Kraft Based Birthday Card

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.  

Simple One Layer Floral Card

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!

B & W Happy Day Card

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! 

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Simple Hello Card

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.

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! 

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. 

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