Garden Shamrock

Top o' the mornin' to ya!  Happy St. Patrick's Day to all of you, and Happy Birthday to me.  :-)  I have a St. Patrick's Day card to share, which was inspired by THIS card by Ann Fitzgerald, which I found on Pinterest.  I love her card, but decided to take a different spin on mine.

The shamrock (planted in Early Espresso 'dirt') is made with hearts from Stampin' Up!'s Heart-to-Heart punch, and the stem is from their Extra Large Bird Punch.  I creased each heart down the middle and applied a thin line of craft glue to adhere it to the card.  The Houndstooth pattern behind it is a stamp, from Market Street Stamps.

Love this sweet, simple St. Patty's day sentiment, from SU.  The little bit of ruler peeking out is a scrap I had left over from Heaven-knows-what, a long time ago.  It's a Girls' Paperie stamp.

I've been so very busy here in my little corner of the world.  I'm putting the finishing touches on my new craft sanctuary in my attic (I'll be sharing pictures when my final piece of furniture arrives), and taking online courses to help make me more appealing to employers.  My job hunt continues and it sure is tedious.  The kids keep me very busy with their various 'things', too.

Since today is my birthday, I plan to be spending time in my new craft space (somebody, pinch me!  I am so excited!), and will probably go see my niece do her Irish dancing at a nearby pub.  She's only 8, but she's got a wicked set of dancing legs!  It's been AGES since hubby and I went out drinking on St. Patty's Day, but since we'll be at a pub already, well....might as well have a drink.  ;-)

Cheers!



Dimensions: 4.25" x 5.5"
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes - SU; ruler from Paper Girl - Girls' Paperie; Houndstooth - Market Street Stamps
Paper: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Old Olive, green pattern - SU
Ink: Frayed Burlap - Ranger; Old Olive, Early Espresso - SU
Fibers: twine - Creative Impressions
Other: Word Window, Heart-to-Heart, Extra Large Bird, corner punches - SU; large corner rounder, Dotted Scallop punches - EK Success; doily - Wilton; pearls; button

Inkspirational Challenge #11 - Spring Is In The Air

I'm popping in to share a card I made for this week's Inkspirational Challenge.  Our gals at Inspired By Stamping are joining forces with the crafters at Inkspirational for the month of March and IBS is the sponsor.  You could win great prizes each week.  :-)

The inspiration challenge photo this week features colors I adapted to my card:  greens and purples.

I created a post card using Vintage Post Cards, then added a subtle spring scene with a tree, clouds and a sentiment from Springtime Beauty II, and the birds from Sweet Aviary.

The rose seam binding and crochet lace are from IBS, too.  (links at the end of the post)

If you'd like a chance to win a prize from IBS, link up your creation HERE at Inkspirational.  Have fun!

Thanks for coming by, and have a blessed day. :-)



Stamps: Vintage Postcards, Sweet Aviary, Springtime Beauty II - Inspired By Stamping
Paper: Very Vanilla - SU; Chateau Lavender stack - DCWV
Ink: Early Espresso, Certainly Celery, Soft Sky - SU; Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Old Paper - Ranger; Memento Tuxedo Black, VersaMagic Aegean Blue - Tsukineko
Fibers: lace, seam binding - Inspired By Stamping
Other: distressing tool; pearls; metal spiral clip - SU; Copic markers
Dimensions: 4.25" x 5.5"

St. Patrick's Day

I really ambushed you all with projects last week, I hope you don't mind!  This week is much lighter, I promise.  ;)

Just wanted to show a card that is a magazine submission call reject, and it happens to fit into a couple of challenges:

I guess there's not a huge rush on St. Patrick's Day cards, but since I am Irish and that happens to be my birthday, I am partial to the holiday.

Entering here:

• Simon Says Stamp - Bit O'Green
• Ribbon Carousel - Spring Is In The Air
• Lawnscaping - Texture (just look at the texture on all those ribbons!)

This past weekend was so fun for me, 'cause I am creating a stamping sanctuary in my unfinished attic.  DH and I went to Ikea and bought some storage pieces, took most of my day Saturday to assemble them, then began carting all my crafting supplies up to the third floor.  Sunday was spent putting things in their place (I love organizing as much as I love crafting).  I realize I need a few more storage pieces, so another trip to Ikea is planned.  I cannot WAIT to show you what it looks like when it's complete.  You'll have to excuse my attic's insulation.  I told you it was unfinished!  LOL

If you want to see some other photos, I've got a new post up at my other (neglected) blog, bleu hydrangea.  

Thanks for coming by today!



Dimensions: 4.25" x 5.5"
Stamps: Studio G stamps
Paper: white - PTI
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Early Espresso - SU
Fibers: assorted
Other: Dotted embossing folder, corner rounder punch - SU; pearls

Inspired By Stamping Release - Mason Jars Add-Ons III

Hello friends.  :-)  I've got one final project to share with you for our March release at Inspired By Stamping.  This light, bright card uses a new set called Mason Jar Add-Ons III.

The set of 10 stamps includes two fabric 'covers' for the original Mason Jar set, four sentiments, and four fun fillers (say that last part three times fast!).  You can choose from decorated eggs, grass, butterflies and flowers.  I used the flowers and a fabric lid cover to create my basket bouquet, using a masking technique:

Some of the flowers I've fussy-cut and popped up.  Each one got a dot of liquid pearls in the center, and a few blossoms hung over the edge of my 'basket'.

The sentiment area was a happy accident:  at first, I stamped it directly under the basket, but made a mistake.  I needed to cover it up, and now had the chance to include a ribbon and bow as well.  Isn't that the happiest sentiment?  It's perfect for everyone, whether they celebrate Easter or not.

Stuff to know before you go:

• BLOG CANDY!  Every day from March 6th through March 10th, IBS is giving away a $25 gift card to its store.  You must leave a comment on Joanna's blog to be eligible for the prize.  One comment per person and each winner is randomly selected.  Good luck!
• All new release items will be available for purchase on March 10th at 7 pm Brisbane time (4 AM Eastern Standard Time)
• All 6 stamp sets will be offered as a bundle for a 10% discount
• Free shipping will be available on all orders over $25 for 24 hours only:   from March 10th at 7 pm Brisbane time (4 AM Eastern Standard Time) to March 11th at 7 pm Brisbane time (4 AM Eastern Standard Time)

Our team wants to share more sneak peeks of inspiration with you!

Joanna - http://wp.me/p2QJN7-2D1

Cindy - http://cindycoutts.com/?p=11958

Colleen - You are here!

Deb - http://aworldofimagination-deb.blogspot.com/2013/03/inspired-by-stamping-new-releasesmason.htm

Kendra - http://luv2scrapnmakecards.blogspot.com/2013/03/ibs-mason-jar-add-on-iii.html

Irit - http://iritshalom.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/inspired-by-stamping-march-release.html

Grace - http://tolmanchronicles.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-easter-story-layout-featuring.html

Vicki - http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/2013/03/inspired-by-stamping-march-release.html

Shani - http://www.paperesse.blogspot.fr/2013/03/sneak-peekeaster-labelsinspired-by.html

Gloria - http://gloriascraps.blogspot.com/2013/03/inspired-by-stamping-march-release-day-4.html

Leah - http://paperblossoms.blogspot.com/2013/03/more-inspired-by-stamping-release-peeks.html

Hope you enjoyed my projects for the new release!  Thank you so much for coming by.  :-)

Inspired By Stamping Release - Easter Labels

Hello!  I'm excited to share my Easter card with you today using the new Easter Labels set from Inspired By Stamping.  It's part of the March release, and I just love this elegant set!

I used lots of muted Spring colors on this.

I stamped the tag in light lavender, pear and pale yellow inks.  After stringing them on some twine and mounting to the card, I dabbed glossy lacquer over each egg.

After stamping the sweetest little bunny in pale yellow, I glittered him and added a white pom pom tail.  He reminds me of one of my fave Easter candies, Peeps!  The sentiment is from Just Because, which was a recent IBS release.

Stuff to know before you go:

• BLOG CANDY!  Every day from March 6th through March 10th, IBS is giving away a $25 gift card to its store.  You must leave a comment on Joanna's blog to be eligible for the prize.  One comment per person and each winner is randomly selected.  Good luck!
• All new release items will be available for purchase on March 10th at 7 pm Brisbane time (4 AM Eastern Standard Time)
• All 6 stamp sets will be offered as a bundle for a 10% discount
• Free shipping will be available on all orders over $25 for 24 hours only:   from March 10th at 7 pm Brisbane time (4 AM Eastern Standard Time) to March 11th at 7 pm Brisbane time (4 AM Eastern Standard Time)

Our team wants to share more sneak peeks of inspiration with you!

Joanna - http://wp.me/p2QJN7-2D0

Irit - http://iritshalom.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/inspired-by-stamping-march-stamp.html

Kendra - http://luv2scrapnmakecards.blogspot.com/2013/02/ibs-pirates.html

Colleen - You are here!

Shani - http://paperesse.blogspot.com/2013/03/sneak-peekfancy-circlesinspired-by.html

Grace - http://tolmanchronicles.blogspot.com/2013/03/our-princess-layout-featuring-princess.html

Pam - http://www.pammejo-scrapbookflair.com/2013/03/vintage-sweet-friend-frame-ibs-release.html

Vicki - http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/2013/03/inspired-by-stamping-march-release-iris.html

Leah - http://paperblossoms.blogspot.com/2013/03/inspired-by-stamping-release.html

So glad you came to visit today!

Inspired By Stamping Release - Fancy Circles and Pirates

I'm SO excited to show you more projects for the Inspired By Stamping March Release!  Today I'm showcasing the new Pirates and Fancy Circles sets.

Up first, my very first attempt at the wildly-popular Chalkboard Technique, using Pirates.  This set of 10 stamps has more images and sentiments that I didn't use on my creation, such as a pirate's map, spy glass, hook, and a very cool label that matches our IBS dies.

I stamped the sentiment and ghost ship (at least, that's what it looks like on a 'chalkboard'!) with white craft  ink and heat embossed them with white embossing powder.  The skull and crossed sword flag was simply stamped in white craft ink, with two red eyes courtesy of liquid pearls.  Using a bit of white ink on a sponge, I softly wiped color around each image, too.

I thought burlap and natural twine lent a rustic, natural flair to the card, topped with a tag that says "Arrrr!"

I even made little cupcakes for the occasion!  Red Velvet cupcakes, that is.  I stamped the skull flags with black ink on kraft cardstock, trimmed, and glued (with non-toxic glue of course) to wooden toothpicks.  So fun!

And now changing gears to the other end of the spectrum, I've got a subdued elegant thank you card using the new Fancy Circles:

I stamped the delicate patterned frame in a light gray (there are 4 framed circles altogether in the set) and added one of the 5 oh-so-versatile sentiments in black ink.  Had to add some signature pearls, you know.  ;)

The Light Blue Medium Flower sits atop my bow for a finishing touch.

Stuff to know before you go:

• BLOG CANDY!  Every day from March 6th through March 10th, IBS is giving away a $25 gift card to its store.  You must leave a comment on Joanna's blog to be eligible for the prize.  One comment per person and each winner is randomly selected.  Good luck!
• All new release items will be available for purchase on March 10th at 7 pm Brisbane time (4 AM Eastern Standard Time)
• All 6 stamp sets will be offered as a bundle for a 10% discount
• Free shipping will be available on all orders over $25 for 24 hours only:   from March 10th at 7 pm Brisbane time (4 AM Eastern Standard Time) to March 11th at 7 pm Brisbane time (4 AM Eastern Standard Time)

Our team wants to share more sneak peeks of inspiration with you!

Joanna - http://wp.me/p2QJN7-2CZ 

Cindy Coutts - http://cindycoutts.com/?p=11909

Colleen - you are here!

Irit - http://iritshalom.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/inspired-by-stamping-march-release_7.html

Deb - http://aworldofimagination-deb.blogspot.com/2013/03/inspired-by-stamping-new.html

Vicki - http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/2013/03/inspired-by-stamping-color-challenge.html

Shani - http://paperesse.blogspot.com/2013/02/ibsic-49-and-little-sneak-peek-at.html

Calypso - http://calypsocandycraft.blogspot.com/2013/03/ibs-march-release-iris.html

Thank you for your visit today.  :-)

Fresh Green Wreath

This is my third post for today.  Click HERE for the Custom Button post, 

and HERE for Beautiful Iris, a new release from IBS.  

I'm trying out a new-to-me challenge this week:  Inkspirational, co-owned by my friend Ellen.  Our design team at Inspired By Stamping is pairing with the DT from Inkspirational this month.  IBS is sponsoring the prize.  :-)  This week's challenge is all about Shades of Green.

For Christmas, I received a maple leaf punch and hadn't played with it yet.  This was the perfect chance to create a fresh green wreath (well, freshly made of paper!).

I added some Liquid Pearls to dot the leaves.  I'm quite sure you won't see this in nature ;-).....
The sentiment is from Flowers Bloom by IBS.

St. Patrick's Day is coming up, and it's a great chance to make a "Shades of Green" card if you're feeling inspired.  Come play with us.  You could win the prize from Inspired By Stamping!



Stamps:  Flowers Bloom - Inspired By Stamping
Paper: white - PTI; assorted green prints
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black - Tsukineko
Fibers: white satin ribbon
Other: White Opal Liquid Pearls - Ranger; Romantic Rectangles die - Spellbinders; Maple Leaf punch - Martha Stewart
Dimensions: 4.25" x 5.5"

Inspired By Stamping Release - Beautiful Iris

This is my second post today.  Click HERE for the Custom Button post.  

Hello my friends!  I'm excited to share my first project of our March 2013 release at Inspired By Stamping. Inspired By Stamping, owned by Joanna Munster, features quality photopolymer stamps with coordinating dies, Silhouette cut files and beautiful embellishments.   This month we are releasing 6 new stamp sets! Every month we release new stamps and other fabulous products for all of your crafty needs. All of our sets come with a free cut file whether you purchase the set or not, the files are free for you to use. Some of our stamp sets will also have coordinating die-cuts so you get the best of both worlds!

During the countdown to the release, please join us for contests, prizes and more at Joanna's blog.

One of the new sets in this release is Beautiful Iris.  Sigh.  I absolutely love it!  Irises are one of my favorite flowers.  When my grandmother was still alive and I became a new homeowner, my grandmother had me dig up some of her irises to transplant in my own garden.  Every spring, I have a lovely reminder of her to gaze upon.

I used the iris stamp to create my own patterned paper directly on the card base using a kraft-colored ink.
Then I stamped it on scrap paper, colored and trimmed out very carefully.  I dusted some clear glitter over the flowers.  Love how they seem to have "dew" on them...or is it frost?  LOL

I mounted them on a glittered chipboard frame, too.

This is one of the 5 sentiments in the set.  Love how it fit perfectly on my round tag.

Stuff to know before you go:

• BLOG CANDY!  Every day from March 6th through March 10th, IBS is giving away a $25 gift card to its store.  You must leave a comment on Joanna's blog to be eligible for the prize.  One comment per person and each winner is randomly selected.  Good luck!
• All new release items will be available for purchase on March 10th at 7 pm Brisbane time (4 AM Eastern Standard Time)
• All 6 stamp sets will be offered as a bundle for a 10% discount
• Free shipping will be available on all orders over $25 for 24 hours only:   from March 10th at 7 pm Brisbane time (4 AM Eastern Standard Time) to March 11th at 7 pm Brisbane time (4 AM Eastern Standard Time)

Our team wants to share more sneak peeks of inspiration with you!

Joanna's - http://wp.me/p2QJN7-2CC

Cindy Coutts - http://cindycoutts.com/?p=11909

Kendra Sand - http://luv2scrapnmakecards.blogspot.com/2013/03/ibs-princess-and-easter-labels.html

Colleen - you are here!

Irit - http://iritshalom.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/inspired-by-stamping-february-release.html

Deb - http://aworldofimagination-deb.blogspot.com/2013/03/inspired-by-stamping-march_6.html

Pam - http://www.pammejo-scrapbookflair.com/2013/03/my-friend-and-thanks-card-inspired-by.html

Calypso - http://calypsocandycraft.blogspot.com/2013/03/ibs-march-release-pirates.html

Gloria - http://gloriascraps.blogspot.com/2013/03/inspired-by-stamping-march-release-day-1.html

So glad you came by today!

Whoo Hoo Wednesday - Custom Buttons

I love adding buttons to my cards, but due to space constraints my button stash isn’t very big.  In my dream craft room, I’d have jars of buttons in every color!  Since that’s not my reality, I devised a way to customize them for any project using things I already have.

You’ll need:

·         Buttons – any size

·         Circle punches to match the button sizes

·         Patterned stamps

·         Inks

·         White craft glue

·         Paper piercer

·         Glossy adhesive

·         Thread/twine

These are the buttons I covered.  It’s best to choose your flattest ones:

Next, stamp patterns on scraps of white cardstock.  I used green and kraft inks with Vintage Backgrounds and Background Basics I  from Inspired By Stamping.

Use circle punches to coordinate with your button sizes.  I used ½” and ¾” punches.

(this punched circle goes on a larger button, not shown in the picture)

Smear white craft glue to the back of the punched circle and adhere to button; let dry.

After the glue has dried, pierce through button holes with paper piercer.

At this point, you can leave the buttons as they are, or add a glossy lacquer adhesive over the button fronts.  Be sure to use the paper piercer when they are dry and poke through the button holes once again.  A word of caution:  glossy adhesive can slightly alter your ink color.  Add twine or embroidery floss if you like.

I set these custom buttons on beautiful doilies from Delicate Doilies and Delicate Doilies II – some of my FAVE IBS stamps!  The birthday wish is from Fancy Sentiments.  

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial, and thanks for stopping by today.  :-)

Stamps: Delicate Doilies, Delicate Doilies II, Fancy Sentiments, Vintage Backgrounds, Basic Backgrounds I - Inspired By Stamping
Paper: white cardstock
Ink: kraft, black inks
Fibers: twine, embroidery thread
Other: pearls; glossy lacquer adhesive; paper piercing tool; scalloped edge punch

Inspired By Stamping Sneak Peek - Day Four

Here's a peek at our final stamp set coming out in the March release at Inspired By Stamping!

Meet Mason Jar Add On III:

This set coordinates very nicely with Mason Jars, Mason Jar Add-On I, and Mason Jar Add-On II.  And as you can see by the decorated Easter eggs above, this new set will help you create some Spring holiday goodness!

Thanks for peeking at the sets these last few days.  Now, get ready for all-out inspiration!  See you tomorrow with an Iris card that makes me oh-so-happy.  :-)

Inspired By Stamping Sneak Peeks - Day Three

We can't forget the boys and men in our lives, so today's Sneak Peek from the new March release at Inspired By Stamping is all about Pirates!  I had fun with this set, and can't wait to show you my projects soon.  :-)

See you tomorrow with one more sneak peek!