Cleopatra & her CATS!

I've been hoping for the color parameters "Ancient" to pop up to use this set, but "Sophisticated" and element "House Pets" were spun on the wheel this week...so, my mind went to Egypt.  I won't lie, the last 2 weeks of parameters seemed pretty effortless to come up with something, and I'm getting faster and faster at it.....either I'm less complicated than my usual style, or I'm not fussing about things, and just taking the plunge with my direction.  I rarely have to throw away something that I didn't like, and not too often do I cut into paper I wish I hadn't, I think I'm trusting my instincts.  IF I were to redo this card, yes, there are definite changes I'd make...but, what I'm loving about this challenge, is the fact I'm able to move on and not get stuck on one card.  It really is fun on the spur of the moment picking out my stamp and card stock choices.  I couldn't resist the sphynx kitties as house pets.  They really do look like wrinkle cats!

I have a busy plate this week, so I'm going to be brief here...

Parameters:

1.  Card of Encouragement (It qualified, I googled, Happy Birthday is an encouraging sentiment)

2.  Sophisticated colors:  GOLD gold and more gold...plus some velvet dark blue

3.  House pets element:  SPHYNX kitties!!!!  :)

4.  Thread or twine random:  I used a metallic thread to add to my sentiment and pennant banners.

Stamp Set if from Scrappy Boy Stamps who has  GIANT sale going on starting the 21st.  Now is the time to load up...  I am not affiliated, just a super fan.... love love love the line!

Trudi
 

Packed Full of Memories

 It's funny how a card evolves...how it starts out with one thing in mind, and it ends up not only different, but may spark other ideas that you never would have thought of otherwise.  Last night's Craft Roulette.  Episode #291 resulted in 4 unique parameters that initially I thought might be a bit of a creative challenge to work with, but, once I buckled down, it actually fell into place.  I'll address and justify this card and how I applied the 4 parameters.  I'll also explain the twists to it, and how one parameter started out one way, and interestingly resulted in something else.....

The Parameters and MY interpretation:
 

1.  Postcard Project:  First, I'll start out by saying, I'm thrilled to have a massive collection of stamps, card stock, designer paper, embellishments, etc.  I always felt, the more you have to play with, the more options you can do...and along the years, I have managed to accumulate through purchases, gifts, yard sell acquisitions, club subscriptions, etc...enough of all of the above:  (stamps, card stock, designer paper, embellishments, etc.) to open a small retail store.  I'm not disappointed with having it all, it's funny how way back when, I would never have imagined one day, I could refer to my craft studio as my craft playground....  and that is exactly what it is... my playground!  I'm now close to 100 entries to this really cool and fun weekly challenge, and each week, I am as excited to learn what my criteria will be...so...  I went straight for the stamp that I own that is a POST CARD stamp.  It may be a little covered up with my holly leaves here, but...clearly, I hit the first parameter with ease....

 2.  Easter Basket Colors:  Each week, as a Craft Roulette member...we get the opportunity to "veto" one of 4 randomly selected options per parameter...  When "Easter Basket" colors pop up...I veto that one, because I just don't feel the Easter vibe right now, and it's not doing it for me.  So, last night, when it popped up...I got to thinking...really, any color would work.  I was going to go "chocolate" brown, because of the traditional chocolate bunny found in an Easter basket.  I thought orange too, for the jelly belly carrots that my business makes/packages every year, and sells commercially.  The more I thought about it, the more colors came to mind...as my company has a huge presence of Easter novelties each Spring, so getting hung up on that parameter started to actually spark some interest.  The Post Card image, with the "brown" vibe was starting to feel vintage to me...  and I started thinking Victorian Easter...so, my colors were starting to sink in....  I found a couple of pictures online for inspo:

 

3.  Pack(s)(ing) Element:  This one was the one...I thought I had nailed it.  I was hung up on that Victorian vibe, and pulled out a stamp kit I had acquired along the way from a previous Unity Stamp Membership offering.  I'm fairly confident the kit has since retired, but perusing through the massive options through Unity Stamps there are other options that may work as well.  So, I googled PACK...I honestly don't remember why I googled "pack of holly", but it was showing up, with descriptions; as where to buy a "pack of holly".  Last night, it made total sense, today...not so much.  I see a pack of holly leaves as a craft store purchase, I don't think there is such a thing as a pack of holly in nature.  So, I kept trying to justify why I chose that...yikes.  Then it dawned on me:  I have PACKED this card full of holly leaves.  There you go...hahaha  But that doesn't explain the twist....it took the 4th parameter for me to really justify the PACKED element.... I'll explain after I explain the 4th criteria to finish up this card.

