THE GREETING FARM: Party Animals Birthday Card

 

There’s just something about woodland critters in party hats that makes everything better… and this card might be my new favorite celebration design! Today I am sharing this fun card using the Party Animals Clear Stamps from The Greeting Farm. 

I used alcohol markers to color each of the sweet animals, focusing on a combination of various neutral colors to create lifelike animals. I love adding the cute, pink cheeks to each animal, adding a few freckles with a white gel pen. 

Once the one layer card was complete, I added a few of the hats and details, popping those up with some dimensional adhesive. 

The Party Animals stamp set would be perfect for birthdays for all ages, or swap out the sentiment for another and you can send some love from a group instead. Thanks for stopping by, and happy creating!

Pin It

Paper Girls Challenge Blog: Welcome to the World Card

I haven't blogged since September 2016. And not regularly since September 2015. Blogging started feeling unnatural, extra, too much. It did not really bring me JOY. And since JOY was my 2016 One Little Word... I ceased blogging, and spent more time creating. Funny how when I stopped blogging, I actually made more stuff (this is where the IG feed comes into play).

There are MANY reasons that I quit, and I won't go into all of them... But I'm ready to start sharing again. And not just on my Instagram feed either (although I totally would love for you to follow me there as well!).

So, when my lovely friend Erica asked me to create a few things for the Paper Girls Challenge Blog, I said "Of course!!!". And it felt right to even plan out this post (although admitting that you weren't good about something for 1.5 years is hard!!).

I love this card. And I love even more how stinking easy it really is to do this!

So, for starters... This stamp set. Concord and 9th is one of my favorite manufacturers of amazing stamps. Their sets are large (this one is 6x8"!) and have some of the best sentiments. This stamp is from the Globe Greetings stamp and die set. Seriously. I made a ton of graduation cards (21..!) using this set and the dies, and they were perfect.

The space background was made with a mixture of various Distress Ink minis that I had. I used Mustard Seed, Picked Raspberry, Seedless Preserves, and Blueprint Sketch. Once the color was laid down in various patchy areas, I went over most of it in Black Soot. Do a few layers of dropping water and patting dry, and now the space scene is set. 

The last touches are created from flicking white paint with a stiff brush onto the image. Then I added a few extra stars with a white gel pen. The sentiment is embossed with a mix of gold and black powders, and the stamps are just stamped on... I did add some polar ice caps with the same white paint as the stars! 

I hope you had fun as I shared this card with you! I really adore it.

Supplies Used;
Concord and 9th (Globe Greetings stamp and die set), Distress Ink (Mustard Seed, Picked Raspberry, Seedless Preserves, Blueprint Sketch, Black Soot), white acrylic paint, various inks, watercolor paper, black cardstock, embossing powders Pin It

Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner!

 

 Image Credit

Just a quick post to update you on the winner of the 400th Blog Post Giveaway!

Congratulations Laura!! 

I'll get that out to you this next week!
 
I've already decided to have something REALLY BIG for 500!!!  Keep watching for it! Pin It

400th Blog Post GIVEAWAY!!!!

I never thought while writing my first blog post, that I'd ever get to my 400th. While creating, I've made a ton of amazing friends, met some great people, and been able to create some amazing things for my personal collection and for some amazing companies.

To celebrate, I'm having a fun giveaway. I have a few amazing things to send to a new home. Your home! Make sure that you comment on this blog post for an entry. I'm also including a $5 Starbucks

There is an extra entry for Twitter  followers and for those who SHARE via FB, Twitter, or other means. The GIVEAWAY is running through April 10th, so make sure that you enter! I will announce the winner on the 12th!
a Rafflecopter giveaway Pin It

AUTHENTIQUE PAPER: Lucky Us Home Decor (Tutorial Linked)

Today on the Authentique Blog, I am sharing a tutorial using the Lucky Collection, my Xyron 9" Creative Station, and Silhouette Cameo. A special shoutout to Michelle Buck for her amazing photography of the girls in 2013.

Make sure that you stop on by the Authentique Blog and check out how to make your own home decor! Pin It

Return to Bloggerland...

I'll admit, I've been a horrible blogger. I haven't shared much since the year started. Sorry! Life has gotten in the way. I actually have been creating, but have been doing so in kind of a vacuum.  I just haven't been sharing. So, I've actually snapped pics of the ten (so far!) layouts that I have created since last November/December... And I'm going to share them about three or four a week. Once they are all shared, I'm going to go through my stash and do a giveaway. Just for fun. So, here's my return to sharing once again. For this first project, I used my November Shop Your Stash Kit (list of contents on the original post).

