Crafty Katy

Paper Peonies.

2012-01-21T22:18:00.005-06:00

I love peonies, and I have a passion for making paper flowers. I have known for a long time that I wanted to create paper flowers for my wedding. Not long after we started planning I decided that my bridesmaids would carry paper peonies. I set out on a mission to learn how to create my vision. Of course I didn't need to look further than Martha! I found a tutorial on her website for how to make tissue paper peonies. I tweaked the method slightly- and this is what I've come up with.

I am so pleased with how they turned out. I think each girl will carry a bouquet containing 6 or 7.
I am so looking forward to seeing how they look next to the aqua dresses.

Round 1 of Wedding crafting!

2012-01-20T00:11:00.011-06:00

I saw a sweet sweet idea on Pinterest. One gal asked her friends to be in her wedding by sending them each a box. I knew immediately that I wanted to do this! Three of the ladies I wanted to ask live too far away for me to ask them as a group- and I wanted to do something more than a simple phone call or card.

I bought plain cigar boxes from Michael's. I painted the outside aqua and the inside pink. I decoupaged some pretty paper on the front and filled the box with notes and pictures.
I started with a note asking each girl to be a bridesmaid.
I've always pictured bridesmaids in cowboy boots. They are a favorite of mine. I knew that it would be difficult to get everybody together to try on dresses... and I know each of these ladies has their own unique style. I opted to let them choose their own dresses within my color scheme. I am so looking forward to seeing what they choose.
I included a brief paragraph describing what we are envisioning for our wedding.
My bridesmaids are spread out from "down the street" to across the country. It's very important to me that they not be strangers who meet a day or so before the wedding. I chose to include a small introduction and contact information for each of them. I chose six bridesmaids, and while each of them has met at least one of the others- they haven't all met.
I filled the bottom layer of the box with pictures of dresses that I like and some decor inspiration.

I mailed a box to each of the girls that I asked- and I can't think of a more perfect way to have asked.

P.S.

2011-04-08T17:41:00.003-05:00

I spent a lot of time trying to decide what I wanted to do the back of my kitchen cabinets. I'm living in an apartment, so it had to be something removable.

This quote is from a letter from Col Travis to Sam Houston asking for support at the Alamo. I love it. It was the perfect thing to put there.

Eve

2011-03-28T23:31:00.003-05:00

I adopted an 8 year old cat, Eve, this weekend. She spent Saturday night and all of Sunday in hiding... only coming out to change hiding spots, eat, or use the little box. She only would come out when we weren't home. Early this morning (around 4 a.m.) I heard her crying and went out into the living room a couple of times and called her name but was ignored. Around 6 a.m. she finally came out of hiding and wanted attention.

I sat on the kitchen floor and she rubbed on me and hissed. That was quite frightening. After a couple of minutes of that she quit hissing and demanded to be pet. We had some fun playing and I let her come into the bedroom. She had fun exploring a new room and rolled all over my unmade bed. This is the best picture I managed to snap of her.

I felt so bad leaving her at 6:30 to head to work. She's also in hiding again. Hopefully she learns to trust us all of the time and wants to interact at normal times.

She is so sweet and I am so looking forward to getting to know her better.

I'm coming back!

2011-03-11T06:47:00.002-06:00

I've been putting my "just for fun" crafting on hold lately. I've only done things like Valentine's Day treat bags and St. Patrick's Day cards. Not having a real crafting area has been taking its toll.

That's about to change! I ordered a crafting desk and it has arrived! The plan is to get it put together after work tonight and hopefully I'll be back to crafting this weekend.

(Yes.. that is a lingering Christmas present in the background.)

I'll be posting new projects very soon. I've got some to finish and I've got lots of new ideas!

I'm a Stylish Blogger!

2011-01-27T16:40:00.002-06:00

I have been given the Stylish Blogger Award by Giang at Keen on Scrapbooking and Card Making. First of all I just have to say how very flattered I am. I discovered Giang fairly recently when I participated in my first ever blog hop. I'm constantly impressed with her creations. She has a wonderful talent and if you haven't already stopped by I would highly suggest that you do so.

Giang, thank you again for this award!

The rules of this award are that I have to pick 8 other bloggers that I find are Stylish and share 8 facts about myself. I'll start with the facts.

