paperologist

Craft Supply Garage Sale - this Saturday

2011-09-20T22:25:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the best plans change...
Amazing amount of crafting supplies need new homes.

In the spirit of paying it forward
You decide the price you can afford for the crafting goodies.
Many things are new or gently used.
This is your opportunity to outfit your own crafting space
at a price that fits your budget.

… originally planning to kit and sell crafting supplies on line
but now there is a new plan and crafting space needs to be re-claimed.

Pay What You Can Craft Supply Yard Sale
Saturday, September 24
9 am to 2 pm
no early birds

Date Avenue near Chula Vista High School at “L” Street
Look for the Signs!

Questions send email for more details.
Check back on Craig’s List – Friday previews may be arranged.
The exact address will be posted on Friday.

12x12 paper
6x6 paper pads
American Crafts
Chipboard Books
Clear Stamp Sets
Craft Punches
Embellishments
Embossing Powders
Making Memories
Markers
Martha Stewart Crafts
Paints
Pigment Inks
Ribbon
Rubber Stamps
Scrapbooks
Stampin’ Up
Stencils
Stickers
Tim Holtz
Wrapping Paper

All of the crafting supplies that remain after the sale will be donated
to local schools, shelters or charities in the area.
Please email me if your school or not-for-profit or organization
would like some really great crafting supplies and be willing to pick up.

Crafters Co-Op Magnetic Cutting Schim

2011-07-02T07:21:00.001-07:00

Thank you for visiting my blog. As I mentioned in the video, I am requesting 3 people to try out the Crafter's Co-Op magnetic schim.

Please reply to this post or send an email message.

Tell me what type of Cuttlebug you own -- new or original model.

Types of low-profile/flat dies you use -- brand and max size.

What types of craft projects you like to make with your die cutting machine.

Where do you live? USA, Canada, Mexico, outside of North America?

Blog name and link

Secondly, I would like to do a very random survey. What price point would you buy a single schim (regular size) and/or a set of regular size and the long size? Thanks for your help! Those of you responding to the price survey will be entered to win the schims when they do live to buy!

Disclaimer: As I mentioned in the video. I feel it necessary to remind those of you interested in the test pilot program that you do so at your own risk. These schims are non-OEM (not produced by the original equipment manufacturer) so while I personally had great success, not every single machine or situation is the same. I will not be replacing any equipment or plates should use of the plates harm your equipment or project.

Crafters Co-Op - Christmas in May

2011-05-01T09:23:00.000-07:00

Crafters Co-Op Share - Rubber Stamps

Happy May Day everyone. I just wanted to post and let you know the last set of the Tim Holtz Christmas Stamps was sold. Thanks for looking and I plan on posting more crafters co-op goodies in the near future.

Happy Crafting!

Christmas in April - Tim Holtz Stamp Update

2011-04-04T09:35:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I love shopping. I love bargains. I love sharing the wealth with friends. I was out and about and found four sets of Tim Holtz stamps on super clearance and wanted to share them with my blog readers and YouTube watchers. Happy Shopping! Terrie

ATC size. Holiday Collections

- I have 1 Set of this Collection left

Set retails for $21.95 I am selling them for $13.00 each set (including first class parcel post shipping) US Only. Paypal. Regular parcel post mail.

Christmas in April - Tim Holtz Stamps for Sale

2011-03-31T20:12:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I love shopping. I love bargains. I love sharing the wealth with friends. I was out and about and found these four sets of Tim Holtz stamps on super clearance and wanted to share them with my blog readers and YouTube watchers. Happy Shopping! Terrie

I have 1 set of the Mini Holidays Set - New in Package

This one is now sold out. Thanks for shopping.

It retails for $29.95 I am selling it for $17.00 ($14 + $3 shipping) US Only. Paypal. Regular parcel post mail. (Sold this one)

ATC size. Holiday Collections

- I have 2 Sets of this Collection (I sold one set a/o 04-01-2011)

Set retails for $21.95 I am selling them for $13.00 each set ($10 + $3 shipping) US Only. Paypal. Regular parcel post mail.

Favorite Roger and Rosie Pix

2011-03-10T23:08:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone,

It has been a long time since I have posted. Computer troubles and making the time are my only excuses. A new-used laptop has made it easier to be back online. I found this great blog sort of by accident. I haven't trolled YouTube for such quite some time and one link leads you to another...

So, the Sunday creative inspiration theme at Madeline Bea was "2".

Doesn't this pix just scream two?

Check out the link above to her site. Here photography is simply amazing! Plus her creative space is inspirational.

Best to you all
Terrie

Treat Pails - Embellished with Silhouette Vinyl

2010-11-14T12:28:00.001-08:00

These little buckets have been in my craft closet and I die cut these images from the Silhouette America store. The media is the fuzzy vinyl. I made these for our United Way Craft Drive.

United Way Benefit - Crafter's Fair

2010-10-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

I took part in my first quasi craft fair. My employer hosts a United Way Fund Drive each year. They invite employees to participate in selling their work at a craft fair and you agree to donate a portion of sales to the fund drive. Here is my table of goods. It was lots of work and very rewarding too. I used my Silhouette as well as rubber stamps and lots of my supplies. The onsies are embellished with flocked t-shirt transfers cut on the Silhouette. I made gift bags and embellished Halloween treat buckets!

Gift cards were pretty popular.

This file, from the Silhouette store does not fit gift cards well. Arg! Note to self, try the file before you cut a bunch.

Elzybells Swap Card - Belated Birthday

2010-10-28T20:49:00.000-07:00

I took part in my first swap this month. I received 6 great handmade Elzybells cards. This is the card I submitted. I used Elzybells stamps, Copics, and Shrinky Dinks.

Elzybells - Closing Store Order

2010-08-27T22:32:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

It has been quite some time since my last post. I managed to scratch my eye a week or so ago so I have been healing and putting antibiotic drops in my eyes so I haven't been doing much recreational computer work. Better now, and thought I would share a haul video.

The Elzybell shop is closing at the end of August, so act quickly! As I mention, I am sad that Elizabeth is closing her business but grateful that I had the chance to get these pieces of her art. The graphics are so cute and inspirational.

Here is a vido of my rather large order, and I still didn't get all the pup art ones I would have liked to. I am happy to have the stamps and look foward to using them and posting some work soon.

Best to all of you,
Terrie

Happy Birthday to Me

2010-08-05T23:08:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday. It was a nice day at home. Oscar got me a lovely card and we had all three meals together. Birthday coconut cream pie! Yum! Thanks for the well wishes from Facebook friends.

Design by Mia - New Release

2010-08-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Well I have a few days off for my birthday, I look forward to doing a fair amount of crafting, and will be posting some cards from Design by Mia and the Cutting Cafe.

The first one features a Design by Mia digital stamp. You can pick them up at her store on Etsy.

The image is a new release as of August 5, 2010. I printed it on white Neenah cardstock. I have been using my HP Photo Printer. I have had no issues with Copics and the inks. Yipee!

I used Copic markers and a fine sharpie to do the colouring. Gem blings from Michaels. The pattern paper is from Cosmo Cricket. The ribbon is a double faced satin.

Thrifty tip -- Check the internet or yellow pages and see if you have a floral supply store in your area, find out when they are open and then check it out. The rolls of ribbon are very reasonably priced if you are shopping per yard price, and there are lots of double faced ribbons so no fancy twists if new to tying bows. The ribbon generally comes in rolls of 20 to 50 yards. Enough to share...

Stop by Mia's site, she is branching out from the AiFactory site for a little while and would love some more visitors.

Have a great day!

AIFactory Blog Hop! It's Glittery

2010-07-21T21:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog and to the AiFactory Blog Hop!

This delightful little squirrel is an image available from the AiFactory Store.

I printed him out of Photoshop and coloured using Copic markers. For the tree trunk I used VersaMark ink and Heat and Bond Powder, I sprinkled on Martha Stewart Glitter. The tree trunk rubber stamp is a red rubber woodmount stamp from Inkadinkado. I broke out the oval Coluzzle and the deckle edge Nestabilities in two sizes. Dark Brown satin ribbon tied around the pretty blue Martha Stewart cardstock.

Thanks for visiting all of us on the hop. If you got here from Georgia's blog you are on the right path! If you landed here first, please click on the first links below -- that's Fink.

There are chances to win prizes at the AiFactory store for those of you that enter this weeks design challenge.

Please leave a comment on each blog you visit for a chance to win prizes. We will randomly pick one commenter from one of the Design Team Members to win a $20 Gift Certificate. Make sure you leave a comment on all the DT blogs since it's a secret as to the blog our winner will be drawn from. There is also a 3 Months Kit Club Membership for one lucky winner!

Visit the challenge blog and leave a sample of your work, I know that I will get to see all your great creations!

AIF GRAPHICs BLOG
Challenge Blog

Here are links to the rest of the team!
Fink
Monica
Penny
Margie
Lawren
Laralee
Tammy
Brandy
Audrey E
Michelle
Melissa
Georgia
Terrie (that's me)
AIF GRAPHICs BLOG
Challenge Blog

Special prize just from me to you -- I will use the randon generator tool and someone who leaves a comment on my blog -- I will send you a package of Prima Leaves -- check out my Crafter's Coop to see them. Great to colour with shimmery sprays, chalks or Copics!

AiFactory Creative Team Open Call

2010-07-21T20:05:00.000-07:00

Be a new Creative Team member!

Well, three months have past and my friends at AiFactory are on the look out for creative team members. The images we have used are delightful, the team is great and very supporting, and this is an outstanding way to begin working with digital files and making traditional as well as hybrid projects.

Here is the scoop of what you do to apply for a position:

1. Follow our blog and become a member of the AiF community
2. Make a post on your blog about the AiF DT call
3. Take part in at least one of our challenges at the AiF challenge blog using at least one AiF Stamp or clip art (there are lots of freebies to use, check here). Leave a link on the challenge blog
4. Complete the application that you can find here

Creative Team member responsibilities:

* You must be willing to take part in all the activities going on at the AiF community. As a team member you are willing to reply, post,discuss and take part in the AiF community.
* You must be able to create cards, hybrid, embroidery, stationary or any kind of project using AiF stamps provided. You must also make a post at the blog and take part in challenges at AiF .
* You must be willing to post all AiFactory Challenge Blog cards/projects to the Splitcoast Stampers gallery and any other galleries that you are a member of. (example: SNR, PCP,etc.)
* Promote AiFACTORY Stamps/graphics through your blog,and wherever you see an opportunity to help promote the team.
* You must be able to join our Group at Paper Craft Planet and promote our group there also!

