Stamp Something Sketch Challenge

I made this card for the sketch challenge at Stamp Something. I love sketches and really wanted to use my new stamps so I was excited to see the sketch challenge this week. I used my brand new Christmas stamps from Walmart and pastel pencils to color it in.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! Here's a few more holiday creations...


I stamped and colored in some holiday tags. I used my brand new Stickles from my Secret Santa Oscar and some adorable stamps I got at Walmart.

CPS #95

I used the CPS Sketch #95 to make this card. I made it with the materials sent to me by Scrappy Jo's for the December DT work. It was made with the beautiful BoBunny Beau Jardin line that is available in her store. Also I used the awesome Glitz Frosting that she has for sale. Also check out Kath's blog for an awesome blog candy giveaway and some gorgeous card inspiration. I love the Christmas cards she just posted.

Laura's Sketch 15

I used Laura's Sketch 15 from 2 Sketches 4 You to make the last card I needed for my Christmas Card Swap. I used some DCWV paper I picked up on clearance last year. It's always cheaper to wait until after to pick up Christmas goodies whether its candy or wrapping or scrapbooking paper. Now that I've finished all the cards for my swap it's time to get making some for the family as well as finsih up some presents and shopping I have to do.

Basic Grey Card Kit

Last year I got the Figgy Pudding Card Kit for Christmas and have decided to put it to use this season for some of my Christmas cards.

More Christmas Cards

Here's some cards I made a few weeks back and photographed about a week ago. I've made more since then, but I haven't gotten a chance to take photos in good light. I used an old sketch from 2 Sketches 4 You (Laura's Sketch 13) to complete these two. I'm having fun making cards and wish I could spend more time with patterned paper and less with computer paper. Unfortunately my school work has been intense lately. But luckily it will all be over next Tuesday. I can't wait! I'll have time to work on more Christmas presents and cards. I also have some work for the design team I will be sharing soon. I got to use BoBunny paper and Glitz frosting both of which are awesome.

All is Calm CPS #93

I created his Christmas card with some adorable papers my mom bought for me in November. Those little pink and blue reindeer are adorable. And that cute little tree I received in a swap so can't take credit for it's cute little bling embellishments. I used the sketch at CPS but flipped and tweaked it a bit. They have some really cute work from the DT this weeks so go check it out if you need some inspiration for holiday cards. I received my package from Scrappy Jo's and will be working on some DT cards this weekend. I can't wait to share the beautiful papers with you.

Christmas Cards from CPS #92

I made these cards with my mom and cousin when I had some time off for Thanksgiving. My little cousin covered a bunch of shapes in glitter which looked adorable on the cards in the end. I need to get to work on some more though because I have a Christmas card swap I need cards for. Not to mention the cards I'll need for the big day itself.

Karen Foster Countdown Calendar from Scrappy Jo's

As part of my November DT supplies I received the Karen Foster Countdown Calendar to decorate. I used Imaginisce paper which you can't see very well but there are adorable glittering snowmen on it. One the other side I decorated so it could simply be a keepsake box for my mom which explains the butterlfy on the top. She loves butterflies and pink so I had to incorporate them into the Christmas theme on the other side. If you want to make an adorable countdown calendar for any holiday then head over to Scrappy Jo's where she is having a huge sale this weekend. You'll recieve an additoinal 25% off all order including sale items and there are free gifts with purchase.

CPS #89

I created this card for the Scrappy Jo's Design Team using CPS #89. The sketch was so simple and I was able to make this card quite quickly which was good considering my current schedule. I once again got to use the adorable Cosmo Cricket Hello Sunshine line. If you are loving this line as much as me head over to the Scrappy Jo store where everything is 10% off currently and you can also use the first order bonus featured on the side of my blog. So if you have a little bit of time and need some scrapping therapy then check out this week's sketch.

Joke's Bonus Sketch

I created this card for Scrappy Jo's Design Team using Joke's bonus sketch from 2S4Y. Jo sent me some adorable Cosmo Cricket papers from the Hello Sunshine Line including Hopscotch and Clover. I really love the stitched owl on Joke's card and was inspired to use some of my fibers for stitching. I love stitching but embroidery floss is getting a little old. The fiber was much harder to deal with though I must admit. Also today my DBF took me to the LSS to spend some of my birthday money. It was great to get to see some of the new products I've only seen online so far. I bought some materials for flocking and my first pack of Thickers. I can't wait to get working on some more projects.

