Creative Expressions

My Big Decision

2012-02-12T16:13:00.000+05:30

A few of you have been privy to my rantings on Facebook, and I'd promised I'd tell you in good time why I was upset. It was not one but two things that took place side by side and which added to my sadness and bitterness.

For reasons that are beyond the scope of this blog and are more personal in nature,
I am no longer a part of the Indian Craft Room. I expect your understanding and please do not ask me why I took the step I took. If I could, I would have put it right here...nothing helps me heal better than sharing it with you all. At this point of time...I cannot share.

And the second part of bitterness came when I had to part ways with a friend. When I stood by her, for everything she believed in , I had placed a hope in her that when the time came for her to support me, she would do it. Unfortunately as is the world today, when I asked for her understanding and support in what I believed in, I only got indifference. I was only good enough to be called a friend as long as it served her purpose. So that left me with a bitter taste of friendship....but as they say, you live and you learn....one tick mark on my life sheet...
I learned a lesson and I forgave the friend and I have moved on. I am not going to look back with regret, I am not going to re-build that bridge again....maybe in time when I heal, I might or might not...but not right now!

So that is the story of this week of my life. It sure will leave a huge hole and a big impact on my life....but a quote on a friend's page yesterday gave me hope -

Its not the people that stand by your side when u re at your best, but the ones who stand beside u, when u are at your worst, they are your true friends!

MIA

2012-02-06T18:31:00.001+05:30

Hey everyone...sorry for the long leave of absence...I will be missing from my world till the end of this month...this year seems to have started on such a fast pace note....
Sonia, I promise you, your Pie lane goodies will go out this week, and yes, my ICR inspiration will be up soon...snatching bits and pieces of time to create...

Hope to see you guys around!!! Don't forget me while I'm gone! :)

ETA- Thought I'd also show you what I'm busy after!!

Just a few pages from the scrapbook album that I'm working on!!

Book Review - Losing My Virginity And Other Dumb Ideas!

2012-01-20T13:30:00.000+05:30

Thanks Khush for this book....loving this idea of reading one book and sending it across...kinda reminds me of the movie...Sisterhood of the travelling pants! We could have our group of the traveling books! :) What say?
Here's my thoughts on this book by Madhuri Banerjee

I hated this book after the first 50 pages or so. The writing wasn’t the fault. It was because I could so identify with the main character. She was making the classic mistakes that I had made and I so wanted to scream out at her and tell her …Stupid girl..ditch him right now..he’s not good for you…ask me how I know!! That itself should have told me that I would like this book once I finished it.

And finish it…I did!! The last few pages of the book..30-40 pages to be precise made me feel so proud of her..For where she had reached. And to know that she had grown up…I would say that amounts to superb writing. Its not mind-blowing stuff..its not record breaking stuff…It’s not the book that will make histories…but the fact that I identified with it from beginning to the end makes this book special in my eyes.

If you’ve not had your heart broken, moped after the one person who you thought was your true love, and in the process of moping found yourself to be a stronger person than what you thought you were…you won’t identify with this. This book might feel absurd…But me…I’ve done it all…I’ve had my heart broken to the point where I thought I might not survive another day…I’ve moped for months believing that I’d lost everything when I lost the person I thought was my one true love..And then came out of it stronger than before, to the point where instead of wishing for lighting to strike that person( I've wished for worse, but this is all I can put in print), I can go across and shake his hand, look him in the eye and say hello.

And I realized that one true love in my life was “me” I needed to learn to love myself and everything would be good…I still haven’t achieved that 100% but I’m hacking my way through the shrubs and bushes of life to find myself.

I might copy the last few pages and keep it with me to remind myself that no matter whatever happens, I’m always stronger than I think I am. I would strongly recommend one read if you are in a quest to find your true self…it just might give you a few pointers!

And don't ask the men in your life to read/like or understand this book....they never will....

Another CAS card...

2012-01-12T13:50:00.000+05:30

Yes yes, yes...its another butterfly card...run away right now..Don't say I didn't warn you! (teeheehee!!)
Since I was on a CAS making spree before I left for my vacation, I had a few to share, this being the last of the lot...Next post will have to wait for a while longer I guess!! or maybe I'll share some sneak peeks of my album...

This card is for another princess who arrived last month!! When she grows up, the cards will get more girly..right now, this would have to do!!! ( Do I use too many exclamation marks?, I guess I do!!!!!!)
Its a simple Die cut butterfly window and then I stamped inside of the die cut...
The stamp and die is from Paper trey ink...

Twine from The twinery and Charm from Artystree store..
Entering this card for Young Crafter's Unite where the theme is CAS,

for Crafty JC's - Something New and for Moxie Fab- Die Cutting Challenge..

That's all for now...Do write in if you have any questions!!

New Beginnings!

2012-01-10T14:06:00.000+05:30

Hola everyone!! Back again to post some cards that I'd made...For the ICR -Clean and simple challenge and for the Crafty JC - Something new challenge! This card also goes for the Bling it on- New beginnings.

Here's my card...

This is a baby girl card for a dear dear friend...she's already got it...so I can post it here!!! I just die-cut the butterfly out from the CS, and added acetate behind the opening. Added a few blings!
Stamp is from 3 bugs in a rug, twine from The twinery and the beautiful Princess Charm is from Artystree Store

Couldn't decide on the white or black background, so put in both...The gemstones I used are the ones on the right...I love the whole sheet of rhinestones..just cut and stick..no need to apply glue!!

Also I thought I would share the Car Keys Charm I did for K...Its soon going to be yours!!

Its a cluster charm, and the butterfly is of course from Artystree Store, but the tiny - Made with love charm is from Jovita's Store!! Thanks so much for finding this darling charm for me girl!!!

Re-visiting An Old Card

2012-01-09T13:49:00.000+05:30

I just saw that a fellow blogger started a new challenge and the theme was stamping, How could I not join in! Plus she wanted cards to showcase stamping, and would accept an older card too (hope I got that part right)
So the blogger I'm talking about is Varshitha, who is coming out with her own brand of stamps ... I am sooo eagerly waiting to see her designs!
The one preview has me all excited...so Varshitha, here's a card just for your challenge!

This is a complete one layer card..it uses Clear border stamps from Sassafrass lass- Stitched border 2, The border is used to make the waves,
the fish is a cling stamp (its a RAK) and the sentiment is again a cling from Stampin bella .
Colored with my watercolors.

I hope this meets your challenge criteria..and wishing you all the best in your new venture...

ICRC14 - Anything Goes + CAS!

2012-01-03T15:04:00.001+05:30

First of all a very very Happy new year to everyone!! I hope it is a fabulous and creative for everyone...I am hoping for loads of changes for my life. Lots of lifestyle changes, lots of changes in my attitude, perspective and mostly my thoughts!! So I guess the word for the year for me will be "CHANGE" What's your word for the year?
So before I change the subject and go droing on..let me share this month's challenge at ICR with you...Anything Goes!! Isn't that easy peasy? just a small twist...make it a CAS card...Here's the post with all the details for you..

This challenge was set by Archana Bhurke and she's made a fabulous one layer card with marbeling technique..and she's written a fabulous tutorial for it on her blog...Check it out here

For my card, I chose to do a one layer card, using my newest PTI purchase, the Mehndi Medallion...Lined them up and stamped using Lady Bug, Tangelo, Dandelion, Cottage Ivy and Bahama blue Memento Dew drop inks.
The Sentiment was PTI- Signature greetings with Tuxedo Black...and the bling...is clear Rhinestones..

Clean and simple need not be one layer...it can have layers and yet stay CAS...will show case some more examples in the coming weeks!

The announcement of the top 3 and Guest designer will be a bit late this time by 13th or 15th....Give it a shot, prizes are big and cards easy to make!!!

Pixie Dust Tutorial

2011-12-22T19:08:00.000+05:30

I'm just re-posting the pixie dust tutorial from the Pie lane blog...Just for those who missed it there!!

Its going to be loads of photos...I could have done a video..but my camera decide it didn't want to film in the dark and cloudy and cold day today...so pictures it is for you!!

My tools of trade....Double sided tape in different sizes....over here I have 1/4th inch, 1/2 inch, one inch and two inch tapes...tweezers, glitter, punches, and most important - baby wipes and a paint brush..and a large rough paper to collect glitter...I have a printer paper with me .

Here I have the 2 inch double sided tape stuck to the paper...I usually scribble with a pen on the tape so that I know which side to stick back...

Peel off the backing...and save it...That is the most important sheet in this technique.
I tend to save scraps from other projects too. And keep your CS far away from glitter as possible while you're doing the next step.

I have punched out stars of different sizes from the backing paper..You can re-use them later on too...

Use your tweezers and start attaching them back on the sheet with the adhesive (double sided tape) Try very hard not to touch the sheet with your fingers..else the stickiness of the the tape will go away...

a picture of the whole sheet once covered in star peel offs!! Use your tweezer to stick them down properly.

Start pouring your base color glitter. This was my first mistake of the day....Never use light color glitter first...But as I learn .. you will learn....so continuing on..cover the whole sheet with transparent glitter...Wherever the star peel outs are there, the glitter will not adhere....

The most important part...Shake off the excess glitter and use your finger (sorry about that chipped nail..) to rub the glitter into the adhesive backed cardstock. Not too vigorously but gently....rub all over the sheet and if necessary use a paint brush to brush off the excess.This rubbing motion sets the glitter in...and is called Burnishing.

Here, I've removed a couple of the small star off...and poured glitter over only those areas...This is aqua color..again..pour, shake off the excess and rub over those area..

Work with one color at a time..I love how the blue-green glitter looks like a comet...its actually not..I'm just pouring it over the last of my stars...burnish and voila...the arrows show where the sticker has been peeled off and the adhesive of the tape is showing....

Your finished piece. Now you can see why it was a mistake to use the lightest color first? The darker colors have gone into the white and messed it up....but still its good!!! now this piece is ready to be used on a card...

