Friday, April 30, 2010

Lion Cub

I used to find making baby boy cards really difficult but now I'm addicted to making them! When I started this one, I intended to make it neutral but it ended up being for a boy. LOL Here I used Pink Cat Studio's Baby Lion digi and created a simple background using the dotted lines from PTI's Top Ten. I think I have to get some "real" distressing inks because using giant ink pads doesn't really work for blending. It's still an interesting look but not necessarily the look I want. ;)

Sources: SU Naturals Ivory & Kraft cardstock; Pink Cat Studio Baby Lion; PTI Top Ten; PTI Inside & Out: Baby; Memories Sky ink; SU Ballet Blue & Summer Sun inks; Memento Tuxedo Black ink; Copics; Forever in Time Pop-Dots

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Pink Cat Studio ~ Free Digi with Purchase!

Hey there, Pink Cat Studio fans! Since we're not having a digi release today, Melissa is offering this whimsical flower bouquet free today only when you purchase anything from the PCS digi or rubber store. I love the tall, narrow vase and the buttons in the centres of the flowers. I'll be making at least one Mother's Day card with this image!

Pink Cat Studio will be having a rubber release on Tuesday, May 4th! There will be two large sets, one showcasing Lily and the other Billy, plus one small set featuring baby animals. Excited yet? All of the new sets include sentiments. They're awesome and we can't wait to show them to you!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Happy Mother's Day

It's less than two weeks 'til Mother's Day and I still have a bunch of cards to make for the biggest holiday of the year. Biggest you say? Well, the telephone companies say that the lines are busiest on Mother's Day so that tells me that it's the most important holiday of the year! Moms are that special. Being a Mom, though, I feel that every day is Mother's Day. :)

I had a couple of orders come in yesterday, one from Quebec and one from California, so I had to get them done last night and into the mail this morning to give my clients enough time to get them to their mothers. I love the ribbon treatment on this card by Jennifer McGuire so I gave it my best shot. It's been a while since I used ribbon and it's a nice way to use up some of my neglected stash. As you can see, both cards are the same. I just mixed up the order of the ribbons. I used the lines from Top Ten for the background and the sentiment is from Because of You.

Sources: SU Chocolate Chip & Naturals Ivory cardstock; PTI Top Ten; Verve Because of You; Memories Sky ink; Memento Rich Cocoa ink; Fiskars Apron Lace border punch; SU 1-3/8" circle punch; AC ribbons; Darice hemp cord; Forever in Time Pop-Dots

Saturday, April 24, 2010

One-Layer Rainbow Love

I was inspired by various creations of Susan Raihala and Maile Belles to make this one-layer card rainbow card. I've always thought about making one-layered cards but mine always seem to be missing something. That's why I decided to try the rainbow technique. I still can't believe I didn't add any layers. I really did think (about a million times) about adding buttons or gemstones but decided to leave well enough alone. It wasn't easy but it's nice to go back to the basics.

Sources: SU Kraft cardstock; PTI Top Ten & Top Ten Additions; PTI Tiny Treats: Valentine; SU Rose Red, Summer Sun, Garden Green, Brilliant Blue & Lavender Lace inks; Vivid Red & ButterScotch inks; Memories Artprint Brown & Black inks; SU 1-3/8" circle punch

Friday, April 23, 2010

Sweet, Sweet Baby

I'm back with another easy baby card. I loved the shape and style of this card so much that I decided to use it for a baby card. I had this sweet little monkey coloured and cut out the same time I made this card so this one was easy to put together. The sentiment is a combination of words from Top Ten Additions and Inside & Out: Baby. I've been using the word sweet a lot. I don't know what I'd do without it!

Sources: SU Kraft & Naturals Ivory cardstock; GinaK 120 lb pure luxury white cardstock; Pink Cat Studio Baby Monkey; PTI Background Basics: Tin Types; PTI Background Basics: Text Style II; PTI Top Ten Additions; PTI Inside & Out: Baby; SU Ballet Blue ink; Versafine Smokey Gray ink; Memento Tuxedo Black ink; Copics; SU 1-3/8" circle punch; Forever in Time Pop-Dots

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Pink Cat Studio ~ Apr 22nd Digi Release!

Today's release is for all you fashionistas out there. Aren't these animals just silly? I'm sure you already have some great sentiments to pair up with these digis! ;) I don't have a card for you today but be sure to check out the Pink Cat Studio blog for some amazing samples and click on the design team links on my sidebar for more goodies. Have a great day!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

CAS with DP!

I cut out the pieces for this card months ago and it's been begging to be stamped on and sewn together. I finally got around to deciding how I wanted to finish it. I kept it very plain and simple to showcase the pretty dp. It's hard to see in the photos but I used a gold metallic thread along the sides which adds just the right touch of shine. I hope this pulls me out of my dp rut. I haven't used dp in ages. :Þ

Sources: SU Chocolate Chip & Kraft cardstock; AC textured green cardstock; Basic Grey Porcelain Windermere dp; PTI Birthday Basics; Memento Rich Cocoa ink; SU scallop trim border punch; Gutermann metallic gold thread

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Baseball Birthday

Hubby's nephew is turning seven at the end of the month. He's really into the Phillies MLB team so I based my colours around their current uniform. They live in Denver but I guess they're true to their roots. :) I hemmed and hawed over creating mountains for the background but I wasn't feeling too creative. I was running out of time to get this card done and in the mail. Sigh. I sure wish I had a mountain stamp. Something for my wish list perhaps? Well, I'm sure you've all guessed that the little boy image is none other than Pink Cat Studio's Billy. I didn't even notice that there was a baseball glove in the set, otherwise I would've used it. Oops, maybe next time! I used my black Sharpie pen to draw the stripes on the uniform. Those whimsical trees and sentiment are from Verve.

Sources: SU Real Red & textured Going Gray cardstock; AC textured black cardstock; random white cardstock; GinaK 120lb pure luxury white cardstock; Pink Cat Studio Dress Up Billy; Verve Up, Up and Away; Verve Whimsy Tree; Verve Birthday Wishes; Memento Tuxedo Black ink; Copics; Sharpie Fine Black Pen; Martha Stewart picket fence border punch; Forever in Time Pop-Dots

Monday, April 19, 2010

Babies Babies Babies

I think I may be addicted to making CAS cards. Er, did I just say that? ;) I was staring down Inside & Out: Baby and love the scripted elements the most. That's when the idea of creating a whole line of "babies" popped into my head. I love it when that happens! They linked up so nicely together. I picked out a neutral palette and started at the bottom, working my way up. This card is busiest in the middle so the blank top third balances out the bottom with the ribbon embellishment and scalloped edge nicely. The button image is from Tiny Treats: Valentine. Thanks for looking! I hope you had a nice start to the week.

Sources: SU Certainly Celery, Naturals Ivory & Kraft cardstock; PTI Inside & Out: Baby; PTI Tiny Treats: Valentine; Memento Rich Cocoa ink; SU 1-3/8" circle punch; SU scallop edge punch; SU Certainly Celery 5/8" grosgrain ribbon; Forever in Time Pop-Dots

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Hoppy Notecard

It was a busy day but I found a bit of time to make this easy notecard which measures 3.25"x3.25". This was the first time I used this mug die that I got for half price before last Christmas. I didn't realize it until I opened the package today but without the froth it doubles as a coffee mug! I thought this little sentiment from Tiny Treats: Valentine, meant to be paired up with a frog, was too cute to pass up. Hoppy...beer hops. Get it? ;D I'm going to try and sneak it into hubby's bag tomorrow morning before he leaves for work! I've never surprised him with a little note before - at least I don't recall - so I think he'll feel very appreciated when he finds it.

