handmade cass

I wanted to make Valentine's Day cards for my kids and turned it into a personal challenge to use some older supplies. (I'm not afraid to admit that I love collecting craft supplies even more than I love using them.) It's hard to remember but I'm pretty sure I had all of these things before having kids, which makes them at least 10 years old. Patterned paper is one of those things that I have way too much of and should never buy more of. However, my tastes have totally changed since I started paper crafting. I used to love Basic Grey and their heavily distressed patterns. Now I lean more cute or clean and simple (think Lawn Fawn). This Basic Grey "Oh Baby Girl" collection was unopened, and perfect for fussy cutting some stamped letters. Last week I was really inspired by Jennifer McGuire's video about pattern paper piecing. Isn't it funny how I tried so hard to conserve every last bit of this paper when it has just been sitting on a shelf for t...

The minute I saw a sneak peek of the Lawn Fawn "you're just my type" stamp set I knew I had to have it! I have a thing for vintage typewriters, so these images spoke to me. I got to work making some Valentine's Day cards to send to friends and family after seeing this inspiration card . I love how the designer used patterned paper for wallpaper! I have also been using Lawn Fawn's "jet black" ink that works with Copic alcohol markers. I think it gives a darker and more crisp impression than Memento ink, but it still doesn't look as good as Versafine black ink (which is not Copic friendly). Can we take a minute to appreciate these new "Made of Hearts" USPS forever stamps that are giving me all the heart eyes?!

I confessed earlier that I will not have time to make handmade Christmas cards again this year. But then I picked up our photo cards and...they weren't special enough. I even paid extra for gold foil accents this year, but the printing is less than ideal (with random white spots on every card). Bah humbug! So I decided to spend some time every evening working on making the envelopes more special. This Lawn Fawn stamp set,  Say What? Christmas Critters , was in my new stamp pile and I knew I wanted to use it for something this year. It's geared more for tags, but also works great to personalize the back flap of an envelope. Now excuse me while I go color 50 reindeer! Supplies Stamp set: "Say What? Christmas Critters by Lawn Fawn Ink: Memento Dew Drop in Rich Cocoa, Memento Luxe in Love Letter Markers: Copic Sketch Washi tape: Michael's Return address stamp: etsy Envelopes: included with Costco photo cards

I had to give up my plan for homemade Christmas cards again this year. Life just gets too busy sometimes. But I did order a gold foiled photo card, and I have some special tags ready for Santa's delivery on Christmas Eve. If time allows I plan to make a few sets of gift tags to give to some crafty family members. Supplies Die set: "Sew Seasonal Dies" by Concord and 9th Sequins: "Pixie Dust" by Simon Says Stamp, Darice Adhesive: Mutli Medium Matte by Ranger, Scotch Foam Tape Stickers: Dymo Embossing Label Maker, vintage

In the last few months I have started freelance writing and got to interview my favorite local artist . Despite the hectic schedule I am making a conscious effort to set aside time for creative endeavors. I bought a new floral stencil from Simon Says Stamps that I was so excited to use. After adding translucent embossing paste I changed my plan from a monochrome white card to add a bit of Distress Ink and lilac border. When I picked out this unicorn stamp I had my daughter in mind, but it was perfect for making a silly card for a friend. ZIG clean color brush markers added the rainbow mane. This is my best watercolor galaxy background to date. It's something I really want to master (and need more practice). The Altenew moon will be great when I can get the sky a bit darker. I picked out this succulent fabric (with a coordinating batik piece) to make a pillow case for a throw pillow that I got from IKEA. And I have even tried my hand at some modern cross stitch. I b...

I have been on a foam letter sentiment kick lately. And ever since my friend (Listgirl) showed me how to make your own Thicker stickers I have had an endless supply ready to go. I bought a big package of self-adhesive glitter foam from Michael's and have been using the My Favorite Things (MFT) "Emmitt" alphabet to make these cards. This birthday card is for a friend that loves sparking pink wine. I saw the sentiment on a tote bag or a t-shirt somewhere and had to copy it. I used Ranger Distress Stains and Studio Calico Mister Huey's to make the background And this card is for my daughter's teacher at the end of the year. I cut the ombre strips from a Pipsticks quote card. Still loving my Pipsticks sticker subscription .

I was so excited to use this food truck stamp from the last Stampin' Up Sale-A-Bration. Pinterest was very helpful with ideas for coloring the truck, and it gave me some good practice with my Copic markers.