Birthday Cards

          Happy Saturday Ya'll! I hope you all are enjoying your weekend so far! So far mine is consisting of keeping an eye on what is currently Tropical Storm Erika. Thank goodness for the ability to get crafty because should we be affected by this storm I more than likely will be without power since that is how past storms have been. The last tropical storm we were without power for 3 days, then shortly after that a hurricane had us without power for 5 days, and the next hurricane for 7 days. I was not crafting at that time so those days really seemed to linger. I hope none of you are affected by this storm or any other storms for that matter and that you all will be safe.
          Well, on to a happier subject and show you what today's blog is all about ;) I made a card for my mom's birthday but never shared it with you all so I will be doing that today, plus it was my aunt's birthday this week so I made a card for her too. I love both cards, but I really-really love how my aunt's card turned out and I hope you all will like it just as much also. I am going to start off with showing you her card first since I am so head over heals about it :)
          This shaker card measures 5 ½” x 5 ½”. Using a stamp set from My Favorite Things I made my own plaid background and with a stamp set from The Stamps Of Life I made the the polka dot background used for the shaker part. I am having a blast making my own backgrounds and pattern papers. By making my own I am really able to stretch my ink and cardstock compatibility. If your just starting out with stamping I highly recommend you purchase a couple stamp sets that will allow you to build/design your own background and pattern papers. A perfect example of why, is that when making this card I didn't have any papers to match the cardstock I was wanting to use. I didn't want to deal with driving over 30 minutes to the store nor did I want to spend money on more papers. Fortunately because I had some stamp sets that would enabled me to create my own paper I didn't have to. In the event you don't have any stamp sets you could always create your patterns with markers, rulers, inking or outlining dies and embossing folders. There is no limit to what you can do. For the shaker elements I didn't have any crafting sequins but I did however have nail art sequins since I am a Nail Technician. So I just used those instead. I also didn't have any acetate sheets for the shaker window so I found a old die package and just cut a piece of the clear packaging. Don't hesitate to take chances and think outside the box because most of the time you can find ways or non-crafty items to use on your creations.

Card Front

Card Front after being shaken.

Inside of Card. (Unfortunately the camera didn't pick up the Wink of Stella sparkle I added to the candles)

Back of card (Again you can't see the sparkle I added but in person it looks so awesome)

          I will list all the supplies I used after I show you the card I made for my mom's birthday. I apologize for the zebra blanket I used for the photo's background but at that time I didn't have my Foldio 2 yet. Now for my mom's card I used the largest jumbo balloon die from a Simon Says die set to make a 4 ½” x 5 ½” sized card. I went just slightly bigger than the standard A2 card because I wanted to be able to showcase as much of those fantastic big balloons. Since the balloons hung over the edge of the cardstock base, I simply just cut off the parts hanging over. I used Multi Matte Medium to adhere the embroidery thread down to the card as well as shape it. That stuff is amazing! Then I did some stamping and added some die cutting peices like the candle. Viola!

Card Front

Inside of Card

Well that's wraps up the cards I have for you today but before I go I just wanted to remind you again about the STAMPtember event coming soon from Simon Says Stamp. I will be sharing sneaky peeks of some products being released so keep checking back. You won't want to miss getting a glimpse of these adorable and fabulous goodies! Also in October it will be my 2 year Blog-A-Versary so I will be having a giveaway to celebrate my subscribers. I would love to increase my follower numbers so I will definitely be giving away 1 prize but if I can be graciously blessed to reach 200 followers by then I will give away 2 prizes, 300 would mean 3 prizes, and so on. So please be sure to follow my blog and tell your friends to do the same. Thank you so much for visiting my blog today! I hope you will stop by again soon! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Supply List - Card 1
*My Favorite Things Cardstock -  Spearmint
*My Favorite Things Cardstock - Banana Split
*Recollections Cardstock - Pink Buttons
*Georgia Pacific White Cardstock
*My Favorite Things - Spearmint Ink Pad
*My Favorite Things - Banana Split Ink Pad
*My Favorite Things - Cotton Candy Ink Pad
*My Favorite Things - Plaid Background Builder Stamp Set
*My Favorite Things - Celebrate Big Stamp Set
*Simon Says Stamp - Birthday Balloons Stamp Set
*The Stamps Of Life - Candles4Birthday Stamp Set 
*The Stamps Of Life - Bubblegum4me Stamp Set
*Wink of Stella - Clear Glitter Pen
*Yellow Embroidery Floss (for the bow)
*Sequins (I didn't have any so I used nail art sequins)
*Clear Acetate

