As The Card Rack Turns: January 2012

Monday, January 30, 2012

CASE Study Challenge #75

Hello Everyone---How was your week-end? I hope that you are going into the new week rested and full of energy!

The CASE Study Challenge #75 this week is a fun sketch so I decided to give it a whirl for a card that I needed to make. Here is the inspiration piece created by the guest designer:

So in determining what I was going to do, I saw white or open space,

horizontal lines and color created by string or yarn,

and a simple sentiment.

This is what I came up with:

Take a peek at some of the other creations by clicking on THIS LINK.

"You can always tell a

real friend. When you've made

a fool of yourself, he doesn't feel

you've done a permanent job."

--Laurence J. Peter

Footnote---We made an unexpected trip to the ER last night (aren't they always unexpected) due to hubby cutting his hand. He gashed it in two places when a glass he was washing broke. They patched him up with thirteen stitches and we were home three hours later.

Anyway---two good ER tips--

1. Putting salve on a wound with stitches often inhibits healing.

2. Polysporin is better than Neosporin because Poly has ingredients in it that Neo does not have.

Friday, January 27, 2012

I (Heart) You

I cannot take credit for this idea.

I saw it somewhere,

liked it, and shamelessly "re-created" it

with a few modifications.

It is a Cuttlebug folder--I cut off the bottom two rows and

layered it on red.

The stamp is Michael's--from a few years ago.

I added a border folder along the bottom--

love those things.

Sometimes it's just what you need to finish off a card.

The red heart is popped up and

covered in transparent glitter.

Freebie Friday

Cute Valentines @ Create

8 x 10 frameable in 6 color options@ Flamingo Toes

(What a great gift!)

Cupcake wrappers and toppers, tic-tac-toe game, and more

@Shindig Parties to Go

2-sided postcard @ The Pretty Blog

Thanks to these ladies for generously sharing their creations!

Crystal Arcand--I need a message from you. I don't see that you have

contacted me via Facebook.

Please let me know if I have missed something. Thanks.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Makeover Card Challenge

Makeover Card Challenge--what's that? It's a challenge where, given a card as an inspiration piece, you run with that idea to make it your own. This Monday's challenge over at Paper Crafter's Library was to make a card inspired by this card created by Lisa Johnson from Poppy Paperie, a talented crafter.

Before I show you my card, let me just say a word about

Paper Crafter's Library.

You really should check out this website--Andrea and Sophia have

wonderful paper crafting projects and great pdf. tutorial,

including videos.

Their cards are not too complicated, yet they have style

and creativity.

So here is what I came up with based on Lisa's inspiration...

I opted for a square card since it worked better to catch all of the

design in the paper, which is the main focal point. I used this paper

because of it's colors--red and aqua, as in Lisa's card.

I did not want to cover up the pretty scroll work.in the designer paper

with vertical ribbon or twine, so to achieve the effect, I cut the paper

in two places and added a piece of coordinating paper behind it.

The Petite Oval Spellbinder seemed to work best in the spot--

again, so as to not cover up the scroll work.

I really like how it turned out!

It is a card I never would have created on my own had it

not been for Lisa's inspiration and this challenge.

If only all of life's challenges were this fun...(sigh)

What is your latest challenge?

Care to share?

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Do Colors Challenge You?

I decided to enter a color challenge over at Just Us Girls--JUGS for short.
Cute name, don't you think? JUGS Color Challenge #120 was to make
a card using red, white and pink.

I remembered that I already had a card base with a piece of ribbon on it that would meet the requirements. Who knows what my original intent was for it? Score, a chance to utilize something I have in this over-crowded craft room/office, which is my goal this year!

Stamp sett--Hello Friend (Stampin' Up) embossed in black

Embellishments--ribbon, rhinestone

I thought it might be fun to share with you some of the

Saturday, January 21, 2012

1934 Ward's Wish Book

Hello Friends--I'm sorry I missed Freebie Friday yesterday but it just could not be helped. I'll offer a lot of freebies all during next week. I'd love to know if you have used any of these templates, clip art, subway art, or other printables!

Remember Montgomery Wards? Some of you are probably too young, but it was a store similar to Sears. And it had a big, juicy catalog like Sears had at one time. Anyone remember the fun of going through it page by page, circling everything you wanted for Christmas?

I thought you might enjoy seeing a a few pages out of the 1934 Wards Catalog. I guess this could have been my mother's wish book--don't miss the baby chicks on the last page! Scroll on the way down for an interesting tidbit!

CHECK OUT THESE PRICES!!!

ON THE ORDER FORM IT SAYS THAT IF THE ORDER IS OVER $100,

BOTH HUSBAND AND WIFE MUST SIGN!

Any thoughts?

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Using Paper Piecing for a Card Challenge

It's been quite a while since I made a card for one of the many card challenges offered every week. That is another great way to draw some inspiration if you are having trouble coming up with something on your own.

One of my favorite challenges is on Simply Less is More because it is my style, clean and simple. This week the challenge was to make a one-layer card using little to no embellishments with a bird theme. I actually had a "bird file" of a few cards that I had printed off a long time ago of cards that I liked. It is interesting how styles change. I didn't like the cards anymore, but it did remind me that one of my retired Stampin' Up sets, Fun and Fast Notes, has a bird image.

I used a pink parchment card from a set that I had won,

so I have a matching envelope.

I stamped the bird and then paper pieced the body

and flower.

Paper piecing is where you stamp the image on

designer paper, cut out the part you want,

and adhere it onto the paper.

This takes the place of coloring.

The sentiment and the pink slash behind it are two stamps

by Hero Arts.

I used a border embossing folder

on the top and the bottom

and added some silver liquid pearls here and there.

I'm not too sure I like the silver. I would have liked something more subtle,

or nothing at all.

What do you think?

"Friendship os a strong

and habitual inclination in two

persons to promote the good

and happiness in one another."

--Eustace Budgell

Sunday, January 15, 2012

The Giveaway Winner is....

CRYSTAL ARCAND

I used random.org to chose the winner and, Crystal, you're the one!

You will have through Tuesday to notify me with your address so that I can

send you your $25 Amazon Gift Card.

My email is 2realtors@cox.net.

I hope that you are not emailing

from a gmail account because for some

reason I do not receive them!

If you do have a gmail account, let me know on my blog

and we will make other arrangements.

No crafts today--I need a break from blogging seven days straight!

Have a wonderful Sunday, my friends.

"If you want an accounting of

your worth, count your friends."

--Merry Browne

Saturday, January 14, 2012

What is Your Favorite Product? Here's Mine

Do you pay a couple hundred dollars every so often to have your tile and grout professionally cleaned?

I am here to say you don't need to anymore if you don't mind exerting a little elbow grease on your hands and knees.

Since I have quite a big area of tile, I don't tackle this job all at one time so it doesn't get too tedious.

The tile on the right was first sprayed --

I used Cedarwood & Sage Multi-Purpose Cleaner from Trader Joe's.

Then I took a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser over it in a circular motion,

and wiped it off with a wet rag.

I keep a bucket of water next to me and change it every so often.

Can you see the difference??

HUGE!

I did not have a new package to show you,

but I first talked about these

Magic Erasers here.

Someone wrote in that she cuts them in half so they last longer

and buys them in bulk at Sam's Club.

I have also heard that the erasers are made of melamine foam and that you can

purchase the material much cheaper on Amazon.

I love Magic Erasers in the bathroom too--in the shower and tub!

I have had friends call and thank me for telling them about this product..

So today is the final day to leave a comment for the

Giveaway of a $25 Amazon Gift Card

which will be announced tomorrow.

Today's question is:

Do you have a favorite product that you use in the kitchen

or around your house?

Or perhaps it's a beauty aid or cosmetic.

I know everyone has at least one--let's share!!

Friday, January 13, 2012

A Hug for You

This was a fun card to make. I did the cutting last night while we were watching
Water for Elephants. Little did I know when I ordered this movie from Netflix
last week that it would be the recipient of the People's Choice Award for the
Best Drama Movie. I read the book a few years ago and liked it very much.
They showed the previews for Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. I will have to see
if I can get that on Netflix. If you have not read that book, it is wonderful!!!

The template for this card is from Cardmaking Paradise and you can print it off HERE.

After I cut it out, I used three papers from a 6 x 6 pack that SU

came out with last year. I love those packs because all the papers coordinate

with each other. I traced the letters on the back side of the paper so

the pencil marks would not show.

I cut a small slit in the fold with my Exacto knife

so I could run the ribbon through it. This allowed you to open the card..

And, did I not have the perfect sentiment for the inside??

If you can't read it, it says,

"This is not an ordinary greeting card,

it's a hug with a fold in the middle."

I love it when a plan comes together!

Edited 2/29--This card was entered in the

Our Daily Bread Other Than a Square or Rectangle Challenge.

Freebie Friday

Check out Cardmaking Paradise

for this HUG template and others, such

as a Champagne Bottle and Garden Glove.

You have to be member to access many of the files,

but there are several that are free.

Maybe you will want to join for full access.

There's lots of cardmaking tips and tricks--

a wealth of information.

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

To celebrate my one year anniversary of blogging (January 8),

I am giving away a

$25 Amazon gift card--
to be announced next Sunday, January 15.

You will have all week to leave a comment, (any comment)
which will enter you in the drawing.

For each comment you leave, on any post,
starting last Monday,
you will get an entry in the drawing.

If you leave a comment every day through Saturday,

your name will be entered

seven times in the drawing.

If you are an anonymous commenter,
please put your name in the comment
so I will know who you are!
I think that would be one without a google account.

Here is today's question--

What is your favorite movie or book?

Thursday, January 12, 2012

A Collection of Boxes for Sinful Sweets

Giving a gift in a pretty box can be almost as special as the gift itself.

I love having them on hand for that last-minute gift occasion.

In this collection, the one in the back was made out of two pieces of

12 x 12 inch card stock-weight scrapbook paper.

This is what the inside looks like so you can get a better idea.

It is actually an easy origami box and requires no adhesive or cutting.

The main thing to remember is that you can start with any size squares--

just make the bottom 1/2 inch smaller.

My squares were 12 x 12 for the top and 11-1/2 x 11-1/2 for the bottom.

It looks nice with a piece of tissue paper in it, don't you think?

This is a piece of Martha Stewart's.

I can just visualize it filled with candy or cookies

for a Valentine's gift.

You can find the instructions for making this

Origami Box HERE.

The hydrangea rose pillow box is a free printable template

that you can find HERE.

(Tip--Just print page 1)

The pillow box opens at each end by scoring

on the curved lines and gently pushing them in.

****Note--I did add a 1/4 inch margin to one of the long sides

so that there was a way to attach the two sides

when it was folded in half.****

The third box is a simple cube box that measures

1-1/4 inch x 1-1/4 x 1-1/4.

It is also a free printable template

that you can find HERE.

Tip: When you need a fine-line scoreline, use the back side of your Exacto knife.

That is what I used on these two templates and it worked like a charm.

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

To celebrate my one year anniversary of blogging (January 8),

I am giving away a

your name will be entered

seven times in the drawing.

If you are an anonymous commenter,
please put your name in the comment
so I will know who you are!
I think that would be one without a google account.

If you are not already a follower,

I would really appreciate it if you would become one!

Here is today's question:

Do you remember any special gift you received as a child

or one that you gave to someone else?

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

A Good Deviled Egg Recipe

I just don't see very many recipes for deviled eggs around, but I have a good one, so I thought I'd share it with you . I think it is from an old Better Homes and Gardens cookbook, but I couldn't swear to that.
I love making deviled eggs for a number of reasons:

They are a great appetizer or fill-in dish with any kind of meal. You have to have them at Easter!
Men love deviled eggs!
Most of the time, you have all of the ingredients on hand, so it is a great go-to recipe.
They are inexpensive to make.
They are easy to make, even though a lot of people don't like to make them--for some reason.

I am often asked to bring these to a gathering, so they must be good.

Deviled Eggs

6 eggs

2 T. mayonnaise--heaping

1 tsp. apple cider vinegar

1 tsp. prepared mustard

1/2 tsp. paprika

1/4 tsp. salt and pepper, each--or to taste

Boil eggs and peel. I always do a few extra in case I have trouble peeling them. Slice and remove yolks. Combine yolks and all other ingredients in mixer until smooth. Fill eggs. If you want them to be pretty, put the filling in a pastry bag or a ziploc bag with a hole in the corner and then fill. Garnish the top with paprika. Carefully cover and chill in refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before serving.

Note: For an extra zing, add a bit of horseradish or wasabi, or a mustard that has one of those ingredients in it.

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

To celebrate my one year anniversary of blogging (January 8),

I am giving away a
$25 Amazon gift card--
to be announced next Sunday, January 15.

You will have all week to leave a comment, (any comment)
which will enter you in the drawing.

For each comment you leave, on any post,
starting last Monday,
you will get an entry in the drawing.

If you leave a comment every day through Saturday,

your name will be entered
seven times in the drawing.

If you are an anonymous commenter,
please put your name in the comment
so I will know who you are!
I think that would be one without a google account

Here is today's question...

Do you enjoy cooking?

If so, what types of food do you enjoy making the most?

Have a wonderful one--

Mine's busy!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

White on White

Layering white on white can create a very effective card. It is one of my favorite looks and one I don't use enough. I chose it for a sympathy card that I needed to make.

SU Embossing Folder by Sizzix--Elegant Bouquet--3-3/4 x 4-1/2

with tiny punched flowers popped up on top of the embossed flowers

Scalloped border--Fiskars punch

Textile embossed layer--4-1/8 x 5-3/8

Card base--4-1/4 x 5-1/2

Half pearl embellishments

Stamp--My Sentiments Exactly

I used my stamp-a-ma-jig for the placement of the sentiment.

I pinned this affirmation on my Musings and Affirmations Pinboard today:

and it brought this conversation to mind...

The other day I was talking with a few friends about New Year's resolutions. One friend shared that instead of making a whole bunch of specific resolutions, she chooses a specific, meaningful word every year to focus on--practicing it, living it, reading about it--

using it in her daily life.

In the past she has chosen forgiveness, hope, faith, grace--

this year she had chosen peace.

I thought it was a wonderful idea

and decided to choose gratitude.

If you were going to choose one word, what would it be?

That is the question for the day!

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

To celebrate my one year anniversary of blogging (January 8),

Monday, January 9, 2012

How Organized Are You?

Valentines are popping up all over blog land so I thought I'd better

get with it, even though there are a few Christmas decorations.

still lurking around the house.

I have quite a few heart stamps that have never seen ink, and this

cube stamp by Just for You is one of them.

There are four hearts on one stamp--I stamped them with Versamark and then used Black Diamond embossing powder. The card stock that I stamped them on was a glossy piece that I had in my stash. The effect was created by using alcohol inks. Thank goodness I remember to swipe the paper with my embossing buddy first--otherwise I would have had specks of embossing powder

everywhere.

I have been going through drawers in my craft room and

found all sorts of unfinished projects.

My goal is to try my best to utilize some of these pieces in up-to-date

projects rather than start from scratch.

I also found the white embossed piece and thought the swirls went

perfectly with the swirls on the hearts.

I cut out the hearts, and popped up the love one.

This card was inspired by one that I had pinned on my Pinterest board

that you can find HERE.

I'm sure you can figure out which one it is!

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

To celebrate my one year anniversary of blogging (January 8),

I am giving away a
$25 Amazon gift card--
to be announced next Sunday, January 15.

You will have all week to leave a comment, (any comment)
which will enter you in the drawing.

For each comment you leave, on any post,
starting yesterday,
you will get an entry in the drawing.

If you leave a comment every day through Saturday,

So here is today's question--

Do you have an unfinished project that you hope to work on this year?

Do you have plans to de-clutter or organize some part of your house?

P.S. I'm sorry this is such a late post!!

I played mah jongg today.

Congrat to Karen for winning with a concealed pairs hand!

Sunday, January 8, 2012

This Is a Day of New Beginnings

This Is a Day of New Beginnings was our closing hymn at church this morning and an appropriate title for today's blog, being that I am begining my second year of blogging today!

January 8th, 2011--I took the big plunge and began blogging. I sure have had my ups and downs, but definitely more ups than downs! I have made a lot of projects that I would not have made otherwise, which was one of the reasons I wanted to start blogging. You know how it is--putting things off without a real deadline or anyone to be accountable to, especially when you are retired.

The biggest adrenalin rush has been knowing that there are other women out there who find my blog worthy of a few minutes of their time --my followers and subscribers, I can't thank you enough. I am always striving to increase those numbers. It gives me validation, something we all need in one form or another. I feel like I have met some wonderful women that I would not have otherwise known.

Of course, I appreciate my other readers even though I don't know who you are.

And I can't forget to mention my projects that have been recognized this past year by other bloggers. What an honor that has been.

I would considered the following as: My Most Popular Posts of 2011

Crazy About Cupcakes

winner of an Etsy inspired cupcake challenge

My First Tutorial--Ruffled Ribbon

Featured on Craft Gossip

How to Print on Ribbon
Featured on Craft Gossip

How to Make Strawberry Limoncello Shots
Most viewed recipe

Springtime Wishes
Card receivng most comments

Love Letters
Received kudos on Splitcoast Stampers

Baker's Twine: Finding a Practical Way to Store It
Best craft tip

Peeps in a Jar
Most viewed holiday craft

GIVEAWAY--GIVEAWAY--GIVEAWAY

To celebrate my one year anniversary of blogging, I am giving away a
$25 Amazon gift card--
to be announced next Sunday, January 15.

You will have all week to leave a comment,
which will enter you in the drawing.

For each comment you leave, on any post,
starting today,
you will get an entry in the drawing.

If you leave a comment every day through Saturday, your name
will be entered
seven times in the drawing.

If you are an anonymous commenter,
please put your name in the comment
so I will know who you are!
I think that would be one without a google account.

So here is today's quesstion?

What was one positive and new experience did you have in 2011
that stands out in your mind?
Redecorated a room, discovered a great recipe, read an inspiring book,
started a new job that you really love, took a much-needed vacation.

It can be big or small--whatever pops into your mind as being fun or satisfying.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Drawing on Others for Card Inspiration

When I am looking for inspiration, one of the things I do is look through some
of the member galleries on Splitcoast Stampers. One of my favorite stampers
is Karen Dunbrook. I spotlighted her back in February and you can find that post HERE..

I have some of her cards on my CAS Pinboard on Pinterest too. Please don't tell me you haven't discovered this fantastic resource yet??? I pinned these cards there so that when I want to make something similar, I know just when to find it! No more hunting and searching--it's right there on my Pinboard. I pinned this card of Karen's: