another Pockets and Blooms Project

This is a little gift we made at my Pockets and Blooms class.

I made the little 3x3's thinking tags, however they could be little notecards. . .either way, as the sentiment is general. We did the rock and roll technique with the limes using Certainly Celery and Old Olive.

So kewl how a little layering can give you something so cute!

Staying busy on the homefront--I have most of the baby clothes washed (please don't ask me if they are put away), and I have been trying to take some inventory. Thank goodness I found the entire bag of baby bottles I was missing. . . That was a bit frustrating.

I went to Target, as I wasn't sure what I needed or was forgetting about. . .

It is amazing what you can forget about in five years!

Then you start remembering things when you are walking down the baby aisles. . . looking at all the little tiny things :) I had a lot of fun, and I also realized I must have gotten rid of a bunch of stuff! Back to the basics I guess!

T-minus 4 weeks and 2 days!

More easy-peasy . . .

As promised, here is the other way easy card using "Always Time for You".

It can be found in the Occasions Mini catalog, and is the cutest thing ever :)

The major difference between this card and *this card* is the extra layer on the back. . .

I had to incorporate a bit more Cameo Coral. That color is just perfect for my "let's get into spring already" mood. . .MI is a bit behind the times. It has been freezing here until the last couple of weeks.

Enough already!

The colors in the bike are Old Olive, Cameo Coral, So Saffron, and Sahara sand. Ribbon-Old Olive Poly-Twill. . .so yummy! The image was stamped in stazon, as well as the sentiment. . .inside it says "thanks for all you do". The sentiment stamps are from the set "Absolutely Fabulous".

Which is Absolutely Fabulous, in my opinion :)

These will be add-ons to the card bundle for Mom's day. . . Keep plugging away and I will get there!! Next project to work on is getting things ready for my club on Thursday. . .

Gotta go stamp!

The fun part. . .

Of all the preparation, all the cleaning, all the scrambling around trying to have everything done for baby #2 . . . planning the announcements has to be one of the most fun parts :) Right up there with setting up the crib yesterday with my husband. . .

WOW is it starting to be real for me!!!

Aside from my gigantic belly, of course :)

I have been playing around a bit. Trying to think of something cute, but not too complicated. I have a bazillion things to accomplish in the next few weeks, and don't want to overwhelm myself.

This fold was one that people have been showing from a regional that I did not attend. I used 12x12 Certainly Celery cardstock, cut to 4x12. Score at 4 and 8. You then score on a diagonal across the middle square. Fold and assemble! Super easy! I used sticky strip to adhere this closed, but be sure not to tape over your pocket or you will be sad ;)

My thoughts are--Have it planned, then maybe cut the paper and stamp the images before she gets here.

Color and assemble/embellish while she is asleep and I am on the couch recovering.

I can cut out 40 little pink onsies, right? It will be fun :)

Good thing I have some fab scissors. . .

My Signo Gel pen was used on the little heart, as well as all the dots everywhere.

Sorry about the shadow on this picture, but I think you can see where I am going with this!

The "info" will be printed on the left side (I am going to have this ready to fill in the blanks), and a sweet newborn picture tucked in on the right. . .I am thinking I will mount it with some removable adhesive on a tag. . .a little ribbon. . .etc. I will of course take another picture when I have them completed. . . and have a new baby! Yay :)

This would be an awesome card to give to a new mom, with a Gift Certificate to Target or some other baby friendly store. . .I will use any extras of my announcements for this.

The cardstock on the left is a layer of Pretty in Pink, then Whisper white. The flowers (So Saffron and Pretty in Pink) were punched with the Three for You Flower punch. Silver brads were used in the center.

On the left, I just cut a square of 3 3/4 So Saffron Designer paper in half on the diagonal. Fits perfectly :) The finished card is 4x4.

I used my stylus to press down in the center of each flower to make it pop up. It really makes a difference! Silver brads were used in the center.

I need to be sure to get one of these to the post office, and make sure it isn't going to be extra. If so, I should plan on getting the stamps early. . .no need to make my husband do it.

Or for him to go, "How much is it to mail 40 of these?!?!?!"

Yes, I had better see to that myself :)

Gotta give props to the IBC

There are so many fantastic samples in the catalog!

I think people can really identify with the simplicity of the designs, and want to create them for themselves. Which is what happened here. . .I was approached by a neighbor/customer that lives down the street a bit, who asked me if I could have a class for her and some friends. They wanted to make this mat for a picture frame.

"Of course!"

It really couldn't be more simple to put together. . .and *everyone* who sees it at my house, as well as at workshops (and I take it to every one), has really liked it. Demos-If you don't have something like this in your samples, I highly recommend it. For everyone else. . .my family loves this! It would make a wonderful gift. You could personalize it for babies, or newlyweds, etc. . .

