Just a bit of organization....

Good morning! Earlier this week I received a package which I had been waiting for over 2 months.... I had previously bought the one and only Quickutz Magnetic Storage Book at Hobby Lobby to store my Spellbinder's Nestability dies in. I loved it so I ordered 10 more! I have been doing a lot of organizing of my craft items lately and was really exited to get more of these binders. This photo shows my shelf "before"; my Spellbinder's dies are in the 2 plastic boxes.

This photo shows how messy the inside of the boxes can get. The dies get loose and aren't readily available when I want to use them. I had tried the CD cases with magnetic strips, but the magnetic strip was always coming loose; when I would open the box, the dies weren't where they were supposed to be.

Here's a photo of the binder.

Here's a photo of the binder filled with the Spellbinder's dies. Depending on the size of the dies, I was usually able to get between 4-8 sets in one binder.

This photo shows the full binders on my shelf. Note the small amount of space it takes to store the dies! I was able to put additional items on the shelf. The best part is that when I open the binders, the dies are where they are supposed to be!

Thanks for stopping by today! I am hoping to find some time this afternoon to get crafty.... How about you?

Angela

Tuesday Morning Sketches #61

Good morning! Melissa has another fun sketch for us over at Tuesday Morning Sketches; this week our sponsor is Sweet and Sassy Stamps, and the image I have used is from a set called "Country Pumpkins".

The sketch actually featured a star, but I just couldn't make it work.... I thought the spiderweb was a good substitution! Can you see the little spider dangling from the web? He's popped up for dimension. The pumpkin is paper pieced, and I added some accents with pencils before adding a touch of glitter. I also tried something new...I gathered the black ribbon using a basting stitch on my sewing machine. I always think it would be fun to sew on my cards, so I guess I'm getting a bit closer to that...maybe next time I'll actually sew the paper!

Tips and Tricks:
The ribbon was actually easy to do. I left the ribbon on the inside of the card ungathered so that it would lay smooth. For the front of the card I doubled the length that I needed, then basted and pulled the threads to gather them to the desired length, before tying them. The ribbon is adhered with glue dots. I would like to try the technique with wider ribbon too; I am thinking I would maybe use a bit more than double the length to get a nice ruffle.

Image: Sweet and Sassy Digital Image "Country Pumpkins"
Paper: G.P. 110, SU! Cajun Craze, PTI True Black, Bazzill Black, My Mind's Eye DP
Embellies: Bella Dots, Barbara Trombley's Art Glitter in "Polar Bear", Ribbon Boutique Rust Organza Ribbon, SU! Black Grosgrain Ribbon
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas, QuicKuts Spider Web Die, Black Thread, EK Success 3D Dots

Why don't you head on over to the Tuesday Morning Sketches blog to check out this week's sketch and the rest of the DT's creations. I hope to see you play along this week!

Thanks for stopping by; have a great day!

Angela

Tiddly Inks Challenge #22: Sketch Challenge

Good evening! I am getting this one in barely under the wire...I took the picture outside, in the dark! This week the Tiddly Inks challenge was a sketch. I do have to admit this one was a bit of a challenge for me! I followed the sketch loosely, but tried to get all the elements in....

"Battybug" is colored with Prisma pencils; I am still trying to work on highlighting around the image. I do think I'm getting a bit better at it.... I use black grosgrain, black felt, and black glitter paper to embellish my card. It is a bit dark, but I like how it turned out; perfect for Halloween I think!

Image: Tiddly Inks Digital Image "Battybug"

Paper: G.P. 110, SU! Perfect Plum. PTI Pure Black, Basic Grey Eerie DP, Doodlebug Beetle Black Sugar Coated CS

Embellies: SU! Black Grosgrain Ribbon (narrow), Wright's Black Grosgrain Ribbon (wide)

Extras: Prismas/Goo Gone, PTI Cloud Dies, PTI Pure Black Felt, Martha Stewart Bat Punch, EK Success 3D Dots

That's all I have for today, but I'll be back tomorrow morning with Tuesday Morning Sketches.

Have a great evening!

Angela

Happy Birthday Deb!!!

Good morning! Today Deb, from Freckle Faced Printworks, is celebrating her birthday so in honor of that we're having a little hop. You should have arrived here from Imke's blog, Crafting Creations by Imke.

I was originally going to do something grungy because Deb is the "Queen of Grunge", but finally I thought, "Who am I kidding?" and decided the only thing I could do is what I do.... Know what I mean? As much as I like the grunge cards, I just can't seem to pull them off....

One of the first swaps I was in with Deb was a Stampendous swap, so I thought Changito was a safe bet. I also know her favorite color is green, so that's how I came up with my plan. I think this little Changito stamper is so darn cute and knew that one of my hoarded embellies would be perfect for this card. The little stamp embellie is from Hero Arts and I bought it years ago. Actually I was afraid to try to stamp on them in case I would mess is up and ruin it! It was much easier than I thought; I just used Memento ink and stamped away! I used Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #91; I used it earlier this week, but I thought it was such a fun sketch I would use it again.

Image: Stampendous
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Sakura Black Gel Pen
Paper: PTI Stamper's Select and Dark Chocolate, SU! Pear Pizazz, Basic Grey Origins
Embellie: Hero Arts Stamp
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Spellbinceder's Nestabilities, EK Success 3D Dots

Thanks for stopping by today; I hope you will hop along with us and wish Deb a Happy Birthday. Deb, here's to you, I hope you are having a fabulous day! Next stop along the hop is Kelly from Wishin' I was stampin'.

Angela

CAS PTI Christmas

Hello! I recieved a box of PTI goodies last week and today I had the chance to sit down and play a bit. I was really excited to work with the new tree die! I combined 2 cards that Nichole Heady and Maile Belles had created for the last release and this is what I came up with. I like the non-traditional Christmas colors.

The card was very simple to put together. The pink layer has a bit of sponging and I ran the white layer through the Cuttlebug with the woodgrain impression plate (the tree trunk is impressed as well). I stitched the buttons in place before adhering the tree to the card and finished it off with a simple sentiment.

Sentiment: PTI Holiday Button Bits

Paper: PTI Stamper's Select, Simply Chartreuse, Hibiscus Burst, and Dark Chocolate

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Palette New Canvas

Embellies: PTI Buttons in Pure Poppy and Hibiscus Burst

Extras: PTI Woodgrain Impression Plate, PTI Simply Chartreuse Felt, PTI Tree Die, DMC Floss, SU! Corner Rounder Punch

That's all I have for now; I hope to be able to dig into that PTI box a bit more later....

Thanks for stopping by!

Angela

Tuesday Morning Sketches #60: Handmade Flowers

Good morning! It's time for some fun from Melissa at the Tuesday Morning Sketches blog. This week the challenge is to make flowers!

My card uses an image from Stamping Bella, a sentiment from Penny Black, the MFT Die-namics Rolled Flower die, and The Cat's Pajamas Flower Buttons CutUp die (leaves). Kim has a nice tutorial using the MFT die on You Tube; click here to view.

Image: Stamping Bella
Sentiment: Penny Black
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Sakura Black Glaze Pen
Paper: PTI Stamper's Select and Dark Chocolate, SU! So Saffron
Embellies: Swarovski Flatback Crystals in "Smoked Topaz"
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, MFT Die-namics Rolled Flower Die, PTI Felt in RaspberryFizz and Harvest Gold, The Cat's Pajamas Flower Buttons CutUps Die, MFT Green Felt, EK Success 3D Dots

I hope you'll hop on over to the Tuesday Morning Sketches blog to check out the Design Team's fun creations. I am excited to see what Hollyanne, Jackie, Jessica, Lisa, Melissa, and Theresa have created! I am hoping to see your creations too; so please play along!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Angela

Cupcake Anyone?

Good Monday morning! How did Monday get here so fast? Today I have a card to share using one of The Cat's Pajamas new release stamps " Coffee, Tea, or Meow?" I like that some of the newer stamps are a bit bigger...this one was perfect for paper piecing. I combined The Cat's Pajama's Tuesday Supply Challenge "Mad for Plaid" with Mercy's sketch "MTSC91"

The basic card came together quickly, but I had a bit of difficulty embellishing this one. I had first planned to used crystals for Sprinkle's eyes and necklace, but they were too big.... Then the flower I wanted to embellish it with wasn't right either.... Next I thought I would use one of my cup/saucer charms.... Oops, I guess I used all of those up for a swap! I settled on some ribbon and a simple bow. Maybe that's all it needs; there is plenty going on with the plaid and the scallops....

