Stampin Inspirations by Maria

Pink Cat Studio Black Friday Sale

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Hello Friends! It's Black Friday! Sounds pretty scary but if you shop online well, you won't run the risk of getting run over by shopping carts by crazy shoppers. I don't shop during Black Friday. There's nothing I want that badly that I'll take the risk of getting run over. LOL!

Well, guess what! When there's Black Friday, there's a sale and Pink Cat Studio has something for you! If you spend $3.00 or more in the digital or rubber stamp stores today then you will receive this new Sugar Plum Fairy digital stamp for free! This special offer will end at midnight EST Fri. Nov. 27.

Although the image isn't necessarily a Christmas image. . .I thought it was perfect for a Christmas card. I love using non-Christmas images and making Christmas cards with them. Most times, they usually work out fine.

I colored the image with my Copic Markers and basically layered the rest. Do you see the flowers? They're actually flowers for floral arrangements. They're much cheaper than scrapbook flowers or primas and I think they're perfect for embellishing cards.

Anyway be sure to stop by the Pink Cat Studio Digi store. Hope you have a wonderful Black Friday shopping day!

Card Details:

Stamps: Pink Cat Studio Plumb fairy
Paper: SU Buckaroo Blue, Real Red, SU DSP
Ink: Copic Markers
Accessories: Nestabilities, Fiskar scallop scissors, satin ribbon, button, hemp cord, floral embellishment

Thanksgiving Acetate Window Pocket w/Recipe Insert

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:50:00 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving Friends!! What are you all doing for Thanksgiving? Well, we're heading off to the winery for Thanksgiving. No family dinner at home. We actually don't have any family near where I live. In previous years since moving to California 4 1/2 years ago, we spent it with my husband's family, once in Las Vegas and on another year in Orange County about a 2 hours drive from where we live. Last year we decided to stay at home and cook Thanksgiving dinner and I think less than one third was eaten. I recently found a vacuum sealed bag of last year's Prime rib. LOL! We decided that a no fuss Thanksgiving will be better for us! So the winery it is!

Before I discuss my project, I want to say that I am so extremely blessed. . .beyond what I could ever imagine for myself. Growing up as a child was a difficult period for me for various reasons. Quite frankly, most were of my creation and how I viewed life. It's funny how your perspective of your life can really make a difference. You can live in the same condition and with the right attitude and optimism, your life can be seen as beautiful. I am so glad that I've realized that many times happiness is a result of how you perceive your life rather than your actually life condition.

I'm blessed with a wonderful husband and daughter. I live in a comfortable home and am able to pursue the things I love to do like crafting, blogging, and many other things. I have friends and family that care for me. I may not have all the materialistic things that many others do but what I have is beautiful and I really don't care to have more. . . .well, except for craft stuff. LOL! Too funny, I did have to add that. I'm healthy, I'm becoming more physically fit, I have more energy, and gosh, life is darn good.

I want to wish you all a blessed day filled with love, happiness, and lots of food!

Okay. . .now to my project. I created a tutorial for this project yesterday if you want to try it out. It was such an easy project to create, I had to try it out again. If you want to try it out:

Click Here.

Yesterday I created the pocket with insert in a Christmas theme. Today, I decided on making one with a Thanksgiving theme. Rather than just a card insert, I decided to create a recipe card as the insert.

I heat embossed the image onto acetate and printed the recipe on to vellum. I attached the vellum on to card stock that was stamped with the leaf design. To top the project off, I added a satin ribbon and a floral embellishment.

Anyway. .I hope you all have a wonderful day and happy Black Friday shopping tomorrow. I wish I had more money to shop but well, that's okay. . .I may shop a few places but I have to stick to a small budget. Are you going to do any major shopping tomorrow? I'm just going to shop online and not deal with the craziness at the shopping mall. Ugggh! I can't deal with the zoo. . .besides, I usually end up shopping for stuff I normally wouldn't buy just because it's on sale and that. . .is not a good thing.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!

Project Details:

Stamps: Autumn Splendor
Paper: SU Real Rust, More Mustard, acetate, vellum
Ink: Versamark ink, Real Rust, Close to Cocoa, Buckaroo Blue
Accessories: SU Chocolate Chip satin ribbon, Floral stems, Nestabilities

Vellum/Acetate Window Pocket with Insert Tutorial

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:01:00 +0000

Good Morning, Friends! Are you all excited for Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving is like the kick off to the holidays and for me, it's very exciting. I've been creating Christmas cards all year but I still need to finish up a bunch of gift items and I am sorely behind on those. I'm actually quite disappointed that I won't have enough time to create all the Christmas gift items that I wanted to create. I think next year I'll start creating both cards and gift items early.

I have so many things to be thankful for. Everyday I am thankful that I have the opportunity to pursue my hobbies. I have so many things I want to do and I'm always wishing I had more time to do them. I have all these ideas but at the same time I think I lack ambition. I think if you really want something and you have the drive to do it, the possibilities are endless. I'm so impressed by many people in blog land and how talented and ambitious they are. If I had to wish for something, I would ask for more energy and drive. I sometimes lack them.

One of my goals next year as far as crafting is to start creating video tutorials again. I had stopped making them because I was upset that YouTube deleted a bunch of my tutorials because of the music copyright issue. My husband recently bought me the Sony Vegas Movie Maker which is pretty expensive so I have to use it for something. LOL! I just won't create tutorials with music on it. I have to also improve on my public speaking abilities. LOL! I'm terrible. I hate listening to myself on my videos.

Another goal of mine is to focus more on fitness and nutrition and living a much healthier lifestyle. I won't tell you what I really want to do with it because I don't want to jinx myself or embarrass myself if I can't accomplish it.

I have other ambitious goals but again, I don't want to jinx myself. I have a real problem starting off something and not quite following through. Usually, the time factor is an issue and my lack of energy. I think as I get more involved in physical exercise, I'll gain more energy. I am so wishing for it. I want to be full of energy to keep up with the demands I have of myself.

Life is short and you have to live like today is your last. I try to live by that concept on a daily basis. . .if only I had the energy to do all the things I want to do. Extra time would also help.

Enough of my yapping. I can sure say a lot, huh? LOL! Okay, now to my project. I actually created the tutorial for this project (Vellum/Acetate Window Pocket with Insert) 2 years ago but I've never published it publicly. I re-edited it and decided to create a Christmas project for it. For my Christmas project, I decided to use Acetate (overhead projector sheet). I heat embossed the image on to acetate. I love the Stampin Up "Patterned Pines" stamp set. It's a perfect set for heat embossing.

I also stamped the insert with snowflakes but you can't really see it in the picture. It's a very simple project and you can easily create a bunch of them quite quickly.

Some of you have been telling me that the tutorial don't print properly. I suggest that you change the margin of your printer to .5 inches on either side. I sometimes extend the margins to the Word document when I create my tutorials because I try to minimize the amount of pages to the tutorial. You may also need to subscribe to Scribd in order to print or download the tutorial. You can download the tutorial in PDF or Word format. There's a drop menu that gives you the choice on what format you want to download the tutorial. Click on the link below and it will bring you to my Scribd account.

Anyway, try out the tutorial. I think I'm going to spend the day crafting. I have so many things I need to do but I really need to work on my Christmas projects first before I work on other things!

Well I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!!

