Paper Wishes

Party Day 8...wonder of wonders...a masculine card...

2012-02-13T13:48:00.005-05:00

Super quick post today...I don't know how inspired you'll be by this anyway!! Our son, Jared is stationed in North Carolina. I usually just purchase him a card to send at holidays because, well...I just don't do masculine much,...especially grown-up masculine. However...he is always so faithful to remember me with gift certificates for my favorite stamping shops whenever my special days come around, so I felt it only fitting to hand-make him a card. Thank goodness he's easy to please...

...and thank goodness there's money inside!!! ;)

I'll not insult you by explaining anything here! But while I was at it, I did a girl version...

(Had to get a little pink in my day somehow!)

OK...it's crunch time...unless I get totally desparate and come up with one more quickie to stall with between now and Sunday... (DETAILS HERE). I only have 3 (slightly more involved) projects to share...two of them, your final two gifts for the give-away...one of them, a gift for someone else which I'll share over several days...NONE of them are completely finished!! (gasp!!) The cat's out of the bag...can she DO it!?!? If you don't hear from me tomorrow, (you'll KNOW I'm a failure and just couldn't quite pull it off) please come back on Wednesday!

Stay tuned..... (and thanks so much for putting up with me!!)

Geri

Party Day 7...dressing up Martha Stewart...

2012-02-12T11:04:00.010-05:00

Don't you love a good bargain?!? Found these Martha Stewart treat bags on clearance at JoAnn Fabrics...8 for $1.97...

...right up this thrifty mama's alley!! So I thought I would dress them all up for Valentine's treats...

I used all kinds of bits and bobs of ribbons and twine...

...some pretty images from Bety, HERE...

...buttons...die cuts...

...pearls and flowers...

...gotta have doilies for Valentine's Day...

...in classic Valentine's colors...

So much fun using all my favorite things...including the chocolate inside!!

Thanks for popping in friends!! I appreciate you, and hope you're having fun preparing treats for your loved ones!!

See you soon!

Geri

Party Day 6...a card for The Craft's Meow sketch...

2012-02-11T12:51:00.006-05:00

Hello all! I'm excited about this card today...so pleased with the way it came together...and so happy to have played with stamps again! Didn't realize how much I've missed that! I've been loving my digital papers and images, and they have been so practical for my nursing home projects, with all the recent special holidays...but I love the adventure of stamping...and loved making the card for this sketch on The Craft's Meow blog...

That takes a whole lot of work out of a project, now DON'T IT?!? So pretty! I used some watercolor paper and some misting for my circular focal point...

...I wanted that cage to be subtle. I stamped it once on scrap, then misted with water and stamped again. Did it here last year and LOVED the results! The cage and sentiment is from the Fly Free set...love the the mix of pretty fonts! The little fussy-cut butterfly is from the Friend of Mine set. (The tissue butterfly layers are cut from Papertrey's butterfly die...from an old pattern I no longer needed.) I used some new My Mind's Eye paper to create a pretty little backdrop...

...and there she be!! What do you think?!?

Thanks to The Craft's Meow for the pretty monthly sketch and fun chance to win some stamps!

If you haven't visited before, and you are interested in my give away, let me know in your comment, and click here for the details. And thanks so much for stopping in! Hope you're enjoying a relaxing weekend!

Geri

Party Day 5...one more memo board gift...

2012-02-10T12:21:00.006-05:00

I'm back with a couple projects today...one being my card for the nursing home. I had hoped to post it, along with the "kits" all made up and ready to go yesterday, but it took every last moment I had to prepare it after I dropped the kids off at school. I've never waited 'til the "day of" to prepare...YIKES...can't do THAT again! I didn't even have a little completed "demo" card for them to see...they're always anxious to see what it's going to look like. I told them it was "mystery card" day...

The embellishment are slightly different on this one than what I prepared for them. I have stitched these hearts one on top of the other...didn't have time to do that for 20 kits. I had hearts with punched flowers and pearls for them. They all seemed very happy with their finished projects. I so wish I could take photo's of them with their cards to share, but that's a no-no. The images on the cards were from Bety, HERE.

I had hoped to mix up the give-away items a little, but this memo board was all but complete, so I'll share it today after the last two very full days... It's a much different style than the last...

I made my first of these for my niece a couple weeks ago using a combinations of black rub-ons and die cuts (my favorite so far...wish I had more of what I used) with a Hobby Lobby frame. At 1/2 price it was $7.50--not bad at all for a small gift item. The wonderful thing about those frames, or many of them, is that the glass is put in at the outer-most edge of the frame, creating a shadow-box effect. You can use more dimensional items in those, which looks really cool, if you want to get creative. I used some K&Co. die cuts in this one--several vellum ones in the pack seemed to go together well.

Hope you like it! Remember...it could be yours! Just leave a comment if you're interested, and I'll announce on the 20th.

Thanks for popping in!! Have a great day!! Meredith...I hope you're enjoying all those Papertrey festivities for me!!

Geri

Party Day 4...cheery Valentines...

2012-02-08T00:00:00.001-05:00

Hello, and welcome! A couple Valentines to share today using some of my favorite things...

...the pocket and envelope dies from Wplus9...so fun to work with...

...Papertrey's Heart Prints stamps and dies...I really love all the patterns in these! They're great all year round!!

Can't forget the doilies and pretty, PRETTY paper downloads from Bety...

Hope something in these creations brings a smile, and that you're enjoying your day today! I appreciate your visit and hope to see you tomorrow!!

Geri

Party Day 3...unwrapping one of YOUR gifts...

2012-02-07T10:20:00.007-05:00

It's a happy day here, friends!! We're unwrapping a gift up for grabs...I sure hope you like it...It's just kind of a fun thing...made with happy little images and fresh colors...

...October Afternoon papers and stickers...

...put together to create this...

...a framed little work of art...(8 X 10, if you're wondering)...

I know, I know...there's a lot of empty space...but that's because it's really made for this...

Yeah!! You can write some happy little reminders on it!! I think these are my new favorite things to do!! So, so easy...inexpensive...and you can make them any style you like!! You MUST try it!! But remember...this one could be yours...each time you leave a comment between now and Feb. 19th, your name goes in the hat for a drawing for this and 3 other gifts! You can see the details HERE.

So glad you dropped in!! I will try to get around and visit as soon as I can...I thought I was doing so good, but the thing is...lots of things are STARTED, but lots of things are NOT FINISHED! ;) (This is also nursing home week...lots of prep there...and "drive WAY out of town to get hubby's car serviced" day tomorrow! ...one day at a time...ONE day at a time!! :)

Have a great day!! Happy craftin'!! And thanks again for stopping!

Geri

Party Day 2...

2012-02-06T12:46:00.010-05:00

Thanks for popping in today!! So good to hear from you yesterday! For those of you returning, I'm so glad you're joining in on the fun! (If you didn't see yesterday's post, better check it out when you're done here.)

I dug through some "trash" for today's projects (only the BEST for you, my friends! ;) ...some things I couldn't bear to toss in the trash, actually. I HATE to throw away glass jars and bottles, and if I come across a can that's a handy size, I hang onto it rather than recycling it with the rest of the junk. Anyway, I grabbed a few I had saved and turned them into some Valentine treat containers...

I didn't spend a huge amount of time on any one of them. (probably shows!) I don't know about you, but I have to pick and choose where the time, energy, and tiny details are gonna go...and these were meant to be simple and quick...like this old Coke bottle...

...a little strip of unbleached cotton, trim, seam binding and flowers dressed it right up. I did the stamping AFTER I adhered the fabric...

Here's another bottle...Snapple Tea...with a pretty 'S' at the top (for "sweet", of course)...

Pretty self-explanatory! The next is one of the cans...primed and painted white, with a strip of trim and some buttons glued on...

The next can has a little wire handle...that little cherub needed a good spot to keep an eye on the treats...

This one was very subtly decorated...but I like how it shows off those pretty candies...

Well... I think that's it for today! Hope these gave you an idea or two for turning some trash into treasure.

I think tomorrow we should open a present, don't you? It's so hard to wait for these things! Again, if you missed yesterday's post and don't know WHAT I'm talking about, just click HERE! I would love for you to be in the running for the PRESENTS!!

Have a great crafty day!! See you soon!!

A Blog-a-versary post...and a special event...

2012-02-05T16:36:00.006-05:00

Long time, no see, my blogging friends. I have missed my little blog and visiting many of you. Please forgive me!! I have been storing up my creative time and efforts to prepare for a little party, you see?! This weekend...Super Bowl weekend...marks the second year of existence for my little blog. AND...the 20th of this month marks my 48th birthday! YIKES!! Anyway...I thought would prepare a little party to celebrate both events that will start today and last til the 20th...with lots of posts and projects...and PRESENTS!! Not for me, though...for YOU!! I'll get to those details later in the post...better move on to this pretty photo from The Shabby Tea Room...

(So nice of them to prepare such a pretty table for me! ;) So, so sweet...I knew I had to use it for this special post. Our project had to include the colors in the photo and postal elements or words. I chose to dress up a little envelope (I used one of my Wplus9 dies)...

I've placed it on top of one of Bety's pretty little digital pieces and a little heart-shaped doily. Kind of romantic looking, don't you think? I thought it would work well for the challenge at the Kraft Journal, "So Romantic", too. I have wanted to play along there for a long time, and knew I wanted to use some Kraft cardstock with the neutral background in the photo.

There is some subtle stamping with some Papertrey stamps. I've also used their border die at the top, along with some hand-dyed seam binding and My Mind's Eye paper. Thanks to the gals at both The Kraft Journal and The Shabby Tea Room for these sweet challenges!!

Some party details for those of you who are interested...

I'm close to having enough projects for daily posts between now and Feb. 20th. (I've tried to create a variety, not just cards.) I have 4 handmade gifts prepared and hope to squeeze out a 5th. Those will be revealed in posts before the 20th. You don't need to be a follower, but each time you comment between now and then, your name goes in a hat (Literally!! My kids and I like to do this the old fashioned way!!) for a chance to win one of the prepared gifts. (I have checked on and can accommodate shipping for as far away as Canada, but cannot commit to other international shipping...a couple of items are larger and rather fragile. So sorry!)

I think I've covered the biggies. I sure hope you'll join me! It's just something different and fun to inspire all of us, to say thanks to my faithful friends out there, and to hopefully breathe a little new life into this 2 year old blog!

Thanks so much for stopping in! I WILL be back TOMORROW!!

Hope you're having a great day!

Geri

Guest Designing in The Shabby Tea Room...Challenge #97

2012-01-16T00:00:00.002-05:00

Happy new week, everyone!! I'm honored to be guest designing in The Shabby Tea Room this week, with this beautiful photo for inspiration...

The challenge calls for the colors of gray, lilac, peach and pink...and some lace...

Decorating this cake (a Crate Paper sticker) was a treat! I thought of my mom, who was known throughout our county and the surrounding ones for the wedding cakes she baked and decorated. I trimmed off some little bits of lace for it, added some pearls, and just a dab of stamping. The challenge this week also calls for a metal embellishment (or two)...

I utilized some silver bead caps to create the trinket pins, and incorporated the little silver "Love" tag. I also incorporated more lace into my layers of scallops at the bottom (Papertrey's Border Banner die).

The floral paper, one of my favorites, is SU, and the gray gingham/matching ribbon is October Afternoon. The large heart was trimmed from a heart-shaped doily. The little sentiment at the bottom is from Papertrey. And I guess that's it. I must thank Debbie and the rest of the girls in The Shabby Tea Room for allowing me to join them this week...it's always an honor and just a special treat!

Hope you know how much I appreciate your visits, so thanks so much for stopping by today! Have a great crafty week!!

Geri

With all my heart...

2012-01-13T18:27:00.011-05:00

Hello, everyone! Hope this post finds you snuggly and warm! Winter has finally come to Indiana, but it sounds like folks down south have been dealing with our spring-like tornadoes...hope everyone is safe and sound.

2 cards today...the first was this month's project at the nursing home. We really enjoyed friends there at the holidays. Our children's department at church made 100 cards to deliver there before Christmas. We caroled and passed out candy canes. It was wonderful. My two youngest kids' classes and I got involved in door decorating there also. Jonah's class made snowflakes out of silver cupcake liners and I did the rest...

Jillian's class cut out handprints for a wreath...

All the doors were done by various volunteers and the whole place looked quite cheery!! Fun... and a great thing for the kids to get involved in!

Then Jonah and I got busy making cookies for a Random Act Kindness activity...

These are just some of them. We packed up 13 little boxes and bags of cookies for the residents at the nursing home that are my regulars for card making. Jonah and my older son, Caleb went with me to deliver the treats, along with our family photo Christmas card. It was a great night! The more we get to know eachother, the more I look forward to visiting to create a card with the residents each month. They are always anxious to see the sample, to know what it's going to look like...this was this month's...

They were thrilled. Simple card, but it turned out pretty. The next card made my heart happy as I finally got to get into some new things (for me) and create something sweet for Valentine's Day...

I've been wanting some of these hearts from Melissa Frances. I framed it in with some of my favorite papers...downloads from Bety...

The new Papertrey die cut from felt added some soft detail.

Soft and sweet...just the way I like it! Hope you like it too!

Thanks so much for popping in!!

Geri

Finally...a little time to play...

2012-01-10T15:03:00.012-05:00

Hey, strangers! Finally have the kids in school for a full week and am getting back around to a little crafting. We so enjoyed the holidays...sad to see it all end...but here we are starting a fresh new year!

Just a couple cards today using some digital images from Rhonna Farrer. Not my typical cards, but the images were so pretty, I just had to get a kit and play around a little...

I cut the full image out with my Papertrey die, then did a little fussy-cutting with a couple extra copies of the image to layer and embellish...

Here's another image from the same kit, Spring Mix...

Love that little Melissa Frances frame from Henny!

(The inside of the card says, "Just me...thinking of YOU!)

Rhonna has lots of lovely, lovely images! I think their detail can be appreciated more in a larger version, rather than on these tiny cards (and in better light!! Sorry!!) She has lots of accents, fonts, and background papers...I just got this one kit to investigate with, but I know I'll be returning. I'm even gettin' the itch to do a little scrapbookin' just looking at all she has to offer!

I think that's it for today, but I'll be back soon. My nursing home card "demo" is ready. Now for the cutting and preparing of all the elements to make it happen on Thursday with the residents. It's a simple one, but I like how it turned out. I'm also finishing a card for The Shabby Tea Room for this coming Monday. When these two projects are done, I plan to devote what crafting time I have to some SERIOUS Valentine's love, with some new papers and embellishments. Can't wait!

So good to be back!! Sure have missed crafting with you all!!

Take care!

Geri

A Very Merry Christmas...

2011-12-12T16:43:00.009-05:00

A sweet gal many of you probably know, Kristii Lockart, has issued a fun challenge to use a digital image in creating your card. I really admire Kristii's work, and have really fallen in love with using digital images, so I've been trying to get a card done for this little challenge for about a week now!! I was actually trying to get 2 done!! What was I thinking...no time for crafting these days, so I am hoping I am getting this little solo number in on time. I used an image from Beatriz (I keep going back!!) and used a Papertrey Tag die on it...

...put some pretty Simple Stories paper with it, along with some hand-dyed ribbon, trim and jingle bell trinket pins...

I think I really like this one!! Hope you do, too! (And you, too, Kristii!! Thanks again for the fun challenge!!)

Thanks for visiting! Hope you are enjoying all your Christmas preparations and crafting! I promise I'll be by to visit soon!!

Geri

Santa's Notebook for Card Patterns...

2011-12-02T19:24:00.012-05:00

Hello, dear friends and family!! Hope everyone is enjoying kicking the Christmas season into high gear. It is certainly happening in the Freeman household...the race is on!!! What fun! I must confess, it's not all fun, though...especially when everyone is tired on a Friday morning after a busy, busy Thursday night. My darlin' baby girl and I didn't exactly start the morning off on a positive note. After a long talk and a few tears, which cut into about an hour of her school day, I finally got her headed off in the right direction. I really felt like I deserved a therapy session with some of my favorite Christmas papers and trims...don't you AGREE?!? One of my finished products was for this sweet little sketch at Card Patterns...

Boy, it has been a LONG time since I have played along. But I thought this sketch was perfect for a little Papertrey notebook. And I was also excited that when I was done I would have a little Christmas gift done to tuck away...but I ended up embellishing it for MYSELF. (Oops!)

I used a pretty image from Beatriz Jennings...love, love, love her downloads! And a new favorite paper from Simple Stories...I think I'm hooked!...

All the paper on the front is stitched on, with a piece adhered to the inside to cover all the backside of the stitching. Probably should have stitch those buttons on, too...

I love it! Makes me happy just to look at that cheery red gingham paper!

Thanks to Card Patterns for the pretty sketch! And thanks so much to YOU for stopping! I appreciate your sweet visits!!

Geri

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T15:50:00.016-05:00

Hello, all! And a Happy Thanksgiving to those of you celebrating this week! Tis the busy season and I've not had much time to post here recently. But I did want to share a few things that have been keeping me busy. Cards...

...for the nursing home and to sell to my dentist office ladies...

Had to keep them simple, both for the nursing home residents, and to keep the cost down on those that were sold. My buddy, Jack, at the nursing home was concerned that his doily was "a little stained"! I said, "Now, Jack...I worked long and hard to get it to look that way!! No complaining!!"

And look at these cuties peeking out...

These were the treat bags I wanted to try out for the office gals, and for the kids' teachers that I experimented with in the previous post...

I really liked these...and they were really very simple...

The little images from here were just too sweet! I am loving being able to dye my own ribbon so that I can keep the cost of it down, and use it more freely on projects like this. Can't wait to start experimenting with Christmas colors!

