Bridesmaids & Groomsmen

I took a break from card making to get a few more wedding pages done.

I love the Echo Park paper I used for the girls.

Pink is such a happy color!

I also continued my personal challenge of using stamps on layouts.

The stamps on the girls page are from Unity Stamp sets She Said and With Love.

And now a BIG difference from the above splash of pink!

I'm actually really happy with the way the guys page turned out--it's so manly!

I used my Close to My Heart stamps on their page and some Crate Paper I had left over from previous wedding pages.

Oh and how could I forget the EK Success punch? I love that notebook effect!

Thanks for checking out my blog and my progress on our wedding album...

someday I WILL finish. ;)

Unity Challenge HHSC42

Alright...I'm in my third week of Unity Stamp Co. challenges on Splitcoast Stampers.

Third time's a charm right?!

Here's the sketch:

I have to admit I was really nervous when I saw it. 

I'm not one to use angles but that's the idea of these challenges right? 

Step out of that comfort zone Erin and get it done!!!

So here's my take on the sketch:

In all honesty, I really don't like it. 

 I will probably never send it to anyone. LOL

Looking forward to seeing what next weeks sketch has to offer!

A simple baby card

Here's a simple card I put together using a circle punch, twine, bling and a Unity Stamp.

This is an easy design when you're in a pinch for that unexpected (or forgotten) moment that requires a card.

I hope you are enjoying a peaceful Saturday!

The paper is from We R Memory Keepers.

The Unity Stamp is from Happy Everything.

The bling is Imaginisce iRock.

The ink is my go to Momento Tuxedo Black.

Embossed Mini's

Here is my third set of mini 3x3 cards. 

I brought out the Cuddlebug for this set and embossed the black background.

I really should emboss more often!  It adds so much character!

(But doesn't photograph well)

I skipped putting a sentiment on these...not sure if that was a good move yet but
 it is what it is.

Here's your close up:

 

Oh and I will NEVER paper piece this Unity Stamp again in multiples!

ahhhh it took forever (maybe that's why I gave up on a sentiment!)

One more day 'til the weekend!!!

Grey's Anatomy here I come with 1 minute to spare...

More Mini's

Here's my second batch of mini's! 

I'm pretty excited about the CAS design (Clean and Simple)

Also, I'm very excited about the Unity Stamps.

Hope you like these little sweethearts as much as I do!

and a close up:

I'm thinking about glamming them up with some Stickles...

or not. What do you think?

I'm lovin' mini cards!!!

I received an order today for mini cards.

I was so excited to get started I seriously considered leaving work early

**ugh** I have a problem.

but these little 3x3 cards are SO super fun to make!!!

and really...

 who can pass up paper with little hearts?!

A little closer shot:

I plan to make the order in bunches of four

so there will be more mini card FUN to come later this week!

Paper: Bazzill and K&Company

Stamp: Close to My Heart

New Twine Colors!

Oh I want these sooo bad!

Blossom - this is a very sweetly soft light pink & white combination

Honeydew - this is a light chartreuse green & white combination...just like the inside of a honeydew melon!

Charcoal - this is a basic black & white combination

You can get the new colors in their full 240 yard spool sizes or in their 15 yard bundles sizes (as a mini sampler pack)!!! And guess what...for a limited time, you can stock up at The Twinery with 25% off!! That includes everything in their shop {even the new colors}.

Use discount code NEWCOLORS when you checkout at their shop to get 25% off your entire order.

THE DISCOUNT IS ONLY GOOD THROUGH SUNDAY 1/30/2011.

Spread the word!!

Unity Challenge HHSC41

Obviously I was not the winner or you would have heard all about it...

 So I'm back at it this week!

Here's the inspiration sketch:

And here's my card:

This turtle was another FREE Unity Stamp from an order I placed.

The cardstock is Jillibean Soup.

The ink is Momento Tuxedo Black and Tim Holtz Distress Ink
The turtle is colored with Copic markers

Music

I made a stop at Archiver's today and picked up this Echo Park paper. 

It is PERFECT for my wedding pages! 

Just wait until you see the rest of it!!!

I'm pretty sure our wedding album is going to take me YEARS to create.

One. page. at. a. time.

Oh well...It's the journey not the destination right?!

P.S.

Does anyone have photography tips for taking pictures of layouts?

It's obviously not my strong suit... :(

Cards and more cards!

Made five cards for a friend who requested a "woodland" theme and an owl.  I'm hoping they are wood-sy enough!  Most images are from the Give a Hoot Cricut cartridge except for the trees which are from the Winter Woodland cartridge.  The hedgehog is probably my favorite!

Hope she likes them!

Art from the Heart-Emily Leiphart

So remember when I said I started this whole blog adventure because I follow crafty bloggers?

What I really meant to say is I follow Emily Leiphart

At the risk of sounding totally creepy--{which I'm not I promise!}

I just adore this woman!

Her cards are clean and simple and just amazing! 

The kind of cards you see and say to yourself  "I wish I would of thought of that!"

Well, she just did her first video tutorial on the technique above.

And I thought to myself if I'm going to claim myself as her biggest fan I better try this out!

So here it is Emily!  My first shot at your ink background technique...

I hope I made you proud! ;)

Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black and Tim Holtz Distress Ink in

 fire brick, spiced marmalade, broken china, peeled paint, and dusty concord

Sentiment: Unity Stamp Co. She said...

Heart: Stampin' Up 2002

Too cold to even scrap!

I have to admit I've been a bit lazy this week...

it's just too cold!!!

All I want to do is cuddle in bed, watch movies/TV and sleep.

**Ugh** I hate this time of year.

 I did manage to get this card made tonight before Grey's Anatomy starts.

This card was inspired by one of my blog followers Amanda.

She is getting married January 2012.

{I sure hope it's not -14 at this time next year!}

Anyway, her colors are black and champagne

and I think snowflakes are a must for a winter wedding...

This card also gave me a chance to try Liquid Applique for the first time.

I added some to the branch and used my heat gun to make it puffy like snow.

I may need some practice with it but I will definitely use it again!

Congratulations Amanda!  Enjoy! :)

 Cricut Cartridge: Songbird

Sentiment: Unity Stamp Co.

Cardstock: Bazzil (String of Pearls)

Boarder punch: EK Success

*Unknown Ribbon

Sweet Strawberries

Here is my official entry for the Unity Stamp Co. Sketch contest I told you about last week. 

I sure I hope win!  This prize is Bevy of Butterflies and/or Bitty Flower Background

I actually got this strawberry stamp as an extra bonus with a Unity Stamp order I placed last November.

How exciting huh?  Free stamps? 

Who does that?!

Unity Stamp Co. of course!

Here's a detail shot for ya:

The paper is by October Afternoon the Seaside collection. 

It was splurge when I was cropping at The Pine City Scrapbooking Co.

More Wedding Fun...

I managed to get FOUR pages done on Saturday at the cupcake crop. 

I was missing my crafty friend Sarah (She had to work) so I decided to start the day off scrappin' pictures of her. 

Sarah is one of my closest friends and she made a beautiful bridesmaid too!

My longest friendship is with my dear friend Jen. 

She was the Maid of Honor on my special day and also holds the title of BEST friend. 

Jen and I have been friends for almost 15 years!!!

and you can tell she really knows how to make me laugh... :)

When I saw this Cosmo Cricket paper (Circa 1934) I FELL in love! 

The colors weren't really wedding colors but my Grandma's red dress seemed to make it all okay.

Can't help but use a banner when you have such terrific chipboard!

I like how the Circa 1934 line speaks to my Grandparents era. 

The typewriter and ink bottles are my FAV!

Well that's all for now, Hope you have a fantastic week!



Hip Hop Sketches

I really want to start entering these sketch contests.  

