Red, White & Blue Inspiration

Yep...the 4th of July is almost here!

It's always an interesting time in our home

as I am married to a 'very' British Englishman.

Yes, that is one redundant phrase, but it was

meant to emphasize just how 'British' he is!

He really enjoys the celebrations we have during

the holiday & after nearly 24 years here in the

U.S. he has come to love our patriotism.

Well today, I'm sharing this project over at The Twinery
& thought it would be fun to share here

how quick & easy it is to add an accent of

twine here & there to make your card 'pop'!

{no pun intended}

This is actually my second patriotic card in two days... I'll 're-share' the other
in a moment...

Once again, I used Authentique's 'Pride' Collection for my background
and this time, I stamped & die-cut my anchor using a Hero Arts set.
I created a border between paper designs using blue pearls from  
Zva Creative. The waves & sentiment are from Avery Elle.
My favorite cloud die still comes from Lil' Inker Designs.
I used an EF from LifeStyle Crafts appropriately called 'Waves'
to create the texture in the clouds and added a touch of
baker's twine in Denim from The Twinery.

Yesterday, I shared a card featuring bling from Zva Creative.
Here's a peek . . .

Make sure you stop by THAT POST to see the rest & leave a 
comment for your chance to win a terrific prize package from Zva Creative.
FIVE of them will be given away from random comments on any one
designer's blog, so don't leave without a quick hello!

Hope you enjoyed a little 'Red, White & Blue' Inspiration!


Project Recipe: 
Patterned Paper: Pride by Authentique

Stamps: Knotty by Avery Elle 
Embellishments: baker's twine in Denim

from The Twinery

blue pearls {PEW-03CB-118} from Zva Creative 
Tools: Tides EF from LifeStyle Crafts, Big Shot

Cloud die from Lil' Inker Designs

Friendship...

Happy Monday to one and all!

I am going to make this an uber-quick post and

I'll share why in just a sec.

I recently picked up a fab set of new Hero Arts stamps

on my last trip to Archivers and I just love 'em.

They are called 'Very Special' and are lovely

sentiments for all occasions.

I still have not mastered the art of decent photography when

it comes to white on white, so please forgive.

For this card, I used the Primitive Hearts #2 die

and a label die, both from Sizzix.

I cut the hearts from this beautiful gingham cardstock

from A Muse Studio.  I think that the pattern, which is

available in a variety pack of colors, is so versatile.

(and can be ordered from my webstore HERE)

The sentiment was stamped using Slate ink by A Muse.

I used the same ink to shade the edges of the label.

The Polka Dot background is courtesy of my

Cuttlebug EF.

Hope you found a tiny bit of inspiration in this quick project.

So I mentioned that I needed to make this quick...

I am heading out the door shortly to pick up this guy..

This is Caleb and he is the second oldest of my

four grandsons.  As there is no kindergarten today, 

he is going to come and spend some time with me.

This photo was taken this past Saturday at a wonderful

Swedish Pancake Restaurant here in town as our family

celebrated the retirement of my father-in-law.

After 27 years as an aerospace engineer, he is hanging

it up and will be heading to Florida soon for a little R&R.

I mentioned a card last week that was made for someone

special, but I couldn't share who...well, it was him.

(if you'd like to check it out...you can find it HERE)

Anyway...lots of photos were taken, but this is

one of my favorites...

Three brothers hanging out around me.

The oldest two always fight for who is going to

sit next to Mema or Papa Paul and THAT is a joy!

Of course, Baby Finn was passed around the table like a 

very cuddly football throughout the morning.

Thanks for taking a peek today and now I must be off

to pick up my VIP!

Project Recipe: 

Designer Paper: Pink Gingham from A Muse Studio
Stamps: Very Special by Hero Arts
Ink: Slate from A Muse Studio

Embellishments: pearls from Recollections
Tools: Polka Dot EF from Cuttlebug,
Primitive Hearts #2 & Label Die both from Sizzix

Last Call for the 2012 DT Call for The Twinery

Just a quick post to remind everyone that there is just over

36 hours to submit your application to be a part of

the 2012 Design Team Call for

For all the details, I invite you to stop by The Twinery Blog.

While you are there....you can see the  

rest of this project featured there today!

 

If you are sitting on the fence, just take a look at all

this yummy twine that could be just the beginning of

what you will have at your fingertips if you apply.

We look forward to hearing from YOU!

 

Two Turtle Doves + A Studio Clean Out = Creative Stuff for Sale!

Thought I would share a little early

Christmas project with you today.

I bought this Hero Arts stamp set on my last trip

to Archivers about a month ago and have

not had much time to play with it.

 The scene is called 'Two Birds in a Tree'.

I inked the stamp using A Muse Studio ink

in 'Ocean', and embellished from there.

The photos don't show the 'shine' as much as

I would like, but I have lots of bling including

Stickles in 'Stardust' on the trees and to make

a snowy path on the baker's twine from The Twinery.

