Inkfully Yours . . .

Cards!!!

2010-07-16T11:43:00.005-04:00

OMG! I made cards!!! This has become a rarity for me lately since I have rediscovered my love for scrapbooking. However, I needed to send some Thank You cards from my birthday and my family has come to expect nothing but handmade cards from me so this is what I came up with. I used the new PTI All About You stamp set. Colors are Raspberry Fizz, Summer Sunrise, and Simply Chartreuse. I also used the Eyelet Lace border die and Mat Stack 1 dies from PTI in creating these cards.

Yesterday my hubby and I celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary. I wanted to make him a little card to let him know how much I love him and this is what I cam e up with. The Kraft card base was stamped with Text Style from PTI in Chai Tea Dye ink. The patterned paper border is from the Library Ledger collection and featured the medium scalloped border die. My hubby is a librarian so I wanted to use the fun new Library Card stamp for my card. It was just released yesterday so I don't have it yet but I downloaded this version from Heather Nichols' blog to tide me over. I also used the new All About You stamp set and images from Heart Prints, as well as Fresh Alphabet for the numbers. Colors are Aqua Mist, Hibiscus Burst, and Dark Chocolate.

I also wanted to take a moment to share all the gorgeous handmade cards I received from my fellow Papertrey Pixies for my birthday! Special thanks to Pat, Karen (kthaman), Lorraine, Jill, and Karen W. for these beauties!!! You really made my day!

Looking forward to all my new PTI goodies arriving sometime next week and I hope to have new creations to share with you real soon! *wink*

Ice Cream!

2010-07-13T18:43:00.002-04:00

Ice cream is my favorite indulgence. It doesn't really matter what kind. There is just something about that creamy, dreamy, icy concoction that is magical to me - especially in the summer! Here is another layout from the National Scrapbooking Day crop I attended. I used several PTI stamp sets here - It's a Celebration, Vintage Label, and Outline Alphabet. Colors are Hibiscus Burst, Dark Chocolate, and Kraft. The pink dotted patterned paper is from the Dotty Biscotti collection from PTI and was punched using my EK Success embossed scallop border punch.The blue dotted patterned paper is from Bo Bunny and the letter stickers are from Making Memories. I found some time this week to make Thank You cards from my birthday which I hope to share with you soon . . . *wink*

Butterfly Beauty . . .

2010-07-10T10:47:00.001-04:00

Wow! This summer has been CrAzY so far!!! Something going on almost every day it seems! Sorry that it has been so long since my last post. I haven't scrapbooked in what seems like forever either!!! This page is from back in May when I attended a National Scrapbooking Day crop. I wanted to create something vintage looking to compliment this photo. My hubby is a librarian so I asked him to grab some old books for me to use with my PTI dies. This is what I came up with. Colors are Terracotta Tile and Dark Chocolate with some Vintage Tea Dye stain on the butterflies. Some handwritten journaling and Making Memories chipboard letters for the title. Simple and sweet! Hoping to be able to post more soon!!! Enjoy your summer . . . *wink*

{read}

2010-05-23T16:10:00.003-04:00

Here is another page from National Scrapbooking Day. One of our favorite weekend activities is going to a bookstore and relaxing with a good book or magazine. My husband snapped this picture of our daughter on one such occasion and I thought it would make a nice little scrapbook page. I used Spring Moss cs from PTI as the base of my layout. The patterned paper and flower embellie are from the Color Couture Collection Vol. 2, also from PTI. The velvet ricrak and letter stickers for the title are from American Crafts, while the smaller letter stickers are from Making Memories. I also notched the corners of the patterned paper with a We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper. Looking forward to posting more creations soon! Enjoy!!! *wink*

Grow with Love . . .

2010-05-09T17:40:00.002-04:00

Ugh. I have been so busy lately, but that is how the end of the school year seems to go . . . *sigh* Oh well, only a few more weeks left. Here is another page I made during the National Scrapbooking Day crop I attended. This photo of my daughter was taken on Easter this year. I used some patterned paper from the Making Memories Flutter collection and the title was done with American Crafts Thickers. The stamped medallion was done using this year's PTI Anniversary Set, Round & Round and the new For the Graduate stamp set. Colors are Aqua Mist, New Leaf and Raspberry Fizz. Kept things fairly simple here. Hope to be able to post more soon!!!

Pretty in Pink . . .

2010-05-06T20:41:00.003-04:00

Last Saturday was National Scrapbooking Day. I spent the day at the Scrappy Boutique for 16 hours of sweet cropping bliss with my two best girlfriends. We had a fabulous time! We each finished 9 pages, and did a little shopping too!!! Here is one of my pages. I really wanted to use one of my new PTI stamp sets, A Little Argyle. I thought it would make the perfect accent for this picture of Kaleigh in her pretty pink Chicago Cubs outfit. I stamped an argyle photo mat, border, and even a little pink baseball! The hodgepodge of alphabet letters are from American Crafts and Making Memories. Ink and cardstock colors are PTI Berry Sorbet, Sweet Blush, and Fresh Snow. I *love* this page! I grew up in a family of die-hard Cubs fans and pink is my absolute *favorite* color!!! I'll be looking forward to sharing more pages from my crop here in the next few days so make sure to check back soon . . . *wink*

Birthday Girl . . .

2010-05-05T06:35:00.002-04:00

Here is another fun layout. This one features some not-quite-perfect photos from my daughter's 1st Birthday. I still wanted to scrapbook the occasion so I decided to crop the photos fairly small. I used some Dear Lizzy patterned paper, stickers, and Thickers letters from American Crafts. The base of my layout is PTI's Sweet Blush cardstock. I also added some felt flowers and corduroy brads from Stampin' Up. It is so hard to remember that she was ever this small!!! I am hoping to get my layouts from the weekend uploaded to share with you soon! *wink*

Things I Love About Her . . .

2010-04-27T22:15:00.002-04:00

I have another scrapbook page to share with you today. I *adore* this picture of my daughter Kaleigh and thought it would be perfect for a layout highlighting all of the things I love about her. And what better stamp sets to use than PTI's Top Ten and Top Ten Additions. I also created a little pattern using the Simple Valentine collection of patterned papers. Ink and button colors are Pure Poppy, Raspberry Fizz and Hibiscus Burst. I also used the Marvy scalloped heart punch for my title. Just a nice, clean, simple page centered around my very favorite subject . . . *wink*

Pretty Please . . .

2010-04-25T16:11:00.004-04:00

Here is another scrapbook page I completed recently. My daughter is such a girly girl! She *loves* to get all dolled up!!! My hubby snapped this photo of her getting ready to go out to do some shopping and I thought it was just begging to be scrapbooked. I used some American Crafts patterned paper and stickers from the Dear Lizzy spring collection for this layout. They seemed perfect to me - so scrumptious, just like that lipgloss! I also used some PTI products - Polka Dot Basics II and Top Ten stamp sets, cardstock in Kraft, ink in Fresh Snow and Pure Poppy, and buttons in Melon Berry. The border punch used was from the Stampin' UP! Sale-a-Bration catalog. I spent some time this weekend going through my stash trying to get things together for a 16 hour crop this coming Saturday in honor of National Scrapbooking Day. Looking forward to having some new creations to share soon!!!

*** My fellow Papertrey Pixie, Michelle is hostessing a FABULOUS giveaway on her blog for some Rachael Ray cookware. Check it out here:

http://insidemyownprivateidaho.blogspot.com/2010/04/rachael-ray-giveaway.html

gasp Two posts in one week???

2010-04-20T18:31:00.003-04:00

I know, I know - it's quite shocking isn't it? But as I said I really have been crafting. I actually get together with a couple fellow teachers about once a month for marathon scrapping sessions. Here is a page I created during our last session. It features so many fun things!!! I am *in love* with the new Dear Lizzy line from American Crafts! The patterned paper, ribbon, and flair button are all part of it. I also adore pink, especially this shade from Papertrey Ink called Sweet Blush. I also used PTI stamps to create the title (Outline Alphabet) and journaling block (Cupcake Collection and Top Ten). I am also fond of cupcakes, especially giant ones. And that sweet little girl, she's kinda cute too dont'cha think???

What I've been up to . . .

2010-04-18T11:05:00.003-04:00

Hello there to all you folks out in Blogland! And a special hello to all my fellow Papertrey Pixies!!! I have been neglecting the old blog a bit but rest assured I have been crafting and creating, so today I thought I'd take a minute to share one of my recent projects with you. This layout was inspired by an art journal I purchased for my daughter, Kaleigh from Starbucks recently. I used the Mini Scrapbook Series: Tabs stamp set from PTI to create a border on the left of the photo and to add the words "doodles, sketches, ideas" underneath. I also used PTI ribbons in Summer Sunrise, Pure Poppy, Hawaiian Shores, and Ripe Avocado to mimic a rainbow on the left of the page. Then I used some Making Memories alpha stickers to write "i am creative, i use my imagination, i am an artist". Love how this turned out! Hopefully I will be more motivated to keep things updated here. I already have a couple of things line up to share in the near future so make sure to check back soon . . . *wink*

For a dear friend . . .

2009-11-07T09:47:00.002-05:00

I made this card for a dear friend of mine who celebrated a birthday yesterday. It uses the Mojo Monday sketch for this week (Mojo111). I wanted to create something that would fit her personality perfectly. She loves flowers and the color purple so I decided to use some of my PTI goodies to create this beauty. The flower and leaves are from the In Bloom stamp set, the script is from the Background Basics: Text Style stamp set, and the sentiment is from the CHA Exclusive Floral Fusion stamp set. I also used PTI inks, cardstock, ribbons, and buttons in the colors of Lavender Moon, Plum Pudding, Ripe Avocado, and Vintage Cream. The patterned paper is also from the Green Tea Leaves collection from PTI. I did some machine sewing around the edges, used some Nestabilities dies to mat the flower, and a SU! punch for the sentiment. The flower was colored using Copic markers and has a second layer popped up on dimensionals. My friend really enjoyed this card and I hope you do too . . . *wink*

hIp hOp {hAnGoVeR} !!!

2009-08-07T08:15:00.009-04:00

It's Friday! Time for another HHH hop!!! Today I have quite a few things to share so I will try to keep the chatting to a minimum. I had some girlfriends over yesterday for a day of scrapping and stamping and I ended up using all Unity stamps! We had so much fun that we are going to do it again today too so I need to post and run . . .

My first card I made for yesterday's Hip Hop challenge to use images found in the Great Outdoors. I grabbed my Tiny Giggle Grove stamp set and paired it with this yummy K & Co. patterned paper I just picked up from Michaels. It is a man tree and a lady tree and they are a "perfect pair"! Cute, huh?

My next card features the August Store Kit, 100% Happy and the new Tag It alpha. It was made for yesterday's Hip Hop challenge to use at least 3 buttons on our project. Not sure why this looks like a 4th of July card to me but it is supposed to be for a military promotion if that makes sense. Anyway, I thought it would be fun to use buttons as my "bingo chips" and I love the vintage look!

This card was made for the August Guest Designer challenge. We were to use the June or July KOTM. It is a 1, 2, 3 challenge. We were allowed only one stamp image (although we could use it repeatedly), two patterned papers, and three embellishments. I thought it would be fun to use this happy banner from the June KOTM. The center image is colored and cut out, then popped up on dimensionals. My patterned papers are from Cosmo Cricket (grid) and Papertrey Ink (bitty dots). My embellishments are the ribbon and button from PTI and the "birthday" rubon from SU!

I also had an opportunity to scrap yesterday so I finished up this page, the fourth in a series, from our cruise last summer. I used SU! Pumpkin Pie and Kiwi Kiss cardstock and Making Memories Travel collection patterned paper, chipboard buttons and paper flowers. The four corner circles were stamped with images from the Time for Travel stamp set. I added a bit of ribbon from Michaels to accent the photo as well.

The last thing I have to share with you today is a page I made celebrating my daughter's (and out family's) love of books. I used SU! black cs as my base and added some Bo Bunny patterned paper. I used stamps from the customer kit Hodgepodge of Happiness colored using Copic markers. Both the tiny letter stickers and the corkboard sticker are from Making Memories. I popped the photos up on dimensionals and added the little bookmark and buttons as accents.

Thanks for stopping by today! Enjoy the rest of your Hop!!! *wink*

A is for Apple . . .

2009-07-24T09:00:00.001-04:00

Hiya! Happy HHH Day everyone!!! I had limited stamping time yesterday so I had to make the best of it and combine the challenges. So I made sure to use both a circle and rectangle shape on my page and did some stamping with a line image without coloring in or paper piecing. This photo of my daughter was taken after one of her Kindergarten performances a few years back. I tweaked the coloring of the photo a bit to emphasize the flower. Cs colors are Riding Hood Red and Very Vanilla and the patterned paper is by Imaginesience. The apple stamp and sentiment are from the new Unity Stamp Co. customer kit, Hodgepodge of Happiness. Love, love, love this kit!!! I did lots of distressing and used several pop dots for dimension. Just a sweet, simple page! Hope you enjoy the rest of your hop!!!

Sharing some Stampin' Up! . . .

2009-07-20T09:32:00.003-04:00

I thought I would finally share of the Stampin' Up! goodies I have been referring to for awhile now with you. These are swaps I made for the New Catty Preview swap with the N.M.B.S. group girlies. For the square cardfront group I signed up to use Circle Circus and decided to feature the new In Colors in a little card set. They are Crushed Curry (yellow), Dusty Durango (orange), Melon Mambo (pink), Rich Razzleberry (purple), and Bermuda Bay (blue). The center circle was popped up using dimensionals, as is the main image panel. I also added some accents using the new Modern Label punch for my sentiment and Filigree designer brads (with a vintage black center). I think they turned out simply fabulous!

This next card features the Lovely Lines level 3 hostess bundle. I stamped the flower and stem images in Versamark ink and then heat embossed them using Whisper White detail ep. Next I watercolored the images using Melon Mambo and Old Olive inks and an aquapainter. I distressed the main panel using my cutter kit and popped it up on dimensionals over the Rich Razzleberry card base and decorative strip using the coordinating patterned paper and my scallop edge punch. For the sentiment I inked it with markers and used the large oval and scallop oval punches. I like the soft and pretty look of this card. And, believe it or not these are the only two things I have made using my new SU! products thus far. I have yet to place my official new catty order but I am looking to do that soon. In other news, I am really looking forward to going to the CHA Super Show here in less than two weeks!!! Will I see you there? Drop me a line and let me know . . . *wink*

It's Friday! Happy HHH!!!

2009-07-17T10:00:00.004-04:00

Hiya! I'm back with my Unity Hip Hop Challenge creations for this week!!! I had so much fun stamping these yesterday after a busy week of anything but stamping it seems. My first card was for the Crinkle It! challenge. We were asked to take our paper, crinkle it up and then add ink to highlight the high areas. I was inspired by the colors of these beautiful roses my husband brought home for me on Wednesday for our anniversary. I knew I wanted to create one of those handcut paper flowers that are so popular right now! I cut circles from PTI Summer Sunrise cs using my Nestabilities, crinkled them and added some Melon Berry and Pure Poppy ink. I added a few black vintage brads to the center to hold all the layers together. I thought this image from the CONFESSION: i {luv} unity kit would be a perfect match, along with this sentiment from the same kit. The circles were colored using Copic Markers and then cut out and popped up on dimensionals. This will be a thank you card for my sweet hubby. He is also taking me out to dinner and a movie tonight to celebrate . . .

My next card was made for the Fab 5 challenge, in which we were asked to make a card using five embellishments - no more, no less. My card also fits the SCS Sketch Challenge for this week. I adore this image from the June KOTM and had it on my desk after stamping a few for a dear friend of mine last week. I stamped the image and sentiment onto Very Vanilla cs and colored it in using Copic markers to match this adorable Cosmo Cricket patterned paper. The main image was cut out using my rectangle Nestabilities and is popped up on dimensionals. I added the 2 ribbon treatments to mirror the ties on the clothesline and 3 buttons on the lower right for balance. And, eek! I am so happy that this card was chosen as the winner for this challenge!!! It is my very first Hip Hop win!!!!! I have been working on a few other things but can never seem to get the time to post them. Hopefully that will happen sometime this week so be sure to check back soon . . . *wink*

Butterfly Dreams and it's Raining Flowers . . .

2009-07-10T10:00:00.001-04:00

It's Friday! Happy Hip Hop Hangover!!! I'm here to share my cards from yesterday's Hip Hop Challenges with you. The first challenge was to create a project with a black and white background. I have had this gorgeous Everlasting Romance background for awhile but it has never seen ink. I paired it with this Butterfly Beauty which I embossed in black on SU! Pumpkin Pie. The sentiment comes from the Birdie Inspiration kit and is matted using my SU! large and scallop oval punches. Both the butterfly and the sentiment panel are popped up on dimensionals. I added some orange rhinestone bling to the background and some black gingham ribbon as my embellishments. My daughter is already eyeing it since orange is her favorite color!

My next card was for the no squares challenge. I decided to make a scalloped circle card using my Nestabilities. I used PTI Vintage Cream cs as my base and patterned paper from the Cosmo Cricket Girl Friday collection for my background. The umbrella and sentiment are from the Rain & Flowers kit. The umbrella image was stamped onto some Cosmo Criket patterned paper, cut out, and popped us on dimensionals. I had these Rain Dots which I have never used before that I thought would be perfect for this card so I added some as my embellishments. This turned out simple and sweet, just the way I like it!!! Hope you enjoyed my projects this week! Happy hopping . . . *wink*

HHH: what's new? and sunshine for you . . .

2009-07-03T10:00:00.005-04:00

Hello there! I'm back again with another Unity Stamp Company Hip Hop Hangover post!!! I have been busy stamping this week! I *love* this Basic Grey Lemonade paper and cannot stop using it!!! I made these three cards for yesterday's What's New at Unity? Hip Hop Challenge. They also use this week's Mojo Monday sketch. I was just playing around with different images from the June KOTM and pairing them with the different paper patterns.

This next card was for the same challenge and uses the same paper, colors and stamps. It does feature a different layout however. This one is the Sketch Challenge over at Splitcoaststampers this week. Love all the circles! I am gonna use it for a scrapbook page too I think . . .
Lots of dimension on this one too. Gotta love the distressed edges and everything raised up a level!

My next card today was for yesterday's The Sun is Shining Challenge Hip Hop Challenge. I gotta say, I *love* how this turned out!!! So bright and summery! I was inspired by this Cosmo Cricket patterned paper to make a pinwheel (which is super easy!) and decided to pair it with this image from the November KOTM. The sentiment is also Unity, from the May KOTM.

Last but not least, here is a simple little number for the sunshine challenge featuring these beautiful flowers from the May KOTM. I originally started to make this one for a different challenge but it didn't quite fit. Love the spotlighting, the microbeads on the flower centers and the fun, romantic ribbon!!! Not quite sure what kit that "thanks" sentiment is from but I *do* know it is Unity! Well, that's all for today. I have been working on some projects for the Unity Guest Designer Challenge and I will be back to share those with you soon! Hope you are having a great summer!!! *wink*

Life is Sweet . . .

2009-06-28T14:44:00.004-04:00

Here I am again with this week's CAS Scrapbooking challenge! I *love* the sketch this week!!! This one came together pretty quickly. I was inspired by some paper I picked up yesterday at my LSS and thought it would accent this photo perfectly. I used my Marvy mega scalloped square punch to punch out pieces of the pretty Basic Grey patterned paper from the new Lemonade collection. I used PTI Raspberry Fizz cs for my base, SU! Kiwi Kiss cs to mat my photo, and PTI Aqua Mist cs for my title. The large cherry stamps are from the Unity June KOTM and the small cherry stamps are from a tiny Basic Grey stamp set. All the stamping was done in SU! retired Purely Pomegranate ink and the large cherries were colored in using Copic markers. The "life is" portion of the title is from the same tiny Basic Grey stamp set and the "sweet" stamp is from the Unity May KOTM. I really love how this page turned out! Thanks for another great layout, Jennifer!!!

The Morning After . . .

2009-06-26T10:08:00.004-04:00

Hiya! Yesterday was Hip Hop day at Unity Stamp Co and they issues a couple of fabu challenges. I actually had a chance to participate so I am sharing my creations here today. Both of my projects feature stamps from the June KOTM. The first challenge was to use the colors Pink and Green on your project. I pulled out this patterned paper from PTI and decided it would go nicely with the tea pot image. I stamped the image in PTI Berry Sorbet ink and colored it in using Copic markers. I wanted to put a little twist on my card so I made it into a teabag booklet. The button holds everything closed and inside there is a little pocket holding a teabag - too cute!

The next challenge was to create a project with a holiday theme in honor of yesterday's new release stamp set. I love, love, love this pear tree image and matching sentiment so I just had to use it here!!! I used Copic markers again to color in the image on PTI Vintage Cream cs. To add more of an aged look I dabbed my Chamomile tea dye ink pad all over the image panel and some PTI patterned paper. I then created a mat for my image using PTI Pure Poppy cs and my Fiskars Apron Lace border punch. I cut the patterned paper into strips and adhered it to the PTI Spring Moss card base. I hope you like the projects I had to share with you today! Enjoy the rest of your HHH Hop!!!

Artisan Award pages . . .

2009-06-23T15:28:00.008-04:00

So apparently we are allowed to post our non-winning Artisan Award entries now. I decided to enter the contest at the last minute, with no real hopes of winning but as a challenge to myself. I will admit to being a little disappointed at not getting that infamous call but there were many other talented stampers who also didn't win so I decided to forgo the pity party and just be happy with the projects I made. I thought I'd start with sharing the scrapbook pages I submitted. The first is a 12 x 12 page featuring my daughter's school picture from Kindergarten last year. I used patterned paper from the Hand Drawn hostess bundle and Baja Breeze Patterns collection. Colors are Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze and Whisper White. Stamps are from Define Your Life and Defining Alpha. I also used the spiral punch, chipboard brackets and clips assortment as accents and handwritten journaling.

For my next page I used an 11 x 8 1/2 orientation. These pictures of my daughter were taken at a playground set up during the Flower and Garden Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World a few years ago. Stamps used are from the Trendy Trees set. Colors are Rose Red, Always Artichoke, Kiwi Kiss and Chocolate Chip. I also incorporated some chipboard letters, machine stitching, and computer journaling.

My third page is 8 1/2 x 8 1/2. This photo of my daughter was taken when she was about two weeks old. I used patterned paper from the Sweet Slumber specialty ds collection. Colors are So Saffron, Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red and Whisper White. I stamped a sentiment from the Sweet Little Sentiments hostess set and embossed it in white. As accents I used buttons from the Button Bouquet and Button Latte collections and computer journaling. I loved this page so much that I attempted a similar version for a Unity Stamp company challenge a few months back. I will peek in soon to share with you the cards and 3D projects I entered in the Artisan Award contest soon. Thanks for stopping by . . . *wink*

CAS again . . .

2009-06-18T13:01:00.003-04:00

I'm back with this week's CAS Scrapbooking Challenge. I love the sketch that Jennifer provided for us to work with. So much so that I actually flipped it and used it to make-up last week's "anything goes" challenge. For both pages I used the Tropical Travel collection by Making Memories. The cs I used is Bermuda Bay and Melon Mambo, the new 2009-2010 In Colors from SU! I also used some American Crafts ribbon to create my borders. These pictures of my daughter were taken last summer on our Disney Cruise. Do you think it has taken me long enough to scrap them??? I am hoping to be able to complete a few more pages for our vacation album this summer. Wish me luck . . . *wink*

It's summer . . .

2009-06-16T13:26:00.002-04:00

Well, you may have noticed that things have gotten a tad quiet here lately. School is out and for me that means that summer is in full swing. I am hoping that will give me some more time to paper craft, and so far that has been the case. I have been busy with lots of other things too though and while I have been creating I haven't been able to find much time to blog about it. For example, here is a page I made for Jennifer Buck's CAS Scrapbooking Challenge - two weeks ago! It has just been sitting waiting for me to photograph (which I finally did yesterday, along with some swap cards for the NMBS Group) and blog it . . . *sigh* Anyway, here it is. Not sure if I like how it all came together but I really wanted to use my pretty new Cosmo Cricket papers from the Early Bird collection. This photo of my daughter was taken on her 2nd birthday. I used a stamp from Unity Stamp Co. for my title. Lots of distressing and a pleated ribbon detail finish off the look. I have been playing with some new SU! goodies recently and I hope to have another project to share with you soon! Hope you are enjoying summer as much as I am . . . *wink*

Kiss the Cook . . .

2009-05-28T17:25:00.001-04:00

It's time for another CAS Scrapbooking Challenge! It took me awhile to get to this one. Busy, busy, busy what with the end of the school year and all. As I was sorting through my "to be scrapped" pile I happened upon this photo of my daughter taken a few years ago in Epcot at Walt Disney World. They have a cute little interactive demonstration there where younger kids get to make chocolate chip cookies together and it is one of our "must-do" activities when we are there. I have had this Baked with Love stamp set from the Kim Hughes Collection from Cornish Heritage Farms for some time now and thought this would be the perfect opportunity to put it to good use. I chose to use really neutral, earthy colors - Kraft, White, Chocolate and a little Red accent here and there. The cookies, bowl and spoon are popped up on dimensionals and the top and bottom borders are machine stitched. Cute, cute, cute . . . Thanks for giving us another great sketch to work with, Jennifer!!!

Hoppin' in Unity . . .

2009-05-15T10:48:00.004-04:00

It's finally here! The Unity Stamp Co. Kit of the Month Blog Hop is this weekend!!! First things first: to view the blog hop it in its entirety you need to start your journey at the beginning. Please hop on over to the Unity Stamp Co. blog for the details from Angela and dive right in! If you have just hopped over from Danielle's blog, welcome - you are in the right place!!!

I have two projects to show you today in CAS fashion. The first is a card I made which was inspired by the Kit of the Month Blog Hop logo. See the blinkie on the right? It's adorable isn't it??? It just *had* to be made into a card! The girls holding hands and the flourish stamps are both from the April Kit of the Month, Fresh Beginnings. I used my Copic markers on the girls dresses to imitate the colors in the logo. Then I cut them out like paper dolls and popped them up on dimensionals. It still needed something so I decided to add this sentiment from the brand new Unity Anniversary Scrapbooking Kit, CONFESSION: i {luv} unity. What do you think? I say cute, cute, cute!!!

For my next project I altered a magazine file that I have been

using to store all of my Unity Stamp Co. Kit of the Month Club kits. I decided that my storage needed to be as cute as stamps in it! These clear cases are *very* similar to Unity's new Snap-Lock Storage Cases - love 'em!!! I will tell you that I have been able to fit 2 large (full 8.5" x 11" sheet) kits in each case and that about 6 filled cases will fit in a magazine file. I wanted to use Unity colors for my file and since the inside was already aqua I decided to leave it and decorate the outside using chocolate and kraft. The front label uses a PTI alphabet set, but Unity's Just My Type would have been *perfect* for this! Guess I need to add that one to my ever growing wish list, huh? For the sides I traced and cut out the panels and randomly stamped images from EACH of the Kit of the Month's I own. They are: July {... it's the little things}, August {Remember Happiness},September {Friendship.Love.Miracles}, November {enjoy YOUR STORY ... laugh}, December {Little Reminders}, February {Endings & Beginnings}, and April {Fresh Beginnings}. You can click on the photo for a larger view. I gotta say, I *love* every single one of these kits so much!!! This weekend would be a perfect time to join the Kit Club because not only is the May Kit of the Month {... another sweet day} *adorable* BUT Angela is also offering you a choice of a past kit at the awesome Kit Club member price of $24. I'm telling you, these kits are huge and did you know there is NO COMMITTMENT??? AND, *pssst* all of the other past kits are $10 off this weekend too!!! Not to mention a few other amazing deals such as $5 kits (with purchase) and some special 6 for $60 kits!!!!! I feel a shopping spree coming on!

Ok, I have the pleasure of sending you to the next stop on your journey, which just happens to be to see a super sweet and amazing talented friend of mine. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us! Happy Blog Hoppin' . . . *wink*

************ LORI CRAIG *************

Catching up . . .

2009-05-09T09:39:00.003-04:00

Here I am with my last two submissions for Unity Stamp Company's anniversary challenges. Jeanne asked us to make a one layer birthday card in honor of Unity turning 1. I decided to make it a birthday card for my daughter who will be turning 7 next month. I had to use Orange, her favorite color, and decided to pair it with some pinks and browns as well. I stamped the cupcakes image from the December KOTM onto Kraft cs and colored them using Copic markers and a white gel pen. Next I stamped the 12 Months of Goodness journal box in Palette Burnt Umber ink onto my 4 1/4" square card base. Then I added the cupcakes which are popped up using dimensionals. The "7" and "birthday" sentiments are from the Our Life, Our Stories kit and the "th" is handwritten in marker. I also used a marker to circle the month of June on the journal box image. As a finishing touch I tied some pink taffeta and orange grosgrain ribbon (both SU!) at the top.

For the next card Jimmi challenged us to use the first Unity Stamps we ever received. I had a hard time remembering which kit was my first, but I'm pretty sure Growing in Unity was one of them so that's what I chose to work with for this card. I found this Chatterbox patterned paper and the colors and dots reminded me of the Unity logo. I stamped the dream tree image in PTI Dark Chocolate ink on SU! Baja Breeze cs, which I pierced and distressed. I added a Kraft cs mat and popped it up on dimensionals on the card base. The sentiment is stamped on SU! Whisper White textured cs and punched using my 1 3/8" circle punch. I also added some rhinestone bling accents on the senitment and the tree. This card also fits Amber's My Unity Place sketch for this week. While I am on the subject of Unity, I will be participating in the Kit of the Month Blog Hop next weekend, May 15-17. Make sure you check back then to see all the goodies the Kit Club members have to share . . . *wink*

CAS in Black & Vanilla . . .

2009-05-03T16:40:00.002-04:00

Here is my page for this week's CAS Scrapbooking Challenge hosted by Jennifer Buck. I love this photo of my daughter. It was taken last December when she was a flower girl for my sister's wedding. She is peeking out from behind my sister's dress - so cute! The wedding colors were black and vanilla so I limited my layout to using those colors. The stamp image is from Unity's April KOTM. I cut it out using my paper snips and popped it up using dimensionals. Accessories are as follows: May Arts ribbon, PTI vintage cream buttons, and Creating Keepsakes rub ons. The scalloped edge and the black flowers were made using SU! punches. Simple and sweet for simply sweet little girl . . .

Beautiful Butterfly . . .

2009-05-02T20:03:00.002-04:00

Here I am again with another project for the Unity Stamps Guest Designer Challenge for May. I really wanted to try the sketch as a scrapbook layout but didn't think I would get a chance due to the busy nature of our schedules today. Well, as I mentioned before my daughter is still a little under the weather so we decided to cut the day short. Thus I ended up with a little extra time on my hands and what better way to spend it on National Scrapbooking Day than to scrapbook! This picture of my daughter was taken a few years back at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival at Walt Disney World. Look at all those flowers!!! I thought PTI's Lavendar Moon and Plum Pudding would coordinate well with this photo. I also grabbed a strip of patterned paper from their Polka Dot Parade collection. The butterfly flowers along the bottom and the swirls on the side of the photo mat are from Unity Stamp Company's April Kit of the Month. The sentiment is from Unity and is part of the February Kit of the Month. Other elements include a border made using my Fiskars Upper Crest punch, butterflies made with a Martha Stewart punch, and mini rhinestone bling. I did some distressing here as well for texture. I definitely think this would qualify as Clean and Simple, but guess what? Jennifer Buck has *another* sketch for us to play with this week AND if you upload it to SCS or My Unity Place using the keyword UnityJBS01 you will have a chance to win a *sweet* prize package in honor of National Scrapbooking Day!!! So what are you waiting for? Hop on over and join in the fun!!!!! *wink*

Hello Tweetie . . .

2009-05-01T21:57:00.002-04:00

Lemme tell ya', I am having so much fun with my Unity Stamps this week!!! Here is another challenge card. This one was hosted by Jennifer Buck and was just for the Kit of the Month club members. We were asked to use our April KOTMs along with the sketch Jennifer gave us to work with. I chose this lovely tree image which is one of my favorites in this kit. I have seen a lot of people paper piece this image but I decided to color it using my Copic markers. I added lot of distressing to create texture on this card and the main image panel is popped up on domensionals. Color palette is Kraft, Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip (SU!) as well as New Leaf and Vintage Cream (PTI). One of the exciting things about this challenge is that the winner will get to be a Guest Designer for Unity Stamps in the month of June! That would truly be an honor and a dream come true!!! *wink*

Unity Inspiration Challenge . . .

2009-04-29T18:26:00.003-04:00

Yesterday Maren shared with us some yummy cake photos to use as our inspiration. I chose THIS gorgeous cake to base my card on. I was inspired by several elements: the square shape, the white on white, the embossed look, the shimmery flowers, the icing "pearls", and of course the beautiful red ribbon tied in a bow. This is a 5" x 5" square card. I used Stampers Select White cs from PTI and embossed it using my Cuttlebug and the Swiss Dots embossing folder. The main image panel was cut out and embossed using my classic square Nestabilities. I stamed some floral flourish images from Unity Stamp Co.'s Growing in Unity kit and embossed them using white detail ep from SU! (kinda hard to see in the picture but it's there). Next I coated the entire panel with my Glue Pad and added Ranger Perfect Pearl togive it a shimmery look. The panel is popped up on dimensionals. In the upper left corner I added some shimmer flowers from Michaels, which I adorned with adhesive pearls from the Target $1 Spot. I used my SU! scallop edge punch along the bottom and added some pearls there as well. Last but not least I added some PTI luxe satin ribbon in Pure Poppy. I think this card and cake match so well!!! Don't forget to check back to see the next Unity Anniversary Celebration project soon! *wink*

Unity FIRST Anniversary . . .

2009-04-29T14:58:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was day two of Unity's Anniversary celebration. Unfortunately I have a sick kiddo so I wasn't able to play until after our visit to the doctor this afternoon. Christi challenged us to create a project using the following components: F for flower, I for Insect, R for ribbon, S for scallops, and T for turquoise or teal. I knew I wanted to use this flower image from the Rain & Flowers kit and Cosmo Cricket patterned paper from the Girl Friday collection. I stamped the flower in Memento black ink onto PTI Stampers Select white cs and colored it in using coordinating Copic markers. It was cut out and embossed using my rectangle Nestabilities and I added a scalloped mat cut from SU! Tangerine Tango cs. Behind the main image is a strip of the patterned paper and Soft Sky cs (retired SU!). The sentiment is from the September Kit of the Month and is stamped in Blue Bayou ink (retired SU!), which is also the color of the double stitched ribbon. The card base is Sweet Blush from PTI and the butterfly flowers from the April Kit of the Month are stamped along the side in the same color ink. I added some scalloped trim punched with my SU! scallop edge punch and a button, both in SU! Rose Red, as a finishing touch. Oh, I almost forgot - the layout for this card comes from this week's sketch challenge over at My Unity Place, hosted by Amber. Are you a member yet? Let's be friends . . . *wink*

Unity Anniversary, CAS style . . .

2009-04-27T18:10:00.002-04:00

I'm back with Jennifer Buck's CAS Scrapbooking layout for this week. Did you know that Unity Stamp Company is turning 1 this week??? In celebration of their one year anniversary Unity is having challenges, contests, sneak peeks and more this week. It all started today with a Color Challenge (also hosted by Jennifer) to use Baja Breeze, Ruby Red, So Saffron and Kraft. I decided to combine the two challenges and came up with this. The Sweet Slumber designer series paper I used is from SU!, as are the buttons. The stamps I used are from Unity (of course!): Distressed Dots background, Polka Dot Girl, and the baby sentiment is from the Our Lives, Our Stories kit. I think this page turned out simply sweet!

Timeless Template Challenge . . .

2009-04-25T16:43:00.004-04:00

Lauren Meader is issuing some AMAZING challenges this week on her blog! This is the second challenge I have participated in so far and I am hoping to squeeze another in tonight before the week is over. Have you heard about Lauren's Timeless Templates? If not you *really* need to head on over to the Papertrey Ink website and familiarize yourself because they are fabulous!!! I have purchased several myself and I think they are just perfect for any occasion! For the first ever Timeless Template Challenge were were asked to design a gift inspired by bath and body item packaging. I chose this packaging for the Butterfly Flower scent by Bath and Body Works. Isn't it gorgeous!!! I used Lauren's From The Desk Of template for my project. I printed the front and back of the template onto SU! Tangerine Tango card stock and stamped it all over (inside and out!) using a butterfly image from Unity Stamp Company's Butterfly Beauty stamp set. I like how you can see the butterflies through the clear fragrance bottle! I also wanted to keep things simple like the product packaging so I didn't add any layers to the box. Next I stamped the same butterfly image onto PTI Clearly Creative card stock in VersaMark ink and embossed it using SU! detail white ep. I cut the butterfly out and bent the wings gently before adhering it to the box using mini glue dots. Then I added some ribbon to each of the bottles. If I were really presenting this as a gift I would probably add some tissue paper to the box but I didn't want to obstruct the view! Check back with me soon for more goodies. Remember the new CAS Scrapbooking challenge will be posted on Jennifer's blog tomorrow as well . . . *wink*

Tea for Two . . .

2009-04-22T17:02:00.009-04:00

Yippee! I got my new Papertrey Ink goodies earlier this week and I already got a chance to play with them!!! This card was made for Lauren Meader's Saturday Sketch (mytimess31). I am a *huge* fan of Lauren's work so I was ecstatic to hear that not only is she revamping her Saturday challenges but she is doing a call for new design team members!!! I knew I had to give it a try and it would be such an honor to be chosen. I *had* to break out the gorgeous PTI Tea for Two stamp set for this. I used the color palette of Raspberry Fizz, Smokey shadow, True Black and Stampers Select White. I just *love* that new Smokey Shadow color!!! It is not too dark and not too light - it's simply perfect! I also stamped the coordinating branch image from the Beautiful Blooms stamp set in Raspberry Fizz along the right side of the front panel. That ribbon is the new Black & White stripes ribbon couture from PTI - divine! I used bitty Prima flowers with pewter brad centers as my accents. Now, check out the inside! I found this beautifully decorated tea bag in my stash. It was actually the inspiration for my color scheme! I decided to make a little belly band for it to slide into on the inside of the card. Cute, huh? I think it will make a perfect card for a dear friend!

With a twist . . .

2009-04-20T17:43:00.004-04:00

I'm back with this week's CAS Scrabooking challenge. This week in addition to the sketch Jennifer challenged us to use patterned paper on our pages. I chose this lovely Cosmo Cricket paper from the Girl Friday collection. It is so fresh and springy!!! I used SU! Kiwi Kiss as the base for my page. My photo is matted on PTI Ocean Tides cs. And I used Unity stamps again on my page! The spring words and snail are from the February Kit of the Month. The journaling block is stamped on SU! Rose Red cs and is a stamp image from the Our Life, Our Stories in WORDS set. It reads: "Kaleigh was so fascinated by this snail! She just had to sit down to get a closer look . . . " The snail was colored with Copic markers and my clear Spica glitter pen. Felt flowers and clear rhinestone brads are from SU! Lots of elements are popped up on dimensionals. You can click the photo for a larger view . . . *wink*

For You, Great Friend . . .

2009-04-16T08:22:00.002-04:00

Hiya! Thought I might actually post a card this week. *gasp* Seems like all I have had a chance to post lately are scrapbook pages!!! I made this for the N.M.B.S. Group's recent Occassions Mini Swap. I just *love* this new stamp set, Great Friend. It is gorgeous!!! I also used the Walk in the Park designer series papers. Colors are Basic Gray, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, and Cameo Coral. I was going for pretty and subtle so I went for a tone on tone look on the top with a piece of ds paper cut with the Top Note die. The Cameo butterfly was cut out using the Beautiful Butterflies die. The Baja butterfly was rocked and rolled in Pacific Point ink to give it some definition. I used a glue pen and Dazzling diamonds glitter to give it some shimmer. Both the stamped butterfly and the sentiment label were cut by hand. I also used one of my new favorite accessories, a corduroy button. I just *heart* these so much!!! I spent most of last week working on my submission for Stampin' Up!'s Artisan Award contest. I had to make 5 cards, 3 scrapbook pages, and 2 three dimensional items. It was hard work but I am glad I challenged myself to enter. Everything is off in the mail now so I can relax a bit. I'm hoping to have some more goodies for you to oogle real soon . . . *wink*

Clean and Simple nO. 4 . . .

2009-04-13T18:19:00.002-04:00

It's time for another Clean and Simple Scrapbooking Challenge from Jennifer Buck. This week she also challenged us to add journaling to our page. I agree with Jennifer that this is not something I am entirely comfortable with. I usually just add a name and date. I also *hate* my handwriting but decided to take the plunge for this challege. My daughter actually chose the pictures for this layout. They are from the first airplane trip that she remembers and I wanted to document how happy she was. The stamps used here are from Unity Stamp Company. The sentiment is from the August Kit of the Month and the journaling block is from the September Kit of the Month. Cad stock colors are SU! Baja Breeze and Whisper White textured and PTI Hibiscus Burst. The cloud patterned paper is from the SU! Sweet Slumber Specialty collection. The ink color is Basic Gray from SU! The felt flower accents and brads are from SU! as well. As an added detail I paper pierced around the open edges of the page. My book is coming along slowly but surely. At least I am creating a page a week - that is better than the last 6 years!!!

Scrappin' and Stampin', CAS Style . . .

2009-04-06T18:28:00.003-04:00

I'm back with my page for this week's Clean and Simple Scrapbooking Challenge, hosted by the lovely Jennifer Buck. This week not only did she challenge us to use multiple photos on our page but we were to use stamps as well. I used to find using stamps on scrapbook pages very intimidating. However, I really think they fit into the CAS style quite well so I have been using them lots lately. This page features Unity Stamp Company images yet again. Did I mention that I think they are *perfect* for scrapbooking??? The snowflake is from the September Kit of the Month and the mittens are from the December Kit of the Month. These photos of my daughter were taken over Winter Break on our trip back home to Chicago. It is the first time she has been old enough to play in the snow! Colors are SU! Baja Breeze, Rose Red, Cameo Coral, Pink Pirouette and Chocolate Chip. I pulled them from my daughter's hat and gloves. The title was made using puffy letters from American Crafts. I also added a Heidi Swapp ghost shape snowflake with a rhinestone brad center and adorned the centers of the stamped snowflakes with rhinestone gems. Ribbons are also SU! - Rose Red stitched grosgrain and Chocolate Chip narrow grosgrain. I think this is quite possibly my favorite page I've done so far! Thanks again for the inspiration, Jennifer!!!

At it again . . .

2009-04-01T09:34:00.002-04:00

Well, here I am with another page for my scrapbook. This page was made for this week's Clean and Simple Scrapbook Challenge hosted by Jennifer Buck. I used to find scrapbooking too overwhelming but the clean and simple style really suits me! I am making an 11 x 8 1/2 album and I really just wanted to feature one photo on each page for the most part. For this page I used the colors Pink Pirouette (SU!) and Hibiscus Burst (PTI). I pulled those colors from the outfit my daughter is wearing in the photo. I tried using yellows and green but they looked too brght to me. The scalloped mat was cut using my long rectangle Nestabilities. The vertical border was stamped using an image from Unity Stamp Company's December Kit of the Month - Little Reminders. I added some skinny chocolate grosgrain ribbon from American Crafts along the edges. The text is from THIS single, also from Unity. I simply inked the portion I wanted using a marker. I used PTI's vintage buttons in Hibiscus Burst as my accent in the lower right corner. I am looking forward to completing this challenge every week. Now that I have gotten started scrapping I am really enjoying it!!!

Clean and Simple . . .

2009-03-27T16:59:00.002-04:00

Earlier in the week I mentioned THIS scrapbook challenge hosted by Jennifer Buck. I was determined to get a page done this week for the challenge. It is just *so* my style!!! This is a photo of my daughter at about 1 year old. We took a little walk and along the way Daddy picked a flower for his little girl. Isn't this just the sweetest thing??? I am making an 11 x 8.5" scrapbook so I modified the sketch a little bit (hope that's okay). I used all Unity Stamp Co. images on my page. The sentiment is from the July Kit of the Month. The flowers along the bottom of the page are from the February Kit of the Month. I also used the Distressed Dots background on the white layer of the handmade flower (which just happens to be on sale this weekend *wink*). I tried to use the colors from the picture so the base of my page is Lemon Tart cs from Papertrey Ink. All of the images were stamped in Dark Chocolate ink, also from PTI. The flower border was partially colored in using a Copic marker and a white gel pen. The handmade flower was made by cutting three different sizes of circles in PTI New Leaf, Dark Chocolate, and Stampers Select White cs and distressing the edges. The layers are held together using an aged copper brad. The ribbon is something I picked up a Hobby Lobby a few years ago. I am pleased with the way this turned out and am looking forward to participating in future challenges! Thanks for the inspiration, Jennifer!!!

Scrappin' again . . .

2009-03-23T08:08:00.011-04:00

*gasp* I know, it really doesn't seem possible but I did it! I scrapped, again!!! This is the first full-sized scrapbook page I have made in about 6 years - crazy, huh? Last month Papertrey Ink had a scrapbook page category for their Guest Star Stamper contest so I thought I'd give it a shot. I printed this photo of my daughter from my computer on a semi-gloss paper in sepia tones. This was taken a few years back at the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival at Walt Disney World. While we were visiting the butterfly tent one of them decided to land on my DD's finger and visit for awhile. She was overjoyed and what a perfect memory that is to preserve! To add some interest I randomly stitched around the photo twice using my Janome Sew Mini. Colors are PTI Kraft, Vintage Cream, Dark Chocolate, New Leaf and Melon Berry. The flowers are from the Friends 'Til the End stamp set. Embellishments are also PTI buttons and luxe satin ribbon (reversed). I wanted the "journaling" to be simple so I opted to use this sentiment from the Handwritten Notes stamp set. I love that it looks handwritten but also has the elegance of being stamped. I also added a few accents made with my Martha Stewart butterfly punch. This was so fun to do and I think it turned out well too! I am looking forward to creating some more pages soon!!!

*I saw the Jennifer Buck is starting a Clean and Simple Scrapbook Challenge on Sundays. Mental note to give it a try this week . . .

*** ETA - I just saw that Nichole listed the Honorable Mentions for this month and guess what??? I am one of them! Congrats to all who were mentioned, and especially the winners!!!

Catching up . . .

2009-03-18T09:10:00.009-04:00

Today I have a bunch of Stampin' UP! cards to share with you. I have been playing around with my goodies from the new Spring/Summer Idea Book and Catalog for a few weeks now but I haven't had a chance to post them for you yet. The first card features the adorable Trendy Trees stamp set. I opted for a bright color scheme here of Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss, Summer Sun and Pacific Point. Definitely not my usual colors but I think it works here. The next card features the Friendly Words jumbo wheel and a slightly more subdued color scheme insprired by the Parisian Breeze specialty paper. I hand cut the "friends" sentiment stamped in chocolate and layered it over the wheeled background. Played around with my lovely Janome Sew Mini machine for this too - I am lovin' it!!! The next card was my dad's birthday card, inspired by last week's SCS Sketch Challenge. I thought the angles would work especially well for a masculine card. Here I used the Delicate Dots ds paper and Congrats stamp set from the SAB catalog. I tried to keep thing pretty simple by adding just a touch of paper piercing and a few brads. The last card was my swap for the N.M.B.S. Group's recent New Catty Swap. I *love* this Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set!!! The color palette was inspired by the Urban Oasis ds paper. I also *heart* the new corduroy buttons! I have already ordered them in 5 colors and am finding it hard to resist buying them all!!!!! I hope you enjoy these creations. I am busy working on my swap card for the group's Occasions Mini swap so I will have that and more goodies to share with you soon . . . *wink*

I scrapped!!!

2009-03-02T09:11:00.015-05:00

This truly is an exceptional occasion! I am NOT a scrapbooker. Sure, I'd like to preserve all those wonderful memories, but I just don't have the patience. Well, I have been wanting to play around with my goodies from Unity Stamp Company for some time now. They are just perfect for scrapbooking! So last weekend I decided to take the plunge!!! I made this mini album using my Sizzix Top Note die from SU!, some Chloe's Closet papers by Making Memories, various Unity Stamp Company stamps, and of course some pictures. For the cover I used a piece of acrylic (which looks nice but I had some issues with die cutting it) and a jumbo eyelet. The title is from the Our Life, Our Stories in WORDS set. The felt flowers and brad are from SU! For the pictures I chose to use copies of my daughter's first five birthday pictures. I scanned them into my computer and printed them out in miniature with a sepia accent. Then I used my SU! Curvy Label punch to trim and shape them. On the first page I used images from the Floral Fantastical set and the sentiment is from the Growing in Unity set. The bitty flower is from Prima and the brad is SU! For the second page I used images from the Nove mber Kit of the Mo nth, "enjoy YOUR STORY . . . laugh". I accented the page with a clear button from Autumn Leaves, linen thread, and a border created with my Fiskars Upper Crest punch. On the third page I used images from the November and August Kits of the Month, as well as This is the Time LARGE. I added a SU! blue button with some linen thread tied through it as an accent. For the fourth page I used images from the September Kit of the Month, Friendship. Love. Miracles. and (I *think*) the December KOTM as well. I also added some tiny chipboard hearts from SU! and punched a piece of patterned paper with my SU! heart punch. On the fifth page I used images from the September and December (I *think*) Kits as well. I added a Prima flower and a SU! felt flower and brad as an accent. Everything is tied together with some SU! chocolate grosgrain ribbon. It amazes me how much my daughter has grown over the years. She is turning into quite the little lady. I hope you like my mini album! I had so much fun making it that I am thinking of starting a big album!!! *gasp*

Hoping for spring . . .

2009-02-27T13:08:00.011-05:00

Wow, I just realized that I am really on a Papertrey Ink kick lately huh? I guess it is all the excitement of the anniversary festivities this month. I just got my new release package on Monday and decided to take some time for a much needed stamping therapy session yesterday. I played around with this week's sketch from the CPS blog, which just happens to be sponsored by PTI. I used the Friends 'Til the End and Handwritten Notes stamp sets. My color palette includes the most recent Perfect Match colors, New Leaf and Melon Berry, as well as Kraft, Vintage Vanilla and Dark Chocolate. I also played around with the gorgeous new buttons PTI introduced with their anniversary release - love 'em!!! I am really liking how these came out, so springy! Maybe it will entice Mother Nature to grace us with some warmer weather here in the not-too-distant future . . . *wink*

Dawn's favorites . . .

2009-02-14T12:33:00.003-05:00

Today is the last day of PTI challenges before the big release tonight! Today Nichole asked us to create a card using a color combo that Dawn McVey used sometime this week during her previews for her first PTI stamp set, Damask Designs. Since Dawn inspired the new Raspberry Fizz color I thought I would use it, along with Kraft and Dark Chocolate. She created a beautiful card using these colors earlier this week. I decided to use the Beautiful Blooms stamp set in an attempt to recreate the feel of her damask cards. I really like how this turned out - clean and simple! Looking forward to getting my hands on some of the newest PTI releases soon!!!!!

Sketch for a friend . . .

2009-02-09T18:43:00.003-05:00

Today Nichole (of PTI fame) challenged us to make a card for our best friend. I was inspired by the colors in the Friends 'Til the End Quick Kit that she introduced today on her blog. Raspberry Fizz, Ripe Avocado, Dark Chocolate and Vintage Cream - so pretty! I also incorporated the Bitty Dot sketch challenge from Saturday since I didn't get a chance to stamp over the weekend. I knew I wanted to use the gorgeous vine and flowers from the With Sympathy stamp set. I kept things simple and subtle with tone-on-tone stamping. The sentiment comes from the Flower Garden stamp set - I thought the script matched so well! Butterflies are from a Martha Stewart punch and the rhinestone bling came from the Target $1 Spot. I sure hope my best friend likes my creation!!!

Over the rainbow . . .

2009-02-06T17:32:00.005-05:00

Today on Nichole's blog she issued us the very first ever PTI color challenge - how fun!!! I was very excited to get home from work today and start stamping!!! I looked through my stash of PTI stamp sets, finally settling on a long neglected one - Green Thumb. I though the wellie image would be perfect for this challenge! Who wouldn't love a pair of these in each of PTI's luscious colors??? *wink* I stamped the images once in each of the four challenge colors all in a row on Stamper's Select white cs. I added the toe and loop details in True black ink and matted the panel onto the same color cs. Next I added ribbon loops in Ocean Tides saddle stitch, Ripe Avocado topnotch twill, Summer Sunrise grosgrain, and Pure Poppy luxe satin. The image panel was popped up on foam dimensionals before I adhered it to the card base. Finally I added the sentiment in the lower right corner in True Black in as well. Really simple, but I like how well it conveys the rainbow theme. I truly love each and every one of PTI's exclusive colors and had so much fun putting this combo together!!!!!

A brand new Papertrey Ink experience . . .

2009-02-05T19:36:00.004-05:00

Isn't this little shopping bag adorable? I created it today for a contest that Papertrey Ink is having in conjunction with their second anniversary this month. Today PTI brainchild Nichole Heady announced some fabulous news on her blog: Papertrey is going to CHA!!! This summer CHA is hosting a first - consumer days!!!!! Seeing that I live only about 45 minutes from the Orlando Convention Center, I for one could not be happier!!! I will be there shopping bag in hand!!!!!! In honor of this exciting announcement I decided to create a miniature shopping bag for Nichole's "It's in the Bag" challenge. For my shopping bag I used the base of one of Lauren Meader's My Timeless Templates - Purso - nality Clutch. I printed my template onto PTI Kraft cs and trimmed. Next I stamped images from my first PTI set, Butterfly Kisses, in Fresh Snow and True Black ink. I assembled my box using red line tape and added some scalloped trip punched from Stamper's Select White cs. Next I used my Crop-a-dile to add some pewter jumbo eyetets and tied some True Black Swiss Dot ribbon through as handles. To make it look a little bit more like a shopping bag I folded the sides in at an angle and added some black tissue paper. I am super excited for this month's PTI release, taking place on the 15th. Don't miss it!!!!!

Long time, no post . . .

2009-01-31T09:54:00.002-05:00

Wow, it certainly *has* been awhile now hasn't it? I honestly didn't mean to be away for so long but life seems to be keeping me much more busy lately than usual. My stamping time is virtually nil and my computer time is almost as infrequent. Rest assured I have not completely abandoned the blogging world and there is an upside to all of this believe it or not. Wonderful things are happening in my personal life and that is where the majority of my time is going, relishing in the delight of my family. Unfortunately, I am not as good of a juggler as I had hoped so it means less time for all of the little things. But alas, I *am* still stamping when the opportunity arises. This is my most recent attempt, for a swap with the Nimbee girls. It features the Sweet Stems stamp set from the brand new Stampin' Up! Spring/Summer catalog. The colors (Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Cameo Coral, and Kiwi Kiss) were inspired by the Raspberry Tart ds paper, although it didn't manage to work its way onto this card. Sentiment is from the Bella's Bloom stamp set and the background on the Top note dies but piece is Boho Blossoms. I also used my Curvy Label Punch and Regal Rose stitched ribbon. I am actually hoping to get a little stamping in today so maybe I will have something to show you sooner than later. I am also planning to place my first order from the new SU! catalog when Sale-a-bration starts tomorrow and I'll be anxious to show you some of those new goodies too!

Honorable mention . . .

2008-12-22T13:01:00.003-05:00

Check out this cool teacher gift I made using Papertrey Ink's new Teacher's Apple stamp set. I entered it into their monthly Guest Star Stamper contest and was chosen as an honorable mention in the Best Teacher Gift category. I was inspired by the colors in the Holiday Vintage Prints patterned paper - Pure Poppy, Ripe Artichoke and Spring Moss for my project. I cannot believe that Christmas is nearly here! I truly hope that you and yours have a magical holiday season!!!

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas . . .

2008-11-25T09:27:00.003-05:00

Usually at this time of year I am still feeling like it is still a little early to be hauling out the Christmas music and decorations, but in the stamping world it is actually probably a little late. I however have not been finding that I have much free time for stamping lately so I am a little behind schedule. This week we are off from school though and I am going to attempt to catch up on some things. Today I would like to introduce you to some of the newest Doodle Factory characters from the Santa's Sweet Shoppe collection, available from Starving Artistamps. I knew I wanted to make a snowy scene using some of my new Martha Stewart snow glitter so I chose some images, stamped them, and colored them in using my Copic markers. I cut them out and assembled them using varying degrees of dimension behind a frame, which I cut from Kraft cs using my SU! Top Note die. I stamped the frame, which is also popped up on dimensionals, with snowflakes in White Cloud Versa Magic ink and added the sentiment from Casual Holiday Greetings.In the second photo (click to enlarge) you can get a better view of all the different layers on this card. This card was so much fun to make and really got me into the spirit of the season. I have a few more projects planned using this set which I hope to share with you sometime this week, so be sure to check back soon! *wink*

I'm a winner . . .

2008-11-15T09:33:00.004-05:00

It happened by accident. I had this idea to make a cute little gift using one of Papertrey Ink's newest stamp sets from Heather Nichol's Pinefeather Press, Warm Happiness. The stamp set includes sentiments for coffee, cocoa and tea and I thought it would be neat to design a gift that incorporated all three. I thought that the small round clear top tins would be perfect to hold the assorted contents. As I was searching for packaging ideas I happened upon my yet unopened stash of small gable boxes and decided to see if the three tins would fit inside. I was so happy that they did and I started to work on altering the box. I covered it in Polka Dot Parade patterned paper in Aqua Mist, Ocean Tides and Ripe Avocado. I created a belly band from Aqua Mist cs, stamped the words "coffee cocoa tea" repeatedly around it in Ocean Tides ink and added some Ripe Avocado saddle stitch ribbon in the center. I decorated the tops of the tins simply using my new Marvy Super Jumbo snowflake punch stamped with the appropriate label. I also created a tage for my gift using one of the mugs and the sentiment from Warm Happiness, which I filled in with all three beverage words and adorned with another snowflake. Wouldn't this be perfect for a dear friend this winter to help keep them warm and cozy? *wink*

Yum, yum . . .

2008-10-28T18:37:00.002-04:00

Here is another quick Halloween post for you. I have been meaning to upload this for awhile now but can never seem to find the time. I made this box for the test tubes by simple measuring and using my Scor-Pal on some Kiwi Kiss cs. Patterned paper on the front is from SU's Ghostly Greetings collection. I filled the test tubes with tangerine, kiwi, and black colored M&Ms. The medallion on the front was made using the Batty For You stamp set along with my 1 3/8" and scallop circle punches. Ribbon is Tangerine Tango striped grosgrain. These would be super cute teacher gifts, don'tcha think? *wink*

The countdown is on . . .

2008-10-12T12:04:00.002-04:00

I have yet another A Muse calendar to share with you today. I have had this idea in my head for awhile now, but I was waiting on my new SU! goodies to arrive, which they did on Friday! I trimmed the square calendar page for October and rounded the edges of both it and its Kiwi Kiss cardstock mat. Next I covered the front and back of a chipboard coaster with Ghostly Greetings designer series paper. I used the Batty for You stamp set to create an accent and added some Basic Gray taffeta ribbon underneath. The bitty pumpkins were punched from Pumpkin Pie cs using a punch from the Target $1 spot. Each day a pumpkin is added to count down the days to Halloween. I also created a stand for the calendar out of another piece of chipboard coaster and covered it with Basic Black cs. I know my daughter will have fun with this as her excitement for Halloween builds! Hope you like it too!!! *wink*

Sweet Always . . .

2008-10-09T17:18:00.003-04:00

A quick post just to let you know I am still here. Life has been keeping me busy lately and away from my stamp desk, but I was able to squeak out this project last weekend. It is a perpetual calendar, completely CASED from the one and only Miss Texasjodylynn. I fell in love with the hanging calendar she made using the clear card boxes and just had to make one for myself. I used the A2 sized calendar I downloaded from A Muse and the Sweet Always designer series paper from Stampin' UP! on my project. I love that you can hang it on the wall and see all the dates displayed in such a pretty way. That Jody is genius, I'm tellin' ya' . . . ;) I'll try to have some Halloween projects up for you in the relatively near future, so don't forget to check back soon, ok??? *wink*

Upsy Daisy . . .

2008-09-29T19:20:00.002-04:00

That's how I feel about my life lately. Everything was turned upside down, but now things are right side up again and in full bloom! I made this card for a swap I participated in a few months back with the N.M.B.S. group. I used the gorgeous new SU! set Upsy Daisy and the coordinating Urban Garden ds papers. Colors are Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Not Quite Navy, Basic Gray and Whisper White. The flowers are embossed in white on top of the patterned paper for a very pretty effect. I also did a bit of paper piercing and distressing to the top of the Kiwi Kiss panel. The sentiment was punched out using the Key Tag punch and popped up on dimensionals. I love these colors together!!! I actually made something over the weekend to share here but I need to get some pictures first. I'll be back with that soon, see you then! *wink*

Long time, no blog . . .

2008-09-27T20:24:00.008-04:00

Hello there to all of you out in blogland!!! Yes, I am still here. I have been dealing with some personal issues of great magnitude over the last couple of months. Needless to say, I have not had much time to stamp, or when I did I just didn't feel like doing it. Well, things have gotten a bit better in the last few weeks and I was inspired to create somthing. My friend Jody posted several projects recently featuring the NEW A Muse calendar downloads. This calendar is for me personally. I am planning to put it on my desk at school. I am also planning to make some of these as gifts for the holidays - they are perfect for family and friends! I used the A2 size calendar pages for this project. The covers of the book were made using Bare Elements chipboard which I covered using the SU! Urban Garden designer series papers and Basic Gray cardstock. The numbers are chipboard from the On Board Lots of Letters pack (painted white) and the ribbon is Baja Breeze wide stitched grosgrain. I used my brand new Bind-It-All (which has been in its box since I returned home from Chicago) to put everything together and tied some Basic Gray taffeta and Kiwi Kiss satin ribbons onto the coils. The inside pages also have different selections of the designer series papers on them. There was no stamping involved, so this proved to be a relatively quick and easy project. I am looking forward to creating more calendars in the near future! Oh, and if you are still out there - thanks for sticking with me through this difficult time. I am hoping to be able to post more regularly in the near future . . .

Challenged . . .

2008-08-26T20:43:00.006-04:00

Hello again! I was inspired to stamp today and I actually was able to find the time to do it - whoo hoo!!! This was a quickie card for me, everything came together in about 15 minutes. I wanted to make a card for this week's Nimbee Challenge (NMBS11) which was to make a card with only one layer. I also incorporated this week's SCS color challenge - Rose Red, Basic Black and Kraft. You might have noticed that this is not *technically* a one layer card. All I can say is that I tried my best - LOL! The small scallop circle with the sentiment is throwing things off but I felt that the card needed some more color. I did however refrain from popping the piece up on dimensionals like I normally would and adhered it directly to the front of the card. That has to count for someting, right??? I am really loving this Bella Blossoms stamp set. You know me and flowers though, I just can't get enough!!! I have a couple more Nimbee Challenges to catch up on and hope to have some time to do that this week. I'd love it if you'd join in! Head on over to the N.M.B.S. Group blog to check it all out . . . *wink*

Bella Blossoms . . .

2008-08-24T12:36:00.005-04:00

Well, hello there! Sorry it has been so quit around here lately. Chalk it up to the beginning of the school year I suppose, but life has been pretty crazy for me the past two weeks!!! I *did* find a few moments to stamp though - I was excited to play with my goodies from the new SU! Fall/Winter Catalog. The colors were inspired by last week's color challenge over at SCS - Close to Cocoa, Blush Blossom and Ruby Red. My card features two new stamp sets - Bella Blossoms and the Boho Blooms BG. I also used some of the new Riding Hood Red taffeta ribbon - so pretty! I actually made a bunch of these for a swap I am participating in with the NMBS Group. Speaking of swaps, you can see the results of our most recent one over at the NMBS Group blog. I promise to be back soon with some more new projects. I am also nearing 300 posts on my little blog here, so stay tuned for some blog candy in celebration!!! *wink*

Deer Friend . . .

2008-08-09T14:10:00.004-04:00

It's almost that time! The new Stampin' UP! Fall/Winter Catalog debuts on Monday and it is fabulous!!! Today I am sharing with you a swap that I recently participated in with the N.M.B.S. Group. I chose to use the Deer Friends Level 2 Hostess Set. I also used some of the new In Colors - Riding Hood Red and Kiwi Kiss, and a new accessory - the scallop border punch. I was able to make a scalloped square card base with this awesome tool!!! The red panel was stamped with the Sanded BG. In the lower right corner I punched a circle using my 1 3/8" punch and added a scalloped chocolate frame using the scallop punch. The main image is stamped in Chocolate Chip on Very Vanilla cs. I watercolored the nose in Riding Hood Red and added some Dazzling Diamonds glitter for some sparkle. It is punched out using my 1 1/4" circle punch. The red panel is popped up on dimensionals creating a shadowbox effect. As a finishing touch I added the vanilla taffeta boq to the upper right corner with a mini glue dot. I just got the swaps back from the group yesterday and they are all fabulous! I am super excited for the new SU! catty!!!!!!

Quirky Creatures . . .

2008-08-06T09:30:00.011-04:00

Today I am sharing with you some of the things I have been working on for Starving Artistamps. They all feature images from the Doodle Factory Creatures line and sentiments from the Quirky Sentiments collection. This first little guy is Frozey. He puts into perspective just how bad a bad hair day can truly be. Some hair is better than no hair, right???

The next card features Twinkx. She is a bit of a diva, and is one of those people who dance through life instead of walking, spreading joy wherever they go. She is perky and peppy and completely happy with just being herself! She sparkles!!!

Next up is Tobias. He is exactly the opposite of Twinkx - he just can't seem to catch a break. Every little bad thing that could happen to him does. I mean, here he is caught on the front of my card in his underwear. How embarrasing!!!

Last is Numnum. Numnum likes cookies, need I say more? He thinks they are the answer to all of life's problems. Who am I to argue??? So long as you excercise a little bit of self control, huh little guy?

I hope you have enjoyed getting to know this lovable bunch a little bit. I know I have!!! They are adorable and fun to play with - what more could a stamper ask for??? *wink*

Fairytales . . .

2008-08-01T10:54:00.004-04:00

What little girl, or big girl for that matter, doesn't believe in fairytales??? I am having so much fun playing with my new Doodle Factory images from Starving Artistamps. This first card features the princess, Sir Silimus and The Grand Castle from the Fairytale collection, as well as the Fairytale sentiments. I colored in the images using Copic markers. Sir Silimus and the princess are popped up on dimensionals. Colors are Basic Gray, Basic Black, and Pretty in Pink. I also used some basic gray taffeta ribbon.

This card also used the princess image, as well as the turret and Prince Wortimer the frog. The sentiment is also from Fairytale sentiments. I used the masking technique to create the group of frogs. Notice that only one of them is a prince! The turret is popped uo on dimensionals so the princess looks like she is standing inside. Again I colored the images using Copic markers. Colors are Wild Wasabi, So Saffron, and Papertrey Ink's Lavender Moon.

I hope you are liking these Doodle Factory images as much as I am. I have several more to share in the coming days so stay tuned!!! *wink*

Feelin' Owly . . .

2008-07-29T15:51:00.004-04:00

I *heart* owls! They are very hip right now and can be found just about anywhere. I recently aquired a few new little guys and I have another one to share with you today. This card was made for today's Color Challenge over on SCS - Groovy Guava, Sahara Sand and whisper White. The stamp set is called The Little Things and is the Kit of the Month (July) over at Unity Stamp Co. I stamped the owl twice in guava ink on white cs and cut him out. I watercolored his belly with sand ink and popped up his wing on dimensionals. The tree trunk was stamped in sahara ink on the same color cs and the peep hole cut out so the owl can peek through. I matted these images onto some pieces cut with my long rectangle Nestabilities. The bottom half of the card base was stamped repeatedly with a twig image. I used my key tag and horizontal slot punches to create the ribbon slider for the sentiment. What a hoot, huh? *wink*

I'm back . . .

2008-07-25T10:03:00.004-04:00

Did you miss me? Kaleigh and I had a fabulous time visiting family and friends in Chicago!!!!! One of the friends we visited was my dear friend Toni. We used to be neighbors when we last lived up there and she is the one who got me started in this whole stamping business in the first place by inviting me to a Stampin' UP! workshop. Years later who knew I'd enjoy the hobby so much and that'd we still be great friends despite the thousand miles between us!!! While we were there we did some shopping, and stampin of course! Today I will share with you the cards I made during our visit. Not a lot of chatter because I have *lots* to do here at home, but I'll be back soon to share some more pictures from our trip and some of the creations I am currently working on . . .

Stamps: Thoughtful Florals from Verve Stamps
cs: Old Olive, So Saffron, white
ink: Old Olive, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip
accessories: paper snips, dimensionals, pumpkin striped grosgrain ribbon, mini glue dots

made for: Diva Challenge #1 (Verve's SCS forum)

Stamps: Essence of Love, Sanded BG (SU!)
cs: Certainly Celery, Close to Cocoa, white
ink: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Really Rust, Certainly Celery
accessories: classic and scalloped rectangle Nestabilities, paper snips, celery rhinestones, dimensionals

made for: Kristina Werner's Color Inspiration #15

Stamps: Rain or Shine (My Favorite Things)
cs: Regal Rode, Basic Gray, white
ink: Basic Gray, Wild Wasabi
accessories: Copic markers, classic and scalloped rectangle Nestabilities, corner rounder, horizontal slot punch, dimensionals, paper snips, Wild Wasabi double stitched ribbon, Swiss Dots Cuttlebug embossing folder

inspired by: Toni's card using colors from the Crew Kids: Girl SS Kit by SU!

Stamps: Girls on Bench (Rubber Romance)
cs: Creamy Caramel, Basic Black, white
ink: Basic Black
accessories: Copic markers, dimensionals, Berry Sorbet grosgrain ribbon (Papertrey Ink)

the story: business women friends enjoying a quick rest after a lunchtime shopping trip ;)

Celebrating MFT . . .

2008-07-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

So, here are the other projects I submitted for the My Favorite Things Guest Designer Challenge. The first one is a birthday giftie for the coffee lover. I wanted to create a box and I thought a coffee mug would be perfect! I could not find a template I liked so I decided to create my own!!! It wasn't as hard as I though it would be either! I am hoping to share a tutorial on this upon my return from Chicago if there is interest. The body of the mug was run through my Cuttlebug using my Swiss Dots embossing folder to add some texture. The base is a scalloped circle but using my Nestabilities. I also added a scalloped trim (cut using decorative scissors) along the top rim. The handle was made using my SU! key tag punch. The front of the mug features a tag made with the Hot Stuff stamp set from MFT. Inside the mug are some Ghirardelli Espresso Escape dark chocolates - yum!!! I don't even care for coffee and I *love* these!

The last project I submitted was this adorable carrot box. I thought it would be too cute to hold treats for birthday favors. I found the template in the "resources" section on SCS. Again I used Gardener Flopsey and paired him with a sentiment from PTI's Green Thumb stamp set. How sweet is he??? Be sure you check back soon for some more fun projects! I'll be home soon . . . *wink*

Got Verve???

2008-07-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

Guess what? Verve Stamps is now a SCS Member Company!!! I have been having fun hanging around their forum getting to know the Verve girls. This is my card for this week's Mojo Monday challenge over on Julee's blog, Poetic Artistry. I used the Stems & Petals set from Verve for my creation. Colors are Spring Moss, Lemon Tart, Summer Sunrise and Lavender Moon from Papertrey Ink. A few fun details - the flower heads a cut out and popped up on dimensionals. At the bottom of the main image panel are three crystal brads. They are in pastel colors that match Lemon Tart, Summer Sunrise, and Lavender Moon perfectly! The sentiment reads "Take joy in the little things" and I rounded all of the corners there for a different look. Well, I guess that's about it for now. Be sure to visit again soon . . . *wink*

Fluttering with Gratitude . . .

2008-07-11T00:00:00.004-04:00

This was my submission for this week's color challenge on SCS - Groovy Guava, Barely Banana, and Chocolate Chip. I used images from the Floral Fantastical stamp set from Unity Stamp Co. I used my new ScorPal to create the gatefold on the card base - so easy!!! No measuring required! The butterfly image was colored with Copic markers - twice. One was cut using my petite oval Nestabilities and the other was trimmed using my paper snips. I then bent the wings inward and adhered it over the main image along the body of the butterfly. This provides such a wonderful dimension! I tied everything up using some Lemon Tart grosgrain ribbon from PTI. I think this is such a sweet stamp set and the color combination fits in perfectly, don't you? *wink*

Going Green . . .

2008-07-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

I have always been someone who love the beauty of nature. When I saw the Eco Chic stamp set during sneak peeks for Unity Stamp Co.'s latest release I was elated!!! This is an adorable stamp set and lemme tell you - the price is right too! I sat down last weekend to make a set of "green" cards. I wanted to use simple designs and earthy colors to create organic looking cards. The first card features the tree image and ecoChic sentiment. I watercolored the tree on Naturals Ivory cs in Close to Cocoa and Old Olive. I distressed the edges of the main image panel and used my SU! spiral punch to notch the left side. I also added some chocolate twill ribbon to finish out the look.

The second card features the sunflowers from the Eco Chic set. I stamped the center flower then created a mask using a stick note. Then I added all the other flowers one by one so it looks like some are in front and others are in back. I watercolored the sunflowers using Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, and Summer Sun inks. For the clouds I used a scalloped circle shape and sponged on some Versamagic Sea Blue ink. The "hope" sentiment comes from the Floral Fantastical stamp set. The slider was made by using my corner rounder on all the edges and then punching with my horizontal slot punch on each end. Chocolate twill ribbon is threaded through and tied.

The third card was made for this week's Technique Lover's Challenge over on SCS - Suspension cards! I thought the earth image would be perfect!!! I stamped the 4 1/4" square card base using my Sanded BG from SU! in Close to Cocoa ink. Then I punched out a window using my scallop punch. The earth image was stamped in Adirondak Espresso ink on Naturals Ivory cs and colored in using Copic markers. It is suspended using hemp twine. The back of the spinner element features the *heart* the earth sentiment from the Eco Chic stamp set. I added some Prima flowers with an aged copper brad center and chocolate twill ribbon as a finishing touch. I hope you enjoyed today's post. Please visit again soon for some more stampy fun here at Inkfully Yours . . . *wink*

Happy Birthday MFT!!!

2008-07-07T17:28:00.007-04:00

Well, these are slightly delayed, but I wanted to share with you the projects I created for the My Favorite Things Guest Designer Challenge. The first thing that came to me was to have Flopsey bring over some carrot cake for the party. I combined the Gardener Flopsey sey and Papertrey Ink's Piece of Cake sets here. The classic and scalloped ovals were cut using my Nestabilities. The card swings open on the aged copper brad to reveal the happy birthday message. Colors were inspired by PTI's Bitty Baby Blessings patterned paper, which was also used to piece Flopsey's overalls and for the flower on her hat.

The next idea I had was to make a birthday card for Kim, owner of MFT. I chose to pair Gardener Flopsey with my Crafty Secrets stamp set Sexy Little Number. I wanted to make the card in MFT's signature colors - pink, black and white. This is a double slider card - when the pink twill is pulled on the messages pop up. Flopsey's hat, overalls, and wheelbarrow were paper pieced using PTI's Pink Patterns paper.

I have two more projects to share but I think I will save those for another day. I am leaving on a two week vacation back home to Chicago on Wednesday, so my posting will be a bit sporadic. I do have posts scheduled for you, but they will not be on a daily basis along with the challenges. I will see you in a few weeks!!! *wink*

Stamping with Unity and Verve . . .

2008-07-03T15:58:00.004-04:00

As promised, today I have some cards to show you using my new birthday goodies. The first card was made for this week's sketch and color challenges over on SCS. It features the newly released Tiny Trinity stamp set from Unity Stamp Co. - isn't it gorgeous??? I stamped the trees using Palette Burnt Umber ink onto watercolor paper. BTW- the Unity handles are the mosdt wonderful thing in my opinion! The comfort of wood, the convenience of acrylic - man, they aren't kidding! I *heart* them muchly!!! Anyway, I watercolored the trees using my aquapainter and Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranate, Certainly Celery and Chocolate Chip ink. I had to layer the Wasabi to get the color I wanted. I also layered the Pomegranate on the leaves, but left it lighter in the center - I think it provides a nice contrast. I also watercolored in the grassy area freehand by layering Celery and Wasabi. The sentiment was punched out using my word window punch and the patterned paper is Wasabi and Celery Prints from SU! As a finishing touch I added some aged copper brads. I started with just the ones on the lower left, then felt it needed something so I added the ones in the top right corner. Still thought it needed something so I added the brads in the lower right corner. 11 brads on 1 card - oh my!!! Someone alert the hoarding police - LOL!

The second card was also made for this week's color challenge on SCS, as well as Julee Tilman's Mojo44 Sketch. I have been eyeing Julee's Verve Stamps for a little while now. I just love her fresh and funky style!!! I received my birthday order last weekend and I told myself I *had* to use them for this week's Mojo Monday sketch. This card features the newly released Feeling Groovy and Stems & Petals for the flower stem - what else? It is a little hard to make out, but I embossed a rectangle shape using my Nestabilities on the white background. I am actually going to send this to my hubby for our anniversary (I will be out of town). Shhh, don't tell him! I changed the sentiment after this picture was taken to another from the same set which reads "you're still the one" - it just felt more like what I want to say, KWIM? I have been working hard today on projects for the MFT Guest Designer contest. Make sure you check back soon for a peek . . . *wink*

Hop, hop, hop . . .

2008-07-02T14:01:00.008-04:00

I'm back with more bunnies!!! As promised I have some more MFTeasers to share with you today featuring Flopsy, the newset addition to the My Favorite Things family! The first card is a seed packet card. I first found the template almost a year ago and I think it fits this stamp set perfectly! I used some My Mind's Eye Tres Jolie patterned paper for the pocket and lined it with PTI Aqua Mist cs. The card base is Wild Wasabi and is stamped with the soon to retire SU! Flannel Plaid BG. Gardener Flopsy is colored in with Copic markers and was cut out and matted using classic and scalloped rectangle Nestabilities. Ribbon is wide grosgrain in Aqua Mist, also from PTI.

These adorable little cards were cut out using my petite oval classic and scalloped Nestabilities dies. All you have to do is place the die so that it is above a few of the top scallops so you will retain a hinge. For these I was inspired by a card Kim from MFT made as a Make & Take for Stampfest Orlando. Images are from both sets (Gardener Flopsy and I'm Pullin' for You) and are colored in with Copic markers. Grass was stamped after I masked the bunnies and the clouds were made using a scalloped circle and sponge. I added some aged copper brads to the hinge side to make the cards easier to open. These could be cards that each bunny would send to the other bunny friend . . .

The last card I have to share with you today is one that Kaleigh made. She has fallen in love with Flopsy (whom she still calls Ruthie despite several reminders of his name) every bit as much as I have. She colored the image in using my Copic markers (yes, while I held my breath on each brushstroke!). Grass and clouds were done in the same manner as my scalloped oval cards. While I am thinking about it, thank you all for the sweet comments you always leave about Kaleigh's cards!!! It means so much to her (and me). What a budding little artist I have to be proud of!!! I have been stamping for this week's challenges on SCS, so check back tomorrow for a peek at those . . . *wink*

MFTeasers - Meet Flopsy

2008-07-01T11:46:00.005-04:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend Stampfest Orlando this weekend. I was able to meet some fabulously talented ladies from SCS. One of the people I visited with was Kim, owner of My Favorite Things. Kim and I previously met about six months ago at a little SCS get together. I have since fallen in love with her stamps and was so excited to see her again. At the stamp show Kim had two of her new release stamp sets available for sale - Gardener Flopsy and I'm Pullin' for You. These introduce a new character (sorta) to the MFT line. I played with them almost all day Sunday - I made 5 cards in one sitting!!! I will share three with you today and then the rest tomorrow. The first card features Gardener Flopsy as a girl. My DD took it upon herself to rename this bunny Ruthie for some reason - LOL! I used Berry Sweet patterned paper from K&Co. to paper piece her outfit and my Copic markers to color her in.

For my second card I decided to use the I'm Pullin' for You set. I knew I wanted to do a play on words and make an interactive card that required the recipient to pull. I followed the tutorial on SCS for a surprise pop-up card. It was super easy and I am pleased with the results. Colors were inspired from the Fall Flowers designer series paper from SU! Mr. Flopsy was colored in with Copic markers.

The last card I have to share with you today is also featuring Gardener Flospy. It was made for this week's My Favorite Things Sketch Challenge (#37). I chose to use the Ginger Blossoms designer series paper from SU! as my inspiration here. I paper pieced both the overalls and the wheelbarrow. Again, I colored the rest using my Copic markers. Embellishments include a Prima flower and River Rock double stitched ribbon. Tomorrow night is the big release party over in the SCS My Favorite Things forum. It's going to be a big one as this month MFT turns 2!!! I hear there are lots of surprises in store, so you won't want to miss it!!!!! I'll see you there . . . *wink*

Inspired mojo . . .

2008-06-29T21:55:00.002-04:00

I made this card a few days ago using Kristina Werner's Color Inspiration #13 and Julee Tilman's Mojo Monday Sketch #43. I flipped the sketch on its side because I thought it would work better for the look I was wanting to achieve. Colors are River Rock, Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranate, Regal Rose and Whisper White. The stamp set I chose is Always from SU! I also used patterned paper from the Ginger Blossoms and Afternoon Tea collections. Accessories include rose wide grosgrain ribbon, silver brads and Love & Happiness rubons for the sentiment. Tools used include corner rounder (sans guard - for scallops), Crop-a-dile, edge distresser, dimensionals, and petite oval classic and scalloped Nestabilities. I popped in at a local stamp convention over the weekend and I have lots of new goodies that I have been playing with. Look for some fun projects coming your way soon!!! *wink*

Mommy and Me Stamping - Take 3!

2008-06-27T13:15:00.003-04:00

These are the results of my latest stamping session with Kaleigh. She needed thank you cards to send out for her birthday and she had been begging me to stamp for a few days. She picked out the Wild About You stamp set and most of the colors. I suggested the Summer Picnic designer series paper. She did all the stamping except for the sentiments. I did all the cutting and adhered everything together. I think she did an excellent job for a 6 year old, don't you??? I am considering making the Mommy and Me stamping a regular feature on my blog - what do you think? I have some new goodies on their way to me as early birthday presents, so make sure you check back soon to see my creations . . . *wink*

Fun with challenges . . .

2008-06-26T10:21:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I had the whole day free to stamp. I made two cards for three different challenges! The first card is for this week's Sketch and Color Challenges over at SCS. I really like the fun design of the squares and the color combination is so unique! I used the Fresh Cuts stamp set and inked the main image in Wild Wasabi. Then I edged the image using my Taken With Teal marker (since I don't have the inkpad) to achieve a rock-n-rolled look. I cut the image into squares and matted them with Teal cs. For the sentiment panel I stamped the branch image in a square pattern in Teal ink and added the "for you" sentiment in the center in Wasabi. The panel was cut out using my square scalloped Nestabilities and then sponged with Wasabi ink. Next I added a piece of Styled Silver hodgepodge hardware around the sentiment and popped the panel up on dimensionals in the center of the card. Finally, I ran a piece of Wasabi double stitched ribbon underneath the sentiment panel and tied it in a knot.

The second card was for a Sketch Challenge being held in honor of the Unity Stamp Co. release yesterday. If you haven't checked them out yet you really need to do that!!!
I placed my first Unity order last night as an early birthday present to myself and I am super excited! Since I didn't have any Unity stamps yet to use for the challenge I let myself be inspired by the fresh and fun look of sneak peeks that were being shown by the design team and this is what I came up with. The patterned paper is from the Crate Paper Blue Hill Collection. Cardstock is all Papertrey Ink in Sweet Blush, Berry Sorbet and Aqua Mist. Stamps are SU! - Lots of Thoughts and Baroque Motifs. I also used my 1/2" circle, 1 3/8" circle, and scallop punches from SU! The ribbon is Berry Sorbet luxe satin from PTI. This was such a unique sketch to work with! I had a blast at the Unity release party last night too!!! Make sure you check back soon for another round of Mommy and Me stamping . . . *wink*

{Life is good . . .

2008-06-24T14:37:00.004-04:00

*phews* What a busy birthday weekend it was here!!! I took yesterday to recoup and started getting back into the swing of things this morning. With the start of another week comes another N.M.B.S. Group Challenge. This week our hostess is Vicki and she provided us with an excellent challenge full of summertime fun! For my submission I used the retired Fresh Fruits stamp set and the retiring hostess set Make It Count. I stamped orange (Only Orange), lemon (Yoyo Yellow), and lime (Green Galore) slices all over the main image panel, OSW style. I added a few black accents for "pop". This just oozes with the sweetness of summer, don't you think??? If you'd like to play along, head on over to the N.M.B.S. Group Blog - we'd love to have you!!!

Elegance and whimsy . . .

2008-06-20T15:00:00.004-04:00

I snuck in a little bit of stamping this morning in the midst of all my cleaning. I was inspired by both Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge and the current Hanna Stamps Challenge, hosted by my friend Manda. *waves* The colors for the challenge are Barely Banana, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Very Vanilla, and Chocolate Chip. I wanted to work with Papertrey Ink's colors since I was using their stamps so I used Lemon Tart, Spring Moss, and Aqua Mist instead. The stamp sets I used are Guide Lines (for the pattern on the Lemon Tart cs), Honey Bees (for the floral image in the scallop), and Garden of Life (for the sentiment). The yellow flower on the right is cut out and popped up using dimensionals. The Spring Moss strip is patterned paper from the Everyday Blessings collection. Manda also challenged us to use yellow as the main color on our project and I think it really is a perfect fit! Such a classy spring card!!!

I also wanted to share with you a photo of the birthday cake I made for Kaleigh. The pan I used is made by Wilton. I purchased it at Michaels with a 50% off coupon. It is a heavy non-stick pan which bakes the cake in two parts - the top (icing) and the bottom (cup). I am not a professional baker by any means, although I do enjoy it. It was a bit of a challenge to decorate. I ended up using a star tip on the bottom half and a straight tip on the top, smoothing as I went. It is not perfect, but all in all I am pleased with the results. Kaleigh really likes it and that's the important thing, right? Oh, and yes - those are Mickey sprinkles on the top of the cake. I have had these for years and Kaleigh insisted I use them despite my reservations about their taste. I guess we'll find out tomorrow . . . *wink*

More challenges . . .

2008-06-19T23:12:00.006-04:00

I stamped today - yippee!!! DD was with Grandma and Grandpa so I had some time to myself. I worked on her giant cupcake cake too - look for pictures of that in the near future! *wink* The first card I made was for this week's Color Challenge over at SCS - Soft Sky, Kraft and Basic Black. It got me using my Copic markers - I still need lots of practice, but I *love* the look!!! I used the Bloomin' Beautiful stamp set from the SU! Occasions Mini Collection and the Sanded BG. Details of note include popped up blooms over where the leaves would be and Stickles for the flower centers. I also paper pieced the vase using Kraft cs. The Sofy Sky strip is stamped repeatedly with the word "bloom" and the ribbons are kraft taffeta and black gingham.

The next card was made using Julee Tilman's Mojo Monday Sketch (Mojo42). I have been eyeing her sketches for a few weeks but this is the first time I have tried one out for myself. I love it - so unique!!! I used my brand new Honey Bees stamp set from Papertrey Ink which arrived today! *giddies* I paired it with some patterned paper from the Bitty Baby Blessings collection. Colors are Lemon Tart and Chocolate Chip, ribbon is Summer Sunrise luxe satin. I used my restangle Nestabilities for the main image panel and added some aged copper brads for balance. I have been rearranging and organizing around here this week - seems like that will be my summer project. LOL! Check back soon for more goodies, ok?

Where does the time go???

2008-06-18T20:37:00.004-04:00

I stamped this card today for my DD Kaleigh's birthday. She will be turning 6 this weekend and I can hardly believe it!!! She is getting to be so grown up!!!!! I thought it was only appropriate to make her a more grown up card. I used this week's Sketch Challenge from SCS and tweaked it a bit by turning the main image panel upside down. The colors were inspired by the paper I used to wrap all the gifts last night. They are Sweet Blush, Berry Sorbet, and Lavender Moon from Papertrey Ink and Elegant Eggplant from SU! I used the Garden of Life stamp set, also from PTI. The tag was cut using my Cuttlebug and Tiny Tags dies and reads "happy birthday to you". It is hanging from some Lavender Moon topnotch twill ribbon. We are planning to celebrate this weekend with a giant chocolate cupcake cake and a trip to Disney's Hollywood Studios to try out the new Toy Story attraction. Fun, fun, fun!!!

Something new . . .

2008-06-16T10:19:00.005-04:00

I'm not sure if I have mentioned it here before, but I am a member of a fabulous swap group full of talented SU! demos called N.M.B.S. (No More Bad Swaps). Recently we started our own group blog and this week I am hosting our very first challenge!!! This week's challenge is a Limited Supplies Challenge - so fun! Here is the card I made for - it is also my very first card made with the sneak peek set, Fresh Cuts and the coordinating Fresh Cuts notes. I would *love it* if you would play along with us this week. Head on over to the N.M.B.S. Group Blog for all the details. We'd love to see you there! *wink*

Challenges . . .

2008-06-12T14:27:00.005-04:00

I love challenges!!! I find them inspiring and they can really get the creative juices flowing! I usually try to do at least the SCS color and sketch challenges each week. Now that school is out however, I am hoping to be able to participate in some of the other weekly challenges. Yesterday I stamped this card for the sketch challenge over on SCS. I realized after uploading it that I made an *oops* and that the rectangular panel was supposed to be in the front with the diamond shaped panel behind it, but oh well! I am still pleased with the results!!! I used the Father Knows Best stamp set and coordinating patterned paper from Papertrey Ink for this card. I just love the colors in the paper and the sentiments in this set! I am really looking forward to their latest release set for this Sunday, June 15th!!!

Today I decided to check out the Ways To Use It challenge, which was to find a way to incorporate pictures into your project. I immediately thought of doing something with my DD's school picture from this year. I had planned on doing a scrapbook page, but then I thought about some long forgotten frames I had picked up from the Target $1 Spot a few years ago and my project was born! I knew I wanted to use the Lined Paper Backgrounder and Making the Grade stamp set from Cornish Heritage Farms. They are perfect for anything school related and I just love them!!! Since our school colors are red and blue I chose to work with Real Red, Blue Bayou, and Soft Sky. It is hard to tell from the photo but the Blue Bayou is textured cs (yes, I *finally* stopped hoarding it!). The crayon image is cut out and popped up on dimensionals and I added some red striped grosgrain ribbon as a finishing touch. I think it will be perfect on my desk next year, don't you??? *wink*

I'm back . . .

2008-06-11T10:01:00.004-04:00

Well, sorry for the lack of posting around here. I am back from my vacation aboard the fabulous Disney Wonder!!! So, while I don't have anything stamped to share with you today, I *do* have a few vacation pics if you are interested . . .

This first picture was taken on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. This was actually the last stop on our cruise, but it is a beautiful photo of the Wonder and the Bahamas. Just look at the white sand beach, crystal clear water, and cool Caribbean sky!!! Breathtaking! The smaller ship near the aft end of the Wonder is actually The Flying Dutchman - Davy Jones' ship from The Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Neat, huh? We spent the morning here relaxing in the ocean and collecting shells along the shore.

This picture is of the Atlantis Paradise Island resort and casino. We traveled here on a shore excursion to take the Discover Atlantis tour of the amazing marine habitats they have. I am glad we took a guided tour because this place is sprawling and I am not entirely sure we would have been able to navigate it on our own! We saw lots of animals here, including eagle rays which were my favorite. We also got to pet a live conch snail, a starfish, a sea cucumber, and some horseshoe crabs - fun!!!

Among all of the things to do on the ship, meeting and greeting the Disney characters was by far Kaleigh's favorite thing to do. We purchased an autograph book on the first night and by the third and final evening it was full! We met princesses and pirates and all of our favorite Disney pals!!! Here we are with Captain Mickey on the first day of our trip. Sorry that the picture quality is not better, but the lighting in the lobby left something to be desired . . . All in all it was a fabulous trip! Our only complaint was that is wasn't long enough!!! We are already planning our next trip, in a few years - lol! It was hard to return to the dullness of everyday life after such excitement, but it must be done. I am hoping to get some stamping time later today, so check back soon to view my latest project . . . *wink*

Final days of school . . .

2008-06-01T16:16:00.004-04:00

The final days of the school year are rapidly approaching and our much anticipated vacation is almost here!!! I can hardly wait!!!!! Today I am sharing with you the end of the year gifts I made for my DD's teachers - a School Supply Garden! I had this idea after thumbing through the SU! catalog one night. I had picked up these aluminum flower pots from the Target $ Spot and knew they would be perfect. I knew I wanted to use the die cut blooms and Summer Picnic ds papers from the Occasions Mini Collection because of the bright and cheery colors. I used my Marvy mega circle punch and 1" circle punch to create the patterned paper flower centers. I also added a flower buckle from the Styled Silver hodgepodge hardware kit to each bloom and tied some ribbon through the center. Each layered flower was glued onto the lid of a SU! Stack 'n Store container. Each container also had a hole punched into the base using my Crop-a-dile, through which the pencil stems were inserted. Each container holds different school supplies - paper clips, staples, earsers, and mini sticky notes. The flower stems were inserted into some floral foam which I glued into the aluminum pots. To cover the foam I glued down some crinkle gift wrap shred. Finally, each stem has ribbon leaves tied around it. I think this turned out so cute and functional too! And it will look wonderful on the teachers' desks next year. I'm not sure when my next post will be as we come into the home stretch now. Rest assured I will be back with some vacation pics and new projects soon! *wink*

Blog Hoppin' . . .

2008-05-28T18:35:00.006-04:00

It's that time again! Tonight is Papertrey Ink's May Blog Hop!!! The challenge this month was to use score lines as a focal point on your project. I was a little unsure of how to accomplish this at first, since I don't currently own a Scor-Pal or Scor-It, or similar scoring tool. I use my good ole' Fiskars paper cutter with a scoring blade for all my scoring needs. I *did* know that I wanted to use my new Bitty Baby Blessings stamp set, so I tried to plan my card around that. I have seen a lot of projects featuring a diagonal grid of score lines lately and this reminded me of a quilted baby blanket. I thought this would be the perfect way to showcase both the score lines and my newest PTI stamp set!!! I started by embossing one of my larger classic rectangle Nestabilities dies in the center of my white card base. Then I set to work meticulously creating my "quilt" using my Fiskars trimmer - not the easiest of tasks! I also wanted to incorporate some of the Bitty Baby Blessing patterned paper into my design, so I decided to cut triangles from two patterns and alternate them along the outside of the "quilt". Next, I stamped some of the tiny images in the center diamonds using Lavender Moon, Summer Sunrise, and Spring Moss inks. Ok, on to the finishing touches. I adhered some Lavender Moon topnotch twill along the edges to serve as the "binding" of the quilt. As a sentiment I chose "A Star Is Born" from the Favor It: Baby coordinating stamp set. I punched it out using my word window punch and added two silver star embossed circle brads. In the center I used a Heidi Swapp ghost shape star and a saffron colored button. I hope you enjoyed this stop along the Blog Hop route. Make sure you check out the other entries and head on over to the PTI forum to join in the fun!!!

Simple Little Things . . .

2008-05-27T21:34:00.004-04:00

Well, I am still feeling a little icky. Whatever it is that I have is lingering. And I really, really need to get rid of it before I go on vacation, KWIM? Here's hoping . . . Anyway, I was still able to sneak in a quick stamping session this evening to play with today's Color Challenge on SCS - Sage Shadow, Chocolate Chip, and Very Vanilla. I knew I wanted to pull out some of my retired SU! ds papers, Au Chocolat. While I was leafing through them I was inspired by this pattern and thought that it would coordinate nicely with some of the images in my Papertrey Ink anniversary set, Simple Little Things. I created three little medallions using my 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" circle punches and my scallop punch. Then I popped these up on dimensionals and added some self-adhesive flat beacked pearls in the centers. The edge of the card is slightly shorted than the back, and I used my corner rounder (sans guard) to scallop it. Stay tuned because tomorrow is the PTI Blog Hop and I *finally* took pictures of the gifts for Kaleigh's teachers, which I will probably post on Thursday. Exciting stuff - you won't want to miss it!!! *wink*

Always . . .

2008-05-26T21:23:00.004-04:00

I have been wanting to stamp all weekend and just got a chance this evening. It seems like we have been going non-stop with one thing or another and there is never enough time. This card combines this week's Color Challenge from SCS (Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, and Certainly Celery) and Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge. I decided to use one of my favorite stamp sets from the current SU! catalog - Always. Although I love the look of it, I often find it difficult to use for some reason. I thought it best to stick to simple tone-on-tone stamping for the background. I used the rock and roll technique on the main image, which was cut out using my classic and scalloped circle Nestabilities. I really love these colors together! I'll have to try another creation with them soon. As promised, look for the teacher gift pics sometime this week. We are in the homestretch now - only 6 more days of school!!!

Bitty Baby Blessings . . .

2008-05-24T21:25:00.002-04:00

Aren't these little animals just the cutest thing you've ever seen??? They are from the Bitty Baby Blessings stamp set from the Papertrey Ink May release. I just adore their adorable little silhouettes! I made this card for this week's sketch challenge over on SCS. Colors are also from PTI - Spring Moss, Summer Sunrise, and the newest color, Lavendar Moon. The patterned paper is from the coordinating collection and was cut using my rectangle scalloped Nestabilities and then halved. The sentiment reads "Every good & perfect gift comes from above." - so true! The ribbon is Summer Sunrise luxe satin ribbon, reversed. Pretty simple stuff here, but everything else I tried to add just didn't work. Coming up next - teacher gifts! They are done and just need to be photographed. Hope you are all having a wonderful holiday weekend!!! *wink*

Something special for me . . .

2008-05-21T19:28:00.005-04:00

Most often when I am papercrafting I am making something for someone else. While flipping through my SU! catalog a few weeks ago, trying to decide which chipboard products I wanted to purchase at 25% off, I was inspired to finally make something I have been wanting to try for awhile now - a custom corkboard. The Ginormous Pieces chipboard assortment contains many larger pieces that I though would be perfect for this project. However it wasn't until that night a few weeks ago that I finally figured out the logistics. I realized that the On Board Book Basics (large) would be just the right size for the back of the board, with the scalloped pieces being the frame. When my chipboard arrived I could hardly wait to get started, although I'll admit I had a difficult time choosing which designer series papers I wanted to use. Finally I settled on Afternoon Tea - very girly (which is totally me!) and I just *love* the colors!!! After that it all came together rather simply (if you don't count impatiently waiting for the glue to dry). You can't see it in the picture, but the back of the corkboard is covered in ds paper as well. I added pewter jumbo eyelets in each of the top corners and threaded through some Groovy Guava double stitched ribbon as a hanger. I also made some custom push pins using my 1/2" circle punch and pewter Build-a-Brad kit. I am rather pleased with the results and I am looking forward to making some more of these for friends. I am working on a few other things (of course!), so be sure to visit again soon . . . *wink*

U is for Unique . . .

2008-05-18T15:47:00.002-04:00

Hello again! Hope everyone is having (or had, depending on when you are reading this) a nice weekend. I had some time this morning and I decided to give Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge a try. I pulled out my new Spring Break designer series papers from SU! which I received in my order last week. I really like the fresh color combinations of Soft Sky, Old Olive, and Pumpkin Pie. This is fairly simple and self explanatory, but I added a few details of note. The corners of the Soft Sky ds paper were notched with the ticket corner punch. The strip of Pumpkin Pie ds was distressed on the long edges. The main image/ sentiment panel features the Define Your Life and Defining alpha stamp sets. At the top are three clear rhinestone brads. A piece of Soft Sky double stitched ribbon finishes out the look. I liked this sketch - I think it lends itself well to showcasing several coordinating ds papers, don't you? I have been working diligently on end-of-the-year teacher and student gifts, so be sure to stop back by for a peek at those in the not-too-distant future . . . *wink*

Showing off my new rubbah . . .

2008-05-15T21:21:00.002-04:00

I have been eyeing some stamps from Cornish Heritage Farms for awhile now. Two of my friends, Lori and Lisa, are on their design team and always make such fabulous creations! Recently I have been especially drawn to the images of Kim Hughes and last week I decided to take the plunge and purchase my first CHF stamps. I got Baked with Love, Making the Grade and the Lined Paper Backgrounder. Being a teacher, I immediately fell in love with the school images in this set. I already used them to make some bag toppers for end of the year treats for my students. Today I decided to make a card for my DD's graduation from Kindergarten. She really has grown by leaps and bounds this year and we are super proud of her. She is already able to read, write, and speak both English and Spanish and is adding and subtracting in math! This card fits both this week's SCS color and sketch challenges. She was home sick today, so I know she saw me making this - but she will be super surprised when she finds out it is for her! I have also been working on gifts for her teachers using some of the SU! products I ordered, so be sure you check back for those soon!!!

More "Mommy and Me" Stamping . . .

2008-05-12T20:22:00.004-04:00

Before I forget - thank you all for your guesses and kind words on my DD's and my cards from our stamping time. For those of you who guessed that she made the Aqua Mist card and that I made the Black Eyed Blooms card - you were right! Seriously though, I would be proud to say that I made her card too!!! I wanted to share with you the little notecards I made during our last "mommy and me" stamp session. Unfortunately, Kaleigh gave all hers away before I was able to get a picture, but I still have mine being the hoarder that I am - lol! I decided to use my new and neglected Define Your Life and Defining alpha stamps, paired with some of the Cutie Pie ds papers. These are simple 4 1/4" flat square notecards. The belly bands are able to slide off as they are only attached to the rectangular scalloped pieces. I think these would make a cute little gift set, don't you? I am expecting a SU! order tomorrow, so be on the lookout for some cool new projects in the near future . . . *wink*

It's time for My Favorite Things . . .

2008-05-07T10:55:00.000-04:00

As my loyal blog readers will know by now, I am an equal opportunity stamper. Although I am a Stampin' UP! Demonstrator, I am also a huge fan of several other stamp companies. For example, I am a member of Starving Artistamps Guest Design Team. I am a member of the Papertrey Ink forums and regularly participate in their contests and challenges. I also love to hang out over at the My Favorite Things forum on SCS, especially for their super fun release parties. I have also participated in both of the *official* MFT swaps to date. Today I am sharing with you my contributions to the recent ATC swap. For the first group I used the Ride 'Em Cowgirl stamp set. I wanted a girly girl cowgirl - I envisioned her in pinks and browns! I chose to use my Berry Bliss ds paper from SU! both as the background (which looks like wallpaper to me!) and her skirt. Lots of paper piecing here, which is quickly becoming my favorite technique. I thought it needed something, so I added the jumbo brass eyelet at the top and looped some chocolate grosgrain ribbon through it. I think this cute little number would make a great bookmark or luggage tag, don't you???

For the next group we were limited to only using the MFT colors - pink, black and white. I chose the Hot Stuff stamp set for this one. More paper piecing here! I first stamped the coffee cups in a row on the white cs, then again onto some PTI Sweet Blush cs. I colored some of the details with a black marker, cut them out, and popped them up with dimensionals. The ribbon is Luxe Satin Ribbon (also in Sweet Blush) from PTI, however I used the back side of the ribbon for a more subtle look. I hear the swaps are on their way back to us and that they are all stellar. I *can't wait* to see them!!! Tonight is the MFT release - there are three new sets and the sneak peeks are adorable! Make sure you come by the MFT Member Forum on SCS for the party!!! In other news, I did a little stamping last night - so check back soon . . . *wink*

Stamping with my DD . . .

2008-05-06T19:30:00.000-04:00

My five year old DD, Kaleigh is quite the artist. She loves to color, cut and glue as much as any Kindergartener - maybe even more. I mean, she *does* have her own Cuttlekids machine - LOL! She also loves to do anything that I am doing, for the most part. So imagine her excitement when I proposed that we stamp together one night last week - using Mommy's "good stuff"! I pulled out my new Papertrey Ink "Garden of Life" stamp set and some of the coorodinating inks and papers. We had a good time and I was quite astonished at how well her design came together. I couldn't quite see where she was going with it for awhile, and at times I had to fight the urge to make some "executive decisions". All in all, I let her creativeness shine through and we were both so pleased with the results. I think her creation looks quite professional! I made a card too (of course!), although it did not turn out quite as I planned. Still, a good time was had by all. Now, here's my question for you. Can you guess which card was made by my DD and which one was made by me??? I am *so* curious to hear your responses!!! Up next will be my My Favorite Things ATC cards from the swap on SCS, so make sure you visit again soon!

Bloomin' swap . . .

2008-05-05T14:00:00.000-04:00

I love swaps! I find that I am usually too busy to participate in them lately, what with teaching full-time and all - but I do love them for all the ideas and inspiration. I belong to an invite only swap group called No More Bad Swaps (NMBS) which is comprised of some fabulously talented SU! demonstrators who were tired of receiving poor quality swaps after putting so much time and effort into their creations. Recently I participated in a swap with No Vendor Restrictions (NVR), which I think is exciting. I can't wait to see what the other ladies came up with! This is my card, which features cs, ink, and stamps from Papertrey Ink. It is a take on Michelle Wooderson's hidden notecards. The scalloped circle focal image is separate from the belly band. Once removed, the yellow cs would open to reveal the notecard (it is glued down here because it is only a card front, but hopefully you get the idea). I hope the other girls like my design. Stay tuned for my MFT ATC swaps and a special project by my DD coming soon! *wink*

It's almost that time . . .

2008-05-04T14:17:00.004-04:00

It is almost the end of the school year and while I *love* being a teacher, I could not be more happy!!! The other day I was thinking about what I could make as a thank you for my DD's teachers. I came up with an idea, which I will share with you when it is finished, provided that is works out that is! I was inspired by Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge to create some cards to go with the teacher gifts. The longer shape should go perfectly with what I have in mind. I used the Summer Picnic ds paper from SU! and the Limitless Labels and Borders & Corners Monogram Edition stamp sets from Papertrey Ink to complete my cards. To create the scalloped edges I used my corner rounder (sans guard). The corners of the sentiment panels were notched with the ticket corner punch. I added some black gingham ribbon to complete the look. Hopefully everything will come together soon! Make sure to check back soon for a peek at those swap cards and a few other things too . . . *wink*

That's what it's all about . . .

2008-05-01T18:09:00.003-04:00

Well, after completing about 30 swap cards I am happy to say that yesterday I was able to stamp for fun! I was inspired by this week's Color and Sketch Challenges over on SCS and I decided to take some time out for me. Although it is a fairly simple design, I am pleased with the way it turned out. It is different from my usual creations, and I think it has an elegan flair to it. I started with an 8" x 9 1/4" Purely Pomegranate card base, scored at 4" vertically. Then instead of folding back 3/4" on the front, I cut it and used my corner rounder (sans guard) to scallop the edge. Next I stamped the front of the card with my Ornate Tooled Leather background from Starving Artistamps in pomegranate ink. I then stamped the floral image (from the Large Silhouette Flowers sheet, also by Starving Artistamps) in Midnight Black VersaMagic ink onto a Sofy Sky mega Marvy Scalloped Oval. (Yes, I am *still* waiting on my Oval Nestabilities - both sets!) I used my 1/16" punch to notch each scallop. I used sone Soft Sky double stitched ribbon to hold the card closed. As a finishing touch I added mini flat-backed self-adhesive pearls to each of the scallops along the edge of the card. I will be posting pictures of my swap cards here in the next few days, so be sure to check back soon!

Long time, no blog . . .

2008-04-29T21:36:00.003-04:00

First of all, let me say that I am sorry I have been missing in action lately. Things have been kinda hectic here lately with the school year coming to a close in just a few weeks. Tonight I'd like to share with you this card, which I made for Papertrey Ink's April Blog Hop. I wasn't among the 25 people randomly chosen to participate, so I decided to hold off on posting my creation. We were challenged to use small squares of the new Father Knows Best patterned paper. I immediately thought of making a bunch of tiny ties for a Father's Day card. I cut tie shapes out of each of the six patterns, matted them onto cs for stability, and popped them up using dimensionals. Colors are PTI's Lemon Tart, Summer Sunrise, and Stamper's Select White paired with SU!'s Chocolate Chip. For the sentiment I used the Out on a Limb stamp set since I decided to hold off on purchasing the Father Knows Best set until next month. It is punched out using the key tag punch and popped up os dimensionals over the reverse side of some Summer Sunrise satin ribbon. I am usually not very good at making masculine cards, but I think this will make the perfect card for one of the men in my life this Father's Day. I am hoping to be back sometime this week with something else to share, so check back soon! *wink*

Garden of Life . . .

2008-04-20T21:47:00.003-04:00

I stamped today - yeah! ;) My new Papertrey Ink goodies came on Friday and I decided to make a One Sheet Wonder using some of the flowers. Then I cut up the paper to make 6 cards using the layout from Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge. I used all of PTI's exclusive colors - Aqua Mist, Spring Moss, Sweet Blush, Berry Sorbet, Summer Sunrise and Lemon Tart. I cut out the main panels using my rectangle Nestabilities. Then I added some paper piercing and black gingham ribbon to finish the look. I think this is my first time making a OSW - it was fun! And now I have lots of extra cards on hand to send out as RAKs!!! I also made a card today for the PTI Blog Hop, which I am hoping to participate in on Friday. Wish me luck in getting picked! *wink*

Cutie Pie Cupcakes . . .

2008-04-19T10:48:00.002-04:00

Well, as promised (albeit a few days later), here is my Sketch Challenge card for this week. Kaleigh is doing much better, although Thursday was NOT a good day. She has strep and pretty bad at that, but like I said she is on the mend. Thanks for all the well wishes! This card features the Cutie Pie designer series paper from SU! paired with the eclectic Paperie exclusive stamp set, Hey There Cupcake from Stampendous. The tops are covered in dazzling Diamonds glitter and the flowers on the wrappers are colored to match the paper. I didn't want to add any more color because I thought this look was very classy and minimalist. I was planning to send it to my sister, but with all the drama here last week it will have to be late. Anyway, I am hoping to stamp a bit today or tomorrow so check back soon! *wink*

Bloomin' Bookmark . . .

2008-04-16T21:29:00.006-04:00

Well, I got to stamp today. Not exactly for a great reason though. I stayed home from school today with my DD who was complaining of a slight sore throat last night and this morning had a fever and vomiting - not fun! She seems to be doing better tonight though - she actually ate something, was playing a bit and her fever is down, so we are hoping to be able to go back to school tomorrow. She took several much needed naps today though, so I took advantage of the downtime to stamp a bit. I actually was quite productive! I completed a set of 10 ATCs for an upcoming swap, as well as two challenge cards. This one was made for the Color Challenge - Basic Gray, Blush Blossom, and Groovy Guava. I just had to play with this beautiful long stemmed flower again from the SU! set Bloomin' Beautiful. I used watercolor paper for the main image and really played around with layering colors. This is also a bookmark, which is quite simply held in place on the card by the "bloom" band near the bottom. The patterned paper is one of my favorites from the retired SU! Simply Scrappin' Kit Secret Garden. Other accessories include a pewter jumbo eyelet, vintage brads, guava double stitched ribbon, and gray taffeta ribbon. Be sure to check back tomorrow for a really cute card for the Sketch Challenge!

Inkfully Yours . . .

Cards!!!

Ice Cream!

Butterfly Beauty . . .

{read}

Grow with Love . . .

Pretty in Pink . . .

Birthday Girl . . .

Things I Love About Her . . .

Pretty Please . . .

*gasp* Two posts in one week???

What I've been up to . . .

For a dear friend . . .

hIp hOp {hAnGoVeR} !!!

A is for Apple . . .

Sharing some Stampin' Up! . . .

It's Friday! Happy HHH!!!

Butterfly Dreams and it's Raining Flowers . . .

HHH: what's new? and sunshine for you . . .

Life is Sweet . . .

The Morning After . . .

Artisan Award pages . . .

CAS again . . .

It's summer . . .

Kiss the Cook . . .

Hoppin' in Unity . . .

Catching up . . .

CAS in Black & Vanilla . . .

Beautiful Butterfly . . .

Hello Tweetie . . .

Unity Inspiration Challenge . . .

Unity FIRST Anniversary . . .

Unity Anniversary, CAS style . . .

Timeless Template Challenge . . .

Tea for Two . . .

With a twist . . .

For You, Great Friend . . .

Clean and Simple nO. 4 . . .

Scrappin' and Stampin', CAS Style . . .

At it again . . .

Clean and Simple . . .

Scrappin' again . . .

Catching up . . .

I scrapped!!!

Hoping for spring . . .

Dawn's favorites . . .

Sketch for a friend . . .

Over the rainbow . . .

A brand new Papertrey Ink experience . . .

Long time, no post . . .

Honorable mention . . .

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas . . .

I'm a winner . . .

Yum, yum . . .

The countdown is on . . .

Sweet Always . . .

Upsy Daisy . . .

Long time, no blog . . .

Challenged . . .

Bella Blossoms . . .

Deer Friend . . .

Quirky Creatures . . .

Fairytales . . .

Feelin' Owly . . .

I'm back . . .

Celebrating MFT . . .

Got Verve???

Fluttering with Gratitude . . .

Going Green . . .

Happy Birthday MFT!!!

Stamping with Unity and Verve . . .

Hop, hop, hop . . .

MFTeasers - Meet Flopsy

Inspired mojo . . .

Mommy and Me Stamping - Take 3!

Fun with challenges . . .

{Life is good . . .

Elegance and whimsy . . .

More challenges . . .

Where does the time go???

gasp Two posts in one week???