Join Us in the April Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop!

Tweet

Hello everyone!

Welcome to another...

If you are here from the Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings blog, you are in the right place. If you just happened on to my blog you'll want to head back there where it all starts.

The April Ribbon Club assortment is a perfect blend of springy teals, greens, and white.

Isn't it beautiful? :)

For those of you who have yet to be blessed with a pretty assortment of ribbons and trims in your mail boxes each month, check out the monthly Ribbon Club details HERE to find out how.

I couldn't decide which of the ribbons to choose so I used them all!

Here's my card.

I simply cut a piece of scrap cardstock 1/4" smaller than my card base, ran some ATG along all 4 sides as well as some in the middle. Then I placed strips of ribbon over the entire surface, weaving one piece in and out, down one side. I then trimmed the ribbon to where it overhang the sides by about a half inch then adhered the ends to the back side with ATG, to create my background panel.

The cardstock is Discount Card Stock's - Brilliant White.

I tied the bow with my handy dandy Bow-Easy.

The stamps are #IB-47 "Hello My Friend" from Unity, and #1115MC "Magnificent Men" sentiments from Inky Antics.

I used watercolors on my image, painting the flowers to match the ribbon,but doing the heart in a contrasting pink for a pop of something different.

I just want to take a second to thank Bonnie Garby for having me on her team these past 3 years. This is my last post "for now at least" as a design team member, as I am not renewing my term. Bonnie has generously given me more ribbon than I will be able to use in a life time, and I have some things going on in my life that I need to dedicate more time to, so I'm taking a break. 

Better than all of the ribbon in this world, is the friendship she has given me. That will last a lifetime as well. 

LOVE YOU GIRL!

Thanks also to to all of my design teams sisters, past and present. You have made this team such a blast to play on!
Mmmmmwah!

Your next stop on the hop is sweet Judy's joyful blog. I know she has something awesome to share with you!

BUT, BEFORE YOU GO....

Make sure and leave a comment below about my card, so I'll know you dropped by. Then comment on all of the girl's projects as well. They need some L♥VE too! 

Don't forget to end up back where you started, and answer Bonnie's question for your chance at winning the wonderful prize package from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

Thanks so much for hopping by!

"Celebrate Cupcake!"- And a Video of My English Bulldog Chasing Deer

Tweet

Hi Everyone! 

I have a super quick card and a super quick post.

Today's Featured Stamper over @ Split Coast Stampers is Peggy McCurry.

She has an amazing gallery!

I decided to CASE one of her more simple cards.

Here is mine...

...and here is her card that I CASED.

Very seldom do I ever make a 1 layer card, but I have to admit, it was fun! It took less then 10 minutes too! :)

I used Discount Card Stock's Brilliant White, Really Reasonable Ribbon's Wild Rose Grosgrain ribbon, and  Inkadinkado's Happy Birthday Cupcake stamp set.

I thought I would also share a video of my fur baby Zoey chasing a deer. It's one of her favorite things to do this time of year!

Watch in the video when I'm asking her if she needs to potty. I knew she was wanting to chase deer because she wiggles her back feet when she's excited. ;)

She can run super fast for a few yards but she's a little fat girl, so she runs out of steam really fast. :)

Thanks for dropping by today!

Hugs,

True :D

Guitar Pick Card with Tutorial

Tweet

Hi Everyone!

My baby turned 26 on the 20th and I wanted to make him a special card instead of just pulling one from my huge stash. He has just recently decided that mom's cards are really cool! He even went and bought 2 copies of the latest CardMaker magazine that I was featured in. One to show and one to keep. Made my heart happy! :)

If you are a regular reader, you will know that Ranger Industries sent me a huge assortment of product to play with. I am LOVIN' it all! It worked great for my son's card!

Kurt loves to play guitar and I have already given him a guitar card a year or two ago so I wanted to do something different. There are some really cool guitar picks out there with marbling and sparkles so I decided I would try to make a pick card. 

I really didn't know how to go about it but I knew I had tons of Ranger Ink products that would work wonderfully. I had to think long and hard about how to get the writing on it and how to get the metallic swirl effect. I really think I came up with a new technique. I had a feeling it was going to turn out pretty cool so I took pictures along the way. 

So...here is my "Guitar Pick" card using my new "Faux Marble With Clear Transparency Paper" technique.

I think it would also look good on bowling ball and vase cards too.

This is a picture of the type of pick I used for my inspiration.

I used these Ranger Ink products plus some chipboard, clear transparency paper, and a laser printer.

