My Mind's Eye is Chic

  I am playing with my Shop Pumpkin Spice "Spicy Chic" card kit again...the doily actually came from the January kit, but the sentiment die cut, the Indie Chic papers, and gem brad are all from the kit.  All for only $15.95.  I love shopping at Shop Pumpkin Spice!  Only the orange crinkle ribbon and dark grey Bazzill card stock are from my stash.

Happy Thursday!

My Pink Stamper: Girlie Doodles mini card set

  I have an affinity for fussy cutting.  I stamped the flower four times: thrice on patterned paper and once on the embossed yellow card stock.  I added a snap for the center of the one on the card box, and bling for the flower centers on the cards.  Then I stamped the purse three times again on the embossed yellow card stock and fussy cut some more :)

  I used the *new* My Pink Stamper image stamps called "Girlie Doodles":

There is even more inspiration on the My Pink Stamper blog...check it out!

Happy Tuesday!

Echo Park takes the cake!

  I am a huge fan of Echo Park paper collections.  My very first Echo Park collection was "a walk in the park"; that collection is still one of my most beloved of all Echo Park collections.  I have been crafting for about twelve years and I have many paper collections in my stash, but I never demolished a collection and reduce it to small scraps like I did with "a walk in the park"....until now.  I think I may have even fewer scraps of Echo Park's "For the Record" that I used to create this card.  My background paper (red damask) is also Echo Park "This & That" collection.  I purchase all of my Echo Park at Shop Pumpkin Spice.

My inspiration came from the Nancy Damiano color challenge:

  I hope your Memorial Day weekend was fun and relaxing...did you have a chance to craft?  I played with paper for most of weekend and I am off to play some more.

Supplies:
paper:  Echo Park For the Record "Lace Stripes", "Picket Fence"; Echo Park This & That Graceful "Quilt"
stickers:  Echo Park element stickers (sentiment) and alpha stickers (aqua border strip)
Cricut cartridges:  Elegant Edges p.50 (nested circles); Sweethearts p.64
mini brads in black

Happy Tuesday!

Artful Delight June kits

  Have you seen this months kits from Artful Delight?  I have mine already and I have already made 6 cards from it...the Simple Stories, Basic Grey, and coordinating card stock are super fun.  Yummy stuff...I'm off to play with it some more.  Check it out:

SCRAPBOOK KIT

 this kit will include

Simple Stories - Summer Fresh collection

1 - 12x12 collection kit which includes (6) 12x12 pattern papers, (1) 12x12 sheet of fundamental cardstock stickers, (1) 12x12 sheet of expressions cardstock stickers, (30) double sided cut-apart element pieces; BONUS (6) 4x6 transparency overlays

1 sheet - 12x12 Bingo Cards/Stripe

Basic Grey - PB&J collection 12x12 sheet (1 each)

Picnic Basket

Bag of Chips

Raspberry Jam

Fluffer Nutter

White Bread

Little Yellow Bicycle - Saturdays collection 12x12 sheet (1 each)

Lose Yourself/Lovely Labels

Coordinating cardstock - Bazzill Basics 12x12 sheet (1 each)

White Prismatic

Celery

Candle Glow Medium

Bazzill-Red

Admiral

Embellishments - size and color may vary per kit

1 - Discover chipboard shape - FabScraps

1 package - Basic Grey PB&J collection - Die-Cut Flowers

2 - LYB Saturdays collection - Felt and Burlap flowers

5 - LYB Saturdays collection - stick pins

5 - FabScraps - Fabric Covered brads

12 - FabScraps - Hand painted Wooden Buttons

Approx 16 feet - Red Twine

Approx 8 feet - Hemp Twine

CARD KIT

Simple Stories - Summer Fresh collection

1 - 6x6 paper pad which includes 36 sheets of paper

Basic Grey - PB&J collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)

Picnic Basket

Bag of Chips

Raspberry Jam

Fluffer Nutter

White Bread

Little Yellow Bicycle - Saturdays collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)

Lose Yourself/Lovely Labels

Coordinating cardstock - Bazzill Basics 8 1/2x11 sheets (2 each)

White Prismatic

Celery

Candle Glow Medium

Bazzill-Red

Admiral

Embellishments - size and color may vary per kit

16 pieces - Basic Grey PB&J collection - Die-Cut Flowers

2 - LYB Saturdays collection - Felt and Burlap flowers

5 - LYB Saturdays collection - stick pins

5 - FabScraps - Fabric Covered brads

12 - FabScraps - Hand painted Wooden Buttons

Approx 16 feet - Red Twine

Approx 8 feet - Hemp Twine

Approx 3 yards - Sheer Ombre Yellow/Green ribbon

1 - Paper Smooches stamp set - Geo-Graphic

with caring Thoughts Indie Chic card

  Happy Friday!  All of the papers and the beautiful pearl brads used on this card are included in this month's Shop Pumpkin Spice kit.  The kit is on sale here for just $15.95.  The sentiment is from My Pink Stamper "Sympathy & Comfort."