Supply List - Card 2
*Simon Says Stamp - Balloon Dies
*The Stamps Of Life - Candles4Birthday Stamp Set
*The Stamps Of Life - Candle Club Die Set
*My Creative Time - Stitched Rectangular Frame Dies & More
*Recollections Cardstock - Pink Buttons
*Recollections Cardstock - CoolWater or Purple Passion or Soda Pop (all of these have a purple that matches the purple I used)
*Georgia Pacific White Cardstock
*The Paper Studio - The Basics Paperpack
*My Favorite Things - Grape Jelly Ink Pad
*Stampin' Up - Melon Mambo Ink Pad 
*Matching Embroidery Floss (for the balloon strings)

Supply List - Other supplies used
*Tombow Adhesive
*Scor-Pal/Scor-Tape/Sookwang Tape 
*Scotch Foam Mounting Tape
*Card/Plate holder purchased from Michael's Crafts
*The Stamps of Life - Custom Made Personalized Stamp (used to stamp very back of card)
*Michele R Designs - Custom Made Personalized Watermark 
*Sizzix Big Shot Machine
*Sizzix Magnetic Platform 
*Foldio 2 Portable Photo Studio
*Scoreboard
*American Crafts/Cut Up 9" Paper Trimmer
*Multi Matte Medium .5oz

Challenges Entered 
*Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes Wednesday Challenge (only the first card was entered)
*Crop Stop Linky Party #7 (only the first card was entered)


(Disclaimer: Any supply links listed above are links solely being used as a guide to show you what those items are. Some links may come directly from the manufacturer while others may not. Unless otherwise stated all products were purchased with my own money and in no way am I affiliated with these links nor the businesses associated with them. Please use discretion should you choose to shop from the links listed above. Thank you)

Word Art Wednesday Challenge #198

          Hello everyone! Hope everyone is having a fantastic week so far. I am back to share my Design Team Creation for Word Art Wednesday Challenge #198. I am so super excited about the card I have for you today! I am loving the colors I chose because I went outside of my usual color palette and used grey's. I still threw a little pink in there to keep it my style but the overall colors are grey's.
          Today's card is a stand-up card measuring 4 ½" x 5 ½". I used a beautiful stamp set from KennyK called Teen Style. I love how classy and fun this image is. I also love that it reminds me of myself when I was younger as well as reminds me of my daughter. In case you haven't figured it out yet my daughter is my little mini-me, lol! This set also comes with adorable little accessory stamps and even a cute little puppy, but I chose just to use the main image for today. If you would like to join in on the Word Art Wednesday Challenge just click here to be taken to the Word Art Wednesday blog and find out all the details. We would love to have you join us plus when you participate you have a chance to win some great prizes!
           Before I move onto my card I wanted to let you know that this Saturday I will be featuring a couple birthday cards on my blog. Since you are used to me posting on Wednesdays I thought I would give you a heads up so that way you can be sure to swing by. Also if your a fan of Simon Says Stamp's you may have heard they are having a STAMPtember Party which is fast approaching. Woo Hoo! I was was very fortunate to be blessed with some of their awesome goodies and I will be doing some sneaky peeks so please keep checking back for those as well :)
          Thanks you so much for stopping by today! As always I would be so grateful if you would show me some love by leaving a comment as well as becoming a subscriber to my blog. I wish you all a very blessed and wonderful week!

 

Card in the stand-up posititon

Close up of my colored image

Supplies Used:
*KennyK Clear Stamps - Teen Style
*Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers - colors used FS2,TN2,PP1,PP5,TB1,TB2,TB3,TB5,IG1,IG2,IG4,IG6,IG8,IG10,EB1,EB2,EB7,GB8,GB10
*White Jelly Roll Pen (to add highlights on the eyes)
*Copic Multiliner Pens (to add black details - This pen allows lines or detailing to be added yet will still work with the Spectrum Noir Alcohol markers so any added black lines will not bleed)
*Recollections Cardstock - Neutral
*Recollections Cardstock - Dreamy
*The Paper Studio - The Basics Paperpack
*Georgia Pacific White Cardstock
*Tombow Adhesive
*Tombow Dot Adhesive
*Scor-Pal/Scor-Tape/Sookwang Tape 
*Scotch Foam Mounting Tape
*Card/Plate holder purchased from Michael's Crafts
*The Stamps of Life - Custom Made Personalized Stamp (used to stamp very back of card)
*Michele R Designs - Custom Made Personalized Watermark 
*Sizzix Big Shot Machine
*Sizzix Magnetic Platform 
*Foldio 2 Portable Photo Studio
*Scoreboard
*American Crafts/Cut Up 9" Paper Trimmer
*American Crafts/Cut Up Cartridge Paper Trimmer
*Multi Matte Medium .5oz
*Multi Matte Medium 1oz (with brush)
*Multi Matte Medium 4oz.
*Studio G - Rhinestones/Jewels
*Embroidery Floss (for the bow)

Challenges Entered -
*Spectrum Noir - August Anything Goes Challenge
*CropStop Linky Party #7
*KennyK - Challenge #201 (This my first time entering a KennyK Challenge and this one has a twist but it's also an anything goes challenge so I am not sure if my creation will qualify for the challenge but I am entering it and we will find out)
*Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes Wednesday Challenge
 

(Disclaimer: Any supply links listed above are links solely being used as a guide to show you what those items are. Some links may come directly from the manufacturer while others may not. Unless otherwise stated all products were purchased with my own money and in no way am I affiliated with these links nor the businesses associated with them. Please use discretion should you choose to shop from the links listed above. Thank you)

Word Art Wednesday Challenge #197

          Howdy ya'll! I hope you all are having a beautiful morning so far! I am back with Word Art Wednesday Challenge #197. As always we would be honored to have you join us. If you would like to participate just click here to be taken to the Word Art Wednesday blog and find out all the details.
          For my card this week I kept it simple because unfortunately I have been dealing with some things one of which is my health has decided to flare up and when it does it causes me more pain than usual. Plus I have been a bit stressed because a dear friend and fellow firefighter that works with my husband lost his home to a house fire caused by a lightning strike and then I have also been worrying about my brother who had surgery. When I am stressed it unfortunately increases my pain even more. So because I have had more pain than usual it was difficult to sit at my desk for a long period. My daughter was super sweet as always because after I made my card she set up my Foldio 2 and took the pictures for me. My daughter who is only 12, truly has to be the kindest and sweetest person I know. I am not just saying that because she's my daughter either. Her heart is absolutely the purest and most loving heart in the world. She did a pretty good job on the pictures too. Some were a little crooked and she didn't put the backdrop into the Foldio 2 but I am not complaining one bit because let's be honest, she didn't have to help me out at all. She could have just let me suffer with my pain, lol!
          My card this week is a standard A2 side-folding card measuring 4 ¼" x 5 ½". For the background I used two different color ink pads to stamp two different size butterflies. The ink pads are very similar in color, just one is a little darker than the other. If you don't have two shades that are similar then you could just use "2nd generation" stamping, which is where you stamp the image with a fully inked stamp on a scratch piece of paper and then immediately re-stamp the image on your card without re-inking the stamp. If you want to just use one stamped image rather than two, then you would stamp the fully inked image on your card and then re-stamp the second time on your card as well without re-inking. If you really wanted to kick it up a notch then you could even try "3rd generation" stamping which is stamping a third time without re-inking your stamp. 2nd and 3rd generation stamping can be a great way to save money on ink pads because you can get a dark, medium, and light ink color from just one stamp pad all by using generation stamping. It's really a lot of fun to play around with your inks and generation stamping! You will be amazed with how many shades of ink you really can get from just one ink pad so I highly recommend you play around and see what you come up with.
          I also added a little handmade bow to my card using my Bow It All 2.0, but if you don't have this tool you can always make a bow using a fork, two fingers, or something as simple as two nails hammered into a piece of wood. That's basically wraps up my card. The only other thing I did wast cutting out the stitched rectangles and ovals using dies and my Big Shot Machine. Oh, I did add a little butterfly to the inside of my card and as you know I always decorate the back of my cards so I added a little butterfly to the back as well. If I was feeling better I would have die cut out some butterflies, but stamping was so much quicker and easier on me this week ;) I greatly appreciate you all stopping by my blog today and I hope you enjoyed my card! I would love it if you would take a moment to leave a little comment as well as subscribe to my blog. It lets me know that you like what I am doing and that you want me to make more :) Thanks so much again and I wish you all a super blessed week!

