Ink Paper Create

Things I love...

2009-06-19T13:00:00.002-06:00

.. about the new SU! Catalogue that just arrived in my mailbox (insert HUGE grin here!)...

It's yellow. You can't go wrong with yellow. This catalogue just LOOKS inviting.
It's an annual catalogue (woot!). Done with this bi-annual stuff.
Have I already said it's aesthetically pleasing? Because it is. Once you turn the cover, it just gets better.
There are loads of techniques throughout this catalogue. They will show a card, and beside it show how the card was made. A great addition.
You know the personalized stamps for addresses etc.? There are now personalized stamps for weddings. For the wedding date and the names of the couple. Too awesome.
You know the Loads of Love stamp set with the truck and accessories? Now there is a Loads of Fun that has a camper, a scooter, motorcycle etc.
There are stamps for dogs, and for cats with messages like 'sorry for the loss of your best friend' and 'so sorry for the loss of your little friend'.
There is some awesome new designer paper. Wait until you see Kaleidescope and Storybook Specialty.

If you have pre-ordered one, I have it here in my hot little hands. Woot! Three cheers for the new catalogue!

Great Big Stamp Sale! - Updated June 19th

2009-06-16T21:29:00.003-06:00

And a few other things! My girlfriend Erin and I are holding a sale of purses, books, stamping supplies and scrapbooking supplies on August 22nd. If you are in the Calgary area we'd love for you to stop by! Drop me an e-mail and I'll send you the details.

Here is the current list of stamp sets or accessories I will be parting with. I'll post a link up on my side bar to this, as I'll be updating this post regularly.

Accessories:

Punch Scallop Circle
Fiskars Small Paper Cutter

Stamp Sets (Stampin' Up!):

Warmest Regards
Noteworthy
Sidekick Sayings (New, Unmounted)
Alphabet Soup
Birthday Whimsy (New, Unmounted)
So Very
Send a Celebration
Holiday Blocks
Canvas Background Stamp
Crosshatch Background Stamp
Faith & Hope
Trim the Tree
Friendship Blooms
Event Full (New, Unmounted)

Stamp Sets (Other Companies):

Great Words (LL999) - Hero Arts
Chalk Uppercase Alphabet - Karen Burniston
Pocketful O Posies Roses (LL971) - Hero Arts

A Canadian Swap Eh?!

2009-04-14T13:43:00.003-06:00

On this blog, there is a handmade swap going on, just for resident's of Australia. I will admit I was bummed, because this sounded like so much fun. You send two bags in the mail, one filled with goodies, and one empty. The "owner" of the blog collected all the bags, divided up the treats, and sent a bag back to you filled with goodies from all sorts of different people. This got me thinking that this would be a great idea for a card swap!

So, here are the details:

1. Let me know if you would like to participate by May 4th, 5 pm MST, by leaving a comment on this post.
2. Once I have a tally of how many people will participate, I will let you know the number of handmade cards that need to be made.
3. I will collect the handmade cards (either sent to me by mail, or given to me in person) by May 31st.
4. I will divide them all up, and send you back (either by mail, or in person) by mid June.
5. How about a theme? Let's make all these cards birthday cards!
6. Participants from Canada only please :)

Hope you'll play along!

What? It's true!

2009-04-08T09:54:00.002-06:00

No fear, I hadn't fallen off the face of the earth these past two months, I have been hanging out here. My other blog space. Filling my time with knitting, baking, doll making, quilt making... a multitude of crafts. There have been cards in there too, they just haven't lurked back over here yet.

I've been feeling guilty about this space though, knowing it has been blank for so long. So, if any of you out there still have this space on your reading list, hopefully this post will find you pleasantly shocked today!

Last month a new group of Stampers started up with me, in a club called "Stampaholics Anonymous". Our second "meeting" is tonight, with a twist. I had heard through the grapevine that some would like to see how I put a card together, from scratch. How do I take that 8.5 by 11" sheet and turn it into a card? Tonight, I am hoping to show them - lol. It feels strange preparing for a class when really, nothing is prepared. Other than a technique I have layed out. Should be interesting.

I promised the group I would use this space to post up techniques and tidbits for them. Leave me little notes to keep me spurred on - I love little messages, and it might encourage me to lurk over here more often!

Stampin' Up Goes Green

2009-01-15T20:17:00.002-07:00

In the latest issue the Demonstrators receive from Stampin' Up 'Stampin Success' there was an article called "Stamping Green." I didn't realize how eco-friendly Stampin Up was, so I thought perhaps I would share some of their earth friendly practices with you.

Rubber - rather than dumping their excess rubber in landfills, they donate it to a non profit organization that takes the rubber and sells it to groups and individuals for use in playgrounds and horse stables. The funds they received fund their programs which provides horseback riding therapy to kids that are physically or mentally challenged.

Wood Blocks - SU! works with a tree farm where the maple trees are specifically grown for the purpose of harvesting wood.

Card Stock & Paper - SU!'s paper is 100% recycled. Their paper also includes recycled material that is left over from other paper runs. The darker the paper the more recycled material is used in it. "Who would have thought that Basic Black is our greenest colour?"

Their Buildings - Their buildings filter any pollutants that may result from stamp production. Their buildings also have geothermal wells which help maintain the temperature, and cut down their use of heating oil or natural gas. All their lights are on sensors or timers so that electricity is not wasted.

