Thank You for the Delightful Gift!

I received a fairly unique gift quite unexpectedly...a cedar, chainsaw-made Christmas tree.  We had a family gathering a few weeks ago to celebrate two birthdays, and my son-in-law's mother was in attendance.  She is a collector of chainsaw wood art, and she brought a gift for me and my two daughters plus my daughter-in-law.  They were "carved" Christmas trees using a chainsaw to cut and form them from cedar logs.  The tree's branches were painted green with a bit of white snow gracing their tips and the trunks were the natural bark from the small cedar logs from which they was cut.  She had decorated each with miniature Christmas lights that could be all white or multi-colored by changing the remote settings.  What delightful gifts!

I needed a thank you card desperately and immediately.  I scoured some of the Splitcoaststamper challenges to find some ideas.  I used the Inspiration Challenge for an autumn color inspiration and found a Featured Stamper Challenge with a pretty autumn leaf card.  My mind was made up to do an autumn leaf card of my own.  I found some other challenges that would fit as well, and if I added green, I could finish Color Letter Z in the Round 9 Alphabet challenge.  

At this point, I remember a card by Liz Thayer that also had a leaf design, so I "borrowed" elements from her card to add to my card as well.  This is my finished card, a bit of a modified Liz design than from the Featured Stamper with two more added layers.  I finished the card off with an interior design to fit the outside and added a Chatterbox verse printed by my computer.

Take a peek below at the finished card inside and out.  I think my friend will enjoy her thank you card and also know just how appreciative I am of her lovely gift!

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up Papers:  Cardstocks--Mossy Meadow, Blackberry Bliss, Gold Foil, Cajun Craze, Soft Suede, So Saffron;  Patterned--Color Me Autumn (2014 Holiday), Typeset (2014-5 Annual).  Stamps: Holiday Cheer, Project Life (sentiment/ 2014 Holiday).  Dies:  Autumn Accents BigZ.  SU Embossing Folder: Hardwood.  SU Other:  Gold Basic Metal buttons; Washi Tape (names unknown); Dazzling Diamonds Gold Glitz.  Ink: Soft Suede ink distressing.  Size: 4-3/4x6-inches.

Fall Happy Birthday!

I have oodles of birthday cards to make for Fall, and this one is for a cardmaking good friend.  I wanted to make her a Fall card with a little bit of a vintage flair.  After checking out several Splitcoaststamper challenges, I knew exactly what I wanted to do! 

Ultimately, I ended up casing a card designed and  developed by my sister, Heidi Gonzales, over five years ago, because I had a stash of her leftover papers and elements that she used, including a delightful "Autumn Wind" digital bookmark image, some the ribbon, and the recycled lace.  I made my own oval layered backdrop and sentiment to finish my card.  

In keeping with one set of SCS challenge requirements to add things of  Scottish, Irish, and Welsh tradition, I have included the plaid on my card, which is important to all three countries, and depicts their family or clan heritage.  No two families or clans use the same plaid.  I've also included acorns, representing the Acorn Oak, which once formed over 1/3 of the tree coverage in all of the British Isles and was important to the shipbuilding industry.  

My thanks to Heidi for allowing me to case her card...it has such a lovely vintage flair and perfect Fall elements!  Take a peek at the results of my finished card front, as well as my coordinating interior design and Chatterbox sentiment and verse. 

Ingredients:   Papers:  Stampin' Up Cardstock--Crumb Cke, Early Espresso, Tangerine Tango, Very Vanilla, Antique Linen.  Stash: unknown acorns and plaid.  Digital Pre-colored bookmark: Autumn Wind by Digital Papers.  Chestnut Roan ink distressing.  Dies:  Stampin' Up--Layering Ovals; Spellbinders--Classic Ovals LG, Classic Scallop Ovals LG, Petite Ovals LG, Petite Scallop Ovals LG.  Recycled Lace (bottom edging on old over-blouse.  Ribbon Stash: Silk Variegated; Pumpkin Stickers; Gold Metallic gems.  Linen Twine (acorn).  Chatterbox sentiment/ verse.  Size: 4-7/8" x 6".

