Notes By Nina

Scrapbook Essentials #8

2012-01-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

It is time for another Challenge with Scrapbook Essential BC, it is our 8th challenge. This week we are doing a Clean and Simple Sketch.

I heat embossed the butterfly and sentiment in brown, and finished with some twine and pearls.

Please stop by the Scrapbook Essential BC online store to see the fabulous items, the following supplies used on this card are available - Bo Bunny designer paper and stamps.

Take a look at the Essential Sketches blog for the Design Team card samples and to add your card to the challenge.

Supplies: Cream and brown cardstock, Designer Paper - Bo Bunny, Essential Stamps-Whimsical Bird and Butterflies, Spellbinders Nestabilites, Fancy Floss, Recollections pearls.

Cheers,
Nina

Merry Monday #5

2012-01-30T19:55:00.000-08:00

Merry Monday everyone :). Lesley selected my card from last weeks Merry Monday Challenge as a winner. I am so excited that next week I get to be a guest designer.

For this week I wanted to do a little colouring with my Tombow's I really don't use them enough. I also found this beautiful lace like mulberry paper, I am not all that sure it matches the card but I don't care :) I was determined to use it.

Supplies: Natural While and Burgundy cardstock, Designer Paper - My Mind's Eye, Frogs Whiskers Ink-Poinsettia, Cornish Heritage Farms-Christmas Greetings.

Cheers,

Nina

Clean and Simple Stamping #175

2012-01-29T19:26:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since I have played along with the Clean & Simple stamping challenge. The challenge does shows paper piercing, but I know I can not manage a whole frame of piercings.

I received my new The Stamps of Life set and wanted to ink it up, I love the flowers that Stephanie creates. Simple enough - I stamped the flowers and heat embossed them with brown, same with the sentiment, both are popped up with foam tape. I also inked all the edges.

Supplies: Cream and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-Authentique, The Stamps of Life-list2write, misc ribbon, Recollections-pearls.

Cheers,
Nina

The Friday Mashup #43

2012-01-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

Good Morning All - a quick post this morning before I run out the door to spin class. This morning’s card is for the current The Friday Mashup challenge.

My something new is a 6 x 6 Freebird paper pack from Authentique, as well a new Stamps set from Inspired buy stamping.

Supplies: Cream and burnt orange cardstock, Designer Paper-Authentique, Inspired by Stamping-The Sky’s the Limit. Hot off the Press-Tiny words, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Creative Creations embossing folder, Craft Medley string, KaiserCraft gems

Cheers,
Nina

Playing in Paradise #51 - Clean and Simple using Hearts

2012-01-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday – It is time for another Challenge over at Playing in Paradise and it is my turn to host.

I don’t tend to make a lot of Valentine’s but I do give one to my husband and my son. I tried for a masculine card with a simple phrase.. really do you need more then that? :)

I layered black and red glitter paper, used my SCAL software and Cricut for the cutout and heart. I used Fancy Floss to suspend the heart.

Please take a few minutes to visit the challenge blog to see what the other team member have created.

Supplies: Cream cardstock, Designer Paper- Best Creations Inc, Hot off the Press- Tiny Words and Phrases, Sew Easy-Fancy Floss.

Cheers,

Nina

Mojo Monday #224

2012-01-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

A quick post this morning for the current Mojo Monday Challenge.

Supplies: Natural White cardstock, Designer Paper-Jillibean Soup, Paper Inspirations- Birthday Joy Calligraphy, misc ribbon and pearls.

Cheers,

Nina

Freshly Made Sketches #19

2012-01-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

Another week has zoomed on by and it is time for a new challenge at Freshly Made Sketches.

I went with a simple square card, I have been wanting to use this stamp for a long time so I inked it up with brown ink, then added small dots with yellow glitter pen where the pods meet the stalk. I did the same to the flower centres on the designer paper. I finished with adding double bands of ribbon and pearls.

Supplies: Natural white and brown cardstock, Design Paper-Basic Grey, Studio G-Botanical Background, Hot of the Press- Tiny Words, misc ribbons, Recollections pearls.

It has been a wonderful month of challenges for me as a Guest Designer, it has been amazing to share the creative spotlight with all these very talented cardmakers. Thank for having me ladies, see you on the other side of the Linky tool :).

Cheers,

Nina

Essential Sketches #7

2012-01-24T06:24:00.000-08:00

I had a fabulous post all prepped and loaded for a scheduled post this morning.. and blogger just ate it, lost and gone. So I am so sorry that this post is a little late.

It is time for another Challenge with Scrapbook Essential BC, this is our 7th challenge and this week we are asking you to create a card using patterned paper.

I tried for a clean card to showcase the designer paper, but did add some texture. My sentiment is heat embossed in brown then I finished with some frilly ribbon and a resin rose.

Please stop by the Scrapbook Essential BC online store to see the fabulous supplies Stacey has, the following supplies used on this card are available - Basic Grey designer paper, embossing folder, frilly ribbon and resin roses and so much more.

Take a look at the Essential Sketches blog for the Design Team card samples and to add your card to the challenge.

Supplies: Cream and brown cardstock, Designer Paper - Basic Grey, Essential Stamps-Whimsical Bird, Spellbinders die cuts, Couture Creations- Embossing folder, frilly ribbon and resin roses.

Cheers,
Nina

Merry Monday #4

2012-01-23T18:44:00.000-08:00

A quick second post for today's current Merry Monday challenge, this is the fourth fabulous sketch from Lesley.

I dug into my scraps for this card. I added to texture to both layers then cut out the four layers of the snowflake with Spellbinders die cuts. The sentiment is heat embossed in Navy then I finished the card with some silver edged ribbon and gems.

Supplies: Natural white and blue cardstock, Designer Paper-Bo Bunny, Verve-Glad Tidings, Spellbinders Die cuts, Cuttlebug folder, Hero Arts gems, misc ribbon.

Cheers,

Nina

New Challenges coming...

2012-01-23T08:22:00.000-08:00

A super quick post about a new challenge site that is having a giveaway, hop on over the take a peak. http://www.kraftygirls.com/

Cheers,
Nina

Sunday Fishing

2012-01-22T18:43:00.000-08:00

My mojo seems to be lagging a little today, when that happens I will tend to slide back into a comfort zone.. masculine cards.

I recently brought some fabulous new stamps that I could not wait to ink up so today was the day. I used some scraps for the background and added some texture with an embossing folder.

I stamped the image with brown Stazon then coloured it with my watercolour pencils. I added a little brown edging and some Clear Star glitter pen.

Supplies: Natural Ivory, green and brown cardstock, Designer Paper- Unknown, Flourishes-What a Catch, Taglines, Spellbinders, Embossing folders, misc twine and gems.

See you back here tomorrow for a new Merry Monday!!

Cheers,
Nina

The Friday Mashup #42

2012-01-21T11:00:00.000-08:00

There is another fabulous challenge over at The Friday Mashup Blog.

So here is the "Mashup" Challenge :

Make a project using "Paper Piercing".
Or Make a project using the colors "Blushing Bride, Riding Hood Red & Early Espresso".
Or "Mash it Up" and create a project with the "Color Combo & Paper Piercing".

I am hoping that I managed to get close to the colours for this challenge, I picked up this pretty paper in one of the local craft stores and could not wait to use it. I love the soft pink and gray, I layered with brown cardstock and added texture. I stamped and embossed the sentiment in brown, and put a light brown edge for all layers. I finished with a felt heart from my stash and some twine.

Supplies: Natural White and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-Authentique, Inkadinako-Happy Valentine’s Day, misc twine and felt heart.

I guess I need to brush up on my reading skills or pay better attention to details piercing and piecing look real similar. Guess when one my brain saw...

Cheers,

Nina

Playing in Paradise #50

2012-01-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Friday.. it is so nice to see you :). Friday's also mean another Playing in Paradise challenge over at Scrapbooker's Paradise. This weeks inspiration photo can mean many different things, because it is what you see in the picture that inspires YOU.

For me, I saw multiples, multiple penguins, multiple colours and so on.

I brought a new Cricut Cartridge and Martha Stewart punch that I have itching to use so I made this card about lots and lots of butterflies. I stepped way out of my comfort zone with this one.

I worked around this bright and busy DP, then added the butterfly border on top. I used a both my Cricut and punch for the stand alone butterflies that I had heat embossed with holographic embossing powder.

Please take a few minutes to stop by the Playing in Paradise blog to take a look at all the wonderful creations by the design team members.

Supplies: Cream and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-Echo Park, Inspired by Stamping-All year Wishes 1, Cricut-Ribbons and Rosettes, Martha Stewart punch, Recollections pearls.

Cheers,
Nina

Mojo Monday #224

2012-01-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning all, a quick post this morning for the current Mojo Monday Challenge.

Lots of layers and texture for this card, then I cut-out some of the poppies from the DP to pop up around the sentiment. I finished with a couple of small branches.

Nina

Supplies: Cream and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-Authentique, Inspired by Stamping-All Year Wishes II, Spellbinders die cuts, Martha Stewart punch, Cuttlebug folders.

