PCP Sketch Challenge 2-28-09

Each week one of the Papercraft Planet Super Novas hosts the PCP Sketch Challenge and this is supposed to be my week. I've had my card done for awhile now, but as most of you know I've recently taken on the task of heading up the weekly PCP "Scrappy Sunday" Scrapbook Sketch Challenge. This, combined with LOTS of other exciting things coming up in the next few weeks (a HUGE Verve Release, a few hybrid projects for an online publication from Sweet Shoppe Designs, contributing to the brand new "Hybrid Chick" blog (coming soon), etc etc etc has made my life a bit hectic this week!!) Kim graciously offered to step in this weekend and take over hosting the card sketch challenge for me!! Thanks Kim! :-) Kim "drew" the sketch based on my sample card and will be taking care of the administrative tasks associated with hosting a sketch challenge....She seriously ROCKS!!

Anyway, you can see Kim's sketch and all the challenge details here in the Forums on PCP. Here's a quick look at my sample card:Stamps: A Little Birthday Cheer (SU)
Paper: Kraft CS (SU); printed digi paper from In the Air Tonight by Traci Reed (Sweet Shoppe)
Ink: Versamark, embossed with white powder
Accessories: Chipboard "4" (SU); buttons (Basic Grey); hemp twine.

If you'd like to play along, just check out the sketch here on PCP and upload your card to the PCP gallery with the tag sk022809 and that's it!! I'd love to see what you create, so if you have a chance, link me up to your card here too so I can be sure I don't miss it!!

Have a great weekend!!

Just Because

I'm so excited for this Friday! My good friend Sarah is coming over to spend the day stamping and she's bringing her Mom, Leslie, with her! This will be my first time hanging out with Leslie, but we chat online often and I can't wait for "Maui Craft Day '09"!!! Leslie lives on Oahu, which is the only reason "Maui Craft Day" doesn't happen more often! (and don't ask me why Sarah and I don't get together more often to stamp....we'll have to figure that out). Anyway, several months ago when Sarah was home on Oahu for the weekend, Leslie sent her back to Maui with the most adorable altered composition book for me. (Sorry I don't have a photo to share with you - but I use it daily at work!!!). Soooo, I wanted to create a little gift for Leslie. (Sorry Sarah....you'll have to settle with my company as a consolation prize! ha!). Anyway, I think Leslie's flying in to Maui Thursday and I hope that means she won't see this post before Friday. Leslie, if you see it....you can just pretend to be surprised on Friday!!!

So here's what I made for Leslie....I printed digi papers from Our Story by Scrapkitchen Designs (Sweet Shoppe) and combined with some Mod Podge, covered a little Paper Mache box. I wrapped some Hershey's Nuggets to fill the box, added some ribbon and a little gift tag. The gift tag is stamped with the "Just Because" stamp from Verve's Fluttering By set.For the matching card, I used the same papers and Julee's MoJo Monday sketch #74. The "smile" sentiment is from Verve's All About You set and the flower is from Abundant Blessings.

AND...if you haven't stopped by Verve to stock up during the big sale, there's only a few days left!! Julee's making room for the GINORMOUS release coming up on March 8 and has some AMAZING deals that you don't want to miss out on!!! All of the regularly priced $24 sets are on sale for $18; All regularly priced $18 sets are on sale for $15; and all regularly priced $15 sets on on sale for $12!!!!

Scrappy Sunday (on Monday)

Have you seen the news? Yours truly (that would be ME) will be heading up a new Weekly Scrapbook Sketch Challenge - Scrappy Sunday - over on Papercraft Planet!! Each Sunday I'll post a new Scrapbook sketch which you can use as inspiration to create a layout either traditionally (with "regular" paper, scissors and adhesive), digitally or hybrid!! The first weekly sketch is up and I thought I'd share it and my sample layout here.

Here's this week's sketch:Feel free to flip or rotate the sketch and add embellishments of your choosing. Most importantly, just have FUN!!

Here's my Sample Layout:That adorable little girl, Stella, is my friend Crystal's daughter. Isn't she precious? I used coordinating Scenic Route Papers and a chipboard "girl" as well as some All My Memories Chipboard letters on this page.

You can also join the Scrappy Sunday Group for a one-stop spot to see all of the weekly sketches and to receive a message when I post a new sketch for you to play with. And....we'll be announcing an exciting contest next month in our group - one lucky Scrappy Sunday group member & challenge participant just might find herself a PCP Guest Designer for a month for the Scrappy Sunday Challenge!!!

If you create a page, upload it to the PCP gallery using the tag sb022209 (all lower case). Stop by the Scrappy Sunday Group later this week for a link to all the submissions!

