PaperCutz Challenge #105, down at the farm

Good morning everyone. It's been a while since I have posted, my apologies, but life got in the way!

This week at Papercutz Challenge, the theme is to make a craft project with the theme "Down on the Farm" using any colors or theme you would like.  Now having grown up in big city, Boston, I don't have a lot of familiarity with fams and I have almost no craft supplies.  However I do have this cute boy stamp from I Brake for Stamps; he's got a straw hat and a rake, certainly that's  a little "farmish" don't you think?

I colored everything but his clothes with Copics and decided to paper-piece his clothes.  I stamped parts of him again on scrap pieces of paper, cut them out and glued them down.  I consider myself to still be a Copic beginner and I really enjoy paper piecing.  In person he is very cute.  I was all done and feeling proud of myself when I realized he was holding a bag of seed corn!  I solved that problem with my Tonic leaf punch and the vibrant leaf  paper from HOTP.  Finished it off with the Autumn rub-on from Scenic Route Paper, the cool fibers and the leaf charm from my stash.   All in all, not too bad.

Join us this week, won't you?

As always, I love to read comments.

PaperCutz Challenge #102, under the sea

Good morning everyone!  This week at PaperCutz Challenge, your mission is to make a project featuring things you would see "under the sea". Since I wasn't a submariner, but a surface sailor, I had a little difficulty with this one - I have about 20 different stamped fishes sitting on my scrap table and I didn't like any of them.  So, patterned paper to the rescue!  I wimped out and found a paper (HOTP) which satisfied the requirement.

I was feeling guilty about taking the easy way out, so I decided to go for a slightly more involved card.  I really enjoy making these tunnel cards - they are actually quick and easy, yet give fantastic results.  The sentiment is part of my fish stamp set from Firecracker Designs by Pamela - unfortunately, she is no longer in business.  The stamping on the card face is Cornish Heritage Farms, another company who closed their doors.  Another card for my Operation Write Home box - which I really  need to mail!

Have a great weekend and be sure to play along!

PaperCutz Challenge #101 and new 2 me products

Happy Friday everyone.  Nugget, my dog, got me up at 7 this morning - I do believe she is worse than any of my kids.  However, since she is a 16 year old lab and doesn't talk back, we let her slide and even spoil her a bit!

This week at PaperCutz Challenge the challenge is a pretty easy one - anything goes!  Can't get any easier than that...I've been playing with some new products and my sample this week uses "build a blossom" from LaPashe that are available here.  I used a chrysanthemum on my card:

I played with it for quite a bit before I was happy with the look.  I started by spraying with a homemade yellow shimmer spray (polished pigments and simple solution) for some shine.  Then I decided to ink the back on each piece yellow in case it showed.  I spent some time shaping each piece and layered them.  The smallest piece I gathered up into a cone shape, glued it together to stay in this shape and filled the cone with butterscotch dimensional pearls.  I then thought it needed something else, so I used one of my top-secret "highly technical tools" (a bent paperclip) to add bits of glue in random places all over the flower and used PK Glitz Crystal glitter.  Then I decided it was finished.  Cheryl, the owner of my LSS gave me the highest praise, "I thought is was a regular silk flower".  For the card base I squeezed out butterscotch and terra cotta dimensional pearls (Ranger) onto wax paper, folder the paper over and swooshed the pearls around, I then added 2 white cs pieces inside the wax paper and ran it through my Big Shot using the Tim Holtz wood embossing folder.  When it was completely dry I patted Versamark on the raised portions and heat embossed with clear EP.  You can't tell in the picture, but it has a really nice finish.  The small horizontal strip was also colored with the dimensional pearls.  Of course, everything was going too smoothly...when I went to add the completed piece to a card base, I realized it was a 1/2" shorter than needed.  Now, I could have cut the card base down, but that would be too easy, so I glued a strip of ribbon top and bottom under the front panel.  I used a Clear Snap rub-on adhesive thanks and finished it off with brown glitter.
Cheryl also got in another LaPashe product "Nice and Easel which create 3D scenes for easel cards.  There is also a smaller 3D image for a second card.  I chose to make my easel cards 6" x 6" to allow me to mat the image.

