I Made It! Creations

Prairie Paper & Ink Sketch Card

2009-04-17T11:52:00.000-07:00

Today I did some blog hopping and was really inspired by Amy Rysavy's Friday Sketch. So here is my take on it. I have been wanting to use my new TAC stamp set called "Little Cupcake," which is featured in the Spring Serendipity Magalogue. This set is too cute; a must have! Of course, I reached for one of my favorite TAC paper lines, "Mimi," because the colors pair perfectly with cupcakes and sweets! And doesn't black & white ribbon make everything look better? I seem to be stuck on it! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Supply List:

Papers: Black CS, White CS, DCWV Scalloped CS, Mimi Printed paper

Stamps: Little Cupcake

Ink: Palette Noir

Embellishments: Crystal Stickles, ribbon

Tools: Tag punch, Pop Dots, Water Color Pencils, Dove Blender, Sanding Block

All materials available from The Angel Company. Contact me today for more information!

Sketch Card #69

2009-04-15T16:21:00.000-07:00

Today I took some time to tidy up my crafty things...finally...what a relief! I also decided to have a go at Heather Scott's Monday Sketch Challenge. Gotta say that I love the sketch this week! To make this card, I used TAC's new "Graphic Blooms" set paired with an old favorite, "Artsy Elements". The sentiment is from the "Ordinary Greetings" set.

I didn't keep track of the inks that I used; there were so many! I cut out all my flowers and bent the petals to give a 3D effect. One flower is popped up using Pop-Dots and also features a Shimmer Brad. Love this little touch of bling!

Tomorrow I go back to the Dr. for a 6 week post-op check-up and x-rays. Hopefully, I will be able to get back to most of my normal activities really soon. I want to thank Barb, Laurie, and Sarah for their get well cards. Thank you, ladies; this was so thoughtful & definitely brightened my spirits!

Since I've had some time on my hands while recovering from surgery, I've been reading. I love to read, but I typically don't have the time. One of my friends suggested the Twilight books. OK, have you read them? I am totally hooked now. Yes, I've read all 4 books and own the movie on DVD. Yeah, they are a little far-fetched, but the love story is great. Can't wait until the New Moon movie comes out next fall! Most of my friends have been laughing at me reading these 'young adult' books, but I saw a 40+ something lady at Wal-Mart the other day sporting a Twilight t-shirt. So, I feel a little better & btw--I haven't bought a t-shirt...yet!

I'm Back!

2009-03-31T11:26:00.001-07:00

Wow, it's been awhile! It's so good to be back creating and enjoying it again! I 'involuntarily' took a month off because of some back trouble. After a 5 hr. surgery, some rods and screws, I am doing much, much better.

I've struggled with back problems on and off for the past 10 yrs. I had one surgery at the age of 25, right after the birth of my first child...needless to say, not a very comfortable pregnancy! I had been nearly pain free for the past 10 yrs.--up until the last year or so. I had gradually been getting worse until I got d-o-w-n--down! Seriously, it was all I could do to get up and go to the bathroom. The pain was incredible! Thank heaven for modern medicine. I'm not thrilled with the fact that I have to modify some of my activities from now on, but, I can walk & I am just so thankful for this.

It has been 4 weeks since my surgery, and I am making slow progress. I naively thought it would be a quick and easy recovery-ha. Now I know better! Although I am still a little stiff and sore, I am getting around pretty good and am walking more and more each day. I am so sick of daytime TV--yuck! Trust me, I know way too much about the Game Show Network programming lineup than anyone my age should! I did, however, read Twilight last week and I rented the movie Sunday. I'm officially hooked and have ordered the rest of the books in the series! This will keep me busy for awhile!

Since I hadn't made anything in a long, long time, I decided to start with Heather's Monday Sketch. She always has great inspiration at her site, and this was just what I needed to get going again. Don't you love the background image on this card? This image is from TAC's "Victorian Elements" set which debuted in the Spring Serendipity Magalogue. Love, love this set! Great to be back!

Where Does the Time Go?

2009-02-12T16:13:00.001-08:00

With the warm temperatures that we've been having lately, I could definitely get in the mood for Spring! Hopefully, it's right around the corner. I never can remember what the Groundhog's shadow is all about, so I'm just going to cross my fingers and hope that Spring is here soon!

Here's a scrapbook page that I recently made using a new stamp set from TAC's new Serendipity magalogue. The set is called "Edge Designs" & it is so versatile. The set has frilly, elegant images as well as versatile images like the one featured here.

This page features a picture of my oldest son. He was pitching in a tournament last summer. I can't believe baseball season will be here before you know it. He is actually attending a baseball camp on Feb. 21st!

Let's Party!

2009-02-01T19:47:00.000-08:00

What did you think of the Super Bowl? I like Big Ben and the Steelers, but I was rooting for the underdogs this year. What a heartbreaker for the Cardinals. Anywho, here is a fun invitation that I submitted for a TAC contest. I love the pink, black, and white together. Would be fun for Valentine's Day, too. I used the TAC set "Celebration Invitation" and a pattern from TAC's Mimi collection paired w/black and white CS. I am so into the scallops lately too--adds that just right touch. Have a great week!

Frosty Creation

2009-01-20T19:27:00.000-08:00

Once I saw Barb's card, I had to make one of my very own!!! I love her idea to use Crystal Stickles in the tree...don't think I ever would have thought of it on my own! I don't know how well my photograph picks up this detail, but the Stickles really does give the tree a frosty, icy look. Just right for this time of the year!

Mistakes that Work

2009-01-18T16:56:00.000-08:00

I'm notorious for ruining a card at the last minute... Yeah, I get it looking just about right, and then decide it needs one more thing. The only problem is, is that 'one more thing' goes on crooked, gets smeared, you get the picture! I'm surely not the only one who has this curse, am I? Take this card for example. I decided at the last minute to add the 'friendship' sentiment. Should have done this before I glued down the coral strip, eh? So, I stamp it on and I get a line from the edge of my image--aaaarg! So, I decided to ink a line from the edge of a set that I just cut & tossed into the trash. (That's my line there in the background)! I made little 'lines' all over the ivory background, and, voila--a mistake that works! (I'm telling myself it looks like bamboo, 'kay?) Well, whether it does or not, I can live with it!

This card was inspired by Heather's Sketch. Check out her blog for some amazing Angel Art!

Healthy Recipe to Share

2009-01-02T17:07:00.000-08:00

Is one of your New Year's Resolution to eat healthier? Well, I never can keep those pesky New Year's Resolutions, kwim? But I have been able to try a few new recipes over the holiday break, and they just so happen to be healthy recipes... and...the family approves--score! Here's an easy to make soup that I adapted to our tastes that is super easy on the waistline:

Chicken Fiesta Soup 3 cans chicken broth

1 cup cooked boiled chicken, cut into small chunks 1 can black beans (rinsed well)

2 teaspoons olive oil 1/2 chopped onion 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 can green chillis

3/4 teaspoon cumin

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Chopped fresh cilantro (optional) Monterey Jack chesse, grated (optional) Tortilla chips, crushed (optional)

Saute garlic and onion in olive oil until lightly browned. Add drained green chillis. Stir well and remove from heat. Pour chicken broth into soup pan, add chicken chunks and beans. Stir in chillis, garlic, and onion. Add spices & simmer. I like lots & lots of chopped cilantro sprinkled on mine just before eating, while my boys want gobs of cheese and chips on top of theirs--go figure.

Happy New Year! & A Sketch Card

2009-01-01T08:19:00.000-08:00

Here is a 4 x 8 card that I made using a sketch over at Paper Craft Planet. I used all papers from the Reece paper collection from The Angel Company. Images I used are from TAC's 'Vintage Christmas' and Level A Hostess Set called 'Feel Better.' Along the edges of the circle patterned paper, I used TAC's 'Running Stiches' set. This set is great because it gives you the look of sewn stitching, but is done with a stamp (for people like me who can't sew)! If you are interested in any of these sets, or would like to take advantage of the 50% off January stamp special, please contact me using the email link located in the top right hand sidebar.

Great New Special from The Angel Company

2009-01-01T07:53:00.000-08:00

Splitcoast Stamper's Inspiration Challenge

2008-12-27T20:12:00.000-08:00

I couldn't resist inking up a little tonight now that the cleaning is done and stuff is semi-organized for our family get together tomorrow. Here is the card I made for an inspiration challenge at Splitcoast Stampers featuring MacKenzie Childs products. I'd never been to their site, but I love their products--Very modern, bold, and geometric! Lots of fun!

Images of Christmas

2008-12-27T11:19:00.000-08:00

My boys both agreed that we had the best Christmas ever this year! Santa was sooo good to them! Their favorite gift is Guitar Hero World Tour. We have been rockin' out around here. Let me tell ya, we do a pretty mean rendition of 'Livin' on a Prayer.'

Pictured are the boys playing World Tour upstairs, gingerbread houses that we decorated, cupcakes and milk left out for Santa, and my attempt at making homemade noodles! This was my first try ever, and they turned out ok I think!

