Creative Syzygy

Happy Birthday, MOM!

2012-02-04T06:00:00.000-06:00

February 1st was my mom's birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!)

I made her this little gift bag to hold a very special gift :-)

Thanks for stopping by!

-Kristen

Papertrey Ink January Blog Hop!

2012-01-25T10:38:00.000-06:00

For this month's blog hop, we were challenged to pick a favorite project of ours from 2011, and revisit it.

I chose this card:

This time, I added a few medallions, colors and varied the position of the sentiment:

As you can also tell, I have a new camera since that original card - so everything doesn't look like I photographed it in a dungeon! :-)

Enjoy the hop!

-Kristen

Supplies
Stamps: Mehndi Medallion, Think Big Favorites
Paper: Stampers Select White

Valentine's Day - take 2 :-)

2012-01-23T21:57:00.000-06:00

So it turns out, I really liked that color combo and layout - so I CASed myself - and added tree tops this time :-)

-Kristen

Valentine's Day Cards

2012-01-22T17:26:00.000-06:00

Ok, Ok I KNOW we JUST finished with Christmas, but it's time to switch gears and start working on the next holiday!

I have to admit, I am LOVING the combination of Red, Blue and black together... I can see myself using this a lot!

Happy Weekend!
-Kristen

Supplies
Stamps: Love Birds, Think Big Favorites #11
Ink: Pure Poppy, Aqua Mist (PTI), Tuxedo Black (Memento, Tea Dye (Ranger)
Paper: White (Neenah Solar White)

Make it Monday #49 - Ghost Masking - take 2

2012-01-18T21:06:00.000-06:00

Ok, I decided after the first try, I wanted to try the ghost masking again - this time with a full-bleed stamp :-)

For this one I used Flower Fusion #6 - and the little hearts from Bundle of Love.

I really like this technique - it makes a really neat effect - without a lot of fuss.

-Kristen

Supplies
Paper: Vintage Cream (PTI)
Stamps: Flower Fusion #6, Bundle of Love, Label Basics, Think Big Favorites #3
Ink: Pumice Stone (Ranger), Grass, Papaya, Eucalyptus (A*muse)
Other: Angled Label Die (PTI)

Hope

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-06:00

Hello-

Today is my day over at the Crafty Power Blog :-)

For details and supplies ... hop on over and check it out!

-Kristen

Make it Monday #49 - Ghost Masking

2012-01-17T16:46:00.000-06:00

Hello!

I am participating in my first MIM in a long time - its amazing how the holidays just take so much of your time!

This week's Make it Monday is Ghost Masking - and you can see the video and original post HERE.

This was my first attempt - and its a bit different since the stamp/die combo I used wasn't a full-bleed stamp - there is a little bit of a border around the stamp - but that's ok :-)

What WASN'T ok - was that I FORGOT to stamp off the red flower in the bottom of the frame before stamping it- just a bit too dark...oops! :-)

Its one of my resolutions to participate in more challenges - so I hope this is the first of many!

-Kristen

Supplies
Paper: Vintage Cream (PTI)
Stamps: Flower Fusion #1, Fillable Frames #1, Mat Stack 3 Collection, Wreath for All Seasons (PTI)
Inks: Pure Poppy, Aqua Mist, Spring Moss (PTI), Tuxedo Black (Memento -Tsukineko), Tea Dye (Ranger)
Other: FF#1 Die

Thanks a BUNCH!

2012-01-16T17:16:00.000-06:00

Hello :-)

Is anyone else out there like me? I can't wait to get my hands on a particular stamp set, all sorts of ideas flowing through my head... then the set arrives - and in the drawer it sits - eagerly awaiting ink time :-)

That's exactly what happened here - but I finally dusted off the stamps and put them to good use! :-)

I just love the inks from A*Muse - I think they are the perfect shades for grapes! (I used Currant and Grass)

Hope you have a great week!

-Kristen

Supplies:
Stamps: BB:Newsprint, Fillable Frames #1, Fruit Fusion: Grapes (PTI)
Paper: Kraft, White (PTI)
Ink: Grass, Currant (A*muse), Fountain Pen, Stick Candy, Tea Dye (Ranger)
Other: FF#1, Grapes Die (PTI), Crimper

Hello Friend...just Cruisin' by...

2012-01-14T07:00:00.002-06:00

Hello and Happy Weekend!

I am enjoying a rare Saturday where I DON'T have to work :-)

Today's cards are a mash-up between 2 of my favorite stamp companies...

The sentiment and border strip are from PTI while that adorable bicycle is from Lawn Fawn.

I am hoping to be "uber" productive this weekend... we will see how that pans out!

-Kristen

Merci! Take 2

2012-01-13T13:42:00.000-06:00

Hello and TGIF!

Today's card is a re-visit of the one I did here.

I wanted to revisit that card, and change it up just slightly. I didn't change much - moved the die cut up a bit, raised the sentiment, swapped out a center stamp for the jewel... you get the idea. :-)

Happy Weekend!

-Kristen

Thanks!

2012-01-04T07:00:00.001-06:00

Well, that's that. The holidays are over and now it's time to start putting the decorations away. If you are like me, after the celebrations end, I like to send out thank you cards to all my relatives. In the middle of the chaos of opening presents, sometimes its not always possible to express your gratitude properly.

Thanks for stopping by!

Kristen :-)

2011 in Review

2011-12-31T20:58:00.000-06:00

I am joining in the fun with everyone else, and flashing back over the past year to bring you my favorite projects for the last year -

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Hello Friend!

2011-12-31T18:42:00.000-06:00

Happy New Years to EVERYONE :-)

Its New Year's Eve, and today I was busy stamping...what better way to ring in the new year? I couldn't wait to ink up this awesome set from PTI - Tree Tops. As soon as I saw it, I knew I would love it... and it has not disappointed!

If you are interested, they are for sale in my Etsy shop.

Have a GREAT new years!
-Kristen

Snowman Wine Glass Tea Light Holder

2011-12-26T20:31:00.000-06:00

Hello! Just a quick break from paper crafting to share with you this simple snowman wine glass tea light holder I made for my dad.

I saw the idea originally online - and this is my spin on it :-)

I used Sno-tex on a wine glass (this one was acrylic and I got it at Target) and then added a face using t-shirt paint, acrylic paints and some pink stamp ink for the cheeks :-)

Since it is an acrylic "glass" - my dad knows to only use the battery operated tea lights :-) If it was glass, a regular tea light would work.

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays !!!

2011-12-23T16:50:00.000-06:00

...and a Happy New Year!!

Gratitude Journal

2011-12-21T14:17:00.000-06:00

Hello-

Hope the holidays are treating you well :-)

I have been busy busy BUSY the past few weeks making gratitude journals for my family for Christmas. I made SEVEN (YIKES!) - which is why my posts lately have been few and far between...

Some pages of the journals were inspired by Dawn's here. Below are the photos... I apologize for the photo-heavy post, but we all know that is the best part of posts anyhow right?

I also filled them with some loose leaf paper that I picked up at a GREAT price after the back to school sales were done (like 28 cents a package! w00t!)

Thanks for looking. Happy Holidays!

Giveaway at the Crafty Power Blog!

2011-12-17T08:00:00.002-06:00

Hello!

Today I have a post up over at the Crafty Power Blog (Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L).

http://www.scrapbook-adhesives.com/blog

Be sure to hop over there and leave a comment for a chance to win the giveaway they are having :-) (you must leave a comment there to win!)

Thank you and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Notepads! Notepads! Notepads!

2011-12-15T12:16:00.000-06:00

Wow...the holidays have really been taking their toll on my creative time! It's been busy busy busy around here... On Thanksgiving day I ran in my first 5K (a HUGE feat for me!) and my awesome brother ran it with me... in a SUIT! (Dress shoes and ALL!)

One of the projects I have been fiendishly trying to finish in time for Christmas is these little notepad holders - the floral prints are such a nice reminder that Spring is right around the corner :-)

I personalized each notepad holder with a monogram for the recipient.

Thanks for stopping by! Come back on Saturday - I will have a post for SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES by 3L and an opportunity to WIN a prize pack!!

-Kristen

Giveaways ALL Month Long on the Crafty Power Blog!

2011-12-03T08:06:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone-

I apologize for my extended absence on the blog lately... unfortunately sometime the "not fun" work gets in the way!

Just wanted to pop in to let you know that SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L is having a MONTH long Holiday Extravaganza for December :-)

Head over to the blog each Saturday in December, get inspired, and enter to win some great prizes from SBAby3L and Epiphany Crafts!

Check it out:

Crafty Power Blog

Thanks for stopping by and head on over there and WIN!

There is a new project and a new chance EVERY Saturday in December!

-Kristen

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-18T06:00:00.001-06:00

Gobble Gobble :-)

Just wanted to share a decorative tile that I made for Thanksgiving.

I used a limestone tile in 4x4 size (a box of 9 is $5 at Lowe's). Limestone tile is porous so the ink sinks into it a bit, rather than floating on top like a ceramic tile would.

I stamped the pumpkin and the sentiment using Black Staz-On ink. I colored the pumpkin using my Copics - carefully - since the ink is Staz-on, Copics don't get along very well!

Next, I used Crafty Power Tape to frame out my image. I shook on a little cinnamon colored glitter and the tape holds it perfectly!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

-Kristen

Wine Bottle Tag

2011-11-04T06:00:00.001-05:00

Hello-

Today I have a post up over at the Crafty Power Blog, hop on over and check it out!

The post is for this super simple Wine Bottle Tag - how easy is it to add just a little something to a plain wine bottle - and make it personal? :-)

Thanks for stopping by!

-Kristen

Supplies

Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L: MyStik Permanent, EZ Dots Permanent, Crafty Power Tape, 3D Foam Squares

Spellbinders: Labels 14

Waltzingmouse Stamps: Holiday Labels No. 14, Compliments of the Season

Papertrey Ink: Vintage Cream & Kraft Cardstock, Wine Bottle Tag, Tag Sale#5

DCWV: Fall Stack

Ranger: Wild Honey, Tea Dye Distress Ink, Brown Sugar Ink

Courage

2011-10-21T12:05:00.000-05:00

Hello!

Today I made a card to go along with October's theme of Breast Cancer Awareness. I used the new Faith & Hope set from PTI. Of course - these are cards that we hope to never have to make. Everyone has been touched in some way by this horrible disease - the least we can do is try to offer comfort and encouragement.

I stamped the background using the new Spring Moss ink. The Mat Stack was stamped in the new Aqua Mist ink and the ribbon was stamped with Chewing Gum from Jenni Bowlin. The sentiment was added in Fountain Pen (also JB). I inked all the edges with Tea Dye (Tim Holtz)

I assembled the card using foam tape and foam squares for extra dimension. The card was made out of Aqua Mist CS.

Have a great weekend!

Kristen

Make your own Halloween Luminary!

2011-10-18T20:09:00.000-05:00

Hello!

Halloween is right around the corner and I am starting to drag out my decorations :-)

Some of my decorations are store-bought - but some of them are handmade... today I am sharing a do-it yourself luminary idea. Just slip a battery-operated tea light inside and you are good to go!

I have a quick tutorial on how to make this adapted version of a 2-5-7-10 bag over at the Crafty Power Blog (Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L) - stop by if you are interested in seeing more :-)

Thanks!
Kristen

CASEing a Christmas Card...

2011-10-11T10:58:00.000-05:00

Hello!

Today I am sharing a card I made which is a CASE of THIS card by Nichole Heady. As soon as I saw it, I KNEW I had to CASE it! I have loved that Mat Stack die since the day I bought it, and I love finding different ways to use it!

I am not *quite* ready to start my Christmas cards, so I used Harvest Berries instead. I stamped the leaf image in versa mark onto Ocean Tides cardstock. I also stamped the leaf image using Forest Moss onto the Mat stack. The berries were added with Weathered Wood, and the sentiment was added in Fountain Pen using a sentiment from Tiny Tags. I finished it off by inking the edges of the mat stack with Tea Dye and tying on some PTI twine.

Thanks for stopping by!

Thank You!

2011-10-06T19:22:00.000-05:00

I recently purchased a new set from the FSOT boards at PTI, and I literally linked it up within an hour of its arrival! I have been eyeing the set "Places, Please" for a while now, and I finally snagged it!

For this clean and simple card, I stamped the frame from the set in Brown Sugar. Then I masked it off and stamped the Ginkgo leaves from Harvest Berries in Wild Honey. I finished it off with the "Thank You" sentiment from Botanical Silhouettes stamped in Peeled Paint.

Thanks for stopping by!

Make it Monday #35 - Custom Stamped Washi Tape

2011-10-05T19:49:00.000-05:00

Today's card is my entry into the Make it Monday challenge at Papertrey Ink. After several (cough cough) unsuccessful attempts at this pretty simple technique... I was FINALLY able to get it right! I wont go into the details...let's just focus on what went RIGHT... (lol!)

I don't have a lot of background stamps, so taking a cue from this card here, I made my own background using the diagonal stamps from Postmarks. I stamped the diagonals onto the handmade washi tape using Stick Candy and Bahama Blue. Then I applied the tape to the Kraft card.

I die cut and stamped the 2 postage stamps using the same colors, and then added a heart shaped button.

For the sentiment, I first stamped the circle using Label Basics, then added the winged image from Postmarks using Malted Milk. The sentiment is from Botanical Silhouettes.

Thanks for stopping by!

A Proper Vintage Gentleman - Mini Album

2011-10-04T06:00:00.001-05:00

Hello!

Thanks for stopping by! Today I am sharing a mini album that I made for the SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L and Graphic 45 blog hop. You can visit the 3L blog here. Be sure to hop along on both the 3L blog and the Graphic 45 blogs (hint hint PRIZES!)

So for my mini, since it will be a gift, I don't have the photos ahead of time. This can present a problem if you like to have elements that overlap your photos. This is where the 3D Foam squares and Crafty Foam Tape come in. They provide just the right amount of "lift" to my elements so that the recipient can easily slide their photos behind the various embellishments.

The album is 4x6 and the photo mats are approximately 3.5" square.

Here are some shots from inside the album:

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies

Cardstock: PTI (vintage cream)

Patterned Paper: Graphic 45 (A Proper Gentleman, Staples: Envelope Tags)

Stamps: PTI (Background Basics: Newsprint), Stampers Anonymous (Adverts)

Ink: Ranger (Vintage Photo, Pumice Stone, Brown Sugar)

Adhesives: SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L™

Other: PTI (twine, Tag Sale Dies), Maya Road (Mini Tickets, Bingo Markers), EK Success (Star Punch), Buttons, Game Pieces, Metal Key

OWH World Cardmaking Day 2011 BLOG HOP!

2011-10-01T00:30:00.001-05:00

I am so excited to be taking part in the World Card Making Day blog hop in support of Operation Write Home! I am already in the holiday spirit- trying to get a jump on those holiday projects! What better way to get inspired than by hopping around and viewing all the wonderful cards. Thank you so much for stopping by!

Kristen

Supplies
Cardstock: PTI (Kraft, vintage cream)

Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket

Stamps: Hero Arts (Merry Christmas), PTI (Label Basics)

Ink: Ranger (Fired Brick, Peeled Paint, Tea Dye)

Adhesives: SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L™ (3D Foam squares)

Other: PTI (Labels Die, Bloom Builder Die), unknown (brad)

Merci! Countdown to WCMD 2011

2011-09-30T17:06:00.000-05:00

Hello!!

Are you all set for World Card Making Day tomorrow??

I'll be hopping along with Operation Write Home and Papercrafts Magazine all day! Don't forget to stop by tomorrow and play along... lots of crafty mojo to get you in the mood!!

Here is a quick card I whipped up before I am off to bowling league... hopefully we win tonight!

Thanks for stopping by!

-Kristen

Autumn Wishes Card

2011-09-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Today's card is featured on the Crafty Power Blog today... be sure to stop by to see all sorts of inspiration brought to you daily!

I started out by stamping a text pattern on canvas.

Next, I die cut the canvas into the leaf shape I needed –

I wanted a simple embellishment for the card that would tie into the text-stamped leaves. I love that the photo corners are made of easily alterable paper – it made stamping on them a breeze!

Next, I attached 3 of the photo corners to a strip of kraft paper. The photo corners are self adhesive – but I added some Crafty Power Tape to the rest of the strip.

Wait – don’t put that tape to the side just yet! It is the BEST adhesive for hard-to-adhere items like buttons or fabric…or in this case, CANVAS! No messy liquid glue needed!

Next I placed my elements on the card –

The last step was to adhere the sentiment using foam squares

Happy Fall Y’all! J

Remember...

2011-09-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

I am so ready for fall! Its funny, when I first saw this stamp set from PTI- of course I envisioned the ginkgo leaves as green... however - since I have received this set, I think I have only inked them up with Wild Honey (yellow/orange)! Funny how that works...

For this card I wanted the stamping to really pop - so I kept the card simple and white.

Just in case you are not ready to embrace fall like I am.. Here is a super simple and bright summer/spring card for you...

Here's to the weekend!!

Thinking of You

2011-09-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hello! Today's card features a set from PTI that I earned during their big Stamp-a-Faire weekend. I had yet to ink it up so I thought today was the day! It's a little out of my usual comfort zone- especially with the pink... Pink is RARELY in my repertoire! I really felt it went with the rest of my card though, so I caved. HA!

I really like the sentiments in this set. I think I really like the way they are formatted - if that makes sense. I will definitely be using more of this set in the near future!

Inspiration Showcase - Day 1 Card

2011-09-14T20:01:00.000-05:00

Hello :-)

I am participating in an online class by Jennifer McGuire called Inspiration Showcase. So far it has been chock-full of great information. Our first day was all about resist techniques - and I will be the first to admit, this is something I have NOT used before. I think it's growing on me!

For my card, I embossed the Mehndi medallion stamp onto the ghost, and then inked the rest of him in Peeled Paint ink.

I then added a button, twine and tiny tag to finish it off -

I am very happy so far with all the information in this class - I learned a lot about resist - even though I chose the simplest of techniques to work with here!

Mums! Mums! Mums!

2011-09-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

I work in a lab during the week, but on the weekends I enjoy working at the plant nursery. My favorite thing about working there in the fall is the pumpkins... and the MUMS! Such beautiful colors and varieties! Today's card is inspired by those very mums!

I just LOVE the Bloom Builder die from PTI. Not only do I love being able to make embellishments to match my projects (can you say budget saver??) but I also love the way it adds dimension without a TON of bulk -

I also love PTI's Think Big Favorites line... sometimes you really do want the sentiment to be the whole focus!

Cornucopia of Thanks!

2011-09-11T21:28:00.000-05:00

What a weekend! Its the middle of September, and I really thought the weather was going to be cooler from now on... alas, I had to turn the A/C back on today! (not happy!) But I noticed that the weather outlook for the rest of the week looks MUCH better... which is good, because I am in the mood for FALL!

I couldn't wait to pull out my Lawn Fawn Stamps that I bought LAST fall and put them to good use! I was really excited to use the cornucopia stamp - now that I have amassed a few more Copics and can really try to color it! This is one of my first attempts at coloring - but it was pretty fun - even if it was daunting!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Learn Something New Every Day 2011 - Days 3,4, and 5

2011-09-07T20:34:00.000-05:00

This is my second post for today --- if you are looking for the Make it Monday #31 --SCROLL DOWN--

Looks like I'l be playing catch up a lot when it comes to posting my pages :-) But that is OK! (maybe that is what I am learning?)

Well here are my pages for September 3, 4th and 5th.

You can read about this class in my original post here.

Thanks for stopping by!

Make it Monday #31 - Creating Backgrounds with non-Background Stamps

2011-09-07T20:00:00.000-05:00

Hello! The weather has turned and fall is in the air! This morning when I woke up, my sunflower had finally opened (I planted it from seed) and it kicked started my crafty mojo. Here is my inspirational flower:

So for today's Make it Monday at Papertrey Ink, I decided to use the Simple Sunflower stamp set to make my background. I used almost every stamp in the set.

I also used Label Basics and Tag Its #3 for the sentiment label. I snuck in another flower center on the label in order to break it up a bit :-)

Thanks for stopping by!

Back 2 School!

2011-09-04T10:50:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone is having a great Labor Day Weekend so far... I know I am! The weather finally broke, and its wonderful out today!

Labor Day is the symbolic end of summer - and with that comes back to school. Today I am sharing a simple treat holder that would be perfect to give to your child's teacher as a welcome back gesture.

Have a great weekend!

Learn Something New Every Day 2011

2011-09-02T20:49:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to be taking part in this online class this year. It is my first time, and I love it already. Information on the class can be found here. When I found this class, I wasn't sure if it was for me - it involved journaling - one thing I have struggled with since I started paper crafting. I decided that would be the EXACT reason I SHOULD take the class... to step out of my comfort zone and push myself.

Our first assignment was to make a cover for our album... here is mine:

..and here is the inside of the cover - its a picture from the class webpage.

The class started yesterday - so I have 2 entries. I'll share both of them here today...

September 1, 2011

September 2, 2011

I hope you follow along with me as I Learn Something New Every Day - for 30 days :-)

Make it Monday #30 - Colored Pencils

2011-08-31T21:01:00.000-05:00

Hello :-)

Today I am sharing a card I made for Papertrey Ink's Make it Monday challenge series. This week's challenge is using colored pencils.

I used Tag Its #6 to stamp the random images (apple, smiley face, star) on the scallop strip in coordinating colors. I used the library card and Label Basics stamps as accents - and of course, I used Boy Basics: Frog Hop for the focal point.

Thanks for stopping by!

Papertrey Ink August Blog Hop!

2011-08-25T06:00:00.002-05:00

I can't believe it's that time already! Welcome to my blog and my entry for this month's hop!

This month's challenge comes from the inspiration photo they provided:

(photo credit)

The part of this photo that most inspired me, was the delicate pattern on the inside of the suitcase. I tried to replicate that pattern by repeatedly stamping an image from Gratitude Journal onto my card.

I drew the rest of my inspiration from the colors in the photo. Thank you so much for stopping by!

STAMPS: Gratitude Journal, Tag-its #7 (Papertrey Ink)
INK: Pumice Stone, Peeled Paint, Wild Honey, Brown Sugar(Ranger) PAPER:Vintage Cream, Kraft (Papertrey Ink)
OTHER: Circle Punch(EK Success); Button, Twine (Papertrey Ink)
FINISHED SIZE: 4.25" x 5.5"

Attitude of Gratitude - New PTI :-)

2011-08-22T19:46:00.001-05:00

Hello...

This last weekend was a busy one - it was my Dad's birthday, and I was having people over for dinner. My latest PTI order showed up on Saturday - I couldn't wait to ink those goodies up - so today I did.

I am already in Fall mode - (even though I had to cave and turn the A/C back on today!) so I inked up those adorable Ginkgo leaves in Wild Honey. I LOVE the way it turned out!

Thanks for stopping by!
Kristen

SUPPLIES
STAMPS: Harvest Berries, Gratitude Journal(Papertrey Ink)
INK: Wild Honey, Peeled Paint, Brown Sugar (Ranger)
PAPER: Vintage Cream, Kraft (PTI)
ADHESIVES: MyStik Permanent Runner, Crafty Foam Tape(SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L)
OTHER: Flower Die Cut(Papertrey Ink) Brad
FINISHED SIZE: 4.25" x 5.5"

Upcycling!

2011-08-18T06:00:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to share my post that is up at the Crafty Power Blog.

Everybody is going “green” these days, and crafters are no exception! What better way to reduce our carbon footprint, then reusing items that would normally go in the garbage? Upcycling is taking something that no longer serves its original purpose – and altering it into something useful.

Adhesive Sheets make it easy to repurpose the packaging into something fun. I started out, by measuring all the sides of the box. I then applied the adhesive sheets to my paper – and cut all the pieces to fit.

I wanted to make sure I included that cute little window, so I also used a Spellbinders die to cut my own window – this way, once the paper was applied, the window would still be visible.

Once all the paper was applied, I used a foam brush and some black acrylic paint to dry brush all the edges. This is an easy way to camouflage the very edge of the box – that didn’t get covered with paper.

I then diecut a second Spellbinders Label out of teal cardstock to make the window pop.

Once I found the right image, I matted it onto cream cardstock using Crafty Foam Tape.

Have I mentioned how awesome Crafty Power Tape is? Its uses are ENDLESS. For this project, I used a bit of it to adhere the large button to my diecut flower center.

The last step is to fill your box with tasty goodies… in my case, I used Snickerdoodles. YUM!

-Kristen

Make It Monday #28 - Papertrey Ink

2011-08-17T21:11:00.000-05:00

Hello!

Today's project is my take on PTI's Make It Monday - Glitter outlines for diecuts. This is my first time participating in a Make it Monday challenge - but I am certain it wont be my last!

I actually used this technique twice for this card - first I used it to outline the diecut mat and then I used it on the scallop circle punch.

Thanks for stopping by!

-Kristen

SUPPLIES
STAMPS: Peaceful Garden(Papertrey Ink)
INK: Peeled Paint, Frayed Burlap (Ranger)
PAPER: Vintage Cream Cardstock (Papertrey Ink), DCWV
ADHESIVES: Adhesive Sheets, Crafty Power Tape, Crafty Foam Tape(SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L)
OTHER: Sending You Die cut (Papertrey Ink) Circle,Scallop Punch (EK Success), Jute Twine, Cinnamon Spice Glitter (Clearsnap)
FINISHED SIZE: 4.25" x 5.5"

Busy weekend ahead...

2011-08-12T21:51:00.000-05:00

Well, I have a very busy weekend ahead...work tomorrow and then Sunday we are getting together at my mom's for our monthly cardmaking party for Operation Write Home :-)

Before the hustle and bustle of the weekend gets started, I wanted to share 2 cards I made this evening.

The first one I made using Flower Fusion 6 (again!). I started by stamping the solid image in Versa Mark on the Kraft base. Then I stamped the outline in Malted Milk on the white cardstock pieces. Finally, I stamped the outline in Vintage Cream on Ocean Tides that I had die cut. Not sure if you can tell, but I also stamped the leaves in Versa Mark using Background Basics: Sheet Music. The last step was to stamp the sentiment using Peeled Paint.

The second card was made using my all-time favorite set from PTI - Peaceful Garden. I knew it would be my favorite the minute I saw the sneak peeks! For this card, I stamped the Kraft base, again using Versa Mark - but with the design from Postmarks. Then I stamped Vintage Cream cardstock with Malted Milk, using Background Basics: Newsprint before cutting it out with a Spellbinders label. On top of that, I stamped the Bamboo image from Peaceful Garden and the little bee from Postmarks using Frayed Burlap. I then added the sentiment with Fountain Pen, and as a final touch, added the three little dew drops.

Have a great weekend everybody!

-Kristen

From me to YOU!

2011-08-07T21:12:00.000-05:00

Well, the weekend seems to be just about over... wah wahhh... I had plans to be really productive this weekend, and yet - somehow other things kept getting in the way. Not wanting the weekend to be a TOTAL waste, I rummaged through my scrap basket and made a quick card. I wanted to experiment with using die cuts in the negative... in other words, use what was "left" after you die cut your image. Its a technique I think I will go back to in the future... had to stay small and simple this time :-)

SUPPLIES
STAMPS: Flower Fusion 6(Papertrey Ink)
INK: Fountain Pen, Peeled Paint(Ranger)
PAPER: Pasta Fagioli (JilliBean Soup), Kraft, Vintage Cream (Papertrey Ink)
ADHESIVES: Crafty Foam Tape, MyStik Permanent(SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L)
OTHER: Butterfly Punch(EK Success), Button
FINISHED SIZE: 4.25" x 5.5"

Garden Note Cards

2011-08-03T21:08:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone!

Today, I am sharing a set of note cards that I did for the SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L booth at CHA. I created a set of 6 note cards - each one a little different.

For the seed packet (hanging on the basket), I stamped and die cut the seed packet frame from a piece of vellum to which I had applied an Adhesive Sheet.

Thanks for looking!
Kristen

Supplies:

Paper: Pasta Fagioli (Jillibean Soup); Vellum & Textured Cardstock (Paper Studio)

Stamps: Garden Variety, Botanical Silhouettes, Tiny Tags (Papertrey Ink); Vegtastic (PaperSmooches)

Ink: Wild Honey, Peeled Paint, Brown Sugar, Chili Powder, Seed Packet, Fountain Pen (Ranger); London Fog, Timber Brown (Tsukineko)

Other: Crinkle Ribbon, Twine, Buttons

DieCuts & Punches: Seed Packet, Tiny Tags, Seed Packet Frame, Garden Variety, Sending You, Beautiful Blooms (Papertrey Ink); Label (Spellbinders); Scallop Card (Sizzix); Circles, Butterfly (Ek Success); Edger (Fiskars)

Peaceful Garden Cards

2011-07-29T22:22:00.000-05:00

2 posts in one day???? I know, I know... I was extra productive today (i.e. procrastinating on OTHER things!)

Today I am also sharing a card set I made with the new set called Peaceful Garden. I think this is my favorite set so far. I used Ocean Tides and Ripe Avocado papers, paired with Vintage Cream and Kraft.

SUPPLIES
STAMPS: Peaceful Garden (Papertrey Ink)
INK: Peeled Paint, Weathered Wood, Pumice Stone, Tea Dye, Walnut Stain, Fountain Pen(Ranger)
PAPER: Ocean Tides, Ripe Avocado, Vintage Cream (Papertrey Ink), Kraft (Paper Studio)
ADHESIVES: 3d Foam Squares, MyStik Permanent Strips(SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L)
OTHER: Twine(Papertrey Ink)
FINISHED SIZE: 4.25" x 5.5"

Baby Thank you!

2011-07-29T13:26:00.000-05:00

Hello :-)

Today I wanted to share with you some Baby Thank You cards I made. I love the way the new PTI Think Big Favorites are the PERFECT size for so many things! I also love the way different sets can be used together seamlessly (in this case, Bundle Of Love and Garden Variety!)

I even went ahead and stamped some coordinating envelopes. Have a great weekend!!

SUPPLIES
STAMPS: Bundle of Love, Garden Variety, Flower Fusion, Think Big Favorites(Papertrey Ink)
INK: Chewing Gum, Stick Candy, Cough Syrup, Soap Powder, Fountain Pen (Ranger)
PAPER: Kraft, Vintage Cream (Papertrey Ink)
ADHESIVES: MyStik Permanent Strips(SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L)
OTHER: Copics
FINISHED SIZE: 4.25" x 5.5"

Papertrey Ink July Blog Hop!

2011-07-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

Its been awhile since I have participated in the monthly PTI Blog Hops so I thought I would jump right back into it this month. I couldn't have picked a better month!

This months challenge offered up this photo for inspiration:

I have to admit, its not a color combination I would have EVER put together on my own, but I find that together they are so wonderfully pleasing to the eye! This is the card I made, using this photo for inspiration:

There were a lot of elements to this photo that really spoke to me - and I tried to translate them to the card. For starters, the wood detail of the bench seat... I used three Postage die cuts and inked them to make them appear dimensional. I also mimicked the cushion, by adding a simple green strip across the card. I matted the cream card stock with the orange - but only on the sides - much like the orange curtains in the photo are framing the window.

I brought the brown of the wooden blinds into the card, by matting everything on a Kraft base.

To recreate the effect of the pillows, I took inspiration from the pattern on the blanket, and stamped the Blooms die cuts and the leaves with the Mehndi Medallion and Background Basics: Newsprint stamps before cutting them out.

I added the sentiment to the top right to balance the flower at the bottom left.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed HOPPING along :-)

-Kristen

SUPPLIES

STAMPS: Mehndi Medallion, Background Basics: Newsprint, Wreath for All Seasons, Label Basics(Papertrey Ink)

INK: Wild Honey, Broken China, Peeled Paint, Tea Dye, Brown Sugar(Ranger)

PAPER: Vintage Cream, Kraft (PTI), Paprika, Parakeet (Bazzill)

ADHESIVES: MyStik Permanent Strips, 3D Foam Squares(SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L)

OTHER: Angled Labels, Bloom Builders II, Postage, Sending You Die Cuts(Papertrey Ink) Butterfly Punch (EK Success)

FINISHED SIZE: 4.25" x 5.5"

Gr8Kid - Get Your Game on!

2011-07-22T11:45:00.000-05:00

Today I am sharing a card I made for a friend whose son is sick. Get well cards are always tough for kids - and I wanted to make it something he could relate to. What little boy doesn't love video games?

I started by repeatedly stamping various game controllers and fillers in grey ink. This gave me a great patterned paper that was exactly the look I was hoping for!

The next step was to stamp the Labels in coordinating colors, and then add my images

Finally, I added a little tag at the bottom - to let him know he is a GR8 KID! :-)

Here's hoping he gets better SOON!

SUPPLIES
STAMPS: Boy Basics: Game On, Label Basics (Papertrey Ink)
INK: Chili Pepper, Faded Jeans, Fountain Pen (Ranger), London Fog (Tsukineko)
PAPER: Blue (Core'dinations), Red, White (Paper Studio)
ADHESIVES: MyStik Permanent Strips, 3D Foam Squares(SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L)
OTHER: Angled Label DieCut(Papertrey Ink), Circle Punch (EK Success), Pinking Shears (Fiskars)
FINISHED SIZE: 5.75" x 5.75"

Star Spangled Picnic!

