Drowning In A Sea Of Creative Chaos

Tour of My Craftroom - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 04:07:00 +0000

As promised a few weeks ago, I'm starting a series of posts to go into more detail about my newly-decorated (well, to be honest, it's more like CONTINUING-TO-BE-decorated because I still am collecting items for it) craftroom.

When I moved my craft space downstairs, I decided it needed a theme. When perusing the internet for ideas, I fell in love with the many vintage / antique rooms I found. I had already picked up a few antiques, so I began visiting antique shops, thrift stores, and of course, eBay to outfit my space.

Today's post will highlight probably the most important part: my workspace.

I placed my six foot table on the long wall opposite the door to the room. Over it I attached two vintage printers drawers that store my rubber wooden stamps. As in my old room, I ran a long curtain rod above those to keep my ribbon in view and at hand.

On the table are my pens, pencils and Copic markers as well as some other antiques. But I'll begin today with my favorite piece: that wooden watchmaker's cabinet in the center. I used to have a plastic and metal hardware box to hold my small embellishments; but in order to have a truly antique look, the plastic had to go. I waited, watched and finally bid on a piece that was within my budget. These cabinets can go for many hundreds of dollars; luckily I won this one on eBay for a reasonable price as it is missing a drawer; but not a problem for me, as I needed a cubby to hold some Copic pens... this fit the bill PERFECTLY! Here's a closer look:

On top of the cabinet sits an antique glass pen and ink holder, an old tin tart tray (to hold shavings when sharpening pencils), a great heavy lion head - a recent find that I think may have been a furniture decoration.

The other three antique pieces above the cabinet are two Victorian items: a cast iron metal clip and a cast iron note hook.

The small card on the clip is from 1905; a Player's cigarette card from the UK all about "The Dominion of Canada" (depicting the Canadian crest and flag at the time). The chalkboard is a child's item from a local antique shop; they are very hard to find with real slate.

As always, click on the images for larger views. The next post will feature the other vintage items on my desk.

Cards For Work Birthdays

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

This card features a dragonfly stamp from Michael Strong... I have a few of his beautiful "cloisonné" designs. This one is stamped with Tim Holtz' Embossing pad and Tsukineko black embossing powder. I then coloured it in with Copics B14, RV10, V12 and YG11 and popped it up on foam dimensionals. The patterned paper is by "Me & My Big Ideas". I used some Spellbinders dies for the circular sentiment and coloured border of the top layer with Copic V12.

The same papers were used for the second card. The sentiment stamp is from my stash; and it's not marked... The ribbon is also from my stash. I find it's faster to do a couple of cards at the same time - they may have some of the same supplies, but I make sure they have different designs.

Card Swap

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:52:00 +0000

Recently I joined a small group of ladies online who swap cards. I've never done this before, so it's a good thing I have a great friend (who created the group) to hand-hold me for my first offerings:

The stipulation for this one was that it had to include a snowman. I created this guy from scratch - I used my Spellbinders dies and Cuttlebug to create three round shapes. I glued them together, added eyes and mouth "coal" using some black "Smooch" paint. The nose was painted with both yellow and red Smooch paint since I didn't have orange for the "carrot" nose. "Star Dust" Stickles were added to the snowman's body, and the stick arms were created using the Martha Stewart Pine Branch punch, cut down to size and shape. Some satin rope I saved from a shopping bag (I throw nothing out I think I can repurpose) was used as his scarf. The sentiment was cut on my Cricut using the Simply Charmed cartridge. A few clear gems added more bling over top the patterned paper from my stash, which was sewed onto cardstock.

This card was created to meet the criteria of "use something new"; I got a gift certificate for a new local scrapbook store for Christmas - so I purchased (among other things) a new Martha Stewart Pine Needles Trim punch and two new Spellbinders die sets. Happy Spring Tilda was coloured with Copics E000, E01, C0, C3, YG11, YG13, YG17, E55, E57 and E59 and popped up using foam dimensionals. The background paper is DCWV Glitter Stack.

The card above was made for a "use two green and one blue" challenge. The background paper is from a 8" x 8" pad of "Me and My Big Ideas" paper. The blue shapes were cut using the Spellbinders Shapeabilities Blossum Tags and Accents dies on my Cuttlebug. A Wild Orchid Cherry Blossom was added along with Martha Stewart Pine Branches. The ribbon is from my stash as was the sentiment stamp.

The last card I created for this swap is a Thank You card. I started out with the background paper; Bo Bunny's "Calypso Dream". I used my new Spellbinder's Shapeabilities on this one too, creating the backing to the sentiment in red cardstock. Tilda With Hawaii Flower was coloured with the following Copics: E0000, E02, E11, E13, E21, E25, E27, E29, C3, C6, N1, N4, N9, R46, R89, Y17, Y21, G21, G28.

I hope all the recipients like my cards!

Happy Birthday Mom!

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:34:00 +0000

Some people may think Friday the Thirteenth is unlucky.

Not me.

My mom was born on a Friday the 13th! And her latest birthday also fell on that superstitious day too. So of course I had to make her a special card to celebrate:

This is what is called a "Z fold" card. A single piece of 5.5" X 12" cardstock, scored four times makes the base. I chose some really pretty TPC Studios Ancestral Bird Brocade paper for the front mats.

A new Kaisercraft Bird Cage stamp was added to the front left flap, and then using my new Spellbinders Shapeabilities die, cut the front sentiment overtop. I used the "negative" or left over paper to decorate the inside of the card. Both the sentiment and the small bird were created with Inkadinkado stamps.

