Hello?! Anybody Out There

I have been pretty much out of touch I have been very very busy!
When I went on my little trip to UT my DD's Boyfriend proposed and they are getting married early in June. So what exactly have I done in the last 5 weeks. I made 400 of these announcements and got them in the mail. The name lable isnt attached in this picture it is actually mounted onthe opposite side of the card, 200 graduations for my other DD's High School Graduation Party, thankfully just Photoshopped. DD designed them I just had to print them and get them in envelops. 125 Graduation announcements to help out a friend whose DD is graduating also the two girls got together and designed it I just spent a day working on it to get it so it would print correctly. 100 Wedding announcements..also using Photoshop for another friends son who is getting married on a very low budget.
Made Flowers for my DD's wedding, with my florist friend who is a real genius. Created a photobook to use as a guest book for my Dd's Graduation. Printed up my other DD's Wedding pictures from Jan and some from DD last Dec. Yes they are gettingmarried quicker than they were born. I also printed up my other DD's Family pictures taken of there sweet new family that includes my little Grandson.
Traveled back out to UT to pick up my DD's from College and bring them home in time to meet my DD and her family that flew in between semsters, so DH, and the rest of the kids) could meet his Grandson. They stayed for a week and DD did all the Cuttlebugging. I have also wedding dress shopped, Bridal Accesorie shopped, and made Bridal shower invites.
I am on a regular roll but with Graduation and a wedding coming in less than 3 weeks( 1 week aoart) I have alot to finish up still.

I have also finished up the Floral center pieces and I am currently cutting vinyl for tiles being used on the tables, and sewing dresses for the sisters to wear...I have a few pictures to share and I will post more when the other projects get finished up...

Until Later Happy Stramping!

Wedding Things & (Baby Quilt....shh)

Hello,

I just thought I should make a post and let you all know I am doing well, I managed to stay well this month but I have been very busy working on and getting things done for my DD's Wedding.

The Boutonniers', Corsages, and Bouquet done. My younger Dd's think I need to do flowers for them, so I might have to make a few more corsages...I am so thnkful for my firend Colleen , who has helped me get these floral things done for the last two years.

The announcements are finished and mailed...these took hours to make and put together..My Dh punched out all the MS branches for me all 642 of them. My SIL helped me put the black covers on and tehn the oval Medallions the next week. Two trips to my house ...thanks Sheila. My DD#5 helped edit the photo for the return address label. it was printed too small to really appreciate so I thought I would uploaded it here. Then it could get fully appreciated.

We are still inthe process of editting photos to Black and White with a touch of Red for the table top centerpieces. I did finish making all 15 of the runners and buying the supplies for the Centerpieces. The fabric behind this picture is the fabric being used for the center pieces. I wrapped two of the blocks of wood cut for last years wedding with black gift wrap and I am using them for the centerpieces. I am borrowing mirrors from my friend so they aren't in the picture. This is just a rough up of them so I could show DD#1 what I had come up with.

I also designed a monogram that couldnt be used so I had to design the name medallion I used for the invites

It took several hours to perfect these, but I just tried to upload them but the file type won't upload.

Lastly...We purchased dresses but they are Black and White, Homecoming clearance..I got a great deal on 5 dresses, but DD#7, said I couldnt post pictures of her in it because she wasn't dressed up so I have to wait until after the bug day, she did say however I could post the pictures of the Shoes! So happy I am not wearing red shoes.

Hopefully, soon I will have more time to post the cards I have been making...

Lastly I have been workingon a gift for my New Grandson being born this coming month. I only feel safe posting it because my DD never checks my craft blog...Hopefully that is still the case. I am just going to upload some detail pictures and not the full thing.

Until Later...Happy Stamping!

Details for Invite: I used Royal Fiber White Text weight Paper, Embassy Black Cardstock , Jaffray Red SatinPirouette ribbon, Oval scallop and Lr andSM SU Oval Punches. Designer labels 4 largest one to trim the black CS and thenD'vine Swirls CB folder, the 5th Ave Floral Embossing folder on the vellum.

Cricut Trial Software Down Load.

Last night I didnt make a card because I was playing with my Cricut and the Trial for the New Design Software . Here is a link to the post on SCS with the Trial, when I clicked it the process started automatically.I love that the Software gives my Cricut more options and allows me to play around before I cut paper. I also like that what I see is what I cut. MY favorite feature is the weld and The ability to mix cuts form differnt cartridges. I do have the software on order and I got a notice that it Shipped Yesterday, I am so excited to get it since the trial only lets you play with the carts that came with you machine. I like how easy it was to set up and update the Cricut and the software when it comes. PC did a great job with the trial of explaining each step so it could be done easily. My only delema now is I really need to move my computer cabinet and set up down by my Cricut and craft stuff. It would save me from running up and down the stairs all the time. Though a good way to get more exercise after sitting at either my craft table or my computer might be a good thing. The screen looks like this It has a window for choosing carts and a window for setting weld and nudging. Each set of things you type merge automatically unless you make sure that the Line is spaced away for the prievious added letters. It allows you to change layers on overlapped items. There is a faint grey line like a word box in Printmaster or word when you add objects that will from around an object that you can double click on it in the upper left corner. If you do the movements available show up for each object the different corners and sides as circled arrows and let you skew turn rotate drag and slide or stretch the object.

The first thing I did was placed the heart from George on the mat and the names in separate boxes. Then I dragged and stretched the heart to the size to handle the names. I squished the names to fit in the heart so they are narrower then normal. I selected "and" and then dragged it onto the heart. Lastly I picked the flower and played with it and skewed it and stretched it until it fit on the heart the way I wanted. Being able to see exactly where you are placing things is a plus over the old machine and a definate plus in saving paper in the future when you are cutting. I have used the objects from other carts to play and I was able to make the scalloped Circle on Mini Monograms into an oval and then place a letter J from George inside of it.

I can now make all the shapes I need for scallops with Mini Monograms with the scalloped squares and circles. That saves me from ordering the nestabilities(for now), and really makes that cart a money saver for me. If you have a Cricut you need to check out the trial version also to see if it will work with your computer(windows XP& Vista). I cant wait until my full version arrives and I can play & cut with all my carts...I am so excited for Christmas.

Until Later ...Happy Stamping!

Pink & Brown Baby Zoorific

Okay, This was a simple card, but has lots of little tips for fun things I did when I made it. I hate when it takes longer to explain something than it should so I took pictures.

Originally I was going to use my air brush, so I took pictures of how I mask the image to show you. I ultimately chose to sponge two colors but the masking technique is the same. First I stamp the image on White cardstock, Iused Timber brown for this because I am going to watercolor the image. After the first stamping I stamp the same image on a Post it Note type pad. Since I choose the zebra I stamped it sideways on the pad so that more of the image would be over the sticky edge. I repeated 6 times because this was for a swap. I trim close but I do not worry about the mane and tail becasue I need the sponging to mix in with it. I sotre the masking with the stamps after like shown in a previous post. For this swap I sponged heavily with Pretty In Pink and lightly with Close to Cocoa. After removing the mask the image looks like this. I painted the zebras with close to cocoa Ink pad and an H2O fine tip painter.

Then I trim them down to size 2" by 2 1/16". I used my Double circle punch to punch to holes around the image to tie my ribbon through. Next I made the tags. I used my Word Window punch for "baby" from SU Noteworthy SAB set, and shortend it by repunching the end. I left enought room for it to hang down below welcome and punched a 1/8" circle punch so I could attach it to the ribbon . The SU Word Window was to small for "Welcome" so I had to be more creative. I punched out "welcome" with my Cuttlebug rounded top mini tag Die. I didn't like the flat edge. So I tried the 1/2" circle punch(too Small) and the 3/4 circle punch(too big) to get the other end rounded. Finally I pulled out my Marvy scalloped corner rounder and it fit just right. I put the punch upside down and inserted the tag and centered it then pushed down to punch. I use down word pressure with out punching to help hold the tag inplace while I position it in the center of the punch so that the little corners were all that was punched off. I tied the Chocolate and Pink 1/4" and Pink organza ribbon and tags around the zebras neck attaching the tags with the organza ribbon. I used my Cricut and Mini Monograms to cut a 3" scalloped sqaure and I sponged it with Pretty in pink on the edges. I cut a 3" Chocolate square from a chocolate Square weave Paper I picked up at Michaels. I used my ticket corner punch to add an extra touch to the sqaure. All the levels of the focal image are mounted on 1/16" dimensionals. The Light Pink card stock was embossed with D'vine Swirl in my cuttle bug and then a piece of the same Choc and Pink gingham was attached with Zots Dots and then adhered with the same dots to the card base of White cardstock. THe focal image was then attached lining upthe ribbon on the neck withthe ribbon onthe fron of the card, and attached with Med Zots glue Dots also.

This was a fun card to make I hope you enjoy all the extra pictures I hope you enjoy the card also. I need to get them bith in the mail now for my Pink & Brown/Black swap on SCS.

Until Later ... Happy Stamping!

Bonus Sketch Challenge Card

I have been wanting to use my Cricut since I got back from vacation. SO I instantly thought of using it for making the card for the sketch challenge Round Bonus. Who wants to cut out all those circle by hand. I hope I can get through the typing I took some extra pictures of the assembly. Pictures are worth a thousand words and my finger is a bit swollen because I made both my challenge cards today.

I used my Cricut "George" cart to cut out the flowers in Whisper White at 5" in Shadow and a 2" circle. In Basic Black I cutusing the silhouette setting a 2" circle and a 5" flower, and a 1" circle shadow. I also cut a 1" circle in summer sun. I love using George to cut focal foundations, etc.. Next I used my "Walk In My Garden Cart" to cut two large leafs in shadow Blackout, one Leaf#1 and 1 leaf #2, so I could over lap and have the extra cut out for height. After using my cricut I used my Cuttlebug to emboss the leaves with "D'vine Swirl" and the flower center with "Bubbles". I also marked the silhouette on the white with light pencil marks at this time.
I cut a short piece of Black and White gingham and used my double hole punch to punch holes through the 1" circles. I lined them up and used my paper piercer to keep them lined up in the punch. I also sponged the Brilliance Midnight black over the bubbles embossing on the flower. After getting everything lined up I threaded the ribbon through the yellow through the center on the flower through the black circle and then back through the flower and the yellow. I was going to shadow with the black circle but the flower was big enough so I just used it to anchor the ribbon so it didn't have to go through the base or be mounted on a glue dot. This is how it looked before adherring it to the white base.

I stamped the flower image from SU Little flowers set in Summer Sun between the markings over lapping making sure not to get past the seond mark. after stamping I used a white Polymer eraser to erase the pencil marks, and then mounted it on the base. The last thing I worked on was the leaves . I over lapped them using 1/16" dimensionals then I determined where I wanted the leaves to be and trimmed them. I sponged the card base , the 2" white circle snd the leaves to accent their dimension and to mute the contrast between the white and black a bit.I trimmed them more after I placed the Brads to get the width down to 5 1/2" and sponged them a little more after using the antique brass brads to attach the leaves and the card fron tto the card back.

Lastly I assembled the Circle with "giggle" from the Warm Words stampset. I used my Sakura gel pen to glue the thin shadow over the circle. Then I punched one yellow flower using my under used "three for you" punch. I adhered it using an 1/16th circle punch and yet one more antuqie brass brad. I like how it turned out. The only thing I would change is cut the flower at 4" so it could fit in an envelope.

I hope you enjoyed it! Until Later... Happy Stamping!

Colored Pencil Observations

Well I can't find in the reading of my other post what I wanted you to know about colored pencils. I am not an expert on coloring, so no pictures from me. Just some observations I have made about colored pencils in general.

The Prisma Pencils are the best for getting nice results. In a comparison of all the colored pencils I own which are many. I have noticed a few things.

1. I think it is the amount of "wax" in the pencil that makes it work best, and blend best. The softer the pencil writes the better the blending that can take place.




2. Cornell-Loew(C-L) makes many multiple colors but their pencils have a very hard lead, and they do not work well with odorless mineral spirit blenders. They are perfect for adding a little contrast in fine cross hatch lines, but not for shading etc.




3. Crayola falls a little between C-L and Colorific not quite as hard as C-L, a great pencil for kids so the lead doesn't break alot, but it only blends slightly.




4. Colorific made by Sanford who makes Prismas blend well and are softer than Crayola and they blend nicely with the Colorless blending pencils by Prismacolor , and nicely with mineral spirit blenders but not as nice as Prisma's.




5. In my collecting I have these pencils just labeled "Made in China". Probably a Dollar store buy for my kids. They are softer than the Colorific and slightly harder than the prismas. They blend well with both the colorless blender pencils and the odorless mineral spirits.

For now I am using the random Prismas I have, about 8, The "Made in China" and the "Colorific" pencils, this gives me a set of about 50-70 colored pencils. I can color with these and they give me a nice assortment of colors until I buy a set of Prismas. My next big purchase will be a 72 set of Prismacolor Pencils. I am just patiently waiting for a nice Michael's or Joann's coupon to do it. KWIM.

I hope this information helps. I noticed the mineral spirit blender at All That Scraps is waitlisted. It is my experience with All That Scraps that if you email christine she will let you know when waitlisted product will be available and will create a way for you to do a preorder. She will ship it right away when it comes in.


Until Later... Happy Stamping!

Very Punny "Hoppy for You" Giftcard, Sakura Pen Comparison

The 4th of July Blog Candy Is still available at this POST Until Mid-night July 4th.

Today I finished the other card I had started last Friday, and I have a comparison of the Sakura Glue pens. For the card I used The Lighter green from the familiar Botanicals Pack I picked up at Michaels, SU Whisper White and Chocolate Chip. I rolled the card base with the Spot On Jumbo wheel using Chocolate Chip. I embossed a strip of White using my Cuttlebug and the "Spots & Dots" Embossing folder. I cut a 1" strip and I punched a 1-3/8" circle of Chocolate Chip cardstock. I punched a 1 1/4" circle of the green.

Then I stamped in Chocolate Chip just "the frog" from the Very Punny stamp set, on white and the "Hoppy for you" on the folded card Base. I'll talk about the frog in a momnet. On the inside

I marked and punched the tabs like I did for the gift card in this post. The only thing I changed was I used Karen Foster Loopy brads to tie a ribbon in front of the gift card. Using a Chocolate swiss dot ribbon I picked up at Wal-mart.

For the frog image I colored using a light green water color pencil, just the perimeter of the image. After I used an aqua painter fine tip to blend the color towards the center of the image. For the eyes and spots I used the Sakura "Souffle" pen. It is very similar to the glaze pen except it's finish is opaque and matte. It only provides a slight puffiness to the image, it is definately thicker than the glaze pen. I had hoped it would be more like liquid applique except with a finer line, but it is not a comparable puff. The matte finish is nice, because I was able to

re-dot the eye over the dried surface, and it didn't wipe off.

Because I have been talking so much about the Sakura Pens. I made this small image to show a comparison both on dark cardstock and white cardstock and the different finishes of each and liquid applique.

1. Sakura Souffle white-opaque pen 2. Sakura Glaze pen 3. Marvy Liquid Applique 4. Sakura Stardust clear

I tried to load these images so they could be enlarged so you can see the differences. I hope they help. I did use my heat gun to dry the sample sheets and I found the heat gun made the matte pen spread out and flatten more on the colored cardstock.

Until Later... Happy Stamping!

Unfinished stuff & We Have A Winner !

Before I get started I just want to mention one thing in regards to pencils in my last post, since I forgot. When I was sorting through my pencils I noticed that both Prisma Colored Pencils and Colorific are made by Sandford. I know that doing this craft as affordably as possible is important to me, and that is why I am sharing. When I was comparing leads and sorting out soft ones, I also set aside the colorific pencils. There leads are not quite as soft as Prisma but they are quite a bit softer than Crayola and the Loew-Cornell. They also blend descently with the Blending solution,(mineral spirits). SO at least if I cant post a card I can post some useful information and hope to post a card tomorrow. Maybe then I'll have better luck getting my ideas on to cards. I played with Little lady tonight and made these cute little butterflies. I just can't decide what I want to do with them, I stamped SU bashful Blue onto Vellum and then sprinkled Kelideoscope embossing powder on them, and then heat embossed. I made 12 and some of the dots didn't all come out clean maybe because I stamped stazon over the embossing. SO I punched them out like Trudee did on her "gueststar stamper" card for "PapertreyInk". Check out her card it is fantastic, and if you click on her name it will take you to her blog where she has the best tutorial on how to make it. I really don't know how she came up with the idea. It is so simple. When I look at the stamp right now all I see is bugs and more bugs, but never upsidedown tulips until now. I think its brilliant, and I think I am in a stamping funk. Probably something to do with how I am feeling ,just not myself.

I know I will do something with these little shiney gems, but not tonight. Okay well maybe tonight! me winking.

Oh I almost forgot the Announcement: (jk)

The winner of Blog candy is Melanie

Melanie aka Batgirl said...
Im loving my Brads right now! too fun :)
June 16, 2007 9:07 PM

If you'll email me your address I'ld be happy to ship your Blog Candy to you.

Everyone else I wish I could send you all something. You said such nice things, and you all sound so talented with your embellishments. I hope some of your talent will rub off on me this week. Thanks for participating, I hope you'll visit often. I know I will do blog candy again.

Until tomorrow....Happy Stamping!!!

Aqua Painters & Bellas Updates

I have had a few questions today and not enough time to accomplish much. I thought I would do the favors asked. I was told the Bellas were hard to see, and could not be enlarged. I have re-uploaded them in a medium format so it can be clicked on and enlarged. Now remember they are not complete. I am waiting for a blender solution to arrive so I can finish the coloring. The card will be finished in a few days. I am also picking up some paper for them tomorrow. I intended to make another project, but went shopping instead. I took a friend along and we had lunch and checked out a new Craft store in the area. I came away mildly disappointed because they only carried a handful of stamps, I did manage to buy some paper. I also went back to Michaels though and bought a few more of the clear stamps. I discovered there were 16 stamps sets available and two sizes of clear acrylic blocks.

Someone asked me the difference between the H2O Painter I normally use, and the pin point one I have been using for more detailed stuff lately. So I decided since a picture can show the details better I would post one. The top or Yellow one is the small pin point one. The bottom or green one is the medium tip one. There is also a purple Large tip one available to purchase. I find a paint brush works well for larger areas for me. You can see the the tip has a sharper point. It is also smaller and can fit into those tiny little thin spots on many stamped images. It is a must have for detailing with water colors.

Tomorrow I will definately make somethings to post, and until then Happy Stamping...