First I created the writing for the front of the pick in Adobe Illustrator, then flipped it so it would be mirror image. That way, the printing and paint would be on the bottom side of the transparency paper and  protected form wear and tear.

I used some Blank Canvas Studio Acrylic Paint to fill in the letters and stars.

I cut a pick shape out of chipboard approximately 4"x5" and covered it with 2 coats of Studio Black Gesso on the front and about 1/2" around the back edge.

After allowing the gesso to dry a few minutes, I sprayed the entire pick with Perfect Pearls Mist in Biscotti, then used assorted Perfect Pearls Pigment Powders to draw on some random lines. I used the mist on the paint brush to help me pick up the powders.

After allowing the Perfect Pearls Mist some drying time, I brushed on some Black Diamond Stickles. (I think next time, I won't brush it on but just squeeze it on because it loosened up my Perfect Pearls and moved it around quite a bit). I then squeezed on some Lagoon Stickles squiggly lines.

I didn't stop to take a picture of the next step because I was afraid it would dry too much while I did it. ;)

I squeezed out a generous amount of Glossy Accents in a spiral over the entire pick then quickly placed the transparency paper over the top. I used my hands to work the air bubbles out by rubbing from the center out. You never will know what your final project will look like because the Glossy Accents moistens and moves the Perfect Pearls and Stickles! I love surprises...don't you?  :)

Let it dry for several hours then trim off the extra transparency.

I finished off the back by printing a computer generated sentiment on Brilliant White cardstock form Discount Cardstock and sponging the edges with Aquamarine Archival Ink. I then made a stand out of scraps of the chipboard and more Black Gesso.

I have to tell you that my son LOVED it!

If you have a guitar star in your life, and would like to make a similar card, pop me a quick comment below and EMAIL ME and I'll send you the file for the wording on the front. 

My gift to you! :)

Thanks for dropping by! I would love to hear what you think about my technique and/or card.

Hugs,

True :D

Birthday "Candles in a Row" and an Inky Blog Hop!

Tweet

Hi Everyone!

As you all know, life has been busy in the Sjolander house with our son's wedding and all. Good news is... it is over and...I have a new daughter! :)

I've posted this picture of the kids before but here it is again. Just too sweet not to show it more then once! :)

I wanted to pop on today and tell you about an Inky Antics blog hop that started today. I really wanted to create something for it so I could join in on the fun but with the wedding this past weekend, life got in the way.

That won't stop you from playing though!

Head on over to the Inky blog for the details. You could win a fun Carla Craft Binding system!

I do have an Inky card to share with you.

This cutie was done with Inky's "Candle Row" and "Cursive Birthday" stamps.

The pretty Fuchsia Glitz ribbon and Pink and Brown Hand Painted Buttons are from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

The papers are all Discount Cardstock products:

Brilliant White 110#

Cyclamen Cascota Felt

Pistachio Cascota Felt

Violet Cascota Felt

Posh Yellow Crepe

Other Supplies:  Sakura Purple Gelly Roll pen

Prismacolr pensils in: Violet, French Grey 50%, Apple Green, Process Red, Violet Blue, Canary Yellow, Gamsol, Diamond Glaze

Pink brads, Ranger- White Opal Liquid Pearls

Thanks so much for dropping by!

Hugs,

True :D

Breaking Out an Oldie But Goody Stamp

Tweet

Hi Everyone!

Today I am playing along with a couple of challenges over @ Split Coast Stampers plus a few others.

Today's "Free For All" F4A43 challenge is "Christmas Break". We were asked to take a break from Christmas cards and create a birthday card....GLADLY!  ;)

Yesterday's "Ways to Use It" WT301 is "All That Glitters" and we were simply asked to use glitter on our project.

I broke out with one of my favorite Penney Black birthday stamps from the "Critter Party" set. I know it has been around for awhile but I think it is sweet and timeless. I used watercolors on the image and popped 2 of the mice and the cupcake for some dimension.

The designer papers are Basic Grey's - "Sugar Rush".

The Cardstock is The Paper Temptress's - Heavenly White and Amethyst Mica Metallic.

That cute little flower that adds just the right pop to my bow is a small flat mulberry flower from Wild Orchid Crafts.

I am also entering this card in the following challenges:
Creative Card Crew ~ "Anything Goes"
Fun With Shapes and More ~ "Scalloped"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Thanks so much for dropping by!

Hugs,

True :D

My "Brrrthday Snowman" Digi Release @ Clear Dollar Stamps TODAY!!!! :)

Tweet

Hello Everyone!

Today is the 15th which means that it is digi release day at Clear Dollar Stamps.

My card is done with a set that I illustrated called "Brrrthday Snowman". It is available now for instant download @ CDS and it's just $3.00!

I used The Paper Temptress papers in Fairway, Rose Quartz, and Heavenly White.

The beautiful ribbon is Turquoise Shimmer Satin from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

The pearls are white Gradient Pearl Stickers from Creative Charms that I colored with a Copic marker to get the perfect color that I needed.

I hope you have time to head on over to Lori's blog to see what the other girls are sneaking today.

Lots-o-pretties!  :)

Thanks for dropping by!

I would love to hear what you think about my card and/or my new digi drawing. ;)

Hugs,

True :D

Another Card Done With My New Crow Illustration

Tweet

Hello!

Happy Fall!

This is my favorite time of the year!

I just love the warmth of fall colors! I did this card with a fall pallet and one of my stamp illustrations that I drew for Clear Dollar Stamps.

It is called "Something to Crow About" and is available now!

This is such a fun image to color!

I am thinking that us Kansas folk could use it for a Kansas Jay-Hawk too! ;)

I used my all time favorite ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon again. Hope you all don't get tired of seeing it because I know I won't get tired of using it! LOL!

It is the Moss Swirls plus I added some Black Swirls to the double bow.

I used assorted sized 6 petal flower punches, a leaf punch,  and a corduroy brad to make the sunflower.

I am at a big crop in Topeka, Kansas right now (I love the "auto-post" function of Blogger) but would be thrilled if you would leave a comment for me to read when I get home.

Thanks and Hugs,

True :D

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Card Recipe:
CDS STAMPS USED: "Something to Crow About"
CS/PAPERS: Debbie Mumm - Harvest and Holiday stack, Coredinations, Bazzil
INK: Staz-On, ColorBox - Amber Clay
MARKERS: Tombow #'s - 098, 027, 055, 026, N25, N75, 020, 977, 993, 969
ACCENTS/TOOLS:EK and McGill's - flower punches, Martha Stewart - leaf punch, Corduroy brad, Diamond Glaze, orange brads, yellow seed beads, Wizard with round and scalloped round Nestabilities, sewing machine with green thread, Really Reasonable Ribbon's - Moss and Black swirls ribbon

Purrr-fect bird-day!

Tweet

Hello All!

I just about forgot my Saturday post for Really Reasonable Ribbon! I am in the middle of a garage sale this weekend and have been crazy busy! The card has been done for some time. I submitted it for a special project book that I am a part of, but it was not accepted. OK, everybody all at once say....awwwwww. It is OK though because 5 others were! woot woot! I can't wait until I can give you more details!

All evening long I kept thinking  that I was forgetting something. Sure enough...when it was time to hit the hay...it came to me!

Luckily, pictures had been taken and watermarks loaded! I even had a card recipe already done! LOL!

I used the adorable "Inky Antics" stamp called "Kitty Pair Square".

It was colored with watercolors then cut out and popped a few times for added dimension.

The DP is from Basic Grey's "Sugar Rush" and that pretty green cardstock is The Paper Temptress's "Spring Larch" glimmer paper.

The finishing touch is of course that beautiful organza from Really Reasonable Ribbon! I used  mauve and aqua, both in 5/8" width.

My tip for today is to use 2 different colors of organza together for making your bow. I just love the effect it gives!

Click on any picture for a better view.

Card Recipe:

STAMPS USED: Inky Anticks #0781F "Kitty Pair Square"
CS/PAPERS: Basic Grey's - Sugar Rush "Big Cherry",   The Paper Temptress's: Neenah Solar White, Spring Larch Glimmer

INK: Staz-On - Jet Black,   Versa Magic dew drops in Oasis Green and Malted Mauve
ACCENTS/TOOLS: Really Reasonable Ribbon's organza in Mauve and Aqua, All Sorts of Things matte brads by Lasting Impressions in Seaside #34469, Wizard with square and scalloped square and rectangle Nestabilities, sewing machine with pink thread, computer and printer for sentiment, Stampin' Up's Crystal Effects, foam tape, glue, piercing tool
COLORING: KOH-I-NOOR Watercolor Wheel Stack
TECHNIQUES USED:  Stamping, water coloring, sewing, 3D, tole'  
SKILL LEVEL:  Medium
Better get off of here for now....It is past my bedtime!

Headed for auto post now! ;)

Hugs,

True :D

A Big Bountiful Batch of Beautiful Butterfly Birthday Cards :)

Tweet

Hi Everyone!