This amazing photo was taken by Sara Anthony, who maybe once a year comes up to my neck of the woods. . .thank goodness. She is amazing! According to her website, she is based out of the Atlanta, GA area. Check her out!

The paper behind the photo is So Saffron Designer Series paper, the set: Think happy thoughts. You can get the colors right out of the IBC (I believe this sample was in last year's catalog), but they are pomegranate and brocade blue. The ribbon is Sherbet Ribbon Originals. . . also a little saffron brad on there. Super easy

I don't know if you can see it. . .but there are little fingerprint smudges on there :)

This happens to be one of my daughter's most prized possessions. When I have to leave for an overnight stay, it finds itself on the table next to her bed. . .I love that!

We had this taken right before we had our hair chopped off:

Myself-18 inches, my Daughter-12 inches

Donated, of course. Why else would you shear yourself like that! If you have never done this, please consider it! You may have heard of Locks of Love, but Wigs for Kids doesn't charge the kids *anything* for their wig. . .so pick them!!!

My daughter was fine at the time, and she understood what we were doing and why. . .

Unfortunately she now lives in fear that I will make her do it again.

Apparently braids are a big deal, and not being able to have them for a while was traumatic. I want to say this was taken 1.5 years ago, so our hair has grown out quite a bit. I think my blog photo is shortly after it was cut. So, above my shoulders. . .and for her. . .at her chin :) Big change!

I have already reassured her. . .we will wait until it is longer so we don't have to go *quite* so short next time! However. . .we *will* be doing it again. (this was her first time, my second)

I have a year or two to talk her into it :)


Have a great weekend!

We have a winner :)

First, let me apologize for my formatting "issues". For some reason the spacing feature on my posts is disabling itself. . .irritating! Hopefully you can read this alright. I will try and figure out what the problem is. . . .that being said:

You guys have completely floored me :) I have never had more fun reading so many comments! Thank you so much for all the kind things you had to say, and I appreciate it very much.

Now, down to business!

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:79
Timestamp: 2008-04-12 00:07:55 UTC

Congratulations, Allison!

Allison said...
Congratulations on all the hits!I love your style of crafting. It is simple but elegant. You always know when to stop embellishing (which a lot of people don't)! Thanks for sharing your talents!

I will contact you for your address as soon as I have your goodies boxed up :)

Now back to crafting, y'all!

What Happened ?!?!

Somewhere in the last week, I passed 20,000 hits???

Wow! How cool is that!

I still am not quite sure how people have come to find me (other than my beloved Splitcoast-see the link to the left), or really care what I have to say. And maybe you don't! You only come here for the cards . . .

Well, I like making them so you can keep right on coming!

On that note, in an effort to relay my appreciation for those of you who continue to come and visit. . . my first ever giveaway to my blogger readership.

I don't usually give aways, but 20,000 is a big deal to me--and it never ceases to make my day when someone has something nice to say in a comment, or via email. Which lately has been more often. . .Thanks y'all!

Anyhoo. . .Here is what I am tossing out:

Two unmounted stamp sets: Lots of Thoughts and Garden Silhouettes, a packed bottle of primas, an unopened prints pack from the current selection of hostess sets in the catalog, as well as an "egg carton" box from Papertrey Ink. (That was supposed to be altered for Easter. . . .um, yeah . . .we all know how that happens sometimes :)

Hope this is suitable for my first ever "blog candy". . .all you have to do is leave me a comment on this post with something you like about my blog. . .It can be anything-I assume there is *something* you like. . .as I see you are here!

Thanks again. . .I really enjoy doing this, and it is nice to know "people are watching" ;)

I will pick a winner at random on Friday evening. . .good luck!

Always time for easy cards :)

I stamped this right after making this card for my mom. . .

I think the simplicity of the challenge affected my brain.

I have been trying to build up some extra cards before Mom's day coming up, as I gave out card tins a few years ago. . .I try to supply cards every year or two for those who I made tins for. . .it is a good thought anyway! If I can get them made in time, I will give each of them a bundle.

That being said, I try and have a combination of "fussy" cards and simple cards--but all of them have to be something I would give away. . .meaning I have to really like them :)

I happen to *love*this stamp set from the Occasions Mini (Always Time for You), and the card is pretty cute, too, I think :) The inside has the sentiment stamped. . .same as the name of the set.

Such a sweet thing to say to someone!

I like to think this cards qualifies as "trendy". . .as I see cards like this a little boutique in a nearby town. However, I am not at all qualified to determine what is trendy. . .

I am going by the standards of others. . .and again. . .I *think* it qualifies :)

I made another one using the bicycle image. . .I will post it in a few days. I will try and come up with something a little more "fussy" between now and then :)

Pockets and Blooms bonus card

As I promised the attendees from my class, a few extra projects will be posted using "pockets and blooms". . . and here is one. A tri-fold card from the pockets and pieces assortment.

