Happy Birthday Trevor!

My brother in law's birthday is on Wednesday so I decided to make him a card in a box.  I was going to try and get 32 candles to fit in this box, but I decided that it was going to be impossible. He will just get to feel a bit younger with only 9 instead of 32 candles.  Hopefully, he will enjoy his card and the lovely message on the back.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Hedgehog Valentine's Day Card

Since I haven't made my honey a Valentine's card yet, I decided that probably should do that tonight.  I was going to use fish or turtles, but I felt like I have done that enough.  After searching through my Silhouette library, I came across these cute hedgehogs.  It is a little different, but I know he is going to love it.  I don't really know what we are going to do for Valentine's, but I would be okay with just staying at home and spending the night together.  We haven't done that in a while, but whatever we do it will be great.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Valentine's Day Cards

Today was a great day.  I went to the headache clinic and finally got some answers.  I am hoping that the treatment plan is a success and I can function like a normal person in the near future.  Since I had my appointment today that meant no school for me which gave me a few extra hours to make some cards.  I decided to make two cards tonight so that I could sent out all my Secret Sisters packages out tomorrow.  I don't really like going to the post office more than once in a week so I thought it would be a good idea to get it all taken care of at the same time.  I really hope they enjoy their cards this month.  I have had a lot of fun so far getting to know my Secret Sisters and receiving happy mail every month.  It makes going to the mailbox fun again since there is more than just bills in there now.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

This is one of my favorite techniques called "Starburst."

Not your traditional Valentine's Day colors, but I still like how all of the colors came together. 

Sending Sympathy and Prayers...

Today my family said goodbye to a wonderful person that I am glad that I got to know.  Unfortunately, I could not make it to the funeral, but I am going to send a card to show them that I am thinking about them during this difficult time.  It is never easy to say goodbye to someone you love and it makes it even harder when it is your sister or daughter.  As hard as it is to day goodbye to a love one, I feel that making a sympathy is just as hard.  It took me a little searching to figure out how I wanted to make my card.  The original idea came from Terry Morelli, but I changed it a little bit to make it my own.  The card turned out great and I hope that my family gets through this difficult time.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Rough Day

Today was one of those day where I should have just stay in bed all day.  I wasn't feeling well to begin with, but then we received some bad news that one of my cousins past away.  It was a blessing since she couldn't move or talk anymore, but it is still hard to hear.  Her beautiful smile and personality will be greatly missed. Since I wasn't really feeling in the card creating mood so I just created a Thank You card.  It doesn't really fit how the day ended, but I have great co-workers that let me cry on their shoulder after I heard the news.  If it wasn't for them, I won't have made it though the last few hours of school.  They are great people and I love how they come together when people really need them.  Thank you to everyone that helped me make it through the afternoon today.  It was greatly appreciated.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Stampin UP Supplies:  Rich Razzberry Cardstock & Ink, Coastal Cabana Ink, Melon Mambo Ink, Whisper White Cardstock, Sassy Salutations Stamp Set

Card Sketch

Unfortunately, I was not feeling well this evening so I couldn't go to the shoe box swap.  There will always be next time.  Tonight I decided to try a card sketch and I think it came out pretty cool.  I think I am going to have to try some more card sketches in the near future.  The sketches give you an idea where to start when you need some next inspiration, but they it leaves a lot of room for creative.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Stampin UP Supplies:  Pumpkin Pie Ink, Tag It Stamp Set

Non-Stampin UP Supplies:  Creative Memories Star Punch, Polka Dot Cardstock

A Simple Card

Since I had to prepare for my shoe swap tomorrow night, I didn't have much time left over to create tonight's card.  I settled on an easy card since I wanted to get to bed a little bit early.  My simple card turned out great and I really like it.  Sometimes the simple cards turn out the best.  Just because it is simple doesn't mean it is any less of a card.  It is still created from the heart and the person still joins the thought and effort put into it.   I sometimes feel bad when I make an easy card since I know that I am not challenging myself, but I have to remember that I live a busy life and I can't always challenge myself everyday.  On another note, I got another package from my Secret Sister today and I received a stamp set with coordinating punch that I have been wanting to buy for awhile now.  Who knew getting "happy mail "would make going to the mailbox so much more exciting.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.  

Stampin UP Supplies:  Whisper White Cardstock, Rich Razzleberry Cardstock & Ink, Petite Petals Stamp Set & Punch, Sassy Salutations Stamp Set, Pearls, Decorative Dots Embossing Folder

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today was a wonderful day.  It was great seeing my students after having 4 days off even though they tired me out.  Tonight's creation is another Valentine's day card.  I do not know who will receive this card, but it is always nice to have a few extras on hand.  This card turned out super cute just like the others I have made.  I wish I would have had a few more choice when it came to Valentine paper, but it happens.  I have all of these cute Valentine cards, but I have not made one for my Fiance yet.  Good thing I still have time to come up an idea since it seems like making cards for him is getting a little tougher this days.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Stampin UP Supplies:  Brown Sugar Cardstock, Strawberry Slush Cardstock & Ink, Whisper White Cardstock, Language of Love Stamp Set, Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set, Owl Punch, Jewels

Non-Stampin UP Supplies:  Creative Memories Heart Punch, Valentine's Day Cardstock

Rubber Ducky

Since my nephew will be here in less then 7 weeks, I am starting to create a few baby shower cards for those attending the shower in early February.  It is always fun creating cards for others and for different events/occasions.  This card was created using my Silhouette and it is absolutely adorable.  I hope it is liked by others as much as I like it.  I think my favorite part of the card is how the "Congratulations" fits perfectly on the bath tube.  I was hoping to put bubbles on the overlay, but I felt like there wasn't even room so I skipped that part.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Stampin UP Supplies:  Happy Congratulations Stamp Set

Non-Stampin UP Supplies:  Cardstock, Sillhouette

Monster In Love

With another cold wave starting tomorrow, I got a phone call from my school saying "we were closing both Monday and Tuesday."  I love having days off when they are unexpected, but I am not looking forward to making up all of these days come June.  Having the next two days off gives me extra time in my craft room to work on cards for my three Secret Sisters.  I will definitely enjoy it and it will be great way to send my time since it will be super cold outside.  But enough about having two days off, let's discuss tonight's creation.

Tonight I used my Silhouette to make my Monster In Love.  This image was a free SVG file from Miss Kate Cuttables.  I always love downloading here freebie of the day and thinking of different ways I can use them in my project.  When I just saw the Monster In Love, I knew I had to make a Valentine card with it since he was so cute.  Also, what kid won't enjoy getting an Valentine card with this guy on it.  I feel like this card is missing something on the front, but it is cute none the less.  I will have to make another card, but this time with a girl monster.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Envelope Card

Just when I thought we were going to have a heat wave today, the wind had to pick up and ruin that dream. It was warmer today then it has been in the last week, but I was hopping for a little more sunshine and a little less one.  Even though it wasn't as warm as they said it was going to be due to wind chill, I will take it since we are going to be -50 below zero with wind chill on Monday.  Spring is not coming soon enough for this girl.  I can handle snow, but this cold weather is not fun.  But enough about the weather and my complaints, let's discuss tonight's creation.

Since I am on this new kick of trying something new at last once a week, I thought I would try something new again tonight.  Tonight's creation is made using my envelope punch.  It is an envelope card.  An envelope and a card all in one.  It turned out pretty neat.  I should have used a lighter color for the purple dots on card overlay, but you can still read what it says.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Stampin UP Supplies:  Label Love Stamp Set, Bring On The Cake Stamp Set, Gorgeous Grunge Stamp Set, Artisan Label Punch, Envelope Punch, Melon Mambo Cardstock and Ink, Bermuda Bay Ink, Whisper White Cardstock, Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Card Stock

Sun!

I don't know about you but it has been super cold around here so a little sun would be nice.  We will be getting some sun tomorrow before it turns cold again.  I thought this card was very fitting since we will finally get to see the sun after not having it around for days.  We will have to get out and enjoy the sun tomorrow because you never know when it will come back.  I used my banner punch from the Sale-A-Bration to make the sun and you get it free when you spend $50 dollars.  This card turned out super cute and it would be a perfect to give to someone that might be feeling under the weather.  Until next time, happy carding everyday.

Stampin UP Supplies:  Banner Punch, Decorative Dots Embossing Folder, Circle Framelits

Non-Stampin UP Supplies:  Cardstock, Silhouette

Baby Onesies

Today was a great day filled with lots of information, but it was a bit overwhelming at the same time.  I had a 1:1 Chromebook training and they give us a lot of great information.  Now I just need to figure out where to start.  I love going to conferences and different trainings, but they give you so much great information you don't have any idea where to begin.  I do have one thing I will be doing tomorrow with the students and I hope they like it.  Since today was filled with lots of information and my brain feels like it is in overdrive, I made an easy card using my Silhouette.  Even though this was an easy card to create, I love how it turned it.  It is a pretty card for a baby shower.  I might have to make one in blue for my sister in law's baby shower in February.  Until next time, happy carding everyday.

Bargello Technique

Tonight I decided to try a new technique called Bargello.  It is a very neat technique that can have several different outcomes depending on how you lay the strips of paper.  I love trying out new techniques and this one turned our pretty neat, but I already know what I will change for next time so it works even better.  Until next time, happy carding everyone!

Stampin UP Supplies:  Bring On The Cake Stamp Set, Deco Label Collection Framelits, Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper, Whisper White Cardstock, Real Read Cardstock, Marina Mist Ink

Non-Stampin UP Supplies:  Happy Birthday Cuttlebug Embossing Folder

Directions:  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/bargello/

Two Pocket Treat/Card Holder

It never seems like the weekends are long enough and before we know it, it's Monday again.  Monday wasn't a horrible day, but it was very exhausting as usual.  Those students must catch up on their sleep on the weekends because they have way more energy then I usually do.  Today I wanted to try something new and it wasn't too complicated so I decided that I could tackle it on a Monday.  My Secret Sister sent me a Two Pocket Card Holder and I absolutely loved it.  Her holder held four cards each with a different sentiment and it was so cute.  Instead of holding four cards, I created one mini card and will put candy on other side.  This will make a great gift for someone on Valentine's Day.  I would love to make one for each one of my students, but with 400 plus students that is a little hard to do.  The holder was super easy to create after I watched the video.  I wish I would have had cards for the holder, but the flower works as well.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Mini Card

Two Pocket Treat/Card Holder

Stampin UP Supplies:  I {heart} Hearts Stamp Set, Mix Bunch Stamp Set, Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set, Blossom Punch, Real Red Ink, Melon Mambo Ink, Polka Dot Parade Designer Paper, Whisper White Cardstock

Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7fRPgdWIDs

Just Another Lazy Sunday

Sundays are our day to be lazy and do absolutely nothing.  It is a great way to start the week.  Having to make a card is always in the plans for a lazy Sunday, but it something I enjoy doing so it is never a hassle. Today's creation is part of an order that I received last week for their Grandma.  After looking at Pinterest for a few ideas, I came across some inspiration and decided to use my Silhouette to create this card.  It came together very nicely.  When I was finished with the card, I decided to add the butterflies as something extra since I felt like there was too much open space.  I hope her Grandma enjoys her card as well as her birthday on Saturday.  Until next time, happy carding everyone!

Card In A Box

Today I had a few friends over that love to make cards just as much as I do.  They wanted to learn new techniques and of course learn how to make a new card.  Since I have been wanting to make a card in a box for a few weeks now, I thought this would be a perfect card for all of us to learn to make at the same time. It took us a while to get through all of the steps, but we caught on quickly.  Once the box was completed, the hard part was done.  The card in a box turned out very neat.  This is the smaller version and I hope to make the larger one in the near future for one of my Secret Sisters.  Until next time, happy carding everyone!

Stampin UP Supplies:  Label Love Stamp Set, Flower Shop Stamp Set, Petite Petals Stamp Set, Bird Punch, Petite Petals Punch, Artisan Label Punch, Pansy Punch, Black Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Melon Mambo Ink, Bermuda Bay Ink, Rich Razzleberry Ink, Whisper White Cardstock, Designer Paper

Video Tutorial:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_IUKzv07AE

Sending Good Thoughts Your Way

After a very long day at school, I decided an easy card was in order tonight.  Tonight's inspiration came from Pinterest of course since I am too tired to think.  I love how all of the colors come together and really make this card pop.  I sure can't get enough of the Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper from Stampin UP.  I will have to make sure I order a few extra packs before the end of June.  Since I feel like I have been doing a lot of easy cards this week, I am going to try some new techniques and card ideas this weekend.  It does help though that I am having a friend over that loves to make cards as well.  It is always more fun with a friend or two.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Stampin UP Supplies:  Perfect Pennants Stamp Set, Banner Framelits, Decorative Dots Embossing Folder, Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper, Baked Brown Sugar Cardstock, Coastal Cabana Card Stock, Calypso Coral Cardstock, Basic Gray Ink

Whale you be mine?

Today was a great day.  We had an early release at school due to the weather so I was home a few hours earlier than normal.  I decided to relax for a little bit before creating tonight's creation.  Before I decided on a theme for tonight's card, I checked out Miss Kate Cuttables website and found this adorable whale with a cute saying to go along with it.  Using my Silhouette, I cut out the different layers of the whale and the message.  This card turned out absolutely adorable.  I know the saying is a little cheesy, but "be mine" gets boring after a while.  I can't wait to give this card to someone special.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Supplies:  Silhouette,  Miss Kate Cuttable SVG files, cardstock

Another Valentine's Card

After being home for the past two days due to snow days, I decided that I wanted to tackle something that was a bit more challenging for me.  When I attempted to make a shaker card last year, it didn't turn out to well, but I found a great tutorial today by another demonstrator and just had to try it.  (Since I am trying to make my blog post shorter, I will post the link for the tutorial at the bottom of the page.)  After reading the demonstrator's blog, I would have never thought to use the outside parts of the dimensionals.  It was a great tip that I learned today and worked beautifully.  Since I have not purchased the heart framelits yet, I used my Silhouette to cut out the heart from the overlay.  This card turned out way better than my first attempt, but it still needs some works.  I think I put too many hearts in the inside since they don't move very well when you shake it.  Overall, the card was a success and there is always something that needs to be changed.  Until next time, happy carding everyone.

Directions: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/lauralaures/blogdirectBlogUrl=/blog/104779/entry/shaker_card_valentine