Creative Team will be rewarded in form of :

>You are eligible for 15% off all the purchases that you make through AIF store
>You will be provided digital stamps before they are released every week, (or sometimes stamps already available for purchase). Expect to receive around 10-15 digital stamps to work with during your 3 month period .
>Team members who bring in more users to the site are awarded further with incentives and free downloads of their choice every month.
>Your profile and bio will be posted on all AiF sites (challenge blog, AiF Blog, AiF community and AiF store).

THE DEADLINE TO APPLY is 28th July 2010

Please do not apply for the DT position here on my personal blog.
Follow all the links above to get to the right place!

We are having a blog hop on Thursday July 22nd so make sure you check it out for chances to win some great prizes!

Christmas in July Greeting Card - Designs by Mia

2010-07-20T22:32:00.001-07:00

Here is a silly new card. These images are totally fun. They come from a digital set available on AiFactory - The set of robots has a number of other fun kid like images. I colourized it red in Photoshop and as I looked for coordinating paper I saw green trees I was just inspired. So I added the text with a funky font that said space man to me. I printed the file on my HP Inkjet printer and added some stickles and bow. Visit the AiFactory Site to see the images.

The Cutting Cafe - Hybrid Birthday Card

2010-07-17T14:08:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I have been a bit behind in blogging lately and have not been crafting as much as I would like... I spent the Independence Day weekend cleaning my crafting space, moving around furniture and beginning the supply sort. The Supply Purge is about to begin in earnest stay tuned for great deals and give-aways! I have a major challenge that when I craft one seemingly simple card my craft space is a disastor afterwards... My goal was to use supplies and put them away as I go... I have to constantly remind myself to do this or the pile of supplies, paper scraps, gluedots, glitter and markers is crazy. I am open to any tips on working smarter so you don't have to work so hard picking everything up after a craft making session.

I feel like the space is finally working better for me now and I thought I would use a really cute digital set called the "Birthday Fun Set" from Regina at The Cutting Cafe.

As I mentioned the images and sentiment are from the Cutting Cafe. The card layout uses the Mojo Monday design for this week.

This is technically a Hybrid Card because I used Adobe Illustrator to digitally colour the images and re-size them to be mini postage stamp size. They are super easy to colour with Copics too but I wanted to play with the images in Illustrator.

Supplies: PDF images from the Cutting Cafe, Adobe Illustrator, white card base from Neenah, decorative scissors from Provo Craft, Martha Stewart red and white tissue paper, brown cardstock from Recollections, red cardstock from American Craft. Scallop cut with Silhouette and oval cut with the Colluzle, and brown satin ribbon from the stash.

Mojo Monday Design

Sample of the Cutting Cafe images.

AiFactory Challenge - Green with Envy No. 43

2010-07-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

In Challenge #43 our design team has been challenged to create a card or project using a recycled or upcycled item such as packaging or the like.

The aqua blue part of the card with the "wave" patterns is the inside flap from an Always box. Take a look at the rest of the design teams great projects. Submit your own project at the AiFactory challenge and enter to win a gift certificate to the AiFactory store!

The details: Images: Digital Stamps by Design by Mia available from AiFactory. Ink: Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink in Deep Lagoon. Sentiment: Everything Happy Set from Stampedous Perfectly Clear line. Copic markers to colour image. Glossy Accents by Ranger to give the life preserver some dimension. Martha Stewart Seam Binding ribbon.

Visit the team members to see what fab creations they have made.

Audrey R
Tammy
Lawren
Georgia
Margie
Fink
Audrey E
Monica
Terrie (that's me)
Michele
Penny
Angie
Brandy
Laralee

AiFactory Card - Metal Embellishment Challenge

2010-06-29T21:16:00.001-07:00

AiFactory is sponsoring the Charizma Design Challenge this time. Visit their blog starting on July 1, 2010 and check out the great prizes!

The digital art stamp is lovely -- it is from AiFactory and part of the Monthly Kit Club. The dress is from the "after midnight" series. Click here to find the link. I am really big into "line." The lines of fonts, the curve of a shape, the silhouette if you will. I have had my eye on this digital stamp for quite some time. You could paper piece or use any sort of colouring tool. I decided to keep it simple. I really like the contrast of the font with the curves of the dress form and the background paper. I hope you enjoy!

The pattern paper is from American Craft, the sentiment stamp is from Hero Arts and the rose is a metal embellishment from Making Memories vintage findings. I also used a red Spica pen on the finials and a Copic marker to do a bit of shading on the inkjet print out. Tag punch from Fiskars and red/gold ribbon from my stash.

Shape it Up – Challenge 41

2010-06-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

This week’s challenge was to create a card in a non-traditional square or rectangle shape. We are playing with a new set called “Daddy’s Rock Star Digital Collection.”

I got out the Silhouette and attempted to make a cut out card using the rocker girl image. I had some file cutting challenges with the mirror of the outline. I cut the rocker girl out just fine and colored her with Copics and my new favourite Spica Glitter Markers. I used some ultra glittery paper from Target as the background and cut the card out by hand using my Tim Holtz Tonic scissors. I have read that glitter paper will seriously dull your digital cutting blades and didn’t want to risk it.

My card for the challenge – the star shape is from the Silhouette Store. I did the print and cut and colored again with the Copics. The inside image is also a print and cut from the same set. I used the red bling to glitz out the star. The paper is Red Chrysanthemum from the from Martha Stewart’s Winter Garden paper collection.

Be sure and stop by the AiFactory site and sign up. They have recently moved to a self-hosted site. You will find new content added daily.

Now for the challenge! You too can create a non-traditional shaped card. (Try a circle, star, triangle or any other shape.) Submit the card at the AiFactory Challenge Blog and enter to win a gift certificate to the AiFactory digital image store. There are freebies available to try out and I encourage you all to rock this challenge! Posting at another Papercraft Planet then tag your card with AIF041.

Visit the other Design Team Members – They have Rockin’ Great Cards!

Laralee
Melissa
Michele
Monica
Tammy

PS: I bought a three-month AIF Club Kit Subscription at AiFactory for $10. I am really happy with what has been offered and terrific digital images are great. Plus the price is right, quite a bargain for your downloads vs. buying them individually.

Distress It - AiFactory Design Team Challenge No. 40

2010-06-17T22:38:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I decided to give the distress it design team challenge a try. This is the weekly challenge for AiFactory and while not assigned to my team "b" group I got to play with the art too.

I tried my hand at distress inks, alcohol inks, transparencies, core-dinations paper, embossing and sanding. I also tried my hand at a card and have posted it here too. I am a bit on the fence about the results; however, the best part of participating in a challenge is being hands on with techniques you have only seen demonstrated... and of course you have the supplies but need to just open them!

Here is my tag -- it is attached to a bottle of porter made by my friend Tina and her husband.

The porter style brew is labeled Double Dachshund and the challenge art is great for father's day. As we have no human kids and just doxie fur babies I used the paw print texture plate and tried to make the colouring a bit brighter than traditional distressed colours. The ink I used to stamp on the transparency I Ruff You is Staz On.

Here are my double doxies.

This is my card attempt -- I used some more of my new goodies... I am on the fence with this one too... Tim Holtz clear stamps and Cuttlebug embossing folder.

Check out the new site at AiFactory and sign up. The digital clip art is available at the store.

Thanks for stopping by! See you next week for a new challenge.

Just Bee-Cause Card and Video - The Cutting Cafe

2010-06-13T23:31:00.000-07:00

Here is a new video for the Cutting Cafe I am using a really cute set called "Bug Sentiments" that includes a number of cute sayings set up to use your circle cutters. I discovered I already owned a number of stamps that fit this set perfectly! I made Mr. Bee's body and antennae fuzzy!

I am using a set of stamps from Sizzix.com, Copic Markers, Spica Glitter Pens, white gel pen and yellow Bic Pens. The highlight is the Fun Flock with the Quickie Glue Pen. I resized the images in Adobe Illustrator. They come as PDF files and you can print them bigger or smaller out of Acrobat but I wanted a bit more control to fit my punches and the area that the stamped image would be placed.

Enjoy and stop by the cutting cafe. -- No bug themed stamps in your stash you say, don't let that stop you -- there is a coordinating set of printable images called "Cute Critters" and I have included the link.

Click the image below to enlarge the graphic.

AiFactory Challenge 39 - Lets Get Moving

2010-06-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

Here is my AiFactory Challenge No. 39 Card
The Theme - Lets Get Moving

(Sorry if you got notice of this post numerous times...

I had some image linking and html issues that tested my patience.

All is well now.)

We each got to select from the clipart and the theme was to make a card with some sort of moving parts. Like a pop up or shaker card.

I tried my hand at the suspension card. There are great YouTube video tutorials.

I used a white gel pen for the sentiment on the front. Hero Arts I Love You stamp on the inside. I used my Quickutz Cookie Cutter circle dies to make the "port holes" and printed the tug boat using Adobe Illustrator. I used the "reflect" command on the AiFactory Clip Art image so that it would be facing right and left. (You can do similar command to get the same results in Photoshop too.) That way, when I hand trimmed it they fit together. Overall it came together pretty quickly. Enjoy!

Sample of the image reflected so you can make the graphic point right or left.

Here is the full image of the original art - you can pick it up from AiFactory store for only $4.99.
Think of all those very special Father's Day Cards...

Don't forget to visit the AiFactory challenge blog to enter your Lets Get Moving project and see what you can win! Your image doesn't have to be this AiFactory image, check out the new freebies and pick whatever you would like. (Check out this link to some great AiFactory freebies.)

Upload your project to the challenge blog - labeled number 39 so that we can all admire what you’ve created. You have until Wednesday June 16, 2010 @ 10:30 pm EST to be entered to win the digital of the week.

Thanks for visiting! Remember Lets Get Moving!

Looking for some creative inspiration?
Check out the other team members creations! Please visit their blogs.

Tammy
Monica
Laralee
Michele

PS: There is a new program starting at AiFactory -- a monthly subscription.
Very reasonably priced and terrific digital images... check out the link and subscribe now.

AiFactory Pop Up Freebie

2010-06-07T13:39:00.000-07:00

Contest has concluded* Thanks to all who played.

We all love freebies.
AiFactory has a new freebie
I have the password -- for 24 hours...

Congratulations! you just popped up on my blog! Yeah this is a surprise freebie for the visitors who are popping up on my blog!. Although There are MORE freebies back at the store but this one is special for those of you who just pop up here for the Day! Tell more people about it as this will just gonna POP OUT! in next 24 hours!

This is a free Kit Club Membership and it just happened to POP up FREE FOR YOU so follow us to be aware of our next POP UP maybe tomorrow or the day after tomorrow or next week! Get your free Kit Club Membership before the code expires.

