A Delightful Waste of Time

Scrapbook Sunday... Beautiful

2012-03-03T23:04:00.000-08:00

Hey there! How is your weekend so far? Mine is pretty busy, but with all fun things, so I am not complaining. I go a little stir-crazy when I don't have enough to do!

It's Sunday, so that means it's time for me to share another layout with you. I am so glad I challenged myself to this weekly post, because finally Josie's scrapbook is filling up!

I used a sketch from Creative Scrappers (though I am too late to link up; too familliar!) for this one, and put my Crate Paper goodies to work. I just *love* the bold colours in the Random Collection, and knew they were perfect to set off this photo of my baby girl. Don't be fooled... there are some bits and bobs from other collections included as well!

It's a little hard to tell, but there's an embossed glassine bag behind the photo to hold a small journalling card;

I have decided I need to really keep working at layouts... I am never totally satisfied with them, and I see so many amazing creations out there in blogland that I admire so much... time to really start studying them, and learning from the inspiration I find.

Saying that, I *love* working on pages, and the fact that I am capturing these memories before I forget them is what's most important, so I am totally satisfied with that!

I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend, and make sure to keep an eye out over here this week, because I have a couple of fun things coming your way... including a giveaway! Stay tuned.......

Festive Friday... Big Blooms: Poinsettias

2012-03-02T10:34:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! I am here with a Festive Friday post that I am actually really excited about... Before I get to my projects, I'll just refresh for you what exactly Festive Friday means, since I've had some new followers the last while...

Every Friday I post holiday projects; usually cards. I use one stamp set for all the projects posted, which has been chosen randomly (I numbered all my sets, then used the Random Number Generator), and I create 2 holiday cards/projects and try my best to create one non-holiday project with the same set. Trying to get more mileage out of my ~~too many~~ stamp sets! I do add other sets for help with sentiments and frame details for my die cuts, but other than that, I try to stick to only one - much like my One Set Wednesday challenge! (If you have no idea what I am talking about, just use the Search feature on the right sidebar!)

So today I am featuring one of my *favourite* stamp sets... Big Blooms: Poinsettias from Waltzingmouse Stamps. I use this one all.the.time. And for tons of non-holiday projects, which is what makes it so great.

First up, I used one of the poinsettia images to create a bit of a toile background for my card.

Next, I used the medium illustrated bloom and coloured it - I *love* colouring this image. It's always so impactful.

I actually started out by colouring a red bloom, but halfway through decided I wanted to go a different route, and started over. I stamped the image in grey so that it would be softer, and I love how it turned out!

Here's a close up for you:

And finally, I also made an all-occasion card using this one. I used the set to create a background for my WMS February Blog Party post, and loved it so much, I did another version of the same pattern.

You'd never know it was a Christmas set, would you?

One Set Wednesday... Just the Ticket

2012-02-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! It's Wednesday (and a total bonus day, too!), so I have a One Set Wednesday post to share with you... sort of.

See, you remember how I laid out the rules that every week I was going to use only one set to create about 4 cards?

Yeah... not today.

So here's the rundown... usually, I have one set to work with - chosen by the random number generator - and I create 3 all-occasion cards, and if possible, one holiday card.

Today's set is Just the Ticket from My Favorite Things. I *love* this set, because I love tickets... and these ones are almost oversized, which is really cool.

But not conducive to making a lot of cards without them all sort of looking the same with a different sentiment. Which is totally fine... but not the point of my One Set Wednesday posts, right? I want to take my sets out of the box a bit...

So, because I wanted to work on a few other things this week, I thought I'd cut today's post a bit short, since this set is sort of limiting in a way. So instead, I have two cards to share with you!

Now, don't let me lead you to believe this set isn't worth having in your collection... because it IS. I use it a *lot*, and it's so much fun. The scale of the tickets work really well on layouts - you can see how I used one here. Plus, they're such a fun way to add sentiments to your cards.

So for my first card, I used the set the way it was intended - to create a ticket to use as my sentiment.

I put my beloved Crate Paper goodies to work for this card... Then when I stamped my ticket, I rolled it in a darker shade after I stamped the lighter one, to give it a faded, aged effect. And, looking at this photo - I think I need to adjust where the ticket is sitting - don't you think?

For my next card, I wanted to do something out of the box, and create a card that didn't use a ticket at all.

I took the frame stamp that is included in the set, and stamped a background with it, using a little heart image from the set to complete it.

I also used one of the sentiments from the set, and selectively inked it, so I could stamp it into a smaller frame (from PTI).

So that's it for me today... it's a shorter post for a Wednesday... but I didn't want to exclude this set from my list. It was sort of like a step up from using a sentiment set, so I didn't put the same pressure on myself to create as much with it! I hope I still gave you some ideas, though!

You Glow Girl...

2012-02-28T00:00:00.001-08:00

Hey! Am I making up for all the silence around here the past few weeks? I told you I got my craft on...

Today I have a card for you that I made for this week's CAS-ual Fridays challenge... I have followed this challenge blog since they launched, and today is only the second time I have played along! You know me, usually the fussy, shabby girl... but if you've spent any time around here at all, you know that every once in awhile I like to throw something pretty clean and simple into the mix!

The theme for this week's challenge is to include a pun in our creation. I am so *not* punny... But I married the freakin' King of Pun. Oh yeah, it's loads of pun around here... *eye roll* Hardy har, right?

I was working on the bookmark I showed you yesterday, and while flipping through my Flourishes stamps, I noticed there are a few punny sentiments included in a couple of the sets, so I thought, why not?

For the record... there is a button tied with twine sitting on my desk, intended to dress up that yellow bow in my usual fashion... I literally had to restrain myself from fussing this card up. I realized I'd already added enough layers, it was time to just back off and un-fuss!

A departure for me, but I like it!

Life Without Love...

2012-02-26T22:21:00.000-08:00

Hey again! I told you I was back! I powered through some projects last Friday to try and get some stuff to share with you, because I really missed posting, and I have really been missing my favourite challenges!

I haven't been able to play with the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday for a couple of weeks, which is such a bummer, because it's definitely one of my favourite challenges, and I always try to make time for it!

This week, the challenge is to create a corner bookmark, which I've never done before, so it was fun to try!

This was so easy to put together, and I think it would make a really neat gift, so I'll have to keep it in mind for some of my book loving friends. And how refreshing to make something for an old-fashioned *book*. I just can't get into the e-reader craze... I totally appreciate why they're so great, but I just love holding a paperback in my hands!

Well, I hope your week is off to a good start... I have lots more to share this week, so I'll see you again!

Scrapbook Sunday... First Smile

2012-02-25T22:58:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends!

I know I missed last week's Scrapbook Sunday post, but I am here with a new layout to share with you today!

For this layout, I used Leigh's sketch, for her Pages with Papertrey challenge. Saying that, I didn't use anything Papertrey on this, other than the Autumn Rose cardstock I used to frame my photo! Does that count?

Is there any moment more perfect, precious and exciting as the first time you see your new baby smile? I couldn't believe I had my camera right there to capture it, when Josie gave me her first grin.

Now that she's nearly 2 years old, she is smiling all the time. She is *funny*! She's a little ball of mischief and a real sneak... but it's all for the reaction she gets. She is for certain her father's daughter.

Truth is, I don't *love* this layout, but I created it using beautiful Crate Paper goodies, so it has that going for it.

Look at that sweet little toothless girl. She didn't get her teeth until she was a bit older than some babies, and I *loved* it, because a toothless baby grin is one of the most beautiful things in the world!

I really want to keep working on my layouts... there are so many amazing ladies out there who do such incredible layouts, and I want to learn from them!

