Caardvarks Challenge ( Clean and Simple)

(My second post of the day. If you come for Treehouse, please click here)
Caardvarks Challenge is always fun to be part of, it's even more FUN when it's sponsored by Hero Arts (see here). The challenge is to create a clean and simple card. For Clean and Simple cards, it's all about the design ! Here's my take ....

I used the solid image of the elephant stamp and applied the kissing technique with the Friends Definition. I think this card is perfect for anniversary or wedding.
Here's the guideline for Clean and Simple card (copied from Splitcoaststamper). CAS is an acronym for Clean and Simple. There are different ways people view CAS. It is very subjective. There is no list of rules that will fit everyone’s personal definition. The following are possible guidelines, only.
1. Clean: the design is uncluttered with lots of white or open space. Simple: having a clear focal point without a lot going on to detract from it. OR
2. simple in design regardless of the number of embellishments or how long it takes to color, stitch or to use a special technique OR
3. can be copied and mass produced fairly quickly… usually without a lot of coloring, layers, embellishments, tools and/or techniques OR
4. any combination of the above
So simple enough, right?
Thanks for stopping by!

Treehouse Thursday Challenge #69

Welcome to Treehouse's Thursday's challenge. The theme is "Grid Technique". This is my last DT assignment with Treehouse. I had so much fun with all the Thursday's challenges and learn a few new things along the way. Big thanks to Ashley and Neva for having me on board since May.

Here's my card for the challenge. I created my own "grid" by using two different colors/strips of paper.

I enjoying putting all these beautiful fall images into this grid-like collage.

The kraft card stock seem to pull all the elements together nicely. I distressed and colored the images. Love that pumpkin! Please go to the Treehouse to check out the DT fabulous work and get some inspiration (see here) . Hope you can join the fun!

Ashley Bowen

 Neva McMullen

 Kelly Hampton

 Maria Levine

Gloria Morizen

 Heather Prince

   Kimberly Lowrey

 Stephanie Serrano

 Guest Linda Cummings

Guest  Margo Smith
 It's been a pleasure to be on the design team at Treehouse! Thank you!

Wee Memories #24

It seems CAS cards are all the rage now.....at least I feel that way. I love making CAS cards ! But is it really simple? I mean, I can make it clean (no smear, inky marks, no food stains!) ...but is it simple?  Here's the definition from Splitcoaststampers .
What is CAS? CAS is an acronym for Clean and Simple.
There are different ways people view CAS. It is very subjective. There is no list of rules that will fit everyone’s personal definition. The following are possible guidelines, only.
1. Clean: the design is uncluttered with lots of white or open space. Simple: having a clear focal point without a lot going on to detract from it. OR
2. simple in design regardless of the number of embellishments or how long it takes to color, stitch or to use a special technique
OR
3. can be copied and mass produced fairly quickly… usually without a lot of coloring, layers, embellishments, tools and/or techniques
OR
4. any combination of the above
So simple enough, right?

The Wee Memories Challenge (see here) is to make a CAS project or a project with Tags, or combine both! I had made this CAS tag and card from Kathy Martin's digit kit (see here)

I thought I would entered them for the challenge.  Here's the tag. I applied some glitter on the "whipped cream".

and then here's the card. I flipped the image of the pumpkin pies to make the card look more....interesting.

I'm also excited to receive these yummy May Arts ribbons from my last win (see here).

Thank you, ...Wee Memories, they are YUMMY!

YUMMY post and a GIVEAWAY!

I have been baking now that the weather is cooler... it's always nice to bake something as we tend to crave for comfort food. I love the smell from the oven! Since I have to do a project for Digital Doodles and used combined digital images from different set. I chose this cute Home Sweet Home set and this Thankful  set. I decided to print them both on the same card stock. I re-sized  the house images smaller and then added the sentiment. I made my own pattern paper,  so to speak.  But first I want to share my home made Apple Loaf with you. It's super easy to make and great for snack or breakfast....or anything in between! Here is a collage on the process of the quick-bread making...does it look enticing to you?

So as promised, I will share the Apple Loaf Recipes right here!

Wet ingredients

Butter/margarine                                1/2 cup (you can use 1/4 plain yogurt and 1/4 margarine as substitues)

Granulated sugar                                1 cup (or less...I watch my sugar intake)

Eggs                                                    2

Vanilla                                               1 tsp

Shredded, unpeeled apple (packed)  1 cup     

Dry ingredients

All purpose flour                                1 cup ( mix in whole wheat will work,too)

Baking powder                                  1 tsp

Baking Soda                                      1/2 tsp

Chopped walnut                                 1/2 cup (optional)

Prepare the wet and dry ingredients separately and mix the dry into the wet ingredients. Mix the batter and stir until moistened. Grease 9x5x3 inch load pan. Bake in 350 F (180 C) over for 45-50 min. Let stand for 10 min. Then remove from pan. Place to cool. Enjoy!

Here are my finished project! I made my own "loaf topping" decorations. All you need is some distress inks, some paper for masking. I used the border punch and Japanse tape to finished off the trims.

The Apple Loaf was wrapped in waxed paper. Add some brightly colored flower and raffia....you get this!

It's easy to make two ( just  doubled the recipe). One sheet of my own pattern paper is perfect for two!

 Hope you try this simple Apple Loaf recipe and top it off with your very own gift wraps! YUM! Don't forget to enter my little givaway (see here)! AND you've got check out the DT work at Digital Doodles (see here). If you like Kathy Martin's digies, just comment in her blog and you may just win one FREE set of digie of your choice! Trust me, you'll be inspired as it is SPOOK-tacular!

My Blog Turns ONE!

I am so excited as my blog turns ONE year old on Sept. 28, 2010!!  My FIRST post  really reminded me how far along I have come. Thank you, my friends, who comment and encourage me in every possible way. Without your support, I couldn't have done it!!  In order to thank you, I will have two small prizes to those of you who comment in this post. Please tell me what you like about my blog. That is all! This contest will run till Oct. 5, midnight Eastern time.  Here are the little giveaways:  Hero Arts Blossom Background, or Kathy's Martin's Home Sweet Home . Thank YOU!

Here are some cards that I created with Kathy Martins' "Thankful" (see here)

Be sure to stop by tomorrow, I have yummy post to share (a recipe!)! Thanks for being my friend!

Get Sketchy #57 Challenge

Thanks to the Hero Arts Tweet, I found out about Get Sketchy Challenge (see here) . I wouldn't want to pass up the chance to win use  my beloved Hero Arts stamps! So here I am giving this a try. 

Basically I created these circles with the same leaf stamp and then I punched out the circles with Martha Stewart circle punch. The ribbons was folded and then glued in place.

 Add the buttons and a bit of Stickles (I love the glittery glue...Glossy Accent is another "addiction"). Happy Sunday!
edited note: this card was featured in CARDS Blog (leaves) challenge.

EtsyInspired Challenge #107

Welcome to Etsy Inspired Challenge! Check this post from Moxie Fab. and you know what craft guru Tim Holtz has to say about Etsy shops?  "i confess...i am addicted to etsy. seriously, how can one not be? a place that with the simple click of a button you can browse everything from art, to jewelry, to couture, to enough vintage treasures to recreate history. i love etsy." So need I say more? Are you ready? Let's get started!

Our shop of the week Indigotown (see here) is the source!

Winner Prize -  Paper mache cupcake and four "SweEt" cupcake gift tags

Adorable, aren't they? Our Sponsor is

Blackleaf Studio (see  here) Winner prize -Flip Flop Clip Art

Here's the photo that inspired me.

and here's my take...

Time to check out the DT's fabulous work!

Ashley  Heart Hugs Designs  

De  Bella Luna {Paperie}

Emily B. branch out designs

Emily N. Emmie-Lou Who Stamps &You

Joy  Crazy for Daisies

Kerry Capturing Creativity

Savannah  Savannahland 2

Stephanie Ingenious Inkling

Kim Off The Wall Craftiness (Sept guest design)

Virginia Yes, Virginia... (me)

Please link back your project here . I have a small giveaway on Tuesday to celebrate my one-year old blog! Please drop by!

Pocket Cards

I'm not sure if you know that I love pocket cards. When I found out that CARDS blog was calling for cards WITH pockets (see here) , I knew I had to make some. I quickly came up with this elephant pocket card. These three elephant was from previous projects and I save them for a "rainy" day like this!

I created the pocket with pop-up double-sided tape, they work like magic! Not only that they provide the little space for the gift card/cash, it doesn't create too much bulk at all , so it's easy to mail the pocket card. This following one is my first Christmas card this year...I know it's time to get holiday card started...This one was featured in CARDS blog.


I love this little Dancing Mouse. Here I used the Label 8 and trim off the top part to create a pocket.

Hope you try out some pocket cards. They are really a lot of fun and easier than you think! I also had some happy news from yesterday about Hero Arts Fab 5 win! I am still on cloud nine! I want to mention that there will be a giveaway on Tuesday in my post BECAUSE "Yes, Virginia...." will turn ONE on Sept. 28!

EBTK Challenge (Sketch #23)

This sketch (from EBTKS Challenge #23)  looks simple enough, right? Well,  it took me a long time to figure out what I WANT to do with it. So after many trials and color-matching, a few twists and turns.....this is the outcome.

I have been saving those delicate ribbons (given to me by my sweet friend Karen P.) for the longest time, this card seems to have a place for it. I purposely didn't want to add dimensions to the butterflies. I like how they are just "sitting" lightly over the background.

 I just got this EK Success border punch from Michael's (YAY for 50% off !!). There were SO many to choose from, but I picked this one--it's wavy and delicate-looking! Love it when I have new "toys"! Thanks so much for stopping by. I'm working on a "yummy" post for this coming Tuesday....you do not want to miss that one!

Two Halloween Cards!!

With the two little Halloween stamps I have, I came up with two cards. Linda (a2zscrapbooking Supplies ) asked me to guest design for their blog. a2z Scrapbooking Supplies sells high quality scrapbooking supplies from inks, stamps to edger punch! Here are the two cards I made for their blog.  The 1st one is called Boo

1. Stamp house in Versamark and emboss in white on black card stock

2. Cut the house and set it aside

3: Distress the pumpkin color card stock with Antique Linen

4: Run the bottom through Cuttlbug with Bubbles folder

5: Use hard surfaced sponge and lightly colored the pop-up bubbles

6. Stamp the ghost images in black and cut them out.

7. Place all pieces and plan out for space to sentiment

8: Stamp BOO with the Alphabet set and trim and layer them in squares.

9: Apply Glossy Accent on the eyes of ghosts and the letter BOO

Hero Arts stamps: CL138 Bird Branch alphabet, CM004 Ghost, CG 182 Two Houses

Others: Embossing Powder (Zing), Cuttlebug ( Bubbles folder), Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Antique Linen), Versamark Ink (for embossing)

The 2nd card is You hoo

1. Stamp house in Versamark and emboss in pink on grey card stock

2. Cut the house and set it aside
3. Distress the grey color card stock with Weathered Jeans
4. Stamp the pumpkins in black card stock and cut out.
5. Stamp the pumpkins in green using masking technique
6. Adhere the pumpkins with pop dots
7. Emboss the little owl in white and stamp the branches (using makers or small cubes of ink)
8. Attach raffia at the bottom, place the houses with pop dots
9. Apply Stickles in background for the starry sky
Hero Arts stamps : CM004 Pumpkin, CG182 Two Houses
Others: Embossing Powder (Zing), Stickles, Glossy Accent (Ranger), Raffia, Tim Holtz (Weathered Jeans), Marvey/copic makers, Versamark Ink (for embossing)

 Thanks so much, Linda (from down under Paper Tracer), for the honor to guest design! I highly recommend that you check out Linda's blog and become a follower as she does fabulous work! I would really apreciate that you drop by here and leave her some love. Thank you for stopping by!

Tuesday is Digital Doodles Day!

Hello, my friends! I have some more cards to share from Kathy Martin's new release from last week. This set called Thankful (see here) are so versatile and fun.  I made two Thanksgiving cards with this kit.

As you can tell, I used the Glossy Accent on the pumpkins. The shine is incredible, isn't it? Here's the 2nd card.

I paper-pieced the pumpkin and added 3 different layers for dimensions.

As for my Apple Recipe cards giveaway (see here), recipe card # 1 goes to---

Karen B." Super cute projects Virginia, you rock with digital stamps" and card #2 goes to

Linda: "gosh Virginia, these are just sooooooooooo adorable. youre sooo good with digital--sigh".

Please e-mail me your address. I will send the cards out to you ASAP! Thanksgiving is around the corner...the apple pie recipe will come in handy :)

Pumpkins, pumpkins...everywhere!

Are you enjoying the fabulous fall weather yet? In my area (southern part of Ontario, Canada), the temperature is much cooler and the air is cold and crisp these days. I'm loving it! I see pumpkins everywhere, too! I noticed my nearby supermarket even put on a great display of pumpkins and "spider" and I had to take a photo to share with you. David can drive me to the grocery store, here's a photo proof! ! I now have a chauffeur-YAY (well, almost)! I was holding onto the side handle very tightly VERY calm!

Isn't this display COOL or what?

Isn't that a LOT of pumpkins!? The flat side of the bale of hay is the "face" of spider and the air ducts are the "legs"! I was all inspired by the fall scenes and just happen to have the righ photo of my DD Stephanie's field trip to the pumpkin farm back in her preschool days. So I made a scrapbook page!

The great thing about digit kit ( shop here) is that you can re size the pumpkin to suit the layout. This photo was my DD Stephanie when she took a little field trip to nearby pumpkin farm in her preschool days. It's hard to believe that she is now in 4th year in university! I so wish I can turn back the clock...oh well, that's what scrapbooking is all about. It's for moments like this!

EtsyInspired Challenge #106

YES, it's Saturday! Please join me here for Etsy Inspired Challenge. Our shop this week is Pegasus Maiden ( see here). Their statement is "We have a simple concept of creating imaginative and cute headdresses with unique flares to spare". So there! Go and get inspired! If you look at the headdresses, you will be amazed at what you see! Our Sponsor is Schlosser Designs (see here). Winner prize is Two stamp set prize pack! How awesome! There are so many pieces of beautiful colors, flowers, butterflies from Pagasus Maiden, but this is what inspired me.

I made a book mark with butterflies....

A closer look

Hope you are having a sweet Saturday! Now you might want to check these FAB work from DT if you haven't already..
Ashley  Heart Hugs Designs

De  Bella Luna {Paperie}
Emily B. branch out designs
Emily N. Emmie-Lou Who Stamps &You
Joy  Crazy for Daisies
Kerry Capturing Creativity
Savannah  Savannahland 2
Stephanie Ingenious Inkling
Kim Off The Wall Craftiness (Sept guest design)
Virginia Yes, Virginia... (me)
Please link back your project here . Hope you are having a sweet Saturday!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am very excited about hosting the virtual quick card (1.5 hr) impromptu challenge on Sept. 20, Monday at 8:30pm Eastern time. (see Hero Arts Flickr group here). Hope you can play!

Treehouse Thursday Challenge #67

Hello Thursday! This week's challenge is "Sponge the background". I tried to do something new this time. I took out the Cuttblebug embossing folder and used one of the dense kind of sponge and then dabbed on the embossed paper. I'm using the image from the September's new release called "Fall Blessings" (shop here)

Here's the close-up.

Hope you are enjoying the cooler temperature. I have so much to be thankful for and I am counting on my Bountiful Blessings (sentiment also from Treehouse). Please go here for more inspiration.

Digital Doodles' NEW Release

I'm so excited today to share the latest release from Kathy Martin's Digital Doodles at Two Peas (shop here) . This versatile digital kit "Thankful" includes images for making cards, scrapbook pages, place cards, gift toppers, tags....etc! Since this is my first DT assignment for Digital Doodles and I was so excited that I finished these cards in less than two days right after I got the images simply because they are SO fun to work with! Please check Kathy's blog (see here.) for all the fabulous DT work! Lots of inspiration there  AND there is also a Halloween set giveaway when you leave Kathy a comment (you can just say how MUCH you love my recipe cards... etc-LOL)!!

Here are my little projects. I adore these three apples! Since I am an avid apple pie maker, I made two recipe cards with the image. I love pocket cards and this seems to be the easiest way to include a recipe. 

I took many photos for this card and show them off here with the collage.

Then after that one, I came up with a vertical pocket card.

I used brads and staples to hold the recipes.

 Thank you so much for stopping by! I will send out my apple recipe cards to two people who comment on this post . Not only your are getting my card, you will get a recipe for the apple pie!!

Etsy Inspired Challenge #105

Hello Saturday! Another fabulous week ahead at Etsy Inspired Challenge. The Shop is Handmade Whimsy (see here). You've got to check out the fun and creative aprons and pillows that the shop has to offer. Too cute! Winner will receive a lavender and chamomile eye pillow!

Our sponsor is Craft Brulee (see here). My source of inspiration is this beautiful handmade apron.

This is what I came up with. I stamped all the cherry images (perhaps too many, in my hindsight ) and colored parts of the cherry in copics and added pencil marker for some touch-up.

Isn't this cherry card CHEERY?

Ashley  Heart Hugs Designs

De  Bella Luna {Paperie}

Emily B. branch out designs

Emily N. Emmie-Lou Who Stamps &You

Joy  Crazy for Daisies

Kerry Capturing Creativity

Savannah  Savannahland 2

Stephanie Ingenious Inkling

Sept. guest designer- Kim Off The Wall Craftiness

and  Virginia Yes, Virginia... (me)

Please link back your project here .

OWH Birthday Bash

Hello Everyone! It is Operation Write Home 's 3rd Birthday Bash! And we would love for you to come and join along in all the fun! Starting on Friday morning, Sept. 10 - 12, Hero Arts will be hosting a Virtual Cardmaking Party ( blogged here)  and will be joining in on the festivities and making cards for our heroes!

There will be card challenges, games, and fun prizes to be won over at Hero Arts Flickr Group, so be sure to stop on by, check it out, and make a few cards to support this wonderful cause! If you are able to make a few cards, remember to tag them for a chance to win some goodies! All kinds of challenges can be found here. This set of cards has just one little piece of added paper (red one). The stars were embossed and can withstand the handling and mailing.

 Since the requirement for cards are pretty much in one layer, I made these cards with no glitter, pop-up dimensions, blings, gems or pearls. Here is a fun one.

Hope this will make someone special smile! Come join the fun! Happy Friday!