CardMonkey's Paper Jungle

Buzzing in to Wish You a Happy Father's Day

2013-06-18T12:07:00.000-04:00

Dad's gotten his Father's Day card already, so I can post this now to show you that YES, I can make masculine cards! YES, I mailed it to him so he got it on time (Saturday) and I didn't have to spend extraordinary overnight postage (per usual!!) ... and he LOVED it.

I made this card using Close To My Heart's Buzz and Bumble line of papers and trims, along with their Burlap Ribbon cut in half lengthwise. The sentiment is computer-generated. I cut the pennants from the alternate side of the paper, and inked their edges using CTMH Exclusive Inks in Saddle. The cute bee (is there such a thing?) holding the sentiment banner was fussy cut and topped with CTMH Liquid Glass. Even the hemp twine is from CTMH! :) The bee sticker (that looks like sealing wax!) is from the Buzz and Bumble Assortment.

If you'd like to try out the Buzz and Bumble lines (or stock up, as I did), be sure to hurry, since it's retiring after the new CTMH Idea Book comes out this summer for Autumn/Winter. If you don't yet have a CTMH Consultant, I'm happy to send you (free!) the new Idea Book ... Just leave me a comment and a way to contact you so I can get your address for shipping. I expect delivery of the new Idea Book in a few weeks!

Clean colors, design in Kathy Davis papers

2013-06-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

Have I told you about one of the newer ventures I've undertaken? I've signed on to become a Papercrafting Instructor at our local Joann Store (in Warrington, PA).

I'm set and ready to go, but so far, no one has signed up for the classes that Joann Corporate thinks their customers in this area wants to learn.

It's frustrating -- I only need ONE customer to teach the class -- but so far, no go.

Frankly, I think it is that the classes aren't ones that seasoned crafters might want. My frustrations echo that of the store's Education Coordinator; unfortunately, there's nothing she can do to override the Corporate decisions -- she is but a cog in the wheel. So, oh no!, she quit!!

This is what I'd like to teach: using a favorite paper pack to make a set of cards from that single pack. For this pack, I went to my Joann Store and bought one super paper pack by Kathy Davis. Actually, I bought both of the 12x12" pack, and the 6x6" pack. I also bought a package of Kathy Davis glitter epoxy dot stickers and inspiration cards.

For this collection of eight cards, I used a few sheets of the 6x6" pack, 4 pieces of white 12x12" paper, and some of the dots and inspiration cards:

Aren't they pretty? They are all 4x6", and I plan to make a gift box for them to give them to the "retiring" Joanne Store Education Coordinator.

Here they are individually:

Featuring white Lovebug Creations Rumple Ribbon

I also used white gel pen and a Martha Stewart Edge Punch

Foam dots also used

Lovebug Creations Caddy Blue Rumple Ribbon, and CTMH stamps
(for the "Shower of" and butterfly); foam tape also used

Lovebug Creations Green Leaves Rumple Ribbon,
Martha Stewart Edge Punch; foam dots also used

I love this beautiful set of cards with the fresh colors and clean design.

When I purchased the Kathy Davis paper at Joanne, the cashier told me that Kathy Davis was once a teacher at Hatboro-Horsham High School, a local school ... and has since become quite an enterprise selling a whole line of goods, including inspirational posters, giftware, tableware, linens, books, etc. AND her studio is local ... about 5 minutes from my home ... as is her only retail store!! OMG! I WILL be visiting soon!!

Having Fun With Stubbies - A Baby Card

2013-06-11T12:48:00.001-04:00

Like most of us I'm sure, this is a very busy time of year for the CardMonkey. In just two weeks, I'm heading off to Orlando to join friends and fellow CTMH Consultants at the annual convention sponsored by Close To My Heart.

I'm excited to be going there for the first time, as a relatively new Independent Consultant. I expect to see new products that will be introduced in the next Idea Book (coming this summer), to get to play with some of them at crops, and to learn ways to grow my bitty-baby business.

One of the other things we'll be doing is swapping cards or projects made from CTMH products. I'm working on making 100 swapping items ... not all the same, not all different ... and I'm at 75 and working! That, coupled with my design team responsibilities, keep me in the craft room though not always showing you what I'm doing.

Next week, I'll unveil my cards/projects I'm swapping. Until then, let me show you this card (above) that is simply stamping.

Check out these very fun stamps I bought at the recent Scrapbook/Stamp Expo in Oaks, PA. They are from Stamps By Judith. While the "BABY" stamp is a conventional wood rubber stamp, the sticks below it attracted my eye as fun to hold and use.

