the greatest inspiration

i get so inspired looking at the cards and scrapbook pages of some of my favorite bloggers. their work is so amazing, it makes me feel, well-honestly, like an amateur.
although it's always fun looking at blogs (plus a great way to get an idea when you can't think of what you want to do) i always feel better about the finished card when it's my brain-child, not a scraplift. it's authentic, it's orignal, it's an expression of my creative talent, and that's pretty cool. but is it as amazing as some of the scrappers whose blogs i "stalk"? guess it depends on who you ask-my mom thinks my cards are the best-thank God for mothers, right? not that i think they're bad, seriously i love my work, i just know that as the years go by, the more i learn and perfect my skills i'll move to the next level in my creativity.
to test my theory, i decided to take a look back at some of the early work of a few of my favorite bloggers, and what i found was my theory was right, everybody starts somewhere and it takes time to develop your talent. and that i think is the greatest inspiration i could have received

card: basic grey indian summer collection (paper), bo bunny delilah collection (owl sticker), swirl stamp hero art's trees birds & messages set, queen & co (rhinestones), basic grey epoxy brad, & marvvy white gel pen.

Toya's November Wish List

Usually I am all about the bright colors, and funky patterns, but I must say that Basic Grey has truly surprised me with their new line "Nook n Pantry". The colors are more pastel and I wouldn't normally be so attracted to that but there is something about this line that makes me happy on the inside. I was watching a "Finally Friday" video and Kristina Werner inspired me so much. Even while she was making the card she was so excited, the "Nook and Pantry Cakes Bitsy Clear Stamp" is soooooooo cute I must have it, and of course it's sold out at Two Peas. The entire line truly speaks to me and inspires me in ways I can't even explain. So below are a few items from the Basic Grey "Nook n Pantry" line that I must have in my collection.

1. Nook n Pantry Card Kit

2. Nook n Pantry Collection Pack

3. Nook n Pantry Stitched Brads

Check it out and leave me a comment and let me know what you think of the line.

so much to learn. . .

though i've been scrapbooking for about seven years now, i've only been cardmaking for about seven months. although they have a lot in common, the more cards i make the more i see that they're worlds apart. there are so many tools and products i would have never purchased or already had and didn't use, or have learned how to use in new ways. it like falling in love with a new-old hobby all over again.


this weeks hero arts challenge was to make a card using glitter. super fun for me since i love all things shiny and sparkly. plus it gave me a change to try out two new things.
1. the coluzzle (a circle cutter by provo craft. i believe this product is now retired, it's super hard to find, if you want one i suggest looking on ebay)and 2. vellum!
my circle card has a cute little vellum window that let's you peek inside at the greeting and adorable penguin.


and because it'll make me feel better to know that i'm not the only one who feels like there's so much about this hobby i'm still learning. leave a comment letting me know what tool you've just learned to use, or a technique you've just begun using :)

SCAT's Red Carpet

Welcome to another addition of SCAT's Red Carpet! Where you're the Scrap-star and we can't wait to get the dish on you and your scrap style.

On today's red carpet we have Nancy. Her blog is so engaging, and I love her unique approach to card making. Plus I'm super jealous of her scrap space!

how long have you been scrapbooking/cardmaking
I started making cards with rubber stamps about 20 years ago. I used stamps as a teacher and a friend took me to a store called Stampa Barbara...I was immediately hooked.

what was your last scrap purchase?
I purchased the Hero Arts Four Apples set (LP125) and the Nestabilities Standard Circles large.

three adjectives that describe your style?
changeable, intuitive, imperfect

three items you cannot scrap without?
Distress inks, Hero Arts stamps, beautiful paper

I love the holiday season, and Nancy's thanksgiving card totally puts me in the mood for turkey. adorable card don't you think? It's her current favorite . . .
I just finished updating my traditional Thanksgiving card for the Hero Arts Photocard Challenge. It's my favorite for many reasons but mostly because it's one I add to and improve on each year.

Great card right! I am so inspired.
And now, for the GIVEAWAY!!! Check out Nancy's blog and come back here and leave a comment to win a Hero Arts stamp set. Contest will end November 30th at 12 midnight PST.

exciting news!

when i got home from work today my darling husband surprised me with Cricut Gypsy!!! i couldn't believe it. i'd never even mentioned to him that i wanted it. in fact i never even told him it existed, he really amazes me sometimes- actually he amazes me more often than not, you'd think i'd be used to it by now.
i'm so happy!
if you don't know what the Gypsy is, it's a portable design studio that's compatible with your cricut. you design on the Gypsy and then cut using your cricut, eliminating the need for hooking up to your computer which is totally perfect for me, since as i noted in a previous entry i'm not all that into using my computer when i scrap.

here's a video that'll explain it much better than i'd be able to. if you haven't got a gypsy yet, i totally recommend you get one. i've only had it a few hours and i'm so excited, and so happy with it.

Winner of Breast Cancer Awareness Contest

I am proud to announce the winner of the 1st Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Contest.......And the winner is......drum roll! ........Yvonne Smith. Thank you so much Yvonne for sharing your project and particpating in our 1st Breast Cancer Awareness Contest. Take a look at Yvonne's entry....It's amazing!

jolly christmas card and red carpet winner!

my "have a jolly christmas" card was made for hero arts simple holiday challenge.
using HA's jolly christmas stamps, that's also the stamp set GIVEAWAY for the oct red carpet interview!

speaking of which, the winner of the giveaway is . . .

Daniela Hendea {PurpleD} ...

I love Vanessa's style! She's one courageous stamper, never afraid to learn and try all kinds of new things. She's an inspiration to me.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!
if you'd like to be interviewed on SCAT's Red Carpet, leave a comment below.