Thursday, 27 February 2014

Rivers Birthday Invite


Well, its about time that I should some time out to really learn My Digital Studio (MDS(.  It's a software program where by you can create digital projects using Stampin' Up! digital downloads.  I've been using it for things like blog design and have been using the images to cut them out on my e-cutter.  Lately, I have been designing more and more invitations, signage, icons, etc. I used MDS for a St. Patricks day project coming up on my blog on March 1st so stay tuned!

I am fond of this one for my nephew, Rivers, whom is a lover of cars like my little boy.

Maybe it will convince you to give My Digital Studio a try.

Have a great day!
Cathy

Tuesday, 25 February 2014

"Turning Three" Scrapbook Page | AWW

Hello Friends!!

I was playing with the On Film Framelits over the weekend and wanted to capture some of the faces from my daughter's third birthday party. The Kaleidoscope DSP paper is definitely super fun and I could definitely whip through that pretty quickly! 

*Note to Self: Buy a new pack of Kaleidoscope DSP*

There's a lot of things going on here... a lot of triangles!  I used the triangle punch to draw your eye to the right side of the page. Then I started clustering some flowers made from the Petite Petals bundle. Flowers are not my thing but they seem to keep showing up in my projects. Funny how that happens!

Notice that I used a combination of Crystal Effects and candy dots for the centre of the flowers.

PS. How cool are these film framelits?
Don't forget to add dimension even if its black on black or white on white.  And if you don't want to get messy, use your stamps like Gorgeous Grunge to create the splatter effects shown above.

These pictures were a little hard to do as I had two "scally wags" in the way... For a sneak peek on how I take my photos in the winter see below. Its pretty makeshift as I try to find the perfect amount of sunlight at the perfect time of day! Good luck to me!!
As always, you are in for a treat - Cindy is up next in our blog hop!!  She's always surprising me with her genius ways to use Stampin' Up! product!
Cheers!
Cathy




Friday, 21 February 2014

SOUS Project Life: Use a Pocket Card

Th It's challenge day over at Stuck on U Sketches why by I design for the Project Life Team!! This was a fun challenge and it certainly helped me think outside the box.
First I had four squares where I added glitter, sequins and punches of foil and glitter paper. All of the items in this layout it available at Stampin Up!  Then I added a piece of fancy foil vellum and sewed up the too so none of it fell out. You'll notice that I printed the journaling and title on regular vellum cardstock. It came out awesome!

Four of my pictures were printed in sepia and my middle piece was printed naturally. 

Enjoy and play along !
Cathh

Thursday, 20 February 2014

Getting puzzled

I mentioned yesterday that I have a great group of talented crafty friends.  See here if you missed it.

We often do challenges to inspire and to try to get the best out of each other. These puzzle pieces are from a project where by we each bought a puzzle and distributed each piece to a friend.  That friend then used it as a piece of art.

The following are pieces that I received from friends and are returning to them.  I literally used whatever was closest to me.  It was so nice to be free to create anything and everything.  These pieces have gesso, lots of paints, sanding, Utee, crystal effects, glitter, wood veneers, markers, the list goes on. Enjoy.

Its nice to have fun friends.  I wonder.. will they know which one is theirs...







Cathy



Wednesday, 19 February 2014

My Paper Pumpkin: All About Love Project #4


click to enlarge

Why do we scrapbook...

"It was after supper that we all stuffed into the SUV to go to Topsail Beach for a photo shoot with Sandra Lee. Mommy had jeans for the whole family and a sparkly top for Jane.  Jane was camera shy and Jack was getting tired so the perfect family picture never came along… But in reality these pictures reflect us as a family.  We are fun.  We are a little loud.  We definitely love each other but we get on each other’s nerves sometimes.  We don’t strive for perfection and embrace our shortcomings.  I love this picture because we are happy.  All you two wanted was to be in our arms.  And we couldn’t be happier.               June 2013"

...That is why we scrapbook. Tell your story. Share your heart.

This layout is inspired by the following sketch.  I really found it hard to find some inspiration for this project.  My Paper Pumpkin kits are flowing but I really wanted to create another scrapbook page.  When in doubt, go find a sketch...

But that's not all...
I have a group of friends that are the best! They live primarily in Newfoundland but also across the grand country of Canada.  They are a big source of inspiration and learning in this world and I am so thankful for them as I don't believe I would ever have done even a smidge of this without them.

THANK YOU TO THOSE GIRLS.

In particular, thank you to Natasha Connolly for the inspiration of the "pierced circles", as well as CoraLee Kilfoy for organizing our February PEP challenges.
Notice that I used the first kit with the "splatter" stamp.  I used white embossing powder to make it LOOK like paint.
 
Make sure that you play along with the My Paper Pumpkin Challenge!!  

Oh, and now you have the chance to buy past kits, as well as refills!!  But its only for active subscribers! Sign up today at www.mypaperpumpkin.com because you get a free pack of the new in colors markers when you subscribe or re-subscribe NOW!

Have a nice day!
Cathy


Tuesday, 18 February 2014

Artisan Wednesday Wow: Out of my comfort zone

Well, "Hello, my lovelies!"

Back again for another Stampin' Up! Artisan Wednesday Wow Blog Hop! Thanks for dropping by!
This card was inspired by the Mini Memories Simply Created kit by Stampin' Up!  
I am not really a flower girl although if I won the lottery I would buy fresh flowers and go out to dinner every night.  I do love flowers especially hydrangeas and tulips. I really felt like this card was out of my comfort zone! 

Mission accomplished.

If you look closely the stamp is actually on the doily and the gold fancy foil vellum is over top of the doily.  Its adhered by sewing across the natural chevron & ruffled ribbon trims.  I also embossed the 1/8" silver brads.  This stamp comes from the Hip Notes stamp set that is slowly becoming a favorite of mine.

There's something about square cards that makes be woos-y inside.

Come back soon but first lets see what the beautiful Cindy is up to!

Friday, 14 February 2014

My Paper Pumpkin: All About Love Project #3

HAPPY VALENTINES!!

I am back at you to bring you some inspiration from the My Paper Pumpkin challenge! This month's challenge is All About Love... I just love this card... I think because I love the sayings and I love the wood veneers that came in the January kit!

Here's a little peek into our Valentines...
There's a wee bit of decorating that is going on... but it all needs to be at high heights to stay away from Mr. Man who likes to destroy all things pretty.
I also have a super, awesome, cool friend... you may know her... Jane Lee! Yes, she designed and prepared a Valentine Class for a company called The Wood Connection.  Since I don't live anywhere close, she sent me up the kit... along with some little extras...

Here's the cool valentines kit called 'Kissing Booth".  All the wood came raw so I had to paint, distress and apply the vinyl.  Great job Jane  can't wait for the next one!
Now the mustache and the hat did not come with the kit but rather... it was part of my valentines gift for my husband.  You see, I went away for a week and he decided he would grow his facial hair.  Upon my return he left a mustache.  A mustache that I was not too fond of.  After multiple requests, he finally got rid of it... so I gave him this gift so he'll always have a mustache whenever he wants.
Now for the record... this man looks a little scary in this picture...  Hes a little not impressed with my gift.  In the spirit of Valentines Day, I documented ten reasons why I love him... And I think you all should know. But its not the only reasons... and he does drive me nuts too... maybe next week I'll write a list of that:

1. Love the way you command the kitchen when you make bacon and eggs
2. Love the way you always “half cough laugh” usually when talking to my Mom
3. Love that my family respects you
4. Love watching you use a screwdriver, hammer, saw, etc
5. Love that you drive me. Love it even more when its to Starbucks or you deliver.  I like feeling taken care of or provided for.
6. This is a big one love that you are willing to have the kids all by yourself while I travel. Thank you.
7. Love that you don’t complain (usually) when I ask you to make me popcorn or bring me wine
8. Love that you are willing to fight me but not too much.
9. Love watching sports with you.  Love watching you play sports.  I am proud of you for coaching and playing and being so passionate. I can’t wait to watch our own children together. 
10. Love you for loving me.  Love you for loving our children. Love you for loving my family.  Love you for loving your own family.  Because for me, family is everything, and its so important that you take the time to remember the small things and hang out with them.  Thank you for going to the Lighthouse, thank you for playing cards on New Years, thank you for taking all the phone calls, thank you for helping your Mom & Dad move furniture and thank you for taking watching Rivers, etc, etc.