Project Details:

Stamp: SU Patterned Pines, Snow Swirled
Paper: SU Night of Navy, Soft Sky and Bashful Blue
Ink: Versamark Ink, Colorbox White pigment ink
Accessories: White embossing powder, Nestabilities, Organdy ribbon, Dress Me Up Button
Vellum/Acetate Window Pocket With Insert

Little C's Stamp n' Scrap Hawaii JJ Kidz Jaz w/Plumeria Card

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:44:00 +0000

Hi Friends!! I'm in the middle of creating Christmas projects but I needed to take a break and make a card for Little C's Stamp n' Scrap Hawaii. It's nice to take a break from all the Christmas cards and projects so I really had fun making this card.

It's going to be a short post today because I really am a bit behind right now. If I don't respond to your emails right away . . .I'll get to them in a few days or when I have the time to sit at my computer. I've been trying to stay away from my computer for two reasons, I get sucked into blurfing and Facebook and I don't have the leisure time right now to do that and I think I pulled a muscle on my right hip and back about a year ago and from time to time, it's so painful to sit for very long periods of time. Ugggh! I really need to get it checked but I've been too lazy to visit the doctor. There are days when it doesn't hurt but some days it bothers me a lot and today is one of my bad days.

This cutie's name is Little C's JJ Kidz Jaz w/Plumeria and you can find her at Little C's. I colored the image with my Copic Markers and added dew drops to the sentiment. You can find the dew drops at Little C's as well. If you want information on the materials I used on my card, please email me at cardinspired@gmail.com

Hope you all have a beautiful Tuesday!!!

Angels Landing Blog Candy Winner

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:51:00 +0000

Hey Friends!!!! I've have a winner for the Angels Landing Blog Candy!

I want to congratulate Monique of Monique's Weblog! Whoohoo!!!

I used random.org and the number that was generated was #49! Thank you to all of you who commented and played along in the Angels Landing blog hop! Monique can you please contact me at cardinspired@gmail.com!

I have no cards or project to post today. I'm busy with a few Christmas gift stuff. I'll see you all tomorrow!! Hope you all have a wonderful evening!

The Character Cafe Christmas Scamp and SU Patterned Pines

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:39:00 +0000

Happy Sunday, Friends! I was busy last night creating a few cards! I'm getting myself prepared to be crazy busy this week finishing up ALL of my Christmas creations and such. Hopefully, I'll be able to remain focused and not go off and do other things which I tend to do!!

I decided to work on using this cute "The Character Cafe" image. Isn't this litle pup the cutest or what? He just melts your heart. . .he is also a naughty little puppy because he is playing with the Christmas lights! LOL! This cutie's name is "Christmas Scamp". I colored the image with my Copic Markers, added a bit of puff paint to the cap, and a bit of glitter to parts of the snowflake background.

Card Details:

Stamps: The Character Cafe Christmas Scamp
Paper: DCWV designer paper, SU Certainly Celery, Brilliant Blue
Ink: Copic Markers, Scribbles Iridescent Paint, Tulip Puffy Paint
Accessories: Nestabilities, Fiskar Scallop Scissors, Dress Me Up button, SU Grosgrain ribbon

Okay, I was a little ambitious on this set. I not only made one card but 3 cards and to me, that's being ambitious. Actually, not really. . .the cards are very simple in design but I had fun making them. I embossed the images with white embossing powder on to a silver metallic card stock and added a bit of Scribbles paint to the Christmas tress to create the dots. That's about it.

Metallic card stock really can make a world of difference by making your card look very elegant. I bought a package of metallic card stock which by the way were on the clearance rack at Michaels. Do you know, before I head anywhere else at Michaels, I always check the clearance rack first. With a little imagination, you can really find some really good stuff. You just have to be able to imagine what you can make with them while you're there. Sometimes it's fun to find bargain stuff and create something really nice with them.

As you can see I embossed the Christmas trees on to the metallic card stock. Simple stuff so these cards were actually quite fast to create. . .that's the reason why I created 3 of them. .. :) The simpler the better.

To create the snowflake, I embossed the image using white embossing powder and cut the image out. I then punched two holes and tied a bow at the center to dress up the snowflake.

Anyway. . .I'm not gonna chit-chat much today because I really need to get started on my Christmas projects and cards so I can get them done by the end of the week. I am hoping I can get them finished so I can concentrate on perhaps relaxing a bit during the holidays. . .:)

Before I go. . .stop by my organization blog "Project Organization 365 Days of the Yea r" and check out today's challenge. It focuses on your craft room today!

Hope you all have a beautiful Sunday!

Card Details:

Stamps: SU Patterned Pines, Snow Swirl (sentiment)
Paper: AC Metallic card stock, SU Real Red
Ink: Versamark ink
Accessories: White embossing powder, organdy ribbon, SU Ticket Corner Punch, DCWV adhesive ribbon

Little C's Stamp n' Scrap Hawaii Aloha Friday Challenge - Stitches and JJ Kidz Digi Image

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:17:00 +0000

Hello Friends! Hope you all are having a wonderful Saturday!! Hey, I forgot to post my card for Little C's Stamp n Scrap Hawaii Aloha Friday Challenge. Oops! Well, that's okay because you have 2 weeks (Dec. 3) to participate and submit your card at Stamp n' Scrap Hawaii!!! Why don't you play along. . .you'll have a chance to win a Christmas stamp of your choice from Little C's up to a value of $10. Whoohoo!

Well this week's challenge is to create a card or project incorporating stitches! Faux stitching is acceptable too. I love stitches. It's basically the only time I have a chance to use my sewing machine! LOL! And boy, did I go all out or what?

Check out the stitches around the image. I can't believe my stitches came out evenly considering I've never tried to sew around a round shape. It wasn't difficult. . .you just need to sew very slowly. LOL! I decided to use the super cute JJ Kidz digital image "Jaz Holding Balloons". You can find the JJ Kidz digi images at Little C's. The JJ Kidz images are so adorable.

I colored the image with my Copic Markers and that's basically it. Nothing much else to my card other than the stitchings. Hey. . .be sure to stop by Little C's Stamp n Scrap Hawaii and check out the pretty cards created by the design team!!!

Lately, I just can't seem to focus on things I need to do especially on my Christmas stuff. I think I'm on "shut down" mode right now! LOL! I just can't seem to get going. Ugggh! It's difficult because there's always something non-crafting that requires my attention. How are you all doing with your Christmas creations? Are you all on the ball?

Well, I better stop here so I can get my butt going. . .time is ticking. . .

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

The Character Cafe Feature Friday Sketch Challenge #6 and Guest Designer

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Hello Friends! Happy Friday to all of you!! Guess what! I'm this week's "The Character Cafe" guest designer! Whoohoo! How fun is that? Very fun, I must say! Well as a guest designer I'm hosting this week's challenge! Yup! I created a sketch for you to play with and if you play along you may have a chance to win a cool prize!!!

Here are the details:

The Winner will receive Pax Penguin and Santa's List images, a 15% off Discount Coupon for your entire purchase at The Cafe Store, your card featured on our blog (and in the winners section of the store!), as well as a winner's badge for your blog.

Hop on to the Character Cafe blog and submit your beautiful card using my sketch below. I would love you to play along. . .make my week as a guest designer a fun one!! The more submissions, the more fun it'll be!!!

Here is the sketch to follow!

