Kazan's Sketch 23

My parents are away for a well-deserved break at Texel. Usually they look after our girls on Monday, but since they are away I left work for home early today. I picked up the girls from school at 3pm. Before we went home I got them an icecream. We have been having some nice spring weather at the moment and it will even be warmer at the end of the week.

The new sketch over at 2 Sketches 4 You was revealed around 4pm. Actually I had planned to do some chores this afternoon, but I couldn't resist playing along. The sketch is great, and the DT cards are stunning. I love them all! Here's my card based on Kazan's Sketch 23. I kept it quite simple this time, but I like it.



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Bazics Paper Patterned paper: Pebbles Inc. So Tweet Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Button: Rusty Pickle Tools: Sizzix Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities Scallloped Squares Large, Coluzzle circle template, Martha Stewart Butterfly punch, Fiskars Lazy Days border punch, sewing machine Other: cord

Take care!

100K Giveaway - Part III, a Winner and....a Sneak Peek

A bit late on Sunday evening, but....better late than never. The 3rd and last giveaway is a small card kit containing Making Memories Flower Patch goodies. All you have to do is leaving a comment telling me about your favorite holiday destination or resort. We still haven't decided where we want to go to this summer, so maybe you have a suggestion.



I also have to announce the winner of the latest Cards Only issue. The first winner picked by Random.org was someone who already has a subscription, so I had to generate another number and that is........drumroll please......


That brings us to Tineke. Congrats, girl! Please e-mail me your address and I will get the magazine in the mail to you this week.

The Jillibean Soup Design Team will officially kick off on April 1st. Here's a sneak peak of one of my first projects.



Be sure to check Jillibean Soup's Bean Talk blog daily as of April 1st.

Thanks for stopping by. Until next time.

CP Sketch #8, a TOOT, and....a Winner

I am happy that it is weekend. I had quite a busy week. I worked 4 days instead of 3 days, and had lots of other things to do. We haven't made any plans for this weekend, so it will be a relaxing one.

I have a few things to share with you today. Let's start with my card for the weekly sketch over at Card Patterns. This one is based on Michelle's Sketch #8.



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, flower, button: We R Memory Keepers Tiffany's Stamps: Melissa Frances Clear Stamps Celebrate It Ribbon: American Crafts Tools: Sizzix Big Shot, Sizzix Circles die, QuicKutz Nesting Flowers, sewing machine Other: cord

Card Patterns' Guest Designer is Monika Davis. Hop over to her blog to see her gorgeous card creations. This week's sponsor is Paper Blooms. The randomly picked winner will receive some gorgeous hand crocheted flowers.

Yesterday Marije sent me a scan of the cover of the newest Scrapbook Magazine. (The colors are not as good as IRL.) And look....who's the cover girl? I used the yummy Minestrone collection by Jillibean Soup on this layout. It is super cool to be on the cover of a magazine, but this one is very special to me. If you read the editorial note you will understand why. Truike, the owner of the magazine and Paper & Pictures, was really touched by this layout.



Thank you all for your replies on this post. Thanks to you I have found some great inspirational blogs that I didn't know yet. Now it is time to announce the winner of my GCHF card, a ShortCuts GCHF Sampler Pack as well as a $5 discount coupon to be spent on ShortCuts products. And if you use my 10% discount code (right sidebar) you even save more money.


There were a few double entries, so #15 brings us to......Amy. Congrats, Amy!! Please e-mail me your address and I will get the goodies in the mail to you.

Have a wonderful weekend!

100K Giveaway - Part II

Wooohooo!! I exceeded the 100,000 mark yesterday. Thank you! So.....time for giveaway #2. Today I am giving away the latest issue of the Dutch magazine Cards Only. I have quite a lot of cards published in this issue. All you have to do is leaving a comment on this post. The lucky winner will be announced on Sunday.



I'll be back tomorrow with my Card Patterns DT card. And.....I will announce the winner of the ShortCuts GCHF giveaway.

100K Giveaway - Part I

Only less than 200 hits to go until the 100,000 mark. A good reason to already start with the fun things since the magic number is getting real close now. So.........let's celebrate!!

I made this ShortCuts Gift Card Holder Folder to thank you all for visiting my blog and leaving me such sweet comments. Through my blog I have met many new friends and some of them are very dear to me (girls...you know who you are!). I have also discovered lots of wonderful and inspiring blogs. Through the years I have built up a long list of favorite blogs, but there are so many other blogs that I don't know of yet. What blog inspires you most? Leave me a comment telling me about your favorite (scrapbook) blog and I'll give away a ShortCuts Gift Card Holder Folder sampler pack and a $5 ShortCuts discount coupon that can be spent here to one lucky winner on Saturday. The winner will also receive my Thanks a million GCHF.



Supplies: ShortCuts Gift Card Holder Folder Patterned paper: October Afternoon Weathervane Rub-ons, pearls: Melissa Frances Tools: Sizzix Big Shot, Sizzix Circles die, Stampin'Up! Eyelet Border punch, Martha Stewart Butterfly punch, sewing machine Ink: VersaColor Pinecone Other: cord, chipboard

Have a wonderful day!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today my mom is celebrating her birthday. No big party today. We had dinner at their place last Sunday. We spoilt her with 4 Martha Stewart punches. Yes....she is addicted to punches too. Happy Birthday, mama! xoxo



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: S.E.I. Bridgeport Ribbon: Bo Bunny Button: Rusty Pickle Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Tools: Sizzix Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Three, EK Success Retro Flower punch, Coluzzle Circle template, sewing machine Other: twine

Have a wonderful day!

Card Patterns Sketch #7

Another week has gone by, which means time for another sketch over at Card Patterns. Just like last week I used a ShortCuts product on my card. I cut out a circle, and adhered a piece of a ShortCuts Clear Full Sheet to the back. This way I created a see through card. The title, circle as well as the butterfly are adhered to the clear sheet.



Supplies: ShortCuts Clear Full Sheet Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, letter stickers, ribbon: American Crafts Button: Rusty Pickle Tools: Sizzix Big Shot, Stampin'Up! Bigz Clear Circle, Stampin'Up! Eyelet Border punch, Cuttlebug Cut 'n Emboss Butterflies, Coluzzle Circle template Other: cord

This week's guest designer is Kay Sibley. Kay is a very talented card maker. Her cards are gorgeous, and her blog is absolutely worth a visit. You can be chosen as our guest designer too. Check the Card Patterns blog for more details.

Have you noticed that my blog counter is heading towards 100,000 hits? 100,000!! Given the average number of blog visitors each day I think the magic number will be reached somewhere next week. Be sure to check in next week, because I have some fun things scheduled.

Enjoy your weekend!

Kazan's Sketch #22

It has been a few weeks ago since I played along with 2 Sketches 4 You. I was too busy working on assignments and hardly had time to create anything else. I missed playing along with my favorite challenge blogs. While Sanne was playing with one of her friends Fleur and I scrapped together. In the USA March is known nationally for Youth Art Month. To be honest, I am not sure if we celebrate Youth Art Month over here too. The girls over at 2 Sketches 4 You encourage us and the young artist in our life to create a card for them based on Kazan's Sketch 22. That is what Fleur (8) and I did this afternoon.

This is my take on Kazan's sketch. I rotated the sketch 90°, and kept the card quite simple.



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, letter stickers: American Crafts Tools: Sizzix Big Shot, Stampin'Up! Bigz Clear Circle, Martha Stewart Butterfly punch, sewing machine, Marvy Uchida Square punch Pearls: Kaisercraft Other: ribbon

It was the first time for Fleur using a sketch, and I think she did a wonderful job. I only helped her tie the ribbon, but the design is her own interpretation of Kazan's sketch.



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Bo Bunny Flower: Prima Marketing Button: Rusty Pickly Tools: EK Success Retro Flower punch Ribbon: Hema Letter stickers: My Little Shoebox

I'll be back tomorrow with my card for the new Card Patterns' sketch.

Enjoy your weekend!

Happy Birthday Ruben!

Today our nephew Ruben is turning 9! Happy Birthday, Ruben! We wish you a wonderful day. I was a bit late sending a card, but hopefully it arrived in time.


Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Cosmo Cricket Stamps: Hero Arts Tools: Fiskars Border Punch Upper Crest, Sizzix Big Shot, Sizzix Stars die Ink: VersaColor Pinecone, Versafine Vintage Sepia Other: chipboard, twine

Thank you all so much for your sweet words and wishes on my Jillibean Soup DT position. It is so nice to read all comments. The Jillibean Soup goodies arrived at Paper & Pictures this week. You should really see the papers, journaling sprouts and felt flowers IRL. The products and colors are gorgeous.

Have a wonderful day!

Jillibean Soup DT TOOOOOTTT!!

I am so thrilled to finally share my AMAZING and EXCITING news with all of you. A few days ago I received an e-mail from Jillibean Soup asking me to join their Design Team. I was having breakfast just before I had to leave for work, and checked my e-mail. I almost freaked out when I read the e-mail from Jill and ran upstairs to tell Eric about it. I was so excited, and just couldn't believe it!!! It was even harder to believe when I found out about the amazingly talented team that I am part of. May I introduce you to the very first Jillibean Soup Design Team.



The official announcement can be found on the new Jillibean Soup blog Bean Talk.

I can hardly wait to work with Jill, the team, and of course....the Jillibean Soup goodies. I love Jillibean Soup from the very first moment I laid my eyes on their gorgeous products. I was very lucky to be able to work with the Minestrone collection that was part of a sampler pack that Truike from Paper & Pictures brought along from CHA Winter. I can't show you the layouts yet that I submitted as they might get published in the next issue of Scrapbook Magazine. The cards that I submitted can be found here and here.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Card Patterns Sketch #6

We are already at week 6 over at Card Patterns. Another fun sketch designed by Michelle. When I saw Michelle's sketch for this week I knew that I wanted to use the ShortCuts NoteCuts label that Alicia is offering as a freebie this month. The NoteCuts label is just perfect for this sketch. This time I cut the label using my QuicKutz Silhouette. I cut down a clear full sheet to make a 4.75x4.75" card.

I made this card for my father-in-law who is celebrating his birthday today. Happy Birthday, Arie!



Supplies: ShortCuts Clear Full Sheet, NoteCuts Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Scenic Route Grafton Rub-ons: Making Memories Tools: Sizzix Big Shot, Sizzix Stars, QuicKutz Silhouette, Coluzzle Circle template Ink: VersaColor Pinecone Other: chipboard

This week's guest designer is Heidi Van Laar. Heidi is a very talented card maker. If you are not familiar with her gorgeous work yet you should go and check her blog. It is absolutely worth a visit.

You too have a chance to become Card Patterns' guest designer. Hop on over to Card Patterns and create a card based on Sketch #6 and you might be picked as our guest designer. Our sponsor this week is My Favorite Things. Michelle will randomly pick a winner who will receive a great set of clear stamps.

I have some amazing and exciting news to tell you all about, but I can't share anything yet. Sorry for being such a tease!! Stay tuned.....I will reveal my secret soon.

Have a wonderful weekend!

ShortCuts Special Offer

Alicia from ShortCuts is pleased to announce the new ShortCuts Online "Store" is open for business!! Finally customers worldwide can place orders, combined shipping will be figured automatically AND discount codes can be entered (and applied) during check out!! Yay! As a special incentive, and to help her test the store, she is offering a 15% discount to customers who place an online order before Saturday, March 14th!! During check out, enter NewStore15 in the Redemption Code box, and it will take 15% off all product prices!!

Discount will be applied to product prices only, not shipping/handling.
Discount code (NewStore15) must be entered during check out.
The store currently accepts PayPal only.

The card below is one of my cards that was published in the Dutch magazine Cards Only #5. The base is a ShortCuts Frosted Card Blank.



Supplies: ShortCuts Frosted Card Blank Cardstock, ribbon: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Scenic Route Loveland Tools: Sizzix Big Shot, Sizzix Hearts die, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder, Fiskars Threading Water punch, sewing machine Button: Rusty Pickle Other: tag, cord, stamps

I would like to thank you all for your comforting words about the loss of my aunt.

Sad News

I made this card for my grandma. Last Thursday her daughter (my dad's sister) passed away in her sleep unexpectedly. I feel very sorry for my grandma. She is 96 year old, and needless to say the loss of her daughter has a huge emotional impact on her. She is going through a very hard time, and I truly hope that she will be able to cope with her loss.

The design of this card is based on CPS Sketch 106.



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Making Memories Greenhouse Paperie Letter stickers: Prima Marketing Chipboard: Maya Road Ink: VersaColor Pinecone Tools: sewing machine

Thanks for stopping by.

Card Patterns Sketch #5

It is Saturday, and time for a new sketch by Michelle over at Card Patterns. It is so good to see that many card makers found their way to the Card Patterns blog. Today's sketch is Sketch #5. I made a card for Roos, the daughter of one of my best friends, who turned 5 today. I used the Dream Street Papers Lullaby collection that I bought at Paper & Pictures last Thursday. A lovely collection for little girls.



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned papers: Dream Street Papers Lullaby Letter Stickers: American Crafts Pearls: Kaisercraft Tools: Fiskars Apron Lace Border Punch, Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch, QuicKutz Nesting Flowers, EK Success Circle Punch, Coluzzle Circle template, sewing machine Other: ribbon

Again there will be two lucky winners this week. One will be offered a Guest Designer spot, and the other will win a prize package sponsored by Paper Popsicles. They are giving away this...



This week's Guest Designer at Card Patterns is Jane Ettia Jones. Her blog is absolutely worth a visit. She is a very talented scrapbooker, and her creations are always so gorgeous. Her card based on Sketch #5 is stunning.

Today we went shopping in Maastricht, our favorite city to shop. Usually Eric and I go there together for a weekend at least once a year. This time we went with the 4 of us. We left at 8.10am, and arrived in Maastricht at 9.50am. We first had a drink in a restaurant at the beautiful square Onze Lieve Vrouwenplein. We then headed to Eric's favorite store Laurier-Bome Casual. We spent more than an hour in that store, and Eric left with lots of nice clothes. For the girls we went shopping at Esprit and Mexx, and Eric and I bought clothes at Geddes & Gillmore. Fleur and Sanne had a Happy Meal for lunch. Whenever Eric and I are in Maastricht we always take a sandwich at Subway for lunch, and that is what we did today too. We love their sandwiches. We shopped till we almost dropped, and ended our shopping trip in the same restaurant as we started in the morning. We were home at 6.30pm. We had a wonderful day today, and we all enjoyed it a lot.

I received the Makes My Heart Smile award from Lynn, Hanneke, Marije and Claudia. Thanks girls! I really appreciate getting the award from you. I am always a bit late passing it on, and by the time I post the award on my blog my favorites have already received the award. So.....this award is for all my blog readers. I really appreciate it that you take time to visit my blog, and leave comments. A BIG thank you to you all.....You Make My Heart Smile.

You may remember this post. I have not forgotten about it, but haven't taken the time yet to answer your questions. Will do so within the next few days. If you want you can still add your question.

Enjoy your weekend!

A Few Cards

The new issue of the magazine Cards Only hit the stores this week, so that means I can show you some of my cards that were published in issue 5.







I have been busy working on DT assignments and cards for Cards Only 7. I bought some new papers at Paper & Pictures this afternoon and I look forward to play with it. Unfortunately I have to wait. I'll be going to the theater with my mom tonight, and tomorrow I have an all day meeting at work.

This afternoon I also bought a new sewing machine. I had problems with my old machine, and since that one is 20 years old I decided to buy a new one. I tried it this afternoon, and it works really well.



Well....I am off to pick up my mom. Have a nice evening!

**ETA**
My mom and I went to see the show Vuile Huichelaar and it was GREAT! This is one of the best shows I have seen this season. For all the Dutch girls.....if the show comes to a theatre near you....buy tickets! You will have a fab and fun night out.

Online Card Crop

Last Saturday I organized the 4th online card crop over at the Dolls & Decorations forum. 4 Card challenges between 8pm and midnight. These online crops are real fun. I enjoy hosting these crops and create cards for each challenge.

The first challenge was to make a card using 6 different patterned papers. I was inspired by one of the forum members who left a comment on this card. She said she would have never thought of using so many different patterned papers on one card, so I thought that would be a great challenge to start with.

The second challenge was to make a tag of 9 x 15cm. This is my example. The Cosmo Cricket papers match really well with the Making Memories kraft papers.



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Cosmo Cricket Lil' Man, Making Memories Love Notes Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Tools: Sizzix Big Shot, Sizzix Stars die, Martha Stewart ZigZag Edge Punch, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Coluzzle Circle template Button: Rusty Pickle Ink: VersaColor Pinecone Other: twine

The third challenge was to make a card using circle(s), blue and ribbon. This is my take on the challenge. I so love these Weathervane papers by October Afternoon.



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: October Afternoon Weathervane Letter stickers: Bookworks Mini ABC and Numbers Tools: Martha Stewart Scallop Dot Edge, Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch, Coluzzle Circle template, Making Memories Paper Piercer Ribbon: Fancy Pants Ink: VersaColor Pinecone

The fourth and last challenge was to make a card based on a Pagemaps sketch which I already showed here.

Enjoy your day, and thanks for stopping by.

ShortCuts March Cards

It is March, so time to reveal the first of my March ShortCuts DT projects. My first card is a square clear card. I cut down a clear full sheet to a 5x5" card. I used a NoteCuts label that Alicia is sharing as a freebie this month. You can print the label on cardstock or patterned paper and cut the shape by hand, but you can also use your electronic cutter. The NoteCuts freebie and details can be checked here.



Supplies: ShortCuts Clear Full Sheet, NoteCuts Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Cosmo Cricket Girl Friday, October Afternoon Night Light Rub-ons, die-cuts: October Afternoon Night Life Letter stickers: Bookworks Mini ABC & Numbers, October Afternoon Night Light Ink: VersaColor Pinecone

For my second card I used a frosted card blank. The design is based on a Pagemaps card sketch. I hosted another online card crop on the Dolls & Decorations messageboard last Saturday, and creating a card based on this sketch was one of the 4 challenges. This is my own take on the sketch.



Supplies: ShortCuts Frosted Card Blank Patterned paper, die-cuts: October Afternoon Night Light Letter stickers: Bookworks Mini ABC & Numbers, October Afternoon Night Light

Have a wonderful week!