Striped Polka Dot Baby Card

I really wanted to play along with this week's One-Layer challenge, which was to create a baby card inspired by one of these cakes. I was drawn to the striped diaper bag cake (10th photo down the page) and I have this new Hero Arts set, which happens to have a striped polka dot. How serendipitous! I originally was going for multi-colored dots, but the result was pretty abysmal. Actually, there was nothing pretty about it. I ended up just using the different colors in different dots, although there are a couple striped ones in the mix. I'm still not thrilled with the finished product, but I'd already spent waaaaay too long working on this "simple" card -- and I really need to get it mailed off to our friends who've announced they're expecting another little bundle o' joy! The sentiment is from Verve - love the versatility of this set.

Would anyone care to offer any design insights? Are the dots too close together? Are the pastel colors just too washed out? Any and all thoughts are appreciated!

Be Yourself

Simple card to share today - the lovely lady is from an Inkadinkadoo inchie set, and the sentiment is Hero Arts.

White cardstock, two ink colors, layered onto a card base. Sometimes nothing more is needed...

Tape Love

Yes, I'm definitely digging tape. This was the stuff* that got it all started (translation: putting in this order) but I realized I had never shared these 2 cards that I cranked out in about 15 minutes. I just stamped the sentiment (both from Hero Arts), layered on a bit of tape, added a flower to 1, and then rounded the corners for a finishing touch.

*I'm pretty sure I bought these as a set at HobLob last fall, but I can't remember the manufacturer or any other info. Sorry!

A card, a card!!

Be still my heart. I finally was able to make something -- it's like a second homecoming :)

I like the open, sketchy flowers that seem to be showing up everywhere these days, but refused to cave and buy another stamp set (and seriously, if you could see the current state of my space you would most assuredly agree!). But then I went to Wal-Mart for my usual household stop... and it turns out that they're clearing out most of their craft stuff. This set from Martha Stewart was marked down to $4, and I just couldn't resist. I stamped the flowers, sponged on a bit of color (no time-consuming coloring!) and then added some glittery accents with a Stardust pen. I added the sentiment (Hero Arts), rounded 2 corners, and glued it on a dark gray base. Done!

I promise to be back with more soon - I've missed my creative outlet!

Spreading some love

A quick little project to share today. The hearts are Hero Arts (pieced with BasicGrey cupcake papers), and the layout is super simple. After assembling the card it looked a bit plain, so I added a few staples around the heart panel, and then two tiny red gems by the sentiment (from Unity). Fun and cute - perfect for a friend!

Cards for my kiddos

Our kids have definitely inherited my love of all things crafty, and when our son realized that I was going to be gone all day Saturday (stamping!!) he asked if I could make him a special card - and well, little sister was quick to make the same request. How on earth could I say no to those pleading brown eyes?! This one is my daughter's, and she was soooo excited to have her own "diamond flower." :) BasicGrey paper, and the sentiment is from Hero Arts.


Our son is really into all things space-related these days, so I knew he'd love this rocket card. No fancy layers or anything (although the flames are accented with glitter) - the camera flash really picked up on the waxy prismacolor pencils, so let me assure you that the main compartment is plain old red (not the funky effect seen here). I'd take another pic, but the card is already pretty rumpled from a certain enthusiastic 5 yr old! (Stamps from Skipping Stones designs)

Back with some grown-up fun tomorrow!

Playing with Punches and Paper

When I saw this card that Mercy Kerin made, I knew I had to dig out some paper scraps and punches and start playing. I kept things pretty simple, but there really are unlimited possibilities for embellishing those circles. For these two cards, I used paper from 7Gypsies, and the sentiments are Hero Arts. Various accents include a keyhole, crackle effects, and shell button. I'll definitely be making more of these in the future! On an interesting side note, I also really like this card that Valerie Stangle made, inspired by the exact same card that Mercy chose. I just love seeing how a stamper's personal style comes through!

I'm still on track to go "unplugged" on Thursday. Anyone else going to play along?