Honor Roll

Fashion Friday: Comfy Cozy

2012-02-10T22:31:00.001-06:00

So I don't know about you guys, but I cannot leave the house without getting dressed. Lots of people wear sweats or athletic pants or whatever but I just can't do it. It feels so.... undone.

Not that I could leave the house because if I don't change from my sweats into regular clothes for the day, I have absolutely no motivation. Sweats just keep me in lounge mode and the actual act of dressing and putting on something not so comfortable signals my brain to get busy. Is it like that for you too?

Of course there are those days when you wanna keep that comfy state of mind - ehh hmmm I'm way too bloated to fit into anything without an elastic waistband - but you still have to go out in public and run errands or whatever.

And this is my fav outfit for those days. It makes an appearance in almost every load of mom laundry. Leggings, tank under casual dress, long cardi, belt, wool socks and boots. Still all super casual and comfortable but I still feel presentable, like I made an effort. Maybe it's the belt? IDK, but I love it.

Do you have a favorite go-to outfit for cozy days? Link me up I'd love to see and could def use some new ideas!

New Chalk and Twinkle Inks

2012-02-09T17:11:00.000-06:00

Hello! Here are a couple projects I shared last week on the Clearsnap blog.

The first treat package introduces a few of the new Limited Edition Chalk Ink colors - Pink Sky, Red Barn and Arctic Deep. Chalk inks are great for layering and create such a soft, lovely finish.

See the full line of newly released limited edition inks here and more projects too!

This second card shows off the brand new Watermark Twinkle Ink which is basically a watermark pad with a shimmery finish. It comes it two shades - Stardust and Pearl - and has got to be my favorite thing! Use it on it's own or layer over colored inks for a beautiful, subtle shimmer.

Check these new inks out and see more projects using it here!

I know you're going to love them just as much as I do!! Bye!

Conversation Hearts

2012-02-08T12:40:00.000-06:00

Was doing a little digging through the computer files this morning and realized I've never shared this card that was made way back last summer. It was from a Paper Crafts sketch and I was practicing my dye ink watercoloring.

It's think it's kinda cute ;)

So what are you working on? I seriously need to clean up my scrap space so I can get back to creating!

Valentine's Mantel

2012-02-07T13:55:00.000-06:00

I just love Valentine's Day!! All the hearts and pink and sweetness is just what my girly heart lives for. The kids helped me put together some decorations for our makeshift mantel and even though it took a couple weeks it's finally mostly complete.

(Please don't judge my dirty walls! There are 6 sticky little hands running around here at all times and spring cleaning is still months away :))

Silhouettes in some Hobby Lobby frames. There are lots of fancy ways to make these in Photoshop and what-not, but we simply cut and traced profile photos onto brown cardstock. They look exactly like the kids too!

14 little handcut hearts hanging on the perfect, wispy little branch. Dipped in aqua paint for an extra shot of color.

The glittered wooden letters are my favorite!! Except I don't think there's any way to keep all that glitter from spreading all.over.the.house. Spray-on Mod Podge almost helped. : /

And of course we have to have some tissue paper pom-poms and lanterns. They were transfer nicely to the girls' room when the holiday is over. The kids cut out the whole banner using my Big Shot, some Sizziz dies and a heart punch. So simple.

So are you decorating and/or crafting for Valentine's? Be sure to link up your paper projects at Paper Issues - open til the 14th.

Bye!

Insta-Weekend

2012-02-06T20:33:00.000-06:00

Hello, hello. This last weekend was a very lazy one but we did finally get a decent amount of snow and the chance to play in it.

The kids sledded and built a little snowman,

then finally cried cold after about an hour and went back in the house.

The hubby and I dug out the snowboard and made a trail down the backyard bunny hill.

I never did perfect the stopping part. But am not giving up yet.

Yes, this is how I ended every single run. There's a few bruises on my legs today.

He was much better.

