Merry Christmas to all.....

Hello,

Today I finally update my page with a Stampin Up Christmas card I made with their 2009 stamp sets and papers.

I wish happiness to you all during the coming year!

Enjoy - Chrisi

Jake at the Beach!

Hello friends, I spent Thanksgiving with friends at a beach out on the outer banks of North Carolina. Just beautiful.

Great friends, great food and a lot to be thankful for. During the trip Jake got to hang on the beach and was a little wound up - check him out!

Enjoy - Chrisi

Winter Golf!

Hello,

I needed a birthday card for someone who is a big golfer - I'm sure he even plays golf in the winter.

This card is made with Memory Box paper. I stamped the golfing Monkey on it along with the word "relax". The monkey is colored with Copic markers. I added the ribbon for fun.

I photographed the card on a burgundy stamping mat so that part isn't part of the card - just looks like it in the photo.

Enjoy - Chrisi

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween Everyone!

I'm making eyeball ice cubes for happy hour I'm going to tonight with my LNO buddies (Ladies Night Out).

These are made from peeled radishes stuffed with olives and frozen in ice cube trays.

So far - I'm LOVIN' THESE!

Spookiness to all - Chrisi

It's ALL About the Shoes!

Happy Halloween Ya'll,

For any girl it's all about the shoes! I loved this stamp from Rosies Roadshow and had to have it!

I colored it with Copics and added layers ala Jennifer (the layer genius). I used a Memory Box card as my base and added a funky ribbon.

Enjoy - Chrisi

A Wedding Card!

Hello,

I needed a wedding card and I'm friends with the Groom so I didn't want to do a traditional flowery card.

This is what I came up with. It's a Stampin Up die that I Cuttlebug embossed with Swiss Dots. I added the kids quote stamp and put it all on lovely black and white decorative paper. Add a ribbon and Ta-Da!

Enjoy - Chrisi

October Elvis!

Hello all,

This month's theme is Scared Silly and this is the Elvis card I've come up with - I really want some Elvis balloons for myself!

I used Memory Box papers, Cornish Heritage Farms made the Elvis stamp and "Boris" the scientist is from Amuse.

Enjoy! - Chrisi -

Hello,

This is a card I made with the new line of stamps called Poppy Stamps - by Memory Box. LOVE 'EM!

I made this one with Memory Box papers, copic markers and a Spica glitter pen. The "friendship" word is from a Dee Grunig set.

Enjoy - Chrisi

Elvis Challenge - INCHIES

Hello,

This month's challenge was to make inchie cards - which of course I had to Elvis-ize!

Here is my creation. It's using stamps by Cornish Heritage Farms and new papers from Memory Box.

Enjoy - Chrisi

Elvis & Water

Hi,

Each month Angela's Happy Stamper has a "theme wall" and I add my own theme of Elvis to it.

August was "water" month and here is what I made.

Surfing Elvis was a perfect match for this month's themes. I added patterned paper bathing trunks and Cuttlebugged the background. I colored Elvis with Copic markers and voila!

Enjoy - Chrisi

Hello,

A friend wanted a birthday card .... with pigs. Fine I say - I can do that - whoops I don't have pig stamps. Hey Heidi, can I borrow some pig stamps? She came through like a trooper.

So I made two different cards to pick from.

This is a Claudia Rose pig and I colored it with Copics and layered it to match the background papers.

The word punch is new from Stampin Up! and I love it.

Enjoy - Chrisi

In the Movies!

Hello all,

A couple of months ago I told ya'll I was an extra in a big Hollywood movie being filed at Nationals Park!

It was a long 15 hour day where 500 of us played Nationals fans and boy was it HOT.

I'm on the far right, my friend Michelle is in the center and Amy is on the left - we meet Amy that day. She was chosen by wardrobe to be a "crazed fan" and they painted her face.

The movie is going to be called "You Know It When You See It" and it stars Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson and Paul Rudd. I expect it's a 2010 release date.

Have a great day - enjoy. -- Chrisi

Vintage French - ATC's

Hello,

I was recently in a swap using my Paula's Kit Club goodies and the theme was "vintage French". So I pulled my great kits out and used it to create this ATC (Artist Trading Card). I combined two of Paula's kits to make this card and added a wax seal I had on hand.

I so enjoyed this swap because of the high quality products I could use. If you want a great quality paper arts kit - Paula's Kit Club is the stuff to buy.

