JA's Jan. Birthday

I will shortly be needing a male birthday card ( well ,I will require several but you have start  with one - right?).  These delightful images are all from the Digi Shack and were so much fun to work with. I was  going to put an image of a sexy lady in the upper  left corner (where the fish is) but  decided against it: anyway the fish is  so  cute and is daughter proof  (he has a young daughter) -lol. On the inside of the card I used the Dad's Day Remote image and it is pictured on the top right of this  post.

Challenges:
1. Doodle Pantry - use something new. Well these three digital stamps are new to me as it's the first time I have used them.

2. Crafty Anns Challenge Blog - Challenge # 30  Anything Goes - end date Dec 31

3. Alys Sunday Challenge  ASC32 - Anythings Goes - ends by Jan 8th

4. Sew Many  -  challenge #37 Anything Goes - end date Dec 31


Stamp: digital stamps from the Digi Shack  Chillax, Dad's Day Remote and Fish Notes
Markers: Prismacolors
Paper: misc.
Sentiment: computer generated
Other Crystal effects (fish eyes & drink); Spellbingers, brads and narrow ribbon

Pink Winter Birthday

Here are my first  creations as a member of Lexi's Creations design team. The challenge is # 30 - Pink Winter Birthday. You must check out her site. The design team is such a talented group  http://lexiscreations.blogspot.com/ I promise you will not be disappointed.

I made a 4'' x 4''  box  and decorated the top with the 'Christmas Shopping Phoebe' stamp from Fairy Dust Crafts ( http://www.fairydustcrafts.com/). I had taken a Stampin Up class a couple of years of ago where we created a similar box ,so I owe thanks to Dawn Frost for the knowledge of the box construction. Splitcoast Stampers have instructions on using a 5 in 1 template for making a similar  box   http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/five_in_one_template_box/ . I don't have the template so I just made a 4x4 square for the lid  and drew half circles around each side. Worked great. 

Such a pretty little lady is Phoebe. I coloured her, added a few swirls and pearls, a little pink ribbon   and the box was done. I then created   a birthday card to complete the set.  Voila, I  had a perfect  container and card to give to my son's girl friend for her January birthday ( don't worry it will fit - lol). I'm done way ahead of time. No last minute running around looking for paper and tape..... What could be better!

The sponser for this weeks challenge at Lexi's Creations is Joanna Sheen. http://www.joannasheen.com/

Challenges:

1. Beary Sweet Challenge #16 - Pearls or Gems    I have lots of pearls Dec. 15th - 31st  http://thebearyscrapdesignteam.blogspot.com/2010/12/beary-sweet-challenge-16-pearls-or-gems.html

2. Top Tip Tuesday  -Get Embellishing 2 week challenge starting Dec 21st/10   http://toptiptuesday.blogspot.com/

3. Aud Sentiments Challenge Blog - Challenge #18 - Anything Goes    challenge ends Jan.4/11 http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/

4. Dutch Dare Card Challenges - Challenge  Winter  - my little Phoebe is all dressed for winter - a pink winter mind you  http://www.dutchdare-cardchallenges.blogspot.com/ ends Dec29th/10

5. Paper Play Challenges - Week 50 Anything But a Card   Ok this may not count  but I'm considering the box as the entry. although  I did make a card to go with it?? http://paperplaychallenges.blogspot.com/

6. Some Odd Girl - minimum of two types of Bling   I have glitter on the  swirls and on the ear muffs, square rhinestones on the box top , pearls and a glittery flower on the pink ribbon going around the box bottom  http://someoddgirl.blogspot.com/

Stamp: Fairy Dust Designs 'Christmas Shopping Phoebe'

Markers: Prismacolors light peach, deco peach for the skin; pink and process red for the muffs and scarf; several french greys for the pants; cool grey for the shadow outline; golden rod and sand for the hair.

