Thursday, July 31, 2014

More Dinos!

Dino week continues and here are some more projects featuring our extinct scaly friends.

Here is Sherry's contribution this week.  This Dino Name Frame is adorable.

I love it when my Design Team expands our horizons from cards.  Sherry is great with vinyl too.


Here is a card that I made using the Silhouette.  There was a little flaw in the cut.  The stop layer which would have exposed some of the orange layer below the green did not have the cuts for the eyes, nose and mouth.  At first I thought I was losing it.  Although this is truly not an indicator that I'm not.  ;-)


I hope that you've been inspired by these two projects.  Tomorrow I will be doing some punch art and using the Brother Scan n Cut to make a punch art dinosaur without the punches.  I hope you will stop by.

Thank you for stopping by today.  Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Psalm33:4 - 5  For the word of the Lord is right and true;  he is faithful in all he does.  The Lord loves righteousness and justice;  the earth is full of his unfailing love.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

WOYWW 269 - Extinct but Cute

The theme this week is Dinos.  They may be extinct, but we're still having fun with them.  And today is Wednesday which means that it's time to go desk hopping on Julia's Blog - The Stamping Ground.  Check it out for inspiration from around the world.

Here is my desk this week:


It doesn't look nearly as neat and tidy as it did last week.  I'm breaking her in.

I am going to visit some work desks.  :-)

Tomorrow Dino week continues with more dinosaur projects.  I hope you can join.

Thank you for stopping by.  Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Isaiah 16:5  Then a trustworthy king will be established;  he will rule in a reliable manner, this one from David's family.  He will be sure to make just decisions and will be experienced in executing justice.




It's Rex from Toy Story

As you know it is Dino Week here on my blog.  I do not normally do dinosaurs - I have girls.  LOL  So I wanted to do different versions of dinos from different sources to show the variety available.  So as I was perusing the cuts available to me on my Explore - I found Rex from Toy Story.  Love him!

I love him so much - I was willing to pay for him.  Who knew he wasn't included in the subscription?

Anyhoo - you have to almost be an archeologist to piece him together.  Each tooth is a separate cut!

But it doesn't matter because he turned out to be adorable!


The postage dies are from Spellbinders.  I figured out how to get the embossing part embossed on my cut n boss machine.  The pattern paper is from Stampin Up as are the letter stamps.  It's an old Crayon Letter set.  I thought it was appropriate for a card with a toy Trex on the front.  The yellow dots were done with yellow pearl pen.


I used yellow pearl pen for the yellow spots in my dino.  Those little bitty cut outs would have just sent me over the edge.  LOL

Stay tuned for more dino projects this week using punches and the Silhoeutte.  Tomorrow is WOYWW where the biggest world wide desk hop takes place.

Thanks for stopping by.  Have a great day and be inspired.

April

1 Corinthians 2:9  However, as it is written:  "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived" - the things God has prepared for those who love him.

Monday, July 28, 2014

It's Dino Week Here on Scrapbooking and Card Making 101

Yep - Dino Week.  Dinosaurs can be scary, but they can also be cute and cuddly.  I like the cute and cuddly kind.

Design team member, Diane (my BFF) loves dinos and has used them for multiple layouts.








I don't do dinosaurs very often because I'm more girlie.  But I have some cute cards coming up this week which will be perfect for boys.  And a name in a frame with with dinosaurs.  So stay tuned..

Thank you for stopping by.  Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Isaiah 41:10  So do not fear, for I am with you;  do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you;  I will uphold you with my righteous hand.


Friday, July 25, 2014

Zoo Theme Continued

Today is the last day of zoo week.  Who doesn't love zoo animals and animal prints and animal print embellies?  If you don't - you're at the wrong place this week!

Here is another zoo animal themed project.  Monkeys are found in the zoo.  Maybe not sock monkeys.  :-)


I found some sock monkey paper at Hobby Lobby.  I had some adhesive backed cork that I used on the background along with some red paper.  I had some baby buttons from Michaels that I used as well.  The monkey was cut out using my Cricut Explore.  I used a white gel pen for the stitching.  And of course no sock monkey is complete without googly eyes.

I'm sending this card to a little boy who has cancer.  I saw this link on a blog post by Jennifer McGuire.  Like she said - we may have missed his birthday, but I'm sure fun cards will cheer him up.  You can find the address here for Danny.

I hope you've enjoyed this weeks theme.  I know I have.  Tune in next week for Dino Week.

Thank you for stopping by.  Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Proverbs 12: 1  Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

It Zoo Week - CASing Sherry

It is crazy like a zoo this week on my blog.  I refer to my friends as my design team because it makes us all sound more sophisticated.  LOL  I have cards to share for this week's theme, too.

I LOVE the zebra card that Sherry did and I did a CASE of her card:


Here is my CASE of Sherry's card.


And another one:


And another one!



Here are the supplies I used:

When I saw her card I was thrilled because I purchased the zebra stamp the same day she did.  And I had the zebra enamel dots, too!  And I hadn't used either one.

Do you come up with your own ideas?  Or are you like me and you CASE everything?  I don't think I have ever had an original idea - EVER.  lol

Thank you for stopping by.  Tune in tomorrow for some more zoo fun.  Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Romans 8:2  because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.


Wednesday, July 23, 2014

WOYWW 268 - I Finally Did It!

The theme on my blog this week is New Zoo Review.  And I cannot believe it is already Wednesday which means that Julia is hosting the world's biggest weekly desk hop.  Go check it out - you will get inspired no matter what type of crafting you do.

Here is my desk this week:



Once I get something in my mind - I find it hard to let it go.  I think it is genetic.  :-)  Anyhoo - I have been whining about not having enough counter space for quite some time.  I know if you've visited my site before - you know what I'm talking about.

So, this weekend with the help of this website DIY Craft Desk, I built my own version of a craft desk.  For $125 I bought 2 9 cube shelves from Lowes.  I already had the 2 6 cube shelves that I used.

I then went to Home Depot to buy a sheet of melamine board (because Lowes didn't have it).  It comes in a
4' x 8' sheet.  I had it cut to 40" x 72".  I purchased some iron on melamine tape for the edges and attached it to the edge of the board.  And melamine is heavy.  I speak from experience.  I had to load in the truck by myself.

I just love all the counter space I have and I can't wait to fill it up!

I'm off to blog hop.

Thank you for stopping by.   Check in tomorrow for more zoo projects.  Have a great day and be inspired.

April

1 John 4:10  This is love;  not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

New Zoo Review Continued.....

Today I am featuring Design Team Member Sherry.  And by Design Team Member, I mean my friend Sherry.  LOL

Here are some cards she made with the zoo theme.  Her cards are so creative - I am going to case the zebra card.  :-)







How cute are her cards?

Stay tuned for more zoo animals on Thursday.  Tomorrow is WOYWW and I have a surprise!  So drop by tomorrow for my surprise.

Thank you for stopping by.  Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Psalm 103:1 - 2  Praise the Lord, my soul;  all my inmost being, praise his holy name.  Praise the Lord, my soul and forget not all his benefits.



Monday, July 21, 2014

It's Zoo Review Week Here at Scrapbooking and Card Making 101

Many of you probably don't remember the show 'The New Zoo Review', but it was one of my faves as a child.  There are some clips on Youtube if you're interested.  Anyhoo - this week's blog theme is the zoo.  Namely zoo animals.  I have so much fun doing zoo pages with the different animal print paper and embellishments.

My Design Team (it's really my BFF Diane).  I just like calling her my design team he he) has put together some scrapbook layouts for this weeks theme:








Do you have a favorite zoo animal?  Or animal print?  Do you use it often in your cards or scrapbooks or mixed media?

Thank you for stopping by.  Stay tuned this week for more zoo animals.  Have a great day and be inspired.

April

1 John 3: 18  Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Friday, July 18, 2014

Print n Cut Continued

From what I understand I should be able to Print and Cut with my Cricut Explore at some point, but just not yet.  When I can - I will revisit this theme with the Explore.

In the meantime, I will be printing and cutting with my Silhouette.  This feature is a time saver.  When you don't have the time to piece together a card and like me, you've waited until the last minute to create a card, you can use the print n cut feature.

Here is a card I made using the print n cut.


I used the stitched border dies from Pretty Pink Posh.  The 'hello' is a print and cut from the Silhouette store.


Again - I used the stitched border die from Pretty Pink Posh.  The hearts are print and cut from the Silhouette Store.  The thanks sentiment was cut using a die from lil'inkers.  I also used a pearl pen to add the accent.

When I use the print n cut, I am still creating a hand made card.  I am just cutting corners a little bit.  I feel like I am cheating, but in a pinch - you do what you gotta do.

Do you feel like you're cheating when you go digital?  Or are you a 21st century crafter and there is no remorse?  I envy 21st century crafters with digital scrapbooking  and digital images for their handmade masterpieces.  In the meantime, I'm kickin it old school.  :-)  After all, I have more time since my kids are all grown up.

Thank you for stopping by.  Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Romans 10:9 - 10  If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

A Quick Card, but not print and cut

This card came together quickly, but it is not related to this week's theme.

I took some cardstock from Doodlebug, bling cardstock from Bazzil, a Stampin Up stamp and die and some Archival ink and came up with this quick card.


It wasn't a print and cut card, but it was a quick card that has great colors.

Do you have any cards that are quick and easy?  Can you make one in a pinch?  I find that I do not do quick and easy under pressue.  lol

Thank you for stopping by.  Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Jeremiah 32:17  Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm.  Nothing is too hard for you.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

WOYWW 267 - I've been organizing again.....

It is again Wednesday.  My time flies when you're having fun.  If you aren't familiar with Julia's weekly desk hop go to The Stamping Ground and join in on the fun.  Show us your work space!

This is my desk this week:


I had a guest designer.  Sebastian needed some extra attention.


I worked on organizing this weekend.  I replaced my turn table ink holder with wall hanging multi media racks.  I like the way they work.  But I found that only my Stampin Up inks fit in them.

Thank you for stopping by.  I am off to see what others from around the world are up to this week.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Colossians 3:13  Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Print and What?

I worked on some more print and cut images from the the Silhouette Store.  I had some fun with this one.

This time I placed the 3 print and cut images on my mat and grouped them together.  I then created an offset of the three images to create a mat for them.  I traced the offsite so that the Cameo would cut the mat.

I also created my own background using Stampin Up Calypso Coral Ink and a stamp set from Scrappy Happiness Stamp Club.    I cut the banner out using the Taylored Expression banner die set.  The 'Thank you' sentiment is from an OWH set of sentiments. 


I finished off the card with three sequins from Theresa Collins.  I used Ranger Matte Multi Medium to attach the sequins.  The middle flower vase is popped up on foam tape.

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you have a great day and be inspired.

April

Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

Monday, July 14, 2014

Print and Cut - This Week's Theme

Have you ever been pressed for time?  I am sure you haven't.  I am sure that everyone else but me plans and has their cards made in advance.  But just in case you're like me, here is a feature of the Silhouette Cameo that makes card making easy when you're in a pinch.

In the Silhouette Store there are images that are specifically print and cut which means you send them to your printer from your Silhouette Software using the registration marks and then cut them out on your Silhouette Cameo.

Here is today's example.  I used a printable moose from the Silhouette store, DCWV Gilded Paper Stack, Lil'inker's stitched rectangle dies, Taylored Expressions banner dies and Basic Grey gold enamel dots.


This cute fellow has a front:

and a back.  I put the back side of the moose on the inside of the card.

He is as cute as can be, but did not take the time that some cuts do.  There is no gluing together.  You do still have to come up with a card design though.  And sometimes that is harder than gluing.  LOL

If you're not familiar with the print and cut feature in your Silhouette software - go to the Silhouette store and look for the filters on the left hand side of the screen in The Silhouette Image Store.  You can filter on print and cut images to see your selection.

Once you purchase a print and cut image, here are the steps to print and cut it.

First place the image on your software mat.  Then turn on the registration marks.  It is the box next to the box with the arrows on the tool bar at the top towards the right hand side of your screen.  Make sure your image does not touch the registration marks.  And make sure your image is no wider than the registration marks are wide.  I speak from experience on that one.

Once your image is on the mat within your software and the registration marks are on, click the printer icon on the tool bar at the top of the screen towards the left hand side.  That will send the image to your printer.  I always use a heavier card stock for print and cut images.

Once your image has printed, place the paper on the mat without cropping.  Feed the image into your Silhouette machine.  Click the send to Silhouette icon on the far right of the tool bar across the top of your Silhouette software screen.  Your Silhouette will use the regristration marks to determine where to cut.

Stay tuned.  More print and cut images coming your way.

Would you use the print and cut feature?  Or are you old school?  Do you feel like it's cheating?

Thank you for stopping by.  Have a great day and be inspired.

April

1 Chronicles 16:34  Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;  his love endures forever.


Sunday, July 13, 2014

Content! Really? What was I thinking?

I was reading a blog post earlier this week and the person mentioned their word for the year.  OMG!  I had a word for this year!  I had totally forgotten about it.  I've done quarterly check ups on my New Year's resolutions - so I keep those in mind, but I'd totally forgotten about my word for this year.

My word for this year is content.  And right now I am finding it very difficult to be content.  We've had some family turmoil which has resulted in my youngest daughter moving away from home.  I wish I could be content with how 'content' she is able to be.

I am content with my life.  I am content with my job - most days.  I am content with my marriage.  I am finding it hard to be content with someone not living up to their potential.  Why is that?  Why can't I be content?  Why is it so important to me that someone else succeed?

Right now my word of the year is not bringing me peace.  Nothing is really bringing me peace.  Thank goodness the Lord does not give us more than we can handle.  That is the only thing that brings me peace.

Is anyone else out there wrestling with their word of the year.  I feel like that's what I am doing - we're in battle.  LOL  And so far - I am winning - content is not.  ;-)

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope everyone has a great day.

April

1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 18  Rejoice always;  pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;  for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Saturday, July 12, 2014

In Sympathy

Unfortunately I have had a need for sympathy cards lately.  For some reason - when I make sympathy cards - they seem to go quickly.  They say bad things happen in threes.

I used a Unity stamp I received in the Stamp of the Week Club.  I decided to add some gems and color to the flowers.  I think it was understated but pretty.


I used my sewing machine to add the stitching and inked around the edges of the white cardstock with chalk ink.  To color the flower, I used Tombow markers.

I hope these cards bring some comfort to those who received them.

Are there certain types of cards you seem to need more of?  Which are they?

Thanks for stopping by.  Have a great day and be inspired.  Come back next week - the theme is print-n-cut from Silhouette.  It's a great way to create a cute quick card when time is of the essence.  See you then.

April

Hebrews 13:7  Remember your teachers, who spoke God's message to you;  reflect on the outcome of their lives and imitate their faith.

Friday, July 11, 2014

Under the Sea Continued with Nemo and Dory

I started with spraying and stamping for this week's theme.  Now I am cutting and pasting.  Equally as fun as spraying and stamping.

I used the Cricut cartridge Finding Nemo in Design Space to cut out fishes (Nemo and Dory) and make some cards.

Using the Cricut Explore:


I just love these adorable fish.  I added googly eyes and water backgrounds along with enamel dots from Reflections for bubbles.  I think they are adorable.  I had a little trouble getting the yellow fins to cut out using the Explore - so instead I used yellow Pearl Pen to give Dory her yellow fins.

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you are inspired to make some fun cards.  Next week's theme will be print -n- cut from the Silhouette.  Until then, have a great day and be inspired.

April

1 Samuel 2:2  There is no one holy like the Lord;  there is no one besides you;  there is no Rock like our God.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Under the Sea - Under the Sea - Darling It's Better Down Where It's Wetter Take It From Me

This Week's theme is 'Under the Sea'.  Diane, from my design team, but more importantly my BFF,  is going to share a two page spread using that theme.  And Diane has a blog at scraphappydiane.blogspot.com.  Check it out.

What a great use of 'under the sea' embellishments.

This is 'real' under the sea action at an aquarium.

Do you have any themes going on in your scrapbooking or card making?

Thank you for stopping by.  The 'Under the Sea' theme continues - I hope you'll stop by.  Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Matthew 6:33  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

For the Birds - The Stampin Up Bird Punch

I didn't show off my bird punch last week.  I am obsessed with Castle and Bones - they are shows.  I can watch Castle over and over and over and it comes on in the afternoon on TNT.  If I sit down and do not MAKE myself get up and go to my craft room - I will sit there and watch as many episodes as they will air.  It is very sad, but very true.  I have also developed this obsessive compulsive habit of watching Bones on Netflix.  I am on season 2.  I just cannot tear myself away.  So I let my 'design team' carry me last week. 

This weekend I forced myself out of my chair and down to my craft room.  I am so glad I did.  I used my Stampin Up bird punch for the first time.  Here are the results:
I used Archival Ink by Ranger for the stamping.  And I used the stamp set 'Birds and Bees' from Cardztv for the sentiments. I just love Mary's sentiments.  I inked around the edges of the birds with Colorbox Chalk ink in chestnut.

I have several birds cut out and ready to go.  You'll be seeing more of them -  I assure you.

Thank you for stopping by.  Stay tuned for my next 'Under the Sea' card tomorrow.  Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Matthew 6:33  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

WOYWW 266 - Fishes Fishes Fishes

It is once again Wednesday and it's JULY!  This year is half over.  CRAZY!  If you want to check out work desks from around the world go to Julia's Blog and check it out.  You will be inspired.

Here is my desk this week.  Been working on fishy cards this week.  :-)


Well, I'm off to see everyone else's creative space.  Last week was CRAZY and I didn't get to go to many desks.

Thank you for stopping by.  Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Romans 8:18  I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Monday, July 7, 2014

Under The Sea - This Week's Theme!

I love fish!  I don't like to eat fish, but I like to look at fish.  Especially the pretty fish that inhabit the coral reefs.  So as you would imagine - I also like fish pictures, fish stamps, fish cut outs and fish stuffed animals.  And of course movies like Finding Nemo and The Little Mermaid.

This week is dedicated to fishes.

Here is a card I made using an Ornaments Die from Stampin Up and a Stampin Up petal punch to create the fish.


I created the background using Tim Holtz Distress Inks, a Tim Holtz stencil and a Heidi Swapp stencil.  The bubbles were created using a Pearl Pen.

Here is another version using the same die and punch to create the fishes.

Do you have a theme you love?  Have you been able to find stamps or dies or images of your favorite theme?  Do you use it on cards?

On Wednesday it's WOYWW - so check out my desk and on Friday - I am going to use my Explore and my Silhouette to create my fishy theme.

Thank you for stopping by.  Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Philippians 4:8  Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Congratulations! A Card from the Silhouette Store

I needed a card for a wedding.  I stumbled across a card with a tuxedo and dress in black and white while surfing the net.  I looked on the Silhouette website to see if  I could find a similiar cut.  I found one!

Here is the card I created:


I used some small Stampin Up pearls on the sash of the bride's dress.  The image in the Silhouette America store is actually a whole card.  But the card is smaller than the A2 size - so I cut off the front of the card once I cut it out on my Silhouette and I adhered it to the front of an A2 size black card base.

Thank you for stopping by.  Have a great day and be inspired.

April

2 Timothy 1:7  For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-disciplinw.

Friday, July 4, 2014

Happy Fourth of July

What a great country we live in.  So many fearless men and women were willing to fight for a country that was free from religious persecution.  I admire those people.  I think sometimes we've become complacent because we can be.  I also believe that if we Americans were put in a position where our freedom was being threatened we, too, would rise up to the fight just like our forefathers before us.  What a great country we live in.

And in celebration of this Independence Day, I've made a traditional red, white and blue themed card using my Craftwell spray tool.


This will be sent to one of our Heroes serving their county via OWH.

I hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July.  Take a moment to remember all those men and women who fought for our Independence.  Thank you for stopping by.  Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Phillipains 1:9 - 10  And this is my prayer; that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and
depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.

Thursday, July 3, 2014

This is for the birds!

And FINALLY here it is - the bird punch!!!!  I cannot believe I put off this purchase for such a long time.  Stampin Up got it right with this one.  :-)

I have a design team!!!!  It consists of which ever one of my friends has a project using the theme I have chosen for the week.  This week is has been Sherry.  And Diane will be sharing her work with us, too.


Sherry has been a card making fiend.  Here is a birdy card she did - too cute:



Thank you for stopping by.  Next week I'll have a new theme.  I don't know what it is yet - but it will be new.  Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Hebrews 10:23  Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

WOYWW 265 - Hi Honey

It is Wednesday once again.  And it's a 4 day work week here in the states!  Yay!  And because it is Wednesday, it is time to share my workspace.  If you are not familiar with What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday, check out The Stamping Ground where Julia hosts a weekly desk hop.  It is awe inspiring and could give your MOJO that needed lift.

Here is my desk this week:

Here is my bee card.  I used a Silhouette image to create my bee.  I used a Stampin Up hexagon die for the background.  I like Tombo glue, but it leaves a shiny finish if it oozes out and I don't like that.
My sentiment is from the Cardztv stamp set - Birds and Bees. 


I am off to go desk hopping.

Thank you for stopping by.  Have a great day and be inspired.

April

1 Chronicles 16:6  Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

This Week's Theme - The Birds and The Bees

I recently purchased a stamp set called the Birds and the Bees from Mary at Cardztv.  I've been stalking her lately and found her sentiment stamps to be AWESOME!  I also recently purchased the infamous bird punch from Stampin Up.  That punch has been on my list of 'must haves' for quite some time and I finally gave in and bought it.

So later this week I'll be featuring that punch and Mary's Birds and Bees stamp set.

In the meantime, here is a contribution to this week's theme from my friend Sherry:


And Sherry does vinyl.  Here is a bee on a cup.  She is a whiz at using the Silhouette:


Do you have any 'must haves' that you put off purchasing?  If so - what are they?

Thank you for stopping by.  And check out my blog on Wednesday for WOYWW and Thursday for the next card for this week's theme which will feature the Stampin Up bird punch.  :-)  Have a great day and be inspired.

April

James 4:7  Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resis the devil, and he will flee from you.

Time to Be Merry Challenge at Creative Knockouts

It is Thursday and that means it is time for a new challenge at the  Creative Knockouts Challenge Blog .  This week's theme challenge i...