Have a wonderful 2012

Just popping in to wish everyone a happy and healthy year.

Hugs & Kisses...
TraceyJean

My thoughts are with you (7 of 52)

clipped from cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com

Today I pulled together a quick card for a friend who didn't have time to go shopping. Look at me turning into the local (free) Hallmark.

I was drawing a complete blank, so I decided to do a quickie web search for some inspiration and came across this sketch from Card Positioning Systems. Sketches are such time savers, particularly when you feel like all your creative juices have dried up and you can't come up with one more thing.

So here is my masterpiece. I hope she likes it.

Supplies used: Paper - Basic Grey Sugared; Stamps - Clearly Wordsworth Comfort Collection, CTMH Felicity; Ink - CTMH Autumn Terracotta, Cocoa, Goldrush, Desert Sand; Ribbon - American Crafts, Offray; Adhesive - CTMH Liquid Glass, Scotch Foam Tape, Tombow Mono Liquid; WRMK Corner Chomper

Catch you later,
TJ

Papertrey Ink Blog Hop!

This month PTI customers get the chance to pay homage to their favourite Design Team members, as a thank you for all the inspiration they provide every day. My introduction to Papertrey Ink came in the form of a blog I accidentally visited whose author blew me away with her creations. Each day I returned I found something clean, beautiful, creative, and yes, inspirational. Reading Dawn McVey's blog every week gave me the courage to try my hand at cardmaking. So I present to you my Dawn inpired creation. It includes the 5 things that say "Dawn" to me - Kraft cardstock, Raspberry Fizz, ribbon, scallops, and polka dots.

I wanted to try my hand at those circle cards that seem to be popular right now; so I pulled out my Coluzzle and got to work. Since I'm new to the Papertrey family, I don't yet have the supplies I *need* but I did the best I could to represent Dawn with what I had on hand. First up is some kraft and raspberry fizz cardstock from the "Try Me" pack. Next is a little vellum window and some embossing with my darling little Sizzix Texture Boutique. In place of the much loved Polka Dot Basics II (gotta have this set), I used a Cuttlebug folder to get some dots on my vellum. I cut a window in the card base so that I could show off the embossing a little better, adhered a half circle with a scalloped border across the top, added some ribbon and a sentiment, and I was done. Enjoy!

Supplies used:
Cardstock - PTI Kraft, Raspberry Fizz, Vintage Cream; Vellum - Office Depot; Stamps - Inkadinkado Chelsea Sentiments; Ink - CTMH Barn Red, Colorbox Chalk Chestnut Roan and Creamy Brown; Embossing Folder - Cuttlebug Spots and Dots; Ribbon - Joann Fabrics; Punch - Fiskars Scalloped Sentiment, Coluzzle

I'd like to say a big Thank You to all the designers at Papertrey Ink for being a continuing source of inspiration for me and everyone else in "internet land".
You Guys Rock!

Laters,
TraceyJ

For My Friend JN (6 of 52)

Today, I'm sharing a little treat created for the birthday girl - my dear friend Jeannette. I don't get to see her every day, the way I used to, so I wanted to do something extra special.

I've been seeing the emboss resist technique everywhere lately and I wanted to give it a try, but I just couldn't find a stamp that worked well enough for me... until I happened across an old CTMH stamp of the month - You've Got Flair. It had a lovely medallion image that I felt would achieve the look I was going for, and it did. I embossed, and got to work with about 4 different inks. First, I went from light to dark to create a sort of gradient effect. Then I went back around the edges with the darkest colour until I had just the look I envisioned. I adhered it to a lovely piece of Basic Grey patterned paper, placed it on the card, and finished up with a sentiment from the January 2010 Stamp of the Month, a few puffy little heart stickers, and the best bow I've created yet. (A big thank you to the YouTube ribbon tying lessons from Kristina Werner and Dawn McVey)

And here are my ingredients:
Cardstock - PTI Kraft, Georgia Pacific White; Paper - BG Eva; Stamps - CTMH You've Got Flair, True Friends; Ink - Versamark, CTMH Barn Red, Blush, Chocolate, Hollyhock, Vineyard Berry; Stickers - K&Co Puffy Hearts; Embossing Powder - Ranger Super Fine Detail Clear; Ribbon - PTI Fresh Snow; WRMK Corner Chomper

Somethin Special (5 of 52)

Here's a little V Day card I created for my girl Nika - can't leave her out. The poor dear is trapped in a house full of boys, so you know I had to make her something girlie.

Flourishes abound on this sweet, swirly little number. I started with my Effervescence border punch from Fiskars so I could get lots of curves and circles. Then followed up with a beautiful K&Co heart flourish and finished off with a delicate bow.

Laters,
TraceyJ

Materials used: Cardstock - PTI, Bazzill; Paper - MM Cosmopolitan; Stamps - CTMH Somethin' Special, K&Co Seasonal; Ink - CTMH Blush and Hollyhock; Punch - Fiskars Effervescence; Ribbon - Offray; Adhesive - Tombow Mono Aqua; Scissors - Cutterbee

Hugs & Kisses (4 of 52)

Hugs & Kisses, originally uploaded by munzoo.

This is a little something I put together for my girl Nikki for V Day. It came together as I was watching a youtube video where the presenter was doing demo in which she punched both sides of the paper with a border punch. Now, it's not that this had never occurred to me before, but just watching her punch away made me think of pretty scallops and ribbon. So I grabbed a post it and sketched it down quickly before I forgot my idea and then I went in search of the perfect punch.
As I was cutting out the sentiment, I thought of all those cool Nestabilities tags I've been seeing all over the net. But I have none, so I improvised with the Corner Chomper. I'm thinking it turned out ok. Inked up everything with Brown Bag by CTMH and called it done. I'm really liking this look. I'll definitely be trying it in the future with some other border punches I own.

On a side note, I was watching Run Fat Boy Run this morning, and I have to say, I highly recommend it. I won't lie and tell you it's the best movie I've ever seen, but it was so fun, and the ending had me in tears. I thoroughly enjoyed it and so will you.

On to the ingredients of this card:
Cardstock - PTI and Bazzill; Paper - BG Eva; Stamps - Inkadinkado Hearts & Love; Ink - CTMH Brown Bag, Blush, Garnet, Black; Punch - MS Doily Lace; Ribbon - Dots & Dashes; Adhesive - Glue Dots, Tombow Mono Aqua, Scotch Foam Tape.

Until next time,
TraceyJ

{Heart} U (3 of 52)

Silly girl, after you make them you have to post them. How else do we keep track?

Yes, there will be much catching up today. I was blurfing, looking for some inspiration when I decided to check out the ol' blog. Immediately I realised I had not posted any of my weekly cards since January. Uh oh! What this means for you is that there will be a whole bunch of insane posts in the next day from yours truly. (It's the only way I'll get caught up)

N-E-Wayz, here is the first of many - a little something I put together for my girl Ali. Anyone who knows her is aware that she is a big holiday girl, with Valentine's Day topping the list.

This little gem has got some faux stitching, heat embossing, and a touch of the gold leafing with a paint marker. I really enjoyed making it and I especially like the end result.
(In case you're wondering, yes, she loved it)

Here's what I used:
Cardstock - PTI and Bazzill; Paper - MM Cosmopolitan; Stamps - CTMH Chocolate Alpha, K&Co Seasonal Stamps; Ink - Colorbox Frost White, CTMH Garnet; Ribbon - AC; Pens - Elmers Gold Leaf, Uniball Signo Broad; Punch - Fiskars My Funny Valentine and Upper Crest; Zing embossing powder; WRMK Corner Chomper

Laters,
TJ

Love (Card 2 of 52)

All week I've been feeling a little under the weather - tired, achy, sniffly... Well today I woke up with a runny nose and a sore throat. I figured that meant I wouldn't actually manage to make a card this week. Since this is only the second week, I felt that it was way too early to start skipping, so I pushed myself to get it done and I'm glad I did. This week's card is for my mom who always pushes through to get things done, especially when she's feeling less than 100%. Love you Momma!

