Stamping in the Moonlight

Gimme Some Sugar

2012-01-22T21:43:00.001-07:00

So excited! I finally was able to get my new Gimme Some Sugar set by TCP inked up. I am DETERMINED to play in challenges this year and get my stamps inky. My stamp table is a mess, but it is a GOOD mess! LOL!

This card is actually dong double duty. I created this for this weeks TCP Tuesday 193 challenge along with Jen's SFYTT for January 2012. Jen always has awesome sketches and I promised myself to also play along with her challenges.

The color challenge is yummy and perfect for a "shabby" Valentine card and Jen's sketch was also perfect for my favorite image from the Spring 2012 TCP release (Alma...you had me at Sprinkle)!

Patterned papers are a huge mix: Stella and Rose Mable and Gertie (MME), Love Me (MME) and Yours Truly (EP). The challenge colors are all there too: Melon Mambo, Early Espresso and Pink Pirouette.

The super cute Sprinkle image from "Gimme Some Sugar" was stamped on patterned paper. I had a lot of fun stamping the little banners on patterned paper and customizing them with all the fun little elements included with the set. Colored the image with Copics and Sprinkle's eyes are made extra mesmerizing with a Copic Spica glitter pen. I added just a smidgen of some pleated satin ribbon (Maya Road) under the booth to lock like a table cloth and then attached the banner over it. I then cut out the image with my circle nesties "finally" trying the out of the box technique that Nancy always does so well. You can't see too much of it, but just barely peeking out underneath the horizontal panel is a portion of the new "Queen of Hearts" border CutUps. A couple Maya Road stick pins were all the extra embellishment needed.

Thanks for stopping by!

Lind

TCP Tuesdsy 165 and New Release Blog Hop

2011-06-27T21:00:00.001-07:00

The Cat's Pajamas New Release Blog Hop

Good Morning everyone! Welcome to The Cat's Pajamas morning after blog hop! Did you get all the goodies you wanted last night? All eight new stamp sets and four CutUps dies are available NOW! Today we're combining our morning after blog hop with TCP Tuesday 165 which is an awesome sketch from the amazingly talented Leigh O'Brien.

You are a little over half way through the hop if you are starting here with me. You should definitely start at the beginning at Leigh's blog as she IS the hipster hostess with the mostess (and believe me when I say you should start at the beginning as there is lots of eye candy to enjoy!. If you came here from the super talented Lori's blog then you are in the right place.

And just a personal note. If you've never done so, definitely play along with the TCP Tuesday challenges! You may very well be deemed a Swanky Stamper for participating. As a Swanky Stamper you receive new release goodies and have the honor of playing with the amazingly talented Cat Pack. It's a sweet gig, believe me! Thank you Alma for the opportunity to play!!!

As you can see, I flipped the sketch around (after all, the sketch is there to inspire us). I've been to so many balloon festivals over the years and there always is a beautiful Patriotic themed balloon or two. Our little adventurous bunny from the new set Away We Go decided that she would take her balloon up right when they are shooting off the fireworks. Lots of wonderful TCP goodness here, including my new favorite Cloud Border CutUps. The Flower Button CutUps are showing off doing double duty as my fabby fireworks. The wonderful Icing CutUps are also making an appearance here.

Detail shot:

All right, so that is all from me! Head on over to the wonderfully talented Jenny's blog and prepare to be dazzled!

Linda

Kick Some Grass!

2011-06-27T00:00:00.001-07:00

Hello and welcome to Day 7 of The Cat's Pajamas Sneaky Peek Week! Tonight is the night where Alma will have all the new goodies added to her store. She usually opens up the new store front right after the Pajama Party over on SCS (and Alma is always so generous during and after the Pajama Party that I'm betting that it will really be worth your time to don your pajamas and come chat with us *wink wink*) . I don't know about you, but in the words of Spongebob Squarepants "I'm Ready....I'm Ready...I'm Ready"! LOL!

The set that we are peeking today is Kick Some Grass! That SUPER cute bunny is making one last appearance in this release just chilling out in a field full of flowers and grass. The Cloud Border die makes yet another appearance here (I might as well just keep it in a basket on my desk) along with that BEAUTIFUL new lacey looking butterfly (oh the plans I have for this butterfly). The butterfly is actually cut twice and the wings on the top layer are bent up to make it look like it is flying. The body has some purple rhinestones from my stash to make it even prettier (if that is possible). Also used my favorite Grass CutUps and some wonderful Purple Plum Divine Twine. All patterned paper is a new company to me named Lily Bee Design and this is from their Picket Fence line.

Detail shot

Thanks for stopping by today....hope to chat with you at the party!

Linda

Away We Go

2011-06-26T22:22:00.000-07:00

Good Morning and welcome to day 6 of Sneaky Peek week from The Cat's Pajamas!! I have yet another awesome new set that I am sharing with you today called Away We Go!!!! Flopsy (as I like to call her) has now decided that she wants to give hot air balooning a try.

Now Flopsy's balloon was already swanky, but I've fancied up her balloon just a wee bit more by stamping that illustrious and well loved Sprinkle on her balloon (anyone that knows me, knows that Sprinkle has a well earned place in my heart). I actually stamped Sprinkle first, and then went over that swanky feline with the fabulous clear stamp and was able to position everything perfectly. That wonderful new Cloud Die is REALLY making an appearance here. I was just playing around with all my new goodies/stash, and had cut out multiple clouds on that wonderful glittery paper. I had them all lined up one on top of the other, and the I happened to look over on my desk and see a sketch (Jen's March SFYTT) that I had printed out a while back that worked perfectly.

Detail shot:

Have a wonderful day!

Linda

Wheel Love

2011-06-23T00:00:00.002-07:00

Meet Rose.

She is the bicycle that I treated myself to last summer. She is all pink and girlie and I love her. Believe me when I say that together we turn heads and ellicit smiles when riding around the neighborhood with my two boys. The only thing that Rose needs is a pretty basket in front and the ensemble will then be complete.

Now I totally dedicate the next picture that you're going to see to Rose. After all, this next bicycle is all pink and girlie too.

And it already has the perfect little basket in front.

Here is a detail shot showing the "white wall" tires and the sparkly weaving on the basket. Those little daisies are pretty special too, with their sparkly little yellow centers.

The wonderful new set featured here is Wheel Love (and I truly do LOVE her) along with the awesome new Cloud CutUps die. These new stamps and dies will be available from The Cats Pajamas on June 27th (right after the Pajama Party at SCS). The pajama party is always tons of fun! Last time there was lots of swooning over a certain American Idol judge (I won't name names).

Lots of other TCP goodies were used here from my stash. There is Green Apple and Lemon Divine Twine along with various CutUps (Grass and Flower Button used on this card).

Thanks for stopping by and hope you enjoyed the peek!

Linda

Sneaky Peek Week Starts Today!

2011-06-21T00:00:00.004-07:00

Hi there! Today marks the first day of peeks for Sneaky Peek Week over at The Cat's Pajamas! Hold on to your flip flops because this release is seriously going to blow you away! It is full of ADORABLE images (many of your favorite characters) and some pretty FABULOUS CutUps Dies. Today I have a sample with the new set that features our favorite flopsy eared bunny, Take Off!

When I opened my package of goodies from Alma for being the Swanky Stamper for April, I squealed out loud. Seriously.....I did! My youngest son came running over to me and said "Mama, is everything OK?" and then he saw how ecstatic I was and had to dig into the package with me. This is HIS favorite image from the entire release and since his birthday is coming up on June 30th, I couldn't help but make him a super swanky birthday card!

Isn't this stamp ADORABLE? I also used the new Clouds CutUps die to cut some felt (and believe me when I say that these dies cut like buttah)!

Flopsy (at least that's what I named her) was colored with Copics and her airplane was paper pieced with MME Lime Twist paper. Glittery touches were added with Glitzy Glass Glitter. The banner floating behind the airplane was made using Aqua Divine Twine, Pennants CutUps and the Nightie Alphabet.

All of these new goodies will be available for purchase from The Cats Pajamas on June 27th right after the Pajama Party over at SCS!

Hope you enjoyed the peek!

Linda

Swanky ATC Blog Hop

2011-06-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Morning everyone! Have you been enjoying all of the awesome ATCs so far this morning? If you happened here from the ever so witty Carole's blog (talk about a tough act to follow), you're in the right place. Otherwise, please start out at the super talented Julie's blog and prepare to be dazzled by some Swanky ATC Goodness as you hop along with all of us.

I couldn't help but use the adorable PJ in What a Blast for my ATC. I fell in love with him from the second Alma peeked him. LOVE I say! LOL! There is some other TCP goodness there too, from the Green Apple divine twine, to the ever so swanky Grass CutUps, to the sparkly Glitzy German Glass Glitter lining the little die cut felt cloud (as every cloud DOES have a silver lining). The designer paper is from the super cute Hometown Summer 6x6 pack from Pink Paislee (I do admit to purchasing a back up 6x6 pack "just in case" for those of you that know my hoarder tendencies...LOL)!

Hope you enjoyed our little hop! Rumor has it that there is some new swanky goodness coming your way towards the end of the month. Amy R was very sneaky and managed to peek one of the images on this weeks SCS tutorial for paper pleating. Check out this thread for more deets on the upcoming pajama party.

Linda

SUPPLIES:

Stamps: What a Blast (TCP)

Paper: Hometown Summer (Pink Paislee), Shimmery White, Soft Sky and Certainly Celery (SU), Vintage Cream (PTI)

Other: Wonky Rectangles (spellbinders), Grass CutsUps (TCP), Cloud (PTI), Green Apple Divine Twine (TCP), Glitzy German Glass Glitter (TCP), Rhinestone brad (SU), Flower Rhinestone from my stash (no source)

Here Comes Poochie Cottontail

2011-04-03T20:27:00.006-07:00

Hello Everyone! Hope everyone is doing well. My week is almost at an end (my weekend falls on Tuesday and Wednesday), so tomorrow is my "Friday" (affectionally known on my team as MonFri) TGIMF! LOL!

I made this card for TCP Tuesday challenge. This was a technique challenge and the fabulous Julie Masse challenged us to make a shaped card...no rectangles or squares (and even a circle card would be considered "blase"). I pondered what I would do. Inspiration then hit! Armed with the knowledge that my recent TCP order had already shipped, I knew that a certain new swanky grass die would be in my hot little hands by Thursday or Friday at the latest (Alma ships super fast considering my order was placed Monday night that same week). The inspiration: A beautiful 2003 Whitewashed Longaberger basket. The end result: An easter basket shaped TCPTUES card complete with grass and easter eggs!

The basket strips are sponged with PTI Chamomile ink and then weaved (just like a real basket) onto the card front (the easter basket template was downloaded and purchased from The Cutting Cafe). Add in a cute TCP easter set (Spring Fling) and a pair of swanky new CutUps grass and banner die and some scrunched seam binding and you have the makings of a super cute card! One of these days, I'll be able to invest in a super good camera (or maybe learn to use the camera I have better) so you can see how super shimmery this is IRL (I used some Smooch Spritz). The pink easter egg is also embossed with the Swiss Dot embossing folder and Poochies car and the little easter eggs trailing behind are all glittered up with Diamond Stickles.

Hope your week is wonderful!

Linda

Get your motor runnin.......

2011-03-28T20:46:00.003-07:00

Hello! Hoping everyone is having a wonderful Tuesday so far. Today I have another card that was created for a TCPTUES challenge! This one was an inspiration challenge and boy did Jen not disappoint.

I mean, how can you not be inspired by something like that? I went with the obvious (i.e. color scheme, scallops and stripes) but when choosing my stamp, I couldn't help but think of Springtime in the Rockies and the ever returning sound of the people hopping on their motorbikes once again. I couldn't help but select the TCP stamp "Joyride" for this challenge! This little gal has the wind blowing freely through her whiskers and ears (not to mention her fashionable scarf)!

This little ladies hotrod has a custom paint job created by Linda's Customs. I'm hoping you can see the coat of crystal effects with a little TCP Glitzy German glass glitter added to the mix. Her tires have even been dolled up with a little Copic Spica pen action.

Hoping to be back soon with something else fun!

Linda

Card deets:

Stamps: Joyride (TCP)

Cardstock: Shimmery White and Certainly Celery (SU), Hibiscus Burst (PTI), Girls Paperie and Making Memories dp

Other: cream felt (PTI), Nesties, Cloud and Banner die (PTI), Icing CutUps Die (TCP), Pink Striped Ribbon (TCP), bling (Prima), Baby Love Glitzy glass glitter (TCP), brads (MM)

Pot O'Sprinkle

2011-03-22T11:09:00.005-07:00

I know...this is getting published a little late. Better late than never I always say!

I actually made this for another TCP Tuesday challenge (TCPTUES148 Lets Get Lucky). The challenge was posted by Susan Liles to use any TCP stamps to wish someone good luck or for St. Patrick's Day!

I have a lot of pics so I'll keep it short and sweet. Used lots of goodies (Pennant CutUps and a bevvy of TCP stamps (including rubber...lol!)) to make this little beauty! Love the little 'Lucky' Jolie's sticker that I found. Not sure how well Alma would approve of PJ drinking a beer, but hey, everyone should celebrate on St. Patrick's Day! *wink*

A TCP St. Pat's Banner wouldn't be the same without Poochie!

One also needs a Shamrock of course.....

And of course you need Sprinkle (the TCP official mascot) thrown in for good measure! The image of Sprinkle poppin out of the Pot O Gold is actually red rubber and can still be found at TCP!

Supplies:

Stamps: It Had To Be Mew, Honey Bear, A Beary Good Year, Pot O'Sprinkle, Poochie (all from TCP).

Paper: Kraft and Shimmery White (SU), Good Luck dp (Remininse)
Other: Pennant CutUps (TCP), Swirl and Swiss Dot embossing folder, Lime Green Stickles, various copics, Bling, Jolee's Stickers, Jenni Bowlin calendar, misc ribbon, eyelets

Honey of a Bear

2011-03-22T10:44:00.003-07:00

Hello again. I'm back with another fun TCP Challenge card! This one was a fabulous sketch challenge posted by one of my stampin idols and cat packers Leigh O'Brien!

I used one of the newest release stamps from The Cats Pajamas called Honey Bear! Little PJ is fast worming his way into my heart as one of my favorite stamps to play with. He is so easy to paper piece (as I did here with MME 'Gertie' Stella & Rose dp) as well as color with Copics. All paper is sponged within centimeters of its life with Pumice Stone Distress ink along with some faux stitching. I also used some other favorite things on this card. I tell ya...what did we do before there were dies? I used my fave Pennant CutUps and Flower Button CutUps from TCP along with a smidge of Lemon Divine Twine (I still need to get over my hoarder tendencies but I'm learning).

Enjoy!

Supplies:

Stamps: Honey Bear (TCP)
Paper: Shimmery White and Baja Breeze (SU), Lemon Tart (PTI), 'Gertie' Stella & Rose dp (MME)
Other: Pennant and Flower Button CutUps (TCP), Lemon Tart Satin Ribbon (PTI), Lemon Divine Twine (TCP), Swiss Dot embossing folder

Softly comes the falling snow......

2010-08-24T20:35:00.004-07:00

OK, I couldn't resist trying to get one last piece in for the first ever TCP Blog Hop.

I really dipped into my stash for this one! You see that beautiful flocked snowflake Vellum? I picked it up a couple of years ago (I think it's made by Making Memories) and this was my last piece. I figure coveting it wasn't doing any good, and sharing it's beauty with someone special will be MUCH better in the long run. I also used my Snowflake nesties and some vintage german glass glitter for the snowflake embellie. And well Sprinkle skating in her little pill box hat and fur muff? Well you just can't get any better than that! LOL! Clean and simple seems to be my style as of late (especially since I have about an 1 1/2 of "me" time at night to make a card, take the picture, edit and upload).

Good thing that I can multi-task like a fiend! Guess it doesn't hurt either that when I'm working I'm dreaming of that little bit of "me" time and what I can create. I deliberately left a sentiment off as I plan on adding it when I figure out who'll be receiving this little beauty come Christmas time!

Enjoy

Linda

Coming in right under the wire!

2010-08-23T20:20:00.005-07:00

I had to get this idea out of my head and onto paper for the first ever TCP Blog Hop!

My SIL decided to surprise us and pop in all the way from Oklahoma! Yikes....I love her to death but it put a huge crunch on my ability to get this finished in time. My stamp area now looks like a tornado hit it but I am happy with how it turned out.

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love Halloween! I have so many cute crafty projects that I have planned for this year it isn't even funny! I love that my kids are in elementary school so I have an excuse to make cute things to give. I even plan on having a Halloween Daily (just like Ali Edwards Christmas Daily album) this year! Anywhoo, here is my project.

Now wait for it!

I am seriously hugging myself because this turned out exactly like I had envisioned it would! I had forgotten how challenging stamping on vellum can be because of the slip, but once I started this I was determined to finish it!

Hope you enjoy!

Linda

Is this thing on?

2010-08-22T22:35:00.006-07:00

Wowzers! It has been an awfully long time that I posted to the ole blogaroonie! Leave it to my trusty TCP stamps to get me off my butt and back into my stamp room! LOL!

What's prompting this remarkable feat you ask? Why the first TCP Blog Hop ever!