The right flap had Recollections Floral Embellishments added. A few of the same roses were added to the front sentiment, along with a some Martha Stewart pine branch punch outs. Tim Holtz and Memento inks were used on the edges of he papers.

She loved it, and I loved the way this turned out. Must make more of these easy, but impressive folded cards!

Craft Room 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 20:49:00 +0000

For the past few months, I've been redecorating my craft room in the basement. Ever since I moved all my stuff down here, I've been really enjoying the ability to create in a larger space with a TV all my own! While researching craft rooms online for organizational ideas, I fell in love with the many vintage / antique styled rooms. So, here finally are some images of how mine looks so far with the pieces I've acquired since the Fall.

I'll be doing separate posts to detail some of the more interesting items, but for now, here's a slideshow for an overall visit:

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 02:57:00 +0000

Whew! Now that the ~~stress~~ fun of the holidays is over, I finally have time to post again! Since my last post (yeah, I know, MONTHS back), I have made a few cards I wanted to share.

First, cards I created for the gals at work celebrating birthdays (click to biggify):

This card features Magnolia's Tilda with Gifts over some patterned paper from my stash. The flower is from Michael's, and some silver Stickles were added to the presents. Copics used on Tilda were: E0000, E01, E55, D57, E59, V91, V93, V95, C0, C3, Y32, Y35, Y28, B91, B93, B95, RV91, RV93 and RV95.

Happy Spring Tilda adorns this card on top of some Bo Bunny "Unforgettable" paper. The sentiment was cut using my Cricut and the "Simply Charmed" cartridge. Copics used on Tilda were: E0000, E01, B0000, B32, B34, Y21, Y28, C0 and C3. The flower is from my stash... I cut a circular shape, coloured it in and glued it over Tilda's hand to make it look like she is holding the flower stem.

Obvioulsy my favorite paper is the Bo Bunny line... here it is again. I used "Sophie Bouquet" on this card. A few flowers from Michaels tied with a sheer ribbon were added along with a simple stamped sentiment.

This card began with Fancy Pants' "Little Sprout" paper, # 310 "Baby's Breath". I used some Sheer Elegance hunter green ribbon, the Martha Stewart Leaves punch, a Provo Craft corner die cut on my Cuttlebug, some flowers from my stash with a brad coloured with Copic's G99 pen and some Tim Holtz "Peeled Paint" ink.

Then I needed to create something for hubby's birthday (on Christmas Eve!):

Cards for guys are always harder to do it seems. I decided to go black and white; and featured a tiger stamp a good friend gave me! The ribbon is from my stash and the stamped image and sentiment are cut using my Spellbinders dies on my Cuttlebug.

Oh yeah, I did a few Christmas cards too:

Good thing I have a Cricut... I made the snowflakes on it using my "Tie The Knot" cartridge (now, what a snowflake has do with weddings is beyond me....). Both cardstock and vellum were cut, and stickles were added to the edges of the flakes. A clear gem was glued to the center of the flakes and snowflake brads attached the sentiment to the ribbon. The paper and ribbon were from my stash, and I cut out the sentiment using my Cuttlebug.

Whew! Here's hoping I get more time to both craft AND post about it in 2012.

Just as a teaser though... there will be an upcoming post about my craftroom soon... since moving downstairs to a larger room, I have been decorating it and I am very eager to share some photos of the results!

3 New Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:42:00 +0000

What a busy time! Between birthdays at work, an anniversary, Halloween and Thanksgiving, I've been spending a lot of time in the craftroom!

Here's my first of three cards to show you today: a birthday greeting for a co-worker who is a fellow cat lover:

I chose some nice flocked polka dot paper by DCWV topped off with one of my favorite Penny Black cat stamps, cut out with my scalloped Spellbinders die. I used Aleene's Tacky Glue on the hearts and added Martha Stewart's fine red glitter for a touch of sparkle. A polka dot ribbon from my stash and round black jewels added to the dots design. Colouring the cat was done with Copics C1, C2 and C3. N1, N2 and N3 for the cup and some R21 for the cat's nose and ears. The sentiment was cut using a Cuttlebug Emboss Plus die set.

Here's another co-worker card, this time a Get Well Greeting to cheer her up:

This card uses an Inkadinkado stamp, Memento ink, Fancy Pants "Baby's Breath" paper and Copics G20, G21, G24, G82, G85, Y11, Y15 and Y17. The stamped image was cut out and popped up using foam dimensionals. The sheer ribbon is Celebrate It from Michaels.

And speaking of "Celebrate", here is a simple card I made for my Mom and Dad's 63rd anniversary!

I used my Cricut for this one, cutting out the "Celebrate" from the "Tie The Knot" cartridge. Wild Orchid flowers were coloured with Y21 Copic and the sheer ribbon was again Celebrate It from Michaels. The beautiful paper is K&Co.

Whew! I have also been busy making a whole slew of my very first ATC (Artist Trading Cards) and will post those when I can (I want them to be a secret to the recipients).

Trick or Treat!

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 20:10:00 +0000

"O" is for October, Orange and Octagon!

Here's a sketch I came up for the front of my easel card:

And here is what I have been working on for a few days:

Since Halloween is one of my favorite holidays (second only to Christmas), I wanted to create a "costume parade" of sorts with my stamps. Here we have Pirate Tilda, Sherwood Edwin and Princess Tilda all ready for Trick or Treating!