I have been asked by quite a few people if I would make some less expensive cards that can be mailed with a standard stamp. I will also be attending some events and craft shows later in the year and have decided to take some cards to sell with me. This is my very first "batch" of cards.

I used Clear Dollar Stamps super versatile "Birthday Celebration" set, designed by Lori McCroskey.

Card Recipe:

CDS STAMPS USED: Birthday Celebration

CS/PAPERS: Basic Grey's "Green at Heart", Flourishes white, Stampin'Up's Certainly Cellery

INK: Staz-On

ACCENTS/TOOLS: Sewing machine and assorted threads, Stampin' Up's scalloped border punch, Wizard with round and scalloped round Nestabilities, Cuttlebug and swirl folder, assorted Offray ribbon, Ranger Stickles in Stardust, Folk Art Wicker White acrylic paint

COLORING: watercolors

TECHNIQUES: watercoloring, stamping, sewing, dry embossing

SPECIAL NOTES: I forgot to punch holes in the scalloped boarder before I attached it to the card so I made the dots with acrylic paint....where there is a will....there is a way! 

I would just LOVE it if you would leave me a comment!

Hugs,

True :D

Happy Hopper-"Sweet Birthday" Card SC262, CDBC1 and other challenges

Tweet

Hello All!

I thought I would play with the girls @ Split Coast Stampers again today so I am entering their sketch challenge #SC262. It is an adorable sketch and I just so happened to have an extra "Happy Hoppers" image already painted up from a year or so ago. You see...coloring is my favorite part so when I first started stamping I did all of my images in multiples. I have a couple of drawers full of images needing a home. LOL!

This one was just perfect for today's sketch!

It also fits perfectly into the brand new "Clearly Delightful Blog Challenge #CDBC1" which is "Bunny Rabbits",  that my friend Laurie is satating up. Hope you will join me in helping her get the first one rolling! I think it will be tons of fun and this month's challenge participants all get an adorable digi bunny stamp just for playing along!

The CS is Bazzill-Swiss Dots and the DP is K&Company's "Wild Raspberry".

I popped the side of the barrel and some of the apples once then popped a few apples again. I then added lots of Crystal Effects to make them shine.

I am also entering this card in the following challenges:

ABC - "L" is for...Layering

Lots and lots o' layers ladies!

Charisma Cards- Celebrations

Happy Birthday!

One Stop Craft Challenge - Something that begins with a "B"

Bunny...bushel basket...birthday!

Corrosive - "These are a few of my favorite things"

Use 2 of your fave embellies - Mine are ribbon and gems

Stamptacular Sunday - Party Time!

Create something for a party - Does a birthday card count? :)

Crafty Angels- Recycle

I pulled an old colored image from my forgotten started projects

Pile it On -Anything Clear + other challenges

I used clear gems and Clear lacquer on the apples

Creative Card Crew -Distressing

I used a distressed nestie and ink to distress the edges

Everybody Art - Favorite color combo

I love GREEN and any other color! LOL!

If you have not already signed up for my latest BLOG CANDY....no better time than the present. ;)

 

I would love it if you left a comment...I adore them!

Hugs,

True :D

A 13 minute birthday card! fun fun fun!

Tweet

Hello All!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

I have a one minute post for a 13 minute card! LOL!

I wanted to join in on a couple of SCS challenges today so I picked CAS47 (Clean and Simple)

and LSC253 (Limited Supply) which was to make a card in less then 15 minutes, use something new from Christmas, and incorporate a celebration.

I just bought myself a bunch more "The Paper Temptress" papers (on top of the bunch that Patricia sent me as my DT gift) and some new copics.

I used the laser white and black cardstocks. Are they not gorgeous or what? Who needs a lot of "stuff" when you have papers like this?

The image is Basic Grey and the sentiment is Penny Black.

I also used my new red marker...a little! LOL! wanted to keep it simple but just had to add SOME color!  ;)

Throw on a ribbon and a brad and viola!

I beat the time deadline by 2 minutes too!

I know this is far from my normal type of card but it was a lot of fun. I could get hooked on CAS!

While you are here....Why not sign up for my current blog candy!

I would love it if you left a comment! I adore them!  ;)

Hugs,

True :D

Make a Wish Cupcake

Tweet

Hello!

I wanted to play along with the girls at SCS so I checked in on their latest sketch challenge #CS261.

I decided to do a card using the cupcake stamp that I illustrated for Clear Dollar Stamps. It was the perfect image for this challenge! And the perfect size for an A2 card (4.25 by 5.5 inches)

My cupcake is so easy to color and it made a quick little card that I plan on making more of to keep on hand for birthday emergencies. Of course I will do some in different frostings for the guys!  ;)

Bet you could use this stamp for birthday emergencies to...wink wink!  ;)

The sentiment is from CDS "Birthday Celebration" set.