Revisiting "A Peek at Fall"

I originally made this card and posted it to my blog on September 20, 2017.  Click here to see the cards original posting: A Peek at Fall).  I intended to use it as one of my fall birthday cards for 2017, but somehow I missed doing that.  Therefore, I am now going to use it for my youngest son's October birthday this year.  I have composed a little birthday verse inside to suit the theme of the card.  Check out the finished card inside and out below! 

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up products:  Cardstock--Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Gold Glimmer.  Stamps--Hardwood, Happy Scenes (retired).  Inks--Crumb Cake, Daffodil Yellow, Pumpkin Pie, Cherry Cobbler.  Dies--Leaflets Framelits, Seasonal Layers Thinlits.  Embossing Folder: Woodgrain.  Linen Thread.  Dazzling Diamonds Glitter.  Glitter Enamel Dots (inside & out: colored).  Other products:  Inks--Encore Gold Metallic, Memento Tuxedo Black, Colorbox Chestnut Roan.  Copic markers.  Offray Burlap Weave.  Techniques:  Stamping, Sponging, Coloring.  Inside: EK Punch: Victorian Med. Corner.  Chatterbox verse.  Size: 4-3/4" x 6".  (Woodgrain stamped bg  and the chairs are also Woodgrain embossed to add texture.  Chairs are popped up).

Getting Ready for October Birthdays!

My good friend Carla is hosting her first Dare to Get Dirty challenge this month, and though I am sorry to say, I do not have any time to really get into the nitty gritty of trying to get all these challenges completed, I thought I'd at least try Carla's challenge.

These Dare to Get Dirty Challenges are created for fan club members to participate in, and we are not allowed to divulge the nuts and bolts of the challenge requirements, but I also checked out some of the other SCS challenges currently running to see if they would tweak my creative mojo.  

An Inspiration Challenge orange t-shirt with leaves reminded me that I have a whole slew of October family birthdays that include sons, nephews, sister-in-laws, children and SCS friends.  I thought I'd make a card with a fall theme that would help my huge October card needs.  A fall theme will also work for the Alphabet Challenge, Letter P = Persimmon Orange and Pumpkin Orange.

My card idea will work for one of my sister-in-law cards or one of my female friends, but I think I might just earmark it for one of my good friends.  I thought I would take a walk down nostalgia lane and color the little girl image I chose with woodless-colored pencils.  The image is a CC Designs fall digital image of a little girl pulling a wagon filled with a delightful fall pumpkin.  I've had this digital image in my stash for a number of years.

My finished little girl with her rosy cheeks is ready to deliver her little red wagon loaded with her happy birthday pumpkin to my dear friend.  Now, I can put a check mark by my friend's name to show that her card is finished.  Take a peek at her finished birthday card inside and out.

Recipe:  SU cardstock:  Whisper White, Tangelo Twist, Chocolate Chip.  DSP: Joann's Open Stock.  CC Designs digital image: Pumpkin Emma.  Die:  Papertrey Ink-Large ZigZag.  Coloring: Progresso Koh-I-Noor Woodless-Colored Wax Pencils (Michaels).  Mineral Spirits (WalMart).  Stash:  Orange Felt, button, cream crochet thread.  Punch:  EK Scallop Photo Corners LG.  Chatterbox sentiment/verse (computer).  Size:  5-1/4" square.

Best of 2017 Favorites @ Splitcoaststampers!

I'm in 7th Heaven!!!!  I've had nine of my 2017 cards chosen in the Splitcoaststampers' Favorites - Best of 2017 recently, and three of these were chosen twice!   I also had one card chosen in the CAS Favorites - Best of 2017.  Now that was really a surprise, because rarely do I make a clean and simple card!  I'm speechless and so grateful to the wonderful and crafty multitudes at Splitcoaststampers for giving me so many honors.  

As I have had my cardmaking curtailed in mid-December due some severe hand problems, especially the left, and a right knee flair up, I've been kind of down a bit without my hobby to entertain me.  I've also been absentee blog posting as some may have noticed.  With that said, I thought I would post those cards BESTed again for your browsing!  

