You Can’t Expect Perfection 10 Minutes Before the Party!

Howdy crafters! First off let me apologize for email bombing you yesterday. I had taken some posts down a couple of years ago because the artwork was being published in magazines and I forgot to republish the posts after the magazines came out. So yesterday I figured I’d put the posts live again and they would be filed in on the dates that I created them, which they did, but also they were sent out as new posts to all of my subscribers…sorry about that. But at least you can see how far my photography has come over the years and hopefully my crafting ability too….well, maybe not in the case in this project:

I love making last-minute cards, especially for kids. My husband asked me yesterday “Why do you rush around to make a card last-minute for a kid [Disclaimer-referring to kids in general, not the kid this card was given too, he is a sweetie!] who won’t appreciate it?”  “There’s no point stressing out when you can just buy a card at the store.” OK, two things here, I am not stressed out by making a last-minute card, it is freeing, I use my latest stamps, I will try a new technique and play with color, I don’t worry about perfection because a child does not judge a card and I am getting something done, it’s a card, it is made, it will never have to be made again unlike the floors that need to be re-swept  dished that need to be rewashed and all of the other daily drudgery that does stress me out. Making cards is fun and the bit about kids not appreciating it, I think they do like the handmade card especially if it reflects their personality.

I had some matching paper scraps on my table left over from craft fair packaging so I layered them on the envelope, did some stamping and slapped on a couple of pieces of washi tape, done! I love to be able to spend an hour on a card but I probably love slap-dash crafting even more! There is no time to worry when you only have 10 minutes, if you make a mistake work it into the design. And most importantly happy crafting!

 

Stamp credits: Look & 10: Crafty Secrets, Others: Stampin’ Up!

Spring is here and that means babies!

I don’t know if statistically there are more babies born in the spring or not but it does seem like I get invited to more baby showers in the spring. Next time I’ll be ready with this cute set using supplies from Papermart:

Here are the supplies I used: Plastic Baby Clothespins in white ($1.20 a dozen), Baker’s Twine in light orange, Large Ric-Rac trim in white (dyed with spray inks), a Shipping Tag, kraft and white cardstock, a scrap of green paper, watercolor paper, watercolor pencils (I prefer Inktense) a sponge dauber and scalloped punch (or you can cut a circle with scalloped scissors.) Watch this video to see how I made this!

Variations: Look at the stamps you have, you could stamp bibs, diapers, tiny tee’s and socks and other baby stuff! Or you could stamp some swimsuits for a “Bon Voyage” card. Have fun with this design. Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

Pretty & Vintage: Card & Boorkmarks

I like to listen to audio books. I listen when I fold laundry, drive, cook and craft. I really feel like I can savor a good book this way since I tend to skim over the slow bits of a book when I “read” or I fall asleep mid page. I’d much rather be multitasking:) I also have the bad habit of bailing of a book halfway though and returning it to the library or a friend with my bookmark still inside (I have left bookmarks all over town!) so it is nice to use up my scraps and make a few every now and then to replenish my stash. Oh, back to the audio book, I was listing to the book “The Help” when I made these:

 

I honestly could not tell you how any sewing theme stamps I own, I started collecting them about 6 years ago, I have been able to pick up quite a few sets lately because of the growing popularity of vintage sewing stuff. So my collection keeps on growing! The thing I love about vintage is that it will never go out of style. Collect away girls! BTW the stamps I used were from a Cling Mount (real rubber) set by TPC at Joanns, it was $6.99 but I used a coupon and got it for $3.50 BUT I think all of their stamps are 40% off this week!

 

 I finished “The Help: this weekend so I’ll have to find another audiobook to listen to, any suggestions? I think I am the  mood for a thriller now! Who knows what I will make listing to it 🙂  Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

Pastel Colors+Kraft=Yummy Color Combo!

I love kraft cardstock, it is like the little black dress of your craft stash, it goes with everything!

 

I made this card for a very dear friend after neglecting to send the card I planned to give her on her birthday (I’m such a boob!) but better late than never right?

 

I used paper from my Hugs & Kisses digital paper pack for the background. I simply printed them from the Windows Picture & Fax viewer (how easy is that!) and it automatically scaled them to a quarter sheet. If you want step by step instructions for that please see this post.

 

Well, that is all I have time to write today, the kids have been on break all week and running this momma ragged! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

Are you ready?

Yipee! Tonight is the season premier of Lost! There will be a recap on at 8 (ET) then a 2 hour premier! I am so excited, it’s the one show both my husband and I love. In fact I made this card for him on his birthday last year:

"Id be lost whithout you" card by Lindsay Weirich 2008

I used my cricut (opposites attract) to cut the word “lost” from vinyl and stuck it on some white glossy cardstock, then covered it in ink. Then I stamped with staz-on on a transparency cut the same size as the cardstock and adhered it with black acrylic paint. I used a DYMO label punch for the sentiment.

Thanks for stopping by, I’d love to craft tonight but the island wont let me! *that was a Lost reference for those of you who think I’ve lost my marbles 😉