Oh my gosh, the Character Cafe is a digital stamp store with so many cute, cute images. You need to check it out. I decided to use the "Gift Giver Kitt-E" image. This image is very versatile because it can be used for any occasion. I colored the image with my Copic Markers and layered the card with designer paper and card stock following the sketch!!

Be sure to stop by the Character Cafe blog and check out all the awesome cards created by the design team!!

Card Details:

Stamps: the Character Cafe Gift Giver Kitt-E
Paper: SU Designer paper, SU Shara Sand, True Thyme
Ink: Copic Markers
Accessories: JoAnn Brads, Organdy Ribbon, Nestabilities, Marvy 1 3/4" punch, Fiskar Scallop Scissors, Jolee's Boutique Snow Flake

How are you all doing with your Holiday creations! OMG! I feel like I'm behind despite the fact that I have been creating Christmas cards all year long. It's the "gift" creations that I'm behind on. I REALLY need to focus on creating them this week but ugggh, I am so ill focused. I'm the type of person that needs to have a lot of things going on. LOL! I like being ubber busy. . .my day goes by really quickly and I really have fun doing different things.

Anyway, I better get my butt off this computer before I end up on Facebook again. That place is a bad place for someone who has a lot of things to do. LOL! It's so fun that's why. You get to chat and be entertained by what people post. You also get to know the people that you see on blog land a little better. If you're on Facebook, add me as a friend: Click Here

Well, I hope you all have a beautiful Friday!!

Pink Cat Studio Digi Stamp Release and Mini Kleenex Package Holder Tutorial

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:15:00 +0000

Hello Friends!!! Today is Thursday and Thursday is Pink Cat Studio's Digi Stamps release. Yay! The images are perfect for this time of the year with everyone catching the cold. I decided to create a "Mini Kleenex Package Holder" and posted the tutorial below. It's funny because I had bought a bulk pack of travel Kleenex packages about a year ago with the intention of creating something with them. It's one of those times when I walk into a store and think "I can make a fun creation with that" and when I get home, it sort of just sit there. . .no fun projects created. As I was going through my container of "stuff", I found the package of Kleenex and I thought "perfect"!!!!

Okay. . .be sure to check out the beautiful cards/projects created by the Pink Cat Studio Design Team:

Alicia Weiman
Emily Leiphart
Inge Groot
Kerry Donovan-Casey
Kristen Catalano
MacKenzie Bruckler
Maria Bell
Suzanne J Dean
Tracey Cuccia
Tori Hemmingway
Vicki Garret

Be sure to stop by the Pink Cat Studio blog as well. . .check out what is going on over there!

As you can see the Kleenex package slips into the holder. It's perfect for kids or for your desk! So fun, don't you think? I colored the image with my Copic Markers and basically created a simple design for the holder. I've been a little overwhelmed lately. I have so many things I need to do before December rolls around. We'll be heading to Europe in a few weeks and I really need to get all my Christmas shopping done, projects completed, and all the gifts sent out the first week of December. I'm a little more organized than last year but at the same time, I feel I'm already behind. Uggh!

Anyway. . try out the tutorial. It's a super easy project. I always say that but honestly, I don't like complicated projects so I try to come up with projects that can be made with minimal components and materials. I mean, who wants to spend hours creating one project? Not me! LOL!

Well, I hope you all have a beautiful day!

Project Details:

Stamps: Pink Cat Studio digi stamp Sick Lily, Free sentiments
Paper: DCWV designer paper, SU Cool Caribbean (I think)
Ink: Copic Markers
Accessories: Nestabilities, JoAnns brads

Mini Kleenex Package Holder

Angels Landing November Blog Hop, Blog Candy, and Candy Bar/ Cocoa Packet Holder Tutorial!!!

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the November Angels Landing Blog Hop. If you missed the beginning, head over to Judi's digital stamps blog and follow the links. Today the Design Team is introducing two new digital image sets for November, Polar Bear Cubs and Button Bugs.

To celebrate the new releases, I'm offering some Blog Candy. One lucky winner will receive free download links for both of this month's new releases, Polar Bear Cubs and Button Bugs. To be eligible to win, leave a comment on my Blog Hop post before Sunday November 22, 2009, at 11:00 PM Eastern USA time. I'll use random.org to pick a winner on Monday November 23. Please remember to check back again then to see whether you've won.

Be sure to visit the other designers in today's Blog Hop, since there are more Blog Candy offers. Good luck. Your next stop on today's Blog Hop is Broni Holcombe

If you get lost along the way, check the master list on Judi's digital stamps blog. Thanks for visiting, and I hope you'll enjoy the rest of the hop.

Okay. . ..you're like Holy Cow, you were busy! Actually other than coloring the images, it wasn't so bad. On Saturday I went to several garage sales and I got a super awesome deal on greeting card size envelopes! A shoe size box full of envelopes for a $1. Seriously! Just a dollar. . .but now, I have a ton of A9 size envelopes that I don't typically use. LOL! I had created a tutorial in the past using greeting card size envelopes so I decided to work on this project and use up some of the envelopes. The original tutorial was a holder for a candy bar but for this project, rather than inserting a candy bar, I decided a cocoa packet was more appropriate. Scroll down for the tutorial.

I decided to create 3 sets of 3 cocoa packet holders using the super cute Angels Landing "Polar Bear Cubs" images. I colored the images with my Copic Markers, decorated the envelopes, and inserted cocoa packets in the pockets.

I also decided to create an altered heart box and the Button Bugs images were perfect for this box. I printed the butterfly images on to vellum paper and designer paper, cut the images out and mounted them on to one another. I then added dew drops to the butterflies. The button border around the box was created by using one of the button images from the Button Bug digi set, lining them in a row and printing them on to designer paper.

Anyway, don't forget to comment for the chance to win the 2 sets of Angels Landing digi images. Try out the tutorial below. It's a super easy project. If you want the recipe for the projects I created, please email me at cardinsired@gmail.com.

Don't forget to hop on to Broni's blog to follow the blog hop trail. . :)

Hope y'all have a wonderful Wednesday!!!

Candy Bar-Cocoa Packet Holder

Little C's Stamp n' Scrap Hawaii Whiff of Joy Pink Christmas and Coloring on Vellum Tutorial

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:04:00 +0000

Hi Friends!! Today is Day #4 of my Facebook "Thankful For". Today on Facebook I posted "I'm thankful because a lost cat chose our house to find comfort" LOL! I was awoken this morning at 5:00 am with this constant meowing and I thought that maybe our cat was trapped in a closet or something so I walked around the house. My husband also walked around the house looking for our cat and he heard a meowing outside of the house. He opened the front door and there was a beautiful looking cat at our doorstep. As soon as my husband opened the door, the cat tried to get into our house. It was 36 degrees this morning so it was obvious the poor cat was cold so I told my husband to let her in. Luckily, she had a tag and we called the owner.

I'm glad she came to our house because if she were have to gone to another house, they may have turned her away. We have cats of our own and they're like family to us so we could not turn this poor kitty away. Maybe she chose our house because she knew that we would take care of her. The cat's name was "Princess". .. and she did look like a princess. Well, she's back with her family. I hope that they don't let her out again when the temperature is so cold or at least keep track of her so she doesn't get lost again. Actually, this is the second cat to meow at our door step on a cold morning. I guess our house is the neighborhood cat shelter. .. LOL!!

