PTI October 2011 BLOG HOP

Howdy Bloggers & Blogettes! Don't you just LOVE PTI Blog Hop time? I always get so excited when I actually get to partcipate. What a fun challenge this month! I have a dear friend who just gave birth to a GORGEOUS baby girl earlier in October who ADORES all things pumpkin. She remarked how she wanted a pumpkin onesie for her little one and so this fall onesie set is for her. Using PTI felt and Leaf Prints dies, I made the headband by simply die cutting the felt, using fabric glue to stack the leaves, and then stitched them down with embroidery floss and a button. The pumpkin and stem are free-handed, but the leaf is a trimmed Leaf Prints maple leaf. I simply tacked the image down lightly with fabric glue, let it dry, and then simple stitched around the edges with embroidery floss. I picked out a few coordinating PTI & vintage buttons from my stash to finish it off and... WALLAH! A fall onesie set. Thanks for stopping by!

PTI Make It Monday Card #2

Howdy Bloggettes! Nothing much to say about this one except I wish I hadn't glittered it...which is crazy coming from me. I love glitter. Oh well. Sorry. Will have to fill you in on deets later. My baby boys (23 months & 2 months) are sick with a yucky cold. Please say a prayer for them. I did put Glossy Accents on the leaf and it looks neat IRL. If you feel like leaving a comment, let me know what your favorite thing about Fall is. Mine is the amazing weather after the blazing hot summers we have here in Southeast Texas. Also, all the pumkiny things. I LOVE PUMKIN DESSERTS! Thanks for stopping by!

PTI Make It Monday Card #1

Howdy bloggettes! I have to be SUPER QUICK with my post this evening because BOTH my baby boys are sick with a yucky cold (Josiah 23 months, Asher 2 months). Please say a prayer for them if you don't mind! If I get a chance (and don't forget) I will come back soon with the deets. I just saw that my card is incredibly similar to another card that is posted even though neither of us had seen the other's card. WEIRD! Hers is fabulous. If you feel like leaving a comment, LET ME KNOW WHO YOUR STAMPING HERO IS AND WHY. Mine is the magnificient Maile Belles. Her cards appear effortless, flawless, and stylish. She is the opitome of Clean And Simple in my opinion. Thanks for stopping by!

Double Duty: MIM & TT

Howdy Bloggettes! While perusing through Bloggerville this week, I happened to stumble upon (who am I kidding, I visit these blogs almost every day) PTI's Make It Monday challenge and Moxie Fab's Tuesday Trigger. Since I am currently momma to a 23 month old and an 8 week old, I thought I would combine the two challenges, hoping that meant I was more likely to complete both. Lol. (My crafting is on the back burner these days.) I so love the inspirational Tuesday Trigger photo... All the glitz and girliness... pops of unexpected color... I thought it would pair beautifully with the sparkle of the MIM glitter borders technique. I am not 100% in love with my card, but it came together fast and that is what I needed. I think the layout needs a little tweaking. Oh well. Perfection is for JESUS. :) Thankfully He doesn't require it from me. I am still trying to work on my card style and become a more CLEAN AND SIMPLE stamper. I want my cards to come together fast, be easily reproduced if necessary, and have a WOW factor with as few "ingredients" as possible. My stamping hero is Maile Belles of http://mailebelles.blogspot.com/ . Her cards are always so effortlessly breathtaking. I am not saying the cards don't take any effort on her part, just that card making seems to come so naturally to her. If you haven't checked out her blog, GO RIGHT NOW. It will change the way you look at card making.

WHO IS YOUR STAMPING HERO? If you feel like chatting, leave me a comment and let me know WHO & WHY. Here is my attempt at combining both challenges:

Here's the deets:

Cardstock: White, Sweet Blush (PTI)

Stamps: Turning A New Leaf, Springtime Doodles, Faux Ribbon, Tag-Its #3 (PTI)

Die: Jar Label

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Tsudineko), Versamark

Other: White embossing powder, Crystal glitter (Martha Stewart), Green rhinestones, Green ribbon (unknown)

MFT Sketch Challenge Entry

Howdy folks! This is my entry for this week's MFT sketch challenge. I will try to come back soon and fill you in on the details. WAY TOO EXHAUSTED RIGHT NOW TO DO IT. Lol!

MIM: Decreasing Aperature with PTI Attempt #2

Howdy friends! Since my previous try at this week's MIM didn't contain a series of DECREASING aperatures, (I was WAY too excited about my new Alpha-blocks die and other PTI goodies) I decided to try again. This time I made sure I knew what I was doing BEFORE I made the card and got carried away by my new toys. Lol! 5 layers of cardstock later... I wanted to use glitter over the image, but was afraid it would be too hard to see it, so I glittered the last frame instead. :) I really hope you like it! If you feel like leaving a comment, let me know what your biggest product frustration is. Mine is the fact that my Quickutz Revolution is AWESOME but only passes paper 4 inches wide. Know what that means? No PTI impression plates or Favor-it dies for me. Massive bummer! :( *Snif, snif* I will eventually save up for an additional, bigger machine. My stamping rockstar friend Paula Laird (who just so happens to be gracing the pages of your current Papercrafts issue!!!) is kind enough to run impressions for me on her plates. You ROCK girlfriend! Anyways, the Sunshine impressions are from her. Thanks for stopping by and I hope we get to craft together again soon!

SUPPLIES: PTI (except the bling)

Cardstock: White, Fine Linen

Stamps: Borders & Corners Circles, Gracious Vases

Impression Plate: Sunshine

Dies: Mat Stack 1, 2, & 5, Numbers (used the 0 for my oval and it's center for the sentiment)

Other: Fine Linen twill, Copics

MIM: Decreasing Aperature with PTI

Howdy and welcome friends! Thank you so much for stopping by! I am so excited to have gotten to play with my new PTI goodies that just arrived this past weekend from my Stamp-a-faire order. I don't get much time to play with stamps these days, seeing as how I have a 1 month old and a 22 month old to occupy my play time, which makes blogging my cards next to impossible. The fact that this card was made AND blogged is practically a miracle! How do you other moms do it? I hope this counts for the MIM Decreasing Aperature challenge. My layers aren't decreasing in size as they go, but they do layer backwards so that so that the last layer is the one inside the window (which is layered behind the Kraft layer with dimensionals). All the other layers are die cut using the Alphablocks die. The depth is very realistic...for a card. ;) I wish it's dimension would show up better in the photos. {SIGH} Oh well. Hope you like it! It was inspired by the simpler and oh-so-clever card by the amazing Jessica Witty shown here. Thanks for looking! If you feel up to leaving a comment, let me know what time a day you craft and (if kids are in the picture) how you manage mommying and crafting/bloggin. Hope to see you again soon! Have a blessed day!


SUPPLIES:
Stamps: Mendhi Medallions, Gracious Vases (PTI)

Dies: Alphablocks (PTI) Labels #4 (Nestabilites)

Impression Plate: Woodgrain (PTI)

Ink: (Tsudeniko)

Markers: BG10 (Copic)

Cardstock: White, Kraft (PTI) Black is unknown

Ribbon: Lavender Moon (PTI)

Other: Stickles glitter and Glossy Accents (on the vase)

PTI Blog Hop

Howdy bloggers! I am super excited to participate in the blog hop today! I have been unable to craft as of late because I just gave birth to boy #2 and it feels so good to get inky again! Boy #1 (Josiah) is 22 months old and boy #2 (Asher) turned 1 month today. My two precious distractions (see pictures at the bottom of the post) keep me pretty busy as you can imagine so stamping time is scarce these days. Here is the gorgeous inspiration photo for the hop today:

Here is my card:

I choose to look at the colors and a few of the pillows on bench for my inspiration. This card will be given to my grandmother this week for her 80th birthday so I hope she likes it!

The biggest flower is popped up with dimensionals:

Small paper strips join together to form a small scalloped border:

Here is the new baby boy:

My precious baby Asher who is 1 month old today!

And here is my big boy:

Proud big brother Josiah. Boy does he love his little brother! Can you see why I don't have time to craft these days? I am too wrapped up in the cuteness. I love stamping, but it doesn't giggle, have dimples, or smell like an angel. :)

Thanks for reading and I hope we get to stamp/blog together again soon!