  I love paper crafting kits...all of the fun of playing with papers and perfectly coordinated embellishments and none of the agony of deciding what products to use.

  My inspiration came from the May My Mind's Eye sketch:

Have a safe and wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Echo Park "Sweet Day" baby cards

 Echo Park is so generous; it seems like they are always having a giveaway or challenge on Facebook/the Echo Park blog.  I was fortunate enough to win these "Sweet Day" papers for National Scrapbook Day on May 5th.  I saw these blue and yellow patterned papers and I just had to create some baby cards.

(papers:  "Playful Banner" and "Delightful"; banner: "Element Stickers" sticker)

  My sentiments are My Pink Stamper "Sweet Baby" stamps and the duck is cut from the Cricut "Wall Decor and More" cartridge.  I embossed the blue Bazzill card stock with the "Seeing Spots" embossing folder.

(papers:  "Playful Banner" and "Oh My Stripe"; banner: "Element Stickers" sticker)

Happy Wednesday!

Indie Chic Sympathy cards

   My Mind's Eye continuosly creates patterned papers that make me swoon.  I made these two sympathy cards (one feminine and one masculine.)  I used Indie Chic "Nutmeg" 6x6 papers, Lush 2 trims, dew drops, Cricut Elegant Edges cartridge (p.29 oblong frame cut @ 3"), Bazzill "walnut" card stock, and a My Pink Stamper "Sympathy & Comfort" sentiment.

  The My Mind's Eye Indie Chic 6x6 pad can be purchased at Shop Pumpkin Spice for $4.19, but the May kit at Shop Pumpkin Spice includes this 6x6 pad, the "Saffron" 6x6 pad, Indie Chic border stickers, glazed brads, coordinating card stock, and more...all for just $15.95...the retail value of the kit is nearly $32!  I love the convenience and financial savings when using a kit.  Click here to see the kit contents and/or purchase the kit.


Happy Monday!

My Pink Stamper Kit *exclusively* at Shop Pumpkin Spice

  I have exciting news:  Shop Pumpkin Spice is exclusively selling a My Pink Stamper "Birthday Doodles" stamp kit!  

Limited quantities are available.  The kit will go on sale today at 10am PST/1pm EST.  Order immediately to get same day priority FREE shipping.  To celebrate, Shop Pumpkin Spice and My Pink Stamper are having a hop.

  You should have gotten here from the My Pink Stamper blog hop.  If you did not get here from the My Pink Stamper blog, then please start HERE  to join in on all the fun!  If you came from sweet Saundra's blog, then you are in the right place. 

  My card is made 100% from the My Pink Stamper "Birthday Doodles" stamp kit: the image & sentiment stamps, black ink pad, acrylic block, Promarkers, and coordinating card stock:

  I fussy cut and popped up the pennant banner and the front of the gift bag.  Aren't these images fun?

  Make sure to visit the Shop Pumpkin Spice blog to participate in the challenges to WIN some awesome prizes!  Don't forget to add the "Birthday Doodles" kit to your cart...remember they go on sale at 10am PST/1pm EST today.

Your next stop will be Diana.

May 2012 Shop Pumpkin Spice monthly kit

  I created this shape card with papers, border sticker, gem brads, and sentiment (die cut) from this month's Shop Pumpkin Spice monthly kit; only the crinkle ribbon is from my stash and my white gel pen doodles.  These Indie Chic patterns were just screaming to be made into a shape card.  Last month all I wanted to do was play with Miss Caroline papers, but Indie Chic is equally stunning, don't you agree?

Here are the "Spicy Chic" card kit details:

• Indie Chic "Nutmeg" 6x6 paper pad
• Indie Chic "Saffron" 6x6 paper pad
• 2 sheets of 8 1/2"x11" Bazzill card stock in coordinating colors
• 4 sheets of 12"x12" Echo Park solid card stock in coordinating colors
• 1 package of Indie Chic "Saffron" buttons
• 2 different sheets of Indie Chic stickers
• 2 Indie Chic die cuts
• 1 package of Indie Chic "Citron" glazed brads
• 2 yards each of Twinery twine in cantaloupe and flax
• 2 yards each of rayon ribbon in rose and blue

All of this for just $15.95!  Click here to order (and see pictures of the kit contents.)

My shape card was cut from Cricut cartridge "Elegant Edges" p.39 oblong cut @ 5" and 5 1/4".

Happy Thursday!

Echo park/ My Pink Stamper/ Shop Pumpkin Spice graduation card

  I have some happy news.  For more than four years I have been selling my greeting cards at a local coffee shop.  Under the original owner I sold ~40 cards/month and lots more at Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and graduation.  When the original owner sold the store (~3 years ago), some of the regular customers stopped coming and went to other local coffee shops.  My sales dropped to about 40% of what they had been.  About two years ago the shop was sold again, and all of the regulars (except two) stopped coming.  Some new customers came, but the new owner kept moving my little basket of cards away from the register, and I have sold only 2 to 7 cards/month.  It was very frustrating that the new owners did not honor our agreement to keep my little 6x6 basket by the register.  This is how I earn my spending money to purchase craft supplies.  I have been whining about the situation for months, but with the move to our new house, I've been a little busy lately ;)

 Last week I went to the old coffee shop, collected my measely pay, and took my basket.  I drove to another local coffee shop (one nearer to my new house) and asked the owner if she would be amenable to selling my cards.  She said, "Yes!"  Guess what?  Most of the regulars from the previous coffee shop are at the new shop AND I have sold 42 cards in the first 6 days.  I like to keep my cards unique, but I am a slow crafter.  So I am beginning a little mass production using my supplies on hand.

  The customers are asking for graduation cards in the local high school colors (blue & gold).  I perused my papers and used some Echo Park "Winter Park" blues for the background and the bird's head, and Echo Park "For the Record" gold for his beak and feet.  I added some My Mind's Eye twine (or crinkle ribbon when I ran out of twine) and a My Pink Stamper sentiment.

Supplies:
Cricut cartridge:  "3 Birds on Parade" p.47 cut @ 3"
sentiment:  My Pink Stamper "School Days"
papers:  Echo Park "For the Record" Lace Stripes and Echo Park "Winter Park" Sledding, Park City, and Teal; navy linen card stock
twine:  My Mind's Eye Out of the Blue "Playful"
(or crinkle ribbon)
Cuttlebug embossing folder:  "Polka Dots"
ink:  Impress indigo blue

Life is good.  Happy Tuesday!

Springtime Scraps LO

 In honor of National Scrapbook Day, there are a number of challenges going on at the Cricut Circle blog.  One challenge in particular caught my eye:  Create a layout using only scraps...right up my alley!  No 12x12 papers were harmed in the creation of this layout :)  I used scraps of various Making Memories papers to create this Springtime layout of my daughter on her third birthday.

  The other challenge requirements were to use at least three Cricut image cuts (cake, cake stand, and the border of leaves) and to incorporate the Cuttlebug in some way (I embossed the cake and the icing.)

Details:
Cricut cartridges:
Everyday Pop-Up Cards (cake cut @ 3" p.64)
Sweet Treats (cake stand cut @ 1 3/4" p. 42)
Wall Decor and More (leaf border cut @ 1 1/2" p.73)

Cuttlebug embossing folders:
D'Vine Swirls
Swiss Dots

Happy Mother's Day weekend to you!  May you enjoy your time with people you love who are mothers this weekend.

Happy Birthday, Sweetie!

  My newest favorite cartridge is "Cake Basics."  Seriously, I purchased the Cricut Cake on Black Friday just so I could own this cartridge.  It has the cutest umbrella (click here to see it), this divine cupcake, and gorgeous borders too.  Yes, I have a Cricut cartridge addiction...

Supplies:
stamp:  My Pink Stamper "Sweet Goodness"
Cricut cartridge:  Cake Basics p.52
papers:  DCWV "Nana's Nursery"; My Mind's Eye "Bloom & Grow"; Bazzill Bling card stock
embossing folders:  Cuttlebug "D'Vine Swirls" and "Polka Dots"
twine:  The Twinery "pink sorbet"
ink:  Memories port red


  Happy Friday!

