Playing with a Sketch Layout

I had never done this sketch from CAS19. I liked it as soon as I saw it, but just never played along. I got the idea into my head that Always Artichoke and Blush Blossom would look good together. I am not sure I chose the best images for this, but overall I am happy with how this simple little card came together.
Yah, this was a nice sketch, I will do this again.

Cardstock; textured Blush Blossom, Always Artichoke, Whisper White

Ink; Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke

Stamps; Polka Dot Punches, Really Retro

Accessories; Always Artichoke grosgrain, dimensionals

Last of the Vellum

I was low on inspiration, so I zipped over to Splitcoast and took a look at the Clean and Simple challenges that I have not finished yet. This one fits for CAS10 - Monochromatic.

I stamped my flower image in Rose Red and Ridinghood Red, but in a line image it is hard to distinguish the difference. I stamped my sentiment in Bravo Burgundy on a vellum sheet. Then I used a hole punch to run my ribbon through. To keep the soft look, I used my EK Success edge punch.

So it was not till I sat down to write this post that I realized that I can add one more card to my vellum series!

More Vellum

Here is another card in my 'vellum series'. This was a technique I stumbled upon called Vitalized Vellum. You apply ink to your vellum in whatever manner you like (sponge, direct from pad) making sure the whole sheet is covered. Then you use a stamp to remove some ink in whatever pattern you desire. If you are re stamping the same stamp you must clean it between applications. I tried this with Night of Navy and Kiwi Kiss, but I did not love how those strong colors looked. So I went with the Soft Subtles. Much better.
Card stock; Pale Plum, Whisper White, vellum
Ink; Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Bashful Blue
Stamps; Snow Burst, Punches Three
Accessories; Bashful Blue grosgrain, scallop square punch, sewing machine, dimensionals.

The First of my Vellum Cards

I had this floating around in my mind for a while before I finally made it a reality. It took a bit of a turn, but I am happy with the end result. I embossed the vellum with the Birds and Swirls cuttlebug folder and the card took on a wedding look. So I cut some Whisper White card stock with my butterfly die and then used the letterpress technique to cut and ink my butterfly.
To finish off the card I used a lots of tags die to make the sentiment panel and punched a small butterfly .
I have a Whisper White panel on the inside of the card for messages.
I hope that I will have somewhat regular posts over the next two weeks. We are renovating the kitchen, so the house is in a bit of disarray. Plus I am taking the kids away for some of the worst of the reno. That means I will be blogging from my Mom and Dads house. But way back in February I tried doing that and Mom and Dad lack some serious technology.

Card stock; Whisper White, Sage Shadow, So Saffron
Ink; Sage Shadow, So Saffron
Stamps;
Accessories; cuttlebug dies, cuttlebug folders, MS butterfly punch, scallop edge punch,

Canada's Best Fourth of July Party

I said a few posts back that I was hosting an Independence Day party for a friend that moved here from the States. I did not take any photos once the party was underway, but I do have some shots of the decorations. (I will be checking Facebook later, I am sure some pics will make their way there)
Buffet table and citronella stakes; Glasses holding cutlery;

Drink parasols and paper fireworks;

Table decor and background streamers; We did a potluck style thing and the food was amazing. I served 3 different punches; one red, one blue and one white (clear). We had a great time and my poor little American was so touched. We got our husbands to meet as well (the men don't really know each other). It was a great time AND someone in my neighbourhood was setting off fireworks anyhow!

Card stock; Whisper White, Riding hood Red, Pacific Point

Ink; Riding hood Red, Pacific Point

Stamps; Starstruck

Accessories; bamboo skewers, streamers, paper lanterns, citronella candles, citronella torches, vinyl table cloth, Handy Husband, Good Friends.

Some Special Mail

This beautiful card came from Jackie Wright. I have had it for awhile now. I kept meaning to post her fabulous card for you all to see, but things happen.

The trigger that really pushed me to post Jackie's RAK was this card that came from Faith. I am sorry, I don't know much more than that. She lives in Red Deer and she makes beautiful cards. (her address was blurred beyond recognition)

I made this card. I was going to post my 'vellum series' but it is not really done yet. So I was looking for a quick subsitute card. I have never showed you the Father's Day card my kids gave their dad. He was sitting next to me that Saturday night when I made it. I am sure there was very little surprise when he got it Sunday morning.
Cardstock; Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, American Crafts Metropolitan line DP

Ink; Old Olive, Chocolate Chip

Stamps; Thoughts and Prayers, All About Argyle

Accessories; spiral punch, edge distresser, square punch, double stitched grosgrain

Anything BUT a Card

A few weeks ago I had a basement full of ladies and we were making photo frames! It was a fun time. We were not intending to stamp on the frames (well I was) but once I started this frame everybody else wanted to try it too. So I got pushed out of the way and have not yet completed my two other frames. They are coming, I promise. So this frame is made of MDF and it is 18" X 18". The opening is 5" X 7". I painted it a color called Plum (by Folkart, maybe...) and heat embossed Upsy Daisy in white. Then I used my cuttlebug and Martha Stewart punch make some acetate butterflies, I stamped them with white to help them stand out a bit. I glued the butterflies down with Crystal Effects and gave them pearl bodies.
This will house a photo of DD, I also have one in the works for DS and another that is waiting to be the home of our family photo.