Some Oldies, But Goodies!

Hello, and Happy Sunday to one and all!  Not all too excited that tomorrow is already Monday, but it is what it is, and I may as well enjoy the rest of this day off!

 

So today, I thought I would break out some oldies (well not too old, just not too recent either) that have previously been published to share with you all.  I know that not everyone subscribes to the magazines and may not have the opportunity to flip through them on a monthly basis either, so I wanted to show some of the things I've created which you all may not have seen before. 

 

These are all from last years Summer issues of Cricut magazine.  The following "Best Wishes" tag and envelope card from the May 2012 issue really turned out beautifully I thought. 

 

This is the envelope, which  I wanted to be just as fancy as the inside tag.  I cut both the envelope and the tag using the Cricut Damask cartridge.  You will see in the next photo that I cut out a tag with an intricate damask design.  But, I then used a portion of the leftover intricate pieces as a mask for the outside of the envelope.  This was sprayed with a teal Glimmer Mist.  I really like using negatives from Cricut cuts as masks for my projects... definitely a favorite technique!  

 

 

The patterned papers that I used for this are from Glitz Design and all that gorgeous ribbon and trim is May Arts! The black crinkled silk ribbon adds just the right amount of elegance!   

 

Here's a look as well at the reverse side of the tag...

 

This last card features some My Mind's Eye papers and I must say, I loved the way this card turned out so much that I'm not sure I can even give this friendship card to anyone.  I think I may just frame it and keep it for myself!

 

 

This card was published in the July 2012 issue and the cuts for this card came from the Give A Hoot Cricut cartridge.  I'll tell ya, the combination of the yummy plaid paper with the Core'dinations Vintage cardstock just makes me squeal, lol! 

 

Here's another close-up of the detail...

 

 

Remember you can always click on the photos to view them larger!  This card really packs the layers and texture that I love :)

 

Okay... I guess that it all I have to show you today.  I also want to tell you to head on over to the May Arts blog this week.  Tomorrow, Monday, July 15th will be the kick off to them sharing all the Design Team finalists' projects.  I'm so excited... and eager to see if I'll be one of the new May Arts Prima Ribbonistas!  The announcement and revealing of the new DT will be made on July 29th!!  I am so nervous, so please keep your fingers crossed for me... THANKS! 

My CHA Core'dinations Shares!

Hey there!  As I await the results of whether or not I shall remain on the Core'dinations Cardstock Design Team, I thought I would finally share my layouts that were displayed at the Winter CHA Tradeshow in Anaheim back in January.  I previously tried to upload my pictures before but Blogger was being a real bugger that day and wouldn't let me share pix. I really loved what I was able to create for the event so I don't want to miss out on sharing them here on my blog.  Oh, how I wish I had been there... but one day I hope to experience CHA in persona and in full sensory mode, lol! 

This first page I am showing wasn't actually displayed at the Core'dinations booth but rather it was created for a "Core'dinations Scrapbook" which was gifted to Anthony, Core's Creator and Director. 

 

Please click on any of these pictures to view them larger and in more detail. 

Here I used a combination of Black Magic, Whitewash and Vintage Core... all favorite collections!  The diecut design was cut with the Cricut Paper Lace cartridge. 

 

 

 

This is my first page I did for CHA featuring the Core Essentials Pastels collection!  I really liked the end result of the torn edges which were also stitched together to form the background.

 

"Ribbons In the Sky"

 

 

I also included some embellished areas on the cardstock with some vintage embossing powders from Stampendous!  I thought it added the perfect accenting for this... as well as all the wonderful diecutting added using the Cricut Ashlyn's Alphabet cartridge.

 

 

 

Next up... a page with the ever so fabulous Glitter Silk!   This glitter cardstock is all that's needed besides some wonderful photos to make a page SHINE!

 

 

 The canvas leaves and florals are by Prima, and I misted them with pink and green Glimmer Mist sprays.  I punched the bees out from black and yellow Glitter Silk using a Martha Stewart punch and the title was cut out using the Art Nouveau Cricut cartridge. 

 

 

 

And the final page I did was one to feature the Tim Holtz Kraft Core Shattered collection which made it's debut at CHA.  I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Shattered line of Core. It can be used for so much more besides vintage! 

 

 

I used the Teresa Collins Sophisticated Cricut cart to cut out the "Beautiful" and flower cuts.  Also used a flower edge punch of Martha's and some embellishments and twine from Queen & Co. 

 

So there they are and I'm so glad I was finally able to share them.  Core'dinations just makes scrapping so easy and fun... their cardstock quality really is the cream of the crop! 