2011-07-03T22:10:00.000-05:00

As tradition (or Miss Manners) will tell you – whenever you are invited to a party – you MUST bring something for the hostess.

Today’s project is a hostess gift I made to bring to the BBQ at my mom's house.

SUPPLIES
STAMPS: Gracious Vases, Tag Its #2 , Tiny Tags, Think Big Favorites #5 (Papertrey Ink)
INK: Lemon Drops, Chewing Gum, Soap Powder, Brown Sugar, Chicken Feed, Fountain Pen (Ranger), Pink (Hampton Arts)
PAPER: Dots & Stripes (Echo Park)
ADHESIVES: Adhesive Sheets, 3D Foam Squares (SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L)
OTHER: Tiny Tags Dies (Papertrey Ink), Label (Spellbinders) Circle, Star Punches (EK Success), Border Punch (Fiskars) Embroidery Floss

CAS Thank You Card Set

2011-06-30T20:41:00.000-05:00

Hopefully everyone is ready for this holiday weekend - I know I am! However, tomorrow is supposed to be close to 100 here (Chicago) YIKES!

Today's post is a CAS (Clean and Simple) set of Thank You cards - perfect for a gift :-)
I did 8 cards in the set - and stamped coordinating envelopes to go along with them.

SUPPLIES STAMPS: Mehndi Medallion, Think Big Favorites #5(Papertrey Ink)

INK: Jenni Bowlin Inks[various], Tea Dye[Tim Holtz](Ranger)

PAPER: Vintage Cream Cardstock (Papertrey Ink)

FINISHED SIZE: 4.25" x 5.5"

Retro Cards with AdSense :-)

2011-06-28T14:49:00.000-05:00

Its no secret to anyone that knows me that I LOVE retro :-) So when PTI came out with the retro -themed AdSense - it was a no brainer! Here are 2 cards I made with this set, plus some leftover scraps from a different project I was working on. Enjoy!

Supplies:
Adhesives: SBAby3L - foam squares, MyStik Permanent Strips
Stamps: Papertrey Ink - AdSense
Inks: cough syrup, fountain pen, broken china, wild honey (Ranger)
Paper: Echo Park
Dies/Punches: PTI and EK Success

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-20T21:33:00.000-05:00

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!! Today I am sharing a tray I did for my dad this year. You might remember the one I did for my mom for Christmas... HERE. Now it was Dad's turn :-)

I filled it with Golf and "manly" themed papers from Graphic 45. I also included some golf, cigar and wine miniatures. The most important part - pictures of my dad, my grandma and my great grandma :-) I really love these trays! so much fun!

-Kristen

Happy Vintage Birthday!

2011-06-18T06:00:00.001-05:00

*** Please visit the Crafty Power Blog for the original post! :-) ***

The elements for my card came from the Vintage Street Market Party Games & Tags collection and Numbers Tinted Tape.

One of the really cool elements in the Party Games pack is a 24x36 sheet of crepe paper. Oh the possibilities! Usually you see crepe in streamer form – but with the larger size – you can do more things – like die cut it! I thought the texture would make an interesting mat around my sentiment.

I die cut the mat from a Spellbinders label – and then used Crafty Power Tape to adhere it to the card.
I absolutely LOVE the way the crepe looks behind that mat.

The rest of the elements were also adhered with 3D Foam Squares.

I hope you enjoyed this little vintage birthday card, don’t forget to check out the Crafty Power Blog to play along for those prizes!!!

Supplies Used:

Adhesives: MyStik™ Permanent Strips Dispenser; 3D Foam Squares; Crafty Power Tape;

Stamps/Ink: AdSense (PTI); Wild Honey, Tea Dye, Chili Powder, Spice Tin (Ranger), Boysenberry VersaColor (Tsukineko)

Paper: Party Games & Tags (Vintage Street Market), Lovely Lilac Cardstock (DoubleMates),

Dies/Tools: Labels 14 (Spellbinders), AdSense (PTI), Scallop edger (EK Success)

Other: Tinted Tape (Vintage Street Market)

Card Set - Botanical Silhouettes

2011-06-17T12:24:00.000-05:00

Hello :-) Just popping in for a quick post today. I recently made a card set using the Botanical Silhouettes stamp from PTI (yes, AGAIN!). This time I made bascially the same card - in a variety of colors. I varied between the poppies and the dandelion - depending on the color. I think they came out great - especially when displayed together... and even though they have layers and dimension - they are still thin enough to fit in a standard envelope. Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Thanks!

2011-06-14T06:00:00.001-05:00

*** Please check out the Crafty Power Blog for the original post :-) ***

Today’s project is a CAS (Clean and Simple!) card. I never really thought about my preferred style of card making, but a quick glance over my card portfolio – and it becomes quite apparent that CAS is it!

Supplies Used:

Adhesives: MyStik™ Permanent Strips Dispenser; 3D Foam Squares; Crafty Power Tape; Adhesive Sheets

Stamps/Ink: Flower Fusion #3 (PTI), Peeled Paint, Chicken Feed, Stick Candy (Ranger)

Paper: Urban Prairie (BasicGrey), Green Cardstock (Core’dinations), White (Georgia-Pacific)

Dies/Tools: Labels 14 (Spellbinders), Flower Fusion #3 (PTI), Scallop edger (EK Success)

Button Cards :-)

2011-06-08T12:55:00.000-05:00

Today I am sharing a few cards I made for Operation Write Home while trying out my new Button Boutique stamps :-) I was experimenting with the different button card possibilities - and I am not one to waste paper or supplies... so I put them to good use for OWH.

Bicycle built for 2!

2011-06-04T06:00:00.001-05:00

Hello!

Today's post is up over at the Crafty Power Blog... please hop on over to check it out!!

http://www.scrapbook-adhesives.com/blog

Game ON!

2011-06-02T21:26:00.000-05:00

Hope everybody had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! I spent mine participating in the OWH Blog Hop - and making cards for our soldiers at my mom's house :-) One of the themes they are always asking for is more MASCULINE cards...so this weekend I finally inked up my PTI Boy Basics stamps and made 2 designs using the GAME ON set... super simple and clean - perfect for the soldiers to send to their little boys (or big boys!) at home!

Supplies:
Stamps: Boy Basics: Game On (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Fountain Pen (Jenni Bowlin/Ranger)
Paper: Generation Z (LYB)
Die Cuts: Sending You & Fillable Frames (Papertrey Ink)
Circle Punches: Ek Success

OWH Memorial Day Blog Hop WINNER!!!

2011-05-30T21:39:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! Just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to OWH and all of you that participated in the blog hop - this was my first year participating in the hop - and it was a lot of fun! I got a lot of questions regarding the supplies used on the card, so if you scroll down, I have listed the supplies right after the blog candy winner... and without further ado... the winner of the blog candy is:

and comment 46 was:

Congratulations, AMY!!! Please send me your mailing info at forensic77@yahoo.com and I will send your prize out right away!!!

Thank you again to everyone, your comments were very encouraging!

Supplies

Adhesives - MyStik permanent adhesive, 3D foam squares - SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L

Stamps - Polka dot circle - Papertrey Ink (Tag Its), Miss You sentiment - Fiskars

Ink - Spice Tin, Cough Syrup - Jenni Bowlin (Ranger)

Paper - Stars - DCWV Summer Stack, Navy Blue cardstock - Recollections, Red - unknown

The large star was cut with my Cricut :-)

Operation Write Home Memorial Day Weekend BLOGHOP!!!

2011-05-28T06:00:00.003-05:00

edited to add: Comments for the blog candy are now closed, thank you to everyone for participating in this hop! -Kristen

Hello!! Welcome to my stop on the OWH Memorial Day Bloghop!

Here is my entry for the hop, a super simple Patriotic Miss You card -

Thank you so much for stopping by :-) Before you hop on over to the next stop - be sure to leave a comment to win a mini-assortment of adhesives (see details below!)

Your next stop is:

Lisa at Stuff-n-Such by Lisa (http://lisastuf.blogspot.com/)

Now... on to the blog candy :-) Leave a comment here by Monday (May 30) at 9pm(CST) and I will choose a random winner from all comments to win the following prize: (winner announced on my blog on Tuesday - so check back!)

Prize pack includes:
- 1 package White Photo Corners
- 1 package Black Photo Corners
- 2 packages Permanent Mounting Squares (500ct)
- 2 packages Permanent Clear Mounting Squares (500ct)
- 1 package Craft Power Tape (MY FAVORITE!)
- 1 package White 3D Foam Squares (217ct MIX)
- 1 package Black 3D Foam Squares (217ct MIX)

All prizes from SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L™

Good Luck, thanks for stopping by and have a WONDERFUL holiday weekend!

