The Card Kitchen Kit Club

Have you seen the monthly card kit club by Jillibean Soup...The Card Kitchen...and if you are like me and love to make cards this is a wonderful kit club. You know what? Even if you would rather make layouts, it's still a great club! Product galore in these kits. You could make layouts AND cards! Do I have you convinced yet? They are "souper" cute! Get it?

A typical kit looks something like this:
At least 8 pieces of 12"x12" coordinating pattern paper

• Full sheets of either coordinating die cuts and/or stickers (many times both!)
• Usually 3 different trims such as silk ribbon, grosgrain ribbon, crocheted trim, baker's twine, natural twine, etc.
• Fun embellishments that work wonderfully on cards, interesting buttons, cool brads, kraft tags, mini alphas, sentiment stickers or stamps.
• A set of 8 cards with envelopes. We love Kraft so most kits will have contain some kraft cards and envelopes. The other cards included will coordinate with the papers in the kit. 

You also receive a full, detailed set of instructions to create 8 cards. You will have a ton of product left over to create additional cards or projects. Everything will come to you un-cut so you can use the products any way you want if you don't want to create the sample cards.

Stayed tuned for some upcoming sample cards from their November Guest Designer! Wink wink!

Exciting News from Bella Blvd.

I'm so excited....today's another big day at Bella! Stephanie has been designing over the past few months two new mini collections.  I can't wait to get my hands on this paper...so cute!

and

She has also released some minis to add to the Sophisticates, which are just perfect for my card creating!

You should go over to the Bella Blvd. Blog and check out the great giveaway!

Bella Blvd and May Arts teamed up for great inspiration and a few giveaways too!  My assignment was to use ribbon on a card using Bella's Mr. Boy line. 

Oh my gosh, I actually had an idea right away!  I've had those before...a great idea...yeah, when I actually put it to paper, it usually doesn't turn out too good and most of the time it ends up in the circular filing cabinet!  This time was different though.  I thought some thin ribbon forming the spikes (is that what they are called? That's what I'm calling them) of the dinosaur would be perfect.  I actually thought it out before I started cutting everything apart and making a big ol' mess.  I tried one spike, and it worked.  Then, I tried the 2nd and 3rd spike, IT WAS WORKING PEOPLE!  

My second assignment, which was actually posted on Bella's Blog yesterday (oops, I thought they were both scheduled for Wednesday, I was wrong) was to use the Sophisticates by Stephanie line with some May Arts ribbon.  So, a while back, I remember Katherine McElvain, another Bella Artista, making flowers out of something, but I didn't know if it was fabric, ribbon, what?  Ei Yi Yi MY MEMORY! Or lack of.  So I did a search on "You Tube" and found a couple of examples.  I don't know if I did it correctly, but I didn't think it turned out too bad.  Added a stamped Bella Doiley, a few leaves and sewed some beads to the center of the flower.  I always say "ignorance is bliss."  Just dive in.

There are more images on the Bella Blog and a chance to win some great product.  Check it out!  Also, check out the May Arts Blog, not only do they have some awesome projects done with the Bella product, they also have great ribbon tips and tricks!

Thanks for looking!

BTW, did you like it when I said "big ol' mess?"  I'm practicing my "southern!"

Stamp Giveaway!!

Did I get your attention?  Good...now for the details...hop on over to the Bella Blvd blog and tell us what you're doing this weekend.  It's that easy!

I made this layout using some of the stamps from Bella's Family Dynamix set made by Unity.  The two cuties are Jacob and Sophie, my grandkids...aren't they adorable?

This is the whole set...awesome isn't it? 

Now it's time to hop on over to Bella to leave your comment.  

Thanks for looking!

Sophisticates

Featured on the Bella Blvd Blog today is another project, a greeting card holder, I made for CHA Winter.  I used the Bella Sophisticates line along with the coordinating stamps from Unity.  How, you ask?

The container came from the dollar spot at a big box store and I covered it with the Sophisticates paper and found matching buttons in my stash (imagine that!)  The monthly dividers are made from the same beautiful paper and I stamped a calendar for each month and adhered to the top edge so that it mimics a tab divider.  For a little added "something, something," I made charms from the seasons stamps, stamping "winter," "spring," "summer," and "fall."  I cut the season impressions out and covered with glossy accents.  When they were dry, I punched a hole in the top and hung with a fine metal chain from the box. Tedious...um, yes, the jump rings and my fingers were not getting along that day.

