Toasted and Not-my -Style Thank Yous :)

Heya people,

Ok, so I have been MIA again. The internet connection at home was down for more than 2 days and we had a problem in the family. Still praying that everything's alright very soon :(.

This is going to be a longish post... I hope you do read along though ;-) 

I managed some crafting though. This first card is called the 'Toasted Thank You' card!

The colors are from the Play Date Cafe Challenge #73... gorgeous colors (and thank you Shalini for describing them to me when I couldn't access the net):

I'm also submitting this for Your Next Stamp challenge - make it sparkle.

The sketch I used was an adaptation of a Papercrafts Magazine sketch (I don't know where but I think most bloggers had been posting about the cards that didn't make it; and I got the link/sketch from one of those). I love sketches anyway ;-). I added the kraft label frame to a die cut lavender sheet; then adhered the circles; and then embossed the whole thing (that seems to be my latest fascination....). Then I rubbed some clear ink over it and added embossing powder and heat embossed over the toaster (he he...). You'll need to look closely to see it shine I guess ;-) 

Now to the name of my card... well, I stamped the sentiment and added embossing powder; I was trying my best to use a tong to hold the little piece over the toaster but it fell right in!! {GULP}; I took it out before it was too late but the poor thing was almost toasted :-p

My next card isn't my style; and I was inspired by dozens of such cards that I've seen all over the place:

I've tried stepping out of my comfort zone (layers layers and more layers is what I like and do most of the time though I'm still finding my style!)... these gorgeous blooms are from the Hero Arts set that Emily sent for me. I love the versatility of this set. I'd tried a simple one layer card earlier... and this one is with some stamping, coloring and  paper piecing. I have not been able to take part in most of the challenges I love this year... This card is my entry for:

1) Michelle's challenge on Yvonne's blog - Get out of your comfort zone

2) Your Next Stamp challenge - make it sparkle (ok my red flowers are sparkling!)

That's it from me...

Smita

Not so happy...

I am not so happy with today's card. It was a very quick one though.

I think I am in love with the PTI Mat Stack set. :) Just waiting to lay my hands on the right ink... What I didn't like is the color combination. I think my card turned out much tooo dull for my taste!

I am submitting this for the Card Patterns challenge this week:

Trying to find my Mojo to create something special before Wednesday! :(

Supplies:

Patterned Paper: All Hobby Ideas

Stamps: PTI Mat Stack1

Tools: Distressed stripes embossing folder, MS double loop punch, Mat Stack1 die

Others: 'vintage' ric rac and button from mom ;-)

Hope you liked this one!

ciao,
Smita

Cased

I want to share a scraplifted card today. My card is inspired by this card by Laura- the Stampin' Soldier:

I am kind of a new visitor to Laura's blog and I love her ways with patterned paper. Here is my feeble attempt:

Again, a book backdrop. It is kind of not so bright at this hour so my picture is just so-so. But I liked my card!

Supplies:


PP: DCWV (the Blue polka dot one; my brother-in-law took the trouble to go to a new scrapbooking store in town and heard my instructions on phone and got me the Nana's Kids pack - all thanks to Tejal again for introducing me to the store!) and Pebbles Inc (yellow)
Stamps: PTI
Embellishments: Ribbon was an RAK from Shalini (love ya girl!), button from stash
Others: The checkered vintage'' paper is really vintage ;-) and given by my dad (ok, let me tell you he hoards stationery more than anyone I know! and he will never part with anything; I had to beg for a few sheets :D )

Ciao,
Smita

Mad 'Bout U

Hello there,

Yeah, I am still doing the disappearing act now and then! But I've been visiting you more often, huh? :-) Busy month ahead again! My brother-in-law is getting engaged soon and that's keeping me busy!

But here's my card for today:

I am submitting it for two challenges:

Card Patterns : for their sketch 98

Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings : for their Challenge 16 (Heart Theme)

I was in a mood to make a Valentine's Day card so the heart theme at RRR was just perfect.... 

I feel something's still missing in the card but can't figure out what. Here is the recipe anyway:

Cardstock : Fabriano from my stash

Patterned Paper : RAK from Yvonne

Stamps : The letter stamps are an old one from Hobby Ideas (I finally have got the hang of using them on a make shift block); the scattered hearts stamp is also from an old Hobby Ideas set

Others : I made the ribbon flower from a tutorial I saw at the RRR blog (wonder why I never saw their blog earlier!); the hearts are scallop punched and everything else is from my stash.

Hope you liked it.

Ciao,

Smita

Get Sketchy # 57

My take on this week's sketch at Get Sketchy:

This is another 75th birthday card requested by mom. The 3 double-loop layers on the edge look much prettier IRL. You'll need to take a closer look to see the floral print on the PP... it was impossible for me to photograph it.

Till later,

Smita
PS: I had to edit this card before sending it across. I added a large layered scalloped flower, leaves and some flourishes.

Where's the bling?

I love color challenges because they do the main part of thinking for me - what colors coordinate. But up till now, I couldn't participate in most, because I never had the right colors (read Patterned Papers LOL)with me. Now that I do have some options, I'm trying to combine fabulous color challenges with my favorite sketches.

When I love bright and warm colors so much, why wouldn't I play along with ColourQ :-) I was floored by their colours :-)

And I combined these gorgeous colors with this week's Card Patterns sketch:

And this is what I came up with:

This is card my mom requested for. She wanted a 50th birthday card for a relative. We decided not to have bling so I restricted my bling usage to 3 dots in Shimmer Apricot (3D outliner). I loved how it has turned out. I am not too sure if she'll like it though... she is difficult to please ;-) The stamps are Inkadinkado, papers are Pebbles Inc.

Ciao,
Smita

Pretty pleased

...that is what I am with this new card. Mom called me up early this morning asking for a card to send to an uncle of hers on his 75th birthday. All was ok except for the fact that she wanted it couriered today itself!! Well well well... a  girl can't let her Mommy down, can she?? ;-) But I was quite a bundle of nerves and I thought I'd never start making it because I couldn't decide the paper or the color or anything for that matter.

Anyway, I will save the blah-blahing for some other time. Here's the card:

I so so love this patterned paper. It is called Patchwork and it is again from my newest stack. I have been so wanting to try popping a big flower. I know it sounds silly but I did want a PP with such large flowers and other elements that could be carved out and used separately :-) Hoping mom likes it too.

Ciao,
Smita

Patterned paper

Heya people,

A simple yet adorable card I made for Amy's challenge on Yvonne's blog (uh oh... did I just complicate it??! Sorry, unfortunate and sad news in the family is not letting me think clear)...

It has been pouring all day so this is the brightest pic I could get.. The challenge requirement was to use 3 different PP... I guess I have used more than that. And I have just followed my heart and done what I like best... loads of layers, handmade flowers and for the first time a handmade tree ;-)

The punch used at the bottom of the chocolate card stock is a local find! [I couldn't believe my eyes that it could actually punch very well!!]

Ciao,
Smita

PS: I can't believe there is not a touch of glitter on my card!!