the paper bug

True Blue

2011-03-04T15:01:00.008-05:00

Here's another card I made for this weeks challenge on the Your Next Stamp blog. I used a stamp called Birthday Surprise Fhiona from Your Next Stamp for my image, omitting the balloons she came with. She looked so cheerful, and since I didn't want to make another birthday card, I used her for a thank you card instead. I think it works well. She's so versatile!

I also used the sketch on the Friday Sketchers blog for my design.

What do you think?

Ingredients -

Paper: Basic Grey, SU Bashful Blue Cardstock

Stamps: Your Next Stamp-Birthday Surprise Fhiona, SU Sentiment

Ink: Copic Markers; E000, E53, E55, E57, B91, B95, B97

Embellishments: Lace Ribbon (not sure of source), Cuttlebug Embossing Folder

Rebecca

Blue Skies

2011-03-04T08:04:00.009-05:00

Happy Friday!

My friend and I stopped into a scrapbook shop I've never been in before and I found this little treasure - a stamp from 'Your Next Stamp'. Her name is Fhiona. So cute! Don't you think?

I've altered the stamped image slightly by adding two more balloons (the stamp has one). Since I wanted her to look like she was floating up in the clouds, I thought it was more practical for her to have a few balloons lifting her up. I also paper pieced the balloons. The sky was made by punching decorative paper with my SU scalloped oval punch. I got the idea from a card posted on Splitcoast Stampers here.

I made this card for this weeks challenge on the 'Your Next Stamp' challenge blog. To participate, check out the blog here.

What do you think?

Ingredients -

Paper: Basic Grey, SU cardstock, Scenic Route, Echo Park

Stamp: Your Next Stamp - Fhiona

Ink: Copic Markers; R30, R32, Y21, Y23, Y26, E000, E00

Embellishments: SU vintage brad, SU scallop oval punch

Rebecca

Kraftin' Kimmie's Gone Pink!

2011-03-03T00:02:00.012-05:00

This weeks inspiration on the ABC Challenge blog is to make a pink card and the challenge is sponsored by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps. They're my favourite stamps! I couldn't resist taking on this challenge.

For my card I used Judy from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps. The sentiment came with the stamp too. What do you think?

Rebecca

Ingredients: Stamps: Kraftin' Kimmie, Paper: SU Cardstock, TGF paper, Embellishments: SU Buttons, Ink: Copic Markers; E30, E31, E53, E55, E57, R32, R35, R37, R20, E00, E000, B01

Saturday Anya Sketch

2011-03-01T00:00:00.001-05:00

I'm a sucker for a card sketch challenge! I love it. This weeks Saturday sketch on the Club Anya blog was no exception. Sometimes it brings me out of my comfort zone to try different layouts that I'd never think of trying. It can be so inpiring. ;)

Here's a card I made for the Saturday Sketch;

What do you think?

Hope you're having a great day!

Rebecca

Kraftin' Kimmie - Challenge #64

2011-02-28T03:46:00.005-05:00

I'm partipating in an older challenge on the Kraftin' Kimmie blog. The challenges are such an inspiration! This challenge's theme is "Seeing Red" and our card must be mostly red. Well....it's my favourite colour! Loved this challenge! Since my eye is constantly drawn to red decorative paper, I had tons of it to choose from in my paper stash.

For my card I used Chester from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps.

What do you think?

Rebecca

Kraftin' Kimmie - Challenge #65

2011-02-28T03:40:00.006-05:00

I decided to participate in a challenge on the Kraftin' Kimmie blog - a special recipe challenge! It's a challenge from Donna, and I've gotta tell ya, it's a tough one for me!

The recipe challenge is to use 3 main colours, 2 patterned papers, 1 ribbon and 1 button. Oh boy!

For my card I used Gabrielle from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps.

What do you think?

Rebecca

Kraftin' Kimmie - Challenge #66

2011-02-28T03:32:00.007-05:00

Here's a card I made for a challenge on the Kraftin' Kimmie blog. It's a sketch challenge from Elaine. I love sketch challenges!

I made my card using Natalie the Knitter from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps. I altered her hair a bit by omitting her braids.

What do you think?

Rebecca

Krafty Challenge #67

2011-02-27T11:28:00.011-05:00

This weeks Kraftin' Kimmie challenge was to create a card using scallops. For my card, I used cutey, Judy. I just LOVE her! I used one of the sentiments that came with the stamp on my card. I love that most of the Kraftin' Kimmie stamps come with a sentiment. It makes things SO much easier, doesn't it?

Here's my card for the challenge:

What do you think? Hope you're enjoying your weekend!

Rebecca

Friday Sketchers - Feb 25th

2011-02-25T12:42:00.006-05:00

Here's my card for this weeks Friday Sketchers. I used paper from Echo Park and copics to colour in my Anya image from The Greeting Farm. What do you think?

Have a great day!

Rebecca

CCT Challenge!

2011-02-25T09:16:00.012-05:00

Hi there!

This weeks challenge on the Cute Card Thursday blog is to create a card using this sketch:

Since the challenge is being sponsored by Kraftin' Kimmie stamps, I decided to use one of their stamps on my card. Here's my interpretation of the sketch:

I used the stamp called, "Natalie the Knitter" and coloured the image using my copics. What do you think?

Rebecca

Cheep! Cheep!

2011-02-24T07:35:00.001-05:00

Yay! Spring is coming soon! I actually heard the birds tweeting outside the other day so I riffled through my stamps and found this cute little birdie. He's from the set called, "Cheep Talk" made by Stampin' Up.

I used my SU markers to ink up the stamps in different colours to create this image.

What do you think?

Rebecca

Farm Fresh Fun!

2011-02-23T07:31:00.000-05:00

This card was made for this weeks Farm Fresh Challenge on The Greeting Farm Blog. The challenge is to use 2-3 different textures on your card/project. I added a blue corduroy brad (one of my faves), and dry embossed some of the pink paper you see in the background.

What do you think?

Rebecca

Friday Sketcher Challenge

2011-02-22T19:08:00.008-05:00

For inspiration I decided to check out this weeks sketch challenge on the Friday Sketchers blog. Here is my take on the sketch:

I've never made a monochromatic card before so I thought I'd give it a try. What do you think?

Rebecca

Happy Friday!

2010-09-17T00:00:00.001-04:00

Here is a card I made using a sweet stamp from Motivet. The squirrel's name is Doraline. The artist of this stamp, Marina Neira, has also illustrated several animal stamps for The Greeting Farm. You should check them out. They're adorable!

I used copic markers to colour in the image: E31, R32, Y21, E50, C2, B95. The sentiment is from Stampin' Up. I also used some Maya Road Trim around the circle. It's such beautiful pleated ribbon!

What do you think?

Hello Kitty!

2010-09-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

I made this card as a response to my friend's Clean & Simple challenge. I used a retired stamp called Reeta from The Greeting Farm. I used SU Whisper White cardstock and Bazzill teal cardstock. The sentiment is from Stampin' Up.

What do you think?

Cheeky Birthday

2010-09-15T00:00:00.005-04:00

I made this card for my friend using a stamp from The Greeting Farm's Cheeky Collection. The decorative paper is from Tim Holtz, and the flowers were from the SU stamp, Fifth Avenue Floral. I stamped the flowers, watercoloured them and cut them out. The ribbon is my fave new ribbon. It's fantastic! It's from Maya Road and it's pleated. My hubby calls them "curtains". Hehee.

I used copic markers to colour in the stamped image. The colours I used were: E000, E00, E02, YG67, R81, B000, E35 and E04. The sentiment is from the Stampin' Up set called Teeny Tiny Wishes.

What do you think?

Angelic Wishes

2010-09-14T00:00:00.001-04:00

I never regret purchasing digital stamps from Mo's Digital Pencil. Mo Manning's images are always so full of life. It's no surprise to learn that she's a children's illustrator and author. Here's a card I created using the "Sending Peace" digital stamp. It can be found here.

I made this card for my friend who'll be giving it to her mother-in-law for her birthday. She loves angels.

I used some fantastic new paper as an overlay on the blue cardstock. It's paper from a company called Shizen Designs. Gorgeous and shimmery too! I used copic markers to colour the image. The copic markers I used were: C2, E50, E000, E00, E35, B000 and B95. I also added some silver glitter to her dress too.

What do you think?

Vintage Birthday

2010-09-13T00:00:00.002-04:00

My Grandma's birthday is coming up next week and I wanted to make her a special birthday card. I'm really diggin' this stamp from the Cheeky Collection at The Greeting Farm as I love all things vintage.

