Mojo 223, SSIC 121, a new technique and a FREE Valentines theme card template and cutting file!

Wow, when I get creative and go with the flow I sure get a lot to blog about, hehe.  Ok, so I’ll just jump right in, all the little newsy stuff first and then on to my latest cards.  This week saw the weather go from warm and bare ground, an unusually – though not record – balmy winter until Saturday night when we finally got some inches of snow, which has again melted away.  I’m happy with that because I’ve been able to run outside in the middle of winter without fear of slipping on ice. 

It has been so mild that my Mr. actually saw a mosquito (or mosquito-like) insect alive and flying around outside the other day.  I killed two black widow spiders inside a building within the past two weeks and even ants! 

I’m feeling very “peppy” lately, lost the few lb I gained over the Christmas holidays.  I’ve been adding fresh chopped ginger to my apple salad for lunch each day and I believe its boosting my metabolism.  How about YOU – have you made progress with your waistline/eating habits?

Speaking of eating, I was just given the sweetest gift… or should I rephrase this to say “sourest” gift? 

 

A lemon! 

Why would I be so excited about a lemon?  It’s because it was given to me by my friend Melanie and it grew on a tree in her house!  The tree is several years old and is now producing beautiful fruit a few times a year.  This year has been particularly abundant.  This is a BIG lemon and is very firm and pungent.  I’m trying to decide exactly how I will use it.  Do YOU have a suggestion?  Mel’s going to start us our very own lemon tree and though I’m not a live plant person I’m quite charged up about this!

I also report that my A Complaint Free World challenge bracelet has changed wrists a few times.  If you’re visiting here for the first time then I’ll tell you that the basic idea behind this bracelet.  I wear it on one wrist – if I complain then I have to move it to the other wrist and start all over again.  The hope is that I can make it through a whole year of not complaining. 

Its very interesting trying not to complain.  One becomes very aware of just how insidious complaining is, chronic and I think we kind of become enslaved to it.  I’m so glad that even if I don’t make it through this year that I will at least changed my ways. 

If YOU are taking this challenge, how are you doing?

 

Random Tip:

I hate waste, so when I have a heavy plastic type bag – many have the zipper locks on top, from say nuts, or chips – this sort of food, I rinse them out and dry them and save them  and I use them to marinate meat for the bbq.  They are perfect for this purpose. 

 

On to my cards and creating portion of this post:

I combined two challenges into one due to some time pressure I’m feeling.  I’m entering this card for both the Stamping Sisters in Christ challenge # 121 and also Mojo Monday challenge # 223.  I do Mojo along with my sister Nina, sister in law Judy, neice Samantha and dear friend Valinda.  Would YOU like to join in too?

Stamping Sisters in Christ challenge # 121- Phil 2:3-4

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Philippians 2:3-4

This week’s challenge is based on Philippians 2:3-4 and the goal is for you to make a card to send to someone who needs a lift. The general thought is a thinking of you card, but it can contain a scripture verse or any sentiment that conveys that your thoughts or your prayers are with that other person.

And…

Mojo Monday challenge # 223.

This is my take on the combo (using a NEW technique which I will share with you here!)

 

Whew – a lot of parts to this card but in the end I am pleased with the results.  Of course a photograph does not quite capture the richness nor the full effect of the glitter. 

Supplies:

Designer Paper – sorry, a random leftover  

Stamps: Fiskars

Elements:  I cut the shapes out using my Silhouette SD 

I created this flower myself, and now I’ll share how I made it. 

I am the QUEEN of frugal.  I recently bought some supplies to make glittery elements – I bought the SOOKWANG adhesive sheets and some Glitter Ritz glitters and some beautiful Starform Stickers and Copic sketch markers to create lovely elements.  You can find out more about these products at the Elizabeth Craft site.   They really turn out beautiful. 

