MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge #226

Who's up for another great sketch challenge from over at My Favorite Things?  Let's do it!

For this card I decided to add a little patterned paper to the mix.  I don't usually use patterned paper on my cards  but I really liked the cute little triangles in this one and it reminded me of confetti.  I really loved working with this sketch.  It has so many great layers and the tag just made me feel like it needed to go with a birthday gift.  I used the Stitched Jumbo Fishtail Banner dies for the tag on this but I wanted it to have the same shape as the one in the sketch has.  After I cut it out I just re-positioned the die at an angle on each upper corner so that I would still have that stitched edge on an angle.

For this card I used the following supplies from:

My Favorite Things:
Accent It - Celebrate Die-Namics
1st Place Award Ribbon Die-Namics
Stitched Jumbo Fishtail Banner STAX Die-Namics
In & Out Diagonal Stitched Rectangle STAX Die-Namics
Fine Chevron Background Stamp

Lil' Inker Designs:
Stitched Mats - Rectangles Dies

Winnie & Walter:
The Big The Bold and The Happy Stamp Set

WPlus9:
Unforgettable Stamp set
Unforgettable Die set

Mama Elephant:
Embellished Tags Dies

I also used:
Hero Arts Shadow Inks:  Wet Cement, Charcoal
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink:  Worn Lipstick
American Crafts Dear Lizzy Paper:  Lucky Charm
twine and sequins

Thanks so much for stopping by!

OWH Sketch #253

Today I'm working off of sketch #253 over at the Operation Write Home blog.  Once again, keeping it bright and cheerful for our heroes!

For my card I chose to use chevron vertical strips instead of straight.  For the circle element I diecut a window and covered it with a transparency film.  I thought it would be fun to float a little sentiment in the window.

I added a little decorate element to the flip side of that sentiment to cover up whatever glue was showing.  I love the whole look of transparency windows and the best thing about this card is that it has a lot of interest but is nice and flat, so it's great for mailing.

For this card I used the following supplies from:

My Favorite Things:
Pinking Edge Circle STAX Die-Namics
1st Place Award Ribbon Die-Namics
Chevron Stripes Die-Namics

Lil' Inker Designs:
Spot On Stamp set

I also used:
Martha Stewart 1" circle punch
Technique Tuesday Fabulous word die
Hero Arts Shadow Ink: Tide Pool
Transparency sheets
Silver foil cardstock


Thanks so much for stopping by.  Have a great week!

MFT Color Challenge #20

It's time for another My Favorite Things Color Challenge!

Working with some great MFT dies and one of my favorite banner stamp and die sets.

I used the following supplies from:

My Favorite Things:

Pierced Square Die-Namics

Polka Dot Cover Up Die-Namics

Banner Greetings Stamp set

Banner Greetings Die-Namics

WPlus9:

Unforgettable Stamp and die set.

I also used:

Ranger Distress Inks: Victorian Velvet, Pumice Stone

Hero Arts Shadow Ink: Stone Wash

Stazon black ink

Thanks so much for stopping by!

DIY Ink pad storage using foam board.

A few weeks ago I posted some photos of a storage unit I made from a cardboard box.  The idea was wonderful and I was thrilled that it was so easy.  While it worked really great it wasn't exactly what I wanted looks wise.  I have a white Expedit shelving unit from Ikea that I put it in and really wanted a nice white shelving display instead.  I thought about painting the cardboard one but that just seemed like a hassle.  I ran across some instructions on pinterest on how to make a similar storage unit only out of foam board.  I picked up 3 large pieces of foam board this week and this morning I spent about two and a half hours cutting and glueing another one together. 

 It really was a simple project.  The hardest part was cutting all the little pieces and shelving.  I made a couple measuring mistakes along the way but for the most part it went extremely smooth and easy.  All I used was two and half pieces of white foam board, a craft knife, T-square, a hot glue gun and gluesticks.  Surprisingly the hot glue was rock solid.  It adhered the pieces instantly.

It slid into 13x13" slot perfectly after I made a couple ajustments.  I added a little piece to the top front to make it look more fninished and to also make it just a tad bit higher so there would be no gap between the unit and the shelf above.  

Just like the cardboard one it slid right in.  This one is a better fit though with no big gaps on the top or side.  It's very sturdy (which I wouldn't have thought foamboard would be).  What I like the most about this though is that it's white and much brighter when it's pushed to the back like this.  It actually looks like part of the shelving unit.  For as quick, easy and inexpensive as this is to make (around $9)  I will be able to add another one as my ink collection grows.  

Thanks for stopping by!

OWH Sketch Challenge #252

This week I decided to give Operation Write Home Sketch #252 a try.

Every time I see a large circle in a design my mind immediately starts thinking "shaker card!"  I did this little shaker card up with a Happy Birthday inside.  I added a banner across the corner but otherwise I pretty much stayed true to the sketch layout.

I added a little fun on the inside of this card also.

For this card I used the following supplies from:

My Favorite Things:

1st Place Ribbon Die-Namics

Pinking Edge Circle STAX Die-Namics

Small Pinking Edge Die-Namics

In & Out Diagonal Stitched Rectangle STAX Die-Namics

Fine Chevron Background Stamp

Simon Says Stamp:

Ribbon Banner Die

Lil' Inker Designs:

Stitched Mats: Circles

I also used:

Hero Arts Shadow inks: Pale Tomato, Wet Cement

Hero Arts It's Your Day Stamps

Memento Tuxedo black ink

Sequins

Thanks so much for stopping by!

MFT Meets PageMaps - Bonus Sketch Challenge

Yay for bonus sketches!  This My Favorite Things meets PageMaps sketch proved to be quite the challenge.

I decided I could do more with this sketch if I flipped it over to a portrait instead of landscape position. I was able to squeeze in a die cut sentiment this way.  Instead of scallop I used banners and in place of the postage stamps I used balloons and big confetti swirls in place of the postmark.  I did use string on my balloons instead of the big bow.  I think it turned out very festive.

For this card I used the following supplies from:

My Favorite Things:
Accent It - Celebrate Die-Namics
Looped Border Die-Namics
Party Balloons Die-Namics
Confetti Background Stamp
Diagonal Stripes Background Stamp
Banner Border Die-Namics

Lil' Inker Designs:
Stitched Mats: Rectangle Dies

I also used:
HeroArts Shadow Ink: Wet Cement, Tide Pool, Bubble Gum, Orange Soda
Sequins
Twine

Thanks so much for stopping by.  Have a great weekend!

MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge #225

It's time for another challenge card using My Favorite Things Sketch #225. 

I adjusted this sketch a little by moving the top layers over to the side.  I did some diagonal striped background stamping and ebossing to add a little shine and pattern.  I took the coffee cup and cut it to a smaller size because hey...sometimes a grande is just to much!  ;)  

For this card I used the following supplies from:

My Favorite Things:
Perk Up Stamp Set
Coffee Cup Die-Namics
Diagonal Stripes background stamp
In & Out Diagonal Stitched Rectangle STAX

I also used:
Hero Arts Shadow Ink: Cup O' Joe
Versamark ink
white embossing powder
clear embossing powder
silver foil cardstock (hearts)
Martha Stewart heart punch
WeRMemory Keepers Corner Chomper

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Cool Treats - MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge #224

It's time for another awesome My Favorite Things Sketch Challenge.  For this one I'm using an adorable new set of dies that recently came out called Sweet Treats.  Yummy little popcicles, ice cream cones and ice cream sundays!

And here is my take on this sketch.  I thought it was very cute with the rounded corners and cute angles.  I started out making my own background pattern with MFT's Diagonal Striped background stamp.

 For this card I used the following supplies from:

My Favorite Things:

Smile Stamps

Diagonal Striped Background Stamp

Sweet Treats Die-Namics

Inside & Out Diagonal Stitched Rectangles STAX Die-Namics

Oval Chain Border Die-Namics

I also used: 

Hero Arts Shadow Inks: Bubblegum

Versafine onyx black ink

Wink of Stella glitter brush

Versamark ink, clear embossing powder.

I decided to keep the dies out and make a little set of cards using these adorable dies.  They are just so much fun!  For this card I used the whole set and put together a collection of yummy treats for my friend.

This last card I decided to take a big old bite out of this dreamcicle.  That is definitely a good reason to SMILE!

Have a great weekend everyone!!  Don't forget to take a little time to smile!!  ;)

LID's Monthly Meet Up Challenge #2

I just love a good challenge and  had to give Lil' Inker Designs Monthly Meet Up Challenge another try.

I did a simple inlay with the Stitched Mats: Rectangles die set to keep it nice and flat  and then added some dimension to the sparkly Hello Word die cut with some craft foam.  I topped it off with a sprinkle of sequins.

Thanks for stopping by!  Happy Monday!

Happy 12th Birthday Tyler!

Last weekend I received a special request from my youngest nephew Tyler.  He wanted a special birthday cake that would reflect his current interest.......trucks....big......smokey...trucks!  Monster trucks, diesel trucks, anything with high wheels, loud engine and a smokestack.  He actually didn't want a cake in the shape of a truck, he just wanted the smokestack.  

While I'm very grateful I didn't have to learn how to make a complete truck, I now had the dilemma of  how in the heck was I going to make smoke?  What's light and puffy and edible? Cotton candy!  But...how do you make black cotton candy?  I tried a few different things and then finally drug out my airbrush and black food coloring.  I thought it would just shrivel up to nothing but it actually held up pretty good.  It did shrink a little but for the most part held it's shape.  After sitting over night it actually felt like styrofoam the next morning.

