Passion4Papercrafts

Life Is Good Today

2011-10-03T18:30:00.000-05:00

Several months ago, I subscribed to a monthly scrapbook kit club. After much browsing and contemplation, I decided to go with Little Red Scrapbook. I have yet to be disappointed with the coordinated goodies that arrive on my doorstep each month. It's been especially fun getting a sampling of many latest and greatest products, of which I do not have access to in my neck of the woods.

This weekend, I broke into April's kit and produced several projects. Here's a layout of a kiddo I care for deeply. He's such a handsome young man, with the greatest sense of humor and the biggest dimples I've ever seen! Enjoy!!

~ Jessica in Kansas

It has been awhile!!

2011-10-02T17:39:00.003-05:00

I'm welcoming myself back, as I see it's been over a year since I've found time to blog!! Here's why: in May of 2010, we unexpectedly gained two foster kiddos...family members who needed a loving and stable home. The oldest was a boy, who is now 14 years old; the girl is now 11. Unfortunately, she's the only one who managed to function well in our home, but she's still thriving! We are in the process of adopting her. Needless to say, the past year has been one of challenges and triumphs, and my hubby and I learned to be parents...on two older children with many struggles. Three of us survived it, though!

Other news: after years of trying to conceive, we learned that we're expecting our first child!!! Our little guy is due to be born around February 6th! We couldn't be more excited or feel more blessed! The first 4 months of pregnancy were rough, but I'm feeling good now.

I've done a little scrapping over the past year, but not nearly enough!! I did accomplish several projects this weekend, though, so I'll plan to post a few this week. As I looked back at my previous blog posts, I was amazed at how my style has evolved over the past year!!

I hope this message finds you all doing well. Here's to jumping back on the blog-wagon!!

~ Jessica in Kansas

Pop-Out Frame Card - It's a Baseball Birthday

2010-07-31T13:44:00.006-05:00

~ How cool is this Pop-Out Frame Card?? I had a blast working with the cutting file, designed by Jan Bryson of Sam & Hailey Designs! Surprisingly, it was so much easier to create than I ever would have imagined. The baseball & glove used to embellish the card were also cut from my KNK.
The 13-year old recipient of this card thought it was pretty cool, too! Score!!!

Sweet summertime...
Jessica in Kansas

Grilled Chicken Taco Salad

2010-07-01T20:00:00.001-05:00

~ Here's another recipe page creation, designed for my Iron Chef swap. I had several challenges to meet and was able to fit most into this one design. The tag is topped with a tab punch (stamp and punch by Stampin' Up!) and embellished with a flower cut from Sam & Hailey Designs' Itty Bitty Flower Garden file.
Yum, yum!!
Jessica in Kansas

Make a Wish

2010-06-30T22:33:00.005-05:00

~ Check out this cute Flip Flop Card I made for my sister-in-law's birthday this week! The card was cut using my Klic-N-Kut and a file by Sam & Hailey Designs. It's embellished with a Birthday Clip (file designed by Carrie's Creations) and an Itty Bitty Birthday gift (file also courtesy of Sam & Hailey Designs). The coordinating cardstock and patterned papers are from various sources. I used a little inking and some Stickles to add a few touches. "Make a Wish" is a simple title I developed and was cut with my KNK, as well.
I just love dimensional cards!!

Enjoy!!
Jessica in Kansas

Congrats to all Grads!!

2010-05-18T10:23:00.001-05:00

~ It's so hard to believe, but my first classroom of kiddos are graduating this spring. One special (not so little anymore) guy made the point to invite me to his ceremony this past weekend, so I needed a masculine card to take with me. Here's what I came up with:

For this card, I used a card sketch from Sketches! {by Tamara}. The pre-cut card base is from JoAnn Crafts. The patterned papers are Earthy Milestones from Creative Memories, and I added a little texture to them using the Cuttlebug and some sanding. The chipboard on which the sentiment was placed is by Heidi Grace; I just used Tim Holtz Tea Dye distressing ink to make it match better. The stickers, metal "graduate" embellishment, and ribbon are from unknown sources. All in all, I'm pleased with this masculine effort...one that usually creates a challenge for me!

Happy graduation,
Jessica in Kansas

Ballerina Beauty

2010-05-17T20:40:00.000-05:00

~ A sweet little ballerina I know turns 4 this weekend, so I was in dire need of the perfect birthday card for her themed party. This is what I came up with using Sam & Hailey Designs' Itty Bitty Ballerina cutting file. I put a clear stamp by Studio G to use for the subtle "dance" addition. I also used some fun ribbon on the metal embellishment and around the slippers. A border stamp by Stampin' Up and a decorative corner punch by Fiskars added a little pizazz, as did some Brilliance & Color Box pink ink. Of course, few of my projects are complete without a little Stickles bling! I hope you think it's as fun as I do!!!

A perfect combination of sweet and girly...
Jessica in Kansas

Sweet Boy

2010-05-14T20:30:00.002-05:00

~ Here's another simple baby layout featuring pictures of my mom (1st-time grandma) and brother doing the hand-off of Landon in the hospital. I want to share this one with you because I'm proud of the paper-pieced Standing Baby Bear. I cut the pieces from a file designed by myscrapchick.com, and then worked with inks, chalks, a fine black pen, a white gel pen, and some punches to bring it to life. At first I was quite unsatisfied with how it turned out, but after putting it away for a few weeks, I'm excited about how cute he is!!!

The layout also features some patterned pieces by Creative Memories and various alphabet stickers by CM and K&Company.
~ Babies = Joy,
Jessica in Kansas

NEW WHEELS!!!

2010-05-13T21:30:00.001-05:00

~ This layout features my precious nephew and his "new wheels"!! Does it get any cuter than an adventurous 1 year-old trying to reach the pedals on his new Radio Flyer tricycle??!!

The New Wheels title and trike were cut from a file designed by Chris Durnan of Visual Designs by Chris. I embellished them some with my favorite staple: Stickles.

The epitome of cute, huh?!?!
Jessica in Kansas

Tri-Shutter Graduation Card

2010-05-02T08:30:00.000-05:00

~ How cool is this?!?! It's a tri-shutter card, and it was super-simple to make using cutting files designed by none other than Jan Bryson of Sam & Hailey Designs. I'm so excited about the different ways I can use this file!
I chose to work ahead a bit and create a graduation card for my cousin who will "walk" in a few weeks! The sentiment and embellishments were cut from Jan's Itty Bitty Graduation file, which is full of cute little pieces to cut and use. All of the patterned paper is My Mind's Eye, and the solid cardstock is by PaperStudio.

It's that time of year...
Jessica in Kansas

friendship renewed

2010-05-01T20:04:00.003-05:00

~ The layout below features me with one of my greatest pals. It also features a fabulous Swirly Spring Tree cut from my Klic-N-Kut and designed by Jan Bryson of Sam & Hailey Designs. This file is part of her Membership Club this quarter, and I just fell in love with the elegant swirls!! I was even able to multi-purpose the swirly trunk and use it to embellish various parts of these pages.
Here's a close-up of the cut design! I added some crystal dots by Prima and some silk flowers layered with silver punched petals & brads. The swirly trunks used throughout the pages were sprayed with Suede Glimmer Mist by Tattered Angels. The layout also includes foil-trimmed chipboard alphas by Cloud9 Designs, additional silk pink flowers, and green textured Prima flowers.
Hope you are enjoying spring!!!
Jessica in Kansas

B is for 'Baby'

2010-04-27T21:05:00.001-05:00

~ Plan to see several baby boy layouts in the near future! I've finally gotten most of my nephew's first days scrapped, and I hope to share some of the layouts with you. This one is fairly simple and features my handsome brothers and me holding the most precious little guy...who is now over 19 months old!!!

The background paper is from Creative Memories; other cardstock & patterned papers are from various sources. The layout also features a stamped and colored giraffe (Studio G), a journaling box rub-on, some baby stickers from a Scrap Pad, and a little bit of ink distressing. Here's a closer look at the 2nd page:

~ Babies: sure help keep life in perspective!!

Jessica in Kansas

p.s. If you pay attention, you can tell when I'm spending my weeks out of town for work. Without much else to do in a hotel room, I get to catch up on blogging during the evenings!

All "geared" up & manly...

2010-04-26T21:05:00.000-05:00

~ How cool is this for a masculine card?? I have the hardest time creating cards for the special guys in my life because they don't tend to appreciate fun bright colors, Primas, Stickles, and decorative borders!!!

I was thrilled when I discovered these cutting files designed by Jan Bryson of Sam & Hailey Designs. The gear-themed Roundie card quickly cut like a dream! I used metallic cardstocks and black Staz-On for the distressed look. The stamped sentiment is from Stampin' Up! A copper brad and a silver bookplate attached with cord helped to complete the project. The smaller gears in different varieties were perfect for embellishing the envelope!

Hope you had a great Monday!!

Jessica in Kansas

purple + orange...

2010-04-14T16:45:00.001-05:00

~ Purple + orange = outside of my comfort zone...but I did it anyway!

Below are a few projects I put together when I was in a very strange mood. I'm not sure why, but I felt inspired to use this color combination...and just ran with it. I also challenged myself to use some tabs on these projects...some of those supplies I had to have, but hadn't yet put to use!! The stamps used are Stampin' Up!, purple felt flowers are by Paper Studio, orange punched flowers are actually a Martha Stewart wedding supply, tabs by ColorBok, corner punch by Fiskars, Stickles in various colors, & miscellaneous brads, cardstock, & patterned paper. The card bases & envelopes are from Target.

Enjoying spring,

Jessica in Kansas

Get Well (glitter makes it all better)

2010-04-07T21:36:00.001-05:00

~ I had the pleasure of creating this card using a cutting file designed by Carrie Schwartz of Carrie's Creations. The layered pieces add some dimension to the card, and I prettied them up with some inking techniques and Stickles. I was struck by the detail of this project compared to how quick and easy it was to create!!