I used some shimmery red Bazzill cardstock, some Cosmo Cricket decorative paper, vanilla Bazzill cardstock, Ranger tea dye to sponge the edges, and a brad from Stampin' Up's vintage brad collection. The sentiment is from Stampin' Up as well. I added some black pleated ribbon, or as my hubby likes to call it, "curtains", to the bottom of the red cardstock strip.

Copic Markers used: R29, E000, E00, E02, R81, E35, YG63 (Eyes)

What do you think?

Round & round we go...

2010-09-06T11:34:00.010-04:00

This weeks Saturday Sketch at ClubAnya was created by Pam Varnell and it's a circle card! I used a lid from a tin canister found in my kitchen since I don't own any fancy circle cutters.

I've been dying to use some polka dot paper I picked up from my recent trip to the stamp store and thought one of the stamps from TGF's Cheeky collection would be a good match. Sorta vintag-y but colourful too!

I used Ruby Red SU cardstock and some of my fave dp: Cosmo Cricket. I coloured in the image using copic markers and added a Cosmo Cricket ribbon for some added flair. I'm not sure if you can tell, but it's velvet. Perfect for our Cheeky girl!

What do you think?

Sunshine-y Anya

2010-08-29T11:17:00.007-04:00

Well, hello there!

Another beautiful Sunday here in Toronto and here I am relaxing indoors. Summer may be ending, but Anya's out there enjoying every minute. I made this card using an Anya stamp from The Greeting Farm. My inspiration came from this weeks Farm Fresh Friday sketch challenge on TGF's blog: http://www.splendidstamping.blogspot.com/ , as well as a colour challenge I found on Splitcoast Stampers (CC284). Typically I shy away from using red and green together unless I'm making Christmas cards, but add a little pink, and it's got a cheery life of its own to it! I just loved this colour combo challenge. The pink dp from Basic Grey was fun to use too.

What do you think?

Rebecca

Christmas is coming!

2010-08-23T09:57:00.001-04:00

Top o’ the mornin’ to ya!

I hope you had a great weekend! Over the past few weeks I’ve been working on some Christmas cards. Have you started yours? I’m not trying to brag – really. My hubby and I have been watching 24 on DVD so I just starting colouring some Christmas-y images while watching.

Have you made any so far? How many do you typically make if you do? Feel free to leave a link in your message to any holiday cards you’ve made. I’d love to see them!

Goldilocks!

2010-08-22T11:13:00.005-04:00

Hi there!

Hope you're enjoying your day so far. It's quite rainy and a bit cool here near Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I just got home from church and took home only one thought, and that is that God can make something good from your failures in life. We're all flawed, and we all make mistakes, so this is comforting to hear.

Today I thought I'd share a fun card I made while enjoying crop night at Scrapalicious in Mississauga a few weeks ago. I really like some of the Kraftin' Kimmie stamps out there. They're really fun and whimsical. I find they're really eye catching too - different from the norm. Anywho, this card was made from their Goldilocks stamp. I raised the three bears she's holding with some foam and used my copic markers to give her some life.

What do you think?

Have a great day!

Rebecca

2010-07-16T06:43:00.005-04:00

Happy Friday!

It's finally Friday! How was your week? Mine was awesome. I was on vacay just hanging out at home AND it was my birthday. I have such awesome friends. I've been treated to a dinner theatre show, received an amazing camera from my hubby, and have been lunch-ing it up with friends all week! Sunday will be a lot of fun too. My friend Kathy is taking me to the zoo! I haven't been since I was a kid and since we both love animals, we should have a ton of fun! Can't wait to share some pics of the animals with you all. ;)

Anywho during the week I've been taking a whole bunch of photos of cards I've made over the last few months. Shocking that I hadn't taken them before, but with a broken camera, what can you do? Here are a few of my faves I'd like to share with you;

This card was made with a stamp from Kraftin' Kimmie. The name of the stamp is, "Piper". Isn't she sweet? I just love her!

I used copic markers to bring her to life, some Basic Grey paper, and machine stitched each piece for some added texture.

The next one was made with a sweet Sugar Nellie stamp. Though I'm not typically fan of the colour pink, I found myself reaching for this Basic Grey paper a few too many times!

The image was brought to life with, you guessed it, copics again. ;)

I'll leave you with a third today. I think I used some Cosmo Cricket paper on this one. I love that paper! I enjoy using some bold, but not too bright colours on my projects. The stamped image is Anya from The Greeting Farm. She's one of my fave characters.

I used copics to bring Anya to life, and machine stitched the card, even the little punched out "Thinking of You"!

Well, that's all I have for you today. I really hope you enjoy your Friday. Can't wait for the weekend!

All cards listed can be found for sale in my online shop; http://www.thepaperbug.etsy.com/

God Bless ;)

Rebecca

I'm back!

2010-07-15T07:00:00.001-04:00

Yay! I finally, finally have a new camera. My camera broke months ago and I've been sad ever since..

My husband gave me a new camera for my birthday and I wasted no time taking pictures! What a great camera too! It's a Sony DSLR. LOVE it! Here are some photos I took earlier today.

I felt so out of the loop from the card-making world. Now I can get back in and start taking up some card challenges. I'm SO inspired! Yay!

Rebecca

TGF Digi Stamps

2010-01-25T17:08:00.006-05:00

Yesterday The Greeting Farm gave away a free digi stamp on their blog. Yay! Here's what I did with it. I think it's called Mer-Ian. Lol.

The picture is sub-standard due to low light and camera issues (I dropped it one too many times).

What do you think?

Rebecca

Stamping on a Budget - Week 4: Shopping

2009-12-21T00:01:00.006-05:00

Good morning!
Welcome to another edition of Stamping on a Budget. Today I'm going to share some ideas with you on shopping. Though you may already know some of these tips, it can be a good reminder from time to time. Enjoy!

Craft Store Coupons
Be wise when using these. Unless you live next door to the store, is it really worth saving a few bucks? Most companies offer coupons just to get you into their stores. Don’t get sucked in! Unless you really need something like adhesive, don’t go! You could end up spending an hour in there, spending hundreds of dollars, and only saving $5 on your one item. The same goes for gift cards. You probably have enough supplies at home to create your project. Review your inventory before you leave the house.

Dollar Stores
Though some items may not be the quality you’re looking for, they may have some nice punches, papers, stickers, and adhesive available for your projects.

Thrift Stores
Old books can be used for backgrounds on cards. Pictures in books, or just plain text pages can create an interesting look.

Get it FREE
Save some money before you buy those colourful stamping magazines. Check out Splitcoaststampers online for ideas instead of spending your hard-earned money on a magazine with limited ideas. Splitcoast is filled with ideas for projects, layouts, and techniques and it's all free!

Instead of purchasing a die cut, check out what's online first. You can print out some templates, cut them out and trace them onto an old cereal box back to ensure it can be used again and again. Some die cut templates I've found online are;

http://www.imag-e-nation.com/free_printables.htm
http://www.ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/templates.htm

Print your own sentiments on the computer using a word processor, or keep an alphabet stamp set on hand to create your own sentiments. You'll get just the sentiment you were looking for without spending extra money on a stamp. Chances are, you would have only used that sentiment a few times anyway.

Google "card sentiment ideas". There are tons of phrases and printable sentiments online. Tons!

Organize a swap
Do you ever tire of the images you have on hand but don’t have money to purchase new stamps? Organize a swap with your stamping friends. It doesn't need to be large, just a couple of stamping friends will do. Check out this link for more details on how to go about organizing one. It can be a lot of fun!
http://stamping.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/09/stamp_swap.php

Prepare
If you’re like me and you’re somewhat impulsive and spontaneous, you probably won’t even think ahead about exactly what you need, what you’ll be using your coupon for, or what your budget is. Think of it like a grocery list and stick to it.

Heads Up!
Shops are designed so that there’s always something around to catch your eye. If you plan on only going in to purchase adhesive, save a few bucks and look up. Of course, watch where you’re walking but try to focused more on what’s above the shelves and walls. Typically you’ll see only boring steel beams and those beams will save you lots of moolah.

When shopping online walk away from the computer and come back later to see if you're still interested in purchasing the items you've placed in your cart. I've saved hundreds from doing this.

Excitement

We can get pretty excited about the idea of finding new treasures when shopping, but it can cost us big bucks. Try and think ahead to how you might feel after shopping. Will you feel shopper’s guilt? Will your purchase be used within a few days, or just sit in the corner in its bag?

Think
Keep asking yourself, “Do I really need it?”

What to buy
Try to stick to only basic coloured inks; brown, red, black, yellow, and blue. These can go a long way and be used on just about all of your projects. Instead of buying different coloured embossing powders, use the different inks you have on hand to stamp an image, and use a clear embossing powder to achieve the same effect. Lastly, choose stamps that can be used on cards for several different occasions.

