My Top Ten Cards of 2010

What a brilliant idea! Click the image below to visit Suzi and read all about it:

So, without further ado, here are my top 10 cards of 2010. Well, of most of 2010 -- I started blogging in March, and I'm too lazy to go find photos from earlier :) And...well, I have a hard time knowing when to quit, so you get my top 12. Enjoy!

Inspired by a1953 grammar manual, of all things.

Won a Moxie Fab challenge with this one!

One of my SCS CAS DT entries...

...and another one. This one still lives on my desk :)

(No, I didn't make the team. I did, however, make some awesome friends!)

The pattern mix still makes me smile.

Who doesn't love a pun? Especially a CAS pun.

Ha. Ha ha. Plus, the recipient loved it.

Made this as part of my Guest CAS DT week. Who doesn't love sparkly socks?

The vellum polaroid is awesome, if I do say so myself.

This card came together so quickly, it was scary. Plus, it was for an eye doctor (my uncle).

Another 10-minute kind of card, this time with a big "Rawr!"

This one uses some fun AmberInk iPaper for a mod twist on Christmas.

Hmm. Apparently, I have a thing for hand-cut hills (3 cards), humor (5 make me chuckle still), firmly grounded focal points (7ish cards), and always, always CAS (11/12 cards, by my estimation).  

It's fun to scroll back through and see the seasons (and my photo-editing skills!) change via cards. I'm glad I have this little bloggy-doo to help me keep tabs on all the paper-crafted memories. 

Here's to a 2011 full of more paper goodness!

PS: If you haven't already come from there, Suzi's blog has the full list of participants. Have fun!

Friends with (Christmas Eve) Flair

Hi there, folks --

I have a very un-wintery card to share with you today :)

Hello, summer! Hello, rebel! Hello, paper-piecing! I used Melody Ross's One of a Kind for both the row of girls and the sentiment. Paper is from Cosmo Cricket's Delovely line, except for my non-rebel girls -- they're Basic Grey basics in kraft.

If you are planning on some post (or pre)-Christmas shopping, don't forget about the current Unity deals:

Now, hop along and give Anne a visit, or hit the Unity Blog for the full list.

In other news, for local folks anyway, Scrappy Chic's 12th day of Christmas sale just happens to be 40% off...everything!! They're open until 3 today -- happy shopping!

Have a very merry Christmas as well! I'll have some yummy cookie photos to post soon. My day o'baking was a success!

Almost!

Christmas is almost here! Hooray!

I have lots of projects to post...but not today. Today is for baking and reading:

I have read the Life and Adventures of Santa Claus every year since I was nine. The book on the right is my original Dover edition...and on the left is how I read it these days ;)

It's a whimsical, typically Baum-esque tale, and I love it.

Any quirky personal traditions on your end?

Off to bake -- have a great Christmas Eve eve!

Passing the Torch!

Oh, my month carrying the Team Orange Torch for the AmberInk Torchbearers has been a blast! I was honored to accept the torch from the super-talented Emily, and I hope I did her proud :)

All the ladies made some really great projects -- and you can see a recap of them here. I had so much fun checking out everyone's creations and reading Amber and Pam's fun and funny comments all month long -- thanks for your generosity!

But it's time to throw this torch to a talented stamper and new friend: Welcome Lindsey! She's a long-time crafter and new blogger, so be sure to stop by and give her some love! I can't wait to see what she comes up with -- I know it's gonna be awesome! Thanks, Linds, for running with the torch for Team Orange.  You can meet her and all the other new babes right here.

Before I go, I have one more Amber-ready project for you (surprise!)

I made a quick set of 4 Christmas cards using the super-fun Black Tie Spin Pin iPaper printed on kraft:

I punched a few holes in each panel, then added them to red card bases with some red stitching. The sentiment is a stamp I've had forever...

A quick circle punch, and another set of cards is ready to send!

Anyway, big thank yous all around to all the AmberInk peeps! It's been a blast! Now go check out Lindsey and all the new Torchbearers :)

Friends with Flair

Time for another Unity Friends with Flair blog hop! I'm happy to play along today -- especially because I am in desperate need of quick Christmas cards, and there's nothing like a challenge to get some made!