How do you make your claim?

Contact me MIA through this link to the Aifactory COMMUNITY .
Join the Group POPUP FREEBIES.
Message Mia your secret passcode* (Pass the word that you found it here, (valid till next 24 hours) AND
Mia will award you a free KIT CLUB MEMBERSHIP for June!

Blog Candy Call - Such a wonderful blog - Big News Too

2010-05-28T22:05:00.000-07:00

A blog you just have to follow -- www.makeitcrafty.com.au

Like many of you who watch YouTube videos for tips and inspiration I have found a person who makes stunning cards and provided a great tutorial on how to merge digital stamps with traditional stamps. I visited her site and discovered she is offering a great blog candy give-a-away.

I think that her pop up card is just fantastic.

Take a look at the detail and excellent Copic work.
I think that cards like this are so sweet to give
because people love displaying them at their desk or in their homes.

She also has a super sweet rocking horse card that moves... very inspiring.

Check out the yummy blog candy

Here is the list of all the great goodies of what is in the candy!

24 Ciao Copic Markers in a Copic fold up fabric case
Zoe hand picked the colours which she suggested would be a great beginner set for anyone starting out with Copics.
W-1, E00, E02, E11, E31, E33, E37, R20, R27, R29, YR04, YR07,
Y11, Y15, G21, G28, BG15, BG49, B00, B95, B97, BV00, V17 and Blender 0

10 A4 sheets of X-Press It blending paper
Papermania Rose clear stamp set
Clear flourish stamp (great for backgrounds)
Wags ‘n Whiskers unmounted stamp – Angel Whispers
7 colours of hand made paper. 5 sheets each.
3 ply wood stars
5 Silver skeleton leaves
1 sheet of gold edged flower and leaf stickers
I sheet of silver hearts, flower and star stickers
1 sheet 3 dimensional square stickers
Basic Kaisercraft Love/dream circle rub ons
140 x 305mm rub on sheet – doilies
140 x 305mm rub on sheet – grunge floral
4 mini spring boards
5 lengths of my favourite lace
Length of Rhinestone chain
Papermania Mini Gem Brads
Rhinestone buckle
3 min pearl ribbon sliders
6 Prima bling flower centres
1 pack of Prima Pearls
Small bunch of flowers
2 packs of heavy silk flowers
Small selection of Prima Ornement de Floraz flowers
1 pack of Prima glitter Roses

Follow the rules and enter the blog candy give away but do it quick. The candy give away is ending soon, and entries must be in by midnight 31st May (Australian EST)
She will draw the winner within a couple of days after that deadline.

On a personal note as a small business person, good luck with starting your business Zoe. The rewards are wonderful and the hard work will be worth it. Stick to it and keep on creating. Your work is really lovely.

AiFactory - Hip to Be Square Challenge No. 37 - Home Sweet Home

2010-05-26T21:00:00.000-07:00

This weeks challenge at AiFactory was to create a project
using a delightful new digital image called "Home Sweet Home"
The challenge - it's Hip to Be Square, so no round elements like buttons or flowers.

I was out of town last week and returned with the plan that I was going to make an easy card. After attempting to colour the entire image, I decided to simply crop part of the Home Sweet Home digital stamp and colourize it with Photoshop CS3. (I erased away the window in Photoshop)

Here is the full image of the original art - you can pick it up from AiFactory store.

There are some great YouTube videos teaching you how to use a photo editing program and colourizing your digital stamps.

I sized the image to fit a 4x6" print. You can get prints made rather inexpensively at Costco or other on-line photo vendors. So I printed one and trimmed and added a bit of Stickles to the flag pole.

For the other card I used my same festive Independence Day themed print and mounted it on a red cardstock base. Using a long held, but not often used, corner punch and some white scrap to mat. I opted to keep this one a little simple but you could add bling or ribbon or make it a flat card. Re-work the wording and simply wish someone a Happy 4th of July!

Don't forget to visit the AiFactory challenge blog to enter your Hip to Be Square project and see what you can win! Your image doesn't have to be an AiFactory image, pick whatever you would like. (Check out this link to some great AiFactory freebies.)
Thanks for visiting! Remember it is Hip To Be Square!

Looking for some creative inspiration?
Want to see some of the other team members creations?
Visit their blogs.

Angie
Monica
Laralee
Michele
Brandy

AiFactory - Celebrations and Sparkle Challenge No. 35 - Tea Party Set!

2010-05-12T21:01:00.000-07:00

This is an adorable set with classy images and lovely sentiments from AiFactory. I decided to make a gift card holder. This is one of my favorite projects to make. Honestly what sets one gift card apart from another? The card holder of course! I love to make gift card holders that the recipient says wow! You can also make this one with another little card inside for the message so the gift card holder can be re-gifted and another person can share the creative goodness.

Visit the AiFactory Challenge and Enter to Win Great Downloads

You do not have to use an AiFactory image to enter...

but in case you want to give them a try
they have some super cute free downloads
so check them out!

Here is a close up of the digital file and the spica glitter pen and the flock.

How I made the gift card holder -- I am a Silhouette digital cutting junkie. I visit the Silhouette site regularly because I have an unlimited download subscription. I pay a flat rate monthly so I download all sorts of cut files. This file is a scallop gate fold card. I added a box and welded to make the card holder flap. The test of my patience was printing on the Relections brand brown craft cardstock. Printing wasn't the hard part -- having the Silhouette find the registration marks to cut out exactly where I wanted on the dark paper nearly stumped me. I set the project aside and the next day I thought -- make the corners white -- mailing labels in the corners! Voila it worked. Now the sparkle part of the challenge.

Colouring: I used the atyou Spica Twinkling like Stars pen in Chocolate. (Tip: Store your Spica glitter pens flat.) The background image on the white scallops is an A Muse Artstamps red rubber stamp called Flowers and Vines.

Too bad the Internet doesn't offer the chance to use all our senses. The gelly embossing powder is coffee scented! It is called extra foam latte and the "foam" is white flock from the Doodle Bug Crushed Velvet flock sampler pack. The quickie glue pen is wonderful for putting glue exactly where you want it (see the flock around the steam.) The butterscotch candy striped wired ribbon was a find at Tuesday Morning. Adhesives for assembly - Velcro, dimensional foam adhesive and two-side scor-tape. VersaMark Dazzle ink in Champagne.

Here is a pix of the digital set you can purchase
$3.50 and no shipping because you download the files

The supplies I used for the card.
The glitter pen I won at my Copic Class!

The Silhouette layout with the "labeled corners" for the registration marks.

Thank you for all the lovely comments from last weeks blog hop.
I will be doing projects frequently as a member of the design team.
I hope that you check out the challenge site and post a project of your own.

AiFactory Design Team Blog Hop - Blog Candy

2010-05-07T21:01:00.000-07:00

Join the Blog Hop!
You Say Goodbye I Say Hello

If you arrived from Audrey E’s blog then you are on the right track.

If not, return to the AiFactory Challenge Blog and start at the beginning
to have the best chance at the great blog candy prizes!

Here is my first card for AiFactory
as a new member of the Design Team.

My first ever pop up card!

I used the Caterpillar-Butterfly digital images by Doodle Pantry at the AiFactory Store. The floral print paper is from DCWV, base cardstock is Neenah Classic Crest, Copic Markers to colour the cheery Caterpillar-Butterfly, the ribbon and the die cut. Diecut is from Silhouette Store.

I used the print and cut feature from Silhouette Robocraft Software to import the jpeg and cut him out. Another tip - used the small Making Memories grommets - which I have soooo many and crop-a-dile to set them to reinforce the holes for threading the ribbon.

~Three Ways to Win Blog Candy~

Prize 1
Just leave a comment on each of the blogs you visit. One blog hopper comment from a single Design Team Members’ Blog will be selected randomly to win a $20 AiFactory Gift Certificate. It is a SECRET which blogger will get picked ... so make sure you comment on them all! (Plus the projects are too wonderful to miss!)

Prize 2
Scrambled Word Prize...Each Design Team Member has been assigned a letter... and to win you hoppers collect all the letters, scramble them together, and send correct phrase in an email to Angie (one of our fearless team leaders) angievcortes@gmail.com and she will draw a winner from all the correct entries for a $10 Gift Certificate.

I hope you win! hint hint hint ;) -- ok my letter is I

Prize 3
Random freebies scattered throughout the hop... so check out the team’s blogs for digital freebies!

Visit Margie Next!

I wanted to post a few more pix of the card and my Silhouette Print and Cut Layout

The caterpillar-butterfly is only $2.50 right now and a digital download so no shipping.

This art also works for the "something new challenge" at the Bee Crafty blog.

AiFactory Design Team

2010-05-05T22:47:00.001-07:00

Happy Me!

I am very pleased to annouce that I was picked to be a member of this quarter's (May, June, July) design team at AI Factory! I really love the variety of the designers that AI Factory represents. The designs are digital stamps and you can size and print to meet your exact needs. They even have some freebie designs to try out. (That's what I did) See the Happy Birdie Card -- it is from their site.

I have been printing and then cutting the designs on my Silhouette. (see below)

The site hosts a weekly challenge on their blog and the winner wins fabulous prizes! (Credits at the store, but the images are very reasonable priced.)

Check back this weekend -- see my first project as a DT member -- it'll be a blast!

Happy day to all!

Terrie

Mother's Day Card - Cutting Cafe Files - Two Part Video

2010-05-03T08:25:00.000-07:00

Here is a new two-part video -- part one demonstrates the colouring techniques that I used to create the card. The diecuts are from the Cutting Cafe. Part two shows the card you the actual card assembly. This video was filmed in "real time" as I was creating. So you can observe the creative process -- also known as having an idea but no specific plan.

I cut the green background image, the flower pot and rim with Adobe Illustrator and my Silhouette Digital Cutting Machine. The sentiments are also part of the files from the Cutting Cafe.

Thanks for watching!
Terrie

Here is a link to the cutting file for the flower pot, sentiment and paper flowers to cut yourself.

New Tim Holtz Stamps and more at Two Peas

2010-04-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

OK serious enabling... must visit LSS in San Diego and see if they are stocking any of these goodies too. I am going to Kansas City in May -- first time to see an Archivers Store, what should I expect. What do you all think about their stores?

RE: Two Peas -- they are offering Free shipping on orders $50 or more... I think they also offer other coupon codes if you are a newsletter subscriber. The free shipping thing could become really easy if you are not careful about adding to cart! Arg!

Spotted Canary Challenge - Edgy Project - Wedding Favor

2010-04-25T21:44:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon a site that is new to me... called spottedcanary.com -- part of EK Success.
They are having a contest for $100 worth of supplies. All you crafty friends with edge punches should check it out. Here is my submission.