Cheers,

Freshly Made Sketches #18

2012-01-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

Victoria is experiencing a little blast of winter, we are lucky if we get a week of snow a year and I think this is the week. I am not looking forward to my drive to work this morning, when I walked home from bootcamp last night the sidewalks were super icy.

Today's card is for the new Freshly Made Sketches Challenge.

I thought this designer paper had so many pretty flowers on it that I wanted to use them all, so I used the pattern on the panel instead of a stamped image.. cheating.. maybe a little :). It is not really visable in the picture but I added bits of glitter pen to each of the flower centers.

Please stop on by the Freshly Made Sketches blog to see all the fabulous cards made by the design team.

Supplies: Cream and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-7 Gypsies, TPC-Cardmaking Happy Birthday, misc flower punches.

Cheers,
Nina

Scrapbook Essential BC #6

2012-01-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

This week’s challenge for Scrapbook Essentials BC is a colour challenge.

Isn't this stamp set beautiful, I paired with Bo Bunny-Welcome home for my card. Both of these products can be found in the online Scrapbook Essential BC store.

I stamped this bird twice and heat embossed one in brown then cut it out and popped it up to make it 2D, the sentiment is also popped up. I finished with a small paper bow and pearls.

Please visit the Scrapbook Essentials Challenge blog to take a look at the fabulous cards that the Design Team have created for this challenge.

Supplies: Natural Ivory and brown cardstock, Designer Paper- Bo Bunny, Scrapbook Essential BC-Whimsical Bird, Memory box die cuts, Recollections pearls.

Cheers,

Nina

Merry Monday #3

2012-01-16T17:57:00.000-08:00

A quick second post for the new Merry Monday Challenge, another fabulous sketch by Lesley.

I love the layout of these sketches, it allows for simple clean cards . I offset rounded corners and used a Spellbinders for the sentiment frame, I finished with tiny gems.

Supplies: Natural white and red cardstock, Designer Paper-Upsy Daisy Designs, Spellbinders dies cuts, Verve-Bright Spirits, misc gems.

Cheers,
Nina

Stacking boxes Cakes

2012-01-16T13:38:00.000-08:00

You don't expect to see those words strung together now do you. I have quick post to show you, a fabulous project I work on Saturday. A small group of us got together to do a little crafting, Cabio had an idea she wanted us to try. These started out as stacking boxes by Melissa Frances.

Can you tell which one is mine.. I am soo not a girly girl. The other ladies made stunning elegant and so so beautiful projects, these are three of finished items. One of the ladies was still busy adding bling.

Three of us ladies holding our projects. Like the background, that is Cabio's craft room not a store.. it is amazing and I am in awe each time I see it.

This is my project :), I had a blast creating it. We started with measuring and adding texture to white cardstock. I added the thick black ribbon with white stitching, and then cut out each individual dice from spare cardstock and added gems. I created the large dice on top the same way and added three layers of base to hold it up.

The top box is glued shut but the bottom two boxes can open up to put some trinkets or treats inside. I was pretty impressed with myself for accomplishing this.

Thank you Cabio for taking these great pictures. I have a few more on my camera that I will add a little later.. I am charging my camera battery. I think Cabio has more pictures on her blog, pop on over to take a look, she has made several of these amazing project.

Supplies: Stacking boxes-Melissa Frances, white cardstock, Cuttlebug folder, misc ribbon and gems.

Cheers,
Nina

Weddings and Snow

2012-01-15T08:46:00.000-08:00

It looks like a chilly morning out beyond the windows, we had a light dusting of snow last night our first for the winter. We have sun and flurries predicted for today too I don't imagine it will last long though.

Friends of ours are rumoured to have been married this weekend. It was all hush hush and a small private ceremony. This card is for when it is confirmed said rumoured ceremony actually took place.:) I like to be prepared after all.

I embossed this beautiful shimmery paper with an Spellbinders Impressabilites and popped each layer with foam tape. I heat embossed the image then cut it out and added edging before gluing to the Spellbinders Shapeabilites. I double layered the ribbons, they finished the card by added the rose, branch and pearls.

Supplies: Cream and brown cardstock, Designer Paper- Imaginisce, Spellbinder Nestabilites, Shapeabilites and Impressabilites, Inkadinkado-Congratulations, Recollections-Rose, Kaisercraft pearls, Martha Stewart punch, misc ribbons.

Cheers,
Nina

The Friday Mashup #41

2012-01-14T18:50:00.000-08:00

Good Evening all, I had some time to get another quick card in today. This one for the current The Friday Mashup challenge.

So here is the "Mashup" Challenge :

Make a "Thank You" themed Project.
Or Make a project "Using Designer/Patterned Paper".
Or "Mash it Up" and create a "Thank You project with Designer/Patterned Paper".

I heat embossed the sentiment and then popped each layer up with foam tape and finished with some ribbon and gems.

Supplies: Natural While and green Cardstock, Designer paper-K&Company, Close to my Heart-Gracious Greetings, Spelbinders Nestabilites, Kaiser Graft Gems.

Cheers,
Nina

Mojo Monday #223

2012-01-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

It was a super busy work week for me, I am so happy that I finally got a chance to sit down to do a little crafting last night. This weeks Mojo Monday challenge was a little daunting for me so I kept putting it off and putting off in hopes I would have an idea that clicked.

I ended up digging through my small little paper packs to see if anything jumped out at me and my DCWV - The Natural Matstack did, so a Mojo Monday card was born.

I decided I was going to switch the circles around so that my sentiment was not covered and I made the smaller circle into a button. I added texture here and there and stayed with clean layers.

Supplies: Natural Ivory and brown cardstock, Designer Paper- DCWV, TPC-Cardmaking Happy Birthday, misc punches, Cuttlebug embossing folder, fuzzy twine, Pebble Inc- Candy Dots.

Cheers,

Nina

Playing in Paradise #49

2012-01-13T02:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday, it is time for this week’s new Playing in Paradise Challenge.

I chose Text, Button and Ribbon as my three in a row. I used this beautiful shimmery paper and put it through my Cuttlebug with one of my favorite embossing folders to add texture. I used foam tape to pop up each layer, and heat embossed my sentiment. I finished with silver edged ribbon and a fabulous metal button that I found at Fabricland.

Please stop by The Playing in Paradise blog to see all the fabulous cards from the Design Team.

Supplies: Natural While and gray cardstock, Designer Paper-DCWV, Inspired by Stamping-All Year Wishes II, misc embossing folder, button and ribbon.

Cheers,
Nina

Oh Canada!

2012-01-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

Yes I know it is almost mid Jan and not July 1st, I also don't sit in my craft room singing our National Anthem although if you do bravo :).

My co-worker is taking his Canadian Citizenship test today, I know he will do just fine. I think I have reviewed more elementary school history the last couple of weeks to make me wonder how on earth I every made it through to graduation.

I know the results won't be in for about a month but I figured I would plan a head and give this to him and maybe some Red Velvet cupcakes when he has completed his Citizenship ceremony. I think Red Velvet would be as close to red and white as I will find this time of year. I am not up for baking fancy cupcakes.

Supplies: Natural white and white cardstock, Designer Paper-Best Creations Inc, HOTP-Mix your messages.

Cheer,

Nina

The card was relatively simple to create, for the bottom layer and maple leaf I used this fabulous red glitter paper. The center piece textured cardstock, and I cut the Maple Leaf with my SCAL and Cricut.

Freshly Made Sketches #17

2012-01-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday, I love that it is mid week. The early week blues are behind us and the fun slide to the weekend begins.

It is time for a new Freshly Made Sketches Challenge. I had fun making my card with this sketch.

I wanted a softer looking card this week, I have had this pretty paper for a long time but passed it by time and time again but I was determined this week. I have the panel and sentiment popped up with foam tape, then finished with some pearls.

Supplies: Natural White and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-Daisy Bucket Designs, TPC-Cardmaking Hello, Sizzlits Little Leaves, Kaisercraft pearls.

Please drop by the Freshly Made Sketches blog to take a look at fantastic sample cards that the Design Team members have created. I am looking forward to all the wonderful creations to be submitted for this challenge.

Cheers,

Nina

Scrapbook Essentials Challenge #5

2012-01-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Good Morning all, 2012 is skipping along a good clip already. A quick personal note before we get to all that carding goodness.

Happy 18th Birthday to my son Zach. You are such an amazing young man and you make me proud each and every day with your charming personality, caring ways and all around good guy status... mom loves you :)

It is time for the 2nd challenge of the year with Scrapbook Essentials BC.

This week's challenge is an Easel card, I love this style of card but boy do I struggle to get a good picture.

I used basic layers for this card, the bird house and the sentiment were heat embossed and popped up with foam tape. I added a beautiful pink ribbon and resin rose to finish, both of these products along with this stamp set can be purchased in the Scrapbook Essentials BC online store.

Please head on over to the challenge blog to see what the other design team member have come up with.

Supplies: Cream and pink cardstock, Designer Paper-Basic Grey, Essential Stamps-Birdhouse Background 1, Essential Charms and ribbon-Scrapbook Essentials BC.

Cheers,
Nina

Merry Monday #2

2012-01-09T20:50:00.000-08:00

A quick evening post for the new Merry Monday Challenge #2. Lesley had created another fantastic sketch.