And if you thought, that was all that I had to share..you're wrong!!! I've got some more!!

So here I start with a random scrap of CS that I had lying around...

I used my cutting mat as a guide and drew diagonal lines on it... (Mishtake number 2 of the day) use a very light hand while drawing these!!!

Using those lines as a reference stick down 1/4th inch double sided take on teh whole sheet...know where I'm going with this? you'll see....

Start adding green glitter on every 3rd line...work with one line at a time...use a paint brush to clean off in between and your wet wipes..

Then bring in color number 2..red..again every 3rd line with red...remove the backing, pour glitter, shake off the excess, use your fingers and burnish it and clean it with a brush...

Added the final and the 3rd color..transparent white...now see my mishtake? the pencil lines are visible through the white glitter...Your piece is ready to be used in a card....

And btw I'm still not done yet!!! Do you hate me by now? Tee-heehee!! Promise this is the last!!!

This is what happens when you keep the paper with the adhesive near glitter...its Contaminated!! I've just cut a butterfly out of the backing paper of the double sided tape....
ETA - I think I skipped a few steps over here...the piece on the right is a piece of 2x3 inch CS covered with the 2 inch double sided tape..and the backing has been peeled off...that's why you see the red glitter stuck to it.. The butterfly is cut out of the backing paper that I peeled off.

Attach the butterfly to the card base, pour the color you want...burnish it very well and then with tweezers remove the butterfly backing...and this is what you get after removing the backing... the part that is white is still sticky, as there is the double sided tape under the blue glitter..
you can add transparent glitter at this point...but I was going for extreme contrast...so ..

Yeah, BLACK!!! Isn't that gorgeous...just add a magnet tape and you've got yourself a fridge magnet....

Here's after cutting the shape...and its ready to go on my fridge.

Hope you learnt something and will surely give this a try...simple tools...but dazzling results!!

Any queries....shoot an email at Tejal2210 (AT) gmail (DOT) com.

Just like that...

2011-12-20T10:58:00.000+05:30

This is just a post of few things I wanted to share..I just got a few supplies in the mail from Artystree Ems..a cute little store owned by Eesha Shetty...I had been eyeing the charms that she stocked...Finally got them...butterfly had to be one of them....they are amazing in person...I'm waiting to order more...and I have way too many of them...in case someone wants to share half the charms, I'll be willing!!

I got the metal book mark and the charm from her....I already had this charm ready when I'd given it for exhibition...I just removed the pearl and added the charm...coz I was in an insane hurry to make it look pretty!!
The book mark is 8 cms...tiny but looks gorgeous!! I do have some extra bookmarks, so if you want a custom made for you...drop me an email..

That gorgeous butterfly!! I love it....

This is how it looks when hung on the book...Hubby called me crazy when I finished it up at 11pm and went to show him....he's like you made it already? (then shakes his head in amazement...what I would give to hear his thoughts at that time)
And the next is a card I made for a sweet little girl...You can see I struggle with layers and embellishments...

I messed up with the glitter part...not too happy with how it looks..but surely happy with how the Tilda is colored...
Well, that's it from me now...See you around....

Pixie Dust Tutorial

2011-12-17T15:21:00.000+05:30

I'm sure most of you have been to the Pie lane blog and have been momentarily stunned by the bling...but I'm happy to note that most of you have survived. And those who get affected and start glittering up their husbands, kids and cats and dogs...I'm not to blame! :)
If you haven't been there, why are you still reading this? Just hop on over and check out 3 projects I have in store for you....Here's what I'm showing...

A galaxy of glittered stars (Thanks for the descriptive word Kalindi!)

A rainbow of Christmas colored stripes

A super blingy butterfly fridge magnet!

Hop on over to the blog now...

Book Review - Nicholas Sparks

2011-12-14T10:43:00.003+05:30

I'm deviating from what I'm supposed to be doing today...making a post for Pie Lane...since that will take a bit of time...I thought I'd jot down a few words on the books that are at my bedside right now!! I've slowly and steadily become a fan of Nicholas Sparks books. I picked up the first one 10 yrs back,The Notebook and man I was in love!!! And what I loved most was it was so much from the heart...

The book that I recently.. The Lucky One...The story is about an ex-army protagonist who is in search of a woman...he doesn't know her name, doesn't know where she stays...all he has is her photo.He believes she is his lucky charm. Eventually he finds her....and then begins the tale of how he gets to know her.
Along with that is how he develops a bond with her son, her nana....I love her nana...she's one feisty lady! she should have been given more pages to her!
And then there is the bad guy....her ex-husband who will not allow anyone to get close to her...even though they're separated. Read on to watch the story unfold.
Why I loved this was the beautiful blooming of their friendship. I am thankfully blessed with a fabulous imagination and I could see the story unfurling in front of my eyes! I love Logan's character...who wouldn't love a military guy and who has a dog crazy enough to bark underwater??
I love the book for its feel good factor..Definitely worth a read.

The next one that I read was The Choice....I had a mixed feeling about this one. Its about Travis, a guy who is content with the life he has..enjoys a beautiful house and beautiful views of the sunset everyday...but hasn't found love....and isn't too bothered with it.
Then comes over his neighbour...Gabby, who is engaged...and has moved just so she can be closer to her fiance. Then she spends the most perfect day with Travis...and that day never seems to end.....
And there in she has a choice to make....where does her road lead...towards Travis or with her fiance....
This first half I loved...I could feel the butterflies in my stomach when I was reading about their slowly developing attraction....it reminded me of my days when I first fell in love!! Fabulous read so far!
Then comes part two...this part deals with the choice he has to make...Before the book begins the author gives us vague hints...that Travis is meeting his wife...taking flowers for her...and that he ought to talk to her...that they had a fight and haven't been speaking....and then the second half tells what that fight was all about ...
I found this part a bit haphazard....lots of back and forth between the past and present...I was tempted to chuck the book....because the second half didn't match to the pace of the first half....but as I kept on reading....things fell into place...
The ending is expected, but still the kinds I wanted.
Again, this would be a one time read... if for nothing the first half of the book.

All in all definitely a good way to spend an afternoon cuddled with your book.

ICRC13- Christmas is here!!!

2011-12-02T13:18:00.000+05:30

Hello peeps!!!! 3 posts from me in 3 days!! wowza..Surely am going to go off the grid soon!! As long as I'm here, here's my post for today!! Please check out my previous post if you want to feel jealous about all the inks that I've accumulated in the last 4 years!!

Back to the topic..this ICR challenge was set by Pooja .. she challenged us to create Christmas cards without using green or red!!! And It had me scratching my head till 2 days ago, when I finally decided what I wanted to do!!

So here is my project...I had two challenges in mind when making this...one was for ICR and the other was for Kavitha's Challenge - Hanging out

Its an ornament for my Christmas tree!! Yes its all bling...I love bling I can't help it. And I was very very please with how it came out...just oodles of bling and in a yellow light..it just shimmers away like mad!!

In case you want to make one for yourself, here's the template...its from Birds Cards blog. Just open the pdf file, print it and cut it up!!
The copper paper is local buy..embossed with Fiskar's texture plates...The toe, heel and the cuff of this sock is cut from Itsy bitsy glitter papers..all 3 pieces are distress with a bit of vintage photo.

Just a hint of Doily lace distress with Vintage photo..and the felt flower is from hobby ideas..I ripped out the original flower that had 3 layers..distress it with VP (vintage photo) and applied glitter glue generously. The tiny heart is a cut out from the ornament below. Some cappuccino bakers twine for the ornaments.

I fell in love with this die when I'd seen it..Thanks Ujjwal for making it possible to get it to me. Its a Papertrey ink die..9 tiny tags..simply gorgeous! And of course some brown bling stones for the heel and toe of the sock!
So that's my project for this month's ICR challenge ..would love to see you join in!!

And on another fabulous news, Pie Lane has its very own challenge now....one whole month of inspirations and a fabulous goody bag of Pie Lane products to a random participant...Head on over..check it out!!!

The Reveal

2011-11-30T14:53:00.000+05:30

There's not much to post today....but I thought I drop in and show you what I was upto with that rainbow colored paper!!
If you missed it, I'd shared it on my yesterday's post. Here it is again...

Quite a few of you guessed them as labels....yup those are labels...I was busy playing with distress inks and labels. I was organizing them.... I used to have a hard time pulling all of them out just to see which one I wanted!!!
So after all the inking and playing with inks and sponges....Ta-da!!!! All four sides are labelled so I can put them however, and still see the name of the ink pad!

I love the rainbow colors...and just in case you are tempted to say...so many colors!! It took me one year to come to these colors...I buy as I use...I can always share what I learnt from a blogger pal Britta on how to buy your first distress inks!!

And now it is so easy for me to pick them out of my box of inkpads!! Yeah the foams are also color arranged!! Just for a few days...it will be messy as usual!!

Its a bit messy but that's how it is!! As long as the box closes I have no problems!! :)

I'm sure you will want to ask me a hundred questions!! To the left are my memento dew drop inkpads, the red bottle is the ranger solvent cleaner for my stazon ink. Ask me if you are any more curious!!

Anniversary RAK's!!

2011-11-29T13:51:00.000+05:30

This 20th of November, I celebrated my 3rd Wedding Anniversary!! phew!! 3 yrs and we've still not killed each other...just kidding!! Since we were busy house hunting..and I almost had a heat stroke...we didn't celebrate much...just a quite dinner and a dang of a chocolate mousse cake... called VERTIGO!! scrumptious!! Here's what the patisserie looked like!!

Picture Courtesy- Burrp!

Other than teasing you with the pictures of the patisserie, I also wanted to share the fabulous cards that made its way to my hands. And for that, a million thanks from both of us to all of you!!!

This is a crazily beautiful card from Snehal...and the matching envelope! I love how she co-ordinates the card and the envelope!! And this is not all...I don't know if you remember, but Snehal had showcased one of her journals...yup!! I have it!! thank you so much Snehal..I love you for being so so kind and generous with your talents. You made me feel truly truly special that day!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart...
Here is that gorgeous journal and here are some of my favorite pages from her book!!

These are just some of the pages she's decorated for me...rest are empty for journalling..but I love the binding!! Beautiful...you gotta teach me that girlie!!

This gorgeous card with a butterfly comes from Rachna...Thank you for never forgetting my anniversary!!!

And this one layer wonder comes from Shalini on behalf of ICR...Thank you girls!!!

And just before I sign out and say thanks again....can you figure out what the hell was I upto?

Aren't those rainbow colors fabulous????
Have a good day everyone!!

Glitter Galore!!

2011-11-26T13:48:00.000+05:30

My new post is up at Pie lane blog....just before you hop over there...please put your glares on!! Here's a sneak peek of what you can expect over there!!!

Know what I mean now? Bling Bling and off you go to check it out!!! Do leave some love on the post!!!

A few Q & A's....

2011-11-24T11:37:00.003+05:30

Sorry peeps for not being regular..but right now I'm enjoying the weather, snuggling up to my books..they've been complaining for too too long!!! So on that reading spree...I finished Eldest, Brisingr and now hoping to get Inheritance..These are the Eragon Series...and then just finished yesterday, Kathryn Stockett's The Help....fabulous books!!! I have loved writing reviews of books, maybe I could do that here too...in case there are any book lovers who are interested!!! let me know!

Any recommendations for what books you'll are reading...

Back to crafty stuff....I had a few questions from Priya Sivaraj and when I did write back to her, she suggested I share over here...maybe quite a few have the same queries!!

What is the difference between fevicryl glue and gloss and glossy accents? Is it the same product from different countries or the quality is different?

They are two very different products..I haven’t used glossy accents, but have read enough about it and seen in action. Glue and gloss is basically a decoupage glue. It is used to seal the paper and give it a glossy finish..what I do is pile it up to give it a sticker effect.. it’s a white glue that dries clear…and is a slow drying glue. And I’m not too sure how well it will hold your embellishment if you use it as a glue. Since its slow drying, I generally use the no-stitch fabric glue to attach my embellishments.

Glossy Accents on the other hand is a clear glue and quicker drying than glue and gloss, and it holds the embellishments really well. It’s a strong adhesive as well as give a beautiful gloss.

If you had the option to choose, buy Glossy accents for its quality.

Glue and gloss is just a substitute that works as well.

What is the difference between Niji Pearlescent colors and Fevicryl pearl colors?

They are entirely two different items. Pearlescent colors are thin translucent watercolors that have a fabulous sheen to it. You are able to layer on the Niji colors with a variety of media...you can write over them, stamp over them (depending on inks used, it might bleed but that itself is a pretty effect )

Fevicryl pearl colors on the other hand are acrylic colors with a pearl luster…they are not translucent..Almost opaque..Unless you water it down a lot, they will be opaque.

Here there is no comparison since they are entirely different products…

A suitable alternative to Pearlescent watercolors would to be to get some white pearl eye shadow powder, mix it with some water colors and give it a try…the finer the eye shadow powder, better the pearl sheen you would get…I’m still to try this out, but if you do, let me know!

MS glitter and Pie Lane glitter!!

I haven’t used MS glitter so can’t compare but it would be safe to say both are at par…MS glitter comes in 3 types…coarse, fine and tinsel. I have the Coarse glitter and it’s bigger chunks of glitter.

As for fine glitter, I would say both are almost same.

The only difference would be the packaging and the number of colors...and the quantity...so if anyone has used both..would love your take on this question.

How do u manage cutting 12*12 papers using ur trimmer?

I don’t have a 12x12 trimmer. Its on my wish list..I’m still trying to decide which to buy..still going back and forth over my pros and con’s. What I do have is the 5 x 8.5 trimmer.

I use my scale and Precision knife (its like an x-acto knife, but made by Camel..desi stuff) to cut it down to where it will fit within my trimmer.

Priya Venkat had shared a very practical way of cutting up the 12x12 papers…

I find this a very practical way of using my papers, I use the 6x6 for my mini albums or cards, the 6x8 goes for my albums and 4x6 to use as mats for photos or just use it on cards.

That is all from my end for now...off to try and make something..since I'm done with my books and have a lot of borrowed stuff to return!! heheh!!!

Oct ATC Swap at ICR

2011-11-18T12:55:00.004+05:30

We had our first ever ATC swap under the roof of ICR, hosted by Rachna. It was exciting to see so many participate...There have been some who have been participating in ATC swaps for over a year but this was the first time under ICR.

I love ATC's coz they offer a tiny canvas on which to portray your imagination..

For those who don't know what an ATC is...here's my short intro..They're a 2.5x3.5 piece of paper, called ARTIST TRADING CARDS that you embellish, decorate and sign on the reverse ( please don't ever use the word backside..it does not exist in the dictionary...I shudder when I read the word backside in newspapers and magazines)
Back to ATC, you sign on the reverse so that your recipient knows who sent it. ATC's are always traded as the name suggests. They are not mini cards. They're like your playing cards or baseball trading cards. Here are a few examples of fabulous ATC's on flickr.
Here and here ( you can browse more by changing the number of page)
These are primarily stamping ATC's. They can also be made with mixed media, collage, paints..any medium!

So having said that, let me share the ones that I received....

Pics from Kalindi's blog

Pic from Kalindi's blog

These two fabulous cards came from Kalindi....I love the neatness with which she packed the cards..and the tiny bling stones and the scoring!! Way to use your new tools girl...simply fabulous!!! Thank you so much for this gorgeous cards!!

This gorgeous fall creation comes from Vintage queen...Mallika. Thank you sweets for the fabulous burst of color!!!
Coming up are ATC's that I made

I had a few extra poinsettia's printed while I was making cards for Pie lane...and took one..cut it into two and colored glittered, and glossed (the 2nd card has gloss, the first only glitter) The main card front is distressed (what's new?) with shabby shutters, peeled paint and forest moss. stamps are from Inque Botique..the fern and the sentiment both. Glitter balls and glitter dust from Pie Lane! And a touch of hobby ideas glitter along the border to look like tinsel... ( you can see it better in the first card)

And on a reprimanding note...I haven't got many comments on my Pie lane card...didn't ya'll visit the blog? or didn't like my card? I know its shameless to ask for comments, but that's how I improve..that's how I know what I did was good or need to improve basis....so please hop on over to Pie Lane blog and let me know if the card is way too simple?

I've gone Dotty!!!!

2011-11-15T14:35:00.003+05:30

Yeah..I've literally gone dotty!!! The prospect of searching for a house and being thoroughly disappointed with the prices (way too high) and the spaces I saw got me really low!!! To stop myself from going crazy with worrying (those who know me well, I will worry for things that haven't happened...I'm the Don't worry chachu's female version...hmmm maybe they stole the idea from me)ummm...back to the topic..to stop me from worrying, I sat down to do what I love the most....stamping...and took out my newest set...PTI Dots and spots (thanks Shobhana...you'll see how much fun I had with it)
I ended up making 7 cards in one go....not one hour...it took me 4-5 hours..interspersed with some house work, cooking etc....

Without more ramblings...coz I'm all for rambling these days!! here are the cards...all are one layer cards...

The original design of this card was from Lea's card... and then as usual I had to add butterflies!! Stamps are PTI Butterfly dreams, Signature greetings and Dots and spots. Ink is Memento tuxedo black and Rose bud. Center butterfly is die cut with the PTI butterfly die and the other two small butterflies are hand cut.

Ink used here is Memento tuxedo black, lulu lavender and grape jelly.

Inks are Versamagic Chalk ink Sea breeze and memento Tuxedo black and bahama blue.

For this card..I basically went wild...just stamping like a kid would...random...with no sense of any design or direction...still pleased with this card!!

The bigger medallion in the set...still need to get it to stamp properly!!

And all of the butterflies are adequately coated with glitter.....either with glitter glue, or pie lane pixie dust or Sakura diamond dust pen.....need proof.....

That is pie lane pixie dust glitter...Ain't glitter an awesome thing?

Since I felt so relaxed and at peace...I plan to make loads more....coz worrying will never cease...but to channel that energy into something pretty...that makes me happy!!!
See you around with the next dose of cards!!!

Since stamping, butterflies and bling are my most favorite things....I feel its only right that I link it to Patricia's My favorite things at Colors Dekor.

Dots and stripes

2011-11-05T12:17:00.001+05:30

Hey everyone…it’s the last day of holidays for me..well for hubs actually…which means more time for myself…certainly will miss bugging him all day!! Oh well, another holiday looms on the horizon for us..10 days in Jan. Want holidays, marry a lawyer!!

Ok enough about holidays…did you check out the card on the Pie lane blog? I loved making it and its so easy, even the most novice card maker could make it…do drop by…

A new challenge is up on ICR this month…the theme is Dots and/or Stripes and the twist is to add a tag…you can create a tag and add dots/stripes to it, or add a tag on your card…possibilities are endless…for all the rules and some stunning inspiration from our fabulous DT, hop on over to the ICR challenge page…

I don’t know what prompted me to create such a bright card…but bright it is…Base is Peacock Blue Fabriano CS.

The distressed panel started as White CS (Brustro) and distressed it with Wild honey, and Spiced marmalade (that is one heavy orange color) and a touch of Vintage photo.

Stamped the hero arts flourish background (thanks you guys for this fabbie stamp) with spiced marmalade. Tags are hand cut, added a punched 5 petal flower and punched a hole through it..tied some charcoal twine.

Pattern papers are from Itsy bitsy, our fabulous sponsors for this challenge. The paper is double sided, and I’ve used the orange polka dotted side to punch butterflies in( 3-in-1 butterfly punch), and the striped side to add a border…which is also punched with Threading water Fiskars punch.

A bit of Sakura Diamond dust on the butterfly completes the card…

Sentiment is from the Penny black Betsy bluebell set (see I used both my sets!!!)

How could I not show my butterflies? Do join us and have fun with this challenge...go dotty!!!

Just a shout out for a fabulous girl's give-away...Priya Sivaraj is celebrating her blog anniversary and her wedding anniversary with this fabulous goodies...drop by her blog to wish her and maybe win yourself some fabulous crafting goodies!

Also I'm cleaning out some old hobby ideas clear stamps at throw away prices...if you want to have a look, check out my sale page...

Christmas has arrived

2011-11-04T12:43:00.000+05:30

I have loved Christmas every since I was in school...and for your dose of Christmas fever..hop on to the Pie lane blog and check out what I have in store for you today!!

I have loved making this card and I hope you love it too

An Unforgettable Birthday!!!!

2011-10-30T17:29:00.004+05:30

Statutory warning--LOADS OF PICS!! SCROLL AT YOUR OWN RISK!!

Thank you thank you and some more thank you girlies!! I could never imagine such a smashing birthday in my life..ever!!! This is by far the bestest birthday bash that I ever got!!
As a rule I hate surprises...But this one was one of the best I've ever got!!! So thank you all my blog buddies!! I never knew how much this virtual world and internet world has become a part of my real life!!! If I could, I would hug you guys forever...but then it would be weird and awkward..so a virtual hug it is!!!

Here are all the cards that I got for my birthday...my most treasured possessions...and the funniest part of this birthday was that my husband gifted me a diamond pendant..and yet I was more excited to get stamps than receive that pendant!! How shameless could I be??? Does anyone share my love for stamps so much??

In no particular order....here are the beauties that grace my shelf !!! I hope I haven't missed out on any cards..if I have...please forgive me...I'm way too much dazed these days!! Have been climbing forts for 4 days in a row...that's a post for another day!!

This gorgeous creation from Hussena...Thank you for the sweetest surprise!!

This gorgeous bouquet card literally took my breath away!! Thank you Priya!!!

This awesome Emboss resist card came from Asha along with a super cute card for my mother in law (we share the same birthday!!!) and a beautiful Domino book for me!!! its a tiny book!

This gorgeous vellum embossed flowers are from Priyadarshini...Awesome..now you made me want to have those flowers!!! one more set I need to have!!! Its a good thing my anniversary is next month!!

This super super crepe paper flower is from Shruti...Love that bling butterfly!! Thanks for the awesome card!!

Spardha captured all the butterflies in Delhi and put them on my card...superb misting....each butterfly has pearl mist on it..and that blinged butterfly at the corner..superb!! you made my day girl!!

This gorgeous pixie dusted butterfly came fluttering from Ujjwal...Thanks so so much for this beautiful biggg card!!

These trio of butterflies made their way from Karuna...Thanks a ton for these gorgeous beauties!!!

This little box of goodies is from Shalini...(You gotta share how you did those butterflies..are they stamped or is that a PP) and this little box opens up to house 8 mini mini cards...

Each of these mini cards is a piece of art in itself...all gorgeously stamped and distressed and well, if you thought I'd use it to gift it to other people..you're wrong..I'm gonna hoard these forever!!! :)

Aren't they simply gorgeous? Thank you babes for making this possible...You're the master plotter in this along with Khush!! My biggest bear hug is for you both!! :) Love ya girls!

This darling card..with cake and bling and loads of senti mush is from Khush!! (so sorry for the muddle up) love the glossy accents on the butterflies and the coloring..super!!

This one comes from my friend Forum...she has just learnt quilling on her own..and she made this for me...Thank you girlie....(Khush, Hussena, Suganthi...you might remember me asking you for a flower tutorial for a friend of mine...this is her)

This gorgeous card made its way from J&K....Thank you Snehal for the gorgeous card and the most gorgeous sling bag I've ever had...Thank you Thank you again!! :)

This butterfly beauty is from Manasa...despite her hectic schedule..she made a card for me...Thank you so much girlie...am honored...

This gorgeous card from Sudha totally made my day!! Thank you for the beautiful papers, stickers and the card from ICR too!! Thank you so much!!

Card on behalf of ICR

This card from Swathi was the first to arrive...I took this pic from your blog girlie..I seem to have misplaced the card while cleaning my place!! Thank you so so much for thinking of me and starting my festivities early!!

This super super awesome card arrived just an hour ago..and was too lazy to photograph it...so took the pic from Priya Sivraj's blog...this card is even more beautiful in real life....Thank you so so much Priya!! and Thanks for the Pie lane butterfly..being a butterfly addict, I still didn't have it in my collection!

Phew!!!! that is one lengthy post....but I did warn you....And if you've made it till here...here's the last pic of my birthday gift...for which I jumped more than I did when I got the pendant...you girls know me well... thanks again!!

And this book from Khush....thanks so much baby girl...will love to give it a try...now I need more tools....maybe I should give you a list...my anniversary is next month...(I'm sure you'll kill me if I make you broke)

Thank you my dear dear friends...Thank you a million times over....I'm over-whelmed and stunned at the love that you've poured out for me....I'm happily basking in the glow of those friends and the friendships that I hold near and dear to my heart....

ETA: this card is on the way..in transit..but had to show it off...it is like saving the best for the last!!!

Thank you thank you ET.....more than my card...I'm praying for you to get well soon...Sending you loads of hugs across baby!! Feel better soon!

Blingy Poinsettia

2011-10-25T12:00:00.001+05:30

Just sharing another Card made with Pie Lane products...my favorite..glitter strips and the Pixie dust glitter and glitter balls...

Its essentially the same card I made for Crafty JC's challenge..but this one is on a larger scale..A5 size card..
I've just added a strip of Red CS along with some scalloped borders and a sentiment printed off. (I should have printed it on the same CS..the white and cream are glaringly odd)

There isn't much to explain...drop in a comment if you have any more questions...

Happy Diwali everyone!

Thank you Card

2011-10-20T15:23:00.001+05:30

I love learning new techniques and for that one reason alone, I took the Inspiration showcase class...Loved it so much that I've got all the techniques printed out and bound in a book...and that book is my bedside companion...love it...

There was a fun technique shown there in- Faux letterpress..(here's a beautiful video by Kristina Werner demonstrating this technique) It was such a beautiful one..And then Erin's Faux letterpress challenge on Yvonne's blog was the perfect kick in the back to make that card....so without further gabbing...here's the card...Definitely not my style...but what's the fun in life if you don't try something new???

Supplies - Brustro 200 gsm for card base, same for the card front, gingham ribbon from stash,

MFT Heart Die-namics, Daisy punch, PTI - sentiment, Vintage photo distress ink, Versamagic Chalk inks, Tumbled glass distress ink, hobby ideas-ice shimmer glitter

I love the softness that versamagic chalk inks give to this card... I've used Sea breeze and Aloe Vera chalk inks to create the faux letterpress effect. And rubbed the raised (embossed area) with some ice shimmer glitter..

I die cut a heart out of some glossy paper and added Tumbled glass distress ink- first straight to paper (so that the raised areas-embossed parts are darker) and then with blending tool...
Punched flowers and added peeled paint distress ink, added a generous dose of ice shimmer glitter..topped with self adhesive pearls from Itsy Bitsy..

I stamped the sentiment with Memento black (proof that this ink will react with water- the ink bleeds with water) and then distressed with with vintage photo and lastly gave a small spritz of water for the blotchy effect..Next time I should remember to use staz-on or Graphite black if I'm going for the wet splotchy look!!
Just added a touch of vintage photo to the card edges for finishing the look...

Since I loved this card so much, thought of sharing the step by step with you...See you soon...
I'd be happy to answer any queries if you have....

And on a gleeful note, Birthday cards have started arriving...yipeee!!!! Swathi, Sudha...thank you so much...will be posting your cards and showing them off when I come back from my vacation...Thank you so much for the thrill of anticipating lovely cards in the mail....

Pink, White Black and Butterflies!

2011-10-18T12:38:00.001+05:30

Before I jump into explaining my long title...let me first share that my first ever easel card with the cutsie Owl was one of the Top 4 at Lily pad Cards....YAY!! Its a fabulous feeling! Thanks Miss Boo for letting me know!!!
And now to today's post...
As the title says, Its gotta be a pink, white and black card...and this is the first challenge on Gopi Patel's Create Me Pink Blog..

Since I was in the previous card mode...I whipped up a similar card using the colors of this challenge...BUT, I used the Heart wings butterfly!!! Thank you Manasa for sending this to me on loan...I love it....Thanks girlie...

The Magical Background is embossed in black and then applied Worn lipstick to the front and just a touch of Fired brick Distress inks to the edges. The Butterflies are stamped and embossed on Vellum with white embossing powder and sentiment is from Papertrey ink..heat embossed in black.
And if you can see a not-so-subtle shimmer on the butterfly hearts, its from the Sakura Diamond Dust glaze pen...

Also for CMP's First challenge, there was Pink Pick..to use one other embellishment...I've used rhinestones on the butterfly body.

Couldn't decide between the white and black background, so showing you both!!

Also picked up a small trick from Jennifer Mcguire's inspiration Showcase class of propping the wings up...they won't ever fold down...just pop a small bit of foam adhesive under the wing...

The wings will be popped up even after mailing!! Isn't that gorgeous??
So that's it from me now..in case you want me to post details about the same blue card...let me know..I'll make a post for that too...

Blinging up Diwali

2011-10-16T09:00:00.005+05:30

One week before Diwali...most of you must be in a cleaning, cooking frenzy...so will I...hopefully!! I'm not too keen on the cleaning or cooking part..especially if I have to do it without any help...domestic or otherwise!!

But if I had to bling up...that I can do...I've got a ton of lights up...and am blinging everything I can!!

Just a teaser of what else I've blinged up....drop by the Pie Lane Blog to see what I have in store for you this Sunday!!

Don't forget to leave your comment/any questions that you might have....
Have a great Sunday!!!