Danielle's Corner Office

WOYWW

2011-12-14T12:29:00.001-05:00

I haven't participated in WOYWW for months, but today I am proud to show off my work desk! On my work desk is the beginning of my daughter's wedding dress. There re also some favor boxes that we have been putting together, but they are pre cut, not something we made. Now I need to get busy on the rest of the dress, because the wedding is Friday night! Have a great Wednesday! Take a peek at everyone's desk at http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/
DanielleP

Wow...it's been a long time!

2011-12-13T11:41:00.000-05:00

I knew it had been a long time since I had posted, but not a peep since August is terrible! One of my goals for this year was to post at least once a week. Well, I didn't make that goal, but a lot has been happening in my life and I just didn't make the time.

When I got back from my wonderful vacation to Ireland and England I went back to work with a vengence. I've been working a lot of overtime in the last few months. I've also work nights for the last month. I don't know how people who work nights all the time do it. After the first of the year I am saying "No" to all those extra shifts!

I also spent a lot of my time with my parents this fall. My dear Daddy, who has been bed ridden for the last year and a half, died in November at age 92. Before his death the whole family had been helping Mother take care of him. I was so glad to be able to help with his care. Dad gave his life to Jesus a long time ago, and because of my faith, I "do not grieve as those who have no hope". I look forward to the day when all of us will be rerunited in Heaven! Here's a picture of Daddy with a few of his favorite girls, my Mother and my daughters, Amy (in cream gown) and Rachel (in purple gown).

Flying home

2011-08-02T14:49:00.000-04:00

Trying to get home from England has been a 2 day process. I flew from London to NY yesterday, but couldn't get to DC. Spent the night on the floor of JFK airport, then went to Atlanta this morning. I am finally on a flight to DC. Just hoping I actually make it this time

Vacation!

2011-07-13T17:15:00.000-04:00

off to ireland today. flight delayed due to thunderstorms. i hope i dont miss my connecting flight. not a very good start. also forgot a few things, but i will survive without them. esides hubby and daughter will be joining me in a few days and they will bring them for me

I'm still here...

2011-06-13T13:43:00.000-04:00

just haven't been able to post anything lately. Life is busy, work's been draining and when I'm home it feels like all I can do is sleep! It may have something to do with the strange schedule I have had working nights, then days, then nights again, then evenings! Now I will be working days after a single day off. Maybe I will even have nough energy to do some crafting this week. Wish me luck.
Danielle

So many crafts, so little time.

2011-05-23T13:51:00.000-04:00

I've been working lots of long hours the past 6 weeks or so, and when I've been home I've been too tired to craft. I"ve bought a bunch of new stamps recently and several paper stacks and am itching to use some of them! I've been looking at some of the challenges that have been posted and thinking about how some of my new stamps would be perfect, but I just haven't had the time to put anything together. I think I'm going to have to forget about sleeping for a few nights, so I can get some projects completed. lol
Danielle

Wedding photo

2011-05-06T12:40:00.001-04:00

It's been a month and I am finally getting around to post a photo of my daughter and son-in-law at the wedding! I have been way too busy at work this past month and every thing else has just been put on hold. But no more excuses and here is the beautiful bride and handsome groom! A lovely couple if ever there was one!
Danielle

Notecards for Kristen (and Kyle)

2011-05-06T12:09:00.000-04:00

Kristen (my oldest daughter) got married on April 1st. I wanted to make some note cards for her and decided to use the couples initials. I looked over all my fonts for the Cricut and found one that I thought was perfect for these note cards. I mounted the welded initials on a double marquee cut. I used background papers from a stack by Me and My Big Ideas, all in black and white. I thought these could be used for Thank You cards, announcements, or just about anything they might want to use them for. Kristen loves the contrast of black and white and I thought these papers would appeal to her. I picked a variety of papers because I didn't want all of them to look feminine, since they are also for Kyle. The black and white card stock is from AC Moore-just there bulk packaged card stock. The marquee cuts are from Storybook and the font is from Songbird. I used the Gypsy to weld the initials and also to cut everything out. I popped the double marquee with foam tape for dimension.
I am entering the following challenges with these note cards:
1. Papertake Weekly Challenge- http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/ Anything Goes
2. A Spoonfull of Sugar Challenge- http://aspoonfullofsugarchallenge.blogspot.com/ White with one color

It's WOYWW and I have been MIA for weeks!

2011-04-27T12:13:00.000-04:00

so it's time to once again dig out my camera and snap a pic of my workdesk and post away. If you haven't joined in the funn of WOYWW and are wondering what it is I'm going on about, hop ever to Julia's blog at http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/ and have a look around. Just beware-it's addictive! So, on too my desk...I have a screen printing kit and a handful of clear stamps I bought last week, but haven't been able to do anything with because I've been working for the past 8 days and I have 2 more to go until I get a full day off. I'm trying to save lots of money for my trip to Ireland and England in July, but I would like a little more time off. I haven't been able to do any crafting for weeks. After Kristen's wedding I started to make some note cards for the newlyweds, but haven't gotten them finished. I have the weekend off so I'm hoping to finish them. Hope every one has a great day!
Danielle

Ah, Spring!

2011-04-15T11:51:00.000-04:00

I don't think I have a favorite season, but there are things I love about each season. Spring has finally arrived in Western Maryland and today on my way home from work I was thinking about some of the things I really love about spring and thought I'd share.
1. I love the way the green creeps up the mountain. Right now there is the barest hint of celery green at the bottom of the mountain and day by day as I drive home from work I will see the color deeped to a vibrant green and it will slowly make it's way to the top of the ridge.
2. I love the orchards in the spring, especially if it is a newly planted orchard. All those baby trees bursting with blooms looks like babies all in a row dressed in lace.
3. I love the sound of the birds singing early in the morning as the dawn is breaking. It's almost like they are singing the sun up.

Hope you are enjoying this lovely time of year where you are!
Danielle

I've been MIA ...

2011-04-08T14:19:00.000-04:00

I've been scheduled to work every dy since Kristen's wedding except Tuesday. I did get to be off Sunday also, because I wasn't needed, but it's been a really busy week! I didn't even get a post in for WWOYW! Of course, there wasn't anything interesting on my desk to show anyway. I do have some note cards in the planning stage for Kristen and Kyle. They can use them as Thank You notes or just as plain note cards and I hope to have them finished by early next week. I will post them as soon as I get them done.
Danielle

Wedding Week

2011-03-28T10:01:00.000-04:00

My daughter, Kristen is getting married Friday evening, and I've got a lot to do this week so I probably won't be getting much posted. In fact, I should be cleaning right now, instead of spending time on the computer! I hope I'll be able to pop in now and again and also check out a few of the blogs I follow, but next week I'm sure I'll have lots of wedding photos to post!
Danielle

Pink altered note paper holder

2011-03-23T12:12:00.000-04:00

Another altered note paper holder! This one is for my friend, Nancy, who is a breast cancer survivor. The pink ribbon design is actully an ampersand (&) cut with my cricut (I forget which font cartridge I used) in pink and in white (for the shadow). I then cut off the bottom to turn it into the ribbon design. It's popped off the box with foam tape. I added pink rhinestones for a bit of sparkle and also added Stickles around the outside of the shadow layer. The design on the edge of the lid is a clear stamp from Prima. I used "cotton candy" ink by Nicole, and used clear rhinestones. The papers are from my stash, so I don't know the manufacturer. I put a line of pearls between the stamped design and the patterened paper, to cover the edge and to divide the two. The flowers are made with some sheer ribbon that someone gave me. I gathered a length of ribbon into a circle and tied the ends of the thread and then added leaves cut from a silk flower I had lying around. I am entering this project into the following challenges:

1. One Stop Craft Challenge- http://onestopcraftchallenge.blogspot.com/ Diamonds are a girl's best friend
2. Allsorts Challenge- http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/ make a gift box
3. Saturday Challenge- http://thesecretcraftersaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/ Anything but a card
4. Cupcake Craft Challenges- http://cupcakecraftchallenges.blogspot.com/ monochromatic
5. Papertake Weekly Challenge- http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/ Something Girlie
6. A Spoon Full of Sugar- http://aspoonfullofsugarchallenge.blogspot.com/ Ribbon, Pearls/Rhinestones, flowers
7. Fresh Brewed Blog Challenge- http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/ Two or more embellies
8. Simon Says Stamp Challenge- http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/ Mother's Day/Girlie

This is a "before" pic. I took the box completely apart before covering and embellishing it!

Here are the "after pics.

WOYWW

2011-03-23T09:40:00.001-04:00

It's that time again! What time, you ask? It's WOYWW time! Don't understand? Pop over to Julia's blog at
http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/ and find out!
So, My desk is a mess as usual. There are a few scattered pieces of paper, a few stamps, glue, 2 tape runners that have broken in the middle (I hate when that happens!), some ribbon and my latest project-an altered note paper holder. It's for my friend Nancy, who is a breast cancer survivor. Of course, it has to be pink and it has the pink ribbon design on it. It also has some bling, because I like shiny things! I hope you all have a great WOYWW!
DanielleP

Work is beginning to interfer with my crafting!