Each one also has their very own treat bag to collect some yummy goodies; these were made on my Cricut and decorated with die cuts from the Cricut as well. I also used it for the front sentiment and the little bat on the back. Pirate Tilda is sitting on my set of three pumpkins and another pumpkin with leaf is set forward of those. If you want these digital images for your own Halloween / Fall cards, you can get them HERE at my DigiDrawn site! Both Edwin and Princess Tilda fold down to allow the card to close flat, with the Trick or Treat flap holding down the front of the card.

I used K & Co. papers, Recollections sparkly wires (recoloured with my Copics), Recollections ribbon and a black cat button on the title bar. Other supplies used was some gold Stickles and Memento ink.

Here are the Copics I used:

Pirate Tilda:
E0000, E00, E01, E02, E99, C1, C3, C4, C6, N2, N3, N4, N6, R43, R46, R59, Y11

Princess Tilda:
E0000, E00, E02, C0, C3, Y11, Y28, V000, V12, V17

Sherwood Edwin:
E00, E01, E02, E31, E35, E37, E55, E57, E59, G20, G21, G24, G28, Y15, Y17, Y19

Pumpkins:

YR02, YR04, YR07, YR09, YR24, G20, G21, G24, G28

September Already???

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 05:01:00 +0000

Yay! My favorite time of the year is approaching... the crunchy leaves, the cooler nights, the return to hot dinners and NO MORE SWEATING!

I've been sweating a lot lately for daughter and I switched rooms. She's back in her old bedroom upstairs, and I moved my scrapbook room to the basement. I have more room AND a TV to watch while I craft! Woot! She has her comfy room back which makes her happy too. So it's a win-win! But MAN. What a lot of work! Moving all that crap, er stuff was tiring. And setting everything up again was time consuming... if you're ever going to do this madness, here's a hint for you. Take photos BEFORE you move your crafting stuff.

Luckily, I did this and it saved me so much time. I knew exactly how I had my wooden stamps displayed in their printer's drawers (mounted on the walls), how I arranged all my inks, glitter, and tiny bottles in the Embellishment Center, how I had my punches organized and how I had my desk set up. Whew! It could have been a lot worse without those reference photos to use.

Since I LOVE Fall, here is a new card:

I chose Edwin With Butterfly, except I guess I should really call it "Edwin WITHOUT Butterfly" for this card. Yeah, I cut off the butterfly and added a pine cone for Fall. I love stamps I can change up easily. With Edwin's hand out like this, it's a breeze to put anything in it!

After I chose the stamp to use, I hunted through my papers for a Fall-themed design. I found this ProvoCraft "Fluttery Things" paper and cut out a corner, carefully going around the leaves to create an interesting shape. I mounted the patterned paper onto three layers of cardstock.

Using my Cricut, I got out the "Give A Hoot" cartridge and cut out the pine cone in brown and green. I used All Night Media's Clear Gloss for the pine cone and some Peeled Paint Distress Stickles on the pine cone cap.

I also used my Cricut and the same cartridge for the sentiment; I thought this would make a good Boy's Card. A simple bow (made with my Bow Easy, natch) from some Celebrate It Harvest ribbon is all the other embellishments I added.

Here are the Copics I used:

Skin: E000, E00, E01, E02
Hair: E71, E74, E77
Shirt: R000, R46, R59
Jeans: B91, B93, B95, B97
Shoes and cuffs: N1, N2, N3, N4, N5
Shading: W2, W3, W5

It's Just Paper...

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 05:01:00 +0000

Here is a card using JUST PAPER! Yep, everything on this card is made from paper - all the embellies and even the flowers which were made from TISSUE PAPER!

I started out with wanting to use this oh-so-cute Tilda with Flower Pot.

The background patterned paper is Bo Bunny's "Calypso Dream". I rounded off the corners and inked the edges using ColorBox ink. To mat it, I broke out something I haven't used in years; my Provo Craft Paper Shapers scissors! The second layer of darker blue mat was cut using my Martha Stewart Eyelet Lace punches.

I used my Cricut a lot for this project; I just bought the "Give A Hoot" cartridge at half price, so I had to put it to good use. The sentiment, leaves and flower cutouts are all done on the Cricut. The swirls were created with my Cuttlebug and Sizzix dies.

To create more interest, I decided to create lots of depth using layers and some 3D effects... I layered the blue mat up on foam dimensionals. Then, I stamped Tilda twice on cardstock. One Tilda I cut up to use for the features I wanted to "pop" out. Take a look below (and click for even a closer look!)

I have added 3D hair ribbons, coat lapels, flowers and leaves, and the tag hanging off the flower pot.

So even if all you have is paper, there is A LOT that can be done to create interest, texture and special effects!

Copics used:

Skin: E0000, E000, E00, E01
Hair: E42, E43, E44, E47
Dress & Jacket: R00, R21, R22
Boots: E00, E31, E33, E35, E37
Flowers: Y00, Y15, Y35, YR04
Leaves: G21, G28

Summer Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Here's a card for a hot summery day:

I chose Beach Tilda for this project as she's just the right size to sit on her majestic sand castle! I simply used cardstock for this project; layering it multiple times for the sky, water, clouds and beach.

For a textured sandy surface, I added a solid piece of Scor-Tape (cutting down one of the sheets to size) to a beige cardstock piece. I then pressed a mixture of white and yellow flocking powders onto the exposed tape - Viola! It worked perfectly! The wave whitecaps were added with dimensional white paint.