Ink: SU pink pirouette for the jacket

Other; Spellbinders, circle punch, pearls

Koala

This is my first attempt at using distressed newsprint for background paper, took me several goes till I got what I wanted (sort of)
I desperately tried to make it not look too much like a card in mourning, finally gave up and decided I would give this card to someone who was not to happy about getting another year older...

Dawn, if you are wondering what happened to my 'Life Happens' sentiment, I LOST IT.  Can you believe it - lol!

Challenges:
1. Stamp TV Top 10 Video episodes

Video Pick 3- Distressed Newsprint

2. The sweet Stop : sketch with a spin - stitching  http://sweetstopsketches.blogspot.com/

3. Simon Says Stamps Challenge: Anything Goes  http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2010/12/simon-saysanything-goes.html

Stamp: koala from Hang In There stamp set from Stamp TV (Theresa Momber)

Markers: Prismacolors

House Mouse Aperture Card

Not so long ago I made a House Mouse envelope using this stamp as part of the design (see here:  http://gilbyscorner.blogspot.com/2010/12/house-mouse-envelope.html). I now require a card to put in it.  I checked in on the House Mouse challenge which was to create an aperture card. I have no knowledge of aperture cards , so just followed how some of the design team members did theirs.

      

This is the inside of the card.

Challenges:

1. House Mouse and Friends Monday Challenge  http://housemouse-challenge.blogspot.com/  

2. Sugar Sweet Paper Treats: anything goes: http://sugarsweetpapertreats.blogspot.com/2010/12/anything-goes-in-december.html

3. Card Making Mamas: Anything Goes.   http://cardmakinmamas.blogspot.com/

Stamp: Stampabilities Flower Drop  

Markers: Prismacolour

Ink: SU Sage Shadow

Spellbinders Nestabilities

Punch Martha Stewart butterflies

other: Sakura Gelly Roll pen (used on butterflies for some glitter),  clear dew drops, crystal effects for the raindrops.

Technique: I did the flower in 3-D ; aperture  Update (I meant dimensional, not 3D - I just added petals on top of the existing petals to give them depth)

' Bracelet

Helix Right Angle Weave is my favourite weave for jewellery making. I found this bracelet in the August 2010 Beadwork Step by Step Magazine.   They used 6mm fire polished beads for  the center bead and 4mm fire polished beads for the outside. I used 6mm  light green pearls and 4mm fire polished bronze/brown.beads. . It was embellished with size 15 bronze seed beads. The earrings are my own design . This is so totally different from the Kumihimo bracelets and beautiful in its own way.


So many things to make, so little time to make them.   My problem is I like just about every style of jewellery and  I'm always finding new things I want to make. I buy the book and never seem to get them made.  I wear fancy, plain, classic, bulky  and you name it.  I will never be bored!

CDAC Christmas Angel

This little angel was a hoot to make!. Dawn and I had our  'stamp n' play' Friday get together and we each made an angel using the video tutorial from CDAC.    Dawn's angel is so elegant  and my little green girl looks like she  had a very bad day. However, you should have seen her when her wings were standing up. She looked like an alien from a grade B movie. Dawn and I had fits of giggles and it took a moment or two before we could continue. We actually had quite of few of those moments as the word  'klutz' defined the session.   eg. the glue gun had a terrible time staying on the table (spent a lot of the session on the floor), arms were glued on wrong, heads were crooked and little pieces of paper flew around the table. Like I said, it was a hoot!

CDAC : Crafters Digital Arts Center:  you need to be a member to access the site, but it is free and it is a wonderful place to visit.

I am going to enter my little angel in a few challenges:

Dutch Dare Card challenge: make a Christmas card,tag or ornament  http://dutchdare-cardchallenges.blogspot.com/2010/12/ddcc-92-dec-2-christmas-cardtag-or.html

Tip Top Tuesday:  Tip #13 use ribbon  challenge     http://www.toptiptuesday.blogspot.com/ 

 Whoopsi daisy Challenge : Ribbons and Bows    http://cutedaisymay.blogspot.com/

Easy Craft Projects: Christmas    http://ecpchallenges.blogspot.com/

Update:
To see Dawn's  wonderful angel go here:   http://stamp-n-play.blogspot.com/

My 3rd Kumihimo Bracelet

Isn't it amazing the difference the choice of beads make on these bracelets. I love this one and had help from  Jamie with the choice of colours. She also gave me the matching beads to end the bracelet with and to make the earrings. She is much too clever!! I love this bracelet although I think it needs a charm dangling near the toggle to make it complete. I just haven't found one yet. Having said all that, I would be quite content with it just as it is.

