowlin), Victorian Velvet Distress Ink, Spun Sugar Distress Stain (Ranger)
Accessories: bling (Prima), trims (Maya Road, May Arts), charm (Tim Holtz), die (Tim Holtz))

Happy Birthday for my Nephew

2011-08-08T16:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we celebrated my nephew's birthday. He will be 11 on the 11th. It's kind of a hard age for making cards... not too cutesy or too grown up... and I remembered about half an hour before I was supposed to leave for the party that I had forgotten to make him a card. Well, that would never do. They always expect a handmade card from Auntie Cresta! So, I found some October Afternoon paper lying on my desk from my last project and remembered that I had some super cute paper with animals on it somewhere!! After I found it, I went to the October Afternoon website for some inspiration because I was RUNNING OUT OF TIME and I found this cute card by Jill Cornell and voila! a birthday card was born!

I used October Afternoon's Campfire papers and stickers, and their Kraft Mini Market Stickers, and a rub-on by Daisy D's.

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy your day!

Mojo Monday 202

2011-08-03T17:00:00.000-07:00

Here is my card for this week's Mojo Monday contest. I have had all of these October Afternoon 5 and Dime goodies on my desk for weeks now just begging to be used, so today was the day to get them out and create with them. I just love October Afternoon, they are one of my favorite companies, and I cannot wait till all of their new lines are available! Especially Farmhouse, have you seen that?! So lovely!

So anyway, here it is: all October Afternoon, with a Verve Hello Friend stamp, Papertrey Ink sentiment, a little May Arts ribbon and some Kaiser bling.

Thanks for stopping by, have a fantastic day!

Thank you, from my heart...

2011-08-01T09:15:00.000-07:00

Here is a card that I made for my dear friend, Jill, who, along with my BFF, Donna, threw me the most amazing surprise birthday party this past week! It was so much fun! Apparently they had been scheming together for a couple of months to make this the best birthday EVER and they totally pulled it off! Jill is the owner of the local scrapbook store and they had the party in the basement with all of my family and friends hiding down there waiting for me, and they all gave me Stamping Bella stamps as gifts. (based on a crazy dream I had--and then forgot about--a couple of months ago!)

So, this card is to tell her that I really appreciate her and all of the effort that she went to to make my day so very special! I based it on this week's Viva la Verve sketch:

This card is for Donna's mom who was also instrumental in making the day a success (I am told), I based it on a Viva la Verve sketch from July:

And, finally, here is the card I made for my best friend Donna based on the Shabby Tea Room Challenge for this week:

Thank you to all who made my birthday so special, whether by helping or by coming to be part of my big day, it meant so much to me!

Thanks for stopping by today, have a wonderful day!

Just some stuff I have been working on...

2011-07-11T17:36:00.000-07:00

Here are some cards I have made recently while apparently still in my Authentique phase. I still can't seem to get enough of this fabulous new company. If you haven't seen their products yet, be sure to check them out! Their paper is such great quality, I love to work with it!
this one is made with the Blissful line of products for Viva La Verve's Week 1 Challenge

this is made with the new Splendid line of products

another card made with Splendid

Finally something different! :) This one is made with Hometown Summer papers by Pink Paislee and 5 & Dime Chip n' Stick by October Afternoon for Viva La Verve's Week 2 Challenge

Thanks for stopping by today! Have a great day!

Mojo Monday 198

2011-07-10T16:38:00.000-07:00

Hello there! Well, here is my card for Mojo Monday... I have been sick for nearly two weeks and my mojo has been missing, so I thought I would try Julee's fabulous sketch to see if my mojo would return! I have been loving the new Authentique papers--can't seem to put 'em down, so this card is created with the Uncommon line. One of these days I will try to create with something else again, but for now I am having a lot of fun with these new lovelies! So without further ado... here is my card:

based on this sketch:

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

Authentique!

2011-06-27T15:35:00.000-07:00

I have found a new paper love! A new company called Authentique. They just released 3 collections: Uncommon, Journey and Blissful. I was lucky enough to win a Blissful sampler pack from Facebook and received it today so I sat right down to create. The papers are delicious! Heavyweight, beautiful colors and one of my favorite things: made right here in the USA! They also have fun little cardstock embellishments that are printed on both sides and nifty little word stickers to match. I am such a detail girl that I just love everything about this new company! My first card is made with the Blissful goodies that I won, the second is made from the Uncommon line that I purchased from my LSS because Jill is awesome and got these new products in as soon as they were available!

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day, and check out Authentique!

Mojo Monday 194

2011-06-12T12:37:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am at long last, back from my wanderings across the States. I have to say that I really like where I live and I am glad to be back home! I missed my craft room so much... I had to jump right in and make a card for this week's Mojo Monday challenge at my very first opportunity! :)

I challenged myself to use only paper from my scrap stash so I found some Girl's Paperie, SEI velvet paper, PTI Kraft and Fine Linen and some random pink cardstock that I ran through my Cuttlebug with a Tim Holtz Embossing folder. I distressed all the edges with my handy dandy Heidi Swapp Edge Distresser and Tim Holtz Tea Dye Distress Ink. The corrugated piece is by Jillibean Soup painted with Antique White acrylic paint and sprinkled with some glitter glass by Melissa Frances. The stamp is from the Girlfriends stamp set by Crafty Secrets. The lace trim is from my stash and the silk ribbon is Maya Road. The little bird is Tim Holtz, the buttons are sweet blush by PTI. The scallop is made with an EK Success punch.

Thanks so much for stopping by, enjoy your day!

Thinking of You...

2011-05-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!

Well, I have been away for awhile, down with a nasty old migraine for a while, and getting ready to head out for another couple of weeks, so I don't have much to share right now!

I do have this card that I created a couple of days ago in between everything that is going on around here. Sometimes you just HAVE to CREATE! I dreamed this one up while I was lying in bed with miserable head pain, and it turned out just and I imagined! :)

I am not sure if I will have anything new to share before I leave on Wednesday, so hope you all have a wonderful couple of weeks, and I will "see" you when I get back!

Stamps: Blessings (Verve)
Paper: Portrait (Crate Paper), Kraft, Fine Linen, Smokey Shadow (PTI)
Accessories: Birds and Botanicals (Crafty Secrets), Embossing Folder (Provo Craft), Labels 18, Small Ovals Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Ribbon (unknown), crochet trim (May Arts)

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

Feel Better Soon...

2011-05-09T06:39:00.000-07:00

I have had these lilybee design papers for awhile now, but couldn't seem to be able to use them, but I pulled them out again the other day and they just seemed to WANT to create this card! :) I used the Viva la Verve Week 1 sketch for this one. I got my layers a little backwards, but oh, well! I like how it turned out and I am deciding that is all that matters!

Stamps: Hope Blooms, Blossom and Grow (Verve), Background Basics: Text Style (PTI)
Paper: This & That: Milk Bottle (Lily Bee Design) Lost and Found (My Mind's Eye), Kraft, Vintage Cream (PTI), Java (Bazzill Basics), Cork (unknown)
Ink: Tim Holtz Vintage Photo, Antique Linen Distress Inks (Ranger), Fountain Pen (jenni bowlin)
Accessories: Elegant Leaves, Floral Circles Dies (Verve), Lace, Silk Ribbon (May Arts), Ocean Tides Button (PTI), Heidi Swapp Edge Distresser

Thanks so much for stopping by! Enjoy your day!

Mojo Monday 189

2011-05-08T18:47:00.000-07:00

Just got back in time to post my card for Mojo Monday 189!
Used all of the 7 Gypsies Lille goodness I could find for this one:

I felt like doing some kind of collage type project, so this is kind of what this one turned out to be. :)

Stamps: All About You (Verve)
Paper: Lille (7 Gypsies), Ruby Slipper, Black Orange Peel (Bazzill Basics)
Ink: Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain Distress Ink Tim Holtz (Ranger), Fountain Pen (jenni bowlin)
Accessories: Brads (Making Memories) Twine (unknown), scalloped edge (lost and found, My Mind's Eye)
Thanks for looking, enjoy your day!

Bright and Cheery Mother's Day Card

2011-05-03T13:44:00.000-07:00

So my roommate decided to venture into the craft room (something she rarely does) the other day to make a card for her parents, and ended up making a really fantastic card! I loved the papers she chose to work with, so I had to use them too, since they were still scattered all over the desk!

Here is what I came up with:

I still haven't decided who this one is going to, but I still have a few days to figure it out! Hope you all are having a wonderful day!

Stamps: Love Deepens, Bloom and Grow {Verve}
Ink: Noir Black {Palette}, Mister Huey's Color Mists: Piglet {Studio Calico}, Tim Holtz Distress Ink: Peeled Paint {Ranger}
Paper: Hot Pink {Core'dinations}, Green at Heart: Recycle, Basics: Table {Basic Grey}, Ecriture {7 Gypsies}
Accessories: Scalloped Squares, Blossom Nestabilities {Spellbinders}, Elegant Leaves Die {Verve}, Flowers {Prima}, Chipboard Butterfly {jenni bowlin}, Tim Holtz Distress Paint: Worn Lipstick {Ranger}

Happy Birthday!

2011-04-26T12:19:00.000-07:00

Today is my youngest niece's birthday. She is 7 years old. How time does fly! I made this card for her using Shannan's fabulous Viva La Verve Week 4 Sketch Challenge. It is super fun! She has a tutorial on her blog if anyone wants to try it out. I am still loving the new My Mind's Eye papers I got last week. They just make me happy!

Stamps: Verve Hope Blooms, Bloom and Grow
Paper: MME Lime Twist Happy Go Lucky
Ink: Tim Holtz Peeled Paint Distress Ink, Palette Noir Black, VersaMagic Malted Mauve
Accessories: Maya Road Pleated Trim, Maya Road Crocheted Trim, Verve A Cut Above Elegant Leaves Die, Spellbinders Nestabilities Blossom and Standard Circles Large Dies, Jenni Bowlin Chipboard Butterfly, Tattered Angels Pink Lipstick Glimmer Glam

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

I Love New Paper!

2011-04-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

So I went to my fabulous LSS yesterday and Jill was kind enough to let me dig through the newly arrived boxes to pick out and purchase the new My Mind's Eye Lime Twist collection. LOVE! There are 4 new lines and all of them are so fun! I have been playing in the craft room since I got the new stuff... so I thought I would share one of my latest creations using the Happy Go Lucky line. So fun and bright and cheerful. Yum!

I used the Viva La Verve Week 3 sketch for this card.

I also used the new Hope Blooms set and Floral Circles dies from Verve.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

A little more Verve...

2011-04-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here is another card that I made for Verve's release week that I thought I would share. It is out of my color comfort zone, but I like how it turned out nonetheless. I used the newly released Proverbs 31:28 Plain Jane and the leaves from Bloom and Grow along with the Elegant Leaves die.

Stamps: Proverbs 31:28 Plain Jane, Bloom and Grow, Happy Phrases (Verve)
Die: Elegant Leaves (Verve), Classic Scalloped Ovals Large and Small Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Classic Ovals Small Nestabilities (Spellbinders)
Paper: Stamper’s Select White (Papertrey Ink), Lime Sherbet (Bazzill Basics), Concord Double Dot (Bo Bunny), Picket Fence: Fresh Air, Porch Swing (lilybee design)
Ink: Peeled Paper, Crushed Olive, Antique Linen Distress Ink (Tim Holtz), Fresh Snow (Papertrey Ink)
Accessories: New Leaf Buttons (Papertrey Ink), Vintage Lace, Twine (source unkown), White Embossing Powder (Mark Enterprises)

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

Verve Countdown: Day Four!

2011-04-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are at the last day of sneak peeks! Tonight marks the big reveal of the April release! Every set is a must-have in my opinion. I know I will be using them over and over again. Today I am sharing a project made with the Proverbs 16:9 Plain Jane and lots of Tim Holtz goodness.

It's the last time to shine our sneaky Verve spotlight on some brand new stamps! We're counting down to Verve's release party which will be going on TONIGHT! And since we love to share, there's a prize hidden on one of today's hop spots! Just leave a little shout-out in the comments as you hop about for a chance to win some new Verve of your very own! You can check out the Verve Blog for all the prize details and deadlines.

1. Julee	8. Jackie
2. Tosh	9. Charmaine
3. Amber	10. Janelle
4. Amy	11. Teresa
5. Maureen	12. Laurie
6. Cresta	13. Sankari
7. Andrea	14. Melissa

TODAY'S PRIZE:
Hope Blooms, Proverbs 16:9 Plain Jane and Floral Circles Die Set

Thank you all for sharing this amazing experience with me and for all of your sweet comments. They all mean so much to me!

Stamps: Proverbs 16:9 Plain Jane (Verve)
Paper: Java, Maraschino (Bazzill Basics), Vintage Cream (Papertrey Ink), Cork (source unknown), Kraft Resist, Kraft Glassine (Tim Holtz)
Ink: Fountain Pen (Jenni Bowlin), Vintage Photo Distress Ink (Tim Holtz)
Accessories: Ruler Ribbon, Philosophy Tags (Tim Holtz), Antique White Acrylic Paint (DecoArt), Frame (Fetco)

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

Verve Countdown: Day Three!

2011-04-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here we are at Day 3 of the Verve Countdown and I have to say that today's spotlight set may have to be my favorite... no, who am I kidding? I love them all! If you are looking for the perfect Mother's Day set, look no further! Julee has thought of everything with this one. It has sentiments for nearly every woman in your life!

For today's card I used the Viva la Verve Week One sketch and couldn't resist sneaking in some more of those fabulous flowers and leaves that you saw yesterday! They are so great to work with, I know that I will be using them a lot more in the future too.

It's time once again to shine our sneaky Verve spotlight on some brand new stamps! We're counting down to Verve's release party this Friday night, April 15, with FOUR days of Spotlight Hops! And since we love to share, there's a prize hidden on one of today's hop spots! Just leave a little shout-out in the comments as you hop about for a chance to win some new Verve of your very own! You can check out the Verve Blog for all the prize details and deadlines.

