Kreativity and me

I have moved

2009-11-01T04:18:00.000-08:00

I have been having many issues with blogger of late. I am moving to http://kreativityandme.blogspot.com/. Please bear with me till I am able to set it up properly.

Cheers,

Smita

I am back!!

2009-10-24T12:12:00.000-07:00

Well, finally!! And about time too... Ok, for those who don't remember me (guess most don't coz I have been missing in action for a long time now), I am a cardmaker from India. I love crafting (no needlework and knitting though) when I have some spare time... I got into card making quite accidentally never having thought I could pursue a craft so seriously. This blog is my attempt to bring out the creativity in me. I do not sell my cards and mostly make them for personal use.

I have not been active in blog land for around 5 months now due to some personal problems. And during these last few months most of my crafting activities have been centered around my son - costumes for school functions; masks, animals with moving tails, trunk etc... when he was bored; trying many types of papercraft during his holidays just to keep him occupied and entertained - kind of sums up everything I have made since June! :-)) Why, just today I made him a spider bracelet that should do fine for his school's Halloween celebration (it isn't a very popular day around here so the bracelet and a spooky hat should be good enough).

Ok, coming down to the cards. I finally managed to get some time to do my own thing and decided to get down to some serious crafting. My favorite sketch blog has always been 2Sketches4you. So my comeback card (whoa! I am making myself sound like a celebrity, huh?) had to be based on their sketch.

The first card here is very loosely based on the sketch. I had to try these paper flowers from Kathy's blog somewhere so I added them to this card. I haven't added the sentiment yet. The champagne bottle and flute are stickers. I threaded a few buttons together for the embellishment.

Ingredients

CS: Metallic CS from DCVW, plain CS's from stash, DP from Hobby Ideas

Others: Leaf punch by Jef, 3D outliner from Hobby Ideas (used as champagne)

This second card is more of an actual adaptation of the sketch. Sorry about the poor light; the pics were taken from a mobile phone. Sentiment not yet added. This is an anniversary card like the previous one. I have 2 entwined hearts here (not clear in the pic) - a pink and a blue. The flowers and leaves were punched and hand embossed. Basically, it took a lot of effort to punch and shape all those flowers ;-)

Ingredients:

CS: Metallic CS from DCVW, others from stash

Punches: Flower punch from Carla craft, leaf from Jef

Others: rhinestones from stash, 3D outliner from Hobby Ideas, white microbeads from stash

That's from me for now. Hoping to be able to craft more often.

Cheers,
Smita

The crafting itch....

2009-10-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

Hi there everyone,

It is now almost 5 months since I last crafted properly (except for my anniversary cards in June)!! Can you imagine a crafter staying away from her tools for so long??! Even I can't... but the situation has been such that I am left with no choice. I have been having people coming and staying all the time since we returned from our vacation... And I am one person who needs all the peace and quiet possible to be able to sit and craft! I can't stand interference and talking while I sit down to work... and there has not been this kind of a suitable environment for me since so long!

Anyway, now I want to craft... and the inspiration - apart from my own little creative side - is the new Fiskars Paper Trimmer that my dad got for me from Australia. I have been dying to own one of those; so now I am in seventh heaven. I shall hopefully be able to create something in the next few days... :-)

Here's a pic of what I've got... (this is from a website though):

Cheers,

Smita

Random ramblings

2009-07-02T21:47:00.000-07:00

No, I have nothing to post... I made a few cards for my husband on our anniversary (which was on the 27th of June) but I haven't clicked pictures of them.

I just couldn't resist writing... The blog has been inactive for so so really long. My hands are even itching to craft again... ;-)

My (parents and brothers) -in-law are here with us now so I really have no time for crafting as such. But I do intend to make one more card for a cousin. If I manage to do it, you will see some post from me soon. I am also expecting more guests so there is no chance of taking out my craft material in front of everyone. I usually prefer creating in either complete silence or with soft music in the background. And with so many people at home, both these environments are impossible to create! :D

Well, a little about our vacation... It was one of the best-est (if there were such a word) trips I have ever had. Since it was our first vacation abroad, we both enjoyed ourselves to the hilt... and so did Aaryan... was sheer pleasure.... an awesome theme park. Kuala Lumpur was a shopper's paradise. Langkawi was the closest to heaven I could get... blue waters and the picturesque landscape. Singapore is now my favorite city ;-) Loved it loved it loved it...

Till later...

Smita

No new posts for sometime

2009-05-29T03:48:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

There will be no new posts from me for some time now. We are going on vacation next week and I am too excited to do anything productive now ;-) After we get back, my in-laws will be coming over for a long stay. So I am not too sure when I will post next.

I will miss crafting for sure.

Love,

Smita

Debbie's droolworthy birthday candy

2009-05-22T02:53:00.000-07:00

Hop over to Debbie's blog for the chance to win some truly awesome candy. Don't believe me? Well, check out this pic:

Hurry up! Last date: 23rd May.

Newer colors

2009-05-18T09:53:00.001-07:00

I was chatting with my best (and oldest) friend, Kunkum, today. She commented that my blog was colorful, but there was loads of blue and pink. In today's card for Laura's Sketch # 26 at 2S4U, I tried to use other colors too - yellow and orange, for example. ;-) Vineet thinks the color combination is different but nice.

And I think I will try doing some of Kristina's challenges now on, so that I don't go wrong with the colors and I have a nice palette every week. I do look up all color challenges every week, but somehow when I sit down to make a card, I choose whatever suits my fancy at that moment.

Coming back to today's card. I love this stamp. It is from a new clear stamp set I bought recently. And I am totally in love with GlueDrops (which is our version of the Glue Dot). The adhesive is very strong and it kind of holds anything. I bought a circle punch too, recently, after looking at it for months. I was waiting for something larger, but this is the largest I have been able to find. :-( I used it in one of the bubbles (the green one). I have again give paper piecing a try but I think it is going to take a while to perfect this art.

My card recipe:
Cardstock: Metallic CS from the DCWV stack, blue patterned paper from Hobby Ideas, yellow and orange CS from stash
Stamp: Bubbles stamp from a Hobby Ideas clear stamp set
Others: Heidi Grace rub-on; Fevicryl 3D outliner in various shades; Staedler markers; Carla Craft circle punch; lace and ribbon from stash
PS: Vineet hates the pompom!! :D Wonder why?! I kind of find it cute and have bought it 3-4 shades. He thinks it looks kind of cheap!!

Does anyone have any nice template for a 6*6 card envelope/box? I checked Mel's blog (Mel Stampz) but couldn't find the kind I needed. I liked one of the semi-envelope templates that she has and used it for a friend's wedding card.

Love,

Smita

PS: For those of you suffering from the summer heat, have you had any ice lollies/popsicles yet?! :-) I just had one some time back.

Denise's gorgeous candy

2009-05-17T04:38:00.000-07:00

Visit Denise's blog for a chance to win some great candy. She is offering loads of candy, so you might not want to miss out.

Love,
Smita

Cute

2009-05-16T02:58:00.000-07:00

I received this wonderful award from Dora, whose blog I have been visiting and who has been leaving very sweet comments on my blog too. Isn't it cute?

Thank you, Dora for this... and thank you for including me in your list of friends. Do drop by Dora's blog to see her lovely creations.
I would like to pass on this award to:
Sharanya
Sylvia
Sankari
DeeDee
Maria
Donna
Carla
Juhi
This award, Friends... comes with the following description to be added & passed along: "These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in selfaggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated." It also says: "Please give more attention to theses writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

Love,
Smita

More candy

2009-05-06T02:33:00.000-07:00

There is more great candy at Marcea's blog. Her birthday candy ends on May 12th. Go and check out what she has to offer.

Love,
Smita

Yummy candy at Janet's blog

2009-05-06T02:18:00.000-07:00

Here is a chance to win some (no, loads of) yummy candy. Hop over to Janet's blog. Read the entire candy post for more chances to win the truly awesome candy.

Love,
Smita

Bright and nice

2009-05-05T11:24:00.000-07:00

Hi,
I have a few cards to share with you today. Three to be precise. I am just too lazy to click pictures and post every day... I am trying to change this habit ;-) Hoping to be more regular soon...
Aaryan is down with a fever today and the poor kid hasn't eaten anything but 2 biscuits and a little bread since morning. I hope he recovers soon. :-(
Anyway here is something about today's cards.

