Getting philosophical and then down to work...

Sometimes, the really creative genes just aren't there, and you just have to sit down and make the cards you need to make. Well, these are those cards. They aren't spectacular, but they're simple and straightforward (kind of like me, I guess!!)

My mom needed a 50th wedding anniversary card, and I had to get it in the mail ASAP. I had to use the wrought iron punch trick (does it have an official name?)! I really like what it adds to the card. I dabble in cool things, and then I go back to my paper crafting comfort zone. I guess if I take small risks, it still counts as taking a risk, right?

One comfort zone I stayed in was Stampin Up stamps (don't get me wrong, I love them), but when I discovered the multitude of other companies out there, I couldn't deny my need to wander!

However, I have learned this about my stamping self...I like simple, clean layouts. If I try to gunk it up with too many embellishments or too much going on, it tends to make me a little crazy!

Oh, I almost forgot...here is some more blog candy!! Check out Fran's blog!

Holy Cutting, Batman!!

That is the one thing that stands out to me about this card...there was an awful lot of cutting involved. I can still remember how my sister used to love to sit and cut these small little words and intricate pictures. Well, me, not so much!! I borrowed these Magnolia stamps from my friend Dawn, aka the enabler!

Here is the list of copics used:

Basket/Tree/Branches: E57 Lt. Walnut, E59 Walnut

Sweater, hat: R27 Cadmium Red


Pants/Accents: B34 Manganese Blue


Hair: Y21 Buttercup Yellow


Shoes: E57 Lt. Walnut


Scarf/Gloves: YG91 Putty


Leaves: YR09 Chinese Orange, YG91 Putty, YR02 Lt. Orange, YR24 Pale Sepia, Y21 Buttercup Yellow, YG95 Pale Olive





Thanks for taking the time to stop by!

Don't miss this awesome candy!!

This is an incredible amount of blog candy!! Visit Debbie's blog for more information!!

My very own crafting space

These pics have been in my Splitcoast Gallery, but I'm posting on here for the benefit of friends and family who don't have access. Plus, my new blog background matches the motif I was trying for in there! I love my new space, and it really makes my crafting a lot easier! The desk was custom made by a local man. It is in 3 sections so that I can move and/or transport easily. It also has a small hidden drawer in the front. The shelves on either side were designed to fit my tools, but especially my Creative Memories albums. The cubes were on super clearance at Michaels. The peg boards and accessories above are from Pottery Barn Kids. The chair is a counter height stool from JCPenney. Thanks for taking a peek!!

Birthday Party Invitation for Meredith

Meredith will be turning 4 soon, and I needed to make her birthday party invitations! I found this card on Splitcoast that inspired me! I'm not a big fan of "case"ing, but sometimes you just have to go with it! I made sure that I put a link to it in my gallery description and I sent the person a note letting them know!

I was able to try paper piecing...it's easier than the quilting version of paper piecing, but it is still pretty picky!! I also used the technique of using the wrought iron punch for making a doily! Very fun! Thanks for stopping by!

More Blog Candy...

I found some more blog candy on a really cute site. These stamps are from the UK, and they are adorable!! Pink Gem Designs is offering a special deal and blog candy, too!! Good luck!

What does 200 cards look like?

This is what it looks like!! But, why 200 cards, you ask? They are for a children's charity here in Charlotte, North Carolina called Birthday Blessings. They provide birthday presents and classroom parties for poor and/or homeless children in our area. Dawn and I wanted to make a few cards, so we proposed that our stamp club make our monthly swap cards for this worthy cause. Well, 200 cards later, here they are. We also raised some money to sponsor one classroom party. Many times there weren't cards to give, so instead of not including one with a gift, we have taken the financial burden off a bit, and we are giving each child a handmade birthday card! For more information on how to donate cards, please see this thread on Splitcoaststampers, where other SCSers have donated cards as well!

MMMM...I love Candy!!

I love candy in both variations...the sugary kind and the blog kind! There are some great morsels floating around, ladies!! Here are a few:

Pretty Pressings is chocolatey good!

FranMade has some gummie bear goodness!!

Two Bugs is paying it forward!!

Have fun playing, ladies!! At least I hope that someone is reading this!! If not, maybe there will be more for me!

Nancy

She did it again!!

She, being Dawn, got me obsessed with yet another stamp company!! These cute Magnolia stamps from Sweden. I guess my Swedish heritage is fully taking hold!! I officially love them!! Many people who stamp with them now use Prismacolor pencils or something similar, but I don't have these in my arsenal (yet). I used my Copic markers instead with a blender marker to soften the edges. The sketch is SC201 from Splitcoaststampers. Thanks for taking the time to look!!