1. Tosh	8. Janelle
2. Teresa	9. Jackie
3. Maureen	10. Charmaine
4. Laurie	11. Andrea
5. Julee	12. Amber
6. Cresta	13. Melissa
7. Sankari	14. Amy

TODAY'S PRIZE:
Love Deepens, Proverbs 31:28 Plain Jane and Elegant Leaves Die

Stamps: Love Deepens {Verve}

Dies: Floral Circles, Elegant Leaves {Verve}

Designer Paper: 5th Avenue {Melissa Frances}

Cardstock: Brandywine {Bazzill Basics}, Whitewash Collection {Core'dinations Core Impressions Basic Grey Ornate Collection}, Green {Core'dinations}, Vintage Cream {Papertrey Ink}

Ink: Vintage Photo Distress Ink {Tim Holtz}, Coffee {Ranger Archival Inks}, Olympia Green {Versafine}

Embellishments: Sweet Blush Buttons {Papertrey Ink}, Paper Doily {We R Memory Keepers}, Lace/Ribbon {May Arts}, Plum Pearl {Kaiser Kraft}

Other: Vintage Pink, Tattered Leather Glimmer Mist {Tattered Angels}, Heidi Swapp Distress Tool, Paper Piercer, Scalloped Circle {Nestabilites}

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

Verve Countdown: Day Two!

2011-04-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Welcome to day 2 of the Verve countdown! Today's spotlight is on Bloom and Grow, a fabulous new set with lots of flowers to play with! We are also spotlighting 2 new die sets: Floral Circles and Elegant Leaves. I love them both! These are my first sets of Verve dies and I must say, they are FABULOUS! They cut so beautifully!

My card today features both die sets and the spotlight stamp set which coordinates exactly with the dies!

We're counting down to Verve's release party this Friday night, April 15, with FOUR days of Spotlight Hops! And since we love to share, there's a prize hidden on one of today's hop spots! Just leave a little shout-out in the comments as you hop about for a chance to win some new Verve of your very own! You can check out the Verve Blog for all the prize details and deadlines.

1. Amber	8. Julee
2. Amy	9. Laurie
3. Andrea	10. Maureen
4. Charmaine	11. Teresa
5. Cresta	12. Tosh
6. Jackie	13. Sankari
7. Janelle	14. Melissa

TODAY'S PRIZE:
Bloom & Grow, Elegant Leaves Die and Floral Circles Die Set

Stamps: Bloom and Grow {Verve}

Dies: Floral Circles, Elegant Leaves {Verve}

Cardstock: Core'dinations, Bazzill

Designer Paper: Hazel: Special Fine Floret, Stella and Rose Collection {My Mind's Eye}

Ink: Olympia Green {Versafine}, Versamark, Vintage Photo Distress Ink {Tim Holtz}, Noir Black {Palette}

Embellishments: Plum Pearls {Kaiser Kraft}, Clear Embossing Powder {Jo-Ann Craft Essentials}, Lace {May Arts}, Edge Distresser {Heidi Swapp}

Verve Countdown: Day One!

2011-04-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's time to shine our sneaky Verve spotlight on some brand new stamps! We're counting down to Verve's release party this Friday night, April 15, with FOUR days of Spotlight Hops! And since we love to share, there's a prize hidden on one of today's hop spots! Just leave a little shout-out in the comments as you hop about for a chance to win some new Verve of your very own! You can check out the Verve Blog for all the prize details and deadlines.

I am soooo excited to be a Guest Diva this month for Verve! You are going to love what Julee has designed for April. I squealed with delight when I opened my package and have had so much fun working with the new stamps and dies!

Today we are spotlighting Bunny Shake, Birthday Phrases, Faithful Phrases and Happy Phrases. For my card I used Faithful Phrases and Happy Phrases. I love these little sentiment sets. They will be a great addition to anyone's collection. I love how well they pair with the ones that Verve has already released!

Here are the links for the other Divas also showcasing today's sets:

1. Andrea	8. Julee
2. Jackie	9. Tosh
3. Charmaine	10. Amber
4. Janelle	11. Amy
5. Teresa	12. Maureen
6. Laurie	13. Cresta
7. Sankari

Stamps: Faithful Phrases, Happy Phrases {Verve}
Cardstock: Scarlet Jewel, Fine Linen {Papertrey Ink}, Ballet Dotted Swiss {Bazzill Basics}
Designer Paper: Cabbage Rose: Paper Girl {The Girl's Paperie}
Embellishments: Corrugated Butterfly {jillibean soup}, glitter glass {Melissa Frances}, Antique White acrylic paint {Deco Art}, Plum pearls {Kaiser Kraft}, Ribbon {May Arts}, Tulle {Bazzill Basics}, Punches {Fiskars, Stampin' Up!}, Ink {Jenni Bowlin}

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

Changes...

2011-04-09T10:35:00.001-07:00

Well, things have been a little crazy on the home front and a little quiet on the blog front for the last couple of weeks. I have some new and exciting things happening in my life: the biggest of which is that I quit my job (I was kind of forced to), but am using this as a springboard to just go ahead and chase some of my dreams! I am excited to see how it all works out and a little apprehensive too. But, I just found this great quote by Eleanor Roosevelt that gives me courage: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams".

So, here I go!

I am also a Guest Diva for Verve's April release, so that is super exciting and keeping me busy. Can't wait to share!

Hope you all have a great weekend, and I hope to be back with some crafty stuff soon!

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

God is our Refuge

2011-03-28T18:16:00.001-07:00

I made this card for a Verve sketch challenge... using the new Graphic 45 Le Cirque papers I recently purchased at my favorite scrapbooking store! (Don't know if you have seen this one yet, Jill). The stamp is one of my favorite Verve Plain Jane stamps.

Thanks for looking, enjoy your day!

Mojo Monday 183

2011-03-21T15:45:00.000-07:00

Hmmm. Home from work and nothing to do... Mojo Monday to the rescue! I got some new Lawn Fawn stamps last week and have been itching to play with them, so I thought that this week's Mojo sketch would work perfectly. I used Cosmo Cricket's Material Girl DP, some trims and buttons I had lying around, and Voila! a card has come to life!

Thanks for looking, enjoy your day!

Get Your Diva On Challenge - March

2011-03-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

I created this card for Verve's Get Your Diva On Challenge for this month. The challenge was to use a neutral color (I chose grey), with a pop of color. I used some new Maya Road Rose Trim to create a big flower for my big pop of color!

Thanks for looking, enjoy your day!

DP: Making Memories{Wedding}
Stamps: Verve{Love Story}
Other: Maya Road Rose Trim, Prima Bling, Bazzill Cardstock

Mojo Monday 181

2011-03-12T06:43:00.000-08:00

I got these new Teresa Collins Posh papers this week and HAD to use them for this week's FABULOUS Mojo Monday sketch! This is probably my favorite one ever!

Here is my take on the sketch:

Thanks for looking, enjoy your day!

Designer Paper: Teresa Collins {Posh}
Stamps: Papertrey Ink {Signature Greetings, Damask Designs}
Other: Tim Holtz Distress Paint {Worn Lipstick}, Chipboard Butterfly {Melody Ross}, Pink Rick Rack, Bling {Recollections}, Flourish Die {Tim Holtz}

Get Your Diva On Challenge

2011-02-21T15:12:00.000-08:00

This card was created for Verve's Get Your Diva On Challenge. The challenge was to make a card inspired by this photo:

I was inspired by the plate for the circular feature, the roses for the crepe paper flowers I created, the pearls in the cupcake and of course all of the pink!

I used my new favorite line of paper: Stella and Rose by My Mind's Eye. LOVE!!! and one of Verve's awesome sentiment stamps.