Hope you enjoyed this weeks edition of Stamping on a Budget. Please leave comments below if you have any cost saving tips to share.

Rebecca

Meet Antoinette!

2009-12-18T00:01:00.005-05:00

It's been a long week! My son is finally out of school for the holidays too. He's thrilled, but how do I keep him busy next week? We're going to meet with friends after church Sunday to play laser tag with the kids. Hopefully we'll get enough snow to go tobagganing next week too.

Remember that Kraftin' Kimmie card I showed you the other day? Well here's a card I made with the second stamp I purchased. Her name is Antoinette.

My card is based on this week's sketch (#47) on Inspirational Card Sketches . Supplies used are as follows;
Copic markers; Y21, Y26, E00, E02, W3, C2, R29, B0000, E33, E37, and Copic At You Spica Clear Glitter pen
Paper: SU Whisper White, SU Black, SU So Saffron, SU Real Red, Cosmo Cricket Jolly by Golly, Cosmo Cricket Early Bird
Ribbon: unknown
Stamps: All are Krafin' Kimmie
Buttons: SU So Saffron

After a job interview the other day I just happened to be within a few kilometres of the same store I purchased these stamps at. So what do you think happened? I bought two more of course! They were about $8-$10 each. Don't tell my hubby!!

I'll post another card showing off the other two stamps soon. What do you think? Isn't she just so wonderfully whimsical?! I love her!

Happy Friday!

Rebecca

BLOG HOP!

2009-12-17T06:01:00.003-05:00

Are you ready for another Creative Clear Stamps Blog Hop?!

I am so excited and this time EVERYONE can join and share their Creative Vision using their favourite Creative Clear Stamps. Be sure to stop by the Design Team members blogs: Jennie, Linda, Shelly, Lisa, Laura, as well as the very creative and talented Olga, Patti, and Theresa.

Laura will also be giving away a new release to one lucky commenter from one of the blog comments, so be sure leave a comment at each stop. You just never know whose blog will be picked! You can look for the announcement of the winner over on the Creative Clear Stamps Blog: A Fairy Creative Place.

I made this card using stamps from my favourite holiday set, Let it Snow. I just love the sentiments that go along with it! I tried to make this card as clean and simply as I could. LOL!

Happy hopping!

Rebecca

Kraftin' Kimmie

2009-12-16T00:01:00.002-05:00

Have you noticed these stamps yet? They're Kraftin' Kimmie stamps and I just love them! They're so fun, cute and whimsical. I found some for sale at my local scrapbook shop and picked up two. I'm pretty sure they'll become a quick obsession. Here's a card I made with one of the stamps. Her name is Clara.

Tell me what you think. Do you love her?

Rebecca

BLOG HOP THURSDAY!

2009-12-15T14:05:00.001-05:00

Creative Clear Stamps is having another Blog Hop that can feature YOU and your Creative Vision! Our current Design Team Jennie, Linda, Shelly, Lisa and Rebecca will be sharing with you a project created using their favorite CCS set.

We also want YOU to participate by creating a project using YOUR favorite Creative Clear Stamp set. We are all going to link them together over on the Creative Clear Stamps Blog and that is not all..... Each customer that participates using CCS stamps will receive ONE of the brand new releases coming out in January. It is just Creative Clear Stamp's way of saying THANK YOU for helping us grow!

Here's what you should do:

1. Create a brand new project FEATURING ANY stamp from our line of Creative Clear Stamps. This project should not include stamps from any other stamp company.

2. Email Laura creative-vision@hotmail.com and let her know you will be joining the hop. Include a link to your main blog. Also include your full name and mailing address - so Laura can send you your FREE new Release in January. All links must be given to Laura no later than December 16th.

3. On the 17th, make sure your CCS Blog Hop project remains in the top position for the day on your blog.

Doing these three things will qualify you to receive ONE Free New Release. Laura, owner of CCS, reserves the right to disqualify any project or blog hop link that does not follow the guidelines of this special offer.

Our customers are the best and we appreciate you. So mark your calendar's for December 17th and hope you can hop along to a free stamp set soon!

Rebecca

It's what's inside that counts...

2009-12-15T08:51:00.002-05:00

G'day!

A few weeks ago, a very wise man expressed to me that we should be complimenting others by mentioning their kindness and strengths rather than what they look like on the inside (ie. your hair looks great, or I love your blouse!). Comments on the inner self are much more memorable too, don't you think?

Anyway, to remind me of this I've used one of my favourite stamps from CCS, a sentiment reading, "I admire your strength and courage" on a card.

This phrase is great for a few different occassions. It's a great stamp to have on hand. It's a nice sympathy gesture for sure, or it can just be an encouraging word for a close friend. What would you use it for? Do you have someone in mind that could use a message such as this?

Rebecca

Club Anya Blog Hop!

2009-12-14T19:00:00.007-05:00

I'm so excited to be part of another Club Anya blog hop! The new Anya stamps are just SO adorable! Check out Club Anya to see what I mean. Blog hop deets are there too so you can hop along.

Here's a card I made using an older Anya stamp. It's an oldie, but a goodie. ;)

I used flower soft for her jacket trim, scarf, ear muffs, and boots. The following copic markers were used to colour this very sweet Anya image;

Hair: Y21, Y26; Scarf: B12, G28, Y06, R11, R22; Jacket: R11, R22; Boots: R22

What do you think? Hope you had a great weekend!

Rebecca

Stamping on a Budget - Week 3: RRR

2009-12-14T12:54:00.005-05:00

REDUCE, REUSE, and RECYCLE!

Hello and welcome to The Paper Bug's third edition of Stamping on a Budget. This week we're looking at ways of saving money as well as the environment. Listed are a few ways of finding materials for stamping around your home. A good place to start is in your blue bin.

Cereal Boxes
You can use the cardboard used to make cereal boxes for all kinds of things. Here are a few;
-stamp on the unprinted side and mount on your card
-make bookmarks
-tags
-use a piece in an envelope to help deter bending when mailing out your cards
-use as a stamping mat

Scrap paper
Different sized pieces of scrap paper are great for making;
-tags
-quilt pattern cards
-small note cards
-chocolate nugget wrappers

Envelopes
Inquire at your local card shop or pharmacy about what they do with the extra envelopes from their greeting cards. Sometimes if you ask, they’ll place them aside for you, or if you’re really lucky, a card company representative, though our mortal enemy, may have some out of season colours they can give you. My mother used to have a local pharmacy keep a bunch in a box for her. She used them for contest entries. Who cares about the colour or the size? It just makes them a little more unique.

Use Natural Stuff
This can be a lot of fun. Take a look outside. See if you can find twigs, birch bark, feathers, shells, flower petals, or leaves. Only use the items that fall from trees naturally. Oh, and that means birds too. ;)

Other stuff around the house;
Wrapping Paper, old calendars, junk mail and postage stamps can be colourful and themed. It’s easy to keep scraps of wrapping paper for birthday and Christmas cards. Calendars are great for background scenes on your cards, and using punches on some reclaimed stuff around the house might be fun too!

Tune in again next Monday for some more cost saving stamping tips. If you have any clever ideas on stamping on a budget just leave a comment below.

Have a great day!

Rebecca

Gabby's Challenge

2009-12-09T11:54:00.008-05:00

Gabby is this month's guest designer at The Greeting Farm and she's come up with a really fun colour combo for this week's Farm Fresh Friday challenge. Here are the colours we're to use for our cards/projects;

Since Kiwi Kiss and Baja Breeze are Stampin' Up's "IN" colours from last year, I don't have them on hand. Alternatively we're able to use similar colours if we need to so I used Old Olive and Bashful Blue.

I really love these colours together and have been enjoying this challenge quite a bit. Here are a few cards I've made for this challenge;

What do you think?

Hope you have a great day!

Rebecca

Spreading Holiday Cheer!

2009-12-08T10:31:00.003-05:00

Today I'd like to share a make-your-own-gift idea that your recipients will love. Check out this little tag box.

You can whip up these boxes fairly quickly for last minute gift ideas for teachers, co-workers, bus drivers, dog walkers, basically anyone you can think of! The stamp I used is from the Let it Snow set from Creative Clear Stamps. It's the perfect sentiment and size for this project. Not only that, but it's super quick to embellish your project with this stamp. No colouring in images. I like that!

Check out this link for details on how to make these boxes.

Now what to fill it with.....? I'm filling mine up with chocolates, but I guess you could also use cookies or handmade soap. Any ideas you may have are welcome!

Have fun!

Rebecca

Friday Sketchers & TGF Colour Challenge

2009-12-04T11:08:00.003-05:00

Happy Friday!

