My Top 10 Cards from 2010 Blog Hop

Oh what a year!  Suzi, aka Mrs. Weyremaster is hosting a top 10 cards of 2010 blog hop. 

I am still finishing up Christmas presents, but I couldn't resist playing along with this one! (yes, I know Christmas is over, but it still lives on for a few more days since we have yet to see everyone in our family!).  I realized as I went thru my cards, that I have yet to post my family Christmas card - yikes, and it is one of my favorite cards from this year.
So here are my other 10 favorites from oldest to most recent (I will have to get that Christmas card up before the new year).  Click on the #s to be taken to the original post.

1. 

 2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Join in the fun, including prizes...you have until 7 am GMT Wednesday, December 29th to link up your own list here. 
Smiles,
Julie

Just a Little Late for the Hump Day Inspiration Sketch

Oh how I wish it was Wednesday already!  I am not wishing for the time to go by fast, since it goes by fast enough this time of year, I am just waiting until Friday when we go on the North Pole Express!  It is a train ride to the North Pole with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus cookies, caroling, and hot chocolate.  Each car on the train has a host/hostess who entertains and leads the caroling and games.  The kids wear PJs and it has turned into a family tradition - I think this may be the fifth year for us.
As I have trains on my mind, I am sharing a "train" tag!  The image is a custom freebie from Inktegrity that you will receive with each image purchased - that means you can have whatever name you want, although I am personally a little partial to "Alex" :>) 

I may be late for last week's Inktegrity Hump Day Inspiration Challenge, but there is still time for you to participate.  Link up your own take on this sketch to the Inktegrity Challenge Blog found here.
Enjoy your week!
Smiles,
Julie
Details:  Image - Inktegrity

Cocoa Anyone?

I have seen the posts on other blogs with yummy homemade hot cocoa recipes.  I really do love the idea of making my own hot chocolate, but I am taking the easy way out today - Ha!  Especially because the Tall Gable template from Perfect Presentation is the perfect size to hold packets of hot chocolate. 

My DD has a male teacher this year so I am trying for a more masculine look with this box.  Hot Cocoa Slusser from Inktegrity is perfect paired up with hot chocolate mix :>)

Right now, this box is filled with Swiss Miss (it's some special dark chocolate kind) but I will be on the lookout for other brands/varieties to fit in this box over the next month (yikes, Christmas is coming fast).  Swiss Miss should consider changing their packaging though because this box holds all 8 packets and is much more fun than a plain ole rectangle.  This pic also lets you in on a little secret of mine...I use a dark thread for my bobbin.  I think it makes the stitching a little more distinct and it is also easier because I never have to change it to match the top thread ;>).  Here is another little tip, the plaid embossing on my template was too distinguished, so after I embossed, I ran the paper thru my Cuttlebug outside of the folder to smooth out the embossing.  Now the embossing is subtle, yet still gives some texture.
My cocoa box is for the following challenges:
Inktegrity Hump Day Inspiration Challenge - Anything Goes! - Now everyone should be able to play along with this one and you may just win a gift certificate to Inktegrity :>)
Paper Players - Sketch Challenge - I always love a good sketch!
Have a wonderful day!
Smiles,
Julie
Details:  Image - Hot Cocoa Slusser (Inktegrity), template - Tall Gable (Perfect Presentation), CS - SU, PP - Oliver (Basic Grey), Dies - Rectangles (Nestabilities) and Embossing Folders - Plaid (Sizzix).

The Penguin Invasion Continues With Star Hana

Yep, the Inktegrity penguins are back and today Slusser's sister Hana is debuting her winter attire - Star Hana.  Be sure to visit the Inktegrity blog and leave a comment there for a chance to win Star Hana.  All the penguins will be available for purchase at the Inktegrity store on Friday.

Oh how much fun I had creating a little winter scene, with the felt mat, hand stitching, glitter and more glitter.  
Plus, I was able to combine a few challenges with this one...
Crazy 4 Challenges - Square Card
Sweet Sunday Sketch - Sketch #92
Paper Sundaes - Let It Snow
Inktegrity Challenge Blog - Recipe Challenge - flowers and bows - be sure to play along for a chance to win an Inktegrity gift certificate.
Smiles,
Julie
Details: Image - Star Hana (Inktegrity), PP - Eskimo Kisses (Basic Grey), CS - PTI, Glitter - Stampendous, Dies - Snowflakes (Cuttlebug), Ribbon, Button - PTI, and Felt (TCP).

Today's Penguin - Baby Slusser With Gift

Today is the second preview day for the November Inktegrity release.  Slusser is back and this time we are flashing back to when he was a baby.  Here is "Baby Slusser With Gift"...

Awww, he was a cute baby!  Do you see that cute hat?  I used flock for the first time - what fun!  Just a wee bit messy, but so worth it!  There was a mini baby boom amongst my cousins this past summer and there are quite a few 1st Christmases to be celebrated.  Baby Slusser is perfect for that occasion, but he would also be fun for any age.  For a chance to win him head on over to the Inktegrity Blog and leave a comment.
My card is based on this week's Card Pattern's sketch found HERE.

Be sure to visit the rest of the Design Team and say "Hi!".

Monica

Joni {owner}

Diane

Kristy

Candy

Becca

Tammylee

Jessy
Divya

Stop back tomorrow to see Slusser's sister who is ready for the snow!

Smiles,
Julie

Details:  Image - Baby Slusser With Gift (Inktegrity), Sentiment - computer generated, CS (PTI & GKD), Buttons and Ribbon (PTI), Copics, Flock - Stampendous and Embossing Folders Cuttlebug and Sizzix.

It's a Penguin Invasion at Inktegrity

Today is the first preview day for the November Inktegrity release.  Slusser is back and he brought the rest of his family.  I am sneak peeking Hot Cocoa Slusser - warning he is playing the role of a girl today ;>)

Yep, I colored him up with pinks and aquas.  He's a cutie!  
Be sure to visit the rest of the Design Team and say "Hi!".

Monica

Joni {owner}

Diane

Kristy

Candy

Becca

Tammylee

Jessy
Divya

The rest of Slusser's family will be stopping by to visit tomorrow and Wednesday - I hope you stop by too!

Smiles,
Julie

Details:  Image - Hot Cocoa Slusser (Inktegrity), Sentiment - Christmas Button Bits (PTI), PP - Eskimo Kisses (Basic Grey), CS (PTI), Buttons and Ribbon (PTI) and Copics.

Apple Basket Take II

Have you ever made part of an item and wondered what you were going to do with it?  That is today's project and all because this week's Inktegrity Hump Day Inspiration Challenge is Anything Goes!
No rules to follow, no sketch, no colors, no technique - ANYTHING GOES!  That also means I could make whatever I wanted and follow my own inspiration.
While coloring the Apple Basket image from Inktegrity last week I thought "what fun it would be to make larger paper pieced apples".  So I did just that...but then what was I going to put the large apple basket on?   I searched my basement for something to alter (I promise Yvonne, I really do try to upcycle :>).  I then thought hmmmm, what about a framed piece of art, but alas all the black frames in my house do not look good with my brown basket.  So after all that hemming and hawing I was still left with this large basket of apples!  I ended up with a 5"x7" card, but I reserve the right to still turn this into something else - let me know if you have any fab ideas!

After all that I hope you likey :>)  And I hope you link up a project to this week's Inktegrity Challenge - remember, Anything Goes!  You could win a gift certificate to the Inktegrity store and you may just find yourself paper piecing your own apples.  Inktegrity images are always great to see, but are not required for the challenge.
Stop by and say hi to the other gals on the design team too -
Monica

Joni {owner}

Diane

Kristy

Candy

Becca

Tammylee

Jessy
Divya

Now besides Inktegrity's "Anything Goes", this card is also for the Creative Cottage Challenge to use embossing.
Smiles,
Julie
Details - Image - Apple Basket (Inktegrity), PP - Road Map (October Afternoon), CS - Vintage Cream (PTI), embossing folder- Plaid (Sizzix) and copic markers.

Just Treats, No Tricks!

Head on over to the Inktegrity Blog today and grab some treats - no tricks, I promise!  Joni designed a few Halloween freebies and she is sharing!  Here is a treat bag I made using Perfect Presentation's Tombstone Treat Bag and the Gate freebie from Inktegrity - the shapes match perfectly!

My bag is also for the Buttons and Bows challenge -to create a Halloween project using buttons and/or bows - I have 'em both!  If you have not seen the buttons Kristy makes you need to hop on over to the blog - honestly, so cute.  Fun stuff!
Plus, Raise the Bar's latest challenge is to use Orange, Black and Purple - check!
Really Reasonable Ribbon's challenge is to create a Halloween Card or Treat Bag - check!
Smiles,
Julie
Details:  Image - Halloween Gate Freebie (Inktegrity), Template - Tombstone Treat Bag (Perfect Presentation), CS - SU, PP - Basic Grey, Button - stash, Ribbon - Stash, Bat Punch (Martha Stewart) and embroidery floss.

An Apple a Day

Apples = yummy and I like anything and everything made with apples.  It is a good thing too, because my sons went on an apple orchard field trip and each came home with overflowing bag of apples.  

Apples = Fall and the Apple Basket image released by Inktegrity this month is perfect for all your fall projects.  

I am still lacking LO mojo, so it is a card from me today using the Apple Basket image.  

This card is based on the sketch from this week's Inktegrity Hump Day Inspiration challenge.  I flipped the sketch and substituted shapes, but the basic LO is still there.  Play along by linking up your own take on the sketch HERE, there is an Inktegrity prize for one random participant.

Smiles,
Julie
Details:  Image - Apple Basket (Inktegrity) and sentiment - Autumn Splendor (Verve), PP - Road Map (October Afternoon), Copics - yep, I used 'em again - soooo fun!, twine (PTI), Buttons - Pure Poppy (PTI), Ink - Lady Bug (Momento) and Antique Linen (Tim Holtz), Embossing Folder - Plaid (Sizzix), & CS - Cream (PTI).

Inktegrity October Release Day!

Today's the 10th, which means the Inktegrity images you have been sneak peeking all week are now available in the STORE under the What's New tab!!!!

Tractor Set $5.00 USD

Apple Basket $2.00 USD

Pumpkin House $2.00 USD

Happy Shopping!
Smiles,
Julie

Just Fun!

The new Inktegrity images will be available in the store on tomorrow, Sunday, October 10th and the sneak peeks continue.   Included in the release is a tractor image - what could be more appropriate for a little boy?  It has been awhile since I did a fun little boy card.  My sons love any type of truck and their current favorite thing is driving past a construction site on the way to preschool. 

Now this image comes with several cute wagons for the tractor to pull - hay, pumpkins and scrapbooking supplies - how fun!  I decided to leave those all off though and added "four" to the top of the card {think smoke :>) }.  I decided to cut out the wheels and let those act as the base on the front of the card.  Texture, dimension and primary colors rule here.
I know the rest of the design team has been sharing all the new Inktegrity images the past few days.  Be sure to stop on by and share a little lovin'!!!
Monica

Joni {owner}

Diane

Kristy

Candy

Becca

Tammylee

Jessy
Divya
 

Smiles,
Julie
Details:  Image - Tractor (Inktegrity), Dies - Dahlia (Spellbinders), Embossing folders (cuttlebug), stash buttons, CS (SU).  Plus, I used copics.
Disclaimer:  This is my first card where I used only copics for the entire image.  I took a couple classes in September and I need to put my newly learned skills to work.  My colors are still limited, so I went over the windows with watercolor pencils to tone down the yellow.

Inktegrity New Fall Releases

It is officially fall and Inktegrity is officially back from summer vacation.  There will be new images available in the store on Sunday, October 10th and the sneak peeks have begun.
I am sharing a new way to use a previously released image.  Joni, the owner of Inktegrity, is reintroducing Candy the Squirrel.

Now you are probably asking yourself where is Candy?  You did not miss her...Candy is holding an acorn and has a basketful of acorns, so I decided to take part of the digi image and make it larger - the acorns.  This is yet another way to use your digis.  Don't feel that you have to color or paper piece the whole image.
Be sure to visit the rest of the Design Team (I am sure you will get a peek of Candy the Squirrel if you do!).
Monica

Joni {owner}

Diane

Kristy

Candy

Becca

Tammylee

Jessy
Divya

My card is based on one of the Verve release challenge sketches found here.
It is also for Stamptacular's Layer it on Challenge to use 5 or more layers.

Smiles,
Julie
Details:  Image - Candy the Squirrel (Inktegrity), CS - Terracotta Tile & Ocean Tides (PTI), Button - Ocean Tides (PTI), Twine (PTI), PP - Max and Whiskers (BasicGrey).

Happy World Card Making Day!

To celebrate today I am sharing a card!  LOL - ok, not so much of a surprise seeing as it is World "Card" Making Day!

Isn't Wally the Whale the cutest? He is a digi from Inktegrity that I resized to make a bit smaller, so that he would fit in the latest Mojo Monday sketch.  The inverted scallop border from Perfect Presentation creates the waves for Wally to swim in.
That's it, not too much chit chat today.  We are all going to be busy making cards anyways, right?
Smiles,
Julie
Details:  Stamps - Wally the Whale (Inktegrity) and sentiment - Everyday Button Bits (PTI), Inverted Scallop (Perfect Presentation), CS (SU & PTI), PP - Road Map (October Afternoon) and Material Girl (Cosmo Cricket), Buttons - Aqua Mist & Pure Poppy (PTI) and stash ribbon.

Keeping it Simple with a Digi

Today I am playing along with the Inktegrity Sketch Challenge and I am in a clean and simple kinda mood.   Yep, it's possible to keep a digi simple.  I pulled out one of my standards the swiss dots embossing folder and kept to a simple color combo.

Here's the sketch so you can play along!  Wouldn't you like to win some Inktegrity?  Link up your own take here and check out all the details!
Smiles,
Julie
Details:  Image - Tree Silhouette (Inktegrity), CS - Black and Harvest Gold (PTI), Embossing folder - Swiss Dots (Cuttlebug), and brads from stash.

Got Milk?

I got buttons, cake, Inktegrity, and Perfect Presentation!
First up is a card full of buttons.  It is for this week's challenge on the Inktegrity Challenge Blog, "Anything Goes"!  Now, I know you can all play along with that one :>)  When you create something new this week link it up {here} and you may win 3 digi images from the Inktegrity Store!!!  While you are over at the challenge blog linking up your creation be sure to become a follower.  If you are a follower, you will be able to see more of the creations by the Inktegrity Fall Design Team, which includes myself (thanks for asking me Joni!!!  She makes my super sweet crafter list every time!)!!!  Check out my sidebar to see who else is on the team and be sure to send them some smiles today!

The image on my card is the Butterfly from Inktegrity.  I am a huge fan of butterflies lately and if you have been following, then you know I like to put a single button for the body of each.  Well, the best thing about digis is that I can make the butterfly as big as I want and for this one, I made it large enough to have 3 buttons for the body.  My card also uses this week's Card Patterns sketch #81- a good one as always!

You know how I like to coordinate, so now on to the cake, which matches my card...

One of the new Perfect Presentation templates is a mini cake stand.  I think Leigh Ann had cupcakes in mind when she designed it, but I decided to put this template to the test, by increasing the size to hold a 6" round cake...

it worked!

The directions suggest 4 -6 "legs" to the pedestal, so I went with 6 to be safe.  This cake was heavy (I always torte and fill), but the cake stand had no problem holding up.  I wouldn't recommend cutting the cake while still on the stand, but it created a "Perfect Presentation"!
Smiles,
Julie
Details:  Card - Image - Butterfly (Inktegrity), CS - Ocean Tides (PTI) & purple in color (SU), PP - (We R Memory Keepers), Buttons - Ocean Tides (PTI) and embroidery floss.
Stand - Template - Mini Cake Stand - scallops come with svg (Perfect Presentation), CS - Ocean Tides (PTI) & purple in color (SU), PP - (We R Memory Keepers), Buttons - Ocean Tides (PTI)

A Summer Sundae

Have you checked out the free image offered by Inktegrity this week?  Inktegrity is taking the summer off, but you would never know it!  Each Monday there is a free digi posted on the Inktegrity blog.  This week's image is a fun one for the summer - a beach sundae!  I turned my ice cream into blue water and added some sand for the topping.

The layout for this card is based on the latest fab sketch #68 from Card Patterns.  It really is a great sketch - I have actually made quite a few quick graduation cards using it (some so quick that I did not even have time to take pics!).

Head on over to the Inktegrity blog to check out the freebie - do it fast, it will be gone to make room for a new image soon.  Plus, the Inktegrity store has a new web site found HERE.  Not to mention that there is a new digi forum that Inktegrity joined Crafter's Digital Arts Center - if you like digis or even if you are new to 'em, I recommend joining this new community.  There are tons of freebies from a variety of designers, tips and challenges.
Lots of summer Inktegrity fun is to be found!  I don't think Joni, the owner of Inktegrity, is really taking the summer off at all :>)
Enjoy your Friday! 
Smiles,
Julie
Details:  Image - Summer Sundae (Inktegrity), PP - (Basic Grey) & 72 & Sunny (We R Memory Keepers), CS - Vintage Cream & Aqua Mist (PTI), Button - Pure Poppy (PTI).

Butterfly Flowers

Well, my time on the Inktegrity Spring Design Team may officially be over, but I am full of project ideas that I did not have time to create.  Today's project uses the Butterfly image and one of the sentiments in the set, which was released last week. 

I like the idea of simply printing the butterfly and cutting it out.  I strung some pearls to make the body of each butterfly and then added some "flower" buttons to match the sentiment.  Plus, this project shows why I enjoy working with digis so much...the ability to make them any size I want.  The butterfly on the box is a little bit bigger than those on the card.

Having a set like this ready to go has come in very handy for unexpected occasions.  The box is a template from Perfect Presentation - Treat Box.

My daughter wants me to save the card to for her Birthday, but I am not sure I will be able to hold onto it that long (She will get something special - don't worry...her Birthday is not until December!).

Smiles,
Julie
Details:  Digi Stamps - Butterfly (Inktegrity), CS - Terracotta Tile & Aqua Mist (PTI) and More Mustard & Wild Wasabi (SU), PP - October Afternoon, Buttons - Ocean Tides (PTI) and Pearls.

Hump Day Inspiration Sketch

The new releases continue today at Inktegrity, with two new tree images.  I went the clean and simple route for this one using the Tree Silhouette.  Along with the silhouette comes an outline image and 2 sentiments.  The silhouette is perfect for a quick card.

My card is loosely based on today's Inktegrity Hump Day Inspiration Challenge #13.  This could be lucky #13 for you!  Just play along by linking up your own creation to this image HERE for the chance to win 3 digi images of your choice.  Note that this is the last challenge until the fall - Inktegrity is taking the summer off and so is the challenge site.  Don't despair though, Joni is a sweetie and each Monday on the Inktegrity blog she will be sharing a free image!

Don't forget to head over to the Inktegrity Blog to check out the other new image, plus there may just be a giveaway to be found there!

Smiles,

Julie
Details:  Image - Tree Silhouette (Inktegrity), CS - Wild Wasabi (SU) and White (PTI), Ribbon and Button from my stash.

The Wheels on the Bus

The Inktegrity Spring Design Team term is coming to a close at the end of this month.  What a fast 3 months!  Joni, the owner of Inktegrity is a sweetheart and I have enjoyed working with her and the design team using her fun images.  

At the end of each term, Joni designs an image requested by each design team member.  Well, if you read the title of this post, then you know what I asked for!  A school bus!!!  I am sharing what should be a quick card if you do not get interrupted by two sugar crazed 2 year olds yelling Momma Elak (we were talking about last names recently)! 

I like that Joni includes sentiments with each image and the bus comes with 2 circle sentiments.  These are perfect for enlarging as a I did on this card.  This may just be my first circle card!  I created the road with a white gel pen and added buttons to the wheels.  This image is perfect for a card for the bus driver or a back to school card - yeah, school is not even over, I am thinking ahead!  I also have a couple more ideas that I plan to share with you before the end of the month so stay tuned.

Head on over to the Inktegrity blog to see the other image being released today.  Hint - Slusser has a girlfriend!

Smiles, 

Julie

Details:  Image - School Bus (Inktegrity), CS - PTI, white gel pen, buttons, and circle cutters.

An Inspiration Sketch from Inktegrity

Wednesday - middle of the week - hump day - can we rename it hmphh day?  Just kidding, I am actually excited it is Wednesday 'cause that means another Inktegrity Hump Day Inspiration sketch challenge designed by Diane.  This week is a good one and I got out my sewing machine to "quilt".

Wouldn't you love to own this heart from Inktegrity?  Just play along with us and you will be entered to win 3 digis of your choice.  Link up your creation to this post based on this sketch:

Be sure to check out the rest of the design team (see my sidebar) if you need more inspiration.  I guarantee tons of cuteness is out there to be found!

Smiles,

Julie
Details:  Stamp - Sew Happy (Inktegrity), PP - Max and Whiskers (Basic Grey), CS - Ocean Tides (PTI), Buttons - Ocean Tides (PTI) and twine (PTI).