~Glitter is a miracle drug...for me anyways!

Jessica in Kansas

Baby Boy & Gator

2010-04-06T22:00:00.001-05:00

~ Babies, Boys, & Gators...oh my!! It seems that babies are being born left and right around me...and they are all little guys! It's been quite some time since I've used any pink on baby creations!

I had purchased the perfect gift bag for a baby shower gift, but needed a coordinating card to accompany it. Thanks to the creative talent of one of my favorite cutting file designers, Jan Bryson, this one came together quite quickly! For this card, I used pieces of the following cutting files: Baby Animal Silhouettes (gator) & Super Quick Card - Baby Boy (title).

While creating the card, I used various patterned papers & solid cardstock, ink pads for edging/distressing, a ticket corner punch, and some mini buttons 'sewn' with Scrapper's Floss. It was enjoyed by the mom-to-be, which places it into my "success" category!

~ Jessica in Kansas

magenta + teal

2010-02-21T13:13:00.006-06:00

~ Interesting color combo, huh?!?! Somehow I was inspired to give it a try, and it grabbed me!!! I made a few different cards and a recipe layout while I was at it! The magenta decorative border was fun to pair with some stamped images, Primas, silk flowers, buttons, my new favorite Scrapper's Floss by Karen Foster, and of course...some Stickles!

= FUN
Jessica in Kansas

home SWEET home

2010-02-21T13:10:00.003-06:00

~ Here's a layout I created using lots of moving-in photos taken after buying our first house a few years ago. I wanted to apply lots of photos to these pages, so I followed a sketch that encouraged the tiling effect. It worked out pretty well. I also used a package of coordinating cardstock stickers, and a large key die cut. For as quickly as it went together, I was quite impressed with how this spread turned out!

There truly is NO place like home!!
Jessica in Kansas

fAMILY fOTOS - a muted layout

2010-02-21T11:41:00.009-06:00

~ I have realized that I spend time blogging my papercrafts of all kinds, but never the layouts I create in an effort to capture and preserve memories. Therefore, I plan to begin throwing some of my album pages in the mix! I usually scrap 12X12, two-page spreads. I like the options that the size allows me, and the availability of fitting several pictures into one spread. I also tend to scrapbook one event or theme on each spread, as I prefer to have my pages coordinate. The exception to my 12X12 preference is my vacation albums, which I scrap in 8X8" size.

This is a 12X12 layout which features some family portraits. I love the soft browns and pinks, and they way they compliment the muted tones of the photos.
~ Enjoy,
Jessica in Kansas

Valentine's Day ~ a little behind!

2010-02-20T21:30:00.010-06:00

~ So, I totally realize that Valentine's Day is long over, but I want to share a few of my holiday projects.

This matching Card Box Purse & Criss Cross Card/Tag were both created using files by Jan Bryson of Sam & Hailey Designs. I made them for a friend who had a February 14th wedding! The card box held the gift card perfectly, along with the card. The colors and papers I chose were inspired by the striped ribbon, which I fell in love with! These were lots of fun to create.

This fun folded I {heart} You Card was enjoyed by my hubby when I gave it to him! Carrie Schwartz of Carrie's Creations is the designer of the cutting file I put to use. After cutting and assembling this simple (but fabulous) card, I embellished with a little doodling & lots of Stickles (truly a staple in my scrap room)! Super cute, huh??

A little love is still in the air!!
Jessica in Kansas

Winter, Winter, PLEASE GO AWAY!!

2010-02-20T20:34:00.007-06:00

~ This Kansas winter has been worse than I ever remember, and I'm soooo ready for it to pass (she says as it's snowing and sleeting the first of 6" expected before the end of tomorrow)!!! I've stayed extremely busy this cold season, as you may have guessed by my absence! I have, however, attended a few crops and spent some time in my scrap room being productive. The projects below are winter-inspired, and this snowy evening seems like the perfect time to share them!
These winter-themed Post-It Notes Cover were super simple to cut and create from a file designed by Shirley Clark. I used my KNK to cut the outer wrap and band, then just embellished with ink, 3-D snowflakes, and some bling-y Stickles, of course!!!

This recipe page was inspired by my new Cuttlebug folder & this shimmery white & bronze cardstock from Cutcardstock.com. The little hats were cut from patterned paper and embellished with Stickles. A small snowflake stamp filled in the open areas, and these were done!! I love simple & cute!

That's my winter inspiration for ya!!
Jessica in Kansas

Family recipe

2010-01-03T15:33:00.003-06:00

~ My mom has always made the BEST homemade chicken noodle soup...complete with homemade noodles. I asked her, a while back, to record the recipe for me the next time she made it...and she did!! I have enjoyed having it so much that I decided to put it into a special recipe page. I made extras for my mom and my brothers!! I know that the family recipe will be treasured long after my mom leaves the earth!

It's a good day for soup,
~Jessica in Kansas

I'm back...once again ~

2010-01-03T14:31:00.005-06:00

~ After another long hiatus, I am ready to blog again!! My New Year's resolution: better care for myself by finding a wonderful balance between work, play, and relaxation!!! Hopefully, that entails papercrafting and blogging a lot more regularly in 2010!!

That being said, I do have a little blogging to catch up on. Before I start posting my winter projects, I have a few more fall projects to share with you.

First, this fabulous Designer Purse was made using my Klic-N-Kut and an awesome file designed by Shirley Clark of Paperthreads. It can be used to put a small gift or gift card in. I gave one that was filled with candy to a co-worker this fall! I used velcro as the closure, and the handle pivots. The bottom trim that looks like leather is simply kraft colored cardstock which has been crinkled and inked before drawing the stitch lines.

I also spent some time making a few tear bears this fall. They are each holding a sign or something fall-related. I'm finding my tear critters get cuter each time I create them, and I was really pleased with how these came out. There are 8 of them in all!

I know fall is long gone, but I didn't want to miss the opportunity to share these projects!! Winter stuff is coming up next!!

Happy 2010!!!
~ Jessica in cold, snowy Kansas

Turkey Day is on Its Way!!!

2009-11-20T19:04:00.003-06:00

~ I just LOVE this time of year!! Spending time reminiscing, eating, relaxing, laughing, and playing games with family is something I love more than a lot of things! I'm getting really excited as next Thursday approaches...and then, as we all know, the rest of the year flies by!

In my excitement about the holiday season, I've completed a few festive papercraft projects. They are both from cutting files designed by Shirley Clark. The first is a Turkey Treat Box. How cute is this?? I filled one with Hershey's Nuggets and gave it to the receptionist at work today! She was extremely appreciative!
The second is a turkey holding a sign. I plan to use him on a layout with holiday pictures and hand write our family's last name on the wooden sign!
I hope you've been inspired to be excited about the upcoming holiday!!! Have a super weekend!

Gobble, gobble!
Jessica in Kansas

Hanging On To Warm Weather & Fun Colors!!

2009-11-12T18:58:00.005-06:00

~ So, I just heard on the news that we may get some of that white stuff early next week. I'm shivering just thinking about it!! I always look forward to the first snow, which is usually beautiful in Kansas, but then I'm ready to bid winter farewell!!!