Enjoy - Chrisi

Puppies ....

Hello,

These stamps are so stinkin' cute! I had a crafty day at a friends and made a bunch of these. They are quick and easy.

The stamp set is made by Hanna Stamps that I got at my LSS (Angela's Happy Stamper)

Enjoy .... C

My Monthly Elvis!

Hello,

Each month I make a new Elvis card for the "wall" at Angela's Happy Stamper. There is a new theme each month and I add Elvis to it. June's theme was Memory Box. I felt beat for a few minutes ... but then it it me. Disco Panda needed an Elvis head!

Ta-Da! It came out perfect. I used Memory Box papers and "You're Groovy Baby" stamp to finish it. I popped up the Elvis heads because ... well, why not?

I hope it makes you smile as much as it does me! Enjoy - Chrisi

Memory Box Clear Set

Hello all,

This card was made with one of the new Memory Box clear sets. It has the best florishes to use on so many projects.

I used patterned paper to stamp on because I loved the paper. I cut out the stamped dress form and popped it up so it's easier to see. I used one of the flourises on the corners as a little accent.

Enjoy - Chrisi

Two Fred Cards

Hello,

In my Fred Mullett classes last week at my LSS I made these two cards. The technique had us making unique, creative and wild background papers using stencils, spray inks and stuff to make shapes then cutting them into specific shape that best fits the created papers.

I loved the creative expression and will try it again soon on my own. Practice, practice, practice! Hope you like my creations.

Enjoy - Chrisi

Fred the Fish Boy!

Hello friends,

On Friday and Saturday I'm thrilled be to taking three classes at Angela's Happy Stamper with Fred B. Mullett (aka Fred the Fish Boy). They promise to be messy, educational and the best part is I'll come away with beautiful cards and new techniques.

Here's an example of some of his work:

I'll be happy to share some of my cards when the classes are over!

Enjoy - Chrisi

Classic Black & Red!

Hello Ya'll,

So here is another easy one to make. It's a Cuttlebug swiss dots background with layers of red and black. The image is from an Inkadinkado set (Pattern Pets) and I colored it with Copic Markers. I used the Bow Easy to make the bow quickly and easily. Click on that link for a quick video tutorial by my friend Laura.

Enjoy, - Chrisi -

A Fish Tale!

Hello,

I've had a couple of great crafting days at Jennifer's house - she has everything and shares! So when I'm there I make a bunch of great cards. We share ideas, new stamp sets giggle and eat.

This card was made with a Cuttlebug background a few layers and a stamp from Inkadinkado (Patterned Pets set). It was colored with Copic Markers.

Of course we got our stamps at Angela's Happy Stamper in Reston, Virginia.

Easy - enjoy! -- Chrisi

Quick Card!

Hello, here is a quick card I made with two stamps. The bike stamps is by Great Impressions. I stamped it on Memory Box decorative papers, colored it with Copic markers and layered it with a black matte. Layer that onto a Memory Box card and add the sentiment from a My Favorite Things set.

Of course, I got it all at Angela's Happy Stamper in Reston.

Easy isn't it? Enjoy - Chrisi

Friends & Umbrellas

Hello,

My friend and crafting buddy Jennifer loves umbrella stamps. This is a new set by Unity Stamps that both Jennifer and I purchased from our fave LSS, Angela's Happy Stamper in Reston, Virginia.

It's an unmounted rubber set and has seven stamps - all are gorgeous.

For this card I used the Unity Umbrella and words from the My Favorite Things stamp compay (the Rain or Shine set). I embossed the background with the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder and used Memory Box card stock.

Enjoy - Chrisi

Look at my Prize!

Hello all,

I recently posted a project that used a bunch of Claudine Hellmuth's STUDIO products from Ranger. Ranger was hosting a contest about those products and asked to see projects using them - so I entered my last posting from this blog. AND I WON!

Here's a pix of the goodies they sent me. It's a boxful of yummy paints, brushes and sticky-backed canvas. More projects to come. Thanks Ranger!

-- Chrisi

Lauryne's Birthday!

Hello, This is a gift I made for my friend Lauryne's birthday. I learned the techniques from a Claudine Hellmuth class I took at Angela's Happy Stamper. If you are in the area I recommend the class - it's being hosted again in June.