Using 3"x6" craft cardstock I scored and folded to make a treat "matchbook" cover -- great for weddings as an easy and affordable party favor. To make the perfect corner punch curve you have to use a 3.25"x6" piece of stock. The Merci stamp is from The Paper Source. The ribbon is Martha Stewart craft seam binding in Dove White. Chestnut Roan Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink. I think the punch set is Scallop Three Dot - Punch Around the Page by Martha Stewart, I got mine at Michaels last fall/winter and think it is a very classy look.

click on photo to enlarge

As is the standard you have to follow the blog, read the rules and post your project.

Post an 'edgy' project
To qualify, project must use a continuous edge punching system or some other creative method of altering edges.

Please list the method you used in your description or product listing. From April 1, 2010 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time through April 30, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, go to www.spottedcanary.com (the “Website”) to enter. Log in as a Spotted Canary member and upload an original project to the Gallery. The time of entry will be determined by the time that it is received by EKSuccess Brands.

You may enter only once, duplicate entries will not be considered. All entries must be in English. All entries must be original and developed by contestant. Use of automated processes and devices to submit electronic entries are not permitted. EK is not responsible for any changes or effects caused by or to the entrant’s computer system as a result of submitting electronic entries.

The Loot -- or a representative image...

_________________________________________________________________

On a totally different note -- have any of you been getting spam on your blog? I have my blog set to approve comments and I am glad I do. This is a screenshot of a post that came in today, the site posts song lyrics with links that lead to sites I would not want to be associated with -- "drug" companies and the like. Just an FYI -- I really appreciate comments and questions, and had recently been thinking of taking the approve feature off -- but now I think I may have to leave it on just to keep everyone a bit safer. How do you handle the spam?

AiFactory Challenge - Birthday Card

2010-04-20T20:22:00.000-07:00

This card is also for the Critter Sketch Challenge Blog. Super cute ideas -- just make a birthday card for a child. Check out the link and enjoy.

As part of the AiFactory Design Challenge -- create a card for one of the challenges. Here are my birthday card submittals. The duck -- named Harold is one of the freebie digital rubber stamps. I took him into my Silhouette software and added the text and printed and cut him out. I used a variety of Stampin Up markers and some Copics too. Font: LD Gregarious, I printed it in orange but it looks a little more red in the photos...

Notice that I mirrored Harold -- his had is up on the right and the left. This is an easy technique in the Silhouette and one of the nice features of digital rubber stamps.

Our nephew will be 1 in a few months so I thought it would be fun to incorporate his name into the card.

Enjoy the Birthday card and the gift enclosure card too!

Design Team Application

2010-04-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

I am applying for Design Team membership at AI Factory.

The images are super cute and fun to color.

I am posting this to encourage all of you to consider applying too!

These digital stamp images would be a great compliment
to the projects I am doing for The Cutting Cafe.

Silhouette 102 - Money Card Holder

2010-04-18T22:39:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Well I signed up for the second installment of the Silhouette class at My Creative Classroom. The assignment was to take images that came in pieces and group them so it would be easier to cut out the pieces vs. assembling and then glue lots of small things. Also add text and weld to create an easier to piece backgound. Here is my project.

Thanks for visiting and commenting.

I used some SimplyFab 12x12 Brooke Narrow Stripe paper from making memories, red sticky strip tape and white embroidery floss. Red Stickles and sponged on Tim Holtz Worn Lipstick distress ink to color the ice cream cutout. The following images from the Silhouette Store:

cherry_icon_C00007_27494

money_card_holder_C20091107034558_20509

ice_cream_sundae_set_C00305_20387

Shimelle's Blog -- Take a Peek

2010-04-17T21:04:00.001-07:00

If you have not had a chance, take a look and visit Shimelle's site. She is witty and clever and this page is just so much fun! Visit her site.

Check out her video about why she scrapbooks. I think you will find inspiration.
She also hosts on-line classes and they are great.

http://www.shimelle.com/paper/711/inspiration-found-in-adorable-creatures/

Christmas in April - Paper Crafts Magazine submission

2010-04-13T22:42:00.003-07:00

This is my project I submitted to the Paper Crafts Magazine. It is a gift card holder. I had a couple of others, but with the time crunch, these photos turned out the best.

Did any of you send a project for consideration? Have you been published? What tips can you share?

click to enlarge

Details:
Cardstock: Making Memories Deck the Halls 12x12 Argyle, American Crafts – Red cardstock, White Neenah Cardstock. Rubber stamps: “Holiday Wishes” (Dachshunds stamp) Hero Arts red rubber stamp, “Sending a little wish for a lot of joy” small sentiment inside – Stampin Up. Prisma Color pencils, blending stump and odorless mineral spirits, Atyou Sipica pen twinkling marker – red, Jetblack Stazon Ink, Studio G pigment ink – teal blue, Martha Stewart ½ inch craft seam binding – dove white, Fiskars Twist and Flip 2-in-1 Corner Rounder Punch – inside card, Fiskars 12” Euro paper trimmer, Scor-Pal

Creative Geek Speak - How to print a list of what is in a file

2010-04-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to say that people are watching my Silhouette videos on YouTube and this is a request for a "how to do it." This is a quick 5 minute video using the DOS prompt or command window to print a list of your GSD files that you do not have thumbnail images of. Remember I use Windows XP -- check your system software and be careful with the power of the DOS prompt -- it can be a useful tool, but like with all things a little knowledge can be dangerous so proceed with care, or ask a 15 year old teenage boy to help.

If you need a list of files in your folder named “GSD Files”:

Find your file and copy it to the “c” drive – remember it’s exact name

Go to start menu and click RUN

Type cmd and hit Enter

Type cd c:\GSD Files [Press the Enter key]

Type dir > filelist.txt [Press the Enter key]

Open the text file in Excel or Word and clean up for better printing

This should give you a detailed list of files saved in the same folder.

C:\ GSD Files – this is the name of my file – yours might be different so be sure and use your file name.

The Cutting Cafe - Graduation Card Video - Updated Post

2010-04-10T17:30:00.000-07:00

Cutting Cafe graduation card. My niece graduates from high school in May. I live quite a distance away and could not remember her high school colors. (She is attending the rival high school, mine were Cardinal Red and Gold... the little things you remember.)

Here is a video of the card creation

I used the Cutting Cafe Happy Graduation background and took the PDF file into Adobe Illustrator CS3 and changed the text color to purple. I also used the grad hat pdf file for the mortar board. The rubber stamp is from Hero Arts. The scallop and oval are cut from Silhouette files.

The card fits with the Mojo Monday challenge.

Hurry, Call for Submission Deadline - April 12

2010-04-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

You all have such great talents, and I follow the Papercrafts Blog, and stumbled on the link regarding holiday issue Calls for Submissions.

I copied the scoop from their site. (see below) As I read it you have to submit a digital pix, without a watermark -- so mailing time is not an issue for this one but April 12 will be here before you know it. Do you have some holiday goodies that you want to share?
Find out more - click here.

Holiday Cards & More - Volume 5 - Creative Cards
Photo Cards, Humorous cards, Traditional and non-traditional colors, Interactive cards, Shaped cards, Quick & easy cards, Inspirational or faith-based cards, etc. PLEASE NOTE: Paper Crafts magazine prides itself on its blind submissions judging. From this point forward, we will no longer accept submissions with a photo watermark. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: MONDAY, April 12, 2010, at midnight MDT
> click here to submit an entry

Holiday Cards & More - Volume 5 - Holiday Home Decor
Wreaths, Wall hangings, Stockings, Ornaments, Card holders, Advent calendars, Table top trees, Candle wraps, Garlands, etc. PLEASE NOTE: Paper Crafts magazine prides itself on its blind submissions judging. From this point forward, we will no longer accept submissions with a photo watermark. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: MONDAY, April 12, 2010, at midnight MDT
> click here to submit an entry

Holiday Cards & More - Volume 5 - Little Gifts
Clever presents, Fun stocking stuffers, Neighbor & co-worker treats, Merry trinkets for kids, teens, and men, Fun gift card holders, etc. PLEASE NOTE: Paper Crafts magazine prides itself on its blind submissions judging. From this point forward, we will no longer accept submissions with a photo watermark. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: MONDAY, April 12, 2010, at midnight MDT > click here to submit an entry

Holiday Cards & More - Volume 5 - Festive Wraps
Gift bags, Boxes, Wrapping paper, Tags, Treat containers, etc. PLEASE NOTE: Paper Crafts magazine prides itself on its blind submissions judging. From this point forward, we will no longer accept submissions with a photo watermark. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: MONDAY, April 12, 2010, at midnight MDT
> click here to submit an entry

Send Us Your Best Work!
Do you have a card or other paper crafted project that you want to share with us? You'll need to include a digital photo, the supplies you used and a description of techniques used, so be sure to have those handy. Projects submitted here may not have been published in current or any related form prior to now and must be free of any copyrights. Be sure photos do not exceed 300KB in size, and submit only one project per form. For detailed projects with multiple views, we suggest using photo editing software to create a collaged image using multiple shots.

Lucky Me - Thanks Scrapbook Royalty

2010-04-07T21:58:00.001-07:00

I checked my email earlier and discovered I won 2 pair of Westcott Titanium Scissors (8" and 3") !
Check out this blog and subscribe.

Check out their new Website www.ScrapbookRoyalty.org
and Charitable Crafters Forum it launched on April 1, 2010.

I am also taking the Silhouette 102 Class with Jennifer at My Creative Classroom. Looking forward to learning many new things.

Have a great night!
Terrie

Anything Goes - AI Factory Challenge

2010-04-05T20:26:00.000-07:00

AiDigital Challenge

This little birdy is from a digital site that has incredibly cute -- with a capital C-U-T-E images. I made the birdie card for the Mojo Monday challenge and it just so happened that the day I posted for it, was also the day this challenge was opened. So, since the challenge is anything goes -- well I am going to upload for you to see him again.

Enjoy!
Terrie

I printed him through the Silhouette software using my HP Inkjet printer using the 80# Neenah Classic Crest Avon brilliant white cardstock. Then did a trace and cut him out and colored him with the Copic markers. The scallop card and circle cuts are from the Silhouette store. The happy words are a diecut from Sizzix. By the way -- the birdie is a freebie stamp to try out their site.

PS: Blog followers, I attempted my first scan, trace and cut of a chipboard album page. It was o.k. -- more details to come and look for a post soon. :)

Silly Bunny...

2010-04-04T12:28:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Happy Easter and Happy Spring.

I made my first video for the Cutting Cafe and got so caught up the excitement of my first video, I forgot about Jing's five minute video screen shot limit.

Silly bunny, I forgot to show you how to convert a PDF into a png and then a png into a jpg to cut on your Silhouette.

OK, I know it sounds like a bunch of steps, but it really is easy. (All of you feed families and can follow a recipe.) So think of the video attached as a recipe for substituing one ingredient for another -- the cookies taste just as good and no one is the wiser.

The video is a real time video so you see it really does take less than 5 minutes!

Enjoy.

Cutting Cafe Bunny - Buffet Table Card

2010-04-03T22:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter and Happy Spring!

Having grown up in the midwest I think spring has always been my most favorite time of the year. Did you grow up where sometimes the Easter bunny left your eggs in the house because he knew you would have had to hunt for eggs in winter coats and snow? Spring said to me it was time for the flowers to bloom, the snow was finally gone, and chocolate bunnies and robin's eggs (malted milk ones) abounded.

I am all about the little details when I host a party so I took some inspiration from the bunny.

I have been experimenting with the files from The Cutting Cafe.

I often make these type of cards for work potluck parties. We all know people with food allergies or eating restrictions, and having a potluck card that your guests can write a bit about what dish they brought is a great way for everyone to know just -- "what is in that?"

I ask them to include peanuts, shellfish and what sort of meat (if any). I live in Southern California so sometimes we even put the chili heat index. :)

Not doing a potluck, make your next dinner party table extra special with place cards. We all have tons of scrapbook paper and popdots so why not really show off your crafting talents.

For the buffet card I brought this bunny into the Silhouette software, scaled him down, and cut him out. I then added him, with popdots/foam adhesive, to a Quickutz diecut of a place card. I used the Quickutz cookiecutter die (cc-shape-1-038) with my Cuttlebug. The cotton tail is a smaller piece of a cotton ball rolled and glued in place. I added some glitter atyou Spica pen to his collar.

The place card bunny is decked out in Martha Stewart bows from Big Lots that have been in my crafting stash since last summer. I had a great plan to use them at the baby shower but it just didn't really work out - so why not use them here?

Here are photos and the video is coming soon showing how to import and size the files into the Silhouette cutting software.

Have fun!

Terrie

New Supplies to my stash:

Bunny Shaped Card file - The Cutting Cafe $1.50 -- Click on the link to see the really cute card and order using Paypal. No shipping charges.

My First Design Team!

2010-04-03T20:42:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I hope you are all well. I am very excited to announce that I was selected to be part of the video design team for The Cutting Cafe! The Cutting Cafe is the creation of Regina Easter. Visit her on-line store and find an inspirational site where you can purchase digital stamp art to size, print and color as you like plus a bunch of cutting files.

If you follow my blog, you know I am a Silhouette crafter. I plan to demo how you can take Regina's files and set them up to cut them on your Silhouette. I will also use lots of supplies and other tools too -- love the Cuttlebug and Stickles and ribbon.

How does a digital file store work?
You order the files on line from her site, use PayPal to process the transaction, you get the files delivered to your email box. Download the files to your computer and print them out.

I tried it myself before being selected for the team. The images are adorable and the rates per set are very affordable. I think that you will find the art is super inspiring!

I will be video demonstrating how I got the files to convert and cut* on the Silhouette.
Geek Speak: The cutting files are saved in a WPC and/or PDF format. More details about how to make them work on the Silhouette to come.

Here are links to visit my other design team members and a couple have posted videos already!

Joanne Trinidad Thompson
YouTube Channel: paperdrama

Christina Thomas
YouTube Channel: chris416ward

Janie M. McKissick
YouTube Channel: TypicalScrapbooker

Kimberly Feathers
YouTube Channel: Kimsnest

Terrie Eichholz
YouTube Channel: Paperologist

I am very excited to be part of such a great design team. Enjoy the videos and I look forward to your comments and suggestions! Let me know what you think of the files and if there is any project you would like to see demonstrated.

Terrie

*PS: The files are designed to be printed as a PDF so you can always hand cut too!
No digital machine required.

Happy Birdie Card

2010-03-31T14:22:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I am home today -- as working for a state government agency we have Cesar Chavez day off. It is a nice treat to have a day off in the middle of the week. I am spending my time in the craft room. You can clean house and do laundry any time right?

The flowers are from our yard. The white rose opened beautifully -- we call them Zeus roses. (We planted them after our Zeus dog died, and they have bloomed beautifully for over 2 years.) Tucked in the back is a red rose that Oscar tends so carefully. The daffodils are from work -- a Cancer Society fundraiser.

Here is a card I made using some of my recent haul goodies. I have subscribed to some sites lately and met (virtually) anyway some great people who are using the Silhouette. I was inspired to try my hand at the digital stamps to use the print and cut feature.

Here is my first print, cut, and I color card!
I am also doing it for the Mojo Monday inspiration too.

More news later about a very exciting opportunity to join a design team! My first!

About the Card...

Most of the diecuts are from the Silhouette store. The happy is a sizzix sizlet 12 inch happy birthday die. The birdie is a free download from Laurie Wilson at Clearly Delightful Blog. I linked to there from AIfactory Graphics and Cliparts. Believe it or not, I printed it from the Robocraft software, did a mini trace to add the cut out border and I colored it with my limited stash of Copic markers and newly developing skills. Want to know the marker colors -- just leave a message. It was a test to see if the Copics would play nicely with my HP laserjet ink. The white cardstock is 80# Neenah classic crest cover. I had to send the cutter pass through twice to cut cleanly.

The blue paper is part of my huge Costco cardstock pack from many years ago... use it up right? The patterned papers came from Tuesday Morning -- it was a 5x7 pad of cardstock called "life of the party" from Momenta. It was a great deal at $1.99 for 40 two side sheets. I used my Silhouette custom page size to cut the scallop and circle perfectly. The white ribbon is part of my stash -- $1 Biglot ribbon.

Thanks for viewing and commenting. Another haul video and acard making demo is coming.

Look out for exciting news regarding my participation in a great design team! Note to self -- seize the opportunity -- even on the last day of submittal you just might get picked. :)

Yippee -- so happy.

I am off to a class in Carlsbad this evening. Thanks for reading and more to post later!

Thanks for support

2010-03-29T09:07:00.000-07:00

Hi followers and friends, Thanks for the support with the Silhouette Sweet 16 Contest. Even though my Duckie treat boxes did not make it to the final four it was so nice to be recognized. I can't wait to try the iron-on materials. Here is a clip from My Creative Classroom's newsletter:

Click on the bmp graphic above or jpg graphic below to enlarge. You may have to scale up with your browser to read... blogger was giving me fits. :)

Easter Egg Card using Marukai Paper

2010-03-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

Here is a video of an Easter card that I made using some paper from a recent haul video. This paper is a pad of paper from a store here that sells Japanese products. Most of the things at the store retail for $1.89 USD. I also bought some other smaller than letter sized paper and wanted to make sure I could cut on custom sized stock.

This video is how I figured out how to cut on smaller than letter stock. Do you do it differently, please post and share how you use the Silhouette for custom stock sizes.

Thanks for watching and all your comments.

Terrie

Treat Box How To Video and Images

2010-03-27T13:10:00.000-07:00

Here are the impages I used to make the treat box.

The video quality when it was imported into Sony Vegas and exported for YouTube is a bit lacking. So here are the impages I picked to use from the Silhouette store library.

click on the image to enlarge

Here are the how to videos -- part one is the layout in the Silhouette software and part two is the assembly. Thanks for all of your votes and well wishes during the Sweet 16 Contest.

Dimensions of the box top - 5.93 x 5.25"
Dimensions of the box bottom - 7.57 x 6.9"

Vote for me - Silhouette Sweet Sixteen

2010-03-22T20:46:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
Here is my YouTube Video. I am trying this "viral" marketing thing.
Check out the video. Sign up for the Silhouette blog and vote for me.
Thanks!
Terrie

Silhouette Sweet Sixteen Selectee!

2010-03-22T13:36:00.001-07:00

Yippee!! My duckie boxes were picked as one of the "sweet sixteen" on the Silhouette Blog. They are having a contest to pick the final four. So visit the blog, and if you think mine is super cute, vote for me. If you think another of the selectees is cool too -- it is ok to pick it. Voting is open to one pick per day. Click here to go to the Silhouette Blog and vote.

Using Adobe Illustrtor to Cut - Video by Kristina Warner

2010-03-18T09:01:00.000-07:00

Hi, I found this link but digging around on Paper Craft Planet. I subscribed to a group of "non cartridge" digital machine cutter users. This video is not mine, but I will try to embed the link. Thanks to Kristina for making this video and I hope it helps some of you with Illustrator. I like to cut from Illustrator especially when I am using postscript (non-true type) fonts and graphics or clip art that need some cleanup.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Illustrator to Quickutz Silhouette - Merged Letters from Kristina Werner on Vimeo.

Silhouette Library Video - Folders

2010-03-16T22:08:00.000-07:00

I got a request for a "how to" add folders to your Silhouette library. I appreciate the comments and will do my best to answer questions based upon my experience as a user. Enjoy.

Treat Boxes - Easter or Mother's Day

2010-03-14T21:08:00.000-07:00

I have been working with the Silhouette digital cutter recently. I signed up and took a class on-line and have been inspired to try a variety of techniques. These are made with cut files from the Silhouette store. The rubber stamp is from Hero Arts. The butterfly top would be nice for a bridal shower, Mother's Day or a birthday. The duckie is also a Hero Arts die cut and would be great for Easter or a baby shower. The cut outs could be used for cards or added to party favor bags or name tags. Enjoy!

Silhouette How To - Print your image catalogue

2010-03-13T12:55:00.000-08:00

My goal was to make a catalogue of my images that I have purchased from the Silhouette Quickutz Store site and then share that video on YouTube. (Arrow down for the links to videos.)

Today I attempted to make a video and used Jing to create an swf or Flash file to capture my screen shots.

I tried to get the swf Flash file into the video editing software but the quality looked poor and no sound followed.
I tried to upload the flash version here on my blog, but that was really slow and I abandoned that idea.
Finally I sprung for the full version of Jing that would export mp4 files. I imported the unedited mp4 Jing files into Sony Vegas 9 but lost the audio again*.
Then I uploaded the unedited mp4 files to YouTube. Those are the links you see here.

*Geek speak I know, but the overall results I am quite happy with even though there are 3 videos, but I hope you find the information valuable.

The Three Videos:

Enjoy!
Terrie

Here is a sample of one pdf page saved as a graphic.

FYI - Click on any of the images and they will likely get bigger in a new window, so you can see better detail.