This first one was a 'trial' card, if I may call it that. I wanted to try a tea bag folding star... it hasn't turned out great but then, as I mentioned, it was a 'trial' card, so I am happy I learnt what I wanted to. Inspiration again from Donna's blog. Of course, her card was beautiful and she had used the kite to make up her pattern and not this pointed star. I really wanted to use it for last week's sketch over at 2S4U but I finished the card only on Sunday...
Printed paper from Hobby Ideas; flower from a sticker strip from A C Moore; rub-on from Hobby Ideas
This next card is for a friend who is getting married soon. Bright colors are part of the Indian wedding... I haven't used any of the traditional reds and gold here though.. a little off beat for our kind of weddings.. The gorgeous patterned paper used here is from the Heidi Grace stack that I won. The printed vellum and pink velvet paper are from the Paper Company, the pink metallic card stock is from the DCWV stack, the flower - I don't remember the name, but it is again from the A C Moore set that Chirag got me, ribbons, lace and pearls are from by stash.

The last card is for 2S4U , Laura's sketch # 25. 2S4U seems to be the only challenge blog that really makes me create something every week (well, almost every week). Their sketches are always so much fun and seeing what the DT and fellow bloggers come up with week after week is truly inspiring.

The idea for the paper weaving was inspired by a creation by DeeDee (another one of my favorite cardmakers)! I added some tiny pearls to the center of the flower for added effect. I loved my card this week; Vineet thought the colors were a little offbeat and that I could do better with the sketch... What do you think?

Card stock: Green metallic sheet from DCWV; patterned paper from Hobby Ideas; embossed handmade paper from local stationer; green and pink tinted papers (used for the paper weaving bit in the center) from stash

Stamp: Gift stamp from Hobby Ideas

Others: Flower from a local craft bazaar; buttons, ribbons, pearls from local markets; sentiment from Heidi Grace; pompom lace and other ribbons from local markets; leaf punch by Jef

Love,

Smita

Smita goes international!

2009-04-22T05:16:00.000-07:00

He he he he... Still laughing over the post title! Well, I am not kidding... ;-) I really have gone international with this card. Stop stop... Before you build up too much expectation out of the card, let me explain...

I had won Donna's blog candy a few weeks back. Anyone who has been reading my blog knows that I love her work. I had tried an explosion box in Jan inspired by her creation! ;-) Anyway, coming back to the point.. I received my yummy package on Saturday. God! You should have seen my scream and jump... There were loads of Heidi Grace paper (even double-sided, something I had never before seen), epoxy stickers, flower and button stickers, three spools of ribbon, chipboard stickers et al. So, you can imagine what made me scream. None of that stuff is actually available here so I wa,s thrilled beyond words.. so thrilled that I couldn't craft for so long (!!! well.. that's an excuse). I made a little card for a friend a couple of days back but then we gave it to him without clicking pictures. There goes!! It wasn't my best but it did use that yummy Heidi Grace paper.

I want to create one of Donna's goodie bags just so that I can use the double-sided paper without wasting even an inch of it!!
I spent most of today just thinking of what to use as the focal element in my card. I wanted all the focus to go to that circle in the sketch... and I hate circles!! ;-) You are wondering why! Well, I hate cutting around them because I never get them perfect; my local stationer does not have the cirlce punch in supply ever, which pisses me off; I am still hunting for Prima flowers look-alikes so that it becomes easier for me to fill those 'circles' in sketches; and lastly, I always wonder how people interpret the circle so well every time whereas I can't look at it as anything but just that!... Did I confuse you? I hope I did. Just wanted to tell you how much I dislike circles when I have to work with them... nothing against the shape otherwise! LOL!

Coming back to today's card. I have used a lot of stuff from Donna's package and some things that my bro-in-law (Chirag) got for me from AC Moore when he came down for the wedding. Thanks to both Chirag and Donna, Smita has finally gone international ;-)

Cardstock: Metallic CS from the DCWV textured metallic sheets range, Polka dots designer paper from the Heidi Grace pack, Pink velvet paper by The Paper Company, scrap of pink printed vellum sheet from The Paper Company, Blue and white CS from stash
The circles are made from a sheet of shimmer patterned paper from Hobby Ideas. (Ohhh! I love the shimmer)
Others: Sentiment from Heidi Grace, Blue lace and satin ribbon from stash.

Love,

Smita.

Bev's fab blog candy

2009-04-16T03:50:00.000-07:00

Bev has some fabulous candy up for grabs (yeah, and this time there is some real candy too ;-) ). You wouldn't want to miss out on the chance to win, would you? So hop right there and grab the opportunity. Who knows, you might be the lucky one!
Her work, needless to say, is superb.

Love,
Smita

Whacky colors: Purple, orange and green

2009-04-09T03:28:00.000-07:00

Ok! I know I am late for this challenge... I made it based on the color challenge at 365 Cards, completely forgetting that it is a daily challenge!! :-((( Anyway, now that the card is ready, I might as well post it.
Oh and one more disaster. I wanted to make a card for the Cinema Saturday Creative Challenge. This week's challenge was based on one of my most favorite movies- My Fair Lady. But since the challenge was to use Embossing on a card, it was a little difficult one for me (I have no idea whatsoever how to emboss properly! No embossing powder available here, remember!)... Did read the tutorials... almost managed one faux embossing, but messed it up and had to trash it. :-( Anyway, just because I wanted so badly to play, I used some embossed paper. Does that count? Well, I don't know!!

Anyway, the only good thing is that I was able to make my second card based on the 2S4U sketch this week. Isn't that awesome!? :-)

My card recipe:
Cardstock: Metallic CS from the DCWV stack, printed paper from Hobby Ideas, purple tinted paper

Stamp: Gift stamp from Hobby Ideas (yeah, the same new set I bought 2 days back)

Others: Crocheted lace, decorative flowers and beads from local craft stores

PS: Please bear my stamping for some time. I am still trying to learn how to layer properly. I will then try and concentrate on the coloring techniques et al.

Pretty in pink

2009-04-07T03:32:00.000-07:00

Hello,
Every week, I think of creating a card based on the 2S4U sketch first thing on Tuesday morning (the sketch is up by Monday night my time), but procrastination gets the better of me, and I end up creating the card earliest by Friday!! ;-)
This time, I broke my record, and created the 2S4U challenge card today!! :-)) Yay yay yay!!! I am pretty pleased with the result. I love the patterned paper I have used in today's card. I also bought a new stamp set today...hmm..not exactly a set, but yeah, all the stamps came in one box! I had seen the set earlier, but didn't buy it... don't know why. Anyway, it had been on my mind ever since...

My card recipe:
Cardstock: Metallic CS from the DCWV metallic sheets stack, patterned paper from Hobby Ideas, plain CS in pink, deep pink and chocolate brown
Stamps: Cake and Candle stamps from Hobby Ideas
Others: Pink sheer organza ribbon and pink satin thread from stash, locally available dry letter transfer (rub-ons), eyelets

PS: I also used Lulu's tutorial!! (yes, I know, doesn't look like it!)...LOL!!

Love,

Smita.

My charming Dwarf

2009-04-05T21:28:00.000-07:00

Today was 'Fairy Tale character in school' day at Aaryan's Playschool. What fun!! :-) I wish I was studying with him ;-)) Chuckle chuckle....
After a discussion with Mamma and Richa, I concluded that I should dress him up as a 'Dwarf' from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I read and re-read the story to him over the weekend to get him excited about the character ;-))
I didn't do too much for the costume... made everything with Crepe paper mostly. The hat and a matching jacket. The beard was made with a scrap piece of paper with cotton for adding dimension. He was a little teary-eyed at school, but then we had told him that we will be clicking pictures, so he did dress up and pose. :-) Most of the others were dressed in store-bought costumes, so Aaryan was a little out of place there, but then I love everything handmade, so it doesn't matter! :-)

Did you hear about the big giveaway?!

2009-04-05T03:26:00.000-07:00

Melissa of Creating from the heart is giving away a brand new Cuttlebug!!! Can you believe it? Just last week Papa and Murali bhaiya were telling me that I should invest in the machine. I have been thinking of buying it since then, but it is sooooo damn expensive!!! :-( Anyway, one lucky person is going to get it for free at Melissa's blog! How cool is that!?! :-)

Love,

Smita

Black or white?