Okay. . .now to my card. Today is my day to post a card at Little C's Stamp n' Scrap Hawaii. I wanted to do something different so I decided to stamp on vellum and use my SU markers to color the image. The face is a little dark because the SU Marker seem to color darker than the color of the marker's cover. I adhered the vellum on to designer paper to pretty up the background a little bit. I think I'm going to color more images on vellum. I have a lot of them and I'd really like to use them. Next time, I'll use Copic Markers because I have more color options. Below is a tutorial on coloring on vellum. I actually created this tutorial a whle ago.

I decided to the Whiff of Joy image "Melinda Christmas Angel". You can find this beautiful stamp at Little C's along with a lot of other Whiff of Joy stamps! Be sure to stop by Little C's and check out all the fun stamps there!!!

In person, the image has a pretty translucent look to it. Try it out! It's a great way to use up your vellum paper.

Anyway. .. today is a busy day so I better hop to it! I hope you all have a beautiful Tuesday!!!

Coloring on Vellum Paper

Pink Cat Studio Lily in Winter Rubber Stamp Release and Thankful for Day #3

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:06:00 +0000

Hello Friends!! Today is Day #3 of my "thankful for" comment on Facebook. I wrote on Facebook "I am thankful for having the spirit of a 20 year old but the wisdom of a 40 year old. The two together is an awesome place to be". LOL! When I was in my 20s, I was very spontaneous, carefree, and sort of fearless to some degree. Unfortunately, those qualities without the wisdom can get you in a lot of trouble. LOL! Combined with the wisdom, having the spirit of a 20 year old keeps me feeling young.

I still turn up the volume on my stereo which drives my husband nuts. He hates the blaring loud noise. I love going to rock concerts and amusement parks. I'm very spontaneous. . .my husband has had to reel me in on many occasions, without him, I would probably drive my car and without thinking about it, drive to Vegas on a whim. Seriously! I probably would. I'm not as fearless as I used to be because that's where wisdom come into play. I'm a lot more cautious now that I'm older.

My daughter tells me she likes to hang out with me because I don't "act" like an "old person". That's hilarious! How does an old person act? Like my husband, maybe? Actually, my husband is a cross between a very old person and a 20 something. He sort of goes back and forth depending on the situation. Are you young in spirit too? I think it's good to be young in that way. . .it keeps you feeling energized and alive. I mean. . .we'll be very old one day so why speed up the process, right?

Anyway. . .I would love to talk about this more but I have to bring my dogs out to pee! They're waiting for me. . .:) LOL!

Okay. . .let's get down to busines. . .Pink Cat Studio is releasing a few sets of stamps that are smaller than their typical large sets. Whoohoo! This will give you more options at a lower price. They are releasing three “Lily in Winter” themed rubber stamp sets. Each set has 3 stamps which include a large Lily stamp, a small coordinating stamp and a sentiment. Visit the Pink Cat Studio website to see the new stamps:

I created a card with "Lily in a Winter Coat". I thought pink was perfect for this cutie. I colored the image with my Copic Markers, added a bit of glitter to the image, cut it out and mounted it over a panel embossed using a CB embossing Folder. The snowflakes are actually snowflake buttons by "Dress it Up".

Anyway. . .be sure to stop by and check out all the cute stamp releases at Pink Cat Studio. I gotta run. . .my dogs are calling out to me. . . .natures calling. LOL!

Hey, stop by my organization blog "Project Organization 365 Days of the Year" and check out today's challenge! Hope you'll play along!!!

Hope you all have a beautiful Monday!

Card Details:

Stamps: Pink Cat Studio Lily in a winter coat
Paper: SU DSP, SU Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Copic Markers
Accessories: Stickles glitter, grosgrain ribbon, Dress Me Up buttons, Deja View brads, EK Success Border Punch, Sizzix embossing Folder, CB Embossing Folder, SU Ticket Corner Punch

More Thanksgiving Cards and Day #2 - Thankful For. . .

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:26:00 +0000

Hello Friends! Happy Sunday to you all. Remember yesterday I talked about how people on FB are commenting on a daily basis what they are thankful for. Well, today I'm thankful that God helped me to recognize my mistakes so that I won't repeat them again. He felt I was worthy enough for second chances and for that I am very grateful!!

I've made a lot of mistakes in my life. . .nothing really bad but I've made a few. . .don't we all? I've always felt that there's a guardian angel watching over me. I've made at least 3 mistakes in my life that I shiver when I think about how lucky I am or how blessed I am that God was watching over me. I'm not an overly religious person but when I look back I really believe it wasn't luck but some divine power that took over.

When I was about 10 years old, I climbed a very high tree to the very top. It was late in the afternoon and I wanted to see the sun set. After the sun set, it was obviously dark and it was getting a little windy. I soon realized that I could not really see the branches to climb down. OMG! Nobody knew where I was so I was in big trouble! LOL!!! I can laugh about it now because I did manage to make it down without killing myself! Ugggh, until this day, I can't believe I did that!

My second situation was when I was a teenager, I decided to swim at this beach called Sandy Beach in Hawaii. Sandy Beach is notorious for their rip currents and it is easy, even for a strong swimmer, to drown in the rip current. I didn't have a boogie board to help keep me stay afloat, just me. . .and not a strong swimmer at that. There were at least a hundred people around me and I was DROWNING! I was only a few feet to the shore but the current was so strong that no matter how hard I swam, I did not move an inch. Finally, someone noticed that I was screaming my head off and was holding my arm out for someone to pull me out! It was one of those OMG moments. . ..I seriously thought I was going to drown at that very moment. Well, I never, ever swam there again! LOL!

Finally. . .this situation shows how naive I am and at that time, there was no such thing as CourtTV to scare the silliness out of me. I think I was 20 years old and my car died on me on the freeway. I was in my work clothes with a 2 inch heel shoes and I began walking. This was during a time when cell phones did not exist. . .well, about 1/2 mile of my walk to the closest phone, a car stopped along side of me and asked me if I needed a ride. My feet hurt and the nearest phone was probably 4 to 5 miles further so I did a crazy thing and got into the car. The man didn't look crazy or anything but after a while, I started to get worried about my decision. Luckily, all the man did was drop me off at the service station but what if he was a crazy rapist or psycho! When I watch CourtTV, I see all these missing girls or murdered girls because they got into some one's car. I didn't really think about it back then but wow, when I think about it now. . .I think how CRAZY I was to get in that car. So, with that said. . .I feel I am blessed that nothing bad happened to me.

Did you make any mistakes that may have been detrimental to your health or life? Share it with me by commenting, I would be interested in hearing them.

Okay. . .enough with the rambling! I do that a lot. . .if you haven't noticed yet. I made this Thanksgiving card yesterday with images I colored a while ago. I colored the image with my Copic Markers, punched the autumn leaves using an old SU punch and added a little Scribble Iridescent Paint to the punched leaves.

Card Details:

Stamps: Don't know the brand of the main image, SU Teeny Tiny Wishes (sentiment)
Paper: SU DSP, SU Old Olive, Only Orange, Real Rust
Ink: Prismacolor Pencils, Scribbles Iridescent Paint
Accessories: Hemp cord, SU Word Window Punch, Nestabilities, CB embossing Folder, JoAnn Brads, Jolee's By You Sticker

This is another card I made using an image that I colored with Prismacolor Pencils. Again, like yesterday's card, I don't know the brand of this stamped image. I had unmounted the stamp without labeling it so I can't share the brand information with you. The dots on the image was crated using Scribbles Iridescent Paint in Copper.