Thanks for taking a peek... enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Celebrate You... PTI February Blog Hop

2012-02-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Whew!! Look at the cobwebs around here! I know it's been super quiet, but the last few weeks have been busy, so the craft room was neglected for awhile. I know a couple of you were wondering if I'd dropped off the planet, but no such luck... I am still here and kicking!

What better way to make a comeback than with the February Papertrey Ink Blog Hop? I made sure I found time to create something for this month's theme, which is to create an interactive card.

I have to admit, my card is not that creative in terms of interaction. I looked and looked and of course, there are tons of neat ideas... but I just couldn't really see myself applying them. I didn't really want to create something I would never use. So instead, I included a pouch on the front of my card to include a gift tag - because you know how I love tags!

I made the tag to coordinate with the "wishing you a happy birthday" sentiment, but also made sure it would work well if used on it's own - so the recipient of this card could re-use the tag on a gift.

I hope this counts as interactive?

I sprayed my card base with some Tattered Angels, which unfortunately didn't photograph well... But the shimmer is beautiful, and it's seriously addictive!

Thanks for stopping by! I'll be back tomorrow with a Scrapbook Sunday post for you - back on schedule this week!

Thanks For Your Kindness... WMS February Blog Hop

2012-02-16T21:00:00.000-08:00

Hey guys!! Long time no see, huh? The last 2 weeks have been pretty insane around here, so I've had hardly any time to craft! But, today is the Waltzingmouse Blog Party, and I didn't want to miss it, so I carved out just a little time to create something to share.

The theme for this month's hop is Spring, so I decided to create my own pattern using bright, fresh colours. I also used this week's WMS Sketch for my card.

I just noticed how blurry this photo is - sorry about that! I was in a hurry when I was taking it...

I used the Big Blooms: Poinsettias to stamp my pattern in a few colours, and then added a few little butterflies from the Spring Baskets set, and then ran the whole thing through my Woodgrain Impression Plate (PTI). I also stamped my tag die cut on the edges with a similar pattern to frame my sentiment.

Here is a close up of my pattern:

See? Not just for Christmas!

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope that by next week, I am back on track with my posts. Wish me luck!

Scrapbook Sunday - My Girl...

2012-02-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Scrapbook Sunday! If there's anything I learned about myself these last few weeks, it's that if I decide to do something regularly on my blog, I will work harder to achieve my goals! I have completed all kinds of layouts to add to Josie's book, which is a great feeling (you know, that maybe I am not a terrible mother after all!)

The photo for this layout is a beautiful one... but it was such a not-beautiful moment that brought it to it's existence!

A beautiful late spring day, we decided to go for a drive in the mountains. Our destination was lunch at a restaurant owned by the son of one of Shirley's friends. Josie is never a fan of being in the car, so when she was fussy it wasn't anything new. But this time she was incredibly persistent. From where I was sitting, I couldn't really do anything for her, so I asked hubs to check on her. "I'll try, but I'm getting kind of dizzy". He's prone to motion sickness, you see.

You think someone might have caught on by now.

30 seconds later, as the roads got nice and winding, we heard it... and then we heard it again. And again. Emma, who's never thrown up in her life was quite shocked wondering "What did she do?!" Josie just started sobbing. We pulled over at the next rest area (thankfully right around the bend), and lucky for us there was a giant puddle next to the car that we used to mop up the mess.

So... this layout is the story of the day we found out that Josie suffers from car sickness. Now I am a little more patient with her dislike of the card.

Look at those luscious Crate Paper patterns. I have caught sight of the newest releases, and my poor wallet...

I created a glassine pocket behind the photo to hide a journalling card...

I also piled on the chipboard accents, because they're just so delicious.

In case you were wondering, I tend to go to PageMaps if I am feeling stuck for a sketch. I'd like to join more challenges, but the timing hasn't been right just yet - I always seem to find a great sketch just enough too late!

