Circle The Date

Good Morning,

Well I think I am on the mend...thank goodness. I started feeling a little better on Sunday and actually made it to the gym Monday. Still got the cough but at least I have some energy now.

So on that note I'll share today's card. Yes, this was another card I did at the Christmas Card Workshop. I quite liked this one. The base is kraft colored paper. The snowman stamped in white craft ink. I liked the little calendar that was a punch out. The embellishment at the top was a die cut out of grungeboard. To give it texture it was run through a cuttlebug embossing folder, then heat embossed and sanded. I love the way it highlights different colors.

On a side note last Thursday I celebrated my second American Thanksgiving. Time is flying by! We won't discuss the turkey...but there is Christmas to redeem myself that I do know how to cook!

Black Friday shopping...I didn't go down early, early in the morning but did venture out to see what it was like. Busy but not crazy. Better deals were found by shopping on-line and all the sites seemed to be offering free shipping so this year I've done most of my shopping from my computer. I quite liked it!

I will be back tomorrow with another item for your wish list and something new to add to the blog candy.  In the meantime be sure to check out Deborah's, and Marilyn's blog to see what they have on their wish lists.

Yvonne

Wednesday Wishes

Good Morning

Sorry to have been missing for the last few days but I managed to catch a flu bug or it caught me. I've got a nasty chest cold that has zapped all my energy.

Here we are to another Wednesday. Are you still adding items to your wish list...if you are you might want to think about this one. I haven't personally tried this product but after watching the video I will be on the look out for it.

 

Stick & Stay Video

This will prolong the life of your cricut mats however that is NOT the ONLY use for it.

 This handy spray can be used on all kinds of surfaces from rubber to paper and even fabrics. This repositionable adhesive is the answer to all of your problems, from matting and layering and especially when mounting your unmounted stamps. Simply spray the back side of the rubber and place on your mounting block. It says you can re-position your stamps up to 30 times. If you're into quilting you can use this product to hold your quilt pieces in place.

Deborah over at Fargo Cat Shops has this product on order and it will sell for $8.00 each.

Also adding another item to the Blog Candy. This time it is a Spellbinders Shapeabilities Pendants - Eyelets.

Drawing to take place December 10th. Just leave a comment at the end of todays post. For more chances to win be sure to leave a comment on each previous Wednesday post. As a recap we have stamps, ink, paper and now Shapeabilities in the give-a-way!

Still looking for more great gift ideas. Be sure to stop by Deborah's and Marilyn's blogs.

Must go to the grocery store and finish picking up supplies for dinner tomorrow. We will be celebrating the American Thanksgiving.

Yvonne

Flower Soft Trees

Morning,

Thought  I would share one more card this week. Another vintage card using Tim Holtz products.

I'll just highlight the main features. Stamped the set of trees three times. Once freshly inked up and then on either side second generation stamping. With a sponge dauber and Wild Honey Distress Ink I created a moon image. Also sponged the outer edge of the circle but I can't tell you what colors I used caused I just kept going until I got it to something I liked.

Green flower soft over top of the trees in the foreground. Some stickles randomly placed to look like snow falling.

The flourish was punched out of  Tim Holtz Grunge paper and heat embossed. The Grunge Paper is nice to work with as it is lighter weight than is regular Grunge Board.

Be sure to check out Marilyn's blog over at Crafts and Beyond  for some great inspiration for using Tim Holtz products as well.

I'll see you Monday!

Yvonne

Believe

Good Morning

For starters this morning I was one of three people who was featured on Stampsmith blog. So that was pretty exciting. Thank you for picking my card. You can see all the other entries by popping on over to their blog and perhaps entering the next challenge yourself.

What else is new here. Been faithfully going to the gym. Working away on Christmas projects. That's it!

For all you Cricut users out there...I have a tip this morning. If your image isn't cutting completely out or leaves a bit of a rough edge program the cricut to cut the image twice. You'll be amazed at the difference it makes especially on the intricate cuts. It's also important to keep your mat clean so when the blade is cutting the image it doesn't hit a piece of paper underneath and cause the paper to tear.

This card is one of the projects we did at the "Vintage Christmas " card class I took. They used all Tim Holtz products.

I like the cards and they keep growing on me! They are not ones that are in my comfort zones. I'm not a "shabby chic" crafter. Actually I probably worry that somebody that I send it too would look at it and say," She didn't put the layers on straight." This card will have to go to a crafty friend who can appreciate this art.!

Couple things about the card.

The green background - the paper was cut larger than the base.
                                   - sanded all four sides and then glues the green paper to the red on an angle. Cut off
                                      pieces that hung over the side and re-sanded those areas.