They're called "Stubby Stamps" or "Stubbies." They're about 5/8" wooden cylinders that feature little images that you can use in a zillion different ways. On this card, I used the adorable teddy bear image, coupled with a baby bottle Stubby, to create a fun background for my card.

Once I colored (with Copic markers) my "Baby" image, I shadowed it and cut it out. I layered it with foam squares above three strips of a Martha Stewart double-edge punch, cut in pink, blue and yellow cardstock.

FAITHFUL READERS: Here's your chance to win one of the cute Stubbies! I inadvertently bought two teddy bear stubbies ... and one can be yours if you post a comment to this posting, and follow my blog. Please leave a way for me to contact you, should your name be picked by Random.org. To give you time to comment, I'll close comments here at 11:59 p.m. on Father's Day, June 16, when I'm hosting a Father's Day Hop. If you leave a comment on THAT post (Father's Day Hop) too, you'll receive an extra chance to win this Stubby!

Good luck, and thank you for visiting my blog.

Chill, My Friends! :)

2013-06-09T14:55:00.001-04:00

Ahh ... summer!

This adorable digi-image from Hambo Stamps really speaks to me -- how about you?

I'd love to be floating on the ocean in an inner tube about now ... drink in hand or not, but definitely being CHILL.

I colored this image using Copic Markers and yes, intentionally made the doggie a bit sunburnt and still carefree. I rested the image on a bed of paper-torn "waves" and suspended a banner made of Close To My Heart "Dream Pop" papers and Nikki Sivils adhesive letters. I stitched the banner to the card on my Husqvarna sewing machine.

Hope your having a chill weekend! :)

Rumple Ribbon Thursday - Layering Colors

2013-06-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

I'm looking at this card and realizing one of the things that I really like about Rumple Ribbons that are made from seam binding compared to, say, satin ribbons. That is, the ribbon itself is thin enough to layer with multiple colors for a very special effect, yet have enough body to hold a nice bow or cut tail.

Here, I've once again added Rumple Ribbons to the base design of a Card Kitchen kit card from Jillibean Soup. I likely would not have combined yellow, red and blue myself ... but why not? They're all primary colors and as we heard in kindergarten, it's really okay to blend these colors. Or any colors, right?

KCC's One Colorful Summer Blog Hop - June 2

2013-06-02T22:10:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the One Colorful Summer Blog Hop, sponsored by the Krazy Crafting Crew (KCC).

The KCC is a group of mad-talented women who get together in a Hop format on the first Sunday of every month to show you projects with a new theme.

COLOR and SUMMER are our themes this month.

PROJECT DETAILS:
Here is the card I made for this Hop. First, I printed out the sweet scuba swimmer image (which comes with the fish and sentiment), which I purchased from Hambo Stamps. I printed it out on X-Press Paper and colored the images using Copic Markers.

I cut the sentiment using a tag die plate by Sizzix and inked the edges using CTMH Exclusive Inks, in Sorbet; I tied a piece of twine from The Twinery. I fussy cut the scuba guy and the fish from the white background paper, and popped the guy up on an adhesive spring from CTMH. I used a piece of acetate for the scuba guy's mask for a little more realism. The tag is popped with foam dots.

The background swirled glitter stock that's perfect for this image is from Robin's Nest, as are the Dew Drops I used to simulate bubbles. I decided the piece of cork paper simulated the sandy beach bottom, and its additional thickness is just perfect to hold up the easel card. The sender can use a Sharpie marker to sign the card right on the cork, or I think it would be clever to staple a Post-It Note to the corkboard with a sentiment, too.

Like it? Stop back each month to see how we interpret the themes. Now it's time for you to move on through the Hop for more colorful, summerful, inspiration....

... BUT WAIT! There's blog candy to be won!! Our hostess this month (Robin Lane, at Create-A-Latte) has gotten a sweet gift package of Mary (Englebreit) & Company goodies that will be awarded to a random visitor who leaves comments on all blog participants' blogs. Here it is:

Yes ma'am -- I'd love to win this sweet packet myself, ♥ Mary Englebreit stuff!!

OK, time to move on. Your next stop is LUCY who Loves 2 Create It ALLLLL! Click HERE for your link to her blogspot. In case you want to qualify for the grand prize, here is a list of all 10 of the participating bloggers in this month's Hop:

Robin Lane - Create a latte

So Many Crafts, So Little Time

Pink Dalmation Scrapper

CardMonkey's Paper Jungle

Love 2 Create it all

Lorby's World

Anita and Bugs

Precious Pages with Paula

Janet's Creative World

Scrap and Chat

Thanks for Hopping By!

