CST cards, ATC's & tags

If you are a stamper living in Canada, you should know about Canadian Stamp Talk on Yahoo Groups.  It is a great place to meet other stampers and get your stamping mojo going.  I have belonged to the group for several years, but was not actively involved up until July of this year after a lapse of several years absence.  I am enjoying receiving snail mail and seeing other stampers' art.

Today I am sharing with you some cards and ATC's created by some of the members of the CST Yahoo group as well as an amended tag that I originally made 28 of in the incorrect size for a swap.  My apologies to the swap's hostess and to the other participants, but by displaying the images of the amended tags that took less than 5 minutes to fix...I'm hoping that I'm somewhat forgiven.

Here are three cards that I received in a swap:

Ruth's card

Tracey's card

Karen's card

Now for the ATC's

Maryanne's ATC's

And the finale....the fixed "P" Xmas tags by yours truly

Hope everyone has a excellent day and not too filled with the stress of the holidays.  I'm off to make my Christmas cards with the goal of getting them completed and out BEFORE Christmas!!!!  ROFL

Carol

Remembrance Day 2012

The moment of silence has past, but this day is not over.  I will never know what it is to experience military life and all that goes with it, but I do remember worrying and waiting for my brother to come to us safely.  He did, but not without some major emotional scarring.  For many others, they came home in the same shape and for some, not at all.  I can only honour my brother and other military personnel with a card that was designed with him in mind.  Thank you to all those who have served, fought and survived and to those who have served, fought and died as well as to those who have and are currently serving in the military now.

Here is my small effort to say Thank You.



For Brian and his family



Stashbusting Cards

If you are like me, you have stuff....lots and lots of stuff.  I made a determination earlier this year not to add to my stuff.  I haven't added to the extent as in previous years, but cannot say that more stuff hasn't come into my stash.

I realized not long ago that I cannot possibly make everything that I want to nor can I use up everything that I own, but it might be a goal to start using what I have rather than acquiring more.

Consequently, the stashbusting classes were developed.

Here are two examples of what we will be doing on Nov. 11.  Please note the time has been changed from 1 to 3 to 10 to noon.  We will be observing Rememberance Day with a moment of silence.

Both cards were made almost completely from scraps.  The card bases were not scrap.

I also have a picture of the second Advent calendar based on Crafty Laila's idea.  Registration for this class closes on November 4 as cubbies have to be ordered either by the registrant or by me.

This advent cubbie is completely customizable

When registering, please let me know whether you are going to use the Workshop on the Go from the Close to My Heart catalogue or whether you want to customize your cubbie.  If you wish to customize your cubbie, then some extra prep time is needed.

Enjoy this beautiful day

Class schedule @ Train Station

Yahoo!!!  I get to teach again.  I am so excited to announce the new line up of classes to be held at Iron Horse Model Train Park, 820 Railway Gate, Airdrie, AB.  Due to my other job's schedule, I am unable to teach Saturdays.

Upcoming Classes

· All classes are $25.00 per person

· Students must pre-register and prepay for classes.  Class supply list will be provided upon registration via email.

· No refunds will be given, but students can either receive the class kit or find a substitute student.

· Class time is from 1 pm to 3 pm.  If class is full, a 2nd class will be scheduled.

Nov. 4                 Stencil Magic

                                    Using primarily Dreamweaver stencils, you will make gorgeous cards quickly and with very little effort.  Great way to get started on either your Christmas cards to to make cards to give as a gift.

A few samples of what you can make with our NEWEST & easiest glitter technique!!!!!

Nov. 11              Stashbusting Cards

Nov. 18              Advent Calendar

Nov. 25              Christmas Cards

Dec. 2                Stashbusting Cards

Dec. 9                Last Minute Hurry Up Cards

Jan. 13 / 13     To Die For  -  Cricut & Die Cut Cards

Class descriptions & samples will be posted by October 25.

Crafting with Carol

Email:  craftingwithcarol@gmail.com

 

Cricut Artiste cartridge

Made the Advent Cubby from the current Close to My Heart catalogue and was cruising the net and found a site that had an incredibly wonderful variation.  The site is craftylalia.blogspot.com.  I scraplifted and came up with my own version and will probably modify it even more.  Thank you to Laila for her fabulous idea.

Now onto the Cricut Artiste cartridge and some ideas on what to do with it.

Cricut Artiste cartridge & coordinating stamps

Have a wonderful day.  I know I am because I've just learned to insert video onto my blog....I know it's probably not rocket science, but this old crafty lady  -- it can be a challenge when it comes to technology!!!

Smiles and wishes for a great day,

Carol

Cricut Artiste cartridge

I am using the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge almost exclusively in my machine, but am looking forward to creating with the newest CTMH cartridge.

Check it out at http://youtu.be/YMCGdIRPMx0.

Cheers,

Carol

Fleurs and more fleurs

As I mentioned, I went to a mixed media workshop a couple of weeks ago. One of the demos was using a nib pen and calligraphy inks.  I absolutely loved the colours of the inks and had to come up with a new to use them as I successfully broke my nib 5 seconds after trying to use.  I didn't come up with a stunning new technique (dribbling ink onto a wet paper towel), but I did come up with some stunning flowers.

Here is a pictorial from dried towel to card.

Used Tim Holtz's Tattered Florals die to cut and glossy accents to glue

Love the colour variegation

As Gene Simmons says "It's good to be me." Off to work, but planning my next creative session making more fleurs.

Alberta skies

For the past two weekends, I have lived the life of Riley.  (Correction, I have lived better than the life of Riley....I have lived the life of Carol.)  I had the incredible opportunity to spend both weekends stamping and arting with some amazing people as my companions.

I am learning about life's lessons and trying to heed them.  The first weekend taught me that being different takes courage.  My art is nowhere near as fancy or embellished as what was shown as samples which meant that my courage is orely tested.  After of weekend of looking at beautiful projects, I learned that I am not in step with the rest of the band.  I am comfortable (finally after many years) with that because I have learned that trying to be the same as everyone else is not my cup of tea and does not make me happy.

The second weekend taught me that I am an ARTIST!!!!  albeit a struggling one, but I no longer feel that I have to apologize for what I create. 

Thank you to all the wonderful people that created, supported and took part in both workshops.  I personally had a great time and enjoyed my weekends.

Now to the skies......Alberta has so much wide open spaces that it is easy to take some spectacular pictures of the sky.  Here are some of the pictures that I took while away.



Early morning in Millet, AB




mid morning in Edmonton, AB

 

sunset in Airdrie, AB

Have a wonderful day.  Until next time.

Carol



Tonsils

The little miss is suffering from acute (vs a-ugly) tonsillitis.  On antibiotics and should be raring to go soon.

TTFN,

Carol

For Linda - Part 2

As I am typing this, our grandbaby is in emergency with a fever of 104 degrees.  I had her most of the day today and other than being tired, it was a good day.  We crafted, made glitter fish and had fun.  One of the fish that was made was gold in colour.

I know I promised you a goldfish tonight, but due to circumstances I used my gold fish.

Looking at the picture, I see room for lots of improvement....and will work on that for next week.

Other than being concerned, I know that she is where she should be and that all will be okay.  Catch you later.

Carol

For my friend Linda

It has been quite a while since I've posted.  I have had most of the summer off work and discovered that my Dad and Grandad were right about being retired.  They both told me that no matter what you have planned, there simply is no time to do it and the fact that you do not get a day off from having a day off sucks.

My good friend, Linda who holds a very special place in my heart reminds me that I have not communicated lately.  Last night was one such reminder and in a fit of ambition and remorse, I promised a post today.  She asked for something with a seahorse and / or a goldfish.  I said "No problem!!."  Well, guess what....work called and I ended up there longer than expected.  I did get my seahorse card done using one of my favourite Stampendous stamps and the new CTMH alcohol ink markers.  The bling is from CTMH as well.  Tomorrow, my goldfish card will appear.

It is a gatefold card with a ribbon tie.

Linda, I hope you like it.

TTFN.

Carol

Progress Made

As I mentioned, I have been sick......only thing that I do other than sleep, sneeze and use millions of tissues is go through my magazines.  Who knew there were so many ideas that one can use?  I have little sticky notes throughout each issue and my better half says that it might be more beneficial if I sticky noted those pages I didn't want.  What does he know?  I'm keeping the economy going by buying sticky notes.

As I was finding treasures, one card jumped out at me and said "Make Me!!!".  Seeing as how I own the stamps that the card designer used, I kept the page open and put the magazine aside to make the card.  Next, I went downstairs to my nicely organized stamps and much to my consternation.....I couldn't find one of the sets!!!!  Looked in a couple of other spots and realized that I may have to clean up my craft room to find the missing stamp set.

This started on Thursday.  Friday saw me downstairs in my craftroom cleaning and finding other things to organize such as my word stamps.  I am constantly frustrated at not knowing or finding the right sentiment so that meant I had to empty the six drawers, check my inventory binder and sort the stamps properly.  Somewhere along the way, I discovered the missing stamp set and put it on my pegboard so that I knew where it was.  Late Friday night, I was learning how to format cells in my Excel program because this cold wouldn't let me sleep and I was determined to enter my verses in their entirety in my new computer file.

Saturday morning ---  early,  very very early, I was up and entering my sentiments into the computer.  Had breakfast and went downstairs to this:

8:30 am  Saturday, April 28

 There is a six foot table and a four foot table under all that.  I know it looks bad, but given a little time I will get it under control.  How much time????  Hours, days, weeks, months.......???

Noon on Saturday, April 28

Notice the daisy card and the bag beside it....that's the project!!!  Beside the bag is a tag that I had to put back together and the stamps behind that will be categorized and put away later this weekend.  Notice my Cricut?  It hasn't seen the light of day since I got it (unless I use it) and languished under the table.  Believe it or not, the four table is completely clear and ready to use.

Hooray....one major goal accomplished!!!  Still have the stinkin' cold though.....

Have a great day,

Carol

Been busy - part 4 (the final part)

I have decided that I'm not extremely creative in the design department, but that I can usually see the other items being used in a card other than what is presented.  Sometimes, this is because I don't have the supplies listed or that I don't like the presentation or that I am on the lookout for the use of a particular stamp.  Whatever the reason, I very seldom follow the design to the letter and I encourage anyone who looks at my cards to do the same.  I am presenting a platform from which you can perform the most amazing feats.

The next two cards are a sample of the process that I go through when developing class ideas....not every card I make is a class sample, but can be the beginning to which I follow a path to design the card that I want to present.

The first card is a card that I remember seeing in a Stamper's Sampler about a year or so ago.  Thought I'd try to duplicate it. 

Top two flower stamps are Magenta stamps and the bottom one is Stampendous.  Can't remember where the FOR YOU is from.

All the punches are from Martha Stewart.  When I presented this card to my students, it was not coloured and I wasn't happy with the card.  After colouring it in, it looks much better.

For the card that I adapted and presented to class, butterflies came to mind only because I have this great Martha Steward butterfly punch that helped make this card pop.

C1299 - Butterfly Kiss

Hope you enjoyed my cards.

Smiles,

Carol

Been busy - Part 3

It's official!  I hate being sick!!!!  I am now into week two of this miserable cold and there are very little signs of it abating.  Type 3 words, cough, type 3 more words, cough, cough, cough.....arghhhh!  I know this too will pass, but patience has never been my strong suit.

Onto the cards.......

While perusing the net, I found a cute card on a youtube video from AmuseStudios.com and adapted it to my stash.

Here are two examples.

Used Inkadinkado Cat Inchie Stamps & C1494 - Card Word Puzzle

Used A1116 - A Melody and D1447 - Universal Backgrounds

Quick, easy, simple.....my kind of card.

Smiles,

Carol

Been busy - Part 2

I have to admit that I love the new Quick Cards stamp sets.  I also love the Close to My Heart Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge.  My brain and mindset do not go to the fancy end of the scale and I find myself happily puttering around making simple cards.  Teaching these cards to my students is a learning experience for me as I watch them manipulate my simple ideas into works of art.  That's what teaching is about...watching your students taking flight with their ideas.

Here are some label cards using <Square3> on page 43 and CTMH sets A1120 - Quick Cards Butterfly, A1128 - Quick Cards Shell and C1498 - Country Life.  The Quick Card stamps were stamped on, but the Country Life Rooster seemed to need a background so I used an out of date Stampin' Up chicken wire background.  I think Rosewood stamps (www.frogswhiskersink.com) may have a chicken wire background.  If not, then Rose Marie may consider doing one.  I used Z1335 - Opaques Licorice on the Butterfly and Rooster card.

A1120 - Quick Cards Butterfly



A1128 - Quick Cards Shell



C1498 - Country Life

Part 3 will soon be up.

Enjoy your day,

Carol

Been busy - Part 1

Took my limited skll set and designed my own blog header.  For the first attempt, I am very happy with what I have done and when I further my skills, I am looking forward to what I can come up with! 

Taught a class on Sunday, April 22 and here are some of the cards that I did.  The theme of the class was Flowers, Inchies and Circles.

Fell in love with Melanie Muenchinger's card in the March 2010 CardMaker magazine when it came out.  So much so that I raced upstairs to buy the set Elegant Elements from Gina K Designs because none of the circles I had looked as nice.  Being a lazy stamper, I changed the butterflies to punched ones.  The punch was a Martha Stewart punch and all I did was direct to paper with the ink pads.  I used Adirondacks for the Melanie card and Distress inks for my CTMH takeoff card.  The stamp sets for the CTMH card were C1459 - Stitched Together (the flower) and C1494 - Card Word Puzzle (for birthday).  I upped the ante by using the LJ812 Dreamweaver stencil to place my stamps and after stamping, dry embossed to make raised squares.  I added Stardust stickles to all the butterflies on both cards.

adapted from Melanie Muenchinger's card from CardMaker magazine March 2010



C1459 Stitched Together CTMH set

Watch the next post for the next set of cards.  Until then..........TTFN,

Carol

Friends & their cards

I am so lucky to have talented friends who make gorgeous cards.  Donna makes the most beautiful encaustic cards and Leslie works with the Hero Arts embossing folder & stamp on her card.

Love the texture on Donna's flowers and love Leslie's butterflies.

Have a wonderful day and remember to put a smile on your face and laughter in your heart.

Dreamweaver, Variegated Foil & an anniversary

This month my in-laws will be celebrating 59 years of marriage.  In my quest of depleting my stash, I came upon some pieces of cardstock with doublesided adhesive and stencil outlines I had drawn.  One of the outlines was of a heart----wonderful start for an anniversary card.

Next I decided to apply the foil to the adhesive and voila, instant embellishment.  For the tag, I used shiny gold paper and alcohol inks to match to foil and stamped my sentiment.

Placed everything on the front of the card and sent it off.

By the way, I did use up the rest of my cardstock pieces to make up 5 different cards (I had a dress, teapot & vase).

Resolutions

Everybody has one....losing weight seems to be the #1 resolution closely followed by becoming more organized.  I am proud of myself in the fact that over the past year, I have been organising my various craft rooms (yes, rooms) so that I can more efficiently find materials for projects or even the UFOs that are cluttering my life.

Therefore, my resolution is to lose weight both physically & mentally.  I resolve that I will use my craft supplies and try very hard not to buy any new supplies.  This means that I am looking forward to making a card and using what I have on hand.  After telling a friend this resolution, she very kindly offered me her stash as well....not sure if this is a good thing or not, but time will tell.  By using my supplies, I know that I am decreasing my stash and the guilt associated with not using my stuff (that's the mental part of the weight loss).

The second part to my resolution is to pull out those UFOs and finish them or get rid of them.  As I have been trying to do catch up to my ambitious ideas, I have been making myself finish projects from the past and trying to avoid more clutter.  To this end, I started a calendar with the various projects that I am working on in the various crafts I work in and posted it in several areas of the house to keep me on track.

By starting this process, I have learned a few self truths.

1.  I bite off more than I can chew.
2.  My crafting eyes are bigger than my budget or my house.
3.  I am not the type of person that is happy working on one project at a time and I get easily   bored.
4.  I am trainable. I can and will do this for me.

The pictures that are featured are cards that I have imagined for quite a while and finally made.

Dreamweaver stencils are featured as well as Stampscapes stamps. If you would like more info on how to make the cards, please email me.