Thursday, July 29, 2010

Practical Scrappers 7 items challenge

Good Morning,

This weeks Practical Scrappers Challenge is to use 7 different items on your creations.  My list of 7 things are: Basic Grey design paper, rubber stamp image, Copic Markers, twine, thread (stitching), rub-ons, and one eyelet on the tag.

I can't wait to see what 7 interesting things you put on your cards or layouts. It was fun  trying to think of what different types of materials I could put to use.

On a sad note, this will be my last posting as a Design Team Member for Practical Scrappers. I am going to miss creating for you gals!  But I will partake in your weekly challenges when time permits.  In September, my eldest is moving on into grade 1, and my youngest is going to school for the very first time.  I work full time, and feel that my nights will be filled with homework, and fitting in quality time with the family.  I want to be sure that I don't miss any of the "important" moments with my two girls, thus I am having to cut back on some of the "me" time.

I hope you have enjoyed the projects I have presented to you over the past 7 months, and I look forward to visiting the weekly challenges to see what you are all up to.

Happy Krafting ladies,

Hugs
Tanya

Sketches in Thyme Challenge #8


Good Morning,

This weeks Sketches in Thyme Challenge is to use Monma's fabulous sketch above to make your own fabulous page. My little girl turns 4 this month, so I shed some tears when making this page.

I don't like my own handwriting, but I wrote along the circle despite the fact.  The writing states "Ten tiny fingers, ten tiny toes, and a full head of hair."  I remember holding her tiny feet and hands, and I was amazed by her full head of hair,which has since turned very blond.

There will be another fabulous prize up for grabs, but I will ask you to head over to Sketches in Thyme to see what the prize pot holds.  Maybe the added incentive will get you creating.

Hugs
Tanya

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Just Because

Hello,

Don't you just love it when you sit down to play for no other reason than "just because"?  This card is a result of me doing just that. 

I used bubble wrap to add some grey and pink texture to the polka dotted paper, totally inspired by Tim Holtz's background stamps that are on my wish list.  The embossed background behind the unicorn is one of Tim Holtz's embossing folders that I got from Michelle's Scrapbooking and More. It is my newest toy, and I am totally impressed with how well they emboss.

Have a great Saturday, I am off to the park with my young ones, Jimmer is at my side right now and growing impatient with me.

Hugs
Tanya

Friday, July 23, 2010

Sketches in Thyme Challenge #7

Good Morning,


I hope you all have had a good week.  I just wanted to remind you that Sketches in Thyme has a new sketch for you all to try out.  Once again it is a fabulous sketch by Monma.
 
There is a yummy prize package to be won this week.  Hope you all decide to participate.

Hugs
Tanya

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Practical Scrappers Using up your 1+year stash

Good Morning,

This weeks Practical Scrappers Challenge is to use something on your creation that has been sitting in your stash for over 1 year. I chose my Stampin Up "Always" stamp set, as it is one of my favorites, and it has been sitting for well over a year gathering dust. In addition, the silver eyelets have also been gathering dust for over a year.

What do you have in your stash that qualifies? I hope to see your creations this week over on the Practical Scrappers site.

Happy Krafting,
Hugs
Tanya

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

The Pixie Cottage Challenge #28


Good Morning,

This weeks Pixie Cottage Challenge #28 provides you with a sketch from our guest designer JayJay. Thank you JayJay, I enjoyed following your sketch! The topic is called "Double Up". Double Up is when you take 2 different stamps and use them on a creation. I used my April with Hearts Pixie Cottage stamp, along with The Pixie Cottage Love sentiment stamp.

I took the sketch and squished it into a 3 x 6 card, I then went about trying to piece it together. I would have liked to get April's dress a lighter shade of yellow, but this is the best I could do.

I am not overly chatty today, I am sorry. This has been one emotional month with a lot of changes to my home and I am feeling it now. Next weeks challenge is canceled, as most of us are on vacation, so I will return in August with some new creations for you. I hope this gives you all a bit more time to try your hand at this weeks Sketch and/or theme challenge over at The Pixie Cottage.

Happy Krafting!
Hugs
Tanya

Monday, July 19, 2010

Bella's Blog Hop Winner!

Hello,

Thanks to all of you who took the time to send prayers, smiles, and cards to Bella. The winner of my blog candy is

Designs By MeMe

Please send me an email to ruddtanya@gmail.com with your shipping address, and I will ship out your stamps.

Could Little Miss Princess Scrapper please have her Mommy send me an email with your shipping address too. I am so very touched that at 6 years of age you made a card for Bella. I want to send you a little something to say thank you.

Have a great Monday,
Hugs
Tanya

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Practical Scrappers Embossing Challenge


This weeks Practical Scrappers Challenge is to use any form of embossing on your card. I tend to dry emboss lately, however this time it was the caption inside the card that got me to take out my red embossing powder and to use it on the background cityscape. The caption reads "Let's paint the town red!"

When I started this card, I really did not think it was going to come together. I almost trashed it 3 times, but finally a bit of inspiration came my way, and I really like how it turned out. I finally got to use this stamp set, I think it is just so "stinking" cute. Pardon the pun!

