My Sassy Cards

A Little Tulip Mojo

2012-02-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

Well I never got my second post posted last night. After school I had to go to a "photo" shoot - me!! I was selected to be on a postcard for some incentives with my school district. I had such a fun time. I can't wait to see the photos that were taken. When I got home I was just so exhausted that I fell asleep.

Here is my second card. I totally love it! This card is also for my friend. It's so hard to give this one up too! I guess I'll just have to make another one to keep for my stash. I made this card using this week's Mojo Monday Sketch (#228). I also used the Tulip set from There She Goes. I masked and stamped the single tulip three times and I wasn't sure how it would come out, but it came out perfectly. What's awesome is that TSG is having a sale through tonight - getting 15% off. Be sure to head over and get the sets you've always wanted. I know I say that all the sets are my favorite. I totally love this stamp company. I'm lucky to be on the design team - even if I weren't I'd be shopping till I dropped with this sale.

Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!!

A Beautiful CASE

2012-02-16T16:45:00.001-07:00

I have two posts for today!

This first one I have been wanting to make this card for awhile now. I selected the photo for the TSG inspriation challenge because it was totally me...and I never got to make the card I had in my head. Sure enough when I was stalking the Trendsetter's blogs Karen Giron made the card I had in my head. Oh is it ever pretty.

I hadn't planned on making the card until a friend of mine needed a card for her sister-in-law. I thought oh well I'm going to make it anyway. I used the carnations from the Forever set from There She Goes Clear Stamps instead of the tulips - and I didn't do the sewing on my card because I broke my sewing maching and I don't remember how to thread the bobbin. There is no sentiment, because my friend wanted a sentiment that was more personal.

If you click on Karen's name above you can see her card. Here is mine. I think it's fabulous and now I'm having a hard time having to give it to my friend. Why do we make these cards other than to give them away!!

Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!

Tuesday Morning Sketches #133

2012-02-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Good Morning Tuesday Morning Sketchers - we have a great sketch today designed my DT member Jessica George. Jessica has designed a unique sketch in that the card is a square 4 1/4 x 4 1/4 with a scrappling. I learned that a scrappling is the piece left over from a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 card. I want to thank all of you that played last week. I think my sketch frightened some players away. I'll remember in the future to keep them clean and simple!!

This week DRS Designs is our sponsor. I do like their stamps. They also have some fun new products in their store as well. Be sure to check it out. I selected the Filigree Heart for my project today. It's such a fun image. I colored it with my Copics and added some glitter.

This week is also Judged Challenge Week! That means we have the sketch along with a 1-2-4 Challenge:

1 Emblishment, 2 Ribbons, and 4 Layers

I do hope that you'll play along with us this week.

Here is this week's sketch. I hope that you have as much fun with it as I have...I can't wait to see what you do! Be sure to head over to the DTs blogs and leave them some love on their fabulous creations.

Thanks for stopping by and have an awesome day!!

Tuesday Morning Sketches #132

2012-02-07T05:00:00.001-07:00

It's an icy and snowy cold Tuesday morning in Denver today. I've had enough of the snow and shoveling snow and scraping window shields and having below 32 degree weather. I want spring!! At least we have Tuesday Morning Sketches today!!

This week we have another sketch from me and a favorite sponsor - Paper Pretties! Thanks to Paper Pretties for the digis. I selected the You're So Sweet digi. I really liked the whimsical feel of these yummy cupcakes. They also have some fabulous stamps, so be sure to head over and check out their store.

For my card I used these fabulous DPs (sorry I can't remember who they came from - I really need to write it down somehow when I cut off the tag) and I colored the image with my Copics. I used my Cricut Art Philosophy to cut out the tickets and used a Close To My Heart set for the sentiment. For the final touch I added some WOC flowers. I plan on giving this card to a co-worker for her birthday.

Here is today's sketch - it can be as simple or fancy as you wish. I hope that you'll play along with us this week. We totally loved having 34 players this past week. I hope that you'll "like" us (Tuesday Morning Sketches) on Facebook. Be sure to invite all your friends to join along as well.

Also, please stop by the DTs blogs, as we all need a little love!

Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!!

February Cupcake Craftroom Challenge

2012-02-01T00:01:00.001-07:00

This month over at the Cupcake Craftroom, Mandy has challenged us to New Beginnings!

Feel free to interpret this as you'd like - new baby, new home, new job, wedding engagement, you decide...What will your New Beginnings be?

When I thought about what my new beginnings would be I had to really think about it. I have had so many new beginnings (thank goodness for that)! One of the new beginnings that I have to always remind myself of is loving - me and living! So I designed my card based on that reminder. I totally love this card. I think I'll frame it so that I wake up daily with that thought.

Today the Design Team is showing off some new yummy papers called Life Life In Love. It includes 21 papers in pinks and reds along with six sentiments. The prize this month will be your choice of one Cupcake Cards & Crafts paper collection of your choice from the store. I do hope you'll join along. Be sure to check out the store - Mandy has some amazing papers.

Lastly, with sadness we say fond farewells to two of our designers on the cupcakes team, Sal and Mary. They will be missed for sure! So Mandy has decided to find one more teamie ... be sure to check out our Design Team Call which will be open through February 29th 2012.

Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!!

Tuesday Morning Sketches #131

2012-01-31T05:00:00.001-07:00

Good Morning,

It's a fabulous day for Tuesday Morning Sketches. We have a great sponsor - Doodle Pantry and let me shout out a thank you for the great digis they sent our way. We have a great sketch, designed by yours truly. I can't wait to see what you create with today's sketch.

For my card I used an image called Quirky Mouse. This image comes with a black & white so you can color, and 3 different images that are colored for you. I colored my image using my Copics. The gray didn't come out the way I envisioned, but I think it's pretty cute. I used this gorgeous two-sided paper from Authentique - isn't it gorgeous??

Here is today's sketch. Be sure to stop by each of the DTs blog - they have created some amazing cards. Also, Tuesday Morning Sketches is now on Facebook. I hope you'll come follow us there and tell your friends to come join us.

Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!

Valentine's Day

2012-01-29T14:31:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post today! At Christmas I made cards for a friend of mine, when I delivered them to her at the bar she works at she shared them with the patrons sitting at the bar. This woman loved my cards and asked if I would make her some Valentine's Day cards. I agreed!!

I am presenting her with my LOVE card that I made a few days ago and this card. I'll let her pick which one she likes the best. Today's card is a card that I happened to see at Archiver's one day. I rarely buy stamps off the shelf, but I saw this one and I just loved the image. I totally CASEd their example - although I had to jazz it up a bit - I added some patterened paper and twine. It was so fun to color. I really like how this came out.

Hope you like it too. Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!!

Recipe:
Image: Northwoods Rubber Stamps (Heart Tree); Close To My Heart (Mad About You)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Versamark; Close To My Heart (seafoam white embossing powder)
Paper: Doodlebug Design (sweet cakes); Bazzil (white, red rock, pinkini)
Accessories: Doodlebug Design (twine)

There She Goes Release Week | Day Three

2012-01-26T05:00:00.002-07:00

Okay, talk about saving the best for last...today's set is just awesome!! I hope you'll agree with me.

Cruising on a Sunday afternoon, scootin’ by to say hi! Melyssa Connolly has brought Leah back and she’s “born to be wild!” She already comes with lots of fun, but if this isn’t enough she has a kit to accessorize to her hearts content! Whether she’s moving, heading off to school, or enjoying a ride she’ll surely make tracks into your heart.

Scootin’ By is a 4x8 set that includes a total of 15 stamps and will sell for $18.00.

Scootin’ By – Accessories is a 4x4 set that includes a total of 14 stamps and will sell for $10.00.

Isn't Leah just great? I was so hoping for a scooter and here it is. This set is so wonderful you'll surely have to be at the release chat party to see the whole set including the accessories. For my card I really wanted to get the coloring right. I think it looks pretty good and I can't wait to really practice coloring more of her images.

Would you like to win the new Scootin’ by and Scootin’ by Accessories stamp sets? Here is what you need to do- visit the Trendsetter’s blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post.

You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday January 28th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

There She Goes Release Week | Day Two

2012-01-25T06:00:00.001-07:00

I hope you enjoyed yesterday's sneak peak - weren't the cards fabulous? It's day two of There She Goes release week!! Today promises to be even better. Just wait for tomorrow. This is what I love about TSG - the sets are just so fun and verstile.

Friendship and coffee are a good blend to send greetings near and far. Torico has created a darling set to perk up the one “mug” you’ve been missing. An absolute must for those sweets and treats without all the calories!

Perk Up! is a 4x8 set that includes a total of 36 stamps and will sell for $18.00.

For my card today I picked this amazing DP from Echo Park. I was surprised to see that my local craft store carried EP-I have never had any luck finding this paper anywhere. It was the one and only paper they had!! I embossed the cup in black and then popped it up. I like the way the photo came out...it looks as if I shaded the hearts and the cup - I wish I could figure out how to do that. I used the sketch from CPS #252. I know just who will get this card.

Would you like to win the new Perk Up! stamp set? Here is what you need to do- visit the Trendsetter’s blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post.

Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!!

There She Goes Release Week | Day One

2012-01-24T05:59:00.001-07:00

Yeah! It's my favorite time of the month - Release Week at There She Goes. This month's release is so totally awesome, you're just going to love it!!

No “bots” set would be complete without Nursebot! Torico has done it again. She warmed your heart last month with Lovebots and this month she’s going to make you feel all better with Nursebot. What a great way to send well wishes then a visit from the Nursebot.

Nursebot is a 4x4 set that includes a total of 11 stamps and will sell for $10.00.

For my card I totally had to use the pill bottle and sentiment. There are a few people that I'd love to give this to!! When I sat down to make this card I really wanted to do something different. Of course I had no idea what would be different, so this is what I came up with. I totally love it!! I used the music sheet because I see someone playing the smallest violin in the world when they tell someone, "Need a chill pill? So from there I had to add scrolls. There's nothing saying that comedy can't be elegant!!

For inspiration I used the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge #81. This will be the first time I enter one of my cards in their challenge. I hope you all like my card. Please be sure to come back tomorrow - you're really going to love tomorrows set as well.

Would you like to win the new Nursebot stamp set? Here is what you need to do- visit the Trendsetter’s blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post.

Tuesday Morning Sketches #130

2012-01-24T05:00:00.002-07:00

It's a beautiful Tuesday Morning Sketches day. We have a fabulous sketch from DT member Jessica and a returning sponsor - Stamp Fairy.

I have to tell you, I sort of cheated with this card. Last week the sketch had the three circles and I colored the bee hive and the flowers in this card. I was thinking that the two images and the sentiment would fit - they didn't! I put my image in the colored pile. I just couldn't resist. I had to use this image because I loved the coloring and wanted to share it. I hope you like it.

This is an image from Flourishes Bee My Honey and it's just a fun image to color. Be sure to check out this fantastic sketch. I hope you'll play along with us. I have really enjoyed getting inspiration from your creations. Also, be sure to visit our DT members and leave them some love - their blogs are located on my sidebar.

Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!!

TSG ~ 140 Love is in the Air

2012-01-22T23:34:00.001-07:00

Hello Crafters - It's time for a TSG challenge.

This week our challenge is brought to us by our Senior Trendsetters! They have challenged us to make a card or project with love and hearts. Valentine’s is just around the corner, it’s time to get started on all those wonderful Valentines.

To be eligible for the giveaway, create a card or project for Valentine’s with love and hearts, and then come back to the TSG Blog to add your name and a link to your project in the InLinkz that is located at the bottom of this challenge post. This challenge is open until the winner has been announced on the following Monday (January 30th). The winner will get a $5 gift certificate to use in the TSG Web store!

By participating in this challenge, you may also find yourself in the Trendsetting Spotlight that shines on the TSG Blog every Thursday. We will be on the lookout to find challenge cards that stand out and show Trendsetting qualities. TSG stamps are not required to participate in the challenges but are appreciated.

You do not need to have a blog to be able to participate in the TSG Challenges! You can simply add the URL link from your project after it has been uploaded to your online craft gallery. If you upload your card to an online craft gallery, please use the keyword TSG140 so we can check out your beautiful work!

For my card, what came to mind was the 1970 movie Love Story. I thought that the book cover was set up something like how I designed my card, but alas I was wrong. I love my card anyway!! The polka dot paper is just devine? I thought this paper would totally show off this fabulous LOVE set by There She Goes. The ribbon I believe is silk...it has the most wonderful feel to it. I do hope you'll join us this week. Would love to see what you create.

Need some inspiration to help you get started? Check out these great cards made by the following Trendsetters!

~ Karen
~ Angela
~ Jessie

Recipe:
Stamps: There She Goes ~ LOVE
Ink: Close To My Heart ~ cranberry
Paper: World Traveler by Teresa Collins; Bazzil (cream puff); Close To My Heart (black)
Ribbon: Ribbon Carousel

Tuesday Morning Sketches #129

2012-01-17T05:00:00.001-07:00

Hello Crafters -

Sorry I missed last week's sketch...I was too intimidated by it having to be "vintage!" This week we have a great sketch and a sponsor - a sponsor that I am very partial too. Our sponsor this week is the Cupcake Craftroom. They offer some fantastic digital papers and some new cardmaking kits. Be sure to stop by and check them out.

Today's card I was inspired by Mary J's card. I totally loved the papers and her card that I just had to use the same paper scheme (Fresh Polkas & Little Black Box). I knew the perfect set - Bee My Honey from Flourishes. Course I colored the flower image hoping I could fit all three images. Sadly, they did not fit so I'll be making another card with the flowers in the set. I am totally in love with this card. I think it came out so perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed coloring the images. I'm startin' to love my Copics.

Here is today's sketch. I hope that join along with us at Tuesday Morning Sketches. Be sure to check out the rest of the design team work (you can find their blogs on my sidebar). I can't wait to see what you put together.

Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!

Feeling Blue

2012-01-15T19:42:00.000-07:00

Evening Crafters -

I am a bit late on all my posts this month! I just don't have the mojo needed, I'm not sure how I lost it and I'm not sure how to get it back. I went to my friend Debi's house today and she inspired me to get creative today.

This month over at The Cupcake Craftroom, Mandy's challenge is "Anything Goes." We're half way through the month so we agreed my card would be the mid-month reminder. I'm glad that she was understanding about this month for me.

I love this digi paper pack, it's called Mint Chocolate Chip - my favorite ice cream flavor and I also used 1 sheet from another fabulous collection - Primrose Path. I have wanted to make a masculine card with this paper for quite sometime. I think this came out just fabulous. I totally wanted to make the paper and the sentiment as the focal points. I think it came out great. I hope you do to. I hope that you'll play along with January 2012 Challenge at The Cupcake Craftroom - see you over there!!

Thank You

2012-01-07T20:00:00.001-07:00

Hello All -

I had a wonderful day today, got some inspiration and made a scrapbook page and a card. I like going to card club, I always have a ton of inspiration when I get home. I saw a card in the new CTMH catalogue and an SU catalogue - they were very similar with their rose image. I got to thinking about having a large image and I immediately thought of What's Up Buttercup from There She Goes.

It began to snow here today and all I want is spring weather. So I was excited to pull out these gorgeous buttercups. I totally love how my card came out. I don't like making the same card over and over, but I have Thank You cards to get to my wonderful students for all the fabulous presents they gave me. They totally made my day. I want them to know that. I am a bit behind. This card was very simple and I think speaks volumes.

I hope you like it too!! Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome evening.

Recipe:
Stamps ~ There She Goes Clear Stamps (What's Up Buttercup and Fabulous)
Ink ~ Memento Tuxedo Black
Papers ~ Bazzill Basics (cream puff and dk blue); The Girls' Paperie (Jubilee)
Accessories ~ Rhinestones (stash)

Tuesday Morning Sketches #127

2012-01-03T05:00:00.002-07:00

Good Morning Sketchers -

It's back to work for me today - kids tomorrow! I do look forward, but it takes time away from what I have enjoyed doing this break - coloring!! I didn't make all the cards I planned, I simply practiced coloring.

Today, we have a great sketch from DT member Kathy and a great sponsor - Sparkle Creations. I want to thank Sparkle for sending me the fabulous image to ink up! This is Valentine Oliver and the minute I saw him I envisioned the 70's, peace signs, and Donna Summer. I found the perfect paper and sentiment. I think my card came out cute! I hope you like it too.

Isn't Oliver just the cutest? I think when I color him again, I'll make his skin tones a bit darker. I have been watching Suzanne J, Dean and her coloring techniques on YouTube and I am totally enjoying practicing.

Thanks for Kathy for a great sketch. I hope that you'll join us this week. I can't wait to see what you make. Be sure to stop by the rest of the DT to see their amazing creations ~ Jessica, Kathy, Marie, Dawn, Angela, Melissa, and our guest designer Cheryl. We all create cards for our own enjoyment, but it's always nice to have a little love!

Have an awesome day!!

There She Goes Release Week | Day Two

2011-12-28T06:00:00.003-07:00

It's day two of There She Goes Release week. Sadly, Jessica is only releasing two sets this month and this one is just darling. The moment I opened the set I said, "Oh it's me and my sisters!" I sat and thought about this one for a while and decided to not make a card. I decided that I wanted to create a book of life's little moments and it would be all about my sisters and I. Only all three of us would be the authors. I will begin it, send it off to one of my sisters and when she's done she can send it off to the other sister. I think it'll be a total treasure thanks to this fabulous set.

Warm fuzzy moments and life’s little memories are genuinely captured by Torcio in this new Little Moments set. Gazing through the window watching the snow fall, special moments with brothers and sisters or wonderful thoughts of that one special grandmother that make your heart warm are all here. There’s no better way to send a loving card or create a scrapbook page to capture these glorious moments than to use this fabulous new stamp set.

Little Moments is a 6x8 set that includes a total of 12 stamps $24.

Would you like to win the new Little Moments stamp set? Here is what you need to do- visit the Trendsetter’s blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post.

You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday December 31st with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

Recipe:
Stamps: There She Goes - Little Moments
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Copics
Paper: BasicGrey (urban prairie); Authentique (splendid "renown"); DCWV (linen closet) Bazzill Basics (black)
Accessories: Prima (Say it in Crystals); American Crafts Premium Ribbon; Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge; Spellbinders Shapeabilities (fancy tags two)

There She Goes Release Week | Day One & Tuesday Morning Sketches

2011-12-27T05:00:00.002-07:00

Hello Everyone!!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. Now with Christmas behind us it's time to move onto New Years and the next busy "card" holiday ~ Valentine's Day. I like Valentine's Day because I love pinks, reds, and blacks. Today I am combining my Tuesday Morning Sketches sketch with There She Goes Release Week. I spent so much time coloring images this week that I lost track of time and didn't make two separate cards!!

Let's begin with There She Goes...

If you loved Friendbots, you're going to love Lovebots. With Valentine's Day around the corner, Torico has created an adorable set that will have your heart bursting with joy. This adorable mini set will have you creating cards and gift tags that carry your message of love and friendship to all your special Valentines.

Lovebots is a 4x4 set that includes a total of 7 stamps $10.

Would you like to win the new Lovebots stamp set? Here is what you need to do- visit the Trendsetter’s blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post.

You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday December 31st with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

Now onto Tuesday Morning Sketches. Melissa has decided to do a "revisit" of previous sketches. We also have a great sponsor, Print Candee. I am using some digital paper from them this time. I totally love it! I'll have to think about some additional projects for the four papers in this pack. Be sure to check out their blog for some unique digi's and papers.

I hope you enjoyed my card. I can't wait to see your creations. Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!!

Recipe:
Stamps: There She Goes - Lovebots
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Copics
Paper: Print Candee (pink & black); Bazzill Basics (avalanche)
Accessories: Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge (heart doily); Liquid Glass; ribbon (stash)

Tuesday Morning Sketches #125

2011-12-20T04:00:00.001-07:00

Hello All - it's a "pink" Tuesday Morning Sketches day. We have a fabulous sketch from design team member Marie. I love the sketch!! We also have a returning sponsor, Paper Pretties.

I have to say that I love how my card came out. I just wanted to be "pink" today. I colored this image, Snowflake Mittens a few weeks back and had to set it aside until I found the right papers and time to make my card. I could've made my card on Saturday. I told you all that I planned on lounging - boy did I ever. I got up Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. and then about 1:00 p.m. I decided I needed a nap. I didn't wake up till 8:00 p.m. I guess I was totally exhausted. Now I'm all caught up on my sleep. I plan to play in my craft room!

I hope you enjoy my first card of the week!! Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!

Stampbook Saturday ~ Theresa

2011-12-16T22:43:00.000-07:00

Hi All ~ I totally love making scrapbook pages, just wish I had pictures of my family to put on them!! Today is my day to make the Stampbook Saturday page over at There She Goes. With the latest release there are so many stamp sets to choose from. I selected Holly Jolly because I really wanted to stamp the beautiful snowflakes in this set.

I've made a new friend at work...Danny, one of the facility assistants. He was sharing photos of his children and I couldn't resist using the photos to make my Stampbook page. What I struggled with was how could I use all the December released stamps sets on this one page. I settled on Holly Jolly and was totally inspired by Melyssa Connolly's beautiful card.

For my Stampbook page I used my Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge to cut out the snowflake. I wanted to compliment the red the children had. I totally love the gold that I added to the page. I can't wait to give this page to Danny and his wife. I just know they'll love it!

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have an awesome weekend!! I plan on sleeping in tomorrow and basically lounge around in my jammies all day. I'm on Christmas break for the next two weeks - YAHOO!!

TSG ~ Dollar Friday Find

2011-12-15T22:01:00.002-07:00

Hello All ~ It's my turn to host the Dollar Friday Find over at There She Goes. I have this wonderful friend and every year she goes up to the mountains and chops down herself a Christmas tree. Well this year she was kind enough to chop me one down too. I haven't set up a tree in more than 8-10 years. Finding my ornaments may be impossible. So when I thought about my project for tonight - I immediately thought ornaments.
As I was looking at clear ornaments at Michael's, I was so excited to see that they were 50% off. I bought 3 of them and spent less than $2.00. The one I selected for my project was an oval shaped bulb and it was .64 cents!! How's that for a buck?

I selected the new Hohoho set to create my ornament. I colored Santa with Copics and then I adhered him to the ornament with a product from Close To My Heart called Liquid Glass. I also added snowflakes to the inside of the ornament. It's just so darling and it's my first ornament on my tree!

I adore this ornament and it was so easy to make. I plan on making the reindeer that are in this stamp set while I am off for the next two weeks. These are going to sparkle beautifully on my little tree.

Also, in the photo is a tree that I made using my Art Philosophy cartridge. I cut the banner image, folded it in half (I wasn't very accurate though!) and then put them together to create my 3D tree.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope that you have enjoyed my project. Have an awesome day!!

There She Goes - Wednesday Trends

2011-12-13T22:01:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone - it's my week to host the Wednesday Trends over at There She Goes. With Christmas just around the corner I thought I would make a holiday gift bag. I'm going to use my bag to wrap my present to ME!! If you would like to see the small photo tutorial I put together head on over to TSG and then be sure to head to the TSG store to pick up your last minute stamp sets.

For my bag I used Seasons Greetings and Penguin Pals. I loved the sentiment from Penguin Pals and thought it was perfect for this project. I hope that you like it as much as I do!

Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!

Tuesday Morning Sketches #124

2011-12-13T04:00:00.002-07:00

Good Morning Tuesday Morning Sketchers - we have a fabulous sketch today and a wonderful sponsor - Bugaboo Digi Stamps! I totally love Bugaboo, they are always so kind to provide their fabulous images. Now that I am getting more and more comfortable with coloring - I totally love coloring the Bugaboo images.

This week is a judged challenge and Melissa has thrown in a twist - a Bingo game!! I can't tell you how much I hate Bingo. It's a huge long story, but Grandma took me to play and it was the last game of the evening, you know the one that is worth all the money. Well ding dong me yelled bingo and I didn't have it. Needless to say I hate Bingo! Heck I hardly got this one correct. I was all excited about my card and sent it off to Melissa - she sends me back an email asking me what did I do for Bingo. I totally forgot - but by accident I managed to get 3 in a row...whew!!

For my card I selected Ruby Christmas Drink. Isn't she just divine?? If you need a "fun" image for someone special the Ruby line is just perfect. For my sentiment I used There She Goes Warmest Wishes, I thought it was the perfect sentinment for this image. For my bingo choices I used Christmas ribbon, pattern paper, and Christmas colors. I can't wait to see what you make.

Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!!

Recipe:
Digital Image: Bugaboo ~ Ruby Christmas Drink
Ink: Copics
Paper: Close To My Heart, Bazzill Basics
Accessories: Cricut Art Philosophy, Swarvoski Crystals, ribbon (stash)

TSG134 ~ Color Challenge

2011-12-11T22:42:00.000-07:00

This week our challenge is brought to us by our Trendsetter of the week- ME! I am challenging you to make a card using the colors blue, pink, and red with a winter theme.

To be eligible for the giveaway, create a card using the colors with a winter theme, and then come back to the TSG Blog to add your name and a link to your project in the InLinkz that is located at the bottom of this challenge post. This challenge is open until the winner has been announced on the following Monday (December 19th). The winner will get a $5 gift certificate to use in the TSG Web store!

By participating in this challenge, you may also find yourself in the Trendsetting Spotlight that shines on the TSG Blog every Thursday. We will be on the lookout to find challenge cards that stand out and show Trendsetting qualities.

TSG stamps are not required to participate in the challenges but are appreciated :)

You do not need to have a blog to be able to participate in the TSG Challenges! You can simply add the URL link from your project after it has been uploaded to your online craft gallery. If you upload your card to an online craft gallery, please use the keyword TSG134 so we can check out your beautiful work!

This is my first card coloring with my new Copics. I sat and took my time and I totally love how my coloring came out. Aren't these snowpeople just darling? This is one of my favorite holiday sets from There She Goes - Seasons Greetings. It just has some amazing images. Isn't that pink polka dotted paper just yummy? My friend Lee gave me some wonderful pink papers and I couldn't wait to use it. For my card I used Silke Ledlow's sketch for Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge #147. I'll just be getting this entered there under the wire.

Need some inspiration to help you get started?

Check out these great cards made by the following Trendsetters!
~ Jessie
~ Karen

Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day.

You're Amazing!

2011-12-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

Hello All - another quick post for today. I made this card for one of my coworkers. She wanted to give a card to her student teacher for her last day. Now I totally cannot take credit for the coloring of the little girl...my friend Angela colored her about a year ago and I put her away. It was time to take her out and give her away.

For this card I used my Cricut Art Philosophy to cut the alphabet background - isn't it great!! I used the Deconstructed Sketch #30. The paper are from Close to My Heart.

I hope you like my card. Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!!

Happy Holidays

2011-12-07T19:52:00.000-07:00

Evening - quick post tonight. A friend of mine asked if I would consider making her Christmas cards for her. Although I don't like making the same card over and over...she is really a sweet person to me and I wanted to be able to help her. I chose to make something quick and easy, but also elegant.

I really like how this card came out. The stamp set is from Close to My Heart and I was able to cut out the image using the Art Philosophy from Cricut. I really love the embosses tree in the background. What says Christmas other than a big red bow. She is very pleased with the design. Hey at least I have 1 card done...only 19 to go!!

Thanks for stopping by. I do hope you enjoy my card. Have an awesome day!

Tuesday Morning Sketches #123

2011-12-06T06:31:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Okay when I posted my card I realized that when I printed the sketches my print didn't print correctly. There was not much I could do to correct the mistake. So my apologies for getting a portion of my card incorrect.

Today, we have a returning sponsor - Tiffany Doodles. I love the images that she sent me to play with. I totally loved sitting down and using my new Copics to color this beauty. I stuck to traditional holiday colors and I totally love this card. Hope you like it too. Be sure to stop by her store she's having a big sale!!

I hope you join us this week. Please do stop by the rest of the DT and leave them a little love.

Have an awesome day!!

Christmas Traditions

2011-11-30T22:02:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it's December! Christmas is just a few weeks away. It's time to get your holiday cards done and to help with that Mandy over at the Cupcake Craftroom is challenging us to make a card with the theme of "Christmas Traditions." That could mean putting up the Christmas Tree, decking the halls, Santa, stockings, a roaring fire...it's up to you. Mandy has also posted some scrupmtious new papers in the store titled "Traditions."

For my card I took my inspriation from Silke. She always makes such beautiful cards. I love the layout she used and the image. I got this image a while back and this is the perfect image for the challenge theme. I totally love the reds in this set. I wanted to use all of them, but I refrained.

I hope to see you join us. I can't wait to see your Christmas Traditions.

Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!!

Tuesday Morning Sketches #122

2011-11-29T04:01:00.009-07:00

Good Morning Crafters - it's another fabulous Tuesday Morning Sketches day. I decided to show my card first and then show you the sketch. I went totally minimalistic on this card. I'm not a huge fan of putting an image a card without coloring it!! However, I think this image screams for minimal to no color. I hope you agree with me.

This week our sponsor is Stretch N' Bubbles. She has some fresh and funky digi's and I hope you take the time to check out her store. I would like to take a moment to thank her for providing a few images for us to play with.

Now for the sketch. Don't let it intimidate you - use it to get your creative juices flowing. I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!!

There She Goes Release Week | Day Three

2011-11-24T06:00:00.001-07:00

It's amazing how 3 days can just fly by. Today is the last day of release week at There She Goes! My post is full of eye candy today. I love this set and I wanted to use everything in it - I just couldn't stop.

Torico is in the mood to make winter all warm and cheery. She has illustrated a fabulous set that will keep you in stitches or get you in the mood to make gingerbread houses and sugar cookies. The set includes hearts, stars, and snowflakes to create a one of a kind snowman or holiday tree. This set also includes six dies – so warm up your die cutting machine and let the baking begin. What set wouldn’t be complete without a few sentiments to add to your winter projects?

Warmest Wishes is a 4x4 set that includes a total of 23 stamps and six dies and will sell for $31.50.

I decided to make a "card/tag" - I usually don't send out Christmas cards (I can't handle the thought of my hard work in someone's trash can!)...when I give a gift I like to give a little tag, but I like the tags that are like cards. I put together five 3x3 card/tags. I totally love them!! I used the snowflakes from the Hohoho set you all got a sneak peak at on Tuesday to stamp my background. I hope you like them.

Would you like to win the new Warmest Wishes stamp set? Here is what you need to do- visit the Trendsetter’s blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post.

You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday November 26th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

Thanks for stopping by! I wish you the most awesome Thanksgiving Day.

There She Goes Release Week | Day Two

2011-11-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Day two...of the There She Goes Release week and I am totally in love with this set. I had such a hard time selecting which image to use. They are all so unbelievably amazing you just have to come to the realase chat party to see them. I'm telling you I squeeled when I saw this set.

No two snowflakes are alike…each with a beauty of their own and Melyssa Connolly has captured the beauty of snowflakes in this new Holly Jolly set that are sure to make you wish it were snowing. This amazing set also includes a die! It’s a fabulous versatile set that will surely bring a holiday glisten to your projects – all you need to add is the glitter!

Holly Jolly is a 6x8 set that includes a total of 35 stamps and one die and will sell for $31.50.

For my card I finally setttled on the wreath. I was lucky enough to use Holly's Copics. I really need to start buying some. I am finally getting bold enough to use them and I am starting to understand how they work. Okay, maybe no more stamps - only Copics... eeek...what a thought!! I loved using the die with this set. It was nice to not have to cut out the image. I love the big ribbon. I hope you like it too! Honestly, you really need to come to the release party - this set is a total must have.

Would you like to win the new Holly Jolly stamp set? Here is what you need to do- visit the Trendsetter’s blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post.

You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday November 26th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

Thanks for stopping by...Have an awesome day!

There She Goes Release Week | Day One

2011-11-22T06:00:00.001-07:00

It's my favorite time of the month...it's release week over at There She Goes and I am totally excited about the 5 sets being released this month. YES, 5 sets and they are all so totally awesome. Today's release consists of 3 of them. Sadly, I only have one card to share but I will be back with the other two sets because they are so totally awesome. I was working on one of the cards and I just couldn't get it right...I was not at all pleased and I ripped it in half!!

Let's get to the release...

What images come to mind when you hear sleigh bells ringing? Santa and his eight tiny reindeer of course! Torico has illustrated the perfect mini set to create your winter wonderland scene. This is the perfect set to create holiday tags, cards, and gift boxes. A complete must have.

Hohoho is a 3x4 mini-set that includes a total of 9 stamps and will sell for $7.

Just when you thought the World’s Best & Die stamp set couldn’t get any better…here comes another fabulous set illustrated by Melyssa Connolly to add snowmen, reindeer, and angels on the tails of your ribbon or flowers of the World’s Best stamp set.
What a great set this will be to dress up a holiday bottle of cheer!

Holiday Ribbons is a 2x3 mini-set that includes a total of 9 stamps and will sell for $4.

Holidays are not complete without all the wishes of the seasons. Jessica has illustrated a beautiful set of timeless sentiments so that you’ll never be at a loss for words. This mini set would complement the collection of holiday stamps sets released this month!

Wishing You is a 3x4 mini-set that includes a total of 6 stamps and will sell for $7.

For my card, I decided to go with an "elegant" theme. I started with one concept in my head, but ended up with something completely different and I totally love it. I really like the different sentiments in this set and simply wanted the sentiment as my focal point.

Would you like to win the new Hohoho, Holiday Ribbons, and Wishing You stamp sets? Here is what you need to do- visit the Trendsetter’s blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post.

You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday November 26th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

Thanks for stopping by...have an awesome day!!

Tuesday Morning Sketches #121

2011-11-22T05:01:00.010-07:00

What a fabulous day today is going to be...today is my Friday!! I will be on Thanksgiving break for the next 3 days. I plan to rearrange my craft room and make cards. I sort of lost my want and I am working my way back. I just need sleep and a clean and organized room to work in.

I flaked on last weeks Tuesday Morning Sketches. I just couldn't get there and I'm sorry. We have a fun sketch and a great sponsor this week. The sketch is from DT member Dawn and our sponsor is Stamp Fairy. Be sure to stop by her shop and check out all the wonderful digi's she has on file and the freebies too!

I enjoyed working with this sketch...I think I definitely took it literally. I can't wait to see how you interpret it with your fabulous creations. Isn't this tree just yummy?

Be sure to stop by the rest of the DT and give them some love too! As always, thanks for stopping by and have an awesome day.

Image: Close To My Heart (Holiday Wishes)
Ink: Stampin' Up markers (real red, garden green, and always artichoke)
Paper: Bazzill Basics, Authentique
Accessories: Art Philosophy (Cricut), bling (stash)

Tuesday Morning Sketches #120

2011-11-15T05:01:00.001-07:00

Today at Tuesday Morning Sketches we have a great sketch and wonderful sponsor. Sadly, today I do not have a card. I am hoping to get some things cleared and unpacked so that I can craft again. I had to clean out my craft room because I sold my treadmill and we had to get it out of the room, so all my crafting items are in my living room or bedroom. Please forgive me and I hope to have it posted tomorrow.

Here's the sketch and our sponsor is The Stamping Botique. I do hope you join us. This week is also a Judged Challenge. We are challenging you to make a card using the sketch and adding the theme of "Giving Thanks." It doesn't need to be a Thanksgiving card, you can also just make it a thanks!! Be creative try to get away from the traditional!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you'll come back to see my card tomorrow.

Have an awesome day!!

Advent Calendar Wreath

2011-11-09T05:00:00.002-07:00

Today I totally have an awesome project to share. So as I have seen some of my favorite bloggers say, "Grab a cuppa whatever and sit back and relax." I have a few photos to share.

Last month when There She Goes released the new set No Peeking! illustrated by Torico I was in the midst of writing goals, ILPs, report cards, and parent/teacher conferences that I just had to let my DT obligation take a back seat (sadly). I had this idea that I wanted to try to make an Advent Calendar. Well as I started to investigate what that really was I decided to make a pseudo Advent Calendar. I came up with the idea to make a wreath. My idea has been totally worth the wait and the work. Actually it looks like a lot of work, but it really was simple.

Supplies needed:

~ Stryofoam circle (I used medium, next one I'll use the larger circle)

~ Wired ribbon (4 yards)

~ Glue Dots, straight pins, glue gun (or whatever your favorite glue may be)

~ 1 sheet white cardstock (8 1/2 x 11 will be big enough)

~ 5 sheets patterened paper (4 x 6 for each sheet is plenty)
~ Ornament (optional)

~ Bling (optional)

~ Scissors

Once I stamped all 25 images I colored and cut out each image. I then stamped the squares and circles and cut them out as well. I then took the syrofoam circle and wrapped the red ribbon all around and pinned it down and attached the bow. I then layed out all the circles and squares so that I would know that all the images would fit.

From there I attached all the images, numbers, as well as stamping some of the numbers. This is my final product. I think it's totally so awesome. This is probably the largest product I have ever taken on and I can't wait to hang it on my door.

Isn't it just gorgeous? I totally love it!! Here are a few close up photos:

I hope you like my project as much as I do. Honestly it didn't take as long as I thought it would. It really was quite calming to color and cut. No Peeking! is totally worth the purchase.

I appreciate your stopping by. I can't wait to hear your thoughts. Have an awesome day!!

Tuesday Morning Sketches #119

2011-11-08T04:01:00.028-07:00

It's amazing how time flies...it's another wonderful Tuesday Morning Sketches day and we have my favorite stamp company There She Goes at this week's sponsor. I love it when Jessica sponsor's TMS.

We have a wonderful sketch by DT member Kathy Curry today. I really enjoyed putting my card together. This is one of the images I colored a few weeks ago using my friends Twin Touch Markers. I think I really need to invest. I just love how I the coloring came out.

For my card I used Wonderful Winter Wishes. I bought this set back in the summer and it's sat uninked! I'm not happy winter (snow) is here, but I am excited I get to ink up this darling set. I hope you take a few to check out all the images.

Thanks for stopping by. I do hope that you'll play along with us. Be sure to stop by the DT and leave them a little love too. Have an awesome day!!

Cupcake Craftroom - Sweet Christmas!

2011-11-01T07:03:00.000-06:00

It's a new challenge over at the Cupcake Craftroom and a new set of delicious papers. You'll need to head over to the craftroom to check out the new Contemporary Christmas papers that Mandy has designed. The challenge this month is a Sweet Christmas! I made two projects - one naughty and one nice.

Sweet Christmas can be interpreted in many ways - the first, was of course naughty with all the fabulous Christmas candy. I went in search of ribbon candy and I couldn't even believe that I couldn't find it. The next best thing is the hard candy that I remember sitting on grandma's table in the green candy dish. I used my Art Philosophy to cut the french fry box and used There She Goes newest release No Peeking! to adorn the front. What a great sweet treat idea! I used a digi sheet called Swirl It. I printed in on avalance Bazzill cardstock to give it texture. I love this print - it's so gorgeous. I also used Christmas Polkas.

The second, the nice with beatiful fruits. I used another There She Goes stamp set that I purchased, but somehow never inked it up. I totally love coloring this image, the stamp set is called Season's Greetings and it's an full of old fashioned holiday images. For this card I used three digis sheets, also printed on Avalanche Bazzill paper called - solid red, big dots, and swirl it green. Aren't the papers gorgeous and I think perfectly paired for this fabulous stamp set.

I hope that you like today's projects. I hope that you'll visit the Cupcake Craftroom to get these delicious papers and There She Goes for the fabulous holiday stamp sets.

Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!!

Tuesday Morning Sketches #118

2011-11-01T05:00:00.000-06:00

It's another fabulous Tuesday Morning Sketch day. We have a wonderful sketch to use this week. Our sponsor is Robyn's Fetish. Robyn's store offers some fabulous digital stamps as well as digital papers. I hope that you'll check out her store. In the mean time...here is this week's sketch and my project.

I totally fell in love with this stamp set from Close To My Heart. I love pumkins and I'd love to see them come out with other sayings for the top of the pumpkin.

I stamped the leaf three times and cut them out and popped them up. I think they look great! What I like about this set is that each piece is an individual stamp.

I hope that you'll join us this week. Please do stop by the rest of the DT to see their amazing creations and leave them a little love. Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!

2011-10-27T10:42:00.000-06:00

Hello Crafters -

Okay I made a huge mistake!! My post didn't post because I put the wrong date. I'm sorry that I had to sit this one out. I am in the midst of parent/teacher conferences and I have caught another cold. So I hope you'll come back this weekend to see what I put together with today's release. I am so excited about this set becasue there are so many fabulous images and so many wonderful possibilities.

Kids love to countdown the days until Christmas is finally here and with this new set illustrated by Torico, you are going to have just as much fun creating a countdown advent calendar! With 25 different adorable holiday images and two sets of numbers the possibilities are endless! To make this set even more useable, there are two decorative circles and two decorative squares that were designed to be used with a 1 3/8” punch!!

No Peeking! is a 6x8 set that includes a total of 53 stamps and will sell for $24.

Would you like to win the new No Peeking! stamp set? Here is what you need to do- visit the Trendsetter’s blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post.

You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday October 29th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

Be sure to check out the amazing projects from the Trendsetter.

There She Goes Release Week | Day Two

2011-10-26T06:00:00.001-06:00

It's day two of There She Goes release week!! Today's set is so cute...and I am so inspired by the set that I have decided to host Thanksgiving dinner at my house. Yes, I am going to cook. I'm actually excited.

We have another fabulous set from Torico – she’s showing off her range of creativity. Whip us some delicious greetings with the new Bon Appetit set. From the succulent turkey to steamin’ hot pie create some mouthwatering table settings or pass down secret family recipes for generations to come. Compliments to Chef Torico!

Bon Appétit is a 4x8 set that includes a total of 31 stamps and will sell for $18.

When I saw this set I was a little intimidated because I am not a cook. I totally love this chef - he's just too cute. I thought about making a new recipe card file for a friend, but she's not into my hobby and wouldn't appreciate it...so I thought why not make one for me?? So I decided that I needed some recipes for Thanksgiving and I came up with the two recipe cards below. I have a recipe card file and I'll be decorating that in the next few weeks - so you'll have to come back and check it out. If you have some good (low fat) recipes pass them on.

Would you like to win the new Bon Appétit stamp set? Here is what you need to do- visit the Trendsetter’s blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post.

You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday October 29th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

Be sure to check out what the rest of team created. Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!!

There She Goes Release Week | Day One

2011-10-25T06:00:00.002-06:00

Yahoo!! It's release week at There She Goes and do we ever have a great line-up this week. So be sure to come back this whole week to see what Jessica has in store. Today I have two sets to show you...and I just know you'll love them.

The seasons are changing and it’s time to add some rich colors and beautiful leaves to our paper crafting projects! Autumn mini set has a bunch of different leaves each with a fun pattern that you are going to love to use!

Autumn is a 3x4 set that includes a total of 13 stamps and will sell for $7.

Jessica has designed a wonderful set. I had to restrain myself from using all the leaves in the set. The sentiment is just so perfect. For my card I referred back to what I learned from Silke a few weeks back. I stamped the ink straight onto the clear block, misted it with water and then stamped it straight onto the cardstock. I just love how this technique looks and thought it was perfect for this stamp set.

Now onto the second release of the day.

Torico brings us a techno savvy stamp set that everyone needs. We are living in an information age on an information planet so why not surprise your Friendbots with some automated cuteness. Let’s make it the age of interfacing with all your B.F.F.s!

Friendbots is a 3x4 set that includes a total of 5 stamps and will sell for $7.

I had so much coloring this set. I do wish that I went a bit bolder with my colors, but I just love this card and this image. It's just so cute!! I hope you'll like it too.

Would you like to win the new Autumn / Friendbots mini stamp sets? Here is what you need to do- visit the Trendsetter’s blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post.

You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday October 29th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

Thanks for joining us today. Be sure to come back tomorrow. Have an awesome day!!

Tuesday Morning Sketches #117

2011-10-25T05:01:00.001-06:00

Good morning crafters -

It's a fabulous Tuesday morning and Denver is expecting snow today - yikes!! I wish our weather could be as good as it was today 77 degrees otherwise I would prefer to stay home.

Today at Tuesday Morning Sketches we have a fabulous sketch and sponsor - Tiffany Doodles. Although I was not able to use a Tiffany digi I totally adore her images. Be sure to head over and check out her shop. For my image today I used a There She Goes set - Day or Night - that I have had and haven't inked. I was over a friends and I forgot to take my color pencils and she had the ShinHan Touch Markers and I got to play. Today's card was colored with the markers and I thought they were easier than Copics - why I don't know they're sort of the same!! I totally love these markers and may consider investing.

I totally had a blast putting this card together. I am in love with these new papers from Close To My Heart. I thought they went perfectly with the colors in the image.

I hope you like today's card and that you'll play along with us. Thanks for stopping by - I hope you have an awesome day!!

Tuesday Morning Sketches #116

2011-10-18T04:01:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Crafters - It's another wonderful Tuesday Morning Sketches day! This week we have two sponsors to help celebrate "pink" Breast Cancer Awareness month. First we have a new sponsor ~ Print Candee and a returning sponsor ~ DRS Designs. We will have two drawings!! The sketch comes from me. When I looked at the line up for the month I thought to myself, "What was I thinking?" I really didn't like the sketch until I started working on my card.

I totally love this card. I used a pre-colored digital from Print Candee, however, I did color the faeries wings pink. I printed two copies and cut out the second set of wings and popped them up. I have posted for you two images so that you could see the wings.

I can't wait to see what you create this week. Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!!

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #139

2011-10-16T20:27:00.000-06:00

Evening crafters...a quick post tonight. At Flourishes Timeless Tuesday this week their challenge is to create a card with an ornament or make an ornament. Well I did both! I made a card with a removable ornament. To Flourishes, my apologies I do not have any holiday stamps sets, but they are on my wish list.

Once I created my card I realized that I did not have my camera here. I left it at school. I had to pull out a camera and I'm afraid the photo isn't the best. What I'd like to do is take some photography classes. I do however like my card. I used chipboard to make the ornament and put the DP on both sides and then used gold cording around the edges. It was so simple and quick. I found the beautiful DP at Archivers ~ it's from Authentique and it's gorgeous!!

I hope you like my card. Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome evening.

Tuesday Morning Sketches #115

2011-10-11T05:00:00.002-06:00

It's a great day for Tuesday Morning Sketches! This week we have a great sketch with a twist. This week is a judged challenge. All you need to is make a card or project using the sketch and incorporating Kathy's inspiring photo. I have been so excited for this week because about 4 months ago I bought this gorgeous paper. I didn't use it because I was waiting for the right moment. That moment is now! The paper totally matches the photo. It reminds me of growing up in the 70s!!

Okay, my sincerest apologies for being so absent. When I get sick it's sort of a pain to leave sub plans so I go to work. Plus I have been scheduled for training classes, so when I got home all I wanted to do is sleep! I missed blogging about my birthday, but I do get to blog about being cancer free for four years now. It's amazing how time flies! So as part of the TMS challenge for the month of October - you need to add pink to your creation.

I couldn't resist using this new stamp set from Close to My Heart titled A Melody. I think the three (sketch, photo, and images) make a great trio!!

Thanks for stopping by! I can't wait to see what you put together. Have an awesome day.

Thank You

2011-10-09T20:35:00.000-06:00

Good evening everyone! I wanted to say thanks to all the followers that left me some wonderful comments. I'm sorry I haven't posted for more than a week. Well I think I am back on the mend. We'll see...this is the time of the year that I really suffer from allergies and get sick. It's not been too bad!

Last Thursday was my birthday and I was really showered upon. I want to say thank you to all the children, my colleagues, friends, and family for all the wonderful gifts. I have been wanting to CASE Silke's cards for a month now. I finally got the time today to sit down and make some clean and simple cards.

I totally love the technique used. I used a clear stamp block and put the stamp pad directly onto the block, misted it with water and then stamped that onto the cardstock. I love how it came out. This card came together very quickly. I think they make fabulous thank you cards. I hope you do to!

Again, thank you for visiting me and I look forward to getting around to see everyone's creations. Have an awesome day!!

Recipe:
Stamps: Flourishes (Sweet Days of Summer & With Gratitude)
Ink: Close to My Heart (Parchment & Creme Brulee); Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Bazzill Basics
Accessories: Metals (Mark Richards)

Stampbook Saturday ~ Theresa

2011-10-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone! I am so sorry that I have been MIA. I have been hit with a horrible snius infection and when I get home from work all I can do is sleep. I have been missing all your creativity. I'll be around and hopefully posting this week. I need to get back to my crafting desk. Without further ado...

I am back with another Stampbook Saturday for There She Goes. Please forgive the photograph - I haven't figured out a way to photograph 12x12 layouts. This week I took my inspiration from Holly's project back at the beginning of September. I love making projects for my students, but I also like to make projects to document my teaching. I am trying to get caught up. I used this opportunity to work on last years class.

I totally love the Believe In You stamp set - this set was inspired by me. I pitched the idea to Jessica when I found her company. I was so excited when this set came out. I have gotten so many uses out of it. I used this set to make my Stampbook page. I can proudly put this page in my scrapbook as completed. I rarely post photos of my students on the internet, this is why I put my watermark over the photo (although I have photo rights, I just don't feel comfortable), but I totally wanted to share this page with you. For all you parents, here is a fabulous idea for yearly class photos.

Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!

TSG Trendsetter Surprise Party Winner

2011-10-02T08:13:00.000-06:00

The winner of the mini set from There She Goes is #10 Naomi. Be sure to check out the TSG blog for a list of the winners.

Congratulations Naomi!!

TSG ~ Stampbook Saturday

2011-10-01T06:00:00.002-06:00

Hello everyone!! It's my day to to Stampbook Saturday. I just love using my stamps on scrapbook pages. Since most of my scrapbooks pages are made without photos I use stamps to just show off the paper. But now I get to make scrapbook pages with photos of my new cousin Kaylee and I got a jump drive full of photos of my neice and nephews. I can finally put pictures on the multitude of scrapbook pages. This is the first of many.

I selected this fabulous card that Sandra MacLean created over a year ago as my inspiration. I just adore this little elephant and the design and layout of her card. The only thing I couldn't do is all the gorgeous sewing that Sandra did - I'm not that talented with a sewing machine.

Kaylee happened to have on a t-shirt with an elephant on it and how could I resist? I totally love all my TSG stamps. What I don't like is when I purchase stamp sets, use them once and never look at them again. Well I plan on using my TSG stamps more than once - now that I have photos as well.

This set is called Polka Dot Pals and has a precious dog, duck, and lamb in the set.

Isn't she just the sweetest thing? Thanks for stopping by. Again, I want to thank all of you for all the fabulous comments that you have left.

Kraft Halloween

2011-10-01T04:00:00.001-06:00

This month over at the Cupcake Craftroom, Mandy is challenging us to make a Halloween card using her line of More Krafty Kard papers. I have been experimenting with printing digital paper. This time I used the color copy machine at a friends work. I ran through different kinds of textured paper and smooth cardstock. I like the results. For today's project I used some smooth paper that had some sort of black flecks on it and it came through on the Ginger Kraft color that I selected. I think it looks great!!

I have been wanting to ink up my new stamp from Close to My Heart. It was August's stamp of the month titled Wicked. I think this set is pretty awesome.

When I got the email from Mandy saying that we needed to use kraft I was excited because I haven't really ventured into kraft paper. Then I read futher and saw Halloween! Then I remembered the stamp set and loved the small sample that was provided with the set and wanted to make my own take on the card. I love how this came out. I really like the kraft papers in this collection. Be sure to head over and check them out.

Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!!

Tuesday Morning Sketches #113

2011-09-27T05:01:00.005-06:00

Good Morning Crafters - what could go wrong, has gone wrong. I got home last night and was working on today's card for Tuesday Morning Sketches as I was coloring the lights went out! They went out for three hours. I began coloring at 6:30 - oh do I hope I get up in this morning!! I sat by candle light and flashlight coloring my image.

This week TMS is being sponsored by none other than my favorite company - There She Goes. In addition Melissa chose my sketch to use today.

For my project today I selected one of the most adorable sets Pumpkins on the Vine. I think it's just totally sweet! Since Fall is my favorite season I couldn't wait to ink this darling little gal up. I hope you like the coloring I thought it came out pretty good for coloring in the dark. I did pull out the sewing machine to sew the bottom and top. I managed to get the top done and as I was doing the bottom the electricity went out again after waiting 3 hours. Needless to say my sewing machine is lucky it didn't get thrown out the window for jamming on me - so I only got the top sewed. I told you what could go wrong, went wrong.

Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to check out the rest of the DTs work - they have shown off quite a few TSG images. Have an awesome day!!

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday - Setting the Table

2011-09-26T22:58:00.002-06:00

Hello Crafters -

This week at Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge ~ FTTC137 Tammy has invited us to "set the table." With the holidays quickly coming upon us and family and friends gathering around the table, the challenge is to create something for the holiday table. Anything goes...place cards, napkin rings, candles, table favors, decorations...let your creativity loose!

For my project I used 3 stamp sets ~ Zinnias, With Gratitude, and Country Charm Labels. I looked up zinnias on the web for colors and I totally love that they come in a "fall" color. Since Zinnias happens to be one of my favorite sets I just has to use them. I totally love how these came out.

As I started my project I realized I don't have napkins, other than paper towels. However, it made me think. Last year my teammate had a Thanksgiving Dinner with her students and I'd like to do that this year with my students. Many of them will not have that dinner - so I plan on getting my classroom volunteers and a few community members to help me. So I designed my project around my students. I made a place card and a napkin ring to go around a paper towel (I didn't photo the paper towel). Had I had electricity I was in the middle of make table decorations, but I do have a staff meeting in the morning, otherwise I would've stayed up all night!!

Well I hope you like my project. I appreciate all the fabulous comments that I received while being a guest designer. I want to say thank you to Tammy for giving me this most awesome opportunity. I hope I did Flourishes proud.

Now it's time to check out the fabulous creations from the rest of the design team ~ Cindy, Heather, Maki, Tammy, Silke, and Beate.

Happy Birthday TSG! Trendsetter Surprise Party

2011-09-24T23:46:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone! Today is MY DAY to give away a free mini set from THERE SHE GOES!!!!

TSG turns 3 this month and Jessica has been partying all month. As part of the celebration all of the Trendsetters will be giving away a mini stamp set. Monday will begin a week long puzzle piece game. So you'll have to stop by the TSG blog to get in on all the fun and festivities.

All you need to do is comment on my blog and one random winner will be chosen to select a mini stamp set. There are a lot of fabulous minis in the store. You have until October 1st to comment. Don't forget you can comment on all the Trendsetter's blog. Each of us are giving away a set to celebrate.

For my card I used one of the newest released sets, Fabulous. I just love this set. It's so easy and fun to stamp. When the release was done I saw Jodi's card and just had to CASE it...so that is what I did. I love how this came out. I hope you do to.

Be sure to head over to the There She Goes Blog and check out all the happenings. Also, be sure to comment on the Trendsetter's blogs - including mine for a chance to win a mini set of your choice.

Recipe:
Stamps: There She Goes (Fabulous)
Paper: DCWV (The Luxury Stack); Recollections (Modern Bouquet); Bazzill Basics (avalanche and lemonaide)
Ink: Close to My Heart (Moonstruck and Sunny Yellow)
Accessories: gold brads (Making Memories); ribbon (May Arts); Martha Stewart (punch)

There She Goes Release Week | Day Three

2011-09-21T22:00:00.003-06:00

It's the last day of There She Goes Release Week. The stamp sets have been marvelous and today's stamp set is exactly what I need!

This versitle and fun stamp set with coordinating Dies available, is the first in a series! With amazingly detailed flowers, ribbons and sentiments, you'll be celebrating ALL of the important people in your life! The line art and solid images allow for stamping only or coloring, while the tails and ribbons can easily become stems. The circle image coordinates with a 1.25" circle punch. With so many design possibilities, this is a must have stamp set for your collection. Co-illustrated by Melyssa Connolly and Jessica Knutsen.

World's Best is a 6x8 sized stamp set that includes 58 images and will sell for $24.

For my project I decided to make a card for one of the teachers at my school. He was honored this evening for publishing 3 books on Colorado History. I think that's a fabulous accomplishment. I didn't go to the meeting where he was honored so I made the card to let him know that I think he's awesome. I know "male" cards shouldn't have bows - but he is a 3rd grade teacher and I know he won't mind.

I just love this new set. I am going to make some of these fabulous "prize" ribbons for my students and pass them out when they show their best side. I hope that it'll offer them some well needed motivation. I just know they'll love them.

*******************************

To make your stamps more versatile and useable, we have designed this 5 piece die collection a must-have addition. The Prize Ribbon/Flower dies fit all the coordinating stamp images from World's Best. You can make flowers with the stems and leaves or celebrate your child's first spelling test with a prize ribbon cut from the same dies. Layer the ribbon with a 1.25" punched circle for more layering possibilities. The 5 dies come as one unit making storage a breeze.

World's Best Die is a set of 5 dies with the largest die measuring at 1.75" in diameter and will sell for $14.50.

Would you like to win the World's Best stamp set and World's Best Die? Here is what you need to do - visit the Trendsetter's blogs that are participating in this blog hop challenge and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter's blogs will be randomly chosen at the "it" blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter's World's Best stamp set / World's Best Die Blog Hop Challenge post. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday, September 24th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

Thanks for stopping by. Good luck with winning these fabulous sets! I appreciate all your fabulous comments.

Recipe:
Stamps: There She Goes (World's Best)
Paper: October Afternoon (School House/Flashcards); Bazzill Basics (cream puff, blue); Close to My Heart (black)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Close to My Heart (Holiday Red)
Accessories: There She Goes (World's Best Die); ribbon (Michael's); dimensionals (SU)

There She Goes Release Week | Day Two

2011-09-20T22:00:00.001-06:00

It's day two of the TSG release week. Today's stamp set is awesome! For those Holloween lovers this set has it all.

Halloween is a favorite crafting holiday, and Torico has made the celebration even easier with this cleaver and fun stamp set. With solid, as well as line art images, backgrounds and Halloween fun will be had with this stamp set. Four (4) different tree sizes, two houses, ghosts, bats, spiders, pumpkins and fabulous sentiments are just a few examples of what's included in this "Hauntingly Delightful" companion set.

Bugs & Hisses is 6x8 sized stamp set that includes 35 images and will sell for $24.

For my project I wanted to create something that I could give to my fellow teachers and my students. Although our school does not celebrate Halloween - the kids still love to get candy! They are going to love these.

***************************

Get ready to celebrate the season with the hautingly fabulous Spider Web Border Die. With holes to make punching out the pieces easier, this is an easy to use and adorable die that will spice up any crafting project!

Spider Web Die is .625 in tall and 6 in wide and will sell for $10.

Would you like to win the Bugs & Hisses stamp set and Spider Web die? Here is what you need to do ~ visit the Trendsetter's blogs that are participating in this blog hop challenge and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter's blog will be randomly choses as the "it" blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter's Bugs & Hisses / Spider Web Die Blog Hop Challenge post. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 pm Eastern Time Saturday, September 24th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

One random commenter from a per-determined Trendsetter's Blog Hop Challenge post will be selected to win. You’ll have till Saturday's Release Party to comment on as many Trendsetter Blog Hop Challenge posts as possible. The more Trendsetter posts you comment on during each Blog Hop Challenge, the greater your chances of winning! Be sure to check the TSG Blog Saturday evening after 9:00pm EST to see if you're a winner!

Recipe:
Stamps: There She Goes (Bugs & Hisses)
Paper: Recollections (Midnight Magic)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Prismacolor Colored Pencils
Accessories: Shapeabilities (Fancy Tags); Cricut Art Philosophy (Close to My Heart); ribbon (Michael's); assorted candy!!

Tuesday Morning Sketches #112

2011-09-20T05:01:00.001-06:00

It's a busy Tuesday for me!! I'm not complaining...I am totally delighted to post all my creations.

For There She Goes Release Week - Click Here!

For Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge - Click Here!

Or feel free to stay awhile and have a look around.

This week at Tuesday Morning Sketches we have a fabulous sketch - I really like this sketch it's very versatile. Plus we have DRS Designs as this week's sponsor. They have so many wonderful stamps, especially their holiday line. I selected this fabulous scarecrow because it has been a total autumn week here in Colorado. What a great way to celebrate the changing of the seasons.

I totally had a blast coloring in this image. Our school is doing the play The Wizard of Oz and the music room is right next door to my class room and so all of the songs are stuck in my head. This is the other reason I selected this image!! I love the scarecrow - I think he's my favorite character.

Hope you have enjoyed your time in my blog. I totally appreciate all your comments. Have an awesome day!!

Recipe:
Stamps: DRS Designs (Large Scarecrow)
Paper: Bazzill Basics (avalanche); Me & My Big Ideas (Forever Watercolor)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, PrismaColor Colored Pencils
Accessories: ribbon, pearls, brads and Cricut Art Philosophy (Close to My Heart)

FTTC136 ~ All Dolled Up

2011-09-20T00:35:00.001-06:00

This week's hostess at Flourishes Timeless Tuesday ~ FTTC136 is Betty Wright. If you have never seen her work you need to pop over and take a look - wow is she ever talented!! This week she is challenging us to pull out all the stops and get "All Dolled Up." We're playing dress up and going all girl with ribbons and bows, pearls and glitz, and anything else girly!

For those that really know me - I am not at all girly. I think I have two dresses in my closet!! But when it comes to my cards - I love all girly with pink being my go to color. When I thought about the set I wanted to use how could I pass on Make a Wish? It's everything girly...what girl (even Tom-boys) doesn't want to be a princess?

I just love this card. When I saw Betty make a card with these shoes - I immediately purchased this set. I had to have these slippers. Years ago I was given a small pair of ballet slippers and they sit on my dresser - these slippers look just like them. They are one of my most prized possessions. I just love how my "girly" card came out. It's so me and yet not me!!

Now it's time to check out the fabulous creations from the rest of the design team ~ Cindy, Heather, Maki, Tammy, Silke, Beate and Betty.

Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!!

Recipe:
Stamps: Flourishes (Make a Wish)
Paper: Bazzill Basics (Avalanche); Me & My Big Ideas (Forever Watercolor)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: ribbon (stash); pearls (Close to My Heart); lace (JoAnn's); Art Philosophy Cricut (Close to My Heart)

There She Goes Release Week | Day One

2011-09-19T22:00:00.023-06:00

Yeah!! It's release week at There She Goes. I am so excited because this is my first release at as Trendsetter. I am totally so happy to be on this amazing team. Let's get on with the hop!!
Jessica is changing things up a bit this blog hop...so be sure to read all the way through to learn how to win the following two new sets.

Di has created another gorgeous addition to her wildly popular Build a Scene stamp sets. With stone and ivy walls, gorgeous little puppies and kitties, and uplifting, heart-felt sentiments, this stamp set is fabulous alone or paired with any of the Designs by Di stamp sets.

Follow Your Bliss is a 4x6 sized stamp set that includes 19 images and will sell for $15.

**************************************

Acorns, leaves, pumpkins, gingerbreads are just some of the gorgeous images added to the "Buckets of Love-Holiday Additions" stamp set. Coordinate the bountiful holiday images with the different buckets from "Buckets of Love" to create gorgeous fall and winter holiday décor. Torico’s additional sentiments will be sure to finish off your creation perfectly!

BOL Holiday Additions is a 4x4 sized stamp set that includes 14 images and will sell for $10.

Would you like to win the Follow Your Bliss and BOL Holiday Additions Stamp sets? Here is what you need to do - visit the Trendsetter's blogs that are participating in this blog hop challenge and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter's blogs will be randomly chosen as the "it" blog and a winner will be picked using a random generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter's Follow Your Bliss / BOL Holiday Additions Blog Hop Challenge post. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday, September 24th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

Here is the list of today's Trendsetters. Happy hopping!!

Recipes:
Card One:
Stamps: There She Goes (Follow Your Bliss)
Paper: DCWV (Linen Closet)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, PrismaColor Colored Pencils
Accessories: ribbon (SU); Nestabilities (ovals and scalloped ovals)

Card Two:
Stamps: There She Goes (BOL Holiday Additions)
Paper: Close to My Heart (Mistletoe)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, PrismaColor Colored Pencils
Accessories: rhinestones (stash); Nestabilities (circles - lacey); Cricut Art Philosophy (Close to My Heart)

Tuesday Morning Sketches #111

2011-09-13T05:01:00.001-06:00

Today at Tuesday Morning Sketches we have a great sketch from DT member Kathy Curry and it's a great sketch! We also have Whimsie Doodles as our sponsor. I love Melyssa Connolly's work. Most of you may know that she also draws for TSG. So I'm totally excited to work with some of her digital images.

This week is a judged challenge - you need to decorate your card inside and out. As I am writing this post I just realized that I did not decorate the inside of my card. My apologies.

For my card this week I selected a new digi from the Whimsie shop called Steampunk Lizzie. I have been seeing some cards with a "steampunk" theme. I had to look that up to learn where the idea is coming from. Well I didn't go ALL out steampunk, as this is my first try. I thought I'd be a little toned down. I colored the image to reflect the coloring on the Whimsie blog. I just loved the image and wanted it to come close to what I saw. I totally love how this card came out. I hope you do to. I can't wait to hear your thoughts.

Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!!

Recipe:
Digital Image: Whimise Doodles (Steampunk Lizzie)
Papers: Close to My Heart (Passages)
Ink: Prismacolor Colored Pencils
Accessories: Tim Holtz (sproket gears, ball chain, & timepieces), ribbon (stash), EZ Success (punch)

FTTC135 In Shapes!

2011-09-12T22:01:00.008-06:00

It's Tuesday - my favorite day of the week!! This week's Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge ~ FTTC135 hostess is Beate Johns. Her challenge is to make anything but a regular shaped card. It can be a circle, oval, or even a square card.

When I read the challenge I think I cried!! I tried making a shaped card a couple of weeks ago and I went through about ten sheets of card stock and never could do it. I decided to take a deep breath and go for it again. I decided to play it a bit safe and go with a circle card. Even that was a challenge for me. So now I know what I need to work on!!

This week I chose a set I have wanted to color for so long...Apple of My Eye. I just love these apples, I also love all the other images with this set they are just fabulous. I had a great time coloring these apples and trying different shading colors.

Now it's time to check out the fabulous creations from the rest of the design team ~ Cindy, Heather, Maki, Tammy, Silke, Beate and Betty.

Recipe:
Image: Flourishes (Apple of My Eye and Berry Sweet - sentiment)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Papers: Close To My Heart (Wings)
Accessories: ribbon (stash)

TSGBDAY4 Paper Doll Challenge

2011-09-08T21:07:00.000-06:00

This month we're celebrating TSG's 3rd birthday with fun challenges on the TSG blog Monday-Friday and prizes are being given for each of those challenge days! So far we have taken our new TSG Paper Doll friends Out On The Town and then did some exploring in the Great Outdoors. Today is all about In The Spotlight! This is open to interpretation and the more creative your idea the better!

For my project I used the darling girl from Freeze the Moment. Isn't she just the cutest?? Well we did go shopping, but unknown to me - I did not have the memory card in the camera and therefore there are no photos of our shopping trip. I don't do the outdoors - so that wasn't going to happen!!

My sweet little paper doll picked out 3 dresses and she is walking the runway showing off her gorgeous dresses. I used a piece of velcro to attach her dresses to the white plain dress (the first photo) and the dresses can be changed easily.

Today's Paper Doll challenge is open until Sunday, September 11 at 5pm EST. Winners for all challenges during the Paper Doll week will be posted on Monday, September 12. The winner for each day's challenge will get a $10 gift certificate to use in the TSG Web store!

I hope you like today's project. I hope you'll join us with the fun and creative challenge.

Need some inspiration to help you get started? Check out these great Paper Dolls made by the following Trendsetters!

~ Jessica
~ Sandra

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Guest Designer

2011-09-06T05:01:00.002-06:00

About a month ago I got a fabulous e-mail from Tammy Hershberger asking if I would like to guest design for Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge. I was shocked! What an absolute honor to be asked to design amongst some amazing and talented women.

This week's Flourishes Timess Tuesday ~ FTTC134 Maki is our hostess and her theme this weeks is "Keep Calm and Play with Water!" You can use images and/or elements that include water or use any techniques that include water as its supplies (for example: water coloring, misted background with water, or water color wash).

For my card this week I used the beautiful set Kids Play. I have wanted this set for quite some time. I was so excited when it arrived in the mail and I got to ink it up. I used water colors to color the pond and the sky. I was so afraid to do watercolor such a large area, but I think it came out awesome. I want to shout out a big thanks for Angela and Carisa for giving me such great encouragement while I colored. It's a bit intimidating among these amazing artists!

Now it's time to check out all the gorgeous creations the rest of the team has waiting for you ~ Cindy, Heather, Silke, Maki, Tammy, Beate and Betty.

Thanks for stopping by. Again, I want to thank all of you that have taken the time to come to my blog and leave me the most fabulous comments a girl could ask for. Have a fabulous day!!

Recipe:
Stamps: Flourishes (Kids Play)
Ink: Versa Fine (black)
Paper: Me & My Big Ideas (Forever Watercolor); SU (cardstock - color names unknown)
Accessories: Oval Nestabilities; My Mind's Eye (twine)

Tuesday Morning Sketches #110

2011-09-06T05:00:00.001-06:00

It's a busy day for me today!! Two posts in one day - it'll be this way for the entire month of September (on Tuesdays anyway).

This week we at Tuesday Morning Sketches we have a wonderful sketch from out own DT, Jessica. In addition, we welcome a new Guest Designer - Marie at Ink'd Wings and is she ever talented!! We also have a favorite sponsor - Bugaboo Digi Stamps.

For the sketch - you can flip it or turn it, add bling, but be sure that the elements of the sketch is there. I can't wait to see what you create!

For my card I selected this absolutly darling Flower Girl - Pansy. I just love this line. I also have another digi from this line to show off - I'll do that toward the end of the week. I really wanted to try a new color line this week. Everything I have done has been my favorite - pink and green. So I thought I'd give it a go with purple. I think she's darling!!

Thanks for stopping by. I sure hope that you'll stop by the rest of the DT and give them some love. Have an awesome day!

Recipe:
Digital Image: Bugaboo (Flower Girl - Pansy)
Ink: PrismaColor Colored Pencils
Papers: Recollections (Modern Boquet); Bazzill Basics (African Daisy)
Accessories: ribbon (May Arts)

TSGBDAY1 Paper Doll Challenge

2011-09-05T10:51:00.000-06:00

This month we're celebrating TSG's 3rd birthday with fun challenges on the TSG blog Monday-Friday. Prizes being given for each of those challenge days! Today begins the first challenge, so let's get to it!!

Today we're challenging you to make a Paper Doll using one of your TSG images. Christine Okken did an amazing tutorial HERE on how to make a paper doll with a stand.

For my project I chose these two darling little girls from Blossom by Blossom. I have plans to make an entire village of all my TSG little darlings. So be sure to come back this week to see the rest of my paper dolls.

Need some inspiration to help you get started? Check out these great Paper Dolls made by the following Trendsetters!

~ Jessica
~ Corinna
~ Jessie
~ Angela
~ Torico

Coneflowers

2011-09-03T15:59:00.000-06:00

This week at the challenge at Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #133, Silke has set up a bingo card. I have to tell you that this stumped me because I stink at bingo. It was my grandmother's favorite game and I remember going once and it was the last game of the night - you know the one that always pays the most. Well, I yelled bingo and everyone started leaving and then they realized I didn't have bingo. Oh was I ever embarrassed. I never played again!!

How can I pass up on Silke's challenge? I first tried to do the shaped card - I went through about ten sheets of paper trying to create something. So I scraped that idea. Then I thought hmmm...I always like the blackout game, but that would mean doing a shaped card - not again. I settled on the middle row, pink, embossing, and pearls.

I am also entering this card into the Jugs 100th sketch challenge. It's so hard to play all the challenges that are out there, but I am trying to do more. I really liked their sketch this week and I thought it fit this beautfiul Flourishes With Gratitude set.

Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome weekend!

Recipe:
Stamps: Flourishes (With Gratitude)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Close to My Heart (old olive); Me & My Big Ideas (forever watercolor)
Accessories: ribbon (stash); Recollections (silver pearls)

Pretty in Pink and Green

2011-09-01T13:56:00.001-06:00

This month over at the Cupcake Craftroom, Mandy has come up with some fabulous papers for the color challenge of Pink and Green. As you all know I love pink and green - these colors are totally me. These digital papers have so many possibilities - be sure to check out the rest of the amazing design teams cards and projects.

For me - I really wanted to showcase the green - it's just so bright and happy!! I love the polka dots. There's also a lovely snowflake pattern for those upcoming holiday projects. I used a lovely stamp set called Kindred Spirits from There She Goes.

I will also enter my card into the The Sweet Stop Sketch #123 since I used their sketch for my inspiration. I hope to play along a lot more with their great sketches.

I tell you I have to be the happiest woman in all of blogland. Today, I began my "offical" design team work at the Cupcake Craftroom. Plus I am now offically a Junior Trendsetter at There She Goes and next week I get to be guest designer for another of my favorite stamp companies - you'll have to wait till next week to hear this news. Whew!! Can it get any better than this??

I hope you like today's card. I appreciate that you've stopped by today. Have an awesome day!!

Recipe:
Stamps: There She Goes (Kindred Spirits)
Paper: Cupcake Craftroom (Pretty Papers)
Ink: Close to My Heart (hollyhock and blush)
Accessories: Ribbon (stash); Art Philosophy (Cricut)

I'm a Trendie!!

2011-09-01T00:00:00.002-06:00

I have been waiting a long time to make this announcement. As many of you know There She Goes is one of my favorite stamp companies - EVER!! I found TSG a little over two years ago. I have stalked poor Jessica ever since. I just love her stamps. Back in May and June I was asked to be a Guest Trendie and I loved every minute of it. Then about a month ago I got an e-mail from Jessica asking me to be a Trendsetter. It took me about 30 seconds to tell her YES.

This is a dream come true. I have wanted to be on her team for a long time. I am the happiest crafter in blogland. I get to show off the stamps that I love and work with some amazing ladies.

For my first card I agonized over which set to use. I selected Blossom by Blossom. I just adore this little girl. I used the set Sentimental for the sentiment. I just had to shout out to Jessica that she is the best. I am totally excited to be a part of this team.

Be sure to head over to the TSG blog to see all the new talent.

Recipe:
Stamps: There She Goes (Blossom by Blossom & Sentimental)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Close to My Heart (Sophia); Bazzill Basics (lilly white)
Accessories: ribbon (stash); Crystal Stickers (rhinestones); Cricut (Art Philosophy)

Tuesday Morning Sketches #109

2011-08-30T05:01:00.001-06:00

Good Morning Crafters -

We have a fabulous sketch this week. I love this sketch and my card. I have been waiting for what seems like forever to share this card with you. We also have a new sponsor - Digi Doodle Shop. I love this digi shop. Do they ever have some amazing images. Be sure to check them out!!

I had such a hard time selecting an image to color that I ended up selecting 3 images and I can't wait to color the other three. I think you'll find something amazing at the Digi Doodle Shop.

I absolutely loved coloring this image. Isn't that little girl's face just to life like and so sweet? I just love all the daisies around her.

I hope that you'll join us at TMS this week. I can't wait to see what you do with this sketch. Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!!

Sentiments

2011-08-28T23:00:00.000-06:00

This week at Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge #132, Cindy has challenged us to showcase one of Flourishes sentiments. When I saw the Zinnias set I was really loved the sentiment that I have selected for this card. Being a teacher sometimes it feels as if what you do doesn't matter. I learned differently this past week.

I began teaching 10 years ago. My first class was a 4th grade class with 18 amazing children. These students graduated this past June and hopefully entering their first year of college. I think about this kids often, but I got a phone call from one of them! Little Allie (now she goes by Alex) called me to tell me that I was one of her favorite teachers and that she was headed off to college. It made me realize that everything I do really does matter. It's why I continue to teach.

I also am entering my card into Card Patterns #130 Sketch Challenge.

I hope you like my card. Thanks for stopping by. I really enjoy hearing from all of you.

Flourishes 4th Birthday Celebration

2011-08-23T23:00:00.001-06:00

Flourishes is lighting the candles and getting ready to sing to honor their fourth birthday! And, as a way to celebrate, I’m happy to say I was hand-picked to help them have a bit of a party as a designer for their customer appreciation hop! The only challenge here was to create a card or project using my favorite Flourishes stamp set. Read on – I’ll tell you how you can win some Flourishes goodies too!

Making the decision on which stamp set to select for my card today - I struggled. I love all my Flourishes stamp sets - especially the flowers!! Well, it came down to a stamp set that is near and dear to my heart. Flourishes is celebrating their 4th birthday, I too will be celebrating my "4th birthday." Nearly 4 years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer and come October it will be officially 4 years - of being cancer free. Therefore, I selected Think Pink - Fight Like a Girl. I love this set! Isn't this dress fabulous? Happy Birthday Flourishes! Thank you for asking me be a part of this celebration.

I used the sketch from Card Patterns #129. I thought it was perfect for this gorgeous dress.

What can you win? Take a peek at this fun and festive blog candy!

If you’d like to learn more about how you can win all of these stamp sets, just click HERE to read up on today’s hop and challenge!

If you arrived here by way of Yogi Grunwald, then you are on the right path! If I was your first stop, you’ll want to go back to the Flourishes Blog to and start this hop from the very beginning! You have until September 1st at 5PM CST to enter!

Next up on the hop is Brenda O'Rear.

Thanks for stopping by. Good Luck!!

Recipe:
Stamps: Flourishes (Think Pink-Fight Like a Girl and Kids At Play - sentiment)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Papers: Me & My Big Ideas (baby girl); Close to My Heart (black)
Accessories: ribbon (stash); Nestabilities; Cricut (Art Philosophy)

Tuesday Morning Sketches #108

2011-08-23T05:01:00.002-06:00

It's another fabulous Tuesday at Tuesday Morning Sketches. This week we have a fabulous sketch from our very own Jessica. I love this sketch it really challenged me, but I love how my card came out. This week our sposor is Tiffany Doodles.

I don't often make baby cards. I struggled at what color to color this beautiful carriage, so I decided to paper piece the digital image. I just love how it came out. The card is for a friend. The baby is due in the fall and I thought how perfect to make a fall baby card for a couple that wants to wait to learn whether it's a boy or a girl the day the baby is born.

I hope that you'll play with us this week. The sketch is not as difficult as it looks. Be sure to drop by and check out the rest of the design team and their fabulous creations. I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have an awesome day!

JELLO!

2011-08-22T20:00:00.000-06:00

Evening Crafters - just a quick post. I started putting this card together last night and I became frustrated with the flourishes and just decided to go to bed. Well I think I finally found the flourishes that I wanted and I think it came out pretty cute!!

Although I don't like to combine challenges I am going to do that today. I want to enter the Less Is More challenge. I really do love their challenges, I just don't get to play as often as I would like. The second is CAS-u-Fridays and the last is The Technique Lover's Challenge.

Less is More - Week 29 - Theme: On the Move. Their challenge is to create a card that is on the move. There is a lot of interpretation here, so I used my new stamp set "Pair-A-Phrase" from Close To My Heart...I just love the bike in this set. It reminds me of my own bike which I call Jello! It's pink and green with flowers all over.

CAS-u-Fridays Challenge is to use embossing.

Then we have The Technique Lover's Challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers - "In CASE you forgot". The challenge here is to go to your favorites folder (which I didn't know existed until recently) and select the oldest card you have in the folder and CASE it. I happened to have one card in the folder. I just love it. Here is the link to the card I CASED by Ctorina.

Please forgive me for combining challenges. I really do like to make cards for each challenge, but with school back in session I want to be able to play along. Thanks for the fabulous challenges.

I appreciate you're stopping by. I hope you enjoy my card.

Flourishes In Pink

2011-08-21T08:31:00.000-06:00

Good Morning crafters, what a beautiful Sunday morning!! I decided to get up early today so that I could spend the day making cards. I went to the school yesterday and painted my old green chalkboared with magnetic paint!! What a messy process, but I am so excited that a useless board will now be worth having. It gave me the idea that the wall in front of the crafting table should be painted with magnetic paint so that I can post some items without using tape or nails!!

This week the Flourishes Timesless Tuesday Challenge #131 is a recipe challenge: pink, one button, and lace. Now how could I pass making a card in my favorite color - pink? All three elements are my favorite, especially pink. I selected Butterflies & Blossoms. The flowers are called clematis and I learned they are a SW Colorado wild flower. I think they are gorgeous. I really enjoyed coloring this image, especially that butterfly.

Thanks for coming by. I hope you enjoy my card. Have a fabulous day!!

Handmade Flowers with Art Philosophy

2011-08-17T00:01:00.002-06:00

Mandy over at the Cupcake Craftroom sent me an email asking me to do a tutorial on how I make paper flowers. Well, I had to confess that I sort of cheat!! Cricut came out with a cartridge that is exclusive to Close To My Heart and they have 6 different flowers. Here is what I put together. I hope that you find it useful. If you happen to like the cartridge - please contact Debi Squires, my consultant to order your cartridge. It has 700 images all for the serious card maker!! I want to give a big shout out to Debi for taking the photos for me! Thanks Debi, you're the best.

I begin with cutting the flowers from my new Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge (exclusive to Close To My Heart). However if you do not have a Cricut the flower on the top row on the left can be cut with a plain pair of scissors. To do this all you need is to cut the paper in a spiral manner.

The photo on the left are the cuts I made and the photo on the right are the flowers that I created. I used the beautiful “Charlotte” paper pack.

Step 1: I daubed the edge of the flower with vineyard berry to give the flower a more vintage look.

Step 2: I bent back the edges of the paper so that it will flare out. The larger the cut, the bigger the flare.

Step 3: I used a pair of tweezers to begin rolling the flower. When you roll you’ll roll so the pattern of the paper is the inside of the flower.
Step 4: Use your favorite glue to adhere it to the base of the flower. Hold down and allow the flower uncoil. I use my judgment on the coil based on how tight or loose I want the flower to look.

Step 1: For this flower I used the end of small paint brush to bend back each petal. There are two options with this particular flower. You can bend back each petal or when you’re done rolling the flower it can be smashed down to a beautiful flat flower vs. a larger 3D flower.

Step 2: I used the end of the paint brush to begin rolling - the smaller the tip the smaller the flower.

Step 3: You can also select to just hand roll the flower, it works just as well. The tightness or looseness of the flower depends on you.
Step 4: Again, use your favorite glue to adhere it to the base of the flower.

Sorry for no photos here…when I place the flower on the card I think about wanting it straight up or at some kind of diagonal. I generally use Glue Dots to adhere them down. Depending on the angle of the flower this is where I place the adhesive and I tuck it in and hold it down. There is also another product I used called Liquid Glass and I can put a big dollop on the card and place all the flowers together and it adheres quickly.

Making flowers are simple. When I made my first set of flowers I hated them!! Then I practiced and tried different ways of rolling, cutting, and gluing. Then this month Art Philosophy came out and now I have 6 more flowers to play with.

I hope you’ll give making flowers a try.

Tuesday Morning Sketches #107

2011-08-16T05:01:00.001-06:00

Two more days and my students will arrive with bright shining faces!! I am getting so excited to meet my new group of bright and talented children.

Today, we have a fabulous sketch and a great sponsor. Let's begin with the sketch. I tend to take my sketches very literally and this one leaves a lot to your imagination and creativity. This week is not just a sketch challenge, but a judged challenge. If you want to be included in the judged challenge you need to follow the sketch and use the colors: blue, green, and white!! I loved visiting all of last weeks participant's blogs. There were so many amazing cards. I can't wait to see what you create with this week's sketch and color challenge.

I hope you'll visit our sponsor, Stamp Fairy. She has some great digi images. Her teddy bears are just darling.

I selected the cutest image for back to school - since that's what's on my brain right now!! I had a hard time keeping to the color challenge. I didn't want a blue or green bear, I wanted brown. Plus I just had to make the board black!! I kinda fought the challenge this week - but I was thankful that I found some combined green and blue paper with polka dots!! I was doing the happy dance because I wanted polka dots!!

Isn't this just darling?? Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have the most awesome day!!

Blueberries

2011-08-14T21:04:00.001-06:00

I am pushing it again to enter my card into the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #130. I swore that I would not let work take over and take presidence over of my crafting. What did I do?? I'm sorry and sad that I have made or posted a card until today. I really need to find that balance, but it's so hard.

This week their challenge is to Be Fruitful! I selected Berry Sweet from Flourishes. I love the set. I have never colored blueberries before. I'm not sure that I got the right color. I was at the grocery store and looked at the different brands. I think these are a little more purple than blue, but I do like the coloring.

The rules this week is that this card cannot be used for any other challenges. I hope it's okay that I used a sketch from Chupa's Sketchbook Saturday Challenge #24. I don't think her sketch is a challenge, she loves to create sketches and share them. If prizes are attached, I didn't see anything. I just used her sketch, but I won't post it to her challenge. Wanted to give credit where credit it due.

I hope that you like my card. Thanks for stopping by, have an awesome day!

Recipe
Stamps: Flourishes (Berry Sweet)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, PrismaColour Colored Pencils, Close To My Heart (Moonstruck)
Paper: DCWV (the dots, stripes & plaids), Close To My Heart (Magnifique); the circle DP (blog candy win)
Accessories: ribbon (blog candy win)

Tuesday Morning Sketches #106

2011-08-09T05:01:00.002-06:00

It's another fabulous Tuesday Morning Sketches day. This week's sketch is fabulous!! Our sponsor is Chi Chi Memories.

I selected this darling little apple boy for my card. Since I am headed back to work (boo hoo) this week how could I resist not making an apple for the teacher?? I have totally loved my summer and I don't want it it end. Although, I will have to say I miss being with the kids and I can't wait to see them next week.

I wish I had decided to make this card longer, because I really would have liked to make the embossed background larger. From this angle it just looks like swirls, but I used a numbers embossing folder and would have like to show that off a little more - oh well, next time.

I also decided I would take Marie's advice and enter my card into The Paper Players challenge #58 Theme Challenge: School Daze!! I'm glad she directed me to this blog. The DT have some awesome cards that have totally inspired me to create some welcome back cards.

Thanks for stopping by. I can't wait to see what you create. Have an awesome day!!

Recipe:
Digi Image: Chi Chi Memories (Apple Costume)
Ink: PrismaColour Colored Pencils
Papers: October Afternoon (name unknown); Bazzill Basics (carob cream, lilly white, coconut swirl); SU (whisper white)
Accessories: twine (My Mind's Eye); photo hangers (Close To My Heart)

It's All About the Paper

2011-08-07T21:54:00.000-06:00

This is my first card for Cupcake Craftroom. I wanted it to basically be all about the paper, afterall Cupcake Craftroom is all about digi papers. This set of delicious papers is called Soft Whisper and there are some lovely pinks, blues, greens, and coffees. The challenge for August is "Soft and Sweet"! We would love to see anything with a sweet theme, sweet sentiment, sweet image, or 'sweet' theme and to match with softly coloured papers, soft ribbons, soft flowers.

I decided to make my card the sweet side of flowers. I used some of the solids and prints and cut the flowers from my Cricut machine and the new Art Philosophy cartridge. They were so easy to cut and roll. I added the beautiful butterfly from SU I tried to match one of the dark colors coming out of the gorgeous base pink paper. I think this came out very sweet!!

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you'll take the time to see what the rest of the amazing DT came up with and check out Cupcake Creations.

Have an awesome day!

Recipe:
Stamps: Stampin' Up (Strength & Hope); Close To My Heart (Hope)
Paper: Cupcake Craftroom (Soft Whisper)
Ink: Close to My Heart (Hollyhock)
Accessories: Close to My Heart (Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge); ribbon & pearls (stash)

Exciting News!!

2011-08-06T09:24:00.000-06:00

A quick post this morning. I am off to Canvas & Cocktails to paint some pink tulips!! I can't wait.

I have some EXCITING news!! I am just bursting at the seams. I was asked to become part of the design team over at Cupcake Craftroom. Yeah!! (I hope you can hear me screaming.) I want to say thanks to Mandy for the opportunity and I can't wait to work with such a talented group of ladies. I will have a card to post soon so stay tuned. The challenge this month is Soft and Sweet so be sure to check out the teams blogs (on the side bar) for some fabulous inspiration.

Favorite Flowers

2011-08-04T00:04:00.000-06:00

This week at Flourishes Timeless Tuesday the challenge (#129) is to design a card around your favorite flower. This was hard for me because I love flowers. When I was in high school I worked in our family flower shop. I worked my way from drying flowers to making flower arrangements to doing all the wedding work. I love all the flowers.

If I really had to pick the "beer" pocket would pick daisies and the "champagne" taste would pick orchids. Since I only have Gerbera Daisies from Flourish (which is not the plain beautiful daisy I love) and I don't have the orchid stamp set - I decided to select a flower that I have loved coloring - zinnias!!

I am totally pleased with how this card came out. Rarely do I used red...so this was definitely a challenge for me. This paper is just too fabulous. I hope you like it! For the layout I used the fabulous sketch from The Deconstructed Sketch. I didn't get this completed in time for their challenge, but that's okay. I really liked the sketch.

I am also entering this card into The Dare to Get Dirty challenge by Lisa Henke & Jessie Knight Rone. These may be the only challenges I get to complete. Sorry, not allowed tell you what the challenges are all about. You need to be a Fan Club Member at Splitcoast Stampers.

Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!!

Recipe:
Stamps: Flourishes (Zinnias)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; PrismaColour Colored Pencils
Paper: October Afternoon (Beach Chair); The Girls' Paperie (kitch); Bazzill Basics (lilly white & coconut swirl); Close to My Heart (tulip & black)
Accessories: Ribbon (stash); Close to My Heart (button); Jolee's Jewels (Swarovski Elements)

Daisies

2011-08-03T11:10:00.000-06:00

This week over at CAS-ual Fridays their challenge is to make a 4x9 card! I've never made a card this big before. I have thought about this all week. Last night I had a dream about walking in a field of daisies. How could I resist making a card with daisies on it? Michele said that we have to embrace the white space and resist filling the entire card up.

I resisted and I love how this came out. Would love to make a slew of them, but at a more normal size!!

Thanks for stopping by. I just love all your comments. Have an awesome day!!

Recipe:
Stamps: There She Goes Clear Stamps (Bloom)
Paper: Bazzill Basics (lilly white & coconut swirl); DCWV (Blossom Song)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; PrismaColour Colored Pencils
Accessories: ribbon (Really Reasonable Ribbon)

Tuesday Morning Sketches #105

2011-08-02T05:01:00.000-06:00

It's going to be another hot day in Denver today! It's strange that the inside of your house is hotter than it is outside!!

It's another fabulous sketch day at Tuesday Morning Sketches. We have a great sponor this week:

We have a fabulous sketch today from out DT member Kathy Curry. It's a fun one and can be interpreted in many ways.

When I selected my image for the week I spent a lot of time in the digi shop. I fell in love with this little gal named Daisy. Isn't she just darling. I had to have her. She was a lot of fun to color. Although I wanted her hair blonde I just didn't know what Prisma colors to select. I certainly didn't want lemon yellow. So I settled on beautiful brown with red highlights.

I hope you like my card. I do hope that you'll play along with us this week.

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday

2011-08-01T10:13:00.000-06:00

I am once again getting this in just under the wire! This past week's Timeless Tuesday Challenge #128 is Christmas in July. I am not much for Christmas in July, but I am loving coloring the Flourishes stamp sets. I settled on these gorgeous raspberries for my submission.

I think they came out gorgeous. I think I managed to photograph them so that you can see the holographic glitter that I used. Instead of covering the entire raspberry with glue I used small dots of glue in each of the small sections of the berry. I think they look delish!!

Thanks for stopping by. All of your comments have meant the world to me. I appreciate you. Have an awesome day!!

Recipe:
Images: Flourishes (Berry Sweet), There She Goes (Seasons Greetings - sentiment)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; PrismaColour Colored Pencils
Paper: Bazzill Basics (white, cotton swirl & olive); Close to My Heart (Mistletoe & Perfect Day)
Accessories: Ribbon (stash)

LIM - Thank You

2011-07-29T14:46:00.001-06:00

I am just getting this in under the wire. I have been wanting to go back and play with the divas at Less Is More. I have missed the last two weeks and I didn't want to miss a third.

This week their challenge is buttons or bows or both. I used both. Putting bows on my work is one my my favorite embelishments. I was at Michael's with a friend and they had these fabulous ribbons on sale for half off and I just couldn't resist this beautiful pink gingham ribbon. I should have bought all the spools, but alas I only bought one. Guess I'll have to go back.

I needed to send a thank you card off to a friend and I think CAS card I think will be perfect. I hope you think so too!

Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!

Recipe:
Images: Close to My Heart (Childhood Portrait); There She Goes (Sweat Pea)
Ink: VeraMark; Close to My Heart (black embossing powder)
Paper: Bazzill Basics (lilly white & pink); SU (whisper white)
Accessories: ribbon (Celebrate It - Michael's); button (Close to My Heart)

Tuesday Morning Sketches #104

2011-07-26T05:01:00.001-06:00

Good Morning Crafters ~

Today we have another fabulous sketch at Tuesday Morning Sketches. We sure would love to see you come play with us. This week we have a new sponsor. For those of you animal lovers out there (Crafty...) they have the cutest dogs on their digi line up. Our sponsor this week is ~

Here is today's sketch. Now you'll notice the two thin white lines that is meant for embossing of some sort. I wanted to get my embossing to look like the crisp clean lines I have seen on other cards, but after numerous attempts I still didn't get the look I was hoping for. I think it may have been the color of the cardstock. Or perhaps I wasn't putting enough pressure. I guess it's something I am going to have to work on.

I really hope that you will join us today. We know that there are a lot of challenge blogs out there. We're hoping that we can entice all of you to play. I'd love to see your creations.

This image was totally out of my comfort zone. I love coloring flowers, but animals - yikes!! I did enjoy coloring this cute little thing. I still have more practice to go, but someday I'll get there. I hope you like my card.

Hope to see you play along. Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!!

Two Artists & Two Challenges

2011-07-24T21:01:00.003-06:00

This week over at Flourises, one of my favorite crafters, Silke Ledlow is this host. How could I not play along? She posted a photo inspiration challenge for the Timeless Tuesday Challenge #127. In addition I went up to see another one of my favorite crafters and friends, Holly McMillen and she asked if I would consider using my card for her challenge (TLC - Technique Lover's Challenge) on Splitcoast Stampers. How could I possibly refuse this??

This card has been worth the wait for me. I hope that I made you proud Silke and Holly.

I signed up for a coloring class and it began last Tuesday. The first class began with some really basic information on stamping pads, paper, and how they react to each other. I had no clue!! One of the techniques that the instructor pointed out I used on this card. I stamped my image on watercolor paper with chocolate ink and then I took a watercolor brush and pulled the ink out to give it a glow around the image. I love how it looks.

For Holly's TLC335 challenge making a box for emblished cards is such a fabulous idea. I think the box showcases my card so well. Once the four of us (Holly, Lee, Angela and myself) got through all the "math" calculations on the box - honestly I think we all had to many M&Ms and we were on sugar rush - the 2nd (mine), 3rd, & 4th came out great. Lee made her box first and had to remake it. From that, we learned that the weight of your cardstock and the scoring tool used makes a small difference in the measurements. It's so fabulous when it's completed.

It was so worth doing. I hope you agree.

Recipe:
Stamps: Flourishes (Zinnias)
Ink: Close to My Heart (chocolate); SU (chocolate chip)
Paper: Canson (watercolor); SU (kraft & a purple); DP (unknown)
Accessories: May Arts silk ribbon (rust); pearls and Swarovski Crystal beads; embossing folder; BasicGrey magnets

A Special Friendship

2011-07-23T20:26:00.001-06:00

Evening Crafters -

I have been contemplating for weeks to join Chupa over at CASE Study Challenge Blog (challenge #49). I have been seriosly afraid because the artists and design team are just beyond talented. I have thought that there's no way my work is good enough.

After having a conversation with a very special friend of mine (in the stamping world), she made me I realize that my work is amazing. She told me that I have totally stepped things up and she couldn't be more proud. With that I decided this week that I would play. After stamping my background about fifteen times I think I finally came up with one that I am very happy with.

I really like how this card came out. I hope you like it too!!

Recipe:
Images: Close to My Heart (Friendship)
Ink: Close to My Heart (chocolate & brown bag); SU (chocolate chip)
Paper: Bazzill Basics (lilly white, green & lt. brown - don't know these two colors official names); DCWV (Linen Closet)
Accessories: Cricut (Lacey Labels); Ribbon (stash)

Birthday Bloomers Card Kit

2011-07-21T21:30:00.000-06:00

As of one the goodies I received from True (True's Gifts from the Heart) was this fabulous birthday card kit. It came with all the paper, brads, ribbon, and stamp set - totally cool!! The card went together quickly. The trick came to coloring the of the daisies and the pot. I gave it my best shot. You'll have to tell me what you think. I wish I could capture the dark colors that she did, mine is a bit more bright. I absolutley loved having this practice. I'll just keep at it!!

Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome evening!

Windows & Geometry

2011-07-20T11:32:00.000-06:00

This week over at Our Creative Corner their challenge is a photo inspiration challenge. It's a tough photo. The host has challenged us to select one of the photos and create a card. The kicker here is to not use any DP!!

I hope that my selection is pretty obvious. I happened to like the tile work on the side of the red building and all the windows. I think there is a great deal of texture in the photo. I really tried to capture all it.

I think photo inspiration challenges are difficult. I tend to take things very literally. I'm not sure if that is what one is supposed to do. When I created my card I was not sure I liked it until the next day.

Then I showed it to my friend Lee and she totally got all the elements that I put into my card. I tried to capture everything (no trees though). I hope you like it and I can't wait to read your comments.

Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day!

Recipe:
Stamps: There She Goes (Art Is The Window)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; PrismaColor Colored Pencils
Paper: Bazzill Basics (lillywhite, black, red); SU (whisper white)
Accessories: Close to My Heart (button & pearls); QuickCutz (embossing folder)

Tuesday Morning Sketches #103

2011-07-19T05:01:00.000-06:00

It's another wonderful Tuesday Morning Sketches day. We have a fabulous sketch today from one of our DT members, Dawn. We also have a great sponsor.

This is a great sketch and can be interpreted in many ways. I hope that you will all play along.

This is my first experience with LoRi Designs. I had a great time visiting her blog and looking at the wonderful digi images that she has to offer. She was kind enough to provide us with a few digis and I happended to get this absolute darling Lollipops image.

Don't you just love watermelon? I had such a great time coloring this little cutie. I hope you take a few minutes to check out LoRi Designs and select an image to play with. I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Thanks for coming by. I can't wait to see what you do. Have an awesome day.

Recipe:
Image: LoRi Designs (Watermelon Smile)
Ink: PrismaColor Colored Pencils
Paper: Bazzill Basics (lillywhite); October Afternoon (The Thrift Shop: Collector's Item); Jillibean Soup (Yellow Sugar); Close to My Heart (citrus leaf)
Accessories: Close to My Heart (button); ribbon (stash)

CAS-ual Fridays

2011-07-18T08:00:00.001-06:00

I decided that creating CAS style cards is a lot of fun. Although, in my mind extremly difficult I decided that I want to create at least two a week. This week I decided to play along with CAS-ual Fridays. This week their challenge is sweet & treats!!

I turned to my favorite stamp company - There She Goes for my card. I just love this set - Freeze the Moment and had to use the sundae glasses. I cannot eat ice cream (lactose intolerant) so now I can color ice cream and just wish I could have a scoop or two of strawberry!! I love this DP it's from Close to My Heart and I couldn't tell you the name other than I have about 15 sheets of it and I don't know why?? But I thought it was just perfect.

Don't you just love the sentiment? Take it anyway you want...but my thought was boy do I wish I had a spoon to enjoy some cold creamy yummy ice cream.

Have a great day! Thanks for leaving me some love.

Cropping Weekend

2011-07-17T21:38:00.004-06:00

Hello Bloggers -

Sorry I disappeared...I went to a cropping retreat for the past few days! It was so nice. Although I really don't like going to them because I feel like I have to pack my entire craft room. I did almost that. I took a lot of stuff with me and really didn't use a third of it, but I did a lot of crafting and had the best time. I have about six cards to share, but not all in this post. I'll share over the next couple of days.

I want to say, WELCOME to all my new followers and I want to thank each and everyone of you for all the fabulous comments you have made. I am loving all your feedback. I am also enjoying visiting your blogs and seeing your fabulous are work. You all inspire me!!

On to my first card. I am so loving Flouishes challenges. I am hoping to spend time in their shop this week. I have a huge wish list!! This week's Timeless Tuesday #126 Challenge is to emboss. I used my Cuttlebug and Swiss Dots folder to create this beauty. Again, this Strawberries set is another set I bought a couple of years ago and just inked it this weekend. I loved coloring this and using a few different reds, purples, and even black to get the shading I was looking for.

My next challenge is to work on better photography. The greens in the leaves didn't photo with the shading I see on the card. I am going to a friends tomorrow and she's introducing me to a professional photographer and I can't wait to get some lessons.

Thanks for stopping by. I'll see you again tomorrow. Have a fabulous week!!

Recipe:
Stamps: Flouishes (Strawberries)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; PrismaColor Colored Pencils
Paper: Bazzill Basics (luscious lime, cream puff); The Girls Paperie (paper girl)
Accessories: Primo (Say it in Pearls), ribbon and lace (stash); Martha Stewart Punches

It's a White Party!

2011-07-13T00:01:00.000-06:00

Hello Bloggers -

Over at Our Creative Corner they are having a "White Party!" I have thought about this for the past few days and have never done an all white card. Being that it's all white, it's all about the texture of the card.

I was totally excited to use my newly won blog candy from True over at True's Gifts from the Heart. She sent me the most amazingly beautiful flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts (along with a ton of other amazing things that I'll be sharing over the next few weeks). Among the flowers are these beautiful white flowers and how perfect are these for this challenge.

In putting this card together I had to go back to my high school days of arranging flowers. I forgot how fun it was to arrange them. I think next summer I'll be checking into working in a flower shop!! I also love the embossing I did with a new set from CTMH. Where I struggled was with the sentiment. I tried using my vanilla stamp pad - but you can't see it!! It'll be fun to use on some black cardstock...hmmm!

I hope you like my card. I really enjoyed putting it together. Thanks for stopping by. Have an awesome day.

Recipe:
Image: Close to My Heart (Simple Memories)
Paper: Bazzill Basics (white, lillywhite and coconut swirl)
Accessories: Cricut (Lacy Labels and Bags, Tags, Boxes & More), Wild Orchid Crafts (flowers), Making Memories (pearls), Ribbon (stash)

Tuesday Morning Sketches #102

2011-07-12T05:01:00.001-06:00

It's another fabulous Tuesday morning...hopefully the day won't bring another crazy heavy rainstorm. Today at Tuesday Morning Sketches we don't have a sketch, but a judged challenge...to make a detachable bookmark. We have a fabulous sponsor today and my apologies to the Doodle Pantry, I did not read Melissa's email closely and forgot to grab one of your freebies to make today's project.

When I started thinking about this project I panicked. I've never done this!! I turned to Splitcoast Stampers for a tutorial. Well I don't have the fancy machine they used to get a perforated edge. Then some friends suggested using a paper piercing tool to make the perforation and I tried that and made a mess. So I settled on making a corner bookmark and I thought it was going to be hard. Was I ever wrong! I loved making the corner bookmark it was so simple and fast.

For my card and bookmark I used the stamp set From the Desk Of by Flourishes. I bought this set because I saw the most amazing card from Heather Jensen using the set and I just had to have it. I think the set of books with the daisies is the perfect image for a bookmark. I thought about making the card with the exact same image so that when the receipient takes off the bookmark they still have the same image on the card, but I loved the vase with the flower blossoms that I had to ink them up too!! The bookmark fits perfectly on any one of the corners of the card, but I am going to put in on the inside corner of the card so when it gets opened up there's a surprise.

Aren't these DPs delicious!! I loved the sketch at The Sweet Stop: SSS116 and decided to use their sketch to display these beautiful papers and stamp set. I did add the one element to the Sweet Stops sketch and that was the bookmark, I hope they don't mind.

I can't wait to see what you all make. Thanks for stopping by.

Recipe:
Stamps: Flourishes (From the Desk Of)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, PrismaColors Colored Pencils
Paper: Cosmo Cricket (from A to Z-used both sides), October Afternoon (Near Mint), Bazzil Basics (cream puff),
SU (very vanilla)
Accessories: Ribbon (stash); Martha Stewart (punch), Nestabilities

Friends

2011-07-11T16:36:00.004-06:00

When I hear the word "friends" I think of Bette Midler and her singing..."you gotta have friends." I have been lucky enough in my life to be blessed with some of the best friends a girl could ever want. From my oldest and dearest friend ever, Olivia - she and I met in 7th grade and are still friends today to my newest friend Lee, whom I met online on the TSG forum.

This week's challenge at Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #125 is to make a card and it must contain the word friend. I colored up my image at the beginning of last week and now I am down to the wire to get it in for this week. I don't know where the week went, but it sure flew by. I love this Cherry Blossoms set from Flourishes and although I have had the set for nearly two years I just recently inked it up. I'm not so afraid to color my Flourishes stamps anymore.

I also decided to use Mojo Monday's 199 sketch this week to give this beauty life. I have only played with Mojo Monday about 3-4 times because I have also been so intimidated to play with those amazing designers. I have gained a great deal of confidence and I am so looking forward to playing in different challenges.

I just love how this came out. I hope you do to. Thanks for stopping by.

Recipe:
Stamps: Flourishes (Cherry Blossoms); There She Goes (Everyday Greetings)
Ink: Memento Black Tuxedo; PrismaColors Colored Pencils
Paper: Bazzill Basics (cream puff); SU (very vanilla); The Girls' Paperie (Jubilee); Me&My Big Ideas (baby girl); Close to My Heart (black & vanilla)
Accessories: Ribbon, lace and pearls (stash); EK Success & Martha Stewart (punches); Wild Orchid Crafts (flower)

Be Extraordinary

2011-07-08T22:53:00.001-06:00

Have you ever done anything really stupid? Yesterday, I was removing my glasses so that I could brush my teeth and get in the shower. I was doing my "business" and stood up, flushed the toilet and was removing my glasses. Yes, I dropped the glasses into the toilet!! I managed to stick my hand in and grab them before they were gone forever. When I pulled them out, one of the lenses fell out and it was gone. Feeling a little sad and stupid, because it's going to cost me $200 I had to make a card just for me!!

This past Tuesday I met up with my friend Lee, DT Coordinator for Gina K. Designs. We met through There She Goes and she and I have become pretty good friends. I mentioned how much I loved the last Gina K. release. She was kind enough to bring the set and let me stamp a few images until I can purchase the set for myself.

I love the sentiment, "Overcome the notion that you have to be regular. It robs you of the chance to be extraordinary." This holds a personal meaning for me. I just had to put it on a card. I just love the image. I guess I could've colored her all up, but I love the black and white theme. In blog hoping the other night I found another amazing crafter - Vixx Handmade Cards. She is a fabulous colorist and loves to create lots and lots of layers. I took inspiration from her and borrowed a couple of her layouts to create my card.

Thanks for stopping by.

Recipe:
Stamps: Gina K. Designs (Vintage Chic)
Ink: Memento Black Tuxedo
Paper: SU (wishper white and black); Bazzill Basics (lillywhite); Me&My Big Ideas (Mambi B&W)
Accessories: SU (red twine)

Whimsy and Stars

2011-07-06T17:20:00.000-06:00

Hello - just a quick post this evening. As many of you know by looking at my post people and animals are images I stay away from. However, with the practing I have done I have decided to give people a try. This is the second image I colored this week. This image was a gift from Mabelle RO from Whimsy and Stars Studios. I tried out for her design team, but didn't make the cut and this was her gift as a thank you.

I will continue to try out for design teams and as I continue to work on my coloring and extend my stamping repertoire.

This darling image is called Cupcake Girlie and I just had to color her with whimisical colors. I just love her red hair! I love the yellow DP I think it's just lucious. I wanted to keep this card a bit simple - testing out different decorating styles. I hope you like my card.

Recipe:
Image: Whimsy and Stars Studios (cupcake girlie)
Ink: PrismaColor Colored Pencils
Paper: Bazzill Basics (lillywhite, periwinkle); Jillibean Soup (yellow sugar)
Accessories: Prima (flowers); rhinestones (stash)