Tuesday, November 07, 2017

Blooming Birthday Card

AHS-237-Barb-Derksen

I found myself inspired by this week’s Atlantic Hearts Stamp Challenge #237

I literally found this sketch was EXACTLY what I wanted to express as I’ve had this Sweet William's Strip die cut by cheerylynn deisgns sitting in a box for far too long and decided to employ it for this card.  I used designer paper from Kristin Cronin Barrow’s Boho Chic 12 x 12 pack and a sentiment by Your Next Stamp – layering it all and popping sweet sequins and gems in by Pretty Pink Posh.  I also used some Simon Says stitched die cuts.  This card was easily made, just lots of building on the florals. 


Saturday, November 04, 2017

Pretty Layered Birthday Card

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Inspired by this week’s Your Next Stamp Challenge #76 this card was built in my mind before I even got to my craft area.

I have this lovely paper pack “Love Story” by Kristin Cronin Barrow which I wish you could feel because besides being lovely to look at, has all sorts of fabulous textures!  I just chose two co-ordinating patterns and then did all kinds of layering up.  I started with a cream base layer on cream cardstock which I ran through my cuttlebug inside patterend embossing folder.  I die cut the two patterened layers, backing one with a complementary cardstock.  I created this tag using a Spellbinders Shapeablilties set, cutting it out of  both the patterned paper and also plain cardstock.  Of course I stamped my birthday sentiment beforehand, a Your Favorite Stamp sentiment!  Lastly I drew this rich, thick ribbon through the slots.  I helped some layers stand out with the help of foam tape.  The final touches were various glimmery shimmery sequins and jewels from Simon Says and Pretty Pink Posh.


Friday, October 27, 2017

Kraft Based Birthday Card

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This was such a fun card to make!  I grazed through a few challenges until I hit upon this week’s Seize the Birthday "Kraft Card Base" (there is another option too, but I got excited about the kraft…)

I have this 12 x 12 Paper pad from Craft Smith which I’ve been wishing to use in a project so this was the time to just go with it.  I paired it up with this sweet little stamp from All Night Media “Hedgehog”.  I used a birthday sentiment from My Favorite Things and layered everything up and made a peek a boo hole for the sweet Hedgie!  My photo does not do it justice, I’m pleased with how it turned out.  

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Simple One Layer Floral Card

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Oh its a challenge all right – its a challenge for me to do a simple one layer card at any time.  I have to smack my hands from wanting to make layers and layers and layers.  However this sketch from CAS Colours and Sketches #246 made me think I could do it:

I used Close to my Heart D1284 “With Love” stamps for the vase and florals and sentiment, the black and red both Versafine inks. I bumped the sentiment out a bit with foam tape and popped a simple gem in the middle of each bloom. 

I know I’ve posted this sentiment before but I’d like to post it again…

Golden October, your beautiful leaves now turn,

Sombre November, we cheerful fires burn.

We will not be sad that summer days are gone

and birds now seldom sing.

We’ll smile through the winter

And look forward to the spring. 


I’m posting this phogo for a new friend who I know will enjoy the warm colors.  I hope you feel like you are back here in Osoyoos, even for a moment or two, for a walk with me!

Monday, October 23, 2017

B & W Happy Day Card

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Sometimes the 6 x 6 pads have these great sentiments that “say it” perfectly – that inspire me to build an entire card around it.  This was the case when I decided to take part at a new challenge I just came across.  This is the ALWAYS FUN CHALLENGES and it’s #29 with the theme of Black and White.  I used layers and layers (upon layers) – everything from plain cardstock to glittery patterned to B & W patterned.  I used a basic white cardstock circle die cut from a Simon Says die.  I took the sentiment I trimmed from the Pebbles Inc Jen Hadfield pad and then I clear embossed it to give it a sheen and boldness.  Again, backed with several layers and the sequins to set it off! 

Friday, October 20, 2017

Simple Hello Card

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Taking a super quick moment out of my day to finally post a card.  Crazy beautiful life keeps pushing forward and I can’t seem to find a moment to post.  Not that I’ve had much card making lately, other than when I got to play with my sister when I visited.  Unfortunately and sadl ywaited to long and did not post because so much time had past.  Anyways, I did jump into a quick flurry yesterday and created this card based on the CAS(E) This Sketch #244

I used up some scraps for this one!  A simple black embossed bit, and then a patterned one.  I die cut them with die cuts from Simon Says (rectangles).  I embossed a simple white cardstock in white – and then die cut the hello sentiment, all from a set I bought at Michaels (both the embossing folder plus three die word die cuts)  I did use a heavy cardstock for the sentiment so it bumps up a bit.

