Take Flight Lepidoptera!

I have just returned from a family holiday away sans papercrafting and thought it high time I posted a little something before my crafting DTs dash my intentions completely.  It's only been a bit over a week without crafting but it seems centuries.  So today I have had to dig back into the archives and at the very least post to let you know that out of sight doesn't always mean out of mind...out of my mind maybe, but certainly not out of mind.  *wink* 

This card was made a few months ago, but I hadn't gotten around to posting it.  It is a fun number full of lots of fabulous flutterbies and other assorted Lepidoptera loveliness.  This was a fun card to make because I let loose with a motley mélange of Tim Holtz Distress Ink splodgings and splotchings.  Visually, or in theory rather, I always enjoy the process of using Distress Inks with reckless abandon, but I must say that I get a bit twitchy with the "Surprise Chef" nature of the process.  I never know how it is going to end up and my sometimes meglomeniacal inner crafter worries that my project will get away from me a bit.  So really, as much as I love Distress Inks and the neat things you can do with them,  I do feel somewhat at the mercy of the inks as I use them.  Probably just me...Dunno?

I did, however, enjoy using the marvelous Papertrey Ink's Love Lives Here dies designed by the uber talented Melissa Philips.  Golly is she ever good.  The die cut butterfly was cut from two kinds of funky materials: cork and natural wool fiber paper.   I do recommend you give these two unconventional papers a go as they are rather intriguing. Talk about a textural delight.

The stamps used were across Hero Arts  (Star background), Papertrey Ink (Birds Of A Feather for the sentiment), and Tim Holtz for Stamper's Anonymous' Papillon for the vintage butterflies.  Fun.  The other nefarious bits and bobs were from my stash for the most part, save the 7 Gypsies DP, which is a bit thin, but still way cool and the Papertrey Ink Woodgrain Impression Plate and Rick Rack die.  Love.

Well, I am now off to play crafting "catch up" as the family week and a bit away did little for building up my coffers of cards to sell at the weekend markets.  Much by way of rabbits to skin, chickens to pluck, and fish to scale.  I know you absolutely know how that goes.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I enjoy your visits and any comments I am fortunate enough to get immensely.  x

When In Doubt...Go With The Stickles-y Bustier.

I have had this fun dressform and sentiment set called You're Lovely from Waltzingmouse Stamps from shortly after it was released last year.  But oddly enough, I hadn't gotten around to getting inky with it as of yet.  Seeing I have been so inspired by the latest fashion inspired crafting challenges of late (although I haven't posted in any), I thought I'd do my own thing with a stamp set I have been presumably keeping just for occasions like this.  Plus, I love a bit of houndstooth don't you?  The houndstooth stamp used here is a beauty from Papertrey Ink.  It is a strip stamp designed for background building.  I am not a fan of it for background building though (too much work), but I do love it for adding a swatch of houndstooth just when I need it.  

It has also been since forever that I entered a WMS Sketch Challenge and I thought it was high time that I got my scissors into action.  I must say though that the stamping bar at Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge has been raised so exceedingly high that I have felt rather intimidated to participate there over the last little while, hence my absence.  Where do you crafters come from?  Seriously. Some place where the water is richly infused with the stuff only my crafting dreams are made of?  I think so.  Where else have you ever seen such sublime talent all in the one place?  I am participating not because I think I have found the hidden wellspring, but because I was getting a tad neurotic about participating simply because everyone surrounding this premier challenge group is just that good.  Therefore, instead of heading for the hills and only peering from afar at a challenge group that I have so admired, I have (perhaps delusionally so) plucked up some courage, whipped up this card, typed this, and rapidly pressed the Publish Post button and now there is no turning back. <cue freaky music>

Must dash.  Thanks so very much for for stopping byyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! 

Eat Cake But Maybe Not In A Light Box.

This card was made for the first CR84FN Color Challenge of the year.  The colors  are Med. Blue, Orange, and Yellow and are in honor of this premier challenge group's first birthday. YAY!  Not my usual vintage colors, but I think I have inadvertantly made them my own.  I say inadvertantly because this image is my first ever shot using the photographic light box I got for Christmas.  I am amazed at how blah (read: kinda grubby) this photograph looks in comparison to the pictures I took this morning in the sunlight streaming through my daughter's room of this very same card.  The  light box cuppie looks burnt and the glittery golden sprinkles that were lovingly bestrewn atop the spotty orange frosting looks like the cupcake landed business side down onto my much neglected kitchen floor.  What?  It's the holidays afterall, right?  The wrapper has also been painted with gold acrylic paint which also gives off the air of being as if I hadn't even bothered.  Double sigh.  Oddly enough though, the organza ribbon has perked up no end with the newly acquired light box treatment.  Talk about the perfect mango.  Go figure?