Just to let you know, I colored the background of the image using Prismacolor Pencils. It took a lot of blending but I like the effect.

I didn't create a sketch for this card because the layout is fairly simply and similar to many other layouts I created in the past.

Anyway. . .I hope you all have a fantastic Sunday. . .I think I'm going to spend part of my day crafting!!!

Card Details:

Stamps: ?, SU Teeny Tiny Wishes (sentiment)
Paper: Not sure of the brand of the DSP. . .it was a scrap piece, SU Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie
Ink: Prismacolor Pencils, Scribbles Iridescent Paint
Accessories: Borderbilities, Nestabilities, Grosgrain ribbon, SU Word Window Punch

Thanksgiving Pumpkins Card

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:50:00 +0000

Hello Friends! Happy Saturday to all of you! On Facebook, people are posting on a daily basis what they are thankful for and I've decided to start doing that. On Facebook, my first Thankful post was "I'm thankful because God has given me so many opportunities to be happy and I've taken most of them". I know it sounds a little nonchalant or flippant but I am sincere about my comment.

God gives us many opportunities to be happy, almost serving them to us on a silver platter, and many times we miss those opportunities. We are, at times, clouded by "emotional" issues that we don't even realize that the opportunities to be happy are there on so many levels. I think we sometimes expect something grandiose and overly meaningful to consider it as a source of happiness.

I have, after a few life disappointments and even sadness, come to realize that collectively, all the little things that life has to offer are a source of true happiness. Something as simple as being able to spend an hour or even a few minutes doing what I love doing is happiness to me. I'm happy because I woke up healthy again for another day. . .so insignificant, but yet so meaningful.

Anyway. . .I don't mean to be philosophical but I wanted to explain why I made that "thankful" comment. I really do feel that I'm blessed to recognize when God is giving me the opportunity to be happy. . .I do miss a few of them but most times, I take them and run with them. . .:)

Well, since we are on the subject of being "thankful", a Thanksgiving card is a perfect project for the occasion. I had colored the image a while ago and haven't had a chance to use it. One night while watching television with my family, I decided to color a few images with my Prismacolor Pencils. I'll post another card using those images tomorrow. Or, if I'm in the mood, I'll post it later today. I really need to get on the ball with my crafting. I feel I've been wasting a lot of time. Next year, I'll be better. . .:) It may be too late for this year to be on the ball but there's always next year and in the mean time, keep trying. . .:)

I don't know who made this stamp image. It's an unmounted stamp that I've had for a while now and I did not label it with the company name so I don't know who makes it. It's a pretty image . . .sorry, I can't share the info where to buy it!!

Well, I hope you'll find the time to find happiness in the simple things in life today! If you are receptive to them, you definitely will find a lot of things to be happy about!

Hope you all have a wonderful Saturday!!

Card Details:

Stamps: ?, SU Teeny Tiny Wishes (sentiment)
Paper: SU Apple Cider DSP, SU Only Orange, Old Olive
Ink: Prismacolor Pencils
Accessories: Borderbilities, Satin ribbon, Nestabilities, SU Word Window Punch

Little C;s Stamp n' Scrap Hawaii Aloha Friday and 4 Tags Holder Tutorial

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:21:00 +0000

Happy Friday, Friends! Ahhhh, what a beautiful day. . .just because it's Friday. It's amazing how fast time flies. It feels like it was just yesterday that I was talking about last week Friday. LOL! Really! Could it be it's because I'm just having a grand ole' time with life? I think so. Happiness and optimism can really make the days go by quickly.

Hey, me and my new computer are having a great time getting acquainted, especially Microsoft Word. Believe it or not, my husband for the past year or so have been asking me to upgrade my Microsoft Office to 2007 but I kept putting it off. Well, I finally have Microsoft Office 2007 and Word on my computer and boy, it looks totally different. Ugggh. . .I'm trying to learn all the features. Everyone in my family have had Microsoft Office 2007 on their computers for the past 2 years now and I'm really behind the curve. Oh well. . .I'm up to speed now.

I am so not the techie sort but my husband is. Prior to my Blackberry Storm, I had the same archaic cell phone for the past 4 years and my husband kept asking me to upgrade my phone. Up until 6 months ago, I didn't know how to text on my phone. LOL! I, finally, gave in because of Facebook! Can you believe it? I wanted to be able to access my Facebook on my phone and I couldn't do it unless I upgraded my phone. I decided on the Blackberry Storm rather than the iPhone because we already had Verizon as our service provider and I didn't want to switch to AT&T. Are you the techie sort?

Okay. . .enough of the chit-chat! Now, on to my project. Today is Little C's Stamp n' Scrap Hawaii Aloha Friday Challenge! The challenge is to create 3 or more tags. I decided to go a step further and create a tag holder for the tags. This is similar to the 3 Tags Holder (Click Here for the Tutorial) I created a few weeks ago but this time around the holder has 4 pockets for the tags. Scroll down for the 4 Tags Holder. Stop by Little C's Stamp n' Scrap Hawaii and check out the pretty tags the design team created.

With this holder, I used a whole bunch of images from different brands: Sarah Kay, Rachel Ann Miller, and Gillian Roberts. You can find all these rubber stamp brands at Little C's. Isn't it fabulous to find a store that sell different brands of rubber stamps. . .it's basically a one stop store for rubber stamps!!

Rather than placing the images on the tags themselves, I adhered the images to the pockets instead and added the free Pink Cat Studio digital sentiments to the tags. The tags and holder make for a perfect "pre-Christmas" gift to someone. They can use the tags for their Christmas presents.

As you can see, the tags aren't decorated with the images. I created the tags using the Sizzix Scallop Tags die (tags measure 4 1/2 x 2 1/2") and ran them through different CB embossing folders. You can't really see them in the picture but the tags are embossed.

All of the images were colored with my Copic Markers, cut up, then adhered to the tag holder pockets. Just something different. Anyway. . .scroll down for the tutorial. Try it out! You'll be amazed as to how EASY it is to make this tag holder. I'm not kidding!

Hey stop by my organization challenge blog site "Project Organization 365 Days of the Year" and check out the current challenge! Hope you'll sto by and play along!!

If you want information on the materials I used for this project, feel free to email me at cardinspired@gmail.com

Well, I hope y'all have a beautiful Friday!!!

4 Tags Holder

Pink Cat Studio Digi Stamps Release

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:02:00 +0000

Hi Friends! Hey. . .my new computer is up and running! Yay! I've had my old computer for over 4 years and it's been flaking out on me so my husband bought me a new computer. He's been trying to get me to "let go" of my old computer but ugggh, I really didn't have a problem with it up until recently. I finally gave in. Now that I did, I'm real happy with my new computer.

I spent the greater part of my day uploading programs on to my computer. Unfortunately, because I'm now on Window 7, some of my drivers will not upload and programs don't work properly. Ugggh! To make matters worse, I had forgotten to transfer some of my most current files to my data drive so they are now sitting in my old computer including my tutorial for yesterday's project. Now, I have to recreate the tutorial. I was so frustrated yesterday that I went to bed at 9:00 last night because I was so annoyed, I just didn't want to stay up anymore! LOL! Okay. . ..I'm in a good place now. . . it's a new day. . .:)

It's a new day and guess what! A new day comes with "good news"! Yup!!! Today is Pink Cat Studio's release day of their digi images! How fun! There's a whole bunch of new images and not limited to the ones shown above. Be sure to stop by and check out all the new digi images!!!

I decided to create a scenery for my first card. To create the snow mountain in the background, all I did was tear 2 white card stock at an angle, run it through a CB embossing folder, sponged distressing ink to the edge of the card stock and layered them over one another. That's about it!

I colored my image, as always, with my Copic Markers, punched out snowflakes and added a bit of stickles to the snowflakes.

Card Details: Pink Cat Studio Friendly Snowman and free digi sentiments
Paper: DCWV designer paper, SU Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue (I think)
Ink: Copic Markers, Tim Holtz distressing ink
Accessories: SU Key Tag Punch, Marvy Snowflake punch, Stickles, CB Embossing Folder, Organdy Ribbon

This second card was a quickie card actually. Nothing really much to it. I colored the image with my Copic Markers. This image is called "Santa". I love this image. It has a vintage look to it, huh? To create the puffy glitter look to the cap and Santa outfit, I used Scribbles Glitter Paint. When it dries, it has a 3D appearance with a bit of glitter.

Card Details:

Stamps: Pink Cat Studio Santa and free digi images
Paper: Basic Grey designer paepr, SU Real Red, Creamy Caramel, Wild Wasabi
Ink: Copic Markers, Tim Holtz Distressing ink, Scribbles Glitter Paint
Accessories: Sizzix Scallop Tag die, CB Embossing Folder, Borderbilities, Nestabilities, Basic Basic Ribbon, JoAnns Brads

My last project is a paper bag gift bag. I didn't create a tutorial for it because it's very simple. All I did was cut off the top of a paper bag, measured the height and width of my paper bag and cut 2 card stock based on my measurement. I punched the SU Key Tag Punch to create the handle and sandwiched the paper bag between the two card stock. That's it. Try it out. It's a fast and easy way to create a gift bag!

To create the puffed up look on the snow cap, I used Liquid Applique. So fun!

Project Details:

Stamps: Pink Cat Studio Kissing Penquins
Paper: SU DSP, SU Baja Breeze, Real Red
Ink: Copic Markers
Accessories: CB Embossing Folder, Nestabilities, Borderbilities, Organdy Ribbon, Basic Basic Ribbon, SU Key Tag Punch, Liquid Applique

Okay. . .be sure to check out the beautiful cards/projects created by the Pink Cat Studio Design Team:

Alicia Weiman
Emily Leiphart
Inge Groot
Kerry Donovan-Casey
Kristen Catalano
MacKenzie Bruckler
Maria Bell
Suzanne J Dean
Tracey Cuccia
Tori Hemmingway

Be sure to stop by the Pink Cat Studio blog as well. . .check out what is going on over there!

Hey, stop by my organization blog site "Project Organization 365 Days of the Year" and check out today's organization challenge!!! Love for you to play along!

I'm going to end it here. I still have a bunch of stuff that I need to fix and add on to my new computer. I hope to be done by today! Crossing my fingers. . .:) Hope you all have a wonderful Thursday!!

Angel's Landing Ho Ho Hollydays and 3x3" Mini Albums and Drawer/Box

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:50:00 +0000

Hi Friends!! Happy Wednesday!! I was suppose to post a tutorial for this box/drawer/mini album project but my new computer arrived and my husband is setting it up. I'm working from my laptop right now and unfortunately, my tutorial is sitting on my desk top which I can't access until all my applications on my computer are set up. Once I get my computer started up and running, I'll update this post with the tutorial. Sorry about that!!!

Guess what today is? It's the Angels Landing DT's day to post a project. This week's project is to create something that measures 3 inches or less. I decided to create 3x3" mini albums with a 3" inch drawer/box to store the mini albums. They make for great stocking stuffers, don't you think? This project is really easy to create so be sure to return later today for the tutorial.

I decided to use the Ho Ho Hollydays digi set for my project this week because the images are so darn cute. I love the animal images!!! The images were perfect for the mini albums/box I created. As you can see the mini albums are stored inside the drawer. The drawer fits approximately 5 mini albums.

In this photo, it shows the front of the mini album, the easel stand position, and the album completely opened up.

I colored the images using my Copic Markers and added a bit of Liquid Applique to the caps. Be sure to stop by Angels Landing to check out the super cute digi images there. Also, stop by the Angels Landing blog to view all the beautiful projects the design team created!!!

Anyway. . .stop by later today for the tutorial!! Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Card/Project Details:

Stamps: Angels Landing Ho Ho Ho Hollydays digi set

Paper: DCWV designer paper, SU Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Glossy White Cardstock

Ink: Copic Markers

Accessories: CB Embossing Folders, Basic Basic Ribbon, Prima flowers, Liquid Applique, Dew Drops

Little C's JJ Kidz Digi Image and Create Any Sized Diorama Card Tutorial

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:59:00 +0000

Hello Friends! I'm sorry I didn't post anything yesterday! I was busy creating tutorials and projects for several DTs I'm on and will be posting them in the next following days. Today is my day to post a project for Little C's Stamp n' Scrap Hawaii. I decided to create a Diorama Card highlighting the adorable JJ Kidz Jaz w/Plumeria image. I added the Greeting Farm image because I thought they go so well together. You can purchase both images at Little C's. Don't forget to participate in Little C's Stamp n' Scrap Hawaii challenge and you'll have a chance to win two JJ Kidz digital images. Scroll down to check out the tutorial for a Diorama Card.

Awwwww, look at the Jaz w/plumeria digital image (the baby image). She is so darn cute. To create the lei design of the window, I punched a bunch of flowers using Marvy flower punch. I added a bit of Scribbles Paint to the center of the flowers and adhered the flowers around the window. I colored the images with my Copic Markers and added dew drops to the flowers in their hair. You can find dew drops at Little C's as well.

I created a tutorial on the "basics of creating a diorama card". Once you understand the basic components of a diorama card, you can create any sized diorama card. It's very simple. Once you get the idea on how to create a diorama card, you will no longer need a tutorial to create one of any size. Really! It's that simple!!! Check out the tutorial and create a diorama card. You'll have a lot of fun creating these super cute 3D cards!!!! You can also view the tutorial on SCS but the tutorial is specific to a smaller sized Diorama card.

If you have difficulties understanding my tutorials, please let me know. I'll explain it to you if you need further explanation. When creating tutorials, it may make sense to the writer, but don't make any sense to the reader! LOL! I'm not going to post the recipe for this card but if you need information on what materials I used, feel free to email me at cardinspired@gmail.com.

Hey stop by my organization blog "Project Organization 365 Days of the Year" and check out today's organization challenge!! Today's challenge focuses on your craft room!!

If the tutorial is not showing up below, click on the link and you can view the tutorial directly from Scribd.

Basic Components of a Diorama Card to Create Any Size Diorama Card

CD Envelope 5.5 x 5.5" Pocket Purse Album Tutorial

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:21:00 +0000

Hello Friends! How are you all doing this beautiful Sunday! Today I decided to spend time crafting because I was too busy yesterday to do any. Yesterday, I did a bit of organizing of my craft room then spent the rest of the day with my family. We basically hung out watching TV then later in the evening went out to dinner at Macaroni Grill. I love their calamari. . .it was yummy!

