February Jiffy Girls

It's Jiffy time! Yes, some of you are thinking two posts in February.  January just crept up on us and as a result we decided early February would be fine. And since February is so short we wanted to get this post in before March is here.  Yikes...March!  Hard to believe it is just around the corner.

Every month the J(ust)F(or)F(un) girls get together for a fun challenge using the same patterned paper and stamped image.  Lori picked our ADORABLE image from Taylored Expressions Crafty Cuppie and Michele picked our delicious Cosmo Cricket patterned paper from the Material Girl collection. The paper and image coordinated very nicely this month.  That is not always the case but nevertheless we like the challenge!!

On a side note HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHELE!  Make sure to wish her a happy birthday when you stop by her blog today.

Stamp Set(s): image and sentiment from Crafty Cuppie by Taylored Expressions
Cardstock: Scarlet Jewel by PTI,  Stamper's Select White by PTI,
Patterned Paper: Material Girl Collection by Cosmo Cricket, Scalloped border from Creative Expressions
Ink: True Black by PTI
Accents: Ribbon from PTI, Buttons by PTI, Flower from Chips by Pebbles
Tools:Copic Markers

Make sure to check out the other card variations by my very talented jiffy friends...we are a full house this month :)

Carole Burrage
Julie Campbell
Kim Hughes
Lori Craig
Michele Boyer

Have a great day!
Alli


P.S. Since today was cutesy oriented I thought I'd show you how much our puppy Cooper has grown since my last posts about him HERE and HERE.  He will be 5 months old on March 7th.  He's lost most of that fluffy puppy fur and all of his baby teeth.  We'll be doing some extra training with him in the next few months but we are certainly impressed with all that he knows already. 

Blog overhaul--need your help

I have been looking for just the right look for my blog and am still searching.  If you know a blog designer, template site or if you are someone who dabbles with this please contact me with your information! I plan to continue to use blogger so it would have to be someone who would be able to work in the parameters of this host site.

Alli

A Card a Day book

As some of you know, Paper Crafts magazine put together a fantastic book called A Card A Day a few months ago. It is a book filled with inspiration for 365 days of the year featuring special holidays and highlighting unique days throughout the year.  In addition to being a gorgeous book it can be used as a reference and resource book too.  You'll find yourself grabbing it over and over again.  What I especially like is that there is such a range of cards, techniques and layouts.  Not to mention designers.  You'll also love the getting organized section in the back in addition to must have supplies.

I have 8 cards featured in A Card a Day and will share the one found on page 80 called "thx".  Also look for my cards on p.35, 63, 72, 85, 127, 128 and 135!

Thanks for stopping by today.  It's always nice to take a break after the craziness of release time.  I have also been working on a number of behind the scenes projects in addition to starting report cards.  Life is super busy but I wouldn't change a minute of it!

Alli

Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps February Release Blog Hop

I am so excited to be a guest designer for Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps this month.  Kimmie and I have conversed from time to time and recently she asked me to join in on the blog hop.  I have been oogling many of her images and recently ordered some to play with so of course when she asked I jumped at the opportunity to work alongside a fellow Canadian!!  

Today marks the release of the new February images from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps!  There are 4 new fantastic Emmylou images from Crissy Armstrong, 5 new swashbuckling pirate images from Annie Rodtrigue, 2 adorable Cindy and Mindy images from Jean Grant and a new set of coordinating Pirate sentiments!!  You'll get to check out all the new stamps throughout our fabulous blog hop!

If you want to start from the beginning, just head over to the Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge Blog! As you hop from blog to blog, be sure to leave a comment at each and every stop because three lucky stampers will win packages of stamps from the new release!!  And when you're done hoppin', be sure to head over to the Kraftin' Kimmie store, because ALL the new images are NOW available!

I decided to use Billy Blyth...he was just too adorable to pass up!  I just love that smug look.  

Stamp Set(s): Billy Blyth by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps, "arrrgh" sentiment from Ahoy Matey--Pirates (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF
Cardstock: Dark Chocolate by PTI,  Stamper's Select White by PTI
Ink: Dark Chocolate by PTI, True Black by PTI
Tools:Copic Markers 1 1/4 and 1 13/8 inch circle punch by EK Success


Thanks for stopping by.  Your final hop stop is with Kim Reid!

