simply rae

playing with new product = happiness

2012-02-12T16:20:00.000-06:00

I have been trying very hard to be better with my product over-purchasing/hoarding, and for the most part, I have been a VERY good girl. However, when I saw the new My Mind's Eye 6x6 paper pads, I simply couldn't resist snagging them right up :)
They just arrived yesterday, so I went in search of a sketch and/or challenge which would push me to use them. Found just what I was looking for at 2peas in the form of Kimber's Saturday Sketch challenge!

I used papers from Miss Caroline-Fiddlesticks 6x6 paper pad to create my card:

I cut apart the planks to create a rustic wood frame, and LOVE how it turned out!! I adhered the pieces with foam tape to give them dimension. I fussy cut the sentiment frame from another paper. Everything was inked with yellow cadmium Clearsnap chalk ink. I traced a die cut heart onto the pink paper and outlined it with some Martha Stewart kunzite glitter, added a few pearls and a twine bow. Pastels aren't usually my thing, but I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised with how much I am enjoying the end result!

Can't wait for some more free time to play with my other new My Mind's Eye paper pads!!

Have a GREAT day!!
xoxo

happy 5th anniversary papertrey ink!!!

2012-02-06T05:06:00.000-06:00

i am joining in on the anniversary celebration going on at papertrey ink!
they sure know how to celebrate!!
i made this card for their "day 1" celebration, create a project inspired by one of the design team members work and/or favorite things.
first of all, i had a VERY hard time choosing which designer inspired me most, as they are all absolutely amazing stampers and each month i am in complete awe of the talent that nichole has gathered to represent her company! bravo ladies, keep on inspiring us with your magnificent designs!, i will never tire of reading a papertrey ink blog post!!

on to my project....
betsy veldman. talk about inspiration! what an eye for color she has, and stamping genius. always, always, always love seeing what she creates. i, on the other hand, am not a stamping genius, but one day, when i grow up, i want to stamp just like her ;)

i chose to work with papertrey's rustic cream cardstock, use this quite frequently actually, and i also used the pti 'half & half' stamp set, flowers from the 'with sympathy' set, hawaiian shores ink and swiss dot satin ribbon, and rustic jute button twine.

and here she is:

i stamped the half & half background in hawaiian shores ink then stamped the sentiment in black ink.
it seems that i always stick something in the center of a bow, and here i placed a layered stamped flower. definitely want to practice stamping, thank you papertey for the inspiration and the nudge to give it a try ;)

thanks for stopping in &
have a GREAT day!!!
xoxo
rae

BasicGrey Kissing Booth cards

2012-02-01T20:53:00.000-06:00

and here are three additional cards made with the ever-so-scrumptious
new BasicGrey collection "Kissing Booth"...

As a design team member I received the following to work with: Kissing Booth Collection pack, Layered banner stickers, Layered borders, Mixed brads, die cut paper and canvas flowers, and wooden buttons.
So almost all of the products used on my cards were BasicGrey products, I only added cardstock, hemp cord, seam binding, and my simple designs ;)

I really enjoyed working with the colors in this collection.
And have you seen the sneaks of the new BasicGrey collections?!

Plumeria

Konnichiwa

PB&J

What's Up

VERY excited about the vivid colors and patterns in these collections!!
I cannot wait to get some of those products in my hands, I (very selfishly) wish that we DT members would receive ALL of the products being released, I want it ALL!!!! :) :)

Thanks for stopping by today!!
As always, I am extremely grateful for your visit!!
xoxo
rae

CARDS challenge: Six hearts

2012-01-30T05:12:00.001-06:00

Played along with the latest CARDS challenge, create a card with six hearts.

I again used some of my new BasicGrey Kissing Booth collection to make this card.

I realllllly love the yellow in this collection and really tried to play it up on this card.

Seventeen hearts. I think that should qualify for this specific challenge, thank you heart sticker border and pink heart sticker, and striped canvas heart, and heart brad ;)

Did I tell you how much I love that yellow in this collection?! ;)

thanks for stopping by today!!
xoxo
rae

CAS-ual Sweetheart

2012-01-29T15:24:00.000-06:00

whoa.
has it really been that long since i have last blogged?! eek.
i guess i didn't realize how little free time i actually have now that i am working full-time outside of the home.
i am learning to better manage my time, AND getting back to paper crafting in that time ;)

so on that note, i spent a good part of yesterday doing laundry, running my daughter to softball practice, cleaning house AND making some cards using the new BasicGrey collection "Kissing Booth"!!!

i was searching around blogland for inspiration and came across a great sketch at CAS-ual Fridays....
technically my card isn't super CAS, but let's just pretend that it is compared to the plethora of over-embellished and over-layered cards out there, i'm good with that ;)

so here she is... sweetheart:

i used BasicGrey's Kissing Booth collection here... LOVE IT!!!

stay tuned, i will have a few more cards to share over the next few days :)

thanks for stopping by today, i truly appreciate it!!

xoxo

rae

And the winner is......

2012-01-07T09:22:00.000-06:00

JESS

(basicjess)

Congratulations!!!

Thank you all for commenting!!

Hopefully I will have something crafty to share soon ;)

I have some stuffs made, just have to wait for the "all clear"

to share ;)

have a GREAT weekend!!

xoxo

rae

happy 2012 & a giveaway

2012-01-02T05:01:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year friends!!!!
Hope you have been enjoying your holidays!
Ours were wonderful, very blessed indeed, I have enjoyed spending extra time with my kids as they have been home from school. We were not able to travel to visit friends & family this year as I just started a new job two weeks before Christmas (which I LOVE, by the way!!). We took down all of the Christmas decorations yesterday and gave the house a good deep cleaning, just in time to start the new year off right ;)

Speaking of starting the new year off right, how about a giveaway?!

I have a Valentine's Day card trio up on the SRM Stickers blog today..... HERE.....
and I would love for you to go check them out and leave a little love for me ;)

Then, come back here to my blog and tell me one of your papercrafting goals for this new year.

One of my goals is to GET ORGANIZED... I have stuff all over the place, and it really is starting to drive me crazy!!

Easy enough, right?
And here is what is up for grabs....

some SRM Stickers that would be lovely for your Valentine's Day card making ;)

I will announce the random winner this Friday, January 6th :)

Thanks for stopping by!!

xoxo

rae

3 places at once today (lots to share!)

2011-12-06T08:04:00.001-06:00

hello friends & happy St. Nicholas day :)

today i am all over paper craft blog land... three places at once!

First up: SRM Stickers blog & my New Year's tubes

I used papers from BasicGrey's Little Black Dress collection.
For instructions, go HERE to the SRM blog (feel free to leave a little love) ;)

And now, my CPS card for this week...
Sketch #247 sponsored by Lawn Fawn

I used the "Hello Friend" set to make this holiday card...

Used Basic Grey's Nordic Holiday collection on this one. LOVE this collection!!!
Supply List:
Sponsor Product: 'hello friend' clear stamp set by Lawn Fawn

Cardstock: (white) Hobby Lobby

Patterned Paper: (Carving, Half Pipe, Powder, Slalom from Nordic Holiday collection) BasicGrey

Accents: (hearts, border stickers from Nordic Holiday collection) BasicGrey

Ink: (Artichoke, Strawberry ColorBox by Stephanie Barnard) Clearsnap

Last, but certainly not least, I have a post up on Nikki Sivils blog, where I am sharing LOTS of Christmas cards using the Gingerbread Land collection, like this one:

You can see the rest of the cards {and perhaps leave a little more love ;) } HERE.

Phew! See, I've been busy, just haven't been able to share anything yet!!

Feels good to finally be able to share ;)

Thanks for stopping by!!

Now off to spend the rest of my very full, busy day ;)

Until next time....

xoxoxo

rae

got sketch? 12 Days of Christmas

2011-12-02T09:21:00.001-06:00

Starting December 5th and running through December 16th, got sketch? will be sharing Christmas projects based on previous got sketch? sketches!
I will let you know when my cards are scheduled to appear ;)

Hope you will join us!!

happy weekend :)
xoxo
rae

It's the little moments

2011-11-29T06:00:00.001-06:00

greetings!
and happy holiday season!!

here today to share my latest CPS card.
this week's sponsor is Stamping Bella.
this week's sketch, #246:

And my take on it:

Kept things simple here, as I wanted to focus on the sentiment. Actually, I masked off the tree image that was on the left side of the stamp, as I just wanted to use the sentiment on my card.
I used my favorite BasicGrey Picadilly collection papers again, and a stitched brad from the collection too.

Supplies:

Sponsor Product: rubber stamp (Little Moments) by Stamping Bella

Cardstock: (white) Hobby Lobby

Patterned paper: (Farm Fresh Eggs, Lemongrove Avenue, Refrigerator Magnet from Picadilly collection) BasicGrey

Accent: (stitched brad from Picadilly collection) BasicGrey

Fiber: (white seam binding)

Tools: (corner rounder punch) WRMK; (small scallop border punch) EK Success

Other: foam tape

Thanks for stopping by today!

I always appreciate your visits and comments!!

have a GREAT day~

xoxo

rae

happy birthday

2011-11-25T08:12:00.000-06:00

to my sweet Mom!

Here is a picture of us from CHA-Summer Chicago 2010, she came to visit me at the vendor faire while I was working in the Paper Crafts booth (I am originally from Chicagoland, and my parents still live there):

For her birthday I made her a card and brooch using BasicGrey's Little Black Dress collection.

I simply hot glued a pin pack on to the BasicGrey felt flower embellishment for an instant brooch!
Mom LOVED it!!

Happy Birthday Mom! :)

xoxo
rae

Jolly

2011-11-22T07:49:00.001-06:00

Jolly indeed!
*I * GOT * A* JOB*!!!!!!
Yesterday I accepted a job for full-time employment :)
I am looking forward to working again and the change that it brings to our family dynamic.

Now, how about a card.
I just love how this one turned out.
Here is this week's sketch, #245

This week's sponsor at CPS is Clearsnap, who has been EXTREMELY generous to the design team during their sponsorships!
I got to work with their Rollagraph stamping wheel, stamps and ink... how FUN!!

It was soooo easy to use! I wanted to roll out a gazillion more cards!!
In the card above, I used the "Gifts Galore" stamp wheel and Cardinal ink.

Sponsor Product: Gifts Galore Rollagraph stamp image, Cardinal Ancient Page dye ink by Clearsnap

Cardstock: (black) Hobby Lobby

Patterned paper, stickers: (from Season's Greetings collection) Echo Park Paper Company

Fiber: (red/white baker's twine) Papertrey Ink

Tool: (Corner rounder punch) We R Memory Keepers

Thank you for stopping by today!!
have a GREAT day!!
xoxo
rae

Nordic holiday tags

2011-11-18T12:44:00.000-06:00

A have a few items on the SRM blog today :)

I paired SRM Christmas Stickers with BasicGrey Nordic Holiday papers and chipboard elements.

I also shared a holiday photo card, you can see it HERE on the SRM blog :)

Lots going on today, so I will bid you a wonderful weekend!
see you again soon...
xoxo
rae

You Rocked It! card & did you see?...

2011-11-15T06:00:00.002-06:00

hi again :)
today i would like to share my CPS card for this week.
CPS sketch #244 is sponsored by the {stamps} of life by stephanie barnard

here is this week's sketch:

and my take on it:

I used the stamp set guitars2play. The patterned paper is from BasicGrey's Oxford collection (I am such a sucker for plaid!!) :)

Detailed supply list:

Sponsor Product: 'guitars2play' clear stamp set by The {stamps} of life

Cardstock: (black) Hobby Lobby

Patterned paper: (Dean's List, Ivy League, Magna Cum Laude, University from Oxford collection) BasicGrey

Pigment Ink: (onyx black) Tsukineko

Sticker: (label sticker from Basics collection) BasicGrey

Fiber: (black waxed linen thread) craft supply

Rhinestones: Hobby Lobby

Other: foam tape

Speaking of BasicGrey...
did you see the sneak peek of their newest collection?!
It's called "Kissing Booth"...

and you can see it up close and personal HERE
Can't wait to get this hot new number in my hands ;)
What do you think of it?

Well, that's it for me today... I have a busy day on deck getting ready for tonight, where I am going to be at an event selling some of my paper crafted wares... it's a sort of fundraiser for the company dancers at my daughter's dance studio, and a possibility for me to earn some Christmas spending money ;) wish me luck!! :) I'll share photos tomorrow of my booth and all of the VERY girly items that I made for it!!

Until then...
have a GREAT day!!!!
xoxox
rae

1 in a million

2011-11-14T14:09:00.000-06:00

happy monday :)

today i'd like to share a card that i made for a post on scrapbooks etc's blog.

I used my favorite new BasicGrey collection, Picadilly, on this card. For a detailed supply list and to see the sketch that I used as inspiration, please go HERE to the Scrapbooks Etc. blog.

Thanks for popping in!
I'll be back tomorrow to share my CPS card :)
until then...
xoxo
rae

Operation Write Home Veteran's Day blog hop

2011-11-11T05:16:00.000-06:00

Saluting all veterans who have served, and who are currently serving our great nation, including our veteran, Major Thomas Barthel

retired US Army UH-60 Blackhawk pilot, served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), also served in Panama and Honduras.

Operation Write Home is having a blog hop today, and I was more than happy to make a few cards and participate for both BasicGrey and SRM Stickers.
There are prizes up for grabs too, so hopping along will definitely be worth your while!
Click on the logo to begin:

Have a GREAT day/weekend, my friends!
xoxo
rae

happy birthday - & a question...

2011-11-08T10:25:00.001-06:00

hey y'all!
how is your tuesday thus far?
all is well here, just busy, as always!
working on a few {gazillion} items for a craft show,
and would LOVE your advice,
i will ask after i share my card....

So here is this week's CPS sketch #243, sponsored by Want2Scrap

and my take on it:

Just can't get enough of BasicGrey's Indie Bloom collection!!

Supplies:

Sponsor Product: Nestabling by Want 2 Scrap

Cardstock: Hobby Lobby
Patterned paper: (Salsa, Senora from Indie Bloom collection) BasicGrey
Stickers: (pink from Indie Bloom collection; black from Basics collection) BasicGrey
Accent: (Cardstock border from Indie Bloom collection) BasicGrey

Fiber: (charcoal twine) The Twinery

Now for my question...

Have you had any success selling cards at a craft fair or other venue?

I have NOT, and am beyond frustrated :(.

I am looking for advice/tips/your experience with what has been successful for you.

Also looking for any great links/tuts for paper crafted ornaments, mini albums, altered items.,

as I am thinking about branching out from only making cards.

Have you wholesaled your cards? How does that work?

Also, if you are willing to share this information, what do you price your cards at?

Looking for all the feedback you are willing to provide!!

If you are more comfortable emailing, please do: raescards (at) comcast (dot) net

Thank you my friends!!!!

xoxo

rae

Grateful for family

2011-11-01T07:32:00.000-05:00

Happy November!!
Time is flying right by, isn't it? Can't believe Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner!!

In the spirit of thanksgiving, today I'd like to share my CPS card :)
Here is CPS sketch #242:

I just love this sketch! Thinking about making a few more cards with it ;)
This week's sponsor is Flower Soft. I added some "Ruby" Diamond Range Flower Soft to the center of the flower sticker on my card.

I also used some *yummy* BasicGrey Picadilly papers/stickers for this card. Picadilly has become my new favorite BasicGrey collection. Take a peek at it HERE.
I also used an oldie but goodie Inkadinkadoo clear stamp set (Thankful for Everything) for my sentiment .
Here is a full list of the supplies that I used on my card:

Sponsor product: Ruby Diamond Range Flower Soft from Flower Soft
Cardstock: (white) Hobby Lobby
Patterned Paper: (Apple Orchard, Lemongrove Avenue from Picadilly collection) BasicGrey
Accents: (flower, border Element stickers) BasicGrey
Fiber: (red baker's twine) Martha Stewart Crafts
Clear stamp: (from Thankful for Everything set) Inkadinkadoo
Pigment Ink: (onyx black) Tsukineko
Die ink: (Strawberry Color Box by Stephanie Barnard) Clearsnap
Die: (Nestabilities Labels 4) Spellbinders
Tool: (Cuttlebug) Provo Craft
Other: foam tape

Remember to play along with the CPS sketch this week for your chance to win a prize from Flower Soft!!

Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your visit!!

xoxo

rae

Layers of Color Ornament Blog Hop

2011-10-26T07:00:00.007-05:00

Welcome to the Layers of Color Ornament Blog Hop!

The beginning of the blog hop is at the Layers of Color blog. If you came here from Nina Brackett's blog, you are hopping in the right order.

This is the place to discover the newest creative paper ornament ideas, be inspired by talented designers, and get showered with gifts! Layers of Color is giving away:

FREE Ornament Templates!,

FREE Vintage Roses Ornament Tutorial!, and

6 drawings for a $20 Layers of Color Gift Certificate!

First, some ornament inspiration!...

I created this simple pocket ornament for the hop

using the *gorgeous* Christmas Blessings set

Since I'm not much of a colorer, I decided to use glitter on my stamped image instead!

Instructions: Cut strip of cardstock 8" x 3 1/2". Trim top with Spellbinders Labels 18 die. Adhere sides of strip of paper to create pocket. Adhere block of paper to front of ornament base. Die cut label 18 shape and stamp image with black ink. Apply glitter to stamped image. Adhere image to card. Punch holes in side of ornament, thread gold trim through to create hanger. Fill inside of pocket with your choice of goodies.

GIFTS FOR YOU!...

Come get a FREE Vintage Roses Ornament Tutorial tomorrow, October 27th on Layers of Color blog!

My gift to you are chances to win a $20 Layers of Color Gift Certificate! To enter the drawing, you and at least one friend “like” Layers of Color Facebook page then comment on my blog. When they “like” ask them to comment on LOC Facebook that you sent them. Refer more friends for more entries! Leave me a comment mentioning which friends participated. Winner will be announced here tomorrow! And there are more gifts for you!...

...With every online purchase from Layers of Color boutique you will get an exclusive FREE Vintage Ornament Template designed by Laura Campbell! She made this sample using Glad Tidings art stamp set and Feather Twine. Your gift will be printed on cardstock ready for you to add your creative ideas with stamps and ink! Limited time only!

Let's get hopping to discover lots of gorgeous ornament projects to add sparkle to your Christmas preparations! There are 6 drawings for $20 Layers of Color Gift Certificates as surprise gifts for you along the way, so be sure to visit each designer's blog!..

Rae Barthel (you are here)

Savannah O'Gwynn

stuff

2011-10-21T06:05:00.001-05:00

do you ever get bogged down with 'stuff'?
that's where i've been, bogged down with 'stuff'.....

kid stuff (football knee injury and repeated Dr/specialist visits for example)

paper crafting stuff (and nothing that I can share yet! that's so hard for me!)

card selling stuff (no it's not a 'booming business', but it has picked up lately, and I have been busy filling orders and adding lots of new cards to my little shop raescards.com )

job hunting stuff (trying to break back into the work force after 14 years as a SAHM is proving to be very difficult and extremely frustrating)

Never enough time in the day to get done all that we need to (or want to) get done, right?

Well, the good news is that I see a light at the end of the 'stuff' tunnel, and I will be back on Monday with a blog post!! I am participating in the Layers of Color ornament blog hop, and I can't wait to share the ornament (possibly two ornaments!) that I made! So please come back on Monday for the hop :)

Meanwhile, check out this sweeeeeet giveaway from Webster's Pages.... sure would love to add that 'stuff' to my hoard, I mean 'collection of stuff', wouldn't you?! ;)

Have a GREAT weekend!!!!
I will leave you with a few CPS cards that I forgot to share :(
See you Monday!

CPS 238 Cat's Pajamas stamps

CPS 239 Want2Scrap "nestabling"

CPS 240 Clearsnap

I'll be back on Monday with my blog hop post!! :)
xoxo
rae

My WCMD winner & ANOTHER great giveaway!!!

2011-10-03T10:05:00.000-05:00

hello hello and happy monday!! :)
i hope that you got a little bit of paper crafting in on World Card Making Day!
I did, I played along with seven card challenges over at Live Pink (Pink Paislee).
It was fun to create, just to "create", not for an assignment or pub call!

How about a great big CONGRATULATIONS to my lucky WCMD winner:
KIMBERLY (Kimberlys Krafts)
Kimberly, please contact me at raescards (at) comcast (dot) net with
your snail mail addy!!
And a GREAT big thank you to Mariah, Dawn, Katie, Jessica and Ivanka for participating as well!!
I am grateful that you took the time to work on my sketch!! :) (((hugs))) to you all!!

ANOTHER GIVEAWAY...

How about another chance to win something fun?!
Today is my day to post on the SRM Stickers blog, I am sharing 8 cards that I made with We R Memory Keepers 'Travel Light' collection, and there is a GIVEAWAY involved!!
So head on over HERE and leave me some love for your chance to WIN!!!

Thanks for stopping by today!!
xoxo
rae

World Card Making Day 2011 - sketch challenge & prize!!

2011-10-01T08:59:00.001-05:00

Happy World Card Making Day, my paper crafting friends!!

What are your plans today?
If you're not tooo busy, how about a sketch challenge?!

I knew that I wanted to do something for WCMD, but I wasn't sure just 'what' that was...
until I woke up at 6 am this morning and made a sketch, made a card, and pulled together a fun prize!

Ready?
Here is the sketch:

And here is the card that I made based on my sketch:

I used papers from my new Lily Bee "Jingle" 6" x 6" pad,
and some new "Fancy Sentiment" SRM Stickers.

Would you like some too?

Play along with my sketch for a chance to win the following:

I would like to share 12 6"x6" papers from each of these three new Lily Bee collections AND

SRM "Fancy Sentiments" Christmas Stickers (I used the 'Season's Greetings' sticker on my card) AND

you could probably also use SRM "Fancy Sentiments" Thanks Stickers to go along with the Lily Bee Harvest Market papers, no?

So what do you think? Are you up for the challenge?

If so, please post your card below using InLinkz (let me know if it doesn't work, haven't used this before!)

A random winner will be chosen and posted on Monday, October 3rd :)
Happy World Card Making day!!
Have fun, whatever it is you do.
Feel free to comment about what you will be doing today, I'd like to know what I'm missing
as I am sitting here at home playing along with some online challenges ;)
xoxo
rae

CPS 237 sponsored by Clearsnap

2011-09-29T08:41:00.001-05:00

hello hello!

today's card is my take on CPS sketch #237

this weeks' sponsor is Clearsnap
and they spoiled us designers with lots of new products to play with
like Design Adhesives, Designer Foils, and Glitter.

Here is what I created:

I used Cinnamon Spice glitter, Fright Night Design Adhesives, and Lucky Penny Designer Foil.
Paper and stickers are The Girls' Paperie.

Check out the other designers interpretations of this sketch over on the CPS blog, and
play along for your chance to win!!

that's all for now,
busy day ahead ;)
thanks for taking the time out of your day to stop by,
i appreciate it!!
xoxo
rae

Congrats to....

2011-09-26T08:33:00.000-05:00

Amy Duff {Papertrails Leaver}

you are the random winner of my "You're So Special" BasicGrey card
from THIS post.

Please shoot me your snail mail addy (raescards at comcast dot net)
and I will get your card in the mail :)

Thank you ALL for your sweet comments about my new DT gig....
I still cannot believe that I will be designing for BasicGrey!!!
I have already completed a few assignments for them
and am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my DT goodie box!!!
I'll be sure to share a photo when it arrives ;)

Thank you for your never ending support!

XOXO
rae

pinch me. {exciting DT news!!!}

2011-09-16T10:10:00.002-05:00

Today I get to spill the beans....

I made the BasicGrey Design Team!!!!!

Never in a million, gazillion years, did I think this dream would come true!!!
You can see the announcement, and the rest of the design team, HERE.

I have long loved BasicGrey....
from the Top 10 round of Gallery Idol 1997 and my use of "Lollipop Shoppe"

to the newest collections, including Indie Bloom, and this card that I made for BasicGrey's card sketch (go HERE to see the sketch and play along to win a collection of your choice!)

and SEVENTY-FOUR BasicGrey cards made inbetween....

.... evidence that I have been a fan of BasicGrey for a very long time, and I am extremely humbled, flattered, and honored that they have chosen me to work with their amazing products!!!
I hope you will follow along on my BasicGrey ride, I am so excited about this journey and I would love your company :)

To show my appreciation of your support, if you leave me a comment below, I will put your name in a hat to win the "You're So Special" card shown above.

THANK YOU, my friends, and of course, BasicGrey!!!!
xoxoxoxo

a true friend

2011-09-15T08:01:00.000-05:00

this week's CPS sketch #235

is sponsored by Want2Scrap
and i got to work with more of their 'nestabling' (bling that coordinates with Nestabilities dies)
here is what i created...

Supplies: Cardstock: Hobby Lobby Patterned paper: Simple Stories Clear stamp: Fiskars Pigment Ink: Tsukineko Chalk Ink: Chestnut roan Rhinestones: Hobby LobbyFlowers: Prima, Petaloo Dies: (scalloped circle, oval Nestabilities) Spellbinders

Check out the other designers cards over at CPS and play along for your chance to win!!

Thanks for stopping by today!!
xoxo
rae
{P.S. You *may* want to stop back tomorrow, as I *may* have an exciting announcement. Just sayin'.}

sweet

2011-09-14T08:39:00.000-05:00

just a quick post, as i am headed out to coupon shop this morning ;)

i made a card based on this sketch for the Scrapbooks etc. blog
{always so honored when my sweet friend Valerie Salmon asks me to participate!}

I followed along with Crate Paper's September color challenge
{but didn't submit my card before the deadline... oops!}

And here she is:

Thanks for stopping by!!
have a GREAT day!!
xoxo
rae

{itty bitty} Unity Stamp Company sponsors CPS

2011-09-08T08:55:00.001-05:00

greetings y'all!
today feels like autumn here in northern alabama....
i've got the windows open and am *loving* the crisp
morning breeze... heavenly to have this cold front as
a break from our typical 90 degree days!

i am in such a fabulous mood today...
yesterday was my oldest son's 14th birthday,
and he had a football game. this is his first year
playing football, so my husband and i weren't sure
what to expect last night... well, to say that we were
BLOWN AWAY would be an understatement!!!
he started on defense, then because he was doing SO
well, they kept him in on offense too... such an
amazing night, he tallied SIX sacks and two fumbles/
recoveries....he made us very, very proud!

ok enough 'proud mom ramble', how about a card?
this week's sponsor at CPS is Unity Stamp Company

i chose to work with this darling set:

and here is my card:

Supplies: Sponsor Product: 'Matching Socks' {itty bitty} rubber stamp Unity Stamps; Cardstock: The Paper Company; Patterned paper: Simple Stories; Pigment Ink: Tsukineko Chalk Ink: Clearsnap

Thanks for popping in!!

Hope that you will play along at CPS for your chance to win!!

until next time...

xoxoxo

rae

playing with Clearsnap Smootch Spritz + Accent Ink

2011-09-01T08:19:00.000-05:00

greetings y'all!
hope that you are well!!

today i'd like to share the card i made for

CPS sketch 233

we were SPOILED by Clearsnap recently, as they are sponsoring CPS twice in the next two months!
we received GOBS of new product to play with, what a GREAT sponsor!!

Okay, so this week we got to work with their new "Smooch Spritz" and "Smootch" Pearlized Accent Ink.

I used them to alter some white flowers which I then used on my card:

Hopefully you can see the detail better here:

and here:

I used "Cashmere" Smootch Spritz on the daisy flower and butterfly, and used "Shabby Pink" on the little flowers in the center of the daisy flower.

Other supplies: Cardstock: (kraft) Papertrey Ink Patterned paper: My Mind's Eye Dienamics Clear Stamp and Die: My Favorite Things Clear stamp: (butterfly) My Mind's Eye Ink: (black onyx pigment)Tsukineko; (ColorBox chiffon, truffle mix'd media inx) Clearsnap Pearls: Kaisercraft Flowers: Prima, Maya Road Fiber: twine

Check out the other designers cards on the CPS blog, and play along for your chance to win a goody or two from Clearsnap!!

congrats & such...

2011-08-25T22:00:00.000-05:00

HUGE thanks and congrats to Susan, the winning bidder on my "Blogs 4 Boobies" card trio!!

Your cards will go into the mail tomorrow!

Also on the blog front....
sorry for my absence on the blog.
We have a lot going on family-wise right now,
including the need to for me to recommence full-time
employment outside of the home, so I have been quite
busy job searching and networking lately!
My son (8th grade) has also started playing football this year,
and soon my daughter will pick back up with softball....
all very time consuming family events!!

I still plan on creating every free chance I get, but my posts
may become a bit more sparse.
Just thought I'd explain what's going on to my faithful readers,
whom I truly ♥ by the way, you know who you are...
you are the reason why I still blog!!

Until next time..
xoxo
rae

Last Day blogs 4 boobies!!

2011-08-22T06:00:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the last day of blogs 4 boobies!

There us still time to join in on the fun(draising)!!!! There are two ways you can help:

#1 There is still time to bid on my project.
Here is another look at what I have up for auction.

The auction will end at 8:00 p.m. Mountain time August 23rd.

The highest bid is currently: $10.00
To win this simply bid more than $10.00 in the comment section of THIS post. YOU MUST INCLUDE your EMAIL ADDRESS with your $bid. ( This way we can get in contact with the winning bidder.)
Remember 100% of what you bid will go to the Komen foundation!!! If you are the top bidder you will receive a paypal invoice for the amount that you bid.

#2 There is still time to shop!!! Through midnight on the 23rd of August Skipping Stones Design is still donating $2 (to the Komen Foundation) for every stamp set sold. Shop HERE.
Together we can make a difference!!!

happy bidding / shopping!!
xoxo
rae

Blogs 4 Boobies blog bounce - day 3

2011-08-17T06:00:00.006-05:00

It's time to STAMP OUT CANCER!!!

I am honored to take part again this year in Skipping Stones Design's second annual
"Blogs 4 Boobies" breast cancer research fundraiser!
Today marks Day 3 of the 3 day blog bounce (hop) where EVERY card or project
is up for auction!

I would like to recognize the following ladies in my life who inspired me
with their strength and courage in their fight against breast cancer:

Dorothy Burdar, my grandmother, breast cancer survivor

Laura Anderson, my friend, breast cancer survivor

Rhonda Stutts, friend, breast cancer survivor

Cindy Flack, friend and neighbor, breast cancer survivor

Patricia Cassidy, my friend's mother, breast cancer survivor

Last year, with YOUR help, Skipping Stones Design raised and donated $1108.99
to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Their goal this year is to raise $1500, and they need
YOUR help!!

There are three ways you can help and join in on the fun:

1. Help by SHOPPING!

Skipping Stones Design will donate $2 to the Komen Foundation for every stamp set that you purchase during Aug 15 – 23. Stamping and shopping that you can feel good about!
Click here to check out SSD stamps

2. Help by BIDDING!

You can bid on a card/project along the blog hop in an auction format by commenting as instructed below to help support the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Your bid not only includes the card/project shipping to your home as well. Bidding ends on Aug 23 at 8pm MDT.

3. Help by TELLING YOUR FRIENDS!
Help us spread the word about “Blogs for Boobies” so that everyone can take advantage of this awesome opportunity to raise money for a wonderful cause!

"How to place a bid on a card/project"

Step #1
Find the comment section of the blog that shows the "Blogs 4 boobies" card or project that you want to buy. *Please note you may only bid on the card/project shown in the specific "blogs 4 boobies" post.
*Any bids not placed on the correct post will be considered invalid.

Step #2

Once you are in the "blogs 4 boobies" comment section fill in the dollar and cents amount of what you are willing to pay for the card/project.

We recommend a starting bid of $5 or more.

Remember your bid includes shipping as well as the card/or project.

100% of the money from your bid will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation

Step #3

Next to your $ bid please type in your email address.

During a silent auction bidders sign their name next to their bid.

Typing your email address is the electronic equivalent of signing your bid.

Also it will help the blogger contact you if you are the highest bidder.

Step #4

Watch and wait.

Once you have entered your bid/comment sit back and wait. If someone out bids you then you may bid again. Bidding will continue until 8:00 p.m. Mountain time August 23rd

* Please note that the participating stampers/bloggers will probably re-post their Blogs 4 Boobies card/project on the 23rdof August. When the blogger re-post their project then the bidding will continue on the NEWEST post and that comment section.

Things to keep in mind:

Near the end of the bidding you may not see bids as they come in. Most blog have a comment feature where the blogger must approve comments before they are published. So bid high. You might have the highest bid that is published, but someone might have outbid you in an unpublished comment/bid.

The blogger/designer will declare who has won the silent auction. Skipping Stones Design will send you an invoice for your donation/bid amount. Please pay that invoice as soon as possible, so the designer can get your card/project in the mail to you.

Remember 100% of your bid will be donated to the Susan G. Komen foundation.

Ready to see my project and start bidding?!

I went with a 'Christmas in August' theme, and used Skipping Stones Design's not-yet released set called "Christmas Song" to make this card trio:

You will be bidding on the three cards shown here with envelopes.

Suggested starting bid is $5.00.

After you have bid here, please continue on the rest of the hop,

here is a list of the designers participating in today's hop, just click
on their names to be taken to their blogs.

Day 3 (today):

Rae Barthel----- you are here

Karen Baker

Pam Hornschu

Jennifer Ingle

Ria Johnson

Mel McCarthy

Stephanie Mino

Kandi Phillips

Wendy Price

Julia Stainton

Taylor Usry

Be sure to check out the other amazing designers from the past two days:

Day #2:

Teri Anderson

Ashley Cannon Newell

Karen Christensen

Jodi Collins

Kimberly Crawford

Jen Del Muro

Katie Gehring

Vanessa Menhorn

Kryssi Ng

Taylor Usry

Sankari Wegman

Day #1:

PaperCrafts Connections Blog (Renae Curtz)

Deb Felts

Michelle Giraud

Michelle Gross

Wendy Jordan

Sarah Martina Parker

Becky Olsen

Barb Turpin

Taylor Usry

Brenda Weaver

Have fun bouncing from blog to blog. Enjoy all the designs, and make a bid or two! This is a rare opportunity to take home a card(s)/project from your favorite designer, and fight the war against breast cancer!!!

Together we can make a difference!!

xoxo

rae

time to celebrate {PDCC94}

2011-08-12T08:42:00.004-05:00

I have been loving the challenges at The Play Date Cafe!
And last week's card even garnered me this honor

{grinning ear to ear, so humbled that they liked my card!!}

Once I saw this week's color challenge, I immediately knew
exactly what I wanted to do.

A dreaded "masculine card". Do you, like me, find masculine cards
sooooo hard to create?! I feel so limited with what embellishments
I can use, ribbon, etc.
So, as always, I kept my design very very simple and allowed the
patterned paper and stamp to be the focus of the card.

I did embellish a little, by adding the silver 'pearls' around the watch face...

Supplies: Cardstock: (bitter chocolate) Bazzill; Patterned Paper: ("Hattie" line from Stella & Rose collection) My Mind's Eye; Clear Stamp: (a Joann's $1 stamp!!Studio 112) K & Company; Ink: (ColorBox Mix'd Media Inx) Clearsnap; Edger punches: (bracket, donut chain) EK Success; Silver 'pearls': (Michael's); Fiber: (brown hemp cord) Michael's

Oh, and since I don't have those darling new Papertrey Ink edge dies, I found a way to create an interesting edge on my own.... by using my EK Success bracket border punch!
To do this, I marked the center of the strip of paper that I wanted to punch with a light pencil mark.
Then just line up the punch on the pencil mark, punch, and then just slide the punch over on either
side on the paper to punch the little notches out of the remainder of the paper strip. Easy peasy!

I really like how this one turned out, and am thinking about mass producing a few of these using up some of my older (read: hoarded) papers, just so I can have some masculine cards on hand for when I need them!

So, speaking of masculine cards....
do you have any tips or secrets about how you go about approaching masculine cards? Any embellishing tips to share? Favorite stamp sets for men/boys?
Let's help each other out, leave a comment below with a tip or two, and maybe we can help overcome the 'challenge' of masculine cards! :) :)

Thanks for stopping by today!!
have a GREAT weekend!!!!
xoxo
rae

moxie fab tuesday trigger: luminous layers

2011-08-11T11:10:00.001-05:00

luminous indeed.

what an inspiring piece.
Ah, what you find in the Moxie Fab World ;)

All of that layering inspired me to create a purse card...
hadn't made one of those in ages!

Et voilà, my patchwork-y layered purse ;)

I layered 1 1/2" circle punches to mimic the layering in the dress.

Other supplies: miscellaneous patterned papers from Pink Paislee, two flocked brads, and a bit of braided twine from Anna Griffin for the handle

Such a fun challenge, thanks Cath and the Moxie Fab World!!
Looking forward to seeing other interpretations of this challenge too!!

Thanks so much for stopping by!!!
have a GREAT day~
xoxo
rae

CAS-ual Fridays CFC14

2011-08-10T18:02:00.001-05:00

Okay, so I named my blog "Simply Rae" for a reason...
at heart I feel that I have always been and always will be a
'clean and simple' cardmaker...
I try different styles, have gotten a little better at layering,
but in the end, I always end up pretty clean and simple!

So, thank goodness I stumbled upon the CAS-ual Fridays challenges!
{took me long enough, I know!}

Challenge #14 is "glitzy glue dots", sounds fun!
I added glitter to some mini Helmar glue dots that I placed on the stamped flower
and also glittered up a Glue Dots glue line.

Here is what I came up with:

Supplies:Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned paper: Lily Bee Design; Clear stamps: (vase, flowers) Papertrey Ink; (sentiment) Waltzingmouse; Die cut label punch; McGill; Button, twine: Papertrey Ink; Pigment Ink: Tsukineko; Adhesives: Helmar Zap Dots, Glue Dots glue line, Scotch foam tape; Glitter: Martha Stewart Crafts

Thanks for stopping by to take a peek at my first CAS-ual Fridays challenge card!!
Looking forward to many more challenges!!
xoxo
rae

you are special to me {Card Patterns #127}

2011-08-10T07:37:00.001-05:00

wooohooo another challenge card from me :)

this time i couldn't resist playing along with this fantastic
sketch 127 from Card Patterns:

Here is my card:

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned paper, die cut tag: Authentique; Black pearls, flowers: Prima, Hobby Lobby; Scalloped circle die: Spellbinders; Ink: Clearsnap

thanks so much for stopping by today!!!
now that the kids are back to school, more crafting!!! :)
have a GREAT day!!
xoxo
rae

play date cafe 93

2011-08-09T05:21:00.001-05:00

greetings!
I played along again (yay!!) with another challenge at the Play Date Cafe.
I fell in LOVE with the inspiration photo, so I knew I wanted to give it a whirl!
Watermelon...Sorbet....Lime... delish!

And here is my take:

Bold & happy colors for sure!!
Supplies: Patterned papers My Mind's Eye; Die cut tag K & Co.; Spellbinders die; Waltzingmouse sentiment stamp; Zva bling; SEI flowers; Fiskars scallop border punch; ribbon unknown

Thanks for stopping by today!!
I appreciate your visit and your comments :)
xoxo
rae

Fly

2011-08-08T07:46:00.000-05:00

I L♥VE My Mind's Eye.

I have L♥VED My Mind's Eye ever since I started paper crafting.

From Confetti

to Très Jolie

L♥VE.
I was initially drawn to their 'solids' on the reverse side of their patterned papers, as the solids always had some sort of distressing or color addition that made the solid more interesting.

Of course my l♥ve has not waned. I seem to purchase almost every new release, just can't get enough!

I am so happy that the My Mind's Eye blog offers challenges, which allows me to put my MME hoard to good use ;)

Case in point, Blog Challenge #26: Card, using this sketch:

Here is my take on it:

Ok, I absolutely LOVE how this one turned out :) From the color palette, to the slight shabby feel, and of course, the simplicity.
Everything except the seam binding and cardstock card base are My Mind's Eye products.
I used papers from the Lost & Found collection (Market Street "Adore" Fly Away paper, Madison Avenue "Pretty" Polka Paper). I fussy cut the bird cages, bird and "Fly" sentiment from the "Adore" paper, and pop dotted them onto the card. The scalloped border was also punched from the "Adore" paper, and the glittery pink button is an old My Mind's Eye treasure.
Thank you, MME blog, for the great sketch that resulted in one of my all time favorite cards :)

have a GREAT day y'all,
thanks for stopping by!!
xoxo
rae

CPS 229: sponsored by Clearsnap

2011-08-04T07:57:00.001-05:00

Greetings from cloudy & overcast Northern Alabama!
and no, i am not complaining, it actually feels nice outside
this morning, sure beats the 110 degree temperatures of yesterday!
What's the weather like where you are? Are we all hot & humid?!

On to this week's CPS sketch #229

This week's sponsor is Clearsnap,
and we got to work with these new ColorBox Mix'd Media Inx... YUM.

And here is my card:

I am loving the "100 Days of Summer" collection by Simple Stories. And the Mix'd Media Inx.... like butter I tell ya, seriously happy to have them in my arsenal now ;) I inked all of the paper edges with "Truffle" for definition. I stamped the frame with "Peridot". The frame and sentiment are from the "All Occasion Tags" stamp set by CPS' own Tami Mayberry for Gina K. Designs. The ribbon and flower are from Hobby Lobby.

Head on over to the CPS blog for more designer inspiration and play along for your chance to win!!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!
Quick question for you....
what trend or technique or product or style are you loving these days?
Any specific paper crafter really knocking your socks off lately?
I need a little 'boost' to my creativity, and would love to see what YOU are loving right now,
so shoot me some links to inspiration!
xoxo
rae

the play date cafe challenge #92

2011-07-29T14:08:00.001-05:00

Hooray!!!!
I finally made time to play, just simply play!!
As I perused the popular challenge / sketch sites,
I decided on this GORGEOUS color challenge posted in
The Play Date Cafe:

Hello gorgeous color! Specifically, coral, petal pink, and antique gold.

Here is the card that I created:

I used a bit of hodgepodge to create this card. The script and polka dot papers are by My Mind's Eye, and the pale pink and checked papers are Webster's Pages. The layered frame was made from a punch by McGill. The antique gold ribbon is from Hobby Lobby, and the gold pearls are from Michael's. The sentiment stamp is an oldie & goodie from Papertrey Ink stamped with Tsukineko onyx black pigment ink. I also inked the edges of my card with some of my new Clearsnap Color Box "Mix'd Media Inx" by Donna Salazar, the colors I used were chiffon and honey. I also used the EK Success scalloped diamond punch, and added a cut-apart white doily underneath the ribbon.

So, yet again, it seems that I took a very literal interpretation of the challenge photo! From the dress form to the doily, to the script background, literal must be my middle name!

Thanks so much for stopping by!!
happy weekend, y'all!!
xoxo
rae

got sketch? 124

2011-07-29T07:05:00.001-05:00

TGIF!!
it sure has been a busy week!

Today I'd like to share my got sketch? card with you..
I just love Valerie's sketches!

Here is got sketch? #124:

And my take on it:

I used My Mind's Eye patterned papers, black and cream cardstock, circle punches, a chipboard heart that I covered with Martha Stewart glitter, a strand of self-adhesive pearls, die cut tag, Layers of Color (I think?) clear stamp, and a snippet of ribbon.

Check out the other designers interpretations of the sketch HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!
Wishing you a fantastic weekend,
any exciting plans?

xoxo
rae

CPS 228: Sponsored by: tami grandi, a*muse consultant

2011-07-28T08:57:00.001-05:00

greetings y'all!
pardon my absence, been super busy
getting the kiddos ready for 'back to school',
they start again on August 8th!

how about this week's CPS sketch #228:

we were sponsored by Tami Grandi, a*muse consultant.
she provided some stamped images, cardstock, patterned paper, and ribbon.
here is what i created with said supplies:

As you know, I am not much of a 'colorer'. I don't own any Copics, just a few watercolor
pencils.... So, since I don't color, I usually paper piece, but here I was given an already stamped image to work with, and really had to put on my thinking cap to figure out how I was going to make this work!
Enter Martha Stewart glitter! If you enlarge the image, you will see that the piece of cake and plate are covered in glitter :) Not something I would usually do, so it was fun to step outside of the box on this one!

I had a few supplies left over, so I made this super simple card too:

I truly believe that less is more!

Hope that you will consider playing along with this week's CPS sketch, upload your card to the CPS blog!

Thanks for stopping by!!
xoxo
rae

CPS 227: Sponsored by Want2Scrap

2011-07-21T06:30:00.001-05:00

greetings y'all!
Three posts in a row from me, hope you're not getting tired of seeing my projects ;)

This week's CPS sketch is sponsored by Want2Scrap,
and I chose to work with their "Nestabling", bling that coordinates with
Nestabilities dies... how fun is that?!

Here is sketch 227:

and my take on it:

I used this Nestabling Fancy Tags Two black rhinestones

Such a great idea! You can see more Nestabling at Want2Scrap.

Other Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned Paper, stickers: Simple Stories; Ribbon: Papertrey Ink; Flower: Prima; Other: vintage button

Hope that you will play along with us at CPS and try your hand at this week's sketch for your chance to win!

new SRM Stickers: Merry

2011-07-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

hello friends!
thanks for your sweet comments about my mini calendar desktop frame,
I think I convinced myself that I need to make more of these ;)

Today I'd like to share some new Christmas Stickers from SRM Stickers.

I worked with "Merry" - We've Got Your Sticker:

And here is what I created:

Since these cards were being made for display at CHA, my goal was to keep the design extremely simple, so that the stickers would stand out and show off ;)
I simply die cut shapes out of glittered cardstock, matted the stickers, and adhered.... doesn't get much easier than that! Cards like this would be super easy to mass produce for your own Christmas cards!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!!
xoxo
rae

new SRM Stickers: mini calendar desktop frame

2011-07-19T06:44:00.000-05:00

hello friends!

Today is the first day of CHA (the Craft and Hobby Association trade show, for those unaware)!!
Unfortunately i was not able to attend this year (which is doubly sad since Rosement, IL where CHA is held is a hop, skip and jump away from my parents and hometown!).
I am however, looking forward to living vicariously through those who are in attendance and seeing all of the gorgeous booths and sneaks of new products!!

I have a few items on display at CHA this summer, including this project that I made for
SRM Stickers.

I used SRM Stickers mini calendar stickers to create this mini desktop calendar.
It was super easy to create, I think I might make a few more for Christmas gifts ;)

I started with a 4" x 6" acrylic frame (under $1 at Walmart!). I used Lily Bee Designs patterned paper to create the 'base' of the calendar, which then slid into the frame. I attached each SRM month sticker to patterned paper (also from Lily Bee Design), punched two holes at the top, attached gem brads, then adhered the mini calendar to the acrylic frame with pop dots. I then tied a bow around the frame, using dyed seam binding, and wrapped a little twine around the bow center. The '2012' sticker is also by SRM Stickers.

Thanks for stopping by today!
I will back tomorrow with some cards that I made using new SRM Christmas stickers :)
have a GREAT day!!
xoxo
rae

Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger: Perty & Flirty

2011-07-16T07:02:00.001-05:00

greetings & happy saturday!

super psyched that i got the chance to play along with the Tuesday Trigger in the Moxie Fab World now that all of my CHA projects have been completed & shipped, thus allowing me some much needed 'play time' ;)

so, here is the darling trigger:

i immediately noticed the texture of the jacket (oh, to have a figure to fit inside that jacket, i think i was born bigger than that!!) and the gorgeous yellow color.... so refreshing!
i was also inspired by the sweet & dainty floral pattern in the background, it reminded me of The Girls' Paperie patterned paper that I have in my stash.
the jacket on the dress form inspired me to stamp a dress form as well.

here is my creation:

i used the yellow gingham fabric tape to create a ruffled border, and to create texture on the card.
the maya road ruffled flower also provides texture; to me it resembled the jacket collar.
here's a funny detail.... i was inspired by the black buttons on the jacket in the trigger photo, and knew that i wanted to incorporate them in my card, but couldn't figure out how... then the 'a-ha!' moment hit and i decided to color the little pink flower center nubby things with a black sharpie, and that satisfied my desire to incorporate the black button detail ;)

supplies: (patterned papers, die cut accent, chipboard alphas, scalloped border, dress form stamp from Paper Girl collection) The Girls' Paperie; (yellow rhinestones) Michael's; (pink ruffled flower) Maya Road; (floral doily motif die) Spellbinders; ('blossom' twine) the Twinery; (cardstock) WorldWin; (onyx black pigment ink) Tsukineko; (corner rounder punch) We R Memory Keepers; (fabric tape) e2 Daily

thanks so much for stopping by!!
there's plenty of time left to play along with this moxie fab tuesday trigger, the deadline is Sunday, July 25th :)
have a GREAT day!!!
xoxo
rae

CPS sketch #226

2011-07-14T06:24:00.001-05:00

greetings y'all!
how is your summer thus far?
does it seem like it is flying by?
i think it is!
my kids start school again on august 8th...
that's right around the corner! yikes!

anyhoot...
here is this week's CPS sketch sponsored by
Copic and DRG Publishers - Publisher of the Copic Coloring Guide and CardMaker magazine:

and here is my take on the sketch:

i used papers from the new company Authentique... the pinks from the 'Uncommon' collection and the yellow gingham from the 'Blissful' collection.... i LOVE this color combo! :)
the die cut tag is also by Authentique.

check out the other designers cards on the CPS blog and play along for your chance to win!!

thanks for stopping by!
have a GREAT day!!
until next time...
xoxo
rae

sketch support: card sketch

2011-07-08T11:16:00.001-05:00

TGIF my friends, TGIF!

Thanks to my friend and fellow Nikki Sivils Doghouse Diva, Katrina Hunt, I am now aware of another cool sketch site: Sketch Support

Here is their current card sketch:

and my take on it:

I used some Teresa Collins 'Celebrate' papers here... I just love how bold and graphic they are!

I have a to-do list a mile long today, as tomorrow is my daughter's birthday party :)
Time to clean, and bake.....
have a GREAT weekend!!
thanks for stopping by!!
xoxoxo
rae

CPS 225

2011-07-07T07:32:00.001-05:00

hello hello!
i'm here today to share my take on

CPS sketch #225

I really like how this one turned out :)
I used papers from Cosmo Cricket's 'Odds & Ends' collection, a bit of brown hemp cord, and a vintage button. The stamp is from Skipping Stones Designs "Always here" set.

Check out the other CPS girls cards HERE
and play along with this week's sketch for your chance to win!
This week's sponsor is Simply Betty Stamps.

until next time...
hugs!!
rae

Want to WIN 5 new Nikki Sivils collections?!

2011-07-06T09:39:00.001-05:00

Nikki Sivils is sharing (LITERALLY) her five NEW CHA Summer releases...

For your chance to

WIN ALL 5 NEW COLLECTIONS

{that I have been VERY busy playing with,
making samples for her booth at CHA}
BEFORE they are released
head on over to Nikki's blog
and follow her directions!!

Go HERE to Nikki's blog!!

GOOD LUCK!!!!
xoxo
rae

CPS 224

2011-06-30T07:03:00.001-05:00

hello hello!!

today's card is my take on CPS #224

I used papers from Crate Paper here, some Twinery twine, a Studio G clear stamp, and a Prima flower that I inked with some Papertrey Ink 'Hawaiian Shores' hybrid ink.
As usual, I chose embellishments from a tiny hint of color in the patterned paper, in this case, the turquoise.

Head over to the CPS blog to see more designers cards and don't forget to play along for your chance to win!!

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Anyone have any exciting weekend or 4th of July plans?
Do share!!
until next time...
xoxo
rae

got sketch? #122

2011-06-29T07:49:00.000-05:00

greetings friends!

the ever-so-talented valerie salmon invited me to play along with her latest card sketch
got sketch? #122 (which you can see HERE on her blog).

rather than making a card,
i altered a gift bag :)

i used various papers/products from Crate Paper.
i think i originally followed along with Crate Paper's June color challenge,
but missed the deadline on posting my project... oops ;)

lots going on here, it felt good to step outside of my comfort zone
and embellish and layer like crazy!
i wish that i naturally gravitated toward crafting like this, but the
clean & simple in me reallllly struggles with embellishment ;)

thanks for popping in :)
as always, i greatly appreciate your visit!!
xoxo
rae

CPS sketch #223

2011-06-23T07:13:00.001-05:00

helloooo my friends!
how are you this fine June day?
it's looking a bit cloudy and overcast this morning
here in northern Alabama.... another day inside, woohoo!!!
hoping to make a *little* dent in my hoard by getting some
cards made :) I have so much 'older' product that has been
neglected for so long, I am in the mood to pull some of that
out and pair it with newer product, like stamps, and some
new sketches... we'll see if I actually get anything accomplished ;)

moving on.....
here is CPS sketch #223

and my interpretation

Here i used some Echo Park "Life is Good" papers and sentiment, some Caribbean baker's twine from The Twinery, and a big ol' rhinestone from Hobby Lobby. Simple, simple, simple... which you know is my favorite. I love to mix patterns and colors... like here I pulled the turquoise from the tiny dot of turquoise in the flower centers in the yellow paper ;)

Remember to play along with the CPS sketch this week for your chance to win!!
More detail, and more card inspiration on the CPS blog.

have a GREAT day!!
xoxo
rae

SRM Stickers 4th of July cards!!

2011-06-20T09:14:00.000-05:00

it's fixin' to be another scorcher today here in northern alabama, 97° by 4:00 pm!
looks like i'll be taking the kids to the pool today :)
keeping my fingers crossed that the rest of the week's weather forecast holds,
it is supposed to RAIN (yay!) and temperatures should be somewhat *normal*
for this time of year, in the upper 80's.

speaking of *hot*, how about some 4th of July cards....

i used papers from We R Memory Keepers and SRM 4th of July stickers for these cards:

head on over to the SRM Stickers blog to see MORE 4th of July card/project inspiration!

have a GREAT day!!
thanks for visiting today!!
xoxo
rae

Little Yellow Bicycle cards made from prize winnings!

2011-06-17T09:04:00.000-05:00

TGIF friends, TGIF!!
AND a rainy day to boot.....wooohoooo!!!!

Just thought I'd share some cards that I made from a recent prize winning
from Little Yellow Bicycle :)
I played along with one of their Wednesday challenges, and lo and behold!
won an 'honorable mention' prize pack for my detailed answer :) :) :)

I got to play with some goodies from the Sweet Summertime collection.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the summery cards!! :)

Fun, no?
I LOVED playing with this collection,
thank you SO MUCH Little Yellow Bicycle!!!!

have a great weekend y'all!!
xoxo
rae

CPS #222 sponsored by My Favorite Things

2011-06-16T10:02:00.002-05:00

*edited to add:

thank you those of you who have taken the time to comment.

i know that we are all busy, myself included.

i am happy to know that you do appreciate my work.

please keep the comments coming....

especially what you would like to see here!

xoxoxo~ rae

greetings y'all.
where has everyone been, on vacation?!
i am the first to admit that i am the world's worst commenter,
but repeated blog posts with zero comments here on my own blog
has me wondering if my blog postings / projects are relevant anymore?
i would like to pick your brains.... and beg for your honesty:
what would you like to see here?
do you feel that my style has changed or gotten predictable?

i am seriously considering closing up the blog, but unfortunately
it is a requirement for design teams and challenges and such,
i guess i just want to be assured that someone is actually viewing
what i post and is getting something from my posts, i guess i am
looking for feedback.
don't get me wrong, i LOVE sharing my work publicly,
just wondering if i should post it on facebook only :(
okay, stepping down from my soap box.

here is this week's CPS sketch #222

this week's sponsor is My Favorite Things
and i got to work with this darling set, Just My Type die and stamp set:

here is my card:

thanks for stopping by,
as always, i do appreciate your visits
and support of my blog.

have a great day
xoxo
rae

NEW Nikki Sivils Scrapbooker 'School is Cool' sneak

2011-06-15T08:13:00.001-05:00

CHA Summer is right around the corner....
so it's time to anticipate lots of manufacturer sneaks!

I have one I'd like to share today...
Nikki Sivils 'School is Cool' collection
which will be releasing at CHA Summer.

papers...

*new* Collection Kit

Element stickers

Alphabet stickers

and Punch-Outs

I actually got to work with this collection a few weeks ago, but not the 'actual' products, Nikki doesn't even have the product yet!
See, Nikki needed a card for an ad in Scrapbooks, Etc. magazine, so she sent me her pdf files of the collection, and I printed off what I needed on my printer to create the card.
Wanna see?

I love how this one turned out! Keep an eye out for it in the latest Scrapbooks, Etc. magazine ;)

Thanks for stopping by today!!
Would love to hear your comments on this collection!
xoxo
rae

Elmer's Craft and Tell Challenge Blog Hop!!

2011-06-11T05:00:00.008-05:00

Welcome! Welcome!

We Nikki Sivils Design Team Divas were asked to participate in this fun challenge using Nikki Sivils Scrapbooker's papers/products and Elmer's and X-ACTO products!!

I used the following Elmer's/X-ACTO products to create my project:

And some papers/stickers from Nikki Sivils Scrapbooker's Summer collection:

I then chose an item to alter:

And here is my end result:

The ice cream truck image inspired me to create an Ice Cream money tin for my daughter!

I covered the tin with a strip of polka dot paper, and covered the lid with patterned paper too.
Then I fussy cut the truck, ice cream cones, scalloped border and 'Ice Cream' words from the patterned paper. I then added some alphabet stickers to spell 'money', and wrapped a ribbon around the lid and tied a simple bow.

A very simple project, but a fun and useful one too, I like when that happens!!

Ooh.... and I almost forgot to tell you how I used the Elmer's foam board....
for photographing my project of course! I always use my foam board as a backdrop when photographing my work! You'll have to give it a try!!

So, I bet you are wondering what YOU need to do to win some fun Elmer's products?
Well, just visit EACH of the Diva's projects on their blogs (links below) and leave a comment.

Julie's Team:

Leah Farquharson
Mimi Leinbach
Rae Barthel (you are here)
Liz Qualman
Julie Tucker-Wolek

You will have until June 12th at midnight CST to leave comments.
Go to Julie's post on Nikki's blog (HERE) for a chance to win her prize.
For another chance to win, visit these DT Divas blogs, from yesterday's post:

Katrina's Team:

and Katrina's post yesterday on Nikki's blog.
Both winners on the evening of June 13th.

Also here are some fun links for you! Go to their Facebook pages and tell them that the Divas from Nikki Sivils, Scrapbooker sent you over!!!!

Elmer's on Facebook

Elmer's on Twitter

X-ACTO on Facebook

Thanks for hopping by!!
xoxo
rae

SRM Baseball Tubes (alternate title: Post #2, the post that never happened yesterday)

2011-06-10T07:35:00.000-05:00

I know.
I didn't post Post #2 yesterday.
Time got the best of me.
We were running around all day trying to get my son ready for Boy Scouts summer camp next week, then last night the kids begged me to take them to the "Dive-In" movie at the pool, and then I looked at the clock as it read 10:00 PM, and so..... that leads us to Post #2 being posted today :)

Anyway.....I would like to share what I did with SRM Tubes...
I created some baseball themed tubes, filling them with sunflower seeds.

Love how they turned out! I just kept the design very simple, as these would be going to little boys who could probably care less about the tag and would prefer to spit seeds ;)

I used stickers from this SRM Stickers sheet:

Have a Ball - Baseball #47001

Check out today's post on the SRM blog, where the designers share some very creative storage uses for these SRM Tubes!!

And be sure to come back here tomorrow, as I will be participating in the Elmer's Craft & Tell Blog Hop for Nikki Sivils!!

thanks for stopping by today,
TGIF!!!!
xoxo
rae

Two posts today! Post #1: CPS sketch 221

2011-06-09T07:11:00.001-05:00

hello hello my crafty friends :)

i have two posts to share with you today.
the first one being a CPS sketch card

here is this week's sketch #221

and my interpretation

love how clean & simple this one is :)
i used papers and a sticker from BasicGrey's new Lauderdale collection...
LOVE the bold colors and patterns.
other supplies: Spellbinders die; WRMK corner rounder punch; ribbon, button, white twine from my stash; foam tape to adhere die cut

remember to play along with this week's CPS sketch for your chance to win a prize :)
head to the CPS blog for details and to see the other designers' cards!

be back a bit later with another post :)
xoxo
rae

CPS 220 Sponsored by Gina K Designs

2011-06-02T08:21:00.001-05:00

LOVE this week's CPS sketch, don't you?

what I love even more is the stamp set that I got to work with :)

'Life Life Loud'

here is my take:

Supplies: Stamps: Live Life Loud by Gina K Designs (artist Tami Mayberry) Cardstock: Hobby Lobby Patterned paper: Teresa Collins Pigment Ink: (onyx black) Tsukineko Chalk Ink: (robin's egg, black) Clearsnap Fiber: jute twine Accents: (black rhinestones, star gem) Tools: (corner rounder punch, circle punches) EK Success

Head on over to the CPS blog to see more interpretations of this sketch and play along for your chance to win some goodies from Gina K Designs!!!

have a good'un ;)

xoxo

rae

new Bazzill paired with SRM Stickers

2011-06-01T10:18:00.001-05:00

greetings friends :)

we DT members at SRM Stickers were lucky enough to play with a bunch of new Bazzill products from their new Grandma's Feather Bed collection.

here is what i created:

I made a card, a bracelet, and an altered gift bag to hold the bracelet.

Here is a close-up of the card and coordinating envelope:

I used some of the following products from Bazzill's new 'Grandma's Feather Bed' collection:

and then used some stickers from this SRM Stickers set:

Sticker Sentiments - Thank You - #51005

Head on over to the SRM Stickers blog to see more projects made with these new Bazzill products!

thanks for dropping in, as always I appreciate your visits

and relish your comments!

xoxo

have a great day~

rae

moxie fab tuesday trigger

2011-05-27T06:00:00.001-05:00

fell in love with this week's tuesday trigger over in the moxie fab world

so i made this

based on this trigger

in my usual literal interpretation, i was inspired most by the colors, those darling birds, the folk-arty feel of the print, and i think i used the exact same flower pattern.

supplies: patterned paper from My Mind's Eye 'Summer Song' paper stack; Layers of Color clear stamp; Tsukineko onyx black pigment ink

glad i had the chance to play along with this week's trigger!
thanks for popping in!
xoxo
rae

CPS 219

2011-05-26T08:40:00.001-05:00

hello hello!
first day of summer break....aaaaahhhhhh.
felt nice to sleep in an extra hour today ;)

have you seen this week's CPS sketch yet?
CPS 219

here is the card that I made based on it:

i like how this one turned out.

Supplies: Cardstock: (kraft) Papertrey Ink Patterned paper: Crate paper Clear stamp: studio G Pigment Ink: Tsukineko Hybrid Ink: (vintage cream) Papertrey Ink Silk flowers: Hobby Lobby Fiber: (seam binding) Pearls: Hobby Lobby Nestabilities dies: (oval, scalloped oval) Spellbinders Tool: (Cuttlebug) Provo Craft

head to the CPS blog to see the other designers cards and don't forget to play along for your chance to win! this week's sponsor is Kraftin' Kimmie stamps.

have a GREAT day!!

xoxo

rae

a few custom cards

2011-05-25T14:29:00.000-05:00

greetings.
the end of the school year is upon us, actually, today is the last day,
and this time of year is just crazy busy.

i have been creating, but nothing that I can share yet,
so meanwhile, how about perusing a few custom cards that i've made
recently....

This card was made for my daughter's travel softball teammate.... their team name is the "Rockets" and her teammate is a pitcher. I found the pitcher, rocket and softball clipart online, and simply changed the color of each in trusty ol' editing program, The Print Shop.

Next...

I made a bunch of these graduation announcements for my friend's daughter, who was graduating from The University of Alabama.

My son (Michael, 13) gave this card to his friend/fellow Boy Scout... the 'party' was a trip to the movies, so I thought the 'ticket theme' appropriate.

Sometimes it is nice to take a break from detailed cards that take a long time to design (especially when you are a s...l....o...w. cardmaker like me ;) ... sometimes less is more ;)

thanks for stopping by!
xoxo
rae

CPS 218 sponsored by lawn fawn

2011-05-19T13:39:00.002-05:00

greetings!

this week's CPS sketch is sponsored by lawn fawn
CPS #218

i got to work with THIS super cute set ('hello friend' set)

here is my card:

supplies: lawn fawn sentiment stamp, october afternoon patterned paper, hobby lobby ribbon and rhinestones, prima flowers

check out the other fabbie cards on the CPS blog
and enter your own take on the sketch for your chance to win!!
xoxo
rae

CPS 217 Sponsored by Paper Smooches

2011-05-12T07:51:00.000-05:00

Thursday already?! whew... where does time go?!?!
This week's CPS sponsor is Paper Smooches, you know, the delightful new stamp company of my amazingly talented artist friend Kim Hughes.

I got to work with the absolutely darling set "Perky Plants"
{which you can purchase HERE}

Here is my paper-pieced card:

Soooo fun!!!! Since I am not a 'colorer', the flower is completely paper-pieced.
I used some BasicGrey "Lemonade" from my hoard ;)

Be sure to check out the rest of the CPS designers cards HERE on the blog,
and upload your card for a chance to *win*!!

thanks for stopping by!!
xoxo
rae

First Communion Announcements

2011-05-06T08:41:00.000-05:00

greetings friends!

what a week it has been....
my last post was last wednesday, the day that multiple tornadoes tore through Alabama.
fortunately, our immediate area in northern alabama was spared, but we were without power for five LONG days.
we basically 'camped' at our home... slept in our own beds, but cooked outside on the patio on a camp stove. fortunately throughout this we had running, albeit cold, water.
my oldest son's boy scout troop went out to volunteer in one devastated community. i was happy to lend a hand to the residents who lost their homes, and the volunteers that flocked to the area to help in whatever way they could.
if you would like to see some photos of damage to the area, go HERE to see photos that I took.

because of the power outage, my youngest son's First Communion was postponed. it has since been rescheduled for tomorrow's mass.
here are the announcements that I made:

Supply list:

Brown cardstock, Martha Stewart patterned paper, Communion clip art image found online that I colored with watercolor pencils, brown hemp cord, and the fonts Adelon and Buffet Script (used for his name).

Thanks for stopping by!

have a nice weekend.

rae

Mother's Day cards using SRM Stickers

2011-04-27T06:34:00.006-05:00

Check out the SRM Stickers blog today for a Mother's Day card extravaganza!

Here are my two contributions:

thanks for stopping by!
xoxo
rae

CPS 212

2011-04-07T07:47:00.001-05:00

have you tried this week's CPS sketch yet?
it's a good one, i encourage you to give it a go!

CPS #212

and my take on it:

used some yummy new lily bee papers and a studio g clear stamp set (cross and sentiment/frame).
be sure to check out the other designers interpretations of the sketch on the CPS blog.

thanks for stopping by!
i'll try to pre-post some cards, but if i don't get around to it, i'll see you in a week or so,
we are headed to the beach for a little r&r during spring break ;)

xoxo
rae

New Pink Paislee & SRM Stickers

2011-04-04T06:01:00.001-05:00

monday monday.....
greetings friends!! :)

We, at SRM Stickers, were treated to some new Pink Paislee goodies (YAY!).
I got to work with their new Butterfly Garden collection:

And here are the cards that I created...

SRM Stickers: Quick Cards #52026 Mother

SRM Stickers - Quick Cards #52019 Sympathy

Head on over to the SRM Stickers blog to see more cards made with some of Pink Paislee's new collections, and new SRM Stickers, of course ;)

Wishing you a fantastic day!!

xoxo

rae

happy birthday nikki!!!

2011-04-03T06:38:00.000-05:00

today is Nikki Sivils birthday!!

all of us DT girls whipped up some birthday cards (using her products, of course!)
and surprised her with a birthday blog post!
head over to Nikki Sivils Scrapbooker blog to leave your birthday wishes,
we would LOVE to shower her with birthday wishes from around the globe!
Your birthday wish for Nikki also enters you in the blog candy give away...
so head on over to Nikki Sivils Scrapbooker blog for your chance to win some Nikki Sivils product!!!!

have a GREAT day!!
xoxo
rae

got sketch? 114

2011-03-31T08:53:00.001-05:00

i LOVE Valerie's sketches!!!!
she asked me to work on her latest sketch,

got sketch? #114

and here is my take on it:

i love how it turned out, stepped a bit outside my comfort zone, and i like the result!
i used echo park's 'little girl' collection on this one ;)
other supplies: making memories glitter frame; american crafts rosette, and a bit o' bling and purple braiding cord.

head to the got sketch? blog to see some other fabulous cards made from this great sketch!!

in other news....
have you seen Paper Crafts big announcement?
They have announced their new Go-to Gals! Congrats to those selected!
Some of you have already asked, and some of you may just be curious...
No, I was not invited to try out.

have a nice day y'all.
xoxo
rae

lily bee love

2011-03-30T05:58:00.000-05:00

i did it.
i threw my hat in the ring for the lily bee design team call.
not sure of my chances, being that i'm solely a card maker,
but i had fun playing with their products, as i always do.
i have long been a fan of their collections, from audrey to
their current trio of new releases.

here are my designs:

thank you for stopping by!
keeping my fingers crossed ;)
xoxo
rae

CPS 210: Ippity by Unity

2011-03-24T06:08:00.001-05:00

hello hello!

today i would like to share my CPS card for this week.
this week's sponsor is Banu Honnavara – ippity chick,
and up for grabs is a sweet Ippity by Unity stamp set
called 'Regal Greetings' (go to CPS blog to check it out!)

ok, so here is this week's sketch:

and my take on it:

i got to work with the Ippity stamp set "Where You Should Be".
i also used some DCWV 'Mango Frost' papers, martha stewart seam binding, my mind's eye button, corner rounder punch, and tsukineko onyx black ink.

don't forget to play along at CPS this week for your chance to win!!

xoxo
rae

embellish magazine: masculine challenge

2011-03-23T06:10:00.001-05:00

greetings!

finally got a chance to play along with a challenge at Embellish Magazine.
the current challenge is to create a masculine card, using this color scheme:

here is what i designed:

used some new Crate Paper Toy Box and Papertrey stamps and die.

thanks for stopping by!!
xoxo
rae

Crate Paper March sketch challenge

2011-03-22T08:12:00.001-05:00

greetings friends.
hope that you are well :)

today i'd like to share my take on Crate Paper's March sketch challenge.

here is the sketch:

and here is the card that i created based on the sketch:

I am IN LOVE with their new Emma's Shoppe collection!! Such fantastic color combinations and patterns.... yum.
I sort of like my non-traditional 'circle' banner ;) I punched the polka dots from the polka dot patterned paper, and sandwiched some Papertrey twine between two circle layers.
Other supplies: Core'dinations yellow cardstock; BasicGrey Basics white paper die cut with a Spellbinders label die, spritzed with Vintage Pink Glimmer Mist, stamped with Papertrey Ink stamp; silk flowers, pearls from Hobby Lobby; scalloped edge scissors; Martha Stewart seam binding; Tsukineko onyx black pigment ink; Cuttlebug

Thanks for stopping by today!!
see you again soon.....
xoxo
rae

srm stickers + cosmo cricket = sweet cards

2011-03-21T12:53:00.000-05:00

we lucky ducks at srm stickers got to play with some new cosmo cricket :)

and here are the results of my 'play time':

SRM Sticker Sentiments - Life is Good - 51014

Cosmo Cricket 'Upcycle' collection

******

Sticker Sentiments - Love - 51004

Cosmo Cricket - 'Social Club' collection

******

Sticker Sentiments - Happy Birthday - 51003

Cosmo Cricket - 'Salt Air' collection

******

Be sure to stop by the SRM blog to:

1) leave me some love ;) LOL!! and

2) see more cards made from this fabulous pairing of Cosmo Cricket and SRM Stickers!!

have a great day!!

xoxo

rae

CPS 209 {and blogging absence explanation, in photos}

2011-03-18T07:46:00.002-05:00

whew, what a week!

i've been one crafty mama this week! my daughter's school put on "decades week", culminating with a Sock Hop last night, so my week was spent putting together her outfits. wanna see?

the 80's:

this outfit was store bought

{on clearance, of course, $3 each piece,

pants, t-shirt, sweatshirt, at Walmart}

the 70's:

marcia, marcia, marcia!

brady, that is!

we recycled her high school musical halloween costume,

added some knee socks and cheapie tennis shoes,

marcia hairdo with plastic butterfly barrettes, and

notebook adorned with marcia's crush, davy jones.

the 60's:

grooooovy baby.

here i recycled her old brownies vest, just pulled off the patches

and added embellishments from Little Yellow Bicycle's 'Free Spirit'

collection! lauren insisted that her vest have fringe, so i made

that too, using some brown felt i had.

the tshirt, $3 Walmart clearance; necklace $1 clearance.

the headband.... just hot glued some silk daisies that i had to one of

her elastic headbands.

at the last minute,

lauren insisted that her flip flops needed fringe and a flower too,

so i whipped those out in five minutes before she had

to leave for school!!!

the 50's:

and the grand finale..... the poodle skirt.

this was my first attempt at sewing a skirt.

not too bad, except that i sewed the waistband on backwards,

leaving the unfinished edge on the outside... ooops.

fixed that boo-boo with a 'belt' made out of fleece to cover it up!!

the skirt was definitely a labor of love.

lauren realllllly wanted a 'petticoat' look for her skirt,

so i hand stitched tulle all along the bottom of the skirt.

{stitched this while sitting outside in the cold at the ballpark

for her double header softball games on tuesday night!}
the saddle shoes?
fake.
they are the same walmart cheapie ($6) tennis shoes that we bought for the

marcia brady outfit, just colored those with a black Sharpie paint pen

to make them resemble saddle shoes ;)

the scarf and cat's eye glasses came from resale shops

and set us back $1.50. ;)

well worth all of the effort.

she had a blast this week at school. she even won 'best dressed' for her

marcia brady outfit ;)

and it seems that she had tons of fun at the sock hop last night too!!

i'm just glad that i don't have to hand stitch anything today!!!!!!

on to my CPS card...

here is this week's sketch:

and my take on it:

Supplies: Cardstock: Papertrey Ink Patterned paper: Prima Notecard: Prima Sticker: (label) Prima Rub-on: Crate Paper Fiber: seam binding Flowers: Hobby Lobby Pearls: Kaisercraft

Check out the other CPS designers interpretations of this sketch on the CPS blog.

Thanks for stopping by!

happy weekend!!

xoxo

rae

Butterfly Blog Linky Party!!

2011-03-13T00:00:00.003-06:00

Greetings!!
The amazing Eva Dobilas has arranged a blog link party centered around butterflies!!!

I was more than happy to participate, so without further ado, here is my card:

I used some DCWV Street Lace patterned papers, Skipping Stones Design butterfly and sentiment stamps, some sheer polka dot ribbon (Michael's), McGill label punch, Martha Stewart butterfly punch and doily lace border punch, rhinestones (Hobby Lobby), EK Success corner rounder punch, clearsnap charcoal chalk ink and foam tape.

Be sure to head over to Eva's blog for her list of links to projects which contain butterflies!!

have a GREAT day!!
xoxo
rae

My Mind's Eye Challenge #21

2011-03-11T14:25:00.000-06:00

i love my mind's eye.
always have.
always will.
i just ordered the new stella & rose papers,

looking forward to getting those in the mail next week :)

my mind's eye current challenge is a card based on this sketch

with the theme 'Celebrate Today'.

Here is my take on the challenge:

I used some gorgeous papers from my hoarded 'So Sophie' line. Would you believe that the die cut flower and frame are from their Confetti line?! Yes, I have a major supply hoarding problem ;)
supplies: My Mind's Eye button, die cuts, patterned papers; martha stewart seam binding, hobby lobby rhinestones, fiskars border punch, papertrey ink clear stamp, tsukineko pigment ink, foam tape

thanks for stopping by!!

any exciting plans this weekend?
my daughter has her first travel softball tournament of the season tomorrow, and the weather is supposed to be nice, in the mid 60's, looking forward to spending the day outside!!
enjoy your weekend!
xoxo
rae

rejects

2011-03-10T08:47:00.000-06:00

greetings!

I am a little late to the Paper Crafts Go-To Sketches 'Reject Party'....
here are a few of my rejects ;)

anyone need a card?
these are available ;)

thanks for stopping by!!
check out more Go-To Sketches rejects HERE :)

SRM Stickers: Spring tube & card

2011-03-09T08:37:00.000-06:00

hello hello!

I've got some SRM Stickers projects to share with you today,
that will hopefully help you 'think spring'!!

I am SUPER excited to share with my 'tube' project with you.
Here she is:

Isn't she a beaut? ;)

I used some Bella Blvd. patterned papers to create the butterfly body (with a butterfly pattern that I found online). I simply cut a slit in the yellow paper to allow the tube (or butterfly body) to slide through.
Other supplies: SRM tube, seam binding, rhinestones, crown cut from Teresa Collins patterned paper, waxed linen cord for antennae, and a black Sharpie for outlining the butterfly to provide dimension.
The SRM Stickers that I used: Sticker Sentiments Birthday 51003

I also made a spring-y card...

Supplies: Fancy Pants patterned papers, martha stewart seam binding, silk flower, pearl, vintage buttons, ek success border punch, nestabilities circle dies, green raffia (which I braided to make the flower stem)
The sticker is from this SRM Stickers set: Sticker Sentiment - Spring 51010

These projects are also posted on the SRM Stickers blog today, I'd L♥VE for you to leave me some L♥VE over there ;)
Thanks, y'all are the BEST!!!
xoxo
rae

a study in yellow and gray {Crate Paper style}

2011-03-08T09:31:00.001-06:00

yellow & gray, the color combo that 'is'.

totally intrigued by this color combination and Crate Paper's March color challenge

so with a few pieces of paper from the Restoration collection, I played with gray and yellow:

supplies: patterned paper, border stickers from Crate Paper's Restoration collection; maya road kraft doily die cut; hobby lobby ribbon and rhinestones, papertrey ink kraft cardstock, waltzingmouse sentiment stamp, onyx black tsukineko pigment ink, black waxed linen cord

supplies: patterned paper and border sticker from crate paper's restoration collection, jenni bowlin butterfly stickers, rhinestones and yellow button from hobby lobby, spellbinders label die, layers of color sentiment stamp, onyx black tsukineko pigment ink, clearsnap charcoal chalk ink, charcoal cardstock and twine from papertrey ink

supplies: patterned paper and stickers from crate paper's restoration collection, ribbon and flower from hobby lobby, white doily painted with tattered angels mellow yellow glimmer glaze, waltzingmouse sentiment stamp, tsukineko onyx black pigment ink, clearsnap charcoal chalk ink, dmd kraft cardstock

Thank you, Crate Paper, for posting this color challenge. I LOVED working with this color combination and can see myself turning to it again and again!

thanks for stopping by!!
xoxo
rae

skateboard halfpipe spinner card

2011-03-07T06:21:00.001-06:00

happy monday!
looking forward to this fresh new week, it's gonna be a busy one,
but we'll make it through, we always do, right?

okay, so how about a fun new take on a 'spinner' card?
you know, the ones that you use two pennies stuck together with
foam tape and that slide in a slit in the paper?
certainly not a new concept, and definitely one that i had to google to
learn how to do ;)

so, you know i operate, once i get a card idea in my head, i NEED to
make it happen? this card is one of those ideas ;)

it all started with my little man being invited to his best buddy's birthday party
at a local skate park......i envisioned a halfpipe, and the idea was born.

isn't it fun?!
i used some (very) old Cosmo Cricket paper, reminded me of graffiti. the skateboard sticker was also an oldie from my stash. the pennies are attached to the skateboarder sticker, and he 'drops in' to the halfpipe, hence the 'punny' sentiment, which finishes inside with 'happy birthday'. (the spinner concept is that the skateboarder 'skates' in the halfpipe)

this was a fun one to design :)

thanks for stopping by today!!
have a GREAT day!!
xoxo
rae

CPS #208

2011-03-06T06:38:00.001-06:00

happy Sunday friends!

here is this week's CPS sketch #208:

and my take on it:

Used some yummy October Afternoon papers and stickers, Martha Stewart seam binding, and Kaisercraft pearls.
{the top layer of patterned paper reminded me of a baby quilt :) }

thanks for stopping by!!
be sure to check out the other designers cards on the CPS blog throughout the week, and play along for your chance to win a prize sponsored by The {stamps} of life.

xoxo
rae

and the SRM Stickers winner is.........

2011-03-02T06:12:00.000-06:00

Suzanne :O ) said...: congrats, rae! I have one sheet of their stickers and I love how easy they are to use! I just signed up to be a follower! :); February 8, 2011 5:33 PM; WooHOOO!!!!; Congratulations Suzanne!! Shoot me your snail mail addy (raescards at comcast dot net); and i'll get your SRM Stickers goodies out right away!!; Thank you everyone who signed up to follow SRM stickers blog!!; Looks like I had a grand total of 25 friends sign up to follow, so thank you, each and every one of you!!; Of course it is never too late to sign up to follow SRM!! They only need nine more followers to reach 700!! Let's make it happen for them!; have a GREAT day!!; and stay tuned, i've been working on some c.u.t.e SRM projects, can't wait to share them with you!!!; xoxo; rae

Last Call for NEW followers of SRM Stickers blog!!

2011-02-27T05:32:00.002-06:00

Remember this post?
I haven't forgotten about you ;)
OR those of you who posted on Facebook.
I have all of your names in a hat, ready for a drawing :)

Now, with two days left in the month of February,
I thought that maybe, just maybe, we could round up
some NEW followers for the SRM Stickers blog.

We are looking for NEW followers of the SRM Stickers blog.
Do you follow?
Not yet?
No problem.
Go HERE
Follow the SRM Stickers blog
Then come back here to my blog and let me know that you have done so!

I will draw a name on Tuesday morning, March 1st
and will notify the lucky NEW SRM Stickers blog follower,
as well as post here on my blog.
Remember, the random winner will receive some of my
new DT stash of SRM Stickers!!

If you are a new follower of the SRM Stickers blog,
AND you refer a friend (and your friend posts
your name as a referral here)
I will enter YOUR name THREE times in the drawing
for EACH friend that you refer. :) :) :)

Ready? Set? GOOOOO!!!!!!

xoxo
rae

SRM Stickers: St. Patrick's Day

2011-02-24T06:06:00.002-06:00

Top 'o the mornin' to ya lassie ;)

Today I'd like to share a card that I made with some St. Patrick's Day stickers from SRM Stickers.
I used stickers from this set:

And here is my card:

helllllo green.
I found the shamrock pattern online, traced it onto some glittery green paper, and outlined with a black paint pen for definition. I did lots of distressing to the green cardstock with a nail file (the multi-purpose tool that every card maker should have in their arsenal! lol).

My card is also posted on the SRM Stickers blog today, if you'd like to leave some l♥ve there ;)

Thank you for your visit today,
I appreciate VERY much that you take the time to comment, those of you that do.

I better run, looks like it's going to be another crazy day here in the Barthel household. My oldest son, Michael (13) suffered a concussion at school on Monday, and I've been busy this week bringing him to the doctor, then for a CT scan, then to the ER last night.... at least today's trip will be to the pharmacy to pick him up some pain meds and anti-nausea meds, which will hopefully make him more restful today.
Add to this chaos, today I am taking my little man (Matthew) to get a tooth pulled today, and this week we've already had a double header softball tournament, Cub Scouts Blue & Gold banquet, my daughter's travel softball practice in Tennessee, softball practice for her middle school team, and I am hosting a Mixed Bag Designs catalog party here in my home on Friday night. whew!
{BTW, I encourage you to take a look at the Mixed Bag website, they are C.U.T.E. and affordable too. If you do order, just enter our Fundraiser ID #48653, and my daughter's team will benefit!}

thanks again for stopping by...
xoxo
rae

CPS 206

2011-02-20T06:55:00.001-06:00

happy Sunday my friends!
what are your plans today?
my husband and the boys are off on a Boy Scout camping trip this weekend,
they have really nice weather for it too, hope they are having fun!
my daughter helped me at 'artist market' yesterday, where i sold a grand total of five cards....
'twas a very LONG four hours with hardly any shoppers. lots of 'lookers' and comments like "oh your cards are gorgeous", and "very cute cards"...... but very few takers, bummer.
so today, i play softball catcher and chauffeur, as my daughter has softball pitching lessons, then after that we head to tennessee for her travel team's field practice.
i hope you have a glorious day today, whatever it is you do :)

how about a card...
here is this week's CPS sketch #206:

this week's prize sponsor is Sparkle Creations.

here is my card:

used some Circa 1934 Cosmo Cricket papers; vintage twill tape; silk flowers; black rhinestones; black waxed linen thread; maya road stick pin; and a nail file for sanding the paper edges.

have a GREAT day!!
xoxo
rae

CPS 205: sponsored by CardMaker magazine

2011-02-18T05:51:00.002-06:00

Happy 4th Anniversary CPS!!!!

This week's celebratory sponsor is CardMaker Magazine.
Play along with this week's CPS sketch for your chance to win a one-year subscription to CardMaker magazine!!

Here is this week's sketch #205:

And my card:

Supplies:
My Mind's Eye Lost & Found collection patterned paper and tag; silk flowers; Making Memories glitter; vintage trim; brown hemp cord; pearls from Hobby Lobby; Papertrey Ink vintage cream hybrid ink; Fiskars sentiment scallop border punch

Thanks for stopping by!
Check out the CPS blog's anniversary celebration and to see cards made by former CPS designers!!

ALSO... don't forget that I am on a quest to recruit the most NEW followers of the SRM Stickers blog!
If you don't already follow them, go HERE, sign up to follow, then come back here to my blog and let me know! I am awarding one random new follower some SRM stickers from my new DT stash!! Tell your friends!! Referral contest ends at the end of the month.
Thanks!!!
xoxo
rae

SRM Stickers: thank you card

2011-02-17T07:57:00.000-06:00

howdy hey!
made this card using some of SRM Stickers *NEW* stickers...
these, to be exact:

and my card:

Other supplies:
Yummy GCD papers; Bazzill cardstock and cardstock strip; Michael's rhinestones; Hobby Lobby ribbon

gotta run.... my 'to do' list is three miles long today!!
thanks for popping in... i appreciate your visit!!!
xoxo
rae

some PC l♥ve

2011-02-15T08:20:00.000-06:00

just wanted to shout out 'thanks'to
Paper Crafts magazine for
featuring my card on their blog, Paper Crafts Connection, today.

this card appears in their March/April issue, so be on the lookout for it!!

I used Webster's Pages papers (yum.) and a Papertrey Ink stamp on this one.

thanks for stopping by!!
xoxo
rae

got sketch? #111

2011-02-14T08:27:00.000-06:00

happy valentine's day my friends!!!

wishing you a day full of love!!

i was asked once again by the fabulous Valerie Salmon
to work another one of her amazing sketches.

here is got sketch? 111

and here is my card:

used some Echo Park 'Be Mine' (can't get enough of this collection, you may have noticed that),
and a SRM Stickers sentiment.

happy {heart} day!!
any special plans today?

until next time...
xoxo
rae

My SRM Stickers debut!! :)

2011-02-11T06:00:00.002-06:00

Sooooo excited to share my first SRM project with you!!

I received these adorable tubes in my DT box, and immediately thought of Valentine's Day...
take a peek:

I also used stickers from Say It With Stickers - Valentine, and Express Yourself - Valentine.
You can see these stickers and all of SRM's awesome products HERE.

If you have a moment, I would LOVE if you would pop over to the SRM Stickers blog and leave a little note on my introductory post, you'd make my day!! :)

Also, SRM Stickers is challenging its new DT members to recruit some new followers of their blog.... so if you don't already follow, please go to the blog, sign up to follow, then come back here and let me know that you did so I can track my friend referrals :) Tell your friends, the more the merrier! There's a goody in it for me AND for you, as I will select one random winner to win some of my new SRM Stickers stash ;)

Thank you SO much for your support in my card making journey!! My friends are the BEST!!!!!
xoxo

CPS 204 Sponsored by Ippity (Banu Honnavara)

2011-02-10T09:19:00.002-06:00

{for those that saw my now-deleted SRM Stickers post.... I jumped the gun, my introduction is tomorrow... oops!}

Today, I would like to share my CPS card for this week.
This week's sponsor is Ippity stamps/Banu Honnavara.

Here is this week's sketch, #204:

And my take on it:

Supplies:
Sponsor product: Ippity rubber stamp from "Where you Should Be" set
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned paper: Fancy Pants
Fiber: white seam binding
Silk flower: Michael's
Rhinestone: Michael's
Glitter: Martha Stewart Crafts
Pigment Ink: Tsukineko
Chalk Ink: Clearsnap

Don't forget to play along with CPS this week for your chance to win!!!

Thanks for stopping by... I'll be back tomorrow :)

xoxo

rae

Do you follow SRM Stickers blog?

2011-02-08T13:39:00.000-06:00

Hello friends!

do you follow SRM Stickers blog?

would you consider doing so... please?

I recently made the SRM DT and would like to show them how many awesome friends I have who are willing to 'follow' their blog.

Visit the SRM Stickers blog HERE

Please come back here and let me know if you 'follow' them, there's a bonus in it for me, and guess what, there's a bonus in it for you too.... I will randomly select one of you to win some of my stash of their stickers, sound good?

thanks for helping me out!
xoxo
rae

cardabilities sketch 24

2011-02-04T06:26:00.000-06:00

i loved this sketch cardabilities sketch 24

and built this card around it:

I used My Mind's Eye patterned papers, Prima flowers, Kaisercraft bling, dyed seam binding, and Kim Hughes' new 'Pretty Phrases' stamp (papersmoochesstamps.com).

Thanks for taking a peek!!
happy weekend :)
xoxo
rae

CPS 203: Sponsored by Stampotique

2011-02-04T04:31:00.001-06:00

greetings friends!
today i'd like to share my CPS card for this week.
here is CPS sketch #203

and my take on it:

This week's sponsor is Stampotique.
Hope that you will play along this week for your chance to win!!
Head to the CPS blog for more details and to see the other designers fabulous cards!!

thanks for stopping by!!
xoxo
rae

simply rae

playing with new product = happiness

happy 5th anniversary papertrey ink!!!

BasicGrey Kissing Booth cards

CARDS challenge: Six hearts

CAS-ual Sweetheart

And the winner is......

happy 2012 & a giveaway

3 places at once today (lots to share!)

got sketch? 12 Days of Christmas

It's the little moments

happy birthday

*Jolly*

Nordic holiday tags

You Rocked It! card & did you see?...

1 in a million

Operation Write Home Veteran's Day blog hop

happy birthday - & a question...

Grateful for family

Layers of Color Ornament Blog Hop

stuff

My WCMD winner & ANOTHER great giveaway!!!

World Card Making Day 2011 - sketch challenge & prize!!

CPS 237 sponsored by Clearsnap

Congrats to....

pinch me. {exciting DT news!!!}

a true friend

sweet

{itty bitty} Unity Stamp Company sponsors CPS

playing with Clearsnap Smootch Spritz + Accent Ink

congrats & such...

Last Day *blogs 4 boobies*!!

Welcome to the last day of blogs 4 boobies!

Blogs 4 Boobies blog bounce - day 3

Day 3 (today):

Rae Barthel----- you are here

Be sure to check out the other amazing designers from the past two days:

Day #2:

Day #1:

Have fun bouncing from blog to blog. Enjoy all the designs, and make a bid or two! This is a rare opportunity to take home a card(s)/project from your favorite designer, and fight the war against breast cancer!!!

Together we can make a difference!!

xoxo

rae

time to celebrate {PDCC94}

moxie fab tuesday trigger: luminous layers

CAS-ual Fridays CFC14

you are special to me {Card Patterns #127}

play date cafe 93

Fly

CPS 229: sponsored by Clearsnap

the play date cafe challenge #92

got sketch? 124

CPS 228: Sponsored by: tami grandi, a*muse consultant

CPS 227: Sponsored by Want2Scrap

*new* SRM Stickers: Merry

*new* SRM Stickers: mini calendar desktop frame

Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger: Perty & Flirty

CPS sketch #226

sketch support: card sketch

CPS 225

Want to *WIN* 5 new Nikki Sivils collections?!

CPS 224

got sketch? #122

CPS sketch #223

SRM Stickers 4th of July cards!!

Little Yellow Bicycle cards made from prize winnings!

CPS #222 sponsored by My Favorite Things

*NEW* Nikki Sivils Scrapbooker 'School is Cool' sneak

Elmer's Craft and Tell Challenge Blog Hop!!

SRM Baseball Tubes (alternate title: Post #2, the post that never happened yesterday)

Two posts today! Post #1: CPS sketch 221

CPS 220 Sponsored by Gina K Designs

new Bazzill paired with SRM Stickers

moxie fab tuesday trigger

CPS 219

a few custom cards

CPS 218 sponsored by lawn fawn

CPS 217 Sponsored by Paper Smooches

First Communion Announcements

Mother's Day cards using SRM Stickers

Jolly

Last Day blogs 4 boobies!!

new SRM Stickers: Merry

new SRM Stickers: mini calendar desktop frame

Want to WIN 5 new Nikki Sivils collections?!

NEW Nikki Sivils Scrapbooker 'School is Cool' sneak