Jaded Blossom/Lovebug Creations Wedding Hop - May 31

2013-05-31T11:13:00.000-04:00

Did you know that the most popular month for weddings -- still, after 75 years of record-keeping -- is June?

Well, if you ever tried to book a wedding in June, you might know. I was once a June bride -- Marriage #1 -- and I can tell you that it's a beautiful time of year, but in my area (the Northeast), it can be hot and stormy. LOL, kind of describes my first marriage, especially the stormy part!

My Marriage #2 was at the end of March -- "in like a lion, out like a lamb." And that too describes my second (current/last!) marriage. Yup, I tamed that lion, LOL -- and he's a lovely lambie! :)

So anyway, let's get to the point of why you're here as we head into June: the Wedding Blog Hop, hosted by Jaded Blossom and Lovebug Creations, and featuring their respective creative team members.

We'll be showing you Jaded Blossom's fun Wedding stamps (Wedding Wishes and Wedding Candies), while also showcasing Lovebug Creations Rumple Ribbons. Here are the two Jaded Blossom stamps, available in their store:

Lovebug Creations is featuring the release of their newest color, a luscious soft beige called "Buttercream."

Now, when I think "Buttercream," I think yummy icing. When I think icing, I think cake. And of course, if it's a wedding hop, I think wedding cake. There's my thinking behind this project I made for this Hop, a beautiful paper wedding cake, filled with treats for the bride. I envision this as a gift to take to the bride at a pink/green themed wedding shower ...

The "cake" is a three-tiered octagonal box which is a pattern available from the Silhouette Online store. I decorated each panel with different but complementing pink/green papers cut and embellished on each panel.

For the bottom layer, I decorated the panels with a paper from my stash, accented by LBC Rumple Ribbons in Panther Pink On the Edge. At the lower edge, I tipped the panel with a piece of white cardstock cut with a Martha Stewart eyelet lace punch.

On the middle layer, I again used the MS eyelet lace at the bottom, with a paper from my stash; LBC Rumple Ribbons in Green Leaves laced through a ribbon punch cut, topped with a half pearl.

On the top layer, I used pink roses from Wild Orchid glued in a serpentine pattern on each panel, trimmed with leaves punched using a Punch Bunch leaf punch. The top is capped by a rolled rose from Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge, along with more roses from Wild Orchid. Adhesive pearls dot the top as well.

The top tier is unfillable, as I made it. I filled the center tier with Hershey's Kisses adorned by punched sentiments from the Wedding Kisses stamps from Jaded Blossom. The bottom tier I left empty for now, thinking I may make circular thank you cards for the bride to use after her shower.

Once it was filled, I tied the entire "cake" using Lovebug Creations' newest product, "Mama's Mesh" in Ballet Slippers, tied with another piece of LBC Rumple Ribbons.

I hope you enjoyed my project, and that you'll leave a little love in my COMMENTS section. If you do and your comment is chosen at random by RANDOM.ORG, you could win my personal blog candy, which is a beautiful Stamp of the Month 16-piece stamp set from Close To My Heart featuring roses called "Floral Happiness" ... I love this set, and plan to feature it on the thank you cards I'll be making (soon!) to enclose in the bottom of this box. Here it is:

And our hostesses are offering Hop-wide blog candy, too!
To be eligible for these host-sponsored prizes, you must comment on EVERY PARTICIPATING BLOG, so get hopping if you'd like to win one of these two prizes that will be awarded:

A $15 Gift Certificate from Jaded Blossom

A $15 Gift Certificate from Lovebug Creations

So get hopping! Your next stop is:
ASHLEY

Here is the entire line-up in case you get lost along the way:

Candace

Kim and Pamela

Michelle

Martha

Kate

Dawn Mercedes

Jamie

Tanya

Crystal

Dorcas

Julie

Christine

Jenny

Dawn Rene

Trixie

Ellen (CardMonkey) - You are HERE

Ashley

Stephanie

Jaymie

Zeni

Thank you again for Hopping By!!

Rumple Ribbons Thursday: Lemonade Love

2013-05-30T00:54:00.000-04:00

Bright sunny skies, butterflies, daisies, lemonade and love -- doesn't this just scream Summer to you?

This pretty card is made using a base from April's Card Kitchen kit by Jillibean Soup. I added a sweet yellow butterfly and complemented the card using Lovebug Creations' Rumple Ribbon in Lemonade.

I just love all of these fun, refreshing elements on this card -- how about you?

The Advantage of Card Kits

2013-05-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

I have had a couple of people inquiring about using card kits -- whether I like them and if so, why. Honestly, I'm fussy ... I've tried a few card kits and thus far, the only one that I just love is The Card Kitchen kits by Jillibean Soup.

