Hangnailz n' Papercutz

A-maze-ing Birthday!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 21:30:00 +0000

I CASE'd this using a tutorial by Carol Gatton when Monday Inspiration was seriously lacking! LOL It was REALLY FUN!

Supplies: IN COLOR 2014-16 Cut and Ready Card Bases, Natural Composition Specialty DSP, Totally A-maze-ing stamps, Best Dad Ever stamps, IN COLOR Accessory Pack (SAB), Stazon Jet Black, plastic maze pieces, various circle punches, Crushed Curry cs, Very Vanilla cs, Old Olive, Summer Starfruit, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Baja Breeze and Rich Razzleberry Classic Ink.

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY... and ENJOY!

Oh, BABY!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 21:16:00 +0000

Isn't SPRINGTIME supposed to be about all things renewed or new? Flowers, babies, and bunnies....I'm trying to be excited. I'm not really feeling it, but I'm determined to tell myself that I AM and I CAN shake the "Winter Blues" and BLAHS. Fortunately, I had some work put before me, so it gave me an opportunity to gather my creative energy for the greater good. LOL

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY... and ENJOY!!

High HOPES for Spring!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 00:27:00 +0000

Lately, I've just been yearning for tolerable temperatures and happy colors! With SU! Sale-A-Bration winding down, I'm so glad I picked up a few noteworthy goodies to play with while I battle cabin fever. I also dug out a few serious THROWBACKS that have had my love and adoration over the years. Remember Designer Cuts laser cut pre-scored cards and envelopes? So beautiful and romantic looking... they really do make those special occasion a slightly quicker task. The Butterfly Basics Bundle is the IT thing to do in the Occasions Catalog... it is so very pretty and versatile.

Supplies: SU! Butterfly Basics stamps, Butterflies Thinlits dies, Beautiful Wings Embosslits, Love & Laughter stamps, Friends Who Know stamps, Sahara Sand Long Notes cards and envelopes, Designer Cuts cards and envelopes, Something Borrowed DSP and embellishments, Sahara Sand lace trim, Chalkboard paper, Labels Collection dies, Raven lace trim, eyelet trim punch, Sahara Sand Classic Ink, Blushing Bride Classic Ink, Stazon Jet Black, Colorbox Chalk White, brushed gold cs, gold sequin trim, whisper white ric rac trim, Lost Lagoon cs, Basic Black cs, Candlelight Christmas DSP, Very Vanilla cs, Crystal Effects, Basic Jewels, gold brads, World Map BG stamp, Bermuda Bay Classic Ink, Very Vanilla embossing powder, Ranger Perfect Pearls Mist.

As always... Thanks for stopping by and ENJOY!!

To Sir, With LOVE...

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 15:34:00 +0000

What is there to say in the New Year of my 40-SomethingISH year? Well, I don't think I could sum it up in any less than a novel, so let's KEEP IT MOVING. Life is short and it's sort of counter-productive to spend too much time contemplating the sum of our parts. 2015 has a nice ring to it, huh?! LOL That's my story and I'm sorta committed to sticking to it. True confession #1: I made ZERO Christmas crafts this year and kind of floated through the holidays in my usual reliably paradoxical fashion...for which I rarely make apologies or excuses. I thought I would GO HARD for Valentine's Day, because well... it's the next big one after Christmas, right?! My Hangnailz Page on FB gets the bulk of my limited attention nowadays, but I still stop in and muse and SHARE. Enjoy!

Happy Halloween!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 13:23:00 +0000

BOO!

I've moved over to FB in keeping with my very mobile life right now, but occasionally I stop in and post what I've been working on.

Please join me: HangnailznPapercutz on Facebook

Moving on....

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 20:41:00 +0000

I would REALLY LOVE IT if you would JOIN me on FACEBOOK for more...
Hangnailz AndPapercutz

Subtle BAJA Breezes over Manchester

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 04:45:00 +0000

So as I'm nursing what is feeling like the onset of a summer flu AND refusing to just lay down and suffer through it like a normal person, I felt sufficiently inspired to get into my craft room and find out if my MOJO is as sick as my body apparently is? It was a HAPPY ENDING in every way! I didn't have a plan or outline of what I intended to work on, but my stash of ready-to-go cards is nonexistent, so the need was clearly there.

Awesome THANKS for an AWESOME guy!

I'm so happy in the twilight of my crafting career to have mastered (significantly improved) my technique of masculine (or gender neutral) cards... LOL. For awhile there, I was stuck on girly accessorizing EVERYTHING! So thankful that I got that under control.

My favorite part is that small grommets (discontinued) work PERFECTLY with the camera die cut and I am the QUEEN of hoarding discontinued products.

YOU'RE AN ORIGINAL!

