Congratulations--I can set an eyelet properly!

Lately, I've had terrible results in setting eyelets, so I have gotten out of the habit. It's as if I've forgotten how to do it. So today I played around with my various tools and was thrilled to pinpoint what works best for me, my Making Memories Instant Setter. After messing around with scraps, I put this card together. I experimented with my Crop-o-dile, plus the old method I used, which was a handheld punch, then using all kinds of variations, made little progress until I found this video on setting eyelets. It made my day when I got my eyelet setting groove back. I prefer for the eyelets to "flower" out on the backside, rather than the smashed round finish that I get with the Crop-o-dile. So I am happy! Look for some cards made with eyelets in the future, now that I can do it consistently. Thanks to Melissa for being my sounding board!

Celebrate Spunky Balloons

This was my first time to use my Dotted Lines jumbo roller and I know it's going to be a fun one. I used the 3/4 inch circle punch to cut the balloons and like the short-cut three-dimensional effect.

Paper: Close to Cocoa, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Old Olive, Real Red, Certainly Celery
Ink: Basic Black, Whisper White
Accessories: Pumpkin Pie and Real Red grosgrain ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals
Stamps: Tag Time, Spunky Spots and Dotted Lines Stampin' Around Wheels

Tag Time Happy Easter

Oh, I love the way this springy Easter card turned out, which I CASE'd from Maxene on SCS, and changed a couple of colors and the sentiment. Can you believe Easter is only a week and a half from now?

• Paper: So Saffron, Cool Caribbean, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
• Ink: So Saffron, Cool Caribbean, Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, Basic Black, Black Stampin' Write Marker
• Stamps: Tag Time, D.O.T.S. Happy Easter
• Accessories: Black 3/8-inch Organdy Ribbon

Americana Make a Wish

It's four months until Independence day, but I'm eager to use these colors together, so I couldn't resist. What a fun new stamp set this is going to be...it's my first time to use it.

• Paper: Brocade Blue, Real Red, Night of Navy, Whisper White
• Ink: Whisper White, Real Red
• Stamps: Birthday Whimsey, Spunky Spots Jumbo Wheel, So Many Sayings (Make a Wish)
• Tools/Accessories: White Embossing Powder (for sentiment), Basic Eyelets, Real Red Striped 1/2-inch Grosgrain Ribbon, Crystal Effects, Glitter, Word Window Punch

If anyone who sees this is good at setting eyelets, I would appreciate your tips. I'm frustrated with all the methods I use, including the Crop-o-dile, Marvy Instant Setter, and using 1/16-inch handheld punch. Also, I realize I made a mess with my Crystal Effects...it came out fast and I didn't have any toothpicks handy, so I have way too much.

It's your birthday, Sue!

"I'm having a big number birthday," says my friend, Sue! Happy birthday to you--I hope it's a wonderful one and wish you the best year ever.

Love in lilac

Karina got married last week in Arizona and last night we went to an open house at her parents' home to celebrate. Here's the card I made for her and her husband, Ian. The bride looked beautiful and her handsome hubby looked in love, so that was wonderful. I wish them the best together and hope for a lifetime of love and happiness. Congratulations to the newlyweds!

• Paper: Gable Green, Lovely Lilac, Whisper White, and Orchid Opulence
• Ink: StaZon Jet Black, Lovely Lilac, Green Galore, Orchid Opulence
• Ribbon: Random--cannot recall where I got it
• Stamps: Much Love, Quirky Alphabet Upper (for the E)

Tender Toile Easter

Toile patterns are so pretty, especially when there's a cute little bunny in the print. This Easter card I designed reminds me of the dozens of bunny hunts that my kids' Grandpa Dee has taken the little ones on when they're visiting grandma and grandpa's home. It's a tender moment to see their excited faces when they return and say how many bunnies they saw on their walk.

• Stamps: Tender Toile and All Holidays by Stampin' Up
• Ink: Stazon Jet Black
• Paper: Whisper White, Kraft, Cool Caribbean
• Accessories: Hobby Lobby ribbon, Linen Thread
• Tools: Paper Piercing