Favorites - Best of 2017 Cards

Let It All Hang Out Birthday - posted 8/28/17

 Blog link: https://chatterboxcreations-1.blogspot.com/2017/08/let-it-all-hang-out-birthday.html

 First Christmas for a Little Husky Named Zhanna! - posted 9/4/17 (chose 2 times)

Blog Link: https://chatterboxcreations-1.blogspot.com/2017/09/first-christmas-for-little-husky-named.html

Christmas Card from an Oldie But Goodie! - posted 9/8/17 (chosen 2 times)

Blog Link: https://chatterboxcreations-1.blogspot.com/2017/09/christmas-card-from-oldie-but-goodie.html

Improving on the Christmas Oldie But Goodie! - posted 9/12/17 (chosen 2 times)

Blog Link: https://chatterboxcreations-1.blogspot.com/2017/09/improving-on-christmas-oldie-but-goodie.html

A Dedicated 12th Woman Seahawks Fan Birthday! - posted 11/5/17.

Blog Link: https://chatterboxcreations-1.blogspot.com/2017/11/a-dedicated-12th-woman-seahawks-fan.html

My Son's First Father's Day! - posted 6/18/17.  (inspiration from Dar Peterson).

Blog Link: https://chatterboxcreations-1.blogspot.com/2017/06/my-sons-first-fathers-day.html 

Anniversary Twosome Sail with the Breeze! - posted 7/31/18

Blog Link: https://chatterboxcreations-1.blogspot.com/2017/07/an-anniversary-twosome-sail-with-breeze.html

Birthday Jazz for Youngest Son! - posted 9/15/17

Blog Link: https://chatterboxcreations-1.blogspot.com/2017/09/birthday-jazz-for-youngest-son.html

A Peek at Fall! - posted 9/20/17
Blog Link:  https://chatterboxcreations-1.blogspot.com/2017/09/a-peek-at-fall.html

CAS Favorites - Best of 2017 Cards

New Hat for Spooky Kitty! - posted 10/27/17

Blog Link: https://chatterboxcreations-1.blogspot.com/2015/10/new-kitty-face-card.html

A Peek at Fall!

GOOD NEWS!  

THIS CARD IS NAMED A

SPLITCOASTSTAMPERS FAVORITE OF THE

WEEK ENDING - SEPTEMBER 23, 2017!!

I have been mulling over creative ideas in order to use my Adirondack chairs, which is part of the new die set in Stampin' Up's annual catalog named, "Seasonal Layers."  It a great set with many different dies besides the chair, and it coordinates with the "Colorful Seasons" stamp set.  I went to a card class in June and made several cards using both items, but I have not cracked the seal on my own set, and I was anxious to do so.

I had an idea for an anniversary card, which was my focus when I started this card, with the sentiment inside..."Life is better when there are two," thus the reason for using two Airdondack chairs, but I am undecided, and may use it for one of the many October birthdays on my "To Do" list.

I also wanted to enter the card in several Splitcoaststamper challenges, which helped me come up with my color scheme and making it a fall card.  Take a peek to see how my Adirondack chair card turned out.  Unfortunately, the colors are a bit washed out.  They are much more vibrant in RIL!

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up products:  Cardstock--Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Gold Glimmer.  Stamps--Hardwood, Happy Scenes (retired).  Inks--Crumb Cake, Daffodil Yellow, Pumpkin Pie, Cherry Cobbler.  Dies--Leaflets Framelits, Seasonal Layers Thinlits.  Embossing Folder: Woodgrain.  Linen Thread.  Dazzling Diamonds Glitter.  Glitter Enamel Dots (colored).  Other products:  Inks--Encore Gold Metallic, Memento Tuxedo Black, Colorbox Chestnut Roan.  Copic markers.  Offray Burlap Weave.  Techniques:  Stamping, Sponging, Coloring.  Size: 4-3/4" x 6".  (Woodgrain stamped bg  and the chairs are also Woodgrain embossed to add texture.  Chairs are popped up).

Nephew-in-Law #2 End-of-October Birthday!