The rubons are from A Perfect Day (Occasions Mini) as well as the Spring Picnic Designer Series Paper. (Which I love!) The hodgepodge closure is Antique Brass.

I ran the dsp along the full length of the card on the outside. . .

The image is from Tart and Tangy to match the paper. The little insert comes out, and has a white panel along the back. . .I may or may not stamp a sentiment behind the panel. I am going to leave it how it is, until I decide who will receive it and for what reason!

My poor baby is *not* well today, so I am off to play nurse. She is such a good girl, even when she isn't able to keep anything down :(

Not like her daddy, who can be the biggest baby when he doesn't feel well!

(Don't tell him I said that. . . .)

Actually, he will probably read this in a month when he comes to my blog for some reason (which doesn't happen very often) and give me grief.

But that's what husbands are for, right!

My first LSC . . .

What is an LSC???? Let me tell ya'. . .

LSC=Limited Supplies Challenge

This particular challenge was to make a card using white and one other color *only*. And it couldn't be another neutral (ex. black/white).

Not as easy as it sounds!

My mom happens to be a purple-aholic, and badly in need of some thanks from yours truly :) As well as BIRTHDAY WISHES! (**waving** happy birthday, Mom!) She has been coming to my rescue lately, as we are trying to get the house ready to put on the market *and* I have only 8 more weeks to be "baby ready". . . .Yikes!

So, she took a day off work to help me pack up the basement ( I was completely overwhelmed at the prospect), then came up the other night and helped me by scrubbing baby seats/swings/other baby-related paraphernalia, while I washed untold amounts of tiny little outfits.

Love ya' Moms :) You're the best!

So, I pulled out some Elegant Eggplant and watercolored some flowers for Mom (one of her other obsessions) and tried to restrain myself from overcomplicating this card :) It already has a lot on it for being one sheet of paper! I think she is going to love it.

And I don't think she reads my blog unless I tell her there are new "Family" things on here . . .so I am safe from her seeing this card early. If not. . . pretend to be surprised mom :)

The stamp set is so awesome!

This is a throwback from the MI Mingle . . . also a camp card from March :)

The stamp set "Enjoy Every Moment" is one of my favorites right now. So fun and easy to use! Lucky for y'all that it is part of the "Free Wheelin" special (see the left sidebar for details) and you can get the matching "Daisy Dash" jumbo wheel for*free*! Bonus!

I used the Stamp-a-Majig on nearly everything stamped on the front panel :)

The flower is stamped in Soft Sky, the "O" is 2step stamped with a So Saffron bold image flower, as well as "life" in Chocolate Chip. . .the three for you punched flower, spiral punch, and oval punch (for the every moment sentiment) were also used. Just a little paperclip holding the ribbon.

I feel like it should say "note to self. . . " somewhere :)

Artfully watercolored

A new sketch challenge today on SCS. . .

Plus a new watercoloring challenge for myself :) This stamp set is called "Artfully Asian" and was a gift from my good friend Jeremy (hi jer :) for my birthday last year.

I have been wanting to try watercoloring using the combo SU marker/aquapainter technique shown on Julie Buhler's blog *here*, so no time like the present! These little flowers are small, so it is difficult to see the effect. . .but it does make a difference!

I used apricot appeal and cameo coral markers, blending with the aquapainter afterward. . .and the flowers look MUCH nicer than they originally did. Much more dimension to the coloring.

I know it is difficult to see, but someday I will have some fab lighting and you will be able to see little fuzzies on my cards they will be so clear! It is definitely on my list of *must have things*.

The paper colors are mellow moss, apricot appeal, and creamy caramel. . .in addition to the watercolor paper. Lots of distressing and sponging, and I wheeled the Rough Texture jumbo wheel in the background. The image and sentiment are both stamped in black stazon.

We are going to give this technique a try in my stamp camp soon! The R.S.V.P. is coming up, so be sure and let me know if you are planning on coming.

Ciao!

A quick thanks. . .

A quick and cute post today. . .

This is a little thank you gift I made for my roomies in Birch Run, as well as a stamp camp project from March. Nothing like making the most of your stamped "stuff" :)

You can find the template for making these envelope pouches *here* on the off chance you have some time to play. . .these are super fast and fun to make! You do need a large tag punch. . .which if you don't already own one, I know *just* where you can find one. . .*pick me pick me!*

This particular pouch uses Cutie Pie Designer Series Paper, Bashful blue, Purely Pomegranate, and Certainly Celery Cardstock, plus one white envelope. Punches used were the corner rounder (for the scallop), 1 3/8 circle, 1 1/4 circle, and scallop circle punch. The stamp set is Hostess level 2, "Spring Solitude".

Btw, when I gave this to them. . .it had chocolate in it of course! For photo purposes, it was much easier to see the details with the pouch empty. . .sorry to deprive you!

Hope you can use this fun project! Have a great Tuesday :)