I am currently working on a bracelet (not kumihimo) to give to my son's girlfriend  for Christmas, so no more kumihimo postings for a while -lol.

(Jamie North - http://www.glitznkitz.com/)

My 2nd Kumihimo Bracelet

The wonderful talented Jamie North came up for another great weekend about a month ago. She brought her beads and we all got together and made another version of the Kumihimo bracelet using the magatama beads. We each chose the colours we wanted and we were off to another 'lost' weekend of beads, beads and more beads. Jamie had classes to teach  in Sherwood Park and while she was away teaching, the rest of us sat at my dining room table and worked our little fingers off - lol.

I find the making of the bracelet relatively easy, but the finishing off (adding the bead caps and clasp), quite a challenge. It took me several goes at this one, but I am so pleased with the final result.

I so enjoy the getting together and the laughter of the group as we struggle  through-out the sessions. Some of us-not me- are very fast and complete their work of art with relatively ease My stamp and play partner Dawn comes to mind, she is such a wonderfully talented lady. The tinkle of beads hitting the floor and rolling away, sometime to be never seen again, is a familiar refrain in my house when  our Jamie comes to visit. Great fun!

House Mouse Envelope

House Mouse challenge this week is to create a decorated envelope. Here is my take on the theme. I still have room for the stamp and the address, but would have to put the return address amongst the leaves, or on the back top of the envelope. Hmmmm.. Was certainly something different which is nice. Keeps one from getting stale.

See here for challenge details:  http://housemouse-challenge.blogspot.com/2010/11/challenge-83-decorating-our-envelopes.html

Stamps: Stampabilities Flower Drop. Su 'Touch of Nature'

Ink: Prismacolors,clear Sakura gelly roll pen, White gel pen

Christmas Tag

Here is tag I made using non traditional colours. The stamp is by Crissy Armstrong who designs wonderful characters for Squigglefly (among others). I'm liking the octagonal shape this year for some reason; easy to do I guess. I wish I had a lot more of the tags actually, just can't seem to get into gear to do them. Challenges seem to get me going though and at least I have this one (plus one I had made a few months ago) Two, hardly enough I'm afraid - lol!

Challenges:

Squigglefly challenge #77 - Christmas Tag using non traditional colours  http://www.squigglefly.blogspot.com/

Die Cut Dreams Christmas Club challenge #45 to use a die cut. I used the cuttlebug with Spellbinders Nestabilities   http://dcdchristmasclub.blogspot.com/2010/11/challenge-45-use-die-cut-on-your.html

Kaboodles Doodles challenge #45 'Tag You're it'    http://kaboodledoodles.blogspot.com/

Stamp: Christmas with Oswalda from Squigglefly

Sentiment: SU's 'Warm Words'

Markers: Prismacolors

Other: clear gelly roll pen by Sakura, blue glitter, cuttlebug, nestabilities

Engagement Card for my Niece

This is my "Congratulations' card for my niece who just got engaged. Exciting time for her and her fellow. I hope they  enjoy the card. Who could express being in love  more than these two shy bears; aren't they just adorable?  Oh to be young and in love. I remember when......! Anywho, here are the challenges this card has been entered in:

Challenge 1. Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge 43: an  inspiration challenge http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.com/

Challenge 2: Anything Goes: this weeks thyme is Congratulations    http://anythingchallenge.blogspot.com/

Challenge 3: CPS Card Sketch #195  http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/

