Sunday, January 31, 2010

Sketch Girl Valentines


So I told you all how I loved the new Sketch Girl sketch and well I couldn't get it out of my head so I made two valentines with the sketch. I decided to combine the sketch with some challenges because I can't turn up a good challenge. I incorporated Creative Belli's challenge to use hearts and Caardvarks red hearts challenge. Also Crafty Creations wanted to see a celebration card and these are for Valentine's Day so that's certainly a celebration. Pile It On wanted enough of the winter colors so I have lots of bright spring colors.


I made these cards with the Basic Grey Sugar Rush papers and stickers I bought at the LSS this weekend. I was trying to go four months and make 40 projects without new supplies but I only get a chance to go to the scrapbooking store maybe 3 times a year and it was their big anniversary celebration so I broke my challenge. But I didn't feel too guilty because I had made 19 projects in less than the first month so I've been using quite a bit of stash lately.


Saturday, January 30, 2010

Sketch Girl #11

Sketch Girl 11 is up!


I absolutely love this sketch because its simple enough to be used in so many ways that I can see returning to it time and time again. Instead of making a card, I created a box with the Perfect Presentation Favor Box template who is our sponsor this week. Which is perfect for you because that means you'll have a chance to win one of these adorable templates. I used some Sassafras paper and stickers to cover the box and it was super simple because Leigh Ann includes all measurements with her template downloads. However I urge you not to wait to get your hands on one of these templates because they are perfect for Valentine's Day especially if you have a cutter like the Wishblade or Cricut because Perfect Presentation sells them as a cutting file and as pdf templates.

Check out the other Sketch Girls!

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Caardvarks and Card Patterns Valentines


I wanted to do another card swap because I love receiving handmade cards from other talented crafters and fortuante for me I saw that Tricia was hosting one over at Paper Popsicles for valentines so I joined in on the fun. These are the cards I made as valentines. I know they are not the most traditional valentines but I recently realized that I don't have much valentines stuff. So I used the cute owl paper piecing from the newest issue of Scrapbooks Etc and DCWV Once Upon a Time paper collection. Since they are valentines they work with the Paper Popsicles theme of love this week.


I used two challenges to complete the cards as well. I followed this week's Card Patterns sketch and also the Caardvarks red hearts challenge with the red hearts on the owl's tummies. I can't wait to see the valentines from the swap!

Friday, January 22, 2010

Owl Favor Box


As I'm sure you know Perfect Presentations is the sponsor of Sketch Girl this week. Well Leigh Ann was kind enough to let the Design Team members try out her fabulous templates for ourselves. I was going to wait to use it for the next sketch but I wanted to share what cute things you can make. I worked with the favor box template and Sketch Girl sketch 10. This little box is the perfect size for giving Valentine's treats so I covered the sides with Love Birds paper from Chatterbox but tried not to make it too Valentine so the recipient could display it after the holiday or reuse it for another occasion. If you're looking to give a great little gift on a budget I'd suggest ordering a template because even at the dollar store gift bags add up fast without the homemade touch and this template will still be saved to your computer when Easter and all the other holidays roll around.


I of course could not resist adding a couple of other challenges in besides the sketch. The Simon Says challenge calls for punches which is my Fiskars round punch used on the flower and handles. I also was inspired by the Charisma Cardz challenge to use fruity colors. I decided to go for a more citrus-y take on the idea. The chipboard flower which I inked fits in with the Frosted Designs challenge to use chipboard. The little owl which coordinates with the other side of Love Birds is from a Sassafras Lass set. Well now I need to do a bit of homework after all the crafty fun of these last few days. Have a great weekend!

Valentines Treat Holder


My sister always wants something fun to put on her desk since she got a new job so I picked up this plastic holder at Micheal's on Christmas clearance. I even decorated it early so she can put it on her desk before the holiday. Even better I was able to be inspired by a few challenges when making this project. Creative Belli called for hearts and the large heart is from a swap and the brads have been in my stash just as long. I love having gorgeous handmade embellies in my stash from past swaps when I need to make a quick project. The Crafty Creations challenge was a Love or Valentines theme which this candy holder fits perfectly. I punched holes in the plastic holder with my crop-o-dile and then weaved a fun sheer hearts ribbon from Target through it. You can't see in the picture but I filled this with pink and red Starburst to get her started but I'm sure she'll need a refill before the holiday especially if she leaves it on her desk. Happy Friday everyone!

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Four Challenges in One


As classes get started this week I had some extra time but wanted to combine challenges to make the most of it. For this card I combined the Dotty Divas advert challenge and the Flutter by Wednesday challenge because they paired really well. The Flutter By challenge called for embossing with butterflies, angels, or fairies. Dotty Divas advert had many colorful butterflies so I choose to make by butterflies a bold red. I also incorporated the Pile It On challenge to use three ribbon and the Card Patterns sketch although I did modify the sketch slightly.
This weekend I will be working on the upcoming Sketch Girl sketch with a template from Perfect Presentations. Leigh Ann has done such a great job including instructions and examples with the template that you are excited to use them right away.


Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Another Sketch Girl Card with Other Challenges

I wanted to make another card with the Sketch Girl sketch, but with a slight variation so I decided to combine it with some other challenges. I had fun working on these various challenges while making a Welcome Home card for my cousin who just came back from vacation. I used the SEI Bridgeport collection again because it was perfect for the Flutter By Wednesday's challenge to use anything butterfly, angel, or fairy. I paired this with the Hole in One challenge at Daring Cardmakers which allowed me to highlight the butterfly. The Hole in Oone led right to the Banana Split Sunday Challenge to Think Round. I've really enjoyed seeing everyone's take on the Sketch Girl sketch so keep them coming and remember you're playing for a fabulous template from Perfect Presentations!


Friday, January 15, 2010

Sketch Girl is Back!


After a nice long break during the busy holiday season Sketch Girl is back with sketch 10!. I'm so excited to once again be working with all the talented ladies on the Sketch Girl team and hope you check out all their blogs for more inspiration including our lovely and talented guest designer for January Laurel Seabrook. We are also super excited to be sponsored by Perfect Presentation a template company that will allow you to make some very cute projects with very affordable templates.


I guess the colors on the sketch inspired me. I've used some bold blue and purple paper from GCD Studios. I've embellished with primas, gems, and some faux stitching. This card was also made to fit the ABC Challenge of L is for Layering and the Pile It On Welcome the New Year challenge. I can't wait to see what you all come up with for this fabulous sketch! Check out the other lovely DT's work...


Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Card Patterns and Pink Elephant


Before classes get started again I'm determined to participate in a few challenges. For this card I combined the Card Patterns sketch with the Pink Elephant theme challenge of birthday. I used the SEI Bridgeport collection for everything but the sentiment which is Making Memories. I won the Bridgeport collection from the Paper Crafts blog and I love it so much I never want to use it but when I do I'm always so happy with the result.

Here's a sneak peek of my Sketch Girl card! The sketch will be released on Friday and I'm sure you'll love what the design team comes up with.

Monday, January 11, 2010

A Few Projects from Christmas


I went skiing in Vermont over winter break. It was an amazingly beautiful place and lots of fun. I tried snowboarding for the first time as well there. We stayed in a great condo with some friends. The best part of the condo was you could take a short walk to the slopes then ski from the trails right to the front steps. This is me and my boyfriend at the top of K1 at Killington with an elevation of over 4,000 feet. Now I need to print the photos and get scrapping!


I made a few extra cards right before Christmas for the family but didn't get pictures of them all. This one was made for my sister but the Gingerbread man embellishment I received in a swap. It is so cute and made the card come together real fast.


I made a few gift card holders. The top is attached by a brad and swings open to reveal the gift card. I got the idea from somewhere else but can't remember where. I love how it adds a personal touch to gift cards.


Giving food stocking items was a big tradition for me growing up. I gave food gifts in pretty packaging to many family members. This is an old Prima flower bottle covered in DCWV paper and some Christmas trim. Sketch Girl is returning in a few days and I can't wait to share the new sketch and my card with you so check back later this week!

Cupcake Craft Going Girly


This week Cupcake Craft Challenge is going girly! I loved all the design team's cards featuring cute digital stamps from Stretch N Bubbles. This challenge was perfect for the butterfly project I've been planning for my mom. I had the butterfly painted but the challenge got me kick started on finishing it. The butterfly is a wood model from Micheal's and I covered the wings and made the flowers from Prima paper. I added glitter and gems throughout to boost the pink and girliness which is perfect for my mom.


Tuesday, January 5, 2010

New Year!

So this past semester I began grad school while finishing up my senior year and so school basically ate my life. I'm hoping I've got more of a handle on things so that I can do more crafty things and also take pictures of the crafty things I make. Sketch Girl took a short holiday break but is returning on the 15th and I'm so excited for the new and improved Sketch Girl. I hope you will join us! The fabulous Leigh Ann and Julie will be updating the site throughout the two weeks of the challenge with all the fabulous DT work. I hope to be back soon with some of the work I've been up to lately and in the new year give some more updates or even join a few challenges now that I've got the school thing a bit more under control.