Thanks for looking, enjoy your day!

Mojo Monday 177

2011-02-11T16:25:00.000-08:00

Here is my submission for Mojo Monday. My roommate needed a specific thank you card, so this is what I came up with! I love Stamping Bella: she has an image for nearly every profession! And of course, Julee's sentiments are second to none! I love the October Afternoon paper... so bright and cheery. I painted the wooden apple with Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam and some Tim Holtz Pearl Alcohol Ink.

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy your day!

PTI Make it Monday

2011-02-08T17:47:00.000-08:00

Here is my entry for Papertrey Ink's Make it Monday. I used 6 colors of PTI cardstock, 1 of their dies, 7 different stamp sets, PTI buttons and ink for this card! ALL PAPERTREY! It was a fun card to make.

Thanks for looking, enjoy your day!

You are the Beat of My Heart

2011-02-01T11:03:00.000-08:00

I have been spending a little bit of time in the craft room lately since I have not been able to go to work (don't want to pass this nasty bug around) so I have been making some Valentine's cards! I love this set that I got from Papertrey Ink a month or so ago. It is called Love Birds.

I also used some Lush paper from Making Memories and some Prima pearls.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

SFYTT

2011-01-31T16:56:00.000-08:00

Well, here I am getting in my card for Jen's Sketch For You to Try for January just in the nick of time! I have been sick (and still am!), but really wanted to play, so here is my interpretation using this month's sponsor's (The Cat's Pajamas)stamps... one of only 2 sets that I have!

Thanks for stopping by, have a great day!

Mojo Monday 168 -- Again!

2010-12-12T07:20:00.001-08:00

Well, I really liked this week's Mojo Monday sketch, and I had a day all to myself for a change, so I thought I would play again... Here is take 2:

For this card I used Basic Grey's Figgy Pudding Paper, Papertrey Ink's Ocean Tides, some Kaiser bling, Prima bling, and the sentiment from Papertrey's Stocking Prints stamp set, a Heidi Swapp Ghost Snowflake, a snowflake cut with my Slice, and a Papertrey Ocean Tides button. To finish it off, I brushed it with Tattered Angels Chandelier Glimmer Glam for extra sparkle!

Thanks for stopping by, have a fantastic day!

Sketch For You To Try

2010-12-11T20:38:00.000-08:00

I have long been a fan of Jen del Muro, and always think I will get to try her weekly sketches, but never have until now... the last one of the year! This week, her challenge is to use any previous sketch, so I chose this one to base my card on:

I used Making Memories {I believe} for the DP and Papertrey Ink {Scarlet Jewel} cardstock and buttons. The little birdie stamp and sentiment are from the Papertrey stamp set {Tiny Treats:Christmas}. It doesn't show up in the picture very well, but I used my Slice to cut a snowflake from acetate to put behind the birdie focal point for added dimension and interest.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a fantastic day!

Mojo Monday 168

2010-12-11T18:05:00.000-08:00

Well, it looks like I have been absent for a long time! I have been so busy... life has a way of doing that to us! I have been creating, just not always remembering to take pictures, therefore not really having anything to share. I did have time to play with this week's Mojo Monday sketch, however, and I DID remember to take a pic, mostly because I was just so pleased with the way this turned out!

The papers are from The Girl's Paperie {Paper Girl} line, as are the die cuts, the bling is Prima, buttons are Papertrey Ink {Sweet Blush}, sentiment is Papertrey {Round and Round}, and the lace trim is May Arts. I also brushed on some Chandelier Glimmer Glam by Tattered Angels.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a fantastic day!

You're A Star

2010-05-04T18:03:00.000-07:00

I made this card based on Betsy Veldman's sketch. I absolutely adore her style. She is so talented!

The paper is by Bo-Bunny, the stamps are from Papertrey's Star Prints set and I used a Basic Grey Urban Prairie brad and some Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

Mojo Monday 134

2010-04-14T07:10:00.000-07:00

Well, it's not even Sunday and I got to play with this week's sketch! I wanted to try using Theresa's sketch and make it masculine, one of my best friends had a birthday this week... so here it is.

The papers are by Little Yellow Bicycle {Zach's Collection}, the sentiment is from {Signature Greetings and Birthday Basics with a star from the Star Prints set} by Papertrey Ink. I used Tim Holtz Distress Paint {Weathered Wood} here and there and my handy dandy distress tool around the edges. The hardware is by Tim Holtz as well.

I am so excited to make the top 24 for last week's challenge! Thanks Julee!

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

Mojo Monday 133

2010-04-11T18:38:00.000-07:00

I haven't been able to play for awhile, but I REALLY wanted to use this sketch. I used American Crafts {I Do:Hyacinth} for the DP, the stamps are Papertrey {Life and Mailbox Greetings}.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

Someone Cares...

2010-03-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

This card uses one of my favorite sentiments from Papertrey's Everday Blessings set. The DP is Basic Grey - Eva: Noble and Debonair and I used Tim Holtz grungeboard swirls and distress paint.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

Mojo Monday 128

2010-03-06T08:49:00.000-08:00

Here is my submission for the March Mojo Monday contest. I used the colors from the PTI challenge a few days ago and came up with this card. The stamps are PTI: Through the Trees and Mailbox Greetings. The DP is from the Letterbox Collection by American Crafts. (I used Old Paper Distress Ink by Tim Holtz to make the paper more of a "kraft" color). The felt and flowers are Prima.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

Sweetie Pie

2010-01-18T20:08:00.000-08:00

It is no secret that I love Crafty Secrets! Here is a fun little card that I made using one of the fun images that I have stashed away, the sentiment is from the Sweet Stuff stamp set. The gingham paper is K and Co., the other DP is Webster's Pages. All the red goodies are Pure Poppy by Papertrey Ink.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

Everyday Button Bits

2009-12-20T06:30:00.000-08:00

Here are some cards that I made for a charity bazaar a few weeks ago. I love this Everyday Button Bits set by Papertrey Ink. I used October Afternoon DP on all of them, because I love that too.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

Random Things...

2009-12-05T11:41:00.000-08:00

Today I am sick at home in bed... so I thought I would share some of the interesting things I have come across in my web surfing. I have recently become addicted to The Pioneer Woman's blog. She is so funny, takes amazing photos, and shares fabulous recipes. She is on a cookbook tour right now, I only wish she were coming to my area!

In the process of reading her blog, I discovered Wild Olive Tees. I now have to have some of these T-shirts. I pretty much only wear t-shirts, so these are totally my thing. So beautiful, so flourishy, and they have Bible verses on them! Super cool!

Well, that is all I have to share for now.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

Sending Hugs

2009-11-22T20:12:00.000-08:00

I love the new Big and Bold Wishes set from Papertrey Ink. I have used it to make 3 cards since I got it 2 days ago! This card is for my sister who just moved to a new house. I love this October Afternoon paper. It makes me happy!

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

Vintage Roses

2009-11-21T16:43:00.000-08:00

Here is a card I made just for fun. This card features so many of my favorite things: Bazzill Dotted Swiss Cardstock, Crafty Secrets image, Graphic 45 paper, Papertrey Lemon Tart Buttons, Maya Road Lace, and Nestabilities Dies.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

Mojo Monday #113

2009-11-17T07:43:00.000-08:00

This card was created with my best friend in mind. She LOVES vintage Christmas and glitter. The image is from Crafty Secrets. The DP is Webster's Pages, and the cardstock is the fabulous Bazzill Dotted Swiss collection. The hardware is Tim Holtz. I sprayed the chipboard frame with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist {Olive Vine}.