This was actually a really great sketch by my friend Brenda Smith for ScrapbookSteals' Mid-Week Mojo's. She's pretty fantastic. You should really check her out. I kind of love this picture. It's my classroom on the last day of school. I had actually vowed not to return until September started... And for once in my life, actually kept that vow. I really needed summer. So did my girls. Here's the sketch if you'd like. Enjoy!

Pin It

AUTHENTIQUE PAPER: Valentine's Card and Post Box with "Crush"

Hello! Today on the AUTHENTIQUE BLOG I am sharing a fun set of cards with a cute Valentine's post box that I designed. I used the 9" Creative Station to easily create the mailbox.

Supplies Used:

Authentique Paper: Crush Collection (Darling, Frilly, Herald, Sweet, 6x6 Bundle, Authentic Life Cards, Components 6x12 Cardstock Accents, Card Making Stack)

Other Supplies: paper mailbox, Xyron 9" Creative Station, buttons, flower brad, twine (Twinery-Maraschino), word paperclip (Freckled Fawn), dimensional adhesive, Wink of Stella Clear glitter brush

Pin It

Celebrating 100 Posts for Creating Us!!!

My lovely (and über-talented) friend Jill Keller is celebrating her 100th Blog Post on her blog today! I met her through the Gossamer Blue community, and she has recently started to design for them. She does a fabulous job and is one of the reasons that I decided to re-sub starting next month!! Make sure that you check out her blog today, as I know that she is having a super-fabulous giveaway! Pin It

Perfect Paper Crafting / Xyron Blog Hop!

Good Morning!!! I am so happy to share with you some fun projects for the Perfect Paper Crafting and Xyron Blog Hop. I had the pleasure of trying out the Perfect Airbrush, and it was a ton of fun!! Make sure that you check both blogs for links this week as Perfect Paper Crafting has a $50 Gift Certificate, and Xyron is giving away prizes all week! Perfect Paper Crafting also offers a 10% discount to their store - click HERE, just enter the code "Xyron10%" to redeem the offer!

Here's my first project, a fun birthday card using a fun Lawn Fawn set (Gnome Sweet Gnome).
To start, I stamped my flamingos, then colored them in with my Spectrum Noir pens and then cut them with the matching Lawn Cuts. To create the fun background, I started with an A2 card base. I taped this down using washi tape, so that there was a border around the entire card.

I then drew out and handcut a hill, slightly wider than the card.

 

Once that was taped down on the sides, I used a great sky blue marker and my Perfect Airbrush to create the sky behind the hill.

When the hill was complete, I grabbed the other "stencil" over and slightly overlaped it so that there isn't a gap between the colors.

 

I then sprayed the entire area with a nice grass green tone and the Perfect Airbrush.

Since I used kraft paper for the card base, and directly sprayed onto the base, there were no issues with white spots.

Once the base was complete, I bent the grass stamp until it matched the hillside and stamped it.

I created some dimensional adhesive by running some craft foam through my 3" Sticker Maker twice.

This way, I have large sections of dimensional adhesive that I can cut into the sizes that I need. I backed each of the flamingos with this foam.

I then used a punch for the clouds, and used some 3/16" High Tack Adhesive Dots. To finish the card, I added some faux stitching with my Signo Uni-Ball pen.

The second project that I made used a stencil of a Silhouette cut by Jennifer Wambach (Happy Anniversary Split Title). I really wanted to have the sentiment stand out, so used the Perfect Airbrush on Neenah Solar White paper.

I focused the pinks on the flowers, and some reddish browns toward the sentiment.

Once the airbrushing was complete, I used some Distress Ink (Frayed Burlap) to bring some color in from the edges.

To complete the card, I backed the card face with the dimensional adhesive I had made using my 3" Sticker Maker. This way, I could run the twine behind the card. To finalize the card, I added a few enamel dots and tied a button into the twine's bow.

Supplies:
Xyron: 3" Sticker Maker, 3/16" High Tack Adhesive Dots
Perfect Paper Crafts: Perfect Airbrush
Additional Supplies: Neenah cover (Solar White), Mohawk Vellum (kraft), Silhouette, Pentel Color Pens, enamel dots, button, twine, Lawn Fawn stamps & die cuts (Gnome Sweet Gnome, Gnome Sweet Gnome Lawn Cuts, Check This Out), Memento Ink (Tuxedo Black), Distress Ink (Frayed Burlap), Spectrum Noir pens, Fiskars Squeeze Punch (Small Clouds) Pin It

I Have Been the Worst Blogger Ever... SORRY!

So... Every time I've really sat and tried to blog, I've been distracted or just bogged down in a lack of "mojo". It's seriously been since May 1st. That's far too long!! I haven't totally stopped making things, but just haven't had the desire to actually record or share anything at all. Super lame on my part.

