Pretty Paper Moon

Spring, lovely spring...

2010-03-22T06:50:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

Well, I'm still swamped with life right now, still working with public administrators and such, but I'm fine, my usual happy self. (thank you for the personal emails) I just have less time right now. While I have not had time to create in my art studio, I have been taking a few pictures, and enjoying this unusually warm March weather. I badly needed to relax this weekend, so I laid out in the sunshine (it was 75 all weekend!), got quite a tan too! I read several books, used the grill (grilled salmon on Saturday and grilled filet mignon on Sunday), did a bit of writing, and played in my flower beds a little. The trees are budding, and the hyacinths are up!

Above is a picture of one of them.

Can I just pause here, in total randomness and say: I WANT THIS KITCHEN in my beach house!!

Is it not full of awesome sauce?!

That retro fridge and stove, those light fixtures, that tile, the sea glass color with crisp white...LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. *SWOON!*

(picture from Coastal Living Magazine, on of my favorites)

In this spectacularly fun kitchen, I want to bake this:

(seriously, YES! So fantastic and yummy. From Doodle Bread)

I will make some time this week to work in my art studio and post whatever I create here for you. I apologize for being absent so long.

In the meantime, I hope this finds you well, being creative, and enjoying spring.

~Cheryl

Sorry I've been gone so long...

2010-03-15T17:19:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

I apologize, but I've had a family emergency and also a death in the family. I'm the only living relative, and there was no will. I'm still trying to sort things out, assimilate.

I promise to get back in my scrap room SOON. (I really need the creative outlet and time to myself)

Thank you for your patience and may you have a lucky and happy St. Patrick's Day!

~Cheryl

Fabric Flowers: fast easy and cheap! (My Unique Technique of the Week)

2010-02-20T19:55:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends,

Happy Weekend! How are you? Is anyone out there?

Today I thought I'd show you how to make your own pretty fabric (or lace or ribbon) flowers, any size or color you want/need, for SO much less money than Prima and they'll be every bit as gorgeous. It's easy and fast. You can customize: add leaves (as I did with this particular one) or not. Add ribbon stems, or not. Add bead or pearl centers, or not.

NO SEWING.

Aside from using them on scrap pages and altered craft projects, you can add a pin backing to add them to your sweaters/clothing/jackets. Or add a hair pin backing and put them in your hair, or attach them to a head band, or bracelet.

(I don't know WHAT happened to this picture...some digi-glitch. Also, I took these pictures at night, so the lighting is awful; the flash creates shadows and overexposes everything. I apologize. Hopefully you can get the gist.)

You need only 3 things to make these flowers: Fabric Tac, felt (for backing), and fabric of choice.

I usually buy the fabrics from the remnant pile. (A lace is lovely too. I'll take some pictures of them tomorrow when I have better lighting.) I generally like a sheer, silky or satiny fabric, but sometimes I like a muslin or even a printed fabric. You can even use denim, velvet or linen... whatever you want. I have been known to cut up old clothes I no longer wear.

For the flower I made here, I used a sheer pink fabric that happens to have tiny sparkles on it (that don't really show up in my lousy photos).

First, Cut a Circle of Felt, the approximate size you wish your flower to be. (I usually use a white or cream color felt, especially when using light sheer fabric.) It doesn't have to be a perfect circle, it isn't going to show, and you can trim away any excess when you finish.

Then you are going to cut a couple of approx. 1" (ish) wide strips of your fabric.

Your strips don't have to be perfect or neat. (see photo below)

(After you play and make a couple you will find what you prefer. In general, the smaller flowers will use skinnier strips (1/2"-ish) and bigger flowers you may like a wider strip. Also, I usually use a thinner strip as my first piece (since it will be your center) and then the subsequent strips I usually cut a bit wider. But you don't have to. Really, the twist and wrap determines how big/tight your "petals" are. But more on that in a minute.)

Next you just tie a knot at one end of your first strip.

Then use your fabric tac and squirt a drop of glue to the center of your felt circle and press the knot of your fabric strip down on it.

(Your fingers are going to get a bit sticky, but it peels right off.)

Then simply squirt a bit more glue onto the felt, twist your fabric strip attach, twist, and attach going around your knot. You just keep twisting your fabric and glueing it down as you go around.

A smaller flower usually takes two-three strips (assuming about a foot and a half length strips), a big flower maybe 3-4 strips...again, depending on the length of strips you are using and the size of your flower.

When you are at the end of a strip in mid flower, just tuck it under and glue, and then tuck in a new strip and keep going. (no knot needed, just glue in a tucked end and start twisting and glueing.)

It goes very fast, and the glue dries very fast. I have made 4-5 big flowers in under 10 minutes. And they are ready to use when you're done...the glue dries fast.

*I usually like to twist tighter in the middle, and then make my twists looser as I get to the outer edges.

If there is any felt sticking out when you are done, just trim it away.

In this case, I used the same fabric tac glue and attached two CTMH felt leaves to the back.

That's all there is to it.

I hope you like it, and try it.

Cheryl

Don't forget, not even once, okay?

2010-02-19T13:00:00.000-08:00

Find more videos like this on AdGabber

I thought this was very powerful...it made me cry.

It's a very good reminder.

I am working on plenty of art to share with you this weekend...some Unique Techniques!

In the meantime, please stay safe.

Hugs,

Cheryl

Happy Valentines Day, and CraftRoom Love

2010-02-14T12:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!
I hope you are having a lovely and loving day today.

Please grab yourself a cup of something yummy like this (above)...or this (below), and spend a little time with me drooling over these delightful, yummy and oh-so-inspiring craft rooms.

Ready? Okay, let's ooh and ahhh...

and be inspired.

This first one, from BHG makes me weak in the knees. I swoon and sigh with love every time I look at it.

It's romantic and cozy, yes?

This one, well, I guess you can see I like a 'shabby chic' look, especially for a craft room...it's feminine, elegant, yet comfortable and not prissy or sterile...you can get it messy and inky and it's okay...part of the charm even.

This colorful gem, is my total, without a doubt FAVE, so smitten...love the pink and turquoise, love the vintage look...just LOVE LOVE LOVE!!

It is Heather Bailey's craft room, and her blog is yummy too!

This is a cleaner, more streamlined look from MakingMemories @ typepad

Here's a little collage of craft room goodness from Flickr:

How about this cute little closet/nook for your sewing spot?

Love the pretty fabrics out on display like this.

or this little closet sewing nook is nice too...

How about this storage cuteness? I love its vintage vibe and organizing ability for storing notions and such that these vintage suitcases provide, don't you?

Who doesn't love a french tiered wire basket for storing our goodies with style?

How about this magical way to store your glitter...

(though I would glitter up and cute-ify that tag a bit more...just sayin')

On this note, I shall poof out of here with my fairy wand and bid you a most magical Valentines evening.

What are YOUR favorite parts of your craftroom? What do you still want to do with yours?

xo ~Cheryl (all photo's/images are from Country Living except where noted)

Le Snowy Maison (part deux) and Mon Paris Ephemera Notebook

2010-02-10T12:36:00.000-08:00

Bonsoir mon ami! How are you today?

Ca va bien, but please allow me to tell you what is happening here, in my little patch of the world:

Snowmageddon: The Sequel/the Knock Out Punch

or perhaps: Snowpocolypse: Death to All Snowblowers and Shovels... and Backs....

or: Dude Where's My Car/House? (duh, buried, never to be seen until the spring thaw)... or Dude, Where's the Plow Trucks?/Pain Reliever?

