Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Card Patterns 167 & A Challenge

Welcome to the Studio!
I've had time to craft and my mojo has been working overtime...for a change.  I recently got the "Going Places" stamp set from Justrite Stamps.  It's perfect for guy cards, and I hardly ever make them.  I have several friends though who need cards for Father's Day, so I've been focusing on more manly designs.  I don't know if any of you have the same problem I do, but I find it REALLY difficult to embellish guy cards.  Cards for us gals are easy, flowers, butterflies, and bling.  Guys, not so much.  And there's only so much metal and wood you can put on one card without it looking like a shop class fiasco. 

When I saw the sketch for this week from Card Patterns, it gave me the perfect jumping off point for my new masculine stamp set.  I love the way this card turned out.

I used the Stampin Up Well Worn paper pack (so sorry to see it go).  I used the Going Places stamp set and coordinating Spellbinders dies.  I stamped the image with Staz On in Timber Brown on watercolor paper.  I used watercolor pencils and a water brush to "paint" my image.  My plane looks like the Red Baron swooping in:)  I added a sentiment from a Stampin Up set and two vintage brads by making memories.  I popped up the banner, center image, and sentiment strip on foam tape. 

Masculine cards are a real struggle for me and I'm always glad to get new inspiration.  I hope I was able to give you at least an idea or two to help with your guy cards.  If you're looking for a "guy" challenge, stop over at Lexi's Creations.  Their DT has some great ideas, even for teens.  And you can share your creations with everyone in their challenge.

Thanks for stopping by.  Until next time, Scrap Sassy!

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Birthday Wishes & Butterflies

Welcome to the Studio!
If you've gotten here from the CADB, thank you so much for stopping by.

Whew, it’s been a long time since I’ve posted. Life gets REALLY nuts every now and then. I’m sure each of you can understand that. My dad had back surgery in April and stayed with us (me, my hubby, and my mom…did I mention my parents are divorced?) for about a month and a half. It was really kinda surreal. I felt like I woke one day and was eight years old again living at home with my parents. It’s strange how easily you can fall back into old routines and family dynamics.  Well, enough about my crazy life.

Here’s a card I did recently because, well, I wanted to use the paper and the cardboard butterfly. Don’t ask me why my brain said all that went together, but it works for me.   And as you can see from my April 30th post, I'm stuck on the cardboard butterflies.  I only have a few left, so maybe I'll move on to cardboard birds next;)  I based this card on a sketch by Valerie Salmon at Got Sketch.  I love her sketches. 


 I think the denim paper mixed with the vintage floral gives it a country kind of feel. I can almost smell a fresh apple pie in the oven.

I used a store-bought card base and envelope, 6.5x5. The paper is from Hobby Lobby. It’s from the 8.5x11 section. It just screamed at me and I had to buy it.  The butterfly is from Maya Road. I used a new CTMH stamp set called Just a Number.  The ink I used is Stampin Up Baja Breeze and also Baja Breeze cardstock.  The ruffled ribbon is from Stampin Up too. I used some white pearls in different sizes to embellish the upper border and the butterfly.  And I used a wisp of silver wire for the butterfly antennae.  I used three Spellbinders dies, the ivory doily and the denim frame. I also used a Fiskars border punch (top) and a Martha Stewart border punch (bottom).

Speaking of border punches, I must admit that since Mom and I share a scrap space we have A LOT of punches of all kinds, but especially border punches. Every time we go to one of our favorite craft stores and there is a sale or a coupon, it seems like we each walk out with two or three more punches. Luckily, so far, we haven’t bought the same one twice. (Keeping our fingers crossed on that one!) Well, since Dad was up here recuperating and can’t sit still, we gave him some projects to tinker with out in the garage. He made some peg bow makers in two sizes, a few ATG gun holders, and a wicked, awesome, totally fantastic punch rack for us, as designed by Mom. It’s simple and utilitarian, but WOW, we can find all our punches!  We are loving it!


In this picture you get a glimpse of what we call the "Inspiration Corner."  I found a really comfy, vintage chair at a garage sale some years ago for $5.  For my birthday a few years ago, hubby and mom had it redone, so it's now a posh lime green.  And it's still comfy and now has a black and white ottoman too.  You can't see the zebra stripe and black feather lamp next the chair for reading all those catalogs, idea books, & magazines.

Be sure to visit my mom's blog, Joanie's Classy Card Corner.  She's on the Link Up For Pink Design Team and there's lots of fun stuff going on over there!

I hope you enjoyed your visit. Until next time, Scrap Sassy!

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Mojo Monday 242...Bon Voyage

Welcome to the Studio!

Yay!  I finally had some time to scrap and blog!  Sorry I've been AFK for several weeks, but I'm back on top of things again...at least I think so;)

I love sketch challenges and like to play along every chance I get.  I have to admit though that most of my "challenge cards" get done in plenty of time, but I can never get my rear in gear and get them photographed and up on my blog.

I had some friends leaving to go on a cruise and thought an island-inspired Bon Voyage card would set the perfect mood.  I can't wait to work on the cruise scrapbook in July with Julia, aka The Scrap Queen.

Here is Mojo Monday Sketch 242:

And here is the picture of my card:


I used the new My Mind's Eye Indie Chic "Citron" for this card.  The colors remind me of sand, surf, and fruity drinks with umbrellas.  Hope you enjoy!

Until next time, Scrap Sassy!