Paper Trufflez

Head in the clouds?

It's nothing but blue skies with A Muse's new Cloud paper! *wink*

All the critters were stamped and colored directly on Chiffon Green paper--the soft green color makes it possible to do that! But, my mushroom's polka dots needed a little livening up, so I highlighted those with White Smooch--very awesome stuff to highlight images with.  I love mushrooms--both rubbah and real! *chuckle*

I was worried "Hello" would have gotten lost in the clouds, so I stamped it separately onto white and 3D mounted it, and I think that works lovely, giving a little bit of dimension to the design without losing balance or detracting from my happy li'l critters inching by. *grin*

This design was one I created for store samples and I loved it especially!  Visit your LSS to see more fun samples, and git yourself some of this fun Cloud paper!

How did it get to be Wednesday already?

 

Supplies - Stamps:  Caterpillar, Mushrooms, Snail, "Hello" all by A Muse Artstamps; Cloud, Toffee, Chiffon Green papers all by A Muse; Sky Blue Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon by A Muse; Copic Markers available at A Muse; White Smooch by Clearsnap

Sittin' on a log...

Wait a minute, we don't have a log.  Or do we?! Heh, heh, heh!

We do today! *wink*

After stamping the Modern Woodgrain Block, I just trimmed it out to resemble one, and then sponged the edges to give it a little more definition.

 

Someone's prolly already done this, but that's OK!  I still feel BRILLIANT!!! *chortle*

Two cards in one day!  Man, that's gotta be a record for me! LOL!

The Muses have more inspiring ideas over on the A Muse News Blog today, so don't forget to stop by there and ogle 'em!

 

Supplies - Stamps: Squirrel, "Just sittin here...", Modern Woodgrain Block (I illustrated that one! *grin*) by A Muse Artstamps; Apricot Paper by A Muse; Stitched Lime Grosgrain Ribbon by A Muse; Copic Markers available at A Muse; Flower punch by EK Success; Tangerine Mini Brad by American Crafts; Patterned Paper from Green at Heart Collection by Basic Grey

Let's do lunch!

I'm late to share my inspiring ideas for the A Muse Woodland Critters, but, better late than never, right?! *grin*

If you've ever had wee ones, chances are you've read The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle to them.  My kids adored all his books when they were little!

As you well know, Caterpillar eats his way through quite a few things, but I wouldn't be able to fit all of 'em on a single card. *wink*  So, hopefully, this conveys the idea well enough.  *chuckle*

 

Munch-munch!

I must confess to bouncing when I finished this one, cuz it turned out even better than in my head!  Yay! (arms wrapped around self, deep chortling!)

Check out the other fabulous designs by the Muses, that are showcased at the A Muse News Blog!

 

Supplies - Stamps: Caterpillar, Gerbera Daisy, "Let's do lunch" by A Muse Artstamps; Sky Blue 4 bar Note Card by A Muse; Copic Markers available at A Muse; Stickles in Lime and Yellow available at A Muse; Martha Stewart Grass Border Punch available at A Muse; 1 1/2" Scallop Circle Punch by EK Success; Leaf Punch by Martha Stewart; Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder

Some cards . . .

. . . are not easy to make, and never will be.

I'm not sure why I reach for greens and blues when I make these kinds of designs--it must be that they are calming and soothing to me.  Rather than black, I matted with slate, which I think softens the design.  The flowers were stamped in grey as well, to convey a more subdued tone.

This is a nice fall-to layout to rely on and works exceptionally well for 4 bar note cards (3.5 x 5").

Supplies- Wild Blossom, "Deepest Sympathy" by A Muse Artstamps; Sage 4 bar note card by A Muse; Sky Blue Twinkle Stickers by A Muse; Copic Markers available at A Muse; London Fog Memento Ink; Button by Making Memories

Easter Tag, 5MQ

Sometimes, all ya' need are a few good punches. *grin*

It was kinda ridiculous how fast this came together!  Talk about yer 5MQ!!!  Criminitly!

This came from SCRAPS!  SCRAPS I'm tellin' ya'!!!

And, that's all I got to say about that!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Could I *use* any more exclamation points??!!! (said in best Chandler Bing voice)

Supplies:  "Happy Easter" stamp by A Muse; 4 Bar note card and Fern Sheer Polka Dot Ribbon by A Muse; Patterned Paper from "Green At Heart" Collection by Basic Grey; Scallop Border Punch by Fiskars; Corner Chomper (tag) by WR Memory Keepers; Bunny Punch by Martha Stewart; Pom pom (craft supply)

A Muse/Hero Arts Designer Swap: Jennifer McGuire & me!

WOO HOO!!!  Swapped again! *grin*

Today, I get to swap with Jennifer, of Hero Arts!

Check out the Hero Arts blog to see what I made , and the A Muse News blog to see what Jennifer created!

