Happy Mother's Day.... to a Fabulous Purse-on!!

Happy Mother's Day... to a Fabulous Purse-on!!

Papercrafts Gallery Idol Challenge Submission

I created this card for the Papercrafts Magazine Gallery Idol.. this week's theme was honoring Mother's Day with shaped cards. The purse seemed to be the best shape for a mother's day card... most girls are absolutley crazy about purses... I love a great looking purse but I tend to fill it to the brim no matter what size purse I buy. I could easily migrate from a wallet to an oversided suitcase in just a few week's time. My husband would claim that my purse should be considered a weapon... (I am terrible about cleaning it out), one day while cleaning it out I sorted out all the change and took it to the bank to be counted... $54.o0 in change (no bills), I of course defended myself by telling him that handing this bag over to a potential mugger would be no chore at all, if I aimed just right we would most likely be knocked completely out LOL. Because of this, I usually limit myself to the pockets in my jeans for favorite jacket.

Card Details:
Stamps: Doodle This
Cardstock: Basic Black, Shimmery White, Cool Caribbean
Ink: Basic Black
Other: White Signo Gel Pen, May Arts Organdy Ribbon, Silver Cording, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Black Micro Beads

I stamped the doodle background and colored it in with a white gel pen. I used a little liquid glue and Dazzling Diamonds to add some extra pizazz. The flower is stamped on Cool Caribbean with the same coloring and glitter, with the addition of black micro beads for additional texture. I used my computer to create the Mother's Day tag and the sentiment for the inside of the purse (font is Bickley Script), the center of the card reads, "Happy Mother's Day to a Fabulous Purse-on!!" In designing my card for this week I wanted to steer away from the traditional cards for Mother's Day and create one that was generic enough that you could give it to a friend, I have so many friends who are fabulous mother's, it is nice to honor them.

Don't forget to vote... all the contestants count on your votes to keep them in the competition for another week. Voting will begin tomorrow afternoon and will continue until Thursday, just as it did this week.

FYI... when attempting to vote, you will see an option to take a Survey, this is not an actual survey but the way you vote. I was a little leery in clicking there myself because you never know what you are clicking on but this is a safe route. Your votes are greatly appreciated!! Thank you for your continued support.

Doodle That!

Doodle That- Regionals Re-Creation

I am back to work on a major deadline and find the time is flying and I still have lots of projects to complete. I was also out of town this weekend helping my grandparents get ready to move. There will be new projects this week (new color challenge, sketch challenge, more Double-Lined Doodles and projects using my newest toy...the Cuttlebug) so be sure to check back.

Today's card is a variation of the projects I shared during my Regionals presentation.

Card Details

Stamps: Looks Like Spring (small print pattern), Doodle That

Cardstock: Elegant Eggplant, Certainly Celery, Cool Caribbean, Whisper White

Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Certainly Celery, Cool Caribbean

Other: White Narrow Organdy Ribbon, Eggplant Grosgrain Ribbon, Black Brads, Various Punches

Technique: Frayed Ribbon

Don't forget about the Cards for Troops Contest... you can find more information about how you can help by clicking here.

New Stamp Set from Regionals..... Double-Line Doodles

I Just Love You... Double-Line Doodles

Here is a sample using the new stamp set I received at Regionals. I wanted to use my new punch (spiral punch) too. The color combination was inspired from Color Challenge 92... The original color challenge used the following combination: Real Red, Cool Caribbean, and Whisper White. In creating the card I decided to bring in another tone so I used the Tempting Turquoise as well... hopefully this is not too far off the original color challenge. For more details about the color challenge, click here. This card also gave me the chance to play with a sketch challenge.... this card was created using Sketch Challenge 119, for more details about this sketch challenge, click here. I also had an opportunity to play around with the faux stitching technique I learned at Regionals this last weekend, using the cutter tool kit, see below for details. Enjoy!

Card Details

Stamps: Double-Line Doodles

Ink: Cool Caribbean, Real Red, Gable Green, Whisper White Craft

Cardstock: Real Red, Cool Caribbean, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White

Other: Polka Dot Ribbon (May Arts), Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Real Red Brads, 1/4" hole punch (brad mats) spiral punch, large oval punch.

Technique Details: I used the faux stitching technique I learned at Regionals to create this background on the spiral punched piece as well as the real red piece. You use the perforating tool, drive it through lots of craft ink (whisper white was used here), and then drive it over the cardstock, re-inking as needed. I was excited to see this new technique, it does an amazing job as a faux for the stitched look.... I have grown tired of the faux stiching using the gel pens and paper piercing kits, so this was a fun twist and a new technique I am likely to use again and again.

