Pages

Monday, December 31, 2012

*Happy New Year*

Do you remember when we were all concerned about what Y2K would bring us?  Would the world computers shut down?  Would we lose power?  Was it just another New Years Eve?

Can you believe that was THIRTEEN years ago!  WOW how time flies!

As I have done for the last few years, I am back with a post of some of my favourite cards from this year...  a card a month that I posted on my blog.

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

Friday, December 28, 2012

*Joy*


And this is the last of the Christmas cards I created in 2012....  I took some patterned paper with the chevron design on it and cut it out along the lines of the chevron.  I used some glittered Thickers for the J and Y and added a punched snowflake (shimmer cardstock) for the O.  I outlined the letters in black marker to help make them pop out.
I will be back in the new year with some more cards and creations.... when I find some time to play again.... and find my non-Christmas mojo!

Thursday, December 27, 2012

*Holiday Sparkle*


Just a quickie from me tonight... another one layer card, two colours of blue ink, Blue Pearl embossing powder and a big satin ribbon...

I hope you're enjoying time with family and friends!!

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

*Another Christmas, Come and Gone*


Just like I predicted...  all the hype and build up and running around and Christmas is done for another year.  The recycling has already been picked up.  Life goes on.

The best part of my day is to come later this afternoon after a trip to the airport to pick up my sister and niece.  We have a few more presents to open with them tonight.... and toasted turkey sandwiches are on the menu for dinner.  YUM!

I saw this folded Christmas tree a few weeks ago and had to try it... it's made from a circle of double sided patterned paper.  Quick and easy!  I added some more of that lovely washi tape and a gem for the top of the tree.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

*Merry Christmas*


We don't have little ones in the house these days so we weren't up at the butt-crack of dawn to open presents....  but the teenagers were still excited to get up and open presents.

Following the tradition, the kids joined us in our room to open their stockings on our bed.  I'm not sure how this tradition started, but I love that we still do it.  Maybe some day in the future we'll do it with our sons, their wives and our grandchildren too!

Just a quick post from me as honestly, I have better things to do today....

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Monday, December 24, 2012

*Snowflakes and Washi Tape*

And here it is... the day before Christmas!  It's truly amazing to me how fast time flies by....

With starting the new job in November, I really wasn't sure when I'd find the time and energy to get Christmas done...  In our house, a lot of the baking and decorating and shopping and wrapping is done by me.  Bruce helps where he can, but it's always kind of fallen on me.  It bugs me and it doesn't.  I'd love more help, but I like the sense of accomplishment when everyone is together, full from a delicious dinner I have created, happy with what they found under the tree.

It's all worth it to me....

I am looking forward to tomorrow... hoping the kids are pleased with what Santa brings them (yup, they are 15 and 17 and Santa still comes!)... looking forward to the celebration.... but of course, missing my parents...  I miss Christmas with my family.... my parents and sisters....  I miss them, period.

At least some of my family will be here on the 26th... maybe next year I can convince everyone to come here for the holidays....

Anyway... a quick card from me this Christmas Eve...  Spellbinders snowflakes cut out of patterned paper and some Washi Tape along the bottom.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

*Christmas Snowflakes*

'Twas two days before Christmas and here in this house, I'm being busy like one little mouse...

Tee hee...

I am *this* close to being ready for the big day....

I worked yesterday.... we were BUSY!  It happens with a drop in clinic when it's the last day we're open for almost a week!  I got home just after 4 and I had a hot bath, put on my jammies, had some pizza and sat in front of the TV with my sweetie.  We were in bed by 10pm!  Party animals around here!

This morning I slept in, tidied the kitchen, started the laundry (3 loads today... about to move the last load in to the dryer), went and got my Christmas groceries and am now taking a break from wrapping the stocking stuffers.  I am about half way through that job.

And then, I can relax as everything is done for Christmas (except making the turkey of course).