Thanks so much for looking! I am sure some day my daughter will be horrified that I shared this story with you all, but I sort of think it's our job as parents to keep them humble, right? *wink* By the way... we never did have lunch in the mountains!

Celebrate Today and Always...

2012-02-10T20:35:00.000-08:00

Hey guys!

I can't believe it, but I did manage to squeak in a project for today's sketch challenge on Nichole Heady's blog. I love a good sketch challenge, and if today wasn't such a busy day, I would have liked to make a card for every sketch - they're great! I think I will download Nichole's PDF and keep it for reference.

My mojo was on vacation today, apparently, though when I started cutting paper, it did sort of come together on it's own. Again, the magic of Crate Paper!

Here is the sketch I went with:

And here is the card I created:

I used the "Celebrate" portion of the "Celebrate the Season" sentiment from Think Big Favourites #10, and the "today and always" portion of the "Celebrate Today and Always" sentiment from the Mat Stack 2 Collection to create my sentiment.

Thanks for stopping by! Sorry there was no Festive Friday post this week, but it's been pretty busy this week and I just didn't manage to create anything. I'm really hoping to get right back on track next week!

Also - I had a question regarding the camera I use to take my photos, though there was no contact information, so I will give you the information here...

I use a Nikon D3100, and I have yet to take a course to learn how to use it properly! I will be hopefully doing that this spring, but in the meantime, I generally take my photos on the Auto/No Flash setting (unless I am trying to learn things on my own). I set my cards next to a great big window that lets lots of natural light in, so there is no lightbox or fancy bulbs or anything involved. Once I download my photos, I use The Gimp (free, downloadable version of Photoshop) to brighten and add more contrast to my photos. Sometimes, if I feel it's necessary, I will adjust my colour levels, since sometimes the daylight is cooler, giving a blue hue to my photos. I hope that helps!

Hello Friend...

2012-02-09T20:58:00.000-08:00

Hi again! I am here with another post for today's Pinterest inspired contest on Nichole Heady's blog in celebration of Papertrey Ink's five year anniversary.

When I was looking for inspiration for the first card I shared with you, I found all kinds of great photos to use (isn't that the point?) as jumping off points for other projects. So I chose another cherry themed photo, to create a non-cherry card.

I have learned I better not even log on to Pinterest unless I have endless hours to spend there. I couldn't believe how fast time slipped by while looking for some inspiration for one little project!

Here is the photo I used for this project:

Source: flickr.com via Meredith on Pinterest

And here is the very simple card I created:

I drew inspiration from the colours of the photo, and stamped my blue paper to resemble the linens on the table, and though it's tough to tell, my sentiment is stamped in a deep purple, similar to the colour of the cherries. I finished it with black twine, drawn from the rim of the bowl.

Pretty CAS for me, but I was pinched for time, and every once in awhile I like to do one like this!

Sweet on You...

2012-02-09T20:34:00.000-08:00

Hi guys! I am back again with a couple of posts to share my projects for today's contest on Nichole Heady's blog, using Pinterest as our inspiration.

I know I don't have to tell you I have a thing for cherries. I figured the easier way to tackle this challenge would be to pick the stamps I wanted to use, and search Pinterest from there. It still took forever to stop gazing at all the beautiful photos!

Here is one I chose, which I actually saw first when Bridget posted it on her blog a few months back. I *love* these cookies!

Source: bakeat350.blogspot.com via Meredith on Pinterest

And here is the card I created using the Fruit Fusion: Cherries mini set.

Alright... I have one more card to post, so I am going to go write up another post for you to read!

Happy Birthday...

2012-02-08T20:45:00.000-08:00

Hi again! I am here to share another card I created for today's contest on Nichole Heady's blog, using colour combinations inspired by the Papertrey Ink design team.

The second colour combination I chose was from Melissa Phillips, since I always love her projects, and a whole bunch of pink with a touch of green can never be a bad thing.

