Muse Monday #5

This week's Muse Monday is brought to you by the number 31. It was my friend Lalo's birthday last week and he turned...31. The inspiration for this card came from the blog Color-Collective.  Lauren Willhite's blog is a great place to start if you're looking for striking combinations or just trying to come up with a color scheme. It's a site I look to all the time for inspiration on color combinations for my cards. She's even done some cool art to outfit inspirations in Lucky (which is where the photo below is from).

Photo courtesy of Lucky Magazine

Another source of inspiration for this card was the candy in these jars. I just love the shapes and colors, specifically the turquoise and citron ribbon candy. Needless to say, Lalo loved the card. The pop of orange was the finishing touch as that's his favorite color.  

Photo courtesy of InStyle Magazine

Materials:
Paper: Vintage cream (Papertrey Ink), Grey (Bazzill), Peacock (Paper-Source)
Stamps:Background Basics: Retro (Papertrey Ink), Big Birthday Additions-inside of card (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Citrine, Surf, Mango Tango (Colorbox Cat eyes)
Other: Mat stack #4 Die (Papertrey Ink), By the Numbers die (Papertrey Ink), Ribbon (Joann)

Jerseylicious {2 for 1 post}

With a title like Jerseylicious, does this card seem appropriate? Trust me it was, it was the birthday card I made for my friend Jess. She flew in from Jersey to celebrate, and what better way to celebrate than on a peddle pub with a Jersey theme. Unfortunately, my girlfriend and I were the only one's who took the theme seriously. As you can see, we went all out. Throughout the afternoon, we had some interesting looks to say the least. A few of which were a bit creepy as the guys actually liked us looking like this!?! All in all it was a fun time, but note to self, look for a course without hills. That last 20 minute ride uphill to get back SUCKED.

Sweatshirt and Leggins-Target, Boots-NineWest

The birthday girl- she called this Jersey style... I call it JCrew with a bit more makeup! (you can't see the lovely blue/white striped JCrew dress under the jacket)

Rocking to some *awesome* tunes. GTL baby. GTL.

Materials:
Paper: Thrift Shop Polka Dot (October Afternoon), Curry (PaperSource)
Stamps: Soiree (PinkPaislee), Mat Stack 2 Collection (PTI)
Ink:Turquoise Gem (VersaMagic), Orchid (Colorbox), Sunflower (Colorbox), Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Other: Mat Stack #4 Die (PTI), Ribbon (Stella Rose)

You're Invited {Card Post}

We're having a few friends over this weekend for wine and small plates. It was the perfect opportunity for me to break out a new stamp set I got from Papertrey Ink. I am dying over their table service set. It's got to be one of the best sets I've gotten so far and I see myself using it A.LOT. 

Materials:

Paper: SF Sft White, Paper bag, Strawberry, Pool (all Paper-Source),

Pink Patterns (Papertrey Ink)

Stamps: Table Service (Papertrey Ink)

Ink:VersaMark, Pink Grapefruit (VersaMagic)

Other:Table Service die (Papertrey Ink), Mat Stack 4 die (Papetrey Ink), Vintage Wallpaper Embossing folder (Stampin' Up)

Make it Monday {Background Challenge}

I'm back! Sorry for the short hiatus last week-technical difficulties involving a my computer. I'm back now and kicking the week off with a "Make it Monday" challenge from Papertrey Ink. This week's challenge is to use a stamp as a background that wasn't intended to be a background. This challenge was perfect for me as I'm always looking for different ways to use my stamps. I pulled this little wine glass from the new Table Service set to make a thank you card for our friends Wade and Lalo. They were gracious enough to invite us up to "camp" over Labor Day weekend. We spent two glorious days in Alexandria, MN at a summer camp. We had the place to ourselves. In that short time, we crammed in wine tasting, boating, a bonfire, gourmet brunch, game of croquet, golf cart tours, and a Labor day feast. I felt like I was breaking every rule from kids summer camp and it was a blast. This card was the perfect way to say thanks to them for inviting us to join in the fun.

Materials:
Paper: Stamper's Select White (PTI), Pool (Papersource)
Stamps: Table Service (PTI)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Bordeaux (Colorbox)
Dies: Double Ended Banners (PTI)

Muse Monday {Card Inspiration}

I'd like to introduce you to Muse Monday. When I sit down to make cards, more often than not I turn to the web for inspiration. To be more specific- Pinterest, Online Magazines (think Rue, GlitterGuide, LonnyMag, etc) and Fashion/Interior Design bloggers/sites tend to garner my attention. There is so much out there, it's hard not to glean inspiration. Each Monday, I'll showcase a card I've made and show you where the inspiration came from. It's similar to my outfit to card posts (here and here), but broader to include any and all things that get my creative juices flowing. Maybe they'll inspire you too!   