2011-03-22T13:14:00.000-04:00

I've been working more this week and I can't get any crafting done! What's a crafter to do? lol I have been trying to finish a gift for my friend Nancy and can't get enough time away from work. We've been very busy and I've stayed a bit later the past several days. I ususally have a few days off during the week, but this week I'm scheduled for 6 days in a row, and we've been really busy, so when I've been home I've been too tired for much crafting. Tomorrow I should only be there half a day, so I'll try to get Nancy's gift posted then.
Danielle

Magnolia Stamps

2011-03-19T17:09:00.000-04:00

I want some Magnolia stamps, and I want them in a bad way! I look at other blogs and I am loving all the Tilda images, but I am really trying to be good and not spend much money on crafts right now. I did buy a couple new cricut carts, 'cause they were on sale and SUCH a bargain, but other than that slight slip up I have been very good! I just have to fight this urge to go on a binge and spend tons of money on all those adorable stamps. I have looked at several different web sites and ca't even decide on one or 2 stamps to keep my cravings in check, I want too many of them. I will have to just look at all the beautiful creations that others have made and be satisfied with enjoying them that way!
Danielle

It's WOYWW again!

2011-03-16T15:03:00.001-04:00

It's that time again-WOYWW. Don't know what that is? Hop over to Julia's place at http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/ and see what all the fuss is about! You'll be glad you did.

Here's what's on my desk today-silk flowers. My baby is getting married! OK, she's 24, and she's the oldest of my 4 children, but she's still my baby! She's having a very small wedding and I had to cajole a little to get her to let me do anything, but she's letting me do her bouquet. The first flower her fiance ever gave her was a peach rose, so she's having peach and white roses. All I've done so far is cut the stems off a bit so I can figure out how I want them arranged in a vase first. Then I will put them in the bouquet holder. I have 2 1/2 weeks, but I am sure she will want to see something accomplished this weekend, so I will be doing them the next day or so. I hope you have a great WOYWW!
Danielle

St. Patrick's Day Wreath

2011-03-13T13:25:00.002-04:00

I saw a Valentine's Heart wreath on someone's door at work and loved it. I decided to do one for St. Patrick's Day. Both my husband and I have Irish blood (my maiden name was Diggins, his ancestor was a Walker) and we always do something around here to celebrate. My husband always cooks breakfast at our house and sometimes he dyes our breakfast green (no one ate the oatmeal the year he did that green!), or I make an Irish meal for dinner. I send St. Patrick's Day cards to my parents and siblings, but they have been made for a while, so I made this wreath to get into the spirit last week. I cut the base with the Cricut Expression, using my Gypsy to set the cuts. I cut it in a lightweight cardboard, then again in a green patterened paper. I cut lots of shamrocks in 2 shades of green cardstock and 2 patterened papers, then one "pot of gold" and one hat in black. I used Paper Doll Dress Up for all those cuts. I added a green hat band and put lots of Stickles in several shades of golds on the pot and made a gold buckle on the hat. I added some doodling with white pen on the pot and hat. I laminated everything so I could hang it on the outside door and not worry about rain ruining it. I glued it all together and added the stamped sentiment (Have a lucky day) from Studio G, and the ST. Patrick's Day ribbon (bought on clearance from Wal-Mart after St. Patrick's day a few years ago). If I were doing it over I would have made it a little larger, but I'm pleased overall with how it turned out. Erin Go Braugh!
I'm entering the following challenges with this project:
1. One Stitch at a Time Challenge- http://onestitchatatimechallenge.blogspot.com/ Glitter and Gems
2. Creative Card Crew- http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/ No Flowers
3. Allsorts Challenge Blog- http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/ Luck of the Irish
Danielle

Where does the time go?

2011-03-12T10:24:00.001-05:00

I had a very busy week this week. I got a little crafting done, but I worked nights this week so my sleep/wake schedule got jumbled. My news is that my oldest daughter, Kristen and her fiance, Kyle decided they were getting married before he is transferred (he is a Marine), so I have been doing "wedding things" when I had extra time instead of crafting. They are having an immediate family only wedding and it will be very simple, but Kristen is letting me do her flowers for her and I am looking forward to that. My mother did the flowers for my wedding and I loved them. I hope she likes the ones I am doing for her.
Danielle

WOYWW

2011-03-09T15:18:00.001-05:00

It's WOYWW at Julia's place- http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/ and I had to play along. This week as usual my space is a mess. I am trying to use up some of my scrap paper and I'm not making much progress. That huge plastic accordian folder holds most of my scraps, and a few stickers. I picked out some green papers for St. Patricks Day and they are lying beside the folder. I've got a few stamps out, some vellum, a small roll of vinyl, ink pads, a few tools and emellies lying about, and of course my ever faithful companion-my iron. lol I think I may have to name the thing, it's always sitting there, even tho I rarely use it. So-What on Your Workdesk this Wednesday? I'll be checking in to see!
Danielle

Etched glass votive holders

2011-03-08T13:00:00.000-05:00

This pair of etched glass votive holders were made using my Cricut, Vinyl and etching cream. I had to cut the flowers twice. The first time they were slighty larger than the side of the holders. I recut them so the design wouldn't extend beyond the corners. After placing the vinyl where I wanted the design to appear I put on a thick coat of the etching cream. I allowed the etching cream to remain in place for 30 minutes, then I scraped off most of it with a craft stick, washed whatever remained after that and removed the vinyl. A very easy way to add some interest to plain glass votive holders!
DanielleP

Girl Friend Birthday Card

2011-03-07T11:21:00.001-05:00

I love, love, LOVE how this card turned out! I love the patterened paper, it's from DCWV's glittered "Sweet" stack. I love the die cuts, made with my cricut using the Forever Young cart. I love the lace and ribbon, lace in some scraps someone had given me and ribbon from "Sweet Petites". I love the Stickles and Pearls, I love the sentiment stamp from a clear set by Cloud9 Designs called "Laughter". Have I mentioned that I love this card? lol The card measures 6"x6". The cardstock is all from ACMoore. I planned all the cuts with the Gypsy. The only cut tht isn't from Forever Young is the little flourish over the sentiment-that is a leftover cut from the birdcage on the Straight From the Nest cart. I added "Cotton Candy" Stickles to the accessories and dress, and "Gunmetal" Stickles to the flourish and around the white cardstock the sentiment was stamped on. The inside of the card uses the same patterened paper and pink cardstock and the sentiment was computer generated on pink vellum.
I am entering the following challenges with this card:
1. The ABC Challenge- http://abc-challenge.blogspot.com/ P is for Pink
2. Totally Papercrafts Challenge- http://totallypapercrafts.blogspot.com/ Pearls and Lace
3. One Stop Craft Challenge- http://onestopcraftchallenge.blogspot.com/ black, white and one color
4. Allsorts Challenge- http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/ Card for a teen
Danielle

Patriotic card

2011-03-05T10:59:00.001-05:00

I've been keeping the cover of a book of stamps with the Liberty Bell for months, planning on putting it on a card. I finally got around to it and also got to use some paper that has been around for several years. I have so much paper and I need to use some up so I can justify (at least a little bit) all the new paper I buy. (Whenever I bring new paper home and show it off to my husband, he grins and says, "Just what you need, MORE paper!") Anyway, I made 2 cards using a sketch for a challenge. The papers were from the dollar store, the image is from the US postal service, the cardstock is from my scrap papers. I inked with walnut ink on lots of the paper. I wanted to give it the look of old parchment. I popped the image with foam tape.The ribbon is from Offray. On the inside of the first card I used a Cricut cut from Stand and Salute. For the second card the papers were all part of the same pack from the dollar store. There were several things I did differently on the second card. The ribbon is wider, I varied the color of the matting and I stitched around almost everything. This is the first time I have used my sewing machine for cards, and I really like the look. For the inside sentiment on the 2nd card I used stamps from Studio G. The sketch called for the sentiment to be down the side of the Image, but since the "Forever" was already there I didn't want to add another one. I think the first one is a little "blah", too much the same for the papers, but I like how the second one came out.
I am entering the following challenges with this:
1. Friday Sketchers- http://fridaysketchersblog.blogspot.com/ sketch (of course!)

Danielle

No crafts today...

2011-03-04T10:43:00.000-05:00

at least not this morning. I was at work before 6:30am and now I'm going to my parents to see if they need me for any errands. I may be able to do something this evening later, but I do have a couple cards designed in my head (and a few started on my Gypsy) that are just crying out to be made! I hope all of you are having a great day!
Danielle

Spring has Spung card

2011-03-03T11:51:00.002-05:00

I'm trying to use up some papers from my scraps. All the papers except the card base are from scraps on this card. The patterened paper is from K & Co.'s Berry Sweet stack. The stamps are really old, the fence stamp is from the Dollar Store and it's one I simply love. The stamp that's under the fence is from PSX, and the sentiment is from Studio G. I cut the frame with my Cricut and the Cindy Loo cart. The framed stamp is popped and the fence is popped with 3 layers of foam tape over it. I punched the butteflys with a Martha Stewart punch. The ribbon is Sweet Petites. I did a little doodling here and there. I am entering the following challenges with this card:
1. One Stop Craft Challenge- http://onestopcraftchallenge.blogspot.com/ Spring Flowers
2. Paper Cutz Challenge- http://papercutzchallenge.blogspot.com/ Spring
3. Daring Cardmakers- http://daringcardmakers.blogspot.com/ Pound Shop Beauties (Dollar Store)
4. Fab 'n' Funky Challenges- http://fabnfunkychallenges.blogspot.com/ Spring
5. Papertake Weekly Challenge- http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/ Anything Goes (may use something old) I used paper from scraps and old stamps.
6. Cute Card Thursday- http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.com/ Signs of Spring

DanielleP

WOYWW

2011-03-02T19:27:00.000-05:00

I'm really late today for WOYWW at Julia's blog-Stampin' Ground http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/
My space is a mess as usual. Every week I tell myself I'm going to clean it up and show what a tidy person I can be, but when Wednesday rolls around, it's still a disaster. Oh well, it's still my "happy place" as my hubby likes to call it! This week I have a bunch of stamps lying about. I've a few challenges I'm going to enter and I'm working on cards for those. I also got out 2 of my Xyron machines for a project I did a few days ago and still havent put them away. My Cuttlebug is out there and a set of stamp pads and assorted ribbons and papers I was trying together. I do have a decent work area free today at least! Hope all of you are having a great day today!
Danielle

Shaped Mother's Day Card

2011-03-01T16:15:00.000-05:00

Have I mentioned that I am loving my Gypsy? It is so easy for me to set up the cuts for a card with it. I am using my Cricut even more since I got the Gypsy, and I used it often before. Last night I made this shaped card, using the Gypsy to weld 2 bird cages together for the base. I "hid" the cut outs so the base was solid, aded the first layer in black, the second layer in silver metallic, and the bird in red. I added some detail to the bird with gel pen, attached the pearls around the cage opening and at the top and bottom and used 3 ribbon roses with a few leaves that I punched with a mini punch. On the inside I used the remnant of silver from my cage cut, cut around the space left when I cut the bird and used a stamp from Studio G. The white and black cardstock was from ACMoore, the red is Bazzill and the silver metallic is DCWV. Ribbon roses by Offray.
I am entering the following challenges with this card:
1. Bitten by the Bug2- http://heather-bittenbythebug2.blogspot.com/ Birdcage from Straight from the Nest
2. Cupcake Craft Challenges- http://cupcakecraftchallenges.blogspot.com/ Anything but Square
3. One Stitch at a Time Challenge- http://onestitchatatimechallenge.blogspot.com/ card for Mom
4. Fantabulous Cricut Challenge- http://fantabulouscricut.blogspot.com/ Shaped card
Danielle

Note card

2011-03-01T10:10:00.001-05:00

I made this card and couldn't decide what sentiment to use. My daughter told me to leave it as it was, with no sentiment on the front, so I took her advise and stamped a journaling space for the inside to use as a note card. I used black cardstock for the base , The patterened paper is from "me & my Big ideas". The three square "inchie" stamps are from a clear set by Inkadinkadoo. I stamped them with black ink and mounted them on black cardstock. The inside stamp is by Autumn Leaves. I stamped with black ink on white cardstock and cut out the image before adhering it inside. I am entering the following challenges with this card:
1. Card Positioning Systems- http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/ sketch
2. Charisma Cardz Challenges- http://charismacardz.blogspot.com/ black, white and one color
Danielle

A little shopping Spree

2011-02-28T18:30:00.000-05:00

I ran into ACMoore to pick up my check (I demonstrate for them on occasion) and had to look at the stamps that were 40% off. I got three clear sets by Inkadinkadoo. Then I had to browse thru the rest of the store too. I found a paper pack by American Crafts at 50% off and grabbed that too. I really don't need any paper, and I have lots of stamps I've never used, but I just love a bargain! lol I actually spend more than I make there, but I figure I'm at least defraying the cost of my craft purchases by working there a little!
Danielle
Here are some pics of the paper and stamps:

Motivational Poster

2011-02-28T17:52:00.000-05:00

I walked in the door from work on Friday and my husband handed me a sheet of paper and said, "I want this on a poster in an hour". I used the gypsy to size everything and cut it with my expression. I ran the letters thru my Xyron and put it on white poster board. I got a few things a little crooked, but since it was just going on the door of the warehouse where the kids are practicing when we've got bad weather, it doesn't need to be perfect. My hubby was happy with it. It does show how easy it is to make a poster with the Cricut and a couple sheets of cardstock! Later I thought I should have put a few soccer figures on it, but I didn't have much time. Maybe I'll do another one later...
Danielle

Birthday Card from sketch

2011-02-24T19:00:00.002-05:00

I don't usually participate in the sketch challenges. For some reason following a sketch is harder for me than just moving the elements I've chosen around to get the look I like best. That said, I decided to do a card based on a sketch yesterday and this is the result. The card blank is 5"x7". The colored papers are K & Co., the black and white (flower) are DCWV- La Creme Stack. The button and floss are from my sewing supplies. I used a Martha Stewart border punch. The celebrate stamp is from a set by Inkadinkadoo, and the inside sentiment is an old wooden stamp (no manufacturer listed any where). The flower was cut using Sizzex dies-there are three layers, the scalloped circle was cut with the Cricut using Mini Monograms, and the inside marquee shapes were cut with Nestabilities. I used foam tape to pop the scalloped circle and all the layers of the flower. I did some inking on the flower, the scalloped circle and the inside. I feel like the papers are a little too similar and wish I had used papers with more contrast, but overall I like the card.
The challenges I am entering with this card are:
1. Got Sketch?- http://gotsketch.blogspot.com/ sketch
2. A Spoon Full of Sugar- http://aspoonfullofsugarchallenge.blogspot.com/ Birthday Wishes

WOYWW

2011-02-23T19:59:00.001-05:00

I almost forgot to post for WOYWW! I snapped a quick pic when I thought about it and here it is. I was working on this card today, and I will post it shortly. Mostly it's just a mess on my work space right now. Someone commented last week that my space looked really large. Well, it is pretty big. It's actually a table, not a desk, and it's 5 feet long and 3 feet wide. I always have to clear off a spot to work 'cause it's always full of stuff! I really need to put things away after I use them, but then I just pull them back out again, so I don't bother!
Danielle

Friend card

2011-02-21T13:32:00.004-05:00

For some reason I seem to be stuck on green lately. These patterened papers are from my stash, but I think they are K & Co. I used my Cuttlebug and did a lot of embossing on this card. I also did a lot of inking with several colors of ink. The tea cup was cut with the Cricut from the Wall Decor and More cart. It has 2 layers and is popped with foam tape. The sentiment stamp on the inside of the card is from Studio G.
I am entering the following challenges with this card.
1. Cricut Cardz Challenge- http://cricutcardzchallenge.blogspot.com/ cup of cheer (cup from any cart)
2. Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge- http://thesecretcraftersaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/ fancy folds
3. Creative Card Crew- http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/ Friendship
4. Stampin' for the Weekend- http://stampinfortheweekend.blogspot.com/ Monochrome
5. Creative Sisters Monday Challenge- http://www.lindascreativity.blogspot.com/ Embossing
6. Fantabulous Cricut- http://fantabulouscricut.blogspot.com/ Embossing
7. Cooking with Cricut- http://cookingwithcricut.blogspot.com/ Embossing
Danielle

Another altered note paper holder

2011-02-20T22:08:00.000-05:00

My oldest daughter, Kristen saw the box of note paper I altered for my sil and wanted me to make one for her, so I did that today. Kristen loves pink and this was her choice of papers. For the embellishments on this box I cut the florish in regular, shadow and a second slightly larger shadow. There were several cut of each layer to add dimension. I used a dark brown ink on just the edge of the larger shadow. I added pale green rhinestones on the florish and popped it using foam tape, The pale pink ribbon is almost an exact match for the pink in the paper. I made a bow and added lots of pieces of ribbon just trailing from the florish. All the papers were from my stash, but I think they are from K & Co.
I'm entering this is one challenge-
Papertake Weekly Challenge- http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/ "Putting on the Glitz"
Danielle

Altered note paper holder

2011-02-19T22:15:00.001-05:00

I had 4 little boxes of note paper that I wanted to alter. I did the first one today. The papers are from K & Co. First I took the box completely apart and measured for the paper that covers it. I used a floral print paper on the box itself and the cover. I lined the box with a striped paper. The flower embellishment was designed on the gypsy and cut with my Cricut Expression. I punched small circles for the flower center, curled the flower petals, scored and folded the leaves and did some inking on the edges. The pearls were looped together, and the ribbon rose and bow added. I am entering the following challenges with this:
1. A Spon Full of Sugar- http://aspoonfullofsugarchallenge.blogspot.com/ Anything but a card
2. Allsorts Cahllenge blog- http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/ Inspired by Nature
3. Charisma Cardz Challenges- http://charismacardz.blogspot.com/ Spring Has Sprung
4. The ABC Challenge- http://abc-challenge.blogspot.com/ O is for Old-fashioned

Wow, I've received a blog award!

2011-02-19T09:53:00.000-05:00

I've received a blog award from Pat at Pat's Scraps- http://patsscraps.blogspot.com/ Thank you so much, Pat. It's the Stylish blogger award. When you receive a Stylish Blogger Award. you should: 1) thank and link back to the person who awarded it to you, 2) share 8 things about yourself, 3) pay it forward to 8 bloggers that you have recently discovered, and 4) contact those bloggers and tell them about their awards.
Here are my 8 things about myself.
1. I love all kinds of sports. (I ran track and cross country in high school)
2. I like gardening.
3. My husband tells me I'm not obsessive-compulsive, I'm just "thorough". lol
4. I love bright colors.
5. I am a chocoholic.
6. I collect post cards.
7. I love to travel.
8. I hate to shop, unless it's for crafting items!

I am passing this award on to:
1. Maryanne at- http://scrappystickyinkymess.wordpress.com/
2.Melissa at- http://countrycabincards.blogspot.com/
3. **Treefrog**at- http://binkyblossoms.blogspot.com/
4. Agnes at- http://flowerdiscosscraphut.blogspot.com/
5. Norma at- http://frommycraftroom.blogspot.com/
6. Carrie at- http://stampsscrapsandscissors.blogspot.com/
7. Ludmila at- http://kuzjaluda.blogspot.com/
8. Pam at- http://www.thebugbytes.com/
Danielle

WOYWW

2011-02-16T12:19:00.000-05:00

It's "What's on you workdesk Wednesday" at Stamping Ground- http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/
There isn't much on my workdesk today. I cleaned up a bit last night. The only thing left are a few tools, some ink pads, 2 stamps I am planning on using soon and my neglected knitting. Someone asked last week what I was making with those bold colors-purple and yellow. Those are the school colors of Rachel's high school and I making a scarf for her. She is a junior this year and if I don't get busy on it she will have graduated before I finish it! lol I didn't work on any cards yesterday. I was crocheting a pair of mittens for my brother-in-law. I made a pair for my sister and he really liked them, so I'm making a pair for him too.
Danielle

Another Challenge card

2011-02-14T13:31:00.000-05:00

Last card for today, because I have to leave for work soon! This card was made with a stamp by Inkadinkadoo. I used 2 colors of ink, chestnut and azure seas by "Whispers". It was stamped on white cardstock. I cut that with my nestabilities and then cut the patterened paper one size larger. I inked the edges of both of these cuts with the same inks I used for the sentiment stamp. I used Bazzill cardstock for the base, layered a piece of white cardstock that I inked and added the ribbon. I put the sentiment and it's layer on with foam tape. To finish it off I added the ribbon roses.
Danielle
The challenge that I made this card for is:
Allsorts challenge blog- http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/ It's all about the sentiment

Card for two Challenges

2011-02-14T11:31:00.004-05:00

I made this card for two challenges. One of the challenges was for a one layer card. This one was very hard for me because I love layers. I used a set of clear stamps from Inkadinkadoo for the flower and a StudioG stamp for the sentiment. I couldn't leave it plain so I colored the flower and part of the sentiment with colored pencils. I also added a border with my scoring tool. I hope this doesn't mean it's no longer a one layer card! I stamped the inside with a Thinking of You stamp, but Ididn't take a pic of that. I think I am not very good at the clean and simple philosophy, at least not today. I am not too happy with this card.
Danielle
The challenges I am entering with this card are:

1. Less is More- http://simplylessismoore.blogspot.com/ One layer card with flower or tree
2. Totally Paper Crafts Challenge- http://totallypapercrafts.blogspot.com/ clean and simple

Why "Danielle's Corner Office"?

2011-02-14T09:50:00.000-05:00

I just thought I'd do a little post about the name of my blog. It has nothing to do with crafting and yet this blog is mostly about crafting. A lot of the blogs I read have some reference to the types of crafting the author does or the materials they use, (paper, yarn, the Cricut die cutter, etc.). Well, I do all types of crafts and my crafting materials were all over the house. I had my sewing in a corner of the bedroom, my yarn in baskets all around the living room, my papercrafting all over the dining room, and assorted general crafting items in closets, cupboards, etc. My husband told me he wanted his house back, so he built a craft room for me in our basement. Our basement was unfinished so it was not an easy project. He had to frame out the room, put up drywall, do the wiring and put down flooring. He put it in the corner of the basement that is at ground level so I have 2 nice windows. They face south and west so I get great light. It's big and bright and I love my "corner office".

Valentine for challenges

2011-02-11T13:50:00.010-05:00

This is an A2 card (4.25" x 5.5"). It is a valentine for my friend, Jenny, who has been with me thru thick and thin! We have been friends for over 20 years and what ever one of us goes thru, so does the other. When ever anyone talks about "best friends" I think of her. She is one of those people who will do anything she can when ever you need her.
The card base is Bazzill bling cardstock. The patterened paper in the center is wallpaper border (how green is that!). The green paper is from DCWV-"Shimmer Stack". The white cardstock is bargain brand from ACMoore. I ran that thru the Cuttlebug with the "textiles" embossing folder. The sentiment stamp is from a clear set by "My Sentiments Exactly". I stamped it with a lime green ink by Nicole crafts, cut it apart, mounted each word seperately on the Bazzill cardstock and adhered them to the white paper. The butterfly is cut with the Cricut and Gypsy Wanderings cart. I cut 4 layers in different papers and only glued a small area so it could fly a bit. The hearts are paper clips that I just had to have from somewhere and have never used. The ribbon roses are by Offray.
Danielle
The challenges that I made this card for are:
1. Cricut Cardz Challenge- http://cricutcardzchallenge.blogspot.com/ Valentine with any cart using blue, green and white only.
2. Cute Card Thursday- http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.com/ Hearts and Flowers
3. Papertake Weekly Challenge- http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/ Have a heart
4. Crafty Creation Challenge- http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.com/   3 little words
5. Paper Cutz Challenge- http://papercutzchallenge.blogspot.com/ Ladybug, bee or butterfly
6. A Spoonfull of Sugar- http://aspoonfullofsugarchallenge.blogspot.com/   Love
7. Die Cuttin' Divas- http://diecuttindivas.blogspot.com/ Hearts
8. Fab 'n' Funky Challenges- http://fabnfunkychallenges.blogspot.com/ Texture
9. Card Patterns-  http://cardpatterns.blogspot.com/   Sketch

The Sweetest Valentine

2011-02-11T11:41:00.000-05:00

I just found this in my craftroom. It may not be the most beautiful paper (it's a post-it note), or have any great embellies, but I think it's the sweetest thing for my hubby to do! What do you think?
Danielle

Time Flies...

2011-02-10T12:14:00.000-05:00

when I'm blog hopping. I spend more time blog hopping than creating cards these days. There are so many greal blogs out there just waiting for me to check out, but I really should be spending more time crafting. I guess I'll get busy and see what I can do today!
Danielle

Thinking of You card

2011-02-09T21:22:00.000-05:00

This is for a challenge on the "Less is More" blog- http://simplylessismoore.blogspot.com/ The idea here is to make "clean and simple" cards. The challenge for this week is Black, White and Pink. I used my Cricut to cut the Marquee shapes. Both are from the Storybook cartridge. I cut part of the black one away to make it flush with my pink background paper. The Thinking of You stamp is from a set of about 40 or 50 sentiment stamps I bought years ago at ACMoore. I don't think I have ever used this stamp. The pink paper is from K & Co. The black is from DCWV. The ribbon is by Sweet Petites.
Danielle

WOYWW

2011-02-09T11:54:00.001-05:00

It's "What's on your workdesk Wednesday" and my workdesk is partly clean for a change! After I finished the card I made for my mother last night I put a few things away. I still have my paper trimmer, some stamped images that I need to color, bits and pieces of paper, a knitting project I working on (the purple and yellow yarn), odd envelopes, a few ink pads, and my iron and ironing board (but they live there).Today I hope to make a Thinking of You card, but I haven't started the process yet.
Danielle