To make it I used an 8x8 canvas base and 2x2 bookboard squares. I used Claudine's line of paints and mediums (from Ranger) and a variety of techniques to finish it off. I wrapped he whole thing in a great blue and green polka dot ribbon.

To make it special and personal I added a picture of Lauryne's dog, Blue, in the top middle square.

Hope you like it - enjoy - Chrisi

Ribbons Ribbons Everywhere!

Hello there, I recently saw a post on Craft Critique about a "better way to store your ribbons". I figured, what the heck - I'll give it a try.

I ordered the Ribbon Rings Tags system. First, let me compliment Melissa on the fantastic customer service. My product arrived in just two days. There was a small mistake in my order and she fixed it immediately and sent me a nice handmade card!

I have tons of ribbons. Can't resist a ribbon bargain. I've tried many systems. Rolls on a stick, in a plastic container and my latest, in one of those little cases with the holes to pull the ribbon through. Here is what they looked like just 2 hours ago:

The next picture are those very same ribbons using the Ribbon Ring system - it did take me the length of a movie on HBO to fill this many tags on this ring:

My theory is to get them all on the tags then I'll sort them by color and hang together colors on different rings. But for now they gather nicely on one mega ring.

So far this solutions is working for me and my ribbons.

Thanks and enjoy, - Chrisi

Best Tacky EVER!

Hello, I recently took a quick trip to south Georgia, St. Simon Island, for a family wedding with my sister. We drove because it was just easier.

One of the fun things Carmie let me do was stop at South of the Border (again, because you can't get enough Pedro). Ok we only stayed long enough to hit the restroom, buy some new lawn flamingos (mine are sun faded) and take some pictures.

This place is truely one of the tackiest places on earth. It's wonderful!

Enjoy - Chrisi

Easter Goodies!

Hello, it seems that with my recent travels to South Georgia and the opening home game of the Washington Nationals I neglected to post an Easter card I created.

This card was made with an Impression Obsession set which you can buy at Angela's Happy Stamper. I used the Rosie's Roadshow cloud template (you can also get this at Angela's) to make the sky and Copic markers to color the bunnies and their eggs.

Enjoy - Chrisi

Naitonals Opening Day!

Hello,

Today is the home opener of the Washington Nationals! I'm heading to the ballpark for a day of cool air, great food and most of all .... baseball!

I'll post some of my pix later on - have a great spring day!

-- Chrisi

Another Swap!

Hello,

My Art Tarts group had a swap in March. The guidelines were to use something from all the gifts we gave each other for Christmas. The gifts included a huge pack of beautiful papers, stamps from Inkadinkado and a variety of adhesives and a tote.

This is the card that I made for the swap. It was made by stamping the butterfly on a patterened paper and cutting it out. I also added the green swirlies to the flowered background paper for the mat. The stripes were made from extra cardstock I had. I added the sentiment and it was finished.

Enjoy! - Chrisi

Hello, this weekend I have been busy making cards for contests on two blogs I follow. Both are Memory Box blogs.

This first card was made for my friend Laura's Memory Box blog which you can find at Color Whimsy. Her challenge was to use markers and at least one new stamp from Memory Box. I used Copic Markers, all Memory Box papers and stamps.


The second card is for the blog Create x3 and the challenge was to use a specific sketch for my creation.

Both contests are offering a $100 prize to their winners. Wish me luck - but most of all, check out all the blogs for fun and inspiring ideas.

Enjoy - Chrisi

St. Patty's Penguin - belated!

Happy St. Patty's Day a few days late - - - - but I hope you enjoy my Memory Box penguin card. Sorry it got posted late this year!

Enjoy! Chrisi

Three Ideas - Lots of Rhinestones!

Hello,

The first card on this posting is different than what I usually make. I had a new set of stamps and wanted to make three different cards from the one set - so I was aiming for a different style for each card.

The stamps are made by Cornish Heritage Farms. I am fortunate to have a great local stamp store, Angelas Happy Stamper in Reston, Virginia, where I got these stamps.

I've also posted the other two here to show the differences. One I have posted before, but what the heck. Enjoy -- Chrisi

Happy Birthday Harriett!

Happy birthday to my friend Harriett!

This is the card I made her - hopefully it arrived before I posted it.

The card is made with a variety of stuff. Flower stamp by Stampin' Up, paper by Memory Box, Happy Birthday stamp by Dee Gruenig. I used a Paper Source card and Versafine Ink in Spanish Moss (I couldn't live without that color). Add a ribbon and it's all done.

Enjoy your day!

- Chrisi

Yellow & Black Swap - Look what I got!

Hello,

Here are the cards I recieved from the yellow/black swap that I mentioned in my previous post. The cards are great.

If you are interested in a new place for swaps check out Inspire Swap Chat for ideas and to sign up.

Enjoy, Chrisi

Yellow & Black Swap

Hello,

I recently participated in a swap of yellow and black cards. This is a pix of the one I sent.

The stamps are from Club Stamp and I used a variety of papers. But the coolest thing is that I didn't have polka dot ribbon that was yellow, so I used a black and white ribbon and colored the white dots with a yellow Copic marker. Worked like a charm (thanks for that tip Laura).

I'll post some of the yellow and black cards I receive in this swap once they arrive.

Enjoy! -- Chrisi

See what decorative papers can do ....

Hello,

This is a new set of stamps from Cornish Heritage Farms that Angela's Happy Stamper is carrying. This set has quite a few stamps in it and it's loaded with ideas. There is a great squirrel in it and I'll post that sample later.

I stamped the tree onto two different decorative papers from Memory Box and cut one out. I stamped the mushrooms and cut them separately. I glued a couple of them raised so they sat up for a little pop. Dave's paper makes this kinda of stamping and design fantastic and fun.

So please try to use more decorative papers in your stamping - you'll enjoy the results.

Enjoy - Chrisi

Enjoy your Day - 2 versions

Hello,

I had an ATC swap that was themed "Think Pink." I made the ATC's that are below - but to send them, I made the hostess the card to the left.

The greeting card was made by stamping the Memory Box flower w/Staz On ink on watercolor paper. I colored it with watercolor crayons. Last, I stamped "Enjoy your Day" w/ Versafine ink. To finish the card I edged the watercolor paper with a Copic marker and wrapped the watercolor paper with a matching ribbon. Attach it all to a Memory Box cardstock.

The ATC was made by stamping the same flower as above on to decorative paper and coloring it w/ Copic markers. I used a similar ribbon and a pink ink to keep with the theme. I added a rhinestone to pop it up a bit.

Enjoy - Chrisi

p.s. ATC's are Artist Trading Cards and measure 2 1/2 by 3 1/2 inches, each are original and they are swapped (not sold) between artists.

Birthday Martini

Hello,

This card turned out really cool with the colors of the background papers. The decorative papers are from Memory Box. I've been using all of the new ones that have come out lately. They really pull a card together.

The Cupcake Martini stamp is from Impression Obsession.

Hope you like it - enjoy,

Chrisi

Sprinklin Luv!

Hello,

Recently I've been working with stamps that are not my normal style (whatever that may be) and have enjoyed the challenge. I'll be posting more as time goes by.

This card is made with Great Impressions stamps. I colored the images with Copic markers and highlighted some areas with Spica pens for some sparkle (which may not have scanned well).

I used decorative papers and a ribbon to pull the card together and Memory Box card as a base. I love these cards because they come in all colors and offer white on the inside for your message. Try 'em out!

Enjoy, Chrisi

It's Valentines Time!

Hello, I'm posting one of the Valentine cards I've made this weekend. This is mostly Memory Box. The decorative papers are in a new set that Dave has recently created and both bees are from 2008.

I colored the bees with a gold Spica pen to make their wings sparkly.

The "mine mine mine" stamp is from a Club Scrap kit a while back.

Enjoy - Chrisi

Vive la Frace!

Bonjour,

February 1st if my friend Marie's birthday and she adores Paris. I made her this birthday card and a couple of bookmarks all with a French theme.

The card was made with Stampin' Up stamps and some wonderful new Memory Box decorative papers. Dave's papers are truly the best thing EVER to pull a card together.

The bookmark is made from supplies in one of my Paula's Kit Club kits. These are beautiful kits and are always filled with fantastic papers and themes. This is the front and back of the bookmarks.

Enjoy - Chrisi

Yes, it's Elvis again ...

Hello - a quick new card I've made as a thank you - yes it's Elvis again. Sorry about that - but I kinda have a mission to see how many different cards I can make with this stamp - and you may have to suffer though them all.

But I promise to post a new, non Elvis, card at least during the weekend.

Thanks for looking - Chrisi