Here is the easy peasy part...the "Tall Tags" paper from the collection is perfect for card making.  I cut them out and adhered to the front of an A2 card...perfect!  Sometimes I added an extra embellishment or sentiment, some, I just left with the Tall Tag...perfect.  These tags are perfect for making some quick bookmarks too.  Oh, I should probably mention how "perfect" these are.  Oh, I did? But they are!

Well, anyway, this paper is shipping in a few weeks.  Get your supplies ready, because there is so much you can do with it. And while you are checking out the Bella Blog, you have to read Wednesday's (February 23, 2011) post as well, Julie Johnson made the cutest mini book out of this line.  I hope, hope, hope she offers this as one of her kits at Paisley & Polka Dots.

I was scrappin' and having fun with my peeps yesterday, made some note pad holders and a card that I will hopefully post soon!  Until then, enjoy!

DINO-mite!

This is a card I made as an assignment for Bella Blvd in preparation of Winter CHA.  I used the new Bella stamps by Unity to make the background paper, dinosaur, and "super cool."  This dino (Bella Itty Bitty) makes me really happy, I think because Jacob, my grandson, is soooo into dinosaurs right now.

Here is a little tutorial on the background paper...try it...it's really easy and fun.

I used the Bella Quadrants (yep, loving those Quadrants) paper from the new Family Dynamix collection which gave the background the graph paper-like look.  I am using plain paper for this example.  Using Versamark ink,  I stamped the stars from the Mr. Boy stamp set.  Next, I heat embossed the stars with white embossing powder.

Using the Inksentials Blending Tool and Tim Holtz's Broken China Distress Ink, blend ink onto the background paper.  You want to blend in a circular motion, starting off the paper on your craft mat and working onto the paper.

And, like magic, your stars will appear.  So easy.   If you haven't stopped by the Bella Blog today, go, run, NOW PEEPS...there's more CHA inspiration that will have you running to your crafty spot!

Congratulations Bella Blvd

I am quietly reading my mail this morning.  Yeah, for a little while anyway.  I love when there is a new issue of Scrapbook Update, love reading what the scrapbooking industry is up to next.  Well, I am reading and loving the article on the CHA Winter 2011 Top Ten Hot Picks, and THEN...I SEE THIS...

Bella Blvd: Sophisticates by Stephanie

Since its inception, Bella Blvd has consistently provided scrapbookers a bright, cheery look without going 100% over into the cute style dominated by companies like Doodlebug and BoBunny. Existing in a middle ground has allowed the company to draw from a wide range of scrapbook customers.

You can read the rest of the article here.

I just can't stop "Happy Dancing!"  CONGRATULATIONS Stephanie and Bella Blvd!

Bella Fiori Stamps

I have been thinking I need to update my blog, so today seemed perfect.

Stephanie posted some of my cards on the Bella Blvd blog today that I made using her stamps Bella Fiori by Unity.

All the pictures were taken by Stephanie...so much better than mine!  Well there you go...hope you are inspired.  Now hop on over to Bella Blvd for a chance to win this awesome set of stamps!

Martha Stewart in the house!

Well, not exactly, just me, getting all Martha Stewarty!  I was busy making decorations for our annual Halloween Party.  I did a search on my computer for "free vintage potion labels."  After they were printed and adhered to my wine bottles I decided that wasn't enough.  Soooo, I got out my Tim Holtz Distress Inks and got all inky!  Used some Distress Stickles as well, unfortunately, the Stickles probably won't show up until it gets dark and the light reflects off the bottles.

So much fun, no rules, just mix it up and distress away.  When I say "distress away" I mean "de-stress away" since I should be working on my make and takes for The Scrapbook Store Grand Opening tomorrow. Can't wait!

Simply Art

Cheryl, Sherry and I had signed up for a class over a month ago and Saturday was the big day!  Oh my...I LOVED it!  The class was taught by Wendy Vecchi, and talk about thinking outside the box!  It was a little 4" x 4" art book made out of grunge board, grunge paper, lots of inks, stamps, stickles and more.  The class was 4 hours and took me every bit of that time to finish this little work of art.  Our fingers and Cheryl's clothes (that's what happens when you drop an ink pad, ink side down, in your lap)  were a mess but by Sunday I had got them clean, my fingers, don't know about Cheryl's outfit!

Yes, that is a "snap" you see in the picture above.  Evidently This was part of a line by Tim Holtz that is no longer on the market.  Who would have thought!  I think I'm going to buy some snaps now and Sherry came up with a great idea...color them with markers!

Have you ever worked with gunge board or paper?  Can I just say it stinks!  Stinks, as in, smells really bad.  I guess it is supposed to smell like leather, I disagree.  But, oh how I love this little book!

Enjoy!

Yummy!