Birthday card for my mother

2011-02-08T22:54:00.001-05:00

I made this birthday card for my mother. I'm late, but she won't mind. I used my cricut for the die cuts. They all came from the Pagoda cartridge. The Chinese symbols mean "celebrate" and "mother". The fans were cut multiple times in cardstock, then the layer was cut once in patterened paper. The screen is cut once in cardstock and once from patterened paper. The blue cardstock is Bazzill, the pink and brown are from my 8 1/2 x 11" cardstock (tons of it and many different kinds-all thrown together), the patterened paper is from K & Co. The card blank is premade and is 5" x 7". The flowers are a combination of paper and silk flowers-again, I don't know the manufacturers. I inked the screen and added some doodling to define the tree pattern in the screen and added a border around the edge of the card. I added Stickles here and there and put pearls in the center of each flower. I designed this with my gypsy and I really like how it turned out.
Danielle

What's on Your Workdesk

2011-02-06T18:38:00.000-05:00

I was blog hopping today and came across a site that has a "What's on your workdesk" photo. I thought I would join in. My workdesk is really a table and it is always filled with all kinds of stuff! The only time I can really get it cleaned off is when I absolutely have to so I can cut out fabric. Right now I have a lot of extra garbage on it because I cleaned out my desk drawers and everything I didn't put back in the drawers is now on the table. I also have been working on some cards and I have a lot of paper,an assortment of ink pads and stamps that I haven't put away, a box filled with pearls and crystals, a mini tape runner, a paper cutter and my scoring board! I don't even know what's underneath it all! I think I better clean it up tonight.
DanielleP

Thinking of You card

2011-02-04T17:33:00.001-05:00

I love this paper from DCWV "Once Upon a Time" stack. Cut the bird and branch with the Cricut, bird from 50 states, can't remember what cart the branch came from. The leaves are die cut foil, very shiny. :)
I <3 shiny things!
Danielle

Using the leftovers

2011-02-03T12:26:00.000-05:00

I made this valentine with leftovers from the valentine I made last week. Same butterfly cuts using the same set of papers. I varied the design and used the reverse of some of the papers for this card. Butterfly cut from cricut using Once Upon a Princess. All patterened papers from K & Co. "Smitten" stack. The sentiment on the inside is a Studio G clear stamp.
DanielleP

Valentine for challenge

2011-02-03T12:07:00.001-05:00

I made this valentine for several challenges. My daughter, Rachel, wanted a valentine card for her boyfriend, but didn't want much pink on it. She picked the papers. The base is from DCWV, the rest of the papers are from my stash. I finally used my gypsy! I welded "valentine" together using the "upright" function on the Opposites Attract cartridge. The mug is cut from the Gypsy Wanderings cartridge. I used the hide feature so I could get the cuts I wanted in the different papers. I put Stickles on the shadow of the steam to add a little definition. The edge punch I used is from EKSuccess, I think.The inside of the card reads-"I think you're HOT! Rachel thought my pun was pretty lame at first, but I think it grew on her a little. At least she said to go ahead and make the card. lol
The challenges I am entering the in are:
Sketch Saturday- http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Saturday Challenge- http://thesecretcraftersaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/
"Hot Chocholate"
Cricut Cardz Challenge- http://cricutcardzchallenge.blogspot.com/ "Valentine for a Man"
Danielle

No crafting today

2011-02-01T12:18:00.000-05:00

I worked late last night and have a headache this morning. I work again this evening, 3p to 11:30p and will not have any time for crafting today. : ( Work was so busy yesterday. One of our nurses had a birthday yesterday so several of us took dishes in for a potluck. It was a good thing we did or no one would have had dinner. I grabbed a few bites in a rush. Everything was good, but it's hard to enjoy when you have only 5 minutes to eat!
Danielle

Getting to know Gypsy

2011-01-30T21:09:00.000-05:00

I've had a few days to get acquainted with my Gypsy and I am really enjoying it! I haven't had much time in the craft room, but I did take her with me when I spent the day helping mom take care of dad yesterday. When I wasn't needed I designed a bit and figured out some of what I can do. I designed a chipboard book that I have been wanting to do for 2 years and was having trouble figuring out on Design Studio, designed a few cards and basically just had fun! I'm working a good bit this week, which means my crafting time will be decreased, but I should be able to make a few cards from my designs soon. I'm hoping to enter a few more challenges this week with the cards I've designed.
Danielle

Me and my Gypsy

2011-01-27T22:05:00.000-05:00

Well, I didn't think it was going to so difficult to get the darn thing up and running, but it took about 10 tries on 3 computers before I got the Gypsy ready to go. I'm still running XP on my computer (and probably will for a while yet-I'm not ready to invest in a new computer and if I upgrade my OS I figure I might as well get a new one!), and I couldn't get the sync software to upload onto the gypsy properly. I tried Amy's old laptop, but that was worse, so finally I used her new laptop and got it to finish. Now I am ready to design and I have no idea what I want to do! I will play around and see what I come up with though!
Danielle

Valentines Day Card

2011-01-27T21:22:00.005-05:00

I made this card for several challenges. The butterfly is cut with the Cricut from Once Upon a Princess cartridge. I cut it 3 times in graduated sizes in different patterened paper. Instead of adding the layers that were available on the cart, I just doodled on the top butterfly. I added pearls in graduated sizes for the body. The papers are all from the same stack by K & Co., called Smitten. This stack has such beautiful papers that I bought 2 of them when I saw them last year. The heart at the top is a stamp from the dollar bin at ACMoore that I bought years ago, but I still love it. I stamped on the same cream and white patterened paper that is under the butterfly in a pale pink, then added Stickles to the dots around the edge of the heart. On the inside I cut out the edged lace from a sheet of the Smitten cardstock and used another stamp from the dollar bin at ACMoore that I probably bought at the same time as the heart. I used a Cranberry Ink for that stamp. Simple card, but I like how it turned out.
The challenges I am entering with this card are:

Cricut Cardz challenge-    http://cricutcardzchallenge.blogspot.com/ Valentine for a child
Paper Cutz Challenge-   http://papercutzchallenge.blogspot.com/   Your Choice
Bitten By The Bug2-   http://heather-bittenbythebug2.blogspot.com/ Butterfly from Once Upon a Princess
Charisma Cardz Challenges-   http://charismacardz.blogspot.com/   Valentine/Love

DanielleP

ProvoCraft Gypsy

2011-01-26T15:01:00.000-05:00

I ordered the Gypsy last week and it arrived today. I'm excited about learning to use it and hope I can figure it out. Soon I hope to be presenting the cards I've made with it. Wish me luck!
DanielleP

Challenges

2011-01-25T19:05:00.000-05:00

Well, not all challenges are of the card making variety...tonight it is a challenge for me to stay awake. I have been having issues with my back for the past few days and it makes me tired! I was able to make one Valentine's Day card for a few challenges today, but I am too tired to take the time to photograph, upload, edit and post it. Hopefully I will get to it tomorrow.
Danielle

Bridal shower invitaion

2011-01-24T10:17:00.000-05:00

Kristen hosted a bridal shower for a friend and these were the invitaions we made for it. Pink cardstock for the base, patterened paper from my stash. I cut the silouhette from New Arrival with my Cricut. It's a new Mom pushing a carriage, but I didn't cut the carriage. I modified her a bit, shortened her dress and changed the shoes a little and added a rhinestone to her hand for the "ring". The You're Invited was a stamp I got at the Dollar Tree, and I added some Stickles to add a little sparkle. I printed the details on vellum and just attached that to the inside.
Danielle

St. Patrick's Day card

2011-01-23T20:43:00.000-05:00

I have exciting news! I am going to visit Ireland this summer! Rachel has been invited to join a soccer team that is going to Ireland in July for 10 days and playing matches with teams over there. Ron and Rachel will just be going on the trip that is being put together for the team, but my sister and her husband and I will be going over about a week earlier and doing some geneaology research and trying to find some of our relatives that still live there! I know it's a little early for St. Patrick's Day crds, but this has me in the mood for them. I used pale green cardstock from my stash, The patterened papers and the darker green cardstocks are also from my stash. The stamps are by Studio G. The scalloped circle cut is from the Cricut Mini Monograms cartridge. I added a piece of ribbon, because I love ribbon! I didn't take a pic of the inside, but I printed up an Irish prayer and put that for the inside sentiment.
Danielle

Birthday card for teen

2011-01-22T10:37:00.002-05:00

My daughter, Rachel is going to a firend's tonight for a birthday party and needed a card. I wanted a really girlie, fun card for Nichole and this is what I came up with. Pink Bazzill card stock for the base. Patterened paper is from Doodlebug Design, Inc. The stamp is PSX. Colored it with pencils, added Stickles to the crown and put little rhinestones all over! The "Make a wish!" stamp and the sentiment stamps on the inside are from a clear stamp set by Cloud9 (Fiskars). I used an edge punch by EK Success. Rachel and I were both pleased with the results!
Danielle

Sympathy card

2011-01-21T16:43:00.004-05:00

I decided I needed to use some of my scraps and odds and ends of paper so I picked a few colors to work with and got all the papers I thought might work together out of the scrap file. There are several challenges that had color schemes this week so I am using those colors. I don't know who the manufacturers are for these papers since they are from my scraps. The card base is a dark brown cardstock. The birdhouse was cut with the Cricut from the Stretch You Imagination cartridge. It's a pale green with a shimmery finish. The roof, base and peg are a pale teal. I inked with a Walnut colored ink. The bird is cut from the Cricut cartridge, 50 States. I inked the edges of that, too. I used a Martha Stewart edge punch for the bottom strip of paper. The sentiment is from a Clearly Wordsworth clear set. I added some faux stitching to finish the front. On the inside I cut a piece of teal paper for the top and a piece of ivory patterened paper for the bottom and stamped both with stamps from the same Clearly Wordsworth set that I used on the outside. On the ivory I stamped twice, once in walnut and once in black. On the top I stamped in black and went over the stamping very lightly with a brown pencil. Used a bit of faux stitching on the bottom. I love the sentiment on the inside top. It says-"Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul And sings the tunes without the words And never stops-at all"-I've had this stamp for several years and had never used it!
The challenges that I am entering with this card are:
1. A Spoon Full of Sugar Challenge-http://aspoonfullofsugarchallenge.blogspot.com/ Blue and Green Creations
2. Crafty Creations Challenges-http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.com/ It's A Bird, but add polka dots and the color green
3. allsorts challenge blog-http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/ Teal blue and brown
4. crafty Catz Weekly Challenge-http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/ Forgotten stamp
5. Paper Cutz Challenge-http://papercutzchallenge.blogspot.com/ Your choice
6. Bitten By The Bug2-http://heather-bittenbythebug2.blogspot.com/ Birds and Armadillos
Danielle

Snowman Birthday Card

2011-01-20T23:12:00.006-05:00

i made this card to enter in another batch of challenge. The card is 6"x6". The card base is made from Bazzill cardstock. The patterened papers I used for the background are by Colorbok. My daughter, Kristen saw them, thought I would like them and picked them up for me. She's such a sweetie! The marquee cuts are also the Bazzill cardstock. They were cut with my Cricut from the Storybook cartridge. The snowman was cut with the Cricut Winter Woodland cartridge. I inked the edges of the patterened paper and the marquee, added a couple of brads by Making Memories, put some Stickles on the snowman's hat band (I just had to add a bit of sparkle), and used a gel pen to put some faux stitching on the marquee and around the edge of the patterened aper and cardstock. On the inside I used the Bazzill cardstock and another patterened paper from the same set by Colorbok. The stamp on the inside is by Inkadinkadoo. Not sure who made the "birthday wishes" sentiment, I've had it for years.. I inked and added faux stitching on the inside too.
The challenges I'm entering are:
1. One Stop Craft Challenge- http://onestopcraftchallenge.blogspot.com/ Card for a male
2. Creative Card Crew- http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/ For men!
3. CropStop- http://cropstop.blogspot.com/ Squares and Die cuts
4. Cricut Cardz Challenge- http://cricutcardzchallenge.blogspot.com/ Snowman
Danielle

Baby card

2011-01-20T20:43:00.003-05:00

I made this card for a coworker's baby shower. Several of us pitched in and bought her a stroller/car seat combination, so I had my theme. The colors she was planning for the baby's room were lavender and green so those were the colors I used. I took the photos with my phone and the colors aren't very true. I used the trifold template. The papers were some I've had for several years and I don't remember who makes them. The stoller is cut with the Cricut from the New Arrival cartridge. I don't remember what cartridge I cut the florish for the flower stem with. I used stickles on the flourish and the "it's a girl" cut out.
Danielle

Knitting frenzy

2011-01-19T21:22:00.006-05:00

Here are a few things I have been knitting lately. A few scarves in novelty yarns (eyelash yarn, boucle, pompom yarn and yarn with metallic thread), and a bunch of knitted dishcloths. I hadn't knitted any dishcloths in a while and my mother won't use any other kind any more and asked me to do some up for her. After I got started I just kept going! I've given a few to mom and my sisters and have yarn picked out to make some for my sisters-in-law.
Danielle

Pretty in Pink!

2011-01-18T15:22:00.004-05:00

I made this birthday card for a few challenges. Last year one of my resolutions was to join in more challenges and I didn't follow through very well, so although I'm not making a resolution, I'm going to try to do a few challenges this year. The image I used is by Inkadinkadoo. I love this image. It can be used for so many types of cards, birthday, engagement, party invitations, wedding, anniversary, or just a fun girlfriends card. I colored with colored pencils and the "magic colored pencils technique" with oil. I sealed the image with hairspray and cut it out. The papers I used are from my stash-a very old pack and I can't remember the manufacturer. The cardstock is Bazzill. The ribbons are from DGI and Sweet Petites by Morex. The pearls are by Queen and Co. The Happy Birthday stamp is from PSX (and is 20 years old!). I finished it up with a chipboard butterfly from Amanda Blu.
The challenges I'm using this card for are:
1. 2Sketches4You-Kazan's Sketch- http://2sketches4you.blogspot.com/
2. Cute Card Thursday- http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.com/
3. Daring Cardmakers-
http://daringcardmakers.blogspot.com/
4. Papertake Weekly Challenge- http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/

The Daring Cardmakers challenge is being sponsered by Robyn's Fetish-a digi stamp company-http://ididitcreations.com/blog/?page_id=30
Danielle

Christmas isn't over until the last card is sent!

2011-01-10T13:36:00.003-05:00

Just a few more Christmas cards to post...
Used a Cuttlebug embossing folder and inked it then added the stamped image (Stampin' Up, I think).

This card forms a pocket, and the insert pulls out. I can't remember what they are called right now-(old age catching up with me???). paper from DCWV. Ornament cut with the Cricut.

Danielle

Snowman card

2011-01-02T07:43:00.004-05:00

I made this card using the trifold template. The card is scored, cut and folded from that template. I made this one into a Christmas card, using the Cricut to cut the snowman and snowflakes. The sentiment is stamped on vellum and is from Studio G. The papers are from a stack by DCWV from a few years ago. I added a bit of shading to the snowman with colored pencils and then used Stickles to add some sparkle. I really like how this card turned out.
Danielle

Another easy card

2010-12-21T09:42:00.002-05:00

The reindeer for this card is cut directly from patterened paper and mounted on gold cardstock. I added the ribbons to finish it off.

Little Drummer Boy card

2010-12-20T09:01:00.004-05:00

The stamp for this card is from "Stampendous". I colored the image with colored pencils and put flocking on the lambs. The sentiment is from "Studio G". The patterened papers are from a K & co. stack by designer, Susan Winget, called "Glad Tidings".

Candle Card

2010-12-19T12:08:00.004-05:00

Another stamp I bought this year and hadn't used yet. I colored the image with colored pencils and sprayed it with hair spray to keep it from smudging. (Yes, hair spray, and it really works well.)I added stickles to the flame. The stamped image is from "Recollections", a Michaels brand. I put Stickles over the stamped image. The patterened papper has foil on it and is from K & Co. Winter Wonderland Stack.

Christmas Angel

2010-12-18T09:43:00.009-05:00

I found this stamp on sale at Michael's early this year. I love her attitude of reverence. I colored the stamp with colored pencils and applied stickles to the halo, dress and wings. She is mounted with foam tape on the "marquee" which is cut with the Cricut Storybook cartridge. I also added stickles to the edge of the marquee. That is mounted on the dark blue cardstock, on which I doodled with white gel pen around the edges. The stamp is from "Stampendous", the patterened paper is from K & Co's "Winter Wonderland" stack.

Christmas cards

2010-12-17T15:06:00.008-05:00

I finally got my old card reader fixed! I can post photos again. I've made a number of cards in the same design this year. A few years ago I was making almost every card different, but I just don't have the time for that this year. This card is just cut from patterened paper, layered with another patterened paper, I added a ribbon, stamped the greeting and mounted on white card stock, and it's done! The paper is from "My Mind's Eye".

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words...

2010-11-08T11:40:00.002-05:00

but one of my kids broke my card reader and I can't upload my photos! I've been doing a lot of knitting and crocheting lately and have made a few cards. I wanted to post some things and my card reader was broken. Kristen ordered me a new one, but it doesn't take the card from my old camera and that's the camera I use in my craft room. What a bummer. Hopefully I'll be able to find a card reader that accepts my card soon and post again.

2010-05-04T16:45:00.003-04:00

Haven't been doing much in the crafting department lately. Rachel wouldn't wear the dress I made for her birthday party. She said the skirt was too "poufy" and she looked like a cupcake! I thought she looked adorable, but then I am her mother. Every once in a while I pick up some crocheting, but I haven't finished anything. I've been having a bit of a block when it comes to creativity I believe, but this too shall pass.