Not! He fell down just as much.

Hope your weekend was super fun too and wishing you a lovely and productive week! xox

Free Class Weekend @ Miss Art's

2012-02-05T15:25:00.000-06:00

"Lasting Impressions" with Lisa Valentine

Hi there. Just popping in to let you if you're looking for something to do this afternoon while everyone else is watching football or are just in need of a little inspiration, Miss Art's Papercrafting is hosting a free class weekend thru today. Be sure to check it out here. Enjoy the day!

Memory Game

2012-02-02T10:47:00.001-06:00

Hi there! Today is my day on the Clearsnap blog! Hop on over to find the instructions and a video tutorial for creating this memory game with some super cute digi stamps from Some Odd Girl.

Thanks and have an amazing day!!

February Photo-A-Day Challenge

2012-02-01T19:29:00.000-06:00

Yes, it may be late in the day, but if you haven't already joined Fat Mum Slim's photo-a-day challenge for the month of February, there is still a little time left in the day (at least in this zip code :) )

I discovered this this morning via the Paper Bakery blog and though I rarely seem to follow through all the way to the end on these "daily" kinds of challenges, there is just something invigorating about a good photo challenge.

Day 1 is complete so maybe this time will be different ;)

Paper Issues DT Call

2012-01-31T14:20:00.005-06:00

Did you hear?

Paper Issues is having a DT call!! This is one of the funnest, awesome-est and most laid back teams I have ever had the honor to be a part of and I know you will love your time there too.

Check out all the deets here. Good luck!!

Winner!

2012-01-30T17:24:00.000-06:00

Well hello! Just popping in this lovely Monday evening to say congrats to WillieburgScrapper - I will be sending you some felt heart ribbon just in time for V-Day!!!

Thanks so much to everyone for the kind comments on my Sweetheart Crop Top - I am looking forward to whipping up many more tutorials in the future. Hugs!

Fashion Friday: All That Glitters

2012-01-27T11:25:00.000-06:00

Coat - Erin Fetherston for Target

Sweater - vintage Alfred Dunner

Jeans - Converse Motorcross

Shoes - Merona

Scarf - thrifted

Earrings - a gift from mom

Sparkly, glittery sweaters are my favorite. I've collected several over the years and although I used to think they were a little dressy, I've come to realize that any ordinary day is perfect for a shiny sweater. After all, who couldn't use a little more sparkle in their life ;)

Happy Friday!

Clearsnap @ CHA-W 2012 Booth #847

2012-01-26T16:44:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to let you know if you are lucky enough to be attended the upcoming CHA show that Clearsnap will in booth #847. Be sure to drop by and check out some of the fantastic new products that are coming out and mini classes too!!

And if you're stuck at home like me, new product and projects will be revealed on the blog starting Sunday the 29th! See you there :0)

October Mini Album

2012-01-25T14:41:00.001-06:00

Just this past weekend I attended my very first crop. It was super fun and even though I didn't get as much done as one would think in 6 hours - I absolutely loved it!! Can't believe I waited this long to actually attend one.

So I worked the whole time on the mini book I started for the month of October and Halloween. Somehow I filled all 30+ pages and it ended up twice as fat as expected. None of the pages will stay open by themselves. You can see the "before" pages here.

And here is a look as a few of my fav pages. Okay more than a few, I am really excited about how this mini turned out!

InLinkz.com

Almost everything I used for this project is sold out already at 2Peas, but they are having a HUGE pre-tent sale right now if you are interested! Enjoy your Wednesday!

Dino Hunter

2012-01-24T16:36:00.000-06:00

Here's a page I posted awhile back all shiny and pretty on the pages of last fall's Create: Families. Mr K was quite excited to see himself in print. And as a matter of fact, so was I :)

This page was created with my very favorite kit from Lucky Girl Crafts - "A Boy & His Toys." I can't believe there are still a few kits left and your jaw will drop at the price. Seriously.