The fab checked cardstock is also from A Muse Studio.

Hope you found a little inspiration in this card!

On a personal note, I started 'purging' again...

my creative nook, that is and I really have lots

of stuff that I want to pass on to those who

would like to add to their stash at

GREAT SAVINGS!

Postage prices are within $1 of the

actual cost of postage...and 

ALL PRICES INCLUDE US POSTAGE

All of these items are BRAND NEW!!

If you are interested in any of these sets,

please email me at julieranae@hotmail.com

PAYPAL ONLY

I will ship internationally, but you'll have to

contact me for postage rates.

 $20 ( $45+ retail value)

 $12 ($25+ retail value)

 SOLD
$10 (retail $25)

USED ONCE EACH

SOLD
$20 (retail $70+)

THIS LOT WEIGHS OVER 2 LBS...HEAVY

SOLD
$12 (retail $30+)

 SOLD
$18 (retail $40)

 SOLD
$20 (retail $50+)

 SOLD
$12 (retail $30)

SORRY FOR THE HORRIBLE PHOTO

IT'S ALL CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY

 SOLD
$12 (retail $35+)

ALL FROM THE UK

CLEAR & UNMOUNTED RED RUBBER

JUST A FEW USED

$15 (retail $40)

THIS LOT WEIGHS OVER 2 LBS....HEAVY!!

1-Noah's Ark Pipe Cleaner Kit

1-Forest Animals Pipe Cleaner Kit

2- Glittered Photo Mat Card Kits 

That's it for now....

If anything interests you, just let me know!

I will gladly send these on to a new home

and the funds will be going into the

OJS Savings Account for Jan 2012 : ))

Just Sittin' Here at The Play Date Cafe

TO FIND

 CLICK HERE!!!

It's been a very busy week here at
The Open Window!
I've had a great week playing with new stamps
and papers and have really been looking forward
to playing with this week's colors for...

I love these colors together and even more fun was
putting my newest Hero Arts stamps to the challenge.

We are sponsored this week by Hero Arts and the stamp set I chose
to work with is 'Wish You Were Here'.

We are really happy to have Kelly Rasmussen from the
Hero Arts Creative Team as our Guest Designer as well!

Here's a quick-click list of who else you will find

designing on the team with me:

Ruby McGuire

 Savannah O'Gwynn 

Andrea Ewen

Colleen Dietrich  

Fiona Shultz

Jaclyn Miller 

Jinny Newlin

Libby Hickson

Michele Gross

Tracey Kuzniak

and special guest

Kelly Rasmussen

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I'd love to hear from you...please leave a

comment because I'd love to stop by your blog too!

Today's Project Recipe:

Designer Paper:  Jillibean Soup 'Blossom Soup'
MME Stella & Rose 'Hattie' Collection, Anna Griffin
Stamps: Hero Arts 'Wish You Were Here'
Ink: A Muse Studio in 'Slate', Memento in black

Embellishments: ribbon A Muse Studio, rhinestones by Recollections

Tools: Markers by Copic (A Muse Studio)

Sending Birthday 'Fishes'

As many of you know, I am not one to do much coloring

nor am I inclined to play with character-type images, but I had

so much fun creating these two cards, so I thought

I would share them with you.

 This set of stamps from Hero Arts is so whimsical.

I used a variety of markers including metallics, to get

the bold colors you see.

I think one of the best ways to add texture is to use

embossing folders and when you combine two, it really pops!

I added Stickles just for a little more fun.

Speaking of fun....how great are the pearls for bubbles??!!

I admit, I was totally inspired by my youngest grandson's

3rd birthday coming up in just a couple weeks.

I bought a set of Martha Stewart number block stickers

on clearance with the idea of using them for birthday cards.

This was the first one I created and I think it works well.

If you enjoyed these fun greetings, I'd love to hear from you.

Leave a comment and if you're return email is included, 

I would love to send you a note of thanks.

Today's Project Recipe:

Cardstock:  Bazzill, The Paper Company
Stamps: Hero Arts 'Oceans of Joy'
Ink: Memento

Embellishments: rhinestones by Recollections & K&Company
'Bright Block Number' stickers by Martha Stewart/EK Success 
Stickles in 'Stardust'

Tools:  Embossing Folders by QuicKutz & Cuttlebug
Corner rounder punch by Fiskars,

Markers from Copic & American Crafts

Those Fabby Beekman Boys & More!

I cannot believe a week has gone by since I last posted!

I hate having such a gap, but I find that when I get on a roll

with designing cards, it's easiest for me to just keep rollin'!

Paul and I took a drive to Madison, WI for a book signing

event and while up there, I made time for a quick visit

to Archivers.  While there, I picked up some new Prima

flowers (these are made of pure white mulberry paper)

and this fabby Hero Arts image.