However, the price of some of the products is prohibitive to me – for example I picked these items up at regular run of the mill scrapbooking stores and I paid approximately $10 for the 5 sheets of Sookwang (Be Creative) adhesive sheets, Glitter Ritz, each color about $6 each color, $2.50 for each package of Starform shapes and the Copic markers are $7 each.  When these run out I’m truly not sure I can afford to replace them – we will see, perhaps some millionaire will take a shine to my cards  

In case you’re like me and a visual person – here’s a video tut on what I’m talking about:

 

Demonstration of using Copic Markers with Sookwang adhesive sheets and Coloritz Glitter.

Sooooooo…

I played around with some supplies that I have and have come very close to the same look.  I did one project which I won’t show here and I actually painted the glitter with watercolor paint and it turned out lovely.  I even used my Silhouette SD to cut out a very fine edge and glued it around like the Starform edges.  It was not perfect but very close.

But here’s the last project I made using my own frugal technique and afterward I’m going to provide you with both the cutting files and png files for this project so you can make your own sweet Valentines card. 

 

Please ignore my fingernail which sorely needs to be touched up or redone… what I’m showing you in this picture is I’m peeling a cardstock heart shape taped to some simple transparent Contact paper (its adhesive on one side)

 

This product is widely available at almost any hardware or home deco place and is very inexpensive.  I’ve bought most of mine at either thrift stores or yard sales for less than a dollar for a huuuuge long roll.  Now I’ve discovered I can cut this on my Silhouette SD by using the Vinyl setting and the cutting matt.  So I can cut any shape, but you could easily trace and cut or experiment with other ways.

 

Once you’ve cut your shape (and a note, if you make lettering or this type of thing you might want to reverse your image when you cut your Contact)  I cut a second shape out of real cardstock paper to glue my shape to for extra stiffness.   Once you’ve cut your shape then you can pour glitter onto your Contact sticky side and “burnish” it in using your finger.  (Glitteritz if you have the $$$, dollar store if not, which is what I used in my challenge cards for the flower element and below for the heart elements)

 

I really think this works well – and is quite inexpensive. 

Supplies:

Designer Paper: Recollections Red and Pink Hearts

Frame, heart shapes and arrows – ME! Barb Derksen

And so even though its sooooo much easier for me to create my cutting files just in my Designer Edition Silhouette SD software I chose to make it in another graphics program so that YOU could have the png files – you can use them for digital scrapbooking or bring them into your own cutting machine software to create this lovely card.  I also took them into Inkscape and turned them into svg files for those of you who have ability to import svg files.  Please forgive me if you use the svg files – they import HUGE into other programs because frankly I’ve not learned how to export them at a smaller size yet. 

  These are for Personal Use.  Please do not share the files – send your friends to download these for themself. I will place a second copy in my PAGES archive – look up top.  They will always be available and free. 

PNG, SVG AND .STUDIO FILES

download

Personal Use

Scrapbook Essentials BC Challenge 4 Card & my DIY Embossing Folder using Silhouette SD

 

I’m finding I need a kick start here in the New Year to get the card making spree started so I’m taking the challenge I found on my sister Nina’s blog site.

 

Nina has been using stamps available from the Scrapbook Essentials Store to create some inspiring cards.  Will YOU join in and create a card here this week too?

Our Rules for Playing:

1. Create a NEW project for this challenge.

2. Be sure to link your blog with a direct link to the post you would like us to visit.

3. Please put a link on your post to our challenge.

4. Create a project with only 3 challenges including our challenge.

5. Feel free to use any stamping products you have!

I like the simplicity of this sketch, here’s what I made:

Supplies:

Heart Stamp – Kathie and Co

Ink – Versafine Onyx Black

Designer Paper – K & Company

Ribbon – (narrow) Offray, Dancer

How it went together:

I stamped some white cardstock with the hearts image.  I added sparkle (new technique I’m also fooling with and will share in a future post) and then accented with watercolor. 