Most everyone is playing with the new stamps (and they are adorable so who can blame em?)! Me....I have to go with the stamps that made me fall head over heals in love with Sprinkle to begin with. Yep...the fabulous Valentine's release from long ago (I was shopping with Alma back in the day when she only sold rubber)! LOL!

And Alma, for the first ever TCP blog hop, I wanted to let you know that I dipped into my stash. There is designer paper from Little Yellow Bicycle (including that heart border that I *horrors* cut in to), bling, and that cute little button that I've been saving for the perfect occasion. This picture really doesn't do the card justice, but it was taken after all past 11:00 PM MST....and I'm tired...and I wanted to make sure that I get at least one project in for the first ever TCP blog hop.

Thanks for stopping by!

Linda

Enabler Alert

2008-11-15T08:29:00.004-07:00

Lookie at what is on its way to me! It's on sale today at Hancock Fabrics for $39.99! If you've been wanting one, today is the day to purchase it. There is also free shipping for orders of $50.00 or more (I added bobbins to mine). Maybe my friend Karrie will take pity on me and make me a cute cover for it! LOL!

I'll be putting this little baby to use on my December "Three Peeps" card! Karrie's part of the challenge was to incorporate stitching on the card (either real or faux).

I'm off to clean house and do some laundry! I've also got to help the kiddos with some of their homework. I've been working on a December Daily album project ala Ali Edwards. I'll try posting some pics of some of my more completed pages today. I'm really looking forward to completing this album in December.

Thanks for stopping by!

November Three Peeps Challenge

2008-11-07T10:20:00.003-07:00

I'm late for this month's Three Peeps challenge. Hopefully Toni and Karrie will forgive me! I'm not totally happy with this card...the 'three circles' aspect of the challenge was really challenging me! LOL! I also hate how the sponging on the main image and sentiment turned out. I may just have to remake this one! LOL!

This months challenge was to use a turkey image from TCP, use glitter, and to have three circles present on the card. Two of my circles you can easily see, you may not be able to easily see the circles stamped on the background.

I'm off to go clean my house! Today is going to be a memorable day for both of my boys. They are each going to receive a "Fizz" award at their school spirit assembly today. It will be a huge surprise for both of them. Mommy couldn't be prouder and will be there with camera in hand!

I have a couple of cool projects that I will be tackling this month. When I was able to meet Sue and Toni up in Denver a few weeks ago, Toni and I went shopping. LOL! We each picked up a cute Advent Calendar with slide out drawers to alter. I only purchased the one when I was out with Toni, and then picked up another when I was at Archiver's the other day (when I started thinking about it, each boy would have been wanting their own plus it is something that each will have as a keepsake someday when they are off on their own). I also will be making a December daily album, ala Ali Edwards. I've had fun picking up supplies for this project along with shopping in my own stash.

Thanks for stopping by!

October Three Peeps Challenge

2008-10-05T21:38:00.004-07:00

It's time once again for Karrie, Toni, and I to challenge each other's card making skills. We each choose an individual element for the challenge and let our creativity take it from there.

Karrie's contribution to the challenge was to make a 4"x4" card. Toni's challenge (that little scamp who knows that I have problems using ribbon) was to use not one but TWO ribbons on the card. My part of the challenge was to use any Halloween image (after all, October contains one of my very favorite holidays EVER).

I couldn't resist some of my new Halloween acquisitions from The Cat's Pajamas (I do have the new Halloween clear set that Alma created so stay tuned for some more TCP goodness in the near future). I have a thing for Sprinkle so I absolutely HAD to use her (after all, what is Halloween without a classic black cat image of some sort). I had a lot of fun making this card and was able to shop from my stash of Halloween goodies (including some of my much coveted Martha Stewart ribbon from last year). LOL! I don't know about you, but Martha Stewart comes up with some of the best Halloween and Christmas goodies every year.

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to check out both Toni's and Karrie's blogs. I'm sure that their creations will be fabulous!

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Ghostly Sprinkle, Crooked House (both from The Cat's Pajamas)

Cardstock: Glossy White (SU), Beetle Black sparkle cardstock (Doodlebug), unknown Bazzill textured, Jeepers Creepers Striped (The Paper Company Studio)

Ink: Staz-On Black, Creamy Caramel, Lovely Lilac, Elegant Eggplant, Green Galore, Pumpkin Pie, Only Orange

Other: Nesties, Martha Stewart ribbon, Making Memories bat brads, Stickles, dimensionals

Happy Birthday Karrie!

2008-09-30T00:01:00.001-07:00

My good cyber friend Karrie is having a birthday today! Please be sure to swing by her blog and wish her a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

This is the card that I made for Karrie for her birthday. I figured using my new TCP Birthday sets was most appropriate (after all, she is one of my favorite TCP design team members). Wow...when I think about it, this card has it all: heat embossing, cuttlebug embossing, doodling, bling, glittery touches, watercoloring, etc.....)! I was up until about 1:00 AM making it. I just couldn't stop adding things to the card. LOL!

Hope you enjoy it Karrie and that your birthday is as fabulous as you are!

Card Deets:

Stamps: Smells Like Cake, You Say It's Your Birthday Balls (all from The Cat's Pajamas)

Cardstock: Shimmery White, Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette

Ink: Black Staz-On, Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette

Other: Nesties, Swirls Cuttlebug embossing folder, Copic Spica glitter pens, Stickles, WWC, various SU punches, ribbon and bling from my stash, large eyelets

Last of my OBP cards!

2008-09-25T08:00:00.001-07:00

Here are the last of the cards that I made for the Johanna's "Talk Like a Pirate" challenges over on SCS! I LOVE challenges...they get me off my duff and actually in my stamp area creating things for a change. I have so many stamping things on my 'to do' list (i.e. birthday card for Karrie, ATCs for a couple swaps I signed up for, baby shower card, Three Peeps challenge card, etc.) so I should at least have a few things to share soon.

Here is challenge #6: Use the cover of your favorite pirate movie as inspiration. My pirate movie was "Pirate's of the Caribbean: At World's End". Who doesn't LOVE this whole series? This is incoporates a pirate ship from The Cat's Pajamas (who is having an awesome stamp release tomorrow)! The Planet Earth is from Odd Bird Planet.

Here is challenge #15: Make a card that incorporates a circle in some way. These stamps are also from one of the monthly specials that Odd Bird Planet was running. I love these deals and snag them up whenever the stamp sets really appeal to me.

Here is challenge #18: Make a card for your mum!

These are some of my cute Memory Box penguin images. I was inspired by the tutu to use the pink ribbon.

Thanks for stopping by!

A couple of my favorites.....

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

Here are a few more of my challenge submissions for Johanna's "Talk Like a Pirate" challenge weekend on SCS!

Here is Pirate Challenge #7: Make a card with a tree in it. This one by far is my favorite! I had this idea in my head and it executed perfectly on paper!

The trees are from the Stampin Up Lovely as a Tree set (which I will never get rid of). I don't know about you, but I love using glossy cardstock for cool effects like this one. One of my last orders from Just Johanna, included a grab bag of sorts of rubber by the ounce that she was offering (the rubber was for discontinued sets). In my 'comments' when I submitted the order, I asked Johanna if she could specifically include any Halloween images (as I love Halloween). Johanna was sweet enough to include Halloween images per my request (which included a TON of current images too)! You just have to LOVE customer service like that! Am I a dedicated customer now? YOU BET!

Here is Pirate Challenge # 10: Make a card for a little boy.

Both of my boys approved of this card, so I think that I hit the mark. These stamps were one of Johanna's special deals a little while back. This was my very first purchase from Odd Bird Planet. I used some Basic Grey paper (their baby line from a little while back) to paper piece the hot air balloon. The black background is some of that super glittery sugared Doodlebug cardstock.

Tah for now! I'll see you tomorrow with a few more posts!

Ahoy There!

2008-09-23T09:28:00.004-07:00

Johanna (of Just Johanna's Odd Bird Planet) was having a "Pirate" challenges all weekend over on SCS. I was DETERMINED to get some stamping done and was able to complete 7 of the card challenges.

Here are my submissions for Challenge # 1: Stamp a Critter, Turn it into a Pirate

This is Flo Owl all decked out as a Pirate. Flow has a hand drawn peg leg and eye patch. She is sporting a pirate hat that was borrowed from Pirate Kitty (from TCP). Her sword came in the rubber grab bag special that Johanna was running a little while back. Nothing too elaborate for this challenge.

Challenge #2: Incorporate Treasure (bling, sparkles, glitter, gems, costume jewelry, etc.) into a card. If you know me, I was ALL over this challenge.

I had FUN with this one! This is Allison Little Owl who is sporting a little pirate hat that came in my rubber grab bag (I don't even think the little pirate hats are available anymore, but gosh are they ever cute and fun to work with). I stamped her on top of the Pirate Booty treasure chest from TCP and watercolored using my WWC and Copic Spica glitter pens. Used lots of bling from my stash on the inside of my pirate chest. The sentiment is also from TCP. I used my new Pacific Point and Riding Hood Red In Color cardstock colors from SU on this one (the new Riding Hood Red satin ribbon is to die for BTW). I thought that the Swirls cuttlebug embossing folder looked like waves and attempted to capture that feel by cutting selective portions out.

Be back tomorrow with a couple more challenge submissions!

Three Peeps Challenge

2008-09-04T20:00:00.000-07:00

Two of my favorite peeps and I decided that we would start doing a monthly challenge of sorts here on our blogs. Who are those peeps you ask? None other that the uber talented Karrie Baker and Toni Armstrong. These two ladies have talent literally seeping from their pores! They're just that good! If you've never checked out their blogs, I highly encourage you to do so.

The three of us will all be contributing one factor to each of our challenges (i.e. specific stamp set, color, sketch, element, etc.). For our very first challenge, Toni challenged us to all use the new Birthday stamps from The Cats Pajamas. Karrie challenged us to use the color Turquoise in our creations. My required element you ask? Must use BLING BABY!!! LOL!

I was lucky enough to get the new Smells Like Cake and You Say It's Your Birthday stamp sets shipped before the official release date from the super cool and swanky designer for The Cats Pajamas, Alma de la Rosa. Alma not only designs the swankiest stamps on the planet, but she was also kind enough to listen and respond to the manic begging that came from me the second I saw the first sneek peek from her design team for the new sets. Thank You Alma!!!

So are you ready? Here goes....

Is this not the cutest little gift card holder that you have ever seen? I've been wanting to try the pattern for the Gift Card Holder that Jenn Balcer created for SCS for the longest time, and finally had the perfect opportunity with this challenge! I love how I was able to showcase so many of the different TCP images on one project.

Here is a picture of the inside. The gift card holder features two coin envelopes. One envelope is for the actual gift card, the other is for a stamped insert that you can write your greeting, etc.

Please be sure to check out both Karrie's and Toni's blogs as I'm sure that they each made something absolutely adorable! Thanks for stopping by!

Recipe:
Stamps: Smells Like Cake, You Say It's Your Birthday (all from The Cat's Pajamas)
Cardstock: Tempting Turquoise, Cool Caribbean, Lovely Lilac, Shimmery White
Ink: Black Staz-On, Tempting Turquose, Pixie Pink
Other: Assorted Copics, Copic Spica glitter pens, Sakura stardust glitter pen, various stickles, Kaiser bling, rectangle nesties, dimensionals, Fresh Favorites II eyelets, ribbon, dimensionals, Ticket Corner punch, 1 1/4 Circle punch

What I did over Labor Day Weekend

2008-09-04T14:17:00.006-07:00

I know that this post is a few days late, but the photos are too pretty NOT to share. LOL!

Every year over the Labor Day weekend holiday, Colorado Springs, CO has a hot air balloon classic. It is not for the faint of heart (nor slow to rise) as you have to get up at what I fondly refer to as "O-dark-thirty" to go and see the balloons. As the kids have gotten older, it has been a little easier to get them out of bed ("when it is still night" according to the kiddos...LOL!)!

This is the very first balloon that took off! The balloon pilot wanted to be the very first one to touch the lake and get a cup of water.....

Here the balloon pilots are starting to inflate for the very first 'wave' of balloons to take off!

Here is Harland and Christopher! Harland now has his very own digital camera and was busy snapping photos left and right. Unfortunately, Harland came down with a nasty ear infection on Monday night. I had to take him to the Emergency Room at our local hospital on Tuesday morning. We did not make it out of there until 4:00 AM. Tired kid and tired mommy! LOL!

The ever popular Noah's Ark balloon!

This is the very first time that I have ever seen this ladybug....

Loved the patriotic Red, White, and Blue balloon! That is Cheyenne Mountain in the background.

I have many more pictures (literally in the hundreds) but thought I would share just a few! Our balloon classic isn't as big as the one held in Albuquerque, NM that goes on in October, but it is still fun to go to!

Gnome Down - Take 3

2008-08-23T17:25:00.004-07:00

So today at work, on one of my breaks I check my e-mail to see a note from my good cyber-friend Karrie telling me that she already posted her card for the third installment of our Gnome Down challenge with our new Odd Bird Planet stamps. I couldn't resist taking a peek at Karrie's card and just couldn't believe what I saw with my eyes! Once again we were very much on the same wavelength, this time each using the little Mushroom Scene from OBP. Karrie's card is a stunner with such beautiful watercoloring...my card really pales in comparison! My favorite thing about my card is the shimmery red mushroom tops with the white polka dots (and of course the cute OBP images)!

My hat is off to Karrie as I just love her card! Please check out her card here! Stay tuned for the next challenge...I'm thinking that we'll be having fun with Sprinkle and the rest of the gang next! Maybe we can have a Triple Play challenge of sorts and involve Toni in our fun.

Thanks for stopping by!

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Kelly's Sleeping Gnome left, Mixed Mushroom group, Cathrine's Gnome Hammock, Catherine's Mushroom Scene

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Shimmery White

Ink: Timberbrown Staz-On, Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip

Other: WWC, Aquapainter, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Copic Spica glitter pens, Chocolate taffeta ribbon, dimensionals, mat pack and needle tool, white gel pen

Gnome Down - Installment #2

2008-08-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

OK....since I had another one of these masked and stamped images laying about from my first gnome challenge with Karrie, I couldn't let it go to waste (that is after all a 5x5 inch panel of my coveted shimmery white paper)! LOL!

I decided to go for a cute wintery scene! The base card is a 6x6 inch piece of Naturals White paper. I used so many glittery products on this particular card to make it sparkle like winter scene with fresh fallen snow, I almost lost count! And can I say that I am loving the new SU In Color Baja Breeze!

I first watercolored my scene, and then masked both images and sponged in my sky (Soft Sky and Baja Breeze). I added a few glittery touches here and there with my Copic Spica glitter pens. Next I used a Versamarker to strategically highlight a few areas in which snow would collect on a little mushroom house. I then sprinkled on some Winter Wonderland embossing powder (Stampendous) and set with my heat gun. I then used some Liquid Applique in a few spots (including the smoke coming from the chimney) and again covered with the same embossing powder for some added texture and sparkle. I used Diamond Stickles in a few spots for extra glitter. The snowflakes on the card base are from the SU set, The Snowflake Spot (which was stamped in Baja Breeze). I also used the 'dots' stamp from the same set for the falling snow on the focal image.

All I can say is that I had fun 'shopping' from my stash of stuff to find things for this card!

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to check out Karrie's card here. Our next installment of the Gnome Down will be Saturday! Hmmmm.....which Gnome to use?

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Kelly's Gnome Right, Cathrine's Gnome Home (all from Odd Bird Planet), The Snowflake Spot (retired SU)
Cardstock: Shimmery White, Naturals White, Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Figgy Pudding (Basic Grey)
Ink: Black Staz-On, Soft Sky, Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red, Pacific Point, Versamark, Versamarker
Other: WWC, Copic Spica Glitter Pens, Diamond Stickles, Winter Wonderland ep (Stampendous), Liquid Applique, velvet ribbon from stash, photo corner punch, scallop edge punch, glitter brads (KI Memories)

Gnome-down with Karrie!

2008-08-16T20:06:00.009-07:00

So...the other night I open up my e-mail to find a notification that one of my stamping idols posted a comment to my meager little blog. The comment went something like this:

"A MONTH SINCE YOU LAST UPDATED????? What the HECK?? LOL I miss you...come out and play. I will if you will... :) "

That stinker Karrie (whom at my discretion I may refer to as 'The NAG' from time to time) dangled a tempting little carrot in front of my nose in the way of a challenge. For your viewing pleasure, we are using some of our recently acquired stamps from the Odd Bird Planet. We both fell in love with the new Gnomes from the OBP line. If you've never been to Odd Bird Planet, I highly recommend it (although be warned, you may leave with your wallet feeling a little lighter)! LOL! While you're there, you should check out the cute owls that Karrie designed. They can be found in the new releases section (along with the gnomes). I picked up every single one of them so you can expect to see something cute made with these stamps soon!

I wish that you could see how sparkly this card is! I hand drew the polka dots on the mushroom cap and then covered the spots with Martha Stewart chunky white glitter. I then used my Copic Spica glitter pens all over for some extra shimmery goodness! The scene was masked and the sky and grassy area were sponged. The rest of the scene was watercolored. If you click on the picture, you may be able to pick up on a little bit of the sparkle.

Karrie and I will probably have another challenge of sorts after the new The Cats Pajamas release. You all know how much I *heart* Sprinkle! Please stop by Karrie's blog and check out her card. I'm sure that she'll be posting it soon!

Thanks for stopping by!

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Gnome Sweet Gnome, Kelly's Gnome Right, Cathrine's Gnome Home (all from Odd Bird Planet), Sanded (SU Background)

Cardstock: Old Olive, Real Red, Shimmery White, Chocolate Chip, Real Red dp (all SU)

Ink: Black Staz-On, Chocolate Chip, various re-inkers

Other: WWC, Sakura glitter pen, Copic Spica glitter pens, Martha Stewart Chunky and Fine Crystal glitter, Real Red brads, Corner Punch, Scallop Edge punch, dimensionals, velvet ribbon

Pure Sparkly Goodness

2008-07-15T00:00:00.004-07:00

A little while back, I hosted an ATC swap over on Splitcoaststampers. The only requirement was to use The Cats Pajamas stamps. I was lucky enough to have some of The Cats Pajamas royalty (i.e. Karrie Baker, Julee Tillman, and Toni Armstrong) participating in my swap, so I knew that I wanted my swaps to be as special as I could make them. The two ATCs below are my contributions to the swap. I have to say that these are probably my favorite ATCs that I have ever created!

Here is my Yankee Doodle Sprinkle ATC. Lots of glittery touches on this one with the sugared cardstock and stickles. The laser cut Star cardstock is by KI Memories.

Here is my Rocket Ship ATC. I love how my planet turned out! I used my two SU oval punches to make the 'ring' around Saturn. The rocket itself was stamped on Cogsmo (Crate Paper) designer paper and paper pieced.

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies Yankee Doodle Sprinkle:
Stamps: Patriotic Sprinkle, Frisky 4th
Cardstock: Shimmery White (SU), Blue Jean, Lily White (Doodlebug sugared cardstock), Red Laser Cut Stars (KI Memories)
Ink: Staz-On Black, Brilliant Blue, Real Red
Other: Word Window punch, 1/4 Circle Punch, Star Brads, Copic Spica glitter pens, Christmas Red stickles, dimensionals

Supplies TCP Rocket Ship:
Stamps: It's a Mod, Mod World
Cardstock: Wild Wasabi (SU), Beetle Black, Lily White, Bumblebee (Doodlebug sugared cardstock), White (Papertrey), Cogsmo dp (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink: Staz-On Black
Other: Star Brads (Making Memories), small and large oval punches, 1" Circle punch, ticket corner punch, bling, Lime Green Stickles, dimensionals

Sherbert Colors ATC

2008-07-14T00:00:00.001-07:00

Here is another ATC that I made for a swap over on Splitcoaststampers. This swap was hosted by one of my new cyber friends Sue who also hails from the beautiful state of Colorado. Sue has some beautiful stamped work and she also always has a picture or two of the beauty that the state of Colorado has to offer. Would you believe that she actually hikes up fourteeners as a form of recreation?

For this swap, we were to use "Sherbet" colors of green, yellow and orange. As you can probably tell, I had a really hard time fitting orange into this ATC! I managed to incorporate a little orange with the ribbon and 'sherbet' in the ice cream cone. I just love this Penny Black frog image...he always puts a smile on my face! He was stamped in Craft Black and embossed with detail clear embossing powder. I then colored him in with some Copics and glittered his little belly with some Diamond stickles. The ice cream cone also was gone over with my Copic glitter pens for some extra sparkle. The green and yellow cardstock is some awesome shimmery cardstock that I find at Archivers. The designer paper is from DCWV and is already pre-glittered. A little bling in the upper right corner finishes this ATC off!

Thanks for stopping by!

ATC Recipe:
Stamp: Ice on the Pond (Penny Black)
Cardstock: Shimmery White, Shimmery Green, Shimmery Yellow, DCWV
Ink: Black Craft
Other: Detail Clear ep, misc ribbon, bling, Diamond Stickles, Copic Spica glitter pens, Nestabilities

Birds of a Feather ATC

2008-07-11T00:00:00.001-07:00

Quick post today! This is an ATC that I made for a swap over on Splitcoaststampers. The swap theme was "Birds of a Feather". I wanted to go for a soft and vintage look with my ATC and I think I achieved what I was going for.

I first stamped my En Francais backgrounder in Sahara Sand on Very Vanilla cardstock (the image was stamped off once). The bird image is from my Inkadinkado Birds Galore clear stamp set and was overstamped on top of the background in Close to Cocoa ink. I then sponged some Blush Blossom ink around the edges and matted the image in Brushed Gold Cardstock. The ATC base is Blush Blossom. I then topped off the focal image with some self adhesive pearls and called it good.

Thanks for stopping by!

"HI"

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

I always admire those stampers that can make a no layer or single layer card that simply WOWS! I do not feel that I fall into that category by any means, but I have to say that I really am pleased with how this card turned out.

Using elegant materials = an elegant card. The card base is a wonderful die cut card from Creative Cuts and More. It is a lovely metallic cardstock called "Quartz" (which is a beautiful shimmery cream color). I love anything with shimmer to it and all I can say is that I will be getting more of this color in the future! I stamped one of the flourishes from my Pollen Dust (Fancy Pants) set in the lower right corner in Basic Black ink. The letters on the inside of the card are some leftover glittered chipboard letters that I used for a Valentines project earlier this year (they are from the Smitten line from K & Co). I then used some beautiful Pink and Black velvet ribbon (May Arts) that I purchased from Archivers and some pink bling to further accent this simple card.

Ciao!

Christophers Birthday Card

2008-07-10T00:00:00.001-07:00

Here is the card that I made for Christopher for his 5th birthday. It's so hard to believe that my baby is 5 years old. He'll be going to Kindergarten this fall (sniff) and I know that I'll just cry like a baby when he walks through those school doors.

I used one of Julee's sketches as a starting off point. I believe that this was the Mojo Monday 44 sketch.

The card base is Blue Bayou followed with a Soft Sky layer that was ran through my Cuttlebug. I stamped Big Sprinkle and Lil Party Hat on Shimmery White and colored with a mixture of SU markers and Copic Spica glitter pens (if you click on the image, you may just be able to see some of the shimmer from these pens in action). The image was matted on Wild Wasabi (I'm really going to miss this years In Colors from SU). The '5' is from SU's Big Deal Numbers and is stamped in Blue Bayou.

Thanks for stopping by!

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Big Sprinkle, Lil Party Hat (both from The Cats Pajamas), Big Deal Numbers (SU)
Ink: Blue Bayou, Staz-On Black
Cardstock: Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Wild Wasabi, Shimmery White, Cogsmo dp (Crate Paper)
Other: Dimensionals, Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Scalloped Circle and 1" Circle Punch (SU), Perfect Layers tool

Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer

2008-07-09T14:59:00.007-07:00

This card showcases multi-tasking at its best! It was originally made for last weeks The Cats Pajamas Tuesday (TCPTUES14) and the Wednesday sketch challenge (SC183) over on Splitcoaststampers. It also includes a wonderful die cut card from Creative Cuts and More! It was originally going to be posted on Saturday (along with a cute picture of my youngest son blowing out the candles on his birthday cake). It was Saturday afternoon that I discovered that the memory card on my digital camera was corrupt. Every single picture that was taken on my sons birthday was lost. :-( I can always retake pictures of my cards, but unfortunately I can't retake the birthday photos. I only today just picked up a new memory card for my camera (so I'm finally able to post some of the things that I've been creating).

The central image is "Relaxing" Sprinkle. She was stamped in Black Craft ink and embossed with detail clear (so her coat is super glossy)! I then colored in the image with a few of the Copic markers that I now possess. The patterned paper and sparkle brads are from the Archivers exclusive "Endless Summer" line by WeRMemory Keepers. I stamped the "Bubbles" stamp in Versamark around the perimeter of the card. I also stamped the "Bubbles" stamp on the inside of the card in "Summer Sun".

The card base is from Creative Cuts and More. The color is Bazzil "Lemon Bliss" and the mat color is "Caribbean Breeze". What makes this card super special is the inside.

Is that not the coolest? This is the Heart Fold-Up Explosion Card Set. This is such a WOW effect for so very little effort! I encourage you to go and check out Terry's site. It is full of many wonderful things in every color imaginable under the sun.

And speaking of relaxing....here is a picture of Bella! She loves to come up and lay by my keyboard whenever I am posting or surfing the web.

Lastly, I have to toot my own horn here a little bit! Have you seen who won is the Swanky Stamper over on The Cats Pajamas? Yep....it's me! I didn't even find out that I had won until about 9:00 PM that night (as I was too busy to log on to the computer). I am trying so hard to wait until the next release. I can't wait to see what Alma has been cooking up!

Thanks for stopping by!

You gotta kiss a LOT of frogs....

2008-06-28T12:44:00.005-07:00

Here is my entry for this weeks TCP Tuesday challenge. Leigh O'Brien was this weeks "Hostess with the Mostess" and she gave us an awesome color challenge to use. The challenge colors are below and they are simply divine together.

I made this card with a co-worker in mind. She is all of 21 years old and she is getting harassed by her family who keeps asking her why she isn't married yet (at one point, they even asked her if she was gay). All I know is that at 21, I was a L-O-N-G way away from wanting to settle down and get married. When I think of the caliber of the guys out there that were in my age group? NO WAY! I just don't understand why her own family is making her feel bad (she was actually in tears talking to me). My advise to her was that she needs to kiss a lot of frogs before she will eventually find her Prince Charming and that she will find him some day. I'm hoping that this will bring a smile to her face.

I inked up "Frog Prince" and stamped him multiple times on Shimmery White cardstock. I masked off his crown using good old post it notes and used my handy dandy Stamp-a-ma-jig to get the placement exactly right (with the right tools, I can do ANYTHING....LOL)! I colored in the frogs using a few of the Copic markers that I do own and then added a little Diamond Stickles to their little frog bellies for a little shimmer. I then watercolored the background of the frog panel with Soft Sky reinker and then matted with Old Olive cardstock. The "Frog Prince" main focal image was also colored with Copics, but he also received a little extra treatment with my Copic Spica glitter pens (to make him really stand out from the others). I doodled a little dot border around him to make the image pop a little further. He was matted with a Ruby Red scalloped heart.

The card base is Soft Sky that has been stamped with the Linen background with Soft Sky ink. I then overstamped the background with the "Balls" stamp from TCP. I just love the soft, textural feel that stamping these two backgrounds adds to the card. I cut off about 3/4 of an inch from the right side of the card to add a little visual interest. I then made a scalloped edge with my corner rounder and added some Ruby Red eyelets using my Crop-O-Dile. Inside the card reads "Frogs. Princes. I've kissed them all". How very true this is!

And speaking of a handsome prince.....here is a picture of my oldest son at his Kindergarten graduation! He may be a little young for my co-worker, but I know that he'll make someone very happy someday (after all, his mama is raising his right!)!

Thanks for stopping by! I'll be posting some ATCs that I've made in the past few weeks within the next few days. I hosted a TCP swap and I was really pleased with the ATCs that I came up with (but I want my fellow swappers to see them first).

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Frog Prince, Balls (both from The Cats Pajamas), Linen (SU)
Cardstock: Shimmery White, Soft Sky, Ruby Red, Old Olive
Ink: Black Staz-On, Soft Sky
Other: Aquapainter, Fresh Favorites I eyelets (SU), Pewter Hodgepodge (SU), Soft Sky stitched ribbon (SU), Nestabilities (sm and lg rectangles, plain and scalloped hearts), small corner rounder, Crop-o-dile

Yankee Doodle Sprinkle

2008-06-11T10:04:00.007-07:00

ETA: Kitty wanted to know how I got the colors so perfectly placed on Sprinkle. I actually stamped Sprinkle twice. Once in Brilliant Blue and once in Basic Black. I cut out Sprinkles little vest and glued it in place with my Quickie glue pen. Sprinkles hat was also cut out and popped up on a dimensional. I used Christmas red stickles over the blue striped areas of the hat (the red covers the blue beautifully) and added diamond stickles to the stars in the hat. Hope this helps!

ETA2: Hey, I just saw that you can click on the picture to make it bigger on this particular card. So you CAN see all of the bling and sparkle. Don't know if I did anything diffeent or if it has always been this way. LOL!

I made this for Leigh's challenge on her blog for The Cats Pajamas. Leigh is the hipster hostess this week and has an awesome sketch for us to try! Leigh is always such an inspiration, and if you don't already visit her blog, I encourage you to do so.

I'm hosting an ATC swap over on Splitcoaststampers for fellow The Cats Pajamas lovers. I've been playing with my Patriotic Sprinkle stamp for the ATC that I'm creating and couldn't resist using her this week (after all, who can resist Sprinkle when she is all dolled up in Red, White, and Blue?). I didn't follow Leigh's sketch exactly but I think it still works. I just couldn't bear to cover up all that gorgeous Doodlebug glittered cardstock and the intricate lace cardstock from KI Memories.

Spinkles hat and vest were both stamped in Brilliant Blue and then cut out carefully. I then stamped Sprinkle in Basic Black on a Shimmery White circle that was cut out with my Nestabilities. The hat is colored with Christmas Red and Diamond stickles for some serious sparkle power and popped up on a dimensional. Her little bow tie also has some stickles too. The fireworks were colored with my Copic Spica glitter pens.

I wish the picture would show all of the beautiful shimmer and sparkle! Thanks for stopping by!

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Patriotic Sprinkle, Frisky 4th, Fireworks (all from The Cats Pajamas)
Ink: Basic Black, Real Red, Brilliant Blue
Cardstock: Shimmery White (SU), Ladybug, Blue Jean, Lily White (Sugar Coated cardstock Doodlebug Design), Stars Lace Cardstock (KI Memories)
Other: Star Brads (retired SU), star punch, key tag punch, Circle Nesties, Copic Spica glitter pens, Christmas Red and Diamond stickles, silver cord (retired)

Don't You Wish That You Were Hot Like Me?

2008-05-31T16:52:00.007-07:00

Sprinkle is H-O-T! No doubt about it, she is one hot mama! I made this for Toni's color challenge over on her blog for The Cat's Pajamas. We were to use Orange, Yellow, and White. Colors I typically avoid. Sprinkle is so confident there, she just puts herself out there for all to be admired (she knows that she is a hottie)!

I've seen these cute little purses here and there and wanted to give one a try. All I can say is easy peasy! Now I just need to make one more for Christopher (as Harland has already laid claim to this one).

I stamped 3 small flowers in white Staz-On on a clear envelope from Stampin Up. Sprinkle Annette was stamped on Shimmery White and then colored with some Copic markers and Copic Spica glitter pens. Her little shoes are colored only with the Copic Spica glitter pen (I wanted her to look like she is wearing jellies). Her sunglasses are colored with a Sakura glaze pen (which gives incredible dimension and an uber smooth feel once dry). She is all shimmery and glossy just like a black feline should be! LOL! You would NEVER catch Sprinkle rolling around in dirt (much like my Bella).

Thanks for stopping by! I'll hopefully have some more eye candy for you to see tomorrow!

Purse Recipe:
Stamps: Sprinkle Annette, 3 Small Flowers (The Cat's Pajamas)
Cardstock: Only Orange, Bumble Bee Sugar Coated Cardstock (Doodlebug), Shimmery White
Ink: Staz-On Black & White
Other: Copic Spica glitter pens, Sakura glaze pen, ribbon from my stash, velcro, sticky strip, crop-o-dile, Cuttlebug Dots embossing folder

The Card That Almost Wasn't......

2008-05-29T20:42:00.005-07:00

The fact that I'm able to post this card is somewhat of a miracle. I had such a cute idea in my head for this particular card. The evolution of this card however came out of sheer necessity. Let me explain......

I received this gorgeous 5 1/4 inch square card from Terry at Creative Cuts and More. The card itself is made from my very favorite Cryogen White (can you say *shimmer*) with the foldout square in Bubble Gum velvet paper. You do the math.....Shimmer + Velvet = one easily gorgeous creation.

I knew I wanted to use my Hero Arts Yoo Hoo Owl sparkle clear set as I've seen so many cute Owl cards lately. I work frantically to get the boys to bed so I can have some me time. The boys are pleading "One more bedtime story mommy?" and I give them an emphatic "No! It's a school night...you need to go to sleep!" I probably should have read them the extra story.....

Here's the disaster as it unfolded....

1. When I go to stamp my second image (the smallest owl), the image only transfers part of the way. I waited too long and the Staz-On ink on the image wasn't wet enough. Yikes! I tell myself..."OK, this is the beauty of clear stamps....reink the image and you'll be able to perfectly position it so that you don't have double lines!". I actually DID do a good job of stamping the image, only I pressed too hard and the image looks a little darker than the others.

2. Then my sweet little Bella comes traipsing along. Sweet Bella walked over my stamping scrub and got one of her little feet on the wet side. Sweet Bella thinks that her paw print would make a mighty fine addition to my stamped artwork and decides to walk over the card, thus making her mark on the art world forever. Here is a picture of sweet Bella! She really likes the bonding time with mommy in the office/stamp room! My husband would tell her that she is not his idea of "computer software". Bella would disagree!

The rest shall we say is history. I had not planned on having bling in the lower left and upper right of the card. I also did not originally plan on using a luscious brown velvet ribbon with my card either. The bling and the ribbon are there to hide sweet little kitty paw prints! LOL! Without the ribbon, I wouldn't have done the piercing down the left side of the card. Nor would I have pierced the upper right hand corner either. I think the only original idea that came to fruition is that the largest owl is super sparkly!

I guess the morale of the story is to keep moving forward. I know that I'm not the only one out there who has had to salvage their work! Don't get me started on the mishaps of trying to take a photo of the card outside! LOL! At least you can see the pretty shimmer of my favorite Cryogen White paper!

Thanks for stopping by!

Recipe:

Cardstock: 5 1/4 inch square Foldout Window Card (Cryogen White, Bubble Gum Velvet Paper)

Stamps: Yoo Hoo Owl (Hero Arts)

Ink: Timber Brown Staz-On, Garden Green

Other: Watercolor crayons, Copic Spica glitter pens, Hero Arts bling, Chocolate Velvet ribbon (Jacksonbelle Embellishments), paper piercer and mat pack, glue dots

Somebody STOP me!

2008-05-29T08:10:00.005-07:00

My name is Linda and I am addicted to ATCs! I don't know how it happened, but somehow I wound up signing up for 7 ATC swaps over on SCS. One swap was mailed off without my even having a chance to even get a photo of what I made (hopefully I'll be receiving one of those back so I can share it with you here).

Here is an older ATC that I made for a technique lovers swap (this was actually made back in February or March and I finally got around to photographing it and posting it here). The technique is Faux Mother of Pearl. I used my retired Botanicals set from SU (one of my favorites) simply stamped in black on top of the Faux Mother of Pearl.

This next ATC is for the Don't Bug Me Swap hosted by Queenie on SCS. For this ATC, we were to use some kind of bug image. I used one of the butterflies from yet another favorite retired SU set, Wonderful Wings. The echnique used is called Acetate Frost (this is from Technique Junkies). The background is done with Alcohol Inks on acetate. The butterfly is then stamped over top with Staz-On. Talk about a challenge! I can't tell you how many beautiful backgrounds got placed in the trash because I got a blurred image.

My last ATC is for a Flower Power swap (also hosted by Queenie on SCS). For this ATC, I used the Wet Watercolor technique. I used my newly purchased Penny Black Lace Flower stamp and colored in with markers. I then misted with water and stamped three consecutive times on Shimmery White cardstock. I then added a little Diamond stickles to make them sparkle like nobodies business.

I'll come back in later to edit in all the details. Right now, I have a hungry little 4 year old demanding breakfest.

Thanks for stopping by!

Easy Peasy!

2008-05-27T19:18:00.004-07:00

Don't you just love it when something comes together in a flash? I know that I do! LOL! As a mom to two young boys (and who also has to work a full time job) my stamping time is L-I-M-T-E-D! My best friend is celebrating a birthday today and this little ditty is going to hold a gift certificate inside for a pedicure!

This is a wonderful die cut that I received from Creative Cuts and More. It is the Bell Box with Layers. The box itself is made from Bazzill smoothies Coconut Cream with the green layers in Pear Crush. This literally took me 15 minutes to throw together (I swear it took longer to figure out what stamp sets to use).

Some people can come up with box patterns off the top of their heads. I'm NOT one of those people. I'm one of those people that appreciate the pre-made things that you can doctor up and make to look fabulous! I would rather spend the limited time that I have available to stamp getting creative (plus I find that I tend to waste a lot of very good cardstock in my box making attempts). LOL! If you've never visited Terry's site, I heartily encourage you to do so! You can specify what color/texture you want in all of the available die cut options that she has available.

I'll be having some more items posted this week using some of the fabulous products from Terry's site. Stay tuned!

Box recipe:

Die Cut Box: Bell Box with Layers (Bazzill Smoothies Coconut Cream and Pear Crush)

Stamps: Garden of Life, Limitless Labels (both from Papertrey Ink)

Ink: White Craft, Key Lime VersaMagic

Other: Hero Arts bling, detail clear and detail white ep

Bewitched

2008-05-23T20:03:00.004-07:00

All right, cue the catchy theme music........

I am so happy with myself right now. This card turned out exactly like I wanted it to! Carole challenged us to create a card inspired by a television sitcom. I chose Bewitched (which when I think about it had a cool black cat of its own) as my inspiration piece. Remember the opening credits with the witches character flying through the night sky with the city as a backdrop with a huge moon overhead?

To get the night sky, I brayered some Lovely Lilac ink on Glossy White cardstock. I have always loved how 'special' glossy cardstock makes a project look and feel. This is probably why I'm so happy with how this turned out (that and my little skyline looks pretty darned cute)! And the moon....that beautiful glittery yellow moon (I'm becoming addicted to the Doodlebug sugar coated cardstock).

Hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! I have some ATCs to work on over the weekend that I'll post.

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Big Sprinkle, Witchy Hat (all from The Cat's Pajamas)

Cardstock: Basic Grey, Gable Green, Glossy White, Bumblebee sugar coated cardstock (Doodlebug)

Ink: Lovely Lilac, Black Staz-On

Other: Lime Green and Diamond stickles, 1 3/8 inch circle punch, brayer, pop-up glue dots

I Love Your Style!

2008-05-22T07:41:00.004-07:00

I made these ATCs for a swap hosted by Tracy Durcan over on her blog. If you've never been to Tracy's blog, I highly recommend it. She has such a wonderful clean style. I hope my fellow swappers like what I made (I'm starting to second guess myself now that I see the ATCs on my computer).

I used my Memory Box 'Boxer Penguin' and matching 'I love you style!' sentiment for the focal images of the ATC. The penguin was stamped with Black craft ink and then embossed with detail clear ep on SU Kraft cardstock. The penguins little shorts are paper pieced from Basic Grey Two Scoops patterned paper. The little hearts are colored in with a pink Copic Spica glitter pen. This is the first time that I've ever really tried paper piecing and it was fun! The rest of the ATC is pretty self explanatory so I won't bore you with the details!

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

What's New, Pussycat?

2008-05-14T11:52:00.005-07:00

I made this for Leigh O'Briens TCP Tuesday sketch challenge on her blog. All I can say is that MANY pieces of patterned paper and cardstock were harmed in the making of this card! LOL! I finally gave up on making a standard A2 sized card as I just wasn't cutting my paper at the proper angles. This card measures 5 1/2 square and uses my new It's A Mod, Mod World set by The Cat's Pajamas. This set is just so retro and fun! It makes me happy just stamping with it! I've got a couple of other card ideas up my sleeves using this sketch, so I'm hoping to have a couple more posts before Saturday.

I also had to share this super cute photo of my boys from last night. When they were tucked in, they each were in their own beds. When I went in their bedroom to check in on them before I went to bed for the night, this is what I found. I asked my youngest son why he crawled in bed with his brother. His reply was "I wanted to have a sleepover"!

Thanks for stopping by!

Card recipe:
Stamps: It's A Mod, Mod World (all images by The Cats Pajamas)
Cardstock: Basic Black, Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Shimmery White, DCWV patterned paper
Ink: Black Staz-On, Heath (Copic V01), Pale Lilac (Copic V12)
Other: Square and Scalloped Square Nestabilities, Signo White Gel pen, Copic Spica Glitter pen, Black Sugar Coated Brads (Doodlebug), mat pack & paper piercer, perfect layers, Soft Subtles 1 eyelets, Corner punch, Large Oval punch, Polka Dot embossing folder

Clearly Sprinkle

2008-05-10T19:32:00.004-07:00

I made this card for the weekly Cats Pajamas Tuesday challenge hosted by Katie. Katie gave us a challenge to use a very specific Cats Pajamas stamp (Ring of Flowers). Unfortunately, I do not own this particular stamp...yet. LOL! It's actually Alma's fault that I don't own this particular stamp as of yet. You see, she keeps releasing uber cool new stamps (i.e. did you see the Christmas clear line, and then the Western line, and then the new Mod, Mod World set?) which put other still needed stamps on the back burner. I decided "What the Heck? What's the worst that could happen if I still entered for the week and made a card without using that stamp....!?!" I decided that I would just use stamps from the same release as the little Ring of Flowers stamp.

Has anyone ever told you how stinking hard it is to photograph acetate cards? This looks MUCH cuter IRL! The lighting at 8:00 at night does not do this card justice. She really has a lot of shimmer and sparkle to her, the camera just did not pick it up. I don't know if you can see it, but there are little rhinestones in the center of each stamped flower on the acetate.

Here's an inside view of the card. I really need to work on my photography skills. LOL!

Hope all of you have a wonderful Mother's Day tomorrow! And in adopted kitty news, our newly adopted kitty has found her courage and is now roaming freely about the house. She went into heat one week and decided that she needed more loving that what her limited space under the bed would allow *snort*! Her name is officially Bella (and Karrie, would you believe that Willy and the boys came up with that on their own without reading my books?)! I'll try to get a good photo of her soon...she is very much a little lap kitty and assistant card maker right now.

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Sprinkle Annette, 3 Small Flowers, What Part of Meow (all by The Cats Pajamas)
Ink: White Staz-On, Black Staz-On, Cool Caribbean, Regal Rose
Cardstock: Whisper White, Cool Caribbean, Regal Rose
Other: WWC, Aquapainter, Copic Spica glitter pens, diamond stickles, bling, May Arts polka dotted ribbon, rectangle nesties, Sakura souffle pen

Tagged!

2008-04-30T07:49:00.003-07:00

I was tagged by Toni over on Moved to the Mountains! I'm going to tag Julee and Karrie!

1. Last music you listened to - Planet Claire by the B52's! I'm trying to get inspired by the music for Toni's TCP on her blog!
2. Last thing you watched on TV - House - I have so missed watching my favorite shows while in training. It feels so good to be back to a normal schedule!
3. Last movie seen - Alvin and the Chipmunks on DVD.
4. Last book you read - There's a Wocket in my Pocket (gotta read the kiddos their bedtime stories).
5. Last person you spoke to - Christopher (my little soon to be 5 year old is wanting to be fed breadfest it seems...LOL!)
6. Last thing you ate - A 'natural' Cheetos cheese puff (no orange fingers...yeah).
7. Last time you laughed - this morning with Harland and Christopher. Something about little boys jumping in mommy and daddy's bed.
8. Last place you visited - Cripple Creek, CO
9. Last web site you visited - Toni's blog
10. Last thing you crafted/created - a card for Carole's TCP Tuesday challenge.

Hula Girl At Heart

2008-04-24T09:41:00.007-07:00

She owns a window to the ocean
She has a pipeline to the sky
But earthly creatures rarely notice
When Guardian Angels pass them by

Like a gecko behind a painting
With hidden wisdom to impart
In a world that needs more dancing
She’s a hula girl at heart
Photographs show she is lovely
Her bare feet are a work of art
Her fragrance speaks of frangipani
Yes she’s still a hula girl at heart....

I don't know about you, but I have been having so much fun with these TCP Tuesday challenges! The second I saw Carole's challenge I knew what kind of scene I wanted to create. I wish that you could see all of the shimmer and texture on this card. The sand and sky shimmer like crazy and the little seashells and starfish are popped up.

I'm cracking myself up with this card with Poochie being buried in the sand and having visions of 'adult beverages' in his head while Sprinkle is just happily hula'ing away! LOL! The best part of the card though (if I do say so myself) is that Sprinkle actually DOES DO the Hula! I made it so that her little skirt moves back and forth! I HAD to borrow Carole's idea for the sun (it was just too stinkin perfect to pass up). Here's some close up pics of Sprinkle doing the Hula! Thank you Carole for a great challenge!

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Card Recipe:
Stamps: Hula Girl, Poochie Frankie, Think Drink, Fun In The Sun, 3 Small Flowers (all by TCP), Do The Hula, Itty Bitty Backgrounds, and Crab & Company (SU)
Cardstock: Shimmery White, Basic Black, Textured Wild Wasabi, YoYo Yellow, Summer Sun, Tahiti Graffiti (Flair Designs patterned paper)
Ink: Black Staz-On, Sahara Sand, Pretty in Pink, Blush Blossom, Almost Amethyst, Versamark
Other: Twinkling H2O's, clear microbeads, crystal effects, dazzling diamonds glitter, Copic Spica Glitter pens, Diamond stickles, dimensionals, white detail ep, white eyelets, Crop-O-Dile

New member to the family....

2008-04-21T11:46:00.003-07:00

For those of you who read my blog on a regular basis, you know that I have a beautiful male cat by the name of Rocky. Sadly, Rocky went to kitty heaven a little over three weeks ago. On Saturday, I went to the humane society just to look. Well, you know how that goes. ;-)

I am now the proud owner of a 1 year old female cat by the name of Duchess (that is what Harland wants to name her anyway). Fraidy cat would be a better name for her at this point but we're working on her. :-) She was a stray and has found her way under my bed in the master bedroom and has only come out long enough to go potty in the litter box and that is it. She'll come to the very edge of the bed to allow me and the kids to pet her and that is about it. She is very friendly and loving (she is purring and chirping and head butting) but she has decided that she'll come out when she's darned good and ready (so no cute photo ops until then). She is petite and all black (like my Rocky and my kitties before her). Shadow (our lab puppy) is just dying to make friends, and luckily the kitty isn't hissing or anything of that nature. I think she'll just take a little time to realize that she's safe and that no one will be hurting her.

Wish us luck!

Surfin USA

2008-04-19T12:00:00.006-07:00

Leigh O'Brien posted an awesome sketch for the 3rd installment of TCP Tuesdays. I just couldn't help myself....I had to break out last summers swanky release and some fun patterned paper from Flair Designs to play along with the challenge.

I used Hula Cat, Poochie Frankie (which I just received in the mail Thursday), and Sprinkle Annette as the main images on the card. They were all colored with reinkers and Copic Spica Glitter pens and then given a little sprinkle of dazzling diamonds for good measure (except Poochie has some of my coveted Art Institute glitter for some shimmery water to surf on). I colored Sprinkle Annette's sunglasses with a Sakura Glaze pen (makes those sunglasses look like a hip pair of Ray-Bans). All images were cut out and embossed with my square and scalloped square nestabilities and then mounted to the patterned paper with dimensionals. I then doodled a little polka dot border with my black Copic Spica glitter pen around all images. I placed two orange eyelets on either end of the image panel using my Crop-O-Dile (they just get a little lost in the patterned paper). All I can say is making this card made me happy! I don't know about you, but I am SO ready for some warmer weather!

Speaking of making me happy...I also just ordered the brand spanking new It's A Mod, Mod World clear set from TCP! I already have some of the images in the set, but I couldn't pass up the images that I DIDN'T have! I think Alma herself said it best when she posted a comment to my Splitcoast gallery for last weeks entry, "You can never have too many TCP stamps"! LOL!

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Card Recipe:
Stamps: Hula Cat, Poochie Frankie, Sprinkle Annette, Hot Stuff (all from TCP)
Cardstock: Naturals White, Shimmery White, Pink Passion, Hit the Beach (Flair Designs patterned paper)
Ink: Black Staz-On, Wild Wasabi, Cool Caribbean, River Rock, Tempting Turquoise
Other: Copic Spica Glitter pens, Square and Oval Nesties, Orange Eyelets, glitter, Sakura glaze pen.

Pimped Up ATC

2008-04-13T18:50:00.003-07:00

Here's an ATC that I made for a swap over on Splitcoast. The theme of the swap was Pimped Up ATC's. We were to use as much bling and glitter as we could possibly stick on an ATC! I hope my fellow swappers like it (my camera had a difficult time focusing due to all the sparkly objects...LOL!)!

ATC Details:

Stamps: Yoo Hoo Owl (Hero Arts clear stamp set)

Ink: Black Staz-On, Wild Wasabi

Cardstock: Wild Wasabi, Shimmery White, Pink Doodlebug glitter paper

Other: Oval Nesties, Hero Arts bling (flowers and rhinestones), Diamond Stickles, Copic Spica glitter pens, WWC, dimensionals, ticket corner punch

What Part of Meow Don't You Get?

2008-04-13T09:57:00.003-07:00

Don't you just L-O-V-E that sentiment? Any cat lover certainly understands! LOL! I made this for the second Tuesday challenge for The Cats Pajamas. I made this super fast yesterday and managed to at least get it posted to SCS and linked to Katie's blog right under the deadline. The challenge was to use either Big Sprinkle or Little Sprinkle on a project.

I've been *ahem* accumulating TCP stamps for a little over a year now and am the proud owner of several stamps. Due to the fact that I'm getting older (or perhaps it is due to the fact that I have young children in the house), I often forget which stamps I have. I made this little journal to write down and keep track of the images and clear sets that I have. When I get a little more time, I am going to try and put tabbed dividers between the pages. The tabbed dividers will be classified by how Alma has her stamps organized on The Cats Pajamas website. I *heart* organization, don't you?

Project recipe:

Stamps: Big Sprinkle, Happy Crown, Slanted Frame, What Part of Meow (all by TCP)

Ink: Black Staz-On

Cardstock: Basic Black, Shimmery White, Lime Crush (Bazzill), KI Memories Pop Culture 'Bedazzled'

Accessories: Rectangle Nestabilities, Stylized Silver Hodgepodge, Lot's O Bling, Copic Spica Glitter Pens, Misc Ribbon from my stash, dimensionals

She wore an itsy bitsy...teeny weeny...yellow polka dot bikini....

2008-04-05T13:58:00.006-07:00

Hello everyone! Long time no post. My life has been busy for lack of a better term. The good news is that my training at T-Mobile is almost at an end and I was fortunate enough to get a 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM shift. I'm working on both Saturday and Sunday, but I'll be able to eat dinner with my family and tuck my boys in at night! Once I'm on my regular shift, I'll be able to stamp a little more once more.

But enough about life and not being able to stamp! You came here to see cute stuff...right? When I saw that The Cats Pajamas will be posting regular challenges on Tuesdays, I jumped for joy! After all, I'm a TCP Design team wanna be! LOL! Toni was the first DT member to post a challenge (and what a wonderful challenge it was)! The challenge was to use TCP trademark colors (hot pink, yellow, black, and white). Using such bright colors is a little out of my comfort zone (although I think it is very strange that it was the Bold Bright color palette from SU that I first purchased...go figure).

So here is my contribution to the challenge. Isn't Sprinkle H-O-T!?! I know that she could pull off a little yellow polka dot bikini if she wanted to.....she is one svelte little momma!!! Wish you could see all the shimmer on this. The yellow part of the innertube was colored with my Copic Spica glitter pen and just shimmers like crazy. And then you just KNOW that I had to put diamond stickles on the little polka dots. Heck, even the ice cubes in her lemonade shimmer. Sigh....I *heart* Sprinkle!

Hope you all enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!

Stamps: Relaxing, Hot Stuff, Three Small Flowers (all from TCP), Polka Dot background (SU)

Cardstock: YoYo Yellow, Pink Passion, Whisper White, Shimmery White, Basic Black

Ink: Black Staz-On, YoYo Yellow, Pink Passion, White Craft

Other: Diamond Stickles, Copic Spica Glitter Pens, Hero Arts bling, Circle and Petite Circle Nestabilities, Dimensionals, small corner rounder punch

Pot O' Sprinkle

2008-03-08T12:03:00.006-07:00

I made this for the Inspiration Challenge over on Splitcoaststampers today (IC118). I've been wanting to get this Sprinkle image inky for what feels like forever! LOL! I have to do a quick post today (I need to get cracking on a birthday cake for the double birthday party tomorrow to celebrate Harland and hubby's birthdays)!
I've got a cute little Poochie image stamped and matted (I'm hoping I'll have time to finish that up tonight).

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Card details:
Stamps: Pot O' Sprinkle, A Bit of the Blarney (The Cats Pajamas)
Ink: Black Staz-On
Cardstock: Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Shimmery White, Reminisce dp (Shamrock Confetti and Lucky You)
Other: corner rounder, ribbon from my stash, petite scalloped circle nesties, bling, Copic Spica glitter pens, WWC, Sakura black glaze pen

Dinking around!

2008-03-08T09:49:00.001-07:00

Woohoo! I've learned how to add my signature to a post. LOL!

A case for using the Stamp-a-ma-jig

2008-03-02T22:16:00.006-07:00

A pretty card ruined by a misplaced sentiment. Why didn't I use my trusty Stamp-a-ma-jig?

Could it be:
a. The little black cat that is giving me love bites on my feet?
b. Is the tool SO complicated that its use would make one wary?
c. Is it 10:20 PM on a Sunday night and I was just too lazy to bring the trusty tool out?
d. Has the Stamp-a-ma-jig been lost to the piles of clutter on my stamp desk?

The answer is C (although D is not too far behind). Don't you hate it when an otherwise pretty card is botched by the misplacement of a sentiment? Oh well...I'm too tired to start it over so I'll just live with it. The card layout and colors and cased from a drop dead gorgeous card made by the very talented Beate Johns (I'll post a link to the specific card later. Right now I've got to start packing my lunch and getting ready to leave for work).

Happy Wednesday!

Stamps: Bloomin' Beautiful, Canvas
Ink: Timber Brown Staz-On, Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue
Cardstock: Always Artichoke, Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip, Watercolor

Other: Chocolate Satin ribbon, vintage brads, Pretties kit, piercer and mat pack, corner punch, WWC, Art Institute glitter, dimensionals

Birthday Cupcake Mojo!

2008-03-02T19:12:00.005-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts this last week. I started my new job on Monday and the training shift is throwing me off (2:30 PM to 11:30 PM). I've also been spending 3 days a week in my oldest sons Kindergarten class (so he will at least see mommy during the week) which means that I'm having to wake up at 6:00 AM. Burning the candle at both ends has left little time for stamping. Hang in there with me though...I have a couple of cute things up my sleeve!

My oldest son will be turning 6 on Tuesday and this is going to be his birthday card. I used Julee's Mojo Monday sketch (Mojo26) over on her blog Poetic Artistry. The card uses my Hero Arts clear Cupcakes set. This is a perfect gender neutral stamp set (after all, boys like cupcakes too)! The sketch this week was a bit of a challenge for me, but I'm happy I gave it a try.

Have a wonderful week!

Stamps: Cupcakes (Hero Arts), Polka Dot (SU Background)

Card Stock: Wild Wasabi, Soft Sky, Pumpkin Pie, Shimmery White

Ink: Black Staz-On, Basic Grey, Soft Sky, Wild Wasabi, Pumpkin Pie, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Barely Banana

Other: Various Punches, Stickles, Wild Wasabi Striped and Double Stitched ribbon, dimensionals, glue dots, Basic Grey chipboard number, aquapainter

Hey There Cupcake!

2008-02-25T13:03:00.000-07:00

This was made for a sketch challenge for the Creative Cuts and More design team members for the month of February. We had two sketch challenges that we could choose from (and you know how much I enjoy sketch challenges). You can see what the other sketch was if you mosy on over to Toni's blog. I have to say, I think that this turned out stinking cute! I typically am not pleased with my attempts at clean, no layer cards (I always like everyone else's, just not mine). I think that this is the first one that I have made that I actually really like (although please feel free to ignore the paperclip in the picture. This was the best way to get a picture of the image within the window)! *wink*

I started off with an A2 Small Circle Window Card in Cryogen White (Curious Metallic). I first masked off a long rectangular section using two post-it notes. I sponged Gable Green dye ink between the two masks, being careful to have the color lighter (almost white) towards the middle. Next I stamped various ribbons (from the Papertrey Ink Faux Ribbon set) in Versamagic Pretty Petunia within the green section. I then used the same Pretty Petunia ink to stamp the sentiment in the lower left hand corner of the card front. My next step was to place a Scallop Frame die cut in Amethyst (Stardream Metallic) to frame the circle. I *heart* this Amethyst color (it reminds me of a beautiful light Tanzanite color, which is one of my favorite gemstones)! Terry offers this Scallop Frame in her store but she doesn't have everything posted on the website yet (once it has been added to the website, I'll edit this post with a link). On the inside of the card, I lined up a cupcake image from my new Hero Arts Cupcakes set using my trusty Stamp-a-ma-jig. I colored the cupcake image with my watercolor crayons and an aquapainter and then added some diamond stickles to the frosting.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wild Thing...I think I LOVE you!

2008-02-24T14:41:00.005-07:00

ETA: Whoops...hit upload too quickly. Forgot to post a picture of the actual card! LOL!

I recently one a lovely set of stamps from Julee over at Verve Visual. I picked the Fancy Florals Remixed set as my free set but *ahem* had to order a few more things to help round out the envelope (why let a perfectly good envelope go to waste shipping just one little thing)! :-) Talk about super fast shipping! I think I received my ship notice late Wednesday night (I placed my order on Wednesday) and received it beautifully packaged in my mailbox on Friday. Thanks Julee!

I made this for Julee's Mojo Monday sketch challenge over on her blog (Mojo25)! I think if there is only one sketch challenge that I have a chance to do weekly, it will always be Julee's. I *heart* her sketches! I used my new Verve Visual Wild Thing set to make this card for my oldest son to tuck in his lunchbox next week. The second I saw this set, I was in love with it. Unfortunately, not having any employment offers in sight at the time, I had to restrict myself from purchasing the set when it first came out. I will be starting my new job tomorrow and I know that my oldest son will be hit the hardest by my being gone again. Unfortunately my new hours will be 2:30 pm - 11:30 pm, and since my oldest always wants me to snuggle him at night for a few minutes before he goes to sleep, he's going to be missing me. However the nice thing about these hours is that I'll be spending time with both of my boys during the day at Harland's school (so hopefully that will make up for the missing mommy at night thing). I know that Harland's teacher is really looking forward to having help during the day.

Karrie was also so sweet in nominating me for the Excellent award (she's such a sweetie)! I think just about everyone that I know of that blogs has this award up on their blog already, so I'm just gonna say "Thank you very much"!

Card details:
Stamps: Wild Thing (Verve Visual)
Cardstock: Papertrey White, Basic Black, Shimmery White, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Basic Black, Pixie Pink, Pretty in Pink, Wild Thing dp (KI Memories)
Other: Dew Drops, Diamond Stickles, Dew Drops, glue dots, dimensionals, Cuttlebug

If casing you is wrong...I don't want to be right!

2008-02-24T14:02:00.006-07:00

*snort*! When I saw who today's Featured Stamper was on Splitcoaststampers, I jumped at the chance to make a card. The very talented Mary Jo Albright is the featured stamper today and she just oozes talent out of every single one of her pores. I know that she inspires me often with her lovely creations! I didn't even have to go far to find a card to case as she has posted the most adorable TCP creations within the past few days (and you know how I love my TCP)! Here is the card that I cased. The rules for the challenge are to case a card, but change up three elements. For my card, I changed the format of the card from square to rectangle, changed the TCP images, and I changed up the colors and designer paper used.

Thanks Beth for the awesome challenge!

Card details:

Stamps: Havin' a Pow Wow (TCP)

Ink: Black Staz-On, Chocolate Chip

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Really Rust, Shimmery White, Outlaw (retired dp SU)

Other: Twill, copper brads (MM), Copic Spica glitter pens, piercer and mat pack, WWC

My future's so bright...I gotta wear shades!

2008-02-23T00:53:00.005-07:00

I can't remember the last time that I used such a bright color combination. Heck...this might be the FIRST time that I've used such a bright color combination! LOL! Sorry for the poor quality picture. We have a cold front moving in and the natural light inside isn't the best right now. Just imagine that the flower is very sparkly! This card is doing double duty for a couple of challenges over on Splitcoaststampers. This is for the Thursday "Open a Window Take Two" (WT154) and the Saturday Inspiration Challenge 116 (IC116). The Thursday challenge was to make a card with a window. The Saturday inspiration challenge was based off this colorful scene found in the Country Living Magazine. As you can see, I pulled colors from the scene to make this cheerful card.

I was lucky enough to have a window card in the perfect shade of green from Creative Cuts & More. This is the A7 Square Window Card in Apple Crush (Bazzill Smoothies). I stamped the Polka Dots backgrounder from SU on 3/4 of the card front in Basic Black. I then cut a small slit on the spine of the card in which to thread a scrap of some Polka Dot ribbon through to tie around the left side of the card. The focal image is a beautiful Poppy image from Stampendous (Open Bloom). I stamped the Poppy on Citrine Stardream Metallic cardstock with Black Staz-On. I watercolored with a Pixie Pink watercolor crayon and then lightly outlined the flower with Cool Caribbean reinker to make it pop a little. I then took the flower center (which is a separate stamp that is included in the Open Bloom set) and stamped using my Essential Glue Pad from Tsukineko. I then used Black fun flock to make the center of my poppy fuzzy. I also outlined my flower using my Quickie Glue pen (which is great for detail work) and then covered with some Dazzling Diamond glitter. I then placed a few dots in the corner with my black glaze pen from Sakura. This image was matted on some more Bazzill Smoothies in Grapefruit Bliss.

Hope you have a wonderful Saturday!

Here comes Peter Cottontail....

2008-02-22T21:16:00.004-07:00

This is one of the very first rubber stamps that I have ever purchased. It is made by Holly Berry House (which also happens to be made locally here in Colorado Springs). This stamp is quite large (it measures 4"x5") and is a little intimidating to watercolor due to all the little details. I actually wasn't happy with my watercoloring and was about to relegate it to the paper file when I decided to try adding some glitter. Whoever invented glitter is GENIOUS in my book! Glitter is just what this little bunny was needing!

The card is pretty straightforward. The Chocolate Chip card base is 5 1/2" square. I don't know if you can see it, but I stamped the Sanded background in Pale Plum craft on the base of the card. Peter is stamped in Timber Brown Staz-On and is colored with a plethora of products (reinkers, WWC, Copic Spica glitter pens). To the bunny's coat and pants I added some of my much hoarded Art Institute glitter in a pale blue and a pale purple. All of the other glittery accents is Dazzling Diamonds (SU).

And to Sharon in NE, I truly apologize for the childhood song that will be playing in your head for the remainder of the day. LOL!

Card recipe:

Stamps: 6083 LQ (Holly Berry House), Sanded and All Holidays (SU)

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Pale Plum, Shimmery White

Ink: Staz-On Timber Brown, Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, various to watercolor

Accessories: Art Institute & Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Copic Spica glitter pens, Chocolate Chip Taffetta, dimensionals, Perfect Layers, Cutter Kit, Small Corner Rounder

Cat on a light gray roof...

2008-02-20T14:12:00.006-07:00

Here is a picture of Rocky...being Rocky. This is the view looking out the window of my stamp room (excuse the dirty window...it has been too cold to clean the window on the 2cd story of my house). Rocky likes to go after the birds in "their" element. He also likes to survey his domain from this vantage view (plus Shadow can't terrorize him up here).

This is the card that my oldest son will be receiving for his 6th birthday from Rocky. I'm a little ahead of the game as his birthday is in early March. :-) I tried to take my color inspiration from this fun Salsa Celebration paper. The layout comes from Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge (WSC34).

Card details:

Stamps: Sprinkle and Lil Party Hat (The Cats Pajamas)

Cardstock: Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery, Taken with Teal, Shimmery White, Salsa Celebration dp

Ink: Staz-On Black, Pink Passion craft

Other: Chipboard Number (Basic Grey), Heidi Swapp bling, Copic Spica glitter pens, cuttlebug Spots & Dots, Rectangle Nesties

Announcing.....

2008-02-20T13:44:00.003-07:00

I am so excited to announce that I have been invited to be on the design team for Creative Cuts and More. I will be working with some of my stamping idols on this team (I'm quite giddy at the very thought)! CC&M has an abundance of die cut items in every color and texture imaginable. Beautiful shimmery metallics (if you like shimmer you'll go crazy over the metallic selection that she has). I am going to have so much fun creating 3D projects and special cards!

Terry (the owner of CC&M) sent this heavenly package out to all us that had all of these beautiful color swatches of cardstock (I swear I holed myself up in my stamp area for the better part of a half hour just ogling the cardstock samples). She also included a couple of samples of some of her die cuts to play with.

The above card uses the Tag Card with Page Insert (bottom opening) in Wisteria and Serenade (Bazzill Canvas Texture). I don't know how she knew, but this shade of purple is one of my absolute favorites in the world (reminds me of a lighter colored Tanzanite)!

Here is a view of the inside of the card so you can see the page insert:

Card details:

Stamps: Grasshopper Fluffles (Stampendous)

Cardstock: Wisteria & Serenade (Bazzill Canvas Texture), Papaya Blast (Bazzill Smoothies), Crystal (Stardream Metallic)

Ink: Staz-On Black

Other: WWC, glitter, ribbon from my stash, MM spiral clip

Meet George Jetson

2008-02-17T09:27:00.004-07:00

If the Jetson's had a cat, don't you think Sprinkle would be it? And she would be buzzing around in a little spaceship just like this one! Remember that happy little buzzing sound all the vehicles used to make? I swear that sound has been buzzing in my head the entire time I've been making this card (along with the theme song which is now in YOUR head I'm betting....LOL)!

I made this for Julee's Mojo Monday sketch challenge over on her blog. I really like how this card turned out even though for the life of me, I couldn't figure out what embellishment to use in the lower right hand corner of the main image. Nothing that I have seemed to fit. If you can think of anything that you would do, let me know as I'm open to ideas.

I LOVE how the Linograph background turned out! I stamped the background with Craft Black and then embossed with some Hologram Highlights embossing powder. It is so sparkly IRL! I cut the background into three panels and mounted on a Soft Sky piece. I then took some Soft Sky stitched ribbon and attached three Pewter Build-a-Brads evenly down the side. The inside of the brad uses a rub-on from the Eastern Eclectic pack from SU.

For the main image, I stamped Little Sprinkle with Black Staz-On on Shimmery White cardstock. I then used my Stamp-a-ma-jig to stamp the Small Ship in Basic Grey. I colored Sprinkle in with my Copic Spica glitter pens and then outlined with a very light grey Copic marker to make her pop a little more. I then used a Basic Black marker to ink up just the vapor trail from Love Rocket (which was also colored in with my Copic Spica glitter pens). I used my corner rounder on two opposite corners and then used my Perfect Layers tool to make to 1/16th inch mats with Basic Black and Soft Sky. The main image was then added to the Linograph background with dimensionals. The entire panel was then added to a Blue Bayou card base.

Have a wonderful Sunday! It is cold and snowing in Colorado Springs (perfect stamping weather)!

Card details:

Stamps: Little Sprinkle, Small Ship, Love Rocket (all from The Cats Pajamas), Linograph (retired SU)

Cardstock: Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Basic Black, Shimmery White

Ink: Staz-On Black, Basic Grey, Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Craft Black

Other: Hologram Highlights ep, Build-a-Brads, Eastern Eclectic rub-ons, Soft Sky stitched ribbon, corner rounder and 1/2 " Circle punches, glue dots, dimensionals, Stamp-a-ma-jig.

A tag...and a badge

2008-02-15T16:15:00.004-07:00

I was tagged by Toni to share 7 random/weird facts about myself. OK....here goes.

1. I know all of the Auxiliary Verbs in the English language. Really I do. Am...is...are...was...were...be...being...been...have....has....had...do...does...did...may...might...can...could...shall....

should....will....would...must. I remember these even at the ripe old age of 39 because I had a demented English teacher in the 7th grade that made all my classmates and I repeat this as fast as we could...over and over and over. I would venture a guess that this is one English lesson that stuck with all of us.

2. This same English teacher had us all writing a Baby's First Alphabet book in the 7th grade (when we were learning poetry). To get us into it (after all...we were in our teens and our hormones were out of control), our class opted to have all of the babies perish in some weird way. We also illustrated our writings. I had the letters A (A is for Agnus who slipped on a rug) and B (B is for Buckwheat done in by a thug). At my 10th class reunion, Mr. Tornes brought our Alphabet book for us to reminisce over.

3. Both of my children were delivered via C-Section.

4. I can play the Clarinet and Saxophone.

5. I met my husband through my brother and former sister-in-law. My husband is my former sister-in-laws brother, so we were double "in-laws" for a while.

6. I used to be fairly blonde. As I have gotten older (and had children) my hair color is now naturally a medium brown (with a few grays as a bonus). Thank goodness for highlights! I swear my youngest child sucked all of the pretty blonde out of me.

7. I LOVE 80's New Wave music and have a bunch of songs loaded on my IPOD. The music just takes me back to my childhood and can always put me in a good mood.

I hope the Babies First Alphabet book doesn't frighten too many of you. I am totally non-violent and love children.

Toni also gave me this super cool badge! Thanks Toni!

Chocolate Sprinkle

2008-02-15T10:58:00.004-07:00

Here is a picture of the roses that my husband purchased for me for Valentine's Day. My husband never buys me flowers, so I was quite surprised when he gave these to me. They smell so beautiful!

Below are some little treats that I made for some of Harland's teachers (i.e. Spanish and music) as well as the office workers at his school. I made the acetate box myself using a template that Lauren Meader (aka creative genious stamping goddess) provided on her blog. Lauren used Dove chocolates in hers, however I was running short of time and knew that I wasn't going to have enough time to run to the store before Harland's Kindergarten Valentine's Day party. I did have two almost full bags of Hershey Nuggets left over from the Nugget Tin that I made for Harland's teacher (would you believe that I forgot to take a picture...arrgghh!). Lauren, you'll be happy to know that your box holds 9 nuggets perfectly! The photo doesn't show it too well, but I stamped the Medium and Small Heart Circles in Staz-On Cotton White on the acetate. The nugget wrapper just has the Small Heart Circle stamped in Pretty in Pink on the mailing labels.

Thanks for the awesome template Lauren! I'll definately be using it again.

Project details:
Stamps: Cupid Kitty, Medium Heart Circle, Small Heart Circle (all from The Cats Pajamas)
Ink: Staz On Black and Cotton White, Pretty in Pink
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Papertrey White
Other: Pink Grosgrain ribbon, Pretty in Pink eyelet, Circle and Petite Scalloped Circle Nestabilities, WWC, Sakura Stardust pen, Spica glitter pens

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T17:09:00.002-07:00

I just wanted to quickly post a Happy Valentine's Day wish for all of you! I have a picture of some cute treats that I made for Harland's teachers that I'll upload later tonight (they feature Sprinkle) as I'm right in the middle of trying to cook dinner for the kiddos!

Stay tuned!

Linda

The Tooth Fairy paid a visit last night.....

2008-02-11T21:45:00.001-07:00

Harland lost his third tooth last night! When I was working, I just never seemed to have the opportunity to make him a Tooth Fairy tin (even though I had purchased the supplies needed to make one). Between all the overtime I was working, the commuting, the eye patch therapy, and helping him with his homework (I don't remember having homework as a Kindergartener) there just wasn't enough time to get one made (as I had to be at work at 6:00 AM). I'm going to be working on a Tooth Fairy tin for Christopher over the next few days so I can have it all ready to go when the time comes that he'll need one.

Harland's favorite color is green so I tried to incorporate lots of green elements on his tin. I had a blast making this for my little man! I'm hoping to have a birthday card made with Sprinkle and Beate's weekend sketch challenge posted later today too (Harland's 6th birthday is coming up early March).

Here is a view of the tin from the side:

Tin details:

Stamps: Fairies (Crafty Secrets), Rough Edges Alphabet

Ink: Staz-On Black, Wild Wasabi, Soft Sky

Cardstock: Wild Wasabi, Shimmery White

Other: Acetate, WWC, Twinkling H2O's, Copic Spica Glitter pens, Water Baubles, Waterfall and Lime Green Stickles, red line tape, glue dots, corner rounder, tin

Kindergarten Homework....

2008-02-11T14:44:00.000-07:00

My oldest son is in Kindergarten. Part of last weeks "homework" was to create a mailbox of sorts to deposit Valentine's from classmates. Believe me when I say that I was ALL OVER this project! :-) Harland and I went to Michael's in search of the perfect box to use. I found this cute pressboard wood box for $4.99 (yes I know I could have used a shoebox, I just figured that this would be much cuter)! The box even had the opening cut out of the top already (a huge bonus if you ask me). We then went to Archiver's to pick out the items that we would use to decorate the box.

We first painted the box with Strawberries and Cream acrylic paint (Making Memories). Once the paint dried, we measured the box and applied the paper to all outside surface areas using Royal Coat Decoupage Finish in clear. The patterned paper is called "Wild Thing" and is made by KI Memories and is from their Valentine's line from last year (I think the title of paper is so appropriate for my little guy and I love the fact that the paper itself isn't 100% girly). The glittered chipboard letters, felt stickers, and rhinestone bling are all from K&Co's Smitten line. We also wound up using some extra little red epoxy hearts from Cloud 9. Harland just loved decorating his box! I'm betting that all of his little girlfriend admirers will absolutely love it!

Here is a view of the box from the side:

On a personal note, my job interview today went very well. The recruiter who interviewed me made me an offer within 10 minutes of speaking with her. I start on February 25th. I am so grateful for this opportunity and thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers!

Supplies:

Ink: None (gasp)

Paper: Wild Thing (KI Memories)

Other: Felt Stickers, Bling, Glittered Chipboard Letters (all by K&Co Smitten line), Cloud 9 Red Epoxy Heart stickers, Strawberries and Cream acrylic paint (Making Memories)

Blue Bird of Happiness

2008-02-06T20:04:00.000-07:00

I made this for Julee's Mojo Monday challenge over on her blog (Mojo23). I love making square cards so this sketch was right up my alley! The card itself is 5 1/4 inch square and goes back to the very first stamping style that I really fell in love with. I first fell in love with Shabby Chic and vintage looks. All the distressing and direct to paper....sigh! Now when I think about it, I don't think that I have a certain 'style' at all. I love it ALL! I love whimsical, clean, retro, vintage, etc. What's that old saying? Jack of all trades, master of none! I guess that's me in a nutshell!

The card uses another image from my Birds Galore set (Inkadinkado). I inked up the little bird in Soft Sky and then rock-n-rolled in Close to Cocoa. The image is stamped on Shimmery White. I then took some Chocolate Chip dtp around the edges. The image was then matted with Chocolate Chip and distressed with my SU distresser tool. The background flourish is from the Pollen Dust acrylic set (Fancy Pants). This was also inked up in Chocolate Chip (with more Chocolate Chip dtp around all edges). I used my SU French Script background stamp on the vertical panel (you guessed it...inked up in Chocolate Chip with more Chocolate Chip dtp and then distressed with my distresser tool). The horizontal layer was embossed with my Cuttlebug Textile embossing folder. I used my slot punch to run some Chocolate Chip taffeta ribbon along the length of the card. I finished the card off with a little diamond stickles and an Antique Silver Chantilly Charm (Imaginisce).

Thanks for looking!

Card details:

Stamps: Birds Galore (Inkadinkado), Pollen Dust (Fancy Pants), French Script (SU)

Cardstock: Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip, Shimmery White

Ink: Soft Sky, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip

Other: Textile embossing folder, Chocolate Chip taffeta ribbon, slot punch, Cutter Kit, Diamond stickles, Chantilly Charms (Imaginisce), Pewter brad, dimensionals

Tag...I'm it!

2008-02-06T14:49:00.000-07:00

That little stinker Karrie tagged me over on her blog!

Here are the details on how to play along: You must post the rules before you give your answers.You must list one fact about yourself for each letter of your middle name. Each fact must begin with that letter.If you don't have a middle name, just use your maiden name. (let me just say, it is a darn good thing that I have a middle name cause Dexheimer would have just been wayyyyyyy tooooooo looonnnnnng!!)After you've been tagged, you need to up-date your blog with your middle name and answers.At the end of your post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name. (Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and need to read your blog for details).

Ok, so here goes:

Sentimental - This work describes me quite well. I am a horrible romantic and have teared up in front of my husband (much to my dismay) during commercials or cartoons. Seriously, does anyone remember the commercial (I think it was for Folgers coffee) where it shows a little boy and his little puppy together. They play fetch with a baseball and all is well. The next vignette shows the boy all grown up and obviously leaving for college. The camera pans to the dog who is looking through the screen door with the ball in his mouth. As soon as the kid drives away the ball drops out of the dogs mouth. The next vignette shows the boy returning home with the dog joyously bounding towards him with the ball in his mouth. Makes me almost tear up just thinking about it!

Understanding - I am probably one of the most understanding and forgiving people I know.

Exact - I am detail oriented. I mean really detail oriented. Most people take notes. I take notes and then I rewrite my notes so that they can be perfect.

So there you have it, my name is Linda Sue (i.e. Linda Sue...where are you?)! Now according to the rules of the game I'm supposed to tag three others. Please don't feel like you have to do this, only do it if you want to. I'm going to tag Anna, Julee, and Leslie.

Linda

Red Robin Fly Away Home

2008-02-06T14:23:00.000-07:00

I made this for todays Sketch Challenge over on Splitcoaststampers (SC162). It's a great sketch don't you think? I've been wanting to get my new Birds Galore set from Inkadinkado inky and thought this sketch was perfect for this little bird (he's my favorite from the whole set).

I used my Stylized Flowers embossing folder for the Regal Rose layer. I stamped my little Robin (that's what he is to me anyway) in Staz-On Timber Brown and then watercolored with reinkers and then added a few little dabs of diamond stickles for a little bling. I sponged Chocolate Chip ink on both of the designer paper pieces before matting with Chocolate Chip.

I have a fun project coming up that I can't wait to get started. Harland has a homework assignment to make a mailbox of sorts to contain his Valentines that he will be receiving in Kindergarten class (I remember doing this when I was a little girl). I am SO excited and can't wait to get started on this (Harland is excited to and can't wait to help)! I purchased a little wooden box from Michael's that already has an opening cut out of the top. I have some really cute Zebra patterned paper (I didn't want it too girly) and some really nice Valentine embellishments from K&Co that will make for a cute project.

On a personal note, I've been nursing a sore back for the past few days. I tweaked my back good and I'm walking around like a little old lady (at least that's what I feel like). I also have an interview with a company in Colorado Springs this coming Monday, so if you could send some good interview mojo my way, I would appreciate it. Interviews always make me so nervous and it has been so long since I have had to do this.

Card details:

Stamps: Birds Galore (Inkadinkado)

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose, Shimmery White, Phoebe dp (Basic Grey)

Ink: Staz-On Timber Brown, Chocolate Chip

Other: WWC, Diamond Stickles, small corner rounder, Primas, copper brad (MM), dimensionals, Stylized Flowers embossing folder.

Anna's Posies

2008-02-03T14:35:00.001-07:00

Julee posted an awesome sketch over on her Verve Visual blog (two awesome Julee sketches in one week...huge sigh of happiness) and Karrie and I decided that we would each create something with the sketch and some Whipper Snapper stamps. Here is a link to the super cute card that Karrie made. It's funny that we both chose to use images designed by the ultra talented Anna Wight.

I used Anna's new Posies for You set that was just released this month (Anna will be designing a new UM set for Whipper Snapper each month per my understanding). It was love at first site when I first saw the images on Anna's blog. I love flowers and will indulge myself in flower images whenever I see something I like!

I colored the Posies (this is probably my favorite image) with both my watercolor crayons and Twinkling H2O's (the white part of the daisy). I then highlighted with Diamond Stickles. The print pattern background was stamped with Versamark ink on Cardstock Vellum and then heat embossed. The rest is pretty straight forward so I won't bore you with the details.

Card details:

Stamps: Posies for You (Whipper Snapper), Print Pattern (SU Background)

CS: So Saffron, Shimmery White, Basic Grey, Cardstock Vellum

Ink: Staz-On Black, Basic Grey, Versamark

Other: Detail White ep, Basic Grey taffeta ribbon, Twinkling H2O's, Diamond Stickles, WWC, Rich Regals brads, flower eyelets (MM), Square Nesties, glue dots, dimensionals

Sprinkle Hits the Beach

2008-02-02T14:54:00.000-07:00

I was going through my photo files, and realized that I never uploaded this little beauty to my blog (for shame)! I had made this for the Dare to get Dirty challenges over on SCS back in July 2007 (can you believe I didn't upload this here)! I had made this for Beate's sketch challenge and Sweet Miss Daisy's pet challenge. This image is just what I needed on the cold CO day (it's snowing again)!

Card Details:

Stamps: Sprinkle Annette, 3 Small Flowers, Hot Stuff (all from The Cats Pajamas)

CS: Cool Caribbean, Gable Green, Shimmery White, Flair Designs dp

Ink: Staz-On Black, Cool Caribbean, Tempting Turquoise

Other: White Eyelets, Crop-o-Dile, paper piercer and mat pack, clear glaze pen, stardust shimmer pen, Marvy Scalloped punch

A whole lot of Sprinkle going on (and Love Puppy too)!

2008-02-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

I made this for Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge #33 (WSC33) on her blog. I don't typically make long cards but I'm really glad I did for this challenge (card size is 4" x 8 1/2"). When I started thinking about what images I had that would fit the small scale of the punched out windows, I immediately thought of my The Cats Pajamas stamps (from the Spring Valentine's release). They were perfect! Gotta make this a quick post...I have the house to myself and I'm going to use this time to clean (ick!)! It's amazing what two little boys (otherwise known as tornadoes) can do to a house in a relatively short amount of time!

Card details:
Stamps (in order of their appearence): Angel Sprinkle, Love Puppy, Cupid Kitty, Lovestuck
CS: Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Basic Black, Shimmery White, Love Lines dp (Cloud 9)
Ink: Staz On Black, Rose Red, Pretty in Pink
Other: Heart and Scalloped Heart Nesties, Copic glitter pen, WWC, Epoxy Heart stickers (Cloud 9), Square (1 3/8) and word window punches, Perfect Layers tool, D'vine Swirls embossing folder, polka dot ribbon, silver cord

Eastern Riot

2008-01-31T08:01:00.000-07:00

Ahhh...simple and clean! Like a breath of fresh air!! This is about as clean and simple as I can get. I have a hard time really liking my "clean" card attempts. I always feel lik they're missing something (i.e. ribbon, bling, etc.). I really like this one though. It uses the Wednesday sketch challenge over on SCS (SC161).

I stamped my Riot of Petals background stamp (SU) with Versamark on a scrap of Shimmery White paper. I then embossed the image with detail gold ep. The image was colored with a mixture of Groovy Guava and Pumpkin Pie reinkers (Certainly Celery reinkers for the leaf image) and then cut out with my paper snips. The rest of the card is pretty straight forward (all card details are below).

On another note, my ankles and toes were harmed in the making of this card. You see, when I stamp at night I typically will have a "visitor" come to my stamp room. This "visitor" is 14 pounds of pure cat (all claws and sharp teeth)! This "visitor" who hails by the name of Rocky, is always at his most affectionate when the entire household is asleep (which is when I can typically stamp guilt free). Rocky's displays of affection are often quite painful and typically reserved for me. He likes to give me love bites and great big hugs with his front paws (claws extended to he can REALLY hug me) while purring the entire time.

Card details:
Stamps: Riot of Petals
Cardstock: Papertrey White, Certainly Celery, Pumpkin Pie, Bali Breeze dp
Ink: Groovy Guava, Pumpkin Pie, Versamark
Other: Detail Gold ep, paper snips, Eastern Elegance rub-ons, dimensionals

Robot Mojo (or Karrie, you know I love ya!)

2008-01-30T13:07:00.000-07:00

I was completing a job application last night on-line and received an e-mail from Karrie asking me if I was stamping. If I was stamping, Karrie wanted to know what stamps I was using and what layout. I told her that sadly I was doing boring stuff, but I had the cutest idea in my head for The Cats Pajamas "Love Robot" and this weeks Mojo Monday sketch over on Julee's blog. Karrie decided right then and there that she would just"whip something up"with Love Robot and Julee's sketch.

Now if you are a super talent like Karrie, you can "whip something up" that will be really stinking cute (as evidenced on her blog this morning by this cute card). Stamp artists like myself can take days to conceptualize something in their heads before putting it to paper. Sadly, most times what is on paper isn't nearly as cute as what was in the old noggin...you KWIM?

Luckily I had a rockin sketch. When you mix that with super cute images, you can't go wrong. Wanna see what I came up with?

Now mind you, this took DAYS to conceptualize.....

Wait for it....wait for it....

Card details:

Stamps: Love Robot and I'm Just Your Love Machine (TCP)

Cardstock: Basic Grey, Going Grey, Pixie Pink, Shimmery White

Ink: Staz-On Black

Other: Acetate, Bling (K&Co Smitten line), Copic Spica Glitter pens, WWC, Rectangle Nesties, dimensionals, glue dots.

Karrie made my day!

2008-01-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

A HUGE thanks to Karrie for thinking of me! Karrie always brings a smile to my face when I visit her blog.

Award rules: Give the award to up to 10 people whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel so happy about blogland! Let them know by posting a comment on their blog so that they can pass it on.

So here are the people that I am nominating (in no particular order).
Trudee
Lindsey
Beate
Leslie
Anna
Debbie
JanTink
Frances
Sharon
Lauren

Thank you ladies for always inspiring me with your beautiful work!

Linda

Polar Bear Birthday (or I suck at coming up with titles)

2008-01-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

I finally finished putting this card together yesterday. I made this for this months Dirty Dozen sketch challenge over on Splitcoaststampers.

I used my new Memory Box Cupcake Bear and You Take the Cake sentiment that I purchased from Anna Wights store Sassy & Sweet Crafts. I sense a new addiction coming on with these Memory Box stamps! LOL! Also, in case you need enabling, have you seen Anna's new Posies for You set? I only hope that I ordered in time to get a signed copy! The link above takes you to her blog where she has some beautimous samples!

Card details:

Stamps: Cupcake Bear & You Take the Cake (Memory Box), Polka Dots (SU background)

Cardstock: Cool Caribbean, Regal Rose, Shimmery White

Ink: Staz-On Black, Cool Caribbean, Regal Rose marker

Other: Black organdy and Rose Grosgrain ribbon, Dew Drops, Diamond Stickles, Petite Scalloped Nestabilities

Pretty Amazing

2008-01-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

Here is the other card that I made for my swap. This was uses the Eastern Eclectic color scheme in the SU catalog.

I stamped the flower twice (once in Rose Red and the other in stamped off Groovy Guava). I cut out the flowers using my paper snips and then layered one on top of the other. I then added one of the flowers from the Felt Fusion set and attached everything together with a Fire Circle brad. I am so happy that the Faux Silk panel actually shows off all the sparkle from the Dazzling Diamonds (for once). I used an Old Olive and Cameo Coral marker to ink up the branch stamp. I then stamped this on tissue paper and then crumpled it up into a little ball. I then smoothed out the tissue paper and attached it to a Very Vanilla piece with modge podge and sprinkled Dazzling Diamonds all over while the glue was still wet. Messy...but so worth it! The hummingbird was stamped on watercolor paper using Staz-On Black ink. I then watercolored with my crayons. I used some of the new Cosmo glitter to add a little bling to the hummingbird.

Here is a close up picture of the Faux Silk piece and hummingbird.

Stamps: Pretty Amazing, Pretty Petals, Sanded
CS: Cameo Coral, Old Olive, Rose Red, Whisper White, Watercolor
Ink: Old Olive, Cameo Coral, Rose Red, Groovy Guava, Basic Black, Staz-On Black
Other: Dazzling Diamonds and Fine Cosmo glitter, Ticket Corner Punch, Fire and Vintage Brads, Flower Fusion, Dimensionals

My son will hate me someday for this.....

2008-01-26T10:51:00.001-07:00

My son comes inside my stamp room asking me if he put his underwear on correctly? Umm...that would be a definite "NO"!

And for you dog lovers (I know of at least one who reads my blog...LOL!)....look at how big Shadow has gotten.

Secret Embrace

2008-01-25T17:26:00.001-07:00

I've been very very busy! I'm being a bad girl in posting this now, as I'm not supposed to upload any pictures of what I made for my swaps until after a certain date. However as I haven't uploaded anything pretty to my blog for a little while (and I've been working very very hard on these swaps), I figured as long as I don't upload to Splitcoast, the secret will be relatively safe. LOL!

This is one of my swaps. For this particular card, I was supposed to use the Embrace Life set and use the color palette from Boho West. I made 8 full size cards that look like this one. It was a little labor intensive, but definitely worth it! I wish you could see the sparkle of the dazzling diamonds on the Faux Silk layers (heck...you should see the sparkle on me as well as in my stamp area)! I'll upload my other swap card using the Pretty Amazing set tomorrow (it was even more labor intensive than this one).

Thanks for looking...and remember it's a secret!

Card details:

Stamps: Embrace Life
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla, Purely Pomegranate, Shimmery White
Ink: Staz-On Timber Brown, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds, white tissue paper, mod podge, piercer and mat pack, corner rounder and word window punch, dimensionals

Penguin of Love!

2008-01-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

When Karrie posted the link to the new Spring images being released from Memory Box, I instantly fell in love with this little guy (Boxer Penguin). I've been stalking Anna Wights e-bay store religiously, and finally just broke down and e-mailed her. Anna was super sweet and took care of me! I now am the proud owner of Boxer Penguin, Ballet Penguin, and Cupcake Bear (I'm just going to have to take baby steps for all the other ones that I want). Luckily I have some stamped images that should tide me over for a while that Karrie was nice enough to send me.

This card literally took me about 5 minutes to make (as I already have the base card set aside from something that I had started eons ago). I stamped the penguin and sentiment on Shimmery White paper. I watercolored him with my watercolor crayons and an aquapainter. I went over the hearts with my Pink Spica glitter pen. I cut the image out using my Square Nestabilities. I then matted the image with a Pretty in Pink layer using my Scalloped Square Nestabilities. The designer paper is some that I purchased last year from Cloud 9 (Hearts Aflutter). It is super pretty and already glittered in places. I added a red epoxy heart in the penguins hand (by Cloud 9 from this year). Card measures 4 1/4" square.

Thanks for stopping by!

Card Details:

Stamps: Boxer Penguin (Memory Box), Happy Valentines Day (The Cats Pajamas)

Ink: Staz-On Black

Cardstock: Shimmery White, Pretty in Pink, Cloud 9

Other: Nestabilities, Epoxy Sticker, Copic Spica glitter pen

Shaker Frogs

2008-01-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

I had wheeled one extra Lily Pad image the other day when I made my shadowbox card. I thought I would try to make a shaker card (which is something I haven't done in a long while) rather than let the image go to waste. I used my Heart Scalloped Nestabilities to cut out all my shaker parts (including the acetate panel). I used some Hydrangea Dew Drops all around the top of the heart for a little interest. The little tag is the Tiny Tags die set from Cuttlebug. I stamped the XOXO from the SU By Definition set on the tag and then added a clear epoxy heart over (Cloud 9). The Lily Pad wheel and Frogs were stamped on Shimmery White paper and watercolored. I then went over with Diamond Stickles and Copic Spica glitter pen for added sparkle and interest.

Thanks for stopping by!

Card Details:

Stamps: Frog Prince, Frog Princess (both from The Cats Pajamas), Lily Pad wheel and By Definition (SU)

Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Shimmery White, Hearts Aflutter (Cloud 9)

Ink: Staz-On Black, Rose Red (XOXO)

Other: Pink Taffeta, Silver Cord, Dew Drops, glue dots, Clear Heart Epoxy sticker, Stickles, pink microbeads, Tiny Tags (cuttlebug), Scalloped Heart Nestabilities, acetate

Faux Embrace

2008-01-16T14:18:00.001-07:00

I made this for the Wednesday sketch challenge over on Splitcoaststampers. Layout always seems to be a challenge for me, so when I see a good sketch I'm all over it!

The focal panel uses the Faux Silk technique from last weeks technique tutorial from Splitcoaststampers. It has Dazzling Diamonds glitter all over it (I wish you could see the sparkle in person). The big flower is watercolored on Shimmery white paper with my watercolor crayons and aquapainter. I then used a black glaze pen on the flower stamen. Before attaching the flower to the card with a dimensional, I shaped it to add more textural interest to the card.

Thanks for looking!

Card details:

Stamps: Embrace Life

Cardstock: Shimmery White, Pretty in Pink, Basic Black, Brushed Gold

Ink: Staz-On Black

Other: Watercolor crayons, Stylized Flowers embossing folder, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, tissue paper, gold cord, dimensionals, black glaze pen,

Calendar continued (or the post that never ends)

2008-01-16T08:40:00.000-07:00

Stamps sets used: Little Sprinkle and Lil Party Hat (September for Karrie's birthday month), Mummy Poochie (Oct), Kitty Turkey (Nov) and Pooch on Roof (Dec).

TCP Calendar (continued)

2008-01-16T08:24:00.001-07:00

OK, here is April through August. Here are the details if you would like them: Stamps: Little Sprinkle and Happy Crown (April), Guitar Cat (May), Chef Sprinkle (June), Patriotic Sprinkle (July), and Sprinkle Annette (Aug).

edited to add the month of May! Thanks Sharon!

Calendar for Karrie

2008-01-15T21:03:00.001-07:00

Sometime around 12/30/07, I decided that I wanted to make a special little project for one of my favorite bloggers. If you have never checked out Karrie's blog, you are missing out on something special. Karrie's humor is infectious and her talent...well let's just say that the girl has stamping skills. Not only that, but I have found her to be just an overall good, genuine person (and I have never met her in real life). I'm not going to upload the whole calendar tonight (frankly...I've never tried uploading more than one photo at a time so I'm hoping that this will work). I will have everything uploaded for you to see throughout this week.

It's funny...once I started making this I realized that I needed a few more stamps to round out the months of the year (Sprinkle that is Bar-B-Queing, Turkey Sprinkle, Mummy Poochie, etc.). Like any good stamper on a mission, I immediately ordered my stamps. LOL! The calendar template is one that I downloaded from the A Muse blog. The full $3.00 cost for the pdf file goes towards Scleroderma Research.

All stamp images from The Cats Pajamas.

Edited to add stamp details for Cover through March:

Big Sprinkle & Lil Party Hat (Cover), Skating Kitty (January), Love Puppy (February), Bunny Kitty (March)

The calendar itself was printed on Shimmery White. I then used various SU cardstock to mat each calendar image. The calendar was then attached to SU Naturals White cardstock. I used my Bind-it-All to put the little calendar all together. The cover uses my Petite Circle Nestabilities, SU Jumbo Eyelets and Groovy Guava ribbon to tie it closed.

Valentine Frogs

2008-01-14T13:42:00.000-07:00

I love making Shadowbox cards (here is a link to the tutorial over on Splitcoast for making these fun cards)! While I was dozing off to sleep last night, this idea kind of popped in my head (it must have been because I used my Heart Nestabilities on the prior card). I have to warn you though...the frogs WERE harmed in the making of this card (but not too terribly bad)! I popped the frogs up in the scene with dimensionals. Because I popped them up, it required that I cut them out of cardstock. Those little froggy feet were just to delicate to attempt so I lopped them right off. The reason you see the feet in the scene is that I stamped them and colored them in.

I rolled my SU Lily Pad wheel on Shimmery White cardstock to make a cute scene for TCP Frog Prince and Frog Princess. I watercolored all elements using both watercolor crayons and reinkers. Everything then got a coat of glitz in some form (either Stickles or Copic Spica glitter pens (frogs)). I used a homemade template to sponge some clouds in my scene. The front piece has a heart cut out using my Nestabilities plain hearts. I then embossed the Divine Swirls background using my Cuttlebug. Some Making Memories heart shaped brads in the corners attach the two pieces together. The embossed swirls then got a little Diamond Stickles added. I coated a Making Memories chipboard piece (from the $1.99 spot at Archivers) with sticky strip and then added some pink Microbeads.

I might wind up re-making this one. I'm not happy with the heart shape being somewhat cut off due to the smaller size of the shadowbox. I'd also like to have some more embellishments on the front piece. Karrie, if you're reading this can you ask Alma if she could make some cute stamps to go with the Frog Prince and Princess (i.e. Toadstools, dragonflies, Lily Pads, cat tails, etc.)? Anything to make a cute scene would be great!

Thanks for looking!

Card details:
Stamps: Frog Prince, Frog Princess, Love Speak (The Cats Pajamas) Lily Pad wheel (SU)
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Shimmery White
Ink: Staz-On Black, various for watercoloring
Accessories: Divine Swirls embossing folder, chipboard heart, pink microbeads, sticky strip, Heart brads (MM), Stickles (Waterfall, Fruit Punch, Diamond), Copic Spica glitter pens, plain heart Nestabilities

Love Robot

2008-01-13T12:29:00.000-07:00

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm getting super excited for the upcoming The Cats Pajamas release. I think I first discovered The Cats Pajamas around this time last year when I spotted some cards that Julee made in the gallery over on Splitcoast. I do not have an addictive type personality usually, but I was hooked! I especially flipped over all the Valentine images! I then discovered Karrie's blog and have been having a little love affair with my Cats Pajamas stamps ever since. I'm curious to see what is being released in clear acrylic from the Valentine's line (as I have quite a few in UM rubber). Can't wait to see the new line with the Cowboys and Indians!

This card was super quick and easy (it had to be, we just rejoined YMCA yesterday and the kiddos are wanting to go to the swimming pool BIG time)! I stamped Love Robot and the Love Machine sentiment on Shimmery White cardstock (if you haven't figured this out, it is my cardstock of choice). I watercolored Love Robot using my watercolor crayons, and then went over him with my Copic Spica Glitter pens (in clear and silver). I then accented the word love with my Pretty in Pink SU marker.

I used my Nestabilities Scalloped and Plain hearts to make my first ever heart shaped card. Behind the Rose Red scalloped layer is a plain white heart shape that is the actual card. I just cut a square shaped 4x4 white card and used my plain Heart Nestabilities and my Wizard die cut machine to cut the card. I then hid the "imperfect" heart with the pretty Rose Red Scalloped heart and built the card from there!

Thanks for looking!

Card details:

Stamps: Love Robot, Love Machine (The Cat's Pajamas)

Cardstock: Shimmery White, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red

Ink: Staz-On Black, Pretty in Pink (marker)

Accessories: K&Co Bling, Watercolor crayons, Copic Spica Glitter pens, Plain and Scalloped Heart Nestabilities

Peonies make me happy!

2008-01-12T21:09:00.001-07:00

I was lucky enough to have about an hour to play in my stamp room today. I knew that I wanted to stamp with my new Pretty Peony set from the SU Spring/Summer catalog. About 15 minutes of that time was devoted to looking for the darned set (my stamp area is what you would call a little disorganized at the moment). I prevailed however, and found the set! I have a special fondness for Peonies. They are such a beautiful, showy flower. I am lucky enough to have a beautiful Peony in my garden (by the name of Sorbet). I tried to mimic the colors of this Peony (which is a soft soft pink with hints of white/vanilla throughout).

Since my time was now somewhat limited (i.e. 45 minutes), I decided to go with a layout that I had already made before (i.e. I cased myself which was originally a case of Jenn Balcer). Please see this card for the original layout.

I stamped the first layer of the Peony in Blush Blossom on Shimmery White paper. The second stamp was inked up in Pretty in Pink (I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement). The two-step leaf was inked up in River Rock (stamped off once), with the second stamp inked up in Mellow Moss (also stamped off once). The images were cut out and set aside. The Tres Chic background was inked in Pretty in Pink and stamped on Shimmery White. I then sponged some Pretty in Pink around all edges. The background piece was matted with Pretty in Pink and then pierced for a little extra detail. The card base is Blush Blossom that was stamped with the Flourish from Baroque Motifs (ink used was Blush Blossom). A pretty accent was made with my Pretties kit and some Pink taffeta ribbon. A little Diamond Stickles added the perfect final touch.

Card details:

Stamps: Pretty Peony, Tres Chic, Baroque Motifs, Itty Bitty Backgrounds

Cardstock: Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, Shimmery White

Ink: Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, River Rock, Mellow Moss

Accessories: Pretties Kit, Pink Taffeta ribbon, Diamond Stickles

Asian Embrace

2008-01-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

I made this for Julee's Mojo Monday sketch challenge over on her blog. OMG is this ever an awesome sketch! The first thing that hit me when I saw this sketch is that it would be perfect for an Asian style card. Unfortunately, I do not have much in the way of Asian inspired stamps and accessories. I then saw this weeks tutorial for Faux Silk over on Splitcoaststampers, and knew in my head what I wanted to do.