Vanilla Hodgepodge brads also work PERFECTLY with the camera die cut!

A framed inside message...

Live Simply

TEXTURE, TEXture, TEKS-CHUR... really works for this sort of "generic card" that I can stamp any sentiment inside when needed.

A DAPPER Man card

I am so drawing a blank on what I can do to fill that disturbing blank spot inside of that piece of bronze hardware? Any ideas?

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Feel Goods stamps, Dapper Dad stamps, Define Your Life stamps, Trust God stamps, Fabulous Phrases stamps, Family Reunion stamps, Bliss stamps, Chalk Talk stamps, Yippee Skippee! stamps, Linen BG stamp, Baja Breeze classic ink, Stazon Cotton White Opaque, Crumb Cake classic ink, Early Espresso classic ink, Kraft cs, Very Vanilla cs, Whisper White cs, Soft Suede cs, Basic Black cs, Baja Breeze cs, Always Artichoke cs, Honeycomb embossing folder, Woodgrain embossing folder, Manchester DSP, On Film Framelits, Chalk Talk Framelits, Tim Holtz Idea-ology Filmstrip, Very Vanilla embossing powder, small grommets, Essentials Hardware clips, silver mini brads, Sorbet ribbon originals, Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Argyl embossing folder, Cloud embossing folder, Bird Builder punch, Kraft eyelets, Basic Jewels, Always Artichoke seam binding, Vanilla Hodgepodge, Vanilla Shimmer Smooch, crochet lace trim, felt flowers, Crystal Effects, mini banner punch, burlap ribbon, brass hardware.

Thank you for visiting and ENJOY!!

Congratulations is in order!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 20:01:00 +0000

Way back when (LOL) I used to have all the time in the world to make cards, I had loads of complaints and "nit-picking" about this and that. Now, I'm just HAPPY as a clam to have had a moment to complete a card?! KWIM?! The cherry on the icing of this accomplishment is that it is a "masculine" card... another area where I have fallen short in an EPIC way in days gone by. I guess I shouldn't jinx my short-lived and sporadic mojo with too many details, but I will say that my inspiration definitely flows when there is need, opportunity, and not a whole lot of pressure. A very cool co-worker got promoted and I thought I would try my hand at a little paper adulation. I tried to keep it really simple and kinda mellow... but little gold scooter on dubs had me cracking up. That... and the WINE. Congratulations Lieutenant!

Stampin' UP! Chocolate Chip cs, Brocade Blue cs, Brown Sugar cs, Very Vanilla cs, The WHEEL Thing stamps, Road to Happiness stamps, gold embossing powder, black eyelets, embossing folders, thinlits dies.

My IDEA of an Easter Basket!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 23:55:00 +0000

Whew! Taking a moment to "BREATHE"... re-focus and revel in the "AHA" moment that has been the last 4 months! There is so much to tell and so many new developments, but I just can't get it all out in the fashion I would like to?! Another day, I suppose...

Right SMACK in the middle of me wanting (well, good intentions) to tell ALL about my new job and post the few projects I've had time to work on... a devastating development in Vilonia, Arkansas just knocked the wind out of me. My beautiful friend and her family lost their home and ALL their belongings in Sunday's TORNADO! My heart hurts for her, fiance Justin, and 5 children, but I'm amazed by her strength and determination. As we scramble to help out with money, clothing for children aged 2 months to 14 years, and any imaginable item to be donated... she is pointing out the rainbows in the skies over Vilonia and feeling blessed that their lives were spared.
I love you, Margaret and KEEP IT UP Girl!

Please HELP, if you can?!

Appreciating the "Old" of New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 17:24:00 +0000

First post of the New Year is supposed to be something EPIC and profound, right?! Yeah, probably NOT! It might be that I'm finally fully understanding what my mother meant by her cursory and inevitable response to our excitement over birthdays and holidays. "It's just ANOTHER day" she would say as we spontaneously deflated over her lack of enthusiasm. She is sitting at home, in this very moment, feeling pleased as punch that these life lessons were not lost on her eldest child. I'm GRATEFUL for the consistency of my life and not really embracing the idea of a "NEW" anything. I have no resolutions or delusions of grandeur about things that I'll accomplish in my 40th NEW YEAR... if it hasn't been accomplished thus far, obviously it isn't that crucial. I'll get around to it when I get around to it. I did pull out some stamp sets that had been sorely lacking my attention though, and I'm trying to get a feel for Apothecary Art? Maybe it is better suited to "altered" objects like apothecary jars and bottles? I can't remember what FIRE was lit under me to purchase it in the first place, but since I have it...

Happiest Birthday

Apothecary Art stamps, Night & Day Specialty DSP, Basic Black cs, Whisper White cs, Framelits: Labels Collection, Edgelits: Adorning Accents, Adorning Accents folders, basic jewels, black embossing powder, Basic Black craft ink, Stampin’ Write Markers, Melon Mambo classic ink, silver waffle paper, silver 1/8” ribbon.