I embossed the designer paper using an “embossing folder” I made DIY by cutting the shapes from my Silhouette SD.  I am the queen of DIY and doing things frugally.  Its a bit tricky putting the DIY embossing folder (two sheets of cardstock with layers of shapes squished in between) and takes a measure of time and concentration but its worth it in the end.

 

The thing I will have to remember in the future is to reverse images when doing this sort of thing – and next time I also need to hit the SAVE button on my computer… I click before I think (as my husband always tells me)  I deleted it before I realized it.  I’m looking forward to making more so will be sure to share. 

Do you ever experiment making your own embossing items?   (I’m thinking leaves, lace, fabric…)

Mojo 222 and Random thoughts

 

First Mojo of 2012, how exciting!  All these 2’s – Mojo 222 and 2012, will my 2 key get overworked on my computer?

It’s good to be ‘pushed’ sometimes and this sketch certainly had me exploring new ideas.  I was so adventuresome that I once again have had to eat my own words – “I don’t like to do anything twice”  I wound up making two versions of the same sketch, varying the elements a little.  I wonder which you will like?

 

 

What you can’t see is that the grey vertical ribbon on this lower card and the grey strip behind the Happy Birthday sentiment on the top one, is actually very shiny reflective sheet, mirror like.  I was truly puzzled of what to place for the “flower” element in the sketch and finally decided to make a “square” flower by layering cardstock in alternating sizes and fastened them together with a brad.  The three round elements in a row are halves of “snaps” I picked up from a thrift store.  I find these are plentiful, inexpensive and go wonderful on masculine cards. 

Supplies:

Designer Paper – Junkitz Essentials Paperz

Cardstock – various

Stamp – Studio G

Embossing Sheet – Cuttlebug

Shimmer Sheetz – Elizabeth Craft Designs

*****

A Complaint Free World update:

I made it through day 1 of the year… barely.  There was a questionable moment when something I said caused a youngster friend of mine to point out “That’s a complaint” but then my friend Amanda pointed out it was an observation rather than a complaint. 

Whew!  It really makes one think.  I’ve been finding creative ways to get around what would normally be a complaint.  I wonder if you can guess what could have been to the following statements I made today:

“I would rather be doing a lot of things than sorting out my basement storage area”

“I’m so glad we have such a big amount of storage area”

“I certainly know how to collect things!”

“Having an interrupted sleep sure makes me grateful for the nights I have a good sleep”

I’m sure I could slip up soon but for now I’m keeping my “complaint bracelet” on the same arm!

*****

I saw this article on my NPR Radio Twitter feed this morning and I found it very interesting.  When we drove out to the coast for the holidays I was shocked to see how many people still hold a cell phone to the ear while driving, not just small car drivers either, but truckers!  Are people deluding themselves into thinking its not really dangerous?  I like this statement in the article:

"We want to make this like drunk driving where you don't walk into a party and casually say that you were drunk behind the wheel. People will look at you like you're insane," Adkins says.

How do you feel about this issue?

Happy NEW Year

 

Isn’t it funny how your mind can convince you that something intangible is tangible?  What I’m talking about is that I can think myself into accepting it’s a new year for my life, even though in reality that’s just a date we’ve all collectively set on a calendar page.  As a Christian, every day is a new year, a new day for me in the essence of living a life of faith.   I get going along so busy that I fail to remember that each day is a choice. 

I love fresh starts.  I’m the sort of person that does not like to read books twice (besides the Bible) or watch movies more than once.  I always enjoyed the first days of school with a fresh new wardrobe (note: I grew up in a family of 8, 6 boys and my Sister oh so much younger than me, so mostly this meant new girl clothes for me) and new school supplies.  I can still smell the wood shavings as I sharpened my brand new pencils and make the first marks on the snowy white pages of my scribblers. 

So though this is a man-made reminder I am glad for it. I like this quote from C.S. Lewis which blipped on my Twitter feed today:

 

And this from the Bible too:

Lamentations 3:22-24

The Message (MSG)

^22-24God's loyal love couldn't have run out,
   his merciful love couldn't have dried up.
They're created new every morning.
   How great your faithfulness!
I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over).
   He's all I've got left.

 

I don’t make “resolutions” as such but I'm going to take a challenge with my friend Valinda.  We are going to take the “A Complaint Free World” challenge together.  Here’s a short video clip of the premise of it:

 

 

 

I fully agree with the fact I complain too much, that it has become a habit and I’d like to try this and see what a change it might bring along.  I think its really difficult for me to be grateful for everything in my life when I allow complaints to drip off my tongue, often without me even realizing it.

Now, this said, I do not want to turn myself into a Pollyanna and be a fake, and I know this is a fear of my husband’s thinking.  To me its sort of like this:

I’m not happy, I’m cheerful,

There’s a difference.

A happy woman has no cares at all,

A cheerful woman has cares but has

learned how to deal with them. 

~ Beverly Sills

 

And this:

Smile a smile!

While you smile

Another smiles,

And soon there are miles

and miles of smiles,

And life’s worth while

If you but smile.

 

And this:

Let me be a little sweeter -

Make my life a bit completer,

By doing what I should do

Every minute of the day,

Let me toil without complaining,

Not a humble task distaining.

 

I agree in part with what my Mr.’s thinking is – it would be unrealistic to think we could never ever ever complain because in some cases it would be almost impossible, however I believe trying not to complain will make me the better for it.  I think its like the difference between giving criticism or critique – when we criticize it come our own self view of something of someone else’s and simply takes something apart with no regard that there might be a person’s feelings involved.  Critique on the other hand, points out the positives and gives helpful advice and encouragement if needed to improve something. 

Ephesians 4:29

English Standard Version (ESV)

²⁹ Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

James 1:26

English Standard Version (ESV)

²⁶ If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

Psalm 141:3

English Standard Version (ESV)

³ Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;
keep watch over the door of my lips!

So I’m going to “slip on the band” (though for me it might be a piece of thread some days because I don’t like typing with a bracelet on – and other days when I’m wearing something nice it will be a real bracelet) which will remind me when I feel a complaint welling up.  We will see how I do and I’ll try to keep you informed here on how I’m doing. 

What is your “resolution” for the year, or something you might like to change to make 2012 a better you?

Home from the Holidays and Mojo 221

We spent Christmas with our family at the coast.  I’m so blessed to have in-laws who I love very much, especially precious to me as I don’t have my own parents or grandparents left. 

I treasure my Aunts and Uncles for they remind that life is a tapestry of weaved memories and we must be mindful to keep those memories alive or they could be lost forever.  We had a visit like this with our Aunt and Uncle who live right in the city and I enjoyed finding out things about my Uncle – things I never knew!  I’ve great respect for some of the jobs he did during his life.  And our Aunt dotes on us, she’s the hostess with the mostest!  

Of course we ate far too much as our Mom literally had buckets of candy that you had to migrate past through her Christmas-land of soft snow fluff and ornaments and candles.  She’s everything Christmas with decor in every corner.  Now I see my scale is telling me I’ve loaded on three extra pounds and will have to scale back.  That’s alright, its easy to do at home and besides, the food is what I love about the holidays.  It will be hit the gym etc in the coming days, only not today for I fear I’ve caught a cold.  It just ravaged through my sister in law’s house before they came for Christmas Day so it’s not surprising that I’ve got it, could not resist a hug or two on my nieces. 

And we loved having our daughter Dez home for the holidays, if only for a brief two days.  She arrived at Vancouver international airport in the deep of the night (2 a.m.) via her flight home from Houston, Texas where she was on a business trip.  She lives in Calgary but had her company fly her back to Vancouver to spend time with us, then she flew home out of Abbotsford airport.  So SO glad to have time with her, it’s been a YEAR since we got to hug her too!   We missed our daughter Melanie, but Mel lives much closer so we will be spending time with her very soon and celebrate Christmas all over again on a miniature scale. 