Hope you'll visit me again soon! 

 

My Core'dinations Creative Frenzy... 2013!

It's that time already!  Where has it all gone?  All along I've been blissfully creating with my beloved Core cardstock and truthfully... I don't EVER want it to end.  But, there is a new Design Team call happening and I need to... I MUST, re-apply.  Like I said, I never want it to end!  Core'dinations cardstock is the first supply I think about or touch when it's time for me to get my craft on, and I wouldn't have it any other way.  Seriously, it's that good!

Sooo, here we go... a look at what all I've created lately using many of my favorite Core'dinations collections.

 

This first project came about as wanting to create something special for two of my dear friends who've recently lost their mothers this past year.  I wanted to send them each something, "more than a card"... something that they both could keep around nearby as a token of remembrance.  This is how the embellished Angel Wings ornament came to be. 

"All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my Angel Mother!",  is a quote from Abraham Lincoln, that I instantly knew needed to be written on these wings.  For this project I used pink cardstock from the Core Essentials Pastels collection as well as Snowflake White Core Essentials.  I must say that Core'dinations is the perfect weight of cardstock to bedazzle with glitter.  The texture of the cardstock creates a perfect surface for holding super chunky glitter like the vintage Diamond Dust glass glitter I've used here. 

 

These wings were die cut using the Cricut Picturesque cartridge.  I distressed the edges of the pink layers a bit before applying the glitter, and the edges of the white layers were inked with a soft gray ink to give them some definition.

 

I only hope these wings of remembrance will serve their purpose and will be well loved in their new homes!

 

Next up is a card that I had so much fun creating... and yess, it is loaded with yummy, gorgeous Core.  I've used Vintage Core, Gemstones, some Core Impressions Basic Grey Ornate collection, David Tutera Celebrate A7 Embossed Floral layers, as well as a smidge of Whitewash and White Smooth texture cardstock... all on one card! 

 

 

I've always loved the look of peacocks!  Their feathers are so majestic.  Sometimes it's all about choosing the perfect Core for a project that you want to be "just right", ya know?!  The Gemstones Core collection with all it's glitz and sheen seems to me to be the ultimate look for creating a design featuring a peacock.  The Gemstones surface even takes well to inks and sprays which is also really cool.  Here I sprayed some gold Perfect Pearls spray from Ranger onto the feathers, giving them an even more intensified color and visual interest.  I used the Cricut Give A Hoot cartridge to cut the body of the peacock from some Whitewash and Basic Grey Ornate Core Impressions for the top layer.  I sanded the embossed texture and then inked the edges of the teal cardstock with a green ink to highlight and add variation.  The feathers were cut using the Sentimentals Cricut cartridge.  For the background layers I used 2 of the floral embossed A7 layers from the David Tutera Celebrate line from Core'dinations.  The magenta piece I used full size, but used the reverse debossed side and layered a dark teal piece on top which was cut down smaller and sanded.  It's always so amazing to me that a project like this card, with the exception of a few embellishments can be created from cardstock only and look SOOO decorative.  I love that about Core'dinations cardstock... no patterned paper neccessary!

 

Here's one more photo of the delicious details... I even dressed it up with some gorgeous May Arts Ribbon! 

 

 

 

 

For my last share, I did some experimenting with Core on a scrapbook page.   See, I've had this nifty little tool to use with my Cricut for some time now, and I finally decided to give it a try. Not sure why I waited so long. It's an Engraving Tip by Chomas Creations and it goes directly into a Cricut machine in place of the Cricut blade holder.  The tip of the engraver is made of a very hard carbide which can engrave, or etch into surfaces such as metal sheets, acrylic, plastic sheets, clear transparencies AND even Core'dinations Cardstock!  The result, is a fabulous, clean etched design onto your cardstock surface.  This tool will NOT cut through your surface, rather "engrave" a fantastic design.  I'll tell you... it works like a dream and I love this tool!  So here is my background that I etched onto a sheet of brown French Roast Core Essentials cardstock with a repeated quadrafoil design.  This design can be found on the Cricut Paper Lace cartridge. 

 

You can see it left a perfect pattern on the surface of the cardstock.  This can now be manipulated, sanded and inked as I have done here on my layout.  I distressed the edges of the piece by sanding a bit more before mounting onto a larger sheet of green cardstock from the Tim Holtz and Ranger Distress collection.  I then replaced the engraving tip with the original Cricut blade and repeated the same pattern on a sheet of green from the Tim Holtz Kraft Core Shattered collection.  I took several of the die cut green quadrafoils and adhered them to the brown cardstock sheet with foam dimensional adhesive directly over the corresponding etched shapes in an alternating pattern. 

 

 

To finish this page I cut out the title using the Cricut Teresa Collin's Sophisticated cartridge, from some brown Shattered cardstock and Smooth textured Kraft.  To add the perfect complimenting details to this cardstock creation, I used a burlap Prima flower, some jute twine, green crinkled May Arts ribbon and a Recollections butterfly button and resist tag.  I really like the results of the engraving technique and I know I will be using this fabulous tool for much, much more.  I think this is easily a tool that any crafter who breathes cardstock would love to have.

 

 

Well I do hope you've enjoyed my little journey of cardstock projects that I've so lovingly shared here with you all!  There is just so much that can be done and accomplished in creating with Core'dinations ColorCore Cardstock!  I've loved my time designing with this fabulous brand and I'm sure I've only scratched the surface of what all can be done!

Welcome... It's A Hard Core Crop!

So welcome to the very FIRST Hard Core Crop, and all the fun begins today! We are so excited that you have joined us. All of the Core Design Team members, plus a few guest designers, will be hosting fantastic challenges on their blogs and giving away collections of Core’dinations Cardstock as prizes. For full Crop details please see the Core Blog HERE!  Interested in a Guest Designer spot?! Learn how you could design for Core for the next three months HERE!

All entries must be linked using Mr. Linky to this blog post by July 22nd, 2012 at midnight EST. Cards and layouts are both welcome just make sure you follow the guidelines below.

So, are you interested yet in my challenge for you?  If anyone has frequented my blog previously, you no doubt know my passion for using the Cricut on my projects!  If you just happen to be popping in here for the first visit, then you do know now!  Anyway, die cuts are pretty happening these days, and whether you may use a Cricut machine, a Silhouette machine, a Cuttlebug, a Slice... or if you happen to hand cut your own die cuts, it doesn't matter... die cuts are totally fun for adding that lil' something extra to your card or layout.  So yes, my challenge involves  die cuts!  I challenge you to create at least one fabulous die cut embellishment to enhance a project of your choice.  The only stipulations are that your die cut MUST be created out of Core'dinations cardstock (NO other Patterned Paper or other Cardstock brand) and I'd also like to see the use of dimensional adhesive to create a "layered" die cut!  I have created a card for you all as an example to show you how the use of cardstock and dimensional adhesive can really bring a die cut to life!

Did you happen to know that one of Core'dinations latest releases include their very own collection of "punchable" die cut cardstock accents with frames and borders?  They are super cool and if you look closely to the orange embossed flourish accents behind  my bee die cut, you can see how great they are for layering too!   Here are some details...

They simply punch right out of the collection pad, and they are pre-embossed and ready for sanding too!

So, would you be interested in trying these new Core Cuts out for yourself?  Well then, hurry and take up my die cut challenge because I will be giving this NEW Core Cuts collection pack away to one lucky challenge participant! 

Here's just a few more details of my cardstock die cut ...

Isn't it wonderful what a bit of dimensional adhesive can add to the look of a diecut?  Also take notice to the subtle sanding of the Tim Holtz and Ranger Distress Collection Core in Walnut Stain paired with the yellow Vintage Core cardstock from the Retro Mod Squad collection! 

I also used some fabulous Color Magic Resist Paper by Heidi Swapp (The hexagon graph print)which I received in a super card swap from Patricia Roebuck at the Nook.  I simply swiped a Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad (Vintage Photo) over the surface and used a soft cloth to buff it dry.  I then sprayed on some Glimmer Mist in Antique Gold. 

Don't forget to get check out the chatter over on Facebook at our Crop Event HERE! And for a Master schedule of the event challenges be sure to check in HERE! 

Happy Hard Core cropping, everyone! 

A card for My Mind's Eye Blog Challenge #33!

Hello there!  I know this is kind of last minute posting this card tonight, even though I actually finished this one up at our girl's scrappy weekend last week!  I meant to get it posted earlier but THIS weekend was kind of a blur... why does it always seem like that? Really!  Anyway since the deadline for this MME blog card challenge is 12 midnight, I think I'm still pretty safe with about an hour to go!  So first, here's the card sketch...

and here is my card creation...

I used a mix of papers and a diecut from the Lime Twist and Lost and Found Two collections along with some Core'dinations Vintage cardstock, and Cricut cutting! 

The sweet heart chains and butterflies were all cut with the Teresa Collins Sophisticated cartridge... totally one of my all time faves! I really do love the soft Shabby Chic inspired designs of these MME papers!  Okay, that's all I really have to show for tonight's post but I will have some more cards and a layout to share that I also made at last weekend's scrappy get-together later in the week!  See ya then!

Getting Patriotic With A Sous Sketch and BoBunny Card Challenge!

For today I have some red, white and blue!  I know... it is a bit early to break out with the 4th of July cards, but it is never really out of date to celebrate patriotically, and besides, this Bo Bunny Liberty collection is a wonderful classic line that I just had to cut into for this week's SOUS sketch and the latest BoBunny card challenge!  

First up, it is Friday so that means it's time yet again for another terrific sketch at Stuck On U Sketches!

Our sketch for the week is brought to you all from Nanné, and we also have a wonderful guest designer in our midst this week, Debbie Burns. For this sketch, I totally envisioned a card using Nanné's fun block design!  I did flip the direction of the sketch around and upside down for my interpretation.  I used Core'dinations cardstock and a tag and I cut up 1" squares from the BoBunny Liberty collection.  The middle piece I stamp embossed the flourished star, also from the Liberty line, onto a piece of Cambridge patterned paper, also from BoBunny. 

(Please click on image to show enlarged !)

I also included some BoBunny stickers, a denim strip and pearl accents on here.  The flocked flowers are all Maya Road, the Baker's Twine from The Twinery and the tiny type alpha stickers are Cosmo Cricket and Carolee's Creations.

 

Be sure to take a look at all the other designer's creations over on the SOUS blog... it's always a feast for the eyes.  You can also play along with us and share what you create using the sketch... we'd love to see you there! 

Next up is my card that I did for the Tuesday Card Challenge at BoBunny.  For the challenge which is due on Jan. 24th, you need to use the following items on a card:  Ribbon, at least 2 buttons, patterned paper with dots, and chipboard.  Easy and fun enough! 

Again, I used the Liberty collection pattened paper, rub-on and pearl accents.  I also used a strip of denim and some ivory buttons from other BoBunny lines.  The chipboard stars from Fancy Pants I misted with Sapphire Glimmer Mist. That fabulous twill ribbon is from May Arts and my diecuts were cut using the Cricut Stand and Salute and Jasmine cartridges.  I also love the Vintage blue Core cardstock with this Liberty line... a perfect match-up! 

Okay, that's all I have for today.  I think I will no doubt be snowed in for a good part of my weekend, so I think that might be beneficial to me... crafty-wise, lol!  We shall see!  Have a great weekend, my friends!  Enjoy :) 

More Cards For Week 2 of Card Sharks!

Good day!  Just finished up my last of the challenges for the week at the Nook, so I have two more cards to show you all for now! 

Here we go... Challenge #1 for week 2... BRIDGE!  This one will takes focus on the word "bridge" and the challenge is to create a card using an element that is wood theme or nails (items used to build a bridge).   

(Please click on item to view larger)

I knew right a way what I wanted to do for this, lol!  "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon and Garfunkel has long been a favorite song of mine and I have been wanting to use the song lyrics somehow on a card or scrap page, so with BRIDGE being a focus here I thought it to be perfect timing! Of course I also added a piece of woodgrain patterned paper from MME (Stella Rose) into the mix for the boat diecut!  Some older "The Merry Days of Christmas" in Pajama Plaid, was used for the card base here and I cut out cloud shapes from some MME Lime Twist pp.  All these sweet Cricut cuts on the card came from the Give A Hoot cart! I also used a mix of Core Essentials, Vintage Core and some Jillian Spotted Core cardstock.

Next up is my card for the BINGO challenge! 

Easy peasy... just had to use some form of a grid on the card design! So I designed a grid by scoring the backside of a piece of Tim Holtz Kraft Core cardstock and sanding the front to reveal the embossing.  I also used some kraft colored Core from the Graphic 45 Signature Series and some Core Essentials in a light red.  I cut the "I" the heart and the "U" with the Designer's Calendar cart and the heart border from a scrap of "vintage" Tres Jolie MME pp using the TC Sophisticated cart.  Added some wood buttons from M's dollar spot with some Papertrey Ink twine to complete the look!

And one more item before I wrap this post up for the night...

not sure if ya'll have come across this huge giveaway or not on Birgit Koopsen's blog, but you may like to have a chance, and celebrate with Birgit for her upcoming Birthday in the process! ;)

Good Night and enjoy the rest of the holiday week festivities!  Happy Thanksgiving blessings to all!

My Scrapbook Nook's A Midsummer Night's Virtual Crop!

Are you looking to get some scrapping in this weekend?  Cuz that's what I'm doing!

And the Nook's virtual online crop, "A Midsummer Night's Crop" is happening right now!

All the Nook designers have been busy putting up some wonderful and creative challenges to help get the creative juices flowing.  Here's the deets...

Drop in this weekend and enjoy some great challenges, straight from the Bard of Stratford on Avon!

The winner will be crowned with roses, lilies, hydrangeas, daisies, pussy willows and all manner of delightful blooms from Petaloo - to the tune of a $100 gift box!

Join us here: http://myscrapbooknook.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?26-Virtual-Crop-This-Weekend!

I feel like I've been scrappin' up a storm all day, but in all actuality, I feel like a storm has come through and caused a path of destruction... seriously my scrap spaces are a sight for sore eyes.  I've been making more messes today then getting anything else done.  I opened a cupboard to get out my stand of embossing powders and in the process knocked over a container of glitter which was partly opened.  ALL. OVER. THE. FLOOR!  Then I went to grab something off the counter and SLAM went the tilt bin of buttons (seperated by colors).  ALL. OVER. THE. FLOOR! Urghh... you get the picture?! Anyway, I've got one page finished so far to show for the day.  I really had hoped to have much more done, but tomorrow is always another day :)

So before I scoot off here to get back to the croppin' here is my page, which I am thrilled to have finished because I've been wanting to do this layout about my gram for awhile now. 

This is for the Challenge #1 which is basically to create a page using the provided sketch and to use photo/s of someone who inspires!   I used lots of My Mind's Eye products here and Core'dinations!  The flower, leaves and flourish are cut using the Cricut Picturesque cart... love that so much!

Thanks for stopping by and if by chance you do venture over to the Nook this weekend, you could even mention that you were cordially invited by ME ... and I could get some extra sweet points!  All you need to do my friends is confirm in the following crop thread that I invited you, and complete and upload at least one challenge for the crop...

http://myscrapbooknook.org/forum/showthread.php?5347-Breathe-life-into-a-stone-bring-a-friend-VC-points-involved 

Hope to see alot of my friends in attendance!  :)  Have a great scrappy weekend!

Peachy Keen!!

Howdy!  If you haven’t seen the July Challenge at Core'dinations  make sure you check it out here. You have until July 27th to enter for the chance to win some fabulous Core goodies! Make sure you link us up on that post or link us on Facebook.

All you need to do is use this color palette as your inspiration. Again, there are more deets on the original post….

Anyway, here is the awesome inspiration photo for this fantastic color challenge which came from Pinterest!

Isn't it the perfect, delectable Summery feast for the eyes? 

And take a look at the colour combo that dt member Lydia Jackson devised through Colour Lovers to match up to the inpiration...

Such a terrific palette!  Anyway, I was inspired to create a card for this challenge, and I was happy to use these turquoise, peacock blue, and peachy colors together.  And the peaches in the photo looked soo yummy and fresh that I even decided to use a peach as my card's theme,

"You Are Sweet As A Peach"!

I used a variety of Core'dinations Core Essentials and Vintage cardstock and my peach image came from the Cricut "Just Because Cards" cartridge.  To make the peach more realistic, I inked the edges of the cuts with some Ranger inks and also did some light sanding to the outside edge.  The leaves were embossed with the Cuttlebug Herringbone folder and I used patterned paper and stickers from the "a FAIR day" sei line!

So now I hope that you too will be inspired to take on this fun colour challenge!  Remember, you have until July 27th, so hurry up and play along with us to win some delicious Core!

In other news, I was very saddened to learn of some heartbreaking news this morning that a fellow scrapbooking friend in our communities has passed away rather suddenly after her battle with breast cancer.  Her name was Chris Hertel and she was such a dear sweet soul who gave so much of herself.  She lived right here in PA, and although I've never met her in person (and we used to live rather close to one another, her in Greensburg, and I in Altoona)... we did communicate via message boards, emails and our blogs.  Chris also created some of her own digital designs and was kind enough to share them.  Her houndstooth print has been one of my favorites for quite sometime and I have downloaded and printed it so often for many of my projects.  In fact, earlier last week, I was pleasantly surprised to have one of my card designs using her houndstooth print, picked up for publication in the upcoming December issue of CARDS magazine!  I was so thrilled that it was a card using her design and I was eager to email her to tell her to be on the watch for it later, but I never got the chance.   Here's a link to another blog post of mine with another page that I created not too long ago.  I tell ya, I've used it a lot!  I will certainly miss her spunky spirit and friendship in our scrappy community!  She fought a good fight and all I can say is that the world was only a happier place with her in it!  I pray that her beautiful family will lean on one another and find much comfort, strength and peace!