This card took a little while to come together, but once it did I really liked how it turned out. I used the Simple Sunflower set to create some layered flowers using a light pink (since I don't have hibiscus burst) and Autumn Rose inks.

I added some Simply Chartreuse felt to the centers of the flowers and added Hibiscus Burst buttons to the centers.

That's it from me today! Thanks for stopping by for a look!

Feel Better Soon...

2012-02-08T20:26:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! I am here with one of 2 posts quickly tonight to show you the cards I created for today's contest on Nichole Heady's blog for the Papertrey Ink 5th Anniversary. Today brings a colour challenge, using combinations inspired by the design team's favourites.

For my first card, I used Lisa Johnson's favourite combo, because I love any shade of turquoise with a pop of red!

I don't have all of these PTI colours (yet!), so I matched as close as I could. I also added a darker teal colour to help pull everything together (I hope that isn't against the rules!). I also went back to the same Card Patterns sketch, turning it upside down this time. I love a good sketch!

Unfortunately, someone really close to us is in the hospital, so I needed a get well card... I am hoping this one leans to the masculine side, as it isn't for a girlfriend!

Alright, I have another card to share, which means another post to write up!

One Set Wednesday... Iconic Images

2012-02-07T21:02:00.000-08:00

How is it Wednesday already? I can't believe how fast this week is going past me... but then, they're all like that lately.

But, being Wednesday, it's time for a One Set Wednesday post! Today I am featuring another Papertrey Ink set, Iconic Images. This was a complimentary set last summer during PTI's first Stamp-A-Faire event. Turns out, it's one of my favourite sets! So today's collection wasn't as big a challenge (a nice break, after last week's brain teaser! Speaking of which, thank you all *so* much for your kind words and encouragement on that post!)

Before I get to it, I have to confess that I was a bit hurried with today's cards. I had a dentist's appointment right in the middle of the day, and they were overbooked which made me run over - and I came home with a face so frozen I couldn't even feel my ear! My husband had a great time making fun of my new way of speaking for a time, until the freezing finally wore off!

The first two cards I have for you, I created using this week's sketch from Card Patterns. It's an incredibly versatile sketch, and I had to stop myself from making all of today's cards with it!

The thing I love most about this set is the ability to stamp my own patterns. I was intending to use this week's challenge to go *out* of that comfort zone, but time restraints got in my way...

I used distress inks to stamp a subtle pattern in the bottom right corner of the first card. I love using Ocean Tides with Rustic Cream... such a beautiful combo. And I could use that Woodgrain impression plate on every project!

Again, I stamped my own pattern, also using the Card Pattern sketch as my jumping off point. I love how easily patterns come together when I sit down with these images!

Normally I would have done a third all-occasion card, and I had all kinds of plans to use the cameo image in the set, but like I said - the dentist ran long. So I gave up the third every day card so I could stamp this holiday idea I had in mind...

I wanted to use the Woodgrain plate again, but thought it might be a bit repetitive, so I used a Sizzix folder that I have which mimics the shape of the stamp I used to create the tree:

And because the tree ended up a bit shorter than I anticipated, I added some more of the images to dress up the top a little bit, and used the star-like image as my tree topper:

I really wish I could have spent more time with this one - I had all kinds of fun sketches drawn up, but time just did not permit. Maybe I'll have to re-visit this one again!

Take care, my friends!! I will see you for Festive Friday!

Just Thinking of You...

2012-02-06T16:35:00.000-08:00

I am back with a second card I created for today's contest over at Nichole Heady's blog, as she celebrates Papertrey Ink's 5th anniversary.

As I mentioned in my previous post, we were challenged to use one of the stamp designers' digital images to create our project. I don't have Little Bitty Bird, so I took the opportunity to work with one of Heather's cute little illustrations!

I love Heather's style... I have so many of her sets, including many of the Tag Its series. I actually wanted to use Tag Its 3, since the flowers in that set are so similar to this digital image, however, they didn't really work for the kind of pattern I wanted to stamp. So I chose #5 instead! And since Heather clearly *loves* Kraft, I couldn't make a card without using it!