Image: The Cat's Pajamas "Coffee, Tea, or Meow?"
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Black Sharpie
Paper: PTI Stamper's Select and Dark Chocolate, SU! Pixie Pink, Doodlebug DP
Embellie: SU! Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Spellbinder's Nestabilities, EK Success 3D Dots

Have you decided which cupcake you would like? I call the one with the cherry on top!

Thanks for stopping by today; I hope your day is a good one!

Angela

2 Challenges in 1

Hello! How is your weekend going? I had the lucky fortune of making 1 card for 2 challenges...I love it when that happens! The Tiddly Inks challenge this week was "our pets" and I used Jen del Muro's Sketch For You To Try.

I used the Tiddly Inks digi image "Catgirl" from the Gothic Cute line. I was really tempted to make a Halloween card, but I was thinking how they say sometimes you can start to look like your pet.... Have you ever heard reference to the "Crazy Cat Lady? Well, I think "Catgirl" might be on her way! LOL I really like how Christy's images are cute, not scary.

In addition to some fun pet paper that I had in my stash, I used the "Pinking" nesties along with the PTI large ric rac die and a paw print brad. The image is colored with pencils and accented with black and white gel pens, and the image panel is sponged to "dirty it up" a bit like the DP.

Image: Tiddly Inks Digi Image "Catgirl"

Ink: PTI Vintage Cream, SU! Sahara Sand, Sakura Black and White Gel Pens

Paper: G.P. 110, SU! Bashful Blue, PTI Dark Chocolate, Bo-Bunny DP

Embellies: PTI Dark Chocolate Felt, Paw Print Brad

Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Spellbinder's Nestabilities, PTI Large Ric Rac Die, QuicKutz "Frankie" Alphabet/Handtool, EK Success 3D Dots

Thanks for stopping by today!

Angela

Bellarific Friday: It's a Sketch

Happy Friday! Our challenge at Blogabell today was my favorite kind...a sketch! When I fist saw this sketch, I thought it would be fun to use one of the Jenni Bowlin bingo cards I have been hoarding; I thought one would be perfect tucked right behind the long vertical strip.

The image is colored with pencils and the jammies are paper pieced. I've used the bingo card for embellishing, along with some ribbon from my stamping friend Chrissy and some buttons from my stamping friend Jen. The sketch is pictured below.

Image: Stamping Bella

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper: PTI Stamper's Select, SU! Pretty in Pink and Basic Grey Euphoria

Embellies: Jenni Bowlin Bingo Card, White Crinkle Ribbon, SU! Soft Subtles Buttons

Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Spellbinder's Nestabilities, EK Success 3D Dots

If you'd like a chance to win some Bella Bucks, all you have to do is leave a comment on Blogabella after you check out today's goodies....

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day!

Angela

DeNami Cuddly Critters Blog Hop

Good morning! Welcome to the DeNami Cuddly Critters Blog Hop! The hop officially starts at 8 AM, PST, so I am a bit early. If you would like to hop along, you have until September 16, 11:59 PST, to leave comments on all the blogs (to be eligible for a prize).

DeNami is giving away THREE $20 gift certificates to their website! They'll be giving away one gift certificate to a random participant and TWO gift certificates to TWO people who comment along the hop! How cool is that?!

If you are here for the hop, you probably arrived from Annette's blog: Feeding the Soul with Art If you encounter a hiccup during the hop, you can refer back to the DeNami Design blog.

I have actually made 3 CAS cards for the hop. I used the same stamp, colored the same way, for each card. The images are colored with Primsacolor Pencils and Goo Gone. I thought it would be fun to show how you can get different looks with the same stamp.