:

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

I LOVE October Afternoon!

2009-11-12T07:02:00.000-08:00

My new obsession is October Afternoon! I find myself using only their papers, stamps, rub-ons, etc. lately. I can't help myself, they are just soooo cute! The only problem is: they are hard to find in my neck of the woods. I have to drive 100 miles to get my supplies. Tragic! This card is made with the Cherry Hill line of papers. Egg Basket and Sunday Dishes, to be exact. The stamp is from Crafty Secrets: Girlfriends. I used my Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder to emboss the cardstock and I distressed the edges to shabby it up a little. A little bit of lace from Maya Road and a scrap of PTI New Leaf ribbon finishes it off.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

Mojo Monday #111

2009-11-05T20:28:00.001-08:00

Here is my card for this week's Mojo Monday challenge. My roomie needed a baby shower card for one of her co-workers, and this is what I came up with. The paper is by Heidi Grace, the stamp is Teddybella by Stamping Bella, and the baby feet are a rub-on by 7 Gypsies. The sentiment is a stamp from Scattered Showers by Papertrey Ink.

Thanks for stopping by, have a great day!

Mojo Monday #109

2009-10-25T17:58:00.000-07:00

Here is my interpretation of Julee's sketch this week. Since I still don't have any Verve stamps, I decided to use one of my Crafty Secrets sets that I haven't yet inked up. The stamp set is called Story of Me. My roommate loves this paper, so I wanted to do something with it. It is Lil' Man: Silly Sam by Cosmo Cricket. The panel underneath the stamped image is a collection of rub-ons by 7 Gypsies. Cardstock and ribbon are PTI Ocean Tides.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

Verve Project Parade Challenge

2009-10-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

I didn't think I was going to get a chance to play along with this one, but I am getting it in just under the wire. I made this card for Verve Visual's Project Parade Challenge. I don't have any of their stamps yet, but I really want some! They are so fabulous. So, here is my take on the encouraging words challenge.
The DP is by Scenic Route, the sentiment is a rub-on by Daisy Bucket, the ribbon is Enchanted Evening by Papertrey Ink and a little Tim Holtz Hardware finishes it off.

Thanks for stopping by, have a great day!

Mojo Monday #108

2009-10-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

I tried out Julee's sketch over at the Mojo Monday blog. This is the first time I have ever tried one of her sketches. It was kinda fun. I love the way this one turned out. Crafty Secrets makes everything fun: I love anything vintage-y and distressed. I have been cranking out a lot of Christmas cards lately. I am helping my roommate/bestfriend with a huge fundraiser that she is undertaking. So, I am already in the Christmas spirit! Hence, the Christmas theme on this one.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day!

Thinking of You

2009-09-17T06:58:00.000-07:00

I love this new (ish) stamp set from Papertrey Ink. It is Everyday Button Bits. The paper is Cosmo Cricket: Early Bird, and the sentiment is from Papertrey's Scattered Showers.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day!

Connected Again!

2009-09-11T07:06:00.000-07:00

Well, after more than a year without the internet, I am finally connected again. I almost have a new craft space after moving for the second time in a year. This one will be awesome. A whole room devoted to the wonders of papercrafting! Right now we are working on the outside of the house, getting it ready for winter, but soon we will move to remodeling the inside, and then I will be a regular blog poster again. I can't wait!!

Have a great day!
Cresta =)

I Love Crafty Secrets!

2009-03-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

My Best Friend and I went to Portland this past Sunday to see Sandy Redburn, owner of Crafty Secrets. She has the greatest stamps and vintage stickers, booklets, etc. Super cool stuff! If you have never seen it, you must check it out! Anyway, we discovered that she was going to be in our area, so we had to go and see her. We have met her twice before and absolutely adore her. She is the sweetest and most generous person! So we bought a ton of stuff that we have been wanting and this morning I made this card for my boss because she is letting me have time off for a spur of the moment trip to Canada next week!

I also just got back from a 2-day jaunt to Seattle. On the way up, I went to this great little store I recently discovered in Yakima called Bella Scrapbooking where the owner, Julie, has all kinds of fabulous things that I can't find anywhere else! What a great weekend!

Cardstock: {Bazzill}?? from my scrap stash
DP: {Scenic Route} Sonoma
Stamps: {Crafty Secrets} Garden Girls; {Papertrey Ink} Damask Designs
Ink: {Tim Holtz Distress Ink} Antique Linen, Vintage Photo; {Palette Papertrey Perfect Match} Dark Chocolate
Embellishments: Buttons {Papertrey Perfect Match White + Cream}; Lace {Making Memories; Fiber {SEI}

Billboardabella

2009-02-13T19:12:00.000-08:00

I love this new paper from My Mind's Eye, it's so shiny and sparkly, and of course, what card would be complete without the Swiss Dots Cuttlebug Folder? =)

Supplies: Cardstock~ Bazzill
Stamps:Billboardabella {Stamping Bella}
DP: My Mind's Eye
Marvy Markers
Offray Ribbon
Bella's Baubles, Cappuccino {Stamping Bella}

Kindred Spirits

2009-02-09T12:45:00.000-08:00

Nichole's challenge today was to make a card for your best friend. My best friend likes yellow and blue, and she bought me this stamp set, so it seemed like the perfect combo.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill
Stamps: Quilter' Sampler {Papertrey Ink}
Ink: Pallete Noir, Marvy Markers
Paint: Scattered Straw {Tim Holtz Distress Paint}
Ribbon: {Offray}
Brads: Making Memories

Birthday Wishes Card

2009-02-07T21:13:00.000-08:00

I made this card using Nichole's sketch, and some colors that I dreamed up as I drifted off to sleep last night. I am loving this Swiss Dots Cuttlebug folder, I seem to use it on almost everything lately.

Stamps: With Sympathy, Mixed Messages {PAPERTREY INK}
Cardstock: Bazzill
Ink: Pallete Noir
Ribbon: Offray
Embellishments: Flowers {Prima}, Pearls {Kaiser Craft}, Pink Stickles {Ranger Industries}

Hooray!

2008-11-02T05:46:00.000-08:00

I have a craft space!!! I am soooo excited! My best friend and I renovated a small closet and turned it into THIS:

Look at all of the storage I have in this little space. We replaced the closet rod with a steel dowel to hold ribbon and curtain hangers to hold rub-ons, etc.

On one end I have a set of tilt bins to hold brads, etc...

and the other end has shelves for my Ikea storage boxes, paper, Cricut, etc.

I am so happy to have a place to create again. Now I just have to find some time. =) It seems like I am never home! And I still don't have internet access at home, but hopefully that will come before too much longer.

Hope you all are having a fabulous fall. The colors have been outstanding here in the Northwest! Talk to you later!

Changes...

