Poppy Birthday

Hello Blogger Friends! Thanks for taking the time to stop and visit with The Charmed Life Blog today.

 

We had our Pre-School field trip today. We took the kids to a local place called Snap-ology. It's a place that offers creative play involving the use of Lego's and much more.

 

It was developed by 2 sisters who saw their own children at creative play using building blocks and other materials that snap together. It is a great place for kids of all ages. Our 3 year olds loved it.

 

There were also some interactive floor games that was a big hit. They have an overhead camera and it projects the games on the floor. It gave them a chance to work off a lot of excess energy. So good since outdoor time is still so limited here because winter doesn't want to let go.

 

Now onto my card for today. This is a card I created for my time on the Dirty Dozen Design team on Splitcoaststampers. It is a 6 month term and there are 12 designers on at a time.

 

The name is a takeoff on the old "dirty dozen" movie. Each month 2 designers move off and 2 new designers come on. My term started in November and has ended just this month.

 

We weren't supposed to show our cards on our Blogs until after our term is over. So I have 36 cards I made during my stint and this is the start of them.

 

For November theme our theme was holiday happiness. There were a number of ways to interpret the theme and one of them was to find a somewhat less celebrated holiday and create a card for it. That's where I went with several of my cards.

This one is for the California Poppy Day which is celebrated on April 6.

I decided to stamp my poppies on real red cardstock and use a black plus a neutral color theme for my birthday card.

My poppy images are a stamp & die combo from Verve Stamps. Used white opal liquid pearls for the centers and popped up parts of the poppy for added depth.

The poppy leaves are part of the Verve stamp set. I wanted some other greenery on this card so I used a die from CottageCutz and scattered them around the card.

Well that's it for me for this post. So until next time........God bless.

card details:
Stamps: poppy birthday (Verve)  
Paper: basic black, real red, sahara sand, pear pizzazz (Stampin'-Up), BoBunny dsp
Paper Size: A2  
Ink: tuxedo black (Memento), pear pizzazz
Accessories: poppy die (Verve), flag stax die (MFT), mushrooms & greenery, rectangle dies (CottageCutz), liquid pearls (Ranger)  

 

 

Llama Welcome

Hello Blogger Friends! Thanks for taking the time to stop and visit with The Charmed Life Blog today.

It's been such a busy week for me. Lots going on in lots of different directions. I started with having my last Dirty Dozen Design team cards posted on Splitcoaststampers. I just can't believe how quickly the 6 months went.

 

Then we had to make the decision to move my Mother-in-law out of her townhouse. That was a tough one on all the family. She is 88 years old now and was having difficulty navigating the steps and even taking care of herself. My sister-in-law quit her job and will now be the full time caregiver at her home.

 

We are in the process of cleaning out the townhouse and getting it ready to sell. That cleaning process will take some time because I am still in preschool for another month. This job will be the responsibility of hubby and I. But once school is out in another month, I will have more time to spend there.

 

Then there was our income taxes. I am happy to say that I did get them filed on Monday. One day before they were actually due. Glad that's over for another year. But I do keep excellent records and with the help of Turbo Tax software, the process was a bit easier this year.

 

Now let's move onto my card for today. This one I created for my weekly DT post on the CottageCutz Blog. I used a cute new die from the Llamas and Botanical collection.  So let's get started with some details on this card.

 

From the moment I saw this die, I had an idea to create a card to welcome a new family to our neighborhood.

This card along with a baked loaf of banana bread or a plate of chocolate chip cookies is always appreciated. And it's a way to get to know your new neighbor.

The llama with his bags all packed and loaded just reminded me of someone that is moving in somewhere. You could also use it to let friends know you are moving. Or how about when you are sending your student off to college or to summer camp. Lots of ways to use this die and even more that I haven't thought of.

 

I found this designer paper in my stash. It's an older collection from Stampin'-Up - Welcome Neighbor. The houses were perfect for my card idea.

 

I used the colors in this collection for the Llama's suitcases, mouth bit and saddle.  I placed the image panel off to the side so I didn't cover up all the houses in the designer paper. Also, the placement looks like he is coming into the neighborhood.

 

I computer generated the sentiment and then used a stitched cloud die to cut it out. That was a bit tricky but what I did was cut a cloud out first. And, once I lifted the die from the cardstock I had a template to use for placement for my next cut.  

 

I simply placed the template over my sentiment and once it was where I wanted it to be; laid the die into the template. It cut it perfectly. And, it worked the first time which is another plus.

 

Well, that's it for me for this post. I have a funeral service to attend today. A woman from church just lost her husband to cancer. So until next time........God bless.

 

 

 

I am also entering:

1.  Crafting with Friends has an anything goes challenge.

2.  Cut it Up has a bugs and critters challenge.

3.  Fussy and Fancy wants us to add a die cut.

4.  Polkadoodles has an anything goes challenge.

Teacup Plant for Mom

Hello Blogger Friends! Thanks for taking the time to stop and visit with The Charmed Life Blog this Saturday in April.

 

I was battling a cold all week and it's finally coming to an end. It didn't really take a deep hold though. I attribute that to taking lots of Vitamin C, Zinc and using some Essential oils.

 

I have just started with Essential Oils but the more I read and the ones that I have used work wonders. I am not big on over the counter meds because of all the side effects. Of course like anything you have to do your own homework and make sure of the safety of the oils you are using as well as a therapeutic grade and organic.

 

I have been reading a lot of articles by a Dr Eric Zielinski. He doesn't promote a specific brand but rather gives you the research that's been done on specific oils.

 

Anyway, let's move on to my card for today. This one I created for my weekly DT post on the CottageCutz Blog.  I am featuring the new Teacup Garden die. I thought it would be a good one to use for a Mother's Day card. So let's get started with the details on how I created this card.

Step 1: This week I started my card with the April Viva la Verve sketch. I thought it would work perfectly to showcase the Teacup Garden image as well as add layers to my card. Since I like to use patterned paper, the addition of layers to my cards always works for me. This one already had the layer panels and shapes sized out. I usually just estimate sizes but this worked for me this week.

 Step 2: I looked through my designer papers and I decided on this "Have a Cuppa" collection from Stampin'-Up. It even has a cup with a heart - how perfect!. I just had to decide on my other card colors. For my card base, I used melon mambo cardstock that matched the patterned paper.

The center square layer is patterned paper from the same collection. I used the 2nd largest  stitched  rounded square  die to cut it and then a corner rounder.
On the long gray panel I used an embossing folder that somewhat matched the patterned paper underneath it.

Card Measurements:
Melon Mambo Card Base:  4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
Patterned Paper Background Layer: 4 1/8" x 5 3/8"
Gray Circle: 4th largest Stitched Circle die
White Circle: 4th largest Circle die

 Step 3: Once the card colors and papers were selected, I was ready to cut the teacup and succulent image. For the cup I used melon mambo cardstock,  garden green for the succulent and a pink for my heart, This die even includes a piece to simulate dirt. For that,  I used chocolate chip cardstock.

 Step 4: I started some of the card assembly. Attached all of the panels except the image panel. I wanted to stamp my sentiment first so I would have the placement I wanted before I attached the image.

The tea-riffic sentiment is from the Stampin'-Up set "a nice cuppa".  I attached the cup to the white circle with dimensional adhesive and then attached it to the gray circle.

 Step 5: Instead of another circle that is in the sketch, I decided to use a Stitched Heart and stamp the "Mother Phrase' on it. With a sketch you don't always have to use the shape called for. As long as your finished product looks like the sketch layout, you're good.

 

The stamp I am using is a cling stamp so I used my stamp-a-ma-jig for placement. With this tool you are stamping on plastic, and in the photo it looks like its not a good image. But, you are only using the plastic for a straight alignment. Once it's stamped, it's fine and usually with the cling stamps I get a good impression the first time. This stamp is from the ODBD set "Mother's Day".

 

To complete my card, I attached the heart. I thought about adding some sequins or enamel dots. But with the background paper pattern being a bit busy I thought they would be lost. So it's complete as is and now I have another card for Mother's Day.

Well, that's it for me for today and this post. Time to get back to my cards that I need for my Splitcoaststampers Dirty Dozen post for April. I think I mentioned back in November that I was selected for this elite team. It's a 6 month term and this is my last month. So until next time.....God bless.

 

Dies I used to create card:

I am also entering:

1.  Brown Sugar has a Mother's Day or pearls challenge

2.  Fussy & Fancy has an add a sentiment challenge.

3.  Creative Knockouts has a lots of layers challenge.

4.  Simon Says Wednesday wants us to add texture.

 

 

We Go Together

Hello Blogger Friends! Thanks for taking the time to stop and visit with The Charmed Life Blog.

 

We had such a beautiful day here in Pittsburgh. The temperature was about 80° and sunny. It was so warm to the point of being uncomfortable in my home. I had to get the window screens and put them in the upstairs windows.

 

I was working in my craft room and it was very warm. If this were about a month from now we would be used to the warmer temperatures, but we had freezing temperatures just 4 days ago. So this makes it all the warmer. Now listen to this- we are supposed to get snow again on Monday. Crazy huh!!!

 

So anyway let's move onto my card for today. This one I created with the Rise & Shine dies from CottageCutz. It was a release of breakfast themed dies. On this card I  used the Breakfast Plate dies. So cute with the bacon & eggs.

 

I wanted to create a card to let that special someone know you love them. This one could also be used for an anniversary, birthday or Valentine's Day. It could also be sent to your love for no specific reason. So when I want to let my hubby know how I feel about him, I will give him this card.

 

I also used the Sweet Love Border die from CottageCutz. The sentiment is from the set "We go together" by Taylored Expressions.

