Wednesday, October 31

TOT Goodie Bags

So I spent my Tuesday night making goodie bags for Trick-or-Treaters.  I thought it wouldn't take that long, but I guess after 12 months, I have forgotten!



I made two batches - the "regular" and the "special" goodie bags.  They all have the same stuff inside, but the difference is how I made the bags.  All the stamps used are Studio G dollar stamps bought years ago.  Oh and yeah, I used "Glow In The Dark" embossing powder on the stamped images.  They look really cool in the dark!

The special TOT Goodie Bags had embossing and inking on it.  I also used a deep edge punch for the top rim.  They also have the some bling.




For the "regular" ones, I just used some leftover dp from last year's Halloween projects.








Materials used:
cardstock/dp:  DCWV, CostCo, leftovers
image/sentiment:  Studio G
ink:  Tsukineko
tools:  embossing folder (Cuttlebug, Sizzix), Martha Stewart edge punches, Spellbinders, heat gun
misc.:  Stampendous "Glow in the Dark" embossing powder
embellishments:  halloween plastic rings, rhinestones, ribbon
adhesive:  Scotch, Glue Dots, mounting tape

Well, I hope we have a good turnout tonight, with it being a regular week night.  And the weather hasn't been cooperating at all either.  Either way, our treat bags are ready to be taken and my carved pumpkins will be there to greet the TOTs.

Happy Halloween!!!


Tuesday, October 30

devraC

I couldn't think of any other title for today's post - So I just spelled yesterday's title backwards.  I mentioned previously that I have three more pumpkins to carve.  The bad news is one of them is already rotting on one side.  The good news is, I only had to carve two pumpkins - giving myself more time to do other things.  

Anyway, for the last two pumpkins, I decided to use images from the Pumpkin Carvings cartridge.  After measuring each pumpkin, I'm able to adjust the size of the images on my Gypsy, and cut with Cricut Expressions.  Even though I haven't use my Cricuts for months, I still enjoy each time I use them, reminding how glad I am that I have these tools.






 


Now I'm caught between making Halloween Treat Bags or watching "Hoarders" on TV.  Or maybe I'll just call my cousin in New York and check how things are going...

'Til next blog!

Monday, October 29

Carved

I spent my Sunday carving pumpkins, aiming to finish all eight, but I was only able to finish five.  Who would have thought that carving pumpkins can numb your fingers!  But that's not stopping me from finishing what I started.  I'll do the rest tomorrow.

Also, while trying to look back, I realized that I wasn't able to carve pumpkins last year.  I was on a roll in 2010.  No wonder, my fingers got numb...

Anyway, this year, I decided to not use designs from my Cricut cartridges.  I wanted "more scary" designs.  So I went ahead and typed "pumpkin carving pattern" on Google.  I found some designs that I liked, and I ended up making these:


 
Each title will link you to the website where I got the awesome designs.

Bloody Mary

Ichabod's Fate
 
Grim Creeper + Leslie Vernon's Hand Scythe

For this pumpkin, I added windows on each side.  I also experimented with the V-Shaped Cutter by Pampered Chef.

Treats 4 Me?

Trouble Brewing

By the way, there is still time to join the Oozak "Die Cut Challenge".  That also means three more days to draw the winner of Ranger Distress Markers Set (MSRP $115).




Click here to join this fun challenge. 

'Til next blog!

Saturday, October 27

Birthday Wishes

So I spent the past few nights revamping an area of my planet.  Can you believe it?  I still had room for some changes in this little craft room of mine.  But enough of that... for now.  I will definitely show some pics once I'm satisfied.

Anyway, at least my craft desk was clear.  I had a chance to make this card last night:



Materials used:
cardstock/dp - ColorBok, DCWV, Georgia Pacific, leftovers
image/sentiment:  Verve, Studio G
ink:  Tsukineko
tools:  Spellbinders, Janome Sew Mini
embellishments:  brands, ribbon, hemp
misc.:  embossing powder (EK Success, Recollections)
adhesive:  Scotch, Glue Dots, mounting tape

While I was cutting each piece of my flower, I saw a mouse running about.... eeeekkk!  My planet's police force headed by our dog Chichay needs to work double time to catch that intruder.

'Til next blog!