I like their style. I like that they typically include 10-12 full sheets of 12x12 paper or a full 6x6" paper pad. I like the die cuts and embellishments that come with them. And why use them? Well, I feel they keep my creative mojo going. Some days, we just don't have the ooompfh, you know?

When a kit comes in (always the first week of each month, assuming I pay using PayPal promptly), I like to sit and read the instructions first, and then cut each of the card's papers at once. For each of the 8 cards, I put the cut pieces and the planned embellishments into the cello bag that will eventually hold the finished card. The Card Kitchen kits also include the card blank and envelope, so that goes into the corresponding cello bag as well.

You may also have noticed that sometimes I change up the design of the kit card. I may add Rumple Ribbon, or buttons, or CTMH Liquid Paper. I might change the sentiment as well, or add my own die cut that changes up the card's plan entirely. The nice thing, it's totally up to you!

For this card I show here, I've made it exactly as the designer planned it for The Card Kitchen. Once all the pieces were in their cello bag, when I make it, a card like this flies together -- less than 5 minutes! Wouldn't these be great to take to a crop or party, so you'd only have to bring along adhesives and scissors?

Pocket Full of Sunshine Blog Hop

2013-05-25T00:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Pocket Full of Sunshine Blog Hop!

If you have just stumbled upon the hop, Lissa Marie is our host at So Many Crafts, So Little Time today. Start there so you don't miss a thing.

But, if you came from Lucy's sweet blog, you are in the right place.

Grab a cuppa'Joe or favorite beverage, and relax as you browse through the awesomely bright and cheerful projects we have made for you, and get ready to win some blog candy!

Now, I don't know about where you are, but summer's struck! Last week, temperatures here in the Philadelphia area just missed 90 degrees -- egads, that's too hot for what's still technically spring. But this weekend, we're back to almost winter. I mean, seriously?? 60 degrees? Mother Nature ... gee ...

Anywhoooo, traditionally, Memorial Day Weekend is the first time that we fashionistas (HAHA!) here in the Northeast can break out our white pants/skirts, sandals and summer handbags. Here's my take on a paper-crafted pocketbook for the:

POCKET(books!) FULL OF SUNSHINE

BLOG HOP!

I made this cute PAPER purse using Close To My Heart's "Surf's Up" paper, cutting it with a file by Silhouette America on my Silhouette Cameo. I trimmed it out with white stitching from my sewing machine around the cute edges and the darling buckle tag closure. My pocket(book) isn't full of sunshine per se ... it's loaded with Hershey's Kisses, "nom-nom, yummy," as my dear granddaughter Charlotte would say.

Now for the good stuff!

Our sponsor today is ME!

I will be awarding a $20 Close To My Heart gift certificate to one lucky blog hopper, to be used at my CTMH site at cardmonkey.ctmh.com. To be qualified for this drawing, please comment on all participating blogs. Just be sure to leave a comment at So Many Crafts, So Little Time to let us know you have done your part to be entered into the drawing.

And don’t forget to keep an eye out for more blog candy offered throughout the hop. Some blogs are offering extra perks on their own! If they are offering even more blog candy, they all have their own requirements for you to win, so don't forget to read the rules for each one.

Thank you for taking the time out to check out my project, if you like my project and you are not already a follower, you are encouraged to add your email in the subscribe area to get updates right in our inbox or follow my via BlogLovin! Keep clicking for more Pockets Full of Sunshine!

Your next stop is with SARAH.

Here is the line up to help you navigate
through this fun blog hop:

Lissa Marie: http://somanycrafts.com
Janet: http://janetscreativeworld.blogspot.com/
Anita: http://anitaandbugs.blogspot.com/
Cicily: http://pinkdalmationscrapper.blogspot.com/
Lucy: http://love2createitall.com/
Ellen: http://cardmonkeyspaperjungle.com/
Sarah: http://itswhatkeepsmesane.blogspot.com/
Teresa: http://freshandrenewed.blogspot.com/
Beth: http://thecraftyscrapyard.blogspot.com/
Shawnee: http://quiverofangels.blogspot.com/
Holli: http://sunflowerHolli.blogspot.com/
Jessi: http://mylifeinartsncrafts.com/
Daphne: http://craftyscrapsofstuff.blogspot.com/

OH, and
Happy Memorial Day!

Thank you
to all military personnel
(past and present)
for your service.

Rumple Ribbon Thursday: Happy Memorial Day!

2013-05-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

Have I told you lately how much I love Lovebug Creations' Rumple Ribbon?

As I headed into making my patriotic cards for the summer holidays, I begged Kimi of LBC to please make red/white/blue ribbons -- and she responded in all glory!