A couple of reasons:
-I just finished my National Boards for Teaching. Although that was due mid-May, and my test was at the end of May...
-I think I need glasses, and every time I seriously go to read or craft, I get a headache... Appt. is scheduled and I'll update everyone with info or a pic of me in glasses?
-I've become a SSAHM... That's Summer Stay At Home Mom. Yup. One is all five-year-old drama, and the other "thinks" she's in the middle of potty training. We're working on that one. Also, I seem to be feeding these creatures at ALL sorts of time. I've become a snack dispenser. Too bad I can't get quarters each time they want something :)
-For having summer off, I seem to be busy most days. There's always something going on. It's kind of nuts.

My goal for the rest of summer is to share something at least three days a week. I do have a few fun things going on in the next few weeks, so there are more than enough projects to share with all of you. To start, here's my card for my lovely friends' daughter, who also turned five.

I used the idea of Spotted and Hearted from the Lawnscaping Challenge blog. I used the Critters Ever After (Lawn Fawn) stamp set with my Spectrum Noir pens. The clouds are from a Fiskars punch that I picked up from Tuesday Morning on the cheap! I used some white embossing powder for the stars, and then added the background using three shades of Distress Inks. The pink paper is Echo Park, and the yellow is American Crafts cardstock. My 5-year-old wanted to make sure it was a My Little Pony look-alike, so asked for a "cutie mark" and then named her "Hearty".

Tomorrow, I'm going to share a few more projects!! I'm glad that I'm back to blogging!!

Pin It

AUTHENTIQUE PAPER: Stay "Anchored" with Authentique Paper & Petaloo!

If you didn't get a chance to see yesterday's post showcasing one my fun new projects using both Petaloo products and Authentique's fun new line: Anchored... Make sure you stop on by. Both companies are having giveaways ALL week!!

Pin It

We R Memory Keeper's Guest Designer

FROM the We R Memory Keepers Blog:

Hello! I am Heather Conklin. I'm super excited to share with you how much fun I had creating for We R today! I live in Washington State with my wonderful husband, two little girls, and not-so-miniature schnauzer. I teach high school art during the day, and craft on nights and weekends when the kiddos head to bed. I've been crafting since 2004, but have been creating my entire life. I was so happy to see the wonderful colors of the Harvest Collection as they went perfectly with our recent family photographs.

CARD:

I love using all of my little bits and pieces for cards. For this card, I covered a card base using my Xyron 9" Creative Station, then used parts of the title strips from each paper sheet, and strips from the Fall Collage paper to add various patterns to the card base. Then, I simply added a ricrac ribbon and used dimensional adhesive with one of the Embossed Designer Stickers for a sentiment.

LAYOUT (2 PHOTO):

Cut down a sheet of Autumn Sprig to 11x11". Cut a 10x10" piece out of the middle out of a sheet of Pressed Flowers. Glue the 11x11" on top of the square frame of Pressed Flowers. Cut off a strip of the Fall Collage sheet and place it on the bottom third of your layout. Mat a 5x7" and wallet sized photo each with the leftover of the Pressed Flowers sheet. Place the 5x7" off center, and position the wallet in the photo's negative space.

Using a die cut machine, cut a doily out from the November Mist sheet and cut that in half. Position these pieces behind the photographs. Cut off the circle from Fall title, use some dimensional adhesive and place it over a few of the Embossed Designer Stickers. Use another of the Embossed Designer Stickers on the corner of your large photograph. Use Glossy Accents to highlight the white areas of the large orange flowers.

LAYOUT (1 PHOTO):

Cut down a sheet of Honeycomb to 11x11". Cut a dark brown piece of cardstock to 11.25x11.25". Glue the Honeycomb paper to the brown cardstock and then to a piece of vanilla cardstock. Cut a piece of Type Set to 8x10".

Corner round two alternate edges and glue down. Cut a piece of Pressed Flowers to 5x7" and corner round the opposite corners. Glue down, then using a contrasting marker, add faux stitching.

Mat your photo with a light cardstock, then take some of the leftover scraps of paper to make a collection of banners.

Place these under your photograph before you adhere it. Cut a circle, then layer a few of the Embossed Designer Stickers over it for your title. Die Cut a branch from cardstock, then add a few more of the Embossed Designer Stickers.

K-CUP HOLDER:

I cut the K Cup holder with my die cut machine using quality cardstock. Fold on all of the score lines, making a tube. The outermost section is the one next to the circles on the end. Adhere each edge flap as you go. When the K Cup holder is put together, add your decorative papers. For this one, I used rectangles of November Mist and a strip from the Fall Collage sheet. Make sure that you score your paper before attaching it to your holder. I then adhered circles of paper to each of the K Cups, then added a Embossed Designer Sticker to each of them.

Lastly, I tied the K Cups into the holder with some jute twine and tied a button to the bow.

*************************

Thanks for looking at today's post. Thank you again to We R Memory Keepers for having me guest design for you!!

Here is the link for the Silhouette File that I made for the K Cup holder LINK. Let me know if you make one, and link me up!

If you really like the photographs (and you are in the greater Seattle area!) make sure that you check out MG-B Photo or check out her Facebook Page. Michelle does some amazing work!

Pin It

AND We Have a Winner!!!

It's been an odd week for getting things done right this week. I'm not sure what's up, but I'm not liking it. Maybe I need to get back to my list-making. I love crossing things off.

Anyway.... We have a winner!

#38!! Darlene Whalley from My Tattooed Paper Heart

Darlene, I will try to get hold of you to send off your prize!! Pin It

Happy Birthday ScrapbookSteals! It's a July Blog Hop

First off, HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCRAPBOOKSTEALS! I seriously love both the Steals Network, and the community that they have built. I consider many of the ladies that I met through ScrapbookSteals as some of my absolute closest friends. When Melodee asked if I would help to celebrate ScrapbookSteal's 4th birthday, I jumped at the chance.

You should be here from Cyndee's blog. I love her work.

If you want to start from the beginning:
ScrapbookSteals: http://scrapbook.steals.com/wp/?p=18660
Cathy Caines: www.inthecatcave.com
Cristine Redmond: http://onescrappynovice.blogspot.com
Venetia Holbrook: www.atomicvenetia.blogspot.com
Cyndee Kawa: http://scrappydaylily.blogspot.com
Heather Conklin: http://goldiecar.blogspot.com   (You are HERE!)
Van Nguyen: http://likethecar.blogspot.com
Staci Jones: http://scrapbookingischeaperthantherapy.blogspot.com
Charissa Miller: http://www.akihasmommascraps.com
Brenda Smith: http://theimperfectscrapper.blogspot.com
Erin Colby: http://oursliceofcheese.blogspot.com
Erica Bass: http://stampingstarlette.blogspot.com
Kristy Lee: http://lifescrapped.blogspot.com

Challenge #1: Use 4 types of products
For this challenge, I used patterned paper, stickers, Elle's Studio tags and flair. I LOVE Sanuks, and have too many pairs!! They are super comfy.


Challenge #2: 2009
I found a photo that was taken just a few months after Miss I was born. It was a rough time. Babies are a whole lot of work, and I know that we had idealized what real life with babies was all about. And now she's four and has a little sister. A lot has happened in four years.

Challenge #3: Favorite Vendor
I chose to spotlight this fantastic photo of my oldest with some of my lovely SS purchases. I chose to use the now defunct (BOO!) Sassafras Lass. My first "real" purchase of scrapbook paper was Sass, so I knew that it would be a personal thing for me to include the company that got me out of the Target scrap aisle and using really quality products, alongside the wonderful company that helped me to develop into the crafter I am today. 

Challenge #4: Washi Fever
I had this cute little notebook lying around, that I wanted to spruce up. What's better than to decorate it with a little bit of washi. 

If you leave a comment on how you follow my blog. Email, Twitter, Bloglovin', Feedly, or Google Friend Connect, I will put you in a drawing for a 6x6 card kit that I will be making this weekend. I usually combine 15 or so papers, with stickers, wood veneers, ribbon and other embellishments. All in matching color combos, so it's easy to mix and match. You can even choose the color or color combo that you would like it to be, just make sure you note it on your comment!

Leave a comment by Midnight, Wednesday (July 17th) for the card kit. Check back to see if you are a winner!! And make sure that you link up your projects to the ScrapbookSteals blog by the same time for some great prizes from the Steals Network!!

Now, head onto one of my favorite people ever: Van Nguyen!! Pin It

Fare Thee Well Google Reader...

So. If you haven't heard, Google Reader is going to RIP tomorrow. Yup. It's been widely talked about, but I haven't really blogged about it yet. So here goes.

I have two new apps (iPhone) that I've imported my Google Reader into. Feedly and Bloglovin'. I haven't really used either extensively (translation: I just downloaded both of them and I will check them more out tonight...) I was using Flipboard for my blog reading, but I'm not sure how that will work with the non-existent Google Reader.

Here's what I know for sure. Feedly was easier to both import my blogs, and login. And I like their graphics a little more.

Bloglovin' was a little more difficult to get to the login screen. I had to actually grab the laptop to get it to login. And took a few more moments to actually connect with the blogs I follow. Or I follow too many. Anyway... That's my rundown for now.

Right now though, I don't have a frontrunner. I do know that people like to follow blogs how they like to follow, and have created a few ways for you to follow me: Twitter, by Email, Bloglovin' or Feedly.

I have created buttons for all of these on the sidebar ------------------------------------------->

Good luck with your blog following!!

Pin It