My inspiration for this card came from a sketch I found on the Sweet Stop blog. So here it is - Sketch #SSS39. Enjoy!

I covered the card base with paper, punched out a border, added some chipboard, and finished it off with a bow.

See you next week!

Supplies used: Paper - Basic Grey Eva Collection; Chipboard - 3Birds; Punch - Fiskars Scalloped Sentiments; Adhesive - Tombo Mono Aqua Liquid Glue, ATG 714.

Hey There Sunshine

Here it is, week 1 of my 52 week cardmaking journey.

When I realised it was 9:30pm on Saturday night and I still hadn't posted, I knew simple and quick was the order of the day. Unfortunately, with my stash, that's easier said than done. Oh the stress of finding the right paper combo, the perfect stamp, and the right embellishment. At 10:30 I realised I'd never be done without some serious help, so I turned to cyberspace and found this sketch from the Card Patterns blog.

And I finally managed to grasp that concept embraced by cardmakers everywhere: Keep It Simple Stupid! So I did. And here it is - my take on Sketch 46 from Card Patterns:

This is just a simple white card base coloured with ink, an old tag, and a chipboard sticker. I didn't think I'd like it, but I think it came together very well. Yeah me!
Here's hoping the sunshine really does come back out. My toes are ice cubes in my socks and I live in sunny Florida! Hey there Mr. Sun, send us a little of your warmth please.
See you next week...

Supplies used: Inks - CTMH Buttercup, Creme Brulee, & Chocolate; Sticker - DCWV Latte Collection; Tag - Colorbok; Ribbon - Offray; Card Base - Value Pack from Michaels; Rhinestones from a swap; Tombow Mono Aqua Glue; Ranger Glossy Accents

New Year, New You

It's that time of year when we reflect on the past and look hopefully towards the future. Those who know me are aware that I don't believe in the whole "New Year's Resolution" thing, so I won't even bother to list some here.

I will say that I am still determined to use up my stash. To that end, I've been exploring the wide world of Amazon looking for some idea books to help me out, and I found this one: A Card A Day by the lovely people at Paper Crafts Magazine. Now I can't see me making a card a day for a whole year, but I figure I can manage 52 cards in 52 weeks, so I think I'll give that a try. I may end up doing more, but I figure this is a doable goal. And it will have the added benefit of giving me room to get some of the gorgeous new stuff I know is coming. (What can I say, it's an addiction.)

I haven't started yet, but I decided to post a little something I did for a girlfriend of mine who finds herself a year older this week. The card is based on a Mojo Monday sketch I found a few weeks ago.

Supplies used: Basic Cardstock; CTMH Stamps Set - Surprise; CTMH Markers - Honey, Crystal Blue; Tombow Dual Brush Marker Blender Pen; Inks - ColorBox Frost White & Memento Tuxedo Black; EK Success Border Punch - Diamond Lace; Perfect Pearls; Cuttlebug Embossing Folders - Moroccan Screen & Herringbone; American Crafts Zing Embossing Powder in White; Spellbinders Nestabilities - Labels 3; Sizzix BigKick; Ribbon from Michaels; Tombow Mono Liquid Glue

Ready to Sell Your Digi Designs?

All You Can Scrap would like to add your designs to the store. Create digikits and quickpages for sale in your very own storefront at All You Can Scrap and make money doing what you love.

1. You will need to post and comment in the forum and gallery on a regular basis.
2. Actively get the word out about the site, and your store, by posting on your blog and other forums and blogs that will let you - digifree, digishoptalk, and others. You will also be required place AYCS ads on your blog.
3. There is a designers gift area where you may post samples and freebies.
4. You have total control over the content in your shop.
5. You must be willing to participate in collabs and blogtrains, and attend/host the chats whenever possible.
6. Designers must participate in storewide sales, however you may offer a sale on your kits whenever you choose.

** Also see restrictions here **
For more information, email happyscrapping@allyoucanscrap.com or designsbymel@allyoucanscrap.com. (And don't forget to tell them TraceyJ sent you. ;-)

I look forward to seeing your work!

Ever Wanted to be a DigiKit Designer?

Well here's your chance. AllYouCanScrap.com is looking for the best digi designers around. It could be you. Check out their designer call below.

Happy Blogaversary Bo Bunny!

This week marks Bo Bunny's one year anniversary in the blogosphere. Take a moment to check them out. You might win a cool prize.

Blog Candy at True's Gift's From the Heart

This is a fantastic giveaway, so go check it out. And bonus, she does some really great work, so take the time to gaze at some eye candy as well.

What are you waiting for? Run, don't walk!

True's Gift's From the Heart: My 3 new DT Spots Celebration Blog Candy!

Daily Download - AYCS

Here is this month's Daily Download from All You Can Scrap. Collect a different element every day and share the layouts you create in the gallery.



Happy creating!

I'm Walking for Cystic Fibrosis

Yeah, so I know I'm using their blurb, but frankly, they say it a lot better than I can. So read on and get informed...

GREAT STRIDES is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's largest and most successful national fund-raising event. This year, I'm walking in the GREAT STRIDES Walk in Weston, FL. Please help me meet my fund-raising goal by sponsoring me. Your generous gift will be used efficiently and effectively, as nearly 90 cents of every dollar of revenue raised is available for investment in vital CF programs to support research, care and education.

Making a donation is easy and secure! Just click the "Click to Donate" link on this page to go to make a donation that will be credited to my team. Any amount you can donate is greatly appreciated!

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a devastating genetic disease that affects tens of thousands of children and young adults in the United States. Research and care supported by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is making a huge difference in extending the quality of life for those with CF. However, we continue to lose precious lives to CF every day. That's why your help is needed now more than ever to ensure that a cure is found sooner - rather than later. To learn more about CF and the CF Foundation, visit www.cff.org.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those with CF! Thank you for supporting the mission of the CF Foundation and GREAT STRIDES!

Click Here to donate.

Spring Blog Train

This is my first ever blog train and I'm so excited. The designers at All You Can Scrap have created some beautiful kits, and I am honored to present a few quickpages for your pleasure. Make sure to come back for more. Enjoy!

From Blogger Pictures

This is the last stop on the train. All blogs are listed below so you can get back to any that you may have missed. Have fun!
Designs By Mel
Helron Designs
All You Can Scrap Blog
Candys Treasures
Foxylady Creations
DAMC
May-fair Creatives
TraceyJean

Time for a Speed Scrap!

Time for all you digi lovers to get your scrap on. Join us this weekend for some play time and complete a layout or two. There are two days to join in the fun - Saturday and Sunday. So make some time for one, or both, and let the good times roll!

Blogoversary at Stardust, Gems & Ribbons

Wanna satisfy that sweet tooth?
Head over to Carole's blog and enter for a chance to win some serious blog candy. (See photo on right) Embellies, ribbon, a paper pad, and even a few stamps! You have until April 14, so what are you waiting for? Get going!

A Word for Me

I was over at scrapbook.com today checking out the posts and I came across this challenge to blog more. Now you all know I'm trying to do this a little more than I have in the past, so I thought I'd give it a shot. The first challenge was to complete this questionnaire which generates a word that describes you. Filled it out and got this response:

Your Word is "Fearless"

You see life as your one chance to experience everything, and you just go for it! You believe the biggest risk is being afraid and missing out on something amazing. Sometimes your fearlessness means you're daring. You enjoy risky activities. And sometimes your fearlessness means you're courageous. You're brave enough to do the right thing, even when it's scary.

Interesting to say the least. Me? Fearless? Not in a million years. Now I know what you're thinking. The girl with the biggest mouth this side of the planet isn't fearless? True, I like to encourage people to step outside themselves and try a little something different. Me? Not so much. And now you know my dirty little secret; I'm an instigator! Surprised? Probably not.
I'm thinking I need to channel my younger self who always used to say, "I'll anything once, so long as it doesn't cause harm to myself or others". Where did that girl go? Time to find her & bring her home.