Unity Stamp Co. has challenges on SplitcoastStampers.com

You can win stamp sets!  Oh how cool would THAT be?!

Right now I'm trying to figure out how to set up an account and get started, I have until Wednesday January 19th to get a "card or other stamped project" ready to submit.  Here is the sketch to get our minds working:

This is the first card I came up with...It seems too simple. 

Not a WINNING design so I'm going to try and get more creative this weekend.

I love the color though--bright & cheery.

I definitely need bright & cheery during this already long, snowy Minnesota winter.

 

Paper piecing can be a lot of work with a little flower like this but the result is so stunning it's hard to resist!

One more day and it's a three day weekend! 

I have a 12 hour cupcake crop in Pine City Saturday.

I can hardly breathe I'm so excited!!!

Love ya.

Here's a sweet and simple card. 

I see these oversized bows on so many scrappy blogs...

I think they are beyond cute but in truth, I find them quite impractical. 

How in the heck can you get a bow that size in an envelope?!

Nevertheless, I had to do one.  Just trying to fit in...

The tiny heart stamp and the cuddly plump elephant are from Stamps by Judith http://www.stampsbyjudith.com/

Sentiment: Unity Stamp Co. Happy Everything

Copic Sketch markers: R20 Blush, C5 Cool Gray

Stickles: Diamond

Scraplifting

I would describe myself as EXTREMELY organized. 

I love making lists, using my label maker and filling Rubbermaid bins to hide junk.

On the other hand when it comes to paper crafts, I create out of order and when the mood strikes!

So, if you've read my previous posts, you know I'm already married.

But today I have some engagement pages to share.

For some reason, unbeknownst to me, I cannot create in chronological order...

So here goes:

My guess is if you are reading this blog you are a scrapbooker and you have probably heard the term "scraplifting" before. But just in case...

Scraplifting (skrap-lift-ing) – The act of copying ideas and designs from another person’s scrapbook page to use in your own pages. Designs or ideas can be copied in whole or in part and is largely subjective.

I like to scraplift just to get me started... I usually embellish with my own creativity.  The first two pages are considered "scraplifed."  The third page is all me...

 Here's a close up... I couldn't resist those darn vintage buttons again!!! 

...Wish I had more!

 The gems I used are from the Imaginisce iRock tool. 

I just started using it but I'm already a HUGE fan.

The patterned paper I used for all three pages is from my favorite: Cosmo Cricket.

And of course my A-W-E-S-O-M-E photographer is Dominique Nelson

from Dominique Nelson Photography

Check her out here:

http://www.dominiquenelsonphotography.com/

You + Me = HAPPY

It was a pretty busy weekend with the baby shower and all (which went fantastic by the way!)  However, I did manage to get two more wedding pages done.  Yay me!

The first page is of my parents and I. 

It is because of their generosity our wedding day and reception turned out every bit as wonderful as a young princess could imagine. 

I had a difficult time filling the space under the pictures;  I struggled with different paper and different ribbon but then it hit me. 

I have seen this ruffled ribbon look on other crafty blogs but have yet to use it so I tried it here. 

I am SUPER happy with the result.  I hope you like it too!

Here's a close up of some vintage buttons I purchased from another crafty friend of mine. 

They added some dimension and a little flair...You really need to see them in person, hard to photograph something so fantastic!

 

I have been looking forward to using the Good Times Vintage Banner stamp set by Unity Stamp Co. and finally had an opportunity. 

I really love how it turned out!

And yes you are seeing the third photograph correctly...

We are sticking our tongues out at each other!  How mature right?!  Yep, that's us!

Dressed to the nines or in jeans and a t-shirt we are always ourselves.

Let me know what you think!

Mr. & Mrs.

So I have FINALLY started scrapbooking my wedding!

Finally!  Only 6 months later...geez Erin.

I am head over heals for this Crate Paper Restoration Collection. I have plans to do more wedding pictures with this fabulous stuff...Also, I'm challenging myself to use stamps on my pages and not just on my cards. I'm surprised; I like it so far! 