Remember, this was the smallest glassine bag (from Papertrey or from Henny)...

I was able to get about 10 chocolates in each...

I'll be making more for Christmas!!

I leave you with a closer shot of my favorite card. Loved the image, the warm sunny paper, and one of my all-time favorite colors of ribbon from Memrie Mare on Etsy. Hope you know how thankful I am for each of you...whether or not you are celebrating Thanksgiving this week!

And just one final thing that occupied my time last week...a little baking, a little shopping...a little party planning...

He's 9 now! Boy...how time does fly!

We had better enjoy it while we can!!

Warm wishes to you all!

Geri

So grateful...

2011-11-06T15:58:00.013-05:00

Happy Sunday, everyone! Super quick post today! I wanted to get this little project done in time for The Shabby Tea Room challenge, Homespun Fall...

I had two projects in mind for the coming week. My nursing home card and some little "grateful" treat bags to take to the lunch room at my dentist's office. I took some of my cards to sell there last week and the ladies were tickled pink! I thought some little treat bags for Thanksgiving for family and friends might go over well. I saw the cutest ones on Melissa Phillips' blog yesterday and thought I HAD to try my own. I thought they would work well for the STR challenge, too, and then I would be one step ahead!! (I'm NEVER one step ahead!!! ;)

I made a simple burlap sleeve-type bag that the smallest Papertrey glassine bag would fit in. I just loved the idea of a bag in a bag!! I used an image from Beatriz Jennings, which I had in mind for my nursing home project anyway. (so many cute ones to choose from!)...

I was thrilled to find some Dove chocolates for 1/2 price the day after Halloween. They were perfect because they were wrapped more for Fall than Halloween!

Next was the tiny card that would fit in the bag also and accompany the treats...

The sentiment was computer-generated. On the inside I stamped "for you". I cut a Papertrey doily from some Crate Paper and stamped the other patterns with Papertrey stamps. The leaves were from a Fiskars punch.

I thought it turned out kind of cute. Not bad for a first run through, anyway.

It's a simple project, if you would like to give it a try! I would love to see what you come up with!!

Thanks for popping in!!

Geri

Friend of Mine...

2011-11-05T10:43:00.014-04:00

Hello, Friends!!! (I think of my daughter's Kindergarten teacher everytime I write that! I DO realize you're grown-ups!) It's another gorgeous Fall day here in Brazil, IN!! So I've used one of my all time FAVORITE crafting tools for today's card...my Leaf Print dies from Papertrey Ink...

I love cutting felt and burlap from them in the Fall...they just give a card a warm, cozy feel, don't ya think? I've combined two challenges for this card...the Color Trends with Die Cuts challenge from Embellish, and the October sketch challenge from The Craft's Meow (did you see their last release?!?)...

I've used the pretty Friend of Mine sentiment from TCM. I just love the font with it's pretty details. I embossed it on a Martha Stewart tag and added my leaves, hand-dyed ribbon and a pretty button. And I can't forget the twine from my cream burlap (I may never buy twine again!!)...

I guess that's pretty much it. Simple sketch...subtle colors...that came together just fine!

Thanks so much for stopping! Enjoy your weekend!!

Geri

Oopsie...Halloween goodies...a day late!!

2011-11-01T08:53:00.015-04:00

Belated Halloween greetings from the critters and me!! Said I would get this done yesterday, but I lied...another busy day! Sorry to post these goodies the day after, but maybe there will be a little somethin' here to inspire ya...we'll see...

This was this month's nursing home card made with images from this Etsy shop, and stamps from Papertrey's "Embellishments" set...

...a little fussier than usual for the residents, but ALL the little parts and pieces were prepared ahead of time and they really enjoyed it! (They love all things festive!) The little panel at the bottom (pink and orange) was adhered ahead of time, and we built it all from there. We also put a little jewel by the "Hello" sentiment. I almost forgot it at the nursing home, but they wouldn't allow it!! ("Where's our little jewel!!") LOL! Here are the other images they had to choose from. (Since the cards are designed the same--it was nice that they got to choose the image that would make the card "their own".)

There were two more images that were horizontal, not shown--8 in all for $2.50 for the download. I know I have to keep in mind the ink used to print them--but all in all, this works out great for these cards for the nursing home. I'm thinking of using similar images for Thanksgiving. (Oh my gosh--we make that next WEEK! Better get busy!)

Next are some cards modified just a little, with some of the extra images...

These were used for teachers, and I made a couple more treat bags similar to Sunday's here, with one of the horizontal images I couldn't use on the cards.

These two went to the school media specialist and her assistant. My kids love 'em, and I figure they're often overlooked at the holidays. The report is that they were tickled pink!

This card was made a little dressier with an image from the same set, and went to the next-door neighbor who lives alone now...

Here is a birthday card for Grandma. Camera issues kept me from getting it in on Papertrey's monthly blog hop with stuffed fabric pumkins in colors of fresh greens and oranges in the inspiration photo...thus, my fabric leaves from Papertrey's leaf dies...

Finally, some clips from Hobby Lobby that I painted cream and added little bits of ribbon to. I use these on the glassine bags I deliver my cards in...

Love the way the bag gives a sneak peek as to what's inside. I would love to hear how YOU package YOUR treasures for delivery! For me...like this post...the card is often late...so the packaging has to be quick and easy! LOL!

Thanks for stopping in! Love hearing from you!! Have a great rest of the week!!

Geri

Teacher Treats...Shabby Tea Room Style!

2011-10-30T16:24:00.012-04:00

Hello, Everyone! Thanks so much for dropping in! Wanted to play with my Halloween papers and embellishments just ONE MORE TIME before putting it all away, so I've whipped up some treats for the kids to take to school tomorrow using the challenge from The Shabby Tea Room. Here's the pic...

We were to use orange, purple, neutrals and twine to make a Halloween project. I pulled out my glassine bags from Papertrey and fancied them up...

Tried to make them all a little different...

I was almost out of my pretty cream twine so I pulled some strands off my burlap to use...

Works fine for me!

I haven't used those pretty Tattered Angels frames in awhile...they're still a fave...

And a final top-to-bottom close up of one...

They're full of "grown up" candies (chocolate!). Papers are from Basic Grey. The pretty deep purple trim is from MemrieMare on Etsy. The little pumpkins came from JoAnn's. They came in 3 different sizes and are actually iron-ons. I loved the traditional looking faces of them, though, and thought they would work fine. I think they did!

Thanks again for stopping! Pretty, pretty inspiration pieces from the girls at the Shabby Tea Room! (Since I am barely getting this in on time--you've probably already seen them!)

I'll have one last dose of Halloween tomorrow! Hope to see you then! If not, have a great week and a Happy Halloween!!

Geri

Shabby Tea Room Challenge...(and a couple other goodies!)

2011-10-15T20:31:00.014-04:00

So nice to be posting!!! It's been a long, LONG time! (Sure seems like it anyway!) I've missed this little blog--and so many wonderful challenges! Hated to miss this one, though--look at these gorgeous Fall colors from The Shabby Tea Room...

We were also encouraged to make our own flowers, which I love to fiddle with, so I couldn't pass this one up! Wanted to keep things simple, like the photo, and focus on the rich colors of the flowers. I made the large one from these cuts...

Didn't have a punch for a Dahlia so I adapted some PTI Beautiful Blooms dies and gave them pointed petals. (and I inked 'em up real good!) I also used a little Marvy punch for the center of the large flower and used the same for the smaller ones...

I put the finished flowers together with PTI Kraft cardstock and and lots of cream in my ink, paper, trim and ribbon for this finished project...

There are so many pretty projects the designers have put together. Everyone came up with their own pretty handmade flower! You should go check it out if you haven't already! Thanks Debbie and Team for your inspiration once again this week!!

A couple other projects...to celebrate our fine, flying, fuzzy friends, the BEEs...

These were a couple cards I submitted to CARDS that didn't make it in...

It was all good though, because 2 of the 4 I submitted DID get accepted!! YIPPEE!! I was thrilled for my first try with CARDS! These were for a style challenge with the theme of bees/honeycombs, and the colors of lemon yellow, lime green and melon pink.

Gotta love a good challenge!!

Hope everyone is doing well! I try to zip around and peek in on everyone's creations, but I don't always have the time to stop and comment as often as I would like. I SO look forward to visiting--especially when I don't have time to create, myself!! (Gotta get my "fix" somehow!!)

Thanks so much for visiting today! I am hoping to have a little Halloween to post later in the week!

Have a great week!!
Geri

Retro Challenge...You Shine!

2011-09-24T22:36:00.008-04:00

So little time to craft and visit around lately. But I thought this challenge of Deb's was too much fun to pass up...so I squeaked out this card earlier in the week. Should have been doing a thousand other things...

Love that sentiment! The challenge was about goin' retro and using Crafty Secrets products, if possible. The above image came from a page of images/scraps that I received as a freebie with my last order (and it was a tiny order--but they always send a freebie!) It was perfect for this challenge. I used some pretty Crate Papers and some parts of an old hanky...

And of course, I paid no attention to how uneven my gathers were until they were stitched down! Oh, well! It was nice to play a bit! Here's the inspiration photo if you're interested. The challenge is open til midnight. Thanks, Deb!!

Have a good week, everyone!

Geri

August Papertrey Bloghop

2011-08-25T19:14:00.014-04:00

Isn't this a lovely photo Nichole has offered for this month's bloghop?...

I loved it when I saw it at release time and had an idea in my head of a little treat bag to fill. Melissa Phillips has made these out of the pretty glassine bags, and depending on how fussy you want to be they can be a pretty quick little project... You just fold up the bottom portion to form a little pocket and add some pretty paper and trims...

Stitching makes it secure and that much sweeter! I used the Larger Than Life stamps and dies for my little bouquet of flowers poking out of the pocket and a Tiny Tag peeking out from my bow...

It could be packed up with all kinds of slender little treats...and a matching card in the back slot is always nice. I wanted an all-over pattern showing through, like the one in the pretty lining of the little case in the photo, so I stamped a background pattern using Boxes Bags and Tags and Mehndi Medallion. I thought this subtle pattern would look pretty even when the treats were packed in...

I love the new Think Big Favorites sentiments and added one to the bottom. Some little pearls in the centers of the medallions and flowers would have been sweet but, sadly, I am out. I didn't have my treats to pretty up and pack in on hand--really didn't think I would even get to participate today, so I wasn't quite prepared. But you can use your imagination on what would be nice to tuck in. Hope you've enjoyed your visit today!

Enjoy the rest of the hop! I have only glanced at the entries so far but saw some awfully pretty ones and can't wait to do some visiting!

Geri

...just one more for The Craft's Meow...

2011-08-23T23:14:00.005-04:00

I had all but finished another Craft's Meow August Sketch card this past Sunday evening, but just wasn't crazy about it so I set it aside (and stuck my tongue out at it as I walked away!!). But I picked it up today and decided to put on the finishing touches and post it anyway. Nothing I worked that hard on should go in the trash! This was the sketch...

I used the pretty birdcage from the Fly Free set, embossed it and cut it out...

...then dangled it down over this too big frame. There was one of my issues right there...needed it to be big enough for the cage, but then I felt it was too big for the card, and I didn't have enough room for a sentiment. Poo-ey, I say!! I ended up using a Papertrey Tiny tag for a tiny sentiment...since that was all I had room for!

My other issue was that these colors would be great for a "welcome baby" card...but this wasn't a "welcome baby" card now, was it?! They ended up a little too light and syrup-y sweet, I thought. Anyway, it is what it is, and I'm not a perfect card-maker, am I?! I, and my cardmaking, am a work in progress, and I'm o.k. with that! (Hope you are too, and will come back again anyway! ;)

Have a goodie!! Thanks again, Lisa, for the chance to win some sweet stamps!

Geri

Cosmo Cricket...for you!

2011-08-23T09:25:00.008-04:00

ETA: Photos were removed for publication in CARDS--March, 2012.

Hello, friends (and let's not forget FAMILY!) Found this pretty little sketch from Debbie Olsen that is up on the Cosmo Cricket blog...

Love it, and was so happy that just this past weekend, when we went to "the BIG city", I made my very first Cosmo Cricket purchase ever! Then I saw this sketch and was so thankful I had something to play along with. The only problem is that I don't usually tempt myself with all the the matching embellishments, stickers, etc. A very small stack of pretty new papers is usually my treat, and two lovely pieces of the Odds and Ends collection were in my stack. Love them, and have been admiring them on Debbie's blog for awhile now. Anyway, (enough of the blah, blah, blah)...with none of the fancy schmancy embellishments/stickers...I had to get creative with a focal point. Loved how kraft and creme looked with my papers, so I made a rolled rose out of a natural fabric...

...and layered it with some pretty label type images from the scrappy side of one of my pieces. (Thank goodness for that "scrappy side"!!) I also used some Papertrey Ink dies...for the little notebook page and the "you"...

And there she is! As always, I'm already picking it apart in my head as I type...but, oh well! Sometimes I really feel the urge for a do-over, and this is one of them, but time won't allow...housework is calling! (actually...housework is SCREAMING!) Hope there's something in it that inspires you a bit, and hope you have a great day!

Thanks, Cosmo Cricket for the sweet challenge!!

Geri

The Craft's Meow Monthly Sketch Challenge...

2011-08-18T10:11:00.012-04:00

Hello, friends! A little challenge today that I'm excited about. I finally had time to experiment with my new Craft's Meow stamps. I only have two small sets but I just love them, and I WANT MORE!!! So I'm participating in this sketch challenge...

A lucky random winner will win a set of their choice!! I flipped the sketch for my card. I used a $4 set, Friend of Mine, ( 4 BUCKS!!! And shipping was SO reasonable!!!) for my focal point, along with a Maya Road chipboard frame...

Is that sentiment not the prettiest thing!?! I also used some pretty MMEye papers (hope I'm right on that...forgot to check) and stamped the tiny butterflies from Fly Free onto a Making Memories journaling piece. And stitched a little (of course)...here she is...

Lots goin' on, huh?! Maybe too much! Oh well, craft 'n' learn...hope it doesn't scare you away! I don't mean to be greedy, but I hope to get a couple more done by the end of the month to increase my chances! So there could be a Crafts Meow August Sketch Challenge part II and III ;) Thanks for the chance to win, Lisa!!

Have a great day!!

Geri

...some pretties...for you, friends!

2011-08-15T08:45:00.016-04:00

No challenges today! Just catching up on sharing some things that, for some reason or another hadn't been shared before now...

...like this one...with an image from Heartsong Designs. My friend, Leah, (who just might be on her way home with her new baby boy AS WE SPEAK--an answered prayer!!) asked me to dress up one of her images. I did my best, but you all know, I'm not a color-er and have little to color with. So I used the only pencils I had, and kept it soft. I had waited around for a pretty challenge to put it in but nothing seemed to fit...

Wanted to post it before the light and airy colors of summer were a thing of the past. (Thank you, Leah, for sharing with me!)

And speaking of light and airy...here's another one of those...

...a birthday card for a little church friend...with pretty girly papers from HERE (just LOVED them!)

And another card for the nursing home...

Again, I try to keep these simple (I pre-cut everything). It's hard not to incorporate ribbons and bows, but I thought that could be complicated for many of the residents and make the cards less mail-able. I got to hear stories of how their first cards were received, and how the recipients were so surprised to receive a handmade card. Music to my ears!

Finally, a birthday card for my dear friend, Susan...to go with her watering can...

Realized when I looked at this photo that I needed to add a little tag under the bow...

...there...NOW it's done!

Thanks so much for stopping in! Hope you're having a great, crafty day!!

Geri

Polkadot Door Challenge: dream!

2011-08-08T20:31:00.013-04:00

I'm so glad to get in on this challenge with Polkadot Door Designs. I haven't been able to participate since the very 1st challenge, but I think they're just so much fun. I love the thought of a three-part challenge...an inspiration photo that offers color/style, an element of some type (this time it's felt flowers), and a sentiment. I love the challenge of incorporating the three into one project. Here is the inspiration board for the current challenge...

And here is my card...

I used my new Mehndi Medallion from Papertrey--perfect for the circular elements in the photo, and one of their Beautiful Blooms dies for my flower. I cut two of the largest flowers from Papertrey's Harvest Gold felt and cut the petals off of one of them. Then I stitched some long stitches along the bottoms of the petals and gathered them up. It gave the flower some dimension without being too bulky. I kept the center simple by just stitching in a few pink pearls.

I felt like the style of my card called for one larger word for the sentiment, rather than all the little ones in the original challenge sentiment. I found a pretty font on the computer and printed it in a pretty gray.

I like the way this one turned out! Really loved the challenge colors, and although I didn't have perfect matches, I think I came up with a similar scheme. This is my first time using the Mehndi Medallion set (only $5!!) and I think I'll be using it lots and LOTS!

I hope you'll visit The Polkadot Door, and if you have any time at all, I sure hope you'll participate and support it. I really think these gals have worked hard to come up with a really nice monthly challenge and I would love to see more get behind it!!

I appreciate your visit today and hope you'll come again!!

Geri

...enjoying summer...

2011-07-29T12:40:00.013-04:00

Hope this finds you all having a happy summer day!! I HAD to get in on this CR84FN34 challenge...

Such pretty summer-y colors...and it's been so, SO long since I've been able to participate!!

A new blogging friend of mine sent me the link for a sweet little watering can, (Thanks, Jodie!!) and I couldn't wait to try it out!! I pulled out some paper and ink in the CR84FN Challenge colors and got busy...

This is the less dressy side...

This prettly little layered butterfly is resting on the handle, and a similar one adorns the top/front...

