Many Thanks

Hello everyone,

This is the last cards my mother had requested.  It is for one of the therapists who work with my father.

The printed paper is BasicGrey Eva.  The images are Me & My Big Ideas Soft Spoken stickers affixed to Stampin' Up Whisper White.  The sentiment is Penny Black Thanks, Thanks stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Whisper White. The embellishments are EK Success Shimmering Silver Dots.

Isn't this a great card?  My mom wanted something 'therapish' and when I found these, they just seemed perfect.  As you may notice, I often use stickers when I don't have appropriate images.  It is much more economical than buying a stamp that I may only use once.  There is also such an awesome selection of stickers available, it usually isn't that hard to find something that just works.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Pretty, Pretty

Hello everyone,

Today and tomorrow I'm posting the last two cards my mother has requested.  These two thank you card are for the therapists who work with my father.  They were both a lot of fun to craft.

The printed, pink and yellow papers are BasicGrey Urban Prairie.  The die cut border is Spellbinders Holly Accents in Stampin' Up Whisper White.  The sentiment is Inkadinkado Thanks Words stamped in Nick Bantock Charcoal Grey on Whisper White.  It was selectively highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The embellishments are Martha Stewart Pastel Mini Pearls.

I think this is one of the papers that helped me fall in love with BasicGrey.  It is such a delicate and pretty pattern that I could use it over and over.  All the paper used in the card were found in my scrap bin.  I figure I could probably use just scrap pieces for a year's worth of card and still have some leftovers.  This sentiment is also a favourite - very impactful yet not overwhelmingly large.  I have a similar baby stamp and keep my eyes peeled for other stamps of a similar style.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Coral Creation

Hello everyone,

I'm posting the sixth and final card in the series I've been crafting for my father's home care worker.   It also hail from the scrap bin and uses colours I would never have conceived if they hadn't worked so well on this tiny leftover.

The background layer is Stampin' Up Calypso Coral, textured with Cuttlebug Everyday Greetings then painted with LuminArte Dreamsicle Twinkling H2Os and layered on gold of unknown origin.  The printed paper is origami paper of unknown origin layered on dark green Recollections.  The sentiment is Gina K Pleasant Plurals stamped in Garden Green ink on Very Vanilla.  The embellishments are Mark Richards Gold Metallics.

If this particular scrap hadn't been so lovely, there is no way I would have put these colours together.  I selected this particular embossing folder because its flowers were reminiscent of the flowers in the paper.  I really love coordinating elements in that manner because I think it really helps bring all the different pieces together.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

More Sparkling Scraps

Hello everyone,

Today's card uses yet another scrap from the leftover bin.  A totally different colour combination but just as lovely.  It is the fifth card in the series for my dad's home care worker.

The background layer is Canford Silver layered on Stampin' Up Taken With Teal.  The printed paper is DCWV Glitter Stack.  The sentiment is Verve Amazing Wishes stamped in Taken With Teal on Whisper White.  The embellishments are Recollections Glitter Shapes.  The card is highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.

This is a really simple layout that is absolutely predicated upon the size and shapes of the scrap pieces as all of them are scraps.  The green embellishments speak to the hint of green that is on the right edge of the printed paper.  I think the third colour is what makes is all pop - that rule of threes.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Pretty Paisleys

Hello everyone,

Another card for the series I'm crafting for my father's home care worker.  Not as shiny as yesterday's card but certainly bright and cheerful.

The printed paper is Anna Griffin, layered on Stampin' Up Melon Mambo and Certainly Celery, and highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The image is Impression Obsession Medium Paisley stamped on Very Vanilla, in Melon Mambo and heat embossed with Close To My Heart Silver Pearl embossing powder.  The sentiment is Annabelle Stamps Square Posies.  The embellishments are TPC Studio Wedding Silhouette Mini Jewels.

I just love paisleys and this paper was too bright and cheerful to resist.  It has somewhat of a larger image than I normally like using on a card because the scale can be problematic.  I think I resolved that issue however, by using a smaller paisley image.  I didn't have to heat emboss it, and is may be somewhat too pale for the printed paper but I have a hard time not pulling out the Silver Pearl.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sparkling Scraps

Hello everyone,

I decided to look for some inspiration in my scrap bin today.  It is actually a drawer which is getting rather difficult to close.  The next three cards use up some of these great scraps.  This is card four in the series that I'm crafting for my father's home care worker.

The printed paper is DCWV Glitter Stack layered on Recollections pink and Stampin' Up Basic Black.  The ribbon is of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Curly Cute stamped in Versafine Onyx Black.  The embellishments are Autumn Leaves Adhesive Rhinestones.

I know I love a lot of things, I share so very many of my 'loves' that I know I repeat myself frequently.  I just have to say however, that pink, grey and black have to be one of the most beautiful colour combinations ever.  Add the glitter of this paper and it becomes virtually irresistible.  I'd actually forgotten about the heart embellishments so when I found them in the drawer, it was a no brainer.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sparkling For You

Hello everyone,

I've been having a bit of a rough time which I'm sure you've figured since I've not posted anything for the past three days.  I've not been feeling all that well because my eyesight has been causing me problems.  It's getting time for granny glasses.  It's pretty hard to be creative when you're having sight problems.  I'm hoping the issue will get resolved soon.

I'm still working on a series of cards for my father's home care worker.  She likes sparkles and bright colours and I think she'll love today's card.

The printed paper is American Crafts Orchid Spring POW Glitter Paper layered on Recollections White and Stampin' Up Pale Plum.  The sentiment, Penny Black Special Time, is stamped in Nick Bantock Charcoal Grey on Recollections White and layered on Pale Plum.  The sentiment was highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The embellishments are Close To My Heart Bitty Sparkles.

I picked this paper up when I was in Montreal in the Fall, shopping with a card making kindred spirit.  I picked up a few different sheets of this type of paper but never got around to using it.  I don't know why I waited so long because it was a dream to use!  I purposefully kept the layout simple because I really wanted to highlight the paper.  It worked so well I can't wait to pull out the other sheets and see what I can do.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Birthday Boy

Hello everyone,
Google has made some changes to Blogger so I apologize in advance for any issues.

Today's card is a gift series for my father's homecare worker.  As my parents have sold their home and they're moving to a new city, my dad's homecare worker will change.  My mom asked me to make a set of six birthday cards for her.

The printed paper is DCWV Nana's Kids layered on Stampin' Up Lucky Limeade and Brocade Blue.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Small Greetings stamped in Brocade Blue on Whisper White and layered on a scrap of orange Textured DCWV.  The image and embellishments are EK Success Dragon's Stickers.

Obviously this is birthday card is intended for a little boy.  There is a little guy that has taken quite a piece of the homecare worker's heart so Mom asked for a specific little boy card.  I specifically choose these dragons because they have some shine which I know will be appealing.  Notwithstanding the shiny dragon, fire and smoke, I find this card a little on the plain side.  I'm not certain where I went off course and how to improve it - must be the Friday night fatigue.  In the light of day, I may be inspired.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Happy Birthday

Hello everyone,

Things (aka life) have really gotten away from me today but I still wanted to craft card not only because I like to but I've got quite a list of cards that need crafting. Today's card is for my father's homecare worker. She likes all things bright, shiny and cheerful.

The printed paper is SEI Sunny Day Window Box layered on Stampin' Up So Saffron. The sentiment is from Verve and is stamped in Melon Mambo on Whisper White and layered on more Melon Mambo. The butterfly, which I pulled out of a stash of die cut pieces, is likely from Spellbinders and is cut from what is possibly a piece of vinyl of unknown origin. The embellishment is Recollections Glitter Shapes.

I love this card and though very simple, will be perfect! I needed quick and bright with a titch of sparkle and shine. This paper is fantastic with its cheery flowers and a hint of coppery outlines. The vinyl butterfly catches the light beautiful and that glittery dot add just that little bit more. I didn't have much time tonight but still wanted to make a great card. This fits all the bills.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Welcome Home

Hello everyone,

My parents recently sold their home and my Mom asked me to craft a card for the couple who've bought it. They are a young couple and see my parents house as their forever home.

The printed paper is BasicGrey Piccadilly layered on Stampin' Up Brocade Blue. The image is a Sandylion sticker affixed to a strip of Brocade Blue, layered on Very Vanilla. The sentiment is Papertrey Ink Wreath For All Seasons, stamped in Brocade Blue on Very Vanilla. The embellishments are Denim Oregon Raindrops.

I love the cheeriness of this card. How can you not be happy with this pretty BasicGrey paper. The new owners are looking forward to the large yard and extensive gardening which is what inspired me to choose this particular paper. They really see this house as their home which is why I choose this sentiment as opposed to a more traditional 'congratulations'.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Silver Wedding Special

Hello everyone,

Today's card is for a friend who was looking for something special for a 25th wedding anniversary.

The background layer is a silver paper of unknown origin layered on a shimmery black. The printed paper is Anna Griffin Georgette Christmas Collection layered on Stampin' Up Basic Black. The image is Stampin' Up Always Elegant stamped on Whisper White, in Versafine Onyx Black and heat embossed with Close To My Heart Silver Pearl. The image is layered on more silver paper and Basic Black. The embellishments are Crystal Stickers Silver Glitter Dome.

I love this card. The colours work wonderfully together and all that sparkle just makes my heart sing. The layers, with the hint of black, are very impactful. The photo doesn't does this card justice.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Bring On The Babies X

Hello everyone,

I couldn't resist just one more baby card. I think stopping at ten is just right!

The printed paper is Graphic 45 Little Darlings layered on Stampin' Up Old Olive. The card base was stamped with Stampin' Up Watercolor Vine Jumbo Wheel in Old Olive. The sentiment is Stampin' Up Warmest Regards stamped in Baja Breeze on Very Vanilla. The embellishments are from Craft Medley.

This is another really simple card. I have not used my stamping wheel in ages and this works just perfectly with the paper. The butterflies may be a little on the girly side but it still works well. I'll use this same sheet of paper for a male baby card at some point because it would suit so well.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Bring On The Babies IX

Hello everyone,

This is another 'out of the box' baby card. I love having rejuvenated mojo!

The printed paper is Graphic 45 Little Darlings layered on Stampin' Up Textured Soft Suede and Bashful Blue. The sentiment is Gina K Block Greetings stamped in Soft Suede. The embellishments are Close To My Heart Mocha Opaques.

Isn't this a great baby card? This particular sheet makes things so very easy. This card took less than fifteen minutes to craft - clean, simple and quick. I love being able to make something so pretty, so quickly!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Bring On The Babies VIII

Hello everyone,

The paper in my next few baby cards are way beyond my usual. I've been keeping an eye out for some appealing paper and this particular pad really caught my eye. It is so different for me that I really hesitate but then figured that leaving my comfort zone wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

The printed paper is Graphic 45 Little Darlings layered on DCWV Textured Pastels. The background layer is of unknown origin. The sentiment is Stampin' Up Whimsical Words stamped in Soft Suede on Very Vanilla. The embellishments are Close To My Heart Pearl Opaques.

I think this is a great card! The paper is certainly not my usual but I really like the softness of this retro style. I've an entire 8X8 pad to use so I better love it! I like the results of this retro paper used in my more usual layered and clean lined style. I think it works wonderfully! While this paper normally cries for 'shabby chic', I don't think I've got that in me!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Bring On The Babies VII

Hello everyone,

I've finished all the commissioned baby cards that were on my plate but I was having so much fun with them I decided to craft a few extras for my stash. Given the high pregnancy rates at the office, I'll probably be needing them.

The printed paper is Little Yellow Bicycle Delightful Collection Blooms layered on Stampin' Up Going Grey. The sentiment is Gina K Labeled with Love stamped in Dusty Durango on Whisper White and layered on Dusty Durango. The embellishments are Rust Oregon Raindrops.

Notwithstanding the sentiment, this card is not a traditional baby card. The paper is not at all baby but the patterned has a certain softness and freshness that I believe works for just about any type of card you'd want to craft. Getting this sentiment restamped and lined up was a huge challenge. I must have made at least half a dozen attempts before getting one I could live with. Thank goodness for Whisper White scraps! I figure this would be perfect for a new dad as it's not feminine or frilly but is still baby.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Bring On The Babies VI

Hello everyone,

This is another favourite card. I was obviously in the mood for fun.

The printed paper is Echo Park A Walk In The Park layered on Stampin' Up Old Olive. The sentiment is Stampin' Up Short & Sweet stamped in Taken With Teal, layered on Taken With Teal and Very Vanilla which was stamped with a Short & Sweet image. The images are Recollections stickers. The entire card is highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.

Aren't these bunnies and bears sweet? I love them! It was fun to craft this card without using dedicated baby paper. I have a couple of more papers that I'm going to use like this. It was also fun to use these little safety pins so randomly. It is giving me some ideas...

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Bring On The Babies V

Hello everyone,

My next two baby cards, the last in commissioned cards, are super fun! They are for two girls at work who are having their first babies. I'm not quite done with the baby cards. I've decided to craft a couple of extras for my stash, just in case.

The printed paper is Recollections Animal Crackers layered on Stampin' Up Bashful Blue and Chocolate Chip. The sentiment is Inkadinkado Baby Animals stamped in Chocolate Chip on Very Vanilla and layered on more Chocolate Chip. The embellishments are Pierre Belvédère. The card is highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.

This is a pretty darn cute card. I just love this paper. I used a lot of layers so I could use as much paper as possible because I love these little animals. There will definitely be more cards with this paper.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Bring On The Babies IV

Hello everyone,

I'm posting the fourth card in my baby boom series for the office.

The printed paper is Stampin' Up Sweet Pea layered on Chocolate Chip and Baja Breeze. The sentiment is Papertrey Ink Signature Greetings stamped in Chocolate Chip on Whisper White and layered on Baja Breeze. The ribbon is Celebrate It Dashes, Dots & Checks. The embellishments are Pebbles Brown Candy Dots.

This card is for a Mom who is having her fourth baby. I don't' know her all that well but figure this should work for baby number four. I never planned to use this Sweet Pea paper for baby cards but these birds are pretty darn cute and struck me as perfect.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Bring On The Babies III

Hello everyone,

I've still got a few more baby cards to post. I warned there was a bit of a boom happening at the office.

The background paper is Heidi Grace Baby Words layered on Recollections. The images are Recollections stickers affixed to DCWV textured card stock and Stampin' Up Shimmery White. The sentiment is Waltzingmouse Say It With Style stamped in StazOn Timber Brown on Shimmery White and layered on Recollections. The embellishments are Keepsakes Memories.

I think this is my favourite of all the baby cards I've been doing. The photo just doesn't do it justice. It just came together beautifully as I added element after element and I love it when that happens.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Bring On The Babies II

Hello everyone,

Today's card is for another of my colleagues. He is one of the most well together fashionista I've ever come across and he is a really nice guy. I'm confident that he'll take this baby in stride notwithstanding all the advice he is receiving.

The printed paper is Little Yellow Bicycle Girl Circles layered on Stampin' Up Pink Pirouette and Wild Wasabi. The image/sentiment is American Crafts Baby, Baby, Baby stamped in Wild Wasabi on Whisper White and layered on Pink Pirouette. The ribbon is Offray Sheerly Yours. The embellishments are Martha Stewart Pastel Mini Pearls.

This was a challenging card. My colleague and his wife are having a baby girl but they are a mature couple and I don't considered them extraordinarily traditional so I just wanted to hint at baby. I think this card will work for them. I know I love it!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Bring On The Babies

Hello everyone,

My next few posts are all about baby cards. There seems to be a bit of a boom at the office.

The printed paper is Heidi Grace Baby Buggies layered on textured DCWV and Recollections. The bottom layered was stamped with Inkadinkado Baby Animals in VersaMark and heat embossed with Close To My Heart Silver Pearl. The image is Heidi Grace Baby. The sentiment is Stampin' Up Curvy Verses. Both the image and sentiment are stamped in Nick Bantock Charcoal Grey on Very Vanilla and layered on textured DCWV and Recollections. The embellishments are Keepsakes Memories.

I love these buggies! I especially love the colours in this paper. It is perfect when you don't know if it is going to be a boy or a girl. I don't know the recipient of this card all that well but I'm fairly confident that she'll like this card.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Wedding Bliss

Hello everyone,

Moving on to a few cards that have been commissioned over the past few days. This is for a colleague who often asks me for special cards and it is my pleasure to craft them for him.

The printed and blue paper is Little Yellow Bicycle Nita Bella Collection Blue Harlequin and Dark Blue Tonal. The remaining vertical strip is Stampin' Up Whisper White stamped with Stampin' Up Creative Elements in Baja Breeze and highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen. The sentiment is Penny Black Full of Life stamped in Baja Breeze on Whisper White and layered on Little Yellow Bicycle Nita Bella Dark Blue Tonal. The embellishments are Close To My Heart Licorice Opaques.

It's feels like it has been a long time since I've made a wedding card. It looks like I went all out but I didn't really. This Little Yellow Bicycle sheet is really lovely and in my mind, just perfect for a wedding card. I always gravitate towards blues when I don't know specific wedding colours and that holds true for this card. I hope my colleague will like it.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Christmas Comes Early VI

Hello everyone,

Today's card is the last in my Christmas card samples for my Mom's church ladies. I can't wait to find out if they like them.

The printed paper is Little Yellow Bicycle 25 Days of Christmas. The image is Stampin' Up Holy Triptych stamped in StazOn Jet Black on Little Yellow Bicycle 25 Days of Christmas and layered on Whisper White and Canford Silver. The sentiment is Cornish Heritage Farms Christmas Expressions stamped in StazOn Jet Black on Whisper White and layered on Canford Silver. The embellishments are Crystal Stickers Silver Glitter Domes.

This card, like the first in this series, has a very traditional image and sentiment but used very non-traditional paper. It has a rather serene feel to it which I quite like.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Christmas Comes Early V

Hello everyone,

Today I've have another really traditional Christmas card which was quick and easy and all about the sentiment.

The background paper layers are Little Yellow Bicycle 25 Days of Christmas. The sentiment is Verve Bright Spirits stamped in Stampin' Up Cherry Cobbler on Whisper White. The embellishments are Annabelle Stamps.

I love this Little Yellow Bicycle paper. Is is a wonderful weight - not card stock weight but not regular paper either - and with a slight sheen, really scrumptious. All the sheets are really beautiful and I often have problems choosing a sheet. It is fantastic to work with and I wish I could find more paper along these lines. Thanks to this great paper, this card took me less than ten minutes to put together with the most difficult part, gluing the embellishments.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Christmas Comes Early IV

Hello everyone,

Today's Christmas card is extremely traditional.

The background paper is K&Company SW Glad Tidings. The image is Stampin' Up Holy Triptych stamped in Always Artichoke and layered on Cherry Cobbler and Always Artichoke. The sentiment is Annabelle Stamps Ornamental Christmas stamped in Cherry Cobbler. The embellishments are Kaisercraft December 25th Jewels.

I love this card. It is the first time I used this particular image from the Holy Triptych set and it is great. I don't think you'd have to limit yourself to just Christmas cards. It was really easy to cut out (something, which along with colouring, I'm not very good at) and would stand wonderfully on it's own as a gift tag.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Christmas Comes Early III

Hello everyone,

Today I've got the third card in my spiritual Christmas card series.

The background paper is Close To My Heart Wonderland layered on Crystal Blue. The image is Stampin' Up Holy Triptych stamped on Whisper White in Not Quite Navy and layered on silver paper of unknown origin. The image was outline with a blender pen to soften it just a touch. The sentiment is Close To My Heart Christmas Script also stamped on Whisper White in Not Quite Navy and layered on more silver paper. The embellishments are TPC Studio Wedding Silhouette Pearlized Brads.

This is one of my favourite colour combinations and while not traditional green and red, I think it has become, at least for me, very evocative of Christmas. Even though I was very productive this past weekend, I still feel my mojo is wavering so I kept to a simple layout that I've used in the past.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Christmas Comes Early II

Hello everyone,

This is the second Christmas card in the samples I've made for my mother's Church ladies.

The background paper is K&Company Yuletide layered on Recollections and DCWV. The image is Stampin' Up Holy Triptych stamped on Very Vanilla in Early Espresso and heat embossed with Close To My Heart Silver Pearl. The sentiment is Gina K The Magic of Christmas. The card was highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.

I think this is a great card. I really like the very spiritual image and sentiment with the traditional/worn holly paper. This is a very simple layout that really focuses on the image. Perfect for the Church ladies!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle