2011 Top Ten Cards!

Happy New Years Eve!

As we draw to a close for 2011, many bloggers are putting some of their favorites up for you to see once again!  Sounds like a good idea to me.  This year has been a learning experience for me in the card making area.  I have been really practicing with my copics and love them more each time I use them.

So here are my top 10 favorites for 2011!  Keep in mind many are for Christmas, as I did not start my blog until the fall 2011.

I wish you all a safe New Years Eve and a bountiful New Year!  Thank you for all your support in the blogging community!

Until next year....

Athina

A kind Thank you!

Hello Ladies!

It is quite late or very early if you wish to look at it that way.  I am working on getting my blog posts updated.  I figured out tonight how to schedule them, boy  that will be much easier!  For Christmas, I made my husband's Grandma a set of cards to send out in the upcoming year.  It consisted of a few Thank You's, Birthday's, a Thinking of You and a New Baby card.  I know she can use these, as she sends a lot of cards.  So over the next few days, I will post just a few.  I did not use copics on these cards, but instead kept them more on the simple side. 

The one I am sharing today is a simple Thank You with a blank inside, so she can write her own message.  The paper is by MME and I added a few matching flowers with brads and a ribbon. 

I am hoping to get some time to craft in the next few days.  We have several projects that need to be completed before I go back to work, so I will sneak away when I can!

Have a fantastic weekend!
Thanks for stopping by!  Until next time...
Athina

A New Goal!

Hello Ladies!

I hope everyone who celebrates Christmas had a wonderful weekend celebrating!  One of ours ended up getting postponed, so we went ahead with one of my husbands and my traditions.  We went to the mall on Christmas Eve to watch all the last minute shoppers.  It can be quite fun to just sit and people watch.  There are lots of men wondering around trying to find that perfect gift.  Then we had a celebration late Christmas Eve with his family and then celebrated with my family on Christmas Day.  I love spending time with my family, it just seems that we have all become so busy and we just don't see each other as much as I would like.

Ok, so now onto the real reason for the post today.....

I have been wanting to do more challenges for the upcoming year.  So no time like the present to get started, right?  I want to expand my skills and spread my wings into new adventures.  I am looking for some good blog challenges for the future, so if you know of any, leave me a comment!  I would love to check them out and participate.

This particular challenge came from the sketch challenge over at SCS (SC365). Basically, you are given a sketch and you create a card based off that sketch.  This came in very handy this morning as I was laying in bed thinking I needed to make a card for my BFF.  I was thinking of the green and purple colors but still trying to decide how to lay out the card.  I knew I wanted something simple for the card.  One of my normal colored images was not appropriate today.  Once I got up and checked my email, I was surprised to find this challenge note.  PERFECT!!!

Here is the sketch!

Here is my card.  I choose MME papers, as they are my favorite.  The stamped image is from PSX.  I used mulberry paper that I pulled out of that stash from years ago and a bold purple ribbon with a bo bunny brad to finish her off.

The inside sentiment is by Stampin Up.

If you want to check out all the other cards made for this challenge, check them out here.

Thank you for stopping by!  I hope you have a great day!

Blessings until next time!

Santa's Little Helper

Merry Christmas to all my blogging friends!  This is the final Christmas Card for this year.  I have had so much fun making all of them.  I love to color as it is quite relaxing to me.   Aren't those copics the best thing since sliced bread?  I choose to go with a simple design and sat little Magnolia Tilda on some spellbinders nested ovals.  I could not find ribbon to match the project, so I colored some white ribbon with the green to match Tilda's dress.  Added some buttons for some extra texture and she is complete!

Just a closer view of Santa's Little Helper Tilda.

Copics used:
Skin:  E000, E00, E11, E13
Dress:  YG93, YG95, YG97
Sleeves/Underdress:  W1, W2, W3
Socks:  W1, W2 R24, R27, R89
Hat:  R24, R27, R89
Hair:  E31, E33, E35, E27

I matched the inside to the outside with just a simple sentiment by Stampabilities.

Please enjoy the next couple of days with those that are precious to you and remember the true gift of the season!

Thanks for stopping by and looking!  I will be back in a few days with some other projects for you!