She made two sets of R-W-B ... one that is called the Old Glory collection, and the other is the Star Spangled collection, both of which are now available from http://lovebugcreations.net.
Old Glory has more vintage, subdued colors of Betsy Ross Blue, Washington White and Revere's Ride Red. In the Star Spangled collection, you'll find parts of the "Simply" colors -- Simply Red, Simply White, Simply Blue. (Simply Black and Simply Grey are also now available.)

For this card, I once again added Rumple Ribbons to a Jillibean Soup Card Kitchen card, to make it my own. I mixed up colors from the two patriotic collections, and used Simply Red, and Betsy Ross Blue. Aren't they perfect matches for the Jillibean Soup diecuts?

Do you have plans for Memorial Day? Our (private) community's pool opened earlier this month, and there's a pool party to welcome the summer. In Warminster, there'll be the traditional parade sponsored by the VFW; when I served as Township Supervisor, I rode in the parade (sometimes in a convertible, more often in a golf cart) and threw candy to the kids lining the parade route. Honestly, it was about my favorite part of the job when I served. (And I'm glad I'm only a cardmaker now, not a politician!)

Happy Memorial Day, and thank you to all veterans who have served our country, including my father (Army), uncle (Army), nephew (Army and Coast Guard), father-in-law (Marines), mother-in-law (Air Force), and ex-father-in-law (Navy).

DeFiaNtLy DiFfeReNt & CreAtiVeLy Yours,

Bicycling into Summer on a Red Bicycle

2013-05-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

Did you see the first summertime red bicycle card I posted last Saturday? Well, here's another!

This too uses the May Card Kitchen kit from Jillibean Soup. The red bicycle is printed on the "Bite Sized Bits" paper that came on the kit. This card is as-designed -- easy-peasy and great for a Tuesday, don't you think?

Pretty Silhouette Wedding Card

2013-05-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

I'm excited to say that I've registered to go to this year's convention for Close To My Heart (CTMH) at the end of June in Orlando. There, I'll not only meet other consultants and learn how to build my business, but I'll also get sneak peeks at new products.

I'm told that one of the more fun things to do at the CTMH Convention is to participate in the unofficial "swaps." There, consultants trade their own CTMH projects with others -- with the goal of getting new ideas on using papers, embellishments, etc.

This wedding card is one of the cards I'm making to trade.

I used a wedding silhouette cut file from Silhouette America and modified it to use two individual papers. The paper is called (appropriately!) "For Always." This paper is currently available, and will be continued into the next Idea Book. I added a paper punch for the red lapel flower, and gems for the bride. I pop-dotted the couple onto a card made from CTMH Colonial White cardstock.

Don't forget to place your orders with me in May (click that link!). Those who place qualifying orders ($50 or more) can get this month's Stamp of the Month for just $5.00 (value: $17.95), see below:


Projects (above) made using CTMH's Stamp of the Month for May (below)

Back from Disney

2013-05-19T23:42:00.002-04:00

Charlotte really enjoyed her trip to Disney World, and can't wait to go again. Here she is, in our rental car, returning to the villa we'd rented after she and her parents spent the day in Ariel's Grotto, the newest section of the Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland.

For the grandparents, all of the walking and the heat -- and the crowds! -- in the Magic Kingdom just wasn't our cuppa tea. However, the trip was priceless in that we had hours in the car hearing Charlotte's versions of the songs, "It's a Small World" (John's favorite ... NOT!), "Supercalifragilisticexpealidocious", and "Under the Sea."

Two year olds can be so charming! Disarming! And EXHAUSTING!! :) We loved it.

Card Kitchen "Celebrate" Card

2013-05-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

Our family has an awful lot of occasions to celebrate this month.

In our immediate family, we have three birthdays (my hubby, son-in-law and Dad)

... Mothers' Day for our three living Moms (me, my Mom and my daughter),

... plus graduations: my niece Nicole and nephew Max graduate from high school; and my oldest niece graduates from Franklin & Marshall University (Lancaster, PA) with a music degree.

I bet you're just as busy! This cute card could be used as an invitation, a congratulations card or a birthday card.

To make it, I used a design from May's Card Kitchen kit from Jillibean Soup. I removed one element from atop the tag, and cut the word "Party!" using a design from Silhouette America's online store. I popped it up in red (which photographs as pink) to give a little more zing. What do you think?

Happy celebrations, whatever is on your calendar!!

Feels like Summer Today

2013-05-17T14:04:00.001-04:00

Has summer started where you live? Spring? I've noticed as I've aged that my Pennsylvania springs are much shorter, and air conditioning season starts well before the Summer Solstice.