I had created a tutorial for this CD Envelope Purse Album the same time last year but I had uploaded it to a website that I paid for and I recently decided to stop paying for it. Unfortunately, 3/4 of all my tutorials are on this website and can no longer be accessed. Now, I have to re-create them and upload them to Scribd.com. I like Scribd because it's free. . .:) So, just to let you know, if you come across a link on my post with a tutorial that do not link anything, it's because it was originally on the paid website. Not to worry, slowly but surely, I'll upload all of the tutorial on to Scribd but I just wanted to let you know what is going on.

This purse album opens up to reveal a 2 pocket album with picture inserts. To create the pockets, you would use CD sleeves or envelopes.

As you can see, the photos are revealed through the CD sleeves. The purse album measures 5 1/2 x 5 1/2". Scroll down for the tutorial.

This is the inserts pulled out of the sleeves. It's actually a simple project to create. It may look difficult but it's not. Try it out.

Hey stop by my organization blog "Project Organization 365 Days of the Year" and check out the newest organization challenge! Hope you'll play along! Have a wonderful Sunday, Friends!!

Project Details:

Stamps: SU Harvest Home, Autumn Splendor

Paper: SU DSP, Dusty Durango, Buckaroo Blue

Ink: SU Dusty Durango, Buckaroo Blue

Accessories: SU Designer Label, Round Tab Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Prima Flowers, Deja View Brads, Borderbilities, SU Satin Ribbon

CD Envelope 5.5 x 5.5" Pocket Purse Album

Little C's JJ Kidz Digital Stamp New Release and Challenge

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:05:00 +0000

Hey, hey, Friends! Wow, what a beautiful day. . .yes, it is! There are so many reasons to be happy today. . .one of which is that it's Friday! I love Fridays. . .there's something festive about Fridays. Don't you think?

Well there is another reason why today is a festive day! Little C's are debuting their new line of digital stamps called JJ Kidz!! OMG! The images are so stinkin' cute! Makes me want to just cuddle the baby and she's not even real! LOL! It's also Little C's Stamp n' Scrap Hawaii Aloha Friday Challenge! Yipee! This week's challenge is to create a card using at least one embossing design! Stop by Little C's Stamp n' Scrap Hawaii and check out the cute cards the design team created!!

Well, I decided to not only use one embossing design but three! I also wanted to keep the card fairly simple so that Jaz (that's the name of the image) could be the center of attention! I embossed the designs on glossy white card stock. . .in person it has a pretty shiny effect.

I colored the image using Copic Markers and added dew drops to the card for a little bit of bling. Be sure to check out the rest of the JJ Kidz images at Little C's. This is just one of a bunch of these little cuties!!

Before I go. . .stop by my organizational blog "Project Organization 365 Days of the Year" and check check out today's organization challenge. It's a really easy challenge. . .I think you can definitely play in today's challenge.

Hope you all have a wonderful Friday!

Card Details:

Stamps: Little C's JJ Kidz Jaz w/plumeria

Paper: Glossy White card stock, SU Pink Pirouette

Ink: Copic Markers

Accessories: CB Embossing Folder, Nestabilities, Organdy, Dew Drops

Pink Cat Studio Digi Release, In Memory of Henry, and Tall, Cupcakes, and Keepsake Boxes Tutorial

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:01:00 +0000

This week has been a very sad one as DT member Sarah Anderson’s 3 year old son Henry passed away. Little Henry was unable to overcome a virus that made him ill last week.

Lorie Ames has organized a way to donate for a memorial for Henry. Henry loved his local zoo and visited it almost every day in the summer. As a memorial, trees will be planted there in his honor. Melissa at Pink Cat Studio has created a digital stamp to help raise funds for a tree for Henry. All proceeds from the sale of the digi stamp, minus Paypal costs, will go towards the tree. If you would like to donate towards the tree, please visit this webpage to purchase the digi stamp: http://www.pinkcatstudio.com/Digital/DigiStamps/Animals/Zoo/GiraffeAndMonkey.htm

Another way to donate to the memorial is to print out this form and mail in your donation directly: http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/Parks/PDF/MemorialTreePamphlet.pdf

Please write on the form that the donation is for Sarah Anderson’s son Henry. Once all of the money is collected, a tree and location will be selected. If you have questions about the form please contact Lorie Ames. Lorie will be in contact with Sarah along this memorial journey to ensure that her wishes are followed.To contact Lorie, please visit her blog at http://www.live-love-laugh-create.blogspot.com/

If you don’t know Sarah and would like to learn more about her, please visit her blog: http://scrampinmama.blogspot.com/ Thank you for your help to raise money for a tree for Henry.

Today is Pink Cat Studio's release of new digi stamps! Whoohoo! I decided to create a series of boxes for this release and created a tutorial for all 3 boxes. Yup, all three! Whoohoo. Actually, the boxes are basically the same box but the height differs and 2 of the boxes have windows.

Scroll down for the tutorial. . .it'll show you how easy it is to create different size boxes using basically the same steps! I love easy! LOL!

The box is a tall box measuring 3.75 x 7.75" . . .perfect for stuffing a lot of goodies into it. I used "Lily Rides a Polar Bear" image for this project. She sure looks like she is having a grand time, huh? Just to let you know. . .I colored all the images using my Copic Markers. I won't be posting the recipe for the cards and projects because it'll make my post way too long. If you want information on the materials I used, feel free to email me at cardinspired@gmail.com. If I don't respond right away, it's because I'm really busy or it got lost in all the emails I receive each day. . .:) Please email me again if I don't respond within 3 days. . .okay.

I decided to create a matching boy version of the box and card. This image is "Billy Rides a Polar Bear". I love that Pink Cat Studio creates matching boy/girl images. It's fun creating boy/girl versions of the same projects!!!

I have a little story about this box. My husband was about to eat his muffin and as soon as I saw it, I grabbed it and asked to borrow it! LOL! I remembered that one of the images to be released was a cupcake image so the muffin inspired me to create this box! LOL! After I was done with the box, I gave the box with the muffin to my husband. He thought it was cute! This box is actually the same box as the tall box but shorter, measuring 3.75 x 6" with a front window. The tutorial I created will show you how to create this cupcake box.

Last but not least. I decided a "Keepsake Box" was an appropriate tribute to little Henry using the Henry image. The box again is the same as the tall box but shorter with a window at the top of the box. The tutorial below will show you how to create this box.

I am deeply saddened for Sarah and her family. The loss of Henry was so sudden and unexpected. At this time, they don't know what caused his death. He had a high fever one day, hospitalized the next day, then passed away the next. It's tragic and very sad. My thoughts and prayers go to Sarah and her family. This is a big reminder that anything else we do in life is small by comparison to spending time with our family.

Sometimes we are consumed by our jobs, our hobbies, and everything else and we neglect the time we should be spending with our love ones. We sort of take our family for granted. When you feel you need to work an extra hour at work so you can make more money or if you feel you just need to work on another project, stop. . . .and maybe reconsider the idea and use that time to just hang out with your family.

Don't forget to stop by the Pink Cat Studio blog and check out all the awesome cards and project the design team created!! Hope you all have a wonderful day!!

Tall Box, Cupcake Box, and Keepsake Box

Angels Landing Inside Out Card and Announcement

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Hello Friends!!! I have a "sweet" announcement to make! I was invited to be part of the "Angels Landing" design team for the month of November and December!! Whoohoo! How fun is that? For those of you who are not familiar with "Angels Landing". . .Angels Landing is a digital stamp company! What does that mean for you? Great images and instant gratification!! Yipee!