I will leave you with this adorable photo of my tiny assistant, helping me photograph today's card...

She also loved Heather's bird!

Wishing You the Happiest of Birthdays

2012-02-06T16:27:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! I am here to share one of 2 cards I created for today's contest over at Nichole Heady's blog. Keep an eye out... there's a second post coming behind this one!

Today we were challenged to use one of the images included in a free digital collection available at Nichole's blog. Each stamp designer contributed an image, and it was up to us which one we wanted to work with.

For this card, I chose Dawn's vibrant image. I loved the font combination, and the bright, summery colours.

I used the Guide Lines II set to create what I thought was kind of a "Dawn" background; bold and graphic.

Time to go post my second card!

Hi...

2012-02-05T21:01:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! Posting could be a bit busy in the next couple of days, if I manage to keep playing with Papertrey Ink's Anniversary festivities!

I have a card for this week's Timeless Tuesday at Flourishes. I was worried I wouldn't get a chance to play along this week, but I did finally manage to carve out some time.

This week was a sketch challenge which stumped me for a bit, but once I got going, it came pretty quick!

I used the Tiger Lily image from the Year of Flowers series, but decided to colour it like a pink lily instead. I think it turned out okay! The tag says "Hi", which I selectively inked from a stamp included in the Berry Sweet set. I just didn't grab the best photo of the tag!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope your week is off to a great start, and I'll see you again on Wednesday!

Merci...

2012-02-05T20:09:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! Are you tuned into the Papertrey Anniversary celebrations? Last year I was still somewhat new to PTI, so it was the first time I experienced how they celebrate. I didn't get to participate in many challenges, if I recall, so this year I am going to try my hardest to tackle at least most of them!

Today, we were challenged to draw inspiration from a member of the design team, create a project based on that, and then gush a little about the designer we chose.

No problem.

Betsy Veldman is a-may-zing. At least, in my opinion. That girl can take a stamp set and it's like magic when she's finished. I have learned *so* much from her blog, her Make it Monday tutorials, and her contributions to the PTI Newsletter.

Which is where I drew today's inspiration. Betsy's favourite project was one she created for the newsletter, showing an interesting way to showcase the sentiment of a card. Now, my talents pale in comparison to Betsy, but I loved this project when she fist shared it, and wanted to try the technique, so this was the push I needed.

I *wish* I could combine stamps the way that Betsy does, and I did her no justice with my card. That doesn't mean I don't like this card... I just don't want to imply that it's anywhere near the calibre of Betsy's skill!

Here is a close up of the sentiment label:

I also played along with a new sketch challenge, called I Spy Sketches. I love when I find a new sketch challenge!

And as a last note... I feel like I really got some excitement going in one of my recent posts when I mentioned I had a little something I was concentrating on that was taking time and energy away from my crafting... I don't want to get all your hopes up for something huge! I am doing something for myself that I should have done years ago... and finally the pieces seem to be falling into place. I am excited to share it with you, but I should warn you - it isn't related to paper in the least! But thank you all so much for such an enthusiastic response. You're *so* sweet, and I can't wait to share when it feels like the right time!

Scrapbook Sunday - Keep This Forever...

2012-02-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! Today is my anniversary, so it's sort of a special edition of Scrapbook Sunday here...

I knew I wanted to create a layout from our wedding to post today, because anything else just didn't feel right.

This is a picture of the two of us signing the registry after the ceremony. I think I've mentioned (just a LOT of times) how we had a snowflake themed wedding, in these cool blue tones with white and silver accents.

I included some acrylic flakes that I picked up over Christmas from the dollar store (you thought I'd forgotten about that place, right? *wink*)

I used a sketch from Creative Scrappers, and there was a doily - like image on it that I tried to emulate using a large doily as a mask, and a mist spray. Yeah, you try and get a photo of that...