Shipping - They try to engage in shipping processes that require fewer greenhouse gases to be released into the atmosphere. UPS picks up the shipments each day during non peak hours. This cuts down the amount of gas UPS needs to get the orders out the door. For local shipments, they carpool the orders with other companies that ship to the same places.

Did you know how green SU! was? I'm was most surprised by the information about their rubber and their paper. What surprised you the most?

Sharing the Love!

2009-01-01T19:35:00.003-07:00

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you said farewell to 2008, and hello to 2009, surrounded by friends and family.. and perhaps a glass of champagne ;)

Just a quick little post to let you know that Starving Artistamps are giving away ALOT of love. Click here to go check it out. YUM!

Will be back in a couple days with some new cards for you all. I received some House Mouse stamps for Christmas I can't wait to use :)

Kids Craft Too!

2008-12-28T10:07:00.003-07:00

Yesterday was my Dad's birthday and I wanted to incorporate a bit of my daughter into his card. She is almost 20 months old and has started to enjoy colouring. What better way to get her to help learn about creating for other people, or giving gifts, than to get her to colour for him. This is a bit beyond her understanding right now, but I think it's a good stepping stone.

We sat down at her new craft table she got for Christmas, and she coloured a picture for her 'Pampa'. We only got few scribbles but that's ok. I trimmed out the coloring on the yellow paper and used it on my card front. I also added on a few buttons from a bag I bought at Walmart (for only a few bucks!). Great deal.

This card is a mix match of many things - the ribbon is from a local scrapbook shop `Scrapbook Sally`, stamps are all Stampin`Up, the Designer Paper I can no longer remember - lol. It was a great card to use up a few random supplies I had kicking around. I even added my daughter`s name to the back..

I hope you all had a great Christmas and are still relaxing and enjoying your holidays!

Guest Blogger - Gail!

2008-12-23T21:16:00.003-07:00

Gail was part of my Stampers 12 group last year. Her cards always have a great funky twist to them, and I miss her being part of our current group. Perhaps she'll come back? (wink wink, nudge nudge).

1. When did you start 'stamping'? 2007, a friend introduced me and I was hooked.

2. Which companies do you prefer/tend to stamp with and why? I have only used Stampin’ Up, I started attending a Stampin’ 10 club where Stampin’ Up was promoted so I just stuck with them.

3. What is your favorite technique? Melting wax, mixing it with peal-x and embedding your stamp, everyone else hates this technique, but I love it.

4. What is your favorite colour combination to work with? Earth tones with copper.

5. What is your favorite stamp set in your collection and why? Not sure that I have a favourite, I like them all, so much so that some days I will just sit on the floor pull out all my stamps and just look at them.

6. Is there a stamp you wished you owned? I wish I had a stamp of a mountain bike.

7. What project are you currently working on? My current project has nothing to do with stamping, it is a baby quilt that is 2 years over due. It is now becoming a twin- double size and I have mandated myself to have it done by the end of February.

8. What technique would you still like to learn more about? I would like to learn to do movable cards.

9. Is there a blog out there that inspires you to be more creative? I haven’t really looked, but I like reading about Erin’s knitting mishaps and what inspires others.

10. What other hobbies do you have outside of stamping? The short list consists of , knitting, sewing, and quilting.

Last but not least, a photo of your project please and a description of what and how you made it :)

*This is the pattern of Gail's quilt with her personal fabric selection shown below. I can't wait to see what the finished product looks like! Thanks Gail for being the Guest Blogger this week :)

Mr. Yapples

2008-12-19T12:08:00.003-07:00

Have you met Yapples yet?

I wanted to make a 'Masculine' card for a gift box I'm creating. I think it worked. And, I think it's versatile enough it could be used for any occasion - birthday, Father's Day. Are there any other 'male' days in there I've forgotten? lol

I have started playing around with the Copic markers (not shown on the above card), and so far, I have not fallen in love. I plan to put a post up next week before Christmas, with my final thoughts. Stay tuned.

Quick & Easy Holiday Gift Tags

2008-12-14T10:49:00.006-07:00

I like my gift tags to be nice, but simple. I spend so much time on making beautiful Christmas cards, that by the end of it, I want my tags to be easy.

First I found some double sided Designer Paper that I really love (sorry, can't remeber which company). I then picked one of my tag stamp sets. (I own two - Hero Arts LL885 Winter Whimsy (so cute!) and SU Holiday Woodcuts). In this case I chose to use the Woodcuts, simply because I think I may have used the other last year - lol.

I used the colours Night of Navy & Ruby Red. They were colored in with blender pens picking ink off the lid of the stamp. (With your SU stamp pads closed, press the lid against the ink pad. When you open it up ink residue will be left on the underside of the lid. Use your blender pen to pick up the residue and color! This is a great resource if you don't own a coordinating pen to colour with). Then I raised up the image with dimensionals, punched a heart in the corner and attached a ribbon. I wrote the names in with a Green Galore pen to add some extra colour.

And voila! Easy tags that are still nice and add a handcrafted touch to your gift. I made sixteen tags in an hour. Roughly 3 minutes per tag. Not too bad!

Introducing 'Mimo'

2008-12-12T20:10:00.003-07:00

I made a card yesterday for my friend for her 30th birthday. I should have timed how long it took me. I went down to make something 'quick' and in the end was worried I was going to be late for the dinner party.

