Lily Pad Cards Blog Hop (Day 3)

Welcome to stop #2  in the Lily Pad Cards blog hop! If you are coming through from Alice's Little Wonderland, I welcome you to the hop! If you happen to drop by, please get on the hop and enjoy the ride! This blog hop starts on March 28 and will feature seven blogs per day when it culminates on Friday, April 1, with the grand opening of  Lily Pads Cards. Lily Pad Cards is a new challenge blog that will feature interviews, articles, videos, challenges, great prizes, and more!!! Can you feel the excitement?

Although Lily Pad doesn’t officially bloom until April 1, 2011, you’ll be able to see a new sneak peek every day until then. And you’ll definitely want to drop by because there are three prize packages with a total retail value of over $800 including a $100 gift certificate to a very popular online store ! Go here for specific prize details and contest rules.

The hop’s theme is Welcome because not only are we welcoming Lily Pad Cards to the neighborhood, but we’re also welcoming all of you to come in and join in all the fun. Let's get on with the card I made for this special occasion. As you are hopping from blog to blog, I thought this design is perfect for Lily Pad's Blog hop.

Hero Arts stamps: CL323 Froggy, CL446 Sew Artsy,
Others: SRM Stickers, ribbons, gems, Glossy Accent, Basic Grey paper, Starbucks coffee sleeves (Lily Pads)

Thanks for stopping by! The next stop on the hop is Sally Sherfield's Blog.  If you hit a bad link, you can always go to Lily Pads Cards and click on the next link in the hop. Please report any bad links to webmaster@inlinkz.com. I strongly encourage you to subscribe to Lily Pads (one more chance to win $800 value of prizes). The talented people behind this blog are simply the best froggie crafter that you have ever known. ! Indeed, it's a

Hoppy, Hoppy {Happy Day}!

Note: this is my 2nd post today. For SRM Sticker project , please scroll down or click tubes.

SRM Tube Project

Hey there! A quick post about my SRM tube project.  I chose this FUN  set Express Yourself-Everyday Life.  For the tubes, I used bath salt for the tubes. Here I mixed Basin Bath Salt and some white bath salt (Dr. Teal )  to create the colors! I think these will be great for Mother's Day, for girlfriends, birthdays... or anyone who can use a pick-me-ups.


I hope you like the idea and inspired you to try these tubes. They make best party favors! I have another post coming up. It's a launch of the new Challenge Blog.

I can't wait for the blog hop! BIG prizes for the hop, so do hop right back here!

Help Japan--with a RED project!

I was prompted by CREATE Blog Challenge to make a card with grids. I have never made one before and I was so intrigued. I even thought about the design/sketch while working at the doctor's office (shh...just don't tell the boss!). This first card is pretty flat and is postal-friendly. The only pop-ups are the Sakura flowers from my paper punch. I can't help making another Japan-inspired card. We just made a donation to the Canadian Red Cross. Have you done that? It's definitely something to consider...

Here's a GREAT cause in this blog called Use It Tuesday (rerquirement is to use RED in your project).I found out through my lovely blog friend Eve. They are going to make a donation to the Red Cross based on the number of participants of the challenge! If they get 1-25 players, they will donate $50; 26-50 players we will donate $75 and so on up to $400! Please help spread the word and hope you can join this great cause. Here's my part for this challenge: Edited note: this card was featured in CREATE blog.

My 2nd card design came from the sketch I did at the office. I thought of tic tac toe game that my son David loves to play (he always win though). The images are colored with copics.  Both cards' sentiment are from SRM Stickers.

 Hope this makes you smile! Please stop by tomorrow for a super EXCITING blog hop that I will be part of! Hop to Lily Pad Cards if you haven't !

Anything Goes...Wee Memories!!

Over the weekend, I was so relaxed. I took David to his piano rehearsal and cello recital. David did very well with his playing considering he just came back from his European trip! I was in such good mood, so..I ...stopped by at Michael's.  I know, I know...I WAS in the neighborhood!! With my 40% off coupon. I got this new stamp!!

It is still not cheap...at $10 Can/US (after the discount!!), I just HAD to. See what I mean?