Card Front

Card Inside

Card Back

Supplies Used:
Stampin' Up - Crisp Cantaloupe Cardstock
Stampin' Up - Crisp Cantaloupe Ink Pad
Stampin' Up - Blushing Bride Ink Pad
May Arts - 3/4" Pink Twill Chevron Ribbon
My Creative Time - Scalloped Stitched Oval Dies
My Creative Time - Stitched Rectangular Frame Dies & More
Tombow Adhesive
Tombow Dot Adhesive
Scor-Pal/Scor-Tape/Sookwang Tape 
Scotch Foam Mounting Tape
Georgia Pacific White Cardstock
Card/Plate holder purchased from Michael's Crafts
The Stamps of Life - Custom Made Personalized Stamp (used to stamp very back of card)
Michele R Designs - Custom Made Personalized Watermark 
Sizzix Big Shot Machine
Sizzix Magnetic Platform 
Foldio 2 Portable Photo Studio
Scoreboard
American Crafts/Cut Up 9" Paper Trimmer
American Crafts/Cut Up Cartridge Paper Trimmer
Zutter Bow It All Tool (I used it to make my bow)

Challenges Entered:
CropStop Linky Party #7
Simon Says Stamp Citrus with a Twist


(Disclaimer: Any supply links listed above are links solely being used as a guide to show you what those items are. Some links may come directly from the manufacturer while others may not. Unless otherwise stated all products were purchased with my own money and in no way am I affiliated with these links nor the businesses associated with them. Please use discretion should you choose to shop from the links listed above. Thank you)

Word Art Wednesday Challenge #196

          Good morning and happy Wednesday everyone! Today's card is for my Design Team submission for the Word Art Wednesday Challenge #196. If you would like to join us click here to be taken to the Word Art Wednesday blog and find out all the details.
          A week or two ago Faery Ink offered one of their gorgeous digi images for free so I snagged her up right away. She was absolutely perfect for a card I had in mind. After you are done viewing my card and checking out my blog, be sure to pop on over to Faery Ink and view all their beautiful digital images. Let me go ahead and give you all the details on my card because I know you will want to spend a lot of time over at the Faery Ink site, lol! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today! Have a blessed week!

Card Front

Inside Card

Supplies Used:
Faery Ink - Gabbie Flutterfae
Recollections Cardstock - Neutral
Recollections Cardstock - Passion Fruit
Stampin' Up Stamp Pad - Old Olive
Stampin' Up Stamp Pad - Sahara Sand
Spellbinders Nestabilities Enhancing Elements - Gold Rounds 1 (largest die)
My Creative Time - Stitched Rectangular Frame Dies & More (2 largest stitched rectangles)
Stampin' Up - Sizzix Circle Framelits Dies
Tombow Adhesive
Tombow Dot Adhesive
Scor-Pal/Scor-Tape/Sookwang Tape 
Scotch Foam Mounting Tape
Georgia Pacific White Cardstock
White Jelly Roll Pen (to add highlights on the eyes)
Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers  (Colors FS2, FS3, TN2, CG1, CG2, DG2, DG3, PP1, EB1, EB2, GB8, GB10, CT1, CT3, CT4)
Wink of Stella - Clear Glitter Pen
Card/Plate holder purchased from Michael's Crafts
The Stamps of Life - Custom Made Personalized Stamp (used to stamp very back of card)
Michele R Designs - Custom Made Personalized Watermark 
Sizzix Big Shot Machine
Sizzix Magnetic Platform  

