Howdy!

Whenever consultants attend the Close To My Heart annual convention, we usually get an exclusive stamp set designed for the theme of that event - one that isn't sold, ever.  This cute stamp set was from when we went to Texas and I couldn't resist using it on this card.  I was trying to get a masculine feel and I think I succeeded but I think it really would work for anyone.

That great tan and white patterned cardstock is from our Paper Fundamentals assortment.  One side has a regular pattern like you see here and the other side has the pattern in tone on tone embossing.  All of the colors in the assortment are in the neutral basics colors so they go with everything!  I added some Durables Triangle studs for that "studly" touch :)

Smiles, Caron

Pinspiration

I admit it.  I'm a Pinterest lover.  It's amazing to me how many ideas are out there just waiting to inspire someone.  I think what keeps my hooked is finding so many other people who like the same things I do.  Since I've been suffering from a severe creative block, I often go to Pinterest to get ideas for my workshops.  Here's a card that I found so pretty that I had to try to recreate it myself.

This one was created by someone named 1StampingNightOwl:

I think it was the color combination and style that drew me to it.  So...I decided to try making it with products I had on hand and this is what I came up with (I obviously need better lighting for my photography):

Here's a close up of the flowers:

I had fun using our spray pen filled with water and a few drops of re-inker.  The diamond pattern came from Fabulous You, the sentiment and the swirl pattern on the flowers are from Hooray Bouquet and then I used both the Cricut Art Philosophy and Artiste cartridges for the shapes.

Thanks for the inspiration 1stampingnightowl!

Smiles, Caron

Me and my bud...

A co-worker of mine recently gave me a unique insight to my life with Adam.  She said she was jealous of me.  When I asked why, she recalled something that happened back in December.  The police department where we work brings Santa Claus to the station for the employees' families.  She was standing in line with her two young sons while Adam and I were right behind them, all waiting for our turn with the big guy.  She went on to say that as she looked at her boys, she wondered how many more years she had left before they knew the truth - not only about Santa but all the other experiences parents with little ones have. Hers are nearing that age when innocence and trust give way to skepticism and reality.  Adam never went through that and probably never will. He will stay "little" forever. With tears in her eyes, she told me that she wanted what I had.  Imagine that!

Smiles, Caron

Rockin' Ink Stars Blog Hop!

Hi everyone!  I'm so excited to be part of my very first blog hop!  If you haven't "done" one yet, it's simple - just start here and follow the link at the end of my post to go to the next one.  It's like a round robin so it doesn't matter where you start but if you came here from Terri's blog, you're on the right track!  Here's a list of all the participants just in case a link gets broken or something:

1. Melissa Robsinon, mlisrobinson.blogspot.com
2. Joy McHargue, studiowowjoy.com
3. Jennifer Kramer, 4heartsscrapbooking.blogspot.com
4. Michelle Brooks, michellebrooksink.blogspot.com
5. Marianne Hancock, thescrapbookchick.blogspot.com
6.  Terrie Dodd, my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com
7. Caron Barnard, cbdots.blogspot.com
8. Alexandria Duran, papercraftsbyali.blogspot.com

The Rockin' Ink Stars is the name of the team I am in.  We have a wonderful upline, Michelle Brooks and countless team members.  This is our first team blog hop!  The theme is Spring so pretty much anything goes.  Check out the card I chose:

It's very simple and flat (something I'm not used to doing).  I used the Ariana papers and the lattice overlay design from the Cricut Artbooking cartridge.  The sentiment is from Joyful Birthday (one of my favorites!).

I also did a bonus card just because.  I'm not sure it shouts Spring but I really liked it so I decided to share it as well.

This one was also created from the Ariana paper pack!  Isn't it amazing how different the two are?  I used two stamp sets here, Perfect Fit-Birthday and  Perfect Fit-Frames.   These are both so easy to use when paired with the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge.

Here's a close-up shot of the paper rosette.  They're really fun to make and add just the right pop of interest to a card.  

Well, that's it for my first entry!  Hop on over to Alexandria's blog to see what she whipped up for you!

Smiles, Caron

Simply Hi!

Here's a quick little card to say hi!  I used the chevron embossing folder, Lollydoodle papers, and the Hi mini stamp.  I stamped the image on cardstock and cut it out, then added an acrylic flower to dot the I.  So simple!

Smiles, Caron

Out Like a Lamb?

You know that saying about March - in like a lion, out like a lamb?  Well, here in SE FL, not so much!  We've had a pretty good month weather-wise and these last few evenings have been slightly cool and breezy - in fact, almost perfect!  Too bad our Spring is so short lived and the searing heat is rushing toward us...

Anyway, I'm ready for the season to change in whatever way it will and just had to create a new wreath for the door.  What do you think?

There is only one more day left to take advantage of the Studio J special - $5 for a two page layout.  Super easy and super affordable.  Try it out today!

Smiles, Caron

Time is running out!

There's only one more week left to the awesome special going on at Studio J!  Through March 31st, you can get 2page layouts for only $5!  That's right, just $5.  Hop on over there today and see what the fuss is all about.  I just ordered some new layouts last night and already have my free jpegs to share with you.  I have gotten so much of my scrapbooking done even I can't believe it.  I'm actually up to date on the current stuff (it's the non-digital photos from years back that still need attention).  It's so easy and it's free to play and experiment.  Give it a try!  You can see any of these close up just by clicking on the picture.

Smiles, Caron

Express Collection layout - no creativity needed!  Just drop in your pictures, add your journaling and you're done!

Another Express collection layout.

Interesting to note:  this layout is the same as the Halloween layout above.  I just rotated the pages for a different look!