I used Happily Ever After here -- the wreath, sentiment, and background are all from the same set. A little quick coloring, misting, and nestability-ing, and I called it good. I actually made 4 of these in one quick sitting -- 2 vertical, 2 horizontal. 4 more cards done: check! Now, if only I would take the time to SEND them...but that'll be for another day.

Anyway, hop on to Lori, but don't forget:

Tasty sales on tasty new stamps!

Brown and Cream and Red...

...such yummy colors for a yummy photo. But more on that in a minute.

The current Embellish challenge is to make a layout using brown, cream, and a third color. How could I resist using red with a photo like this?

And indeed, crepes at Good Girls go to Paris are yummy. Very yummy! Plus, their red walls make a lovely photo background :)

I got a chance to use some goodies I've been hoarding saving on this one: A Hambly woodgrain transparency, plus a Glitz transparency accent...some 7gypsies and Paper Source tape (the Paper Source tape is gingham fabric and is fab.u.lous).

Buttons, alphas, canvas scraps, tulle, glimmer mists...lots going on here. Plus, the photo is my first time trying out the cross-process effect on Picnik. Yep, addictive for sure! (Thanks Meg.)

I think there's another day yet for the Embellish challenge -- follow the link above if you'd like to play along!

Have a delicious evening.

An AmberInk Layout

Hey there -

Yep, here I am, using my fantastic supplies from AmberInk to make a pretty little layout! Who says stamps and paper are just for cards? Not me!

Take a peek (sorry about the huge photo...too many details get lost otherwise):

First off, I have to give major credit to my fellow Torchbearer Julie for making an awesome card from iPaper printed on kraft -- what a genius idea! So...I copied it :) I printed a full 8.5x11 sheet of pretty blue Snowflake Lace iPaper on some PTI kraft cardstock, which makes a lovely heavyweight base for a layout.

I also printed the tag image from You're the Perfect Package, which makes a great spot for journalling! I inked it up with some distress ink and hit it with some glimmer mist before coloring the little gifty.

Can we talk about that photo for a sec? Isn't it beautiful? I noticed this view while I was lifting weights at the gym on Sunday, of all things. I used my favorite photo toy to take it: Hipstamatic (an app for the iPhone 4) -- it takes crisp, perfect digital images...and grunges them up  so they look old and awesome. Yes, I see the irony. No, I don't care -- the photos are awesome!

K, back to the layout. How about a detail?:

I finally gave in to the doily craze that's sweeping the paper nation -- mine is glimmer misted and topped with my title and photo and ribbons and all that good stuff.

Another detail, you say? Why not:

Some scraps of ribbon, plus a new SU! goodie (available in the occasions mini out next month). I also used eyelets on this layout -- yet another old supply made new again. They're backed with a bit more of the velvet ribbon. Here, you can also see that iPaper -- it really makes this whole layout work.

And since you can't see it super-well in the layout photo, here it is in person (added the text in Picnik -- the rest is unaltered):

Hope you are warm and cozy, wherever you may be.

A Quick Rawr!

Yo -
It's a holy-cats-it's-freezing kind of day around here. Andrew got a snow day; I did not. Oh well - can't win 'em all!

I have a super-quick post for you...so...here it is --

It was a super-quick card, too, aside from the cutting-out-the-yeti part. A couple hand-cut hills, a word bubble, some little letters (plus hand-drawn apostrophe, of course) and a birthday stamp...and that's about it. Since I just got this stamp at the Detroit Urban Craft Fair (you can find others by the artist here), I thought it fitting to use for a bday card for our old pal Austin, who was selling his cool wares as well. He'd appreciate a yeti, anyway. Next time, I think I'll add some flock. Fun.

Time to work on a couple other projects. In the meantime, don't forget that today is the last day for the AmberINK INKredible 21-day challenge. Go check it out.

Have a great day, and stay warm!

My First Friends with Flair

Hey there -- happy Friday! (I know I'm happy -- whew, what a week!)

It's time for Unity's Friends with Flair hop. Be sure to visit everyone and look for the magic blinkie to win some great stamps! You can start at the Unity blog if you want to catch everyone.

So, on with the show:

I managed to use three different sets on this little card -- whoa! I stamped the banner from a little happy, then stamped it again on a scrap that I'd covered with some 7gypsies masking tape...so I guess it's still paper-piecing, but I'll call it tape-piecing :) The cute happy parachute is from the same set, and the "birthday" is a partial sentiment from Happily Ever After . I thought the "H" needed a landing spot, so I added a border from one of a kind.

Here's the thing: this card is for a friend's birthday, and I ACTUALLY GOT IT IN THE MAIL ON TIME! That doesn't happen too often :) Maybe the week hasn't been so bad after all...

Anywho, Unity has some great deals going on -- read all about them below, then hop on to the next stop!

Feel free to leave a little comment, then....

Hop along now...your next stop is Anne!

Blog Hop voting time!

Hi y'all!
If you stopped by yesterday, you saw my post for the AmberInk Blog Hop! (If you didn't stop by, you can see my post here).

Well, today you can go HERE to vote for your fave! Have fun. I'll be back tomorrow with another fun project.

AmberInk Blog Hop!

Welcome to this stop on the AmberInk Blog Hop!

If you didn't get here from Emily's blog, feel free to go say hi to her and the rest of the crew (or start the blog hop here).

Our challenge: a 7-course meal for two. Huh?

That means: 2 colors (plus a neutral -- and a little pop of something else if desired), and 7 elements or actions or whatevers....

Here's my take:

The colors are pretty obvious, so I'll get right to the "courses"

Two iPapers (Snowflake Lace and Holiday Cheer)
Two punches (label, tag)
One stamp (from American Crafts)
One ribbon-twiney thingie that I made up
One brad (also featuring that Snowflake Lace iPaper)

A grid design keeps it clean and simple, and that's the way I like it (today, anyway).

Hope you enjoyed your stop on the hop. Go Team Orange!

Now hop along and see Sunghee!

a Joyful AmberInk Christmas!

Howdy folks! I've got another fun AmberInk card to share with y'all today. Here you go:

Another example of the versatility of digital images -- this one, from 'Tis the Season to be Pretty, is blown way up to become the focal point on this card. Along with a little Snowflake Lace iPaper, it makes for a festive and quick card (Quick is key these days -- I need holiday cards, stat!)

The image is watercolored with blender pens, plus Stickles accents. The sentiment is from PTI's Big and Bold Holiday Wishes set, and twine is from the Twinery.

{Yes, I took this photo on top of a copy of The Snowy Day -- love that book! Plus, it was on my desk at work, which happens to be where my photo shoot happened. Shhh, don't tell the boss!]

 Oh, here's a close up:

Yes, I'm a sucker for shiny stuff. And watercoloring. Nesties, too. By the way, that off-the-edge placement of the focal point is all designy and stuff, but it really happened because I screwed up the die placement. Ha!

Go craft. I'm gonna go grade, and then craft.  Have a freezing and blustery pleasant day!

I {heart} DUCF!

Today marked one of my favorite holiday events: The Detroit Urban Craft Fair! So, instead of a crafty item made by me, I thought I might show off some of the crafty goodies made by others...that now belong to me! Hooray!

First, let me set the scene:

Well, it's not the best pic, nor is it the whole show, but you can see it's pretty huge! Plus, it was held at the Fillmore this year, a big theatre that usually hosts concerts and stuff. Took the photo from the mezzanine :)

Here's the whole stash I brought home:

Well, most of it. I picked up a couple gifts that aren't here. Some of what's here will be gifted (to people who don't know I have a blog, of course), but some is definitely for me. Here's a close-up of one:

Our old pal Austin makes awesome paper action figures, and now he's making tiny (seriously tiny -- like maybe an inch or so!) little roller skates too -- he had about 20 pair, and each is unique. The rainbow-striped versions called to me. (I admit, I already have one pair -- they were a birthday gift, and I've turned one into a necklace.) I wish he had a real website or etsy store or something...if you are down with paper roller skates or action figures, just let me know and I'll put you in touch.

This might take a little explaining. First, these are, as you can see, photos of motel signs. They happen to be of motels that are very near where I grew up (and where I still drive past every day). Whenever I see them, I think to myself -- "Self, you should totally get pictures of those cheeseball signs before they disappear." Yet, I never have. Now I don't need to, because the friendly couple behind Perfect Laughter has done it for me -- plus, the prints are on lovely textured paper and look like Polaroids. Love. Their other letterpress goodies are very well designed, and the quality is fantastic, too.

Finally:

Who knew? Rubber stamps at an indie craft fair! These are so super-cute, and the Tricia, the artist  behind Frizzelstix, also does fun prints and fabrics with her designs. I thought these were really whimsical and fun. I can already see that little Yeti paper-pieced with something fuzzy and fun -- felt, maybe?

If you'd like to know more about what's in the photo, just let me know. And if you're local, the craft fair is open tomorrow, too. Check it out. Also tomorrow: the Whip Stitch Craft Fair is tomorrow in Ypsilanti -- more goodies to be had (plus a specially-brewed beer from Arbor Brewing just for the occasion). Nice.

a jolly little set

For awhile, I was doing so well! I had this plan: four Christmas cards a day. Sounds simple, right? Then why am I so far behind? Dang it, I guess I just have other stuff to do!  Oh well. Here's one of the sets of four I did manage to make -- and I really like it!

I stamped the background as one full sheet, using this awesome stamp from Purple Onion Designs (it's in the second row -- and Purple Onion is having their annual 25% off everything sale, so be sure to check their home page too!). The colors were inspired by the scraps of Basic Grey's Jovial collection sitting on my desk.

All the sentiments are from 7 Gypsies' Christmas set, and the masking tape is from them as well.

Thank goodness for dies and punches -- makes quick cards even quicker!

Little twiney buttons add a bit of dimension to each.

The background sheet is also sprayed with some khaki glimmer mist which, of course, shows up ever so much better in person!

Well, we'll see about getting back into the Christmas card groove! In the meantime, maybe a little scrapping is in order? The Scrap the Moments challenge runs through the 6th if you want in!

I'm off in search of more coffee. Have a great Friday!

Amber Ink and Cupcake Inspirations

This week's Cupcake Inspirations challenge is sponsored by AmberInk! The inspiration cupcake is this:

Pretty! Shimmery! Festive!

Here's my take on it:

Pretty! Shimmery! Festive! Who knew fish could be so romantic? I used AmberInk's Best Fishes on this one, along with some pretty glossed-up heart accents punched from Holiday Cheer iPaper (which you can see in the background as well). I used a snowflake embossing folder to fit in with the cupcake, but with a quick background change, this card would be equally at home for Valentine's Day! And if you think that background is shimmery, check this out:

Aww, glittery fishies! My girl fish even has glitter lipstick! I also managed to break out one of my oldest craft supplies -- remember those little epoxy raindrop thingies? Turns out, they make great fish bubbles :).

Anyway, you should dash over and join in the challenge -- you could win a festive digi set and some iPaper of your own.

Have a lovely day!

More Thanksgiving Wishes

The holiday may be over, but the sentiment lives on --

First:

This card went to my pal Meg -- it uses A Wreath for All Seasons, as well as 2009 tags for Autumn (both PTI), and a patchwork of dp from Stampin' Up and Lily Bee. Here's a close-up:

Sparkly!

Next:

A rustic, leafy little Thanksgiving card, using the same sentiment as before, along with Leaf Prints and matching dies (also PTI). I added circles punched from Cosmo Cricket's new line, Circa 1934. The background is embossed with a Tim Holtz folder, then inked.

This one went to all my pals over at Scrappy Chic (who have had some great deals going on this weekend if you're around!).

I hope the rest of your weekend is just lovely. Time to get ready for Cyber Monday!