I kept my card simple, I heat embossed the image then coloured it with watercolour pencils. I love these little red birds so I made button-like circles as embellishments.

Supplies: Natural white and red cardstock, Designer Paper-Imaginisce, HOTP-Small Snowman, Verve-Holiday Phrases, misc gems, misc punches.

Cheers,
Nina

Masculine Happy Birthday

2012-01-08T16:39:00.000-08:00

A quick post for a lazy Sunday afternoon. This card has basic layers that are popped up with foam tape.

Supplies: Kraft and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-Basic Grey, Magenta- Happy Birthday, Sew Easy Twine, embossing folder, Pebbles Inc-candy dots.

Cheers.

Nina

The Friday Mashup #40

2012-01-07T18:01:00.000-08:00

Photo Source

So here is the "Mashup" Challenge :

1. Make a "Birthday" project.

2. Or Make a project using "Pastels/Chalks or Pastel Colors".

3. Or "Mash it Up" and create a "Birthday project using Pastels" .

Simple layers so not to take away from this pretty paper. I added a heart and gem to the centre of the flower.

Supplies: Cream and turquoise cardstock, Designer Paper- Pink Paislee, Close to my Heart-Gracious Greetings, Prima flower, misc gems and ribbon.

Cheers,

Nina

Playing in Paradise #48

2012-01-06T05:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday Everyone - I am having a fabulous crafting week, how about you? It is my very first post as a Design Team member for Playing in Paradise, I am so excited to be creating with these very talented ladies.

I usually will struggle with this shape of card but I was pleasantly surprised when this one came together right away. The sentiment is simply stamped on DP then the panel is popped up with foam tape. The flower is 4 layers, lightly edged with brown ink. I added texture to the base layer with an embossing folder.

Supples: Natural white and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-Authentique, Paper Inspirations-Birthday Calligraphy, Marvy flower punches, misc ribbon, Kaisercraft pearls, embossing folders

Please stop by the Design Team blogs to see all the wonderful creations.

Cheers,
Nina

Black Tie Daisy Downpour

2012-01-05T20:45:00.000-08:00

I found this pretty paper in my DP stash and could not wait to make something with it. I thought clean and simple would be best.

I used basic layers and let the downpour of daisies be the focal point. The flowers are also simple layers and popped up with foam tape. I added Clear Star jelly roller to the centre of every daisy for a little sparkle.

Supplies: Natural white and black cardstock, Designer Paper- Imaginisce, TPC Cardmaking Thank you and Happy Birthday, Marvy punches, misc gems and ribbon.

Cheers,

Nina

Freshly Made Sketches #16

2012-01-04T21:23:00.000-08:00

A very quick second post for the current Freshly Made Sketches challenge. I love this sketch and can see using it many times.

Isn't this DP the cutest, my son loved Dinosaur's when he was little.

I used simple layers, and popped up the second panel as well as the buttons with foam tape. I tried to get a little dino head on each button.

Supplies: Natural White and green cardstock, Designer Paper-Basic Grey, Fiskars-Birthday Party, misc punches and Cuttlebug embossing folder, embroidery thread

Cheers,
Nina

Freshly Made Sketches #16

2012-01-04T05:30:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to be a part of the Freshly Made Sketches design team for the month of January, what a wonderful way to start 2012. Thank you so much ladies for inviting me to create with you.

This sketch worked wonderfully for a Thank you card for a holiday party my husband and I attended. The picture does not do the card justice, it really does not show the texture and the colour differences as well as I would have liked.

I stamped the martini glasses with white craft ink then heat embossed with clear embossing powder, they were then cut out and popped up with foam tape.

Supplies: Natural white and black cardstock, Designer Paper-Bo Bunny, Hot of the Press-Tiny Words, Inkadinado-Martini Glass, Celebrate it ribbon, misc embossing folders.

Please visit the Freshly Made Sketches blog to take a look at wonderful sample cards that the Design Team members have created.

Cheers,

Nina

Scrapbook Essentials Challenge #4

2012-01-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

Good Morning All, it is time for another sketch over at Scrapbook Essentials.

I went with simple layers for this card, I wanted the sentiment to be the focal point.

Supplies: Cream and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-Basic Grey, Scrapbook Essentials BC-Birdhouse Background 1, Recollections gems, misc embossing folder.

You can find these wonderful stamps at the Scrapbook Essential BC online store. Head over to the Essential Sketches blog to take a peek at the wonderful samples that the other design team members have created.

Cheers,
Nina

Merry Monday #1

2012-01-02T18:50:00.000-08:00

A quick second post this evening for a new challenge Merry Monday, I love Lesley's sketches so it was easy to jump on board with this fantastic idea.

I used a SVG cuts oval and scalloped oval files cut using my Cricut and Sure Cuts alot software. I have lots of Christmas DP in stock but recycled my scraps for this card.

Supplies: Natural Ivory and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-My Mind's Eye, Verve-Winter Mittens, Verve Winter Fun die cut, misc ebossing folder.

Cheers,

Nina

Mojo Monday #222

2012-01-02T10:22:00.000-08:00

It is going to be so hard to head back to work tomorrow, I have had such a nice stretch of time off. This is a quick post for the current Mojo Monday challenge. I want to get to those promised comments I am so behind on.

I found these wonderful papers in my stash the other day and just left them out knowing I wanted to use them and this sketch worked perfectly.

Lots and lots of layers and texture, I love the earthy colours.

Supplies: Natural Ivory and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-We R Memory Keepers, The Stamps of Life-owls2love, misc die cuts and embossing folders, Creative Imaginations pearls.

Cheers,

Nina

Happy New Year and The Friday Mashup

2012-01-01T10:50:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year.. 2012 fancy that, 2011 seemed to flash by in an instant. Today's post is for The Friday Mashup #39, I think it is perfect challenge for today.

So here is the "Mashup" Challenge :

Make a project that "Sparkles".
Or Make a project "Celebrating the New Year".
Or "Mash it Up" and create a project "Celebrating the New Year that Sparkles" .

New Year's celebrations are not big in our house, the new day and year will be there when we wake up :) needless to say it is rare for me to make Happy New Years cards so I did not manage to mash it up this time around.

My son's 18th birthday is only a few days away so this is the card I created. I love these sheets of glitter paper, the grain of the glitter is fine so it is easy to work with and does not grind when you cut it. I could not seem to get a great picture of the card though to show all the sparkles. I used rich cocoa brown and black glitter paper, as well as black and brown glimmer fancy floss. The bow adds flare but with the dark colours it keeps it's masculine appeal.

Supplies: Natural Ivory and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-Best Creation Inc, Denami Design-Happy Birthday, Fancy Floss-Glimmer, Recollections pearls.

Happy New Year and All the best in 2012 everyone.

Cheers,

Nina

The Friday Mashup #38

2011-12-31T13:59:00.000-08:00

Goodness, I am behind :). Challenges, comments, email.. must be a sign of a great holiday season. This post is for The Friday Mashup #38.

So here is the "Mashup" Challenge :

Make a project using the "Sketch".
Or Make a project using "Watercoloring".
Or "Mash it Up" and create a project using the "Sketch & Watercoloring" .

I tried to Mash it up, but my watercolour image kept getting in the way, so I cut the side band to fit on either side of the image frame rather then run across it. I coloured the image with my Tombo markers then spritzed it to get it more of a water colour look. I added a simple Hi for the sentiment.

Supplies: Natural Ivory and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-Authentique, Stampin' Up-Watercolor Trio, TPC-Cardmaking Hello, Spellbinders, Prima flowers, Recollections pearls.

I will try to get caught up in comments, emails and such over the next couple of days. Thank you to everyone who has stopped by and left a comment.

Cheers,
Nina

Mojo Monday #221

2011-12-30T19:37:00.000-08:00

I have a Mojo Monday #221 card to show for the current challenge then I will share a few photos from my recent adventures up at Mt Washington.

I went with a square card for this challenge, I have made a few of these smaller cards over the last little while and like them.

Supplies: Natural Ivory and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-Basic Grey, Hero Arts-Silhouette Grass, TPC-Card Making Thank you, misc punches, ribbons, Recollections Pearls.

My husband and I try to get up to Mt Washington at least once a winter for a little snowshoeing. We rent a condo down in Comox for an evening and treat the trip like a mini vacation. We had two wonderful days of snowshoeing.

The first day it was overcast and the snow was icy from a recent rain however the weather was nice and we were lucky to feed the Whiskey Jacks. It is usually touch and go whether we see these little guys but we always carry trail mix with us just for them. They love the large raw cashews, almonds and peanuts but they seems to always grab the large plump raisins first and tend to toss away the pumpkin and sunflower seeds. This little guy appears to be glaring at me for the poor selection offered.

The second day was beautiful and sunny but windy, there was a nice amount of fresh snow overnight. We were there early enough to break trail the whole time and we spend most of out time off trail and in the back country.

I think I took the most pictures ever this trip, this area is so pretty.

Cheers,

Nina

Playing in Paradise #47

2011-12-27T15:03:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season, it is hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone. There is so much build up then it is just... over. I still have a few days off though and I have grand plans to get a few cards made.

I was able to spend a little time with my craft supplies last night so I tackled a couple of challenges. This post is for the current Playing in Paradise challenge.

Supplies: Natural Ivory and turquoise cardstock, Designer Paper-Cosmo Cricket, TPC-Card Crafting Thank you, Sizzix embossing folder, Cuttlebug die cut, Kaisercraft pearls, misc twine.

Cheers,
Nina

Scrapbook Essentials BC Challenge #3

2011-12-19T21:16:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday, I am so happy the first day of the work week is done. The rest of the week, and the last stretch to Christmas is in full swing. Today’s post is for the Scrapbook Essentials BC Challenge #3. This week's challenge is all about colour.

Weaving all this paper took me forever :), I was not sure I was going to like it at first but once it was all put together and with all the added elements I was happy. I heat embossed the image with clear embossing powder then inked over top with gray and pink.

You can find these beautiful stamps at the Scrapbook Essential BC online store. Take a look at the wonderful samples that the other design team members have created.

Scrapbook Essentials Design TeaM

Angela Thomas
Lesley Croghan
Stacey Rumsby
Teresa Winstone

Supplies: Natural white, gray and pink cardstock, Scrapbook Essentials BC-Whimsical Butterflies 1, Inspired by Stamping-All Year Wishes, Recollections-Floral Embellishments, Stickles, misc ribbon.

Cheers,

Nina

Mojo Monday Challenge #220

2011-12-19T20:45:00.001-08:00

Good Evening all, a short post for today new Mojo Monday Challenge.

Supplies: Natural white and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-Authentique, Inspired by Stamping-All Year Wishes II, MSE-Swirls, Prima Flowers, misc die cuts, punches and lace, Kaisercraft pearls,

Cheers,

Nina

The Friday Mashup #37

2011-12-18T19:12:00.000-08:00

Good Evening All - I had to wait till my hubby headed off to work before I could get creative with this card. This is the very last Christmas card I needed to make and I hope he does not check my blog and see his card :).

I used this week's The Friday Mashup challenge for this creation, unfortunately I did not manage a mashup.

So here is the "Mashup" Challenge :

Make a project featuring "Chipboard (Precut or Diecut )".
Or Make a project with "Distressing ( ink, scissors or the Cutter Tool Kit)".
Or "Mash it Up" and create a "Distressed Project featuring Chipboard"

This card is a little larger at 5.5 x 5.5. I used chipboard on the base of the multi-layered snowflake.

I found this wonderful glitter paper in a local craft store this weekend and I had an instant idea for this card, the silver and black paper reminds me of my husbands motorcycle that is all black with lots of chrome.

Supplies: Natural white and black cardstock, Glitter paper-Best Creations, Verve-Christmas in the Air, spellbinders die cuts, Celebrate It ribbon, misc sugar coated brad, Crystal Stickers - Glitter Dome.

Cheers,

Nina

Playing in Paradise Challenge # 46

2011-12-15T16:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday - the last weekend before Christmas. I am starting to get a little excited, with that said I did not make Christmas card for this weeks Playing in Paradise Challenge # 46 :).

I am even more excited and honoured to be a asked to be a part of this fabulous Design Team in the new year, how fantastic is that.

This week challenge is all about Buttons!!!

How easy is that? Create a card, scrap page or a project using buttons.

Anyone who follows my blog on even a semi regular basis knows I LOVE buttons, more specifically making then with paper and heat embossing them. This card is no different.

I received my new Dec stamp set from The Stamps of Life this week and could not wait to ink them up. The candies are three layers deep with the last layer I made into buttons and popped up with foam tape. My husband thinks my card is psychedelic with all the swirls but I like it.

Supplies: Cream and navy cardstock, Design Paper-Stella and Rose, The Stamps of Life-candy2share, misc ribbon, kaisercraft pearls.

Cheers,

Nina

Freshly Made Sketches #15

2011-12-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

A quick early morning post for the new Freshly Made Sketches challenge #15.

I brought this stamp awhile ago and have never inked it up, I am happy with how it blended nicely with these panels. I heat embossed the image using Versamark Dazzle and VersaColor Pinecone. I used multiple different embossing folders to add texture, I finished with a few dabs of Stickles.

With all my embossing I am also playing along for the current Scrapbook Essentials BC Challenge.

Supplies: Cream and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-My Mind's Eye, Hampton Art stamp, Inkadinkado-Thank you words, misc embossing folders, misc ribbon, Stickles.

Cheers,

Nina

Mojo Monday Challenge #219

2011-12-13T20:37:00.000-08:00

Good Morning campers, I can't believe that it is Wednesday already- I love it. Christmas is coming ya know.

This post is for the current Mojo Monday Challenge #219. I think I made this card way more labour intensive than it needed to be and I am not sure I like it yet. The idea in my head just did not translate as expected. Ahh it happens.

I wanted my hat to be the focal point and it just did not work out as I expected to, I do like how it works for an I embellishment though. I used multiple sheets of DP from the Echo Park Times and Seasons 6x6 pad. I could not decide on which wonderful prints to use so I used multiple which was not the best idea me thinks. I found the free font for Happy Birthday on Dafont.com

Supplies: Natural Ivory and navy cardstock, Designer Paper - Echo Park, Stamp it - Panama Hat, misc twine, Recollections-mini brads, button die cut, misc punches.

Cheers,

Nina

Scrapbook Essentials BC Challenge #2

2011-12-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how quickly time is flying, where did the first two weeks of December run off too? It is a good thing I am 99% prepared for the holidays and can enjoy the little treasures that come along.

The treasure for today is a fresh new challenge for Scrapbook Essentials BC.

I love embossing wet or dry, for this card I was excited to make my own background with these beautiful stamps. I found this wonderful embossing powder that is a mix of brown, cream and gold perfect for Whimsical butterflies right... just agree :).

I also embossed the cute little chipboard butterfly as an embellishment and added some pearls for the body.

You can find these beautiful stamps at the Scrapbook Essential BC online store. Take a look at the wonderful samples from the other design team members have created.

Scrapbook Essentials Design Team

Angela Thomas
Lesley Croghan
Stacey Rumsby
Teresa Winstone

Supplies: Cream and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-Hot off the Press, Essential Stamps- Whimsical Butterflies 1, Inkadinkado - Thank you words, chipboard butterfly, Cinnamon Toast embossing powder, misc ribbon, Kaisercraft pearls.

Cheers,

Nina

The Friday Mashup #36

2011-12-11T19:19:00.001-08:00

Good Evening, where did the weekend disappear too? A quick post for the new Friday Mashup Challenge, I am pretty excited, my shaker card from last week got me this little badge of honour. Thank you ladies :)

Now for this weeks challenge:

Photo Source

So here is the "Mashup" Challenge :

Make a project featuring "Snowmen".
Or Make a project using the colors "Blushing Bride, Baja Breeze & Basic Grey".
Or "Mash it Up" and create a "Snowman project with the colors Blushing Bride, Baja Breeze & Basic Grey".

I used a Clear Star jelly roller to add a bit of sparkle to the snow. I added a little Diamond Glaze to the hats.

Supplies: Natural White and green cardstock, Designer Paper-Scribble Scrabble, Impressions Obsession-Snowball Fight, Hot of the Press- Mix your message, Cricut-Snowflakes, misc gems and ribbon.

Cheers,

Nina

Playing in Paradise Challenge # 45

2011-12-10T10:55:00.001-08:00

A short post this morning before I head out to brave the malls for so Christmas shopping. This weeks

Playing in Paradise Challenge # 45 is "Create a card, scrapbook page or any project using a tree as your main focus."

Lots of layers, foam tape and... green :) not much else to say.. oh and a tree.

Supplies: Kraft and green cardstock, Designer Paper-Basic Grey, Paperbagstudios - Lone Tree, Hot off the Press-Tiny Words, Cuttlebug embossing folders, misc pearl, twine and punches.

Enjoy your Saturday.

Cheers,

Nina

Froggy

2011-12-08T18:02:00.001-08:00

I love frogs, I think I came by my love of them from my oldest brother. I remember random little frog knickknack's that he had, this through the eyes of a child so who know it may have only been one or two.

I am pretty fussy about my frogs though, but I like this one.

I used googly eyes but I think it makes it look like froggy is wearing glasses? Am I alone.. google eyes or glasses, the debate is on. I dare you to comment with your thoughts :).

I created lots of layers-even froggy has a second layer popped up with foam tape, I colored the images with my water colour pencils then used a blender pen to smooth out the colour.

Supplies: Kraft and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-Basic Grey, froggy2love - The Stamps of Life, Spellbinders die cuts, Chocolate brown - candy dots, misc ribbon, googly eyes.

Cheers,

Nina

Freshly Made Sketches #14

2011-12-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

Good Morning all- a quick post for the current Freshly Made Sketches challenge.

I thought I would change it up a little and make something other than a Christmas card.

Supplies: Cream and brown cardstock, Designer Paper- My Mind's Eye, Close to My Heart- Gracious Greetings, Prima flowers, misc pearls and ribbon.

Cheers,

Nina

Christmas Countdown

2011-12-06T19:05:00.001-08:00

We started wrapping the gifts that we need to ship off last night, there is no hiding it I guess.. Christmas is coming. I think I am almost done making Christmas cards to, I am proud to say that all the cards I made this year are all unique.

This is morning's card post is for the Scrap and Stamp December 2011 Sketch Challenge:

I can't seem to get away from this designer paper, each double-sided sheets draws me in. Originally I was using my Verve die cut to get a musical print tree however when I turned it over the glitter was placed perfectly so I left it as it. The top two layers are popped up with pop dots.

Supplies: Cream cardstock, brown sparkle paper, Designer Paper-My Mind's Eye, Verve-Bright Spirits and Die cuts, misc embossing folders, Stampin' Up! ribbon, Crystal Elements-glitter domes.

Cheers,
Nina

Scrapbook Essentials BC Challenge #1

2011-12-05T19:13:00.001-08:00

December 6th is finally here and today over at Scrapbook Essentials BC Challenges the very first sketch challenge is being unveiled. I am excited and honoured to be part of the Design Team.

Our Rules for Playing:

Create a NEW project for this challenge.
Be sure to link your blog with a direct link to the post you would like us to visit.
Please put a link on your post to our challenge.
Create a project with only 3 challenges including our challenge.
Feel free to use any crafting products you have!

Be sure to post your project to the linky by Sunday, December 11th at Noon (PST).

Isn't this butterfly stamp beautiful!! I stamped this image twice and cut one out then heat embossed it with Antiquities embossing powder and finished by popping it up with foam tape.

Take a look at the wonderful samples from the other design team members.

Scrapbook Essentials Design Team

Angela Thomas
Lesley Croghan
Stacey Rumsby
Teresa Winstone

Supplies: Cream and navy cardstock, Designer Paper-Stella and Rose, Essential Stamps-Whimsical Butterflies 1, Spellbinders dies cuts, Cuttlebug embossing folders, Prima flowers, Kaisercraft pearls

Cheers,
Nina

Mojo Monday #218

2011-12-05T15:58:00.001-08:00

Good Evening, just a quick post for this week's Mojo Monday #218.

I was not sure my creativity would return today, yesterday it was a disaster. I put some Christmas tunes on for a little while though and I made it through.

I had a small stack of Christmas DP out and ready to flip through but in the end I was drawn back to the My Mind's Eye Lost & Found Christmas.

Supplies: Natural Ivory and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-My Mind's Eye, Verve-Glad Tidings, Cuttlebug folders, Memory Box die cut, misc punch, misc ribbon and glittter dots.

Cheers,
Nina

Cardabilites Challenge #44

2011-12-03T11:15:00.001-08:00

It is a gorgeous Saturday here today. The sun is shining and the frost was so thick this morning that it almost looked like snow. Definitely puts me in the mood for making Christmas cards.

Cardabilites has a new sketch ready for us to follow along, I am pretty excited my card from last challenge was identified as a Featured card.

I was rather lazy this morning when I started this card, this DP was sitting on the corner of the desk so I naturally migrated towards it. The sentiment is heat embossed with beautiful Moss Tinsel embossing powder. I also dipped the branch pieces in Antiquites embossing powder as well. I finished with lots of rhinestones.

Supplies: Natural white and green cardstock, Designer Paper-Recollections, Magenta-Deck the Halls. Spellbinders die cut, misc punches, misc ribbon, Recollections Rhinestones.

Cheers,
Nina

The Friday Mashup #34

2011-12-02T20:20:00.001-08:00

Hello again, I am back for a second post. This time for The Friday Mashup challenge for this week.

So here is the "Mashup" Challenge :

Make a project featuring "A Shaker Card".
Or Make a project with a "Winter Theme".
Or "Mash it Up" and create a " Winter Themed Shaker Card. "

I have only ever made a shaker card once before, it was in a card class I took years ago. It was a disaster, I had made up my mind to just not bother...*sigh* ahh Mashup, I just could not resist. It took some futzing around but I made it work, I might even try again :). For my window, I cut up the plastic packaging from an embossing folder I brought this week.

My shaker contents are beads and large chunk glitter. I heat embossed the background image with navy embossing powder, then embossed Joy with Midnight stars sparkly embossing powder to give it some glitz.

Supplies: Natural white and navy cardstock, Designer paper- Basic Grey, Verse-Glad Tidings, Verve-Die cuts, Sizzix embossing folder, misc ribbon and Recollections Gems.

Cheers,

Nina

Playing in Paradise # 44

2011-12-02T05:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday Everyone - I have exciting news, I have been asked to be Guest Designer over at Scrapbooker's Paradise for this week's Playing in Paradise challenge. I am thrilled, thank you so much ladies.

This weeks challenge is perfect for me as I have been fascinated by monochrome cards for the past little while, more specifically black and white.

I found this wonderful free kit over at ShabbyPrincess that had this digital designer paper. I don't usually have much luck with hybrid cards but this turn out great. I heat embossed the tree and sentiment with black embossing powder then added clear rhinestones. Just about every layer is popped up, and the sentiment is 4 layers thick not including the velvet ribbon running long the back. I finished with the black rhinestones in the upper corners.

Head over to the Scrapbooker's Paradise blog to see all the wonderful creations by the Design Team

Supplies: Natural White and black cardstock, Designer Paper- ShabbyPrincess, Stampin' Up!-Snow Swirled, Verve-Glad Tidings, Spellbinders dies, misc embossing folders, Kaisercraft rhinestones, misc velvet ribbon.

Cheers,
Nina

Freshly Made Sketches

2011-12-01T16:43:00.001-08:00

Wowzers this week has zoomed on by, I don't even have any wild tales to say I enjoyed the speedy passage of time.

I am pretty excited though that my card from last weeks Freshly Made Sketches earned me a title of Perfect Princess, how fantastic is that :) big smiles... thank you so much ladies. I will post my little badge with honour. If you have not seen the amazing cards created by some very talented card makers so hop on over to the blog to take a peek.

With that all said it is time for the new challenge over at Freshly Made Sketches. Lesley has created a wonderful sketch for us to try.

This card should have been relatively easy to make happen, no way no how, this endeavor spanned two days. I think the ol' creativity flew the coop for awhile. Alas it sorta came together today enough for me to get it off the craft mat.

As I was out shopping for a dress shirt with my son yesterday at Winners, I thought I would take a look in the kitchen section (my husband started my oven mitts on fire the other day) needing some replacement mitts. We have to go through the stationary isle to get there, and there was an amazing section of designer paper stacks who would have thunk it... Winners of all places. Anyhoo, found this wonderful My Mind's Eye - O Christmas Tree Glitter cardstock stack, not that I need any more but it is so pretty and sparkly.

Sheesh boring you now, so pretty little faux poinsettia's are created from misc flower punches then heat embossed with the Antiquities embosssing powder, layered with foam tape and topped with a gem.

Supplies: Cream and burgundy cardstock, Designer Paper - My Mind's Eye, Verve-Glad Tidings, misc punches and embossing folders, Recollections rhinestones.

Cheers,

Nina

Mojo Monday # 217

2011-11-28T17:28:00.001-08:00

Howdy all :). This is another quick post for the Mojo Monday challenge.. #217. I am not sure why I say most of my posts will be quick, it seems to be the norm as of late. I want to spend a little time catching up on blog comments though rather then rambling.

Another fantastic sketch.

The mailman delivered an armload of Verve stamps to me today, I could not wait to ink them up.

Supplies: Cream and green cardstock, Designer Paper-Echo Park, Verve-Bright Spirits, misc die cuts and punches, Kaisercraft Rhinestones, misc ribbons.

Cheers,

Nina

Playing in Paradise #43

2011-11-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning - a very quick post for the current Playing in Paradise Challenge.

I made this flower out of a gently used paper lunch bag forever ago and could never find a use for it. I think it worked just fine for this card.

Supplies: Kraft and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-Basic Grey, TPC Studio - Flourish Text, misc ribbon, Pebbles Inc-Candy Dots.

Cheers,

Nina

Freshly Made Sketches #12 & The Friday Mashup #34

2011-11-27T20:26:00.001-08:00

Whew, what a busy week. I don't mind being busy but I certainly missed my craft time.

This is a quick post as I try to catch up on some of card challenges, I have combined a couple of my favorites. I used the sketch from Freshly Made Sketches, and mixed and mashed with the challenge from The Friday Mashup.

So here is the "Mashup" Challenge :

Make a project featuring "A Christmas Theme".
Or Make a project using the colors "Aqua, Chocolate and White".
Or "Mash it Up" and create a "Christmas themed project using the colors Aqua, Chocolate and White".

This card has all kinds of sparkle, the DP snowflakes have glitter in different colours of blues and turquoise. I used Turquoise Stickles along any section that was scalloped and then finished with some turquoise gems.

Supplies: Natural white and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-Bo Bunny, Magenta-Let it Snow, Just Rite-Christmas wishes, Spellbinders die cuts, misc punches and ribbon, Kaisercraft gems, Stickles.

Cheers.

Nina

Blog Candy

2011-11-24T06:49:00.001-08:00

Morning all - sorry I have no cards to show today. I am on course all this week and I have not had the oppurtunity to get into my craft space at all.

Cardabiliites has some really nice blog candy available, pop on over and become a follower and leave an comment to get your chance.

http://cardabilities.blogspot.com/

Happy Carding,

Cheers,

Nina

Mojo Monday #216

2011-11-21T19:34:00.001-08:00

A quick second post for today's Mojo Monday sketch challenge #216.

I seem to be fascinated with monochrome cards right now and I love this 6x6 paper pad from Kaisercraft.

I added lots of texture and foam tape to this card :). The texture is visible but I am little disappointed that the popped layers are not.

Supplies: Natural white and black cardstock, Designer Paper-Kaiser Craft, Verve-Autumn Splendor, misc flower punches, kaisercraft black rhinestones. Cuttlebug embossing folders.

Cheer,

Nina

Challenges and more challenges

2011-11-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

Good Morning - a quick post this morning for a couple of card challenges I did yesterday.

This first card is for Cardabilities Sketch #43

Supplies: Cream and red cardstock, Designer Paper-Recollections, misc punches, Inkadinkado- Happy holidays.

The second card is for the Card Patterns Challenge #142

Supplies: Cream and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-My Mind's Eye, Stamps of Life, Spellbinders die cuts, misc punches, Kaisercraft pearls.

Cheers,
Nina

Challenges Galore

2011-11-20T17:40:00.001-08:00

A second quick post, I managed to do a few cards today.

This first card is for Clean & Simple Stamping challenge 167.

Supplies: Cream and green cardstock, Designer Paper-Recollection, Memory Box die cut, Cornish Heritage Farms- Christmas Greetings, misc buttons adnd gold floss, Sizzix embossing folder.

This second card is for Playing in Paradise challenge 42.

Supplies: Green cardstock, Designer Paper - Recollections, Memory Box die cuts, Stampendous-Seasons Greetings, misc twine

Cheers,
Nina

Thank You - with a little flair

2011-11-20T10:39:00.001-08:00

Brrrr it is frosty outside, perfect for a little indoor crafting activity.

My husband and I attended a wonderful early Christmas party last night. Our hosts have spend time in France so I though I would make them a themed thank you card.

I am off to listen to a audio book and some more crafting, have a wonderful day.

Supplies: Natural Ivory and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-My Mind's Eye, Fiskars-Wish you were here and So Much Thanks, Sizzix Embosslets, misc twine, Cuttlebug embossing folders.

Revoir,
Nina

The Friday Mashup #33

2011-11-18T19:37:00.001-08:00

Yahhh it's Friday, that means there is a new challenge over at The Friday Mashup blog.

So here is the "Mashup" Challenge :

Make a project using "Paper Rosettes".
Or Make a project using "the Sketch Above".
Or "Mash it Up" and create a "Project with the Sketch using Rosettes".

I recently brought a few new stamps and some 6x6 paper pads and I am excited to try them so it was so fun to sit down to this challenge. I was in the mood for monocrome and I am happy with how this turned out.

Supplies: Natural white and black cardstock, Design Paper - Bo Bunny, Inspired by Stamping-All Year Wishes 1, Close to my Heart-Filigree Charms.

Cheers,

Nina

Freshly Makes Sketches #11

2011-11-16T20:31:00.001-08:00

It is a blustery wet evening out my window, it makes me happy that I am snuggled in my craft space with a tea contently making a mess as I card.

I managed two separate cards this evening, the first is for the new Freshly Made Sketches challenge.

I think this stamp is so cute, I cut the birdie out a second time and popped it up with foam tape and added the smallest of color to the branch. I used this wonderful twine that has sparkle to add a little something extra.

I tried to make my little flower punch look like a pointsettia but I am not sure I managed it. I finished with a crystal. Those little white flowers I added here and there are for nails, they are so delicate I thought they would work great on cards.

Supplies: Cream and red cardstock, Designer Paper-Recollections, Stampendous-Peace Birdie, misc punch and twine, crystal.

The next challenge is for Card Patterns.

This card was three days in the making, I had a it all lined up in my mind but it just did not translate to card form. I am still not loving it. I used my Cricut to make cut most of the elements, I added crystals to the snowflakes to give them added sparkle.

Supplies: Cream and blue cardstock, Designer Paper-My Minds Eye, Close to my Heart-Christmas scripts. gems, misc twine.

Cheers,

Nina

Playing in Paradise Challenge #41

2011-11-15T16:57:00.001-08:00

Happy Tuesday everyone - this will be a quick post.

I am trying a new challenge today, Playing in Paradise.

I love the simple look of this card, I usually struggle with this style but it flowed nicely today. I love these flower punches, I think they were the first ones I ever brought and they layer nicely. I finished the card with crystals.

Supplies: Blonde Columns and gray cardstock, Designer Paper-Authentique, TPC-Cardmaking Happy Birthday, misc punches and ribbon, Swarovski Elements-Jolee's.

Cheers,

Nina

Mojo Monday #215

2011-11-14T13:12:00.001-08:00

It is a beautiful day here in Victoria, the sun is out and the sky is a beautiful blue if the wind would just go away it would be perfect. I took a vacatrion day today, I am alone in the house and it is fabulous.

Mojo Monday has a new sketch today:

I pulled out my Linen Closet Stack for today's card, I am going to be so disappointed when I use all this DP. I love the wondeful mix of glitter and brilliant pages. I was not able to get the glitter to sparkle in the picture so you will have to trust me. I did manage to my the crystal to show their glitz.

Supplies: Cream and brown cardstock, Desiger Paper DCWV, TPC-Card Making Birthday, Cuttlebug embossing folders, misc punches, Swarovski Elements-Jolee's.

Cheers,

Nina

The Friday Mashup # 32

2011-11-11T10:24:00.001-08:00

A quick second post for this Friday. There is a new Challenge posted on The Friday Mashup and I happily started working on this card first this morning.

So here is the "Mashup" Challenge :

Make a project featuring "A Girly Theme".
Or Make a project using "Your Favorite Technique".
Or "Mash it Up" and create a "Girly project using your Favorite Technique".

I struggle a little with girly cards, but I think I almost made it :). I have been loving embossing this past little while so I used both heat embossing and an embossing folder.

I embossed the designer paper with an embossing folder, it is new so the impression was deep enough to go through the DP. I decided to give the card a little bit of a shabby look with some brown edging to enhance some of the small tears. I embossed the bottom portion of the DP with Frosted Glass embossing power to give a little variation in colour.

I heat embossed this cute flower three time then cut out the different layers and added foam tape between each layer to give it dimension.I finished with an embossed Hello. Just before I posted my husband walked in and said nice card I like the dints.

Supplies: Natural white and brown cardstock, Designer Paper - Unknown, Verve stamps-Sunny Day, TPC-Cardmaking Hello, Cuttlebug folder, misc ribbon.

Cheers,

Nina

Remembrance - 2011

2011-11-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

"A Day of Remembrance"

Image by Dalicar, In Flanders Fields - By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)

Freshly Made Sketches # 10

2011-11-10T05:44:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Thursday, I love that I had some productive craft time last night. I had fun with the current Freshly Made Sketches Challenge, Rita has created a wonderful sketch.

I love layers and I popped each layer with a little bit of foam tape for dimension. I cut a Christmas bulb out of the Designer Paper and embossed it with my new favorite embossing powder-Frost Glass.

Supplies: Natural white and brown cardstock, Designer Paper- Basic Grey, Inkadinkado-Happy Holidays, Sew Easy Fancy Floss, Kaisercraft gems, Antiquities Frosted Glass.

Cheers,
Nina

Mojo Monday # 214

2011-11-09T17:21:00.000-08:00

I seem to have fallen a little behind with my cards this week. I started my card for this weeks Mojo Monday Challenge yesterday but I was distracted and did not get to finish it till tonight. I am happy with the way it turned out.

Mojo Monday Challenge Sketch:

I tried to take the picture where it would show the shimmer of some of the designer paper, I just could not get the lighting to work for me. I guess that is what I get for trying to take the picture in the evening. I did get a close up of the snowflake embossed with Antiquities Frosted glass.

Supplies: Natural Ivory and brown cardstock, Designe Paper-S.E.I., Inkadinkado-Happy Holidays and small snowflake, Memory Box die, Snowflake punch, AMuse-Pearls.

Cheers,

Nina

CardPatterns #140

2011-11-07T20:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday - This will be another very quick post for the current CardPattens Challenge.

Isn't this stamp the cutest, I think it matches this DP perfectly. I paired twine with buttons to finish.

Supplies: Natural White and red cardstock, Designer Paper-My Minds Eye, The Stamps of Life-penguins4Christmas, Sizzix Embosslets Sweet Buttons, Bakers Twine.

Cheers,

Nina

The Friday Mashup # 31 and Card Patterns # 139

2011-11-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

I think I am almost down to the wire for one of these challenges so this post will be short and to the point :). I thought I would combine two challenges today The Friday Mashup # 31 and Card Patterns # 139.

Challenge info for The Friday Mashup is :

Photo Source

So here is the "Mashup" Challenge :

Make a project featuring "Heat Embossing".
Or Make a "Thank You (Greatful)" project.
Or "Mash it Up" and create a "Thank You project with Heat Embossing".