Challenge 4: Top Tip Tuesday : Anything  Goes Challenge - I'm not leaving a tip just my creation  http://www.toptiptuesday.blogspot.com/

Challenge 5:  Design Dollies - to create a card using at least 5 layers (counting the ribbon I have seven) http://designdollies.blogspot.com/


Stamp: Digi Stamp from Squigglefly  - Spinning Bears
Sentiment: Computer generated
Ribbon:    Michaels
Markers:  Prismacolors Markers
Ink for sponging : apricot appeal, tangerine tango, dusty durango
Other: crystal effects

Technique: sponging (zindorf circle sponging), dimensional (the right hand bear has been stamped twice, coloured, one cut out and pasted over the first stamped bear for a 3-D effect)

Sammy the Snowman

I have created this tri shutter card for Lexi's Creations challenge #29. The theme is "Blue and Silver' to celebrate being the exact date of their 1st challenge. I have been given the wonderful opportunity to be their guest designer for this challenge  and have immensely enjoyed playing with 'Sammy'  for the past few days. Isn't he the cutest little snowman!   The tri shutter cried out for a home, so I made a box (a Vicki Hook design) and dressed it up a little. I love tri shutter cards;  you can do so much with them and they do carry a punch.

Stamp:  digi stamp from  http://www.fairydustcrafts.com/, tree background from SU's Scenic season

Sentiments: from SU

Paper: assortment from Michaels and SU . The large panels were made with  paper from Michaels. I sponged around the edges and in the case of the right side panel I stencilled in branch and snowflake designs. The background paper in the two pockets are SU's, which again were sponged.

Other: MS punches for the snowflakes and the branches. Silver stickles added to the snowman's hat. Silver brad snowflakes from Michaels, clear dew drops.

Lexi's Creations challenge blog  http://lexiscreations.blogspot.com/

Challenges entered:  Easy Craft Challenge # 26 Snow http://ecpchallenges.blogspot.com/ which is being sponsered by Fairy Dust Crafts

Scrap Creations: Going Blue   http://www.scrap-creations1.blogspot.com/

Fussy and Fancy - Christmas with no Red or Green  http://fussyandfancychallenge.blogspot.com/2010/11/fussy-and-fancy-challenge-christmas.html

Version 2 of Kumihimo Bracelet

Not content with the previous version I then took it apart and made this version. For some reason I got a very swirled look this time. I assume it is due to how I placed the beads on the Kumihimo Disk. Of course Jamie our fabulous teacher was not around so I winged it on my own and I will never be able to repeat this swirl -lol. I 'm not sure I like this version better than the last, but I will keep it this way for awhile.

The beads are Magatamas and can be found here:  http://www.glitznkitz.com/

My first Kumihimo Bracelet

This was the first of four Kumihimo bracelets I made following the guidance of my stepdaughter Jamie North. Jamie is a very talented jewellery designer and I am very lucky to have her to teach me so many skills. Jamie and some friends of mine got together one week-end at my place and  Jamie taught us the art of Kumihimo. Such beautiful work was done by all.  I plan to post more in the days ahead.

Kumihimo is an ancient Japanese beading technique..

Christmas Goodies

I

What a great digital image from The Digi Shack! Met with Dawn for a stamping playdate yesterday and we worked on this old gal for our cards. I will link to her card when she posts.  We had loads of fun as usual.

Update: here is Dawn's adorable card   http://stamp-n-play.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-baking.html

Challenge 1. Taylored Expression #134 

http://tayloredexpressions.blogspot.com/search/label/Taylored%20Expressions%20Sketch%20Challenge 

Challenge 2. Stamp TV Color Spotlight Challenge  to use apple green, lipstick red, and white.  see here : http://stamptv.ning.com/forum/topics/color-spotlight-challenge-1

Challenge 3. Lexi's Creation  Challenge 27 Traditional Christmas Colours see here:

http://lexiscreations.blogspot.com/

Stamp: digital from The Digi Shack called Mrs.