Now... to get ready for our overnight stay!

Love to all and enjoy the day,
Cathy


Catherine & Cathy Create Tags Challenge


We are back for another tags challenge at Catherine and Cathy Create.  The challenge this time is 
USE A WEATHER ELEMENT
And I just got caught in a snow storm so clearly this challenge was issued by no accident!!

I recycled the Occasions Card Kit from Stampin' Up! and now have a gift box. 

Ta Da!

Make sure you link up by February 28th at CCC to have your chance to win the fabulous Happy Watercolor stamp set!

Did I mention that I am in love with yellows and grays lately.. Maybe because I haven't seen the sun in so long I can't remember what it looks like!

Happy Valentines Day!
Cathy

Tuesday, 11 February 2014

Artisan Wednesday Wow: "Hello, Valentine"

HI. HI. HI.

You should have come here from Becky's blog... oh Becky... she's quite funny that little one. 

Now.  I really wanted to title this post.. "And down goes the dynamite.." But too many of my wee w-ittle w-artisan friends did not know what that meant... I mean, I know it was 8 years ago... but pleaseeeeeee tell me you haven't forgotten the worst sportscaster who ever lived.

Can you remember? Do tell.

Cuz...

... Down goes the dynamite.
... That did not have anything to do with my post today.... 
But that's me!

I am busy making valentines for everyone!! These are for my daughter's teachers and a card for my husband! (Happy early Valentines Day Husband?!?)

These mini muslin bags have cinnamon hearts in them... My first bag was inspired by the stamp set called Quite the Pair.  The sentiments on that set is one that you'll used forever so I gotta say... BUY IT!
I used Crystal Effects on the heart to make it pop - this was also done on the light bulb below. How cute is the stamp set Crazy, Mixed Up Love?  Definitely a go-to stamp set for Valentines Day.
On this second muslin bag I sewed the sequins from the Mini Memories Simply Created Album kit onto the mini muslin bag.  I also embossed the "Made with Love" tag on the gold foil with white embossing powder - this cute tag is from the Love You More set and co-ordinates with the 1" circle punch.

Feeling inspired by the stamp set I was about to stamp "hung up on you" when I remembered that it was similar to the Hung Up Cute clips... so I sewed one of those elements on the bag.
Now seriously... would you ever in your life throw out that bag?
I. think. not.

And I soldiered on... since my to do list clearly stated:
Teachers valentines (check)
Husband's card (unchecked)

This card is probably a little different... oh, I thought so.  I painted gesso on the card base.  Waited for it to dry and then stamped the image on the dried gesso - this stamp comes from the Love You to the Moon stamp set.  I then re-stamped the image in real red ink, fuzzy cut it out, popped it off the card over the original image and applied Crystal Effects. At this pointed I thought I would put some cherry cobbler baker's twine on the top... but then I started wrapping and I couldn't stop. Figured a mess of twine was more masculine then 

Also on the to do list:
Buy new real red ink (so as not to re-color with the marker afterwards)

Oh. All done for another day.
It's time to hop over to see Cindy.  Unfortunately, her birthday only comes once a year but you should still leave her lots o' love anyway.  She's pretty cool and awesome and I like her... you should too!

Leadership Display Board Day 12: See Ya Later

Well, there you have it.  
All 24 projects are completed.  
Hope you enjoyed it!

Project #23: Cutest card ever?
This could possibly the cutest stamp ever... And it was amazing that the sale-a-bration embossing folder worked perfectly to look like "scales".. and the gold washi looked ever better.
 

Project #16: Kiss Goodbye!
Lots of kisses for you!!! Use that Geometrical stamp as an accent on anything including scrapbook pages!

Don't forget to check out the whole team's projects!
Cathy Caines - You are HERE!
Connie Collins - Constantly Stamping
Erica Cerwin - Pink Buckaroos
Jane Lee - Jane Lee's Cards
Jeanna Bohanon - Stamp Time Somewhere
Cindy Schuster - Nutmeg Creations
Jennifer Timko - Stampin' on the Fly
Alanna Wharf - Sleepless Stamper
Becky Cowley- Scrap Junkie
Mercedes Weber - Paper Creations by Mercedes

Enjoy!
Cathy

Monday, 10 February 2014

SOUS Project Life: Heart Cut Out

Happy "Mun-day" everyone!

I am so excited to be part of the Stuck on U Sketches Project Life design team because every week they give me a new "flavor" on this style of scrapbooking. And this week is no different.

CHALLENGE: Use a heart cut out
This layout was created using the Chill Out Pocket cards by Stampin' Up!  This digital stuff just amazes me.  I literally bought it, downloaded it and printed it. 

This memory is one that will be cherish forever as it was a day that we spread my grandfathers ashes on the ocean.  However, it was also a day where all the family was together, the weather was calm and beautiful, and I think we all realized how lucky we are to have him in our lives. So although it was a somber day, it was a nice day that makes me smile.  I decided that the best way to explain that was in journalling... and in this case there was a lot of white space on the photos... so I wrote directly on the photos using an archival pen.

Have a great day!
Cathy



Sunday, 9 February 2014

Leadership Display Board Day 11: Wam-Jam-Thank-You-Maam

Here's a couple projects to use the stamp stamp set!

Project #21: Use washi to mask the stamp
Don't you just love the banner punch and co-ordinating stamp set?  To get the "Happy Birthday" I used the Sea Ya Later stamp set... but I only wanted the "happy birthday part... yes, you could find your black marker and color the part you want to show OR you could be lazy and put the whole stamp in staz On and then use your wasi tape to cover up the rest. Ta-da!
 

Project #22: Color the stamp
Don't forget to use the DSP as your background for your card.  In this case I also colored the stamp (unlike above) to get the different colors.  I am a "wam-jam-thank-you-maam" type of girl so you won't see me do that often! :)

Don't forget to check out the whole team's projects!
Cathy Caines - You are HERE!
Connie Collins - Constantly Stamping
Erica Cerwin - Pink Buckaroos
Jane Lee - Jane Lee's Cards
Jeanna Bohanon - Stamp Time Somewhere
Cindy Schuster - Nutmeg Creations
Jennifer Timko - Stampin' on the Fly
Alanna Wharf - Sleepless Stamper
Becky Cowley- Scrap Junkie
Mercedes Weber - Paper Creations by Mercedes

Enjoy!
Cathy

Saturday, 8 February 2014

Leadership Display Board Day 10: Vellum Scrapbook Page

 Day 10!! 
Holy cow!!!
I bet you wanna get everything out of the sale-a-bration catalog now... and want everything int he new Occasions catalog... Well, let me know and I can help you with all your problems. 
:)

Project #19: Vellum Scrapbook Page
"Well, isn't this interesting? I can see through the scrapbook page?!?"  Yes, you sure can!!!
Project #20: "Arrows so much fun"
I went wild for the arrows in this card - the ink is in smoky slate (one of my favorite colors these days). Cute huh? It could even be masculine if you "minus the pink".

Don't forget to check out the whole team's projects!
Cathy Caines - You are HERE!
Connie Collins - Constantly Stamping
Erica Cerwin - Pink Buckaroos
Jane Lee - Jane Lee's Cards
Jeanna Bohanon - Stamp Time Somewhere
Cindy Schuster - Nutmeg Creations
Jennifer Timko - Stampin' on the Fly
Alanna Wharf - Sleepless Stamper
Becky Cowley- Scrap Junkie
Mercedes Weber - Paper Creations by Mercedes

Enjoy!
Cathy