CCustomCreations

Family Love

2009-06-16T09:08:00.002-04:00

So, I'm still on a creative kick... and using things I have. This accordion picture frame is something I made using my Accucut Machine and some Designer card stock from my stash ( which by the way isn't growing, but I don't seem to be putting a dent in....)

I covered the Heavy weight chipboard die cuts with card stock, ink the edges, and then pulled out my flourish stamps form Autumn Leaves. I have had this set for a year or so and it is still my go to set for flourishes! After a little digging, I came up with 2 chipboard pieces from a set I bought at Micheal's a couple of years ago ( you know- one of those things you just have to have because you have a 40% off coupon?) I covered the chipboard with card stock, inked the edges, and stamped flourishes on them. I punched 2 scalloped ovals, and stamped family and love on them, inked the edges and adhered them. Then the "aha" light came on- I had just purchased a Martha Stewart butterfly punch- what a perfect embellishment for the frames.

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Something to Crow about

2009-06-05T11:25:00.002-04:00

I got on a country, shabby chic, vintage kick last week. Ever wonder why you are drawn to a stamp? Don't know why but I love roosters- and no, I don't have a single rooster in my house ( not that I wouldn't want a few- but DH would think that was tacky)

I bid on this stamp at a crop event last month, and won! Only took me a month to use it - ya, I'm what you call a speedy Gonzales.

Ok- now for the details, Kraft cardstock, Jenni Bowlin paper(love it), Chili cardstock, Cream cardstock, May Arts ribbon, Black ink, and last but not least, Stamp'n up retired stamp.

School Days

2009-05-28T08:51:00.003-04:00

I made this mini album a few weeks ago. I'm trying to use things that I just had to have! Come on- you all know you do it- gotta buy the newest gadget or paper.... I am the world worst at this. This project used a few of those "I just got to have it" things.

The first gadget I used was my Grand Mark Accucut Machine to die cut the mini folders for my book base. They are suppose to fold in half, but.... I tried something new with the die- not bad if I say so my self! Next I used up some paper from the Grade School Paper pad by Die Cuts with a View. To finish off my project, I bound it with my Bind it All ( yes I just had to have it also). Hope you enjoy!

Sweet!

2009-05-21T09:23:00.003-04:00

Gotta love a bargain! I was out and about last week and stopped in Micheal's on a whim.... everybody knows you have to check out their dollar stamps- and low and behold I found a few that I liked.

I inked the cupcake top with tangerine ink and then rolled my chestnut roan ink pad along the top of the icing and the rest of the stamp- kind of gave it a out- line effect. I finished it up by coloring the liner and cherry with my copics.

The saying is from a clear set by Hero Arts. It fits the image quite nice if I might say so myself.

Beach Cruiser

2009-04-30T08:30:00.003-04:00

When I lived in Japan my husband purchase me a bright red cruiser bike- complete with the fat tires and wire basket. Loved that bike, no gears to mess up, a little bell to let people know you where coming, just the basics. We got rid of it this year- one too many global and cross country moves. This stamp reminded me of my favorite bike, so I just had to have it.

In honor of my cruisers memory, I made my card sweet and simple also. I stamped the image once in Chestnut Roan. Colored the top bike with blue and then over stamped the first image. Inked the edges, double matted and attached a simple twill ribbon and button. Hope it brings back memories of a simpler time. Have a great day.

Dreaming of a Tropical Paradise

2009-04-20T09:05:00.003-04:00

The weather here in Maryland has turned cooler with rain, so I am dreaming of a beach in the Caribbean!

I have always loved warm sunny places and fantasize about living on a small tropical island where life slows down, you can comb the beach and find wonderful shells and sea glass treasures, and where sipping fruity drinks with an umbrella is the norm, not the exception. Since that is not the reality at this time in my life, I decided to make a card to whisk me away....

I hope it transfers you to a warm and tropical place also.

Special Visitors

2009-04-15T09:33:00.003-04:00

I was able to put my space back together for The Spring Card Class yesterday. Good thing because I had a few special visitors, Shirlee and Bob Hagen, from my old stomping grounds in Oak Harbor, Washington stop in to take the class. Those of you that have following my blog- (I know, there is not many of you) might remember me mentioning Shirlee using the saying " pink and green makes me scream".

Shirlee and Bob fit right in with my new friends out here in Maryland, Tammy and Sue. I don't know what it is about stampers, but we all just kinda have an instant bond, like old friends who can just pick up where they left off. I think everybody had a good time.... we showed Shirlee some new things we had found, and Shirlee told us about some new things she had found... Oh- and by the way, those new things are now on order!

Shirlee, Tammy and Sue left my house with a box of goodies that I was de-stashing (sorry Bob and the other husbands) and I know that my old toys are in good hands and will be used.

Quick Post

2009-04-13T09:02:00.002-04:00

Happy Monday! Just wanted to do a quick post and let everyone know I'm still alive. My DH decided to re-organize our basement this weekend, good idea- never the right time....

My craft room has moved, the computer room has moved, the TV space has moved.... you get the idea. I am planning on taking pics as soon as I can find the camera, and everything is in its place. Hopefully by the time I host my class tomorrow!

Guess you know what I'm off to do today- organize and then get ready for class.
Later Gator!

Simply Precious

2009-04-09T17:24:00.002-04:00

Introducing Hunter James Singletary. Isn't he precious? We went to meet him the beginning of this week down in North Carolina. He is 2 months old and a wonderful baby. Lots of cheeks, and fat rolls to love!

I spent 3 whole days soaking up his gentle breathing, beautiful lips, and funny faces. This child makes some of the most unusual face I have ever seen an infant make. I'm sure he is going to be a handful for his Momma and Daddy once he hits about 1. I, as a good Grandma, will spoil him and give him everything he wants!

Friend to Friend

2009-04-02T18:00:00.003-04:00

I was feeling warm and fuzzy when I made this card. I love how silhouette stamps give such a elegant feel to a card. These silhouettes are from a Stamp'n up set from last year. I still haven't grown tired of them. I also used the medium polka dots from a Paper Trey Ink set. Love how the polka dots play off of the gingham ribbon. I used the Fiskars Threading Water punch for the scalloped edge. The finishing touch is the small pink button tied with some natural jute.To answer the question about my paper racks- I get them from one of my wholesale suppliers: Notions.
If you are local I would be able to purchase them for you. You can contact me at: cbristow64@yahoo.com

BOOM!!!

2009-04-01T11:18:00.004-04:00

I keep seeing people post pictures of their crafting spaces. They are all nice and neat.....and we all know that this is not reality! So here are pictures of my craft room explosion after 3 days of creating samples for 5 classes. What you are not seeing is the floor and how my mess has spilled out into my husband's man cave in the basement.

Now the fun begins, NOT- I have to go clean up my mess. Anybody out there want to volunteer for that duty?

New Ribbon

2009-03-31T15:16:00.003-04:00

OOOH AHHHH.... was all I could say when I opened the box the UPS guy left! I love my UPS guy....he shows up and I get new goodies for the store.

I am in love with this ribbon, always have been always will be. The Ink Paper Scissors Store http://theinkpaperscissorsstore.com/ carries it in Black and Cream, Blue and Cream, Red and Cream and Brown and Cream. At a mere $.55 a yard it is an indulgence that everyone can afford.

Come stop by The Little Flowers Crop this Saturdayand pick up a yard or two. Speaking of the Little Flowers Crop, Misty has a few spots open, you can contact her at: 301-994-0881 or 301-481-3834.

Spring Flower Bucket

2009-03-30T11:57:00.002-04:00

Happy Spring! I am about a week and a half late- but I come by tardiness naturally.

I remember as a little girl always being late to church. My mother, bless her heart, would try to get all of us ready for church on time. Every Sunday we were at least 5 minutes late and my mother would paraded us up the center aisle to the front pew. I always felt like a family of ducks following their mother.

OK- enough about my bad tardiness habit.

I was in Target the other day and saw these cute buckets in the dollar section- I knew I had to have them! I pulled out some chipboard, my Accucut dies and bright papers and went to work. I am going to use this bucket on my Easter table.

I will also be teaching this as a class at the Little Flowers Crop on Saturday April 4Th.

Blue Bird of Happy-ness

2009-03-18T07:33:00.003-04:00

The sun is out and shining here in Maryland, and it is going to be a wonderful day. What more could a girl wish for?

I love this cute bird by Stampendous- it is a set that I have had for a couple of years, but I still pull it out and use it all the time. It is great for paper piecing. The Tree is from the build a tree set by Inkadinkado- another one of my favorites...you can build trees for all seasons! The sentiment is by Amuse.... I love all of their sentiments- they should make more clear sets with sentiments only- the I could afford them all!

Hope everyone has a wonderful Spring day.

Be Happy

2009-03-17T07:31:00.002-04:00

Ha- I killed two birds with 1 stone!
As some of you know, I purchased the Accucut machine from Scrapp'n by the Bay when they closed last year.... since then, I have been selling some of the dies I knew I wouldn't use and purchasing new ones. Now that I have these new a fabulous dies, I have been trying to use more of them in my card making. 1 Bird.....
I know the rest of you know about my obsession with never throwing out a scrap of paper....so I used my scraps and new dies to make this card! 2 birds....

You could almost say 3 birds, if you want to count the sewing on the card ( my Mom is rolling over in her grave because I'm using my Singer on paper= sorry Mom). ooh, make that 4 birds, I used a dollar stamp from Micheal's that I just had to have....

Woohoo- do the happy dance, I was creative, productive, and thrifty.
Now- like the card says: "Be Happy"

Funky Monkey Felt Embellishments

2009-03-15T12:06:00.003-04:00

I've been working with some felt embellishments lately. These monkeys are so fun to make. The only problem I seem to be having is getting their mouth shapes right. I plan on using one on a scrapbook page soon.

This little lady seems to have an attitude! I have a couple of them listed in my etsy shop- so if she is not the girl for you, you have a few more to look at.

Desk Set

2009-03-10T18:14:00.003-04:00

I made this cute little desk set for a class later this week. What a way to dress up your desk or kitchen counter. I use my giant clothespin to hold all of my mail and notes, the large paper clip goes on my grocery list with coupons, the small clothespins are magnets and hold kids art work on the fridge and last but not least, the post it note holder goes in my purse.

March Class Schedule

2009-03-06T09:21:00.004-05:00

March Class Schedule

****March 7: 9-9 Lions Club Crop****

4020 Hunting Creek Rd, Huntingtown, Md

I will be set up as a vendor, so if you need any product, please come by and see me in person!

March 10: 10:30-1:00 Spring Card Class
Cost 15.00

March 13: 10:30-1:00 Altered Desk Set
Cost 15.00

March 24: 10:30-1:00 All Occasion Card Class
5 Cards for various occasions
Cost 15:00

March 27: Monthly Christmas Card Class
Come make 4 Christmas cards so that when December rolls around, you have one last thing on your list to do!
Cost 15.00

All classes are held at my house in Lusby Maryland. Please email me or call me to register or get directions.
Cindy Bristow 443-404-5898
cbristow64@yahoo.com

Warm Thoughts

2009-03-02T10:57:00.002-05:00

Sending warm thought out to all on the eastern side of the USA today! We woke up to almost a foot of snow here in Southern Maryland. What a treat- the boys have been busy building forts, snowmen, and sliding down the hill. I have been busy wiping up wet floors and making hot chocolate! Gotta love snow days- the kids get sooooo excited, it makes me smile to watch them enjoying themselves.
Have a great day, and I will post again soon!

Blog Candy Alert!!!!

2009-03-01T20:15:00.002-05:00

I have been surfing Blog land ( actually avoiding the Nascar Race on the Tv) and have found some Blog Candy:

http://kitchentablecrafter.blogspot.com/

Check it out and leave a comment!

The Ink Paper Scissors Store

2009-03-01T19:53:00.003-05:00

Well, I finally went and did it.... what you ask, I followed my dream and opened a Paper Crafting Store. Welcome to The Ink Paper Scissors Store!

I really wanted to open a brick and mortar store, but with us being a Military family, it just isn't practical. So I did the next best thing, An online store. You can find me at:

http://www.theinkpaperscissorsstore.com/

Hopefully I can fill a void here in Southern Maryland where there are no local scrapbook stores, and the local Micheal's leaves a lot to desire.

I am still teaching classes at my house and will be attending local crops as a vendor.

Zoom Zoom Zoom

2009-02-18T10:58:00.003-05:00

I made this card for a class I taught yesterday with a teenage boy in mind, wishing for a sports car to zip around in....Take a look around you, ever notice that all of the sports cars are driven by us older folks? Guess its a cruel joke that once you can afford the car of your dreams, you have trouble getting in and out of it because it sits to low. hee hee hee

Have a great one- Zoom Zoom!

Spring is in the Air (Not here in Marland)

2009-02-13T07:37:00.000-05:00

I feel the need for some warmth. The past 2 days have been lovely outside, but I know that it isn't going to last.... so I decided to start on some "warm" cards. I chose a soft yellow card stock and beautiful purple designer card stock as my jumping off point. The Flowers are from Hero Arts and the sentiment is from Papertrey Ink. Everything was heat set and then colored with copics. I embellished with a dew drop and some May Arts ribbon. Hope the colors made you feel all warm and fuzzy.

Back from the Great Beyond

2009-02-11T09:00:00.001-05:00

I have been MIA for so long now that I'm not even sure I exist any more. Life, it's that funny thing that happens when you wake up in the morning.... you have grand plans to fit everything into your day, and then Life happens.

My pledge to my self is to try and check off at least 2 items from my list everyday! So, what does that mean to blog land? I guess it means that I will be posting more.... lets say 2 times a week! OK, Goal set... Ready, Set, Go!

Not your Usual Christmas Card

2008-09-12T08:05:00.000-04:00

I love this card! I was sitting down to design cards for the monthly Christmas card class and decided I was tired of Green and Red cards. This card is made with Bazzil Swimming Pool card stock- not your average color scheme for Christmas is it? I paired the Blue with a limey green patterned paper from a Debbie Mum stack and then decided I needed a POP- what better to make it pop then to use some hot pink? So your average snowman card turned into a hip young thing! Hope everyone enjoys it.

Mod Tags

2008-09-03T09:54:00.000-04:00

Whew- what a weekend. Our holiday weekend was filled with tons of activities. Football games, cookouts, house projects... everything but stamping. Insert sad face here.

This is a tag I came up with a couple of weeks ago for a request for an Etsy store. I like the clean and simple lines of this mock up. The store name will be stamped down the side of the tag. I can see this done up in Christmas color schemes to match all of your wrapping paper, or on gift baskets for friends. The possibilities are endless.

That's all I have for right now, I am heading into my creative zone, so hopefully I will have something new to show you tomorrow.

Falling Leaves

2008-08-31T10:15:00.000-04:00

All of last week was cool and fall like, then the weekend came.... Hot and Humid... perfect for the Labor Day weekend.

This is a card I made last week when the weather was Fall like. The only thing missing is the smell of fall in the air on this card. I used Pumpkin colored card stock, InkadinkaDo's build a Tree set, Cinnamon colored mulberry paper, Twine, and all of the Browns, Oranges and Yellows of Fall.

This also one of the cards for my All Occasion Card Class scheduled to September 9TH. If you have a question, please leave a comment on this post.

Card Class for Aug 26th

2008-08-24T09:54:00.001-04:00

Good morning to all, it has been a wonderful weekend here in Southern Maryland. Sunny, but not to hot and the humidity is low! My family spent the day out side yesterday- football and a neighbors party, a good time was had by all.

These are the cards we will be making on Tuesday in class. I look forward to seeing everyone , it's always a joy to spend a few hours with creative people!

Christmas Cards for Friday's Class

2008-08-12T08:35:00.000-04:00

What fun it is ride and sing a sleighing song today! I know it's a little hard to get in the Christmas mood, but here are the cards for Friday's monthly Christmas card class.

We will be using stamps from Amuse, Cornish Heritage Farms, Dawn Hauser, and Darce's to create these wonderful cards.

If you would like kits for any of these cards please leave a comment with your email and I will get back to you.

Card Class Samples for Aug 12th

2008-08-09T08:24:00.000-04:00

Hello all- these are the card class samples for our Aug 12Th class. The class is at Scrappin by the Bay in Prince Frederick, MD.

Can't make it? That's OK, I can put together a class kit for you. Just leave a comment on this blog and I will get back to you with all of the details.

Don't forget to go over to www.sassyjavababy.blogspot.com and enter into the free card giveaway that the ladies have going!

Until Tuesday, Happy stamping!

Coffee Cards Giveaway

2008-08-08T09:48:00.000-04:00

Guess everyone thought I had fallen off of the face of the earth, but in reality, I have just been in the basement being creative! My DH thinks I am addicted to crafts, well duh? It is the life blood that keeps me sane!
A wonderful group of ladies over at Sassy Java Baby noticed some of my coffee themed things on Etsy. They where gracious enough to do a give away with some of my cards. If you would like to enter their blog give away, http://www.sassyjavababy.blogspot.com/ visit their site, and leave a comment. Who knows, you might get lucky ( we all do sometime in our lives) Until my next entry, load up on the caffeine.

Boxes, Bags, and Tags

2008-06-27T07:18:00.000-04:00

I went and did it! Got a Accucut machine that is. The local scrapbook store was getting rid of their machine and all of the dies, the price was good, so what's a girl suppose to do? So now that I spent the money, I had to figure out ways to turn a profit. Which led to opening another store on Etsy.com called Boxes, Bags, and Tags. This is one of my creations so far- as Salla would like to say"Simple and Elegant", and the great thing is it can be done in any color you want!

My 3 stores on Etsy are:
www.boxesbagsandtags.etsy.com
www.classicvinyl.etsy.com
and www.ccustomcreations.etsy.com
Check them out and let me know what you think!

You Rock

2008-06-17T16:37:00.000-04:00

I have found another use for the massive amounts of record albums that we found when we moved into our home. Upcycled record sleeve envelopes and cards. You know the old LPs had that sleeve inside the sleeve.... well you can get 2 A2 envelopes out of them! This is a set of Elvis envelopes and cards I made from a Elvis sleeve! Cool huh?

Since we have so many albums at our house, I decided to be creative with them and open a store on Etsy called Classic Vinyl. If you would like to follow my creative journey with LPs visit www.classicvinyl.etsy.com

Have a great day, and remember, You Rock!

Happy Birthday cupcake

2008-06-10T07:04:00.001-04:00

I love cupcakes! I just can't get enough cupcake stamps- I believe I have 4 or 5 already and am still looking for more. This is another simple card, a few layers, some copic marker coloring, stickles and a ribbon. What more could a girl ask for?

Baby Card

2008-06-09T07:08:00.000-04:00

I really stuck my neck out on this one- :) A fast and simple baby card that could go for either a girl or boy.

Fast and easy card, 2 stamped images, a little coloring, a little layering, and ta-da, a card ready to go! I had ran out of square envelopes, so I improvised and used a regular A2 envelope. You seal the envelope, cut off one end to make it square, use patterned paper to cover front of envelope and to make to flap! Let me know if you need more details.

2008-06-01T11:30:00.000-04:00

Hello- sorry I've been slacking on my post- I just can't keep all the balls I'm juggleing in the air- must be old age setting! My advise to you all is: Do not get Older!
Well, These are the cards for Tuesdays card class. Pink, Green and Brown is one of my favorite color combos. Hope to see you all there Tuesday morning!

12x12 Dad lay out

2008-05-21T07:31:00.000-04:00

Last year my sister sent me all of our old family pictures. I am slowley but surely scrapping them for myself and 3 sisters. Having a once a month heritage class helps me remember to get them out! Plus, I do at least 1 page a month, and then when it comes time to get Christmas packages together, I have a nice gift for all of my sister's familys ready to go. So if you know my family, don't let them in on my secret.

Retail Therapy

2008-05-13T06:50:00.000-04:00

Oh, how I love my Bellas! They are so young and hip- just like the Sex in the City girls. I could just see them walking around in New York City.....

I did this card last week ( when it was bright and sunny) - and since I couldn't take any pics yesterday, I picked her to post today. She is all decked out with copic markers, ribbon, and bling.

Today is going to be a bright and sunny day. I am going to pick up all of the limbs and stuff left from the past couple of days of stormy weather and then stamp!

Bouquet Thank you

2008-05-12T07:04:00.000-04:00

Good morning all. I've had a cup of coffee, but I think it's going to be a 2 maybe 3 cup kind a day. The weather here in Maryland in wet, wet, wet.
One of those days you want to curl up in bed with a book and relax all day.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Mothers day yesterday. My family and I spent the day relaxing and being lazy. It was wonderful.

This is one of the cards I created yesterday. I used another one of Mish's sketches for my inspiration. She calls it her flag sketch. I like it because it lets you pull out those scraps, mix and match, and create a wonderful card. I also used the day yesterday to work on my technique using copic markers. I think I am definitely getting better.

I'm off to check on the kids and then get another cup of coffee :)

Card Kits now Available

2008-05-10T07:43:00.000-04:00

Good Morning all- We woke up to the sweet sound of rain drops this morning! Guess that means today is going to be an inside day... mmm.... that means I can sneak down to the basement and be creative!
This week I have been working on Card kits for Scrappin by the Bay. Leslie and Peggy had asked me to design a few kits for the store. This is one of two Fathers day kits that are now available. Everything comes pre-stamped and ready to assemble. Great for those who are new to paper crafting, wanting a quick card or something for the kids to put together!

That's all for now, I'm off to get another cup of coffee and then check on hubby and the boys. Have a great weekend.

Christmas card class

2008-05-09T07:07:00.000-04:00

Yippy! It's time for our once a month Christmas card class at Scrappin by the Bay. These are the 4 cards we are doing today in class.

I used oldie but goodies stamps from my collection this month. Isn't it funny how you keep going back to some Christmas stamps year after year?

I have to confess, Most of the layouts where cased from magazines or blogs- which is a great way to come up with ideas if you are creatively challenged or your Mojo has left you !

See you in class!

Hello Sweetie

2008-05-08T06:51:00.000-04:00

Oh what a glorious spring it has been. We have birds galore out here in Southern Maryland! I sit out on my deck in the morning and watch them while I finish my cup of coffee.

This card was made by using one of Mish's sketches - off of her blog MishMash. She calls the sketch " Grandma's living room". It's a great way to use up some of those scraps you have laying around. The stamps are from Micheal's- one of those $1 sets- got to love em. I used my copic markers to color the image.

Hope everyone has a great day.

I'm back!!!

2008-05-07T06:38:00.000-04:00

Can you say busy? Thats what I've been the last month plus some. Have to tell everyone sorry but life sometimes takes over and what's a girl to do?

Since I last posted, I have opened a small shop/space for my craft wares at The Marketplace in St. Leonard, MD. Its a Antique/Collectibles store that was happy to have something a little different in it. Hopefully, my creative pieces will be a hit with their audience.

I also am still teaching classes at Scrappin by the Bay in Prince Fredrick Md. I have stamp classes on the second and fourth Tuesday , Christmas card classes on the second Friday, and a Scrapbook class on the fourth Friday of each month. We have a wonderful group of gals that are regulars, so if you are in the area, come on in and join us.

Along with the above mentioned things, I am still selling on Etsy.com My store name is CCustomCreations. Stop by and see what's new!

Pay it Forward Blog Goodies

2008-03-24T07:51:00.000-04:00

Janine over at 2BKrafty http://www.2bkrafty.blogspot.com/ started a Pay It Forward and I signed up because # 1, I love receiving mail, and #2 I love sending mail and even better, I love sending treats!!! So now it is my turn to Pay It Forward to the first three people who post a comment here!!I will send a package of goodies to the first three people and then they in turn will Pay It Forward to three more people.Have a great day everyone !!!

Happy Cupcake day

2008-03-20T06:52:00.000-04:00

I just love my Stamp a Bella girls! They are just so young and hip- unlike me :> I'm just "hippy" - but that come with age for all of you youngsters out there.

This is a fast and easy card. I stamped the image and colored it with my new Copics of the month.... I sooo love getting that package once a month. What a sheer joy to open it and see what colors there are and they are all coordinated! I added some Stickles to the cupcake - every girl needs some bling in her life. I then layered the main image on black card stock and the sentiment on red card stock. On the large back round red I used my corner rounder to give it some interest. The rhinestones where layered onto circles I punched out of left over black scraps. Layering them seems to make them pop more.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day.

Card Class March 25

2008-03-19T07:23:00.000-04:00

Wow- I can't believe it is Wednesday already! Half of spring break already gone... that means only 5 more days with the kids home. No- I'm not counting the days until they go back to school....I wouldn't do that, would I?

Well, the boys had a slumber party down in the basement last night- who knows what time they actually went to sleep. I came down at 5:30 and they where both crashed with the TV on Cartoon network. Maybe they will sleep all day and I can be creative.

These are the cards for Tuesdays class. If you haven't signed up yet, hurry, the slots are filling fast! As always, please let me know if you would like extra kits so that I can have them ready for you!

Have a great day!

More Mini Cards

2008-03-18T06:53:00.000-04:00

Like I said yesterday- I am on a mini card kick! I spent the day in my craft room making mini cards. They are so cute and easy to make!

I started this set my waking up in the middle of the night thinking about a piece of paper - actually 3 - that I have had for years. It was one of those I got in a stack when I first started stamping. This paper reminds me of a blue linoleum floor from the '70's - you know what I'm talking about.... well you all know me- I can't throw anything away- so I've been holding on to this paper for forever! So of course inspiration hits me in the middle of the night- when else does inspiration hit? I figure that if I cut this 12x12 down to 2x2's, some of the linoleum look would be lost- well duh....Why did it take me so long?

I stamped 2 Lockhardt swirls and punched two flowers, inked a little and ta-da- mini cards! Hope you enjoy and that inspiration finds you at a more convenient time!

Mini Note Cards

2008-03-17T07:18:00.000-04:00

Wow- there just isn't enough time in the day.... I 'm sorry that it has been awhile since my last post- I've had so much on my plate- and none of it is finished yet! I think everybody feels this way now a days.

Since my last post, I have taught a few classes- thanks ladies- I always have fun- (especially when we laugh at our families expense), done samples for 2 classes, pulled weeds, and a whole bunch of other household chores. My plans for this week are to stamp, stamp ,stamp- but we all know that even the best laid plans go astray!

I'm on a mini card kick- 3 x 3 cards for gifts, to leave on your co-workers desk, or to place in lunch boxes. This set is done with a Autumn leaves swirl stamp and with a Paper Trey borders set! I finally got to use my new set- and I love them. I still haven't broken out the polka dot set- but like I said- this week is a stamping week.

That's all for now- hopefully I will post a few more things before the week is up!

Card Class

2008-03-09T10:43:00.000-04:00

Hi ladies- here is a preview of the card class for Tuesday. I have used some oldies but goodies stamps for this class. There will be a few surprises on other cards also!

I am bringing extra kits if you want to purchase them for your own use! See you all on Tuesday!

About a Boy

2008-03-04T19:14:00.001-05:00

I must be on a boy kick- it couldn't have anything to do with the testestrone level at my house.....3 males and 1 lonely female. There is no wonder why I hide in my craft room.

I have been holding onto this Kaiser Kraft mini journal for about a year now- and it fell off a shelf and landed on my toes yesterday. Must of been the scrapping gods telling me it was time to do something with it! So I pulled out my bag of blue scraps and went to work.

I decided that I would leave every other page blank so that who ever receives this album has a place to put a picture next to each saying. The entire book was done with scraps ( another good way to use up those pieces you have left from other projects). I used twill ribbon, buttons, and colored staples to embellish the album.

This mini album, along with other handcrafted items are for sale at Etsy.com in my shop called ccustomcreations.

Our Baby Boy

2008-03-01T10:04:00.001-05:00

I've started doing scrapbook layouts again! I just love how you can combine the elements of stamping with scrapbooking. You just have to think on a larger scale.
This page was inspired by some MME paper that I have had in my stash for awhile. I pulled it out and thought it looked like Baby Boy paper. I just love stripes- don't know why but I am always drawn towards them.
Buttons are the "In" thing this season, and boy do I have a ton of Buttons! I just love the feel of them in my hands. I combined some of my new buttons with some of my vintage buttons I have been collected. I think the combination works out well on this page.
I also dug through my stash of chipboard shapes for this layout. The large circle is from a package I bought at Micheals last year and the smaller tags are from some mini tags that a friend of mine, Sysbie, gave me . Thank you Sysbie!!! I always knew I would find a project to use them on.
The close up pictures are of the page title and some of the embelishments on the pages. The Title combines some MME pre-printed elements with good old Stamping! You know you always have to stamp on your pages. I inked around the edges on everything- it's a great way to bring a page together. The embelishment picture shows a good way to use some of your patterned paper at keep the flow going through your pages. It also gives an area to add journaling and captions to your pages.
Well that's all I've got for today- Hopefully it's warm enough outside to get some work done. Have a great weekend.

Jumbo Clothes Pins

2008-02-28T16:14:00.001-05:00

Hello all, sorry it has been so long since my last post.... no excuses, just haven't sat down and convo anyone for a while.

This is my latest endeavor- Jumbo Clothes pins! I found them at a local craft store for a steal and picked up a few. What a great way to display all of those lovely cards around your craft room. (Not to mention that it is a great way to use scrap paper that you just can't seem to part with). I have started selling these at my Etsy.com store CCustomCreations. Wish me luck! Hopefully I will do better at posting my creations.

Altered Record Albums

2008-01-10T17:26:00.000-05:00

Well- I am off on another crafting tangent! The house we moved into here in Maryland has boxes of old record albums. At first, I just wanted to take them to the dump, but then the crafter in me took over. What can I do with these? I had already used albums for making scrapbooks..... what else could I do with boxes of records?
I got onto Etsy.com and started looking- man there are some very creative people out there. Thank you! Me, I'm more of the "I see it and then I can run with it" type.
So this is one of my first bowls made with a record album. I pulled out the acrylic paints from my shoe painting days, and went to work on this album. Now that I've started this, My mind is running a million different ways on things to paint on them. I will keep everyone posted on my new endeavor

You make my Heart sing

2008-01-03T07:31:00.000-05:00

Well it is time to start on those Valentines cards- I needed some inspiration so I took a color challenge- Celery, Turquoise, and red. Not your usual colors for a Valentine but I like it.

The Bird is one of the first stamps I ever bought- He is from Memory Box and I stamped him on a scrap of paper. ( Yes I am trying to use up all of my patterned paper in hopes of a shopping spree before 2012). Thanks to a Stampin' up set, I have all of the hearts I will ever need. The Message is from a clear Doodle bug set I am using in a class later this month.

I like this card- kinda whimsical and not my usual style- but I like it!

Thank you

2008-01-01T17:19:00.000-05:00

I have been looking through all of my old paper- and have vowed not to by another piece of patterned paper until my stash is cut in half. This means that I will not be able to buy new paper until the year 2012..... any guess on how long the resolution will last?

My mother-in-law had requested some thank you notes- this is one of them. I really like this saying from Stampin Up. You can either use as a front of the card saying or break it up for the outside and inside.

I punched the heart out of some MME paper and matted it on a rust colored scrap. I even dug into my stash of Prima flowers to embellish this card. If I keep up at this rate, I might not have anything in my stash- NOT!!!! I have so much stuff it is overwhelming at times. The good news is that I can always find just the right thing to use!

Happy New Years

Happy Cupcake day

2007-12-28T07:03:00.000-05:00

I have been going through my scrap bags lately- the blue and green ones are over flowing! I love this paper from MME- The colors are just wonderful- a chocolate brown and robins egg blue- made it easy to think masculine birthday card.
You got to love those Lockhart stamps also. They are so much fun to color- I used my Tombo markers and a few Copic markers to complete this card. I finished the cupcakes off by "icing" them with Diamond glaze.

Beautiful Butterfly Purse

2007-12-20T07:11:00.001-05:00

I had so much fun working with this Bare Elements Purse. It was so easy to do- and you can definitely make it your own!
The kit comes with 4 different patterned papers and a sheet of stickers available at Scrappin by the Bay, but you could pick out different papers and make a completely different purse. This would be the perfect way to accessorize that outfit you cant find anything to go with..... or fill it with chocolates and cards for you favorite person!

Only 5 days till Christmas and I am off to bake some cookies!

Doodle Bug Birthday Card Class

2007-12-18T15:31:00.000-05:00

I really love clear stamp sets! There are so many ways to mix and match the images. All of these cards are made from The Doodlebug Birthday set.

I am offering this class next month on Jan 8Th at Scrappin by the Bay in Prince Frederick, Md. We will be making 5 cards that I am sure you will be able to use for everyone on your Birthday list. These Cards are stamped and then colored with markers. Hope to see you there!

Fishing on the Amazon

2007-12-04T09:21:00.000-05:00

It has been a while since my last post and I wanted everyone to know that it wasn't my fault! No- it is never my fault!

My wonderful husband got to go on a fishing trip with his father down to Brazil and fish in the Amazon. He also took the camera. I can't complain, he had the time of his life- just take a look at the smile on his face and tell me he wasn't enjoying himself.

My father in law and Jake actually had the top catch record for the trip- over 100 fish for their boat alone! This is a picture of Jake holding his 22 pound Peacock Bass- the record is 27 lbs- he was close but no cigars.... Guess I will hear "fish stories" for a while, but the pictures say it all.

Hopefully I will have stamping pictures for you all soon!

Counting Blessings

2007-11-07T16:21:00.000-05:00

I got my Copic markers in the mail yesterday! I was so excited and had to try them out right away. They are super easy to use and give a very smooth coverage to your images. Now I just have to order more colors! :)

This is my Thanksgiving card for friends and family. I used my new Thoroughly Thankful set for the image, and of course my new Copic markers to color it in. The image is layered on a brown burlap printed paper and then layered again on a rust colored card stock. The card is made out of a harvest gold recycled paper. The grosgrain ribbon is from a ribbon share.

Now back to the craft room for more coloring!

Homespun Snowman

2007-11-02T09:10:00.001-04:00

Tis' the Season. I have started making Christmas cards. This set is made with Cosmo Cricket paper, Hero Arts snowman stamp, velvet ribbon, machine stitching and a button.

This stamp was so easy to color. The muffler stripes have shading in the image- I don't know about you , but I always get mixed up on coloring stripes- the shading helps you keep the stripe colors in line! The snowman also has built in shadowing! Thank you Hero Arts!

Well, off to find another patterned paper to inspire more Christmas cards!

Deer to My Heart

2007-11-01T10:22:00.000-04:00

I finally broke out the Christmas stamps this morning. (Of course I was fortified with my son's Halloween chocolate!-don't tell)

This is Memory Box's "Deer to my Heart" clear set. I stamped the main image with Close to Cocoa and the stars with Maroon. The patterned papers are from last years Cosmo Christmas collection. The entire card is distressed with Brushed Corduroy. The card is finished by adding twill ribbon and a brad.

Hope this inspires everyone to start those Christmas cards. Happy Stamping!

Garden Silhouttes

2007-10-31T12:55:00.000-04:00

I received my Stampin' Up order a few days ago in the mail! Thanks Becca :) I had ordered things before I left Whidbey Island and had totally forgotten what all was on the order. It was just like Christmas- the box was opened, things went flying, oohs and ahhs..... I was in stamp heaven!

So, my sister-in-law had ordered some cards.... she said cute and blank on the inside...OK so this is kind of sophisticated, but it is blank on the inside :) hope you like it Debra! The rest of them are cute...

This card was inspired by a scarf that Debra had given me a few years ago- when I unpacked it, I new I would have to make a card. The scarf was more monochromatic, but I like how the card turned out!

Time to go work on "house" things- (it's already 1:00 and if I don't do something around the house I will be soooo Busted!)

Make a Wish

2007-10-29T13:22:00.001-04:00

I've found some time to play in my new craft room. I had bought this "Make a wish" set from Gina K before I left Washington, but had not had the chance to play with it much.

I had so much fun coloring the image and matching it to patterened papers from my large stash. The possibilities are endless.

The Mojo is slowly returning to me- coloring and picking cardstocks came easy after a few tries. Figuring out how to embelish is taking a little longer. Guess that means I need to surf some blogs for inspiration!

Happy Fall

2007-10-23T09:35:00.001-04:00

Oh Happy Day! Well, we have finally closed on the house, unpacked the 2 main floors, and yesterday, I unpacked my craft room. It felt like seeing a long lost friend!
I had made this card before I left Whidbey Island, but I posted it because my first attempt at stamping in my new digs was definitely not worthy to post! I have lost a little MoJo- but I am sure it will come back in time.
Guess it is time to go tackle the basement- yuk- but it needs to be unpacked....Hopefully I will get some more creative therapy soon.

Limbo land

2007-09-27T10:46:00.000-04:00

Hi all. I am still living in limbo land- but we have found a house and will close on it October 10Th if all goes well in the home inspection. The boys are in school, and my husband went back to work today- which means I have a few hours of me time before I have to go pick up the boys! So in true form, I checked out Joannes, and hope to get to Michael's before I have to leave and pick up the boys. I have stamped a little since we got here- a couple of birthday cards for family members and now that I have the house to my self, I plan on really getting creative! I will be sure to share as soon as the house hold goods are delivered, and I find the computer :) I am off to Michael's now!

We made it!

2007-09-14T15:15:00.000-04:00

Hi all, we finally made it to PAX River Maryland! We are staying in a Town Home until we can close on a house. We have put a bid in today, and are waiting for a reply.
I pulled out my stamping supplies this morning, and settled for winding the ribbon that I purchased before we left Oak Harbor. Hopefully I will put some ink to the rubber this weekend and get creative. I have also checked out the creative atmosphere here.... the bad news is that there is not a stamp store :( - but there is a Michael's and they are looking for teachers.... so there is hope of addicting a whole new community to Rubber Stamping!
I have computer access on base, so I can read my email, but oddly enough, I can not send emails out.... mmmm... got to love military security! Good news is that I can do blog entries- Bad news is I can not upload pictures.....hopefully the bid works out on the house and we can be in it by mid October. We are using Hannah's old cell phone- so if you know the number, you can call- if not- I will call soon and then spread the number that a way! hee hee hee- guess the first one to pick up the phone is the lucky one who gets to spread the number.

Until I make a trip on base, happy stamping

3 Sept 07

2007-09-03T10:00:00.000-04:00

Hello all- we are stayed the night outside of Yellowstone National Park in Belgrade Montana. Today we are exploring the park- I can't wait to see all of the wild life, geysers and everything else the park has to offer! I have not seen any stamp stores along the interstate- :( - not that I expected to, but it would be a pleasant surprise. Hopefully I will have another chance to check in soon.

Packing Day

2007-08-29T14:17:00.000-04:00

Hello all. Well, packing day has arrived! Are we ready?-We are about as ready as you ever are to have a team of 3 very nice gentlemen come into your home and pack everything. The packers arrived at 9:00 armed with boxes, paper and tape. So far everything is going well. Keep your fingers crossed. I will post entries as time and computer access is available. Till next time, everyone needs to stamp extra for me! Happy stamping.

"Ruff Day"

2007-08-25T13:01:00.001-04:00

I haven't gotten to stamp in a few days- insert sad face- and I desperately need to be creative, I hope that I can steal away today and get some rubber time!
I made this card on Wednesday to send to my SIL who had surgery this week. The puppy is from Cornish Heritage Farms- it was on their sale page- and we all know that you can not pass up stamps when they are on sale! Flourish stamp is Hero Arts, and Sentiment is by The Cats Pajamas. I used Versafine Onyx Black on the image and sentiment. The flourish is stamped in Color Box Chalk Olive Pastel. The patterned paper is by Deja View- Dots and Squares 2005. I used water color pencils to color the Puppy. Ribbon is from Walmart.

Well- I'm off to go clean the fridge, get rid of used oil, and many other things on the to do list..... Moving stinks!

Insanity Rules!

2007-08-23T13:01:00.000-04:00

Well the craziness has begun....With the movers coming to pack us out next Thursday, our family has gone into the insanity mode! My husband decided yesterday that it was time to start clearing out the loft ( the packers will not pack the stuff up there unless it is brought down). I thought that I had at least till Friday until the madness began. :( Insert a picture of me pulling out my hair.

I was down in the garage (my studio) trying to figure out what to pack - you know the essentials - to survive a month (at least) until my goodies arrive. That is when my world exploded- I mean KABOOM! The boxes started coming down, everything, Christmas ornaments, Crafting supplies, Halloween boxes... and everything that we had crammed up there to sell the house. I wanted to cry. I finish packing the essentials - I think I got everything- and left the area.....

Those of you in Military families know just how crazy pack out time is. Moving day comes whether your ready for it or not- this time I am definitely not ready for it, First time in our 16 year career....Things just aren't going smoothly. The good news is that the house sold, the bad news is that the roof needs replacing...... So to add to the craziness of pack out, now we have a new roof to add to the stress. OK- I'm finished venting. Thank you all for letting me dump my stress on you.
Guess I should go- lots to do.... services to cancel, address changes, clothes to pack..... the list continues to grow..... maybe I can run away to The Stamping Pad and relieve some stress... keep your fingers crossed! till next time, happy stamping.

Business Cards for Heartfelt Greetings Blog

2007-08-22T20:36:00.000-04:00

Amy over at Heartfelt Greetings http://heartfeltgreetings.blogspot.com/ has issued a challenge for hand stamped Business cards. I took my basic layout and added stamping and fiber.

I thought about what makes our hand stamped greeting cards stand out from store bought ones, and came up with the stamping, layering and dimension. So I layered my cards, added some fiber, hand stamped an image, and added a little bling. I have to say, that they do look more dressed up then my usual cards! mmmm..... Amy might be on to something here.

Technique Thursday Red Challenge

2007-08-22T15:14:00.000-04:00

RED was the challenge at Technique Thursday this week. http://tech-thurs.blogspot.com/ This is my take on Red- red always makes me think of love and romance.

I started with red card stock, pulled out black card stock and went digging for red patterned paper. The darker patterned paper is a scrap and the lighter patterned paper is from "Crafty Secrets". I faux stitched around the two pieces of patterned paper. I then used a flourish stamp from "Hero Arts" and randomly stamped the swirls. The sentiment is by Danelle Johnson and is stamped on cream colored card stock. It is layered onto red card stock and then I paper pierced and inked around the edges. The heart is a "Magenta" stamp that I used Versamark and clear embossing powder on red card stock. I cut it out and layered it on black card stock. I inserted a black eyelet into the top on the heart and added the double looped black ribbon . Happy Stamping!

CPS Challenge #27

2007-08-21T13:42:00.000-04:00

Look at me! I did a cute card- and it wasn't hard at all. This is my attempt at the CPS Challenge #27 http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/ I just love their weekly card sketches - it gives you a new layout to try every week.
This one is made with: Light Teal card stock and scraps from my stash ( which is getting smaller thanks to my new policy of using scraps) The Monkey image is an old stamp by "Dots" that was given to me,-the Happy Birthday is a "Hero Arts" image, the leaves are from "A Muse".
I stamped the Monkey with Versa Fine "Onyx Black". Colored it in with Prisma Pencils and then inked the edges with Color Box "Blue Iris". I layered it on yellow, lime green, and navy blue card stock. I randomly stamped the leaves with Color Box "Lime Pastel" on the light Teal card stock and clear Stickles them. The Happy Birthday is stamped in "Blue Iris" on yellow and then layered onto a scrap piece of teal. I then adhered it to a chip board circle.
After playing with different ribbons, I decided on this very loud yellow and lime green ribbon ( don't ask me where it came from- or why I have held on to it...) but it works on this card! The 3 eyelets where an after thought- you know- this needs a little something- and ta-da, there they are.
Well- I'm off to do the pack out inspection with the moving company and the roof guy should show up soon. I hope I get to stamp some today!

Beate's Weekend Challenge #15

2007-08-20T18:05:00.000-04:00

This is my first attempt at Beate's Weekend sketch Challenge. I found her blog while surfing through the stamping blogs.

To make this card I used: MME Wild Asparagus "Fall" stripe and Paisley paper (2005), light blue and cream card stock , Hero Arts "X" clear set, Color Box Chalk Ink "dark Brown, Versa Fine "Onyx Black", ribbon, and brads.

I stamped the image on cream card stock and then painted it in with watercolors. All of the edges are inked with dark brown ink. I stitched around the stamped image several times to draw attention to it and make it "POP". The brown and blue card stocks are the reverse side of the patterned paper.

I hope you enjoy my card. http://beate.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2007/08/17/weekend-sketch-challenge-15/

Fran's Friday Challenge

2007-08-20T17:48:00.001-04:00

Friday, Fran showed up at The Stamping Pad with her Friday Challenge. She came bearing an embossed "Happy Birthday Collage" by Hero Arts image, a piece of red card stock, a piece of patterned washi paper, a piece of white rice paper and a small zigzag cut red card strip.
I was having a hard time coming up with a card, so I put it to the side until Sunday. When I picked it up on Sunday, it all came to me! I would water color the white rice paper and the collage image- I am so brilliant- not- I'm sure Shirlee knew what to do with challenge right from the get go.

I started with water coloring the rice paper with red, purple, and a hint of yellow. While that was drying, I moved on to the collage image. I used the same colors with the addition of green ( which is also present in the washi paper). I tied a piece of gold fiber around the top of the rice paper and adhered it to black card stock. I then cut the zigzag paper down to the size of the washi paper and layered both of these to the bottom left corner of the card. The collage image was layered onto the red card stock and then I pop dotted it onto the card. The final steps were to use gold liquid pearls to dot the zigzag paper, and yellow stickles to high light the butterfly, jacket and happy birthday on the Collage image.

CPS #26 Challenge Card

2007-08-15T19:21:00.000-04:00

This is my take on the CPS #26 http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/

I started by stamping a piece of cream linen card stock with the fern from my Hero Arts Clear set "F". Then I picked out the doodles from the Hero Arts Clear set "K". The fern was stamped once in Colorbox Fluid Chalk "Lime Pastel" and then over stamped in"Olive Pastel" to give dimension. The doodles where then stamped randomly in Colorbox Fluid Chalk "Yellow Ochre".

The Dragon Flies are from Inkadinkado's Sketches series. I stamped them in Versafine "Onyx Black". I used watercolor pencils and a paint brush to color and shade them. I added Crystal Stickles on their wings to give them some "bling".

The dragon flies are matted on 2 pieces of scrap paper that I sprayed with Moon Glow's Glitz spritz. I embellished the card with metallic string and a brad.

True Friends Tag Book

2007-08-15T13:32:00.000-04:00

I finally finished up this mini tag book! I made it all from scrap papers- got to love when you can use up those scraps. The past month I have been working hard at using scraps- had to- my scrap bags run-eth over! The only bad thing about using scraps is that you never remember who the paper is by.....anyone have a suggestion for that problem?

Since I have not been buying paper- insert sad face here- I have been purchasing stamps- hypee!!! Got to love new rubber!!!! I have bought a few A-muse sayings- I started noticing that I didn't have very many stamps with verbage...... I know that some of the ones I have gotten aren't exactly new- but they are new to me! I also have been digging deep into the Michael's 1$ bin- there is a wealth of images and saying on one little card!! and the big bonus is that they are all only 1 dollar! Lets see... I know I have bought a few down at The Stamping Pad..... mostly the new Inkadinkado images- the Sketch Collection....Love em' and I have gotten some off of the Internet- the Gina K Make a wish set and I spent a little time on Cornish Heritage Farms sales page.....hee hee hee.
There now that I have confessed my rubber buying spree, I feel much better.... except that I have one more confession, I got into a ribbon share- one can never have to many ribbons..... Hopefully everything will arrive before the movers come to pack us up!
Which brings me to the my next problem- what to take with me on my move.... it might be a month before I get my stuff.... what to take, what to take..... I guess on that not I should sign off and start figuring out what I absolutely have to have! ( I wonder if we could fit my entire studio in the back of my husbands truck? )

Monkey Love

2007-08-13T11:34:00.001-04:00

Can you say Crazy weekend? That's what it felt like at my house! I don't even know where the weekend went..... Not that it's a bad thing- it just went fast!

First the good news- Our house SOLD!!!! What a relief- now we can all move to Maryland together! The only bad news is that I have to leave all of my friends here in Oak Harbor Wa. Just one of the draw backs of being a Navy wife. I am so glad Salla talked me into doing this blog- at least this way I can still share with all of the Stampers here on the Island.

I didn't get much stamping done this weekend- I finished the card challenge for Friday, it didn't turn out like I had hoped- in fact, I am embarrassed to post it.... I am going to play with it some more and maybe, just maybe I will post it. The Monkey Love card is one that I stamped last week- hopefully I will hit the studio for some stamping today!

Card Positioning Systems Challenge #25

2007-08-10T12:59:00.000-04:00

These are my 2 cards for Card Positioning Systems Challenge #25 http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/

At first I had a hard time trying to figure out what stamp I had that would fit in that small of a square. I dug and dug- getting more and more frustrated by the minute.

Then I found the Amuse package image. After that, I stamped the image and colored it it with Prisma pencils. These bright colors give me a hard time every time.

After I finished up with the Happy Birthday card, I dug through my scrap bag and found the striped patterned paper- no idea who it is by- I used it on a scrapbook page last year- but I definitely felt more at home with the earthy colors. The image is from one of those dollar stamp sets from Michaels- got to love bargain bins!!!! I used Colorbox Chalk inks- LOVE EM- in matching colors. The ribbon is all scraps that I have crammed into my ribbon jars. Hope you like the cards.

True Love

2007-08-08T13:24:00.000-04:00

My husband showed up down in my studio Monday nite and started playing in my stamps..... He got inspired and created a card for me!!!!! I won't show it- because it was PG13- R rated and personal- Big Grin - but it inspired me yesterday to make a romantic card!

Salla had given me some Vintage style wrapping paper that I used as my stepping off point. You can see a little of it in the very background of the card. I then dug through my scrap bags and came up with all of the other card stock and patterned papers. The heart stamped image is from Magenta, and the True love is from 2 different alphabet sets. I used my paper piercer to create the zig-zag stitching pattern to the left and the stitching around the heart. I connected the holes with a brown Tombo marker.

On another note- check out The stampers rules of acquisition on http://www.coxes.com/stamping/fun/acquire.html Julie posted them on her web site and all of us true stampers swear by them! They even gave me justification to buy Gina K's new "Make a Wish" stamp set for a cause http://www.coxes.com/stamping/fun/acquire.html.

Well- guess that's all for today- I need to list a few new Amuse stamps on eBay http://www.coxes.com/stamping/fun/acquire.html along with my card creations!

Friday 3 Aug 07 Challenge Cards

2007-08-05T18:06:00.000-04:00

Hello All. I got down to the studio for some much needed Rubber time! Yesterday, all I got done was sample papers for some new Moon Glow Products I received, so today, I made sure that I made it down for a creative session.

I had dropped off a few stamped images for Shirlee and Salla down at The Stamping Pad on Friday. The image is by Hampton Art Stamps. It is a Karen Neuberge image called "Julep Floral".

I started with water coloring the images and then picking some card stock that went with the color pallet. The first card is made with:
Black, and Deep Red Card stock, the patterned papers are by: Red on is a scrap of Foofala paper, and the Black one is from Crafty Secrets "Radiant Stack. Stamps: Hampton Arts-" Julep Floral" and Hero Arts- "Flourish Wave" ( it is on the black card stock in versamark). Ink: Versafine Onyx Black and Versa Mark. Other items: Watercolor pencils, Tapestry ribbon scrap, Black Sheer May Arts ribbon, and black mini Brads.

The second card is made with: Card stock- Color Mates Medium Terrific Teal, Green scrap, and Yellow Scrap. The Patterned paper is by Crafty Secrets Radiant stack. Stamp- Hampton Arts- "Julep Floral", Ink: Versa Fine Onyx Black and Color Box Ice Blue chalk ink. Other items: watercolor pencils, Ornare Paper Piercing Template, and May Arts Ribbon.

If anyone else would like to join in on the Friday challenges at The Stamping Pad, leave me a comment or let Salla know. Have a great day!

Full House

2007-08-04T13:26:00.001-04:00

Hi all- it's Saturday morning and I have a full house again! We picked my oldest son up from camp yesterday.... I haven't ventured into his suitcase yet...I'm afraid, very afraid..... he has been at a wilderness camp in California. They washed their clothes by hand in a tub of water- enough said. It is good having him back.

On a creative note- I received a shipment of Moon Glow product and have listed it in my eBay store, CCustomCreations. If you have never seen this product, take a look- it is wonderful.

I went to The Stamping Pad yesterday for make and take- fun card- and left a challenge for Shirlee and Salla- I brought mine home but have not had time to stamp.... hopefully I will get into the studio today. I am in need of some rubber therapy! Have a wonderful weekend.

Mona Lisa

2007-08-02T12:11:00.000-04:00

Good Morning! I finally finished my Friday Challenge for Shirlee! I showed up at The Stamping Pad for last Friday's Make and Take with a paper challenge for Shirlee. We have a thing going..... we switch every other week with challenging each other. I came bearing Paper- 2 card stocks- Dark Brown and Burgundy, 1 patterned paper by Crafty Secrets, and 2 scraps!

I knew that it had to be a formal card- because of the patterned paper... so it sat for a few days on my table. I finally pulled out Mona for one last stamping session before I put her up for sale. After that, it sat there for another day until I saw layout #24 on The Card Positioning Systems blog www.cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com . Then I knew what I had to do. I got the card almost done but it needed something else.... and what to do with the brown card stock? I finally stamped the brown with my linen texture stamp and finished it off with brads.

Mona seems to be smiling at me saying "well done" !

More Celery, Light Blue, and Almost Cocoa Cards

2007-08-01T18:59:00.001-04:00

I went back down to the studio today and played some more with this color combination. It has definitely grown on me. I stole some layouts from www.confessionsofaribbonaddict.blogspot.com - I love her whole set of layouts for the western set. I think if I keep a journal of card layouts I might be able to use up some scraps!
I also got busy and listed a few more stamps on ebay- most of them are "artsy" , so if you are into that style, you can't beat them. I just know once they start to go, I'm going to want them all back! Well - time to go run errands- yuk- I'll post again soon.

Make a Wish

2007-07-31T20:44:00.000-04:00

Good evening all. I was stalking the blogs this morning and found a color challenge that I thought might be interesting. It was on Emily's blog-www.emilygiovanni.com

The challenge was to use Stampin'ups Bashful Blue, Close to Cocoa, and Certanly Celery. Since I do not have any Stampin'up paper, I went to The Stamping Pad and found the colors I needed ( Salla just got some paper in and you can't beat the price- run, don't walk because at these prices it won't last long) After I got home, I dug through my pattern papers and found a Wild Asparagus piece- "happy day" that matched the colors perfect.

The card is made with Celery cardstock. The Polka Dot paper is the Wild Asparagus piece, the Light Blue is stamped with light Cocoa. The darker blue strip of paper is the other side of the patterned paper- you got to love it when those paper companies give you 2 for the price of one! The stamps are from Michaels dollar bin. I stamped them in black, colored them in with Prisma colors and added a little stickles. I pierced the dark blue strip for texture and I pierced the scallop edge of the oval . I hope you like it!

More Stamps Listed on EBay

2007-07-30T15:08:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday morning to all! I have gone through all of my stamps - I feel better having that task behind me- and have started listing them on EBay. So far today I listed 10, but I am still plugging away at getting them all in my store inventory. Some of them are on auction, but most will be listed in my store inventory at buy it now prices. As always, for all of you Whidbey Island People, I will hand delivery them to you so that you do not need to pay shipping. Happy shopping!

Productive Day

2007-07-29T20:26:00.000-04:00

I spent a few hours down in "my studio" making cards. I have to say it was a very productive day. I finished up a pack of Thank You cards, made a Birthday card, and a Get well card.

The Thank Cards are made with pale blue card stock, the patterned paper is "Denim Swirl" by Chatter Box. The sentiment is by A Stamp in hand. Black sheer ribbon by May Arts.

The Birthday card is made with Cream colored Linen paper, and scraps of blue paper from my scrap bag. I used my corner rounder to make the scalloped edge on the patterned paper. The bird is from Stampendous "Feathered Flourish" clear set, sentiment is from Stampin' Up. I water colored the bird and added a swirl paperclip and scraps of ribbon.

The get well card is done on brown card stock with scraps of blue papers from my scrap bags. The dog and bones back round stamp are from Post Script Studios. ( I picked them up at a stamp convention this year). The sentiment I just recently purchased and is by The Cats Pajamas. I added the antique brass brads for embellishments.

Guess I have gotten away from the pink and green color combo and have moved onto shades of blue!

I have grand plans to finish up going through my stamp drawers.... wish me luck.... I will let you know once I have listed more items on ebay! I am also looking forward to an order from Inkadinkado . Their new images are beautiful, Check in to see when it arrives. Happy Stamping

Clearing out my Stamp Collection

2007-07-28T20:40:00.001-04:00

Hi all- I didn't realize how long it had been since I posted last- oops- and sorry. Things have been hectic this week.

Well, I have started going through my stamp drawers ( those of you who know me, know what a chore that is) and am slowly deciding which stamps I am willing to part with. This is not an easy task. :( But if I want to get more stamps, I have to part with a few -actually quite a few.

I have started listing them on my eBay store: www.stores.ebay.com/ccustomcreations-boutique If you are a local stamper- on island time- I can hand deliver them to you to save on shipping. just post a question on eBay and I will figure it out with you. Check back often- so far I have only gone through my unmounted stamps.... which means there are more goodies to come ( some of them have never been used)

Happy stamping!

Moon Glow Products

2007-07-25T16:14:00.000-04:00

Good afternoon! I just got home from taking the Mini Card class with Salla- soooo cute-it made me want to come home go down to "my studio" and whip out a bunch of gift enclosers. So after I finish this post, I'm going down to do mini cards!

Well the computer gods are still frowning on me...but I have out smarted them! hee hee hee.... I sent the picture to Fran and she uploaded it for me! Fran is working on starting a blog- I will do a link as soon as she has it up and running.

I found an ink product last year at a stamping convention. They are called Moon Glow inks. They come in 3 different types: Moon Shadow Mist, Star Burst Stains, and Glitz Spritz. I fell in love with it and had to have one in every color. I like them so much, I carry them in my ebay store- CCustomCreations.

The difference between the types are:
>Moon Shadow Mist have walnut ink in them ( gives them a distressed/vintage look)
>Star Burst Stains are very vibrant ( a lot of pigment)
>Glitz Spritz have less pigment and give you an iridescent color wash.( I like them on darker paper for just a little something to make it special) The picture doesn't do it justice- It is very elegant in a subtle way.

Well- I am off to my studio to Create!

This card is made with some of the paper I decorated using Moon Glow's Star Burst stains and Glitz Spritz.

Curse the Computer gods!

2007-07-24T12:31:00.000-04:00

Hi all- I have cards to share but alas- the computer gods that occupy my hard drive do not like me- Groan, Heavy Sigh..... :( ..... Maybe if I kick the tower it will break and I can have a new computer....mmmmm..... somehow I think I would definitely be in the dog house for that one.

Which brings me to a random thought- Why is it that when a man gets frustrated and throws the object that is frustrating him, we over look it, but if a woman does it, we are viewed as crazy? Any comments on this subject?

Hopefully if I walk away and come back later, the computer gods will smile on me- keep your fingers crossed.

Good Monday Morning

2007-07-23T10:31:00.000-04:00

I have been creating all week end- Having my own space downstairs is GREAT! I can go down, work a little and then take care of household stuff when it needs to be done. My productivity has gone way up! Now I just need to figure out what is up with my computer so that I can show off my creations.

This weekend I played a game with my self- Pull out a scrap piece of paper, find a stamp, and CREATE!

I really like this little guy- I found him at the stamp convention this year and had not used him. I also got the back round bones stamp to go with him. So out they came! I dug and dug for some type of dog saying- but no- even with my large collection of stamps, I do not have a "Ruff" or anything else that would go with this fellow. The "Hi" came from my Hero Arts Monogram set- I have used stamps from almost every letter- it was money well spent to get the entire alphabet! After stamping and adhering, it still needed something- so out came the sewing machine for some outline stitching. I think it really did the trick.

Well, I have tried to upload a few more cards, but it looks as if the computer gods do not like me this morning and it just isn't going to happen. I will try again this afternoon - until then, Happy Stamping .

Ticket to Freedom

2007-07-20T13:41:00.000-04:00

Hi all! Sorry about the delay in posting- I have this love hate relationship with technology. Good news.....I got a new camera- yea!!!! Bad news.... my computer has not been cooperating. I have been trying to upload this image since last Sunday-in fact- I got this image loaded and tried to load an image of the card all together and couldn't do it. It is probably because we are still in the dark ages of DSL, or it could just be me....go figure.

I made this card for my daughter's 18Th Birthday. She was so excited to turn 18 so we gave her a ticket to freedom. I'm not sure she thinks adulthood is all it is cracked up to be. She enjoys the freedom, but the financial responsibilities are not at all what she expected. I am so proud of her- She signed up with the Air Force on her 18Th birthday- what a way to start your adult life! You go Girl!

I have been busy down in my "new" stamping space. I have a big 6'' table and all of my supplies down in the garage- so far it is working well- the only time I have to clean up is when we show the house! This week I finished 4 scrapbook pages ( I had started them ages ago), a tag book, 4 cards and 3 sea glass sun catchers. A very productive week. Hopefully I will figure out this picture uploading problem and be able to share my creativity with you. Till then, Happy Stamping!

Friday Challenge

2007-07-13T19:15:00.001-04:00

Friday the 13Th .....ooh...... OK- so I'm not superstitious.....

I took a piece of K &Company paper down to the Stamping Pad to challenge who ever was there to a quick card challenge. Shirlee had just arrived and quickly jumped on the chance to "kick it up a notch".

My card- UR Incredible is the second one pictured. I used: Die Cuts with a View Paper- Flora #3& Rust. Hero Arts Clear Monogram sets, Color Box Dark Brown Chalk ink, May Arts ribbon.

Shirlee's card- Quirky is the first one pictured. She used Memory Box Meadow, Die Cuts with View Flora 3, & Rust. Hero Arts Clear Q set, Black ink, May Arts ribbon.

I left the rest of the insperation Paper down at Salla's, so if you want to join in, go down and grab a piece! Send a link to your card or have Salla scan your card to post!

Feathered Friend

2007-07-10T18:53:00.000-04:00

Hi all! As you can tell, I have found a way to post pictures.... Thanks to Salla and the good old scanner.

My camera is still on the fritz ( my husband refuses to believe the camera is a lost cause)- I'm sure you all know what I mean-you know- when the man of your dreams thinks he can fix everything. Most times he can- but when it comes to electronics and water, I know it is a lost cause.

I finally got to play this afternoon, and this is what I came up with. I rummaged around in my scrap bags and decided on the piece of blue patterned paper ( maybe 7 Gypsies, basic grey....?) After that it was fairly easy- the ideas came fast. I decided that I would make a card pack for market.

Items used:Color Mates: Terrific Teal Paper Accents: Celery, Stampendous Clear Stamp Set: Feathered Flourish, Hero Arts: Clear T set, Water Color Pencils, Gel Pen, May Arts Ribbon

7-7-07 Lucky Day!

2007-07-07T13:09:00.000-04:00

Hi all- sorry for the lack of ideas this week. I am having camera problems! We took the boys crabbing on the 4th - it was fun! We also took the camera- not such a good idea.... needless to say, the camera got wet..... hence the lack of pictures and creative ideas. Hopefully I will have a new camera with in the next few days!

Today is slated to be a busy day. We showed the house this morning- keep your fingers crossed for us! Later, around noon, I am taking the boys to the carnival and then I am slipping into The Stamping Pad for a much needed creative retreat! Stop in and join in the fun- the more the merrier.

Queen for the Day

2007-07-02T15:50:00.000-04:00

Well- I finally found the time to play with my Hero Arts large Monogram sets. Now that I have all 26 of them, I can't choose which one to work with. :) It took me about 45 minutes to choose the crown from the "Q" set, and than 2 seconds for the saying to put with it.....The color choices weren't hard at all (until I realized that I have been doing a lot of cards in pink lately- which is not like me at all). The rest of the card I followed a layout from the "Stamp It!" magazine that I have been wanting to try for a while. The card on pg 8- is square but I made this one standard card size. My version is OK- but I think the square on works better, or maybe I like it better because of the amount of eyelets on the side..... if you have the magazine, take a look and let me know!

Paper Accents:Pink Cardstock, Memories Complete: Raspberry Posie, Chaatterbox: Ribbon Stripe, Mulberry paper, Hero Arts: Clear Monograms Q set, Stickles, eyelets, May Arts Ribbon

Well I'm off to run errands, and hope that the Postman and UPS guy show up soon- I am waiting for orders from Crafty Secrets (Clear Art Stamps), Hampton Art Stamps, Moon Glow..... Lots of goodies for my eBay store!

"Moments" Chipboard Album

2007-06-29T10:56:00.000-04:00

It's Done! A few stolen moments here and there and I have finally finished it. For those of you who have picked it up down at The Stamping Pad and made wonderful comments, Thank you! You kept me going on the project. I just love the My Minds Eye paper stack- as you can tell- I think this is like the 3rd project I made with it.

This book started life as a children's board book. A little sanding, a little gesso, a lot of paper and stamping, a few rub- ons, brads, stickles and flowers and it was ready for Market! Hope you like it!

Well - now I have to go do yard work- we are selling the house and the realtor said something about keeping up appearances ( although I'm not sure if I'm ready to move cross country- but when the Navy says it's time to move.....) Hopefully I will find some time to "play" this weekend and have another post soon.

Altered Binocular Case

2007-06-27T17:13:00.000-04:00

This was my latest garage sale find that I altered. It is a vintage binocular case( actually in decent shape). I cleaned the outside with soap and water, vacuumed the inside....

I did my "famous" dot painting- Jacquard acrylic paints and a stylus tip. I used the Oodles of Doodles book for the inspiration on design. After the paint dried, I super glued a few rhinestones on for some extra bling. To seal it, I use future floor wax, gives it a little shine and protects the paint.

I can't decide on whether I'm keeping it or putting up for sale at the Farmer's Market......I'll let you know later!

Felt within the Heart

2007-06-26T21:00:00.000-04:00

I tried my hand at a sketch challenge that I found on Amy Westerman's blog Sunday. She calls it Super Sketch Sunday #18. I really like her style. Her blogspot is: www.heartfeltgreetings.blogspot.com

Have to say that I think its a winner! Even if it is Pink and Green- Got to give credit to Shirlee for the voice in my head that says"Pink and Green make me Scream" I will never be able to use this combo with out thinking it :)

Items used: CS: Paper Accents Celery, MME paper stack, Stamps: Hero arts Clear Design "N" swirl, and KaiserStamps saying, Ink: Colorbox Olive Pastel Chalk, Other: Prima flowers, and Pink Stickles.