Slacker

Yep. I've been a MAJOR blog slacker this month! My goal for March is to get into some kind of blogging schedule so it's more of a routine for me. I find that there are days when I am really motivated to blog and will sit down and do too many posts for one day and then before I know it, a week's gone by and I haven't posted anything!! I think I need to learn how to use that "schedule" button down there!!!

Anyway, here's a long overdue project I've been meaning to share with you all for several weeks now. I was very excited to be the featured Hybrid Artist for the DST Insider (the digital magazine for DigiShopTalk) this month and this is the project I created for my tutorial. If you're a member of DST, you can download your copy of the Insider and read the tutorial on how to create this fun home decor project!! It was super easy and I just LOVE how it tured out!!
My amazing MIL hand-cut & sanded the letters out of scrap pine and I gave them a quick once-over with white acrylic paint. I printed some digi papers from Love Shack by Libby Weifenbach (Sweet Shoppe Designs), cut them out and glued to the front of each letter with Mod Podge. I added some digital and physical embellishments and sponged some paint around the edges of the letters for a shabby look. Isn't it cute!?!?
I had intended for this project to be Valentine's decor, but the colors in this kit are so great and it turned out so rad that I think I'll keep it out awhile longer...what do you think?

Viva la Verve

Have you guys been participating in the Viva La Verve challenges over at SCS? Be sure to check them out....if you participate every week of the month, you just might win yourself some new Verve goodies!!! (like a WHOLE LOTTA goodies - next month's ENTIRE new release!!! and it's a BIG one!!!)

Amber's cooked up another awesome sketch this week and this time the twist is to use a monochromatic color combo. I went with Old Olive, Certainly Celery and Whisper White...

Stamps: Hundred Hearts, Fluttering By, Artful Elegance (Verve)
Paper: Old Olive, Certainly Celery CS (SU); White textured CS (American Crafts); Old Olive DSP (SU)
Ink: Certainly Celery (SU); Versamark
Accessories: Detail White embossing powder, 3-D adhesive

Also, be sure to stop by and check out the Design Team gallery over at Papercraft Planet this month!! Each month, my fellow Super Novas and I create projects with a specific theme (which changes each month). This month's theme - FRIENDSHIP!!

Some (late) Valentines

OK, OK....I know...we're all sick of this holiday. But I totally forgot to post these last week and wanted to share them. So you're just gonna have to bear with me!! Sorry!!

Here are a couple of last minute Valentine Cards I whipped up a few days ago...

Stamps: Special Delivery (There She Goes)
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla, Close to Cocoa CS; Candy Lane DP (SU!)
Ink: Momento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko); Vintage Cream palette hybrid (PTI)
Accessories: Swiss Dots Cuttlebug folder; Stampin' Up blender pen and Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Close to Cocoa, & Kiwi Kiss classic ink; circle nesties.
*based on SCS Sketch Challenge #214

Stamps: Heart Prints (Papertrey)
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla, Close to Cocoa CS; Candy Lane DP (SU!)
Ink: Vintage Cream palette hybrid (PTI)
Accessories: Swiss Dots Cuttlebug folder; Top Note die, Pink Pirouette ribbon (SU!)

And this hybrid project was a little Valentine gift for my hubby. I altered the gift bag (which was filled with some of his favorite Starbucks coffee and a new mug) and made a matching treat cup and card (which included a Starbucks giftcard). I love how it turned out!!

Digi Credits:
Saying I Love You by Sarah J (the Digichick)
Popcorn Cup template set by Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs (the Digichick)

Here are a couple of closer views of the individual items:

Stash Challenge

Wow...has it really been almost a week since my last post? I did take the weekend off to go on a backpacking trip with DH and a few friends. We did a 14-mile hike into and through Haleakala Crater (part of Maui's National Park) and an overnight stay at Holua Cabin near the Eastern rim of the crater. We've done this a few times and every. single. time I do it I swear I'll never do it again!!! Today is the first day I can walk normally since Saturday! My calves and shins especially have been ON FIRE. Of course, it doesn't help that this trip I was probably in the worst shape I've ever been in for this hike....but I did survive and they didn't have to call in a helicopter to get me out of the crater, so that's good. 14 miles over 2 days doesn't sound too bad until you consider there's about a 3000-foot elevation loss the first day, then a 2000-foot elevation gain the second day, most of it over the last 2 miles which is pretty much straight UP (that's pretty darn steep). Also, the hike starts out at 10,000 ft elevation, which is quite the altitude and quite a depletion in oxygen compared to my normal everyday life spent at exactly sea level!! I'll be posting pics over the next few days on my family blog if you'd like to check them out and see what all the fuss is about! Ok, I know you're not all here to listen to me whine....

My friend and fellow Verve Diva, Laura Frederickson, has a new weekly challenge on Tuesdays - the Stash Challenge. I decided to play along this week. My pick - chipboard letters! I have about a million of these and rarely use them. I'm not sure why. When I do use them I'm always pleased with the result. Anyway, here's what I came up with....Stamps: NONE {gasp!}
Paper: Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Kraft CS (SU); Paisley & Petals DP (SEI)
Ink: NONE
Accessories: Chipboard alpha (Maya Road); Chipboard flower (SU); button (Basic Grey); hemp twine

Be sure to stop by Laura's blog and check out her fabulous Chipboard Alpha creation!! And play along with us! We'd love to see what you create with your stash of chipboard!

Couple of sketchy cards

Another quick post tonight as I'm heading to bed - I wanted to share a Viva la Verve and a Sketch for You to Try card. We've been having annoying internet issues at our house all week, so I'm crashing my Mom's computer to get this posted and crossing my fingers things are back to normal tomorrow. I pride myself on living a pretty "minimalist" lifestyle. We didn't even have TV for 4 years...and I LOVED it - wouldn't have it now, but one episode of seeing shirtless Sawyer on Lost and I can't live without it!!! {sigh}. And you would all probably laugh if you saw the TV we do have. Joel and I have been together for 7 years and neither of us have ever (together or individually) in our lives purchased a television!!!! We've only ever owned hand-me-downs, which is what we have now....this big, honking, nothing-flat-or-plasma-about-it, about as low-definition as you can get, emits a high-pitched squeal half the time, and has a large vertical strip of puce green down one side of the picture, hand-me-down really REALLY old TV. But hey, it serves it's purpose. Let's not kid ourselves here....if the sight of Sawyer's abs affect me this much on THIS piece of crap - I do NOT need the distraction of Sawyer in high definition, that's FOR SURE!!! Anyway, I just strayed really far from my point. My original point was that being without internet for a few days is REALLY difficult!!! I can't believe how dependent I am on constant connection with my computer! It's kind of sad really.

Ok, on to the cards....

Have you guys been playing along with the Viva La Verve challenges over at SCS? There's a chance to win A LOT of free Verve stamps if you participate all month long....like the ENTIRE Verve release for next month!!! This is the first week of the month, so head on over and check it out and then hurry and whip up your card!!

The twist on this week's sketch was to use embossing (dry or wet) on your card. I chose dry embossing...Stamps: Cupcake Affair (Verve); Bitty Birthday (SU)
Paper: Very Vanilla, Baja Breeze, Pacific Point CS; Muirfield DSP (SU!)
Ink: Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Pacific Point Classic ink (SU)
Accessories: Swiss Dots embossing folder; Kiwi Kiss ribbon; nesties; corner rounder

This next card is for Jen del Muro's Sketch For You To Try. I just LOVE how this one turned out - so much fun!! The picture is bad - I should have used a dark background. Oh well. And that bottom left circle is actually navy, not black. I don't know why it looks so dark. It's the same color as the navy star and the navy in the striped DP IRL.Stamps: Seeing Stars (Verve), Starlight Starbright (Verve)
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Night of Navy textured CS (SU); white textured CS (American Crafts); North Shore DP (Scenic Route)
Ink: Versarmark; Night of Navy Classic ink (SU)
Accessories: detail white embossing powder, circle nesties, Word Window punch (SU); large silver brads (Making Memories); Star punches (SU); dimensionals

Happy {heart} Day

Just a quick post tonight to share this cute little card I made last week with my new Taylored Expressions stamps, which I ADORE!! Isn't that little cupcake cupid just the cutest?I used Taylor's Valentine Key Ingredients kit, which I don't see in her store anymore. But that yummy striped paper?? You can get it in the Enchanting Collection patterned paper pack. For my card, I used a Suede Brown Medium CS base. I stamped the cupid cupcake from Love is Sweet in Momento Rich Cocoa and colored with Copics. I added a red scalloped circle and paper pieced heart to the sentiment along with some ribbon from the key ingredients kit and it was done!

I'll be back tomorrow to share a few sketch cards I finished up today. See ya then!!

Kid at Heart goes Hybrid

Have you been following this month's Project Parade over on the Verve Blog? (scroll down to the bottom of this post for details on how you can participate for a chance to win $25 in Verve bucks!!!). When Jen del Muro issued the Kid at Heart Challenge I knew I wanted to create an age-appropriate Valentine's keepsake for my 2-yr-old son, Dean. I can up with the idea for this custom "learn-your-numbers-and-colors" board book.
The idea started with the Hundred Hearts stamp set by Verve, which I used for the front cover of the book and for the counting hearts on each set of inside pages. I designed the pages digitally in Photoshop, printed them out and used Mod Podge to adhere them to the chipboard book. The inside page sets alternate between a stripe and graphic pattern to give the finished book a little more interest. I added an altered chipboard heart, felt flower & brad and some rick-rac to the front cover to dress it up a bit and it all pretty like.Each left-hand page was designed with an area of "white space" for stamping the small heart from the Hundred Hearts set. The right-hand pages were designed to indicate both the number and color of hearts. I used Dani Mogstad's All You Need is Love for the digi papers, Libby Weifenbach's Chippy Alpha for the digital chipboard numbers, and Darcy Baldwin's Black White and Red All Overlay alpha for the names of the colors. I recolored the alpha for the color names to match the paper used to paper-piece the hearts on the facing page. I also added some faux digi stitching from Traci Reed's Bad Sewing Machine the Basics kit around each mat. Once the pages were printed and adhered to the book, I stamped the small heart from the Hundred Hearts set the designated number of times directly in the white space on the printed left-hand pages of the book and again on the coordinating printed colored paper. I then used my hobby knife and 2-way glue pen to paper-piece each little heart for counting.The finished book turned out so cute and Dean LOVES it!!! In fact, if you'd like proof of that, here's a quick 2-minute video of my adorable little man "reading" his "Tine Book" - I love it when my projects are useful and really enjoyed like this!! (if you're reading this post in the feedblitz newsletter or reader, you'll probably have to actually go to the actual blog post to see the video).

Want to play along and be "A Kid At Heart?" To play, just link your project to THIS POST and you'll be entered to win a $25 gift certificate to Verve Stamps. Please be sure that your entries are linked there no later than 8PM (Mountain) on February 5th. The winner will be announced here on February 6th. Have fun and good luck!

PCP Valentine Kit

I wanted to tell you all about an exciting project I've been working on with Susanna Boyd, owner of Papercraft Planet. The idea is to offer a simple class with printable projects and tutorial as a sort of introduction into "hybrid" papercrafting. "Hybrid", one of the hottest trends in papercrafting right now, is just a word that means "computer meets traditional paper crafting" (or something like that! ha!). That's what our class is all about - harnessing one of your most powerful crafting tools (your computer) and using it to simplify your papercrafting! So Susanna and I created the first in what we hope is a multi-part series of Hybrid class kits to help you start learning how to use your computer to create cute, quick projects!Our Valentine's Day Class Kit (avail through Feb 15) is all about covering your bases. The kit comes with several different pre-designed ready-to-print projects that are perfect just as they are, but feel free to dress them up a bit with your embellishment stash (I added ribbon, buttons and some bling to a few of mine). You do NOT need Photoshop or any other fancy software program to use this kit. The entire class kit - printable projects, tutorial & instructions, and some extra embellishments - is a pdf file that will open up with Adobe Reader (which you probably already have on your computer).

Here's a look at just a few of the cards included in the kit...(you can head over to Susanna's blog and some of the other Supernova's blogs to see what they've done with the kit as well - their blog links are in the side-bar on the right).

I love what Tammy has done with this card designed by Susanna...she's added some brads and ric-rac and matted it on a cardstock base:The kit comes with four different cards (some with printing on both the front and inside) - just print, trim, score and give!! You'll also receive an adorable pizza-style candy box with a sheet of coordinating Hershey's Nugget labels, a couple of treat bag toppers, and several mix and match embellishments that you can use on any of these projects. We've included some pre-printed sentiments as well as some blank embellishments ready to be stamped - the choices are endless for adding your own special flair to these quick and easy projects. Of course, you can always leave them just as they are and you'll be done with EVERYTHING in under 15 minutes!!

The cost of the entire kit (for personal use only) is just $5.00!!! The best part is that you can print these cards and projects as many times as you want - giving you a virtually endless supply of ready-made Valentine's Day cards and treats!!! And they're all easy enough for kids to get involved too!! Thank you in advance for helping support Papercraft Planet (and me!!) - the profits from classes like this will allow us to work harder to bring you more wonderful Papercrafting Inspiration and offer more classes in the future!

Click here (through Feb 15) to log on to the Papercraft Planet Classroom to purchase your kit. If you do, we'd love to see what you make with the kit - post a comment and let me know what you think or if you have any ideas for future classes!

Special thanks to Jennifer Balding (Scraps by Jenn) who contributed digital goodies from her new kit This Kiss for us to use in our class. Thanks Jenn!! :-)