Happy Birthday!

So I know many of you know my passion for CHF backgrounders and Scrapblocks TM and for those of you who frequent my blog you know I LOVE houndstooth. So add a new one to the list. An absolute must have. I really mean it...this scrapblock is the COOLEST Scrapblock TM ever!!! It's called distressed grid and you can see the gallery here filled with uniquely fresh ideas. I used it to enhance Kim super cool numbers. We aren't really celebrating a birthday here but I figured it would be fun nonetheless.



I took the same approach inside as I did with the card called Lucky and created a money/gift card pocket.



Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Number Fun (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF
-Birthday Centers (Mona Lisa Moments) by CHF
-Distressed Grid Scrapblock TM by CHF

Cardstock:
-Kraft by Prism Paper
-Black by Prism Paper
-Clear sheets by CHF

Patterned Paper
-All paper scraps from We R Memory Makers

Ink:
-Pitch Black by Ranger

Accessories:
-Gingham Ribbon from May Arts

Tools:
-Circle template
-Cuttlebug

Technique:
-Paper piecing

While I am on the topic of fun ways to present gifts I wanted to thank a few of my readers. It never ceases to amaze how many of my readers consistently come back and leave a message. And since I know how long it can take to leave messages on blogs every day I wanted to take the time each month to acknolwedge a few. Marlou, Juliann, Amy Rohl, please contact me with your snail mail so I can send you an early Christmas gift...although with the Canadian mail system it may be a while before you get it *smiles* Thank you and thank everyone who leaves me a comment and makes my day.

Have a marvelous Monday.

Alli

A So Sketchy card...

Hello everyone! Now we are on day 3 of what seems to be a wedding kick...except of course I have posted them all a crazy order! There is always reason behind the madness. This card was for my most recent So Sketchy assignment.



Upon examination of this close up you'll see that I used my labels nestabilities to cut out the clear sheet and that I adhered a smaller labels 1 over top of it! I like the subtle look of layering.



Recipe

Stamp Set(s):
-Wedding Centres (Mona Lisa Moments) by CHF

Cardstock:
-Cream by Prism Paper
-Navy Blue by Prism Paper

Patterned Paper:
-Woodland Whimsy Blueberry Grove Pattern Paper by Sassafras Lass

Ink:
-Pitch Black by Ranger
-Tea Dye Distress Ink by Ranger

Accessories:
-Ribbon by May Arts
-Crown by Melissa Frances

Tools:
-Nestabilities by Spellbinders (www.ellenhutson.com)

Have a terrific day!
Alli

A Day Missed.

I am sure by now you are probably wondering why I missed a post (after all I don't have the sick excuse since I was sick last week *lol*). Have you ever regretted a missed opportunity? Have you ever had a moment in time where life comes to a scretching halt? Well I had that moment on Sunday night when I thought I lost my dad in a plane crash. It's a long story but what I took away from it was life changing: Make it right before you lose the chance. Don't wait another day!!! My dad was not in the crash and he is fine but now my attention is focused on my step brother who got into a motor cycle accident on Sunday (talk about a BAD Sunday!). He is in stable condition. If you have it in you to pray or to keep him in your thoughts I would appreciate it.

Although this card doesn't exactly fit my post above, I thought it did have a connection of sorts. 40 years is a long time--and there are so many "moments" in a relationship where you need to make it right--to work it out. Celebrating 40 years is such a special occasion! I can tell you I just love the versatility of
This fabulous Mona Lisa Moments set is going to be one of my most used sets.





Recipe

Stamp Set(s):
-Invitation Essentials (Mona Lisa Moments) by CHF

Cardstock:
-Cream by Prism Paper
-Classic Blue by Prism Paper

Patterned Paper:
-Woodland Whimsy Blueberry Grove Pattern Paper by Sassafras Lass

Ink:
-Espresso by Ranger
-Tea Dye Distress Ink by Ranger

Accessories:
-Cream Lace Trim
-Button by MME
-Hemp Twine
-Flowers by Prima
-Clear flower by Maya Roads

Tools:
-Nestabilities by Spellbinders (www.ellenhutson.com)
-Paper piercer
-Corner Rounder by EK Success
-Stapler

I hope all is well with you! Have a good one.

Alli

Forever Begins Now.

Yet another release day at CHF! Isn't it exciting? Today it's from the Mona Lisa Moments line and it's called Wedding Centers. You'll notice that I paired today's beautiful sentiment with I Thee Wed from the recently released Kim Hughes Collection by CHF. Coincidence?...I think not. That Mona...she thinks in harmony :)

I adore traditional colours when it comes to weddings so I paired grey, white and black together to make this card. If you have a close look you'll see I also used a clear sheet. I stamped the cake image on the front of the clear sheet and "coloured" the icing using the pearl ranger acrylic paint dabber (I wanted to create an authentic icing look) and black ranger paint dabber for the base. Now keep in mind this is not a quick card. You need to let that paint dry overnight.



I added gemstones over top of the circles for some cake bling. I also stapled some May Arts polka dot ribbon to the clear sheet. Using my label die cut from Spellbinders, I placed my Forever Begins Now sentiment (Mona Lisa Moments) in the center and used polka dot sheer ribbon to dress it up!



Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Wedding Centers (Mona Lisa Moments) by CHF
-I Thee Wed (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF

Cardstock:
-Clear Sheet by CHF
-Smooth White by Prism Paper
-Black by Prism Paper
-Grey Prism paper

Ink:
-Pitch Black by Ranger
-Jet Black StazOn

Accessories:
-All Ribbon by May Arts
-Gemstones by Hero Arts
-Pearl Acrylic Paint Dabber by Ranger
-Black Acrylic Paint Dabber by Ranger

Tools:
-Labels by Spellbinders (www.ellenhutson.com)
-Cuttlebug pin dot embossing folder
-Paint Brush

Make sure you check this SUPER stand alone OR complimentary set to I Thee Wed from CHF
called Wedding Centers:



Have a super day!

Alli

Celebrate Him.

There are some days things just come together. I saw this paper and the numbers 2 and 5 and the rest is history.



Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Sentiment from Christmas Expressions (Mona Lisa Collection) by CHF
-Sweet sentiment from Sweet Thang(Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF

Cardstock:
-Smooth White by Prism Paper

Patterned Paper
-Scrap Strip 3 from the Sonoma Collection by Scenic Route

Ink:
-Espresso by Ranger

Accessories
-Brown and Cream Polka Dot Ribbon by May Arts
-Crown by Melissa Frances
-Button by MM

Tools
-Circle Nestabilities by Spellbinders
-Stapler

Have a terrific day.

Alli

Keep on cruisin'

Today is release day at Cornish Heritage Farms. The newest GM stamps are here. Make sure you check out the 1938 Suburban



and the 1953 Corvette.




I couldn't resist the 1953 Corvette...



Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-1953 Corette (GM Collection) by CHF
-You're a Classic (Mona Lisa Collection) by CHF

Cardstock:
-White Prismatic by Prism Paper
-Black by Prism Paper

Patterned Paper
-'Tis the Season Santa Claus Die Cuts by Teresa Collins

Ink:
-Pitch Black Distress Ink by Ranger
-White by Clearsnap

Accessories
-Silver brads

Tools
-Nestabilities by Spellbinders

Have a great Thursday.

Alli

Let there be Peace on Earth

Hello everyone! I hope you are doing well today. I have a super fun card for you today. I hope from the photos below you will be able to replicate the card too.



You'll notice I stamped both the clear sheet and the patterned paper below the clear sheet using the same image. I did this to create a shadow look. It looks really neat IRL.



I used the pop dot to secure and raise the screw top brad. I actually pierced a hole through the pop dot and placed the brad through it. Notice the edges of the rose coloured cardstock has gold. I used my gold leafing pen to add some interest to the edges and tie in the colours.



Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-We Three Kings (Aimee Nugent) by CHF
-Aged Music Sheet Scrapblock TM by CHF
-Christmas Expressions (Mona Lisa Moments) by CHF

Cardstock:
-Rose Dark by Prism Paper
-Cream by Prism Paper
-Clear Sheet by CHF

Patterned Paper
-Be Good Collection by Cosmo Cricket

Ink:
-Black StazOn by Tsukineko
-Butterscotch by Ranger

Accessories
-Screw Top Brads by Karen Foster
-Gold twine
-pop dots
-Gold leafing penby Krylon

Tools
-Nestabilities-label by Spellbinders

The other day I received a question regarding my use of double nestabilities. Please refer to this post for full instructions on innies and outies :)

Have a super day.
Alli

Brrrr...

How many of you have had some COLD weather recently? Ok so perhaps you are enjoying the glorious sun but out here on the coast we had a day of fall and a night of winter. Brrrrr. So of course I had to share a snowflake card.



Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Vintage Ledger Scrapblock TM by CHF
- Christmas Expressions (Mona Lisa Moments) by CHF

Cardstock:
-Simply Smooth White by Prism Paper
-Kraft by Prism Paper
-Mystic Dark by Prism Paper

Ink:
-White by Clearsnap
-Mushroom by Ranger
-Denim by Ranger
-Copper Encore Metallic Ink by Tsukineko

Accessories:
-May Arts Ribbon
-Chipboard snowflake by Cosmo Cricket
-Hemp twine
-Misc button

Have a terrific day!

Alli

10 Minute Card.

As you know, I have been organizing my stamp room (will it EVER be organized???) and in the process of doing so came across lots of little scrap pieces and then a light bulb went on...

Today's card is JUST the inspiration you need to use those leftover bits and pieces in your collection.



Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
- Birthday Centers (Mona Lisa Moments) by CHF

Cardstock:
-White by Prism
-Clear sheet by CHF

Ink:
-Jet Black StazOn

Accessories:
-Ribbon from Garden Party Collection by Making Memories
-Star Bright Buttons (Dreamy Collection) by MME
-Day Dream Buttons (Dreamy Collection) by MME

Tools:
-Nestabilities and wizard by Spellbinder
-Sewing Machine (thanks GinaK!)

Have a fabulous day.

Alli

Friendship.

It's been a busy few days. I finally got to my desk today. It's still in a state of disaster--but at least my desk is clean. I am now figuring out what bins, containers, hangers I need to sort my "stuff". As I mentioned part of my motivation is our impending move. I have some time now to get organized--just before the new school year and my return to the virtual classroom.

You'll be proud to know that I am put together a box of cards which I will be sending to the Canadian military who are serving overseas. In addition, I have put together a few packages of items (little bits of ribbon, misc rub ons, paper and stamps etc to some of our local organizations. I am glad that my items will find a new home.

Without further ado...here is my card for today...



Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Silhouette Blooms 1 (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF
- Friend Centers (Mona Lisa Moments) by CHF

Ink:
-Clearsnap

Patterned Paper:
-Making Memories
-Rhonna Ferrar

Accessories:
- Ribbon from Garden Party Collection by Making Memories
-Butterfly Pin from Fancy Pants

And here is a sneak peak of what is to come...gotta love the kissable tree...


Hope you have a wonderful day!

Alli

Celebrate the Season

Can you believe I am still posting Christmas cards? Has it motivated you to get started yet? Well for some people (namely me!) most of the holiday cards are still on the go in December. Yup—even me the regular card maker. That’s why this year I am taking the CHF girls up by attending and completing the free online classes in addition to making cards with the new CHF Christmas sets.

Recipe

Stamp Set(s):

-Heart Warmers (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF

-Christmas Expressions (Mona Lisa Moments) by CHF

Ink:

-Aqua by Ranger

-Espresso by Ranger

Cardstock:

-Clear sheets by CHF

Patterned Paper:

-Striped paper from Wild Asparagus by MME

Accessories:

-Button from Passport collection by Making Memories

- Ribbon Trims from Passport collection by Making Memories

-Hemp Twine

-Flower by Prima

Technique:

-Sponging

Thanks for stopping by. I have limited computer access right now but have set up regular posts for the next few days.

Hope you are having a great weekend.

Alli

{Happy Birthday}

I am just LOVING the Making Memories Noteworthy collection (delaney). The colours are so fresh and so delicious. I can hardly wait to get my hands on more Noteworthy paper--the new collection.

Today's card was created with a clear base (love those thick clear sheets from Cornish Heritage Farms!) and some yummy noteworthy things.



Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Birthday Centers (Mona Lisa Moments) by CHF

Ink:
-Pitch Black by Ranger

Paper
-Clear sheet by CHF

Patterned Paper
-Circle Ledger Noteworthy by Making Memories

Accessories
-Sprial Journal Sheets Noteworthy by Making Memories
-Ribbon (Noteworthy) by Making Memories
-Brad (Noteworthy) by Making Memories
-Flower by Maya Roads

Tools
-Stapler

Have you made a clear card yet?

Have a good one.

Did you miss me?

I am away from the Internet for the next little while BUT that being said I have some posts prepared for you...some good ones too. Make sure to check back daily for new card uploads as well as some AWESOME blog candy to help celebrate the summer. If you are e-mailing me, bare with me, I will check my e-mail/posts as soon as I have access again and respond to you as promptly as I can.

We just had the most amazing day today. I got to ride the chairlift with my kiddos and DH for the first time, got a wicked sunburn, ate lunch on top of the world, went shopping at lululemon, ate out at a restaurant (that rarely happens!), hung out with my brother (and his girlfriend), went swimming and the icing on the cake...went to Wall-E (we {loved} it and what a strong message too). If you can imagine the kids passed out as soon as we got through the door--I think I will be next although right now the air conditioning has revived me again.

Ok, so on with the card.



Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-"Cheers" from Birthday Centers (Mona Lisa Moments) by CHF

Ink:
-Pitch Black by Ranger

Paper:
-White by Prism Paper

Patterned Paper:
-Noteworthy Circle Ledger by Making Memories

Accessories
-Ribbon (Noteworthy) by Making Memories
-Chipboard Write Out by We R Memory Keepers

Have a wonderful weekend.

Why Not?

'Why not' is a slogan for an interesting life.
--Mason Cooley

Isn't that the truth? Always follow your dreams.

That sentiment is from Motivational Centers (Mona Lisa Moments) by CHF. So as you can imagine I got creative...

Since I live by the ocean--the BIG WIDE OPEN ocean I thought this card was only suiting especially since we have the tall ships sailing by next month.





Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Bold Curls (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF
-Motivational Centers (Mona Lisa Moments) by CHF

Ink:
-Stonewashed by Ranger
-Denim by Ranger
-White by Clearsnap

Paper
-Suede Brown Dark by Prism Paper

Patterned Paper
-by Fontwerks

Accessories
-Sailboat Chipboard from Biggest Board Tabs, Tags and Doodles by Fancy Pants Design

Make sure you stay tuned for tomorrow's tutorial and card showing you exactly how I made those embossed cards from yesterday's post.

Have a good one.

Sparkle.

Thank you ALL for entering my blog candy draw--I am SO excited about trying some new salads. Summer=salads.
Are you ready for the "click" of random.org? Now I have done MANY draws in my day and I seriously can't believe it but random actually picked #1. Does that EVER happen? What was that you say...when pigs fly??? Well you better look out the window because they must be flying *lol*

Congrats goes out to texasjodylynn who said...

I am trying my luck and crossing my fingers. :)

One of my favorite salad recipes is an asian chicken salad.

I know many people avoid #1 because it rarely gets picked. Perhaps next time you might "try your luck and cross your fingers" too *lol* *smiles* Jody, drop me your snail mail and I will get your mailboxes in the mail.
So that leads me to today's cards. Since I am in the middle of report cards I have been keeping things rather simple...or more complex if I have the time. It got me thinking a little...are you setting goals?

Why I ask this is because I noticed Nichole's most recent DT announcement and the shift of other designers out there. There are MANY talented people out there in the world. I see you ALL the time. One of the most frequent questions I get is how did you get into this? My answer: perseverance and goal setting. Decide what you want and go for it. Dream big. When you create, be yourself. Find your style. If you see a DT call, then see how your style fits with the company you are applying for. Not all companies have DT calls but I can say that if you {love} that company and their product let it be known (right Niki Estes??!--her stuff {screams} PTI and talent!).

So back to my cards. I created two cards. You'll note they are exactly the same. What separates them? The bling. Remember, when you sparkle you get noticed. Make each day your masterpiece.







Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Bold Curls (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF
-Motivational Centers (Mona Lisa Moments) by CHF

Ink:
-Espresso by Ranger

Paper
-Kraft by Prism Paper
-Smooth White by Prism Paper

Accessories
-Gemstones by Hero Arts

Have a fantastic weekend!

Birthdays.

Do you ever find some months are CRAZY for birthdays??? We have two months like that in our family--September and April. Since I am in the "in between" time it is nice to stockpile cards for those months. I have a few birthdays this month too and considering this is more of a "summer" card it may do just the trick. Don't you just LOVE clear cards??? These clear sheets are THE BEST sheets I have ever used to make cards.



Here are a few close ups so you can really "see" how the card was made. There is a flowery piece and polka dot piece. A strip of polka dots was placed on both folds on the inside of the card. The flowery piece was also placed on the inside of the card (I glued them down with dots of glossy accents...you can see it if you look close enough) I also punched a hole through the entire front layer to hold the flower and the polka dot paper. I stamped the sentiment on the outside using StazOn ink.





Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Birthday Centers (Mona Lisa Moments) by CHF

Ink
-Black by StazOn

Cardstock
-Clear sheets by CHF

Patterned Paper
-Providence Mathewson Street by Scenic Route

Accessories
-Flowers from Essentials 4 Dude Collection by Prima
-Brad by 7Gypsies

I didn't get a chance to participate in the CHF Chicks Challenge this week but encourage you to check out what the girls are up to...they are creating some WONDERFUL pieces with lots of sneak peaks for upcoming releases. (check out the sidebar on your right for links to their blogs) And Lisa Strahl has a BIG announcement today too...you don't want to miss it!

Have a good one!

Capture the Meaningful Moments

I often get asked how I could conceivably plan to scrapbook...like there are WAY too many events to capture on a detailed page. Considering we took over 12000 photos last year (can you tell we live in the digital world?) I might be finished in 2010 and be about 20 years behind. So what's a girl to do? To coin Nichole Heady's blog "Capture the meaningful moments.
Last year my daughter had her very first ballet performance. It was absolutely the most ADORABLE performance. She lived in the moment and I knew I had to create a layout for THAT moment. The key is knowing which moments to pick. If you are feeling overwhelmed then set goals. For instance, create 10 layouts per child per year (if you do more GREAT if you don't...don't worry). You could also list the MUST haves for each year (birthdays, Christmas, summer vacation etc).



I stamped this chipboard using Espresso ink and Geometrics 2 Backgrounder and then softened the edges with brown and pink ink chalk ink.



I "painted" the chipboard with an acrylic paint dabber and then stamped it with the large polka dot backgrounder. I also softened the edges with chalk ink and then used a pen to create fine dots.



Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Large Polka Dot Backgrounder by CHF
-Geometric 2 Backgrounder by CHF
-Motivational Centers (Mona Lisa Moments) by CHF

Ink
-Pink and Brown chalk ink by Clearsnap
-Espresso by Ranger

Cardstock
-Pink Light by Prism Paper

Patterned Paper
-Making Memories

Accessories
-Live Chipboard by Fancy Pants
-Flourish Chipboard by Maya Roads
-Buttons (In a Stitch Buttons) by Sassafras
-Button Flowers (In a Stich Blossoms) by Sassafras
-Gingham Ribbon by May Arts
-Pink Twill
-White flourish Rub-on by Martha Stewart
-Now and Forever by Making Memories
-Flower by Prima

Have a super Sunday!

Friend.

It seems like I am on a friendship kick with the last two posts...What can I say, my friends inspire me. It's the little things that count for me...a call, an e-mail, a card...
On that note, I want to thank all my blogging friends who drop me notes and e-mails on a daily basis. Cyber (((hugs))).

I decided to sass it up a little and make a cute purse card. This purse was made with a card 5.5x5.5 with the opening at the top.



Purse opening...



Close up of emboss, flowers and lace ribbon



Close of tag and bead chain.



Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Bold Curls (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF
-Friend in Friend Centers (Mona Lisa Moments) by CHF

Ink
-Versamark by Tsukineko
-Pitch Black by Ranger

Cardstock
-White Prismatic by Prism Paper
-Birchtone Light by Prism Paper
-Black by Prism Paper

Accessories
-White Fab Brad (Bazzill collection) by Imaginisce
-Essentials 4 Flower by Prima
-xoxo Ribbon
-Lace Ribbon
-White Emboss Powder
-Magnets by Basic Grey
-Bead chain

Tools
-Small Corner Rounder by EK Success
-Oval Punch by EK Success
-Fiskars Hole Punch
-Heat Tool

And now...the winner of Garden of Life...goes to random number 199

Congrats Rachel Askay who said...

This summer I will be fishing and camping with my husband, learning to scrap (just starting down this road), and working part-time. Nothing to interesting, but sounds like a lot of fun to me!

Please e-mail me with your snail mail address so that I can get your stamps in the mail!!!

Have a terrific weekend!

{Make a Wish}

I am absolutely LOVING the CHF backgrounders and the Mona Lisa Moments soon to be released Birthday Centers.

Today's card came together really quickly (you can tell by my sewing job *lol*) But seriously... I have been anxious to use CHF's new Dots and Circles (available for purchase) backgrounder.

I stamped the backgrounder on Basic Grey patterned paper, sponged the edges in espresso ink and then sewed it to the white cardstock. You'll notice that I stamped the Large Polka Dot backgrounder on a piece of Basic Grey patterned paper and then stamped the star from Kim Hughes' Supah Star set over top of it. I cut the star out. Then I placed some glue pen over several of the dots and sprinkled sparkles over top *grins*. A few other special things I want to draw your attention to :include the button and the knotted paper. I distressed the button with sandpaper (to remove the sheen) and then knotted a mini paper strip (scraps from my BG patterned paper) and placed it in the center of the button.



Recipe

Stamp Set(s):
-Dots and Circles Backgrounder by CHF
-Supah Star (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF

Ink
-espresso by Ranger
-White by Clearsnap
-Pink by Clearsnap

Cardstock
-Suede Brown Dark by Prism Paper
-White Prismatic by Prism Paper

Patterned Paper
-Sugared Paper by Basic Grey

Accessories
-Button (Day Dream) by MME

Tools
-Sewing Machine
-Sand Paper

Technique
-Distress, sponging, sewing

Have a super Sunday!