Card of the Week.com | Cards, Scrapbooking, and Papercrafts

Card of the Week and Best of the Blogosphere: November 8 - 14, 2008

Card of the Week: Fabulous by DeeDee Campbell from Scrappin' With DeeDee

It' is FABULOUS!!!!!  I'm really late on my birthday thank you notes and I'm really drawn to this card.  What better way to tell your girlfriends that you think they are awesome than with a pink car card?!  LOL -- seriously, you'll never find anything this great at your local Hallmark store.  This card really is FABULOUS.  :D Dee is fab too - she made this card for sick kids as part of a charity effort.  You really should check out her posting to learn more about her great work and exactly how you can make this car too.

Runner Up:  Decorative Circle Medallion by Kittie Caracciolo from Kittie's Krafts

I just think this card is SO beautiful!  I have been a big fan of these new circle medallions -- but I especially love how Kittie tucked a little Christmas village behind the frame.  I feel like I'm looking through a window to a lovely winter scene.  So pretty!

Craft of the Week:  Teacher Clipboard by Michelle Wooderson from Mish Mash

Nichole Heady from Papertrey Ink is coming out with an awesome new set designed around teacher appreciation.  Ideas like Michelle's, make me wake up at midnight so I can buy the stamps the moment they go on sale!   I have two boys, both with GREAT teachers this year, and I'd love to be able to make something like this for Christmas.  Michelle is so incredibly creative and she came up with this awesome clipboard.  Run (don't walk) to her blog for a full tutorial on how to make this for yourself.  - It doesn't even look hard!

Runner Up:  Snowball Fight in a Can by Jen Tapler from Jen Tapler Designs

I think this is hilarious!!!!  We do neighbor gifts for Christmas (I'm in Georgia -- not a lot of snow here...) and everyone has kids.  I think this would go over so incredibly well!  So funny.  Jen, you're brilliant.

Runner Up:  Holiday House by Melissa from Mme. Designs

This gorgeous ornament is all made from paper -- the trees are a Martha Stewart punch.  I can only imagine how much time it takes to put something like this together!  WOW. Totally worth it - so beautiful!  Click on over to Melissa's blog for more details.

Now, onto the Best of the Blogosphere lists. Remember these lovely little boxes don't show up in Google Reader, so if you can't see them, click on over to my site and they will magically appear. (When you see the boxes, there is a small "read more" in the bottom, right hand corner... click it and you can see the list with pictures as a web page!)

The Shout Out List: The cards and projects that earned some extra love and attention this week. The best of the best. You people ROCK MY WORLD :D

The Best of the Blogosphere: In my travels through Blogland, I discover a lot of projects, cards, scrapbook pages, tips, templates and tutorials that are all worth sharing. I want my friends to see the things out there that are special, inspirational, worth some extra notice. This list is everything I think is worth sharing... better read it... you could be on the list!

Please remember that my site is powered by YOU. Please comment here if you'd like me to read your blog or if you have seen some amazing blog art that I'm missing! Thanks!

Card of the Week and Best of the Blogosphere: November 1 - 7, 2008

Card of the Week: Merry and Bright by Becca Feeken from Amazing Paper Grace

I love Flourishes and I love Becca's style.  Isn't this card gorgeous?!!!!  Even the sneak a peek border makes me "ooh" and "ahhh". 

Runner Up:  Jingle All The Way by Becky Oehlers from Hemidemisemiquaver Design Blog

Sometimes simple is the way to go.  I just love this clean and simple card.  No layers, one focal point.  Lots of style.  Love it :D

Craft of the Week: Simply Soldered by Julia Stainton from Belle Papier

I love soldering, and it really is easy.  It looks so intimidating when you first get the kit and go to start up, but it's dead simple and the results are spectacular.  Julia does a great job with this photo charm -- and you could put it on a key ring, necklace, ornament, anywhere!  Click on over to Julia's site for more about this piece!

Runner Up:  Homemade Project #2 by Cathy St. Clair from Paper Garden

This great looking set is made with clear cardstock and just shaped into boxes.  I think I like this so much because of the way the colors came together.  The raffia with the caramel popcorn with the red and green bird tag... I just love how it all goes together.  It's such a simple little gift, but it's so special in how it's packaged. 