Paper: SU  real red, green galore, whisper white

Ink: Prismacolor markers,

Other: crystal effects for the eyes and eyeglasses,stickles for the berries, white ribbon from Michaels,pearls

Jeff & Katie - New Home Card

This card is for a friend of my son's who he has known since  kindergarten.  He is a wonderful boy and he feels like a second son to us.....Time passes, they grow, meet lovey ladies, fall in love and before you know it , one of them (my son's friend and his love) are off looking for a home. They find one they they think is right and are due to move in early December. Hoping to get a head start on things ( at a stamping play date  with a friend  yesterday) we decided to get the 'move in' card made . This is my result.  I have included two pictures just to show the crystal effects on the windows as it did not show up in the first picture.

 Note:  Inside the card I have stamped 'Congratulations on your new Home'

1. Stamping Vacation 'The To Who ' challenge - Make a card for someone who  has just bought their first home     http://stampingvacation.blogspot.com/2010/10/to-who-challenge.html

2. Cute Card Thursday - challenge #138 Anything Goes   http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.com/

3. Easy Craft Projects - challenge #25 - Red   http://ecpchallenges.blogspot.com/2010/11/challenge-25.html

Stamp: SU 'Right at Home' stamp  and mesh background stamp ' 

Paper: SU

Ink: Parismcolor markers. SU always artichoke, mellow moss, bashful blue

Ribbon: green from SU, black(?)

Other: embossing folder, crystal effects

Technique: Dry embossing, marker colouring, some sponging and for dimension added two little green bushes and a cloud

House Mouse & Friends

Cutest bunch of mice I've  ever seen. I seem to love cartoon type mice , or cute little Digi or stamp mice but IRL they  make me very uneasy and I do not like them at all. Go figure!

1.These little guys are from House Mouse Designs and the House Mouse & Friends Monday challenge is to create a card with the theme of 'You Gotta Have Friends'. Well friends are never more needed than when you wish  for someone to share a Christmas Eve with you. These could be a bit more lively though lol!!
See here for details:  http://housemouse-challenge.blogspot.com/

2. Dry Embossing over at Crafty Cardmakers . See here for details: http://craftycardmakers.blogspot.com/2010/11/spotlight-dry-embossing.html Stamp: House Mouse  'Mice & Cozy'
Paper: SU
Ink: Prismacolor  markers and SU mellow moss
Other:  SU embossing folder 'Petals -A-Plenty',  SU edge punch,Chrystal Effects used on the light bulb

Let It Snow - Blue Birdie

It is getting closer to the season and here we go with another Christmas card. I used a freebie from Doodle Pantry and coloured him in blue. I found the face rather hard to do; I must practise more with the Prismacolor markers! now for the challenges:

1. Doodle Pantry CPDC1- use a Doodle Pantry stamp  http://doodlepantryblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/doodle-pantry-digital-challenge-1.html

2.ABC Christmas Challenge - Winter Wonderland - white theme   http://abcchristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/2010/11/w-for-winter-wonderland.html

3.Craft Your passions Challenge #31: Recipe - Double anything on your card ( I have two iidentical
 blue snowflakes)  http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/

4. Creatalicious Challenge #15: all white with some colour  http://creataliciouschallenges.blogspot.com/search/label/Challenge%20%2315

5. Craft Your Days Away CYDA Challenge #7:  white backgrounds with colour on image and embellishments     http://craftyourdaysaway.blogspot.com/2010/10/cyda-challenge-7.html

Stamp: digital freebie from Doodle Pantry

Ink: Pacific Point and Prismacolor markers

Paper: Whisper White and  white cardstock from Staples

Cuttlebug embossing folder

Shadow Box Snowmen

OK this was a fun one. A friend gave me some materials and a shadow box and asked that I play with them  to see what I could come up with. She was looking for ideas for a November work shop. This was the result. Like I said , fun time!

