September C.A.T.S. - Flowers

Good morning!  This post is long overdue . . . notice that my title says "September C.A.T.S.".  I know, it's almost half way through October.  So funny 'cause my C.A.T.S. partner, Enjoli, and I emailed each other to say that we will be late in making our deadline.  She's so busy with work, caring for her kids, and her new venture with Sugar Shack Crafts.  For me, I had a lot on my plate too.  Anyway, we finally got around to completing our card and tag set for one another.

Here is what I received from Enjoli.  She created an easel card using Ayako from Sister Stamps.  I really luv the washi paper Enjoli used with the pattern of cherry blossoms scattered throughout the paper.

Now here is the tag that came with the card.  Cute, cute, cute!  :)  Thank you so much Enjoli!

Since the theme for September was FLOWERS, I decided to make my own flower out of felt.  Wanna know how I made that flower?  Check click {HERE} for a video tutorial by Beate Johns.  Whenever I need ideas or inspiration, I head on over to Beate's blog.  She's so creative! 

The image on the belly band of this card is from the CC Designs Laugh Lines called Flower. 

This is what the insert looks like.  The sentiment is from Purple Onion Designs called Flower Quotes.

Here's my tag.  Doesn't look like much, but hang on.  This is how it works.

This is a Telescope card/tag.  I first saw this on Creations by Patti's blog and then on Jenny's blog, Crazy for Papercrafting.  It must've been a sign for me to try it and I luv'd the idea.  When you slide the middle layer over, the largest piece is revealed.  There she is!

Here's when you slide the smallest layer over to reveal the middle layer.  I created another insert for this pocket tag to write a little message.

Well, that's it for me!  I've had so much fun participating in my GF Joy's C.A.T.S.  If you want to participate, check out her blog for more information.  Have a great weekend!

August C.A.T.S. Swap

Hey y'all! Today I have a lot to share with you so brace yourself . . . THIS IS A LONG POST WITH TONS OF PICTURES!!!!  :)

I am participating in Joy's C.A.T.S. swap (card and tag swap).  It's a 3 month commitment . . . if you want to participate and join in on the fun, check out Joy's blog for more information regarding this C.A.T.S. swap.  For the month of August, I was paired up with Cami.  OMWord!  She is so creative and so detailed oriented, I nearly crapped my pants!  Well, check this out you'll see why . . .

This month's theme was to use RIBBON.  Ok, don't you just adore this?  She used a bright fuchsia-ish ribbon like seam binding.  I can't believe it!  Cami made beautiful handmade flowers out of the ribbon and also added a bow to the hair of Candy Pip (Sugar Nellie).  I'm just in awe!

Now let's take a look inside the card.  Can you say, WOW!  What a luv-ly scene from the blades of grass to the white picket fence to the cute house Cami created!  Cherry Pip is one lucky girl to be a part of this scene.  I luv how Cami created the roof sidings with velvet pink ribbon.  So, so clever!

Now this is the tag using Cherry Pip.  Absolutely luv the soft pinks (ahem, one of my fav colors)!

The front swings sideways to reveal or write a little message.  Neat-o, I really need to snake this idea using a brad to do that!  Aren't you just floored?  And guess what?  They are MINE to keep!   :)  Cami's coloring is out-of-this-world!  THANK YOU SO MUCH CAMI . . . I'm so honored to have these in my possession!  You amaze me!

Now, receiving this made me a bit weary and I had sweat pouring out of my skin!  I needed to come up with something special for Cami.  What to do, what to do.  Well, I saw a triple easel card made by the talented Pam Sparks.  Click {HERE} to see Pam's card . . . gorgeous!  I completely CASE'd her card.  Oh, Pam has a wonderful video tutorial on how she photographs her cards.  Click {HERE}.  I'm always curious about how others photograph their work.  Since viewing Pam's video, I have built my own light tent . . . yes, ALL BY MYSELF!  Couldn't wait for the hubs to do it 'cause it'll never get done.  Thanks Pam!  You are a true inspiration!

For the front, I colored up Twirl Anya and created a background for her.  The scalloped border, which is a scalloped velvet ribbon, was attached to the back of the image piece.

After coloring Twirl Anya, I decided to add a Maggie to the scene.  Cami is an absolute Maggie fan and couldn't give her a card without it.  I also added this cute Fairwee Josie to the scene.  She is created by the very talented Amy Young.  The mushroom Josie is sitting on is from the new clear set by TGF, My Fairy Princess.  There's my attempt at making a flower using the scalloped ribbon.  My flower just doesn't cut it compared to Cami's flowers.

Here's a side view of the easel card.

This is what it looks like laid down flat.

Now on to my tag.  I used the Lacey Circle nestie to create my tag and again, I've colored up Twirl Anya.

Here's the back side of the tag.

Phew, you made it to the end of this post!  Thanks for stoppin' by today.  I'll be back tomorrow with a FF Challenge . . . you won't want to miss this!  :)  A sneaky peek coming your way! 

July C.A.T.S. Swap . . .

Wow, I'm coming down from a high after celebrating The Greeting Farm's 3rd Birthday Bash! 

My good friend Joy hosts a Card And Tag Swap also known as C.A.T.S.   I decided to give it a go and participate in the 3 month long swap.  Click {HERE} for more details if you want to participate and meet some new crafty people!  For the month of July, I was partnered with the most fabulous and talented, Donna Mikasa of three umbrellas.  Here's the card and tag she sent me . . .

Cute or what?  True Donna fashion . . . luv her polka dot, wonky reverse rectangle card and tag!  :)  The theme was RED, WHITE, and BLUE.

Oh boy, oh boy . . . I was so nervous, I knew I had to come up with something special.  Since Donna makes the cutest shaped cards with her Spellbinders, I wanted to make one for her, but with a twist, LITERALLY! 

Here's my card using Maisie Two Balloons from Lili of the Valley.  She's a tiny cutie patootie and perfect for a shaped card.  I decided to wipe away Maisie's two balloons and added a balloon cut from CC Designs balloon die instead.  This is a mini easel card with an added twist.  I saw this card on Norma's blog {HERE}.  She has a very detailed, step by step tutorial which is so easy to follow.  :) 

Here's the "twist".  You can write a sweet note in this section.

Now, this is the tag.  I stuck to the same layout as the card.

Thanks Donna for being an awesome partner!  You amaze me with your creativity!  Now I have to think of something special for my new partner for my August swap . . . oh boy, I better be on my game, I've got a super talented partner.  Stay tuned . . .