So Grateful

Apothecary Art stamps, Timeless Portrait DSP, Very Vanilla cs, Basic Black cs, Framelits: Labels Collection, Marina Mist taffeta ribbon, styled vanilla hodgepodge, basic pearls, Stampin’ Write Markers, Very Vanilla embossing powder, Very Vanilla craft ink, Basic Black craft ink, black embossing powder, notch punch, corner punch.

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY and ENJOY!

A Christmas Blessing

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 04:49:00 +0000

The blessing in all of this might very well be that I wasn't entirely sure that there was a such thing as a "blessing". Nonetheless, I find myself counting them and certainly being grateful... at least until I find an alternative word. A war that wages on in my head, daily. In summation of this tumultuous, momentous, accomplished, inspiring, and sometimes heartbreaking year that I've experienced... LIFE IS STILL GOOD!
Today, I was offered a position that I believe I am perfectly suited for and I ACCEPTED IT with the thrill of little children on Christmas Day! I've squeaked, squealed, screamed, laughed and cried with joy and excitement today, but I think I'm still in shock and have not entirely absorbed the day's and subsequent year's events. Give me time... I'm sure the nomenclature that captures my emotions at this very moment will not elude me for long. I'm going into the NEW YEAR, happy, hopeful, purposeful, self-assured, and a little bit excited about things to come. I'm looking back over a year of enormous personal growth and some peace with love, loss and everything in between kind of wondering how I got so lucky? Marveling over the power of people and things in our lives to fall into place exactly when they are supposed to in exactly the way they are supposed to?

One thing is for sure... I'm so darn SHOCKED that I managed to make and get my Christmas cards out on time this year! Yay ME! I'm not going to obsess about crooked cuts, ink smudges, heat embossus interruptus (I HATE THAT!), or embellishment overload! Enjoy and BE MERRY!

Thanks for stopping by... and ENJOY!

Nights in Paris

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 07:00:00 +0000

JUST FOR FUN... So apparently, I was going through some things and had Paris on the brain. I'll admit that ARTISTIC ETCHINGS and TRAVELS ABROAD are two of my favorite throwback stamp sets, but I didn't really sit down intending to make several versions of the same card! LOL I'm so in love with the INCOLOR palette this time around. I think CRISP CANTALOUPE is my new favorite color, followed by BAKED BROWN SUGAR and PISTACHIO PUDDING. I'm definitely just having fun playing with stuff in the brief moments I have to escape the reality of work, kids, and family. When I said I wanted to be a grownup, this crap was NOT what I expected! I need a crafting retreat to regain my composure and sanity. I had to hurry up and post these quick pics I snapped with my phone, so I could begin posting the CHRISTMAS cards that I'm currently knee deep in creating.

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Strawberry Slush cs, Baked Brown Sugar cs, Crisp Cantaloupe cs, Pistachio Pudding cs, Coastal Cabana cs, Very Vanilla cs, Whisper White cs, Print Poetry cs stack, Artistic Etchings stamps, Travels Abroad stamps, Postage Due stamps, Perfectly Penned stamps, Bliss stamps, Distressed Dots BG stamp, Elementary Elegance stamps, Rue Des Fleurs stamps, Fabulous Phrases stamps, Define Your Life stamps, Elizabeth stamps, Best Dad Ever stamps, Established Elegance stamps, Swirls & Curls Verses stamps, Melon Mambo 1 1/4" wide striped grosgrain ribbon, Early Espresso 1 1/4" wide striped grosgrain ribbon, Certainly Celery 1 1/4" wide striped grosgrain ribbon, Midnight Muse stitched satin ribbon, Midnight Muse classic ink, Melon Mambo classic ink, Early Espresso classic ink, Crumb Cake classic ink, basic pearls, basic jewels, label punch, Melon Mambo polka-dot grosgrain ribbon, Soft Suede polka-dot grosgrain ribbon, Dahlias, nickel buttons, crochet lace trim, Cherry Cobbler scalloped polka-dot grosgrain ribbon, Cherry Cobbler classic ink, silver glimmer paper, doily die. Spellbinders dies, burlap, Stickles, Perfect Pearls Mist.

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY... HAPPY HOLIDAYS and ENJOY!!

His Day is Done - A Tribute Poem for Nelson Mandela by Dr. Maya Angelou

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 18:59:00 +0000

"Old Hollywood" Halloween Hijinx

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 16:22:00 +0000

Who doesn't LOVE a little luxuriously CREEPY "Old Hollywood" Halloween... I know I DO!
It's my favorite time of year and I'll call it a holiday, despite popular beliefs that Halloween is celebrating EVIL and glorifying horror and gore. I celebrate the fun of it and deny the existence of any evil intent or significance in that. I don't think Christ's feelings are hurt by that anymore than he's distraught over his birthday being celebrated with snow people, fruitcakes and fabulously bedecked trees that have little or nothing to do with his purported life. I embrace my "creepiness" and try not to take it too seriously... it's just another day, but it sure does break up the monotony of waiting for whatever comes after this world. I miss the good, old horror movies that didn't rely on trick cinematography and sickening machinations of a damaged mind. Just a solid story line a little suspense to scare the BEJESUS out of you, but you didn't feel like the writer of the screenplay needed to be in therapy or committed and that your eyeballs were violated just watching it.

I came across some photos from Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962) with two of my favorite screen icons, Bette Davis and Joan Crawford and thought: It's time to do one of my shabby collage style cards. I had a lot of fun with it and when all was said and done, I made this Halloween card and spooky bath duo for my stampin' sista, Erika. The bottle has scented bath salts in it and inside the box is a treat from LUSH cosmetics. Hope she's not too CREEPED OUT as she slips into the tub...after all, what are sisters for? I stuck some other goodies for her to play with in the box and it should be arriving, hmmm... TODAY! As for me, I'm off to have toast with the grape jelly my stampin' sista sent me and calling it a wrap for this Monday! Happy BOO, to you!

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Family Reunion stamps, Eat DRINK and Be Scary stamps, Full of Life stamps, Piece of Poison stamps, Spooky Bingo Bits stamps, Best Fiends stamps, Raven Lace Trim, Basic Gray & Very Vanilla striped 1 1/4" wide grosgrain ribbon, Basic Black & Very Vanilla striped 1 1/4" wide grosgrain ribbon, Howlstooth & Scaringbone DSP, Nite Owl DSP, Frightful Sight DSP, Basic Gray cs, Very Vanilla cs, vellum cs, Old Olive textured cs, Basic Black cs, Edgelits: Adorning Accents dies, Eyelet trim punch, Mistletoe ribbon originals, Very Vanilla velvet trim, black detail embossing powder, designer label punch, scalloped trim punch, Cloudy Day embossing folder, Filigree brads, silver mini brads, vintage tags, basic jewels rhinestones, Tangerine Tango classic ink.

Stazon Jet Black, Versamark, Recollections black adhesive rhinestones, Jolee's Boutique dimensional spiders, Spellbinders dies, Sizzix box die.

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY and ENJOY!!

Days gone by...

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 20:51:00 +0000

Over a year ago, I started collecting notions, embellishments, and whatnot from the clearance bins with the intention of making something my mother (the budding crafter) could have in memory of her mother, whom we lost some 30 years ago now. As is often the case, I found a 10x20 shadow box frame at Michael's on some crazy clearance and when it was all said and done with a 40% off coupon, I might have spent $7 on the whole project? When doesn't a craft-a-holic cruise the usual places collecting things for future projects that may... or may not EVER materialize? LOL. I'm kinda grateful that it did get pushed to the back burner because it created the opportunity for us to do it TOGETHER and 2 crafty minds are always better than 1!

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Timeless Portrait DSP, Mocha Morning specialty paper, Basic Black cs, Very Vanilla cs, brushed gold cs, wide striped grosgrain ribbon, Chantilly Lace, Flirty ribbon original, Antique Brass Hodgepodge, Simply Adorned charm, black lace ribbon, basic pearls, Beachfront ribbon originals, Spellbinders dies, Tim Holtz Tattered Florals die, Tim Holtz Idea-ology embellishments, gold SMOOCH spritz.

The EPIC FAIL in all of this... we just weren't that focused on taking great pictures and I apologize for that, but hopefully you can glean some of the really beautiful details from what I captured with my iPhone.

In true crafter form and spirit, I was NOT wanting to let her take it home when we finished! Of course, now I have an excuse to shop around and try and duplicate it for myself with a few modifications.

We really ENJOYED the time spent working on the project! I'm always amazed by the fact that my fondest memories never seem to fade. My life is still very much dictated by the impression left on me by my grandmother. My wacky methodology, firmly held superstitions, and fair to midlin' good looks and sturdy constitution all reminiscent of a women who departed this earth 3/4ths of my lifetime ago.

Thanks for stopping by and ENJOY!!

SPICE IS NICE!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 14:35:00 +0000

A little "SPICE CAKE" is always NICE!