2008-08-29T16:15:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a reaaallllyyyy loooooonnnnngggg time! If anyone is still looking at my blog, you probably think I have fallen off the face of the earth! Well, almost! =) I moved from the security of my hometown and my parent's house and all that I am familiar with to a new town and a new job! Which, as it turns out, is all good, except for the fact that so far I have very limited internet access (none at my house) and NO CRAFT SPACE!!! I am working long hours, but the work is fun and my employer is awesome! My rent is cheap and my house is fantastic, so the aforementioned things are inconvenient for now, but may be remedied before long. I desperately miss crafting though, well, the internet too... I don't get to keep up with all of my blogging peeps like I used to. So, if anyone is reading this, don't forget about me, I hope to be back in the blogging world again before long.
Hugs,
Cresta =)

At Long Last....

2008-06-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

a new post! Who knew working 2 jobs would be so time consuming??!! =) I actually have found a few moments here and there to create, but mostly cards that are for specific special occasions that I forgot to take pictures of. Some of them were really cool, too, if I do say so! =) I have been so busy I haven't even had time to blog surf, so my apologies to my blogging friends, I am hoping you haven't forgotten about me. =)

Here is a card I made for my Grandma's birthday. It was only a week late! =)

Cardstock: {Core'dinations}
DP: Noteworthy {Making Memories}, Journaling Block {Making Memories}
Rub-ons: Wild Saffron {K & Company}
Flowers: {Prima}
Brad: Bella Journee {Bo Bunny}
Ribbon: {Offray}
Stamp: from Out on a Limb set {Papertrey Ink}
Ink: Chestnut Roan Chalk Ink {Color Box}

Such a Busy Girl!

2008-05-11T06:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I must offer my apologies again! I have been so amazingly busy this month! I have been working 2 jobs a day, while in my spare time building a scrapbook for our Pastor's family who is moving away and one for my Grandparent's 60th anniversary! Of course, on top of all of that there are all of the Mother's Day cards to make and some sympathy cards since one of our good friends passed away this week. There is no end in sight to all of this busy-ness!

Hopefully I can find time to post this week with some of the cards I did in my first card class this week. That's right!! I taught a cardmaking class at my LSS! It was fun, totally out of my comfort zone since I am normally so shy, but it went really well, and I am going to teach another one next month!

Thanks to those who keep visiting, hoping for something new. This is going to be another busy week, but maybe I can find time to post a picture or two.

Have a fabulous day!

Wow!

2008-04-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has been so long since I posted. Thanks to those who keep checking in. Last week I was shop-sitting at my friend's Scrapbooking Store while she was in the hospital. That was fun. Then I helped my best friend on a last minute project album for her brother's birthday. This week, I ended up baby-sitting my sister's 2 children while she was in the hospital for 4 days. I did get a few moments here and there to get some Mother's Day cards made. Here is one of the brightest of the batch:

Cardstock: {Bazzill Bling}
DP: {My Mind's Eye}
Ribbon: {Martha Stewart}
Rub-ons: Flower {Imaginisce}, Sentiments {Melissa Frances}

Vintage Thinking of You

2008-04-09T07:49:00.000-07:00

I love Crafty Secrets! They have the most fabulous vintage images and stamps. My best friend and I bought some of their stuff at the Creating Keepsakes Convention in Portland in February and I am just now posting a card I made with one of the little images in the swatchbook. Thanks for stopping by!

Ink: Vintage Photo and Walnut Stain Distress Ink {Tim Holtz}
Stamp: Sweet Kids collection {Clear Art Stamps-Crafty Secrets}
Other: Birds and Swirls Cuttlebug folder {Provo Craft; Flower {Prima}; Ribbon {Offray}; Antique Copper Brad {Making Memories}

Hello Friend

2008-03-28T20:17:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this paper! I picked it up at my LSS the other day. It is from the Chocolat collection by SEI. The butterflies are embossed! So cool! The sentiment is a sticker by Wordsworth that I have had forever and just recently discovered in my stash-- love it when that happens!

Hope you have a great weekend. Thanks for stopping by!

Papertrey Blog Hop

2008-03-25T16:31:00.000-07:00

Here is my entry for tonight's Papertrey Blog Hop. I decided to take a chipboard flower and cover it with velvet ribbon and use some lace behind it. Since the only Papertrey products I have so far are stamps, I used the AWESOME Everyday Blessings set for this card. The DP is by graphic 45: Love is Blue from the Baby 2 Bride Collection. I used a Prima flower and an SEI brad to finish it off.

Thanks for looking. Happy Blog Hopping!

Happy Monday!

2008-03-24T08:34:00.000-07:00

Well, we made it through the big weekend. My Grandpa's memorial service was Saturday. It went well, a lot of people came, which was nice for my Grandma. It meant a lot to her that so many people thought so much of Grandpa. The slide show that I worked so hard on and lost so much sleep over turned out very well and went smoothly. (There was some question about that on Friday!! So I was really nervous until that part of it was over! =)) All in all, the service was a nice tribute to my Grandpa's 80 years of life.

Today's card is a quick one that I created in the midst of my slide show making experience when I needed a break. I think it is a nice, cheerful card and was so easy to make.

DP: Sweet Mirabella {Daisy Bucket}
Cardstock: Bling {Bazzill}
Embellishments: Flowers {Prima}; Buttons {Making Memories}; Chipboard {Bazzill}

What a busy week!

2008-03-15T06:54:00.000-07:00

First of all, thank you to all of you for your kind words, thoughts, and prayers. They mean a lot to me.

I have been working almost non-stop on the slide show for my Grandpa's memorial service which will be held next weekend. I have scanned 300+ pictures and now I am starting to put them into the video editing program and am listening to music as I type this to see which songs would be appropriate for the slide show.

But... a girl needs to take a break every now and again, so I came up with a new card design, and every time I need to just do something besides stare at the computer I create a card based on this design -- just using different paper and colors, because I just like it so much!

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you have a marvelous day!

My Grandpa

2008-03-04T20:32:00.000-08:00

My Grandpa passed away this morning. It is hard to let him go, even though it is good that he is not suffering anymore. He was a good man with a strong faith who taught me so many things. I love this picture of him. It totally expresses who he was. He always had this great smile on his face. He will be greatly missed.

Someone Cares

2008-03-03T08:34:00.001-08:00

I love the new Everyday Blessings set from Papertrey Ink. The sentiments and Bible verses are beautifully scripted. I know that I will turn to this set again and again.

Stamps: Everyday Blessings {Papertrey Ink}
Ink: Noir Black {Palette}
DP: Ironworks {A2Z}
Flowers: Essentials 2 & 3 {Prima}
Ribbon: {Offray}

PompomaBella

2008-02-24T19:24:00.001-08:00

I haven't made a Bella card for awhile, but I was commissioned to make a card of encouragement and cheer for someone, so this came to mind. It was just what was wanted, so that makes it even better!

Stamp: Pompomabella {Stamping Bella}
DP: {My Mind's Eye}
Cardstock: {Bazzill Bling, scraps from my stash}
Rub-on: Wonderful Words {Deja Views}
Ribbon: {Offray}
Other: Bling {Heidi Swapp}; Crystal Stickles {Ranger}

Hello Friend

2008-02-21T06:35:00.000-08:00

I love the colors on this card. It all started when I found this paper at my LSS and HAD TO HAVE IT! This card came together in about 10 minutes and I really like it.

DP: {Making Memories}
Cardstock: {?? Scraps from my Stash!}
Stickers: {Stampendous}
Flowers: Essentials 3 {Prima}

Lots of Valentines!

