Gatefold Lovers: A New Weekly Challenge!

If you enjoy making gatefold cards...or if you've always wanted to make one, but aren't quite sure how to get started... you'll like visiting the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog this week to see whats happening with gatefolds...AND the new Cuttlebug Journalling Card Embossing Folder!

The Dinosaur birthday card is my card for this weeks "Be Inspired" Wednesday Challenge that's all about gatefolds, the Journalling Embossing Folder...and National Friendship Week...






This was a fun card to make..with an adorable image called Stegster the Stegasauraus, from my friend Katie's Stamp company: Paper Makeup Stamps..and if you visit the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog you'll get to see so many wonderful, creative and unique gatefold cards from my Design Team-mates

The second card (with the wonderful SU flower pot and bird image) is the card that is demonstrated in this weeks Cuttlebug Challenge Fab Friday TV Video Tutorial below...





..so gather up your materials, tools and supplies... and come and join me now...to make your gatefold card so that you can join the fun at the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog with this weeks Wednesday Challenge by posting a link via Mr Linky, to share your gatefold card with everyone at the CB Challenge Blog!!

I have a feeling that after you've seen the photos of my cards...and have watched the video...you'll be thinking that you NEED and MUST HAVE the new Cuttlebug Journalling Card Enmbossing Folder!

Thanks for visiting my blog today...and enjoy the video!

Weekly Inspirations ..........

This weeks Weekly Inspirations Video is ready...a direct result of Simone's wonderful creativity...and...straight out of Gary's editing room!

I am especially loving the cards that Simone is sharing with us this week... especially the Sizzix Top Note Die cards...and the little jungle animal cards....

As for me..I still have to post a pic of the other part of the Desktop Note Holder/Frame that I showed you the other day....(made for my Aunt Grace)...i
ll be sure to post a pic soon...

I hope that you enjoy this weeks Inspirations Video...and that maybe you steal a bit of mojo from Simone..and create your own versions of her wonderful cards there...in your own studio or workspace...

Thank you Gary and Simone....as always..you give of yourselves, unconditionally..and for this..I say...I love and appreciate both of you! xoxo

*Please be sure to scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page to turn off the Playlist sound prior to watching the Inspirations Video.

Oh!...I almost forgot...
while you're here...take a moment to post a fast comment above where the blog candy is listed..so that you'll have a chance to win all of the Cuddlebug goodies in the pic!

Enjoy!

Cuttlebug Challenge Blog: Countdown to CHA~ Wednseday be Inspired Challenge # 41

If you're ready to get your socks knocked off with some off the wall amazing creativity you MUST visit the Cuttelbug Challenge Blog to see what the DT has whipped up for this week's challenge.....using the new Cuttlebug Victoria embossing folder!

This is my project for this weeks Be Inspired (Wednesday) Challenge...
I loved working with the Victoria folder ... it's swirls and flourish like pattern are so beautiful...

I found this oblong (11 x 4) acrylic frame at a craft store..and knew it would be ideal for my project...

The SU DSP is so wonderful...the colors so rich and deep...the prints so lovely...and SU's Cottage Wall DSP is beyond gorgeous...(I can tell it's going to be a fave of mine!)...

The note card holder part of this project is half of a clear (card) box covered and embellished with layers of DSP and Victoria embossed card stock.....some punched and a layered flowers..a little bit of bling....

then a fast wave of my magic wand...and... wha-la..it becomes a note holder!

(*I've tipped the frame/note holder upwards and back a bit to deflect a glare for the pic...but it the frame stands upright on it's own)

I'll be giving this to my Aunt Grace, who will be 89 this month...she is an amazing human being...is more 69 than 89...someone who is precious and dear to me...and has been an important part of my life since my childhood...

She has been missing my Mom (her sister) since my Mom passed away at the end of March...and so...instead of putting a post-it note pad on the outside of the left of the frame..(as I first thought I might)..I opted to put a picture of my Mom in that spot...

Tomorrow I'll post the other part of this project...which will also be given to my Aunt Grace as part of her birthday gift..

....in the meantime..be sure to visit the CBC Blog to see what the rest of the DT created this week...

you will be amazed..and inspired!

I promise!

Christmas in July at our Monthly Workshop/Crop

This is the card that we made at the evening "Cards Only" workshop this past weekend...

For some of the ladies this was a first try at heat embossing...and I have to say...they did an awesome job with the embossing as well as applying the coarse snow-like glitter...It's been my pleasure to watch them build upon their skills each time we get together..

It was also a first in using the Sizzix (SU) Top Note die...as well as beautiful new Stampin Up set called "Scenic Season"...

We also used an old SU favorite...the pine branch from "Peaceful Wishes"....

Weekly Inspirations Video....Cards! Cards! Cards!

Another week has flown by...and its time for the Weekly Inspirations Video.. I love some of the folds that my niece, Simone, used on these cards...and I think that this week, I am going to CASE some of the cards that are featured in this video...

Simone is busy with a baby and a little 4 year old..and is also packing up a house for a move to a bigger house..where she will even have a place for ALL of her card making "stuff"!... and even with all that she is busy with...she is always happy to help out and provide the cards for the weekly video..while i am sidetracked with card-a-thon business...THANKS SIMONE!

...sending my hugs and thanks to Simone..and also to Gary...who creates the video each week...(Gary I love this weeks music choice...I I think that the beginning is a bit "Pink Panther-ish!")

What do you all think?

PS..be sure to scroll down to the very bottom of this page to turn off the playlist sound on my blog so that it doesn't override the Weekly Inspirations Music..

Enjoy!

Fab Friday TV Tutorial Time....Come join me... and learn how to make this card!

If you liked this white on white embossed 3-D butterfly card that I posted here on my blog on Wednesday... be sure to check in at the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog to see the "Fab Friday TV" video tutorial that has all of the details that will guide you through making one of these cards at home.

The Cuttlebug Challenge Blog is also giving away wonderful challenge prizes...and if you do all of the July Challenges you'll have a chance to win a set of the NEW release embossing folders!

S...o visit the blog..take a peek at the video..and see what else the amazing DT has created for this weeks awesome challenge.

Cuttlebug Challenge Blog ~ Countdown to CHA #40

The Cuttlebug Challenge Blog's Be Inspired Wednesday Challenge has a fun sketch posted for you to try!

Its got lots of layers...and nice details..and it will inspire you to come up with your own take on it!

This is my take on the sketch:



I really enjoyed working on this challenge...because as you know..I am a lover of my Cuttlebug and embossing folders...and this challenge gave me the opportunity to use 5 different folders on a white on white card...which allows you to see that texture can really add dimension and interest to a card...despite the absence of color

If you'd like to see what the DT has created...using the sketch paired with their boundless creativity....be sure to check in at the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog HERE

A Fast Hello....

Hi Everyone..

While I haven't had much of a chance to update my own blog..I have been "blurfing about" enjoying everyone else's blog updates... there is so much creativity out there..it's inspiring to see what other people create..

I am thoroughly enjoying being part of the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog Design Team...and have been keeping busy there with some projects and video tutorials... the creativity from the DT is amazing...and it's exciting to see the reveals of what all of the DT members have created each week... so be sure to check in there daily to see "what's cookin'"..to follow the fantastic tutorials..watch the videos...to give the challenges a try (such fun!)..and to have a chance to win a Cuttlebug machine (if you do all 4 July challenges)

I am still busy planning the Card-a-Thon...and have received lots of wonderful donations of supplies..and lots of wonderful colored images ..all of which will be a HUGE plus for the card makers in October when they actually make cards at the Card-a-Thon...

There is s till a tremendous need for adhesives..(double sided tape in dispensers... glue dots..adhesive runners etc)..
...if you'd like to make a donation of adhesives... it would be so very much appreciated!

Now I have to focus on promoting the event itself...invite volunteers to sign on...solicit advertising in local papers... and get the word out...because October will be here before I know it!
If you are a local..and would like to be part of the Card-a-Thon..please email me at LovesStampin@aol.com

So now you're up to date with what I have been up to...it doesn't seem like much..but somehow the days pass quickly..and I manage to keep busy all day long!

Be sure to check in at the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog tomorrow... to check out the Wednesday Challenge...and maybe even give it a try!

and finally... make sure you post a quickie note above at the top most post on my blog....to have a chance to win some fantastic Cuttlebug Blog Candy.

If you'd like to link me and my candy to your blog...that'd be great...and appreciated..but it's not a requirement to have a chance to win!...(a simple note/comment is enough to get you "in" with a chance to win!)

Spending time with a Friend....

My friend Isa became a Great-Aunt to a little nephew who was born in France...and she wanted to make a special card to send to his parents...(her nephew and his wife)..and thought that she'd like to make the white on white baby carriage card that I'd made and posted here a while ago...

So she came over the other day and we chatted..had some laughs...as we always do...we got out my Big Shot..and the Baby carriage XL die and I guided her thru the process of making the card...

At the end of our time together..Isa had created a wonderful white on white embossed baby carriage card...that was PERFECT!

I have to add...that approximately 6 months ago..Isa had never made a card..never scrapped a page....didn't own a single piece of card stock..had no tools...etc..

She came to one of my monthly Workshop/Crops with the intention of making a scrapbook...and discovered her love of card making and passion for paper during the morning mini workshop that I do at each Workshop/Crop...

and....Once Isa made her first card...the scrapbooking went by the wayside....her passion for card making arrived...and she has never looked back!

It's been my pleasure and joy to watch her enthusiasm for card making take flight..and it's been lots of fun being her personal "enabler"..introducing her to all sorts of things.. emailing her with links to sites and sales...inspiring her love of the Cuttlebug...and watching her excitement grow when she ordered her own...

But most of all..its been wonderful to see what she creates..
She is patient with herself and her creativity...and gives all of her projects intense attention and dedication...her cards are truly an artistic process to which she puts care in finding just the right elements...a dd to this, Isa's LOVE of gorgeous paper..and you've got the makings of a great card maker!

So I'm thrilled to post these photo's (with Isa's consent)..so that you can see the artist..and her work!

A Favotite Image of Mine....and a trip to the hardware store..

This stamp is one of my favorite images....I just think that the little girl is adorable..and her her tiny fingers picking up a seashell is so sweet....

I guess that maybe I am drawn to ocean...shore..beach images because I have lived near the ocean my entire life..growing up on one Island..and now living on another... ...both being places that bring breezes of salt air thru your windows...

This sweet image is one that I have played with now and then....trying different things...and I think that now I have finally found the nice combination of elements....

Fine gauge sandpaper...
and the addition of some tiny real seashells...

I also trimmed the image WITHOUT a white border...(I have been seeing a lot of that in magazines etc lately.....remember that technique of trimming from wayyyy back when ?)..and altho I almost always leave a white edge around my hand cut images.... I do like this one trimmed to the ink line...I then used dimensionals to place the on the card to give it a little bit of pop and depth...


I'm happy with this card...and can see myself heading down to the hardware store...to stock up on some fine gauge sandpaper so that I can make a few more cards just like this one...

Thanks for visiting...
...and don't for get to post a quick note to be "in" the blog candy drawing.

Taking a Peek

If you're like me...you like pre-orders..and the anticipation of new releases and getting your crafty little hands on something that's brand new..and just your style..

The new, and soon to be released Cuttlebug folders are starting to show up all over the place...web stores...crafting sites...magazines....at the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog...and tomorrow they'll be shown on HSN...

I haven't picked a favorite embossing folder...yet...
There are so many that I'd like to add to my ever growing collection...
(or should I say..there are so many that I PLAN on adding to my ever growing collection...)

In the meantime.. you can take a peek at the Owl Flourish Folder... used in some wonderful and fantastic Design Team projects HERE...and while you;re there...think about participating in this weeks challenge!

WEEKLY INSPIRATIONS VIDEO #20

Well it's Tuesday...and I am just finding the time to post this weeks WEEKLY INSPIRATIONS video..

My niece Simone continues to provide the Weekly Inspirations Cards... (THANK YOU SIMONE!)..and will do s until the Fall...after the Card-a-thon...

This week's video is Weekly Inspirations #20! Can you believe that we've shared 20 of our videos with you already!?

As always.. Simone has created a wonderful group of cards for this video... I always love her folds..and sketches...and the images she chooses to work with...and I think that after you watch this week's video..that you'll like them too!

So now...you KNOW the drill.... scroll all the way down on this page...and turn off the playlist sound so that the blog music doesn't play over the video music...

and THANK YOU GARY..xoxo..for putting together this week's Inspirations Video...

Enjoy!




PS... I would also like to thank Kirstin for the Lovely Blog Award... I recently received this award from another blogging friend....and have shared it with so many people..

Thank you Kirstin...
If you'd like to visit Kirstin's wonderful blog.. you can see it HERE

~PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR CURRENT POST ~ THIS POST WILL REMAIN AT TOP UNTIL AUGUST 16TH ............. LET'S CELEBRATE WITH SOME CUTTLEBUG BLOG CANDY!!

I've been wanting to celebrate my being invited to join the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog Design Team...and thought that some Cuttlebug folders and dies would be the perfect way to do it!

Here's the 2 things that you need to do to have a chance to win:

1.Comment here at this post giving a link to your blog or a gallery us something amazing that you've created with your Cuttlebug

Don't have a blog or gallery..or a Cuttlebug?
No problem...
Just tell leave a post here telling us why you'd LOVE to have the folders...or why you NEED to get a Cuttlebug of your own!

then

2. Link this blog to your blog either in your sidebar or in a blog post (feel free to borrow one of the Candy pictures, if you'd like, to post on your blog.....and be sure to INCLUDE YOUR BLOG LINK IN THE POST so I can come and visit!

and if you'd like....(altho it's no required...take a browse over at the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog....see some inspiring and wonderful projects...view one of my Fab Friday Video Tutorials and maybe even try a Challenge....once you visit this blog..you'll be hooked!

And that's it!..
after you've done both of the things above...you'll have a chance to win this super collection of Cuttlebug goodies!

Here's what will be delivered to your mailbox if you're the winner:
* 3 Cuttlebug Embossing folders
Boo To You
Traffic jam
Flower Circle

*1 Four Folder Embossing Set
It's a Boy

* 3 3 x 3 Dies
Dog
Funky Rectangle Frames
Concentric Hearts

* a 2 x 2 Die
Dump Truck

* a 2 x 2 Die set
Paisley

The post for this Blog Candy will remain on top until AUGUST 16th when a Winner will be chosen and posted

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Hop on Over....

Hop on over to the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog to watch the video tutorial for the Clear Envelope Photo book posted below...Gary and I had some tech problems with the video (software issues)..so its a bit off as far as clarity goes...but the next one...2 weeks from now should be clear and crisp...

You'll me amazed at how easy this project is...and how versatile too! You can literally make a book for any occasion....any person..
or maybe the next time you go to a wedding or party and take pictures...you can send a set of the photos to the bride and groom..or host and hostess of the party...as a special memento...

As I said yesterday... the possibilities are endless!

And while you're visiting at the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog... think about giving the Wednesday "Be Inspired" Challenge a try! This is the ideal weekend for working on a red,white and blue challenge...

If you give all of July's challenges a try and post them at the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog ...you'll have a chance to win some of the NEW, soon to be released... Cuttlebug Embossing Folders!

So..hop on over HERE to see the video tutorial...(and yes... that'd be ME.... "tawking"...with the big old New York accent!)...

You'll also get to see the amazing red white and blue projects created by the wonderfully talented Design Team members...

and don't forget to leave a comment and your blog link... after you've made your Clear Envelope Photo book...so that we can all visit and take a peek!

My little project...and lots of others....

This is my first week as a DT member with the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog DT...all of whom dazzle me with their creativity and unique style of creating...

I am a genuine addicted card maker...and I was all set to make a card...and then..thought of stepping out of my own (usual) box....and so... I opted to do something that wasn't a card....and I have to say...my so choosing to do a "non-card" project was fun for me... and the challenge criteria of red.. white and blue with buttons and Swiss Dots left the door wide opened for all sorts of possibilities!....
In addition..some of the DT had the opportunity to work with one of the new release CB folders....and have given you a sneak peek of the Cuttlebug Stars folder..coming out SOON!

My project this week is the little clear envelope photo book...

I chose to do a baseball theme so that I could pass it on to my little great nephew, Connor...so that he can have a special place to save photos from his first season of playing T-Ball...

But my project is only the tip of the iceberg... you MUST take a detour after you leave my blog and visit the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog to see what the DT has come up with...

plus...there's a MONTHLY CHALLENGE ANNOUNCEMENT:
For the month of July: participate in all 4 of the challenges for a chance to win some of the new folders that will be at CHA, before they get to the stores.

Now that's something exciting!

So get out YOUR red white and blues...some buttons..and the Swiss Dots folder, if you have it... whip up something fantastic....post to your blog...and then post it at the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog (posting it there is a breeze with Mr. Linky !)