Have a lovely evening!

Thinking of You / It's Black & White

2012-01-23T15:05:00.000-06:00

Hi there, hope your Monday has started off right! I took a small blogging break last week - one of my husband's closest friends passed away and it just wasn't a good time to be on the computer. I know you understand.

I created this card with his family in mind and used the color pallette from PDCC115.

Layered cards aren't normally my style but I've been feeling really inspired lately by cardmakers such as Lea L. and Michele and decided to give it a go. I really like the results too!

Lots of dimension and a little pocket to pull the message out from. Almost all of these supplies came right out of my scraps bin too, so bonus!

Here is the lovely, earthy inspiration piece if you'd like to try it too.

Also took on another challenge this weekend from CAS-ual Fridays which was surprisingly more difficult than expected. I started out with one design in mind and ended up with 2 totally different cards somehow.

The first is pretty simple and straightforward. I repeated the sentiment without reinking the stamp to get a gradient effect and a little color diversity (hope that's not cheating!)

And for the second I went with a valentine's card even though I think most of us know that love is anything but black and white. :) Also pretty simple but to add a little something extra, I punched one of the circles with a heart punch and stamped a heart inside.

That's all folks. Hope the rest of your day is wonderful!

PS. My ribbon giveaway is still open til the 28th if you are interested.

DIY: Sweetheart Crop Top

2012-01-18T13:05:00.000-06:00

Hello! I have a little refashion/DIY toddler top to share with you today! It's been forever since I've done one of these and am really hoping to get back in to doing clothing tutorials, after all that was one of the main reasons I started this blog :)

As you can tell, my own little sweetheart wasn't much in the mood for posing and modeling this morning, but her and her sister both adore their new tops for Valentine's Day. The heart ribbon was made from a die intended for cutting paper but those hearts are just too cute to stay tucked away in the pages of a scrapbook!

(I'm also giving away some felt heart ribbon - more on that below).

This top has such a cute shape and the best part is you hardly have to stitch any seams since it's refashioned from a ladies button-up top. I never ever buy new material for a project like this that will likely be outgrown or just plain abandoned within a few months - or let's be realistic, a few wears -it is white after all :)

Okay, ready to make one yourself?!!

You will need just a couple things -
*adult white button-up shirt
*5 shades of ribbon -> any will do, I cut felt to make mine (from Felt On The Fly - amazing quality, made from 100% merino wool)
*1/4" elastic
*sewing machine and thread
*pattern to make the top or draft your own

To get started -

1. Cut out your pattern. I just had 2 pieces - the body and the sleeve. Shorten the body to make the cropped shape.You can use a smock top pattern you already have or create your own by tracing the outline of a shirt - remember to leave a little room for seams! I like to use that shipping paper that comes in boxes for making patterns. It's just the right weight and you can iron it flat too (and it's free).

2. Trace your pattern onto material and cut out. I placed the pattern directly in the middle of the shirt, with the bottom of the hem at the bottom edge of the pattern. You should end up with:
- 1 front piece (cut from back of shirt)
- 1 back piece (cut from front of shirt)
- 2 sleeves (cut from extra body material)
- 1 long length of trim for bias tape around neckline

3. Position your ribbon across the front where you want it to stay and cut to measure.

4. Attach ribbon in place with vertical pins and stitch on. Use a lot of pins so it stays in place. If you want you can switch out the thread with each color of ribbon but I thought the white looked just fine - ie. I'm not that ambitious :)

5. Now stitch the garment together. (right sides together!) This is the order that works best for me...
- shoulders
- sleeves to bodice
- sides
- bottom hem if needed
- bias tape around neckline

Serge or pink your seams.

6. Figure where your child's waistline hits on the shirt and sew the elastic in there. Pin it in the middle to start with and stretch to edges to ensure even gathering. Sew in place with a zig zag stitch.

That's it! Your all done. It looks extra cute with a matching tank underneath - otherwise you could see her tummy!

If you're still reading and if your interested, I cut a little extra ribbon from all 7 colors of my felt and I'd like to send it to one of my followers so you can create your own top or just whatever you'd like. :) Just leave a comment letting me know your interested (and please follow me if you don't already) and I'll choose a winner in a week or so.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Bees, Butterflies, Babies and Birthdays

2012-01-17T14:01:00.001-06:00

Hello. I have a few card challenges to post today. Gonna make it quick, hope you don't mind :).

First up, a card for a new baby boy inspired by CFC35 - scallops. I've been wanting to try the decreasing apertures technique for awhile now and decided to give it a go with my scalloped circles die.

The sentiment is from a new Design Adhesive design - Sweet Pea, and is embossed with the Truffle Mix'd Media Inx embossing powder. Also had to add a little sparkle to the bees wings with Smooch Glitz.

The second card is a two-fer, utilizing both the technique from MIM#49 and the color combo from PDCC114. Perhaps not colors I would normally think to pair together but I think my sister's grandma will enjoy on a card for her birthday. In fact I think all my grandmas like red and purple.

I had to stamp this card 3 times before finally getting the ghost masking to work for me! A more challenging technique but the results are worth the effort. For a twist, I stamped the butterfly last and embossed the section out side the frame for a touch of dimension.

Dye inks from the SB for Colorbox line are - Strawberry, Grape, Avocado and Licorice. Pigment ink in Gold. Stamps from PTI, Jenni Bowlin, and Pink Paislee.

Have a lovely Tuesday!

2011 Love List

2012-01-16T20:00:00.000-06:00

Hello and happy Monday! Today I am sharing a layout created for the Clearsnap blog earlier this month. It has a few fun embossing techniques using the new Mix'd Media Inx embossing powders and the coordinating pigment ink colors.

Stop by the Clearsnap blog to check out the video tutorial and more details too.

So what are some of your favorite things from 2011?

InLinkz.com

Love is All We Need

2012-01-15T17:40:00.001-06:00

And all we need is love themed paper projects to link up at Paper Issues! You have a full month to add in your Valentine's projects new and old. I created this trio of cards using the new Crate Love line, stamps from PTI and of course - Colorbox inks. Have a lovely Sunday evening!

Fashion Friday: I Know What Boys Like

2012-01-13T14:31:00.000-06:00

(Paisley sweater - Alfred Dunner - vintage, white jeans - Gap, black wedges - Target, cap - thrifted)

Yea, sure I know what boys like girls to wear. I think we all do. ;)

Tight, short, high, low-cut, and sheer are a few descriptive words that come to mind.

And my husband is no different - only that he doesn't want me to wear any of those things. Not that I'd want to anyway. I've dressed the same way pretty much for as long as we've known one another and although I think he recognized and appreciated that I had a style, he has never really liked my clothes.

In fact the more I love a particular item, the more he dislikes it. Take this sweater for example. Gray and brown paisley with lovely gold buttons and shoulder pads. Sort of a boxy fit. It is my very favorite sweater and I have been disallowed to wear it when we are going out in public together. He even hid it from me once and said he threw it away. I cried.

Now before you get upset, realize that he has a few things that I don't like him to wear when we go out together either. The bandannas, the cheesy ribbed sweaters. So we compromise. I don't wear what he dislikes and vice versa - just for dates, not everyday. It works for us.

So how do clothing and style work in your relationships? Do either of care, do you dress to please your man or do you just tell him to stick it? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

(Link up your outfit posts too to WIWW.)

Smooches & Sunshine

2012-01-12T00:00:00.000-06:00

Hello! I am joining in this week with the Paper Smooches SPARKS challenge and returning to one of my very favorite design elements - rainbows!! The cuutie patootie sunshine stamp and sentiment is a free digital image from the site.