I can't wait to learn something new, so please show me your take on this weeks challenge by heading over to Practical Scrappers and uploading your projects.

Hugs,
Tanya

P.S The sketch for this card is also the one used yesterday by Pam! Thanks Pam. :)

Sketches in Thyme Challenge #6

Good Morning,

Sketches in Thyme has a new sketch challenge this week. Monma is the creator of this FAB sketch, so be sure to head over and give her some love.

I decided to add to my youngest's album this week, and thus this is an 8x8 layout. She is such a ham, and enjoys making us laugh. She puts a unique twist on everything she does, and the above picture is just a glimpse of what I get on a regular basis. The tab on the right has a little hidden blurb about just that.
I took out my copics and colored the gold butterflies to match this delicious paper. When I showed Jimmer the layout, she told me she did not like green. Note to self: Do not use green next time. I did point out to her that I matched it to her dress and the fairy wings; purple and green. She seemed to accept this, and gave me a smile.

I can't wait to see what you come up with, and be sure to head over and enter your take on this weeks sketch over at Sketches in Thyme.

Need insentive? Here is what you could win!


Hugs,
Tanya

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

The Pixie Cottage Challenge # 27


Good Morning,

This weeks Pixie Cottage Challenge theme is Triple Play! This means using a trio of something on your card. The above sketch by Pam, is also a part of this weeks challenge. You can choose to do both as I have, or break them up, choosing the sketch or the theme.

I rotated the sketch and used this fabulous Pixie Cottage stamp by ArTish. For my triple play, I used a trio of Jenni Bowlin buttons that are available at Michelle's Scrapbooking and More. I also noticed that the flowers below the butterfly also qualify for the triple play theme. Fancy that!

I have to say leaving images uncolored have been my things lately. I did however pop this one up to create dimension to the card. Red and white together remind me of my Oma's kitchen. That was her color scheme for the longest time. I just makes everything look so crisp and clean don't you agree?

I can't wait to see what you come up with for this weeks Pixie Cottage sketch and/or theme challenge.

Happy Krafting,
Hugs
Tanya

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Smiles For Bella

Good Morning,

This is the card I made for Bella. I hope it brings her smiles and courage. I hope she realizes that many of us wish her well, and that we believe she will find her way in life, despite this new challenge. This is a CASED card, I saw this book and had to make my own version. I used my own stamps, and changed the color scheme, but the rest is identical, no elaborate brainstorming on my part. I don't usually card case to this extreme, but it was such a pretty card, I had to try it out.

This is the last week for Bella's Hop, if you do send her a card, please leave me a link to it in my comment box and I will pick a winner randomly. That person will receive this Pixie Cottage Stamp courtesy of Michelle's Scrapbooking and More, and a Sugar Nellie Stamp from my own personal stash.
You should be hopping here from Julie Glasgow's blog, the next stop on your blog hop is Adrina Smulder. The full blog hop list is indicated below.
Hugs,
Tanya

This weeks blog hop list is as follows:

July 13

Denise Lynn
Elizabeth Pujalka
Julie Glasgow
Tanya Rudd YOU ARE HERE!
Adrina Smulder
Chris Olsen
Corry Arnason
Katharina Frei

Rachel Vaughn
Pat Sergeant
Erin Bailey

You can send your card to:

The Bella Tucker Fund
P.O. Box 199
Londonderry NH
03053 USA

Bella Tucker is an 8-year-old girl who attends South School Elementary in Londonderry, New Hampshire and is a member of the Phantom Gymnastics team. Bella came down with a near fatal infection on Easter Sunday. Doctors gave little hope for this third graders’ survival, but after five days in a coma she miraculously survived Streptococcus Pneumonia Sepsis with DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation).

Unfortunately, her survival from this infection was not without significant cost. The infection caused extensive tissue damage, and on April 27, 2010, Bella underwent quadruple amputation surgery and is currently facing an extremely long and hard recovery at Children’s Hospital in Boston with extensive rehabilitation to follow, as she learns to live life without her limbs.

Fortunately, Bella has the love and support of her three older brothers and younger sister during these trying times. The family is suddenly faced with significant challenges, many of which can be eased with financial help. For example, their home in Londonderry, New Hampshire will need extensive modifications to accommodate a wheelchair. Bella's mother, who is also her primary insurance holder, must be by her side during the extensive rehabilitation process and therefore she will be unable to work, causing the family to lose significant income. Since her mother will be with her during this process, the family needs funds for daycare of their other children. Lastly, she will be faced with medical challenges for the rest of her life.

New Stamps and a Chance to Win!


Michelle's Scrapbooking and More just recieved new stamps by Sandra Hammer!! This new one is called Hannah on a Swing.

Michelle would love to give this stamp to three lucky blog followers, please go HERE for all the details.

Here is a coupon from Michelle to you,
Oh an use the Coupon Code: Facebook for 15 percent off your total order HERE

Thanks Michelle, you are always so very generous.

Have a great Tuesday ladies,
Hugs
Tanya

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Elisabeth Bell's Definitive Blog Candy!


Hi ladies,

Elisabeth Bell has just put up a wonderful assortment of blog Candy. For those of you who are not aware of her art, I urge you to check out her blog HERE.

The above card was one that I made a long time ago, but this little fellow is one of Elisabeth's stamps. She is truly one talented lady. Be sure to leave her some love.

The contest closes July 16th, 2010.

Hugs
Tanya

Saturday, July 10, 2010

The Pixie Cottage's Dangling Charm Tutorial

The tools you will need to make your dangling charm are a good pair of beading pliers, tweezers, jump rings, any form of clasp (mine being a lobster clasp), beads, charms and some form of necklace chain.

The first thing to do is attach your necklace chain to a larger jump ring, doing so with different lengths of chain. You can add a little or a lot, the choice is up to you. I chose 4 chain lengths.

Next you take your beads and thread them through your smaller jump rings, finishing them off by attaching them to the necklace chain and closing them with the beading pliers. I find it easier to hold the jump rings with my tweezers and then use the pliers in my other hand to squeeze the jump ring shut.

Continue adding beads and charms to your necklace chain. Once you are satisfied with the look, add the clasp onto the larger jump ring that the necklace chain was originally attached to.

I used a loopy brad on the card and then attached the dangling charm to it. This way if the person receiving the card wants to remove the charm they can do so. They look awfully pretty on cell phones!


Et Voila, you have your very own, handmade dangling charm that adds a nice dimension to your card. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial ladies! Have a wonderful Saturday.
Hugs
Tanya

Friday, July 9, 2010

Sketches In Thyme

Hi Ladies,

Another fabulous sketch challenge has started up this week at Sketches in Thyme. Can't wait to see your take on this weeks sketch by Monma.

Happy Krafting,

Tanya

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Practical Scrappers Animation/Cartoon Challenge

Good Morning,

This weeks Practical Scrappers Challenge is to use Animation/Cartoons on your creations. Boy did this one stump me. My girls never really took to any specific cartoon, other than Tinkerbell, as they have several fairy outfits they enjoy dressing up in. I was going to make a card with a Tinkerbell sticker I have somewhere in my stash, but do you think I could find it! Nope, so as a result, I have done a layout. I think this is my first layout done for a Practical Scrapper's Subject Challenge.

Have a great day, and I hope you decide to join us this week.

Hugs
Tanya

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

The Pixie Cottage Challeng #26

Good Morning,

This weeks Pixie Cottage Challenge # 26 is a wonderful sketch by our Guest Designer Dawny. Thanks Dawny, this was one fun sketch! The Pixie Cottage theme this week is to create an aperture on your card. I tried really hard to incorporate one into my card, but it got the better of me, so I settled on using the sketch only.

The lovely nest image is another fantastic Pixie Cottage Stamp by ArTish, called Robin's Nest. This stamp can be found at Michelle's Scrapbooking and More. Be sure to drop in, she has some goodies up for grabs in the Candy Jar!

I decided to color in and pop up the nest, the eggs and some leaves. I left the remainder of the image blank to try and add a bit more dimension. I also took a gold butterfly and colored it in with my brown Copic marker. The pin in the corner was inspired by a card found here on the Scrapbook and Cards Today blog. I just love when I see something that makes me go WOW, and then I get to try it on for size.

I can't wait to see what you choose to do. Will it be the sketch, the theme, or both?

Happy Krafting,
Hugs
Tanya

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Sketches in Thyme Challenge #4

Good Morning!
Can you believe Sketches in Thyme is already on it's 4th challenge! This weeks sketch challenge is to use the sketch above, found on Moma's blog. Be sure to check out her blog, she has tons of fab sketches.

Each week we are seeing more of you participate, and I want to say thank you. I have truly been inspired. I also find that by looking at all your lovely takes on the sketches, that I am able to improve my own layouts. I hope you all take a shot at this one, I really enjoyed layering it up.

These pictures were taken last July, and it was pouring rain. The girls did not complain once, and the best part was they got to eat a ton of fresh strawberries when they got home. Funny how a little rain can keep most people indoors. I am grateful that I have two little girls who enjoy being outdoors even in the rain.
For a little inspiration, the above prize is up for grabs. All you have to do is play along with us and use the above sketch to create a layout, or even a card, then post it on the Sketches In Thyme blog.

Happy Canada Day everyone,
Hugs
Tanya

Practical Scrappers Decorative Edged Scissors/Border Punch Challenge

Good Morning,

This weeks Practical Scrappers Challenge is to take out your decorative scissors and/or your border punches and to create! I have had these decorative scissors for ages, and I have never really used them. Partially because I can not cut straight with them. Well I am going to share with you my "Aha" moment. I scored the paper first and simply placed the edge of the scissor on the scored line, this allowed me to cut straight!

I also love the fact that by turning the scissors around, I could get a positive and a negative pattern. You can see the negative pattern around the edge of the blue design paper, and along the burgundy strip I used instead of ribbon. The positive pattern is the scalloped edge along the base of burgundy rectangle. One pair of scissors, two very different patterns.

This was another fun challenge for me, I am actually looking to see what other scissors I can use to make fantastic patterns with.

I can't wait to see what you create this week ladies. Happy Krafting!
Hugs
Tanya