Blessings until next time.

Sweet Tucked Tilda!

Good Afternoon!
Only three days till Christmas!   Are you ready?  I made just a few last minute cards using my new stamp by Magnolia, Tucked Tilda.  Isn't she sweet?  I usually color on Gina K paper, but gave the Neena a try one more time.  I am still not sold, but it is really a personal choice.  I do like the way it blends so much easier than the Gina K, but I must put down too much ink, because it just bleeds and bleeds.

Well on to the card!  I used basic gray paper as my background and buttons to hold the sentiment on.  The sentiment is by My Sentiments Exactly.  You can't see in the picture, but I offset Tilda with pop dots.  So she stands off the card.

Copics:
Skin:  E000, E00, E11, E13
Hair:  E31, E33, E35, E37
Stocking:  R24, R27, R89, T1
Bow:  YG93, YG95, YG97
Dress, R20, R21, R22

The inside I decided to make it a bit wonky with a tag.   It was something different for me, as I don't use tags often.  Sentiment by Hampton Art Stamps.

Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings until next time!

Recipe Holders - Great Holiday Gifts!

Good Morning!

I am finally off of work until January 3rd!  I am so looking forward to relaxing and getting a few goals accomplished.  First, I have to head out to finish my Christmas shopping.  Normally, I am done by now, but this year, I am very behind!  Wish me luck!!

I have just a quickie for you today.  These recipe holders are super simple.  You purchase a wooden clothes pin (the larger variety).  I took mine apart to give it a more finished look,  I used copic markers to color the inside of the pin and the sides.  Honestly, I was too lazy to get the wood stain out and make a huge mess.  The copics did fantastic!!  After coloring the inside, I cut paper to size to fit on the outside.  I used some stamps on some of them to add the extra special touch.  Finish with a flower and a brad and Whola!! you have a cute recipe holder to keep your recipes clean!

Enjoy the rest of your week!  Remember to slow down and enjoy your family and the true meaning of the holiday!

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings until next time!

Love the Chubby Penguins!

Happy Sunday Everyone!

We are now just seven days away from Christmas!  Are you ready to relax and enjoy the next week with your loved ones and friends?  We had my family over last night and it is so much fun to watch the little ones and spend time with our family.  We don't get to see them quite enough.

This card was made for a group of talented Crafty Gals over at SCS.  You will see their work over on the left hand side of my blog.  Now that they have all received the card, I can share!  This is always a go to card front for me.  Very simple and quick, but has a punch! I change it up a little each time, but the general layout is always similar.  The image is by Whipper Snapper, Holiday Penguin.  He looks so chubby and I just love him!  The sentiment is My Sentiments Exactly.  Paper is My Mind's Eye.  All distressing done with Tim Holtz distress ink.  Image colored with Copics.

Copics:
Penguin: C3, C5, C7, C9
Hat:  R24, R29, E07, T1, C0, C1, 0 with some added stickles
Scarf:  YG93, YG95, YG97
Nose:  YR21, YR23, YR24
Belly:  C0, C1, 0
Cheeks: R20

Just a little closer view of that chubby little guy!

The inside is by Printworks collection, another favorite sentiment for me.

Always remember the reason for the season and take time out to relax and enjoy your family.

Merry Christmas!

Thanks for stopping by!

What's your favorite Christmas song?

Happy Wednesday out in cyber land!  When I found these two stamps from Magnolia (hippo) and High Hopes (sentiment), I had to have them!  It just is not Christmas until I hear that song.  I colored Ms. Hippo with copics.  I wrote down the colors, but have lost my post it note.  

Just a simple card with a layered image and a bow.  Nothing too fancy today.

Enjoy your day!  Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time!

A Penny for Your Thoughts?

Good Evening Everyone!

I hope you had a nice weekend and a good start to your week!  I started making these journals a few years ago as a way to track what I was eating and my weight.  It was a good thing for me to have something pretty to go to everyday and journal what I was doing.  I made a few for the recent bazar I did.  

The journal is just a recycled journal in kraft paper that I purchased at the local craft store.  I used copic markers to color the binding and edges of the journal to give it some color.  The front, back and inside covers are all covered with paper.  The ribbons are tucked in between the inner cover and paper.