I love the look of the kraft with with the white flowers,

The rest of the image was colored using metallic markers.

Of course for me, no card is complete without a

matching envelope, which is what you see above.

On a completely different note....

I love to go to book signings and have quite a collection

of authors signatures, most obtained after author readings.

I've been known to drive quite a distance for these, so 

Madison was a short trip (180 miles round trip).

Who was worth the drive?

The Fabulous Beekman Boys!

Have you watched their show on Planet Green?

They are 2 NY city boys who decided they wanted

to give farm life a try and the rest....well, it became

a reality show.

Josh (on the right) recently wrote a book about their

journey owning the Beekman farm.

Brent (on the left) once worked for Martha Stewart

and is the logistics man behind the Beekman 1802 brand.

We had so much fun chatting with them at Williams-Sonoma

and can't wait to see a new season start on Planet Green.

If you are looking for a fun read, this is it!

Well...I am really glad you stopped by today.

Oddly enough, after going an entire week without

a post, you will have two today because the new

challenge from The Play Date Cafe comes your

way at midnight EST tonight.

Thanks so much for popping in....

Today's Project Recipe:

Cardstock:  Bazzill, The Paper Company
Stamps: Hero Arts
Ink: VersaMark

Embellishments: flowers by Prima, rhinestones by K&Company

Tools:  Corner rounder punch by Fiskars, Embossing Powder

Markers from American Crafts

{In No Particular Order} The Play Date Cafe

I had so much fun putting the card together for this week's...

I absolutely LoVe the color story that our 

Senior Designer Ruby 2 Shoes chose.

I also had a ball playing with the image provided by

this week's sponsor....

I stamped the image of 'Ian' and paper-pieced

his wardrobe using DP from Nikki Sivils and DCWV.

I am not a 'colorer' at heart, but I do love to pull out

my chalks and this was the perfect opportunity

to give 'Ian' a complexion and a lovely head of hair!

I can't wait to see the entries for this week's challenge!

Each week, the gallery at The Play Date Cafe

is filled with so many inspiring designs from our players.

We also love the design-work of our design team

and this week, we welcome our special guest, 

Jessica Diedrich!

Here's a quick-click list of who else you will find

designing on the team with me:

Ruby McGuire

 Savannah O'Gwynn 

Andrea Ewen

Colleen Dietrich  

Fiona Shultz

Jaclyn Miller 

Jinny Newlin

Libby Hickson

Michele Gross

Tracey Kuzniak

and our special guest designer

Jessica Diedrich

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I'd love to hear from you...please leave a

comment because I'd love to stop by your blog too!

Today's Project Recipe:

Designer Paper:  My Mind's Eye 'Life Stories',
Nikki Sivils 'Victoria Street', DCWV 'Linen Closet', Bo-bunny
Stamps: The Greeting Farm, Hero Arts (banners)
Ink: Memories in black, Tim Holtz Distress Ink in  Frayed Burlap

Embellishments: baker's twine in 'Cappuccino' by The Twinery
Alpha die cut by The Paper Studio
Tools:  Corner rounder punch by Fiskars

Easter's on it's Way!

Just a couple of little Easter cards I whipped

up over the past day or so.

I am really enjoying making my own rosettes

and think one of the best videos

on how to make them is by Meg from Archivers.

I love this fun paper from Kaisercraft.  It's from the

'Bubblegum Hills' Collection and has some great ways it

can be cut apart for card makers.

All the stamps are from Hampton Arts.

Here is another version, but this time, I stamped

white cardstock in alternating pink and green inks

using this lace doily from Hero Arts.

I then placed it on top of aNOTHer stamped lace

doily, which was white embossed.

This fun Easter DP is from The Paper Company.

I had to break out a Martha punch for the heart

border, just for something a little different.

I love the sketch which is from Hero Arts

and Paige from CARDS is looking for Easter

projects this week, so will share these with her.

Hope you have had a lovely weekend.

There are storms brewing headed towards

Northern Illinois, so not sure how my weekend

will end, but I am sure all will be well.

OH....thought I would share our newest house guest

with you!  Paul added to my ever-growing collection

of rabbits...not just stuffed, but of many forms, but

Hazel is on a whole new dimension....

She is a 4-ft beauty and all decked out!

So I guess my weekend is ending quite nicely....

'Hippity Hop' Project Recipe:

Designer Paper: Kaisercraft 'Bubblegum Hills'
Stamps:  Hampton Arts 
Tools:  Martha Stewart 'eyelet lace' border punch
Embellishments: designer brad by Making Memories

'Lacey Easter' Project Recipe:

Designer Paper:  The Paper Company Studio,
My Mind's Eye 'So Contrary'
Stamps: Hero Arts 'Butterflies & Lace', Hampton Arts
Tools:  Martha Stewart 'eyelet lace' & 'heart to heart' border punch
Embellishments: designer brad by Making Memories