Ivanka's Card Studio

Hearts

2012-02-01T21:54:00.001-05:00

The challenge this week at the Create Blog is to make a card with at least 6 hearts. Here's my card:

Newsprint paper and heart stamp is from SU, chipboard heart is from Making Memories,clear heart is from Heidi Swapp, brads are from Karen Foster.

Short and sweet today...thanks for popping in,

Ivanka

With Sympathy

2012-01-30T12:46:00.001-05:00

Hello...Today I'm joining in with the Less is More sketch challenge. Here's the sketch:

Keeping it very simple, here is my card.

The vellum sheet is from Webster's pages, butterflies are from Making Memories and the stamp is from Hero Arts.
The challenge last week on the CardMaker Magazine Cardswap board was to decorate a candle. I finally had a chance to make something for the challenge.

I took some Hallmark tissue paper, lightly adhered it to the candle, wrapped the candle with wax paper and then used the heat gun to adhere the paper to the candle. The wax paper helps to keep the wax from running as it's heating.

I'm linking this to Tip Junkie's Tip me Tuesday link party.

Thanks having a peek. Hope your week has started off in a great way!
Ivanka

Play Date Cafe

2012-01-27T15:25:00.004-05:00

It's January and thoughts turn to cleaning, organizing and purging. A recent trend in blogland seems to be that cardmakers/scrapbookers fill up an envelope or box with great stuff and offer it up for sale. I've got my own boxes started, but they're going to the garage sale that our LSS has in the spring....so I really don't need more stuff...but more stuff is what I got!! I can't resist a deal and a couple of weeks ago got some great stuff from Amy!

So I'm using some of the 'new to me' things on this card for this week's The Play Date Cafe challenge.

The patterned paper and vellum are from Webster's Pages, stamp is from Penny Black, butterfly and rhinestone flourish are from Prima, Sticker is from SRM.

So with the leftovers from the card, I made a couple of bookmarks.

I love to read and no...I haven't caught on to the ereader craze yet. You know what my bookmarks usually are? A folded piece of paper or a receipt...whatever is lying around! Sad.
After the bookmarks I made for my daughters here, I decided it was time for me to have some cute ones.
I love these. It makes me so happy to see some pretty ribbon peeking out of the top of my book. :)

TGIF,
Ivanka

Tuesday Trigger

2012-01-25T00:30:00.000-05:00

This was this week's Tuesday Trigger at Moxie Fab World.

I love the beautiful, flowey, light feeling of the flowers. For my card, I went with lots of layers of crepe paper.

The Heart die cuts are from Sizzix, embossing folder is from SU, sticker is from SRM.

Thanks so much for dropping by,
Ivanka

Love. Squared.

2012-01-24T00:27:00.000-05:00

The challenge over at the Create Blog is to use square punches. Here's my card for the challenge:

Revisiting this design here, I punched out a square on a cardstock panel. Then stamped French script (SU) with VersaMark and heat embossed it with white embossing powder. I adhered it with foam adhesive. The sticker is from SRM, heart is from $ store, ribbon is from Offray. I'm entering this in Less is More challenge to 'Cut it Out' (take 2!) and Moxie Fab World Cool Tools challenge-Punches.

Next is a little treat bag I made. The 'Be Mine' flag is a free printable from here. Love this site, and the actual Creative Bag store is to die for!! I can't be trusted in there with a credit card...too many gorgeous boxes/bags/ribbons make it into my cart!

The treat bag is from the store. Sticker is from SRM, brad is from The Paper Store. I'm entering this into Really Reasonable Ribbon's Valentine's Day challenge.

See you soon,
Ivanka

Black & White

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

The challenge this week at CAS-ual Friday blog is black and white cards. Here is mine:

The image is from an old Hero Arts Evening Gown stamp, stamped in VersaMagic. Ribbon is from Offray, embossing folder is from Stampin' UP!.

I made another card with the same supplies while I had them out. Punches are (circle) from CM, scallop from Stampin' UP!, sticker is from SRM. Life is definitely good!

Thanks for having a peek and Happy Monday!

Mini Me

2012-01-22T15:56:00.000-05:00

I've had a ball making these mini cards today. Love minis, they are so fun and so quick.

The first two are 3 x 3" size and made for the Runway Inspired challenge-rainbow...fun!

I used an EK Success tag punch, PTI sentiment heat embossed white and old One Heart, One Mind paper.

This ribbon is old from Masterpiece Studios, sticker is from SRM.

This is 3 1/2 x 3 1/2" size and made for this weeks 'Cut it Out' challenge at Less is More, and Valentine's Day card challenge at Really Reasonable Ribbon. The heart is a old die from Sizzix. I punched a circle with CM circle punch and mounted the paper with foam adhesive. The rub ons are from Stampin' UP!, ribbon is from Offray, twine is from May Arts. The charm was a little gift from a friend so I don't know who makes it.

I'm also entering this in Moxie Fab World Cool Tools Week-Punches Challenge.

Thanks for stopping by today.
Ivanka

Card Set

2012-01-21T20:39:00.001-05:00

Today was the last day of the Clean and Simple Card Making class. It's been great and I've learned a ton. I would highly recommend this class or any class with Kristina, Jennifer and Julie. They are a treasure trove of information and inspiration!

The focus on today's class is card sets. They had some fabulous examples in the class. Using what I have on hand, this is what I came up with. I'm entering this in Moxie Fab's Cool Tool challenge, embossing and debossing.

Cardstock and embossing folder are from Stampin' UP!, tag punch is from EK Success, stamps are from Papertrey Ink stamped in VersaMark and heat embossed with white embossing powder. Rhinestones are from The Paper Source and $ store.

I packaged up the cards in a clear box from ClearBags, added some patterned paper, ribbon and cupcake (Martha Stewart) on a stick pin from Around the Block.

This was totally fun to make! Best part is...it's a gift made for a March birthday!

CAS Class-White Cards

2012-01-17T15:43:00.007-05:00

The topic of today's class at Clean and Simple Card Making was predominately white cards. Amazingly, I didn't find this as hard as I thought I would.

Here are my cards...

The background paper is from sei, die cut flowers are from Sizzix cut out of felt, bling is from The Paper Store, sentiment is from Papertrey Ink.

For this card, the tie stamp is Dapper Dan from Pink Card Studio colored with Twinkling H2O's, sentiment is from PTI.

Thanks for stopping by,

Ivanka

Miss You...

2012-01-14T00:12:00.000-05:00

Love today's Clean and Simple Card Making class techniques taught by Jennifer McGuire. Her watercolor blocking/wet inking cards are beautiful. I do feel a need to go shopping after seeing all the tools and inks/stamps she used. It's maybe a very good thing that there is no scrapbooking stores near me!

But using what I have on hand, here's my card...

I started out by punching 1" circles (CM) from watercolor paper and painting them using Twinkling H2O's from LuminArte. These paints have a beautiful shimmer to them. Then I stamped the hearts and sentiment (Studio G) with VersaMark ink and heat embossed with white embossing powder. I distressed the edges and add some bling (The Paper Studio). The paper is old One Heart,One Mind. I used Julie Ebersole's trick of using a square punch to make the banner...works like a charm. Here's one of her You Tube Videos where she shows how to do this.

So I had 2 leftover circles from the card and thought they'd be cute as bookmarks for my daughters.

Have you been over to Moxie Fab World this week? They're debuting their newest issue Cool Tools and Cath has some fun challenges going on. I'm entering this into The Punches Challenge.

Thanks for stopping by today. Those of you in the class, I hope you're enjoying it as much as I am.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Ivanka

Happy Birthday Card

2012-01-13T10:14:00.000-05:00

Today, I'm sharing on my day four card from Clean and Simple Card Making class. The theme was 1 stamp 3 ways and was another day of inspiration. I loved Julie Ebersoles' card and here's my take on this challenge.

Here's how I did it:

Stamp Hero Arts Birthday definition stamp in white on black cardstock.

Then stamp Scrappy Cat flower with VersaMark and heat emboss with white embossing powder.

Cut flower out and adhere to card with dimensional adhesive.

The sentiment is from Papertrey Ink, cardstock and embossing folder are from Stampin' UP!, bling is from The Paper Source.

This card also fits in perfectly with Embossing & Debossing Challenge in the Moxie Fab World as Cath celebrates Cool Tool week.

I'm hoping to get a card made for day 5 today then I'll be caught up. Loving this class!

Simple Thanks

2012-01-12T23:08:00.000-05:00

Day three (I'm a little behind) of the Clean and Simple Cardmaking class focused on inspiration made simple. Jennifer McGuire shared a video for a beautiful tone on tone card using a Memory Box detailed die. I will have to look for some of those beautiful dies, but in the meantime I'm stuck using what I have. That's not a bad thing at all, I'm rediscovering all kinds of stamps and supplies that I forgotten that I had. :)

This card is based on Julie Ebersoles' card and she used images from Pinterest for her inspiration.

The Thank You stamp is from Stampin' UP!, Thank you sticker is from SRM, envelope is from Martha Stewart and the twine was a gift from my friend Barb.

Thanks so much for dropping by...I'm having a lot of fun with this class.

One Layer Card

2012-01-10T16:00:00.000-05:00

Day two of Clean and Simple Card Making class and we are doing one layer cards. It's not as easy as it sounds...it's really hard to walk away from a card and not put any embellishments on it...well I'm not strong enough to do it, anyway...lol. So here is my card, with a little extra...

For this class, I'm using what I have...so I was glad to find this medallion stamp from MAMBI to use on the card. I stamped it with VersaFine onyx black ink. The sentiment is from Hampton Art, stamped with Ancient Page cardinal ink. Rhinestones are from Kaisercraft.

I like the way this turned out (after 2 not so good attempts...) and it's an easy way to make some quick cards to have on hand.

Liking this class a lot so far!

Busy Monday...

2012-01-09T22:20:00.001-05:00

I signed up for another class at Online Card Classes, this one is for Clean & Simple cardmaking. Today was the first day and I'm loving it so far. This is my card for today's class.

I used a background stamp from Rubberstamp Ave. Nice to be using that stamp, I've had it for years. I've also had a pkg. of Therm O Web's Masking Magic forever and this is the first time I've used it. The sentiment stamp is from Papertrey Ink, heart punch is from EK Success.