I have loved scrapbooking and card making for many years. I loved wandering around craft stores looking at all of the neat things. My first projects were very primitive. I was intimidated by all of the things I saw in the stores. I didn't know how to use them and they all seemed so expensive! I watched an infomercial for the Cricut Expression in 2008 and told my mom that it was all I wanted for Christmas. I got one. I was such a happy camper! I ruined my first mat by putting wrapping paper on it! I couldn't wait to try it out. I began watching tutorials on YouTube and quickly found The Pink Stamper. I was so very grateful to her for sharing her knowledge. I quickly became more comfortable and began shopping the scrapbooking areas with confidence. I'm a total dork and I have still have to show my mom EVERYTHING I make.
I am ultra girly. I love Hello Kitty, Barbie, anything pink, glitter, romantic comedies, jewelry, makeup and shoes. I have a collection of Wizard of Oz Barbies, and I'm working on getting the newest line that they've come out with. My mom and sister keep expecting me to outgrow my love of these things... but I don't think I will.
I love music. I listen to a lot of country and show tunes hold a place in my heart. I love singing in the car. Old gospel songs are a favorite of mine when I'm driving. Pandora is the 2nd most used app on my phone (behind Facebook). I was in choir all through school and played cello as well.... although I wasn't very good at cello.
I have a niece and a nephew. My niece will be 3 this year and my nephew will be 1. My niece spends at least a day a week with me. Every Sunday my boyfriend and I pick her up and take her with us to church. My mom meets us there and then we spend the afternoon at my parents' place. She has so much personality for such a tiny person. I get so much joy from spending time with her. I can't wait for my nephew to be old enough to come with us, too. He is such a handsome little guy.
I'm in school. I'm working on an Elementary Education degree. I started it 8 years ago and ended up putting work ahead of school and putting it on hold. After 5 years of "meaning to go back" I started again last September. I love being back in school. I still work full time, but I'm fortunate enough to now have a job that allows me to be flexible with scheduling. I wish I could take more classes at a time, but I'm committed to sticking with it this time. I'll be taking summer classes as well to get it finished as quickly as I can.
I have to fall asleep with the tv on or I'll lay there for hours with thoughts whizzing around in my head. My brain is constantly "going". I've tried falling asleep to music, but it seems to take longer.
I believe that my ability to create things is a gift from God. I'm still trying to figure out exactly how He wants me to use my gift, but I am so looking forward to learning.
I have 2 middle names. The first is Rose. Rose was the name of my grandmother's best friend in high school. My grandparents eloped on the day they graduated from high school. My great uncle drove them to a small Lutheran Church one town over and they got married and went back and graduated. My grandfather's parents knew. My grandmother's did not. She told them she was staying the night at Rose's.... instead they spent a night together in a hotel in San Antonio. (I only learned that last part recently). The second is Corrine. Corrine was the middle name of my grandmother's biological mother. Her parents divorced when she was a baby. They had 3 children together... 2 boys and a girl. My great grandmother, Alice Corrine, had another daughter from a previous marriage. When they divorced my great grandfather kept their 3 children and eventually remarried. His second wife had 3 children as well... 2 girls and a boy. My grandmother never really got to know Alice, and I don't know the details of why she left. I don't think my grandmother ever really did, either.

Whew... that was long! Ok.. on to 8 more bloggers!

The first blogger I'm choosing is Sarita at Little Princess Cards. Her creations are bold, clean and elegant. She uses beautiful stamps and makes very professional looking cards
Next I'm picking Paper Junkie. I love that she makes more than just cards and scrapbook pages. She creates lots of fun things! If you stop by make sure you check out her "Boy Bouquet." It's fabulous!
Next I'm choosing Nicole over at Scramp-It. She's a new blogger, but I'm loving her creations! She uses wonderful papers and is quite talented.
I am also very impressed by Sandy at Scrappin' With Sandy. I absolutely love her cards! She puts small details in her cards that make them super interesting to look at!
Minta's Creations is the next blogger that I've chosen. Her creations are fun and whimsical. I think so far my favorite thing that she's made has been the gift bags she made out of paper lunch bags. They're adorable!
Claire at Kleirr's Kreation uses color in such a fun way! I love looking at her creations. She's very talented and I admire how much detail goes into her cards and layouts.
The blog I've chosen is Cootie Creations. I very recently stumbled across the blog and so far I really love what I see! I can't wait to see more from her!
The last (not at all a statement about talent) blogger that I've chosen for this award is a blogger that I know has already received this award. I've chosen Shauna at Craftee She. Shauna is on the MPS design team (which is how I found her blog). I have to say that I've loved each and every creation that I've seen. I also love that she posts things often. I highly suggest subscribing to her.

Happy Birthday to My Pink Stamper

2011-01-25T17:24:00.003-06:00

It's the fabulous Robyn's birthday! This is my project for her Birthday Challenge.

I made a Pixie Sticks jar! I love being able to re-purpose things and give them new life. Thanks for stopping by to look!

Recipe

Empty Pasta Sauce Jar
Colored cardstock
Patterned Paper
Hello Kitty Greetings Cartridge
Embossing Folders
Paper Trimmer & Scissors
Ribbon
Hot Glue Gun & Tape Runner Adhesive
Stickles
2 Packs of Pixie Sticks

Snowflake Album

2011-01-20T10:54:00.000-06:00

This album was a wedding gift for my boyfriend's sister. She got married on New Year's Day and her wedding colors were black and white with purple accents. When I was talking to her before the wedding she was envisioning lots of snowflakes, glitter and diamonds. I incorporated much of what she said into this album.

Each of the small purple cards pulls out and has room for pictures front and back. Some of these cards are embellished with flowers, other with gemstones or ribbons.
Each page has a pocket on the top. The first page has her wedding invitation mounted on dark purple paper.

All other pockets have patterned paper mounted on dark purple paper. She will have room to add pictures to those front a back.

I had so much fun with this project and the bride loved it!

Recipe

Envelopes
Patterned Paper
Solid colored cardstock
Glitter Paper
Ribbon
Feathers
Seasons's Greeting Cartridge
Cropadile and Eyelets.
Hot Glue Gun
Tape Runner Adhesive
Paper Trimmer
Edge Punch
Cloth Flowers
Decorative Brads
Chipboard Cover
Gem Stones
Plantin Cartridge
Silver Embossing Powder and Heat Gun
Stamps
Ink (Black and Versamark)

2011-01-20T10:21:00.001-06:00

MPS Blog Hop! Hello Kitty

2011-01-19T14:09:00.000-06:00

It's been quite a while since I've posted anything. I didn't quit crafting, but I did have a very hectic 2010 and just didn't take the time to put any of my projects up. I've been meaning too, and My Pink Stamper's blog hop was the perfect opportunity to make myself do so.

This is my first every blog hop, I actually didn't know what a blog hop was until I started this one. It was so much fun and I'm looking forward to doing one again.

The theme for this hop was to make something using MPS stamps or pink. I already had materials to make a care package for a dear friend of mine who recently came back to the states from visiting her DH on base in Korea to find that their home was completely flooded. I wanted to remind her that there is always a rainbow after a flood.

I also got to use quite a lot of my paper scraps and my new Cuttle Bug for this project. I used the Hello Kitty Greetings Cartridge for all of the shapes.

I'm sending her pink Rise Krispie treats in a celo bag. The box in the middle is a wrapped box of skittles. I used Stickles on the dry embossed black cardstock. I also dry embossed Hello Kitty's rain coat and boots.
This is a wrapped Hershey bar. It's one of those HUGE ones. I cut this HK face at 3 3/4 inches. Her bow has stickles on it.
This is the card that will be enclosed with her package. "Count the Happies" is a stamp from Hobby Lobby.

Recipe:

Cardstock.

Paper Trimmer

Bone Folder

Adhesive

Stickles

Hello Kitty Greeting Cartridge

Dove Chocolates

Boxed Skittles

Rice Krispie Treats

Hershey Bar

Cuttle Bug and Embossing Folders

Gem stones

Stamps and Ink

Valentine's Day Treats

2010-02-11T20:06:00.000-06:00

I made these cute little bags for my employees at work. It was a lot of fun, and I'll definitely repeat this project. I cut the letters with my Cricut and the embellishments are by K & Company. Thanks for looking!

Just for You

2010-02-04T21:56:00.001-06:00

This card is an entry for Midnight Madness #39. I used patterned paper for the background. The heart and flowers are both cut with my Cricut. Thanks for looking!

Midnight Madness #38

2010-01-28T15:14:00.000-06:00

This card is an entry for Priscilla Styles' sketch challenge. I definitely enjoyed this sketch. I made the flower using layered pieces cut with my Cricut. I'm really not sure who the brad is by, but I do know that I got it at Two Peas. Thanks for looking!

Midnight Madness #36

2010-01-15T10:04:00.000-06:00

This is my first challenge in a long time. I finally have some free time now that the holiday madness is over. I used papers from the English Garden collection by Making Memories, Zing embossing powder in Red Glitter, and Fiskars Treading Water edge punch. I used pearl embellishments in the scalloped edge and dimensional adhesive. Thanks for looking, and don't forget to stop by Midnight Madness and check out the other fabulous entries!

Christmas 1991

2010-01-08T18:16:00.001-06:00

My grandmother recently gave me a bunch of pictures and mementos of my childhood. This is my first little bit of it to scrapbook. Thanks for looking!

Just a Thought

2009-10-24T11:40:00.000-05:00

These cards are available on my etsy shop. I made them using kraft cardstock, patterned paper from Sassafras, a stamp set from Paper Studio. The hearts are embossed and some are raised. Thanks for looking!

Penny's Challenges: Week 11

2009-10-15T22:00:00.000-05:00

The theme for this challenge is Trees! I could not believe that the only tree stamp I own is a Christmas tree! I cut these 'trees' using my Cricut... they are actually the 'insides' of a leaf. I cut it on Kraft card stock. I inked the entire card background with Versamark and used blending chalk to create the sunset. Thanks for looking, and don't forget to check out Penny's Challenges!

Hello

2009-10-15T21:05:00.000-05:00

It's been such a long time since I've uploaded any new projects! I made this card using Kraft card stock, patterned paper by Making Memories, Hero Arts Stamps, Paper Studio Stamps clear embossing powder, and LOTS of white embossing powder. Thanks for looking!

Pearls for Penny! Challenge #5

2009-09-04T10:19:00.000-05:00

This is my submission for Penny's Challenges week 5. I used a Swiss Dots stamp and clear embossing powder to stamp the card background. The Silhouette stamps is from Close to My Heart. (In case you haven't caught on yet... I LOVE that stamp set.) I used some pearl embellishments to give her a lovely necklace. The sentiment is handwritten. I hope you enjoy!

Monogram

2009-08-28T14:14:00.001-05:00

Midnight Madness #16

2009-08-25T21:29:00.000-05:00

This is my card for Priscilla's Midnight Madness Challenge. I loved the sketch for this week, but I had a really hard time committing to anything! I kept pulling my card apart and starting over! The scripture is from The Paper Studio and I made the floral embellishment myself using Home Accents on my Cricut. I hope you enjoy!

Commissioned Card

2009-08-22T10:29:00.000-05:00

A friend requested a pink and zebra print "Thank You" card. Simple and easy. On the inside I stamped "Merci." I used black ink and Ranger embossing powder in "Hologram." It made such a pretty look. I wish that I could have captured it with my camera. If you've never tried this combination, I definitely recommend trying it.

Birthday Cupcake

2009-08-20T21:54:00.000-05:00

I made this card for a coworker. I free-handed the cupcake on cream and light blue paper. I used Color Box Chalk in Creamy Brown on the base of the cupcake and some Royal Blue ink on the edges of the frosting. I used my Zig to adhere the glitter to the icing and did so faux stitching on the edges with white gel pen. I stamped the sentiment using the same royal blue ink from the frosting. I definitely stepped out of my comfort zone here by doing something without using a stamp, template or my Cricut. I'm proud of how it turned out. I think this will definitely be a repeated design.

Penny's Challenge

2009-08-19T19:19:00.000-05:00

I made this card for my first submission to Penny's Challenge. This is totally just for fun challenge, and it was totally fun! I used Color Box chalk to ink the edges of the card. The patterned paper is from We R Memory Keepers. I used my Home Accents Solutions cartridge to cut out the design and adhered it to white card stock using removable adhesive. I stamped Versamark ink over the design and covered it with blending chalk. After peeling up the design I filled in the negative with a lighter color of blending chalk and cut the paper in half and rounded the corners. I adhered it to the card using glue dots. The card background is adhered using dimensional adhesives. The ribbon is some leftovers from a corker bow I made for my niece. I hope you enjoyed!

My first ever Midnight Madness submission!

2009-08-18T20:39:00.000-05:00

This is my first shot at entering a challenge. This is for the Midnight Madness Challenge. I had a lot of fun making this card. I used some paper from a pad I already had by We R Memory Keepers. The blue is the Paper Company's Mediterranean. I stamped the Eiffel Tower with Versamark and shaded with chalk and used a Close to My Heart Stamp for the silhouette. Hope you enjoy!

MMSC15

My new favorite thing.

2009-08-11T06:42:00.001-05:00

Ok, I managed to stumble across this blog ----> Priscilla Styles. I have to say I'm in love. Not only is her background cool and she has blog candy... the best thing is she does Midnight Madness sketches... which is so much fun! I sometimes get bored and do the same card layouts over and over... but with a sketch I can make new cards! Whoo Hoo! You should definitely check her out!

Hello

2009-08-09T21:47:00.000-05:00

I used Mediterranean from The Paper Company the base of the card. I made the embellishment my self. I used glitter embossing powder on the button. I wrote the sentiment with white gel pen. The idea for this layout came from My Pink Stamper.

Pink and Wild

2009-08-09T21:45:00.000-05:00

Simple card. I cut the heart on glitter card stock with my Cricut.

Partridge Card

2009-08-09T18:26:00.000-05:00

As a wedding gift for my boyfriend's sister I am making a variety of cards. I got a cute photo storage box and the plan is to fill it with homemade cards. Most of the cards I have posted on here are for her box... along with this one. The background of the card is from the Tiffany's paper pad by We R Memory Keepers. (I love this entire pad!) I cut a 3x3 square from Just Chillin' by Making Memories. I cut this partridge at 2 inches with the Home Accents Cricut Cartridge on Fashion District by Me & My Big Ideas. I used green grosgain ribbon on the card and dimensional adhesive to apply the square to the card, and Zig to apply the partridge to the square.

Girly Cards

2009-08-08T11:32:00.000-05:00

I used the same formula for each of these. I cut down a piece of patterned paper to 5x 3 1/2" (The pink is from The Fashion District mat pad by Me & My Big Ideas. The multicolored is from Tiffany's designer paper pad by We R Memory Keepers.) I glued the patterned paper to a standard A2 card. I stamped on a piece of white card stock cut at 1 3/8x 3 1/16. The stamps are from the Be Yourself stamp set by Close to My Heart. I glued (using my Zig 2 Way) the white to a piece of black (from the Tiffany's paper pad) cut at 1 7/8x 3 1/2". The very last step was to attach the mounted piece to the rest of the card using dimensional adhesives. This card was so fast and easy to make. Thanks for looking!

Imagine Love

2009-08-08T11:13:00.000-05:00

Easy easy card. I used 1inch squares cut from the Sunshine Lollipop paper pack by Sassafras. I cut the text using the Home Accents Cricut cartridge (at 2 inches) on paper from the Fashion District Paper Pack by Me & My Big Ideas. And then adhered it all together using my Zig 2 Way Pen. (I love that thing!) I did trim a little bit off of the side of the card.

How cool is this?

2009-07-29T10:23:00.000-05:00

A very talented blogger is celebrating her "Blogaversary" by giving out fun goodies! Check it out here---------> Creating From The Heart.
I think that is such a neat thing to be able to do! Congratulations, Melissa!

Just Because

2009-07-23T21:35:00.000-05:00

I made this card using black card stock. I cut the butterflies out with my Cricut using the Home Accents cartridge on some scraps of patterned paper. I also embossed the butterflies using Ranger embossing powder in Holographic. It just added a little bit of shine and sparkle to the cut outs. Each butterfly is adhered using dimensional adhesives. I trimmed the card in green ribbon and added an epoxy brad... I'm not sure who the brad is designed by, but I did purchase it at twopeasinabucket.com
This card so was so simple to make!

My first upload!

2009-07-21T22:52:00.000-05:00

This is a "Thank you" card. I used 3 stamps from stampabilities, cardstock, brown pigment ink, Versamark Ink, Black embossing powder, pattern paper, ribbon, and 2 colors of chalk ink. The Eiffel Tower is embossed and the inside of the card has "Merci" embossed in black.