InkGenious

Moving On

2011-09-15T14:46:00.000-05:00

I've moved. Visit my new blog HERE.

You may have noticed I haven't been around much lately. For awhile life was just overwhelming. It isn't exactly perfect now but some big things have happened. For one, my husband finished his PhD after a really long (sometimes really tough) seven years.We have been very uncertain as to his job future and where we will end up. We still don't know. My four boys are all keeping me extremely busy and all of this got me thinking about how I need to simplify my life. So what did I decide?

I decided to start another blog (and an Etsy shop). That's making life easier, right? Well, actually it is because this new blog (mypredilections.com) is going to be my all-in-one blog. Up until now I have been trying to keep up with several different blogs (seven to be exact) and none of them was getting the attention it deserved. Now "Predilections" is going to take the place of my book blog, my photography blog and yes, Inkgenious.

It makes me a little sad and I'm not gonna lie, I am full of trepidation. I worked hard to build this blog into what it is. I have made friends and have learned and grown a lot from the experience but it is time for me to say goodbye here. Despite my concerns, I have felt really strongly that the idea to create "Predilections" was an answer to prayer. Blogging had become a chore that I just kept procrastinating and now I am excited about it all over again. I would love, love, LOVE to see you over at my new place. It is brand-spanking-new, but I think it will grow into something fun and I would love your support.

So, bottom-line is this: I'm moving on. This is probably the last post you will be seeing from me here. I just want to say thanks for all the support and love over the last few years. I wish you all the best and I hope you will come say hello to me at "Predilections".

Thanks for stopping by and take care.

Land of Nod Hack

2011-07-19T20:16:00.000-05:00

For about a year now I have had a couple of blank canvases floating around my house. I finally decided what to do with one of them. I was perusing my Land of Nod catalog and saw this piece. I thought to myself, "that wouldn't be too hard to duplicate" so I did. I started by hand cutting (freehand) all my alphabet letters out of patterned paper. For this project I used mostly Cosmo Cricket and October Afternoon papers with some Pink Paislee, Stampin' Up and The Paper Company bits thrown in. After I got my letters all cut, I painted my canvas with off white acrylic paint and let it dry. When it was dry I measured and drew vertical stripes on the canvas using a Copic Marker in a really pale blue color. I put my letters where I wanted them and tacked them down lightly with a little bit of glue stick. When I finally found my Mod Podge (which took me forever to find) I Mod Podged over the whole thing with a sponge brush to seal it. The awesome thing about this project was I didn't spend any money--I had all the materials, including the canvas, on hand. Even if you were to go out and purchase the materials though, it wouldn't come close to the $89.00 price tag for the original piece so it's a project you could feel good about. Use up scraps of paper and a little paint and glue and you have some whimsical art for your kid's room. :) It's not perfect but that's part of what I love about it.

So, what do you think? Is this something you might try or hang in your house? I'd love to know what you think. Thanks for stopping by and take care.

Happy Birthday, Doll!

2011-07-13T21:31:00.001-05:00

My sweet friend, Kitty celebrated her birthday today. She hosted a fun little get-together at her place complete with birthday cake and party favors. Kitty has a love of all things vintage (she even has an awesome vintage Etsy shop—check it out here) including pin-up girls. I thought this card would be perfect for her. It was a hit.

Simple Sympathy

2011-06-08T22:44:00.001-05:00

The hydrangeas are in bloom here. They are some of my favorite flowers.

It has been months, but I pulled out my stuff today to make a quick sympathy card. I decided it would be best to take baby steps and keep things very simple since I’m so out of practice. ;) Also, I just like simple. It fits with my lifestyle. My crafting set up is not ideal at all at the moment but I’m thinking I might do some rearranging so I can do a little more crafting. I miss it. And now that my kids are out of school for the summer I find myself craving the escape. We’ll see if I can carve out the time…

Ain’t Too Proud to Beg: I Need Your Vote

2011-03-21T21:07:00.001-05:00

I entered this “Caught Red-Handed Photo Contest” at Single Dad Laughing (my picture is called "Green Ink Attack"--currently page 3 if you go by image title but this could change. Sorry I can’t link to it directly).

The winner is determined by votes. I promise it’s worth clicking over to see my picture. You stampers will probably even be able to relate. ;)

Won't you please help me out and vote for my picture? Don’t you think I deserve a prize for putting up with this kind of stuff for the last 12 years? :D

Thanks so much!

Taking a Leave of Absence

2011-03-09T23:50:00.001-06:00

I’m branching out people. I need more positive in my life. The next month is going to be devoted to that. You are more than welcome to visit me at my personal blog for “Thirty Days of Lovely.” My efforts will be focused there for the next little while.

I hope to see you.

Spring is in the Air

2011-03-05T17:14:00.000-06:00

Did you notice my little bird’s nest in the cabinet in this post and on the table in this one here? I thought I’d share a quick step by step for you.

Form eggs our of Crayola Model Magic (or other sculpting material). Let air dry. *If you use brown like I did, make sure you keep out of reach of 3 year olds who are likely to think it is chocolate and take a bite out of one. Good thing it’s non-toxic.
After eggs have dried paint with your favorite egg-colored paint. I used FolkArt brand “Seamist” acrylic paint.
Let the paint dry. Lightly sand with an emery board if needed to remove any lumps.
Grab an old toothbrush.
Grab some brown paint.
Dip aforementioned toothbrush’s bristles into a small amount of the brown paint. Like so.
Gently run your thumb or index finger over the bristles speckling paint onto the eggs. Don’t forget to put some newsprint or other scrap paper under the eggs to catch overspray.
When the eggs are dry, display them in a real or faux nest. I had one of each so I made enough eggs for both nests.
Take pictures of your handiwork and admire your own cleverness.

Sympathy Card

2011-03-04T17:43:00.000-06:00

I haven’t given up on stamping. I still love stamp. I love making cards, but where I am right now in my life is making it more difficult than it has been in the past. Sometimes I actually long to just sit and do some therapeutic paper crafting. Unfortunately it took a friend losing a loved one for me to make it happen. This is what I came up with for a sympathy card. I was inspired by a card I saw in Paper Crafts magazine. (Jessica Witty’s Dare to Be Fabulous Card on page 17 of the February issue). It is simple but it fit the bill. Thanks for stopping by. Thanks for sticking with me. Take care.

Side Table Makeover

2011-03-03T16:22:00.001-06:00

Above--clockwise from top left: accent table; view of the top; sanded view of the top; table after sanding.

Shortly after getting married we moved into my husband’s great-grandparents house. In cleaning out the basement I came across this table. I really like the shape and design of it. After asking around to the relatives and making sure that no one wanted to claim it, we claimed it. For the last 13 years or so I have been planning on fixing it up. I finally got around to it this week. I decided to make it easy on myself so after spending a little time sanding it down, I turned to my good friend spray paint once again. This time I just used some leftover black lacquer spray paint that had been living in my shed for about a year or so. I did several light coats to avoid dripping and after letting it dry well and letting that yucky painty smell dissipate I put it back in our bedroom. Nothing fancy, but it makes a nice little bedside table.

Here’s the after:

The Difference Spray Paint Can Make

2011-02-21T22:29:00.002-06:00

I picked up this book end at the thrift store for $0.50 awhile back. As you can see it was an ugly, brassy, fake gold color with weirdly sponged patterns of darker gold speckling it. This may be some people’s style but it is not me. At all. The other day it was finally warm enough to spray paint so I pulled out my satin ivory spray paint and went to town. I didn’t have primer so I used several coats. It got a bit drippy and when I tried to sand the drips I actually liked the effect—kind of like carved wood. Much better. I love the way it looks in my china cabinet/library cabinet. What do you think? I think spray paint makes all the difference.

Linked up here:

I Mustache You to be my Valentine

2011-02-13T22:33:00.001-06:00

I woke up from a nice Sunday nap this evening and we did the yearly ritual of panicking and realizing the Valentine’s for the boys’ classes weren’t done. I saw this really cute idea at Craft Monkey, so I had decided to do my own take on those a few days ago. I had them mostly done but the boys needed to write names on them and the candy needed to be stapled on. I’m pretty happy with how they turned out. I realize it’s a little late for this year but I thought I'd share my handy work for anyone who is even later than me (or for anyone who wants to get a head start on next year). You can download a sheet with 8 Valentines here and I free-handed my mustache but I realize not everyone wants to do that so I am also offering a download of mustaches here. For anyone who isn’t as keen on puns as I am, mustache=must ask. My husband didn’t get it at first. “Since when is mustache a verb?” he asked. My 12 year old wasn’t much better. He asked why the valentine said “I must ache you to be my Valentine.” I guess the spelling of the word mustache isn’t common knowledge among most 12 year olds. Anyway, I told my boys they can explain it to their friends if they don’t get it. So, there you go. I mustache you a question: what do you think of my valentines?

Happy, happy Valentine’s Day, friends.

Be Mine Banner

2011-01-20T00:52:00.001-06:00

I’ve been having fun doing some Valentine’s Day creating. I made this little banner to hang on my mantle. I used Cosmo Cricket, October Afternoon and Stampin’ Up! paper and Cosmo Cricket chipboard letters. I attached the individual letters to some baker’s twine with tiny clothespins. I love it.

Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With Strings.

2010-12-01T23:12:00.001-06:00

A couple of weeks ago I made this ribbon tree. I put it in my china cabinet and decided it needed some presents under it so I got an idea. My husband goes on trips occasionally and when he does he brings home soap and other little things from the hotel. Like these:I recently purchased some baker’s twine from Crate and Barrel. It’s slightly ridiculous how happy it makes me to look at it and imagine all the cute things I’ll be able to do with it. So, hotel soap + baker’s twine + a little brown paper=darling little parcels. I’m thinking these are definitely a few of my favorite things today.

I think I may wrap up a few other little soaps in regular wrapping paper and put them in the guest bathroom. Fun, eh?

Additional materials used were: Martha Stewart tag punch, assorted Stampin’ Up! “love” stamps, SU! Real Red ink, Ranger Antique Linen distress ink.

Thanks for stopping by. Happy December!

Christmas Subway Art

2010-11-28T08:09:00.001-06:00

As promised here is the first of my Christmas subway art creations. This one tends toward the more spiritual side of the holiday but I have a fun one in the works too because although we know and stress the true meaning of Christmas with our children, all those fun things are welcome too.One of my very favorite quotes about Christmas comes from Jeffrey R. Holland:

"At the focal point of all human history, a point illuminated by a new star in the heavens revealed for just such a purpose, probably no other mortal watched--none but a poor young carpenter, a beautiful virgin mother, and silent stabled animals who had not the power to utter the sacredness they had seen. Shepherds would soon arrive and later, wise men from the East. Later yet the memory of that night would bring Santa Claus and Frosty and Rudolph--and all would be welcome. But first and forever there was just a little family, without toys or trees or tinsel. With a baby--that's how Christmas began."

Please feel free to download either of these creations for your personal use. As with the other printable I did these are in an 8x10 format. You can view the full size image by clicking on this one and then right click to save. I did both a red and a green version so take your pick. I'd love to know if you decided to use this in your holiday decorating so drop me a link if you post a picture or a quick note telling me what you think. Enjoy!

Come What May and Love It

2010-11-27T11:59:00.000-06:00

I have been playing around trying to figure out how to use GIMP. It's a great open source photo-shop type tool. I've also been seeing "Keep Calm and Carry On" signs and parodies all over the place lately. When I woke up this morning I had the idea to make my own version using Joseph B. Wirthlin's well-loved phrase from this talk (and my personal mantra of the moment). The image is 8x10 so it could be easily printed on your home printer or at your favorite photo place (I'm partial to CVS). Feel free to download it for your personal use as my humble gift to you. If you decide to use it I'd love to see a picture of what you do with it.
I also have some Christmas subway art that I've been working on so I'll post that in the next couple of days too. It's amazing what kind of fun stuff you can get done when you throw your back out and have a bunch of down time. I am doing much better now though--I can actually walk--upright, even. :D

Ruffled Ribbon Tree

2010-11-17T22:39:00.001-06:00

When I saw the ribbon tree on the blog “Shanty 2 Chic” I knew I had to try one. I ruffled the ribbon myself by sewing along one edge with a basting stitch and then pulling the bottom thread to create the ruffled effect. I looked into buying a ruffle foot for the sewing machine as Whitney advocated but it was in the neighborhood of $80. Eighty smackers?! No thank you. I will be content to pull the thread and create my own ruffles even if they are not perfect and they take a little extra time. I have another Styrofoam cone so I think I may try my own take on one of these next time. Anyway, I love how it turned out. I hope you do too. :)

Baby Pea

2010-11-17T00:41:00.001-06:00

I went to a baby shower tonight. It was nice. I needed the break. I made this card for the occasion using one of my all time favorite baby stamps from Lockhart stamps. The sweet pea never fails to delight and you can’t go wrong with October Afternoon paper either. I used the layout from the baby card by the talented Nicole Heady, found in this post here, as my starting point and went from there. I was pleased with how it turned out. Incidentally I don’t know why the button appears blue. In real life it is the exact shade as the darker green on the pea pod. Go figure. Thanks for taking a minute to stop by. Take care.

‘Shrooms and Glitter!

2010-11-13T00:00:00.001-06:00

My cute, free mushrooms from Meyer Imports arrived today (Wow! That was fast). Are they not the most adorable little things ever!? They come wired on the bottom so they were really easy to just stick in this moss. I am in love. They are really nice, quality pieces and could be used for a variety of projects. They are made of plaster and spun cotton and actually look kind of realistic (even my kids commented that they looked “real”)but at the same time they have a real vintage charm. There were several in the package in both red and brown with white spots. I am a nature girl so I can see myself finding a lot of uses for these little gems.

I also got some of the pretty German glass glitter from Meyer Imports. It comes in darling little glass bottles with cork stoppers. I cannot wait to try this stuff but in the meantime it is just so pretty to look at that i don’t mind the tiny bottles just adorning the shelf in my room for a few days until I get some crafty time. I’m thinking I will maybe try adding a little sparkle to the headbands I am making my nieces for Christmas. I’ll keep you posted. What would you glitterify?

Clean. Simple. Modern.

2010-11-09T20:42:00.001-06:00

A card! It took some doing but I actually made a card tonight. The simplicity belies the time it took to make. I really need to get organized I spent a lot of time looking for certain craft supplies in my recently-rearranged-and-not-quite-organized-yet space. Anyway, I love this. The silver paper has a subtle sheen that makes it really pretty in real life. And it’s pretty flat so it would be easy to mail.

Materials: Real Red card stock (SU!), Martha Stewart cardinal punch, Stampin’ Up! sentiment, Zva bling and “Sleigh Bells Ring” patterned paper by American Crafts.

Thanks for visiting.

Vintage Mushroom Offer from Meyer Imports

2010-11-07T21:53:00.001-06:00

(Photo courtesy “Everything Glittery” the Meyer Imports Blog)

How cute are these little vintage mushrooms!? Meyer Imports is giving these away right now with every order. Here’s what they say on their blog:

“Every order gets a Free sample set of Vintage Spun Cotton and Plaster Mushrooms! And, in fact, you do not even need to order them to win! Here's how it works:
For every order we get during the month of November, we will add a free Sample Kit of our Vintage Mushrooms with the other items you ordered. Just for you to play with and have fun! We just want everyone to know we are more than just great Glass Glitter!”

They also have a special offer for bloggers so go check them out. And yes, they do have beautiful glitter too. :)

Felt Flower Headband

2010-11-05T20:33:00.001-05:00

I have been so busy. I have my Christmas cards put together and now I am starting on my Christmas presents. Last week I came across this felt flower tutorial on “I Am Momma, Hear Me Roar”. I loved it. I decided I needed to make hair accessories for my little nieces for Christmas (kind of like the ones my friend Misty makes). This was my very first attempt. Not bad.

Here I am modeling it. I’m still getting used to my short hair. I cut 11 inches off last week and donated it to Locks of Love. Here it is looking all sassy.

I hope those of you that are still reading don’t mind too much that I haven’t stamped much lately. I’d love to get a few minutes to do a card or two soon. We’ll see how it goes…

Before and After

2010-10-16T22:29:00.001-05:00

Before. Cute, right? I really like Mary Engelbreit, but it’s a bit dated. I didn’t care for the gold frame and it didn’t really go with my decor. Also, I wasn’t sure how much I wanted a picture declaring the dysfunctionality of our family hanging in my house—no matter how cute.

After (below). I found some cool WPA posters from the 30s and 40s on the Library of Congress website. I really liked this one. The colors went with another project I just did (scroll down to see it) and it’s a fun one for autumn. I printed the poster on lightweight photo paper, trimmed it, sponged the edges with Ranger Antique Linen distress ink, mounted it on black card stock and put back in the original frame which I spray painted black with some leftover black lacquer spray paint that’s been living in our shed. Viola! Graphic vintage goodness that didn’t cost me a cent.

Before. Last week I went treasure hunting with my friend, Kitty (check out her blog and her Etsy store—fabulous vintage treasures) and found this window. I had the idea to buy a window to hang in my boys’ room since that room attaches to the townhouse next door and doesn’t have any windows. I was just going to paint it and hang it on the wall but then I had another idea…

Since I’m indecisive and don’t know exactly what I want to do with this permanently yet I decided to fill it with some Cosmo Cricket “Little Man” paper in the meantime. The orange in the papers tied in perfectly with the color of the frame so I didn’t even need to paint it yet. I added some of the quirky sayings from the strip tease sheet in the pack for a little added interest. My favorite one? “Never do anything that you wouldn’t want to explain to the paramedics.”

Have you found any treasures lately? Made over any projects? I can’t wait to find something else to gussy up. Thanks for dropping in. Take care!

Halloween Bunting

2010-10-07T23:41:00.001-05:00

I have been so busy lately and I find myself just wanting to fall in bed at the end of the day. I was seriously jonesing for some craft time though so after the kiddos were in bed I created this cute banner. I’m officially on the banner bandwagon. I love ‘em. I think they are so fun and have kind of a vintage charm. I thought a Halloween one would add to the holiday decor that we dug out of the attic yesterday. What do you think?

I used Pink Paislee, MME, and Glitz papers and Making Memories chipboard letters that I painted with acrylic paint.

Take care!

Rock-a-Bye

2010-09-27T00:52:00.001-05:00

It seems like I have a lot of friends having babies lately. I went to a baby shower on Saturday and I’m helping to give a baby shower on Tuesday. I made this for my friend who is having a girl. I love the sweet vintage charm of it.

Thanks for visiting. Take care!

A Digital Invitation

2010-09-20T14:49:00.001-05:00

Still super busy. Not much time for fun. I created this invite for a baby shower I am helping to host using a program called GIMP. It is a free download with a lot of Photoshop type capabilities. I miss Photoshop (which I lost when my computer crashed). I miss it big time. But after several hours of fiddling around I am starting to figure this program out as well.

Elements used were freebies from The Shabby Princess and Digital Design Essentials, free font downloads from DaFont.com and ScrapVillage and a little accent I created myself from a vintage biplane illustration. It loses some of the cuteness when you have to blank out sections for privacy’s sake but you get the general idea, right? Enjoy.

Focal Flower

2010-09-16T20:07:00.001-05:00

Just a simple little card I made a couple of months ago and never got posted. The stamps are from Lizzie Anne Designs.

Banner Birthday

2010-09-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

I had to jump on the banner bandwagon and try a simple card with this colorful little piece of trendiness. Have a banner day!

I’m Back

2010-09-06T21:59:00.001-05:00

After a long hiatus I am back. I’m not going to make any promises about posting every day or anything because my four boys are keeping me really busy these days. I will try to get stuff posted a couple of times a week though. I am out of practice and although I’ve been seriously itching to stamp lately I don’t feel very inspired. Please be patient with me as I get back in the swing of things. To start things off here’s a simple birthday card that I made for my neighbor for her birthday. I love the October Afternoon paper. My coloring skills need work but that’s okay. I hope you like it. Take care.

Na Na Na Na Hey Hey Hey Goodbye!

2010-06-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today’s our final Jacksonbelle Embellishments challenge. The store will be closing it’s doors tomorrow. There’s still time to hurry over and pick up a few things before it’s too late. For my final Jacksonbelle card today I have a simple tribute to friendship card in honor of the friends I’ve made during my time as a member of the Jacksonbelle Design Team. I have been so inspired by these amazing women.

I used Crate paper rub-ons, October Afternoon paper and a little Zva bling. Everything is still 75% off! Go check out what the rest of the design team has for their final Jbelle posts.

I’m actually out of town right now. I scheduled this post before I left. I will be taking all of July off from posting to this blog but will be back when my kids are back in school in August. Enjoy your summer! Take care!

It’s the Final Countdown

2010-06-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

Next week will be the last Jacksonbelle Tuesday post. Today everything in the store has gone up to 75% off. Things are clearing out quickly so hurry and head on over. We are still highlighting favorite products this week and next. I made this card a few weeks ago for on of my boys teachers. I know most people are out of school by now but there are still a few out there that have another week or so. Anyway, I used MFT Pure Innocence stamps, October Afternoon Paper, Cosmo Cricket button and ribbon. For more samples check out the blog and these other blogs:

Windy Robinson

Cheers!

Enjoy the Ride

2010-06-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

Our month long favorite things feature for Jacksonbelle Embellishments continues today.I made this card for my son’s bus driver (bus trip 15). I just love this cute Cosmo Cricket Joy Ride paper and have been looking for any excuse to use it. You can get a hold of some for 50% off right now at Jacksonbelle Embellishments. I kept it simple and just used a Provo Craft Cuttlebug (also 50% off) die and some Thickers chipboard stickers for my focal point. Check out more inspiration on the blog and on the design teamers’ blogs:

Windy Robinson

Don’t forget—the whole store is now 50% off!

Take care!

Yum

2010-06-08T00:00:00.001-05:00

The month long parade of our favorite Jacksonbelle Embellishments products continues today. Doesn’t this cupcake look good enough to eat—homemade chocolate frosting and all?! I colored the cupcake with copic markers and paper pieced the cupcake paper (pretty much my favorite thing to do with this set). This card features October Afternoon paper, Inkadinkado stamp, Cosmo Cricket button and ribbon. You can check out the blog for more samples and make sure you check out the store because in case you haven’t heard, everything is 40% off because sadly, the Jacksonbelle Embellishments store is closing. Things are getting snatched up quickly but there is lots of great stuff still in stock so make your way on over and do a little shopping. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the design team's blogs:

Windy Robinson
Take care!

Bus Driver Gift

2010-06-06T22:57:00.001-05:00

When the end of the school year rolled around I wanted to do some small thing for the bus driver to thank him for getting my son home safely from kindergarten every day for the last school year. I didn’t have a big budget for any of the teachers but I wanted some small token of appreciation besides just a card. I was thinking about it and I got the idea to wrap one of those huge Hershey bars to look like a school bus. I have never seen this before so as far as I know it is my own original idea and I loved how it turned out. To quote Peter Pan “Oh the cleverness of me!”

I wrote a short thank you note on the back and let my son hand it to him before getting off the bus for the last time. He seemed genuinely pleased to be remembered.

Feel free to use my idea and modify it to fit your own needs but since this is my idea (which I am pretty dang proud of) please link back here and give credit if you post your creation online. I’d love to see a link of your take on it if you decide it’s something you want to duplicate.

I don’t have any precise measurements or anything to share with you but I can give you a general idea of how to make it although I think it’s pretty self-explanatory. I used a piece of Summer Sun card stock which I measured and scored to wrap around the candy bar snuggly. I rounded the top corners and secured it with red liner tape. I made the four small windows and larger driver’s seat window by cutting out little rectangles and rounding the corners and then drawing lines with a ruler and reflection marks with a light blue copic marker. The wheels are simply punched circles of gray layered on black. The bus information was stamped using Karen Foster snap stamps but with planning you could print it out using your printer ahead of time. The stop sign was made using a homemade octagon pattern and a white gel pen. It’s simple but cute. My two year old can recognize it as a school bus so I guess it suits the purpose.

Cheers!

Sad News

2010-06-03T19:51:00.001-05:00

After more than 5 years Jacksonbelle Embellishments is officially closing. Yep, so sad, but true. EVERYTHING in the store is 30% off and must go. Head on over to get the best selection of merchandise and to take advantage of the close-out prices.

Teacher, You Make the Grade

2010-06-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

School’s out for the summer here. I made a couple of cards for my boys’ teachers using some of my favorite stuff from Jacksonbelle Embellishments. All month long we are just showing off our favorite stuff each Tuesday. You can check out challenge info and more samples at the Jacksonbelle Embellishments blog. There’s plenty of inspiration on these blogs as well:

On my card I used new October Afternoon papers, MFT Pure Innocence “You Make the Grade” stamp set, Cosmo Cricket Early Bird paper, a Cosmo Cricket button, SU!’s spiral punch and Copic Markers. I stamped the “A+” with craft ink on the chalk board and heat embossed it to make it really stand out. All the edges are lightly inked with Ranger distress inks. I absolutely loved the way this card turned out. I am new to the whole Copic marker thing and I only have a few colors and don’t really know what I’m doing yet when it comes to coloring , but they are oh so lovely. I hope you like it! Thanks for stopping by and take care.

Black + Neutral + One Color=Fabulous

2010-05-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to another Jacksonbelle Tuesday challenge. Today we are adding bits of black. Use one neutral, black and one other color. Think weddings, graduation, etc. My neutral is white and my one other color is ballet pink. I made this as a wedding card for the sister of one of my bffs. These were the colors she used as her wedding colors so I figured I couldn’t go wrong with them. I used Pink Paislee Bayberry Cottage patterned paper, Zva rhinestones from the Zva Crystal wheel, ribbon and a stamp from Stampendous. I colored with copics and added just a touch of sparkle with glitter pen. This is an easy one so come play along! You can link up your creations at the store blog. Need more inspiration? Check out these amazing ladies :

Take care!

An Origin-al Birthday Card

2010-05-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today’s Jacksonbelle Embellishments challenge is a sketch. We’d love for you to play along. Check out the details on the store blog. I used Basic Grey Origins paper (thus my punny title) and stitched brad, Crate Paper rub-on for the sentiment, Prima stamp and ribbon.

Check out more inspiration here:

Take care!

Clean and Simple

2010-05-11T01:08:00.001-05:00

Today the Jacksonbelle Embellishments team members are bringing you some clean and simple inspiration. Play along with us! You can view the details on the store blog and more samples to inspire you here:

I used October Afternoon patterned paper, Cosmo cricket button, ribbon and pop dots from the store. Bon appétit!

Happy Mother’s Day

2010-05-07T17:47:00.001-05:00

In honor of Mother’s Day, Jacksonbelle Embellishments is having a sale now through the end of the weekend. Everything is currently 30% off! Enjoy!

Here’s a card I made for Mother’s Day. Too bad I stink about getting things mailed on time. Maybe you’ll get this next year Mom.

This card uses Cosmo Cricket Material Girl which is now back in stock and Cosmo Cricket buttons. Cheers to all the moms out there!

Cake and Presents

2010-05-04T00:32:00.001-05:00

Today’s Jacksonbelle Tuesday challenge was to get inspired by Heather’s wedding cake. I took my colors from the colors on the cake and added a healthy dose of white. What goes better with cake than presents? I used this Rachelle Ann Miller presents stamp from Stampavie. Love it. My new October Afternoon paper was a perfect fit as well. I finished it off with ribbon and a Cosmo Cricket button. Come play along with us. Details are on the store blog and there’s plenty more inspiration here:

Take care!

SALE!!

2010-04-30T23:59:00.001-05:00

Jacksonbelle Embellishments is having a sale: 25% off store wide sale this weekend for National Scrapbook Day. Going on now through Sunday. What are you waiting for? ;)

Faith, Hope and Chair-ity

2010-04-30T14:18:00.001-05:00

I know, I know—You are thinking “Again with the puns?” Right? I just can’t help myself. Any way I was excited to see the newest Moxie Fab World challenge: Three Cheers for Chairs. The wheels immediately began turning. I just got my hands on this awesome new October Afternoon paper and I couldn’t wait to use it. The chair is a doodlebat from a set I have called DB Vintage. I printed it out on regular vanilla cardstock then printed it again on patterned paper from the Fly A Kite collection from October Afternoon and paper pieced it. I sponged some of the edges to add a little depth. I used this gorgeous yellow paper from OA’s Thrift Shop collection because it reminded me of fancy wallpaper that you might find in a parlor or sitting room. I added some gorgeous satin ribbon and little Zva pearl accents and a stamped sentiment and viola. I think someone with chair-ish this card. ;) Isn’t it precious? Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Deer Baby

2010-04-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today’s Jacksonbelle Embellishments challenge (JBE103) is to make a card with a kraft base. I had a baby shower to go to this past weekend so I made this card for that occasion. We’d love for you to play along. Visit the store blog for details. I used this sweet deer stamp from the October Afternoon detours collection. There is some new OA in the store right now that I had been wishing for. Lucky for me I got in an order before it all got snatched up. If you hurry you might be able to score some too. The paper is MME that I embossed with my cuttlebug and a piece of Cosmo Cricket Honey Pie. I added some delicious ribbon and sweet little Basic Grey buttons. I hope you like it. Be sure to check out the rest of the design team’s blogs for more inspiration:

Take care!

Whee!

2010-04-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hey there. Welcome to today’s Jacksonbelle Tuesday challenge post. Today we had a fun assignment to create a card using our favorite Jacksonbelle Embellishments product. Just one? That was where the challenge came in for me. I decided that I have too many favorites in the store to use just one favorite so I used a bunch of them. I used Cosmo Cricket paper and buttons, May Arts Ribbon, and this adorable Pure Innocence image from MFT. I really like how it came together. Speaking of favorite stuff—the new Basic Grey collections, Cappella and Max and Whiskers are available for preorder in the store and should be in stock soon. You are going to want to get your hands on some of that!!

So, want to play along with our challenge? Check out the store blog here for challenge deets or to link up your card; keyword is JBE102. Let’s go check out the rest of the design teams projects, shall we?":

On a side note, I am celebrating the 5 anniversary of my 29th birthday tomorrow (heehee). That’s my 34th birthday for those of you who are bad at math (Hey, I’m not judging. I’ve always been bad at math). So, what kind of cake do you think I should make myself?

Thanks for dropping by. Take care!

Awww Nuts…

2010-04-18T00:36:00.001-05:00

I’m thinking that since I stink at getting cards mailed out on time this will make a great belated birthday card for someone. :) I made this for the current Moxie Fab World Get Sketchy Challenge.

Here’s the sketch. Fun, eh? I had a fun time going all out with my robot theme here. I used Cosmo Cricket Cogsmo paper and my main images are just cut out from that paper. The speech bubble is from Cosmo Cricket as well. I had some screw/bolt brads from Making Memories that I’ve had in my stash forever so I thought those would go well. I pulled out my old dymo labeler for the sentiment. You have to read it in a mechanical voice to get the full effect. ;) The darker blue border is cut with scalloped scissors but I used them upside down to kind of created a gear-type look. I hope you have as much fun looking at it as I had making it. Thanks for the visit. Take care!

Tax Season is Upon Us

2010-04-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

Lucky for me we’ve already filed and received our return, thus my thank you card paying homage to the government for refunding quite a bit more than we thought we’d get. ;) Today the Jacksonbelle Embellishments team members are making cards inspired by taxes (if taxes can be called inspiring). Mine is green—the color of money. :) Are your taxes done? If so, then you should have some time to play along with us. The deets are on the store blog and the keyword for uploading is JBE101. Want to go check out some more fabulous inspiration? Here you go:

Here’s what I used on my card: Pink Paislee Bayberry Cottage (more in stock soon!), Prima swirls, May Arts ribbon, corner rounder, vintage button from my button jar. I also used the sketch from Clean & Simple Stamping (FTL85). Thanks for stopping by. Good luck with those taxes. ;)

Getting Sketchy

2010-04-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today is the 100th Jacksonbelle Embellishments challenge! We would love to have you play along with us using this great sketch.

I actually didn’t like my card at all at first but when I walked away and came back later I decided it isn’t that bad. It’s kind of weird because I loved all the individual elements but I didn’t love how they came together. I’m blaming it on the heat wave we’re having here (almost 90 today—yeesh). Apparently my mojo would rather be swimming. ;D

I love this adorable stamp from Stampavie. I also used Cosmo Cricket and Basic Grey buttons, Ribbon, Pop dots and this fantastic Cosmo Cricket Early Bird paper. Love my schtuff! ;) We would love for you to play along with us. Use keyword JBE100 if you upload to your online gallery or leave us a link at the store blog. You are sure to find lots of amazing inspiration on the Rock Star blogs to boost your creativity:

Windy Robinson

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

1-2-3

2010-03-30T00:55:00.001-05:00

Today’s Jacksonbelle Embellishments challenge: 1 black thing, two punches, three round accents (no limit on layers). I used 1 piece of black polka dotted paper from Pink Paislee (Queen Bee), Martha Stewart butterfly punch and ticket corner punch (that’s 2) and 3 Zva pearls on the butterfly’s body. I supposed the individual rhinestones on the Zva swirl could be counted as round accents if one was being really picky but I’m looking at that more as a whole shape. No limit on layers so I also used some gorgeous Pink Paislee 365 Degrees paper. Love that stuff! I had to add the ribbon to mask a crooked edge. ;) This is a wedding card for a friend who got married in February (I’m always behind). Now that I’ve made it, I can mail it! Want to play along with us? Check out the Jacksonbelle blog for challenge details and to upload your card. Let’s go see what the other rock stars came up with:

Don’t forget about the spring sale going on either. You can get 25% off everything storewide! Awesome! Take care!

Easter Chick

2010-03-23T10:10:00.001-05:00

I don’t know about you but I’m an Easter chick. I love Easter—best candy out of all the holidays for one thing. ;) Today the Jacksonbelle Embellishments team is celebrating Easter and the arrival of spring with some Easter themed cards. Here’s mine. I used Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety paper and button, stitched ribbon, pop dots for dimension, scalloped scissors and this adorable image from Elzybells. I colored it with my SU! markers and used this sketch from 2Sketches4You as my layout. Want to play along? Use keyword JBE098 and check out the store blog for details. I wonder what the other ladies have created. Let’s go find out:

Windy Robinson

P.S. There is all kinds of new and fabulous product in stock. Have you seen Prima’s offerings lately? Holy cow! Gorgeous. Lots of Zva, Basic Grey and Stampavie as well.

Thanks for stopping by. Take care!

A Few of My Favorite Things

2010-03-15T23:42:00.001-05:00

Today the Jacksonbelle Embellishments team is showing off some of our favorite new stuff (and in my case some of my favorite old stuff too). Do you have some new goodies? We’d love for you to play along with us. Check out the challenge on the store blog and come play along. I went a little crazy with the paper piecing here. It started with me wanting to give the little girl striped tights then it just kinda escalated from there. A few of my favorite things that I used today are: New Pink Paislee papers, Cosmo Cricket Earth Love paper, Cosmo Cricket Materian Girl paper, Pure Innocence stamp (MFT) and Cosmo Cricket button. I wonder what the other design team members are loving these days. Let’s find out:

Windy Robinson

Also I just wanted to let you know that Lindsey has new Prima in stock! Wowee—it is gorgeous. Lots of fun new stuff in the store and more coming soon. Don’t worry because some of the great new products that sold out are already reordered so keep your eyes open!

Thanks for stopping by. Take care!

SmiLe.

2010-03-09T00:00:00.000-06:00

Today the Jacksonbelle Embellishments team has a sketch for you. Check out the challenge on the store blog and come play along with us. The keyword is JBE096. I used My Mind’s Eye paper and MFT Monsters Ink stamps. The buttons are from Cosmo Cricket. I don’t know about you but I can’t wait to check out what the other rockstars have made:

Windy Robinson

Now I need to get back to taking care of my sick kiddos. Boy this winter has been rough—good thing spring is almost here. At least it’s almost here in the South. I’ve been seeing more and more daffodils lately. That’s a good sign. Take care!

P.S. You need to go check out all the fabulous new stuff at Jacksonbelle Embellishments. I am particularly fond of the new Pink Paislee and Basic Grey!

A Tweet Note

2010-03-02T00:00:00.000-06:00

Today’s Jacksonbelle Tuesday challenge is to make a card with blue, white and brown. My card has a couple other colors too but no one ever said we couldn’t use other colors too so I think it’s okay. Don’t you? In case I haven’t mentioned it before—I freakin’ love Cosmo Cricket. This cute paper was just begging to be used so I obliged. I stamped my flower on a little scrap of cute Jenni Bowlin paper and sponged away. Go check out the challenge on the store blog and make sure you check out all the totally rad samples from the design team:

Also, I wanted to let y’all know that right now Imaginisce, Pink Paislee, Stampavie (Not the new pre order) and Jenni Bowlin are 30% off. Code JBEEMAIL will get anyone 10% off their entire order. Basic Grey is on pre-order as well. Have fun shopping!
Here’s what I used on my card today: Cosmo Cricket, Earth Love and Nutmeg papers, Jenni Bowlin brown paper, Basic Grey button, Pop dot, twine, scallop scissors, sponge, corner rounder.
Thanks for coming! Take care.

X’s and O’s

2010-02-27T12:04:00.001-06:00

When I saw the current Moxie Fab World “Fun with Floss” challenge to use embroidery floss I knew I wanted to give it a shot. I immediately thought of cross stitching and that led me to the idea of stitched x’s. It just kind of evolved from there. I started by scoring my tic tac toe board, rounding the corners and sponging the edges with tea dye distress ink. Then I drew my x’s and used a paper piercer to create holes for the floss. I stitched the x’s (kisses) then added Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety button o’s (hugs), a stitched ribbon bow, some awesome Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety patterned paper and a stamped sentiment with another row of embroidery floss stitching. That’s pretty much it. This card makes me happy because of the fun colors and the buttons. I hope you like it too! Take care.

Hip Hip Hooray

2010-02-26T21:05:00.001-06:00

Here’s a fun little card featuring the new Making Memories Flutter paper in stock now at Jacksonbelle Embellishments. This paper is absolutely gorgeous and even more so in real life with it’s foil accents and beautiful springy colors. Check it out!

While you’re there you might want to check out the new MFT, Zva and Stampavie (Preorder). Cosmo Cricket is back in stock. And all Jenni Bowlin and the older Stampavie stamps are 30% off right now. Happy shopping!!

Wishing for Spring

2010-02-23T00:00:00.000-06:00

Today’s Jacksonbelle Embellishments challenge to make a card with flowers has me wishing for spring. Fortunately for me I live in the southeast and spring is closer than you might thing. I saw a bush bursting with pink blossoms on the way to pick up the kids from school today. While I adore pink, I decided to feature blue on my card today—mainly because I wanted to use some of my Cosmo Cricket Material Girl paper. Make sure you check out more fantastic samples here:

You can also view the challenge at the Jacksonbelle Embellishments blog. Make sure you check out the store too. Lindsey has 5 new My Favorite Things images in stock and the new Making Memories Flutter paper is to die for. I’m hoping to get a chance this week to make a card with it so stay tuned for that.

Here’s what I used on today’s card: Cosmo Cricket Material Girl paper, Basic Grey button, Zva pearls, May Arts ribbon, Cuttlebug border embossing folder, Autumn Leaves stamp,The Paper Studio chocolate brown chipboard letters and pop dots for dimension. Card stock is kraft, chocolate brown and off white.

Also, I got my layout from the Clean and Simple Stamping blog. I love this blog and go there often for inspiration when I’m not sure what to do with my layout. I used Fall-to Layout 78 for this card. Thanks for stopping by. Take care!

Sweet Pea Joy Fold

2010-02-16T00:00:00.000-06:00

Today’s Jacksonbelle Tuesday challenge is to use a new fold or one you haven’t tried before (check out the challenge on the blog). There are tons of ideas here. I know it’s been around awhile, but I had never made a card using the “joy fold” before. It is super simple and I thought a gift card would fit just perfectly inside. I used Cosmo Cricket “Garden Variety” patterned paper and button, Robin’s Nest Dew Drops, Ribbon and the Martha Stewart loop edge punch. The image is from Lockhart Stamps. I’m sure there are all kinds of fun cards posted on the design team’s blogs:

And some fun shopping news for you: MFT stamps are in stock with more shipping soon! Also, the new Stampavie are in the preorder section of the store now AND Cosmo Cricket is back in stock! Happy shopping. Take care.

Cheery Birthday Wishes

2010-02-09T00:00:00.000-06:00

Jacksonbelle Tuesday! Today’s challenge is to make a card inspired by things you love. This was actually kind of hard for me. My problem is that there are too many things I love. It was hard to narrow it down so in the end I just went with some design related things I love because that was easiest—polka dots, stripes, flowers (stamp from Imaginisce), vibrant colors (green in particular), buttons, twine, ribbon, sewing and Cosmo Cricket. That’s it. Check out the challenge on the Jbelle blog. I’m sure the other design team ladies have some awesome samples so go check ‘em out!

Oh and for the record, I could easily name 100 but here are just 10 things I love:

God
My family
My friends
My country
Good books
Looking at the stars
Trees
Naps
Traveling
Having a dishwasher ;)

Take care!

Hey Jenni

2010-01-28T12:12:00.000-06:00

This week the Jacksonbelle Embellishments team members are featuring Jenni Bowlin products over at the Jacksonbelle Embellishments blog. I put together this quick little card just for fun. I made the paper covered brad myself using a covered button kit and a little scrap of Jenni paper from the Brown collection. The star paper is from the Farmer’s Wife collection. I hope you enjoy! Take care!

Love Notes

2010-01-26T00:00:00.003-06:00

Last Tuesday I gave you love letters. This week you are getting love notes. :) The Jacksonbelle Embellishments team has a fun challenge for you today. We are making cards with unconventional patterned paper. So, do you have some Halloween paper you want to use up? Make a masculine birthday card with it. Not ready to put the Christmas paper away just yet? How about some thank you cards? I really love the Cosmo Cricket Jolly By Golly paper. It is so fun and whimsical I was happy to have an excuse to use it even though Christmas is over. I decided to make a Valentine card. Since I never got my Christmas cards sent out this year I’ve been considering sending out Valentines to those on my list so I need to start building up my stash right now! I will be working on them daily so I guess that makes a Valentines card an every day card for me, right? ;) Do you want to play along? We’d love to see your creations (keyword JBE090). Feel free to leave us a link on the Jacksonbelle Embellishments blog. I can't wait to see what the other designers have come up with. Check out their blogs below:

Here’s what I used on my card: Cosmo Cricket Jolly By Golly patterned paper, Pink Paislee Cupid post cards, Basic Grey button, ribbon, Cuttlebug embossing folder, pop dots.
Thank you for stopping by. Take care.

Love Letters

2010-01-19T00:00:00.005-06:00

Today the Jacksonbelle Embellishments gals are bringing you Valentine themed cards. I adore this Stampavie image from Rachelle Anne Miller’s collection. Isn’t it just the sweetest? I paired it with Pink Paislee Cupid Hearts Bloom patterned paper and Imaginisce brads. A little ribbon and a sweet sentiment and voilà!—the perfect love letter! Will you be our Valentine? We’d love to see your creations (keyword JBE089). Feel free to leave us a link on the Jacksonbelle Embellishments blog. Need some more lovely inspiration? Check out the Rock Stars’ blogs and prepare to be amazed. :)

Thank you for stopping by. I {heart} my blog readers! Take care.
*NOW THROUGH THURSDAY FREE SHIPPING ON ALL JACKSONBELLE EMBELLISHMENTS ORDERS. USE CODE FREEJB AT CHECKOUT!*

Blingy Birds

2010-01-12T00:00:00.001-06:00

Today the Jacksonbelle Embellishments Rock Stars are “blinging in the New Year.” If you want to join along and pimp out your card or project with some bedazzling just leave us a link for your creation or upload it to your online gallery using keyword JBE088. Feel free to check out the challenge deets and more great samples at the Jacksonbelle Embellishments blog and don’t forget to check out the other designers’ blogs as well.

I used some bling from the Zva Crystal Wheel on the birds’ wings and on the corners of the image panel and some large rhinestones like these or these along the scalloped border at the bottom. My red pattered paper is from the Basic Grey June Bug collection and the sage-y color is from My Mind’s Eye. The birds are Glitz chipboard, rub-on is from Stampin’ Up! and the puffy heart sticker is from K&Co. The main image panel is popped up for dimension. I hope you like it. Thanks for stopping by!

