Challenges #26 and #27

As I stated in my previous posting, I noticed that my postings for the last 5 CropChocolate challenges did not post . . . I had them scheduled but for some reason they didn't post?  Whatever the reason, I'm going to rectify that tonight by revising and combining a couple of them so there's not so many at once.  And then  publishing them ASAP.  :)

For these next few challenges, I used some layouts I did while I was in St. Louis for a scrapping weekend at Memories on Marshall wth my friends Tigerberry and &Raebae . . . They are even more fun in person than they are on the CC board.  And so encouraging!!!

For Challenge #26, we were to combine old and new to create something beautiful, fresh and current!  Here's what I came up with:

Supplies

CC products:

Everyday Eclectic paper collection by EP

Walnut Stain

Tombow adhesive

tan bazzill (cardstock grabbag)

and misc. eyelets 

NonCC: Crop-a-Dile (I borrowed one since I had not received the one I 

ordered from CC yet); misc. eyelets/brads; circle punches

Even though this LO isn't quite finished . . . I need to put journal strips on but have to wait to get new ink cartridge in the AM. But I decided to go ahead and post. As I stated earlier, I did this LO over the weekend at Memories on Marshall . . . Raebae liked it so much she scraplifted it right away. :) My old was using my small crop-a-dile with a few old eyelets and my new was the paper I just got from CC before I left for the weekend. (Oh, this is now finished with the journaling strips.  AND Yes, this is the layout I used for my "Scraplift" challenge, too.)

For Challenge #27, we were to create a project that was rainbow inspired with some bling.  The picture I used is one of my daughter when we were in St. Louis at Union Station.  It was taken a few days before I was admitted into the hospital for a bone marrow transplant . . . knowing I was going to be in there for at least 30 days and had to live in St. Louis for 4 months or so, we wanted to do some "fun" things so she would have "fun" memories about St. Louis, not just "My mommy is sick" memories. Here's what I came up with:

Supplies

CC products: 

"So Happy Together" by Echo Park

Jenni Bowlin red rub-on alphas

Glimmer mist in "Red Nosed Reindeer

sweetheart ink (red)

snake tapeand Walnut Stain distress ink 

NonCC: Glimmer Mist in "Summer Glow" and misc. rhinestones

Since the picture was such a silly one, I wanted to use fun & bright papers.  I also flicked the background with some glimmer mists and inked the edges with Sweetheart ink (red) to give it an even more "happy" feel to it.

Well, what did you think?  I was pretty happy with the way these turned out.  Even more so that I came up with them totally on my own by using sketches I drew before going to St. Louis . . . that really helped me to get LOTS of layouts done over the weekend.  Any other time, I may only get one or two layouts done, but not this time.  I was also amazed because Tigerberry, Raebae and Lynnette (one of their friends, now a new friend of mine) were so much fun, I didn't think I'd get much done . . . so I was pleasantly surprised.  Can't wait for March 2013 when I get to visit with them again at Memories on Marshall.

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy

Challenge #24 and #25

As I looked back thru my blog postings, I noticed that my postings for the last 5 CropChocolate challenges did not post . . . I had them scheduled but for some reason they didn't post?  Whatever the reason, I'm going to rectify that tonight by revising and combining a couple of them so there's not so many at once.  And then  publishing them ASAP.  :)

For Challenge #24, we were allowed to do anything we wanted.  Since I was way late in getting a birthday card made for my sister-in-law, I decided to make one for her and use it for this challenge at the same time.  Here's what I did:

Supplies

CC Products: 

"Note to Self" paper collection by EP

Tan/Brown EP cardstock

twine from JilliBean

button from Fancy Pants

Walnut Stain distress ink

Black Soot distress ink

Snake Tape 

NonCC: White cardstock; stamp from Skipping Stones Design; 

and Milk Chocolate Liquid Pearls

I got inspiration for this on Pinterest . . . I had been trying to thing of a way for the watermark stamps I had ordered. I only used 2 inks for this (Black Soot and Walnut Stain distress ink). For the 1st ring, I used both inks to get it dark, For 2nd ring, I used Walnut Stain and then for the lightest ring, I also used Walnut Stain, but I stamped it first on scrap paper to remove some of the ink, then stamped the 3rd ring. (I didn't clean stamp off after each time so I'd get a "dark" part around the edge of each ring). 