SU Colours used: Elegant Eggplant (Paper), Old Olive (Ribbon)
Buttons: SU Button Bouquet
Brads: SU Ice Square Rhinestone
Stamp: 'Mimo' Starving Artistamp

I realize he doesn't look very celebratory. I tried getting him to hold a balloon but it just looked silly. I justified using him because perhaps turning thirty is a scary prospect? (Anything to use one of my Starving Artistamp creatures!)

They arrived!

2008-12-09T22:46:00.005-07:00

I was so excited last night to discover my shipment from 'Embellish-online' in my mailbox.

Look at all those goodies!

I went online to order the Copics (see them lurking amidst the papers and bling?) and couldn't resist buying the rest to stow away for my daughters 2nd birthday party invites (next May!).

I have yet to play with the Copics, but I am looking forward to testing them out and giving you some feedback on them.

Stay tuned!

*FYI Stampin' Up has released their Retired Stamp set list today. They are also offering free shipping for orders over $100 (from Dec. 9th until Dec. 23rd) as well as 10% off certain retired sets. Check it all out here.

Guest Blogger - Alicia!

2008-12-07T21:46:00.008-07:00

This week's Guest Blogger is my good friend Alicia from 'Pieces of Me', and one of my Stampers 12 group.

1. When did you start 'stamping'?

Umm I think this March will be 3 years?

2. Which companies do you prefer/tend to stamp with and why?

The majority of my products are from Stampin Up, mostly because I belong to a Stampers 12 group. We meet monthly and have a minimum purchase of $25 for each class! I think it will be 3 years this March that I have been in this group, so you can imagine I have quite the inventory now!

3. What is your favorite technique?

Well I guess what you will see in most of my cards is a lot of paper layering! I like to use lots of different papers in each card.

4. What is your favorite colour combination to work with?

I don't think I have a favortie, I like the soft subtle colors best from Stampin Up. But after this project I am done with pink for a while!

5. What is your favorite stamp set in your collection and why?

This is tough! I really like Friendship Blooms from Stampin Up, becase the flowers are kinda modern and different, and can be used in a lot of ways!

6. Is there a stamp you wished you owned?

Haha, lots!

7. What project are you currently working on?

Just finished my 5 all occasion cards in pink for a contest I had on my blog! The readers that guested the sex of my baby got put into draw to win 5 all occasion cards in the winning sexes color! So yes I am having a girl! And the lovely Ann www.tragicoptimist.wordpress.com was the winner.

8. What technique would you still like to learn more about?

How to use my freakin scalloped edge punch! grrr that thing pisses me off.

9. Is there a blog out there that inspires you to be more creative?

ahhh I guess this one, it is the only card/stamp related blog I read!

10. What other hobbies do you have outside of stamping?

I like to draw, photography, read and write on my blog!

Last but not least, a photo of your project please and a description of what and how you made it :)

Well since I had to make 5 cards for this project, I basically laid out on my table all the inks, accessories, pens, buttons and paper that I had in pink. Then I would pick an occassion, grab 1 or 2 stamp sets that went with that occasion and then just let my imagination go! I rarely plan out a card, I just start cutting and stamping till volia! The master piece is complete. I won't go into all the details of the items I used in these cards, cause that would take all day! But if you see something you like, let me know and I will tell you what I used!

Thanks!
Alicia

Thanks Alicia for posting! Your cards are awesome!

Make a Scene - Card Challenge #?

2008-12-05T20:26:00.004-07:00

My Mom called today and asked if I would like to give anything to an Aunt of mine who is ill, as my parents are making a special trip to see her tomorrow. My answer? For sure I would! Here is the card I came up with (using my new Starving Artistamps of course!):

Colours: SU Elegant Eggplant & More Mustard as well as stickers from the 'Simply Sent' Card Kit.

Punches: SU Scallop Edge Punch

Buttons: SU Button Bouquet

Starving Artistamp: Rupert (isn't he sweet)?

Want to see a close up of Rupert? I thought so...

So, your challenge is to make a card that has a scene! I have put up a new link on the sidebar so you can easily find this post and leave a comment with a link to your finished card. Have fun!

*Check this out! I was so flattered to find out they linked up my Tutorial post! Thanks Tracey :)

Applying Rubber Stamps to Acrylic Blocks

2008-12-04T20:10:00.010-07:00

My very first tutorial for you all!

I was so excited last week when my Starving Artistamps Creatures arrived in the mail. But I quickly realized I was unsure what to do with them. They were a fantastic price (just over $3 each) because you only get the rubber - no cushion or wood block. I hadn't thought about the cushion part and thought I could hire my husband (a carpenter) to make blocks for me. Wrong. Ok, perhaps it could have been done with contact cement, but then you still have the cushion issue, and a water solubility issue. So I did some Googling.

That led me to needing to venture into the arena of Acrylic Blocks. I have always used wood based stamps so had no idea what to do. I quickly found out I needed a product called EZ-Mount. Unfortunately EZ-Mount googling for retailers in Calgary turned up nothing. And I didn't want to have to place an order online and wait even longer to use these fantastic sets. So I headed to Michaels today. They have plain acrylic blocks, but nothing for mounting (a word to the wise). So I went to a local Scrapbooking store. Not only did they have the EZ Mount, but they had the acrylic blocks at half the price of Michaels! Woohoo!