Hoppy New Year

2010-01-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

I’m sorry. I know y’all are groaning over my bad (not to mention unoriginal) pun but I just can’t resist a pun in any form. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas (or Hanukkah, or Kwanza ;)) and a fabulous new year! I’m back, but my camera is still in Florida. Lucky for me I was able to borrow one so I could participate in the Jacksonbelle Embellishments blog hop today.

We are so excited to introduce the new design team members so each of the “old girls” is taking a turn introducing one of the noobs. You should have made your way here from my fabulous friend Amy Tsuruta’s blog. (If not go here to the Jacksonbelle Embellishments blog and start at the beginning. You are going to want to leave a comment on every blog since there’s a little blog candy hiding somewhere along the way). Now you are going to make your way to Stephanie’s blog.

Stephanie Severin is a credit analyst by day but a paper crafting crusader by night. In addition to designing for Jacksonbelle Embellishments she hosts the Splitcoast Stampers Inspiration Challenge on Saturdays & volunteers as a Chemo Angel. She says, “I am inspired by architecture, magazine advertisements, store window displays, product packaging … anything that combines color and form. I love sushi, driving with my windows down, laughing until my stomach hurts, planning trips, Sonic Diet Vanilla Dr. Pepper, and lip balm. I can't imagine creating with out ColorBox Chalk inks, my Tonic 12" guillotine cutter, my 3M tape gun, and my Teflon bone folder.” Head on over to her blog “Ingenious Inkling” and give her a warm welcome.

Make sure you play along with the sketch challenge too. We’d love to see what you do with it. You can leave us a link on the Jacksonbelle Embellishments blog with your creation or upload it to your online gallery using keyword JBE087.

Please forgive the less than perfect photography. It’s tricky figuring out how to use an unfamiliar camera. The papers and button are a perfect match in real life but the camera didn’t want to cooperate. Here’s the stuff I used on my card: Pink Paislee patterned paper from the Cupid collection, Stampavie “Let’s Party” stamp from Rachelle Anne Miller collection, Basic Grey June Bug button, Ribbon, Pop dots, corner rounder, Spellbinders Nestabilities oval die, watercolor pencils and aquapainter.

Few. That was long, but thanks for sticking around. ;). Take care!

Whiskers on Kittens

2009-12-22T02:04:00.000-06:00

Well maybe not on this kitten but still… :) Today, with Christmas just around the corner, the Jacksonbelle Rockstars are taking it easy and just making fun cards with a few of our favorite things—check out the store’s blog here for details and make sure you check out the new product and great sales going on at Jacksonbelle Embellishments. We are also really excited to introduce you to the new design team members. A couple of them are playing along today so make sure you check out the list below for some good old standbys as well as some fresh inspiration:

Lynda Benden: Stamp Act
Lindsey Botkin: Embellished
Tobi Crawford ~ Tobi’s Place
Heather Lee-Reppen: The Best in Life
Jimmi Mayo ~ Stamping & Shopping
Michelle Philippi ~ Inside My Own Private Idaho
Carly Robertson ~ Paper in Bloom
Windy Robinson ~ Card and Page
Stephanie Severin ~ Ingenious Inkling
Shemaine Smith ~ Scraptastic
Amy Tsuruta ~ Tsuruta Designs

These are a few of my favorites for today: Stampavie kitten, Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses paper, Ribbon, Button, Pop dots.

So what are your favorite things? Brown paper packages tied up with strings? Sleigh bells? Warm woolen mittens? Whatever they are I hope they are all headed your way. Wishing you and yours the merriest of Christmases and a New Year filled with blessings!!

Jacksonbelle Embellishments Design Team Search

2009-12-03T15:45:00.000-06:00

Jacksonbelle Embellishments Design Team Search

Jacksonbelle Embellishments (www.jacksonbelleembellishments.com) offers a wide variety of stamps, embellishments, paper, ribbon… basically everything you will need to create beautiful paper crafts! We are looking for 2 new design team members beginning NOW and ending December 20th at 12am EST.

Here are the design team requirements ~

Each month we will have pre-determined challenges which you will be asked to take part of each Tuesday. We also have a featured product every week that could feature YOU!
Each design team member will be asked to do ONE tutorial during their term. The tutorial can be a card, altered item, anything the member would be most comfortable profiling.
You must post in your gallery/blog at least 5 projects a month featuring Jbelle product. This can be combined with the Tuesday challenges.
You MUST love the products Jbelle sells!!! This will make designing so much easier and fun!

What you will receive ~

25% off ALL purchases at Jacksonbelle Embellishments.
A one time $25 gift certificate to Jacksonbelle Embellishments.
Free product throughout your term.
A Monthly Store Credit.
You will be part of a really fun group of girls!!!

Term ~

Design team term ~ January 1^st 2010 to July. 1st 2010

Does all this sound good to you??? If so, THIS is what you need to do ~ email DIRECT links to your blog and/or gallery, three samples of your best work!!! The email address to send these links to is jacksonbelle.embellishments@gmail.com. The 2 chosen designers will be contacted BY December 22nd. The new design team will be announced before Christmas!!

So what are you waiting for? Now's your chance--go apply. Good luck!

Highland Skies Inspiration

2009-11-17T00:00:00.000-06:00

Today the Jacksonbelle Embellishments team has an inspiration challenge for you from the Hanna Andersson website. The above dress (Highland Skies Sweater Dress) is the piece I chose for my inspiration. I had these great Pink Paislee papers and I thought they’d be just perfect. What do you think? Want to play along? Check out the challenge at the store blog. More inspiration awaits you at the lovely design team’s blogs:

Don’t forget, ANY ORDER PLACES NOW UNTIL NOVEMBER 30TH WILL BE ENTERED TO WIN A HUGE GIVEAWAY VALUED AT OVER $100!! DETAILS/PICTURE ON THE STORE BLOG!!

MARTHA STEWART and INKADINKADO are 40% off until the inventory is gone!

Paper: Pink Paislee (Reindeer Games and Santa’s Workshop), White, Bordering Blue, Bravo Burgundy(SU!)

Ink: Bordering Blue, Bravo Burgundy(SU!), Ranger Walnut and Tea Dye Distress ink

Stamp: Inkadinkado

Accessories: Pearls, Buttons, Ribbon, Pop dots, Scalloped scissors, Nestabilites labels dies, Twine, Sponge

Take care!

Plum Perfect

2009-11-15T23:17:00.001-06:00

I love purple so I thought I’d play along with the current Moxie Fab World challenge, “Plum Crazy”. Make sure you check it out here.

Plum seems like such a rich and opulent color to me so I wanted to capture that with a really decadent sort of card: lots of rhinestones and sparkle here, but tastefully done (I hope) and not too over the top. I sponged the edges of my patterned paper to give it more richness and depth. I think the sparkly ribbon and the thin line of silver cording are nice finishing touches.

I’d love to hear what you think.

Paper: My Mind’s Eye (Penny Lane, Purple Flowers) and Pink Paislee (Twilight, Eclipse) patterned paper; Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant (Stampin’ Up!)

Ink: Perfect Plum

Accessories: Monogram Rhinestone “H” (Crystal Stickers by Mark Richards), Nestabilities circle die, Scalloped scissors, Silver cord, White twinkle ribbon, Rhinestones, Sponge, Pop dots

Take care!

Merry Wishes Deer

2009-11-10T00:00:00.001-06:00

It’s Jacksonbelle Tuesday. This week we are creating holiday projects for gift giving—bags, tags, wrapping, etc. pretty much anything to celebrate the upcoming Holidays will do. If holidays aren’t your thing, just make any gift item: bag, tag, or whatever. Lindsey has some new alterable notebooks in her store if you are interested. I know I love altering notebooks for easy little gifts and for my compulsive list making. ;) Keyword JBE079.
This bag uses Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses paper, a Basic Grey button, ribbon, a tag and a stamped sentiment. The deer is outlined with white gel pen and then cut out of the patterned paper and adhered to the bag. For more details on the challenge check out the store blog. Oh, and don’t forget, all Inka and Martha products are still 40% off. Go treat yourself to an early Christmas present ;) and then come play along with us. Need more inspiration? Check out these fabulous blogs:
Bethany Paull
Carly Robertson
Heather Lee-Reppen
Jimmi Mayo
Keri Sereika
Lindsey Botkin
Lynda Benden
Michelle Phillipi
Shemaine Smith
Stephanie Hargis
Tobi Crawford
Trudee Sauer
And here’s a closer up picture of my project so you can see the detail a little better. Thanks for stopping by. Take care!

Call for Help!

2009-11-05T17:14:00.001-06:00

I know everyone is so busy at this time of year but I couldn't not share this information.
A little boy from South Lyon, Michigan, Noah Biorkman (age 5) is in his last
stages of a 2 1/2 yr. battle with Neuroblastoma Cancer. His family is
celebrating Christmas next week and Noah has requested to get Christmas cards in
the mail. Lets see how many cards we can get to this precious child. His address
is:
Noah Biorkman

1141 Fountain View Circle

South Lyon, MI 48178

You can read about him in the news here.
I have a five year old and I cannot imagine life without him. My heart goes out to his family. I’ll be getting a card in the mail tomorrow morning and hope that you all will join me in spreading the word and making this last Christmas a special one for this little boy.

I will probably make a special card tonight but I do have some in my stash I can choose from if I don’t get a chance. Here’s one I made a long time ago for a little inspiration if you need something to get those creative juices flowing.

Once There Was a Snowman

2009-11-03T00:00:00.000-06:00

It seems a little weird to me to be making Christmas cards—especially ones featuring snowmen when it’s in the 70s here. I am loving the glorious autumn weather! Know what else I’m loving? This cute snowman stamp from Inkadinkado and these adorable patterned papers from Basic Grey. And this fun sketch that the Jacksonbelle Embellishments team has for you to play along with today. Make sure you check out the blog for details and make sure you check out the design team’s creations as well:

While you are doing all that checking, check out the store too! There are still lots of great Martha Stewart and Inkadinkado products on sale for 40% off. Hip hip hooray!

Thanks for dropping in. Take care.

Paper: Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses

Stamps: Inkadinkado

Ribbon

Pearls

Breast Cancer Awareness Blog Hop(e)

2009-10-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

Michelle at Inside My Own Private Idaho had a wonderful idea to host a blog hop(e) in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We all know someone (or at least someone who knows someone) who has had to deal with this disease. It has taken two people that I love, so I thought it would be a good idea to do my part to raise awareness about it in any small way that I could.

Here’s my creation. It is in memory of my Grandma Cassidy and Connie. I love you both! You are missed.

Now make sure you hop on over to see what Molly Ritterbeck has created.

And, here’s to hope!

Take care!

Easy as 1-2-3!

2009-10-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Tuesday! Today the Jacksonbelle Team has a fun little challenge for you—it’s a 1-2-3 dealio. One stamped image, two embellishments and three layers. I used one Inkadinkado Christmas stamp (all Inka is on sale now—40% off), lace and a button for my two embellishments and Kraft, White and Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses patterened paper for my 3 Layers. I also used a paper piercer and corner rounder for tools but there were no rules about how many tools you can use so I’m calling it good. :) I like it!--sweet and simple. I’m leaning more and more towards that style lately. It’s what works with my insane life. Make sure you check out the store blog for more samples and details about the challenge and don’t forget to make your way around to the other design team members’ blogs:

Sorry I haven’t been around much lately but you should see my calendar! It’s ca-RAY-zy. We just recently had our annual “Trunk or Treat” at Church for which I was in charge of the decorations. I am glad to have that out of the way. We also decided to enter the family costume contest this year so we went as a roller coaster. I realize the costume is not super fancy but you would be amazed at how long it took to put it all together—a good chunk of the night Friday and all day Saturday (well that and carving one of our pumpkins). Anyway it was fun and I’m glad we don’t have to worry about that anymore. ;) We’ve got more going on this week too, so I’m going to go ahead and wish you a Happy Halloween in case I don’t get a chance to post again until after. Have fun and be safe!

Vroom, Vroom!

2009-10-20T00:00:00.001-05:00

Today the Jacksonbelle Rockstars have a sketch for you to play along with. I decided to cut into my new My Mind’s Eye papers. Cute, huh? Check out the details on the Jacksonbelle Blog and don’t forget to hop around to the other design team members’ blogs for additional inspiration.

Bethany Paull
Carly Robertson
Heather Lee-Reppen
Jimmi Mayo
Keri Sereika
Lindsey Botkin
Lynda Benden
Michelle Phillipi
Shemaine Smith
Stephanie Hargis
Tobi Crawford
Trudee Sauer

My card features new My Mind’s Eye paper and chipboard accents from the Round and Round collection. I hand cut the circles to look like the tires in the patterned paper. The sentiment is spelled out with Basic Grey alphabet stickers.

Don’t forget that all Inkadinkado is 40% off and all Martha Stewart is 35% off right now at the store until it’s gone. Thanks for dropping in. Take care!

Another Great Sale

2009-10-15T20:32:00.001-05:00

All Inkadinkado stamps at Jacksonbelle Embellishments are now 40% off until all the inventory is gone!! All Martha Stewart Crafts products are now 35% off until all the inventory is gone!! Hurry over to get first picks!

And here’s a little card for your viewing enjoyment. I needed a rainbow today. I had a sincerely bad day. Between the red crayon in the dryer, my son having strep—again—and all the stuff in between, I needed to be reminded that “after the flood all the colors came out.”

Tomorrow will be better. I’m sure.

Vellum Shmellum

2009-10-13T00:00:00.002-05:00

Yep, that’s right. This week’s Jacksonbelle Tuesday challenge is to make a card with vellum on it. I kept mine simple and just used a piece of it behind the image panel as a mat. Check out the store blog for details on the challenge (and the contest winners have been announced if you weren’t already aware) and check out the design team’s blogs for more inspiration:

My card features Inkadinkado and Memory Box stamps, Pink Paislee Amber Road paper, May Arts ribbon, a tiny rhinestone, brass brads, dark green cardstock, and of course, vellum.
Take care!

Reminder

2009-10-08T00:23:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to share a quick card with you today. The colors are a little off in the photo but try as I might I couldn’t get them quite true to life. I used Marigold and Navy Blue. The papers are Jenni Bowlin and Basic Grey. The bird stamp is from Inkadinkado. Also, I wanted to remind you that today’s the last day of the sale at Jacksonbelle Embellishments—25% off storewide. There are new Kraftin’ Kimmie stamps in stock so you might want to snag ‘em before they are all gone. Have a wonderful day!

What’s Black and White and Orange All Over?

2009-10-06T05:00:00.001-05:00

This card. Just a super quick card for your inspiration for today’s Jacksonbelle Embellishments challenge. Today we’re making cards that are black and white plus one other color. I figured with Halloween just around the corner I’d go with orange. I had this awesome Pink Paislee paper that I got thinking I could trim it down to make a fun card. It took about 5 minutes to put this together. I guess it’s not my normal style really, but I like how it turned out. You can see the details of the challenge on the store blog if you want to play along and don’t forget to go check out what the rest of the design team has done:

Also, don’t forget about the HUGE sale going on at Jacksonbelle this week! The sale has been extended until Thursday October 8, so you still have time to get in on the savings.

Vital Stats for this card: Pink Paislee Twilight Nightfall, May Arts Ribbon, Daisy D’s Rhinestone, Thickers chipboard glitter alpha stickers.

Gradient is Radiant

2009-10-05T21:54:00.001-05:00

Oh yeah. I have long been a fan of the gradient look. I’m one of those weirdoes that had to separate my m&ms by color and then arrange them from the beginning to the end of the color spectrum before I eat them. ROY G BIV and I are good friends. :) The more gradually the spectrum changes the better, so it all blends together into one lovely mess of rainbow-licousness. When I saw the current Moxie Fab World “Gradient is Radiant” contest I knew I had to make a full-spectrum-kind-of-gradient sort of card and this is what I came up with. I have a couple more ideas and since the contest has been extended maybe I’ll get a chance to enter a couple more times but for now this is my entry. Anyway, I hope you like it. Make sure you come back tomorrow to see my Jacksonbelle Tuesday card. Thanks for stopping by.

Paper: There are 26 colors here. Do you really want me to list all of them?? HA!

Accessories: Thickers glitter chipboard alpha stickers, Rhinestone star from Glitz Design, Rhinestone from Daisy D’s.

Take care!

World Card Making Day

2009-10-03T22:22:00.001-05:00

Happy World Card Making Day! Unfortunately, I personally have not had a chance to make a card yet today—busy, busy, busy! I couldn’t let the day slip away without posting a card though so I’m posting one I made last week. This card features Cosmo Cricket “Early Bird” paper, October Afternoon “Detours” clear apple stamp, CHF Kim Hughes “Baked with Love” sentiment, Basic Grey button, The Paper Studio lace, EK Success spiral punch, and corner rounder punch and Spellbinder Nestabilities labels 1 die.

Don’t forget about the storewide 25% off sale going on now at Jacksonbelle Embellishments. Lindsey has some Stampavie stamps back in stock as well as Cosmo Cricket “Early Bird” and the new “Nutmeg” papers. She’s also got so super cute My Mind’s Eye stuff in stock. Go check it out. Enjoy your evening!

Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With Strings

2009-09-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

That’s what this little Stampavie Sarah Kay image reminds me of. Isn’t she cute? These images remind me of my childhood. I had a lot of fun coloring her for today’s Jacksonbelle Tuesday challenge. We’ve got an easy one for you today. This is your last chance to enter the CONTEST!! Are you getting excited to see the winners? I am. Today’s challenge is a super simple one. Use black, red, green, or blue on your card. That’s it. Easy.

There’s still time to order some product and join the fun for World Card Making Day this weekend. Now’s a great time too. Lindsey is having a fantastic sale. Everything in the store is 25% off. Everything! Hurry on over and see all the awesome product she has in stock. There is tons of new stuff too. Don’t order all the My Mind’s Eye paper though. Save some for me. I haven’t had a chance to place my order yet. ;)

Need some inspiration?

For my card I used Pink Paislee patterned paper, Daisy D’s rhinestones, Sarah Kay Stampavie image, Memory Box sentiment and de-lish velvet ribbon. The image is colored with Stampin’ Up! markers.

Take care!

Thanks

2009-09-25T01:11:00.001-05:00

I’ve got a super quick post for ya here. I’m still working on the ole bloggeroo. I realize it isn’t quite October yet but I thought I’d go ahead and “Go Pink” for Breast Cancer awareness month a few days early. I’d love to hear what you think of the overhaul.

Cosmo Cricket and October Afternoon papers, Basic Grey button, Herringbone cuttlebug folder, brads and ribbon can all be found at Jacksonbelle Embellishments. Don’t forget there’re are only a few days left to enter the contest! Take care!

Under Construction

2009-09-24T15:28:00.000-05:00

Things might look a little crazy around here for a bit. I'm doing a major overhaul because I need change. It keeps me sane. In the meantime thanks for your patience while I get my links back and figure everything out.

Clean and Simple Primas

2009-09-23T21:33:00.001-05:00

I just have a quick card to share with you. Jacksonbelle Embellishments is featuring Prima products on the blog this week so I decided to whip up a card using some big ole flowers from my stash. The patterened paper is my current favorite, Cosmo Cricket. The leaves were made with a Martha Stewart punch. The button in the center of the flowers is from Basic Grey and the edge punch is from EK Success. I used this sketch from the Clean and Simple Stamping Blog.

We have a sick kid at our house—again. He has strep this time. He scared the heck out of me when I took his temperature yesterday and it was 105.2. (Yes, you read that right). Needless to say, I got him to the doctor ASAP. Thankfully he is on an antibiotic now and hopefully will be back to his normal self soon. Here’s hoping everyone’s healthy at your place. Take care!

New Stuff

2009-09-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today’s Jacksonbelle Embellishments challenge is to make a card with some of the new stuff that Lindsey has in the store. There’s lots of good stuff! I used new Jenni Bowlin papers (SO cute!), Basic grey buttons, the Herringbone Cuttlebug folder, Making Memories chipboard and Fancy Pants ball trim.

So, I guess you win some :), you lose some, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. I guess what I’m saying is, I really don’t like this card. Maybe it has to do with my husband insulting it—he didn’t like the ball trim. He told me it looked like it belonged in the 70s. He told me it looked like something that Elvis would want to shoot if it was in his house. Maybe it has to do with the picture in my head not coming out right. Maybe it’s that the colors came out looking like a country kitchen from 1986 instead of something vintage chic. No matter; it’s done. Now go get yours done so you can enter it into the contest. If you want some good inspiration check out the design team’s blogs and make sure you check out the store blog for details on the challenge and the contest.

Trudee Sauer

Thanks for dropping in! Take care.

What’s Cooking?

2009-09-17T22:13:00.001-05:00

Jenni Bowlin is in the house!! This week we are featuring Jenni Bowlin Studios product on the Jacksonbelle Embellishments store blog. Lindsey has tons of new JBS product in stock right now and it is going fast! I love the vintage/retro feel that these papers have going on.

I was thinking about the current Moxie Fab World challenge to make a project featuring objects from Around the House and I immediately thought of this image from the Kim Hughes Baked with Love set from Cornish Heritage Farms. I was trying to decided what papers to use and I had decided these papers from the Jenni Bowlin Farmer’s Wife collection would be perfect. I had them laid out on my desk and was ready to create. I was browsing the internet for sketch ideas (which I found at 2 Sketches 4 You, by the way) when I saw that Cath had featured Jenni Bowlin on her Moxie Fab World blog. Awesome!! I was excited to feel like maybe I had a good moxie fab kinda vibe going on and was spurred into action. These little 4 x 4 papers are just adorable. I am in love!

I printed the sentiment using my computer and this font (Honey Script) that I downloaded at Dafont.com. Here’re the rest of the vital statistics:

Stamps: Kim Hughes Baked with Love

Paper: Jenni Bowlin Studios Farmer’s Wife collection, Ruby Red, So Saffron (Stampin’ Up!)

Ink: Black Stazon

Accessories: Basic Grey button, Hemp twine, Ribbon, Self adhesive metal studs, Nestabilities scalloped rectangle die (for scalloped edges), Sewing machine, Corner rounder, Pop dots

So, I think that’s it. I hope you like it. Take care!

Haunted Mansion

2009-09-15T00:08:00.001-05:00

The Jacksonbelle Tuesday challenge for this week is easy, so you don’t have any excuse to not play along with our contest! There’s a $50 store credit grand prize riding on this and we haven’t had too many entries yet, so your odds are good if you play along. ;) This week we are making Autumn or Halloween cards. Check out the details at the store blog. There are tons of cute Inkadinkado stamps in the store for under $2 right now. I used this cool haunted mansion set. There’s also some new Pink Paislee, Prima and lots of other fun stuff. Check it out!

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the design team. These ladies rock!

Trudee Sauer

Here are the vital statistics:

Stamps: Inkadinkado--Haunted Mansion, Making Memories—Spellbound (sentiment)

Card Stock: Pink Paislee—Twilight Dusk, Twilight Eclipse and Twilight Sunset

Flourish: Prima

Second Attempt

2009-09-08T01:23:00.001-05:00

The Jacksonbelle Embellishments contest continues this week with a sketch. I made a card for the sketch. I hated it. So, I made another. This one isn’t too bad. Still, my mojo seems to be on vacation right now, so don’t be too tough on me please. I am blaming it on the fact that we have had the Swine Flu (H1N1 virus) at our house and I am worn out from trying to get the sick boy healthy and trying to keep everyone else from getting sick!! For details about this week’s challenge make sure to visit the store blog and for more inspiration don’t forget to check out the design team’s blogs too:

Trudee Sauer ~ Follow Your Bliss

Tobi Crawford ~ Tobi’s Place

Stephanie Hargis ~ Steph's Stampin' Stuff

Shemaine Smith ~ Scraptastic

Mitzi Koons ~ Stamps Jubilee

Michelle Phillipi ~ Inside My Own Private Idaho

Lynda Benden: Stamp Act

Lindsey Botkin~Embellished

Jimmi Mayo ~ Stamping & Shopping

Jennifer Buck ~ The Buck Stamps Here

Heather Lee-Reppen ~ The Best in Life

Carly Robertson ~ Paper in Bloom

Bethany Paull ~ It’s Not All Black & White

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden

I have to keep this short. I need to get to bed so here’re the vital statistics for my card.

Paper: Earth Love by Cosmo Cricket

Stamp: Basic Grey Bird Trio Bitsy

Ribbon: May Arts

Accessories: Herringbone cuttlebug folder and Martha Stewart Loop edge punch

Take care!

A Stamping Challenge (Finale)

2009-09-06T23:29:00.002-05:00

And finally, this is my final challenge entry for “Stretch Your Holiday Style” week at Moxie Fab World was a Stamping Challenge.

Cardstock: (Always Artichoke, Kraft) Stampin’ Up!

Patterned paper: (Forest, Figgy Pudding) Basic Grey

Stamps…rubber: hÄnglar och stÄnglar(It's Swedish!) Thanks for the updated information Hulda! :)

Ink: (solvent/Black) Stazon; (dye/Tea Dye and Walnut Stain distress ink) Tim Holtz for Ranger

Color media: (Colored Pencils) Prismacolor

Accent: (green/buttons) Basic Grey

Fibers: (green plaid, 3/8” ribbon) ribbonFX; (hemp twine) unknown

Tool: (Loop Edge punch) Martha Stewart Crafts; (edge distresser) Heidi Swapp

Other: odorless mineral spirits, blending stumps

Finished size: 5 " x 5 "

Instructions:

Make card out of card stock.
Cut strip of kraft paper. Punch with loop edge punch. Cut piece of patterned paper. Adhere punched strip to patterned paper. Attach to card base.
Stamp image and color with colored pencils blending with odorless mineral spirits and blending stumps.
Trim main image. Ink edges. Mat with slightly larger piece of kraft card stock. Distress edges.
Attach to card with foam tape.
Tie buttons with hemp twine and glue to card.

Classy and Elegant #2

2009-09-06T23:22:00.001-05:00

Here’s entry number 2 for Moxie Fab World’s Stretch Your Holiday Style: A Classy & Elegant Challenge. The ribbon on this card is my favorite ribbon ever—it is kind of an iridescent gray/gold/green color and I think it’s a shimmery little piece of luxury. I just had this tiny little piece of it left. My awesome sister-in-law Maurianne gave it to me for Christmas a couple of years ago in a ribbon jar and now I have used the last of it. Lucky for me I know where to buy some more…

Cardstock: (Always Artichoke, Mellow Moss) Stampin’ Up!, (White) Georgia Pacific

Patterned paper: (Chintz,Porcelain) Basic Grey

Stamps…rubber, foam, clear: (Birds in a Tree/ Dawn Houser Collection) Inkadinkado; (Merry Christmas) Memory Box

Ink: (dye/Always Artichoke, Basic Gray) Stampin’ Up!; (hybrid ink/Onyx) Autumn Leaves

Accent: (gray/flat back pearls) K & Company; (white/rhinestone) Daisy D’s

Fibers: (Silver Sari Shimmer Ribbon 15mm) The Ribbon Jar(ribbonjar.com)

Dies: (Nestabilities rectangle die) Spellbinders

Finished size: 51/2" x 4 1/4"

Instructions:

Make card from dark green card stock. Cut slightly more narrow panel from patterned paper. Mat with lighter colored card stock. Glue layers together.
Die cut and emboss rectangle out of white card stock. Mat with dark green card stock. Stamp image onto white card stock. Stamp sentiment on top of image. Attach rhinestone to tree top.
Cut ribbon flag. Attach to card. Mount main image panel over ribbon with foam tape.
Apply pearl accents.

Classy and Elegant

2009-09-06T23:15:00.001-05:00

Here’s one for Moxie Fab World’s Stretch Your Holiday Style: A Classy & Elegant Challenge.

See the strip of cardstock with the sentiment? That’s where I messed up and stamped the sentiment crooked and had to patch it (shhh—don’t tell). I actually like the way it looks now better though—one of those “happy accidents” as Bob Ross might say.

Cardstock: (Mellow Moss, Very Vanilla) Stampin’ Up!

Patterned paper: (French Flea Market, Bella Bella) My Mind’s Eye

Stamps…rubber: (Pinecone Branch) Inkadinkado, (Merry Christmas) Memory Box

Ink: (Solvent,Timber Brown) Stazon

Color media: (Mellow Moss, Chocolate Chip/Watercolor Wonder Crayons) Stampin’ Up!

Accent: (silver/metals stickers) Mark Richards Enterprises

Fibers: (ivory, 5/8” grosgrain ribbon) ribbonFX

Tool: (1 1/2” circle punch, scalloped circle punch, ticket corner punch) EK Success

Other: (Green Agate/glitter) Martha Stewart Crafts

Finished size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

Instructions:

Make card out of card stock. Cut patterned paper slightly smaller, punch corners and attach to card base.
Cut accent panel out of vanilla card stock. Tie ribbon around panel. Attach to card.
Cut main panel out of vanilla cardstock. Mat with Moss card stock. Attach to card with foam tape.
Stamp image. Color. Add glitter to pine needles. Punch out. Mat with circle punched out of patterned paper. Attach to main panel.
Adhere metal accents to corners and main panel.
Stamp sentiment on strip of vanilla card stock and attach to accent panel.

Fun and Cute

2009-09-06T23:09:00.001-05:00

The third “Stretch Your Holiday Style” challenge is to make a Fun & Cute creation. I personally can’t think of anything much more fun than Dr. Seuss. When I saw this Cosmo Cricket paper it immediately made me think of the 1960’s cartoon version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Can’t you almost hear those whos singing?

Cardstock: (white) Georgia Pacific, (Magenta) Wausau Paper

Patterned paper: (Jolly by Golly) Cosmo Cricket

Accent: (Fresh Mowed Grass/Dew Drops flat backed marbles) The Robin’s Nest

Sticker: (Puffy Hearts/ pillow stickers) K & Company

Font: (Grinched) www.dafont.com

Dies: (Nestabilities Circle and Scalloped Circle) Spellbinders

Tool: (corner rounder) EK Success

Finished size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

Instructions:

Print out quote and die cut. Die cut scalloped circle and mat sentiment.
Make card out of card stock. Cut white layer slightly smaller. Attach.
Cut patterned paper to size. Round corners of striped pieces. Adhere all to card.
Apply flat backed marbles to card. Attach sentiment with foam tape. Add pillow sticker heart accent.

Vintage and Shabby Chic #2

2009-09-06T23:04:00.001-05:00

Here’s my second entry for for the Moxie Fab World Stretch Your Holiday Style Vintage & Shabby Chic Challenge.

I love the way this one turned out. Check out that Herringbone cuttlebug folder! Awesome, eh?

Cardstock: (Ruby Red, Very Vanilla) Stampin’ Up!

Patterned paper: (Jolly by Golly) Cosmo Cricket

Stamps…rubber: (Vintage Holly) Stampabilities

Ink: (solvent/Timber Brown) Stazon; (dye/Walnut Stain and Tea Dye distress inks) Tim Holtz for Ranger

Color media: (Mellow Moss, Old Olive, Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip/Watercolor Wonder Crayons) Stampin’ Up!; (Real Red/Marker) Stampin’ Up!)

Accent: (cream/self-adhesive pearls) K&Co.

Fibers: (red gingham, 3/8” ribbon) ribbonFX; (cream crocheted lace) Spare Parts-The Paper Company; (hemp twine) unknown

Embossing folder: (Herringbone) Provo Craft

Tool: (paper piercer) Making Memories

Other: jingle bell

Finished size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Instructions:

Make card out of card stock. Emboss vanilla cardstock and attach to card base.
Cut strip of patterned paper. Mat with card stock. Pierce edge. Attach to card base
Adhere crocheted lace and pearls to card.
Stamp image. Watercolor. Ink edges. Attach to card with foam tape.
Make bow. Tie on jingle bell with twine. Attach to card.

Vintage and Shabby Chic #1

2009-09-06T22:59:00.001-05:00

Here’s the next card for for the Moxie Fab World Stretch Your Holiday Style Vintage & Shabby Chic Challenge.

And here’s a detail picture just for fun. I liked this challenge so much that I actually did three cards. I will save one of them for later and enter the other two (I hope that’s not against the rules!).

Cardstock: (Kraft) Stampin’ Up! , (White) Georgia Pacific

Patterned paper: (Vintage Graph Paper) The Paper Studio, (Classic Snowflakes-Red) The Paper Studio, (Red with Cream Polka Dots) Making Memories

Stamps…rubber: (Christmas in the Air) Stampabilities

Ink…dye: (Bravo Burgundy) Stampin’ Up!, (Walnut Stain distress ink) Tim Holtz for Ranger

Accent: (vintage wood button) personal collection

Digital element: (clip art, Holidays “Christmas Winter Scene”) antiqueclipart.com

Fibers: (maroon gingham, 1/4” ribbon) Offray; (cream, lace) Spare Parts-The Paper Studio, (hemp twine) unknown

Dies: (Nestabilities oval die) Spellbinders

Tool: (ticket corner punch) EK Success; (edge distresser) Heidi Swapp

Other: staples, sewing machine

Finished size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Instructions:

Make card from card stock. Ink edges, punch top corners with ticket corner punch.
Cut strips of patterned paper. Ink edges. Attach to card base. Stitch across.
Stamp sentiment onto patterned paper.
Print out clip art. Die cut. Ink and distress edges. Attach to card with foam tape.
Ink ribbon with distress ink. Tie bow. Attach. Tie button with twine. Attach to bow.
Staple crocheted lace to bottom of card.

Clean and Graphic

2009-09-06T22:53:00.001-05:00

Prepare yourself for a ton of blog posts. I apologize for those getting my email updates. You are going to get inundated. After a marathon stamping spree I have a good start on my holiday cards and a ton of entries for the Moxie Fab World Stretch Your Holiday Style Challenges. I have been busy busy busy! I’d love to stretch these out over a long period of time but they have to be uploaded by midnight tomorrow to be in the contest so you are getting them all at once. I won’t pretend that I actually like all of these cards. I don’t. I felt a little out of my comfort zone on a couple of them. Some of them work for me and others don’t and I guess that’s why they are a s-t-r-e-t-c-h! Besides, sometimes you’ve got it and other times you just don’t. Anyway, without further ado, here’s my first entry for the clean and graphic challenge.

It was inspired by a cake I saw on a magazine cover when I was standing in line at Target. I actually kind of like this one.

Cardstock: (Lily Pad) Bazzill Basics, (Real Red) Stampin’ Up!, White (Georgia Pacific)

Font: (Fontdinerdotcom Loungy) www.fontdiner.com

Die: (Cuttlebug Die 2x2 Snowflake #2) Provo Craft

Tool: (1/2” circle punch) Marvy Uchida, (corner rounder) EK Success

Finished size: 4 1/4” x 5”

Instructions:

Print sentiment directly onto cardstock.
Make card out of card stock. Trim to size and round bottom corners.
Cut piece of green cardstock and adhere to card base.
Punch circles from red card stock and attach to one side of green card stock.
Die cut snowflakes and adhere.

Fall is in the Air

2009-09-03T10:00:00.001-05:00

The last couple of days the temperature has cooled down and I am starting to get excited for autumn. I love fall!! I know we probably still have plenty of really warm days ahead but I am loving the cooler mornings for my daily walk and the cooler evenings with the wind rustling the pines. A few of the trees are just showing the first signs of changing leaves as well. Now if only someone would send me a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils, my life would be complete. :) Has fall arrived in your neck of the woods yet?

PS. Don’t forget about the contest!!

PPS. Don’t you just love that tree? It’s from October Afternoon. There are several fabulous OA products available at Jacksonbelle Embellishments. They have some really great autumn themed products in vivid fall colors.

Take care!

CONTEST!

2009-09-01T00:00:00.002-05:00

This is a long post but you don’t want to miss it!Today’s Jacksonbelle Embellishments challenge is to make a one layer card—that’s only one layer of cardstock including the card base. Ribbon and embellishments are okay. I’m not gonna lie to you. This was a true challenge for me but in the end I guess I’m fairly happy with how it turned out. Make sure you check out the store blog and the other design team blogs for more inspiration:

Trudee Sauer ~ Follow Your Bliss

Tobi Crawford ~ Tobi’s Place

Stephanie Hargis ~ Steph's Stampin' Stuff

Shemaine Smith ~ Scraptastic

Mitzi Koons ~ Stamps Jubilee

Michelle Phillipi ~ Inside My Own Private Idaho

Lynda Benden: Stamp Act

Lindsey Botkin~Embellished

Jimmi Mayo ~ Stamping & Shopping

Heather Lee-Reppen ~ The Best in Life

Carly Robertson ~ Paper in Bloom

Bethany Paull ~ It’s Not All Black & White

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden

You are definitely going to want to play along this week. Jacksonbelle Embellishments is hosting a contest. This is not just any little contest. This is the big time. The grand prize winner will receive a $50 gift card to Jacksonbelle Embellishments, 2nd Place will receive a $30.00 gift card and 3rd place will get a $15.00 gift card! There will be a goodie package going out to ALL winners!! Make sure to link your card to the store blog as well. That way we can all see the cards and your name will be entered into a random drawing. That person will also win a goodie bag!
Here are the rules:

You must use Inkadinkado, Stampavie, Prima or Basic Grey stamps (any stamps that can be purchased at the store).
Entries must use one of our Tuesday challenges (found on any of the design team blogs each Tuesday).
You may enter as many times as you’d like.
All entries must be received by Thursday, Oct. 1st at midnight (EST). (There is not a weekly deadline for cards so if you don’t have any stamps from the store you will have time to order and catch up with the challenges).
Email entries to jacksonbelle.embellishments@gmail.com
Link your creations to the store blog or Splitcoaststampers using the provided keyword each week.

After the deadline, the design team and Lindsey will need a few days to decide on the winners. Make sure to check out the design team’s blogs and store blog each week for LOTS of inspiration using the weekly challenges! We hope you will have time to play with us and if you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

And now, here’re the details for my one layer wonder:

Stamps: Prima clear stamp, October Afternoon “Detours”
Ink: Memento New Sprout and Summer Sky, Stazon Timber Brown, Stampin’ Up! Pumpkin Pie
Paper: White card stock
Accessories: May Arts ribbon, Martha Stewart Loop Edge punch, Daisy D’s rhinestones

Take care!

New Stuff

2009-08-31T10:36:00.001-05:00

These are just a few sneak peaks. Make sure to visit the store to see all the product available.

These just in at Jacksonbelle Embellishments:

Jenni Bowlin—adorable mini papers and fabulous embellishments.

Pink Paislee—Delightful papers and trendy stickers, glitter and more.

Making Memories—papers, paint, flowers, chipboard. Crafting heaven!!

Cosmo Cricket—no one does retro like Cosmo! These are some of the cutest papers, rub-ons and chipboard around in my humble opinion.

Provo Craft—Cuttlebug!!! And other fun stuff I bet you didn’t know about…

So that’s it for now. Make sure you check in tomorrow for Jacksonbelle Tuesday and information about a contest you are not going to want to miss. Take care!

Is it too Early…

2009-08-27T00:08:00.000-05:00

To be making Halloween cards? I’m seeing fall decor in the stores already and I have a couple of stamps that have never seen ink before so I just couldn’t resist. I have been waiting patiently ever since I got these on clearance after Halloween last year. Well, the wait is over—I’m going for it. Don’t worry. I’m not going to overwhelm you with Halloween or anything but an occasional card here and there shouldn't be too painful for you. ;) Cheers!

Stamps: Making Memories “Spellbound” clear stamps

Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Apricot Appeal, My Mind’s Eye designer paper

Ink: Black Stazon

Accessories: ribbon, button, twine, circle die, cuttlebug swirl embossing folder, sponge

Oh What Do You Do in the Summertime?

2009-08-25T00:10:00.000-05:00

“Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green? Do you swim in a pool to keep yourself cool or swing in a tree up high? Is that what you do? So do I.” ~Dorothy S. Andersen

Today’s Jacksonbelle Tuesday challenge is to make a summer card. Summer is almost over (this is my kids’ third week of school so it’s pretty much over for us even though it’s still dang hot outside). Let’s not let it leave without saying goodbye. What does summer mean to you? Make a card and show us! Use keyword JBE068.

I used Crate Paper “Lemon Grass” paper and “Welcome Home” from Lizzie Anne. The button is from Basic Grey.

What do you think these ladies do in the summertime? Why don’t you go check their blogs and find out!

Trudee Sauer ~ Follow Your Bliss

Tobi Crawford ~ Tobi’s Place

Shemaine Smith ~ Scraptastic

Mitzi Koons ~ Stamps Jubilee

Michelle Phillipi ~ Inside My Own Private Idaho

Lynda Benden: Stamp Act

Loretta Lock ~ Love to Create

Lindsey~Embellished

Kristine Breach ~ Ink Something

Jimmi Mayo ~ Stamping & Shopping

Heather Lee-Reppen ~ The Best in Life

Carly Robertson ~ Paper in Bloom

Bethany Paull ~ It’s Not All Black & White

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden

Don’t forget to check out the store blog and the store for tons of new products including the awesome new Jenni Bowlin paper.

Stamps: “Welcome Home” from Lizzie Anne

Paper: Crate Paper “Lemon Grass”, Very Vanilla, Kraft

Ink: Timber Brown Stazon

Accessories: Basic Grey button, Nestabilities, Corner rounder, twine, SU! markers

Take care!

Cherish

2009-08-19T23:17:00.001-05:00

Here’s another set I created. There is a congratulations card for the bride and groom and a thank you that the bride and groom could use after the wedding. I love the Cosmo Cricket Honey Pie paper. It is so cute and versatile for brides, babies, spring, Easter, little girls or just whatever. Thanks for dropping in.

Cherished Congratulations—paper: white, patterned paper (Cosmo Cricket, “Honey Pie”), Chocolate Chip card stock (Stampin’ Up!); accessories: loop edge punch (Martha Stewart Crafts, chipboard heart (Making Memories), flat backed marbles (The Robin’s Nest “Dew Drops”), sponge, watercolor brush; stamps: “Happy Couple” (Stampendous), “Congrats” (Stampin’Up!); ink: Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Basic Gray, Blush Blossom, Close to Cocoa (Stampin’ Up!), foam squares for dimension

Cherished Thanks—paper: white, patterned paper (Cosmo Cricket, “Honey Pie”), Chocolate Chip card stock (Stampin’ Up!); accessories: loop edge punch (Martha Stewart Crafts), tag (Cosmo Cricket), chipboard heart (Making Memories), button (basic Grey), twine, flat backed marbles (The Robin’s Nest “Dew Drops”), sponge; ink: Chocolate Chip (Stampin’ Up!)

Take care!

With Parts Made in Japan

2009-08-18T00:01:00.001-05:00

“Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto”. . .Five points to the first person to name the artist of that song. :) The Jacksonbelle Embellishments team has some sketchy fun for you to play along with today. Upload your creation to the Jbelle Blog or SCS using keyword JBE067.

I used Cosmo Cricket “Cogsmo” and “Little Man” papers. The sentiment is cut out of an embellishment sheet included in the “Little Man” paper pack. I added the embossed zig zag with cuttlebug embossing borders and a few buttons including a couple from the Basic Grey Marrakech button collection. Do you see my little paper pieced robot peeking out from behind the sentiment (I’m calling him “Kilroy” in honor of the above mentioned song)? He’s a Sandy Lion clear stamp that I got from the Moxie Fab world challenge I won way back. That’s about it. Make sure you check out these other fabulous blogs for more inspiration:

Trudee Sauer ~ Follow Your Bliss

Tobi Crawford ~ Tobi’s Place

Stephanie Hargis ~ Steph’s Stampin’ Stuff

Shemaine Smith ~ Scraptastic

Mitzi Koons ~ Stamps Jubilee

Michelle Phillipi ~ Inside My Own Private Idaho

Melissa Bove: Keepsakes By Melissa

Lynda Benden: Stamp Act

Loretta Lock ~ Love to Create

Lindsey~Embellished

Kristine Breach ~ Ink Something

Jimmi Mayo ~ Stamping & Shopping

Jennifer Buck ~ The Buck Stamps Here

Heather Lee-Reppen ~ The Best in Life

Carly Robertson ~ Paper in Bloom

Bethany Paull ~ It’s Not All Black & White

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden

Take care!