Thank-you Card Featuring Vintage Graphic from FPTFY

It's been awhile since I've made a card and I've been itchin' to make one...especially because I've been checking out the "Free Pretty Things For You" blog and getting so excited over all the beautiful vintage graphics she (Keren) shares there!

So, I decided that making a card was the best and fastest way to use one of her graphics creatively and showcase it here so that those of you who may not have discovered this site yet can check it out!

(You won't be disappointed...there is so much fun to be had there!)

For this card, I chose the "Apple Cheeked Sweetheart Girl" vintage graphic which Keren featured on her site on June 4th.

You can see/download it here.

This sweet little girl just reminded me so much of the "old days" when I was growing up!

Me and my Sister wore dresses so similar to what she is wearing, especially during the Holidays like Easter and Christmas.

The basket of flowers reminded me of my Grandma's garden which was always chock full of flowers and yummy vegetables!

After I downloaded the graphic from Keren's site, I created a blank Microsoft Word Document and inserted the graphic into the document and resized it to the size I wanted to fit the card. 

(I copied it twice to the document, so I'd have an extra one in case I messed anything up!)

I printed it out on Cardstock using my Lexmark X4975 printer.

I cut out the graphic using regular and precision scissors on the detailed areas.

The window graphic/cutout with the pie was cut using my Cricut Imagine and the "Kate's Kitchen" cartridge.

I really like this cut-out, because again I was reminded of my Grandmother, who was always baking something...including pies!

Here is a photo showing what I used to create this card:

Here is a detailed list of the supplies and tools used for this project:

Apple Cheek Girl Vintage Graphic - www.FreePrettyThingsForYou.com

Georgia Pacific Image+ Cardstock, 110 wt., 8-1/2" x 11", acid free

K & Company Blank White Card, A6 (4.25"x6.25")

Provo Craft Precision Stainless Steel Scissors

Recollections Blue/Off White Polka Dot Cardstock, 1/2 lb. Asst. Printed Cardstock Pack

Essentials Grosgrain Ribbon (Blue/Green), 1/4" (#865-3537)

Provo Craft Terrifically Tacky Tape, 2-Sided, 1/4" (#24-3071)

Therm-o-Web Super Stik Permanent Glue Stick

Glue Dots, Mini, 3/16"

Pink By Design Clear Polymer Stamp, Damask

Jolee's (ek Success), All That Bling, Border Sticker Sheets, Flat Pearls, 4 pcs. (asst. colors)(#50-00200)

Studio g, Acid Free Pigment Ink, Stamp Pad, Melon Pink, (#VP0017)

Provo Craft Bone Folder

Metal Dental Tool, Flat Paddle

Studio g Clear Stamp, "Thank-You" (#VS4911 Series 14)

Inkadinkado (ek Success), Dye Ink, Pad, Black (#61-100000)

Cricut Imagine Cutout, Window w/curtains & Pie - Kate's Kitchen Imagine Cartridge (Provo Craft)

AdTech Permanent Bond Glue Runner

Scotch ATG Glue Gun

Inkadinkado (ek Success) Clear Stamp, "You're So Nice", (Spring Mini Clear Asst. #60-30378)

Therm-o-Web Zots, Clear Adhesive Dots, 3-D, 1/2"

PSA Essentials, Custom Blog Stamp, Self-Inking

So happy you stopped by!

Let me know what you think by leaving a comment if you'd like!

This project/post is linked up to the following sites/link-up parties:

Owl Thank-you Card for Peachy Keen Stamps Challenge 65

I have been trying to get this post up for awhile now and I apologize for the delay.

I have had some unplanned obstacles in my way this past week, including almost 3 days without Internet Service!

My provider couldn't even give me a straight answer about what was wrong and they kept promising it would be fixed "soon".

I finally gave up and figured they were stalling because of the Holiday.

Sure enough, come first thing Friday Morning (right after Thanksgiving was over!) my service was magically restored!

Oh well...it probably did me good to be away from the internet for awhile.

Another issue I had, is a bad allergic reaction to some medication I took last night.

Me & DH ended up in the ER, but thankfully it went fast and had a good ending!

They had to give me some Prednisone which really helped.

I was actually working on this post when it happened, my face began getting real hot and tingly and at first I thought my BP was up, then I finally went and looked in the mirror and almost screamed!
My face had swollen up and had big welts on it (hives I am assuming).

Thankfully, all the drama is over now and I can FINALLY get this project posted and in the challenge at Peachy Keen Stamps Challenge Blog!

Now on to my project for this challenge...

This challenge is a sketch with a TWIST!

Here are the requirements for the challenge:

Create a card OR layout based on the sketch & use

PAPER PIECING in your project!

Not sure how to paper piece? 

Using your stamps, stamp individual elements onto different papers and "piece" them together!

There's a great photo tutorial on SplitcoastStampers website - go take a peek, then check out the inspiration over at Peachy Keen Stamps Challenge Blog from their fabulous Design Team!!

Peachy Keen Stamps are not required for this challenge, 

but if you've got them, they would LOVE seeing how you create with them!

• Project must include basic elements and layout from the sketch (feel free to flip anything!) and the twist (Paper Piecing) 
• Project must be new, created for this challenge 
• Link up by November 28th {the collection closes at 11:59 pm Central on 11/28} 

I really love Peachy Keen Stamps, but I have to admit that at the moment I only have the faces for the Cricut Dolls and one Easter Stamp, so I didn't actually use one of their stamps for this challenge, because I had a specific person in mind when making this card and wanted to use owls, so that is why.

But I can assure you, I will be using them soon, because they are just adorable!

If you've never seen them, you gotta go check them out!

Their "Winter Friends" Bundle is so stinkin' cute! 

It's my favorite at the moment and I'm going to have to get it!

They are having a 25% off sale on most of their items right now and 35% off on their exclusive Thanksgiving Bundles through November 28th!

Here is a collage I made of how I paper pieced the Penney Black Heart/Owl Stamp on my card:

If you've never done this technique and need a good tutorial, you can go to the SplitcoastStampers tutorial that I linked above or there is another VERY Good video tutorial on YouTube by Stamped By Hand (Joanne B) that you can see here.

You can also check out Joanne's awesome blog at: www.stampedbyhand.blogspot.com

Here is a photo of the tools and supplies I used for this project:

Recipe for the card:

White Card Stock (GP Image Plus 110 weight)

Patterned Fleur de Lis (White & Lime Green) Cardstock (From stash on hand)

Dark Red/Pink Cardstock (Colorbok - Bright , 8-1/2" x 11" Non-Textured Cardstock)

Purple Card Stock (Colorbok)

Blue, Green, Pink, Lt. Green, Golden Yellow & Brown Cardstock (Various Brands from stash on hand)

Patterned Paper, Pink/White, Gingham

Patterned Paper, Purple, Damask

Grosgrain Ribbon, Lime Green, 7/8" w, (Celebrate It - By Michaels)

Stamp, "Owl Be Yours" (Penney Black, #40-045)

Stamp, "Heartfelt Thanks" (Ditto, Studio G, #IC0098)

Pearl Brads w/Silver Lined Edge, 2 ea. (Eyelet Outlet)

Copic Multi-liner Pigment Ink Pen, Size 0.1

Glitter, Blush Rose (Recollections Signature Special Extra Fine Glitter)

Gel Pen, Orange

Pigment Ink Pad, White (Studio G)

Pigment Ink Pad, Lt. Brown (Studio G)

Pigment Ink Pad, Dk. Choc. Brown, (Studio G)

Ink Pad, Hot Pink (All Night Media)

Dye Ink Pad, Black (Inkadinkado)

Stamping Block, Pink Acrylic, 4"x6" (Apple Pie Memories)

Stamping Block, Small Acrylic, 2"x2" (Not sure of brand, but think I purchased it at "Oh My Crafts")

Water Color Sponge, Natural (Royal Langnickel)

Glue Pen, (Zig Two-Way Glue, Squeeze & Roll)

Glue Dots, Mini, 3/16"

Glue Dots, 3/8"

Zots 3-D, 1/2" (Thermo Web)

Glue Tape Runner, Small (Scotch)

ATG Glue Gun (Scotch)

Zip Dry Paper Glue

Mod Podge

Tools Used:

Paper Trimmer (Fiskars)

Bone Folder (Provo Craft)

Scissors (Fiskars)

Small Detail Scissors (Cutter Bee)

Paintbrush, Size 00 (Grumbacher)

Metal Spatula Tool, Small Flat

Toothpick

Hope you enjoyed my project and if you are inspired will join in on some of the Peachy Keen Stamps Challenges!

I have also joined a link-up party at Robin's Creative Cottage and have submitted this project/card there.

Thank-you for visiting my blog!
:)

Lisa

Giveaway! Giveaway! First Digital Layout & Software Giveaway!

I am so excited today to share with you my first digital scrapbooking layout and a fun giveaway!

I have dabbled a bit in "digital" scrapbooking in the past, but could never seem to find suitable software that made it easy and yet look good.

Well, recently I was contacted by a wonderful company called "My Memories" who asked me to review their digital scrapbooking software and see how I liked it and I was really impressed!

Their software is rated #1 on Amazon for Digital Scrapbooking and it is so reasonably priced.

Here is the layout I did using their software and it took me less than 10 minutes to complete this album, which consisted of 6 pages:

This layout features my gorgeous Granddaughter "J" of course and I couldn't be happier with the results!

I used one of their included pre-made templates that came with the software and it was so simple with the "drag and drop" interface.

They have tons of templates and backgrounds to choose from, along with more you can buy or get for free on their website.

You also have the ability to start from scratch and customize your layout anyway you'd like.

You can even include music and videos into your layouts!

This software package does so much more than just scrapbook pages.
You can create calendars, posters, cards, invitations, personalized books and more!

I love that you can turn your album pages into a beautiful personalized book that can be ordered in multiple copies and shared with all your family and friends!

If you'd like to see more about this amazing software, check out their YouTube site at: http://www.youtube.com/user/MyMemoriesSuite

There are some great videos on there that really showcase everything the software can do and it's pretty impressive!

Now here is the exciting news, they have given me an extra copy of the software to giveaway for FREE to one of my loyal followers!

If you would like to be eligible to win a copy of this Digital Scrapbooking Software Program, then here are the requirements:

1. Be or become a follower on my blog.

2. Go visit the My Memories site at: http://www.mymemories.com/ and make note of your favorite template or kit, then come back here and leave a comment stating which is your favorite from the site. (Be sure to include an e-mail address or a way to get in touch with you in case you win!)

3. For a second chance entry, please "Like" their Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/MyMemories/140359372717593

4. For a third chance at winning, please follow the My Memories Blog at: http://www.mymemoriesblog.com/

5. For a fourth chance at winning, please follow My Memories on twitter at: http://twitter.com/#!/MyMemoriesSuite

(NOTE: After doing steps 3,4 and 5, make sure to leave a comment for each, saying that you completed the step...this is to make sure you get your extra entries!)

Remember to be eligible to win, you MUST do at least steps 1 and 2, all other steps are for extra entries!

This giveaway opportunity will be open through Sunday November 6th, 2011 and I will choose a winner via Random.org on Monday November 7th, 2011.

If you don't win, don't fret!

My Memories has given me a discount code and allowed me to share it with you if you decide to purchase the software:

CODE: STMMMS91285

I'm looking forward to experimenting more with this fab scrapbooking software  and sharing my results with you, so please come back again and see what I'm up to!

XOXO
Lisa

Coordinating Damask Cards

Well, I am still in the process of making Thank-you cards for all the great blog candy I won last month!

It was a lucky month for me!

Here is the latest card(s) I made:

I made these to Thank the two persons/bloggers responsible for my win: The Scrapbooking Society and Kathy's Cozie's.

I was extremely fortunate to win one of Kathy's Cricut Expression Cozy's:

Isn't it Gorgeous! (Or as they say nowadays...GORGE!)

I am just in love with it...it makes my craft area (which is my kitchen table by the way...lol!) look so much prettier and it protects my favorite toy from dust.