SUPPLIES:

Cardstock: Vintage cream, Fine linen, Kraft, Spring moss, Aqua mist, White (PTI)

Stamps: Signature greetings, YOF mums (PTI)

Dies: Small scallop border, Simple circles border (PTI)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Tea dye duo (PTI)

Ribbon: Melon berry bitty dot satin (PTI)

Copic markers: E000, E00, E02, R02, R32, R35, Y11,YG03, G21

PTI: Make It Monday #8 Ink Blending Techniques

It has been a little rough around here lately, and I had some happy cards and sad cards to make. In the past two weeks we have had new baby births, a dear friend suffer the loss of a newborn, my husband's grandmother pass away, and my parents got in a car accident. Thankfully everyone is doing well (except my parents car) but I knew I would be a roller coaster of emotions while crafting, especially since I am 6 months pregnant with number 2. When I saw the new Make It Monday challenge over on Nichole's blog, I felt inspired by the soothing blending of colors (not only for me, but hopefully the recipients as well). The card above is for a friend's birthday this weekend and the card below is for my MIL. The funeral for her mom was yesterday, and she did amazingly well, but I know that the next few months will be hard since she lost her dad earlier this year, and will be dealing with lawyers, wills, and such. Just wanted to send her a little extra love this week.

As far as the technique goes, you must check out the FABULOUS Betsy Veldman's video. I used sponges to blend my inks, since that is what I had. On both cards, I stamped the image in Versamark on white cardstock and embossed it using clear embossing powder. All I had to do after that was add my ink. Easy peasy. Thanks for stopping by! The supplies are as follows:

Birthday Card:

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White, Sweet Blush (PTI)

Ink: Grape Jelly, Lilac Posies, Paris Dusk, Tuxedo Black (Tsudineko), Perfect Plum, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery *retired*, Cool Caribbean *retired* (Stampin' Up)

Stamps: Year of Flowers: Violets, Signature Greetings (PTI)

Dies: Labels 4 (Nestabilites)

Ribbon: Navy Satin (Unknown)

Glitter: Diamond Stickles

Embossing Powder: Clear Filligree

Sympathy Card:

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White (PTI), Cool Carribean *retired* (Stampin' Up)

Ink: Grape Jelly, Lilace Posies, Tuxedo Black (Tsudineko), Perfect Plum, Bashful Blue, Cool Caribbean *retired* (Stampin' Up)

Stamps: Year of Flowers: Gladiolas (PTI)

Dies: Mat Stack 4 (PTI)

Ribbon: Sheer White (Unkown)

Glitter: Diamond Stickles

Embossing Powder: Clear Filligree

All Aboard The Reject Train

I am a HUGE fan of Paper Crafts Magazine and was encouraged by a friend to start submitting. Even though I knew it would probably take me a WHILE before I got in, if ever, I decided to go ahead and try. This is my second time, and I haven't gotten in yet but I am not going to give up. My goal is to get in...eventually. I am really enjoying the process (other than the submission form...YIKES) and like the experience and practice it brings. Really I am just trying to get better at my hobby, and hopefully I will get happy mail...someday.

(Apologies. I am SUPER TIRED and am listing an abbreviated supplies list. If I get a chance I will come back and fix it soon. :))

Stamps: Mindy's Zoo (Autumn Leaves) Signature Greetings (PTI)

Paper: Stamper's Select White, Kraft, Lemon Tart, Hawaiian Shores, Dark Chocolate, True Black (PTI)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)

Markers: Copic

Buttons: PTI

Twine: PTI

Impression Plate: PTI

Ribbon: Red & White Stripe from Michaels

PTI Anniversary Tag Challenge

PTI is just full of fabulous challenges and prizes this week in celebration of their anniversary. Today's challenge was to pick from a group of downloadable tag images created by the designers and create a project. They were all amazing, but this little flower by Alli Miles was perfect for my card. Thanks for visiting!

Cardstock: PTI Kraft

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Copics: R35, YR18, YR16, Y17, Y11, B02

Flower Tag: PTI download by Alli Miles

Image stamp: PTI Turning A New Leaf

Sentiment: PTI Communique Sentiments (Also Alli Miles)
Ribbon: PTI Lemon Tart

PTI Contest: Customer Favorites

The FABULOUS gals at Papertrey Ink are giving away the MOMMA of all prizes on their blog: nicholeheady.typepad.com . "And how do I win?" you ask? You can either leave a comment on their blog or post your favorite PTI project you have created in the past year and link it on Nichole's blog using Mr. Linky. Well...since I am new to bloggerland, I only have ONE card post...and that is out of 2 posts. Like I said: "NEWBY". :0 However, it just so happens to be a PTI card! In order to see all the deets for my card, please refer to the previous post. So, without further ado, here is my only (I mean favorite) PTI project post!

Tuesday Trigger @ Moxie Fab World

Okay. Let me just say that I love Moxie Fab World. If you have not been to check it out, you MUST: http://www.moxiefabworld.com/ . There are such amazing daily inspirations and constant challenges to keep you crafting. This is my first official Tuesday Trigger and I am really excited. When I first saw the inspiration picture, I was immediately drawn to the textures. The ribbed fabric under the box, the scalloped box edge, the ruffled baking cups... And aren't the colors gorgeous? They just SCREAM "I love you snuggle kins". Anyways, here is my take on the picture:

Since I have so many weddings and engagements happening right now, I decided to do a wedding card rather than a Valentine's Day card. I started out with a Vintage Cream card base (PTI) and added some patterned paper (DCWV) to the top 2/3. I die cut a Vintage Cream mat stack 4 (PTI), and stamped it with the "congrats" sentiment from Comunique Sentiments (PTI) in Chocolate Chip ink (SU), and then added Stickles around the edge. Next, I added a strip of Melon Berry card stock (PTI) die cut with my rickrack die (PTI) and adhered it to the card base. On top of that is a strip of Sweet Blush (PTI) that is cut with my small scallop border die (PTI) which I scored using my Martha Stewart score board. I place some loopy ivory ribbon (unknown) around the card stock band and tied a bow then got to work on my "snuggle heart cup". It is a circle die cut of Dark Chocolate card stock (PTI) that I scored to make the ridges and I then added a smaller circle die cut to the center. The hearts are a Martha Stewart punch raised with dimensionals and are tied with a small satin ribbon. I finished off the card with a few pink rhinestones for some *bling*. And in case you are interested, I used Scoretape as my adhesive for the card. It is the greatest stuff EVER.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day!

Blog Launch...FINALLY.

Before I officially enter into the blogging world, I want to give a shout out to my friend Paula. She is the gorgeous gal on the left. I am the shiny one on the right. Lol. (I often loathe flash photography). We were both 8 months pregnant at the time, me with #1 and her with #2. If anyone (other than her) actually reads this post, you may know her as the fabulous "Mrs. Laird" from SCS, or have seen her recently published Hanukkah card in the September 2010 issue of Papercrafts Magazine. She has been an amazing friend of mine for a LONG time and is the one who is to blame for introducing me the expensive, addicting, fun, and crazy world of paper crafts/cardmaking. I have been making cards for a few years now, but never had the time to blog any of my creations. Honestly, I have too many craft irons in the fire and didn't want to even think about managing multiple blogs...that few (if any) people would read. Thus "MADE WITH LOVE" was born. That way, anything I make: jewelry, cookies, invitations, parties, gifts, & cards all have a home in one place. It is not that I am this amazing crafter or anything, I just have many hobbies and get bored if I stick to only doing ONE thing. Paula is my official craft buddy and has twisted my arm into taking the blog plunge. I will probably rarely post (PLEASE FORGIVE ME) but I will do my best. I happen to have an amazing husband, 16 month old precious son, and currently 4 1/2 moths pregnant with #2. :) My plate is full with housework, cooking, and snuggling. Living life is more important to me than blogging about it. Just saying. I hope you enjoy what I share, and I also hope to hear from you as we take this bumpy blogging ride together. Have a great day!