I've got my EYE on you!

This week, I am lucky to be a GIU Guest!  This will be my 3rd time, and one thing I know...after 30ish years of paper crafting...I am constantly changing my style, learning, and growing.  Today, I am sharing a fairly new to me...(yep, I'm late to the party here)...SHAKER card using Unity Stamp Fluff Squad! 

I remember my first GIU week... I was so dang nervous to "post" and so very slow at my designing.  I overthought things, I could easily spend weeks to design a card.  It was during Covid days, I had a TON of time on my hands, so I started out early making those 5 cards...I literally overthought what I could and should do!  I wasn't able to share on my blog back then (something to do about cookies), but after my week was complete, I worked things out, as I was invited to participate in a blog hop... I needed to get things up to snuff.  My facebook page was literally created days before my GIU week as well.

 

The second GIU week for me, was last year...  Two weeks prior, I had just lost my Dad, who I miss deeply and dearly.  I was grieving pretty seriously, I had then too, worked a little ahead through all the tears, but I was prepared to post and share.  The 5 year difference?!  I worked only a month in advance, unlike the previous time where I needed 6 months to build the confidence.  I have since then added an instagram, and I'm a little more at ease sharing a card in card making groups, ....I'm not hesitant to share.  

 

So this time?!   Again, I've worked on bits and pieces ahead of time, but I don't overthink as much.  I'm OK with making a ONE AND DONE card.  I'm loving some cards being "simple" and some a little more complicated, like my shaker card today.  My style can quickly change from "more is more" to "less is more".  Lately...my goal is to create a card that can be mailed with ONE POSTAGE STAMP.  My me years ago, would have required a small package price to mail.  I'm not saying you won't see that still, but it seems like I'm being extra careful to keep my cards skinnier than that USPS slot.  I think the ladies behind the post office counter just LOVE to get my cards "stuck" in that template...

 

You will see a variety from me this week... After my somewhat partially complicated card today,  I will be sharing  a simple card, another card using my favorite Unity line, card(s) from one of the membership kits.. and lastly...a CRAFT ROULETTE  ... (episode #306) ... (which very well might be one of the above:  simple, fairly simple with a not so simple (shaker) element, a favorite character from Unity, or a "Kitter" card).  You will have to drop by daily to see, it will all depend on what criteria I'll be facing! 

 

So, the spiel:  COMMENT!  Please do.  2 commenters will be chosen (randomly) to receive a $20 gift certificate from Unity.  The chosen will be pulled from the comments found across all of my social media, so drop by all for more chances to win.  I will warn you...I'm chatty...but I hope it gives you a glimpse of my thought process along the way, and you find something that might inspire you, even if it's the color of something...  I've been at this a LONG LONG time, and even longer in gift design (chocolate, yikes)...I know the power of brainstorming is real, and one itsy bitsy thing can spark an idea!

 

The Trudio Studio Facebook Page 

 

@the_trudio_studio  

 

What's Craft Roulette?  You can read about it on this post I shared from my last GIU visit!!!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fly Fly Fly ....

I'm sneaking in a blog post before the Superbowl today.  Our Seahawks are playing, and I don't want to miss the kick off!  :)  Today, I'm sharing my recent Craft Roulette, episode #305, my 105th.  As long as I don't "miss" a week, I should be able to remember my number as it is exactly 200 less than the episode number.  I'd be kidding myself if I thought I could crank a card out every week...and this week, I really am/was too busy...but...when I stumbled upon this delicious Graphic 45 paper...  I "thought" I could be a fast crafter and get one done in a couple of hours or less...(like last week!!!!)  So not the case...but, I had fun, and I was thrilled to revisit my yummy Graphic 45 paper.  (See how I refer the paper to food?! lol)

 

 

 

 Here are the parameters:

1.  A Joyfold Card:  is basically a smaller card adhered and used as a flap somehow inside a larger card.  I did that, maybe could have been better with my measurements, but I wasn't overthinking this card, I quickly pulled out the glue and started adhering, so no turning back.  Yep, there are decisions I would nix if I were to make again...this is definitely a one and done.  Although I love working with designer paper, and I'm a HUGE Graphic 45 fan...  I really do love the ink/stamp/coloring aspect of card making, so, this type is for when I need to divert or quickly pivot and once in awhile do something a little different.