Now it's time to post my last October birthday card, which is for nephew-in-law #2.  I had this lovely fall card partially finished that I started at a Liz Thwyer event for Fall and Thanksgiving cards last year.  It was meant to be for Thanksgiving, but I converted the peek-a-boo sentiment "Give Thanks" to "Happy Birthday" by adding a half-circle of the front pattern paper and a new birthday sentiment overlay.  I also added hemp twine in my button for a more finished look.  Somehow, it just seems to me that buttons always need to have some thread in them as they generally have when sewn on.  Otherwise, my card is true to Liz's original card design.

My finally steps are to design an interior that compliments the outside, and finally, to added a verse appropriate for the occasion.  (You can see my added patterned paper half-circle and birthday sentiment overlay that I mentioned above.)  Now that I'm all done, off into the mail it goes for Jared's birthday.  I'm thinking he will really enjoy his card.

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up products:  Cardstock--Early Espresso.  Gold Glimmer paper.  Patterned--Farmer's Market; Color Collection-Early Espresso.  Stamps--Lovely As A Tree; Sweet Cupcake  Punch--2" Circle.  Gold Basic Buttons. 1" Burlap Ribbon.  Maya Arts: Hemp Twine.  Copic Markers. 

Thank You for Officiating!

I felt another card was needed as a thank you involving my daughter's wedding.  This one goes to the priest who will perform the ceremony this Saturday.  He is now retired, but was our parish priest for more than 30 years, and he agreed to come out of retirement to officiate at the barn wedding/ reception site venue.  We are very thankful that he agreed to marry our second daughter, although this one is after he retired.

The card I chose to use is a re-creation of one we made at a class given by Liz Thayer, who by now, if you read my blog, should be a very familiar name.  She is my upline in Stampin' Up (though I am just a demonstrator for myself and I'm not pursuing it as a business venture), but I so love to socialize and make cards with the many great gals who are invited to her events. 

This card uses the Baby Wipes stamping technique which is lots of fun.  If you are interested in trying it there are many places where tutorials can be found:  YouTube, Splitcoaststampers, and Pinterest to name a few.  

Recipe:  Stampin' Up products:  Blackberry Bliss, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Tangelo Twist cardstocks.  Sweet Li'l Thing dotted Washi tape.  Seasonally Scattered stamps (Holiday 2014).  Blackberry Bliss, Old Olive, Tangelo Twist Inks.  Versamark Watermark Ink.  Clear Embossing Powder,  Apothecary Accents framelit dies.  Tiny Triangles Embossing Folder.  Gold Basic Metal Buttons,  Gold Metallic Baker's Twine.  Inside: EK Fancy Photo Corners. (Re-creation of Liz Thayer design). 

Thanksgiving Pressies!

My good friend and cardmaking buddy, Sandy, sent me the cutest darn Thanksgiving card.  She has been on a bing of cardmaking using her flip-it framelit die, because, as she says, "I've had it for close to a year now and never used it...shame on me!  Don't you think it's about time!"  But, not only did she use her flip-it framelit die, but she also created her cute little scarecrow with punch art, added with felt leaves and a bit of washi tape.  Take a look at this darling little scarecrow with the goolies eyes and yarn hair!  Isn't it just the most adorable thing ever!

Next came a thank you card from my sister, using Papertrey Ink's Quilted: Autumn stamp and coordinating die set.  Love that copper metallic crocheted lace bordering the leaf panel and the bit of burlap setting off her quilted leaf!  Thank YOU, Heidi, for such a lovely card!

Card Pressies & Sharing Happy Thanksgiving!

I want to wish everyone a very HAPPY THANKGIVING!  I hope you are able to enjoy a wonderful day with family and friends, feasting on delicious Thanksgiving fare, and maybe even enjoying a football game or other games with your loved ones!  My family will certainly be glued to the television, as members of the Seattle Seahawk 12th Man, while we watch our favorite team battle the San Francisco 49ers!

Next, I want to share a couple of cards that we received from my cardmaking buddies and friends, as well as family!  This first card was made and sent by my Mom to wish all of us a great day with the family. . .such a warm and cute little house amongst the fall leaves. It looks so welcoming, like it invites us to go right in and share a meal with those inside.  Thank you, Mom. . .love your card!