No stamping lately! Just a lot of playing with the new toys, cleaning, reorganizing, and getting ready for my family's Christmas which will be tomorrow. Lots to do before then! Hope each of you had a wonderful Christmas!

Contemporary Cool

2008-12-18T16:40:00.000-08:00

Here's a picture of a card I submitted for a TAC contest called "Contemporary Cool." I'm always drawn to black and white; I just love the crisp, modern feel you can get using these 2 colors. If you love stamping, you should really consider becoming a TAC Angel. Not only will you meet some of the nicest people ever, you can participate in contests open exclusively to angels. If you win a contest, you get free stamps! What a deal! Lucky me, this card won this category and I get to start picking out stamps! Woo hoo! If you'd like to learn more about becoming a TAC Angel, drop me a line using the email link above. Happy stamping!

The Return of Retro Santa

2008-12-06T07:53:00.000-08:00

My mom bought this felt santa advent calendar about 26 or 27 years ago (I would guess) at a craft fair in Grove, Oklahoma. Of course, my brother and I thought it was the coolest thing ever, and it served as quite a motivator for us to climb out of our snuggly beds in the morning to race and put the little felt creations in Santa's pockets. This Santa has been stashed away for quite awhile. Too 'groovy' too make an appearance among anyone's traditional decor over the last few decades. This year, however, Retro Santa returns! My Christmas decor this year is pretty modern with reds, white, and mostly lime green. I've also decorated my kitchen with gingerbread items, so his candied checks and brightly colored pockets fit right in! I'm so excited that this amazing creation is back! My boys are enjoying it as much as my brother and I did!

On the 4th Day of Christmas...

2008-12-01T18:54:00.000-08:00

I took another challenge at Paper Craft Planet. The challenge today was to make a card that has a bird or some type of communication device. I had already started this owl card, so I finished it up and submitted it for the challenge. My own challenge was to step away from the Kraft paper. I actually made a card without any Kraft-woo hoo! I'm sure I'll go back to it before too long, but for now, sigh, I actually really like this Kraftless creation!

Dontcha just love this owl stamp? It is from the TLC supplement & the set is called 'Artsy Owls'! Love it!

Materials Used:

Stamps: Artsy Owls, My Journey (sentiment), Deco Designs

Ink: Palette Noir, Palette Noir (stippled on White CS)

Paper: White CS, Bazzill Monochromatic (Yellow Greens), Black CS Strips, Black CS

Accessories/Tools: Mini Tag, Ribbon, Prismacolor Watercolor Pencils

12 Days of Christmas Challenge

2008-11-30T09:03:00.000-08:00

At Paper Craft Planet, there is a 12 Days of Christmas Challenge going on right now. This site is new to me, but it's quickly becoming one of my favorites. Be sure to check it out! This picture shows what I made for the 3rd Day of Christmas (today). For this challenge you are to use hens, chickens, or owls to make a card. I just got TAC's 'Deco Designs' set...perfect timing! (These are hens, right?) I need to step away from the Kraft paper; but I just can't help myself. I have the new 'Retro Owls' set, so I think I'll challenge myself to make a card using owls, but no Kraft paper. Can it be done? Stay tuned!

Materials Used:

Papers: Mimi Printed paper, Bazzill Monochromatic Yellow Greens CS, Scarlet CS, Kraft CS

Stamps: Deco Designs, Level A Hostess Set 'Just for You'

Ink: Palette Cognac, Palette Moulin Rouge, Palette Landscape

Accessories: Red Scrapper's Floss

All supplies available from The Angel Company. Contact me for more information!

SCS Sketch Challenge

2008-11-28T19:10:00.000-08:00

This evening I found some time to ink up and take a challenge at Splitcoaststampers. There is a great sketch this week; and I was inspired to make a holiday card. I love the homespun feel you can get using Kraft paper!

Materials Used:

Paper: Kraft CS, Scarlet CS, Reece Printed paper

Stamps: Birdy Holiday & Level A Hostess Set 'Just for You'

Ink: Palette L'Amour Red

Accessories: Crystal Stickles, Copper Mini Brads

Anticipation

2008-11-28T11:49:00.001-08:00

The boys are so excited for Christmas. We spent all day Wed. and part of today decorating. We are having my family over this year for Christmas so the boys insisted on putting out all of the decorations so we can have "the best Christmas ever." Here's some pics of one of my most prized possessions--my Bedford Falls village inspired from my all-time favorite movie, "It's a Wonderful Life." The boys love all of the messy 'snow' that we use to decorate the village with. They had a blast sprinkling it all over the rooftops and the ground. I hear there might be some real snow falling around here in a few days. I hope so! I am one of the few people who looooves snow!