To kick things off, here's a card I made for my dad's birthday this past week. I love the colors citron, grey and turquoise together. 

Materials for card:

Paper: SoftWhite, Gravel (PaperSource), Spring Moss (PTI)

Stamps: Enjoy the Ride (PTI)

Ink: Jet Black (StazOn)

Other: Ribbon (Joann), Buttons (Sewing kit)

Here is the inspiration for the card:

Photo from Kendieveryday

Do you know Kendi? Her blog is hilarious and I love her style.  Read it once and you're hooked. A few other images that helped me craft my design:

Photo from Pinterest

Photo from Pinterest

Outfit to Card {Stripes}

Photo courtesy Atlantic-Pacific

If you haven't checked out Blair from Atlantic-Pacific, do so now. I'll wait, take your time perusing her blog. She's amazing huh? I've never met her, but everyday her style amazes me. I love how she throws on the layers and plays with prints and color. She always looks effortlessly chic. Today, she's the inspiration for a card I made. I was looking for a cool color combination and voila, look no further. I think it turned out pretty nice. I love the splash of pink with the greens- preppy, but not in a stuffy way.

Materials:
Paper: Moss (PaperSource), Leaf (PaperSource), Striped Paper (All about girls stack DCWV)
Stamps: Think Big (PTI)
Ink: Orchid (Colorbox)
Other:Ribbon (Michaels), Cane Impression Plate (PTI), Bigz Top Note (Stampin' UP)

Cheers to 4!

Photo courtesy Colin Michael Photography

Our nephew Rohan turns 4 today...Happy Golden Birthday Rohan! I've met him in person only once at our wedding, but love him dearly. You see, he lives in Glasgow, Scotland and I can't visit him on a regular basis. I do get to talk with him on the phone, but our next big thing will be to Skype. He is such a character, and that accent he has! I just want to eat him up. We mailed the card I made him on Monday, let's hope it gets there on time.

Photo courtesy Colin Michael Photography

Materials:
Paper: Enchanted Evening, Stamper's Select white, Pure Poppy (All PTI)
Stamps: Enjoy the ride (PTI)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Moss Green, Sunflower, Red, and Frost White (All Colorbox)
Other: Enjoy the ride die (PTI), Banner die (PTI)

Father's Day {Card Post}

Happy Father's Day! I got to spend some quality time with my dad today. We grilled at our place and then hung out in the back yard for the afternoon. It was a great way to spend the day. Hope you all had a great Father's day too!

Materials:

Paper: Royal Velvet (PTI), Pacific Vineyard (PTI), Stampers Select White (PTI)

Stamps: Enjoy the Ride (PTI), Wonderful Words Additions (PTI), Framed (PTI)

Ink: Versa Mark, Frost White (Colorbox), Night Sky (VersaMagic)

Other: Enjoy the Ride Die (PTI), Wonderful Words Die (PTI), White Embossing Powder (Filagree), Navy Ribbon (Joann's)

Card Post {Anniversary Card}

I'm a bit late sharing the card I made Ramesh for our one year anniversary celebration. I'm not a sappy card person, so I decided to make him a simple card using the same theme as the invites I made for our wedding (you can see those here). It was simple, to the point, and let him know exactly how I feel.

Materials:
Paper: SF White (Papersource), Black and White Paisley (Papersource), Black (Papersource), New Leaf (Papertrey Ink)
Stamps:Wonderful Words Additions (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Other: Bigz Top Note Die (Stampin'Up), Wonderful Words Die (Papertrey Ink)

Outfit to Card {Hello Friend}

Over the years, I've amassed quite a collection of pages torn from magazines. I developed this habit in high school when I plastered my walls with every image I fell in love with from Elle, Vogue, Bazzar, etc.-much to my mom's dismay (did you know scotch tape can peel paint off?). Recently I started storing them in page covers in a binder for easy reference. Per my usual Sunday night routine, I was making a list of things I needed to do this week and realized I was behind on making MANY cards. I'm already behind on two birthday cards (guess they'll be Belated Birthdays now), and wanted to get one card out to my girlfriend tomorrow. I was at a loss for what to make, but as soon as I started looking through my binder, I found my inspiration. I love navy and green together. It can be preppy or chic, casual or dressy. When I saw this lovely dress in Lucky, it became the inspiration for a card. I think it turned out nice. What do you think? Where do you find inspiration? 

Materials:
Paper: New Leaf (PTI), Navy (SU), White (PTI)
Stamps: Think Big Favorites (PTI), Simple Sentiments (PTI), Background Basics Chevron Stripes (PTI)
Ink: Night Sky (Versa Magic), Frost White (Colorbox), Red (Colorbox)
Other: Mat Stack #4 Die (PTI), Banner Die (PTI), Rhinestone (Michael's)

Golden Gate {Bonus card post}

Tonight is Hadley's last night in Mpls and I made him a send off card for San Francisco. It took me some time to come up with this one, and then the execution was a bit of a challenge. I hate when I have an image in my head but then can't quite figure out how to make it work in real life. I designed it from paper strips and baker's twine. It's a bit crafty, but I think one of my best cards to date. What do you think?

Materials:

Paper: Paper Bag (Paper-Source), Black (Paper-Source), Pure Poppy (Papertrey Ink)

Ink:Tuxedo Black (Memento)

Stamps:Wonderful Words Additions (Papertrey Ink)

Dies:Wonderful Words (Papertrey Ink), Mat Stack #4 (Papertrey Ink)

Other: Ribbon (JoAnn), Baker's Twine (Papertrey Ink)

Engagement {Card post}

As I said yesterday, we had an engagement party this past weekend for my friend Mick. I've known Mick for over 10 years and am excited about this new chapter in his life. Mick is Indian and still has family living in India, similar to Ramesh. When he brought Alicia to visit there late last year, she fell in love with the country as much as I did. With that in mind, I added some Indian papers to their card and I loved the way it turned out.

Materials:

Paper: Poppy(Paper-Source), Pool(Paper-Source), Peacock(Paper-Source),Clear Cardstock(Papertrey Ink), Gold Glitter and Persimmon on Peacock (Paper-Source), Vellum paper (Joann Fabrics)

Stamps: Wonderful Words Additions (Papertrey Ink)

Ink: Jet Black (Staz On)

Other: Wonderful Words die (Papertrey Ink), Mat Stack 4 die (Papertrey Ink)

Admin Day

Today is Administrative Assistants day. I know I couldn't live without mine. She keeps us in line and on top of everything. To show our appreciation for all she does, I've made her a thank you card and we're getting her flowers. She does so much for us, I want to make sure she knows we appreciate her. Do you have an admin you can't do without?

Materials:
Paper: Soft White (Papersource), Gold (La Creme mat stack by DCWV)
Stamps: Think Big #3 (Papertrey Ink), Flower Fancy (Stampin' Up)
Ink: Lilac Posies (Memento)
Other: Pearl Brads (Recollections)

Recovery

My mom had rotator cuff surgery last week and is now on the mend. I've stopped down to see her a few times already and let me tell you... she's bound and determined to get back to her routines ASAP. This is good because it will make the recovery go that much quicker. It's all about your attitude. To help her along in the process, I made her this card. Butterflies have a special meaning to us and I know she'll just love this take on them. Recover fast mom!

Materials:
Paper: Stamper's Select White (Papertrey Ink), Pool (Paper Source), Paperbag (Paper Source)
Stamps: Modern Basics (Papertrey Ink), Simple Sentiments (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Timber Brown (StazON), Sea Breeze (Versa Magic), White Gel Pen (American Crafts)
Pearls: Stampin' Up

Palm Springs {Outfit to Card}

It was my girlfriend's birthday last week and I'm a bit late in making her card. I was inspired by this spread in Lucky's Feb Issue. When we were in college, we used to drive to Palm Springs on the weekends when the weather wasn't so great in LA. I love the style there - mid-century modern, mod, retro, old school glamour, you name it! I've been visiting PS since I was 5 years old (you could say it was my 2nd home), and I can honestly say it never got old going there. I haven't been in a few years now, and I'm itching to get back. *sigh*

But enough reminiscing, and on to the card. Have you seen the outfit to room posts out there like this one, where you take a room's decor and turn it into an outfit. I tried to do something similar for my card. I used the outfit above as inspiration. I love the hot pink jumpsuit with blue print (tough to see in the photo) and then the pop of green in the handbag. I've already bought two jumpsuits to wear this spring/summer, but this one is simply Divine!  

I found some left over buckles from my wedding invites and thought this would make a nice belt look. I stamped the background and drew the hat.

This is my pop of green inside - It was too much on the outside, but perfect inside

Materials:
Paper: Raspberry Fizz, Sweet Blush, Ripe Avocado, Spring Moss (Papertrey Ink)
Stamps: Guidelines too, Polka Dot Basics 2, Birthday Bash Sentiments (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Cerulean (Colorbox), Orchid (Colorbox)
Ribbon: Michaels
Rhinestone Buckle: found online (can't recall the place)
Punches: Fancy Square 1.75" and 1.5" (McGill)

Black and White part 2 {Birthday Card}

Last week I posted about this birthday party where the theme was black and white. Well, you know I can't got to a birthday party without making a birthday card. To stick with the theme, I made it in black and white as well:

Materials:
Paper:True Black (Papertrey Ink) Stamper's Select White (Papertrey Ink)
Stamps: Modern Basics, Simple Sentiments, Cupcake Collection (all Papertrey Ink)
Dies: Cupcake Cupcake Collection (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Frost White (Colorbox)
Ribbon: Michaels
Glitter: Ultra Fine Prisma (Palette)

Thinking of you {Card Post}

I had to sit down and make a "thinking of you" card the other night.  I don't like having to make these types of cards - they are never for happy events. I found out last week that my old Director's youngest son was diagnosed with cancer - he's 6. We don't know all the details yet, but they believe it's a kind that is 95% curable. Still, that doesn't make the situation any better. My heart goes out to her and her family during this time. I started and stopped making this card 5 times... I just couldn't seem to get it right. Finally, I just sat myself down and focused. No words can make the situation better, but my thoughts and prayers are with them, and that's what matters most.

Materials:
Paper: Spring Moss(Papertrey Ink), Ripe Avocado(Papertrey Ink), Aqua Mist(Papertrey Ink), Vellum (The Paper Company)
Stamps: Guide Lines Two(Papertrey Ink), Hero Arts CL342
Ink: Lime Green (Colorbox), Pink Grapefruit (VersaMagic), Versa Mark
Die:Bigz Top Note (Sizzix for Stampin' Up)

Papertrey Ink {4 Year Anniversary}

This month marks Papertrey Ink's 4th anniversary and they are giving away some AMAZING prizes. Any of you who follow my projects know I tend to primarily use Papertrey Ink products. Love them!! When I read their blog today and saw this first giveaway, I was giddy!! $700 worth products and for 2 chances to win all I have to do is comment and post a favorite project I've made with their products?  That's easy! Since they are pretty much all I use when making cards, I just needed to narrow down what project was my favorite. 


Drumroll please.... here it is, the card set I made for a gift exchange party. It's a total of 8 cards - 4 Birthday, 4 Thank you. 

Materials:
Stamps:Birthday Bash Sentiments (Papertrey Ink), Signature Greetings (Papertrey Ink), Signature Series Dress Form (Papertrey Ink), Fillable Frames #10 (Papertrey Ink), Merci (Stampin'Up), Polka Dot Basics 2(Papertrey Ink), Flourish (PaperSource), Shoe (Hero Arts CL3030), Flower (Stampendous)
Dies: Fillable Frame #11 (Papertrey Ink), Signature Series Dress Form (Papertrey Ink), Bigz Top Note (Stampin' Up), Mat Stack 4 (Papertrey Ink), Fillable Frames #8 (Papertrey Ink), 1.75" Fancy Square Punch (McGill), 1.5" Fancy Square Punch (McGill), Edger (EK)
Paper: Peacock (Papersource), Velvet Flocked Grey (JoAnn), Paperbag (Papersource), Ripe Avocado (Papertrey Ink), Everyday Blessings (Papertrey Ink),  All about girls stack (DCWV), Charcoal (JoAnn), Zebra (JoAnn), Hibiscus Burst (Papetrey Ink), Guide Lines (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Turquoise Gem (VersaMagic), Versa Mark, Eggplant (Colorbox), Tuxedo Black (Memento),Frost White (Colorbox) Orchid (Colorbox), Lilac Poses (Memento)
Ribbon: All ribbon from Michaels
Jewel Embellisments: All from Michaels
Other: Clear card box (Papertrey Ink)

It's your day {birthday card post}

Traveling the last month left me a bit behind on my craft projects. Taking on the 30 for 30 challenge, trying to get caught up at work, and making an attempt at a social life has left me tapped in the creativity department. I tried numerous times on Sunday to create the MANY thank you cards I need to send to India - I got one started, but the rest are still pieces of paper staring back at me. Throw in 3 birthdays I need to make cards for this week and I'm feeling like I've lost my mojo. Today, I told myself I would tackle two of them (it's always easier to make cards for girls than guys). Getting those creative juices flowing at 9pm must have been the trick, I think they turned out swell.

Materials:
Happy Birthday Card
Paper: Paperbag (Papersource), Polka dots (DCWV paper stack), Purple Metallic (Latte Cardstock by DCWV), Shimmer Gold (Papersource)
Stamps:Birthday Bash Sentiments (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Eggplant (Colorbox)
Dies: Mat Stack 4 (Papertrey Ink), Mat Stack 2 (Papertrey Ink)
Ribbon: Michaels


It's your day Card
Paper: Berry Sorbet (Papertrey Ink), Pool (Papersource), Peacock (Papersource), Peacock on Paperbag print (Papersource)
Stamps: Fillable Frames #8 (Papertrey Ink), Guide Lines 2 (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Versa Mark, Frost White (Colorbox)
Dies: Mat Stack 4 (Papersource), Fillable Frames 8 (Papersource)
Ribbon: Michaels