Here's To The Men!!

It's testosterone time!   

In other words....

Happy Father's Day!

If you have one in your home, you should hug them (a lot) and AND make them cupcakes!!

 Yummy, scrumptious, decadent cupcakes and then present them in a very manly-man style with the help from the ever fabulous and trendy, Cutting Cafe.

Here I've used the amazing cut files,  

Cupcake Box with Lid, Sweet Stuff, and All About Cupcakes and finished up the decorations with a tie from Shirt and Tie Cutting File.

So here's to wishing all the special men in your life a Happy Father's Day and to all the single Mommies out there too...Happy Father's Day as well. 

You all deserve applause!

Big hugs to you all and Happy Crafting,

Lisa xx

Nautical Wishes in a Box...

Father's Day is on the way, so if you're looking for a different way to create a 3D masculine card, 

The Cutting Cafe has just the perfect file.  It's called Card In a Box.

The card boxes come in small and large sizes I (an envelope for each size is included in the file too) and here is a large box I've made for my Dad. The wonderful Happy Father's Day sentiment comes with many sentiments and images in the 

Card In a Box Embellishment Set.

 Terrific how cheesecloth doubles as fishing net material.

Rainbow Trout close-up.

Regina and my teammates have been busily creating some incredible Cards In a Box for your inspiration, so for more ideas, please visit

The Cutting Cafe

Hugs and Happy  Crafting,

Lisa xx

Hello Handsome...

It's a CAS Challenge over at Top Tip Tuesday this fortnight and my fellow teammate has given a brilliant tutorial on bow making and some really great ideas on how to use them.  I thought for my contribution I'd go with a card for a man...a handsome one at that (wink).   A truly very easy card to make too.  Please join us and you'll be in the running for a prize from our sponsor Sweet Stamp Store.

Thank you for your visit!

Hugs n' happy crafting...

Lisa x

Where's the Pig Roast??

Oh boy, is this baby ever late.  I was supposed to have posted this last week, but stuff happens and well, it's finally here in all it's crazy beachy glory.

The theme over at Top Tip Tuesday this round is Masculine and ummmm, I'm not sure I set sail too clearly with this card. However, in my defense, I did think of my dad wearing his crazy Hawaiian shirts and the process grew from there. I've included everything I could find except for the pig roast.  Thank you so much to Birdie Brown for offering up this cute little lighthouse that I've paper pieced for the center focal point.  Our sponsors this week are Birdie Brown and  Sweet Stamp Store, so hurry on over to submit your masculine themed cards and you'll be in the running for a wonderful prize and don't forget, if you leave a tip, you'll be eligible for two prizes!!

Also, I'd like to think Pia for her wonderful inspiration that gave me the motivation for this project as well. I was going to CASE her card, but like I said, I went nuts on this one.  Here's her card anyway because I wanted to give her credit and thanks for helping me out of a slump. :)

Hugs n' Happy Stamping to you,

Lisa xx

Flirtin' With Furniture...

Oh snap! I did it again. As serious as I may try to be, there's just something so fun about these terrific images at Dr. Digi's House of Stamps, you can't contain the comical outbursts.   Here is a very clean and simple card using the wonderful Armchair image from the Bits n' Bobs section at the Dr.'s Store and a little flirty love note written on my PC.

I think it makes a for a fun masculine card for Valentine's Day. What say ye?

Thanks so much for your visit and ya'll have a great one!

Hugs n' Happy Stamping...

Lisa x

Kiss Me You Fool!

Take a little trip with me through retro TV Land and imagine yourself sitting in a classroom. As you look around, you see 'Greasers' everywhere and Afros are the stylin' hairdo.  The teacher approaches the blackboard and writes, "Who dislikes making masculine cards?" Suddenly from behind you, you hear..."Ooh Ooh Ooh, Mr. Kotter-r-r-r, pick me, pick me!!"  That's right, I'm sitting right behind you playing the role of the lovable Arnold Horshack.  

What is it about masculine cards that cause my brain to seize up? Well, it's several factors, but for the sake of not dragging this post out further, I'd like to share my contribution to the world of manly-man cards and a fun little tip too. 

This week at Our Creative Corner, I will be hosting and the theme I have selected is Make Mine Mushy!  There is a little twist, I've also designed a sketch to use. Here's the skinny...

Create a Valentine card using the sketch below

The sketch can be rotated and we need to be able to see all the elements from the original sketch, but used however you like. Follow it exactly or alter it as long as all elements are present.

Now let me show you a closeup of one of the elements....

Want a fun tip to add more texture to your masculine cards?

Well then, I mustache you to read the following picture....

So there you go...It's almost Valentine's Day and now you have a sketch to work with, some goofy inspiration, a little nostalgia from times past and if you step over to Our Creative Corner, you'll find even more outstanding motivation from my team.  Just remember, MAKE MINE MUSHY!!

Hugs n' Happy Crafting,

Lisa xx

Enforcer Ted the Valentine Bear???

It's happening all around the world.  Valentine shops are reporting assaults one right after the other.  Billions of dollars are spent each year on Dung Beetle research, yet these poor overlooked, disgruntled and mutilated  stuffed animals are not being helped, they are finally fighting back.  It began harmlessly as small unattended children would grab a stuffed animal off the shelf and play with it while the parents shopped. Time and time again, being picked off the shelf, played with, and then returned; resulting in broken threads, dangling eyes, and stuffing oozing out.  Holiday after holiday passes and these poor misshapen, semi-fluffy, worn out animals are being rejected and neglected as Valentine gifts.

Sources close to me say that a revolution is brewing. Apparently it all started at a nearby Hallmark where an irate and  envious bear, who goes by the name, Enforcer Ted, has started a movement called, TR2AB, The Right 2 Arm Bears.  Government officials are closing in on the gun cartel that is providing these weapons, but until then, we can all do our part.

Thanks to Dr. Digi's House of Stamps and this very depicting representation, we can all share in the responsibility of being upstanding citizens and not only help the innocent victims who are being threatened to purchase said bears, but by being aware and sensitive to the needs of these poor unfortunate toys.  

When you're out shopping for your loved one for Valentine's Day, don't just grab the chocolate and flowers, but find it in your heart to give these sad and disheveled critters a nice and loving home.  It's much more satisfying than a whelp on the forehead from a .45. 

Hugs n' Happy Stamping and be safe out there!

(no humans or stuffed animals were harmed in the making of this post)

Lisa xx

Wood You B Mine?

The concept was great, but I'm not sure it came to fruition with this card.  I still love the rustic, masculine aspects about it, but I'll gladly take suggestions for bettering the outcome.

This is my card for Our Creative Corner where Lili is again hosting this week's challenge theme of

Use Woodgrain!  You may use a technique to simulate woodgrain, or use designer paper, or an actual piece of wood! But the woodgrain needs to be there. You also have to use at least one button.

I decided to layer my cardstock with a book page and then stamped out, using the TH magnetic tree, on the cover and reveal wood embossing from the negative space of the tree. Using the actual cut out, I've placed it atop other white powder embossed trees from SU! Lovely As a Tree Set.   Oh and of course a little Stickles heart because it's asking the question, "Wood you B Mine?"

This would be a super time to make a masculine Valentine card for your squeeze so come on over to Our Creative Corner and share in the fun.

Thanks so much for your visit.

Hugs n' Happy Stamping,

Lisa x

Enjoy Your Day (For a Male)

Ambrose, King of the Waves, it's true...

but he'll be taking a little ice cream break real quick while he recovers from inflating all his floaties!  

Then he'll need to wait for several hours to digest, just so there's no cramping up in the water.  

 Eventually dear Mr. Aquatic will be in the water!

Stop on by Dr. Digi's House of Stamps and see what's new in the shop and then be sure to come back, because I'm certain Ambrose will be performing amazing acts of greatness in his kiddie pool.

Thanks for stopping in,

hugs and happy stamping...

Lisa x

From  Christmas Day to New Year's Day*  

you can get 50% off all of Dr Digi's digital stamps.

That's a full week of bargains, so get them while you can!

All you need to do is, when you checkout, just enter the code: 
drdxmas50 

To claim  50%  off your order!

You Turn Me On...

I'm sort of moving a bit fast forward on the holidays here, but thought a change of pace from making Christmas cards would be nice, so we're visiting another favorite holiday of mine, Valentine's Day.  For those of us who enjoy making cards for our main squeezes, but find it difficult to make it 'masculine', I'm hoping this offers you some worthy inspiration.  It's a bit grungy with a hint of flirty fun.

This card would not have been possible were it not for the cool little section over at Dr. Digi's House of Stamps, titled Bits n' Bobs.  Dr. Digi himself has offered up a collection of singular 'prop' images to use however your creativity sees fit.  The image I selected is none other than the Lamp, which I have paper pieced the lampshades.

The card didn't start out this way. It was by mere frustration with the original design that I tore off the first attempt and what was left remaining was this tattered musical sheet and it was PERFECT!  See the wording that remained in tact? Golden light...lamp?...awesome!

No card is ever complete without a little gift of love and appreciation, so I mimicked the card by decorating the box likewise.

Again, tearing the sheet music, bottom right you'll notice the words, "home in my heart." I know right? Go ahead, you can say it... "Awwwww."

 And to replicate the flirty fun, I found this vintage light bulb ad and added a sentiment from another add.

Hope you've enjoyed seeing this card and it's given you some ideas for making a Valentine card for your "Shmooky Pooky Woo-Woo Teddy Bear".. or whatever you call them. LOL!

Stop on by and say hi and check out the Bits n' Bobs and whatnot's, you won't be disappointed!

Hugs n' Happy Stamping,

Lisa xx

Happy Day To You...

Welcome to the softer side of Dr. Digi's House of Stamps. 

 Here is Derek Dunderton, hat in hand and wishing you a very Happy Day! 

A clean and simple design to show off this dashing gent.

Trying to do a little catch up on some DT cards, so this is a combination post for Make It Monday as well as Dr. Digi's House of Stamps.  Make It Monday has a fantastic sponsor this week, Dr. Digi himself!  Please stop in and see the most wonderful and hysterical cards from my teammates as well and don't forget to share your creativity with us too.

Hope you've enjoyed the card.

Now for my...

#103 Julie

 

I completely dig these acetate boxes AND if you visit her blog, you will see what she has filled them up with! Absolutetly festive gift and YUMMY too!

Thank you so much Julie for sharing this with us at Make It Monday. I love it!

 

Hugs n' Happy Stamping...

Lisa xx

 

OHHH, and here are a few extra links for Dr. Digi that you might enjoy. I know it would give the Doctor himself warm fuzzies if you visited.

Dr. Digi on Facebook

Dr. Digi's Blog

Dr. Digi's Store 

 

 



Dare To Dream...

The crowd has gathered for the show of the year and on stage is our One and Only Tragic Magic Magician!  Dr. Digi must believe that he'll get it right one of these days, but I'm not so sure the rabbit and dove have that much faith yet. 

The motto of this card:

Never doubt your dreams, you can do it if you try!

Hope you've enjoyed this handmade stage with denim jeans dyed red in Adirondack Inks, a little stage and some magic show goer silhouettes.

Have a fantastic day!

Hugs n' Happy Stamping,

Lisa x

 



Bad Boy Bill Blushes...

After listening to his wife nag for 9 years about investing in a TALLER privacy fence, Bill finally decides today is the day.

Greetings from the backyard of BBQ Bill, aka Bad Boy Bill, who simply wants to grill, but has turned it into a total blunder and the neighbors are having a hay day with it!

 

Thank you to Dr. Digi's House of Stamps for creating this comical masculine card.  I took a few liberties with the image and added the I (heart) Mom tattoo, the bandanna on his head and the large flame shooting from his Char-Master 2000. 

Thank you so much for stopping in and I hope you've enjoyed your visit. 

Bill was supposed to have a little snack for you while you visit, but....

I've ordered pizza so please help yourself to some on the way out.

Hugs n' Happy Stamping,

Lisa xx



What was I thinking???

Well, after 17 years of marriage, my husband finally decided he would trust me enough to cut his hair! It's a simple cut, a buzz thingy, not a high and tight, but simple. It's skin to the almost the top and a patch of hair that barely sticks up on the top. How difficult could that be?  The price of haircuts keep going up and I thought it was ridiculous to pay $10 every two weeks for something I could do at home!  OH MY WORD! What was I thinking???  What took the hairdresser 5 minutes, took me over an hour.  It's not so simple at all. There's the setting you have to do at 1 all the way around the head and then change the setting to 2 on the top and then skin up to the 1 and then fade the skin to the 1 and then fade the 1 to the 2 and then angle the fade and........AHHHHH! 

By the first half hour I had him looking the rapper MC Hammer, just needed to put him in some parachute pants and he was ready to shoot a video.  At this point I really began to give more credit to the hairdresser who did this for a living, but by the last half hour, I was getting the hang of it and was pretty sure I could send him out into public looking fairly respectable. 

In the end, he was happy and thankful that I didn't completely botch is head up and I was thankful that he had enough faith in me to try!

So, after that I needed some "down time" to relax and thought this card would be perfect for a give thanks or a funny masculine birthday card...what's your thoughts?

 

Would you like to make a Thankful card? After all Thanksgiving is just around the corner. If you do, Dutch Dare is hosting that very challenge.  We'd love to see what you are thankful for or to (I'm thankful to hairdressers all around the world).  It could even be just a "thank you" card. 

 

I'd also like to thank Robyn's Fetish for this wonderful image, My First Haircut. Pretty sure this isn't the intention of the image; BUT..I think it totally works.  Secondly, I'd like to thank Tracy for the much needed mojo and allowing me to "case" her card layout here.  Lastly, I would love to give thanks to all of you who stop in so often to see what my weird and quirky brain has come up with this time.  You all are so very much appreciated.

Happy Stamping!!

Lisa xx

No Girls Allowed...

"Snips n' snails and puppy dog tails and mud and bugs and sweat."  These are a few of his favorite things, said Scratch, the adorable little boy from Saturated Canary.  This week at Dutch Dare we are challenging you to make a card for a boy!  Oh good golly, boy/masculine cards are just not something I do too often, but I stuck with it and created this little outdoor scene that I think is just perfect for Scratch. He is now in his element with animals, dirt, trees to climb and a no girls allowed tepee! 

 

The hardest part was finding the perfect backdrop for him. Trust me, I searched and searched and finally decided to create my own.  Below is the image I drew and then chalked. Once it was finished I placed a layer of clear embossing powder to avoid smudging.

 Like I said, this was a challenge for me and I had the best time creating this card. So I know that if I can do it, you can definitely do it.  So come on over and join us at Dutch Dare for our For A Boy challenge and take a look at the other fantastic creations by my teamies.

Thank you so much for taking the time to stop in and say hi.  Your visits and comments are beyond appreciated.  Have a great one!

Hugs,

Lisa xx

 

Challenges I would love to enter this card into:

SAS4Kids - Anything Goes For Kids Challenge

Clear It Out Challenge Blog - Image of a child and use your stash (Scraps, scraps and more paper scraps for scenery)

Where the heart loves...

Boy, oh boy, did I do some walking on this card. Not physically, of course, but mentally I was pacing back and forth.  The ever fantastic Christina Barnes is hosting this week at Our Creative Corner.  Please visit the main blog to read more about this week's Sketch Challenge for a Male with the additional option of using monochromatic colors.  Having read Christina's motivation for this week's challenge, I was so touched and  inspired, I decided to create this template of a wing-tip shoe along with a Maltese Proverb in honor of someone very special in her life.  Just briefly, I stayed with monochromatic browns (with the exception of one little red heart) and houndstooth embossed some brown corrugated cardboard, layered it with white corrugated cardboard and then layered that with sheet music strips to While Strolling Through The Park One Day and topped it off with the paper pieced shoe.  Hope you enjoy this card and thank you so much for your visit. 
Hugs,
Lisa xx
Here's my sketch that you are welcome to take if you'd like to. Have a wonderful day!





Zero to 60 in....

I lassoed, hog-tied and duct tapped it, but somehow the weekend eluded me and here we are again at Monday!  If not for two things, I'd still be drooling on my pillow.  The smell of coffee and the anticipation of kicking off another linky party at Make It Monday, bolted me right out of bed!

Thanks so much for the amazing support of everyone who participated in last weeks party, I had the best time seeing all of your entries.

So, what goes 0 to 60 in stupid-seconds?  Hummingbirds! What used to be a peaceful setting for watching nature in our backyard has turned into a full scale gang land war.  I'd seen a few hummingbirds flying by on a regular basis and thought, "Hey, let's hang a feeder right here next to the patio table, it'll be great!" WRONG!!  I swear it's like survival of the fittest out there.  I'm thinking of having a body suit of kevlar made so I can sit and drink a cup of coffee. NOT in a red cup either, another stupid move.  I don't know how you all who have more than one feeder do it!  Then again you probably don't hang them right in front of your faces either! LOL...ah well....

What else goes 0 to 60 in stupid-seconds?   Pretty much anything a man can get ahold of...

 Here is my step card using the images Stella's Tire/Testicles and Guy Car.

Complete with a wood shingled man cave garage and assorted banter on signs. 

Here is my...

PICK OF THE WEEK!

Dr. Sonia with her Altered Clock

First off, she refers to herself as a "novice" in quilling, but would you look at this! I love that she re-purposed a clock and made such a beautiful scenery! All the little leaves on that tree, she hand embossed the veins as well.  Incredible attention to detail and what amazing talent. She has more detailed pictures on her blog here if you'd like to check it out closer up!

 

Thank you so much for every single awesome comment that was left for me. I had the best laughs and smiles. 

Hugs to you all and happy stamping...

Lisa xx

 

 But don't stop here, there's tons more inspiration from my teamies over at

MAKE IT MONDAY

and our gracious sponsor who is offering the prize of 7 single digis...WOW!



Inspiration and Ingenuity...

I have a very precious image today from Nicecrane Designs. This image is one of 4 in a set and details two young boys building their derby car from nothing but scraps and a dream. I loved all the images, but found this one to be most depicting of inspiration and motivation. 

A few masculine textures and embellishment, paired with an embossed sentiment and here's a card to help encourage perseverance. 



 

 Absolutely Incredible Kids

 

Here are a few photos from a car show that my husband and daughter attended last week. How fitting that what these men created probably stemmed from a childhood experience quite like my card.  Check out all the recycled parts!!

 

 

Thank you so much for stopping in!

Hugs n ' Happy Stamping...

Lisa xx