Inspired By Challenge

Today has been crazy. Seriously crazy. I had three food related get together today. The first one was our work Christmas party, and I was in charge of bringing a mac and cheese casserole. Then, for Community Group it was our turn to provide dinner, and at the same time I had my book club Christmas Party that I needed to provide all the drinks for. Is anyone seeing a problem here? I originally decided to divide and conquer, however Chase had an awful migraine and nothing went as planned. Thankfully he is feeling better, but by about 8:30 tonight I decided I needed to just go in my room. Isn't creating something so relaxing?

I decide since my brain was fried that maybe taking on the Paper Crafts Inspiration Challenge would help. I started looking through some of my older editions. And came across a card from Kalyn Kepner on page 21 of the March/April 2009 issue. Does anyone else get surprised when you run across names in the cardmaking world you don't know? I know I shouldn't ... there are so many talented people out there, but I do. Well I loved her card. And here's what I came up based on it:

To be honest I'm not 100% sure how I feel about it. All the color... it's just not normally my thing.

Stamps: Sentiments, Thanks, Gless (American Crafts)

Card Stock: Hibiscus Burst (Papertrey Ink); Pumpkin Pie (Stampin' Up!)

Pattern Paper: Happy-Go-Lucky Blue Skies (American Crafts); Bitty Box Basics (Papertrey Ink)

Ink: VersaMark, Craft White (Stampin' Up)

Thread: 3713 (DMC)

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Also, for those of you that watched my most recent video and left a comment, I've drawn a random winner to receive a few flowers from me:

And random.org gave me number 6.

Julie Campbell said...Another fantastic tutorial!!! Thank you so much! I love the fabric version too!

Julie ... I'll email you to get your address.

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Also, have you all checked out the EBTKS entries so far. I'm not even kidding ... they are FANTASTIC. So creative!

Embellish Leaves, Acorns, & Pine Cones Color Challenge

Just a simple card tonight. Well, I say simple, but it was a work out. This little leaf punch is a tough one. Why is it the smallest punches are the hardest? Here was the challenge Ashley issued this time around:

I actually have zero stamps that apply to the above, and that's when I go digging through old supplies. And here's what I came up with:

Kind of fun right? Basically I just drew a heart and used my little leaf punches to create a border. Super simple, but fun too.

Stamps: Ashley's Blossom

Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Real Rust, Old Olive (SU); White (PTI)

Ribbon: Lemon Grass (Offray)

Ink: Chestnut Roan (ColorBox)

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Don't forget there is a new Everything But The Kitchen Sink Challenge up with a killer prize. I hope you'll come join us. Obviously we know it's outside the box, but we hope because of that you'll take the challenge and come be inspired! I can't wait to see what you make.

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Christmas 2008 - Last year I made several Christmas decor items. Just thought I'd post links to those again:

Project 1 - Pattern Paper Wreath

Project 2 - Bannister Decor

Project 3 - Cardboard Wreath

Bead Board Project

Chase and I (um... more me) decided to add some bead board to our recently painted dining room. Here was our dining room before we ever started changing things:

And here is the current:

I'm pretty excited about it. Just in time for all the parties we will be hosting this year. If you are curious about the process, and how big of a mess we made doing this, you can watch our little video we made.


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Hey December Daily girls... are you ready? Today's the big day - Dec. 1!

EBTKS Around the House Challenge

Well, you'll all have to wait one more day to see what Chase and I have been working so hard on. So make sure you check back tomorrow.

Today's the 30th and that means a new EBTKS challenge. Kelley whipped up this challenge and prize, and I think they are both fantastic. Here's the challenge:

And check out this prize for the winner - Big and Bold Wishes by PTI and a few buttons from EVERY PTI current buttons!

 

And here's what I came up with:

Stamps: Big and Bold Wishes (PTI)

Card Stock: Krafts (SU), White

Pattern Paper: Crate Paper

Button: Aqua Mist (PTI)

And you have to go check out the other girls cards. They are fantastic. 

Now it's your turn! I can't wait to see what you make. Head over to the EBTKS blog for more details and Mr. Linky!

Everything But The Kitchen Sink Challenge Winner!

Wow... has it been a crazy week for you guys? It certainly has for me. And can I just say thank you! Thank you for playing with us here at Everything But The Kitchen Sink. I hope you are having fun! The response for the first sketch challenge was amazing - thanks guys. I can't tell you how long it took for me to narrow down some great cards - there were just so many!

But since we have to pick here they are:

The big winner of the $25 gift card is Kathy. How cool is her card. Kathy email me at courtneymbaker@gmail.com and I'll get you set up!

Now for a few other cards/scrapbook page we all loved (top left clockwise) Mariana, Courtney K, Heather, Julie, and Christina.javascript:void(0)

Check back early Monday morning for a new "Around the House" challenge! I've already seen a few of the design team cards - and wow. You don't want to miss those. I guess that means I need to start on mine!

Courtney

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday and it's a big one. I won't tell you her age, but it's clearly shown on her birthday invitations!

Can I just say I love my mom. It's crazy how you can go from being two people that fight about clothes during the teenage years to best of friends. It's funny how age changes you. When I was a teenager my brother and I used to moan whenever my mom would talk about how much she loved my dad. Now I feel so privileged to have grown up in that kind of loving environment. I really consider my mom one of my best friends. I can go to her with anything. Plus she's so funny. I didn't realize it until I was older and everyone kept talking about her being so funny.

My dad threw my mom a surprise party on Saturday. It actually worked out great because it did cross my mom's mind that it might be a surprise party, but then remembered that I was out of town. How could there be a party without me, right (well, at least that's how my mom feels :)). My dad did commission me to make cards for him to send out. I was in the middle of planning for our big class at church, so I needed something pretty and quick. These were 100% inspired by Ashley Newell. She did a card very similar to this template, but I wasn't able to find it when I went back through her blog.

 

I thought they were fun. Again ... happy birthday Mom! You're the best.

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On a totally different note, I'm sure you are all reading Kelley's blog about her shocking news. If you haven't you can find it here. I only post this here to encourage you to join me in praying for her and her family. Over the years Kelley has become such a good friend ... I love that girl. I also know she believes in prayer, and that her theory is "the more the better." And therefore I know she wouldn't mind me asking here as well.

Petal Flower Tutorial!

Now, I'm going to warn you... I sound awful in this video. Not only will you hear my southern accent, but you'll also get to enjoy my raspy congested voice as well! If you're able to bear with it ... you'll learn how to make these:

Please notice the bigger flower is fabric - gotta love it. And the button looks off-center in the picture. I think it's just the way it's laying in the photo.

You can also watch the video here.

Here's the video that started it all. And here's the card that started it all:

Leave a comment and I might just pick a random recipent of a few flowers! And if you try your had at this flower - I'd LOVE to see it!