Cardabilities Sketch #90

Hello Friends -
Hope you are having a good week!

Snowy and freezing weather here certainly made for a different week!  Kids home for 2 extra days but work deadlines still stay the same.  How do we always manage to get it all done?  I have no idea - okay, well a few.  Like extra caffeine and much less sleep!

And now our Volleyball Birthday Party facilitator has fallen through.  Not sure what to do with this but there are 48 hours to figure that out - plenty of time!  Laugh with me, please!

So I need to work on making cards again, my stash is low (how low can you go? clap, clap)  Please remember - much less sleep.

Enjoy a little something I made for Cardabilities Sketch #90.

Happy Day to you -
Mary -

This is a 4.25"x5.5" card.

 

Sentiment Stamp {Birdhouse Set}/ Plank Background Stamp - Iron Gate Stamps

Cardstock - American Crafts, Bazzill Basics

Frame, Chipboard Bird - Pebbles

Corrugated Frame - Jillibean Soup

Ink {Timber Brown} - StazOn

Die and Embossing Folder - Sizzix

My Stash - Vanilla Paint

 

Overall, it was a good year . . .

Hello Friends -
Happy New Year's Eve!

It has been a fun 2013!   And I am looking forward to an eventful 2014!

Just a quick look at 2013 that never got blogged . . . I am always making something.

Stay safe today and I'll see you in the new year!
Mary -

Graduation card for my niece, Paige.

Birthday card for my nephew, Dan.
I sent live ladybugs as his gift.
When I plan a bit, I can make more detailed cards.

New neighbor card to go with an Apple Pie.



My attempt to replicate a beautiful
Fourth of July banner from my sister, Stephanie,
with Halloween fabric.

Canning entered as a new hobby this summer.
Organic strawberry freezer preserves in vanilla yogurt
is quite yummy!

Part One - Birthday card for my niece, Anna.

Part Two, what a pop of color can do.

Birthday present for my sister, Stephanie.
I tried to get it in the sunlight so you can see
the gold mist spray on the brown paper.

A trio of gifts.

My roasted pumpkin seeds for adult trick-or-treaters.



Halloween card that I made in mass.

Birthday card for my nephew, Alex.



Turkey shaped pancakes.
I do weekly art with pancake batter.

Let It Snow Blog Hop . . .

Hello Friends -
I hope you have had as great of a week as me.  Two nights of teaching floral design with evergreens - containers and wreaths {photos next week}.  Paper crafting with a new friend - {Hi Erika!}.  Made a huge dent in my shopping.  Though some of it was online and that stresses me out a bit.  I hope it arrives on time!  And all of the usual stay-at-home mom stuff.  Whew!

If you are new to The Tool Shed - welcome! Thank you for stopping by. Please leave a comment and let me know you were here.

Lisa had the great idea to have this Let It Snow Blog Hop where we are showcasing winter-fun projects.  If you came from Jessica - http://craftinandstampin.blogspot.com/ you are on the right path, if you started with my blog, please hop over to Lisa's Blog to start at the beginning, so you don't miss all the fabulous projects!

I really enjoy needle felting.  Sometimes I have pieces in my etsy store.  I am sold out this week.  Will try to get some pieces in next week.  I may have some time if we get a load of snow . . . so cold these last few days I should make myself some wearable mittens!  Hope this card makes you feel warm and cozy!

This is a 4.25" x 5.5" card.

Snowflake Stamp Set - Iron Gate Stamps

Cardstock - Bazzill Basics

Embossing Folder - Sizzix

Ink - Staz-On {Timber Brown}

Felt Mitten - My Etsy Store

Corner Rounder - Fiskars

My Craft Supplies - Big Shot, Adhesive Pearl, Mounting Tape, Glue Dots

Your next hop is:  Aisha - http://londonskyedesigns.net

Here is the complete blog line up:
1. Lisa ~ http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/
2. Julie (Cricut Chick) ~ www.simplysilhouette.com
3. Tricia - http://lshdesigns.blogspot.com/
4. Lori ~ http://scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com/

5. Sarah~ www.sarahbiswabic.blogspot.com
6. Heather ~ http://paper-junkie.blogspot.com
7. Cindy - http://www.cindys-greencricut.blogspot.com/
8. Pam - http://lovebugcreations3.blogspot.com/
9. Melisa http://melisascraftycreations.blogspot.com/
10. Elecia - http://creationsby-kahaulani.blogspot.com/
11. Jessica-http://craftinandstampin.blogspot.com/
12. Mary - http://irongatestamps.blogspot.com/
13. Aisha - http://londonskyedesigns.net
14. Alicia ~ http://goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com
15. Nadja ~ http://nadjarobbins.blogspot.com
16. Carla ~ http://racincrafts.blogspot.com/
17. Inga ~ http://mommahobbit.blogspot.ca/
18. Christine ~ http://hotberrydesigns.blogspot.com/
19. Debbie W ~ http://craftydeb-ddscrafts.blogspot.com/
20. Carolyn S. ~http://www.grandmacarol46580.blogspot.com
21. Elizabeth ~ http://www.ejoym.blogspot.com

Thank you for stopping by and have a Happy Day!
Mary -

Autumn is Here -

Hello Friends -
I hope you are having a good week!

I am really feeling fall here in Chicago this week!  Grey sky, leaves falling and cool temps!

I made this card for my mom's birthday this week.  Yes, I like to watch TV and fussy cut out items I stamp - leaves are so much fun!  Don't worry, you will be seeing more.

Happy Day to you -
Mary -

This is a 4.25" x 4.25" card.

Stamp Set {Pumpkins and Gourd} - Iron Gate Stamps

Cardstock - Bazzill Basics (Peanut) and American Crafts (Carrot)

Pattern Paper and Soup Label - Jillibean Soup

Ink - StazOn {Timber Brown}

My Stash - Big Shot, Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Twine, Brown Chalk, Mounting Tape

I have linked this card to the following challenges:

Feeling Crafty Challenge - Autumn Theme - http://feelingcraftychallenge.blogspot.co.uk/
The Cupboard Trilogy Challenge - Fall - http://thecupboardtrilogychallenges.blogspot.com/

Happy World Card Making Day -

Hello Friends -
Hope you get a chance to make a card today!  We are in full swing Halloween at our house.







 

 

Stamp Set - Iron Gate Stamps (Halloween)

Cardstock - Bazzill Basics

Pattern Paper - Pebbles (Thirty One)

Ink - StazOn (Jet Black)

Punches, Mounting Tape - My Stash

 

 

 



I used the design sketch from Mojo Monday #313 - http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/

And entering the Cuttin' and Stampin' Challenge Submission #39 Halloween - http://cuttinandstampinchallenges.blogspot.com/

Happy Day to you -
Mary -

Halloween is in the Store . . .

Hello Friends -
I hope you had a great weekend!

Ours was busy with all good things {volleyball, Green Living Festival (I got to talk about compost - for hours), our school's Oktoberfest} and all with beautiful weather too!

And now it is time to get to work.  It finally feels like fall with this cooler weather.  I don't know, I just could not get into thinking about falling leaves and pumpkins with the perfect beach weather we have had here in Chicago.

I put new product into the store tonight.  (So exciting!  And I have time to play this week!)

For the direct link click here

Please leave me a comment to let me know what you like.  Thank you!

Happy Day to you -
Mary -

Pebbles Thirty One 6" x 6" Paper Pad
36 Sheets / 24 Designs / Single Sided
$6.00

 

Halloween Stamp Set (sheet size 4" x 6")
$16.00

Pumpkins and Gourd Stamp Set (sheet size 4" x 6")
$16.00

 

 

Pebbles Thirty One Flat Treat Bags - 24 pack / 5" x 6"
$5.00

Pebbles Thirty One 6" x 12" Chalkboard Stickers / 12 stickers
$4.00



Pebbles Thirty One 6"x12" Double Sided Icon Sticker Sheet (side one)



Pebbles Thirty One 6"x12" Icon Sticker Sheet (side 2) / 68 stickers total
$3.00


 

 

 

Mojo Monday #310 - Tree House

Hi Friends -
Hope you are having a good weekend!

Just a little something I made for my friend who wanted a welcome card for a new neighbor.  Such a lovely thought!  And it has been so sunny with a beautiful blue sky this week, I was inspired by nature.

Happy Day -
Mary -

Tree House Stamp Set - Iron Gate Stamps

Cardstock - Bazzill

Designer Paper - Bo Bunny

Ink - Staz-On

My Stash - Watercolor Crayons, AquaPainter



Forgotten Treasures Blog Hop -

Please Note:
I am so sorry this is late. We had no power and I tried to launch the blog entry from my cell phone. And from there it looked like I was live but from the comments I am seeing it was not.

Hello Friends -
I know - where have I been?  I hope you are enjoying your summer as much as we are this year!

If you are new to The Tool Shed - welcome! Thank you for stopping by. Please leave a comment and let me know you were here.

Welcome to the Forgotten Treasures blog hop where we are showcasing projects made with a least one item we have had for 6 months, or longer. If you came from  Robin L. ~ http://create-a-latte.blogspot.com you are on the right path, if you started with my blog pop over to Christine's blog to start at the beginning, so you don't miss all the fabulous projects!

We have several sponsors offering gift certificates for this hop. To be eligible for the gift certificates you must comment on each blog and comment on each sponsor's facebook pages. Random winners for each gift card will be selected on July 22 and the winners will be posted on Christine's blog

$20 gift certificate 

Facebook fan page

3 lucky winners will receive a $5 gift certificate 

Facebook fan page

$10 gift certificate 

Facebook fan page

$15 gift certificate 

Facebook fan page

 

So about 1.5 years ago I punched out these pennants and pulled them out to use.  I don't know why I did not use them - they are super easy adhesive paper!  But there was always some new paper to use!

 

 

Sentiment - Birthday Wishes stamp set {Iron Gate Stamps}

Cardstock  and Rhinestones - {Bazzill Basics}

Designer Paper - {My Stash}

Punch - Pennant and Butterfly {Marvy}

Ink - Jet Black {Staz-On}

Thank you for stopping by, the next stop is Claire R ~ http://threewaterscreations.blogspot.com/
 

Here is the complete blog line up:

Christine ~ http://hotberrydesigns.blogspot.com/
 

Cathie ~ http://cathiescafe-scraphappy.blogspot.com/
 

Suzanne - http://www.zannieberry.blogspot.com
 

Katie - http://ktscreativeinsights.blogspot.com
 

Jamie ~ http://craftygirl21.blogspot.com/
 

Alicia ~ www.goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com 
 

Robin L. ~ http://create-a-latte.blogspot.com/
 

Mary - http://irongatestamps.blogspot.com/
 

Claire R ~ http://threewaterscreations.blogspot.com/
 

Kathy ~ http://kathyand3kids.blogspot.com
 

Carla ~ http://racincrafts.blogspot.com/
 

Connie - http://conniecancrop.blogspot.com
 

Kathy Jo~  http://carterscraftingcorner.blogspot.com/

Mags Graphics http://magsgraphics.blogspot.com/

Hope you have a Happy Day -
Mary -

Birthday Wishes -

Hello Friends -
Hope you had a great weekend!

It is a beautiful sunshiny morning in Chicago - finally!

Just a quick card that went out in the mail already today for my niece.

Okay . . . I can admit that I create my own problems that can waste precious time.

1.  I do not clean up my space after card making and cannot find what I need.
2.  I do clean up some of my craft space after card making and cannot find what I need because I put it away which is not what I remember.
3.  I buy single pieces of paper thinking that I have something at home that matches it and I do not.

This card is finally using a piece of 12 x 12 Stella Rose paper that I have had longer than I care to admit because no pieces of paper matched.  Until today.

This is a 4.25" x 4.25" card.

Sentiment {Birthday Wishes Stamp Set} - Iron Gate Stamps

Cardstock - Bazzill Basics

Pattern Paper - My Mind's Eye and Echo Park (Chevron and Polka Dot)

Embossing Folder - Sizzix through the Big Shot

My Stash - Twine, Scissors, Pearls, Grey Ink

Hope you have a Happy Day -
Mary -

Best Moms in the World -

Hello Friends -
Wow!  Another busy week here.  Hope you had a good one too!

I do know some of the Best Moms in the World . . . this is for you!

Stamps - Iron Gate Stamps

Cardstock and Pattern Paper - Bazzill Basics

My Stash - Circle and Scallop Punches, Grey Ink, Seam Binding, Pearls

I hope everyone has a lovely Weekend!  And Happy Mother's Day to every woman that has some positive influence on a child, your community and the Earth.  In my opinion, that is what Mother's Day is all about.

If this is your first time visiting the Tool Shed, please leave a comment and become a Follower to let me know you were here!  Thanks so much!

Happy Day -
Mary -

Blogs that I linked to this week:

 

Chocolate, Coffee and Cards Challenges - #38 Mother's Day

 

Celebrate the Occasion - #111 Happy Mother's Day

Mojo Monday #291 {Part Two}

Hello Friends -
Happy Weekend!

Wow, this was a busy week and I look to the next five weeks as more of the same and then SUMMER VACATION!!  Woohoo!!  {I think I look forward to it more than my children!!}

Okay, so here I go again with this Mojo Monday sketch inspiration {I have the image at the bottom of this entry.}

Oh my goodness am I in love with this Lily Bee Design paper!!  This card was so simple and quick that I will make more cards this weekend to have on hand.  {Those are 1.25" strips for the pennants.  I know.  Sometimes I do not know what the dimension should be.  But this worked out well on the 4.25" square card.}

This is a 4.25" x 4.25" card.

Sentiment - Iron Gate Stamps

Cardstock - Bazzill Basics

Pattern Paper - Lily Bee Design

Embossing Folder - Sizzix run through the Big Shot

Ink - Staz-On {Timber Brown}

My Stash - Twine, Scissors, Label Punch, Pearls

Happy National Scrapbook Day!  I do not scrap much these days . . . it has to stay all in my head for right now!

Take care -
Mary -

The whole {Birthday Wishes} Stamp Set:

Mojo Monday Sketch #291 -

Mojo Monday - #291

Hello Friends -
Where did this week go?  Hope yours was good!

My brother turns the big 50 this weekend!

I really liked the Mojo Monday sketch challenge - here and you can play along too!  I think I will use this sketch again tonight.

Happy Weekend to you -
Mary -

Here is my interpretation:

This is a 4.25" x 4.25" card.

Stamps - Iron Gate Stamps

Cardstock - Bazzill Basics

Pattern Paper - My Mind's Eye

Embossing Folder - Tim Holtz through the Big Shot

Ink - Staz-On {Timber Brown}

Punch - Marvy {Oval}

My Stash - Twine, Scissors

The whole stamp set {Birthday Wishes}:

Sketch #291:

Mojo Monday #290 and My Christmas Card Stash is Low Blog Hop -

Hello Friends -

I hope you have had a good week!

Super busy here . . . mostly my own doing.  But those issues are for another day!

Welcome to the My Christmas Card Stash is Low Hop. If you are new to the Tool Shed, please become a follower and let me know you were here!

I was inspired by the Mojo Monday sketch here and this is what I made:

 

This is a 5.5" x 4.25" card.

This card is a bit different than what I would usually make.  I used the same print paper just turned 90 degrees to give some cohesion rather than use more printed paper.  The little house is punched from another paper piece of the 6x6 pad.  {I used all of the polka dot papers in this pad and have all of the stripes and many of the prints left that I am never quite sure how to use.  My own personal challenge is to find a way to use all of these prints!}

 

Cardstock - Bazzill Basics

Patten Paper - My Mind's Eye

Sentiment Stamp - Iron Gate Stamps

Ink - Staz-On {Timber Brown}

Punch - Martha Stewart Crafts

My Stash - Twine, Mounting Tape, Adhesive

 

There will be 2 Blog Candies for this Hop!

First, There will be a stash prize given out randomly to 1 comment from all the blogs. You MUST comment on all the blogs! You will have until Tuesday the 30th at 11:59pm CST to comment. Sarah will announce the winner on Wednesday morning.  

 

 

The second prize will have a little more work for you to enter. Sarah has a challenge for you to enter.

 

1st you will need to stop and comment on every blog. 2nd you will need to create a holiday card/gift tag/general gift giving paraphernalia and enter it at the inlinkz on Sarah's blog. You have a week to enter and you can enter up to 3 projects. The prize for this challenge is a stamp set and crinkle ribbon bundle of YOUR CHOICE from our sponsor Mae Sunshine Designs {etsy.com/shop/maesunshinedesigns}

 

To continue with the Hop {if you did not start at the beginning} your next stop will be Sarah's Blog - www.itswhatkeepsmesane.blogspot.com

Here is the whole hop:

1. Sarah - www.itswhatkeepsmesane.blogspot.com {Blog Candy here}

2. Sandy- www.scrapbookblessings.blogspot.com

3. Sarah W- www.craftingwithsarah.blogspot.com

4. Miranda - www.nanasscrapspot.com

5. Anita - http://scrappyhappymommy.blogspot.ca

6. Robin L. - http://create-a-latte.blogspot.com/

7. Diana - www.daisylovecreations.blogspot.com

8. Carla - www.racincrafts.blogspot.com

9. Tammy - http://lifeupdownandsideways.blogspot.com/

10. Maria - http://asimplefive.blogspot.com/

11. Mary - http://irongatestamps.blogspot.com/ {you are here}

If I am your last stop, thank you so much for hopping with us and have a Happy Day!
Mary -

Moxie Fab - Tuesday Trigger Magical Magnolias

Hello Friends -
Happy Weekend!
I have cinnamon rolls baking in the oven this morning.  What a wonderful smell!

I saw this inspiration photo on Moxie Fab World here.  I really have spring on the brain . . . wish Mother Nature thought like I do!

This is a 5.5" x 4.25" card.

Stamp Set {Birdhouse} - Iron Gate Stamps {my stamp company}

Cardstock - Bazzill Basics

Pattern Paper - My Mind's Eye

Tim Holtz Die - Sizzix through the Big Shot

Ink - Staz-On

My Stash - Watercolor Paper, Caran d'Arche, AquaPainter, Paper Flowers, Scissors, Mounting Tape

Hope you have a great weekend -
Mary -



Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger

Mojo Monday - #288

Hello Friends -
I hope all is well with you!

I know!  Where have I been?  I know where I have not been - in my stamp lab!

So, I took a few minutes this week and got out this paper that I "loved" when I bought it and then never used it.  {You know what I am talking about.}  So I punched a sheet of every pattern in the pack . . . I know, crazy!  And it is sitting on my table to use this weekend.  And the best part about the paper . . . it is adhesive backed.

I really liked the sketch design for this week at Mojo Monday - here

This is a 5.5" x 4.25" card.

Cardstock and Rhinestones - Bazzill Basics

Pattern Paper - Autumn Leaves

Sentiment Stamp - Iron Gate Stamps {my stamp company}

Ink - Staz-On

Punches - EK Success

Corner Rounder - Fiskars

Hope you have a great weekend!
Mary -

Forty-two . . . .

Hello Friends -
Happy Monday!

Yes, I am forty-two years of age today!  Hard to believe how the last several years have gone by so fast.  Please enjoy this quick card that I made this morning, just cause.  I'll add it to my stash.

Happy Day to you -
Mary -

This is a 4.25" x 5.5" card.

I was in between phone calls and wanted to make something simple and use all of this paper tape that I have on my desk.

In my opinion, the trick here is to line up the straight edges to create the pattern.  And stamp with a permanent ink on the paper tape for it to be a crisp impression (and use a light colored paper tape underneath).

I could have added something to the solid flag . . . like rhinestones or a punched flower or butterfly, but I am having lunch with a friend and I gotta go . . .

Cardstock - Bazzill Basics

Sentiment Stamp - Iron Gate Stamps {my stamp company}

Ink - Staz-On

My Stash - Paper Tape, Scissors, Patience to cut the flags by hand {there is a lot of tape on that roll, practice is okay}

Tattered Floral Challenge

Hello Friends -
Hope you are having a great week!

Well, thank you Tim Holtz for having a challenge that encouraged me to open the box of a die that I have easily had for a year and use it!  What was I saving it for?  I do not know.  I guess my issues go beyond paper . . . .

Happy Day to you -
Mary -

 

This is a 4.25" x 4.25" card.

 

Sentiment Stamp - Iron Gate Stamps {my stamp company}

Cardstock - Bazzill Basics

Pattern Paper - Authentique and My Mind's Eye

Distress Ink - Ranger

Arrow and Brad - Tim Holtz

My Stash - Canvas, brown pen, twine