Soapbox Creations

Behind the Scenes...with me!

2012-01-28T00:00:00.002-06:00

I have a fun little project to share with you today! It's being featured over on the Clear and Simple Newsletter! Stop over there to read a little bit more about my project and a little interview I did! :)

Did you see CSS's latest release? Well, its pretty awesome! They have the cutest new little favor die... check out what I made!

Here I have a matching favor box and card, perfect for a teacher!

I made these apples with the pop outs from the handles of this favor box! I just layered the pop outs with some red cardstock for the apple peel and stamped some seeds! The seeds are actually from a small leaf stamp in the Taglines: Critters set. How fun is that? And here is a close up of this very CAS card...

Here is how I made the apples with just a couple scraps of white paper and the handle from the treat box die...

Perfect for scraps right? Then just add some red cardstock and seeds!

Here are the projects one more time...

Now stop over to the CSS blog and check out the interview! Be sure to stay tuned for a February Release Review for Clear and Simple! Remember, the releases are bimonthly now! And don't forget to check back at the beginning of March for the next release. All I'm gonna say is hold on to your seats! ;)

Thank you so much for stopping by!! Have a great day!

Supplies

Stamps: CSS Taglines: Critters, Taglines
Paper: CSS Kraft, A Blanc Check, Dare to be Diva Red
Ink: Jumbo Java Versamagic
Misc: CSS Party Favor Box #1, The Twinery Twine, Tags 1

Wishing you...

2012-01-26T23:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday! Time for another CAS-ual Fridays Challenge! This time we get to play along with a FAB sketch from Laura! Here is my card...

I used one of the new backgrounds from Clear and Simple. And the sentiment is from a CSS set too, called Cupid Love. I paired these with a yummy bow and some silver pearls! I haven't tied a bow in awhile...I am sure out of practice! I used to put bows on just about every card!

Here is Laura's sketch for this week...

I hope you have a chance to play along! It's like a little 2 sketchs reunion! :) Go check out the CAS-ual blog to see our sponsor for the week and to see all the other sketch cards! Thanks so much for coming by!

Winner!!

2012-01-26T09:24:00.001-06:00

First off, I want to thank you all for your amazingly sweet comments and really just hanging around here with me! I love this hobby/creative outlet/stress reliever and I feels so blessed to have made so many sweet friends along the way! Crafty people are so sweet and I am lucky to have you visit!

On to the winner of the PTI Thank you set....

Jen W. said...

Love that Berry Sorbet colour and it looks great with the Hawaiian Shores! When I was a kid I suggested we paint our house turquoise with flamingo trim. :) It would have looked much like your card!

January 23, 2012 6:43 AM

Thanks Jen! Shoot me an email with your address and I will get this in the mail!

Stay tuned for another round of CAS-ual Fridays coming your way at 11pm CST!

Love script...

2012-01-25T05:00:00.000-06:00

I am here today with another DeNami Product Spotlight. Today we are showcasing this Love Script stamp...which I love. A lot. I remember seeing Andrea make something with this stamp quite some time ago...wish I had a link...but I remember telling her....I muse have this stamp. I got it in the mail a couple weeks ago and sat down and made this card...

How fun is this? I love that little Heart outline stamp, which we showcased last week, and paired with the love script stamp, it makes the perfect balloon!

Go check it out over at the DeNami store! It's 10% off this week! And don't forget to stop by the DeNami blog! All the DT girls have some FAB "love" creations you don't want to miss!

Have a great Wednesday!

Cutie Patootie...

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000-06:00

I adore this little owl from the new Clear and Simple Taglines: Little Critters set. I am not the best Copic artist in the bunch (by far), but he is so easy to color! And just so adorable. I have used him several times already but I had to stop in and share with you this little notebook I made!

I found a cute little paper pad from the Target $1 bin. Every heard of the Target $ bin? I'm just kidding! I know you have. Who hasn't? There is always something fun in there!

That's it for today! Stay tuned for February! We have a whole new round of release samples to share! Remember Clear and Simple now has a bimonthly release! The next BIG release will March 1st...hold on to your seats for that one people....Just sayin'! ;)

Another one...couldn't help it...

