Positively Paisley

Hello everyone,

Another super feminine scrap card today.

The printed paper is from Anna Griffin layered on Stampin' Up Dusty Durango and Chocolate Chip.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Say It All stamped in Chocolate Chip on Very Vanilla and layered on Dusty Durango and Chocolate Chip.  The embellishments are Close To My Heart Mocha Opaques.

I would like to ask 'What was I thinking...' when I bought this paper but I know full well it was the paisleys.  This has to be some of the gaudiest I've ever come across.  Those paisleys just suckered me right in.  I kept everything about this card very simple as anything over the top would just compete, probably very badly, with the graphic.

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

Gisèle

Beautiful Birthday

Hello everyone,

I'm still working on my scrap bin project.  I thought I'd do a couple of definitively female cards and let the mojo run wild!

The printed paper is Crate Paper "Sky" layered on Stampin' Up Soft Suede and Groovy Guava and highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The sentiment is from Verve, stamped in Soft Suede on Very Vanilla and layered on more Soft Suede.  The embellishments are Close To My Heart Mocha Opaques.

I think this is about the only paper I've got that actually works with the Soft Suede and Groovy Guava colour combination.  Groovy Guava is not amongst my favourite colours and I really can't wait until I've not a single scrap left.  Otherwise, I really love this card.  The peacocks on this Crate Paper are just wonderful.

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

Gisèle

Bits of Birthday

Hello everyone,

I'm still getting inspiration from the scrap bin.  Today's card is suppose to be on the masculine side but I think it really is more of a neutral card.

The printed papers are Chatter Box Big Rec Blocks, DCWV Happy Birthday and DCWV All Occasion.  The sentiment is Gina K Tag Line stamped in Stampin' Up Old Olive.  The embellishments are My Mind's Eye Lost & Found Oliver Enamel Dots.

One thing I really love about using scrap pieces is being creative with what's in the bin.  These pieces required minimal trimming to fit this layout.  I really like coming up with these types of different layouts and pieces like these often require some creativity.  I wish I took better photos because this card really isn't as dark as the photo makes it seem.

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

Gisèle

Scrappy Birthday

Hello everyone,

I've no commissions at the moment, no upcoming cards needed and my card stash is looking pretty healthy.  That leaves me utterly to my own devices and that can be the biggest challenge of all.  I decided to look at my scrap bin to see what I could come up with.

The printed papers are My Mind's Eye (collection unknown) and DCWV Birthday, layered on Stampin' Up Island Indigo.  The sentiment is Close To My Heart Happy Birthday stamped in Taken With Teal on Whisper White.  The brads are of unknown origin.

I thought I would challenge myself even further by crafting a male birthday card.  I really don't think this is a too bad an effort.  It is really more of a gender neutral card as opposed to a really male card but a great card non-the-less.  I really love being able to put scraps to good use.

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

Gisèle

Thank You Fish

Hello everyone,

A colleague recently gave me some great advice.  I also found out that she likes pretzel Goldfish as much as I do.  This card was pretty easy to craft.

The printed paper is K&Company layered on Stampin' Up Sage Shadow.  The images are Peel Off's Gold Fish Outline Stickers affixed to watercolour paper that was coloured with Tombow markers and glittered with DecoArt Glamour Dust.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Thank You Messages stamped in Early Espresso on Whisper White.  The embellishments are Close To My Heart Bitty Sparkles.

I love this card.  Every time I use these fish outline stickers, the card turns out wonderfully.  It's rather challenging to do the cutting - not my favourite thing - but so worth it in the end.  The background paper is not really aquatic however I like how it works with the colours in the fish.  I'm pretty sure my colleague will enjoy this card and the bag of Goldfish I picked up to go with it.

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

Gisèle

Very Valentine

Hello everyone,

Today's card is the sample for a Valentine card class I'm giving on Monday.  I love doing these classes!

The printed paper is BoBunny Crush layered on Stampin' Up Rose Red.  The sentiment is Rubber Cafe Love Words stamped in Rose Red on Whisper White and layered on more Rose Red.  The hearts are Stampin' Up Glossy White smooched with Shell Pink, Pink Sherbert, Mountain Rose Ranger Alcohol Ink as well as Pearl Mixative and Blending Solution.  The embellishments are Recollections.

It took a lot of experimenting to craft this card.  I think I had too many choices.  I also wanted to make sure that the girls will be getting good value for the money.  Not to mention, I didn't want it too frou frou as I figure most of the cards they are making will go to husbands or partners.  I think this card will work quite well.

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

Gisèle

More Winter Wonderland

Hello everyone,

It was one of the coldest days in the past decade today and we've got another one coming tomorrow.
 

The printed paper is BoBunny Powder Mountain layered on a shimmery navy of unknown origin.  The top layer is Stampin' Up Shimmery White textured with Cuttlebug Winter Wonderland and painted with LuminArte Moonbeams Twinkling H2Os.  The ribbon is Celebrate It.  The sentiment is Bonnidee Xmas Wording 3 stamped in Pacific Point on Whisper White.  The embellishments are ZVA crystals.  The card is highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.

This is so much a study in blues.  How many blue cards do I make before I can say I'm on a 'kick'.  I just love this paper.  It makes it so easy to play with all the snowflake and shimmery bits I've got in my stash.  I've never had a chance to use this particular sentiment before.  It is absolutely lovely and I can't wait to find an excuse to use it again.

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

Gisèle

Winter Wonderland

Hello everyone,

I don't think I've ever gone so long without posting.  It's been incredibly busy and everything has rather gotten away from me. 

We're in an absolutely frigid spell so I decided to take the cold as inspiration.

The printed paper is BoBunny Powder Mountain layered on Close To My Heart Moonstruck which was textured with Cuttlebug Winter Wonderland embossing folder and spritzed with Smooch Spritz Vanilla Shimmer.  The images are Stampin' Up Serene Snowflakes stamped on Whisper White in Pacific Point and heat embossed with Close To My Heart Silver Pearl.  The sentiment is Verve Glad Tidings also stamped on Whisper White in Pacific Point and layered on more Moonstruck.  The embellishments are BoBunny Powder Mountain jewels.

Isn't this little bunny the cutest?  With the bitter cold outside, it just seemed fitting to cover this card with snowflakes.  The shimmer of the Smooch Spritz is wonderful and this photo just doesn't do it justice.  I suspect that my posts over the next month will be erratic at best.

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

Gisèle

Hearts Be Mine

Hello everyone,

I was too under the weather to get a card crafted yesterday.

The bottom layer is Stampin' Up Rose Red and Whisper White.  The printed paper is K&Company BW Sweet Talk Pattern Hearts layered on Stampin' Up Rose Red.  The sentiment is TPC Studio Hugs & Kisses stamped in Rose Red.  The embellishments are Pebbles Candy Dots.

This is one of my favourite pieces of Valentine paper.  I've had it for a while and I only use little bits of it at a time so that it will last.  I'm teaching a card class in a couple of weeks and I'm trying to come up with a card, this isn't it.  Why doesn't it just come easy?  Back to the drawing board.

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

Gisèle

Be Mine

Hello everyone,

As usual things rather got away from me today.  I pulled out some scraps and just got at it!

The printed paper is Making Memories Love Struck layered on Stampin' Up Cherry Cobbler.  The ribbon is Dashes, Dots & Checks.  The sentiment is Gina K Fanciful Tags stamped in Cherry Cobbler on Whisper White.  The embellishments are My Mind's Eye Lost & Found 3 Ruby Enamel Dots.

I didn't think too much about this card before I got going.  Sometimes that works for me as I can really over think things and get totally frustrated.  If I don't think too much and just go for it, the results are usually just fine.  This paper really helped, because it is rather busy, I didn't have to add a lot of extras to make this card work.

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

Gisèle

Pretty Paisley

Hello everyone,

I'm using the last little bit of my favourite paisley valentine paper today.

The printed paper is Making Memories Valentine Paisley layered on My Mind's Eye.  The image is American Crafts Hugs & Kisses stamped in Stampin' Up Real Red on Whisper White.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Teeny Tiny Wishes also stamped in Stampin' Up Real Red on Whisper White.  The embellishments are My Mind's Eye Lost & Found 3 Ruby Enamel Dots.

Every card which I've crafted with this paper is a favourite.  I wish I had had the forethought to pick up more than one sheet.  This is such a pretty card, all pink and so very girly.  I can't imagine not wanting to receive a card like this one.

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

Gisèle

A Few Simple Notes

Hello everyone,

I wasn't in the mood for a Valentine today so decided to use some particularly appealing paper that was gifted to me this week.