So, here we go:

Supplies needed - Acrylic block, rubber stamp & Thin EZ Mount (supposedly it is also sold in thick, there just wasn't that option at the store I was at).

The instructions were all written out on the EZ Mount which was great. First, you peel back the adhesive layer and stick on all of your rubber stamps.

Then cut them out using your rubber scissors (I used my SU Craft Rubber Scissors) as close to the stamps as possible.

Then peel back the static layer, and apply to the acrylic block! The nice thing is that once you are done stamping, the rubber stamp peels off ready to be replaced with the next one you wish to use. One block and a multitude of stamps. Excellent.

Here's the stamped image result:

I shouldn't really compare the wood versus acrylic given I have only stamped using an acrylic block once. But, I did find it to not be quite as comfortable in your hand which might be a tad uncomfortable if you were doing a multitude of cards. Thankfully there is also the option with Starving Artistamps to buy some of their sets wood mounted. You just pay a higher fee.

Now to use this monkey on a card.... off to do some work :)

Christmas Card Hiatus

2008-12-01T20:59:00.002-07:00

I apologize for my lack of exciting posts these past few days, and for the next few to come. I am hunkered down and focused on getting my Christmas cards made. Alas it is December 1st and they are no where near ready to be mailed.

Wish me luck. I am going to be very glittered at the end of it all.

Oh, and those very awesome stamps up for grabs? Yep, they went to poster #2 who is also my Mom. Lucky lady. My answer to the riddle was rug. But railing was also very clever!

Card Challenge & A Good Sale!

2008-11-27T20:36:00.001-07:00

First up, Stampin' Up is having a huge sale (up to 50% off!) on selected pre-bundled packages from now until December 1st. Check it out all the goodies in my online shop here.

Now onto the 2nd birthday card this week! As a SU! Demonstrator I receive their magazine called 'Stampin' Success'. This magazine usually has a little project described in it that has yet to disappoint. But this time, it was a card sketch!

The little note underneath led me to another page with this design of it:

I followed their alternate colour palette of Chocolate Chip, Night of Navy & Pumpkin Pie and created this:

I added on a few extra things like the brads at the top and some extra background stamping. I love how it turned out!

I would love it if you would play along, follow the pattern of my card or of the original sketch layout, and leave me a message with a link to your own! Hope to see your creations soon!

*Don't forget about the stamp giveaway post down below!

Riddle Me This! Blog Candy

2008-11-26T22:33:00.006-07:00

I ended up with two of the following set of stamps, and have been hoarding them in my collection for far too long.

I will draw a name from all those who leave a comment here, who can answer this riddle correctly:

What goes up and down the stairs but doesn't move?

Contest remains open until Saturday night (November 29th) at 5 pm.

I'll ship worldwide.

Good luck!

OCC Card Challenge - Birthday Surprise

2008-11-24T19:55:00.003-07:00

I have two birthdays being celebrated this week in my family, so my spare time today has been spent creating cards. First up is my OCC Card Challenge Sketch entry:

Stamp sets: Crazy for Cupcakes (SU!)

Paper: Elegant Eggplant & Simply Sent Flower Power Card Kit (SU!)

The cupcake tray was stamped in Elegant Eggplant then embossed with iridescent ice. I then colored in the cherries and the top and bottom of the tray with SU markers.

I used a 1" square punch to stamp out the green squares, and paper pierced them using tools from my SU tool kit. The two brads at the top are also SU and are from the 'Fire Stone Square Rhinestone' collection. I used a 1/16" punch to punch the hole for them, rather than a 1/8" as I find that they won't wiggle that way. And the ribbon (I have been dying to use this ribbon but until now have never found a use!), is 'Striped Grosgrain Ribbon' in Pumpkin Pie - yum!

The second birthday card? You will have to wait until Friday for that - it will be a card challenge for you all!

A little about me...

2008-11-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning and welcome to my very own 'paper' blog! I will now be using this blog to display and chat about all things paper related (especially cards!). I will keep posting up challenges from time to time, so please keep checking in :)

This post will be similar to those you will see in the weeks and months ahead from my guest bloggers. But I thought it would be fun to introduce myself to you to get things started.

1. When did you start 'stamping'?

I started creating my own cards shortly after I got married in 2002. My
Mother-in-Law has been making her own cards and stamping for years, and she
inspired me to do the same. Many of my first techniques I learned, I learned
from her. And my first stamps actually belonged to my husband (he used them when we were dating to design a CD cover for me!).

2. Which companies do you prefer/tend to stamp with and why?

When I started I had an obsession with Hero Arts. I would seek them out and had a specific store I had to go to when visiting Vancouver Island to buy them. Then I was introduced to Stampin' Up by a girlfriend, joined a stamping club and became a demonstrator. Through the blog world I am slowly branching out and learning about other stamp companies, many of which I love!

3. What is your favorite technique?

I love all things that sparkle - using Tombow adhesive with chunky glitter, or embossing with iridescent ice. Adding touches of bling brads to my cards I also find myself doing quite often. I can't forget buttons though. I suppose that isn't a technique, but I love adding buttons to my cards.

4. What is your favorite colour combination to work with?

From the Stampin Up colour family I particularly love Tempting Turquoise and Certainly Celery. Those look great paired with Very Vanilla or Not Quite Navy.

