Christmas Bookmarks

ETA: I've had a few emails asking questions about how I made these with the magnets. I apologize for not being clear! :) These bookmarks are the leftover pieces of an A2 card (5.5"x4.25") that I cut down to 4.25" square. So, if you unfolded the bookmark, the piece measures 1.25" x 8.5". I adhered pieces of magnet strip on the inside bottom of the bookmarks. . .right about where "Merry & Bright" is. It "works" by opening the bookmark, sticking the book page in the middle and then closing the bookmark. The magnets will meet up with the book page in between them. Hope that explains it a little better!

Last week before Christmas break, I went into Savannah's kindergarten class to make a craft with the kids. I decided on these magnetic bookmarks made of scraplings. I just LOVE being able to use up scraps of paper, and what better way than to create something that kids will love?


I gave each child a packet of supplies. They each got a different color of paper for the base and the patterned paper matched the base. Also included in the packet was the ribbon, the stamped sentiment, magnets and the black scalloped circle. Each child got to pick and stamp their own image and then I punched that out for them with a circle punch. I expected everyone to choose the snowman, but surprisingly most kids chose "Rudolph". LOL They really loved stamping, coloring and putting their bookmarks together. They thought it was REALLY cool how the bookmark stuck to the page in the book!


I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! I've been busy visiting and enjoying family, so I haven't been able to post. I thought I'd pop in quickly today and share this project with you. Hoping to get more stamping in soon! Thanks for stopping by and I hope you're enjoying your day!

Fall and Winter

I was working on this card with my Polar White Flower Soft and adorable Cute Christmas - Snow Buddies. If you haven't seen these toppers, they are so cool because each set comes with extra pieces that you can layer on top of the base image to give a 3D effect. I've shown a close-up sideways view of the snowman. It adds so much dimension and extra cuteness to the card!

While I was working on the "winter" card, I thought I'd try out a "fall" card too. I used a Stampin' Up stamp set that I haven't used in a while. It's called Nature Silhouettes. I thought it might be fun to add Autumn Flower Soft to the tree and Shamrock Green and Christmas Green to the grass on the silhouette image. I embossed the background of the card with the Bird Call Cuttlebug folder to add to the "outdoors" feel.

Thanks for stopping by today! It's been a busy weekend with school starting tomorrow, and my baby is starting kindergarten! I just can't believe it! She'll be in school ALL DAY. I'm sure I'll get used to it, but it's going to be tough for mommy at first! :) I'll let you know how the first day goes tomorrow!

So Glad We're Friends

This month's Flower Soft Challenge was to use toppers. I used the Country Bicycle Topper for my creation. I've always loved this image and I have someone for whom this card is just perfect! I added some Heather, Baby Pink and Shamrock Green Flower Soft to the image. The basket on the front of the bike as well as the other groupings of flowers look so plush in real life. It's almost as if you could pick the flowers right off the card!

Be sure to check out what the rest of the Flower Soft Team has come up with for today's challenge: AJ Otto, Carole Burrage, Deb Saaranen, Jennifer Buck, Niki Estes, Sharon Johnson, and Valerie Stangle.

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you're having a wonderful weekend!

Weekend Sketch Challenge #90

It's Friday and time for another Weekend Sketch Challenge! Today's sketch is hosted by Laurie, so head on over to her blog to see the sketch and and play along! If you upload to SCS, please use the keyword WSC90.

For my card, I used the Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series paper along with the Miracles Blossom set from Verve Stamps. I also used the Finial Press embossing folder. . .one of my new favorites!

Be sure to see what beautiful creations Beate, Cambria, Jenn, Laurie, Lori, MaryJo and Sharon have created using today's sketch. Thanks for stopping by and have a GREAT day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Miracles Blossom (Verve Stamps); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine), Melon Mambo, Kiwi Kiss (SU); Paper - Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Crushed Curry, Razzleberry Lemonade (SU); Accessories- bling (Darice), oval and scallop oval punches (Marvy Uchida), Rich Razzleberry ribbon, Finial Press embossing folder (SU), blender pen; Finished card measures 4.25" square

Flower Soft Happy Birthday!