Peeps, thar be RUBBAH to be won at BOTH blogs, so be sure to visit and leave a comment to enter!

Are we havin' fun yet?

Oh, yeah, baby!!!

**************************************************************************

Here's a li'l peek at what I did--full versions are on display at Hero Arts:

A Muse Artstamps/Hero Arts Design Team Swap 2010

*click the pic to enlarge*

Today marks the beginning of the A Muse Artstamps/Hero Arts Design Team Swap! YAY!!!  I am dying to see what their team has done with our stamps, and what our team has done with theirs cuz we've only seen our own creations! 

We were to each take an assortment of the other company's stamps and make 5 designs!  The above was not one of my 5, but I've been wanting to create something with this beautiful Circle Doily image by Hero and been in a boggle trying to think of a design that would show it off.  When what to my wondering eyes should appear?  But, the poifect layout sketch, p. 20, of the Mar/Apr 2010 issue of Paper Crafts magazine!  LOL!

It's also in keeping with the Moxie Fab World Challenge: Diggin' on Doilies & Lace  AND I think it also fit well with the Tuesday Trigger: Texture + Color = Fun!

The Tuesday Trigger inspired me to use the new Basic Grey Green at Heart 6x6 Paper Pad, and the lace?  Well, self-explanatory.

Be sure to keep your eye on the A Muse News and Hero Arts blogs to see what each team of designers did--I've been on pins and needles myself! 

Happy Monday to ya'!

 

Supplies:  Circle doily by Hero Arts (white embossed with detail white embossing powder then sponged over with brown ink to highlight and accentuate); Green at Heart Patterned Paper Collection by Basic Grey; Alpha Stickers by American Crafts; Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon by A Muse; Ruffled Suede Ribbon by May Arts, Chocolate Pearls by A Muse

The Bear.

The last time I saw my friend and colleague Heather, she took some shots of Bear.  I think we had to bribe him with treats to get him to sit still long enough, cuz most of the time, he's a blur of fur.  LOL!

When she sent me these shots, I got all verklempt . . . that's *my* Bear Dog.  (heart palpitations)

His nose is blackening more and more all the time, as the vet told me it would; eventually all the pink will be gone.  He's about 20 lbs. now, and reminds me of an arctic fox.

He's a lively pup, but I was sick the other day, and he was so gentle and tender with me--like he *knew* I was not feeling well.  Folks have told me animals *know* and shared some stories of their pets that gave me the warm fuzzies.  Literally.

The vet told me that Eskies are good guard dogs and that when he is fully grown, he will protect me if I'm in danger.  I believe him.  The other day a pair of deer antlers Dave found and keeps on a post in the backyard got blown down by the wind.  Bear did his thing--danced all around them, barking ferociously.  When they didn't move, he would spring at them, then away quickly.  You know.  Just in case.  Finally, he licked them.  Nope.  No movement.  Nada.  So, he plopped himself down and proceeded to gnaw on them.  LOL!

He howled the other day.  I'd never heard him do that before.  There are coyotes about, so I'm always watchful when I let him outside to frolic on his own.  At first, I thought it was the coyotes--they always howl.  But, as I ran past the window, in a panic to save my dog from the coyotes, I stopped short.  It was Bear!  For an instant, he looked like a miniature white wolf, howling up at the moon (OK, it was full daylight, but you know what I mean.)  When I stepped out onto the porch he immediately stopped and looked at me as if this were something he does all the time.  Totally normal.

Why do dogs howl, anyway?  I am curious.

Thanks for asking about him.  I know I'm biased, but I think he's a beautiful pup. *mondo grin*

A lucky day . . .

 

*click on the pic to enlarge*

Happy St. Pat's Day!

This is a fun way to spread the luck AND do sumpin' a wee bit o' good for The Planetoid we all hang out on--you can recycle those coffee cup sleeves you'd normally toss in the trash by sealing the bottom, covering them with paper and stamping fun things to embellish 'em with!  Then, it makes a nifty "pocket" to slip a gift card into and mount to a card front.  It's a card PLUS.  Heh, heh, heh!!!

See?!  Every litter bit helps. *grin*

Stamp Credits:  Pot of Gold, Clouds, Tiny Shamrock, "Have a Lucky Day" all by A Muse
Petite Gingham, Solid Buttercup Card Stocks by A Muse
Stitched Ribbon by A Muse
Pebbles Shimmer Chalks available at A Muse
Yellow Stickles available at A Muse
Grass Border Punch by Martha Stewart available at A Muse
Copic Markers available at A Muse
Brilliance Graphite Black Ink
Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink in French Blue
Hero Arts Chalk Ink in Grass
2 3/4" Circle Punch by EK Success
3" Scallop Circle Punch by EK Success

Hi, friend

I hate to disappoint, but honestly I had no "grand" plans for the felt--just felt flowers for my cards, and flower brooches to wear . . . doesn't take much to make me happy, and flowers pretty much do the job. OK, LOTS of felt flowers make me happy.  LOL!

I love--LOVE--this patterned paper pack (Cherry Hill) by October Afternoon.  This card was inspired by one I'd seen by Angie->Happy Mother's Day --it just made me swoon and I loved how she combined the colors and patterns.  Anyhoo, I thought it would be fun to use one of my new felt flowers on the clear acetate tag.

My gel pen was skipping on me quite a bit so my handwritten sentiment didn't turn out as "smooth" as I would have liked.

So.  I never used to like grey.  Never. Now I've gone 180.  What's up with that?! *shakes head*

And I can't believe I don't already have a bee punch (among the buckets and buckets of punches I have, crikey!).  Note to self:  SHOP FOR GOOD BEE PUNCH.

Happy Monday!

Stamp Credits:  Bee from Warble Clear set by Dear Lizzy for American Crafts
Patterned Paper:  Cherry Hill Collection by October Afternoon
Dies:  Flower Layers (by Sizzix), Flowers 2x6 die pair (Cuttlebug)
Wool/Rayon Blend Felt
Acetate Metal Edge Tag from Impress
Button from Buttons and Blossoms Collection by Making Memories
Red Hemp
Corner Chomper (Rounder) by WR Memory Keepers
Scallop Border Punch by Fiskars
Uniball Signo White Gel Pen
Yellow Stickles

Simple Mum Collage

click the pic to enlarge

My hubbs asked if I ever make a card without a greeting on the front . . . and I realized that it's very rare that I do.  But, sometimes, a design develops and there's really no place to put one without throwing the whole thing outta' whack, UKWIM?

And, sometimes the design really is more effective if the wording remains only on the inside.  Alas, I have nothing brilliant inside this one.  At the moment.  LOL!  This one's just pretty eye candy on the outside, blank on the inside. 

But, that's OK; one of the things that drives me crazy about store-bought cards is poetic sap.  You find a visually beautiful card, and then it's aruined by "drivel".  I can't buy it.  Can.not.buy.it.  Because I don't talk like that (obviously). *insert rolling eyeballs*

Moving right along, cuz it's Friday and you know what that means:  tomorrow is Saturday.  Bestest day of the week by golly! *grin*

This design is an example of what I like to call "collage light".  Like Bud Light.  Only not beer.

Went so far as to create a "button nook"--you know, punching an ellipse with a circle punch to snuggle a button into. Layered the pretty patterned papers I'd made, popping up the focal panel. 

Instead of the usual gutter crease, however, I decided to do a more "book-binding" treatment by scoring an additional line on the front panel and gluing that section of the card to itself--nothing crazy, cuz I'm too lazy. *snarf* 

Trusted my gut that chocolate twine/hemp would suit this particular design best.  Good move! (deep chortling, arms wrapped 'round self, considerable amount of bouncing)

I debated . . . you know, trying to figure out a way to fit a greeting on there.  And, actually, I think I could  . . .  but, it just looked so nice without one. (holds it out, arms length and ponders).  Nope.  I don't think it "needs" one.  Yeah.  I love this just the way it is. *mondo grin*

Happy, happy Friday!

Stamp Credits:  Open Chrysanthemum, Leaf Frond, Leaf Trio (all illustrated by moi for A Muse)
French Roast Note card by A Muse
Fluid Chalk Ink in Pink Pastel, Olive Pastel
Versamark Ink
White Detail Embossing Powder
Button by SU!
Chocolate Twine, craft supply

A Splendid Day

There's something about a big cabbage rose that always draws me in--they remind me of romantic cottages with chintz curtains, cushy over-stuffed chairs and all things cozy. *grin*

The tiny rose was repeatedly stamped with  Memento Ladybug Red ink over soft pink card stock for the scalloped border and the big rose itself was stamped in Memento Bamboo Leaves so I could color in the flower with Copics, without having to mask or do any detail cutting to overlay it. I blended "sloppy" so it would look more watercolored. I outlined it with a warm grey, but it would also have looked nice outlined in a pale blue/cyan hue, i.e. Cool Shadow (Copic).

Outlining in black gives more definition to the focal layer, which is echoed by a narrow black mat.  And to keep the balance and flow a few black mini brads were added to the upper right corner.  The rose was also detailed with a Black Glaze pen to bring more "pop" to the whole design.

Hope your Wednesday is indeed splendid!

Stamp Credits:  Whistle Clear Set by Dear Lizzy for American Crafts
Ink:  Brilliance Graphite Black, Memento Bamboo Leaves & Ladybug Red
Copic Ciao Markers
Black Mini Brads by Doodlebug
Black Glaze Pen by Sakura
Scallop Border Punch by Fiskars