Sources: SU Kraft & textured Very Vanilla cardstock; AC textured brown cardstock; PTI Tiny Treats: Valentine; Memento Rich Cocoa ink; QuicKutz Mug die; QuicKutz Epic Six; Forever in Time Pop-Dots

Saturday, April 17, 2010

For My BFF

I decided to make a quick and easy card for my best friend to let her know that I'm thinking of her. She lives in Montreal now and we don't see each other nearly as often as we'd both like. We email and chat on the phone when we have time, which isn't a lot with us being moms of toddlers! Life has been a bit stressful for her lately, being on a big account at work and having to do some business travel, so when she gets this card in the mail I'm sure it'll bring a huge smile to her face. I love how this turned out and couldn't believe it only took me 30 minutes so I'll probably make a few different versions for hubby and other friends. Have a great weekend!

I have absolutely no idea why there appears to be an odd glow around this card. I checked all my camera settings and they seem fine. Is there really too much light coming into my condo? Or maybe my camera doesn't like Rich Razzleberry because it never photographs well.}

Sources: random white cardstock; SU Rich Razzleberry cardstock; PTI Top Ten; PTI Top Ten Additions; SU Whisper White ink; Memento Tuxedo Black ink; The Old Island Stamp Co. clear embossing powder; Hobby Hot Boss; SU Rich Razzleberry 1/2" polka dot grosgrain ribbon; SU 1-3/8" circle punch; Gutermann white thread

Friday, April 16, 2010

Niece's 1st Birthday

My niece is turning one this weekend! I still can't believe how fast time flies. I don't recall the years going by so quickly before I became a mom. Sigh. For this card I used Tin Types to create a floor or quilt for the baby to sit on. I used the same pattern on the balloon but on white so there would be a visual match to the diaper. :) I used the same three colours on the party hat and dress. I have a funny little story to tell you about that party hat. I've had the Sweet Pea set for a while now but hubby and I always thought it was a little strange that there was a slice of pizza in it. I guess babies could eat pizza. After all, our son loves it. Well, now we know it's a party hat! LOL Pizza, eh? I think that would work very well for another party card!!

Sources: SU Naturals Ivory & Chocolate Chip cardstock; GinaK 120lb pure luxury white cardstock; PTI Background Basics: Tin Types; PTI Birthday Basics; Pink Cat Studio Dress Up Sweet Pea; SU Rose Red & Pink Pirouette inks; Memento Rich Cocoa ink; Copics; AtYou Spica glitter pen; SU scallop border punch; SU 1-3/8" circle punch; Forever in Time Pop-Dots

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Pink Cat Studio ~ Apr 15th Digi Release!

Aloha! How fun is this week's luau theme? So fun! I love the movement in Lily's grass skirt as she sways her hips to the music. Just look at her svelte figure and those legs! LOL I made this card for a specific friend whose birthday is in May. She reads my blog regularly so I'm sure she'll guess that this is for her since she vacations in Hawaii every year. ;)

After seeing this card, I knew I had to make one the same shape. I've done several cards with one or two rounded corners but never thought to make it three! I just love that one point, don't you? It sort of draws your eye in the same direction Lily's hair is flowing. This was the first time I outlined an image with a blue Copic marker as opposed to my typical grey. It worked really well with the colours on this card. The blue border behind the sentiment is lined with flowers stamped with the flowers from Lily Valentine Ballerina. I just love them! It's great to incorporate existing PCS stamp sets with new images.

How much more fun can it get? See for yourself!

This week we say goodbye to another design team member, Tracey Cuccia, but it's also the first digi release with our four new design team members so please be sure to check out their links on my sidebar. Have an awesome day!

Sources: SU Kraft & Bashful Blue cardstock; AC textured green cardstock; Pink Cat Studio Hula Lily digital image; Pink Cat Studio Lily Valentine Ballerina; Pink Cat Studio free digital sentiments; SU Garden Green ink; Copics; SU 1-3/8" circle punch; SU large oval punch; Fiskars Nostalgia corner edger; Gutermann white thread; Forever in Time Pop-Dots

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Birthday Snorkel

This may seem a little over the top compared to my cards of late! My boss liked the card I made for her husband so much that she asked me to make a similar card for her brother's big birthday this weekend. I wanted to make this one more fun and I really did not like the inside of the other card. My cards are better when they're blank inside. :Þ

I was able to think outside the box for this card after being inspired by a couple of my toddler's favourite things: Tigga Togga and Bear on a Bike. I used the body of the sheep from Happy Baa...thday to make the clouds and I used the strings from both balloons in Dress Up Lily to create the waves. So fun, eh? :)

Sources: SU Bashful Blue, Naturals Ivory and textured Basic Gray cardstock; GinaK 120lb pure luxury white cardstock; Pink Cat Studio Dress Up Billy; Pink Cat Studio Lily at the Beach; Pink Cat Studio Dress Up Lily; Local King Rubber Stamp Happy Baa...thday; Memento Tuxedo Black ink; SU Basic Gray ink; Memories Sky Blue ink; Copics; QuicKutz Epic Six; QuicKutz Sticky Note Mini Alphabet Set; SU Crystal Effects; Forever in Time Pop-Dots

Monday, April 12, 2010

Happy Anniversary

This is a simple, elegant card for my sister and brother-in-law. I still remember all the details of their amazing wedding in Glasgow, Scotland back in 2003. While vacationing in London, England afterwards, hubby proposed to me the same day his nephew was born (back in Denver time). Yup, it was a very memorable year. :)

Anyway, back to the card. I'm always trying to find new ways to use SU's retired colour Kiwi Kiss. I think that little splash of olive green adds a freshness to this card much like spring itself! I can't get enough of PTI's Text Style II. If I had no willpower, I'd probably use it on every single one of my cards. LOL Lastly, I added that tiny little heart to symbolize their daughter who's turning one this weekend!

Sources: SU Kraft, Naturals Ivory & Real Red cardstock; PTI Background Basics: Tin Types; PTI Background Basics: Text Style II; PTI Heart Prints; Memories Black ink; SU Kiwi Kiss ink; Vivid Red ink; Versamark Watermark ink; PSX Red embossing tinsel; Hobby Hot Boss; EK Success Medium & Large Heart punches; SU 1-3/8" circle punch; Forever in Time Pop-Dots

Saturday, April 10, 2010

New Home

This is a cute little card for my cousin who moved into her new home last month. This is probably the most CAS card I've ever made. I used some of my new SU supplies including my free set, Good Neighbors from Sale-a-Bration. I never knew what I'd been missing before I had Naturals Ivory cardstock. I'm never going without it now. LOL Don't you love new stuff and free stuff even more? ;) I love these little houses and I'm looking forward to getting more use out of this set! The only thing it's missing are sentiments. I used Congrats, a previous freebie, but making this card made me realize how much I need some sentiments for a new home. Alas, my wish list grows.

Sources: SU Naturals Ivory cardstock; SU Good Neighbors; SU Congrats; Pink Cat Studio Lily & Billy Sweethearts; Memento Rich Cocoa ink; SU Always Artichoke ink; Vivid Red ink; Forever in Time Pop-Dots

Friday, April 9, 2010

Speedy Recovery

I made this card for my father-in-law who had his pacemaker replaced earlier this week. All went better than expected for which we're all grateful. Now he has to get his fitness level up so he can help us chase the little one around the next time the in-laws come up for a visit. :)

Sources: SU Kraft cardstock; AC textured earth tones cardstock; Verve Because of You; Verve Wishing You; Memento Rich Cocoa ink; AC brads; SU scallop border punch; Forever in Time Pop-Dots

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Pink Cat Studio ~ Apr 8th Digi Release!

I hope you like babies! This week, Melissa has drawn the cutest little baby animals you can dream of. I can't get enough of these little ones and I'm sure you'll find it hard to put just one into your shopping cart. ;) This card is for hubby's cousin whose twins arrived yesterday! At first I wasn't sure how the card would look with pink and blue together but I think I made it look fairly decent without one competing against the other. I was colouring and cutting these little monkeys out on Tuesday night with very little light and just fiddling with them when the idea of looping their tails together came to me. I love when that happens!

Be sure to check out what the other fabulous DT gals have made with these adorable little baby animals, including our guest designer for this week Jane Matsumoto. Next week, Pink Cat Studio is having a luau {hint hint}!! Have a great day everyone and see you again soon!

Sources: SU Kraft cardstock; GinaK 120lb pure luxury white cardstock; Pink Cat Studio Baby Monkey digital image; Pink Cat Studio Dress Up Sweet Pea; PTI Background Basics: Tin Types; PTI Inside & Out: Baby; Memento Tuxedo Black ink; SU Pink Pirouette ink; Memories Sky ink; Copics; SU 1-3/8" circle punch; Forever in Time Pop-Dots

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Baby Boy

Well, you can see that I'm still on the baby card train so here's my take on a simple boy card using my new PTI stamps. Oh, they make me so happy and so does this card! I smudged the background a bit but decided to leave it rather than start over. It gives the card a bit of personality but that's not the focus of it anyway. ;) Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Sources: SU Bashful Blue cardstock; GinaK 120lb pure luxury white cardstock; PTI Background Basics: Tin Types; PTI Inside & Out: Baby; PTI Tiny Treats: Valentine; Memento Tuxedo Black ink; Copics; QuicKutz Epic Six; Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels One; SU Bashful Blue 5/8" satin ribbon; Forever in Time Pop-Dots

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Bundle of Joy

I hope you all enjoyed an amazing Easter weekend with loved ones. My sister, brother-in-law and niece are in town to celebrate with us and it's been so much fun watching my son play with his cousin. My sister brought surprise gifts for me and my son! My son loves his new recycling truck and I love my 'toys' even more. Can anyone guess what I received? ;) The last two days were so busy and I desperately wanted to craft. Imagine me staring at my new stamps for 36 hours! Sigh. So when I finally had time to play, I used four of my new sets to make this quick and easy baby card. I can't wait to get creative with them again!!

Sources: AC textured cardstock; Bazzill Basics textured cardstock; GinaK 120lb pure luxury white cardstock; PTI Inside & Out: Baby; PTI Top Ten & Top Ten Additions; PTI Tiny Treats: Valentine; SU Basic Gray ink; QuicKutz Epic Six; Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels One; SU scallop border punch; dimension squares

Friday, April 2, 2010

Nautical Wedding

It's an absolutely gorgeous Easter weekend here in Toronto. We skipped spring and went straight to summer! A friend of ours is heading to California next weekend to attend a wedding and he asked me to make a card for them. The last wedding card I made for this friend had the bride and groom's names on it but I didn't customize this one the same way. Two things he threw out as suggestions were palm trees and a race car. I immediately nixed the idea of a race car. For one, I'd have to have a friend draw it and, secondly, I thought it would be tacky for a wedding card. :Þ I've had my Beach Bum set for a while now and wanted to ink it up so I knew that the palm trees would be perfect. To keep it classic I simply paper pieced everything and, with some inspiration from Maile Belles' creations, created a little window to show off the romantic nighttime beach scene and allow the gorgeous sentiment from Wishing You to stand out as well. Hope you like it!

Sources: AC textured earth tones cardstock; SU Kraft cardstock; GinaK 120lb pure luxury white cardstock; Taylored Expressions Beach Bum; Verve Wishing You; SU Brilliant Blue & Garden Green inks; QuicKutz Epic Six; Spellbinders Nestabilities Standard Circles Large; SU Tearing Edge; dimension squares

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Pink Cat Studio ~ Apr 1st Digi Release!

It's another PCS Thursday! This week's nature inspired images are so sweet and perfect for spring. We just had Earth Hour and we'll be celebrating Earth Week from April 16-25. I can see myself using these images for a lot of different occasions: simple hellos, feel better soon, love you, and of course birthdays! I used bright sunny colours for my card and some gorgeous dp I've been hoarding. Make sure you check out the other DT blogs for lots of wonderful inspiration... or you can head straight to the PCS store now. ;)


Sources: SU Chocolate Chip cardstock; GinaK 120lb pure luxury white cardstock; Basic Grey Nook & Pantry Strawberry Shortcake dp; Pink Cat Studio Lily Flower Hugs; Copics; SU scallop border punch; Gutermann threads; SU 1" Chocolate Chip double stitched grosgrain ribbon