So that's one more. This album might take my until our Silver Anniversary to complete... it's amazing how different things are now - our priorities are our babies, our relationships with lots of the people in the photos have changed so much... All the ones I picked out to scrap after the wedding 6 years ago are probably not necessarily the ones I would choose now. Funny, isn't it?

One thing I can say is that I know I love him more today than I did on this day 6 years ago. I had no idea then how lucky I was that he was saying 'I do'. So that alone makes me want to change the focus of this scrapbook... won't it be interesting to see where it ends up?

Cute as a Button, Baby Boy....

2012-02-03T22:04:00.000-08:00

Hi guys! Today my hubby and I are off for a day in Seattle to celebrate our 6th Anniversary (tomorrow). I *love* the Cheesecake Factory, so we decided to leave the kids with Grandma and have a day to ourselves, drive down South and enjoy some cheesecake and shopping!

I am popping in quick to share a card I made using this week's Make it Monday technique (the sentiment banner). My brother in law has 2 coworkers who recently gave birth to baby boys, so he asked Shirley and I for cards... she made one and I made one.

This one was tricky, because he wanted it larger than my usual A2 size, and he also wanted an extra piece of paper inside so all the teachers he works with could have lots of room to sign.

I wanted to make something pretty different from Shirley (who knows why, they're for different recipients!), so I got out Button Boutique from PTI for a different take on a baby card. I actually really like how it turned out!

Now, off to my day of doing grown up things! Have a great weekend!

Festive Friday - 2008 Holiday Tags...

2012-02-03T09:29:00.000-08:00

Hi guys! Sorry for the delay... I left my memory card behind last night at Shirley's, and didn't get it back until half an hour ago!

Back in action. Today I am using a set that I picked up right near the end of the holidays, so I didn't get to use it much at all... 2008 Holiday Tags from Papertrey Ink. The reason I bought the set, even so late in the season, is because it has a lot of images that could be used in many non-holiday applications. In fact, if I hadn't been so busy this week, I'd have loved to give you a bunch of examples! Maybe I'll do another feature post with this set in the future...

I have to admit, my mojo has been on a slight hiatus this past couple of weeks. I have been focusing on something else - something pretty big - and it's been taking a LOT of energy. I don't want to share too much just yet, as it's quite a big change for me, and I really want to get into the groove of things before I give it all away! But things are going really well - better than I might have thought - and the results are proving worth my efforts.

Back to my cards. These are somewhat simpler than my usual style, because, as I said, energy and mojo weren't the best this week!

My first card is super simple, but I wanted to really showcase the beautiful star frame.

I originally had it just green, but something was really lacking. So I used a circle punch to create a cut out to feature the star in red. A little rhinestone finished it off perfectly.

Next, I created a card using my favourite stamp in the set.

You had to know a snowflake was coming! I love the subtle tones of the paper, after using lots of distress ink to shade it.

And finally, a non-holiday card for you. I love how this one turned out. Could it be because it's full of Crate Paper goodness? *wink*

I used a sentiment from Friendship Jar: Spring Fillers before I realized there is a "Just for You" sentiment in the tag set - so I really shouldn't have had to use another set at all for this one! Isn't that frame lovely?

And I just want to throw my 2 cents in about the new ink from PTI... I LOVE it. I know a lot of people have been unsure about it because of previous issues with the ink from them, but I highly recommend it. The colour saturation is perfect, the image quality is nice and crisp, and I don't find the shape of the pads to be a hinderance at all.

If you were wondering, of course. *wink*

That's it for me today... I'll be back tomorrow though, so come back and say hi!

Festive Friday... postponed...

2012-02-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to tell you I hope to get my Festive Friday post up later this afternoon. Life has gotten in the way, but I hope to steal some time after lunch. Bear with me!

One Set Wednesday - Postmarks...

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

**ETA: Do you like how I forgot to copy and paste an entire chunk into my post? This has been a particularly forgetful week for me! Anyway, I've added the OSW details below now...