Here's a soft, sweet birthday card I made using some Lemon Flower Soft. I just LOVE how light this color is. It makes the flowers look so soft and delicate. I used the Welcome Baby Cuttlebug folder for the background and stamped Happy Birthday on the space that the folder leaves for a die cut sentiment. As a finishing touch, I used some Lemon Tart buttons.

Thank you for stopping by today! I hope you're having a wonderful Sunday! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- A Flower For All Seasons (SU), Everything Happy (Stampendous); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine); Paper- Lemon Tart (PTI); Accessories- oval punch (Marvy Uchida), Lemon Flower Soft (Flower Soft), Lemon Tart buttons (PTI), Welcome Baby Cuttlebug folder (Provocraft), corner rounder, Copic markers; Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Quick and Simple

When I first saw some of the new stamps from Impression Obsession, all I could picture was a super simple card like this. How much easier could it get, right? I stamped the image using Ocean Tides ink and then stamped the sentiment using Onyx Black ink. I used watercolor paper and tore the front edge of the card and sponged some Ocean Tides ink on it. I plan to make a few cards sets as gifts using this card. They will be finished in no time!

Apparently this stamp is sold out over at Stamper's Dream right now, but I will let you know when Michelle plans to have more in stock. Thanks for stopping by today. I hope your week is off to a wonderful start! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- A Day at the Beach (Impression Obsession), Warm Words (SU); Ink- Ocean Tides (PTI), Onyx Black (Versafine); Paper- watercolor (Aquarelle); Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

Weekend Sketch Challenge #70

Time for another Weekend Sketch Challenge! This week's hostess is Lori! If you'd like to play along, head on over to Lori's blog to see the sketch and find out where to post a link to your creation. I decided to use a stamp set I haven't inked up yet. I got Ocean Commotion a little while ago, but haven't had time to play with it. I used a combination of Cuttlebugging and stamping to create my card. The fish was stamped on Pacific Point cardstock in black ink and then I highlighted parts with a white gel pen and added some Waterfall Stickles to make the fish sparkly. Be sure and check out what Beate, Cambria, Jenn, Lori, MaryJo and Sharon. I'm sure they are all fabulous! Thanks for stopping by today and have a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Ocean Commotion, Heard From the Heart (SU); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine); Paper- Pacific Point, Soft Sky, Baja Breeze Kiwi Kiss (SU); Accessories- Welcome Baby and Swiss Dots Cuttlebug folders (Provocraft), Waterfall Stickles, white gel pen, Dew Drops (The Robin's Nest), Kiwi Kiss ribbon (SU); Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Beate Weekend Sketch #69

It's Friday and time for another Weekend Sketch Challenge! I got this Stampin' Up set a little while ago, but this is the first time I've inked it up. . .a shame, I know! Of course, you know which image I HAD to use first, right? LOL I colored the image using Copic markers (with some highlights using a white gel pen) and added one of the tiny butterflies from the Martha Stewart 3 Butterfly punch to the panel. The sentiment is from the Heartfelt Phrases set from Verve.

Be sure and stop to see what Beate, Cambria, Jenn, Laurie, Lori, MaryJo and Sharon have created using this sketch! I can't wait to see! Thanks for stopping by today and have a wonderful weekend! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- A Flower For All Seasons (SU); Heartfelt Phrases (Verve Stamps); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine); Paper- Summer Sunrise, Dark Chocolate (PTI), patterned paper (DCWV); Accessories- Copic markers, paper piercer, brads (Making Memories), Threading Water punch (Fiskars), Summer Sunrise ribbon (PTI), 3 butterfly punch (Martha Stewart), white gel pen; Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25

To You From Me

This is for today's Technique Lover's Challenge on SCS, Cut It Out. . .to cut out a portion of an embossed design or patterned paper and add it to your card. I chose the Flower Circle Cuttlebug folder, which I haven't used in ages. I added a little color with pastels since the plain flower didn't quite look right. I'm still not sure I like the pastels, but at least they're subtle. :)