This card is for this week's challenge at Less is More to make a predominantly purple card. The shoe image came from a set of note cards that I found at a discount store. Love this shoe!! Ribbon is from Offray, embossing folder is from Cuttlebug.

This 2 1/2 x 2 1/2" mini is for the challenge at Wee Memories to make a mini card, The Pink Elephant to use hearts and CAS-ual Friday's challenge blog to use chipboard on a card. The embossing folder is from Cuttlebug, glittered chipboard hearts are from Making Memories, tag die cut is from Sizzix, vellum is from SU, sticker is from SRM and ribbon is from Offray.

***edited to add...my little Valentine's mini got a Honorable Hoot at Wee Memories!!

Thanks for dropping by,

Ivanka

I Have a Card for That...

2012-01-07T12:10:00.000-05:00

These wonderful Stickers in a Tin from Violette Stickers have been in my stash for many years. Thanks to this week's challenge at the CardMaker Card Swap forum, I finally got to use them! The challenge this week is to make a set of cards to have on hand for any occasion that comes up.

I'm also entering these to the Ribbon Carousel and Pink Elephant challenges for anything goes and to a new challenge blog I just found...Unstampabelles challenge to not use any stamps. That's me...a lot of the time!!

The patterned paper and cardstock are from Stampin' UP!, gems are from Kaisercraft, and ribbon is from Offray.

Till next time...Ivanka

And a bug...

2012-01-06T20:25:00.000-05:00

An eraser, a pencil, 3 stickers and a bug!

We've been watching home videos this past couple of weeks. There is a cute video of us getting ready for Dana's 4th birthday. We were putting loot bags together. Dana had all the things spread out on the table and was naming them all as she put them in the bags so she wouldn't forget anything.

An eraser, a pencil, 3 stickers and a bug! (a toy bug...Dad's idea!)

This weeks challenge at Create Blog totally brought back that memory. The challenge is to use 3 flowers, 2 butterflies and 1 bird...thankfully no bug!

I'm also entering this in: Lily Pad challenge to use chipboard, The Kraft Journal where anything goes and CAS-ual Friday challenge to use chipboard.

The chipboard bird is from Maya Road, text paper is from Stampin' UP, polka dot is from Echo Park, die cut border is from Papertrey Ink, flowers are from Prima, sentiment is from SRM stickers, butterflies are from Making Memories.

Happy Friday, thanks for stopping by.

Baby Boy Card

2012-01-03T20:42:00.000-05:00

January already...and a New Year. My how time flies.

The Christmas things are down and it's back to work tomorrow. Nice to get back to a routine.

Here's my first challenge card of the year. This is for this week's sketch at CPS, the challenge at CAS-ual Fridays to use kraft paper and twine and the challenge at Less is More to use just one word.

Sticker is from SRM (Quick Cards), chipboard star is from Cosmo Cricket, embossing folder is from Cuttlebug, embossing plate for the background is from Sizzix.

Thanks for dropping by,

Ivanka

Happy New Year

2011-12-29T11:52:00.000-05:00

We've had a wonderful Christmas, it went by so fast that it all seems a blur now.

Christmas Eve...the girls, trying to keep Pepper still for the picture.

Christmas morning...before...

...and during...we've been so happy to have my mom visiting us for the holidays.

And I even managed to make a couple New Years cards...

Stickers are from SRM, embossing folders are from Stampin' UP! (elegant lines) and Cuttlebug (Swirls).

And here is a card using stamps from Clear and Simple Stamps...a wonderful Christmas gift as I won this set on their Facebook page.

Embossing folder is from Cuttlebug, I stamped all over the front with a Palette (Stewart Superior) stamp and stick gluepad, heated it till tacky and then applied Art Glitter (Barbara Trombley). Although I've had the glue pad and glitter for a while, this is the first time I've done this technique. So this is perfect for The Kraft Journal challenge to try something new.
I stamped the sentiment with VersaMark and embossed it with Detail White embossing powder from Stampendous.

I'm entering these in Create Blog challenge to make New Years cards and ColourQ's #117 challenge to use black and white and one more colour.

So Happy New Year 2012! Wishing you and your family all good things in the New Year.
Off I go to spend time with my mom before she leaves.

Ivanka

One More Last Minute Card

2011-12-22T09:33:00.000-05:00

I had an email from a friend last night and she needed a few last minute cards. Since I had already sent most of mine out, I reworked the two mini cards I made the other day. Here's one of them. It turned out pretty cute for a last minute card. I'm entering this into this weeks Play Date Cafe (PDCC112) challenge.

I used two Cuttlebug embossing folders, the red snowflake paper was inked with white ink. Sticker is from SRM.

This next card is for CardMaker Challenge Corner, to make a card recognizing and thanking someone. This is for one of my coworkers. I really have the best job in nursing and am very grateful to work with a wonderful friend. The job wouldn't be near as good or as fun if I didn't have here there everyday.

Another Cuttlebug embossing folder here and a SRM Fancy Sentiments sticker.

And look who showed up waiting for me at my computer today!! Barb has been piggy shopping again! See here for how my piggy collection started!

Thanks for dropping by today. It's winding down, isn't it? Hope you're finishing any last minute details so you can enjoy Christmas with your family and friends.
Ivanka

More last minute cards/gift

2011-12-19T16:02:00.000-05:00

Today, I'm finishing up a few projects then am immersing myself in final Christmas preparation.

This first card is for Moxie Fab World Card Creations, Get Inspired by fashion challenge, here is the inspiration piece:

Here is my card. The stamp is from impression obsession, stamped with VersaFine onto handmade textured paper. The hounds tooth paper is from Making Memories, Lace and button are from Stampin' UP!, sticker is from SRM and embossing folders are from Cuttlebug.

This is a gift for a friend, I first saw the idea on Pinterest. It's a post it notepad frame using a $ store frame with patterned paper in the middle. The paper is from K&C0.

This little cutie is 3 1/2 x 3 1/2". The stamp and label are from Stampin UP! colored with Tombow marker. The adhesive rhinestones are from Recollections, the patterned paper is from Pink Paislee (Father Christmas). Twine was a gift from my friend Barb. I m entering this in The Ribbon's Carousel Twine challenge.

That's it for me today. A wrapping I will go...
Ivanka

Last Minute Cards

2011-12-18T21:29:00.000-05:00

3rd post today?? You know what that means, don't you? I am doing a really good job of avoiding wrapping presents!

Oh well, it will all get done before the big day and I've had a really fun day creating. This card is for this weeks' music challenge at Less is More. I'm also entering these in Paper Crafts December Gallery Challenge. and the anything goes challenge at Really Reasonable Ribbon.

I've had this Christmas Clef stamp from Serendipity Stamps for a few years now and have used it for Christmas cards in the past, yet I still love it every time I pull it out to use. This is for Julia's piano teacher and when I got on a roll with this stamp and color combo, I made 2 more cards.

The sticker is from SRM, We've Got Your Sticker (Merry), ribbon is from Offray. There's is a vellum panel on the left hand side that is hard to see. I punched 2 holes in the side of the card and tied the ribbon in a bow.

The patterned paper here is from Authenique.

So that is probably the end of my studio fun for now, there is wrapping, baking not to mention cleaning all waiting for me. My mom comes to visit in a few days...so looking forward to that.

Thanks for dropping by.
Ivanka

Clean and Simple

2011-12-18T11:50:00.001-05:00

It is a busy time of year and I've done some cardmaking, just haven't had too much time to update my blog. Since it's quiet this am and the teenagers are still sleeping, I thought I'd post a few things I've been working on.

This weeks Clean and Simple Stamping sketch was perfect to help me make a couple of needed cards. Love this simple yet versatile sketch. I hope they forgive me for not using stamps on my cards.
Their post also has a PDF of all their sketches for the year, a great resource.

Patterned paper is from Authentique (Blissful), sticker is from SRM Quick Cards, Hanukkah.

The sticker here is also from SRM Quick Cards, Sympathy, paper is from Stampin' UP!, embossing folder is from Cuttlebug.

Hope your holiday preparations are going well. I need to wrap and finish off the Christmas cards to mail...yes, late.

Signed, Sealed and Delivered

2011-12-18T11:12:00.000-05:00

CAS-ual Fridays' challenge this week is to make a card and a coordinating envelope. I usually try and create a matching envelope for most of my cards, especially the ones I hand deliver.

This is for my mother-in -law.

Sentiment stamp is from Papertrey Ink, patterned paper is from Stampin' UP!, embossing folder is from Cuttlebug, Chipboard letters are from American Crafts.

Thanks for dropping by today,

Ivanka

Dasher

2011-12-02T13:51:00.000-05:00

I found a sheet of my all time favorite K & Co. Christmas paper at bottom of my Christmas box. When this Elizabeth Brownd collection came out (probably 2005), I was in love with the whole line. I hoarded it. I just loved the richness and the elegance of the designs. Finding this piece of paper was like running into an old friend.

Also near the bottom of my Christmas stash, was this gorgeous piece of red/gold embossed paper from The Paper Co.

Stampin' Up's Dasher image embossed with gold just fit this paper combo perfectly. The ribbon was from a long ago swap.

My cards today were based on this week's sketch challenge at the CardMaker Card Swap Board.

Thanks for dropping by...Ivanka

The Box

2011-11-30T06:57:00.000-05:00

So it's time for 'the box' to make it's way to work with me.

I've spent the last few days filling it up with Christmas cards. I swear, the girls at work at the cheapest therapy around. I could be having the worst day ever and the fuss they make over my cards...well, it warms the heart! And there's nothing like making cards for 'the box'...it's like free time, I can pull out any supplies around and just go to it. There's no limitations like when I'm creating for a challenge or submitting to a magazine. This is like cardmaking recess. And the money from the sales...more supplies for more cards.

It's all good...me and my box.

Here's my card for today. This one was made for the November sketch challenge at the Authentique Blog and the button challenge at Lily Pad cards.

I used the 6 x 6 pad from Authentique's Wonder collection, chipboard tree from Magistical Memories (inked) Amercian Crafts rub on sentiment and wooden button from Michaels.

Thanks for visiting today. I am off to peddle some cards...

Bo Bunny Christmas Cards

2011-11-25T12:59:00.000-05:00

Finally the sun is shining. I'm going to whip through my cleaning so I can get out this afternoon for a walk; I love walking when it's sunny out.

Today I'm sharing two Bo Bunny Christmas cards. I was so happy when I came across the Tuesday card challenge on the Bo Bunny blog yesterday. This was just the thing I needed to pull these papers out. I altered the sketch a bit.
I'm also entering this in a challenge blog I just found, The Ribbon Carousel challenge (RCC30) to make a card celebrating a holiday and to use ribbon, twine etc. on your card.

This card uses papers from the Father Christmas 6 x 6 pad of papers. The rub on sentiment is from an older collection, not sure which one. Wreath is from Sandylion. I used the snowflake embossing folder from Cuttlebug.

Since I had the BoBunny paper out, I made another card with the Father Christmas paper and some back to Basics paper. The embossing folder and lace trim are from Stampin' UP, chipboard tree is from Magistical Memories, jingle bell is re-purposed from Lindor chocolates.

Thanks for stopping in today. I hope you're enjoying some sunshine today too.

Ivanka

'Tis the season

2011-11-24T21:43:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post tonight, I've been working on some Christmas cards and wanted to upload this for a couple of challenges. There has been no sun for the last couple of days, so I'm stuck taking pictures in my studio.

This card is based on the sketch at CAS-ual Friday Blog. It's also for the silhouette challenge of the Less is More Challenge blog.

The stamp is from Me and my Big Ideas, sticker is from SRM, ribbon is from Offray, glitter yarn is from Darice and the flower center is from Prima.

Thanks so much for dropping by. I hope those of you who are celebrating Thanksgiving today have had a wonderful day with your family and friends.

Holiday Boot Camp

2011-11-20T18:53:00.000-05:00

My friend Barb raved about an online cardclass she took in the fall so I decided to join her in the next class held byJennifer McGuire and Kristina Werner, Holiday Card Boot Camp. I am loving it. I wish I had time to do all the cards shown,but was happy with finding this reproducible card in Kristina's day 10class. The great thing about this class is that the information will be available forever, so I can go back to the videos and make the cards as I have time.

So, this is one of the designs for my cards this year. Easy, fun and I have 10 of them made and ready to go.

I used a Cuttlebug embossing folder, Penny Black stamp, SU cardstock and ink (Old Olive), Fiskars Treading Water Punch, Papertry Ink sentiment, Offray ribbon, EK Success star punch pop dotted and glittered with Stickels and Recollections bling.

This is also for Lily Pad Cards Texture Challenge.

Thanks so much for dropping by,

Ivanka

Autumn Blessings Blog Hop

2011-11-16T04:00:00.000-05:00

Hello and welcome to my stop on the Autumn Blessings Blog Hop at CardSwaps. The crop runs from November 16-19, 2011 so I hope you make some time to come by and join in the fun...and get in the running for some fun prizes.

You should have arrived here from Teresa's blog. If not, you should consider starting the hop from the beginning, which is Lora's blog. This blog hop has a theme. The theme is: I have been blessed!

I'd like to share one of my blessings by starting with this plain old American Greetings card. I recently received it from a patient and his wife...and it made me realize the blessing my nursing has been to me. I have not always been in love nursing, it was just a job. Sometimes a hard and thankless job. But this card made me truly pause and think about this 'job' of mine.
Nursing has given me a job through 3 provinces, allowed me to work casual part time when my girls were small, make amazing life long friends, and it has allowed me to touch lives and make a difference, as in the case of this family. All of this insight brought on by a plain old American Greetings card! It probably one of the most meaningful cards I've ever received.

The project that I'm sharing today is a set of coasters that I made for our Canadian Thanksgiving in October.

The coasters are from the $ store. I stamped the Hero Arts sentiment onto the coaster with Maya Road ink and heat embossed it with clear embossing powder. It was an easy and fun project.

Next you are hopping over to Jane's blog.

If you get lost on the hop, here is the list where you can find yourself again.

Ivanka ---You are here.

Jane

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today. Hope you enjoy the rest of the hop.

Ivanka

Clean...for now!

2011-11-15T18:21:00.001-05:00

It has taken me weeks, on and off. I would start cleaning and organizing one corner of my studio, only to be distracted by a card or a project. Then the piles started collecting...and I got overwhelmed.

But now it's purged and shiny and I love it. I'm almost afraid to go and mess it up.

Thought I'd share the pictures now, because I know that it will not last!

All cabinets and countertops are from California Closets. The Expedit cube in the last picture is from Ikea.

So, in my nice clean room, I finally got a couple of challenges done. The first card is for The Play Date Cafe color splash challenge to use black and white with a splash of orange.

I used Elegant Lines embossing folder from Stamin' UP, old 7 gypsies gaffer tape, SRM sticker, Fiskars Threading Water Punch and felt flowers.

With the leftovers from the card, I made this tag for the CAS-ual Friday blog's 'Tag you're it' challenge.

Thanks so much for dropping by. Off I go to admire the clean studio while it lasts....

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T13:43:00.000-04:00

So it's Halloween again! It seems to come faster and faster each year. We still get excited about it at our house even though our girls are older. The decorations come out, the scary music is on and the treats are ready by the front door, just waiting for the trick-or-treaters.

We made some fun treats for Dana's classroom. She's student teaching in a grade 4/5 class this year. I saw this on Pinterest and loved this idea!

Aren't they cute? All she needed were chocolate covered cookies, Hershey Kisses and orange icing to make these fun witches hats.

On to today's card...Not too long ago, I joined The Card Swap forum at CardMaker Magazine. It has been a lot of fun to get involved in another group. This really reminded me of the Simply Sentiments magazine board from years ago. The ladies are friendly and there are a lot of fun and creative things going on. Check it out if you get a chance.

I made this card for one of the challenges on the forum.

Since it's Oldie Moldie Monday (where I give love to some long forgotten supplies), I found some good oldies in my Halloween stash! The green paper is from Karen Foster, the pumpkin face and sentiment are old My Mind's Eye. I googled the Jack-O-Lantern image and then did my best to copy it. The googly eyes are from our craft stash.

And if you want to hear all about my favorite Halloween costume (and who doesn't?? :)), check out the CardMaker Magazine blog. They were very nice to ask me to share a few memories along with some of their regular contributing designers.

Thanks for dropping in. I hope you have a fun Halloween!

Happy Birthday Card

2011-10-22T10:59:00.001-04:00

I don't know if you're like me on this, but making cards for guys is not always easy. Mainly because supplies for making masculine cards are so limited...and most men that I know don't appreciate a handmade card as much as women do. So I always find it challenging to make one. I've even been known to *gasp* buy a masculine card on occasion!

But recently a co-worker asked me to make a card for the guy in her life and here is the card I made. It actually wasn't too hard to create...lots of texture, black and brown!

Embossing Plate: Sizzix
Suede Paper: Karen Foster
Stamp: Inkadinkadoo
Rub on dots: Chatterbox
Brads: Hot Off the Press
Twill Tape: Martha Stewart

The good thing? I got to use some supplies that have been in my stash forever. I'm entering this into this week's challenge at Less is More, to use polka dots on your card.

Thanks for dropping in today. Hope you're having a wonderful weekend so far.

Ivanka

Cupcake Card

2011-10-18T08:42:00.000-04:00

Cupcakes seem to be all the rage at our house right now. Are you finding that as well?

This past summer a mobile 'cupcake diner' started up and it became an obsession with my daughters and her friends. The diner tweeted their location for the day and the girls would run off in search of it. I don't really know how good those cupcakes were, my guess is that the biggest part was the novelty of it. It's not nearly as fun to eat mom's home made cupcakes as it is to chase after a truck, is it??!!

And so here's my cupcake card...

Pink paper: My Mind's Eye

Polka Dot Paper: Pink Paislee

Cupcake and stand: Petaloo

Ribbon: Offray

Other: Wooden tag, painted white.

One thing is for sure, cupcakes are so darned pretty, aren't they?!

Thanks for dropping by today,
Ivanka

Happy Birthday Card

2011-10-16T13:28:00.003-04:00

I have the most wonderful family. I know we all feel that way, but sometimes I tend to take them for granted. I really do have the best extended family. The downside is that they are a long plane ride away so visits are once a year, if we're lucky. Email, Skype and phone calls make them feel a bit closer, though. I had a great phone visit with one of my cousins on Friday evening. Two hours later, the family connection felt very near...made me smile.

My card today is for another cousin...a 40th birthday.

I'm linking this to Really Reasonable Ribbon 'Fun 4 Fall' challenge to make a fall card with ribbon.

Patterned paper: Authentique (Blissful)

Die Cut: Circle and scallop, Spellbinders

Sticker: SRM, Fancy Sentiments

Ribbon: Michaels

Brad: Recollections

Thank you for dropping by today. I hope you enjoy some family time soon, weather your family is near or far.

Ivanka

Moxie Fab, Clean and Simple

2011-10-11T20:31:00.000-04:00

We were able to spend Thanksgiving in Victoria, BC with my husbands' parents. It was a wonderful weekend, the weather was perfect for this time of year...some cloud, some sun and no rain! It was so nice to be able to spend Thanksgiving with family.

The Empress Hotel, Victoria, BC

For my card this week, I'm playing along with Moxie Fab's Tuesday Trigger.

and Clean and Simple Stamping blog FTL 161

The stamps are from Hero Arts (clear) With Sympathy, stamped with VersaMark ink and heat embossed with Stampendous PEARLustre Hermatite Opaque embossing powder. Ribbon is from Offray.

Thanks so much for dropping by today. I hope you're having a great start to this short week.

Ivanka

Oldie Monday

2011-10-03T18:19:00.001-04:00

Here it Monday again and it's time to dig into my stash and give some love to those long forgotten products. This one was easy, I got to use my last few PSX rose stickers. Love these, but once they're gone, that will be it since PSX is no longer around. This was for a co-worker...I made a coordinating envelope as well.

Patterned paper: My Mind's Eye (Wild Aspagarus)

Sentiment sticker: SRM, Fancy Sticker Sentiments, Birthday, Fancy Sticker Sentiments, Birthday

Embossing plate: Sizzix

Ribbon: Making Memories

Bobby Pin: Junkitz

Flower: Unknown

Here's one of the harder ones for me to make...a masculine card. When I found this great image from The Graphics Fairy though, it wan't nearly as hard as I thought it would be. Isn't that a great image, it would be perfect for a Father's day card.

I'm linking this up to Brag Monday on the Graphics Fairly blog.

Patterned paper: Around the Block

Embossing Plate: Sizzix

Twill Tape: Martha Stewart

Sticker Sentiment: SRM, We've Got Your Sticker, Happy

Label Punch: EK Success

Brads: Hot Off the Press

Well, I've managed to use a bit of my stash today, I'll keep at it...thanks for coming by to have a look.

Ivanka

Happy Halloween

2011-10-02T22:10:00.003-04:00

I wish I had more time to participate in all the fun going on this weekend in honor of World Card Making Day. I did manage to play along with Simply Rae's sketch challenge, though. Got it done just under the wire.

The spider web paper: K&Co.

Green: Karen Foster

Magic Mesh (I forgot I still had some!)

Stickers: SRM (We've Got Your Sticker, Treats)

Acrylic Frame: Making Memories

Ribbon: Offray

Boo charm: Unknown

Thanks so much for dropping by.

Ivanka

Happy WCMD!

2011-10-01T18:57:00.000-04:00

Happy World Card Making Day! I hope you've had some time to create today and celebrate this wonderful hobby of ours.

My card today is for the challenge over at the SRM blog to make a card using their stickers and upload it to their Flickr gallery for a chance to win some of their wonderful stickers. I love using SRM sticker sentiments, they just add the right finishing touch to any card.

Sticker sentiment is Fancy Sentiments from SRM. Background paper is from 7 gypsies, textured paper handmade is from an art store, ribbon is from Offray, brad is from Recollections.

Thanks for stoping by today,

Ivanka

Happily Ever After

2011-09-30T10:13:00.000-04:00

I haven't made a wedding card for quite a while; no weddings recently. But a couple of days ago, a friend asked me to make one for a family wedding this weekend, and then I remembered how much I love making these kinds of cards.

I'm entering this into Lily Pad cards month long bling challenge!

Inside Sentiment:

In storybooks, marriage is a Happy Ending,

In real life, it's a Happy Beginning.

The wedding glitter die cut tag is from Making Memories. Sentiment sticker is from SRM, We've Got Your Sticker. Ribbon is from Offray, embossing template is Vintage Wall Paper from Stampin Up, I used the negative side. The rhinestone on the ribbon is self adhesive and just beautiful, but I don't have a manufacturer for it, sorry.

Hope you're having a wonderful Friday.

Ivanka

It's Tuesday...

2011-09-27T13:53:00.000-04:00

Lately, I'm all mixed up with my days. My work schedule has recently changed and I keep having to remind myself what day it is. Funny how a small change in routine can mess you up like that!

My first card is based on the challenge at CAS-ual Friday blogspot to use monochromatic color scheme with 3 different shades of the same color and brown. It's also based on the sketch challenge this month at Lily Pad Cards.

The tag is from K & Co, embossing folder is from Stampin' UP!/Sizzix, stamp is from Papertrey Ink.

The next card for the color challenge at The Play Date Cafe (PDCC 100), the Kraft Journal blog to use witches, ghosts or goblins with Kraft paper. It's also for the Create: blog to use 3 different edge border punches.

Patterned paper is form Stampin UP!, My Mind's Eye, and Echo Park. Stickers are from SRM. Border punches are from Stampin' UP!, EK Success and Fiskars. The image...well I wish I knew where it came from. It was loose in my Halloween pack of supplies. If I find the source, I'll add it here.

Thanks so much for dropping by today...oh and I wanted to share that CardMaker Magazine has just introduced a new blog. Check it out CardMaker Blog.

Ivanka

Happy Fall!

2011-09-23T00:33:00.002-04:00

The days have been lovely, the nights cool. It's the first day of Fall, my favorite time of year. I love the cooler weather, the beautiful colors of the leaves turning and that wonderful feeling of coming home to a warm, cozy house. The only bad thing about fall is that winter is not too far behind.

My card today is for the Authentique September color challenge. It's based on the sketch from Clean and Simple stamping blog.

I used the Blissful line from Authetique, the 6 x6 paper bundle. It's so perfect for cardmaking. The birthday definition stamp is old from Hero Arts, the hearts are from Stampin' Up, trimmed and pop dotted. I used Fiskars Threading water punch for the border and the Martha Steward score board for the score lines.

Happy Fall, Y'all!
Ivanka

Happy 50th

2011-09-18T09:56:00.001-04:00

50 year old; one owner; needs parts; make offer.

Over the hill and on a roll...

yep...just a few of the jokes we were tossing around last evening as we helped our friend Keith celebrate "THE BIG ONE". Milestone birthdays are hard...therefore we throw a party...to lessen the blow!

This was the card I made for Keith. It's based on the sketch at Cardabilities.

Hope you have a wonderful Sunday.
Ivanka

Patterned paper: Authentique, Blissful
Sticker Numbers: SRM
Run ons: 7gypsies
Ribbon: Offray
shipping label, stained with walnut ink

Thank you card and mini

2011-09-16T18:02:00.000-04:00

I found a new LSS last week and was so excited to find the Authentique line of papers there. I hadn't heard about this company before, but the minute I saw those papers, I fell in love. The paper I used today is from the Blissful collection.

My first card is based on Card Patterns sketch #132 and the challenge at The CASE Study challenge blog. The gorgeous sticker is from SRM, die cuts are from Nestabillities, and the ribbon is from Making Memories.

This little cutie measures 3 1/2" x 3 1/2 " and is for the mini card challenge at CAS-ual Fridays blog. The flower is from Prima, stem die cut is from Sizzix (SU) and the sticker letters are from Making Memories.

Thanks so much for dropping by today.
Ivanka

Hello Friend

2011-09-13T07:37:00.000-04:00

Small confession time...I have a HUGE pack of My Mind's Eye 'Wild Asparagus' line of paper. I mean it's ginormous, the whole line. Yes, it's older, but I love all the papers in there. I pull them out often.

Yet that doesn't stop me from buying more MME papers.....

This is my latest purchase Lost & Found (Portobello Road). Love it...but I am getting a tad smarter and am mainly buying the 6x6 paper packs. So much more convenient and cost effective for cardmaking.

This is based on the sketch challenge (27) on the MME blog. It's a great way to crack into a new pad of paper.

Thanks so much for coming by.
Ivanka

Decorative label punch: SU
Sticker sentiment: SRM
Ribbon: Michaels
Embossing folder: Cuttlebug
Edge Die Cut: Tim Holtz

Thanks So Much Card

2011-09-12T11:46:00.002-04:00

And so another week begins. Just like that the weekend has flown by. It's beautiful outside, a very nice day to have Monday off.

Today's card is based on the sketch at Clear and Simple Stamping, although no stamps were harmed in the making of this card! It's also based on the color challenge at The Play Date Cafe and this weeks challenge at CAS-ual Fridays, to make a fall paper pieced card.

I made two die cuts of the branch, then cut them and adhered behind the flower.

It is also Oldie Molide Monday for Barb and I. It's a day where we dig up older but still lovely supplies, and give them new life. It turns out that everything on my card is fairly new. The oldest thing I used is the flower brad.

Thanks so much for visiting.

Script cardstock: Jillybean Soup
Patterned paper: Pink Paislee
Sticker: SRM
Flower: Prima
Flower brad: Imaginisce
Branch die cut: Sizzix/Stampin UP!

Penny Black Christmas Card

2011-09-10T08:07:00.000-04:00

I'll just start by saying that I am not much of a stamper.
But I do a darned good job of collecting all kinds of stamps and accessories!

That's one of the reasons I love to find stamping challenges, it gets me going.

This week on the Penny Black blog, they've been showing simple stamping ideas. Right up my alley.

So I dug out Penny Black's In a Pear Tree set. I colored it with Twinkling H2O's and added some gems. Sticker is from SRM and the lights are from Jolee's. Pretty darned easy. And a Christmas card done for the year!

Thanks for coming by today.
Ivanka

The Studio is Open (finally!)

2011-09-09T22:14:00.001-04:00

So, it's been quite a summer.

We drove to NYC...

Yes, those are my stellar photography skills!!

Loved Times Square...wish we could have stayed longer to see some of the shows.

Cruised the Eastern Caribbean. This is St Thomas.

Then had a lovely family boating vacation on the Trent Severn Waterway. With two teenagers, we know that those will be fewer and fewer in the years to come.

Pepper got to come too!

So those are some of the reasons that my studio looked like this most of the summer.

But now, I'm back at it and loving it!
I love summer holidays, but I really love being back in a routine.
This card is made for Moxie Fab World vertical sketch challenge in Card Ideas for Paper Crafters Week
Nothing like a good sketch challenge to get the cobwebs out of the studio!!
Patterned Paper: Teresa Collins, Mr. & Mrs.,
Ribbon: Offray
Sticker: SRM
Wand: The Party Store

I hope you've had a wonderful summer. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Ivanka

Hello...

2011-07-06T20:46:00.004-04:00

Holy cow, the days are flying by. We're well into summer, wish it could last forever. Not much creativity happening during these hot days. I'd rather be out in the pool, enjoying the girls while they still want to spend time with me! :)

I did get to play with CAS-ual Fridays this week. The challenge is to make a 'manly' card using kraft paper.

I started off with this one:

But I wasn't sure it was masculine enough...

So I made another one...

Both really simple...seems to be my speed these days.

The tree stamp is from Hampton Arts, Happy Birthday sticker is from SRM, newsprint paper is from SU, polka dot is from Echo Park. The tag punch out in the second card is old from 3 Bugs in a Rug, brad is really old from Foof-a-La, stamp sentiment is from Studio G.

Thanks so much for dropping by. hope you're having a wonderful summer.

Sunday Evening...

2011-06-12T22:35:00.006-04:00

There is a fun challenge going on this week on the CAS-ual Friday blog...we get to play tic, tac, toe. The challenge is to pick a row, then use that as the recipe for your card.

So I chose buttons, flowers and twine. My design is also based on this weeks sketch on the Clean and Simple Stamping blog (is it ok that I didn't do any stamping on this?? Hope so :)

I used a Cuttlebug embossing folder (Victoria), scalloped border is from Colorbok, sticker is from SRM, flower is from Michael's, twine and button are from my stassh.

My next project is for the City Crafter Challenge blog. The challenge this week is to decorate a jar. Decorate a jar is what I started out to do, but what I ended up doing is organizing some of my flower collection...a nice bonus, don't you think?

The script paper is from Stampin' UP, ribbon is from Offray, vellum tags are from Making Memories.

Thanks so much for dropping by. I hope you've had a wonderful weekend. After a few days of heat and humidity last week, the cooler weather here has been so nice. I love having the windows open and feeling a cool breeze.

Ivanka

Graduation Card

2011-06-01T20:41:00.004-04:00

Last year was a big grad year for us. We had a grade 8 and grade 12 grad both a few weeks apart. It was wonderful and nostalgic time. It's hard not to tear up when your baby is leaving high school and moving on to university. But it was almost worse for the grade 8 grad for me. These kids had been together since they were 4, and here they were teenagers, moving on to high school.

This year brings a few friends graduating. Here's the first of my grad cards. This is based on this weeks' challenge at the CAS-ual Friday Blog to make a CAS grad card.

The embossing folder is from Cuttlebug, decorative label punch is from SU, ribbon is from Offray, grad cap is from Recollections, letters are from Making Memories.

Here's to a wonderful Graduation season!

Ivanka

Hello Card

2011-05-27T11:15:00.003-04:00

Good Morning.

What are you up to today? I'm putzing, and cleaning, and hiding in my studio if time permits.

Today's card is based on this week's The Play Date Cafe challenge which is a color splash. The challenge is to use black and white with a splash of green.

Here's the inspiration:

Here's my card.

The paper is from Echo Park (For the Record) stamp is from Hampton Art, blossoms are from Prima and the brad is old from One Heart, One Mind. I glittered up the flowers with some shimmery Craf T chalks.

Happy Friday everyone.

Ivanka

Father's Day x 2

2011-05-26T14:44:00.010-04:00

The Create: Blog challenge for this week is make a card for Father's Day. Making cards for guys is not always the easiest thing but somehow when I started, these two came together quickly.

The journal note is from Echo Park, the embossing plate is from Sizzix, I inked it with platinum ink. The gaffer tape is from 7 gypsies and the letters are Thickers from American Crafts. This card and the next one are based on this weeks sketch 219 at Card Positioning Systems.

The great image is from Crafty Secrets, from the Summertime Images and Journal Notes. It's just perfect for a Father's Day Card. The black cardstock is embossed with the Argyle embossing folder from Cuttlebug and then inked with platinum ink. I used 7 gypsies gaffer tape again and Offray ribbon. The photo corners are from Canson and the sentiment is from SRM.

Thanks so much for dropping by.

Ivanka

Best Wishes Card

2011-05-21T17:22:00.007-04:00

Today I'm playing along with a couple of clean and simple challenges. I'm quickly becoming a huge fan of this style.

First my card is based on the sketch FTL 141 at Clean and Simple Stamping. It's also for CAS-ual Friday challenge blog to bring on the bling.

Love this color combo. The patterned paper is from Echo Park, stamp is from Me and My Big Ideas. I used Maya Road metallic ink and then heat embossed it with clear powder. Bling is from Kaisercraft, ribbon is from Offray and the brad is old from One Heart, One Mind. Sentiment is a rub on from Joanne's.

Hope you're enjoying your Saturday. Thanks for dropping by.
Ivanka

Think Pink

2011-05-19T10:49:00.006-04:00

It's been a long time since I've made a baby card. I bought these Pebbles chipboard baby embellishments a last month in Edmonton and promptly lost them somewhere in my studio. I came across them yesterday (buried under a stash of paper!) and was so happy to use them today.

This card is for this week's 'Think Pink' challenge on the Create: Cards blog to make a 100% pink card. It is also for the stripes and polka dots challenge on The City Crafter challenge blog. My first time playing along with City Crafter, such a fun blog.

The paper is from Stampin' UP, ribbon is from Offray, charm is a baby shower favour from Michaels. Those little foot prints are so precious.

Off I go to find more things buried in my studio....

Ivanka :)

Tuesday Trigger

2011-05-17T16:16:00.007-04:00

Every week Cath at Moxie Fab World comes up with an image challenge, Tuesday Trigger.
This is the trigger for this week.

Cute, isn't it? Whimsical too.
I really don't do whimsy very well at all, but I must have been up for this challenge, so off I went digging for my 'whimsiest' papers.

This is what I came up with.

I picked up on the blue and bold black on the plate with this paper from Stemma. It seemed perfect. The mirror is from Paper Bliss, and like the paper has been in my stash for years. The Karen Foster rub on sentiment finished it off.

Feels good to use up some supplies and it feels really good to challenge myself to a little whimsy...

Thanks for taking a peek.
Ivanka

Oldie Moldie Monday

2011-05-16T14:52:00.001-04:00

My friend Barb and I came up with a challenge for ourselves to try and use long forgotten papers and supplies. And Oldie Moldie Monday was born. Barb has been very good about posting an OMM card each week but sad to say, I've been neglecting my stash in favour of 'new' papers.

So this morning I dug deep, right into the bottom of my scraps box and came up with these 7 gypsies papers from many, many years ago. I still love them, they are so perfect for masculine cards. Finding them was like running into an old friend. lol

My card today is based on this week's sketch at Card Positioning Systems and the Get Sticky challenge at Wee Memories.

The twill tape is from Martha Stewart, decorative label punch and brads are from Stampin' UP, stickers (happy) is from Jenny Bowlin, (birthday) is from SRM. Embossing folder is from Cuttlebug.

Thanks for stopping by today and taking a little trip down Memory Lane with me. I hope your Monday has been a good one.
Ivanka

It's Sunday

2011-05-15T14:03:00.003-04:00

Yes, it's been a while. :)

I was so glad last night when inspiration hit in the form of this weeks' Play Date Cafe Color challenge and CAS-ual Friday's button and twine challenge. I love these colors! I don't remember using this combo before but it just came together so quickly and before I knew it, two cards were made. Don't you just love it when that happens?

Here's the color inspiration:
Here's the first card...

Patterned paper is from Echo Park, embossing folder is from Cuttlebug, sticker is from SRM, button is from Stampin' UP, twine is unknown, and the ribbon is from MemrieMare on etsy.

Here's the second card with flower, button and twine from my stash.

So where has the last month gone? And how come time is going by so fast?

I hope you're doing well...and as always, thanks for dropping by.

Ivanka

It's a Moxie Fab Day

2011-04-18T12:55:00.008-04:00

Moxie Fab World has been celebrating Paper Crafts latest release issue 350 Cards & Gifts and Cath has set out a bunch of challenges to get into the spirit of the issue. And since it's Oldie Moldie Monday where we give love to those long forgotten supplies, all of the products that I've used today have been in my stash for years. It feels great to use up old supplies. I made 2 cute little sets of Thank You for the Card Sets challenge. The 2x2" mini envelope die is from Sizzix.

The paper for the envelopes for this set is from a paper pad that is from Sizzix....from many moons ago. But it's so cute and perfect for these little envelopes. The 'thanks' stamp is from Stampin' UP!

Next is a little pillow box for the Gift Wrap Challenge. The pillow box die is from Sizzix, ribbon is from Offray, buckle is from Rusty Pickle (I've been hoarding it for years!) and the pearls are from Kaisercraft.

Finally, Amy Tsuruta has started a new blog Flashback Friday where we get to go back and revisit some of our past creations (the good, the bad and the ugly!)...perfect to fit in with today's Oldie Moldie Monday theme. The challenge this week is to find the first project with stitching on it.

I had to go digging deep...I don't even know what year this was, probably 2005. Sewing and I don't really get along too well and this is the only card I could come up with with stitching on it.

Thanks for coming by today. See you soon,

Ivanka

Catching up...

2011-04-12T16:56:00.012-04:00

So, it's been a while. Life gets busy and somehow the cardmaking gets pushed to the back burner. We've recently been out to Edmonton for my uncle's funeral. It was a very sad occasion to go home for, but the great family connection that we felt during our visit was so wonderful. Most importantly, we got to spend time with my 2 1/2 year old nephew...even got to shop at West Edmonton Mall with him...so much fun. Now to catch up with everything that's been going on here. I was able to play along with a couple of challenges. The first one is for this week's sketch at Card Patterns.

The paper and ribbon are from Stampin' UP, sticker flower is from SRM, rub on sentiment is from Deja Views, blue label is from K&Co, and the doily is from Martha Stewart.

Next is this weeks color challenge at The Play Date Cafe.

Here's a quick Easter card.

The image is from Somewhere in Time Collage.

And another quick Easter card using an image from Somewhere in Time Collage again.

Thanks so much for dropping in. I love hearing from you.

Happy Birthday Card

2011-03-19T16:58:00.009-04:00

Hello, how is your weekend going? We've had some lovely sun for the last 3 days but it's still cool out there. I'm glad to finally see the first day of SPRING tomorrow...

I'm playing along with the color challenge at the The Play Date Cafe again today and combining it with the 'Party Time' Birthday theme happening at The Shabby Tea Room celebrating their 1st birthday. There are all kinds of prizes, so make sure you check it out.

Here is the color inspiration:

Here's my card.

The flowers are from Prima, brads are from sei, sticker sentiment is from SRM and embossing folder is from Stampin' UP/Sizzix.

Thanks so much for dropping by. Hope you enjoy your weekend.

Ivanka

Thanks card

2011-03-12T17:22:00.007-05:00

Time for another Play Date Cafe challenge. These have been so fun and so good for me as they get me out of my comfort zone and I'm forced to used colors I usually wouldn't put together.

Here's the inspiration for this week:

Here's my card:

Patterned paper is from Webster's Pages, sticker is from SRM, flower is from Prima, button is from Doodlebug, border punch is from Stampin' UP, embossing folder is from Cuttlebug.

It's Spring Break here, but it really does not feel much like spring. It's dark, and dreary. I simply can't wait for the warm, sunny days and the spring bulbs to start peeking through the ground.

Thanks for dropping by.

Ivanka

Orange and Yellow...

2011-03-07T17:32:00.005-05:00

I came across this beautiful color challenge at CR84FN blog. I seem to be drawn to yellow lately. Craving some sun, I think. Here's the inspiration:

And here's my card.

The background paper is from Sampin' UP, yellow paper is from Webster's Pages (tea cup and birds are part of the paper), sentiment stamp is from Papertrey Ink, ribbon is from Michaels and the brad is from SEI.

Keeping it short and sweet tonight. Have a great evening.

A Splash of Yellow

2011-03-06T16:48:00.006-05:00

Today, I'm playing along with The Play Date Cafe where it's color splash week. You get to choose one of the colors in the inspiration photo to feature on your card.
And Moxie Fab World where this photo is the Tuesday Trigger this week.

When my youngest daughter was a toddler, she loved the colors yellow, but I really never have...till recently. Lately yellow has been fun to work with. I love the bright cheery feeling it gives.

The Prima flower is the last in the pack! It's been in my stash for years. The embossing folder is from Stampin' UP, ribbon is from Michaels and was wired and a bit too wide for the panel. Once the wired edges were off, I really liked this frayed look. Brad is from Making Memories and sentiment is from Papertrey Ink.

Thanks so much for dropping in today. I hope you've had a wonderful weekend.

Saturday Morning

2011-03-05T10:27:00.003-05:00

And it's a rainy one. I suppose that's better than snow, right? Not much planned for my day besides being 'taxi mom'! So it's so nice to be able to start the day with a bit of creativity.

Today's card is based on the color combo (cream, red, black) at The Shabby Tea Room and the sketch (130) at Clean and Simple Stamping blog.

Here's the inspiration image at TSTR:

Here's my card:

The patterned paper is from K&Co., scalloped border strip is from Colorbok, label punch is from SU, sentiment stamp is from Papertrey Ink, and the ribbon is from Offray.

I have a bit of time left before my 'mom taxi' duty starts...enough time for one more cup of coffee.

Hope you have a great weekend.

Ivanka

Birthday Cheer

2011-02-25T12:35:00.004-05:00

The colors for this week's Play Date Cafe are so bright and cheery, perfect for a snowy day like today. Yes, it's snowing again. All the snow that melted a couple of weeks ago is back, and then some. This was a fun color palate to work with, I just kept thinking 'summer'!

Here's the color inspiration:

And here's my card:

The aqua paper is a blast from the past...a little company called The Paper Lady. I met The Paper Lady herself at CHA in 2007...the nicest lady ever and she had some fun papers. Didn't really hear more from her after that...sad...but that seems to be the way with some of the bigger companies these days, so I know it must be even harder for the smaller ones. The ribbon if from Fancy Pants, stickers are from SRM and the scallop punch is from SU.

Thanks so much for dropping in. I hope you get a chance to play along with The Play Date Cafe this week. It will make it seem like summer is just around the corner!

Friends...

2011-02-21T15:12:00.004-05:00

Happy long weekend! Here in Ontario, we're celebrating Family Day...and with last night's snowfall, we're bonding over shovelling today! Actually it's not that bad, it could have been a lot worse.

Today's card is based on the sketch at Skipping Stones Design. So glad I came across it, it gave me a chance to dig out some of their stamps that I've been neglecting for years. Which is perfect for Oldie Moldie Monday where I try and dig out old supplies and give them some love. This is also for the color challenge on Color Cue (12) challenge on W Plus 9 design blog

Actually, all of my supplies on the card are old, from my stash. The paper is from K&Co., flower is from Prima, gems are from Kaisercraft, and the border die cut is from QuicKutz.

Thanks so much for coming by. Hope you're enjoying the extra day off.
Ivanka

It's melting...

2011-02-18T17:26:00.007-05:00

Well, it was another sunny day today...and look most of the snow has melted!!! Although it was one wet walk for our short little Schnauzer!

My card today is for this week's Card Patterns sketch. They're starting their 2nd Anniversary celebration tomorrow. I'm looking forward to all the fun.

Supplies:

Cardstock: Bazzill

Patterned paper: (newsprint) Stampin' UP

Stamp: (Flourish, Bliss) Stampin' UP, Sale-a Bration, (sentiment) Papertrey Ink

Ink: VersaMark

Blossoms: Prima

Button: Making Memories.

Thanks for dropping in...hope you're having a great start to your weekend.

CASE Study

2011-02-17T15:06:00.011-05:00

So they are doing something new and different over at the Play Date Cafe this week. They are joining together with CASE Study challenge blog for a combined challenge. And both blogs are giving away fun prizes...and I'm loving these colors...so here's another card from me.

Here's the challenge card and colors again:

For my card, I picked up on the placement of the flower/leaves, the sentiment and the colors. I used the tulip embossing folder from Stampin UP for the frame and also the dots embossing folder from Cuttlebug for the heart. I cut the heart free hand. Orchid is from ??, leaves and gem flourish are from Prima, sentiment is from Papertrey Ink.

Ok, that is definitely all from me today. Have a great afternoon.

Ivanka

Spring??

2011-02-17T13:25:00.009-05:00

Well, it feels like it today. The sun is shining and the snow is melting fast. It will be so nice to see some grass.

Today's card is based on this weeks color challenge at The Play Date Cafe and the combined challenge on the CASE Study challenge blog as well for Create: to make cards with border punches. Here's the color challenge:

And here's my card...I even got to venture outside to take the picture.

This flower is from Prima and has been in my flower box for years and years. Soooo glad to finally use it. The green paper is from Dream Street and the newsprint is First Edition Specialty Designer Series Paper from Stampin Up...love it! The butterfly is from SU (Bliss) as is the lace. Sentiment is from Papertrey Ink.

Thanks so much for taking a peak...I'm off to enjoy the pseudo spring day out there!

CAS Basketball Birthday

2011-02-15T21:10:00.004-05:00

Clean and Simple Stamping blog is perfect on nights like this when the creative spirits are not cooperating with me. Their sketches are so easy to work with and the inspiration on the blog usually helps me past the slump.

Here's my card for FTL 127.

The stamp is from Inkadinkadoo, embossing folder is Square Lattice from Stampin' UP, journaling square and chipboard are from Cosmo Cricket and button is from my stash.

Thanks so much for peeking.

Ivanka

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T16:57:00.006-05:00

Hope you're having a wonderful Valentine's Day.

I've been driving. Monday's are Mom's taxi days where I basically go from one end of the city to the other ferrying the girls around. But we have wonderful conversations on those drives and there is nothing better than getting a glimpse of their world.

Last week, my friend Kelly was telling me how she used her supplies to wrap her family's favorite goodies for Valentine's treats. I thought that was such a great idea and I'm so glad she inspired me to dig through my stash and use it to wrap treats for my crew. And since it's Oldie Moldie Monday, this was just perfect timing. I'm entering these for Wee Memories challenge to live, laugh and love and Crafty Creations Challenge to use 3 little words on your project.

This was Dana's treat...

And here's Julia's...

And this made it into Steve's suitcase...I was amazed that the burgundy heart paper was from 2002! Oldie or what??!!

We made heart shaped sugar cookies...they are so yummy...

And Dana wrapped them up for Valentine's Day treats for the class where she's student teaching. I'm still amazed that kids are out there calling my baby 'Ms. Lentle'. Cool or what????

I have one more run tonight...to dance class. Thanks for dropping by today.

Ivanka

Keeping it Simple

2011-02-10T14:04:00.008-05:00

Today's card is for a few different challenges...and I'm keeping it simple.

First, it's based on the sketch at Clean and Simple Stamping (FTL 126). It's also for this week's challenge at Create: blog to use doilies on a card. The color inspiration comes from The Play Date Cafe based on the image below.

And here's my card.

The cardstock is Dotted Swiss from Bazzill, the doilie is from Martha Stewart (thank you Barb!), stamp set is Stampin' Up Fun & Fast Notes, baby buggy is colored with Twinkling H2O's, and the ribbon is from Offray.

And lastly, I'm throwing my hat (ie..card) in for the Design Team call at The Shabby Tea Room. I'm following one of my favorite quotes from Wayne Gretzky, "You miss 100 % of the shots you don't take". So I'm taking a shot.

Thanks so much for visiting.

Ivanka

**excited to add that my card was featured on the Create: blog today**

Play Date Saturday

2011-02-05T15:44:00.007-05:00

I don't know what it is about The Play Date Cafe challenges, but it's almost like they rip the colors right out of me! The cards that I start out to make don't look anything like the cards that I end up with. And when I'm done, my desk is like a tornado had hit it!

But...that is the whole purpose of participating in the challenge...to get out of my comfort zone and try something new. It's been great for me!

Here is this week's color challenge:

And here's my card:

The background textured cardstock is from K&Co from years ago. I embossed the blue cardstock with Cuttlebug's Victoria embossing folder, the chipboard label is from Magistical Memories. I painted it purple. Flower is from Petaloo, flower center is from Prima, twine is from May Arts, brads are from Making Memories and sentiment stamp is from Papertrey Ink.

Thank you to The Play Date Cafe for being so challenging...I'm loving it.

Ivanka

Be Mine

2011-01-24T14:48:00.005-05:00

It's Monday, so it's time to dig into my paper stash and give some love to long forgotten paper. This week, it's Basic Grey's Sugared line...I can't believe I've neglected it, it was one of my favorite lines...but new paper came in and this beautiful paper was forgotten.
This is based on thins week's Get Sketchy #71.

It's Monday so it's time to dig into my paper stash and give some love to long forgotten paper. This week, it's Basic Grey's Sugared line...I can't believe I've neglected it, it was one of my favorite lines...but new paper came in and this beautiful paper was forgotten.

Trying to find my inner shabbiness, I whitewashed the paper, then distressed the edges. The cardstock is from Jillybean Soup, punch out tag is from Pink Paislee. The lace, chipboard heart and stick pin are from Making Memories.

I'm linking this up with the January Challenge at Paper Crafts Flickr group where the challenge is to make a Valentine's Day card and with Wee Memories...where you can free your creativity...anything goes.

Thanks so much for stopping in today. If you ever wanted to join in on Oldie Moldie Monday and use up some forgotten paper, here is our Flickr group. You can upload it anytime.

Clean and Simple Heart...

2011-01-23T14:13:00.002-05:00

Hello on this cold Sunday afternoon. Hope you're keeping warm...I'm not planning any expeditions out today so thought I'd play along with Clean and Simple Stamping FTL 124.

The heart is from Stampin' Up, stamped with Real Red Stampin' Up ink, then stamped with VersaMark and heat embossed with clear embossing powder. Die Cut label is Labels 1 from Nestabilities. Label stamp is from Papertrey Ink. Dry embossing folder is from Cuttlebug, boarder punch is from Fiskars, ribbon is from Michaels, Tiny Attacher is from Tim Holtz.

Thanks so much for stoppin' in today.
Ivanka

Saturday

2011-01-22T15:53:00.005-05:00

It's another fun Play Date Cafe challenge. These have been so great to do as they are color combinations that I would never bring together, but I'm having a ball trying to get it accomplished.

Here's the challenge:

And here's my card...based on this weeks' Card Positioning Sketch #201

The background paper is from Webster's Pages and is more green than is showing up here. I had the hardest time with lighting today. It must be the reflection of all the snow we're having! The stamp is from Studio G, sentiment sticker is from SRM, ribbon is from WalMart, trim is from the $ store.

Thanks so much for dropping in today...hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Be Mine

2011-01-21T09:54:00.008-05:00

Another day, another new challenge/sketch site.
I am really spreading my wings...and it feels good. Each new site has it's own energy and I'm definitely inspired by them...a very good thing in this cold month of January.

Today's card is based on Sketch 22 at Cardabilities. I love this sketch and this card came together really quickly.

The patterned paper is from K&Co. Punch out tag is from Pink Paislee, 3D stickers are from Martha Stewart, ribbon is from Offray.

I'm also entering this into Paper Crafts Blog January Challenge to make Valentine's Day cards, the Wee Memories blog challenge to use ribbon, and Really Reasonalbe Ribbon to use ribbon and hearts on your card. They also have a wonderful giveaway for their one year blogoversary....check it out.

Well, I guess I've put off shovelling long enough...Happy Friday.

Last 2S4Y Sketch/The Shabby Tea Room

2011-01-20T14:16:00.006-05:00

Another one of my favorite sketch sites is saying farewell. 2 Sketches 4 You has been a source of wonderful inspiration in the past couple of years and they will be missed.

My card today is based on Kazan's last sketch. I'm also playing along with the Shabby Tea Room where this week's challenge is White and Bright, to use white or cream and only one other color.

The embossing folders are from Cuttlebug, punch out die cut tags are from Pink Paislee. I'm also playing along with Create: Blog where the challenge this week is to use butterflies on your card. The butterfly on my card is a die cut from Sizzlits.

**Woohooo...my card was featured on the Create: blog today.**

Thanks so much for stopping by.
Ivanka

Happy Monday

2011-01-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

I am really enjoying playing along with Clean and Simple Stamping blog these last few weeks. It forces me to use a stamp or two...which is good, since I keep collecting them!

Today's card is for this week's sketch FTL 123 The paper is from Pink Paislee, Kraft Doilies are from Maya Road (thanks Barb!) and the stamp is from Papertrey Ink.

I'm am off to run some errands and go out for lunch with friends...hope you have a wonderful Monday.

Play Date Cafe

2011-01-16T15:18:00.009-05:00

So today brings two new blog challenges for me...Play Date Cafe where the challenge this week is this color combo: And Wee Memories where the challenge is to use ribbon for a chance to win a May Arts ribbon prize!
And here's my take on both of these challenges using Card Patterns Sketch 98.
The paper is from Webster's Pages, sticker is from SRM, buttons are from Melissa Frances and ribbon is from Offray, die cuts are from Nestabilities.

And do you mind if I share a couple of cards my daughter made? She's home for the weekend and made 2 cards for her roommate's birthdays this week.

I may be a bit biased, but I think they're just beautiful! I'm always amazed and grateful that my girls will once in a while sit at my desk and create. I must have rubbed off on them somewhere along the way!

Thanks so much for dropping by today...Ivanka

Happy Day

2011-01-15T17:30:00.010-05:00

Today I'm playing along with a new challenge blog, The Shabby Tea Room. Not sure why I haven't come across this site before, but I'm so glad I did today. So much wonderful inspiration. And while the name of the blog is shabby, the challenge cards don't need to be. This week is a sketch challenge. Here's the sketch:

And here is my take on it. Funny, but this is not the card I set out to make today. I had all kind of shabby, lacy visions, but it was not to be...

The background paper is from We R Memory Keepers, I embossed it with Swiss Dots embossing folder from Cuttlebug. The other patterned paper is from Melissa Frances, the recent Christmas line. The sticker letters are from Making Memories, ribbon is from Offray. The dress is cut out from a Crafty Secrets Girlfriend Journaling Notes. If you click on the home page at Crafty Secrets, there are a ton of free downloads for personal use. I love the 2011 calendar. The sticker letters are from Making Memories, ribbon is from Offray.

We've had a whole bunch of snow today...makes for not such a 'happy day'...

Hope you have a great evening.

Feb. 14th

2011-01-10T09:43:00.005-05:00

It's funny how soon after Christmas is over, we get right into Valentine's Day, isn't it? I never used to make cards for Valentine's Day, but with so many wonderful products out that make it easy to create for the holiday, it's just a natural to get drawn in.

Today's card is for Get Sketchy #69 and since it's Monday, it's time for Oldie Moldie Monday where we get to dig into the old paper stash and give some love to long forgotten products.

The cardstock is unknown, I dry embossed it with Victoria embossing folder from Cuttlebug and then sanded a bit to distress. The die cut tags are from Pink Paislee, the 3D stickers are from Martha Stewart and the ribbon is from Making Memories.

Love is in the air...Hope you have a wonderful Monday.

Clean and Simple Thanks

2011-01-09T19:13:00.004-05:00

I seem to be having a love affair with Webster's Pages paper lately. I bought a 6 x 6 pack of Seaside Retreat, Nature's Storybook and Garden Gala and I absolutely love it. Can't wait to see their newest release, Spring Market.

Today's card is based on FTL 122 on the Clean and Simple Stamping blog. Love this sketch, so versatile and so easy to create with. This card is also for the January challenge on Inspire Me by Webster's Pages to make a thank you card to thank their DT.

I dry embossed the kraft cardstock with the Victoria folder from Cuttlebug. The Many Thanks stamp is from Stampin' UP, ribbon is from Offray, pearls are from Kaisercraft, scallop border die is from QuicKutz.

Thanks so much for stopping in.
Ivanka

Hello Sunshine

2011-01-07T20:50:00.006-05:00

Hello Sunshine...it is cold, but the sun is out. It makes everything seem so much nicer and brighter when the sun is shining.

Today's card is for the challenge at Moxie Fab World's 'Grey is the New Black' and also for Cards Blog: Create to use felt on a card.

This was a challenge for me as I rarely use yellow, but here paired with the grey, I like it a ton. The felt shape is from Fancy Pants Designs, ribbon is from Offray, dry embossing folder is Victoria from Cuttlebug, sentiment sticker is from SRM Press.

Hope there is a bit of sunshine where you are.

Ivanka

My Mind's Eye

2011-01-07T10:30:00.010-05:00

Happy New Year! It's hard to believe that it's the beginning of another year, it all goes so fast.

We've had a wonderful Christmas season, very relaxing. We didn't have any family visiting this year so it was quiet. But that was ok as it gave us lots of time to watch our old home movies which I had transferred to DVD. It was so much fun revisiting all the fun times when the girls were little.

So onto today's card. My Mind's Eye is having a challenge on their blog till January 20th. I love MME and had to play along with this challenge. Here's the sketch:

And here's my take on it using MME Lush paper and chipboard letter stickers.

Die cut label is from QuicKutz and was dry embossed with Cuttlebug's script folder. Ribbon is from Offray.

Thanks so much for stopping in today. I hope your year has started off in a good way.
Ivanka

Strictly Stripes

2010-12-30T15:16:00.013-05:00

My wonderful friend Barb, spoiled me rotten this Christmas. In my Christmas parcel , she included some simply gorgeous Christmas papers from Pink Paislee and Melissa Frances. I couldn't wait to use them.

With Moxie Fab's latest Tuesday Trigger challenging us to use stripes, that's just what I did. Here's the Trigger:

And here is my card...

The striped paper is from Pink Paislee, the others are from Melissa Frances. Punched label is from Stampin' Up, bird sticker is from Martha Stewart and the sentiment sticker is from SRM.

These are my 'Hello...I didn't get my Christmas cards out in time' cards. Now that the rush is over, I still wanted to send a card to a few friends that I didn't get a chance to before Christmas. I think these will be perfect and hopefully I'll be forgiven!

Hope you have a wonderful evening...Ivanka

One More Thank You...

2010-12-29T18:43:00.008-05:00

It seems like I'm in 'Thank You' card mode this week. This one is based on Sketch #96 at Card Patterns and also on FLLC98 at the Flourishes blog to add pearls to your card.

The cardstock is from Jillybean Soup, patterned paper is from Webster's Pages, Many Thanks background stamp is from Stampin' Up, sentiment is from SRM, pearls and butterfly are from Prima and the twine was part of my Christmas gift from my wonderful friend Barb.

Thanks for dropping by today...Ivanka

Clean and Simple Thank You

2010-12-28T14:05:00.002-05:00

Today's card is based on the FTL 121 sketch at Clean and Simple Stamping. The only trouble is...there is no stamping on my card. (I hope they are able to forgive me) I had the Prima flowers and Imaginisce brads out from yesterday's card, liked them so much that I used them again. I also made a horizontal card, making the white space smaller.

The papers are from My Mind's Eye (red polka dot) and K&Co (red striped). The black polka dot is a sticker border from Colorbok. Sentiment is from SRM stickers.

I'm quite enjoying these relaxed post Christmas days. I hope you are as well.

Post Christmas...

2010-12-27T15:48:00.009-05:00

Hello...Are you happy to be on the other side of Christmas? I kind of am, it's been hectic, but it's also been a wonderful time of family and friends and fun gifts and lots of good food. I'm totally enjoying today...relaxing, watching old videos and making a card. A pretty perfect day, I think.