And and and I even got to have a coffee with another friend, Cicero!  She and I have been bloggie buds for a few years now and our friendship has stepped off the screen and very much into real life.  We’ve bible studied together and shared life’s ups and downs.  I’ve come to know and love you and the wonderful person you are.  Cis has a wonderful blog – always fabulous pics of the beautiful area she lives in and her recipes might make you have to protect your keyboard from drooling! 

Anyways, back at home and all settled in and able to play with the crafting supplies I was gifted with and also bought on Boxing Day sales too.  I was dying to play so have tackled the latest Mojo which is like a family tradition as my sister Nina, sister in law Judy, niece Samantha and dear friend Valinda all do with me as they are able.  I’ve missed it the past few weeks. 

 

Here is my take on Mojo Monday 221

 

 

I was dying to try my new Cuttlebug which was a gift to me this year!  (beeeammming!!!)  I used a happy birthday embossing folder on this orange paper.  I can see all sorts of possibilities – including making my very own folders, truly I’m a DIY experimental girl and I think I could do this, we will see. 

Supplies:  orange and blue cardstock, Designer Paper -  Surprise Party www.gotmoxxie.com Cuttlebug embossing folder, Fiskars roller used to crinkle blue cardstock for cupcake base.  Orange Copic marker for accent on icing. 

I’m still here!

I’m sure some of you think this is what happened to me – that I fell right off the face of the earth.  I sure feel like that some days too.  I want to say thanks for all of you who kept checking in with me to be sure everything is ok.  Its all better than ok. 

What has been keeping me so busy?  Well, I did do my first two craft fairs which were a new experience for me and I was pushed to create on a much bigger scale than ever.  I worked overtime to be sure I had enough “stock” to sell.  Then, a wonderful thing happened, just a few weeks ago I was asked to place my creations in a wonderful local shop called “The Feathered Frog”.  It’s a great little place and this is a terrific opportunity and I’m just tickled to bits.  I will blog more on this in the coming month as we are going to work hard to create a whole line of romantic and fun products.   A local newspaper is going to cover it so I’ll keep you informed. 

Because I had to put all my stock into the store I didn’t get cards out to our family or friends, how ironic is that?  I guess there are seasons for everything.  I am looking forward to a small break over the holidays to refresh.  We are spending it with our family and I’ll share as we go along. 

I don’t have any new cards to share, unlike my sister Nina who is guest designing like crazy these days (puffing up with pride) and my sister in law Judy and neice Samantha as well, but I will just  post two cards which I custom created for a client and I hear were a big hit:

 

 

These were both created using images from Graphics Fairy.  I love that site – I always find “the perfect” images there, and they are wonderful to accent and glam up a bit.  

I’m sorry that I can’t name or list the accents – they were gathered up from my remnants of supplies.  I swear I only have a handful of festive designer paper scraps left and am hugely anticipating restocking through the sales this holiday. 

Lastly I have to share the card I was inspired to make for our local gym – the idea for this one flew around in my head all one night and propelled me out of my cozy bed to create it:

 

 

The bell is a cut from the Silhouette store, the barbells my own design and accented with glossy accents to make them stand out.  The jingle bell and bow embellishment I believe I bought in the Silhouette store too.  The “Jingle Bells” word art was welded from Ballpark font from DaFont.com and then accented with gems.

I’ll try to be more diligent with my posting from here on in.  I hope all your plans and preparations are going smoothly! 

Ohhh I forgot my FAVE

I somehow missed THIS to die for eye candy dessert!





(I pecked away like hansel and gretel... Off to the gym tomorrow!)

School Christmas luncheon

What I've picked out for me to eat













Much better than reheated pasta

New card covering Mojo Monday and (NEW) Scrapbook Essentials BC!

 

I’m puffed up with pride as I post today for my very own sister Nina is a design team member for a new shop called Scrapbook Essentials BC.  This is their VERY FIRST challenge so it would be terrific if you might join us in making it a big success and perhaps you might find a delight in starting off something fresh!  (looks like the store carries some lovely products too – rubbing my hands)

My card is also acceptable to fit in with Mojo Monday which I do faithfully with my sister Nina, my Sister in Law Judy, my niece Samantha and my dear friend Valinda. 

Scrapbook Essentials BC challenge asks us to create a card with Whimsical Butterflies.

Mojo Monday gave us the following sketch to work out in real live paper format:

And here’s my take on these challenges:

What can I tell you about my supplies?  Not much, really!  The stamp was a gift, unmarked.   I coloured the blossom with pink felt and then embossed with shimmer.  The butterfly was a “print and cut” from Silhouette but I cheated and tore it down in my designer software and turned it into a two part cut.  I believe my background paper could be K&C company but I know Nina will confirm or deny for me.  She’s got a dp catalogue in her head.   I love the pretty pink glitter cardstock behind the butterfly.  I was gifted this shimmery and dotty ribbon at a vintage shop in town.  The green scallop behind the sentiment was cut on my Silhouette SD.

Thanks for your visit – I know everyone is busy these days. 

Happy Birthday to my Brothers and SIC Challenge #118

 

I’m hoping you all had a good weekend and a productive start to your week. 

First thing for me is wishing my brothers Barry and Bill (yep, twins) a Happy Birthday for tomorrow, Tuesday December 6th.  Hope you both get/got spoiled.  Each year that passes makes makes the times when I was a kid and you really were my BIG brothers seem like a fairy book story.  You don’t seem so big or scary anymore, in fact you both turned out to be nice guys and I’m proud to be your sister.  Me and the Mr. wish you the best year ever, not don’t disappoint us!

I “did” my second craft fair this past weekend with my friend Mel O who makes beautiful beeswax candles (she had people buzzing around our table for the lovely scents)  and her Mom made pretty crochet Travel Angels as well. 

 

You can see some of her candles and angels here, but not Mel herself because (and we had such a giggle over this) not one picture of Melanie turned out good.  Every photo we opened up had her doing some sort of contortions with her face so I won’t embarrass her. 

 

I don’t know what I’m saying to this customer.  It looks like I’m saying come closer so I can grab you” or something.  I did not do that to my customers though, really.  I may look frightening and desperate in the photo, but I’m not.  I found my little teensy bird houses were a hit.

I took my Silhouette SD with me and did some demos, really created interest.  I even wound up creating some of my own designs and selling the cuts. 

I am SO touched by a post my bouncy, enthusiastic, encouraging friend Janice published this past week HERE …. awww it made me all weepy!  I love you, Janice, you know you’ve got a special place in my heart and there are many PLANS made yet to fulfill!  Thanks for your kind words and your always bubbly companionship, I treasure it!

Finally, I managed to fit in my Stampin’ Sisters in Christ card challenge  #118 Matthew 1:20-22 which I am doing in sync with my Sister in Law Judy

Scripture: Matthew 1:20-22, "But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' which means, 'God with us.'"

Challenge:  Make a card/project that features an angel, such as in the patterned paper, a stamped image, a charm, etc.

Here’s my take on this challenge:

This gorgeous angel came from Graphics Fairy.  I printed it off in deeply saturated color.  I backed her with gorgeous thick gold paper which my friend Marie saves for me from a brand of chocolates.  I covered the original stars in the picture with teeny stars I punched out of the same gold.  I have three layers of ribbon, a black sheer, a vintage light blue and then the royal blue wire ribbon.  I used a WalMart Merry Christmas block stamp, embossed with gold onto black cardstock.  I backed it with some black lace.  Its funny where that black lace comes in handy. 

Thanks for visiting!