I don't know about you, but we had some BEAUTIFUL weather this weekend! It was close to 60 degrees, which is WARM for Pittsburgh in February! It's still nice today too. :) Hope your week is off to a great start! Thanks for stopping by today! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Best Yet (SU); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine), Paper- Wild Wasabi, Soft Sky (SU), white (Georgia-Pacific); Accessories- clear button (FooFaLa), Circle Flower and Swiss Dots Cuttlebug folder (Provocraft); Water Dew Drops (The Robin's Nest), pastels, Wild Wasabi double stitched ribbon (SU); Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Be Merry

Here's a simple little card I made using the Dancing Stockings stamp from The Artful Stamper. You can find it at Stamper's Dream. I stamped the image in Versamark ink and embossed it in black. I then watercolored the image to give it a touch of color. The stars have gold glitter glue on them. To complete the image, I used a ruler to draw a box around the image leaving space for the star and for the sentiment. I thought it made the image look more grounded. Don't forget that Stamper's Dream has gift certificates! If you're still looking for a gift for a stamper, these would make GREAT gifts!

On a personal note, I was able to get a good picture of the kids for the Christmas cards. It took a while, but there were a couple where they were all looking at the camera and somewhat smiling. :) I'm excited that I can now send out my Christmas cards! LOL Thanks for stopping by today! Have a wonderful Sunday!


ETA: Sweet Gabriela left a comment that it was unfair of me to say I finally got a good picture for our Christmas cards without posting the picture, so here ya go, Gabriela! :) Thanks for asking! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Dancing Stockings (The Artful Stamper), Warm Words (SU); Ink- Versamark (Tsukineko), Old Olive, More Mustard, Ruby Red, Bordering Blue (SU); Paper- white (Georgia-Pacific), Basic Black (SU); Accessories- gold glitter glue, ruler, Aquapainter; Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Beate Weekend Sketch #67

Another Friday and time for another of Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenges! I'm not thrilled with my card today. It all came together very easily, but you know how sometimes you just don't "feel" it? I just wasn't feeling it. Maybe it's the plain, simple colors. . I don't know. In any case, it's still a simple card I can send to someone. :)

Be sure and see what Beate, Cambria, Jenn,Lori, MaryJo and Sharon have come up with today! I always love seeing their creations! Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Stem Silhouettes (SU); Paper- Prints DS, Tangerine Tango (SU), white (Georgia-Pacific), green (The Paper Company); Ink- Tangerine Tango (SU); Accessories- circle punch, Dew Drop (The Robin's Nest), paper piercer, Old Olive marker, polka dot organdy ribbon (Darice); Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

Happiness Always

I haven't done any of the challenges over at Splitcoast in a while, so I thought I'd head over there today and check out the Try a New Technique Challenge, to make a Triangle Fold Medallion. I had never done one of these before. It took me a little while to figure out how to attach the pieces together, but once I figured it out, it was simple. Anything's easy when you know how to do it, right? LOL I used the Berry Bliss Designer Series paper and some Liquid Pearls in Platinum. It felt good to do one of the challenges again. I'm hoping to get back to them on a more regular basis. Thanks for stopping by today and have a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Happiness Always (SU); Paper- Berry Bliss DS(SU), Dark Chocolate (PTI); Ink- Burnt Umber (Palette); Accessories- rhinestone brad (Darice), paper piercer, wide Chocolate Chip grograin (SU), Liquid Pearls in Platinum; Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Beate Weekend Sketch #64

I can't believe it's Friday already! This week absolutely flew by. I thought that for today's sketch, I would make a card for the day! We're going to a Halloween party tonight and I think we're doing a little trick or treating. We'll see. I used the House of Haunts set from Stampin' UP! I used the circle in the sketch for the moon instead of for a sentiment. To make the card a little more "spooky" I used the zig zag border punch rather than scallops.


Be sure to see what Beate, Cambria, Jenn,Lori, MaryJo and Sharon have come up with for this sketch. I can't wait to see! Whatever your plans are for this evening, have fun and be safe! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- House of Haunts (SU); Paper- Basic Black (SU), white (Georgia-Pacific), yellow (DCWV); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine), Whisper White craft (SU); Accessories- Copic markers, brads (Making Memories), Martha Stewart border punch, 1 3/8" circle punch; Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Beate Weekend Sketch #63

What a sweet sketch from Beate! I just LOVE it! I used my Berry Kiss designer paper to create this card. I remember when I first got this stamp set. It wasn't on my list of "must haves", but I kept seeing such gorgeous creations with it and HAD TO HAVE IT! LOL I thought since it had been sitting for a while, I'd use it! Be sure and stop by to see the gorgeous creations of Beate, Cambria, Jenn, Laurie, Lori, MaryJo and Sharon!



Thanks for stopping by today and have a wonderful day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Essence of Love (SU); Paper- Berry Kiss DS, Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, Rose Red (SU); Ink- Close to Cocoa, Whisper White Craft (SU); Accessories- white organdy polka dot ribbon (May Arts), 1 1/4", 1 3/8" and scallop circle punches (SU), paper piercer, Chocolate Chip marker; Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

Prettie Wednesday

Two weeks ago, Jessie challenged us to make a

card that SPARKLES! So, here is my sparkly card! I used the Trim the Tree Sophia, which is the November Stamp of the Month Club stamp from Paper Pretties. (You have until October 31st to sign up for the club if you want her now!) I put glue all over Trim the Tree Sophia's dress and dunked her in Dazzling Diamonds glitter. Then I used green stickles for her waist band and bow. The ornament is Christmas Stickles. As if that wasn't enough sparkles, I ran a piece of Kiwi Kiss through my Xyron and poured Dazzling Diamonds on the sticky side. The strip of red glitter was made using a piece of sticky strip. This card is VERY sparkly in real life, so I hope Danielle was wearing sunglasses when she opened it! LOL Be sure to see what the other Prettie Girls created for their card that sparkles! Thanks for stopping by! SUPPLIES USED: Trim the Tree Sophia (Paper Pretties), All Holidays (SU); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine); Paper- Kiwi Kiss, Basic Black (SU), white (Georgia-Pacific); Accessories- Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Christmas Red Stickles, green Stickles, scallop border punch (SU); Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Beate Weekend Sketch #62

It's time for another one of Beate's Sketches! I just LOVED this sketch! I always used to make standard 4.25"x5.5" cards. Now I just LOVE to make this size (3"x6") and the 4.25" square. It's been at least a week since I made a long card, so I was excited to use this sketch! :) I used the Pocket Silhouettes set for this card and the Bella Rose Designer paper. I inked up the flower stamp in Red Riding Hood and then colored the stems of the flowers over with an Old Olive marker. Since it "needed" something else, I added the butterfly using the Martha Stewart Royal Butterfly punch. Make sure you stop by to see what gorgeous creations Beate, Cambria, Jenn, Laurie, Lori, MaryJo and Sharon have come up with for this sketch! Thanks for stopping by today and have a WONDERFUL Friday! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Pocket Silhouettes (SU); Paper- Bella Rose, Chocolate Chip (SU); olive (The Paper Company), white (Georgia-Pacific); Ink- Red Riding Hood, Old Olive (SU); Accessories- Chocolate Chip wide grosgrain, 1 3/8" circle punch, Old Olive and Chocolate Chip markers (SU); Royal Butterfly punch (Martha Stewart), paper piercer; Finished card measures 6"x3".