Santa - stamped in black ink and then a script stamp stamped over top.
          - used ink and a sponge to color in Santa. Distressed the edges

Tress - Those trees in the corner have Flower Soft on them.

25 - The numbers were a die cut and used Tim Holtz dauber to color them in. First time I had used that    
        product and it was pretty neat. Depending on how much you used it created an interesting pattern.

Add some black twine, stamp your believe and staple it with Tim Holtzes little stapler.

Santas face has a bit of sparkle. Used stickles and rubbed it over the beard with my finger. Give that a try instead of just squeezing it on and leaving it.

DH will be home tomorrow so I guess I should get groceries tomorrow. I'm been planning on going to the store all week but it hasn't seemed real important as there is still soup in the house. lol

Another craft sale here this week-end. Going for a browse. This one is in the local community so it won't be as crazy busy as the one I went to last week-end. 

Enjoy your week-end.

Yvonne

To Smooch Or Not!

Hi There,

Back for week number three on products that you might like to add to your Christmas Wish List.

 What is Smooch Spritz? They are water-based acrylic paints, rich with mica particles for shimmer and shine, in a glass spray bottle. They are suitable for any porous surface (ie, wood, paper, chipboard) and clean up with water.


I have the red, emerald green, blue, log cabin, gold and vanilla. Well I had vanilla...I used it all.  They really are fun and add just a little razzle dazzle to your projects. The vanilla gave an overall shimmer to projects. They work great for altering the color of items such as prima flowers or other embellishments. It can also be used to make background papers.

A word of caution - when spraying it protect your area. Use that craft mat last week that I talked about or buy yourself a pair of shoes and then use the empty box to hold your project and catch the overspray. I know...I like to be frugal!
You can check out some of my older posts for samples of the Smooch Spritz

HoHoHo

Smooch Along The Way

Here's a video tutorial from Splitcoaststampers for creating backgrounds. It's pretty cool.

Some of the new colors Deborah has in are:

Gold Glow

Silver Foil

Emerald Sprinkle

Vanilla Shimmer

Frosted Grape

Sunkissed

The price for the month of November on these are $4.50 each.

You can visit Deborah at her blog Fargo Cat Designs.

Please leave a comment for your chance to win the blog candy to be given away December 10th. I've added a new item - Martha Stewart pigment inks to join the stamp set and paper already shown.

If you need some further gift ideas be sure to check out Marilyn's post this week.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow and I'll have a Vintage Christmas card to share.

From Our House To Yours

Hello There...

Great start to another new week. Did ballet class this morning at the gym. Not as easy as you might think! My thighs and hips may rebel tomorrow...not sure yet...actually I think they are rebelling now. Must keep moving! lol

Today's card I used the same stamp as on Saturday's card. Supplies are all pretty much the same but on the inside I used a Just -Rite stamp. Those stamps are pretty versatile. You do have to purchase special blocks for them but the rubber sets are quite inexpensive so it's very worthwhile and you can mix and match images.
Fargo Cat Shops carries this product.

The decorative edge was done using Tim Holtz "Ornate" die. The die has two images on it and the previous post featured the other cut if you missed it.

I cut the one edge of my cardstock and the pattern paper I just cut a strip and used both pieces so they would match perfectly. The pattern paper is glued directly to the cardstock on the inside of the card.

Nestabilities used to cut the circular shapes and I used the blending tool to soften the edges of the white cardstock.

I'm busy working on some Christmas gifts so I won't be sharing those for awhile. Don't want to spoil the surprise factor for Christmas morning.

Not to worry I do still have some other projects to share with you this week. I took a Tim Holtz Vintage Card class so I have some of those projects lined up for this week.

Yvonne

Nutcracker Craft Fair & Easel Card With Ornate Die

Good Morning...please forgive me being missing a couple of days. I'm not sure what happened Thursday but the plan was to post on Friday and then....I went to the Nutcracker Craft Fair.

I'll try and keep this brief but I am really a little country girl at times. lol I can't get used to going to an event and it being so large and so, so many people. This was a major Christmas Craft Fair in Houston. Mainly retailers out promoting their wares instead of locals selling handmade crafts. I won't go into details of the vendors but we were there for over six hours and just finished walking through the whole place. I want you to know we did not sit down once. (I had gone with my neighbor) By the time we drug our feet back to the car my hips were really sore. The good news is my back felt fine. I'm still sore as I write this. lol

Today's share is an easel card. They are very easy to make and also fold up nicely for mailing. You can get the directions at Splitcoaststampers.