Something from Almost Nothing Pre-Class Work

2010-03-09T22:15:00.000-08:00

Pre-Work for my new class:

"Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to admit that you have well...quite a bit of stash."

Head to your scrapping supplies and really think about what you have, why you bought it and why you haven't used it yet. Whatever your reasons may be, it's time to admit them to the world!

Post a picture or two of your stash (bonus points for those who get creative with the posing of their supplies for the camera, of course!) and come clean to your friends and readers. Why do you have so many supplies and what are you waiting for? You can proclaim a goal: how many pages you want to make from existing stash in the next month or how many sheets of paper/sets of stickers/yards of ribbons/etc you want to move from your stash to your albums before the end of March.

Assignment 1 - Post the stash

2010-03-09T20:44:00.001-08:00

OK, I signed up for a class. The idea, use your stash. I have significant stash -- scrapbooking and cardmaking and paper crafting supplies. This is simply a random sampling of the goods. More frames and fabric and paints but I just got tired of taking photos. Want to see the room tour -- I have a YouTube video.

Pre-class work, document the stash. Why so much?
About a year ago I began watching the YouTube haul videos for organizational ideas.
Then I discovered "hauls" and started to think... wow what a deal or I could use that or I want to try that. Then off to the store I am with my 40 percent off coupon. While there I find something that has a dog on it -- anything Dachshund themed is a must have. And now I have more than I really know what to do with and need some help to get moving on creating.

Collecting, hording, planning ahead for when glue dots go extinct, or simply a genetic disposition...
Honestly I am lured by the bargain ...whether I need it or not. I adore thrift stores or charity shops as they are referred to in the UK. I do stick to a budget, pay cash not credit card, and those bi-weekly allowances have afforded me the stash to make just about anything I want. I am also fortunate or enabled with my own crafting space and a door to close. Of course sometimes I have to put the dogs in the hall to walk around and get things from my closet. Here is the theme of my general weakness and I must be saving all these dog and pup and pet goodies for something...

My goals:

scrap/create/sell on Etsy or at my work classifieds 3 pet themed cards before April 15
Not buy anything crafting related for the next month*. 03/10/10 to 04/10/10
Remind myself and accept that it is OK to pass up a "bargain" and another discount coupon will come -- someone else needs that incredible deal so much more than me

*Just to be honest, I do have a yearly Silhouette subscription and that will likely satisfy my need for something new...

Week 3 - Silhouette Class Assignment - Happy Bird

2010-03-05T22:07:00.000-08:00

I have had challenges with the print and cut feature in the Silhouette software. I finally got it to recognize the registration marks and cut out the images seen in the card. I am very excited that the Silhouette America people are adding great crafters to their site. The had SEI images added today!

Here is my assignment for week 3. It was to use a print and cut image to make a card. I didn't cut the circle card out of the Silhouette but used the Quickutz cookie cutter dies and the Cuttlebug.

A side note: I am still searching for the Cuttlebug extra long cutting plates I saw at CHA.

Silhouette Class On Line - Assignment 2

2010-03-01T22:31:00.000-08:00

Here is my first Silhoutte class assignment We learned about cutting and adding shadows. I had some challenges with my robocraft software and the library but resolved them. I ended up using Adobe Illustrator to cut the vancouver lettering as it needed some editing that I could not figure out how to do with the built in software.

I ended up re-doing the page with this paper. I had the frame from Michaels for quite some time and thought it would be good to complete a finished product.

Please let me know what you think. I am open to advice on how to make my layouts better.

Have a great day!

Terrie

close up views

Silhouette Class On Line

2010-02-20T14:08:00.000-08:00

I signed up for an on-line Silhouette How To Class - 101. The first week of information was a basic overview and a good foundation of the software. I am giving the Craftrobo software a new look as I now have the subscription. By the way Silhouette America recently changed their subscription plans, so I squeeked in before they changed the unlimited download plan.

They have also changed all the download prices to 99 cents. That is good too.

Here is a link to the class site.

Irish Blog Candy

2010-02-03T16:50:00.000-08:00

I discovered this blog and terrific crafter. Here is the link.
The rubberstamps are super cute and the paper is baby adorable

Here is the text:

Hey Everyone,

I have a Yummy Blog Candy that I want to give away to one of you! It's super super cute! You might have seen my recent haul with Papermania's new Honey and Hugs range. Well I got a set of clear stamps, 6x6 paper stack, alpha rub-ons and 2 sheets of matching stickers to give away. I will also include some white Prima flowers, an ink pad and some Prima lace. All you have to do to win is be a follower of my blog, post about my candy on your blog and leave me a comment on this post to say hello! I will draw a winner next weekend!! Good luck everyone!

Louise xx

Arg! I Subscribed

2010-01-30T13:46:00.000-08:00

I took advantage of the monthly payment plan and the 25% groundhog discount and signed up for the Silhouette Monthly Subscription. At $1.99 per download I think this is going to work out better than dies,shopping for download discount cards on ebay and I can spontaneously create custom things. A good investment I have decided.

99 cent downloads from Silhouette Site - hurry

2010-01-29T13:47:00.000-08:00

They have great new designs for Valentines. They have House of 3 - Heidi Swapp art too! Yummy!

99¢ Surprise
True, it's been done before, but it's just so popular we had to bring it back. All downloads on the Silhouette Online Store are just 99 cents through February 10th. So quit messing around in your inbox and hit the Silhouette Online Store to get the designs you need.

25% off Subscriptions*
Yes, you can have your subscription for 25% off. Here's a promotion code: GROUNDHOG.
Over 5,000 designs

In other news, we now have 5,680 designs in the Online Store. With that many great shapes, there's bound to be something you've overlooked. Why not double check?
And, as always, if you don't see what you're looking for in our list of available designs, you can make a suggestion by clicking on the link on the right-hand side of the store.

*25% off subscription offer only applies to new subscriptions. Offer expires 2/10/2010.

Rosie and Roger

2010-01-11T23:29:00.000-08:00

I tried to get Christmas photos of the family... that was me, Oscar, Rosie and Roger.
Guess who managed to pose right before the Christmas tree was dismantled.
I think they are adorable!

kwerner design color challenge 57

2010-01-11T23:08:00.001-08:00

Well it has been awhile since I have participated in a challenge. So here it is. More details to come regarding the paper, red satin ribbon, prima flower, JoAnn's bling, white embossing powder, classic I Love You stampin up stamp and the great heart border Martha Stewart punch. Enjoy!

Check out my YouTube videos. I will be trying my hand at creating with the shopping goodies really soon!

Check out her blog, you will find great cards and a kind spirit.

Happy New Year

2010-01-07T21:10:00.000-08:00

Sorry it has been so long since I have posted to my blog. After our trip to Canada I had some serious computer challenges. Blue screen of death type problems. I ended up taking my CPU to the local computer store and having them re-load the system software after backing everything up... again. Then of course it was Thanksgiving, we hosted a pretty big group of family and friends. Then Christmas celebrations... there are just not enough weekends in December. Plus I really didn't take any time off of work to craft.

However, I did get a lovely surprise gift from my mom that afforded me purchasing a new JVC Everio S GZ-MS120 video camera. Big Lots offered the best price and it got a good review on C-Net for being a non HD camera. So I have tried my hand at some haul videos again. My next goal is to use my crafting supply surplus and make cards, sell some cards, and make some how-to videos.

Here is a link to my haul video using the new camera.

Thanks again and Happy New Year to you all.

Please leave comments, follow my blog and consider subscribing to the videos.

Greetings from Vancouver

2009-11-01T10:39:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. We returned from our trip to Vancouver. We saw U2 at BC Place. A big stadium with a dome. Vacouver is gearing up for the 2010 Winter Olympics. I also saw Stephen Sondheim -- it was sort of a chat about his career. It has been so long since I have posted. But I will be showing you a few things I picked up in Vancouver and maybe a couple of pix.
Thanks
Terrie

Haul Video from Paper Tales, Michaels, and Target

2009-09-18T22:50:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Here is a link to my craft supply haul. As you know I am always looking for ways to extend my crafting budget. The Hero Arts stamp is printing beautifully and look forward to showing you my spooky Stickles creations.

Take a look at the video. Thanks for watching!
Terrie

PS: I am really in need of video help... I have Adobe Premiere CS3 but my exporting and maybe importing of video is lacking and seems to consistently fail when I upload. So I have begun using Windows Movie Maker - not fancy but it is working. Let me know what settings you use. My video camera was an unexpected gift and the quality gets marginal reviews by the pros but o.k. marks from beginners like me. Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Haul Video from the Stamp Addict

2009-09-09T21:38:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone,
I have been a bit behind in blogging lately. My newest obsession is watching haul videos... it is free to watch what others have bought! So I tried my hand at a haul video using a really cheap camera which I have since returned to Big Lots.

Here it is. I promise everything was not blurry. :)

Let me know if you have any questions about the products. I also am looking for tips for the Stamp N Bond powder and the perfect pearls.

Thanks!

Silhouette Vinyl Labels on White Boxes

2009-08-25T21:11:00.000-07:00

Well I finally found the Adobe Illustrator windows xp plug in for the Silhouette. It is called Cutting Master2 CraftROBO and there is a You Tube install video.

My own pet peeve is that the software that comes from Craftrobo leaves much to be desired if you have ever used Illustrator, Freehand or any drawing software.

The Quickutz Craftrobo software is useful for cutting files that you purchase from Quickutz, but for fonts and scaling and control go to the Craftrobo site and download the plug in. You can more easily control the placement of images to cut. Cutting fonts is a snap, no tracing required.

So here are my Big Lots $2 nesting boxes from the Martha Stewart wedding clearance. Yes, you got all 3 boxes for $2.
The vinyl is a dark blue and the font is A&S Black Swan.

The boxes before the label...

The after photos -- ok I know there are a lot of photos, but I was so excited that I could get fonts to cut out well -- even in the small half inch high letters.

Here is my Creative Space and Craft Room

2009-08-16T23:45:00.000-07:00

My first video attempt. Let me know what you think.

Dubbing to come, once I figure that part out. :)
I am attempting to upload it to Youtube now.
It's late. More link posts later.
OK, so you have to use edit HTML. Night Night.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Kwerner Challenge 56 / Mojo Monday - Happy Birthday

2009-07-18T16:50:00.000-07:00

The colors were fun: deep red, pumpkin, saffron, celery, ballet blue and white.
The bows inspired the all over background but multi-colored.
I was feeling layout challenged so... I did a combo challenge with Mojo Monday.

Happy Birthday Card.

Tried out my new -- well new to me Stampin Up markers. Great bargain on Etsy.
Fun stamps from four different companies:
The focal point stamp -- the Doxie is from CowtownStamps.com
The doxie stamps may yield a donation to a rescue organization
The pawprint(s) stamp from Inkadinkado - Bouje
The hot-diggity-dog is by A Muse
The birthday greeting is part of a clear set ... other details unknown right now.
Inks from JoAnn's $1 bin plus the yellow is the Stampin Up brush marker.
Tried my hand at the blender pen...
Texture Plate by Fiskars - blue one labeled "fabric"
grommets and crop-a-dile to simulate the collar
paper from American Crafts and DCWV strips for Ellison. 80# white cover.
5.25x8.25" card

Enjoy! I always appreciate your comments and suggestions.

Papercrafts presents MoxieFab World...

2009-07-12T19:43:00.000-07:00

Check these out

and this one too!

There is a precious red hoodie too! Arg too many cool doxie themed goodies.

http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2009/07/five-x4-for-friday-lets-cool-off-with.html

All doxies lovers have got to check out all of these wonderful doxie items.

Baby Shower Invite - Hero Arts Quikutz Challenge

2009-06-15T22:08:00.000-07:00

Oscar's little sister is having her first baby. So I thought it was a great way to break in my new - used Silhouette. You know that I am always a bargain shopper, and found one listed on ebay and I thought o.k. $100 I will give it a try. Here is my first full blown project. All the parts were a lot of work but assembly was quick. 20 invitations later. Here is the first one, the info has been changed to protect the hosts. Enjoy!

20 invitations to make... Lets play with my new Silhouette.

I used Stampendous CRE 171 (baby overalls) American Craft markers and blue flock for the “jeans.” The ink, my favorite Ranger Archival Ink in jet-black.

The polka dot background is by Hero Arts called Raindrop Background. I used Versamark ink with white embossing powder.

The Baby header was a die cut bookend from the Quickutz store (attached to my drawn box). The rattle is from the Quickutz store. The scallop circle can also be a die cut but I used a punch.

The “shower” die cut was the challenge. I've had the Silhouette for less than a week and the font of the die cut matches the invitation text! This took a bit of time and persistence and help of Photoshop… but I did it!

The text card was printed on my Oki LaserJet. (I changed the personal contact info for the web picture…)

The base of the card is a die cut and the blue is a die cut attached via the Xyron machine.

I also did another version with the little bear... this is from the Hero Arts Clear stamp set, see other pix. The card is the same the lighting is different, one with flash and one without...

Finished card is 8.5x5.5”

Here is a link to the Flickr Hero Arts Blog with some
very nice comments. They are a great group.

The Pink Elephant Challenge

2009-06-07T18:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a gift card holder for a new baby that uses pink, brown and white.

The brown stock is a rich chocolate brown textured cardstock from American Crafts. The pink stock was white on the reverse, so you have space to write a personal greeting.

The small blocks were made with nestabilities dies.

The scallop edges are from Fiskars and Martha Stewart.

White faux stitching - Uniball white pen.

The stork and Congrats are the same stamp, I just trimmed out the stork, prismacolored the "package" and stamped the congrats separately with Versamark ink and white embossing powder.

Enjoy!

Here is a pix of the inside too. Click on the pix to enlarge.

Visit a new challenge group for me called The Pink Elephant.

Disclaimer: I made this type of card for another challenge too for the Stampin Out Alzheimer's website and liked it so much I thought I would share it again. I am going to make one in baby blue... traditional I know.

Mojo Monday from June 1, 2009

2009-06-07T14:39:00.000-07:00

Here is the card and there is the sketch. I don't know why I struggled. But at some point you just shoot the pictures. I think because I tried a smaller finished card, I felt I didn't have enough room to embellish without clutter. Does that make sense?

Here is the card with the stamp set by Hero Arts. I don't have any stamps by Verve yet. The prisma color pencils and gamsol lend the color. Three red buttons and two circle punches and a butterfly punch. Let me know what you think.

Thanks,

Terrie

Digital Scrapbook Page

2009-05-31T22:11:00.000-07:00

Here is another entry from the Stampin' Out Alzheimers Challenges. This one is a scrapbook page. We were able to download a free digital kit. While I had a bunch of fun summer item and lovely papers, I modified for my photo.

Here we go...

Here were the rules:

"Your challenge is to show me your best project - it can be anything (pure digi layout, hybrid layout, hybrid card using the papers printed on your color printer, altered project, whatever) - using Flip Flop Tan. The majority of your supplies should come from Flip Flop Tan - for example, you can add alphas and a font if you're doing a layout or cardstock if you're making a hybrid project."

Here's a snap of the kit and I have linked it to the site if you want to do some browsing and shopping:

Sweet Shoppe Designs.com

Stampin' Out Alzheimers

2009-05-31T21:50:00.000-07:00

Here is one of my projects from the Stampin' Out Alzheimers website.
A really good cause and a small donation that created a lot of wonderful work.
The site will not be up very much longer, so I though I would post what I created based on the challenges.

Here we go.

Here is the first challenge I participated in. This was a layout challenge.
I made a birthday card for my mother in law's 81st birthday.
I hope she likes it.

Here were the rules: Julee Tilman, owner of Verve Stamps, was kind enough to "donate" this week's MoJo Monday sketch (along with a pretty SWEET prize for one lucky winner) as a challenge here on the SOA site. Here's a look at this week's sketch from Mojo Monday.

Kwerner Challenge 53 version one

2009-05-26T22:29:00.000-07:00

A cowboy twist... from the West

This is the first of my two posts -- I like this card best and could not think of a better way to use some of the colors then with the wired bandana ribbon* that I have had for quite some time. Blue card stock from American Crafts. Yellow scallop punch. The round rubber stamp is from Hero Arts. Black button from Fancy Pants and white thin satin ribbon (Michaels sale).

The inside is accessorized with my favorite spool of red thrift store cord and another Hero Arts Stamp. Tip: I only inked the second line... Ink is a rouge red Que Chalk Ink.

Love the bright colors!

*Yes, I have a large collection, selection and obsession

with ribbon, string, rick-rack, trims and fibers.

Kwerner Challenge 53 version two

2009-05-26T22:23:00.000-07:00

Well here is the lady bug card. I used rub-on images for the butterflies and the sentiment. (American Crafts) The lady bug was created from punches -- thank to a You Tube video for the tutorial. Yellow American Crafts Markers to accent the butterfly wings. The yellow rick rack came from my stash of trims and the popular Fiskar's scallop border punch. Enjoy!

Check this out -- The Next Level

2009-05-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

I have found a new site and am excited to see how it progresses. Take a look and register as a follower and you might win this great looking -- err tasting Blog Candy.

From their site:

"So what about the fantastic Blog Candy that is offfer. Below are the photos of the two stunning prize packs that will be awarded on Launch day, Monday 1st June. Anyone who has registered as a Follower of The Next Level and who also supported us with the promotion of the new blog and prize candy on their own blogs will go into the prize draw. The two winners will be announced as the new Challenge goes live bright and early on the Monday morning."

Kwerner Color Inspiration Challenge 52

2009-05-19T23:09:00.000-07:00

Challenge No. 52

Wow, these colors were not jelling easily for me. So I took a step back and thought well, paper isn't the only medium to play with, so I focused on ink.

I used my lavendar plant's leaves as the "background stamp".

Thrifty Tip
How I did it:

I dabbed ink onto the lavendar leaves and rolled the brayer over the leaves to pick up the ink. Then transferred the inked brayer onto the white paper. I combined the images and overlapped and moved the leaves to create other "designs". I stamped them using aqua, saffron, and sand inks.

I edged another white card with more aqua ink. I mounted everything on mustard cardstock. I embellished with a custom made (by me) sand diecut flower made from scraps of fleece from our petbedding line. The aqua flower from Prima was inked to coordinate. The white button is "paper threaded" with saffron yellow (marigold) cardstock by American Crafts. The I Love You stamp is from Stampin Up and stamped in aqua pigment ink from studio g.

Top 10! Kwerner Color Inspiration No. 51

2009-05-16T21:22:00.000-07:00

I am so excited that my card creation was selected
in the top 10 round up
for Color Inspiration No. 51 at Kwernerdesign.com!

Here is the link to the top 10 group.
I have to say there were so many fab cards that were terrific
I don't know how she selects them...

This is Roger, you can see how excited he is that mom's card was picked. :)

Just a note to all of you who think "Oh, I shouldn't submit my work..." Well just do it anyway. It is really fun to share your work with others that enjoy similar interests. And just because you don't have the same supplies as the other girls and boys doesn't mean you can't play. Besides, maybe you too might get picked at least once. It is really fun and keeps the creative juices flowing.

PS: Thanks winter for your comments... I really appreciate you checking in!

PSS:Thanks Kristina for hosting the color challenge,

I am certain it takes a lot of work and you're videos are fab too!

Here is the stamp set --

try and find it at your local retailer,
or you can likely find it on line.

Kwerner Challenge 51 version two

2009-05-07T21:38:00.000-07:00

I tend to take a design theme and embellish in a different way. This gives me a chance to practice techniques. This is the first card I made. Notice the red daisy... but I liked it anyway. The fun part of this for me is the "ribbon". It is actually cotton hem facing. I got it at a local thrift store! I first stamped on the cotton with Brown Stazon ink. Then after a blog comment, I tried it with Versamark and Tim Holtz Vintage Photo embossing powder. I pressed the ribbon, stamped and embossed on top of a piece of foil to try to melt the powder a bit better.

So -- white cotton "ribbon", brown ink, dark brown background with 3 rounded corners, mustard cardstock layer, and red ink flower detail! Sentiment stamp from Stampendous Clear Stamp Set no. SSC134 - Encouraging Words. Daisy Stamp - dollar bin at Michaels.

I hope you like the card. I feel really good about it and wanted to share it too.
Click on the image below to enlarge the detail and read the text.

Just a note to share: I think I will be sending the card to a special girl who lost her Dad a year ago on May 15th and it has been a difficult year. She's going to turn 16 on June 2nd and I want her to know we love and care. Please keep her in your prayers too.

Here is a photo of the first version, but I really wanted to make the brown pop. I trimmed the final cotton ribbon to make a longer tail. I also added some more mustard cardstock inside to allow for an easier way to add a personal message.

Kwerner Challenge 51 version one

2009-05-07T21:17:00.000-07:00

Well this weeks challenge colors were chocolate, rose, mustard and white.

I used Versamark ink for the watermark effect and embossed it with clear matte embossing powder. More Versamark for the stamped sentiment and white detail embossing powder. Uniball white ink pen for the butterfly trail. Chocolate brown cardstock for the butterfly and red-rose satin ribbon. The one daisy is also stamped with red ink and embossed with the same matte clear powder.