I'm hoping you can see some of the dimension better in this picture.  The images had to be hand cut, which can be tedious, but this way I didn't have to worry about the leftover "nibs" from punch out pieces.  Each of the roses has at least one layer.  The bottom left rose has 3 layers so I used 1/16th foam dots for lift.  The saying on the bottom of the card is also part of the package.


This last card is made from the smaller pieces of a different Nice and Easel sheet.

I still had some alcohol inked vellum left from my previous post and thought it went well with these flowers.  I ran each piece through my Xyron so I didn't need to worry about adhesive showing through.  The bird embellishment is from a 12" border set from K and Co.  Most of my supplies are actually for scrapbooks, but it is fun to see how to "downsize" these pieces for cards as I did here.  More bang for my buck; if you've been reading previous posts, you know I hate to waste anything, even the packaging sometimes.

All of these cards are samples on display at Cheryl's store, Inspired Designs.  When they come down from display and if they are still in good condition, they go into my Operation Write Home box. 

As always, please leave a comment, good or bad, I learn from them all!  Why don't you play along this week at PCC?  Remember, anything goes!

Have a great week! 

PaperCutz Challenge #100 and resist technique

Happy Friday everyone!  Hard to believe but PaperCutz Challenge is up to its 100th challenge.  Every so often the DT will get to pick the challenge and this week, Lisa, wanted us to look up with "the sky's the limit".  Anything you may see when you look up, from butterflies to UFOs to the moon and the stars.  I love butterflies and I just got a new background stamp from Hero Arts which is beautiful and fits the bill.  Yesterday I saw a demo of resist papers, the papers you add color to and then wipe with a paper towel and the original design shows through.  I love the look and decided to experiment with my new stamp.

I also bought the Fiskar's anywhere punch, but that's another sItory.  So, anyway, I stamped the image on white paper with Versamark and embossed with Zing black EP.  I then used    
Adirondack's Cranberry ink and a dauber to layer on the color.  It has an ombre look to it - or at least that's what I was going for.  I laid heavy color on the top and lightened it as I went down to the bottom.  I then used a paper towel to lightly wipe off excess ink and this is what I got.  I punched the window and lightly inked the inside of the card and popped the flower (which I've had forever), added velvet ribbon and a sentiment and I was done!  This card is off to Operation Write Home and their challenge this week of miss you cards.

I then decided to experiment with alcohol inks on various surfaces and this is what I got.  I used glossy cardstock and Judikins opaque white EP.  I use Copic marker refills as my alcohol inks; her the combination is V04 (lilac), BG15 (aqua) and G21 (lime green).  It is a very soft pastel effect.  I left the cards very simple as I wanted the background and stamp to take center stage.

The next two cards aren't using the resist technique.  I embossed the image on SU vellum, which is much sturdier than standard.  I then alcohol inked the back of the vellum for a softer, muted effect.  The black panel I haven't made into a card yet.  I think I like the one with the white EP better (below), it just seems to fit the colors better.

That's it for this challenge.  Have fun creating and make sure to play along!

You're Invited!

Happy Friday everyone!  I hope you enjoyed last week's blog hop as much as I enjoyed reading all your comments.  Welcome to my new followers - I'm very happy to "meet" you!

This week's challenge at PaperCutz Challenge our mission is to create a project using a die cut, hand stamped or digital stampede image of an ice cream cone, popsicle, ice cream sundae or milk shake.  This challenge definitely says summer, doesn't it?  I know that Mary has the challenge written as "Cricut cut", but any die cut machine or die-cut is welcome.  However, if you haven't checked out Mary's Cricut challenges, you should!  Also, have you stopped by Cardz TV with Mary?  I just love her accent!

On to my project which doesn't fit into any of the categories (LOL), I used 2 templates from HOTP - 3-D Ice Cream Sundae and Sweet Treats Pockets.

I made an invitation and a party favor for an ice cream party (I LOVE ice cream).  Both were pretty easy to do with the templates.  You'll notice the small ice cream cone in the large one's pocket and this is where I will put the details for the party.

The ice cream sundae looks complicated, but goes together in a snap.  The ice cream itself opens and you can put a small treat or gift inside.  I used HOTP foil paper for the cup and their shine design paper for the topper and "wafer".  This template even has a spoon!  It is very fluffy and pretty and can be any "flavor" you want it to be!  I own most of the HOTP templates, they are versatile, easy to use and a great value.  As long as you don't try to cut your design with the plastic template on it they will last forever.