This one I decorated with some gems as it fit the glittery paper.  The flowers were touches with a bit of copic air brush to highlight them.

The bluse one a bit different taste, but I used the copic air brush system again to touch the flowers and I used distress ink around the Dream tag.  Binding once again colored with the copics.

The third journal, I colored the binding and the ribbon with copics.  I did not quite have the right color of ribbon, so I made my own to match.  The tag was embossed in clear with a tim holtz stamp and then I used the distress ink and a water spritzer to cover the tag in orange.  I finished it off with a mute brown ink stamped with dots and the sentiment with a clock.  All stamps (except the dots) by tim holtz.  I love his variety!

I hope you have found some inspiration!  Have a great week!

Thanks for stopping by, I always appreciate kind comments!

Until next time...

Post it Note Holders

Good Saturday Morning Everyone!

We have a dusting of snow on the ground this morning, so I guess winter is really coming.  I wish it would stay warmer longer, but I guess we need that snow for the holidays!

I want to share with you another item that I put in the bazar last week.  These are post it note holders.  You can hang them or use the magnet to put them on the fridge.  I packaged them up and put a little tent topper on them.  The board itself is decorated with paper, flowers and ribbon. What girl does not love all of that?

I hope to get some cards up here in the next few days.  I really need to get busy, but I am finding it hard with all the holiday preparations.  We did go power shopping last night and have it all done except for three items.  I hope to get those today along with the tree.

Enjoy the holiday season!
Thanks for looking.

Small Gift Bags!

Hello Everyone!

Just another goodie to share with you from my recent bazar.  These went like hotcakes.  I sold them for only $1.00.  They are great for gift cards or small items and can be made into any occasion.  I got the idea on You Tube from Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Angie Kennedy Juda.  I did not make the flowers as she did, but got the general bag idea from her.  The video link is below.

View from the top!

Just a few extras!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px2QINnt9zU&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL8C7065135932FACA

Please stop by and see Angie Kennedy Juda video.  Christmas is coming, what a better way to wrap that gift card!

Thank you for stopping by!
Blessings until next time!

Crafty Gals December Challenge

Good Monday Morning Everyone!

Today I have my first challenge ever!  I am so excited!!  Over at SCS, I have joined a blogging group that has a monthly challenge to be posted the 5th of each month.  You can see the others in the group on the left hand side of my blog under "Crafty Gals".  Please take a look, they all do awesome work!

So, Melina hosted the first challenge, The Power of Three.  Here are the requirements:

Make a holiday card keeping the number 3 in mind. Everything on your card has to be in 3's. 3 layers, 3 stamped images (or an image with 3 things on it), 3 embellishments (3 buttons, 3 ribbons etc. or 1 ribbon, 1 pearl, and 1 brad etc). No words or sentiments on the front of your card. Your sentiment must be on the inside.

So here goes!  I originally thought, I would do 3 snowflakes or doilies, but then I found this Penny Black Carolers stamp in my drawer.  It was perfect for this challenge.  I have colored caroling hens with copics and used a music sheet as my background.  I tore red paper to go around the image.  I did not realize that I usually use more than three layers on the front of a card, it was a bit difficult for me to step back.  But challenges make us grow.  I finished off the front with three buttons with twine.

Just a closer look at the images.  I used Tim Holtz distress ink around the edges, scattered straw and walnut stain.
Copics used:

Beaks/Feet:  Y32, T35, W3, W1
Gobblers:  E08, E13, E19 (at least I think that is what they are called)
Body:  W1, W3, W5
Music sheet:  E50, E53, E55

The inside I matched up to the front papers.  The sentiment is by Stampabilities.

I have the perfect person in mind to receive this card.  She loves little chickens! One Christmas card done!  Remember to check out the other ladies cards from Crafty Gals!

Thank you for looking.
Blessings until next time,
Athina

Black & White Fun!

Happy Sunday Everyone!

My craft room is finally but back together and I found some fun things.  It is amazing what you find when you clean out the clutter!!

I actually made this little purse a while back and it has been sitting in my room for decoration.  It is a wooden box I bought at a local craft store.  I covered it with black and white papers and ribbons inside and out.  I used ink to mess up the edges.  A big yellow flower to add a splash of color on the front!

I used lots of ribbons to tie around the handle to make it fun!

I covered the inside as well to add some more fun.

Stay tuned tomorrow for our first Crafty Gals challenge post!  You will find the Crafty Gals blogs on the left hand side of my blog.  Stop by and give them a visit.

I hope everyone enjoys the weekend!
Thank you for stopping by!

Snowman Candy!

Good Evening,
It snowed here last night, so today it is fitting to look at the snowman candy bar wrappers.  I downloaded the paper pattern from Laurie
http://lauriefurnell.blogspot.com/2008/11/snowman-freebie.html

Print the paper pattern off and cut to size.  Wrap the candy bars and glue shut.
For the hats,
Cut strips of fabric in six inch strips.
Fold over the strips (the wrong side of the fabric will be showing) to make them 3 inches.
Stitch to close the fabric.
Then cut them into 5 inch pieces.  Your piece will be 3x5.
 You turn the 5 inch piece inside out and turn the bottom up two times to make the hat rim.
Take some twine and tie it around the middle of the hat and tie in a button.
Cut slits in the hat to finish the hat.
You can tie fleece or twine around for the scarf.

It has been a busy week with more to come.  I have a bazar at work on Friday that I hope to sell these in.  Everyone stay warm and enjoy the magic of the holiday season!

Blessings until next time!
Athina

For My Rock!

 Good Morning Everyone!

I have decorated my blog for the season!  It seems Christmas is coming very fast and I don't have much shopping done. At this point I don't even know what I am going to buy for anyone.  I think the hardest this year will be my husband.  He keeps declaring that he does not want anything.  YIKES!!  I have no idea this year.  I hope your shopping is progressing and that you all have time to enjoy the holidays and the true meaning.

Ok, sorry to ramble, now for the card.  I truely don't know what I would do without my best friend and I was thinking of her as I made this card.  She is my ROCK and knows me very well.  We met in college and now work together at the same company.  Even though we work together, we don't always see each other every day.  But nothing every changes in our relationship.  We pick up right where we left off the last time.  I don't know what I would ever do without her.

I took some inspiration for this card from http://inkingontheedge.blogspot.com/...sc-46warm.html.
I had colored the image in mute brown and pink tones.   The image is Stampavive Precious Moments.  The Sara Kay designs remind me of Holly Hobby growing up.  They are indeed precious.  I layered the card with My Mind's Eye paper and finished it off with lace, ribbon and a butterfly embellishment.

Copics:
Skin:  E00, E00, E11
Hair:  E15, E17, E19
Pants:  E53, E55, E57, E59
Hat:  E30, E31, E35
Patches: RV91, RV95, RV99
Shirt:  R00, R21, R22
Chicks:  YR20, YR23, YR24

The inside is layered with a few layers of cardstock and paper with a sentiment by Hampton Arts.  The sentiment is so true and fitting.

 

 

 In closing, just remember that person that sings to you when you forget the words and tell them how important they are to you. 

Thank you for looking and have a great day!

Until next time.

Athina

Edwin's coming for Christmas

Hello Everyone!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I must say ours was very relaxing, not your usual day.
I think this is my favorite that I have done in a while.  The Magnolia image is so cute.  I got my inspiration from jaydekay over at SCS.  Here is the link.
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/2095803  I added my flavor a bit, but liked all the layers she captured.  The paper is all basic gray, another of my favorites.  The image is Edwins Christmas Eve and sentiment also my Magnolia.

Copics:
Hat/Gloves/Pants:  YG93, YG95, YG97
Hair:  C1, C5, C7
Coat:  R24, R27, R89, T1
Boots:  E21, E25, E27, E29
Basket:  E30, E31, E35
Apples:  R24, R29, E07
Present: BG11, BG72, BG78, BG75
Skin:  E000, E00, E11, E13, R20

 The inside sentiment is by Brothers Sisters Design Studio.

Thank you for looking. Blessings until next time.