January Celebrations...Just A Little Bit Late!

I missed a few birthdays in January and here I am playing catch-up!  I think that word, "catch-up" might be imprinted on my DNA!  I'm still finding myself in the mood to search out oldies to use from my stash.  I've decided if I don't think I'm ever going to reuse it (or even use it for the first time), it might be time to send it on to some other pasture, however that old saying goes!  I found an old 2008 wood stamp set a friend gave me.  Since I really don't like wood stamps, it was time to unmount it if I'm going to keep it and use it an even better idea!  I thought I'd give it a go and see how it might fit my card.  Then, I found the 2013 SAB Feeling Sentimental stamp set...I love the penny-farthing bicycle, I and have used it, but not the sentiment "Celebrate," which could be used for this birthday card.  Before letting my creative mojo get ramped up to far, I needed to take a look at my Splitcoaststampers Challenge List to add those guidelines into my thoughts.

With my two stamps in mind, I was able to find 11 SCS challenges that I could use if I designed my card just right!  Take a look at my finished card inside and out after letting all my notes percolate.  I'm hoping the recipient likes her card when it finally arrives!

Ingredients: SU Cardstock--Early Espresso, Pool Party, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla. Patterned DSP--stash scraps. SU Ink--Soft Suede. SU stamps--Eastern Blooms (2008 Fall-Winter), Feeling Sentiment (2013 SAB-sentiment). SU punch--3/4" circle. Lace--stash. Copic marker (pearl coloring). Colorbox Ink--Dark Brown (edge distressing). Chatterbox verse (computer). Size--4-3/4" x 6".

Circa 1860's Vintage Christmas Tree!

I'm working on the Splitcoaststampers' Virtual Stamp Night Mini Challenge #2, whose theme is "Little Women."  The requirement is to make a vintage card in keeping with what their era of Christmas might look like.  I also went to several other SCS challenges for the layout and embellishment inspiration.

I started by looking through my stash of patterned papers for something with a vintage flair.  I found two perfect pieces that I was pretty excited about.  I checked my layout inspirations and with the paper in hand, my mojo began to simmer.  I jotted down a quick sketch of changes and additions I might want to add to the layout, so that I could gather all my tools and materials before I started the timer to begin making my actual card.

I opened up my stash of Christmas embellishments and re-acquainted myself with what I had, looking for something that would work with my chosen papers.  Right off, I spotted the lovely dimensional tree that I ended up using, but it certainly needed some background framing, which led me to the lovely, vintage-looking oval frame.  Of course, vintage means lace, pearls, ribbon, etc. to me, so I searched through my stash of these types of items for ones that might go well with my papers and my layout ideas.  I had to "build" my own lace panel as what I had was either too large or too small.  I cut out and cut down the center of the wider piece and added new edge lace to make it the perfect width.  I was really pleased with how it turned out.  All in all,  I am pretty happy with how my card evolved so quickly and how well it turned out.  Take a peek below:

Ingredients:  Papers: Stampin' Up cardstock--Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler; American Crafts/ The Color of Memories--Vintage Christmas #320369/ Musical Score #341340.  Die: Cottage Cuts--Oval Doily.  Punch: EK--Scalloped Scallops border; Stampin' Up--Curvy Corners (retired).  Dimensional Chipboard:  K&Company/ EB Versions of Christmas Grand Adhesives--Christmas tree; Recollections Chipboard Accents--Christmas sentiment.  Lion Bonbons Jingle Bells (Christmas colors plain/ metallic).  Recollections--mini pearls.  Stash: Two laces/ modified; Fun Foam (pop up layering).  Size: 4-3/4x6 inches.

(This card became my daughter, Michele's Christmas card).

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".

Birthday Wishes for a DIL Who Brings Sunshine!

My daughter-in-law celebrates her birthday in mid-August, but we will be celebrating her a little bit late this year during our family camping trip coming next week.  Actually, we will be celebrating three birthdays in one celebration while camping:  my daughter-in-law, my youngest daughter's mother-in-law, and my own.  The menu includes barbecued baby back ribs, barbecued chicken, honey baked beans, corn on the cob, and strawberries and cheesecake.  Boy does that sound like a gourmet meal or what?