I just came across a really amazing blog called Friday Sketchers. They have some really awesome card sketches each week to try out. This weeks sketch is by the woman who runs the blog, Beatrix. I love the sketch! I can't wait to go back and check out all the other sketches and play around with some of them. Fun!

For this weeks sketch I made this card:

I used a sweet little stamp from The Greeting Farm. What do you think?

Over at the farm's blog they also have a colour challenge this week. Check out the blog to see what the colours are and what prizes are up for grabs. Hope you play along!

Rebecca

Stamping on a Budget - Week Two: Faking it

2009-11-30T17:32:00.012-05:00

If you can't beat 'em, fake it.

Yeah, that's right, fake it. Today we're looking at ways of getting WAY more mileage out of some of the tools you may already have. I've browsed through tons of cards and projects wishing I had what looks like the amount of tools some people have. I mean, I just can't buy all that stuff, I wish I could, but I just can't keep up. Feel the same way? Yeah, thought so. Here are a few ways to create the same look while saving a few bucks.

Nestabilities
Just by cutting your cardstock, then turning the die and cutting again, you can create some really nice looking shapes for your projects. Check out Melanie's blog for all the deets on what you can create and how.

Big Shot
A ton of people own the Big Shot Top Note die. It's perfect for backgrounds on cards. Here's an old card I made using the die.

Did you know that, like the nesties, by turning the die you can create a totally different look? Here's a card I made a while ago with the altered top note die.

See, tons of people will have the die, but not many people think to use it this way. They'll be begging you to tell them where you bought this new die! Hehee.

Tune in next Monday for some more tips on stamping on a budget.

Rebecca

Stamping on a Budget - Week One: Digital

2009-11-30T16:50:00.020-05:00

I don't know about you, but I love to browse through Split Coast to see if there are any stamps I've either never noticed before, or maybe some new ones that catch my eye. Since I lost my job I've had to get a little more creative to stretch my craft budget. I of course have mounds of paper that should last me to eternity, being a paper hoarder, but the desire to always buy more paper, stamps and tools is always there too. Here are some ideas on how to stretch that budget.

Consider using digital stamps

I know this is stretching your comfort zone if you're a hardcore stamper because there's no rubber or ink involved. It took a lot for me to wrap my mind around the idea, but you know what, there are so many benefits to them. Here are a few;

>Budget Friendly - you can often find digital stamps for as low as a third of the price you'd pay for the same rubberized image.

>Space Saving - save it to your computer and you're done! Just don't forget to back up your files. Oh, I guess I should probably do that myself. ;)

>Instant Gratification - shop from home and often receive the digital files instantly, or within 24 hours. No longer wait a week or two for your stamps to arrive before you can play! No shipping costs either!

>Size Matters - digital stamp files can quickly and easier be altered to suit your projects. Resize them, flip the stamp for a mirror-image look, add, colour, or alter them in other creative ways.

>Freebies - it's a lot easier for stamp companies to offer free stamp images without the cost of shipping. Most companies that carry digital stamps also offer free trial images. If you're not sure and want to try before you buy, there are several out there that offer these.

>Earth-friendly - with digital you never need to worry about packaging and little energy is waster in the delivery.

Here are some of my favourite stamp companies that offer digital stamps;

Dz Doodles
Dustin Pike
All That Scraps
Mo's Digital Pencil Shop
The Greeting Farm

Here are some cards I've made with digital stamps;

digital stamp from All That Scraps

digital stamp from The Greeting Farm

digital stamp freebie from Dustin Pike

digital stamp from Dz Doodles

Tune in next Monday for another great cost-saving tip!

Rebecca

Foil Embossing Tutorial

2009-11-30T16:35:00.009-05:00

Hello there!

I've got some great tips on a new technique today. It's called foil embossing. That's right, like tin foil you find at the grocery store. It's so easy and the results are so cool!

Here's what you'll need:

Tin foil (heavy duty works best)
Embossing folder
Cuttlebug (or other die cut machine)
Cardstock
Adhesive

Start by cutting a piece of tin foil about 5-1/2"x4-1/2". Place your foil inside your embossing folder carefully. This foil is fragile stuff! If you're using a cuttlebug, lay the A plate down, then the B plates, sandwiching your folder between the B plates.

After running it through the cuttlebug, your foil should look something like this;

Next, apply your choice of adhesive liberally to a piece of cardstock about the same size as the foil. Place foil on cardstock and pat gently as not to tear the foil. We're attaching the foil to the cardstock so it'll be easier to trim the edges of the foil without as much tearing.

Trim your foil to the size you desire and position it to your card. Here is my finished card;

I used the cute little snowman stamp from the "Let it Snow" set from Creative Clear Stamps.

Hope you enjoyed this simply but eye catching technique. The foil look is great for the holidays, but could also be beautiful when making wedding or shower cards as well.

Have fun!

Rebecca

Dry Embossing Tutorial

2009-11-24T09:04:00.013-05:00

Hello There!

Happy Tuesday! Okay, so there isn't much happy about Tuesday, but at least Monday's over. I have a new technique I'd like to show you. It's called dry embossing. I'll show you what I mean.

I took an ordinary embossing folder and made a really cool backdrop for a sentiment I really liked from Creative Clear Stamps. This background is also really cool when making Holiday cards. It has such an icy cool snowy look when it's blue. How did I achieve this look you might ask? It's SO simple you're not going to believe it!

Supplies needed:
Plain cardstock (I used Very Vanilla)
Ink pad (I used Bashful Blue)
Embossing folder
Die cut machine
Paper cutter
A big cup of tea

First, take your ink pad, open the embossing folder and smoosh ink all over the inside of the folder. Only one side is needed.

Next carefully place your paper inside the folder. Close your embossing folder and run it through the die cut machine as you normally would.

Tada! Your finished product should look something like this;

Just sit it out for a few minutes to fully dry, trim, and you're ready to use it on your projects. Pretty cool looking effect, right? You can experiment with so many different types of ink, paper and embossing folders. It's so fun! Here's my finished card.

Have fun!

Disclaimer: I am not responsible for any addiction resulting in experimenting with this technique. Please seek help if your craft room is filled with dry embossed cardstock.

Rebecca

Another WILD card...no this isn't Crazy Eights..

2009-11-18T00:00:00.001-05:00

I'm having a lot of fun with the second wild week on the TGF blog. The challenge is to make a card/project using an animal designed by Marina Neira available at TGF. We're also challenged to use a sketch. Such fun! I tried really hard not to add additional embellishments to this card. I really wanted the bunny to stand out.

What do you think?

Check out some other designs for this challenge in the TGF gallery here.

Rebecca

It's all in the details...

2009-11-17T00:00:00.006-05:00

Hello!

I thought we could have some fun and think outside the box today. I'd like to share some ideas on how to make your Thanksgiving dinner party a little more unique. That is, if you're lucky enough to host Thanksgiving this year. You think I'm crazy to be saying you'd be lucky, right? Well, actually, the planning can be a lot of fun. I'll show you what I mean.

With the Turkey Day clear rubber stamp set from CCS you can really add some colourful flair to your holiday table. This set is definitely one of my favourites. I just love, love, love the little turkey included with the set. C'mon, he's adorable! If you're like me you don't have a ton of time to think and plan out the details. That's why I love this little turkey. He's about 1.5"x 1.5" round so I grabbed my circle punch and punched that turkey out! Don't worry, no actual turkeys were harmed...

Here's a placecard I made with him using some decorative paper I had on hand. I stuck with fall colours. Placecards are great because they leave a person feeling welcome and special. They're really easy to make too.

Another idea is to make some wine tags. You know, that way Uncle Bob won't get confused when he places his wine down and forgets which is his. Uncle Bob, you know, everyone has an Uncle Bob!

For the wine tags I used the gobble stamp from the same stamp set, punched it with my circle punch again and threaded some straw-like ribbon through it for a fall decor look. Again - a very easy project!

If you have some extra time you could sponge the sides to give it a warmer look or write names on the back of the wine tags to make them more personal. You could also use these punched out images on napkins rings. Don't own napking rings? That's okay! If you have some ribbon handy, simply tie the ribbon around the napkin, and add the stamped image to the ribbon with some glue dots. Remember that the rustic/messy look actually works well for fall.

Thanksgiving's coming soon! I'm so thankful for my good health and family. What are you thankful for?

Rebecca

Spa Day!

2009-11-15T13:27:00.040-05:00

Hi there!

Check out Club Anya today to see the new releases. There's a "Spa" blog hop going on today until 8pm CST. You can win prizes for leaving comments on the design team's blogs. Check it out!

Here are a few card samples made by the DT of the brand new images;

Aren't they super cute?! You can purchase these sweet images along with other new releases starting today at The Greeting Farm.

