Who doesn't love Anything Goes challenges?

 

Hi Stampers,

I'm in the throes of  packing. It is anything but fun packing a craft room. I've been purging and giving away many un-used items to my grand-daughter's elementary school. They're very happy to get them. Among the many things I had were several dried out ink pads. I'm relieved that I have settled on only two brands of dye stamp pads with only the basic colors. (Stampin' Up and Memento).  I will keep only three craft pads...black, gold and silver. I had sooo much ribbon, but in the last two years, I've made few cards using ribbon. I do have to keep some, since I use them on 3D projects frequently.

And that brings me to the Simply Create Too second week of the Anything Goes challenge. My Oh my, are we getting some great submissions. Everyone loves these challenges as do I.

So, I submitted two projects...using ribbon. The first is an image by Sparkle Creations called Cupcake Ruby. Isn't she adorable. The sentiment is a Studio G dollar stamp. I think they are $1.50 now...still a bargain. Pretty dsp, Nestabilities mats and a Cuttlebug corner, Wild Orchid flowers that I colored up a bit, punched leaves (Marvy?),  some ribbon, bling and copic coloring finished it. I sent this off to one of my BFFs, El. She thought it was one of my best. SMILE!!

The second submission was a little ensemble I made for a young lady who with her Marine hubby had their first baby girl. It was touch and go for a while and the little one came early, so we showered mom with gifts after the fact. I slipped a few pairs of cute socks into the box. I stamped the image and sentiment in Memento rose bud. Cherry Lynn, Nestibilities, Cuttlebug and Lifestyle Crafts dies were all used, some SU pink ribbon, bling and very old dsp were used too. The new mom is a budding scrapbooker so she totally appreciated it. I love when that happens.

I have many cards to show you this week...but time may get in the way.

Blessings,
Erica

I can never have enough

Embossing folders, that is. I started buying them as soon as they hit the stores years ago, and I have several binders full... nearly 75. I'd say I luv 'em, wouldn't you?

So this is a Cuttlebug folder that is one of the early ones. It lends itself beautifully to prayer and sympathy cards. I embossed directly onto the card covering the missed part on the side with a length of SU ribbon. The gorgeous butterfly is made with a Cheery Lynn die. They make the best butterflies, though a bit fussy when running them through my Cuttlebug machine.
The sentiment is from Gina K and the ovals are punched with SU punches.... A few tiny pearls enhance the butterfly and this card went into one of the Christmas packages of all occasion cards I made as presents for Christmas.

Blessings,
Erica

Took This with my IPad

So I took this photo with my IPad and emailed it to myself, then edited in my usual photo editing program, Picassa...yes, I know I ought to be using something better, but it's easy peasy, so it's good for me. It's so dang tough to photograph black and white.

We have the first of the year's Less Is More Less Is More challenges and the divas said B&W, I have this new Quickutz die, feathers. Luv it. So many ideas going around in my head.

It's rare that I can submit one card for two challenges, but I'm doing this time...YIPPIE! I'm also entering it in Monday's challenge at 365 Cards, where we are to round the corners. I think the way I did it really adds panache...(luv that word).

Blessings,
Erica

Keeping it C&S, but Not Always

Hi Stampers,
Part of my problem is that I can't decide on my style. Am I clean and simple, whimsical, romantic/vintage, shabby chic, (I'm not sure what shabby chic really is). I think for 2103, I'm gonna be eclectic, since the dictionary defines it as, "selecting or employing individual elements from a variety of sources, systems or styles." My approach to card-making is indeed eclectic. I think I just needed to write this, because, I've been switching back and forth, and to and fro like crazy.

No doubt, this card is clean and simple. I am overwhelmed by 12x12 paper and hate the idea of moving it all. I've decided to keep about 1/3 and from now on purchase only 6x6 or 8x8 paper pad collections. As a hobby demo for Stampin' Up, this will curtail hoarding their dsp, as they don't make pads. I have a feeling they will be soon.

I added this card to a package for a businesswoman who often is required to send out to businessmen. I think I ought to try it in brighter colors too.

Blessings,
Erica

Simply Create Too Challenge #28

Drop


Well hello at last my stamping friends. Long time no blog. Actually, I do make many cards, but taking photos is such a bore fore me. I don't have the right set-up either indoors or out and frankly, I'd just rather use every minute of my time to just create. I have easily made 40 cards since my last post.

So since I'm on a design team of Simply Create Too, I had to take one picture....as usual the photo doesn't do justice to the creation. I made this at a friend's house and it was her idea. We decorated round tins in wintery papers, using whatever she had on hand for embellies, including a pretty lace. Then we made 4 round cards in the perfect size to fit into them. The cards are shaped like Christmas balls but actually open up like a card. They fit into an A2 size envie. It was a fun project.

Let's close out the Christmas cards and all things winter with the Simply Create Too challenge no. 28, Let It Snow, so we can get ready for the fun challenges the team has in store for you in 2013.

Blessings,
Erica

My Sweet Girl

Hello Everyone. Yes, it's been a long time. I have been creating away though. I made more cards than usual, however, I have such difficulty parting with them...especially those that live up to my dreams. This one was given to my dd for her to give to someone worthy...as in who won't throw it in the trash before a yearis up! I know, silly, but one can get quite attached to a piece now and then.

So, this little gal is a digi from the The Cutting Cafe. On my PC, I have not yet mastered the world of digi stamps, but I got this one printed out 6 to a page and I was elated. I carefully colored them with all manner of markers, copics spectrum noir, etc. I'm even happy with the skin coloring. Then I cut them out and decided she was worthy of an easel card. This is a twisted one. Of course, she got the royal treatment...lots of pretty dsp, die cuts and a fitting sentiment. I just love her. I hope I find time to treat her to another speciality card, uh, but not this year.

I hope you are all enjoying the Christmas season with family and friends. I'll be with just my immediate family and that's how I like it best.

Blessings,
Erica

Less Is More...Red and Green

Good Sunday Morning.
At Less is More, the challenge is in keeping with the approaching holiday...red and green.

I've been making Christmas cards like a mad-woman. I'm not quite sure why but I do know there's more inspiration in the card-making world than ever. I didn't even break out my stamps from years past. Instead, I made a few (ahem), purchases this year and have been making them work overtime. So, I adore aperature cards, but rarely make them, so I did for LIM.  Images used are both from a retired  Close to My Heart set and my coloring is not nearly as bright as it should be, but I got the aperature right. And to balance things a bit, I added the baking twine.

Go play along with the LIM challenge before the holiday scene just doesn't leave you any time.

Blessings,
Erica