I printed the sentiment onto white cardstock and cut cloud shapes, stacking them and adding dimension with foam tape.

I finished off the beach scene with a beachball and starfish from the same Recollections sticker package.

Here are the Copic colours I used for Tilda (I used darker than normal skin tones for a slight sun-kissed effect):

Skin: E00, E01, E02
Hair: YR21, YR23, YR24, YR 31
Bathing suit: C1, C3, R81, R83, R85

With the temps at 34 to 36C this week, I definitely WANT to be joining Tilda at the Beach!

Well, Hello There!

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 05:01:00 +0000

Here's a card I wanted to make for my niece -- she and her husband recently moved back to our city and it was the first chance we got to meet their 7 month old daughter! So I didn't want to do the typical "new baby" card. Instead I thought this Tilda With Lace Jeans stamp was just perfect; it's like she is saying "Why Hello There!" to a little one.

I started out by using one of my favorite double-sided papers, GCD Studios # 210 "Tinted Rose Stripe" and used the front striped side for the center panel. But the other side was quite plain and I wanted to have some soft swirls on the side panels to offset the hard stripes, so I added the pattern myself using Memento's Angel Pink ink and a foam stamp I got years ago.

I distressed and inked all the paper edges with ColorBox Magenta ink, added some pink polka dot ribbon from Michael's (using my Bow Easy, of course!) and a teenie button from my stash was sewed onto the sentiment tag.

I used my wonderful Cricut and Sure Cuts A Lot software to create the center hexagons and made the tag using my Cricut with Plantin Schoolbook cartridge. Foam dimensionals were used to pop the hexagon up over the background papers.

Copics used to colour Tilda were:

E0000, E01, E02, E21, E25, E27, E29

C0, C3

R20, R21, R22 and R24

I just LOVE making these girly cards - and it is so cool to have them really appreciated by the recipient (they loved it!)

But how can you go wrong with such a cutie....

Black & White with a Pop of Red!

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Here's a card that's just black and white ... with a pop of one colour; I love the POP! of red against the stark black and white, so each section of my accordion card has a touch of red.

I used two Mini Magnolias on this project: Secret Tilda and New Years Edwin. I also kept the colouring of these two stamps monochrome (Copic list is below).

I didn't use any patterned paper again! Instead, I cut and folded black Bazzill cardstock for the base. The front of each section has a panel that's been embossed using my Cuttlebug. I kept to a dot pattern both in the embossing and in the ribbons for continuity.

Spellbinders scalloped circles were cut and some Michael's pearls in both black and white added. A few other stamps from my stash were used here and there, including one that had balloons in it. After colouring with Copics, I added some gloss with All Night Media's Clear Gloss, then attached six strings of white thread so Edwin could hold them. Dimension was added with foam under Tilda, Edwin and the balloons.

Here are the Copics I used:

Tilda: C0, C1, C2, C3, C4
Edwin: N0, N1, N3, N4, N5
Balloons: R20, R29, R46, R59

Happy Birthday Pardner!

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 02:48:00 +0000

I made this barn card for a western-style birthday. If you look closely, I have scored it to create the wood panels on the barn, doors and even inside on the wooden floor.

There is no patterned paper on this card; just Bazzill cardstock. I attached the white framing with 1/8" Scor-Tape; it made it so easy to do!

I also got my Cricut going and cut out my text using a Western font. Some Dollar Store sheer ribbon, Michael's roses, brad, clip and string was all that was added.

Here's a closeup:

Copics used:

Tilda: E0000, E00, E01, E33, E37, E50, E53, E55, R000, R32, R37 and C4

Horse: C4, C6, C10, Y11, E30, E33 and E37

That was fun!

Happy Birthday Daughter!

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Mon, 23 May 2011 04:02:00 +0000

I can't believe it.

I no longer am the mom of a "Teenager" -- my baby turned 20 on Saturday!

Because this is an extra-special event, I wanted to make an extra-special card for her.

I started out by finding a tutorial for a "cake" card here (hit their Translator button when you arrive):

Cake Cards Tutorial

And got to work. First I chose the image -- I can't believe this is the first time I have inked up my Tilda with Wedding Gifts stamp! She is so cute for birthday cards too!

Next, the papers. I was so lucky to find some great Bo Bunny (my fav!) paper that was PERFECT for the cake top. It had a circular design that I simply cut out and "frosted" with Scribbles 3D white fabric paint. As a matter of fact ALL the patterned paper on the card are from Bo Bunny's "Sophie" line. Some really old embossed paper I got from Michaels back in 2006 called Vine Cream was used to create the easel card base and the cake itself.

The side of the cake is decorated with Martha Stewart's Double Loops edge punch. I also glued some Recollections flowers to the sides, attached the cake to a Wilton doily and finished off the bottom edge of the cake with more 3D white paint to mimic frosting. Other supplies used on the card include Michaels satin ribbon coloured with Copic BG49, ColorBox inks, Martha Stewart Fern punch, Recollections floral spikes, and Diamond and Milled Lavender Stickles on the prezzies.

When folded up, the candle is slid into the "gift" beside the cake -- since there was only one, I didn't include a candle box as shown in the original tutorial; instead I rolled up daughter's monetary gift and wrapped it with ribbon and tag topped off with a bow.