2.  Cartoon Colors: I was thinking Strawberry Shortcake.  I did get tripped up on the "i" aspect of this card.  I even had my Strawberry Shortcake stamp set out and ready to use...  I'm not sure why I didn't think to include a butterfly on a finished Strawberry Shortcake card.  Now, after the matter, I wish I had inked my set up and gone that route.  I hope a parameter comes up that makes sense to use my Fruit Friends set! 

I think I used these colors pretty effectively!!!

3.  Starts with an "i".  Like I said...this tripped me up, and I'm not sure why!  I'd gladly take this parameter again, as I prefer the odd parameters more than the easy ones...I think it's fun to "go there" with creativity!  I should have could have EASILY gotten an insect on a strawberry shortcake card!  I even have little ladybugs that would have been totally CUTE!!!

4.  Include A Scrap(s):  Well that isn't hard to do.  I've been cleaning my craft studio...30  years of it...oh the treasures I'm finding.  And I have many many many containers of "scraps".  This card is 75% scraps.

 So, there you have it!  Not my typical card/style (well, maybe once upon a time).... I do see where I could send this as an encouragement card to someone, it would fit that perfectly.  I do LOVE working with this line of paper, and I've made some of my most favorite cards using designer paper from this really cool line.  I'm more questioning why I didn't go with my initial instincts, because I really want to ink up that set, and design away with it.  I would do it for funsies, but I have a very very crazy 3 weeks ahead of me, of which I have carved craft time in, but...those hours are targeted for a few craft obligations I have coming up.  (which I ABSOLUTELY am looking forward to!!!!!)  

Coming up:

The week of the 16th:  I'm a GIU Designer for Unity Stamps (a huge GO TO company for Craft Roulette nights)  I will be exclusively choosing Unity supplies for the Craft Roulette February 13th episode, and featuring my result on the 5th GIU Day... February 20.  The last time I was a GIU designer, I did the same thing... It was fun and like I said Unity has the best stamps for Craft Roulette nights!  My June post describes it all!  

GIU and Craft Roulette 

 The other fun craft gig coming up for me is Kindred Stamps February Release!  I am VERY MUCH LOOKING FORWARD to designing with a very fun set!  I'm waiting for it to come into my hands...I am anxious to share my ideas with you on this one, as I've been creating in my head now for at least a week, I can't wait to put it all on paper!!!!!  Release week starts:  February 23, release day is:  February 27th.

 So, there you have it!  I chose to do something a little different than usual with my 105th contribution...  I promise, next week, I'll be dialed in with a Unity stamp, and super excited to see what the wheel brings!  I do encourage you to stop by my blog next week, daily...LEAVE A COMMENT!!!  There will be 2 people randomly chosen who comment during my week who will receive a $20 gift certificate from Unity Stamps.  I do post in different social media platforms, if you hit the Trudio Studio Trifecta:  Blog/Facebook and Instagram... you will better your chances for a win!!!  I'm excited to share!!!

Feeling Groovy

 Well I didn't expect the direction I went with this card!  I actually have so many different ways I could have gone...as I have tons of animal print designer papers, and wild animal stamp sets too. 

 

 I guess what was hanging me up was the color "Mahjong", and I truly do take these parameters as literal as I can...lol...  My Mahjong colors inspiration came from:

 I think I nailed it!

 I spent a TON of time on my last week's entry, I made up for that this week...this came together FAST...from deciding what set to use, and how I wanted to fit those parameters.  At one point, I had planned to color and fussy cut my flower child, but...I couldn't then, and I still can't picture that result in my head, and I thought I probably wouldn't use it anyway, so I didn't want to even try.  Sometimes, simple is better...in this case, I managed to make two of these...I slightly modified my final one shown here...again...I was trying to make it harder than I needed to...my final result I eliminated a little fluff I attempted to in include on the front panel, and went with the holographic film instead!  

