The Gift Challenge

Have you ever had an impulsive purchase? Well, I couldn't pass up the deal one time over Michael's. You see, it was a black frame in the clearance bin for $0.50! I didn't know what I will do with it at the time, but I decided.... "JUST GET IT"!

And guess what!? The Gift Challenge over Moxie Fab World prompted me to do something about this $ 0.50 frame! So I went right to stamp! I didn't use any pattern paper or any fancy embellishments (only sequins). Becuase it is a photo frame, I had to keep it rather flat.

 
I stamped a collage of subtle background and used the butterfly diecut to make the colorful butterfly (embossed in clear and distressed with various inks). The sentiment from CAS-ual Fridays Stamps Breathe is perfect with the black frame.

And wouldn't you know.... Ryan knows best!

Thanks for stopping by!

A Shaker Card with Sequins

Hello! I am having so much fun with sequins lately. Today I am excited to share my latest card with you!

It's a "shaker" card!! No stitching or sewing involved and best of all, no mess while making it!

The "secret" behind negative butterfly diecut with sequins is using a small clear plastic packet! I used a small clear packaging of Hero Arts ribbons! All you need to do is to trim and seal off the packet with tape and then use the pop dots for the backing. How easy is that?

In order to make the card design even more interesting, I added the vellum butterfly and sentiment (from SRM stickers).  What do you think? If I can make a shaker card this easily, so can you!

Thanks for stopping by! 

Runway Inspired Challenge # 36

Hello, gorgeous! 

It's time for the Runway Inspired Challenge! The fashion photo for fall is absolutely rich and beautiful! I love the warmth of the knit wear and that pants/boots combo are stunning!

I decided to go with the texture-based design. I pulled out the cork and stamped the design.
 
 With the pattern paper (Clippings) from Basic Grey, this card came together quite easily. The stamps are from this set called Sundrifter (Frame and Feathers) by Hero Arts. The designing process did take me a while! What do you think? Give yourself a little brain exercise and try this out? I can't wait to see what you create!

Meanwhile, please check out our Runway Inpisred Challenge and see what my DT mates come up with. We also have the super talented Debby Hughes as our guest designer!! I know everyone really knocks this one out of the ball park! I bet they will prompt you to create!
  ~ Jennifer~ Laura~ Nina ~ Pamela ~Tasnim ~Wida
Thanks so much for stopping by!
 edited: My thoughts and prayers go to the people who are affected by the terrible tornado in Oklahoma City. I am dedicating my card to them.

Have a Blast

Thanks to your encouraging feedback for this card, I decided to take the Washi tape-wrapped tooth picks-turned candles ideas to the next level. 

This card seems to be perfect for any teenagers (or adults). I am loving the idea of using candles to light up the little "bomb" for a birthday card. The stitched lines are from SRM Stickers. They reminded me of of the lighter in Misson Impossible......

Yes? This was the Mission Impossible TV that I grew up with :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Mad About ...Mad Men (Part 4)

How time flies when you are having fun! Today is my part 4 of the projects inspired by the period drama Mad Men. When it comes to classy and elegant, we can't help thinking about the first Mrs. Don Draper--Betty! From season 1 to 4, Betty is the ultimate style icon in this series.

Isn't "Betty" gorgeous?

I hope my card does justice to her style! Lots Perfect Pearl (Biscotti and Mandarin Orange) and of gold embossing went into this card! I also embossed the edges to give it a more defined look.

Ding-->Have you tried embossing with Perfect Pearl? Here is a great video from Jennifer McGuire in case you miss seeing it. Here are last few Mad About...Mad Men--part 1,
 part 2 and part 3.
Happy Sunday!

Hello Sunshine--a Ryan Post, Too!

Just sharing a card that I made for Scramble Challenge over Hero Arts Flickr over two weeks ago. The theme was to make a card with sun or sunshine. I challenge myself not to use a conventional sun stamp and came up with this design.

I dig out an old favorite stamp "Row of Houses" and used
Single Starburst as the "sun"!

In case you miss seeing a Ryan post, here is one that will go with the theme for this post....sort of.

I didn't quite make the firework for my card, but I sure made the sunshine! I reminded myself that I can make anything as long as I have creativity and passion in me.
Hope your day is a sunny one! 
I will be back for Mad about Mad Men series tomorrow.

Playing with Washi Tape and Toothpicks!

 Just sharing a card that I made for a Washi Tape challenge over MF World a while ago. I decided that the card was NOT good enough to enter, so I didn't. (Why do I do that to myself?) You see, the more I look at the card, the more I thought the candles and the cupcake were proportionally funny/incorrect!?  HOWEVER, I think the creative ideas were good enough to share, that's why I am posting it today.