Since this card is quite bulky, I made a box from white cardstock. The measurements of my card is 6" X 6.5", so I cut two pieces of 8.5" X 11" paper: one 8.5" X 8" and a second slightly larger for the top: 8.5" X 8 1/8". After scoring 1" on every side, folding, cutting and adding ScorTape to the flaps, viola! I have a box to transport the whole shebang without scrunching it up!

Here are the Copic colours used for Tilda:

BG45, BG49, C0, C1, C2, C3, C5, C6, E0000, E01, E02, E30, E35, E37, RV11, RV14, RV93, RV95, RV99, Y11 and Y21

I hope she likes it -- er, for more than the rolled up gift, that is ;)

A Wedding Shower Gift and Card

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Mon, 16 May 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Since this month our family has been invited to a cousin's nuptials, I have also been invited to attend the bride's Wedding Shower... and a request in the invitation was to bring a favorite recipe to pass on to her. So I created both a Wedding Shower gift and card to give her.

Here's how I made the box:

How To Make a 5" X 3" Recipe Box:

Start out by cutting a 12" X 12" page of heavy cardstock into two pieces:

1 - 8.25" X 12"
1 - 3.75" X 12" (You won't need this piece for the box)

Cut the 8.25" X 12" piece into two:

1 - 8.25" X 7.25"
1 - 8.25" X 4.75"

Score, fold and cut each of these two pieces as per the following diagram:

Here's what mine looked like after cutting, scoring and folding:

Add Scor-Tape to the sides and bottoms to create your box with a top flap.

I added two Basic Grey thin magnets so it snaps shut. Just use Scor-Tape to adhere the first side of the magnet to the inside of the front of the box. Then snap the second magnet in place on the outside front of the box to line it up. Add Scor-Tape to the outside of the magnet and press down the flap to adhere it in the proper position (I remove the adhesive these magnets come with, since Scor-Tape is so much stronger). You will need to place something hard inside the box to press down onto -- I found two acrylic stamp blocks worked perfectly. (You could also do this step BEFORE putting the box together, but I didn't think of it until I had the box taped up!) I finished by covering each magnet with cardstock so they won't be accidentally knocked off when in use.

Inside the completed recipe box:

If you want to make a matching card, you can certainly use the leftover piece of 3.75" X 12" cardstock. I had a second sheet of matching paper, so I cut a piece 12" X 6" and did a triple fold card to mimic the shape of the recipe box. The finished size of the card is 5" X 6".

My box and card set features the following three stamps: Mini Kitchen Tilda, Mini Chef Edwin and Tilda is Baking.

The following Copics were used to colour all three images:

E0000, E00 E01, E02, E11, E13, E30, E33, E35, E37, E49, E53, E57, E59, BV000, BV01, BV02, Y000, Y21, C0, C1, C2, C3.

To create my recipe box and matching card, I used both the Lavender and White Heart embossed paper I got from Michael's years ago. Bazzill Purple Pizzazz cardstock was also used. Two Martha Stewart edge punches created the Scroll Heart and Loops Heart designs.

The lace ribbon is from Dollarama Crafts, the pearls and flowers are from Michael's and the doilies are made by Wilton. The leaves are made with the Martha Stewart Fern Punch. Inside the card I typed up an edited version of "A Recipe for a Happy Marriage" I found on the net.

I hope the bride-to-be likes it!

Thinking Of You

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Tue, 03 May 2011 13:52:00 +0000

Here is a new card; it's always a good idea to have a few "Thinking of You" cards on hand.

This 5.5" X 5.5" blue Bazzil cardstock base was layered with some of my favorite paper: Bo Bunny's Calypso Dream: both sides of this two-sided paper was used for the background and the left side mat. Pulling out the colours from this design, I matted each element with red, blue and yellow Bazzil cardstock.

Since my Martha Stewart butterfly punch was too large, I used her Monarch Butterflies Trim Punch on the blue and yellow cardstock and cut out individual butterflies from that for the embellishments. I folded each one and glued the bodies to the card for extra dimension.

My circular element is a paper doily by Wilton. I used sheer polka-dot ribbon to keep the focus on the image. Lastly, I used some Diamond Stickles on the wings for a touch of glitter.

Copics used on Tilda are as follows:

Skin: E000, E00, E01
Hair: E33, E37 and E47
Dress & stockings: B91, B93, B95 and C2
Wings and Butterfly: Y15 and Y17

A Wedding Card

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:03:00 +0000

Here's a card with lots of texture, so I limited the colours and just used embossing folders and punches for this one.

I did a lot of layering on this card... alternating silver and white. Recollections Pearls, Dollar Store ribbon , Wild Orchid roses, Martha Stewart Pine and Oak leaves punches were all used in this project. I also added a touch of Martha Stewart Sterling glitter to Tilda's flowers and in her veil (hard to see, here though). On the bottom of the card I have layered rows of Martha Stewart Deco Fan punched and Martha Stewart Double Loops punched papers. My Cuttlebug was used for the background embossing, and my scalloped heart Nestabilities were used for the heart.

Copics used:

BG93
C1, C2, C3, C4
E0000, E00, E55, E57, E97
R22
Y11

I think this card will be put to good use; I have a wedding to go to this spring, so at least I have their card done already!

Hoppy Easter!

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 08:00:00 +0000

For today's card, I created an Easter card with a mostly white front is simply adorned with Mini Chicken Tilda, a few Wild Orchid roses and ribbon. But she seems a tad lonely, no?

Well, don't fret - this Tilda's got some company waiting for her...

Mini Tilda Painting Egg and Mini Bunny Tilda are all ready for Easter to arrive! This trifold of embossed white cardstock opens to reveal a foldout row of Easter eggs. The two larger eggs are outlined with white satiny cording I saved from a shopping bag (I told you I never throw anything out!).

The charm came in a silver colour, so for this card I painted it white and then sprinkled some Martha Stewart White Crystal Fine glitter to add a touch of sparkle. A few self-stick pearls were added to the inside of the card as well.

I have a brand new toy that helped immensely with this project: My new black Cricut Expression! I was so excited to get this a few days ago... I have been wanting the black machine ever since my friend showed me just what it can do (thanks Wendy!). Last week I noticed ONE at my local Wal-mart... sitting amongst the lime green, pink and yellow machines, but to my dismay, it was priced nearly double to the other colours! I was so sad; I went home that night, disappointed and empty handed. The next day I couldn't stop thinking about it until I got up the nerve to call the store to ask if they would do a price match...

And you know what? They DID! So take it from me; it never hurts to ASK! I was SO excited!!! I didn't realise until I got it home the reason it was priced so high - the black machines were a limited edition... wow! It fits my room's decor perfectly and I have been ~~playing with it~~ using it every day since... and it was put to work cutting my title, eggs, frames and swirl for this project. There is no way I could have cut all those eggs EXACTLY the same otherwise!

Oh, and before I forget, here are the Copic colours I used:

Mini Chicken Tilda: C3, E0000, E01, E35, E37, Y000, Y21, Y35, Y38
Mini Tilda Painting Egg: B34, BG10, BG49, C0, C1, C2, C3, E0000, E01, E21, E25, E37
Mini Bunny Tilda: C3, E0000, E01, R000, R21, R24

Whew! I hope you like my Easter greeting.

It's Not Just About The Card...

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 03:26:00 +0000

I'm proud to say that the Canadian Red Cross, to whom we donated, raised over $ 1 million for the Japanese Relief Effort in just this past weekend alone. Here's a list of organizations from Yahoo Canada and Yahoo US frontpages in case you'd like to help too.

Canadian Red Cross: Call toll free at 1-800-418-1111 or visit the webpage dedicated to providing relief in Japan. Donate here.
American Red Cross: Emergency Operation Centers are opened in the affected areas and staffed by the chapters. This disaster is on a scale larger than the Japanese Red Cross can typically manage. Donations to the American Red Cross can be allocated for the International Disaster Relief Fund, which then deploys to the region to help. Donate here.
CanadaHelps: Check here for an indepth listing of Canadian charities providing aid to those in need.
Oxfam Canada: Teams and partner organizations are on-site and monitoring the situation from the ground. Donate here.
Global Giving: Working with Save the Children, International Medical Corps and others to provide support on the grounds of Japan. Donate here.
ADRA Canada: ADRA Japan has extensive experience with providing national and international support to those affected by such disasters. Donate here or call 1.888-274-2372.
UNICEF: Closely monitoring the situation in Japan and prepared to provide assistance and relief. Donate here.
Save The Children: Mobilizing to provide immediate humanitarian relief in the shape of emergency health care and provision of non-food items and shelter. Donate here.
Salvation Army: The Salvation Army has been in Japan since 1895 and is currently providing emergency assistance to those in need. Donate here.
Americares: Emergency team is on full alert, mobilizing resources and dispatching an emergency response manager to the region. Donate here.
Convoy of Hope: Disaster Response team established connection with in-country partners who have been impacted by the damage and are identifying the needs and areas where Convoy of Hope may be of the greatest assistance. Donate here.
International Medical Corps: Putting together relief teams, as well as supplies, and are in contact with partners in Japan and other affected countries to assess needs and coordinate our activities. Donate here.
Shelter Box: The first team is mobilizing to head to Japan and begin the response effort. Donate here.

Yep. I'm thinking of you, our Japanese friends (and pets, animals and wildlife too!) in your dire time of need.

Card details:

I used Japanese Tilda, with some beautiful Japanese Yuzen Washi paper a dear friend gave me as a gift. I cut it out and layered it over a "half easel" blue cardstock base. That same wonderful friend also ran off some black oriental bridges for me on her Cricut so I layered two of them with some black-coloured dimensional foam in between.

I pulled out daughter's Origami book and made a bird (called "First Flight") with gold paper. The ribbon is from my stash; you may recall it on my last card. However, I didn't want it pink, so I took my Gold #Y28 Copic to it and coloured it.

A gold leafing pen gave it some shiny gold highlights, which was also used on Tilda's kimono. The stamped sentiment is from Stampendous. Cherry blossoms are from Wild Orchid and I used my Martha Stewart punch for the gold leaves.

Copics used on Tilda:

BG93, BG99, E0000, N3, N5, N6 N9, R21, R29, R46, Y11, Y28, Y35

Happy Everything!

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 13:32:00 +0000

Here's another card I created using my new "Sweet Dreams" digistamps... this time using the mini-sized images to accompany my Mini Happy Tilda. This is a regular-sized card with a simple pink cadstock base. This time I wanted the card to be light but girlie; so I scored panels into a piece of white cardstock for Tilda's walls. I also added two strips of cardstock for the baseboard.

I coloured Tilda, the bed, nightstand, teddy, dresser, toy dog and toy cat with Copics and popped them all up on dimensional foam for added depth. A simple "Happy Everything" stamp was added and then to give it all a bit of sparkle, I used my new Martha Stewart Crystal Fine glitter on a Sizzix die cut under the sentiment.

I added the same glitter to the two hearts on the bed and dresser.

The ribbon is from my stash.

Here are the Copic colours used:

Tilda: E000, E01, E02, Y21, C2, G000, G21, B21
Bed and Teddy: R000, R20, R22, C0, C1, C2, C3
Toy Dog: E31 and E35
Toy Cat: N3 and N6

To get your own bedroom set for Tilda, head over to my DigiDrawn site to see it and other Magnolia scenarios HERE.

Sweet Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:31:00 +0000

Finally! A new scene has been added to the Scenarios and Accessories section over at DigiDrawn.com!

One of my most requested images has been a bed for our dear Tilda (ever since I created one of my first Magnolia cards with Happy Tilda jumping on her bed). Well today I unveiled "Sweet Dreams", 2 sets of six images each scaled for both regular and mini Magnolia stamps. It includes the bed and nightstand (as seen above), a bed without the nightstand, matching dresser, a big comfy floor pillow and two new toys: a puppy and a kitten!

The sample card above was created using a 6 X 6 easel card as the base. The full size "Dreamy Tilda" fits perfectly on either the bed or pillow! I used a piece of clear plastic scored and shaped into an "L" to mount Tilda, the pillow and the toy cat to the base of the card with Scor-Tape. She folds flat when the card is closed, and holds the front when the card is opened!

The paper I chose for her bedroom wallpaper is Basic Grey's "Oh Baby! Girl". My Martha Stewart Doily Lace punch was used on the base, and Gold Stickles were added to Tilda's wings. Ribbon is from my stash and the sentiment is computer generated. I added three other of my digistamps to this card; the pink teddy bear, baby fox and fuzzy bunny have joined the fun in Tilda's room.

Copics used (whew, it's a long list!):

Tilda: E0000, E00, E01, Y000, Y11, Y21, E11, E13, E15 and E17
Bed: R30, R32, R35, R37, G20, G21, W3, C0, C1, C2, C3 and C4
Pillow: G20, G21 and G28
Teddy on nightstand: E30, E31, E33, E35 and E37
Nightstand: C0, C1, C2, C3 and C4
Teddy on floor: RV10, RV11 and C2
Bunny: Y32, Y35, RV10 and C2
Fox: YR02, YR07, C3, C6 and C10
Puppy: RV13, B000, B02, C2, C6 and C10
Kitten: RV11, C1, C2 and C4

So if you'd like this bedroom scene for your Tilda, head over to DigiDrawn HERE to order!

It's A Frame Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 06:01:00 +0000

I popped by our local Salvation Army Thrift Store recently and found a tabletop frame that I thought could use a re-purposing; a metal frame with pawprints! Only one problem: is was for a dog and I wanted to frame one of my cats photos.

So I started by getting out my Krylon Silver spray paint and repainted the whole frame. I have a matching Krylon Silver Leafing Pen, so I used that for all the accents (except the flowers which were spray painted too).

I had a pawprint charm in my stash that had a broken connector and two missing pink gems. So after giving it a whole new coat of silver, I glued new gems (the same ones used on the swirls) onto it.

A silver thread attaches it to my bow; the ribbon is a "Celebrate It" sheer ribbon from Michael's.

Approval Cat supervising bow creation

As I mentioned earlier, the roses from Wild Orchid Crafts were spray painted silver with black leaves made with my Martha Stewart punch.

The gem swirls are from the Dollar Store. The "Furry Friend" charm is actually a brad I adhered to a brass plate using ScorTape. Two brads with clear gems were added on either side.

The Laying Cat Maggie stamp is coloured with Copics C0, C3, C4 and C6. Since it would be near impossible to cut out the whiskers, I decided to replace them with silver wire. After colouring, I used a needle to punch holes in the cat image and inserted wires, taping them into place on the reverse side.

Looks like Approval Cat approves...

Spring Can't Be Far Off

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Time for a pop-up card. I love doing these, so about a week ago I began with a mock-up to test out some ideas that were floating around my head. Dakotah wasn't too thrilled with the design it seems; she chewed up a fence I made using the Martha Stewart Garden Trellis punch!

After I decided what would work and taking "Approval Cat's" recommendation to heart, I began to build. Using a Mini Lazy Summer Day Tilda I made her a frosty window to stare out into the snow, wishing Spring would finally arrive. I started out with clear cello, used my MS Garden Trellis punch (shhhh... don't tell "Approval Cat"!) to create a stained glass window (Copic colours RV34, BG45 and Y15), layered some white cardstock for the window frame and popped it up on foam over Tilda's image and some background wood panelling paper. No-name white flocking with clear Aleene's glue added the frost on the window and Frosted Lace Stickles was used for snow.

Inside the card, her wish is granted! Tilda and Edwin go on thier first Spring bike ride through the countryside. I used Mini Edwin with Bike and Mini Tilda with Bike.

I started by using my new Copic Airbrush to do the sky in B000 and B02. Then I airbrushed the path with E33, E35 and E49, adding texture with the Colourless Blender. The hills were airbrushed using G21, G24 and G29.

Next I cut out some dark green flocked paper for grass. The bushes are covered in Flowersoft Sage and Raspberry Fizz. You may notice Tilda's been picking the flowers off the bushes; in her hand is a Raspberry Fizz bouquet.

