Monday, September 23, 2013

City Chase Part 2

Morning,

Second set of City Chase Pages and another four challenges we did.
 
 



 
 
Soccer Ball - Sports Mania 4.5"
Duck in Canoe - Camping Critters 4.5
                         - Inks used: Tim Holtz - Wild Honey, Evergreen Bough, Frayed Burlap,
                                                                 Pumice Stone
Rugby - George & Basic Shapes 2.5" x 4" (sized with CCR)
Font - Go Canada 1" Letterspacing 2
Pennants - Art Philosophy 1.25"
In Sync - Martha Stewart Seasonal Cake .4"
Signs and Circles for Journalling - George & Basic Shapes
                                                      - signs 2" & 1.5", circles - 4.5" & 2.75"

Have a Good Monday. Fall is officially here.
 
Yvonne

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Hello You

Hi Again,

I've had some questions about what I've been doing? Well there's been some wedding planning on the go. Kristen will be getting married next May in Orlando. Her and I took a trip there a couple of weeks ago and officially have a wedding venue and have rented a house for all of us. You have no idea how many houses there are to rent by the week. I was trying to pick something close to Disney, close to the grooms family and close to the venue. After hours of searching on the internet making myself crazy checking distances to all the locations via mapblast I gave my head a slap and said, "Just pick one. It's not the end of the world if somebody has to drive an extra 10 minutes!" And that really was all the difference it was going to make.  Currently looking at caterers. Only thing there we need to stay away from is mushrooms. Groom gets really sick if there's mushrooms. Working through it...one step at a time!

I did a little travelling over the summer as well checking out those states that are close to Texas. Maybe one day I'll actually get around to scrapbooking those.

Today's share is using all Stampin' Up products. Stampin' Up does have some wonderful embossing powder colors.  The flower was embossed and then cut out using SU dies. Stampin' Up has changed a lot over the years to keep up with the current market trends. They have lots of dies that co-ordinate with stamp sets.

I made this card at a card class. I myself have not invested in more dies or stamps. I have quite enough but I do enjoy playing with new stuff once in a while.

That's all I've got today.

Yvonne

Monday, September 16, 2013

City Chase Part 1

Hi There,

Well it's been a really long time since I blogged. Lots of stuff on the go and I've even had projects to post but just needed to edit them. That's the part I have trouble getting done. I want them to magically go from my camera disk to  my blog.

So I finished scrapbooking this years City Chase. Lots of cricut cuts. The journaling tells the story. I made cricut cuts for some of the events we didn't get pictures for.

All pattern paper is from Making Memories called "Chloe's Closet". I must admit I'm getting tired of that paper pack. I bought it at Michaels 5 or 6 years ago. 18 patterns 36 sheets. I think it keeps multiplying.

As I did the pages I wrote down which cartridges I used, sizing and any other special cuts/techniques I used. (See end of post for info).
Gotta love all the bling I added to the letters and the existing flowers. See that time...only two minutes to spare in crossing that finish line!

Corresponding page...more bling. I liked the arch. Was able to manipulate the size and shape using the Cricut Craftroom.
We were pulling a bus but didn't get a picture of the bus.




Vellum windows and glossy accents for the light on the bus.
 
Sponged the kangaroo for added texture. Used the markers in the Cricut to outline and add more definition.
 
City Chase - CTMH - Artistic 1.3"
2013 - CTMH - Art Philosophy (layer) 1.25"
Journaling Tag - Elegant Edges
Banner - Art Philosophy 1.25"
Bus - Recess - 5.25"
                      - Tim Holtz Distress Ink
                      - Wild Honey
Kangaroo - Animal Kingdom 5"
                 - Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Frayed Burlap
                 - sponges
                 - Cricut markers
                 - black pearls
Black micron pen for stitching

There are four more pages of the Chase and then I just finished a new page of Korben. I think it was probably a record for time spent on page. Everything just fell into place. Doesn't happen often.
 
I'd say "See you tomorrow" but you just never know what is going to interrupt my computer time, but I'll try to stop back and post again soon.
 
Thanks for reading!
 
Yvonne

Friday, August 9, 2013

Hello There!

