Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Falling into Fall . . .

Hello my friends!
It's hard to believe yet another month has drawn to a close!
And Fall has certainly shown itself early this year ... hmmm wonder what that means?  
Early Winter?  Harsh Winter?  Guess I should check the old almanac!

Anyways ... it's time for me to share another inspirational card creation for the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog and I have a very EASY yet attractive Fall card for you today.

The dies I have chosen today came from our Dies R Us Store:

Tattered Lace Dies - Lavis Winter Foliage
NOTE:  If by chance any of the dies you are desiring are Out of Stock, simply click on the PUT ME ON THE WAITING LIST tab and you'll be notified by email when it arrives back in stock. 

Today's card actually used a variety of scraps from the pile that is accumulating on my worktable!  
Before die cutting the leaves, I took a piece of scrap white cardstock (same process for the panel behind my sentiment) and sponged around & across it with various Tim Holtz distress fall color inks.  Once die cut, I added a bit more color to the edges of a few of the leaves.
Elizabeth Craft Designs - Dies - Get Well Soon
For my sentiment panel, I die cut the Get Well Soon words from a scrap piece of green cardstock and instead of using the 'positive' side of the words, I decided to use the 'negative' portion and really like the outcome.  

TIP:  Just another way you can use your dies ... TWO FOR ONE ... the positive & the negative sides are generally both very useful!


A few challenges to share in:
Craft Room Challenge - Seasonal Color (Autumn)
Die Cuttin Divas Challenge - Anything Goes
Going Grey with Scrap Creations Challenge - Fall
Make it Monday Challenge - Die Cuts and/or Punches
Crafting When We Can - No Designer Paper

REMINDER:  New challenge at our Dies R Us Challenge Blog goes live tomorrow, October 1st!
Theme: GIFT TAGS 
(Suggestions:  Christmas, Birthdays, Weddings, Halloween Goodie Handouts)
I hope you'll come join in the fun!!

Thanks for stopping by today ... hope your day is going well!
As always . . .

Sunday, September 28, 2014

EXCITING NEWS to share . . .

Happy Sunday my Friends!
I am doing a craft show at the Mum Festival in Barberton, Ohio this weekend, so I'm hoping blogger plays nice and posts on time, because I have exciting news to share!!!
I'm been bursting at the seams just waiting until I was allowed to make this announcement!  
Drum Roll Please .....
I've been asked to be one of the three new design team members at the 
Thank you so much Chana and Kathi!  
I'm honored and thrilled!

Our challenges are ANYTHING GOES ... WITH A TWIST!!!
Today's twist is to use HEARTS on your creation!
and, our sponsor today is Oak Pond Creations

What fun I had rummaging through their store looking for the image that would catch my eye to use for today's debut card and will Fall in the air, I also wanted something I could color with Fall colors in mind ... low and behold, this image called 'Georgia's Daisies' jumped out at me and the fun began.

I also knew I wanted to POP UP the center flowers so I printed the image twice before coloring and fussy cutting.  My coloring was done with Spectrum Noir PENCILS.  Yep ... I have all the alcohol markers, but recently purchased all the pencil sets (found them on sale at one of my local craft stores) ... and I couldn't resist!  


 It was actually that little heart in the center of the bow that caught my eye on this image.  So at the last minute I decided to also fussy cut, POP it up and add red Stickles for added attention and sparkle.  Here's a close up of the coloring and dimension.


I hope you'll come join in the challenge fun at 613 Avenue Create and be sure to pop over to be inspired by my team mates!  What a talented group of ladies!  WOW!

A few challenges to share in are:
Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge - Anything Goes w/Twist of Red
A Creative Romance Challenge - In the Garden
Brown Sugar Challenge - Anything Goes
Sister Act Challenge #76 - Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Hope you're having a FABULOUS weekend!
Till next time and as always . . .