Kazan's Sketch 12

I created this card for Scrappy Jo's Design Team using Kazan's Sketch 12. I used the Eerie and Nevermore papers from Cosmo Cricket's line that she sent me. I loved how this line is rather subtle so it can be dressed up for cutesy kid pages but is also great for more adult pages. The adorable little witch is from Punch Studio. The papers she sent me gave me a great excuse to use some of the Halloween goodies I collected last year on sales after the season.

CPS #88

I created this card for Scrappy Jo's Design Team using CPS #88. She sent me Eerie and Nevermore from Cosmo Cricket's Haunted Line which are both used on this card. The paper is great because its not too cutesy and the patterns aren't too bold so you can use it for almost any Halloween event. The cute little vampire is from Punch Studio. The fabulous Unity Stamp company is sponsoring this week's CPS sketch. I've been subscribed to their blog for awhile and they have adorable stamps and a very talented DT.

Pumpkin Patch

A few weeks ago we went to the pumpkin patch and I finally got the pictures uploaded. I had a lot of fun taking pictures with my cousins. We took some posed photos for my grams, but also some silly ones with the scarecrows spread throughout the field. Also we picked some fresh flowers and while the butterflies are pretty they creep me out as much as any other bug and I didn't want them landing on me. I got a jack-be-little for my room and some other fall plants to share with my preschoolers. Some of them had never seen gourds before and were wondering why the corn was funny colored so I think it made for some fun, interesting preschool lessons.

Card Swap

I just wanted to share some of the beautiful cards that I received from a recent card swap. I loved all the cards but couldn't fit them all in one pic. It was the first swap we held at Scrappy Jo's and the ladies had so much fun Karry started a birthday card swap. Since my birthday was Monday I am so excited to be receiving some handmade birthday cards and will share some I'm sure.

2 Sketches 4 You Laura's Sketch 11

I really loved the sketch this week at 2S4Y and by the fabric owls by Elizabeth from Creating Keepsakes which you can find under fabric projects at her blog. I'm still making my way through the Mellow pack because its easier than pulling out all my papers. I love paper piecing and this cute little owl helped me use up my Mellow scraps. Soon I'll be getting my supplies to make projects for Scrappy Jo's DT in November. I'm so excited and can't wait for the package to show up and get started.

Craft Club Card

I made this card also based on the CPS Sketch 86 while at the Rutgers Arts and Crafts Society meeting this week. I introduced my scrapbooking friend to stitching this week. I think I successfully converted her. She seemed to be a bit scared at first but then she was like "Wow this is so simple." I love the Queen and Co felt fusion but its so expensive I tend toward ribbon but when the club is supplying I'll take it. I've recently tried inking flowers (my friend gave it a try too) and I'm liking it.

CPS #86

Last weekend I worked on this card. While I remembered to take a picture I never got around to actually posting it. I had another busy week cumulating in taking my GREs this morning. I didn't do as well as I would have liked but I think my score will do. For this card I was still working with my brand new 6x6 pack of Basic Grey Mellow. I used the Heidi Swapp edge distresser to rough up the edges and then inked them. It looks great with the line. The Target dollar spot apple brad was also adorable with the tree paper. When the line first came out I didn't know how I was going to use it for pages but I love it for cards.

2 Sketches 4 You Sponsored by Making Memories for You

Laura's Sketch 10 is now on the 2S4Y blog. The design team did some excellent work this week. I particularity liked Carla's Boo! card. I made this card for a birthday swap with Basic Grey Mellow Paper. Micheal's near me recently started carrying the 6x6 pads which are perfect for card making. The stamp are from Hero Arts, a set that I adore and have been trying to find more uses for. The brads are from the Target $ spot last year. Love those finds and it goes perfect with the Mellow line. Making Memories by You is offering a great Basic Grey themed prize at 2S4Y so check it out.

Autumn Leaves Stitched Journaling Panels Stamp Set Review

What is it?

A set of six stamps from Autumn Leaves designed by Maryann Wise. The stamps are generally 5 to 6 square inches a piece. They have a subtle stitched pattern that shows up well when stamped.

What projects can I use them for?

These stamps mostly work for layouts but can be adapted to cards with some creativity. Also they are great for smaller layouts created for mini books and such.