My inside...I'm kind of proud of my hand drawn border.  I was a little intimidated to try...but..was happy with the perfectly imperfect look!  My flowers...that was fun..I wanted EASY...so I scoured through my many many many many slimline die sets for that perfect 60s flower...finally found ONE...yep  ONE...out of all my Spellbinder flower dies...I found NONE...but I did find this on a Karen Burniston pop up die kit, so whew...I was able to finish this up.  

Parameters: 

My flower child image drops down on a card (fold inside) panel that drops down...

Mahjong tile colors similar to the colors in the above picture....

Sentiment:  Love Wild Flower Child...  pretty dang close to "Go Wild"

And my perfectly imperfect hand drawn border!  Note to self on that one... I've been doing this now for close to 30 years...and have always felt my unsteady hand simply doesn't cut it, unless I'm journaling a scrapbook page, where I WANT it authentic.... so, when it comes to card making, I really don't like to "freehand" much, because it really looks like I've "freehanded", lol...  I truly stepped out of my comfort zone on this, and I'm glad I did!  I didn't overthink, and I even drew the border AFTER I had the panels nicely stamped and adhered to the card...so...you never know...we are constantly evolving...and I'm glad I'm trying new things...even a no coloring card.  I let the paper do it's thing here...

 I used Whitney Girl from Unity Stamps.  I adore Angie Girls... it's what drew me to become a huge fan of Unity Stamps...which you may see another Angie Girl on here in the next few weeks... I'm a GIU designer the week of February 16...so, I'm getting my ducks in a row now!!!!

 I have a VERY BUSY week ahead...so busy I don't want it to start...so, bye for now, until next time!

 

 

Shiver Me Timbers!

 Shiver me timbers mateys!  Me 103rd Craft Roulette card almost made me walk the plank!  I spent way too much time on a mini shaker treasure chest for this...precious time slipped by, tick tock tick tock...way too much on my "to do" list this week, so I was up late last night finishing!  I definitely had fun with this one, and I just knew I needed to finish it...I adored me pirate themed card!!!!!

I need to finish the inside, but for now...I hit the parameters for episode #303:

1.  Interactive Card:  The treasure chest really is a mini shaker card...not easy with this tiny image that I had to somehow get a window on without showing dim tape.  yikes.  I spent HOURS on this...next go around, I know what to do...  knowing me...I might try again, but, if I don't, I will write it all in my Creative Companion.  (I have started my SECOND book!  3 in!)

2.  Herb and Spice Rack Colors:  Me thinks:  HOT BUTTERED RUM!!!  (close your ears, for those who may one day receive a gift from me...)  I plan to do a recipe page, using these elements for our very loved Hot Buttered Rum mix, one that we have provided year after year after year to family gatherings....So...me vessel is carrying nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves (plus some chili peppers, tumeric too, not found in me recipe)...all found in a spice cabinet!

3.  Transportation:  Me vessel of course!!!  ("The Nightly Craft Rider")

4.  Confetti:  Me treasure!  Gold coins, gems, pearls!!!  All confetti sequins in me booty and scattered on in the sparkly (looks like salt, also in me spice rack) sand!

Me Mateys who helped me with me loot:

• Scrappy Boy  (Pirate Ship Die, Designer Paper, and Stamps) 
•  Pirate Ship Die, Cute Kids Pirates (palm tree)
• Never Grow Up (Captain Hook)
• 3 Hour Cruise Tour 6x6 Paper Pack (ocean waves)

 I'm quickly sharing me supplier here, I'm not affiliated with the company, just a good customer, so I'm not sure of the availability of the stamp sets individually, I'm glancing at the site, and I know I purchased all the sets involved quite some time ago!  What I LOVE about Craft Roulette, is the fun in choosing what I'm going to play with!  Scrappy Boy is one of my go to options.  It all depends on my mood!  I wasn't going to play this week, but the pirate ship spoke to me, and the rest fell into place!!!!