I added a piece vellum and stamped over it, so it gives a soft and added image over  the card. Add a ribbon and pearl. Super easy!

I'm entering this for the Wee Memories Challenge. Hope you get on the hop for Lily Pads Card Challenge blog. 

HOP!!!!!

Background Stamping

I always like to create my own background. with stamps. I love how you can make various color combo to match with the image that you want to focus on. This week's challenge at Penny Black is "Background Stamping". I do not own any background stamps, so I used thinking of you to make my own.

The flower border was the backdrop for the tulips which was stamped in Tim Holtz Vintage Photo.

Hope you are enjoying your Sunday. I have yet another exciting blog week planned. See you soon! Have you heard? There will be a NEW card challenge blog in town!! Super exciting! You can Facebook Lily Pads Card and be their friends here.

Etsy Inspired Challenge #132

Hello! Welcome to Etsy Inspired Challenge. Our shop is Fresh Metal. The shop specializes in unique vintage necklaces and brooches. They are created with a modern edge, as well as eye catching fabric by reuse or upcycle vintage items. Here are some samples:

Winner prize is  Pretty Posey Vintage Lace Necklace. Sponsor: Amber Ink

AmberInk was started by a mother and daughter team. Amber lives in the East, Pam lives in the West. Amber is an Emmy nominated children's animator and illustrator, who creates from her Brooklyn, New York studio.
Winner prize - $15 Gift Certificate to use in the store
This is the necklace that inspired me...

I didn't think I can duplicate the necklace, so I added my own twist.

Please check out the DT's  fabulous work for more inspiration.

Ashley Angi, Carole , De

Emily, Jackie, Joy,

Kerry,  Libby (guest design)

Ruby, Savannah , Sherry

Virginia (you are here)
Please link your project to Etsy inspired Challenge here. Enjoy your weekend!

Easter Card and Project with SRM Stickers

Hello! Today I am sharing an Easter card and tube project made with SRM Stickers. It all started with this stash of twines on my desk! As I stared at the little pile, then this idea came...

So I used the Cuttlebug and had an oval cut out and the rest seems to fall in to the design very easily. (Note to myself: Do NOT clean up...it's alright to leave a little mess on the craft desk).

Next is the SRM Tubes. I filled them with milk Chocolate eggs and just had fun decorating them.

I used the little muffin liner for the topper and added the cute bunnies! Hope this will inspire you to try making an Easter Card/project. Please don 't forget to head to the SRM Blog for more inspiration! Happy Friday!  

Yummy Tuesday Triggers!

I was so drawn to the colors, shape and theme of this picture from  Moxie Fab World's Tuesday Trigger Citrus Celebration and was inspired to make a card.

One little cupcake stamp (see Birthday Express)  can make a big impact. I did some masking for the stacking cupcakes.

Here I used the Color Box Citrus Chalk Ink for the colors (here is a video tutorial and offers a few good tips). The Baker's twines provided the fun elements for this design. I applied the SRM Stickers (We've Got You Stickers-Sweet) for the sentiment.

The biggest surprise for me today is finding out about the Fab 5 win (out of over 500 submissions!!) at Hero Arts (see here). How LUCKY am I!!!!  I simply created the envelopes for David and friends to hold their traveling tickets/receipts/stubs.  It was a hit among his traveling companions, especially some of them are scrapbookers themselves. They LOVE the idea! And now I get to win some NEW amazing Hero Arts stamps?  I am truly the happiest stamper today, in deed...

 Life is SWEET!

edited note: This card was selected as Tuesday Trigger (see here).

Scrap RDV Guest Design (Part 2)

It gives me great pleasure to share some more guest design work with you today. My sweet friend Alexandra  had graciously asked me to make a card or two based on this sketch provided by Liana!

Isn't it FUN? I was so inspired that I went to create right away. And immediately I knew that I wanted to scrap, too! Since the theme is "So British" based on my prompt for Scrap Rendez-Vous. I made a page of my trip to London last year. This is the first time that I made a page just about ME and it's also the first time I made a page based on sketch!

The banner idea came from my previous Lace Banner Card. I'm glad the design came so easily! I pop-dotted the lace banners and then added ribbons and gems. The photo of me was taken in May 2010 in

front of the Buckingham Palace

I didn't see the Queen, but just by being there, I felt that I had lived a full life and was so happy that I could finally visit the famous Palace. Thus the title "Seize the Day" and I used the sentiment "Remember to....live in moment !" Next are the two cards I made based on the sketch. I could have made an England-inspired card, but our minds and concerns these days are mostly centered on the terrible calamities of Japan. I can't help but make a card as my tribute to Japan.

Japan is a country that my father deeply admired. My father was a Taiwanese and was educated under the government of Japan for 20 some years. Taiwan was once occupied and ruled by Japan for 50 years and the ruling ended in 1945 after Japanese surrender in World War II. I grew up with my father's admiration for Japanese culture and language. Growing up in Taiwan, I have many fond memories of Japan from my childhood, thanks to my father's influence.

My thoughts and prayers are with the people in Japan.

Lastly I want to thank Alexandra for giving me this opportunity to stretch my creativity and encourages me in such an amazingly positive way. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Let's Go Traveling!!

Are you ready for a little adventure today? Hop on the plane, train, bus, boat and more plane! Alexia the Cat (beautifully made and given to me by my talented friend Alexandra)  is going to take you to places! As you may know, my 16-year old David just came back from his European trip. The night before his trip, I asked him to bring Alexia along with him. I thought it will be fun to take this little cat for a fun trip. At first, David was reluctant, but in the end, he went along with my idea and he did not disappoint me!! I can't believe how these photos make me feel--so happy that I want to giggle!

First we started with Alexia watching over the luggage handling in Frankfurt! Take it away, Alexia!

Hello! Alexia here...I love Frankfurt Airport. David, being a good boy, bought two German magazines at his Mom's request. I wanted to make sure David's luggage was on the right flight :) 

So happy that David took me to this Italian wooden toy shop. I saw Pinocchio there!

Then we were off to Florence. This structure was pretty impressive, huh?

I tried to "blend in" with the people at the piazza! I was doing what the Romans do--strolling!

Ta-dah! See the Colosseum ? Boy, is it ever BIG!

I was in front of the Roman Forum. Tourists only that day--no public protest or speeches.

Lucky David got to visit Trevi Fountain for the 2nd time (he was there exactly a year ago)! My first! Now....who is CUTER? The sculptures or ME???

David is such a seasoned traveler. He didn't buy many tacky souvenirs, mostly pasta and chocolate--his fave!

We then were off to Pisa. I was trying to "help"..but it is still leaning.

Here's me in NICE, France "chilling"---N-I-C-E!

Love to relax on the beach...it was a bit too cold though. So no celebrity sightings there :(

Here's comes the exciting part. We took the high speed train TGV from Nice to Paris. The 6-hour trip was all in a blur....but I savored every minute of it.

David even videotaped it! He waited a long time..just to get this because the trains are just TOO fast to catch!

Ah....finally! PARIS!

After visiting the Arc de Triomphe, Musee du Louvre, Latin Quarter and eating crepes (YUM), it's time to head back to Canada.

Thanks so much for traveling with me! I think Virginia has some more fun projects planned for tomorrow...

Cosmo Cricket Card

I am happy to share some Spring cards with you today. I must admit, I'm a stamper at heart, so using the pattern paper provides a greater challenge for me. As a DT for SRM Stickers, I was lucky to receive the new Cosmo Cricket paper called Social Club. Here's my take with these beautiful paper!

I created the flower stems with the ribbon and SRM Stickers-Spring! EASY and EFFECTIVE! I love adding these buttons for the centers of flowers.

For more inspirations, please visit SRM Stickers. Hope this card makes you feel Spring-y! I'm also sharing  card that I made over the Hero Arts Flickr Group for the Scramble Card Challenge. The requirement is using either a sketch or acetate. In my case, I used both elements. I had to retrieve the acetate from my recycle bin (note to myself: NEVER throw away crafty stuff). Here's the result of one hour of card-making.

A close-up here

Have yourself a great week ahead. My son David is safely home from his European trip.

I have lots more fun photos to share later !