I cut the template out of solid cardstock and stitched the patterned paper onto it, leaving about 1/8" of the solid yellow showing all the way around. It does take longer, but I like that layered look, and it turned out pretty sturdy because of it. (It's a pretty large can...side pieces are between 4" and 5" tall. Original template is smaller.)

I also re-worked the front of the spout and was pleased with how it turned out. I'll be filling this up as a gift with a few of the small sizes of Bath and Body shower gels that are so refreshing after a hot summer day in Indiana. I think it would make a really nice back-to-school gift for my kids' teachers, too, and am hoping to find time to do a couple up using the "all things grow with love" sentiment. Many, many possiblities when it's so roomy inside.

Hope you like it! If you're interested, you can get your own template HERE. I would LOVE to see yours when you're done, too, so be sure to come back and let me know about it!!

Thanks so much for stopping in!!

Thanks again, Jodie, and thanks so much to Mona and her team for keeping us inspired through these busy summer months!!

Geri

July Papertrey Ink Blog Hop

2011-07-25T14:48:00.014-04:00

Aahhh...there is a light at the end of the crazy summer tunnel!!! So I stole away a little time to create for (only my 3rd) Papertrey Blog Hop and this colorful inspiration photo...

The result was a much 'cleaner' look than what I usually crank out...but I still had to layer...

This first card used Papertrey's Beautiful Blooms dies and Turning a New Leaf...

It's pretty straight-forward. I nested and embossed some Spellbinder rectangles for some clean white lines, like the ones found on the window seat in the photo, under my focal point. Inked up some doilies for the pretty quilted motif. And thank goodness there was a floral pillow in the photo so that I could incorporate one of my favorite handmade blossoms.

I used one of Papertrey's Mat Stack (label) stamps to help simulate the detailed motif in the quilt for the next one...

...along with a paper doilie and one from Papertrey's Delightful Doilies Dies. The large butterfly and sentiment are from Butterfly Dreams, of course.

It felt good to dig into my stamps and ink again...it's been awhile...don't know when the next opportunity will arise, but I will grab up it when it does!!
Thanks for stopping!

Geri

...birdies, buttons, bows...and a little bling...

2011-06-28T13:30:00.011-04:00

...these are a few of my favorite things!

I had pulled a few of those things together this last weekend to start working on these...

...not for any particular challenge...just wanted to pull together some things I find especially pretty. I just recently bought some chipboard from Maya Road. I have been admiring it for quite some time on everyone else's projects and finally got some of my own as part of my Mother's Day from our oldest son. It's definitly a new favorite and I was anxious to get creating with it. Check out this tiny little crown...fancied up with a little button, bling and glitter...

...and this sweet little Crafty Secrets bird...I have had him cut out and smudged up, sittin' on top of a pile of stuff, for months now...wanting a pretty piece of chipboard to put him in. Couldn't wait to pair him up with one of my pretty new crowns...

I fell in love with the pretty vintage journaling notes a LONG time ago and pulled together some pretty, fresh colors and patterns to layer with them...

...and there you have birdie card #1!

For birdie card #2...more buttons...more bows and some bits of some beautiful trim...

I just love these K & Co. birds and blossoms...

This pretty little creature is sitting on top of another journaling note and more of my favorite (soft) colors...

I like the way he turned out!

My second card wasn't quite done when I discovered The Shabby Tea Room's challenge theme for this week: "My Favorite Things". The best thing about this challenge is...it's all up to you...your favorite images and embellishments...your favorite style!! I thought these little creations, with all MY favorite things, fit perfectly with it!

Hope you enjoyed them half as much as I enjoyed creating them!!

Thank you so much for stopping by!!

Geri

HELLO from Cloverleaf Healthcare!

2011-06-23T16:17:00.009-04:00

The kids and I had a wonderful afternoon making cards at a local nursing home today, and some of the residents had a great time, too!! Like this young lady (and her even younger niece, I think it was, who was and employee and joined in to help)...

We couldn't take many pictures of residents to be shared outside the nursing home, but this great gal was up for it!! She really seemed to enjoy making the card, and was pleased with her results. She did a lovely job, didn't she?! And she had all the empty space inside filled up with a note. For residents like her, I think it turned out to be a very worthwhile experience, and I'm so, SO glad we had the opportunity to go and share. It was certainly a day-brightener for me to be able to share this craft I love with others who really seemed to appreciated it. And I really believe the recipients of the cards will appreciate them...they turned out so very pretty...and each one was a little different!!

Had to share my excitement, so thanks for visiting!! Can't wait 'til next month!!

Geri

...a simple hello...

2011-06-20T20:38:00.009-04:00

Hello, dear blogging friends! No big challenges I'm entering today...just a simple 'hello' to share, along with a few things I have been working on in a few spare minutes here and there. This first one is the card I'll be making with some ladies at a local nursing home this Thursday. Very clean and VERY simple...

...kind of pretty, I hope! I've added several different colors to some creme K&Co flowers, so the ladies will do the simple stamping, and choose what color of flower they would like to add. A letter writing activity was already planned for them on Thursday, so we'll make this card, and they will add their note/letter to the card, instead of just writing a letter. I was hoping I could go once a week to make a card with them, but after talking with the Activities Director, it sounds like the residents are easily overwhelmed with planned activities like these. I'll have to admit, I was very surprised at that, and somewhat disappointed. But we will enjoy this activity...my kids are excited, and a little neighbor friend has already asked if she can go, too...and we'll see what the future brings. There is another nursing home in town I haven't talked to yet.

I have a few peeks at another project I'm working on that I will post when it is completed (which will have to be soon, because it's already late!!)...

It's a girl thing, as you can see...

I just love pink and yellow together...

And lastly, a card I did quite some time ago but hadn't posted yet...

Nothing super special...just messing around with lace and Papertrey dies. Wasn't happy with this flower, though...too neat and tidy. I'll be folding the layers of the next one for a little shabbier look. Soft colors...

I know...I really need to take a break with the doilies, huh! Oh, well...can't make any promises!!!

Hope you are enjoying your day!
Thanks so much for visiting!

Geri

Guest Designing for The Shabby Tea Room...and wishing you blue skies...and sunshine!

2011-06-06T00:00:00.001-04:00

Oh my...it is so good to be sharing a creation with you today! It has been too, too long! Busy, busy month! And if you are reading this on Monday, I am probably on my way home with my family from a busy 8 days in Disney (Florida). I am so honored, though, to be Guest Designing with the lovely ladies from The Shabby Tea Room this week. It is "Technique Week" there, with the featured technique being embossing. I have done some heat embossing with white powder on my project. I love the way soft water-y colors look with it.

So many people have been dealing with such nasty weather...I had to create something sunny...

I have used two of my all time favorite papers (they're both about gone!) from My Mind's Eye and Papertrey. I also used some Papertrey stamps (butterfly and sentiment) and the stamps and dies I won from The Shabby Tea Room with Just Rite as the sponsor...

After I embossed the frame, I used some TH Distress Inks to give it some soft color. I really love those inks with all colors of embossing powders...they just pair up so nicely!! And the foam applicator gives the best results, by far!! Anyway...here is the finished project...

Hope it gives you a sunny, warm feelin'!!

Be sure to visit the girls in the Tea Room...they always have some lovely designs there for you!! I must thank them again for the opportunity to design with them! It's always a pleasure!

I would like to quickly say...My main computer has not been the same when dealing with Blogger since the couple days of maintenance awhile back. Up until recently, I could view my blog and visit others, but could not sign in to leave comments. Recently I have found that, while I can get to the sign in page, and I can type a comment, I get repeatedly taken back to the sign-in page and cannot get the comment to go through. In other words, I have visited and seen a lot of my favorite blogs but have not been able to comment. I'm hoping when I get home, it will finally be straightened out. I also hope to have a little more time overall to visit and create now that vacation is almost over. However, summer-time is 'critter-time' for me...and neighbor time, sleepover time, pool time, VBS time, Daddy being gone time... I'm also hoping for a chance to take the kids with me to create cards in a local nursing home on a weekly basis for those residents who are able. So it's just hard to say how all of it, and blogging, will work out! I'm really looking forward to fun times and memories with my kids, and am hoping for a way to balance it all!! I hope you'll stay tuned, and be patient with me!!

Thanks so much for visiting today!!

Geri

Polka Dot Door Entry.....Smile!

2011-05-11T09:59:00.009-04:00

Super quick post today. I had another idea for a card for the Polka Dot Door Blog Hop Challenge that I didn't have time for 'til now...

This was the inspiration...(LOVED it!)

Still hooked on those pinwheels in pots...

Used some My Mind's Eye and Papertrey Paper, along with some Fiskars stamps to come up with this...

Hope you like it, and hope you'll consider linking your own project up to The Polka Dot Door!!

If you didn't see my previous post and have any interest in more pinwheels, potted plants, crocheted flowers, or teacher gifts...click HERE!

Thanks so much for stopping!

I'm racing off again!!

Geri

Polkadot Door Blog Hop!!

2011-05-07T03:00:00.006-04:00

I almost hated to press the 'publish' button on this post...Please forgive all the extra empty spaces throughout it--I cannot seem to correct it!! :(

So very glad to see you today!! On behalf of Rebecca and Sarah of Polkadot Door Designs...WELCOME to the very first Polka Dot Door Blog Hop. Excuse me while I wish them a Happy 1st Birthday!! To celebrate, they've planned a very inspiring Hop for us all to join in on and they plan on making this a monthly tradition!! I know they've worked so hard and are excited to see this day finally here! I'm so very honored they asked me to do what I can to help make it special! Thanks so much, Rebecca and Sarah!!

Take a look at the fun inspiration challenge for this very first hop...

Notice the 3 elements?... (1)the "smile" sentiment, (2) the crocheted flowers, and (3) the photo itself. I thought the multi-element idea was a fun one! The rest of the Guest Design Team and I were challenged to come up with our own projects with those 3 elements in mind. While I didn't initially plan on it, I've also used Teacher Appreciation Week as a source of inspiration, as I was in need of some small tokens of appreciation for several teachers and assistants. I thought the pinwheels would be a sweet reminder that summer break is just around the corner for some weary teachers!
I first HAD to try my hand at those cheery pinwheels-n-pots. I used some of my favorite, cheery papers from My Mind's Eye and used the crocheted flowers and buttons for the centers...

I made 3 little pots...

I used a Papertrey sentiment to stamp "smile" on the ends of some wide ribbon...

These truly did bring smiles to faces today...The teachers seemed delighted!!

I wanted to try one that would be more of a keepsake, in a little more "classic teacher" style, so I came up with this...

I had some double sided Cosmo Cricket paper that had "teacher" written all over it...almost literally!...

I really liked the big crocheted flower I was able to use on this one...put a vintage style button in the center. The head of the pinwheel is kind of simple, but I was able to dress things up around the base...

After filling the pot with styrofoam, I cut a solid red circle and then placed a doily on top. Perfect fit!! I wrapped the dowel with seam binding and then made a pretty bow with it, too. Dressed it out further with wider ribbon, buttons, another flower, a trinket pin and some paper leaves cut with a Spellbinder die. I wanted the back to be pretty, too, in case it wound up on a desk, so I dressed out the back with a Papertrey Doily die cut and another crocheted flower and button.

There's a handmade chiffon flower and button at the base.

And finally, the card. I worked the Book Fair everyday this week at our elementary school and saw the CUTEST little die cuts on a poster. Thank goodness I have connections since I previously taught there, and I was able to take my paper in to get my own little cuties! This little guy was hooked together with four other cute boys and girls and was intended to be a border die cut. He was on the end, though, so I just snipped him away from the cute little girl he was holding hands with (so much for THAT romance! They were too young anyway!) to make him the focal point of this card. Look how excited he is to be taking his teacher a treat...

I had ONE crocheted flower left and used it to embellish the card (THANK YOU, Kathryn, for the flowers!!)...

You can see that I stamped the little Papertrey 'smile' sentiment along the ribbon I used.

The tiny pinwheel head looks a little distorted in this photo...it was made with a 1" square. I think that's about as tiny as I would want to work with!!

Believe it or not...I think that's everything from me. Hope I didn't keep you too long, because you have more stops to make! Be sure to comment here on my post, and then visit the rest of the designers below (and comment!) for a chance to win 2 different prizes. There is also a chance to share your own take on this inspiration challenge by linking your project at the Polkadot Door. Winners will be chosen from those who've participated in the challenge, and additional prizes will be awarded, along with the chance to be a guest designer for the June Blog Hop. You can find each and every detail at The Polkadot Door! I hope you'll all join in to make this first hop a lot of fun and a huge success for Rebecca and Sarah.

Kim

Natasha

Amanda

Valerie

Jean

Diana

Nicole

Yvonne

Amy

Dana

Jennifer

Polkadot Door Designs
Thanks so much for stopping!! Have fun!!

Geri

Lots to share...

2011-05-03T17:06:00.012-04:00

Somebody really needs to bring these babies inside...

...they're awfully tired of this chilly, endless rain, you know. And so am I! I guess that's why I was drawn to this sweet image from Made by Janet. I have a whole page of sweet little birdies and this one with the tiny umbrella is one of my favorites.

I framed it in with a couple clipboard pieces, some K&Co papers and a Making Memories journaling note for this card. I used another image from Janet for a birthday card...

...used another journaling note and paper from Papertrey, along with one of their Tiny Tags and a Martha Stewart tag for this one...

Finally a little project for our local "Crop for the Cure"--a fun day of scrapping and visiting--and I'm sure there was a little food involved...all for a good cause. These pin cushions were used for door prizes, and thanks to my procrastination...were made quickly with things I had on hand from my Blog-aversary cushions. I actually had this project, and the pink 'breast cancer awareness' ribbons in mind when I chose this fabric.

I really like how the embellishments nestled right into the pink ribbons. Hope they found some happy new owners.

Finally--a picture of my little Jillian. She had a field trip today that I got to join in on. It was a great hands-on experience for her and her Kindergarten friends--many of whom will never travel to the beach to experience these critters in their natural environment.

We had a great time! It's been, and will continue to be, a busy time for me with all the end-of-the-school-year activities with my kids. We'll take them out of school a few days early (due to snow make-up days) at the end of the month to go on our trip to Disney. Then we'll come back to our usual summer busy-ness...swimmin' and playin' in the backyard, and meeting Daddy now and then while he's teaching week-long classes here and there around the state. In other words...my time for creating will be limited, as it has been the last couple weeks. Along with that--my time to visit you all will be limited also. I am behind in that area, I know, and I apologize...I sure do miss keeping up with everyone, and always appreciate that you check in on me.

I do have a date with a blog hop this weekend that I am excited about. There is a great photo for inspiration--hope you'll join in for fun, prizes and a chance to provide some of the inspiration for the next hop as a designer!

Until then (Saturday)...I'll pray for sunshine for you all!! And if you have any extra...please send it my way!!

Thanks so much for stopping!

Geri

Sweet Easter Wishes for the Shabby Tea Room...

2011-04-17T16:54:00.026-04:00

I'm not sure if this little gal is all dressed up for church or The Shabby Tea Room...

And even her little fuzzy friend is all dressed up...

I just love this little Crafty Secrets image, don't you...

I thought it fit very well for this week's challenge in The Shabby Tea Room...to incorporate stripes and pastels for an "egg'cellent" creation. The sweet paper is from My Mind's Eye and Crate Paper...love, love, LOVE all of them...such sweet, soft prints!

Well, wherever she's going...I think she'll turn a head or two!! ;)

One more creation to share...I've been enjoying my vintage egg images from Janet at Etsy. So I thought it only fitting to dress up one of them for the occasion. I used a Tiny Tag and a sentiment from Mixed Messages (both PTI). If you have these tag dies and the old Mixed M. set, they work well together. I didn't realize how tiny those messages were until I purchased the Mega Mixed Messages. (and now they offer the HUMONGO-messages!! I forget what they are really called.)

I dressed up the egg with some trim, tiny posies, ribbon and pearls...

...and put it all together with some more trim, Prima paper, and PTI stamps for a soft background (BB Tin Types and Fancy Flourishes)...

What a wonderful week to be Guest Designing in the Tea Room...pastels and stripes are a natural for this time of year, don't ya think? Thanks so much to Deb and the rest of the Shabby Girls for this fun opportunity!! Now take another look at that photo up top...head to the Tea Room for even more inspiration...and then go see what "egg'cellent" creation you can come up with to brighten someone's day!

Enjoy your Easter week everyone!! I pray that it brings you many opportunities to be reminded of God's great love for all of us!

Geri

Easter Blessings with a "Doilies and Lace" challenge in the Tea Room...

2011-04-15T12:13:00.008-04:00

Quick post today! Once again, I couldn't resist The Shabby Tea Room challenge to incorporate doilies and lace into your project. I thought is was a good excuse to use one of my new egg images that Melissa Phillips instantly got me hooked on...

Needless to say, it was NOT a problem to incorporated a doily and some lace with this sweet little vintage image!! I think it's just adorable! You get 9 eggs in one download...each one unique. I got some other cuties too...so many pretty ones to choose from!! You can get your own at Etsy, in a shop called Made by Janet!

I also used some Crate Paper...I think it is one of my all time favorites...I only have one sheet and I've been cuttin' it down to nothin'!! I think I like it because it makes me think of fabric. And that was just what I needed, because I also incorporated some vintage fabric from my dear friend, Susan. You should see the collection of sweet vintage goodies she so lovingly picked out for me! You would be jealous of me, girls!!! Anyway...on to the card...

I just love everything I got to use on this one... including a dab of Tim Holtz chipboard.

I am so enjoying creating Easter goodies...it's one of my most favorite times of the year!! Hope you are enjoying it too!!

Thanks so much for stopping! Hope you're having a great day, friends!!