-Kristen

Papertrey Anniversary set!

2011-05-20T18:12:00.002-05:00

Edited to add my entry to this month's PTI Blog Hop :-)

Ok, so normally - I don't get quite so crazy about orders in the mail... (ok, who am I kidding, yes I DO!) - but this month's delivery was EXTRA special because it also contained my Papertrey Ink Anniversary set! I could NOT wait to rip into it and get it all inked up! (This could be a record for me...I think it went from box to paper in less than 2 hours!)

I couldn't resist adding the tiny bee from Postmarks....This set is so versatile... I already made these poppies in like 4 different colors...

Supplies
Stamps - Botanical Silhouettes, Postmarks (Papertrey Ink)
Inks - Rusty Hinge, Peeled Paint, Fountain Pen (Ranger)
Cardstock - Roasted Pepper, Fern (Core'dinations), White (Wausau)
Adhesives - Crafty Power Tape, 3D Foam Squares (Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L)
Other - Label Die (Spellbinders)

Super Simple Gift Tags

2011-05-10T12:38:00.000-05:00

Hello- :-)

Just popping in to do a quick post - some super simple gift tags I put together as a prize for the card class I taught last month. Its such an easy way to use up your scraps!!!

SUPPLIES:

Stamps - Papertrey Ink

Paper - Basic Grey

Punches - EK Success

-Kristen

Happy Mother's Day! Mini Scrapbook Page Holder

2011-05-04T07:00:00.001-05:00

Hello and a happy early Mother's Day to all you moms out there!!

Be sure to hop on over to the Crafty Power Blog at SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L to see my post! I made a mini scrapbook page holder - perfect to give your mom as a gift :-) You just have to keep up with sending her a new page every so once in awhile!

Happy Mother's Day!!
-Kristen

Love Birds Gift Card Holder

2011-04-18T06:00:00.001-05:00

Hello! You should be arriving here from the Crafty Power Blog - if you're not - please visit the SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L blog - to get inspired by our talented team of designers!

This post is an extension of my original post over at the Crafty Power Blog - for those of you that wanted more details on the Gift Card Holder that I made for today's post.

Gather your supplies.....

First, I cut the black cardstock to 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" (half of a 8 1/2 x 11") and then folded it in half. This is the card base. Then I cut a piece of patterned paper 4 x 5 1/4" and adhered it to the front of the card. Next, I cut a piece of the patterned paper 5 1/4 x 12". I then scored this strip at 4, 6 and 8".

Next, I folded along the score lines and created a little "tent"

I used a craft knife to cut a slit in the center fold (for the gift card). I then applied Crafty Power Tape to the sides of the tent and adhered them together.

Next, I punched a decorative edge to each side and adhered it to the center of the card

Next, I die cut all my pieces for the front, and stamped all the images

I then assembled the pieces and adhered them to the front of the card

Finally, I die cut and stamped all my pieces for the center flap (that holds the gift card)

I assembled these pieces using 3D Foam Squares for extra dimension

The last step is to attach this piece to your flap, and then insert your gift card.... VOILA!

Have a great day!
-Kristen

Supplies:

Adheisves - Crafty Power Tape, 3D Foam Squares - SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L(TM)

Paper - Black Currant Stack - DCWV; Black Cardstock - unknown

Stamps - Love Birds, Tiny Tags, Background Basics: Sheet Music - all Papertrey Ink

Ink - Stazon Black - Tsukineko; Distress Ink Pumice Stone - Ranger; Pigment Brush Ink Pink, Antique Pewter - Clearsnap

Tools - Bird Cage Diecut - Papertrey Ink; Labels Dies - Spellbinders; Circle and Edge Punch - EK Success

Upcoming Card Class :-)

2011-04-13T10:56:00.000-05:00

Hello! I am so excited - I am teaching a little card class next week! My cousin asked me to come to her women's group meeting and teach them how to make a few cards. The cards will be donated to their church to be used for members that may be ill or have recently experienced a loss. Below are the cards we will be making - the trick was to keep them simple and neutral - so they would have the greatest variety of uses.

Have a great week!
-Kristen

Crafty Power Blog!

2011-04-04T20:18:00.000-05:00

Hello :-)

Today I have a new post up on the Crafty Power Blog for SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L and I invite you to head on over and check it out! Come back each day to get great inspiration from all the design team members!!

Thanks!

-Kristen

Basic Grey Curio Album

2011-03-31T21:51:00.000-05:00

Today I wanted to share a 6x12 album that I made using Basic Grey's Curio line. I love this line - it is so vintage and so botanical (working at a nursery on the weekends gives me a great appreciation for nature!). Below is the cover of my album - I love all the layers :-)

Have a great weekend :-)

-Kristen

Congrats on your Wedding!

2011-03-30T21:52:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to take a quick minute to share a card I did last summer - and just now realized I never posted (oops!). I did this card for my cousin's wedding - using the colors from her wedding - and "upcycling" parts of her invitation :-) The heart was punched out from the design on the front of her invite. I also used this piece to color match the rest of the card. Their names also came from the invite. The colors seemed bright and cheery today - a nice break from the gloomy and cold weather we still have here in Chicago!

Yikes!

2011-03-20T20:51:00.000-05:00

Wow. I did not realize that it has been 2 weeks since my last post! apparently I have been spending too much time surfing OTHER people's blogs! :-)

Tonight, I'll share some random cards I have made - but didn't get around to posting.... I was playing with my just-arrived PTI set (a few months ago now) and trying out the new stamp and die cut combo - which I LOVE - and have been using in a ton of different ways --- as you can see :-) Also trying to use up a bunch of that purple paper I have. LOL.

Hoping to be more "regular" on here... Have a great weekend!
-Kristen

Rejected!

2011-03-05T21:57:00.000-06:00

Well, my cards did NOT get picked for the latest Papercrafts submissions call - but I decided to play along with all of the other people that got the same (or lack of) news... Amber is sponsoring a Reject Blog Hop and I am participating! Here are my 2 rejects:

Have a great weekend!

A Little Message for You....

2011-02-22T22:20:00.001-06:00

Today's quick post is my entry for this week's Lawnscaping Challenge and the Paper Piecing Challenge in the Moxie Fab World :-)

Thanks for stopping by!

-Kristen :-)

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-01-31T20:27:00.000-06:00

Ok, Ok, I KNOW it's early... but as I am taking a small detour to the land of the very special mouse (DISNEY!) very shortly, I thought I better put this post up before I leave :-)

A good friend asked me to make little notepad holders for her Bunco Group for Valentine's day...and this is what I came up with... Each holder holds a 4x4 notepad and is all decked out for Vday!

Thanks for looking!

Supplies
Stamps - Papertrey Ink - Tiny Treats Valentines
Patterned Paper - LYB
Cardstock - Bazzill, DCWV
Ink - Stazon and Distress Ink - Dusty Concord
Pen - Pentel White gel
Punches - Fiskars, EK Success, Martha Stewart
Dies - Sizzix
Dew Drops, Ribbon
Chipboard and 4x4 Sticky Notepad

Papertrey January Blog Hop Challenge

2011-01-25T21:36:00.000-06:00

This is my first time participating in the PTI blog hop and I'm really excited!!! :-) The challenge was to use a stamp set that hadn't been used in awhile or that hasn't seen ink yet... well, since this was my latest purchase from PTI - I knew I had to use it for this challenge :-) The set I used is called Love Birds and I love it!

The other great thing about this set - is the coordinating diecuts for the cages!

SUPPLIES
Stamps - Papertrey Ink - Love Birds
Paper - October Afternoon - Thrift Shop; Kraft Cardstock - Wausau
Inks - Stazon (black), Distress Inks (Tumbled Glass, Vintage Photo)
Twine - The Twinery
Adhesives - Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L - MyStik Permanent Strips and Foam Squares
Diecut - Papertrey Ink - Cage

Thanks for looking!!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T21:22:00.000-06:00

Today’s project is a super simple New Years Top Hat – with just the right amount of bling!

The top hat pattern is courtesy of the Graphic 45 blog (CLICK HERE for the pattern)
I wanted my top hat to be black – but I can’t print the pattern onto the black cardstock or I wouldn’t be able to see it. I printed the pattern onto white paper and then switched out my MyStik™ Permanent Strips Refill for my MyStik™ Repositionable Dots Refill. I adhered the pattern to the black paper using the MyStik™ Repositionable Dots.