2008-02-12T19:06:00.001-08:00

My mom and I just finished making these for the students in her classes. They were inspired by Lizzie's post here. We didn't get too fancy, because, really, 3rd through 6th graders are pretty much only interested in the sugar. =) But I think they're kinda cute. We used the Basic Grey Notch and Die Cutting Tool to make half-moon cuts in the hearts for the Pixy Stix to slide through and then covered that up with a stamped scalloped circle with glue dots on each side. So easy!

A Valentine's Card

2008-02-11T12:54:00.001-08:00

I have been making soooo many Valentine's cards lately. My mom has been taking them to work with her and selling them to her co-workers. This one is my favorite, I think. Maybe. I don't know, there have been some pretty good ones, if I do say so. This is the one I am submitting for Kraftin' Kimmie's Celebration Challenge #4.

A Wedding Card

2008-02-03T20:25:00.001-08:00

One of my mom's co-workers asked me to make a wedding card for her. This is one of the cards I came up with. I just got this new Basic Grey Periphery 6" x 6" paper pad, so I really wanted to use the papers for something. Hopefully it is not too feminine.

DP: Periphery {Basic Grey}
Card Base: Jo-Ann's
Stamps: Italian Poetry Background {Hero Arts}, Wedding Collection {Marcella by K & Co.}
Ink: Old Paper, Walnut Stain {Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Ranger Industries}
Embellishments: Antique Copper Brads {Bella Journee, Bo Bunny}, Ghost Hearts {Heidi Swapp}, Chipboard {Making Memories}, Staples

Back to Work

2008-01-31T06:59:00.000-08:00

Well, I have been unemployed for a while. But now I am back to work at my "real job". So, that is why there has been nothing new and shiny to look at for the past few days. But I will try to get something posted tonight. I am dying to create something with paper (although creating with wood is fun too)! Hope you have a good day!

Kimmie's Challenge #8

2008-01-24T08:35:00.000-08:00

I made this card for Kimmie's Challenge this week. We were to use an animal stamp. I have had this set since the beginning of my crafting obsession. (Actually I think it technically belongs to my mom, but everything gets stored in my craft room, so after this many years.... =) Anyway, believe it or not, I don't think I have ever used this set before. It's so cute! What is up with that???

Stamps: Hedgehogs {Stampin' Up!}, Just for You {Daisy Bucket Designs}
DP: Charlotte - Boston Common {Scenic Route Paper Co.}
Cardstock: Bazzill Bling
Flowers: Sweet N Sassy Tweener {Prima}
Brads: Antique Copper {Making Memories}
Ribbon: {Offray}
Ink: Noir Black {Palette}
Other: Cricut, Crop-a-dile, Paper Piercer, Watercolor Pencils

JavaBellas

2008-01-23T09:06:00.000-08:00

I got this JavaBella image in a swap some time ago and now I think in need the stamp! It would be good for a lot of occasions. I hope you all have a great day. Thanks for stopping by!

Stamp: JavaBellas {Stamping Bella}
DP: Blush {Basic Grey}
Rub-on: {7 Gypsies}
Chipboard Flourish: {Making Memories}
Bella's Baubles: Cappuccino Baubles {Stamping Bella}
Card Base: {Jo-Ann's}

Another Lizzie Anne

2008-01-21T08:06:00.000-08:00

Here is another card I made with my new Dreaming of Dots stamp set by Lizzie Anne Designs. I am still lovin' this set! Hope you all are having a great day!

Stamps: Dreaming of Dots {Lizzie Anne Designs}
DP: Charlotte Collection {Scenic Route}
Ink: Vintage Photo, Tim Holtz Distress Ink {Ranger}
Ribbon: {Offray}
Other: Watercolor Pencils

New Stamps!

2008-01-16T18:08:00.000-08:00

Is there anything more exciting to a crafter than new supplies?? A couple of weeks ago I won the brand new Dreaming of Dots stamp set by Lizzie Anne Designs at their release party. Sooo exciting!! Well, it came in the mail today, so of course I sat right down to see what I could create with my new stamps! Here is the first of 2 cards I made so far.

I challenged myself to use only black and white and turquoise. I like the way it turned out, and I LOVE these new stamps. I am sure I will wear them out in the next few weeks! =)

Stamps: Dreaming of Dots {Lizzie Anne Designs}
Ink: Noir Black {Palette}
Paper: ?? {My LSS doesn't label it}
Embellishments: Bling {Heidi Swapp}, Eyelet {Making Memories}, Ribbon {Offray}

A Valentine's Card

2008-01-10T08:04:00.001-08:00

I got this new paper from my LSS the other day and couldn't wait to make it into a card. It is from one of my favorite companies, Daisy Bucket Designs. I am having fun making Valentine's Cards right now, so I will probably be posting several of those in the next few days. This card is a design that I created a while back, but I really like it... It is so versatile, you will probably see it again!

Stamps: Love you {Daisy Bucket Designs}, Forever Heart {Studio G}
Ink: Rose Romance {Stampin' Up}, Pink {Vibrance}
DP: Love You: Love Notes {Daisy Bucket Designs}
Cardstock: Bazzill Bling
Card Base: Jo-Ann's

My Word for 2008

2008-01-07T16:02:00.000-08:00

Does anyone else read Ali Edward's blog? She really inspires me. She has this challenge to choose a word for this year and live by it. Something you want to aspire to maybe... Well, I chose THRIVE, which according to Webster's Dictionary means:{to grow vigorously : flourish : prosper : to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances}.

This means a lot to me in so many ways. So, to remind me of my resolution to THRIVE, I made this:

My best friend gave me this picture frame over the weekend to do something with, and I thought it would be perfect for this. I wanted to keep this project simple, yet kind of elegant to match the frame.

DP: Basic Grey: Stella Ruby: Tea with Jane.
Chipboard Letters: Rusty Pickle
Ink: Ranger Distress Ink: Vintage Photo and Walnut Stain

ClickaBella

2008-01-06T16:24:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since I made a Bella card. This one is my entry for my Bellaholics Anonymous Yahoo Group's monthly contest. The challenge this month was to use red, grey, and white. The DP is by Around the Block, the ribbon is some I found in my stash, the bling is some I got in the $1 dollar bin at Michael's, and the sentiment is from the Holiday Treats stamp set by Papertrey Ink. The main image is Clickabella by Stamping Bella.

Picture Frame

2008-01-02T10:41:00.000-08:00

Two posts in one day! I am on a roll. I wanted to share this picture frame I made for my dad for Christmas. I got this tin in the mail from AOL. It had painted advertising all over the outside, but I put it away thinking maybe I could cover it with paper or something and make it pretty. Well, due to my background in carpentry, I had a better idea! I had a piece of sandpaper laying around, and decided to see how difficult it would be to sand off the paint rather than trying to cover it all up with paper. Sooo easy! Now, it looks like brushed steel. How cool is that!?!?

So I attached navy satin ribbon around the two pieces with Terrifically Tacky Tape, adhered my DP inside along with my stickers (Deja Views), some arrows (7 gypsies), brads (Making Memories), added some rub-ons to the outside (Deja-Views) found a picture of my dad and grandpa and voila! A unique photo frame using an otherwise useless piece of junk mail!

