Where Did That Lady Go?

The 65th Birthday card I promised you. There are a few things I wasn't happy with but left it all the same - don't ask me about coloring the chipboard numbers which were originally shiny and green. Ok, I'll tell you anyway. I had the idea of glossy, smooth, white numbers for the card. I will just white emboss some numbers in my stash I thought. My heart sank as I watched the embossing slide around and off the numbers under the heat gun. Next idea: I would peel off the coloured layer and colour them with paint. The outcome was chalky, lumpy numbers, not the glossy, smooth image I had in my head. Idea #3: add a coat of white embossing over the paint. It worked ok, but I had to add more than one layer and I just couldn't get it smooth. After a few attempts I realised it wasn't worth the level of my angst and decided to use them as they were. Not so sure about the happy birthday ribbon either - moving on...

On a happier, more content note; I discovered that I could use my Stampin' Up! half round punch to create holders for the coupon! Something was going my way, unlike the jammed square punch that is currently sitting on my desk. What happened, you ask? Well, I saw an online tip about cutting perfect notches on the ends of pennants by using your small square punch. Brilliant I thought and tried it out as I really dislike unevenly cut notches on my pennants. The only trouble is: I tried using it on ribbon that was kind of plasticy, not cardstock. Punch stuck and hasn't budged since. It's been two months or more. No exaggeration - it was used [unsuccessfully] on my Mother's Day card which I made ahead of time as documented in an earlier post. Those of you who read my blog regularly and commit the wisdom within to memory will know (just cracking myself up with that one).


On this card I got to experiment with my new Hero Arts background stamp and Tim Holtz distress markers. I've also been experimenting with new Tim Holtz spring distress ink and making cards with the results. I've also tried out another online idea and made them into cards too.  It unsettles me to note that I've been making a few cards this year, more than ever before even, and sadly few layouts. I have previously mentioned my little secret of disliking making cards and preference for layouts which begs the question: where has that lady gone?

Look, Look, Look

Look, look, look! Really, look at that clear (ish) desk. The CAYG freaks should be happy. Well, they would be more happy if I tidied it up again to that state after I have been creating. I did do a bit of playing after it was clear and I did tidy it up again. Wonders never cease.

Too busy clearing the mammoth sized pile on the desk to create. I do have a 65th BDay card I have been working on and will share it once it is done (and after I have tidied the desk up again after the card is finished - no promises though).

Where are the CAYG freaks when you need 'em?

The creative desk is a bombsite. The reason is shown in the pictures. As an aside; did you notice I tried to make an effort in the background of the photos this time?

I have finally managed to put together an album I started in a class last year. It may even have been the year before but I'm not going to look it up. Whenever the tutor, the very talented Kathy K,  asks me if I have finished it, I have to hang my head in shame. The reason why it sat for so long is that it is so beautiful that I needed the appropriate pictures to go with it. The opportunity came when I had some lovely photos of my Mum, my sister and I from a High Tea event. I don't want to admit it was from late last year (it takes time to upload, select, edit photos then actually get them processed you know). Also, you have to embellish every page before you put the book together so that's why it sat in pieces for so long. Those are my excuses and I'm sticking with them.

The trouble with finally completing something so gorgeous - I've already had one order for a duplicate one! I think I'll have a wee break first. During the break I probably should look at clearing my desk. I'd love to see a cleared desk to start afresh on but I must confess, It has gotten away on me now. Too much creating at the same time. I need one of the Clean As You Go Freaks to come help me out. Where are the CAYG freaks when you need 'em? Mind you, they will probably lecture me on how it wouldn't have got into this state if I actually followed their motto instead of mocking them. (hangs head in shame again)

Happy Mother's Day

As promised; my Mother's Day card (made in advance I would like to point out).

 The card is based on the sketch mentioned in the previous post. This is the first one I made and it has the ribbon added; I didn't add the ribbon for the birthday one. I like it better without the ribbon. I like how the doily wraps around giving you space to add an extra sentiment.

The fastest card in the West

Why is it the night before that you remember you need a card? Better than the day after I guess. This was the quickest card I have ever made - under 20 mins. I don't usually use premade embellishments (especially ones as gaudy as the chickies) but I bought them especially for a friend as chickies have a history with us. We had to deliver a parcel to the aforementioned friend before she left on a trip; I decided to whip up a bon voyage card with the aforementioned chickies. The paper came from a Webster's Pages paper pack that came free with the latest Australian Cards Magazine. As I flipped through I thought that particular paper would go unused in my stack (putting it politely). That was until I realised it would go nicely with the chickies! A match was made and a card was created in no time at all.

To be honest the time would've been quicker if I had more space to work with and if I didn't have to clear a space on my overflowing workspace to create it in. I did clean the stamps and put them back in the boxes after (but I will admit to leaving them on the desk).  I don't know why I am openly sharing my disorder: I should feel safe as the clean-as-you-go freaks should know not to read my blog by now! :) Anyway, it's still the fastest card in the West in my book.

Credit Where Credit is Due

In the weekend I made a card based on a card I had seen on the Scrappin' Patch Blog. I thought I was on to it making my Mother's Day card ahead of time instead of the usual mad dash to make a card the night before an event. Then I remembered that a certain special lady had a birthday only a couple of days later. What a stroke of luck that I had enough of the same DCWV paper to recreate the Mother's Day card with a birthday twist! I even managed to break out some of the $2 Washi Tape (Score!) I bought recently. In retrospect I would've used the red washi tape on the inside of the rosette instead of the pale blue one which you can't really see well as it is too pale. I don't want to load my Mother's Day card until after the event so you won't be able to compare the differences. I might also be holding back so that May's blog post is sorted in advance ;)

Forgive the not so perfect photo shots and the messy background. I only cleared enough space on my desk to complete the cards - maybe I should've began this blog with a warning for all the 'clean as you go' people?

Credit where credit is due: I came across the original card on the Scrappin' Patch blog (sorry, I can't find the original post or the owner's name) http://scrappinpatch.blogspot.com

Let's hope that I haven't forgotten any other important events that need a card asap.

Thanks Artfull Crafts

Thanks Artfull Crafts! I came home from a family holiday to find a parcel waiting for me. I was so surprised to find out that I won a prize on their blog event - Centre Stage. I can't wait to play with the kit but first I have to unpack and take care of a small mountain of washing. I love to travel but I really don't like unpacking :(