2012-01-22T16:24:00.002-06:00

So you may have seen my last card with the "new to me" Take 3 die. Well, here is another one...and its Valentines...I tried to make something else but I am loving Valentines cards this year! I just couldn't kick the Valentines streak...

I stamped PTI's Background: Sheet Music, and then used the die on the center of the card. Then I added 3 hearts on foam tape.

Before I attached the bottom one, I stamped "I love you" with a sentiment from the Tiny Treats: Valentines set and added a little silver pearl!

Here is a quick shot of the inside! The next card I make....I am going to try to steer clear of the die. For now. :)

Hope your Sunday is going well! Don't forget to stop by and check out the little giveaway I have HERE!

Thanks for all your amazing comments!

New goodies and a little giveaway..

2012-01-21T16:14:00.000-06:00

For this last PTI release, me and my friend Jen, decided to order together. We both had small lists so I added her stuff to my cart. She had the Take 3 die on her list. I don't have any of those Take 3 sets, so I never really looked at the die. Until now. She made me do it really. I changed the quantity in my cart to 2. I'm pretty happy I did that. And that she made me! :) Here is a quick card with the one stamp set I purchased this month and the new Berry Sorbet ink. Can you see how great the ink and cardstock match? I love it!

I used the die on the card base first and then on the Berry Sorbet cardstock, lining it up and then cutting the excess. Then I ran it through with a Sizzix embossing folder.

I used the new Flower Fusion Die and set to make these flowers. This is my first Flower Fusion purchase and I would have to say my favorite. I. love. that. plaid. flower. So cute with the button center!

The other color is Hawaiian Shores ink. These colors are really fun together I think! And here is a quick shot of the inside...

I have one of the little PTI Thank You stamp sets to giveaway. It's been forever since I've given anything out! And due time I think! Become a "blog friend" over on the side bar... if you aren't already and leave me a comment! I'll pick a winner on Wednesday, January 25th.

That's it for today! Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

Penguin Suit? Yep!

2012-01-19T23:00:00.000-06:00

It's Penguin Awareness Day! Did you know that? I sure didn't! But how fun! And CAS-ual Fridays has made the penguin suit into a challenge! Create a Black and White, CAS project!

Here is mine...

I made this card in about 2 minutes! Super easy! Here's how...I just impressed the card base with PTI's Sheet Music impression plate. Then I used this Piano Keys .svg file and made the keyboard. Stamped the sentiment and slapped some pearls on there! Easy peasy! I do have a give a crafty inspiration shout out to Jenny...I was completely in awe of THIS card! Love the stamped staff! AMAZING!

Here is the badge for this weeks challenge...

And Cindy Coutts has a fun little prize from Amuse! Check out the CAS-ual blog for prize details and see all the other Black and White projects from the DT! Have a fantastic Friday!

Love Bug

2012-01-18T13:29:00.000-06:00

Are you tired of my Valentines Cards yet? I feel like I have used a LOT of red the last few weeks! Well, I'm pretty sure that I am not done. I have more. Sitting. Waiting to be shared. So here is another one...

This cutie little bee is from Kim Hughes' set Giddy Bugs. I paper pieced him and then added him to some cloud patterned paper. Then I added some hearts and put the whole thing up on foam tape, onto this Sunshine impressed card base. If I am thinking correctly, this card was an entry for World Card Making day. I just came across the pic and had to share!

Hope you are all having a great day!

Runway Inspired Challenge

2012-01-17T08:51:00.002-06:00

This week, Clear and Simple Stamps is sponsoring the Runway Inspired Challenge. I had to play along with this rainbow inspired fashion challenge! Here is my card...

I played with my Copic airbrush here to get the soft look of stripes in the dress. And then to change it up a bit, I cut it into strips. Added this fun sentiment from CSS's new set, Lucky Charm!

Here is the photo inspiration...

I hope you get the chance to play along! I bet we see some gorgeous cards with this oh so fun challenge photo! Thanks for coming by today!

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Just an update for all who purchased stamps this weekend! The packages are going out this morning! Check out my sale page HERE to see what's left! Thanks!

a pocketful of love...