 

4.  Shiny Random:  Easy peasy.  The little gemstones are shiny...and obvious.  But, I wasn't quite done yet.  When I looked and looked and looked at this card...and only after finding the sentiment I chose...I was getting a memory ... a very fond memory ... of years ago.  And this is where I get teary.  So much has happened in my family over the last few years, a lot of really hard stuff, that unlocking memories of childhood, where things were easy and carefree gave me a sense of happy vibes... the past PACKED full of memories, as a timeless treasure, will ALWAYS be there.  The memory?  So, every year, during Christmas time.... my Mom would get out the box of little 3D card stock made houses.  Each little house was decorated with glitter, snowy rooftops, and a little dark green tree...  They were in a variety of PASTEL colors, some similar to my card, and embellished with shiny bead type trim, etc., (who knew I'd be recollecting these houses towards the end of my card design)...  I was loving this memory...how excited my sister and I, "the little girls" were to place these in the windowsill every year....  the glittery house memory lead me to grab my "wink of stella" glitter pen and start glittering up  my sage leaves....but I still wasn't satisfied...I needed that forest green tree vibe...so, I added the forest green holly leaves.

 

So WOW ... this card may mean more to me, than satisfying the parameters of episode #291.  And the little card stock Christmas houses has nothing to do with the parameters at all...but...the memories that are packed safely away in my heart, even though they are being a bit guarded ... they are still there, and I am seeing a little sparkle of hope that they will come to the surface more often.  I wouldn't doubt it if somewhere, we have that box stashed.  I'm sure they are not in any condition to put in the windowsill...  I wish when my kiddos were littles, I would have had little houses to put out...I know they can be made, I see the elements in the stores...I even know you can buy the little trees in a 12 PACK, lol.  So there you go...ALL PARAMETERS are doable, even if you have to justify after the matter.  :)

 

Till the next time!  I have a couple of VERY BUSY weeks ahead, we may be landing not one but TWO very large orders, one actually for an aerospace company...wouldn't that be coolio!?  I see my style has evolved to a little more easy/simple, and that's ok too.  I wouldn't be able to play during the holidays otherwise, as soon, very soon...I'll be living in the chocolate factory for awhile!  Gotta get all those chocolate orders done, just thankful we are still thriving after close to FORTY years!  

 

UPDATE TO MY POST!!!!!  UPDATE  

 

If you have read this far...I did some sleuthing.  The houses I was thinking of....  are PUTZ HOUSES! 

My card inspired me to recollect the memories of these precious little houses!

 

 

 

Have a nice week! 

 

 

 

Silly Goose!

 Yikes.  I went to Google the meaning of Goosey Goosey, and I did not like what I was reading.  I know there are hidden meanings to nursery rhymes, music lyrics, children's stories and such...  I guess I could be guilty of that too (slipping a little hidden meaning in some of my work), as even though this card is light hearted and silly...I truly am hiding behind my craft supplies lately...so much sadness going on...from personal loss to just all around.  Once again, I'm thankful for my little escape to my stamps/inks/paper ... I'm approaching my 100th Craft Roulette entry, when I earn "mug clubber" status...  so much has happened over these lat 100 cards/entries (not all were cards, I even dabbled a couple times in a scrapbook page...the very paper crafting addiction that got me started in all of this, 26ish years ago!)(or more) 

Anyhow...BOO!  I know this one is simple, but, it actually felt good to make it...I've had a rough few days, losing another family member, and reflecting on the hard loss of loved ones over the last year.  I think my style is going towards being more simple and easy...I'm just rolling with it...  That being said...be on the lookout for the November Kindred Stamps Release in the next few weeks.  I LOVE my set... for now... it's a Craft Roulette kind of post!

