CSS's Simple Cuts & WCMD!

Hello there!  Hope you are having a great Saturday!  In celebration of World Card Making Day, Clear & Simple Stamps has just released some new dies that coordinate with some popular older sets.  Today I'm sharing a card I made using the newly released dies for A Guy Thing.

First, I took the blue panel, a ruler, and pencil and marked where I wanted the ties.  The panel is 4" so I made a mark at 1", 2", and 3".  That's how I was able to line up the tie die up so perfectly.  When you need to use a die in an exact place, I always use masking tape to hold the die right where I need it as it goes through my Cuttlebug.  

Now for the fun part!  I had so much fun with these ties.  I used a "kissing" technique for the designs on the ties.  If you are not familiar with this technique, I'll try to explain.  First, start off with a solid image stamp like the solid tie from A Guy Thing.  Next, pull out some stamps that have fun patterns on them, in this case I chose some designs you might actually find on a tie.  What you do is ink up your solid image stamp (tie), then press it against the patterned stamp (kiss them together!), this will cause the ink to be removed from the solid stamp, leaving the patterned design on the solid stamp.  Then stamp on your project.   

I hope you were able to follow that!

Check out the Clear & Simple Stamps Blog to check out the other dies that are being released and links to projects from the other design team members.  

Be sure to stay tuned next week for the official Collection 5 release kicking off October 10th!!!

Have a great day!

{Happy Birthday}

Stamps: A Guy Thing, Trendy Tags 2, Designer Lines (Clear & Simple Stamps)

Card Stock: Trendsetter Blue, Kraft Like a Rockstar, Your Style Blue Me Away (CSS)

Ink: Your Style Blue Me Away (CSS), White

Dies: A Guy Thing (CSS) 

Accessories: Corner Rounder Punch, Foam Dots

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A {Nuts About You} Ensemble...

I have lots of photos today!  I created this Father's Day ensemble using two ideas.  First, the main inspiration came from this project I saw on Pinterest.  For some reason you can't get to the actual post, so I just used that photo as inspiration. The inspiration for the cards came from this set created by my friend Simone Pursiful.  I originally came across her cards when I was searching for ideas for using A Guy Thing stamp set since that includes a Happy Father's Day stamp.  

So, all these gifts aren't for one person, they are for three.  The BIG jug of peanuts and one of the cards is for my hubby (from the kids) and will accompany another gift.  The other two cards and small bags of peanuts are for my Dad and my Father-In-Law, which will also go with another larger gift.  

Here's a closer look at the jug.  It was originally filled with pretzels.  I created a band around the middle using one piece of card stock cut down the middle.  I designed the oval panel on my Silhouette.  I adhered a piece of cork behind the letters.  The peanut is an image from the Silhouette store.  It comes in two pieces so you can layer them for a more realistic look.  

Here's a pic of Halle with the jug-o-nuts so you can get an idea of how big it is.  Unfortunately this will only last about two weeks in our house.  

Here's a look at the card up close up of the card.  The peanut is popped up on foam dots.  I totally forgot to snap a picture of the inside of the card, it just stamped "Happy Father's Day"

And if that wasn't enough, I have a card featured today on the Clear & Simple Stamps App!  Here's a sneak peek:

Have a great weekend!

{Nuts About You}

Stamps: A Guy Thing (Clear & Simple Stamps)

Card Stock: Brown Leather Satchel, Glamazon Green, Kraft Like a Rockstar, A Blanc Check (CSS)

Ink: Perfect Little Black Dress (CSS)

Dies:  Tag Dies (CSS)

Accessories: Cork, Silhouette Personal Cutter, Fine Tip Black Pen & Ruler, Foam Dots, Sheer Ribbon, Peanuts, Clear Bags, Jug 

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A {Happy St. Patty's Day} Card...

Wow, I didn't think it would take so long to make this simple card.  I've been playing in Silhouette Studio all morning trying to figure out how to make this card.  I couldn't figure out how to connect the shamrocks to the card so it wouldn't cut out separately, make sense?  Anyway, it was really easy once I figured it out.    I just need to use my Silhouette more often so I'm not rusty when I do use it.

The sentiment "st. patty's day" comes from the CSS set Lucky Charm.  The "Happy" that comes with that set was written in a really fine/skinny font and I just knew it wouldn't show up with white ink.  I choose another "happy" from the CSS set A Guy Thing and it also kept with the whole lowercase thing.

So this is one of my favorite color combos.  CSS's Glamazon Green is my absolute favorite color and I think it looks so good paired with Green With Envy, and so appropriate for St. Patrick's Day.

Exercise Update: I finished the Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred!!! I finished on March 13th, I worked out 30 days in a row!  Most days I also did the elliptical for a half hour afterwards.  I didn't lose any weight, which was both disappointing and frustrating, but I did go down a pants size and my shirts fit better.  I wish I would have taken my measurements before I started because I know I lost inches.  For once I finally feel that my core is strong and my sides are not flabby.  I'm also a lot more confident in what my body can do.  Those workouts are HARD, but if you stick with it, your body will respond and you'll be able to keep up.  Level 3 is where you see the best results.  That's when my pants were so baggy that I needed to buy a new pair.  That's a nice problem to have.  Here's a link to the video if any of you are interested: DVD and Instant Download.  You do each level for 10 days, even if you don't think you're ready to move up.  Each workout is about 22 minutes.


Have a great day!

{Happy St. Patty's Day}

Stamps: Lucky Charm, A Guy Thing (Clear & Simple Stamps)

Card Stock: Glamazon Green, Green With Envy (CSS)

Ink: Vintage Cream (PTI)

Accessories: Silhouette, Clover Ribbon/Border (Silhouette Image), Foam Dots 

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A {Happy Birthday to You} Card & A Blog Award...

Hey guys!  I hope I'm not the only one dragging today.  We had a really busy weekend.  We went to my son's baseball game Friday night, went to the Red's game Saturday, went camping in the middle of nowhere Sunday and Monday, came home and went to a 4th of July party.  Needless to say, my card for today is ultra simple because that was all the energy I could muster.  


Last week I hauled all of my boxes of cards upstairs and separated them into categories.  This way I know if I'm deficient in a certain area.  It seems that I use birthday cards the most and I need to stock up.  So, today I have a birthday card to share.  All you need to make this card is some card stock and a corner rounder punch.

I popped my panels up on foam dimensionals for a little added interest.  I stared at this card for a long time thinking it needed something, but I couldn't figure out what to do.  I wanted this card to be masculine and every idea I had used rhinestones or ribbon.  In the end I decided to keep it plain, it's more graphic that way.


Over the weekend Kelly from Finding Time to Stamp gave me an Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award.  Thank you Kelly!  That really made my weekend!!!

These are the rules about this award:

1) Send a thank you to the person who nominated you and include their link.
2) To accept this award, answer 7 random facts about yourself.
3) Pass the award on to at least 8 other awesome blog buddies 

Here are 7 random facts about me:
1. I just learned how to crochet and just completed my first project, can't wait to start my next one.  I'll share it with you here soon.
2. I despise the word AIN'T.
3. Today I finished a 28 day Plant Based Diet Challenge.  The diet has a lot of similarities to to a vegan diet.  Speaking of diet, it's more of a lifestyle change and not a diet diet.  I've tried so many new foods and recipes.  I have NO cravings (which is totally bizarre because I'm always craving something sweet or salty), my energy doesn't dip in the afternoon, I'm rarely hungry, and I've lost five pounds.  
4. My running has been sporadic.  Since the kids have been out of school it's hard to find time and when I finally get time to myself, the last thing I want to do is run. 
5. My husband and I are celebrating our 9 year anniversary tomorrow.
6. One of my card making goals is to have a card on the cover of a magazine.
7. I hate camping.  

Here are the bloggers I'm passing this award on to:
1. Who is Tracy? 
2. My Paper Secret
3. Basement Stamper
4. Damask Love
5. DoubleStick Heaven
6. Show & Tell
7. Simplicity
8. Stamps & Taxes


Have a great day!

{Happy Birthday to You}

Stamps: A Guy Thing (Clear & Simple Stamps)

Card Stock: A Blanc Check, Glamazon Green, Green with Envy, Simply Blue-tiful, Your Style Blue Me Away (CSS)

Ink: Perfect Little Black Dress (CSS)

Accessories: Corner Rounder Punch, Foam Dimensionals

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A Baby {Congrats} Card...

Hi-ya friends!  I'm so happy it's Friday, I'm sure you are too.  I have a quick and easy baby card for you today. I think this one looks a little more boy-ish than girl-ish, but you can be the judge.


I was wanting to play with my copics today and was looking through my stamps to see what I had that could be colored in.  Well, I don't think I've ever used this little lion stamp so that was perfect.  I used three shades of yellow to color him in.  

This card is pretty self explanatory so no need for any long-winded explanation from me.  As always, if you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comments.  I love comments!

Have a great weekend!

{Congrats}

Stamps: Precious Baby Boy (Hero Arts), A Guy Thing (Clear & Simple Stamps)

Card Stock: Creamsicle Cardigan, On the Catwalk Cream (CSS)

Patterned Paper: Gertie (My Mind's Eye)

Ink: Perfect Little Black Dress, Simply Blue-tiful (CSS)

Accessories: Orange Floss, Corner Rounder Punch, Foam Dimensionals, Copic Trio of Markers (Y32, Y35, Y38)

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A {Happy Father's Day} Card...

Hello!  It's never too early to make Father's Day cards.  It'll be here before you know it.  I've been doing a lot of design work lately and it was really nice to make a card just because.  


I make quilted cards a lot but what's different about this one is that once all the squares were in place, I embossed it with an embossing folder.  The embossing shows up a lot better on some of the papers than others.  

I found this button in my stash.  I love that it has a woodgrain look, perfect for a masculine card.  

I appreciate your visit today.  See you tomorrow!

{Happy Father's Day}

Stamps: A Guy Thing (Clear & Simple Stamps)

Card Stock: Kraft Like a Rockstar, Your Style Blue Me Away (CSS)

Patterned Paper: Hattie (My Mind's Eye)

Ink: Your Style Blue Me Away, Creamsicle Cardigan (CSS)

Accessories: Circle Punch, Button, Sheer Navy Ribbon (Offray), Birds & Swirls Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug), Edge Distresser, Glue Dots, Foam Dimensionals, Stamping Sponge

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A {Congrats Fella} Card...

Happy Monday!  I hope you're all having a great day.  It's a pretty normal day here, and I love that.  I'm such a creature of routine and habit.  I'm also a big planner.  I like to know what's going to happen and when so I can plan.  I love when things are going as planned.

Anyway, I'm happy to be able to share this card with you today.  It uses the new stamp set from Clear & Simple Stamps for May called A Guy Thing.  I just love those shoes!  What are those called?  Chuck Taylor's???  I thought that the plaid paper was just perfect for the shoes.  I stamped the shoe image on the plaid paper, cut them out and  then paper pieced the white soles by stamped the image again on white paper.  

This is such a CAS card.  It's perfect for a guy.  If I would have added anything else it would be too fussy for a guy.  It's hard to see in this photo, but the white paper in the background of the card has a distressed look to it.  It kind of look solid white in the photo.  I think I'm gonna use this as a graduation card.  You can't have too many of those this time of year.

Thanks so much for coming by for a visit with me today.  Hope you are having a happy day!!!

{Congrats Fella}

Stamps: A Guy Thing (Clear & Simple Stamps)

Card Stock: Kraft Like a Rockstar, A Blanc Check (CSS)

Patterned Paper: Marjolaine (Basic Grey)

Ink: Perfect Little Black Dress (CSS)

Accessories: Little Black Dress Brads (CSS), Corner Rounder Punch, Foam Dimensionals

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A Masculine {Happy Birthday} Card...

I will be totally honest with you guys.  I loved making this card, and then when it was finished, it just looks BORING.  Nothing exciting going on here.  I still thought I would share it in case someone thinks it's no boring and wants to make one just like it.  You never know!

I used black enamel accents where all the lines intersected.  It did look really cool at first, but then they flattened out.  I'm not sure if maybe I sat something on top of it before it was completely dry or what.  

I made this card with my Dad in mind.  That's why I used the screw brad.  Even though I'm not thrilled with this card, I still think my Dad would like it.  


Thanks so much for spending a little bit of your day with me.  Have a great day!

{Happy Birthday}

Stamps: A Guy Thing (Clear & Simple Stamps)

Card Stock: Kraft Like a Rockstar, Your Such a Gray-cious Host (CSS)

Patterned Paper: Hattie (My Mind's Eye)

Ink: Perfect Little Black Dress (CSS)

Accessories: Black Enamel Accents (Ranger), Screw Brads (Michaels)

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Clear & Simple Stamps: Group Project

Welcome to this month's Clear & Simple Stamps group challenge!!!  This month the challenge was to create a card/ project using Kraft Like a Rockstar card stock.  Pretty much every single card I make uses kraft, so the only hard time I had was picking which card to post today.  

I love when manly men wear floral ties.  I just absolutely love it.  None of my ties are paper pieced with floral paper, but I love the floral background .  

This card still looks masculine even though it has a floral element.  Plus, I think the silver brads and distressed edges add a masculine feel.  

With the sentiment "hey fella" you can practically use this card for any occasion for any guy.  Love that!

Make sure you check out all the other group project participants by visiting the Clear & Simple Stamps Blog. I promise you will not be disappointed!  

Have a krafty day!

{Hey Fella}

Stamps: A Guy Thing (Clear & Simple Stamps)

Card Stock: Kraft Like a Rockstar, Your Style Blue Me Away (CSS)

Patterned Paper: Marjolaine (Basic Grey)

Ink: Your Style Blue Me Away (CSS)

Accessories: Corner Rounder Punch, Stamping Sponge, Edge Distresser, Foam Dimensionals, Silver Brads

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A {Happy Retirement} Card...

Hello!  I was in the mood to color today, so that's how this card came to fruition.  I colored the house with a mix of regular markers and copic markers.  I colored the house and then picked out my patterned paper.  There was no planning ahead of time to make sure it all matched, luckily it did.  This is the first time I outlined my colored image with a light gray copic marker.  It's supposed to make it look like the image is popping off the page.  It really does work, it's just hard to see since the sun was shining right on my card.

I usually make cards and take photos in the morning.  But today it worked out to be the afternoon and that sun (that FINALLY made an appearance) was right over my card.  Totally not going to complain, just picture my card without those darn shadows.  

That ribbon has been in my stash for ages.  I finally used the last bit of it on this card.  I love this patterned paper.  I'm sure you can tell by all the cards I've used it on lately.  It's double sided, which I love.  

I hope the sun is out wherever you are today!  Enjoy your day!!!

PS. This is also another card that uses this week's CPS Sketch.

{Happy Retirement}

Stamps: Holiday Home (Stampendous), A Guy Thing (Clear & Simple Stamps)

Card Stock: Kraft Like a Rockstar, On the Catwalk Cream (CSS)

Patterned Paper: Gertie (My Mind's Eye)

Ink: Dish All the Dirt Brown (CSS)

Accessories: Circle Cutting Tool (Coluzzle), Edge Distresser, Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Stamping Sponge, Ribbon (Michaels), Blossom Punch (EK Success), Rhinestone, Glue Dots

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Clear & Simple Stamps: May 2011 Release

It's May 1st and that means a new stamp set is being released today by Clear & Simple Stamps.  This month's set is perfect for any guy in your life, young or old.  It's called A Guy Thing and you can check it out below.

This set would is perfect for so many occasions: retirement, birthdays, graduation, father's day, etc.  The first card I'm sharing today would be perfect for a little guy.

What little boy doesn't love dinosaurs?  I embossed my card base of Kraft Like a Rockstar with my Swiss Dots embossing folder.  Then I applied the layer of Creamsicle Cardigan on top of that with foam dimensionals after I stamped it with the sentiment.  I cut three squares from On the Catwalk Cream card stock and stamped them with the three dino images from the set.  Those are also applied using foam dimensionals.

Here's another look at all the dimension and texture.  


Make sure you check out the Clear & Simple Stamps Blog for all the design team creations with A Guy Thing.  

Have a great day!

{You Are Dino-Mite}

Stamps: A Guy Thing (Clear & Simple Stamps)

Card Stock: Kraft Like a Rockstar, On the Catwalk Cream, Creamsicle Cardigan (CSS)

Ink: Simply Blue-tiful, Creamsicle Cardigan, Green With Envy (CSS)

Accessories: Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug), Corner Rounder Punch, Foam Dimensionals

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