Hope Springs Eternal

Reading List 2011

2012-01-08T14:07:00.015-07:00

Recommended by people I trust

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Riggs, Ransom

Authors and Series I LOVE

Outlander Series by Gabaldon, Diana

Sookie Stackhouse Series by Harris, Charlaine

The Parasol Protectorate Series by Gail Carriger

The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins

Roadside Crosses by Deaver, Jeffery

Looked good on the shelf at the bookstore

Girl in the Steel Corset by Cross, Kady

Random books Given to me by friends

Blood Sins by Hooper, Kay

Stalking Susan by Kramer, Julie

Vanish by Gerritsen, Tess

For my 40 by 40 "read 40 classics" list

Jonathon Livingston Seagull by Bach, Richard

Getting my Holiday Crafty On...

2011-12-24T00:05:00.005-07:00

I got Crafty this month!!!

I made my new bedroom a giftie! Hey, it's my new house, it deserves a Christmas gift, too! (Thanks to Pinterest for the idea)

"Is that Chicken Wire???" You ask. Why, yes, it is!!! :) And a super old, gross frame and 4 knobs I didn't need...

Sharing this Jewelry Frame on the Cottage & Vine "Get it Together Linky Party"

I also made Connor's teacher a little Giftie for Christmas...thanks Again to Pinterest for the idea!!!

I'm not great at pre planning these sorts of things, so I had some spacing issues, but Black Stickles saved the day!!!

It's been months...

2011-12-08T20:03:00.006-07:00

Where you used to be, there is a hole in the world, which I find myself constantly walking around in the daytime, and falling in at night. I miss you like hell. ~Edna St Vincent Millay

It has been MONTHS since I stamped! I moved and I worked and I got a new puppy and I just lost my mojo. And then my boss asked me to make a card and I said yes, and then I realized 1/2 my stuff is still in boxes and I panicked!!! First, I agree to Stamp! Second, it was a Work card, which means a BIG card and I find them SOOOO Hard!!!

So, be kind...here it is:

(Please excuse my photo set up...I don't even have my craft table up at the new house, let alone a photo station.

Pictures on Canvas...

2011-09-13T14:37:00.001-06:00

I recently joined a Photo Walk in Downtown Boise, it was specifically tailored to view, photograph and learn about the Historic buildings we have downtown. I have always loved taking photos of flowers and buildings, so one of my favorite shots is a mix of the two. I loved these pretty geranium baskets.

Rather than just print the photo on 8x10 photo paper and framing it, I took advantage of an offer to get one of my Pictures on Canvas from Easy Canvas Prints and had it printed 16" x 20". Ummm, WOW! It can out so crisp and clean, I Love it!!! I ordered it as a Christmas gift, but, I may keep it!!! ;)

I love the feel the canvas texture gives a photo. I am no artist, but this makes me feel like one!! :D

I had the edges done with a continuation of the photo itself, you can choose a solid side, a mirror image of the edge or like mine. You can also choose a 1' 1/2" deep side if you want.

A Huge thanks to Easy Canvas Prints for the great canvas!!!

Pictures on Canvas

*I was given a special offer to try out Easy Canvas Prints and give an honest opinion of their product on my blog. My post is a not a result of any pay, my opinion is based on my experience with the company as a whole, from their website, ordering experience and shipping.

Addicted to Notebooks & Journals...

2011-09-05T20:42:00.007-06:00

A sound head, an honest heart, and an humble spirit are the three best guides through time and to eternity -Sir Walter Scott
I made something!!! I Created!!!

Anyone who has been in my office or seen my desk drawers Knows that I am a collector of notebooks, paper pads and journals. I asked for a Bind It All a few years ago so I could make my own. Finally today in a desperate attempt to do Something that didn't include clutching my stomach in pain or sleeping I grabbed some supplies and made a few notebooks.

I recently rearranged my bookshelves and found an old copy of a Sir Walter Scott book with a beautiful cover, but very damaged pages. Today I recreated that book to let it keep it's beauty and give it some functionality...

I even saved one of the illustrated pages...

I also used some of the more than 100 coasters I bought Ages ago in a bulk buy with some stamping buddies...

Sorry for the blurry photos, I guess it wasn't just my fuzzy pain med vision. Will take new pics ASAP

Butterfly Thank You...

2011-07-10T10:24:00.000-06:00

Love is like a butterfly, it goes where it pleases and it pleases wherever it goes. -Author Unknown

Hello, welcome back! I have been gone for awhile, sorry about that! I was able to put together a card for this week's Cupcake Inspiration Challenge. I used a sketch from Clean & Simple Stamping from a few weeks ago. Our sponsor this week is Chi Chi Memories, but I had an issue with my printer, so I wasn't able to use the image I had picked out. :(

Supplies:
Stamps: Butterfly Dreams (Papertrey Ink,) Sentiment (The Greeting Farm)
Paper: Aqua Mist, Spring Moss, Berry Sorbet, Summer Sunrise, White (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Memento Black, Copic Markers
Misc: Gems, Border Punch

Challenges:
Cupcake Inspirations:
Fall to Layout 147:
Stampin For the Weekend: Wings & Things
Flutter By Wednesday: Butterfly, Angel or Fairy

Thanks for stopping by!

Sky's the Limit...

2011-06-26T17:35:00.007-06:00

The balloon seems to stand still in the air while the earth flies past underneath. -Alberto Santos-Dumont.OK, I think I have an addiction to kraft cardstock all of a sudden! I have made 3 cards in the last week and all three were on Kraft card bases. Whats not to Love, right???? I love that I can add white ink to the edges for detail and it is neutral enough for any color combination.

This card is for this week's Cupcake Inspiration challenge, I used the Hot Air Balloon image from our sponsor, Glitterbabe Digis. I Love Hot Air Balloons, they are so fun and amazing to me...I actually got to ride in one once over the San Diego coast, it was Amazing!!!!!

Supplies: Stamps: Hot Air Balloon (Glitterbabe Digis,) Sky's the Limit sentiment (Greeting Farm) Paper: Kraft, White CS (PTI) Ink: Printer, Copic Markers, Memento Black, Craft White Misc: Polka Dots CB Folder, Taffeta Ribbon, Vintage Button, Pop Up Glue Dots, Divine Twine

Challenges:
Cupcake Inspirations:
Off the Wall Craftiness:
Catch the Bug: Red, White, Blue & Ribbon
Stamp Something: Red, White & Blue
Sentimental Sundays: Colors of your Flag + Sentiment
Saturday Challenge: Embossing
Pile It On: Circles

Thanks for stopping by!

Super Simple Mushrooms...

2011-06-20T17:42:00.006-06:00

Ladybugs all dressed in red
Strolling through the flowerbed.
If I were tiny just like you
I'd creep among the flowers too!
~Maria FlemingHello there!!! Two days in a row??? Yep, that's me...stamping again!!! :D

I am late, but dare I say, worth the wait??? :) This week's Cupcake Inspiration challenge is sponsored by Amber Ink and the cuppies are Adorable polka dot, lady bug, caterpillar adorableness!!! I used the mushroom images Amber Ink provided the Sweeties, made a little line of them and colored them up with my beloved Copics (Oh, how I missed you!!!)

I hope you like this card, because there will be more CAS designs coming to my blog very soon! (I Adore all the beautiful 3d flowers I have and the buttons and the bows, but I find that I rarely send cards anymore because everything in my basket is so hard to stick in an envelope!!)

Supplies:
Stamps: Fungi, Mushroom Border & Love Bug (Amber Ink)
Paper: Kraft, White, DCWV Textured Card for the Border
Ink: Printer, Copic Markers
Misc: Stardust Stickles, Liquid Pearls, Border Punch

Challenges:
Cupcake Inspirations:
Just Add Ink #72: Coloring
Stampin B's #115: Border Punches
Just Some Lines: Spots & Dots
Mum's Craft Shop: Seeing Spots

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Father's Day!!!

2011-06-19T18:08:00.005-06:00

Some people don't believe in Heroes, they obviously haven't met my Dad! -UnknownI huge Hug to all the Dads, GrandDads, StepDads, Single Moms and Father Figures out there!!!! Hope everyone had a wonderful day!

I sat on the patio at my Mom and Dad's house soaking up the 70* weather, the breeze, the sun, the clouds and the Wind! It was a beautiful day!

Here is the card I made for my Dad, finally inked up Authentic Man, I have had this since it First came out!!!Supplies:
Stamps: Authentic Man (Ippity by Unity)
Paper: Kraft, White
Ink: Memento Black, White Kraft, Distress Inks, Blue Bayou, Copic Markers

Challenges:
All Things Unity: Get Manly
Dream Valley: Father's Day
2 Sisters: Masculine Card

Birthday Tea...

2011-06-03T05:39:00.001-06:00

Love and scandal are the best sweeteners of tea. -Henry Fielding

More birthday cards using scraps...I don't have any idea who made this paper! LOL Love the colors though! I paired it with a set I won from Mark's Finest Papers, Floral Tea...fun for one of my Grandma's friends!!

I appreciate everyone stopping by to take a look, I know I am not on my game quite yet...but I am working on it...I WILL get my Mojo back!!!

Here is an inside shot...

Supplies:
Stamps: Floral Tea (Marks Finest Papers)
Paper: Unknown Scraps, Black, Pretty in Pink, White, Soft Sky CS
Ink: Memento Black, Copics, Pretty in Pink, Soft Sky
Misc: Paper Flowers, Gems, Circle Nesties, Swiss Dot Cuttlebug Folder, Ribbon

Challenges:
Party Time Tues: Anything Goes Birthday
Creative Craft World: 3 or more flowers
Divas by Design: Florals
Use It Tuesdays: Flowers & Stamp not Previously Inked

Rose Birthday...