Just thinking about the arrival of winter has inspired me to think warm!! Therefore, this post includes bikinis and fun summer color combinations! I'll soon be posting some Thanksgiving & fall projects, but in the meantime...This tear bear is ready to soak up some rays at the pool or beach! Isn't she cute??!!! She was inspired by one of my favorite patterns from myscrapchick.com. I tore and assembled this Teeny Bikini Bear from thick mulberry paper, added a few details with chalk, pens, and punched shapes for the eyes & nose. The bikini was cut using my Klic-N-Kut from the myscrapchick.com pattern. I embellished it with a swirly background stamp, a Prima flower combined with a pink jewel, and some fun Stickles...a staple in my scrap room! She's one of my favorite tear critter creations yet!!
~ Check out these fabulous gift ideas! My friend, Shirley Clark, developed this Post-It Cover pattern and sent me the cutting file. Talk about incredibly easy, fabulously fun, and very versatile...
These went together quite quickly, and I love the possibilities. The band can be left plain or embellished in numerous ways. I was obviously in a flowery mood the day I made these!! I think I'll create and give these to the ladies at work this holiday season!!

~~~ One of my favorite blogs to visit is Lisa's Stampin! Weblog, and she's offering some awesome blog candy this week. Follow the above link to her site and tell her "hello"...even if you don't win, you'll benefit greatly from the ideas on her blog!!

~ Warm, wintery hugs from Kansas,
Jessica

A few cards...

2009-11-08T17:53:00.006-06:00

Happy November!!! I have some catching up to do with my blog, so here it goes!! Below is a menagerie of greeting cards I have made and given to special people in my life over the past few months.
This card was made for my precious nephew on his 1st birthday! I used a Stampin' Up! stamp set, different patterned papers, paper tearing & various inks, some twisted fiber, and lots of bright colors. He did not know any better, but I thought it was super cute and boyish...especially with a googly-eyed elephant!
This one was made for some great friends of ours who got married. I got to use my new scalloped oval punch from SU!, some fun clear stamps, and the silver cardstock, which I just LOVE! The color combination is a little different, but I am trying to steer clear of my habits when it comes to choosing colors for my projects!
Here's another challenging color combination. A good friend and co-worker of mine turned 50 last month, and this image & sentiment called her name!!! This card was pretty simple, with layers, mats in black, and a colored image. I had to tie in some black since she's officially over the 2nd hill now!!
This last card was fun to make. It was for Joe on our 3rd wedding anniversary. I used different stamp-type stamps on 1-inch squares, and cut the "3" from a template. The different blues were intentional since that's his favorite color. He was as impressed as a guy gets about these things!!

~ Happy fall,
Jessica in Kansas

Cute Purse Bag & Card

2009-10-26T21:47:00.003-05:00

~ I created the gift set below for my secret sister at church. She loved it!!! I used files designed by Jan Bryson of Sam & Hailey Designs. The Super Quick Mini Purse Card was extremely easy to cut and assemble, and the Extra Tall Purse Bag was perfect for a bag full of homemade peanut clusters!!!

~ Pretty cute, huh?!!! I used my Cuttlebug to emboss the coral colored paper, then cut the flowers out with a big punch. One center is chalked, and the other is embellished with a flower sequin, sent to me by my great friend, Lisa! I love how the set coordinates...and how easy it was to create!! Thanks to Jan for the great cutting file...and my Klic-N-Kut for simplifying my life!!

Crafty hugs from Jessica in Kansas ~

Stuffed (pizza & envelopes)

2009-10-18T19:17:00.004-05:00

~ This recipe page was created for my monthly Iron Chef recipe page swap. The challenges were to use the same color on color, add some dimension, and find inspiration from a provided sketch. This is what I came up with!I was in the mood for brown, paisley, and punches the day I created these!!! My Cuttlebug did the paisley embossing for me, and I simply punched out the squares and inked the raised images to distress them a bit. The paisley pieces on the bottom left were punched from a Creative Memories punch. Mini brown envelopes and some crinkled dark bronze paper made their way onto the pages, too!

Ready for a new week!!
Jessica in Kansas

Giraffe, Baby, & Cuteness, Oh My!!!

2009-10-17T22:42:00.003-05:00

~ A few months ago, I completed this layout. I've had it hanging on my wall to enjoy since then because I just love it bunches!!! The fabulous giraffe paper piecing was cut from a design by myscrapchick.com. Is it cute, or what??!!! The title is made of glittery chipboard letters, and I used glitter around mats, some magic mesh, and the oval cutter to finish it off. The soft colors, wonderful pix, and no blue make this one of my favorite baby boy layouts ever!!

The pictures don't do it justice. The colors are soft oranges on white.

On a blogging role tonight!!!
Jessica in Kansas

Butterfly Tear Critter

2009-10-17T21:55:00.004-05:00

~ I created this spring butterfly tear critter several months ago, and she's been patiently waiting for her spot on my blog!!! She's made from torn mulberry paper, flower, heart & swirl paper punches, ink, chalk, and detailing with pen/markers. I also included a few gems as the flower centers.

Enjoying fall, but ready for spring temps again,
Jessica in Kansas

Baby Shower Invites

2009-10-17T20:53:00.003-05:00

~ My previous post showed a baby shower gift and card I made for my good friend's shower. I was responsible for helping to throw her fabulous shower, and one of my tasks was to send invites. Of course, they needed to be handmade since they were coming from a papercrafter's home!!! This is what I came up with.
I just love the pregnancy stamp by Studio G, as it even sort of looks like my friend, Jessie! I used gel pens to outline the image, and some shimmery flower pieces attached with brads. The pre-cut cards of shimmery cardstock is from CutCardStock.com. The BABY stamp is a single dollar stamp from Michael's, I think. I really like the blue ribbon best, but I ran out and had to finish some up with the pastel stipes.

Happy Saturday,
Jessica in Kansas

Baby Blocks & Shower Gift

2009-10-10T13:12:00.003-05:00

~ I had the pleasure of throwing a baby shower for one of my best girlfriends last month. It was fabulous!! I wanted my card to be extra special, so I chose a cutting file designed by Shirley Clark. The Baby Blocks card was made using my Klic-N-Kut, various pastel colored cardstock, a swirly background stamp, ink pads for edging, and Crystal Effects for the binky & bottle nipple!

It was created to compliment my gift and wrapping. She loved it and truly appreciated the handmade effort!!!Hugs from Kansas,

Jessica

Super Sweet Shopping Bear

2009-09-20T21:36:00.002-05:00

~ I'm so excited to show you this little lady!!! I created her months ago from a cutting file designed by Carrie of Carrie's Creations. This Shopping Bear is ready for a day at the mall with her girlfriends...or a night out on the town! She's going to be part of a scrapbook page soon! I'll share that once completed! I've been having fun making tear bears, but this cutting file called my name!! It was so easy to cut and piece together! The funnest part is choosing the papers and adding details to the face!! It's a blast to make them come alive!!

Hugs from Kansas,
Jessica

Tweet Girl Birthday Layout

2009-09-10T18:56:00.007-05:00

~ Below is a project I completed quite a while ago that's been patiently waiting to be shared with the world! This Tweet Girl is a paper-piecing pattern designed by my friends of myscrapchick.com. Isn't she adorable? And how fun are the Girly Girl Titles used throughout the layout?!?!!! They were created by one of my favorite designers, Carrie of Carrie's Creations. These two elements fit together perfectly and provided the "cuteness" I needed for these birthday party pictures of some of my favorite kiddos in the world!!

Have a 'tweet nite!!!
Jessica in Kansas

4 Sale: Ice Cream

2009-09-07T12:07:00.006-05:00

~ This little peeking salesman bear has ice cream 4 sale!! You just better hurry before he enjoys it all for himself!!!

Every tear critter I make with mulberry paper gets a little easier! The key is to create the cutest face with chalk, punched eyes & nose, and white & black pens. The sign was created and printed from the computer & a ticket corner punch. The popsicle is from a package of Dress It Up embellishments.
It's hard to say no to such a cutie!!!

Happy crafting,
Jessica in Kansas

Catching up...recipe pages galore!!!

2009-09-06T21:42:00.006-05:00

~ Welcome back to my blog!! I know it's been awhile. This summer has been a strange one for me. I have spent much less time in my scrapbook room than usual...no good, I know!!!!

I have managed to get a few projects completed in the past 2+ months, so this and my next few posts will be catch up posts! The following are recipe pages I've created, mostly for my monthly Iron Chef recipe swap...which I look forward to without fail!

Pineapple Sunrise Smoothies: This layout used a fun new stamp, my SU! markers, some fun multi-colored fiber, various Prima flowers and coordinating brads, and a fun foot clippie! These were a blast to create!!

White-On-White Cupcakes: This is the most recent layout I created, and it was quite a challenge. Due to the nature of the recipe, I wanted to use only whites as much as possible. Of course, white font would not have shown up, so I had to use a little gray. I also used my Cuttlebug embosser to add some texture, some sheer white ribbon, and a tag with a stamped cupcake accented with white and silver ink.

Thyme Chicken & Mushrooms: This slow cooker recipe page followed a sketch and a few challenges. I had to use this colorful ribbon, which I placed behind the bottom, right flower. I also had to use the pink & brown polka-dot sticker as inspiration. All of the flowers I used on this page were made using punches.

Creamy Spinach Ravioli: This layout was a blast to create. I wanted to use the orange flowers and decided to explore the complimentary colors of blue and orange. I was quite pleased with the way the designs and colors fit together. This is a yummy recipe, too!!

Original Ranch Pork Chops: This simple page was inspired by the colors in the ribbon. I also had the big die cut and foam flowers that I wanted to use up. Colorful fonts and mats, a border punch, and some adhesive jewels finish it off.

Lemon Orange Frosty: This page was inspired by the fun lemony ribbon I had. I used a foam lemon stamp, yellow ink, orange accent marker, various flowers & brads. Simple pages, and I love the way the blue pops off the page!

Cheesy Chili Soup: My challenge for these pages was to use greens only. I had fun with the monochromatic challenge, using ribbon, confetti shamrocks, a border stamp, some green fiber, and big silk flowers.

Broccoli Whole Wheat Mac N Cheese: This page followed a sketch challenge, as well. The heart in oval was cut with my Klic-N-Kut, using a pattern from Carrie's Creations' Valentine Oval file. I also used up some heart stickers, scraps of various colors, and even pulled my circle cutter out for this one!!

Happy September,
Jessica in Kansas

Sweet Snail

2009-07-08T21:03:00.004-05:00

~ I know, I know...I'm a slacker! I've been papercrafting some over the past few months, but just haven't found time to update my blog! So, I'm back and promise to do better!!Creating tear bears and tear critters (torn from mulberry paper) is something I have enjoyed doing very much. I think, by now, I am up to 10 different critters, some of which are cute...others which are not worth sharing! :-) This sweet snail, however, is one of which I am quite proud! A fabulous pattern by myscrapchick.com was my inspiration. I used a spiral journaling template to draw on the shell, and little flower punches complete the antennae! Of course, I also had to use some chalk and a hand-drawn face! Super cute, huh?!!

Hope you're having a wonderful summer,
Jessica in Kansas

Bunny Boxes

2009-04-25T14:37:00.005-05:00

~ This post is a little late, but I have to show you these adorable little bunny boxes that I created using a new cutting file designed by Shirley Clark of Paperthreads!!! How cute are these?!!! They were super simple to create, and I was equipped with little treat boxes that were a hit! I gave one to my secret sister at church, and I watched her study and awe over it for quite some time!!

Blessed by spring,
Jessica in Kansas

"Love"ly Tear Turtle

2009-04-25T14:08:00.004-05:00

~ Can you say MIA??!! I know...I'm sorry I've been such a blogging slacker lately. Between my mom being ill with cancer & treatment, starting a new job, and the busy-ness of life in general, I have found little time for papercrafting. However, I have squeezed in a few projects since I last posted on February 4th, and they'll be showing up on the blog soon!

My first post for today is this little guy, who was such a joy to make! I was in a "Love"ly tear critter swap, which challenged us to create a tear critter with the love or sweetheart theme. Most people in the swap made elegant bears with dresses and candy, but I found inspiration for this love-ly turtle from a pattern designed by MyScrapChick.com. Thick mulberry paper, brown and green ink and chalk, a heart punch, a black marker, and a white gel pen were all the supplies I needed to make this quick and cute little turtle packed with love!! Doesn't he look hug-able?!!!

Glad to be blogging again,
Jessica in Kansas

Romantic Valentine's Day Recipes ~

2009-02-04T18:57:00.003-06:00

~ Yes, I have definitely been hit by cupid this year!!! I'm loving all of the Valentine's Day themed cutting files I'm getting my hands on! These coordinating recipe pages all use cutting files by Carrie's Creations: the Love Words line, which I got as part of her Love Pack. I am excited about the variety of words, arrows, clippies, and dramatic heart shapes I was able to coordinate in these pages. I also cut a Valentine Muse (background on the 3rd page) for the first time, which cut smoothly, as all of Carrie's files do! Using the same papers, font, and color theme made several pages come together very quickly. All of these recipes are tried and true, so feel free to lift them if you're in the mood for some easy yum~yum this Valentine's Day!!

Hugs to you,
Jessica in Kansas

Sweet and simple Valentine's Day cards

2009-02-04T12:13:00.003-06:00

~ Tis the season...for love, hearts, and Valentines!!! These elegant cards were simple to put together using a sketch required for a swap I had committed to. I used Jan Bryson's Itty Bitty Valentines cutting file for the hearts and sentiment, which worked out perfectly for this card. The scalloped border wrapped in silver ribbon was created using a border punch by Fiskars. The shimmery silver, burgundy, and purple cardstock are all from Cutcardstock.com. The elegant patterned paper is from ScrapWorks. I was challenged to avoid the typical V-Day colors of pink & red, which wasn't as easy as I had thought it would be!!!

Love is in the air,
Jessica in Kansas

Butterfly Purses

2009-02-04T12:02:00.004-06:00

~ Paper and purses and butterflies, oh my!!! How cute are these paper purses in the butterfly theme?!! Shirley Clark designed this cutting file, and I couldn't wait to try it out. I just happened to have some butterfly themed cardstock by DCWV and found plain cardstock in coordinating colors. I embellished the handles with ink, doodling, adhesive gems, and some fun butterfly confetti pieces I found. The butterflies were cut from the file, assembled, and embellished with gems, color dots, Stickles, and hand-drawn antennae. A touch of velcro keeps the purse closed. Super cute...and super easy!

I can't wait to fill these little packages with goodies and brighten the day of a couple of my girlfriends!!

Thinking of spring,
Jessica in Kansas

Custom address book

2009-02-04T11:48:00.004-06:00

~ I had been wanting to make a custom address book for quite some time...and I finally did it! I purchased a journal, wrapped the front and back covers with some fun patterned paper by My Mind's Eye, and added tab dividers that I created using Stampin' Up's Round Tab punch. I then used my Klic-N-Kut to cut the Fancy Frames and Border Strips, designed by myscrapchick.com, out of coordinating papers. "Addresses" is handwritten on a piece of ric-rac with a fine Sharpie marker. I finished it off by adding Stickles in various colors to some of the dots and the ric-rac. This is just what I needed to collect all of my papercrafting friends' contact information!!

Happy Wednesday,
Jessica in Kansas

More tear bears...

2009-01-30T17:44:00.004-06:00

~ These fall critters were made back in November for a swap I participated in...and I just realized that I never shared them on my blog. The theme was fall. The jumper dress was cut from a pattern designed by myscrapchick.com. The rake and Indian corn are stickers, and the flowers are primas. I think I'm getting better at creating a personality with the eyes, nose, and mouth.
If you haven't tried tear critters, I encourage you to do so! They're not as hard as you might think...and so much fun to create!!

~ Jessica in Kansas

A Christmas Peeking Bear

2009-01-30T14:32:00.002-06:00

~ I know it's a little past Christmas, but I forgot to post this fun little peeking tear bear I created last month!! Doesn't she look snuggly and cute?!!! The present and bow pattern were cut from a file in the Holidays Helpers collection designed by myscrapchick.com, and the most appropriate "don't peek" stamp is by Studio G. The gold cardstock is from cutcardstock.com.

Too cute not to share,
Jessica in Kansas

Valentine's Day Treat Boxes!!!

2009-01-30T13:46:00.004-06:00

~ I've had some fun with 3-dimensional projects lately!! I had trouble getting into the winter holiday spirit, but cupid's arrow has struck me!! The cutting files for both projects below were designed by Shirley Clark of Paperthreads.

This first one is a super-fun Valentine Bear Treat Box...is it cute or what??!!! It is perfect for holding some holiday candy, a gift card, or home-baked cookies!! I added some chalk to the cheeks, and inked around a few edges before assembling. I also added a little detail to the eyes and mouth to give this little bear some true personality!

These Chocolate Treat Boxes are the perfect size for Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares. How fun are they?! You can see that they open up and are kept closed by the fabulous band that slides off and on. The best part is...they are super easy to cut and assemble...in fact, I'm planning to make them for all of my co-workers in the next week or two!!

Hope you enjoy the treats,
Jessica in Kansas

Creamy Seafood Pasta - It's All Fun Stuff!!

2009-01-26T19:58:00.003-06:00

~ I created this recipe page for the monthly Iron Chef recipe swap I host. My challenge was to find a yummy fish or seafood recipe that used the secret ingredient of mushrooms! I was successful!

I followed a sketch, which was not an easy one to use. I also challenged myself to use various coordinating patterned paper. The adorable button mushrooms and bird were cut with my KNK from a file designed by Carrie's Creations: It's All Fun Stuff! They are both simple, girly, and fun...the theme I was shooting for on this layout. The shimmery pink paper that I printed the recipe on is from CutCardstock.com.

Jessica in Kansas

Hippo Baby Gift Set

2009-01-26T19:16:00.003-06:00

~ Here's another coordinating bag and card set I made for yet another baby boy born!!! So many new boys being brought in to this world...starting to feel out-numbered!!

I, once again, used my favorite box-bottom gift bag cutting file, by Sam & Hailey Designs. The same designer created the cutting files for this coordinating Quick Diamond Gate-Fold Card and the Baby Animal Silhouettes, from which the hippo came! Love them all!! I had a great time matching the colors of the bag and card to the outfits I chose for the new little guy.

Hippo hugs to you,
Jessica in Kansas

Snowflakes, clippies, and recipes...oh my!!

2009-01-14T21:35:00.006-06:00

~ I was busy last week working on some wintery recipe pages inspired by this cold, cold weather that won't make its way out of Kansas!! This set of three coordinating pages was based on the color combination in a ribbon collection (by American Crafts) I purchased, and I used all kinds of fun snowflakes cut from my Klic-N-Kut. The cute "Snow"flake Clippies were designed by Carrie's Creations, and the elegant snowflakes of various shapes are from Jan Bryson's Itty Bitty Snowflakes file. All of the "snow" was cut from Ice Gold metallic cardstock purchased from CutCardstock.com.

I also used some sketches as layout inspiration (see below), Stickles (waterfall), stick-on jewels, & cardstock/patterned papers by The Paper Studio.

Inspired by Sketches!{by tamara}'s Card Sketch #65.

Inspired by Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge #36 sketch.

Inspired by Laura's Sketch #10 from 2Sketches4U.

Wintery hugs from Kansas,
Jessica

Adorable...and Versatile...Purses

2009-01-08T14:48:00.007-06:00

~ How cute are these All-Occasion Paper Purses??!! They can be used as gift or treat bags, as an "envelope" for a handmade card, or as a decoration. Shirley Clark designed the cutting file, which I used with my Klic-N-Kut. They can be found in her section of Paperthreads online store.

I love the options for embellishing these purses: flourishes, corners, tags, borders. Everything except for the Prima flowers and jeweled centers were cut from this file. The color combination was inspired by the patterned paper, which was used for the purse on the left. I can't wait to stuff these with goodies and give them to a few girlfriends!!!

Glad to be blogging again!!!
Jessica in Kansas

Baby Boy Gift Set

2008-12-06T13:31:00.004-06:00

~ Babies, babies, babies...everyone I know is having babies...and lots of little boys! Some friends of mine had one right before Thanksgiving. I'm hoping to meet him next week, and wanted to prepare a little gift. I had purchased the adorable baby clothes below for them and wanted to create a coordinating gift card and bag! I used the clothing colors as inspiration for the patterned papers I chose. You may recognize the box-bottom gift bag, a cutting file designed by Sam & Hailey Designs. I've used this many times, and it's one of my most favorite files!!! The quick baby boy card was also cut, using a file by Jan of Sam & Hailey Designs. I do not think it is available in the Paperthreads store yet. It came together super quick and easily!! I added little buttons to the tabs, and then I used the words "baby BOY" on the gift bag, as well.

No news yet for us on the baby front, but I'll keep you posted!!

Happy Saturday,

Jessica in Kansas

Little Christmas Helpers...

2008-12-03T18:14:00.003-06:00

~ How cute is this card?? I created it for a challenge on my MulberryMoms Yahoo group, which specializes in the use of mulberry paper. The Christmas tree paper piecing was cut with my Klic-N-Kut; file designed by Carrie's Creations (Christmas Tree & Bells). The mice were torn from gray mulberry paper using the Mice Helpers patterns by myscrapchick.com...don't you just love the little scissors and tape dispenser??? They are also myscrapchick.com patterns and were cut with my KNK. The chipboard tag is from Colorbok. I also used fiber, lots of Stickles, and ink for embellishing the mice! The cardstock is Naturals Ivory from Stampin' Up!

Ho Ho Ho,

Jessica in Kansas

I'm back!

2008-12-03T12:17:00.005-06:00

~ Sorry it's been awhile! I was first busy balancing work with preparing for the holiday...then I was busy trying to recover from several days of wonderful family get-togethers. Now I'm ready to settle back into my routine of work and play...papercrafting play, that is!!!

I finished a couple of recipe pages, but hadn't had time to post them. The first is a slow cooker recipe page, which follows a sketch on Page Plans. This was created for the Iron Chef recipe swap I host on a monthly basis. I love this ribbon and was excited to find these chipboard button pieces and the perfect-colored flowers to use with it.

The second is a more simple page, for which I challenged myself to use stickers. I tend to keep my stickers put away, but a special girlfriend sent me these fun cardboard cooking stickers, which I could not wait to put to use. I love the distressed look of them!! I also added a touch of ribbon and pulled out the Fastenator to staple it on.

It's nice to be back,

Jessica in Kansas

Christmas Treat Boxes

2008-11-22T14:05:00.004-06:00

~ How cute are these treat boxes? The files were designed by Shirley Clark of Paperthreads.com, who is another one of my favorite designers. I cut the boxes out with my Klic-N-Kut...then embellished and easily assembled. I used various patterned papers & cardstock, including shimmer paper by CutCardstock.com, Stickles, swirly background stamp by SU!, tag stamp & punch by SU!, and lots of inking for edges. What do you think? I love them!

Santa Treat Box

Present Treat Box

Snowman Treat Box (notice the tiny pipe!!!)

Tree Treat Box

Enjoy,

Jessica in Kansas

~ Birthday, birthday, birthday

2008-11-22T09:46:00.004-06:00

~ I never have enough birthday cards ready to send, so I chose to take on the weekly challenge from The Cat's Pajamas, and create birthday cards this morning. The challenge was to use any cake image from the stamp line. Perfect...as I'd been dying to use this adorable penguin image! I also chose to combine the Color Inspiration #31 from the kwernerdesign blog. The colors are below...I wasn't sure what to think about the combination, but I love how the card turned out as a result of using them! Additionally, I followed Sketches! {by Tamara}'s Card Sketch #71 for the design of this project. With so much inspiration, I have to think less about what to create...and get to enjoy "playing" more!!! Can't beat that!

Have a great Saturday,

Jessica in Kansas

Little Fishy ~ a layout

2008-11-22T09:21:00.005-06:00

~ This project has been a work in progress, and I finally finished it up this morning!! It's a layout about the fish and frog pond that we inherited with the purchase of our house. I love, love, love the pond and cannot wait to enjoy it with kiddos! When we moved in over the summer of '07, there were frogs (parents and babies) and goldfish calling the pond their home. Unfortunately the fish did not make it over the winter because our pump broke and the pond froze.

This summer, we purchased more goldfish and a few coy. One (or possibly more) of the fish had babies shortly after we bought them, so I enjoyed watching the fish multiply and grow over the summer. As my journaling strips illustrate, one of the highlights of my days has been to feed them. They were easily trained to feed in one spot of the pond. So much fun to watch...
This layout loosely followed Sketch #68 on Sketches! {by Tamara}'s blog. The banner, title, and adorable fish paper piecings were cut with my KNK and used Sam & Hailey Design's Itty Bitty Little Fishy file, found on Paperthreads.com. I also used some patterned paper by Sunburn Two Cool, a border ruler, and Aqua Stickles. This was my first time to use journaling strips, and it may be one of my new favorite ways to journal.

Enjoy,

Jessica in Kansas

Snowy Days, Frosty Nights, Warm Hearts

2008-11-20T00:01:00.006-06:00

~ I am having a great time with the shimmer contest at CutCardstock.com and my new pre-cut cards I ordered from them!! I also love this sentiment from the Fairy Christmas stamp set by The Cat's Pajamas: Snowy Days, Frosty Nights, Warm Hearts! It was perfect for this snowy card following the sketch below from PageMaps, which was a swap challenge in one of my favorite Yahoo groups.

I also used a swirly flourish stamp from Hero Arts and white Staz-On ink, various snowflake confetti pieces in blue & silver, glittery snowflakes from Jolee's, patterned paper & ribbon from unknown sources.

Not quite ready for the real white stuff!!!

Jessica in Kansas

Fall is in the air...still!

2008-11-19T23:47:00.003-06:00

~ I needed a fall card to send a friend, and I ran across a great sketch by 2 Sketches 4 You that I really liked and wanted to use. The Gold Leaf Metallic card back is from my new collection of shimmery pre-cut cardstock by CutCardstock.com, which I am LOVING to use! Aren't the transparent leaves gorgeous?!!

Hope you're enjoying the beauty of fall,

Jessica in Kansas

A little Christmas Kitty fun!!

2008-11-17T16:39:00.005-06:00

~ It's a little early for me, but I created my first Christmas card last week! I love the shimmer of this fun project!!! This card was inspired by the Make it Glitter & Shimmer Holiday Contest at CutCardstock.com, by Color Throwdown #19, and by Sketches! {by Tamara}'s Card Sketch #70. I also used my new set of Pink Cat Studio stamps from My Little Stamp Shack. Materials:
- base: shimmery Curious Metallic Ice Gold pre-cut card from CutCardstock.com
- cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Bravo Burgundy, Bordering Blue (all SU!)
- stamps: Pink Cat Studio & Studio G (sentiment)
- dry embossing: brass snowflake stencils by All Night Media
- heat embossing: Rainbow Glitter embossing powder
- miscellaneous: 1" circle punch, ticket corner punch (SU!), silver shimmer ribbon, white gel pen, Not Quite Navy & Bravo Burgundy SU! markers

Meow!!!

Jessica in Kansas

Thankful ~

2008-11-17T16:05:00.004-06:00

~ I'm feeling the holiday spirit!! I designed this layout for a page kit swap. It's quite metallic and shimmery, inspired in part by the "Make it Glitter & Shimmer" Holiday Contest through CutCardstock.com. The shimmery leaves are actually confetti, but I thought they were the perfect accent for the journaling strips and the large leaves, which were cut with my Klic-N-Kut (Maple Leaf & Acorn file, designed by Carrie's Creations). I added some shimmery bronze colored ribbon and used a leaf corner punch (EK Success) on the photo mats. The background cardstock is DCWV, the light and dark orange leafs are cut from Sunburn paper, and the shimmery bronze & tan papers are from CutCardstock.com. The layout design was inspired by Sketches! {by tamara}'s Layout Sketch #69. Thanks for letting me share!!!

With lots for which to be thankful,

Jessica in Kansas

From one chick...to another ~

2008-11-11T01:59:00.005-06:00

~ I designed this card front in KNK Studio for a file swap hosted at Paperthreads.com. Instead of being assigned a theme, this time we were challenged to create a card front file...how practical, right?!! I got some great files, in return!! This is what I came up with. Of course, it was cut with my Klic-N-Kut!!

I love the bright colors...makes me think of spring! Before giving this card away, I'll probably add some brads or jewels to the flower centers...and maybe glitz it up a bit with some Stickles!!

Enjoy,

Jessica in Kansas

Thanksgiving Tear Bears

2008-11-09T05:04:00.003-06:00

~ Below is the end result of my 4th attempt at creating tear bears or tear critters. I enjoy these so much, although they can be quite time consuming to make! One of my yahoo groups (MulberryMoms) is all about using mulberry paper in papercrafting. We had a Thanksgiving tear critter challenge, so I was inspired to create the Indian Princess and Pilgrim Boy below. The credit for the adorable outfits belongs to myscrapchick.com; from the Seasonal Dress-Up Collection. I paper-pieced and embellished the clothing after cutting with my Klic-N-Kut. Are they cute or what??!!!!! I just love the moccasins!!

Thankful for lots,

Jessica in Kansas :-}

A Whiff of Joy...

2008-11-06T01:20:00.005-06:00

~ I just love my new Whiff of Joy stamp...isn't this image awesome?!! I love the detail on her jeans and the wispy hair! I used a sketch posted for the card contest on one of my Yahoo groups as inspiration for the layout. The top strip is actually a paint chip, which inspired my color choices. The blue strip was altered with a floral border punch. I used Golden Wheat ink, and the following SU! markers: Ballet Blue, Bashful Blue, So Saffron, More Mustard, & Ruby Red. The cardstock is So Saffron, the brown patterned paper is Wild Asparagus, and the blue paper is from ProvoCraft. Prima Obsession flowers , and brads and fiber of unknown sources complete the embellishments. Ovals punched from the paint chip provided a great space to stamp the sentiment.

Enjoy,

Jessica in Kansas

Chunky Apple Cake

2008-11-03T22:33:00.003-06:00

~ I love the way this simple recipe page came together! I used a great swirly tree stamp by Little Paper Shop, some fun embroidered collage paper, and cute little mini apples cut with my Klic-N-Kut (apple file by Carrie's Creations). Coral pink and lime green is one of my favorite color combinations...it just makes me happy!!! I used Fruit Punch Stickles to embellish the tree, which I stamped with a SU! Cotton Candy Kaleidoscope ink pad. Coral chalk ink around the edge created a nice border...again, pretty simple, but I love it!!!

It's a delicious recipe, too!!

Jessica in Kansas

myscrapchick ~ check out these adorable paper piecings

2008-11-03T22:15:00.007-06:00

~ I have discovered another source of adorable paper piecing patterns: myscrapchick.com. I recently tried a few of them out for a paper-piecing swap I joined, and I'm so impressed with how cute they ended up being!! Don't you just love the eyes?!!! The designer used big oval eyes on her examples, so I decided to try a small egg-shaped punch I have; I think they turned out perfectly!!!

This black kitty is complete with a pink ribbon bow and whiskers created with Stickles. I love her adorable paws and fun eyelashes...and the great big eyes! Is she cute or what?!!!

Oh Deer!!! Aren't these great?!! I understand that Kristi, the designer of myscrapchick's patterns, uses her scissors to draw and create! What a talent!!

I have plans for these paper piecings on scrapbook pages, but I just couldn't wait to show them off!! I'll post them again when the pages are completed!

Fun hugs from Kansas,

Jessica

Another chicky ~

2008-10-30T03:45:00.003-05:00

~ My Hey Chicky stamp set by C.C. Designs made the blog again!!!! How cute is this one...holding the flower?!! This design started with the strange patterned paper in the background, which I was determined to use! I really like the colors (Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Bashful Blue, Cameo Coral, and Natural Ivory). The adorable chicky is colored with my SU! markers, and I added Stickles to the blue flower she's holding, in addition to the brads and the handmade flower, which was easy to create. I simply punched a large 5-petal flower, used my thumbnails to accordian-type fold each of the petals, inked the edges, and added Stickles to the centers of the petals. It almost looks like a Prima in real-life (pictures never do these projects the justice they deserve)! The blue and bright coral flowers are silk.

I hope you find inspiration here,

Jessica in Kansas

The Colors of Fall

2008-10-30T03:06:00.004-05:00

~ I was looking for inspiration for a recipe page layout I needed to complete for a swap, and I found it in "The Colors of Fall" contest being hosted by CutCardStock.com. I just LOVE fall color combinations, and am reminded by the goodness of God during this season, in particular!! How refreshing it is to see the beauty of what surrounds us...especially during such a chaotic time for our nation!

For this recipe page, I used a version of Card Sketch #67 posted by Sketches! {by Tamara} for the layout design. Copper colored Stickles, chipboard buttons by Colorbok, ribbon from Hobby Lobby, border punch by Fiskars, and a swirly background stamp by SU! help complete the design. I love the red patterned paper, designed by Sunburn. The picture just doesn't do the page justice...but do they ever?!

Enjoy,
Jessica in Kansas

Halloween treats ~

2008-10-30T02:42:00.007-05:00

~ I've been working on Halloween goodies!! This first project is a continuation of a set I started last week. Remember the Hey Chicky, Happy Halloween card I made using my favorite new stamp set by C.C. Designs?? Well, I just made a large candy bar wrapper that matches it. I'll be giving it to my boss on Friday as a little token of appreciation. Again, the hat die cut was designed by Shirley Clark.

~ Second, I tried out another one of Sam & Hailey Designs' box patterns. I am in love with this round-top gift box...so easy to cut with my KNK...and a breeze to assemble!!

How cute is that??!!!! I used some fun stamps from The Cat's Pajamas line, markers, and Stickles to embellish. It was the perfect little gift box for these Halloween treats I picked up for my new nephew!!

Wishing the election were over,

Jessica in Kansas

Color My World...

2008-10-29T01:33:00.003-05:00

~ I completed this layout over the weekend and submitted it for a challenge on a designer's blog: Carrie's Creations. She designs paper-piecing cutting files which I use with my KNK, and I love the uniqueness, quality, and ease of cutting her files. This particular layout uses the die cuts in one of her files called Color My World. I just LOVED the pieces, and it was the perfect file to use for these remodeling pix of our basement, which my husband has called a "crayon box" and an "Easter egg"!! He was not fond of the color choices, but you can see that I got my way!!! That's what he gets for sending me after paint!!

The green room will be our first child's room...when that time comes. The yellow is a spare bedroom, in which my mom stays when she's here from Oklahoma. And turquoise is the color I chose for my new scrap-room, which has white cabinets installed!! We're just waiting on the countertop to be finished and delivered!! I've been very patient, but I am super ready to "move in" to my new papercrafting haven!! Of course, I'll have to post pix when that day comes!! *******My page was one of two entries submitted for the challenge, and there's a poll on Carrie's blog. If you feel so inclined, follow this link and click on "Jessica" on the poll (top, right side of blog). The prize is amazing, and I'd love to get my hands on it!!!! Thanks for letting me share!!

p.s. What do you think of the colors I chose??!!!!

"Colorful" hugs to you,

Jessica in Kansas

There's a new sheriff in town!!!

2008-10-25T12:12:00.005-05:00

~ I got a new stamp set from The Cat's Pajamas line of "Clearly Swanky Stamps", and I could not wait to put them to use. I love this wild western version of Poochie!!! This recipe page was inspired by this week's The Cat's Pajamas stamp challenge and by a card sketch posted on Di Hickman's blog.

Besides the new stamp set, I used a SU! paisley stamp from the Fresh Fillers set. Ink colors include Night of Navy, Golden Wheat, and Holly Berry Red. Marker colors used are Rose Red, Night of Navy, and Creamy Caramel. "Bang" is applied using a dimensional adhisive dot.

I almost forgot to mention that this is a very yummy recipe if you're interested in slow cooker soups this fall!

Have a great day, Pardner!

Jessica in Kansas

Hey Chicky, Happy Halloween!!!

2008-10-23T18:39:00.004-05:00

~ This z-fold card was a blast to create!!! I used my Scor-Pal, which makes it a breeze to get perfect scor lines each time!! I got a new stamp a few weeks ago that I couldn't wait to use. It's called Hey Chicky by C.C. Designs. I wanted to apply the stamps to a Halloween card, so I added a stamped witch's had to the chick after coloring with my favorite markers! It was the perfect size...what are the odds?!!! The Happy Halloween and hat stamps are by Studio G. The large witch's hat and mat was cut by my KNK and was designed by Shirley Clark of Paperthreads.

Hugs from a Kansas "Chick",

Jessica

Halloween Gift Bag & Card

2008-10-23T18:27:00.003-05:00

~ I'm really into making my own gift bags as part of gift sets these days!!! I found a cutting file for a 3"X6" easy-to-assemble gift bag...complete with ribbon holes...and had to try it out! I was amazed at how well it went together - and how much fun I had making it coordinate with the Halloween ATC and card I had just made! It fit my little goodies just perfectly!!

The gift bag & orange web were cut using my Klic-N-Kut; cutting files by Sam & Hailey Designs. I loved the little spider stamp and circular Happy Halloween stamp with pumpkin in center - both from Studio G - and the mixture of patterned papers I used. I also put my circle and decorative edged square punches to use, and embellished with Stickles, printed ribbon, and hand-drawn mini-webs. I'm having fun with Halloween this year!!!

Jessica in Kansas

Heart Frame Cards ~ simple and elegant

2008-10-23T18:12:00.003-05:00

~ I discovered another card cutting file designed by Jan Bryson of Sam & Hailey Designs that I'm in love with!!! It's a heart frame card. I cut these out of two-sided card stock, added the pictures, folded up, stamped the heart borders and down the right edge, added a brad to the half heart, and tied some ribbon on!! Last, but not least, I sparkled the stamped flowers up with Stickles, one of my favorite embellishments to use!! Tah-dah...two cards ready to give...just like that!!! I actually made these for my sister-in-law to give to our aunt and grandma. I snapped these adorable pictures of them during her baby shower, and just thought they needed to be shared in a creative way!!!Let me know what you think!!

Hugs from cold & rainy Kansas,

Jessica

Check it out...I was featured as a guest designer!!!

2008-10-20T14:39:00.007-05:00

~ The blog known as Sketches! {by tamara} is one of my favorites for daily inspiration. I have used several of their sketches as designs for my projects in the recent past. Several weeks ago, I was honored when Tamara invited me to be a guest designer. My charge was to create an original card from any one of my favorite sketches posted on her blog. I could not choose just one favorite, so I chose two and sent both of my creations to Tamara for her choosing. Well, she posted both a week ago Saturday when I was featured!! Here is the link to the actual post featuring none other than...ME!!! There, you can see the projects and sketches I used. The cards I submitted are posted below, too!

This card used an interesting color combination that I was unsure about, but I ended up liking it quite well. It was also the first time I used this embroidered paper and fun lime green ribbon. don't you just love the monkey stamp, dragonfly brads, and silk flowers?!!!

This card, I am intrigued by!!! It is a stand-up tag card. When opened, the tag stands up and sits inside the little box base. When closed, it's flat and fits perfectly inside a regular card-sized envelope!! It was the first one of its kind I created, and I'm hooked now!!

I used a cutting file by Sam & Hailey Designs to make this awesome card in a jiffy!!! I just easily assembled and added fun foil paper, stamps and ink, fiber/ribbon, and some metal birthday embellishments!!

I hope you visit the link and see the nice write-up Tamara did when I was featured!!! Thanks for letting me share!

Hugs to you,

Jessica in Kansas

Boo! Page Kits

2008-10-19T23:41:00.006-05:00

~ I just completed some page kits for my Designer Page Kit of the Month swap. Since it's October, I felt compelled to create a Halloween layout. I got to use Sam & Hailey Designs' Itty Bitty Halloween Creeps & Itty Bitty Halloween Scene files, which were perfect for these 6X6 pages. Of course, I can resize them to meet my needs before sending to the Klic-N-Kut, but these needed no re-sizing. Aren't they great die cuts?!!

Halloween hugs from Kansas,

Jessica

It's a Boy!!

2008-10-18T13:17:00.004-05:00

~ Here is a card I made for a baby shower I'm going to this afternoon. My cousin is having her first child...a little boy!! I love the soft masculine color combination of blues, greens, and yellows. The card layout was inspired by this week's Card Sketch #66 on Sketches! {by tamara}'s blog...one of my favorite sources of inspiration.

The giraffe stamps are from the Mindy's Zoo set by Autumn Leaves Clear Stamps, and the sentiment is from a set by Stampabilities. The patterned paper is from DCWV and The Paper Studio. The So Saffron and Bashful Blue cardstock is SU! I also used the SU! circle and scallop punches, and markers in So Saffron, Bashful Blue, and Certainly Celery. Ribbon is from Hobby Lobby.

Enjoy!!
Jessica in Kansas

Not-so-spooky Halloween recipe page

2008-10-17T23:34:00.004-05:00

~ I created this recipe page for a monthly swap that I host. Since it's October, I wanted it to be Halloween themed, but I didn't want to use the traditional holiday colors. So, I mixed orange with a little cranberry, gray, white, and a touch of black. I like the combination!! The web die cut is actually part of a collection of challenge files I received from Chris Durnan of VisualDesignsbyChris. She is another fabulous designer of cutting files that I use with my KNK.

I also used a spider stamp, some two-toned cranberry and orange ribbon, my Stampin' Up! oval punches, and a hand-drawn simple web. The sketch used as inspiration is from Page Plans.

Happy Friday!!

Jessica in Kansas

Blimey Birthday Card

2008-10-12T13:54:00.004-05:00

~ Joe's nephew turned 11 on Friday, so we needed a cute boy birthday card! I got this new set of Pirate stamps by The Cat's Pajamas, and just had to put them to use! I needed a little inspiration, so I used a TCP Tuesday sketch that was shared a few weeks ago, which is below. I also loved the combination of last's week's color inspiration on kwernerdesign's blog.

I enjoyed digging out the embossing powder and heat gun for this one!!

Thanks for letting me share,

Jessica in Kansas

Fall ATCs

2008-10-10T19:31:00.003-05:00

~ I've never really got into the ATC (artist trading card) craze, but I did join an Off the Page Challenge posted in the forum at Paperthreads.com last month, which was hosted by Jan Bryson of Sam & Hailey Designs. She provided us with a variety of cutting files that were ATC size (the finished size of an ATC is supposed to be 2 1/2" X 3 1/2"). We had to use at least one of these files on an ATC. I created a series of fall-themed trading cards. This is what I came up with. The card on the the right has a hinge which holds it closed. The top left one actually unfolds if you unwrap the ribbon from the brad. The one on the bottom is just as it appears.
Besides using cutting files, I put my stamps, ink, punches, and fiber to use. These aren't my favorite projects to complete, but I can't say I won't accept the challenge again!!! I like how they turned out...and they came together quickly!

This month's Off the Page Challenge at Paperthreads is to create an altered journal or address book. You need to have a cutting machine and use the file that is sent to you free of charge when you commit to the swap: Itty Bitty File Tabs by Sam & Hailey Designs (super cute). There are extra (optional) challenges you can accept this month, and prizes are awarded to selected participants. If you like a fun challenge...and you have a cutter of any type, I recommend you check it out!!

Feeling fall,

Jessica in Kansas

Trick or Treat: a layout

2008-10-10T17:51:00.005-05:00

~ Wow, I just finished this 2-page layout, and it was the most fun to create!!! I wanted to use some of the best new Halloween cutting files I had seen this fall, so I decided to incorporate them into a 12X12" Halloween layout. I don't have pictures to place on the mats yet, but that will come.Don't you just love the paper piecings on this page?!! The cutting files were created by Carrie Schwartz of Carrie's Creations. Witchy Poo Had A Boo-Boo is my favorite...she didn't see the tree up ahead!! The haunted house is actually meant to be an album cover, but I chose to use it this way!!! That's the beauty of cutting files...I get to use and manipulate them any way I choose!! So much fun...

The strip at the bottom is simply black and yellow cardstock with the patterned ribbon attached. The trick or treat embellishment on the bottom of the 2nd page is a Dress It Up element, and the title at the top is simply created with stickers. Let me know what you think!!

Halloween hugs to you,

Jessica in Kansas

Spooktacular Recipe Pages...and more challenges

2008-09-28T21:38:00.013-05:00

~ I've had so much fun this weekend creating three sets of recipe pages for some swaps I signed up for. Each was inspired by a sketch that came across my inbox last week!

The first is for Home-Baked Macaroni & Cheese...an incredibly easy and delicious recipe from Kraft. The layout was inspired by Laura's Sketch 9 on the 2 Sketches 4 You blog.

The second recipe page was for a swap which required me to use a bat, ghost, or witch on the page somewhere...be it stamped, die cut, etc. I also challenged myself to used the Weekend Sketch Challenge #59 from the Fresh & Fun blog. Here is the sketch and how I interpreted it.

Finally, the third recipe page design followed a Sketch #83 from the CardPositioningSystems blog. The recipe is Chili Casserole with Cornbread...mmm...mmm...good!

I've had a fun weekend. Hope you have, too!!! Can you believe that October...and Halloween are just around the corner??!!!!!

Hugs to you,

Jessica in Kansas

Two-Bean Minestrone - a fall slow cooker recipe page

2008-09-27T21:44:00.006-05:00

~ Another recipe page completed...and this one is for fall! I love soups...and I love using my slow cooker...so this is a recipe I have used over and over again. Therefore, I decided to make a 6X6 recipe page of it to add to my collection! For this layout, I was inspired by Card Sketch #63 on Sketches! {by tamara}'s b log. I put a bit of a twist on the layout by cutting a silk leaf in half and using it in place of the swirl element. I tried different kinds of leaves, but liked the look of this one the best. The scalloped square was cut with my Klic-n-Kut. Some leaf stamps, inked edges, subtle corner punches, and doodling around the edges completed the simple layout.

Thanks for letting me share,

Jessica in Kansas

Monkey business...and orange banana cheesecake

2008-09-24T22:48:00.005-05:00

~ I think I mentioned before that one of my favorite types of swaps in which to participate is for 6X6 recipe pages. I enjoy making these so much, as they go together quickly and allow me to easily try new stamps, techniques, etc. without feeling too committed. That may or may not make sense, but I know what I mean!! ;-) They also serve another purpose by allowing me to collect all of my favorite tried and true recipes in one format...and in one place.This recipe page is for Orange Banana Cheesecake...mmm...mmm!! It was great fun to create, and yes, I used some sources as inspiration! First, Sketches! {by tamara}'s Recipe Challenge #16 for this week encouraged me to used the following on a layout: real or faux stitching, ribbon, and paper tearing. The white background, rather than the light yellow I originally intended to use, was called for in this week's challenge by Sisterhood of Scrap, which was to create a card or layout using a white or black background. I felt that the white had no borders, so I used some orange ink around the outer edge and was much happier!! Last, but certainly not least, the layout was inspired by Page Plans' Week 23 Sketch. My new stitching stamp and the spotlighting technique added extra layers of cuteness to this fairly simple design.

Hugs to you,

Jessica in Kansas

Cherish Forever wedding gift set

2008-09-22T19:51:00.005-05:00

~ I'm having a blast creating these box-bottom gift bags as part of gift sets. We attended a wedding this weekend, which called for a handmade card, gift card holder, and bag to put it all in! How perfectly beautiful did this set turn out?!I had lots of inspiration for this set! First, the cutting files for the box-bottom gift bag was designed by Sam & Hailey Designs. It cuts and assembles like a dream, and it's cuter than ever...I'm hooked!!! The front of the bag was inspired by last week's sketch on the 2 Sketches 4 You blog. Instead of applying it to a card, I thought it would fit perfectly on the front of the bag. The sketch is below...see what you think! The card layout was based on the Our Creative Corner card sketch posted on Sept. 13th. I followed it pretty closely. The pillow box was one I had purchased a while back. The band wrapped around it was crimped with one of my favorite tools that I always forget to use. My SB Anon challenge for last week was to pull that tool out and apply it to a project! It was perfect for this! I attached the tag with a brown safety pin. This set also followed last week's recipe challenge on Sketches! {by tamara}'s blog, which called for the use of brads, scalloped edges, and a monochromatic color scheme. If you haven't noticed, I'm LOVING INSPIRATION right now!!!

2 Sketches 4 You Sketch #9

All of the stamps I used were clear stamps by Studio G except for the tag stamp, which is SU! The brown cardstock is from SU!, and the patterned papers were created by ScrapWorks and Sunburn. Some of the flowers are Primas; others are silk. The ribbon is craft ribbon from Hobby Lobby.

I hope you find it to be inspirational,

Jessica in Kansas

Baby Whale Gift Set

2008-09-20T03:25:00.006-05:00

~ I posted this baby card several days ago, but I just completed the matching gift set. It includes a box-bottom gift bag, which I easily created with my Klic-n-Kut using a pattern by Sam & Hailey Designs. Isn't it adorable?!!!! The set also includes a custom CD case that holds the CD I copied all 81 pictures (yes, I'm a camera freak) I took the day my nephew was born. My brother and sister-in-law will appreciate this, I think. The case cover includes a coordinating die-cut whale from Sam & Hailey Designs' Baby Animal Silhouettes file...and note the paint chip strip that matches the one used on the card! I feel very creative after seeing the finished products of this gift set!!! It was a blast to design!!

Enjoy,

Jessica in Kansas

Baby Landon Michael ~

2008-09-20T02:54:00.003-05:00

~ It is with great joy that I post this message!!! My nephew, Landon Michael, was born a healthy little guy on September 18th!! Here's a picture of him being held by his proud Aunt Jessica!!!I may be a tad bit biased, but I think he's the most beautiful baby I've ever held in my arms!!! Just had to share my excitement!!

Jessica in Kansas

Fall is in the air...

2008-09-18T13:17:00.003-05:00

~ Check out this super fun acorn card I made last night. The pattern and inspiration came from PaperCrafts Magazine. The original pattern was converted into a cutting file, so I was able to easily create using my Klic-n-Kut. Some patterned paper, inked edges, stamps, punched squares, and fiber completed the card!!

I love it!!!

Jessica in Kansas

Color My World...

2008-09-17T14:59:00.004-05:00

~ I participate in a monthly Designer Page Kit swap, and this month, I appropriately chose fall as the theme. I design a 6X6 2-page layout, and send all of the finished pieces packaged together with a picture of my finished layout. The hostess then sorts them out, and I receive 6 different page kits in return each month. It's so much fun!! Here is what I came up with for September (sorry it's crooked...I'm still not good at all of this editing stuff): I was happy with the end product, complete with a title, embellishments, a photo mount, and a space designated for journaling. I used some cutting files for the title and leaves. Jan Bryson of Sam & Hailey Designs created the large leaf (Autumn Leaves file...which you can currenty find for FREE at the Paperthreads online store) and the scalloped photo mat, which was actually intended to be a page in an adorable scalloped mini album (Scalloped Mini Albums file). The title and small leaves were designed by KreationsbyKatie (Color My World file).

The layout was adapted from this week's Layout Sketch #62 on Sketches! {by Tamara}'s blog. The supplies I used were also inspired by Tamara. This week's recipe challenge #15 called for the use of scalloped edges, brads, and a monochromatic color scheme...thus the brown tones! Great inspiration!!! I hope the ladies in my swap appreciate it!

We're having lots of wonderful sunshine today, but it sure felt like fall last weekend!

Hugs to you,

Jessica in Kansas

Friends leave footprints...

2008-09-14T21:08:00.005-05:00

~ Here is a card I completed this weekend:I used the red, white, and blue color challenges (appropriate for the week of 9/11) from both my Scrapbookers Anonymous group and the Color Throwdown #10 challenge. The layout was inspired by Card Sketch #61 from Sketches! {by tamara}. I just found out that my favorite Aunt Carol's father passed away this weekend, so I made this card with her in mind.

Recipe:

cardstock: The Paper Studio
patterned paper: Ivy Cottage
stamps: the quote is by Heidi Grace Designs; all others Clear Stamps by StudioG
ink: cherry red and white pigment ink - both Stampabilities
punches: scallop circle, 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" circles - all SU!
other supplies: ribbon (unknown source), acrylic stamping blocks, adhesive

~ "Stop, drop, and worship"...when life throws more at you than you know how to handle. This was the message at church today, and I felt compelled to share!

Hugs to you,

Jessica in Kansas

Birthday Girl - new layout

2008-09-11T21:28:00.005-05:00

~ I am so excited about the layout I just finished...and yes, you guessed it...I was inspired by challenges for this one, too!!! The layout design loosely follows the sketch chosen for the Creative Impressions Yahoo Group September 8 Sketch Challenge. Here is what it looks like:
I'm also a member of the Scrapbooking_Friends Yahoo Group, which has weekly challenges. This week's called for the use of 2 paperclips on a layout with a coordinating photo mat. That's what inspired the "paper" clippies, which came from a fabulous cutting file designed by Carrie Schwartz of Carrie's Creations.

Besides the adorable birthday themed "paper" clippies, other cutting files of Carrie's I used for this layout include the cupcake with the #1 candle and the playful frills banner. All of her files can be found at Paperthreads, a wonderful place to check out if you use a cutting machine.

The color scheme was inspired by this week's challenge posted on the Sisterhood of Scrap blog. The goal was to create a layout (of any theme) using the colors of fall: red, orange, yellow, green. I think I accomplished that...with a hint of black to balance it out.

Other products I used on this layout include:
- eyelets (unknown source), yellow and orange Stickles, chipboard letters & tags by Provo Craft, and ribbon by Offray.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!!!

Happy scrappin'

Jessica in Kansas

Creamy Vanilla-Caramel Cheesecake

2008-09-10T12:52:00.006-05:00

~ This recipe page was also created for a swap. I was inspired by the Scrapping Recipe Challenge #14 posted Tuesday on the Sketches! {by Tamara} blog. It called for the use of lace, buttons, and flowers on a project. This was just the encouragement I needed to pull out that lace I've never used! This 6X6 page was easy to create. I used a subtle corner punch, some inking on the edge of the cream colored Prima, Sharpie marker to draw the stitch lines onto the buttons, and subtle inking/distressing (applied the ink pad directly to paper) to the cream cardstock. I love the look of buttons in the center of flowers!!

Recipe:

Cardstock: The Paper Studio

Patterned paper: ScrapWorks

Font: Berylium

Primas: gray/black/cream

Buttons & lace: source unknown

Ink: SU! Classic Black

Other supplies: corner punch (source unknown), Sharpie marker, mini glue dots, tape runner

Enjoy,

Jessica in Kansas

White Wine Cake - using House Mouse

2008-09-10T10:53:00.006-05:00

~ This recipe page was created for a swap. I had three sources of inspiration:

1. The first was from a weekly challenge posted by an e-mail group, to which I belong {Scrabookers Anonymous}, which encouraged me to use punctuation on the page somewhere besides the text/journaling.

2. I also accepted Challenge #4 - On a Budget on the House Mouse Monday Challenge blog, which required me to not only use a House Mouse & Friends stamp, but also to make a card/layout for under $2 in cost...excluding the price of ink, stamps, punches, and other tools that I already owned. A breakdown of the cost for this project is included in the recipe below.

3. My personal challenge to use the paint chips I've been collecting.

Recipe:

Cardstock - light green and shimmer purple, source unknown ($.75)

Ink - SU! Classic Black

Markers - SU! Always Artichoke, Blush Blossom, Elegant Eggplant

Colored pencil - purple, source unknown

Stamp - House Mouse & Friends

Fonts - CK Vogue & CK Man's Print

Punches - SU! 1 1/4" & 3/4" circles, decorative corner punch source unknown

Paint chips - Home Depot ($.00)

Brads - Making Memories ($.25)

Flowers - Michael's clearance stem ($.50 for a handful of them)

Brackets - designed and cut on my Klic-N-Kut

Grand total of project: ($1.50)...and that's being generous

This was a fun project...I hope you enjoy it!!

Hugs to you,

Jessica in Kansas

In the Mood for Fall!

2008-09-08T02:08:00.005-05:00

~ In my small Kansas town, we've had a beautiful cool-down for the past week, and it has really put me in the mood for fall! I've enjoyed opening up the windows, digging out the sweatshirts, and thinking about the fun my hubby and I had playing in our leaves last year!! Being the first fall in our new home, we were quite overwhelmed by the quantity of leaves that covered our rather large yard!. We ended up raking, and raking, and jumping in them, and buying a leaf vacuum/mulcher, and still not getting them all picked up before winter set in! Regardless, it was a memory worth capturing! I just put the finishing touches on this layout and thought I'd share!

Jessica in Kansas

A Little House Mouse

2008-09-08T01:38:00.008-05:00

~ I guess I'm really enjoying my newfound source of inspiration...challenges!!! I've completed yet another one! This birthday card was inspired by the Sketch Challenge #3 on the House Mouse Challenge blog and my personal goal to work with the many paint chips I have collected! I also used my SU! blender pen, which sits in my toolkit too often, and some patterned paper that I've not known how to use. The mouse stamp, of course, is from the House Mouse & Friends collection, and the sentiment is SU!

Inky fingers & hugs,

Jessica in Kansas

Another challenge card...

2008-09-07T21:37:00.006-05:00

~ This Z-fold birthday card was inspired by challenge posted on the Scor-PalPals Yahoo Group , to which I belong, and the Weekly Color Picks chosen by Color Throwdown. It was fun & easy to combine the two!

I did not have the new SU! in-colors, so I used cardstock and patterned papers that closely matched.

Recipe:

Cardstock: Making Memories & The Paper Company
Patterned Papers: DCWV paper stacks
Stickles: baby blue, cotton candy, gold
Stamps: SU! Birthday Whimsy
Ink: Brilliance Pearlescent Sky Blue & Stampabilities Pigment Pink

Enjoy,

Jessica in Kansas

Inspired Baby Card...

2008-09-07T13:21:00.014-05:00

~ If you ask me where I get my creative inspiration, you better be prepared for a long answer!! It comes from sources galore!! Sometimes it's a magazine article, sometimes from a link sent through one of the Yahoo groups to which I belong, sometimes it's a colorful napkin, and sometimes, it's just the stuff I have lying around! Recently, however, I've been inspired by challenges posted by others on their blogs, swapping sites, etc.

~ For this project, I was inspired by the sketch challenge #28 on Papertake Weekly, a new & exciting blog I just discovered. I've also been seeing great projects using paint chips, so I challenged myself to add one to this project. In addition, I used my Klic-N-Kut and wonderful cutting files designed by Jan Bryson of Sam & Hailey Designs. Don't you just love the adorable whale, ribbon buckle, and scalloped mats?! I am excited about how this baby card and matching envie turned out...and about my new source of creative inspiration!!!

Recipe:

Cardstock - SU! Taken with Teal, The Paper Company White

Patterned papers - DCWV paper stack

Paint chip: WalMart

Stickles: Turquoise

KNK cutting files: Sam & Hailey Designs - whale (Baby Animal Sihlouettes) & buckle/mats (Itty Bitty Fixtures Collection)

Stamp: Clear Stamps by Studio G

Ink: SU! Taken with Teal

Ribbon: Michael's Craft Stores

Other supplies: adhesive & dimensionals, SU! 1 1/4" circle punch, envelope (source unknown), sponge, acrylic stamping block, Fiskars 1/16" circle punch

Hugs to you,

Jessica in Kansas

Bit by the blog bug...

2008-09-02T22:40:00.004-05:00

It's official...I've been bit by the blog bug! I don't tend to jump on the bandwagon too often...but...everyone else is doing it, so why not?! This will be a place for me to share my creative energy with anyone and everyone who is interested. I may post daily at times, while other weeks may keep me too busy. Regardless, I think I will enjoy having a place to share my ideas and favorites, and hopefully you'll enjoy it, too!

Hugs to you,

Jessica in Kansas