Friday, January 9, 2009

Blogger's Challenge 81 and a GIVE AWAY too!

The Blogger's Challenge for this week was to use designer paper! I was so excited what a great way to use up some of that mountain of scrap pieces I have. So that is exactly what I did. I also wanted to remind you of the two new stamps sets that are available now from Storage Units Ink and More, they are the cutest yet! So I decided that I would show you some samples of the first set called Sweet Things and then give a way the other set called Will You Be My Valentine! Be sure to check the end of this post for how you can win it.

Both of my cards for the challenge are using the darling images in the Sweet Things set. And various pieces of dp from my scrap stash. I adore pink and brown togeter hence the color choices on number one.


And then of course I love bright and fun cards so I went with a much brighter color scheme on this one. Good to use up some of these scraps--I could have made 100 cards and still have more left over!


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And now for the TECHNO TAKE-OUT giveaway!



Wouldn't you love to get you hands on this adorable set for FREE! There are so many samples using this set on the SUINK blog. So after you leave a comment here to win it why not head over there to check out all the great ideas on how to use it. All you have to do to win it is to leave a comment telling me what you favorite paper crafting tip is. I love to learn new ideas and ways to do things so this should be a fun one to read. Good luck! I will leave this open until Monday Night and then post the winner on Tuesday!


Mary Jo

84 nice people left a comment:

Lynn Mercurio said...

Wow...I'm first to comment! Both cards are fantastic creations, Mary Jo. I just adore chocolate and pinks together for Valentine's Day cards! You really did an outstanding job on the design layouts...they work wonderfully with your images, which are also perfectly executed! Well done, as usual.

Basement Stamper said...

MJ: Both cards are great! Love the sweets! and the cupcake card is perfect colors!

Nikki Bond said...

These are fantastic! Love your layouts and of course the glitter embellishments! {SMILES}

Kerry D-C said...

mmmm...mmmm....mmmmmm! These are SCRUMPTIOUS!!! :)

Anonymous said...

Me! Me! Pick Me!! I love the set you used also!!! Yummy! Great Job on the challenge :) Jane

Kristin said...

I'd love to win... fave tip? Using my BG Magnetic Mat (if you don't have one, get one!)... I can lay out everyting (if there's not a sketch I'm following) and hold it down with the included magnets. Or, move things around until I like it and THEN tape/glue it down.

Lisa Martz said...

Both cards are just wonderful! The pink and brown one looks good enough to eat!

Chrissy D said...

Ohhh I love both of these DPs!!! Gorgeous cards! TFS!

Chrissy D said...

Ohhh I love both of these DPs!!! Gorgeous cards! TFS!

Suzanne said...

TRULY SCRUMPTIOUS! I never feel that I am experienced enough to give tips on crafting as everyone else seems to make such gorgeous cards. But, I always tell my daughter to ay it out and swap it around before she sticks it - JUST IN CASE! Thanks for the chance to win

Hugs
Suzanne x

Cheryl said...

I am not a very great stamper, but I find that when I feel that my card needs something, that something is sponging! Thanks for the chance to win this great set.
Cheryl Sims

Julie said...

The cards are adorable.

For my favorite paper crafting tip...Layer, layer, layer. I have noticed how much layering adds to a project, taking it from nice to fantastic.

Kristen said...

MJ,
both your cards are amazing. I swear you get more creative by the day.

Jekka said...

I agree that browns and pinks are a favorite combination. I LOVE both of your cards.

My paper crafting tip is to share your scraps with a friend. My BFF in scraping and I both throw all of our DP scraps in a portable container when we have them(rubbermaid works great). Then when we meet once a month to scrap we go through each others scraps and take what we need. It's a great way to get DP that we might not otherwise have purchased or DP that we need just a little of.

By the way--thank you for your playlist. I open your blog first thing when I get to work just so I can be uplifted not only by your work but by the music.

Anonymous said...

WOW, what great candy!!! My favorite tip is always make two cards. The LONGEST part for me is all the decision making, should this go there, is that the right color... The second card goes together super fast!! Problem is I don't always do it. A lot of the time I'm real excited to make the next new project :)

Anonymous said...

Great cards. Mary Jo! One tip that I discovered when cutting out many images by hand for my Christmas cards is to always have a pair of SHARP scissors. I had recently bought a pair for detail cutting (Cutter Bee) and I ended up ripping paper as I cut...grrrr! Had to run to Archivers and get a different brand.
Adair
asvoboda@juno.com

bonnie32002 said...

My favorite crafting tip...I use what I call "fussy glueing" alot. It allows you to make the perfect matching faux brad to fit your project.

here's the short tutorial on the way to do it: http://craftiblog.wordpress.com/2008/12/27/2008-12-27-fussy-gluing-technique-and-tutorial/

www.craftiblog.wordpress.com
bonnie32002

Denise ~ Paper Ponderings said...

so totally adorable. My favorite tip is to recycle old phone books by using them as my work space...I can make such a mess and still put the page in recycling.

Rachel Hope said...

That set is so Sweet! (LOL) love your cards!!!

Stampinsilvia said...

ohhh Free stamps! Who wouldn't love that! Thanks for the chance and for sharing your amazing God given talent!

Anonymous said...

One thing I have to tell myself on some things is "less is best". Not always but, sometimes too much is just too much. I get carried away on embellishments and it takes away from my card or photos. Thanks for the chance to win.

Stampinsilvia said...

What an adorable set! YOu have made some super cute things with it! LOVE IT!!! May I please have it? I asked nicely! Good luck to everyone!

Sam said...

my favourite crafting tip is one that we all learn very early on in our crafting hobby!! ALWAYS check the back of whatever it is you are cutting out (or stamping on) to make sure that you don't inadvertently ruin something that you already had!!! ;-)

I failed to do that just before christmas!! and boy, was I annoyed!!?

bubbles32 said...

I love your blog and your tutorials are very easy to follow. Thank you for the opportunity to win such a cute set.

Debbi
bubbbles32@shaw.ca

bubbles32 said...

oops forgot to leave a tip; hmmm, don't talk on the phone with your stamping buddies while trying to cut paper. LOL.

Thank you for the opportunity.

Debbi
bubbles32@shaw.ca

Anonymous said...

Love your cards and the first one is my favorite with the 3 items. I am a subscriber to your blog so I don't miss out on a posting. Thanks for the blog candy offer--U R Sweet to do that. dar

Debby said...

Love your cards, those images are so cute and that dsp is awesome.
My tip is using thumb tacks to help lay down stickers. You have something to grip onto and it helps to get them in the right place.
Angel hugs
Debby

Sharon said...

Wonderful cards! I don't know if I have any wonderful tips, but one thing I have found helpful is that when using the Spellbinder Nestabilities, painter's tape works well to hold the die in place when cutting. Painter's tape will pull off your paper without ripping or tearing the paper. Thanks for the opportunity to win some wonderful candy!

Stampin_melissa said...

Such cute cards MJ! Thanks for the opportunity to win some cute blog candy. My paper craft tip would be to remember that others don't see those tiny imperfections that we (the creator of the card) see. I've seen so many women want to toss their card for something small that you would never notice if it wasn't pointed out to you. :D

Sue D said...

Cute cards--I especially like the pink and brown just because I like that color combo.
My papercrafting tip is to keep your paper scraps separated by color. I use them a lot more that way.

Verda said...

I don't remember where I got this tip but I love doing it. Cut along the edge of a piece of grosgrain ribbon.
Then take something with a sharp point and remove the threads. These threads tend to be wavy and several of them run through a button hole look adorable. It is kind of like making a fringe on a piece of cloth only you keep the pulled threads and use them. Great fun!

BTW I sure would like that set. Pretty please. Thanks for the opportunity.

Kimberly Gajewski said...

These are terrific cards Mary Jo! Such darling images! Love that cupcake! :D

Patti Chesky said...

I love both cards. Who doesn't love cards with those fabulous colors and images? Great job!!!

Maria Matter said...

beautiful cards!
Such a cute set for candy!
I'm still new at all this cardmaking so the only tip is one I just learned...leave the sentiment off if the card isn't being sent out right away...then you can choose it for different occasions!
Thanks so much for doing this!
Be blessed, Maria

Nathalia said...

Thanks for sharing. Your cards are adorable!!

Pamela said...

Love the cards.

My hint is actually be willing to experiment with any idea that comes to your mind. You never know what you will come up with. Just a stroll through a store can also give some inspiration...so if you are in a rut, get out and stroll the nearest Target or Wal-Mart.

Thanks for a chance to win and have a great day.

pscole3467 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I guess my tip is that I swap tools with friends. We each have a lot of things. And there is no sense in having the same tool. So...we switch and share. It is super fun. We keep them for only 2 weeks. Then return them. It is so neat!

Anonymous said...

Love your cards. I think layering and inking the edges adds a great deal to a project.
JoAnn B. scrappingnana4@yahoo.com

Tangii said...

Great cards Mary Jo! I love the images and the colors! Great set giveaway too!!! I always love to see what you come up with each week for the challenge! Have a great weekend.

Lori said...

These are adorable, Mary Jo! Great layouts for using up some of those scraps that always seem to be piling up. My quick stamping tip--when you add a button to a paper crafting project, use a white gel pen to add a faux stitch between the buttonholes. It's quicker than adding a piece of twine or thread and makes it easier to stick the button on your project since the back stays flat.

Julia said...

Great cards (as always)! The best tip I have is when I stamp I use a piece of craft foam(not styro-foam), to place under the paper I am going to stamp on. It gives a much better stamped image than stamping on a hard surface. Magazines or stack of paper works too.
The stamps are adorable.
Hugs,
Julia

Kay said...

Hi and thanks for the chance to win! I LOVE your blog with it's ideas and music! BOTH are insprirational! On my cards I try to include an embellishment of some kind. It helps to make the card pop! It would be nice if you could compile all these great tips! Hugs Kay M.

Anonymous said...

My best tip is to get a Scor-Pal and use that for scoring and special projects. They come in handy so much!

Thanks for the giveaway!
Angie
Pricousins at aol dot com

StampinCathy said...

Your cards are fabulous and love the colors and layout. I would love to be the lucky stamper to win this sweet set. I would love to have the kiddies make their Valentine cards with this sweet rubber!
One of my tip is when you paint or use ink pads to color chipboard, use a straight pin or tooth pick in them to hold on to and it's not so messy.
I hope that makes since.
Thanks for a chance at this fun stamp set.

Anonymous said...

Cute cards!
My best tip is to use the best paper you can find for your cards! to me paper is the key.
Cindy

Scrappinangler said...

One of my fav tips is if you hand cut something and it doesn't turn out perfect, distress the edges with ink and no one will ever know but you!! :)

~Tori H.

kc_froglady said...

what a great set! I am not an expert card maker or paper crafter in any sense of the word but the one thing I know makes it look more complete is to layer layer layer LOL and I also like to edge the papers with ink so there are no ragged edges (unless that is the look I am going for LOL)

Judy Rozema said...

What darling cards! I love the little tags on the second one and the first one is one of my fav color combos! So sweet!

I have a hanging file system that I use for scraps smaller than a half sheet. Any time I cut something, whether it be patterned paper or plain CS, it goes into one of the 50 files labelled with tabs showing SU colors. I chose the closest color (or main color if it is DP) and into the file it goes. Before I can cut a new piece of paper, I look in the file to see what is there. The file folders are on a roller cart, so it makes it handy!

Anonymous said...

Wow, love your cards. I would love to win that set. I love your blog, learn a lot from it. My favorite tip is to always clean new stamps with staz on cleaner or buff with a paper sander block. This way you will get a better stamped image.
Thanks,
MaryAnn
granmaknit@aol.com

CJ said...

Great cards!!! My favorite tip? It's not so much for papercrafting but for papercrafting motivation. Someone told me once, when I was having a hard time finding my crafting mojo, to leave a project half done. That way I would be much more likely to go back and craft, knowing I had an idea already in the works... and it works great for me! I just go to my craft area, sit down, and start where I left off! :)

Lisa Bohler said...

Both cards are adorable! I love how you used up some scraps to complete the challenge.

My paper crafting hint: It's actually something I've just started within the last year. I usually take about 2 minutes when I'm done stamping for the night to put things away. That little bit of organization keeps my area clean plus the next time I need to work on a project, I'm ready to go!

Gina Wrona said...

Awesome! Thanks so much for the chance to play and win.

My tip is to save ALL scraps from ribbons to cardstock. Some of my best cards are created from scraps. They just somehow seem to be the right size when you need them to be, kwim?

Charlene H. said...

My tip is when stamping, if you take something out that is not on your stamping table, use it and then put it right back. That way your stamping table won't become cluttered as you are working. It may take a little extra effort to get up and put it back but I look at that as my "exercise" for the day (hee hee). I try and do this and it really helps to keep my table fairly clean while I work.

Anonymous said...

My favorite tip is actually one I just read. It is to take your DP and cut it into pieces. After you do that, glue the pieces anyway you want on a card. Now your card is set to go...you just have to stamp something(and color it)and place it on your card. I love that idea and I am going to try it out this weekend.

Jenn said...

Thanks for the chance to win.

My tip is if you aren't happy with it, leave it alone for a couple hours and come back refreshed with a new perspective on your project :)

Janet said...

My tip is for the inside of your cards. I sometimes stamp or print my greeting on a separate piece of paper and mat it. I then attach it to the inside of the card with repositional tape so that the recipient can reuse the card if they wish to. You can also make two separate mats: one for the greeting mounted with permanent tape and one for your signature which is the one that is mounted with repositional tape. Thanks for a chance to win some very cute stamps.

sandyh50 said...

Love your cards! My favorite tip is that there are no mistakes in stamping. I just dropped a stamp on the corner of a card for my father in law's birthday that had black stazon inked on it. I was all set to throw it away and thought, no wait, I can cut this out and glue it to a different card base. I just rematted it and it worked great!! I love this stamp set. Thanks for the chance

sandyh502001 at yahoo dot com

Kathie Bailey said...

Great job on both cards MJ. I am loving the Valentines!

My favorite tip is that serendipity is a beautiful thing. Some of my best cards have been the result of a happy accident!

Anonymous said...

My craft tip is, if you make a mistake-either sponge over it or make a mat to cover it. Thanks for a chance to win-cute set!
Kate

Anonymous said...

I know this might sound weird, but my favorite tip is that when I get stuck or am not sure if something is working out right, I turn it upside down, stand up and look at it that way (or walk around the to other side of the table). Somehow, that different perspective helps and I can adjust color combinations or fix a problem with balance. I guess not "seeing" the words or the images gives me a better eye!

Cheri said...

Both of your cards are so wonderful - love them! Thanks for a chance to win the cute stamp set!

Regina said...

Your cupcake cards are absolutely adorable!

Anonymous said...

My tip is not to glue anything together until you know exactly how you want it. Thanks for the chance to win

Liz said...

Wow! Awesome cards! Love your work. Thank you for sharing.

My favorite tip is always have a wipe or a hand towel near by so you can wipe your hands between each inking and coloring. This way you will never have fingerprints on your cards and never have to start over. LOL Believe me, I learned the hard way.

Thanks for the chance to win that adorable stamp set.

Liz

Sue said...

Great cards, thanks for sharing! I'm a new stamper and the one tip that I appreciated receiving was to lay out your card before you start putting it all together. It save frustration and that's real important!!! Thanks for a chance to win.

kristinorth said...

My tip is to stamp first, THEN punch or cut! No more wasted pieces because of crooked or messed-up stamping!

Anonymous said...

These stamps sre so cute! My first time to this site
vlromaine@bellsouth.net

Margaret Raburn said...

MJ, love your cards and the sweet set you are giving away! My simple tip is to lay a piece of the rubber-type shelf lining that is just a little bigger than the stamp pad on your stamping surface; place the ink pad on it and the shelf liner will keep your ink pad from scooting around when you're inking your stamp. That way my other hand is free to hold the cardstock, etc. and I can work a little faster. HTH.

Karenladd said...

Those are darling stamps...and I have a huge sweet tooth so the cupcakes really appeal to me. My favorite crafting tips are:
1. Always vary the texture and dimension on papercrafts. Use foam mounting tape as often as possible!
2. Make sure you use sharp blades and scissors, or use an emery board to get rid of those pesky little paper tags.
3. Use colors that you love and it will all be wonderful!!

Swamp Tulip said...

Hmmm - my tip would be to make an extra card every time you create one or create one extra card in every swap. These extras will quickly build your stash and you'll most likely have a card when you need one quickly.

Great blog candy give away - thanks for the chance.

Teresa

Paula said...

When you need just a small pop up, I save the outer layer of my dimensionals and cut them up really small for those itty bitty things you need to pop up.

Anonymous said...

Hiya hunni, my crafty tip is to always have a couple of pairs of sissors as i always seem to get them stuck together after cutting sticky things, gets me in a right pickle hehe! i never learn!

have linked your candy!

Carly xxx

Anonymous said...

My tip is to make a scanned copy of every card you make.. so you can go back and get inspiration when you need it.. also you can see your own growth
thanks
Debbie
ebat@cox.net

Anonymous said...

Hi there!
I love both of your cards, they are so adorable!
My tip would be to not be afraid to try any colour combination, you might be suprised how some combinations turn out!
Thanks for the oppurtunity to build my stamp collection!

Winxy Escapes said...

Awesome cards i love the brightness very cheery!!

Candy said...

Cute cards!! I am new to these stamps but I'm finding I really like them!

Patty (SCS-pepperrn) said...

Wow, what lovely card you made! I jsut love your style and admire your talent! My tip is to lay your card out before you put it together so you are sure you are finished with it. I don't know how many times I have forgotten to add something AFTER it is all together!!

Thakd for a fun cahllenge. This is my first, but for sure not my lst!!

Patty

Patty (SCS-pepperrn) said...

My tip it to make sure you have everything you want on your crad BEFORE you put it together. I can't count how many times I forgoet to put something on AFTER it is put together!!

Here is my card:

http://pepperspapercrafting-pepperrn.blogspot.com/2009/01/mojo60-and-bloggers-challenge-81.html

Patty

Tasha said...

These card are so cute! What fun sets to work with. My favorite tip is to use versamark ink and stamp a pattern on a solid paper to use as your own designer paper. It's a very subtle way to make a fun background and doesn't interfere with a stamped image.

Tasha

Anonymous said...

What a cute set! Pick Me! lol. You do such a great job on your cards. I love checking out your blog all of the time. TFS

Anonymous said...

What a great set. This would make some really great cards. Your cards are awesome. Your take on the MojoMonday was just great. I love the color combo and just simplicity of it.

Shelly Schmidt said...

Great cards! Love the colors! My tip- I am a compulsive sorter- so I make charts of everything- use sticky double sided tape and adhere your glitters, make a chart of all of your distress inks (I have Ranger), your alcohol inks, Copics, Pearl-ex, etc. I make one for my purse too- so when I am out shopping or at a workshop, well....I do not buy anything twice...have you ever done that?
Thanks for the great layout challenges Mary Jo

Karen said...

Fabulous cards MaryJo. I am always uplifted when I come to your blog. My papercrafting tip is to make an inventory of your non-consumables. A few times I have purchased the same item forgetting that I had bought one already. Now I have a spreadsheet for stamp sets, tools and accoutrements. Consumables? Heck it never hurts to have a duplicate ... it will get used.

Erum Tasneem said...

LURRRRVE both the cards! I love bright, fun cards!
My fav crafting tip is saving scraps and making flowers or swirls or flower centers from those scraps. I make all my flowers by hand so any size of scrap is handy for me. I have this HUGE box of scraps, and whenever I need to make flowers I dive in! LOL :o)