The 12 Kits of Holidays {January Kit}

 

Welcome to the first 12 Kits post of the new year!  This year we have a few changes and they are fantastic!  First of all, it is now called The 12 Kits of Holidays!  Next up, is that we have some new players but to do that we had to say goodbye to Suzanne and Cathy.  You both will be missed so much!  Welcome Kelly and Tracy! 

 

 

 

This month's kit was sent out by the sweetest person......Joyce Mehrberg!  Please go visit her lovely blog and tell her I sent you!  This month starts us off with a holiday OTHER than Christmas.  Joyce sent some fabulous pattern papers and stamped images.  I went a little different route with my cards this month so I hope you like what you see!

 

January Kit

{photo courtesy of Kara}

 

 

 

So I mentioned that this month starts us off with a holiday other than Christmas.......Valentines!!! 

I love love the papers Joyce sent......they quickly became the focus of my simple cards.  First up, is my favorite of the cards I made.

 

 

 

Here is the full list of blogs for the 12 Kits of Holidays!  I hope you enjoyed my cards this month.......and the new designers!!!!  I know I am! 

 

Renee {It's a Patchwork Life}



Joyce {Cards-by-the-Sea}--January Hostess
Tracey {In my creative opinion}

Kim {Cupcakes Cards and Kim}

Kara {KandRDesigns}

Sharron {On Papillon Wings}

Marybeth {Marybeth's Time for Paper}

Jeanne {A Kept Life}

Jessica {The Paper Parade}

Christina {Sea Glass & Sentiments}
Kelly {Gingham Girl Adventures}

 

Bundle of Joy

Hello!  I'm here today with a quick card I made that was over at the Fresh Squeezed Stamps blog yesterday!   

It's a super simple BABY card using one of the newest stamp sets called You Said It, Sister.  I thought I would steer away from Valentines for one post!  Although you will be seeing more very soon!  :)

Seriously, who doesn't love polka dots?  With this you can see just how easy it is to line up the polka dot background strip that's in this stamp set!  Love the softness of how the sentiment stamped over the white polka dots.

Thanks for joining me today!

{bundle of joy}

Stamps:  You Said It, Sister (Fresh Squeezed Stamps)

Paper:  Stampin' Up

Pattern Paper:  Bitty Dots (PTI)

Ink:  Fresh Snow (PTI), Charcoal Palette

Dies:  Shape Up: Onesie Die (PTI), Flower Die (PTI)

Happy Mail for Grayson Card Drive

I have a very special post today.  Read on about the Card Drive for Grayson.

Just before Thanksgiving, Danielle from Neat and Tangled, heard news that a girl she went to high school with and her family had embarked on an incredibly difficult journey. They had discovered that their sweet little 2 year old boy, Grayson, had a tumor on his brain stem. Since then they have been on a roller coaster ride, and this is only part of the journey. Grayson will begin chemotherapy this month as the next stage of treatment. Through all of this, the family has stayed strong, hopeful, faithful and positive. And Grayson is a strong and spunky fighter :) Grayson's mom, Jackie, has a blog she keeps updated regularly, so you can get to know more about Grayson HERE.

Danielle wants to just light up Grayson's life with some serious happy mail! She talked to Jackie, and she informed her that Grayson and his brother love to get mail...and so, here we have the Happy Mail for Grayson Card Drive.

Grayson is super lucky to have a big brother, Aydan, who is 4 so make sure to send some awesome cards to him too! These boys love all things boy :) Rescue Bots, Geotracks, Angry Birds, Thomas the Train. Send these little men funny, happy, cards! We all know how much love goes into a handmade card, and even better how personalized they can be!"

 

Here is the important info:
The drive will run from January 21 - February 28
(If they arrive late because they are International that's okay too!)

Send them here:
Grayson Savery and/or Aydan Savery
c/o Danielle Walls
P.O. Box 5808
Wilmington, DE 19808

Thanks so much for joining me today!

Twine Fashion

 

Hello everyone! 