Beate Weekend Sketch #60

Another fun sketch from Beate! I decided to go very simple a plain today. I almost didn't add the brads, but at the last minute I decided the card needed a little something! :) I used the Upsy Daisy stamp set that I JUST got. . .can you believe that? I was probably the last person to get that set. I liked it as soon as I saw it, but it kept getting pushed onto my "next order" list, making room for sets I wanted more. I'm very happy I got it, though. I can see it will be a new favorite! :) Be sure and see what fabulous creations Beate, Cambria, Jenn, Laurie, Lori, MaryJo and Sharon have posted today! Thanks for stopping by and have a WONDERFUL weekend! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Upsy Daisy (SU); Paper- white (Georgia-Pacific), Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss, Basic Black (SU); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine); Accessories- black detail embossing powder (SU), brads (Making Memories); Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

Be Inspired #25

Time for another one of Beate's Inspiration Challenges! Today's was tough for me because of the muted colors. Instead of using the colors to come up with my card, I started with the color blocking. I decided on Kraft, Baja Breeze and So Saffron for the colors. As far as the branches, this was the only tree/branch image I own that I thought would work. It's from the Frightful Night set from Taylored Expressions. Never thought you'd see this tree in such a serene setting, huh? LOL I added Cotton Candy Stickles to give the hint of pink leaves. The sentiment is from the Absolutely Fabulous set.



Don't forget to stop by and see what Beate, Danielle Lounds, Dawn McVey, Jennifer Buck, Silke Ledlow and Susan Roberts have come up with for this challenge. I can't wait to see! Thanks for stopping by and have a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps-Frightful Night (Taylored Expressions), Absolutely Fabulous (SU); Paper- Kraft (PTI), Baja Breeze, So Saffron (SU); Ink- Burnt Umber (Palette); Accessories- paper piercer, duo satin ribbon (May Arts); Finished card measures 4.25" square

Savannah's Birthday Treats

Today is Savannah's day to bring in treats at school, and it's also her birthday celebration in school. Besides the "healthy" snack she's taking in, I wanted to send in something for a birthday treat. I was blog surfing this past week and found this ADORABLE treat holder on Angie Kennedy Juda's blog. When I made them this weekend, I had to make up my own measurements since she didn't have that listed yet, but I saw today that Angie put up an awesome video tutorial! My version ended up being a little bigger than Angie's, but I was going by the size of the little bags of Skittles I was putting in them. I started with a 3.5"x6.5" piece of cardstock and scored at 2", 3" and 5.5". I put a piece of sticky strip inside the holder so that the bag of Skittles wouldn't slide out. To hold them closed, I put a staple that is covered up by the bug. I'd probably use velcro or something like that if I weren't doing it for kids, but I know they'll probably tear it open to get the candy anyway. (GASP!) LOL So I made 26 of these and they really did go very fast. So, follow the link above to see Angie's video tutorial, and you can make them a little smaller like hers or a little bigger like mine. . .or a size all your own to fit the treats that you want to use! :) Thanks for stopping by today! Have a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Bugs and Fishes (Paper Pretties), Bugs and Kisses (SU), Hugs and Kisses (Cornish Heritage Farms); Paper- Pure Poppy (PTI), Basic Black (SU), white (Georgia-Pacific); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine); Accessories- 1" and 1 1/4" circle punches, scallop punch, Real Red marker (SU), lollipop ribbon; Finished treat measures approx. 3.5"x2.75"

Beate Weekend Sketch #59

I just LOVED today's sketch from Beate. My card ended up totally different than I had imagined. I kept wanting to add some things, but my husband stopped me. LOL I used the Happiness Always Hostess set. The butterflies are stamped in Tangerine Tango and Chocolate Chip, with emerald rhinestones added to the body. I stamped the grass from the Inspired By Nature set on the background. For the sentiment, I inked up portions of the sentiment at a time and stamped it in order to fit on the circle. Make sure you stop by and see what Beate, Cambria, Jenn, Laurie, Lori, MaryJo and Sharon have created using this sketch! Thanks for stopping by today! Tomorrow is Savannah's birthday party, so I'll be running around putting the finishing touches on everything! Hope you have a wonderful weekend! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Happiness Always, Inspired by Nature (SU); Paper- Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip (SU); Ink- Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip (SU); Accessories- paper piercer, 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop circle punch (SU), rhinestones, polka dot organdy ribbon (May Arts), Chocolate Chip marker; Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"