The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Stampin' Up Pacific Point.  The sentiment is Impression Obsession Vertical Greetings stamped in Pacific Point on Whisper White and layered on more Pacific Point.  The images are Technique Tuesday Glee.  The embellishments are TPC Studio So Delish Mini Jewels.

I love this paper.  It's fun and pretty and cheery.  I saw this paper and thought of my sister, a talented musician, right away.  I know she'll love this card.

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

Gisèle

Va Va Va Valentine

Hello everyone,

An awesome Valentine for you today!

The printed paper is BoBunny Crush layered on American Crafts Crimson and Stampin' Up Basic Black.  The sentiment is Close To My Heart Love Seal stamped in Color Box Scarlet on Whisper White.  The embellishments are Hero Arts Midnight Black Accent Pearls.

Is this not a great Valentine?  This BoBunny paper is so fantastic, there isn't a sheet in the pad for which I don't see infinite possibilities.  The layout is a familiar favourite.  It keeps coming about and I can't see to move away from it.  I hope, for your sakes, I soon move on to something else.

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

Gisèle

Simply Sympathy

Hello everyone,

I'm interrupting my Valentine blitz for an unfortunate sympathy card.

The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Stampin' Up Very Vanilla and Wild Wasabi.  The sentiment is Inkadinkado stamped in Wild Wasabi on Very Vanilla.  The embellishments are Kaisercraft Green Basics Pearls.

The card is for a colleague whose 100 year old grandmother passed away today.  While certainly a sad occaison for those left behind, it's also a time to celebrate what is, most certainly, 100 amazing years lived.  While this card is subdued, it is not really sorrowful, as it intend to honor a life well-lived.

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

Gisèle

Valentine Simplicity

Hello everyone,

Google wasn't cooperating last night so this card didn't get posted.  I'm posting as written last night!

Fatigue has claimed me in a big way tonight so I thought I'd channel Simplicity.

The sentiment is Rubber Cafe Love words stamped in Color Box Scarlet on Stampin' Up Whisper White and layered on Gina K Red Hot.  The embellishments are Kaisercraft Hearts Sparklets.

I love Susan Raihala's cards.  Lots of white space, a shot of colour and a little sparkle, each card is a thing of beauty.  How come when I try to emulate her gorgeous creations, I'm left feeling as inadequate as my card appears.  This is not a terrible card, certainly not an inadequate card.  It's just doesn't seem like a Simplicity card.

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

Gisèle

Loving Birdies

Hello everyone,

It's time to start thinking Valentines.  Valentine cards are the perfect excuse to get all lovey and mushy!

The printed paper is BoBunny Crush layered on Stampin' Up Basic Black and American Crafts Crimson.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Delightful Dozen stamped in Jet Black StazOn on Whisper White.  The embellishments are Recollections brads.

These little love birds are so darn cute!  I originally thought I'd do this Valentine for my darling husband but I think it would work well for a colleague.  I think I want to do something a tad more hearts and love for hubby!

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

Gisèle

Good Leafs

Hello everyone,

I like hockey.  I don't live for it, but I enjoy catching a game every now and again.  Ironically, as the NHL lockout ends, a colleague asked me to make a good bye card for a Toronto Maple Leafs fan.

The background paper is Recollections that is dry embossed with QuicKutz Leaves embossing folder, stamped with an Inkadinkado leaf stamp in Stampin' Up Pacific Point ink and layered on Whisper White and more Recollections.  The horizontal strip is Whisper White also stamped with an Inkadinkado leaf stamp in Pacific Point ink.  The sentiment is Close To My Heart For Every Occasion stamped in Pacific Point on Whisper White and layered on more Recollections.  The embellishments are Pebbles Candy Dots.

I loved making this card.  Whatever you may feel about the Toronto Maple Leafs, their colours make for great cards.  I think this turned out wonderfully and I'm pretty sure my colleague will be very pleased.

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

Gisèle

Pretty Peacock

Hello everyone,

Today's card has come so much easier than yesterday's.  It is yet another snowy day (I don't think we've had two days without snow since before Christmas) so I needed to craft a super sunny card.

