I'm playing along with Karen Giron's  Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #204. I really liked this sketch. As you can see I changed the orientation for my card.



My birthday card stash is a little low so I actually made 2 cards. I changed tags and I'm always amazed at how ONE change makes such a difference. The first card uses PTI - Tag Sale #8. It actually feels a little heavy in comparison to the second card.


The second card used PTI's Tag Sale #5 as the base. I did run it through using the bottom of the die again to shorten it. I tried to use 3 pieces of washi tape but the balance was way off. I think I like the second one best!


I also stamped a sentiment in the inside. So would you chose Card #1 or Card #2?

HB2U card
stamps: PTI - Big Birthday Wishes (inside sentiment)
paper: PTI - Stamper's Select White; MFT - Berrylious; MME - Indie Chic Citron
ink: Memento Black
dies: PTI - Tag Sale #5, #8, Headline Alphabet and numbers, Rustic Burlap impression plate
other: MME - Lost & Found washi tape and Enamel dots; Target - Bakers Twine gold/creme

I'm working on a few Valentine cards. This one has a slightly graphic feel. I am using some new dies from Reverse Confetti (the hearts and arrow).



I like the bold black and red together. ~Rhonda

Love U card
stamps: PTI - With All my Heart
paper: PTI - Stamper's Select White, Pure Poppy; MME - Cut & Paste
ink: PTI - Smokey Shadow
other: Reverse Confetti Arrow, Love Note dies; PTI - Block Alphabet Upper dies, Limitless Layers 2 1/4" hearts collection; Washi tape (from Target?), sewing machine

I did a lot of playing with this card, mainly because I couldn't get happy. I think I quit to early sometimes so I just kept messing around.


I embossed big polka dots on the background and then rubbed Pure Poppy ink over the top along with a little Pumice Stone distress ink. The pure poppy makes a very light pretty pink. I used it with the border hearts and heart with the button as well.


I stamped the large heart with PTI's A Little Argyle. I'm happy now. ~Rhonda

two four. teen card
stamps: Reverse Confetti Crushin'; PTI - Polka Dot Basics, A Little Argyle
paper: PTI - Stamper's Select White, Smokey Shadow;
ink: PTI - Pure Poppy; Distress Ink - Pumice Stone; Memento - Black Tuxedo
other: PTI - Limitless Layers 2 1/4" Heart Collection, Fabulous Frames, twine, button; Reverse Confetti - Love Note die; Hobby Lobby - doily; sewing machine

 Zoom! That is what the NEW Year is doing already! I received a Silhouette Cameo for Christmas and finally pulled it out of the box. I am amazed at how well it cuts. I could never get my Cricut to make clean cuts. I appreciate that the Cameo tells me exactly what blade setting to use.


So this card uses a free cutting file and an offset tutorial from the Silhouette blog. Super easy and quick if you don't count the time it is taking for me to learn how to use my Mac.


Enjoy your week! My hubby has the day off so we are going to enjoy the day! ~Rhonda

Hello card
Cut File: love, friend and hello by Silhouette 
paper: PTI - Stamper's Select White, Pattern Paper Pack; MME - Cute & Paste
 

Tis hard to believe that another year is beginning. As is the custom a look back to assess skills learned and projects completed gives me a chance to reflect and then plan for the next year. Make sure  you eat some black-eyed peas today!


 Did you happen to count the number of MIM's you participated in this year? This card used the feather tutorial that Melissa Phillips shared.


I used some digi stamps as well this year. Stella just happens to be one of my favorites. I LOVE her attitude. A little sassy and cranky can be just the ticket for some things. :)




I had a blast using tags and dies for my HS Youth Group Girl Party. Hearing their squeals of delight as they came in was such a treat.

Did you jump on the sequin bandwagon?? It is amazing how such a little item adds just the right amount of pizazz.


I think these tags were some of the messiest and most fun to create. Lots of new techniques and I think I finally took a pretty cool photograph. Still working on the photo skills.



I wanted to use my supplies for wrapping this year. I think it took a lot longer to get it all wrapped but the results were worth it. The plan is to start working on the tags a lot earlier in 2014.

I am thankful for each one of you who takes the time to visit and comment on my posts. Friends are a treasure. ~Rhonda


You can see 2010 and 2012 if you want to take a further look back. I sure hope my skills have gotten better.

I was inspired by this project of Michelle Wooderson seen here. I saw it on pinterest and I immediately thought the idea would be cute for Christmas thank you's. I sewed up some glassine bags to create 2 pockets. The back pocket holds the thank you cards. The front pocket holds address labels and postage stamps.


I printed the vintage parcel post shipping labels on adhesive sheets.  If you would like to print your own I have included a link. You can print them in several different colors. Vintage Gummed Parcel Post Shipping Labels


As I have guys at my house I needed to create cards the guys wouldn't mind signing their name to. This was also a great way to use up the Christmas paper pads cuz you know I will need to get new ones next year.


Do you see the star? I had ordered clear plastic sheets from Joann's for some mini books and had an ah ha moment that I could use it with die cuts. You have to run it through several times but it works. A little acrylic paint and done.



 It doesn't get much easier than a big thank you stamp across the front. A little stitching holds it in place. I hope you had a fabulous Christmas!!! Happy Holidays and Happy Hopping!! ~Rhonda

supplies used:
stamps: PTI - Thanks All Ways, Little Labels, and a lot more that I didn't write down. :)
paper: Teresa Collins Santa's List; My Mind's Eye Lost and Found Christmas; Simple Stories December Documented; PTI - Classic Kraft, Stampers Select White,
ink: PTI Scarlett Jewel, Dark Chocolate
other: PTI Seeing Stars dies, snowflake dies, twine, Adhesive sheets; MFT Fishtail Flag Staxx dies; Glassine bags; sewing machine ; Vintage Gummed labels from link above

Presents are wrapped and TAGGED! I had so much fun making tags. Last year I said I would wrap presents instead of using just gift bags which I have done. So . . . for 2014 I am going to start making tags a lot earlier so I can use them as gifts.


I loved the long, skinny tags such as Have yourself a merry a little Christmas seen above and Peace on Earth below. I also used silver pipe cleaners to attach them. 


Jingle all the Way using gold and silver bells was fun. I also used a bell pick from Michaels on the big gift box. All the bells really confuse the nosey kid who likes to shake the packages.


The blackboard paper and silver star embellishments made a great tag. Love them on silver paper.


My favorite ones use the MFT Accent It Holiday Blueprints 9 dies and 3 stamp sets. MFT's Holiday Subway Art, Plaid Background Builder and PTI's Headline Alphabet. I sewed the great trim across the top.


I think this is a wrap for me!!! ~Rhonda

I have finally started wrapping presents. I promised myself last year that I would NOT stick everything into a gift bag. I have all the supplies and tools to create some fun packaging so no excuse to not use them.


I stopped at an Estate Sale on Saturday and found these wooden embroidery hoops for a steal. They are the perfect "tag" for some of my larger gifts. I put the burlap in the hoop and then trimmed the burlap close to the frame. I cut "Reed" out with my Cricut using the Bebas font in glitter paper. I didn't get super clean cuts but hopefully Santa is bringing me something for Christmas to help with that problem. 


The ribbon and red berry pick are from Michael's. All of that stuff is already 70% off. I had to do a little searching for the plaid ribbon but it is great for guy packages. Have a great day! ~Rhonda

I am really enjoying Tremendous Treats: Christmas. With the addition of the dies I am using these stamps so much more. Dies have really become an important part of my buying decision. What about you?



I used my new Rosette die for the base of my gingerbread man. I need to whip up some goodies using a little ginger.

Have a great day friends! ~Rhonda


Happiest of Holidays card
stamps: PTI - Tremendous Treats: Christmas, Think Big Favorites #20, Background Basics: Houndstooth
paper: PTI - Classic Kraft, Pure Poppy, Stamper's Select White; My Minds Eye 
ink: Memento Rich Cocoa; Versarmark
other: PTI - Tremendous Treats: Christmas die, Limitless layers 1 1/4" circles; MFT - 1/4" Rosette die; The Twinery - Maraschino twine

 How about a favor for the Thanksgiving dinner table?  Verve has the cutest turkey that I used to decorate my pillowbox. Hey Julee, sure wish there was a die for this little fellow.


I also made a card using the little turkey. I think the peek-a-boo chevron is a fun addition to the card. The sentiment is made with the double-ended banner die. After I die cut the shape I put it back in the die the opposite direction to get the pointed end.


Here is a look at both projects. I just need to make a few more and my Thanksgiving table would be complete.


I can't decide what to put inside my pillowbox.  Any suggestions? ~Rhonda

Give thanks pillowbox
stamps: Verve - Bountiful Harvest, Happy Fall
paper: PTI - Vintage Cream, Text-style Fall Prints and Patterns; October Afternoon - Seaside
ink: Memento - Tuxedo Black
other: PTI - Essential Pillowbox, Mat Stack #3, Double-ended banner, Enchanted Evening button, twine; Snug Hug seam binding; Copic Markers - sorry I didn't write them down  

Counting my Blessings card
stamps: Verve - Bountiful Harvest; PTI - Gratitude Journal
paper:
PTI - Vintage Cream, Text-style Fall Prints and Patterns; October Afternoon - Seaside
ink: Memento - Tuxedo Black
other: PTI - Double ended banner die; MFT Peek-a-boo Chevron die

Tis the season to begin some tags or it won't happen. These were simple to make. I stamped Tag Sale #7 with the background stamp first. If you have background stamps you need to be using them. It is amazing how make interest they add to a project. 


The top snowflake I spritzed with Mister Huey's Shine. I love the added sparkle. I have been using my sewing machine a little more as well. It is really nice when you are making several of the same item. 


Thanks for stopping by! ~Rhonda

Snowflake tags
stamps: PTI - 2012 Birthday Tags, Background Basics: Postmark
paper: PTI - Vintage Cream, Stamper's Select White; Authentique - Wonder Collection; Hobby Lobby - vellum
ink: PTI Spring Moss, Scarlett Jewel
other: PTI - Tremendous Treats Christmas die collection, Tag Sale #7; Spelllbinders - Snowflake Wonder dies; EK - Large Edger oval chain punch; The Twinery - Honeydew; Mister Huey's Shine; buttons - stash; Hobby Lobby - White cotton perle thread; sewing machine