The Sketch for Card Patterns:

I can always use a Thank you card, with my Birthday on the horizon I will definitely be sending out a few Thank you cards.

It took me a while but I have worked up a nice supply of Thank you stamps, I like how I was able to string these ones together. I love this Designer Paper and I wish I have more then one sheet. The buttons are just small circles punched out with holes added, I heat embossed them with Ranger Antiquities Frosted Glass embossing powder.

Supplies: Natural white and gray cardstock, Designer Paper - My Mind's Eye, Inkadinkado-Thank you Words, Fiskars-So Much Thanks, misc circle punches, Ranger Embossing Powder, misc ribbon.

Cheers,

Nina

Scrap n Stamp November 2011 Sketch Challenge

2011-11-03T17:58:00.000-07:00

I am so excited Scrap n Stamp has posted a sketch challenge for November.

This is the Sketch:

This is my second time drafting this post, blogger ate the first one so unfortunately this is be short.

I am still building my small Christmas card stash one card at time.

I used Cuttlebug folders to emboss each of the layers to add some texture, then added some Versacolor Pinecone on the edges. I finished with a small amount of Stickles for a little sparkle.

Supplies: Natural Ivory and brown cardstock, Designer Paper- Graphics45, The Stamp Barn - Merry Christmas, Cuttlebug-Embossing Folders, misc ribbon, Stickles.

Cheers,

Nina

2011-11-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

A quick post. I made this card with some scraps from my bin.

Simple layers, I embossed the sentiment with silver embossing powder. I added some leaves as accents. The button was created with Sizzix Embosslits Sweet Buttons then heat embossed with Ranger Antiquities Frosted glass.

Supplies: Cream and green cardstock, Designer Paper-S.E.I., Rivercity Rubber Works-In Sympathy, Gina K Designs- Autumn Leaves, misc silver twine, Sizzix-Embosslits Sweet Buttons.

Cheers,

Nina

Freshly Made Sketches #9

2011-11-02T19:19:00.000-07:00

The rain arrived today, we have had a number of nice sunny days but it took a turn today. I can't say I am disappointed as it just encourages me to spend more time in my craft space.

Freshly Made Sketches new sketch:

Isn't this whimsy tree cute. I have wanted to ink it up for ages. I embossed it with this gorgeous Moss Tinsel, I wish the sparkle showed a little more. I added some gold and red Stickles for the little bulbs.

I added some little gems to the mini holly leaves. to give them a little sparkle as well.

Supplies: Cream and green cardstock, Designer Paper-DCWV, Penny Black-Winter whites and greens, Cornish Heritage Farms-Vintage Christmas, Studio K- Moss Tinsel Embossing Powder, Bazzill basics- Mini Holly leaves, Recollections gems, Stickles.

Cheers,

Nina

Mojo Monday 213

2011-10-31T20:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween, we have had a ton of kids out Trick or Treating. It is a wonder I was able to complete my Mojo Monday Challenge :) with all the knocking and door bell rings.

Here is today new sketch:

I will admit that this card is bright and busy, not something I can accomplish very often. Today I like it, maybe it is all the candy I have been sneaking from the treat bowl. I used multiple pages from My Minds Eye - Wonderful Winter Christmas glitter Paper. There is all sorts of little bits of glitter all over the DP.

I cut out a tree from one of the pages and popped it up with foam tape. I also added just a little twine and a couple of gems.

Supplies: Cream and red cardstock, My Minds Eye - Wonderful Winter Christmas glitter Paper, Hero Arts-Merry Christmas, sew Easy Fancy Floss, Recollections Gems.

Cheers,
Nina

Clean and Simple Sunday Challenge #25

2011-10-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

Hello All, hope you are having a wonderful Sunday. The house is clean, I am working overtime on the laundry, the weekly grocery shop is also done and dinner is half way there. The next couple of hrs are all mine. The weather is definitely questionable out there so it is a perfect time for me to indulge in carding.

First off is Brenda's Clean and Simple Sunday Challenge #25. These are the challenge details:

"Anything CAS with Flowers

Pretty simple, right? I want to see Clean & Simple Cards that have at least one flower on them...somewhere...it can be part of

patterned paper, a stamped image, an embellishment, part of the background, the focal point,...you get to decide!"

I ended up with two cards for this challenge, the first card passed simple after I cut out the first flower petal. Does this look like a half a flower, or maybe just a Turkey tail :). Ahh well, if you can't laugh at yourself.

I used the same Designer Paper for this second card. I will call the two cards a set :). I added a little sparkle to the bottom of the card with some Stickles.

Supplies: Cream and brown cardstock, Designer Paper- My Mind’s Eye, Technique Tuesday-Loves me Still, The Stamps of Life-Daisy, TPC Card Crafting – Thank you and Hello, Stickles, Glitter Dots, misc ribbon.

Enjoy the remainder of your Sunday, if you stop by please leave a comment.

Cheers,

Nina

Red Velvet Birthday

2011-10-29T20:12:00.000-07:00

Hello again, another quick post. I have a friend who has a birthday coming soon, being as our birthdays are within days of each other we always go out for a ladies birthday dinner.

This year for her birthday I am not used much in the way of imagination for her gift but chose something that would be enjoyed. This beautiful box is about 8 inches square and about 6 inches tall. The black parts are all velvety. Inside is tissue wrapped decadent mixed dark chocolate bars and tea.

I tried to make a card that would almost match, I have some of the beautiful velvet designer paper, I am not sure who makes it but I brought it from Paperwishes. I cut the black cardstock with my Cricut.

Supplies: Natural white and black cardstock, Designer Paper – Unknown, Gina K Designs – Happy Birthday, Maya Road Clear Stamps, Cricut-Botanicals, Spellbinders Nestabilites, Cuttlebug folder, Recollections Gems, Fabricland ribbon.

Cheers,
Nina

Clean and Simple Stamping # 164

2011-10-29T16:37:00.000-07:00

Clean and Simple Stamping has posted the sketch for challenge 164.

I could not get a good angle for this card, this little banner does not lay flat but is raised in parts with some foam tape. I love this double-sided DP, it makes me think if snowy walks and making snow angels.

Supplies: Natural white and navy cardstock, Designer Paper-Bo Bunny, Inkadinkado-Snowman, Cornish Heritage Farms- Seasons Greetings, Cuttlebug folder, Creative Impressions-Medium Snowflakes, misc ribbon and pearls.

Cheers,
Nina

The Friday Mashup - Recycle, Renew and Reuse.

2011-10-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

I can not believe that today is the last Friday in October... where did this month go.. where has this year gone :). We are under 60 days now till Christmas. I don't want to think about it.

It is time for The Friday Mashup, it is all about Recycle, Renew and Reuse and a fabulous sketch by Heidi.

So here is the "Mashup" Challenge :

Make a project using the "Sketch".
Or Make a project using "Recycled / Repurposed Materials or Supplies".
Or "Mash it Up" and create a project "Using The Sketch and Recycled /Repurposed Materials or Supplies".

I dug deep I will admit, I was in my scrap bin. Lucky for me my scrap bin usually has some pretty large pieces in it. These scraps were actually from a project I started years ago and were still in their little baggie. The little bit of silver twine was also scrap that I had cut to short to span a card.

Head on over to The Friday Mashup blog to take a look at all the wonderful creations whipped up by the Design Team. My time as Guest Designer has come to a close but it has been a fabulous 4 weeks. Thank you ladies for having me.

Supplies: Cardstock, DP and stamps-Stampin' Up!, Kaisercraft Pearls, misc silver twine.

Cheers,

Nina

Freshly Made Sketches #8

2011-10-27T07:25:00.000-07:00

Good Morning - It is chilly and dark out my window. Chilly for Victoria anyway at a balmy 3 degrees, I was scraping ice of my windshield rather then frost.

A fabulous new sketch was posted on Freshly Made Sketches yesterday, I started this card last evening but gave up when I found myself just staring at my supplies. It all came together this morning at about 5:40 as I was sipping my tea, my husband thinks I am crazy :) but that is nothing new.

This is the sketch:

I have left this Designer Paper out so I can see it and my eyes are just drawn to it, maybe it is all that wonderful glitter.

I have two of these stamps with Thomas Kinkaid images, I don't think I ever really do them justice. I have tried to colour them in the past but I was not happy with that either. They really are stunning images.

Supplies: Natural Ivory and brown cardstock, Designer Paper- My Mind’s Eye, Silent Night Vignette and Vintage Christmas Expressions-Cornish Heritage Farms, Recollections Gems, Spellbinders Nestabilites.

Cheers,
Nina

Brag Monday #108

2011-10-25T19:37:00.000-07:00

I have often used one of the fabulous images from over at The Graphics Fairy, but truth be told I had no idea about the Brag Monday Challenge. I found it today, and being as I needed a couple of masculine birthday's card in the next couple of months I thought "WhyNot".

Supplies: Natural White and black cardstock, Designer Paper-Hot off the Press, The Graphics Fairy, Kelly Panacci-Time Flies, misc ribbon, Kaisercraft gems.

