Justin Big Brother Gift & Card

I had lots of fun making name frames for gifts over the past few weeks. I made a set for two special children on my husband's side of the family. I met their parents (dad is first cousins to hubby) at our wedding four years ago and can't wait for Christmas when we will travel to see them again. Since our last encounter, they've welcomed Justin and Emily to their family. Here's the gift I made for Emily. This post shows what big brother Justin will receive. Some of the challenges that inpired me have closed, but they were perfect for what I needed. Just goes to show you how the inspiration still continues even after the deadlines. Hmm, or does it just show that I'm running a bit behind? :o) (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

The Gift:

Sketch Inspiration ~ Midnight Madness Sketch #27

Once again, I flipped the awesome sketch from the midnight madness team for my project.

Inspiration

365 Cards Day 165 ~ Shape Up: Star (star as dominant shape)

You are certainly seeing stars with this one!

My Creation

The Card:

Sketch Inspiration ~ Get Sketchy #13

Inspiration

365 Cards Day 250 ~ Marvelous Mondrian (inspired by this artist, Piet Mondrian)

I choose this super cool piece, that just HAPPENED to fall into the sketch theme.

Cute Card Thursday #88 ~ Snips, Snails & Puppy Dog Tails (Card for young boy)

Pals Paper Arts #18 ~ KISS (Keep It Simple, Sweetie)

My Creation

 

INS AND OUTS ~ Justin Big Brother Gift
Challenges:
Midnight Madness Sketch #27
365 Cards Day 165 ~ Shape Up: Star
Paper: A Boy’s World Page Kit (The Paper Studio)
Accessories: Chipboard Letters (The Paper Studio)
INS AND OUTS ~ Card for Justin
Challenges:
Get Sketchy #13
365 Cards Day 250 ~ Marvelous Mondrian
Cute Card Thursday #88 ~ Snips, Snails & Puppy Dog Tails
Pals Paper Arts #18 ~ KISS
Paper: DCWV Fun in the Sun, A Boy’s World Page Kit (The Paper Studio)
Accessories: A Boy’s World Page Kit (The Paper Studio)

Ball Wedding Gift

Another wedding gift for a dear friend. I’d been so caught up in my own hectic life I didn’t even know she was engaged until I received the wedding invitation! I feel like such a bad friend, but I know she understands. Mom’s illness and hubby’s job lay off kind of became my main focus for the past 2 years. (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

Sketch Inspiration ~ 365 Cards Day 169 ~ Super Sketchy Sunday

I rotated the sketch.

Inspiration

365 Cards Day 182 ~ Sporty Saturday

Another TOTAL cheat here, but since Ball is their last name; doesn’t that count for the challenge?

My Creation

Image Detail

TIP ~ Here’s another example of customizing your supplies to fit the project at hand. I LOVED these chipboard letters – they are FUZZY! However, they were also BRIGHT red in color. Quick fix was to take find the perfect marker match and color over it. I was surprised how well my Copic changed the color of the chipboard and the fuzz to what I was looking for. I had to freehand the 2009.

INS AND OUTS ~ Ball Wedding Gift
Challenges:
365 Cards Day 169 ~ Super Sketchy Sunday
365 Cards Day 182 ~ Sporty Saturday
Paper: Close to My Heart Designer Paper, Pressed Petals Venetian Matstack
Ink: Copic R59, Gold Spica
Accessories: Walmart Frame, Pressed Petals Fuzzy Chipboard Letters, Nestabilities (Classic Small Rectangle, Large Deckled Rectangle), Making Memories Vintage Findings Hardware, Stampin Up Ribbon

Jacob Baby Gift

Hopefully I’ll get this mailed out before the end of the year. Jacob was born in May so it would be nice to get his gift to him before he’s walking and talking! I wasn’t sure how his nursery was decorated so I went with a classic little boy palette. This can be hung in his room for several years if mom and dad wish. (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

Sketch Inspiration ~ Midnight Madness Sketch #29

I flipped the sketch and opted to use vertical stripes in the background instead of individual blocks since the name was broken out instead of one solid image.

Inspiration

365 Cards Day 269 ~ Tied Up in Knots

I often struggle with tying bows and almost always use the knot method.

Belli Challenge #79 ~ Chipboard

My Creation

I don’t have a die cut machine so I used chipboard letters.

Image Detail

TIP ~  I’m a bargain shopper and will often pick up an embellishment (in this case chipboard ABCs) because of the price and not always the look. In this creation, the chipboard letters are their natural color. However, these are the same set of letters I used for the Reyes wedding frame post. I liked the style of the letter and used my markers to color the letters to match the purple theme. Bright blue wouldn’t have quite meshed so nicely. Just remember to use what you have on hand to extend your supplies.