Today's card is based on sketch 197 at CPS. This week they are doing the year in review where you can choose any sketch from the past year. It's also based on the daily challenge at 365 Cards Plentiful Patterns - Use at least 3 of the following patterns on your card - plaid, paisley, gingham, hounds tooth, toile. I chose argyle, gingham and toile. The flower is from Prima, brad is from Making Memories and the sticker is from SRM stickers. It's also Oldie Moldie Monday where I dig into my forgotten papers and give them a new purpose in life. The argyle paper is from Dream Street and the toile is from Adorn It, Carloee's Creations.

I made a set of Luminaria's for a friend this Christmas. I found a fabulous video tutorial here.

These were so easy and so much fun to make. And using a battery operated votive makes these safe to use with paper and safe to have in my studio.

I used a Martha Stewart snowflake punch and Prism metallic paper. The metallic paper was perfect for this project because it is a heavier weight than card stock and the metallic shine is so pretty with the light reflecting off of it.

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you're having a great Monday.

4 Days...

2010-12-21T13:52:00.006-05:00

Hard to believe that Christmas is almost here. I've been shopping for months now...hopefully I have everything I need, because I'm not going out there again! I think it's wrapping time tonight. Then if I really need something else, I'll make a mad dash for it in the morning.

How are you doing with all of your preparations?

Here's today's card based on this week's sketch at Card Patterns. This is going to Julia's piano teacher.

The green paper is from Kaiser Kraft, background paper is from Basic Grey and script paper is old 7 gypsies. The stamp is from Serendipity Stamps, stamped with Chianti ColorBox ink and heat embossed with clear embossing powder.

Here's one of the small gifts I made for a couple of friends this year. I first saw this bookmark on The Stampin Pretty blog and she has a fabulous tutorial on how to make this bookmark here.

I used Webster's Pages paper and stickers. The stamp is from Studio G.

Here's the inside of the little card. Love this quote on reading from Dr. Seuss. Papers are Webster's Pages again.

It's quick and easy and a great gift for a friend who loves to read.

ps...I made a couple of these for me while I was at it!

Thanks for stopping by today.

Ivanka

Thanks card

2010-12-13T10:01:00.003-05:00

So...all that rain yesterday has turned into snow. And now I have to go out to shovel. I think I preferred the rain...never happy am I?

I made today's card with the paper that was leftover from yesterday's cards. Love using up scraps.

This is for the Monochromatic challenge at Caardvarks. Sadly, this it their last challenge. It has been such a wonderful site for inspiration over the years, they will be missed. This is also for Card Creations: Favorite Occasions Week Thank You Challenge in the Moxie Fab World. It's the last day to enter that challenge.

Cardstock is from Bazzill, patterned paper is from Webster's Pages, ribbon is from May Arts, rhinestones are from Kaiser Kraft and the stamp is from Stampin Up.

Off I go to shovel...Ivanka

Happy Birthday.

2010-12-12T16:03:00.003-05:00

Two posts in one day?? It must be the rainy, damp day. I'm hiding out in my studio, no motivation to do anything Christmas related. Soon enough, I know I'll be complaining about the snow, so might as well enjoy the rain and the green grass while it's here.

This card is based on sketch #94 at Card Patterns and is also for Card Creations: Favorite Occasions Week Birthday Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.

The embossing folder is from Cuttlebug, stickers are from SRM (We've got your sticker), ribbon is from Offray and the scallop die cut is from Nestabilities.

Bye for now...
Ivanka

Rainy Sunday...

2010-12-12T15:27:00.006-05:00

All around us here in Southern Ontario, there is snow. Tons of snow. We seem to be in the middle of a snow free bubble right now...not that I'm complaining. But rain?? Doesn't really put you in the Chrismtas spirit, does it?

Onto today's cards, also not very Christmassy. :) The first one is for this week's sketch #197 at CPS and the Card Creations: Favorite Occasions Week All Occasion Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.

The paper is from Webster's Pages, image is from Crafty Secrets, ribbon is from Offray and the butterfly is from Prima.

This card is for the FTL 120 at Clean and Simple Stamping and Card Creations: Favorite Occasions Week Thank You Challenge in the Moxie Fab World The cardstock is from Jillybean Soup, patterned paper is from Webster's Pages again (love it!!), stamp is from Stampin' Up.

Thanks for dropping by today. Hope you've had a wonderful weekend.

Ivanka

Thanks a Bunch

2010-12-06T14:22:00.004-05:00

I'm taking a little break from Christmas cards today. Much as I love making them and love the whole season, it was nice to pull out some different paper to play with. And since it's Oldie Moldie Monday, it's time to pull out some long neglected paper and give it some love.

Today's card is based on this week's sketch 93 at Card Patterns. All of the paper is from a large stash of My Mind's Eye paper. It's a few years old, it coordinates beautifully and I still love it. This card is also for the Card Creations Favorite Occasions Week-The Thank You Challenge on Moxie Fab World which runs until next Monday.

The image is from Craft Secrets, the sentiment sticker is from SRM Stickers, twill tape is from Martha Stewart and the twine is from May Arts.

'Thanks a Bunch' for stopping by today. I'm off to run a few errands then try and finish up the Christmas cards.

Happy Monday.

'Tis the Season

2010-11-26T14:24:00.007-05:00

Seems like winter had arrived in Southern Ontario, at least for today. It's cold and windy and there were a few snow flurries this morning. We've been lucky so far, it's been a beautiful fall.

But the cold weather is good for getting in the Christmas spirit. Josh Groban helps too!

My first card today is based on this week's sketch at 2 Sketches 4 You.

I used Cuttlebug's dots embossing folder and QuicKutz scallop border die. The felt tree is from Prima, ribbon is from Offray, brad is from One Heart, One Mind (yes, I've had it for a while!) and sentiment sticker is from SRM stickers.

Here I used Cuttlebug's snowflake embossing folder, Nestabilities Label One die cut and my two favorite sticker companies PSX (anther oldie!) and SRM stickers.

Now that I've spent most of the day creating, it's time to hustle and clean up...there's nothing like a deadline!

Happy Friday,

Ivanka

Card Patterns Christmas Card

2010-11-24T06:03:00.003-05:00

Good Morning!

I probably have enough Christmas supplies to last several Christmases. It was kind of a 'soft' decision this year to not purchase too many new Christmas things. I say 'soft' because I know that my willpower is not that strong, so if I had hit upon a store that had new Christmas goodies...I most likely would have succumbed to temptation. Yes...I am weak, I admit it.

But that hasn't happened yet, so I keep pulling out old paper and stickers etc., and that's been working just fine lately!

My card today is based on this week's Card Patterns sketch. I think the paper is Bo Bunny, I used Nestabilities Label One for the die cuts. The wreath is from Sandylion, ribbon is from Hobby Lobby and the brad is from American Crafts.

It's been fun using up Christmas supplies...and in return making room for new stuff next year! It's a vicious cycle!

Bye for now...Ivanka

Joy to the World

2010-11-23T15:34:00.005-05:00

Hi there...I am on a cardmaking frenzy. My work schedule is starting to get a little lighter and I've spent any and all free time making cards. It feels amazing!! (Don't ask about the pile of ironing!)

My card today is based on sketch #134 over on the Taylored Expressions blog.

This angel from Inkadinkado is one of my all time favorite Christmas stamps. It's so elegant and just seems to say 'Christmas' whenever I pull it out. I stamped it with ColorBox (Chianti) ink and heat embossed it with clear embossing powder. Sentiment stamp is from Papertrey Ink. All the papers are from my Christmas box, which I've had for a few Christmases now.

Thanks for dropping by...oh and my Moxie Chic Tuesday Trigger card was one of the 5 Trigger Targets in today's post over on Moxie Fab World!!

Ivanka

CPS Christmas card

2010-11-22T13:47:00.006-05:00

So it's Oldie Moldie Monday time. That's the day to dig into my supplies and show some love to long forgotten papers and embellishments.

Today's card is based on this week's sketch at CPS.

The paper is from K&Co., the rub on Santa image is from Bo Bunny and the sentiment rub on is from American Crafts. I used the Cuttlebug snowflake embossing folder, Offray ribbon and Hero Arts poinsettia. All have been hiding in my Christmas box for quite some time.

And that's all for me today, short and sweet. I'm off to the dentist, then vollyball practise, then dance class...and none of those events are for me!!

Thanks for stopping by today...

Moxie Chic Christmas

2010-11-21T11:07:00.009-05:00

I fell in love with this week's Tuesday Trigger at Moxie Fab World. This is right up my alley...totally elegant and very classy. And since I'm going gung ho on Christmas cards right now, it's a Moxie Chic Christmas kind of day.

Here is the trigger...

And here is my card...

I love this velour paper I found in my Christmas box. I have no idea who the manufacturer is, but I love it. I ran it through my Sizzix Big Kick with the Victoria embossing folder from Cuttlebug and I just love the result. I also used the script embossing folder for the ivory cardstock. The stamp is from Inkadinkadoo, ink is from ColorBox. The tree is embossed with clear embossing powder.

Cath, from Moxie Fab World has been on my mind lately. She's moving clear across the country and in the midst of saying good bye to her home and friends. You can ready about it here.
I even had a dream about her the other night...I was in Utah visiting craft shows and there she was. She came right up to me and said 'hi ivanka'. I know...You'd think I would dream about exotic places like Hawaii or Paris, but I'm dreaming Utah and paper crafting...weird.

Happy Sunday...

'Tis the Season

2010-11-20T13:42:00.004-05:00

Last year during the holidays, we visited one of our local museums and happened upon a great post Christmas sale in their gift shop. I picked up a few sheets of Victorian scrap reliefs, I knew that they would be beautiful on cards. I don't think I've seen scrap reliefs before, if I had I hadn't taken any notice of them. Now I love them... Here is a bit more info on scrap reliefs.

I love this image of a Victorian Santa, it worked beautifully on today's card based on this weeks sketch at 2 Sketches 4 You.

My sheet of scrap reliefs are from Mamelok Press. The paper is unknown, from my Christmas papers. Die cut is Nestabilities Label 8, embossing folder is Polka Dots from Cuttlebug, ribbon is from Hobby Lobby, brad is from American Crafts and sentiment sticker is from SRM Press.

Thanks so much for dropping by today. Hope you're having a wonderful weekend.

Ivanka