Crafty Card Gals- First Card Swap!

I am part of a new card swap called Crafty Card Gals.  This is our first month to swap.  I wanted to share with you all the cards that have been made it this swap.  Starting with the ones I received first and then from there.

I guess that would mean I start with mine, since I made (received) mine first.  Here is my card.

 Since I had to send four, thought I would picture four.  Here they are.  I used the paper from the collection from CTMH called Happy Times.  It had a variety of colors and patterned.  I cut the shape of the card to have a soft curve, just like us girls.  The BIRTHDAY GIRL is cut out of the gold strip from one of the patterned papers.  It did not photo that great.  I folded the ribbon on the back of the pink flower paper and glued together.  In some ways it was quick and easy but I also like how elegant it is.  It was a lot of fun knowing I had four wonderful gals (crafty card gals) to send these too.

 The first official card I got in the mail was from Jerrie.  She is legally blind, but that does not stop her so she says on her blog called.... COLORING OUTSIDE THE LINEZ.  You have to go visit her blog.  She does an amazing job with backgrounds.  I will have take up some courage and try some her style.  Might have to ask for lessons.  She does a great job! Jerry will be busy making a lot of cards because she will be a guest designer for...........MHK Designs for three months!  What awesome news.

 Next card I got was from Sandy.  She send this LoLLy PoP in the mail and I was so amazed at how real it looks.  I wanted to lick it!  Another technique I will have to try... after I get some tips from Sandy.  The straw is actually a real straw so it stands up off the card.  Sweet and (except for the time it took to twist all that bakers twine into the lolly pop) looks easy enough to learn.  Clean. Wonderful.  Will have to give it a try someday.

The next card came from Patti at stationerystyles.  Many of you know her and if you dont, please pop over to see her inspirational cards.  She too has been a guest designer for many companies.  What I really loved about her card is the bow.  I need to learn to make a bow like that!  And she can teach me.  Actually she is the reason I can create cards in the first place.  She was my teacher!!  way back in 2007 or so.  I love the bright colors against the white card.  Mostly white seems to be the in thing lately and I have to say I really  like the clean look.  Thanks Patti for your great inspiration and teaching skills.





Last card in the group was made by Julie Andersson.  I love that she made a more masculine card because I never seem to have any of them!    Here is the card...

This is just so cute! She used Liquid Glass on the fins and for the air bubbles (so cute)  Inside the card it says 'HOPE YOU HAVE A "REEL" HAPPY BIRTHDAY'.  So cool.  Cant wait to give this card to a special guy for his birthday!
 I love the bobbers.  I fish for bass and usually use bobbers to start with.  Once they start to bite, I sometimes take off the bobber to get a good feel on the line.

This was a great card swap.  Everyone was excited to check the mail for their cards.  I really like that I got a few cards made by others that I can give out.  We decided to send a little something extra with out cards.  I already used one items that I got but not on these cards.
Working on the next swap for November.  Anything goes, but I think mine will be 'seasonally' appropriate.
Check back here again the end of November to see what the CRAFTY CARD GALS have created.  Thanks for stopping by and ..... IF YOU HAVE INKYFINGERS, you know you  have had a great day!

OMGoodness!! You must see these cute creations

You have to visit Patti's blog.  She made the most adorable projects.  Visit her site and then come back here and tell us how much you loved it!! 

Here is her blog: http://stationerystyles.blogspot.com/

Here is a peek at the wonder.....  mouth watering yet??  What you waiting for GO!!  Then come back and comment here:)
 

Fun Pages with Oma

I wanted to share with you the fun and educational pages I made for my grandson Christopher for his 2nd birthday.

Page one of FUN PAGES WITH OMA.  I have a picture of Christopher and me so he can continue to be familiar with OMA since I see him only a few times a year.

When you open the flap on the left you see where the fun begins.  Each shape in the yellow area has 2 matching shapes for him to find on the attached page.  This page can be taken out and rotated so each time is a new game with the shapes in different locations.  He knows his colors pretty well and is working on shapes so this is perfect time for these pages.

This is page two.  He is working on counting and so I gave him plenty to count.  Each animal group is different so he can also work on naming the animals.  His mom Kristina can color the animals is she would like.  I did not have time to work on that.  Right now dogs are his favorite animal so the dog at the top of the page will help him be excited about the page.

Well I have to go post the pictures from the family reunion where I got to see Christopher over the weekend.  Visit my facebook at   https://www.facebook.com/theresa.krout.9  if you want to see the fun family reunion (Christopher was the star attraction since many family members never met him before)  Thanks for stopping by and see you all again next time.  Hope you get some ink on them fingers!