Below I used two stamps to get more journaling in:

The arrow works to journal but also as an embellishment drawing attention to the photo:

Also they combine well with other stamps including the Autumn Leaves swirl stamp used below:

So are there any drawbacks?

The amount of space to write the journaling on is limited so if you have a long story to tell consider another journaling method. As an alternate method you could use more than one of them stamps on the same layout. Also because of the size they may look a bit small on a 12x12 layout but would work very well for mini albums.

Anything else I need to know?

You can find this Autumn Leaves stamp set as well as many others in the Scrappy Jo store. The stamps don’t absorb ink as readily as some others and are easy to clean.

Scrappy Jo's Week 3 Sketch

I have been making cards for an upcoming swap but it has been a slow going process because of school work and other things but I really liked the Scrappy Jo Week 3 Sketch and knew I could make a simple fast card with it. I used some older paper and some ribbon from a color swap. I've also worked on a quick tip and a review for Scrappy Jo's this month which I'll share later in the next few days.

CPS #81

This week I used the CPS sketch twice. Once to work on a card for a card swap I am hosting at Scrappy Jo's and then again for a demo card for my school craft club. For the card with the present I was limited to using only the supplies my club has on hand. As much as I am sometimes overwhelmed by the sheer amount of scrap supplies I own I know I will always have something I need.

Pilot Me Scrapbook

Today was the Involvement Fair where I was out promoting for the Arts and Crafts club that I help run but this scrapbook was made for another club that I participate in. We got a lot of new emails so hopefully our membership will increase this year. Pilot Me is a service organization that plan safe fun after-school activities for kids in New Brunswick. Since I had a hard getting to the summer meeting I thought I'd make a scrapbook that would help people understand some of what the organization does. It's very simple but it's really about showing the pictures of what we do and the kids enjoying themselves.

Back at College

I moved back to my dorm on Sunday and have spent most of the past few days setting up and getting ready for classes. I've spent been decorating my room and working on projects for my clubs so I haven't had much time for scrapping. But I'm hosting a game and a swap on Scrappy Jo's so if you'd like to be part of a card swap or have a chance at winning a prize head over to the Scrappy Jo forum. I'm also working on a new review for the store of the Page in Progress box which I will share on my blog next week.

2 Sketches 4 You

I made this birthday card for my little cousin using Laura's Sketch 7 from 2 Sketches 4 You. He likes Webkinz and I got him the Caramel Lion for his birthday so for his card I decided to trace the online picture and color it in with my pencil pastels. A few years ago I bought them thinking I would sketch but recently I have found they mostly make excellent scrapbooking tools esp for coloring in stamps. I'm happy how it turned out, masculine/boy cards can be so hard, but the simple patterns and bright colors work I think. I've been trying to fit in a bit of scrapping because I know I'll be back in classes soon but I'm just not very inspired. Hopefully I will finsih the LO I'm working on for the Scrappy Jo's Weekly Sketch 3. Of course by now they are already on Sketch 4 so I better get going.

CPS #78

I haven't been doing a lot of scrapping because I've been spending time with the family since I'll be going back to school soon. I did find time to make this simple card based on the CPS sketch this week. I've been trying to use my Basic Grey rub-ons because it seems like they aren't working as well after having them for several months.

Stamp Something Summer Challenge

Two weekends ago my sister had a graduation party and we had lots of fun playing badminton and playing on the trampoline. Here's the layout that resulted from that awesome summer day. I thought the challenge at Stamp Something for a summer project would be perfect and I used Studio G snails and an Autumn Leaves journaling block. The more I use the stamps the more I want more stamps. I also used the Adorn It stickers I received from participating in their Teen Talent Search awhile back. I love the T-shirt they sent as well. Tomorrow I will be posting a quick tip over at the Scrappy Jo's forum so go check it out for some advice and also they are having a 50 cent sale so you might find some deals as well.

Scrappy Jo Review

Here's my review that was recently posted at the Scrappy Jo Blog.

Sassafrass Lass Oliver and Friends Stamp Set Review

What is it?

This is a seven piece stamp set from Sassafrass Lass that coordinates with the Owl Pal collection. But these stamps that range in size with a total 4x4 area, go great with plenty of papers and themes.

What projects can I use them for?

The stamps are the perfect size for cards and will look great with all the new trendy nature inspired products. Below is a card I made using three of the collections stamps. First I stamped the images and then highlighted them with pastel pencils.

Also branching outside of the nature theme they make cute accents on simple cards like this Valentine card.

The set also works well with other companies stamps so they’ll blend right into your collection. On the journaling tag below I used Autumn Leaves bracket journaling stamp (which can also be found in the Scrappy Jo store) and Technique Tuesday swirls. So have fun mixing these cute fellows with your collection.

But the stamps are not so small that they can’t be used on layouts as well. Owls have long been symbols of wisdom so I used them on the graduation layout below. This time in a more masculine way.

So are there any drawbacks?

The only drawback I have found with these stamps is that they discolor immediately. Each time you use a new color the stamps become that color in my experience. This doesn’t affect the performance of the stamps though. A word of caution: make sure the stamp is nice and juicy for best color coverage. I used Cat’s Eye Chalk Inks to create solid and more faded images depending on the look I was going for.

Anything else I need to know?

If you love these little guys there is a sister set, Olivia and Pals, also available in the Scrappy Jo’s store. So choose your favorite or pick up both and get stamping with these cute stamps! If you plan to pick up these sets and maybe even some ink to go with them remember you can use the code JMREF and receive 15% off your first order of $10 or more.

Stamp Something and CPS

Here's a birthday card I made combining the sketch from CPS and the color challenge from Stamp Something. I didn't finish in time for the challenge at Stamp Something but the color combo perfectly fit the new BG Euphoria line which I recently acquired so I had to use it. The card didn't turn out quite how I wanted but it was fun and I love adding pastel color to stamped images. It makes me want to get more stamps but I'm resolved to do more scrapping before I get too many more supplies. I like how the past couple of CPS sketches have been very open. I'm thinking I will have to make another project tomorrow so I can leave this week on a satisfying scrapping note.

Noel Mignon Challenge

Becky Fleck created an exclusive sketch for Noel Mignon's Challenge Blog. I loved the sketch and its been awhile since I've participated in one of Noel's challenges. So here is the result. These are so pictures from Universal's City Walk which is an outdoor mall that you have to walk through to get to the parks. We didn't love having to walk through it everyday since it just added to the time it took to get to the parks but it did have some interesting shops and photo opportunities. I used some older paper which always feels good but I also got to use my brand new embossing powder I won from Scrappy Jo's. The past few days I've been watching the Summer Olympics. I've yet to miss one of Phelps historic gold medals and they've all been exciting. The sheer joy on his team's face as they won the gold medal in the relay is what the Olympics is all about.

Weekly Sketch for Scrappy Jo's

Scrappy Jo's has a brand new sketch and it's a simple one with many pictures. On Sunday the pictures from my recent trip to Florida arrived and I'm excited to start scrapping them. This LO using the sketch is about the Tiger exhibit at Busch Gardens. We spent over an hour watching the tigers as they played and lazed in the sun. We also caught feeding time which was very exciting. The PP is Basic Grey Mellow and Scarlet's Letter and I used a combo of Colorbok and Deja Views chipboard. Also the stickers from Reminisce make journaling very easy. The photo has the colors a little off but I love how it looks in RL.

A Prize from Scrappy Jos

Last month I participated in Scrappy Jo's July Celebration which was lots of fun. They had great sketches and will have even more this month so go check the blog out. The adorable stamp and embossing powder you see is what I won for participating in one of the weekly scavenger hunts. I was happy to find these goodies in the mail esp since I just recently got an embossing gun. If you want to win some goodies then go to the forums to participate August Challenge.

A Bit of Beading

I've been very busy the past few days helping my grams prepare for a party. The house got an intense cleaning. I also was working on a review for Scrappy Jo's which I hope to share with you all later this week. While working on that review I created the little journaling block you see. I was trying to show the versatility of a stamp set and I was inspired by Scrap Your Crap to add some beads to the mix for detail.

CPS #76

I haven't done the last few CPS sketches mostly because I've been away but I really liked the openness of CPS #76. I was really wanting to use the paper piecing featured in the August/September issue of Scrapbooks Etc. So I combined the two in my latest card. The pieces were so tiny I almost didn't finish it but it turned out so cute I'm happy I did. In other news I saw the Dark Knight this weekend and felt like it lived up to the hype. So if you're a fan of Batman or liked the first one go check it out.