What Inspires Me

By now, I think anyone who reads my blog knows, that a good sketch often inspires me. It's all I need to get started on a card.

But, there are other things that inspire me as well. There have been many times that I have seen an item of clothing, or piece of fabric, and think, "Wow, that would make a neat card." The card doesn't always turn out the way I envisioned it, but sometimes it does, and that makes me keep trying!

This card (actually it's a card set of 4 on Etsy) was inspired by another card though. My sister sent me a note for something, and I knew I had to make some cards similar to it. It's a very fun card!

All of the flowers are raised with foam dots. The row of flowers along the bottom are from a pun, with the flower center stamped on. This one turned out just the way I wanted it too...and so it's all good!

Happy Day!

Happy Card

I would call this card a "no-frills card." No special techniques used, nothing cut out, no pop -ups, glitter, etc.

Yet, it's such a happy card. The bright colors, and the fun, funky flowers! Wouldn't you just love the have a flower bed or pot of these things!

Of course, there is ribbon on the card! There almost always has to be ribbon on the cards I make. There just does! It's my #1 must have!

Stamp set: Kind and Caring Thoughts

Colors: Pink Passion, Pumpkin Pie, Summer Sun, Gable Green

Technostamper's Monday Sketch

Is it too early to be thinking snowmen? Notice I didn't say "snow," because I KNOW it's too early to be thinking about that!

I love snowmen! Even though, in reality, they are cold, there is something about them that is cute and cuddly!

Technostamper likes circles (at least I think she does, since she includes them in a lot of her sketches). And while I like circles, I DO NOT like cirlce cutters! Or, they don't like me. I have yet to find one that works without a hitch. I go thru more paper than I need to before I get one that turn s out....but, I love MJ's sketches, so I still play along :)


Here's a close up of the circle, so you can see the sparkly/glittery/blinged snowflake! First it's stamped directly on the cardstock, then I stamped a second one, cut it out, blinged it up, and adhered it with a foam dot.

The snowmen are colored with pure color pencils.

Hope your day is warmer than this card suggests!

Thanks again, Technostamper. Make sure you check out her card for the sketch!

Slight Variation to MJ's Sketch

I knew this sketch would be a lot of fun! I immediately thought of the new Razzleberry Lemonade Patterned Paper when I saw it. What a great way to show off all those colors and patterns.

Each square is 1/2 inch and individually placed on the white cardstock. Yes, it took a little extra time, but was well worth the effort! The "for you" sentiment measures 1" by 1/2", so it fit perfectly!

You can check out her blog for sketch details. There was supposed to be a circle along the bottom, but I didn't want to take any attention away from all those great patterns in the patchwork.

Technostamper's Sketch 83

This sketch was really fun! It has "patterned paper" written all over it, at least when I look at it :) But, I don't always see things the way other people do...so, yes, I am just rambling :)

I love patterned paper. I think that after ribbon, that would be my second must have for paper crafting. I have stockpiles of paper, and keep buying more, just because it's so much fun to use!

Now, on with the card! Because, yes, that is what this

blog is all about!

The name of this paper is Pink Flamingo. Only, I didn't use any of the Pink or the Flamingo-y part. :) I love turquoise and yellow together though! It's bright and lively.

The flowers come from the Delight In Life stamps set, and the sentiment from Kind and Caring Thoughts.

Have a great Monday, and make sure you check out Mary Jo's blog!

Firecracker Flowers

I can't guarantee any regular posts until after the kids are back in school, but I will try to get something new up at least once a week.

New SU colors here again! Wow, they are great! This is such a simple card. No fluff and puff, but I really love the clean look. The polka dot ribbon adds just a dash of fun too!

Corners are rounded on the focal image, and the entire square is raised with dimensionals. The sentiment is, "Hope your birthday is as happy as happy gets!" A great card for anyone! Well, except maybe a boy or man:)

Stamp Set: Kind and Caring Thoughts

Colors: White, Crushed Curry, Rich Razzleberry

Patterened Paper: Razzleberry Lemonade

Monday Sketch Challenge

Technostamper comes through again, with a great, inspiring sketch! Make sure you check out her blog, as she posts a new sketch each Monday, and has some wonderful cards to share as well!

When I saw this sketch, I couldn't quite figure out what to do with the two background squares. I wanted something subtle, so they didn't take over the card, but yet not entirely boring. This patterned paper worked perfectly. The flower pattern is very light, yet it shows up enough to give the card some extra life.

The two butterflies, and the dragonfly were stamped with Staz-on ink on watercolor paper. I watercolored them with re-inkers, then cut them out and adhered them with foam dots. Bugs really can be beautiful :)

Sets: Touch of Nature (butterfly)

Botanicals (butterfly)

Organic Grace (dragonfly)

On Your Birthday (sentiment)

Patterned Paper: Urban Oasis

Colors: Kiwi Kiss, baja breeze, not quit navy

Set of 4 Cards

I don't know if I have ever made a card with such clean lines as these 4, but I really like the way the fun images and sentiments stand out!

Each image has a matchings sentiment: "sew glad we're friends," "fan mail," "grateful for you," and "hope you perk up soon." Aren't they fun!

Each card comes with a white envelope and a coordinating envelope seal made out of patterned paper.

This card set would make a great hostess or teacher gift!

Technostampers Monday Sketch

Woohoo! I'm on a roll! I got another card made today, and it's for Mary Jo's Blog challenge ! The details should be posted on her blog Monday morning.

When you check out her blog, you will see that the original sketch had a "tilted" piece of cardstock where I have put the flowers. I let her know that I wasn't sure I was up for such a drastic move! LOL!

For some reason I just have a hard time putting a tilted image on my cards. I just like things to be lined up. So, MJ, you'll notice that a few of the flowers are leaning toward the left. That's as good as I could do!

Thanks for another great sketch Mary Jo. All supplies SU.

I Am In Love!

I absolutely adore Stampin' Up's new In-Colors. They are both rich and vibrant at the same time. Modern yet slightly retro. Very stunning!

It's been so long since I sat down at my stamp desk! It was great to take a little time today to make a few cards.

This new stamp set could have many uses, if you ask me. Birthday, thank you, sympathy, wedding. It's great, and it comes with some really wonderful sentiments!

I wanted to add a little more color, and depth to this card than I orginally had, so I cut out a few flowers in different colors and added them with dimensionals. Also, just a little bit of polka dot ribbon along the side for fun!

Stamp Set: Kind and Caring Thoughts

Colors:Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Rich Razzleberry

Patterned Paper: Razzleberry Lemonade