Entry for As You See It Challenge #156

Ahem, yes, I've been MIA in blogland for...2 years! Just yesterday I sent out my monthly Stampin' Up! newsletter and had a link for my "Sad and neglected blog", but there are still some good ideas on the few blog posts that I do have here. (insert crying laughing emoji).

I recently cleaned my craft room for one our Kaleidoscope Team challenges and whenever I clean my room, I always get the urge to create which leads to mess. It's a never ending cycle really. The good news is that I've been creating and finding JOY in the creating. That's what's important. Especially when I've been held hostage making memories with 4 children for 3 months!

Well, you didn't come here for my witty writing, you came to see my project! Here it is:

Here's the Challenge:


And here is my entry:



I call it the Cosmic Frappe! Remember when Starbucks was doing all those goofy and ridiculously high calorie fancy frappes? This is my version. I used the Shaving Cream technique (which now I incidentally smell like a freshly shaven man) and swirled Real Red and Elegant Eggplant Stampin' Up! reinkers around in it. Then smoosh a piece of Whisper White card stock and wipe off the excess. I used the coordinating framelits to cut out the shape of the cup. Also fun, I made a mask using a window sheet and the new Embossing Paste and made that somewhat fluffy looking whipped cream to go on top! I also cut out a window sheet to make the plastic dome on top of the frappe. I know Starbucks uses more of a Garden Green coloured straw, but Lemon Lime Twist was the green (or yellow?) of the challenge. 

A few other fun accents are the wave-like framelit from Swirly Scribbles and the Star Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. And don't forget the clear Wink of Stella. You can't tell, but that Frappe has a whole lot of sparkle to it! I covered it with Wink of Stella to make it look extra cosmic-y. 

I hope you enjoy my entry for As You See It Challenge #156!

Happy Stamping,

Tamara

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Coffee Cafe, Alphabet Rotary Stamp
Tools: Coffee Cups Framelits, Swirly Scribbles Framelits, Stars TIEF, Big Shot Die Cutting 
Machine, 2 1/2" Circle punch
Card Stock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant, Lemon Lime Twist, Real Red, Window Sheets
Accessories: Basic Rhinestones, Embossing Paste, Stampin' Up Dimensionals, Wink of Stella
Ink: Real Red reinker, Elegant Eggplant reinker, Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker

Uh oh...

The blog took a bit hit this year. Having twins is no joke! I barely have enough time to eat let alone keep up with the blog. I decided it was high time to jump back on. I don't have super high hopes (just yet), but I am going to try to post once a week. Surely that won't be too hard, right? ;) Just so you're more apt to forgive me, here's a quick photo of them.

Janelle and Clara

See the cuteness I have to put up with every day (and every night)?

My twin girls are 10 months old now (crazy, right?). Speaking of the girls, I just heard someone cry. Nap time must be over. Oh joy. They slept for just over an hour. 

I do have a card to share today. It's one that I made for the Kids Ministry at my church. We have a Birthday Ministry.  A group of fellow papercrafters and I create birthday cards and then the church staff all signs them and they get mailed to every kid who is registered in our Kids Ministry. Cool, huh? Ya. So far, there are 300 kids registered! 300! And up until last week, there were 3 of us involved. We had an info day though and it looks like we've jumped up to 10. That cuts our personal production down to a more manageable number :)

Anyway, here's the card :)

I haven't put a photo editing program on and I don't have a watermark yet so bare with me. My photo is a bit dark (taken with my phone). Still, cute right? I hope this will make some little munchkin feel special on their big day :)

Thanks for checking in!

Tamara

Supplies List:
Card Stock: Coastal Cabana (retired), Best Day Ever DSP (retired), Soft Suede, Whisper White.
Ink/Markers: Memento Black Ink, Smoky Slate, Basic Black, Calypso Coral, Pool Party, More Mustard Stampin' Write Markers
Embellishments: Basic Rhinestones, Googly eyes
Adhesive: SNAIL, Glue dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

AYSI Challenge #041

I know it has been a LONG time since I have shared for an As You See It Challenge! Turns out growing twins is REALLY hard work! I think I've watched more TV in the last 5 months than I have in the last 15 years (no joke!). About all I have energy for lately is getting out of bed and dragging the kids to daycare so I can get to work.  Throw on top that I'm trying to pack up our house as we are moving in about 4 weeks! I try to do a box a day, but that wipes me out.  It doesn't leave much creative energy to flow. However, I had my Rubber RummageSale last weekend and designed this little 3x3 as a make and take. Snce it uses the new in colours, it was a perfect fit for this week's challenge of using my *newest* craft supply! The In Colour Inks and card stock are actually the ONLY items I have purchased from the new catty. Shocking, isn't it? 