It's an adventure! We had almost 30" on Sat., another 8-9 inches last night, and a LOT today and calling for a foot more before midnight tonight! We've broken the all-time record in less than a week for the winter season snowfalls in recorded history in our area.

Of course this pleases the daughter greatly. (The worlds longest Presidents Weekend vacation.)

I bet you can guess some of what I will be doing while the blizzard rages outside (besides shoveling snow)??

Oui, le papier d'art!

I will be going to Paris (w/ a side trip to Brussels, Belguim and Amsterdam) next year (!!!!!) and I made this to hold all the ephemera, tickets, and notes etc. while in Paris.

I'm not done with it yet, but I got a decent start on it, and I am pleased with how it turned out thus far.

Le Supply and Details/Semi-How-To Liste:

Le Cover:

~Two pieces of chipboard (mine happened to be 8 1/2 inches x 5 1/4", by Cosmo Cricket (old) & covered with red paper.)

Then I ripped a page from a very old (1880's) french-english dictionary (see photo below) that I bought for 25 cents at a library book sale. The paper was so fragile that when I ran the tape runner (tombow) glue over it, it ripped, so I had to run the glue on the red base, and then attach the page/paper down on to the cover.

The alpha's/PARIS title are glittered chipboard from several different sets: Heidi Swap, Making Memories, and K & Co..

Le Crown is STAMPED (stamp from CTMH 'YOU ROCK') heat embossed in silver, and cut out...and Stickles dotted on the jewels of the crown.

Le Key is Stamped (from CTMH 'Key to my Heart' Stamp Set) and heat embossed with mostly silver emb. powder, but sprinkled with a little black emb. powder to give it some patina and depth. Then I cut it out and then wrapped it a bit around a pencil to give it a round/dimensional/real quality.

Le Eiffel Tower and postage stamp are cut out from a vintage photograph, then I Stickled them a bit (w/silver), of course.

The innards:

~accordian fold (scored first) thick paper/CS and attach to chipboard cover (mine are scored and folded every 5". You will need to decide how many 'pages' you want, therefore determining the number of pieces of paper you will use here)

~Attach ribbon of choice for tie-closure. (I happend to have this Paris ribbon; I've been hanging on to it for years. I dont remember where it came from). Make sure you do this before you attach your folder front pieces, so you can hide where you attach your ribbon.

~make template for Pockets and trace to make the 3 (three) 6-pocket sections (as in mine, but you could do less. I think however that more would get too flimsy) Mark and score where it bends before attaching, obviously. For mine, each panel/paper is 10" wide and scored at 5". You would adjust according to your chipboard cover dimensions. You don't have to shape the pockets the way I did, you could certainly simplify or change it.

~Pocket Papers:

the first panel, blank postcards by Making Memories (old, from Love Story line);

the middle section is Graphic 45 from the Transantlantique Collection, Paris Post paper;

the right panel is from Making Memories, Vintage Findings/postcard findings.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Bonne nuit!

xo Cheryl

There's Snow Time Like the Present...

2010-02-07T07:44:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends!

This is what is happening outside my front door right this second...

...we received more than two feet of snow...

so we are all "digging out from under it.

Remember back in December how I made the Cupcake Box for my neighbor because he offered up his snowblower so generously?

Well, he did us that kindness yet again.

(we all have over one acre lots in our hood, our driveways are LONG...shoveling isnt an option when it is this deep and heavy, unless you have days and days and want a cardiac arrest. We have a plow for our John Deer rider mower, but something is wrong with Johnny...he wont start, and it isnt his battery...sigh. And it never snows this much, so we werent concerned and figured it would wait until mowing season. Murphy and his Laws decided to dump two (so far) record breaking snowfalls on us this season.)

Sooo...here is the card I made our neighbor (plus sweet treats, but I wont bore you with those):

The lighting is funky, but the "Thank You" sentiment is heat embossed in silver and looks great in person.

Products used:

CTMH wht. daisy CS and paper from ctmh Aspen paper pack.

Stickles and prizma glitter, en masse! and some mica snow around the edges

silver paint pen (sharpee)

CTMH dimensional elements snowflake chipboards, heat embossed with clear and prizma glitter

ctmh rhinestone

tree (from little yellow bicycle) is heat embosses with clear and prisma glitter

It was simple and easy, but it looks very pretty and VERY sparkly in person.

More pix of more projects I worked on during the storm coming soon!

Go SAINTS!!

~Cheryl

My Think Pink Challenge Projects

2010-02-04T16:18:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends,

I am SO sorry I abandoned you like that! Remember those errands? Well one thing led to another, and then it was off to dance lessons of which we don't get home from until 10 pm...and the time flew by without me having one minute to play until this afternoon.

Today I finally had an hour or so to play in my (MESSY!) studio...I made one 12x12 LO, and one card for my This Weeks Inspiration Challenge. Here is some more lovely pink inspiration (from Flickr):

I went with a Valentine theme, because, duh, it justified eating valentine candy!

And worked within the Inspiration Challenge for this week (see information in previous post).

(full disclosure: I ate 4 heart-shaped York peppermint patties, yummy; and 3 kinda yucky sweeties conversational hearts, while crafting)

Both projects were quick and easy. I just did my usual plan-less, wingin'-it job, but I kept it simple. (re easy/fast)

*remember, you can click on the pix and see them big and in detail*

Here is my You Make My Heart Sing card:

And here is my 12"x12" LOVE LayOut (sans photos, as I am waiting for Valentines Day pix--obviously there will be 4, cropped to fit on the 4 squares):

Supplies/techniques:

Card:

CTMH CS~wht daisy, bubblegum

DoodleBug pink glittered CS

ctmh wht daisy ribbon

cuttlebug swiss dots emboss folder

scalloped scissors, and scalloped MS punch

Pink Stickles, and doodlebug chunky pink glitter

American Crafts glitter buttons

the Bird/You Make My Heart Sing little scrap is cut from a K&Co sheet

LOVE LO:

CTMH heart patterned paper (pp) from Animal Crackers paper pack; the red and pink dots are from the Jingle paper pack.

CTMH White Daisy textured CS and txtr die cuts (alpha and scalloped frame)

CTMH paper flowers (foam tape popped up, so the coming photos will fit easily under)

White flocked brad

*white satin Ribbon is REPURPOSED from some PJ's I bought at Target...they came folded with the ribbon around the pj's. So I saved it. I still have enough to make a few more bows too!

We are supposed to get hit by a LOT of SNOW this weekend, so I will try and get in some quality crafting time, and share it with all of you.

Have a wonderful evening,

~Cheryl

This Week's Inspiration Challenge...Happy Tuesday!

2010-02-02T06:49:00.000-08:00

Oh Hello Gorgeous Friends,

How art (ART, get it?) thou? (I know, I know, my humor...FAIL)

I do hope you are doing well, happy.

Happy February. A month to celebrate love.

My love note to you:

My LOVE LETTER to YOU: THANK YOU!!! With only a few posts under my belt, and as a new blogger (and not tech savvy at all), I feel very honored and beyond grateful to have so many Visitors (from all over the world. It is so beautiful how blogging makes this planet small and neighborly) and lovely Followers. Really, you 'guys' are full of the awesome. Thank you...and much love.

