Growing in Unity Day # 2

Thanks for stopping by again for my growing in Unity Week.  I just love their stamps and one of my favorite lines in the Phyllis Harris stamps.  She also sells prints on Etsy and I have bought some for the kids rooms (she will also customize them for you).  I decided to use one of my Phyliss Harris stamps and went back to one of my absolute favorites.  My daughter will be starting a new school soon and I always thought this stamp was so inspiring for girls.  It's been one of my favorite and well used stamps of hers, but there are so many favorites.

Please leave a comment and at the end of the week I will randomly select two winners who will receive a prize pack of 25 random unity stamps.  Good luck to everyone and don't forget to check yesterdays post, I will be selecting from all the comments.

Supplies used: Unity Stamps, Touch Markers, MME Paper, Memento Ink

Growing in Unity Day # 1

I am so excited, I can't believe its that time already but I am incredibly honored to be this weeks Growing in Unity Girl for the week veteran.  They have such great quality stamps and amazing sales (seriously who can resist them, I know I can't).   I have been buying Unity stamps for about 4 years and have built up a considerable inventory.  This week I am going to use some of the stamps I bought but haven't used.  I will start with this one, I have a whole collection of these and they are some of my favorites. 

Please leave a comment and at the end of the week I will randomly select two winners who will receive a prize pack of 25 random unity stamps.  Good luck to everyone.

Supplies used: Unity Stamps, CTMH Ink, Stamp Tool, AC Cardstock, Doily Die

HIMCR #282 - Freestyle!

This weeks sponsor is Di's DigiStamps!

 

The giveaway is $12 Gift Certificate to Di's DigiStamps!  They have some really cute images, I just love them.

 

Since we are doing freestyle I decided to break out my Unity Stamps since its been a while since I got to use them and I was also in the middle of organizing them (yet again lol). 

 

 

Supplies used: MME Paper, Spellbinders, Unity Stamps

 

 

 

HIMCR #267 - Designer Paper X3!

Welcome the the HIMCR #267 Designer Paper x 3.  This weeks challenge is to use 3 pieces of designer paper.  This weeks challenge is sponsored by DCWV and one lucky winner will receive a priza pack worth $100.00

For this weeks card, I grabbed my hexagon punch and made a strip on the left and stamped a sentiment on the bottom.  Good luck and I can't wait to see what you create.

Supplies used:  DCWV Sweet Tangerine, Unity SM Stackers, Distress Ink

HIMCR #260 - Christmas in July!!

Welcome to the Christmas in July Challenge at Hiding in My Craft Room, this weeks challenge is sponsored by DCWV.  They are one of my favorite paper companies and I personally love their stacks for mini albums especially, its very economical especially when you give them as gifts.  I made this card from the French Country Stack, it wasn't Christmas but I love the shabby/vintage look of this stack and these papers were the perfect backdrop for this Snow Peep from Unity.  Don't forget to enter for your chance to win a box of goodies worth $100, I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Supplies used: DCWV, Unity Stamps, Shinhan Touch Markers, Stickles

HIMCR # 256 - Any Holiday

This week the challenge from Hiding My Craft Room is to create a project for any holiday.  I was given this wonderful stamp from Sami Stamps.  I just love how the kitten looks, my daughter is in love with this stamp and is already planning to use it on her tribute to her recently deceased kitty.  This weeks prize is a $12 Gift Certificate to their store, all you need to do is link your project to Hiding In My Craft Room and follow the rules to make sure you qualify.  Good luck and I look forward to seeing your creations.

Supplies use: Sami Stamps, Unity Stamps, Spellbinders, Fancy Pants Paper, Sequins, MME Paper

Happy Mothers Day

Now that Mother's day is past, I can post the cards I made for my mom and mother in law.  I love this stamp set from Unity.  I cut the butterfly out and popped it up with some foam dots and cut out the frame with a spellbinders set.  I am entering this in the Hiding in My Craftroom Challenge, you can also enter here

 http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/2016/05/himcr-252-any-holiday.html

Supplies used: Unity stamps, Craftsmith paper, Shinhan touch markers, Memento ink

Shadow Box

Here is a shadow box I made from spellbinders dies and chipboard.  I used to have a tutorial on Instructagram on how to make you own shadow box but when I went to link it I realized it was gone, so I will make another using step by step photos.  I also layered the flowers by stamping them multiple times, cutting, and then layering  various pieces of the flowers but its so hard to get the dimension of this in a picture.  First I was fighting with a reflection and shadows from the frame and then second trying to get a good shot of the inside bits it really tough but it is very dimensional and nicer in real life.

Supplies used: Unity Stamps, Shinhan Touch Markers, Enamel Dots, Spellbinders Scallop Squares, Squares, Floral Flourishes

Quick and Easy Mini Album

I just wanted to share a quick and easy mini album I figured out how to make. A friend brought one to a crop but couldn't remember how to make it so once I had the pattern figured out I made one for myself. I think this is a nice one that would make a great gift and since it has pockets I put some photo mats in them and stamped a journal box on the other side and added some washi for a cute touch.

Mini Album Closed

 

Mini Album Fully Unfolded (notice all the photo mats)

 

 

 

Closeup of the journal box

 

 

Supplies used: Unity Stamps Take Note, Craft Smith Mint Pink, Washi, Enamel Dots

Growing in Unity Day # 5

Well its my last day for Growing in Unity and I hope you enjoyed the projects, I know I have enjoyed creating them.  Don't forget to leave a comment on each day this week for your chance to be one of two lucky people who will receive a random selection of 25 Unity Stamps. 

This last card is a Christmas card I made using the cutest snowman stamps called Little Frosty Friends.  I love making easel cards, they are kind of my go to card.  I think it must be the size and shape (I love square cards) that make it my favorite and while I try not to over do them I couldn't not do one for this week.   For the stopper on the easel part I cut out two poinsettias from the Spellbinders set and used sequins as the centres.  I really like how it turned out and will use it for some of my Christmas cards this season.  I can't give everyone one because many people don't know how to open/prop them up.

Supplies used:  Unity Stamps, MME Lost and Found Christmas, Memento Ink, Spellbinders Poinsettias and Lacy Ovals, Sequins, MS Holly Punch, AC Cardstock

Growing in Unity Day # 4

Welcome to day 4 of my Growing in Unity week, I hope you have enjoyed the projects so far and if you haven't already done so don't forget to leave a comment for more chances to win.  At the end of the week I will be drawing two names from all the comments and they will receive 25 random Unity Stamps prize package.

As I mentioned on yesterdays project I have been making card sets for the teachers/day care people for Christmas gifts.  This is one of the card sets I have made the strips are made from paper using Blossom Glam by Craftsmith, I need to come up with a more masculine set for the male teacher but this one is for my daughters grade 4 teacher.  It suits her personality and judging by her own stamp collection I think she may be a crafter too.

Supplies used: Unity Stamps, Craft Smith Blush Glam, Twinery Gold Twine, CTMH Ink, Spellbinders Labels 22

Growing in Unity Day # 3

Welcome to day 3 of my Growing in Unity, it's my second time doing it and it is a complete blast.  I am a huge fan of Unity Stamps, and while I used to prefer clear stamps I have now become a red rubber fan.  I love the quality of the stamps and while some companies make great quality clear some do not and I find I don't have to worry about the image quality when am using them.  Please leave a comment on each day of my blog and I will draw two winners to receive 25 random Unity Stamps.

With the Christmas season coming up I need to get some teacher and daycare gifts done.  I used the Angie Girl Jen (teacher), and colored the image and then fussy cut it out.  I then stamped the blackboard on black cardstock and heat embossed the white ink with embossing powder to get a more vibrant image.   I will be giving the teachers a set of thank you cards as a gift so be sure to check out tomorrows post to see one of the sets.

Supplies used: Unity Stamps, Craft Smith Mint Pink Paper, Shinhan Markers, Memento Ink, Ranger Embossing Powder, CTMH Ink

 

Growing in Unity Day # 2

Welcome back to my blog for day two of my Growing in Unity.  If you missed yesterdays post don't forget to go back because at the end of the week I will be selecting two random winners from the comments to receive a random pack of 25 stamps. 

I always struggle to make boyish or masculine cards but my little boy just turned 6 so I am getting better at doing them.  This card is a uses the birthday stamp from the July kit of the month, I love this birthday stamp, it's so versatile and pairs well with my extensive spellbinders collection since it is a circle shape.  Too be honest my son wasn't impressed with his card it was the batman cake I made that he loved but I hope when he gets older he appreciates my cards (wishful thinking I know).

 

 

Supplies used:  Unity Stamps July KOTM, Memento Ink, AC Cardstock, DCWV Monsters and Robots Paper, Spellbinders Standard Circles Small and Large.

 

 

Growing in Unity Day # 1

I am so excited, I can't believe its that time again but I am incredibly honoured to be this weeks Growing in Unity Girl for the week.  I love Unity stamps and last year I took the plunge and signed up for the stamp of the month kit.  I absolutely love getting my kit each month, but my favorite part is that it give me a chance to use stamps that I wouldn't have otherwise chosen for myself.  This card is an example, while I absolutely love the stamp I don't know if I would have bought it without having a use in mind.  Well after using it I knew it would be perfect for a wedding, engagement card or even valentines card for my hubby. Please leave a comment and at the end of the week I will randomly select two winners who will receive a prize pack of 25 random unity stamps.  Good luck to everyone.

Supplies used: Unity Stamp Kit of the Month, Shinhan Markers, Memento Ink

Ink Swatches

Wow I knew it had been awhile since I posted but I am just realizing how long it truly has been.  The main reason for my hiatus was that we decided to redecorate the basement where my craft room is located.  That meant packing up everything and then the unpacking and reorganization.  Anyway the unpacking has given me a chance to discover things I had forgotten and also to reorganize what I do have.  I love having my stuff organized and lately it feels as though I love to organize more than I create. 

I am done with the organizing bug and have actually finished a couple of projects, but with having a trailer in the summer that has no access to internet (no Wi-Fi or mobile internet coverage) it's had to update my blog.  For the next little bit I will post some of the projects even if they are late and show some of my organization projects.  If I can get the room to stay clean long enough I will also post before and after pictures.  Honestly the kids use our shared area as much as I do and I am always having to move their projects to work on mine.  The main difference is the paint colors, we got rid of the chair rail (lots of work) and painted everything teal and grey.  No more orange and yellow for me !!!

 Inside view of the blues, if I had a matching marker I put a squiggle

Cover of the binder, still needs some decoration but I couldn't just leave it plain so I used some Craft Smith paper and cut a cover

Distress inks were edged as well since they are what I use them most for, and for white/cream inks I stamped on black cardstock and then mounted to a white piece of cardstock

Anyway while I was unpacking everything I came across a lot of ink pads I forgot that I owned.  I have most of my main ones stored in a CTMH ink tower and my distress inks are in this, these are the inks I use most but there are others that I used when I think of them.  Anyway one of my online friends mentioned a Jennifer McGuire ink swatch book and I made my own using card sleeves instead of the coin pockets she used but it's a fabulous idea.  It does two things first I now have all my inks stamped out and second I know what it looks like on cardstock.  Sometimes the color on the label doesn't match or in the case of my distress inks I have inked the edges of the swatch so that I know what it looks like on the edge. 

I put mine is a small presentation binder and keep in on the counter besides my main ink storage.  I used this stamp from unity because it has some fine detail and this allows me to see how the ink pad handles those details.  Some of my pads were way too juicy that no matter how light I was it saturated the details so I put a note on the back.  It also allowed a direct comparison of my ink brands and I will say I love the memento inks, they stamp so nicely and hold the detail really well.

Supplies used: Unity Stamps, Craft Smith Paper, Various Inks

Julie's Blogoversary Blog Hop

Welcome to the 3rd Edition of "Julie's Blogoversary Blog Hop".  We're so glad you have joined us!  Julie has gathered together her friends and tons of sponsors to make this a GREAT event!

Here are our wonderful sponsors!

You'll be inspired by each stop of the hop.  The theme, "Lucky to Call You Friend" will be evident in the projects of Julie and her friends.  Many of the talented ladies have blog candy to give away on their blogs, so watch for that, and follow the individual rules on their blogs for how to win it.

Here is the complete hop list:

Julie - http://muddypawsinkyfingers.blogspot.com/  

Amy Hurley-Purdie - http://amyhurley.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Brenda - http://centralnyscrapper.blogspot.com/ 

Paula - http://scrapaddictsattic.blogspot.com/ 

Kary - http://karyg.blogspot.com.au/ 

Ruth - http://ruthscraftyplace.blogspot.com

Miwa - http://miwannascrap.blogspot.com/ 

Karen -  http://www.kernowdesigns.co.uk/blogoversary-blog-hop/

Chris- http://thriftysisters-chris.blogspot.com/

Regina   http://reginaeaster.blogspot.com/ 

Kathy - http://www.upinthenightwithkat.blogspot.com/

Donna K - http://createdbydonnak.blogspot.com/ 

Gwen -  http://windchimesandlilacs.blogspot.com/ 

Rachel -  http://kitchentablescrapper.blogspot.com/

Ema - http://ema-gination.blogspot.com

Polly - http://pazasproductions.blogspot.com/ 

Lucy - http://littlescrapsoflucy.blogspot.com/ 

Beth - http://nursiebethsbeauties.blogspot.com

Corrie - http://corriescrafts.blogspot.com/ -you are HERE

Maria - http://riacreations.blogspot.com - go HERE next!

Karen - http://karey2005.blogspot.com/

For this hop I decided to make a set of note cards, that could be given as a gift or used to send a note to a friend.  I am also offering some blog candy of my own so be sure to leave a comment and become follower for your chance to win.  

Supplies used: Memento Ink, Unity KOTM December Stamps, Card stock and Envelope maker

Do you want to know about the prizes, and how to win them?  Leave a comment on Julie's blog, with your email address, so she can send you the free digi paper that EVERYONE gets!  Leave a comment on each hop along the way.  Prizes will be hidden along the hop.  

Here are the prizes available:

The Cutting Cafe -- any 3 sets

DigiStamps4Joy -- 1st prize - $10 gift certificate and a Guest Designer spot on a challenge

                              2nd prize - 2 digis of choice

Fitztown -- 3 digis

Snapdragon Snippets -- $15 gift certificate

SVG Attic -- $15 gift certificate

3 Girl JAM -- $20 gift certificate

QKR Stampede -- 3 images

Eureka Stamps -- 3 images

Timeless Twine -- $20 gift certificate

Aurora Wings Stamps -- $15 in digis

Close To My Heart Stamp Set 

 Unity Stamp Company -- 25 random stamps

Decosse's Dynamite Doodles -- free digi paper for each participant

    3 mini sets of papers - grand prize

    3 individual sets for 3 other prizes

    Mini Heartland paper set 

Creative Bugs -- 5 images

Amy Doodle's Stamp Co. -- free image for everyone, plus 40% off of entire purchase for one lucky winner

Please enjoy this free image from Amy Doodle's Stamp Company -- Nerdy Girl!

It's time for the next stop on the hop!  Have fun, and thanks so much for participating!  Off you go to Maria's Blog!

Another Baby to Celebrate

I can't believe it but my nephew who I remember holding as a baby will be soon having a baby boy of his own.  I made this card to celebrate at the upcoming shower and decided to use the Unity Be Inspired Challenge.  I have made this style of card before and while I briefly considered making a different style my family knows this card and may be a bit hurt if I didn't make one for the special occasion. 

 

Supplies used: Spellbinders circles, Jumbo Scallops, Unity Stamps, Craft Smith Boardwalk Sorbet

Guest Designer for Twinery - For my Sweet Valentine

When I found out I was going to be featured on the Twinery Blog, I was so excited and immediately thought of making something for the World's Best Husband (he truly is).  

I know this sounds cheesy but I have the best husband in the world, he is so sweet and supportive of my hobby (aka my addiction) that he even buys me supplies without even asking (Unity Kit of the Month, Twinkling H2O's, Deco Pens).  We have been together for 20 years and every day is better than the last.  I always make him cards and especially on Valentines Day.  

I started out with the Banner and hung it using Caribbean Twine, but it still needed something on the bottom, so next I made a fan and went from there.  I love the little fans I think they are a cute little embellishment and the twine is perfect for tying the bottoms as well.

Supplies used:  Caribbean Twine, Unity Stamps Faded Music Background and Blossom Stackers, Spellbinders Font One Lower Case and Love Sentiments, AC Glitter Cardstock, Memento Ink

Using my SOTM-FWF

I was recently lucky enough to be given a subscription to Unity's stamp of the month club by my very sweet husband.  One of the things I love about getting the kit is that I get stamps I might not normally choose for myself and the woods were one of those.  I had also recently gotten some gesso but hadn't actually used it and this seemed like the perfect stamp to try stamping it with.  I love how it turned out and I even used my husbands Gelato's (got them as a Christmas gift for him, cough, cough ...).  We both love using the Gelato's so I see "us" getting some more in the future.

Supplies used: Unity KOTM, 3 Girl Jam Pastel Ribbon, Gelatos, Gesso, Unity Snow Peeps, Shinhan Twin Touch Markers

Catching up - FWF

I know its January and most likely cold where you are (it's very cold here) but I am getting caught up on layouts so here is a Halloween layout of my son from last year.  I have been challenging myself to use my stamps on layouts and I used two Unity sets (EP Times and Seasons Numbers and Ticket to Fun).

Here is the sketch I based it on:

Supplies Used: DCWV Cardstock, K&Company Spooktackular, Unity Stamps Times and Seasons and Ticket to Fun, MS Punch Aroungd Page Spiderweb,