Have a great day, and good luck!

Rebecca

Wild Thang!

2009-11-15T00:00:00.010-05:00

There's a wild challenge going on at The Greeting Farm's blog. We're challenged to use some animal stamps as well as a sketch from Cindy Haffner. Check it out.

The challenge is actually a two week contest/guest designer search. They're looking for someone to work specifically with the WONDERFUL animal images by Marina Neira for the month of December. Are you interested? If so, you can read all about it here. Pretty exciting, isn't it?!

Here's my submission. I really enjoyed this sketch. I hope you try it out too.

For this card I used:

SU Not Quite Navy cardstock
SU Always Artichoke cardstock
Cosmo Cricket paper
Nestabilities Circle Embossing Die
SU Oval Punch
SU Scalloped Oval Punch
Copic Markers
White Jelly Roll pen for the faux stitching

What do you think?

Rebecca

Quick & Easy Technique

2009-11-13T08:30:00.001-05:00

While browsing through Splitcoast Stampers I found a fun technique to try out with limited supplies. Well, not only was it fun, but the technique was the perfect compliment to the sentiment stamp I've been wanting to use to make an encouraging card for my friend. Let me show you what I mean.

By scoring some ordinary white cardstock diagonally, and adding a textured background stamp, you're able to make your own background paper. It's quick and easy too! I've added some sponging in the hopes of bringing more attention to the sentiment stamp I was using.For full instructions on how to do this, go here.Have a great day!Rebecca

Wild!

2009-11-12T08:03:00.011-05:00

Hello!

It's Thursday and there's frost in the grass outside where I live. The cool air is quite refreshing actually. Our two dogs, Samurai and Abbey, are really enjoying the outdoor weather. They've been spending a great deal of time chasing each other in the backyard. Here are pictures of both of them in case you're an animal lover.

This is Samurai, a five year old golden retriever. We adopted him last February. He's a real sweetie, has the run of the house and sleeps on our bed. He's a real cuddle-bum. He's a lot bigger than this photo portrays him. He's waiting for a cookie.

Here's Abbey. Sort of named after Abbey Road I think. Anywho, she's a german shepherd cross and is about 16 weeks old now. We adopted her in September. She's very sweet as well and really looks up to her dog brother Sam. She's really good at night in regards to potty training and also sleeps in our room. It's a good thing we have a big bed!

We're waiting for her to grow into her huge satellite ears. Sometimes we just call her "Ears".

For this week's challenge on The Greeting Farm's blog: http://www.splendidstamping.blogspot.com/ , we're to make a card with certain images, images of wild animals. I love it! This is what I came up with. I'm sure I'll make more.

I used Cosmo Cricket paper, SU Cardstock (Not Quite Navy & Ruby Red), and added some embellishments with a Sizzix die cut. I love the bright colours on this card. I'm not usually a bright-coloured-card kinda girl. I mostly just stick with earthy colours. Brown and red are used a lot in my craft room. What about you? Do you have favourite colours?

Hope you have a great day!

Rebecca

November Already!

2009-11-03T08:52:00.009-05:00

Can you believe it's November already? I can't. I mean, wasn't it just Summer? I thought I had lots of time to start working on my holiday cards. Really. Is anyone else in the same boat?

I love using this cute little holiday set from Creative Clear Stamps. There are so many different card designs you can make from it and the sentiments make it really easy. If you're going to purchase just one set this year, make it this one!

Hope this helps to inspire your holiday card making. Have a great day!

Rebecca

2009-11-01T19:04:00.009-05:00

I made this card for a challenge given at http://www.splendidstamping.blogspot.com/, and gave it to my son with a healtfelt sentiment inside. Home is definitely wherever my eleven year old son Evan is. He brightens my day.

I used Cosmo Cricket paper, added some detail to the stamped image, such as the zipper on the sweatshirt and two popular logos on the shirt and hat. Just like his favourite clothes!

Both the stamp and sentiment are from The Greeting Farm's set, "My Guy Ian".

I love my son!

Rebecca
http://www.thepaperbug.blogspot.com/

CCS Blog Candy Winner!

2009-10-31T05:22:00.002-04:00

We now have a winner for the free blog candy - a single sentiment stamp from Creative Clear stamps - "Whoop De Freakin' Do!".

Congratulations StampinDi! You've won by simply leaving a comment! Please contact Laura at creative-vision@hotmail.com to claim your prize.

Thanks for all that participated in the blog hop. Wasn't it fun?!

As always, stay tuned into www.creativeclearstamps.com for new arrivals and don't forget to check out the opportunity to become a guest designer for CCS. How exciting!

Have a great day!

Rebecca

Win Blog Candy!

2009-10-29T09:13:00.006-04:00

Sign up to subscribe to my blog today, leave a comment, and be instantly entered to win a Creative Clear Design sentiment single stamp!

Visit http://www.creativeclearstamps.blogspot.com/ to particpate in today's blog hop where, if you sign up with each blog you have more of an opportunity to win. That's right! Each blog listed on the blog hop is giving away a sentiment single stamp, each one different. So sign up on each to increase your chances of winning. Wanna see what you can win if you sign up with this blog?

The stamp says, "Whoop De Freakin' Do!" How awesome is that?! I used it here as a birthday card. Inside the card it reads, "It's Your Birthday!". My son made the point of mentioning that this card probably wouldn't be appropriate for a kid. Hehehee.

So sign up today, and good luck!

Rebecca

Gobble, gobble, gobble!

2009-10-27T09:23:00.005-04:00

Happy Tuesday! Well, there has to be something to be happy about. Did you enjoy your long weekend? I hope you did!

Sometimes I try to challenge myself by making a clean and simple card. I find I'm always adding more detail and embellishments to my creations. Are you the same way?

Well, when I saw this adorable little turkey stamp from CCS I decided it should be the focal point on my card. Sometimes when too many embellishments are added, you can lose the stamp in all that creativeness. So here's an idea for some fun, quick and simple cards you can send to your friends and family. Who doesn't just love a cute little turkey?!

I used kraft coloured paper, scored and corner-rounded the sides and added some colour and faux stiching. Other than that, it's all turkey!

Inside it reads, "Happy Turkey Day!", a cute stamp also available in the same set!

Mmmmm....I feel like turkey for breakfast now..

Have a great day!

Rebecca

Selby Comtemplating...

2009-10-21T05:00:00.004-04:00

Check out this darling digi-stamp from DzDoodles. What a sweet image! It's one of those images that's great for any occasion - all sorts of cards; birthdays, thinking of you, Easter, Christmas, etc. It's so much bang for your buck, and at only $3, that's a lotta bang! What is bang supposed to mean anyway? ;)

http://dzdoodles.com/products-page/characters/shelby/shelby-contemplating/

Digital images are awesome! Have you ever used them before? You receive them the same day, can re-size them, and they take very little space. And we all know how short on space we can be.
For this card I used Cosmo Cricket paper, and Stampin Up' Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, and Ruby Red paper.

What do you think?

Rebecca

Ho! Ho! Ho!

2009-10-20T05:00:00.005-04:00

Sometimes inspiration can hit you when you least expect it. After flipping through a scrapbook magazine I noticed a page someone made using a bunch of small squares, and thought, what a great idea for a card!

Here's what I came up with. I used the Jingle Jangle set. The stamps in the set are the perfect size for this project!

Card is 5-1/2" x 5-1/2". Squares are 1-1/4" x 1-1/4", with distressed edges. Sentiments are also available as part of Creative Clear Designs' Jingle Jangle set.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Rebecca

Finally!

2009-10-19T00:33:00.002-04:00

After over nine years Karl and I are finally married! What a beautiful ceremony too! Here's a picture from our big day;

Rebecca

NEW Releases!

2009-10-10T10:20:00.007-04:00

As promised, here's a few projects made with some of the many new releases available at http://www.dzdoodles.com/ today.

Here's a nifty idea for a gift. These digi stamps are perfect for recipe cards, tags on sweet treats or thank you cards. The best part is that they're resizable and they won't break the bank!

Cute, right?!

What do you think?

Tomorrow's our wedding day. Wish us luck! ;)

Rebecca

Two Days Left!

2009-10-08T09:16:00.006-04:00

I just love their digital stamps. They're so fun to resize and play around with. Tune in on Saturday to my blog as well as their site to see what's new.
Here's a few cards I've made with some of their existing digi stamps. I love these stamps. The're only about $3 each!

What do you think?

Guess what?! There are only 3 more days until my guy and I are married! THREE days. Oh boy!

Rebecca

Brrrr!

2009-10-06T10:07:00.003-04:00

It's getting pretty cold up here in Canada. It's about 10 degrees celcius (50 degrees fahrenheit) today. What's the weather like where you are?

Are you thinking about starting your holiday cards yet? I am, but I've barely started!

Make your card making easier with some of Creative Clear Stamps' sets. They're adorable, unique, and versatile. Here's a card I made with their Jingle Jangle set. Adorable!

A question for you: Do you have any unique holiday traditions? Post a comment to share. ;)

Have a great day!

Rebecca Barlow

Blog Hop & Exciting News!

2009-10-01T00:39:00.001-04:00

I've been blessed to become one of Creative Clear Stamps' (CCS) new design team members! I can't wait to show you some of the cool stuff they have coming out. They're the cutest stamps!

To start things off we're jumping around in a blog hop today. Check out http://www.creativeclearstamps.com/ to meet the rest of the design team AND to check out some awesome card design ideas for your holiday cards! Hop around from site to site for some inspiration.

Here's a card I made with an adorable little reindeer from their Jingle Jangle Clear Rubber Stamp Set .

I doodled a bit of a background, added some mini crystals for the light bulbs, used a spellbinder die for the tag and covered the card in Cosmo Cricket paper. The sentiment, "Wrap yourself in the spirit of the season" is also from Creative Clear Stamps. Isn't it so sweet? This stamp set's got it all. I can't wait to use the other stamps in the set. ;)

MORE exciting news! I'm getting married in 10 days! Oh boy. As I wrote that I realized that it's way too soon. I keep an ever growing to-do list in my pocket. Any suggestions on relaxing before the big day?

EVEN MORE exciting news!
Did I mention that one random reader who comments on any of the blogs listed in the blog hop will win a prize?! Some really cool blog candy! WooHOoo! All you need to do is leave a comment for a chance to win!

Have a great day, and good luck!

Rebecca

New!

2009-09-19T08:34:00.003-04:00

Have you checked out Dz Doodles yet? http://www.dzdoodles.com/

Well, today they're releasing a whole new stack of digi stamps! There's a blog hop happening today you don't want to miss either. Here's a sneak peek of a couple of the new designs.

I love this one;

...and there's a lot you can do with this one. I'm thinking of making some gift tags with this stamp later;

I can't wait to try some new card designs for Christmas. Tune into www.papercraftplanet.com/group/dzdoodlesstamps next week for a sketch challenge to win a free digi stamp!

I can't wait!

Rebecca

2009-09-17T12:45:00.005-04:00

G'day!

I used to work with a man who visited Australia for business and came back starting all his e-mails to everyone as 'G'day'. I just had to roll my eyes...

Anywho, remember that FREE digi image I picked up the other day? Yes? No? Maybe so? You can pick it up yourself by joining the Dz Doodles group on http://www.papercraftplanet.com/ . Very cute little image! Here it is again;

Well, I finally had some time to upload the card I made with this image. I tried to keep my card as simple as possible. This isn't an easy task for me. I always try adding more and more embellishments!

If you make a card with this image, send me a link to your card, I'd love to see it!

Rebecca

TGF Sketch Challenge

2009-09-15T01:13:00.003-04:00

I created a card for this week's Farm Fresh Friday sketch challenge from The Greeting Farm. The challenge deets as well as some other cool stuff can be found at http://www.splendidstamping.blogspot.com/

Here is this week's sketch:

AND...here is the card I made using the sketch;

As you can see I've turned the sketch around to use it a different way. That's okay as long as the general sketch idea can be identified in your card. If you have some time try this sketch out. It was simple and a lot of fun!

Rebecca

FREE Digi Stamp!

2009-09-14T13:01:00.002-04:00

Here's the link:

http://www.papercraftplanet.com/group/dzdoodlesstamps

If you use this stamp on one of your projects, post it in the Dz Doodles group to share with everyone. I'd love to see what you make!

Hope you're having a great day!

Rebecca

SpoOOoooky!

2009-09-14T08:09:00.000-04:00

Hello friends!

I've been thinking a lot about Halloween cards. I really like looking at what everyone's making with some really cool images out there. There's so much talent! Sometimes I'm realllly tempted to purchase some halloween stamps but don't think I'll get much mileage out of them. Do you know what I mean?

Luckily over this past week, DZ Doodles has had a free digital image available of a cat with a jack-o-lantern. Digital images are great because you don't need to invest a lot of money and they don't take up a lot of space. If you missed the freebie, no fear, I believe it's only $3! With the image I made this card, adding a computer sentiment along with it.

I'm thinking of using this image to make some Halloween party invitations this year. Won't that be fun?!

Do you make Halloween cards? Do you receive Halloween cards? Tell me about it.

Rebecca

Snuggle Bunny

2009-09-13T08:25:00.000-04:00

I received a delightful little package in the mail the other day. It was full of some new rubber from http://www.thegreetingfarm.com/ . I just love their stamps. Living in Canada though, it can take some time to get here. Isn't getting mail fun? I mean, without all the bills and junk mail?

I couldn't wait to use their sweet little HG-Snuggle stamp. The bunny paper is from TGF as well.

I just love it! What do you think?

Rebecca

NEW at DzDoodles!

2009-09-12T11:00:00.007-04:00

There are a bunch of new digi stamps over at http://www.dzdoodles.com/ They're perfect for your next projects, inexpensive, and you receive them the same day!

Here's one of their brand new digi stamps I used to create this card.

Isn't it adorable? I love images with umbrellas. I don't know why, but they're so cute!

Remember, you can resize digital images to exactly the size you want to work with for your projects.

No ink pad necessary!

For this card I used SU paper, Basic Grey paper, and SU corduroy buttons. I also embellished around the stamped image by hand drawing a puddle and some falling rain.

What do you think?

Rebecca

Sad Pup..

2009-09-11T19:13:00.010-04:00

What a sad pup he is...

This is a digi stamp available from http://www.dzdoodles.com/ I picked it up the other day. Click on the image for a closer view.

Digital stamps are great because they;

1. Take up less space

2. Are quickly available to you to use (instant gratification)

3. Can be easily resized to suit your project

4. Are less expensive than traditional stamps

5. No shipping costs required!

I kept this card simple because I really wanted the focus to be on this little guy. I wrote the sentiment myself and added some SU cardstock and ribbon.

What do you think?

Have a great weekend!

Rebecca

Paige & Anya

2009-09-07T11:47:00.011-04:00

I had some time this morning to make another card for this weeks Club Anya challenge. Here's another card using the same layout - this time using an Anya stamp. ;)

What do you think?

Congrats to Naoual for winning this week's challenge! Here's her card. I love her colours!

If you're interested in more deets, here's Naoual's blog: http://scrapable.blogspot.com/

If you have a few minutes, check out this blog: http://scrapstampandbemerry.blogspot.com/
Erin could use some help with sending some cards to her neighbour Paige who was unfortunate enough to be involved in a boating accident. I've decided to send the Anya card I made today to Paige since she's someone who always has a smile on her face. I thought the sentiment would suit her. Praying for you Paige...

Rebecca

Bree in Love...

2009-09-07T07:00:00.005-04:00

I guess love was on my mind yesterday when I made this card. I was so happy to see our engagement photos and I've been missing my guy. He drove up to Montreal for the long weekend.

On Friday we were given a challenge at http://www.clubanya.blogspot.com/ to CASE (copy and share with everyone) last week's winner's card. Here is Lisa Hjulberg's card we were to CASE.

The idea is to use the same layout as Lisa on your card. Few changes can be made, though the same general look should be used. Since the challenge was posted on the Club Anya blog, we were to use an Anya stamp. Anya is one of their most popular rubber stamp images at The Greeting Farm http://www.thegreetingfarm.com/ . Unfortunately I forgot all about this and used a different stamp from TGF called Bree. I love Bree though. ;) Here's my card;

Since Bree had an envelope in her hand I envisioned a valentine's card from the start. What do you think?

Maybe I'll have time to make another card with an Anya stamp. Maybe. The contest closes at 10am CST so we'll see.

What are your plans for today's Labour Day?

Rebecca

Engagement Photos

2009-09-06T14:10:00.011-04:00

Hi there,

Karl and I are happy to be getting married this October. Last week we took a hike through the Mill Pond, a local park, and had some engagement photos taken by our wedding photography Karrie from http://www.betweenthelinesphoto.com/ . We were really pleased with her work. Check out her website to see some of her other work - it's beautiful! She specializes in wedding photos.

Here are a few photos from our session;

Hope you're having a great and productive weekend!

God bless.

Rebecca

Card Challenge

2009-09-03T07:20:00.015-04:00

Hello!

Yesterday was the deadline for The Greeting Farm's Farm Fresh Friday challenge. Each Friday they host a card challenge on their blog. www.splendidstamping.com Sometimes it's a sketch challenge or sometimes a theme.

I personally find it very motivating to get started on some of my card projects. Challenges are great because they give us new ideas and techniques. This way we're always expanding our knowledge and skill. Each week TGF chooses one challenge winner, announcing them on the TGF blog each Friday. The winner usually wins a free rubber stamp! How awesome is that?!

This week's challenge was a card sketch. Here's what we were given and below it is my card.

What do you think?

There were so many awesome cards posted when I had a look yesterday. There's just so much talent out there. I never really expect to win the challenge. I just look at it as inspiration and a way to try out different layouts and techniques. It's fun sharing projects with online friends too.

Did you participate in this challenge? If not, try the sketch and leave a link in my comment box to your card. I'd love to see what you come up with!

Well, off to work! Hope you have a great day!

Rebecca

Christmas Cards

2009-09-01T17:13:00.012-04:00

Have you started thinking about your making your Christmas cards yet? Maybe you've already begun?

Well, if you haven't, or you're starting to think about it, why not check out some of the darling images available digitally at http://www.dzdoodles.com/ ? With digital images, there's no need to wait for the mailman before you can get started. Get a jump on your cards this weekend with some of these digital stamps! Here's a card I made with one of DZ Doodles stamps. Hopefully this will get your creative juices flowing!

If you make a Christmas card with a digital stamp from DZ Doodles I'd love to see it!

Happy crafting!

Rebecca

A crop of cards and NEW STAMPS!

2009-09-01T16:33:00.006-04:00

The Greeting Farm has some exciting new stamps available! Check it out; http://www.thegreeetingfarm.com/ They're adorable!

Here is a small crop of cards I made recently from some of The Greeting Farm's Anya stamps I already had on hand. The colours I used were to compliment TGF's logo colours. The sentiments are also available at TGF and are called 'Hello Go 'Round'; http://thegreetingfarm.com/shop/index.php/hello-go-round.html

Out of all the Anya's available, which one is your favourite?

Have a great day!

Rebecca

DZ Doodles

2009-09-01T16:21:00.008-04:00

I have some great news to share with you today!

I'm now a design team member for DZ Doodles! http://www.dzdoodles.com/ Have you heard of this stamp company? The images are really fun. They're all digital so they're easy to resize and play around with. Oh, and of course it's instant gratification too. No more waiting for the mailman to bring you your rubber. Pretty cool, huh?!

Here's a card I made for this week's copic buzz challenge. DZ Doodles is sponsoring the Copic Buzz challenge this week and will be giving away three different prizes. To start you off on the challenge, they've provided a FREE digital image! Check it out: http://www.copicbuzz.blogspot.com/

Here's a card I made for this weeks challenge;

Have fun creating!

Rebecca

Kellie's Birthday

2009-08-27T11:27:00.003-04:00

Today I'm celebrating my friend Kellie's birthday. We're meeting with other friends at Pizza Hut for a buffet lunch. Can't wait!

For her birthday I made her this card. Happy Birthday Kellie!

I used The Greeting Farm's Wild Sprouts Reeta stamp. I thought it was really sweet with the kitty. Kellie has a grey cat named Jeremy so I HAD to colour this little guy grey! The sentiment stamp is from TGF too.

I used the 'Sanded' background stamp, real red ribbon, a flower stamp from 'Fifth Avenue Floral' and sentiment punch all from SU. The lacey edge was made by using one of Martha Stewart decorative edge punches. I'm hoping it gives the card a more feminine feel.

Well, I'd better run or I'll be late for pizza.

Have a great day!

Rebecca

Anya on the farm..

2009-08-25T07:55:00.010-04:00

I've been suffering from strep throat over the last few days. Have you ever had that? I haven't, and now I feel for all of you that have!

Last night was the first time I actually felt well enough to walk down to my disaster dining room table to tackle another project. I felt so inspired by the design team calls at The Greeting Farm. If you haven't heard, TGF, as well as Club Anya are looking for new designers to showcase their stamps. It's SO exciting! Check it out. Here are the links;

http://splendidstamping.blogspot.com/

http://clubanya.blogspot.com/

Good luck!

Okay, so last night I stamped a dressy Anya onto some cardstock, noticed it seemed like she was sitting on something, and came up with this card. I don't know if it's genius or dumb really. Sometimes you just need to go with your inspiration at the time, you know? Anyway, I hand drew the barn, grass, fence and stone wall.

If you made a card with Anya sitting on something, what would it be? What sort of background stamps would you want to compliment her?

Better run and take some more antibiotics. Still on the mend you know...

Have a great day!

Rebecca

Rain drops are fallin' on my paper...

2009-08-19T03:58:00.010-04:00

Happy Hump Day!

So last night I was up late wondering what to make with my new American Craft paper. Don't you just hate it when you're faced with a blank page when writing? Well, it's the same thing when creating. Sometimes you have a creative idea, and sometimes you're just drawing a total blank.

Anywho, I've actually been looking for paper with rain drops on it for the longest time. I had no idea it was part of the paper pack I purchased the other day! I have a few different images I'll be playing with over the next fews days with this paper. I have an addiction to rubber stamp images with umbrellas in them. ;)
Here's my new card;

I paired the AC paper up with some SU Bashful Blue cardstock, and The Greeting Farm's Sunny Glen paper. I used the Big Shot Top Note die for the white background piece. I simply cut, turned it 90 degrees and cut again.

The stamp and sentiment are also from The Greeting Farm. I distressed the edges with SU Bashful Blue ink, added some brads and hand cut some flowers from the TGF paper I used in the background to tie it all together. What do you think?

Stay tuned for more cards later this week. I may actually use a stamped image that isn't from The Greeting Farm! :O

Take care and God Bless.

Rebecca

The Winner's Circle

2009-08-18T17:44:00.007-04:00

Yay! I won the Javablu challenge contest at The Greeting Farm! There were so many excellent card designs, I'm sure it was difficult to choose the winners.

This week's "Farm Fresh Friday" challenge is called, "Sew Simple". The challenge is to use stitching on your card, whether it be machine stitching, hand stitching, or hand drawn stitching.

Here's a card I made for the challenge. I may make another one too. These are fun!

I was at Michael's yesterday stocking up on supplies. I had a 40% coupon and used on a large pack of American Craft paper. What do you use your coupons for?

Free Giveaways and Cool Challenges at the Farm!

2009-08-13T07:45:00.004-04:00

Happy Thursday!

One more day until Friday. Yay!

This week at Club Anya, http://www.clubanya.blogspot.com/ , Jessica, The Greeting Farm's DT Coordinator, has arranged five, yes, FIVE card challenges this week! Each day from Monday to Friday there's a new challenge for us to take part in.

Also, a grand prize will be awarded randomly for people that create cards for all five challenges! A grand prize! The grand prize is the ENTIRE TGF August release. All stamps released in August, PLUS a new paper pack! WOW.

So far these are the challenges given;

Monday - Back to School
Tuesday - Crazy Hair
Wednesday - Javablu
Thursday - Smile and Shine

See http://www.clubanya.blogspot.com/ for more details.

Also, I can't believe how generous the owner of the Farm is, but they're giving away free stamps every day. Yes, every day! It's called 'A-Stamp-a-Day-Giveaway' and all you need to do is leave a comment on The Greeting Farm's blog any day this week to win! Exciting, isn't it? If you don't own any TGF stamps already, this is your chance. Check out http://www.splendidstamping.blogspot.com/ and leave a comment for your chance to win. Good luck!
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Here are a couple of the cards I'm submitting for the challenges;

Back to School

Using TGF's own Anya stamp, I added Stampin' Up ribbon, buttons, an apple stamp, as well as flowers I've watercoloured to embellish this card. The red polka-dotted paper used is from TGF's Anyaversary paper pack. Also, I just HAD to add a little chalkboard! I wrote 'Back to School' in white pen on black cardstock and made a border I hoped would look like wood with Creamy Caramel cardstock.

Javablu

For this card I used another TGF Anya stamp. The two you see are from the new stamp set called, 'Miss Anya Dressy'. They're so cute!

I used Stampin' Up Bashful Blue and Chocolate Chip paper for this card. I watercoloured another flower stamp for this one and paper pieced some of Anya's outfit to make her extra stylish! The sentiment is also from The Greeting Farm. It's from a new stamp set called, 'Hello Go Round'. I just love all the new stamps TGF is introducing. ;)

What do you think of these two cards? I'm trying really hard to improve my card making skills with every challenge I undertake. I appreciate your comments.

Hope you have a great day!

Rebecca

New Cards!

2009-08-12T15:47:00.000-04:00

I made a few new cards but haven't been able to share them with you for a while. My modem died about a week ago and will hopefully be back up and running tomorrow.