Challenges Entered :
*Crop Stop Linky Party 7
*Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Homegrown Summer  (I am using the flowers in the fairy's hair for the homegrown summer theme)
*Spectrum Noir - August Anything Goes Challenge 


(Disclaimer: Any supply links listed above are links solely being used as a guide to show you what those items are. Some links may come directly from the manufacturer while others may not. Unless otherwise stated all products were purchased with my own money and in no way am I affiliated with these links nor the businesses associated with them. Please use discretion should you choose to shop from the links listed above. Thank you)

Word Art Wednesday Challenge #195

           Good morning all! I hope this post finds you all doing well! I have been quite busy this week but so blessed that what is keeping me busy is spending time with my siblings, nieces, and nephews. I haven't seen my sister in 16 years nor met her children so all the craziness has been so worth it. Found myself as red as a lobster though today thanks to the Florida sun. The sunblock we just had bought ended up being expired and unfortunately I ended up with sun-poisoning. Not good! You would assume a well known store would not be selling outdated products that are over 3 years old. I will definitely be checking expiration dates the next time I buy sunblock. Anyway, let's move on to the creation am sharing with you today ;)
          This is Word Art Wednesday Challenge #195. If you would like to join us click here to be taken to the Word Art Wednesday blog and find out all the details. I decided for my card I would do some more coloring. I chose an adorable little fairy made by Some Odd Girl. I think she turned out so cute! I wanted to bling her out so I used some Wink of Stella and made her sparkle from her hair all the way to her dress and wings. The picture doesn't even begin to show how sparkly this cutie is. Hope you enjoy my creation this week! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today! I wish you all a very blessed and beautiful week!

Card Front (Card size is an A2 4.25" x 5.50")

Fairy close up

Supplies List:
Some Odd Girl - (I believe this fairy stamp set is retired as I could not find a link)
Recollections - Cape Cod Cardstock
Sizzix/Stephanie Barnard - Framelits Die Set w/5 Stamps Dragonflies
Tombow Adhesive
Tombow Dot Adhesive
Scor-Pal/Scor-Tape/Sookwang Tape 
Scotch Foam Mounting Tape
Georgia Pacific White Cardstock
White Jelly Roll Pen (to add highlights on the eyes)
Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers (Colors used FS2, TN2, TB1, TB2, TB3, TB5, TB6, PP3, GB10, EB5, EB7, EB8)
Wink of Stella - Clear Glitter Pen
Versamark 
Copic Multiliner Pens (to add black details - This allows the Spectrum Noir Alcohol markers to be used and the black lines will not bleed)
Studio G - Rhinestones/Jewels
Jeweled Ribbon (bottom detail - sorry I don't know where to purchase this as it was given to me)
Card/Plate holder purchased from Michael's Crafts
The Stamps of Life - Custom Made Personalized Stamp (used to stamp very back of card)
Michele R Designs - Custom Made Personalized Watermark 

Challenges Entered: 
Simon Says Stamp - Monday Make A Plan Challenge (I had to plan the design of this card, the colors, and the layout)
Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Anything Goes Challenge
Spectrum Noir - August Anything Goes Challenge


(Disclaimer: Any supply links listed above are links solely being used as a guide to show you what those items are. Some links may come directly from the manufacturer while others may not. Unless otherwise stated all products were purchased with my own money and in no way am I affiliated with these links nor the businesses associated with them. Please use discretion should you choose to shop from the links listed above. Thank you)