2012-01-14T20:10:00.000-06:00

Just playing around with some more Valentines Day cards. I am pretty sure I have never made so many! I have all these fun stamps and papers, all from different companies combined to make these cards....

These cards use PTI Cardstock...White and Hawaiian Shores and Polka Dot Basics Stamp set, Doodlebug Pattern paper and twine, Wplus9 Pocket Die and stamp and "a pocket full of" sentiment, Clear and Simple heart die and 'LOVE" sentiment. This next card I added a DeNami sentiment "love" masked in!

I'm thinkin' I better find myself lots of Valentines this year so I can pass out all of these cards I've been making!

Have a great Sunday and don't forgot to check out my "Crafty Stuff for Sale" page! I have sold several things but still have a little left!

Off to watch the Broncos game!

Mojo Monday

2012-01-13T19:45:00.000-06:00

Yes this is my third post of the day! Sheesh, I know! I had to stop in with my sketch card for Mojo Monday! I found this paper in my scrap bin and then saw the sketch and I know I had to play along!

Here is this weeks sketch! I left out one of the circles after staring at it for awhile! Then I added some bling! If all else fails right? :)

I mentioned keeping sketches on my phone recently and had some emails about it! So I thought I would share! I have the iPhone 4 and love being able to take screen shots. I'm sure some of you already know how to do this but with the questions I've had, I thought it would be good to share!

So this is the Monday Mojo post open on my phone in my google reader....

Once I have the page where I want it, I take a screen shot but pushing the top power button and the front main button at the same time. This takes a screen shot photo and puts the photo right in to your camera roll.

Go to your camera roll and open the photo. Using your fingers, make the sketch bigger to fit the whole screen....

Once you have the sketch full size, then push those same 2 buttons again to take another screen shot ....

I go back and delete the first Google reader pic and then I have the sketch pic in my camera roll, ready to go whenever I sit down! No need to go and find the website!

I do the same thing with recipes, coupons, adds...the screen shot is so handy to have on the iPhone! Well, I am off to get the house clean! Company is on the way! Have a great weekend!

Don't forget to check out the tab at the top...Crafty Stuff For Sale! I have lots of stamps and some dies for sale! Thanks for coming by!

Stamps and Dies For Sale

2012-01-13T12:39:00.002-06:00

**Scroll down for this weeks CAS-ual Fridays Challenge Post!**

I am just doing some purging of loved but rarely used sets! If you would like to purchase any of these sets, I will accept payment by Paypal. When you email, send me your zip code and I can let you know a quote on shipping! Email me with any questions at ll_willison@yahoo.com. Thanks!

PTI

~~Limited Edition 2010 CHA Set Four of a Kind $20.00~~Sold

~~Limited Edition Anniversary Set Round and Round $20.00~~Sold

Signature Series: Dress Form and coordinating Die $7

Fillable Frames #3 and coordinating Die $7

Fillable Frames #6 and coordinating Die $7

Background Basics: Petal Power $10

~~Scattered Showers (stained) $18~~Sold

Delightful Doilies and coordinating dies (very minimal staining)

Stamps: $23

Dies $15

~~Mega Mat Stack 1-Brand New $10~~Sold

Paper Smooches

~~Giddy Bugs-New $8~~ Sold

Just Rite Cling

Sparky the Snowman-One stamp used $8

Lizzie Anne Designs

Brilliant Blooms-Brand New $5

My Favorite Things

Groovy Girl-Brand New $5

Practicing Creativity

~~You're Dandy-Lightly Used $8~~ Sold

~~Look Up Additions-Brand New $8~~Sold

Wilson Designs

~~Everything's Owlright-Brand New $5~~ Sold

Hero Arts

Enjoy Every Moment-Stained $9

Let me know! Thanks!

CAS-ual Fridays Challenge #35

2012-01-12T23:00:00.000-06:00

I was typing the title to this post and I am shocked that we are at challenge #35 already! Time flies when you're having fun!

We are here today with another challenge...Use scallops in your CAS design! That's easy right? We all love scallops! Here is my scalloped creation...

I used a new set from this months Clear and Simple stamp release called Love Cupid. Isn't this little Cupid so cute? I love the music background! The scallops are one of PTI's edger dies layered with some Clear and Simple, Dare to be Diva Red Cardstock! Yum! :) Can you tell I am on a Valentine's day roll? And I am not done! I am going to have more Valentines for you this week!

Stop over to the CAS-ual Fridays blog to see all about Annabelle Stamps and check out the prize for this week! I know you will see lots of scalloped creations there too, from the design team!

Have a wonderful Friday!

Be Mine

2012-01-11T05:00:00.000-06:00

It's Product Spotlight time over at DeNami and we have the cutest little heart outline stamp to share today! Here is my very clean and simple Valentines card using this adorable stamp and some yummy Doodlebug paper! (Thanks Amy!)

I simply stamped the heart, cut them out, and then attached them with foam tape! I used a cute little valentines sentiment from DeNami's Petit Four, Love Sentiments.

Stop over to the DeNami blog to check out more samples using this adorable heart!

Stop by the store today too....this little stamp is 10% off!

Thanks for stopping by!

It's in the bag...

2012-01-09T23:00:00.000-06:00

That is the theme of this month's Clear and Simple Group Project! We are breaking out the new CSS favor box dies, and sharing some fun ways to package up those goodies!

Here is a fun little treat box I created! Keep reading and I will show you how I did it! And I have lots of pictures...so its a long post! :)

To make my "sweet treat" box, I used this die...

Now hang on with me here....I have lots of pics to share! When I got this die, I realized the platform on my Big Shot was not big enough! But I was still able to cut it out and it was very easy! Here you can see how much of the die hangs off...

I ran it through until it hit the end of the platform...

And then rolled it back through. I just carefully slide the die and paper back through....

And then rolled it through again.

If you don't pull it all the way out, the paper that is already cut stays snugly in the die and won't move so you can slide it down and finish the cut.

I cut one in pink and one in red....

Then with my trimmer, I cut the tops off of each box...

After the top is cut off, I took my Fiskars Cloud Scissors and added the scalloped border. You can cut the box shorter for a smaller box or keep it longer for a taller box.

I bent the pink box in slightly on the sides, just so the red "top" would fit down easily.

And there you have it! A super easy box with a decorative lid! Then decorate!

And here is the box together one more time! I added a CSS tag die with the little owl from Taglines: Little Critters and some saddle stitch ribbon from Hobby Lobby!

All of the other DT girls have some fun things to share too! Here are the links...

Kim

CSS

Thanks so much for coming by today! Have a good day!

A new challenge...

2012-01-09T05:00:00.000-06:00

It's time for a new challenge over at DeNami Design! I am really excited to say that I am staying on with DeNami for another term as Contributing Designer! Go check out the latest news about the 2012 Spring/Summer Design Team!

DeNami's first challenge is a fun one! It's "the Anything goes challenge!" All you have to do is stop back to the DeNami blog and link up any creation you have that uses at least ONE DeNami stamp!

My challenge was a CAS card using patterned paper. Here is my card...

This DeNami Hello Friend sentiment is one of my favorites! I had to showcase this stamp with a few pieces of fun patterned paper. Now it's your turn! Go create something fun and come back and share!

Thank you so much for coming by! Have a great day!

i {heart}...

2012-01-07T10:41:00.001-06:00

...woodgrain. I do! Backgrounds, embossing etc...and now this heart! Clear and Simple stamps just came out with a new Heart set....a must have for backgrounds and a so much more! Included in the set is this woodgrain stamp...

I want to put this heart on every card....kinda like my Linen impression plate addiction...except maybe you can see I didn't use that here! GASP! I know, right?

Here is the super fun set so you can see the whole thing, Hearts Plus...

My most favorite part about this set, is those little hearts coordinates with THIS fantastic die set...

...which also comes with a stamp set....outlines for EACH heart! LOVe!

You might be wondering about that text background? Well it come from this set, Quotes II...

Ok enough enabling today! Hope you are having a fantastic weekend so far! I am pretty sure I will be back with lots more of this CSS release! If you want to check out the whole release, you can go HERE to see everything! Have a great day!