Chicken Soup For the Soul...

Chicken Soup for the Soul.... well maybe if it were plucked LOL!

This is one of the samples I created recently for a *Secret Project* (details to be announced on Sunday!!) that was not picked for the final cut. I have had many laughs about this card... I love the frayed ribbon technique and I have used it for so many fun and different projects. I thought a splash for ribbon might add some fun texture to this card... however after creating this card I realized that it looks like someone made chicken soup with a chicken that was not quite plucked LOL... it is more noticeable in person but you might be able to see it on the close up.

Card Details:

Stamps: Under the Weather

Cardstock: Cool Caribbean, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Petals and Paisleys Designer Paper

Ink: Cool Caribbean, Regal Rose, Apricot Appeal

Other: Rose, Turquoise and Apricot Grosgrain Ribbon

Blog Make-Over...I am excited to announce that I have seen the draft of my new blog banner... and I so excited, I cannot wait to post it to the site. I have been working with Beth (AkA MyPrecious SCS), she does an amazing job with the blog banners and I couldn't be happier!! I cannot wait to show you all!!

SLC Here I Come!! I am getting everything packed and ready to head to SLC tomorrow... I am so excited to attend the Scrapbook Expo tomorrow and to attend Regionals on Saturday. If you are planning to attend either event, I look forward to meeting you!! This weekend is bound to be exciting for everyone attending. Happy Stamping and Scrapping!!

It's Your Day!

It's Your Day!!

Being sick for the last week has me very far behind on some of my upcoming deadlines, swaps for SLC Regionals and other projects.... I am starting to finally feel better. Here is another Girlfriends creation. Enjoy!!

Card Details
Stamps: Doodle This, Girlfriends, Warm Words
Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Pink Passion
Ink: Basic Black, Pink Passion, Blush Blossom, Creamy Caramel
Other: Giga Scalloped Circle Punch & Mega Circle Punch (Marvy Uchida), 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" Circle Punches, Crafter's Tool Kit (faux paper piercing), White Gel Pen, Black Polka-Dot Ribbon (may arts)

Bundle of Joy... Altered Designer Paper

Bundle of Joy

I am so glad I ordered the Bundle of Joy set from the Spring Mini Catalog, I normally do not send out more than 1-2 baby cards in a year but I am growing rather attached to this set. This card is jam packed with fun techniques and products... all of the techniques on this card (with the exception of the frayed ribbon) are Kyla Maestas original techniques... for me this is exciting because it is not often that I come up with something totally cool and totally original. Well it's back to bed for me (I came down with a really bad cold today, luckily the worst didn't set in until after the card was finished)... Check back this evening for the Subscribers Blog Candy Awards, I have emails out the winners and am hoping to get some names to announce instead of posting their email addresses.

Card Details
Stamps: Bundle of Joy
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Barely Banana, Pretty in Pink, Almost Amethyst and Very Vanilla, Au Chocolate Designer Paper
Other: Chocolate and Cream Grosgrain Ribbons, Blue Organdy Ribbon, 1/4" circle punch for brad mats and circle borders)

More Details
There are several cool features to today's card... one of my favorites is the look of the Altered Designer Paper. I think one thing I love about the concept of the Altered Designer Paper, is that it was one of my original technique ideas... it is not often that I come up with something cool like this without the influence of other artists... but this one is all me!!

Altered Designer Paper... This is a new technique I came up with to really show off the Au Chocolat designer paper and I have used it on several of my latest projects. To create this look you need several Stampin' Write Markers, a classic ink pad or two and a sponge dauber. First start by coloring in the designer paper, with today's card I added color to outline several of the images from the designer paper. Once you have completely colored the paper, blush it with some color (I used Barely Banana for this card), and then add the distressing color (Chocolate Chip) over the top for the finished look. I added the distressing color around all of the layers of this card to create a consistent look... this look reminds me of some of the AMM papers and other eclectic style papers that are so hot right now.

Reverse Paper Piercing... Another cool feature on this card is the reverse paper piercing on the photo corner, I used the photo corner stamp from the Totally Cool stamp set, paper pierced it on the top side and then flipped it over, distressed around it and used the reverse side for some amazing textural elements.

Frayed Ribbon... I have done so much with this that I am certain you do not need to know anymore about this, if you are a new reader to the blog, check out some of the Bunny Hug cards found under the heading Spring Mini Catalog for more details.

Finally.... a Doodle This!!

Doodle This... Sparkle!