 So...couple of things to share:

First TOMORROW!  is the Kindred Stamps New Release for January 2026!  I shared my Hallelujah! post on Monday, tomorrow the set goes LIVE along with 4 other really cool sets.  I for one, plan to do a little shopping!!!  If you aren't a member yet, you can see sneak peeks here:   Kindred Stamps Fan Club .

 Next line of business!!!!  Tomorrow, Craft Roulette, Episode #304!  Here's a link/invite:

Craft Roulette 

I usually pick up after the live, due to time zone differences mainly.  I need to get more YouTube savvy...One day, I might want to join in the "Chatterbox".  The chatter starts early, and it's a fun bunch it sounds.  I know, me for one, have made good friendships over the course of 103 entries.  I miss my craft buddy, Janet, who passed away in October...I met her over a craft question at about my 30th card entry...just saying, having this community, or ANY community has been important.  Whether it's through Craft Roulette, or some other group, challenge, etc., it's important to do some "me time".  It's what has helped me through a very hard 2025!  Til next week!  :) 

Hallelujah! for Hallelujah!

 I say Hallelujah for Hallelujah, one of the super fun January new release sets from Kindred Stamps. The ideas were easy:  cards for a sister, a friend who is as close as a sister, an actual "nun" sister, or a sister (as described above) to a sister who is a singing sister in a choir possibly.  Oh, the sister fun, one can think of when they ink up and design with this set!  

 

I'm fairly new to shaker cards... but I immediately wanted to make mini shaker windows with a stained glass background like you might see in church

 

 

I'm sure there must be a more efficient way for me to make the shake...but this is what I did...  Awhile ago, I purchased Transparent Acetate Sheets (like 2 years ago)...and I still have a bunch.... to generously use for shaker cards...  (Instead, I find I'm using them more for a backing for storing stamps that may not have this with their original packaging, or perhaps I've "lost" it from the original... but the idea was to make more shakers with the use of these sheets.)  I since then, found a really quick way to make a shaker with a different film... a CLEAR CELO BAG...(which as a specialty food manufacturer, our inventory of clear celo bags is MASSIVE...in ALL SIZES)...

 

 

The first card, I didn't want all the "shakes" to fall to the bottom...I had to make separate windows on the transparency to hold the confetti pieces limited to that window...  I first out lined, with a sharpie pen, the shape of the die cut for a transparent piece to place directly on the backside of the die cut.  I also needed an additional one with the patterned paper.  I glued the transparent piece to the die cut (back of), then carefully applied the 3D tape along the outline (piece face down) of each window.  (Careful to not let any tape show, I used Skinny 3D Foam Strips to do so.

While the die cut with transparency was still flipped face down, I sprinkled my confetti shapes into each window.... Lastly, carefully pulling the last of the double side film of the tape off, I (face down) I lined up the stain glassed designer paper (also face down) and gently applied it to the tape.  I say gently, because IF I had put it on crooked...I wanted a clean chance to try again.  It was a nice solid piece of patterned paper, not flimsy, so application went like a breeze.  After playing with it and shaking it for a few...I felt it was time to adhere that alter piece to my card...  I used Stardream Cardstock for my card and my giant window, I even made my own cross using the Antique Gold, same color as my card, the giant window is with Bronze Metallic, both colors are constants in my designs, if you zoom around my blog, you will see...

The second card....for my transparency to hold the confetti pieces in...  I simply used a crisp, clear celo bag, slid my finished work inside, and dropped the little pieces in.  I then snugly taped the open end of the bag over the backside of the card, and adhered firmly.  My bag was a little too big for my background, so...I slid a slightly larger piece of the Stardream card stock behind it...it made a perfect mat.  I wasn't about to start over, the empty margin was bugging me, and this was late at night in my craft studio...I didn't want to get in my car and drive to the factory to rummage through other celo bag options!  That being said...the mat turned out perfect...there is ALWAYS a solution to a mishap...well, most always...

Sticking with the stain glassed theme... my next card, would be a great option to give to a close friend, one, who you may have considered a sister forever and always.  I suspect many of us have a friend like that!  I liked the idea of the gold bead type dots, sticky dots, they reminded me of the beads the nuns have on their gowns.  

Continuing with the stain glassed look....  I made a "quickie" card ... using a stencil.  I'm still learning stencils, when to hold back, how to blend my inks, how to not make a big mess...lol... I wanted this card to be quick, so, I didn't want to overthink.  That's what the charm of quick cards is all about.  I want to be able to make something fast when I need to, and it sure feels good not having to clean up much too.  That being said...I won't elaborate...it's supposed to be QUICK!  lol  I did use holographic film to get those twinkly stars...I love this stuff... I learned about it from a random post on a craft page ... I wish I knew who originally posted...I'd love to thank them for the tip.  So fun and adds so much interest to cards!

 

 My last card ...  I really have to laugh about this one... I was up very late one night, working on either one of these cards, or something else.  I had my designs all mapped out ahead of time...  I usually color my images,  and cut them out first before anything.  I always color and cut extra, because inevitably, some ink mistake happens, and I like to have that "extra".  I am able to crank out several cards by doing so, and the creative process is becoming easier and easier for me.  After starting this method of designing...some day, I'll post a blog about my process, not today...this post is getting long already.  Anyhow...that night, while cleaning my desk...after already knowing I wanted a black card (Stardream card stock again), and I knew I wanted the crimped white panel (kind of resembling the colors of a habit)... I knew I wanted the 3 nuns... my hand, by accident, swiped the card (nothing adhered)...and the nuns tilted to the side!  That's when it came to me...they were singing and dancing and whooping it up!  And the title... well, IYKYK, lol...  I cannot get that song out of my head now...every.single.time I look at it...I hear my Sister Sledge album playing on my "turn table" stereo, back in 1979...when I was a teenager.  Oh, where did the time go?

 

 I do want to point out a few other Kindred supplies I used in all of these designs:

 

Font used for my singing nuns:   Stitched Alpha Die Set

Shapes/Panels for the stain glassed window cards:  Card Basics Die

Background banner on my shaker card:  Sentiment Strip Dies

 Confetti pieces for shakers:  Shaker Packs (although I drew from my stash, I thought I'd share this link.   The shakers I used are Kindred shaker packs from the past, but I wanted to share this link since there are some fun clay ones to see, (and other)...I can see once on a shaker roll, how it would be easy to want some of each!  :)

 

Well, there you have it!  I thoroughly enjoyed designing with this set.  I have 4 sisters, who each one of them, has a special place in my heart.  I found myself choked up a bit, I won't lie, there were some tears... while reminiscing about each one throughout this creative process.  One sister, in Heaven, I'd love to reach and talk to, I've really needed my sisters this past year, and I am truly blessed to have them in my life.  So, you know where my cards may be going, I truly hope everyone has a "sister" like I do.

 

This set, along with 4 additional NEW Release!!! "must have" sets, will become available on Friday, January 30th, 8:00 am, Pacific Time.  This new release is going to be hard to resist, so you will definitely want to pop on to the Kindred Stamps website early on Friday, or through my links here, I know I see a couple more that will end up in my craft room too! 

 

 

 

Magical Unicorn Farm...

 Where butterflies are in fLIGHT, and rainbows shine in the most unique colors of the rainbow....Twinkling stars shimmer and shine in a pastel blue sky....and our inner child, with a unique shade of violet, gray and pink hair, safely tucks the cards we've been dealt, close to her heart.

Sometimes, that's what we need...

 

 Not sure my vision even remotely came close with this card.  In fact, I had no vision, I just knew I wanted to use the image I chose.  I adore the Gorjuss Girl line of Santoro, I have a fairly nice assortment of these precious inner child stamps.  I just didn't want to think...and the more I got into this card, the less I was liking what I was doing.  So...I started adhering things past the point of no return, and this is the result.  When I cleaned my desk last night, my "extra" spoke to me, and I started doing what I should have done all along.  I MIGHT one day, revisit this card, and finish it the way I should have...but...I'm in that kind of funk right now, that just wants to be that inner child, lost in a world of make believe for a bit...and I need to be gentle and kind to me right now...so, revisiting this, simply isn't in the cards....(lol, literally)

This was my 102 Craft Roulette  Contribution and it was for the episode #302.