2009-04-03T03:07:00.000-07:00

Hi,
One lazy blogger, that is what I am!! :-( I have been intending to post for a while, but I just wouldn't stop reading others' blogs. Actually, for the past few days I have been busier reading food blogs than doing anything crafty! Anyway, here I am again.
I have something to share with you. I WON DONNA'S BLOG CANDY!!!!!! Whooooooooooooooooohooooooooo!! Isn't that cool?? I have been reading her blog regularly for a long time now, and I am so glad I won. I was stunned for a while; back to my senses now. :-) But now that I have won, I must not forget to tell all those who haven't visited her blog yet to please do so now!! She is one talented cardmaker, and with years of experience behind her! I love her creations.

Next, here is my card for Kazan's Sketch # 23 at 2S4U. I have been dying to make a black n white card since long, so here it is. Not made for anyone or for any particular occasion.

The recipe:

Cardstock: Silver from the DCWV mettalic textured paper stack, Patterned paper from Hobby Ideas (yeah, from my new stock), white glossy paper, white textured, black tinted paper, and parchment paper from the local stationer.

Others: I used locally available dry letter transfers (rub-on) for the sentiment, Fevicryl 3D-Outliner for the shimmering dots.

PS: Ohh, and did you see I finally tried a little bit of 3D layering by cutting out a flower from the patterned paper and layering it over another similar one ;-)

Love,

Smita.

More blog candy

2009-03-24T22:03:00.000-07:00

Here is some more blog candy up for grabs! Do check out Sally-Ann's adorable creations too.

Love,
Smita

2S4U Sketch # 22

2009-03-24T21:33:00.000-07:00

Hi,

My take on Laura's sketch #22 at 2S4U. I am taking part in this awesome weekly challenge after a really long time. I have not added any sentiment to this card yet, because I am still not sure whom this is for. No birthdays or anniversaries coming up soon!! :-) I am glad I was able to make a card without the inspiration that I usually need for making anything.
My card recipe:
CS: Pink shimmering textured CS from DCWV paper stack, the purple paper is decoupage paper from Hobby Ideas, yellow CS is textured paper from a local store
Stamps: All stamps (flower vase and butterflies) are from Hobby Ideas
Others: Fevicryl 3D outliner, Staedtler water color pencils
I have tried to give the card a 3D effect by layering the vases one over the other and mounting the butterflies on foam tapes.

Love,

Smita

My little prince

2009-03-23T03:15:00.000-07:00

Hi,
This post is about my darling son, Aaryan. We both had been out for lunch today, and we had a blast. We went to the mall... he played for a while, and then we had pizza and garlic bread for lunch. He was a little reluctant about going in to Pizza Hut at first, but later I guess we both had a good time. :-)
And yes, we both went crazy at Hobby Ideas!! They have a new lot of patterned papers now, and I am so happy that I almost bought everything!! ;-) Aaryan liked a few sheets of stickers and other stuff and insisted on buying them; but ofcourse, Mamma was strict and she didn't let him buy anything. :-( The boy is so so fond of stickers that if I buy him one strip of stickers, he won't ask me to buy anything else for him that day! :-))))
It was the Annual Day at Aaryan's school on Saturday. He had taken part in a couple of dances. He was dressed as a sailor/boatman and they danced to one Hindi and one English song (not entire songs, of course). Here are a few pics.

The guy with the blue cap on, right in the middle (front) is my little prince.

Aaryan is on the extreme right with the oar in his right hand.

My handsome young man!! :-) Isn't he adorable?!

Love,

Smita.

Never seen sweeter candy than this

2009-03-21T06:12:00.001-07:00

Susie is offering some marvelous candy. Oh I have never seen candy that is sweeter!! I must tell you to keep a glass of water handy before you see this picture...just to prevent you from fainting off!!

Yummy Easter blog candy

2009-03-21T05:45:00.001-07:00

Jennifer has some gorgeous candy up for . Don't believe me? Well then... check this out!!!

She will draw the winner on Easter Sunday. So don't just sit here gaping at the candy... run!!! Go check out her lovely creations.

Smita

Lots to write about but no pics to upload...

2009-03-19T21:36:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know that is terrible! I have been creating a few cards over the past couple of days, but I didn't get to click any pictures, and thus I have nothing to show...

But I can describe the cards. I tried a new technique. The card is called a 'File folder card' and I got the tutorial from here. At first glance, I thought it was very very easy and that I should definitely try making it. Oh by the way, did I just forget to mention the best bit?!! I got hold of a scrapbooking magazine... The Scrapbook Magazine... at a book fair. It was an old 2005 edition, but still in its original sealed packaging. It contained a few sheets of free patterned papers from Chatterbox Inc. I don't know if you have heard of the company, but the papers are great.

Coming back to the card. I used this beautiful striped sheet (pink, blue, brown and other stripes) with plain chocolate brown cardstock. I have been wanting to try this pink and brown combo for ages now, but never got the right papers. This time, I loved the technique and the colors. It wasn't very easy for me to make, but it turned out fine. I also added an insert containing the note. It was a Thank You card that my mom wanted to send to somebody.

The other card was for my Dad. For this card I used the Notecuts template from Shortcuts. I folded the template in 2 to create a card that looked like a pair of curly braces. It turned out quite to my liking. I will ask Papa to click pictures and send it to me, so that I can upload those.

Tomorrow is the much awaited Annual Day at Aaryan's school. I am looking forward to seeing him dance!!

Love,
Smita.

Happy Holi

2009-03-11T02:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Holi!!!! Today is the Hindu festival of colors and Spring - Holi. People all over the country are drenching their friends and family in colored water, music is in the air, and everyone is generally having a great time! We didn't play Holi this time (well, we usually don't); Aaryan played in school so I didn't actually take him out today... Holi is also a time when we have delicious food made at home - sweetmeats, kanji wada (a popular delicacy in Marwari households like ours) and a lovely milkshake called Thandai.

Today is also my parents' wedding anniversary. I haven't yet posted their card here, but I will do it soon. I gave it to them when I went visiting yesterday.
Nothing more for now.
Ciao.
Love,
Smita

Ah yes...

2009-03-05T20:23:00.000-08:00

The inspiration for the accordian card in my previous post came from here:
http://pickledpaperdesigns.blogspot.com/2008/08/project-hope.html

Now, you don't expect me to be better than Amy, do you?!? :-) Her card is fabulous!! And I just was inspired to make one for my DH!!!!

Love,
Smita

A little spice, a little romance...

2009-03-04T20:34:00.001-08:00

Hi,
I know I have these terribly long intervals between two posts these days. I have been a little busy with other things. Aaryan had not been keeping too well over the weekend, and though I was able to craft, I hardly had the time to take pictures and put them up.
Coming back to the cards. Two cards are for the Cinema Saturday Creative Challenge hosted by Sankari and Brooke. I have been meaning to participate in their challenges since long but somehow haven't been able to. And this week, the challenge is not so difficult and I could have done a better job than what I have done... :-( I am a little upset. This week's theme was the movie, Bride & Prejudice. I have seen the movie... and the Indian element should have made it very easy for me to create a nice card. I am also a lover of bling and have loads of it in different formats in my stash (ribbons, laces, rhinestones, paints... everything....) but all I could come up with was these two.

The blue card (with the cake on it) is for my DH. It is his birthday on Monday and I made this one to match with the gift... he he... I am not revealing that as yet.. I am sure he will peek in here to see what I have been writing ;-).

Cardstock: Silver CS from the DCWV metallic stack, blue handmade paper, parchment paper
Rub-ons: From Hobby Ideas
Other: Ribbon and bling from local craft stores; 3D outliner from Fevicryl (used to fill in the hearts)

Our friends are celebrating their 2nd wedding anniversary tomorrow. This card is for them. I am also hoping this qualifies for the 2S4U challenge- Kazan Sketch # 21.
Cardstock: Gold and copper CS from the DCWV metallic stack; red and yellow textured handmade paper
Others: Lace and eyelets, rub-ons from Hobby Ideas

And a sneak peek into another card for Vineet. This is my favorite... I loved how it has turned out and have made a matching post-it note holder for him. Hope he will like it. I love the brown leather textured paper from the Paper Company (yeah, I am going international ;-) ). I found the tutorial online and now I have forgotten where.... I will post the link as soon as I remember. I have written a poem inside that I found to be one of the most romantic ones I have read... It begins with 'Lay thy hand in mine, dear...' . Try to read it online if you can... I will post the entire poem after the 9th. :-)

Love,

Smita

Hit it!!!

2009-03-02T21:35:00.000-08:00

I have finally added a Hit Counter to my blog! Time to set targets I guess. I had just been too superstitious about it till now because I thought I might just stop blogging after I added it... But now I think I need it. And I also need to make more cards and participate in more challenges if I want to be a known name in the card making world in general. Phew!! Too many goals, huh? But what to do... this part-time hobby is growing on me now... and I am all the time thinking of new patterns and new techniques for my cards... Touch wood.

I am hoping that the few people who follow my blog pray for my success!! I need your prayers and best wishes...

Love,
Smita

What I have been up to...

2009-02-28T04:29:00.001-08:00

Hi all,
Pics of what I have been creating in this past week or so.

Card for my brother... well, too much of white, but I had to try this waterfall card for him and I had less than half an hour to do it! :-) I hope he likes it.... His exams start on Monday and I hope he does well.

Mamma's 50th birthday card. As you all can see, I have generously used eyelets in both these cards! Couldn't resist showing off with my new tool. :-) I love the pink and green of Mamma's card (and of course the touches of gold).

And this is the notebook I altered for my grandpa (Baba). I hope he likes it too.

Cheers,

Smita

Back at last...

2009-02-23T00:04:00.000-08:00

I am back after a sort of blog break... What have I been up to? Well, nothing much actually... Clearing up a lot of pending housework...baking for my darling son...watching TV...reading my favorite magazines...yeah, that should be about it.
Slumdog..has made waves at the Oscars, I hear! :-) and I am proud to be an Indian!! Proud of AR Rehman more than of anyone else on the SD team. May God bless him and may he continue creating class music... by the way, I love the 'Masakalli' number from Delhi 6. It is quite chirpy I think (and my caller tune for the moment).
I got back to crafting yesterday. Made a card for Mamma's 50th birthday (which was yesterday) and altered a spiral notebook for my grandpa. Both have come out very nice and to my expectation but I will post the pictures later.

And did I tell you that I finally found eyelets and a super eyelet tool. I am so happy!!! :-)

Love,
Smita

Bai - we will miss you

2009-01-29T01:08:00.000-08:00

Lead kindly light,
Amid the encircling gloom,
Lead thou, me on
Keep thou my feet, I,
Do not ask to see
The distant scene...
One step enough, for me...

I lost my grandma today. And I am going to miss her forever. A lot. I think we will all miss her.
May her soul rest in peace. She had undergone a lot of suffering over the past one year. Hope she finds peace in the other world.

The one on the right (brownish saree) is her. Pic taken on November 15 during Richa's sangeet function.

Bai, you will be in our hearts for all that you taught us, for all that you did. I think you are by far the most creative person in the family. I will treasure the sarees, dresses, shawls, dressing table sets, and all other things you embroidered for me!!

No posts from me for the next 10 days or so. I will be leaving for Kolkata tomorrow.

Love,

Smita.

If you can't find them..make them!!!

2009-01-28T01:30:00.000-08:00

Hi all, I am a happy woman today!! :-) Why? Because I made 2 cards and I am quite happy with the results. And secondly, because I have decided not to brood over the fact that all the crafty materials people the world over use for their cards are not available here! I think I will stick to my resolution of trying out at least 2 new techniques a month and make whatever is possible with the material available to me. :-) And I am moving in the right direction... I have tried quite a few techniques this month - the explosion box, a brand new water coloring technique, the dahlia fold flowers, the votive holder and ribbon blossom (both in this post)! Yay!!! I have every reason to be happy, don't I? :-)

About today's cards...
The first card is for Laura's sketch # 18. I don't know if it matches the sketch exactly but I have based it on that. I have used a ribbon blossom (tutorial on SCS by Pam Basset). Of course, mine doesn't look half as nice because 1) I have used less ribbon 2) I should have used organza ribbons.
I don't know whom this card is for. I want to send it to an ex-colleague and very good friend (her birthday is long past) but I don't think it can go by courier :-(.

The second card is votive holder. I got the tutorial through Sheetloads Shortcuts. Again, here I think I should have used thicker cardstock. What do you think? This one is again for Vineet. I don't know how many Valentine's Day cards I am going to give him this year ;-))) I think I will need to give one every 3 days in Feb. :D

I used the Mojo Monday sketch. Not really a good attempt, but I have been wanting to take part in the challenge for a while, so I will submit it anyway. They have a right to kick me off ;-))

By the way, I have used a playing card (not a fancy embellishment) here. My husband's very fond of playing cards and his current favorite pastime is playing 'Poker' on Facebook :D...

The king of my heart...

Cheers,
Smita.

Dahlia fold flowers

2009-01-24T00:14:00.000-08:00

For everyone who liked these flowers but wondering how to make them, here's the tutoril link:

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/dahlia_fold/

Love,
Smita

How can I love thee? and others

2009-01-22T23:43:00.000-08:00

Hi,
I know I haven't posted in really long... and I am ashamed of myself for that. Hope this post compensates for everything.
Aaryan's school has their annual Sports Day tomorrow and the poor kids were 'practising' in the hot sun today. (For the uninitiated, Mumbai has only two seasons - the summer and the monsoons!!!! How boring is that? ;-) Well, so we are enjoying horribly high temperatures these days.)
I have 2 cards to share with you today.

The first card is my little tweaky version of the 2S4u sketch. I am going for a distant relative's 25th wedding anniversary party today and this card is for them. Guess it is my way of marketing my cards now... ;-)))

The second card is for two challenges - 2S4U (Kazan's sketch # 18) and for Stacey's Jewelry Color Inspiration # 20. I had no option but to combine the two ;-). I was thinking of what to do for both challenges, and then decided to use the 2S4U sketch and Stacey's colors together. I though that would atleast ensure that I don't go wrong with the choice of colors and layout... ;-) And halfway through the card, I thought I didn't want to give it to anyone, so I saved it to give it to my husband on Valentine's Day ;-). I haven't shown him the card yet, and I am hoping he doesn't read this post.

And yes, this is my third technique trial this month!! Yipppeeee!!!! I tried the Dahlia fold flowers from an SCS tutorial. i think my flower looks cute, what do you say? :-)

The papers are normal cardstock and a glossy cardstock from a local stationery store. The rhinestones and other bling are from the local craft market. Glitter used is UHU glitter pens. Laces are from my stash.

Cheers,

Smita

Fasts...phew!!

2009-01-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hope you have had a fab day. Mine has been so-so. I am fasting today and it also happens to be a harvest festival of North India. Both together, I have had a rather hectic day full of religious rituals of sorts. Plus, I have been surviving the entire day on 2 bananas and a few cups of coffee; though I had to cook 3 different kinds of meals for 3 different people... God! my stomach is growling now and I can't eat till I spot the moon. Why does Mr. Moon always decide to come in late on days like these, I always wonder.

As usual I have not got the camera just now, so I will come back with my post later. Maybe tomorrow afternoon after Aaryan is through with school.

Till then, ciao.

PS: I have been going through all my favorite blogs and seeing their wonderful creations. I did a little bit of craft shopping yesterday and I am dying to use them all.

Love,

Smita.

An easy day...

2009-01-09T08:29:00.001-08:00

I have had a quiet day today... well, sort of. I am at Vashi, at my mom's place for the weekend. I'm sorry I haven't been able to post in a while. Not that I didn't spend time on the internet. I obviosuly did... but was too busy reading others' blogs. Chuckle chuckle...

I made a few cards this week. One is for Vineet's friend's 3-year old son, who happens to study in Aaryan's playschool. I used a tutorial from Kristina Werner's blog. I loved the tutorials she has put up there. Super cool. And with this, I also managed to complete my New Year Resolution target for this month!! :-) Way to go girl!! I have also created part of the same friend's wedding anniversary card. I went for some craft shopping yesterday...a wrong day to step out of home.. there were some processions on the road which greatly delayed the traffic and Aaryan n I were majorly troubled by it. But I still managed some ordinary lace and a few other embellishments.

Will post pictures of everything sometime after I get back home.
This week, I am not participating in the 2S4U challenge. Can't think of anything to do with that sketch, and I have too many other plans. Somebody please tell me if there is something I can do from home (related to cardmaking) in India. I would love to do something...

Catch you later.

Love,
Smita.

Card for Carla's challenge

2009-01-04T09:11:00.000-08:00

Hi all,
I had a good n lazy Sunday. Got some time to spend on crafting in the afternoon... some disasters and one card is what I could turn up with.

This card is for Carla's challenge, in which you need to create a project based on 'Love'. Well, seeing everyone around making Valentine's cards, I thought I should get into the groove myself. Though I don't sell my cards (obviously!! who'd pay for these creations of mine!?), this card will be for Vineet. He has already seen it though!!

Sorry, the picture is not too clear. But I am bad with the camera :-((

Paper: Red textured paper from a local store
Stamps: Heart stamps, the background stamp all from Hobby Ideas

Embellishments: Love stickers from a local stationery shop; Heart border punch from Hobby Ideas.
I have used a water coloring technique from Maria's blog (Stampin Inspirations by Maria)... well, at least I have tried to... for the background of the heart stamp.

Cheers,

Smita.

Blog Candy alert...

2009-01-03T22:01:00.000-08:00

It is raining candy in blog world!!! Check these out:

Some yummy blog candy up at:
http://papercraftsbyrach.blogspot.com/2009/01/new-year-blog-candy.html
Do check it out to see the scrumptious stuff Rachel has to offer!! And the absolutely stunning cards that she has been sharing with the world!

And there is more candy at:
http://lesliesloft-leslie.blogspot.com/
Leslie is also offering some really good blog candy... so what are you waiting for?! Hurry to her blog to see her wonderful creations!

And there is still more at:
http://emmalockley.blogspot.com/2008/12/blog-candy.html
Emma is offering some fabulous candy as her blog has completed 3000 hits.

Michelle is offering some adorable Valentine candy at her blog. Some very cool stuff she has out there. Do visit her blog both for the candy and for her very beautiful creations!

Sally is offering some great candy at her blog, http://sallyscreativecorner.blogspot.com/2009/01/blog-candy.html. Do drop by there to see what she has to give. Last date: January 14.

Irina has some stuff to give away as part of her birthday blog candy at:
http://everythingpapercrafts.blogspot.com/2009/01/cat-in-window-plus-birthday-blog-candy.html

Isn't is all wonderful. Well, I have never ever won anything online - be it candy or a contest - so I have no chances in any of these either, but you must try! You never know!! :-)

Cheers,
Smita.

A little explosion...!

2009-01-03T11:20:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone!!!
It has been a busy week this. First, we had this small New Year's eve party at home. We had called Vineet's friends... I did quite a bit of cooking and everyone else got something along too... a kind of mini potluck. We had good fun. I had made cards for all the couples. Couldn't click pictures... it slipped out of my mind.
And then, yesterday was Aaryan's birthday. No party this time. Aaryan and I went out to the mall in the afternoon and spend a good 2 hours playing games he loved. Mamma and Papa aover in the evening. Then we all went to have 'pizzaaaaa' at Pizza Hut. Well, 'pizza' is Aaryan's latest craze - a little because he likes it and more because he can say the word ;-). Anyway, my little one is very happy with all the gifts he received. So, I guess it was a wonderful day for him as well.
And today, I made this card for Richa. I was going to post it later but I tried embellishing it keeping in mind Laura's sketch 16 at 2S4U. And this is what I came up with - a little explosion box card. I saw this on one of the blogs I visited (Popsicle Toes) and then used a mixture of a few tutorials and some of my own twists. It has not come out perfect but I am happy. One of my New Year resolutions is to learn a new technique/idea every month and make a card out of it. This looks like a good beginning, doesn't it? :-) With an absolute lack of tools here, I think it is good enough.
About the card:
The patterned papers used here (yes! I finally managed to lay my hands on some) are 'Candy Stripes' and 'Lavender Sky' both by Finmark Decoupage; The paper for the outer box is again from a metallic sheets pad that I got from A C Moore. I used some stamps for the inner box; they are all from Hobby Ideas. Miscellaneous buttons and lace.
Hope you like my attempt at making a little explosion.

Sorry the pictures are a little haphazard!!

And Richa, since this is for you and I am revealing it a good week before your birthday, I hope you like it too!! We will miss you a lot on your birthday. You are the world's bestest sister, y'know!!

Cheers,

Smita.

Ohhh and here are my cookies

2008-12-30T01:40:00.000-08:00

My new muffin tray at work!!! :-)

I baked these for the kids... Aaryan and 2 others who will be joining us for New Year.

Cheers,
Smita.

I'm on the top of the world...!!!

2008-12-30T01:16:00.000-08:00

Yay yay yay!!!!
'I'm on the top of the world looking down on creation and the only explanation I can' give...
is that I baked my first ever flawless cupcakes!!!!! Touch wood... :-) I am so happy today that I hardly have words to explain what I am feeling. And whom should I thank for this... well, my dear Mamma!! She found the muffin tray I had been looking for all over Mumbai for the last one year. And she bought it for me. Isn't that sweet. Mamma, you are the best!

I have been doing a lot of baking for our New Year party tomorrow. I made some cookies yesterday with cute glaze icing on them (even Mamma thought they looked nice), I made some tart shells this morning (will be filling them up with strawberry glaze while serving) and now these cupcakes. (Pictures coming up in this post). Even burnt my finger while taking out the tray from the hot oven... boo hoo... but actually I don't mind!

My little treasures:

The card my brothers-in-law made for my birthday:

My birthday cake (hmm... yummy):

The card that Vineet gave me (made by yours truly):

And my little boy on Christmas day:

Happy New Year!!!

Love,

Smita.

My birthday

2008-12-27T23:18:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my birthday and I had an awesome time... I love receiving gifts and I literally received loads :-). Vineet gave me stuff that I absolutely adore... some from Body Shop and a superb perfume!! Clothes from Mamma n Papa, Mom-in-law and from the kids at home.

And then the actual indulgence... I went to the biggest Hobby Ideas store here- the one at Mahalaxmi. I shopped till I dropped, literally. Bought stamps, patterned papers, a scoring tool, markers, a border punch... I literally had a bag full of card-making stuff. Waiting to use them. Guess it will first be on Aaryan's birthday card. I am planning to try a waterfall card. I did try one last week, there were some mistakes that I want to correct this time around.

The best part of my birthday were some of the cards. Vineet ordered a card (yes, I made my own birthday card) and he paid me 6 times the decided amount for the card :-); Amit and Sumit (my brothers-in-law) made a super card on behalf of all the kids at home. I loved the other card that Vineet bought too. The cake was a yummy strawberry n chocolate cake... Lunch was at Bombay Blues and dinner at Aromas of China. I bought Aaryan a magnetic Doodle Pro-like slate that I had been long dying to buy for him. All in all, I had a super day.

Will post the pictures later...

Merry Christmas!!!!

2008-12-24T08:52:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,
It is almost Christmas day here in India, so let me wish everyone a Merry Merry Christmas and a beautiful new year. I love the end of December and the first weeks of Jan... because of the festive mood everywhere and because of Papa's, Richa's, Aaryan's, and my birthdays. It is so much fun to have all our birthdays in each week...

Well, coming to my card. Yet again a card for this week's 2S4U sketch (Kazan's sketch # 16). It was a beautiful sketch this week. I, for once, immediately knew what I wanted to do, but wasn't too sure. I have made this card for our friends' wedding. It is their third anniversary and they have a beautiful 4 month old baby boy. I have tried to capture what each year signifies, in this card. Well, this is ofcourse my interpretation!!

For the circles, I have used thin laces from miscellaneous sources... I made concentric circles on a piece of cardstock for each of them. The buttons are from a local store.. the big button is again from my mom's stock... and the heart shaped sequins are from Hobby Ideas. The mauve and green cardstocks are from a pad of metallic sheets. That's about it I guess. Pardon my handwriting but since we don't get too many stamps and chipboard or other lettering here, I have to include handwritten stuff (in my handwriting tres terrible!)...

Cheers,

Smita.

It has been really long...

2008-12-18T09:01:00.000-08:00

Hi all,
Finally I am back online actively; and I've finally created a card. I thought I would not be able to even think creatively for a long long time after this break of a month and a half.

Anyway, here's the card for Laura's sketch # 15. I made this one for my dad. It is Papa's birthday on the 21st and we will be visiting him then. I was almost sure I would end up not making a card for him if I had procrastinated any more. But as I mentioned earlier, time is flying these days. With Aaryan in school now, I don't know when my day begins and when it ends. It is just too hectic for now.

More about the card. I used glossy cardstock as the base. The blue and green cardstocks are part of the metallic sheets Chirag (my sister's husband) got for me from the US (A C Moore, I believe). He got me the loveliest collection of papers, and I am so grateful to him for that. I didn't try to keep the card too masculine simply because I wanted to add the daughter's touch to it, so I have generously used lace (from my mom's old collection) and glitter and rhinestones. The green buttons and the twine are from local craft stores; the bigger buttons from mom's stock again; the silver squares are from the Hobby Ideas store here and so is the sentiment. I kind of like the card and so did everyone at home. Just hoping that Papa doesn't see it before the 21st. :-)

Cheers,

Smita.

Home at last!!!

2008-12-12T01:42:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

I am finally back home. Yes, after a very very long trip to Kolkata... The trip was wonderful, I must say. Mixed emotions and feelings... I had been waiting very long for Richa's wedding... and now it is almost 3 weeks since then and she is miles away in the US. Time either crawls or just whizzes past; there is no middle path!! We were all very busy throughout last month-first, in preparation for the wedding and then, in attending other weddings.

Richa looked like a princess on her wedding day! Really! Attaching a snap of theirs along with this post, so you'll know how serious I am. Richa, I miss you a lot... though we mostly talked on the phone!

And there is something more I have to share... Chirag got me this superb set of papers for card making!! I am so thrilled with the sheets that I don't know what to do with them :-) Hoping to get down to card making soon.

Aaryan has just started going to school this week. I am looking forward to loads of fun with him and his talks about school... but when will my little one speak!!!!!! God! Nobody is more anxious about it than I am... but he is attempting now, and I guess that is a positive sign. I am also looking forward to packing great food in his tiffin box, but the guy doesn't eat a thing!! :-( Aaryan... eat so that Mamma is inspired to cook :-)!!!

Geared up for Diwali

2008-10-24T11:15:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

No cards from me for now. As I mentioned earlier, I have been preparing myself and my home for Diwali. It is now just around the corner, and I haven't had any time to sit with cards. I don't think there will be another card from me for a long time now. I will be off to Kolkata on the 4th for Richa's wedding and for 2 other weddings in the family. Will be back only by December 9. I hope I am not forgotten in blogspace by then!!!

Wish you all a very happy holiday season... just in case I don't get time to post anything soon...

Love,
Smita.

A li'l bit of shimmer

2008-10-17T12:48:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Don't ask me why I am so late and why I haven't had any creation since last week's card. I am now just waiting for Diwali... For the uninitated, Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights. It is one of our biggest festivals... we believe that Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, visits our homes on that day. We wear new clothes; offer our prayers to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi; have wonderful food and burst crackers (traditionally, though many have shunned this part of the celebration in recent years). All in all, it is a fun festival. But pre-preparations for Diwali include cleaning the entire house thoroughly (else, the Goddess might decide not to come over ;-) )... and this is what I have been busy doing the last few days. Cleaning all the cupboards and rooms... trashing the unwanted stuff and generally keeping myself busy for the festive season!!

Anyway, coming to this week's card. This one is based on Kazan's sketch # 11 at 2S4U. I spent quite a while on it due to the number of layers I have given. I have added some hint of glitter to bring in the essence of our weddings... and because I personally love the shimmer! I liked the effect though I still feel something is missing. Hope y'all like it. I will be giving it to my cousin, who is getting married in December.

Cheers,
Smita.

Laura's sketch # 10: It's a boy

2008-10-11T23:10:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I am terribly late for this challenge on 2S4U. I have been very busy all this week with my in-laws visiting. I have also been cleaning up my home for Diwali... gosh, there is hardly any time left and I am not even half way through... I have not had the time to create anything much so far. A few gift bags and this one card is all I have managed in the last few days.

Here's the card story. My mom-in-law wanted a card to give to somebody on the birth of their baby boy. After an almost 4 month long search for a tool to cut circles, I finally found one on Friday. I was so happy that I immediately knew what I wanted to make for Mummy. In the same store, I also found some amazing colors in textured papers. I didn't want handmade paper because I was having trouble cutting them neatly. So I bought the bright yellow, awesome red, and green textured papers. I made the pram using normal blue cardstock. Mummy had also liked the two-pocket card I made earlier using Maria's tutorial, so I knew I had to use the technique in this card. Accordian style cards are a personal favorite and I tried using both techniques in this one. And of course, 2S4U is one of my favorite places to visit, so I based my card on Laura's sketch # 10. That's about it!!

For the first time in ages, I absolutely loved my card!! I really don't mind if nobody else does!!

Here's a bit about the gift bags. I made the blue backpack based on DeeDee's tutorial. Her's definitely looks lovely. I didn't have any choice of patterned paper, so I made do with whatever I had. I will be putting in a gift for one of Vineet's friend's newborn baby boy. I loved the idea of making a backpack gift bag!!

The red and green gift bag uses handmade papers. I love the golden tint in them. This bag is also based on one of DeeDee's tutorials.

The pink and offwhite bag is based on Paula Goff's tutorial. She has some superb gift bag tutorials.

The red and green one is made with handmade paper. I love the golden tint in these papers.

That's from me for now.

Cheers,

Smita.

WCMD

2008-10-04T23:55:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
Like I mentioned yesterday, I intended to stay up all night to take part in the WCMD celebrations. Well, things didn't turn out as planned. No, I didn't sleep off... I was awake till past 3 am. First, our internet connection had a problem, so I couldn't be online before midnight. Then, after creating a card for my fav 2S4U challenge, I was unable to upload the image. :-( I tried that for almost one hour and a half!! Finally, it was done with a lot of help from 2S4U and SNR. Thanks to them for the help.

Anyway, I did not make any other card after that. I have attached pics of the card here. I drew the butterflies on a clear plastic sheet and glued glitter powder. I learnt that technique on one of the blogs. The sequins, 3D stars, and ribbon I bought from local craft stores.

Well, I wanted to take part in the celebrations and by means of this card, I did. I am glad I could be part of this mega event. :-)

Cheers,

Smita.

World Card Making Day

2008-10-04T00:43:00.000-07:00

Today is World Cardmaking Day!! The advantage of being in India is that I get to finish all my housework and attend to everyone at home during the day and keep the night free for creating cards (when it actually is being celebrated in other parts of the world too)!! :-)

Well, for starters, I just gave my blog a much needed facelift! I think it looks damn cute now... whaddya say?

Love,
Smita.

Confused colours...?

2008-10-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
Yeah, I know I have been dormant for a while... but I did a lot of work too ;-). I made some gift bags after reading tutorials at DeeDee's blog and at one more blog. It was fun making those bags. Will post pics of the bags later... I also did some stitching - attaching lace to some cloth for an ongoing festival... It is festive season out here in India and we really decorate the pictures/statues of our Gods and Godesses; so I decided to go religious and decorated the shelves where they reside in my home. :-)

Here is one confused card from me. Sorry about the quality of the pics. Please bear with me for some more time. I hardly get any time during the day, and I click pics also after Aaryan's gone to bed.

The card has 2 pockets (I learnt this technique from a tutorial on Maria's blog. I had been wanting to try it for the past couple of weeks, and when I saw Kazan's sketch, I thought I could give it a try.

I bought a lot of laces and ribbons on Monday. Aaryan and I had quite a nice time looking at the dozens of laces in the little craft stores in our area. The pink and green lace used here are out of the same roll... it is shaded pink and green... I had to hand stitch the lace (another thing I had been wanting to do since long)...The embellishments are some sort of Chinese 3D stickers that I found in a local stationery store... they are called 'Dingdong stickers' LOL!!

