Next Card Kit

Hi everyone! Hope you all had a great weekend. I had a busy one but still it was good.

On my last post, I showed you all the next card kit I am listing on Etsy. But I decided to try something a little different out of my normal kit process this time around. I always get idea overload and come up with several concepts that I want to attempt. But because of time, most of them get pushed back. So what I decided to do this time was to create a few cards at a time, and then make the kits for each card at once. That way I can still use my creative energy to make the cards that I want to in this moment, get them out of my system, and finally move onto creating the kits. I am hoping I can then start the cycle over again. So I plan to make 5 cards in this particular series - so far that is how many I have planned out in my head; we'll see how that goes though - before I start making the kits. Designing is always my favorite part anyway. And seems to take up most of my time. So cross your fingers for me and here's hoping! :)

So I continued with the same sketch to come up with this next card. I do have to say though that I made the dimensions 4 1/4x3 this time, just to try to get more use out of one sheet of cardstock. I am still LOVING this Echo Park paper line - and as I mentioned above I am trying for a series here - so I stuck with that patterned paper. For the stamp image, I went with Stampin' Up! of course, as well as for the embellishments, punches and cardstock.

And here is the card:

Amour Eiffel Tower card:

Cardstock - Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla Stampin' Up!

Patterned Paper - For the Record Echo Park

Stamps - Stampin' Up!

Ink - Early Espresso, Crumb Cake Stampin' Up!

Button and Bling - brown button and half pearlie Stampin' Up!

Ribbon - 1/8" Old Olive Stampin' Up!

Punches and Die - Small Heart, Scallop border, Designer Label, butterfly {embosslit die} Stampin' Up!

Adhesive - glue stick 3M; Continuous Line Glue Dots; liquid adhesive Crystal Effects Stampin' Up!

I thought it would be fun to make the focus of the card not fit on it entirely. So that is why I kept with the smaller card and made the main section taller than the card itself. And I do have to say, I like the results. It was fun to experiment with going outside of what I normally do. Another thing I don't usually do is mat the main stamped image, but again, I wanted to try to get out of my comfort zone a bit. Although I don't love that part of it, I like the color the mat provides, as well as helping with the overall flow of the card. So my gut told me to leave it. :)

Hope you all are good and staying crafty! I am off!

Best Wishes Echo Park Mini Card Kit

Hi Everyone! Thought I would show you my next card kit to go on Etsy. Is it just me or is there not enough time in the day! I wish that I could get more kits made. Oh, well :).

So I am still liking to make small cards for my kits. But I thought I would try a different size besides my standard 4" square card. So, okay, it's still 4". But I did 4"x3". Ha! Talk about a variation! :). But I do have to say, I was pleasantly surprised.

Here is the card:



Best Wishes Card Kit W/Echo Park paper:
Cardstock - Very Vanilla, Soft Suede Stampin' Up!
Patterned Paper - For the Record Echo Park
Stamps - Stampin' Up!
Ink - Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Marina Mist Stampin' Up!
Punches - Scallop border, Designer Label, Itty Bitty Flower Stampin' Up!
Mini Clippie - Stampin'  Up!
Twine - My Stash
Ribbon - cream grosgrain My Stash

I think it is safe to say, I have finally joined the Echo Park band wagon. As much as I have loved all the lines that I have seen, I am already a huge American Crafts fan, and I feel like a lot of their lines look like American Crafts - even though they are super super super cute! But I found a line of theirs today called For the Record. It has my name written all over it! It's so shabby and pretty and reminds me of my grandma :). I can't wait to see everything I can come up with now!

As for the shabby stamp set above - it's actually a combination of 3 - the pretty birdhouse and "no. 147" is a Stampin' Up! set that I have been debating for quite some time of whether I should get it or not. Well I finally bit the bullet, and I love it!!! I admit, I don't love all of the stamps in the set, but I have a few like that anyway. The set is called Nature Walk and it is in the current mini catalog. The bird is from the Sale-a-Bration set, Bliss. And the Best Wishes stamp is from the Vintage Labels set that is now retired. As you all know, I am a Stampin' Up! girl, through and through! The images of their stamps are consistantly top notch. And the quality of their stamps is amazing. In my opinion - :) - there are only a few other brands that I think are as good of quality. Okay, there is my 2 cents! I promise that is all for the night!

