Simply Stamping

Today I thought I would break out some stamps and just made some simple cards. My new found love is kraft card bases, so I broke those out to work with, too. I had no rhyme, reason or plan...I just picked stamps I like and just stamped. I broke out my embossing powders, too. Fun!




This card is for my sister. I thought the stamped sentiment inside was very appropriate for us. LOL She is going to hit me. :)



My challenge for you: get out some of your stamps and start creating!

I-Top Review

A month or so ago I won a prize package from Give Away Today and it arrived! I am excited to show you my prize and let you know how I like it!

My first impression of the i-top was YEAH! A package that I can open without scissors! LOL Sounds silly, but when I get a new toy, I don't want to have to wrestle it to the ground trying to get it out to play. The tool has a cool textured handle (not a big fan of pink, but that is a minor thing) and comes ready to go with picture instructions and a DVD that shows again how to use it and some project ideas. They also sent me the carrying case...really fun design on it and removable pouches inside to store the tool and brads as well as a pocket that I put the DVD in and some papers. My only wish would be for it to be slightly bigger so I can store the punches in it as well.


Next in my box was a set of templates so I can trace the correct sizes to make the brads (seriously, probably would not happen...LOL...too much work) and ALL THREE PUNCH SIZES! I am excited about this because so far Michaels only carries one size of the punch, which seems pointless to me. the punches work really smoothly and the cut out design actually would be a fun accent all on its own.

Last but not least was the attatchment to make the larger brads, one set of each side of brads and some SUPER cute pre punched and STICKY BACKED papers so I could just peel, stick and make the brad.

I watched the DVD (although the package directions were good) and made a brad immediately. It was very easy to do and I like the way it came out. I have heard some complaints about the paper being a bit wrinkly around the edges, but, honestly, I think it looks fine. I can't wait to put it to work on some projects! So if you are on the fence, I would say climb on over. It is a great tool. My only concern (and it is a small one) is that it will go the way of some other tools I have liked and I will end up with the tool and no way to get the brads for it eventually. But that is a risk with any tool, I guess. For now, I am going to stock up. LOL

Finally Friday Inspired

If you have not check out Kristina Werner's videos, you are missing some great stuff. She does Finally Friday and Make a Card Monday videos (found on You tube and 2 Peas) and they are so fun and unique sketches. When I need some inspiration to get going, I always watch her videos and copy her sketches. They are so universal that even if you don't have the exact same products, you can swap things out to get wonderful results. And they are quick to make, too!

Today I was inspired by 2 of her Finally Friday cards. Here is the first one and beneath it is mine (sorry for the wonky picture):

And here is the second one I worked on today (Kristina's first and then mine):

Wow! Her pics look so much nicer than mine. I wish I had better lighting, but it is a gloomy day today. Beware, she uses super cute product, you will will be running out to get whatever she is using. LOL (I am totally wanting the Sassafrass lass stamps she used in the above card.)

Here is a link to her 2 peas:

http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/cg_list.asp?t=153

And here is you tube:

http://www.youtube.com/user/starofmay

Have fun!

Isabel's first post!

I found the CUTEST challenge blog for kids. Seriously. You have to check it out, even if you don't have any kids. It is really sweet.

http://www.scrappypiglet.blogspot.com/

I thought it would be fun for Isabel to play along. I even let her sit at my desk to work. She was so excited! She learned how to use stickles and perfect pearls last night, so she definitely wanted to try those again. The challenge was to make something showcasing fruit. Isabel picked everything out herself and also put it together with very little help from mommy. I'm so proud!

Isabel's card!

She decided that the back needed a little something, so she decided to draw a picture on it. Please leave her some love. She will be so excited to get some comments. :)

Fun with Life's a Beach

My friend, Kim, loaned me some carts while she was on vacation and I especially had a good time with the new Life's a Beach. Although it is a very theme specific cart, there is SO much on there! Lots of great cuts! It is definitely on my list now. Here is a layout I did of Isabel and her new found swimming skill.

The background paper is usually not my style, but I really felt drawn to use it. I used LOTS of stickles, perfect pearls and my homeade glimmer mist. This was a very cut intensive and technique intensive layout for me. Felt nice to get my hands dirty. See what happens when my hubby and kids leave the house for a while? LOL

Very cute blog candy!

Check out this blog and become a follower for some very sweet paper!
http://createdbyleanne.blogspot.com/
Be sure to browse her site, too. She does BEAUTIFUL work! Very inspiring, great color combos and nice details. :)

Enjoy!