For Challenge #25, we needed to do something with "Banners".  Originally, I had this ready to post when I realized I forgot a button or a bow . . . I tried to find something but nothing looked right. So I went with a tiny bow made from twine on my journal box. Still not sure if I like it, but I used temporary adhesive, so I can take it off if I decide I really don't like it. :)  Here's what I came up with:

Supplies

CC Products: 

Used the following from Playground Collection by Echo Park -

"Journaling Cards" (orange & journal box)

"Monkey Bars" (stripe)

"Capture the flag" (blue/banner)

& "Kick the can" (arrow)

Snake Tape

Tombow Adhesive

Walnut Stain distress ink

twine from MME

American Crafts precision pen 

NonCC: "Atlantic" Tattered Angels glimmer mist; "Cantaloupe" Liquid Pearls; 

and Super Stock from Canadian Scrapbooker

I got inspiration for this 1st from Jasmine with everything at an angle and also from a LO I saw in Pinterest using the Playground collection. 

Well, what do you think so far?  I'm going to get a couple more postings combined for later today.

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy

Viva Las VegaStamps! DT Tryout

A day or so ago, I got a notice about Viva Las VegaStamps! DT Tryouts.  While I was excited about this, I didn't know if my stamping would be good enough . . . I mean, have you seen some of the current DT projects.  I also wasn't sure if my style was the "right" style.  But still, it called to me.  As I said, I was so excited but then I saw that the deadline was Sept. 15 at Midnight. Ugh!  I didn't know if I would have time to come up with 3 NEW projects . . . but I thought maybe I might have enough time to recreate some that I've done before.  I really wanted to at least tryout for the experience. And even though I didn't have any good VLVS (except for sayings), I went to work on some using other stamps. 

The first project I decided to recreate was  a card I did a couple years ago for a friend who was so busy at the time . . . the inside of this card says "I don't have time to be this busy".  Here's how it turned out:

I used "Golden Oldies" M-1249 by AI Original Rubber Stamps, Copics for coloring and blending, and miscellaneous cardstock.  I used a notebook paper punch to punch the part of the pink paper and  wrapped black twine for a little extra.    I also "crumpled" the background pink to give it a worn look.  Well, so far so good. :)

The second project I decided to recreate was a Christmas card I did 2 years ago.  It was a nativity scent stamped, then colored with my Copics and a little stickles.  Here's how it turned out:

I used "Small Nativity"  and "Whimsy Silent Night, Holy Night" from Northwood's Stamps; Tim Holtz "Gridlock" Texture Fad; Stazon black ink; clear embossing powder; yellow & lime green stickles; and copic markers.

The third project I decided to recreate was a tag I did last year for Christmas presents.  I used Tim Holt stamps and embossed it.  To get it so red, I inked it in red and also used red embossing powder.  I also added some greenery and ribbon to finish it off.  Here's how it turned out:

I used a blank tag, Tim Holt stamps (not sure of name because they were no longer with the package), watermelon ink, red embossing powder, pine green ink, and misc. tulle.

Then tonight when I got home, I had a message that I could use some of my best older projects . . . they didn't have to be new or recreate.  So I thought I'd submit one more project that I'm pretty proud of . .  it was one of the projects I submitted for a Design Team tryout for CropChocolate (which I did get selected).  Here it is::

I used Chocolate/tan cardstock by Echo Park; Teal/Yellow cardstock by EP; "Noel" by Teresa Collins (cream pattern); "Everyday Fun" rhinestones Kraft Funday by MME; "Everyday Fun" wood banners Kraft Funday by MME; Paper flowers by BazillBasicPaper (BBP); Walnut Stain Distress Ink; Picket Fence Distress Ink; Blue China Distress Stain; Snake Tape; Around the Page paper punch by Martha Stewart (not sure of name because I've had this for a couple of years); misc. clock stamps; "Ladies & Gents" by Webster's Pages (fussy cut some clocks); "Say it with Rhinestones" by Prima (the crystal swirls); stripe paper (not sure who by because it didn't have a name on it); and Storytellers Timeless letter stickers by Webster Pages (Time flies).