The printed paper is Stampin' Up Birds Of A Feather layered on Summer Starfruit and Primrose Petals.  The image is World Treasures Peacock stamped in Melon Mambo ink on Whisper White, heat embossed with Close To My Heart Silver Pearl and layered on more Primrose Petals.  The sentiment is Stampendous Special Messages stamped in Close To My Heart Hollyhock.  The embellishments are Queen and Company pearls.

I don't often pick up really unique image stamps because I'm not convinced that I'll get to make many really unique cards.  In some cases however an images appeals to me so much that I just can't help myself.  This is the case with this peacock stamp - I fell in love!  I've got a bunch of ideas for this stamp that I can't wait to share.

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

Gisèle

Flowering Wishes

Hello everyone,

As every crafter knows, sometimes the mojo flows, sometimes it doesn't.  Today was a pretty tough slog.

The printed paper is Close To My Heart Pemberley layered on Bamboo and Outdoor Denim.  The image is Close To My Heart Word Puzzle.  The sentiment is Close To My Heart For Every Occasion.  Both image and sentiment are stamped in Indian Corn Blue on Stampin' Up Very Vanilla.  The embellishments are Close To My Heart Mocha Opaques.  The card is highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.

When the cards just are not flowing as usual and I'm feeling somewhat desperate to cut some paper, I usually turn to a company that coordinates everything.  In this case, it was Close To My Heart.  Easy to pull together paper, stamps and ink and come up with a card that works.  I also stuck to a familiar layout because it was just too hard to come up with some unique.  I'm glad today's card is finally posted!

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

Gisèle

Most Handsome

Hello everyone,

I always like to craft a special Christmas card for the breeder of our awesome Shar Pei.  She is a wonderful lady and I hope she has a great year!

The printed paper is American Crafts Jolly layered on Stampin' Up Cherry Cobbler and Early Espresso.  The sentiment is Impression Obsession Christmas Sentiments stamped in Cherry Cobbler on Whisper White and layered on more Cherry Cobbler and Early Espresso.  The embellishments are Close To My Heart Mocha Opaques.

I love this card!  Not only is it of my handsome boy, but it's just a really fun card!  This photo was taken Christmas morning after a great run at the dog park.  I know she will just love it!

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

Gisèle

Birthday Blues

Hello everyone,

My colleague's birthday is today.  She is a relatively new cardmaker and I've had so much fun cheering her on.  I wanted her a card to be really, really special.

The printed paper is Recollections Cartulina layered on Stampin' Up Sahara Sand.  The vertical strip is DCWV Textured Pastels.  The ribbon is Dollarama Crafts.  The sentiment is Rubber Cafe Happy Birthday Script C-385 stamped in Nick Bantock Charcoal Grey on Whisper White and layered on Sahara Sand.  The sentiment is highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The embellishments are Kaisercraft Denim Pearls.

I picked up this paper because it is paisley and it's blue.  How could you not love it!  I think you could do absolutely anything with this paper and would come out beautifully.  I love, love, love this card and I know my colleague will as well.

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

Gisèle

A Great Argyle

Hello everyone,

Today is the second masculine 'get well' card.

The printed paper is Jillibean Soup Alphabet Soup layered on a textured navy of unknown origin and Stampin' Up Lucky Limeade which was textured with Sizzix Harlequin.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Say It All stamped in Night of Navy on Whisper White.

I find it much easier to craft masculine cards when I keep them simple and use texture instead of embellishments.  Argyle also works great for these types of cards and have the Sizzix Texture pad really helps make this a great masculine card.  The colours couldn't work any better either.  I could have swapped out one of them for a grey and that would have worked great too!

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

Gisèle

Happy New Year

Hello everyone,

One of my colleagues left for holidays in mid-December, long before I had chance to craft his card.  I took this as an opportunity to craft my very first New Year card.  It was fun!

The printed paper is BasicGrey Jovial layered on Stampin' Up Bravo Burgundy.  The vertical strips are textured Old Olive and Bravo Burgundy.  The sentiment is Cornish Heritage Farms Vintage Christmas Expressions stamped in Bravo Burgundy on Very Vanilla and layered on more Bravo Burgundy.  The embellishments are of unknown origin.

I love this card.  It is perfect for my male colleague.  I never thought I'd use the few New Year's stamps that have come in some of the holiday sets I've acquired.  This card was really fun to craft and I'm thinking next year, there may be a few more New Year's cards in my stash.

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

Gisèle