Saturday, October 20

PINK

I wouldn't let this month pass without making a PINK card.  Cancer has taken a lot of dear people from me, including my Daddy.  In this scrapbook LO I made about him a couple of years ago, I showcased the different colors representing the fight against each type of cancer.


And in memory of my Daddy, we donated for breast cancer research in exchange for this jersey during a girls basketball game at our school in 2010.


I don't mean to be too sappy.  But making this card made me think of my Daddy.  I sure miss him.

For this card I made for Unity's current KOM Sketch Challenge", I used images from the "faith, hope, love... live by it" kit. 




 Materials used:
cardstock/dp:  The Paper Company, Georgia Pacific, leftovers
image/sentiment:  Unity
ink:  Tsukineko
tools:  EK Success edge punches, Spellbinders
embellishments:  flower sequins
misc.:  embossing powder (American Crafts, Recollections)
adhesive:  Scotch, Glue Dots, mounting tape

'Til next blog!

Friday, October 19

Glowing Hours

This is going to be a really quick post, as we are watching a vampire movie on TV.

I made this for Unity's October Challenge "All About Pumpkins".  I don't have any Unity pumpkin stamp, so I made this journaling image look like one.  It's from the "Confession:  I {luv} Unity" stamp set.


Materials used:
cardstock/dp:  DCWV, Recollections, leftovers
image/sentiment:  Unity
ink:  Tsukineko, M&G glitter pen
tools:  edge punch (EK Success, Martha Stewart, Fiskars), Spellbinders
embellishments:  rhinestones, pearls, ribbon
misc.:  embossing powder (Ranger, EK Success)
adhesive:  Scotch, mounting tape 

 
Can you see the other two lamps embossed with glow-in-dark powder?  It's hard to capture on camera, but I sure like the effect.


Hope you're having a great weekend.  I sure am.

'Til next blog!

Thursday, October 18

Hang In There... Again.

One more day and another year older.  I can say this card is for me...  hee hee!

Well, I couldn't throw away the other half of the blue cardstock with embossed sentiment I used in a card I made last weekend (Click here to see).  So I decided to use it for a quick card.  

I have made the card base quite a while ago, waiting for a good time to use it.  The time came last night.


Materials used:
cardstock/dp:  Recollections, DCWV, leftovers
image/sentiment:  Unity
ink:  Tsukineko
tools:  Martha Stewart ATC punch, Sanne Creative piercing template, piercing tool, We R Memory Keepers corner rounder
embellishments:  ribbon, rhinestones
misc.:  Ranger embossing poswer
adhesive:  Scotch, mounting tape

'Til next blog!

Wednesday, October 17

Many Birthday Wishes

Happy Hump Day, dear reader!  I skipped making cards for two days this week, but I'm in for a comeback - very determined to do all the Unity World Card Making Day challenges.  And their last one is a Color Challenge where we are to use cream, brown, olive, and pumpkin.

For this card, I use stamps from the "Label It' and "The Right Words" sets.




Materials used:
cardstock/dp:  Recollections, leftovers
image/sentiment:  Unity
ink:  Copic, Tsukineko, Stampin' Up
tools:  EK Success edge punches, heat gun
embellishments:  flowers, rhinestones, Dew Drops, ribbon
misc.:  embossing powder (American Crafts, Ranger)
adhesive:  Scotch, Glue Dots, Glossy Inkssentials, mounting tape

I did a lot of heat embossing on this card, which I really enjoyed.

By the way, the Oozak Die Cut Challenge for October is still up and running - lots of time to submit a card, and maybe win an entire set of Ranger Distress Markers (MSRP of $115).  Click here to join in the fun.

'Til next blog!

Saturday, October 13

Hang In There

Today's card is for the Unity WCMD Coloring Challenge.  I have very few "colorable" Unity stamps, and the Marionette Doll is one of them.

My inspiration for this design came from a commercial I saw on TV last night.  I was concentrating on the colors and layout of each scene that I wasn't able to get the product/company of the commercial.  Oh well.


Materials used:
cardstock/dp:  Bazzil, DCWV, Recollections, leftovers
image/sentiment:  Unity
ink:  Copic, Tsukineko
tools:  EK Success edge punch, Spellbinders
embellishments:  stickers, ribbon, yarn
misc.:  Ranger embossing powder
adhesive:  Scotch, mounting tape

 


Well, I'm proud to say that I was able to make 7 cards in 7 days (not counting Sunday, ok?).  I used to do that, but I can't remember when the last time I was on a roll like that.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.... 'til next blog!

Friday, October 12

My Bookworm

TGIF everybody!  It's been a long week as far as work is concerned.  But I have my planet to the rescue as a stress reliever.  I enjoy making a card daily, in celebration of World Card Making Day.  I was supposed to go grocery shopping after work, but I got engrossed in making  my latest card.

I fell in love with "My Bookworm" Itty Bitty stamp the first time I saw it at the Unity website.  I'm glad to finally use it for Unity's WCMD Stamp A Border challenge.


Materials used:
cardstock/dp:  Sonburn Designs, Recollections, leftovers
image/sentiment:  Unity
ink:  Tsukineko, Copic
tools:  edge punch (Stampin' Up, EK Success), Cuttlebug embossing folder, micro hole punch, Janome Sew Mini
adhesive:  Scotch, mounting tape

Here is a closer look on how I designed the card's opening.  At this point, I want to say I really love my Canon Powershot SX150 IS.
 

 Have a great weekend, dear reader... 'til next blog!

Thursday, October 11

Give Thanks

It snowed yesterday in our neck of the woods.  Brrr.  And on my drive home from work today, I officially said goodbye to the leaves that have changed colors on the trees.  They will be on the ground soon, but it was all beauty while they lasted.   

Last night, I was a little bit on the lazy side.  But I wouldn't let this day pass without making a card.  And because it's DH's day off, I had him make dinner while I play in my craft room.  

This card is for Unity's WCMD Fall Theme Challenge.  It is a challenge, because I don't have any Unity fall stamps.  But I found a sentiment from the "Faith" set that would work.



Materials used:
cardstock/dp:  K & Co, leftovers
image/sentiment:  Unity
ink:  Tsukineko, Unity
tools:  Spellbinders, Stampin' Up, Tim Holtz distressing tool
embellishments:  Prima flowers, Want 2 Scrap pearls, K & Co.
misc.:  EK Success embossing powder
adhesive:  Scotch, mounting tape


It's my first time to use Stampin' Up dies and the matching paper piercing tool.  I have to say that they work really well together, and I enjoyed playing with them.

Don't forget, this month's Die Cut challenge in the Oozak Blog.  A set of Ranger Distress Markers (MSRP $115) is to be given to a lucky winner at the end of the month.

 TGIF tomorrow!  'Til next blog...

Wednesday, October 10

Sunshine and Moonbeams

So I have decided to make one card a day from World Card Making Day and the rest of October.  Besides, it's my birthday month, and I'd consider that a treat to myself - to get to play in my planet everyday.

For today's card, I followed a sketch from one of Unity's World Card Making Day challenges (click here to check it out).  This time, I wanted to make a baby card for a good friend who just had a baby.  I'm actually late in doing this, but hey... better late than never.


Materials used:
cardstock/dp:  DCWV, Georgia Pacific, leftovers
image/sentiment:  Unity (The Right Words)
ink:  Tsukineko
tools:  Spellbinders, Janome Sew Mini, micro hole punch
embellishments:  Prima flower, rhinestones
misc.:  Velcro, Stampendous embossing powder
adhesive:  Scotch, Glue Dots, mounting tape

I took advantage of the sketch to make an enclosure for the card, at the same time using the flap as a stand.  The velcro also served as a "stopper" to achieve the "easel" look.


I did enjoy making this card... can't wait to make more!

'Til next blog!

Tuesday, October 9

Full of Beauty

So I was on a roll last weekend.  I made another card for Unity's World Card Making Day celebration, this time for the "Embossing Challenge".  I thought it was a good chance to use this particular Unity stamp I've had for a long time.  The tree image is an individual wood mounted stamp, and the sentiment is from the "Memories in Bloom" set.


Materials used:
cardstock/dp:  K&Co., Gartner, leftovers
image/sentiment:  Unity
ink:  Tsukineko
tools:  Spellbinders, Janome Sew Mini
embellishments:  flower sequins, hardware, hemp cord, rhinestones
misc.:  embossing powder (American Crafts, Recollections, EK Success)
adhesive:  Scotch, Glue Dots, mounting tape



This month's extra special with World Card Making Day.  I'm sure there are a lot of happenings going on in the crafting blog world.  This year, I decided to be a participant and just enjoy making cards.

Don't forget, Oozak has its Die Cut challenge where you can win a set of Ranger Distress Markers.  Click here to join. 

'Til next blog!

Monday, October 8

Love Ewe

Hello crafty friends!  I was able to make some more cards last weekend for World Card Making Day.  And I intend to make more this month to extend the celebration.  How many cards have you made so far???

Today I want to share with you a card I made for Unity's 2nd WCMD Challenge: "It's All About Texture".  I've always liked texture on my cards, and this challenge is just right for me.  Browsing through my Unity stamp collection, I decided to use the Love Ewe stamp set, so I can play with my white Popcorn Pen.



Materials used:
cardstock/dp:  leftovers
image/sentiment:  Unity "Love Ewe"
ink:  Stampin' Up, ColorBok, Copic, Tsukineko
tools:  Spellbinders, Stampin' Up punch, embossing folders (Stampin' Up, Sizzix), EK Success edge punch, Janome Sew Mini, Bazzil piercing template
embellishments:  pearls, Popcorn Pen by Kodomo, adhesive-backed fabric, yarn
misc.:  Ranger embossing powder
adhesive:  Scotch, mounting tape, Glue Dots

I embossed the sheep image first, then colored the face and feet with Copic markers.  After that, I colored the rest of the body with white Popcorn Pen, then blasted with a heat gun.  I just love that texture!


The Unity Blog has a lot of challenges in celebration of World Card Making Day.  I hope to be able to do all of them, and keep the creative juices flowing.

And speaking of challenges, this month's Oozak Challenge "Die Cuts" is still going on.  Guess what's in store?  One whole set of Ranger Distress Markers!  Head on to the Oozak Blog to submit your card.

'Til next blog!

Saturday, October 6

World Card Making Day

Cheers to the day set for us card makers... woot!!!  Whoever started World Card Making Day, thank you!

I started my day with some clean up in my planet.  Although it's not perfect, my desk is clear enough to play.  I also treated myself for some crafty shopping at Oozak.

Today, I intend to make as many cards as I can.  And here is my first card:



Materials used:
cardstock/dp:  leftovers
image/sentiment:  Unity (Key To Joy)
ink:  Ranger, Tsukineko,
tools:  The Paper Studio, Sizzix, Spellbinders, micro hole punch
embellishments:  twine, flower (Prima), gemstone (The Paper Studio)
adhesive:  Scotch, mounting tape




I made this card for the Unity Shaped Cards challenge, in celebration of World Card Making Day.  They will hold challenges every hour today... something totally fun!

'Til next blog!

Thursday, October 4

Around

I guess a lot of people know that I'm a sucker for around-the-page punches.  Although my favorite is Martha Stewart, I still have those from other brands.

Well, during my last visit at Michaels, I saw one of their new products called "Stamp Around the Page":


I was pessimistic because I can't picture in my mind how this new stamping tool will work.  But I do trust Martha Stewart products, so I decided to give it a shot.

The key is to stamp on cardstock at 2 inch increments.  For my first try, I cut a 4 x 4 piece of cardstock.  Following the instructions, I stamped the corners first, then the edges.  I was surprised at how easy it was to stamp around the page.  My first try was a success, and I went on and colored the images.  Then I was able to make the card below. 

The template that came with the kit involved two designs.  I used both stamps for the card front - the flowers/vine and the butterflies.  



Materials used:
cardstock/dp: DCWV, Stampin' Up, leftovers
image/sentiment:  Martha Stewart Stamp Around the Page, RAK/unknown (white butterfly and sentiment)
ink:  Stampin' Up, Spica
tools:  Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page, Spellbinders
embellishments:  micro flower sequins
adhesive:  Scotch, Glue Dots, mounting tape


I colored the little butterflies with Spica glitter pens and adhered micro flower sequins on the flowers. 



And on the inside, you can see the "stamp around the page" image without the butterflies, this time stamping on 4 x 6 cardstock.



I have to say that whoever designed this tool is really good.  I can't wait to play with the other stamp designs.

By the way, Oozak is up with a new challenge called "Die Cuts".  The prize this month is a set of Ranger Distress Markers... now who wouldn't want that???  Click here to join in the fun.

'Til next blog!