Well back to the card.  I decided to do a bit of coloring and fussy-cutting on this card, and since it's summertime, a little Magnolia Tilda stamp in a summer sundress and bare feet seemed the perfect image to choose.  Of course, I had to color her hair milk chocolate brown because that is my daughter-in-law's hair color, and that, plus adding some other "M" colors, makes the card a perfect fit for the Splitcoaststampers Alphabet Challenge, Letter M!  Tilda's sundress dress will be pink tones, and I will also add a double layered background frame and a bit of lace, all things that will fit other challenges in keeping with my challenge keep-up and catch-up goals!

After compiling all my thoughts from five different challenges and my mojo going full steam ahead, I finished the birthday card, and also created the perfect inside design and verse to fit the fact that we'll be celebrating her day just a little bit late.  Composing the birthday verse brought to mind the perfect sentiment for the card front as well!  Take a peek below at my finished card for my daughter-in-law who brings sunshine to our lives!

INSIDE VIEW
UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Ingredients:  Paper products:  SU Cardstock--Whisper White, Pool Party.  Papertrey Ink: Bitty Dots/ Brown.  Pattern:  Unknown/ stash.  Stamps: Magnolia/ Sundress Tilda.  Copic coloring.  Dies: Spellbinders Labels 9 Nestabilities.  Punch: EK-Victorian Photo Corners Medium (inside).  Colorbox Chestnut Roan: Edge distressing.  Stash: 3/8" Cotton Lace; Rose Pink button; Embroidery string.  Chatterbox sentiment/ verse.  Size: 4-3/4' x 6".  

Sorrow for Our Alpha Sister!

It is with sadness that I must make another sympathy card for a dear friend that I've gotten to know through Splitcoaststampers.  She is a fellow Alpha Challenge sister, Art Deco Diva, and after a long struggle, she has lost her mother to the battle.  We are all so saddened to hear this, but want our friend to know how much we are thinking of her and praying for her and her family.

The Splitcoaststampers Traveling Teapot Challenge, which chooses someone each week that we want to honor in some manner and for different reasons.  Unfortunately, some of those reasons involving losing someone near and dear to us.  Art Deco Diva's SCS galley is filled with lovely cards that can only be described as eclectic.  We are choosing to honor Art Deco Diva with cards that feature the shabby chic style and are challenge hostess wants us to include lots of detail.

I love shabby chic, one of my favorite styles, but I prefer it not to be too over the top, but for sure it must include ribbon, lace, flowers, and definitely be feminine.  I am using all of those things, plus some layering and dry embossing to add texture.  Of course, it has to have some sparkle, so I added a flower rhinestone medallion for the center of my flowers.  Take a peek below at my finished card inside and out.  I'm hoping it will bring solace to ADD's sorrowful heart and let her know that we are thinking of her and keeping her and her family in our prayers during this trying time.

Ingredients:  Stampin' Up products:  Cardstocks--Sahara Sand, Lost Lagoon, Very Vanilla.  Stamp--Petal Potpourri (2015 Occ).  Markers--Lost Lagoon, Sahara Sand.  Dies--Stitched Shape Framelits/ Ovals.  Punch--Flower Medallion (ret.).  Embellishment--Something Borrowed (Occ-2015).  Ribbon--3/8" Stitched Satin-Lost Lagoon (ret.).  Lace--7/8" Lace Trim-Sahara Sand (ret.).  Other:  Cuttlebug EF-Summer Set/ Floral.  Dies--Spellbinder Petite Scallop Oval SM.  Chatterbox sentiment/ verse (computer printed).  Size: 4-3/4" x 6".

Keeping in Touch!

I wanted to send a "remembering a friend" card to one of my Splitcoaststampers forum teammates, who is on leave for a few months, just to touch base.  I had a finished friend card in my stash that I made over two years ago at a card class given by SU demonstrator, Liz Thayer.  Though there were a few changes I made from the sample design as I built my own card, I still was not totally happy with mine, but I couldn't put my finger on what bothered me.  I couldn't do much else with it at the class, so I took it home knowing I wanted to do something different, but what! 

In the past few months, this card kept surfacing and catching my eye every time a delved into my "to do" box for whatever reason.  I had an itch to pull it out and remodel it several times, but at the time, Christmas cards beckoned.  Then, this week I needed a "friend" card, and I remembered the card.  It was time to pull it out and re-evaluate it.  What I found was that it had been marinading in the recesses of my creative mojo, and I was excited because I immediately had some ideas!  

Take a peek below at the remake of my "remembering a friend" card.  I'm  really happy with it, and I look at it and I say, "What took you so long!"  I think my friend will be pleased with the results!  Following the card front is the inside design that I created with a little homemade verse for my friend.  In addition, if you are interested in the back story of the makeover, scroll down beyond the ingredients list and read on!

Ingredients:  Papers:  Stampin' Up - Cardstock--Very Vanilla, Mint Macaron, Calypso Coral; Pattern--Wildflower Fields DSP; Corrugated Kraft (retired).  SU Ink: Early Espresso.  SU Stamps: Bloomin' Love.  Dies: SU-Bloomin' Heart; Bitty Banners; Reverse Confetti-Lacy Scallop Frames.  SU trims: 1/4" Venetian Crochet Trim (retired); 1" Dotted Lace Trim-Cucumber Crush (retired); Metallic Thread-Gold.  Rhinestones (colored with Copics). Size: 4-3/4" x 6".

The Make-Over Story

I actually liked the basic bones of the class sample design, but as you can tell from my words above, there was just something about it that I knew needed to be changed.  As I made my original card, I changed the placement of some of the elements, which were subtle changes, but as I said before, I liked the balance the changed elements made, however subtle they were. 

 

For starters, on my original card, I dropped my lacy heart about 3/8" lower and folded less over at the top, making my heart a bit bigger, plus I added five flowers instead of only four as on the sample design.  I also used only the larger flowers rather than a mix of small and large.  For me, elements are in harmony when they are presented in odd numbers rather than even; otherwise, they just seem off.  These slight changes enabled me to have the placement of my lacy bands lower on the card; thus, there wasn't as much negative space at the bottom...the sample design seemed a bit top heavy.

My finishing change on my original card was to wrap several strands of gold metallic thread around my vanilla lace and make a small multi-strand looped bow under the banner sentiment and to slant banner and top it off with a coral rhinestone.  This little rhinestone tied in the orange color from the top toward the bottom of the card.  (The sample design had big loose loops of metallic thread under a vertical sentiment with wrapped strands and no rhinestone.  For me, the area needed to be a bit more tidy and the vertical banner just looked wrong.)  I was happy with these small changes as well.  But, in reality, I still felt my card needed something else...so, it resided in my "to do" stash for two years!  I have a photo of my original finished card before its reconstruction yesterday.  Take a look below and see if you can follow where I made my original changes described in the sentences above.

Yesterday, I was excited to get started remodeling my two-year old card, because I finally realized what changes I needed to make to be really happy with the final version!  First, there wasn't enough color overall, but second was the color palette.  The sample design used contrasting colors on the opposite sides of the color wheel, of which I'm not often a fan, especially with green, blue, and orange shades.  It has to be just the right balance of each color, or it can seem a bit jarring to me.  That was the crux of my dissatisfaction, and I really wanted to work on that feature for sure.

My thoughts were, if I was going to continue with the contrasting colors of mint green and orange, I needed more orange than just the few rhinestones for flower centers.  I sure did not want to start the card all over, because as I said, I like the bones of the design, it just needed something added.

I decided to switch from orange to Calypso Coral as my contrast to the Mint Macaron...the coral is a softer hue and compliments the mint better.  That would be easy because so far the only orange on the card was my five rhinestones.  Second, it sorely needed more coral to balance all colors and bring continuity throughout the card.  I decided more coral could be added by using a mat just beneath the front kraft corrugated cardstock layer, and I would add a mint layer sandwiched between the coral and the vanilla cardbase.  I also had the idea to add faux stitching or a die-cut pattern around the coral mat edge to dress it up.

I found a patterned paper of wispy dandelion seedlings on coral that I thought would look great for my coral decorative die-cut layer.  I cut a second decorative layer of coral cardstock and adhered the dandelion seedling die-cut to the cardstock die-cut to add extra thickness and sturdiness to this layer.  I trimmed my corrugated front layer smaller, both horizontally and vertically, to allow the coral decorative edges to peek out about 1/4" around card front.  Next, I added the mint mat layer between the coral mat and the vanilla cardbase.  Doing all these paper additions and size changes actually allowed my card to grow from the standard 4-1/4 x 5-1/2-inch card to my favorite larger size of 4-3/4 x 6 inches.

Yeah!  I was finally happy with my card!  Don't you think the change from orange to coral was the right thing?  I felt the orange was not a soft enough hue against the mint.  Remember that word "jarring" used above in another context.  It was my problem with the orange as well.  The card need more color...just not bold orange!

I am entering this card and my original version into Splitcoaststampers Dirty Dozen Monthly January Themes:  MORE IS MORE.  The instructions are to take any card or project in its first or "minimal" version and then "stepped up" it up in a second version.  The "stepped up" version or remake the card is posted at the beginning in this blog,  and the "minimal," or first version, is the second card picture further down in this post.

Fly with Me...Splitcoaststampers Challenges!

WOW!  I'M GIDDY!  THIS CARD IS NAMED A

SPLITCOASTSTAMPERS FAVORITE OF THE

WEEK ENDING - JULY 16, 2017!!

Lately, I have been getting more and more involved in trying out challenges on Splitcoaststampers (aka SCS).  If you're unfamiliar with SCS, it is  an online community of paper crafters from all over the world: primarily rubber stamping, cardmaking, but scrapbooking as well.  It started online in 2003, with its primarily focus on Stampin' Up product users, to give them a place to go for stamping-related resources and inspiration.  Over the years, the SU focus has changed to encompass all types of companies and their products.   Although, there is a separate access area for Stampin' Up demonstrators with a way to place your card entries into the SU area if it is SUO or SUM (Stampin' Up only or mostly).

Personally, I started visiting SCS at least eight years before I even started using Stampin' Up products, and I had no idea of its original focus until about two years ago!  It was a total surprise to me, because it so thoroughly covers most other companies.  There are also areas where you can go to see cards made using almost only My Favorite Things, Taylored Expressions, Cottage Cutz, etc. products.  So, Splitcoaststampers is now a site for those who use any products available on the market.  If you are unfamiliar, go take a look at: www.splitcoaststampers.com.

So, onto my challenge entries.  The Technique Lovers Challenge of 7/10/17 is Cardboard Roll Album,  and it asks that you make at least the cover for a mini album using cardboard rolls as its base, i.e., toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls, etc.  There is a tutorial link showing exactly how to do that.  Now, I made a similar album about eight years ago when my sister, Heidi, owned a paper crafting store in northern California.  I still have her instructions from this class; therefore, I decided to make another little book using her instructions, because you do not have to use book rings to keep the pages together, as the pages are attached to one another in a spine-like manner.

Other challenges my little book will fit are: Technique Lovers Challenge from several week ago, named Spell It Out.  With it in mind, and the "rule" was to use a sentiment different than those we normall use, like happy birthday, etc., I made my sentiment "FLY."  Another challenge I have been looking at trying is the Featured Stamper Challenge, where a member of SCS is chosen to be the featured stamper of the week.  This week, it is Ann Greenspan's (SCS nickname: yaleann7), and we were to go to her gallery and choose one of her cards to CASE.  CASE means to be inspired by something about the card and incorporate into yours.  After choosing one of Ann's card, I designed my cover with these ideas from her card: her dragonfly, but mine is a butterfly; the die-cut shape, and lace from the lacy die-cut.  To view Anns card, click on the link below: www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/2792811&cat=500&ppuser=340325Take a peek below at my finished mini album cover below:

Ingredients:  Cardboard rolls (page stabilizers) (i.e., rolls: toilet paper, paper towel, gift wrap, etc.).  Patterned paper: stash and scraps.  Stamp: Stampin' Up: Labeler Alphabet.  Die: Spellbinders: Labels Small.  Wood Butterfly: Michaels.  Acrylic Paint: Americana-True Red; Folk Art-Alizarin Crimson.  Prima Cameo Roses.  Offray 1/2" Lace.  Button: Stash.  Ivory crochet thread.  Distressed edges: Colorbox--Chestnut Roan Cat-Eye.  Size: 4-1/2" x 3".

Home for Christmas (Totally Lovin' Christmas #3)!

Here is another bedazzling card design by Liz Thayer from her Totally Lovin' Christmas card event, which was held in October of this year.  All parts of the card are from products in the Stampin' Up 2015 Holiday mini catalog, if you are interested in trying to order them.

I made this card exactly as Liz designed it, except I added another layer, creating a new Real Red cardbase.  The card just seemed to call out for a little more of the red featured in the Home for Christmas designer papers and the little red ribbon.  I also added a red rhinestone on one of the little deer that was more centered on my card...just a bit more of my own flair.  Feast your eyes on this cuteness!

Recipe:  Stampin' Up:  cardstock--Real Red, Crumb Cake, Pool Party, Very Vanilla, Gold Glimmer.  Home for Christmas dsp (deer, music & red stripe).  Stamps: Endless Birthday Wishes.  SU Ink: Soft Suede.  Punch: Washi Label.  7/8" Sahara Sand lace, 1/4" Real Red Cotton ribbon.  Wood Snowflake Elements (2015 Holiday - colored with marker).  Rhinestones.  (Thank you Liz Thayer for the very cute card design).

Christmas 2011: A Card for Son & Wife

Mark & Ginger's card evolved and original design kit by my sister, Heidi Gonzales (My Lil' Scrap Corner.  Once again, I enlarged my card and made it square. I added a new card rose red base, added the teal snowflake layer and added the doily lace border.  The rest of their card is composed of the pieces in the card kit.  Isn't that just the cutest idea of clipping the winter clothing to a knotted clothesline.  The winter clothing was fussy-cut from a pieces of scrapbook paper.  

2011 Aunt's Birthday #90!

When my 96-year-old mother-in-law heard what was planned for Aunt Joanie's 90th birthday. . .a birthday card shower, she asked me if I would make a second card and mail it from her.  I was only too delighted to do this for her.  As I had already accumulated lots of ideas from her son about her hobbies and favorite things throughout her lifetime, I was intrigued by the fact the Aunt Joanie loved root beer floats, and was tickled to be treated with one even to this very day.  I thought this would be a fun idea for her second card from Alice.

Again, I went online search for a vintage photo involving root beer floats.  I saw numerous ones, but really like this old ad for a soda fountain shop encouraging you to come in for a delicious, creamy, and cool float!  From the image, I chose the colors of my paper.  I had the black and gold ribbon in my stash and thought it would be great to use, and I was off and running from there.  Here is the card that came together as my vintage creation.

This is the little verse that I composed all about root beer floats and the temptation to have one.  By the time I finished I think my mouth was watering. . .LOL!

Birthday 2011: An Aunt is 90!

My husband's Aunt Joanie was 90 in June 2011!  I must say, my husband's family has long-living genes on both his mother and his fathers side of the family. . .at least for the women!  Aunt Joanie is his father's sister and she lives in the Midwest.  Her son and daughter wanted to shower her with cards by having as many friends and family send her cards as possible.  I am sure she will receive over 50 or more for sure as my husband's family is quite large!

I decided vintage was definitely the way to go for this lovely vintage lady.  I had a favor I wanted from her son before I got started.  I asked him to send me an email listing as many of Aunt Joanie's favorite things or hobbies and that she enjoyed throughout her lifetime.  When he told me she loved to dance and that she and her husband often went dancing in the 1940s and 1950s especially, I knew I had my theme.  I searched on line for vintage colored images of couples dancing and found just the right one.  Here is the card I created from the information and the image on hand.

  

Coloring on My Own - Spring 2011

While on my trip to California, my goal was to get in more coloring practice.  I went down to my sister's store and I purchased a few of Heidi's card kits and decided to see what I could do with them.  I did enlarge some of the cards to fit my preference of larger cards, which I still seem to favor.  Here are a couple more of my woodless-colored pencil favorites:

Tilda the sailor - a Magnolia stamp

Swirling Leaves Tilda - a Magnolia stamp

The Last of Christmas 2010!

My final two cards that I made and will post are not using pre-made chipboard embellishments but are more "from scratch" as I find I enjoy making my own embellishments more.  It gives the cards a much more homemade look, which I prefer.

I found a wonderful card in PaperCrafts magazine that I loved, and I had to try to make one very similar to see if I could make a card from a picture and change it a bit here or there where I saw fit.  I do not remember who the original author was, so I am sorry I am not able to give her credit.  I specifically went out and purchased the Sizzix Candy Cane die that I used for my card.  This card is for my daughter, who always loved to have as many different flavored candy canes as she could find.  She would take a box to school and trade with friends until they all ended up with a variety of different colors and flavors.

This last card was made by fussy cutting patterned paper and piecing and layering them together to create my own scene of the birth of Christ.  I cut out my own snow-covered ground to place by images upon.  I thought my daughter Michele's in-laws would really appreciate this card, so it was sent their way.

Mom's August 2010 Birthday!

Of the August birthdays on my list, my mother's comes first on the calendar.  I had been traveling and was somewhat short of time, and felt out of creative juices on such a short timeline.  I really liked the card I made for my niece, so I decided to make another with a different sentiment, of course.  The colors in this card are so soft and restful that I thought my mother would really like it as well.  My daughter would probably like it too. . .she used periwinkle as a wedding color!