 Challenges:

1. Paper Sundaes #43 - Let It Snow  http://papersundaes.blogspot.com/2010/11/paper-sundaes-challenge-43-let-it-snow.html 

2.  One Stitch at a Time: Winter Wonderland ( any snow type scene)   http://onestitchatatimechallenge.blogspot.com/2010/11/osaat-challenge-38-theme-is-winter.html

3.Patties Creation  - Challenge #3  Christmas Card or Creation      http://pattiescreationschallenge.blogspot.com/

4. Lexi's Creation - Challenge #26 - Anything Goes   http://lexiscreations.blogspot.com/2010/11/lexis-creations-challenge-26-winners-of.html

5. Charisma Cardz  - Challenge #44 - With Love @ Christmas  (my snowmen have lots of hearts)  http://charismacardz.blogspot.com/2010/11/challenge-44-with-love-christmas.html

Christmas Carolers

This one was a bit of a struggle - who knew  this simple card could be so difficult! I had at first envisioned this as an elgant card but as I went on it became more and more rugged  due to several (or more) mishaps. I finally gave in and gave it the distressed look it seemed so determined to have.     I have entered the card into the following challenges:

1. Marks's Finest Paper (Speedy the Cats Friends Challenge #28: Piercing   http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/

2. Winter Wonderland: Sing a Christmas Song    http://christmasblogchallenge.blogspot.com/

3. Crafty Cardmakers challenge #33: Stitching real or faux    http://craftycardmakers.blogspot.com/2010/11/challenge-33-stitching.html

Stamp: SU  Christmas Carolers

Ribbon: from Michaels

Paper: SU Chocolate Chip, Basic Black, Whisper  White

Ink: chocolate chip

Other: Sakura gelly roll pen, Opal glitter glue, piercing tool

Twin Snowmen

I started to make this for a colour challenge but missed the deadline so I changed my  tactics somewhat, although I did keep the colour scheme.
 Usually I can get my photos to straighten , but had no luck with this one. Oh well!

1.Critter Sketch #38 Christmas:  http://critterchallengeblog.blogspot.com/

 2.Craft Your Passion - Challenge 30 Anything Goes: http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/


Stamps: Penny Black and Stampin Ups 'Snow Burst'
Accessories:  Stickles 'Frosted Lace' and 'Opal' Glitter Glue,  Spellbinders 'Flourish Accent'
Ink: Almost Amethyst, Baja Breeze, Cool Carribean,Prismacolor Markers

Christmas Mouse

An adorable little digi mouse by Elizabeth Dulemba who creates  coloring pages every week for teachers, librarians, booksellers and parents

to  enjoy with their children, but also to let the public know about  her books ; see MY BOOKS !  I picked this little creature to make a Christmas card for some challenges.

1. Sketch challenge from CPS #191  http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/

2. Delightful challenges to use circles  http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/

3. Winter Wonderland to make a mousey  Christmas card   http://christmasblogchallenge.blogspot.com/

4.  Creative Card crew to use punches  http://www.creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/

5. Marks Finest Papers  (Speedy the Cat Challenge #27) to make a holiday card  http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/ 

Stamp: digi stamp by Dulemba, Stampin Ups Serene Snowflakes,  sentiment by Stampin Up 'Warm Words', Punch: Martha Stewart  branch

Cuttlebug:   embossing folders 'Swiss Dots' and 'Candy Cane Strips'

Spellbinders: standard circles small

House Mouse Love

Are not these two mice adorable! They were so much fun to work with and I am pleased with the results. I have entered this card into the House Mouse Monday Challenge # 81 - Halloween ( use either a Halloween stamp or Halloween colours) and I choose Halloween colours.

Stamp:Together Under Moon by House Mouse Designs

Paper: Stampin' Up Basic Black, Dusty  Durango, Oh Orange, and Whisper White  

Ink: Stampin'Up Marigold Morning, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango and Dusty Durango

Markers:  Prismacolors 20%,60% and 90% Cool Grey

Technique: Brayer   

See http://housemouse-challenge.blogspot.com/ for the challenge details