My next card is from my cardmaking buddy, Sandy.  It is the cutest fuzzy bear peeking out from behind a huge pumpkin.  He is just darling!  This wonderful card is filled with gorgeous colors as Sandy shows off her newly established coloring skills using Stampin' Up's Blendabilities!  Way to go, Sandy!  To top it all off, the multi-colored fall leaves have lots of glittery bling.  Unfortunately, the picture does not due it justice.  I just love Sandy's card, and I'm so glad it is gracing my mantel, along with Mom's little house!

The final card I'm going to share is from my Stampin' Up cardmaking mentor, Liz Thayer.  She has done it again; the card is a stunner!  Liz used the Bigz die, Autumn Accents, with the lovely fall dsp from the SU 2014 Holiday catalog: Color Me Autumn.  Of course, it is a Liz card, so it must some glitter bling added to the leaves and acorn.  I am so thankful for your card Liz!

Nephew-in-law #2 Also Has An October Birthday!

This was my final masculine birthday card in October, and it is for another nephew-in-law.  Jared's birthday falls almost at the very end of the month!  I didn't have time to get it posted in October, so I thought I'd throw it in November! 

I had a card in my stash that I made about a year ago, and I have always liked it, but its sentiment was Happy Thanksgiving.  That is one occasion that I have not added to my To Do Cardmaking List (thank goodness)!  I would probably enjoy making them, because it would give me another excuse to make fall cards, but with all my October birthdays, I don't think I need an excuse for more . . . do you?

After eye-balling the card, I realized I could change the sentiment as I had already been doing on some of the cards I borrowed someone else's layout and their card was for Thanksgiving, Gratitude, or Thanks, and then it could be used for a birthday.  It does have a bit of a floral background . . . taking away from the masculine these and the mason jar lid had a companion floral print.  I decided to change up the lid paper to a geometric design, which was a bit more masculine and then to also pink the bottom of the die, rather than leave the curves, because the curves leaned toward a ruffled look.  (I did not want a ruffle appearance.)  I also added a fuzzy knot on my twine.  With these changes, so you think it will suit a macho Army guy.  I think so . . . he's a Dad to three lovely daughter, and he seems to have a soft heart!

Recipe:

Paper:  SU cardstock:  Always Artichoke, Midnight Muse, Naturals White;  Pattern dsp: Comfort Cafe.  Stamps:  Perfectly Preserved; Day of Gratitude  Ink:  Early Espresso, More Mustard.  Dies:  SU Framelit - The Cannery.  Punches:  SU Modern Labels; Word Window.  (Inside: EK Medium Scallop Corner).  Other:  SU: 1/2" Scallop Dot ribbon/ More Mustard.  May Arts Twine. Computer-made sentiment.

Fall Birthday for Another Niece!

This card was made for my niece on my husband's side of the family, and it was actually my final birthday card to make for the month of October . . . Yippee Skippee!  I barely had time to get it done and mailed on time, because I had to get Halloween cards made and mailed too.  I definitely could not get it posted, so I decided it would have to wait for November, as well, to be put into my blog when my blog and I were less busy!   As long as it gets there, all is good, right?!  But, of course, the card was mailed timely so my wishes would not be late!

I thank my sister, Heidi Gonzales (My Lil' Scrap Corner) for the original inspiration for this card and the card kit pieces, to which I added.  My card kind of took on a life of its own.  I decided it needed an Early Espresso cardstock base and a border strips under the ribbon embellishment in the dark brown as well.  The sentiment was changed from Gratitude to one fitting for a birthday, and rhinestones were needed to give it a little bling.  I am pretty pleased with my modifications and the changes in the card, which I feel did not take away from its original design, but rather enhanced it.  I hope my niece, Sarah, likes it too!

Recipe:

Paper:  SU Early Espresso cs (base).  BoBunny DoubleDot Frost Dot.  Echo Park Fall Fever-Stripes.  Dies: Spellbinders Labels 18.  Punches: SU Open Scallop Border; (Inside: EK Medium Scallop Corner).  Stamps:  Papertrey Pumpkins.  Other:  May Arts Twine.  Offray 3/8" Satin ribbon.  Darice Rhinestones.  Computer-made sentiment.

Nephew-in-law Birthday #1 in October!