VLVS has some awesome stuff and I would be honored to be on their Design Team.  So wish me luck!!!

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy

OWH Card Challenge

This weekend Operation Write Home had a card challenge . . . 10 challenges in all.  While I wanted to do all 10, I ended up doing only 5 of them.  But I did do a total of 38 cards. I liked a couple of them so much that I went gung-ho before realizing the time and that I needed to get a few more done.

But before I show you what I did, I want to invite everyone back on Sept. 28 at 8am to Oct. 1st 8am MST for another OWH Card Blog Hop hosted by CropChocolate's Design Team.  We will be making cards for OWH and giving challenges to those who want to participate.  There will be prizes given by CropChocolate in addition to individual blogs giving away some blog candy of their own to those who participate.  So stop on back . . . the hop will be from Sept. 28 8am MST to Oct. 1 8am MST.

Okay, onto my cards I did.

For the 1st challenge, we were to use a bible verse or inspirational verse.  Here's what I did:

For the 3rd challenge, we were to use a these of snowflakes but NOT Christmas.  Here's what I did:

For the 4th challenge, we were to use a triple time stamp technique (Here's a tutorial on how to do it).  Here's what I did:

For the 6th challenge, it was to use this sketch.  Here's what I did:

For the 7th challenge,  it was "Christmas is for Kids".  So we were to do one any Hero Christmas card and one Christmas card for one of our hearoes to send to a child.  Here's what I did:

I wish I would have been able to do more of the challenges, but I'm very happy with the number of cards I was able to do.  And am even more excited that I'll have the opportunity Sept. 28 - Oct. 1st to make more cards for our Heroes.

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy

Scraplift Challenge

Hi, everyone!!!  This past weekend I got together with a couple of my CC friends for a weekend of scrapping fun.  While there I did a layout I had sketched . . . using circles to make a heart.  The gals with me loved it so much that they decided to scraplift it.  In fact, Raebae had her's scraplifted and done before I finished. :)

After we got back home, Raebae and & both posted our heart layouts on CropChocolate and the response was overwhelming. (Thank you!!!)  And there were a lot of comments about scraplifting.  :)  (Which I feel is the GREATEST compliment.)

Here's what mine looked like:

Here's what Raebae's looked like:

A few also commented about how different each looked because of the different paper/styles.   And we agree.  Because of this, Raebae and I decided we would have a "Scraplift" Challenge.  And by participating, both of us are offering some wonderful blog candy from our stashes. :)  (Just a quick note:  This is NOT a CropChocolate challenge, this is an individual challenge .)

Here's what you need to do to be eligible - Do a new project (layout, card, altered art, etc) by "scraplifting" my heart layout . . . adding, subtracting, changing or keeping the same, however you are inspired.  Once you have your project done, come back here and link it up to Mr. Linky below so everyone can see what you did.  You can link up by posting on your blog or any online photo sharing site . . . you can even post under your profile on CropChocolate.  Then leave a comment that you did so.  Also, go to Raebae's blog and do the same.  Here's the link:  http://kitchentablescrapper.blogspot.com/

You have till Sept. 1 at 10am Central to post your project . . . so let's get started and have some fun!!!  I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with.

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy

Winner of advice challenge

During CropChocolate's Design Team's first blog hop "Banners", I had a layout I felt it still needed something.  So I decided to have a little contest by coming to you, my followers, and asking for advice . . . and whosever advice I took, would get a little special something.  If there were 2 or more with the same advice, I would draw names.

Well, I LOVED all the advice and played around with all of it.  There ended up being more than one thing I did . . . in fact, I ended up doing 6 things.  So before I tell you who won, I thought I would show you what I did and why I did it.  

Here's what it looked like after I made changes:

First, you will see that I added a tiny banner to the upper left corrner.  A lot of you commented that it needed something and one of you said maybe a tiny banner with the year.  I also put a little star above the banner because it felt lopsided without it . . . if you look, the twine at the bottom went clear to the bottom right corner, so something needed to go to the right corner.

Second, I added some bling to the upper left edge of the circle under the picture to help balance the yellow with the right side . . . a few mentioned doing something to the right side of the circle and one person suggested bling.

Third, some mentioned that my photo blended into the background and I agreed . . . so I added a white photo mat.]

Fourth, I added bling under the banners . . . I agreed when someone said they needed a little more.  I tried just yellow bling, but it was too much yellow.  So I tried orange bling, but it grabbed all of your attention.  So I decided to alternate the bling . . .yellow and orange.

Fifth, I changed the yellow brad to a white w/ pattern brad.  It was mentioned that the yellow brad seemed to blend in and to use a pink brad . . . but again, a pink brad pulled all of your attention,  so I decided to use another white w/ pattern brad, though different from the other two (2), to help it flow better.

The Sixth and last thing I did was use Picket Fence to the edges of the layout,  It helps finish the layout by giving it a "finished" look and tying everything together.

So what do you think?  If you think it is too much, please let me know . . . or if I hit the right balance, please let me know that too.  I love getting some lovin', even when it is gentle criticism. :)

Okay, onto the winners . . . since I took more than one piece of advice, I decided to draw (2) names.  And they are . . .

{{drum roll, please}}

Ambra Bowles
and

NinaN

Please email me at clayton528@aol.com  or PM me on CropChocolate with your real name and mailing address.  Once I get both of your addys, I'll get your "surprise" in the mail.  Thanks!!!

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kat

Challenge #24 - Happy Birthday (a little latte)

Last week on CropChocolate, the weekly challenge was a fun one.  Here's what it said:  "This week's challenge is for EVERYONE! This week it's all fun with no rules or guidelines . . . It's a "do whatever you want" challenge. Make something new (layout, card, altered art, etc.) out of 50% or more CropChocolate products and enter it for a chance to win cropcredit. That's it! Have fun and show us your fantastic creations!"


After much thought, I decided to do a card since I still needed to make one for my sister-in-law for her birthday.  I had seen a card on Pinterest using the "water stain" stamp in 3 shades of brown making it look like coffee rings . . . the card said "Hope your birthday is good to the last drop".  Well, since I was late in getting a card and gift to my sister-in-law, I decided to do the "coffee rings" and use a different saying.  Here's what I came up with:

Supplies

CC Products

 "Note to Self" paper collection by EP

Tan/Brown EP cardstock

twine from JilliBea

 button from Fancy Pants

Walnut Stain distress ink

Black Soot distress ink

Snake Tape 

NonCC: White cardstock; stamp from Skipping Stones Design; and Milk Chocolate Liquid Pearls

As I said earlier, I got inspiration for this on Pinterest . . . I had been trying to thing of a way for the watermarks.  And since I was late in getting this card done, I thought using 3 shades of brown for "coffee rings" (or "latte rings" in this case) would be great.   But I had one little problem . . . I only had 1 brown ink and 1 black ink.  So I decided to experiment by using those 2 inks for this (Black Soot and Walnut Stain distress ink). 

After experimenting with different techniques using just the 2 inks, here's what I finally decided to do.  For the 1st ring (the darkest ring), I used both inks to get it dark.  For 2nd ring (the medium shade), I used only Walnut Stain.  And then for the lightest ring, I also used Walnut Stain, but I stamped it first on scrap paper to remove some of the ink, then stamped the 3rd ring with the rest of the rings. Note: I did NOT clean my stamp off after each time so I'd get a "dark" part around the edge of each ring.   I liked the way it turned out.  What do you think?

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy