Death by Chocolate

Hi!

I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while. And actually the next couple of posts may or may not be new craft projects.

My life is really crazy right now. And my emotions are ALL over the place.

Since the beginning of the year, I was given a calling as a Sunday School Teacher for the 4 year olds in my Ward. Then I was given a Visiting Teaching route, I haven't had one of those in a couple of years and the sisters on my route are really knowledgeable, so I'm kind of intimidated by them.

Then in my regular life, I've got school, which is going well. I made it as a Finalist in Sizzix's Who Are You? contest. And, I'm a housewife and mom to our three dogs, which means I'm definitely not bored.

And then, there's my family life, not my home life with my DH, but the family I was born into. My step-brother, which some people seem to be confused about. If this is something that confuses you, basically, he's my brother. He's been diagnosed with Leukemia (Stage 4) and throat cancer. He's not going to undergo any treatments, (his decision) and had has 2 months left.

With all this craziness my blog has been lacking in content. So I will attempt to fix that when I am able to.

For today's posting I'm going to share a card that I made for HYCCT (Hope You Can Cling To), which is something that an online crafting community I belong to hosts every October, to help raise awareness and donate cards to the Cancer patients at MD Andersen in Houston, TX.

Stamps: CTMH A Chocolate AffairPaper: SU! Festival of Prints, CTMH Colonial WhitePaper Size: A2Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, CTMH ChocolateAccessories: SU! Ticket Corner Small, CM Square ShapeMaker

Personally, if I had to choose the way I would die, it would have to be by chocolate. ;)

If you would like to purchase any of the items you see here. Most of them can be purchased at my CTMH shop.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Color me blue

Hi!

It's Monday and that means it's time for a new sketch over at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge.

This week's sketch is

Which I thought was a rather lovely sketch. And unlike my normal of totally switching the sketch up. I think for me I went pretty much as close to the sketch as I could.

Here is my creation:

Stamps: My Mind's Eye - The Sweetest Thing - Tangerine CollectionInk: CTMH ChocolateAccessories: CTMH Tan Twill Ribbon, Sizzix/SU! Sizzlits Large Delicate Doilies, Cuttlebug Honeycomb

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

AHSC Sketch 22

Hi!

Today is the start of a new week and that means a new sketch over on the Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge blog.

This is today's wonderful sketch over at AHSC.

And here is my interpretation of it

Stamps: CTMH Perfect Fit - Holidays Holiday
Paper: SU! Festival of Prints
Ink: CTMH Archival Black
Accessories: CM Circle Shapemaker, QuicKutz Ginger Boy, Deck the Halls Tree, Regency Baker's Twine, Buttons Galore and More Grab Bag

As you can see I went a little overboard with the circles. But that's the fun of doing a sketch challenge. As long as you can tell that the sketch was used you can go a little crazy with it.

Also I've been trying to come up with Christmas card ideas and ways to use more of that designer paper I have. Trust me, it's definitely more than some people have. And rather then being afraid of using it or having it so long that it's out of style. I figure I may as well try to use it.

So what do you think. Do you like my take on today's sketch?

Do you have a stack of designer paper that you need to go through?

What do you do with the designer paper that you're tired of or that is too old?

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Peace, Faith, Joy

Hi!

Tonight we are kicking off Virtual Stamp Night(VSN) over at SplitCoastStampers(SCS).

And I'm the first hostess. Yay!

It's my first time hosting one of the challenges. And I'd love if you joined in.

This month the VSN theme is Opposites Attract.

And specifically my challenge theme is Yin-Yang. As part of this challenge I'm asking everyone to do the Split Negative Technique. You can find all the info about my challenge HERE.

The reason I came up with this challenge is because recently my hubby has been traveling to China on business. So when the call came out for VSN hostess' and themes, Yin-Yang came to mind.

Stamps: Hero Arts Starburst Lace, SU! Symbols of SolicitudePaper: CTMH White DaisyInk: CTMH Archival Black, White DaisyAccessories: Memory Depot Embossing Powder White Detail, Clear High Gloss, CM Custom Cutting System Circles, SU! Heat Tool

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

September 11th

Remember to take time out for your family and friends.

Stamps: SU! Carry On, #HSP51 Patriotic
Paper: CTMH White Daisy
Ink: CTMH Cranberry, Pacifica

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Honey Bee

Hi!

I'm so excited that CKC is just two weeks away.

I missed the Cheery Lynn Designs booth last year. And am hoping they will be back this year.

Cheery Lynn made the bee die cut you see on my card.

I did get a chance to pick up the wonderful Spellbinders Hexagon Nestabilities, which is also on this card, while I was at CKC last year.

And I know I will probably feel like I'm in a beehive while I'm at CKC.

Have you ever been to one of Creating Keepsakes Conventions or Creating Keepsakes University event?

They hold this event a couple of towns over and I'm grateful that we get one so close by.

Of course, I wish they would hold it in Austin. But that's OK.

Really the primary reason I'd like them to hold one of these events in Austin is because I'd like to attend a class. But maybe someday I'll be able to take a class.

So on with my card.

Paper: Basic Grey - Basics - Scroll, My Mind's Eye On The Bright Side "Brown Stripe" paper, SU! Orchard Harvest
Accessories: Cheery Lynn Designs Tiny Things with Wings, Spellbinders Nestabilities Hexagons, Martha Stewart Drippy Goo edge trimmer, Crayola Washable Glitter Glue

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

You perk me up

Hi!

I created this card for the Can You Digi It? blog's challenge called Lift Me Up.

Now I don't know about you but what lifts me up someday's is a large cup of hot chocolate.

Yes, even in the middle of the hot Texas summer I still occasionally need a good cup of hot chocolate.

Maybe, it's because when I was growing up my mom always had a cup of coffee to start her day.

You see as a Mormon I can't actually have a cup of coffee but I can enjoy hot chocolate.

So when I heard the title to the challenge I couldn't help but think about that cup of hot chocolate.

Stamps: C.Y.D.I. To Go Cup, Stamping Bella perk me up PEEPS
Paper: Bazzill Basics Paper Mono Green, SU! Flock Together, Island Oasis
Ink: CTMH Archival Black
Accessories: Tim Holtz Alterations Subway

Do you need a little pick me up drink to help lift you out of bed? or even a funk?

What drink do you turn to?

Now I'll have to be honest I think I'm the only one on the DT who's creation is about something as simple as a cup.

Y'all should definitely check out what the other DT gals came up with for this challenge.

If you have time we'd love to see what you create based off this theme. Don't forget to use a digital element in your creation though.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Thinking of You

Hi!

It's Monday and you know what that means another card based off today's sketch over at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge.

By now you can tell that I do my own spin on the sketches and today is no different.

This is today's sketch

I wanted to play around with negative space and still have fun with this sketch.

Stamps: Hero Arts Everyday Messages
Paper: CTMH Clementine Paper Pack
Ink: CTMH Archival Black
Accessories: SU! Scallop Edge Border Punch, Spring Flower Bouquet punch, 5-Petal Flower punch, MS 3-in-1 butterfly

So what do you think?

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

For love of butterflies

Hi!

Today's card is for the Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #12.

This is the original sketch:

And this is my spin on it.

Paper: CTMH For Always paper packet
Accessories: MS Monarch Butterfly, Sizzix/SU! Sizzlits Large Delicate Doilies

What do you think? I know I didn't leave a sentiment on the card but I was trying to go for a good general card.

This ribbon is from my stash. I saved it from last Christmas I believe it came as wrapping to my winter pajama set. And the butterfly is punched out of book paper.

For a while I've been on a kick to start saving recyclable materials that can I can be utilizing in my craft stash. Do you keep recyclable supplies in your craft stash?

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Merci For Always

Hi!

I hope y'all had a great weekend.

Right now I'm somewhere in either New Mexico or Arizona. You see I'm not really the trip planner. Nope, that's my DH's job. And even if my sense of direction weren't terrible. I actually wrote and scheduled this post before my trip.

Did you know that today is the 7th challenge over at the Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge?

If you haven't already you should definitely check out this fun sketch blog.

Today is the day that the sketch is revealed, and Wednesday is the day that the DT's projects are revealed on the blog. That way you have a couple of days to come up with your own inspiration based on the sketch.

I'm sure you're not just here to read about my vacation. So I will share today's card with you.

Stamps: SU! Merci stamp set
Paper: CTMH For Always Paper Packet, The Paper Company Black Cardstock
Ink: CTMH Archival Black
Accessories: Regency Bakers Twine, SU! Modern Label punch, Bird Builder punch, Spellbinders Classic Scalloped Circles

Don't forget to stop by the Atlantic Hearts blog. We'd love to see what you create.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Happy cloudy day

Hi!

Today is the sixth challenge over at the Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge blog.

This is a super fun blog with some wonderful sketches. And I'm not just saying that.

You see I love sketch blogs but so many of the ones that I used to visit have stopped blogging.

Which is why I'm so happy that the Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge was started.

My card today reflects some of my classic standby loves and some new loves to.

Stamps: CTMH It's Your Day set
Paper: CTMH White Daisy, scraps
Ink: CTMH Cotton Candy
Accessories: SU! Cloudy Day embossing folder, Martha Stewart Monarch butterfly punch, 3-in-1 butterfly punch

You should definitely stop by and check out this fun sketch and the DT creations.

We'd love to see what you create with this sketch whether it be a card, page layout, or 3D project.

So stop on by and pay us a visit at the Atlantic Hearts blog.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

My Acrylix Stamps

Hi!

I just wanted to share with y'all the latest news I've heard
around the interwebs.

Yup. Stampin' Up! has just come out with photopolymer stamps.

Now they're new so I haven't had a chance to try them out yet.

I have used their clear-mount stamps and have found that they don't really stick very well to acrylic blocks, including their own.

My recommendation for using those would be to definitely not put the enclosed stickers on the back of the stamp. This tip will help them stick better to your acrylic blocks.

If you have the patience I would recommend
getting some cling mounting foam from Stampers Best.
I'd just unmount Stampin' Up's mount and attach one from Stampers Best. Now I'll admit I haven't done that with the clear-mount's
I have from SU!

However, I have taken all the wood mounted stamps I had from SU! and remounted them with the cling mounting foam from Stampers Best. And let me tell you, it works wonderfully.

Now Stampin' Up is going into the world of acrylic stamps or as they're calling them photopolymer stamps.

Close to My Heart has already been creating wonderful stamps
with their My Acrylix line for eight years. This is according to pg. 7 of the CTMH Autumn/Winter 2012 Idea Book & Catalog.

Let me tell you they're amazing. I've been using CTMH's stamps for the past 7 years and I love them. And althought I'm a Consultant, I only started that in  August 2012. Before that I was with Creative Memories and then The Angel Company. And I've been a Stampin' Up! customer for the past 7 years, too. Plus my MIL owned the LSS in our town for years. So trust me I've been an avid stamping and
scrapbooking customer and fan.

I've tried other acrylic stamps before. I've found that with alot of them I've had to distress them to get them to start working.
Some of them have torn before I even had a chance to distress or stamp with them. Some have discolored before I even got around to using them. It's just not pretty. And distressing them is only for extreme circumstances. I've learned the hard way that you can only distress them so much. If you do go this route it is only necessary for the first stamp session you are trying to use the stamp.

It has been my experience that, this problem has never come up with
the My Acrylix line of stamps from CTMH.

I'm a fan of SU! don't get me wrong.

I even have belonged to a few stamp clubs run by SU! Demos.
And I attend classes taught by SU! Demos.
(Don't even get me started on that discussion.)
I'm not saying don't try the new photopolymer stamps from SU! Hopefully, if you have a SU! Demonstrator that you work with she will have them available to play with.

I'm just saying "Buyer Beware". I just want to provide my objective opinion to this shopping decision.

If you like and your local to the Austin/Cedar Park, TX area
I'll be teaching a class on March 16th.
More information is posted here. In addition to the class, if you attend you are welcome to play with any stamps I have.

And I have all kinds - TAC stamps, acrylic stamps, CTMH stamps, SU! clear mount stamps and ones that have been mounted using Stampers Best cling foam. I have stamps from Stamping Bella, The Greeting Farm, Hero Arts, and other companies as well.

I've done my research and I hope you take my opinion into consideration when thinking about purchasing the new photopolymer stamps from SU!

If you aren't local to me and would like to try out some CTMH stamps just post a comment with your email addy so I can contact you about how to do this. Or feel free to visit my shop.

Happy crafting,
M.E.

More awesome CKC projects

Hi!

Are y'all ready to see some more awesome projects from CKC San Marcos? I sure am!

These are from the Stampin' Up! booth

If you are looking for a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. I have a friend DJ who does it. This is a link to her SU Shop.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Summer Bear Hugs

This week my scrapbook group did a Animals/Insects Card Swap. Every month we try to do a card swap with a different theme. Do you have a fun scrapbook group where you are?

Since it's the summer there aren't too many cards to show you:(  But the ones that were
created are awesome.

This is my card. I used the sketch from Anyone for Anya?: Simple Sketch Sunday.

Stamps: TGF

Paper: Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses

Ink: Palette Noir Black, Copic E33 Sand, Bic Mark-it Pink Flamingo, Woodsy Brown, Honey Brown

Accessories: Regency Baker's Twine, Stampin' Up punch

I love The Greeting Farm stamps, they are adorable. I wish I could share the name of this stamp set with you. But I can't seem to find it anywhere.

My friends Gia and Lori created the following cards. Aren't they awesome!?!

Gia's card

Lori's card

Can you tell that Lori's favorite color is purple;)

Please post below about any fun scrapbook
groups you belong to and what kind of fun
things y'all do.

Happy Crafting, M.E.

I admit it ...

I'd go bananas without YOU my followers and your loving words of
encouragement.

Don't you love these dancing bananas. They're so silly.

How silly. Well, when I showed this card to my dh it reminded him of
this song.


This digi stamp is of course from The Digi Shack. You can find them and
all the NEW images here.

The great sketch that I used for this comes from the CTMH Originals Card
Confidence Program. CTMH has awesome books for both scrapbook and
card layouts.

Materials Used:

Stamps: TDS Dancing Bananas

Accessories: SU! Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch

Ink: Sharpies, Bic Mark-its, Copics

Happy Crafting.
M.E.