My Pink Stamper 2012 Spring *New* release

I am having so much fun playing with My Pink Stamper's newest sets (available for pre-order):

Handle with Care

(Supplies:  My Pink Stamper "Handle with Care" sentiment; My Mind's Eye Lime Twist Out of the Blue "Boy" spots paper; Jillibean Soup Watermelon Gazpacho Soup "Ice Cubes" paper; Bazzill card stock; SU pink pirouette card stock; black card stock; Cuttlebug "D'Vine Swirls" and "Swiss Dots" embossing folders; black marker and white gel pens; Cricut cartridge "Birthday Bash" p.31)

Around the Corner

(Supplies:  My Pink Stamper "Around the Corner" sentiment; My Mind's Eye Lime Twist Out of the Blue "Boy" spots paper; Jillibean Soup Watermelon Gazpacho Soup "Ice Cubes" paper; Bazzill card stock;  black marker and white gel pens; Cricut cartridge "3 Birds on Parade" p.70)

Never Give Up

(Supplies:  My Pink Stamper "Never Give Up" sentiment; Echo Park "Life is Good" papers and sticker; Martha Stewart grass border punch; Fiskars cloud punches)

Happy Wednesday!

My Pink Stamper - New release

Robyn (aka My Pink Stamper) has 4 *new* stamp sets available for pre-order.  I am not sure which one is my favorite, but I have made two cards from "Girlie Sayings":

 (Supplies:  My Pink Stamper "Girlie Sayings" sentiment, i-rock gems, My Mind's Eye Miss Caroline "Fiddlesticks" papers, black seam binding, Cricut cartridge "Everyday Pop-Up Cards" p.55)

(Supplies:  My Pink Stamper "Girlie Sayings" sentiment, Echo Park "Country Drive" papers, Cricut cartridge "Kate's ABCs" and "Elegant Edges")

Happy Monday!

National Scrapbook Day & Shop Pumpkin Spice- Challenge #3 Projects

Happy National Scrapbook Day!  The Shop Pumpkin Spice design team has a few challenges and prizes for National Scrapbook Day.  This is the third and final challenge and a chance to win another $20 certificate at Shop Pumpkin Spice.  You must create a *new* project; please, no back linking!  The challenge ends at midnight Sunday night.

Challenge #3:  Projects

  For each challenge I used Echo Park "Country Drive" collection kit ($9.79) purchased from Shop Pumpkin Spice:

  My daughters' school has the most delightful attendance secretary, Mrs. Palmer.  Whenever I make teacher gifts, I always create something for Mrs. Palmer too.  It is especially nice when someone truly appreciates handmade gifts.  Mrs. Palmer always comments on everything I make for her.  This was a breeze!  I cut the box with my Cricut, assembled, filled with Skittles candies, tied a ribbon, and used an Echo Park element sticker.  Voila!

treat box supplies:  Echo Park "Country Drive" element stickers and papers Little Ladies; ribbon; Cricut cartridge "Life's a Party" favor box p.69 cut @ 7 3/4".

  This treat box is for my daughter's resource teacher.  She has been delightful to work with all year.  I used five Echo Park stickers for this project:  the two sentiments on the top of the test tubes, the scalloped pink sticker, the pale blue heart, and the small dark green flower.  The My Mind's Eye twine was a perfect match.

double test tube treat box:  Echo Park "Country Drive" element stickers, Echo Park "Country Drive" Alpha stickers, and papers Little Ladies & Flutter By ; My Mind's Eye Out of the Blue "Smile" twine;  EKSuccess test tubes (special order from Shop Pumpkin Spice).

Double test tube tutorial:

Cut card stock to 5 1/2" x 11".  Score @ 1/2", 1 3/4", 4 1/4", and 5 1/2".

Rotate 90 degrees and score @ 1 1/4" and 4 1/4".  Cut along solid lines.  Punch 1" circles.

(Insert piece)

Cut card stock to 3" x 2 1/4".  Score @ 1/2" and 1 3/4".  Punch 1" circles.

Fold on all score lines.  Adhere insert piece to bottom of box first.  Decorate as desired.

Now it's your turn:

Create a project and link up at the Shop Pumpkin Spice blog.

Happy crafting!

National Scrapbook Day & Shop Pumpkin Spice- Challenge #2 LOs

Happy National Scrapbook Day!  The Shop Pumpkin Spice design team has a few challenges and prizes for National Scrapbook Day.  Be sure to check back at 5pm EST for the third and final challenge and a chance to win another $20 certificate at Shop Pumpkin Spice.  You must create a *new* project; please, no back linking!  The challenge ends at midnight Sunday night.