This card makes me think of summer memories of my youth, when I'd ride with bicycles with friends, and we'd decorate our bikes for summer holidays' parades.

The base of this card is made from May's Card Kitchen kit from Jillibean Soup. I swapped out the sentiment sticker with one that honors "Memories", and used Really Reasonable Ribbon in red instead of the planned navy binding.

This card makes me long for picnic days. How about you?

Trendy Color Combo: Green, Gray and Yellow

2013-05-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

I'm loving this color combination: yellow, yellow green, white and light gray. And I found it in the Jillibean Soup Card Kitchen card kit for April, well, at least in part.

The kit called for a cream-colored bow and a "Hello" sentiment in yellow that just didn't do it for me. Remember: You're always encouraged to change up these kits to make them your own!

I swapped out the cream ribbon for Lovebug Creations' Rumple Ribbon in "Green Goddess." Yummy! Then, using one of the Pink By Designs stamps I recently received as part of my work on the Lovebug Creations Creative Team, I instead used the sentiment: "You really made my day." A heart sticker from the kit was changed up for a sweet yellow butterfly that complemented the Jillibean Bite Sized Bit.

Rumple Ribbon Thursday - Thank you!

2013-05-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hi, friends ... It's Ellen CardMonkey here, and it's Rumple Ribbon Thursday.

I'm excited to show you this card for several reasons.

First of all, I was able to use several different techniques and supplies on this card that just made me smile. And secondly, I'm writing this post WAY ahead of time because I'll be on vacation when this is posting ... and that it's up means that I'm enjoying myself in Disney World with my hubby, daughter/son-in-law and granddaughter Charlotte!

Let me tell you how I made this card. I used Jillibean Soup papers and patterns found in the April Card Kitchen kit. Do you like kits? I do because it gets my Mojo going, and I usually can change it up to suit my own style.

In this case, instead of using the "ordinary" ribbon, I substituted Lovebug Creations' Rumple Ribbon in Caddy Blue. Isn't it just perfect!?

The kit provided a simple kraft die cut butterfly to use. I wanted something with a little more zing, so I pulled out my Copics ABS (Air Brush System) and airbrushed the butterfly in turquoise, purple, yellow, brown and green. I then used a white gel pen to add definition. Can you see the cute antennae? They're turquoise electrical wire topped with Swarovski beads.

I hope you try these techniques and enjoy them!

Rumple Ribbon on a Masculine Card -- Really!!

2013-05-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hi Rumple Ribbon friends! It's Ellen CardMonkey back with another card that features one of my very favorite accents: Lovebug Creations' Rumple Ribbon -- this one in "Eyes of Blue".

Do you have as much difficulty as I do coming up with masculine cards? I usually cop out and buy those cards -- the guys never seem to appreciate the time put into custom cards anyway. Or is it just my guys?? Well I have a friend who rides a Hog (Harley-Davidson), and I thought maybe he would like this ...

The outside of the card is fairly simple; that elegant blue edge is the Rumple Ribbon. I love how it blends with the Close To My Heart "Later Sk8r" paper. Inside, the motorcycle on the move actually pops up from the card when it's opened.

I used Close to My Heart stamp sets: "Born to Ride" and "Card Chatter - Birthday", along with CTMH stamp pads in the ink colors: Lagoon and Outdoor Denim Blue. If you're interested in purchasing any CTMH products, please be in touch with your favorite consultant (and I hope that's me!). You can check out the latest Idea Book by going to http://cardmonkey.ctmh.com.

DeFiaNtLy DiFfeReNt & CreAtiVeLy Yours,

"Be A Blessing" Blog Hop - April 27

2013-04-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

Felicity -- the precious daughter of a dear scrapping friend, Shawnee -- has turned one, and in her honor Shawnee has organized the "Be A Blessing Blog Hop".

What a wonderful way to celebrate the life of this darling baby!

Felicity, the youngest of 10 children, has special needs and so her first year has been a challenging one for her and her family.

Yet every day, Felicity has brought smiles to her family, doctor and therapists who work with her to help her live her life fully and with joy.

The purpose of this blog hop is to have crafters -- and that includes YOU! -- "Be a Blessing" to those around you, bring a smile with your touch of humanity. Perhaps you might make a card for a neighbor in need, or bring cookies to a shut-in? Whatever it is, join us today ... and make it a habit.

For my project today, and my ongoing commitment, I have volunteered with Operation Birthday Box, a local organization that provides a box of birthday goodies to children living in shelters.

For this month, I have decorated a gift box and have made a party banner (shown above).

Gift boxes prepared by the OBB are loaded with goodies purchased by the volunteers (like that at right) or by the OBB Founder's daughters, Jonna and Eva.

Each box also gets a book donated by a local bookstore; and each recipient gets a decorated cookie made by a local

bakery. OBB has just started this month. They're hoping that with time and continued generosity of individuals and businesses, more children can be served in our local community.

Update: I've spoken to the wonderful and enthusiastic founder of Operation Birthday Box, Christa Nielsen, to get a drop-off/mailing address for this month's box. I hope to be of service to her organization in the future, helping in any way I can and/or is needed to serve our community's less fortunate children. Other volunteers are always welcome -- at OBB or in a similar organization in your own community. Please help!

The cake I bought and show in this picture will be given today to another birthday girl -- my dogs' groomer, Mindy! I'm sure it will make her Smile, too!

Incidentally, Mindy herself is a warm and generous soul who not only makes my two Bichons look their best, but she gives generously of herself to make others look great, too.

See this gorgeous, long hair of Mindy's at the picture, above left, (shown with her niece, Juliana)? Today, when I had my dogs groomed and dropped off the cake, I noticed Mindy has a cute, short bob now. Mindy told me that she'd shorn off 12" just yesterday for Locks of Love -- "I had fun! I hope someone can use it," she said.

12-year old Georgia has Alopecia Areata

Locks of Love, a national nonprofit organization, takes donated human hair and crafts it into beautiful hairpieces for disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis (e.g., alopecia areata). The prostheses provided by Locks of Love help restore a child's self-esteem and confidence.

It is my honor to know such beautiful people as Mindy, Felicity and Shawnee!

OK, now that I hope I've inspired you to "Be A Blessing" by sharing your talent. Please do leave a little comment/love below for a chance to win blog candy. Felicity's Mom Shawnee will be giving some out, and more has been donated. For an extra chance at the Candy, do a good deed (or "Mitzvah"), and Tweet or post on Facebook about it.

Now, it's time to move on to see other projects by other crafters participating in this hop. Your next stop is RACHELLE

In case you get lost on the blog hop, here is your full list of participants:

1. Shawnee - http://www.quiverofangels.blogspot.com/
2. Beth ~ http://thecraftyscrapyard.blogspot.com/
3. Lisa ~ http://bitbythecricutbug.blogspot.com
4. Janis ~ http://pausedreamenjoy.blogspot.com/
5. Amanda ~ http://craftsbyamanda.blogspot.com
6. Ellen ~ http://cardmonkeyspaperjungle.com/
7. Rachelle ~ http://creationsbyrachelle.blogspot.com
8. Lori ~ http://www.scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com/
9. Julie ~ http://www.readysetstamp.com
10. Lucy ~ http://love2createitall.com
11. Stacey ~ http://staceyscreativecorner.blogspot.com
12. Michele ~ http://michelescraftroom.blogspot.com/

Rumple Ribbon on a Triple Stamped Card

2013-04-25T00:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome back for another Rumple Ribbon Thursday! Today, I'll show a fun stamping technique called "Triple Stamping", and the cute card I made that includes one of my favorite Rumple Ribbon colors, "Sugar Plum".

Ma Belle Cherie -- La-Vie!

I made the base card at a Make-and-Take Dessert Party at a Stamp Scrap Art Tour's expo last month. There, I met (as planned) one of my Facebook besties, La-Vie, and several of her friends. (Click on the La-Vie's beautiful name to be taken to her post describing that fun evening!) How wonderful it is to meet those with whom I've only had an Internet connection, and to get to craft with them is icing on the cake!

Here's the card:

To make this card, first cut and stack the top layer (here, white) at your desired sizes. Layer them together temporarily using a light touch of double-sided removable tape. Stamp your background images (here, several different images of shells) in multiple, complementing colors. Center your sentiment on what will be the top layer.

Next, separate the layers, removing the double-sided tape. Cut mats for each layer approximately 1/16" surrounding the top and middle layers. Adhere the white layers atop each of the mats, and then on top of the card. Wrap the upper layer in ribbon and tie into a bow.

I also added an inside panel to write a sentiment inside, because the card paper is so dark and not everyone has a white opaque pen.

My Fancy Folds Treasure: STT Blog Hop, April 20

2013-04-19T23:59:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Scraps to Treasures Monthly Blog Hop. This month, we're featuring fancy folds -- those unique ways to fold your paper and create a card for extra "WOW!" As usual, we're to use our scraps in making these projects.

I decided to do a "side-step" card. This card folds flat to 4.25" high x 5.5" wide, with two extra "valleys" to decorate. There is no inside to this card, so the sentiment is printed on the outside of the card. You can use this style to highlight any layered message you'd like.