I have a weeks worth of Christmas cards still to share with you.... this one is a one layer card with different shades of blue, all embossed in Blue Pearl embossing powder.  I wonder if it needed a ribbon along the top fold?

Friday, December 21, 2012

*Sparkle Snowflakes*


Just a few more days left.... I can't even imagine going to the mall this weekend!  I do need to get groceries for Christmas dinner at some point though.... wish me luck!

I used some Sookwang tape on thin cardstock and then ran it all through my Big Shot with some Spellbinders dies to get the snowflakes. I then peeled the backing off the tape and covered them in glitter.  I then burnished the glitter using the Sookwang backing and my bone folder to make the glitter really sparkle.
I wish you luck if you're still shopping this weekend!!!

Thursday, December 20, 2012

*Patterned Snowflakes*


I really like how these patterned paper snowflakes turned out....  a little more fun than just plain blue or white!
A quick and easy card, once again.... as you know, they are my favourites!

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

*Bling!*

I really love this card....  the stripes are Washi tape (I had hoped to do more of a chevron idea with the two strips of tape but it didn't work out).  The line of bling is this awesome stuff I got when I was in Ontario... it's a mesh with bling on it... you can cut the mesh to any shape or length or size you want.  Very cool!
Enjoy your Wednesday!!!

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

*Rounded Squares*


This is my take on another card I saw on Pinterest... I love the squares with the two rounded corners.  A very quick and easy card to throw together... perhaps I should have added a little bling?
I have a busy day ahead of me... but all of it good... a fill for my gel nails and a pedicure this morning and lunch with some former coworkers this afternoon.  Tonight we are doing a family Christmas with Bruce's brothers and sister in law.

One week from today and presents will be opened, Christmas music will be playing, turkey will be eaten.... just one week!

Monday, December 17, 2012

*May You and Yours...*

A week from today the mall will be packed with last minute shoppers....  a week from today we will be waiting for the big guy in the red suit...  a week from today, little ones will be giddy with anticipation....  I truly do love Christmas!

I love the colours in this card...  once again that great Gumball Green from Stampin' Up! paired with some Raspberry Ripple and some patterned paper from my stash.
I'm off to the mall and then Costco this morning... wish me luck!

Friday, December 14, 2012

*Magic of the Season*

The idea of this card looked so much better than how it turned out....  it looks a bit like a butterfly.... or maybe a Rorsach Test.... sigh....

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

*Thickers JOY*

I love these red glittered Thickers... wish I had bought more.....

This time I paired the letters with a swirl image from PTI and some Stickles and twine...

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

*Embossed Tree*

I really love it when I see cards done with red, white and kraft.... just wish I loved how this card turned out.....

Monday, December 10, 2012

*Very Merry Christmas*

The big day is getting closer and closer and I am getting closer and closer to being ready.  I did a little baking on the weekend and I got my cards in the mail.  My plan for today is a little more baking and probably some shopping before I have to take a kid to the orthodontist after school.
Another very easy card to put together...  some Washi Tape and my Perfect Layers Tools!

Sunday, December 09, 2012

*Colourful Merry Christmas*

I love the colours in this card... bright and cheery....  not to mention that wonderful swirled patterned paper.  Sure wish I had more of it!

Saturday, December 08, 2012

*FTL220*

Today is my "Friday"... it's amazing how much less exciting a regular Friday is when you have to work on Saturday morning LOL  But let me tell you... I really like Mondays these days!

I had fun playing around to create a card for this weeks Fall to Layout at the Clean and Simple Stamping blog....  Once I saw the strips on the sketch I knew I wanted to use my Washi tape....
And I love the elements of the snowflake die I bought from Stampin' Up!

Friday, December 07, 2012

*Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas*


I told you I loved this paper.... this is card #3 this week, all using this same patterned paper.  I think there's still a full 12X12 sheet of it in my stash... at least I hope that there is!
I thought about using the Perfect Layers Tools on the white sentiment panel but I think I like this one without... besides, I didn't know what colour to use.  I have that sentiment panel flush against the right edge of the card base which I think adds an interesting look.

