It's about time!!!

Well in a few short months it will have been almost a year since I posted...a year!  So I figure that I should be doing some posting rather than just reading and shopping online...oh ya and don't forget Pinterst!

I came across a site that has a new challenge and you have two whole weeks to create...the theme is down by the sea (summer) and you can check it out here at Parade Your Crafts so I'm going to try and see if I can get something posted.

I have been working on learning projects - I have a new Mac so I've had to learn how to use it, along with that is learning how to use photoshop - I haven't attempted to digi scrap yet with the Mac but I'm almost there! I've made a few cards which now take me forever since I haven't been doing them on a regular basis! I've taught myself how to knit....I even made an alligator scarf!

So I'm going to try and do more and post more and see where this all leads to!

Thanks for stopping by!

Mo's Digital Pencil blog hop ....

I started to follow a new blog  Jak Heath        and I'm really glad that I did.                        
 Mo's Digital Pencil has a monthly blog hop - well I've just been through it and the talent is unbelievable! I love Mo's images but the way they have been coloured and the cards that have been created are just beautiful!    
I thought I would post as a reminder to myself to work on my cards and work on my blog!
If you have an opportunity to run through the blog hop I can guarantee you will not be disappointed.

I also follow Enfys at Going Buggy her cards are beautiful and her posts are real life tell it like you see it! Enfys is how I was introduced to Jak. 

Well time to get to my day job! Maybe you will see a new card posted her soon.

Take Care!

Happy Birthday Amy

This is a blog you don't want to miss! If you are just cruising around blog land you have got to stop in and have a look at the inspirational blog of Amy -

I've been a follower for a few years now and I always enjoy her posts!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY my cyber friend!  I hope you have a wonderful year!

Cheers!

Thanks Jessica Sprague ....

I have a new look on my blog thanks to a free Photo Shop class offered this past week at Jessica Sprague!  My blog was originally set up with the help of a template that did not belong to blogger - it was great and unique but I had no clue how to change anything.  I took a blog design class last year at Jessica Sprague but could not get it to work for me and it just sort of went by the wayside!  Well this quick photo shop refresher class helped me to create a new blog header. After about 15 tries and many trips back to the class forum I DID IT!  ....Since all your class lessons stay with you for life at Jessica Sprague, I might just have to go back and revisit the entire blog design class - just not today....I have some brushes to play with! 

Happy Sunday & thanks for stopping by!

Digital Scrapbook Page

Well, well, well if it isn't summer already! I can't believe that I haven't posted a single thing since February! Well that's not to say I haven't made any cards, because I have, maybe I will get some of them posted shortly.  I've been trying to catch up on learning photoshop - I took a few classes over the years with Jessica Sprague - the best place to learn!  All of your classes stay in your online profile and you can go back to reference them anytime you like!  It is really great!  so here a few pages that I did recenlty.....
Thanks for stopping by!

Going Buggy...Enfys First Blog Challenge!!!

Well I think when Enfys posted this challenge she gave a month so everyone could complete it - I subscribe to her blog so I knew about it right away and figured I had a ton of time...today is the last day, I'm not sure if this will make it into her challenge or not - but hey at least I have a cool little "mom type" card to send to my son for Valentines...it's not to girly and what 26 year old wouldn't love to receive this with a nice Starbucks card tucked inside!

All the paper is bazzil cardstock, the die cut is a quick cuts die and the sentiment is a rub on; used a crimper and some diamond glaze and one googlie eye!

So thanks for the challenge Enfys - lately I need that big push to be productive! I was feeling guilty since you posted and went all the way to Germany and back...and I still hadn't made a card!..You can read about the challenge here...card needed to use grey/white/red or black/white/red - I went with black since most of the grey I have is too "girly" aka silver blingie!....You can check Enfys blog it is full of unbelievable talent (and humour)...I'd tune in  for future challenges if I were you!

Thanks for taking the time to visit - enjoy your day!

a BIG variety...including UPCYCLED coffee cans

Happy New Year to you!  Thanks for stopping by!
I thought I would post a bunch of pictures of some things I worked on over the past month...things that I at least remembered to snap a photo of - even if it was with my iphone...not the best pictures but you get the point - just because I haven't had any posts, doesn't mean I haven't been doing anything!
On with the photos:
Sympathy Card

Birthday Cards - the vintage image on the second card is from Create with TLC

Christmas cards - this cute little moose image is a digi stamp from Bugaboo - the inside of the card was something I just typed up photoshop.

Christmas table setting (holding a kinder surprise!) template is an svg file from cutting cafe

Upcycled coffee cans - used to mail some Christmas cookies to special people

2012 cards - sent these to a few co workers as we are now a new work team.  the card is also a svg template from cutting cafe

2012 Canvas - this is subway art from Create with TLC.  My first attempt at canvas my son did not want the blue one (it looks more purple in real life) the photo of the green one was prior to it being finished - it was 8 x 10 and turned out really great! I used some paint, couple of die cuts and lots of an adhesive product called Perfect Paper Adhesive Gloss

I hope you enjoyed the pictures.  I didn't provide many details but send me a note or leave me a comment if you need to know something or leave a comment if you just want to say hello!
Thanks for stopping by!

Chocolate Bouquet of sorts....

Wow nearly 3 months since I've posted anything!  That doesn't mean I haven't been busy I certainly have I've just neglected my blog a bit...and have been busy enjoying other peoples blogs instead! 
I wanted to post a picture of a cute little bouquet I made.  ...it was very easy...if you plan on making a dozen flowers make sure you start with more chocolate...unless you have will power!  (I only ate one...ok I ate 2 but that's all!) I used my cricut to cut flowers using double sided coordinations card stock - I dug out my hot glue gun for this.  I glued the wire stems to the back of the flower and covered the stems with a 1" circle for the centre of the flower, curled the flower petals a wee bit and attached a yummy chocolate.
This is going out to a Secret Santa exchange - that's it, that's all I can tell you right now!
You can check out The Crafters Cafe here lots of interesting groups to join, one of my fav's Create with TLC and who knows you might make a friend or two!

Random Cards

Here are a few cards I've put together recently.

"You look great" card is a donation card for a lady who needs 1500 cards for a charity function - you can read all about it here this will take you to a post at My Pink Stamper.  I only made one - I might put a few more together - the sentiment is from Create with TLC.

I've been using natural kraft as a card base a lot lately - the rest of the paper is just from my stash - paper flowers coloured with copics, tiny bit of machine stitching and some ribbon - I thought the heart brads with some stickles would bling it up a bit!

Next up is a baby card - a co worker had a little baby girl.  I just love this card - I change it around for boy or girl and make it quite often. Anyone who owns an original cuttlebug received the folder with the baby carriage but it had a number on it that I didn't like.  I took the number off with an xacto knife - I also use the die that came with it as well - I use the Swiss dots folder and stamp the 'precious' sentiment on the bottom. This card is all bazzil card stock.

The last card is a flowerpot card - I send this off in a package to my mom.  It was a card template that I purchased from The Cutting Cafe - I ended up cutting it on my cricut with Sure Cuts Alot.  It is a simple design, you can cut the base by hand and used punched flowers of layer circles to fill up the card with flowers.  I' also used the cuttlebug on the flower pot - I used co ordinations card stock and sanded it out a bit. You could really get creative with this one!

Hybrid Birthday Card

Seems like I only get to play along at 365 Cards on Sundays!  Well one day is better than none! Today is day 188 and Sunday is always (...wait for it!) - Super Sketchy Sunday - a terrific sketch that I sort of turned upside down!

I'm calling this a hybrid card for 2 reasons -  I have used a digital sentiment from Create with TLC and  I scanned in some paper that I wanted to use but my piece (green behind the bikes) was too short. I also scanned in the blue from my triangle and printed my sentiment right onto it so it would all match.

My card is 3 3/4 x 9 on natural kraft. The patterned paper is old but one of my favourites - Carolyn Gavin Greenhouse mat pad.

Below is the sketch and my card, hope you can play along - happy Sunday & thanks for stopping by!

Wacom Tablet - this would be great to win!

I'm trying to win a Waccom Tablet in this contest and need to collect votes. I didn't realize it worked like that I entered it months back - for some reason I thought they just did a draw from the enteries received - oh well; I guess I can always go buy one!

Here is my original post - thanks for stopping by!

Double Dog Dare!

Happy Sunday - I have a post for a card challenge! Woohoo! It is vintage week at 365 cards  ~ not really my thing but I give it a try when I can.  I pretty much only have a vintage saying on my card - used in one of my favourite movies (A Christmas Story) - the sentiment came from Create with TLC it was part of the August Club (and boy did we get spoiled in that club!)  My card is on natural kraft card stock and the paper is basic grey, max and whiskers.
Sunday is sketch day at 365 Cards - Pam posts a sketch and you are to be inspired and follow along to the best of your ability!
Here is the sketch and here is my card:

So you get the idea - be inspired - do what you can & have fun!
Click on the picture for a better view ~ I double dog dare you to!
Thanks for stopping by and have a great Sunday!

Happy Birthday Amy

Happy Birthday AMY !  Amy has the most amazing blog Tsuruta Designs!  Today is her birthday - stop by and browse around - you will be totally inspired!

Hope you day is great Amy!

Photoshop Skills and Create with TLC

So those of you that know me know that I really like photoshop and have been teaching myself...slowly but surely; trial and error - ctrl Z; ctrl Z and more
ctrl Z!!
I have a big appreciation for all things digital; I appreciate the skill it takes and the time involved.  One of my favourite places for digital is
Create with TLC Paulette is very giving of her hard work! You give her a comment of appreciation and in turn she gives you a free digital image! It is give and take and certainly not take and take! So be sure to visit her blog and be inspired; digital is fun, easy to use, little storage and no one sees you coming home with another bag in your hand! If you don't know how to leave a comment let me know & I will help you!

I recently used an image from Paulette that I brought into photoshop, added a border and put onto a T Shirt! I don't know why but something about this guy on a swing just made me smile!

Second is a card of appreciation that I made for a co worker - I used an image from Paulette.  Now I can't remember if this was a freebie or if I received this from one of her fabby clubs! I die cut the butterfly into the kraft paper, added a few layers, did a bit of sewing and card was finished & mailed!

Be sure to visit Create with TLC - Paulette is fabulous; leave her some love and try your hand at digital!

Thanks for stopping by - hope everyone in Canada had a great long weekend!
Take Care!

A couple of Birthday Cards

Nothing like posting everything all at once!  - well I didn't want anyone to think that I was slacking off!
Here are a few birthday cards that I've made recently: This one is all Cosmo Cricket - I went with a long card finished size is about 4 x 9 - and it is on natural kraft.

This next one is all bling for one of my bloggie friends - she looks at my blog from time to time; I don't think she will see this before her birthday! I used some micro glitter for the green bar, some bling letters that I had and used the cuttlebug for the crown and added some jewels - all on natural kraft card stock:

The last one is nice and pink & blingie - this one is for one of my sisters - my younger sister who is getting older! - and guess what - I got it in the mail on time!!!

Christmas in July....YUCK!

My mom is 84 and lives in a seniors building - she is active in many different things but mostly the craft sale they have for charity in November - she asked me for some cards - I kept them simple, using what I had in my stash and tried to keep them relatively flat for mailing. I made her 5 different types and packaged them up!

All I have to do now is package them up in a box and mail them to her!
Thanks for stopping by!

Feeling OLD? ...think again!

We went for a little drive on Sunday to see this big old rock - and to stop at Dairy Queen!

We were well behaved - we didn't bring any spray paint and we didn't climb it - we obeyed all the rules!

It was big alright and old - you can read more about it here!



"The Big Rock" is the world's largest known glacial erratic--rock transported far from its place of origin by glacial ice. Big Rock, also known as the Okotoks Erratic, is the largest rock in the Foothills Erratics Train, a group of rocks that were carried by ice along the mountain front and dropped as the glacier melted some 10,000 years ago. The erratics lie in a narrow band extending from Jasper National Park to northern Montana. The Okotoks Erratic weighs 16,500 tons. It measures 9 metres high, 41 metres long and 18 metres wide. The rock has been eroded into pieces, but is still a large landmark on the flat prairie.

Photoshop Patterned Type

Well today turned out to be a rainy afternoon and that means a photoshop day! I had a tutorial from Jessica Sprague that was all about getting a pattern paper onto your font - the template is Jessica Sprague I added some stitching (which I just recently learned how to do) and a few other embelishments - the font is called NKOTB - fever and it was fun to use and add in patterned paper - Hope you had a great Sunday! thanks for stopping by!

How old is Canada today???

HAPPY

CANADA

DAY!!

We are 144 years young today!  Hope eveyone has a wonderful weekend and finds somewhere to celebrate!

Beautiful Sugar Cookies

This post isn't a card, scrapbook page or anything about photoshop!....This is something very cool that I could never do - My friend Corry started making sugar cookies for fun!....this would be stressful for me!  She became famous with her Olympic Mitten Cookies made for the 2010 Olympics - the mitten I received was yummy - can you imagine an entire flower cookie bouquet?!
Check out Corry's page and if you like what you see let her know!
Corry is special, she has a big heart and when she isn't baking cookies she is a volunteer at the Terry Fox Foundation and as a baby cuddler at one of the local hospitals - how cool is that!

Corry's Cookie Creations

Wacom Bamboo.....do I want one or not???

Well today I tried my hand on a digital page...from scratch - no template, no clipping masks, just digital supplies and my good old photoshop elements 5!!
I entered the layout into a contest after downloading the supplies they wanted you to use - it had to be about food.  I ended up getting to their site after downloading a free app for my ipad - it was Bamboo Paper - I had always been interested in Wacom Bamboo for photoshop work but I really wasn't sure how it all worked.  It's kind of cool - check it out?
Anyway - you know how browsing goes - one site leads to another and before you know it I found a contest at Pen Scrappers and they are giving away a free Wacom Bamboo Craft - do I want one? for free??  Hell ya!
This little contest is open for another month so if you have some time - download the kit and create a page - if I can do it so can you!
Here is the page I entered and you can find the contest right here!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great week!

Spring Weddings and Gardening....

Well I was able to get caught up and make about 6 cards - I had to book Friday off work but it was certainly worth taking a vacation day for!
I have really enjoyed the digital sentiments that are available at
Create with TLC - since I love photo shop I'm getting the hang of how to work with the digital sentiments and I think they are fantastic!  If you haven't visited TLC you should; Paulette posts a freebie daily and has a large variety for sale in her store - all priced very reasonable and service/email is very quick!  Remember when you visit or download a freebie; please leave a comment to show your appreciation!

Here are my two cards to share - a garden card that I will be sending to my sisiter and a wedding card for a friend on the east coast.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great Sunday!

Way past BBQ Time!!!

I just had to make this card - we bought a house that did not have a gas line hook up for a BBQ - you need to have a permit, inspection & a guy to do it! Not just a hubby who wants to unscrew the bolt on the gas meter!....It is almost June and we haven't barbecued since February!!! We ate homemade chicken soup on the weekend - I called it BBQ Chicken soup!
When Paulette over at Create with TLC sent this digi out as part of the summer club - I knew what I had to do!  I emailed her and said what do you think..she said don't do it....but I did!  This little card will be in hubbys lunch bag tomorrow; he has a good sense of humor - inside it reads:
You Are Fabulous!  Call the Guy!....I sure hope we can have a BBQ by the weekend!
Check out TLC - thanks for stopping by!

Oh yes the paper is Bazzil from the Oliver collection.

4 Ways to Color......

This is for the challenge at 365 Cards Day 40 - 4 ways to get colour onto your stamp.  So I started with a digi stamp - chick border - I'm sorry I have no idea who to give credit to for this digi stamp - it is very cute - I printed it onto patterned paper; used copic for the beak and grass, I added glue on glitter for the wings, which I then coloured and used the iRock for a gem in the flowers - the background blue paper is from provo craft, I've had it forever.  I used my fav bazzill card stock for the base and for some detail border punched under the chicks - Happy Spring!

Super Sketchy Sunday Day 41....

Today is the day at 365 Cards that you have to follow the sketch that Pam posts - the sketch is there for you to follow or as in my case I guess just be inspired!  I somewhat followed the sketch...didn't I? hmmm....ok well maybe I was inspired to use the color purple!  ....Here is the sketch from Pam and here is my card -

Funny thing about the sketch - you can turn it which ever way you want - 

Hope you had a terrific weekend - thanks for stopping by! 

Getting Back On Track

Well this past week I made a commitment to myself to work on being creative. For many reasons I just could not get to work on anything creative ~ I've hardly taken any pictures or even opened up photo shop; I've only made a card or two because I absolutely needed one and was too lazy to head out to the store to buy one. We relocated from the mild climate of the west coast to the cold, dry snowy climate of the Alberta foothills, not only did we relocate but moved twice in 5 1/2 months. 
For my own sanity, I need to be creative....all work and no play ~ well you know how that goes! 
Wish me luck as I start back - I hope to get back to one of my favorite places 365 cards.   
Thanks for stopping by!

The photo was taken at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Florida - the garden is dedicated to tropical plant conservation, research and education but also filled with unique art sculptures throughout the garden.