Hey guys! It's time for this week's One Set Wednesday post. Since I have a couple of new followers, I'll just quickly remind you what exactly I am talking about:

- I have numbered all of my stamp sets, and using the random number generator, assigned sets for the next few weeks - so no favouring on my part, and no chance of just picking the easy ones!

- I have excluded all sentiment sets, except for holiday ones - my sentiment sets see a *lot* of ink, and truly - they are too limiting.

- Using only the chosen set, I will create 3 all-occasion cards each week, and try my best to create one holiday card. The only exception to this rule will be when I need to do something that the day's set just can't do; creating frames around a die cut, for instance, or adding sentiments to a set that doesn't include any.

This week's set is Postmarks, from Papertrey Ink. It's a funny thing about this set. When it was being released, I fell in love, *instantly*. I knew I could create so many beautiful projects with it, and there were so many stamps. How could I resist? I loved the vintage appeal, I thought I had all kinds of ideas just swirling to put it to work.

But every time I pull this set out, it just eludes me. I think it's because I figure I have to do great things with it. After the projects I created for this week's post, I think I've learned to lean on this set for little accents here and there, when I need a little *something*.

In short, the challenge this week was hard.

So my first card. I just started stamping to see what kind of pattern would emerge, keeping a project that Betsy Veldman had created during the set's release at an arm's length, for inspiration.

If nothing else, I love the colours of that one. It's fun, it has the mail theme... but I am still not sure of it.

Saying that, I am least sure of my next project. I just started stamping, trying to create something that didn't look like it was created using a postage inspired stamp set.

Before I knew it, they said "birthday candles" to me. So I used a sentiment from Botanical Silhouettes to carry the theme through. Shirley likes this one, but I am still not so sure.

I thought this would be a fun set to put together a tiny little bundle of love. Maybe something to poke into my hubby's lunch bag.

I used the tiny envelope die to make my little package, then die cut some hearts to enclose.

I totally cheated and got out my Waltzingmouse "Sweethearts" set to stamp some love on to my little notes. I can hand write a message on the back to personalize them!

And, as you know, part of the challenge is to create a holiday themed card as well. Turns out, this is probably my favourite of the bunch!

There is a little snowflake included in the set (and you know me and snowflakes), so I knew I would use it to create some form of pattern. I started with the flourish that is included in the set, and took it from there. Here's a close-up:

Just lots of stamping and layering. I think it turned out pretty nice.

So that's Postmarks. I still love this set, but I don't think I could tackle whole cards focusing on it again. It was actually pretty overwhelming!

I hope to work on a few more projects this week to share with you, but I have been so busy this last couple of weeks, crafting has to take a backseat! Apparently the toilets don't care that I'd rather be stamping... sheesh!

Scrapbook Sunday - You Are the Best Thing...

2012-01-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! I tell you, by forcing myself to create a layout a week, it is really getting my juices flowing. I always love when I sit down to do a layout, and the more I do it, the more I want to do it (you know... like when you eat chocolate!).

Another layout dedicated to my beauties... I set this goal to catch up on Josie's scrapbook, so you'll have to be patient about all the baby pictures!

Back to today's layout.

I *love* when my girls match. If ever we're out and about you can bet they at least coordinate. Partly because I am anal, partly because I am a scrapbooker and it's all about the photo and colour coordination, and mostly because it is just THE cutest thing.

This was taken the better part of a year ago, so Josie was about 10 months old, and Emma was about 2 and a half. I remember this like it was a couple of weeks ago! We were at Grandma's house for a good friend's birthday lunch, and these girls stole the show.

I kept the journalling minimal and simple on this one...

By the way, I kind of like splattering *everything* these days...

Thanks for popping in! I hope you're having a great weekend, and that you might even manage some crafty time... what better way to spend a Sunday (or any day that ends in 'y', really...)?