I've had a difficult week as far as my health went so I have been busy making cards for Operation Write Home and I wanted to share a few I made.  As I've said before, I don't know how I would handle things if I didn't have my crafting - it is a terrific stress reliever and nobody has to see my "oops" attempts!

Tomorrow I am helping out at my LSS for a fundraiser for a local horse rescue organization.  I designed all the cards used at the fundraiser and the basis for all the cards were 4 different sets of Penny Black stickers (the left and right cards are from one set).  I'm hoping to bring the cards home tomorrow and I will post them over the next few days.   I am a little nervous about how they will be received tomorrow, but what's done is done.  For a $10 donation a person gets a pre-cut kit (now that's a lot of work!) to make the four cards - everything is included right down to the pop dots! 

Have a great weekend!

PaperCutz Challenge Star Spangled Blog Hop!

Happy Friday and welcome to PaperCutz Challenges first ever blog hop!  We are celebrating America's birthday with the challenge of a banner with lots of bling.

If you got to my page from Lisa's  you are headed in the right direction!  

If not, the Challenge starts at the PCC blog.

  Don't forget about the blog candy on the PCC site.  One lucky person will win a Cricut summer collection luau cartridge.  So, be sure to stop at everyone's blog and get creative over this long weekend. The good thing about it though is when I was done inking I sprayed water on my craft sheet and soaked it all up with a coffee filter, so I have a very cool background for a card!

I heat embossed each of the letters using Judikins Diamond Sparkle EP (I love it!!) and then used Versamark on the edges of the stars and embossed those as well.  I punched smaller stars from DCWV glitter matstack and used red, white and blue twine to hang my banner.  I wish you could see the sparkle and shine, it is very pretty.  I've already started hinting to my husband that I need a new, upgraded camera - but Christmas is a long way off (my b-day is also in December)!

I had to take the banner back in, because it looks like rain here in Maine, but it will be out again on my lower deck later this weekend when all the (adult) kids are here!

Every 4th of July brings back memories of the one Independence Day I was very far from home.  In July, 1998 I was in Sarajevo, Bosnia as part of the peacekeeping force in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia.  The American contingent treated all the multi-national troops to a cook-out of typical summer foods.  Later that night there was a fireworks show over the camp.  The interesting part was looking up in the hills and seeing tracer rounds be fired at the end of each burst!  I'm sure it was there way of saying "Happy Birthday, America"!

Be sure to stop by everyone's blog and leave some love and good luck with the blog candy!  In case you need it, here is the blog order:
Paper Cutz Challenge http://www.papercutzchallenge.blogspot.com/
Lisa  http://www.mypurpleplayroom.blogspot.com
Penny  http://www.pennydouph.blogspot.com/
DeNetra  http://www.craftynanny3.blogspot.com/
Shelly  http://www.cardsbyshelly.blogspot.com/
Kristie  http://www.kreativekristie.blogspot.com/
Patti  http://www.pattispaperfun.blogspot.com/
Diane  http://www.happyscrapperdiane.blogspot.com/
Mary  http://www.cardztv.blogspot.com/
Dee  http://forum.paperwishes.com/album.php?albumid=31

Have a safe and wonderful 4th of July weekend!  I'd love to hear from you!

Happy Birthday America - the land of the free because of the brave! 

Your next stop on the hop is the very talented Denatra.

PaperCutz Challenge #97 and BLOG HOP alert!

Happy Friday everyone!  It is raining again here in Maine and yesterday was a balmy 63 degrees.  Definitely not our average summer.  However, this week's PaperCutz Challenge should make things a little brighter.  The challenge is to make a project using pink, orange, white and a little black.  Interesting combination isn't it?  I took some liberties with "a little black" to make this card:

My photography, as always, doesn't do justice to the vibrancy of the colors.  The pink and orange in the focal are microbeads which I coated with glossy accents so they wouldn't rub off.  It changed their look a bit, but since this card is destined for Operation Write Home, I figured it needed it.  I love these papers from My Mind's Eye; part of the "Dusk" portion of the Meadow Lark by Carina Gardner.  They are available here (don't let her blog throw you off - she is open for business and you can contact her through the blog).

I have a confession, I have a lot of difficulty cutting into paper I love - cause then it is gone and I can't look at it any more.  I'm a clinical social worker, so I officially know this is a problem!  LOL  So, to save myself the angst the paper I actually used came from the cover piece to the paper pack.  This is what I'm talking about:

Problem solved:  beautiful card and intact paper - brilliant!  You definitely need to look into this line, the tag sheet shown at top is just wonderful for scrapping or card making.  I'm trying to look at all of my stash differently and use what I have, including packaging which sometimes is as beautiful as the product.  

BLOG HOP ALERT!!!!

Next week, PaperCutz Challenge is having our first ever blog hop.  We are very excited to be doing this and hoping everyone will stop by each of the design team's blogs and leave some love.  The PCC site will be offering blog candy and I am looking to create a package of blog candy here - perhaps if I can make it to 50 followers during the hop.

As always, have a great week and please leave a comment, I love to read them and will come visit your blog as well.

PaperCutz Challenge #95

Happy Friday everyone!  Here in Maine we finally have sunshine and close to 90 degree weather.  Summer finally decided to arrive.

This week at PaperCutz Challenge we're having an anything goes with a twist week.  Make any project you would like using pink, white and black only.  Be sure to check out what the rest of the design team made, they are gorgeous.  I decided it was finally time to use my pink and black flocked paper - I've had it forever but couldn't make myself cut into it.

The entire card is made from HOTP supplies and I used 3 of their "specialty papers" - flocked, glimmer and "shine design" which is a glossy paper.  I used the Scandinavian Heart template for the focal and a punch for the flowers - you simply fold them and add a brad!  I really like HOTP templates, I use them over and over again which makes them a great value for my scrapping dollars.  I offset the heart with a white one I had glittered up (can't tell in the picture).  This card is destined for my Operation Write Home box, so I am going to have to swap out the glitter backing for plain white.

As always, I hope you play along with us and have a great week!  I am teaching a Father's Day card class at my LSS and am hoping to post one of the cards each day next week.  Please stop by!

PaperCutz Challenge #94

It's Friday again and I am off to camp for the weekend.  Not my favorite place but my husband LOVES it and I love him...you know how it goes.

This week the PaperCutz Challenge is to make a project with a beach or travel theme using any colors you  would like.  I chose to use this wonderful stamp - she certainly has character to make a card for Operation Write Home.  At the moment I can't remember which company the stamp is from, but if anyone is interested, I'll dig it out when I get home.  I colored her with Copics (I'm getting better, but still learning) and papers are from DCWV, finally, the flip-flops are from Joanne's (bought years ago when I made calendars for sisters-in-law).

 Be sure to check out the other design team  member's projects - they are terrific and full of inspiration!

l also wanted to share another card using my Heartfelt Creations stamp.  The flower center is Prima and the wonderful border is Spellbinder's.  The papers and greeting are HOTP.  Hard to see in the photo but the inside bottom is lined with shiny silver paper to match the silver tinsel EP from Stampendous.





I'm really working at using what I have, especially when it comes to paper!  It is hard though - there is always something I "have to have" because it is "ooh, so pretty".  Problem is I already have enough paper to last the rest of my life (and I'm not really that old :).  I've made an exception though for the Heartfelt Creations stamps and dies.  But that's it...I'll keep you posted.

Have a great weekend, spend some time being creative - it is the most relaxing thing I know!

PaperCutz Challenge #91

Hello everyone!  This week at PaperCutz Challenge we are tasked with making a project for grads using any colors.  I have posted pictures of my son's graduation from college.  To tell you what kind of scrapper I am, I finally did his pre-school graduation a week before his college one.  I've never scrapped in order, I'll go through pictures and find the ones that "speak" to me. Thank goodness for 3-ring albums LOL.

I definitely know the papers came from HOTP, I'm not sure about all the embellishments.  I'm very proud of him; he is now in grad school working on his Master's.

Please play along with us this week!

CKC and PaperCutz Challenge #89

Good morning!  This week at PaperCutz Challenge anything goes.  Your mission is to make any type of project you would like using any colors or themes.  Pretty easy, right?

This was the first time I made a tunnel card and I really like the look of them.  All supplies are HOTP.  I colored the flowers using Smooch.  I have so many ideas for different looks for this card, just a change in the aperture shape would give it a whole new look.

Today I'm also off to CKC in Manchester, NH.  This is my first scrapping "convention" and I'm not sure what to expect beyond my credit card not being happy! LOL

Exploding Box and PaperCutz Challenge #88

Hi everyone!  I missed last week's challenge, but am here now.  This week at Papercutz Challenge you need to make any project using purple, green, pink, blue and white.  A bit of black is also allowed.  This one had me thinking hard and then I stumbled across this unfinished exploding box which I had cut out in blue and green - problem solved!

I have templates for several different shapes for exploding boxes and this is a hexagon.  They are very easy to make and instead of using photos inside, I chose to make this a quotation/sayings piece of different things that always make me stop and think.

To use all the colors for the challenge, I stamped the words/sayings on white cardstock with black ink and matted those pieces with another color from the challenge.  The cardstock I used has a pearlescent finish so there is a subtle shimmer to them.  Because of the small sizes, I embellished each panel very simply.  I recently bought the large pink flower in the center from Maya Road, it is made from fabric and has wonderful texture.  I surrounded it with blue and pink rosebuds to finish it off.

I made the lid, used sheer ribbon for the bow and added more blue rosebuds to cover the Zots holding the  ribbon in place.  A few flowers from HOTP and a purple jewel brad and I was done.


This was a time consuming project and I have a whole basketful of stamps that need to be cleaned, but I am very happy with the finished project.

Be sure to upload a picture of your project on the Papercutz Challenge blog to be eligible to win a prize.

Have a great week and a wonderful Easter!

PaperCutz Challenge #86

It's Friday again!  We continue with an Easter theme this week as your Papercutz challenge is to make a card using any colors you'd like to make a project using a hand stamped, digi stamped or die cut image of a lamb, chick, bunny or Easter eggs.  I made a card with a chick last week, so this week I went with eggs.

I made a tag this week starting with white paper I sprayed with Fully Purple Glimmer Mist.  I then used an EF from Cuttlebug's Lotus Blossom set.  After I dry embossed it, I gently rubbed Versamark over the raised images and heat embossed with Stampendous Lavender Pastel EP.  I also heat embossed the greeting using Inkadinkado stamps and Ranger purple EP.  I layered the 2 papers and lace and added the eggs and flowers.
The egg stamp is from Michael Strong which I stamped in Versamark and then used polished pigments and a paint brush to rub on the colors.  Unfortunately, my camera hates me these days, so the vibrant colors aren't really showing through.  I finished up the eggs with Stickles for more shine!  The color combination of purple, pink and green is actually quite lovely.  This tag is definitely a departure from my usual "style", but I do like it, there is lots of color and texture and will look great on my DH's Easter present.

PaperCutz Challenge #85

Happy Friday!  We are now into April but you wouldn't know it by looking out my windows - it is snowing!  One of the prices I pay for living in the beautiful state of Maine.  My Spring bulbs had started peeking through and I'm hoping they make it through.


Easter is on its way and this week at PaperCutz Challenge Easter is the challenge!  Make any kind of project for Easter with any colors you'd like.  I made a simple card for my son and his family.  The stamp is a sweet one I just got from HOTP and the suede paper is some I've had for quite some time.  (I never used these papers because they felt to good to cut into LOL).  I used Nestabilities for layering and all the pastel colors I had.

I stamped the chick twice with purple Staz-on, cut out the egg portion and popped it with foam dots.  Simple and quick, but sweet at the same time.  You can see in the bottom left corner where the pink paper is crumpled - but you can't see it on the card itself.  Oh well...

Please join us this week!

PaperCutz Challenge #78 and a taste of Spring

Another Friday is here and a new PaperCutz Challenge.  This week we are asking you to make a card, LO or craft project using a hand stamped, digital stamped or cut image of ladybugs, bees or butterflies. Use any colors you’d like.  I chose butterflies for my card this week.

The papers and stamp are from Hot Off the Press.  The butterfly dies are available here.  They come in 3 sizes and cut/emboss beautifully.  The large one I cut out in 2 different green papers and attached just the body to give some great dimesion.  I inked the yellow butterfly orange after I ran it through my Big Shot, I love the polka dots.  The smallest butterfly I perched on the U, again only adhering the body.  The embellishments on the 4 are not brads but the new Liquid Pearls, the picture doesn't do justice to the shimmer and vibrant colors.


Join in on the fun and be sure to add your card for a chance to win the monthly prize.  Have a wonderful week!

Valentine's Card without the hearts

Happy Friday everyone!  I hope all your driveways are shoveled out just in time for 2 more storms tomorrow and Monday!  We are running out of places to put it all.

This week at PaperCutz Challenge our challenge is to make a layout, card or project for Valentine's Day without using hearts, using any colors you would like.

For my card, I used a modified Bargello technique.  I took scraps from a leftover project (more on that in another post) and glued them together on a sheet of copy paper.  I then stamped and embossed in white various flowers.  To finish up I cut the paper into 1" strips and the strips into 1" squares arranged them in a grid and glued them to the front of my card; all papers and flower stamps are HOTP.  I used a package of Flower soft lines to outline the grid in gold and stamped/embossed the sentiment, from Outlines, in gold.  I finished it all off with my circle ribbon punch (available here ).  Ribbon is from my stash.  I haven't always been sold on this technique but I do like the looks of this card.

Please, join along in this week's challenge and you could be eligible to win the monthly prize!

Sorry I'm Late! Papercutz Challenge #74

Wow, I'm behind!  It's amazing how life stops when the internet is down.

This week at Papercutz, the challenge is to make a card, LO or other project using a tag or tags with any color and theme.  I chose to make a gift tag and matching card for Valentine's Day. Good thing my DD doesn't read my blog!

I started with some really fun paper, Invisibles by Heidi Swapp.  I inked the paper from the edges in for the tag and top to bottom for the card using Distress Inks (Aged Mahogany, Fired Brick and Worn Lipstick) and then rubbed the paper to reveal the white dots.   I then stamped 2 sizes of Outline's Pointed Posy (available here); the smaller 2 are the same stamp, I just trimmed off the outer layer.  I also stamped the tag sentiment twice in different colors.  I did the same treatment for the card; the card sentiment I direct inked Worn Lipstick onto white paper and stamped with the Aged Mahogany.  I've had this stamp forever, not sure where it came from.  I wasn't sure about these polka dots for Valentine's, but I'm pretty happy with how they came out.

Have a great week and be sure to play along!

PaperCutz Challenge #72

Happy Friday everyone!  Did you know Christmas is a week from tomorrow?  I think it just dawned on me, I went out yesterday to do some shopping, I figured that at 2:00 in the afternoon on a Thursday it wouldn't be busy - wrong!!!

This week at Papercutz Challenge is to make a New Year's card including in the design a banner.  This is my first try at using a banner (be kind!).

I think I need to work on the spacing a bit more.  All the papers and the large snowflake brad are from HOTP.

This is our last challenge of the year!  We're taking a break for the holidays and will be back in 2 weeks!

PaperCutz Challenge #71

Good morning!  This week our challenge at PaperCutz is to craft a project which has snowflakes or a snowman.  I must admit, this week I am showing a page I made for last Christmas.  On the Paper Wishes message board several of us decided to divide common holiday songs and to each make a page with our portion of the lyrics.  Mine was the last lines of Frosty the Snowman.  I had a lot of fun designing the page - and a lot less fun replicating it 8 times.  However, I'm very happy with how it came out.  For the snow at the bottom of the page I glued used crumpled drier sheets to my page and then rubbed icicle stickles all over it, I think you can see the shine in the picture.  I found Frosty somewhere on-line and paper pieced him together using suede paper for his vest.  The house and train come from the Christmas Noel cart from Cricut.  I used a snow writer on the house.  I hope you like it and come join in the fun.

Please leave me a note letting me know what you think.  Only 14 more shopping days left!

PaperCutz Challenge #69

I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving!  I'm not a Black Friday shopper - but if you are, happy hunting!  This week at Papercutz, it is anything goes!  This week my card uses stamps from Ippity which I get from Kim Bell.  This is a sweet set, I stamped the flowers twice and inked all the edges.  I also got the twine from Kim, I'm really enjoying using it - she has lots of colors to choose from.


Short post today!  Please visit Papercutz and post a link to your creation for a chance to win the monthly grand prize!  Let the holiday season commence!