First up is a card using a technique that I love to do...it's as easy as 1-2-3! Pierce, score, embellish.... This technique is quick and easy and I love the fun little border it creates! I went monochromatic with the cardstock and choose Swarovski "AB" Crystals for embellishing. I was so glad I was able to capture the pink shimmer of the crystals when I photographed the card.

For my second card, I again kept the card monochromatic with shades of cream. The felt flower is cut with a Spellbinder's die; I added some pearls and finished off the card with some satin ribbon.

For my third card, I was going for a Tiffany effect with the blue card base, made with Bazzill Bling which has such a lovely shimmer. I embellished with white satin ribbon topped with a taffeta gingham ribbon. This card measures 4x4.

Following are the recipies for the cards:

#1

Image: DeNami

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper: PTI Stamper's Select, Sweet Blush

Embellies: Swarovski "AB" Flatback Crystals

Extras: Prismas/Goo Gone, Tim Holtz Piercing Ruler, Lasting Impressions Piercer, Scor-Pal, Spellbinder's Nestabilities, EK Success 3D Dots

#2

Image: DeNami

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper: PTI Vintage Cream

Embellies: PTI Vintage Cream Felt, The Paper Studio Pearls, Cream Satin Ribbon

Extras: Prismas/Goo Gone, Spellbinder's Nestabilities

#3

Image: DeNami

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper: PTI Stamper's Select and Pure Black, Bazzill Bling
Embellies: White Satin Ribbon, Black/White Taffeta Gingham Ribbon

Extras: Prismas/Goo Gone, Spellbinder's Nestabilities, EK Success 3D Dots

Thanks for hopping along! Next up is DeNami's DT Member Rebeka with Beca's Sketches.

I hope you have enjoyed the hop today...don't forget to comment for the chance to win a DeNami gift certificate!

Thanks for stopping by!

Angela

It's Bellarific Friday...On a Sunday!

Good morning! I was so excited when I went to Blogabella and saw that Em was delaying Bellarific Friday! Yay, I had time to whip something up! Fortunately I found this card in my "to be finished later" bin...the image was colored, all the layers were cut, and all I had to do was add adhesive and embellish.... What could be easier than that?

The image is colored with my trusty Crayolas, the gold panel was run through the Cuttlebug, and I added a snippet of ribbon with a football brad. I wish all cards were completed so quickly; I will have to visit my "to be finished later" bin more often!

Image: Stamping Bella
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: PTI Stamper's Select and True Black, SU! Summer Sun
Embellies: Wrights Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Eyelet Outlet Football Brad
Extras: Crayola Colored Pencils, EK Success 3D Dots

The theme for Bellarific Friday this week was "Back to School". For me, this cheerleader image was perfect...back to school meant getting out my rockets and pom poms.... Back to school meant football cheerleading; I was also a basketball cheerleader, but there was nothing quite as exciting as the football season. The crisp, fall air; the excitement of a winning season. Back in the day, our school was a football powerhouse. We had so much fun! We had a great coach; we did lots of fun stunts, games and skits at our weekly pep rallys. For the home games we would paint a run through for the team and we would take turns hosting the other cheerleaders, on the squad, for supper before the game. We would work hours to perfect a dance routine that was presented at the Homecoming pep rally. We would also get corsages from the team for Homecoming; they were HUGE spider mums with ribbons dangling with football charms.... Yes, they were ugly! LOL We also had a "football buddy" and we would decorate their locker and leave them treats inside.... Yes, we would also sneak treats for ourselves too! LOL Anyway, this walk down memory lane was fun for me; those were good times!

I would love to hear what you remember about back to school...please share!

One lucky commenter (and contributer) will win Bella Bucks over at Blogabella, so stop over and check out all the goodies. You never know when you will be the lucky winner!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Angela

Tiddly Inks "Happy Birthday" Challenge

Hello! I'm back! I have been out of commission this past week; I was first hit with an extreme case of vertigo which triggered the mother of all migraines. I feel like I have lost a week.... I am just thankful the headache is now managable and I am up walking on two feet; I am also thankful to my DH and my Dr. for taking such good care of me. Even the kitties were concerned; funny how animals seem to know when something isn't right....

Today I have a birthday card for this week's Tiddly Inks challenge. We were to make a card or an invite. Since I have a 12 year old daughter, I thought this might be handy for the stash. I used the digital image "Happy Bugg", and I kept the card simple to focus on her cuteness! She's colored with pencils and doused in glitter. I used Martha Stewart's Crystal Fine for the frosting; it has the look of sugar. Art Glitter was applied to her wings, which are super sparkly. Her eyes are dotted with a black gel pen. I used my favorite birthday go-to DP...the numbers collage from American Crafts. The card is finished off with some PTI baker's twine and a candle. DD has given it her stamp of approval...whew!

I used Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #90...she really has some awesome sketches. Check them out!

Image: Tiddly Inks Digital Image "Happy Bugg"
Ink: SU! Black Marker, Sakura Black Gel Pen
Paper: G.P. 110, PTI Sweet Blush and Dark Chocolate, American Crafts DP
Embellies: Art Glitter in "Angel Dust", Martha Stewart Crystal Fine Glitter, PTI Dark Chocolate Baker's Twine, Cake Mate Candle
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Spellbinder's Nestabilities, EK Success 3D Dots

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you are enjoying this beautiful fall weekend!

Angela

The "Special Project"

Hello, and happy Friday! I have finally finished the project I have been working on. Nothing like waiting until the last minute.... I'll pick the kids up from school and then we'll deliver the tree for the fundraiser.

A family I know from work lost their father from pancreatic cancer and they now hold a yearly fundraiser. It's a combination of a "walk, run, wag" and a basket raffle, among other things. They do a wonderful job and raise a lot of money to help those fighting the battle with cancer. They are amazing people, so gracious and thankful to those who donate to help the cause. In reality, it is I who is thankful to be given the opportunity to help.

Cancer has had a profound impact on my life. I lost my Grandma a little over 4 years ago, while at the same time my Dad was waiting to undergo treatment. He didn't want to tell Grandma and have her worry. My Dad has been one of the lucky ones; after 2 different types of cancer, 2 major surgeries, and a long round of radiation he is doing well. This experience has changed me in ways that are hard to explain. I am guessing it is like that for many.

This tree is dedicated to those who are currently fighting the battle, to those who have won the battle and to those who have lost.... God bless them all.

Now, a little bit about the tree. The first photo is "Little Flurry", the second is "Snowflake" and the last is the entire tree. It's a 3 foot tall pencil tree and Snowflake and the Little Flurries are handmade. It was a family effort; the kids like to help with stuffing and painting the wooden snowflakes. Even DH helps! This year he had to get out his drill to make the hole in the trunk larger after I had the great idea to use hot glue to hold the tree in place.... After applying the hot glue, the tree wouldn't go on the spike. This kind of mishap is common, but part of the fun! This one is a bit more primitive than most I have done; I have done many different themes over the years. Cats, dogs, angels, santas, and lots of assorted snowmen....

Tips and tricks:

Many times when you use hot glue on a project, you will see those annoying "glue threads". A quick fix for this is to blast them with your blow dryer. This will cause the glue to melt and then you can't see it. I learned this while attending a demonstration given by a floral designer. Try it, it works!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Angela

Hello! How was your Wednesday? I'm so glad we are over the hump; tomorrow is actually my Friday!

I had a busy day today working on my "special project"; I was hoping to get done.... I'm not quite done, but almost. I did have a little bit of help from Caramel. She had fun getting into the polyester stuffing.... It cracked me up the way she would sneak away with pieces of it. She looks a wee bit crabby in the second photo...I decided not to move her.... She looked so comfy after all!

Alright, back to the card. I almost didn't play the SCS sketch challenge today, but decided I needed a bit of fun. I decided to go with Halloween and bright colors! Plus, Fluffles is always fun!

Image: Stampendous

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, SU! Black Marker

Paper: G.P. 110, SU! Pink Passion and Basic Black, Doodlebug DP, Doodlebug Glitter CS

Embellies: SU! Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Glitteries Glitter, Google Eyes (H.L.)

Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Cuttlebug Doodlebug Halloween Die, EK Success 3D Dots

Thanks for stopping by! I'll be back Friday with a picture of the finished "special project".

Angela