The stamp was an old Hero Arts - Christmas Birdhouse Village.
Image colored in with Copic Markers
Distress Ink - Tim Holtz Pumice - I used that craft mat and sponges that I talked about Wednesday and it worked great. I sponged the edges of all the green cardstock, red hearts and around the stamped image itself.

Do you notice that fancy cut-out shape on the bottom part of the card. That is one of the image on Tim Holtz's Sizzix on the Edge die  - "ornate"
It actually has two different edges on the one die and I will show you another card next week using the other edge.

Lastly I used a metal frame for the sentiment.

Here's a couple of things I've put into my blog candy give-a-way. I will add something else each week until the 10th of December. Check my blog each Wednesday for your  chance to win.

Once again thank you to all the new followers or subscribers to my blog this week. If you like what you see on my blog please pass my link onto others that might have like interests.

Have a great rest of the week-end.

Yvonne

Week Two - Christmas Wish List - Blog Candy

Good Morning,
Today I'm going to share two items that I think are must haves in your craft room.

1) Inkssentials non-stick Craft Sheet - This 15” x 18” reusable, protective Non-Stick Craft Sheet from Ranger is the answer to all your craft surface needs! Nothing sticks to it or penetrates its surface! The slick, non-porous material withstands high temperatures and repels liquids. It’s perfect for use when stamping, embossing, ironing, painting, baking, and using Ranger’s Melting Pot. Embossing powders, inks, candle wax, soap chips, paint, hot glue and even solder won’t penetrate or distort its smooth-as-glass finish. Any excess melted product, once cooled, can be easily peeled off. Clean-up is quick and easy, so the Craft Sheet can be used again and again.

For years I used my computer paper as scrap paper on my desk. I was forever changing the paper due to glue and ink all over it not to mention the 8 1/2 x 11 paper was never big enough. I always had ink on my desk!  It took me a long time but when I finally got one...there will be no going back.
 
Deborah's price on these are $16.00.

2) Inkssentials™ Blending Tool & Foam - Use the Inkssentials™ Ink Blending Tool™ and Foam for mess-free ink application on paper projects!

I love using this tool with the craft mat. I have to admit I was a big fan of the Stampin' Up sponges and honestly thought nothing could compare to them but I was wrong.

When using these start by inking up the sponge and before you apply it to your papercraft project rub the sponge in a circular motion on your craft mat first. Then continue the circular motion onto your project. This will help the color to be more graduated on your project. If you ink up directly onto the sponge and apply directly to your paper you will get dark and blotchy areas. This is fine if that was your intent in the first place!

Deborah's price on each of these is $5.50.

I've also seen where people keep a different color sponge for each color of ink that they have. Saves washing them out all the time. I must try that as I have enough individual foams.

You can hop over to Marilyn's (shares on Fridays) or Deborah's (share's on Mondays) blog to see what their favorite products are.

For a chance to win some blog candy be sure to leave a comment on this  post. For more details and a chance to still comment on last weeks post click here.

Thursday I'll add a post of some of the blog candy as well as a card to share.

Have a great day and if you get a chance to go to the craft fair in Halifax be sure to find Deborah with Fargo Cat Shops. She will have some great product there! Can't make it but want something...call 902-923-2835.

Yvonne

I Believe....

Hi There,

Couple cards here today. Same stamp and basically same colors just different shapes.

Pattern paper on both cards is Basic Grey - Jovial.

The angel stamp is from Stamp Craft. It's old and the saying is PSX.

Copics used for the coloring.

Both cards have dew drops. Look closely on the second card.

First angel has glitter on her wings and second one doesn't.

Spellbinders Nesatabilies

Martha Stewart border punch. I like to punch on both sides of the cardstock!

I think I'll link these up also for the Stampsmith and Caardvarks Challenges.

Be sure to visit me tomorrow as I'll be sharing more items for your Christmas Wish List and you'll also have a chance again to enter for the Blog Candy.

To increase your interest I'll be posting a card sample using the product......

Yvonne

Challenges X 3

Happy Monday!

I worked on a lot of cards on the week-end and while surfing the net just a little I came across three different card challenges that my card fit into.

The Stampsmith Challenge - must have an oval.

Crazy4Challenges C4C62 - square card

Caardvarks - create a Christmas card and use a die cut

I stamped a House Mouse image and colored with Copic markers.

For the die cuts - Spellbinders - beaded ovals, ovals, & snowflakes

Above items can be found at Fargo Cat Shops.

I actually had frost on the roof of my car Saturday morning. It has since warmed up again.

I'll check in with you tomorrow as I have more cards to share.

Yvonne

Make Merry! - Mojo Monday #163

Greetings!

Seems like I'm always just getting in under the wire on the Mojo Monday Challenges.

I had this image stamped and colored for quite away. It was sitting in the to be finished pile. I looked for the name/manufacturer of the stamp and couldn't find it. It was purchased way back when I first started stamping. Long time ago!

Image colored in with Copic Markers and Vanilla Smooch spritzed over top. Makes everything kinda shimmer.

Check out Marilyn's blog at Crafts & Beyond to see what her favorite product of the week is.

Just in case you're keeping up with my fitness regime I did deep water aerobics and then lane swimming today. Getting better at the deep water aerobics. Less bobbing all over the place and running into people. I'm like the Weebles wobble but they don't fall down in the pool. lol

Now try and get that image out of your head!

See you Monday! Must go and craft so I have something for Monday!

Yvonne

Zoo Run

Hi There Bloggers...

Hope you are going to enjoy my Wednesday product share. Be sure to leave comments on my Wednesday share as well to have your chance for Blog Candy.

I've been a little short on projects this week as I was creating this scrapbook page. You know, I get something in my head and just can't shake it. I probably changed the design of the page five times but did manage to keep the original concept there. lol

These two pages did take a lot of time as there are many layers to each component. Kristen did a 10K run in October with pledges going to the Toronto Zoo. It's been my goal this year to scrapbook each event that she entered. I only have one more to go to be caught up. (Thank goodness winter is here and no more runs till Spring!) lol

Cartridges Used:

Animal Kingdom - animals
Cindy Loo - tree
George & Basic Shapes - circles
Sports Mania - girl
Going Places - arrow and "This Way"
Cars - road
Lyrical Letters - "Start" & "Finish"

Each piece of 12 x 12 pattern paper distressed with Tim Holtz - Frayed Burlap as well as the tree and all circles.

Do you see the black outline on the road and animals? I used a black cricut marker. It fits into your machine and the Cricut first traces the outline and then you re-insert the blade to cut the shape out. It's great for giving some extra dimension. The ears on the animals were colored in with chalk. A white gel pen for the faux stitching.
 

To highlight Kristen in each photo I created a silhouette shape to surround here. Just helps to focus in a bit better. On both the Start & Finish I used the negative of the cut out shape rather than the individual letters themselves. The black is just a piece of cardstock slightly smaller than the colored shape.

Continued with the faux stitching to keep both pages uniform.

There were holes in the tree and the purple cardstock showed through from behind. To make the berries look glossy  I used Crystal Effects. Applied one layer and let it dry and then applied another so I could have it nice and raised.

 

Planning on working on a card for tomorrow.

I've been so good about going to the gym. Yes, I finally joined the YMCA. Been trying out a lot of the different classes but due to either old age or not being careful enough when I was young I experience knee pain. Zumba class was fun but the knees didn't like it. So far it seems like swimming, water aerobics, yoga and the eclipse machine have been okay on those joints. I have sneaked in a step class or two but I have to be really careful at those.

Hope you're doing something you enjoy this afternoon!

Yvonne

Wish List and Blog Candy! Yum!

Good Morning!

Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming! he he. I know if you're like me you probably haven't done much in the shopping department yet...well my goal for the next six weeks will be to help your family and friends shop for you! Think about it...no electric can openers, frying pans, crock pots (bought to make your life easier) or anything else that is kitchen related.

Deborah over at Fargo Cat Shops will be setting up individual wish lists. All you have to do is e-mail Deborah your list and then direct your family and friends to her.

My part in all this is I'm going to share with you some of my favorite tools/products that I use and why I like them.

So my first feature item is the Tim Holtz - Design Ruler.

It has so many features - a grid background for perfect placement
                                   - a center measuring guide
                                   - a straight edge for drawing lines
                                   - a metal edge for cutting
                                   - evenly spaced holes for paper piercing

Personally my favorite features of the ruler are the center measuring guide and the paper piercing guide. The center measuring guide is great for scrapbooking and titles but I use it a lot on cards too especially to evenly space embellishments without the hassle of being a mathematician.

This is a great video showing you how to use  the Design Ruler.

Click Here

The price on the Tim Holtz Design Ruler is $6.00. Be sure to contact Deborah early so if the item isn't in stock she will have time to order them in.

Just to make this a little more interesting I'm going to offer up some Blog Candy. Each Wednesday until the 10th of December I will have a post featuring something for a wish list. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment for me. At the end of the six weeks I will draw one winner from ALL the comments received on the wish list posts. Always looking to increase my blogger friends so please pass this along if you like or link to your blog.

Have a great day!

PS - As I add things to the Blog Candy stash I'll post some pics. :)

Yvonne