Just an Inkling

Love You

2012-01-25T00:02:00.000-08:00

Here's another Serendipity Stamps challenge for you!

Today we combine two challenges into one; create a Valentine's Day Card that is all white except for the focal image and use dry embossing on the card. I started with Papertrey Ink white card stock and used a Cuttlebug embossing folder on half of the card base. I then added a vine that I cut with my Silhouette Cameo. I stamped the Heart Wreath with Hero Arts new Bubble Gum mid-tone ink and cut it out and then placed it on dimensionals. The "love you" sentiment was also cut with the Cameo using a Kristina Werner digital image. I finished the card with a little grosgrain ribbon and pearls.

Visit these great blogs for more Valentine goodness!

Jeanne
Amy
Jenny
Miriam
Sue

Be well!

It's all about the details:
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: None
Ink: Hero Arts Mid-tone ink in Bubble Gum
Accessories: Dimensionals, Kaisercraft Pearls, Ribbon, KWernerdesigns digital image
Tools: Silhouette Cameo, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug

Looking Forward to Summer

2012-01-18T00:02:00.000-08:00

The weather forecast calls for up to 10 inches of snow tonight and thanks to Mary I had the opportunity to take my mind off it by working on my Serendipity Stamp challenge. Each design team member was assigned two months and was asked to decorate a calendar with our choice of stamps. By the luck of the draw, I got two wonderful (wistful sigh) summer months to tackle. I'm going to let my photos tell the story here today and will post a list of the stamps used below as well as a supply list. Enjoy strolling through the year with the other design team members' calendar pages. You can check them out here:

Jeanne October and November
Amy - February and March
Jenny - January and December
Miriam - April and May
Sue - August and September

The Month of June

The Month of July

Stamps used:

Wedding Cake - 425E
Summer-Spring-Autumn-Winter set - 582K
Bare Tree - 1185E
Leaves of Summer - 441E
America the Beautiful - 318E
Ball Glove - 882B
Get Your Game On - 907B
Swing - 095D

Our beautiful grandson finally made his appearance on January 9th, a full 16 days after his due date. He was so contented, he had no desire to vacate so he was finally delivered via c-section. We're so happy he and his mommy and daddy are all doing well.

Thanks for paying a visit!

It's all about the details:
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: None
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey, Cosmo Cricket
Ink: Memento and Distress Inks
Accessories: Dimensionals, Memento Marker, Prima Pebbles, Kaisercraft Pearls, All My Memories 12 x 12 Calendar
Tools: Silhouette Cameo, Copic Markers, Ranger Blending Tool

A Simple Card

2011-12-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today's card is a challenge from Serendipity Stamps. Our directive this time was to create a simple Christmas card. Aaaack! Let's face it, I am simple challenged! (No pun intended.) The more layers and embellishments I use, the happier I am. :)

I used the "Christmas Ball" image as the centerpiece. I stamped it in Versamark ink and then heat embossed it with Stampendous Embossing Powder. I colored the ribbon with Rhubarb Stalk Memento Marker and then added some silver glitter to the ornament. I then stamped and embossed the "Season's Greetings" sentiment. I used my Score Buddy to accent the sentiment without adding layers.

Check out the other design team creations and be sure to say hi to our newest member Jeanne Jachna! Then hop over to see Amy, Jenny and Miriam's blogs.

On a personal note, we're on baby watch for my son and daughter-in-law's first baby! He is due to arrive any day now and he will certainly add much joy this Christmas. I hope you have a blessed Christmas too!

It's all about the details:
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Echo Park
Ink: Versamark
Accessories: Dimensionals, Memento Marker, Glitter
Tools: Nestabilities, Score Buddy

It's Tea Time

2011-12-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hey, It's tea time!

Today we focus in on some of the fun tea themed stamps found at Serendipity Stamps. I stamped Tea Border repeatedly to create a background and then stamped and cut out a portion of the Heart Cup image to use as an accent on the flower. Here's what the full image looks like:

Adorable! Makes me wish I were a tea drinker. It always sounds so much better than it tastes. I know, there are tea lovers out there that would say the same thing about coffee, right?

Want to see other "Tea Time" creations? Then check out Anya, Lynda, Amy, Jenny and Miriam's blogs.

It's all about the details:
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Stampin' Up
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye
Ink: Colorbox Chalk Ink. Distress Ink
Accessories: Dimensionals, Ribbon, Glossy Accents, MS Pearls, Prima Flower, Glimmer Mist
Tools: Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Christmas Memories

2011-11-23T00:09:00.000-08:00

Today I am sharing a card I made for another Serendipity Stamps challenge. Our mission was to create a watercolor project with a country feel. Serendipity has tons of great country images and I selected two for my card...Barn Door with Wreath and Christmas Memories. They are also available together in a cling set.

My watercolor method of choice was Distress Inks and an Aquapen. Love how easy they are to use to get great depth of color. I used Vintage Photo, Pumice Stone, Weathered Wood, Frayed Burlap, Peeled Paint, Tumbled Glass and Forest Moss.

Ready to see more? Then head on over to see what Anya, Lynda, Amy, Jenny and Miriam have whipped up!

Wishing you all a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

It's all about the details:
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Stampin' Up
Patterned Paper: Echo Park
Ink: Stazon, Distress Ink. Distress Stain
Accessories: Dimensionals, Ribbon, Stickles
Tools: Aqua Pen, Nestabilities, Crop-a-dile, Janome Sewing Machine, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder

Gratitude

2011-10-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

This week it's all about gratitude. Mary from Serendipity Stamps challenged the design team to create a project in honor of Thanksgiving. Happy to Mary! It's my favorite holiday. I chose the Wheat Sheaf cling set for my card. I love that the cling set comes with this wonderful wheat stalk and then a beautiful sentiment that compliments it. Due to my layout, I chose to ink up just a portion of the sentiment for my card.

I stamped the image in Rich Cocoa Memento ink and then colored it with a combination of Copic and Bic markers. The paper used is from the All Spice 6x6 pad from My Mind's Eye.

Check out what Anya, Lynda, Amy, Jenny and Miriam have created with Serendipity's wonderful Thanksgiving stamps. You can view the entire category here.

While we're on the subject of gratitude, I am so thankful for all of you! Thanks for stopping by.

It's all about the details:
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Hero Arts
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Distress Ink
Accessories: Dimensionals, Recollections Rhinestones
Tools: Copic and Bic Markers, Nestabilities, Papertrey Ink Edge Die, Fiskars Punch

Garden Glove

2011-10-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been away so long! These days just seem to be zipping by. I blink and September becomes October!

I'm sharing another Serendipity Stamps challenge with you today. This one is an inspiration challenge. Here's the photo we were given to be inspired by.

I just loved the rich colors and especially the combination of vibrant orange and blue, so that's the track I took with my card. The stamp is called "Garden Glove" and it suited my color choices perfectly. I stamped the image in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then colored it with Copic Markers. I chose Papertrey Ink kraft card stock for the card base and used Nikki Sivils Willow Bee patterned paper for accent.

The die used is Spellbinders Labels 18.

Don't miss the rest of the Design Team's inspired projects. Check them out here.

Anya, Lynda, Amy, Jenny and Miriam

You should also check out the new stamps section at Serendipity Stamps. Mary has come out with some wonderful fall and winter stamps that you will love! I'll have some cards to upload using the new stamps soon.

Thanks for popping in!

It's all about the details:
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink, Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Nikki Sivils
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Ink
Accessories: Buttons, Dimensionals, thread
Tools: Copic Markers, Nestabilities, Signo Uniball Pen

Mr. Bones

2011-09-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Can Halloween really be just around the corner? Yikes, but this year has sped by.