Challenge #2:  L
ayouts

  For each challenge I used Echo Park "Country Drive" collection kit ($9.79) purchased from Shop Pumpkin Spice:

  The fun colors in Echo Park's Country Drive collection mimic the stripes in my twin daughters' shirts.  This was a lovely Spring day in 2008 when they were on a field trip.  The two photos at the top are the girls playing together and walking holding hands, so the Echo Park element sticker was perfect title for my LO.  I used a white gel pen to draw a doodles "frame" on the blue Bazzill card stock to mimic the pink strip of Echo Park paper across the middle.

LO supplies:  Echo Park "Country Drive" element stickers and papers (Daisy Field, Flutter By, and Petunia); Lost & Found 2 Blush "Beautiful Girl" decorative brads; Bazzill card stock; prima flowers; white gel pen.

Now it's your turn:

Create a layout and link up at the Shop Pumpkin Spice blog.  Then come back at 5pm EST today for the final challenge!

National Scrapbook Day & Shop Pumpkin Spice- Challenge #1 Cards

  Happy National Scrapbook Day!  The Shop Pumpkin Spice design team has a few challenges and prizes for National Scrapbook Day.  Be sure to check back at noon EST and again at 5pm EST for the next two challenges and a chance to win $20 certificate at Shop Pumpkin Spice.  You must create a *new* project; please, no back linking!  The challenge ends at midnight Sunday night.

Challenge #1:  Cards

  For each challenge I used Echo Park "Country Drive" collection kit ($9.79) purchased from Shop Pumpkin Spice:

  I adore this Echo Park line; so fresh and fun.  Echo Park stickers (butterfly) are easy to work with too; they stick temporarily at first, then become permanent.  I like to place them on a scrap of card stock and fussy cut around them, then pop them up with foam tape.

card supplies:  Echo Park "Country Drive" element stickers and papers (Apron Strings, Little Ladies, and Sundress); Echo Park "This & That" dark pink solid; My Pink Stamper "Love-alicious"sentiment; Spellbinders Nestibilities squares; pomegranate baubles; EKSuccess border punch.

Now it's your turn:
Create a card and link up at the Shop Pumpkin Spice blog.  Then come back at noon today for the next challenge!

Shop Pumpkin Spice for My Mind's Eye collections

  You know I love red and polka dots, so these papers jumped right out at me.  I have been wanting to use this fun ric-rac too and I was in the mood for a shape card...hooray for fun supplies!  My craft room and craft closet are now unpacked with the supplies I use most often.  I have yet to organize the rest of my supplies, which are still in boxes.  I have been playing this week without having to search boxes for anything!  You can't see what I've made until Saturday, for the monthly Shop Pumpkin Spice hop...I promise you will want to hop along.  After all, it is National Scrapbook Day and Cinco de Mayo; lots to celebrate!

 If you are searching for paper crafting supplies, I hope you will make Shop Pumpkin Spice your one-stop shop.  6x6 paper pads are $4.19 and shipping is super low.  I purchased the My Mind's Eye papers, ric-rac, My Pink Stamper sentiment stamp, and glossy accents to make this card from Shop Pumpkin Spice.

Supplies:
papers:  My Mind's Eye 6x6 "Love Me"
ric-rac:  My Mind's Eye Fine & Dandy
sentiment:  My Pink Stamper "Sweet Baby"
candle wax and flames:  Glossy Accents
Cricut cartridges:  Elegant Edges (card base) and Birthday Bash (candles)
white flames:  liquid appliqué

Happy Thursday!  Don't forget to come back Saturday :)

May Artful Delight sketch - WIN next month's kit

    Did you see the newest kits by Artful Delight?  I hope you get yours before they sell out.  Did you know you have a chance to WIN next month's kit?  Yep, one random winner will receive the June kit; just create a card or LO using this sketch by the fabulous Abby:

I gotta tell you...I am inspired!  I hope to see your creations linked to the right-hand side-bar on the Artful Delight blog.

Here is my take on the sketch:

  I used the March 2012 Artful Delight kit (decorative papers, Bazzill card stock, decorative brads, and bird sticker) and a My Pink Stamper "Birthday Crazy" sentiment.  Another Mother's Day card made...or birthday card...The sketch is rotated 270 degrees, I moved the sentiment, and the squares became hexagons.

  I even finished the inside:

  Now it's your turn!  I can't wait to see your interpretation of fab Abby's sketch; link up on the Artful Delight blog.  I know I will be using this sketch again :)

Happy May Day!