The light box only came with a double sided backdrop with gray on the one side (as pictured) and a "bright as" electric blue on the other.  I tried to slip in a 12x12 sheet of white cardstock up the back, but the box is 16" square, so I had a rather unslightly gappage which made it immediately apparent that that was not going to be the ticket.   I must add too that I prefer my pictures to have a little bit more attitude to them.  The gray looks solemn and bland to me.  Perhaps I should have gone with the shocking blue. Now there's a thought.  So how do you fine photographic folks do it?  I'd love to know how to make my lightbox sing.  I sure would appreciate any tips on how to head towards lightbox mastery. ...A bit ambitious perhaps?  Come on, help a sister out.

Oh, and here's a pic of the also unedited natural light version so you can see exactly what I've been carrying on about:

Funny (as in odd) isn't it?  It's the same card, I promise.   I sure look forward to hearing or reading rather, what you think, because I sure could use your expertise.

Thanks so much for popping by.  I shall look forward to seeing you anon.  Here's to an inspired day for us all!

All The Very Best For 2012!

Just wanted to pop in to share a card I made especially for you sending my most heartfelt and fondest greetings for the New Year.  All the very best to you and yours for 2012 and beyond.  Salut!

Still Going Gangbusters! Part II

Here are several more Christmas cards I wanted to show you before the year was out (which will be any minute now won't it?).   You'll be pleased to know that there are only a small handful of cards left to post as well as several wine bottle tags, and a selection of other holiday bits and bobs remaining to share and that will be this year done. Time sure does fly.  I always say that I wish I had gotten a wriggle on in my Christmas crafting sooner in the year as I do end up having really enjoyed myself when it is all done and dusted.  Yes, I must admit, I do get a wee bit sad about packing up my holiday goodies until next year as quiet as it's kept.  I am forever saying that I will start earlier and just leisurely potter away at making Christmas cards throughout the year, but I don't.  Sigh.  Oh well...maybe one day. 

Thanks so very much for stopping by.  Happy Holidays Lovely Ones!  Much cheer! x

Still Going Gangbusters!

I am still crafting away at my To Do List and still doing so in relatively good humor too I might add.  Here are several more of the Christmas cards I have created since I last posted about my holiday handiwork.  This is a rather pic heavy post, but what can ya do?  ...Keep Truckin' On! 

Thanks for scooting by as I know you are all so very busy.  Sending you fond regards and, most importantly, wishes of supreme stamina for The Season.

Well Hey There Little Lady.

Still lacking in much by way of mojo these days (talk about crap timing) and with great hopes of jump-starting my crafting mojo with a CASE, I went for a stroll through Waltzingmouse's Gallery which is always full to the brim with incredibly inspiring creations.   Before too long, I fixed upon a "cute as pie" card from Jennifer Holmes cleverly using a onesie die cut and the fun, "Well Hey There Little Lady" sentiment.  I instantly knew I wanted to try my hand at a card inspired by Jennifer's for a wee lass using those incredible colors from this week's CR84FN Color Challenge showcasing Coral, Light Pink, and Aqua. Not too sure if I have done Jennifer's onesie card much justice, but I had a hoot of a time trying. Yee Haw!


Edited To Add:   This card was selected as one of this week's CR84FN Top Three!  Woohoo! 

Thanks so much for popping by.  Here's to an inspired day!   


Supplies:

• Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Stamps Back In The Saddle, Offbeat Backgrounds, ans Way Out West.  Hero Arts'Woodgrain Pattern.
• Paper:  Papertrey Ink Aqua Mist and Rustic Cream C/S.
• Accessories:  Papertrey Ink Onesie Die, Spellbinders Tags, Tim Holtz for Sizzix Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Aqua Grosgrain Ribbon (from stash), Vintage corded trim (also from my stash), and Cream Acrylic Paint.