Brandt's Boulevard Sew-Along

I'm excited to be making this gorgeous wallet from ChrisW Designs next week, along with friend Rachel of Tiger in a Tornado.  I'll try to post updates here, more to keep myself on task than anything else!  I've decided to use this fabric combo:


Rachel is responsible for getting me into sewing mode again by introducing me to the Necessary Clutch Wallet from Emmaline Bags.  I've made six of them now.  I think I'm finally starting to get the hang of it now!  These are my two latest - I've been experimenting with making a bit more room for my iPhone and with different methods and interfacings.  It's one of those patterns that's addictive, and I suspect the Brandt's Boulevard may prove to be a little that way too.


I had lots of fun at card class yesterday - all the ladies' cards were gorgeous and creative, and I got some REALLY good ideas for ways to change up my samples. I need to make at least 4 birthday cards today, so the leftover kits will go to good use.  I guess if I'm going to keep at this blogging thing I should take more pictures...  Thanks to Courtney, here are pictures from a year ago to compare.  Doesn't she do nice work?

Don't forget!

Card class will be held tomorrow at 2:00 PM Saturday Feb. 6th at the Barkman Branch Library in Pueblo.  Bring your favorite adhesive and $5 to cover the cost of supplies - everything else is provided.

i {heart} card sketches with a tWiSt # 137

I decided to try coloring this cute little Valentine mouse from From The Heart Stamps for the weekly sketch challenge.  I've never tried working from a card sketch before.  I ~think~ I like it...but haven't totally decided yet!  I wasn't sure how close I needed to stay to the sketch... guess I'd better keep at it.  I colored this little guy with Stampin' Up markers and added a few sequins, although a couple of the heart ones ended up looking like white splotches for some reason.

From the Heart Stamps - January Challenge

I've just started playing with digital stamps, and found a great site with adorable images:  fromtheheartstamps.  This image, Cozy Kittens, is perfect for a valentine for my granddaughter.  I'm no coloring expert, but enjoyed trying.  I hope she likes it.



Check out other cards made with this image at:  From the Heart Stamps Free Stamp of the Month Progressive Challenge

February 2016 Card Class

I love the cards we're going to make this month!  Don't forget, Saturday February 6th at the Barkman Library, 2:00 PM.

Technique:  Stamping Off "Ombre" - Marina Mist and Crushed Curry

Technique:  Emboss Resist - Early Espresso and Mossy Meadow

Technique:  Watercolor "Smoosh" Background - Pacific Point

The Abandoned Blog

Oh my! I just realized I started a blog years ago...and then abandoned it.  I look back and realize how much my stamping style has changed.  The last time I posted I had just started using my Cameo.  I still love it!  Seems like a lot of folks are switching to the Scan and Cut, but I'm recently retired and don't think I need to spend the extra money.  I have too much "stuff" already!  In fact, one of my informal "resolutions" in 2016 is to slow down on buying more, and start using what I already have.

My New Obsession

I recently purchased a Silhouette Cameo, supposedly so I could create a vinyl wall mural for my soon-to-be-born first grandchild's nursery.  Now I've found I can't stop!  I love that I can create my own designs and cut vinyl or cardstock.  I recently learned the cut and print feature, so I have piles of cute cut-outs on my stamping desk.  And then I decided to try pairing the Cameo with my other obsession er, hobby, Stampin' Up.  This card is the result.  I stamped the flowers and leaf, then scanned them, brought them into the Sil software and traced them, then printed a whole sheet.  I colored everything with Copic markers (OK, OK - so I have THREE obsessions!), and sent it through the Cameo.  SO MUCH FASTER and EASIER than cutting them all out with tiny scissors.  I used a file from the Sil store to cut the opening in the mat, and finished up the card with a traditionally stamped sentiment.