Thank you in advance for your comments and suggestions. I really appreciate all of you.

Thrifty Crafter Note:

The actual product list will come on Friday or Saturday-- lets just say the Daisy stamp is by Kolette Hall for studio g. (The $1 bin at your local big box craft store!) I really like the line and simplicity of the image. The sentiment is from PSX and a Big Lots find. It is nice and crisp that embosses well with the fine detail powder.

Amuse Fortune Cookie

2009-05-06T22:41:00.001-07:00

Ok, so this one isn't quite so simple. But I was really inspired by the stamp and had to go for it. White base card, red and green stock that I embossed with the cuttlebug machine and the fiskars embossing plates. I really wanted the texture to contrast with the fortune cookie. I stamped the fortune cookie and the fortune in brown and embossed it and trimmed it out. The fortune was cut freehand, it is removable and I edged the fortune in red to coordinate with the red layer. The brown thanks is also a cuttlebug diecut -- it is part of the Olivia font set that was on clearance at Michaels -- I didn't realize the alphabet had the welded die cuts until I opened the package.

Be sure and click the image to enlarge
and see the embossed detail.

Amuse Fortune Cookie Stamp

Mini Clear Set of Fortunes

kwernerdesign Color Inspiration #50 final

2009-05-02T14:52:00.000-07:00

It is challenge 50...

and, well, I got a bit obsessed.

I tend to lean toward simplicity when creating. So, this one is the one I am linking for the challenge. This is a wedding card for a very special couple
who are in their late 20's.
I was going for fresh and fun like the colors in the challenge.
I appreciate all comments and suggestions.

A note to Kristina -- you really are amazing and finding your videos has spurred my creative side that I don't exercise very much at my "normal job". So simply, thanks and congrats on such a successful blog.

All over background stamp in turquoise pigment ink. Red layer flat on card. Blue layer raised with pop dots. Brown layer edged with Fiskars scallop blade and raised with more pop dots. love & cherish is a white rub-on mini mark by American Crafts. Favorite yellow ribbon knot. Stamp - Hero Arts. Papers from my scrap collection. Corner Rounder.

How much?

White card base was ready made from Target clearance shelf --
68 cents for 8 thank you notes with matching craft envelopes.
Turquoise Ink - 99 cents - JoAnn's
Yellow ribbon - 99 cents - Michaels
$12.50 Hero Arts DesignBlocks Stamp

I like the other one too, it will be nice to mail for mom.

kwernerdesign Color Inspiration #50

2009-04-30T23:57:00.001-07:00

Well here it is, my submission for the Design Challenge 50. It feels really good to be part of such a diverse and dynamic group of talented people. More details about the card, but I wanted to get the image up and posted before the deadline and what will likely be a full weekend.

Turquoise textured card background. White ribbon and my hand writing. Yellow scallop punch flowers. Red buttons. Brown stock and butterfly punch. Clear and white embossing powder with Versamark ink.

Thanks! I appreciate any comments and suggestions.

Amuse Thank You Card - Challenge 4

2009-04-19T22:48:00.000-07:00

Here is my first post for the Amuse website -- simple card challenge. The textured paper was a gift from a co-worker. I was looking for a way to say thanks for the paper and also feature it. I think it turned out quite nice. What do you think?

Supplies: Silver pre-made A-6 Card by Gartner Studios. Amuse stamp - Thanks bl. Versamark ink. Detail black embossing powder. Entire super large spool of red string -- a thrift store find.

Close up of the paper detail

kwernerdesign Color Inspiration #49 - vs. 2

2009-04-12T11:47:00.000-07:00

Card challenge no. 49 was fun because of the colors so I went for two designs. Paper crafting is an inclusive art and one goal for my blog is to post cards that demonstrate that lovely, thoughtful cards can be made on a reasonable budget. Thus, I used the same Heidi Swapp stamp on both cards. This one is the more "masculine" version. The minimalist card that even Oscar liked. :)

double click on the images to see the better detail

This was challenging to photograph.
Any ideas on how to shoot tone on tone with my basic digital camera
would be great or any basic Photoshop tricks to "fix up" blacks.
Thanks in advance!

Supply List:

Stamps: Heidi Swapp Clear Rubber Stamps - Love Corners
Ink: Versamark clear for embossing
Embossing powder: Stamp n Stuff detail white
Stock: Black, "buttons" from ellison designs assorted bright textured solid cardstock blocks
Embellishments: skinny white ribbon, Offrey "happy" green ribbon, pop-dots and crop-0-dile
Tools: MSL scallop circle punch and McGill hand two-hole punch
Basic Tool Kit: Beginning with a clear workspace, Fiskars single blade arm cutter, heat tool, bone folder, scor-pal board and matching cutting mat, Cutterbee scissors, bigger scissors, baby wipes and stamp cleaner, adhesive, dark chocolate m&ms, ending with an often cluttered workspace, and two mini dachshunds snoozing in the craft studio.

I have not purchased any Stampin' Up papers or ink, so I do the best with the stock that I own, so hopefully the colors are similar to the challenge. I try to match based on my computer monitor.

kwernerdesign Color Inspiration #49

2009-04-11T21:09:00.001-07:00

Card challenge no. 49 was fun because of the colors so I went for two designs.

Paper crafting is an inclusive art. As I mentioned in my CPS post, one goal for my blog is to post cards that demonstrate that lovely, thoughtful cards can be made on a reasonable budget. Thus, I used the same Heidi Swapp stamp on both cards.

This one is more feminine with the round scallop paper "buttons". Enjoy!

penny-saving tip: I did not have clear buttons, but I did have color card stock, a small scallop punch and a small double hole hand punch... custom buttons! Use pop-dots to make them look dimensional.

Supply List:

Stamps: Heidi Swapp Clear Rubber Stamps - Love Corners
Ink: Versamark clear for embossing
Embossing powder: Stamp n Stuff detail white
Stock: Black, "buttons" from ellison designs assorted bright textured solid cardstock blocks
Embellishments: skinny white ribbon, Offrey happy green ribbon, pop-dots
Tools: MSL scallop circle punch and McGill hand two-hole punch
Basic Tool Kit: Beginning with a clear workspace, Fiskars single blade arm cutter, heat tool, bone folder, scor-pal board and matching cutting mat, Cutterbee scissors, bigger scissors, baby wipes and stamp cleaner, adhesive, dark chocolate m&ms, ending with an often cluttered workspace, and two mini dachshunds snoozing in the craft studio.

I have not purchased any Stampin' Up papers or ink, so I do the best with the stock that I own, so hopefully the colors are similar to the challenge. I try to match based on my computer monitor.

Roger snoozing after a long night of crafting.

Mejorate Pronto - CPS110 Card Sketch - Sponsored By Hero Arts

2009-04-11T14:47:00.001-07:00

CPS Card Challenge

This is my first CPS challenge.
I hope you enjoy the card.

Value is a key premise of my blog, which is to create wonderful paper crafts on a reasonable budget. One tip to make paper crafting fit in my budget is I almost always get basic and quality supplies at local discount retailers so the "real money" can be spent on unique and special supplies, stamps, papers and classes at local and on-line speciality retailers.

Please share your tips for keeping paper crafting a budget friendly art. I welcome your design tips and suggestions.

I thought I would include a shot of some of the supplies
before I put them away just to begin another project again...

Mejorate Pronto Supplies

Stamps: Hero Arts - Flourish Designblock background stamp. Stampendous Perfectly Clear Stamps Spanish Messages - SSC-181. Get well ki memories 0463 expressions
Ink: Versamark clear for embossing. ColorBox classic Pigment Cats Eye - Chestnut
American Crafts Ultimate Marker - fine - Chocolate Brown
Embossing powder: very cool, smell-a-vision gelly powder - scented embossing powder in extra foam latte scented
Stock: Brown cardstock by Bazzil, orange and yellow stock from Paper Reflections, and basic white
Embellishments: yellow ribbon from Creation Station - wrights.com.
Tools: 2" scallop punch and 1.5" circle punch, corner rounder, scallop edge made with the Fiskars Ultra ShapeXpress Cutter and Fiskars Shape Templates - Circles
Basic Tool Kit: Beginning with a clear workspace, Fiskars single blade arm cutter, heat tool, bone folder, scor-pal board and matching cutting mat, Cutterbee scissors, bigger scissors, baby wipes and stamp cleaner, dark chocolate m&ms, ending with an often cluttered workspace, and two mini dachshunds snoozing in the craft studio.

kwernerdesign Color Inspiration #48

2009-04-06T22:30:00.000-07:00

OK, this is my first actual post -- I was hoping the blog would be a bit more dynamic from a design perspective, but I think it is more important to just share my first card. So here it is. Light blue, Super Dark Brown and Green cardstocks by American Crafts, paw print punch by marvy, Hot Diggity Dog stamp by A Muse Artstamps, brown satin ribbon, color pencils by Prisma color and blended with gamsol, jewel by Hero Arts and the doxie stamp by Cowtown Stamps - no 9646 "Same to you buster" and a portion of the sales goes to rescue!

The black and tan mini doxie is Rosie -- she is about to have her 10th birthday. She and her life-time companion Roger came to live with us almost two years ago. For us we have absolutely no regrets at giving these two a chance for a new forever home.

This is their adoption photo. Their human mom and dad were in their 70's and they died. No one in the family could take them, so they came to live with us. Check out a rescue in your
area. Second Chance Doxie Rescue only adopts to families in San Diego county.

Easter Cards To Share

2009-04-06T16:54:00.000-07:00

Here are three Easter themed goodies

A post-it note holder.
An Easter Card.
A Gift Card Holder.

Rubber stamps by A Muse Artstamps
Paper and Ribbon from my stash. The paper is likely some American Craft
Die cut letters - Sizzix sidekick and Wingo Zingo lettering diecuts

Wednesday Evening

2009-03-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

I have thinking about setting up a blog for several months. Today I read that one of my favorite blog sites was looking for pix and to send a link. So why not give blogger a shot. I created an entire website so how tough could this be... I guess I will see soon enough.

OK Kristina here are a couple of pix.

This duck was at a road-side pumpkin stand in Conneticut in the fall. I always felt he was saying -- "hey lady, open the gate and let me out," with his sly ducky smile. I think his colors are quite inspiring in a way that only mother nature could create.

The other was taken at the food court in Harrod's in London. I love to cook and the food displays were amazing. I snapped a few quick pix before I realized that photos were discouraged... The ceilings were amazing, and all the tile work outstanding.

--Terrie

Here are two birds of different feathers!