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I love using up scraps!   In fact, I used up some from the leftovers of the leftovers.  I added these small bits inside the card to sort of frame it and add interest and carry the theme through.  I do this often.  Tell me, how do you use up your scraps?  Do you like to add interest inside you cards?  sentiments? decorations? My inquiring mind needs to know! 

Monday, October 16, 2017

Photobook Canada 1st look/review!

I enlisted the help of two dear friends, Lynda and Florence (honorary Mum to me too) to help me do an unpackaging and 1st look at this lovely photo album I made of my Grandbaby’s first year.  I was wise and used the “buy now, create later” option on the Photobook Canada site.  They are always hosting terrific sales and as I knew I wanted to go BIG for this album I chose the 11 x 11 hardcover.  I downloaded the free designer software and installed it on my computer.  Now I am somewhat tech savvy and a digital scrapbooker to boot so I chose to whip all the pages up in Photoshop and then drop them in full page.  I used all kits from Kristin Cronin Barrow (check it – such gorgeous choices at Sweet Shoppe Designs) which made it a snap when it came to breaking sections into themes.  The kits were so precious the pages practically made themselves. 

I have to say the process to set the pages in and upload is about as straightforward as you could ever wish for.  I did mess up with the amount of total pages I created, but fortunately the most gracious staff were accomodating to me – patient and understanding and helpful. 

I am so blown away by the thickness and sturdiness of each page!  And beyond this, probably 75% of my pages were created from photos taken on my iphone – so I didn’t have my hopes up of any superior quality, but WOW! 

We devoured this book from cover to cover – it looks incredible and will be a treasure for my Grandbaby for all of her life.  I could not wish for anything more perfect to celebrate her 1st year – she will get to enjoy it always.  I am so grateful to Photobook Canada for making this project so easy all the while making me feel like I pulled off a professional looking keepsake. (everyone from the support staff upward were HUGELY helpful and supportive)  I also thank my friend Kristin Cronin Barrow for her talent in creating kits that frame this little life perfectly. 


Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Where oh Where have I been?

Well, I've NOT been to London to visit the Queen.  In fact, of late - for about 3 weeks, I've been in front of my computer, taking breaks only to come up for air, to eat, to thank my handsome Mr for being patient with me, to take bathroom breaks, to work and to sleep.

Why? You ask...



I've been making a 1st year photo album of my daughter and grandbaby.  A whole 160 pages of special moments.  Ah yes, 160 pages.  I originally purchased a "buy now, create later" special through Photobooks Canada and as the deadline was looming I had to just get it done.  I bought an 80 page book, though was not certain if this 80 pages literally meant 80 pics or 160 
pics on two sides of the 80.  I read through the FAQ and I thought this meant I would need the 160 so simply forged ahead.  Imagine my utter shock and horror to realise after uploading and talking to an (oh so understanding) agent, that I'd doubled what I was supposed to do.  Sticker shock!!! However, I must say that Photobooks has worked out an arrangement with me which has allowed me to print my book and I won't have to eat rice for dinner every day for the next month and my lovely family will be able to cherish this treasure forever. 



Me and G'baby out for our walk!
Houston, Tx


I've been utterly blessed to be a huge part in my daughter and grandbaby's life and I wanted to be able to be the one to capture this for generations to come.  I am grateful I could take so many photos of them because a mom can't take photos of herself all the time, of the countless precious moments.  There are the highs, the lows and the dramatic times in between - so lovely to preserve them in such a gorgeous way. 


G'Baby dumps the coffee canister over
while helping "Nonno" (Italian for Grampa) 
bake bread.

Doesn't she look just zen sitting there?  LOL! 

All of my layouts were created using Digital Scrapbooking kits by my friend Kristin Cronin Barrow and they are available at  Sweet Shoppe Designs!  

Besides this, I've been working a couple days a week and thats about it.  Thanks for stopping by!  Perhaps you might come visit again when I receive and unveil this photobook when I open it!  











Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Cool Kid Card

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I was taken by this sketch for Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #225:

I kind of got very ‘involved’ on this card.  I used a Simon Says Stamp stitched diecut for the base, cutting it out of a Basic Grey card called “wander”  I diecut a smaller window and flipped the paper to the other side for the bold pattern.  Next I stamped a matching blue cardstock with a Stampin’ Up pattern stamp, then an automobile from My Mind’s Eye onto that, fussy cut it and embossed it with clear.  When done, I added some definition to the wheels using a black sharpie and coated each with diamond Glaze.  A silver gem became a headlight.  I stamped “You are such a” sentiment using a Honey Bee Stamps set and added the “Cool Kid” from an Inkadinkadoo set.  I trimmed these all out and glued and bumped some out with foamtape.  Did the same with the car.  Whew!  Hope the little feller likes this.