Hope you all like it. When I get the kit put together, I will post it on here. And of course on Etsy to sell.

Linking up to:

Paper Issues

Have a great night everyone!

P.S. While I am thinking about it, have you all been watching American Idol! How do you choose a winner?? They are all so good! Paul is probably my favorite. And then Lauren Alaina. But I love almost everyone!

And last thing, have you been watching Outragous Kid Parties on TLC? $30k for bday parties. Who does that kind of thing? Well apparently 2 families here in Salt Lake, plus other families across the country. I don't get it!

Alright, off for the night, I promise :). Have a great one!

Stampin' Up! Club Swaps - Owl Boxes

Hey Everyone! So Amber, Marci and I go to club once a month at my Stampin' Up! Upline's house. Cindy has a great blog. Check it out if you get a chance. A few months back Cindy started a swap with her club members. As you all know, I love to make mini cards. When Cindy sent out the first email to give the details, she specifically said to make FULL SIZE cards. He he he! So I did, just like a good girl. But this time around, I decided to not make a card at all! I got a petal box die last month, so I decided to make boxes for everyone.

Here they are:

Counter curtosy of Amber Lafata! :)

Owl For You Petal Box:

Cardstock - Real Red, Kiwi Kiss, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip Stampin' Up!

Patterned Paper - My Mind's Eye

Stamps - Stampin' Up!

Ink - Old Olive, Chocolate Chip Stampin' Up!

Punches - Owl and Itty Bitty flower Stampin' Up!

Die - Petal Box Sizzix for Stampin' Up!

Liquid Glitter - Martha Stewart

Baker's Twine - My Stash

Jelly Beans - Life Saver and Starburst :)

These are so simple to make. You cut out 2 petals. Then you glue the flaps on each side to just inside each piece. I glued the flaps down on top, but you don't have to. You can leave them loose or fold them on top. I planned on having them open though to have the candy sticking out of the top. Otherwise I would have closed them. And because I was being cheap and didn't want to buy Sticky Strip to hold it all together, I used my glue gun. It wasn't perfect. But they held together just fine.

Two non-crafting items to mention:

The first thing, has anyone read Water for Elephants? I just started it today finally. And I am really loving it so far. I am hoping the movie will be good! The movie coming out is the reason why I finally decided to read it, although I have been wanting to read it for quite a while. I admit, I am worried Robert Pattinson won't be a strong enough actor to play the part. Hopefully, I am wrong though! We shall see.

And the second thing is, I am watching Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert The O2 tonight. It's been forever since I have seen the movie and listened to the music. I forget how good it is. So many good songs and characters! Wow, it's such an amazing experience. Even on the small screen and just the music. It's on PBS, so if you get a chance, watch it!! So so so good!

Linking up to:

Paper Issues

Alright, I am off. Hope you are all good!

Card Patterns Sketch Challenge 107

Hi Everyone! Thought I would show you my very first attempt at a sketch challenge. The card didn't quite turn out how I wanted. Oh well :). Card Patterns Blog always has cute sketches. But I have never made a card from any of them. Or any sketch for that matter. So I thought I would give it a try.

First, here is my card:



Bliss Card - Card Patterns Sketch Challenge 107:
Cardstock - Pink Pirouette, Whisper White Stampin' Up!
Patterned Paper - Dear Lizzy for American Crafts
Stamp - Stampin' Up!
Ink - Early Espresso Stampin' Up!
Punches - Flower Petal border EK Success; Bird, Itty Bitty Flower Stampin' Up!
Ribbon - Brown Grosgrain May Arts
Paper Doilies - Darice
Bling - Half Pearlie Stampin' Up!

For the doily, because it was a lot bigger than the paper rosette, I folded it in 1/8th's, cut the center out and then gathered it so it fit snugly behind the rosette. I know it's pretty subtle, but there is an embossed hydrangea blossom on the top right hand side of the patterned paper. I didn't want to cover the whole thing up because I love it, so I did the borders, ribbon, rosette and bird on the bottom 1/3rd of the card. That way the hydrangea blossom wasn't lost.

And now here is the sketch:

As you can tell, I also rotated the the card on it's side and then, like I mentioned above, moved the scallops, ribbon and rosette down to the bottom 3rd.

I linked up my blog to the sketch challenge. I hope I win because the prize is Unity Stamps! Love them! I haven't ever purchased any of their stamps but the images are so cute! And now they have teamed up with Webster's Pages, another brand I love. So cross your fingers for me :).

Before I head off, here is one last card I made:


Happy Birthday Banner Card:
Card - Studio G
Cardstock - Whisper White Stampin' Up!
Patterned Paper - Dear Lizzy for American Crafts
Stamps - Stampin' Up!
Ink - Early Espresso Stampin' Up!
Ribbon - May Arts
Punches - Scallop border, Itty Bitty Heart and Flower, Designer Label Stampin' Up!
Button - Stella and Rose for My Mind's Eye
Glitter - Martha Stewart


The card is from Studio G. They have a few packages of cards where you get small cards - my favorite!!! - and coordinating envelopes. There are two of each style, and three designs. And of course, they are only $1. You can't pass that up! And because I love small cards, I definitely couldn't pass them up.

I made the banner by cutting the different papers into half in strips and then just cutting the flag end into each piece. Super easy! Oh, and before I cut the end, I scored them at 3/4" so that way each one would be a rectangle and not square. But since the card is so small, I didn't want the flags to be too big.

I am linking my post up to

Paper Issues

and

Card Patterns

If you haven't checked out either blog, I highly recommend to do so! They are both great!

Off to craft a little more before the weekend is over. Hope you have a great rest of yours!

Listography: If I Could I Would...

I'm in a mood for lists today! So bare with me for one more :-)

1. Eat dessert everyday.

2. Always wake up on the right side of the bed and be happy.

3. Make a living out if being crafty. I have lots of ideas but haven't gotten anything going yet.

4. Dance to my own theme music all the time! He he he. I always wanted to be in a musical :-) "I feel pretty..."

5. Sleep in everyday and stay up until 3 am. I'm a bit of a night owl.

6. Buy a sweet NIKON SLR camera. And take classes on how to use it too.

7. Figure out how to make the days longer and need less sleep. That way I could get everything I want done in a day! I know, I'm crazy :-)

8. Go to Disneyland at least 4 times a year! Hehehe.

9. Visit Wine Country. I've always wanted to go.

10. Not be so afraid of trying to be crafty for a living :-)

11. Get my motorcycle licence so I can drive an Easter Egg blue moped.

12. Get my weight down 40 more lbs. I can do it!!

13. Go on a Mediterranean cruise. I want to see Europe so bad!!!

14. Blog and craft every day.


I am off for the day! I promise :-). Make it a good one!

I Am Greatful For ...

Hi everyone! I just wanted to make a short little post to say what I am thankful for today :-)


1. My husband works so hard for our family and ALWAYS tries to do the right thing. He doesn't falter easy. He makes me laugh everyday and loves me for who I am.

2. Peyton has brought light into my life that I didn't even know I was missing. She is so excited about life and learning anything new she can. She is every dominate trait of Thong and I put together! And we love every part if her!

3. My mom has always been there for me. Even when she doesn't agree with my choices, she still loves me. She always makes me feel confident and loves to get crafty! It was definitely something I picked up from her and from her mother.

4. My family is crazy and fun! As we have gotten older we have learned how important it is to stay close. My nephews and niece are so much fun and I love them to pieces.

5. My dogs are full of never ending love. They are so happy to see us everyday without fail. I love smuggling with them on the couch and just having them around!

6. My craft room has become my own private space where I can escape life and just go create! I live to be in there and do what comes natural:-).

7. Red Velvet is my favorite dessert. Okay, and cheesecake. And key lime pie. And lemon squares made by Amber Lafata. And.....

8. Spring is here! I always say fall is my favorite season. But I think I have been mistaken all this time! I love the days getting longer. Starting to wear warmer clothes. Trees turning green again. Flowers starting to bloom. Spring and summer themed scrapbook products. Being able to spend mire and more time outside.

9. My Nook and my books. I love reading. I love how books allow me to escape reality for just a bit and live a little in someone else's shoes. Good books make me happy - even the sad ones!

10. Okay, you may laugh at these next things, but I can't help myself! My ipod, cell phone and all the electronics in my life. I love music and I have been able to learn all kinds of new artists that I wouldn't have been able to discover without the help of my computer and even itunes. Ha! I am making myself laugh! I am such a dork! I love how I can stay connected to the world so much easier and all within my palm. I'm even writing this post on my phone.

And there you have it. Isn't life grand!

Finally, The Rest Of The Valentine's Cards

Hey everyone! I will keep my typing short and sweet to get to the goodstuff tonight! Here are the rest of the Valentine's I made. Hope you guys like them :)

XOXO Card:
Cards (used on all the cards shown) - Stampain' Up!
Cardstock - Chocolate Chip Stampin' Up!
Patterned Paper - Fancy Pants
Punches - Scallop border, Pinking Hearts border Stampin' Up!
Bling - jewels Stampin' Up!; Red liquid glitter Martha Stewart
Bookplate - Very Vanilla Hod Podge Hardware Stampin' Up!
Ribbon - Tempting Turquoise grosgrain Stampin' Up!

From My Heart To Yours With Love:
Card - Stampin' Up!
Glitter Cardstock - American Crafts
Patterned Paper - Fancy Pants
Punches - Dotted Ribbon border, Scallop Ribbon border, Scallop Trim border Stampin' Up!; Lace border Martha Stewart
Gems - Stampin' Up!
Ribbon and Twine - Red Grosgrain Packaging from Christmas pajamas a few years back!!!; Banker's Twine my stash



Happy Valentines Day:
Card - Stampin' Up!
Cardstock - Whisper White Stampin' Up!
Patterned Paper - Fancy Pants
Punches - Lace border Martha Stewart; Dotted Ribbon border, 4 petal Itty Bitty Stampin' Up!
Bling and Glitter - half pearlies Stampin' Up!; Red Liquid Glitter Martha Stewart
Ribbon - My Stash



My Heart Is With You:
Card - Stampin' Up!
Patterned Paper - Fancy Pants
Punches - Word Window, Scallop border, Scallop Circle, 4 Petal Itty Bitty flower Stampin' Up!; Fancy Flower border EK Success
Ink - Crushed Curry Stampin' Up!
Stamp - Stampin' Up!
Bling - green candy dots, yellow gems Doodlebug Creations
Ribbon - Brown Gingham Making Memories



I'm Glad You're Mine, Valentine:
Card - Stampin' Up!
Cardstock - Chocolate Chip Stampin' Up!
Patterned Paper - Fancy Pants
Punches - Fancy Flower border EK Success; 4 Petal Itty Bitty Flower, Multi Petal Itty Bitty Flower, Scallop border Stampin' Up!
Ribbon - My Stash



Won't You Please Be Mine:
Card - Stampin' Up!
Cardstock - Chocolate Chip, Whisper White Stampin' Up!
Patterned Paper - Fancy Pants
Stamp - American Crafts
Ink - Chocolate Chip Stampin' Up!
Punches - Scallop border, 4 petal Itty Bitty flower Stampin' Up!
Ribbon - Regal Rose Stampin' Up!
Brad - Doodlebug Designs




Happy Valentine's Day Zebra:
Card - Stampin' Up!
Patterned Paper - Fancy Pants
Glitter Cardstock - American Crafts
Stamp - Studio G
Ink - Real Red, Chocolate Chip Stampin' Up!
Twine - Baker's Twine My Stash
Punches - Itty Bitty Flower, Scallop border Stampin' Up!
Bling - pearl and jewels Stampin' Up!





Fishy Amour:
Card - Stampin' Up!
Cardstock - Whisper White Stampin' Up!
Patterned Paper - Fancy Pants
Ribbon - My Stash
Ink - Chocolate Chip, Real Red Stampin' Up!
Punches - Scallop Oval, Oval, Itty Bitty Flower,Scallop border, Pinking Hearts Stampin' Up!; Fancy Flower border EK Success
Eyelet Brad - Pebbles, Inc.



Everything Grows Better With Love:
Card - Stampin' Up!
Cardstock - Chocolate Chip Stampin' Up!
Patterned Paper - Fancy Pants
Glitter Cardstock - American Crafts
Punches - Itty Bitty flowers, Scallop border, Scallop Dotted Ribbon border
Bling - Half pearls Stampin' Up!



Stupid blurry picture! Sorry!!
Head Over Heels Owl:
Card - Stampin' Up!
Cardstock - Real Red, Whisper White Stampin' Up!
Patterned Paper - Fancy Pants
Ribbon - Old Olive, Stampin' Up!; Baker's Twine My Stash
Stamp - American Crafts
Ink - Baja Breeze, Early Espresso, Riding Hood Red markers Stampin' Up!
Punches and Die - Itty Bitty flowers and tags die Stampin' Up!; Lace Trim Martha Stewart
Bling - Half Pearls and Jewels Stampin' Up!

Happy Spring! Yay! I  am so glad it is almost here!

My Short Little Break From Blogging Turned Into A Long One!

Hi Everyone! Hope you are all good! I can't believe how long it's been since I have posted anything. In my defense I have been super busy. I went from quiting my job, to going to Disneyland 2 days after my last day, taking a week to recover from my 5 days there, to starting my new job! Then it was Peyton's birthday and a few days after that it was mine! Wow, February sure went by fast...

Back to Disneyland - it was so much fun! It was Peyton and I, while Thong stayed home with the pup's, worked, played poker and watched movies. He called it his Bachelor week :). In the mean time, Peyton and I went with my sister and her husband; my brother, his wife and 4 kids; and last but not least, my parents. We stayed in a motel across the street, within walking distance and spent 5 WARM and funfilled days in the

 Happiest Place On Earth.



Peyton fell in love with a Cinderella tutu, and then of course I had to get her princess ears to go with it! I love this pic of her. What you don't see though is what a total princess diva she was being while I was trying to snap it! :)



This is one of the first pictures taken on our first day. We had to get a picture of "Cinderella's Castle"! Yes, I know it's Aurora's Castle, but Peyton LOVES Cinderella, so she dubbed it Cinderella's Castle. She stayed certain of it until close to the end when she finally got to venture inside.



My parents got Peyton this Tiana dress. It's absolutely darling! She fell in love when she saw her in real life too! Even though Cinderella is her favorite princess, she told me that Tiana is now her 2nd favorite! Ha! Too funny! Tiana was so sweet and so great! And so pretty!

Card No. 1:

Stampin Up, American Crafts, Studio G, Martha Stewart

Card No. 2:

Stampin' Up!, Fancy Pants, Studio G, Martha Stewart, my stash

Card No. 3:

Stampin' Up!, Joanne's, My Mind's Eye, Darice, my stash

Card No. 4:

My Mind's Eye, Stampin' Up!, Studio G, American Crafts, my stash (sorry the pic is blurry! I don't have the card anymore, so I can't take another pic of it :()

Card No. 5:



Stampin' Up!, My Mind's Eye, Doodlebug Designs, American Crafts, my stash (sorry this pic is blurry too. I was in a hurry when I took the pictures :()



So when I was just about ready to post, I was doing spellcheck and I am not sure how, but I somehow erased this whole post! :(. I had gone into detail of all the supplies. And then because it auto saved right after, I lost everything for good! Ugh!!!! Unfortunately I am not going to be able to do that tonight again. So here is my post without all of those. But I hope you like it just the same. So if you are wanting to know any of the precise details, just leave a comment on what you would like to know, and I will let you know. Sorry!!!

And there you have it. Well, actually there are 10 more! But I will save them for another time :). Hope you all are well. I promise I won't be such a stranger!