I have a cute way to use some of that Timeless Twine and wanted to share today.

I have a 7 yr old daughter who hates to have her hair done.....I don't use that word often but in all seriousness, she does.  So about the only thing I can get her to do with her hair is wear barrettes or headbands. 

 

 I've used a plain metal headband purchaseed at Hobby Lobby.  After applying 1/8" Scor-Tape down the headband, I wrapped Tuxedo Black Timeless Twine around the entire length securing the ends at the bottom. 
 

I then added a Raspberry Pink Timeless Twine pom pom adorned with 2 layered black buttons.  My daughter wouldn't take it off after the photo session! 

 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by today for some Twine Fashion!



 

 

XOXO

 

Hi everyone!  It's my day to share over on the Neat & Tangled blog! 

 

I've used stamps from My Heart Sings for a trendy look that includes Washi tape.  I've become a hoarder of this stuff so this is a start to me using some!  Fairly CAS but there is a bit of coloring involved. 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for stopping by today!

 

{XOXO}

Stamps:  My Heart Sings (Neat and Tangled)

Paper:  True Black, White (PTI)

Ink:  Tuxedo Black (Memento)

Misc:  Corner Rounder, Washi Tape, Button, Copics

 

Squeeze-A-Palooza #4

 

It's Squeeze-A-Palooza time with Fresh Squeezed Stamps!!!  If you follow my blog, you know that I love this challenge here at Fresh Squeezed Stamps.  However, this month I am sharing a card as part of the DT.  So I want to see YOUR cards this month so I can vote for you! 

 

 

There are some wonderful inspiration photos up this month to spark your creativity.  But wait.....No Fresh Squeezed Stamps??  NO problem! 

Each month there are FREE digis to use..... you can find them HERE. 

 

I used the adorable colored hearts digi for my card!  This card came together so incredibly easy!

 

My card was made using the sketch found over at Retro Sketches this week. 

 

 Thanks for all the sweet words this week......I am truly speechless!

 

{love xo}

Stamps:  Digi image (Fresh Squeezed Stamps)

Paper:  Raspberry Fizz, Pure Poppy, White (PTI)

Dies:  Polka Dot IP (PTI), Pennant Trim Die (Verve)

Misc:  Gems (Martha Stewart)

Lil' Inker Designs {January Release}

 

 

 

 Welcome to the last day of inspiration from the whole Lil' Inker Designs Team!  You should have arrived from Alyssa Scritchfield's blog.....if not, please start back at the beginning at the Lil' Inker Designs blog.

 

Today we get to share whatever using the newest goodies that were released.  I can certainly see myself using these balloons hundreds of times.....they are definitely an asset to my die collection!  I paired all these new goodies up with a yummy paper collection from Echo Park called LOVE STORY.  You can also find this in the Lil' Inker store!

 

Lots of Lil' Inker goodies here........stitched hearts, stitched clouds, balloons, balloon string. 

 

 I wanted to mention a tiny little thing.......you know a little thing called Paper Crafts?  Well, their current call is for everything Birthday (you can find info HERE)!  Let's see some balloons in there!

 

Now we need you to hop around because there are a couple of $10 credits up for grabs this release!

I so hope you enjoy the Lil' Inker Designs blog hop......your next stop is Debby Hughes!

 

 

{love is in the air}
Stamps:  Balloon Builder Stamps (Lil' Inker Designs)
Paper:  White, Soft Stone (PTI)
Ink:  Charcoal Palette
Dies:  Stitched Clouds, Stitched Hearts, Balloon String, Balloon Dies (Lil' Inker Designs)
Misc:  Silver Pearls, Foam Adhesive

Lil' Inker Designs {January Release} Day 2

 

 

 

Welcome back to the Lil' Inker Designs January Release!  You should have arrived from Alyssa's blog but if not, please start back at the beginning at the Lil' Inker Designs blog!

So we heard you were pretty excited about yesterday's products so let's see how you like todays!!

 

Today we are sharing the new Mini Party Die Set.  So I focused on all the mini balloons in this set!  Some of these are the same size as the original balloon dies but it's awesome to have doubles of some....makes for much easier die cutting!

 

I went with a baby card and pastels here, layering both stamped images and stamped die cuts at varying heights.  Love how it turned out!  The sentiment banner is the double ended banner from Flags and Tags.  It was die cut similar to yesterday's banner (photo can be found on THIS post).

 

I hope you aren't getting tired of me using these stitched frames!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE them!

 

***This project is out for publication!!!***

 

 

 

 

 Now we need you to hop around because there are a couple of $10 credits up for grabs this release!

I so hope you enjoy the Lil' Inker Designs blog hop......your next stop is Debby Hughes!

See you back here tomorrow for the last day!

 

{It's a girl}

Stamps:  Balloon Builders Stamp Set and Sentiment Flag Additions (Lil' Inker Designs)

Paper:  White (PTI)

Ink:  Shell, Lichen, Blush (Amuse), Charcoal Palette, Lemon Tart (PTI)

Dies:  Mini Party Die Set, Flags & Tags, Stitched Mats: Rectangles (Lil' Inker Designs)

Misc:  Bubble Gum Twine (Timeless Twine), Foam Adhesive

Muse Guest Designer!!!!!

 

 

****Please scroll down for my Lil' Inker Designs Release post or click HERE!!!****

 

 

I interrupt my regular scheduled blog posting for this awesome news!!  I am so excited to share that I was asked to be the first Guest Designer for the new card making club called Muse!  Check out THIS welcome post to learn all about the rules for the members of Muse!

 

 

When I received the invitation from Jackie Rockwell, I was like.....she wants me? for the first guest designer??  That in itself was a challenge.  But I accepted!  I had so much fun with my card......I used one of my favorite techniques and I got to use WHATEVER I had in my stash!  Sometimes it's fun to create just FOR THE FUN OF IT!!!

 

***a wee side note:  I loosely compared this to being in Gallery Idol.  Stressful but FUN!!!  I mean everyone will be using MY card to inspire their cards!  Pinch me now!***

 

 I used my Distress Inks to color my flower and leaves.  And did I say this was my favorite technique??  I did....... I've used this technique before and many of you say you want to try it so this is your chance!!!  First, you need to stamp and emboss.  Then color!  The key is to start applying your ink OFF the paper and work ONTO the paper.  Just blend until you get the desired color or shading you want. Play around with the colors.....here I used 2 colors of each but applying lightly because I wanted a more subtle color but a bit darker in the center.

 

 

 So now you get to interpret my card......whether its the color, the layout, the technique, the impressed frame.....whatever you feel!!!!  I can't wait to see what you all do with this one!

 

Thank you to the WHOLE team over at Muse for giving me this honor of being the first Guest Designer!  I'm so glad I'm a member of the Muse club!!  :)

 

 

 

 

{you're so special to me}

Stamps:  Hero Arts sentiment (CL582), Ever After (Wplus9)

Paper:  SS White (PTI)

Ink:  Versamark, True Black (PTI)

Distress Inks:  Mustard Seed, Scattered Straw, Shabby Shutters, Peeled Paint

Pattern Paper:  Follow Your Heart/Be Amazing (MME)

Dies:  Stitched Mats: Squares (Lil' Inker Designs)

Misc:  Filigree White Embossing Powder, White Pearls, Foam Adhesive

Lil' Inker Designs {January Release} Day 1

 

  

Welcome to the Lil' Inker Designs January Release!  This month we have some fabulous new products!  You should have arrived from Alyssa Scritchfield's blog.....if not, please start back at the beginning at the Lil' Inker Designs blog.

 

My card uses the new BALLOON image stamps!  Yes, I said balloon images.....they coordinate with the previously released balloon dies!!!  Yippee!  My little "coordinating" heart is just in love!  I've done some basic masking with the new images in a variety of bright colors. 

 

 

 I wanted to continue the fun on the inside of the card.  So, I used a single die cut balloon and stamping a coordinating balloon through the opening!  Here's a peek at the inside....

 

 

 Both sentiments are found in the Balloon Builders Stamps Set along with those balloon images!  Here is a closeup of some of the balloon patterns included......

 

 

 I wanted to share a quick tip about my banner layered behind the #7 die cut.  I used the Flags & Tags die and just cut the width I wanted, taped with Washi, and die cut the "flag" end!  You can get soo much more use out of this die this way!

 

 

 

 

Now we need you to hop around because there are a couple of $10 credits up for grabs this release!

I so hope you enjoy the Lil' Inker Designs blog hop......your next stop is Debby Hughes!

See you back here tomorrow!

 

{bunches of birthday wishes}

Stamps:  Balloon Builder Stamps (Lil' Inker Designs)

Paper:  SS White (PTI), Pink (Recollections)

Ink:  Pear Tart (Memento), Watermelon and Sky (Amuse), Orangerie and Charcoal (Palette), Harvest Gold and Pure Poppy (PTI)

Dies:  Balloon Dies and Flags and Tags Dies (Lil' Inker Designs)

You sweep me.....(again)

Welcome back!  Quick post today to share the FULL card that was sneaked here yesterday!

I used the new stamp set from Fresh Squeezed Stamps called A Punny Valentine.  Too cute for words!


I also wanted to share that there are NEW stamps coming soon from Annabelle Stamps.....Have you checked them out yet?  You can HERE.  I have a wish list from there!!  Annabelle Stamps is having a new release/blog hop tomorrow.  Curious about those "sprinkles" I used on my card?  You can get them from Annabelle Stamps!  Make sure you tell them I sent you!

Have a wonderful day!  I'm off today and working on DT assignments and a special card that will be shown SOON! 

{you sweep me}

Stamps:  A Punny Valentine (Fresh Squeezed Stamps)

Paper:  SS White, Raspberry Fizz (PTI)

Pattern Paper:  Dear Lizzy Neapolitan (American Crafts)

Ink:  Tuxedo Black (Memento)

Dies:  Fishtail Flags Stax (MFT)

Misc:  Raspberry Pink Baker's Twine (Timeless Twine), Sprinkles (Annabelle Stamps)

You sweep me....

Hi everyone!

 

I have another "Punny" Valentine to share.  I just can't get enough of this fun set!

Here's a little snippet of my card to tease you.  Go check out the Fresh Squeezed Stamps Blog today for my full card!

 

 

 

 

A Punny Valentine

 

Thank you so much for stopping by! 

Can't wait to see what you make with this cute set!  Don't forget to link up your projects over on Flickr and Splitcoast Stampers (search freshsqueezedstamps)!

 

 

{you sweep me}

Stamps:  A Punny Valentine (Fresh Squeezed Stamps)

Paper:  SS White, Raspberry Fizz (PTI)

Pattern Paper:  Dear Lizzy Neapolitan (American Crafts)

Ink:  Tuxedo Black (Memento)

Dies:  Fishtail Flags Stax (MFT)

Misc:  Raspberry Pink Baker's Twine (Timeless Twine), Sprinkles (Annabelle Stamps)

 

 



Be Mine

Hi everyone!  You can find this post over at the Timeless Twine blog today but am also sharing it here too!  

I have a sweet little valentine that is super easy to recreate.  I've used Timeless Twine's Valentine twine called Strawberry Cupcake.  Layering twine at an angle over some score tape on my card base, I was able to place a woodgrain cardstock panel that was die cut with a heart over the top with foam adhesive.  And this technique is great because you can be messy with that twine and then cover it up! (let's just say, you don't want to see the underside of that panel!)
 

My sentiment banner was stamped with a woodgrain pattern and then overstamped with my sentiment in black ink. 

Strawberry Cupcake Timeless Twine

Thanks for stopping by today!  I appreciate all your comments so much!



{Be Mine}

Stamps:  Lots of Love (Avery Elle)

Paper:  White Woodgrain (will post manufacturer later)

Ink:  True Black (PTI), Blush (A/Muse)

Dies:  Heart Prints (PTI), Small Folded Banner (Simon Says Stamp)

Twine:  Strawberry Cupcake (Timeless Twine)

Misc:  Scor-tape, Foam Adhesive

Timeless Twine New Color Release Blog Hop!!

  

Welcome welcome!  I'm so excited to be here today starting off the Timeless Twine Blog Hop to celebrate the new COLOR release!  You should have arrived here from the Timeless Twine blog, if not please start back there to start and for the full list of participants!!  Make sure you do because there is a prize up for grabs!  More on that later.

 

I have a few photos of my projects, so let's get this party started.  My first project uses the new twine called Cape Cod.  It's a combination of soft yellow, grey, and white.  You can find out all about Timeless Twine HERE.  I have wanted to make one of these tassels out of twine since I can remember.  Years ago, I made a graduation card using a tassel I'd made out of embroidery floss.  It's so much better with twine!  LOL  Doesn't it embellish the bag so much better than traditional bows or curling ribbon?

TO MAKE the tassel, I took a piece of cardstock approx 2" wide and just started wrapping the twine around and around until I thought the tassel would be "full" enough.  Next tie off one end of your gathered twine with another length of twine.  Cut the other end as evenly through as you can.  Fold over twine and wrap another length of twine around the top and tie off.   I attached my tassel to my bag with more twine!!

 Next up is a matching card.  I am in LOVE with this paper!  It's from the Bramble Rose collection by My Minds Eye.  It was layered over a die cut made with the Stitched Mats: Rectangles from Lil' Inker Designs.  Cape Cod twine was wrapped around the panel and a sentiment and arrow finish this off!

Here's my card and bag ensemble together!



 My next project is another card but using the other NEW twine called Graphite Gray.  It's a combination of gray and white.  Here I've used the twine to make my own embellished FLAIR!  I'm not sure if any of you were obsessed with collecting those JCPenny buttons over the holidays but I was!  I even had my hubby going there!  So I have this sack of buttons on my craft desk......and thought, why not?! 

 TO CREATE my twine Flair, I covered the entire smooth surface with Scor-Tape and tucking it over the rounded edges.  I then started to create my design.  Scor-Tape worked perfectly for this!  No sticky glues or mess! 

 This card uses paper from the Breeze collection by My Mind's Eye that was misted with Classic Tan Mister Huey's mist.  I love the look the mist gives!!!  My flair was attached using foam adhesive. 

I'm going to enter this in the CASual Fridays Challenge this week:  Round of Applause. 

Here are the new colors of twine now for you to drool over!!!

Graphite Gray Timeless Twine

Cape Cod Timeless Twine

Remember I mentioned a little giveaway?  One winner will receive BOTH new colors and must be a FOLLOWER of the Timeless Twine blog AND leave a comment on all the Design Team's blog posts including the Timeless Twine blog.  That's it!  So easy! 

I'm going to send you off now to the next stop who is the very talented Amy Tsuruta!  Let's go see what she's created using the newest twine!  Thanks so much for sticking with me today!  (long post I know!)

{Best day ever card/bag ensemble}

Stamps:  It's Your Day (CTMH)

Paper:  SS White, Lemon Tart (PTI)

Pattern Paper:  Bramble Rose (MME)

Dies:  Stitched Mats: Rectangles (Lil' Inker Designs), Get to the Point Dies (PTI)

Misc:  Cape Cod Twine (Timeless Twine), Foam Adhesive

{COOL!}

Stamps:  You are.... (CTMH)

Paper:  SS White, Soft Stone (PTI)

Ink:  Lemon Tart (PTI)

Pattern Paper:  Breeze (MME)

Dies:  Stitched Mats: Squares (Lil' Inker Designs), Fishtail Flags Stax (MFT)

Misc: Graphite Gray Twine (Timeless Twine), JCPenney Button, Scor-Tape, Mister Huey's Color Mist Classic Tan (Studio Calico), Foam Adhesive