Happy Birthday, Dad

Any reason for a celebration is glorious in my book.  This world needs more joy and happiness...  The difficulty, I've found, is making a birthday card masculine - for those moments that require creativity for the men in my life.  How in the piles of buttons, flowers, and bright colors can you create something for a man - that isn't completely embarrassing for him to receive?

My latest attempt at crafting masculinity:

I began scowering my stash of crafting supplies for browns, blues and greens.  Yes, I realize that those colors aren't distinctly male but for the 70+ year old recipient, no doubt they are preferred to pinks.  I used a grey card backing and began layering, tearing, and inking. 

First, I cut out a white sheet and ink the outer edge with two ink colors (Tim Holtz Distressed Ink).  After which, I made little incisions and peeled back the paper to add a vintage quality. 

Next, I tied twine around a banner I cut out and continued by using punches to add various shapes and colors; adding buttons for additional embellishment.  

I just hope he enjoys the finished product!

Materials:

• Paper: DCWV Paper Packs, Recollections Paper Packs, kraft, white and colored cardstock
• Stamps: Market Street Stamps - Simple Salutations
• Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Inks - Vintage Photo and Paper, Memento Ink - Tuxedo Black
• Embellishments: Twinery Twine, buttons, self-adhesive gems, alphabet chip board, embellished stick pin
• Other: Fiskars - Trimmer, circle punch, square punch, scissors, and scalloped circle punch, black paint and fabri-tac

Robot - Happy Birthday

I need to admit something: nerdiness makes me happy.  I decided to take a moment and dive into my geeky roots for this next card. 

I built my very own robot. Isn't she adorable? 

Materials:

• Paper: Reflections Paper Stack, Color Cardstock
• Stamps: Paper Smooches Sentiment Stamps
• Other: Twinery twine, googly eyes, Fiskars - heart punch, paper trimmer, corner punch, Memento - Tuxedo Black Ink, Fabritac, wire, flower, self adhesive gems.

Sorry About Your Broken Heart...

There are no words that can stop pain in its tracks.  No matter how hard we try and protect those we love, life happens...  Sympathy cards are some of the most difficult.  The following was created for a friend that just lost a loved one.  I can't say anything to take away the loss but I hope I can offer my love and support during the difficult moments. My prayers and thoughts go out to all those hurting.

Materials:

• Paper: Colored Cardstock
• Stamps: Unity Stamps - Stitched Up Heart
• Embellishments: Sewing machine, Twinery twine
• Other: Fiskars Trimmer, Copics - Lipstick Red, Memento Ink Pad - Tuxedo Black, Fabritac, Tim Holtz - Chipboard

Inner Beauty - Beach House and Be Inspired Challenges

Time for a couple challenges!  Both Fusion and Unity had great parameters this week. I used the color scheme from Fusion and a portion from Unity (using a Unity stamp for the main sentiment).

Fusion's Challenge:

Unity's Challenge:

Firstly, a beautiful wallpaper pattern was used for the main background.  I then added a yellow pattern to the top and a blue pattern to the bottom in a diamond-type formation.  Saving the sentiment for last, lace and twine was adhered next.  Finally getting dimension through chipboard underneath the sentiment and completion with the pearls on the corners.

Materials:

• Paper: DCWV Paper Packs
• Stamps: Unity Stamp Company
• Embellishments: Self adhesive gems, Martha Stewart lace, Twinery twine
• Other: Tim Holtz chipboard, Memento Ink Pad - Tuxedo Black, Fiskars - trimmer, corner punch, Fabritac

Let's Party, Cupcake...

It's time for a challenge. This week's Anything Goes Paper Smooches challenge was the inspiration for my card.

I began this project by using watercolor as a base.  I was excited to finally attempt watercolor in this latest card.  I kept it simple and LOVE how it turned out.  I think there will be a great deal of watercolor in my future.  I used one of the digital images (the cupcake) as the main theme.  Added a Paper Smooches sentiment underneath and added some gems for added dimension and completion.  All in all, I want cake and to PARTY!

Materials:

• Paper Smooches Digital Image and sentiment stamps
• Copic markers, Memento Ink - Tuxedo Black
• Self Adhesive gems, Tim Holtz Chipboard
• Watercolor
• Colored and white cardstock

Daisy - One of a Kind

Some days I just want to make the people in my life feel extra special.  This card was designed for that purpose.  On a normal day, this card will be sent to someone I love just to remind them that they are irreplaceable in my life.  

I started with a classic black and white theme hoping the color in the flower would stand-out on the background all the more.  I used Copic Markers to color-in the daisy; while adding a chip-board piece under the sentiment for a little dimension...

...eventually adding gems in two corners for completeness. 

Materials:

• Paper: Black and white standard cardstock
• Ink: Memento - Tuxedo Black
• Stamps: Unity Stamp - Layers of Life and Unity Grab Bag Special Collection 2
• Embellishments: Chipboard and self-adhesive gems
• Other: Fiskars Trimmer, Fabri-tac, Copic Markers

Thank YOU, Professor - A Wise Owl

Each of us have people that come into our lives that make a difference.  Individuals that inspire you to work harder, learn more and be better.  Just like the wise owl in The Sword in the Stone.   This past spring, I had a professor that did just that.  He challenged me to grow as a person.  So, when the end of the semester came, I wanted to show him just how much his tutelage meant to me. What better than a card?

This professor always dressed the part.  Every day coming to class in shined shoes and a tie.  In honor of his impressive style choices, I made a dress shirt and tie card.  I wanted to reflect his personality and preferences.  I must admit that I tied a fair number of paper ties before I finally landed on the following.  Either way, it is now out of my hands and in his.  A BIG thank you again, Professor!

Materials:

• Paper: Kraft, DCWV Cardstock
• Accessories: Brads, Tim Holtz Paper Clips
• Fiskars: Paper Trimmer
• Adhesive: Fabritac and a Glue Stick

See You Later, Alligator!

I am currently lamenting the loss of a dear friend of mine.  This card was inspired by a close friend moving to the other side of the country.  Seriously, from California all the way to Washington, DC.  He will be dearly missed and the following was made for a group to sign and present to him at a farewell camp-out...

Materials:

• Paper: Kraft, DCWV Paper Pack
• Stamps: Unity Stamp Company
• Ink: Memento Black and White, Copic Markers
• Embellishments: Self Adhesive Gems and Tim Hotlz Chip Board
• Other: Fiskars Trimmer and Rounded Corner Punch

Feeling Happy - The Return

After a year's hiatus, I am back with a crafting vengeance.  I am refreshed and ready to make-up for some lost time.  But first, below are some pictures from the last year showing some of the exploits that took me away from crafting.

It's been a glorious year but it is time to get back in to the groove of crafting.  Below is a card I made for a friend's birthday.  She's one of the most important people in my life and was a great way to restart my crafting fever.

Materials:

• DCWV Cardstock, Kraft Paper
• Fiskars Trimmer and Corner Punch
• Fabritac
• Twinery Twine
• Self Adhesive Gems