I printed out the little fella twice onto white cardstock. The first was stamped in orange with a background stamp that kinda reminds me of sunspots and has some empty areas for a 2 toned look. I filled in the center with a Colorbox pigment ink cat's eye. For the second sun, I just inked up the edges with a little dye ink in Tangerine and then painted on top with the new Smooch Glitz for a bit of shimmer.

For the rainbow, I traced the shape of a small saucer onto the back of the cardstock and cut out the area for the rainbow to peek through, then repeated to get the strips of color. Add clouds and hey, I'm feeling more cheerful already!

Thanks for stopping by today!

New Quilt Fabric!!

2012-01-11T08:30:00.000-06:00

One of my goals for last year was to sew a large quilt for the couch, buuuut I never got around to it because it's such a big, time consuming task. This year I will (start and) finish it and I have a plan to do it and am allowing myself until April to complete it. One small task at a time.

Above is the poor, neglected fabric that will go into the quilt.

And here is the tutorial I am using by Crazy Mom Quilts.

Wish me luck!

It's All Rosie

2012-01-10T08:30:00.000-06:00

Hi there. I had a little time to play with a new stamp set this weekend and created some cards for my husband's grandma, her twin sister and a friend who moved far away.

Have a lovely day!

InLinkz.com

Parliment Tiered Maxi Skirt

2012-01-09T08:30:00.000-06:00

Finally! I had a chance to take a photo of the maxi skirt I made in December. It feels so elegant and was the perfect thing to wear to the ballet. A big beautiful column of winter white.

Of course I had to sneak off alone to take the pics so the 3rd column is flipped up in every photo unknown to me until editing. Buuut since it took so long to get any pics at all I figured I could live with it :)

This gorgeous embroidered fabric was sent to me by my lovely friend Jacinta of Model Mumma. The tag said it was made in Switzerland and it is truly the most luxurious fabric I've ever worked work. Thank you a million times over Jacinta!!

For the pattern, I layed out a maxi dress and traced the shape onto muslin, rounding out the hip area a bit and slimming down the width to make it more form fitting. Each layer of the lacy material (I'm not sure what you'd call it, do you?) is sewn directly onto the muslin and overlaps the next layer by about an inch from the scallop.

You can see in the second photo how the material bunches up at the top layer. If I did this again and if you try it, I def recommend ruffling the fabric for the top layer to give a little room for movement and so you don't get the same bunching. Or maybe just making the whole dress a bit wider. That might even work better!

The waist is cinched with a wide black strip of elastic which makes it easy to slip on and is great for keeping your top perfectly tucked in. I scored this grey silk beauty at a thrift shop, tags still attached!

So do you like it?! Cause I just LOVE it and it makes me feel so pretty.

Also wanted to mention how honored I am to have my Taking Flight top included in the Best of Burdastyle - Handpicked of 2011!! It's in there along with some really amazing designs like the Ruffled Trench and cute bow shorts. Definitly worth taking a look!

Have a wonderful week!

We've Got Your Number

2012-01-08T15:20:00.000-06:00

Have you had a chance to drop by Paper Issues lately? Right now (and in fact starting last Sunday) through next Sunday the 13th, we are linking up paper projects that have anything and everything to do with numbers, lists or any other way you can interpret it.

I had several ideas for this challenge but they just weren't working out right, soooo I turned to one of my favorite distractions - Sudoku. Random numbers seemed like a perfect match with Crate's Random line.

(source)

By the Numbers is also the Tuesday Trigger over at Moxie Fab World this week so I will be linking up there as well. Is that quilt not stunning?! I tried to create a similar looking DIY impression plate with chipboard letters but alas, all the numbers were in reverse! I'm not giving up the idea, but that will have to be a project for another day.

Be sure to stop by the Paper Issues shop as well - Cassie has all kinds of great deals of Twinery twine, AC Chap goodies, and gorgeous V-day themed embellies. I'm certain there is at least one thing you can't live without :)