 

1.  Card on Card Project:  There are playing cards in the image stamped on this card

2.  Unicorn Farm Colors:   In a world of pastel, glitter and twinklies

3.  Element Light(s):  Butterflies in fLIGHT, stars and rainbows are light sources

4.  Random Label:  Gorjuss is a brand label for Santoro (London)

 

I hope to do better this week.  I was so enthusiastic to approach this card, and then frustration from my real life got the best of me...I usually find paper crafting a great escape, and rather mental medicine for me, but...I guess the heaviness of life weighed a little more this week...if I have one more UPS issue, I'm going to explode!  LONG long LONG story...and I'm a veteran shipper, 40 (yep that's 40) years of it...so, I know my way around a delivery truck / semi / airplane or two...  That being said...our record is A+, and I am amazed at how UPS & FedEx are as efficient and for the most part excellent service for businesses.

 

On a brighter note...  be on the lookout for the January Kindred Stamps New Release next week!  I loved my set, the research (refreshing the fandom in my memory) and all the rest it involved!  I will be posting my set and what I did with it early next week, so come back to see what it's all about!  

 

I'm looking forward to tonight, Craft Roulette...  It might be a Papa Murphy's Pizza kind of night...clean kitchen, no dishes...sit back and enjoy, and let the creative thoughts begin!

 

 

 

 

A Tree is a Tree is a Tree

 I made a very quick Craft Roulette card last night.  What I LOVE about Craft Roulette, is figuring out what direction I plan to go.  I typically, will mull over the parameters, I'll rummage through my many MANY many stamp sets...MANY...I started this crazy collection about the year 1997ish...so, MANY...  I'll put a pile of options in front of me...like 3+, (last night I had about 6 potentials)...I stare at them for about 5 minutes...and let my mind start to "feel" which direction I want to go.  99% of the time...I will stick with my final choice and I eliminate one by one...I did NOT with my 100th contribution, I actually wasted a night of stamping on that one...(my previous post)...(originally, I had chosen a raccoon...oh how that ROYALLY changed)

Last night, I expected to use one of Lavinia Stamps, or there were some fun silhouette pooch images  from Unity Stamps I had in my pile.  But, I kept thinking of the "old product" parameter, and that kind of narrowed it down for me to use a Stamping Up set.  Once upon a time, I was a hobby demo, so you can imagine the collection I have ...  lol (7 years?  maybe 10?)  One day, you may learn why I quit...it certainly wasn't because of the quality of the products.  I really do enjoy using my SU sets, especially my backgrounds, AND...I love the card stock too.  I'm glad I branched out...now, my options are massive, and Craft Roulette night is like a crafting mega amusement park for me...  There is NO parameter that cannot be done!  lol!

I settled with a set, that had never seen ink.  I believe I purchased it around 2008ish?  I KNOW the randomly stamped little "thank yous" was acquired early 2000s...it may be one of the first SU sets ever for me.  It MIGHT be a "Sale-A-Bration" set even.  I believe it's purple rubber, I'll have to check when I get back to my craft studio.  I didn't really pay much attention to that last night when I made the card.

Anyhow...my card:

 I justify these parameters in the following ways:

1.  If you look close...you will see random "thank you's" all over the background.

2.  The fallen on the ground "yellowish" Granny Smith apples from our apple orchard lead me to using earth tones on this card.  Coincidently, I noticed them yesterday, before I watched CR.

3.  Silhouette of the "tree"...which is NOT an apple tree...but, I was thinking apple trees and my way of thinking... a tree is a tree is a tree is a tree...and this one is a silhouette!

4.  Any SU product of mine is OLD...I have not been affiliated with the company since 2008ish?  

And there you have it!!!

I absolutely LOVE my Friday nights!  Even when I'm remote, I'll pull up the parameters...this one was fun and easy....so if you are on the fence...  you should join in!

Craft Roulette Invitation

It is a TON OF FUNN!!!!!