Kiss Me

Be still my heart!  I do have a thing for paper and this paper set from Gecko Galz called Chocolate Box has totally stolen my heart!  Photo's don't do it justice, it looks like a very fine velvet in real life.  Before I share the rest of the details I have a tip for you.  For papers that are rich like this use photo  paper to print on, it gives it so much more depth and the same for your colored images, what a difference it makes!  I used Staples Photo Supreme double sided matte paper.   The sweet image is from the collage set called Kiss Me also from Gecko Galz.  I think I am going to have to use this one again, it is so inspiring.  One of those pictures that really speaks to you.  I printed it twice, cut the umbrella out and put a double piece of foam under the center and glued down the 3 bottom spines of the umbrella only.  Spellbinders gold frame (dollar Treasure card stock), and some Tim Holtz distress ink on the image edges.  I made the stick pin with supplies from Pizzazz Aplenty.  That puffy heart had a red and white striped bow so I colored it in with my red Atyou Spica glitter pen.  Well I hope you like this one, I am really happy with how it came out.  Thanks for looking.  ~Diane
I am entering the following challenges. 
Gecko Galz - Valentine using your image
Make it Monday - Anything goes
Dream Valley challenges - Anything goes 
Gingerloft Challenge - Anything goes
Ces Challenge - Vintage Dahling. 
The Hybrid Chic - Lots of sparkle 
Paper Craft Planet - Monday layering challenge

Another Pink Saturday

How sweet she is, Beverly is hosting her Pink Saturday again and I am in!  I made this card with Cheri Wengers Paris Chic digital set and I love it.  I made this card earlier this week but I saved it for Pink Saturday.  I really love how this came out, even though I have not quite figured out digital layering.  The pretty pink stripe paper is part of the set, I printed it out then ran the page through my printer again to add the rich dark pink border.  Some people can actually do that all together and print it out, till I master that step, this way works for me.  I fussy cut the Eiffel tower and added some Stickles to it.  The pink rhinestones (Pizzazz Aplenty) were set in silver Stickles also, I let the Stickles form a setting around them.  Added a die cut, doily and some distress ink and done!  Don't forget today is the last day of Cheri Wengers sale.  That's it for today, we finally have some snow here in Michigan, 5/10 of an inch, and heading back to the 40"s by Tuesday,  I love this mild winter!  Be sure to stop by and see Beverly and what everyone else has done for Pink Saturday.  Thanks for looking.  ~Diane

Love birds

Not your traditional Valentine with hearts I know.  I made this with a freebie from Cheri Wenger  (Don't forget she still has a sale going on).   MyGraphico has been offering some wonderful free images weekly from some very talented artists in the Brag Party Group.  The beautiful bird was the free image this week, it is 1 piece from the Lovey Dovey set.  I combined it with Cheri Wenger's SVG Framing Shapz 1, which I love.  True sign of a great SVG is when you can cut it into this small of a size and it still works, this set really does cut like butter.  The beautiful bubble pearls are from Pizzazz Aplenty.  , the colors were perfect for this card.  The papers are Tim Holtz glassine and Crafty Secrets.  I don't know why I save these beautiful papers, it's like I'm afraid to use them, lol.  Still figuring out my Big Shot Pro, I embossed the glassine and the and the Shapz with it.  I also used some Tim Holtz distress inks on this.  Thanks for looking.  ~Diane
Challenges I'm entering:
Penny's Paper Crafty - Birds in honor of bird week
Blogger Challenge - Wings and things

Butterfly Love

Just having some fun playing with one of my new Cheri Wengers sets.  Cheri gifted me the Paris Chic set, the one with with the heart, (Thanks again Cheri).  I loved tracing her beautiful scroll with Stickles, this did not photograph that well either. The heart is a pretty pale shade of lavendar/pink, it looks dull here.  The beautiful butterflies can be found in another one of her sets Stylish Butterflies.  I made another card with the Paris Chic set but I am holding it to post for Beverly's Pink Saturday later this week.  I like that one better, but my sons girlfriend will like this one better and I had her in mind when I made it.  These are Cheri's sets, I'll be back on Friday with the other card.    Thanks for looking~Diane

Check out her 4 day sale

New Year, New Set

Happy New Year to all of you.  I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday, I certainly did!  My daughter and her boyfriend came up from Kentucky to spend some much needed time with us.