Here's the challenge graphic: As You See It Challenge #041

Here's the wee l'il card:

 I used Blackberry Bliss and Lost Lagoon for the flowers.  This is the stamp set Petite Petals with the coordinating Petite Petals Punch. I love, love, LOVE this stamp set/punch combo! It's SO easy to use (unlike some of the other flower/punch combos) as you can line it up any way and it works.every.time. 

Here's another angle. I stamped the Lost Lagoon flowers on the coordinating card stock, punch and popped up with a dimensional.  The Thank You is from Lots of Thanks (my fav Thank You set). I stamped it in Basic Black. Pretty simple, hey?

Hope you've enjoyed today's post! I can't promise I will be "regular" but I'll be around.  Drop me a comment if you want to see more posts! ;)

Blessings,

Tamara

AYSI #032

I'm back to join this weeks' As You See It Challenge #032 and a fun sketch! I'm excited to have something to share today.

Here's the challenge photo:

And here's what I came up with:

I wanted to come up with a somewhat masculine card that incorporated the sea. I used Ahoy, Matey and By the Sea for all of the stamped images. The card basrbis Basic Gray with a Smoky Slate panel that's been spongedfor some depth. The coral image was stamped off once before being stamped on the oval. I love how the lobster pops in Real Red.

I'd love to hear your comments! Remember to join the fun over at As You See It Challenge!

Tamara

Little Big Surprises!

I've been taking s break from blogging for the last couple of months due to some pretty severe morning sickness. That's right! Our family is growing again, but in stead of growing by 2 feet, it's growing by 4 feet!! I have never been so shocked as sitting for my 11 week ultrasound and having the technician turn the screen to reveal not one, but TWO babies on the screen!

I don't think I could've prepared myself for that moment even if I tried! It does explain why I have so sick though!!

I'm hoping in the coming weeks that I will have some more energy and less morning sickness.  It's definitely going to be a journey and I'll probably share a bit here as we go on. I'm thinking of starting  Twin Blog so I can document the coming months and years(?) As they progress.

If you check in regularly, I'm sorry for the lack of projects! I'm hoping to get back soon

Take care,

Tamara

As You See It Challenge #021 (Sweet Baby)

I've been having lots of fun playing with my new stamps from the 2014 Occasions Catalogue. What's on your "must have list" of new products??

As soon as I saw the cute images in Baby, We've Grown, I knew it needed to be added to my collection. Those cute grumpy owls (they're not meant to look grumpy, but they kind of do!) and that adorable little bunny were destined to be brought to life. 

This weeks' As You See It Challenge features a focal point right smack in the middle. I thought it was the perfect opportunity to break out some new rubber!

Here's the sketch that the lovely Amanda has designed:

Lots of fun! I have to admit, I didn't adhere to the shapes of the challenge, but the general idea is definitely the same.  I don't have all of my supplies with me so I had to just use what I have and this is what I came up with:

I didn't have a scallop square or rectangle so I went with the Deco Labels Framelits.  I had been antsy to use the new Arrow TIEF (textured impressions embossing folder) so I broke that out for the background of that. It's cut out and embossed on Smoky Slate card stock.  I then used the Circle Framelits to cut out that circle of DSP from the Fresh Prints paper stack. Love the fun and sassy designs in that super stack of paper!

I also used the new Fringe Scissors for the first time, too! I've seen some really cute cards using them on Pinterest so I'll hopefully be making lots of fringe-filled cards! The three red candy dots are in place of the sentiment on the sketch. I've been quite taken with Real Red and Coastal Cabana paired together. I'm not normally a red person, so I find this kind of odd, but fresh and new at the same time!

Now comes the best part!  Look at that rabbit! Isn't he the cutest??? I've fallen in love with him! I stamped him in Jet Black StazOn ink and then coloured him in with an aquapainter and Basic Gray and Coastal Cabana ink.  I went around the outline very lightly with crumb cake to create a bit of dimension. Then I added some beneath as well to ground the images. 

He even looks kind of fuzzy. I want to pluck him off the card and give him a good cuddle!

Here's a last look at the completed card.  what's your favorite addition? The candy dots? The fringe? Mr. Rabbit?  I'd love to hear your comments!

Enjoy and be inspired!