For today's Serendipity Stamps challenge we were to create a Halloween card and use embroidery floss, yarn or (and I fudged a little bit here) baker's twine. I created my card with Mr. Bones as my focal point. Love this crazy guy! I used a die-cut frame from My Mind's Eye as his backdrop. I created the cross stitch pattern with We R Memorykeepers Sew Easy tool and then used the baker's twine as my thread. This was my first attempt with this new tool and it worked out really well.

I finished by wrapping the frame with more baker's twine and then added a few I Am Roses black rosebuds as an embellishment.

Visit Anya, Lynda, Amy, Jenny and Miriam too. You're going to love their creations! So be sure to go check them out!

All for now, thanks for stopping by.

It's all about the details:
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Stampin' Up
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye, KI Memories
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: I am Roses black rosebuds, Baker's Twine, Dimensionals
Tools: Copic Markers, We R Memorykeepers Sew Easy

Snowman and Friend

2011-09-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's a bit of the "Best of Christmas" for this week's Serendipity Stamps challenge. We had the option of using some of the all time best selling Christmas stamps to use on our project. I chose the "Snowman and Birdhouse" stamp. I just love this guy and his adorable friend! I decided to make a Z fold card for a change of pace and broke out some of the new fun papers from My Minds Eye called Darling Dear. I went crazy buying all of the new 6 x 6 pads. I think I have enough paper to make cards for the 5 years!

The image was colored using Copic Markers. Such a simple and easy card and I love the end result. You will find other great stamps used by Anya, Lynda, Amy, Jenny and Miriam. Be sure to go check them out!

It's all about the details:
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Stampin' Up
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: None
Tools: Copic Markers

It's Not Far Down to Paradise

2011-08-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's not far down to paradise

At least it's not for me

And if the wind is right you can sail away

And find tranquility

The canvas can do miracles

Just you wait and see

Believe me

No, I am not a sailor, but I always wished I could be. Today's challenge for Serendipity Stamps is to create a project centered around water. I selected this beautiful sailboat stamp for my card. I stamped the image in StazOn ink on watercolor paper and then colored it with Distress Inks and cut it out. I placed it on dimensionals and then cut it out using Nestabilities Label 1 die.

I chose several papers from Basic Grey and Cosmo Cricket for a backdrop and added some twine and a Tim Holtz "Journey" token.

Ready for more? Then head on over to see how water plays a role in Anya, Lynda , Jenny and Miriam's projects.

Ah, sailing, maybe some day.

It's all about the details:
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Coredinations
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey, Cosmo Cricket
Ink: StazOn Black ink, Distress Inks
Accessories: Dimensionals, Tim Holtz token, Twine
Tools: Water Brush, Nestabilities

Monochromatic in Green

2011-07-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

Are you up for another Serendipity Stamp challenge? We are having some fun working with a monochrome theme this week. So I chose my favorite color - green - and one of my favorite Serendipity Stamps - Rattan Sofa - and went to work. I stamped the image in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then colored it with Copic markers. I wanted some dimension so I cut out the sofa pillows and then traced them on patterned paper and pieced them onto the sofa. I used the same PP and my Janome sewing machine to create a quilted background.

It really makes me wish I had a porch to put it on!

Head on over to see what monochrome color scheme Anya, Lynda , Jenny and Miriam have chosen.

Thanks for stopping by.

It's all about the details:
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps, Hero Arts (sentiment)
Cardstock: Stampin' Up, Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Various
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Dimensionals, Silk ribbon
Tools: Copic Markers, Nestabilities, Janome Sewing Machine

Sweet Violets

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

What a great challenge we have for you today. We are using Serendipity Stamps "Big and Little" stamps to create our card. You'll find 14 pairings at Serendipity that include pussy willows, daffodils, sunflowers, irises and many more. I chose to showcase the Violets. I used the large violets image for the focal point on my card. I stamped it in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and used Copics to color it. The patterned paper is from SEI. This paper is gorgeous! I love how it really complements the image. I decided to use the small violets stamp for both the card's interior and the envelope. I love how it ties the card and
envelope together!

Want to see what Anya, Lynda , Jenny and Miriam have whipped up? Be sure and visit their sites to find out.

Thanks for stopping by.

It's all about the details:
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Stampin' Up, Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: SEI, Crate Paper
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Colorbox
Accessories: Dimensionals, MME Bling
Tools: Copic Markers, Nestabilities

Welcome Home

2011-06-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

What's your fantasy life? Do you dream of travel...fame...wealth or your ultimate career opportunity? Well, the Serendipity Stamps Design Team was challenged this week to make a card or project using a stamp that depicts our dream life. I really had to think hard about this one! So many choices. Each stamp I looked at had so many possibilities. So, what did I settle on? What represents my ideal, fantasy life? It would be living in this amazing Victorian home; living in small town America; greeting my neighbors from the comfort of my front porch swing. The world was a better place when everyone had a front porch!

This stamp was also a great fit for another dream. I think we are united in the dream that all of our troops serving on foreign soil come home....soon.

Want to see what Amy, Anya, Lynda , Jenny and Miriam are dreaming about? Be sure and visit their sites to find out.

Thanks for stopping by.

It's all about the details:
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Jillibean Soup, Stampin' Up
Ink: Memento London Fog, Stampin Up, and Distress Ink
Accessories: Dimensionals
Tools: Copic Markers, Nestabilities

Retro Owl Gift Bag

2011-06-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today it's all about the packaging! Serendipity Stamps DT was challenged to create some form of gift packaging, wrap, box, etc. It's my husband's birthday today and I wanted to make a little goodie bag for him so I decided to use an existing small paper bag and stamped it with my favorite owl stamp. I then created a tag with the same stamp, colored him with Copics and cut him out leaving a little white outline. The frame was created with the Fleur de Lis Square Nestabilities die and I added some Basic Grey patterned paper for color. The sentiment is handwritten.

This challenge we are welcoming our newest Design Team member, Miriam. Welcome Miriam! We're so excited to have you join us! Be sure to visit her and the other team member's sites to view their great packaging ideas!

Amy, Anya, Lynda , Jenny and Miriam

Thanks for stopping by.

It's all about the details:
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Jenni Bowlin Brown Sugar, Distress Ink
Accessories: Pearls, fibers, fabric, small paper bag, Dimensionals
Tools: Copic Markers

Blast Off

2011-06-05T22:42:00.000-07:00

Today's card was created for SCS's sketch challenge. (SC335) I haven't played along with any SCS challenges in ages, and I really miss them.

I just picked up this adorable Technique Tuesday "Out of this World" stamp set and really couldn't wait to play with it. It has so many cute images and will make great boy cards. I may even use this one as a graduation card. The paper is from Cosmo Cricket and Sassafras. I colored the image with Copic markers and really went crazy with Glossy Accents on the rocket ship and stars!

Hope your week gets off to a great start!

It's all about the details:
Stamps: Technique Tuesday
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket, Sassafras
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Ink
Accessories: Baker's twine, Glossy Accents, Button, Dimensionals
Tools: Copic Markers

Butterfly Kisses

2011-05-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

Ever have just one of those moments when even the best planning doesn't produce the results you want? Yeah, well that was what happened to me on the way to completing this week's challenge for Serendipity Stamps. We were supposed to create a card using one of the playful "doodle" stamps. I chose the butterfly set. So far so good. The second part of the challenge was to incorporate felt in our project. I purchased several colors of felt a month or so ago in preparation for this challenge. Ah, that was my first mistake, a lot can happen to my crafting supplies in a month! You know that gremlin that creeps in and totally destroys your work space and hides half of your supplies? Sure enough, no felt, no how, no where.

So, with a quick shift to Plan B, I pulled out some of the adorable KI Puffies that I just picked up. They're felt, right? So technically I am in compliance. LOL. I really did have great plans for creating these cute little flowers...*sigh*.

Want to see what the other DT members have created with their doodle stamps and felt? Check out their sites by clicking on these links. Amy, Anya, Lynda and Jenny

Thanks for stopping by.

It's all about the details:
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Jenni Bowlin Brown Sugar, Distress Ink
Accessories: Twine, KI Memories Puffies, Dimensionals
Tools: Stampin ' Up punches, Janome Sewing Machine, Memento Marker

All We Know of Love

2011-05-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

This week we have another fun challenge at Serendipity Stamps. We are creating a wedding card using a sketch created by yours truly. I chose to create a background with this sweet stamp called "Calico Background" by stamping it multiple times with Versa Mark ink and embossing with Lindy's Stamp Gang's embossing powder. I added one of my favorite quote stamps from the Serendipity store called "That Love is All". The complete quote from Emily Dickinson says: "That love is all there is, is all we know of love." ... a perfect wedding quote!

Playing along with the challenge today are Amy, Anya, Lynda and Jenny . Run on over and take a peek at their creations!

It's all about the details:
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: None
Ink: VersaMark
Accessories: Lindy's Stamp Gang Embossing Powder, Ribbon
Tools: Marvy Uchida, Stampin ' Up and Martha Stewart punches

Reuse It!

2011-04-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

There are so many things I love about Serendipity Stamps and today's challenge let's me showcase one of the reasons. Mary, the owner, has a very caring heart. She has a wonderful selection of stamps called "Have a Care". They are available for a wide range of causes including recycling, breast cancer, adoption and making a difference for the lonely. They are a terrific way to let everyone know what cause(s) you are passionate about.

I chose to make an Earth Day card with this fun "Reuse It or Lose It" stamp. I picked out "earthy" card stock, added just a touch of Basic Grey papers and pulled out my trusty Janome sewing machine for a little ziggin' and zaggin'. The image was colored with Copic Markers and I used Glossy Accents to simulate the ocean. You can click on the image to view the texture and dimension it gave to the water.

Now, be sure to visit Amy, Anya, and Lynda to see what cause they are supporting today.

Happy hump-day!

It's all about the details:
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Core'dinations
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Dimensionals, Glossy Accents, Signo Uniball Pen
Tools: Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, Copic Markers

The Pedigree of Honey

2011-03-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's challenge time again over at Serendipity Stamps and this week we are combining a sketch (see below) with a simple card focused around one of the quotation stamps from Serendipity's amazing selection. It was hard to narrow it down, but I love the one I finally chose. It's called the Pedigree of Honey and it's by Emily Dickinson. I also added a couple images of this cute little buzzer. I mean really, what would a quote about honey be without a bee?

I have had this "Willow Bee" patterned paper from Nikki Sivils for quite a while and what better project to use it on! It worked perfectly.

Serendipity Stamps has some exciting news too. They are celebrating the Grand Opening of their newly designed website and online store and for a limited time, Mary is offering free shipping on any order of $10 or more. You can't beat that!

Be sure and visit Amy, Anya, Lynda and Jenny to see what quote caught their fancy!

It's all about the details:
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Core'dinations
Patterned Paper: Nikki Sivils
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Prima Flower, brads, Dimensionals
Tools: Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Inspire

2011-03-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

The Challenge: Create a card for a teacher or coach

The solution: Take this awesome stamp from Serendipity Stamps and color it with Copic Markers, add some beautiful Cappella patterned paper from Basic Grey, dig out my Nestabilities and Fiskars Threading Water punch, pick the perfect Stampin' Up rub-on and top it off with some buttons tied with twine.

Here's to teachers everywhere who give of themselves everyday to make a difference in children's lives. They have one of the toughest and often thankless jobs out there and they inspired me to love the process of learning, to better myself, to get lost in a book and to shoot for the stars!

Visit Amy, Anya, Lynda and Jenny to view their creations!

It's all about the details:
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Stampin' Up
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Inks
Accessories: Buttons, Twine, Brads, Dimensionals
Tools: Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, Fiskars Punch, Copic Markers

Leftovers

2011-02-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

I love leftovers, so naturally I was excited about this week's Serendipity Stamps challenge which was to create something from all those bits of paper, ribbon and embellishments left over from a previous project. I should do this challenge on a regular basis because my scrap bin is overflowing!

I chose this "Heart Quilt" stamp because a quilt is the epitome of using scraps to create something beautiful. I used some left over card stock from Papertrey Ink and remnants of an American Crafts PP used recently for Valentine's Day. The last "leftover" was a small scrap of muslin.

Visit Amy, Anya, Lynda and Jenny to see what they have cooked up with their leftovers!

It's all about the details:
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: American Crafts
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Papertrey Ink Pure Poppy and Vintage Cream, Distress Inks
Accessories:Muslin, Dimensionals
Tools: Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Corner Chomper

A Study in Black and White

2011-02-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I'm back after a nice little blogging break and I'm jump starting my return with this little black and white number created for this week's Serendipity Stamps challenge. Isn't this Triton Shell stamp gorgeous? I absolutely adore how much detail it has and I knew I had to use it for this black and white challenge.

I'm so excited to tell you about the new stamps that have just been released at Serendipity Stamps. You can check them out here: New Stamps! Can I just say the "Heart Teapot" is the cutest ever!

Visit the other Design team member's blogs for more black and white goodness.
Amy
Anya
Lynda
Jenny

It's all about the details:
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Stampin' Up
Patterned Paper: Making Memories
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Silk Ribbon, My Sentiments Exactly Rub-on, Dimensionals
Tools: EK Success Bubble Punch, Nestabilities

Love Birds

2011-02-14T22:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

I'll be back soon with a new Serendipity Stamp challenge.

It's all about the details:
Stamps: The Stamps of Life
Cardstock: Stampin' Up
Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Dimensionals, Ribbon
Tools: Circle Punches, Copic Markers

Simple Thanks

2010-12-22T23:33:00.001-08:00

The Serendipity Challenge this week helps us get geared up for those thank yous we need to send out for all the wonderful gifts we received this holiday season. The goal...to create a simple thank you card. Here's my creation.

I used the "Present Border" as my focal image and the "Thanks" from the "Simple Flowers" Cling Set for the sentiment. The image was colored with Copic Markers. I chose these fun papers from DCWV's Tis the Season stack. The finishing touch is a ribbon from Stampin' Up.

Want more simple thank you ideas? Check out Amy, Anya, Lynda and Jenny and see what they've been up to.

Have a very Merry Christmas!

It's all about the details:
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Stampin' Up
Patterned Paper: DCWV, Tis the Season
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Stampin' Up Ribbon
Tools: MFT Scallop Die, Copic Markers

July in December

2010-12-08T00:10:00.000-08:00

So here's a twist on "Christmas in July" ... today's challenge from Serendipity Stamps is to use one of the Illustrated Months cling stamps to create a birthday card. I chose to use the July stamp because a bit of summer warmth is pretty appealing right now. :)

I began with some kraft card stock and used October Afternoon patterned papers along with a panel that I created with the Happy Birthday stamp from the Nest with Eggs cling set.

I also broke out my Stampin' Up and Marvy markers to color the stamp and then gave it a good "huff" before stamping. I finished the card by popping the image up on dimensionals and adding my favorite silk ribbon from May Arts.

Head over and visit Amy, Anya, Lynda and Jenny to see which month they selected for the challenge!

Thanks for dropping by!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: October Afternoon
Ink: Colorbox Chalk Ink
Accessories: Marvy and Stampin' Up markers, Ribbon
Tools: Nestabilities

Seasonal Beauty

2010-11-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

Serendipity Stamps Challenge Time! OMG, I love this week's challenge. We were asked to stamp on a tile, a technique that was totally new to me. I'll admit I had to scour the internet and Splitcoast Stampers to find out what inks were OK to use.

I created my tile with the Small Autumn Wreath Cling Stamp Set and Stazon Ink. After stamping the sentiment and wreath, I gently dabbed a small amount of Versamark ink on the wreath and then colored it in using chalk. (Now there's something I haven't pulled out of my stash in awhile!) I love the softness the chalks give the image. That's it! Super easy. The scariest part was knowing I only had one tile and one chance to get the images stamped right. :-) I'm going to follow some of the recommendations I read and bake the tile in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes to set the colors. Give this technique a try, I know I will definitely be making more.

Check out Amy, Anya, Lynda and Jenny too for more samples.

Thanks for dropping by!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: None
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: None
Ink: Stazon Ink, Versamark Ink
Accessories: Chalks and Tumbled Tile
Tools: None

Row, Row, Row

2010-11-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

I don't know why it takes a challenge to make me create a business envelope sized card. Every time I do, I really enjoy it. It allows so much more "real estate" to play with. Today's card is for the Serendipity Stamps challenge and I pulled out the Row Boat stamp set to play with. The row boat and two companion sentiments (Let Your Boat of Life and the one used on this card) may be purchased as a set here. I colored the row boat with Copic Markers and then cut it out with my Nestabilities. I sponged the image with Antique Linen and Old Paper before removing it from the die.

Amy, Anya, Lynda and Jenny are playing along today too. Be sure to visit their blogs to see what they've created!

Thanks for dropping by!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Bazzill
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Ink
Accessories: Ribbon, Dimensionals, Jute
Tools: Copic Markers, Nestabilities, Crop-a-dile

A Cardinal Christmas

2010-10-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

I'm going to apologize upfront for the quick post today. I have been sick for two weeks with a particularly nasty case of bronchitis and I really need to head back to bed. This card is my take on creating a simple Christmas card for this week's Serendipity Stamps challenge. I chose to use this stamp for my main image. I think this stamp is gorgeous and there is absolutely no way to mess up a card using it. I mean it would be beautiful just stamped on white card stock with black ink and no embellishments. I love that!

I colored the image with some Copics as well as Distress inks and added it to some Basic Grey patterned paper and Papertrey Ink card stock. The sentiment is also from Serendipity and can be found here. Finishing touches are some red Stickles for the berries and a small silk ribbon.

Check out the other design team members below:

Anya
Lynda
Amy
Jenny

Thanks for dropping by!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Ink
Accessories: Ribbon, Stickles
Tools: Copic Markers

What's Your Hobby?

2010-10-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

What, you mean there are hobbies other than scrapbooking, stamping and cardmaking?! The Serendipity Stamp design team was challenged this week to make a card (see sketch below..I turned it to work with my image) that showcased any other hobby...either ours or someone else's. For me, there's no question, that my other love or hobby if you want to call it that, is cooking! Although I think my husband may may raise an eyebrow to that given just how little of it I seem to have time for these days. :-) From the time I was about 8 years old, I would spend most of my time in the kitchen.

I selected this stamp, called "Cooking Tools" from Serendipity's huge selection and colored it with Copic Markers. I used Basic Grey's Nook and Pantry papers and even cut out some of the lemon slices for a little border. The ribbon is from Stampin' Up. I cut a second heart out and popped it up on dimensionals and then added a bit of shimmer with an atSpica pen.

So, what's your hobby? Want more inspiration? Check out the other design team projects below!

Anya
Lynda
Amy
Jenny

Thanks for visiting!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey, Nook and Pantry
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Ink
Accessories: Stampin' Up Ribbon, Dimensionals
Tools: atSpica pen, Copic Markers

The Crow

2010-10-02T21:35:00.001-07:00

Just a jump start on the upcoming holiday! I found this amazing set of free Halloween SVG files for my Cricut and SCAL program the other day at Scraption.com . This crow in a window is one of the images in the set. LOVE IT!

I cut a background from My Mind's Eye Blackbird "Neighborhood" paper with the cutest little trick or treater and then layered the crow cutout on top. I added a sentiment from Amuse Art Stamps and Glimmer Misted two small Prima roses in traditional orange and black.

Enjoy the weekend!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Coredinations
Stamps: Amuse Art Stamps
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Ink
Accessories: SVG file and SCAL software, Prima Roses, Glimmer Mist, Martha Stewart Micro Beads, Dimensionals
Tools: Quickutz Cookie Cutter Die, Sponge Dauber, Cricut Machine

Autumn Sketch Challenge

2010-09-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

I can't help myself, I just get so excited when I sense fall is coming. I love this time of year! So, I was super excited to see the new fall collection of stamps at Serendipity Stamps. Our challenge this week was the perfect choice to help showcase some of these wonderful stamps. The Design Team was instructed to create a card with either an Autumn or Thanksgiving theme and use the sketch below for the design.

I flipped the sketch and then selected this whimsical "Autumn Chair" for my image and paired it with patterned paper from October Afternoon (perfect company for this challenge don't you think?) and Recollections Autumn collection. I stamped the image in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored the image with Copic markers. I added some fun pom-pom trim and a leaf button for accent.

Check out Amy, Anya, Lynda and Jenny's creations by clicking on their links below. You'll find the entire collection of Serendipity's new fall stamps here. You're going to love them!

Anya
Lynda
Amy
Jenny

Thanks for visiting!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up and Recollections
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: October Afternoon, Recollections
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Ink
Accessories: Pom-Pom trim, Button, Dimensionals
Tools: Copic Markers

Baby Shadowbox

2010-08-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another Serendipity Stamps challenge! I switched things up a bit for this "baby themed" challenge and decided to try my hand at something other than a card. (Don't worry, they're still my first love.). I had saved this small shadow box from an embellishment purchase and thought it would be perfect for my project. I began by choosing four KI Memories patterned papers to serve as the backdrop for the box.

I stamped these darling images from the "Baby Girl" stamp set and then colored them with Copic Markers. I then cut it out with Nestabilities, popped it up on three layers of dimensionals and added a green silk bow. I cut out the little booties and popped them up on dimensionals and added them to the main image. Most of the other embellishments such as the alphas and epoxy stickers are also by KI Memories. I found them as part of a kit at Ross for $2.99. What a surprise. I never find anything I want there. I guess I can't say that any more now, can I?

Here's a close-up of the stamped image. So cute!

The "em" in the upper left corner stands for my 8 month old granddaughter Emelia. We like to call her Emme or Em for short. Want a little peak at my little munchkin? We snapped this shot today just before she went swimming in her backyard kiddie pool. Hard to tell that she was a preemie isn't it? :-)

There are more fun baby cards/projects to check out on our DT sites, so be sure you visit them too.

----Anya
----Lynda
----Amy
----Jenny

Thanks for dropping in!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: None
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: KI Memories
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Ribbon, Amuse crystals, KI Memories Alphas and epoxy stickers, Glitter Heart, Prima Rose, dimensionals
Tools: Copic Markers, Nestabilities

A Lot Older

2010-08-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

My oldest sister and I are only 14 months apart but I love to refer to her as my much older sister. She hates it. Tee hee. When I saw this sentiment in the new The Cat's Pajamas stamp set called "Forget about the Cake", I knew it would be perfect for her upcoming birthday card. Isn't it super cute?

Did you know that The Cat's Pajamas now has felt and dies for sale? I fell in love with how easy it was to make the adorable little felt flower for my card. The felt is so soft and it cuts like butter with the flower button die and my Cuttlebug. You really should check out all six color sets. I will definitely be back for more. Gorgeous!

Hope you are having a fabulous weekend. It signals the end of my two week vacation *sniff *sniff. It has been so relaxing but I'm sure the piles of paperwork on my desk will bring me back to reality quickly.