I sprayed the fondant with a metallic silver and used a Wilton edible paper sheet for the lettering.  And once again, my paper crafting and cake decorating worlds collide!  I actually put my Cuttlebug and dies to good use and cut out all of the words with that.  I've never done that before but I will say I will definitely be doing it again.  It was soooooo easy and the wording turned out great.

Tyler was so happy with his cake.  While it wasn't perfect, he said it's exactly what he wanted!!  I'm so glad because it's not exactly the prettiest cake I've ever made.   LOL!

The boy in him was ready to dig in and yes....eat that nasty smokestack!

Happy Birthday Tyler Gage!  You're the coolest kid I know!!  I can't wait to see what you come up with next year.

LID's Monthly Meet Up Challenge - April

Has it been a month already?  Wow, that went by quick.  It's time for another monthly meet up challenge over at Lil' Inker Designs.  I always love a good excuse to pull out those LID supplies and go to town.

I hate to say it but I always need to have a couple of these cards in my stash for those increasing moments when I forget to send out a birthday card.  That seems to be happening more and more the older I get.  Ooopsie!  LOL!  For this card I just went to town on those banner dies and all the pretty colors.  I wanted the card to have a not so, in your face, birthday theme.  The inside says "so sorry"  but what I really wish I had for this card is a phrase that says "so sorry, my head was in the clouds again!"  LOL!

For this card I used the following supplies from:

Lil' Inker Designs:

Stitched Sentiment Flag Die

Border Builders Dies

Stitched Mats: Rectangles Die

Seriously Die

Seriously Awesome Stamp set

I also used:

Versamark Ink

white embossing powder

This challenge was so much fun I think I may have to give it another try.  Stop by again and check it out!

MFT Color Challenge #19

It's time for another Color Challenge from My Favorite Things!

Oh this was a hard one.  While I really love the colors in this challenge I tend to lean towards brighter, more cheerful colors.  I stuck with these colors through most of the card but when it came time to add the little hearts I just couldn't resist a little touch of pink.

For this card I used the following supplies from:

My Favorite Things:

Polka Dot Cover-Up Die-Namics

Grassy Edges Die-Namics

Simon Says Stamp:

Sending Die

Sending & Wishing stamp set

WPlus9:

Unforgettable Stamps and Die set

I also used:

Martha Stewart Hearts punch

Distress Inks: Victorian Velvet and Wet Cement

Stampin'Up Dye Ink:  Not Quite Navy

Versamark Ink

Stayz On Black ink

white embossing powder

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Have a great week!

MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge #223

Today I'm working off of My Favorite Things' Sketch #223.

Nothing says celebrate like a whole bunch of polkadots!! I used the Large Polkadot stencil for the inside of the circle and then I dry embossed the blue card base with the Polkadot Coverup die.

Added a lot of dimension to this card by raising the blue card base and also the star in the center of the circle.

I carried over that fun polkadot pattern to the inside of the card but I spotlighted the center so that I had a place to write a note.

For this card I used the following supplies from:

My Favorite Things:

Polka Dot Cover-up Die-Namics

Large Polka Dot Stencil

Accent It - Celebrate Die-Namics

Celebrate Big stamp set

banner Die-Namics

Lil' Inker Designs:

Stitched Stars Die Set

Stitched Mats: Rectangles dies

Stitched Mats: Circles Dies

I also used:

Ranger Distress Inks:  Peacock Feathers and Mowed Lawn

Versafine Ink:  Onyx Black

Clear embossing powder

Thanks so much for stopping by!!

DIY Ink Storage

I've been on the search for the perfect sized storage rack for my ink pads for quite some time.  I really wanted to find a unit that would fit into my IKEA shelving unit.  Something that I could push to the back so that I could have a little workspace in the front.   I came close by finding a wooden one that was just a couple little mm too big.  Then, while playing on pinterest I found a Youtube tutorial on how to make a stamp pad storage unit out of a cardboard box.  Hey.......I have cardboard boxes, I can do this!  I just happened to have one that was the perfect size.  Yay!

It was a little beat up but it would work nicely.

I pulled out the hot glue gun and my paper trimmer and started measuring, cutting and gluing.  First I glued the back flaps down securely and cut off the top flaps to use for some of the little shelves.  Then I added a center divider.  My Hero Arts Shadow ink pads fit two on each side comfortably.  

Then I cut out a bunch of strips from another box and left them long enough so that I could bend each end down and glue the flaps to the inside.  I just bent and stacked the "shelves" all the way to the top.  This made it very sturdy.

I made sure that the slots were large enough to easily slide the pads in and out.  I used duct tape around the front edge of the box to protect those rough edges and clean it up a bit. (oops, do this first before gluing any pieces to the inside.)

The box itself is not perfectly straight but it's sturdy and it does what it's suppose to do.

I pushed it to the back of my shelving unit and it hardly takes up any space at all.  It's a great home for my ink pads.

Not bad for a Sunday afternoon project using scraps.  It's exactly what I needed and even better.....it was FREE!

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great week everyone!