Tamara

Tamara's Top Ten from the 2014 Occasions Cataloge

I said I'd do this "soon". What does soon mean to you? Does it mean within a day? Within a week? Within a month? Depending on who I'm talking to and what it's regarding, my definition of soon changes. If my kids ask when the cookies will be done, I may answer, "Soon" and it means a few minutes.  If they ask when bedtime is, I might answer think to myself, "Not soon enough". 

I think it's been over two weeks since I said I'd share my Top Ten "soon". So, here it is! Keep in mind these are in no particular order. Just what popped into my head at the time!

10. Hexagon Hive Thinlits die (I don't have this yet hopefully will soon!) 

9. Fringe Scissors

8. Fresh Prints DSP stack

7.  Gold Sequin Trim

6. Burlap and Blooms Simply Created Wreath Kit

5.  Arrows TIEF

4. Hardwood Background stamp

3. Baby, We've Grown stamp set

2. Natural 5/8" Chevron Trim

1. Scallop Tag Topper Punch

To see all the great products in the 2014 Occasions Catalogue, click here to go to my online store!

I hope you have enjoy Tamara's Top Ten!

Enjoy your day!

Tamara

As You See It Challenge #020 (AHOY!)

Another week snuck on me. I created my card on Tuesday with the intentions of writing my blog post Wednesday. Well, that didn't happen and now it's Friday! We found out our bathroom has a mold issue so we are staying at my inlaws for a week or two while we deal with it.  That meant Wednesday night was spent packing and last night was spent settling in. 

I have a fun card today! I really wanted to use my new Hello, Sailor stamp set so I set to work.

Here's the sketch challenge: As You See It Challenge #020

And here is my design team project!

 A close up...

 A cute banner...

 The final project!

I've been loving all things nautical and Real Red, Night of Navy, and Whisper White are just that. I added a pop of Coastal Cabana too, just for fun. After all, it is COASTAL Cabana so it has to, right? Right!

I thought this could be a cute valentine's card for my hubby. He's been working so hard on the bathroom fix, I'll have to think of a nice gift to accompany his card!

Hope you have a great weekend!

Be Inspired,
Tamara

Stampin' Supplies:
Stamp Sets: Hello, Sailor, Banner Blast (SAB)
Card Stock: Real Red, Night of Navy, Whisper White, Coastal Cabana
Ink: Real Red, Night of Navy, Coastal Cabana
Accessories: Gold Sequin Trim, Gold Baker's Twine 
Punches: 1" circle punch, Ticket Punch, banner punch (SAB)
Other: Stampin' Dimensionals, Snail

As You See It Challenge #019 (Lovely)

Well, I had to rush to get a sample together for the challenge this week. I have been looking forward to it for weeks now so I'm not sure why I left it to the last minute.  I've always been a procrastinator.  Even is school. I did an essay on time management and then handed it in late.  It wasn't really late though. No one was able to get it in on time and so the deadline was pushed ahead a few more days. But still....

Getting back on track...I love this week's challenge from Amanda. It's a colour challenge and the colours are Pool Party, Pacific Point, and Gold! Fun stuff! 

Here's the official challenge and inspiration photo:

 

I had thought about doing something fun with the Dress Up Framelits but didn't have a ton of time to tinker so I decided to join the Mojo Monday sketch this week. I had a seen the design Mary Fish did and loved it so thought I'd join the fun over there too!

Here's what my fingers came up with. My brain was somewhat distracted as I've been watching Downton Abbey on Netflix (can I get a woot woot from all the DA fans?). 

I will keep you in suspense no longer. I know you want to get back to your episode of Downton as well.. 

I wanted to use many sale-a-bration products as possible.  

How many new products do you see? You might be thinking three, but there are actually just TWO! I used the new Embossing folder as a stamp by rubbing ink on it and then putting my card stock inside and rolling it over and over with a brayer. It made that cute background behind the sentiment. I also used another technique (that I've done before) where you ink a clear block with Pacific Point and Pool Party ink and then spritzed it with a mixture of rubbing alcohol and shimmer paint.  I then smooshed the clear block onto the paper.  It gives it a fun watercolour look.

 
Sorry my photos still aren't edited. We're sharing our one computer and I don't have the editing program on this one. It was just on my laptop. I'm hoping to go laptop shopping this weekend!!

Hope you will join us and play along at As You See It Challenge this week!

As You See It Challenge #018 (playing with the NEW!!!)

I've been MIA over the holidays, but I'm happy to report I'm getting back in the saddle.  I spent some time in my studio last night working on today's post and some customer thank you's.

Here is this week's challenge: ARROWS! And I'd be remiss if I didn't share the cute graphic Amanda created!

I subconsciously used the colours as well, though that wasn't intended. I mostly just wanted to use some new product and the Fresh Prints DSP stack has Real Red, Coastal Cabana, Crumb Cake, and Whisper White.

Here's my entry:

I know the arrow is subtle, which is what I was hoping to achieve. I had been flipping through this year's Sale-a-bration brochure (yes!! I have them!!) and saw a cute card with polka dots. I achieved the polka dots with a sponge dauber and ink pad.  I freehanded an arrow and then cut it out with an exacto knife and used that image as a mask. I then lightly sponged crumb cake over top to enhance the arrow shape.  

Some cute pennants finished off with Whisper White Baker's Twine. Loving these colours together, aren't you?

One last view. I used my iPad to take these photos. My laptop had an unfortunate mishap over Christmas. My darling daughter (2.5) decided to dump a full cup of eggnog on it! It hissed and popped and died. It will turn on now, but the keys are glued together and I haven't had the patience to carefully and gently work each key loose. I've been in the market for a new one for a while, but this will most likely speed up that process!

Anyways, I hope you leave feeling inspired to play with arrows! Have a look through the Stampin' Up Annual catalogue for inspiration. Can you find any projects featuring arrows there?

Have a great weekend!

Tamara

My Christmas Tree & AYSI Challenge #014

It's definitely getting Christmasy around here! I put up our tree today. Actually, I bought a new "slim" tree and decorated it before my husband got home so it would be harder for him to say "return it". He likes it so it gets to stay! Also helps that it was pretty cheap and I used a gift card for part of it ;) Here's a little pic. It's not quite done, I'm missing a ton of decorations, but it's getting there! It fits our space a lot better, which was the main reason for getting it. We have a beautiful HUGE fake tree, but it's HUGE! (In case you missed that).

 

I know you didn't come here to see photos of my Christmas tree though, so here's this week's As You See It sketch challenge:

 

And my Design Team entry is decidedly NOT Christmas themed. I needed a change. 

 I had fun making this while my friends slaved away making their Stamper's Dozen cards.  It's fairly simple, but enough bling and added touches to make it special :)

Here are some alternate views:

And a close up:

The colours are Coastal Cabana, Smoky Slate, and Crushed Curry. I used the Chevron embossing folder (TIEF) on the card base. Chalk Talk framelits provided the cute little tag. I used some Coastal Cabana stretch ruffle trim for the tails and rhinestones to bling up the sentiment which is from Yippee-Skippee! (LOVE that set. Wish I could use it on everything!) I'm trying to remember the name of the DSP, but it's just not coming to me. It's the primarily gray, yellow, and blue one. It goes with the Beautifully Baroque stamp...I think it's something about Eastern...Eastern Elegance DSP maybe? Leave me a comment if you remember the name of this paper stack!! Thanks :)

Hope you're feeling inspired! Be sure to visit the other Design Team's pages for more inspiration!

Tamara

As You See It Challenge #013

Today's challenge is pretty fun!! Just pick your favourite stamp set and go with it!  

Here's the "official" sketch:

I decided to go with Gorgeous Grunge as my chosen set. Ever since I first saw it in the Annual Catalgoue, I've loved it! I waited until Convention to receive it and have fun ever since!  

The Design Team was asked to share two projects featuring our choice stamp set so here we go: 

  This first card is a 3x3 I created for my customer Thank You's. Every order placed with me gets sent out with one of these. I do a new one each month so they're always different and fresh! 

The base is Raspberry Ripple with a Whisper White panel on top. I stamped the various Gorgeous Grunge images in Midnight Muse and Summer Starfruit. The 'Thank You' is stamped in Raspberry Ripple and then punched with the Modern Label Punch. A cute snippet of washi tape and it's done-zo!

The second card I'd like to share is from our make & take packet at Convention this year.  

 

The colours are fun and fresh with pops of Calypso Coral, Bermuda Bay, and Summer Starfruit. The stamp sets used are Gorgeous Grunge and Hello, Lovely.  I took a piece of white baker's twine and dragged it through the Bermuda Bay ink pad in order to dye it.  Lots of fun accents make this a great workshop card or gift box. 

So, there are two projects that I've created with Gorgeous Grunge! It's a super versatile stamp set and deserves space in everyone's collection!  

I hope you'll join the fun over at As You See It Challenge!

Enjoy your weekend!

Tamara