So lets start the New Year with a New SVG Set from Lindsay's Stamp Stuff, Decorative Doilies.  This is such a versatile set, I can see I will be getting a lot of mileage out of this set and it cuts like butter too! I gave it a bit of a vintage look by using Tim Holtz distress ink on the doilie and the ribbon.  I picked up the metal charm from Making Memories on clearance a while back.  The embossing folder is Tim Holtz.  The pretty ruby rimstones are from Pizzazz APlenty.  The Envelope and Liner, are not just for Christmas, this design works perfect for any occasion.   

Thanks for looking ~Diane

I won A treasure Trove of Ideas from Cindy Adkins!

 I'm sure many of you know the talented Cindy Adkins from her blog Whimsical Musings, and her online magazine Whimsical Musings Magazine.  If you don't know her yet be sure to stop by her blogs.  To celebrate the release of her newest book 

Mixed Media Art: Living your Passion, she had a giveaway, which I was so fortunate to have won.  

This book includes:~Numerous original projects to create

Where to find myriad items for mixed media work

How to get your art displayed publicly

There are lots of projects you may also want to make as Christmas gifts too.  
I bought the book, it is awesome!  You will never go shopping the same way anywhere after you read this book!  So many helpful insights, great ideas on how to get your art out there and recognized!  There is a Kindle for PC version available so you don't even have to own a Kindle to read it.  The Kindle for PC is a free download and the book is only $2.99, a real steal if you ask me.  Great way to jump start your art for the new year too.

This is the “A Treasure Trove of Ideas” Prize Package I received.

~A gorgeous vintage locket (to create a “Remembrance Piece” like the one discussed in the book.)

~Hand-stamped seam binding with French writing to use in my own art.

~The original ATC created especially for the book which is signed and dated.

~A beautifully embossed “Creative Journey” journal embellished with Tim Holtz Ideology images.

~The original “Wish” Tag Book created especially for Mixed Media Art: Living Your Passion.

~12 tags to decorate and make tag books of my own.

I must say I am totally blown away!  Cindy's work is rich and gorgeous.  The awesome leather journal is going to take some real thought into what I will use it for, it is so elegant, I have never owned a journal this fine!  I want to keep it for something truly as special as it is.   These are all such beautiful keepsakes, the wish tag book and signed and dated ATC will find a special place of honor in my craft room.  And I can't wait to create my tags, locket and to use the gorgeous hand stamped seam binding!

About Cindy Adkins, she is a talented artist and writer, I love reading her books.    Her EBooks right now, "Blogging: It's a 'Woman' Thing" and "Blog from the Heart: A Woman's Guide to Blogging" hold the #1 and #2 spots respectively in women's blogging on Amazon!!!  That is amazing!  Cindy is  such a go give supporter of all of us in the blogging community.  She is the first one to promote and help other artists, featuring their work on her blogs and sharing links to them, I have met many of you through Cindy.  Thank you Cindy for the awesome win and thank you for all you do for all of your fellow artists.  Thanks for looking.  ~Diane

My Graphico Amazing Christmas Giveaway!

Click here to enter the Amazing Christmas Giveaway and tell them 1CardCreator sent you.

So many Amazing happenings over at MyGraphico this month!  Beginning with this awesome giveaway!  Quoted from the MyGraphico site.

"Every month, we give a fabulous prize package to one lucky winner.  We have been promoting these giveaways on our facebook page, and will now be holding them here.  For our first giveaway held on the MG Party Expressions blog, we have a truly amazing, jaw-dropping prize package!

Enter today for the chance to win the following:

A NEW Silhouette Cameo machine

Adhesive Vinyl Rolls package

Tim Holtz Core’Dinations & Melody Ross Soul Food Collection 12″ x 12″ Paper Pads

3 SVG Cutting Templates from Mygrafico.com

SCAL3 Sure Cuts A Lot Software from Craft Edge

A winner will be randomly drawn on December 31st, 2011 and announce on New Year’s Day!"

How awesome is that!  Bet your boots I am entered!  My Graphico has a fantastic ning community you need to check out too.  The card I made here is using a free graphic from Blackleaf Studios and flowers from Pizzazz Aplenty.  I have been admiring how some of my blogging buddies use red ink with the newsprint, I just love the look of it!  This was so easy,  I  a took a page from my 1943 copy of The New Garden Encyclopedia, made a copy of it and then printed this tree right on top of it, easy peasy.   There is a Brag Party going on at My Graphico right now, why don't you grab a free copy of this image and enter yours too!
I am entering this into the Make it Monday challenge #66 also.  Come join me there, lots of friendly faces, I have met a lot of wonderful bloggers there.  Thanks for looking.  ~Diane

Pink Saturday

 I made this card for Beverly's Pink Saturday.  You will have to drop by and see all the beautiful Christmas decorations, really puts me in the mood for Christmas.  Also see all the other Pinks contributions, they are all lovely.  I made this card with Dezinaworlds Christmas Angels, they are so pretty.  The background paper is my favorite Bold Black and White from Lindsay's Stamp Stuff,  I just changed it in Word to print out pink.  The lovely frame is an SVG from  Mujka Chic Fancy Borders.  And I could not resist another Envelope Liner from Linday's Stamp Stuff in pretty pink to finish it off.  Don't forget, Lindsay's 50% off Sale ends December 4th.  Thanks for looking.  ~Diane

Ho Ho Ho Holiday Sale at Lindsay's Stamp Stuff

Lindsay is so generous, she is offering her 50% off sale before the Holidays so you still have time to shop and make something in time for Christmas.  Everything is 1/2 off through December 4th.  That means there is still time to pick up this awesome SVG Envelope and Envelope liner set  that I am totally in love with, it cuts like butter!

I made the card using Cheri Wenger's SVG Framing Shapz 1, the white panel is loaded with glitter, I don't think it shows up in the picture though.  The image is a freebie from Magic Moonlight, the SVG snowflake is a freebie from Birds Cards.  The bakers twine and rhinestones are from Pizzazz Aplenty.  

I have a tip to share with you today too.  Get a little extra life out of your cutting mats by washing them in soapy water, let air dry.  Once dry give a light spray with a spray adhesive like 3M Super 77, it gives it the light tack of the original mats.  I've tried using the Zig 2 way glue, but that makes them so sticky that I am cleaning paper for days.  

A little late in the week but I am joining in the party at Make it Monday #65.  Thanks for looking.  ~Diane

Happy Thanksgiving and a Sale at Lindsay's Stamp Stuff

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends celebrating here in the U.S.  I have so much to be thankful for, family, friends, health to name just a few.  I am thankful for all of my blogging friends, I am so fortunate to have met you and to be inspired by you.

Sorry I don't have a Thanksgiving card to share today, another Christmas card will have to do.  But I can share a sale at Lindsay's Stamp Stuff, everything is is 50% off, including the Envelope and Envelope Liner SVG and JPG set.  I am so excited to keep finding new ways to use this!  This time I used the same paper on the envelope and liner as I did on the card so they are completely matched up!  Whoo hoo don't I feel classy, lol.    In fact all of MyGraphico is on sale for 50% off, one day only 11/24/2011!.  

I should mention although I make 5x7 cards, the envie and liner set makes envelopes for 5x7, 4.25x5.50, and 4x8 (for photo cards).  I actually use the 4x8 liner (I change it to 4x6) to fit into my store bought 5x7 envelopes with a square flap.

The gorgeous image is a freebie from June at Dezinaworld's sister site Olde Curiosity Shoppe, I love the rich colors!  My candy stripe bakers twine is from Pizazz Aplenty and my cool border punch is supposed to be an ivy vine,  but I thought it was Christmas lights, so a little Stickles and look what I have! 

I just want to say thank you to all of you that follow and comment, it really means a lot to me.  Thanks for looking.  ~Diane

Christmas Bells

 I love this card, the bold bright colors really speak to me.  The musical score is a favorite set from Lindsay's Stamp Stuff, School Papers, the holly with bells is a free image from Dezinaworlds freebie site Olde Curiosity Shoppe.  The beautiful green envelope I picked up at Dollar Treasure and I added  one of Lindsay's Stamp Stuff SVG Envelope & Liners in a contrasting white.  I just love the elegant touch they add to all my cards.  I embossed some snowflakes on white card stock, I cut the holly and bells by hand, used a little Tim Holtz distressing to the edges of the green card stock and voila.  I picked up the ribbon on clearance at Pizzazz Aplenty.  I am joining the link party at  Make it Monday challenges.  Thanks for looking.  ~Diane

Transform an old wine rack into marker storage.

 

Good Morning, I had the pleasure of doing a Podcast interview with Lindsay Weirich, the Frugal Crafter this week.  We discussed craft room organization and this was one of my ideas.  I made this organizer for my Letraset markers out of a wine rack I purchased at Salvation Army, it is an inexpensive one that expands or contracts to lay flat.  I measured the openings, they were a little bigger than 3"x3" so that is the size I made my boxes.  I made the boxes out of 12"x15"  Flexible Chopping Mats that I purchased in a package of 2 for a dollar at Dollar Treasure.  Very easy to make, I scored the mat with scissors and a ruler every 3".  I then cut the mat into 3 pieces: two 6"x12"pieces and one 3"x 12".  I used the 3"x12" to make the bottoms of the boxes and used packaging tape to assemble them.  You can also find glasses to fit into the openings, I originally used the POM ice tea glasses but they did not hold as many markers as these square boxes. I divided my markers into colors and I also have a box for Spica Atyou glitter markers and other unusual markers.  I made a 3 sided box for the bottom to hold my Souffle pens.  This sits on the top of my desk hutch so it is out of the way, yet still in sight.  I can pull a box of colors down to the desk to work with, or just grab them 1 at a time.  

I know you will enjoy listening to Lindsay's Frugal Crafter Podcast, she offers 1 every Friday and they are always packed with awesome ideas.  Well, thanks for looking and hopefully also listening this week.  ~Diane  

PS, you can hear me on Episode 3, Craft room organization below.

Bella Cartes Classiques Swap

I made this 5 x 7 card for the November Bellas Cartes Classiques swap and challenge.  I used a free image from Gecko Galz, paper is Crafty Secrets on the card. 

I love the envelope and liner made with Paper Pizzazz and  Lindsay's Stamp Stuff Envelopes and Liners SVG.  I asked Lindsay to make a pretty liner SVG and she made the liners and envelopes to match in 3 sizes, I am ecstatic, I just love these!  Thank you so much Lindsay!  The envelopes are not only beautiful ,they are really economical too!  I bought the paper 5 @.95 @Joanns, I make  5 x 7 cards so I get 1 envelope per sheet and 2 liners per sheet of 12 x 12 paper, and that is a lot less than I pay for plain white envelopes!  The SVG is only $3.00, a real bargain!  Thanks again Lindsay! 

I followed the sketch at Bellas Cartes Classiques, and I did a lot of fussy cutting on this card, which is why I added the close up!  The tree, hat and basket of apples have foam tape under the cuts.  The apple and mid air parcel are just cut and pasted.  I added some Marvy liquid snow marker to the snow in the pic.  The beautiful red ribbon with pearls and the pearl brad in the Poinsettia are from Pizzazz Aplenty.  Thank you for looking.  ~Diane  

I am entering this in the Make It Monday Challenge.  This is a great way to meet fellow bloggers, this group is wonderful!

My first Pink Saturday!

I made this card for Beverly's Pink Saturday, I love the color pink.  I have an early start on my girlfriends Christmas cards this year.  I may actually be able to deliver them here in Michigan before they go to Alabama for the winter.  This year I am making duplicates for me also, so no more last minute cards for me!   On to the details, I used the Pink Santa set from Dezinaworld for this card along with lots of Pink and Diamond Stickles and an embossing folder.  I cut the Santa image out and mounted him and the star on some foam tape, I love dimension.  I used some Tim Holtz distress ink in pink too.  So to all of you, Happy Pink Saturday!  Thanks for looking.  ~Diane

Sympathy card, Veterans Day Thank You

I thought I would post this card today in remembrance for all the Veterans lives that were lost, to honor them and their families.  We are grateful to all the families who have shared the ones they love, they have paid such a high price for our freedom.  Thank you, and I am sorry for your loss.  I am also grateful for those still serving our country, thank you and may God keep you all safe.

The paper is DCWV Lemon Flower, roses are from Dollar Treasure, I used a Stampin Up punch to frame the Deepest Sympathy from the Many Blessings set from Lindsay's Stamp Stuff Shop Handmade shop.  

Lindsay is now offering  a Frugal Crafter, Friday Podcast, this is such a great way to start my morning, I can listen to Lindsay talk while I put my stuff away in my craft room, I love it!  I am sure you will too, today she is sharing some handmade Holiday gift ideas.  Thanks for looking.  ~Diane
I am adding this to Designs by Lisa Somerville's  Link Party: Veterans Day Challenge. 

To Paris by Airship!

 I made this for a lovely link party at Steam Tea Travels, the new sister site of Plush Possum Studio.  The theme is to Paris by airship.  Plush Possum Studio has some wonderful free graphics which I used to make this card.  I also use some of my favorite Lindsay's Stamp Stuff Bold black and white paper (printed it onto green cardstock)   I also used Lindsay's Steampunk SVG to cut all the interesting gears.  Today is the last day of Lindsay's 40% off sale, so hurry over and grab some bargains.  I hope to see you at the link party, steam tea travel is now underway.  Thanks for looking.  ~Diane

Christmas Shoe Ornaments!

Lindsay is having a 3 day sale November 8-10th, so what a great time to feature her 3D High Heeled Shoes SVG!    I made these fashionable 3D High heeled shoes with Lindsay's Stamp Stuff  Shoes SVG.  My daughter loves shoes so I thought these would make awesome Christmas tree ornaments.  I attached a piece of gold roping and strung them on the pine tree in our back yard to show how they will look.  I cut 6 in gold foil and 6 in red foil then switched out the parts to make them 2 tone.  The set has a right and a left foot, but to make it easy for me I cut them all the same foot.  This set has some wonderful possibilities, I cut mine at 3" each, but a larger shoe would make an awesome centerpiece at a shower, or fill the heel with treats at a kids party.  I bet you could add them to the ribbon and tag on your presents too.  I hope you stop by Lindsay's MyGraphico shop to see whats on sale, follow the links to let the shopping begin!  Thanks for looking  ~Diane

I am entering this into the Make it Monday - Anything goes challenge.  This challenge is a  great way to meet other bloggers and see some wonderful work!

Believe Angel

Here is another stunning Angel from Dezinaworlds.  Christmas Angels.   I used more of Websters Vellum 11 Digital paper, the vintage looks go together so well.  Another fabulous border frame called Fancy Borders is a SVG from Mujka  Chic at MyGraphico.  I had to trim the tops off the fancy Fleur de Lis so you could still see the word Believe.  I did more of the fussy cutting, I cut the wings and added some Diamond Stickles and some foam to lift them up.  Not sure if you can see it, but I also cut all the fur trim including her pocket, sleeve and bottom of the coat and hat to give it more dimension.  It really does not show that much in the pictures though.  I used some of the scraps from the frame to make the fancy envelope liner, that I punched with a Martha Stewart punch.  My girlfriend wants me to make her some Vintage Angels for her Christmas cards this year so this set is perfect for me!   Hope you are getting some of the warmer weather we are getting here in Michigan.  High of 62 today, whoo hoo!  Thanks for looking.  ~Diane
Here is a cool update, this card was just featured on Inspire Me, Websters Pages Ning community!   Thanks so much!
I am entering these challenges:
The Crazy challenge - Something with wings
Heart Song Inspirations - Anything goes 
Make it Monday - Anything goes

Christmas Angel 1

I made this sweet little angel card with Christmas Angels, a printable  collage sheet I bought from my friend June at Dezinaworld.  I just love her vintage collage sheets.  Stop by her Dezinaworld blog and see what her amazing design team does with these images!   I  cut her and mounted her with some foam tape so she has a bit of a 3D look.  I also fussy cut a few of the roses and brought them forward out of the border.  Speaking of borders, the fabulous border frame called Fancy Borders is a SVG from Mujka  Chic at MyGraphico.  I can't get enough of these!  The floral DP is Websters Vellum 11 digital paper another one of my favorites.  I am really pleased with how this came out, I guess a little surprised too, I had no vision for where I was going, it just seemed to all come together for me. Well, thanks for looking, I really appreciate your comments.  ~Diane
Challenging Challenges:
Papercrafting Journey - Use a digi
Lady Bug Crafts - Non traditional or Distressed Christmas
By the Cute and Girly - Christmas Girls
Cupcake Craftroom - Sweet Christmas

Sweet Baby card and a Big Sale at MyGraphico

 

I made this card for my son's girlfriend to give to her sister for her baby shower.  It was really easy to make with Lindsay's Stamp Stuff Sweet Baby SVG.    I must say, I felt like I was playing with my Barbies, dressing up this card with the lace, ribbons and pearls, it really was fun to make.  Pearls and roses from Pizzazz Aplenty.  I cut the SVG twice, the card stock was not 2 sided so I just glued them together.  I used my Zyron 1.5 create a sticker to adhere the lace.  This card measures 4.75 x 5.  This set along with everything at MyGraphico is on sale for 40% off  today.  Hurry over so you don't miss the savings.  If you are looking for some great ideas be sure to stop by my DT sisters blogs, the links are in my sidebar.  Thanks for looking.  ~Diane

 

MyGraphico Sale ends at Midnight!

Entering these fun challenges:

Crafty Boots Challenges - Young at heart

Heartsong Inspirations - 3 or more layers

Make it Monday - Anything goes

Paper Playtimes - Anything goes

Come and get it - Anything goes

Dream Valley - Anything goes

Gecko Galz is having a Blog hop!

 I just had to share this blog hop with all of you.  Gecko Galz has an amazing blog hop running from 10/27-10/31 with 11 blogs to visit.  They are offering a free collage sheet at every blog (which means we are all winners just for playing)!  The prizes are awesome, 4 of them to be exact!  The grand prize is  

ONE FULL YEAR of FREE DIGITAL COLLAGE COLLECTIONS!!! Gecko Galz puts out 5 digital collage sets each month and you will get all 5 sets for an entire year! This is a $120 value.

How awesome is that!   Hop on over and enjoy the fun!

Thanks for looking ~Diane

You've Been Ghosted!

I just love this Ghosted SVG set by Lindsay'a Stamp Stuff, so easy to make!  This cuts like butter and makes it so easy to Ghost the little Ghouls in my neighborhood.  What's really cool is that she has the Ghosted poem explaining what it is and what to to do, along with a sign to put on your door or in a window so they know who's already been ghosted.  Lindsay has this set on sale for $2.50, it has the SVG set along with a printable version that is just a few simple cuts, so hurry over and get ready to Ghost your neighborhood too!  I also used a sheet of Mod Summer Papers.  Thanks for looking.  ~Diane

Autumn Harvest Sale at MyGraphico

 

Sunday October 23rd, one day only sale at MyGraphico!  40% off savings on awesome sets!  I refashioned this card, I made it a year ago as a Mothers Day card and I did not like how it came out, but I love the new look I achieved with Lindsay's Stamp Stuff Fancy Flowers Digital set. (sale price $3.00).  The die cut is Spellbinders, the embossing is a Cuttlebug folder and the rhinestones and flowers were colored in with my Letraset ProMarkers.

Please accept my apology, I have been away from posting on my blog and visiting all of your blogs for the last 3 weeks.  I have been suffering from a really awful sinus infection that rendered me unable to see.  Between the teary eyes, migraines and later into it, the swollen face that would not fit my eyeglasses,  I have been a mess.  It took 2 trips to the doctor for more medications, thankfully I am better now.  I hope you are all enjoying the beautiful Autumn weather like I am.  Thanks for looking.  ~Diane
Challenges:
One Stitch at a Time - Emboss it