A card-making kind of day!

Today I finally built a light box. I say finally because for the past year or so, every time I see the sheets of foam board, I say "ah yes! The light box project!"... Then I walk away and make a card, and said  light box project goes forgotten again.

But not today, my friends :) Today the light box got made. Granted, I don't have the appropriate light bulb, but that will come.

With my big ol' project completed, I needed some cards to place inside:

First up is my (very) simple take on the Play Date Cafe challenge for this week:

Slime Green.....Frightful Fuschia... Putrid Purple...Black as Night

Thinking of You

(PDCC102)

The next two were just for fun. I needed some extra Christmas cards, and a 'manly' birthday card.

Merry Christmas

 

Best Wishes

Happy Monday, everyone :)

-tb:oxo

Twine and combined challenges

My order from The Twinery arrived. It made me so happy. I can see myself using twine a lot in the future.

This card was made for two challenges. a colour challenge put forth by ColourQ, and a sketch challenge over at Pals Paper Arts.

I loved the colours over at ColourQ this week. I don't feel like I did them justice though. Then again, who else but Martha Stewart can make a bunch of stacked dishes look awesome?

Unfortunately, I don't have any Certainly Celery in my collection... I used Old Olive instead.

It's Your Birthday

 (CQC102 & PPA111)

No supplies were harmed in the making of this card!
Cardstock :: Whisper White (SU), Old Olive (SU), Tempting Turquoise (SU),

Basic Gray (SU), Poppy Parade (SU)

Paper :: Plaid from "All About Boys" series (DCWV)

Stamps :: "Its your birthday" (Hero Arts)

Ink :: Poppy Parade (SU)
Embellishments :: Honeydew twine (The Twinery)

Tools :: Balloon punch (MS), 1 1/2 Circle punch (Marvy), Dimensionals (SU)

I'm disappointed I didn't do something a little "extra" with that strip of Old Olive (like add a scallop edge or something). I blame post-pregnancy brain on that oversight! :)

-tb:oxo

Herringbone Birthday!

After seeing the fantastic Herringbone technique used by Monica, over at Stamps 'n Jewels I knew it was something I wanted to try. Luckily, she posted a tutorial on how to do it (that's found here!) so I got to give it a shot myself! What a FUN card to make!

I always find myself looking for a masculine card/card style, and this was perfect when using the "Well Worn" DSP from Stampin' Up! LOVE the Well Worn papers. Love them.

I'm entering this into the Less is More "Anything Goes" challenge this week. I figure, although the technique isn't "simple", the end result is relatively clean and free of 'distraction'! 

Birthday Wishes

(LIM WK33)

It's our friends birthday tomorrow, so I made this card for him. I figured with this technique, I'd let the paper do the talking and keep the 'dressing' pretty simple :)

No supplies were harmed in the making of this card!
Cardstock :: Very Vanilla (SU), Chocolate Chip (SU)

Paper :: Various "Well Worn" DSPs (SU), Cajun Craze DSP (SU) 

Stamps :: "Birthday Wishes" (Hero Arts)
Ink :: Chocolate Chip (SU)
Tools :: Dimensionals (SU), Decorative Label punch (SU), Scallop Oval punch (SU)

I love trying new techniques. I will definitely be using this one again!

-tb:oxo

Another birthday

Tomorrow is our caregiver's birthday. She's 100% awesome. We love her to pieces. I guess that's how you're supposed to feel about the person who cares and provides for your child all day while you're at work!

Regardless, we feel so lucky to have her in our life.

Happy Birthday

(please excuse the horrible picture: camera wasn't handy and used my phone... shame on me)

No supplies were harmed in the making of this card!
Cardstock :: Black, white, pink

Stamp :: Happy Birthday from Hero Arts
Ink :: Black
Embellishments :: Pearl dots, $1 ribbon
Tools :: Decorative label punch (SU), Scallop Oval punch (SU), Large oval punch (SU), dimensionals

Ready for bed, and a good nights sleep...

-tb:oxo

Ahhh, that's better!

I posted earlier today with my entry into this week's ColourQ challenge. Throughout the day, every time I glanced at the card, I got this overwhelming sense of "ugh"! I knew, in my heart of hearts, that it just wasn't very good.

When my husband got home, I showed him the card. There was silence. Granted, I prefaced the show and tell with "I made this card today that I absolutely detest", so he may have been predisposed to detest it as well ;) Even still, he normally tries to convince me otherwise. No convincing today!