Anniversary Card

2008-01-02T10:27:00.000-08:00

Here is an anniversary card I made for my parents. The DP is by Around the Block, the reverse side I stamped with one of the leaf stamps from the Spiral Bouquet set from Papertrey Ink. The circle and the words Forever and Mr. & Mrs. are from the Borders and Corners Monogram Set by Papertrey. The satin ribbon is some I had in my stash forever. I used silver embossing powder for the circle and inner leaf.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T07:48:00.000-08:00

Well, it is 2008 already! 2007 really flew by. December in particular! I think it is the busiest holiday season I have seen in my 31 years! =) It was fun, but I am glad it is over. I am ready to get back to normal (?). With that being said, I hope to have a new card or two to post later today. I was just spending the morning catching up on my blog surfing and thought I would post a little Happy New Year message to any of you who are still with me. Hope you have the best year ever!

It's Been A Long Time! and I've Been Tagged!

2007-12-13T17:00:00.000-08:00

Wow! It's been a long time since I have posted and I don't have anything new to show. I have been working on a Super Secret Project with my Best Friend for her parent's 40th wedding anniversary and it is turning into a much bigger project than we planned. It just keeps Grooooowingggg! Hopefully when we are done, I will be able to share, though, because I am really pleased with how it is turning out.

My blogging friend and fellow Bellaholic, Tangii tagged me and I am to tell you 7 things about myself. So, here goes.
1. I love to travel. I have been to 39 of the 50 United States and 6 of the 13 Canadian Provinces/Territories, but never out of North America.
2. I love old movies. My all-time favorite is The Philadelphia Story: Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant, and Katherine Hepburn, just so funny and clever.
3. I like hockey. I think it is a fun game to play and to watch, but since my head injury (non-hockey related), I don't get to play anymore. =(
4. My other passion (besides papercrafting) is photography, especially black and white photos.
5. I love being an Auntie. It is fun to spoil the little kids and then send them home! =)
6. I love tea. It is one of my favorite indulgences. I start off my day with Lemon Ginger or Peppermint.
7. My favorite candy is dark chocolate. Oh, yum.

So, there are 7 random facts about me. Since I don't know 7 other bloggers, I guess this one stops here.

Bella Sistah Love

2007-11-18T15:49:00.000-08:00

I got some fabulous goodies in the mail from my Bella Sistah over in England. Thank you so much, Caz! She sent the SweetyBella stamp that I have been wanting along with MinivanaBella, which will be perfect for making cards for my sisters =), and ParisaBella along with some lovely cards (they are so shimmery and shiny... I am thinking they would be lovely with some snowflakes for Christmas cards), some cardstock, and some of Bellas Baubles (which I have REALLY been wanting to try!!), and a lovely card. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! It really made my day!!

Woo-Hoo!!

2007-11-09T10:33:00.000-08:00

My little hometown now has a scrapbooking store. I am soooooooo thrilled. Since we live in a rural area, we have to travel at least 35 miles to get to a town that has any major stores, so having a scrapbooking store right in town is so exciting (and probably a little dangerous as well**=)**). I discovered it by accident yesterday when I went on an errand for my dad and was so excited that I went back 3 times. The lady that owns the store is very nice. It is so fun to talk to someone that "gets it"... you know, the excitement of the whole papercrafting hobby/experience. None of my people do. They all think I am slightly insane. Well maybe I am. But it's a fun kind of insanity. So, to the 2 people that read my blog and that also get it, rejoice with me!!! =)

Thoughts of You Card

2007-11-06T19:34:00.001-08:00

Well, I guess I am on a distressing kick. I made the card for my grandparents (see previous post) based on Kimmie's Challenge, and can't seem to stop distressing. This card was made with Basic Grey paper (I think). It was sent to me by my previous Bella Sistah. The sentiment is a $1 stamp from Michael's with a little CTMH Liquid Glass applied to the leaves and my favorite Rhonna Farrer Swirl stamp scattered across the card for good measure.

Anniversary Card

2007-11-06T19:04:00.000-08:00

This is a card I made for my grandparent's wedding anniversary. I was inspired by Kimmie's "Dirty Challenge". I like the way it kind of gives it a vintage look. The DP is Deja Views Red Wallpaper and Red Batik. The sentiment is a Rub-on by Basic Grey and the swirl stamp is by Autumn Leaves Rhonna Farrer. I can't remember who makes the ribbon, but I rubbed my ink pad over it to make it match the papers a little better. The tabs on either side of the card are made with my Cuttlebug. I just got the Tiny Tags dies and I love how they work for this application!

Hope you have a wonderful day!

HulaBella

2007-10-31T18:00:00.001-07:00

I made this card for Tracy's Monthly Challenge, but I am getting it in just under the wire. What a crazy month this has been!!! So much upheaval lately. Thank goodness I have card making for stress relief.

Anyway, about this card: The stamp is Hula Bella by StampingBella, the DP is K and Company: SK Blue Flowers & Polka Dots (one of my very favorites!), the sentiment is from Papertrey Ink's Holiday Treats stamp set, and the lace is some that I found at a yard sale last summer. Hope everyone is having a great day!

Globetrottabella

2007-10-05T16:29:00.001-07:00

This is the first time I have used this stamp. I really like globetrottabella. The DP is American Crafts A la Mode:Balsamic. Yum! I just got the Mini Monograms cartridge for my Cricut, I love it for making scalloped circles. The flowers are Primas and the brads I found in my stash. I made this card for my Bellaholics Anonymous group's monthly contest.
Thanks for looking, and have a fabulous day!

Birthday Bella

2007-10-02T16:49:00.000-07:00

I made this card for a co-worker of my mom's. The Bella is Flowah Bella.The DP is SEI: Aunt Gerti's Garden, the sentiment is a Wordsworth stamp, and the rest of the stuff is just random from my stash. Have a great day and thanks for looking!

What Scrapbooking Item Are You?

2007-09-28T06:26:00.000-07:00

What scrapbooking item are you?

You are PAPER!You are an all natural basic person who likes to act as a foundation to others. You are willing to take a backseat in most of your relationships and let others take the spotlight, while you show your support and help them shine! Underneath it all, you are the one who makes it all happen. You are the focus and stability in any group, even if you are not the leader. Others look to you to set the pace and provide ideas for ways to get things done. But Paper Beware - sometimes you get a little edgy with the people who look to you for support and can give them some papercut remarks that can hurt their feelings. Remember to watch what you say, because you are best when leading by example.
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My Baby Sister's Birthday

2007-09-20T10:56:00.001-07:00

These picture frames are so fun to do. I made one for my other sister last month.
The DP on the Picture Frame is my current favorite paper: Pumpernickel by American Crafts. The letters were cut with my handy-dandy Cricut and the ribbon I got at Big Lots.

The card is made with chefabella. My sis loves to cook and entertain, so it is perfect for her. The DP on the card is also by American Crafts:Balsamic. I love their A La Carte Collection. So Yummy!

Birthday Gifts for My Best Friend

2007-09-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

My best friend is a nurse, so booboobella is perfect for her. I made these things as part of 29 things for her 29th birthday.

BillboardaBella

2007-09-13T16:15:00.001-07:00

I got a bunch of these images with different sentiments from Tracy and made this card for my best friends birthday which is today. (Happy Birthday, Donna!!)

I really like the whole turquoise/aqua and brown look. The paper is American Crafts a la Carte: Pumpernickel.