Next, I cut out the three pieces.

Once cut out, I carefully peeled off the white paper – which left the MyStik™ Repositionable Dots residue on the black pieces. I simply rubbed the residue with my finger until it quickly and easily rubbed off without a trace!

I assembled the top hat using the MyStik™ Permanent Strips. Once assembled, I used the Crafty Power Tape around the hat to adhere the decorative fabric trim.

Next, I stamped the banner and sentiment and made the blue flower. For the glittery star, I used Adhesive Sheets that had been adhered to cardstock, and then punched the star shape out. I peeled the backing off and applied the glitter.

The last step is to adhere all the embellishments using Foam Squares. For this project, I used the Black Foam Squares since they would blend seamlessly with the hat.

Happy New Years everyone!
Supply list:

Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L™ MyStik™ Permanent Strips, MyStik™ Repositionable Dots, Crafty Power Tape, Foam Squares
Paper –Black and Teal Cardstock, Prism
Stamps – Lawn Fawn Stamps - Bannerific and Jessie's ABCs
Ink – Stazon, Ranger Distress Ink – Tea Dye, Black Soot
DieCut Flower – Sizzix, Star Punch – EK Success
Lace Trim – unknown
Glitter - unknown.

Holiday Coasters Hostess Gift

2010-12-28T13:44:00.000-06:00

First, I started by stamping my images onto a 4x4 ceramic tile. Next, I put Crafty Power Tape around the perimeter of the tile.

Once the Crafty Power Tape was down, I removed the backing, and then added FloraSoft in Vintage Christmas.

Once the FloraSoft was adhered, I used a small paintbrush to gently brush off any stray pieces. The result is a perfect perimeter of color, texture and interest. I repeated the above steps until I had a set of 4 coasters.

To assemble the hostess gift – I still needed to make a tag to tie up with the coasters. I started by stamping a holiday image and then coloring it in with Copics and White gel pen.

Using the MyStik™ Permanent Strips – all “decked” out in my Christmas Paper - I attached the paper strip to the diecut tag. I also used it to adhere the circle to the scallop. The scallop was then adhered to the tag using Foam Squares.

The last step is to tie the four coasters together, and then tie your tag into the bow. I used twine and added some festive berries to complete the gift.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Supply list:
Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L™ MyStik™ Permanent Strips, Crafty Power Tape, Foam Squares
Paper –Basic Grey, Kraft Cardstock
Stamps – Papertrey Ink, Lawn Fawn Stamps
Ink –Tsukineko Stazon, Copic Markers, Pentel Gel Pen
FloraSoft
DieCut Tag – Sizzix, Circle & Scallop Punches – EK Success
Twine
Limestone Tiles

7 Gypsies Printer's Tray Christmas Project

2010-12-26T22:23:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone had a great Holiday :-) Today I wanted to share a printer's tray project that I did for my mom and my cousin this year. The picture below is the one I did for my mom. I decorated a 7 Gypsies tray with vintage elements and old family photos. I really had fun with this one!

There are so many elements to this tray!! I used game pieces, light bulbs, spools, cards, stick pins, buttons...the list goes on! Here are some close ups:

Here is a ticket I hand stamped using Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Stamps and his ticket strip die cut from Sizzix.

An oh-so-cute picture of my brother and I, a domino, a Maya Road vintage stick pin, and a light bulb.

Vintage order sheet by Jenni Bowlin and a handmade rosette.

Bingo Chips by Maya Road, Playing Card, Dice, button and another Maya Road stick pin.

Mini Ticket strip by Maya Road, and a Scrabble piece.

Vintage key, and a handmade rose made of old book pages.

Bird die cut from Sizzix and stamps by Lawn Fawn.

Happy Holidays everyone! :-)

Christmas Cookie Exchange - Cookie Packaging

2010-12-19T16:00:00.001-06:00

Hi Everyone :-) I know everyone is super busy with their own holiday to-do lists - and I wanted to show you a quick and easy packaging idea I did to hopefully inspire you, and to knock one more item off that dreaded list! This super simple packaging was made with a lunchbag, and scraps of paper I had on hand. Of course I had to use stamps from my two favorite companies: Lawn Fawn and PTI!

Wish I could share the cookies that were inside! YUMMY!

Supplies:

Paper - Basic Grey

Stamps - Lawn Fawn and Papertrey Ink

Die Cuts & Punches- Sizzix, EK Success

Adhesives: Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L

Christmas Cards!

2010-11-30T22:35:00.000-06:00

Wow... that blog hop must've taken a lot out of me - I haven't posted in over a week! I have some really great projects on the horizon - but I can't quite share them yet ---- to hold you over - here are some cute and simple Christmas cards I did for my family this year :-)

Spellbinders™ Paper Arts Holiday Hoppin’ Blog Hop!

2010-11-19T06:30:00.004-06:00

Welcome to the second day of the Spellbinders™ Paper Arts Holiday Hoppin’ Blog Hop!! Spellbinders, along with Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L™ are showcasing their newest products just in time for your Holiday crafting and gift giving. Lots of creative ideas are in store, as well as prizes galore! Each participating company has generously donated towards the prize package listed on the Spellbinders Blog. A total of two identical prize packages, one for each day, November 18 and 19 will be given away! To enter, just leave a comment on a participating blog! Comments in the first 48 hours of the post are eligible. One commenter each day will be randomly selected as the winner. Winners will be announced on November 22, on the Spellbinders Blog!

Be sure to see all of yesterday’s Holiday Hoppin’ blogs for inspiring projects and another chance to win!

Visit all of today’s Holiday Hoppin’ blogs:

Mona Pendleton
Gina Hanson
Deborah Young
Becca Feeken
Julie Overby
Kimberly Crawford
AJ Otto
Margie Higuchi
Beth Pingry
Jennifer Holmes
Kerry Urbatch
Shona Erlenborn
Tammy Inman
Jessica Turner
Brenda Hurd
Julie Koerber
Rae Barthel
Rachel O’Crowley
Kellie Fortin
Kristen Cohen <----That's me!!!
Joy Dickson
Candy Rosenberg
Laura Craigie
Stephanie Hester
Leesa Crutcher
Nina Brackett

Today I am using Spellbinders S4-290 Labels Fourteen die template and the following Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L™ products: MyStik™ Permanent Strips Dispenser, 3D Foam Squares , and Adhesive Sheets.

For my project, I created a festive fall Hostess set for Thanksgiving dinner. The ensemble includes table place cards, a candle centerpiece, and a menu of the day’s yummy goodness!

For the place cards, I scored and folded the largest die cut in order to make it stand up . I inked the die cut with the name (which I pre-printed on my computer) to coordinate with the colors of the project.

I used the MyStik™ Permanent Strips Dispenser to attach the patterned paper to the folded brown cardstock.

The label with the name was attached using the 3D Foam Squares, as was the little leaf embellishment.

For the menus, I used the Spellbinders Label die in a vertical manner which fit perfectly with the shape and design of the menu card.

I cut out the menu (which was also preprinted using my computer) using the Spellbinders die, and then cut the patterned paper out using the next larger sized die. I attached the menu to the patterned paper using 3D Foam Squares and then attached the patterned paper to the rectangular card using the MyStik™ Permanent Strips Dispenser.

For the paper pieced pumpkin on the top, I stamped the pumpkin image four times: once on brown for the base, and three times on orange in order to cut and piece the image. I also stamped a leaf on the green. I then reassembled the image using 3D Foam Squares between each layer.

I adhered the patterned paper strip to the jar using the adhesive sheets- the edge to edge coverage ensures that the paper you adhere to the glass will stay put!

For the front of the candle, I die cut the labels and then stamped “Happy Thanksgiving” on the smaller of the two. Before adhering it (with the MyStik™ Permanent Strips Dispenser.) I also inked it to coordinate with the rest of the papers. The last step is to embellish the front with stamped leaves (using 3D foam squares)

Supplies
DIES: Spellbinders S4-290 Labels Fourteen die template
ADHESIVES: Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L™ products: MyStik™ Permanent Strips Dispenser, 3D Foam Squares , and Adhesive Sheets
STAMPS: Lawn Fawn Stamps – Harvest Season
PAPER: Cosmo Cricket – Mr. Campy
INKS: Tim Holtz Distress Ink – Tea Dye, Stazon Ink - Black
FIBERS: Ribbon & Twine
OTHER: Jar Candle - Michaels

Simply leave a comment on my blog to be eligible to win the Spellbinders Holiday Hoppin’ Prize Package. One winner will be chosen from all the comments on all the blogs participating today. Comments made in the first 48 hours of this post will be eligible to win. Winner’s names will be published on the Spellbinders Blog on November 22, and they will have 48 hours to reply to Spellbinders to claim the prizes.

