Get Sketchy # 62 Challenge

I decided to join the fun as soon as I saw it at Hero Arts Tweet about Get Sketchy Challenge (see here)!So here it goes...

I stamped the thank you sentiment on the Wilton paper doily and then added Basic Grey paper for the trim and borders. I used Tim Holtz distress inks for the color combo

--Velvet Victoria and Spiced Marmalade. I used a big strips of pearls for the accent. It's something that I haven't done before. Is there such thing as "....too many blings" ? Anyhow I think I like it.
Added post note: this card did win the Get Sketchy Challenge (see here)! Yippee!

Etsy Inspired Challenge # 112

Hello! Thanks for stopping by! As you may know, Saturday means Etsy Challenge time! The shop: BeiLeXian(see here). This talented artist is from Singapore and her work speak for themselves! Winner Prize - Any $18 print ! Our sponsor is Sweet and Sassy Stamps (see here)

Winner prize - $15 Gift Voucher (wow!)

Here's the painting from BeiLexian that inspired me

Isn't he adorable? I took that image and made a super fun card for a birthday boy. It's going to go to my 11-year old nephew!

I also used the Christmas Bear Digie from Sweet and Sassy Stamp and created this sweet card.I colored the bear with copics and used the white gel pen and glitter for the hat!

Do check these awesome blogs out!

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

(Oct. Guest design ) Rebecca Grohal

Virginia Yes, Virginia... (me)

Please link back your project here . I can't wait to see what you'll create!
And lastly,  HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! Here's collage of my DD Stephanie (who finds it relaxing dressing up as mime between her study breaks!!)

SMILE :)

Oh Deer!!

I have been playing with my baby reindeer deer stamp. It's such a cute image! I don't think it's limited to  Christmas/holiday theme only.  I was inspired by this gorgeous card by the uber talented Lisa Spangler (see here). Those blings (aka gems) are simply magical!  I find that the deer image can be suitable for "you are special" type of cards. Like this one...

After I made that colorful one, I decided to make another deer card with soft-colored palette!

See!? Same deer with different color combo and design!  It sure give you different feel to it, huh? Did I stop there? No, here's a Christmas card inspired by Jennifer McGuire's Thinking Inking class (see here).

Which one do you favor? I still can't decide....oh deer!

Have You "Hugged" a Background Stamp Lately?

I have been having fun with the BIG background stamps, namely, the Village

and Music Background. Just sharing a few cards using these stamps. I decided to use just part of the village image as the focal point. I did make good use of the Martha Stewart Scoring board for the folds.

Here I used the subtle colors of Music Background for this vintage card.

I decided to embossed the Music Background in white and added an angel....

Here I used the Village image for the Snow Globe

 with the faded Village in the background.

To me, stamping is most fun when I find more creative ways of using them. Hope this post will make you look at your stamps in a different perspective!

Digital Doodles' NEW Release-FROSTY!

Hi there! I am excited to share a project and a card that I made for Kathy Martin's Digital Doodles new release "Frost Friend" (shop here)

 I just love the simple image of Frosty. When I first got the image, I had so many ideas floating in my head.I finally I came up with two....for now.

I was inspired by one of the ad from Martha Stewart's Living magazine from last year. Basically you find a square within the 6 punched-out circles and score the line and then assemble them by gluing the edges together. And that's it! I keep frosty simple by adding some coloring and glitter.

And of course, I had to make a card. Adding a fabric-like ribbon for the scrarf seems like the right thing to do. These colorful pattern paper provide the perfect backdrop.

 You'll have lots of fun wth Frosty!! Check out Kathy Martin's blog for more inspiration (see here). She has Frosty Friend giveaway! If you would like a chance to win, just leave a comment at Card-Blanc by Kathy Martin  by this Friday, October 29, 2010 and you will be entered into the drawing! Winner will be announced next week on Digital Doodles Tuesday in Kathy's blog!! Hope you win!

Pretty PLEATS Please (and say it 3 times!!! )

I'm getting to be VERY addicted to make cards with PLEATS, especially after getting the Martha Stewart Scoring Board! This little tool really makes the pleating much easier and more precise! I am entering this card for the.Moxie Fab Challenge ( Perfectly Placed Pleats) again (I know, it's my 3rd!!!). Good thing the challenge is coming to an end, or I will keep submitting (LOL)!

Here's a photo of how I pleated the flower. I used the inverted circle diecut and then score the lines acoss the circle. After that, I used a small hole punch to cut out a small circle and start pleating/folding.

I see many flaws and imperfections as I made this card (shucks!), but I think that is also part of the "beauty" of the handmade cards, right? I am trying to look at things in a more positive perspective!!

Anything that you made with your own hands are something to be treasured. I am going to send this to a friend that I haven't been in touch lately. I know she is going to love it!

this post may cause drooling....

A super yummy post for you today! I made this quick Cranberry Banana Loaf a few days ago and I think it's perfect with the fall theme. Got some cranberry and banana on hand? Here's the recipe for you!

This photo was taken while the bread just came out from the oven.

So you like what you see?

Butter or margarine, melted              1/4 cup

Sugar                                                1 cup (I used 3/4 cup)

Eggs                                                 2 

Mashed banana                                 3/4 cup

Chopped cranberries                         1 cup (fresh or frozen )

All purpose flour                                1 1/2 cups

Baking powder                                  1 1/2 teaspoon

Baking soda                                      1/2 teaspoon

Salt                                                    1/2 teaspoon

Cinnamon                                           1/2 teaspoon

Put butter, sugar and 1 egg in mixing bowl. Beat Until smooth. Beat in second egg. Stir in Banana and cranberries.

Using another bowl put flour baking powder, soda, salt and cinnamon. Stir together well. Add all at once to banana mixture, Stir only to moisten. Scrape into greased 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. Bake in 350 F over for 50 min. until it tests done. Let stand 10 min. Remove from pan to cake rack to cool. Enjoy!

       If the above did not cause you to drool yet, here are more food photos (taken by my DD Stephanie) in St. Lawrence Market in Toronto on Oct. 23.

I sure wish I were at the market....

I hope you have a SUPER yummy day!!

Etsy Inspired Challenge # 111

Welcome to our latest edition of Etsy inspired Challenge. Our shop of the week is Stilleto Heights (see here). Winner Prize - 2 Prints of the winners choice! Wow! And that's now all, Stilleto also offer a 20% discount to any participants/readers/lurkers this week as well. Use Inspired20 in the "Note to Seller" box and wait for your new invoice to pay! Our generous sponsor is Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps (see here).

Winner gets $ 15 store credit and for All participants - 10% Off! Use 10ETSYIN

Here's the photo of my inspiration. I LOVE the rich colors and layered images, script and roses....

I came up with this ...

I gave this card to my former neighbor who invited me to her condo for lunch. These are the party favors that she gave out. Aren't these "shoes" gorgeous? (click on the photo for closer look!!)

These are ring holders! I picked the green one!

Please check out the DT fabulous work. You will NOT be disappointed!

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

(Oct. Guest design ) Rebecca Grohal

Virginia Yes, Virginia... (me)

Please link back your project here . Have fun creating!

FALL Scenes from the City

It's that beautiful time of the year, from the changing colors of the leaves to Halloween display from city to country! I thought I 'd share some random pictures that I took in the past month. This is a picture from my backyard.

I made a little day trip on our Thanksgiving weekend to Toronto where my DD Stephanie is attending university. First we stopped by IKEA. Here's David with the humongous lamp shades.

then there's me staring at the gorgeous lamp shade. Some snaps shots of the city....you see the world-famous CN Tower.

then another well-known landmark--Toronto City Hall

these are some really cool Halloween/fall window display in the down shopping /financial district

Love everything about these items...

Love how the store display the invitations

What a COOL dinning table!

My lovelies...Stephanie was excited to get her new glasses!

Don't you just love the sight of CHOCOLATES?

Enjoy the fall days...winter will be here before we know it!