It all started with the "candle" idea...I made them with Washi Tape and toothpicks

About this card

1. cake liner: white-embossing on the blue Washi tape 

2. candles--wrap the Washi tape around the toothpicks
3. the cake was colored with Distress Inks, no copics or color pencils were needed
4. a strip of pink polka dot Washi tape and SRM Stickers sentiment were applied
5. the "flames" from the candles were cut-ups from flower petals (with a small flower punch)

Ding---> experiment with everyday household objects with your crafting. The little toothpicks are my hero in my craft room. I use them for picking up small pieces and holding pieces down and here I used them for candles on my card! The best thing about the household objects? They are often inexpensive, readily available and disposable!

Hope you like the share today! 

May Release from CAS-ual Fridays Stamp (Day 4)

Today is the last day for May sneak peek over CAS-ual Fridays Stamps!
  There are two sets to be featured today-- Zigs & Zags and Houndstooth. They are the perfect background stamps that you have always wanted to have!
My first card is from Zig Zag. I embossed it in gold and then used watercolor brush to color the distress inks in between the zig-zag. I love how rich this looks! My two other cards from Hounds-tooth The best thing about this set is that it comes with three sizes of hounds tooth! How awesome is that!? I used the medium size for the following card.
  The sentiment is from Bold Wishes. I then used the largest size and smallest size for the last card. You can layer the image with different colors and make whatever patterns your heart desires!

I sure had tons of fun creating these cards and I still have lots and lots of ideas brewing in my head with all these new release stamps. Do check out more samples over CAS-ual Fridays Stamps. Remember to comment for a chance to win. Today is the LAST day! The winners will be announced tomorrow and the stamps are ready for you to order as well. Thanks for stopping by!

May Release from CAS-ual Fridays Stamps (Day 3)

  Today is day 3 of May sneak peek time over CAS-ual Fridays Stamps!

This new set called "Tech Talk" is UBER COOL, don't ya think?

 

By using a heart paper clip, this card evokes a sense of warmth and sweetness. There are more sentiments in this set. Honestly, I don't know if I can use up all the possibilities!
My 2nd card is pure fun!

I purposelessly left one sequin out from the line-up as the sentiment seems to be perfect for it! Please check out for more inspiration from my DT mates. You will love what you see! AND you just might be the lucky winner if you leave a comment. Just go  here 

Thanks for stopping by!

May Release from CAS-ual Fridays Stamps (Day2)

We are into day 2 of May sneak peek time over CAS-ual Fridays Stamps!

This new set called "Brickwork" is going to make card-making FUN! In particular, it is fantastic for making masculine cards!
 

It is really fun to build up the brick wall. The set comes with solid and outlined brick stamp, so you can create any colors and patterns! The sentiments are perfect for making Father's Day and Graduation projects!

Please head over CAS-ual Fridays and check out the fabulous DT creations! Just go here and comment to win a free stamp set from each sneak peek day!! 

Thanks for stopping by!

May Release from CAS-ual Fridays Stamps (Day 1)

Hello! It's May sneak peek time over CAS-ual Fridays Stamps!

This new set called "Frankly My Dear" is just, well, frankly,...awesome!

and my 2nd card (with a watercolor approach)

What do you think? Head over to CAS-ual Fridays and check out my DT mates beautiful samples! I am entering this card to the Moxie Fab World Watercolor Challenge.
Thanks for stopping by! 

Mad about...Mad Men (Part 3) and Mother's Day Card

 

It is my absolute pleasure to share today's Mad Men-inspired series.

My inspiration comes from this iconic poster of Mad Men

 Don Draper (played by the handsome and talented John Hamm) is such a complex character. Here are some of his famous quotes from the show.

“Advertising is based on happiness. We make the lie, we invent want.”  
“Just think about it deeply, then forget it…then an idea will jump up in your face.” 
“If you don’t like what’s being said, change the conversation.”    
“Change isn’t good or bad. It just is.” 
“You want some respect? Go out and get it for yourself.”   
“People tell you who they are, but we ignore it because we want them to be who we want them to be.” 
 My inspired card

With some simple diecut, layering and cutting, I basically "built" the card up from the background. I hope that you like my simple take of the Mad Men-inspired card. There will be more Mad Men-inspired projects in the coming Sundays.

And lastly, since it's Mother's Day today, I want to share the card that I made for my Mother-in-law.I did send this card to my Mom in Taiwan. I am thankful that both of them are in good health.

 (you can click on the photo for supplies and instructions)
There will be more Mad Men-inspired projects in the coming Sundays. 
 Yesterday my kids made a special Mother's Day gourmet dinner for me. A lot of thoughts and effort went into preparing this meal. From grocery shopping to menu planning, they went all out!

 
Stephanie was in charge of the menu and main course and David took care of the appetizers and dessert!  
(food photo credit: Stephanie)

 David's Chocolate Souffle was AMAZING! I feel so blessed and loved!
Happy Mother's Day!