The main image panel is Faux Silk. I stamped the floral branch from my SU Embrace Life set in black Staz-On on white tissue paper and then I very carefully watercolored using a Real Red reinker and my aquapainter. I then crumpled the tissue paper into a little ball and then smoothed it out as the technique calls for. The tissue paper was then adhered to a scrap piece of white cardstock with Mono Multi glue. While the glue was still wet, I sprinkled some Dazzling Diamonds glitter all over the image for a little added sparkle. I then cut away the excess tissue paper and then mounted the panel on some Basic Black cardstock, followed by a layer of SU Brushed Gold cardstock (I used my perfect layers tool to get the 1/16th in border just right). I then wrapped some gold cord around the panel and set it aside.

The Real Red layer was embossed with my Stylized Flowers cuttlebug embossing folder. This layer was also matted in Black and Gold. I then used two different sized square punches for the side accent (using black and gold cardstock). The background cardstock layer is the new Basic Grey color. This was embossed with Detail Black embossing powder (the image is also from the set Embrace Life). The final touch was stamping the large bloom from the Embrace Life set on Shimmery White cardstock. The image was colored with Real Red reinkers and some Twinkling H2O's for extra shimmer. The stamen of the flower was accented with my Black Copic Spica glitter pen. I wish the picture above would capture the sparkle and shimmer a little better, but these wintry Colorado days don't provide the best photography conditions.

I absolutely enjoyed making this card due to the awesome sketch. Thanks Julee!

Card Details:

Technique: Faux Silk

Stamps: Embrace Life (SU)

Cardstock: Basic Black, Shimmery White, Brushed Gold, Real Red

Ink: Real Red, Staz-On Black

Accessories: Gold Cord, Dimensionals, Stylized Flowers embossing folder, Dazzling Diamonds, Twinkling H2Os, Copic Spica Glitter pen

Tagged by Karrie

2008-01-10T21:43:00.000-07:00

It seems that I've been tagged by Karrie (one of my favorite bloggers)

1. Name your two favorite scrapbooking topics? Family/Pets and Vacations
2. What are the two best places you've been to? Germany and New Mexico
3. Name two things you do every day? Tell my children that I love them and check my e-mail (you could also add reprimand my children for some reason or another to this list).
4. Tell us two things that everyone pretty much knows about you? That I like to stamp and that I have an excellent memory for detail.
5. Two places you wish to visit? Italy and Greece
6. Two things you may not know about me are: I have a Blue belt in Tai Kung Fu and I love to listen to good old 80's New Wave tunes when I stamp (via my IPOD so I don't rock out the kiddos)!
7. Two nicknames you've had at some time in your life: Parnelli (my husbands nickname for me when I'm driving fast) and Pumpkin
8. Name two of your favorite drinks: Cherry Coke and Water
9. What are two interesting (in a good or bad way) jobs you've had in your life? AT&T operator (back in the day when you actually received a real person when you dialed "O") and temporary Legal Secretary for the real gal that was going on vacation (when I was 16...what an eye opener)!
10. What are two things you would like to learn? I would love to learn to speak Italian (see #5 above) and really learn how to use a digital SLR camera.
11. What two things would make your scrapping/stamping work space work even better for you? Like Karrie, I would love to have more space. I would also love better lighting!
12. And the question I am adding is.....What are two of your best organizational tips for stampers that do not have a lot of space?

Hmmm...now who to tag? I'm supposed to tag two people to answer the above questions and then to also add a question of their own. The only requirement is that the question must be in twos. I would love to see what Leslie and Julee have to say.

Anna's "Flowered with Love"

2008-01-06T11:53:00.000-07:00

I made this for Beate's weekend sketch challenge that she posts on her blog (WSC29). If you have never made it to Beate's blog, you don't know what you're missing!

Let me start off by saying that this card is so much prettier in real life (I always seem to be saying that). We have snow today in CO and I'm having a real hard time finding good light to photograph with. Just imagine all the shimmer and sparkle for me OK?

The focal point is a Whipper Snapper stamp that was designed by Anna Wight (aka Sweet Miss Daisy). This stamp is actually signed by Anna as I won it on her blog last year. I stamped the focal image in black Staz-On on Shimmery White and then colored in with my Copic Spica glitter pens. I outlined with a very light grey Copic marker to give the image a little depth and then added a few Diamond Stickles details. The piece was cut out and embossed with my rectangle Nestabilities and then mounted on a Shimmery Ruby piece of cardstock (that was also cut out with Nestabilities).

The card base is 5 1/4 " square. I stamped the retired SU Soft Swirls background in Craft Black on a Shimmery White square. I then embossed this with Iridescent Ice ep and then colored in the hearts with my Red Spica pen. I then adhered a black strip that was embossed with my Divine Swirls Cuttlebug embossing folder. Some Primas and a crystal brad finish off the card.

Card details:

Stamp sets: Flowered w/Love (Whipper Snapper), Soft Swirls (retired SU)

Cardstock: Basic Black, Shimmery White, Shimmer Ruby

Ink: Staz On Black, Craft Black

Accessories: Iridescent Ice ep, Copic Spica glitter pens, Diamond Stickles, Divine Swirls embossing folder, Nestabilities, Primas, Crystal Brad

My frogs have mojo....

2008-01-04T16:11:00.000-07:00

I made this for Julee's Mojo Monday sketch challenge over on her blog. Julee always has some rockin sketches (and by the look of things, she has some awesome new stamp sets coming our way soon too)! If you've never visited her blog, I highly encourage you to do so. You won't be disappointed!

For the central image, I used one of my Penny Black images (My Flower) stamped on Shimmery White with Black Staz-On. I watercolored the image using my watercolor crayons. I used the SU corner rounder on the Shimmery White piece and then mounted this on a Pixie Pink panel that was die cut from two square Nestabilities that are attached together with glue dots. I first reached for my rectangle Nestabilities, but couldn't find one long and skinny enough...square Nestabilities to the rescue! The base card is Bashful Blue which has a Gable Green layer on top that has been embossed with a Cuttlebug embossing folder (I believe it is called Bubbles). I then took some Bashful Blue ink dtp to tone down the green a little bit. I used my Bashful Blue taffeta ribbon on the side and then attached some of my new Dew Drops (Water assortment) to the ribbon with glue dots. The sentiment is some of the new SU rub ons (Eastern Eclectic). Added some Diamond stickles to the image (thanks Karrie!) and called her done.

I'm working on a cute project that I will hopefully be able to post tomorrow (at least some of it)! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Valentine's Mojo Monday!

2007-12-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

I hope that you have all had a wonderful Holiday season! I've had a wonderful time with the boys this past month. This post is going to be super quick as I am taking the boys to McDonalds to run off some much needed energy (it has been super cold in CO and they are a little stir crazy)! LOL!

I made this for Julee's Mojo Monday sketch challenge # 17. I don't know why I always feel compelled to use Cat's Pajamas stamps for Julee's challenges (maybe because it was some of her fabulous card creations that turned me on to this line of stamps in the first place). If you have never visited her blog before, you're really missing out on some fabulous creations.

This card is so much cooler IRL! I wish it wasn't so hard to take photos of acetate cards. I stamped the Heart Circle, Medium Heart Circle and Small Heart Circle with White Staz-On on the acetate. I then stamped the Candy Box in Basic Grey on Rose Red cardstock. This was attached to the acetate with glue dots and then backed with Basic Grey cardstock from behind. I then stamped Cupid Kitty on Shimmery White cardstock and colored with watercolor crayons and my Copic Spica glitter pens. I cut this piece out with my Circle Nestabilities and then layered Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, and Basic Grey scalloped layers behind this piece. I then topped the white layer with some bling by Heidi Swapp. The sentiment is called I Love Mew! I then added some Cloud 9 Rain Dots randomly to the acetate layer.

Off to McDonalds!

Monochromatic Thomas Kinkade

2007-12-13T13:22:00.000-07:00

I made this for today's Ways To Use It Challenge over on SCS. The challenge was to make a monochromatic card. I need some "bulk" Christmas cards that can easily be mailed without a lot of extra postage and hassle from the post office. I think that this design is it. I usually really love to pile on layer after layer on my cards, so this is a HUGE departure for me and feels a little strange. In person the card is so much prettier and sparkly (the light to take pictures isn't the greatest on this cold Colorado afternoon). This is my one and only Thomas Kinkade stamp (so far). I fell in love with it when I first saw it debuted on Cornish Heritage Farms. I also used my Holiday Wishes sentiment set from Papertrey (the card is embossed both inside and out with Detail Silver embossing powder). The card base has been stamped with one of my favorite background stamps from SU (Linen).

Card Deets:
Stamp Sets: Village Christmas (Thomas Kinkade), Holiday Wishes (Papertrey), Linen (SU)
Cardstock: Bordering Blue, Brushed Silver, Papertrey Stampers Select White
Ink: Bordering Blue, Blue Bayou
Accessories: Silver Cord, Rectangle Nestabilities, Detail Silver ep

Love Puppy

2007-12-12T14:37:00.000-07:00

I absolutely adore how this card turned out! Should I have been making a Valentine's Day card? No...I still have a ton of Christmas cards to work on. However I needed a break from the Christmas card scene and when I saw the sketch challenge over on SCS, this idea immediately popped in my head. When the inspiration happens, you just have to put ink to paper, KWIM! LOL!

I don't know if you can see it, but I stamped the Small Heart Circle in Pretty in Pink in the background behind the puppy (stamped off once). Love Puppy was watercolored with a mixture of reinkers and Copic Spica Glitter pens.

Thanks for looking!

Card Deets:
Stamps: All by The Cats Pajamas (Love Puppy, I Ruff You, Small Heart Circle)
Cardstock: Regal Rose, Basic Black, Pretty in Pink, Shimmery White, Love Lines (Cloud 9 Designs)
Ink: Staz-On Black, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose
Accessories: bling, Nestabilities, eyelets (Making Memories), Swirls embossing folder, Crystal Stickles

Splitcoast Featured Stamper Challenge

2007-12-10T11:47:00.000-07:00

I made this card for the featured stamper challenge over on Splitcoast. The featured stamper this week is LilLuvsStampin. Charlene has a beautiful gallery. I decided that I wanted to case this particular card. This was a card that she had made with a small group of stampers that like to challenge each other every week. I remember that this particular challenge yielded many beautiful cards (so much so that I wanted to play too)! Well, I finally played.

The object of the featured stamper challenge is to CASE a card, but to change up at least three elements. I kept the same layout (why mess with perfection). I did change up the color palette, stamps sets used, and the corner punch used while pretty much keeping to the overall feel of her card.

The base card is Bashful Blue (I'm still learning how to use my Photo Elements program...I obviously have a lot to learn when it comes to color hue). I then used the Simplicity punch on all four corners of my Papertrey white cardstock. I really loved the Polka Swiss patterned paper used on the original card, so I used my Polka Dot backgrounder from SU to try to make my own. I stamped the backgrounder using White Craft ink on cardstock weight vellum, and then embossed with detail white embossing powder. I then used my Antique Linen distress ink pad dtp to grunge up the paper a little bit (to match the feel of the designer paper that I had chosen). The next layer is used Figgy Pudding paper from Basic Grey layered on Bashful Blue. The focal image is a retired SU set called Lace Snowflakes (I'm a sucker for Snowflake stamps). I stamped the snowflakes with White Craft ink and embossed with Winter Wonderland embossing powder. These snowflakes sparkle so much IRL! I layered this on top of white cardstock. The ribbon is some of the new Bashful Blue taffeta from SU. I then added a chipboard snowflake (by Making Memories) that I had also covered with White Craft and Winter Wonderland embossing powder to the bottom left. There is a blue rhinestone brad in the center.

Hope you like it!

Long time no post

2007-12-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

I finally stamped!! Sorry for the long delay between posts. Life has really just been smacking me hard lately. I was laid off from work on November 14th after being with the company I worked with for 10 1/2 years. I'm making the best of it and have been enjoying spending time with my two boys. I figure that I'll start looking for new employment opportunities at the beginning of next year (after all, when will I EVER have time to take the whole month of December off again?). I also have a case of Bronchitis that just seems to not want to go away. I guess I really have no excuse NOT to stamp every day if I wanted to. I swear, I almost feel busier now that I'm not working. LOL! My house has never been so spotless!

I made this for Julee's Mojo Monday Sketch #14 on her blog Poetic Artistry. Julee has some awesome weekly sketch challenges that are just perfect for kick starting your Mojo (or lack of in my case). She also is a super talented stamper and the creative genius behind a new line of stamps (Verve Visual). Please check out her blog if you have never seen it. I promise you won't be disappointed.

My Mojo was seriously lacking last night. If you only knew how many pieces of my precious Shimmery White cardstock made it into the circular file, you would know how lacking my Mojo was. It could also be that I was very distracted by a playful Lab puppy who kept retrieving things for me (i.e. stuffed animals from the beds of my children, glass ornaments from the Christmas tree, etc.). If my cat Rocky would let him, I swear that he would bring Rocky to me. Anyway, what do you think of my first card in what feels like months?

Stamps:

A Winter Song (Elzybells), Snowflake Serenade (Papertrey), Punch Pals (SU)

Cardstock:

Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Kraft, Shimmery White

Ink:

Soft Sky, White Craft, Staz On Timber Brown

Accessories:

Nestabilities, Hero Arts rhinestones, WWC, Icicle Stickles, Snowflake embossing folder

Wanna see something cute?

2007-10-25T09:18:00.000-07:00

This is Shadow. He is now a little over three months old. He is named Shadow because he literally is my shadow as he is always following me around (that is when he is not terrorizing the cat). LOL! He thinks that he is a lap dog (I doubt that he will grow out of this phase) and will often stare at me until I let him up on the couch or bed with me (often whining or barking to make his point). He is 100% spoiled rotten and will often go upstairs to the boys room to make off with a toy of some sort. His favorite place to stash and hide all his toys is behind the couch (he must think it is a little cave or something). He is adorable and has already made his way into all of our hearts!

Santa Baby....

2007-10-20T16:15:00.001-07:00

I made this for Beate's weekend sketch challenge that she has over on her blog. I don't know about you, but I love it when part of the work is already thought out for me! She has awesome sketch challenges...well really awesome everything. If you've never visited her blog, I highly encourage you to go and check it out.

I had originally inked up and colored the Santa for the Thursday Ways to Use it Challenge over on Splitcoast. This challenge was WT135 Bling! Bring Out the Glam. Santa had been sitting on my desk all colored in and glittered up, but I just couldn't figure out what to do with him. To the rescue, Beate's sketch.

Santa is colored in with watercolor crayons on SU's watercolor paper using an aquapainter. I really am liking the white crayon for the beard and hair, it really makes a difference. I then used some Hero Arts Prisma glitter to make him all sparkly. The sparkle in his blue eyes comes from my Copic Spica glitter pens that I purchased from Ellen's store. I then outlined the entire panel with some Martha Stewart White Gold glitter. I like how it lends an Old World feel to the piece. The panel is then matted on a shimmer ruby CS that I picked up at Archivers. The card base is Soft Sky inked up with my Linen background. I then stamped snowflakes from the SU Snow Burst set in Soft Sky and River Rock. The patterned paper piece is Basic Grey Fruitcake. The sentiment is from one of the newer Papertrey stamp releases. It is from their Holiday Wishes set. Last but not least, the snowflake is a new Spellbinders Snowflake Wonder die that I picked up (also from Ellen...she has been seeing a little of my hard earned money lately :-) ). I used a rhinestone brad to layer three of the snowflakes together and then used Waterfall and Crystal Stickles to make it all sparkly.

Hope you enjoy!

Birthday Sprinkle

2007-10-09T16:47:00.001-07:00

I made this card for the Technique Lover's Challenge over on SCS (TLC137). The challenge was to make an acetate card. Since I'm the one who authored the tutorial, I figured I better participate (LOL)!

The card base is 5 1/4 in square. I stamped various images from Polka Dots & Petals in Staz-On Cotton White randomly on the front of the card. I then layered a strip of designer paper (Salsa Celebrations from Junkitz) to the front of the card. The whisper white piece is matted behind the dp on the opposite side of the acetate (think of the acetate as the Oreo cream filling. The dp is the front of the cookie sandwich, and the whisper white is the back of the sandwich).

Sprinkle and Little Party Hat (both from The Cat's Pajamas) is stamped on Shimmery White cardstock. Sprinkle is watercolored with crayons and then I went over with my Copic Spica glitter pens. She is so shimmery IRL! I used my new Nestabilities Circle to cut and emboss Sprinkle out and then matted this with a Nestabilities Petite Scalloped cut from Only Orange. My only regret with the Nestabilities is that I only ordered the Circles. I want them all now (yikes...baby steps Linda...baby steps). To this I added some Heidi Swap bling and a few Prima's with a MM Rhinestone Circle brad in the center. The back of the card is made with the same "Oreo" sandwich style. I used Shimmery white for the inside Circle and then matted with a Shimmery Kiwi cardstock that I found at Archiver's. The biggest challenge with this card was lining up all those pretty scallops just right. :-)

To finish off the card, I tied some pretty Polka Dot sheer ribbon.

This card will be going out to someone who recently had a birthday (unfortunately, I'm late). I'm hoping she will enjoy it...I certainly enjoyed making it.