Post Christmas...

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...

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

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.

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mojo Monday

It's been a while since I joined in on the Mojo Monday sketch challenge. So here it is...Mojo Monday meets Oldie Moldie Monday!

Actually, my paper today is not that oldie and it's definitely not moldie! The paper and Jolly by Golly element is from Cosmo Crickets Christmas line from last year. The lace, rhinestones and jingle bells have been in my stash for a long, feels good to use them. Embossing folder is from Cuttlebug, Provo Craft.

I'm also linking this card to the Cute Card Thurdsday challenge where the challenge this week is 'anything goes'!

And here we go...the start of another week. Hope you have a good one.

Ivanka

Challenges x 3!

Christmas card season has hit my house. So it was good to come across 3 sketch/challenge sites that seemed to work well to get me going. And since it's Oldie Moldie Monday, it's time to dig into my stash and find some long forgotten papers and embellishments to use.

The first challenge was the Sketch Sunday challenge on 365 Cards.


The papers and tag are from K&Co (Christmas Cheer), embossing folder is Victoria from Cuttlebug.

Here's another card with the same supplies. The ribbon is from Martha Stewart.

The second sketch challenge is from Clean and Simple Stamping....although there is no stamping on this card.

The paper was a gift from my friend Barb last year and has a wonderful shimmery look to it. The snowflakes are foam from a Michael's and the sentiment is really old from Making Memories.

The third challenge sketch is from Card Patterns.

The paper is again from K&Co., the glittered snowflakes are from Toner Crafts (Michael's post Christmas sale last year), sentiment is from SRM stickers.

Here are 2 more cards with the K&Co. paper and embellishments.

So that's it, that is the end of the K&Co Christmas Cheer Mat pad. I used it all up!!!!

Just 3 million pieces of paper left to use up!!

Happy Monday,
Ivanka

Oldie Moldie Monday...finally

Oldie Moldie Monday is finally here. My friend Barb and I started this challenge to get us using older supplies. She's been very good about posting a card each week. Me? Not so much. So although it's a small piece of paper that I used today, it's abut 4 years old and therefore qualifies as my Oldie Moldie Monday card, right??

The challenge at Caardvarks right now is to make a stamped card and finish it inside and out. So here is mine.

The paper and the Holiday Cheer tape are from Stemma. They still have products on their website, but I haven't seen anything new from them for a while, which is too bad as they had some fun paper and embellishments. Stamps are all Penny Black (In a Pear Tree), ink is ColorBox.

Since I used such a small piece of this paper (the card is 4 x 4), I still have 2 full 12 x 12 sheets of it left so...I have a challenge for a couple of you. If this non traditional holiday paper speaks to you, I'll put some in an envelope along with some coordinating embellishments and send it to you. The only thing I ask is that you come back here on another Oldie Moldie Monday and show us what you created with it. If you're interested, leave me a comment and I'll get in touch with you.

We even have a Flickr group set up for our Oldie Moldie cards, please feel free to join us anytime.

Ivanka

'Tis the Season

A few weeks ago, 10 of made the trek to Sandals, Cuba to help 3 of our friends celebrate their 50th birthdays. And so it has begun...celebrating a half a century...it doesn't seem that long ago that we were turning 40. Funny, but I remember when my parents turned 50 and they seemed old. It doesn't seem so old now.

We had a wonderful time and it was a great way to lessen the blow of such a milestone...although I have a few years to go til I get there!


So now onto another occasion...Christmas...it's only 55 days away!! And I'll probably never get everything done that I want to do, but here's a good start.

This is based on this week's sketch at Clean and Simple Stamping (FTL114). Loved this sketch and it was a great way to get going on my Christmas cards. The poinsettias are from Prima, brads are from Making Memories, leaf punch is from Martha Stewart and the stamp is from Papertrey Ink.

So, I hope you're having a good Halloween weekend. It's a bit different now that we don't have little kids in the house. There isn't a crisis over costumes, and make up, and who to go trick or treating with...I miss it a tiny bit...but then leftover candy helps to lessen the pain!!

Happy Saturday,

Ivanka

Fall is in the air

We have an apple farm just a few minutes from our house. I made a quick stop in there last week to buy apples. We'll have to make sure we go back soon to actually pick some apples. I love visiting the farm, the colors of fall are just spectacular!

Now that Fall is here and the girls are back at school, I'm excited to have some time to craft. Fall colors are my all time favorite to work with. Have you seen the October issue of Crafts 'n things yet? Tons of great card and craft inspiration in there. I'm excited to have a card in this issue in their new Crafting for a Cause feature. My story is right there on page 91. Let me know if you've seen it.

Finally, I had some time today to make a card using my favorite colors. This is based on this week's 2S4Y sketch. Love this sketch, so easy to create with.

The paper is Lush from My Mind's Eye, the image is digital from Tuscan Rose sentiment rub on is from Making Memories and the ribbon is from Hobby Lobby. I also used foam squares and Glue Dots.

Thanks for stopping by...hope you have a wonderful Fall weekend.

Happy...

It's been quite a week. The word from University Girl is that she's having a ball. Of course it's orientation week and classes don't officially start till next week! I'm glad she's having fun, but we do miss her. I *think* she may come home for a bit on Sunday. Mainly to visit friends and replenish her food supplies, I think!

Today's card is for Card Patterns sketch 80. A very fun sketch and with the help of SRM stickers, this card came together nice and quick.

The aqua paper is from K&Co., the polka dot is from Sweetwater and ribbon is from Offray.

Happy TGIF!

Handmade Flower Challenge

There is a lovely lady that I lurk...ahem...I mean follow...and she makes the most gorgeous cards. Check her blog out here: Lea's Cupcakes and Sunshine Divine, isn't it???

She's having a challenge on her blog that runs till Sept. 15th. The Cupcards to Go challenge is to make a handmade flower accent with out using die cuts.




I've had this ribbon forever, don't know who makes it. But it's wired and just lovely, so rich looking. I started to make the flower by pulling on the wire on one side of the ribbon. When it was gathered together, I started applying Skor-tape to small sections of the gathers and started twisting the ribbon into a flower shape as I went. I added more Skor-tape as I went along. The rhinestone brad is from Recollections. The skeleton leaves have been in my stash for many years as has the 'love' brad. It was orange in color, I changed it to gold using Krylon's 18 kt. gold marker. The paper is older, from BoBunny.

Check out the challenge and Lea's blog. You won't be disappointed.

New Adventures...

We moved Dana to University residence today. I thought I would be more emotional, but the whole experience was so positive and so exciting, that I can't help but be happy and excited for her. A whole new chapter in her life...lots of new adventures for all of us.


So now that I have less laundry to do, maybe I'll have more time for cards....

Today's card is for the FTL106 challenge on Clean and Simple Stamping blog and also for Oldie Moldie Monday. It's time to dig into my stash of supplies and start using it up....there may be no extra money in the budget for new supplies for quite a while...

The paper is BoBunny, flowers are from Prima and buttons are from Melissa Frances. All of these things have been in my stash for years. The die cut label and stamps are from Papertry Ink and were a birthday gift from my friend Barb. Thanks so much Barb!!

Hope you're had a wonderful long weekend.