Recipe:
Papers:  White cs, Rust cs, Red cs
Dies:  Memory Box 'Twirled Hearts' #98279, Creative Expressions - Sue Wilson Dies 'Spanish Collection - Cordoba' #CED1206, Spellbinder 'Snowflakes View' #S6-015
Accessories:  Spectrum Noir pencils, Pop Dots, Kaiser Pearls, Gold and Red Stickles

Saturday, September 27, 2014

SO MUCH GOING ON!!!!!

Oh My Goodness!  
There is so much happening around me right now!
But, I'm loving it!  ALL GOOD STUFF!

Happy Weekend my friends!

I'm away from the cave today and tomorrow doing a craft show at the Barberton Mum Festival but I had to quickly share with you what was happening at my house on Thursday!
BRAND NEW QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS!!!
YAY!  They are gorgeous!!!
 
 Mind you, there was really nothing wrong with what existed in our wonderful large kitchen,  only thing was hubby never liked the darkness of the countertops from the time we bought the house 11 years ago! 

So finally, now that he's back to good health (cancer free 5 years now!  YAY!!!), we are taking care of some of those projects we've talked about for so very long.

We replaced the counter tops, sink and faucet.  It looks FABULOUS and the guys who did the installation were fantastic!  Very professional, very knowledgeable and Jon was very funny!  Hubby and I just stayed out of the way, watched the process and learned a few tricks along the way.

Keep in mind, the backsplash is not done yet (so you'll see a white rim around where the old backsplash was).  We went yesterday and picked out what we wanted to use and hubby is anxious to get his hands dirty on the job!  YEP ... he's doing it himself!  He's a pretty handy guy so I'm comfortable with him doing it because I know he's more of a perfectionist than I am so I have no worries it will be beautiful when completed!

Want to see what it looks like now??   Drum roll please ...
Here's our new counter tops ...


The lighter color (even though it has streaks of black in it) make the kitchen look so much bigger and open.

We did have one problem however ... and it was a biggie but we compromised and I think it will work out okay.  We had originally ordered the double sink that has a larger sink on the left and a smaller (for prepping) sink on the right ... with the low divider and it is an 'undermount'.  

WELL ... after the guys got the counter top all in place and even joined at the back corner, it was time to put the new sink & faucet in ... THAT'S when we discovered the problem.  Instead of them counting the counter top to accommodate the larger sink on the LEFT, they cut it for a RIGHT larger sink ... hence, our new sink wouldn't work in the cut out space!  UUUGH!!

After some phone calls and talking, we agreed to keep the counter top AS IS (the company wanted them to take it back apart and have it re-manufactured ... eeks!!) and go with the reverse sink.  Of course they couldn't find one in all of Ohio the color we wanted with the half divide ... SO they pulled one off the showroom to put in temporarily while a new sink is ordered.  Nothing's ever easy is it!!??!!

Here's a close up photo of the island top ... just so you can see it closer.
Unfortunately, my phone camera couldn't pick up the beautiful sparkle of the quartz that is speckled through out ... another feature of quartz that I liked so much (a girl needs her bling!)

Okay ... gotta go!
Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day/weekend!
As always . . .

P.S.   Please come back tomorrow when I have more EXCITING NEWS to share with you!!

Friday, September 26, 2014

Fall Birthdays!

Happy Friday my friends!
Today I have a fun Fall Birthday card to share with you using digital paper & image from the Craft Secrets Store!  This card could be used for either a male or female birthday.






















The Crafty Secrets items used are:

This 4-page download is FABULOUS and I'm sure you will use it over & over!  And it's a great bargain too ... please be sure to check it out.
Digital Birds & Blossoms 4 Page Download - DPCS 808
And, while you are visiting the store, don't miss out on this . . .


  You will find all of these amazing blowout packs on the front page of our online CraftyVintageGirl.com Store.  Don't miss out on these and they would also make amazing Christmas gifts for your crafty friends and family members!

A few challenges to share in today:
Crafty Girls Challenge - Anything Goes
DRS Designs Challenge - Leaf it to me!

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/141581982010946404/


challenge 44
Crafting for all Seasons - Autumn Colors
Creative Moments Challenge #52 - Anything Goes/use 3 layers
Little Red Wagon Challenge - Anything Fall
Stampavie and More Challenge #221 - Birthdays

I have a busy weekend ahead!  
A TWO-DAY Craft Show in Barberton, OHio!
That should keep me out of trouble!!  LOL!

Have a great weekend and thanks so much for stopping by today!
Till next time ...


Recipe:
Papers - Olive cs, Garden green cs, scraps of red, orange, persimmon & brown cs, Earthy Floral Paper
Dies - Cheery Lynn Designs 'Happy' #B226 and 'Birthday' #B231, Creative Expressions Susan Wilson 'Finishing Touches Classic Rose' #CED1407 (individual leaves), Creative Expressions Susan Wilson 'Finishing Touches Grand Vinery' #CED1419, Cheery Lynn Designs 'Sweet William' #B307, Gold Stickles

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Just Playing Around . . .

Hello my friends ... Happy Thursday!
Whew! ... well Craft Show #1 is over (went GREAT!) and I'm moving on to Craft Show #2 this weekend at the Barberton, Ohio Mum Festival.  I'll be there from 10am - 6pm both Saturday & Sunday.  If you live in the Akron, Ohio area please come check it out!  And the flowers (mums) all around Lake Anna are gorgeous!!!

Anyways ... I decided to take a break from DT work, as well as Craft Show designing, and just make a card that has been stuck in my head for awhile now.


This is another one of the 'tea' based images I found over on Pinterest and I just LOVE this old time coffee/tea pot!  Reminds me of being at my grandma's house in the winter.  She made tea in her pot since we were kids and not allowed to drink coffee!  That was for adults only!  LOL!

I have had these tea cut stamp/die sets for a few years now and rarely use them ... today was the day!  And how about my 'cinnamon sticks' and 'nutmeg' ...  what fun!!
Have you ever had Cinnamon Tea?  My neighbor is Arabic and on the coldest days of winter she'll call over and have me come share cinnamon tea with her ... it is SO SOOTHING and good!!!

Here are a few challenges I'd like to share in today:
A Random Fan Challenge - Anything Goes (hand colored the tea cups)
Fan-Tastic Tuesday Challenge #54 - Anything Goes/Twist - Tea Time
My Craft Creations - Anything Goes 

Okay ... fun time is over ... I really need to 'get back to work'!  I have a couple more shows the end of October/first week of November so I'd better plan ahead on what I'll be needing.
Thanks for stopping by ... please stop back tomorrow when I'll have a fun Crafty Secrets project to share with you.  Till then and as always . . .

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

The Sisterhood of Crafters - Lots of Layers

Good Day All!
It's time once again for a fun challenge at The Sisterhood of Crafters!
I'm honored to be your hostess today and our theme is

LOTS OF LAYERS!

This was a fun challenge for me since I'm more of a 'layers' type crafter than a 'CAS' crafter!  LOL!  Here's what I've created to share with you today . . .


My image is from a set of vintage prints I purchased at the Adventures in Stamping convention several years ago here in Akron, Ohio.  Isn't it adorable?  How sweet that the doggie is singing along while she plays the piano ... and of course the cat couldn't be left out so, he's perched himself atop the piano! 


Here are a couple close ups for a better view of the details.
You can click on either picture to enlarge more.


and of course, a peek at the inside!

I hope you'll come play along in our challenge!  And for more inspiration, please check out what my 'Sistahs' and Step Sistahs have created!  I'm sure they would love it if you took a moment to visit their blogs and leave them a comment.

A few challenge to share in today are:
Clear It Out Challenge - Birthday/glossy accent
Cuttlebug Mania - Anything Die Cut
Papertake Weekly Challenge - Oh How Cute!

Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by!
As always ...



Recipe:
Papers:  White cs, Black cs, DCWV 'Classic Coordinating Prints & Cardstock'
Stamp/Ink:  Heartfelt Creations/Versafine Onyx
Dies: Cheery Lynn Designs 'Mini Fanciful Flourish Reverse' #B291, 'Pretty, Pretty Bow' #B422, Memory Box 'Party Music' #98757
Accessories:  Pop Dots, Offray White Satin Ribbon, Crystal Effects



Tuesday, September 23, 2014

DRU - Christmas is Coming!

Hello my friends!
Tuesday means time to share my DT card for the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog.

I'm working hard at trying to be sure I have enough holiday cards for my upcoming craft shows as well as what I will need for friends and family.  Just a warning ... as I'm sure you will be seeing me create LOTS of Christmas cards in the weeks to come!  LOL!

For my card today I was having fun with layers ...

Oh my goodness ... I have so much beautiful holiday designer paper that I really didn't know where to start ... so, I started by die cutting the main focus for my card and that is the Cottage Cutz 'Elegant Poinsettia Spray' #CCE-036 which was one of those SPECIAL ORDER ITEMS that was announce in our Newsletter ... (hurry and get signed up for the newsletter so you don't miss out on these deals ... most times they are Limited Time Offers)!  

I also used:
and

A couple of my favorite design paper companies are Graphic45 and KaiserCraft.  Today's card uses papers from both companies.  For my die cuts I simply cut each from white cardstock then the fun began!  The poinsettia spray was colored with my Spectrum Noir alcohol markers (DR7 & DG3) ... green Stickles was added at the end for sparkle as well as gold Stickles in the flower center.  

After coloring the greenery & ribbon on the Mistletoe & Bells die cut, I recut the bells section of the die with gold matte paper and glued them over top of the white bells.


There is just no end to the holiday fun with all the fabulous dies available for a very reasonable price in our Dies R Us Store.  If you haven't popped over yet ... NOW'S THE TIME!!!

There are new companies being added all the time!
Prices are great, shipping is VERY reasonable and we even have a new Loyalty Rewards program!
Here's the LINK ... check it out!

A few challenges to share in:
 Crafting from the Heart #37 - Anything Goes
Crafty Bloggers September Challenge - Anything Goes
Crafty Boots Challenge - Anything Goes

 I still have more cards to get done so I'd better get busy!

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!
As always ...

Monday, September 22, 2014

SFC3814 Pick a Color ...

Today we're having fun at Squigglefly by choosing one of these three colors to play with.
Orange, Black or Purple

I bet you thought I'd choose purple since it's my favorite color, lol!  But, when I chose the image to create with today, I just had to go with Orange!  (although you will see a couple touches of purple in there!  lol!)

MORNING ALL!
Hope your day/week are off to a glorious start!

This fun image is called 'Chicken Newscaster' by James Horvath and there are various sentiments included in this set to be 'plugged' into the sign.  After coloring with Spectrum Noir alcohol markers, I decided to go 'outside the box' and make it an EGG shape vs the typical square or circle!
I did, however, use my largest Spellbinder circle die as a template to cut the top portion then free handed the bottom part of my egg shape.

Speaking of artist James Horvath . . .
James Horvath's third children’s book “Work, Dogs, Work: A Highway Tail” is coming out at the end of the month.  It’s available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indiebound, BAM!, etc, basically everywhere books are sold.

He is giving away 5 signed copies on the 23rd on his Goodreads Giveaway.

We're sure having fun over at Squigglefly ... I hope you'll come join in our challenge!
Need inspiration?  Pop over to see what the team has created ... what a talented and fun group!

Thanks for stopping by today ...
As always ...

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Crafting like a crazy lady . . .

Happy Sunday Evening All!
What a busy weekend it's been ... I'm feverishly working on having enough 'goods' for two separate craft shows this week and was asked if I'd post a few photos of some of the goodies I'm working on.

 Over the past few years, I have noticed that besides my cards, people seem to enjoy a few other things I have to sell.  I.E.  Hershey Bar Pouches ... Gift Card Holders ... Hershey Nugget Boxes and the Tissue Box Covers.  Above are the pouches for the Hershey Bars (had to run to buy the candy before I could finish them).  Happy to say they are now filled ... just need to add a little 'something' to the front of them.  Click Here for an older post that shares the tutorial on making these pouches.  They are great stocking stuffers

Next are the Gift Card Holders.  
Earlier in the week I share a post showcasing the starts of my gift card holder and fingernail file holder.  You can see that post here.  And above you will see that I got a lot more done this week.  Actually, 65 in all, and below are some individual photos ... click on the image for a closer view.









 Some are rather simplistic in design and others have been embellished with various holiday die cuts.  But all include an envelope and are packaged in individual bags.

Now ... as far as the nugget boxes, I have a couple dozen made and ready to sell ... and as you can see by the photo below ... more nuggets are sorted and ready to be packaged!  Now to find the time to make more boxes before the weekend show!  LOL!!
Grandson, Jonathan popped in for a little visit today so I put him to work sorting these out for me.  He didn't mind ... especially when his grandfather told him that he was allowed to eat any that were left over that didn't fit into the 8 per pack (2 of each) ration!  LOL!!


It's going to be a busy next couple of days ... making sure I have everything in order for Wednesday's show.  But I'm having fun along the way and that's what counts!


I'm really looking forward to this first show.  It's a private show at a local country club and really don't know what to expect ... so it going to be INTERESTING and should be GREAT FUN!  I love meeting new people and talking about my love of paper crafting!  I always have to chuckle when they ask me "Did you make ALL these cards?" and watch their mouth drop when I proudly say "YEP!"

Let's see if I can find a couple challenges to enter into tonight:
 Crafting When You Can Challenge - Christmas Come Early
Hobby Cutz Challenge - Not a Card
Art by Miran Challenge - Anything Goes

Well, that's it for me!  I guess I'd better see how many Tissue Box Holders I have  ... and how many more I think I might need!  But, I think that's a job for tomorrow!  LOL! 
Getting a little too late tonight and besides ... it's almost Pittsburgh Steeler Football time!!

Hope you've had a fabulous weekend!

Friday, September 19, 2014

Ride through life with me . . .

 . . . the best is yet to be!!

Isn't that a wonderful sentiment?!
Hello my friends!
I'm back today with my weekly Crafty Secrets DT card to share.
I've been consumed by the PBS Masterpiece Theater series 'Downton Abbey' (watching Seasons 1-4 through Amazon).  So, of course I'm in a 'vintage', 'loving' frame of mind in my card making today!  LOL!
Did you know Season 5 will be on PBS in January 2015?

ANYWAYS . . .
I just love this vintage image so that is where this creation began!

The background paper today is the Digital Embossed Yellow & Green papers DP-209.
I however, took the liberty of changing the color to pink (using Word10) for my card.  This beautiful paper really gives the illusion of embossing ... you actually will want to run your finger over it to feel the embossing!!

A peek at the inside completes my loving thought on this card using a second cut from the Creative Scraps 'Love Mail' sheet.   A bit of distressing and sponging on the edges using Tim Holtz Tea Dye distress ink ... helps to give it that old time vintage feel.

With being able to print my own 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of design paper via these wonderful Crafty Secrets DIGITAL papers, I had plenty left over to die cut and make my flower for the front.  I've used the Cheery Lynn Designs 'Chrysanthemum'  #B311 die for the flower, Marianne 'leaves' #LR0156 cut from a scrap of green card stock and the word 'LOVE' (both inside & outside the card) is by Cheery Lynn Designs #B227.  And, of course a vintage creation requires a pearl or two ... here I've used Kaiser pearls for the flower center and as a lower corner embellishment.

A few challenges to share in:

Crafty Girls Challenge - Anything Goes
Crafty Creations Challenge - Vintage
Scrapper's Delights Challenge - Anything Goes w/Twist - handmade flower
Word Art Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

If you haven't been over to the Crafty Secrets Store lately, you are missing out on some AMAZING SALES!!!  Here's the link ... pop over RIGHT NOW!!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!
Hope you have a FABULOUS weekend!
As always . . .