Kathy hand sews/quilts these and they are such fine quality!

She has an Etsy store and you have to check it out, she sells other cozies for things like iPads, Kindle's, Cuttlebugs and she also has cozies that fit the Cricut Personal Cutter, the Imagine and the Gypsy!

Scrapbooking Society had a giveaway going on that was sponsored by Kathy and I was the lucky winner!

Another interesting tidbit is...the background of the SC website is a blue and brown damask pattern and Kathy made the cozy to match!

So, I decided to make my "Thank-You" cards match also.

I took a close-up picture of the cozy design on the material and then I printed it out on an 8x10 piece of white cardstock and used it to cut the shaped cards on my Cricut Expression using the Wild Card Cartridge.

On the larger card, I cut the word "Thanks" out using the Lyrical Letters Cartridge and the oval backing from the Wild Card Cartridge.

I embossed "Thanks" to add a little shine to the card.

I inked the edges of the oval with some chocolate brown pigment ink to give it some dimension and I placed the oval on the front of the card with a pop-dot to give it depth.

I felt like the holes in the scallop shaped seemed lifeless, so I added the blue ribbon, though I wasn't sure I liked the way it laid naturally, so I glued it down and hand-tied a bow at the top.

For the smaller card I cut the scalloped shaped card from light blue card stock and lightly inked the edges and open areas of the scallop with Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Broken China).

I glued a smaller scallop cut from the damask pattern on top of the card.

The sentiment was stamped on a small piece of coordinating card stock using the chocolate brown pigment ink and adhered to the card with a pop dot for dimension.

I added a bow on this card also, though I did not hand-tie this one, as it was very small.

I used a fork to form and tie the bow!

I did not come up with this on my own...of course I googled it and found several videos on how to do it.
Click here to see one of those videos.

I later found out that you can purchase a small template/tool to do this also, I found it at Really Reasonable Ribbon and you can check it out here.

The fork worked great though...so if you don't mind having household cutlery in your crafting kit, then it will work fine!

I experimented a lot with the sizes on these, so I'm sorry, I don't remember exactly what sizes I ended up cutting, but the final cards ended up being: a little over 4" wide and 3" wide.

I decided to make envelopes for the cards also, which is my first time attempting this:

I did alright, but I scored the bigger envelope a little too hard and had to tape a small area of it.

One warning about the envelopes though...(and I should have known this, but I found out the hard way!)...the U.S. Post Office will not be pleased if you try to mail these out in strange size envelopes.

The larger card was sent back to me with postage due (I put a 44 cent stamp on it).

At first I couldn't figure it out, cuz I knew it didn't weigh too much, but it was an "odd" size, so evidently they don't like that and will charge you more!

I was smart enough to put the small card in a bigger outer envelope, because I was afraid it would get very lost in the sea of mail and I was pretty sure the USPS wouldn't like it's itty bitty size!

Okay...so hopefully I haven't rambled on so long that I have lost you...

Here is what I used to make the cards:

Supplies/Tools List:

Cricut Cartrdige: Wild Card (p.52)
Cricut Cartridge: Lyrical Letters
White Card Stock (w/Printed Pattern from Cozy Photo)
Brown Card Stock
Lt. Blue Card Stock
Craft Smart (Michaels) Pigment Ink - Chocolate Brown
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Broken China (#TIM21414)
Ranger Inkssentials Ink Blending Foam
Sponge/Foam Daubber
Ranger Inkssentials Emboss It - Clear Embossing Ink Pad
Ranger Super Fine Detail - Clear Embossing Powder
Embossing Heat Gun
Studio G Clear Stamps, Thanks so Much #VS4911
Zots Thermo-Web 3-D Clear Adhesive Dots, 1/2"
Offray Spool o' Ribbon, Lt. Baby Blue, 1/8"
Offray Spool o' Ribbon, Teal Blue/Green, 1/4"
Zig Memory System 2-way Glue, Squeeze & Roll
Beacon Adhesives, Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive

Thanks for stopping by and if you feel like it...leave a comment, I'd love to hear from you!