You can call me mellow yellow (BLOG CANDY!!!)

Read below for your chance to win some blog candy or another prize.

UPDATE 6/3/09- Strike that, Mr Linky is gone again! Please just comment and leave your link there or send me an email with a picture of your creation to katieannbrooks@gmail.com.

This post will remain at the top until June 5th, scroll down for more recent posts.

I have been really enjoying the sun lately, I am so glad it is here. It makes me wonder how I get through the other 2/3 of the year when the sun is hidden behind the clouds. Somehow though I do it, we all do over here in the NW. Maybe it just makes me more appreciative of when the sun is out. I think that is probably right because I have been in a daze these days wondering what we can do outside, when to grill, etc. Rjght now I am really drawn to the color yellow. Today, I bought my daughter some yellow sandals. Here they are, aren't they cute with the blue and yellow dress, next to the yellow slide. I love her (of course), she is so cute!



Since I have been so consumed with yellow I decided to have a contest which features the color (insert guess here...). Yep, you guessed it, YELLOW! I sent this information out in my newsletter to my customers, but I open it up to you as well.

The challenge is this- create a card, scrapbook page, other creation featuring the color yellow and/or the sun. If you have some SU! product please use it, but if you don't you can still play and it won't effect your chances. Your entry must be submitted using Mr. Linky below or by sending me the picture in an email to katieannbrooks@gmail.com by June 5, 2009. There will be 2 winners. One will be selected randomly and the other will be my favorite of all entries. The first will receive a roll of SU! 1/4" grossgrain ribbon from SU (your color choice) purchased with my next order, the latter will receive the blog candy shown below. Start Creating!



This is the creation I made. The circle with the flowers inside was inspired by a creation from made by Kiara. You can find her amazing scrapbook page http://stampingcafe.blogspot.com/2009/05/color-inspiration-52.html.

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to email or add your link to the comments by June 5th. Good Luck!!!

more to books than reading

I just wanted to share the fun card I made today inspired by a book. No, not inspired from reading the book but inspired by the cover. Here is the card I am talking about.

The book cover that inspired this card is below. I am currently reading the book, just started. It is supposed to be an easy read. I'll let you know how it is when I finish it. :)

Supplies used:
Whisper White, So Saffron, More Mustard & Pink Passion Cardstock & Parisian Breeze DSP
Eastern Blooms Stamp Set
Markers- Summer Sun, Pink Passion & Real Red as well as versamark
Bold bright red brads
martha steward edge punch

Baby Shower Presents & LSC

Here are just a few things I made for my girlfriend's baby shower. First is this little onesie with butterflies. I used fabric and the iron on applique stuff with the SU! butterfly die. I know the brown carpet doesn't look very nice behind it, sorry. :(

I also made her this little sock cupcake. Isn't it cute. :) I can't find the link to it right now, but I know I have it bookmarked at work so I will find it for you and update this posting.

I put the cupcake in this little clear paint can and decorated it. There is a tag on top that says, "a little cupcake for your cupcake!" I think it is adorable.

Finally, I just thought I'd add on my card for the SCS limited supplies challenge. The challenge was to make a card using plain cardstock for the back paper only and the rest should be DSP and limited embelishments. I used Sunshine Garden, Rockabilly, Urban Garden and a tiny of the leftover yellow from the Delicate Dots Sale-a-bration paper.

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to play my challenge for a chance to win blog candy. You can find that posting here.

Happy Father's Day FCCC & Ways to Use it

Time for another From Courtney's Closet Challenge, yeah! You can view Libby's blog (Courtney's Mom) here. I combined Libby's challenge with the SCS Ways to Use It challenge featuring buttons in a new way. Here is the card I made for the challenge, it is a Father's day card. I know the text is really small, but it says "thanks for all you do father". I love the little splish splash ribbon. I plan to give this to my hubby from my daughter.




Here is the darling little Courtney that inspired this card. i just love her little outfits- check out those Converse! You go girl!!!!!

Don't forget to play by challenge found here for a chance to win some blog candy! So far Tracey G. has a corner on the market. :) You can check out her blog and creation here.

Thanks for stopping by!

Thursday Challenge Two-fer

Before you read on, don't forget to go to my post here for your chance to win some blog candy!!!!

Now that I have your attention ;) I just wanted to share a few cards I made last night for some challenges. The first is a card I made using the Splitcoast Stampers Wed. sketch challenge seen below.

This was a little bit of a complicated sketch for me to follow with all of the elements, but the oval was option which helped. This is what I came up with below. I think it makes a great over the hill card. In fact I showed it to my husband and joked that I should have given it to him for his birthday (earlier this month) since his is an "old man"! Not really, but he is about 4 years older than me, so he'll always be older than me!!! :) :) ha!

This next sketch is the Mojo Monday challenge, which I always want to play, but seldom can get it together on Mondays. They put up a new sketch every week, super fun. Here is this weeks sketch below which you can find http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/2009/05/mojo-monday-week-88.html.

This is the card I made below. Again, I am borrowing a stamp set and want to get the most use I can out of it before I return it (yep, want them all, it is a sickness!!!). So I came up with this card. It is actually suprising because I loved this DSP (Raspberry Tart) at first but then I saw so much of it I didn't like it anymore and have refused to use it since. I decided to stop holding a grudge ;), because it is in fact pretty paper, and pretty soon it will likely retire, so why not.

Anyway, thanks for stopping by- hope you enjoyed. Don't forget to play for your chance at blog candy!!! :)

From Courtney's Closet Anniversary Challenge

It is the one year anniversary of Courtney's Closet over at Libby's blog. You should check it, cause you can make a creation using any one of Courtney's outfits. It is soooo hard to choose because they are all cute! I was browsing and decided on this outfit. What a little doll.

Here is the creation I made inspired by this outfit. I never do round cards, but the SCS Limited supplies challenge this week was to use another shaped card- not square, so I went with that. This also works for Stacey's color challenge- http://stampinwithstacey.blogspot.com/2009/05/jewelry-color-inspiration-38-memorial.html

I made the white polka dots using my 1/2" punch and glued them on. I feel like this is a good card for Memorial Day weekend.


Anyway, hope you like it and thanks for stopping by!

Father's Day

I made this card for my Dad for Father's Day. I think he'll like it, he loves plants and flowers and the outdoors. This set, Soft Summer, is so pretty too. I distressed around the edges. The button is neat isn't it? I learned to emboss on buttons from Kristina Werner- you can find it here. I used a retired set Organic Grace so I could use the fern stamp. I stamped in versamark and then chocolate chip and used clear embossing powder. I put some So Saffron behind it so that it would pop out.

thanks for stopping by!

My first blog award!

I am so excited to share with you that I received my first blog award! This is so exciting for me! I got it from my stampin' friend Libby- thanks Libby! This award is for blogs/bloggers that show great attitude and gratitude.

You can find Libby's blog over here at Libby's little Addiction. You may have already been there before, she does those great challenges, From Courtney's Closet with her adorable daughter, I love those challenges and play when I can, they are sooo fun! If you are looking for inspiration or just plain old fun, give then a try.

Here are the rules of the award:



1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude.
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Nominate your favorites and link to this post.I have nominated:
I have nominated:

Michelle Tech- 2 stamp is 2 be
Jenyfur- Torn paper
Nancy Riley- iSTAMP
Julie Koerber- Out to Impress
Lisa Spangler- Sideoats & Scribbles
Cristine- Cristine's Creations
Tori Wild- Wild Stamping Sprinkles
Anne Claire- Anne Claire's Corner
Laura Fredrickson- Scrapnextras

Last but NOT least:
Jackie- Jackie Stamps 4 Fun (Jackie recently got this award, but she defines this award, so sweet and ALWAYS shows grattitude, so I am doubling her up!)

Please check out all of these wonderful blogs and their creations and thanks for stopping by!

Friendship Album

One of my co-workers is moving away in about a month to Pennsylvania with her family. I will miss her funny style and sense of humor, but she has extended family and opportunity in the area. She commissioned me to make an album for a friend of hers who she will miss. This is the album I made:
This co-worker and her friend do regular walking together and have been friends for 5+ years. They initially met and did the Seattle to Portland bike ride together. She let me know a few other things about their friendship, they like blues and greens, outdoor walks and adventures. Have been silly, happy and sad together. This first page is about their initial meeting and 212 mile bike ride together.

This next page shows a map of the lake they walk around and talks about how friendship blooms and grows and changes through time.

The next pages are some of the funny moments they have shared and have some fun outdoor
elements. They are the perfect pair. :)

This co-worker told me they often saw the same two ducks walking together over the years, one white and one black. This page is about loving things and how, "life is sweeter when shared with friends."

The final page is the thank you page. I have used more fun outdoor elements and stamped, Thank you for being my friend." The space is available for this co-worker to write what she would like to for her friend.

Supplies used are mainly Stampin' Up!, however, there are other elements as well. Some stamps from Hero Arts. Stickers and chipboard from K & Company and other. Thanks for stopping by!

Been Busy

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but I have been working on crafts, really. In fact, that is why I haven't posted, too many craft projects. I often do that to myself, that is get in a little over my head. Anyway, how about a look at what I have been up to.

First is this B-day card for my sister in law Jess. This is all SU product with the exception of the Stamping Bella. It says, wishing you all this and more, and I do wish that for Jess. Happy birthday girl! What woman, mom, hard worker, wouldn't want to relax, be pampered and treated like a queen on her birthday? None! I rest my case!


Next is my faux alligator purse, isn't it cute! Again, all SU with the exception of the ribbon, which I had to use because it had cherries on it. This is a project we will be making in my advanced technique club, faux alligator is fun and a great way to texturize non textured paper. The original is compliments of Gretchen Barron, you can find her blog here.



Next are the baby shower invites I made for my friend Ana's upcoming shower. She is having a girl and I went with a princess look, but not over the top.

Sorry the color is just a little off in the picture due to the lighting, the purple color is Almost Amyethyst not a blue. The Tea Party DSP is perfect for this, great pastel colors and fun and pretty too.

And the little baby shoe is the favor box. OMG right?!?! SOOOOOO darling! I got this template from Donovan, you can find the template here if you want to make your own. I plan to put little baggies of candy inside and a tag hanging from the shoe. here is the kicker though, I still have 24 more to make, yikes! Wish me luck & Thanks for stopping by!

Oriental Lily

I love Oriental Lilies, in fact they are my favorite flower. I love the way they look and smell. I have some on my table right now, got them for Mother's Day. They haven't opened yet, but I am anticipating that moment. So Here I wait for my pretty flowers to open, so I am inspired to make my own.
This Oriental Lily, aparently also called Mona Lisa is made from the 5th Ave. floral set. I colored part of this lily with regal rose and used my aqua painter to blur the edges. Then I came back in and put speckles all around, which is what they look like. I used my mustard marker to color the stamen. Side note- beware if you have these flowers that the stamen drop pollen and it stains! I recommend using a paper towel to pick them off, it actually makes them last longer as well, so a bonus reason for doing this.

Now once I had this lily colored and cut, I imediately realized these were Kristina Werner's Color Challenge colors- you can find her blog here. Here are the colors she had lined up for this last challenge. I missed the boat here and didn't get my card done in time for the deadline, but that is OK, it was fun to make and I am suprised that I could even put these colors together.

Jeremy's birthday

I made my first waterfall card yesterday for Jeremy's (my husband) birthday. It was fun to make, I love the idea. I found a tutorial at Dawn's Stamping Thought's here. I wanted to do something masculine for my guy but wanted the birthday theme too. I decided to "build" him a cupcake. here is what it looks like from the front.

I "built" my with a hammer and saw, you can see the sprinkles and candle that is getting cut. It was fun tonight and I hope that you get how I built my cupcake. :) Here is a video to show you how the waterfall card works.

Oh and one last thing, this is my first card for this weeks Flourishes timeless tuesday challenge, which can be found here. The theme is birthday's! :) I hope to have a chance to make another as well! Thanks for stopping by.

Card for a friend

This card was for my good friend in MN, Krista. She LOVES doughnuts and discovered this late in life. Keep up girl, they are good! :) Anyway, mostly Stampin' Up except the stamps.

Happy Mother's Day Dona

This is the mother's day board book I made for my Mother-in-law Dona. I hope she likes it. Some SU, some not. Sorry some of the images are blurry, I was in a hurry to get it in the mail.

Blog Candy Alert!

My stampin' friend Jackie is giving away some blog candy, she is celebrating a new demonstrator in her group and 55,000 hits. You can visit her here to get in on this action! But if you don't that just means I have a better chance of winning! ;)

Yum-Yum!

Yep, that's right, yum-yum! I love it when it gets nice out and I can consume cold things- I think I prefer cold things. Is that weird? Maybe but I have to say if I have my choice between hot and cold drink, I always choose cold unless it is already freezing out. So I am glad the weather is nice and it is getting warm out. :) These next two cards are fun cards that represent some of those yummy things.

First, is the card I made for the From Courtney's Closet on Libby Hickson's blog. Here is Courtney and her outfit for inspiration.

She is pretty cute! I wish adults could wear what kids wear and be so cute, but that is OK, I'll leave that to Courtney and my little Sophie.

Here is the card- a good likeness to her outfit don't you think? I had fun making the ice cream and the background paper with the cherries. MMMM- ice cream on a hot day, or better yet, a milkshake! Did I mention, cold drinks are yummy!?!

5/5 ETI: I thought I'd share that those ice cream scoops were EASY as pie to make. I used my scallop circle punch for each color and then I cut around the top, including 5 scallops at the bottom. I saw a card with something similar at Seattle Regionals. (To be honest, I didn't even worry about how perfect the blue and green scoops were b/c they are covered by the regal rose scoop.) The come is simply a shape of creamy caramel paper with some grids drawn on with my chocolate chip marker.

My first love, before milkshakes, is actually iced coffee. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! Even when it is cold out I often order it. Just so you don't miss out, in order of preference, these are the drinks I recommend you get:

1. Cafe' Ladro Iced Single Tall Soy Caramel (sauce) latte- YUMMERS X10! that one is a mouthful to say and hard to remember but worth it if you have a Cafe' Ladro in your neck of the woods. (Seattle)
2. Cuppa Jo or other Iced single tall Mocha with CHOCOLATE whip cream- yep you heard me right! That is what makes this drink. Although if you gave me a drink with out, I would still have it. :) (Cuppa Jo is in Seattle)
3. Java's single tall Mexican Mocha with whip. Again the whip is really what seals the deal, something about it is just so good- actually it almost tastes like ice cream. Now I have to be honest, I love this drink hot and the type of cup it comes in. Actually, this is probably the one drink I prefer to get hot because of th nice cold whip that is like ice cream that melts in the big mug...crud, there is drool on my keyboard! (Coeur'd Alene, ID)
4. Lastly, Starbuck's (should be easier to get since Starbucks is EVERYWHERE) single tall iced carmel machiatto.

OK, you should be sufficiently caffinated with a good bit of sugar so on to the card! ;) I borrowed the set from a girl friend so I am working to get all the use out of it I can. That is what I do, sometimes I even just stamp a bunch of images on WW card stock and use them later. I wish I could have EVERY stamp set, but alas... Here is my card using some of that lovely To the Nines Specialty DSP from SU! I really like this bluish/green & brown color combo. This stamp set is super cute too.

OK, thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful day filled with warm weather and plenty of iced drinks!

National Scrapbooking Month

Did you know it is national scrapbooking month? Well it is and guess what?! SU! is offering specials (big suprise right- wink)!


1. Buy any 3 packs of Designer Series Paper (including Specialty DSP or 12X12 textured CS) and get the 4th FREE!

2. Sneak Peak Purchase of the 2009-2010 Jumble Alphabet Set at 20% off!



2. Become a demonstrator or hobbyist for only $75 with the Scrapbooking Starter Kit! Afterwords you'll get all future SU orders at a 20% discount*! Starter kit includes:

• Schoolbook Serif Alphabet stamp set* $42.95
• Simply Scrappin' Petal Party $19.95
• Earth Elements Assorted textured card stock (12" x 12") $11.95
• Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad $7.50

*Substitutable for any stamp set up to $43.95 value.

Please note: Each of the products listed above may be substituted for like items. Please see the Scrapbooking Starter Kit Order Form for details.The Scrapbooking Starter Kit also contains all the business supplies contained in the standard Starter Kit:

• Getting Started DVD
• Getting Started Guide
• Guest Invitation Postcard (100)
• Idea Book & Catalog (8)
• Occasions Mini Catalog (8)
• To My Hostess Envelope (10)
• Recruit Folders (5)
• Recruit Brochures (20)
• Hostess Brochure (20)
• Hostess Benefits Form (10)
• Customer Order Form (50)

Contact me at katieannbrooks@gmail.com for more details!

NOW GET SCRAPPIN!!!!! :)