I used scraps of Close To My Heart's "Surf's Up" paper, focused on the pretty swirl/wave that was leftover after I cut a layout. I found other waves in scraps that I liked for the second focal point, and used the center of a sunshine-looking piece for the third focal point. The flip flops and surfer were cut using 3 scraps no bigger than 3x4", and the card base was also a leftover piece of CTMH Colonial White paper that was 5.5" x 8.5".

I hope you enjoyed seeing this card. If you'd like to be inspired by additional ideas, be sure to start at our hostess's site (Robin at http://create-a-latte.blogspot.com) and hop through our inspiring group. Oh, wait! Before you GO!! Don't forget to leave a comment here if you'd like to win the blog candy sponsored by our hostess, Robin!

Robin has a huge bundle of goodies to give away to one lucky person! The bundle (pictured here) is packed FULL of all kinds of goodies for you to make lots and lots of cards. In order for your chance to win you must be sure to visit each of the blogs in our hop today and show some love by leaving each of them a comment letting them know what you thought of their fancy fold card that they made to share with you.

OK time to move on... be sure to hop on over NEXT to Camille who is never "Short on Ideas" to intrigue and inspire!!

Here is the complete line-up in case you get lost:

Robin L. - http://create-a-latte.blogspot.com/
Lucy ~ http://love2createitall.com
Pam ~ http://mzlavr2.blogspot.com/
Robin S. - http://scrapandchat.blogspot.com/
LissaMarie ~ www.somanycrafts.com
Ellen ~ http://cardmonkeyspaperjungle.com/
Camille ~ http://shortonideasaz.blogspot.com/
Kathryn ~ http://www.creationswithkathryn.blogspot.com/
Liz ~ http://tryin2craft.blogspot.com/
Jearise ~ http://lorbysworld.blogspot.com/
Cicily ~ http://pinkdalmationscrapper.blogspot.com/
Jessi ~ http://mylifeinartsncrafts.com

New Nest card with Rumple Ribbon

2013-04-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

It's time for another Rumple Ribbon Thursday!

I'm back with another card, this one for a friend who has just bought her first home. Long ago I printed out this digi-image and at the moment I can't for the life of me remember where I bought it. (Please, if you know or it's yours, let me know so I can give you credit.) I colored the image using Copic markers , set the sentiment on my computer and folded it to look like a ribbon banner.

I used My Mind's Eye paper for the backing and mounted the finished art onto a pre-made Close To My Heart daisy white card.

I trimmed out the new home in Lovebug Creations Rumple Ribbon, in a beautiful brown color called Gentleman's Jacket.

Happy Birthday, Stephanie!

2013-04-16T08:26:00.002-04:00

I am amazingly blessed to serve on the Lovebug Creations Creative Team (think: Rumple Ribbons!!) with some tremendously talented and simply GREAT women.

One, our gal Stephanie, is turning 40 today! Welcome to this side of the "hill", Stephanie!!

Here is the card I've sent:

I used a fun "paper bag" technique for this card. I folded a small white paper bag and used the inside of the bag to hold a greeting tag that's reusable by our birthday girl. (That's the cupcake.) Inside are some flowers that I cut from coffee filters and colored using Copic's Air Brush System. The outside greeting was reverse-cut using a Silhouette file, and garnished with Prima roses. And of course, there's Rumple Ribbon to make it jolly!

An Unplanned Trip to Scrapbook Expo

2013-04-14T00:03:00.000-04:00

Saturday morning is my time to spend with my granddaughter -- time together I call "Gii & Me". Don't you just love that sweet name that Charlotte gave me, "Giiiiiiii?"

Even not feeling well, Charlotte is almost
always the most pleasant little girl! ♥

Well, today little Charlotte woke up at 3 a.m., feeling under the weather. Her temp went all the way up to 103.7, OMG! and she was coughing up a storm. Poor thing! So our playdate was cancelled and she stayed home with Mommy and Daddy, watching some Disney movies about princesses.

That meant I was able to visit the Scrapbook Expo when it traveled to nearby Oaks, PA. I bought some cute stamps from Rubbernecker Stamps and Stamps by Judith; you'll be seeing those a bit later. I suppose it was worth the trip ... but always worth the trip are the nice people I meet at paperfests.

Rubbernecker Stamps: Poppies

Even when it's just chatting in line, waiting to pay for purchases, hands down, the people who paper craft are just charming!

I'm working on finishing up my cards from the Jillibean Soup Card Kitchen card kit. With 8 unique designs and plenty of paper left to figure out your own designs, I ♥ this collection in particular. Here is one of the cards I made tonight: