About Me

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I am a SAHM mother of three...only one left home though. Paper crafting is my passion...I love creating things and saving memories. I also enjoy reading, baking, spending time with my friends and family, and walking my two furry children. My goal on my blog is to share something a little crafty, something yummy, and something fun every week. Thank you for visiting & comments are appreciated :)

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Winter Pinwheels

I am really having fun with these pinwheel cards!  They are so cute and a great way to use up scraps. It is becoming my go to technique.  These two were made for a swap.  The papers were from stack packs from Wal-mart that have been in my stash forever!   The centers of each card were embellishments left over from other projects. The bottom is a shaker with a snowman and the top is a layered flower, snowflake, and button with ribbon.  I used my new favorite tool, envelope punch board, to make matching envelopes.  

What is your go to technique?
                                          Marie

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Let it Snow!

More swap cards! They are both Joy Fold Cards. This is a fun fold for cards.  To save on time I decided to make both the same since they had similar themes.   All the papers are from my scrap basket.  The snowmen were from a page kit swap that I participated in, but I had not used them and I decided they would be perfect on these cards.  I hated cutting him in half, but....I added a few snowflake brads and done!  These were so quick and I love how they came out.

Thanks for looking!
                          Marie

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Making Spirits Bright

This is one of my favorite cards to make, Diagonal Double Pocket Card.  I especially like it for when I am giving a gift card...two pockets, one for gift card and one for a treat!

Here's the Details:

Image - Making Spirits Bright from Stampin' Up; colored with Zig pens, Crystal Effects on the glass
Tag Sentiment - Merry Everything from Stampin' Up
Papers - black card stock for base card, rest from my scrap basket
Extras - Creative Memories oval cutter, Stampin' Up tag punch, black brads, black & white sheer ribbon, red & white baker's twine, black Zig pen for faux stitching

This one is off to a swap partner...hope she likes it!

                                                                             Marie

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Love Fall Card

Just wanted to share a card that I made for a swap. funny thing is that I did not sign up for this swap as I really wasn't interested int he technique.  But, I was asked to be an angel for a participant whose partner had dropped out, so....I have to say that I really like this card...it was hard to send it away. The technique:  Triple Time Stamp Technique.

I don't have a lot of fall stamps...none actually, so I had to improvise.  This set (Rustic Flowers by Close to My Heart) stamped in fall colors would just have to do.  I kept it simple, only adding a ribbon and ribbon slide.  

Once done, I even decided to make a matching envelope...love the We R Envelope Punch Board!

Hope your week is off to a wonderful start. Enjoy!

                                                                          Marie 

Monday, November 10, 2014

Fabulous & 40! Happy Birthday, Betty!

Today's blog hop is to celebrate Betty Roberts of SimplyB stamps special birthday.





Fabulous & 40!  


Betty, I hope you have a simply 
WONDERFUL 
birthday!  
Hugs, Marie






Here is the COMPLETE blog list in case you get lost:

Leanne, Cynthia Cole, April, Cat, Dena
Marie http://marie97-lotlot.blogspot.com *** you are here
Jackie Randolph.  - http://papermoments.blogspot.com/

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Peace & Good Fortune Card

Just knew I had to color her as soon as I saw her!  the background paper was perfect, too.  I found it in a paper swap I participated in.

Here's the Details:
Image - Japanese Better from Simply B Stamps; colored with Prismacolor pencils
Sentiment - came with the image
Papers - black card stock and swap papers
Extras - black ribbon, red ribbon rose, beaded headpin (I made it), and black doily

She is just one in the set of around the world images, but she is my favorite.

Thanks for looking!
                        Marie

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Starbust Thanksgiving Card

Made this one for a swap...we had to use the starburst technique in a Thanksgiving card.  I started with the tag.  I had this tag from another swap and decided to use it as my focal point.  I added a bow to the tag and then gathered my scraps.  I used all Bo Bunny dotted papers.  I used chestnut brown Chalk Ink on all edges, used a bracket edge punch, and added orange pearls.  I hope my partner likes it :)

Marie

Monday, October 27, 2014

What a Fun Find!