I LOVE FALL! I love the warm colors, the leaves falling, the brisk air, HALLOWEEN, the onslaught of pumpkin spice confections...and the smorgasbord that is Thanksgiving! I also love SU! Spice Cake DSP and was super psyched to have a fitting card already made when I sat down to do the candle project for a friend who had a recent health crisis. It's a flame-less luminary and this is good... because she has these HUGE cats (Maine Coon) that scare the living BEJESUS out of me, so a fire hazard is probably one less thing to be concerned about! LOL

Supplies: Early Espresso cs, Pool Party textured cs, Very Vanilla cs, Spice Cake DSP, Soft Suede polka dot grosgrain ribbon, vintage adornments, basic pearls, Stampin' UP! Favorite Thoughts stamps, eyelet trim punch, Stampin' UP! Clockworks stamps, Stampin' UP! Sense of Time stamps, Bigz Beautiful Butterflies die, Pool Party embossing powder, Framelits: Floral Frames, Spellbinders dies, hatpin, burlap.

Thanks for stopping by...Enjoy!!

A Beau Chateau Birthday Gift!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 06:05:00 +0000

Shhhh.... it's supposed to be a SECRET! Something, I am obviously NOT very good at, but I'll just show you the gift wrapping and I won't divulge what the contents are. I've been working on this since last week and then added the final touch of the rose, yesterday when it occurred to me that it might be missing something to accentuate the burlap butterflies. What do you think? I love the Stampin' UP! Kraft boxes and I have kinda missed that old Beau Chateau Suite of products... I hope I don't change my mind about the gift wrapping 52 times before the actual day, because for once, I'm WAY AHEAD of schedule on this special birthday gift!

A VERY SPECIAL BIRTHDAY!!

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Beau Chateau DSP, Blushing Bride pleated satin ribbon, Marina Mist pleated satin ribbon, Soft Suede polka dot grosgrain ribbon, Marina Mist striped wide grosgrain ribbon, Vintage Adornments, burlap, stick pin.

Thanks for stopping by and ENJOY!!

Just because it feels good!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Tue, 24 Sep 2013 18:41:00 +0000

Every moment spent doing something you LOVE is a blessing! It's all about feeling good, even when the overall outlook isn't the most "perfect" picture, right? I have some time on my hands now to contemplate my existence and reflect on each day's events, carefully balancing my sometimes skewed perception with a healthy dose of real awareness. I'm still headstrong, optimistic, and often way-over-the-top, but I am constantly tweaking my awareness. LIFE IS GOOD!I had a few minutes to post my most recent projects **SMILE**. I'm almost tickled to death when an unexpected occasion arises to make a card because it just kind of "flows" and I don't screw myself up with the insane futility of planning, preparation, and placing impossible expectations on myself. I really do INVITE others to need a card... and hope that it isn't a tragic situation while I contain my joy at the necessity of creating it.

To console and encourage a friend...

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Sending Love DSP, First Edition specialty paper, Riding Hood Red cs, gold cs, Very Vanilla cs, Basic Black cs, Trust God stamps, antique brads, Basic Black striped wide grosgrain ribbon, Versamark, black embossing powder, gold SMOOCH spritz, Tim Holtz Tattered Florals die, Sizzix embossing folder, hat pin.

Happy Birthday to a brother I've never met...

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Print Poetry DSP stack, Midnight Muse cs, Very Vanilla cs, Gumball Green cs, Jersey ribbon originals, So Saffron brads, maze games, Totally A-Maze-ing stamps, Best Dad Ever stamps, Wild Wasabi embossing powder, Versamark.

Thank You for a guy I don't know...

Supplies: Stampin' UP! River Rock cs, Print Poetry DSP stack, Midnight Muse cs, Very Vanilla cs, Classic Pickups stamps, Perfectly Penned stamps, Versamark, Early Espresso embossing powder, hunter green SMOOCH spritz, Designer Naturals buttons, label punch, paper crimper, River Rock classic ink.

THANKS for stopping and ENJOY!!

End of LAZY Summer DAZE!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 15:17:00 +0000

That MOMENT... when there really just aren't adequate words to describe a whirlwind, frenzied period of LIFE CHANGING events that make you laugh and cry, all at the same time? Somehow, I'm grateful for every second of it, as I navigate my 40th year and ponder my significance in the universe. I'm kinda surprised or more like completely GOBSMACK'd that I now have more answers than questions, less trivial concerns, and a much improved sense of humor about life's little indignities that seem disproportionately bestowed upon the fairer sex. Have I mellowed?... well, hopefully not, but whether I like it or hate it... I'm being forced to accept delayed gratification in most things and enjoying the thrill of negotiating the terms of others. Things that make you go hmmm? Or run screaming it's Scotch o'clock somewhere... In these moments of insanity, I find balance and calm in crafting. I really hope to make more time to do so in the very near future!

Simply ADORNED Charm Bracelet

Happy Birthday to my BFF! We must be growing up or something, because our antics have definitely taken on a more mature and "less perilous" feel, and when I sat down to do this for her it just came together beautifully.

