lawnscaping challenge #136: punny time

Hey hey!  I had so much fun with the last Lawnscaping challenge (use patterned paper) that I decided to use even more patterned paper for the current Lawnscaping challenge...

I love a good pun, and with the many punny sentiments that Lawn Fawn provides in their stamp sets, I had a lot to choose from.  I chose one of my favorites from the stamp set, Love You Tons, and made this.

Please check out my process for making this card on the Butterfly Reflections Ink blog.

Supplies:
Stamps: Love You Tons, Year Four
Dies: Love You Tons, Say Cheese, Spring Showers, Year Four
Paper: various Lawn Fawn patterned paper
Inks: Copic markers, Memento (tuxedo black), Versafine (onyx black)
Other: clear acetate, foam tape, glue, sequins

mama elephant december challenge: valentine's day cards

This is 1 of 2 posts for today.  For my Avery Elle challenge post, please click here.

Happy December!  I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday.  Its been a whirlwind of travel and family time for me, and I'm happy that I got to squeeze in some time at the craft table.  

Its time for another Mama Elephant and Me Challenge.  For this month, our theme is Valentine's Day cards.  

Here's what I made:

I used the Type It stamp set and coordinating die set to make this card.  I just love the dies that are in this set. For my card, I die cut lots and lots of xoxo's, and glued them on my card base to make a fun background.

Then I stamped and die cut the typewriter and typing paper.  I used a cute sheet of ombre pink patterned paper for the little sheet of typing paper.  I cut a slit in the typewriter and slipped the "love you." sheet right in.  Adhered everything together with some foam tape, and boom, one Valentine's Day card is done and we're just into December!

I hope you check out the Mama Elephant and Me challenge blog and see the stunning cards that our challenge team has made.  May it inspire you to join the fun and make some Valentine's Day cards.  

Here are the guidelines for playing along:

• Your entry must use at least one Mama Elephant stamp
• Your entry must be based on the challenge/inspiration source (Valentine's day)
• Your entry must link back to the Mama Elephant and Me post along with the graphic image
• Winner gets featured on the Mama Elephant and Me blog and receives a stamp set of their choice
• Deadline is December 28th
• Link up your entries using the Inlinkz on the bottom of the Mama Elephant and Me blog
• Have fun and stamp, stamp, stamp!!!

mama elephant and me october challenge: anything goes!

This is 1 of 2 posts for today.  For my Avery Elle challenge post, please click here.

Happy fall ya'll!  How did October sneak up on me like that?!

October will be an exciting month for Mama Elephant.  ME will be celebrating its two-year anniversary this month and releasing a bunch of holiday goodness that you'll want to get your hands on.  To kick off the fun, this month's Mama Elephant and ME Challenge will take on the them "Anything Goes"!  That's right, go wild and make whatever card you want.

Here's my card...

I used the Sweet Havana stamp set with its coordinating creative cuts to make this fall inspired card.  The leaves and flowers are perfect, perfect, perfect for autumn hues.  I know I'll be making a bunch of these to send out for Thanksgiving.

The "To you with" sentiment comes from Bloomsies and "Love" comes from one of my favorite creative cuts by ME, Type It.  There are several stand alone dies in Type It (e.g., Love, XOXO, hey) that use this elegant font.  I die cut mine 4 times, stacked and glued them on top of each other, and made this light green embellishment. The sentiment was then  placed on a Bold Banner die cut, which I use very often.  So many ME sentiments are compatible with this banner die.   

And, there you have it!  Now its your turn to play along, and with the theme "Anything Goes", you can really do just about anything.  Here are the guidelines:

• Your entry must use at least one Mama Elephant stamp
• Your entry must link back to this blog post along with the graphic image
• Winner gets featured on the Mama Elephant and ME blog and receives a stamp set of their choice
• Deadline is October 28th
• Link up using the Inlinkz on the bottom of the Mama Elephant and ME challenge post
• Have fun and stamp, stamp, stamp!!!

Supplies:

Stamps: Mama Elephant Bloomsies, Sweet Havana

Dies (Creative Cuts): Mama Elephant Bold Banner, Sweet Havana, Type It

mama elephant and me: july challenge

Hooray for summer, a new Mama Elephant challenge, and ME's new challenge blog, Mama Elephant and Me!  So very clever, I love it.  Here's the photo that serves as inspiration for this month's challenge.

I was particularly inspired by vibrant colors and the overall celebratory and festive mood of the photo.  Pom poms are always fun...I remember making them as a kid out of anything I could get my hands on...newspaper, tissue paper, yarn.  I wanted to capture the pure joyfulness of the photo, so I made this.

The little one is spreadin' a little love!

Come spread the love and join the fun this month's Mama Elephant and Me challenge.

Rules for playing along:

• Use at least one Mama Elephant stamp
• Entry must be based on the challenge/inspiration source provided
• Entry must link back to Mama Elephant and Me blog post along with the graphic image
• Link up your entry using Inlinkz on Mama Elephant and Me blog post
• Winner gets a stamp set of choice
• Deadline is July 28th
• No limits on how many entries you submit, so go crazy and stamp, stamp, stamp away!

Supplies:

Stamps: Everyday Greetings, In My Heart, No Peeking (dashed swirl), So Breezy (dashed swirl with heart), Around We Go (heart image) 

world card making day thank you blog hop

I'm so excited to be here for the World Card Making Day "With Appreciation Winners Blog Hop" -- our way of saying thanks to Paper Crafts and Scrapbooking Magazine for hosting such a great contest, for finding something special in our cards, to the companies who contributed to such an awesome prize package, and to the card making community for all your support and inspiration. We appreciate YOU!

I won in the love category with this card.

And, here's one I made for this hop using the Fancy Pants Designs What a Wonderful Day patterned paper from our prize package.  I wanted to use a similar style as the one that was published.  

A close up...the writing is pretty tiny.

For me, this hop is a true celebration.  I'm celebrating several firsts here.  First publication, first win in any cardmaking contest, first blog hop that I've been invited to participate in, and MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!!!  Can I get a woot woot?

Please leave a comment by Friday, March 7th for a chance to win some lovely patterned paper from the WCMD prize package.  

Now, on with the hop.  You probably arrived here from the incredibly talented Laura Pryor and now continue on to see what the amazing Maria Fischer has created.  I have to personally thank Maria for organizing this hop and for inviting me to take part.  What fun!

All stops along the hop are below.  Such a talented group!!! 

Paper Crafts and Scrapbooking 

Alice Wertz 

Amy Kolling  

Asty Purbasari

Dana Warren 

Erin Lee Schreiner 

Heidi Lopez

Ilina Crouse 

Katie Gehring

Laura Pryor 

Lorraine Marasigan <<< you are here!

Maria Fischer

Miriam Prantner 

Trinh Arrieta 

Vera Wirianta Yates 

Veronica Zalis 

Thanks for stopping by! 

hello darling

It's Valentine's week, one of the busiest times of the year when you work at a chocolate shop.  I still had some time to make some cards though, and this one will be linked to the Card Concept (use monochromatic pink), Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge (have a heart), and CAS-ual Fridays (over the edge).

This clean and simple card is for my aunt.  She's the youngest of all my mom's siblings, the baby of the family if you will, so we call her Auntie Baby.  She's a retired nurse who helped deliver many, many, many babies.  How fitting to have a cute teddy bear on her card from Mama Elephant's Nursery Deco stamp set.  

Wishing my aunt and everyone a happy Valentine's Day!  Thanks for stopping by.

Supplies:

Stamps: Mama Elephant (Nursery Deco, Party Kit, Filigree)

Inks: Memento (tuxedo black)

Other: pattered paper

love always

Just a quick post and entry into the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge -- Have a Heart.  This card is going into the mail today...a Valentine's Day card for my mom:)  

Thanks for taking a look!

Supplies:

Stamps: Mama Elephant (Nursery Deco, Party Kit, Filigree)

Inks: Tim Holtz Distress Inks (picked raspberry, spun sugar, tattered rose); Ranger Archival Ink (jet black)

do what you love / love what you do

Two blog posts in one day?!  It must be my day off...and I must be procrastinating as there sure is a lot of cleaning to do.  

This card is for CAS-ual Friday's color blocks challenge. 

Do what you Love.  Love what you do. 

Ahhhh...Simple words that are not so simple to actualize.  This card serves as encouragement for myself and others who struggle to do things that we actually love.  Perhaps we feel guilty or selfish about pursuing things that bring us happiness.  I, for one, feel fear.  May this simple phrase be a gentle reminder that when we do what we love, it is actually good for us and those around us.

My pink and grey color blocks are quite minimal, but I tend to go overboard with my cards, so I wanted to hold back here to let the simpleness of the sentiment anchor a simple image.

My color choices were inspired by the current Mama Elephant challenge, which uses this photo as inspiration.  There's still time to play along!

Thanks for stopping by!  

Supplies:

Stamps: Mama Elephant Cosmic Stars and XOXO

Inks: Copic markers; Tim Holtz Destress Inks (picked raspberry, spun sugar); Versamark (watermark)

loved you yesterday, love you still...

...always have, always will.

I'm entering this card into the Constellations: Trendy Star Power Challenge in the Moxie Fab World, where we are incorporating constellations and/or stars into our designs. There's still time to show your star power, so come and join the fun!

When I was home in California earlier this month, while crafting at my sister's house, I spotted a jar full of these fantastic wood veneer stars.  I also found sheets of these pearly round sticker things.  Lastly, I found a big roll of that post-it labeling tape, which is perfect for masking...I knew I had to use them.

I honestly can't seem to put away my Mama Elephant Cosmic Stars set.  I just want to pinch the little characters, they're so darn cute.

My color choices were inspired by Mama Elephant's photo inspiration challenge.  There's still time to play along!

Thanks for taking a look!

Supplies:
Stamps: Mama Elephant Cosmic Stars and XOXO
Inks: Copic markers; Tim Holtz Distress Inks (picked raspberry, spun sugar); Versamark (watermark)

always & forever

Just over a year ago, my sister introduced me to Papertrey Ink.  I'm not trying to be dramatic, but I'm pretty sure my life changed that day.  I remember looking at all the products and spending an entire day during my Christmas vacation watching a marathon of Make it Monday videos:)  I remember making my first purchase soon after (I got Hello Sunshine).  Fast forward 6 months later when I started this blog (July 2013), I remember asking my sister "What's a blog hop?"  Hehehe...some time has passed and thank goodness I've learned a few things.  I'm super-happy to join my first Papertrey Ink Blog Hop!  Can I get a woot woot!

Our challenge was to use only shades of pink.  I was inspired by the curves and ombre in the inspiration photos.

The sentiment is from Grand Ampersand, and yes I sang Always and Forever (original version by Heatwave) while embossing it.

This card called for a lot of masking, which I find oddly relaxing!  I kinda changed course midway through making this -- from solid color curved sections to ombre within each curved section.  If I were to do this again, I'd make all the sections like the three curves on top.

Can't wait to check out everyone else's pretty pink cards.  Thanks for taking a look.

you and me

Yes!  I'm finally pleased with a card I made!!! I'm entering this into the CASology challenge, where our cue card is contrast.

I took a look at the design team's examples and got a lot of inspiration.  Contrasting colors - I thought the dark brown of the lamps would contrast with all the white space.  Contrasting fonts - the sentiment fonts work so nicely together.  Contrasting textures - combining card stock and vellum results in a hard/soft effect.

This card is a special one...it was made for my friends who are celebrating five years together.  They are going to NYC's super fancy restaurant "One if by Land, Two if by Sea", hence the lanterns.  Happy anniversary!!!

Hope everyone is safe and warm!  Thanks for stopping by.

Supplies:
Stamps: Papertrey Ink Grand Ampersand
Dies: Memory Box Bright Lanters
Inks: Copic markers, Memento (tuxedo black); Tim Holtz Distress (walnut stain)

mama elephant - photo inspiration challenge

I am so excited to be joining Mama Elephant's challenge team, you don't even know!  Their designs caught my attention right when I got back into cardmaking about a year ago, and I find myself always going to ME stamp sets for special occasion cards.  Being asked to join their team is kind of like...well, it's kind of like Martha Stewart inviting me to go bake with her.  

Come join me in my excitement and giddiness by checking out Mama Elephant's new challenge, with this stunning photo as our inspiration.

I gravitated towards the bows and shades of pink, and came up with this.

What's not to love about a bunny couple floating through an ombre heart shower?  I mean, really.

The challenge runs from now until February 7th, and one winner will be selected as guest designer for an upcoming release.  Very cool.  Check out the challenge details and the rest of the team's projects here.  Hope you play along!

Stamps:

Mama Elephant: Up and Away, XOXO, Party Kit (for the tiny bow)

bonjour

Bonjour!

What a day, what a day, what a DAY!!!

I'm floating and feeling great.  First, it's marathon Sunday, my favorite NYC-day of the year...thousands of runners test their strength and endurance, and take to a course through all five boroughs, while even more thousands cheer them on.  I love it...makes me feel inspired and reminds me how strong and connected we all are.

Next, I was asked to be part of a very special scavenger hunt for two of my friends that ultimately ended up in a wedding proposal!  I got to give a hint along the way...my friends came to visit me at the chocolate store where I work, where I gave them 2 cupcakes that had the clue to the next stop.  Even though I wasn't able to make it to the last stop on the hunt -- the proposal stop -- I was just happy to be part of this beautiful day.  Love is wonderful thing.

And finally, one of my idols came to the store.  MARTHA STEWART!  I love her!  She came by 2 years ago on a super busy day, but I still managed to break away and take a picture with her.  Today wasn't so busy, so Martha and her grandkiddies were able to just hang out for about 20 minutes, unnoticed and unbothered.  In fact, I think I was the one chatting it up with her the most!  Haha!  Won't pass up a chance to talk to her...we chatted about turkeys, cookies, construction in the neighborhood...we even fixed a wobbly table that had led to one of the grandkiddies to tip a little cup of chocolate milk.  Got everyone cleaned up and I got another picture with her.  When she and the kids left the store, I let all my giggles go and a customer asked me why I was so giddy.  I told her that Martha had just left the building and she and other customers couldn't believe they didn't see her.  I guess it's better that way.   Got more time for my chat with her haha! I'm such a nut!

So in the spirit of love, I made this...

Since most of the fun today took place at the French chocolate store where I work, I used my Bonjour set from Avery Elle.  I wanted to make the tag look like the ornate tin ceiling in the store.  It adds to the charm of the whole place, so to mimic it, I embossed and added some glitter.  Here's the sketch I used:

This card will be entered into the Avery Elle October Challenge.

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:
Stamps: Avery Elle Bonjour
Ink: Tim Holtz (antique linen, vintage photo, worn lipstick); Versamark
Other: Ribbon 

love and endless gratitude

I received word last night that one of my teachers from high school passed away.  This blog is dedicated to her, Ms. Fern Wallace.  I am full of love and endless gratitude.

Ms. Wallace.  Funny that thinking about her brings a warmth...and a bit of fear...in my heart.  Before I got to know her, I was so intimidated by her.  She was Elk Grove High School's Activities Director during my time there, advising student clubs and student government.  She expected the best of her students and she didn't hold back from letting us know when we could give more and try harder.  Looking back, I think Ms. Wallace had more confidence in me than I had in myself.  I had been active in student government, sports, and clubs throughout high school and when Ms. Wallace saw me slipping, she let me know.

Ms. Wallace cared about her students like we were her own kids.  She took the time to know our goals and hopes, and she challenged us to bring them to life.  She'd joke around with us and validate us on our hard work.  I know that I worked hard to make her proud of me.

After I graduated, I came by to visit former teachers at my high school a few times.  I always had to find Ms. Wallace during my visits.  I remember catching up with her once when she told me, "You can call me Fern now."  Now, in my culture, we always address adults with a title of respect -- Ms, Mr, uncle, auntie -- so it was difficult for me and I just couldn't bring myself to call Ms. Wallace by her first name.  I would feel disrespectful in doing so.  Well today, I reflected about that exchange and I think I understand what my teacher, my mentor was conveying to me.  She saw us as equals and colleagues...two people with mutual respect for one another.  I know I wouldn't be who I am today without her guidance and genuine support.  And it is with love and endless gratitude that I say: Thank you, Fern.

This card for Fern will be submitted into the 10 Minute Craft Dash hosted by Pretty Pink Posh.  It took me 8 minutes and 51 seconds to make.  But, I actually made 3 cards before this one that either didn't look good enough, or where I ran out of time.  Fern always told me not to give up, so I'm happy to report that I didn't:)  After many years, your influence still remains.  You will always be in my heart.

Supplies:
Stamps: Paper Smooches Many Thanks, Reflections, Word Salad; Papertrey Ink Grand Ampersand
Dies: Paper Smooches Reflections
Inks: Mama Elephant (ocean); Memento (tuxedo black); Memento Luxe (Pistachio, Rhubarb Stalk)
Other: black enamel accents; Wink of Stella glitter brush (clear)

hello, i heart you

Arrows are all over the place in cards these days...perhaps they've even replaced the banners and bunting?  Even with their popularity, it turns out that I don't have a single arrow in my entire stamp collection.  Gasp!  So, for the CASology challenge -- with its cue card "arrow" -- I had a make-it-work moment and took a different approach.

I followed the advice and pointers from CASology's talented design team and guest designer, specifically: using patterned paper sparingly (as suggested by Janet), arranging elements in a corner to leave open lots of white space (shared by Judy), and clustering elements together (brought to you by Melissa).

Problem solved.  I don't need no stinkin' arrow stamps (even though I want some, ha!). Even with my personal victory, I was tempted to add more.  More sequins, enamel dots, die cut hearts...more, more, more!  But, I listened to the inner CAS voice, put down my adhesive and just walked away.

This was definitely fun, and now I'm contemplating making a while set of these arrow cards.  Thanks for stopping by:)

Supplies:
Stamp: Lawn Fawn Happy Feast
Ink: Memento (tuxedo black)
Paper: Lawn Fawn Into the Woods petite paper pack
Other: Wink of Stella glitter brush (clear); sequins

silhouette - take 2

This card is dedicated to the little squirrel that lives in my backyard.  Let's be friends.  Please?

This is my second entry for the CASology challenge, where our cue card is silhouette.  After some technical difficulties with my first attempt, I decided to find some solid stamps.

I actually don't love my backyard squirrel, but I'm trying to get on its good side.  Thing is, I think he's out to get me.  There were several times I was working from home on the deck and he was directly above me in a branch over my head, just dropping things onto my work space.

Or another time when I was super stressed and working outside trying to meet a deadline, and the squirrel decided to just sunbathe right in front of me, right on the fence.  Eyes closed, all relaxed and stuff...I've never seen a squirrel lie flat on its belly like that.  

So, this is for that little squirrel.  Let's co-exist in peace.

Supplies:

Stamps: Mama Elephant Tree Friends, Hello, Central Park

Inks: Memento (tuxedo black); Memento Luxe (love letter); Versamark

Dies: Lawn Fawn Circle Stackables

Other: embossing powder, embossing folder (from Hobby Lobby, name unknown), Wink of Stella glitter brush (clear)