5. What is your favorite stamp set in your collection and why?

Hard question. There are many that I love. I'll pick 'Pocketful O' Posies' from Hero Arts - one of my very first stamp sets. I love the simplicity of the flowers but also how versatile they can be!

6. Is there a stamp you wished you owned?

I have fallen in love with a number of the 'Starving Artistamps' stamp sets. I have a few enroute to me right now and can't wait to use them. This set though - too cute!

7. What project are you currently working on?

I NEED to get started on my Christmas Cards (eek!) but I have a few Card Challenge cards I am wrapping up right now. The past one from IPC, and the current one over at OCC. (Check back on Tuesday for these!).

8. What technique would you still like to learn more about?

On Papermonkey's site she talks alot about Copic markers. I would like to learn more about these and their difference from Stampin' Up markers. Stay tuned, this will be an upcoming post at some point!

9. Is there a blog out there that inspires you to be more creative?

The list on the sidebar are all of my (so far) inspiring links! My first one I came across was Papermonkey's and then the OCC. Libby's Little Addiction inspired my 'Grace's Closet Challenges' and I love the Starving Artistamps stamps.

10. What other hobbies do you have outside of stamping?

I love to run, decorate cakes, bake, and spend time with friends and family.

Some changes....

2008-11-21T13:35:00.002-07:00

I have decided I need to change the focus of this blog. I gave the idea of a blog solely for Card Challenges a really good stab, but it has become hard for me to maintain with the right level of enthusiasm. Sadly it was becoming more of a burden than a joy.

The good bit about this, is that IPC will now be my very own crafty corner. I look forward to posting up examples for you of my favorite and ongoing projects, as well as through those, introducing you to new techniques. I have sent out a request to a few good stamping friends of mine, asking if they would like to be a guest blogger on this site, to expose you to works of other people.

I will be working on this blog site over the next few days, and hope to have the 'facelift' complete by Monday.

If you have started working on the challenge from this past week, please continue and post back! There will still be card challenges on this site from time to time, but I am still working on the schedule.

Thank you to all of you who have completed the challenges since I started this blog. I have really enjoyed seeing all your work. I think the changes I am making will make this blog even better.

See you on Monday.

'Tis the Season

2008-11-17T21:33:00.002-07:00

And I'm not talking about Christmas (but that is just around the corner!). I'm talking about the Cold & Flu Season. Ugh. In just one day, I now know of seven people that have or are experiencing one or the other of those two things.

I had a post all ready to go (a sketch challenge done by my husband!), but given it seems what would really be appropriate with so many down and out people is a 'Get Well' card, that is going to be the theme this week. No fear, my husband's sketch will appear at a later date.

Get Well cards seem to be one of those things I never have on hand (and one I may never have actually handed out or created!). But I think they are a card that would really lift someone's spirits over a bowl of chicken noodle soup if they were feeling ill.

I am looking forward to seeing your creations this coming week. Any colour, any embellishments, it just needs to have a 'Get Well' sentiment on it.

This challenge runs from Monday, November 17th until Monday, November 24th at 5 pm.

Inspired by Grace

2008-11-10T17:11:00.005-07:00

Here's another little inspiration challenge for you brought to you by my daughter Grace. This time, it's her shoes! Today when we were out and about, I noticed the writing on the bottom of her sneakers. Take a peek. They say 'Love, See, Kai, Run, Smile, Jump, Dance, Dream.' Perhaps the words will inspire you, or the colour & design. Whatever it is that starts the creative spark, I look forward to seeing your creations!

This challenge runs from Monday, November 10th until Monday November 17th at 5 pm.

Have fun!

Outside the box.

2008-11-03T21:48:00.000-07:00

Sorry that this post is delayed! I have been struggling with the theme of this week's challenge, and finally decided I needed to get something up and stop my indecision. So, I have stuck with my first idea that I conjured up last night - to create a card that is not four sided.

I am finding this so challenging that I attempted creating one and couldn't see it to the finish.... but I will get back to it. And when I do, I will post it up here for you to see.

Only one extra rule. This has to be a card, not a pouch, or a container. A card.

Good luck!

Submissions are open from Monday, November 3rd until Monday, November 10th at 5 pm.

October Candy Winner!

2008-11-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

Who did the Random Number Integer System like this month you ask?

Again, I put all the names in the order that the cards were submitted, assigned them a number, then entered them in.

Ready???

...

...

...

The lucky winner for October is Erin!

I don't believe Erin has missed even one challenge week! Her dedication has paid off! Here is her prize!

Urban Garden Designer Series Paper
And here's a little ditty about it:

"Our Designer Series papers are absolutely beautiful and use our palette of colors and original images. Designer Series paper makes it easy to create a card or scrapbook page with coordinating background paper, card stock, and stamped images. It also covers On Board chipboard beautifully.

■ 12" x 12", 100-lb Cougar Opaque Text

■ 12 sheets per package (2 each of 6 designs)

■ Exclusive designs and colors, with patterns based on Stampin’ Up! art

■ Coordinate with Stampin’ Up!’s exclusive colors: Basic Gray, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, and Not Quite Navy"

I am looking forward to seeing some of her future creations being made with this!

Put a litle 'wiggle' in it!

2008-10-27T18:00:00.000-06:00

This weeks card challenge is inspired by this. I love that the owls have moveable wings. Check out the skeleton too. What a riot!