Today. . .the design team was asked to create an "Inside Out" card. . .meaning design both the outside and the inside of your card. Well, I went to work right away and created a "multi-flap pocket card with insert". I created a tutorial a few weeks ago if you want to try it out!!

I decided to use the Season's Tweeting digi set. The set has such pretty cardinal images. . .I love them! They're perfect for a Christmas card!!! This is the card with front half flap opened to reveal the inner base panel. I colored the image using my Copic Markers and added a bit of Stickles and Crystal Effect to add a little shine and sparkle. I also decided to use the sentiment from the "Marching Band 2" set. I think the sentiment was perfect for this card.

This photo shows the card opened up completely to reveal a pocket with an insert. I think pocket cards with inserts are really fun to receive so I like making them. I printed the cardinal image to the corner of the insert just to make the insert pretty!!!

Be sure to stop by Angels Landing Blog to check out the beautiful cards created by the design team!!! Just a little note before I go. . .I'm sorry I haven't posted teh past few days. . .I haven't been feeling well. . .uggh! Initially, I thought it was my allergies acting up again but I think it's more a cold than my typical allergies. Ugggh!

Anyway. . .I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!!

Card Details:

Stamps: Season's Tweeting, Marching Band 2

Paper: SU DSP, Real Red, Bravo Burgundy, Old Olive

Ink: Copic Markers

Accessories: SU Grosgrain Ribbon, Deja View brads, buttons, hemp cord, Crystal Effects, Stickles, EK Success Border Punch

The Greeting Farm Forest Friends and Sketch

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:50:00 +0000

Hi Friends!! I finally found time to create a quick card!! I had colored the Greeting Farm image a while ago but never used it. Because the image was already colored. . .this card was fairly quick to make. You can find the Greeting Farm stamps at Little C's.

How was your Halloween? Did you have a fun night? It was really strange. . .we had so little kids trick or treating in our neighborhood. How about your neighborhood? Were there a lot of kids?

Guess what I've been doing? I've been organizing my linen closet! Oh, my!!! I committed to something that initially appeared simple but I had this crazy idea to wash all of our bedding like blankets, comforters, sheets, etc. They're clean but they've been sitting in the closet for quite some time and I'm thinking they're dusty. I have allergy problems so I decided that it's best to wash them but boy, it is taking forever to wash and dry huge thick comforters and blankets!!! I'm sort of thinking that I must be crazy to wash them!

Today's challenge on my organization blog "Project Organization 365 Days of the Year", focuses on your craft room. . .stop by and check out today's organization challenge!! I'll be posting craft room organization challenges several times a week so be sure to check in once in a while and play along. Together we can get organized. . .we can start the new year fresh!!!

Just a little info on my card. I colored the image with my Copic Markers and basically layered and matted designer paper and card stock. That's basically it. I decided to create a sketch for you, if you like to play with sketches. It is a layout that I haven't used and a bit different from my typical layouts so I decided to create the sketch. Try it out!

Card Details:

Stamps: The Greeting Farm

Paper: SU DSP, Close to Cocoa (I think), Old Olive

Ink: Copic markers

Accessories: Nestabilities, Deja View brads, SU Grosgrain ribbon, SU Word Window Punch

Little C's Stamp n' Scrap Hawaii Aloha Friday Challenge

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:07:00 +0000

Hi Friends!! Sorry. . .I was going to post this earlier this morning but I got caught up doing chores and errands! Hey, guess what is going on today? Today is Little C's Stamp n' Scrap Hawaii Aloha Friday Challenge!!! The challenge is simple. . .create a card with the color combo Pink n' Black!! Simple huh? If you play along, you may have a chance to win a $10 online shopping certificate at Little C's and the Whiff of Joy stamp "Henry Mouse - Angel". Little C's is now selling the Whiff of Joy Henry stamps and she has a large variety of the Henry images.

Furthermore, Little C's extended their sale of Magnolia Stamps until Sunday. All Magnolias at Little C's are just $6.00 each so be sure to check it out and grab them while you can!! I was going to create a Magnolia card today but I have to work on it this evening and post it sometime tonight! I just cleaned out my linen closet and well, I've got a big mess I gotta take care of right now.

Okay. . .just a little info about my card. . .because I could only work with pink and black, Henry had to be a gray/black mouse. LOL! I typically would have colored him brown or a lighter gray but that wasn't the color I could use! I think he turned out okay. Just to let you know the snowflakes are by Jolee's Boutique. . .they're not punched or created by me. They're pretty huh?

Hey. . .while I'm on the subject of cleaning out my linen closet. . .stop by my organization blog "Project Organization 365 Days of the Year" and check out why. There's an organization challenge for you to participate in. . .stop by and we can get organized together. Hope you'll play along! It's much more fun organizing with friends!!

Hope y'all have a FANTASTIC Friday!

Card Details:

Stamps: Whiff of Joy, Pink Cat Studio sentiment

Paper: SU Pretty in Pink, Basic Black, DCWV designer paper

Ink: Copic Markers

Accessories: Nestabilities, Jolee's Boutique, Fiskar Scallop Scissors, CB Embossing Folder, Grosgrain Ribbon

Pink Cat Studio Digi Release and Treat Box Ensemble Tutorial

lbmcd66@hotmail.com (Maria) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:25:00 +0000

Hello Friends! Hey, it's Thursday and Thursday is Pink Cat Studio's Release of their new digi stamps! Yipee! Oh, I was busy this week creating cards and projects for Pink Cat Studio. Gosh, I seriously LOVE the digi stamps. You really need to check out the many choices of digi stamps at Pink Cat Studio. Not only can you buy the digi stamps, PCS offers free digital sentiments for the images!!

I created a tutorial for this treat box ensemble. Yup, a tutorial for all 3 projects so you can create your own treat box ensemble. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the tutorial. This ensemble includes the box, top notes bag topper, and a super duper simple cocoa packet pocket.

This is the Top Notes Bag Topper. . .

This is the simple cocoa packet pocket

I created another treat box ensemble along with a matching card. This image goes so well with the cocoa packet treat in the box and the chocolate treats!!

Pink Cat Studio also has a contest running right now.

Digi DT Bio Betty Contest

Pink Cat Studio is starting a fun contest! Melissa asked each Digi DT member to create a Betty that tells us a bit about herself. Can you figure out who created each Betty ? If so then you could win some free digi stamps!! Click Here for the Details

I decided to create a boy version of this treat box ensemble.

This week's release has a lot of Hanukkah images!! With this card I used "Hanukkah Lily". Isn't she a cutie?

With this card, I used Hanukkah Billy. Just to let you know I colored all the images with Copic Markers. I'm not going to post the recipe for the cards or projects because this post is rather long already. If you're interested in what materials I used, please feel free to email me at cardinspired@gmail.com.

Be sure to check out the other cards and projects the design team created!!

Alicia Weiman
Emily Leiphart
Inge Groot
Kerry Donovan-Casey
Kristen Catalano
MacKenzie Bruckler
Maria Bell
Suzanne J Dean
Tracey Cuccia
Tori Hemmingway
Vicki Garrett

Treat Box, Simple Cocoa Packet Pocket and Top Notes Bag Topper Set