I made a new card for the challenge. I feel much better now. As a reminder, here is the gorgeous colour palette (that I botched the first time around)

ColourQ challenge: Take 2 

Hi

 

(CQC101)

No supplies were harmed in the making of this card!
Cardstock :: Lucky Limeade (SU), Pool Party (SU), Whisper White (SU)

Paper :: "Pocketful of Posies" DSP - Rich Razzleberry (SU)
Embellishments :: Pearl Dots (MS), Foil letters, buttons, sticker, feathers, paper flowers
Tools :: Scallop edge punch (EK), 2-way gluepen

Finished Size :: 4 1/4" x 4"

 

Then, because I was feeling so darn good about myself, and because I couldn't stop thinking about the Color Throwdown challenge, I made another one for that. It seems that everything is coming up 'gray' these days, and in a good way!! 

As I mentioned in a previous post, we just redecorated our main level in our house, and we chose two shades of gray. I will have to post about those at some point very soon.

Over at Color Throwdown, they are challenging us to use Island Indigo, Peach Parfait, Basic Gray and Light Gray. Here's my take on all that jazz...

Best Wishes

(CTD158)

 

No supplies were harmed in the making of this card!
Cardstock :: Peach Parfait (SU), Island Indigo (SU), Basic Gray (SU), Whisper White (SU), Glass Slipper (Bazzil)

Stamps :: "Best Wishes" from Short & Sweet (SU), Butterfly trio from Kindness Matters set (SU)
Ink :: Island Indigo (SU), Groovy Guava (SU)
Embellishments :: Pearl dots (MS)
Tools :: Dimensionals (SU), Scallop Edge punch (EK), Decorative Label punch (SU), Scallop Oval punch (SU), Large Oval punch (SU)

Finished Size :: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" 

 

Ahhh, peace at last...

-tb:oxo

A ColourQ challenge and a lesson in patience

I'm trying to do anything and everything to keep my mind off the fact that baby hasn't arrived.

So, after folding laundry, a game of Chinese crib, and an elaborately prepared lunch, and 7 written thank-you cards, I decided to participate in a challenge :)

I followed the ColourQ challenge this week: Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Orchid Opulence, Rich Razzleberry and White.

Their inspirational image, as always, was gorgeous. I sometimes find that using all the colours is difficult - especially when you're staring at an object that has done it so effortlessly!

Anywho, here is my take on the palette!

Wish Big

 (CQC101)

No supplies were harmed in the making of this card!
Cardstock :: Lucky Limeade (SU), Pool Party (SU), Wisteria Wonder (SU), Whisper White (SU)

Paper :: "Pocketful of Posies" DSP - Rich Razzleberry (SU)
Stamps :: Sweet Summer (SU)
Ink :: Lucky Limeade (SU), Wisteria Wonder (SU)
Embellishments :: $1 Ribbon, Pearl Dots (MS)
Tools :: Dimensionals (SU)

Finished Size :: 6 1/4" x 3"

Hoping everyone out there is enjoying the last few days of summer! It's certainly feeling like fall around here. It feels like just yesterday I went to the library with my little kiddo and got a book about making apple cider...

-tb:oxo

Time for a Play Date!

Oh, how these colours remind me of our wedding - This was the original colour scheme we were going to go with. Almost last minute, we substituted the navy for brown. We were getting married at a sugar bush, and thought it would be more appropriate.

Plus... I love brown.

It was such a joy to play with these colours today! Thank you, Play Date Cafe, for the trip down memory lane.

The Best Cake Ever
(PDCC #95)

No supplies were harmed in the making of this card!

Cardstock :: Blushing Bride (SU), Irish Eyes (Bazzil)
Paper :: Night of Navy DSP (SU)
Ink :: Blue Bayou (SU), Pink Pirouette (SU)
Stamps :: Birthday set (Hero Arts)
Embellishments :: Pearl dots, taffeta ribbon Dazzling Diamonds (SU)
Tools :: 2way gluepen (SU), dimensionals (SU), Large oval Punch (SU), Scallop oval punch (SU) Scallop Edge Border


Loving the nostalgia...

-tb:oxo

Happy Birthday

A simple birthday card, using the colour palette from ColourQ challenge!

Not only do I always (always!) love their colour combinations, the images they choose to accent them are always so inspiring. They never fail to bring a smile to my face!

Today, I felt like keeping the "flower" theme going.

Happy Birthday
(CQC98)
Materials -
Cardstock :: Soft Suede (SU), Lucky Limeade (SU), white
Ink :: Island Indigo (SU)
Stamps :: "Happy Birthday" from Hero Arts
Etc :: Lrg oval punch (SU), Scalloped oval punch (SU), dimensionals (SU), blender pen (SU),
paper flowers, $1 ribbon from Michael's, Cuttlebug embossing folder, button from my stash, embroidery floss

Relaxin'...

-tb:oxo

A Carnival Party!

For the past month or so, we have been planning "The Party to End All Parties" - This is our little boy's last birthday party as an only child, so we wanted to make it extra special. We brainstormed themes till we were blue in the face! After doing a "Toy Story" theme last year (which was actually a great success), we decided against something a little less "commercial".