Supplies: Simply Adorned charm bracelet/pendants, Wisteria Wonder ruffled ribbon, assorted SU! stamps, basic jewels.

Wisteria Wonderful Gatefold Card

Stylin' SNOWFOLK Cards

...And so begins that favorite season of mine, when I tear my hair out and bite my nails to the quick trying to make handmade Christmas cards for a growing list of near and dears culminating in that nerve-wracking DEADLINE DAY when I arrive at the post office with my basketful of addressed HOLIDAY CONTRABAND and trade in my first born for the cost of postage and then leave with a smile knowing... yeah, I'll do it ALL AGAIN next year!! I love Holiday cardmaking!!

Supplies: Stylin' Snowfolk stamps, Merry & Bright stamps, doily die, designer label punch, glimmer paper, eyelet trim punch, Crystal Effects, Stickles, Very Vanilla velvet trim, Pool Party ruffled ribbon, Stampin' Write Markers, flourish designer frames, liquid pearls, stitched satin ribbon, Framelits: Apothecary Accents, felt flowers, mini brads, More Amore Specialty DSP, Kraft cs, Very Vanilla cs, Real Red grosgrain ribbon.

Orchard Harvest Wreath

I had so much FUN making my first wreath (previous post), that I could hardly contain myself in HOBBY LOBBY, frantically searching for more Styrofoam wreaths in anticipation of making a second! I'm loving the Stampin' UP! Simply Pressed molds and clay...hands down, my favorite purchase from the new catalog! I made this for a friend who likes blue and that is where all rhyme, reason and format went out the door? It might be a little "over the top", but I think she likes it! LOL

Supplies: Orchard Harvest designer fabric, Tim Holtz Tattered Florals die, Tim Holtz Ideology notions, Buttons & Blossoms Simply Pressed molds/clay, SU! reinkers, scalloped tulle ribbon, basic jewels, basic pears, mini clothespins, library clips, vintage brads, ribbon sliders, square rhinestone brads, ruffled ribbon, wide grosgrain ribbon.

Queen of the BLEEPING Universe!

It REALLY was some kinda AWEsome to ring in my 40th with my oldest and dearest friend... 35+ years I've known and LUV'd this chick and been GREEN with envy that she gets to be OLDER a whole 48 hours before I do, but THIS YEAR, I gladly let her hold that title until the wee hours of the morning that it was my turn.

ENJOY! THANKS FOR STOPPING BY...

...that's AMORE!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Sat, 13 Jul 2013 05:22:00 +0000

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie...that's AMORE!
When the world seems to shine like you've had too much wine...that's AMORE!
And when you spend the better part of 3 hours digging through your hoard of embellishments before even starting a project...that's deeply disturbing on so many levels. I'm supposed to be in bed recovering from my "hystericalECTOMY", but when have I EVER been practical, right? I sat down to make cards and then I remembered that I had a foam wreath that I kinda wanted to play with. I think it came out really cute?

MORE AMORE WREATH

Supplies: foam wreath, MORE AMORE designer fabric, Tim Holtz Tattered Florals die, BIGZ XL Beautiful Butterflies die, REAL RED glimmer brads, vintage faceted buttons, basic pearls, basic jewels, Artisan Embellishment Kit, trinket keys, heart buttons, Spice Cake designer buttons, Adornments: Dahlias, vintage adornments, designer builder brads, Sending Love epoxy brads, Fleurettes II, Pretties Kit flowers, Tim Holtz trimmings, Everyday Enchantment brads, Crystal Effects, Pool Party ruffled ribbon.

ENJOY!

Rockabilly BABY!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 03:58:00 +0000

I completely understood and empathized with my VERY expectant neighbor when she said, "NOTHING PINK!" I can remember that feeling like I remember my husband's deodorant used to make me wretch...like I remember the monitor picking up each contraction just a fraction of a second before it went ripping through my abdomen. Preparing for baby can have you all PINK'D out before the blessed day even arrives...and after dozens of adorable little pink, frilly get ups, you just long for something...NOT pink?! I was able to come through with card and gift, but it did take a little hunting around the baby department. She loved it and honestly, I loved the card so much...I had to force myself to give it to her. LOL Now, I'm going to have another baby girl...just so I can make this card! Just KIDDING!

Rockabilly Baby

Supplies: Riding Hood Red cs, Old Olive Textured cs, Whisper White cs, honeycomb embossing folder, pennant punch, Everything Nice stamps, Ciao, Baby! stamps, Rockabilly DSP, Spellbinders dies, Bigz XL Onsie die, cherry scented embossing powder, white eyelets, Embosslits: Sweetest Stem, mini clothes pins, 7/8" scallop circle punch, brights button assortment, basic jewels, Riding Hood Red satin pleated trim.