Cheers,
Nina

Mojo Monday 212

2011-10-24T18:59:00.000-07:00

It is time for a new Mojo Monday Challenge. Another fabulous sketch and I love all the wonderful layers.

I have been having problem with one of my trimmers lately, it is one of those guillotine types, I am not sure how the silly thing is cutting crooked but I am pretty sure it is not me. I ended up cutting out this card twice. I now have lots of scraps. I am sure I can make a patch work something.

I found this twine at Michaels this weekend, 40% off then a additional 20% coupon, can't complain about that, anyway it is a little thick but I was able to separate it to thin it out. I finished by adding a ton of gems.

Supplies: Kraft and brown cardstock, Designer Paper- Kaisercraft, Hot off the Press-Small Stacked Presents, American Crafts- Merry Mint, Celebrate It twine, Kaiser Craft gems.

Cheers,

Nina

Card Patterns 138

2011-10-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

Card Patterns posted a new challenge, I was not entirely happy with this first card so I did a second one which I like a little better.

Supplies: Cream and red cardstock, Designer Paper - Basic Grey, K&Company Chipboard, Celebrate It-Ribbon, Spellbinders Nestabilites.

Supplies: Cream and green cardstock, Designer Paper-Echo Park, Hero Arts-Holiday Poste De Luxe, Spellbinders Nestabilites, Celebrate It - Ribbon

Cheers,

Nina

Little Roses.

2011-10-23T11:49:00.000-07:00

Every time I make a card with roses the song by Red Sovine - Roses for Mama often comes to my mind. My mom and dad use to listen to this version and the one by CW McCall all the time, I always cryed when I heard it. It still makes me tear up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0ELWgMp5Ik

I saw these pretty little flowers on a couple of cards as I wandered blogs this week and I just wanted to try them. I have made a larger version but these small ones are so pretty.

Supplies: Cream and burgundy cardstock, Designer Paper-Unknown, TPC- Happy Birthday, Kaisercarft.

Cheers,
Nina

Clean and Simple Stamping #163

2011-10-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

Super quick and simple and oh so fun to make. The new Clean and Simple Stamping Challenge was nice and easy.

This is the sketch:

I started with Natural white cardstock and spritzed it with some Close to My Heart - Create a Shade Paint mixed with a little alcohol in mini mister. I cut my cute little snowflakes with my Cricut.

I took the picture at a bit of an angle with odd lighting so that the shimmer would show..

and close up of a snowflake with lots of shimmer.

Supplies: Natural white cardstock, misc blue swirl cardstock, Silver vellum, Inkadinkado-Seasons Greetings, Cricut-Winter Lace, Close to my Heart-Create a Shade, Kaisercraft pearls.

Cheers,
Nina

The Friday Mashup - That's a Wrap

2011-10-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday - It is time for another fabulous challenge over at The Friday Mashup.

So here is the "Mashup" Challenge :

Make a project featuring "A Belly Band".
Or Make a project using "Twine".
Or "Mash it Up" and create a project "Using Twine with a Belly Band".

I am still working on my Christmas cards one at a time :). I know I will find the right one to duplicate at some point the key is to keep trying :). I stamped and cut out the bells, then coloured them with a mix of my Tombow markers, watercolour pencils and Spica glitter markers then heat embossed with clear embossing powder.

I used plain hemp twine on my belly band.

Jump on over to The Friday Mashup blog and take a look at the fabulous samples the Design Team has come up with. Have a wonderful Friday.

Supplies: All Supplies Stampin' Up!.

Cheers,

Nina

Freshly Made Sketches #7

2011-10-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Wednesday :) this week seems to be clicking along quite quickly -- Ha say that 5 times fast. It is time for a new Freshly Made Sketches Challenge.. # 7.

I tried this card about 6 different ways before walking away. That was before I actually tried working with a sketch. Obviously not a good idea today, my creativity needed a sketch. Isn't this DP pretty, double sided pretty pink.. pink is so not my color but I like the card.

Supplies: Cream and burgundy cardstock, Designer Paper- My Mind's Eye, The Stamps of Life-Happy2beCircles, Misc punches, Kaisercraft pearls, Sizzix embossing folder.

Cheers,
Nina

Mojo Monday 211

2011-10-17T17:28:00.000-07:00

Hello Again, I am back for a second post today for Mojo Monday # 211- another fabulous sketch from Julee.

This is today's sketch.

Getting my Christmas cards done one at a time, I better step it up a bit :). This pretty little tree scene is from a stamp I picked up from the Craft swap a month or so ago, there is no logo on the wooden block just a random number, I love how I was able to sneak the sentiment almost in the tree line.

Supplies: Cream and burgundy cardstock, Designer Paper-Memory Box, Tree Scene- Unknown, Stampendous-Seasons Greetings, Spellbinders die cuts, misc ribbon, twine and brad.

Cheers,
Nina

Card Patterns Sketch 137

2011-10-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Good Monday Morning - Just a quick post this morning for the current Card Patterns Sketch.

I am still trying to focus on Christmas. or at least winter that can pass for Christmas.

Supplies: Natural white and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-Echo Park, Fiskars-Winter Wonderland, Spellbinders die cuts, Kaisercraft pearls, misc ribbon.

Cheers,
Nina

Clean and Simple Stamping #162

2011-10-16T19:00:00.000-07:00

A quick second post for today for the Clean and Simple Stamping Challenge. I seem to be collecting challenges, but I think I am pretty set with the ones that I have chosen over the last little while... for now anyway.

I did a lot of sorting and putting things in there proper place in my craft room this weekend. I have been taking a look at all my scraps and decided I am going to try to use those supplies up while they are out. Which is why this card is the third one I have made in the last week or so with this DP.

This is the sketch:

I have not used this stamp set in forever and being as I am trying to get a stash of Christmas cards as well I thought it worked perfectly.

Supplies: Kraft and brown cardstock, Designer Paper- My Mind's Eye, Stampin' Up!-Solemn Stillness, Ranger-Red Embossing Tinsel, Cuttlebug-Embossing folder.

Cheers,
Nina

Clean & Simple Sunday Challenge #24

2011-10-16T14:34:00.000-07:00

Brenda has posted the new Clean & Simple Sunday Challenge, the details for the new challenge are as follows:

THINK PINK! as long as it is Clean & Simple! This is in honour of Breast Cancer Month.

I went with simple lines, I added some stamped flourishes to give it a little something extra then finished with a few pearls.

Supplies: Natural White and brown cardstock, Designer Paper-Memory Box, TPC Card Crafting Hello, Inkadinkado-Dot Flourishes, misc pearls.

Cheers,
Nina

Clean and Simple Sunday Challenge #23

2011-10-15T10:26:00.000-07:00

It is a beautiful Saturday morning out there. We had a frost this morning... *sigh* time to harvest as many of the tomatoes as I can before the get frost bite.

I am a little behind on a few of the challenges I like to follow. I still have time to join the Clean and Simple Sunday Challenge #23. I actually had to rework this one, I was not happy with the completed card so salvaged the parts and start over.. so much for simple :). The end result is very simple and clean and I like it.

The challenge is Anything Goes - As long as it is Clean and Simple.

Supplies: Cream and burgundy cardstock, Designer Paper-Unknown, TPC-Card crafting Hello, Kaisercraft-Pearls.

Cheers,

Nina

Friday Mashup #28

2011-10-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday and time for another wonderful challenge over at The Friday Mashup.

So here is the "Mashup" Challenge :

Make a project featuring "Snowflakes".
Or Make an "Easel Card".
Or "Mash it Up" and create an "Easel Card featuring Snowflakes".

*For Directions on how to make an Easel Card Click Here *

I have made a number of Easel cards but I never can get the picture to show all the details. In this case all those little snowflakes are stamped in glitter.

Supplies: All cardstock and Designer Paper - Stampin' Up!, Serene Snowflake - Stampin' Up, Glitter Ritz- Green Mist, Kaisercraft Gems, misc ribbon.

Hop over to The Friday Mashup blog and check out all the other fabulous cards made by the Design team and challenge participants. Have a wonderful Friday and do something creative today.

Cheers,

Nina

Freshly Made Sketches #6

2011-10-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

Another great challenge over at Freshly Made Sketches

This is the sketch:

I had most of this card done right away, I was stuck on the bow and the shape. I could not seem to get my bow right so in the end I tied it with a small piece of floss to give it a little twist. The poinsettia I have had in my stash for a couple of years and once I remembered I had them it worked perfectly for my shape.

Supplies: Natural white and burgundy cardstock, Designer Paper- Memory Box, Penny Black-The gift of peace, misc ribbon, misc poinsettia.

Cheers,

Nina

Card Patterns Sketch 136

2011-10-11T08:26:00.000-07:00

Good Morning and happy tuesday.. well it is a happy tuesday for me as I took and extended weekend. Today is just a quick post for the Card Patterns Sketch 136.

I still had all my supplies out from yesterday's Mojo Monday so I just kept going. Have to say it again, I love this Designer Paper.

Supplies: Cream and brown cardstock, Designer Paper- My Mind's Eye, Inkadinkado- Winter Cabin, Stampendous- Season Greetings, Stampin Up! twine, misc button.

Cheers,
Nina