My 94th entry!!!  Episode #290

 

My 94th! (6 to go to MCber!) was submitted for episode #290. I used a lil bit of citrus green and a hint bright orange for this card to POP just enough (#2, colors)....and yet keep our lil spooky ghost partially hidden (#4, random)...(do you think he is hidden here? Kind of like a "where's Waldo!)... If finding our friendly lil spook with a Happy face isn't possible...(look close, there is one)...then the sentiment inside the card reveals the "Happy" (#3, Element). I think the #1 parameter is a free parameter here... I couldn't imagine sending a card to anyone but a FRIEND. I guess I could mail it to a stranger, but...we will go with it going to a friend...(#1, project)...now to think of who.  

Now for the supplies used:

Goosey Ghouls  (previous Whit Kit, more to follow about these kits!!!)

Boo Brigade  (previous background / monthly subscription)

Both Goosey Ghouls and Boo Brigade are from a monthly Unity Stamps Memberships subscription.  They offer 4 memberships, each and every one of them are of HUGE value.  Goosey Ghouls is a former (September 2025)  Whit Kit, and the Boo Brigade the September 2024  Background of the Month.  I recently became a subscriber, after years of seeing all the fun membership offerings were being released, month after month.  You don't need to subscribe to buy, but I will tell you, the perks of subscribing go beyond the kits themselves, discounts, etc....it's worth it if you are wanting something fun each month to appear in your mailbox, or if you are building your stash of stamp supplies too.  My only hard thing was to settle on which kit....lol...it may be I eventually subscribe to all of them!!!  Well...that's it for today, I hope to sneak another Craft Roulette in before the next New Release for Kindred.  It is starting to get chocolate busy for me though ... and I'm working at being gentle and kind to me.   It's just so fun to create a little card here and there...it truly is healing...

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice!

 I'll say it again...and again and again!  I really enjoy participating in a challenge that gives me the opportunity to pull from my very own stash of craft supplies!  Every Friday night, I have no idea what direction I'll be looking, this week...I was able to pull from some very ancient stamp sets from the Stamping Up! past, some bargain buy designer paper that I snagged on the $ .25/each wall of a local craft store (which they no longer offer, sadly, I loved that wall!!!) (Craft Warehouse) and a fairly new to me stamp, November Girl from one of my favorite artists (Angie Blom) at Unity Stamps!  In fact, it was the Angie Girls line that introduced me to Unity... I love everything about this company! 

The parameters:

1.  Dutch Door

2.  Bird Feeder Colors

3.  October

4.  Polka Dots

 

 

 

 

It definitely feels like October in the Pacific NW!  I hope to celebrate Pumpkin Day on October 26th!!! 

 

 

 

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

 I got to play with Scrappy Boy Stamps Neighborhood Bar stamps for this week's Craft Roulette challenge.  I now have a certain song in my head, that I can't stop hearing, and an interest in searching to see where I can live stream the sitcom featuring the neighborhood bar, "Where Everybody Knows Your Name".  

 

I played with some new product, I think I'm in love with this ink:  Cloud 9 Peanut Glow Blending Ink!!!!! I bought mine from Spellbinders, I think it can be found at other great online craft retailers too...I adore this product, I can't wait to see what else I can do with it...  I'm still learning how to blend...not sure I have the best brushes or even the best cardstock to get a smooth blend, but, I'll keep working at it.  :)  This is premium fun ink, and I think I may need a few more.  (beyond the others I purchased at the time, lol...I bought some "sky" colors and "ocean" colors...who knew, they would be so similar?  Silly me.... lol  

 I used a combination of Scrappy Boy designer papers for this one...  I used the beer mugs from the Neighborhood Bar collection, but found the pretzel patterned card stock on one of the newer Scrappy Boy releases:  New Yorkers.  

Now, for the parameter explanation:

1. Every hour is a celebration at a place where "Everybody Knows Your Name"!  Good times for sure!
2. The card is mainly earth tones, browns and earth like colors, which you'd find on the ground.
3. Pretzel and beer go well together!
4. You can find one of these type of establishments down a neighborhood block...and the inside?  Well, the bricks are shaped like blocks....you may even find a blockhead in there drinking a bevvy.  

So my 92nd contribution is complete!  I'm getting closer to my 100!  I suspect I'll see it close to 2026, I know I'll miss a week or 2 as I approach my busy time in the factory.  That being said, this Friday night challenge for me, has been so fun... I love playing in my craft playground, and I'm getting the point, where the harder the challenge, the more fun it is.  :)  I have to admit, I started out with a different character on this card, and was going to say he was a "blockhead" to fit the 4th parameter.... That being said, I didn't like the sound of calling someone a "blockhead".  It didn't seem nice, and I think we need to play nice here!  If you pop on over to my  Urban Jungle post... it kind of resonates with the times....It really does start with us, so ... I didn't want to label someone a blockhead!  YIKES!  I really do interpret things literally!  I hope to participate in episode 289, can't wait to see what the wheel brings!

 

Urban Jungle

 Welcome to the Jungle!  Kindred Stamps has done it again, it has released another set that I think may be my favorite!   Urban Jungle has 8 characters and a variety of sentiments that were easy to design around.  Birthdays, just because, or encouragement cards were a few of the themes I was thinking of.  

My first card, featuring all of the characters included in the Urban Jungle set, reminded me of a certain song that was created by a super group of famous singers in 1985.  Although the times were different than now, these famous artists came together, many singing solos, to raise money and bring awareness to a good cause, the results were HUGE.  History certainly can and does repeat itself..as there is always a good cause to bring relief, but the same applies:  We Can Do This Together.  

 

When you flip it open...you see a magical skyline...

My next project took me back to my Marketing 460/Promotions class at WSU (GO COUGS!  ... IYKYK) many moons ago...  My oh my, how marketing has changed since way back when...  I can picture my prof with excitement describing how creative thinking this fox was for his unique merchandising and product development.  This could be a fun card idea to send a Business and Marketing student or anyone, who is launching a new idea or product.  The box card will fold when you wiggle it to the side, and it will fit in an A2 envelope.  I embellish mine tons, so although it won't lay flat for a one postage stamp mailer...it still is considered a card!  It's super easy and fun  to put together using the Box Card Die!  I used sparkly white card stock to look like "ice", and hope this box looks like an ice chest!  

  

I thought of birthdays and celebrations for my next card.  I love a list type card, one where you can check off ALL the boxes!!!!  Designed to make a recipient feel guilty in a HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY way!!!  I used the Card Basics Die Set  and the Stitched Alpha Die Set for my star and my GUILTY.  

Lastly, my quickies!  When time is limited, and you really do want something you can put to card stock in a few minutes, my answer is to have a quickie in mind.  I have found my groove by coloring up my images...fussy cutting first, last putting to paper.  A quickie in my mind...should only take 15-30 minutes after the image is already colored and cut.  These are simple, easy, and definitely a USPS one-stamp kind of card.  The variety of sentiments for Urban Jungle, combined with the options of 8 different images, makes it easy for many occasions!  I used one character, one sentiment, one stencil, one die on each...add a little bling...and DONE.  And...if this isn't kept as a keepsake from the recipient...that's ok too.  For those of you who mail hand made cards, I know you know what I mean here!!!  QUICKIE = SIMPLE, EASY, ONE-USPS STAMP but that doesn't mean it won't put a smile on a recipients face!!!

  

 The October release goes live tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time!  So many wonderful new offerings, you will NOT want to miss out on this one!!!!  

Dream in Colors

 This stamp set is a must for card makers and paper crafters who love to think and dream in colors.  Although I have to admit, I really had to do some research prior to inking up my characters, I am thankful for doing so, as so many artists paved the way to how each of us may view art.  My craft roulette parameters sent me in the direction of the sunflower enthusiast... deets below:

Work of Art  stamp set from:  Kindred Stamps

 Parameters:

1.  A Dude's Card

2.  Sunflower Field Colors

3.  Bird(s)

4.  Soot

 My justification:  I figured our artist is a Dude...and the sunflower field colors is highlighted with the fun designer paper I used.  Lastly, I stamped the bird image and sentiment in  Distress Oxide: Black Soot ink.

Til next week.  I want to close this post sending my thoughts to my sister in law, who earned her angel wings over the weekend.  Hug your loved ones.  We visited on Saturday, we never would have ever imagined that this would be our last visit.  My heart tugs, especially for my brother in law and her boys & families.  This year has had so much loss sent to our family, and we stay as strong as possible.  Spending my couple of hours yesterday in my craft studio, was a good escape.