2011-06-01T01:30:00.005-06:00

A single rose can be my garden...a single friend, my world. -Leo F. Buscaglia I am trying to pull myself up out of a Non-crafty state by Just Doing It! I need more birthday cards for Grandma. I am using up scraps of paper from my Scrap drawer, then finding images that work. Love the Waltzing Mouse Roses in Bloom set and I think it works perfectly with the rose paper scraps I found...I think they are SU DD(?)

Supplies:
Stamps: Roses in Bloom (Waltzing Mouse,) Birthday Sentiments (PTI)
Paper: SU DD Scraps, Chocolate Chp, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, White
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Copics, Pretty in Pink
Misc: Taffeta Ribbon, Stardust Stickles

Challenges:
Dream Valley: Stamp Something (no digis)
2 Sisters: Anything Goes
Ooh la la: Birthday
Party Time Tues: Anything Goes Birthday

Peony Birthday...

2011-05-30T11:03:00.005-06:00

Can we conceive what humanity would be if it did not know the flowers? ~Maurice MaeterlinckMy Grandma requested birthday cards...and lots of them. My Mojo is gone, but when Grandma asks for cards and sends a Check I have to get busy!!! I printed out a bunch of digital images weeks ago and they were sitting on my desk, so I grabbed some paper scraps and started coloring...so far I have been able to whip up 3 cards...still need to make 7 more At Least!

I tried to keep the embellishments to a minimum to make it easier for her to mail them. But sometime I get carried away with the bling ;)

Supplies:
Stamps: Peony (Just Ink Lined) Happy Birthday Sentiment (PTI)
Paper: Scrap of Older Imaginisce Patterned Paper, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, Close to Cocoa (SU,) White (PTI)
Ink: Printer, Copics, Chocolate Chip
Misc: Gems, Paper Flowers, Stardust Stickles, Edge Punch

Challenges:
Cupcake Inspiration Challenge:
Creations by Gill M: Green & Pink Plus Flowers
Word Play Weekend Challenge: Scallops
Card Makin' Mamas: Use your scraps

I stamped!!!!

2011-05-27T10:06:00.004-06:00

As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence actually liberates others. -Marianne WilliamsonWow, it has been weird around my house lately...with work, school, personal crap, blah blah blah. Somewhere along the way my Mojo took and Extended vacation...I really wish he would come back!!!

I did get a chance to put together a card last week with an image I had colored Weeks ago...again, please remember my mojo left me and be kind ;)

I haven't pulled out that corner punch in Ages!!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Amberlee (Digi image from Anita Be Stampin,) Lunar Lights (Lawn Fawn)
Paper: DCWV Textured Card, Pure Poppy, Black & White CS
Ink: Printer, Memento Black, Copics, Koh-i-noor Pencils
Misc: Divine Twine, Corner Punch

Challenges:
Stamp Insanity: Red, white & blue
Creative Belli: use and old or forgotten tool
For Fun Challenges: patriotic colors
Rubber Redneck: Color Challenge

Thanks for stopping by!

DT Call!

2011-05-22T21:56:00.001-06:00

Design Team Call
through June 1st at Cupcake Inspirations!
Click the cupcake for details!

Prize Re-Draw...

2011-05-15T21:46:00.002-06:00

The winner of my Birthday Blog Candy did not come forward, so I redrew a winner!!

New Winner of 2 Amazing Anita Be Stampin Stamp sets is...

Lucky #8...

Ashley Nguyen Newell

Ashley, email me at rachelhope13 @ hotmail {dot} com and I will get you in touch with Anita!!!

A Winner...

2011-05-01T13:25:00.005-06:00

Birthday Blog Candy winner...

Thanks for all the Birthday Wishes this week! :) The winner of the Anita Be Stampin Stamp Sets is lucky #6... faithnme

Email me at rachelhope13@hotmail.com with your snail mail address!

Jammin Birthday...

2011-04-29T07:38:00.005-06:00

Don't forget to Comment on THIS POST for Anita Be Stampin Candy!!!

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. -Berthold Auerbach A co-worker asked me to make a Birthday card for her son...a Man Card??? Ugh, ok, fine! LOL She did make it easy though, she asked if I had a stamp with one of those" Cartoon Guys with the big feet...Oh with a Guitar!" Ummm, sure, I have one of those..NOT! But it got me thinking, so I went to the KennyK website and Voila! There it was, Groove Dude!

I printed it out big enough to make a simple "Man" card, colored it up with copics, added a computer generated sentiment to the front and the inside and I was done.

I put a little pocket on the inside to hold a gift card...Supplies:
Stamps: Groove Dude (Kenny K)
Paper: Ripe Avocado, White, Kraft (PTI)
Ink: Printer, Blue Chalk, Copic Markers

Challenges:
Bunny Zoe's: One for the Boys
Stamp n Doodle: Masculine
Southern Girls: Blue & Green
Amber's Crafts: Usa a Digi
Claudia & Co: Clean & Simple

Thanks for stopping by!

Birthday Goodies...

2011-04-27T10:55:00.005-06:00

It's my Birthday! And I am giving YOU a present! Well, One of you anyway! :)

Anita from Anita be Stampin is helping me celebrate by
giving one of my blog readers some CANDY!!!

One random commenter on this post will receive

a Rosie's Sweets and a Rosie Shops Stamp Set!!!

All you have to do is comment on this post and I will pick one lucky winner
on Saturday April 30th at 9 pm MT!!

One Day In Your Life...

2011-04-20T14:23:00.005-06:00

You don't take a photograph. You ask, quietly, to borrow it. -Author Unknown I needed to make a handmade gift for someone, so last night I searched around in my "Alterables" cache and found this fun book, I THINK it is KaiserCraft, but I have had it so long I really have No Idea!

The recipient of this giftie likes Purple & "Dark Things." She also listed Country and Coffins in her list of home decor. I was a little stumped. I went through my papers and found some dark purples and blacks in one of my Webster's Pages 6x6 Petite Papers Packs. I added blink and a little black crocheted lace to the paper and I think it leans a Little to the Dark Side. :)

Cover (KaiserCraft swirl, I think)

First Page Open (You can Just see the lace on the right side)

Second Page Open (Prima Black Bling Swirl on the right)

Back Cover

I really hope she likes it!!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Handmade By (Purple Onion,) One Day (Digital Sentiment)
Paper: Webster's Pages
Ink: Tea Dye (Distress Ink)
Misc: Black Ribbon Scraps, Stardust Stickles, Zva Gems and Pearls, Prima Gem Swirl, Kaisercraft Wood Swirl, Black Crochet Lace

Challenges:
Amber's Crafts n Stuff: Ribbons and Bows
Lexi's Creations: Anything But a Card
Etsy Inspired Challenge: All the lovely Crocheted trim at the Shop
A Gem of a Challenge: Pearls & Swirls
One Stop Craft: Altered Projects

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Happy...

2011-04-17T13:19:00.007-06:00

Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare. -Japanese ProverbThis week's Cupcake Inspiration Challenge is a Gorgeous set of Japanese themed Cupcakes. I love all the beautiful details...I have a thing for Japanese art! Our sponsor let us play along with some of their images this week and I picked the Japanese Lanterns (I have been eying them for Ages!!!)

I printed the image on Watercolor paper and used the Wet Watercoloring technique to color the lanterns.

I used a sentiment from the Lunar Lights set from Lawn Fawn for the inside...

Supplies:
Stamps: Japanese Lanterns (Prairie Fairy,) Christmas PreInked Minis -Outside Sentiment (JustRite Stampers,) Lunar Lights -Inside Sentiment (Lawn Fawn)
Paper: Kraft, Aqua Mist CS, In Bloom (PTI,) Handmade Mulberry Paper, Watercolor Paper
Ink: Printer, Reinkers for Watercoloring, Black
Misc: Ribbon, Hat Pin, Bling, Paper Flowers, Stardust Stickles, Paper Piercer

Challenges:
Cupcake Inspirations:
Sweet Sunday Sketch:
Paper Sundaes: Texture (Watercolor Paper, Distressing)
Get Krafty: Use Kraft Cardstock
Bling It On: Digi + Bling

Thanks for stopping by! Check out the other Sweeties Cupcake Inspired Creations:

~ Chris ~ Denimo ~ Lisa ~ Nina ~ Stephanie ~ Veronica ~

Gnome Sayin...

2011-04-15T21:35:00.009-06:00

gnome -noun 1. (in folklore) one of a species of diminutive beings, usually described as shriveled little old men, that inhabit the interior of the earth and act as guardians of its treasures

Sorry this is up so late, I have had the week from Hell! Between being swamped at work
and then having an attack of my Hereditary AngioEdema it has been Impossible to craft or post!

This week's Cupcake Inspirations is a Gnome theme...well, woodland theme really, but the sponsor, Whimsie Doodles has these Adorable Gnome images, so I used a few of them for my card. Go Big or Go Gnome for the front...

And Gnome sayin'? for the inside...

Supplies:
Stamps: Gnome Big, Gnome Sayin (Whimsie Doodles,) Bannerific (Lawn Fawn)
Paper: Kraft, White, Dark Chocolate, Polka Dots (PTI)
Ink: Printer, Copic Markers, Ruby Red, Soft Sky
Misc: Vintage Buttons, Divine Twine, MFT Felt and Leaf Die, Scallop Circle Cut Out & Sponge for clouds

Challenges:
Cupcake Inspirations:
Sweet Sunday Sketch:
Fab N Funky: All Spotty and Dotty

Thanks for stopping by!

Mirror, Mirror...

2011-04-12T00:01:00.003-06:00

Angel, ha! She's a female! And all females is poison! They're full of wicked wiles! -Grumpy (Snow White and the Seven Dwarves) Tuesday means Anita Be Stampin Challenge!!!! This week we are going with an Anything Goes challenge!!! Have fun, post your projects and don't forget, if you use ABS images you have a chance to win PRIZES!!! :) I got creative with my digi image today! This is what I love about digi images...so easy to go in and crop them and remove a line here or there and just not save the changes! I used one of the new Fairy images, Ariana. I cropped her to just her upper chest and head, then I went in and erased the fairy wings!

As soon as I saw her colored I thought she looked like she was admiring her hair in the mirror...I should have put Glossy Glaze over the entire image to make it look like a mirror! Awww, Man! I always think of the cool ideas too late!

Supplies:

Stamps: Ariana (Anita Be Stampin)
Paper: Soft Sky (SU,) Orange Zest, Kraft, White (PTI)

Ink: Printer, Copic Markers, White Craft

Misc: Zva Rose, Prima Flower, SU Edge Punch, Oval and Scalloped Oval Nesties, Stardust Stickles, Zva Pearls, Striped Ribbon

Challenges:

Anita Be Stampin: Anything Goes
Eat Sleep Stamp:

Color Throwdown:

I {heart} Ribbon: Striped Ribbon

Digi Tuesday: Little Women

Thanks for stopping by! Make Sure to check out the other ABS Girls!

~ Anita ~ Brenda ~ Denise ~ Jen ~ Joni ~ Lelia ~ Silke ~ Tracy ~

Anita Be Stampin Blog Hop...

2011-04-08T04:27:00.002-06:00

It’s Anita Be Stampin Digi Release and Blog Hop day! All of the new digi images are available NOW at Anita Be Stampin, and we are celebrating by having a blog hop filled with inspiration. Be sure to visit all of the stops on the blog hop today, because one lucky winner who comments on EVERY blog along the way will win the entire digi release. Gotta love that!

I picked the Brand New ABS Ariana digi image to share today, I just love her dress and flowers!!! The sentiment is part of a Fairy Sentiment set, I altered another ticket sentiment I had, erasing the Happy Birthday sentiment inside the ticket and inserting the "Flutter with Abandon" sentiment.

I used Copic Markers to color her, except her hair, I used Prisma Color pencils for that to get a good texture. The paper is Webster's Pages. I wanted her to sit on a ribbon with her skirt all pooled up, so I decided to try a ruffled satin ribbon technique I have seen a time or two! ;) I printed one of the sentiments on more of the gorgeous Webster's Pages paper... Click to see a bit more of the detail...

Thanks so much for stopping by today! The next stop on the hop is Silke! Remember to leave a comment on every blog on the hop by Sunday, April 10th at 12:01 am CST for your chance to win all of the ABS digi images released today. Here is the list of all of the stops on the hop today, just in case you get lost along the way:

Rachel (You are Here)

Silke

Tracy

ABS Blog

Happy hopping!

Your Inner Fairy...

2011-04-07T03:21:00.007-06:00

When the first baby laughed for the first time, its laugh broke into a thousand pieces, and they all went skipping about, and that was the beginning of fairies. And now when every new baby is born its first laugh becomes a fairy. So there ought to be one fairy for every boy or girl. -James M. Barrie (Peter Pan)Time to release your Inner Fairy! Today and tomorrow the Anita Be Stampin Design Team and I are going to be showing you the new ABS Release...and it is all about Fairies!!! :) You all know how much I love Fairies, right??? :) Eeeee, I was so excited when I saw these images!!!

Today I am going to introduce you to Amberlee...she is a sassy little fairy wench and So fun to color!!!! I used Copic Markers, of course...except for her hair, I still haven't mastered black hair with Copics, so I used Prismacolors for that part. There will be 4 new Fairy Images as well as a Sentiment set available at Anita Be Stampin Tomorrow, April 8th!! Today on our blogs you will see Amberlee & Meadow, then Tomorrow we will have a Blog Hop (will there be a prize? Maybe!) featuring Luna & Ariana, so make sure and come back for more!!!

I used the ColourQ colors for my card, I love Color Combo challenges, this week's challenge at Wee Memories is about color, color that inspires and using color, so I am entering this in that challenge as well, not for the specific colors, but just for the idea of color and color challenges in general. LOL, does that make sense????

Supplies: Stamps: Amberlee & Fairy Sentiments (Anita Be Stampin,) Freebie Ticket Sentiment (altered with Fairy Sentiment inserted in place of Happy Birthday Paper: Hawaiian Shores, Hibiscus Burst, White, Black (PTI) Ink: Printer, Chalk Ink, Copic Markers Misc: Stardust Stickles, Ribbon, Roses, Pearls, Pearl Swirls, Polka Dot CB Folder

Challenges:
ColourQ:
Wee Memories:
Crafts & Me: Glitter
Freshly Brewed: Flowers
Magical Monday: Pearls & Swirls

Make Sure to check out the other ABS Girls...they will all have some Super cute projects up today and tomorrow!!

~ Angela ~ Anita ~ Brenda ~ Denise ~ Jen ~ Joni ~ Lelia ~ Silke ~ Tracy ~

Don't forget about the Anita Be Stampin Challenge! A chance to win ABS product if you enter!!

Thanks a Bunch...

2011-04-05T04:17:00.011-06:00

Flowers seem intended for the solace of ordinary humanity. -John RuskinReady for a Color Challenge?? This week's Anita Be Stampin challenge is a Super fun color combo! I have to admit my first thought was...Ummmm, HOW? But then I gathered my paper and started seeing ideas...this is a really gorgeous combo! I grabbed some scraps I had on my table from some older, retired Imaginisce papers and my Bears & Bunches set.

I have been seeing some gorgeous cards with images not being colored in, so I started with that idea. I used Vintage Photo Distress Ink and stamped the bear on Vanilla paper. I couldn't do it though...I had to have SOME color. I decided to just add a touch of color with my Prismacolor pencils and Gamsol. I wanted to add a Ruffled paper trim sewn on the card like in this week's Catered Crop Recipe...I didn't follow any real instructions, but I think it came out pretty cool! :)

Here's a peek at the ruffled paper...

Supplies: Stamps: Bears & Bunches (Anita Be Stampin)

Paper: Twitterpated (Imaginisce,) Kraft, Hawaiian Shores, Vanilla

Ink: Distress Ink Vintage Photo and Old Paper, Pencils, Gamsol

Misc: Vintage Button, Divine Twine, Twill Ribbon, Starust Stickles, Zva Creative Pearls, Sewing Machine, Scallop and Regular Circle Nesties

Challenges:

Anita Be Stampin:

Just Us Girls:

Catered Crop: (I used: Polka Dot Paper, Kraft CS, Ribbon, Button, Sewing Machine, Ruffled Paper, Scallops, Circles and Swirls)

Etsy Inspired:

Digi Design: Stitches

Partner in Crimp: 3 or More Layers

Thanks for stopping by!!

Painting Eggs...

2011-04-03T08:49:00.007-06:00

An Easter bonnet can tame even the wildest hare. -UnknownWOW, April is here! This year is flying by! I have spent this whole year in a new relationship and on the 27th of this month I turn 35, seems like 2011 is a Big year for me!

Anyway, on to my card, this week's Cupcake Inspiration Challenge is Eastery, and so super sweet...but I am not a big Easter person, so this one was tough on me. I am NOT happy with my card, but at this point it is what it is, so I am posting it.

Supplies:
Stamps: Fancy Egg, Painting Eggs (Glitterbabe Digis)
Paper: Retired Imaginisce Designer Paper, Harvest Gold, White (PTI)
Ink: Printer, Copic Markers, Liquid Chalk
Misc: Zva Mini Pearls, Stardust Stickles, MFT Felt, Small Scallop Edge Die, Scallop Circle Nestie, Seeing Spots CB Folder

Challenges:
Cupcake Inspiration:
Sweet Sunday Sketch:

Off the Wall Craftiness:
Stamp Something: Use Digi
Bee Crafty: Easter + Digi

Thanks for stopping by! Make sure to check out all the Sweetie's project at Cupcake Inspirations!

Merci Birdcoup...

2011-03-30T14:14:00.002-06:00

A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song. -Lou Holtz

I have been in Love with Lawn Fawn stamps since they came out, but my wallet has been on a starvation diet, so I haven't had a chance to get my hands on any. I was lucky enough to Win a set thru iheartart in December and then I used a little of my tax return to splurge on a few stampy things and got another set. This weekend I finally got a chance to ink some up!!

I just Adore this sweet little Birdies in the Bannerific set and all the fun banners you can use! The Merci was a Free Thank You gift with my Order!!! :) I added the Beaucoup to the bottom from a Basic Grey set I have never used, that way it matches up with the Fall To Layout Sketch this week.

Quick review:

Lawn Fawn Clear Stamps: AMAZING, Awesome quality!!! They grabbed the Memento Ink and were firm enough to not smoosh the ink around the paper, but soft enough to get a good image.

Basic Grey Clear Stamps: UGH!!!! They are SO Soft! Barely grab the ink and I almost smooshed the whole stamp onto the paper. I actually had to go back and write over the stamped sentiment with my Micron Pen to make it legible.

Supplies:

Stamps: Bannerific, Merci (Lawn Fawn)

Paper: Kraft, October Afternoon Scraps

Ink: Memento Black, Copic Markers

Challenges:

Clean & Simple Stamping:

That's Krafty: Use Kraft paper

Thanks for stopping by!

Rosie's Sweet Thoughts...

2011-03-29T00:25:00.002-06:00

Fly free and happy beyond birthdays and across forever, and we'll meet now and then when we wish, in the midst of the one celebration that never can end. -Richard Bach

Tuesday already? Spring Break is in full swing here, although the weather is Not cooperating!! We went to the zoo this weekend and it was a good thing we wore sweatshirts!!! Today is Anita Be Stampin Challenge day!! Another Gorgeous Sketch this week, I Love sketches!!! And I followed this one! :) I used the Color Throwdown colors... Here is a shot of the inside...