Geri

Embellish Color Trends Challenge using Trim...

2011-04-12T09:58:00.014-04:00

Hello, all!! Wow...it's been more than a week since I've been able to post! That's too long!! I've been working on a few different things, but just got this one completed for the Embellish Challenge using trim and these colors... I have made up a wedding card with a little gown made from a piece of vintage lace (thanks to my friend, Susan! And, yes...it was almost painful to cut into this small but beautiful piece!) I stamped a dress form image (Girls' Paperie) to cut and create a little dress template from creme cardstock. Ran a small piece of the lace through my sticker maker and stuck it to the template, then trimmed the excess away. I gave the dress a little portrait collar with a tiny piece of chiffon. Then after embossing, cutting and edging (inking) another dress form image, I added the dress to it... I used some trim to create a little rug to stand the form on. It was some old two-toned tatting (have to thank Susan AGAIN!!) that was already made to be used for a circular shape, so it was very easy to circle it around to create the rug. A little bridal bouquet was made from some tiny creme posies that I inked up slightly with So Saffron ink (SU) and placed on the rug. I had some narrow creme silk ribbon from a previous hobby that I tinted with Ripe Avocado ink...perfect size to tie a tiny bow around the mini bouquet! I tried to keep the rest of the card fairly simple for the trims and textures to shine. Under the rug is a piece of pale yellow velvet ribbon that I variegated a little with Ripe Avocado and Spring Moss ink. (I just loved all the velvet trim the designers were able to incorporate from the sponsor this week! So lush!!) Anyway--I think I've covered the details... (That rug looks a little large in the photo, but there ain't no turnin' back now!!!) I finished it all off with a Papertrey border die and sentiment. Hope you like it! It was a fun little design!! I want to thank the DT for their inspiration once again this week. I found too many beautiful and surprising details to list. I think this has been one of my favorites so far! They took trims to a whole new level!! So glad you could stop by today! Hope you have a great one! Geri

...spring flowers in The Shabby Tea Room...

2011-04-02T12:28:00.009-04:00

I wouldn't mind waking up in THIS room every morning! How about you? This is the inspiration photo for this week's Shabby Tea Room challenge and I couldn't resist...too many pretty patterns and colors!! But rather than a bunch of boring typing about it, how about a few pictures...

You HAD to incorporate flowers (what a chore!) and I HAD to make my own...

Soooo...I punched and inked some old mulberry paper (makes for a very delicate flower)...

Gave the petals shape with this rare and expensive tool (marker)...

Assembled the flower...

Stamped outer border (Papertrey's original Guide Lines)...

Stamped upper portion of card (PTI Turning a New Leaf)...

Embossed some Delightful Doilies (PTI) and added color with Tumbled Glass distress ink...

And...just a few more lovely products and simple steps later...look! It's done!! All fresh and spring-y!!

Wasn't that a quick and easy card?!? OK--maybe I left out a few details. Let me know if there's anything you need to know!! I'll be glad to share!!

Thanks so much to the Shabby Tea Room for the challenge and inspiration!! And thank you so much for stopping!

Geri

...flyin' high with Embellish Color Trends...

2011-03-31T16:27:00.009-04:00

Hello, friends! A bit of a last minute entry today. I really had no confidence to try this challenge from Embellish when I first saw it, and had pretty-much written it off. Take a look at this inspiration board, and take a guess as to why... If you happened to guess that the masculine theme would be somewhat scary for me, you guessed right. I mean...no pink??...no flowers?? I just don't get a lot of practice at the whole masculine thing, and my stamp sets really show it...I have very, very few images that lend themselves to "masculinity". So I really thought I would just pass this challenge up. But then...I started thinkin' in the shower...and thinkin' some more in the van...had a few little ideas in my head...and decided to go ahead and give it a try. Thank goodness I picked up this little airplane from Papertrey at CHA last summer ($5, I think!!). I've already used it in one Embellish challenge, so I had to think of a way to switch it up...

I colored it mostly with pencils. (Coloring is another thing I get little practice with, and have little to work with) Then I just tried to think of ways to add dimension, and texture, and interest...and this is what I came up with...

I was kinda proud of my homemade embossing/impression plate for the sky/front...that was an attempt to add texture...but by the time I cut out the opening for the plane...there isn't much of it left to see. The little clouds are from a really loosely woven fabric. I started out with creme burlap but it was too bulky...amazing the difference the more delicate fabric made! The colorful strip at the bottom (to mix up the blue, green, red colors) was stamped on a diagonal with little images from a few different sets. I kinda like how that added color and pulled everything together. I needed a bigger sentiment than what came with the plane, so I did my own on the computer, cut the little banner strip, folded the end and strung some twine through as if it could be pulled by the plane.

So glad I "took the bull by the horns"! I kinda like how this little card, very much out of my comfort zone, turned out. Hope you like it, too!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I really appreciate your visits!!

Geri

Blessings...

2011-03-30T09:27:00.008-04:00

Hello, everyone!! So happy to be back home! But so very glad to have enjoyed some sunshine and warm breezes while away. I'm sorry to say it's snowing here today, and dreadfully dreary outside. But I made this card for Melissa Phillips' photo challenge with all sorts of sunny, happy, thankful thoughts in my head and heart. I just know things will brighten soon! And in case you're needing it, I hope this card will help you believe that too! I picked the lightest, airy-est, prettiest things in my stash for it... I love the new Tiny Tag dies from Papertrey, but was not fortunate enough to get in on them the first time around...I'll keep waiting...but in the mean time...I made my little tag from a Martha Stewart tag that had a pretty detailed edge and was large enough to accommodate my tag punch. It suits me just fine...how about you? The pretty image is from Crafty Secrets. The only ones I have from them are spring-y, so this time of year...I hear them calling to me ;)

The rest of the card is pretty straight forward. The paper is pretty old, I think--from MMEye. The border die is from Papertrey, of course, along with the buttons. And now, I should share the photo from Leslie. So selfish of me to save it for last...it is lovely...and it did inspire me to make this card, believe it or not. I just didn't want you to spend the entire post with your head cocked to the side and your nose all crumpled up thinking,..."huuuuuh?"

...My card's not very matchy, matchy, huh. I think Melissa's whole post inspired me, not just the photo. It just made me think of a springtime blue sky, a fresh warm breeze, clean spaces, new beginnings...and blessings. This card is going out to a dear family friend...my mom's best friend...I was born on her birthday and named after her. I am sure neither one of us could count how many times she has prayed for me or someone in my family. My mom is gone...but I'm so glad her dear friend is still here to share my mom's love and life with me. When I got her birthday card in the mail last month, I felt like I got a little of my mom right along with it! Such a blessing!

And speaking of blessings, before I go...you really should hear THIS by Laura Story...her new song, "Blessings". My sister told me about it, and I was finally able to hear it on YouTube. It's worth sharing! But grab a couple tissues...I can't listen to it yet without sobbing.

Better go!

Hope your day is full to the brim with blessings (the simple, EASY kind!)

Geri

Happy Trails...

2011-03-24T20:10:00.010-04:00

Hello, dear friends and family, from Gatlinburg, TN. We're wrapping up our Spring Break trip, and I wanted to share just a few photos with you of what are now some of my favorite family memories...

We couldn't get enough of the rivers and creeks that run through Gatlinburg and the Smokies...

We hiked over 2 miles (round trip) to explore Grotto Falls...

The kids were troopers and thought it was worth every step...

Another family favorite...horseback riding through the Smokies. Some of us loved it so much, we did it twice. The second time around, Jillian rode without the guide holding her horse. None of my photos did justice to the steep drops we were riding about 2 ft. away from, or you would see why mommy was just a little nervous at times. If you've ever been on any of these rides, you know--these horses know the way--and they don't want to go down that mountainside any more than you do! Jilli's my little cowgirl, though--she had to show ole Ghost who was boss a time or two!!

The views were LOVELY...

...and the surroundings...so very peaceful!

It has been a wonderful trip! I am so thankful we've had the chance to enjoy some early springtime weather as a family in one of my most favorite places in the country!!

Can't wait to get home...to my own bed...and my crafting mess!!

See you soon!!

Happy trails to you!!

Geri

I TOLD you...I TOLD YOU I wanted a DO-OVER!!!

2011-03-17T11:23:00.009-04:00

And NOT of the photos...THE CARD!! (although, I AM aware my photos need improvement!) Yes...yes, I'm crazy! Don't anybody be leavin' me 'crazy' comments, OK? But I had to do it! You're probably still gonna like my first card (previous post) better, but I had to try it again. For one thing, I already had that mess of blue-y gray stuff out. And the other thing...I just wasn't totally happy with the first card. Even though the paper I used (My Mind's Eye, with the swirls) had a vintage feel, it also had a large scale pattern that was fresh and contemporary, and I felt my details were too small for it. Stupid, yes...picky, yes...crazy, YES...but it all got the best of me!! Anyway, these were the colors (if you didn't see my previous post)...Here's my new focal point...

I thought I had what I needed to do a rolled felt rose, and thought it would be cute with the paper--and fresher--but as it turns out, my felt colors weren't quite right. Here's the new card...

...still with small details, but overall, a larger-scale look. And I left that doily alone--no smudgie ink! The ink on the first one made it look kinda transparent and...cheap. I left a little space at the bottom for a sentiment and a pearl or two, for when I decide who this will go to. Here are the two together...

I do like that gray contrast on the 1st one a lot! (Uh, oh...I feel a do-over of a do-over coming on!) Kidding! I think I have a better appreciation for that first one now that I've had the chance to play with it again. I promise...I'll put the blue-y gray mess away. Thanks for puttin' up with me!!

We're headin' to the mountains (no, not in Indiana) for Spring Break next week--it might be awhile before I'm back. I can't wait to go tromping around the Smokies with my hubby and kids, but I'll sure miss you all...and my paper...and my ink...;)

Thanks for stopping!!

I really appreciate the very, VERY sweet comments on my first card!! Thanks, everyone!!

Geri

CR84FN Challenge: Aqua, Steel Blue and Gray

2011-03-16T12:32:00.007-04:00

Take a look at these colors...

A little different, huh? Well for ME they are--but once I took a look at the creations from Mona and her team, the inspiration kicked in, and I fell in love with these colors!! I knew I had some creme roses made (from torn chiffon) that would look nice with MME's Stella and Rose papers...

I stamped, cut, crumpled, inked and glittered some cardstock for those leaves. And of course, I had to use some pretty aqua seam binding (Memrie Mare on Etsy)...and some pearls...even a little burlap... Put it all together, and this is what ya get for today!As usual, as soon as I saw my pictures, there were several things I wanted to change. (Does that happen to anybody else?!? I think I could do a do-over of every stinkin' card I make, once I see the photo. But you know what they say..."ya git what ya git, and ya don't throw a fit!!")

Do hope you like it, and DO hope you'll come back!!

Geri

(The sun is shining and the birds are singing here in Indiana!! Thank the Lord, Spring is JUST around the corner!!)

Thinking of You

2011-03-10T16:56:00.009-05:00

This is so not like me!! TWO cards in one day...YIKES!! My husband is away tonight--it's O.K. if we go to bed with stamping stuff EVERYWHERE!! (Don't tell!)

I really wanted to get this done for Melissa Phillips' latest photo challenge...

Ain't it purdy?! It's from Leslie's Creative Mint. Had to get that butterfly in there...and some spring flowers...

I've used some Papertrey paper, stamps and dies...and some other pretty odds & ends, too. The sentiment is from Waltzing Mouse. I have distressed all the edges, which is part of Papertrey's Make It Monday Challenge. I always like that look, and I almost always ink my edges, but for some reason, I don't usually take the time to distress them. I just used my kids Fiskars (open) to do it. Thought they might be less likely to take off a finger than all my sharp little paper scissors. Anyway...here it is...

She's kinda tall and slender...about 6 1/4" x 3 1/4", I think. I like that size and shape for some reason.

Hope you enjoyed the card...I really enjoyed the challenge!!

Thanks again for stopping today!!

Geri

Sing or Stamp? Stamp or Sing?

2011-03-10T11:22:00.006-05:00

All I can answer is...Thank the Lord I don't have to choose!!! I am so passionate about this paper and ink hobby of mine, but before I had it...outside my family and faith...I was most passionate about music. It has always been a huge part of my life...probably since before I can remember when, as a wee baby...I heard my mom and dad singing at home and at church. My favorites today come from contemporary praise and worship music, and they bring me so much JOY (EVEN through tears!!) ;) When I saw Embellish Magazine's color challenge with music, I knew I had to get back in the game with one of my most favorite challenge blogs! I found these colors a little difficult to interpret...they varied from computer to computer... ...is that mocha or purple on bottom?...and I wasn't sure if that middle color was green or gold? Who knows...but luckily...interpretation is the name of the game. I used a little more of a gold color than others did, I think, but tried to add a little green to it just in case. And unfortunately I don't have ANY music themed stamps!!! Not real smart for a music lover, I know! I did have some sheet music paper from the Paper Studio, though, so I embossed my little bird cage right on that, added a little shading with distress inks, and cut it out.

I had a little scrap of paper that I liked with the colors I was using, and added trims for the rest of my background. The ribbon is from a couple different Etsy shops. My flowers were handmade with Papertrey's BB dies and the smallest one from a small star punch. The sentiment was done on my computer...from the heart!

Anyway...hope you like it! It's so good to play along with Embellish again! The DT has some beautiful inspiration to share!!

Remember...keep a song in your heart!!

Geri

Favorite Colors with CR84FN Color Challenge

2011-03-04T14:05:00.009-05:00

Hey, everyone!! Last minute creation, here. Not because this took me so long...but because I really decided at the last minute that I still had enough time to get it done. The colors were so lovely this week at Mona's CR84FN Color Challenge...

These are a few of my most favorite! I took another look at Guest Designer, Stella's, card yesterday and said, "That's it...I'm doin' it!!!" Although, one thing I really loved about her card was all the clean white...with those colors just popping off of it...mine did NOT turn out very clean OR very white!!

A couple at church has finally had their brand new baby girl (first baby)! So I thought these colors would be perfect for that occasion! The style is all feminine and frilly! I used my smallest Papertrey heart die and some pale, pale pink chiffon fabric to cut out about a dozen little hearts. Then I strung them all together with a needle and thread to create this flower...

I actually liked it better before I added the paper flower to the center--it flattened an otherwise really "fluffy" and dimensional little flower! I also used some white crepe paper to create a pretty ruffle--I stretched out the bottom edge as much as I could without tearing it to give it a little softer, fabric feel. My little sprig of new leaves from Etsy is going fast...it was the only one they had. I also added my favorite Cabbage Rose Ribbon from Marilyn on Etsy...some Papertrey stars and a chipboard piece (Thickers)...

The paper is from The Paper Studio and My Mind's Eye. The Little sentiment is from Papertrey's Star Prints. Oh, yeah, I used my Papertrey edgers also!

Hope you like this girly little creation! There are so many beautiful entries this week! And the Design Team really out-did themselves!! It's definitely worth a peek!!

Thanks so much for stopping!!

Geri

Buttons and Bows (and a lovely photo challenge!)

2011-03-03T13:51:00.010-05:00

Melissa Phillips has started up her photo challenges again with photos from A Creative Mint. This challenge is all "hearty", and in soft pinks, which I love...so I had to play. There were three photos to challenge us this time...The buttons spoke to me. (And they were something I had plently of on hand!) So I created this little heart collage/focal point with my smallest Papertrey buttons, pearls, and some pale pink gems...The papers are somewhat of a collage, also...from The Paper Studio, Pink Paislee, and another scrap that no longer has a name :(

Anyway...there she is. I've added a Thickers chipboard piece (painted), some Etsy seam binding, doilies, burlap, vintage trim, tiny flowers, lovely leaves and a trinket pin. She's kinda soft and sweet! Can't wait to see the next challenge!

Thanks, Melissa, for making time for these fun and inspiring challenges!

Have a lovely day!!

Geri

Papertrey February Blog Hop Challenge

2011-02-25T12:52:00.006-05:00

It's Blog Hop time at Papertrey!! This is only the second one I've been able to participate in, and the last one for me was MANY months ago...so I'm excited!! The challenge this month is to use scallops...in about whatever form you want, I think. I used Papertreys largest scallop die and papers from the Raspberry Fizz Mix pad...

One little scallop strip is from some My Mind's Eye paper--I liked how it brought the pink and green together. Each scallop on the bottom strip is stamped with a flower from Beautiful Blooms, with little rhinestones for the centers. The upper portion is stamped with Background Basics.

For the focal point, I've used some seam binding, a Tattered Angels chipboard frame, and a bling-y button that matches the Raspberry Fizz color perfectly. If nothing else, I hope this card and it's colors remind us all that Spring IS coming!! (It HAS to...SOON!!)

Thanks so much for visiting!! I can't wait to see what everyone else has come up with!!

Geri

Happy Birthday, Carol!!

2011-02-25T12:22:00.007-05:00

This post is for a wonderful blogging friend, Carol. She turned 60 last week...one day before my own birthday (O.K., I turned 47!) She's having a great little week long celebration on her blog for all her bloggie friends, and she's giving away wonderful goodies!! All you have to do to participate is create a birthday card incorporating a flower or flowers, and finish the inside (AND it would probably be REALLY nice if you wished her an extra happy birthday). Anyway, she's a talented lady, a Papertrey fan, a GREAT recycler, and has been a wonderful encourager and supporter of mine since almost the very beginning. She's also a little more "clean-cut" than I am so I tried to go a little more clean and simple in her honor...Hope you like this Carol...