The bunnies were hand-drawn and coloured with W00, W1, W3, W5 and R21.

I knew the tree would have to "telescope" to fit inside the card when folded up. I used brown and green cardstock, added dimension with Copics (leaves: G24, G28, bark: E33, E35, E44, E47) and then added two birds (W6, W7, Y19, Y21 and Y38).

Tilda and Edwin's Copic colours are: E0000, E02 for their skin, E55, E57, E59, B91, B95 and B97 on Edwin, C0 - C10 and YR24, YR31 for the bikes, RV91, RV95, RV99, Y11, E97 and E99 for Tilda.

After all that, I am pleased to find it DOES fold up!

And I guess "Approval Cat" was right after all; Tilda and Edwin's Spring Bike Trip definitely didn't need a fence along the path...

My Craftoom: 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Maureen) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 13:00:00 +0000

When I first started scrapbooking back about 2006, I had ALL my supplies in three containers strapped to a cart I would wheel out from a closet to spread out on our dining room table whenever I felt the need to get creative. I used two tackle boxes for the smaller stuff and a small Cropper Hopper for my paper. Wow... how far I have come in five years.

I now use daughter's old bedroom (after she moved downstairs); it's small but cozy - a great place to create and relax with the dog at my feet and three cats ever present to keep me company. Other than a single picture of when I repainted and first set up the room a few years back, I don't think I've ever added phots of my entire craftroom here. Be warned however; there are quite a few photos! So if you have the time, grab a cuppa and click on the images to biggify for closer looksees.

First, here is my main workspace. My favorite things about this space are the wooden stamp storage trays (one is a vintage printer's drawer) on the walls, the 6 foot curtain rod for ribbon and the way nearly everything is within arm's reach when I am sitting there. Over the table I have one long shelf to hold tools such as a Cuttlebug, Xyrons, Cropadile, embossing tools and the like.

Here's a closer look of my workspace. My Copics are in homemade storage containers (wooden doll's dressers sans the drawers with chipboard dividers inserted and everything painted black).

I have been slowly adding antiques to the room; here you'll see my antique glass pen and ink holder, a vintage expandable carpenter's ruler and a little Occupied Japanese ceramic deer I just couldn't resist getting before Christmas.

The metal tool box is great for small embellies from tiny brads to a variety of Wild Orchid flowers. I also scored a free acrylic display box that holds my Copic refills perfectly... can you believe it's a lipstick display? A local drugstore was revamping the cosmetics section and they GAVE me two displays I thought I could put to good use.

To the right of this main table are two smaller desks. The first is an old desk from my aunt that has a wonderful huge single drawer to store all kinds of "stuff" ;) On top I have a few organizers to hold some stamping supplies as well as an antique scale, jar for candies (of course!) and an antique rubber stamp stand. I have a few Sizzix dies and Cuttlebug folders stored here too.

The desk next to that is for my laptop and printer which also has a few antiques... below it is my newest find: a gallon creamer from the early 1900s. I have to figure out what the heck I'll store in it though; when I saw it on eBay I had planned to use it for my paintbrushes, but this sucker is large and heavy! I LOVE it! On the desk is a small ceramic US military jar holding some vintage tools. Beside that is my vintage copper stapler and original Slinky!

Above the printer is my brand new Making Memories Embellishment Center. I have wanted one of these for a long time; I finally broke down, used a coupon and got it for half price at Michael's. After painting it black I filled it up with my Stickles, alcohol inks, Martha Stewart glitter, ink pads, glosses and some holiday ribbons. On top is antique brass photographer's bird I picked up in Texas last fall. It is from 1907 and was used to get children's attention by chirping and moving it's beak and tail via a tube and ball the photographer would squeeze.

On the wall opposite to my main work table is my shelving unit, paper display and storage cart hubby built for me. The large shelving unit has a few antiques too; a vintage metal Pepsi "basket" holds my Prima flower jars perfectly! The old postal scale is one of my favorite finds from a local antique shop. The two wooden boxes are from trips to Minnesota. I painted and stacked into steps blocks of wood so I could easily see my Martha Stewart punches. Below those are my other punches, paints, binders and scrapbooks. I keep all my unmounted stamps in these binders, along with my Spellbinders dies, stickers and miscellaneous information sheets and pamphlets. To see how I store my Magnolia stamps, take a look at a previous post HERE.

The paper display I bought from our local scrapbook store when it closed. Boy, THAT was fun to repaint (NOT!) , but I love having my 12 X 12 papers sorted this way. Beside this is a wooden cart hubby built for me; I added the drawers and quickly filled them will all kinds of supplies. On top is a display unit daughter pulled out of the trash at work! It's a great find and rotates to store lots of goodies!

The final side of the room houses my sewing machine... so great to have it always set up and ready to use on cards (or, if needed, the odd REAL sewing job! :) ) I also have a magazine rack I got from a craft store closure, that of course, I had to paint black too.

On the hutch you'll see a few more antiques; a 100+ year old cast iron letter holder, some ink bottles, a cast iron floral "frog" from California, vintage Minnesota cheese boxes and my old pencil sharpener that I have yet to mount somewhere. Oh and if you look closely behind the antique office chair (which, I painted black, natch), you'll see my old 1960's Spirograph sitting on the keyboard drawer under the sewing machine.

So there you have it. A mix of old and new all crammed into my small craftroom; my favorite room in the house!