Runner Up:  Explosion Box by Michelle Giraud from Twisted Chick Creations

Do I need to explain why I picked this?!  WOW. Just WOW.  Check out Michelle's site.  Go NOW.

Now, onto the Best of the Blogosphere lists. Remember these lovely little boxes don't show up in Google Reader, so if you can't see them, click on over to my site and they will magically appear. (When you see the boxes, there is a small "read more" in the bottom, right hand corner... click it and you can see the list with pictures as a web page!)

The Shout Out List: The cards and projects that earned some extra love and attention this week. The best of the best. You people ROCK MY WORLD :D

The Best of the Blogosphere: In my travels through Blogland, I discover a lot of projects, cards, scrapbook pages, tips, templates and tutorials that are all worth sharing. I want my friends to see the things out there that are special, inspirational, worth some extra notice. This list is everything I think is worth sharing... better read it... you could be on the list!

Please remember that my site is powered by YOU. Please comment here if you'd like me to read your blog or if you have seen some amazing blog art that I'm missing! Thanks!

Card of the Week and Best of the Blogosophere: October 18 - 24, 2008

Card of the Week: Support the Girls by Anna Wight from Sassy and Sweet

I have to tell you that having a close friend go through a battle with breast cancer will totally change your perspective on life.  This month is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and when I saw Anna's AWESOME card, I wanted to make sure it went to the top of the post.  Not only does this card have a ton of style, I love the message.  Thanks for sharing this Anna!

By the way, I pulled this from Anna's blog: Crafty Secrets donates $1 for every "Support the Girls" set sold to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Runner Up:  Shape Up by Michele Boyer from Paper Cuts

This card had me chuckling out loud.  How fun would this be to pull out of an envelope?  The entire design, from shaped planet (who thinks of that?!) to patterned paper just rocks. Love the little dude standing on the rings.  Adorable.  Flat out adorable.  

Craft of the Week:  Carousel by Beatriz Jennings from Iralamija

Can you say HOLY MERRY-GO-ROUND BATMAN!  This is just precious!  Let's think about this -- Beatriz is standing in the scrapbook store and looking at paper and a 3D holiday Carousel comes to mind.  Really?!  I want to think like this!  Wouldn't this be great as an ornament?  Or sitting on a small side table?  I just love this.  So incredibly beautiful.  Beatriz made this using her Cricket.  I'll be surfing the patterns to see if I can do this with my Silhouette. 

Runner Up:  Scrappy Ornament by Becky from Hemidemisemiquaver

Yep, if I find these ornaments at Michael's, I'll be making them for all the grandparents... and for me!  I think these are awesome!  Becky, you are SO creative. 

Now, onto the Best of the Blogosphere lists. Remember these lovely little boxes don't show up in Google Reader, so if you can't see them, click on over to my site and they will magically appear. (When you see the boxes, there is a small "read more" in the bottom, right hand corner... click it and you can see the list with pictures as a web page!)

The Shout Out List: The cards and projects that earned some extra love and attention this week. The best of the best. You people ROCK MY WORLD :D

The Best of the Blogosphere: In my travels through Blogland, I discover a lot of projects, cards, scrapbook pages, tips, templates and tutorials that are all worth sharing. I want my friends to see the things out there that are special, inspirational, worth some extra notice. This list is everything I think is worth sharing... better read it... you could be on the list!

Please remember that my site is powered by YOU. Please comment here if you'd like me to read your blog or if you have seen some amazing blog art that I'm missing! Thanks!

Card of the Week and Best of the Blogosphere: October 10 - 17, 2008

Card of the Week: Today's Challenge by Faith Hofrichter from Stampin' With Markie's Mom

I've always been a fan of Faith's detailed images, but this one is far and away my favorite.  I love how these images all flow together and the pop-up fold conveys the journey in the Christmas story.  The coloring here is off the charts and I would love to live a little closer to Faith so that I could bug her for some lessons :D  Great work Faith, thanks for sharing!!!

I would like to take a moment to acknowledge that this card started off as three small pieces of plain paper.  It always rocks my world to think about people, like Faith, who can look at the blank page and see this stunning creation -- and then bring that vision to life.  WOW.

Runner Up: Fun is Good by Laurie Schmidlin from Just Give Me Stamps

The best birthday card ever.  I just adore this.  How great would this be to get in the mail?!  I'm going to CASE this for Jake's teacher -- her birthday is Monday and I can see making a slew of these.    Thank you Laurie -- you saved the day!!!!

Craft of the Week: Soldered Ornament Card by Ellen Hutson from The Classroom

Ellen got me completely hooked on soldering.  I've made exactly one project and LOVED it!!!!  I'll be at it again thanks to inspiration like this!  I normally featured crafting tutorials on Tuesday, but I love how this ornament fits so nicely onto the card.  Had to share.  Click on over to Ellen's site for step by step instructions.

Runner Up: Got Sweets by Betsy Veldman from Stamps, Scissors and Superheroes

I'm really not sure which I like more -- the insanely cute cupcake tag or the embellished juice box!  Talk about darling touches for a child's birthday, Betsy has it all nailed.  Love it all!!!! 

Runner Up:  It's Friday by Anabelle O'Malley from Bits & Pieces about My Life

YUM!  This box of treats is so pretty that I wouldn't want to open it; however, I would because check out how cute the goodies inside are!!!  It's a little hard to see in this picture, but this is a clear gable box embellished with matching cardstock, a killer tag and some great ribbon.  How simple is that?!  FAB.

Now, onto the Best of the Blogosphere lists. Remember these lovely little boxes don't show up in Google Reader, so if you can't see them, click on over to my site and they will magically appear. (When you see the boxes, there is a small "read more" in the bottom, right hand corner... click it and you can see the list with pictures as a web page!)

Nicole Heady and Papertrey Ink are at it again.  I couldn't pick a favorite from all the PTI design team great ideas, so I'm adding a special Papertrey Ink BOB box this week, just so you won't miss anything.  I'll warn you, hold onto your wallets - you'll be so inspired that you'll have that online order placed before you realize what happened!  (And, no, I'm not on the PTI payroll!)

The PaperTrey Ink List:  PTI creations from the design team and also some show stoppers that I picked up here and there.

The Shout Out List: The cards and projects that earned some extra love and attention this week. The best of the best. You people ROCK MY WORLD :D

The Best of the Blogosphere: In my travels through Blogland, I discover a lot of projects, cards, scrapbook pages, tips, templates and tutorials that are all worth sharing. I want my friends to see the things out there that are special, inspirational, worth some extra notice. This list is everything I think is worth sharing... better read it... you could be on the list!

Card of the Week & Best of the Blogosphere: October 4 - 10, 2008

Card of the Week: Sleigh Ride by Leslie Miller from Running with Scissors

Sigh.  This card makes me want snow and Christmas!  It's just so beautiful!  I would (seriously) put this card in a frame and leave it displayed every Christmas.  I just love it.  For supplies and some other holiday tag ideas, click on over to Leslie's blog and check out this post.  You will not be disappointed!

Runner Up:  Exquisitely Elegant by Becky from Hemidemisemiquaver

Incredibly soft, elegant card.  I love the texture on this card -- using the Cuttlebug folder only 1/2 way is an unusual and clever way to pull the eye towards the artwork.  I also really liked the detail of the scored lines running up the side.  Just gorgeous. 

Craft of the Week:  Recipe Box by Nichole Heady from Capture the Moment

Nichole created a new Papertrey Ink set that is all focused around recipes and cooking - my other favorite hobby.  (Set is available on the 15th.)  I'm totally loving this.  I have several cooks on my holiday list and I'll positive that this set will get a lot of love from me!  Check out the first preview -- custom recipe box, custom recipe cards (designed to be longer so you can include entire recipes), and tabs for the dividers.  Nichole walks you through step by step how to recreate this entire project -- including a foam core divider to keep blank cards separate and to keep the recipes from bending in the box.  So smart, so clever, so creative.  I've said it before.  I would love to spend a day with Nichole Heady.  I get so much inspiration from her!

Runner Up:  Beautiful Photo by Sherrie Siemens from Card Creme

This is just a stunning piece of art work.  I love the sepia tone photo coupled with the flourishes and the coordinating buttoned flowers.  In fact, there is NOTHING about this piece that I don't completely love.  I have a little niece who is just turned one.  She's starting to walk and talk and I'm going to be stalking her like paparazzi to get a picture I can use like this.  Lovely. 

Now, onto the Best of the Blogosphere lists. Remember these lovely little boxes don't show up in Google Reader, so if you can't see them, click on over to my site and they will magically appear. (When you see the boxes, there is a small "read more" in the bottom, right hand corner... click it and you can see the list with pictures as a web page!)

The Shout Out List: The cards and projects that earned some extra love and attention this week. The best of the best. You people ROCK MY WORLD :D

The Best of the Blogosphere: In my travels through Blogland, I discover a lot of projects, cards, scrapbook pages, tips, templates and tutorials that are all worth sharing. I want my friends to see the things out there that are special, inspirational, worth some extra notice. This list is everything I think is worth sharing... better read it... you could be on the list!

Please remember that my site is powered by YOU. Please comment here if you'd like me to read your blog or if you have seen some amazing blog art that I'm missing! Thanks!

Operation Baking Gals and other news...

I was thrilled to be asked by Donna Diegel, from Spatulas, Corkscrews and Suitcases, to participate in the Operation Baking Gals drive to send cookies and care packages to soldiers overseas.  You can read all the details here.  I was a little late getting my post up (camera issues), but here it is.  I sent 4 dozen cookies to our team's soldier, along with some other necessities. The entire box only cost me $8 to ship!  Love it.  Rumor from the USPS is that shipping times are not very long. 

On a side note, I was teaching a calendar class on Monday and one of my students was this gorgeous, size 2, young woman who turns out to be an Interrogator in the Army. She actually flies around the skies in Iraq in the back of a Blackhawk helicopter.  When she's on leave, I guess she scraps!  Who would guess?!  Lesson:  Never, ever guess a book by it's cover!  She said that the cookies and other necessities are hugely appreciated overseas and that we should remember that there are women soldiers and feminine products are a great thing to include in a care package.  She also said that contrary to what I've heard, those drink "to-go" packets are not recommended as they cause the cantines to degrade. 

More Great Things:

--Gracie, Lime Light Design Team Leader, shared this with me: 

We are a group of 11 people who have come together for the purpose of sharing our talents in various charitable situations. We are sending cards to our men and women in uniform in Iraq--even sending them an extra card to send home to their families during the holidays (ever tried to find a card shop in Iraq?). We are making journals for families who stay in places such as the Ronald McDonald house to record their experiences & feelings during such a difficult time. We are making cards for baskets that will be auctioned to raise money for much-needed playground equipment. These items are only a taste of what this team is and will be doing in the next year. We want to teach those in foreign lands who lose family members to tragic diseases how to preserve the memories of those loved ones. As you can see, we have many, many plans to shed light in any number of areas. Please visit the site at http://limelightscrappers.blogspot.com/ .

Check it out.  I'd love to show these folks some link love.

Card of the Week and Best of the Blogosphere: September 27-October 3, 2008

There is apparently a plot out there in the Blogosphere to overwhelm me with cool ideas and insight some sort of crafting breakdown. This may be the best week EVER for amazing ideas and inspiration.  If you have some time, get a cold drink and sit down with the Shout List.  You will NOT be sorry.  I promise.

Card of the Week: All Dressed Up and No Place To Go by Dee Dee Campbell from Scrappin' With Dee Dee

Say it with me, "WOW!"  Perhaps it's because Cinderella was always my favorite princess; perhaps it's because of the ruffles on the dress; perhaps it's because this card flat out ROCKS -- Dee Dee, you had STIFF competition this week, but you earned top stop.  Great card! Seriously, this card is too pretty to send.  If you must send it, email me for my address.  Hee Hee.

Runner Up: Trifold Card by Sankari from Sankari's Sunshine Corner

This is another one of those "take your breathe away" cards.  Wouldn't you just love to get this in the mail?  It's just so beautiful!  I love the tri-fold look -- it feels like opening a present when you open the card. 

Perhaps because Christmas is around the corner (gasp!), but I've been seeing a lot of photo cards lately.  I love them, and I thought this week, I'd take the time to feature a couple.

Photo Card of the Week:  Photo Finish by Lisa Johnson from Poppy Paperie

Lisa says that she doesn't do a lot with photographs but I find it hard to believe!  Isn't this lovely?! Click over to her site for full details, but this is printed on shimmery cardstock!  Love it!!!  (Lisa has another top contender photo card on the same blog post -- don't miss it.)

Runner Up:  Photo Finish by Michelle Wooderson from Mish Mash

This picture doesn't do justice to the card -- click on over to see the card all assembled - I really wanted you to see the revealed letter.  I  think this is a clever way to include your greeting.  There is a strong possibility that several people on my Christmas list will get cards inspired by this idea. 

Craft of the Week:  Hallowkimsy Projects by Kim from Kim's Kreative Korner

Another WOW.  The house was made from chipboard, patterned paper (Imaginisce), Doodlebug paper frills, and Little Yellow Bicycle glitter stickers.  Kim, girl, wow.  Click on over for complete instructions -- this is a kit Kim helped put together.  Wow.

Runner Up:  Birthday Box by Renee at LiveSpace

It's the rhinestones baby.  Oh, and the ribbon "tab".  Oh, and the different papers making up the box.  OK, the entire thing.  Renee, my birthday is in 19 more days.  I'll be 40.  This box would be a lovely gift....

Runner Up:  Christmas Tussie Mussies by Becca from Amazing Paper Grace

Isn't this just insanely pretty?!  Nuf said.  Becca, this is beautiful.

Now, onto the Best of the Blogosphere lists. Remember these lovely little boxes don't show up in Google Reader, so if you can't see them, click on over to my site and they will magically appear. (When you see the boxes, there is a small "read more" in the bottom, right hand corner... click it and you can see the list with pictures as a web page!)

The Shout Out List: The cards and projects that earned some extra love and attention this week. The best of the best. You people ROCK MY WORLD :D

The Best of the Blogosphere: In my travels through Blogland, I discover a lot of projects, cards, scrapbook pages, tips, templates and tutorials that are all worth sharing. I want my friends to see the things out there that are special, inspirational, worth some extra notice. This list is everything I think is worth sharing... better read it... you could be on the list!

Please remember that my site is powered by YOU. Please comment here if you'd like me to read your blog or if you have seen some amazing blog art that I'm missing! Thanks!

Happy Birthday Cristin!!!

Today is my friend Cristin's birthday.  Cristin is my "sister from another mother" and I really treasure our friendship.  Special people deserve special presents - this is hers:

This box was inspired by a project I saw on Lauren Meader's blog awhile back. 

Smile.  Are you loving this?  I am.  The cards were just run through the computer.  Big monogram "C" in a great swirly script on the cards; "from the desk of Cristin XXX" on the note cards.  I wish I had vanilla envelopes, but since I didn't, I did the white envies, stamped with Baroque Motifs. 

My favorite part -- and the most intimidating -- the charm.  I ordered the basic soldering kit from Ellen Hutson's store.  I love Ellen -- she's just so incredibly nice.  She's written some great tutorials on soldering and made it look so easy.  I just had to take the plunge.  The kit comes with enough materials to do 4 projects.  I followed this tutorial and soldering turned out to be pretty easy.  The "C" is stamped in Palette Noir Ink, directly on the glass.  If I had it to do again (and I will) I'd turn the jump rings sideways and use two of them (one on each end) to keep the charm from flipping on the chain.  This was an increbily rewarding craft and I loved doing it.  I see some jewelry making in my future :D

I'll keep you posted!

Lets Play the Phantom Game!!!

Our neighborhood plays a game called the "Phantom".  It's the same as the "Boo" Game if you've ever heard of that.  Basically, you make a couple of treat bags and leave them on a neighbor's doorstep, ring the doorbell and run.  Inside the bag are directions to continue the game, treats for the family, and a ghost to hang on the window showing that you've been tagged.  You play until the entire neighborhood is covered.

I LOVE this game -- and I always get a little carried away with the treat bag.  The bag pretty much gives away that my family tagged you....

I started with the pail.  Ever since I got my Molly Alphabet, I've been having a ball stamping everything in sight.  I love that it's so large -- it's great for scrapbooking, craft projects and cards.  The letters are actually just stamped on transparency so that I could change the pail if I wanted.  The beautiful part of this technique is that you can't see the transparency -- it appears as if the letters are stamped directly on the pail itself. 

Here's the top of the pail - it reads:

The Phantom haunts you happily from now through Halloween,
and was delivered by a friend who (hopefully) was not seen.
The spirit of the neighborhood has come to wish you well,
someone, somewhere, selected you to receive this happy spell.
You must display the Phantom on your door so all can spy
that you’re already haunted by this happy little guy.
Then fix 3 sacks with goodies like the one given to you,
ring someone’s bell and leave a bag and make them happy, too!

Here are some of the goodies from the tin -- my new favorite trick is to alter baby food containers.

Little paper bag with tag and stickers to decorate it. 

My favorite part -- the stamped candle.  Directions are here. 

Start the game in your own neighborhood - it's so fun for the kids and you'll love the sense of community that grows. 

Card of the Week and Best of the Blogosphere: September 20-26, 2008

Card of the Week: Halloween Frights Play Scrabble by Angie Tieman from Schwoo

This just made me smile.  Using game pieces is a clever and unusual way to jazz up your card, give it some dimension and just make it fun.  Angie, you nailed it.  Great card!

Runner Up:  Little Paper Shop Sneak Preview by Laura Fredrickson from Scranextras

This card is beautiful and fun -- a hard combination to make work together well.  The snow globe effect is really clever and realistic -- I was wondering whether or not this is a shaker card?  The whole "frosty" effect came though so well.  Laura, well done.  This card is AMAZING.

Runner Up:  Photo Card with Letter by Jennifer Pebbles from The Good Life

This is actually a kit designed by Jennifer.  You can plug in your picture and just print everything.  Add a couple of folds and an envelope, and you have a gorgeous and unique Christmas Card that will stand out on every fireplace mantle.  I thought this was so creative and pretty that I couldn't help but share.  (I do try to share ideas and not products... sometimes, they go together and it's hard.)  This kit is available through Two Peas in a Bucket and is only $4 -- click here to buy it. 

Craft of the Week:  Sugar Plum Wishes Bella Blog Hop by Debbie Olson from Thinking Inking

I'm a big can of the clear paint cans.  I think it's a fun and unusual way to package goodies.  I especially love this one because the paper is on the outside of the can and isn't traditionally shaped.  I've been doing the paper on the inside (no glue required) and always in a strip.  By comparison, my version is flat out boring! Debbie's managed to pull off the look and feel of the winter at holiday time just perfectly!  I also do love the Bella tag.  I think Bella is cute and sassy and that definitely comes home in this tag.  Hey Debbie -- I'd love the recipe for Rice Krispie Date balls... these look GOOD!

Runner Up:  Pirate Birthday by Ana Wohlfahrt from Ink a Stamp

If you're a mom of a young boy, you simply have to have a pirate birthday party.  Theme parties are easy and fun, and there are so many awesome ideas out there to help you pull it off.  Ana topped them all by coming up with these completely killer goodie bags (notice that the candy inside is "pirated" up too?!)  She even included an altered picture frame so that the birthday boy can remember his big day! 

Now, onto the Best of the Blogosphere lists. Remember these lovely little boxes don't show up in Google Reader, so if you can't see them, click on over to my site and they will magically appear. (When you see the boxes, there is a small "read more" in the bottom, right hand corner... click it and you can see the list with pictures as a web page!)

The Shout Out List: The cards and projects that earned some extra love and attention this week. The best of the best. You people ROCK MY WORLD :D

The Best of the Blogosphere: In my travels through Blogland, I discover a lot of projects, cards, scrapbook pages, tips, templates and tutorials that are all worth sharing. I want my friends to see the things out there that are special, inspirational, worth some extra notice. This list is everything I think is worth sharing... better read it... you could be on the list!

Please remember that my site is powered by YOU. Please comment here if you'd like me to read your blog or if you have seen some amazing blog art that I'm missing! Thanks!