groppi girl blogs

Today I continue my Thank You Parade. In honor of Ways to Use It Wednesday, I broke out some Stampin’ Up! designer paper that has been in my stash for who knows how long. I wasn’t hoarding it - I just didn’t have any good ideas with it. With the card layout in mind, the Stampin’ Up! paper fit it perfectly.

Mini Rant Alert: I really have to say that I loathe the fact that Stampin’ Up! feels the need to put their copyright on their patterned paper. I had cut up the sheet and laid out the card only to find that Stampin’ Up! (C) 2006 was staring me in the face. It’s one of the silliest things. Not to mention, it is a waste of precious inches of designer paper that could make another card very happy. Ok, I’m done.

lovely thank you elements: Papertrey Ink Simple Little Things, Plum Pudding cardstock, ribbon and ink, Circle Nestabilities, Stampin’ Up! Designer Paper, Pale Plum and Mellow Moss cardstock and ink.

This is the second in the crouton card series. The layout I used for last week’s Haiku inspired card really got the juices flowing. There are SO many cards I could make with that layout. It’s fun and easy. In honor of Ways to Use It Wednesday, I used some Plum Passion card stock that hasn’t gotten much mileage.

I find myself using an excessive amount of Pop-Up Glue Dots. The packages only make 15-20 cards so it seems like I burn right through them. It’s a real tragedy that I am a sucker for dimension. Stampin’ Up’s Dimensionals are too much work. You have to peel the backing off after removing it from the sheet. Now, if they came in a roll….hmmm.

plum thanks elements: Papertrey Ink Garden of Life and Beautiful Blooms stamp sets, Plum Pudding and Lavender Moon ink, ribbon and cardstock, Stampin’ Up! Old Olive cardstock and Slit Punch.

Yesterday, I went to Marathon Sports to be refitted for running sneakers. They fitted me for a pair of Nike+ sneakers. I haven’t worn Nike in so long and now I am fitted for them - and they are Nike+!!!! Woohoo! Can you tell that I am excited? No more sensor pouch on my laces!!!! Here they are:

Ok, enough about my new sneaks. But they do feel like I’m running in slippers. I know, I know, where’s my card? I made this really quick last night. I’m a tad behind because I haven’t really felt inspired lately. I started a scrap layout last night to rejuvenate the mojo. This card perfectly fits into WTUI (Ways to Use It) Wednesday. The dotted paper is my last tiny scrap of the American Crafts paper I had. The ribbon and brads have been sitting around in my stash. I’ve finally gotten some mileage on this Close to My Heart Precious Alphabet I traded for over on SCS. I hope you are all having a great week!

thanks elements: Close to my Heart Precious Alphabet, Stampin’ Up Old Olive and Night of Navy cardstock, ink and ribbon, and Making Memories brads.

Looking for an excuse to use my Michael’s coupons a couple of weeks ago, I purchased a star Sissix Clearlit die. I thought I was going to have to return in but after a few attempts at the sandwich, I finally got it to work. I know, I know. I really need the Star Nestabilities (not in the budget right now but hopefully soon).

This was a fun and easy card using transparencies. I hadn’t used the transparencies in a bit. I really like the versatility it adds to the crafting arsenal. Running a transparency through the Cuttlebug is cool too. The star brads and buttons have been sitting in my stash for while too. They were perfect for my Ways to Use It Wednesday.

happy for you elements: Papertrey Ink Simple Little Things stamp set, Spring Moss cardstock and ribbon, Sweet Blush ink, Making Memories star brads, random star button and Sissix die.

Today is a double whammy Way to Use it Wednesday. First off, I used my Sew Mini sewing machine for the first time. I’ve had it for a little over a month (having purchased it for $5 with my AC Moore 50% off coupon). I have to say that it has it’s limitations but it’s still pretty cool. I was pretty reluctant to use my real sewing machine on paper so I purchased a smaller version that I could keep handy in my desk drawer. Second, I used a piece of a K&Co. Mat Stack that I had lying around. This came out a little different than I had envisioned but I can save my vision for another card.

I practiced my sewing on a scrap piece of paper prior to doing the actual card. There was a little learning curve. My first attempt was not straight by any means. I did this card by eye - not too bad, eh? But I think that it would be much easier if I pencil drew a line to follow.

baby duck card elements: Papertrey Ink Limitless Labels stamp set, Borders and Corners Monogram edition stamp set, Lemon Tart cardstock, ink and ribbon, sewing machine, Nestabilities, K&Co. Mat Stack, and buttons.