HELLO August! All the news and specials for this month

In this post you will find what the specials are this month, what products I love and so much more!
Check it out:

1. New Annual Expression Idea Book, Live Aug 1st. 2016
2. New Stamp Of The Month for August- Purr-fect Halloween
3. New Constant Campaign: Basically The Best free paper offer
4. Product Highlights: Whats New- What I am looking forward to
5. Visit my website to help a hostess gain Hostess Rewards
6. August CTMH newsletter- How to receive your newsletter each month
7. Review of my favorites for Seasonal Expressions- last month to order these products
8. Clearance Items-  BEST PRICES I HAVE EVER SEEN Washi tape 3 for $2.00

1. New Annual Expression Idea Book Live  (click here to see idea book)

August 1 was a big day—it’s the day that our new 2016–2017 Annual Inspirations idea book became available to everyone! We can now order the great new products from Annual Inspirations, in addition to the Seasonal Expressions 2 products which will also be available through the end of August while supplies last.

To make way for the new items, retiring items from our 2015–2016 Annual Inspirations will no longer be available.  There are a few exceptions to this, including the Rolling Tote (Z3032) and the three retiring Cricut® collections, all of which will continue to be available while supplies last.

2. New Stamp of the Month- August Purr-fect Halloween
This set has the most adorable cat with all the Halloween trimmings including the sentiments: Have a purr-fect HALLOWEEN, You're one CRAZY CAT, HAPPY HALLOWEEN.  check it out here.

3. New Constant Campaign: Basically The Best free paper offer
Our August Constant Campaign, Basically the Best, will be a perfect way for you to kick off the Annual Inspirations idea book for your customers. Here’s how it will work: when you place an order for one of each of the Adventure, Whimsy, and Enchantment Fundamentals paper packets, you can choose either one of our Basics Fundamentals—Rustic Home or Uptown—for FREE! It's buy three get one free!

In September, we’ll be celebrating National Stamping Month, and we’ve got a great, exclusive product in the works that you are going to love. We look forward to celebrating an awesome month of stamping together!

Finally, many of you have been asking whether we’ll be offering a planner again this year, and we are!  This planner campaign is going to be available through the end of December, while supplies last, so make sure watch for more information.

4. Product Highlights: Whats New- What I am looking forward to
 Here are a few of the products I look forward to in the New Annual Inspirations Idea Book:
         

            PAGE   PRODUCT

•  20 Adventure Fundamentals (24, 12x12 double sided patterned paper) Cant wait to try this new product!
• 33 Picture My Life Overlays- White Frames
• 55  YOUR state stamp (Wi, MN, NC, SD....) I have a few of these
• 57 This and That stampset
• 65 Charming Cascades stampset
• 68 Ink Blot stampset (I have this and love it!)
• 75 Cricut Flower Market set (digital available also)
• 79 Thin Cuts- hearts, stars, happy, love, hello, thanks, celebrate
• 80 Instalife Blush Album
• 93 Organizers/totes (these are great!)
• 110 How To Pattern Books (I have all these and love them)
• Back of book: True Love stampset 

 

5. Visit my website to help a hostess gain Hostess Rewards
Just visit my website to find out what parties are open.  Toward the middle of the page, you will see the Stamp of the month on the left and JOIN ONE OF THERESA'S GATHERINGS on the right.  Click JOIN for any of the parties listed and you will be able to link your order to that party.  When you place your order, it will be packaged and shipped DIRECTLY to your house.  YOU WILL NOT HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE PARTY TO CLOSE.  These parties use an amazing program called EZ- Invite, allowing family, friend and even strangers to place an order and the hostess receives the credit in hostess rewards.  No more collecting orders, handling money or even waiting for a party to close.  ITS FAST AND EZ!  Contact me today and lets do your online EZ-Invite GATHERING (party) TODAY!


6. August CTMH newsletter- How to receive your newsletter each month
The Newsletter is an email you will receive once a month that contains information about the month's Contant Campaign (monthly specials and more) Stamp of the Month set and other product and technique highlights.  These items will automatically link to my website, including the Constant Campaign page and relevant shopping pages making shopping or browsing Soooo Easy!

• You can subscribe to get the CTMH newsletter by going to my website, logging into your account and clicking the MY ACCOUNT link in the top right corner of the page, checking the box indicating that you would like to receive email, and then confirming your subscription via the confirmation email you will receive.

• You will receive a ONE TIME prompt when you log into your account on my website for the first time.  

• You can unsubscribe from the email via a link included in each monthly email or through your MY ACCOUNT settings on your account page.  You will not receive the news letter again unless you choose to subscribe again.