Just had to share this new find....I came across these Easy 3D Toppers from Hearty Crafts while online shopping.  Wasn't exactly sure what I was ordering, but....always looking for something new.  I have to say that I was thrilled with what I got .  They are adorable and so easy to assemble.  Just a few "pop dots" and you have a great embellishment for a card.  This is just one of the cards I made using them as the focal points.  They are already embossed and glittered.  I now need to go to the website and see what other designs they have...this just might get me in trouble!  Be sure to check them out!
                                                    Marie


Saturday, October 25, 2014

Bed of Flowers

Quick share...This sweet image is from Pixie Dust Studios, unfortunately no longer in business as a digi store.  I loved her images...very sweet and fun to color.  This is one of those cards that I want it to be about the image, so I kept is simple:  EKSuccess edge punch and a few glitter flower stickers.  

Thanks for looking!
                       Marie

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Fall Leaves Card & the Envelope Punch Board

Here is a fall card I made for a swap.  I don't typically make fall cards, so this was a little out of the box for me.  I love the way it turned out though and I got to use one of my (not so) new toys...the Envelope Punch Board...to make a matching envelope.

Here's the Details:

Image - Leaves are cut and stamped using the Creative Memories Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge and matching stamps.  I embossed the leaves with red dragon and antique gold powders.
Papers - cream card stock, created the lines on the one piece using my Scor-Pal. Patterned paper for envelope is from my stash...no name on it.  Small piece of handmade paper in tan, also from my scraps.
Extras - gold glitter brads, twine, score pal, and walnut Distressed Ink.  

This little tool I have had for over a year and not even opened it!  This was the perfect time as I needed an envelope for my swap.  I love it!  So easy to make the perfect sized envelope and a great use of some of those thinner papers that I have in my stash.  Since the paper had an all over pattern, I added a cream rectangle for the address.


Thanks for stopping by!
                                  Marie



Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Shades of Pink


Quick share...

This is the card I made for a swap.  The theme was pink, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness, any sentiment.  I also wanted to use this sketch I found for my FB group.  Here is what I came up with...

Here's the Details:

Image - Making Spirits Brite from Stampin Up
Sentiment - from the same SU set
Papers - all from my scrap basket
Extras - Creative Memories circle cutter, glitter flower sticker, Stampin' Up square punch (to make "V" in paper banners, black Memento ink, Glossy Accents, Stickles in yellow and orange

Hope your week is off to a crafty start!
                                                           Marie

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Quick Fall Holiday Easel Cards

Here are two cards I made for upcoming swaps.  These went together very quickly as I kept the base simple and used stickers for most of the elements.  

Halloween Details:
Sentiment and fence are from the Happy Hauntings Cricut cartridge.  The moon was cut using my Creative Memories circle cutter.  The witch and frogs are dimensional stickers from K & Company.

Thanksgiving Details:
This one is event easier, it is all stickers from K & Company.

My goal was to show that you can make great cards without out the fancy cutters and embossers.  

Thanks for looking!
                          Marie

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Monster Mash Halloween Treat Card

I made this card for a swap.  We had to make a Halloween file folder type card.  I have to say, this is not one I will make again.  I just don't get the file folder shape for a card.  However, with that said, I do like how this one came out and it was so easy!  I used a piece of black card stock for the base, added some patterned paper and a few stickers I had left from another project.  I like the bright colors and simple design.  When I sent it to my swap partner I did remove my credit card and added a candy treat instead.

Thanks for looking!  
                             Marie

Friday, October 10, 2014

Winter's Butterflies Easel Card

Another swap card...this one was an easel card with the theme Winter Wishes.  

Here's the Details:
Sentiment - from the White Christmas set from Craft Lounge, stamped in Stampin' Up Nearly Navy
Papers - all from my scrap basket
Extras - snowflake and round rhinestones, glittered tulle, silver chipboard snowflakes, When It's Cold Outside Cricut cartridge.

To make the card base I cut three snowflakes cricut.  I joined two with a circle shaped card and then used the third for the top.  

Happy Crafting!
                       Marie

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Snow Penguin Card

Made this card for a technique swap.  the theme was "Winter Wishes" and it had to be a shaker card.  I had this little penguin all colored and ready to go so....

Here's the Details:
Image - Penguin Chicks from Angel's Landing; colored with Prismacolor pencils and accentuated with Crystal Effects on the beak and claws.
Papers - from my scrap basket
Extras - Creative Memories circle cutter, When It's Cold Outside Cricut cartridge, Stamin' up banner punch, red buttons, Stampin' Up red/white twine, snowflake buttons, glitter & sequin mix, dimensional foam tape, clear acetate sheet, Sakura Gelly Roll glitter pen, and red alpha stickers.

This is one of those cards that started out simple in my head and just grew!  I do love it.  The only thing I wished I had taken the time to sew the edges of the background.  I think that would have finished it off nicely.

Thanks for looking!
                          Marie


Monday, October 6, 2014

One of Those Days?

Ever have one of those  days?  I feel like I have been having one of those months!  so many things that I want to do, need to do, and so little time.  This card was perfect for the way I am feeling.

Here's the details:  
Image - FIN-tastic by Saturated Canary, colored with Prismacolor pencils and accentuated with Crystal Effects (on eyes and fin) and blue Stickles (on water).
Sentiment - handmade
Papers - all from a recent swap
Extras - ribbon, green floss, tag punch, Creative Memories circle cutter, candy dots, Zig blue pen
When I gathered the papers, I knew they would look great in a Starburst background.  After doing this, I am loving it...another great use of scraps.

Hope your Monday is off to a great start.  Enjoy your day!
                                                                                           Marie

Friday, September 19, 2014

Scrappy Halloween Pinwheel Cards

Just finished these cards for two different swaps. I have seen these Pinwheel Cards many times, but never tried one.  One of the swaps required a pinwheel card, so...I have got to say, I love these!  They are a great way to use up all those pretty scraps and you cn really have fun with them.  

< This one I kept simple as it was for a multi-participant swap and I had to make several.  I used one of my favorite scraps, the candy corn paper that I have been saving for "the right" card.  It was perfect here.  

The second one was for a one-on-one swap so a I added a little to it.  I used more contrasting papers and I put a pop dot on the overlapping corners to give it more interest.  I added a Jolee's medallion sticker to the center and a few rhinestones in the corner.  The sentiment for both is from  Stampin' Up Teeny Tiny Wishes.

I am already pulling scraps for Christmas ones!

Hope you have a crafty weekend!
                                                Marie

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Baby Girl Card


Needed to make a quick card for a group I am in...someone flaked on a swap.  The theme was "baby cards".  I remembered this pretty scrap I had and knew I just had to use it. 
The paper is so pretty that I wanted it to be the focal so I kept the design simple.  I embossed the patterned paper to give it more textrue and interest.  I added a scrap of ruffled ribbon, a Recollections pink paper rose with two satin flowers, The butterfly is two sequins layered and the top layers' wings folded up.  
This, along with the baby elephant will be going to Australia for a swap.  Wish I was going with them!
                                               Thanks for looking,
                                                                       Marie

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Bundle of Love Baby Card

Just a quick share...

I have been challenging myself to do CAS (clean and simple) cards.  Those that know me know how hard this is for me, I love the bling, glitter, pretty papers, etc.  However, I am always surprised when I finish a CAS card at how much I do like it.  And this one, well, I love it!

Here's the Details:

Image - Hot Off The Press, Small elephant clear stamp.  Decided to do it a little different this time and did the watercolor technique using Stamping up Not Quite Navy, Basic Gray, and Pink Passion inks and a water brush.

Sentiment - came with the stamp set

Extras - Cuttlebug dotted Swiss emboss folder, ribbon, embroidery floss, Creative Memories Circle cutter, and tag punch.

Thanks for stopping by!
                                   Marie

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Quick Christmas Card


Hope your September is off to a crafty start.  First day of school for us...hard to believe but my "baby" is a Junior this year.  Time flies....




This is a quick card I made for a challenge. 


The theme was letter "T"...tinsel, trim, train...in a Christmas card.  I challenged myself to use these ornament stickers.  You can't see it in the picture, but they have a bit of silver sparkle on them and are quite pretty.  I wanted to keep it simple, so I used texture to make it interesting.  I embossed the white card stock, added a bit of glittered net behind the bow, and added a silver sticker border for the sentiment.  Simple, but elegant.

Enjoy your day!
                        Marie

Friday, August 29, 2014

Creepy Halloween Card

This is another swap card I made. We could use any theme but we had to do a Fun Folded Frame.  Since I have been trying to use things I have on hand I thought some of my twinchie swaps might be useful for this card.  And I was right...these fun sparkly spider twinchies were the inspiration for this card.

Here's the Details:
Sentiment - Stampin' Up Web Wishes
Papers - all from my scrap basket
Extras - black memento ink, black Recollections rhinestones, embroider floss: orange, green, purple, and spider ribbon.

Since I had two spider twinchies I decorated the inside too.  Fun!

Thanks for looking!
                         Marie

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Blog Candy

Go check it out....great blog, great blog candy!  
Paper, flowers, and ribbons.

Thinking of You Criss- Cross Card

Here is a different take on a Criss-Cross Card...

Instead of attaching the flaps and making a tag, I left the tags loose and added a ribbon to hold closed.  

Here are the details:
Image - Coffee Denny by Karber Digital Images; colored with Prismacolor pencils
Sentiment - Teeny Tiny Wishes by Stampin' Up
Papers - Basic Grey scraps and card stock scraps
Extras - ribbon, Prima roses, EK Success scalloped edge punch, Color Box brown ink

What are you crafting today?
                                        Marie


Monday, August 25, 2014

From a Tag to a Card

This is a recent swap card I made....The theme was "flowers & bling".  While combing through my supplies for inspiration I found this tag.  I created this tag for another swap (Birds of a Feather Tags) and thought it would work perfect for this one.  

I layered it onto a piece of black textured card stock and a pink print scrap from my stash.  So, the flower part was covered, now to add bling.  I added antique rhinestone swirls here and there.  Done!  This one was hard to send away...I really like how it came out ;)  

Thanks for looking!
                       Marie

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Just Because Card


Just a quick share...made this card the other day when I was procrastinating.  The three elements were from a swap, they were so pretty on their own that I didn't think the card needed much.  I used a plum card stock for the base, pearl white edge punched for the top and a piece of sheer ribbon.  

Thanks for stopping by!
                              Marie

Monday, August 18, 2014

Celebrate Card & a Little Embroidery


I like to challenge myself someties and CAS cards are a huge challenge for me, so...while my embroidery machine was doing the work I decided to try to get a few made up.  Here is what I came up with: 


I really like them, too.  

Here's the Details:

Sentiment - Stampin' Up Feeling Sentimental
Papers - White pearl and scraps
Extras - Hexagon punch from Creative memories, Sequin Assortment from Stampin' Up, Color Box chestnut ink, pop dot dimensionals

And here is what I embroidered:


My son just made the varsity golf team and I thought he needed a special golf towel.

I hope you have a Marvelous Monday!
                                                      Marie

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Warm Wishes Card

Using images I already have colored and this one was just perfect for  a sketch challenge I wanted to enter. 


Here's the sketch from Craftin Desert Diva's:


Here's the Details:
Image - Holly Cheer Cocoa by Meljen's Designs; colored with Prismacolor pencils
Papers - all from my scrap basket
Extras - red pearls

Thanks for looking!
                         Marie

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Boo Card

This card was so much fun to make!  It is for a recent swap and the theme was, "shaped card with an animal theme".  I had this little kitty all colored and really wanted to use him, so....I broke out the Cricut to make the shaped base and added the kitty.  I LOVE it!  

Here's the Details:

Image - Cat with candy bag by Motivet; colored with Prismacolor pencils and accented with Stickles 9orange, yellow) and Crystal Effects
Papers - all from my scrap basket
Extras - Happy Hauntings Cricut cartridge - tombstone and "boo", Memento black ink, Debbie Mumm epoxy stickers.

Thanks for looking!
                           Marie

Friday, August 15, 2014

Bird Cage Pop Up Box Card

I really enjoy making these cards...makes you think differently when designing.  This is one for a recent swap.

The inspiration for this card came from the birdcage die that I received in a swap.

Here's the Details:

Sentiment - Stampin' Up Label Love, unfortunately you can not see it well in the picture but it says "just for you"
Papers - Basic Grey scraps, pearl pink card stock
Extras - Stampin' Up bird builder punch, Stampin' up Petite Petals stamps & punch, Stampin' Up Label Love punch, Creative Memories corner rounder, red line tape, Dew Drops: gold

Pop Up Box Card Tutorial

Hope you have a crafty weekend!
Marie

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Cutest Baby Ever Card

Made this card for a recent swap.  The theme was baby cards and gave me the perfect excuse to use this image. 

Here's the Details:

Image-  ??? this is a freebie I picked up and it did not save with the company name. :( ; colored with Prismacolor pencils and accented with Diamond Dust Stickles.
Paper - just white card stock
Sentiment - Stampin' Up Label Love
Extras - Stampin' Up Label Love punch, pink rhinestones, ribbon, Score It for frame, Memento black ink

Isn't she cute?  Makes me want to giggle.
Marie

Monday, August 11, 2014

Naughty or Mice? Christmas Card

This is another "Christmas in July" card I did, but I am just now getting to post.  This was a little kit card I had in my stash....I just love those mice!

Here's the Details:

Image - Yin & Yang from Whipper Snapper Stamps; colored with Prismacolor pencils
Papers - came with the kit
Extras - ribbon, Jolee's poinsettia sticker

Thanks for stopping!
                             Marie

Monday, August 4, 2014

SBS Sand Witch Card

On Friday I shared my goodies I received from a swap, today I want to share the card I made for my swap partner.  


Here's the Details:
Image:  Sand Witch from Simply B Stamps; colored with Prismacolor pencils
Sentiment:  came with the digi stamp
Papers:  Bo Bunny from my scrap basket
Extras:  google eyes, Stickles:  lime, gold, purple, & orange, bat brads, ribbon, Recollections paper rose, Creative Memories circle cutter & corner rounder; Memento black ink, and Glossy Accents

Thanks for looking!  Happy Monday!
Marie

Friday, August 1, 2014

Simply Betty Summerween Blog Hop

Another fun swap with Simply B Stamps Fan Group  on Facebook!  You should have come from Emily's blog, but if you didn't there is a complete hop list at the bottom of this post.  

Now to share...  My partner was Betty- Queen of Halloween, herself!  


Look at all this FUN Halloween stuff!   Papers, stamps, flowers, GLITTER, ribbon....so much new stuff to create with!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!  

I also received this cute card that she created using Sand Witch, a cute digi we were given for this swap.  Love it!!!


I so enjoy these swaps...I mean who doesn't like getting happy mail???  

Don't forget to check out the others...

Summerween Blog Hop List:
Marie Franklin ---YOU ARE HERE 

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Cool Winter Wishes Card

Wanted to share my latest swap card...We had to do a Criss-Cross card, any theme.  So I had this adorable penguin chick all colored up...

Here's the Details:

Image - Penguin Chick from Angel's Landing; colored with Prismacolor pencils & I added Crystal Effects to the beak & toes.
Sentiment - little stamp from my stash, no info on it.
Papers - Echo Park Wintertime Snow, card stock from my scrap basket
Extras - Martha Stewart snowflake border punch, glittered chipboard snowflakes, clear & red rhinestones

This was a hard one to send away!  I will just have to make another!

Thanks for looking.
Marie