Both of my nieces have husbands with birthdays in October!!!  Sooooo, another post for November!  The first nephew-in-law is married to my very first niece...my sister's first daughter.  Jesse is a nice young man and a great father.  I wanted to take time out to make him a card to let him know much I enjoy seeing him and his family when I visit northern California.  Though the card was timely, my post is not.  When I found I hadn't yet posted his card, I got right to work and completed this post.

I was still into loving making fall cards. . . so I thought another card depicting our dinner-plate-sized leaves would be fun.  Early in the month, when I made the first late large-leaf card, I mentioned that, with our late fall, the leaves had barely begun to drop.  Not so by late October!  Of course, they waited until my husband had his foot surgery and would not be able to rake!  Thank you leaves!

With these falling leaves in mind, I was inspired by a card made by Misty Bradley several years ago.  I used the layout of her card, but added and rearranged mine to suit my cardmaking style.  My card is square with lots of colored layers.  I added a wooden button with dark brown twine, a scalloped/ straight edging to my vertical striped pattern, and placed my leaves in a different layout with brown distressed leaf veins just like the ones on our Maple trees.  My sentiment is for a birthday rather than Thanksgiving, so I used a Spellbinder oval die set rather than the paper line's chipboard stickers.  

My final step was to design an interior that coordinated with the card front and to add a verse that fits the occasion.  I hope Jesse enjoys his fall leaves card as much as I enjoyed making it!  Don't you just love those fall colors!

Recipe:

Paper:  SU Natural Ivory (base), Crushed Curry, Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Pool Party; Echo Park Fall Fever- Stripe (sides #1/ #2).  Dies: SU Autumn Accents Bigz; Spellbinders Petite Ovals/ Petite Scallop Ovals.  Punches: Open-Scallop Edge Border; (Inside: Martha Stewart Mini Leaf).  Other: May Arts Twine.  SU Cotton Twill/ Pumpkin Pie.  Stash:  Wooden button / Dk. Brown Embroidery Floss.  Computer sentiment.

Birthday for Daughter's Boy Friend!

My daughter's boy friend had an October birthday...can you believe it...another October birthday!  I decided I would publish his card in November due to all the Halloween posts needing to be published before the holiday.  Not having a whole bunch of extra time, I decided to re-create a card I made from a class that introduced the new Stampin' Up Holiday catalog, which was given by my mentor, Liz Thayer, back in August.  (Thank you Liz for the inspiration).

Of course, knowing me, it would not be an exact case.  I had to add a few more colored layers, which also enlarged the card to 6-1/2" x 5". . . for some unknown reason, a size I like better than the standard A2--5-1/2" x 4-1/4" (don't ask me why . . . it's just more pleasing to my eye).  I added a twine tied button to the button embellishment and changed up the sentiment layout  position and its words.  I also corner chomped the original card base using my WRMK Scallop Corner Chomper.  The lovely leaf design with its glittery twinkling leaves was taught by Liz and I love how they look.

Then, I went to work on an inside creation to coordinate with the front design and a verse fitting for these lovely fall leaves.  I hope Jackie's boyfriend enjoys his little card I made just for him.

Recipe:

Paper:  SU cardstock - Mossy Meadow, Hello Honey, Cajun Craze; SU dsp: Color Me Autumn.  SU Stamp:  For All Things.  Punches:  SU - Modern Label, Word Window.  (Inside: WRMK - Scallop Corner Chomper; EK Scallop Corner).  Other:  SU Dazzling Details - Gold Glitz.  SU - Autumn Wood Elements.  SU ribbon - 3/8" Stitched Satin/ Mossy Meadow.  SU - Button.  May Arts Hemp Twine.  Computer-made sentiment/ verse.

An Anniversary. . .Celebrating 50 Years!

What can I say. . .I was a child bride!  It is our anniversary this month, and I made a little anniversary card for my husband.  The original card was a designed by my sister, Heidi Gonzales (My Lil' Scrap Corner) a few years ago.  I just had to steal it, because it fit the occasion so well, and the colors fit the fall season so perfectly.  

