Tacky Traditions

A Christmas Suprise (shhhhh)

2011-12-24T22:43:00.000-05:00

Hello,

It's been too long! It's a 2012 goal to post more.

This is a Christmas surprise for my sister (shh don't tell her - she'll get it tomorrow).

It's a wreath made of Crayola Crayons. It took about 110 crayons and they are glued to a pressboard wreath form. The ribbon is glued to the front and I haven't figured out what type of hanger to put on the back. It is heavier than I thought it would be.

I hope you (and my sister) like it!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

- Chrisi

Making gorgeous papers!

2011-10-16T20:37:00.004-04:00

Hello,

I had a class yesterday at Angela's Happy Stamper with a guest artist Zana - we made the most beautiful papers and our final projects came out so pretty!

Enjoy! (sorry I can't figure out how to turn this pix around). Thanks - Chrisi

A strange wedding card ....

2011-07-25T21:42:00.004-04:00

Hello,

I was asked to make a wedding card for a couple that enjoy gambling together so I got to thinking - BOMBSHELL Stamps! Ok perhaps an unusual card for a wedding, but I think it turned out pretty cool.

The paper is from Paula's Kit Club (rip), the sentiment is from Club Stamp and the stamps are from Bombshell Stamps. I added a little sparkly Stickles to the diamonds to make it bling.

Since I'm still home recovering this week I hope to have more posts soon. Enjoy - Chrisi

Expect Great Things!

2011-06-29T22:56:00.003-04:00

Hello,

What a great idea - EXPECT GREAT THINGS! I do believe if you think more forward and less backward it'll be real.

So lets try that for a while.

This card is a going away card for someone leaving the office where I work. It built itself more than it was designed.

Enjoy, Chrisi

You Rock!

2011-06-22T09:16:00.003-04:00

Hello,

I made this card for a woman at work that is moving on to a new job! In her off time she teaches singing and stage techniques to kids in a "School of Rock". How cool is that?

I wanted to wish her well in her in her own language OF ROCK and bling!

enjoy - Chrisi

Miss me?

2011-05-30T11:43:00.004-04:00

Hello again,

I have been uninspired these days so I learned how to knit. I haven't made a lot of cards lately .... but these two came out of me this week.

Hopefully I'm getting back in the swing.

Enjoy - Chrisi

Shag Scarf

2011-01-16T00:05:00.002-05:00

Hello,

I found this dude on YouTube and he's a loom knitting guru it seems ... he's got good patterns. I'm learning this one tonight:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-a9qclrQvw&NR=1&feature=fvwp

Enjoy,

Chrisi

It's a hat!

2011-01-10T10:17:00.002-05:00

Hello,

Yes - it is a hat. I knitted this in less than 2 hours on the Knifty Knitter and had a great time doing it.

I used "6 Extra Bulky" acrylic yarn and it made the hat quite thick and you can't see between the stitches like you can using worsted weight.

Hope you like it - enjoy,

-- Chrisi

2011 Happy New Year

2011-01-02T21:14:00.006-05:00

Yes, I'm back. Trying to be a better blog poster.

Lately, I've been learning to use a KNIFTY KNITTER. It's a loom knitter. I've made a lot of hats.

So today I learned to make flowers - they are kinda cute. Now on to pom-poms, tassles and more hats!

I will try to share more in 2011! Hope you'll want to see more too.

Enjoy - Chrisi

Tater Card!

2010-10-06T17:00:00.003-04:00

Hello,

This card was made for my neighbor who just had their baby girl 2 weeks ago. I made this for the pupster, Tate, to give to his new sister!

Tate is a big dog trapped in a Chihuahua body (aren't they all tho?).

Enjoy - Chrisi

Long time no post ...

2010-10-02T19:44:00.005-04:00

Hello, it's been so long and I'm sorry.

Today I went to two craft shows - The Crafty Bastards in Adams Morgan (DC) which has a lot of "alternative" crafters...LOVE IT!

This pix shows a sample of a guy who spins his own yarn - they were all so beautiful!

The other craft show I went to was Arts on the Avenue in Del Ray - Alexandria. Too many jewelry people - but still really fun. Saw this tee shirt and cracked up -

Such a beautiful day to be outside in DC!

Enjoy - Chrisi

There's a new Baby coming to town!

2010-08-19T22:57:00.004-04:00

Hello, my neighors, Ann and Jeff, are having a baby. With money being rather tight for me these days I made her a batch of baby themed thank you cards.

I used the pink and swirls from her shower invitation as an inspiration and went with it from there!

The stamps are A-Muse -- Enjoy - Chrisi

Hi There! Remember me?

2010-08-13T19:15:00.003-04:00

So it's been too long since I've posted - sorry about that and I'm happy anyone is looking!

This was a simple card - three sizes of punches and a variety of matching papers. Mat it with a coordinating color behind the white, add a sentiment and TaDa!

I enjoyed making this card and hope you like it!

Enjoy - Chrisi

Butterflies -

2010-05-11T18:09:00.002-04:00

Hello,

This is a group of cards I made from a new Stampin Up set. I made them for a Swap-Bot swap themed, aptly, Butterflies!

It was an ATC swap but I made the matching card to mail with them. One was going to Australia!

Enjoy - Chrisi

"Butt"erfly - Keanu Reeves ATC Swap

2010-05-03T22:37:00.004-04:00

Hello,

This ATC (artist trading card) was made for a swap I found on Swap-Bot. It is one in series of Actor swaps - Keanu Reeves was the focus of this one.

I didn't want to do a rehash or his movies - because, really ... I appreciate him for some of his other gifts. He is just gorgeous! This has long been one of my fave photographs of Keanu so I thought this would be a perfect place to use it.

I used my Stampin Up butterfly (which folds down for a more modest look, but really? Why.....) punch and letters from the Paula's Kit Club - Green Kit. Add some bling and it was good to go!

Enjoy - Chrisi

Become Young!

2010-04-20T23:02:00.003-04:00

Hello,

I made three of these cards as Thank You cards and thought they turned out so cute. A little distressed and little cute.

I'm practicing adding bling and depth to my cards these days - hope that's working out.

Enjoy - Chrisi

Another ATC Swap ....

2010-04-14T22:20:00.004-04:00

Hey, I did another Swap-Bot swap and this one was Actor themed - specifically HUGH GRANT. I couldn't resist the sarcasm aspect ..... so here it is! Sure hope the recipient (a) gets it and (b) appreciates the effort. Enjoy - Chrisi

Swap-Bot - my first swap!

2010-04-09T09:24:00.003-04:00

Hello,

I've found a new site for swapping all kinds of stuff. It's Swap-Bot.com - I'm using it for swapping cards, ATC (artist trading cards) and other paper crafts but they offer all kinds of swaps - check 'em out!

This ATC swap was called "Laying around the House" - and had to be made of stuff you already had and stuff that isn't usually used for crafting. I made the ATC from one of those cardboard things you get around your Starbucks Coffee so you don't burn your hand. I punched a few things out and distressed them and stamped on the background. The holder is made from a coffee filter and I gave it a card front from some scraps I had leftover from another project.

Hope you enjoy - thanks - Chrisi

Spring Birthday!

2010-03-23T23:23:00.003-04:00

Hello,

I have a few Spring birthdays to make cards for this year - this one was simple but turned out quite pretty I thought.

The stamp is a Dee Gruenig stamp and the paper is made by Basic Grey, the cardstock is Memory Box.

Enjoy - Chrisi

Something New - Homemade Sugar Scrub

2010-03-20T11:27:00.005-04:00

Hello,

I got in the mood to make something different. I'm so allergic to everything and I wanted smoother post-winter skin so I decided to make homemade sugar scrub.

Then of course, I had to decorate and make a pretty container to put it in - this batch is a test in a 3 oz bottle that I am taking to my official tester, Laura Fulcher. One is made of white sugar and baby oil and the other is raw sugar and olive oil.

I'll keep you posted on the results. Enjoy, Chrisi

2010-03-17T21:21:00.002-04:00

Hello,

This card is another one from the VSN on Splitcoast Stampers - the challenge was to use three different ribbons on the card.

I think it turned out pretty great. Easiest card EVER - paper is pre-printed (cut to show specifica parts of the paper) and the ribbons were added! I love the mix of patterns and color combos.

Enjoy - Chrisi

White on White!

2010-03-04T19:27:00.003-05:00

Hello,

This card is one of the challenges from the latest Splitcoast Stampers from last week's Virtual Stamp Night. The Art Tarts all got together created many of the challenges - I'll be posting a few for ya'll.

This card challenge was a white-on-white challenge and I used Cuttlebug embossing folders to do all the embossing. I added a prima flower and brad to one of the butterflies and wrapped the background with white ribbon. It scanned much better than I thought .....

Here is the link to the gallery of other cards from this challenge.

Enjoy - Chrisi

Gettin' Scrappy!

2010-02-27T23:32:00.004-05:00

Hello,

The Art Tarts met this week for Virtual Stamp Night hosted SplitCoast Stampers.

When we meet we have a themed swap and this month was to use scraps.

I glued down a bunch of 1/2 inch strips onto a piece of paper then used die to cut out the shape. I also swiss dot embossed the background mat.

Hope you enjoy! -- Chrisi

Moxie Fab World - Sassy Challenge

2010-02-15T23:31:00.006-05:00

Hello,

I'm posting two cards tonight that I am entering in an on-line challenge at Moxie Fab World - it's their "Let's get Sassy" challenge. Check out all the great entries. I was inspired at 11:00 p.m. for the midnight deadline!

Yikes! How'd I do? Enjoy - Chrisi

p.s. I should mention the pix in the first card came from a pack of FANTASTIC photo's I found at a flea market - I call them my "Yard Sale Family".

A Valentines Fan!

2010-02-13T12:01:00.003-05:00

Hello, Yet another Valentine's Day card I made during the major snow of 2010!

But I do ponder why my friends in Reston (18 miles away) got their cards already and my sister who lives one mile away hasn't gotten hers yet ....

Anyway, this understated card was made from a collage sheet from Paula's Kit Club (again) - they are SO very pretty.

Enjoy, Chrisi

Another Valentine

2010-02-10T23:21:00.005-05:00

Hello,

Today's valentine was made with fixin's from a few kits from Paula's Kit Club by Paula Montgomery. I just love pulling out my kits and building beautiful cards.

I'll post some others later - enjoy,

-- Chrisi

Valentines Day - Snow Hobbies

2010-02-08T21:51:00.002-05:00

Hello,

I'm promising to update more frequently ... I'll try my best!

So begin my commitment with a Valentines Day card. It was easy - even made with some scraps!

Since I'm practically snowed in and there is more to come - I figure I'll make more Valentines and my friends will get them whenever I see the mailman again!

Enjoy - Chrisi

Merry Christmas to all.....

2009-12-23T20:36:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-11-28T22:05:00.003-05:00

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!

2009-11-11T10:08:00.004-05:00

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!

2009-10-31T09:26:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-10-30T10:12:00.003-04:00

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!

2009-10-23T21:56:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-10-12T17:17:00.002-04:00

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 -

2009-09-26T21:22:00.002-04:00

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

2009-09-13T19:12:00.003-04:00

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

2009-09-03T22:18:00.003-04:00

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

2009-08-27T21:25:00.005-04:00

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!

2009-08-22T10:16:00.003-04:00

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

2009-07-31T22:41:00.002-04:00

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 ....

2009-07-10T18:49:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-07-05T17:07:00.003-04:00

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

2009-07-03T22:49:00.002-04:00

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

2009-06-26T11:32:00.006-04:00

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!

2009-06-18T21:25:00.003-04:00

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!

2009-06-14T01:12:00.003-04:00

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!

2009-06-08T22:09:00.003-04:00

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!

2009-06-04T15:36:00.004-04:00

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

2009-05-26T16:53:00.003-04:00

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!

2009-05-22T16:03:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-05-07T22:40:00.005-04:00

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!

2009-04-30T19:43:00.007-04:00

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!

2009-04-21T09:58:00.003-04:00

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!

2009-04-15T09:54:00.003-04:00

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!

2009-04-13T12:15:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-04-04T22:06:00.004-04:00

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

2009-03-29T00:22:00.003-04:00

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!

2009-03-19T23:47:00.003-04:00

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!

2009-03-11T17:57:00.005-04:00

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!

2009-03-10T12:54:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-03-05T11:18:00.003-05:00

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

2009-03-02T22:29:00.003-05:00

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 ....

2009-02-24T17:15:00.002-05:00

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

2009-02-19T21:26:00.004-05:00

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

2009-02-16T10:01:00.003-05:00

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!

2009-02-11T10:01:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-02-08T01:26:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-01-31T21:39:00.009-05:00

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 ...

2009-01-28T21:50:00.001-05:00

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

Thanks So Much!!

2009-01-21T20:28:00.002-05:00

Hello,

Just a quick post with a thank you card I've made. The polka dot card is really a lot more lime looking in real life. The snowman is watercolors on watercolor paper.

Enjoy - Chrisi

A New Day for Washington & The U.S.

2009-01-20T17:09:00.003-05:00

Happy Inauguration day to all!

I took this picture at the We Are One concert on Sunday afternoon in Washington, DC. It was amazing to see the crowds, Bon Jovi sing with Bettye Lavette, actually see (ok hear) U2 live - WOW!

I took these pix from the jumbo tron - but I think that counts!

The last picture is one of the gathering crowd from where I stood looking toward the Lincoln Memorial.

One of my biggest hopes of this new era is that people realize they must be as active throughout the administration as were during the voting and as they are this week.

Enjoy - Chrisi

New Hero Arts Sets!

2009-01-16T23:55:00.002-05:00

Hello all,

I've gotten two new sets of Hero Arts stamps this week. This is one of the cards I've made with the new stamps and the newest set of Basic Grey papers that are out for Valentines Day.

Lately I've been stumped artistically - hopefully these bright colors and flowers are helping the flow.

Enjoy - Chrisi

This is James Hunter!

2009-01-15T00:34:00.002-05:00

Hello,

I enjoyed two bands at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA, on Tuesday night.

The opener was Ryan Shaw - he's a hot, young R&B singer with an amazing voice and great stage personality.

The headliner was The James Hunter Band. James sounds like Sam Cooke when he sings and sounds like the chimney sweep from Mary Poppins when he talks. His band is tight and the music is wonderful. Check out his site for a listen at www.jameshunter.com

Enjoy - Chrisi

Birthday Gift Certificate Holder

2009-01-13T15:38:00.002-05:00

I had a birthday gift for a friend but it didn't arrive on time - so I made a holder for the announcement of the gift.

I used a Club Scrap sparkly paper for the base and added patterened paper for the decoration. I guessed at the folds - and it worked great to house the 8 1/2 x 11 paper that was on the inside.

I added square punched layers for the accent and cut a slot just below the bottom scallops so it could close.

Enjoy - Chrisi

Elvis Warning!

2009-01-09T21:28:00.003-05:00

Hello, I made this card with a new Elvis stamp I got for Christmas. I think it turned out pretty snappy.

The stamp is from Cornish Hertitage Farms. They have a lot of realistic Elvis stamps in their collection.

TCB Baby and I hope you enjoy it - Chrisi

Happy Birthday Laura (and Elvis)!

2009-01-08T00:00:00.002-05:00

Today is Laura's birthday! [insert singing here]

Please visit her blog, http://stampart.blogspot.com/, and wish her a happy birthday.

She's a great crafter, card maker and most of all a fabulous friend. She loves my dog, is really funny and shares my obsession for figuring out the subtle references within Oceans 13. She'll teach me stuff even if I don't make her dinner - but I have to eat so what the heck.

So - to Laura I wish much happiness and loads of new creative things in her future.

Of course, I can't forget it's also the King's birthday. If you want to see the Elvis birthday festivities go to http://winter.elvis.com/livecam/ for the live Graceland cam (you gotta love that!)

- Chrisi

2009-01-07T22:07:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone, this is a card I made for a Splitcoast VSN (virtual stamp night). I love the background of maryjane shoes - but then again - there is no bad shoe (or shoe stamp).

Also, it's an ode to my Ladies Night Out friends - and a commitment, dare I say resolution, to seeing them more in 2009!

New cards to be posted soon - I promise.

Enjoy - Chrisi

A holiday trip ....

2009-01-05T00:08:00.003-05:00

This is the historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. This stop was part of a holiday trip I took with my sister. This house is amazing in general, but at Christmas - WOW. Check out more at http://www.biltmore.com/

The best part wasn't the tourist stuff - it was seeing old pictures at grandma's house, traveling with friends and family and catching up with a dear friend of mine that has moved there.

I'm finally seeing Asheville with adult eyes and it's great! I recommend both the regular parts of A'ville as well as the touristy stuff.

More soon - Chrisi

Happy 2009!

2009-01-01T18:23:00.001-05:00

Hello All,

Happy New Year to everyone - may 2009 bring happiness, fun, new ideas, fresh starts and a new job for Chrisi.

Soon I'll be sharing some of my holiday pix with you all-I visited Asheville, NC and saw the Biltmore Estate so I'll have pix from that.

More soon - Chrisi

Good for Chrisi & Good for the Environment!

2008-12-26T00:31:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

I wanted to share one of the coolest gifts .... it's a machine that makes tap water selzer or soda pop. You use their bottles, a Co2 cartridge and it makes delicious fizzy drinks.

This will save me money and help me save a little of the environment .... no more bottles or cans to recycle or throw away. It also compliments one of my 2009 goals to try harder to conserve, re-use and think more about how I use things. You can find out more about it at www.sodaclub.com - I've made three bottles today alone and they are taste great and it's a blast to make!

I hope your holidays are safe and wonderful.

Smilin' Snowman!

2008-12-13T00:31:00.003-05:00

Hello, sorry for the delay in posts .... my computer needed medical attention and is much better now!

So let's try to get spirited with a snowman or two! I'm working on my holiday cards right now .....

Enjoy -- Chrisi

Thank you!

2008-11-30T13:12:00.002-05:00

Hello,

I'm back from a lovely Thanksgiving holiday with dear friends. We shared the shores of North Carolina and the beach is just beautiful.

I can't thank them enough for sharing their holiday with me and Jake. Their invitation each year is generous and great fun.

So I am back home and now thinking up great ideas for my Christmas cards.

Enjoy - Chrisi

Elves are funny!

2008-11-16T15:35:00.005-05:00

Hello all,

I spent Saturday with crafty friends creating stuff. We participated in yet another VSN (virtual stamp night). This time we decided to do it in our own schedule - instead of being up all night. I did a few of the challenges then made a lot of holiday cards. Others did more of the challenges.

This is one that I made for a "Chorus Line" challenge - this elf is a single stamp - but I like him duplicated and then I color him with copic markers.

I hope you like this one! Enjoy,

Chrisi

A new beginning ...

2008-11-01T10:58:00.003-04:00

This is my precious pup -- Byrdie. Sadly, she passed away early Friday morning from heart disease complications. She was comfortable and pain free - and that is a wonderful thing.

Now she is celebrating her new life with Mom & Dad, eating all the carrots she wants and chasing bunnies in heaven.

I have wonderful memories and stories.

Now Jake and I are making some new ones with just the two of us. He's already learning to be lead dog around the house - I'm sure I'll keep you posted with Jake shenanigans as time goes on. In the meantime, please remember Byrdie's love of life and how grateful I am that she picked me.

- Chrisi

One in a Million!

2008-10-25T18:34:00.000-04:00

I like this card because it's plain, easy and turned out kinda cool. I hope you like it.

- Chrisi

Long Cards

2008-10-17T19:21:00.002-04:00

I made this card for a swap. I love that it's a completely different size than those I usually work with - and it turned out pretty great.

The swap guidelines were to use pink, yellow and red in the card.

Enjoy - Chrisi

World Card Making Day/Weekend!

2008-10-04T22:23:00.003-04:00

This is World Card Making weekend! Lost of paper people are celebrating. Of course we stampers celebrate all the time don't we?

This card is made with Memory Box bird and phrase. I added the flourish but can't remember the company.

I hope you celebrate by making and/or sending a card to someone.

Enjoy other World Card Making events through this link:

http://www.worldcardmakingday.com/

Thanks for visiting. - Chrisi

Pretty Pups!

2008-09-23T22:53:00.002-04:00

This card is made with an A-Muse stamp. I made inchies with the stamp and colored it with Copic markers. Added a little bling and a ribbon and ta-da!

Enjoy, Chrisi

Fancy!

2008-09-11T22:48:00.002-04:00

Hey there, here's another card I made for the virtual stamp night a few weeks ago. The theme was "fancy" - and got extra points if we used anything French.

This is what I came up with. I love this set of stamps from Stampin Up and the paper is from Memory Box.

Enjoy - Chrisi

Flockin' Fun!

2008-09-01T21:37:00.002-04:00

This is another card I created during the VSN on Splitcoast Stampers. The challenge was to use felt or flocking - I used flocking. The stamp is from Club Stamp (www.clubscrap.com).

I hope you enjoy - Chrisi

2008-08-26T22:23:00.001-04:00

This is one of my VSN (virtual stamp night) creations. The challenge was to use twine. This card is made with Memory Box paper and stamps.

Enjoy - Chrisi

Coming soon .....

2008-08-24T13:57:00.002-04:00

I spent Friday night and Saturday with great friends crafting for Splitcoast Stampers VSN (Virtual Stamp Night). 15 challenges - 45 minutes per challenge. I haven't finished them all, I'm working on some of hte missed ones today.

I'll be posting some of them soon. Thanks for looking!

- Chrisi

Tea for Two!

2008-08-17T22:02:00.002-04:00

Hello,

I made this for the Hero Arts weekly challenge. It was a sketch challenge - and you can see all the fantastic creations at this link: http://www.flickr.com/groups/heroarts/.

Friends and I are preparing for the Splitcoast Stampers "Virtual Stamp Night" (VSN) that begins on Friday. 18 hours and 18 challenges - it's always fun!

More soon - enjoy. Chrisi

A watercolor challenge!

2008-08-10T10:28:00.002-04:00

Howdy! This card was inspired by a challenge my friend and pretty great artist, Laura, created for Splitcoast Stampers. The theme was watercolor.

This stamp set is made by My Favorite Things and I colored the image with Copic Markers. The background that is speckled is the watercolor part - spray watercolors.

Enjoy - Chrisi

City View

2008-07-27T22:39:00.002-04:00

Hello,

I don't always love my creations. I love that I create - just sometimes it doesn't all come together. This one came together.

This is a new A-Muse Cityscape stamp. I stamped it in Memento black, outlined it with Copic markers, cut it out and mounted it at varying heights with foam tape.

I hope you like it. Enjoy - Chrisi

p.s. hi zen if you' re lookin'

Cowboy Up Penguin!

2008-07-21T19:18:00.002-04:00

Another new penguin stamp from Memory Box. Love it!

Hope you do too. Enjoy!

- Chrisi

Glad Grad!

2008-07-13T22:51:00.002-04:00

This is a card I put together for a friend's daugher who graduated from high school a couple of weeks ago.

I took a Cuttlebug embossed background and highlighted some key words in black (challenging so I had to practice beforehand a bit). I used a Cricut cap and diploma in a few colors as accents.

I think it turned out really great - do you?

Enjoy - Chrisi

Goin' to the Dogs!

2008-07-02T22:46:00.001-04:00

This is a good phrase to live by! Happy July 4th to all!

Enjoy - Chrisi

A little birdie told me - Memory Box is great!

2008-06-22T22:59:00.002-04:00

I love this card. It's a take off of a sample from Memory Box and I just love all the stamps - and the Memory Box cards are just wonderful!

Check them out at http://www.memoryboxco.com/ or check out Dave's blog at http://davebrethauer.typepad.com/

Enjoy - Chrisi

Special Day Card!

2008-06-15T17:38:00.002-04:00

I made this card with a Stampin Up set. I was trying to not use traditional birthday colors - and I think it worked. What do you think?

Enjoy - Chrisi