CAS-ual Fridays Challenge #34

2012-01-05T23:00:00.000-06:00

It's a fun week over at CAS-ual Fridays! First off, we are back from a holiday break with a new challenge! Secondly? The prize is super fun! Check out the CAS-ual Fridays blog for the details! I am sure that Simon Says Stamp has something to do with it and a little bit of info about a Guest DT spot! Just sayin'!

Here is this weeks challenge...

....just use some chipboard in your CAS creation!

Here is mine for the week...

I used some chipboard Thickers! I hoard them. I've said it out loud before and I am ok with it! So, I thought...why not? And I do have to say I am happy with the results! Love this new Stitches and Swirls from PTI! So fun!

That's it for today! Go check out the CAS-ual Blog to see all the other creations for the week and when you are done with that, go do a little shopping over at Simon Says Stamp! They have LOTS of fun stuff and the most amazing service and FAST shipping!!

Thanks for coming by today! Have a wonderful Friday!

Clear and Simple Critters Collection Release

2012-01-04T23:00:00.000-06:00

I can't lie. I have been pretty excited for today to get here! This release for Clear and Simple has to be my favorite so far! And? It's a huge release. There is so much to see that you must check out every DT blog plus the CSS blog to see it all! I will have a list of links for you at the bottom of this post!

I have one particular item to share with you and then I will give you some more info on the rest of the release. Ok so here it is! CSS has available today, the cutest most fun dies ever! They are called "Build-A-Critter" dies! Each set includes 2 animals you can "build". They are dies to make each Critter the the size of an A2 card. So they are big dies and super fun!! Today I used the Owl/Kitty die set. This set includes the base owl body die that you need for all the Build-A-Critter sets. It also includes all the dies needed to build the owl, the kitty and a branch and leaf! SO cute! And clear as mud right? hehe! I have pictures to share so you can see all the details!

First off, here are the Owl/Kitty Build-A-Critter dies available today at CSS...

There is the main owl body that is the base for all the Build-A-Critters. Then you have eyes, nose and feet for the owl, a tail to add on for the kitty, and a branch and leaf!

Here is my little creation...

It's a felt owl!! I am just really excited about this little guy! And so are my kids! They are fighting over him! my 7 year old says he looks like an Angry bird! I am pretty sure he is going to disappear from my craft room when I am not looking! So here are some pics on how I made him!

This just shows the dies and how I cut out the felt for each piece. The dies include 2 eyes and 2 feet...this makes the cutting process so much easier!

I just laid all the pieces out so I could see how I would assemble him. Super easy! You can also get an idea of the size by the marks on the scor-pal!

I hand stitched him together, adding batting to his tummy, eyes and then inside his whole body!

Here you can see how puffy he is! Isn't he so fun?!

I am thinking the possibilities are endless for these dies! Cards, party favors, plush toys, ornaments for the tree and my daughter has already asked to make her own set of paper dolls....aka Paper Critters!

Here are the other sets that being released today too!

This first one includes all the dies to add to the base die to make a bat and a bee! How stinkin' cute are these?

And this one is the Fox/Raccoon set! I can't wait to make one of each of these Critters out of felt! When I do, I will definitely come back and share!

Now you must stop over to the Clear and Simple blog to see the WHOLE release! This is just the start! There are Little Critter stamps in 2 sizes, plus another set of dies! There are AMAZING heart dies with outline stamps! Some Valentines stamps, St Patty's day stamps. There are party favor box dies, backgrounds, Alphabet stamps.....see? LOTS! Go check it out HERE!!

Here are the links to the design team...

CSS

I can't wait to hear what you think! I am so glad you could come by today! Stay tuned because I have been pretty busy with this release and I have lots more samples to share this month! :) Hope you have a great day!

Clear and Simple Sneak Peeks!

2012-01-02T12:39:00.002-06:00

Hi friends! I have a fun post for you today! I am here with a sneak peek of a new Clear and Simple stamp set! I also have a couple sneak peek links to share as well! The DT girls are getting busy with LOTS of adorable new things that will be available on January 5th!!

Here is a quick card using one of the new sets...

This set is packed with sentiments and super cute little critters! Very versatile for sure! Go check out these other links to see some more sneak peeks...

Laura-You MUST check out this owl card!!

CSS Background Basics-Adorable!!

CSS Party Favors-These are going to be AWESOME to have in your craft stash!

Lori-The cutest be ever!

Steph-Some amazing CAS cards!

Laura-These boxes are FAB!

I will be back if I can find some more links! I know the DT girls are busy getting things ready! Don't forget to come back on Thursday! I can't wait to share that project with you!!

Have a great day!

So I had a little time today...

2011-12-27T19:09:00.001-06:00

I had a couple of girls over today for some cardmaking time! They were able to whip out 4 cards each this afternoon and I was able to get 2 done! WOW! I thought at first it was a no-go! Total stampers block like the whole month of December has been! BUT I got something accomplished! Here is one of the 2 cards I got done...

I used the new Filagree border from PTI as well as Stitches and Swirls. After I attached the inside of the border, I tipped up the edges for a little dimension. I wanted to leave the image black and white but added the red pearls to tie it all together.

Now I am off to make yet another Easy Bake dessert! We are a full fledged kitchen at this point! The good thing about having backed Easy Bake goods around this house? Each cupcake is probably only about 15 calories a piece! :) I did find a website with recipe for your own Easy Bake recipes! I am sure that will save us money! My dd wants to buy all of them! Next up...chocolate chip cookies! :) Have a great evening!

Enjoy!

2011-12-24T07:45:00.000-06:00

Happy Christmas Eve! I can't believe its here already! My parents kept the kids last night so we got LOTS of stuff done! Most of the presents are wrapped and ready! I got a fun package in the mail so I had to unpack that and actually felt a little inspired to make a card! Maile is most definitely one of my favorite designers! I have really enjoyed her cards this release...well every release...but I am here today with a very Maile inspired card...

Can you believe I cut those flowers out? GASP! I know...why didn't I buy the dies? I do have to say how easy they were to cut out tho! I layered them with the TANL die. I cut out several and then cut them apart, rearranged them, turned them over, curled some of the leaves. I love this look! Then I added in those gorgeous roses!

All of this is on top of the card base where I used the Quatrefoil die to emboss the card front. Super easy! I added a Tiny Tag and a little Twinery twine and done!

I am going to turn this card in over at Wee Memories for their "Anything Goes" challenge!

I know this should probably be a Christmas card today right? But the sentiment says it all! I hope you all enjoy your Christmas Eve! I hope its a happy one! :)

CAS-ual Fridays Challenge #33

2011-12-22T23:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to a super fun CAS-ual Fridays Challenge! First off, here is this weeks challenge...

This weeks challenge has LOTS of possibilities, that's for sure! Our sponsor this week is Market Street Stamps! We have some of their new stamps to share with you today! I got all excited and had to make 2 cards! Here is my first card using "Believing Butterfly"...

And here is my second using "It Takes Love"...

I can't wait to see your creations! The DT has some pretty amazing ones this week too! Go check them out HERE! While your there, check out the prize for this week! Thanks so much for coming by!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-21T09:15:00.000-06:00

Boy its quiet around here isn't it? I was just telling Jen yesterday that I haven't had the slightest desire to create a thing lately! Wishing that would change...BUT...my house is spotless! That laundry I complain about all the time? Done. And folded. AND put away! WHAT? Yep! I have done lots of hanging out with friends, baking, my family is in town so its just been a fun and busy time! I had to jump on with a quick card today just to say HI and Merry Christmas to all of my blog friends!

I have been so blessed by the friendships that I have made here! Thank you all for taking the time to visit! I hope that each of you has an amazing Christmas season!

I love love this patterned paper and I know you have seen it on a recent card, but I had to focus largely on this paper! I love it...already said that! But I do... This ribbon is some of my favorite as well. Its wired edge and from Hobby Lobby! It makes the best holiday bows!

Well, I am off to work on the to-do list! Hope you all have a fantastic day! I'll see you Friday for the next CAS-ual Fridays challenge!

OH and one more quick thing....HERE is the link to the window card .svg file! I posted THIS card the other day and I got a lot of emails! :) It is a fun look! If you make something with it, stop by and leave me a link! I'd love to see it!