 

Well that's it for me for this post. So until next time.......God Bless.

 

Dies I used to create card:

 

I am also entering:

1.  Creative Fingers has an anything goes challenge.

2.  PolkaDoodles has an anything goes challenge.

3.  Simply Create Too has a die cuts challenge.

Flower Seeds

Hello Blogger Friends! Thanks for taking the time to stop and visit with the Charmed Life Blog today.

 

Looks like we are going to get some Spring like temps here soon. It's been getting increasingly warmer each day this week. Even though we had some snow and sleet yesterday and the salt trucks were out. It disappeared quickly.  On Friday the high will be 76°. So looking forward to it.

 

I also came down with a head cold. The sniffles are under control but today I have a slight headache. My friend gave me an immunity blend made with essential oils and I think it's helping me a lot. I am doing some investigation into essential oils and so amazed with the literature I am reading about their effectiveness. Of course, the key is getting oils that are therapeutic grade and organic.

 

I am back to preschool tomorrow which is where I probably picked up this cold. Our 2 other assistants are both away for the rest of the school year. So I have to go in. We only have a little over a month of school left. I can't believe how fast the school year has gone by.

 

Now let's move onto my card for today. This one I created for the color challenge #680 on Splitcoaststampers. Robin was our hostess and she chose old olive, daffodil delight and pink pirouette as her color trio. Optional this week was to use flowers on your card.

old olive, daffodil delight, pink pirouette

For this card, I decided to use some of the contents of the Stampin'-Up March 2018  Paper Pumpkin Kit. My background paper is actually an envelope that came in the kit. I took it apart to use it as designer paper. Seemed way to pretty for an envelope.

I layered this panel over some early espresso cardstock. It's a rich coffee brown color that paired well with the designer paper, but it looks black in this photo.

I added some pink pirouette ribbon that I had in my stash. Stamped the sentiment on the label that came in the kit with early espresso ink. The sentiment is from the stamp set that is included in the kit. And on the inside I stamped "May good things grow all year" and also "Happy Mother's Day". These stamps were also included in the kit.

I finished off the card by adding some yellow pearls on the label and on the stems of the roses. Well that's it for me for this post. So until next time........God bless.

 

card details:

Stamps: may good things grow (Paper Pumpkin March 2018)  

Paper: pink pirouette, early espresso  

Paper Size: A2

Ink: early espresso  

Accessories: Paper Pumpkin Kit March 2018 (Stampin'-Up), pink pirouette ribbon, yellow pearls 

 

I am also entering:

1.  Ellibelle's Crafty Wednesday challenge is to say it with flowers. 

2.  Stampotique has a flowerbundance challenge.

3.  Incy Wincy Designs has a nature and all it's beauty challenge.

 

Llama Birthday

Hello Blogger Friends! Thanks for taking the time to stop and visit with the Charmed Life Blog today.

Hope you all had a great weekend. I had my Bunco group here on Friday night. Lots of tasty appetizers and a night of fun.

Then Saturday I woke up to snow on Saturday morning. But that was all gone when the sun showed up. Now as  I type this post it's snowing again.

 

The good news is that on Friday it's supposed to be 76 degrees here in Pittsburgh. So typical of our Spring weather. We can easily go from having our furnaces running with heat to a sudden need for an air conditioner (LOL).

 

Anyway, let's move onto my card for today. This one I created for my weekly DT post on the CottageCutz Blog. These are brand new dies I am featuring today. So let's get started with details on how I created this card.

 

Step 1: I wanted some festive patterned paper for this card that would compliment the llama images. I found this paper in my stash and thought it would work for the look I was after. 

Turquoise Card base: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
Patterned Paper: 3 7/8" x 5 1/8"
White Circle Die: 2nd largest in set
Stitched Circle Die: 2nd largest in set

Step 2: I cut the llama images and also the cactus. I used colors that coordinated with the patterned paper. The llamas are just to cute. I like how you can add color to them with the flowers and the saddle.

Step 3: I stamped my sentiment before I started assembly of the llama scene. It's a one line sentiment but it was too long for my circle. So I used my MISTI and stamped it on 2 lines.

Once this was finished I started the assembly of the scene.

Step 3: I attached the turquoise circle to the image panel. And then assembled the card base and patterned paper layer.

I used mounting tape to lift the image panel off the background. I always like the bit of dimension it gives the card.

 

I thought I was finished with my card but I felt it needed something else. So I scattered a few black enamel dots on the patterned paper and I thought it completed the card quite nicely.  

 

Well, that's it for me for today. These new dies are currently 25% off in the online store and there are 13 different designs. Until next time........God bless.

 

dies I used to create card:

 

 

 

I am also entering:

1.  2 Crafty Critter Crazies has an anything goes with a critter.

2.  A Bit More Time to Craft has an anything goes challenge.

3.  A Perfect Time to Craft has an anything goes challenge.

4.  Classic Design Team Open Challenge -April birthday.