Shall we talk about This Weeks Creative INSPIRATION Challenge? Yes? Okay!

Let's get to it.

THINK PINK!!

Okay... interpret as you wish, into whatever you wish.

**Click on the small, lower collage to see it bigger...for some reason I couldnt get it to post big.

I WANT THAT UMBRELLA...any suggestions?

AND, how awesome is that pink room with the script/writing on the walls?

I kinda wanna do it!!

(can I just tell you how much I love those pink heels...and the umbrella? Swoon! *sigh*)

I will post my interpretation later this evening.

First I need to grocery shop and other non-glam chores and errands.

I think I will buy some pink flowers at the grocery store for my studio.

Then I will hit my studio.

And create!

I hope you will play along with me, and share your creation(s) with us!

*Just post a link to your blog/creation in my comments section.

Please feel free to use the below Inspiration if your prefer (the lovely Tiffany ad)...

or do both!

See you soon,

Cheryl

My Inspiration Challenge and Subsequent Creation

2010-01-28T07:07:00.000-08:00

Oh Hello Creative Friends,

How are you this lovely winter's day?

I wanted to talk about Inspiration today.

I am inspired (at least hourly) by SO many things...

laughter

dreams

music

literature!

photographs

art

ballet

color

nature

adventures

people

travel

country farmers markets

vintage items/antiques, time worn with love

love and emotion

friends

animals

kindness

intelligence

books

words

language

poetry

museums

doors

(where do they go? who has walked through that one before? what's behind it?)

and, yes,

blogs, catalogs and magazines...

because there are SO many talented, creative people out there!

...the list could go on forever...inspiration is all around us.

There is so much beauty everywhere, even in the sad and painful things, moments and places.

I am inspired to write, read, give, do, feel, imagine, decorate, improve, wonder, create, dream...constantly.

Confession: I think I may be a Decorating Magazine Addict (among other things)

I LOVE decorating & gardening magazines, and cannot part with them!!

I have years worth of Country Living, Martha Stewart Living, Romantic Homes, BHG, Southern Living, Country Garden, Coastal Living, etc. etc., --stacks upon stacks, shelves upon shelves of them.

I adore them.

Even some catalogs I cant part with...Anthropologie catalogs are beyond dreamy and delicious!

(I cant be the only one...do YOU salivate and hoard magazines too?)

I decorate with books constantly...as part of the still life's around my home. Stacked on a table with a vase of flowers. So pretty.

(I'll post those pix another day)

I often use the magazines (and their ads) to inspire my decorating, but also in creating art.

Sooo, on that note...

I thought I'd do a Weekly PHOTO Creative Challenge...beginning today!

YOUR MISSION, should you choose to accept it, is:

interpret, any way you wish, the above Tiffany ad, into something creative.

Then share your creation with us by linking us in my comments section.

I will choose one each week to post here on my blog.

Here is my interpretation:

My friend's cousin passed away from cancer in his early 40's this week. It has hit the family hard. The viewing was yesterday, the funeral is today. I decided to make my friend this card.

Supplies ( I cant stop the underlining?? Sorry!):

CTMH txt. cardstock in Breeze and White

The wings: I just hand drew one and then traced it twice and cut it out. ( I dont have the right size winged stamp or chipboard, so I made do)

Then I painted it w/ pearl paint and then stickles.

Silver heat embossing for text.

I did a lot of sanding of the CTMH (white core)txt. cardstock.

Silver Sharpie paint pen borders the breeze blue CS.

I guess the rest is self explanatory.

I used some scraps ( you know I like to use up those scraps) of pretty paper by ROLLING them and glueing them down.

I hope you will play along with my Challenge!

Feel free to share it with friends...creativity and sharing is part of the fun.

Warmly,

Cheryl

Puppy Love (the furry love of my life) and Wishing I was at CHA

2010-01-25T15:38:00.000-08:00

Hello lovely friends,

I'm working on a scrap LO using Brand New papers from CHA, and my sweet puppy (she is 6 years old, so not exactly a puppy anymore, but doesnt she still look as cute as any puppy? ) is always laying at my feet while I work. I just had to show you who really rules this house. (Please forgive me for boring you with non-artwork cuteness. *blush*)

To make this post artwork related: Have you seen the new Tim Holtz stuff?? OMGoodness!! And Tattered Angels/Heidi Swap?? And Websters? And Basic Grey?? MM?? I am gonna be poor, poor po!

The Product coming out of CHA is sickeningly full of the AWESOME!! Poor I say. Ramen noodles for the rest of my life, so I can get me some goodies.. (Bren, you're still there, right? Are you taking pix for us? I Lurve the booth displays! hint hint.)

My Wish List is LONG. L-O-N-G!

What's on YOUR list?

xo Cheryl

More Copic Tips and a Cute Card with layers

2010-01-24T11:13:00.000-08:00

Hello Sweet Friends!

How are you today?

It is still raining here, as you can tell by my dark pictures.

Anyway, I thought I would do a little Copic Tutorial(ish) especially for those of you that are still very newish to using them.
There are a lot of AWESOME video tutorials on YouTube, just search for copics. And there are far better, more talented copic artists out there than me! ( so please go view them, and note what I am about to share are just my personal tastes and what works for me)
But, even after I direct people to YouTube and other places, I frequently get direct emails asking many of the same questions, so I thought I would go ahead and give my two cents/thoughts/tips. I have been using them for a couple of years and mostly learned by trial and error.

*Note: I purposefully did not blend well on this card, to show WHERE I place my shading colors. Hence the horrid lack of blending on the green laundry, her face, etc. (you can scroll down and find my Anya card, my Gorgjuss Girl/Oooh la la, etc. to see well blended coloring)

Okey dokey...First, let's discuss the stamping. You will need a non-bleeding ink pad for the stamping. I use Memento Tuxedo Black. I have tried many ink pads, and this bleeds the least, IMHO. Still, be sure to let it dry VERY WELL before you start coloring.

Next, let's talk "starter colors", those markers you need when you are just starting out.
To a large degree this depends on what type of stamps you tend to color (* ie., people, flowers/landscapes, animals etc.).
I like to color anything and everything, so I have every Sketch marker, but I worked up to that. Even with owning every color, I still find myself using many of the same markers over and over. (I will list them below, but please read through this)

I use the brush tip more than 95% of the time.

For "people" (as shown here and elsewhere in my blog), you will need skin-tones and hair colors --these are markers I tend to use a LOT. Also, denim color markers for their pants. (I will make lists of numbers, dont worry)

For skin: Depending on whether she (or he...from here on out I will say 'she' meaning either gender) is tan (summertime people in bathing suits for example, or people of a darker skin tone), or if she is fair, will depend on which colors you will use.

My most frequently used skin tones (from light to dark) are:
EOOO (pale fruit pink); EOO (skin white); E02 (fruit pink) ...and for darker skin tones I like to add *E33 (sand) or *E34(Orientale)-- (*which I also use in brunette hair, shoes, and wood, and ground a lot!...E33 or E34 are well used markers for me...you only need one or the other, not both, since they are very close in number/color)-- for rosy cheeks I like R20 (blush)

I start with the lightest color and do the entire area. Then take your darker shade and do the "shading", where there would naturally be shadows (under the hairline, under the chin/neck, the folds of the arms and legs etc. (see girl above *hopefully you can click on the photos and see them up close/larger.) Then go back with the lighter shade (or middle shade if you use 3-4 colors, as I usually do. But this isnt neccessary...2 colors: a lighter and a darker is totally fine, and the best way to start) and blend the shading into the lighter area. You can keep going back over and over, darker and lighter, until you gt it just the way you like it. This is where practicing is crucial...and fun.