Have a wonderful day--and Happy Valentine's Day too!


Alli

Take Three: Spring Day 5

I can't believe we have arrived to the final countdown day before Take Three: Spring is released!
Thank you again for joining me.  I am thrilled to share 4 cards with you today some using some        goodie but oldie techniques too.

CARD #1

I have been a card maker since the spring of 2004.  My first cards were very very basic and displayed ink, stamps and paper.  As I braved new waters I tried pastels and versamark, rock n roll technique and finally landed on a favourite.  A goodie but an oldie.  How many of you remember glitter windows?

I began by punching a window for my bunny.  Once I created the hole I stamped my image in the center of it.  Then  I used some paper scraps and ribbon to add some appeal on the left side of the card.  You'll want to make sure you tie your ribbon before you add your tape and glitter.  Next I used some packing tape and poured glitter over it.  As a final touch I added a button and some ribbon, a scalloped border and then I stamped my sentiment.

Stamp Set(s): Take Three: Spring (Urban Design by Alli Miles) by PTI, Heart Basics Background by PTI 
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI,  Aqua Mist by PTI, Dark Chocolate by PTI, Raspberry Frizz by PTI, Hibiscus Burst by PTI
Ink: Dark Chocolate by PTI
Accents: Button by PTI , Ribbon by American Crafts
Tools: Scallop Punch by EK Success, 1 3/8 square punch by EK Success, Crop-a-dile corner Rounder

CARD #2 

I love quick, easy, reproducible cards and this is one you don't want to miss! I began by stamping my images in versamark.  Then I applied black embossing powder.  You'll note I left a larger gap between the top two images and the bottom one to allow room for the sentiment.  Next I coloured the images using my copic markers, stamped my sentiment and trimmed the edge of my card so that I could add a scalloped border.  

Stamp Set(s): Take Three: Spring (Urban Design by Alli Miles) by PTI
Ink: Stamper's Select White by PTI, New Leaf by PTI
Accents: Black Emboss Powder
Tools: Scallop Punch by EK Success, Copic Markers


CARD #3

There is something about pink, white and brown that gets me EVERY time.  This card was first inspired by the American Crafts ribbon.  Then I embossed the bunny using white emboss powder on dark chocolate cardstock.  I added a scalloped edge and tied the ribbon.  I layered dark chocolate on stamper's select white cardstock using pop dots.  Then I adhered the making memories patterned paper.  As a final touch I created a raised sentiment and added buttons on the points.

Tip: create accurate points using a square punch and a paper strip.

Stamp Set(s): Take Three: Spring (Urban Design by Alli Miles) by PTI
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI,  Dark Chocolate by PTI
Patterned Paper: Making Memories
Ink: Dark Chocolate by PTI, Versamark
Accents: Buttons by PTI, Ribbon by American Crafts, White Emboss Powder
Tools:  Scallop Punch by EK Success, Square punch

CARD #4

I started by creating a debossed outline using my nestabilities by Spellbinders and the rubber mat.  Next I used the smaller scalloped square nestabilities to create an opening.  Then I stamped my image using versamark and applied embossing powder and heated it.  I stamped the sentiment in dark chocolate and decided to add some ridges using scor-pal.  As a final touch I placed a piece of scrap paper in the ridge and a scalloped edge at the bottom.

Stamp Set(s): Take Three: Spring (Urban Design by Alli Miles) by PTI
Ink: Dark Chocolate by PTI, Versamark
Accents: Lettuce Adirondack Embossing powder
Tools: Labels by Spellbinders, Scallop Punch by EK Success, Scor-Pal

I look forward to seeing you in the forums for the release party February 14th around 7pm EST!  It won't be long now.
Before you leave I'd love to hear which of the 4 cards you like most today.  Was it the technique, layout or colour that got you?

Alli

Take Three: Spring Day 4

Day 4 is upon us and I have some more Take Three: Spring goodness to share with you. Again, I can't thank you enough for stopping by my blog and leaving comments.  I just loved hearing your thoughts about each card and why you liked them. 