I did enlarge my card, making it square and added the ribbon embellishment for a bit more flair!  I hope my sometimes nutty husband enjoys it!  I made a little verse, which I thought fit my husband to a "tee" at least most of the time! LOL

Recipe: Cream cardbase, BoBunny Double dot cs; Echo Park pattern dsp. Stampin' Up Lucky Limeade 3/8" Ruffled ribbon (retired). MayArts twine.  EK Punch: Fancy Photo Corner.

A Niece Has A Birthday to Celebrate!

One of my sister's girls has an October birthday.  In fact, it is on the same day as my son, Mark's, birthday and my husband's youngest sister.  I also have yet to make a card for my great nephew who celebrates on the exact same day.  What a busy day!  I guess in some ways it's good that we don't all live close enough to visit or it could be a problem!

I'm into making fall cards...just love the color combinations of autumn!  Our dinner-plate-sized Maple leaves are beginning to fall, but as it has been a lovely and warmer fall than usual, the leaves were slower to get ready to abandon their high perches. Though by Halloween, we should be wading in them knee deep!

With falling leaves in mind, I thought I'd make my niece a colorful leaf birthday card in the shape of our Maple leaves to remind her of her brief time living in Washington.    My next step was to design an interior that coordinated with the card front, and then compose a verse that fit the occasion.  Shauna's card would another that would arrive a bit late due to all my fast-paced family activities during the past three weeks.  I hope she enjoys her fall leaves card as much as I enjoyed putting it together!

Recipe:

Paper:  SU Natural Ivory (base), Crushed Curry, Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla, Pool Party; Echo Park Fall Fever-Journaling Leaves.  MME-So Sophie: Celebrate (grid).  Basic Grey-Pattern Paper:  Archaic Ancient.  Dies: SU Autumn Accents Bigz; Spellbinders Labels 12.  Punches: Scallop Edge Border; (Inside: EK: Medium Scallop Corner).  Other: SU: Button.  May Arts Twine.

A Nephew's Birthday to Celebrate!

One of my sister's boys has a birthday in October a few days after my own son, Mark's, birthday.  Well, why not...doesn't EVERYONE want a birthday in October!  I just counted up, and I have 12 birthdays in October with 9 of them before October 15th, plus an anniversary in mid-October as well, and not to mentioned, Halloween cards!  It's a very BUSY month!  I think I'm overwhelming myself just thinking about it!!! 

This post is about my sixth birthday card this month for my nephew, Davis.  My mojo was sending me to thinking about a card using owls as they just seem to go with fall and the month of October, in my mind anyhow!  I had a stash of paper by Echo Park called Fall Fever from a few years back loaded with leaves, owls, and trees, and the owl paper just spoke to me.  A friend of mine, Misty Bradley, made a card several years ago with this very same paper, and I thought I would borrow the theme of her layout with a repositioning and changes here and there to make it my own.  She gave me some Cricuit cut letters for the word fall that she used on her card, and I found them stored with the paper, so away I went.  My card will be a squat rectangle rather than the traditional 5" x 7", with a few more color layers added, and I thought the birthday sentiment, WHOO's BIRTHDAY??, would fit the bill.  What probably doesn't show in the picture is the little red owl that I decided to fussy-cut out of the paper, added googlie eyes, and popped him up on his own image from the paper below.  This is my card that evolved using a layout similar to Misty's and a bit of my mojo added for Davis's birthday.  I hope he enjoys his little fall owl card as much as I enjoyed making it!

Recipe:

Paper:  Bazzill Mono cardstocks: Brown (base), Saltillo (red-orange), Coastal, Glow, Pear, Dotted Swiss-Mud Puddle; Echo Park Fall Fever Owl/ Stripe.  Spellbinders dies: Circles/ Scallop Circles. May Arts Hemp Twine.  Stash: Googlie Eyes, Cricuit Letters.  Fishtail banners: hand-cut.  (Size: 5"x6-1/4").

Special Anniversary Celebrations...It's Year #10!!

It is Don and Michele's 10th anniversary this year in the month of September, and I wanted to make them a special card celebrating them as a twosome!  A few years ago, my sister designed a card using Papertrey Ink's mason jar stamp and die set and the Autumn jar fillers.  She chose candied apples for her jar, and I absolutely loved this card with the Crystal Effects glazed apples.  

