When I ordered this cupcake paper I knew I was going to use it for my friend who eats gluten free and has been making gluten free cupcakes.  She has a fun and bright personality so these colors were perfect.  The polka dot and cupcake papers are from My Mind's Eye.  They are my favorite patterned paper company!  I thoroughly enjoy their collections.

This cupcake is gluten free.  :o)  I chose large flake glitter to go on the frosting since it is large cupcake.  The frosting reminds me of delicious buttercream.  Mmm.  The buttons on top are a fun play on a cherry. The aqua thread helps tie in the color scheme. 

The cupcake in the corner is a dimensional sticker from a pack that I've had for few months.  I knew I would find something for them eventually.  I do believe they are perfect here.

Paper: My Mind's Eye - Lime Twist Life of the Party Sweet Cupcakes (green polka dot scollop runs around the edge of this paper),  Papertrey Ink - Hawaiian Shores and Stampers' Select white, KI Memories - Classic Prints Paper Pad - pink polka dot and multicolor scollop, Staples' white cardstock, DCWV - The Glitter Stack - yellow glitter paper
Stamps: PTI - Think Big Favorites #1
Ink: PTI - Raspberry Fizz, Plum Pudding, and New Leaf, Powder Puff Chalking Ink - Very Berry
Embellishments:  Kaiser Craft - aqua rhinestone, Joann's buttons - red, aqua floss, Jolee's Boutique - dimensional cupcake sticker, Sulyn Industries Ink - white iridescent glitter

A cute dinosaur ready to party.  Perfect card for a little guy on his birthday.  The Create a Critter Cricut cartridge really has adorable animals.  Every time I pull it out I am reminded of all the cutesy card possibilities it holds.  

I added Glossy Accents to all the orange paper and also to the mouth.  At the rate I'm going with that stuff I'll be needing to buy a new bottle soon.

Paper: The Paper Company - blue, Best Occasions Textured Cardstock - green, Papertrey Ink - Orange Zest, My Mind's Eye - Twinkle Twinkle Little Boy - patterned orange
Stamps: Technique Tuesday - Cake & Candles
Ink: PTI - Orange Zest
Embellishments: Glossy Accents, googley eyes
Other: Create a Critter and Birthday Bash Cricut cartridges

I have been wanting to use several birthday themed papers I have, but they have mostly very dark backgrounds.  To lighten up the card I added large presents in light and bright colors.  I think I achieved what I set out for here.  To me bright, cheerful colors put the 'happy' in a birthday card.

To add interest I embossed the paper and topped them with bows of various materials; twill, grosgrain, and satin.  Also, I added foam dimensional behind the middle one.  I made an envelope for this card with extra room for the bows so they would not be flattened before the recipient opened it. 

I cut the 'bow' on the inside box out of paper so there would not be added bulk on the inside.  This week I was introduced to a crafting house/retailer and bought a new brand of liquid chalk inks--Powder Puff--which I used on the inside here.  I really, really like them!  Must say I foresee myself buying most of the colors now as I only bought three colors to try them.

Paper: The Paper Studio - Birthday Extravaganza stack - birthday words and yellow with stars, Papertrey Ink - Hawaiian Shores, Chartreuse, and Orange Zest, Staples white cardstock

Stamps: Technique Tuesday - Cake & Candles set

Ink: PTI - Orange Zest, Powder Puff - Green with Envy

Embellishments: PTI - Lemon Tart twill ribbon, orange & yellow saddle stitch grosgrain ribbon and green satin ribbon from Michael's

Other: Cuttlebug embossing folders - polka dot and art deco fans

\

Purple and green color combinations appeal to me.  I stamped the flowers and to add pizzaz I used pearlized brads in the centers. The 'happy birthday' sentiment may look blurred in the picture but it was stamped with two different greens to give a shadowed look. 

Paper: Papertrey Ink Stampers' Select white and Plum Pudding, DCWV - The Lemon Flower Stack - patterned green

Stamps: PTI Daydreamer and Birthday Basics

Ink: PTI Plum Pudding and New Leaf, Memento - new sprout

Embellishments: The Paper Studio - pearlized green brads, PTI Plum Pudding Luxe Satin ribbon

I wanted to make an Asian themed card but didn't want it to be expected colors. After much thought and browsing of my paper stash I came across this floral patterned paper. 

The koi fish in the pond are from an embossing folder that I embossed in light aqua and then again in orange.  I cut out the fish, applied Glossy Accents to them and the water ripples and mounted them to the embossed background.  I wanted a recessed pond look so I mounted the floral paper frame quite higher than water scene.

The inside has an unexpected feature--a banner.  Since the ribbon is only attached to the card at the very ends, the banner has much movement when you open and close the card.  After using these lanterns in this card I now have ideas on how to use them again in a future card as well.

Paper: DCWV - The Cafe Mediterranean Stack - floral and blue circles, Papertrey Ink Aqua Mist, Orange Zest, Lemon Tart, and Chartreuse
Stamps: Technique Tuesday - Cake & Candles
Ink: Memento tuxedo black
Embellishments: thin yellow ribbon, orange grommets, Glossy Accents, black Sharpie
Other: Crop-o-dile Big Bite, Cuttlebug, Cuttlebug embossing folder koi pond, Cricut, Cricut Pagoda cartridge (lanterns), dimensional foam tape, corner rounder, Marvy Uchida paper trimmer

I needed a card made with jewel tones and it had to be fab.  It is quite intimidating making a card for a fellow paper crafter!  This card is full of firsts for me.  First time I tore paper, made a ribbon flower, hand sewing to add detail, and 3D butterflies (they had so much height in fact that they coupled with the voluptuous flower made it so it could not be put in an envelope).

Paper: Recollections Signature Glitter Paper - fuchsia, The Paper Studio - girly multi stripe, PTI enchanted Evening, Best Occasions Textured Cardstock - kelly green and magenta

Stamps: Technique Tuesday Cake & Candles set

Ink: PTI Hibiscus Burst, Enchanted Evening, Orange Zest

Embellishments: The Paper Studio - magenta rhinestones and glitter brad

Other: Cricut, Hannah Montana Cricut Cartridge - butterflies (p. 75)

I have had fun coloring rocket ships lately to learn how to color and blend with my new Copics.  I needed a card for a little boy and knew one with a rocket ship would be perfect!

Paper: The Paper Studio - green swirls, PTI Stampers' Select white, The Paper Studio - blue and yellow
Stamps: PTI Boy Basics: Out of this World

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Danube Blue

Embellishments: The Paper Studio mat silver stars, crimson satin ribbon from Michael's 

Other: Copics (R24, R27, R29, YR68, Y15, YG13, YG17, B24, B26, C1, colorless blender)

Today I am sharing a golf birthday card. I really like this cut from the Celebrate with Flourish Cricut Lite cartridge. I felt like it needed a little umph so I embossed it to give it some texture--Papertrey Ink paper embosses so beautifully. (I promise I don't work for them but I'd sure love to.) I inked around the golf bag so it would pop a little more against the green background.

I've been on a kraft cardstock kick lately. It goes with practically everything.  Here it is only the mat.  Again, I used my Technique Tuesday stamp set for the sentiment.  I enjoy the airy loopiness of the handwriting. I subtly inked Enchanted Evening around the green patterned paper edges but it isn't as obvious in the pictures.

PTI's Enchanted Evening blue is one of my favorites! I have the paper, ink, and ribbon. It was an easy choice to do the inside background in it.

Paper: PTI Enchanted Evening and Kraft, The Paper Company - cream, Staples white cardstock, DCWV The Metallic Stack - silver, DCWV The Guy Stack - green plaid

Stamps: Technique Tuesday stamp set Cake & Candles

Ink: PTI Enchanted Evening and Dark Chocolate

Embellishments: The Paper Studio polishes silver brads, PTI Dark Chocolate grosgrain ribbon, cream grosgrain ribbon from Hobby Lobby

Other: Cricut, Cricut Lite cartridge - Celebrate with Flourish, Cuttlebug, Cuttlebug embossing folder - circles

I needed several thank you cards for the people who brought us food after the birth of our last baby. We had food coming every other day for four weeks between my church and family. Needless to say it was a lot of thank you cards. 

I wanted them to be special so when I spied the Papertrey Ink Fruit Fusion: Grapes with coordinating die I snagged it. I figured the grapes being food was more than appropriate for my thank you cards for the food made for us.

I die cut the grapes, stamped them, then applied glossy accents to the individual grapes for a neat detail. I traced the embossed edge of this Labels Four die with a Copic to make it stand out more as well. My new favorite way to attach ribbon is with Zip Dry. You have to be fast but it sure doesn't take much to make a strong hold!

Paper: PTI Plum Pudding and Stampers' Select White, Staples white cardstock

Stamps: PTI Fruit Fusion: Grapes

Ink: PTI Plum Pudding and New Leaf

Embellishments: Glossy Accents

Other: Spellbinders Labels Four, Cuttlebug embossing folder - vines, green satin ribbon from Michael's, Copic marker C1

When Papertrey Ink came out with the stamp set Boys Basics: Rock On with coordinating die I was chomping at the bit until its release. Waiting on it to arrive was a type of paper crafting torture as I always get the free shipping. Why do I do that to myself? Because it's free and I like free.

This was my first card using this set. Yes, that is black and brown together. I like it just because it has a faux pas attached to it. I rocked it if I may say so myself. *grin*

Paper: PTI Pure Poppy, The Paper Company - cream, DCWV - The Metallic Stack - copper, My Mind's Eye - Twinkle Twinkle Little Boy -stars and circles, Staples white cardstock

Stamps: PTI Boys Basics: Rock On

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Embellishments: copper grommets

Other: Crop-o-dile Big Bite, foam dimensionals 

I challenged myself to use this flower I had made as a focal point for a card. This fun summertime card was the result. I like how the pink patterned paper mimics the focal flower. 

These tissue paper flowers are great to have on hand. They mail nicely without the bulk that other flowers have. Definitely worth the effort to make them!

Paper: Papertrey Ink - Aqua Mist, My Mind's Eye - Quite Contrary - pink with flowers, Staples white cardstock

Stamps: Technique Tuesday stamp set Cake & Candles

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Embellishments: Cosmo Cricket aqua button

Other: white shimmer tissue paper, hot pink floss

It's simple, clean, and full of lines.  I really like the color combination here. I was itching to use Papertrey Ink's Hawaiian Shores and wanted a pattern that would coordinate. It just makes me happy. Perfect for a happy birthday card.

Paper: The Paper Studio - Birthday Extravaganza - multicolor stripes, PTI Hawaiian Shores and Plum Pudding

Stamps: PTI For the Graduate

Ink: PTI Plum Pudding

Embellishments: PTI Lemon Tart ribbon

Preteen and teenager cards are some of the hardest for me to create--I know how picky they are! If I am going to spend time making a card I want them to like it...well, at least in my head. I figured I couldn't go wrong with zebra, hot pink, and a little bling.

I try to make the inside of my cards special too.  Of course it depends on how much time I have to create it. Most of the time I making my card the day I need it. Hot off the press!

Paper: The Paper Studio - Birthday Extravaganza stack - green swirl and pink swirl, Staples white cardstock, solid pink and purple cardstock was from an unmarked 8x8 stack at my local discount store

Embellishments: zebra ribbon, crafting gems

Other: Cricut Classic Font for letters and "happy birthday" (p.68)

 

I was stuffing tissue paper in a gift bag when I had an epiphany--I could use it for flowers on my cards! I looked at the various colors of tissue paper I have and was giddy with delight. The first flowers I made I put on this card. 

They were fairly easy to make and I am really liking the result. I cut a few different sizes of flowers from my Cricut Pagoda cartridge on cardstock, traced them on tissue paper, cut them out, layered them, glued the middles together, used my Big Bite to punch a hole in the middle of the now put together flower, put a decorative brad in it, and secured it to the paper. Voila! My own CHEAP fancy flower!

On the inside I used the Technique Tuesday stamp set Cake & Candles. This is my new go to birthday set. 

Glitter, gems, texture, and flowers are not the things I think of when I think of a 30th birthday card but it turned out cute. I hope she liked it as much as I had fun making it!

Paper: Glitter cardstock from Recollections Signature - black and aqua, PTI Stampers' Select White, The Paper Studio black cardstock and The Classic Stack - black damask, KI Memories Classic Prints Paper Pad - turquoise (inside card)

Stamps: Technique Tuesday Cake & Candles set

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Essential Glue Pad

Embellishments: The Paper Studio gem & pearl brads, A La Mode black embossing powder, 

Other: Cricut Lyrical Letters cartridge for "30," Cricut Pagoda cherry blossom flower (flower stencil), white shimmer tissue paper, Crop-o-dile Big Bite

(on envelope) generic pink envelope, Martha Stewart Gemstone Glitter - turquoise, BasicGrey adomment stamp

This card was inspired by my niece who likes things bright and sparkly. I wanted substansial sparkles so I opted to use a sparkle glaze versus glitter pens.  I applied it with a detail paintbrush and the result was exactly what I wanted to achieve. The goggly eyes add a fun, whimsical touch for a three-year old.

The ladybugs on the inside really pull this card together. This happy birthday cut has a fun, retro feel and worked nicely with the card.

Paper: DCWV - Nana's Kids Stack - ladybug and The Glitter Cardstock Stack - aqua, Best Occasions Textured Cardstock - dark pink, The Paper Company - light pink, built on Staples white cardstock

Embellishments: goggly eyes, wavy scissors, Delta Ceramics Sparkle Glaze

Other: Cricut Doodlecharms ladybug (p. 94), Cricut Lyrical Letters 3 (p. 56) and happy birthday    (p. 70), fine, black Sharpie

I needed a card for my cousin's elegant wedding.  I knew it had to be simple yet gorgeous. My inspiration was this ultra blingy button I happened upon while shopping one day a few months ago.  I was saving it for a special occasion. This is the only picture that did it justice so please pardon my fingers. 


Paper: Papertrey Ink (PTI) - Hibiscus Burst, DCWV - Lemon Flower Stack, velum
Stamps: The Paper Studio
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Embellishments: PTI Hibiscus Burst Luxe Satin ribbon, blingy button from Joann