This is ALMOST a pure Papertrey card (I thought she might like that, too!). I used my new edgers and some BB dies for the flower. Oh, yeah,...she wanted "happy" colors...this card features Sweet Blush and Berry Sorbet. I think the next shot shows a peek at the inside...

The sentiment reads, "Hope all your birthday wishes come true" from Papertrey's Heartfelt Basics. It's a little too high to see.

Well, there you go Carol. Hope you're enjoying "the week after". I really should have done something to make mine last a whole week!! (Maybe when I'm 50!) Thanks so much for the fun challenge!! HAPPY 60th!!!

Thanks for visiting, today!!

Geri

A Valentine Treat!!

2011-02-14T13:33:00.007-05:00

Hey, you little sweethearts. Hope you check this before the day is out...for one last Valentine treat!! Although THIS little treat potentially could be used for all kinds of sweet little occasions, and was a royal TREAT to make. Unfortunately...this wasn't my original idea. You can find more of them on Melissa Phillips' blog, and UNFORTUNATELY...hers are much more delicious than mine. I just can't find QUITE the time I would like to spend on things like this. But I know my friend, Susan, will be tickled pink with it. AND I am trusting she won't check my blog before I have a chance to deliver this later today. (Don't look yet, Susan!!!)

Anyway...gotta hurry...It is a little gift bag made with Papertrey's largest (5 1/5" x 8") glassine bag. I folded up the bottom a couple inches and creased. Unfolded, then cut paper to fit this small section. Stitched that on. Added the trims to the top of that section, which is really the bottom of the original bag. Folded this trimmed out section back up and stitched up the sides, tucking the extra trim behind. When that is done you have this...

with the new trimmed-out lower pocket, and the taller pocket from the original bag.

I found all these goodies for $1 each at JoAnn's.

Here are the post-its tucked in the back tall pocket...

And here it is totally stuffed...

There are two plain Prima flowers, a bow, applique, a little house from Love Lives Here...all attached with a trinket pin only so that, if she wants...she can dis-assemble and utilize them all again.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?!?

LOVED making this...you gotta try it!!

And I GOTTA go get the critters!!

Happy Valentine's Day!! Take care of your sweethearts!!

Geri

And The Winners Are..............

2011-02-12T21:46:00.014-05:00

Hey, everyone!! Time for the drawing for these little ladies...I have to go back to church a little later and thought I had better get this done...

I first want to thank each and every one of you who got involved and made this so much fun!! Again--I appreciate you all so much!! This little blog would be nothin' without YOU! I hope you ALL keep on coming back, and that we can get to know eachother even better in the year to come!! And since this give-away thing was so much fun...I HAVE thought about doing it more often. (Maybe not with 4 items at a time, but...a pin cushion here...a pin cushion there...who knows what I might come up with!!)

A little housekeeping next...there were 50 slips of paper in this black hat.....

I had 25 comments on the Blog-a-versary post. Those were numbered in order with the matching name. (There were no duplicate first names.) I then went to the sneak peek posts and added in a name for each comment on each sneak peek post. That gave me 50 to choose from.

Then I rounded up the most honest (and CUTE) group of people I could find to help me draw...MY KIDS!! (They were so excited!!)

I picked out the first name....

It's Judith!! Judith has been following me for a month or maybe two--(Correct me if I'm wrong, Judith!) Thanks so much, and Congratulations!!

Jonah pulled out the next name...

He was so excited...(so were the rest of them!!). Susan is my best friend right here in Brazil who never misses a chance to encourage me here on my blog. She is quite the crafty girl, herself, and packages up the sweetest little treats for my children, for each and every special day in their little lives. Congratulations, Susan!! (Jonah felt like the little hero who had pulled out the name they all had been chanting!) And don't worry, Susan...no pressure this morning at church AT ALL...we all knew those threats were just in jest!! :)

Caleb pulled out the next name...

Sylvia has been following me almost from the get-go...she is one of the earliest followers I can remember. We met in The Shabby Tea Room, if my memory serves me right. And her blog-a-versary comment said she collects pin cushions...PERFECT! Congratulations, Sylvia--I hope you enjoy this one!!

Jillian (known around here as Jilli-bean) pulled out the last name...

Beth is a brand new follower and I am so glad to have her. I believe she came to me from the Papertrey website. Congratulations, Beth!! Thank you for all your sweet comments--you did a lot of catching up!! I look forward to getting to know you!!

Well, there you have it!! So happy for the winners--So WISH I had something for EVERYone who brightens my day on a regular basis, and helped me celebrate!!

If the winners would e-mail me with your 1st through 4th preferences. I'll start with the first e-mail I get, and give you your highest preference from what has not been taken. Use the names I assigned on blog-a-versary day: Blue Belle (upper left), Miss Pinky (upper right), Sage (lower left), Rosie (lower right). Be sure to include your complete mailing address. One thing I hadn't thought of was what I will pack these in, so please be patient as I round up some small but sturdy boxes this week. I will e-mail you when your box is sent out. Looking forward to hearing from you!!

Thanks again, everyone, for joining my celebration!! Happy Sunday, and have a great week!!

Geri (kfreeman4004@aol.com)

Love Birds

2011-02-10T00:22:00.007-05:00

Hello, all!! A little card to share for a contest and a challenge. The Shabby Tea Room has this photo for inspiration this week...

And to get in on Papertrey Ink's drawing for today, I've chosen this favorite color combo of Betsy Veldman's to work with...

Really loved these colors and thought they would work well with what I had in mind...these little love birds... Aren't they too sweet. I have used Papertrey's bird cages and sentiments but I thought these two little guys (well, obviously a guy and a girl, I guess) were just too cute. They were from a $1

set by the cash register at JoAnn's a couple weeks ago and I couldn't resist. I cut a solid heart from watercolor paper and stamped the cages with distress inks and misted the paper. I wanted the cages to be soft and faded. (Those cages are just a faded memory now, ya know...these birdies were destined to be TOGETHER!!) (Oh, the drama!!) Then I embossed the happy couple on top. Used the smallest BB die from Papertrey and a couple other punches to create the flowers. The papers are from Prima and 7 Gypsies. I didn't have any Scarlett Jewel paper. What I think I'm using is SU's Purely Pomegranate.

Hope you like it. I thought it turned out kinda sweet.

Thanks for visiting!

You can check out my give-away here, if you haven't already!

Geri

3rd Papertrey Entry!

2011-02-07T03:21:00.003-05:00

Ahh, my last entry for Papertrey's downloadable tag projects...

One more card...

The patterned paper is from My Mind's Eye...everything else is Papertrey. I meant to add a little glitter to the tag image...realized I had forgotten after taking picture!!

Thanks so much for visiting!!

Geri

Another Papertrey Entry!

2011-02-07T03:11:00.003-05:00

This is another entry using the downloaded tags from Papertrey...a pretty little card...

3 projects on separate posts for this contest! I'm off to post the last one!

Thanks for stopping!

Geri

More Papertrey Anniversary Fun!

2011-02-07T02:17:00.010-05:00

Didn't see what Papertrey had up their sleeves until late in the day today, so I have stayed up very late to play along. It's so much fun: download some freebie tag images and create up to 9 projects with them for 9 chances to win! Love it!! Like I said, it's late, so...lucky for you...I'll be brief. Here's my first one--a little note/tag in one of their little glassine bags to tuck into a lunch box...

I have only two more projects for this one--didn't realize but I guess they have to be on separate posts.

Thanks for stopping!!

Geri

Happy Blogaversary To ME!! (insert music notes here)

2011-02-06T03:18:00.008-05:00

OK--I've really been looking forward to this but now I'm nervous, thinking...'I hope someone shows up to the party,' and...'I hope they're not disappointed'. (It's in the wee hours...and I'm really tired. You know how you don't always think so positive when you're tired...) Oh, well...the time has come, my dear friends, who I love so very much...to introduce you to the GIRLs, who will hopefully help you know how much you are treasured by me, and all that you've meant to me during the last year. I've stuffed all the love I could into 'em....

They're pin cushions!! (You probably guessed, if you follow me at all.) But go ahead now...act like you're excited about being the proud owner of a new pin cushion--I'll wait for ya ;)..................OK, settle down everyone--I feel better now.

Let's get a little more personal, shall we? Meet Sage...She's somewhat earthy and humble....

And there's Miss Pinky...She's kinda spunky and contemporary...

Meet Rosie...very soft and feminine...And last, but not least, Blue Belle. What can I say about Blue Belle...well, let's just say she's...kinda blue-ish.All the girls have a pretty wide ribbon strap sewn in so that you can hang them and ALWAYS know where they are. Your needle will always be handy to make those pretty buttons look like you've stitched 'em right onto your cards. (I HATE it when I have ONE button to put on a card and it takes me 20 minutes to locate a needle and thread to make it look good!) And, speaking of thread, look what's on the back...

...a handy dandy pocket, in which you will find your basic creme and white floss. (If this looks like creme and creme...it is--I have a little shopping to do before these go out so that everyone will have creme and white.)

Well--there you have it! The cat's out of the bag. The blogaversary gifts have been revealed!!Hope you like 'em...and if you do...you had better leave me a comment, because--to be in the drawing for these--you'll need to comment on this post. If you would like to think of something nice to say about me, like what a one-of-a-kind and talented artist you think I am, (I told you--I'm tired, and now giddy) that would be great to include, but if you're really just wanting a pin cushion, you can keep it brief. If you want to leave some helpful advice for the coming year...for example..."sense of humor needs improvement"...I can take it--lay it on me!! I plan to announce the winners in the afternoon, next Sunday. I'll let the winners choose their cushion on a first come, first served basis as winners' emails come in. And, for those of you who commented on my sneak peeks...you get an extra spot in the draw for each comment you left on the peeks. I HAVE TO DO IT!!! Those comments made it so much fun!!! And by the way...there will be nothing but the most fair and objective random drawing system for the overwhelming number of participants expected...my kids! I'll number the comments (adding in those extra bonus ones) and my kids will be thrilled to pick the winners out for me.

SERIOUSLY now, this blog has been so much fun for me during the past year...I'm hooked!! I never dreamed, as I clicked away a year ago on my first post, that I was in for such a treat!! I LOVE the inspiration, and more than that, I LOVE the friendship and encouragement you all bring me. YOU ARE A BLESSING TO ME, and I thank you, dear friends.

Thank you so much for joining me today and coming to the party--hope you have enjoyed yourself.

Many blessings to you today, and throughout your week!!

Geri

Last Give-away Sneak Peek: Pretty Spring Pinks and Greens

2011-02-05T19:57:00.003-05:00

Well, here's the last little peek friends! Tomorrow I'll reveal the 4th project along with the others in their entirety. Next Sunday, I'll announce the winners. Since there won't be an overwhelming amount to draw from...we'll brobably do it the old fashioned way and let my kids help--they'll enjoy that. For those of you supporting each of my "peeks"...well...maybe there should be a little "extra" in it for you...I do appreciate you and hope you have had fun!!
So here it is...

This one has a variety of little embellishments. Some felt ones, a little seam binding rose, and a little velvety ribbon one. The colors make me think of Spring. Can this deep Winter weather last much longer?!? "Why, yes, Geri...it most certainly can," is probably what you're answering--I guess I asked for it. It is hitting us hard here in middle Indiana. I'm not sure my kids will go to school on Monday. Today we got at least 4" of snow on top of an inch or inch and 1/2 of ice, and Sunday into Monday is supposed to bring another "wintry mix", as the weather man puts it. Yuck!! I am counting my blessings, though...we are all safe and warm, with no power outage--THANK the LORD!! The neighboring city where I do my shopping, only 20 minutes away, was not so fortunate, so I AM thankful!! So thankful for you, too, friends!!

Have a sweet night!

Geri

(And by the way...Momma's still standing...and the big guy (big LITTLE guy) got out of bed, watched a little TV on the COUCH, AND ATE today!! Woo HOOO!!)

Papertrey Favorites

2011-02-05T09:25:00.005-05:00

Have you seen the fun over at Papertrey?!? Wow--had to get in on this contest. It's a random draw, but one way to enter is to post your favorite Papertrey project from the past year. Pretty easy, huh--it's already done!! Lovin' that on this busy weekend! The prize up for grabs is valued at over $700...all the supplies used to make the entire design team's favorite projects. Geeeeezzzzz!!! What a prize!! Well, I had to post 2 projects--one new, one old--one kinda clean- cut and one more soft and vintage. Here's the first...

This one put to good use BB dies, the butterfly and die from Love Lives Here, the Victorian Lace Border die, a Mat Stack die and stamped frame, Raspberry Fizz felt and ink, and Kraft cardstock. I really loved it's bright, bold, dimensional look.

And there's this one that was a another personal favorite...

It used the Fancy Flourishes stamps, my favorite Fillable Frame/stamps, and one of my all time favorites--the Leaf Prints stamps and dies. I love cutting the leaves out of different materials and so enjoyed working with these last Fall.

It's hard to choose favorites with Papertrey...They are so verstatile and I use them so often!!

I would love to see your favorites!! Let me know if you're playing along...that list over at Papertrey is a mile long--don't know that I'll attempt to go through it!!

Thanks so much for visiting!!

Geri

Got Some Give-away Blues: Sneak Peek #2

2011-02-04T18:56:00.004-05:00

Ooo...this is kinda fun...I think I LIKE being sneaky!! I wanted to thank those of you who commented on Sneak Peek #1. Thanks for being excited with me...and for me. It is so nice to know you are excited about what I have to offer...before you even see it!! (Hope there's no disappointment come Sunday!! ;) If you didn't see Sneak Peek #1 and don't know what all the "sneakiness" is all about, click HERE to read more about it!

Anyway as you can see...my second little (it will fit in the palm of your open hand) treasure is all about blues. I took apart a somewhat tattered, vintage table linen and put the trim, which was in very nice condition, to good use to create this embellishment and trim out the rest of the treasure. Yep, she's all dressed up and ready to go to her new owner. And I just can't wait to see who it's gonna be!!! (Can you tell how much fun I'm having creating these treasures for you all?!)

Wish I had more to share, but with my kids home due to an ice storm, and one of them with a nasty virus...these are all I've been able to work on. If you really want to see these on Sunday, you might even say a little prayer that momma doesn't come down with that virus. (Oh, Lordie...what would happen to this house if momma was sick for 3 days!?! Pray hard!!!)

Thanks for stopping by!!

Hope you all are healthy and warm!!

Geri

Super Bowl Sunday Blogaversary Give-Away: Sneak Peek #1

2011-02-03T20:47:00.005-05:00

Hello, Friends!! Just a quick post today...no paper goodies to share...my fingers have been busy with something else this week. Just couldn't let this weekend--my 1 year anniversary (of blogging)--come and go without celebrating it, so I've been busy creating 4 unique little treasures for 4 randomly drawn blogging friends. Yes, one year ago this Super Bowl Sunday I was excitedly clicking away at my very first post. So in honor of this very special event...this coming Sunday, February 6th, I'll post all four little projects in their entirety, and offer all commenters on that post a spot in the random drawing.

Now don't get too excited...my little gifts aren't made with the newest embellishments...just my own handmade ones...along with some vintage trims/linens from a local antique shop. Each item serves the same purpose, and will hopefully prove to be very practical for its owner...but each is different, and each is stitched together with a whole lotta love...for you, my dear, inspiring blogging friends. (And you faithful ones know I don't have a zillion followers or a zillion commenters--so the odds are not too shabby!!) So tune in tomorrow (Friday--right now it's late, Thursday night) for Sneak Peek #2 and please, please join me on Sunday.

Blessings to you all!!

Geri

Waltzing Mouse Sketch and CR84FN Color Challenges:

2011-01-26T09:33:00.011-05:00

Hey, all!! I am combining two challenges today for this card. I have always wanted to play along with the Waltzing Mouse Sketch challenge, but just didn't feel it was right until I had some of their yummy stamps to play with. Well, I am happy to announce...I am now the proud owner of not one, but 2 (yes, I said 2!!) Waltzing Mouse stamp sets!! Don't anybody laugh at me...my Christmas list was so long...I had to spread it ALL over the place...a little dab from this company...a little dab from that company...Anyway with this sketch I wasn't able to use much from what I purchased (a label set and the Fancy Phrases set), but I thought the sketch looked fun (and I feel "legal" now)...

I also HAD to play along with Mona's color challenge again, because I can never resist the pretty color combo's she uses...

I used one of my 6-for-a-buck glittered star ornament treasures I had found at Hobby Lobby at Christmas and had set aside for the right project. I also used a new tool my wonderful friend, Susan, (who knows how much I like making my own flower embellishments) got me: this punch that I used with creme cardstock...

to make this...

I realize there's not always time to make flowers one-petal-at-a-time, but when there is...it sure is fun! (I love it, Susan!! Thank you again for such a "me" gift!!) By the way, I was inspired by Sue, on the DT (HERE), who used a similar punch. I used mine to form a rose rather than a pansy. I also used some Melissa Frances paper (pink) and some older Stampin' Up paper (lavender calico--thanks for that too, Susan!).

The little "Bravo!" sentiment and the little pink "scrollie" accents along the top are the Waltzing Mouse contributions. Hopefully, I can incorporate more next time (you know, since I have so much to choose from :)

Hope you like it! It was a little adventure that I very much enjoyed!!

Thanks so much for visiting me today!!

Geri

CR84FN Challenge: Meet my new pin cushion!!