I have my favorite blogs I read everyday...some of them don't have anything to do with scrapbooking, believe it or not!  So one morning I came across this recipe, http://picky-palate.com/2008/10/06/famous-gourmet-mac-and-cheese-artisanal/, and thought I would give it a try.  Paul is pretty picky about his mac & cheese, doesn't really like too many of the "homemade" kind, if you know what I mean.   Sooo, I tried it and it is a "keeper."  A "keeper" in our house refers to new recipes that we love, so I thought I would share.  I substituted twists for the elbow macaroni and I also added some chicken that I browned in olive and a little white truffle oil.  Maybe it will be your next "keeper!"

Pictures didn't turn out that great, but I actually had my fork in my hand when I remembered I wanted to take a picture, you know, just in case!  Now stop reading, run, don't walk, to the market to get all the fixins'.

It's been so long, maybe I should introduce myself!

When I first started this blog I was so darn excited, I knew I had enough stuff to update everyday.  Well, I probably do have enough stuff to post, I just have been running out of time to post.  When I do have a moment, usually in the evening, I seem to think Big Brother or anything on Bravo takes priority.  Anyhow, over this past weekend, Paul and Brad participated in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk.  I am so proud of them...60 miles in three days...I'm not sure I could walk 6 miles in three days!  The training, raising $2,300 EACH, the blisters, it takes dedication.   This picture was taken at 5:30 AM before the opening ceremony on Friday, the first day of the walk.

The grandkids had a great time at one of the cheering sections on Saturday.  Here is a cutie patootie picture of Sophie, right before she bit another child.  Yep, that's right, can you believe anything this cute would actually bite?

Yep, this might have been the biting face!

And Jacob did an outstanding job of handing out candy as the walkers passed by.  I didn't think he would actually do it, but he stood there with another little girl handing out stickers, for quite a long time! I was just so proud of everyone!

Cards!

I am busy getting ready for Summer CHA with Bella Blvd, but I did manage to sneak in a few projects for Creative Charms this week.  These two cards are posted on their blog today.  Enjoy!

Creative Charms July Deal of Month

July's Summer Deal is 70% Off

• Green & White Fancy Polka Dot Ribbon (18")
• Green Pure Blossom (9 pcs)
• Green Gradient Gem Stickers (76 pcs)
• Orange Spring Medley (20 pcs)
• Orange Sunburst Daisy (5 pcs)
• Orange Groovy Petals (4 pcs)
• Amber & Green Gem Brads (12 pcs)
• Summer Medley (21 pcs)
• Assorted Summer & Beach Brads (19 pcs)

Check it out here and get yours today for only $6.99. Supplies are limited. 

June Deal of the Month

There is is still a couple of days to get this great deal over at

Creative Charms!

All this scrappy goodness for only $6.99.  Included in the June deal:

Sweet Tooth Felt Stickers & Epoxy Brads (12)

Sweet Tooth Epoxy Stickers (18)

Assorted Strawberries (4)

Spring Bouquet Felt Garden Medley (6)

Red Gradient Gem Sticker (76)

Red Gem Brads assorted sizes (12)

Red Gem Garden (12)

Birthday & Balloons Brads assorted (6)

Red Jumbo Polka Dot Brads (4)

Red Fancy Polka Dot Ribbon (1 yard)

Happy Father's Day

...a little late.  Didn't get a chance to post these yesterday.  We spent the day over at the kid's house and we were gone much longer than I expected.  What a fun day it was!  Happy belated Father's Day to all the dads out there!

This is a card I did for the Bella Blvd blog.  It was a lot of fun to make.  I got the washer's at Farm & Fleet...funny story...Paul loves to go to F & F, me, not so much.  Therefore, I have made a game out of it, while he is shopping I walk around to find something I can use for scrapbooking.  This has made our trips much more enjoyable.  Soooo, you will see I found my first purchase, washers, being used on this card.  I hope you find some inspiration and enjoy!

Creative Charms CHA Sneak Peek

Check out the Creative Charms blog today for a CHA summer sneak peek.  The kit is for October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  I have a couple of sneak-sneak peeks, but if you want to see the full projects, hop on over to Creative Charms and take a look!  

I'm still here!

Just wanted to post the two cards I had on the Creative Charms blog.  There is still time to get this great deal, check it out here.

Here is the first card...

and the other...

Thanks for looking!  Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

Creative Charms Deal of the Month for May

Creative Charms has recently introduce a "Deal of the Month."  I was able to kick off the very first one for the month of May, you can see it all on the Designers Blog.  I have included a few sneak peeks.

and

Be sure to stop by and I would love a comment!  Thanks!