7.  Review of my favorites for Seasonal Expressions- last month to order these products


Here are a few of my favorite products that my customers and I have ordered from the SEASONAL EXPRESSIONS Idea Book (smaller one with flower pot on front) which ENDS at the end of August.  Shop now before its too late.  Click the product to see it.
LOOK what hit the FAVORITES list:

                                                     

        PAGE        PRODUCT

• 5    Rose Foil tape
• 10  Scrapbook Queen stampset 
• 21  Carnival Fun Thin Cuts and matching stampset
• 27  Calypso Workshop Your Way 
• 28  One in a Melon stampset
• 30  Tickled Pink Thin Cuts and matching stampset  

8. CLEARANCE
Click here to go to the clearance section on my website.
If you visit the clearance items, you will not be disappointed!! 
Washi tape $2.00
Base and Bling charms $1.00
Assortments/accessories $2-2.60
Treat Bag kits $4.35
Ribbons $1.40
Spin cards with envelopes $3.15 (10 pc)

Thanks for stopping by and if you found some special items here, please let us all know!  Hope you have an INKY DAY!

Is there a doctor in the house?? Yes!

Our daughter in law, Danielle just received her degree: Doctor of Philosophy! 

and I needed to make a card as special as she is; full of color, life and beauty.

First I needed a doctors coat and a tool (stethoscope), pocket with her name 

and big buttons to help set the stage. 

I hope these pearls stay in place!

Then I needed to address the inside with some color.   Her favorite color is dark purple.  It all came together when I found this wonderful paper.  The texture on the flower was already there so all I had to do was cut the curve and neckline.  I added some square 3-D foal to add depth between the dress and neckline.  You cant see in the photo because I had to take the photo of the card laying down.  The pearls are not dry!  I have to finish this post so I can start to pack for the craft retreat I was invited to. 

If you enjoyed this card (as much as I enjoyed making it) and all the original work that I put into it, Please post a comment.  If you would like me to send you a trace copy of the dress let me know.  

Thanks for stoppin and seeing how inky my fingers are today! 

Splash of color

My mom asked me to make 4 birthday cards.   I have a new stampset I have really wanted to give a try so here are the cards I made.  It was a blast and easy to make with this set.

 These cards were all created using CTMH products.  The stampset is so awesome.  It is called Ink Blot (D1660) and I see myself using this a lot in the future.  The sentiment from a new set called Just To Say... (D1629) More info in this 34 piece stampset below.

 This butterfly is from Memory Box (Vivenne Butterfly) and are two of my favorite dies.  The solid like you see above and the detailed frame you see below.  

The sentiment is framed using another favorite set from Elizabeth Craft Designs called Stitched Rectangles.  Happy Birthday came from the set WHICH IS AN ALL TIME FAVORITE from 2007!  Its called For Every Occasion and is retired.

The next two cards I used the paper pack called Dotty For You also from CTMH.

 The Bakers twine and buttons are from CTMH.  The embossing folder is Cuttle Bug.  The card below is using the Dotty For You paper again and Happy Birthday sentiment from the Just To Say set. 

It sure was fun to use that new Ink Blot stampset!  My mom will be happy to have plenty of birthday cards to pick from.  Thanks for stopping by and hope you have inky fingers and a happy heart.  See you again next time.  Comments are always welcome!



More about the stampsets above. 

• The Ink Blot has 7 creativly designed "blots" allowing you to present them in different ways.  Change the color and the blot takes on a whole new look.  
• The Just to Say... collection has 34 stamps which include the usually birthday, Thank You and holidays.  But is also has more unique sentiments such as....

You're Invited, to a bridal shower, to a party, Have an eggs-tra special day, Thank You, for all you do, so very much, Wishing you the best, on your achievement, on our little bundle of joy and You're Awesome.

Picture of Cruise layouts

Here are the first few pages of my Caribbean Cruise 2010 layouts.  I have a few more pages to create but wanted to wet your whistle with what I have so far.
I will make all the discriptions short and sweet so you dont have to read much.  If you have questions, please comment and I will add more info to this post to help fill in the blanks.
  Outside of my ring album that I will use until all my pages are all ready. 

Work in progress album

 Here is the TITLE PAGE.  I love this paper.  The green mat is turned sideways just for my husband.  He loves to take pictures with a little twist so this is my way of dedicating this page to him.

Title page

PAGE 1 See the Florida on the right side?  When you look at next picture you will see that included in the picture because it is still the same page!

Page one closed

Here is page one opened using Flip Flaps from CTMH.  I needed more space to do journaling (whole left page) without doing another whole layout page.  This is the perfect way to add a little (or a lot:)) to your layout pages.