2011-01-21T12:57:00.010-05:00

So excited to finally get in on the fun of this wonderful new color challenge. I've been visiting for quite some time, hoping to get the time to participate, and it looks like this is my week!! And look at the colors for this week...
How rich and snuggly! Each time I came to visit, that soft, puffy heart kept catching my eye. And being inspired by the upcoming lovee-dovee holiday...I thought--that's what I've got to do!! So...I found some pretty red and white calico fabric, got my felt out, and started creating. I even found some Kraft-colored felt. I keep looking at the wool felts at JoAnns...hoping for new colors...(never happens)...but this color was just what I needed!! I cut and rolled a few flowers, and used my Papertrey Beautiful Blooms 3 for others. The large one used a Spellbinder scalloped circle and some soft sheer fabric, torn and gathered up...I liked the way they turned out...each one a little different...just like US...makes life beautiful, doesn't it?!?

This is the first time I've broken open my Papertrey Banner Builder set, too! I'm gonna love it!! I stamped part of a sentiment from the Love Lives Here set on it...
I also used the leaves from Papertrey's Blooming Button Bits with some brown Staz-On, along with some SU Close to Cocoa and PTI Pure Poppy. Anyway...meet my new pin cushion/needle holder friend...

I'm so excited about this--ALWAYS knowing where to find my needle and thread!! No more looking right at it on my messy craft table, and not being able to SEE it...it will be HANGING!! YEAH!!! I was really excited about making something so practical!!

Better finish this post up before time runs out!!

Hope you enjoyed yourself here today...have a great day...and DO come back!!

Geri

Fun, Colorful Embellishments

2011-01-14T20:39:00.009-05:00

Hello, Friends!! Just here to share a colorful little creation with you...a PaperCrafts submission for their July/August issue...all about girfriends...

This card was made for the category of using handmade embellishments...something I love to do--so I thought I would give it a go, and came up with these colorful cuties...I just love em!!

I used my Papertrey felt, buttons, and Beautiful Blooms dies, along with a little calico fabric and some tulle to create the layered flowers. For the rolled flower, I used a Spellbinder circle--I think it was 1 1/2"--and cut in a circular/spiral fashion to the center...then started rolling/wrapping from the center out. That was the first time I had tried one of those. It was fun and easy to make...I'll definitely be trying that again. The sentimet (Inkadinkado) fit nicely inside the Mat Stack 1 die and stamped frame (Papertrey).

I really love this little card--I don't even mind saying. It's just so bright and cheery!! And I love the brights and the white on the soft Kraft cardstock. This is the first time I've used my Victorian Lace die (Papertrey)...LOVE it!! And I've just got a little taste of my Love Lives Here set with the little butterfly...can't wait to use it in a little more soft and shabby manner ;)

The style of the card is a little different for me, would you say? PaperCrafts goes for a little more simple...a little less fussy than what I post here on my little blog. What I've submitted over that last several months would probably surprise you. Obviously this card wasn't accepted...or I wouldn't be able to post it. But, the really GOOD news is that another one I submitted at the same time WAS accepted!!! Can I get a WOO HOO?!? I was so very excited--a first for me!! It has certainly given my spirits a lift, and has put a little spring in this ole mama's step!!

But, right now, this ole mama's tired, and I think I'm headin' to bed (if I can get the critters settled down!). Hope you've had a productive week and are ready for a relaxing weekend! I think we've got a fun one ahead!

See you next time!

Geri

Guest Designing in The Tea Room!

2011-01-09T23:53:00.017-05:00

Hello all! Thank you so much for visiting today! It seems like forever since I last posted! This post is an extra special treat for me as I am Guest Designing for The Shabby Tea Room...one of my favorite spots for inspiration!

The challenge this week is to create following this sketch: I did something maybe a little too traditional, or "old school", (or something)...I took some new paper (new for me, anyway), and cut out and arranged some of the beautiful flowers and leaves for my focal point. I've done this once before on one of my favorite projects HERE and had fun with it.

I love the soft colors in this pad (Bailey). And while it is hard to see in the photo, the horizontal band in the sketch is creme tulle on my card. Had to wrap it several times to get it to show. I thought it would look pretty with the style and colors I chose.

I also used some more of my prize package of bunches of ribbons and trims from the Stamp Simply Ribbon Store. I wove some of my seam binding through the trim and added a few buttons. I've also used some pretty pearl swirls (Recollections) here and there. And I FINALLY got myself some of the Martha Stewart doilly style tags that I have been seeing forever...everywhere!!! Who would have thought those would be so hard to find! They're even prettier than I expected--so delicate!

If you haven't visited The Shabby Tea Room yet, you'd better skip on over there and see what's brewing! There is always plenty of sweet, shabby inspiration to be had!

I do appreciate your visit and hope you'll stop by again!!

Have a great day!

Geri

Baby's 1st Handbag

2011-01-02T17:53:00.009-05:00

Just a quick post for a shabby little somethin' for The Shabby Tea Room's challenge, "Shabby Chic Baby". The inspiration photo was of a sweet baby girl's nursery done in pink and creme, and the rest of the challenge is to incorporate fabric into your project. I guess I've overdone the "incorporate fabric" part a little, as I have made a little fabric handbag with handmade fabric embellishments (no stamping...no paper)...

I won a wonderful prize package in the Fall from a TSTR challenge that was yards and yards of beautiful creme ribbons and trims from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store. I was absolutely thrilled with it and used one trim for the purse strap, and some of the tulle on the main embellishment. I used my Papertrey buttons and dies with fabric and felt to create the rest of the embellishments. The trim around the purse flap is some vintage trim a neighbor found for me...

Very simple design...I layered the fabric onto felt to keep it simple. I thought it would be a cute keepsake at shower time that could hold some tiny baby treasures and/or a gift card. It was a fun project, especially creating the embellishments with the fabric and dies. I'll be doing that again real soon!

Hope you like it!!

I appreciate your visit and hope you have a great day!

Geri

Glad Tidings!

2010-12-24T12:27:00.008-05:00

Well, I think I can officially say, "Merry Christmas, everyone!!" since it's Christmas Eve. Wanted to share a few projects with my "glad tidings" today...

This scrapbook layout is one that didn't quite get finished in time for the Embellish challenge of using creme, brown and a color of your choice in a scrapbook layout--a first for me since I've been blogging. I know it needs improvement--but I'm fine with it and am so happy to see this favorite photo of my family in a completed layout.

This next project is a little Christmas cash holder made with a Spellbinder label (is it #4?). The number has rubbed off my case.

Finally, two Christmas cards in some favorite Christmas colors for me...

...this one being my favorite with this sweet vintage K & Co. image.

I pray everyone enjoys a Christmas full of the sweetest Christmas blessings!! I am thankful for each and every blogging friend I've met in the last year!! You've all provided me with such sweet inspiration and one-of-a-kind friendship!

Glad Tidings to you!!!

Embellish Color Challenge Holiday Card

2010-12-02T13:45:00.006-05:00

Ahh...I love clicking away at a new post!! Especially this one...my first post with my "new look"!! If you're a return visitor...what do you think?!? I love, love, LOVE it and, as I type, I can't wait to get to the "Publish Post" button to see how this finished project looks surrounded by the lovely, soft colors and images my wonderful new friend, Viola, has given my blog. If you have never met her, you must go visit her NOW! Well...do me a favor and take a quick look at MY card first...once you get to her blog...you won't want to leave!! (Love you, Viola!!)

O.K...moving on...gotta pick up the critters shortly...The Embellish challenge is to use the colors below on a holiday project. I didn't have time to get super creative, so mine is JUST a card. (Sorry to disappoint.) But this IS one of my favorite color combo's...

I couldn't help but envision pretty, lush patterns in pretty, lush layers...

with a classic sentiment...
Thus, the finished product...

I admit, I'm just a sucker for scallops! So I used Paper Studio's "Mirabelle", and My Minds Eye's "Bella Rose" papers and layered them, one on top of the other. The bottom scallop is stamped from PTI's original Guide Lines set. I just can't seem to put away the Tattered Angels chipboard frames either. The bow is made from another favorite--ribbon from MemrieMare at Etsy.

Sure would have liked to have made another card with these colors, but I'm in the middle of preparing the kids' program at church. Little extra time for at least a week!

I hope you're having a great day! Please know that I appreciate each and every visit!!

Thank you again, Viola!!

Geri

Giving Thanks

2010-11-21T15:26:00.006-05:00

The Shabby Tea Room has a wonderful challenge up (and at this point, it's almost over!)..."What Are You Thankful For?" Let me say, for starters, I'm thankful for this challenge blog! It gave me my start in "challenge blogging" and something that has been such a wonderful creative outlet for me. Just last week, I was looking back at old posts (like I had nothing else to do!!!) and reading old comments on past projects. I met so many wonderful people in the Tea Room, and was so encouraged by the feedback I received there! And I was so pleased to see that their current challenge fit perfectly with a project I needed to complete this week. (Actually, I should have completed it 2 weeks ago, but let's not go there, shall we NOT?)

My dear sweet sister has a late October birthday and I really wanted to give her something handmade. She has been working feverishly preparing her home, not only for the normal Thanksgiving crowd, but for some extra-special guests from Guatemala who will be visiting through the holiday. Since she has been working so hard to have her home ready and comfortable for everyone, I wanted her gift from me to be something special she could display for the Thanksgiving holiday, and something that would remind her of this extra-special Thanksgiving for years to come.I bought some pretty gold glittered K & Co. sentiment stickers and found a $1.99 whitewashed frame at JoAnn's last week to alter and embellish for her. I also used my very most favorite K & Co. rub-ons and my PTI Leaf Prints stamps and dies. The leaves are cut from burlap, felt and watercolor paper. I have used a variety of Tim Holtz distress inks EVERYWHERE for soft color, and used some on just a bit of a paper doily to add to the top of my tag. I also added part of an old screw-back earring to embellish the tag and ribbon. The outside dimensions are about 8" x 8", and I think she'll like it. Her biggest problem, with 4 grown children and little Maria and Nola, will be deciding which small picture to put in it. Oh, well...I better figure out how to pack it up for next-day delivery mail tomorrow. I would love to be there when she gets it out of her mailbox! Her company arrives tomorrow and I am counting on her being too busy to be checking on my blog.

Thanks so much for stopping!

I pray that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by those you love!!

Geri

Embellish Challenge: Always

2010-11-04T13:02:00.010-04:00

Barely getting another card wrapped up in time! (Story of my life!) This one is for the Embellish challenge: using rust, yellow, green and VINTAGE styling.

For someone who loves "vintage", I sure did struggle with this card. I didn't want to use a flower though...I guess I figured it would look like everyone else's flower, ya know. Flowers come natural for me though, so doing without just caused me a lot of grief!! I went with leaves instead. I do love my PTI leaves! And it's such a short season that I get to use them! I like to cut them out of lots of different things, and on this card I used watercolor paper, felt and burlap...I also incorporated a seam binding bow and embellished it with a vintage earring. I used some K & Co. paper, and Tim Holtz grungeboard and distress inks to give the card an aged style. Everything got inked...from head to toe! I also used a couple die cut Journaling Frames from Creative Imaginations. Lots of pretty shapes in this package!

You know how lighting varies the colors in photos...so I'm sharing two. This one, outside...

And this one, inside... Thanks to the Design Team for their one of a kind inspiration and the chance to play again!

Have a great day, and thanks so much for stopping!

Geri

Betsy's Challenge - Vintage Treasures

2010-10-29T20:00:00.016-04:00

This challenge has been so much fun. I can't say that I'm happy with all my cards...but I certainly did have fun...shopping for my treasures...and creating with them. Betsy Veldman's challenge was to incorporate some vintage items in our projects. All I really had was some jewelry and trims...not really any paper or fabric items. In a local shop I found these two cards. Loved the embossed and chalked look of this one printed in Germany...

And I loved this little verse inside this sweet little card...

I clipped out and arranged the flowers and wove some seam binding through them...cut the verse with a Spellbinder die, and used some of my favorite Papertrey cardstock and inks to put it all together...

The earring is an oldie, too, along with the tiny metal flowers I clipped off an old pin.

My next treasure was this old greeting card.
I really loved the colors in this one...

This old hanky had similar colors and I thought the leaves looked festive. I did some tea staining with it...

Again, I used my favorite Papertrey cardstocks, one of my favorite Cuttlebug embossing folders and some pretty inks to bring out the colors in the card. The Tattered Angels chipboard framed in my favorite image from the original card...the pretty carriage...

You can see the border of the hanky I used. I cut a tag and some holly from paper left from the original card (the card had lots of small holly accents in the plum colors). I thought the vintage earring brought out the blues I could see in the background of the card, and the seam binding Etsy - Memriemare) worked well with the other colors. I added some glitter to the carriage and the chipboard frame...hard to see in the photo.

For my final card I used an image found just inside the cover of this book, The Bookshelf for Boys and Girls. I hate to think about it as vintage, as it was printed the year before I was born, 1963. I am so excited about pulling more images from this book for future projects!

I used my Tim Holts Distress Inks on the edges of the focal image. Added some Papertrey paper and carstock, trim (not so vintage), twill ribbon, and a flower made with tissue, Glimmer Mist, and a vintage button...I love making my own flowers, but I am going to have to practice with these tissue ones a little more. I loved Betsy's inspration for that, though!

There just weren't enough hours in the week for this challenge, once I started looking and imagining how all these lovely images and fabrics might be used. Thanks so much to one of my favorite artists in the whole world, Betsy Veldman, for putting it out there for us!!

I have always wanted to play along on one of her challenges, but this is the first time my schedule cooperated. Fun, fun, FUN!!!

Thank you so much for visiting me today!

Hope your weekend is WONDERFUL!!

Geri

Embellish Color Challenge with Felt: Smile

2010-10-20T18:35:00.011-04:00

Hello, Friends!! I'm back with an Embellish Challenge card today! This was a fun challenge but was truly a challenge for me. With the required felt I had on hand, the colors and the card seemed to come together in a style different from what I normally go for...more cute-sie and quirky. I always learn from trying new things, though...that's why I love these challenges!

My card was delivered this evening. As I began to see the style coming together, I thought,"This would be a cute card for a little girl!" We were in need of one of those as we needed to deliver a belated birthday gift to one of my daughter's sweet neighbor friends after school. (Happy Birthday, Halle!!) It turned out to be a cheery little thing...and she really loved it!!

I was inspired by the adorable rolled flowers some of the DT gals embellished their cards with using MFT's die made just for that. (How wonderful would that be!?!)They were especially cute with this bold color combo, but they were also especially PERFECT!! I knew I couldn't duplicate that and decided to come up with another felt flower...something super simple. I did that with my Spellbinder circle dies by cutting and layering the circles in an off-centered manner. Layered a couple buttons on top of that and added the Kraft leaves.

The finished product is pretty self-explanatory...

I pulled it all together with some paper from My Mind's Eye, more PTI cardstock, dies, felt, twine and the "smile" sentiment (stamped on the felt with StazOn), Spellbinder dies and some stitching.
Like I said...not my usual style...but I am happy with it.
Hope it makes you "smile"!!
Thanks so much for stopping!
Geri

Card Patterns Sketch #85 - Autumn Blessings

2010-10-15T14:05:00.018-04:00

Happy Friday, and Happy Fall, everyone! Hope you don't tire of my Fall cards and Fall leaves, but, it's a short-lived season, and I want to enjoy and celebrate every beautiful moment of it!!

Like this one...in a field that borders the subdivision right behind us. I could see between the rooftops that these trees looked like they were on fire, with the dark clouds that had passed behind them and the sun that was setting very low still shining on them. Jillian and I grabbed the camera and our bikes to try to snatch a shot before the sun got too low. Sadly, we were too late for the view I was seeing from our house, but...if you look closely, you can see the rainbow that was starting over on the right. Ya don't see too many of those in the Fall, now, do ya?! Such a pretty evening!!

So, needless to say, Fall is still my inspiration for card making. I used this sketch from Card Patterns for my card. I was also inspired by a post from Agata's (Card Patterns DT member)blog where she had tried some techniques from a Jennifer McGuire class on Distress Inks. I love Jennifer McGuire, and the Distress Inks and Agata's finished products, so I checked out the videos and incorporated some of what was taught in my card.

I used three different colors of DI's on my large Leaf Print (PTI) image, then misted the stamp with water before stamping on my leaf (die cut from watercolor paper). I did the same thing with the leafy images I used on the watercolor paper circle die cut, although I didn't get as much water on those so they stayed a little crisper. I got a nice water color effect on the leaf, though, and I liked how the colors muddled together. I didn't use any misting with the leaf vein stamp, or the sentiment. Then I just warmed up the circle with more distress inks.

I hated to rely on doilies again for the side half-circle shapes, I just couldn't dig up anything else that I thought worked better. Anyway, I am pleased with the card and colors. And I am definitely going to keep experimenting with the new DI techniques. It's really alot of fun, and it turns out differently every time!!

Thanks so much for visiting!!

Autumn Blessings to you, dear friends and family!!

Geri

Jeepers Creepers!! The Critters Have Been Craftin'!!

2010-10-11T16:27:00.009-04:00

It's Fall Break here in Clay Co., Indiana and we've had a fun and busy long weekend! Now that things are winding down and the boredom is starting to set in...the critters thought a little crafting was in order. Jillian and friend dug in first and moved on. But Caleb and Jonah thought it was high time for their blog debut...

Here's Jonah ( 7) and his

CREEPY creation.

Nicely done, don't ya think?

And here's Caleb's (11)...

He even embossed!! So what if that ugly carpet in the basement is a little stiff where he was working with the heat tool!! It was all in the name of good crafty love!!

I'm so thankful for my crafty critters!! We've had a great weekend! Hope you have, too!!

If you have any comments for the boys, they would love to hear from you!!

Geri

Card Patterns Sketch #84

2010-10-08T15:09:00.009-04:00

Well, what do you think of these pretty little leaves?! I just love 'em. Just got them (Leaf Prints and dies) from Papertrey Ink and couldn't wait to try them out with this pretty Card Patterns sketch. I also couldn't wait to try cutting things other than cardstock...like this Harvest Gold felt (PTI) and especially the burlap. I love the burlap look!! I just put a layer of Mod Podge on one side, and that kept it from fraying out once cut. I stamped them both and edged them with SU's Ruby Red. It doesn't show much in this photo but looks really pretty in person.

I stamped some smaller leaf images and embossed the largest flourish from Fancy Flourishes (PTI) as a background on some Paper Studio paper. My sentiment is on one of the Fillable Frames...

The bottom portion is a pretty Colorbok paper that I used my EK Success Bracket edger on. I used lots of Ranger Distress Inks up top to add to an aged Fall look. I'm pleased with how this final product turned out (after LOTS of experimenting)! Can't wait to play with these leaves more...all kinds of possibilities!!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope you're enjoying this early Fall season! (It's beautiful here in Indiana today!!)

Geri

Embellish Challenge: Background Stamping

2010-10-07T12:17:00.007-04:00

Barely squeaking out a card for the current Embellish challenge...which is to use background stamping with the above colors. At first glance I thought, "These colors just aren't for me". But as I scrolled down through the DT inspiration pieces...I fell in love. Gorgeous work, I tell ya, that made these colors look like they were DESTINED to be together. I used the images below for my background. The butterfly is from Butterfly Dreams (PTI) and the other images are from the first set I ever purchased from Papertrey Ink, Boxes, Bags and Tags. (I love this little set and think it makes the prettiest background pattern!)

The DT used lots of tone-on-tone looks which I loved. And they used butterflies, too. I couldn't help but go with that.

My card has a mixture of embossing and straight stamping. I used some alchohol inks to die some creme seam binding to make it match. I think it did o.k. The really BLACK paper is Black Suede from Hot Off the Press. I love that stuff!!

Hope you like it!!

Gotta go...it's time to get the critters!!

Thanks for stopping!!

Geri

Cobwebs in the Corners! - Card Patterns Challenge

2010-10-01T17:47:00.005-04:00

The LAST thing I should have been doing today was making a card...But challenge sketch #83 over at Card Patterns was screaming..."Play me!! Play me!!", and I finally HAD to give in. The end result was nothing to boast about, but it was fun to make. (I know, I need to work on my "fun" style!). Everything about this card is SO last year--Heidi Grace stamps, paper from DCWV, Paper Studio, Paper Pizzazz and one other unknown scrap. Oh, the EK Success Bracket punch isn't old--it's fairly new so I'm using it all the time. It is difficult to see, but the spider is done in purple glitter. Hope you can find a little somethin' you like! Thanks for stopping! (Gotta get this posted before time runs out!!)

Geri

Happy Birthday, Jilli-bean!!

2010-09-27T11:49:00.009-04:00

We celebrated Jillian's birthday last week--what a whirlwind week! She's been marking the days off on her calendar since the first day of the month, and I don't think she was a bit disappointed...

We didn't do a big "friend party" thing, but she did have neighbor friends over to play for the evening and to witness the blowing of the candles on the cake...which I DIDN'T MAKE!! I won't say which grocery store did...but I will say...I KNOW my mother, who was a cake decorator for as long as I can remember, was looking down down from Heaven saying, "Don't you dare buy that cake!! DON'T DO IT!!"

I was cringing myself...but the girls didn't care!

And we can't forget the DQ ice cream cake with more friends and family! (Darn those leftovers!)

I made these little treats for the friends who visited on the special day ...

They were made with MME Quite Contrary papers that I picked up a CHA. I also made my FIRST (don't laugh) trip to Archivers (Yes, you're right, I don't get out much.) a couple weeks ago. It was DREAMY, and I got these chipboard frames with alphabet letters from Tattered Angels that I've been seeing on everyone's projects on the internet. I didn't realize they came with letters, which I really didn't care about. And, obviously, there were way more in the package than I would have expected or needed...but I bought 'em anyway!! (They were on my "must have" list.) They ended up being the perfect way to personalize these little mini composition books from Walmart.
The girls were very pleased to have a pretty little somethin' to take home. Lots of happy campers...including my little Jilli-bean!!

Thanks for stopping by to visit!

Have a great day!

Geri

Introducing some FABULOUS bloggers...

2010-09-19T23:08:00.007-04:00

What a treat for me to have received this sweet little award last week from my friend, Tracy! But the time has come for me to pass this sparkling "crown" on. These recipients don't need any pats on the back from me--that's for sure! All three are talented designers...each on at least one design team. But who doesn't like to be reminded every once in a while that something they do "stands out" to someone else. So this is my chance to recognize 3 bloggers who stand out to me. I know that all three are sweet-spirited Christian women, and I am so happy to send this little blessing that originated at Papercraft Star their way:

1. Heather at http://www.simplyhandmadebyheather.blogspot.com/
Heather always has a soft and sweet creation on display on her blog. I really appreciate her lovely vintage style that, for me, is never too fussy or overdone, always "just right"! My week is never complete without visiting her at least a couple of times. She designs for Card Patterns, and with this post, I am finally entering a card in one of their challenges...something I've been wanting to do for awhile now after admiring her beautiful inspiration pieces for so long.

2. Linda at http://www.myhappyplace-linda.blogspot.com/

If you visit long enough to allow Linda's music player to begin...you won't want to leave. Between the music, her ability to create such a wide variety of styles, and her amazing personal photos, you can't help but just to sit back for awhile, enjoy and...smile. I have done just that on a number of occasions!

3. Christine at http://www.creativejourney.typepad.com/

I have admired and appreciated Christines creations since the first day I took a peek, months ago, when we both had entered a Shabby Tea Room challenge. She turned me on to Shimmerz products with the amazing way she uses them to alter and embellish her creations. I didn't really have a clue about all the beautiful paints and mists that were available, and what they can do until "Christine"...and I LOVE using them now! Her creations are rock solid, in my opinion...balanced, colorful, unique and always beautiful! (And she always has some of my favorite songs playing!)

Thank you, ladies, for inspiring me week after week. If I can become 1/2 the paper crafter and blogger you all have become, I'll know I've "turned out alright" as my dad would say :) You know what you have to do now...take this award as your own and share it with 3 of your own favorites...it's the best part!!

My card was done in honor of the 3 sweet gals I've introduced today...thus the Papertrey sentiment. The sketch, which made it so easy, is from Card Patterns. The DP is Basic Grey. The punches are from EK Success (border) Fiskars (small flowers) Papertrey Ink (die-large flower. The tag is from Martha Stewart.

Thanks so much for stopping today. I hope your day brings you an unexpected blessing or two!!

Geri

Thankful Believer

2010-09-15T11:27:00.012-04:00

What a beautiful day here in Brazil, IN!! So many things to be thankful for!! The sun is shining...Fall is knocking on my door with a wonderful, refreshing breeze...my happy and healthy children are all busy and productive at school...Hubby is home working today...I am very aware this morning that I am just surrounded by things that God has blessed me with. What more could a mommy want?! And to top it off, a wonderful gal, whom I have never personally met, has done the sweetest thing for me...

I first "met" Tracy Macdonald, a fellow blogger, in The Shabby Tea Room many months ago when we were both submitting cards for challenges there. Little did I know that this person (that I DIDN'T know) would become such a blessing in my life and in this little papercrafting journey of mine! What an encourager and cheerleader! And in reading comments on her posts, it is clear that I cannot claim her as my own, because many others probably already claim her as THEIRS! It must be a sweet little gift to her from God...knowing how to "make the day" of so many others. Well she's done it again for me with this...

...and I can't say how appreciative I am! Most likely you are visiting me because you already know her but, if not, you must visit her at http://www.iwannabuildamemory.blogspot.com . You will be glad you did. She is a designer at the Papercraft Star challenge blog, (among other sites) and there's another spot worth visiting. My how they've grown since the last time I visited--how exciting for all of them! I can't wait until I can get a little more time freed up to get in on those challenges!

Well, I need to answer 2 questions associated with this award. One would be...why I like to craft. I guess the answer is...it's all I know to do! I can't remember not creating in some form or another. As a teacher, I did way too much of it...every bulletin board had to be a work of art. I think the most rewarding part of why I craft is being able to give someone something I have personally made for them...from the smallest teacher treats, to elaborate cards and altered items. Which leads me to the second question...What is the best project I've ever made? I don't know if this is the best, but it is certainly my favorite...and it was a gift for my very dear friend, Susan.

SHE got me started on altering old cigar boxes. So the first one I made was made for her. I used some beautiful K&CO papers and rub-ons.
Please remember this was years ago...way before my blogging days and having a clue of the overwhelming variety of trims, inks, embellishments and techniques that were available.

I also used some of what was one of the best bargains ever for me...a $10 pack of unfinished chipboard by JoAnn Fabrics...it was huge and full of so many letters, shapes and frames.

I spent hours cutting out individual flowers from the papers and arranging them on the top of the box. I loved every minute, though, because I new she would love it...

...and I think I was right...she did! (Or, being the dear, sweet friend she is, she put on a good front!!)

I really liked how the colors of the papers and rub-ons worked together...and they probably are some of my most favorite...so that has something to do with why this has been one I'm especially proud of.

The fact that I was inspired and motivated by a treasured friendship is probably another reason it has a special place in my heart. I've always wanted to post it, and I'm thankful to Tracy for giving me a good excuse to do just that today!

I must say thanks once again, Tracy, for making this an extra special day! My next task is to pass this award along to a few of MY favorite bloggers...I can't wait to "make a day"!! How fun!! Stay posted for that!! And thanks so much for stopping today!

Blessings to you!!

Geri

Embellish Challenge--Using Squares

2010-09-09T21:46:00.008-04:00

Where does the time go?! I've had two weeks to get this card done and am barely getting it posted by the deadline!! I'm always so appreciative that Embellish gives you two whole weeks to complete a challenge card--and here I am needin' three!! Surely things will settle down around here soon!! I loved these colors when I saw them and was inspired by Charlene's (Embellish DT)card, on which she divided a larger image into smaller squares, giving it somewhat of a mosaic look. I didn't have a lot of larger images to choose from and tried this one from Inkadinkado:

I added a Papertrey Ink butterfly for some dimension and some Ripe Avacado ribbon. Everything is a little smudgy and distressed. The main image is embossed and the Spring Moss Ink was softly applied around it with a sponge. Wish I would have had some tiny purple rinestones for the upper left corner, but mine weren't the right color--thought I had better leave it alone...

Not at all what I had in mind when I started, but...it is what it is!!

So many pretty cards that have been contributed this time around!! I've been inspired for sure!!

Thanks for stopping!

Geri

.............................................................

Supplies not listed above:

Cardstock - Papertrey Ink, white and Plum Pudding

Ink - Papertrey Ink True Black, Memento Grape Jelly
Stamps - Old Paper Studio with no name, Papertrey Ink Butterfly Dreams

Other - black glitter, black embossing powder

Tattered Angels Dragonfly Tag

2010-09-04T13:14:00.006-04:00

Ahhhh...The carpet is down! The house hasn't been this clean since we initially moved in when it was first built. I don't mean to sound materialistic but...having that nasty old carpet gone, and soon the old furniture with it, is almost like having a burden lifted...the chance to start out with a clean slate. I'm a lucky girl! The only thing better would have been putting hardwoods down and knowing I'd never have to go through that again!! But I'm quite pleased with my clean, smooth and creamy new carpet.

At the same time I was preparing for the carpet, I was working on submitting projects to PaperCrafts Magazine. I put in some long, late hours last weekend. I never seem to mind when I'm crafting, though. Late night creating was my bright spot between days full of cleaning, sorting, moving, etc. Of course, with no email notification by Friday, I'm painfully aware that nothing was accepted. I really enjoyed creating these projects though, so my work was not in vain. It was a shot in the dark anyway. The first project was a tag made using masking and/or spray inks. There were two categories this would have fallen under, one being the masking and one using spray inks. I really liked combining the two techniques, though.

This pretty dragonfly Screen Print (stamp) came with my Stamping Royalty prize package from Tattered Angels--a set called, Nature: Graceful Journey, along with matching Glimmer Screens (stencils/masks), 4 other Screen Print images, and Glimmer Mists. These Screen Prints or stamps are fairly large and the detail in them is really interesting and detailed as you can see below...

I combined applying Ranger Distress Inks (which are new to me and I am now IN LOVE with...thanks to a booth at Chicago CHA) in Tumbled Glass and Tea Dye, and misting with the Glimmer mists in colors of Key Lime Pie and Blue Skies...all while repositioning the mask a couple times. I really like using the distress inks with the misting--it creates deeper color while still keeping it sheer, and it blends so beautifully. I finished by embossing with the matching Screen Print (stamp) in Zing Metallic Blue over my initial masked dragonfly. I cut the bottom edge with my new EK Success Bracket Border punch, added the Papertrey sentiment and the K&Co jewels, then added a little snippet of Papertrey's Pretty Pastels paper to the bottom. My Etsy ribbon and Papertrey buttons topped the whole thing off.

I just love how it turned out and am anxious to do some more experimenting with the inks and mists. I made an owl (from the same set) tag which I'll probably try to get posted in a couple days. I would love to know what you think, and if you love dabbling in distress inks and mists like I do...I'd love to see what you've created with them.

Hope you are enjoying your day...the weather here in Indiana is absolutely beautiful...clear blue skies and mid 70's!

Thanks so much for stopping!

Geri

Embellish Magazine: Cutesy, Quirky and Clean

2010-08-22T17:24:00.015-04:00

Ahhhh...to create for challenges again...how refreshing!! I've had a little more time with the critters back in school and was itchin' for a challenge! Embellish Magazine's most recent challenge..."Quirky - Cutesy - Clean Style" proved to be a serious challenge for this shabby, vintage lovin' girl. I wasn't sure if I had a quirky, cutesy or clean bone (or stamp set) in me (and one of my cards really shows it!)

I created this card after I felt I had totally failed on the first one (posted also below). I forgot I had picked up this sweet and inexpensive set at CHA...Up, Up and Away by Papertrey Ink. This little banner is certainly clean and tidy...

...as is this fun little airplane below! I colored them both with watercolor pencils and used my Copic blender pen to blend a little. My Aqua Flo brush just wouldn't allow me to stay in those tiny little spaces, but the Copic marker did the trick. I'm trying to build up my Copic supply so I can start practicing with those...but for now...the watercolor pencils did just fine. The clouds were cut out of white glitter felt with Papertrey's die cuts and then I stamped the polka dots (a little quirkyness?) on them (Background Basics - Retro - PTI).

The little plaid strip on the lower portion was made with some stripes from Background Basics - Retro again, with Melon Berry and Aqua Mist inks. I used PTI's ric rac die with their MB cardstock for the trim. It was all set on Kraft cardstock (PTI). I really like this little set and the way the card turned out. It was for our little next door neighbor.

The next card was my "failure" card when it comes to cutesy, quirky and clean, but I couldn't let it go to waste. I used a sentiment, stems and bumble bee image from PTI's Honey Bee's...another really nice and inexpensive set...

It's hard to see but I stamped some light "wheat" bees on the painted chipboard before applying some glittered clear embossing powder to the whole thing. The chipboard (Tim Holtz) framed in a little handmade flower (Sweet Blush and Melonberry cardstock) with some stems and leaves (Turning a New Leaf).

The sentiment described the little church friend this card was going to perfectly.
The "Mary, Mary..." papers from My Mind's Eye gave just a bit of a honeycomb feel and the Aqua Mist ribbon and buttons from PTI finished the whole thing off.

So, so happy to be creating again!! Next week will leave little spare time as I dig deep and prepare for new carpet to be put down in this 12 year old house. Hope to see you again soon, though!!

Have a great week!!

Geri

School Days...School Days...

2010-08-17T19:22:00.006-04:00

I'm sure many of you are like me and can't believe that summer is over (for all practical purposes) and it's once again time for school. This is my first year to say goodbye to all three kids on the first day of school, as my baby girl is finally in Kindergarten and heading out for the first time with her big brothers. Daddy took her and her 2nd grade brother. She gave me a big smiley, "Bye...I love you Mommy!!!" She didn't even let him walk her to her classroom. She went on her own with a lunch box, backpack and two bags of supplies hanging on her arms. Those of you who know her probably aren't surprised at that little strong-willed and independent spirit of hers shining through on her first day of Kindergarten, are you?! I wasn't either!

I was more surprised at how hard it was to drop the oldest one off at middle school for the first time and watch him walk away, knowing how nervous my big baby boy was. He was so excited though. "Just think...no more walking in lines, Mom!!" He and the others came home just as excited as when they left...Daddy and I were very relieved.

I got a back-to-school gig, myself! At the end of last year, the Title teacher at the kids' school 'ordered' 25 clipboards for the teachers to receive on their first day back this school year. I posted back in May some that I had made as door prizes for Teacher Appreciation week. Even though the Title teacher was in charge of organizing all the goodies for the teachers that week, SHE was the first one to win a clipboard. She like it so much, she wanted all the teachers to have one this year. This is what I came up with. Had to keep it somewhat simple since I was trying to keep the cost down, and knew that what ever I did, I would have to do it 25 times. Tried to keep it kind of a 'classic teacher look' that everyone might go for...

The black paper was from DCWV and the other paper was from Paper Pizazz. The sentiment at the bottom was from PTI's Teachers Apple and PTI inks were used also, as well as their ric rac die. I was really pleased the inks did not bleed at all under the mod podge.

I cut some wool felt from JoAnn's with one of PTI's Beautiful Blooms dies and free-handed some leaves to embellish the clip. The ruled ribbon was also from JoAnn's, and I was able to come up with 25 creme buttons from my own stash for the flower centers. I really enjoyed this little project. I love doing nice things to support teachers, since I was one myself and know what comes with the job. It's always nice to know you're appreciated. My goal is to come up with a little something each six weeks for my younger two kids' teachers and assistants this year. We'll see how that goes...I'll keep you posted (no pun intended!!)

I'm so looking forward to having a little more time to craft now that the kids are back in school. We had a great summer but I have to admit...a few hours in my craft room each week does wonders for my attitude and I have really been missing it the last few weeks! I'm so looking forward to it again!! It's almost a relief to know we'll ALL be more productive now that our "school days" are back.

Thanks for stopping!

Geri

Ric Rac with Embellish Magazine

2010-07-28T16:24:00.000-04:00

Pretty summer colors from the latest Embellish Magazine Challenge, don't ya think? I like 'em so much I'd really like to get another card done with them, but I don't think it's gonna happen. I chose the softer side of all the colors in my card below. The patterned paper from My Mind's Eye is much softer than it appears in this photo. I put it with PTI cardstocks, Paper Studio and Prima flowers, and stamped images from Me&My Big Ideas-Sassy Icons.

I used VersaMark and chalk for all the stamping since I wanted everything to be extra soft and pretty! I blended a couple colors on the images on the bottom portion...it shows a little better below...

I know the use of ric rac is not real creative, but I wanted to keep it simple. Hope you like it!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Geri

Wonderful Friend

2010-07-20T19:15:00.000-04:00

O.K....what do ya think of this...I worked frantically last night to get this card done and submitted to PaperCrafts Magazine before midnight...but it wasn't meant to be. I was running out of time, wasn't at all happy, but already had some things adhered...there was no turning back and no time to start over. It has its qualities, but the layout and balance of it all just wasn't what I had hoped for. I was pleased with the flowers...

...I made them with PTI cardstock and the Beautiful Blooms 1 & 2 (I think) dies.
I love these colors together: pink, green, yellow, and peach (what I have used are all Papertrey). They were all in a beautiful floral inspiration photo for the Color Play category. I love making flowers and was really inspired by the photo to try to submit for this one, but...maybe there will be more 'flower-y' opportunities with the Spring issue. I did get two other cards submitted for another category earlier in the week!

Thanks so much for stopping, and I hope you have a great day!

Geri

Challenge: The Shabby Tea Room - Christmas in July

2010-07-18T15:54:00.000-04:00

This card is for The Shabby Tea Room's "Christmas in July" challenge. I've paired up some of my favorite colors with one of my most favorite things about Christmas: Music!! (I start listening to it more than a month before, and hang on to it for at least a month after. I always hate for it to end.) I layered some Paper Studio and My Mind's Eye papers on PTI cardstock with the Spellbinders Labels 1 die. I also used a Spellbinder die for the snowflake that is the 'o' in JOY. A friend cut the 'J' and 'Y' to fit with her Cricut.

Lots of edge-inking, some stitching, spritzing, glittering, and a few tiny embellishments later...it was all wrapped up. Merry Christmas in July, everyone!

Embellish Magazine Invitation Challenge

2010-07-13T00:03:00.000-04:00

Well here goes my second attempt at one of EM's lovely challenges. I was just sure I wouldn't
have time for this challenge when it was first posted, and was glad that the theme was "invitations", since I have minimal stamps fitting for an invitation...I was relieved that I wasn't missing out on too much. But since my most recent "busy phase" is over and the "invitation" challenge is still posted...and those colors are awfully pretty...and different...at least for me...so I started digging through stamps and found this one from Crafty Secrets Card Sentiments. A victorian looking rabbit...tooting his horn...announcing some grand party. I stamped him on a PTI Kraft Spellbinders Labels 1 and trimmed off the outer corners, then framed him in the next size up. I used Aqua Flo brushes and Stampin Up! inks to give him some color.

I had some velvety looking specialty paper that fit the color scheme (from JoAnn Fabrics and Hobby Lobby - sorry, no name). And my Technique Tuesday Rococco Stamps helped me fill in some dead space. Anyway, I came up with this fussy little number...
Not real sure what I think about it...probably too much going on, but I'm going to take our new pastor's stance on this..."if you're never failing...you're not trying enough new things". Who knows...maybe today, people are learning from my mistakes...and I guess that's OK...especially when I had so much fun trying!

To anchor my image, I looped several layers of seam binding (MemrieMare, Etsy), tied them in a knot, then snipped all the ends to form a festive little...shall we say..."thingie". ;) The solid paper was a suede type of paper, but the gold embossing did fine and added a much needed finishing touch. I also like the thin line of gold embossing on the outer edge.

Gotta git!!

Enjoy your day!!

Geri

PS...This is my first time using Papertrey Ink's Kraft cardstock (I know, where have I been!)! Oooooo...I love that stuff! Also, I am having serious issues with this layout!!! I am going to have to leave it as is, as I keep accidentally deleting pictures trying to get these two small pix at the bottom side by side. Just know...I'M NOT HAPPY!!

Oh, Baby!!!

2010-07-10T09:38:00.000-04:00

Ahhhh!!! Sunday night...the critters are tucked in...hubby is tucked in his hotel room in Indy for the week (miss you, babe!)...and I am breathing a sigh of relief as a string of 3 busy, busy weeks is finally over. I don't dare wish the time away but, I am sure you know how there are short periods of time here and there that simply have to be taken one day at a time...to look at it any other way would be simply overwhelming! I wouldn't dare bore you with all the details, or as our pastor put it last Sunday...the "distractions"...but there are a couple things pertinent to this post. The first would be that we had to say goodbye to Papa Bill a week ago as he (my husband's father) passed away. The blessing being in that he did not suffer, and that we were allowed time to share, laugh and be comforted by wonderful friends, family and neighbors. Once again I have been reminded of, and amazed by, how good and kind friends and neighbors can be...just when you need them most. It is also a blessing to be reminded of the wonderful circle of life because, the week before we said a special 'goodbye', we were saying a special 'hello' to a brand new, teeny, tiny, beautiful baby girl, Audree...my sister's oldest son's new daughter...and the most adorable answered prayer! So, we stayed busy visiting with family and friends by day, and by night, the wee hours of the night(s), I was working on these...

...table centerpieces for the baby shower!! It was a baby carriage theme and, I don't know about you, but I haven't seen an abundance of decoration ideas for baby carriages. So I made up my own. They stand about a foot tall, I would say, are probably around nine inches long, and 3" wide. Hours and hours went in to them, but they were worth every second, and I enjoyed every minute of doing what I love for such a special occasion. The plaid paper was used on the invitations and on the sweet little paper 'basket' favors that were made to hold some yummy fudge. Pretty colors!!

Had I been making only one, I would have added more details, but making 8, total, I had to keep them somewhat simple. Only one stamp used...the large flourish from PTI's Fancy Flourishes dressed up the side well. A little button on each side held the "handle" on. My Martha Stewart border punch gave the look of eyelet trim on the sides.

The legs/wheels were a bit of a concern but turned out fairly sturdy. I wrapped a rectangle of foam board with the patterned paper, punched a hole in each corner, inserted two separate pieces of wire, then pulled and twisted the pieces together on each side and curled the ends around. After I had that base sitting fairly square, I glued the finished carriage onto it. I just added the fresh flowers after all the carriages were leveled on their tables, just before the shower.

There they all are...minus the one that Mommy kept. The little lace trim at the top is hard to see but was a last minute thought that really finished them off! They were so girly and cheery!! Now...the question is...What in the world do I do with them?!? Oh, well, that's not important, is it!! If anyone has any bright ideas, though, I would love to hear them!

Now...how about a give away!?! Tell a friend...if I have at least 15 comments by the end of the week, I'll randomly pick one to receive a brand new stamp set! Can't say what it will be but, hey, it's free, right!?

Hope you all have a great week with some time to do what you love!

Geri

.........................

Other supplies:

Paper: PTI's Hibiscus Burst, Lemon Tart, and Sweet Blush cardstock, Paper Studio's Sweet Pea Plaid, My Mind's Eye's Tiny Pink Flowers

Ink: PTI's Hibiscus Burst

Other: Silk flowers (taken apart), 14 gauge craft wire, and doilies from JoAnn Fabrics, large pearl embellishment (?) Hobby Lobby, PTI's HB and SB buttons, 1" Paper Studio flower punch, thick clear craft glue for base...forget what it was called and it's all gone!!

1st Embellish Magazine Challenge

2010-06-17T01:40:00.000-04:00

Is anyone else as inspired by this picture as I am?! When I saw it, I knew I had to get in on this challenge...I just love those flowers! Then when I saw the Design Team projects, I was even MORE inspired. And how about those Waltzingmouse stamps!? Oh, my goodness...it was love at first sight for me. They're already on my Christmas list. I almost hate to admit it...I've never heard of them before! I know, where have I been, right? I also have to admit that I'm totally new to EM's challenges. I've only checked in on one other and thought it was way out of my league!! But this one was just so inviting, so here I am. I knew when I saw the photo, I HAD to make some flowers. I used my Papertrey Beautiful Blooms 3 dies for them and thought they turned out nice. The centers are full of some little coppery seed beads.

Next came the "Label" part of the challenge. This initally worried me, because I don't have any of the new labels that are out there (although I sure have been admiring several) and I didn't want to use something outdated-looking. I decided on the classic Spellbinder circle, framed it in and freshened it up with some Tim Holtz grungeboard, and added the Crafty Secrets sentiment (which stamped like a dream!) and the handmade flowers. The photo makes the grungeboard look darker and "flatter" than in person. I sprayed some Vibes in 'Penny Pincher' On top of the brown StazOn, it gives it subtle copper shimmer that doesn't show here.

I used my new Technique Tuesday "Rococco" stamps and Lemon Tart Ink to stamp the panel on the left side and framed it in with strips made from the Fiskars Upper Crest border punch. I added some scrunched up Cabbage Rose ribbon (MemrieMare - Etsy...vanilla creme?) to the panel, and put it all on top of that rich brown and creme Paper Studio paper.

I'm pleased with the finished card...my first attempt at an Embellish Magazine challenge. Yeah!...I'm so excited to create again after a long vacation! I would love to know what you think!! Hope everyone has a great day!!

Geri

...........................

Other Supplies not mentioned above:

Cardstock: Melon Berry, Lemon Tart, Vintage Creme (PTI)

Patterned Paper: Brown Floral Medallions (Paper Studio)
Inks and Paints: Sunset Strip, RazzelDazzel Berry, Penny Pincher Vibez (Shimmerz), Close to Cocoa (SU)

Summer Fun in the Tea Room

2010-06-02T21:49:00.000-04:00

HAPPY SUMMER, EVERYONE!!

This very exciting post for me finds my family home only 4 days from our vacation on the beach and at Disney in Florida. What a wonderful time!! Talk about Summer fun!! And speaking of Summer fun...it just happens to be this week's theme for the challenge in The Shabby Tea Room...for whom I am Guest Designing this week! What an honor! I do so appreciate this opportunity given to me by Debbie and the DT! Thanks so much, girls, for your vote of confidence and your weekly inspiration. I can't say how much I have enjoyed the inspiration from this blog!! If you have not already visited there, just click on the badge to the right (sidebar). OK, lots to say...I'd better move on!

Our summers aren't complete without a trip to the beach, so this was my inspiration for my project. I have even used some of our beach treasures on my project, a 6" x 9" clipboard to help us remember all of our fun summer plans. I thought this would be just as good a way as any to preserve and enjoy these little pretties! I also used a sweet little image from Crafty Secrets' Creative Scraps for the focal point...a sweet little couple on the beach.

These clipboards are easy...and so much fun to make. If you haven't tried one, you have to! They make the nicest gifts, too! Just use Mod Podge over your favorite papers, paints, rub-ons, etc. and embellish until your little heart is content! I used Paper Studio and Papertrey Ink papers, rub-ons from Basic Grey and K and Co., Hobby Lobby's basic pearls (found in wedding section) and Cabbage Rose ribbon from Memriemare (Etsy). As an extra added touch, I used my orange sticky tape and covered the clip in silver micro beads. It's subtle, but pretty in person. I also used opal and teal Glimmerz paints on my shells, along with a touch of prisma glitter. The paint and glitter gave them their "just washed up" look again...I really liked that. The Martha Stewart pine punch reminded me of that tiny, delicate seaweed that tangles around everything on the beach.

For those of you visiting from The Shabby Tea Room...Thanks so much for stopping by! I would love to hear who you are and where you're from, if you would care to leave a comment! I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with this week, and hope to visit lots of blogs to see what everyone is up to now that I'm home. I so enjoyed our vacation, but am chomping at the bit to get busy creating and posting again. If you care to scroll on down, I have included a few more clipboards I have done for other occasions, and my post closes with some exciting news!

The clipboards on the left (I know...bad photo) are the 'legal' size and were made for Teacher Appreciation Week door prizes at my kids' school. I used my Olivia Cuttlebug font to personalize them after the winning names were drawn(not shown in this photo--name was placed in the lower section). The legal size is nice, because when the lower portion is personalized, the name shows even when papers are clipped on.

These 6 x 9 clipboards were also door prizes. They were given away with their little easles so they were "desk ready". Each one has "Notes" added to the lower portion.

Finally, this 6 x 9 board was a Paper Crafts submission for a 'Christmas project using sheet music'. It wasn't a winner but I was very pleased with it. The snowflakes were punched with Spellbinder dies out of creme wool felt. The ribbon is velvet and the buttons were especially pretty, although you really can't appreciate those details in this photo. I really loved the soft look and color combination of it all...the photo just doesn't do the project justice.

Lastly...not only has Deb, from the wonderful Shabby Tea Room, given me a big "thumbs up", but I have also received a vote of confidence from Paper Crafts Magazine. I had a winning card in their Stamping Royalty contest in the Spring in the 'birthday' category. My card will be published in the Nov/Dec issue...a HUGE honor and 'dream come true' for me. Just had to share the good news!! Thanks for hangin' in with me on this long post...I had a lot to share after a long break!!
I'd love to hear from you all!!
Have a day full of blessings, and a whole lot of crafty goodness, too!!
Geri

Paper Wishes

Party Day *8*...wonder of wonders...a masculine card...

Party Day *7*...dressing up Martha Stewart...

Party Day *6*...a card for The Craft's Meow sketch...

Party Day *5*...one more memo board gift...

Party Day *4*...cheery Valentines...

Party Day *3*...unwrapping one of YOUR gifts...

Party Day *2*...

A Blog-a-versary post...and a special event...

Guest Designing in The Shabby Tea Room...Challenge #97

With all my heart...

Finally...a little time to play...

A Very Merry Christmas...

Santa's Notebook for Card Patterns...

Happy Thanksgiving!

So grateful...

Friend of Mine...

Oopsie...Halloween goodies...a day late!!

Teacher Treats...Shabby Tea Room Style!

Shabby Tea Room Challenge...(and a couple other goodies!)

Retro Challenge...You Shine!

August Papertrey Bloghop

...just one more for The Craft's Meow...

Cosmo Cricket...for you!

The Craft's Meow Monthly Sketch Challenge...

...some pretties...for you, friends!

Polkadot Door Challenge: dream!

...enjoying summer...

July Papertrey Ink Blog Hop

...birdies, buttons, bows...and a little bling...

HELLO from Cloverleaf Healthcare!

...a simple hello...

Guest Designing for The Shabby Tea Room...and wishing you blue skies...and sunshine!

Polka Dot Door Entry.....Smile!

Polkadot Door Blog Hop!!

Lots to share...

Sweet Easter Wishes for the Shabby Tea Room...

Easter Blessings with a "Doilies and Lace" challenge in the Tea Room...

Embellish Color Trends Challenge using Trim...

...spring flowers in The Shabby Tea Room...

...flyin' high with Embellish Color Trends...

Blessings...

Happy Trails...

I TOLD you...I TOLD YOU I wanted a DO-OVER!!!

CR84FN Challenge: Aqua, Steel Blue and Gray

Thinking of You

Sing or Stamp? Stamp or Sing?

Favorite Colors with CR84FN Color Challenge

Buttons and Bows (and a lovely photo challenge!)

Papertrey February Blog Hop Challenge

Happy Birthday, Carol!!

A Valentine Treat!!

And The Winners Are..............

Love Birds

3rd Papertrey Entry!

Another Papertrey Entry!

More Papertrey Anniversary Fun!

Happy Blogaversary To ME!! (insert music notes here)

Last Give-away Sneak Peek: Pretty Spring Pinks and Greens

Papertrey Favorites

Got Some Give-away Blues: Sneak Peek #2

Super Bowl Sunday Blogaversary Give-Away: Sneak Peek #1

Waltzing Mouse Sketch and CR84FN Color Challenges:

CR84FN Challenge: Meet my new pin cushion!!

Fun, Colorful Embellishments

Guest Designing in The Tea Room!

Baby's 1st Handbag

Glad Tidings!

Embellish Color Challenge Holiday Card

Giving Thanks

Embellish Challenge: Always

Betsy's Challenge - Vintage Treasures

Embellish Color Challenge with Felt: Smile

Card Patterns Sketch #85 - Autumn Blessings

Jeepers Creepers!! The Critters Have Been Craftin'!!

Card Patterns Sketch #84

Embellish Challenge: Background Stamping

Cobwebs in the Corners! - Card Patterns Challenge

Happy Birthday, Jilli-bean!!

Introducing some FABULOUS bloggers...

Party Day 8...wonder of wonders...a masculine card...

Party Day 7...dressing up Martha Stewart...

Party Day 6...a card for The Craft's Meow sketch...

Party Day 5...one more memo board gift...

Party Day 4...cheery Valentines...

Party Day 3...unwrapping one of YOUR gifts...

Party Day 2...