Boy

I hope you've had a fabulous weekend! 

Mine has been busy but fabulous. Yesterday, my parents, sister, bro-in-law and Nephew arrived for a week long stay, just in time to attend Chester's spring piano recital! Last week was a busy one and though I have a some cards to share, just didn't manage to get anything posted. Ah, well. I am likely to be rather absent this week as well as I enjoy my company and squeeze in an out-of-town work trip as well.

I did want to share this card that I made for Laurel's current Inspired by challenge. Though I didn't use the chalkboard technique, I did manage to incorporate the distressed feel (courtesy of this fab paper from Crate paper) as well as most of the colours. This paper line was SO fun to play with!

Here is the inspiration photo:

I would also like to share at Crazy 4 Challenges where the current challenge is New Arrivals.

Thanks so much for visiting!

Hugs,

Shanna :)

What I used:

papers: Crate Paper - Little Boy Blue

ribbon - SU

misc. buttons

Happiness is...

This is my second post for today as I took on some challenges over the weekend and I'm trying to avoid missing the deadlines. :) Scroll down if you would like to see today's earlier post - a travel themed card.

Below is my take on the sketch at Seize the Birthday this week and they are looking for a feminine card for the challenge.
I don't often make what my husband would refer to as "frou frou" cards, but this was fun!

And here is the inside

I would also like to share this at Inky Chicks where the challenge is "Happy Birthday Girl".

Thanks for visiting!

Shanna :)

What I used:

stamps: SU Happy Harmony, CTMH Happy Birthday

papers: MME Paris & Co.

seam binding SU

lace from Vintage Pixie

Maya Road Trinket Pins

Spellbinders

Good times ahead

Hello!

This card I made for two challenges:

City Crafter - Bon Voyage

and

Inspired By: in honour of Earth Day

And I almost forgot, I also used the sketch from Sketch Saturday, turned 1/4 clockwise. I will definitely be using this sketch again.

I struggled with the design of this one - started with one thing and ended up with something different. I took me way longer than intended to arrive at the finished product, but here it is in any case, lol.

It is a bit difficult to tell from the photo, but the blue background paper is a faded map design. The fun washi tape also had a city street style pattern - love this stuff! And while driving isn't exactly a good earth day activity, it does fit with the travel theme. 

A peek at the inside, for some reason this photo didn't turn out very good...

Thanks again for stopping by!

Shanna :)

What I used:
papers: misc from scrap bin & Kaiser Craft "Hunt & Gather"
stamps:
Tim Holtz "The Journey"
CTMH CC1014 promo set (compass)
D1237 Star Struck
C1257 Happy Birthday
Cruisin' Workshop
Distress Ink
washi tape

Smile

Here is my take on the current cue at CASology - WORD. I chose to use SMILE.

This was truly a quick and simple CAS card as I let the fun paper do most of the work. My one regret is that I didn't stamp SMILE in a darker, bolder ink. Oh well. Here is the inside. Again, I let the paper do the work.

I almost missed the deadline! I think I'm just in time!

Cheers,
Shanna :)


What I used:
papers: Amy Tangerine 
stamp: C1440 Take a Picture
Cricut Art Philosophy Cart (banners) CTMH
misc buttons from stash

Greetings from Santa

If you saw my last post, you know that we had a BIG winter storm and we have LOADS of snow! Well, that sort of led to a Christmas card somehow, that and the fact that I have had these fabulous Christmas stickers hanging around combined with a fun challenge at Shopping Our Stash to use TEXT.

I would also like to share at Christmas Card Challenges.

Thanks for stopping by,
Shanna :)

What I used:
papers: MME Lost & Found Christmas
sticker (main image) - Elizabeth Brownd for K&Co.
Z1816 CTMH Artisan Studs
organdy ribbon
Tim Holtz Distress Ink
MFT Hot Fudge CS

Happy Bday

TGIF! Sure hope the weather is calm where you are, though it sounds as though it has been unstable in a lot of places!

We've just come out the other side of a nasty, full on winter storm. It started snowing early yesterday and didn't stop until a couple of hours ago. The winds were high and strong - tree limbs down, traffic lights shattered on the road, street lights not working, lots of blowing snow and white-out conditions. The Trans Canada Hwy was closed in both directions and there were tons of transports pulled into the local Walmart parking lot to wait it out - nasty! It was not a good day to be on the roads! It is one of the worst winter storms I have ever been out in - and it is the 19th of April folks! I was so happy to get home and stay put! I am willing to bet that we've had more snowfall so far in April than we had the entire rest of the winter, I can hardly believe it! It is currently -6 and feels like -14 c.

I thought I might as well share some crazy "spring" photos...
our front step, not that you can see it...

Lots of snow ended up IN the house - and yes the chalkboard on the wall says "Welcome Spring" - what a joke!

Enough about the weather!

Today's card is for CAS-ual Fridays where the theme is Birthday Bash. I have been having some fun with layering banners this last while after seeing lots of inspiration out there in blogland. These Simple Stories papers were perfect for playing with for a birthday card!

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Shanna :)

What I used:
papers: Simple Stories - Happy Day
stamp: CTMH Happy Birthday
ribbon - Bo Bunny
button - MFT

4 You

Hello there,

Today I have a card for Shopping Our Stash where the current challenge is to use TEXT or LETTERS on your project. It is a bit difficult to see, but the background of this gorgeous paper is made up of TINY text. I adore this paper. Because of that, I tried to keep it simple to avoid covering much of it up. And there I go with the blue and yellow again, just can't help it!

Best keep it short as I have some banana muffins in the oven...ya know, what do you do when you have several ripe and rather sad looking bananas (some of which have made a trip to school and back and did not get eaten)? You make banana muffins or banana bread or....There are so many ways to use ripe bananas and yes Lee-Ann, I added flax, just for you!

Time to check on them before the beeper goes....

Shanna :)

What I used:
papers: Authentique - Genuine
tag punch & stamp - SU

Thanks so much

Okay, so it seems this is another one that looks better in person, the yellow just seems too, well, yellow in the photo. Oh well, what ya gonna do? 

Design-wise, was inspired by the beautiful simplicity of this card of Dawn's a couple of weeks ago. I tried the sketch a couple of different ways and this is one of the cards that resulted.

I was also inspired once again by the current prompt at Laurel's Inspired By blog:

I managed to incorporate the colour scheme as well as some of the texture I think.

Since I seem to be on a butterfly "kick," I will also share at Cute Card Thursday - butterfly kisses.

Now - to bed or to the craft room? Which is calling my name louder? lol
Thanks for stopping by!
Shanna :)

What I used:
tag punch & stamp: SU
papers: Authentique - Genuine
butterfly - Cricut Art Philosophy
twine - MME

Happy Mother's Day

I managed to spend awhile in my craft space today and it was so therapeutic! 

This is my take on Laurel's current challenge at Inspired By using the current sketch at Unscripted Sketches:

My photos seems to have made the twine out to be a little brighter yellow than the real deal. In person, it is a little more subdued and looks nicer. I couldn't resist adding a pop of yellow in there. :) Also, I 've been seeing other bloggers use this fun "layered banner" technique for awhile, but finally got around to playing with it myself. I have to say it is pretty fun and a great way to use fun patterns!

Here is the inspiration photo:

And here is the sketch - I did alter it a bit to be sure, but this is what I started with:

I would also like to share at:

Cute Card Thursday - butterfly kisses

I hope you've had a fantastic weekend!

Shanna :)

What I used:
stamp: CTMH D1261 Simple Beauty
papers: Authentique "Genuine" 6x6
MME twine

You make the world a better place

I would like to share my card at the City Crafter Challenge Blog where the theme is Birthdays. I also made this using last week's sketch from JUGS, but missed the deadline. I turned the sketch on it's side.

I know that my Mom occasionally reads my blog but I know she has no power today (in Southern Ontario), so I think it might just be safe to post this, lol!

Here is the inside...

I still love this fab paper from Simple Stories!

Thanks so much for stopping by to visit!

Shanna :)

What I used:

paper: Simple Stories Summer Fresh

Quote: CTMH S1207 Live Out Loud

sentiment SU "Bring on the cake"

buttons - MFT

washi tape from my stash

Thanks for making the world a better place

 Hello and TGIF! Today's cards are for CASology where the theme is TRAVEL.

And here is the inside of the card...

And here is another quickie made using the same paper pack. Good to have a few thank you cards on hand.

Happy Weekend!
Shanna :)
p.s. It has been snowing here ALL DAY LONG!

What I used:
papers: Studio Calico "Abroad"
quote: CTMH "Live Out Loud"
Starbuck's coffee sleeves - yep there they are again!

So sorry

I had need of a card for a friend who lost her dog recently. Here is what I made using the Deconstructed sketch no. 96.

I almost forgot, that I also played along with this week's theme at The Paper Players - recycle it! I have recycled my Starbuck's cup sleeves and turned them into hearts.

It is freezing cold here and apparently we are expecting 5 cm of snow tomorrow!!! Even we skiers are tired of the snow! Chester did ski on Sunday, April 7th, but both local hills are now closed so we no longer have need of snow. Bring on spring - please!!! Now all my friends who gave me a hard time about shouting "Let it snow" all winter long are going to be laughing at me. When we needed and wanted snow most we got nothing, or else we got it and then it rained or became so cold nobody wanted to leave the house, lol. Now that it is supposed to be spring, we get dumps of snow every few days, what gives? lol Enough about the weather, it could always be worse. Sure hope it is warm and not stormy wherever you are!

Cheers,

Shanna :)

What I used: 

papers: Kaiser Craft Hunt & Gather 6.5 paper pad

MFT buttons

vintage seam binding

Starbuck's coffee sleeves cut into hearts

Inspired By Rainbow colours!

 I have been in a real funk and so when I saw Laurel's current inspiration photo at Inspired by I thought maybe it would help me break out of it. Those fabulous bright colours looked like so much fun to play with.

Sadly, several projects were tossed aside before I managed to come up with these three cards and as I type this I am still unsure of whether or not I really like these ones, but I thought I'd go ahead and post 'em anyhow. I am in one of those bummed out, indecisive sorta moods anyhow. 

Washi tape always makes me smile and these bright rainbow colours were no exception so even though I am unsure of the results, the tapes were fun to play with. Hmmm, what else should I cover with these fun colours?

Here is the fab inspiration photo - Laurel has a fab prize up for grabs this week. Be sure to play along!

 C ya,
Shanna :)

What I used:
washi tape from a variety of manufacturers
rub-ons from American Crafts
sticker from Deja Views
rhinestones from Queen & Co.

Sweet wishes

Hello Friday, so glad you're here! 

Ok, so does anyone else out there avoid shopping for clothing until it cannot be avoided any longer? That would be ME...Hello my name is Shanna. I like to things that are comfortable, classic and affordable. I avoid trendy since I get more wear out of my clothes and I have to shop less frequently. I would much sooner shop for crafting supplies, books or even groceries lol!

So, my lil Sis helped me clean out my closet and we did a really good job! It was quite funny actually since my sister is a bit younger than me and has a better sense of style. There were a few instances of, well okay, a lot of "NO - please tell me you don't wear that!" Anything questionable went into the giveaway/donate pile. Ever since I've been a little anxious, especially since my spring/summer wardrobe is a bit sparse to begin with  especially in the "appropriate to wear to work" pile. So yesterday, I decided I HAD to go shopping whether I liked it or not. Winter is really hanging on here and so I am still okay wearing my cords, but that won't last forever. 

So this is how I found myself at the mall yesterday afternoon wandering hopelessly. I did wander into a couple of stores on my way down the mall but was scared away by SO MANY hideous prints and colours - since when did emerald green and peach become so popular?!?!

 Urgh, yuck! I wanted to run screaming, so I headed for David's Tea and did some tea shopping - that helped a little. Next, I headed to Homesense where I scored a couple of FAB 6x6 paper pads and a set of Spellbinders. Happy Sigh, that was more like it! Now how be I just head home....nope, gotta face the facts!

Feeling slightly braver and a little more relaxed, I headed back to the clothing stores. I managed to find a couple of basic t-shirts with just a bit of detail - washable, wearable and affordable, just how I like it. I left the mall rather depressed and in a last ditch effort, stopped at ROOTS on my way home. I usually find some good, comfy basics there. Even there, I didn't have a great deal of luck, but came home with a pair of shorts and some running capris as well as two deeply discounted t-shirts, but alas nothing I can wear to work!  Fast forward to today, I thought I'd try one more store - Reitmans, thinking this should be a good option for reasonably priced work wear (business casual). I had to scrounge to find anything I would even consider trying on and managed only one pair of capris.

So, the question is ladies - where do you shop? I am in my late 30's and as I mentioned, I am looking for comfortable and classic styles (business casual for work) that will last hopefully more than one season. I am too old for the "teen" stores and yet too young for the "old lady" stores, kwim? If you are Canadian and have any suggestions for me, please share!!! :)

So, about my card, I was dying to play with this punch that I recently acquired and finally got around to - my fave part is the "cherries" on top.

I would like to share this at Cute Card Thursday where the challenge is "something borrowed". I have borrowed a sketch I use as a "go to" when my mojo is lacking. Repetition can be very helpful when you are short on ideas!

Well, if you stuck with me this long, thanks for listening to my rant and thanks for stopping by!
Happy Friday!
Shanna :)

What I used:
punch - EK success (cupcake top and bottom)
stamp - Inkadinkado "Birthday Cupcake"
Q & co. Twinkle Goosebumps

So Happy Together

Hello Tuesday!
Long time, no post. Just needed some down time and besides that, the mojo had taken a LONG hike! I am slowly convincing it to make it's way home. Well, I think anyhow. Maybe, sorta, kinda. We'll see...

Thankfully, I had a little inspiration for this one. I would like to share at:

Raise the bar - I have taken the sketch and turned it on it's 
side. I also took a little creative license and added a little here and there, but I think you can still see it.

Shopping Our Stash - not your normal paper - I have put a small dent in the very LARGE stash of Starbuck's coffee cup sleeves (see corrugated hearts) I have acquired since realizing how much fun they can be to cut up and use on cards. I have a friend who goes frequently, and knows I like to cut them up, so I have a steady supply! This also makes me feel slightly less guilty when I forget my reusable cup myself! lol

Bedtime, stories to read, gotta run! It's been kind of a pretty long day, and it's only 8:15 pm....

Shanna :)