Page one open

 PAGE 2
This is the partner page to the previous page or right side page.  It has two flip flaps that open to display more details of our trip.  These pages were really tough because I did not have any pictures of my own to do the layouts but I did not want to "skip" the event all together so I used a lot of memorabilia to fill in for the lack of photos.

Page two closed

 Here is page two opened on the left side.  I wanted access to the wonderful pamphlets we received each day. Each one was different but they all listed events and activities ON THE SHIP we could attend during our time on board, general information about how to pay for excursions and so on.

Page two- left open

Page two pamphlet opened

Next is page two opened on the right side.  Under this flap I chose to make it easy to remove info for further inspection.  The center item opens up to see all the decks on the ship, a few receipts for things we purchased and some journaling of the things we did on our first couple of days at sea.

Page two right side opened

PAGE 3 AND 4
This is our first day on our trip.  It is also Amber and Ryan's wedding on Grand Cayman Island.  I made seperate pages of just their wedding but wanted to include a few of them on these pages.  When you open the flip flap that contains their pictures and money from Cayman you can see the back of the money and....

Page three closed

 ...a map of the Island.  I wanted to be able to see both sides of the money.  You will also notice the ANIMAL TOWELS that each cabin had in their room each night.  When you go to dinner, they present your room ready for you to retire.  Part of that is making animal towels.  This set was for Amber and Ryans wedding but it fit perfect with this layout. 

Page three opened on top

 This page does not have any flipflaps.  The map below charts our course from Miami, to the various ports and back home again.  Both these two pages were created (less the pictures and such) before I even went on this cruise.  It was great to finally be able to use them. 

Page four (does not open)

Pages five and six - no flip flaps

 Above: PAGES 5 AND 6
I wanted to show these two pages together so you can see the whole title.  These pictures were ones I printed off the facebook pages of our kids since I did not have any.  These are more pages I had done before we even took this cruise.  Neither of these pages use flip flaps.

 PAGES 7 AND 8
Page 7 has a post card and when you flip the flap, you find another picture.  I loved this postcard.  Frogs are one of my favorite and this one says.... GOOD MAWNIN BELIZE,  WHERE'S MY COFFEE!

Page seven closed

Page seven opened

 Here is page eight closed.  We went zip lining.  Long story... NOT MY FAVORITE.  But only because they put the harness way too tight.  I had bruises the next day all around my stomach.  Hurt the entire time we were in the air.

Page eight closed

Page eight opened

 Flip flaps allow you to display a variety of items without adding more pages.  It allows you to "hide" items that need to be included but you want a little more private like journaling or a picture that belongs but maybe does not match the illusion you want to present on the closed page.

Well that is all the pages I have for now.  I did not want this to be too long.  Hope you enjoyed being a guest on our CRUISE TO THE CARIBBEAN!

Please comment so I know you were here!!  Also present your questions.  Would love to hear from you and remember to get inky!

FLAMINGO!!! Way to go, flamingo!

Way to go Flamingo!  Hello everyone, Theresa here with a really fun and new way to stamp.  I purchased this really cool, self standing, photo display book a few years ago and have recently started using it as a reminder for upcoming events in my life.
Today I will be showing you my CRUISIN' TO THE BAHAMAS page.  We have a group of 36 family and friends going on this cruise with us so we have a site on FACEBOOKS to talk about the upcoming event.  Each day (or so) someone (shipmate) will post how many days we have left until we leave for our cruise.  So I decided I needed one of my pages to celebrate the countdown.  Here is my page.

The page is in a page protector so I can write the number of days right on the front.  Or like I did here, I can just use a program I have to insert the number before posting.  If you do the math you can tell when we are leaving or there about.
You can also cut out numbers and attach to the page or page protector.  I prefer to use the computer.  I really dont need to count down each and every day since my fellow "shipmates" are already doing that!
Then I got to thinking that each of my birthday pages are just paper with a date and name wrote on it.  I NEED TO CHANGE THAT.  After all, I am a CRAFTER!  And everything I do can be personalized and upgraded to fun, classy or just colorful with something from my crafting supplies so here goes.....

JULY BIRTHDAY LIST

I chose to do this page in RED, WHITE and BLUE for obvious reasons.  But also because Brandon, my son was in the Navy and now in the AIR NATIONAL GUARD.  Everytime I think of him or one of the branches of service, I think of him or our branches of service.  One goes forever with the other now.    This was very simple to make and each year, I can make the page with new paper, new colors and new stampsets that are my current favorite.  THIS STAMPSET is called FROM THE NOTEBOOK and it has 24 WAY COOL stamps to use to customize a calendar, scrapbook page and so much more.  I am in the process of customizing a blank calendar for day to day activities.  Here is the set so you can see how versatile it is. 