At first I thought I might have made you all make an owl. But then I quickly realized that that wouldn't be very challenging given all you'd have to do is print, and insert a brad. So, your challenge this week is to create a card that has a moveable part of your own creation!

Here is my sample. I decided to keep with Halloween (you don't have to, I'm just in the 'spirit' of the current week!) and made a Halloween card with a Mummy that slides across the width of the card front.

In order to capture the essence of your moveable card, please submit two images with the moveable part in a different position.

This weeks challenge runs from October 27th to November 3rd. This is the last week to submit a card and get your name entered to win October's 'Candy'.

Looking forward to seeing your creations!

Submissions:

Extra Extra!

2008-10-27T13:34:00.001-06:00

Stop by my personal blog for a chance to win an extra entry for October's 'Candy'! Comments must be posted there before 5 pm tonight!

3P Challenge!

2008-10-20T18:00:00.000-06:00

What are the three 'P's you ask? Paper Piercing and Designer Paper! Intrigued?

Paper piercing is exactly what it sounds to be - piercing paper. If you are familiar with the SU! Tool Kit, then in there are really all the tools you need to make a paper pierced card. If you don't have the tool kit, no sweat, just find yourself a needle or pin and you are good to go.

For this week's challenge, you need to incorporate both paper piercing as well as designed paper.

Here is my card sample for you:

The flower was part of some designer paper that I had that I cut out. Here is a close up where I did the paper piercing: I think for many of you that participate frequently on this challenge site, this will be a new technique for you. I hope you enjoy it!

This challenge runs Monday, October 20th until Monday, October 27th at 5 pm.

Submissions:

BOOOOOO!

2008-10-13T20:57:00.001-06:00

Halloween is just around the corner, so here's a challenge that will be sure to get your thinking caps on.

This week, your challenge is to make a card without using typical/traditional Halloween colours. That means no Black, Orange, Yellow or White, but it must be a Halloween theme.

That has you pondering now doesn't it!?

This challenge runs from Monday, October 13th to Monday, October 20th at 5 pm.

Looking forward to seeing your spooky creations!

Think Pink!

2008-10-06T18:00:00.000-06:00

This week's challenge is to help us focus on 'Breast Cancer Awareness' Month. Just quickly, here are a couple of stats for you:

In 2008, an estimated 22,400 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 5,300 will die of it.

Incidence and death rates for breast cancer have declined since 1969 in women aged 20-39.

To learn more about screening and about Breast Cancer please click here.

The challenge you ask? It is quite simple ~ Think Pink! It is a colour challenge to use as much pink as possible on your card. It can be any theme you like, just needs to be focused on the colour pink.

BONUS* If you incorporate the breast cancer pink ribbon into your card, it will earn you one extra name entry for October's prize draw!

Challenge runs from Monday, Oct. 6th at 5 pm to Oct. 13th at 5 pm.

Submissions:

World Card Making Day!

2008-10-04T06:00:00.000-06:00

It's today! And, it even has a website! Check it out here. To celebrate this world wide card making day, I sent out card kits to four people, to hold an online workshop on this very blog. Here's a snapshot of the kits:

They all had the same amount of paper and accessories, but were all a little different in regards to the texture of the cardstock (I punched and crinkled various pieces) as well as what the accessories and Designer Papers were in the kits.

So, without furthur ado, Happy Cardmaking Day and thank you for participating! If you are just stopping in today, want to participate, but don't have a kit, please join us anyways. Sit down, make a card and leave us a note to your blog site where you have posted up your card. We would love for you to play along. I will do my best to get all the cards submitted up and displayed today!

Submissions:

September Candy Winner!

2008-09-30T14:14:00.000-06:00

Are you all ready? Drum roll please!

First, I wrote down all the names of who had submitted cards, and the number of times. Then I folded up all those little names and had Erin look away and pull one out. Then I thought, ok, that's not really completely fair so I searched the web for a random number generator. And I found one. So I wrote down all the names of who had submitted cards, in the order they had been submitted and....

The Random Number Integer System picked....

Tracy!

And, here's her prize! (with a little ditty underneath about what it is!).

"With our Roof Garden Accents & Elements, you get 12 sheets of self-adhesive die-cuts for easy cards and projects. In each package you'll get three sheets each of four designs. Pieces layer together to make dimensional tags and accents. Images are designed in Basic Gray, Kiwi Kiss, Not Quite Navy, and Baja Breeze."

I will be sure to have another great 'blog candy' give away at the end of October. The more challenges you complete the better your chances! First post of October is already up - Card Challenge #8 - Grace's closet - scroll down one post to check it out!

Card Challenge #8 - Grace's Closet

2008-09-29T16:58:00.000-06:00

I have been wanting to do this for awhile, but was prompted when a friend told me about another blog (can't remember which) which bases all of it's card challenges off of their daughter's closet.

I was packing up some of her summer stuff the other day and stumbled across this outfit. I love it for a number of reasons, but will keep those to myself til after you've worked your magic with it.

Looking forward to seeing how this little number inspires you! Challenge runs from Monday, September 29th until Monday, October 6th at 5 pm.

And here are a couple of detail shots:

Have a card challenge idea you would like me to show here? Please drop me an e-mail and let me know!

UPDATE: Thanks to Libby for stopping by! It was her site that posts up challenges based on her daughters clothes. Be sure to hop on over and take a peek!

Submissions:

Card Challenge #7 - Colour, or lack thereof!

2008-09-22T18:00:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you, but I found last week quite challenging. Candy on a card is not as easy as I thought it would be! Well done everyone!

This week (Monday, Sept 22 - Monday, Sept 29th) is a black & white challenge. Your card can only use the 'colours' black & white as well as one additional colour (blue, green etc.) Any theme, any style, any stamp set... just only those colours!

Have fun! Looking forward to seeing everyone's creations :)

As this is the last submission for September, on the 29th I will be tallying up everyone's entries and drawing a name for the September SU! prize :) I thought as one fun little caviat, if you win the prize, please submit a card to me using the supplies so everyone can see. Stay tuned for the winner!

Submissions:

Card Challenge #6 - Candy!

2008-09-15T18:00:00.000-06:00

Thanks for another great week last week! I really enjoy seeing everyone's creations. This week we are back to 'inspiration'... in a number of ways! On my personal blog site, I like to follow the blog 'Papermonkey'. Lately, two cards she has created, actually involve candy. Yes, real candy. Check one of them out here. Do you know what's coming now?! First, here is your inspirational image to work off of:

Second (because it seems I can't propose just one challenge!) your card has to have actual physical candy involved. And third, (this requires some thought I realize) this card needs to be made with someone in mind. Before you let me know that your card has been completed and you post it up here, you have had to first give it to the person you created it for. If you feel up to it, please let us know when you post it here, who you gave it to and why! Have a great week everyone! This challenge runs Monday, September 15th until Monday, September 22nd.

Submissions:

Card Challenge #5

2008-09-08T18:00:00.000-06:00

It was pretty neat seeing all of the cards from last weeks challenge. Great job everyone! I was also impressed you all seemed to like it so much ;) For some of you that didn't, here's a bit of an easier one.

Most of it should be fairly explanatory. The two 'x's on the top right are embellishments. The circle near the bottom left is also an embellishments. To add a little 'zing' to the challenge, this card needs to be completed using your least favorite stamp set. If you are a lucky person who LOVES all of your sets, and doesn't have one they rarely use, then you need to use your least favorite colour to work with. This challenge runs from Monday, September 8th at 5 pm until Monday, September 18th at 5 pm.

The Decision is Made! (& Card Challenge #4)

2008-09-02T22:22:00.000-06:00

Thank you for all giving me your feedback on the card challenge thus far. With three votes over two, I will start posting weekly card challenges that will start Mondays at 5 pm ending the next Monday at 5 pm. I understand some of you may not be able to participate in all of them, but hopefully you can do as many as you find time for! I will be starting up the monthly prizes, so the more you participate in the greater your chances. I will draw the name on the last Monday of each month. This also means that the voting will be gone :( It was a fun little thing to have going, but for the most part, I think we all knew whose card was whose, and I do believe it may be distracting others from participating. All stampers are welcome here! I promise we don't bite ;) I will continue to keep a slideshow going on the sidebar of all current submissions. So with that.... here is Card Challenge #4: Remember to leave a note here saying you've completed it with a link to your blog, or drop a note here and send me an e-mail with a photo attached so I can post it up for everyone to see.

With it being back to school time and all, the challenge this week is all about the A, B, C's and 1, 2, 3's. Your card either needs to have a stamp with a saying that contains the letters A, B, & C ( for example: "You are the best chick I know!" or images that start with all of those letters (for instance, Apple, Banana & Cantaloupe). Tough, I know. But fun don't you think? You are worried about the 1, 2, 3's now aren't you :) How about we say that you have to only use three colours of paper, you can use two embellishments, and you have to include one piece of ribbon :)

Don't forget to notice how I labelled this post.... Looking forward to seeing all your creations! This challenge ends Monday, September 8th at 5 pm.

Card Challenge Changes!

2008-09-02T10:02:00.000-06:00

Thanks again to everyone who participated this past week - and a welcome to Tracy who joined us with a card submission for the first time. She will be receiving a little treat from me from the newest Stampin' Up catalogue!

I have decided to make a few changes as to how the Card Challenges operate. First, I really enjoyed giving away a little prize, so I have decided to do this monthly. Basically, the more challenges you participate in, the more chances you will have to win the prize that month! Each card submission gives you one entry into the prize draw. I will draw a name at the end of each month and announce the winner :)

And lastly, I know everyone was fond of the challenge happening on a two week cycle with one lag week in between, but I am wondering if that is perhaps the reason that more aren't participating... that they are scared about the voting part? Could you please all drop me a note here and let me know your thoughts? I am contemplating switching it to a weekly card challenge cycling every Monday. I will still keep a post up on the side with a link to a gallery so all the cards can continue to be viewed. For that reason, until I hear back from everyone, there will be no voting on card challenge #3 at this point in time.

Thanks!

Bring a friend, get a gift!

2008-08-27T20:02:00.000-06:00

I really want to see more people participating in this little card challenge site we have going. SO, seeing that the end of this 3rd challenge is on Monday September 1st, which is my birthday, I've decided to do a little giveaway. Get a friend to participate in this third challenge and I will put your and your friends name into a draw to win a few little items from Stampin' Up from their latest catalogue. Been stopping into this site but have yet to participate? If you are a new face on this blog, your name will be entered as well. Don't worry if you are international, I'm willing to ship. Deadline is Monday at 5 pm. Hope to see a few new sunny faces!

Card Challenge #3

2008-08-23T21:32:00.000-06:00

Are you ready for it? This card challenge has been mulling around in my head for awhile now so I thought it was time to throw it out there. If you are like me, you probably have a stack of scrap paper from other card or scrapbooking projects. Time to use it up! This challenge is a limited supply challenge. You can make the bones of your card with full cardstock, but all other paper must be from your scrap pile. Dig deep! To be nice, you can add ONE embellishment of your choosing to the card, and, to make this a three deep challenge, stamp it with your favorite stamp set! I'm looking forward to what papers you all have in your piles! Play fair, this one is on the honor system! Cards can be submitted up to Monday, September 1st! Just post up a note here once it is posted to your blog, or send it to me via e-mail and I'll be sure to get it displayed.

Card Challenge #2 - Voting!

2008-08-18T20:08:00.000-06:00

Thanks again to everyone who participated this past week, despite some grumbling! I was really pleased to see what you all created based on the image I provided. Voting will work similar to the first card challenge. Voting will be open until 5 pm on Friday, August 22nd. I will tally the polls over the weekend, and Monday the 25th you will see both the winner of this weeks challenge posted up on the side bar, as well as a new post for Challenge #3. To vote, please DON'T post a comment here, but drop me an e-mail and let me know your favorite. Please put the card # from the photo caption in the e-mail subject. Keep in mind what the challenge was and whether or not the card followed the design element. To see the cards from Challenge #2, please click on the slideshow on the right and it should open up into a preview window for you. If there are any problems, please let me know.Thanks!

Card Challenge #2

2008-08-10T09:00:00.000-06:00

* I am releasing this a day early since it is rather dreary outside compared to all the sunny days we have been having. If you find yourself inside needing something to do, here's a little task for you :)

I stumbled across a great Card Challenge website a couple of days ago, but unfortunately closed the browser before I could save it to my favorites. I just finished scouring Google trying to locate it again, when I gave up and decided I would search instead for the image I had wanted to use from it for this card challenge. I won't tell you what the image was because I still hope to find it and use it one day, but in my search I stumbled across this:

I opened the photo, thought hmmm, that's ok I guess, and kept going. But I found I kept thinking of all the really neat cards I could make using this image as inspiration. I found it on flicker and it originated from the blog http://www.littleurbanites.com/ How does an inspiration based card challenge work? Exactly like this - let that image be your inspiration for your card! I won't say more because I don't want to spoil the fun of what possibilities may lie ahead for you without my interpretation steering the way.

This challenge begins Monday, August 11th and finishes Monday, August 18th at 5 p.m. I'm looking forward to seeing how this image inspires your finished cards!

UPDATE - to see all submissions for this challenge please visit http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/cdrysda/Carmen2Challenge

Let the voting begin! - Card Challenge #1

2008-08-04T19:08:00.001-06:00

I am excited to see that six cards were submitted this week! Thanks to everyone who participated :)

Here's how the voting will work:

Voting will be open until 5 pm on Friday, August 8th. I will tally the polls over the weekend, and Monday the 11th you will see both the winner of this weeks challenge posted up on the side bar, as well as a new post for Challenge #2.

To vote, please DON'T post a comment here, but drop me an e-mail and let me know your favorite. Please put the card # from the photo caption in the e-mail subject. Keep in mind what the challenge was and whether or not the card followed the design element.

To see the cards from Challenge #1, please click on the slideshow on the right and it should open up into a preview window for you. If there are any problems, please let me know.

Thanks!

Card Challenge #1

2008-07-28T11:43:00.000-06:00

This challenge starts today, July 28th and will close for voting on August 4th at 5 pm. Looking forward to seeing all of your creations!

UPDATE - To see all submissions for this challenge please visit http://picasaweb.google.com/cdrysda/CarmenSCardChallenge1

Ink Paper Create

Things I love...

Great Big Stamp Sale! - Updated June 19th

A Canadian Swap Eh?!

What? It's true!

Stampin' Up Goes Green

Sharing the Love!

Kids Craft Too!

Guest Blogger - Gail!

Mr. Yapples

Quick & Easy Holiday Gift Tags

Introducing 'Mimo'

They arrived!

Guest Blogger - Alicia!

Make a Scene - Card Challenge #?

Applying Rubber Stamps to Acrylic Blocks

Christmas Card Hiatus

Card Challenge & A Good Sale!

Riddle Me This! *Blog Candy*

OCC Card Challenge - Birthday Surprise

A little about me...

Some changes....

'Tis the Season

Inspired by Grace

Outside the box.

October Candy Winner!

Put a litle 'wiggle' in it!

Extra Extra!

3P Challenge!

BOOOOOO!

Think Pink!

World Card Making Day!

September Candy Winner!

Card Challenge #8 - Grace's Closet

Card Challenge #7 - Colour, or lack thereof!

Card Challenge #6 - Candy!

Card Challenge #5

The Decision is Made! (& Card Challenge #4)

Card Challenge Changes!

Bring a friend, get a gift!

Card Challenge #3

Card Challenge #2 - Voting!

Card Challenge #2

Let the voting begin! - Card Challenge #1

Card Challenge #1

Riddle Me This! Blog Candy