Twisted Gift Card Holder

Another swap creation.  This one had to be a gift card holder.  While looking or something unique, I came across this twisted gift card holder tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers.  I loved it!  It went together quickly, great use for scraps, and could be used for other things...small treats, candy, etc.

So, probably won't be crafting much this week as I am determined to get the holiday decorations up, presents wrapped, and cards in the mail.  I can do it!

Have a great week!

Marie  

Coffee Card

Wow!  I can not believe that we are just over 3 weeks from Christmas.  November went by in a blur.  I know for me it was very busy...and it doesn't look like things will be slowing down any time soon.  My husband took a new job - out of state, so it is just me and my son until after graduation.  Between work, volunteer stuff, Senior year stuff, prepping to move, preparing my son for college...Whew!  I am just hoping I can get in some creative time.  

So, a quick share for you...made this one for a swap.  I have had this cute set , Perfect Blend, from Stampin' Up for awhile, but this is the first time I have used it.  I lifted the layout from a friend's card (Cindy - look familiar?)  Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right? I loved the simplicity and the pieced coffee cup.  I hand drew the border and added some washi tape....done!  

What have you been working on?Are you crafting for the holidays?

Marie

Halloween Fun & a Quick Card

 This past Friday was our neighborhood ladies' Halloween Bunco night.  We are encouraged to dress up....and well, who doesn't like to dress up???  I decided on the sugar skull make up and kept the outfit simple.  Not bad for quick pull together.  
And now, for this card...another quick pull together!  the front is a left over sticker that I have had in my stash.  I added some rhinestones and glitter pen accents to it.  I used the other sticker to make the latch for the card.  Simple, but pretty.
Hope you have a great week!  
Marie

Steampunk Card

Even though this card seems to have a lot going on, it went together pretty quick.  I made it for a Steampunk swap, so the image (from Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante line) was the inspiration.  I cut several gears - using my Spellbinders gear dies - out of black, bronze, and champagne glitter paper scraps.  I used Distress Inks, antique linen and tea stain, on the card base and edged it with tuxedo black.  I did lay this all out before I adhered anything to get the placement just right.  I added a few flowers from my stash as well as a couple of metal buttons.  Topped it with a tulle bow, done!  Love the look and I used things I had, win-win!  Thanks for looking. 

Marie

Trying Something New

So, this is for a technique swap,  Magical Masking Tape technique.  I am not sure how "magical" it is...and I really don't know that I will do it again.  The first attempt ended up in the trash....no way I was sending it to anyone.  The second one, wish I had a picture, was not much better, but...it went out.  Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, my partner has not received so I gave it one more try.  This time, unlike the directions I did not use a shiny card stock.  I like this much better.  It has a softer look.  I kept it simple...mainly because I do not have a lot of fall type stamps or embellishments.  I even hand lettered the sentiment.  I think it goes with the rustic look.  What do you think?  Marie

Best Witches Halloween Cards

Just a quick share...I made these cards for a swap.  I love when I can use things I have to create something cute.  The witch stikers were an after Halloween purchase several years ago and they were perfect for this swap.  The theme was a color combo for Halloween, you had to use purple, orange, and green.  The chevron paper was in my scrap basket and had all the colors.  I printed the sentiment on the computer.  I inked all edges.  Love 'em...cute and simple!  Marie

Something Wicked Pocket letter

Pocket letters, have you tried them yet?  They are becoming one of my favorite swaps.  I really enjoy finding things to fill each little pocket.  Sometimes I use things from my own stash, sometimes I make an element, and, then, sometimes I shop.  This one the theme was "Something Wicked This Way Comes".  I have a huge stash of Halloween so it was rather easy to fill.  You can find more info on Pocket Letters HERE and HERE. 

Have you participated in a pocket letter swap?  If so, do you save your letter as is or use the items?   

Marie

Haunted Mansion Card in a Box

The Card in a Box has become one of my favorite type of cards to  make and this one was no exception.  I used a Martha Stewart set of stickers and some paper scraps and stickers from the Echo Park Chillingsworth Manor collection.  I like how is all came together, so it's a card...it's a decoration!  And, the moon glows in the dark!  Are you working on any Halloween projects?  Thanks for stopping by!   Marie

Happy Fall Card

So, I am really proud of this card.  I sat down to create a pumpkin card for a swap that needed to go in the mail ASAP.  I had no plan.  I found the gate cut card in my stash of card pieces...it is from a kit from several years ago that I never completed from a class.  After adding some ink for depth and a lighter piece for the inside, I made my pumpkin from handmade orange paper.  I just cut three ovals, inked and layered them.  I then added some paper vines and punched leaves.  I scrounged through all my sticker sot find a sentiment...no luck.  I then looked through all my stamps...nothing. So, I made my little sign to "hang" on the fence from a metal finding a computer print out.  I LOVE how it all came together.
Have you had a project like that?  
Thanks for stopping by.
                                Marie

Wicked Good Card

Another quick one...

This is another one from my colored images stash, Wicked Good from Simply B Stamps.  I colored the image with Prismcolor pencils and added Krystal Effects to the crystal ball and eyes, and use a glitter pen from Gelly Roll to add sparkle to her crown.  This was a fun one to color and I have been dying to use.  I kept it pretty simple as I wanted to focus on the image and sentiment, which came with the image.  Papers are from my scrap basket, as well as the ribbons and flower stickers...even the blue scalloped circle was in my scrap basket.  I love when I can use up those bits and pieces!  

What are you creating today?

Marie

Funny Bunny Card

Quick share...I did this one for a technique swap.  I like this Tee Pee card.  It is fun and so cute to display.  Our theme was summer and I just happened to have this little Tiddly Inks image colored up already so...went together very quick.  I used parers from my scrap basket and added a few glittery fish stickers.  Done!  Hope you are having a wonderful day! Thanks for stopping by.  Marie

"Fur Baby" Sympathy Cards

Over the summer I have had to make some sympathy cards for friends who have lost their beloved pets.  Sympathy cards, of any kind, are always hard for me to make.  For pet sympathy cards I like to use a picture of their fur baby.  Here are two I made recently.  I always keep them simple with the focus on the animal and so they can use it as a keepsake or in their scrapbook.  

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!
Marie

Birthday Wine Card

Quick share of a card I made for a swap.  I had the image in my colored file with the papers already picked out, so this one went quickly.  The image is Cocktel Denny from Karber Images.  I colored her with Prismacolor Pencils.  I added Rock Candy Distress Stickles to her lips and the wine glass.  All the papers are from my scrapbasket.  For a little sparkle I added the rhinestone corners from Recollections at Michael's. Thanks for stopping by!  Marie

Life....

So I have not blogged in a couple weeks because, once again, life has got in the way.  I recently, like this is day 8, went back to work.  Now, after not working outside of the home for 15+ years this has been quite an adjustment....for EVERYONE.  With it being summer break it is a little more challenging.  I am hoping once school starts back up we will find our groove.  I do like the job...for now.  It is a job to get me back into the workforce.  It is for a non profit, so the pay is a little lower than average for this area, but...it is literally 5 minutes from my house...no getting into DC traffic, so it is worth it.  I also celebrated my birthday on the 7th....and the 8th...and the 10th :)  I received several bouquets of flowers, two fun crafty gift boxes, yummy treats, lovely blouse for my new job, and a new Pandora charm to honor my father.  My husband and I went to dinner and a play, actually a musical love story...he is such a good hubby :)  Jarek and I had a great day shopping, lunching, and just hanging out.  All in all it was a lovely birthday weekend.

So, I did get to craft some this weekend and will share those things later.  Hope you are having a GREAT week!

~ Marie

A Cute Hello

This one was for a Technique Challenge, we had to make a Gel Card.  I have had this image for awhile and instantly knew how I wanted to do it.  After coloring two images I cut out the fish bowl on the top image.  I layered the image, gel filled bag, and then top image.  I love it!  This was a hard one to send away.  

Here's the Details:

Image - Pixie Dust Studios golf fish; I colored with Prism colored pencils and then accented with Stickles on the fish and water drops.

Sentiment - printed on computer

Papers - all from my scrap basket

Extras - tag punch, large brad, silver wire ribbon, sequins in the gel

Thanks for looking!

~Marie

Need a Hug? Card

 I was a little skeptical of this type of card, but it was for a swap so I had to give it a try.  This is a TeePee Card.  I had this adorable octopus colored and wanted to use him.  I do love how he came out. My partner has received and liked it as well.  What have you done lately that is outside your box?

~ Marie

Whip up Some Fun Penguin

 I do not realize how quickly time flies until I come to my blog and realize it has been WEEKS since I posted.  All I can say is life....it just gets in the way of my crafting sometimes:)  Honestly though, I have been busy with the end of school...I am the chair for our high school's All Night Grad Party...I did not realize what a HUGE undertaking it was and how time consuming the chair position is.  However, it is all worth it to provide a fun, safe place for the grads to celebrate.  This year's party, despite many hurdles, was a success.  And, yes, I am chairing next year:)  

Now on to crafting...this is a card I made for a swap.  the theme was "In the Kitchen".  I have had this stamp set forever and never used it, perfect time to try it out!

Here's the Details:
Image:  Inky antics - Baking Penguins set
Sentiment:  SimplyBStamps
Papers:  TPC Studio - So Delish Utensils - this paper was perfect as it was two sided!
Extras:  twine, Gelly Roll glitter pen, Zig black, orange, & blue pens, CM circle punch

I love my little penguin!  What are you crafting?  Have a great day!

Marie

Mothers Love Sympathy Card

Sympathy cards are always hard to make.  I wanted to make something special for my BF who just lost her mother suddenly.  I found the quote and knew that was my starting point.  I really don't like just black & white, so I added the red flower.  
Here's the Details:
Sentiment - printed on computer, matted on black card stock
Papers - handmade scrap, black card stock, green card stock from my basket

My BF Brandi & her mother, Freida

Extras - red pearls, SU Build a Bird and Petite Petal punches, SU Flower Shop and Petite Petals stamp set, and CTMH Hollyhock ink.  I do love how it all came together.  
          Thanks for looking.    
                                  ~Marie

Graduation Shaker Cards

Here are the last two graduation cards I made this weekend.  I am really happy how they came out even if I did have to make the shaker portions twice!  I forgot the acetate layer....did not make for a very good shaker as all the sequins fell out!    I kept them simple so the shaker was the focal...I printed the white "class of..." on the computer.  The caps are Jolee's dimensional stickers.  Added a little gold ribbon, of course the bigger bow is for a girl.  I hope the grads like them!  D

o you like making shaker cards?     ~Marie

Graduation Subway Art Card

Quick share today as I have a HUGE to do list...this is one of the three graduation cards I made this weekend.  It is for a past co-worker of my husband's son....since I do not know his very well, I kept is pretty classic.  I found the subway art online and printed the "class of..." on the computer.  I matted the two prints and added a Jolee's sticker hat and a few black rhinestones.  Clean and simple.  Hope you are having a crafty day!      ~Marie

My First Pocket Letter Swap

My newest swap with my FB group was one of the new things, pocket letters.  OK, I have to start by saying how incredibly fun this swap was!  It was so stress free.  I mean, sometimes when I join a swap I feel stressed to outdo others...my type A personality I guess.  This was so not like that.  So, check it out....

First we started with a page map...this really took a lot of the struggle of what to put out of the swap.   

Next, I added paper squares to each pocket so my "letter" would look pretty from both sides.  I used a summer print from BoBunny...perfect for the theme of Summer Fun.

Now, all the fun stuff....stickers, tags, rhinestones, flowers, a handmade quote tag, and my letter.  I do have to point out that quote tag....I love it and had a really hard time including it!  I found a free clip art frame, added my sentiment and then printed out.  I printed an extra frame to add dimension to parts of the card.  I then added pearls, stickles and glitter pen to make it really stand out.  

My finished product.  Best thing, when folded up it fits in a regular legal size envelope!  

I hope my partner likes her pocket letter as much as I liked putting it together!

Have you tried the latest thing, pocket letters?  

Marie

Dog Gone It!

It is so nice to finally have a little time to craft again!

I made this one for a swap.  I found the little dog clip art online and knew I had to use it...he is just so cute.  

Here's the Details:

Image & Sentiment - printed on computer, added Crystal Effects to the eyes and nose of the dog.

Papers - Bo Bunny  & card stock scraps

Extras - K& Company adhesive paper ribbon, orange & blue twine, and Chestnut Cat's Eye Chalk ink.

Thanks for looking!  
                         Marie

Enjoy!

Just a quick share today....I made this fun card for a technique swap.  I love the pinwheel technique, it is such a great way to use up those pretty scraps.  I loved the scrap of plaid paper and I just went from there.  Everything is from my scrap basket, even the ribbon.  I inked the edges to give is a shabby look and added some faux stitching to the scalloped trim.  Fun summer card!

What is your go to technique for a card?

                                                           Marie

Graduation Owl

BFF Brandi, and her daughter, Taylor

I can finally share this card...the first card I have made in months...as it has finally been received.  Taylor, my girlfriend's daughter, just graduated from Coastal Carolina University.  I have watched this girl grow up, so it had to be a special card.  I decided on the criss- cross type of card in pretty glittery and mirror papers in her school colors.  Of course there are rhinestones, too.  The embellishments are a Jolee's sticker set...they are adorable!  I love this card...and so did she.  Only three more graduation cards to make!


Hope you are having a crafty day!

                                                      Marie

Playing Catch Up

OK, so I missed my check in last Monday...I had a fever, stuffy head, upset stomach, feel like crap kinda thing.  Finally feeling better.  

So, I did finish my book, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk and, well...it was not what I expected.  First, it is a collection of short stories.  The first few stories were entertaining and somewhat humorous.  They got progressively darker and, in my opinion, less entertaining.  I did not enjoy the illustrations either.  So, I would not recommend unless you enjoy dark satire.  

Now on to book two...a book that was made into a movie.  I considered several on this one, but decided on True Story by Michael Finkel.  The movie just came out and looks interesting.  I do love a good true crime.  It is 336 pages so going to give myself a little more time to read this one...two weeks.  I will check back about this book on May 11th.

Now, I promised myself I would craft today...I have a swap card to make and need to do a layout. 

Happy Monday!
Marie 

26 Book Reading Challenge

So, 2015 did not start the way I would have liked. Some things I planned had to be put aside to care for my father.  While I would not trade that time with my Dad and feel very blessed to have been able to be there with him and my mother, I am trying to find my normal.  This challenge is one I pinned back in December to help me get back into reading.  I love reading, but find that I have very little time...or I don't make the time.  I thought this might be a fun way to rekindle that love.

So, the first challenge, "a book you own, but haven't read."  This was a hard for me because I am a bit of a book hoarder.  I have a nightstand filled with books I purchased because I really want to read them, but just haven't got around to them.  After scouring through my stash of unread books I decided to read something light...
Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk is a collection of humorous short stories by David Sedaris.  It is a fun, short read that will help jump start my reading habit.  I am hoping to read it in one week....I will check back in on this next Monday (4/20).  

So, What are you reading?  Anything that fits one of the remaining 25 challenges?  I am open to suggestions...especially for new authors as I find myself sticking to the same ones.  

                      Marie

Somewhere To Be...

I have been away from my blog for a bit due to some family things. On March 25th, my father Passed away after a brief battle with lung cancer.  Fortunately I was able to spend time with him during the few months prior to his passing.  We were blessed in that he was never in pain and passed peacefully in his sleep.  


We had a beautiful service attended by family, friends, passed students, co-workers, fellow Elks, Red Knights....

Now I am dealing with all the things that come after....mainly helping my mother to settle all the paperwork, figure out a new place for her to live...the house is just too much for her, and dealing with my own grief.  I am looking forward to getting back to crafting as it is always healing for me.  However, I have decided to devote more time to my scrapbooks and other memory type projects.

Wishing you all a wonderful Spring!
Marie

Butterfly Greetings

My crafting time has been limited lately due to some health issues with my father, but I recently made these for a technique swap, quarter fold card .   I think they turned out quite cute and they were so easy.  They are a great way to use up scraps and leftover embellishments.  Now that I have made them I see the fun potential...would be great as a gift card or treat holder.  

Thanks for looking!

Marie

Make a Wish

This is an oldie but a goodie...I love this image, Cupcake Fun from Sassy Cheryl's.  Isn't he just so cute peeking around that cupcake?  I do love coloring him.

Here's the Details:
Image:  Cupcake Fun colored with Prismacolor pencils
Sentiment:  Chipboard stickers from K & Co.
Papers:  from my stash
Extras:  green burlap ribbon, CM circle cutter, chipboard hat sticker

Hope you are having a crafty day!
Marie

Birthday Fairy Dee

Finally got some coloring in...I love this little fairy, Birthday Fairy Dee, from Mo's Digital Pencil.  

Here's the Details:
Image:  Birthday Fairy Dee from Mo's Digital Pencil colored with Prismcolor pencils.
Sentiment:  came with image
Papers:  BoBunny from my scrap basket and black cardstock
Extras:  rhinestone brads, Oriental Trading Paper flowers, sheer ribbon, CM circle cutter.

Thanks for stopping by!
Marie

It's All About the Music

Another swap card...the theme was "It's All About the Music".  So, after going through all my stuff...stamps, embellishments, stickers, etc...I came across these pretty sheet music vellum.  I knew I really wanted to use it, but really had no other musical embellishments, so....to the computer.  I searched for vintage instrument images and found several, but I really liked this one.  Added a little shimmery ribbon from my stash, layered the image on a gold piece of chipboard, added a few flowers, and layered the vellum....done!  I am really happy with the way it came out.  I hope my partner is too!

Thanks for looking!  
Marie

Sketch Fun....I couldn't make just one!

Recently I participated in a sketch challenge on a FB group.  The sketch is just perfect for Inchies or Twinchies which I have quite a few from swaps, so....

Here is what I came up with.  I used Inchies/Twinchies from past swaps; papers and ribbons from my scrap basket.

Happy crafting!

Marie

Fun Photo Cards

 

I joined in a challenge that involved you making cards using a photo.  Well, I couldn't decide on which to use so I did all three. These were so fun & fast...and I love them!  I used embellishments in my scrap basket. The Asian ones also include a few Bo Bunny stickers and Cricut cuts from a swap.  This was a fun swap and now gives me ideas for all those extra photos I take!  

Thanks for looking!
                           Marie

One of My Favorite Cards

 This is one of my favorite cards to make!  I love the double pocket, especially when giving a gift card or money.  I can put the gift card in one pocket with the tag and then a little treat in the other.

This one I made for a swap and it is a "scrappy card", everything came from my scrap basket...even the sticker and ribbon.  I wanted it to be more masculine, so instead of a bow like I usually use to secure it, I used a belly band.  

If you have not made this card yet, you need to give it a try.

                                                                                                   Marie

Snow Happy Card

Can you tell I am really loving this glitter technique?  I had one more sticker, so used the glitter technique again.  the snowflakes and top border where the last of the sticker sheet.  I added a strip of purple glitter paper and a few rhinestones...fun card!  I like the non-traditional snow colors.  

So, have you tried glittering a sticker yet?
                                                                     Marie

Olive You!

Quick share...this is a card I created for a swap.  We had to make a Peek-a-boo card with a Valentine theme. I only have 2 Valentine stamp sets, so...with those I out I started looking through my supplies.  While trying to come up with something, I came across the heart cuts...not sure what they were from, but they were already cut and ready to go.  The pink and green color scheme was perfect for the olive stamp, so...now to just put it all together.  Love when things fall in place like that.  I added some Diamond Stickles to the cut for a little sparkle.  Done!  Not bad for a scrappy card!

Thanks for stopping by!
                                 Marie

Memory Frames

I can finally share with you the two memory frames I created for Christmas presents.  

The first one is of my mother-in-law.  I used a few photos we had, some things that were special to her that she kept with her int he nursing home, and some dried flowers from one of the funeral arrangements.   

The second one is of my Mom-Mom & Pop-Pop, and was for my father.  Again, I used items we had saved...that reminded us of them.  The photos were ones my dad picked out.  

I really like how they both came out.  Now, instead of these 'treasures & memories' being in a cardboard box somewhere, they are on display where we can appreciate them and are reminded of all the wonderful memories we have.

                                                Thanks for looking!

                                                                         Marie

My Favorite Things

I wanted to share a fun ladies night we had with the neighborhood Women's Club.  We had a Favorite Things Party.  First I asked everyone to tell me their favorite song when they RSVP'd and I created a playlist to use as background music and to queue us as to who's turn it was.  Each person was insturcted to bring 5 of their favorite things under $5 each.  It could be ANYTHING!  Beauty product, kitchen item, recipe with samples, etc.  We got such a variety....almond milk, frozen garlic tabs, chocolate, caramal apples, fashion tape, fuzzy socks, mini flower arrangements, purse organizers, etc.  So, when your song came on you would get up and tell about your favorite thing...why it was your favorite, where you got it, how much.  Then you would pick 5 names out of the basket and give your items to those ladies.  Each person went home with 5 new things to try.  It was really a lot of fun...so much that we are going to make it a regular part of our annual meeting!

My five things I received were:  flower arrangement (so pretty & I got to keep the vase), mini spatula for make up bottles (can't wait to try this - I always hate through out those bottles that you know there is still some in there but you can't get it), fashion tape (always a good thing to have), caramal, chocolate apple (YUM!), and a super, cute dish brush (brightens my day when I am doing dishes).  

I can not wait until next year!
                                             Marie

Snow Many Snowmen!

So, I have really been trying to use up some of the things I have...many I have just been holding on to for that "perfect project".  I created these cards with a sheet of stickers that I have literally had for years!  The were a little boring on their own, plain vellum stickers.  I put the stickers onto white cards stock, cut it into fun shapes, and added glitter...lots of glitter.  Remember, I did that before?  The card bases are from a premade glitter card and envelope set.  I added a strip of white border punched with a Martha Stewart snowflake punch, scrap of pretty designer paper, and a snowflake brad.  Simple, but I love them....the sparkle on the sticker just transforms them.  

Hope you are having a crafty day!  
                                              Marie

Trying Something New....

So, one of the groups that I am an administrator for needed an angel for a swap.  It was a technique swap that I had not signed up for as I was pretty busy, but....you do what you have to.  The technique, Retiform Grid Technique, really didn't look very interesting to me...However, I love this card!  I used a CTMH
 set of stamps ( Art Philosophy - Celebration) and inks in green, purple, and pink.  For the cupcake, I water colored it with a blender pen.  You can't see it in the picture, but I added a little sparkle to the "frosting" with a Gelly Roll glitter pen.  I then pop dotted the sentiment and added the little crochet flower, button, and twine - all from my stash.  I think I will probably try this one again.  

Happy Crafting!
                    Marie