CARD #1

I began by stamping the background using snow cap and heart basics.  Then I punched a hole using a 2 inch hole punch.  You'll note I also had to punch part of the spring moss paper.  I placed the patterned paper in the center, stamped the bunny and then I stitched the circle and the trim.  I added a big focal ribbon at the top, a scalloped edge at the bottom. I stamped the sentiment and attached hemp twine on either side.

 

Stamp Set(s): Take Three: Spring (Urban Design by Alli Miles) by PTI, Heart Basics Background by PTI

Cardstock: Vintage Cream by PTI,  Kraft by PTI
Ink: Very Vanilla by PTI, New Leaf by PTI, Dark Chocolate by PTI
Accents: Misc Ribbon, hemp twine, Button by PTI
Tools: Labels by Spellbinders, Scallop Punch by EK Success, 2 inch circle punch by Paper Shapers, Sewing Machine

 

CARD #2

I began by cutting paper strips of different colours.  Then I lined them up and stamped the images.  I adhered them and stamped the sentiment.

Stamp Set(s): Take Three: Spring (Urban Design by Alli Miles) by PTI

Cardstock: Vintage Cream by PTI,  Scarlet Jewel by PTI, Spring Rain by PTI
Ink: Vintage Cream by PTI, Scarlet Jewel
Accents: Vintage Cream Ribbon by PTI
Tools: Corner Crop-a-dile


I had another card to share today but our puppy liked the fuzz of it before I could take the photo LOL...so I will share it tomorrow instead.


Have a wonderful day and make sure you let me know which of the two cards featured today was your favourite.


Alli

Take Three: Spring Day 3

Welcome back!  Can you believe we are already doing peeks for day 3 already? I have to admit February truly is a treat at PTI...15 days of oogling and surprises but honestly my favourite day is Feb 15 because I get to add all those goodies to my cart!!  Anyone else with me on that one?  I already have a list a mile long too LOL.

I am so excited to share today's cards using stamps and sentiments from Take Three: Spring available Feb 15th.  I am sure you will quickly note the "friendship forever" theme.  In fact the bunny card is one of my favourite creations for this release--the colour combination, layout and the simplicity.

CARD #1

I began by stamping my bunny images (all three) on patterned paper using black ink.  What I love about that is they give you the option of decorating bunny without having to colour him not to mention give a paper pieced look without all the cutting.  Next I punched the image using a 1 1/4 inch square punch.  Then I cut out a scallop square die cut using my nestabilities and placed the bunny image in the center.  I cut a strip off the card to make room for a scalloped border.  I decided to add a thin strip of paper over the edge of the card where it meets the border for more appeal.  At the bottom of the card I added a strip of patterned paper to match my bunnies and a black piece of scrap cardstock.  I finished off the card with the sentiment which was stamped on a tag die cut which I trimmed with knotted paper scraps. 

Stamp Set(s): Take Three: Spring (Urban Design by Alli Miles) by PTI
Cardstock: Very Vanilla by PTI,  Aqua Mist by PTI 
Patterned Paper: October Afternoon
Ink: True Black by PTI
Accents: Ribbon by PTI, Button by PTI, Gloss
Tools: Nestabilities/labels by Spellbinders, 1 1/4 inch Punch by EK Success, Scallop Punch by EK Success, 


CARD #2

Yesterday I shared how to create a "rock 'n roll" image.  Today's card also features this technique (I created the cards on the same day) but this one features the one image stamped three times. For some extra appeal I decided to add some flower brads in the center of the leaves.  I really like white, true black and spring moss together.  They are so refreshing.  I stamped the base of the card using Text Style Background. Then I added a piece of true black, gave it a scalloped border, added the ribbon bow, adhered the strip of leaves and stamped the sentiment using snow cap.

Stamp Set(s): Take Three: Spring (Urban Design by Alli Miles) by PTI, Text Style Background by PTI
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI,  Spring Moss by PTI, True Black by PTI
Ink: Snow Cap by PTI, New Leaf by PTI, Spring Moss by PTI
Accents: Ribbon by PTI, Brads by Bazzill
Tools: Scallop Punch by EK Success


As always it is an absolute pleasure reading your comments.  Before you leave today I'd love to hear which card is your favourite and why.

Have a fantastic Friday and hope to see you again tomorrow--think soft a fuzzy!  ;)

Alli