Amazing how pictures can bring back memories...

My husband makes me laugh like this a lot.

I think he was telling me he could see down my dress. LOL 

Create Yourself!

With hopes to attend graduate school denied.
With job interviews and opportunities scarce.
With daily fear of complacency. (What if THIS is it?!)

I refuse to accept that THIS is it.

Now, more than ever, I need to LIVE by this saying.

Maybe I took it too literally.

I create blog posts.
I create cards.
I create scrapbook pages.
I create a home.
I create through cooking.
I create friendships.
I WILL create opportunities!
I create_______.

What does "creating" mean to you?

Labels: Paper by Crate Paper (Restoration Collection) Stamps by Unity Stamp Co. (Be Mine and Quote Bundle Pack)

Echo Park Love

Two CERTAINLY is better than one...

Can you believe the stores are all decked out for Valentine's Day already? Wasn't it just Christmas--like, yesterday?!

Huh.

Well, if the stores say it's time to start planning, I better get movin'!

My husband and I aren't really into celebrating the holiday (if you can call it that) but this quick sassy little card just kinda happened. And he came to mind!

So, I think I'll give this card to him. Might tell him how much I appreciate him, how much he means to me or how grateful I am he is in my life...

OR... Maybe we complicate things?

Maybe I could keep it simple (like this card) and just say:

"I love you."

Twine!!!

I absolutely love, L-O-V-E to receive packages in the mail.  In fact, I just really love mail.  Even as a kid I remember running to the mailbox to pick up the mail... not sure what is it is exactly; just one of my simple pleasures. 

Anyway I ordered some fancy dancy twine today!  I really wanted to add the Caribbean color to my 'happy new baby' card I posted earlier.  So I caved and bought the sampler pack.  Now not only will I have every color to play with, I will get a package in the mail!

Oh the anticipation!

http://www.thetwineryblog.blogspot.com/

Butterfly Baby

I guess with the shower coming up in less than FIVE days...YIKES!... I have babies on the brain. I made a simple card using stamps only. Of course I went with a Unity Stamp Co. set: Happy Everything. I couldn't resist adding a little Stickles to the "special" boy butterfly {as if he needed anymore attention!}

P.S This card is just as cute with a pink butterfly. 

Have a happy day!

Undeniably You...

Another Christmas gift from my Mama; Undeniably You by Unity Stamp Co.  How could I not pair such adorable stamps with Cosmo Cricket paper?  A match made in heaven I say!  A little Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Ink on the edges and VOILA! A simple card for one of your favorite girl friends--now the problem is which one do I send it to?!

Brrrrr!

I thought you might need a winter card to warm you up on this chilly day... 

Those roly poly snowmen are from Unity Stamp Co. & Jillibean Soup's 'Jolly Good Fun.' I am sure I will get LOTS of use out of them--too cute!  

I hope you all had a wonderful and relaxing holiday weekend. 

Happy New Year!!!

Baby Shower Decor

Saturday will be my first time hosting a baby shower. I'm hoping every thing goes smoothly. **fingers crossed**  My friend is having a boy and is due in February. I wanted her to feel E-X-T-R-A special and the only way I know how to do that is to get crafty! Apparently this shower is about firsts as this is my first diaper cake and first banner (and her first baby!).  I also wanted to personalize the prizes so I made little tags with the Mother-to-be's name and the date of the shower. What do ya think?!

I ADORE this little guys face!  He's from the Cricut cartridge Everday Paper Dolls. The actual banner triangles are from the Tie the Knot Cricut cartridge.  I can't believe I have never made one of these before!

These polka dot diapers were actually an accident.  Because I don't buy diapers...well, ever. I assumed they were all white?!  Nope. These are Up & Up Target brand.  I used size 2 for the bottom layer and size 1 for the middle and top layers.  I got the "accessories" from Michael's.