Spring is Here!

2010-04-06T16:01:00.002-04:00

Wow, Spring arrived over night here. I am so glad we are finished with winter. I love the changing of the seasons, and don't really have a "favorite", but I am so glad to be done with the BLizzards of the '09-'10 season. My husband even decided to open the pool and get started with the cleaning and chemicals early, so as soon as the water warms up I will be enjoying that! All winter long I looked at all the snow piled on top of the pool and yearned for the warm weather and long afternnons by the pool!

Thinking of You card

2010-03-18T12:21:00.006-04:00

Made this card with scraps. I have tons of scraps that are overflowing their storage area so I tried to use some up. These are the same papers I used for the Sympathy card I posted not long ago. The stem for the flowers was cut with the Cricut, I can't remember which cartridge. The flowers are silk. I just pulled them off the stem and glued them on, the added stickles for the centers.The sentiment is a clear stamp, but again I don't remember where it's from. I gave it to my sister to family she met when her husband was having radiation therapy.

Rachel's party invitations

2010-03-15T21:09:00.007-04:00

Rachel and I made 88 invitations for her birthday party. It seemed to take forever. There were 3 layers for the MP3 players and the top layer had 4 little pieces that had to be placed individually. Lucky for me Rachel was able to help or it wouldn't be done yet! We used the Cuttlebug to emboss the background paper. All papers by DCWV. The MP3 player was cut from the Paisley Cricut cartridge. The "you're Invited" was from Alphalicious cartridge.

Rachel's 16th Birthday

2010-03-14T21:06:00.002-04:00

Rachel will be 16 this month and we are having the traditional Sweet 16 party. I am making her dress for the party. Rachel went with me to the fabric store and picked out the pattern and fabric. She picked a beautiful pink stretch satin for the bodice and underskirt, and a sheer pink with glittery spiral design for the overskirt. I love having live "Barbie dolls" to dress, it's so much fun! I will post a pic when it's done, I promise.

Getting into Shape!

2010-03-03T19:16:00.003-05:00

My sister, Susan, convinced me to join "Curves" with her a few months ago. The first month we did great and I made it a priority to go several times a week, but in December we were away for a week and a half when we went to Florida for vacation and after vacation I was too busy with holiday activities to go. January came and went and in February we had so much snow I didn't budge out of the house unless I had to. Well, it's now March and our "Curves" is having a "Biggest Loser" contest. I signed up and I am determined to exercise and eat sensibly! I may not be the biggest loser, but at least I will be doing something good for myself. Besides, if I exercise and eat well I'm winning anyway. Kristen and Amy went with me to exercise and they decided "Curves" was a great gym for me. The employees there are friendly and fun to be around, and the other patrons are people from our community and I know many of them. It really is a fun atmosphere. Kristen decided I needed to be held accountable for how often I went to exercise, so she went to the Dollar Store and bought an attendance poster and set it up for the weeks of the "Biggest Loser" contest. She also bought a roll of encouragement stickers and posted it in our kitchen. I get to put a sticker on each day I exercise! With support like that how can I go wrong?

Sympathy card

2010-02-13T16:06:00.007-05:00

My children come to me whenever they need a card and tell me what they're looking for. My stash of cards for Thank You's, Get Well and Sympathy are about out, so I started making a few of them. Here is a sympathy card made with the Cricut and the Pagoda Cartridge. The papers are from K & Co. The stamp is from Studio G. Simple,but sometimes I think simple is good for a sympathy card.
Outside:

Inside:

Let it Snow card

2010-02-11T15:43:00.005-05:00

I saw a sign with this saying while on vacation in Florida in December. I just had to make this card during our latest snowstorm.
I used paper from DCWV for the circles and the square behind the snowman. The blue and white cardstock was from my scrap bin. The circles were cut with the Cricut from Minimonograms and the snowman from Doodlecharms. I cut the "snowflakes" from Home Accents. The cart lists them as flowers, but they look like snowflakes to me. The stamp is from Studio G. I used 2 colors of blue ink, "starry starry night" and "royal blue" from Sugarloaf. I inked the edges of some of the papers with the same colors.

For the inside I used "sand" paper and green pattereened paper from DCWV, cardstock from my stash, cut trees and beach chair on the Cricut with Life Is A Beach, and hand lettered the sentiment.

After the 40 inches or so of snow we've had in the last week, just about everyone around here is going to agree with this!
Danielle

Glass etching

2010-02-10T13:01:00.002-05:00

This year I did some glass etching projects as Christmas gifts. I used my Cricut to cut vinyl and placed the vinyl on the item I wanted to etch. I them used "Armour Etch", an etching cream on the area NOT covered by the vinyl to etch the glass. After 15 minutes you remove the "Armour Etch" and wash the item with soapy water to remove any residue. That's all there is to it! What could be easier? I made several vases and one mirror. I only got photos of one vase and the mirror, but I think they turned out nice. The people who received them as gifts liked them.

So, what do you think?
Danielle

Snowed In!

2010-02-10T12:22:00.003-05:00

I live in the Mid-Atlantic area of the USA and we have been getting slammed with the snow! We have had several "top 10" snow storms this season. I took a few pictures of the backyard this morning. As it is snowing again, they may look a little blurry. For yesterday/today's storm we're at 15 inches and counting! That's on top of the 2 feet we had last weekend. We've had a new February record for amount of snow in our area.

At least I am having a little time in the craft room again, since I haven't had to go to work!
Stay safe and warm where ever you are!
Danielle

When will I get time to post?

2010-01-08T23:14:00.001-05:00

My work schedule got a little lighter and I thought I was going to have some time for me, but my parents are not feeling well and my sisters and I have been taking turns staying with them. I need to take some of my craft stuff down to there house and do it there I guess! The next day or two my oldest sister is staying with them, so maybe I'll get a chance to do something tomorrow. Wish me luck! lol
Danielle

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T13:36:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year to everyone. Work is finally slowing down for me. Last year I was working full time for much of the year. While I was thankful for the extra income (with 2 daughters in college), it was very stressful for me to be working such a heavy schedule. It was also stressful to be working all shifts, many times in one week. This year I hope to keep my share of the night work to a minimum, and also to be working fewer hours, giving me more time to craft. I did a bit of crafting this Christmas season, but didn't take photos of much. I hope to get back to posting regularly here on my blog and on various crafting sites. I really want to start doing some of the challenges on the blogs I visit. So, any of you have any New Year resolutions? I have several-
1. Craft more and post the things I've made on my blog and on other craft sites.
2. Lose weight! My sister and I started at our local "Curves" and have a two months in. I hadn't lost any weight the first month, but I did lose an inch around my waist!
3. Go through the house room by room and get rid of things that we don't need. Hubby has agreed to help me with this one. I couldn't possibly do this one alone.
4. Take better care of me, in all ways-getting enough rest, eating better, getting regular exercise!

I hope 2010 is a great year for all of you!
Danielle

Black Belt

2009-11-03T18:35:00.002-05:00

I've been working on a few designs for Christmas cards. My son came in my craftroom and really liked one design in particular. Then he told me I have a "black belt degree in Cricuting". LOL He occasionally makes a card and asks me to help with some items. I love it when he comes and spends time with me in my craft room!

So I guess I'm an honorary black belt! Thanks, Lance!

New puppy

2009-10-21T18:00:00.002-04:00

We have acquired a new puppy in the last two weeks. My SIL who is a vet in SC brought in up to MD for my MIL, but the new puppy didn't get along well with her other two dogs who are several years old and not interested in romping so much. My husband brought it home with the thought that he could keep it with us unitl his sister the vet could take it back, but one look at that sweet thing and I was hooked. I knew the kids would be also, and even Ressie, our 1year old Chow mix has lots of fun playing with her. We have named her Tootsie (after the Tootsie Roll) Now if we could just get her house trained!!!! I will post pictures later. The ones I have taken so far haven't come out too well-she's always on the move and they tend to be blurry!
Danielle

Reposting a card for a contest.

2009-10-15T12:37:00.003-04:00

I posted this card when I made it but I am reposting for a contest. I made this for Rachel's birthday. I used the Storybook cartridge to cut the numbers. I cut them 4 or 5 times in yellow and then added the patterened paper.

Cricut's 100th Cartridge

2009-09-12T13:49:00.003-04:00

Provo Craft is celebrating the release of the 100th Cricut cartridge, Winter Wonderland! They are giving away 100 of that cartridge over the next 5 weeks. Here is a link to the description of the new cartridge. http://www.cricut.com/shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?id=361&s=1&sc=2
Take a quick trip over to the Cricut site and see what's going on!
Danielle

2009-07-10T11:47:00.000-04:00

I have just discovered that The Cuttlebug Spot is having a contest - "The Journey to 1,000"! They are trying to reach 1,000 followers by the end of July and need your help. To enter all you have to do is go to their site, sign up as follower and complete a few easy steps and you could win a $1,000 gift certificate to Custom Crops (www.CustomCrops.com)! GO NOW and check it out at www.TheCuttlebugSpot.com

Pretty girls in pretty dresses!

2009-06-10T18:31:00.004-04:00

Prom was on May 30th for my daughters' school. Amy was a senior and Rachel was a freshman. Rachel wasn't expecting to go at all, being a freshman, but one of her friends who is a junior doesn't have a steady girlfriend and he asked her. She was thrilled. I had to work that afternoon and when I got home from work the girls were just about ready to go. Ron took more photos, but they were on the 35mm camera and the film hasn't been developed. These photos aren't great, they are on my old digital camera that I bought about 13 or 14 years ago. I really need to get a new camera! Amy dress is a medeival style. The underskirt and the bodice insert are gold crep-backed satin, the overskirt and the rest of the bodice is ivory brocade and the sleeves are gold organza. It was such fun to make, but it took me a long time since I worked on it in short blocks of time because of my busy work schedule. Rachel's dress was purchased at a local department store since I didn't have enough time to make her dress also. Maybe next year I wil be able to make a dress for her.

Prom dress

2009-05-29T22:13:00.002-04:00

Prom is tomorrow night and I just finished Amy's dress! That is just like me to be finishing up at the last minute! Amy loves how it turned out, and I will get lots of pictures and post them soon.
I can't believe I haven't had time to make a single card in the last month! I didn't get cards made for several birthdays and I wasn't able to get a card made for my mom for mother's day either. I had to settle for calling everyone on their special days. I keep wondering when life is going to slow down a little and it never does. When one thing is over there are always new things coming along to be done. I do have a long weekend coming up in June that I'm not working and have no big plans for yet. I'm hoping I can spend some time making cards then.
Blessings to all!
Danielle

It's really Spring!

2009-04-21T22:02:00.002-04:00

I am loving the warmer weather and all the beautiful flowers in my yard. We've had a bunch of rain and those April showers are working to green everything up and make my flowers bloom like crazy. On one of the recent warm days I took a few photos of my flower bed and of the back yard. God has promised that no matter how bitter the winter, Spring will always follow!

Rachel and Reesie

2009-04-21T21:55:00.002-04:00

Reesie won't hold still enough for a photo unless someone holds him, so I had Rachel grab him around the neck so I could take a new photo! He's almost as cute as she is in this picture. He is a real sweetie, but he is still apuppy and is in the "chewing" stage. He goes through a rawhide bone in about 15 minutes! He has also nabbed a few shoes that the kids haven't put away. He especially fond of flip flops and has ruined 3 or 4 of them, of course they weren't sets, but the girls have many pairs, so I'm not too worried. He did get a pair of Clark's that were Kristen's, but hopefully the girls will remember to put their shoes in the closet now!

Rachel's Birthday Card

2009-04-21T21:38:00.006-04:00

I made a simple card for Rachel's birthday and decided I didn't like it at all, so I decided to start over. She decided to visit my craft room about that time and I let her decide what papers I would use. After she picked the papers I made her leave while I worked on it though! I cut the 15 about 4 or 5 times in yellow cardstock and layered them together, then added the patterened paper. They were cut with the Cricut from Story Book. The butterflies were made with a Martha Stewart punch and are all double layers. All the patterned papers are from the Berry Sweet stack from K & Co. The ribbon is from my stash. The sentiment stamp and the ballons on the inside of the front cover are by A Muse. I liked how this one came out MUCH better than my first attempt at her card. She liked it too!

Birthday Cards

2009-04-21T21:22:00.005-04:00

I saw a challenge to use yellow, bright pink, lime green, bright blue and black together for a card. I just got these stamps recently and thought they would be good with these papers I've had for ages. I made the same card twice with different background cardstock. The cupcakes were stamped twice; once on patterened paper and once on white cardstock. I cut just the frosting from the white cardstock and popped it over the patterened paper for depth. The scalloped circles were cut with the Cricut from Mini Monograms. The sentiment is from the cupcake set (by Inkadinkadoo), and the photo corners were cut with the Cricut from Jasmine. I inked a bit and used stickles for the sprinkles on the frosting.

Prom is coming up!

2009-04-20T23:35:00.003-04:00

Amy's senior prom is coming up in about 6 weeks. I am making her gown this year. I've made numerous gowns for the girls to wear to dances and they love it that NOBODY else will have a gown like they are wearing! Amy's gown is ivory brocade and gold satin, with sheer gold sleeves. I am just in the process of cutting the material right now, but I will post it when it's finished. I haven't sewn much lately, but I have lots of fabric and patterns and all the girls want a few new summer dresses, so I think I will be busy with that for a while.
I have been working nearly full time the past few weeks and as I work different shifts all the time it really wears me out to work so much. I'm glad to have a job I like! If I didn't enjoy my job it would be so much harder.
I spent the day with my friend Jenny today. We have been friends for 20 years and I so enjoy being with her. We went out to lunch and then she went with me to the fabric store to pick up a few things I needed for Amy's dress. We had a great time.
I've made a few cards recently that I haven't had a chance to post yet. My photo program wasn't working and when I got it fixed, I was too busy to upload the photos. Now I need to find the camera! I think I'll work on that tomorrow....
Danielle

More sad news.

2009-04-11T16:50:00.002-04:00

In the past 3 days, 3 young men from our area have died in unrelated accidents. They were all the same age as my oldest daughter. One she went to school with, Ryan. He was engaged to be married and we also know the young lady and her family. The second, Nick, I didn't know, but my daughter had seen the man's family the night before he died. The third, Ben, was a distant cousin of my husband's. We didn't know him, but my husband keeps in touch with his granparents. I grieve for their parents, as my children are the same age and I just can't imagine the pain they are experiencing right now! Please pray for these families, that God will help them in their grief. Make sure you tell the people you love how you feel as often as possible, and give them a hug!
Danielle

I haven't posted lately, but I do have good reasons!

2009-04-04T11:27:00.003-04:00

It has been super busy around our house lately and we have had some sad news also.
My Uncle died yesterday. He has been ill for several years, but the last few months he went downhill rapidly and he was hospitalized several times. His wife and children and several of his siblings were able to be with him in his last hours. We grieve, but at the same time we celebrate his life and have joy in knowing he is with his Savior and Lord in Heaven!
My father was hospitalized yesterday. He also has been in poor health for several years, but the past several days he has been very weak. He is already feeling better after receiving treatment for one day in the hospital and we are hopeful that he will be able to return home soon. I spent yesterday evening in the hospital with my mother and dad and when Daddy was finally settled in his room for the night, I took Mother home. My sister was coming to stay the night with Mother and I told Mother I would wait until she came. Mother insisted that she was fine, but a few minutes later she hugged me and said, "I really am fine, but I'm glad Lori is coming to stay!" I know she had a terribly hard day yesterday, losing her brother and having her husband in the hospital. In the past year my father's brother and sister-in -law died and 2 of my mother's brothers died. My mother also lost a cousin that she was close to.
I've been working a lot of night shifts lately, as one of the full time nurses had a week of vacation. I don't like to work nights too often, but I got through the week and next week I am only working day and evening shifts.
I have made a few cards lately, but I haven't gotten them posted due to problems with my photo software. I am going to try to get that fixed this week and hopefully I will able to post my cards soon. Blessings to all!
Danielle

Black and Cream cards

2009-03-23T15:16:00.003-04:00

I bought the "La Creme" stack from DCWV not long ago and decided to make a batch of different cards with the same papers. I ended up making 7 cards (3 of them are a set of monogramed note cards.) All of the die cuts are from the Cricut Storybook cartridge. The stamps I used are Studio G and Clearly Wordsworth. 2 of the cards have cuttlebug embossing on them (Thank You and Birthday Girl). Now I think I need to do something really bright!
Danielle

St. Patrick's Day cards

2009-03-14T20:58:00.004-04:00

My family ancestory is from a number of different countries but my siblings and I all feel closest to our Irish heritage (we have a bit of English, Scottish, German, Dutch and Native American, too), so St. Patrick's Day celebrations are a must at our house. Here are some cards I made for sister #2 and for my brother (the baby). I posted the card I made for sister #1 a week or so ago.
All the stamps are from Studio G. I used the Cricut for the scalloped circles (Mini Monograms), the bookplate frame (Fabulous Finds), and the gold shamrocks (Paper Doll Dress Up). I found the ribbon at WalMart last year after St. Patrick's Day on sale so I picked up a few rolls. I used a new border punch for the inside of both and the outside bottom of my sister's card. It's by EK Success and it's called "parisian". I had a little trouble getting used to positioning it for the second or third punch and it came out a little crooked, but I like the look of it anyway. On my sister's card I tied the ribbon in a knot before attaching it to the paper. I left it flat on my brother's card, since I have to mail it. I Hope they like them.
Danielle