Thank you!
Kristen :-)

HOLIDAY HOPPIN!

2010-11-18T17:37:00.000-06:00

Be sure to check back tomorrow for a chance to win as part of the Spellbinders PaperArts Holiday Hoppin Blog hop!!! Stop by their blog today to visit the participants from today and increase your chances of winning!

Halloween?!?!?! ...part deux!

2010-11-15T18:37:00.000-06:00

Ok, this is the last one I promise!!! I am finally getting around to packing away my halloween decorations, and when I came across this one, I realized I hadn't yet shared it on the blog! This project was featured on the Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L(tm) blog originally - but I wanted to repost it here.

Birdhouses are not only for BIRDS...

My favorite part of this birdhouse was the roof shingles that I made using Photo Corners. I started by doing a few rows on the roof -

Then, to add interest, I inked a few of the ivory Photo Corners with my purple ink -

...and then added them into the rows of shingles every now and then to add a spook factor :-)

How easy is it to create your own homemade Halloween decorations??
Thanks for stopping by!
-Kristen

Halloween?!?!?!

2010-11-15T15:11:00.001-06:00

Ok, I know that Halloween has passed and we are almost at Thanksgiving... but I realised that I had some projects that I did that I wanted to share with you. Oops... better late than never, right? This project here was an alternative to plain old candy for trick or treaters... a simple 2-5-7-10 bag that I embellished for Halloween :-) I used Cosmo Cricket Haunted papers, a spider web border punch, and Papertrey Ink stamps.

Happy Holidays! Using up my scraps again!

2010-11-09T18:00:00.001-06:00

So I always wrestle with whether or not to toss small pieces of scraps when I am done with my bigger projects. Sometimes I feel like its more hassle to store them and remember where they are! I am starting to learn that if I use them right away - I solve both problems :-) This is a super simple card I made using scraps from the BasicGrey Jovial line. I inked the edges, and I used the MyStik™ Repositionable Dots Dispenser. This allowed me to stick and move those scraps over and over again - until I got the placement JUST RIGHT! (without ruining my project)

Supplies:
MyStik™ Repositionable Dots Dispenser
Foam Squares (Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L™)
Basic Grey Paper - Jovial
Colorbox - Chestnut Roan Ink
Fiskars Heart Punch
Kraft Cardstock

Masculine Card :-)

2010-11-08T21:45:00.000-06:00

I don't know why, but even as a self-proclaimed "tomboy" I still find it hard to do masculine cards. Maybe its the patterned paper I am drawn to - or just my inner "girl" always wanting to come out, but masculine cards are a toughie for me. That is - until I stumbled upon a great website that offered up the CUTEST digi designs known as "lollipops". The designer is ByLORiDesigns and you can see more of her cute stuff here: ByLORiDesigns.

So here is a cute little card that I did for an Operation Write Home card party... for more information on this great cause click here: Operation Write Home

Christmas Gift Tags

2010-11-05T15:18:00.000-05:00

Phew! I hadn't realized how long it had been since I last posted! Over a month! YIKES! Well, hopefully that will NOT happen again! Today I wanted to share with you some cute little Christmas gift tags I have been working on... featuring one of my favorite stamp companies... PTI! I made 4 sets of 12 gift tags, each set either has an elegant script or a simple clean font for the "TO/FROM" part.

I colored all the images with my Copic Markers... here are some more photos up close :-)

so cute and simple! I have these tags listed on both eBay (just search for OTED) or in my NEW Etsy store:
creativesyzygy.etsy.com. Thanks for stopping by!

Pink Paislee Scrapfest Class - so AWESOME!

2010-09-23T11:07:00.000-05:00

It's been a busy week - I am just returning back to normal after the hustle and bustle of Scrapfest in Minnesota. I wanted to share with you a GREAT class I took from Pink Paislee called "Hocus Pocus Canvas Focus" where we made this cute wall hanging! I modified the original design slightly - to put my last name on it instead of ENTER... but other than that its all Pink Paislee! Halloween is my favorite and this is already hanging in my house! :-)

Frankly, You rock!

2010-09-13T16:04:00.000-05:00

Can I tell you just how much I {LOVE} Papertrey Ink stamps? Here they are again... I made this cute little Franky face card and needed a simple and small sentiment... the Tiny Treats set came through again!

Supplies: Stamp: Papertrey Ink; Polka Dot Paper: BoBunny; Circle Punches and Border Punches, EK Success; Gel Pen

New Stamps from PAPERTREY!

2010-09-02T20:05:00.000-05:00

I just had to try out these new stamps I just got from Papertrey Ink!! You know I love Halloween and these stamps are too cute! This is from their Halloween Tiny Treats set. What a great way to use up the BasicGrey scraps I had left over :-)

Happy Thursday!

Scrapfest 2010 is ALMOST HERE!

2010-09-01T13:01:00.001-05:00

Is anyone else as excited as I am? After going every year, I had to miss last year - so now I am as excited as ever! What made it even MORE exciting is that I was asked to do a few projects for BasicGrey and Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L™ to display in thier booth!!! I made three projects for the booth using three different lines from BasicGrey and of course, ALL my favorite adhesives from Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L™.

The first project was a little pail to bring with you on your travels! Long car rides always seem shorter when there is munchies involved! Just fill the pail with your favorite road trip snacks!

I was able to use the Adhesive Sheets from Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L™ to adhere the "doily" paper to the clear can - I got edge-to-edge adhesive -and NO visible adhesive is showing!

All the bits and pieces are from the Wander line from BasicGrey. Brads, Epoxy Arrows, chip stickers, you name it! :-)

The next project, was made using the new Pyrus line from BasicGrey. The fall colors are perfect for Thanksgiving, Autumn, or any Harvest celebration.

How cute are these flowers?

So easy to make - and they come out so vintage and grungy that i just {love} them!

The last project was for the Holiday Season using the Jovial line from BasicGrey.

Its a handmade treat bag (no dies here!) that I decorated up with awesome elements paper pieced from various papers in this line. I also added some flocked foam squares - adhesive is for more then just BEHIND your projects!

Thanks for stopping by! Hope to see you at Scrapfest 2010!

Mall of America, Sept 17-19

New Halloween Albums :-)

2010-08-25T22:35:00.000-05:00

Three new premade chipboard Halloween Albums for OTED :-)

This one features MY FAVORITE paper of all time - Cosmo Cricket 'Haunted'

The next one is a 4x8 album made with K&Co papers... perfect for the little goblins in your life :-)

...and the last one is also made with K&Co papers... and features a double album style, it's like 2 albums in ONE!

To see more of these albums, they are currently listed on eBay.

Enter OTED in the search box.

Thanks for stopping by!

Custom 8x8 Wedding Album

2010-08-22T19:43:00.002-05:00

Halloween Cards

2010-08-09T20:36:00.002-05:00

I like you a Latte! Cards

2010-08-09T20:32:00.003-05:00

Friendship Cards

2010-08-09T20:29:00.001-05:00

Cosmo Cricket - Halloween Canvas

2010-07-26T10:57:00.004-05:00

Supplies:

Cosmo Cricket Haunted Paper

Ez Runner from Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L

11x14 Canvas (x2)

Sewing Machine/Thread

Dew Drops

Prima Flowers

Sizzix Die

Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L Announcement!

2010-07-14T12:17:00.001-05:00

Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L has got something amazing coming!!!

If you want to know what the big news is BEFORE anyone else… be sure you’ve signed up at www.theshapetocome.com. If you register your email address there before July 25th, you’ll get a special pre-show announcement one day before the CHA Trade Show opens!

What’s even better? One lucky person that signs up between now and July 25th will be chosen at random to win $50 (msrp) of SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L™ products (winner announced on their blog (http://www.scrapbook-adhesives.com/en/blog/sa/blog) August 2nd)!

Want to make this deal even sweeter? Leave a comment here on my blog and I’ll draw a winner for $25 (msrp) of SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L™ products on July 25th. Good luck – and happy adhering!

Operation Write Home Cards

2010-07-14T12:06:00.005-05:00

These are some cards I designed for an upcoming card-making party I am hosting to make cards for OperationWriteHome.org. This charity collects homemade cards and sends them to individuals serving in the armed forces overseas so that they might have special cards to send to their families. I have set a goal of 300 cards for this party :-) Wish us luck! Photos of the party to be posted afterwards!