My re-created card would depict Don and Michele as a twosome in marriage; therefore, my sister's original sentiment, "Autumn Wishes," made it a fall card, but my card needed something different.  I chose new anniversary sentiment that would be a "play on words" referring to the two candied applies. . ."So Sweet Together."

My next creative addition to the card was an interior design that complimented the card front, and my final step was to compose a little anniversary verse celebrating their 10-year marriage.  I am really happy with the way my candied apple anniversary card turned out, and I think Don & Michele will enjoy it, along with their gift certificate for dinner out.  Happy Anniversary you two!  You are on my special people in my life list!

Recipe:  Paper - Cardbase: SU Crumb Cake.  DSP: Graphic 45 French Country; Papertrey Ink: Bitty Box Basic 2008-lime.  Stamp/die set - Papertrey Ink: Friendship Jar, Friendship Jar Fall Autumn Fillers, Jar & Lids.  Other dies - Papertrey Ink: XL Rickrack Border, Fillable Frames #10.  Spellbinders Labels Five.  Punches - Zutter 1/2" Corner Rounder. SU Scallop Edge Border (inside).  Extras - SU Crystal Effects.  MayArts twine. Hug Snug Black seam binding ribbon. Stash - Crochet Lace.  Colorbox Chestnut Roan Ink. Coloring: Copic Markers.  Size - 5-1/2" square.  Inspiration: Heidi Gonzales/ My Lil' Scrap Corner blog.

A Good Friend's Birthday!

One of my long-time friends, a friendship that started way back in the early 1990's, is having her birthday.  We worked together for over six years and then she transferred to another school.  We try to keep in touch, along with a few other ladies, with at least a quarterly "girls' night out," which we are presently behind on with each of our many family obligations.  But, for sure on her birthday, I want to wish her the very best day and the very best in the coming year until her next birthday, when I will renew my birthday wishes again!

I made this card several years ago from a card kit my sister designed when she owned her scrapbooking store.  It was done with Progresso Koh-I-Noor woodless-colored pencils, set with mineral spirits; those were the days before I learned how to use Copic markers.  It's fun to look back on those colored images.  I am amazed with the coloring job you achieve with just 24 different colors by coloring lightly, adding more pressure, and adding shadings and shadows.  Even looking at it now, it was a pretty good coloring job, if I don't say so myself!  I thought this little bundled up Magnolia stamp Tilda would be just right for a birthday during our cold, rainy winter months in the Seattle area.  I think Carla will like her card.

Recipe:  Bazzill cardstocks: Tangelo, Saguaro.  Basic Gray: Pyrus.  Spellbinder dies: Scallop Squares LG, Long Scallop Rectangles LG, Labels Four.  Magnolia stamp.  Koh-I-Noor Woodless Colored pencils.  WalMart Mineral spirits.  May Arts Twine.  Computer-made sentiment.

Happy Thanksgiving to ALL!

I want to wish all those who take a peak at my blog a wonderfully warm and 

Happy Thanksgiving!  

I hope each and every one of you have a delightful day, enjoying good food and pleasing company!

My card was inspired by one originally designed by Misty Bradley over a year ago, and I thank her for that inspiration.  As you may know by now, I really like square cards, so my card had to be square, and I decided it needed a few more color layers.  I veined my leaves by folding at just the right angles and sponging these folds with Colorbox's Chestnut Roan to simulate the dinner-plate-sized maple leaves that fall in our front and back yards every year.  I also tweaked the papers used, adjusted the layout a bit, and added embellishments.  I just love the little wooden button and twine and decided it was just the right finishing touch.  I think my card turned out to be really warm, thankful, and encouraging, and I hope you enjoy it on this special Thanksgiving Day!

Inspired by Misty Bradley 2012 original.  Recipe:  Papers: Bazzill Dotted Swiss-Honey; Bazzill-Burning Ember/ Aqua; Stampin' Up Naturals Ivory (base), Early Espresso cs; Echo Park-Fall Fever: Trees & Stripe. Stampin' Up Punch: Open Scallop Border. Colorbox Chestnut Roan (sponging and distressing). Wrights Orange Citrus Twill. May Arts brown twine. Stash: wood button.