THANKS FOR VISITING and ENJOY!!

Life's Little Patio Parties!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 00:01:00 +0000

Life is a succession of Little Patio Parties, rain or shine...and a few unpredictable periods of repose interspersed, but I doubt I would have it any other way! I've transitioned into an involuntary period of repose and am coming around to accepting that this is probably the BEST time to just relax, reflect, and re-evaluate my game-plan. I love when my artistic aspirations align themselves, quite by accident, with the real circumstances of my life! The 5 1/2 month long rat race of school came to a successful and accomplished conclusion and admittedly, I do miss the pace of attending class and some of my more memorable classmates....but I was EXCITED to get back to my family life. And SUPER excited to get back to crafting regularly and feeling the joy of just doing it with no particular deadline and no specificity to my projects. I miss my crafty ladies in the stamping forums and having time, energy, and inspiration to do random acts of kindness for a community of gals that have been so wonderfully supportive and inspiring to me!

The beautiful and talented Erika Clark @ InkyPinkies sent me a highly coveted and gorgeous wreath and card back in March that arrived on a day when I so desperately needed encouragement and LUV from a friend....for that I'm eternally grateful! I decided to ink up my stamps and make a little "Thank You" for her. I think it turned out really well! I can't wait until mail is delivered, Monday!

You're A-MAZE-ing!

Supplies: Summer Starfruit cs, Whisper White cs, Patio Party DSP, 3/8" stitched satin ribbon, eyelet trim punch, Spellbinders dies, maze game pieces, bottle caps, Crystal Effects, Totally A-maze-ing stamps, Family Reunion stamps, Framelits: Hearts A Flutter, scalloped border punch, Pool Party embossing powder, word window punch, SMOOCH spritz.

I love these little maze game pieces....I think I might keep this set, now that I've used it ONCE!

I made this one for my adorable, funny GAL PAL Jennifer DeSteno Greco @ GlitterInMyHair who is remodeling a new house and recovering from a procedure... Feel better Friend, and check your mailbox on Monday!

Butterflies and Laughter!

Supplies: Summer Starfruit cs, Raspberry Ripple cs, Whisper White cs, Patio Party DSP, Feel Goods stamps, Edgelits: Finishing Touches, woodgrain embossing folder, Dreams Du Jour stamps, BIGZ Beautiful Butterflies die, Embosslits: Beautiful Wings die, basic jewels, Dazzling Details, silver eyelets.

This is a CD holder/card I made for the mother of my BFF who threw her an awesome 40th Birthday Cookout. I promised I would send the photos, so I decided to immortalize her 40th on CD and make a keepsake holder for it. The next day...I turned 40, too (long story...not this post)!

Amazing HOSTESS CD case holder/card

Supplies: Summer Starfruit cs, Raspberry Ripple cs, Whisper White cs, Pool Party DSP, Totally A-maze-ing stamps, Whimsical Alpha Upper stamps, Swirls & Curls Verses, basic jewels, Stickles, Spellbinders dies, maze game pieces, word window punch Crystal Effects, eyelet trim punch, doily die.

5th Year Blogiversary!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 04:52:00 +0000

Wow, 5th Year Blogiversary! Other than my 17-year relationship with my husband, I'm not sure I've had that kind of continuity with anything, LOL! And I certainly have not been a consistent, craft blogger, but I do take pause to look back over the past 5 years and see my evolution as a papercrafter and food & beverage impresario.
I'm stealing these few moments away from my studies and grueling school schedule. Despite my family being supportive of my largely full-time career as a Domestic Goddess, I decided to go back to school and become a medical assistant. SAHM becomes less credible when the children are out of the home for the majority of the day....so, I need new people to take care of. I won't lie though, the curriculum is intense....a far cry from many moons ago spent as a journalism major in easy A elective classes like Greek Mythology. Latin Medical Terminology is kicking my Dionysian ass!
A New Year, a new start, a blogging milestone and a little bit of a heavy heart as these days coincide with the birthday of a dear friend I recently lost to uterine cancer. It is more than losing my mojo...I feel like my core has been compromised. I was thinking to myself that I wanted to make her the most beautiful birthday card EVA, but...there is no address to send it to because now she only lives in my heart. I could hear her telling me in her gravelly, put-your-big-girl-panties-on voice that I should stop feeling sorry for myself and just go out and do it the hard way....so with tribute to my beautiful, intelligent and talented friend, I'm going to find a way to celebrate ALL that is GOOD in this life. What a better way than a little Old Hollywood and wedding cards? Salud!!

Yeah, I'm JADED and Limeade-ED!

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 06:04:00 +0000

My attempt to get a jump on Valentine's Day just went....horribly AWRY? I really do set out with good intentions, MOST OF THE TIME...but hey, I'm a little jaded. I really love this Berry Blossom DSP and I think it is just an extension of my love of pink and green....well, now Calypso Coral and Lucky Limeade. Limeade is my 2nd favorite beverage after wine and COKE....which really makes it my 3rd, right? Any who. It is always an adventure to pull out my many sentiment stamps from Hambo, Vivalasvegastamps, Rivercityrubberworks, and Sweet Grass stamps!

Any Objections?
Love the new stamp set, YOU RULE! That crown is soooo ADORBS and it works for cards and scrapbooking...if...by...some...miracle...I ever get back to scrapbooking. My youngest is 9 and I've captured his infancy and that's about it, lol.

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Spice Cake DSP, Very Vanilla card stock, Framelits: Floral Frames, Spellbinders Circles die, Early Espresso card stock, Pool Party textured card stock, Calypso Coral card stock, Whisper White card stock, Lucky Limeade card stock, Long Notes, Berry Blossom DSP, Patio Party DSP, Clockworks stamps, Stazon Timber Brown, More Mustard craft ink, Sense of Time stamps, Versamark, Pool Party embossing powder, Recollections Antique Mini Brads, Framelits: Apothecary Accents, Honeycomb textured impressions, Edgelits: Adorning Accents, Vintage Wallpaper textured impressions, Basic Black card stock, Tart & Tangy stamps, Stampin' Write Markers, spiral notebook punch, Crystal Effects, Stickles, Mouthwatering stamps, Calypso Coral ruffled ribbon, Lucky Limeade ruffled ribbon, Raspberry Ripple stitched satin ribbon, SweetShop jelly bean brads, printed designer brads, brights collection buttons, Aviary stamps, Rivercityrubberworks sentiment stamp, Accents & Elements Fleurette's, scalloped border punch, heat & stick powder, Recollections Signature fine glitter, You Rule stamps, Glubers, Vivalasvegastamps sentiment stamp, basic pearls, designer label punch, silver hodgepodge, 1 1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon, Summer Starfruit classic ink, Baja Breeze classic ink, Primrose Petals classic ink, scalloped circle punch.

BITE ME BITE ME BITE ME

I've been stuck in the library with the Breakfast Club since the 80's and I'm not ready to leave. The melons from this stamp set look so AWESOME glitzed and shined out with Crystal Effects and Stickles...you want to lick the card. Well, at least I DO!

A Warning or an Invitation?

I always see this as SUCH an INVITATION....I mean the possibilities are limitless, right?

I'm NOT a gossip....I'm a purveyor of truths!

Why DID I BUY THESE STAMPS, AGAIN?

Yeah, uhm...Clockworks and Sense of Time are going up on the auction block. I don't know what I was thinking, but they don't fit into my type of cardmaking. It is just too much work to try and express time passing, regret, and seize the day type of sentiments. I bet if I went through my over 200 stamps sets, I'd find quite a few that are just not my thing. Cést la vie....

Thank you for stopping by and ENJOY!

More to STASH...

noreply@blogger.com (Danyelle Kessler) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 13:02:00 +0000

It never ceases to amaze me the people that crafting brings into the same circle. Especially if you visit some of the boards on the more popular paper crafting sites and see the caliber of conversations about everything from religion and politics to grief and weight loss. It is very life-affirming to find yourself enjoying a conversation with someone whose beliefs couldn't be more fundamentally in opposition to your own, but the glue of card making put you in the same place at the same time. I'm grateful for the support from my crafting sisterhood....Thank you ALL! I'm still plugging away at replenishing my stash and feeling a little Valentine's Day crunch too! I have a Stampin' UP! order arriving on Friday and hopefully, I'll get to play with and post some goodies. I know I have a few old favorites in there, but I also have the new Father's Day and Valentine's Day stamps, papers, and accessories. I'm crossing my fingers that my MOJO lasts. Some days, it is touch and go.

Just For You
I made this one for my girl that I "ANGEL"....her favorite color is yellow and she is such a positive and upbeat person. I wish her nothing but the best in 2013. To her renewed health and prosperity!

Supplies: Stampin' UP! Greenhouse Gala DSP, Baja Breeze card stock, Daffodil Delight card stock, Early Espresso card stock, Real Red card stock, Whisper White card stock, Chevron Textured Impressions, Lacy Brocade Textured Impressions, Adorning Accents folders, Whisper White grosgrain ribbon, Spellbinders Labels die, eyelet trim punch, Perfectly Preserved stamps, Affection Collection stamps, designer naturals buttons, Early Espresso satin ribbon, linen thread, basic jewels, liquid pearls, Pool Party embossing powder, Tangerine Tango embossing powder, Versamark.

Love Always

I think this Affection Collection stamp set is so UBER cute!

Thanks for stopping by and ENJOY!!