The cardstock is Bazzill - Irish Eyes, and the designer paper is from Imaginisce's "All Kinds of Happy" line.

I am also entering this card in the following challenges:

Simon Says Challenge - Party!

Cupcake Craft - Celebration

Three Clovers - Celebration

My Time To Craft - Anything Goes

Creative Card Crew - Anything Goes

If The Shoe Fits - "Color Your World" - Use your fave coloring medium

Here is the sketch for the SCS challenge...I turned it on it's side...a little artistic libery! LOL!

Card Recipe:

STAMPS USED: "Clear Dollar Stamp's - Cupcake, and  Birthday Celebration

CS/PAPERS: Bazzill, Imaginisce "All Kinds of Happy" line

INK: Staz-On, Color Box cats eyes in Warm Violet and Olive Pastel, Hot Pink

ACCENTS/TOOLS: sewing machine, thread, Stickles in Cotton Candy, Orange Peel, and Yellow

COLORING: watercolors

TECHNIQUES: sewing, 3D, tole', watercoloring

Thanks again for stopping by!

Please leave a comment! I adore them! :)

Hugs,

True :D

Blog Candy!!! I am almost @ 30,000 hits (& 47 years) & ready to celebrate!

Tweet

This candy is now closed....sorry! ;)

This post will remain pinned to the top until November 17th. Please scroll down for newer posts. THANKS! :)

Hello All!
I thought I would offer up a little sweet stuff to celebrate 30,000 hits to my blog.
Thanks to all of you, I am almost there!
My all time favorite glitter is Martha Stewart's Gemstone glitters. I was lucky enough to find a large set this past weekend and snatched it up to share with one lucky winner.

All you have to do is....

1. Become a follower (if you aren't already).

2. Put a picture of my candy in a prominent spot on your blog sidebar with a link back to my blog http://www.truesgiftsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/

3. Leave a comment under this post with a link to your blog so I can come visit you.

If you don't have a blog, send an email out to all our friends and attach me to it ( trudy@coffeyvilleks.net ) and I will make sure you get entered
It is that easy!

BONUS...for every 50 new followers I get between now and the draw date, I will add a $10.00 gift certificate from "Clear Dollar Stamps" for the lucky winner, so tell your friends!!!!

November 17th....which just so happens to be my birthday, I will draw the winner. Please only enter once. All duplicate entries will be deleted. I will announce the winner on the 18th.

Thanks for dropping by!

Hugs your way!

:)

Happy Birthday to Clear Dollar Stamps!

Tweet

Hello!
This post is later in the day then planned...blogger didn't post it as scedualed Uggghhh!)

You should all head over to Lori's blog and join in on the "Great Candy Caper"! CDS is celebrating 5 years and you can get all of the details there. She is having a scavenger hunt and there will be 25 winners! Don't miss out on the fun!
This is my card that I did with the new "Birthday Celebration" set.
Hope you like it!
Hugs,
True :)

Halloween/Birthday Card + Bag Done With My Original Artwork For Cuttlebug Challenge Blog

Tweet

Hello All!

It is Wednesday and you know what that means.... The http://cuttlebugchallenge.blogspot.com/ We are continuing on with our Birthday Celebration Palooza. This week we were asked to create a birthday card and gift bag. Just in case you didn't see my invitation and explanation....I have a friend that was born on Halloween. We always throw a party to cover both occasions. Thus the Halloween theme. You just thought I was loosing it didn't ya? LOL!

I did this card with one of my own sketches. I plan on starting my own line of stamps and or/ digis really soon and have been doodling away!

Remember, you can click on any image to get a gloser look!

If you scroll down to the next post, I have a short tutorial on how to turn YOUR sketches into images that can be popped, and you don't have to have crazy computer skills! ;)



For this set I used Core'dinations "Black Magic" papers that I ran through my Cuttlebug and distressed with sand paper. I also used Bazzill Swiss Dots CS and a little bit of Debbie Mumm "Harvest and Holiday" stack DP.



I would love it if you would leave a comment and let me know what you think about my set or original art.

Don't forget to scroll down and see my tutorial.

You can also scroll up and sign up for my Cuttlebug embossing folders BLOG CANDY!

You won't want to miss all of the other awesome DT girl's sets either.
Go to Cuttlebug Challenge Blog and check them out!

Hugs to all that dropped by! :)