List for Santa!

2008-11-19T17:08:00.000-08:00

Well, I know--I already shared a Christmas take along shopping list, but I gave that particular one away! I made a new one (for me) tonight, and I got my son to fill out his wish list for Santa. I've been making one of these since this particular TAC set (Christmas Checklist) came out & I've been saving them each year. It's fun to see what the boys have on their Christmas lists each year and how their interests change. What fun! Now, let's just hope Logan can stay on the "nice" list...

Christmas Shopping

2008-11-16T14:19:00.000-08:00

I'm soooo excited because I have gotten a little bit of my Christmas shopping done. More exciting than this is that I actually have everything pretty much planned out as far as who is getting what! Now, I just need to get it on paper before I forget everything! Today I've been working on some take-along, throw in your purse type shopping lists. Here's a picture of one that I made.

Materials Used:

Stamps: Christmas Checklist

Ink: Palette Noir

CS: Ivory US, Bazzill Reed, Scarlett

Accessories: Scrapper's Floss, Ribbon

This little project is super simple to make and is one easy way to simplify your holiday shopping! I have to say that I love the "Christmas Checklist" stamp set from the Angel Company. These images are fun and functional; just right to get you in the Christmas Spirit!

Last Year, I Blew it!

2008-11-08T18:19:00.000-08:00

Last year I bought my oldest son some Wii accessories--one of which was a controller. It didn't work & the store I bought it from would not take it back...without a receipt! As the boys get older and their wish lists fill with electronics and other pricey items, I am going to HAVE to do better about keeping my receipts. So this year--I vowed I wouldn't blow it again. To help me keep this vow, I altered a top loading envelope to house all of them. I already have my first receipt in there--yeah--I actually have bought my first big gift of the season & it is for my Mom--who is usually the hardest for me to buy for. Go figure!!! TAC has lots of stamps, papers, and other products that can help you stay organized this holiday season. Contact me for more information!

It's Beginning to Look (& Feel) a Lot Like Christmas!

2008-11-08T17:02:00.000-08:00

Brrr! It was around 40 degrees today for a high--a far cry from one week ago today when temps. where in the upper 70s!

Last night, I had 8 ladies join me in an Advent Calendar class. It was a blast! I busted out the Christmas music, holiday punch, and cranked up the heat!

Making these calendars is quite a task--especially if you like the eclectic, vintage feel & choose to pull in a wide variety for your numbers. I didn't get a picture of everyone's calendar as some opted to finish at home. Jill & Kristen finished theirs, however, and here they are!!! Jills's is on top, Kristen's at the bottom. Don't they look fantastic? We used papers from the Mimi SWIC from The Angel Company. I am so looking forward to displaying mine this year! Helping everyone with theirs last night has inspired me to try yet another one. I may use a different TAC paper line on the next one; we'll see! Stay tuned!

Homeade Caramel Apples

2008-10-25T19:26:00.000-07:00

What would fall be without caramel apples? My mom has the best recipe for them:

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 cup sugar

1 cup white syrup (Karo)

dash salt

Cook until sugar has dissolved--about 4-5 minutes in the microwave stirring after each minute. Add 1 Tblsp. real butter and 1 tsp. vanilla after cooking.

Very easy & soooo delicious! Of course, you can make these the old fashioned way on a stick, but we usually just cut up apples and spoon over while the caramel is still warm. Enjoy!

Simple & Sophisticated

2008-10-21T17:18:00.000-07:00

After visiting Nichole Heady's blog awhile back, I was inspired to try an invitation, place cards, and menu--TAC style. Here's what I came up with.

Now I just need to have a fancy party! Wouldn't that be fun? I may try to do invitations for Thanksgiving since we've been having it at our house the last few years. We'll see!

Supplies:

Paper: Willoughby Printed Paper, Ivory CS
Ink: VersaMagic Spanish Olive, Palette Noir
Stamps: Swirlies
Accessories: Willoughby Ribbon

We have a winner!

2008-10-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you who took the time to share your favorite holiday traditions.

Probably my favorite tradition is watching my favorite movie, 'It's a Wonderful Life,' with my family. I also have a village of Bedford Falls that we all set up--which we all really get into. Right after Thanksgiving, the boys and I make homemade gift tags with stamps and papers which is messy but fun!

The winner of the blog candy giveaway is: Stampmouse!!! Visit her blog for some great creative inspiration. Thanks for playing along everyone!