Anyway, as usual I used The Greeting Farm's rubber stamps to create these. What do you think?

Christmas in....August?

2009-08-03T21:02:00.000-04:00

Good evenin' Gov'na!

Most of us are back to work tomorrow from our long weekend. Here in Canada, our holiday Monday is known as a Civic Holiday. Was it President's Day today in the U.S.? Perhaps. Maybe I should google that. I'm a major googler.

So I hope you've all had a nice long weekend. My sister Sarah and her husband Mike celebrated their first year wedding anniversary over the weekend. Mike surprised her with a trip to New York! Very cool. I've always wanted to visit there, but I'd prefer to visit during the Christmas season when the city is nicely decorated. I wonder...do they really roast chestnuts there? Is there an ice rink in Central Park? Maybe I should google that too. Anywho, congratulations Mike and Sarah!

After dinner out, and biking and rollerblading with our dog Samurai, I had to sit down to create another card. I couldn't help but start making an early holiday card. I just love this wintery Anya stamp from The Greeting Farm.

What do you think?

I have a job interview tomorrow at 2pm in Toronto. Wish me luck!

Have a great day!

Rebecca

2009-08-02T20:24:00.000-04:00

Happy Sunday!

My fiance, Karl, finally returned from two months of work in South Africa. We live in Canada so it's quite far from home. He's an engineer so he's away from home often. I met him at the airport arrival lounge this morning at Pearson airport in Toronto. Have you ever noticed just how nice the arrival lounge is? Not the chairs, or the architecture, but the love that shared between people? Watching people in anticipation, reunited with family and friends is so beautiful. It's probably one of my favourite places to be in the world. Sounds strange, I know.

Here's another little card I made with another, yes, another Greeting Farm stamp! I made it while Karl slept from his jet lag. ;)

This card was made for TGF's sketch challenge. Using mostly TGF cardstock, I distressed the edges, added details in gold pen, coloured the deer with my copic markers, and distressed the embroidery thread in the little flower button.

What do you think?

I've purchased some new stamps from The Greeting Farm, Eat Cake Graphics, as well as some Christian themed stamps from http://www.sweetgrassstamps.etsy.com/ . I can't wait to create some new cards and show you the results! I'm hoping the new church I'm attending might like some of the Christian cards to sell in their shop. I'm not interested in selling them, I just hope they can use them to generate funds for the church. I'll do my best to keep you updated.

Ciao for now!

Rebecca

Birthday Ian!

2009-08-02T06:44:00.001-04:00

Hi there!

I had so much fun being part of The Greeting Farm's Anyaversary blog hop yesterday. There were so many things to look forward to. New blogs to discover, new stamp releases, contests and challenges. What a party!

One of the challenges given was a speed challenge. TGF's new digital stamp was available and we were to create a new card with the image within a certain amount of time. Seeing how I don't have any ink in my printer, I ran on over to the town library, printed on their printer, and paid them 20cents a page. Not bad, since we all know how expensive toner can be! I was so excited to participate.

Here is my card:

Just one question for you: Are you a friend of the farm?

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Rebecca

Happy Birthday Anya!

2009-07-31T05:34:00.001-04:00

It's The Greeting Farm's Anyaversary today! It's their character, Anya's birthday. Check out http://www.thegreetingfarm.com/ for new products and specials. The new stamps are sure to sell out quickly. ;)

Check out this special card I've made just for Anya's special day.

About the canopy/awning: I simply added a piece of cardstock (that I used a scallop punch on) in between the card base and a piece of pink cardstock and folded it like so. ;)

Have a great weekend!

Rebecca

Rainy Days are Behind Us!

2009-07-30T12:21:00.000-04:00

I live in the Toronto area and I'm pretty sure that it's been raining for at least a week straight! How depressing. Finally the sun came out to grace us with its presence today. Finally!

I made this card using The Greeting Farm's Anya to celebrate the absence of rain.

So get out there today, have some fun jumping in rain puddles like you used to (or drive through them like I do so I don't get wet), and enjoy the day!

Rebecca

The Greeting Farm - Getting Ready!

2009-07-30T06:14:00.000-04:00

Happy Thursday!

I've been very busy getting ready for this Saturday's Anyaversary! What is an Anyaversary? It's the first anniversary of The Greeting Farm and I'm celebrating!

The Greeting Farm (TGF) has such beautiful and sweet rubber stamp images. In fact, most of the cards made and posted on my blog are of TGF. Check out their site: http://www.thegreetingfarm.com/ You'll love it!

Here's a few cards I've made using their stamps. What do you think?

Have a great day! (Friday's just around the corner;)

Rebecca

Birthday in Buffalo!

2009-07-15T09:45:00.000-04:00

On Monday one of my bestest buds took me to Buffalo for my birthday. Our favourite place to stop and shop at is Buffalo Stamps & Stuff. I picked up some really cute stamps and made a card for my dental hygenist, Tina. She mentioned that candy is what kept them in business. ;)

What do you think?

"I got nothin'"

2009-06-03T08:13:00.000-04:00

I don't have much to share with you today. That's where the title quote comes from. I promised my friend Kathy I'd use it in my blog. Hi Kath!

I've been working on some more cards and can't wait to show you. I've been making them for a lady who would like "hat" cards for her shop in St. Catharines. Her shop is www.madcaphats.com. She also has an Etsy shop online at www.madcaphats.etsy.com. Check it out!

I'll do my best to share these new cards with you either this afternoon or tomorrow morning. Until then, have a great day!

Samurai

2009-06-02T15:15:00.001-04:00

It occurred to me that our dog Samurai hasn't tried ice cream since we adopted him in March SO I had to get him some. Look below.

LOTS of smug married couples!

2009-06-01T10:38:00.000-04:00

I love Bridget Jones's Diary. Have you seen it? If not, we can't be friends. Kidding. In case you were wondering, todays title is a line from the movie.

I should also mention that as posted earlier, my attempt to submit my card designs to TGF to become a designer have failed. Marie at TGF must have had a difficult time choosing though since there were at least 80 different submissions and only 4 positions to fill. I'll try again this Fall. In the meantime, I have a few more cards to share with you today. Let me know what you think. ;)

Goin' to the Tea House!

2009-05-31T08:27:00.000-04:00

Today is jam-packed with things to do! After taking my parents out for breakfast (we reciprocate) I'm meeting my friends, Kathy and Gill at a nearby tea house. It's the best around, I'm telling ya, because they have hundreds of different teas, yummy scones with jam and clotted cream, and tons of merchandise I can't seem to stop eyeing.

Oh!, and I was so excited Friday when I received some new stamp sets in the mail from The Greeting Farm. As you may have noticed, TGF is my most favourite line of rubber stamps to use. Along with the rubber stamps, there was a 6x6 paper pack called 'Sunny Glen' from TGF. It's absolutely awesome to work with. I made two cards with it and couldn't wait to show you them. Here they are!

Wedding Bells from the Farm

2009-05-29T10:46:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was so exciting! I received a stamp set I had purchased from The Greeting Farm in the mail. Trying out new stamps are one of my favourite things. I purchased this set to make some cards for many of our friends who are getting married this Summer. Here are some cards I've made so far;

Thursday Blues

2009-05-28T07:57:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, after over 12 years at a firm, I lost my job. The poor economy had hit the company hard and I was no longer part of their team. I'm still reeling from the shock.

On a lighter note, I have had some time to make new cards. I'll try to post them later today. AND, it's finally Friday tomorrow! Yee-ha!

Sundays are Fundays!

2009-05-24T10:16:00.000-04:00

I love Sundays. It's truly a day where you can kick back and enjoy family, friends, and peace and quiet, well, sometimes. ;)

I'm just getting caught up on taking some photos of cards I made about a week ago. Hope you like them!

All stamped images (c) The Greeting Farm

TGF Designer Submission

2009-05-23T21:36:00.000-04:00

I finished two cards today for The Greeting Farm's Gardener submission. They're a bit too similar though so I've decided to make a few more. Though I love both images, I prefer the first card. What do you think?

Saturday Morning Fever!

2009-05-23T11:23:00.000-04:00

It's finally Saturday! What a beautiful day too. My dog Samurai and I had a great drive through some local country roads.

Today I have many creative goals. I've decided to enter The Greeting Farm's design team contest. I'd love to become a designer, especially for this crowd! The Greeting Farm grows so many awesome rubber stamps. Check it out at www.thegreetingfarm.com .

This season's design team challenge is to create greeting cards using their stamps as well as the colours, orange and yellow. My goal today is to complete at least two cards for this challenge. I'll share them with you tomorrow.

Enjoy your Saturday!