Supplies:
Stamps: Rosie's Sweets (Anita Be Stampin)
Paper: Kraft, Bordering Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, White
Ink: Memento Black, White Kraft, Orange Liquid Chalk, Copic Markers
Misc: Zva Creative Gems, Zva Creative Felt Flower, Hat Pin, Divine Twine, Vintage Button, Twill Ribbon, Seeing Spots CB Folder, Scallop Circe Nestie, Double Ended Banner Die
Challenges:
Anita Be Stampin:
Color Throwdown:
Thats Krafty: Use Kraft Paper
Crazy Challenge: Sweet Teens
KB Cute: Food & Beverages
Lexi's Creations: Ribbons, but no Bows or Knots

Thanks for stopping by! Make sure to check out the other ABS DT Creations!!

~ Angela ~ Anita ~ Brenda ~ Jacquie ~ Jen ~ Joni ~ Kellie ~ Lelia ~ Tracy ~

Strawberry Fields...

2011-03-27T00:05:00.002-06:00

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see. It's getting hard to be someone but it all works out. -Beatles (Strawberry Fields Forever)

It's Sunday already...seems like it was just yesterday that I posted my last Cupcake Inspiration Challenge card...OH, Wait!!!! HAHAHAHAHA IT WAS!!! But this week I was on the ball! I set down my Droid for the hour it took me to make this card!!! YAY ME! Now if I could get laundry done, do some dishes, feed and bathe my kid...maybe I can say I am Not Addicted to my Smart...errr, SMART Phone!!!

I went pretty simple on my layout for my card, focusing mostly on the Strawberries and Flowers from the cupcakes...do you see the strawberries??? She hid them in there, they are green, like they are in my Mom's backyard!!! :) Oh, I can't wait for Ripe Strawberries!!! I grabbed some scraps from my Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety pack and a sentiment from Rosie's Sweets by Anita Be Stampin...then about a Gallon of Stickles and Voila! All done!!! The gems are from a Prima Gem Leaf shap I have had for AGES...like YEARS! I am determined to USE what I HAVE!! :)

More scraps on the inside, plus another sentiment from the same set...

Supples:
Stamps: Rosie's Sweets (Anita Be Stampin)
Paper: Garden Variety (Cosmo Cricket,) Pure Poppy, Harvest Gold (PTI,) Garden Felt (MFT)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Misc: Garden Variety Chipboard, Stardust Stickles, Taffeta Ribbon, Divine Twine, Vintage Buttons, Butterfly Die, Zva Roses, Prima Gems Shapes, Small Scallop Border Die

Challenges:
Cupcake Inspiration:
Off the Wall Craftiness:
CES Challenge: Die Cuts
Wee Memories: Anything Goes

Daisies For You...

2011-03-26T12:04:00.014-06:00

The splendor of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not rob the little violet of it’s scent nor the daisy of its simple charm. -Therese of Lisieux

Ummm, yeah, I am almost an entire week late with my Cupcake Inspiration card...and the only excuse I really have is that I got a Droid Incredible...Ummm, Words with Friends, Angry Birds, Retro Cameras...you get it, right??

I used the image I colored last Saturday and made a little square card with a spring, daisy theme. I love daisies!!!!! I sewed around the patterned paper layers...yes, when I sew on fabric it is Just as crooked, hence, I don't do it often ;)

Finished up the polka dot scraps on the inside along with a little spray of flowers...

Supplies:
Stamps: Pure Innocence #4 (Heather Ellis,) Salutations (Woodware USA)
Paper: October Afternoon & Cosmo Cricket Scraps, Dark Chocolate, White (PTI)
Ink: Printer, Chocolate Chip, Marigold Morning, Copic Markers
Misc: Prima Flowers, Zva Pearls, Divine Twine, Stardust Stickles

Challenges:
Cupcake Inspiration:
Eat Sleep Stamp:
Shabby Tea Room: Bingo (Buttons, Flowers, Glitter)

Catered Crop: Recipe (I Used: Stamps – Children, Embellishments – pearls, buttons, flowers,Techniques – sewing, Theme – Spring, Childhood)
Delicious Doodles: Floral Fantasy
Stampin With the Dragon: Spring
Prairie Fairy: Spring
Sew Many Cards: Spring
Stamp Something: Spring

Thanks for stopping by!

A Personal Challenge...

2011-03-22T08:10:00.005-06:00

When women are depressed, they eat or go shopping. Men invade another country. It's a whole different way of thinking. -Elaine Boosler

Today is Anita Be Stampin Challenge day....and this week we have a Super fun sketch!!! I decided to make it a personal challenge as well...to make a Man Card. I always turn down requests for Man Cards, because I never have any in my stash....well I am going to change that!!!

I stamped the birthday cupcake from Rosie's Sweets 4 times in black ink, then punched out a circle on a piece of copy paper and used the hole as a mask to sponge color on each cuppie.

Supplies:
Stamps: Rosie's Sweets (Anita Be Stampin)
Paper: White, Smoky Shadow, New Leaf
Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Going Gray, Gable Green, Enchanted Evening, Black
Misc: Hawaiian Shores Ribbon, Martha Stewart Edger, Circle Punch, Stardust Stickles

Here are some challenge details:

One winner will recieve a $15 Anita Be Stampin gift certificate (eligible for use towards the purchase of ABS rubber stamps or digi images) which will be awarded to a lucky randomly selected participant! For your chance to win create a new project using any Anita Be Stampin image (rubber or digi) based on the sketch, and provide a direct link to your entry below. It's easy and fun! ;)

Don’t have any ABS images yet, but you want a chance to win? No worries! Just join the the Anita Be Stampin Papercraft Planet group where members have access to a free digi image.

Challenges:
Anita Be Stampin:
Crafty Cardmakers: Special Birthdays
Unscripted Sketches Piggyback Challenge: as usual, I don't read instructions and didn't realize you have to use the sketch too, not either/or LOL
Gingerloft: Die Cuts/Punches
One Stitch at a Time: For the Boys

Less is More: CAS Masculine
Reasonable Ribbon: One for the Boys + Ribbon
Fairy Knoll: Birthday

Sweet Pea Fairy...

2011-03-16T09:22:00.009-06:00

Faeries, come take me out of this dull world, For I would ride with you upon the wind -William Butler Yeats

A group of gals on Facebook (we call ourselves a Book Club, but it is more a "Drool Over Hot Men Club") decided to do an image swap, Tia had the month of March and sent us all some Gorgeous Sweet Pea images...I LOVE Sweet Pea stamps and actually just got plate 33 by ching chou kuik in yesterday's mail!

I grabbed the pretty fairy image with the Butterfly Wings because I wanted to use the ColourQ colors...yet again I am Late, had to link by Sunday...but the colors were perfect for this fairy and the Devonshire paper from KaiserCrafts. I used the March Sketch for you to Try for the layout...

Supplies:
Stamps: Nikki Burnette's Karmina (Sweet Pea Stamps)
Paper: Devonshire (KaiserCrafts,) Lemon Tart, Black (PTI)
Ink: Copic markers, Blue Bayou
Misc: Zva Roses, Zva Pearl Swirls, Zva Pearls, Stardust Stickles

Challenges:
Sketch For You to Try:
ColourQ:
Happily Scrappin: Recipe: 1 plain cardstock, 2 design papers, at least 3 embellishments
Cupcake Craft: Up in the Air (with a touch of Green)
Magical Monday: Spring Colors
KB Cute: Fantasy

Thanks for stopping by!

Hey Cupcake...

2011-03-14T23:04:00.006-06:00

A poet is a nightingale, who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds. -Percy Bysshe Shelley

Hello and Happy Tuesday! It's time for another Anita Be Stampin Sketch Challenge!! :) Love this sketch, so fun with the swirls and shaped layer!!

Play along and you could win a $15 Anita Be Stampin gift certificate!!!

This time change is killing me, how about you??? I woke up 45 min late today and have been playing catch up ever since!

Supplies:
Stamps: Rosie's Sweets (Anita Be Stampin)
Paper: Dark Chocolate, Sweet Blush, Kraft, White (PTI)
Ink: Memento Black, Linen Fluid Chalk, Copic Makers
Misc: Zva Pearls & Pearl Flourish, Saddle Stitch Ribbon, Martha Stewart Edge Punch, Circle & Scalloped Circle Nesties, Stardust Stickles, Vintage Button, Divine Twine

Challenges:
Anita Be Stampin Sketch:

Etsy Inspired:
Stamping Vacation: What's New Cupcake
Paper Playtime: Option #2, Use Pink & Glitter
Stamps R Us: In the Kitchen

Blessings to You...

2011-03-13T01:04:00.002-07:00

Shamrocks at your doorway For luck and laughter too, And a host of friends that never ends Each day your whole life through!-Irish BlessingThis week's Cupcake Inspiration is a soft, pastel Shamrock and Rose Tower of treats...So pretty!!! We are sponsored this week by Doodle Pantry, I grabbed 2 of the sentiments from their Clover Patch Ants set and paired them with the Shamrock Digi from Waltzing Mouse. I used the "Blessings to You" sentiment to make a background paper for the front of the card.

I used another one of the sentiments for the inside, as well as a lighter version of the image...

Supplies:
Stamps: Clover Patch Ants (Doodle Pantry,) Shamrock Freebie (Waltzing Mouse)
Paper: Green Textured Cards (DCWV,) Pink Kitchen Note (A Muse,) White, Lemon Tart CS (PTI)
Ink: Distress Inks, Copic Markers, Printer
Misc: Crystal Stickles, Eyelet Ribbon, Zva Creative Rose, Vintage Button, Divine Twine, Zva Pearls and Pearl Flourish, Polka Dot Satin Ribbon, Oval and Scallop Oval Nesties, Paper Distresser

Challenges:
Cupcake Inspiration:
Shabby Tea Room:
Eat, Sleep, Stamp Sketch:
Allsorts: Luck of the Irish
Totally Gorjuss: Pearls and Lace
Wee Memories: Spring/Green
Kaboodle Doodles: Go Green (Use green)
Corrosive Challenge: Going Green (Use green)
The Pink Elephant: Springtime

Thanks for stopping by! Make sure to check out the other Sweeties creations!

~ Chris ~ Denimo ~ Lisa ~ Nina ~ Stephanie ~ Veronica ~ Tara (Guest Sweetie) ~

What I NEED...

2011-03-09T15:35:00.014-07:00

I just thought I would share with you some crafty Yummies I have been drooling over lately...What are you eyeing for your next purchase??

Ribbon Carousel by my Fellow Top Chef, Corrina! (Special Free Shipping offer, use code: DTBFS)

My Mind's Eye, Stella & Rose "Mabl e" 6x6 Paper

Wood Veneer Butterflies by Studio Calico

Felt from BenzieBazaar

Mini Rolled Roses Die by My Favorite Things

Webster's Pages, Hollywood Vogue & Wonderfall Petite Papers

Thanks a Bunch...

2011-03-08T03:16:00.004-07:00

One can pay back the loan of gold, but one dies forever in debt to those who are kind. ~Malayan ProverbAnother Tuesday...another Super Awesome Anita Be Stampin Challenge!!! This time is a Sketch and I want to point out to you that I almost followed it to a tee. Almost, because I had to make the tilted panel and image panel a bit bigger because I wanted to use the Super cute little Bear from Bears and Bunches!

I pulled out my Koh-i-noor pencils for this one, because I can Not for the life of me color bears with Copics...no idea why?? But it ended up being a good thing, because I was able to pull off a much lighter look with the pencils. I paired them with some older Imaginisce paper and went with the colors from the Off the Wall Challenge.

No sentiment on the inside...I wanted to leave room for a heartfelt message...

Supplies:
Stamps: Bears and Bunches (Anita Be Stampin)
Paper: Pretty New Dress (Imaginisce,) Aqua Mist, Sweet Blush, Lemon Tart, White (PTI)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento,) Soft Sky (SU,) Walnut Stain (Distress Inks)
Misc: Stardust Stickles, Felt Butterflies, Pearls, Zva Pearl Flourish, Saddle Stitched Ribbon, Paper Trim, Oval Punch, Polka Dot CB Folder

Challenges:
Anita Be Stampin:
Off the Wall Craftiness:
Catered Crop: Recipe...I used Pastel Colors, Pearls, Felt, Ribbon and a Curly Flourish
Cupcake Craft: Pink polka dots
Incy Wincy Designs: Pastel colours

Thanks for stopping by! Make sure to check out the other ABS DT Creations!!

~ Angela ~ Anita ~ Brenda ~ Jacquie ~ Jen ~ Joni ~ Kellie ~ Kristy ~ Lelia ~ Tracy ~

A Spring Day...

2011-03-06T00:02:00.005-07:00

Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems. -Rainer Maria RilkeThis week's Cupcake Inspiration Challenge is a Gorgeous Spring Bloom Cupcake and the Sponsor is Paper Garden Projects, who let the Sweeties and I play with some of her Gorgeous digital images! I picked the Lenten Rose from Spring Blooms 2 as soon as I saw it, I love the Lenten Rose my Mom has in her back yard and it reminds me of Spring!

I used a pretty bright palette for the card, not at all like the cupcake, but when I saw the ColourQ colors last week I knew I wanted them for my Lenten Rose!

Love this sentiment that comes with the set...

Supplies:
Stamps: Spring Blooms 2 (Paper Garden Projects)
Paper: Brocade Blue, Brilliant Blue, Rose Red, Watercolor Paper (SU)
Ink: Printer, Chocolate Chip, Reinkers for watercoloring (SU)
Misc: Divine Twine, Stardust Stickles, Vintage Button, Sewing Machine

Challenges:
Cupcake inspirations:
ColourQ: (Late, but I loved the colors for this Lenten Rose)
Stamping Vacation:
Delightful Challenges: welcome Spring
Fab 'n' Funky: spring

Thanks for stopping by! Make sure to check out the other Sweeties creations!

~ Chris ~ Denimo ~ Lisa ~ Nina ~ Stephanie ~ Veronica ~ Corry (Guest Sweetie) ~ Cathy (Paper Garden Guest) ~

Waiting for Spring...

2011-03-05T11:37:00.007-07:00

If you've never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom. ~Terri GuillemetsHello! It's March! Spring is on it's Way!! :) I don't know about you, but I so Tired of Winter this year, I want to get outside, to shed my layers and soak up some Vitamin D courtesy of the sun!! I am NOT, however, looking forward to the time change on the 13th! UGH!!!

To lighten up the winter dreary feeling I have going on I grabbed a few of my favorite things...Prima and Zva Roses, Ribbon, Gems, Pearls, Webster's Pages Paper and Stardust Stickles. I was also intrigued by my newest toy...a pretty hat pin my friend Michelle sent me! (I cut the pointy part off with some needle nose pliers to shorten it and to avoid a repeat of her recent injury!)

I love this paper...see that adorable bunny? It is a more muted color palette than most spring designs, but it brings to mind sunny, cool Spring days to me! And see the clock they hid in there...lol, Daylight Savings!

Supplies:
Stamps: None
Paper: Garden Gala (Webster's Pages,) Textured Card (DCWV,) Martha Stewart Embossed Lace Reply Card
Ink: Distress Ink
Misc: Gems, Pearls, Rose (Zva Creative,) Rose (Prima,) Button, Ribbon (PTI,) Stardust Stickles, Hat Pin, Divine Twine

Challenges:
Clean & Simple:
Little Claire's: Flowers
Easy Craft Projects: Green
Wee memories: Woodland Friends theme
Card Makin Mamas: Something Green
Stampin For The Weekend: Spring
Delightful Challenges: Welcome Spring
Fab n Funky: Spring into Action
Scrapbook Sisters: Spring

Marcea's Music Saves My Soul is one of my favorite Saturday blog stops, I am adding mine this week in honor of March, St Patrick's Day and the possibility that I will be seeing them in concert soon with two dear friends! Enjoy Flogging Molly's Rebels of the Sacred Heart...

Libra Dreams...

2011-03-03T06:00:00.002-07:00

Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.Thomas MertonI am so excited to be giving you a little sneak peek today! Amy at Sweet November has created the most Charming horoscope inspired stamps! All the Signs are available and will release on March 7th at All That Scraps!

Amy chose Libra for me...and she is just Stunning!!! I had a blast playing with this image! I looked up Libra online and discovered that the Color of Libra is Blue and Libra's gem is Sapphire. So of course I had to play with those colors! This week's Color Throwdown Challenge was Perfect!

Amy is playing with Libra and Scorpio today & Nancy Thomas and Corinne Mercado are also showing some peeks!! Make sure to stop by all their blogs! Amy is offering up some free stamps!!

A little Dream inspired sentiment for the inside...

Supplies: Stamps: Libra (Sweet November,) Dream Ticket (Sentiments for you,) Fairy Tales (Verve)
Paper: Life's Portrait (Webster's Pages,) Enchanted Evening, Vanilla (PTI,) Baja Breeze (SU)
Ink: Black (Memento,) Copic Markers, Walnut Stain (Distress Ink,) Stardust Glitter Pen
Misc: Prima Flowers, Prima Roses, Zva Creative Roses, Twill Ribbon, Eyelet Lace Ribbon, Dew Drops, Zva Creative Gems, Vintage Button, Scappers Floss, Polka Dot CB Folder, Paper Distresser

Challenges:
Color Throwdown:
Stamping Scrapping Central:
Desert Island Crafters: Make it Square, Hand colored image, Distressing
Anything Goes Challenge: Distressing (Tag and Edges of Blue Layer)
Paper Take Weekly: Anything goes + something old (Prima Flowers I have had for YEARS)
Top Tip Tuesday: Favourite embellishments (Paper Roses & Gems) or Technique (Coloring with Copic Markers)
Craft Your Passion: Girly
Lexi's Creations: Flowers
Pink Elephant: Buttons, lace and ribbon

Thanks for stopping by!

Birthday Blues...

2011-03-01T01:48:00.003-07:00

Give me odorous at sunrise a garden of beautiful flowers where I can walk undisturbed. ~Walt Whitman Happy Tuesday! :) Today is the day fr a new Anita Be Stampin Challenge! This week is a color challenge. I love the colors Anita chose. So pretty in shades of Blue and Brown.

I grabbed my new Bears and Bunches for this card...what? You don't see any Bears? :) Well, that is because I totally messed up coloring the bear. LOL :) But I LOVE the flowers the little boy bear is holding...so I decided that is really all I needed for this card! Plus with a simple Happy Birthday sentiment from Rosie's Sweets it worked great for this week's Fall to Layout! :D

Every time I make an Anita Be Stampin card and I pull out my Polka Dot Cuttlebug folders I laugh...Anita is DYING for these folders and I figure the more I use them the more likely she is to go buy them! BWAHAHAHAHA, Enable much?

I didn't have the right color brown ribbon for this, so I colored some white silk ribbon with a Copic marker. It matches great now! I made a double bow by arranging the ribbon and tying a button around the middle...is that how you are supposed to make these? Or did I cheat?

I did add a bear to the inside...because seriously...these bears are SO CUTE!!!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Bears & Bunches, Rosie's Sweets (Anita Be Stampin)
Paper: Enchanted Evening, Vanilla, Dark Chocolate (PTI) Bordering Blue (SU)
Ink: Aged Linen Distress Ink, Black Memento, Copic Markers
Misc: Silk Ribbon, Vintage Button, White Gel Pen, Oval and Scallop Oval Nestibilities, Stardust Stickles, Small Scallop Border Die, Polka Dots CB Folder, Seeing Spots CB Folder

Challenges:

Anita be Stampin:
Fall to Layout:
Creative Inspirations Paint: Birthdays
I Did It Creations: Punches or Dies
Crafty Emma: Flowers and Flutterbys
Stamp Something: something with flowers

Thanks for stopping by! Make sure to check out the other ABS DT Creations!!

~ Angela ~ Anita ~ Brenda ~ Jacquie ~ Jen ~ Joni ~ Kellie ~ Kristy ~ Lelia ~ Tracy ~

Pink Cat Studios Guest Designer Contest

2011-03-01T00:12:00.004-07:00

Pink Cat Studios is having a little contest to find 2 Guest Designers for their March Release! They want to see our favorite PCS creation, my favorite is actually my First PCS creation. I used Lily Fairy and I just LOVE how this card came out!!

This makes me want to go make another card with this little sweetie! She is so perfect for Spring!

Happy Day...

2011-02-27T08:39:00.006-07:00

Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give. -Eleanor Roosevelt Today is the 100th Sunday I have hosted the Cupcake Inspiration Challenge! I can not believe how many amazing cupcakes are there for our inspiration. Each week it is a struggle to pick just one cupcake, and then to choose the Top 5 from so many amazing creations each week!

I have met so many wonderful stampers, my Design Team, the Sponsors, the participants...I just love stampers!!!!

For this week's Big 100th Challenge we have 4 sponsors! Including a Super Fun new sponsor The Octopode Factory!!! Check out the CIC Blog for all the information!

This week's cupcakes are soft pastel, Spring inspired cupcakes...so I grabbed the sweet seated Miss Anya Dressy with her adorable frilly dress and Spring hat. I wanted to use the aqua color from the photo and the soft pinks and yellows from the frosting so I grabbed a soft piece from the Basic Grey Lemonade paper pack and got to work. I fussy cut the Anya so she could sit on the ribbon and CASEd this week's CASE Study card.

As always a small bit of the leftover patterned paper for the inside...

Supplies:
Stamps: Miss Anya Dressy, Sentiments (The Greeting Farm)
Paper: Lemonade (Basic Grey,) Aqua Mist, Sweet Blush, White, Lemon Tart (PTI)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento,) Copic Markers, Marigold Morning, Blush Blossom (SU)
Misc: Twill ribbon, Martha Stewart Lace Edge Punch, Glitter Brads, Label Die

Challenges:

Cupcake Inspirations:
CASE Study:
Farm Fresh Friday @ TGF: Spring
Shannon's Sentiments: Fussy Cutting
Sugar Creek Hollow: Finish inside
Sweet Stampin: Oh so Girly
Paper Cutz: Spring

Thanks for stopping by! Make sure to check out the other Sweeties creations!

~ Chris ~ Denimo ~ Lisa ~ Nina ~ Stephanie ~ Veronica ~ Brook (Guest Sweetie) ~ Lelia (ABS DT Guest) ~

Cupcake Manga...

2011-02-23T01:42:00.014-07:00

I wanted to buy a candle holder, but the store didn't have one. So I got a cake. -Mitch Hedberg

This week's Catered Crop Challenge has a little Cupcake Theme, so I went looking for a fun Cupcake image to play with. I Have TONS of cupcake images...really...tons! Rubber, Clear, Digi, I have a LOT of cupcakes...but none of them were just right! LOL :) So I went looking and found this Super fun Manga style Cupcake image on Deviant Art.

This week's Catered Crop Sponsor is Eat Cake Graphics!! A randomly selected selected participant will win a $30 gift certificate to spend at Eat Cake Graphics!!!

**A word abut Deviant art...PLEASE read the artists comments, if they do Not give you permission to use and color their image ASK THEM before you Use their Original Art! If they DO give permission, LINK THEM and Comment with a link to your project so they can see what you have done!!**

I used the Sweet Sunday Sketch (Making it a square,) and the Curtain Call colors...

A strip of the plaid paper and a smaller, softer version of the image finished up the inside...

Here is a detail shot of the sparkle and shine of the Stickles and Crystal Effects

Supplies:
Stamps: Cupcake (Digital image by *sureya on Deviant Art,) Birthday Greetings (Woodware USA)
Paper: Misc Plaids, Strips and Polks Dots from Scrap Drawer, Melon, Turquoise, Lime Green, Black, White Cardstock
Ink:Printer, Black, Copic Markers
Misc: Circle Nestabilities, Scallop Circle Nestabilities, DoodleBug RicRak Paper Trim, Stardust Stickles on Bow and Beads, Crystal Effects on Cherry, Vintage Button, Baker's Twine, Zva Creative Gems

Challenges:
Catered Crop: I Cooked it up with -Cupcakes, Squares, Mixed Patterns, Black Accents, RickRack, Glossy Effects, Paper Trims
Sweet Sunday Sketch: (I made mine Square)
Curtain Call:
Cupcake Craft: Cake n Ice Cream
Incy Wincy Designs: use punches or dies

Partytime Tuesdays: Anything Goes
A Spoonful Of Sugar: Birthday Wishes
Flourishes: Birthday

Scrap-Creations: Birthday Cards
House of Gilli: Recipe -Sparkle + 3 Patterned Papers + 2 dies and/or punches

Thanks for stopping by!

The Devil in Me...

2011-02-22T01:05:00.002-07:00

Confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can have. It's much sexier than any body part. -Aimee MullinsIt's Tuesday...but it feels like Monday to me. I love a three day weekend, but it is so hard to get back to work!! I had lots of free time this weekend and was able to get quite a few cards done. Including a Sassy fun one for this week's Anita Be Stampin Challenge!

I just got the Devilish Diva set this week, I was going to get it at Halloween, but didn't. Now I wanted it to make cards for my Boyfriend! *wink wink*

You can't really tell from the photo, but her black outfit is all shiny like leather! *blush* I just used a bit of Crystal Effects to give it the shine.

All of the sentiments in this set are so fun! I had a hard time picking what to put on the inside...

Supplies:
Stamps: Devilish Diva (Anita Be Stampin)
Paper: Red, Black, White Cardstock
Ink: Black, Ruby Red, Copic Markers, Black Koh-i-noor Pencil, Micron Black Pen
Misc: Gamsol, Blending Stump, Polka Dot CB Folder, Ribbom, Heart Embellishment, Black Gems, Crystal Effects, Mat Stack

Challenges:
Anita Be Stampin Sketch:
Craft Your Passion: Card for a Male
Incy Wincy Designs: use punches or Dies
Let's Ink It Up: NO DIGI and Romance
2 Sisters: Embossing
Marks Finest Papers: Black, white & 1 other color + paper piercing

Thanks for stopping by! Make sure to check out the other ABS DT Creations!!

~ Angela ~ Anita ~ Brenda ~ Jacquie ~ Jen ~ Joni ~ Kellie ~ Kristy ~ Lelia ~ Tracy ~

Star Monster...

2011-02-21T02:07:00.004-07:00

There's nothing more toxic or deadly than a human child. A single touch could kill you. Leave a door open, and one can walk right into this factory; right into the monster world. -Henry Waternoose (Monsters, Inc)I love a good sketch challenge, and Waltzing Mouse has a super fun one going...it is Star shaped! I don't have Star dies and thought about going with an A2 card with a star on it...but then I saw one of my son's Glow in the Dark stars that had come off his bedroom ceiling and I thought, why not?

I did tweak the sketch a Bit and moved the image to the side of the star and the button up away from the image, but I think it still works. I used my new Anita Be Stampin Monster Hugs set, after seeing this cute set on the Etsy Inspired Challenge shop, Claylicious. The colors are from this week's Off the Wall Craftiness Challenge.

Supplies:
Stamps: Monster Hugs (Anita Be Stampin)
Paper: Main Street, Hometown Collection (October Afternoon,) Ladybug Ball Twitterpated Collection (Imaginisce,) Textured Card (DCWV)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento,) Copic Markers
Misc: Star Bling, Zva Creative Gems, Stardust Stickles, Vintage Buttons, Divine Twine

Challenges:
Waltzing Mouse Sketch:

Off the Wall Craftiness:

Etsy Inspired:
ECP Challenges: Something for the boys
Crafty Catz: one for the men/boys
Craft Your Passion: Card for a Male
Simply Create: It's Bright in Here
Woodware USA: Shaped Cards

Thanks for stopping by!

Mushroom Break..

2011-02-20T00:10:00.007-07:00

Fairies are invisible and inaudible like angels. But their magic sparkles in nature. -Lynn HollandThis week's Cupcake Inspirations sponsor is Prairie Fairy and they gave each of the Sweeties an image to play with. I chose Mushroom Break, she is just So cute taking a little sit down, leaning on the woodland mushroom. I pulled the blues and the swirls from the cupcake and then used the ColourQ colors and the CPS sketch to finish up the card. Lots of sparkles on this one...as always! ;)

I added a sky behind the little fairy using a sponge, a scallop circle cut out and soft sky ink. (If you are interested in a tutorial let me know in the comments section and I will work one up)

I used the rest of the piece of Webster's Pages paper for the inside, I didn't want to waste a bit of this gorgeous paper!!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Mushroom Break (Pairie Fairy,) Birthday Greetings (Woodware USA)
Paper: Lullaby Lane (Webster's Pages,) Soft Sky (SU,) White, Enchanted Evening (PTI)
Ink: Printer, Blush Blossom, Soft Sky, Blue Bayou (SU,) Copic Markers
Misc: Twill Ribbon, Stitched Twill Ribbon, Zva Creative Rose, Martha Stewart Butterfly Punches, Zva Creative Pearls & Pearl Swirl, Stardust Stickles, Pearl Picks

Challenges:
Cupcake Inspirations:
CPS:
ColourQ:
Allsorts: Inspired by Nature
Card Makin' Mamas: happy birthday
Fairy Knoll: birthday or thank you
Fashionista Friday: birthday
Charisma Cardz: spring has sprung
Cute Card Thursday: shiny happy cards
Totally Papercrafts: do it with a digi
Crafts & Me: Things with Wing
4 Crafty Friends: Fairy, Angel or Butterfly
Wee Memories: Source Of Inspiration (We all know my favorite Inspiration is CUPCAKES, the inspiration is supposed to be craft related...I think cupcakes are maybe more Art in some cases, but I hope it counts!)

Thanks for stopping by! Make sure to check out what the other Sweeties came up with!!

~ Chris ~ Denimo ~ Lisa ~ Nina ~ Stephanie ~ Veronica ~ Tracy (Guest Sweetie) ~

Music Saves My Soul...

2011-02-19T11:04:00.002-07:00

I promise I am working on some projects and cards to post in the next few days...starting with tomorrow's Cupcake Inspiration. You still have until 9 pm MT tonight to play with last week's Inspiration!!

For now how about some musical inspiration??? :) Last week for Marcea's Music Saves My Soul link up I used Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" This week I will share my other current music addiction, Florence and the Machine's "Dog Days are Over"

The Queen...

2011-02-15T02:15:00.004-07:00

All I ask is that you treat me no differently than you would the Queen. -UnknownHello and Happy Tuesday Morning! It's time for an Anita Be Stampin Challenge!!! Today is a Super fun Sketch! (Scroll down for the sketch or visit the Challenge Blog!)

I pulled out my newest Anita Be Stampin acquisition, Estella from the new Victorian Ladies Digi Collection...I just love her pouty lips and Sassy Attitude!

The inside has plenty of room for talking about boys, shoes and chocolate, plus a super fun sentiment I printed off the computer...

The digital frame is a freebie from Tiffany Doodles...

Supplies:
Stamps: Estella (Anita Be Stampin,) Frame 8 Digi, Computer Generated Sentiment, Heart from What's Up Cupcake (MFT)
Paper: Fairest of them All (Imaginisce,) Textured Card (DCWV,) Pink Card (a muse,) White, Kraft (PTI)
Ink: Printer, White Craft, Pink Chalk & Copic Markers
Misc: Crinkled Seam Binding, Vintage Button, Scrapper's Floss, Stardust Stickles, Zva Creative Pearl Swirl and Pearls

Challenges:
Anita Be Stampin:
Off the Wall Craftiness:
Colour Q:
Crafts 4 Eternity:

Digi Tuesday: Use a Die Cut

Thanks for stopping by! Make sure to check out the rest of the Sketchy Projects from the Anita Be Stampin Girls!!!

Happy Birthday Dad...

2011-02-13T13:51:00.004-07:00

Please Scroll Down to See My Cupcake Inspirations Card!

Any man can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a Dad. -Anne Geddes

When I saw the One Layer Wednesday Challenge this week I new it was perfect for my Dad's Birthday card. My Dad is a pretty simple guy and likes Simple things, so I grabbed some tool images and made a little grouping of the hammer and the tool box in my PhotoSuite software, printed it on Confetti White paper and colored it up really quick with Copic Markers. Voila! Man Card. Done.

Well, not quite...I did add a little sentiment on the inside. :)

I printed the sentiment from Word, I think this is Perfect for my Dad, short and sweet! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Hammer & Toolbox from Carpenter Joe (Tiddly Inks,) Computer Generated Sentiment
Paper: Confetti White (SU
Ink: Printer, Copics

Challenges:
One Layer Wednesday: 2 Images (Hammer and Toolbox) No Sentiment, No Embellishments

Thanks for stopping by!

Victoria with a Flourish...

2011-02-13T01:24:00.002-07:00

Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society. -Mark Twain

This week at Cupcake Inspirations we are sponsored by Flourish with a Bling...Love the Fun Flourishes they have and the Sweeties and I got spoiled with 2 each to play with! I grabbed the Jasmine Puffy Flourish to play with today and paired it with the new Victoria image from Anita Be Stampin! I cut the Flourish into 3 pieces for this A2 card, it would look Amazing whole on a larger card or a Scrapbook page!

I have been hoarding this silk ribbon and these Gorgeous purple Lilliput Roses from Prima so I decided to show them some love, too...

I printed the image very lightly on the inside panel...possibly Too lightly! :-S
Here is a close up of the Gorgeous sparkly puffy Flourish...

Supplies:
Stamps: Victoria (Anita Be Stampin)
Paper: Garden Gala (Webster's Pages,) Iris (Memory Box,) White (PTI)
Ink: Printer, Vanilla Chalk Ink, Copic Markers
Misc: Prima Lilliput Rose, Silk Ribbon, Stardust Stickles, Jasmine Puffy Flourish, Zva Pearls

Challenges:
Cupcake Inspirations:
Delightful Challenges: get punchy/use punches or die cuts
Do You Stack Up?: ribbon
Copic Creations: Cool Colors

Thanks for stopping by!

It's been a while since I shared music for Marcea's "Music Saves the Soul" LinkUp...today I am sharing one of my music obsessions lately...I even *Gasp* ordered the Actual CD! (PreOrder, will ship on the 22nd)

Victorian Ladies, a Release Blog Hop...

2011-02-12T06:00:00.002-07:00

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. ~Mark Twain

Thanks so much for stopping by today! The next stop on the hop is (DT member name with link.) Remember to leave a comment on every blog on the hop by Sunday, Feb. 13th at 12:01 CST for your chance to win all of the ABS digi images released today. Here is the list of all of the stops on the hop today, just in case you get lost along the way:

Rachel (You are Here)

Tracy

ABS Blog

Happy hopping!

Sweetest Thing...

2011-02-10T00:49:00.002-07:00

A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece. -Ludwig Erhard Hello!!! Time for something SWEET!!! I Cooked up a card using this week's Catered Crop Follow the Recipe Challenge and got a Sweet Dessert out of it! I used a digi image from Phindy's Place...isn't that little mouse CUTE?!?!?!?

The colors are pulled from this week's Cupcake Inspiration as well as the Shabby Tea Room Inspiration photo. I used a Tag Sentiment with Love on it, a Cuttlebug Folder, Scallop and Square Dies and Red, Pink and White from this week's Amazing Recipe at Catered Crop, please pop over and see what else you can use and Cook something up with us!!!

I used a digital sentiment and image on the inside along with a scrap of the embossed brown...
Supplies:
Stamps: Soooo Good (Phindy's Place)
Paper: Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip, White
Ink: Copic Markers, Printer
Misc: Ribbon, Roses, Stardust Stickles, Swirl Folder, Scallop and Square Nesties

Challenges:
Catered Crop: FTR5, I cooked it up with a Love Tag, Cuttlebug Folder, Scallop and Square Die Cuts and Red, Pink and White
Cupcake Inspiration Challenge:
CPS Sketch:
Going Grey: Animal Antic
Shabby Tea Room:
Lawnscaping: Love

Thanks for stopping by! Make sure to check what All the Top Chefs cooked up with this recipe!!

~ Libby Hickson ~ Peggy Marsh ~Corrina McGregor ~ Jeannie Witmer ~ Linda McClain ~

A Cherry Nice Day...

2011-02-08T00:27:00.003-07:00

A 41-inch bust and a lot of perseverance will get you more than a cup of coffee - a lot more. -Jayne MansfieldReady for a super Sketch??? It's Tuesday and that means Anita Be Stampin Challenge and this week is a Super Fun sketch!!! As usual I didn't follow the challenge to a tee and flipped the sketch, but guess what? You can do the same Or use it as is...which is super cute, too! I really wanted to use this fun image though, so mine is flipped.

I added a cherry and a sentiment to the inside, along with a scrap of the paper I used on the outside...
Here is a close up of the button and glitter...Black is SO hard to photograph!!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Cherry Sweet (Anita Be Stampin)
Paper: Thrift Store (October Afternoon,) Red & Black Textured Cards (DCWV,) White (PTI)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento,) Copics
Misc: Vintage Button, Twill Ribbon, Red Metallic Cord, Red Glitter Glue

Challenges:
Anita Be Stampin:
Craft Your Passion: Anything Goes
Cupcake Craft: Seeing red
Gingerloft:The colour Red
Do You Stack Up?: red hot
Dutch Dare Card Challenge: buttons

Thanks for stopping by!

Birthday Fun...

2011-02-07T08:19:00.003-07:00

UGH! Late for the party! My internet went out last night and I couldn't schedule this post!!!!

This is sadly my last post as a Woodware USA Desigh Team Member...I can't believe how fast this 6 months has gone!!! It was amazing working with all the wonderful WWUSA Ladies and I will miss playing along as a DT Member...but I will be shopping and playing along with thier challenges, because I just LOVE all the product they have!! Have you seen the New Line they have???? It is by Jennifer Garant and is Seriously Fun Stuff!!!

Woodware USA is currently running a Customer Appreciation Sale!!! 15% off Everything in the store, No Minimum Purchase!!!!

This week's challenge is Ribbons & Bows and we are combining it with a full Blog Hop!! !you could win a Super Cute Ted in the Garden set!!!!

I made a quick Birthday Card for a friend using Birthday Fun and added a fun Bow to the Black ribbon. (sorry for the Photo, it is so much cuter in person, but the light just wasn't right when I shot the pic!!) :(

To enter into our blog hop, you just need to follow these simple rules:

1. You don’t have to participate in this week's challenge to be eligible for the blog hop prize
2. You must visit all blogs and leave a comment.
3. You must visit the Woodware USA site and pick your favorite Woodware USA set and list it in your comment on the Woodware USA blog at the end of the hop.
4. The blog hop will end Thursday at 8:00 pm EST with the announcement of the winner on Friday by 10:00 AM EST.

Here is the order of the HOP:

Rachel (You are Here)

Suzanne

Woodware USA blog

Anita Be Stampin Challenge...

2011-02-01T00:00:00.001-07:00

I like these cold, gray winter days. Days like these let you savor a bad mood. -Bill WatersonTuesday brings us another Anita Be Stampin Challenge...this week is a Gorgeous color combination! I love these colors together! Unfortunately, I am having a Hate/Hate relationship with my Mojo lately and couldn't get the look I wanted. I threw away 3 images before I finally got this one done to my satisfaction. The layout is Super Simple and almost Identical to a card I made earlier this week. I just didn't have the right creative juices flowing!!

I colored a few images with Copics but didn't like the look I was getting in the purples, so I switched to my Koh-i-noor pencils and Gamsol. I did color the face and boots with my Copics though. I tried few layouts and more embellishments, but in the end the image stole the show...Aspen is So cute that I really didn't Need too much on this card, so I just added Ribbon, Stickles and a Rose. I had to pull out my Seeing Spots Cuttlebug Folder just to make Anita jealous!! ;)

Supplies:
Stamps: Aspen (Anita Be Stampin)
Paper: Kraft (Elzybells,) Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Barely Banana (SU,) White (PTI)
Ink: Printer, Copic Markers, Koh-i-Noor Pencils, Gamsol
Misc: Stardust Stickles, Zva Creative Rose, Twill Ribbon

Challenges:
Anita Be Stampin -
Paper Playtime - Anything Goes with a Digi
Pollycraft - Baby it's cold outside
Crafty Hos' - No Designer Papers
Outlawz challenge - Clean and Simple

Thanks for stopping by! Make sure to check out the Challenge Blog for all the Design Team projects!

Chocolate Box...

2011-01-31T01:16:00.002-07:00

All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt! -Lucy Van PeltThis week's Woodware USA Challenge is to make "Anything But a Card." I have had a Russell Stover's Chocolate box sitting by my desk for awhile (since I ate all the yummies inside at Christmas time) and have been meaning to alter it, so I decided now was the time.

I used some Very old Valentine's paper I had in my Scrap Stash and cover the box using 2 of the patterns. The tag and the bottom of the box that you can't see are the 3rd pattern. I think the paper is from Cloud 9.

I stamped the tag with a sentiment from the Salutations set and the little heart in the Birthday Fun set...

I left just a touch of the gold underneath showing between each sheet of paper...

I plan to fill this with something homemade for a dear friend on Valentine's Day...

Here is a shot of the top with the tag and the roses...

Supplies:
Stamps: Salutations, Birthday Fun (Woodware USA)
Paper: Sweetheart Collection (Cloud 9?)
Ink: Ruby Red (SU)
Misc: Stardust Stickles, Prima and Zva Creative Roses, Taffeta Ribbon

Challenges:
Woodware USA: Anything But a Card
Paper Sundaes: Valentines
Creative Cowgirls: Love is in the air
Creative Inspirations Paint: Love
CD Sunday:Love is in the air
Cheerful Stamp Pad: Be my valentine

Thanks for stopping by! Maje sure and check out what the other Design Team Members did this week!

~ Nancy Bush ~ Dawn Knight ~ Piali Biswas ~ Kerry Urbatch ~ Harriet Skelly ~ Anne Harada ~

Madelynn In Blue...

2011-01-30T09:38:00.006-07:00

Love - a wildly misunderstood although highly desirable malfunction of the heart which weakens the brain, causes eyes to sparkle, cheeks to glow, blood pressure to rise and the lips to pucker. ~Author UnknownGood morning! Is it really Sunday already??? Saturday went by So fast!!!

Today's card is for this week's Cupcake Inspiration Challenge...I loved the Pink and Blue and I added Polka Dots because I was drawn to the little sprinkles along the edge of each of the hearts...

I added a little band and a circular Greeting to the inside...

Supplies:
Stamps: Madelynn, Hello Go Round (The Greeting Farm)
Paper: Soft Sky, Pretty In Pink, White
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento,) Copic Markers, Pretty In Pink
Misc: Stardust Stickles, Ribbon, Pop Up Glue Dots, Prima Rose, Zva Creative Rose, Polka Dot Cuttlebug Folder

Challenges:
Cupcake Inspirations:
Color Cue:
Marks Finest Papers: Valentine Card
Craft Your Days Away: Love
Delicious Doodles: spots or stripes
Charisma Cardz: Valentine/love

Thanks for stopping by!

Birthday Treats...

2011-01-29T09:19:00.011-07:00

2nd Post for today!
If you are looking for my Anita Be Stampin Peak
Please Scroll Down!!

And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. -Abraham LincolnThis is my last week as an EIC Guest Designer, I have had So much Fun!!! For my final week the Inspiration is the Too Cute Kawaii store. Such cute polymer clay creations and jewelry! I had a hard time picking what I wanted to play with this week, so much inspiration available!!!

Our sponsor this week is Meljen's Designs Digital Stamps.I used the Cupcake Treat Trio image for a birthday card I needed to make for a party tonight.

I used a fun free digi sentiment on the inside...

Supplies:
Stamps: Cupcake Treat Trio (Meljen Designs,) Happy Birthday with a Twist (Create with TLC)
Paper: Perfect Plum, Pretty in Pink, White, Kioshi (Basic Grey,) Garden Felt (MFT)
Ink: Printer, Copics
Misc: Vintage Buttons, Embroidery Floss, Stardust Stickles, Crystal Stickles, Crystal Effects, Twill Ribbon, Flower Punches, Glitter Brad, Swirl Cuttlebug Folder, Small Scallop Border Die (MFT)

Challenges:
Etsy Inspired:
Color Dare:
Sketch Saturday:
Just Us Girls: Make a 3D Flower Embellishment
Fab 'n' Funky: use a digi

Be sure to stop by all the EIC DT members' blogs to see what they came up with!

Thanks for stopping by!

Geeky Love...

2011-01-29T01:23:00.004-07:00

He's got your moms eyes and my dads nose. I knew we were smart to save those parts. -Mr. Copperbottom (Robots)Beep, Beep, Beep, Beep...

Information Downloading..............

Today is the Day!!!! Anita Be Stampin' is releasing the Cutest bunch of Rubber EVAH!!!! Did you see the peeks for Monster Hugs & Love Moo??? How about Yesterday's Bears & Bunches??? CUTENESS I TELL YOU!!!!!

This release ABS is offering a discounted bundle of stamps to those who must have all of the new stamps. Click here for all the details on how you can save 15% off retail price and receive free shipping on your ABS purchase.

Today I am giving you a little peek of Love Bots!! I am seriously GaGa over this image and all the great sayings!!!!

I mean, Seriously?!?!?! Did you See that image??? :) CUTENESS!!!!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Love Bot (Anita Be Stampin)
Paper: Patterned Paper (Mystery stuff from Years ago,) White, Spring Rain (PTI)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento,) Copic Markers, Grey
Misc: Baker's Twine, Vintage Button, Stardust Stickles, Gems

Challenges:
Copic Creations: use something new plus Copics
Crafty Emma: Bold & Bright
Marks Finest Papers: Valentine Card
Mami Doodles: magic of love
Simply Create: give your heart away
Tellen's Place: make it for the guys

Thanks for stopping by! Make sure to check out what the other ladies made with the new sets and run by Anita Be Stampin to pick some up for yourself!!

ABS Blog
(Make sure to check out how to WIN a Free Set!!)

Monster Hugs...

2011-01-27T00:10:00.002-07:00

You can't wrap love in a box, but you can wrap a person in a hug. ~Author Unknown Anita Be Stampin is releasing New Sets on Saturday!!! :) Adorable stuff!!! I am giving you a little peek at one of the new sets today, this one is called Monster Hugs! :) Perfect for some Lovey projects I have coming up...I made this card for my kiddo for Valentine's Day...he LOVES Monster Hugs!!! :D

I used this week's Cupcake Inspirations Cupcake and the Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger for the inspiration and the Sweet Sunday Sketch for the layout (I had to move the centered panel to the right to fit the sentiment)...I have been out of crafty commission all week and needed all the mojo I could get!!!

Isn't he CUTE???? And I put one of the other guys inside too...

Supplies:
Stamps: Monster Hugs (Anita Be Stampin)
Paper: Pink, Red, White (PTI)
Ink: Black, Grey, Copic Markers, Blue Chalk Ink
Misc: Stardust Stickles, Stitched Ribbon, Embossing Folder, Button, Baker's Twine

Challenges:
Cupcake Inspirations:
Sweet Sunday Sketch:
Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger:
AiFactory: for the boys
Charisma Cardz: Valentine/love
Delightful Challenges : include a heart on your project
Guylou's Inimitability: red
Meljens Designs: create something with hearts
Southern Girls: dry embossing

Thanks for stopping by! Make sure to check out what the other ladies made with the new sets!!

Pink Birthday Wishes...

2011-01-26T20:45:00.008-07:00

Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born. -Anais NinMy son has been watching a lot of Pink Panther lately...It makes me want to add the word Pink to all my Blog Post Titles! At least for this one it works! :)

Today is my first Official Catered Crop post!!! I hope you can play along with us, it is such a fun challenge!!! I normally don't do "Recipe" challenges, but what I love about this one is that there is a recipe of sorts, but you get to Cook It Up how you like it and really make it Yours!!

For this week's Challenge we are using the ingredients from a Gorgeous card by Jeanie Witmer. I chose October Afternoon Paper, Sewing, Paper Piecing, Copics and Kraft Paper from her list of yummy fixins.

I added a sentiment and more flowers to the inside...

Supplies:
Stamps: Digi Image (Pure Innocence,) Circular Greetings & Mixed Greetings (Woodware USA)
Paper: Thrift Store (October Afternoon,) Pink, Kraft, White
Ink: Printer, Chocolate Chip (SU,) Copic Markers, Blue Chalk Ink
Misc: Stardust Stickles, Stitched Ribbon, Paper Roses, Amuse Scallop Oval Sticker, Sewing Machine

Challenges:
Catered Crop: I used October Afternoon Paper, Sewing, Paper Piecing, Copics and Kraft Paper Sketch For You To Try:
Fab 'n' Funky: use a digi
Creative Belli: Letter "P" for Pink plus something old and forgotten Embellie (Amuse Oval Sticker)
Creative Craft: Cute & Cuddly
Paper Pretties: sewing
Freshly Brewed:

Thanks for stopping by! Check out what the other Top Chefs cooked up this week!!

~ Libby Hickson ~ Peggy Marsh ~Corrina McGregor ~ Jeannie Witmer ~ Linda McClain ~