So, after much hum-ing and ha-ing, we settled on the fantastic CARNIVAL theme. Yes, a day at the carnival can not be forgotten! Nor should it.

HBo's Carnival Birthday Party - Happy 3rd birthday, kiddo!

His first taste of Cotton Candy!

"Pin the Nose on the Clown"
When asked if he had 'put his nose on the clown yet', out super-awesome little boy walked over to the clown poster, took off his hat, and touched his nose to the clown. Like I said, he makes us laugh every single day! xox

The "Pyramid" game, with the "Bouncy Castle" in the background:
Face Painting:

The "Basketball" game:

Food and Drinks:

Loot Bags and Cupcakes:
The kids got a sheet of tickets when they first arrived that they used for the various games around the yard. At each game, they won a prize that they put in their loot bag. All loot bags had their names on them - When the kiddies came in for cakes/presents, us adults loaded the bags up with cotton candy, thank you notes, a balloon on a stick and caramel popcorn. They were a big hit!

Blowing out the candles:
Daddy holding him back a bit so he didn't burn his face off! haha

Our "Thank You" cards read:
Friends and Family
Games and Fun
Thanks for making my day
a very special one!

Great family and friends, great weather, great day!...

-tb:oxo

Color Throwdown

This is my first time playing over at the Color Throwdown - and their color badge isn't kidding when it asks "can you handle this?". I found this a tough one to do.

Birthday Wishes
(ColorThrowdown154)

Materials -
Paper :: More Mustard DSP (SU), Garden Green DSP (SU)
random paper from "All About Boys" paper stack
Cardstock :: Basic Gray (SU), Cream
Ink :: Wild Wasabi (SU)
Stamps :: "Birthday Wishes" from Hero Arts
Etc :: Green brads, dimensionals, embroidery floss




TGIF...

-tb:oxo

Mmmm summer

I love summer - more-so when I'm not 9 months pregnant - but that aside, I love summer.

That's why this week's challenge colours at Play Date Cafe made me really happy! We have a plethora of summer birthdays in this family, so that's where I went with this card. Summer + Birthdays = super awesome.

Wish Big Summer Baby!
(PDCC93)

Materials -
*Burgundy text is Stampin' Up! product line
Paper :: Anne Griffin
Cardstock :: Lucky Limeade, White, Pink
Ink :: Lucky Limeade
Stamps :: "Wish Big" from the Short & Sweet set
Etc :: Dimensionals, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch,
corner rounder, $1 ribbon, brads

This is my first time playing along at Play Date Cafe... but I'm pretty confident it's not going to be my last. I stuck up their badge on my blog to encourage me to play each week. :)

Looking forward to seeing what's next...

-tb:oxo

ColourQ Challenge

After seeing this week's colour palette at ColourQ, I simply could not resist! In fact, I loved the colour combination so much, I briefly considered changing the style of our bedroom... again ;)

I think my desire to constantly change the decor/layout/theme of the rooms in my house is either a Capricorn thing, or I just love colour so much I can't commit to just one combination!

Although I had tons of fun working with the colours in the challenege, I'm forced to wonder, am I in a cardmaking slump? I'm not 100% proud of this card. I think it's the weird dimensions (4" x 9"!)... I might try again tonight using a more "normal" sized card and see what I come up with. Then again, maybe not!

We may have some friends coming by tonight for a couple games of Euchre! And it's been quite some time since we've hung out with these fine folks, or played Euchre. I'll still be playing around with 'cards', just a different variety :)

Best Wishes
*I love the "Short & Sweet" stamp set*

(cQc #96)

How about another view?

Materials -

*Burgundy text is Stampin' Up! product line
Paper :: ?? Can't remember...
Cardstock :: Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo, White, Gray
Ink :: Island Indigo, Kiwi Kiss
Stamps :: "Best Wishes" + Blossom from the Short & Sweet set
Etc :: Dimensionals, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Circle punch, corner rounder, Pearls, $1 ribbon, brads, multi-sized flowers from dollar store...

Wowza, I feel like I used a lot more than I needed to for this card! However, while at Michael's the other day, I scoured their $1 ribbon bin and found some pretty cute ribbons. This particular one matched perfectly with the challenge colours, so I was pretty amazed with myself and my foresight in that purchase. Indeed, my psychic abilities are astounding.

Off to clean my house...

-tb:oxo

Le Sigh - A Lesson in Mediocrity

Sometimes things just don't work out, you know? And what can you do about it other than learn?

Is this card a disaster? No, I don't think so... But it's not one of my favourites by any means. Regardless, I will post it and chalk it up to a lesson learned.

Lesson = Sometimes I'll make a card that doesn't meet my own standards, but I should accept that and keep moving on.

Birthday Card for a lovely caregiver (Thought her birthday was this Sunday, turns out it's not for another month! I guess I have to thank Facebook for that one!):

Materials -
*Burgundy text is Stampin' Up! product line
Paper :: "Maddi Paisley" by MakingMemories
Cardstock :: Pink & White - random
Ink :: Groovy Guava
Stamps :: "Wish Big" from the Short & Sweet set, and "All in the Family" set
Etc :: Pearls, Taffeta ribbon, Dimensionals, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch

I've recently discovered my love for "challenges"! It's weird, normally I don't like to relinquish control over creativity, but at the same time, sometimes I'm overwhelmed by my options. Having a particular challenge to fulfill keeps me focused and 'on task'.

I think I might try my hand at this ColourQ challenge. Beautiful combination, eh?

I will have to consult my August card list and see if I need anything that this colour combination would fit appropriately. (wedding, perhaps?)

Thinking about it...

-tb:oxo

A Mojo Monday Challenge

I'm all about "firsts" these days! and in keeping with the uncomfortableness of stepping outside of my "own little world", I have decided not only to do the Mojo Monday challenge, but actually submit it.

Look at me grow.

I saw the sketch, and I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do with it - until, that is, I noticed (out of my exceptional amazing peripheral vision) this robot paper I had bought ages ago to do something for my son. With his birthday coming up, I knew it was good timing!

Celebrate my son, celebrate like it's your last days as an 'only child' :)

(MOJO202)

Materials -
*Burgundy text is Stampin' Up! product line
Paper :: "Blast Off" from the 'Rockets 'N' Sprockets' set by Recollections
Cardstock :: Pool Party, Island Indigo, Calypso Coral, Kiwi Kiss
Ink :: Island Indigo, Calypso Coral, Kiwi Kiss
Stamps :: "Celebrate" from the Lexicon of Love set
Etc :: Dimensionals, Kiwi Kiss ribbon

Now, on with the rest of my August birthday list cards!

August Card List:
1. Step-dad's birthday
2. Hunter's birthday
3. Wedding
4. Birth announcements for our baby (due Sept 8)
5. Birthday "Thank You" cards for my sons b-day party guests.

Enjoying the sun...

-tb:xox

Monkeying Around

I had some scrap paper I got from a series called "Monkeying Around" by Recollections (which I believe is the Michael's brand...).

As I was organizing my cardstock, I happily realized that the series goes wonderfully with the 2010-2012 In Colours (particularly Pear Pizzaz and Peach Parfait). Again, I figure while I have all the supplies out, I may as well make 2 or 3!

Stripey Birthday


Monkey Birthday

Materials used for these cards -
*Burgundy text is Stampin' Up! product line
Paper :: "Sock Stripe" and "Funky Disco Spin" from the Monkeying Around series by Recollections
Cardstock :: Pear Pizzaz and Peach Parfait
Ribbon :: Elan double face satin in blue
Punches :: Scalloped Oval Punch and Large Oval Punch and Scalloped Border Punch (on loan!)
Ink :: Calypso Coral (2011-2013 In Colour)
Stamp :: "Best Wishes" from the Short & Sweet set

And that, my friends, concludes the July birthday card list! YES!
July card list is:
1. Babysitter's other daughter's birthday
2. Friends wedding shower
3. Hubby's birthday
4. Sister-in-Law's birthday
5. Father-in-Law's birthday
6. HBo's Birthday party invitations
7. Nephew's 1st (!!) birthday
8. Stock Thank You cards

Feeling very accomplished!

-tb:oxo

Using up the Scraps!

Today I decided to use up some old scraps, as well as dig into some old SU cardstock I had just picked up at a garage sale last weekend!

The July card list is one item shorter! yay...
July card list is:
1. Babysitter's other daughter's birthday
2. Friends wedding shower
3. Hubby's birthday
4. Sister-in-Law's birthday
5. Father-in-Law's birthday
6. HBo's Birthday party invitations
7. Nephew's 1st (!!) birthday
8. Stock Thank You cards

And, because I hate to waste anything at the end of making 1 card, I try and use the scraps from that card to make a few small thank you notes, or other random little cards.

Birthday card for sister-in-law:

Thank you note 1:

Thank you note 2:

All three cards use the same materials -
Paper :: SU Cardstock in "Crushed Curry", "Batiked my Interest" by Recollectios
Ink :: SU 2011 In Colour "Wisteria Wonder"
Stamp :: SU "Wish Big" and "Thank You" from Short & Sweet set
Ribbon :: Elan double faced satin in purple
Punches :: SU Scalloped Oval Punch and Extra Large Oval Punch

And when all was said and done, this is all I had left of the Crushed Curry cardstock!! (btw, I love this colour...)


Content :)

-tb:xox