I have wanted this set so badly but I keep putting it off for other sets, I finally have it. It finally arrived and I haven't had much of a chance to play with all my deadlines, but I thought a little "play" this morning might help "work" this afternoon.... I am hoping to complete a good portion of my deadline projects today and this creation has definitely got my stamping mojo going.

Card Details

Stamp Set: Doodle This, Warm Words

Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Cool Caribbean

Ink: Whisper White Craft, Basic Black Classic

Other: White Gel Pen, Black Brads, and gems

Technique: Paper Piercing

Polka Dots and Sun Flowers

Polka Dots and Sun Flowers

This is another sample for tomorrow's class... in playing with the designer paper I decided to start altering it again and added some black to the flower centers, the little flowers on this designer paper remind me of little sunflowers. Don't forget, if you haven't already be sure to enter for a chance to win this week's blog candy... you could win one of these scalloped circle punches... click here for details.

Card Details

Stamps: Polka Dots and Paisley, Warm Words

Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White and So Saffron

Ink: Basic Black, So Saffron, Old Olive

Other: Black Grosgrain Ribbon, White Narrow Organdy Ribbon

Color Makes a Difference

Color Adjustments

In finishing my preparations for tomorrow's Spring Fever class I discovered the amazing difference a little color change can make. This is not exactly a light bulb moment because we have all experienced this before... I was very unhappy with the soft tones in the first attempt with this card and discovered by going with a darker tone I was feeling much better.

Card Details

Stamp Set: Polka Dot and Paisley

Ink: So Saffron, Old Olive, and Taken with Teal

Cardstock: Polka Dots and Paisleys Designer Paper, So Saffron, Old Olive and Taken with Teal

Other: Cream Grosgrain Ribbon, Ivory Organdy Ribbon, Old Olive Brads

Other Details

I used the 1/4" hole punch for the brad mats and the word window punch for the sentiment. In the first sample the flowers were colored using So Saffron, in the second they were colored with Taken with Teal.

Polka Dots and Paisley... Circle Craze

Circle Craze!

Today is a very busy Saturday... I have a lots of projects to finish but wanted to start the day by finishing the designs for my Spring Fever class on Monday. The girls attending this class purchased the promotional bundle and are bringing their stamp sets and wheels to class to create 4 projects using their new products. I am planning 3 very simple cards and this WOW project for the class. Today's color combination... well it's St. Patricks Day.. have to have a little green and of course I am a pink lovin' girls so naturally a little of that too!

Don't You Just Love It? I received a watermark RAK yesterday from Cindy Keery, she does such an amazing job with these watermarks.... Hugs and Many thanks Cindy, I absolutely love it!

I hope you enjoy... and don't forget to sign up for my blog candy... these Marvy Uchida Scalloped punches are hard to find... Best of Luck!

Card Details
Stamps: Polka Dots and Paisley, Polka Dots and Petals, Petals Jumbo Wheel
Cardstock: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink and Gable Green
Ink: Whisper White Craft, Pretty in Pink and Gable Green
Other: Rose Grosgrain Ribbon, White Narrow Organdy Ribbon, White Gel Pen, Pretty in Pink Brads

Circle Craze
I was in the mood for circles today so I thought I would play around with the Coluzzle, I used it for the Gable Green circle behind the main image.. I added some faux paper piercing using the white gel pen for accents. I created the smaller circle in the bottom corner using the 1 3/8" circle punch, it has the same faux paper piercing. I used the key tag punch for the sentiment and the 1/4" punch for the brad mats.

More Details
The card size is 6 1/2" x 3 1/4". I started by wheeling over the back layer (pretty in pink cardstock and ink) using the Petals jumbo wheel... (I like the look of Petals wheel when it is wheeled on the diagonal as apposed to wheeling it straight). I stamped the petals over top in whisper white craft ink. On the white panel I stamped 2 different images from Polka Dots and Petals in a random pattern. For the ribbon I decided to play with the frayed ribbon technique again (are you sick of this yet LOL, I'm not even close).. for this card I tied the two strands of ribbon around the card and then cut and frayed just the ends... I love this look.

~*Bunny Bank*~

Bunny Banks

I wanted to create a few simple Easter Gifts for my kids that they could keep after the chocolate was gone, they absolutely love Tootsie Rolls so I picked up a few of the Tootsie Roll Coin Banks at Wal-Mart and added some Bunny Hugs for a fun Easter Gift!

Project Details

Stamp Set: Bunny Hugs

Ink: Basic Black, Pretty In Pink

Cardstock: Whisper White, Polka Dots and Paisleys Designer Paper

Other: Tootsie Roll Bank, Sticky Strip, Celery and Pink Grosgrain Ribbon, White Narrow Organdy Ribbon

Technique: Frayed Ribbon

Other Details

I cut the designer paper 5 5/8" x 12" and applied sticky strip to the ends and about every 3" to ensure a secure hold. The Bunny Tag measures 3"x 1 1/2", I used the tag corner punch. I used 3 strands of ribbon to tie around, I love using multiple strands of ribbon, very seldom do I ever use just one (I am totally addicted to ribbon). With the Pink Grosgrain Ribbon I used the frayed ribbon technique, when doing it this way you have to be very careful with the strands after they are extracted to ensure they do not get tangled up or fray anymore, over handling them can create that cotton look.

Other News

Just an FYI... The posts will be scattered for the next week, I am hoping to work ahead this weekend to have a post for everyday or every other day but wanted to let you know that there may be a few quiet days. I have a few stamping deadlines coming up very soon and my daughter also has dance competitions the last 2 weekends in March. This is why I have selected to include another blog candy... take a few minutes to review some of the older posts from my blog.

Bunny Gifts!!

Easter Goodies!!

Things are starting to get a little crazy here with all the projects I am currently working on so I thought I would get a head start on Easter Gifts for the kid's school teachers. This is what I came up with, the basket has some fizzy bath eggs (found them at Wal-Mart, they smell great) and lots of chocolate. I got the little Easter Basket at Wal-Mart as well (only $1).

Basket Details

Stamp Set: Bunny Hugs

Cardstock: Polka Dots and Paisleys Designer Series Paper and Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black, Pretty in Pink

More Details for the Basket: I cut a 1 1/4" strip of the designer series paper and a strip of whisper white cardstock... adhere them together with Sticky Strip, then adhered them to the basket.

Easter Wishes!

Card Details

Stamp Set: Bunny Hugs

Ink: Basic Black, Pretty in Pink

Cardstock: Polka Dots and Paisley Designer Series Paper, Pretty in Pink and Whisper White

More Card Details: I started by layering the designer series paper to the pretty in pink. I punched out 2 circles using the 1 3/8" circle punch and adhered them to the strip of designer paper. I used the paper piercing template and pretty in pink marker to create the faux piercing around the circles and at the top and bottom of the white card front. I stamped the Easter Wishes greeting and punched it out with the large oval punch. I used the small oval punch to add a little dimension under the bunny. I used the frayed ribbon technique for the bunnies tail!

Sassy Stems.... BLOG CANDY.... !!

~ Wonderful.... Sassy Stems~

I have had the Sassy Stems stamp set for about 3 months now and haven't ever used it... I think this could be an indication that I have way too many stamp sets, that is... if there is such a thing. I designed this card for the Featured Stamper Challenge #4 on SCS. You can find more details about this challenge by clicking here. Part of this challenge includes changing 2 or more details from the original design... to see the original design by Kelly (Atomicbutterfly), click here.

Card Details:

Stamp Sets: Sassy Stems, Warm Words, Totally Cool (Photo Corner)

Cardstock: Au Chocolat Designer Series Paper, Mellow Moss, Blush Blossom and Very Vanilla

Ink: Basic Black, Chocolate Chip, Blush Blossom and Mellow Moss Stampin' Write Markers

Other: Ivory Organdy Ribbon, Chocolate Grosgrain Ribbon

More Details: To complete the challenge, I changed the stamp set to Sassy Stems, I replaced the Cool Caribbean with Mellow Moss and I added a splash of color to Stampin' Up!'s ® new Au Chocolat designer series paper (I L-O-V-E this new paper).

I stamped the Sassy Stems image in Basic Black ink, colored in the images using Blush Blossom and Mellow Moss Stampin' Write Markers. I also used these same markers to add color to the Au Chocolat Designer Paper. I used a sponge dauber and Chocolate Chip ink to add the distressed look to both the paper, sentiment, and main image.

Ribbon Tip: As seen in previous posts this week.... I have been playing with the Frayed Ribbon technique. This card uses some of the negative pieces inspired from this technique. I cut off one side of the narrow organdy ribbon.... this ribbon will not fray the way the grosgrain ribbon will... but I loved the look that the small cut portion gives when added in with other strands of ribbon, it has a very wispy whimsical look.

It's Time for Blog Candy!!

The winner will receive a new package of Au Chocolat Designer Series Paper and this card! How do you win.... post what you love most about this card!! Please be sure to include your email address, the winner will be drawn on Thursday 3/15. Good Luck!!

Frayed Ribbon

Furry Friends

Had a few minutes to play so I thought I would try yesterday's technique challenge from SplitCoastStampers. You can view details about the challenge by clicking here. This was so much fun, I really shouldn't be playing... I have a lot to get done to get ready for tomorrows class. Well back to work... but first...

Card Details

Stamps: Bunny Hugs and Tiny Talk

Cardstock: Whisper White and Pretty in Pink, Polka Dots and Paisleys Designer Paper

Ink: Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery and Apricot Appeal (Stampin' Write Markers) and Basic Black

Other: Apricot, White and Pink Grosgrain Ribbon, White Narrow Organdy Ribbon

The Frayed Ribbon technique was a lot of fun, I used 2 way glue to adhere it to the card. I found that rolling it around in your hand for a bit made it easier to work with for the applications I used. I used the frayed ribbon for the nest in the basket as well as for the bunny's tail.

Doodle That!

Doodle Happiness!!

Card Details
Stamp Set: Doodle That, Warm Words
Cardstock: Elegant Eggplant, Cool Caribbean, Whisper White
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Cool Caribbean, Certainly Celery, Basic Black
Other: Certainly Celery Brads, White Narrow Organdy Ribbon, Eggplant Grosgrain Ribbon

I stamped the background image using Elegant Eggplant Classic Ink, I love the way these colors look together. I used a white gel pen to fill in the dots on this image as well. I paper pierced along the top and bottom of the Elegant Eggplant strip that runs through the center of the card, this piece is tied with white organdy ribbon and eggplant grosgrain ribbon. I used a 1/4" hole punch for the brad mats. The main images were colored using the puddle method (Elegant Eggplant and Cool Caribbean) and the stems were colored in with a Certainly Celery Stampin' Write Marker.

Regional Swap Card

I am planning to attend Stampin' Up!® Regional Seminar in SLC UT in April. I wanted to get a head start in creating my swaps, I am planning to take 75 of this card and 75 of another (still planning this one).

Card Details:

Stamps: Crab and Company

Ink: Cool Caribbean, Tempting Turquoise, Regal Rose, Close to Cocoa, Basic Black

Cardstock: Cool Caribbean, Tempting Turquoise, Regal Rose, Whisper White, Polka Dots and Paisleys Designer Paper

Other: Rose Grosgrain Ribbon

Chocolate Bunny!!

Chocolate Easter Wishes!

I absolutely love Easter... the colored eggs, the egg hunts, marshmallow chicks and all the bright colors of spring! But my absolute favorite thing about Easter is without a doubt... the chocolate bunnies!! I am a total chocoholic, so here's to Chocolate Bunnies!

Card Details:
Stamps: Bunny Hugs
Cardstock: Polka Dots and Paisleys Designer Paper, Chocolate Chip, Cool Caribbean, and Whisper White
Other: Pretty in Pink Brads, White Gel Pen, Ticket Corner punch, 1/4" Circle Punch for brad mats, and Word Window punch.

The bunny was stamped with basic black ink on Close to Cocoa cardstock and cut out. There is also faux paper piercing around the circle tab at the top. Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery and Tempting Turquoise markers were used to color the eggs and Easter basket.

Spring Mini Magic

Spring Mini Catalog.... Magic!

I have had more fun playing with sets and accessories from the Spring Mini Catalog. Here is tonight's featured card.

Card Details
Stamps: Polka Dots and Petals, Polka Dots and Paisley
Paper: Whisper White, So Saffron, Taken with Teal, Old Olive, Petals and Paisleys DP
Ink: Taken with Teal, Old Olive, So Saffron
Accessories: Apricot Grosgrain Ribbon

Find Joy in the Little Things

Find Joy in the Little Things

I wanted to create a card that would show off our new designer paper and wouldn't take a lot of time to put together. Here is what I came up with. The new designer paper will debut in March, if you haven't heard about the special, email me directly (kylamaestas@msn.com) and I will forward the details or you can contact your Stampin Up demonstrator for more infomation.

Card Details
Stamps: Polka Dots and Paisley
Cardstock: Whisper White, Cool Caribbean, Rose Red, Petals and Paisleys Designer Paper
Other: Large Brads (Making Memories), I created the brad mats using 1/2" circle punch

Crab and Company II

Crab and Company "A Pinch to Grow an Inch"

This card was designed using Card Sketch Challenge #87 from SplitcoastStampers. You can view more information about this sketch by clicking here.

Card Details:
Stamps: Crab and Company

Cardstock: Petals and Paisleys Designer Paper, Regal Rose, Cool Caribbean, Old Olive and Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black, Regal Rose, Tempting Turquoise

Other: White Gel Pen, Olive Brads