Monday, August 14, 2017

Gold Accent One Layer card

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Not the greatest photo of my card as it does nothing to display the gorgeous shine of the embossed florals and shows a blue cast to the pristine white paper.  Ah well!  This is my take on the Addicted to CAS #117 challenge:

So, one layer it IS!  One layering is not something I find easy, however today it all flowed together.  I started with a very stiff, bright white cardstock.

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I stamped the florals using an Inkadinkadoo stamp and then I embossed it using some Queens Gold powder from Ranger.  It really looks beautiful!  Next I used a Sizzix floral embossing folder to create texture.  Lastly, I applied This lovely sentiment from the “eloquence” collection from Penny Black.   I was very pleased with the end result. 

Note – our smoky skies have cleared!  My prayers still going out for those who have been affected by the many fires we have had this summer. 


Sunday, August 13, 2017

“Just for You” card

Sunday-Stamps-159---Barb-Derksen

I’m trying to make cards whenever the chance arises being as its summer and the opportunities are hit and miss.  I decided to base a card off of Sunday Stamps #159 challenge which is a color challenge:

I was attracted to the gentle but juicy and warm shades. 

My card is relatively clean, relying mostly on layering atop a base of “lemonade” designer paper by Basic Grey, then rectangular die cut shapes (Simon Says Stamp)  and accenting it with the lovely heart textured DP scrap (dunno, just found it in my scrap stash) a sentiment by Forever in Time (embossed this) stamped with Versafine in black. 

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The finishing touches being three little gems and a tiny heart punch of the BG paper which I added shine and depth with Diamond Glaze.

Thanks for coming by! 

Friday, August 11, 2017

Stuck on the Butterfly!

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Enjoyed some sweet, rare summer crafting time with my sister Nina last night, on the spur of the moment, she was taking the Freshly Made Sketches #300 card challenge so I hopped on board.

How exciting to celebrate the 300th FMS Challenges – that’s a heck of a lot of dedication on the DT to make it to this goal and so its especially fun to take this challenge to show support for these generous creatives.  My heartfelt thanks for your inspiration which has provided me with loads of crafting adventures over the years.

I used two designer papers for my card – tail ends of cut down 12 x 12’s.  One is Kaisercraft and the other Webster’s Pages “Tea Time”.  I used ArtC die cut for the sentiment and stamp.  I used a Memory box butterfly for the finishing touch, adding a gem to its tummy.  (if butterflies actually do have a tummy)  I relied on many layers to create a sense of depth and itnerest. 


♥♥♥ So Thankful ♥♥♥

I have been blessed this week by a friend who I work with.  She took the time to let me know that I’m appreciated – that my work (cleaning) is not only appreciated but went on to say “U always go over and above for us.  We appreciate it a lot!!! Thank you.” What do I say to this?  I’m speechless, really.  Its almost hard to take, humbles me completely. Wipes out every “crap” day when it seems every negative person in the world makes me aware of my shortcomings, which I’m very aware of anyhow.  It elevates everything and makes me float around on a cloud of joy.  Seriously.  Do YOU have a happy moment you’d care to share with me so we can keep this warm and fuzzy going for a bit?  And further, why not take a moment to let someone (and not falsley or forced) know how you appreciate them for just who they are?  That goodness is built right into their fabric and that its recognised and so you can be the helium in their balloon today?

I’ll leave you with a quote to keep in mind and meditate on:

Wake at dawn with a winged heart

and

Give thanks for another day of loving.

- Kahul Gibran


My

Tuesday, August 08, 2017

Smoky Skies and Sea-Themed Card

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Enjoying the moments I’m able to craft – with a busy summer the times are fleet and few!  I found the following challenge at Inkspirational and decided to make a card based on the photo:

I chose to go with a basic blue and nautical imagining of this Inspiration challenge #140.  I used a base of DCWV printed cardstock in blue.  I stamped both the feature (ship) and all the seashells and such onto the base using some Clear Stamps “Seashore” by Prima using versfine in black.  I bumped up the main image using foam tape (both background and main image cut with Simon Says Stitched Die Cuts.  The final touches were to brush lightly with Tim Holtz distress inks and then place a bit of black and white twine underneath the feature.  I’m pleased I used a lot of stamping on this card, something I kind of get away from at times.

Its rather smoky here in Osoyoos – a lot of it from fires elsewhere floating in.  However there was a fire locally on Anarchist Mtn last night but I hear it is contained now.  Its problematic to me as I am still recovering from a cold I came home with from a recent vacation to Houston, Tx where we spent time with our daughter and granddaughter.  Precious times! 


A few highlights of our vacation were a trip to the ocean, a day at the Museum of Natural Sciences and my husband and daughter had a five hour behind the scenes tour of NASA space center.   We especially loved our walks on Buffalo Bayou Park hike and bike walkways:

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Here are some stunning photos I took at the museum! There were so many gorgious gems -


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And bones from ancient critters – no NO! Don’t eat my Mr:

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And I was delighted and awestruck by the Faberge display:

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Incredible Faberge “egg”

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With it’s exquisite tiny (probably an inch tall) elephant all cast out of precious gems and metals.  How did they do this way back when???

Thanks for stopping by today.

Note to Shannon.  Thank you for your comment, sharing your  story about critters.  I miss you!  Hope you’re all settled in your new home.  Please send me your email so we can stay in touch – its lovely to hear from you. 

Sunday, June 25, 2017

Always Happy Card

FMS-293-Barb-Derksen

Really inspired by this week’s Freshly Made Sketches #293 challenge:

This pretty Designer Paper by Webster’s Pages – Your Life. Beautiful with it’s sweet country rubber boot and florals has looked at me every day from my stack and today I knew it is a perfect fit for this challenge.  I simply used a circle cut and layered it up with a ‘happy’ stamped sentiment by Forever in Time in both versamark fine in brown and black.  A simple staple or two and a heart punched out of coordinating DP scrap and there you have it. 

Whoooo-eee – tis HOT here all of a sudden and today I took full advantage to take a “time out” in the beautiful sunshine down at the lake.  I can’t believe the difference in the water between this month and last, when all the runoff from the snowmelt was happening and the water was SO brown and yucky.

brown lake 2017

Now its so blue and clear – I wonder if it will be a refreshing for the lake itself! 

blue lake 2017

Hope you find a special place to relax this week. 

Saturday, June 24, 2017

Crazy Critters Post

I’ll follow my latest card post with the tales of my crazy critters week.

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My take on this weeks Addicted to CAS #114– themed:

I’m not sure exactly which die cut used for my card as a friend did random cuts for me from her own collection.  We often do swaps like that – do YOU have a crafting friend you swap/trade with?  Like “The Grass is Greener” my friends stashes and supplies always seem more appealing, inspiring.  I used a very heavy bright white cardstock to give my card depth.  I used rectangle stitched dies from Simon Says to trim the die cut.  Next I bumped it out and then added the simple ‘best wishes’ sentiment from Paper Smooches.

Now, the crazy critters of this week involve a random bird, a baby chipmunk and an angry robin.


Random Bird

- decides to make a nest in our dryer vent.  I’m down in my laundry area and I hear something scritching around.  Ack, thinking a mouse I pause and listen harder – there are a few ‘peeps’ which I immediately know its something feathered, not furred.  I then pause and listen, listen and pause until finally I realize said creature is in the vent hose to the dryer!!! Turns out this bird (I believe a Northern Flicker) tried to nest in our vent and pushed a little too far.  My husband and I quickly take the tape off the hose in an attempt to free and release the poor thing but by the time we get to it, it is too late, bird has perished.  So sad!  DO check your hoses periodically – they can not only be bird and critter creatures, but fire hazards as well if they get filled with dust and lint.

Cute Baby Chipmunk

- I’m in the kitchen when something small and quick streaks in a furry blur across the floor, heading for the front room.  I instantly track it to a corner where it cowers in a tiny ball, eyes closed, pretending its invisible.  The most adorable baby chipmunk one ever did see.  Husband called up from downstairs again and we capture it in a plastic tub and set it loose on the lawn.

Angry Mumma Robin

- I’m pruning back a severely overgrown grape arbour, pea sized unripe grapes, debris and leaves raining down upon me (thank gracious I wore a hat) – all falling down the front of my scoop necked tshirt and going all the way down into every nook and cranny and driving me crazy LOL!  I’m balanced on a sawhorse for lack of a ladder so its a bit precarious but I’m ok, I’m OK, until I hear flappings behind me and see a fluttery dark shadow happening closer and closer.  Then there is angry chirpings and Mumma Robin is dive bombing me, her claws grazing me because I assume my pruning is coming into the area where she has a nest.  Man, she was scary!  Thankfully I was able to prune up quick and leave her in peace. 

Have YOU any stories of angry critters?  I’d love to know. 

Tuesday, June 06, 2017

Thinking of You Floral Card

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Since its been forever and EVER since I’ve blogged – or crafted even, I decided to jump in while I had a few moments between household chores this morning.

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How fitting I found Tuesday Morning Sketches #406 appealed to me right away:

My card came together almost by itself as I had set aside pretty supplies I’d not had a chance to play with.  Without further ado here are the supplies used.  I used a white cardstock base, die cut the bottom layer using a Simon Says Stamp stitched die cut.  I layered a slice of Pocket Blossom designer paper by DCWV (purchased at Michaels) I stamped the sentiment with a Paper Smooches Stamp and then die cut and embbossed with Art-C stamp and cut.  I added a bit of tiny sequined twine from my ribbons stash. 

I like the gold foil accents on the teensy floral pattern in the DP which is complemented by the sequins. 

Thanks for visiting.  I hope to post some photos and just plain chatter here in the coming days because frankly, I miss it! 

Sunday, April 30, 2017

Simple Birthday Card & Sunday Drive Pics!

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This is my take on CAS(e) This Sketch 219

Thanks Jen for this very simple sketch – you made it terrifically easy for me to jump right in.  Bonus that I connected with my Sister in Law Judy  and we got to create “together” (online)  I have another Masculine birthday in the works so I chose a straightforward patterened paper – “JOVIAL” snowball fight (you’d never guess this festive theme unless you read this label, right?)  I layered the ribbon ontop, its not really ribbon I don’t believe.  I honestly don’t know what exactly it is, I picked it up in a thrift store.  The top layer is a Fiskars birthday candle stamp, embossed.  Easy as that – I do like the end result!

Happy Update!

This is really a bittersweet post – My handsome Mr and I sold our beloved VW Van “Sebastian”  this weekend – something we’ve known for some time we needed to do.  I remember when we brought Seb home  for the first time -

CLICK HERE TO GO TO ARCHIVED BLOG POST

Ah and all the lovely times we had in “Seb” over the years.  But life moves on and we are tickled to bits that the new owners include children who were SO EXCITED and happy.  I felt the very same way!  So its all good!  Meeting new friends always gives me the warm fuzzies.  Things are meant to be, I say!  Indeed!

Today Mr Miles and I took ourselves off in “Frisky” our little Fiat and we drove our almost favorite route ever – and it was a perfect day to capture the balsam flowers (some folk call them sunflowers) on the hills along the Similkameen river and to see the “hoodoos” too (formations in the hills)  Here are some bits of our day:

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Hey, I look happiest in a field of flowers, for sure. 

 

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Woo Woo – how are YOU – my good looking husband!

 

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Impressive Hoodoos!

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This one’s for YOU!

thank you for stopping by

 

Monday, April 24, 2017

Masculine Birthday Card

PP-341---Barb-Derksen

I whipped this card up from the inspiration of this week’s Paper Players #341 sketch:

 

The simplicity of the sketch is what drew me, I almost immediately know what supplies to reach for.  I owe out a few masculine birthdays and this fit the ticket.  I used paper from a 12 x 12 pad “Natural Luxury” by Craft Smith.  I seem to return to this book for both elegant and masculine over and over.  Its a great mix of florals and patterns with splashes of shiny gold thrown in.  I used a slide mount – the sort from old projectors (remember the days when you were subjected to someones family memories for hours? – sometimes that was hugely meaningful and fun, other times you wish you could clone yourself… LOL!)  At any rate, these are glass plated slides with a metal looking plastic frame which I backed with coordinating cardstock and sealed in with narrow foam tape.  A “shaker” card, basically.  The sentiment is stamped with Versafine, the words from Stampin’ Up.  I used my Simon Says Stamp stitched rectangle dies to create interest on the sentiment banner. 

 

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I’m some  weeks home from a visit to Houston Texas and I might get an inkling to post some of my favorite pics on my blog yet, we will see.  For now, here is a photo of one of my favorite spring flowers from here in our Pocket Desert area of beautiful BC – a Shooting Star flower, and a little spring inspiration as well.

 

At night I peer into a velvet and diamond night sky,

Seeking with my naked eye,

In spring I look upon the ground,

To see if I’m blessed to have found,

In night, in day – a shooting star,

I hunt upward, downward – here you are!

- Barbara Derksen

 

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