Thursday, December 06, 2012

*Pinterest Holiday Greetings*


This is another card that I created after seeing one on Pinterest....  I love the white space and the clean lines. If I made it again, I might try using my perfect layers tools on the red panels to make them pop out just a little more.  And I think I'd add a little sparkle too!
Thanks for stopping by!

Wednesday, December 05, 2012

*Red and White Seasons Greetings*


I really love the scroll frame Cuttlebug embossing folder....  perhaps my layers should have been a little smaller so that more of the embossing could be seen.
I'm not sure if I messed up the stamping of the image or if it's the way the stamp actually is.... I haven't used the stamp since so who knows :-)

Tuesday, December 04, 2012

*Ornaments*


I really love this ornament stamp....  I think it's the flourishes... and obviously I love this patterned paper as you've seen it two days in a row.  It's from an old stack (DCWV I think) from Michaels.  I will be sad when it is all gone...
A quick and easy card to put together, with lots of sparkle!

Monday, December 03, 2012

*Jingle*


I wish I had an unlimited source for these wonderful red sparkle letters... if only I hadn't sold my Cricut a few years ago!  I absolutely, positively LOVE this card and wish I could make more... but alas there are only so many j's in the package of letters.
This is a long and skinny card that will fit in a regular business sized envelope.  I love the simplicity of this card with the pops of colour.

Sunday, December 02, 2012

*Patterned Squares*


It's a chilly Sunday here in Calgary....  and I think that, other than going to our bowling league tonight, I am staying home.  I've been on the go all week with shopping and work and concerts and craft fairs and a Christmas party...  I'm enjoying some down time!

We went to my work Christmas party last night.... and I had a great time.  The people I work with are a lot of fun and we ended up laughing the night away!  We were a small group (16 in total with staff and significant others) and everyone got along well.  I feel so lucky to have the job I have!
The card was created using up some scraps in my Christmas paper bin.  I added Stickles to the button but I'm not sure I love that part.....

Saturday, December 01, 2012

*The Countdown is On!*

Happy December everyone!!!  We are so close to Christmas, the winter solstice, the New Year.... time sure flies!

I have been happy having Mondays and Tuesdays off from work... it's given me a chance to get some Christmas shopping done while the malls aren't quite as busy.  I am hoping to do some Christmas baking in the coming days.... I am toning it down this year because it just doesn't get eaten.

And over the next serveral evenings I plan on writing my Christmas cards and getting them in the mail.  I love making Christmas cards and I love having that little contact with friends and family over the holidays.... I just wish my hand didn't cramp LOL!

The card for today is following the latest sketch from the Clean and Simple Stamping blog.  I wish I would have outlined my trees in black before I put them down on the card... but otherwise I like this one!
I hope you are able to play along with us this week!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

*Stolen From Pinterest*

This card was quick and easy... and I totally stole the idea from a card I saw on Pinterest.  I used an embossing folder for the middle panel, used my Perfect Layers to create a red layer, put it all on a white card.  I then cut the bottom of the card with a scallop punch and added a red strip.  To finish it all off I used some Christmas Red Stickles on the scallops as well as for the berries for the holly.
See?  Easy!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

*Four Square Christmas*

You've seen a card like this on my blog before... but this time I used Christmas papers.  I think that the bling I used to was too big... it's this great mesh backed bling that you can cut to the size and shape you want....  pretty cool....

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

*Red and White Snowflakes*

I saw a card on Pinterest the other day that had red and white snowflakes....  I was in love with it as soon as I saw it.... so I had to make my own...
I used patterned papers for the Spellbinders snowflakes and added a glittered brad in the centre of each.  Quick and easy to put together.

Monday, November 26, 2012

*Washi Tape Christmas*

Less than a month until Christmas....  and I will be spending my day off at the mall putting a big dent in my Christmas shopping.  I know what I want to buy, I just have to buy it.  I'm trying hard to not panic at all I want to get accomplished before Christmas.  I wish I had been better prepared before I went back to work!

Speaking of work... it's been 3 weeks and I'm enjoying it.  I am getting used to the hours and the long days, and even getting used to working for 6 hours on a Saturday.  Everyone I work with is fun and friendly and our patients are very nice.  I don't like getting out of bed to go to work, but once I'm there I have a good time.

I created this card while I was in Ontario at the retreat with my sister...  washi tape sure makes a quick and easy background!
Enjoy your Monday!

Saturday, November 24, 2012

*FTL218*

We've had another snowy week here in Calgary....  last weekend was warm enough that snow was melting but the shade that hits the front of our house meant that the snow didn't melt on the roof.  It was finally clearing up on Monday so Bruce took some time off of work on Tuesday so he could put the Christmas lights up.  Tuesday we hit our daytime high at 3am and by morning it was foggy and there was a layer of frost on the roof.  By the time he got home after lunch it had started to snow a bit.... and now it's snowed some more and I am not at all sure that we will have Christmas lights on the house this year....

I love this sketch from the Clean and Simple Stamping blog.... I saw it and knew I had to play with the Martha Stewart snowflake punches I just purchased...
All of the cardstock I used was shimmery....  so in real life, this card just sparkles!

I hope you'll play along with us this week!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

*Strips of Paper*

Another quick and easy card that's a great way to use up strips of patterned paper....  I used left overs from a paper pad I have.... I love paper pads as the papers all go together.  I really like that many of the paper companies have done 6X6 pads... the 12X12 pads often have patterns that are too large for cards.
I've been making a lot of white based cards lately....  hmmmmm

Monday, November 19, 2012

*Swirls and Snowflakes*

Another Monday... it's nice to have them off of work!  I don't dread Monday like most people.  Saturday morning I'm not a happy camper, but at least the office is very busy on Saturdays and the hours I am there just fly by.

This morning I am off to babysit my favourite 3 year old and her little sister for a bit while their Mommy heads off for a much needed massage.  I'm looking forward to it.  They are such cute little girls!  And after that, I'm heading downtown to meet a few of my former co-workers for lunch.  Yum!

I created this Christmas card while I was in Ontario at the retreat with my sister back in October.  It turned out OK but it looked so much better in my head....
Enjoy your day!

Saturday, November 17, 2012

*FTL217*

It's time for another weekly sketch over at the Clean and Simple Stamping blog....  I almost got away with not using a stamp on this card but needed a sentiment for the label layer.  I thought that this one (by Penny Black) suited the feel of the card perfectly.  I outlined the Spellbinders label with a marker to help make it pop... sure wish my Perfect Layers Tools could do curvy bits LOL!
Most of the elements of this card are from a Bella Blvd sheet I purchased last year.  I wish I had bought more than one!

I hope you can play along with us this week!  Check out the Clean and Simple Stamping website to see some more ideas and to add your card to the linking tool!

Cheers

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

*Three Simple Snowflakes*

I am really loving this new Gumball Green ink from Stampin' Up.... it's a great Christmas green in my opinion.

This was a very quick and easy card to put together thanks to clear stamps and my Perfect Layers Tools!
Have you started your Christmas cards yet?

Monday, November 12, 2012

*A Laugh Is A Smile That Bursts*

Happy Monday morning friends...  the weather has warmed up in Calgary and the snow stopped (but not until we had almost 9 inches of snow fall).  It's amazing how warm the freezing mark (or just above) feels after a few days of cold weather.

I am off today... in fact, I will always be off on Mondays as the office is closed on Mondays.  Bruce is home today as well as his office is closed to mark the Remembrance Day holiday (which was yesterday).  Strangely enough, the kids had to go to school.

I am hoping to spend my day working on Christmas cards...  let's hope Mr. Mojo cooperates!

I created this card when I had some friends over a few weeks ago....  I love the look of the black and white on the Kraft cardstock.
Enjoy the rest of your day!

Saturday, November 10, 2012

*FTL216*

Good morning my friends... I am up and ready to head to work....  I am going to assume that Saturdays will be busy at the clinic and that the four or five hours will FLY by....  That's what will make working Saturdays easier to take....  that the hours will fly by.

The Fall To Layout at the Clean and Simple Stamping Blog is a quick and easy one this week....  I used embossing at the top of my layer, but I think you could do some all over random stamping or use a large background stamp as well.  I hope you'll play along and link your card to the challenge!!
I might try this card in reverse....  a white base with perhaps a shimmer blue layer that is embossed with the sentiment embossing in white....

Have a great day!

Thursday, November 08, 2012

*Four Squares Happy Birthday*

Just a quickie post for me.... work has been going well.  I'm not working my regular schedule this week as they are training me.  My first days were shorter and I worked Tuesday when normally I wouldn't.  Today I am working a full shift... it's going to be a long day.  I will be there from 8:30 until at least 6:30....

My head is swimming with information and I'm good and tired at night...  but it will all get easier.  I remember this feeling from a year ago when I went back to work.  It just takes time to get used to a new routine and to using my brain in a different way.

I honestly think that the hardest part of my job will be remembering patient names.... I am not good with names at the best of time, no matter how good my intentions are.  Hopefully it comes with time and gets easier.

Another non-Christmas card to share....  although I did make a very similar card as a Christmas card while I was at the retreat in Ontario a few weeks ago.  I like this one better....
I used some old papers from Stampin' Up and rounded two corners on each square with my Corner Chomper.  I added some pearls and a sentiment and voila!

Monday, November 05, 2012

*Hope Your Day is Fabulous*

It's a Monday, I was awake earlier than I wanted to be, but it's all good.  Just more time to get things accomplished.

I decided last week to put my laptop back in the basement at my stamping desk and have left my iPad by where I sit on the couch.  I have actually come down here every day since then.  I haven't crafted every day, but in less than a week I have finished four cards and have one that needs a ribbon and a sentiment.  I think this was the best decision I have made in a while as this is the most creative I've been at home in a year.

Other news in my world is that I'm going back to work, again.  I went back to work full time on November 7th of last year and was laid off 7 months later.  I took the summer off and started looking for work again in September.  I've sent out more than 50 resumes and have had NO bites.

Then, while I was in Ontario, I had a phone call... my chiropractors office was calling, which is strange.  The last time one of the chiropractors called was in the spring when they offered me a job.  I turned them down as I was working full time and was happy where I was.  Well, 10 days ago, I was offered the job again... and this time I accepted.  

I head back to work, slightly less than full time, tomorrow (November 6th).  I will have Sunday to Tuesday off most weeks which gives me both time with my family and time to myself.  I have to give up a few hours on Saturday, but I think I can be OK with that in time.  

I'm really excited about working in this office.... I've been a patient there for 3 years and have always found it welcoming, relaxing, fun and friendly.  

We'll have to see how the new schedule works out with card making... I think it can work!

Here's a card I made a while back....  Heartfelt Creations dies cut out of white cardstock and coloured with red Copics.... and a great flourish by Inkadinkadoo.  The sentiment is by PTI



Saturday, November 03, 2012

*FTL215*

I love love love these intricate dies from Memory Box....  they are just so beautiful!  If you happen to purchase some for yourself, save yourself some grief and order the metal shim as well....  it makes the cut cardstock just pop out of the die, saving you a lot of grief and wasted cardstock.

For those wondering, I use my Xyron to put adhesive on the backs of my intricate die cuts.  The glue pen (the one that looks like a gel pen) dries too fast for the larger dies and I found that my Mono Multi just made a mess.  I ended up buying a Xyron with a 5.5" base to fit all of the dies I have by Memory Box.