July SOTM from CLOSE TO MY HEART

CLICK HERE if you would like to order this stampset.  Get it for only $5.00 but only until the end of July.................. cause it is the stamp of the month :)



Next I worked on August.  I wanted to do something with a little fun and more girl colors since both birthdays in August are girls. 

August SOTM from CLOSE TO MY HEART

Here I used background and textured paper called Calypso.  I made a card the other day using this paper and it really got me out of a slump ;)  I was not able to craft for days but this paper and stampsets are so cute, I just had to get at it.
I also used the SOTM for August.  You cant order it until August (I can get my set early because I am a consultant).  It is HALLOWEEN theme but I wanted to show how cool it is that it can be for a birthday with just a little imagination.  I also used my almost favorite dies from ELIZABETH Craft designs called STITCHED RECTANGLES.  You might have seen these used on my sons birthday card earlier this month.  I showed this to a friend of ours and he said, "Wow I really like how that looked like it is sown."  So it gives a great finished look to a simple piece of paper.  My good friend and mentor for crafting (Patti) directed me where to start to get these but this set actually came from a local store here in Rice Lake Wi.  and at a terrific price too!
Oh, the edging around the CRAZY CAT sentiment was just done with the edge of my stamp where it opens. The shape allows me to get these stroke like lines and sometimes I can even do an 'X' shape along the edge.  Watch for that here in the near future.
Well that is what I did up to bedtime last night.  Today I need to clean up a bit and then... I hope to work on some fast and easy scrapbook pages.  Come back next time to see how you can turn a 12-15 photos into a TWO PAGE LAYOUT IN LESS THAN 10 MINUTES!! 
THANKS for stoppin and HOPE YOU GET SOME INK ON YOUR FINGERS TODAY! 

Retro Birthday Card

My adult son lives in California and is having a very special birthday this year.  We wont be able to be there with him but we will be thinking of him.  I made him this really retro card to help him celebrate.

 I wanted to do a rainbow card and I wanted to use the stitched dies I have so this is what I came up with.   I played around a few times with the positioning and decided I liked this.  I stamped and then fussy cut the bear because Brandon loved living in Wi. and I know he will love this cute bear.  I added some google eyes for a little fun.  I cut the quote bubble and stamped the sentiment.

I wanted the inside to be special too so I used the negatives from the dies on the front of the card and made them go in all kinds of directions.  The sentiments have a lot to say and they all came FROM ONE STAMPSET. 

I like when I can work with just one 

and get it all done!

Thought that sounded like a short poem so had to set it apart:)  I love how it turned out. Well have to get back to the kitchen to make dinner.  Thanks for stopping by and get those fingers inky!!!

NEW RABBIT is here, see pictures and enter to win! CAS(E) #180

I am hosting a contest here, on my rabbit blog, and on facebook to help me pick out a name for our new rabbits.
She is a California and New Zealand mix. She has a little grey on the ears, nose, feet and tail.  It is very light because she is a mix.  She also has pink eyes.  Her babies will be mostly white with a chance for pink eyes and a variety of light grey markings.

Enter your choice of names and be a big part of the future for this little bundle of fur.  She will be part of our family for a long time as a breeding doe.  Her babies will go to other breeders and live long and happy lives.  She is due in two weeks and I will keep you posted more on that as the day arrives.
Until then, comment below and give her a name!  Winner will receive this card in the mail....

 This card was super fast and easy to make.  I have had company the last few days and we have had a blast so not much in the card making department.  And tomorrow I get new stuff in the mail so I am hoping to play here soon. 
We went out on the lake and went fishing.  I just have to share with you the best picture ever!!

At first she wanted nothing to do with the fish or a picture.  Then I said, "Hurray for the big fish, clap your hands." and what an expression!  This is the best picture I have seen all year.  And YES SHE CAUGHT THAT FISH  a 12" bass!  Yahoo for Briar!!
Ok now you have to give me a name for my bunny AND comment on this adorable picture.  I hope to see many of you soon and I hope over next to the playground to see what you are all up to.

I will enter my card in Pixie's Crafty Workshop where you use "snippets" in your creation.  I used lots of those and ALWAYS HAVE A GREAT TIME ON THE PLAYGROUND.  I will also hop round a little and see where else I can show some of my fur.
Thanks for visiting my rabbit den and hoppin to see you again soon.  Until then, enjoy your day and get your hands a little inky!

  
I am also entering this card in CAS(E) this Sketch!