Hi Crafters,

Just a quick stop to share this card I made at a Stampin' Up class last month. This lady does a lot of tone on tone but makes it pop by using dimensionals between the layers. So two layers of blue, dimensionals between.

Years ago I used to have a phone that looked just like that. Who remembers the days when you never owed your own phone you rented it. In the late 70's I rented one just like this in cream for my living room. I thought it was cool. lol I do remember it was difficult to hold a newborn and talk on the phone at the same time....that handle did not fit well into the crook of you neck.

Been busy scrapbooking the City Chase photos. Will have them finished soon to share.
Have a wonderful warm week-end. We're experiencing somewhere around 100F (38C). Hotter if you take the humidity index into consideration.
 
Yvonne

Monday, July 29, 2013

Butterfly Theme

Hello There!

Here's my butterfly theme post for you. A friend is moving away to teach overseas and we had a little send off for her.

The base of the card is 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 folded. Butterfly image cut at 2.5" and then glittered. There are dimensions between the green background and the navy blue background. Pearls on the butterflies and the half fans at top of card.
Pattern paper cut using Imagine and All Wrapped Up.

Butterfly bookmark cut at 5.5" and laminated. Butterfly on gift bag cut from Home Accents at 6".

The Hersey Kiss butterflies cut from Stampin' Up double-sided pattern paper. No glueing needed for assembley. Directions can be found at Qbees Quest. Really easy to make.

 
Yvonne


Machines Used:
Expression 2, Cricut Imagine

Cartridges Used:
Sophie - card (Feature key card 2)
Sophie - bookmark (Feature key bookmark)
All Wrapped Up. Green cardstock and pattern paper.
Home Accents - Butterfly on gift bag

Other Supplies:
pearls, Stampin' Up designer paper, white gift bag, glitter, dimensionals, laminator, Hersey Kisses

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Yee-Haw

HI There,

Just another quick card using the stamp fro Heartfelt Creations. Yee-Haw cut from Old West cricut cartridge.
Playing along today on a challenge over at "The Outlawz" . The challenge is "anything goes" or Christmas. You must use some sort of alcohol marker for coloring. In this case I used my copics.

Don't miss tomorrow. I'm posting an entire butterfly theme. Gift bag, card, bookmark and treats!

Yvonne

Monday, July 22, 2013

Baby Boy

Morning,

I had a new Great Nephew born in May and I've been neglectful on my Auntie duties. In my defense I have had other things on my plate.

Regardless I finally sat down and whipped up this cute card. The image is from Nursery Tails Imagine cartridge. In order to make it into a card I used CCR and used two images of the same shape but flipped one of them and then welded them together.  I raised up the bottle cap, leaf and animals for added dimension. Super cute and Super quick.

Card went into the mail Friday!

Sun is shining this morning. Temperatures have been cooler than usual and we've been getting lots of rain. Must run...got things to accomplish.
 
Have a GREAT Monday!
 
Yvonne

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Howdy

Howdy Partners!

The stamp is another Heartfelt Creation.  I did not purchase the co-ordinating die.

Pattern paper from DCWV called "The Guy Stack". It has some great papers in it.

The "Howdy" cut from "Old West" cartridge at .75". I exchanged out the cutting blade for a cricut marker. The settings for using the marker are on the side of each pen in case you forget!
So....
1. Load pen
2. Load paper
3. Check your cut settings
4. Press cut
5. DON'T unload paper
6. Change from pen back to blade housing being careful not to move the housing when changing.
7. Change settings for cutting.
8. Press cut again on your machine.
9. Before you unload the paper make sure it cut all the way through if not hit cut again.
Brown twill ribbon from the dollar store. Metal accessories - Stampin' Up.
Image colored with copics. Reminder - Colors can be blended and you can color over one color with another colored marker and it doesn't color transfer back to your marker.
Tim Holtz distress inks to shade background on vanilla cardstock.
Star punch from dollar store.
 
Enjoy your Sunday.
 
Yvonne

Friday, July 19, 2013

Wishing You Happiness

Hi There,

I've been away for a few days again. Went to Memphis and yes I did make a stop at Graceland. I enjoyed Elvis's music but going to Graceland wasn't on my bucket list however, when I found the opportunity was there for the taking I decided I should really have a look. I enjoyed the tour that man really knew about bling!

This stamp is from Heartfelt Creations. The sentiment is separate but from this company as well. I did not purchase the corresponding die to cut out parts of the rose and layer. There are quite a few stamps that incorporate the rose therefore if you had all the stamps and die it would be great.

The background paper, the print and the brown is actually fabric that is adhesive backed. It is meant for scrapbooking and cards. It's really very pretty.

The image is colored with copic markers. I tore around the image and then used Tim Holtz Distress Inks to blend it all together. Pink ribbon from Stampin' Up. Bows and pearls from my stash. The image raised up with dimensionals.
I have lots of other projects to share with you in the coming days. Stay tuned.
 
Yvonne

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Pawprints On Our Hearts!

Happy July 4th! Just celebrating a quiet day...getting a little scrapbooking done.

This is officially my first doggy scrapbook page. Kristen and Joel adopted a rescue puppy a couple of weeks ago and she is a sweetie. When I went to Toronto to visit they already had her and she knows how to suck up. She liked the toy I bought. lol Patches, the cat is slowly adjusting and letting Lacey know who really is queen of the domain.

The octagons cut from George & Basic shapes at 1". Each piece of embossed with a heart folder separately so they would all have exactly the same placement of design. All cream colored paper distressed with Stampin' Up ink - River Rock.

Font - Letter Envy at .8"
Hearts - George & Basic Shapes 1.5"
Paw Prints - Meow 1.5"

Lace died with River Rock ink.
Lacey has certainly found herself a wonderful home.
Yvonne


Monday, July 1, 2013

Happy Canada Day!

Happy Canada Day!

Wish I was there to celebrate with all of you!

I know...I'm wearing out this cartridge! Another project completed with Wild Card 2. All three cards I completed in one afternoon with that cartridge. Remember inking or chalking your cricut cuts adds more dimension to them. These were all inked.
I spent Friday and Saturday at a Creating Keepsakes convention. I took a couple of classes. Two of them were scrapbook classes featuring Disney layouts. I've got a ahead start on my scrapbooking for next year. The layouts are pretty cute but there were no techniques to learn or anything. It was all precut and all you did was assemble.

I also took a card class from Heartfelt Creations. First I'll say I really like there product. However, I wasn't so thrilled with their cards for the workshop. One I'll throw away cause I just think it looks tacky. The other two are okay. That's just my opinion.

Hope everyone has a great day and I hope to be back soon with more projects.

Yvonne

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Whisking You Well!

 Hi There Crafters,

Today's card is for a friend who recently graduated from culinary school and we had a party for her last night. Lots of good food to eat for sure!

I recently added a new cartridge to my collection. Wild Card 2. I really like this cartridge. It comes with a font, envelope, card, phrase and icon features.

The envelope and card were cut at 5" and the phrase cut at 1.25".
The pattern paper from Kate's Kitchen as are the co-ordinating colors. Cream cardstock Stampin' Up.
Tim Holtz distress inks for shading. Weathered Wood, Barn Door, Vintage Brown, Antique Linen.
Congratulations - Martha Stewart Seasonal Cake - .75"


Thanks for stopping by.
 

Friday, June 28, 2013

Love You To Death

Good Morning,

Surprised to see me around. I've had a busy month and was kinda in a creative slump. When I did create something I mailed it off before I took a photo.

I did spend last week-end in Toronto with my DD competing in the City Chase. We had a great time, the events were physical but we completed the event with two minutes to spare. We finished around 248 out of 600 teams so I think we did pretty good. I'll share some of the photos in a couple of days. I might even get them scrapbooked.

For today I have a card. I made this with the cricut cartridge Wild Card 2. This cartridge has some great features. Envelopes, cards, phrases, and a font. Used my Imagine to print and cut all the images. On a side note my Imagine has been acting up. Just wouldn't print or cut properly....well there was a piece of paper stuck inside of it and it finally popped out. Yahoo....it's working perfectly again. I'm so happy.

Pattern paper and ink choices from Imagine More Cartridge. Edges inked with Tim Holtz Distress Ink.


Today I'm off to a Creating Keepsakes convention. I'm going to take a couple of classes and maybe do a little shopping. :) Need to be in an air conditioned venue as temperatures today are heading to the triple digits.
I promise to not be gone so long this time....so see you soon!
 
Yvonne

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Jake and the Neverland Pirates Birthday

Hi There,


I was recently visiting my grandson for his 4th birthday. Birthday theme was Pirates or more specifically "Jake and the Neverland Pirates. Mom did the decorating. Notice the multi colored cake. Steph food colored the batter. So cool.

The map and yellow pirate chest paper printed from Buccaneer cartridge. The images of the crab, mermaid, Happy Birthday and ship mast also cut from Buccaneer.
The sea monster cut from Pirates and Mermaids.
Old West and Black letter for font.
 
 
Cuttlebug folder bubbles to emboss sea monster.

 

Sizing
Buccaneer - Mermaid 3"
                    Happy Birthday Matey 3"
                    Crab 1.8"
                    Anchor 2.75"
                    Mast 4.5"
Old West - Jake .8"
                   Neverland Pirates .5"
Pirates & Mermaids - Sea Monster 3"
Black letter - and the .4"
Tim Holtz Distress Inks - Frayed Burlap & Rusty Hinge to ink the sea monster and red mats.
Twine, Dimensionals, misc pattern paper and cardstock
Machine Used: Cricut Imagine
Designed by: Yvonne Balmer

Thanks for stopping by.
Yvonne

Friday, May 17, 2013

For My Great Niece

Good Morning,

I made this little onsie card for my new niece almost two months ago now. I need to get it in the mail.
The sweet little babe arrived 7 weeks early but is doing very well. She is just gorgeous.

To make this I used standard instruction from the web for the onsie. It's basically a folded rectangle. Then you make the triangular cuts for the for the sides and armholes. The legs and neck edge are done with a circle punch. The pockets and oval punch or in this case I used my spellbinders and cut the ends off.  The lacey edges on the neck and legs were a circle scallop punch with the centre cut out.
I did had a bib to the onsie cause I thought it was cute. That was done with spellbinders. If you have a cricut it would be very easy to create the circles too. Placed eyelets  to look like snaps and a little stitching.

Well I really must get this project into the mail. Fortunately the outfits I've purchased she won't be growing out of them anytime soon.
To my Canadian family and friends...Enjoy your long week-end!
 
Yvonne

Monday, May 13, 2013

My Little Black Dress

Morning,

Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day!  I've been away for awhile. I was away for a little while visiting the Grandchildren. That was so much fun. Xavier celebrated his fourth birthday and I got to see Korben start crawling. I must admit I had a hand in that one. lol After I returned home I had a knee surgery but it is doing very well.

This is just a sweet little card made it Stampin' Up supplies. Basically it is a die cut. The bodice was stamped and the rest cuttlebugged.
Hope to be back soon with another card.
 
Yvonne

Monday, April 8, 2013

Birthday Cake

Good Day!

Just a nice quick card today. Used Stampin' Up products. Looks like lots of layers but really small pieces of layers.

Something to keep in mind is rounding just a couple corners can really change the look of the card. Softens it a little and keeps them from seeming so symmetrical. Everybody knows I like symmetry. lol
Here's to a great start of the week and by the end of it I'll be seeing my Grandsons!
 
Nana

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Brotherly Love

HI There,

Another scrapbook page of my favorite topic. Grandsons.

The first photo was taken just after Korben was born. It was so funny because Mom & Dad had told Xavier how important it was to hold his brothers head cause babies couldn't do it for themselves.
As soon as they set Korbon in front of Xavier he immediately grasped his head...it looks more like he's got him in a wrestling hold. lol






Cartridges Used:
Paper Doll Dress Up - Frog 3.5" & 4.2"
Art Philosophy - hearts 1" & 1.2"
Elegant Edges - Banner 9.25 x 1.85 (Utilized CCR to customize the size and also be able to create a shadow layer as there wasn't one)
Boys Will Be Boys - Font .6 & 1.3 (Even at .6 it cut very well)

All stitching with a brown micro pen. Green paper inked with Distress Ink Crushed Olive. The ant stamp from Stampin' Up - Bugs & Kisses
 
Yvonne
PS - Getting close to  my trip to see those boys in person! Just think of the new photos I can take!