Cards by Kerri

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Taylored Expressions March Studio Challenge

Please scroll down for my Your Next Stamp Sneak Peek!

Hello! It's time for the Baker's Dozen Studio Challenge! This is a monthly opportunity for the Taylored Expressions team to share what makes our stamping studios hum. Each month we have a fun, crafty question so we can share our favorites, some tips and tricks, stamping advice and more:) This month's question is:

You oughta be in pictures!!
We all love to share our completed projects with others on our blogs and in on-line galleries. So, when the stamping ends, the photography begins. This is a fun step for some and a frustrating one for others. How is it for you?
Tell us how you get those beautiful project photos.

Well, I have a very simple process I use to take and edit my photos:) Let's start with the set up:

I almost always add a little stitching to my projects, so I set up my sewing machine on our dining room table. When it's time to take my picture, I simply use two sheets of cardstock for my backdrop which I prop against the sewing machine.

I use light from the window for my pictures when I can, and if it's dark outside I use the same set up with my Ott Light. My camera is a Canon PowerShot and I always use the Macro setting when taking pictures of my cards.

Once I upload the pictures, I use Picasa to edit them. Picasa is a free program that I downloaded about 3 years ago, and it is so easy to use! I almost always use the Auto Contrast, Auto Color, and the Crop buttons. Then I go to the second screen and use the Highlight and Shadow sliders.

Then I save my picture, open it in Photoshop, and add my watermark. It's probably a little goofy, to use two different editing programs, but that's how I roll:)

For my card today, I just had to use this adorable Basket Full Set once more before Easter! This darling chick with the eggs is my favorite:) I stamped the basket and chick image with Memento Tuxedo Black and colored with Copics. I cut it out and layered it on top of a frame that I cut with Oval Nestabilities. The green panel was cut with the new Banner Stacklets 2 Dies~LOVE~ and I also used the new Open Scallop Border Die. Here's a look at the inside:

I just love this sentiment! I cut a frame with the Label Stacklets 1 Dies and stamped my sentiment in the center. The dp I used on my card is Echo Park Paper Co. Sweet Girl.

I hope you've enjoyed a peek into my picture taking and photo editing process! I can't wait to read tips from the rest of the girls! Make sure you check them out too:)

Carole Burrage
Charmaine Ikach
Jen Shults
Kerri Mchaud
Lynnette Kauffman
Sankari Wegman
Shannon White
Shelly Mercado
Stephanie Kraft
Tammie Edgerton
Taylor VanBruggen
Wanda Guess

Thank you so much for stopping by and have a great day!

Kerri

Recipe:

Stamps: Taylored Expressions Basket Full

Paper: SU Pink Pirouette, Echo Park Paper Co. Sweet Girl

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics, SU So Saffron for sponging

Accessories: Taylored Expressions Banner Stacklets 2 Dies, Open Scallop Border Die, Label Stacklets 1 Dies, Oval Nestabilities, Foam Squares, Sewing Machine, Woodgrain Impression Plate, Ribbon

Your Next Stamp March Sneak Peek + Tasty Tuesday!

Kerri 3:00 AM 14 Comments

Hello! Are you ready for some new cuteness from Your Next Stamp? Karen will be releasing several new stamps and dies TONIGHT at 10 PM (EST)!!! The DT has some peeks to share with you today using the new goodies so get your wish list ready:)

Since it's Tuesday, we are also playing along with this month's YNS Tasty Tuesday Challenge. I just love this inspiration picture!

And here is my take:

This adorable gal is Cake Pop Fhiona! Isn't she so CA-UTE!!! I had a blast coloring her to match these fun Echo Park Paper Co. Sweet Girl papers:) I also used the YNS Fishtail/Banner Dies and the star comes from a new YNS Whatnots Die Set called Whatnots Set Three~Celebrate! I just love these Whatnots sets! So many random dies that you wish you had and now you can!

Make sure you check out the rest of the DT projects (list below) and we'll be back tonight for a special New Release Blog Hop!!! You won't want to miss out because, as always, there are some amazing prizes to be won!

Thank you so much for stopping by and have a wonderful day:)

Kerri

Recipe:

Stamps: Your Next Stamp Cake Pop Fhiona

Paper: PTI Kraft, Echo Park Paper Co. Sweet Girl

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics

Accessories: Your Next Stamp Fishtail/Banner Die Set, Whatnots Set Three, Oval Nestabilities, Ribbon, Button, Twine, Foam Squares, Sewing Machine

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Oh Snap!

Kerri 3:00 AM 4 Comments

Hello! I wanted to share a card I made using the Oh Snap stamp set from Taylored Expressions! I didn't have a chance to play with this set during release week, and I've been so anxious to ink it up! I also used the coordinating Oh Snap Cameras Dies, and the fabulous new Film Strip Border Die!

I stamped my camera and the fun flash image with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink, and colored them with Copics. The dp is My Mind's Eye Collectable Unforgettable. Here is a close up:

I also used the very pretty Lace Chain Border Die as well as the Banner Stacklets 1 Dies for my sentiment. The layout I used is the Deconstructed Sketch #93!

Well, I have some exciting news! We sold our house after being on the market for 1 day and having 1 showing! It's so crazy, and we now have 3 weeks to move out and to find a short term rental until our new house is completed which is projected to be around mid-August (I hope!!!) We are going to be quite busy, and I am going to try to keep up with everything the best I can. I will be taking a break from The Color Throwdown, but hope to rejoin the team once we get settled.

That's it for me! Thank you so much for stopping by, and have a wonderful rest of your weekend!

Kerri

Recipe:

Stamps: Taylored Expressions Oh Snap

Paper: SU Cherry Cobbler, My Mind's Eye Collectable Unforgettable

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics, SU Regal Rose

Accessories: Taylored Expressions Oh Snap Camera Dies, Film Strip Border Die, Lace Chain Border Die, Banner Stacklets 1 Dies, Circle Nestabilities, Sewing Machine, Foam Squares

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Taylored Expressions Stamp of the Month Club Blog Hop!

Kerri 11:00 AM 59 Comments

Hello! Welcome to a special blog hop we are having this month to introduce you to the new Taylored Expressions Stamp of the Month Club!

I'm sure most of you have heard about the TE Key Ingredients Kit Club which includes a 6x6 paper pad, 12 sheets of cardstock, and 5 yards of ribbon all packaged together and delivered to your door each month for $24 (U.S.), $28 (Canada), or $35 (other countries) including shipping! Well, now Taylor is offering 2 new subscription options! The first is the Stamp of the Month!

The Stamp of the Month Club includes a new stamp set shipped directly to you each month! These stamp sets are exclusive to subscribers so they will not be available to the general public. The stamp sets will coordinate with the patterned paper in the Key Ingredients Kit Club for those who subscribe to both, but they can also stand alone. The Stamp of the Month can be purchased for a monthly charge of $20 (U.S.), $22 (Canada), $24 (other countries) which includes shipping!

The third option is of course of combination of the two clubs called Deluxe Key Ingredients Kit Club! You will get both the Key Ingredients Kit PLUS the Stamp of the Month for a reduced price! This subcription can be purchased for a monthly charge of $39 (U.S.), $45 (Canada), $53 (other countries). Deluxe subscribers also get additional perks like a 10% discount in the TE Store all month long!

Are you ready to see this month's Stamp of the Month Stamp Set? This set is just GORGEOUS and it's called Make it Memorable:

Here is a card I made using this beautiful set:

I pulled colors from this pretty dp included in the March Key Ingredients Kit Club. I cut my background with the TE Circles Cutting Plate, and added a border with the new Open Scallop Border Die. The banner strip was cut with a Banner Stacklets 1 Die. I cut the pretty doily stamp out with Circle Nestabilities, and fussy cut the butterfly. I also cut out the sentiment panel and popped it up with foam squares. I used Mojo261 for my layout. Here is a close up:

There is also a set of dies that coordinate with this set that you can purchase separately HERE:

Well you can't have a blog hop without prizes, right?! We're giving away a March Deluxe Key Ingredients to one lucky winner!!! The winner will be chosen at random from all of the comments left on our blogs between now and Thursday evening at 9pm PST. The more comments you leave the better chance you have of winning! The winner will be announced on Taylor's Blog on Friday, March 15th. What are you waiting for? Hop along to check out the rest of the fabulous inspiration and leave your comments!

Thanks for stopping by!

Kerri

Recipe:

Stamps: Taylored Expressions Stamp of the Month~Make it Memorable

Paper: White cs and dp from the TE March Key Ingredients Kit Club

Ink: SU Sahara Sand, Basic Gray, Kiwi Kiss, PTI Raspberry Fizz

Accessories: TE Make it Memorable Dies, Circles Cutting Plate, Open Scallop Border Die, Banner Stacklets 1 Dies, Foam Squares, Sewing Machine, Circle Nestabilities

Your Next Stamp Tasty Tuesday!

Kerri 3:00 AM 0 Comments

Hello! We have an awesome inspiration picture for you this month for the Your Next Stamp Tasty Tuesday Challenge! Check out this Fruit Infused Coconut Water~YUM!

This is what I came up with:

I used this adorable stamp named Sippy, along with a sentiment from the YNS Handwritten Sentiments Set. I stamped the sentiment on a flag I cut with the YNS Fishtail/Banner Die Set. The dp is My Mind's Eye Collectable Notable.

We hope you'll play along with us this month for your chance to win a $10 Gift Certificate to the YNS Store! You can check out all of the details HERE!

Thank you so much for stopping by today, and have a Terrific Tuesday!

Kerri

Recipe:

Stamps: Your Next Stamp Sippy, Handwritten Sentiments

Paper: PTI Hawaiian Shores, Yellow cs, My Mind's Eye Collectable Notable

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics

Accessories: YNS Fishtail/Banner Dies, Oval Nestabilities, Button, Twine, Sewing Machine, Foam Squares

Friday, March 8, 2013

Taylored Expressions March Spotlights: From My Window

Kerri 11:00 AM 10 Comments

Hello! So what do you think of all the new products released this month at Taylored Expressions? So fun, right? Today I have some tags (or bookmarks) to share with you that I made using the new From My Window Stamp Set, the Arched Window Die, and the Banner Stacklets 2 Dies!

I just LOVE the whole From My Window concept! There are so many ways that you can get super creative with this set and die and all of the scenes that are included are just adorable! I couldn't decide which scene to use, so I chose 3 of them and make some fun tags. Now these tags are pretty large, so they would have to go on pretty large gifts, but they would also work great as bookmarks:) Here they are individually:

I used Kraft cs for the base of all the tags and the dp is My Mind's Eye Collectable Notable which you can find HERE!

All of the images were stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copics. The sentiment panels were cut out with the Banner Stacklets 1 Dies.

Well, I hope you've enjoyed this release! Make sure you check out the rest of the Baker's Dozen Blogs for more spotlights and have a fabulous Friday!

Broni Holcombe
Carole Burrage
Charmaine Ikach
Jami Sibley
Jen Shults
Kerri Michaud--->You are here:)
Regina Mangum
Sankari Wegman
Shannon White
Shelly Mercado
Stephanie Kraft
Tammie Edgerton
Taylor VanBruggen
Wanda Guess

Kerri
Recipe:
Stamps: Taylored Expressions From My Window
Paper: Kraft, Red, Green, Aqua cs, My Mind's Eye Collectable Notable dp
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Accessories: Taylored Expressions Banner Stacklets 2 Dies, Arched Window Die, Button, Ribbon, Twine, Foam Squares, Slot Punch

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Taylored Expressions March Release Day~Banner Stacklets 2 and Flutter-bys!

Kerri 2:59 PM 5 Comments

Hello! It's Release Day at Taylored Expressions, which means that all of the new stamps and dies are available at the Taylored Expressions Store!

Today, the Baker's Dozen is showing off some of the new dies-which are fabulous by the way:) I used the new Banner Stacklets 2 Dies on my card along with the new Flutter-bys Dies. I also used the TE Label Stacklets 1 Dies to frame my sentiment which comes from the From My Window Stamp Set. The dp is My Mind's Eye Collectable Remarkable dp. This was a very simple card to make! Here's a close up:

I just LOVE the shape of the new Banner Stacklets 2 Dies and isn't that butterfly gorgeous? These dies make it so easy to create a quick and easy card!

Make sure you check out the rest of the Baker's Dozen Blogs to see more projects featuring the fabulous new dies. Thank you so much for stopping by and happy shopping!

Kerri
Recipe:
Stamps: Taylored Expressions From My Window
Paper: SU Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Chocolate Chip, My Mind's Eye Collectable Unforgettable
Ink: SU Real Red, Baja Breeze
Accessories: Taylored Expressions Banner Stacklets 2 Dies, Flutter Bys Dies, Label Stacklets 1 Dies, Oval Punches, Pearls, Sewing Machine, Foam Squares

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Taylored Expressions March Sneak Peek~Moka Meredith!

Kerri 11:00 AM 6 Comments

Please scroll down for my Color Throwdown card:)

Hello! I have another sneak peek to share with you from Taylored Expressions:) Today I get to introduce you to Moka Meredith! Meredith is a girl on the go, so I thought it would be fun to pair her with one of the new Taylored Dies~Luggage Tags Dies! Aren't they fabulous?!

I decided to paper piece her suitcase with this fun My Mind's Eye My Girl dp. I would love a suitcase like that, wouldn't you? I added a sentiment from the Moka Meredith Set which I stamped on a banner cut with the TE Banner Stacklets 1 Dies, and used the awesome Open Scallop Border Die once again. The heart comes from the TE Cupid's Arrows Die Set. Here's a close up of Meredith:

Such a cutie! I added some embossing to the dp with the CB Seeing Spots and D'vine Swirls embossing folders.

Make sure you check out the rest of the Baker's Dozen Blogs for more peeks! I'll be back tomorrow for release day!

Kerri
Recipe:
Stamps: Taylored Expressions Moka Meredith
Paper: PTI Kraft, My Mind's Eye My Girl dp
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Accessories: TE Luggage Tags Dies, Open Scallop Border Die, Banner Stacklets 1 Dies, Cupid's Arrows Dies, Ribbon, Twine, Button, CB Seeing Spots and D'vine Swirls EF, Foam Squares, Sewing Machine

Color Throwdown #232~Happy Easter!

Kerri 2:00 AM 6 Comments

Hello! We have a gorgeous new color combo for you this week at the Color Throwdown! Joan is our fabulous hostess, and she has chosen this beautiful room as our inspiration this week. This is what I came up with:

These colors shout SPRING, so I used this super sweet image from Your Next Stamp called Bunny Ellie (which is 40% off right now!!!) along with the YNS Fancy Frame Stamp and Die Combo. I also used the YNS Fishtail/Banner Dies which I adore! The dp is My Mind's Eye Follow Your Heart Be Happy, and the layout is the Deconstructed Sketch #85.

We hope you'll play along with us this week! Just link your projects to the Color Throwdown Blog HERE, and while you're there, make sure you check out the rest of the amazing DT creations!

Thank you so much for stopping by and have a wonderful Wednesday!

Kerri

Recipe:

Stamps: Your Next Stamp Bunny Ellie and Fancy Frame Stamp Set

Paper: PTI Kraft, My Mind's Eye Follow Your Heart Be Happy dp

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics, SU Cameo Coral

Accessories: Your Next Stamp Fancy Frame Die, Fishtail Banner Dies, Taylored Expressions Open Scallop Border Die, Foam Sqaures, Sewing Machine

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Taylored Expressions March Sneak Peek~Vintage Dreamer!

Kerri 11:00 AM 8 Comments

Hello! Are you ready for some fun sneak peeks from Taylored Expressions? All of the new stamps and dies that you see over the next couple of days will be available on Thursday at the Taylored Expressions Store!

Today I am sharing a card I made using Vintage Dreamer! This set was released last February as a Key Ingredients Subscriber Exclusive, but on Thursday it will be available for general sale-WooHoo!

I stamped the Typewriter image with Memento Rich Cocoa and stamped the Hello sentiment with SU Bermuda Bay. I also stamped a beautiful flourish from this set in the corner using SU River Rock. The fabulous border die is the new Open Scallop Border Die~LOVE~and I also used the Banner Stacklets 1 Dies for the fishtails below the typewriter. The dp is My Mind's Eye Collectable Unforgettable, and the layout is Mojo Monday 278.

Make sure you check out the rest of the Baker's Dozen Blogs AND our super talented Guest Designer~Broni Holcombe's Blog to see more exciting sneak peeks! Thank you so much for stopping by and have a terrific Tuesday:)

Broni Holcombe - Guest Designer

Kerri
Recipe:
Stamps: Taylored Expressions Vintage Dreamer
Paper: Cream, Mustard cs, My Mind's Eye Collectable Unforgettable dp
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, SU Bermuda Bay, River Rock, Ranger Antique Linen Distress Ink
Accessories: Taylored Expressions Open Scallop Border Die, Banner Stacklets 1 Dies, Circle Nestabilities, CB Seeing Spots EF, Sewing Machine, Foam Squares

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Taylored Expressions Panda Love and Color Throwdown #231

Kerri 3:00 AM 10 Comments

Hello! I have a card to share today that I made using this darling image from Taylored Expressions called Animals in Love-Pandas. I just think this image is so sweet! I used this week's Color Throwdown #231 for my color combo:

I just love the colors that our fabulous hostess, Broni chose for us this week! Aren't they so fresh and summery?

I stamped the image twice, and cut the pandas out so I could pop them up with foam squares. The "love" was cut with the new Taylored Expressions Whimsy Alpha Dies and I added a Thickers U. The dp is a combo of My Mind's Eye My Girl and Collectable Notable. Here's a close up:

We hope you'll join us this week at the Color Throwdown! Just link your creations to the Color Throwdown Blog HERE! While you're there, make sure you check out the rest of the awesome DT projects:)

Thank you so much for stopping by and have a wonderful Wednesday!

Kerri

Recipe:

Stamps: Taylored Expressions Animals in Love-Pandas

Paper: PTI Kraft, My Mind's Eye My Girl and Collectable Notable dp

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics

Accessories: Rectangle Nestabilities, Ribbon, Taylored Expressions Whimsy Alpha Dies, Sewing Machine, Foam Squares, Stardust Stickles, Thickers

Friday, February 22, 2013

Your Next Stamp Fun Friday!

Kerri 3:00 AM 4 Comments

Hello! I am so glad it's Friday, how about you? I have so much to do around my house and no plans this weekend so hopefully I'll get some things accomplished. I'll have to squeeze a little stamping time in there too of course:)

Friday means Fun Friday at Your Next Stamp, and this month's theme is Vacation! I don't know about you, but sometimes at the end of a vacation, I am just so excited to get back home! Back to my own comfy bed, and comfy sofa. All of the kiddos back in their beds instead of us all crammed into one or two rooms LOL!

I used this whimsical stamp from YNS called Happy Home. I just think it's so adorable and I love all the fun details! I paired it with some My Mind's Eye Follow Your Heart Be Amazing dp. I used the YNS Fishtail/Banner Die Set for the large banner and the YNS Whatnots Seasons Set One for the sentiment banners. Here's a peek at the inside:

The heart also comes from the YNS Whatnots Seasons Set One. Make sure you check out the Your Next Stamp Blog for more fabulous Vacation inspiration! Thank you so much for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend!

Kerri

Recipe:

Stamps: Your Next Stamp Happy Home

Paper: PTI Kraft, MME Follow Your Heart Be Amazing

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics, Color Box Black Licorice

Accessories: Your Next Stamp Fishtail/Banner Die Set, YNS Whatnots Seasons Set One, Long Rectangle Nestabilities, PTI Cloud Die, Button Twine, Sewing Machine, Foam Squares