INS AND OUTS ~ Jacob Baby Gift
Challenges:
Midnight Madness Sketch #29
365 Cards Day 269 ~ Tied Up in Knots
Belli Challenge #79 ~ Chipboard
Paper: DCWV Nana’s Kids Stack
Accessories: Walmart Frame, Stampin Up Grosgrain Ribbon, Misc Brads, K & Company Chipboard Alphabet

Reyes Wedding Gift

I was on a roll creating wedding and baby gifts this past week. Finally have a moment to get them all posted. Still need to make a few cards to match up with the gifts, but that should be fairly easy. (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

Sketch Inspiration ~ Midnight Madness Week Sketch #14

I flipped the sketch and used a horizontal ‘grounding’ element behind the letters instead of a vertical.

Inspiration

365 Cards Day 158 ~ What’s Your Sign? (create a sign)

So is this cheating? My creation IS a sign! I’m still working to get caught up at 365. It’s a real challenge!

My Creation

I used DCWV Glitter and Shimmer cardstock to mat the letters.

 

Image Detail

TIP ~ I used Stampin Up Hodgepodge Hardware as accents. The brushed silver heart charms are from the wedding supplies section of the craft store. I got a bag of 8 charms for $1.99 (actually half off because of a sale). My best tip to crafters is to check out all areas of your favorite stores. Ribbon is typically cheaper in the fabric and wedding departments than the paper crafting area. Plus, you can find cool charms like these at a fraction of the price.

INS AND OUTS ~ Reyes Wedding Gift

Challenges:
Midnight Madness Week Sketch #14
365 Cards Day 158 ~ What’s Your Sign?
Paper: DCWV Shimmer and Glitter Stacks, Close to My Heart Designer Paper
Ink: Copic R39, Silver Marker
Accessories: Walmart Frame, K & Company Chipboard Alphabet, Stampin Up Ribbon, Stampin Up Hodgepodge Hardware, Dress it Up Heart Wedding Favors

Midnight Madness for Emily

I'm a bit embarrassed to admit I'm behind on some gifts. I just finished 2 baby gifts for siblings (one is 2 years old and this little girl is 6 months). I love creating name frames as gifts and had lots of fun blinging this one up for a little girl. I don't know if this will count for the Midnight Madness Challenge since it's not a card, but the sketch was perfect for Emily's gift.

Sketch Inspiration ~ Midnight Madness #28

The extra challenge was to create a holiday creation, but I didn't fulfill that option.

Inspiration ~ 365 Cards Day 191 ~ Musical Monday: Chantilly Lace inspired

I didn't use any lace on this creation, but the song just evokes the picture of this adorable litle girl and her pretty face!

My Creation

Close Up Details

Am I the only person who sees something totally not craft related and finds a way to incorporate it into a project? See those cute metal 'ribbons' and rhinestone flowers? They were in the clearance bin on the fabric side of Joanns. They were sold as a set to be dress/bra straps! I was thrilled to snap them up for $3.97 and immediately thought of usng them for a name frame or scrapbook layout.

INS AND OUTS ~ Midnight Madness for Emily

Paper: DCWV Rockstar, Glitter and Spring Stacks
Accessories: Gems (The Paper Studio), WalMart Frame, Fashion Straps (Dritz)

Simply Snow-Tastic

I always enjoy trying to go a bit outside the norm with holiday cards. I still used the green and red standards, but by changing the hue and adding blue to the mix, I came up with a more non-traditional feel. CPS had a great sketch last week and there was lotsof other inspiration to be found online. (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

Sketch Inspiration ~ CPS Card Sketch #142

Color Inspiration ~ TCP Tuesday Inspiration

I went with the yummy colors in this adorable hat for my card.

Inspiration

365 Cards Day 259 ~ Imagine This: Snow

One Stop Craft Challenge #56 ~ Snowflakes

KLSNS November Challenge ~ Snowflakes

Pile it On #25 ~ Rub-Ons

365 Cards Day 137 ~ I’m in a Bind (bind two pieces of something (card stock, plastic, etc.)

My Creation

Inside

I used a rub on for the perfect sentiment.

INS AND OUTS ~ Simply Snow-Tastic

Challenges:
CPS Card Sketch #142
TCP Tuesday Inspiration
365 Cards Day 137 ~ I’m in a Bind
365 Cards Day 259 ~ Imagine This: Snow
One Stop Craft Challenge #56 ~ Snowflakes
KLSNS November Challenge ~ Snowflakes
Pile it On #25 ~ Rub-Ons
Stamps: None
Paper: Kaiser Craft, DCWV Winter Stack
Ink: None
Accessories: Snowflake Garland (Hobby Lobby), Snowflake Brad, Ribbon, Best Occassions Rhinestones (Wal-Mart), Rub On Sentiment

Pink Kiki Kitty Cupcake

Still working on wrapping up some 365 challenges and Midnight Madness Sketches. The weekend retreat really helped me get back into the groove. I love kitties and thought I'd try to make this one really girly by going seriously PINK. Did I succeed? (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

Sketch Inspiration ~ Midnight Madness Week Sketch #22

Color Inspiration ~ 365 Cards Day 257 ~ Picture This

 

Inspiration

Corrosive Challenge #39 ~ Let’s Go To The Movies

365 Cards Day 249 ~ Do the Decade: 80’s

I used the movie Pretty in Pink as my inspiration which was also one of my FAV’s from back in the day (da 80’s)

365 Cards Day 256 ~ A Perfect Pair (use rickrack and buttons)

My Creation

 

Image Detail

Inside

INS AND OUTS ~ Pink Kiki Kitty Cupcake

Challenges:
Midnight Madness Week Sketch #22
365 Cards Day 257 ~ Picture This
Corrosive Challenge #39 ~ Let’s Go To The Movies
365 Cards Day 249 ~ Do the Decade: 80’s
365 Cards Day 256 ~ A Perfect Pair
Stamps: Kiki Kitty (Pink Cat Studio)
Paper: DCWV (Sweet and Spring Stacks), Neenah Solar White
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics (R29; RV000, 11; E29, 31; N0), Spicas (Pink, Clear, Black), White Opaque Pen (Inkssentials)
Accessories: Misc Buttons and Rick Rack, Stickles (Christmas Red)

Fluffles Talks Turkey

I love Fluffles the Cat. I picked up this stamp last year and almost forgot to play with it for Thanksgiving. I knew I wanted to use it for the 365 Cards Feather Challenge as soon as I saw it. I’m not sure if turkeys have bright orange feathers, but they were all I had on hand. (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

Sketch Inspiration ~ 365 Cards Day 134 ~ Super Sketchy Sunday

Inspiration

Simon Says Challenge ~ Animal Antics

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge ~ Turkey

Day 60 ~ Say What? ‘what’ should be in the sentiment (in or out)

365 Cards Day 248 ~ Imagine This: Feathers

365 Cards Day 258 ~ Put a Lid on It (incorporate a hat into card)

My Creation

Image Detail

Inside

INS AND OUTS ~ Fluffles Talks Turkey

Challenges:
365 Cards Day 134 ~ Super Sketchy Sunday
Simon Says Challenge ~ Animal Antics
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge ~ Turkey
365 Cards Day 60 ~ Say What?
365 Cards Day 248 ~ Imagine This: Feathers
365 Cards Day 258 ~ Put a Lid on It
Stamps: Fluffles – Turkey (Stampendous)
Paper: DCWV Indian Summer, My Minds Eye (Base), Neenah Solar White
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics (N0, 3; E31, 33, 50; R81; Y21; YR04), Spicas (Pink, Black, Gold, Orange), White Opaque Pen (Inkssentials)
Accessories: Pop Up Dots, Feathers, Grosgrain Ribbon

Fall to Sheetload

I’ve been a follower of Sheetload for quite awhile and think this might be my first on time entry in their challenge. WAHOO! The sketch for November was so simple and elegant, toss in the FREE verses and it would have been just plain silly not to play along. (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

Sketch Inspiration ~ November Sheetload Sketch

Use November Sketch and include one of the FREE verses.

Color Inspiration ~ Color Throwdown #69

Inspiration

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #34 ~ Nature-tacular (use natural fall colors, something outside and stamp)

I was at a crop and borrowed a fellow crafter's straight line acrylic stamp and 'made' it into a vine.

My Creation

Image Detail

Oohhh, I'm just in love with dew drops and tear drops! They are such a fun accent to a card. Here's my flower....

.....and leaves on my simulated vine.

Inside

INS AND OUTS ~ Fall to Sheetload
Challenges:
November Sheetload of Cards Sketch
Color Throwdown #69
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #34 ~ Nature-tacular
Stamps: Vine Squiggle
Paper: DCWV Green and Shimmer Stacks, Neenah Solar White
Ink: Chocolate Chip (Stampin Up)
Accessories: Tear Drops (Christmas Tree and Beaches)

Shimmery Pumpkin Pie

If you’ve perused my blog, you know I LOVE House Mouse stamps. I was so excited to see the last House Mouse & Friends Monday Challenge because I have the stamp set they used for the DT Kit Challenge. The problem, I’m always a day behind getting my posts online so I missed the contest. But, the card is so cute, I can’t be too upset. (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

Sketch Inspiration ~ CPS Sketch #114

Color Inspiration ~ OCC Color Challenge

Inspiration

House Mouse & Friends #56 ~ Kit Card

365 Cards Day 189 ~ Charming (add a charm)

Simon Says Challenge ~ Animal Antics (include an animal)

Caardvarks Challenge ~ Color It (color an image)

My Creation

Image Detail

I was at a retreat this weekend and fell in love with Smooch Spritz. This angle shows the Vanilla Shimmer pretty clearly. In real life, it’s just an added layer of shimmery goodness and not so intense. I bought the product in purple as well and can’t wait for more spritzing.

Inside

INS AND OUTS ~ Shimmery Pumpkin Pie

Challenges: CPS Sketch #114

OCC Color Challenge

House Mouse & Friends #56 ~ Kit Card

365 Cards Day 189 ~ Charming

Simon Says Challenge ~ Animal Antics

Caardvarks Challenge ~ Color It

Stamps: House Mouse Pumpkin Pie, You & Dessert Verse (Stampabilities)

Paper: DCWV, Neenah Classic Cream

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Ranger Tea Dye Distress, Pumpkin Pie (Stampin Up Write Marker) Copics (E02, 11, 21, 50; R81; YR31), Spicas (Black, Clear), White Opaque Pen (Inkssentials)

Accessories: Champagne Pearls (Kaiser), Silver Rhinestones (Kaiser), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz, Silver Cording, Heart Charm, Felt Ribbon (The Paper Studio), SU Top Note Die

Bubble Gum Black and Blue for 365 Cards

I love how the turquoise just POPS off the card when paired with white and shades of black. This was super quick and easy. I'm frantically trying to wrap up challenges over at 365 cards. The only hope I have to maybe get them all in, is to combine as many as I can. I know it might be a 'bit' like cheating, but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do. :) (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

Sketch Inspiration ~ 365 Cards Day 162 ~ Super Sketchy Sunday

Color Inspiration

Color Chef Challenge #30: White, Grey, Black, Turquoise

365 Cards Day 263 ~ Ad Inspired

Inspiration

365 Cards Day 175 ~ Stamping Saturday (layering stamps)

365 Cards Day 192 ~ So Sweet (word Sweet on your card)

365 Cards Day 196 ~ Just a Touch (black image on white paper and just a touch of color)

My Creation

Image Detail

INS AND OUTS ~ Bubble Gum Black and Blue for 365 Cards
Challenges:
365 Cards Day 162 ~ Super Sketchy Sunday
Color Chef Challenge #30: White, Grey, Black, Turquoise
365 Cards Day 263 ~ Ad Inspired
365 Cards Day 175 ~ Stamping Saturday
365 Cards Day 192 ~ So Sweet
365 Cards Day 196 ~ Just a Touch
Stamps: Treat Yourself (Stamping Up)
Paper: Stamping Up Basic Black, Whisper White and Tempting Turquoise
Ink: Stampin Up Basic Black and Tempting Turquoise
Accessories: Diamond Glaze, SU Gingham Ribbon

Angel’s Heard On High

It is the season for holiday cards. I’m going through my stash of half completed creations to see what I can do with them before inking up a bunch more images. I’m pretty sure this was a Stamping Up image, but can’t think of the name right now. (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

Sketch Inspiration ~ Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge#42

Color Inspiration ~ 365 Cards Day 35 ~ Ad Inspired

Inspiration

Allsorts Challenge #28 ~ Christmas Song

I was inspired by "Angels We Have Heard On High"

Flutter By Wednesday #84 ~ Open (anything with wings)

365 Cards Day 266 ~ Color Me With This: Use a medium other than markers

My Creation

Image Detail

I seem to rarely step away from my Copics, so water coloring was a stretch for me. I kept it fairly simple and kind of messy.

INS AND OUTS ~ Angel’s Heard On High
Challenges:
Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge#42
365 Cards Day 35 ~ Ad Inspired
Allsorts Challenge #28 ~ Christmas Song
Flutter By Wednesday #84 ~ Open
365 Cards Day 266 ~ Color Me With This
Stamps: Stampin Up (Can't remember set name)
Paper: All Stampin Up
Ink: Versamark
Accessories: Gold Embossing Powder, Aqua Pen
Technique: Wet Embossing, Water Coloring