My most used colors for HAIR:

Brunette: E33 or e34 as my base, then E37 (sepia) , E09 (burnt sienna--especially for an auburn shade, also for auburn I like to add E08), and E47 (dark brown) (I have a dark brunette girl under titled post Oooh La la--one of my first posts)

Blondes/highlights (for highlighted blondes make it streakier/chunkier...my Anya in another post a couple weeks ago shows a streaky blonde): Y000 (pale lemon) as my base, then y21 (buttercup yellow) and E33 or E34 (yep, again, see this is a MUST HAVE color!)

Pitch black hair (and metals): (this can be the trickiest, so look for video tutorials on YT...and wait to get these markers unless you plan to color a lot of Asain hair, as they are really the only ones with BLACK hair--or if you plan to color a lot of wrought iron metal, or silver-ish stuff like galvanized metal looking watering cans etc. then these colors come in handy--an example of this is on my bird cage w/ veranda paper card below) (except you will want 110 Special Black, and the lightest grey, which I LOVE Co Cool Grey No. 0 --I use this to trace around my images as it makes them pop off the white CS, or for shadows) So, you will want the full range of greys, skipping every-ther number...I prefer the cools or nuetrals: start with the afore mentioned C0 or No, then the C or N 3, 5, 7 and then the Special Black. That will serve all your black hair needs and metals. But to start, just use the 0 and the black. Then later, add a middle, like a 3. Last, when you find you need them then add a 5 and 7.

Before I go into more colors I will also show you a tip I persoanlly love to do...it is awesome in person, and gets a big wow everytime. Stamp two images, and fully color your main image. Then figure out what layers you want to add for dimension, aka which parts are in front...and color them on the second image and cut them out. The foam tape them onto the first/main image. (see below and almost all my other cards using copics)

Here I cut out her arms and legs and the front of her slippers...and the knot/bow on her headband, and some laundry. Then I foam dotted them to the first image. In this case I used a bit of white tacky glue to press her hands back down to her face, so her forarms actually bend. It looks great IRL.

(You can also see below where I traced around her image with Cool Grey No. 0.)

Here is the list of OTHER basic markers I use frequently ( aside from what I already listed):

BLUES/ Denim/blue eyes/sky/water (I use the copic airbrush system) in order of my most used:
B21 (baby blue); B97 Night Blue; B000 pale porcelan blue ( also good for tracing around images for a more sky shadow); B12 ice blue; BG01 aqua blue; B69 Stratosphere Blue

Browns/Wood/nature/animal fur etc, the browns used for brunette hair is plenty...esp. E34! (or E33)

Pinks--Reds Most used, in order: R20 (blush); R83 Rose mist; R85 Rose Red; R39 Garnet; R46 Strong Red

Yellows-Oranges: If you have the yellows I use for the blonde hair, you have an awesome start and just need to add a couple of the darker brighter colors ( for flowers, suns, etc): y08 acid yellow; y17 golden yellow and yr07 cadmuim orange will be plenty to start.

(*remember you can mix colors, like a yellow and a red to get an orange)

Greens ( important if you do a lot of flowers/landscapes/nature/trees): You could get by (to start) with just these two of my most used greens ( a light and a dark, whihc you can mix):
YG11 Mignonette ; YG67 moss; ...then fill in with: YG Grass green; G28 Ocean Green( I've never seen an ocean anywhere near this color, but whatever)...then later fill in more w/ G09 and G24

Purples ( really only for flowers and clothes, if you like purple, which I do): start with:a light
BV00 mauve shadow or a BV02 prune; then a middle like V17 amethyst; and a dark like BV08 blue violet.

A couple of red-violets I use a lot are: RV19 red violet; RV69 Peony--great for roses, along witht he previouslyu mentioned pinks/reds.

A couple of other things: the only time I really use the chisel end ( aside from the airbrushing) is when I do the trace around shadowing....and MOST of all when I use the Colorless Blender-see below. (again, this is just what works for me...you may do differently. And I am always open to suggestions/your tips)

The Colorless Blender -0-: This is a misunderstood, perhaps even misnamed , but VERY USEFUL marker. (watch the vidoes!) You do need this, but not to blend. I use it most frequently to "fix" my boo-boo's, when I get color outside the line. I prefer to call it a Color PUSHER. I use the chisel end to 'push" the erroneous color back where it belongs. I also use it as a color remover...to add dots or texture to a color.

Okay, that's it for now. I'm a slow typer, so this wiped me out.
I hope it helped. And I am happy to answer any questions.

Colorful Inky Hugs,
Cheryl

Copic Fun/ My Unique Technique of the Week

2010-01-22T13:46:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends!
And...Happy Friday!!

How would you like an endless array of colored rhinestones; every color of the rainbow at your disposal?

Did you know that you can use your Copic Markers (or any ALCOHOL-based markers/ink...but most of us have Copic brand, though I know a few of you have the Prisma or Ranger alcohol markers) to color your clear rhinstones?
Yep. In less than a second you can turn any clear rhinestone into any color you wish.

Go from this....

...to This!

Isnt that awesome?! I know!

The brighter colors show up the best. ( sorry my pix are dark...again, it is raining, so I have no sunlight to help a girl out. I need a light box. Too bad Copics cant make me one of them!) Anyway, I use the brush tip end and just swipe it around the stone once and viola!

I only buy clear, and I can make them match any artwork I wish. So fun.

More artwork coming tomorrow.

**Please scroll down and do the Getting To Know You Questions...it's fun to get to know each other!

Inky Hugs,

Cheryl

(Semi Complete) 'Time Flies'/Love 2 pg LO

2010-01-17T12:49:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends,

How are you?

It is raining heavily here today, so I am spending time in my craft studio. (of course, the rain isnt helping the lighting of my photos...a girl cant get a break)

Here is my (almost finished) 2-page LO. I still have to tweak a few things I'm not happy with, and I need to take a new photo of my daughter. (the photo of her on page two is from several years ago)

Page One:

Page Two:The wings are made of vellum and painted with Pearl Paint, but you cant tell that by my lousy photos. Sorry. It's too dark because of the rain. And the words above the winged clock/heart say: Time Flies. I think you can click on the photos and see it larger.

Make it a wonderful weekend,

Cheryl

Showing Some Button Love

2010-01-16T18:16:00.001-08:00

Hello Friends.

I hope you are having a lovely weekend.

My daughter is a teenager now, but I'm just now getting around to scrapping these photos. (I have larger prints from this photo shoot framed and hung, but I never scrapped the proofs.) But, I kind of like how that worked out, because the second page of this 2-pg LO (which is not quite finished, so I havent photographed the 2nd page yet) has a current photo of her...and the overall message is that time flies (hence the clocks)--one minute they are a baby, and the very next minute they are in high school, and you're looking at colleges.

Sadly, the pictures are awful, really awful. I didnt start this 2 pg. LO until after dark, and I dont have a light box. I apologize. BUT, I'll finish the 2nd page tomorrow, and take new photos of them both in the daylight.

What you cant see is that this is using textured CS, and sanded, so it really looks like canvas/fabric and the vintage vibe looks SO much better in person. The "Love" is painted with Pearl Paint, and looks very pretty in person.

Products are all CTMH except the 2 ribbons under the photo.

Supplies:

The buttons are all ctmh, and so are the pearls. (which, as you may have noticed, I LOVE. I hope they put them in the regular line up! I'm running out...yipes.) Buttons have waxy flax as thread.

The LOVE is made using the Rustic Alpha and painted with pearl paint.

The tree and the sentiment below it are from Grown W/ Love Stamp Set.

The clocks are from Make It Count Stamp set

The flower is made the same way as I made the kissing ball ( directions a few posts below)...only I just glued a few of the circles together and then flattened it, and inked it. The papers for the flowers are the same as the kissing ball. ( I made the flower that same day, but just hadnt used it until today)

CS: Vanilla Cream, Bamboo

Ink: Bamboo and Choc.

I guesss that's it. If I forgot anything, just ask.

Have a wonderful weekend.

~Cheryl

Lending a Helping Hand, and Getting To Know Each Other...

2010-01-15T05:36:00.000-08:00

Hello Sweet Friends.

Happy Friday!

How are you today?

My wish for you this day is that you are happy and healthy and living an inspired, love-filled life, the life you want to live.

Quick Side Note: My heart is breaking for Haiti. Please send good thoughts and prayers for Haiti...and money if you can possibly spare even one dollar. (I gave to the American Red Cross on Wed. morning, but Doctors Without Borders, President Clinton's foundation, and many other reputable places can be found online. Please do your research, as you want to give where ALL your money goes to help them, and not towards fundarising and salaries etc.) My heart is breaking for that poor country and its people.

Okay, Back to our Creative Journeys! I am working on lots of art and decorating today, which I will share with you later today and all through the weekend. I'm in quite the productive artsy mode today!

Right now I want to take a few minutes and answer a fun list of questions I've been asked recently (thank you for the emails and comments!) in hopes that we can all get to know one another better.

I hope YOU will copy and paste these questions and give us YOUR answers in my comments section, and/or link to your site (I havent learned how to do links yet *sheepish grin*, but I am open to directions and learning--hint, hint!)...so we can all get to know one another and what sparks our creative engines to life.

So here we go!

What is your Scrapbooking/Crafting Style/Tradmark(s)?

Overall I would say vintage/shabby chic/romantic. I like to paper-piece and use of layers. textures and (duh) GLITTER/Glam!

What is your Creative Process?

Hmm...well, we're talking paper art, and if we're talking scrapbooking, then I start with the photos I want to scrap. (unless I have new pretty paper, then I may start w/ the paper and either find pix to match, or take pix to match). I try and make sure my paper and embellies match the photo(s) vibe/feel as well as matching the colors.

If it is a project/home decor project I am usually inspired by a need or seeing something that inspires me, that I want to re-create in my own way.

As for cards, I try and make cards specific to the person I intend to send it to, and the mesage I want to convey. I usually start by pulling the stamps I want to use, then the papers and embellishments.

I rarely use sketches for anything. I usually prefer to just wing it and see where it all takes me. Though, there are exceptions, for sure. I am not above lifting a design, or being blatently inspired by by someones elses work.

Do you listen to music while your papercraft? If so, what is your playlist?

YES! I LOVE music and I usually do listen to music in my studio (or even when I'm cleaning the house, driving or writing) and try to choose music to suit the mood I'm after.

My favorite bands/artists to scrap to right now:

~Owl City (happy, fun, light and creative)

~Regina Spektor (my go-to girl. I heart Regina, she inspires me on so many levels)

~Brand New

~Nina Simone (soul, blues, pain, love, melodic)

~Ella Fitz. (duh, she is full of the awesome)

~Death Cab for Cutie

And these MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS ALWAYS work to inspire creativity in me (you wont be sorry):

*the soundtracks to:

French Kiss (terrible movie, but love the soundtrack);

500 Days of Summer (awesome movie and even more awesome soundtrack);

Penelope;

Once (LOVE THIS MOVIE and their music!)

Favorite tools/supplies?

INK and GLITTER/Stickles...and pretty Paper and Ribbon and Buttons. And sharp scissors.

Favorite Color Combo?

pink and browns; pink and black; white, cream and pink; pink and green...pretty much pink with any other color(s). Aqua blue. The colors of nature.

Tell Us 3 Things/Confessions About You that few people know:

1) I'm a clean freak, but struggle a bit at organizing. (I love a clean house. HATE dirty germy places.)

2) I NEVER wear socks. Not even in the winter. Yuck. They freak me out. (summertime I can be found barefoot, high heels or in flip-flops. Period.) Socks in bed is WAY worse than fingernails down a chalkboard! *shudder*

3) I'm very sentimental and tend to name (and nick-name) everything/objects: cars, appliances, plants, blankets, pretty much anything loved gets a name. Bessie, my vehicle, is part of the family. Brown Betty (brown fleecy blanket) is a favorite. Elizabeth, the trailing gardenia, well, she's pretty and she smells good. I love her.

Other hobbies?

Reading, gardening, traveling (my soul is a french gypsy and/or a surfing beach bum), laying in the sun on the beach, reading about traveling France and living in Paris, photography, etc.. I have a lot of hobbies and interests, so I wont further bore you here.

If you had 3 Wishes (for YOU)?

Aside from world peace, world health, world tolerance, no hungry/suffering children...and also the obvious hitting the lottery for millions? Hmm, I would still really like my aforementioned peace and lack of poverty, sickness and hunger... and my daughter living a joyful, healthy, long life.

But, going with smaller scale/possible wishes I would like to live on the beach again; live in Paris for one year; travel Europe for a several months.

I hope you will play along and let us get to know you too.

Lots of artwork, and decorating my house photos on their way.

Hugs,
Cheryl

Love is in the Air...

2010-01-08T15:15:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends,

Happy Friday!! I heart Fridays!! And, I heart YOU!

Today my theme is love. And isnt that a wonderful theme? I have 3 cards to share with you today using copic markers, heat embossing, stamping....and even using up those scraps.

I hope you will spend some time visiting me, I truly love having company, especially lovely artistic, crafty friends like you.

Okay, Card no. 1~ I Heart You is a straight-up lift from the new Feb. Scrapbooks Etc. mag--I didnt do one thing different...except theirs is better. My pink flower and pink background paper is too close in color for my taste; my flower needed to be a darker pink for a bit more contrast. All the products used are CTMH ( green argyle pp is from Sweet Harmony, the pink is from Sugar and Spice) Nothing really to report on this card, it is self explanatory, simple, fast and easy. I just sponged Sweet Leaf ink on to the chipboard.

This next one, my Sending Warm Wishes card, was something I pictured in my mind as soon as I saw the bird nest stamp. I knew I was going to use a cloud and sun, and knew exactly how I wanted it to be. It came out pretty much how I wanted it. I used a lot of Copics (I will list the marker numbers below w/ the supply list), and lots of stickles and glitter. This card was not fast because of the cutting and the coloring, but it was easy & fun...and I just love it. Even though we got a little snow overnight, it makes me feel like spring is in the air, and the sun is shining.

* Remember, as always, you can click on the pictures and see them bigger and all the detail.

You cant tell in these (lousy) pictures, but everything is foam dotted up, so there is tons of dimension. The mushrooms have so many layers and look so good, but I didnt get a close up of it. I thought it would show up. *sigh* And when I finally downloaded them, I was out of daylight. (w/out daylight, my photos are even worse)

Okay, the grass, I used the icicles punch by Martha Stewart! Someone else probably already had that idea, and it may not be new to you, but I've never seen it done before and I felt pretty fancy & brilliant with my a-ha moment to use it upside down. (so dont burst my bubble if it's already been done--he he) And it used a long skinny SCRAP of green paper that I pulled from my trash can at my desk...BONUS! ( which I sponged on more green ink for texture, and to cover the argyle diamonds, since the green paper strip was from sweet harmony paper pack)

I used small pieces of white scrap CS to stamp the branch and bird nest and mushrooms. I colored them in with copic markers, cut them out and popped them up on foam.

Supplies ( all ctmh except the Copics and Stickles--love, LOVE my Stickles!):

I already talked about the grass...moving on...

Blue PP is from TopStitch paper pack

White Daisy CS (scraps)

Stamps:

Branch/Birds: Love You Forever; Cloud: Childhood; Sentiment: TLC

Copics: birds: Booo, B21, R20; Flower: R20, R83, y21; Leaves: YG11, G24, G28; Mushrooms, well, suffice it to say I used LOTS of colors. :o) Branch: E34, E37, E47; Nest: E33, E34, E37, E47

And plenty o'Stickles.

And lastly, a Tri-Fold card using...wait for it...BIRDS... again. I love them. This card didnt turn out as I saw it in my mind, but I know what I dont like and how I would make it better next time to get it the way I had first envisioned it. (I'll probably re-make it over the weekend, but I wont waste your time posting it.)

This is the inside. Sorry about the lousy pictures, I was out of light and using my desk lamp...nice glaring shadows. Oh well. You get the idea.

I used a Sharpie Gold paint pen and a ruler and framed everything in gold. The Somebirdy Loves you Stamps ( can you tell I love it too?) is heat embossed with gold powder.

Choc. CS, Veranda PP's. Copics to color in the stamped image are the same colors as above, except the nest , which I used: E00 and E33

I added the heart which I colored in with R20

No stickles or glitter. Just the gold for sparkle. Kinda sad about that. But it just didnt have a glitter vibe...and that is a rare thing in my world.

Okay, that's it for today.

I hope you have a wonderful and safe weekend.

~Cheryl

Romantic Paper Kissing Ball for Valentines Day (or Holiday Ornaments) aka Cheryl's Unique Technique of the Week!

2010-01-07T16:47:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends!

Are you staying warm and cozy? I hope so.

Please grab a toasty cup of coffee, or tea/hot cocoa and spend some time with me today.

So, I got to thinking (always dangerous)...and this thinking started not because I'm frugal ( nah, I'm totally a spender fo sho), but rather more that I'm so in love, so smitten with pretty , pretty paper, such a hoarder of the prettiest of them (*my precious*, she says in a scary voice with arms wrapped tightly around her precious papers *I likes my precious*)...yeah, so pretty paper and also pretty ribbon (velvet ribbon and lace ribbon makes me swoon and lovely harped music goes off in my head, the angels call to me to BUY)...and I will hang on to the very last tiny scrap of *my precious* good paper.

... (back to the thinking part) I sat in my messy studio today thinking of ways to use all my little scraps and bits of paper that I refuse to throw away. (I throw away scraps of paper I can replace, just so ya know I'm not weird or anything. Well, not that weird anyway. I hope.)

So, using some scraps of papers I like, but can replace, I decided to experiment. (not willig to experiment with the fancy stuff)

I created several unique projects of which I am pleased with the outcome. Today I will share my Kissing Ball/Ornament with you and how to make one for yourself. I hope you like it.

I made this trial one fairly small, and this picture with the Conn. Club Pearls will give some of you an idea to the scale/sixe of my little ornament ball. It is 3" in diameter ( ish).

*( remember to click on the photos to see the up close details)

Ready to Make One? Let's do it!

Supply List:

paper (I know, duh)

circle punch

stylus (to score the circles)

pencil

ruler

white/clear Tacky Glue

cord/string/ribbon (to hang it)

optional: pearls/rhinstones etc.

(you could even put little triangular photos on it)

I used a 1 1/2" circle punch (you can use any size, in fact, I think a 2" would be perfect) and you will need to punch twenty (20) paper circles to make the ball.

I used four or five different papers ( all ctmh), because those were the scraps I had laying around that I was willing to "ruin" if this didnt work as I planned (I have more and can order more), and I liked these scrap colors together. You could use all one color or just two colors (i.e. red and green for Christmas ornaments), or whatever floats your boat. But 20 is the magic number of circles you will need to punch out.

Then I fiddled (technical term) around a bit and made a fairly decent triangle out of one of the circles (this took a few tries...I am SO not an engineer...I will not lose my little triangle. I hope.), which I then used to trace as a template on to the back side of each circle. Then using my ruler and dry emboss stylus, I scored over the pencil marks. ( you wont have to erase the pencil marks, they wont show)

Then fold your circles on the score lines. ( see photo above)

Then I used an old cheapo (from a kids set) watercolor paintbrush and "painted' the glue on and put it together. I start at the "top" and build around & down. Before you seal the last of the bottom pieces, stick your ribbon/holder thru the top little hole.

It is an easy project.

When it was all put together I dabbed more glue on each "intersection" and added pearls. ( the sticky they come with isnt strong enough to hold onto the thin edges of the paper.)

Oh, the ribbon could have been looped, but I chose to leave it one long piece. (I used a little dab of the glue in its hole to reinforce it)

On a side note, here is a quick (blah) card I made. I dont really like it, and this picture makes me like it even less. But it was fast. The hearts are felt. That's all I have to say about that. (I shouldnt even post it...I will be ripping it apart and using the buttons on something better) But, I figure it's good to let people know that we all make things we dont end up liking. Art is all about experimenting.

Creative Blessings to you,

Cheryl

Tres Romantique!

2009-12-27T11:52:00.000-08:00

Bonjour!

This is a quick one-page LO I made this morning featuring my daughter. She and I are Francophiles (and she is in her second year of French language class), and she is a Polyvore/fashion/couture addict, so I wanted to create a LO that simply felt like her.

Supplies:

The base patterned paper is by Websters.

The pink pp her photo is matted on is ctmh Amore ( with a MS scalloped punch across the top).

The black scallop CS is DCWV.

The music paper that I created the flowers with is cut from a music book I purchased at a flea market or book sale for less than 25 cents.

The pearls are from CTMH

The ink on the music flowers is glitter mist by Tattered Angels.

The lace ribbon is left over/old stash, and just glue dotted down all bunched up.

The black velvet ribbon is from the Philly fabric district.

The sentiment/Chanel stamp is from Stamping Bella.

(the CS it is stamped on is CTMH Vanilla Cream, cut out with a Nesties Labels One, and sponged with Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Tattered Rose)

The Eiffel Tower die cut was purchased at Michaels last year.

The black button is by Making Memories.

As always, you can click on the photos and see the details much better.

Inky, Glittery Hugs...and Happy New Year!
Cheryl

Shabby Chic Cheryl Style and my Cupcake Box Template

2009-12-21T16:28:00.000-08:00

Greetings,
School was cancelled today, due to the massive snow storm we had over the weekend, so I didnt get done as much as I'd hoped.
The first thing I made was this card. I wanted to make a vintage/shabby chic/romantic looking card. Hopefully that is what I accomplished.

*You can click on the pictures to see the details ( since my photography skills kinda stink), but the products used are all CTMH ( except the lace ribbon, whihc I have had laying around forever).

The stamped snowflake ( stamp set: New Fallen Snow) is heat embossed. I "ink" the stamp first in VersaMark then in Dessert Sand and stamped onto Vanilla Cream CS. Then I sprinkled it with detail clear embossing powder and prizma glitter (mixed) and heat set it. Then I added pearls. (love them...and yeah, I went a little pearl crazy on this card) I matted that on top of white CS and glittered around it.

The other snowflake is from 2 punches, and I glittered, inked and layerd them, and added a pearl.

I used Blush CS and PP ( patterned paper) from That's Amore; and the other stamp set used was Snow Flurries ( just the end of one of thesnow 'swooshes', if you dont mind technical terms)...I think that's all the deets on the card. Pretty simple.

Okay, this next project was indeed a project. Here's the story: We dont have a snowblower. Our neighborhood/developement has minimum one acre lots (most far larger)...so we all have LONG driveways. But, we rarely get any real snow, so we just shovel or I hire one of the people that come thru our little 'hood to plow it. Well, we got over 25 inches (record breaking...of ALL TIME on record!). Needless to say, we didnt have street plowers through, let alone small business guys to do my driveway...and there was NO shoveling our driveway...a fleet couldnt have done it. (I'll post picture sometime this week). Anywho, a neighbor we rarely see pushed his blower down and started blowing our driveway. We did replace the gas (have some for the rider mower always ready) but wasnt that so sweet of our neighbor (that I dont really know)? I know, it really was. So, I made muffins at the kid's request today, and a snowy thank you card for the neighbor (I didnt take photos of it...sorry)...but wanted a cute way to take a muffin to the kind neighbor. Somewhere, a long time ago, either on the art boards, or splitcoast, I remember seeing a cupcake box made from CS. I searched the net, and either I had to pay, or it wasnt what I envisioned/remembered seeing. ( maybe it was a dream?)

So, I embarked upon a cupcake box creating journey. It took a couple trial and errors...and I must tell you now, I would use heavier CS than ctmh's...ctmh's is too thin for this project. (though it is what you will see here) I have never attempted to make my own template or tutorial , so none of this will probably make sense...but I tried, just for you, to make it so that you could recreate it, if you wanted to. Lastly, in my defense, it took me a while to figure this out (I had nothing to copy or go by, just an old memory picture in my head....and a need)...so this isnt perfect, nor is it fancy. I will later make some dolled up fancified versions that re floating around in my pea brain. To make my template work, you will have to do some jimmy-jammin' and playing w/ it yourself, since I didnt have time to do a good job. ( I needed to make it and deliver it to the neighbors)

So, without further ado, may I present my cupcake box and (lame) template. (*click pix to see details and dimensions)

The cover/lid startes with an 81/2 square piece of paper ( I would use CS next time, or heavier paper...it was flimsy but fit perfect...I was so proud of myself!) then scored at 2 1/2 inches in (the 2 1/2" mark and the 6" mark) Then score all around...only cut one slit per side. If that doesnt make sense, let me know.
When it is all folded up, the top comes out 3 1/2' square, just as the box is.

I just free-handed the "muffin/cupcake" top and the "baking cup" bottom. ( I used the stripe from Jingle, and blush CS) The sentiment is from Cupcake sprinkles. (heat embossed w/ clear and prizma glitter over blush ink) and more prizma glitter (natch). Okay, that's all for today. :o)
I can picture doing "gift" looking boxes with holiday or bday cupcakes inside, and a bow on top. This is with plain white CS, cuz I was playing with it to create a template. I didnt want to use any fancy stuff yet while I experimented. I know this can be improved upon, but that's another day. (unless any of you come up with or have something better. I'm open to suggestions :)

Okay, I'm very tired and tired of looking at this project. (sorry if there are a lot of typos) So I bid you all a good night, and a good night to all.

Glittery holiday hugs,

Cheryl

Snow Day Playtime!

2009-12-20T10:55:00.000-08:00

Hi there, and Happy Snowed-In Day!! ( thank God my Christmas shopping is done...whew!) Here in the mid-Atlantic Region we are getting an awesome snowstorm, more than a foot of snow today... it looks lovely out there. Perfect for holiday crafting, yes? Yes!

So here are a few of the things I created today. ( due to the blizzard, there is NO natural light to help a girl out in the photog arena. So I apologize for the off-color-balance and low light)

*Dont forget, you can always click on the photo's and see them close up and the details.

This first Birdy card is SIMPLE and FAST:

Products used are all CTMH:

Stamps:

"string"- Holiday Trinkets

branch/leaves- Twitterpated WOTG/hedgehog set

cage/sentiment/bird/heart-Love Birds

inks: cocoa, black, ocean

PP-Veranda

CS- garden greeen, textured CS Ocean ( the backside/lighter side)

Next up, my Cozy Winter Anya card:

Products used:

CTMH White Daisy Cardstock, and Heavenly Blue CS ( run thru the Cuttlebug, snowflakes folder and sanded to show the white core of the CS).

Copics

Prizma Glitter and Fun Flock ( on furry muffs and trim)

White Organza ribbon

snowflake punches and more glitter and a rhinstone

Stamp: Anya from The Greeting Farm

Even though she is simple & unmatted, I just love her and the simplicity of this card. I was going to mat her in pink, to match her scarf, but it looked too busy. I tried a few other things, but with the snowlfake tx background, it all looked too busy. So I just left her simple.

If you have any questions, just shoot me a comment and I'll respond.

Happy Snowday!

Cheryl

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

2009-12-15T16:34:00.001-08:00

Hi Friends!

I am SO sorry I have been away so very long. H1N1 went through my house, and then it was Thanksgiving, and then I had to take down fall decor, and decorate (and shop) for Christmas (which we are having here this year)...and so my story goes. But I am back baby!

Over the weekend I put the finishing touches on the tree(s) and the entire house, inside and out, is DONE. Most of the shopping...DONE! ( key word: most) Have I sent cards yet? Nope. Have I wrapped anything? Nada. Zip. Zilch. Still plenty o' time, right?

BUT, the good part is our home is a winter wonderland, sparkling with twinkle lights aplenty, and glittered within an inch of its life. ( I will take some photos and post in the next days or so). I really, REALLY love LOVE me some Christmastime! I think I may actually be a magpie...anything sparkles and I am all over it.

Speaking of glitter and yummy sparkliness: I finally, for the first time in over a month, got to play in my studio and create!! I didnt do as much as I wanted to...I had planned to do a 2 page LO using the new Rockstar papers, but when it came to sitting down to create, I really just wanted to put Christmas music on and play in the glitter. So, I made a few holiday cards instead.

(I'll get to the Rockstar pages this weekend and post.)

So, for my Mother In Law I made this swanky cocktail Holiday Cheers! card... it goes along with some of the gifts we bought her. I used all CTMH products (except the cocktail stamp, which I colored in with Copics); ctmh Jingle Papers and cardstock; the snowflakes are made using punches (mainly MS punches) on ctmh white cardstock; the sentiment is from Ms. Holiday stamp set. The red and silver glitter is from the retired glitter stack, but any fine red/silver glitter will work. The rest of the glitter is Prisma.

My Party Animal/Happy New Years Card is bright, festive and fun...oh, and sparkling, natch! The martini and sentiment stamp is from 'our craft lounge' (everything is colored in with copics)...everything else is ctmh, except the mad amounts of Stickles I used. The paper is ctmh Whoops A Daisy, and ctmh cardstock hydrangea, ocean and textured cardstock in Citrus Leaf. CTMH stamps used: Merry Monsters, Spot On Backgrounds, and Please Join Us. ( the icicles border punch is by MS and the google eyes are from craft store). Cheers! ( hmmm...seems I had a cocktail theme going for a bit there)

Lastly, I wanted to make a winter street scene with the houses from the Neighborhood Stampset by CTMH. This is what I came up with.

Products List:

Patterened paper: ctmh Aspen

Cardstock: (ctmh white daisy)

Stamps: (all ctmh) Festive Thoughts ( for the sentiment, which is heat embossed in Silver, but you cant tell that in these horrid pictures, sorry); most of the trees are from The Beauty Of Christmas; and then, yes, Neighborhood. The houses, the bit of fence, the lamposts and the car are all from the 'Hood.

I paperpieced a bit, foam-squared, and prisma'd my heart out. The car tires are stamped in black, black embossed and cut out. The wreaths, they were a bit of a pain. The scale of the houses/doors were so darn tiny...so my wreaths had to be tiny. So, I used a tiny hole punch for the middles ( on green cardstock) and regular sized hole punch around the little hole, viola wreath(s)! The tree on the car I just free cut out a triangle from green cardstock, and a little trunk. The same with the tree on the townhouse. It was a bush on the stamp, but I wanted a conical holiday tree shape, so I just free-hand cut one out.

As always, you can click on the photos and see it bigger/in more detail. And, feel free to ask any questions you may have, I promise to get back to you.

Happy Holidays!

~Cheryl

My Fair Weathered Fickle Fairy

2009-10-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a vision in your mind of the project you wanted to create ...and NOTHING went as planned? ( usually when that happens it ends up as happy accidents for me and I am pleased with the end product ...not today) Today I decided I wanted to make a paper moon to go with my blog name. I had this old moon stamp ( from SU!) and some no-name fairy stamp that I hadnt ever used before....hmmm, she might be cute. Anyway, I had this ethereal, magical, lovely picture in my head how this was going to turn out. However, nothing I tried made me happy. The cloud looks more like a snow hill. She didnt come out nice at all...even the moon didnt turn out all glowy like I invisioned. So, I wasnt going to post it, but then I figured it is good to see that we all have craptastic results sometimes, but the fun is in the journey. I have a few ideas to try some other time, but I dont want to look at that moon or fickle fairy stamp for a while.

All the products are CTMH, except the stamps ( brands mentioned above), the Stickles, and the fabric Believe Your Dreams sticker ( which is Disney).

On an up note, I got quite a bit done on my magical Christmas project today. But I am waiting for something to arrive, hopefully it will come tomorrow so I can finish it and post it.

What I listened to while I got inky today ( happy music that I love):

-'Fireflies' by Owl City

-'Falling In Love In A Coffee Shop' by Landon Pigg ( unfortunate last name, yes, but I am soo smitten with his music)

-Regina Spektor

Thanks so much for visiting.

Inky, glittery hugs,

~Cheryl

Happy Manic Monday!

2009-10-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

I started lots of projects today, but I only actually finished one measly little card. Real life and chores stand in the way of my progress. Best laid plans... sigh.

Anyway, here's my little Slimy Monster card. He was very simple ( which is why I actually finished him). I don't think you need a supply list or any instructions...he is self-explanatory and basic cardstock. ( all ctmh except the googly eye and pom ribbon...both from craft store. The stamp set is Merry Monsters)

Here's the start of a cute little surfer dude...I am going to put him on a scrap layout from our summer surfing down in the Carolina's. I colored him with Copics. The cardstock is CTMH and the stamp is from CC Designs. I promise to post the Layout when it is finished.

Tomorrow I should be done with a large holiday project using Jingle papers and has a vintage vibe. And LOTS of glitter.

I would love if anyone can share some artwork photog/lighting and downloading tips, and any other suggestions. I'm technically challenged.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Cheryl

This weekend's artwork

2009-10-25T17:40:00.000-07:00

The Original Fangster Yo!

My little vamp fangster was originally going to be a card, but them I remembered I needed a festive gift bag to give my in-laws some Halloween treats. They are so sweet to us , they really deserve a tricked-out swag bag...so this is what I came up with.

Supplies used:

Stamp(s):CTMH ( Little Spooks set)

Cardstock: CTMH ( cranberry, sunflower, orange)

Patterned Paper: CTMH ( star paper from Game On pack); Making Memories

Inks: CTMH ( black , orange)

Other: black and orange Stickles, Copic markers, computer font for text

This Happy Haunting card uses all CTMH products with LOTS of sponge inking and torn sticky notes for masking.

Supplies used:

Stamp(s):CTMH ( The Beauty of Christmas-trees , Spellbound

Cardstock: CTMH ( aut.umn terracotta, black, white daisy)

Patterned Paper: (none used)

Inks: CTMH ( black , sunflower, honey, orange, aut. terr., chocolate, desert sand)

Other: corner punch, black glitter, sticky notes

This spooky tree card also uses the Spellbound stamp set and LOTS of sponging/inky fingers. The ground/horizon line is masked using ripped sticky notes and brayers black on the ground side and sponged in blues and black on the sky side. I also used a white paint pen for highlights and the stars.

Ooh la la!

Isn't mon cherie tres adorable, yes? She is colored w/ copics, and I colored a second set of legs and cut them out and foam pop-dotted them, so she is 3-D. I love layering, paperpiecing and adding textures and layers. I used CTMH Pear Paint ( brushed on w/ a foam brush) on the butterfly to give it shimmer and hold its shape. Overall, I think she turned out romantic and sweet.

Supplies used:

Stamp(s):various--Gorguss Girl; Eiffel tower (SU!)

Cardstock: CTMH ( amethyst, black, white daisy, key lime)

Patterned Paper: Websters

Other: CTMH ( ribbon, pearl paint); Copics ( colors shown below); Stickles

Jingle-Bread Land

I LOVE this yummy new paper pack by CTMH called Jingle...you are sure to see so much more of it this week, heck the next couple months! I also really adore the CTMH November Stamp Of The Month ( SOTM), Around The Block,

Another CTMH consultant ( shout out Karen P) had the brilliant idea to use this cute house stamp set to make a gingerbread house. Well, that got my creative juices flowing and I decided to try and make a little gingerbread scene. ( next I will make a village! tho, it will likely be a scrap page or something larger) This is just a quick & dirty experiment, so please excuse the sloppy heat embossing ( white daisy embossing powder).

I just hand drew the gingerbread man and little candy cane and cut them out. The tree is also just a hand drawn triangle cut out of a sheet of (Chistmas) music, then inked and glittered ( natch).

All products are CTMH except the stickles and sheet music paper.

Firefly and Crazy Frog

I made this firefly card for my girlfriend who gave us a bottle of Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka...sooo yummy. A perfect summer cocktail. Anyway, it is all CTMH products with the usual brayering and sponging and glittering. Again, skyline masked with a sticky note.

The silly frog uses the same technique and is all ctmh except the frog stamp, which is by Whimsy stamps.

Go Phillies!!! ( I need to make some Phillies cars and scrap pages soon!)