I have left the tags blank so I can fill them with personalised sentiments when I decide whom the card is for.

Cheers,
Smita.

Some more blog candy

2008-09-27T07:09:00.000-07:00

There is some more yum blog candy to win here. Be sure to check it out.
I'm hoping to create something this evening. Will be back soon.

Cheers,
Smita.

My card for Laura's sketch #9

2008-09-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Here's my take on Laura's Sketch #9 on 2S4U.

I have used basic white textured cardstock and some scraps of colored cardstock. The stamped images are from my new Hobby Ideas stamp kit. I dug out the lace from Mamma's old collection of fab laces. The jeweled 'button' used to be my earring, one that I loved; Papa got it for me from Germany some 10 years back!! I have also used some glitter glue. The card is a semi-accordian style (that's what I call it). There is space to write a personlised message inside. That's about it. Hope you like it.

Sorry, this pic comes first... I'm not able to rearrange the pics :-(

Cheers,

Smita.

Yummmmm Blog Candy

2008-09-23T11:22:00.000-07:00

There is some yummy blog candy at Elina's blog. Stop by and admire her various creations... she has some interesting 'soap' projects too!! The last date for this blog candy is October 1. Rush to her blog. What are you waiting for?

Yay! I have some new stuff

2008-09-22T23:42:00.000-07:00

I had gone shopping on Sunday and bought this new stamp set from Hobby Ideas. Why did I choose this particular one, did I hear you ask? Well, this was the only card making stamp set they had. There were two other bookmark kits and a few lose stamps. I bought one stamp too... it is not in the picture. Finally, I now have a few stamps and ink pads. I can start stamping away in my cards :-).
I am finding it difficult to think of ways to do the new 2S4Y challenge. It is quite tough... :-( I will give it a try anyway.
Pray that I am able to come up with something good.

Coloured black

2008-09-19T10:25:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

This afternoon I suddenly had an irresistible urge to use black in a card. I didn't know where I could use it. And then I thought I'd create one more card for Kazan's sketch #9. I don't even know if we can submit more than one card, but I will do it anyway.

Now, here's my card recipe. All I had in front of me was some white textured cardstock, a sheet of black paper (not as thick as cardstock), my miniature punches and punching papers. I had been wanting to create a 'shaker' card too for a while now... so I tried even that here.. filling the shaker part with punched flowers, buttons, and some sequins. I liked this card. I have not added the sentiment yet, because I am still trying to figure out whom it is for. In all probability, I will just write 'Have a bright and prosperous new year' inside the card. What do you think?

Bring on the bling... add some colour

2008-09-16T01:51:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
Another card from me. This time it is for one of the weddings I will be attending soon. My little sister is getting married in November, a cousin too is getting married around the same time.. and my favorite cousin brother just got engaged. I am still deciding whom this card is for. :-)

Well, I have themed it around my theory that marriage brings together a man and a woman as nothing else can... they are both different in every possible way, but they are influenced by each other over a course of time. Young couples shouldn't get into matrimony without understanding the basics - you can't change each other completely... then you lose out on the love that brought you together... love the other as he/she is...but both of you have to adjust and adapt to the other.

Phew... that is too much philosophy for today....

The colours used are also very Indian. Indian Hindu weddings are very very colourful and full of bling. I have tried to keep up that mood in my card. I know this card is very silly compared to the awesome stuff others create, but I am still submitting this card for this week's challenge on 2S4U using Kazan's Sketch #9.

I have used handmade papers in cream and pink, I bought the pink and blue stones, the scallop circles and heart embelishments yesterday from a local beads store.

Just one word for the team from 2S4U reviewing this... I would love to know how I can improve on this and the other cards I submit. Would really appreciate your inputs. :-)

Cheers,

Smita.

Yoohoo... I'm on a roll!!

2008-09-12T12:46:00.000-07:00

This is my entry for the Creative Journey Create a Card challenge. I hope I am still on time for this one.

A modified version of the previous card...

2008-09-12T09:52:00.001-07:00

I made a small change to the previous card. Added some gold flowers as well. Thanks Laura and Joke for your appreciation! You don't know how much your comments mean to me :-).

I dug out the lace from my mom's sewing cupboard, and gosh, she has the loveliest collection I have ever seen. Even those huge buttons ;-).

Here is a the modified card:

A card for the 2S4U challenge

2008-09-12T03:40:00.000-07:00

Here I am... I am so happy today that I don't even have words to describe my happiness!!! First, let me wish all my Malayali friends a very happy and prosperous Onam. I made a few traditional Onam dishes today :-).

Next, here is the card for the 2Sketches4U challenge based on Laura's Sketch #8. I hope you like it. I am very happy with the results.

And here is an excellent product...

2008-09-10T00:51:00.000-07:00

Any papercraft lover happening to stop by this blog, here is something truly amazing. Check out
http://sheetloadshortcuts.blogspot.com/2008/09/new-product-previews-day-3-and-blog.html
for previews of a new product released by Sheetloads Shortcuts. Something that will make card making simpler and more fun! I have not come across anything like this. I am sure you will love it too.

At last...

2008-09-07T10:19:00.000-07:00

I have finally managed to come up with one card. Yes, it took me too long... But I am happy... this is my first rubber stamping card :-).
I hope you all like it!!

Coming soon

2008-09-05T02:24:00.000-07:00

This post is for Sharanya, a regular reader of my silly little blog and a family friend. :-). Well, I am currently not at home, so there is no card even this weekend. But I have done some work now that I can use for my cards soon. :-D. I have been collecting scraps that my mom doesn't need any longer... I have also dug out an old box of oil pastels and some spray dried colours which I intend to use for my card...Sorry to keep you all waiting.

By the way, I came across this interesting blog candy at http://kreativkristin.blogspot.com/. If you are a craft lover, do stop by and check out her site. I never win, but I am again keeping my fingers crossed.

What is this world, if full of care... we have no time to stand and stare

2008-09-02T02:20:00.000-07:00

I so very badly want to create a card, but I can't!!! No, I'm not really out of ideas or anything...I just don't have the time for it. Did I hear you say I was offering an excuse?? Well, frankly, I am not. There has been just too much of work these last few days. My maid has taken a few days off and so has my cook... Aaryan is making me run around the place and more often than not, I am carrying him around even while cooking!! My brother-in-law is not keeping well and is home today...Trying times these are... I hope I am out of this phase soon.

I really hope to create something nice very soon.

Till then...

Ciao.

Country roads take me home...

2008-08-24T10:18:00.001-07:00

Well, I am home already! And am I glad to be back home!!?!!! :-) This was one of my longest trips without Vineet and away from home. I had been to mom's before Aaryan was born and had stayed till he was around a month and a half...but that was still in Mumbai. And I used to meet Vineet every week... I am so happy to be back home and back to my daily routine. Yes, I know I will be cribbing about having to cook and clean all day in a couple of weeks (if not earlier), but hey! Isn't that part of life?

Let me not bore you any more. I really have no craft work to post now. Nothing at all. I haven't even touched a piece of paper while I was in Kolkata. I had crafted a card for my mother-in-law (for her birthday) before I left though... and she loved it. But I have no pictures of it.

I hope to get back in the groove and start posting more stuff soon.

Till later.

Pictures

2008-07-31T10:58:00.000-07:00

Some pics of cards I created. I will be off to Kolkata on Saturday. Won't be back till after 21st.

My creation for Nikki's blog candy challenge

2008-07-31T06:29:00.000-07:00

My creation for Nikki's challenge.

I have used locally available material for this card. The cardstock used is light green tinted with gold. The patterned paper seen in this card is handmade dark green paper with golden block prints. I made the flowers using Carl craft floral punch and a leaf punch by Jef. The flowers were cupped using a manual embossing tool. I bought the ribbon from a local lace store. The sentiment is hand written. I painted ordinary white buttons golden to match the rest of the card.

TGIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-27T04:57:00.000-07:00

Yeah, after ages I am actually thanking God it is Sunday. ;-) Why, do you ask? Well, just because I have had a very very relaxing day... woke up late, made a lazy breakfast of cheese sandwiches, and then we had Rajma-Rice for lunch. What fun!! ;-) And by the way, I haven't been doing anything of any significance all day since then.

I did manage to punch and create some flowers for a card. I mean to participate in this challenge for some fabulous blog candy. The challenge is to create a card which uses either or all of the following - patterned paper, buttons, ribbons, flowers. It looked easier than it actually is... sigh!! I won't win the candy for sure, but I do really really want to participate. I swear, if I had the opportunity, I would have shifted abroad. Why? Well, just to shop for a lot of craft stuff and then return ;-). Richa and Chirag, you can expect me soon after you've settled in. Don't worry, I am not going to overstay, I'll just shop and return. What say? :-D

Some of you have requested for recipes. Well, I will post some that I have tried from my books, but please try at your own risk. I am only 'fond' of cooking and am really not an authority. I just keep trying new ways and methods as per my wish. But I will surely post any interesting recipes I come across. It will have to be veggie though.

Got loads of work to do this week before I leave for Kolkata. Deciding my sarees being the most important one, of course. God! It is going to be one hell of a week.

Btw, I am waiting to hear some good news from my best friend. If she does call up in a while to confirm, that will be one more card to make. :-)

Lazy, lazy me

2008-07-26T10:46:00.000-07:00

Of course I know I have been very very lazy. I should have written long back. Anyway, I have promised myself that I am not going to offer any excuses when I don't write... I will just come by and write!

The week so far has been quite good and today was awesome. Tiring it sure was, but we had quite a satisfying day. Loads of shopping for Aaryan (and for me too ;-) ). I didn't even spend too much time in the kitchen... hurray!! Not that I kept them all hungry :-). I am in this major mood to try out Indian mithais. You see, I keep getting these moods in cooking. And will you believe this, in 4 years of married life, I have never really made any good Indian 'dessert' ever!!!! I try many many recipes that I get from my books, from friends and so on, but somehow mithais have been like a scary jungle to me. I am always just too sure I can't make them. And suddenly, I had this craving to cook something really nice that would make the smell of saffron drift through the air in my home. Well, this wish hasn't really come true yet. But I am trying. My two successful attempts this week have been the nice and chilled Phirni that I made on Thursday, and the warm and textury (well, please don't check your dictionaries; this word does not exist) Malpuas that I made this morning (for breakfast he he he he :-) ). I liked them and so did Sumit, my younger bro-in-law. Vineet just 'tasted' them as he absolutely can not have anything sweet early in the morning!!

Still waiting for news about any cards that I might have made. Well, I won't disappoint you. I did manage to make two cards. But unfortunately that is about it. I made new baby cards (boy and girl). Remember I had mentioned earlier that I need to make these for a friend who is expecting. I will be off to Kolkata next week and she is due around the week after, so I am just keeping it ready. My mind has been bubbling with some fresh ideas for a couple of cards that I need to carry to Kolkata. Let me see when I find the time to make them. Someone tell me where I can find good paper!!! Well, actually I did find out from a friend's sis-in-law today... okay, I change my wish... someone please go and get the papers for me. :-)))))) I absolutely, really, actually must have some pink and chocolate brown papers (that is how my current favorite cartoon character - Lola from Charlie & Lola - would put it)!

Richa, if you are reading, please stop rightaway. Others, you must watch Charlie & Lola. I love Lola. She is a 4 year old, by the way, and Charlie's sister.

Anyway, I must go now. Will be back soon, I hope.

Weekdays...

2008-07-21T23:25:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is having a great week. I guess my week has started off quite well, especially after a week of culinary disasters. Seriously, almost everything I tried cooking/baking the whole of last week turned out into yucky and ugly things on the plate. Most of it went right into the garbage bin... saunkh khichdi, whole wheat n raisin muffins, and pulliyogare to name a few. The only exception was dinner on Wednesday, which turned out to be a mid-week treat for Vineet and my brothers in law ;-) A nice three-course Chinese meal (well, don't ask me what these 'three' courses were) complete with candles, good crockery and the works!

Last night I had my cook chop veggies for my Navratan Korma. I quite liked it, Vineet said it was nice but nothing spectacular. Well, you can't expect the husband to praise all the time, can you? ;-) And today I tried my own variation of falafel for Aaryan and me. I don't know if he will like it, but I did.

Somehow find weekdays to be more relaxing than weekends. You know why? Vineet leaves for office in the morning, so my lunch is almost done before he leaves. Just some chappatis to make later. Maid is done with her work. And I have some time in the afternoon all to myself. Weekends on the other hand are...phew... tiring. Everyone's at home and I usually end up in the kitchen most of the time, then an outing occasionally (malls do drain all the energy out of you), a late night card game or a movie, and you still need to get up to open the door for the milkman at 7 am! I hate that last bit. But weekends are still fun times, I must admit.

No cards in the last couple of days. I made one for a one-year old's birthday party on Saturday. Didn't turn out too good so I refused to click a picture ;-)) Have an idea in mind for a few baby cards (will need them soon for a friend). Got to start work on them today.

That's from me for now. Ciao.

Aaaah... pride!

2008-07-18T05:22:00.000-07:00

Screeeeeeeeeeeeech!!!!! Boom.. pop....kreeeeaaaaak...thud!!! Pride has a fall, someone once told me. Well, I experienced it firsthand today. Spent most of today at an exhibition in Bandra. Aaryan and I had a gala time there, so did Mamma I guess. I visited an art and craft stall - well, that was the location of mishap!! The lady had such amazing works on display that I was spellbound. But luckily she also conducts classes...and I want to go at the earliest. The only problem is that she was damn rude. Anyway, that isn't my problem. I need to learn and I will.

I was speaking of creativity yesterday. I thought a lot about it after I had posted that bit. Does creativity only mean what we find aesthetically appealing? Of course not. Creativity lies as much in thought, action, words... actually just about everywhere. I can be creative in the way I teach my son the basic shapes and colours, in the way I pack Vineet's lunch box, in the way I dress up (well, not me exactly, anyone... that is why Rocky S or Ritu Beri may be what they are), or even in what I think when guests turn up late for a party (the obvious would be that they are caught in traffic; the more creative guess will be that they are still wondering what coloured vase I might like better - orange or brown ;-) ). The point is that I cannot limit my definition or scope of creativity to anything... that would definitely kill 'creativity'.

Phew! Too much of creative gyan I guess. I am thinking of my next project already. Shall reveal it when the time is right of course. For now, I am signing off with pictures of some cards I made.

Aaryan's birthday invite

With help from my sisters-in-law

One of my favorites... Aaryan's card to Vineet

Creativity and me

2008-07-17T01:44:00.000-07:00

Hi,

I am surprised I'm writing this and more so because of the title I have chosen for my blog. :-) Well, not that I am totally uncreative (if there exists such a term), but just that I am not creative enough to deserve this blog! Well, I have confused myself and you, I know!!!! I am writing after so so very long that I don't know where the words are running off.

Before I carry on with my blabbering, I have to dedicate this blog to my lovely son, Aaryan. He really is the one behind unleashing my creativity. Well, yes he is small, but after his birth I had so much free time that I could let my mind wander through a maze of colours, textures and creative thoughts. Here's to you, Aaryan!!

Anyway, those who do not know me at all or have known me only as a school going kid are going to be a tad taken aback. I am one of those students of Udyogamandal school, who managed to get an E grade for craft once and was never interested in doing anything in my art class (with fond memories of my craft and art teachers). This, inspite of the fact that embroidery kind of runs in the family...my granny's embroidered creations are talks of parties and weddings in our family!!! What shame I brought her only I would know. I still can't embroider, I must admit; only an occasional cross stitch!

Well, coming back to the title of this blog... I would love to describe my tête-à-tête with what I call creativity...be it in the kitchen, at home, or with my current favourite passtime - greeting cards!

I love cooking and try to be my creative best when I am really in the mood to conjure up a feast; and at my worst when I am forced to cook ;-) Vineet can be a good spokesperson for that! Not much of my creative side has taken over my home yet though :-( I am waiting for little Aaryan to grow up and stop throwing things around. Maybe then I can concentrate on home.

And greeting cards... what do I say? I know I am not making fabulous stuff and I know they don't look professional at most times... but I love them... the thought, the effort, the late nights, the colours... everything that goes into the making of each of my personalised creations. I love working on them.

In later posts, I hope to share my creations with you. I will then know what exactly my cards are worth ;-) though they already mean the world to me!!