Hugs to all,

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up
Stamps: The Cats Pajamas
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey Olivia
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Felt Flower Button(TCP), button, Ribbon, twine, Kaisercraft Pearls
Tools: Copic Markers, Nestabilities, The Cats Pajamas flower button die, Quickutz Scallop Border Die

The Love of Learning

2010-08-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

Serendipity Challenge Time! This week, it's making a card with either reading or writing as the theme. I chose one of my favorite Serendipity Stamps stamp set called simply "Books". I stamped the sentiment in Tuxedo Black Memento ink on Papertrey Ink kraft card stock. I added some Core'dinations card stock, Tim Holtz tissue tape and ribbon and then added the books image that had been colored with Distress Inks, cut out and popped up on dimensionals. I finished the card by rounding the corners with my We R Memorykeepers corner chomper. Love that thing!

Run on over to visit the rest of the design teams' creations, including our guest designer Jenny Gropp.

I'm off for a few days of R and R..... See you soon!

Anya
Lynda
Amy
Jenny

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink, Core'dinations
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: None
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Inks
Accessories: Tim Holtz tissue tape, Ribbon
Tools: Corner Chomper, Glue Dots

I can explain . . .

2010-07-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness, we are having such a fun challenge this week over at Serendipity Stamps. We had to take stamp that would not normally be used as a Christmas stamp and make a Christmas card or project with it. This really pushed me to think outside the box. I chose to use the wonderful vintage typewriter stamp as my jumping off point. First I stamped the image with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and added some color with Copic Markers. I cut a small slit in the stamped image to add my "letter" to Santa which I printed using "Mom's Typewriter" font. (You can find it by Googling.) I used some Cosmo Cricket and Making Memories patterned paper and distressed the heck out of it with Distress Inks. I then added a bit of faux stitching and wrapped some matching twine around the card. The sentiment is also computer generated using the same font noted above.

The sketch for my card came from Paper Crafts "Go to Sketches" magazine I picked up awhile ago. I really needed some fresh ideas for card layouts. I don't know about you but I find that I keep using the same ones over and over and I really wanted to change things up a bit.

You really must play along with us this week! You'll find additional inspiration here:

Anya
Lynda
Amy
Jenny

Thanks for stopping by!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket, Making Memories
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Inks
Accessories: Twine, Buttons
Tools: Copic Markers, Glue Dots

Classic Serendipity

2010-07-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! It's challenge time again at Serendipity Stamps. What could be more fun than taking one of Serendipity's classic stamps and creating something new. I chose this beautiful Palm Tree stamp and stamped it with Memento Tuxedo black ink. I wanted a lot of color depth so I decided to color the image with Distress Ink and I love how it turned out. Can't you just smell the ocean? I don't know about you, but it really makes me want to take a vacation! Unfortunately (but a blessing) my husband just started a new job, so just a staycation for us this year!

I added one of Serendipity's sentiments..."Thinking of You", it's one of my personal favorites. You'll find the rest of the card details below.

Thanks for visiting. Check out my team mates sites and be sure and visit Guest Designer Jenny Gropp's creation too.

Anya
Lynda
Amy

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Coredinations
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: Pebbles, Graphic 45, Pink Paislee
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Inks
Accessories: Dimensionals, American Crafts Felt Flower, Chatterbox wood brad
Tools: Nestabilities

I'm Late

2010-07-05T20:47:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! The new Halloween in Wonderland papers by Graphic 45 are here! What a stunning collection! If you're a fan of Alice in Wonderland and Graphic 45 you'll be in heaven. They have married the styles beautifully.

I used one of the tags from the set as well as two of the patterned papers and added some Prima flowers that I Glimmer Misted with Haunted Shadows and Black Magic (How's that for staying with the Halloween theme? LOL). I added two images, clock and key, from The Girl's Paperie "Paper Girl" set. It was an unlikely pairing but I think it works.

Did you all have a terrific 4th? Ours was quiet, except for the neighboring revelers. We're not big on fireworks. I just keep seeing those dollars going up in smoke. :-) Hope your week ahead brings great things!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up, Bazzill
Stamps: The Girl's Paperie
Patterned Paper: Graphic 45
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Vintage Photo Distress Ink
Accessories: Dimensionals, Prima Flowers, Glimmer Mist, brad, lace, ribbon, Tag
Tools: Scotch Glue

Simply Two Peas

2010-06-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Today's card is for this week's Serendipity Stamps Challenge. And just what is our challenge this week you say? To make a simple card. Easy, right? Not! I have a difficult time showing restraint. LOL! So, we were to make a simple card with minimal layers, coloring, embellishments, etc. I selected these two fun stamps from the new "Pea Package Cling Set" (They're also sold separately). They seemed to just cry out for me to use Cosmo Cricket's Garden Variety patterned paper and my sole embellishment was a little "pea bling".

Want to see what Amy, Anya and Lynda have created? Check out their sites here:

Anya
Lynda
Amy

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Dimensionals, Kaisercraft Crystals
Tools: My Favorite Things Die, Copic Markers

Day Lily Sympathy

2010-06-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

My fellow DT members Anya, Lynda, Amy and I are tackling a card sketch and Sympathy card challenge today for Serendipity Stamps. I wish I could say that this is the first sympathy card I've needed to make this year but unfortunately that is not the case. It's been a really rough year for us so far. I'm really hoping the second half of the year is much happier!

I chose this new Day Lily stamp for my focal image. Isn't it beautiful? I stamped it with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on Papertrey Ink card stock twice and then cut out one of the lilies. I sprayed the cut image with Lemon Meringue Glimmer mist and then placed it on dimensionals. The gorgeous flocked patterned paper is from the DCWV La Creme collection. The sentiment is also from Serendipity (With Sympathy Small) and can be found here.

Head over to Serendipity Stamps to see all the gorgeous new summer stamps that have just been released and don't forget to check out Anya, Amy and Lynda's creations!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: DCWV La Creme
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Dimensionals, Twill Ribbon, Glimmer Mist
Tools: EK Success Punch

Take a Memo

2010-05-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Another fun challenge going on this week at Serendipity Stamps. The challenge...make a memo pad design, any shape or size - a design on a piece of paper that leaves room for a note, grocery list, to do list etc.

I'll admit I took a bit of a detour on my design. I couldn't get past the idea of making a pretty cover for a ready made memo pad. So I took this beautiful paper from My Mind's Eye called Life Stories and cut a sheet to 10.5 inches wide by 8.125 inches tall and then scored it at 5.125 and 5.375 inches. I stamped the "Just a Quick Note" from the "Nest in Tree" cling set in the bottom right corner and then stamped this gorgeous "Goldfinch" and colored him with Copic Markers (in somewhat nontraditional Goldfinch colors!). I then cut him out and placed him on dimensionals.

I adhered an Office Depot memo pad to the back cover with Scor-tape to make sure it wasn't going anywhere. I took some silk ribbon from my stash and wove it through turquoise lace I had on hand and then wrapped it around a MME die cut from the same Life Stories collection. I finished off the project by stamping the "Bent Feather" and "Bitti Notes" images from Serendipity Stamps on the pages of the memo pad.

There are more great memo pad designs to be found at my team mates sites. Check them out below!

Anya
Jennifer
Lynda
Amy

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: None
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye, Life Stories
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Distress Ink
Accessories: Dimensionals, Lace, Ribbon
Tools: Copic Markers

Jane - The Fun Lady

2010-05-17T00:30:00.000-07:00

I hope you all had a super weekend! I conned my sweet hubby into taking me to the Heirloom Rubber Stamp and Paper Festival in Puyallup. I was really disappointed by the lack of quality vendors this year but still managed to make a big dent in my pocket book!

One of my favorites from the show was a new company, (at least to me) called Loralei Designs. She has the most amazing stamps called "Fun Ladies". You really have to check out her site to see all the variety of woman and other stamps available. Super cute!

I decided to try my hand at Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge this week. Great sketch as always Taylor!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Coredinations, Stampin' Up
Stamps: Loralei Designs
Patterned Paper: Scarlet Lime
Ink: Memento Black Tuxedo
Accessories: Dimensionals, SU Dazzling Diamonds
Tools: Copic Markers, MS Punch, Quickutz Cookie Cutter Dies

Yum!

2010-05-13T22:48:00.001-07:00

I decided tonight to get back to business! Card making business that is. I have been so bad about making time for my favorite pastime lately. I just haven't had the energy after work and I chose to just crash instead. What I forgot, was just what a wonderful stress reliever this hobby is!

Tonight's card is for Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge. It has been ages since I played along. Doesn't this little hopper make you long for summer? I picked up this little House Mouse Designs stamp called "Seed Shooter" a couple of weeks ago on a jaunt to Sequim. There's a terrific local scrapbooking store there called "Doodlebugs". I picked up this fun We R Memorykeepers paper there too. It's called Hippity Hoppity so it was just meant to be used with this image. The alphas and flower are from Prima and I called my go-to Nestabilities into service again to cut out the image.

Have a terrific Friday everyone!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Coredinations
Stamps: House Mouse Designs
Patterned Paper: We R Memorykeepers
Ink: Memento Black Tuxedo
Accessories: Dimensionals, Prima flower, Prima Alphabets, Pebbles Candy Dots
Tools: Copic Markers, Nestabilities

Deere Man

2010-05-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, I just had to use this incredible stamp for today's "Make a Masculine Card" challenge over at Serendipity Stamps. I just love this little tractor and I had to pair it with some of my favorite new papers from October Afternoon called appropriately enough, "Farm Fresh".

I think most of us really struggle with masculine cards and I had to really wrestle with my impulse to add ribbon! LOL. I chose to keep embellishments to a minimum but I did add a bit of faux stitching and "grunged" it up with Distress Inks to add a little manly charm. I printed the sentiment out on my computer. I kicked around several really bad "groaners" before coming up with this one. I like that it is versatile enough to use for a birthday or a just because card.

Check out the links below for other great masculine card ideas!

Anya
Jennifer
Lynda
Amy

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Bazzill and Stampin' Up
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: October Afternoon
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Distress Ink
Accessories: Dimensionals
Tools: Copic Markers, Nestabilities, Mat Pack

Pansy Bookmark

2010-04-21T01:16:00.000-07:00

For this challenge, the Serendipity Stamps Design Team is branching out and trying something new (at least to me). We're making bookmarks! This was really fun and so easy.

I decided to incorporate a card to use as the "delivery method" for my bookmark. The bookmark itself slips into the ribbon and lace at the base of the card. I used the beautiful "Pansy Corner" stamp along with Serendipity's "Just Because" sentiment stamp for my images. I stamped the pansies with Memento Rich Cocoa and then used my Prismacolor pencils to color and shade it. I absolutely love the look of colored pencils on kraft card stock. I then stamped the sentiment in Memories Violet ink and used my We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper to round the top corners. I added matching ribbon. The beautiful background paper is from My Mind's Eye.

Check out Amy, Anya, Lynda and Jennifer's bookmarks by visiting their blog links below.

Anya
Jennifer
Lynda
Amy

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink and Coredinations
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Memories Violet
Accessories: Prima Lace, Kaisercraft Rhinestones, ribbon, dimensionals
Tools: Prismacolor Pencils

Friends Forever

2010-04-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

I ran across this adorable stamp while looking for a specific stamp set at Michaels and just had to have it. The pure innocence of their expressions just captured my heart. I colored them with Copic Markers and cut them out with Nestabilities. I also popped them up on dimensionals. The patterned paper is from October Afternoon and Basic Grey.

Hope your weekend was relaxing and your week ahead is a great one!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up
Stamps: Image Tree by EK Success
Patterned Paper: October Afternoon, Basic Grey
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Buttons, ribbon, dimensionals
Tools: Copic Markers, Nestabilities

Sweet Chips

2010-04-18T14:53:00.000-07:00

Today I want to share a little project I made for our new granddaughter Emelia. I fell in love with these Sweet Chips and Mini Vintage Hangers from Crafty Secrets. I was so excited to get my hands on them and play.

I used Cosmo Cricket's Material Girl patterned papers to cover the chipboard and inked the edges with Vintage Photo Distress Ink. Here's a another shot of the front and interior.

Isn't she just precious? I know, spoken like a true Nana, huh? I can't help it, I'm just a sucker for a sleeping baby.

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: N/A
Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket, Material Girl
Ink: Vintage Photo Distress Ink
Accessories: Prima Rose, Glimmer Mist, Button, Crafty Secrets Sweet Chips and Mini Vintage Hanger, Prima Alphabet stickers
Tools: Basic Grey files

Garden Sale!

2010-04-14T22:48:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Check out the wonderful Garden Sale going on over at Serendipity Stamps today through the 19th. Every stamp in the garden category is on sale for 20% off. There are so many gorgeous stamps to choose from!

Lilacs - a Serendipity Challenge

2010-04-07T23:41:00.001-07:00

Without a doubt, my favorite flowers are Lilacs. They have the sweetest smell on earth! Today's card is another Serendipity Stamps challenge and I have a little left over Easter egg on my face! I totally spaced on getting my challenge card made and am almost (if I can get this posted by midnight) a day late. Our challenge was to make a Mother's Day card using this sketch. I turned the sketch on its side for my card.

I chose one of my favorite Serendipity Stamps for the card. It comes as a single stamp or you can also purchase it as a set here, and it's aptly named "Lilacs". I used some My Mind's Eye patterned paper as well as some scraps of pp from The Paper Company. The image was colored using Copic Markers and I added some glitter to the butterfly before popping it up on glue dots.

Check out the other cards from the challenge and give them some love!

Anya
Jennifer
Lynda
Amy

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up, Bazzill
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye, The Paper Company
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Glitter, Letter Rub-ons
Tools: Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Just for you

2010-04-06T21:58:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Sorry I have been MIA for awhile.

Just a quick post tonight of a card I made to cheer up a friend. I used a new set from My Cute Stamps called "Elegant Birds" and some of my favorite new papers rolled out at CHA - My Mind's Eye's Quite Contrary Little Boy Blue collection. I am such a MME fan I have loved every paper they have printed!

I'll be back soon with a few other cards that have been waiting in the wings for their time in the spotlight!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye
Stamps: My Cute Stamps
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Dimensionals, Ribbon
Tools: Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Posting Postcards

2010-03-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Our challenge this week for Serendipity Stamps was to create a card that could be mailed without an envelope. I decided to go with the customary 4 x 6 postcard for my project and I knew I wanted to use the classic Ink Bottle set to make them. I adore the sentiment . . . "Letters mingle souls".

I took two very distinctly different approaches in creating the two cards. Card # 1 uses embossed card stock and a blend of Distress Inks and Pearl Glimmer Mist. I just rubbed four different shades of the ink onto my craft mat and then sprayed a generous amount of Glimmer Mist on it. I then rubbed my card stock into the ink and dried it with my heat gun. Once it was dry, I dipped the card stock in the remaining ink and then heat set it again. I then stamped the bottle and sentiment with Black Soot ink and used Black Soot Distress embossing powder. My card stock ended up quite wrinkled so I solved that by gluing it to a second sheet of card stock and using my brayer to flatten it. It worked perfectly.

The second card was super simple. I just adhered a beautiful patterned paper from K & Company to card stock and added a punched border made with a coordinating PP. I then stamped the images with Chestnut Roan chalk ink and finally inked the edges with Antique Linen Distress Ink.

Serendipity also has the perfect stamp for the back of my post cards, check it out here.

Be sure to check out the other Design Team Members' sites to view their creations:

Anya
Jennifer
Lynda
Amy

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up
Patterned Paper: K & Company
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Ink: Distress Ink, Colorbox Chalk ink
Accessories: Glimmer Mist, Distress Embossing Powder
Tools: Stampin' Up punch, Heat-it Tool

Spring has Sprung

2010-03-17T22:35:00.001-07:00

I know it's just wishful thinking on my part but just making a "springy" card lifts my spirits! I just love these fun rub-ons and flair from American Crafts and it matches the Penny Lane papers from My Mind's Eye perfectly. It also afforded me the opportunity to use the cute grass punch from Martha.

The sun broke through here today and it's supposed to be beautiful tomorrow too. Here's wishing you a spring-like day too!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye
Stamps: None
Ink: None
Accessories: American Crafts rub-ons, American Crafts Flair
Tools: Martha Stewart punch, Stampin' Up circle and scalloped circle punch, Signo Uniball pen

For Sherry

2010-03-14T22:04:00.000-07:00

Did you all have a good weekend? I totally vegged for two days! I felt slightly guilty but it felt really good at the same time. I think every one needs some real down time once and awhile, don't you? I didn't even sit down to craft until tonight. That's unheard of.

The card I am sharing with you tonight is for my friend Sherry. Sherry and I worked together before she retired several years ago. She is one of the most energetic people I know and is the "Queen" of organization. She decided recently that her kitchen needed to be painted so she placed drop cloths over her tile countertops and proceeded to climb up on the counters to paint and while stepping from one counter to the next, she took a misstep and fell....so hard that she literally broke her neck...in three places. She was rushed to Seattle and they placed her in a halo which she will need to wear for at least 12 weeks. Through it all she has maintained her incredible spirit and sense of humor.

The papers and embellishments used today are from the March Scarlet Lime kit. They are delicious! I also used two new sets of stamps from Waltzing Mouse Stamps called "Roses in Bloom" and "Very Vintage Labels No. 1". It's my first time ordering but it won't be my last. I love them!

Have a terrifc Monday!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up, Very Vanilla
Patterned Paper: Kaisercraft, Cosmo Cricket
Stamps: Waltzing Mouse Stamps
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Ink
Accessories: Kaisercraft Crocheted lace, Dimensionals, My Sentiments Exactly rub-ons
Tools: Copic Markers

Simple Flowers

2010-03-10T01:00:00.000-08:00

Serendipity Challenge Time! This week, it's as simple as 1, 2, 3. Our card had to have one button or charm, two ribbons and three layers. I lied about the easy part...I have a really difficult time limiting my cards to just three layers.

I chose these adorable flower stamps from the Serendipity set called "Simple Flowers". They're a snap to color and I just love their clean lines. You can buy them in a cling set or they are also available in a stamp cube. Check them out and while you're there, don't forget to see Serendipity Stamps new spring line.

I used some of Cosmo Cricket's new Material Girl paper line (love it!) and one of Jenni Bowlin's new buttons in ivory. I layered a small turquoise ribbon on top of a yellow satin one to reach my ribbon quota.

Check out the other design team members cards:

Anya
Jennifer
Lynda
Amy

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up
Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket, Material Girl
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Ink
Accessories: Jenni Bowlin button, ribbon, Dimensionals
Tools: Stampin' Up punch, Copic Markers

Taking Notes

2010-02-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do you remember these?

Well, I sure do! In fact, one of very favorite things about school was the school supplies. I would almost swoon over new notebooks, paper, pencils, etc. Hmmm, that's starting to sound familiar...do you suppose that was just a hint at my future addiction to scrapbooking and card making supplies?

Today we are doing another Serendipity Stamps challenge and this time, all of the design team members are using the same incredible stamp set. It's called the Floral Alphabet and I love this set! So much so, that I have owned the individual "K" for several years. Long before I ever dreamed of becoming a design team member. You really must check out the detail in the close-up below. So pretty!

Here's my project for the challenge. I thought it would be fun to alter this composition notebook. I have had it in my "project box" (you know where all those well intentions reside) for some time now.

I covered the notebook with Crate Paper patterned paper from the Lemongrass collection. I used Distress Inks to give it a more aged appearance and then stamped my initials with Rusty Hinge and Peeled Paint Distress Ink. I used a distressing tool and then inked the edges too. I adhered them with dimensionals to more paper from the collection and added a border made from Stampin' Up's new Scallop Trim border punch.

The flower is from Heidi Swapp and was originally a bright yellow-orange. I sprayed it with Caramel Apple and Suede Glimmer Mist and then added a few Prima flowers, and a Stampin' Up corduroy button tied with twine to finish it off.

I can't wait to take notes with my new notebook! And speaking of that, please take note of the other design team members' projects today. The links are listed below.

Anya
Jennifer
Lynda
Amy

Come back soon!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: None
Patterned Paper: Crate Paper
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Ink: Distress Inks in Antique Linen, Vintage Photo, Peeled Paint and Rusty Hinge
Accessories: Heidi Swapp flower, Prima flowers, Stampin' Up button, twine, Glimmer Mist
Tools: Stampin' Up punch

Elegant Butterflies

2010-02-16T23:10:00.000-08:00

It's challenge day for our Serendipity Stamps design team and Lynda Benden came up with a great sketch to use for our cards which had to be about spring. I can't remember a year when I have been more ready for spring to arrive and I know I am not alone. It seems like I hear someone saying it at least once a day.

I chose to use Serendipity's two gorgeous Cloissone butterfly stamps along with this beautiful lace corner stamp. I stamped the butterflies with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then colored them with Copics, cut them out and glitterfied (that's a word, right?) them with varous shades of Stickles. I attached them to the card by adding mini Glue Dots to their centers and one wing so the other wing would still have movement. The word "elegant" is a KI Memories Rub-on.

Check out the other design team sites below and play along with us! We'd love to see your spring creation!

Anya
Jennifer
Lynda
Amy

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Bo Bunny
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Pear Tart
Accessories: Mini Glue Dots, Stickles, KI Memories rub-on
Tools: Martha Stewart Punch, Copic Markers

Feeling Chipper

2010-02-10T21:56:00.000-08:00

How is it possible that it is February 10th already? I am in absolute denial that I have not posted for nine days.

Today I have something adorable to share with you. Serendipity Stamps has come out with a new spring line of stamps that are so cute and so much fun to play with. I'll show you several over the next few days. This first one called "Chipmunk" may be purchased all by his lonesome, or as part of a set which includes the sentiment I used on the interior of the card. How cute is he? I know without a doubt that he would cheer me up!

I thought that the Basic Grey Origins paper was perfectly suited as a backdrop for him. I stamped him in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored him with Copic Markers.

Thanks for dropping by today. I'll try to not be such a stranger!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey Origins
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Dimensionals, Ribbon, Prima flowers, brad
Tools: Nestabilities, Copic Markers, Brown Marker

Happy 29th!

2010-02-01T22:05:00.001-08:00

I'm squeaking in just under the wire for Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge this week. I pulled out a set from Skipping Stones Designs called "Donut Birthday". I just love the sentiment, "Happy "29th" Birthday, from your "110 lb." friend." Cracks me up and I know my friend will love it too. I don't think this set is available any longer but there are so many other adorable sets you really have to check them out! Their designs are fun and really kind of sassy!

If you zoom in on the card you can see Martha Stewart mircobeads topping the chocolate glazed donut. I covered the donut with Glossy Accents and then carefully sprinkled on the beads while it was still wet. Those little suckers end up everywhere! Yum, looks good enough to eat.

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey Nook and Pantry
Stamps: Skipping Stones Designs
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Colorbox Dark Brown
Accessories: Dimensionals, Martha Stewart Micro Beads, Crochet flower from Taylored Expressions, brad,
Tools: Brown Sharpie, EK Success Border Punch, Copic Markers, Stickles, Glossy Accents

Apple Seeds

2010-01-27T00:37:00.000-08:00

I can't believe the final week's challenge sponsored by Serendipity Stamps is here already. NUMBERS - that's this week's challenge over at Gingersnap Creations. I really had to think outside the box a bit on this one as I didn't have any Serendipity Stamps that just screamed "numbers". But then I thought of this stamp (one of my all time favorites by the way!) and I figured "counting" has to do with numbers, right?

The card came together pretty easily until I finished mounting the apple on the dimensionals and stepped back to view it and just knew it was missing something. I decided to add some seeds to the design so I began by hand drawing, coloring and cutting some out. The end result just didn't give me the effect I was after ... so, I raided the refrigerator and used three original God created ones!

Check out the other great number related creations by visiting Gingersnap Creations this week. Thanks for all the fun challenges Shar. It's been a blast!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink, Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Daisy D, Jillibean Soup, KI Memories overlay
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Ink: Papertrey Ink, Distress Ink
Accessories: Dimensionals, 7 Gypsies Rub-on, apple seeds
Tools: Nestabilities, Cuttlebug

A Copper Creation

2010-01-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

There's another fun challenge going on over at Gingersnap Creations and this week it's all about metallics.

I chose to work with my favorite metal ...Copper! I thought this gorgeous "Mare and Foal" stamp from Serendipity Stamps would look great embossed in copper and I was right. They turned out beautifully. To coordinate with the image, I selected a Making Memories buckle that was orignally silver. I coated the buckle with VersaMark ink and then embossed it with the copper embossing powder... an instant copper embellishment!

I also used some DCWV metallic paper and copper brads and used the embossing powder one last time for the sentiment. I just love this beautiful script "Thank You" from Serendipity.

Check out the art work from the other DT members on the Gingersnap Creations blog and while you're at it, why not play along this week?

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Core'dinations, Stampin' Up, DCWV Metallic Stack
Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket, Wanted
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Ink: VersaMark, Distress Ink, Antique Linen
Accessories: Making Memories Buckle, Felt Ribbon, Dimensionals, Brads, Whispers Embossing Powder
Tools: Heidi Swapp Distresser, Marvy Heat Gun

Forever Friends

2010-01-19T21:34:00.000-08:00

It's Tuesday, and that means it's time for another Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge. I really had fun with this one!

A few weeks ago I got caught up in several Sizzix haul videos over on YouTube. As if I needed anyone to enable my shopping sprees! So I headed over to the Sizzix site and I couldn't believe the sale on dies. I picked up this "Heart Flowers" die for $5.99. It sells regularly for $19.99. I also picked up several, *ahem* a ton of others for around $3.99 a piece. I thought it would add a fun new element to card making.

Today's card uses Bazzill Basics dotted swiss card stock and some of the paper from the new Imaginisce collection called "Lady Bird". This paper is so cheerful, I just love it. I am so ready for spring to arrive! I also used a Making Memories rub-on for the sentiment. I had originally planned to use the same rub-on on all four side of the panel but I found them to be very difficult to rub on and I was afraid I would ruin my card. I decided to use a ruler and draw a line around the panel using a pink Sharpie instead. I was really happy with the end result.

Thanks for visiting! Enjoy the rest of your week.

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basic dotted swiss, Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Imaginisce, Lucy Bird
Stamps: None
Ink: Colorbox Chalk ink (shading)
Accessories: Dimensionals, Inkssentials white pen, Sharpie pen
Tools: Fiskars border punch, Corner Chomper, Cuttlebug, Sizzix Heart Flowers die

The Key Ingredients Blog Hop

2010-01-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, welcome! I'm so excited to be a stop along the way in Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Challenge and Blog Hop. If you want to start the hop from the beginning, go to Laura Leonard's site or if you are coming from Candace Mitchell's site, you're in the right place. For your convenience, I have also posted links to all the blog hop participants below. You won't want to miss a single one!

Today we are going to shine the spotlight on the super fun monthly kit called The Key Ingredients. I have been a subscriber for several months and I have to say I'm like a little kid when the kit lands on my doorstep each month. Taylor has such a knack for putting together just the right elements ... it makes it so easy to assemble cards or create other projects. Each kit comes with yummy patterned paper with coordinating cardstock and then there's ribbon and a variety of embellishments. It's the one time a month I can just sit back and create without worrying about "wading through" my stash looking for just the right supplies. Heaven!

Taylor challenged us to create something with or about food using our January Key Ingredients kits. I created three Window Treat Bags using Taylored Expressions Doctor's Orders stamp set. With the cold and flu bug going around I wanted to make this special "treat" for a sick friend. There's nothing better than hot chicken soup when you're feeling under the weather, right? I used some patterned paper and rick rack from the KI kit and see those adorable crocheted flowers? Yep, they're in the kit too!

For the second treat I also used the Window Treat Bags from Taylored Expressions. (I noticed that they are currently listed as "out of stock" in the store and I'm not sure if they are being restocked. I'll check with Taylor.) I placed three tea bags in the cellophane bag that comes with the treat bags. Just a perfect little pick-me-up for a friend with the sniffles. I again framed the opening with the patterned paper from the kit and added some of the kit's ribbon.

The last treat bag is my kind of medicine! M & Ms! I hope Taylor will forgive me for making a slight alteration to her adorable stamp. I just had to cross through "recover" and add "eat chocolate" to the doctor's orders. Now if I could just convince my own doctor of the medicinal benefits!

Thanks for dropping in. Be sure to check out the Key Ingredients Kit. Trust me, you'll love it and there's so much going on right now including:

* A Brand New Key Ingredients Website - complete with a gallery that will inspire you.

* A Limited Time Subscription Special - If you purchase (or renew) a 6 month subscription on or before January 17th, you will receive a FREE Key Ingredients kit upon the completion of your 6 month subscription. This kit (a $23.95 value including shipping) will be an exclusive kit that will never be available in the TE Store!

When you're ready to move on, the next stop in the hop is the amazing Taylor VanBruggen herself! Enjoy!

List of participants:
Laura Leonard: http://lu-lascorner.blogspot.com/
Lisa Hjulberg: http://lisahjulberg.blogspot.com/
Lynn Mercurio: http://www.stamperosity.com/
Randi Barrett: http://randisanewcreation.blogspot.com/
Sunghee Chon: http://www.creativityinprogress.com/blog/
Candace Mitchell: http://cestmoicm.blogspot.com/
Kathie Bailey: That's me!
Taylor VanBruggen: http://www.tayloredexpressions.blogspot.com/
Jodi Collins: http://stampingalatte.blogspot.com/
Karen Giron: http://kgiron.blogspot.com/
Melissa Sauls: http://www.instampingmode.com/
Donna Baker: http://www.serenityinstamping.com/
Charmaine Ikach: http://oodabugalley.blogspot.com/
Jeanie Witmer: http://thespottedchick.blogspot.com/

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Prism
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey, Nook & Pantry
Stamps: Taylored Expressions, Doctor's Orders
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Ribbon, Dimensionals, Window Treat Bags, Kaiser Craft Pearls
Tools: Nestabilities, Copic Markers, Corner Chomper, Craft Knife

Four Hearts

2010-01-13T02:35:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, it's time for another Gingersnap Creations weekly challenge and this week we are doing a supply challenge...embossing powder. I love using embossing powder but I have to admit that I don't pull it out as often as I should.

I think Serendipity Stamps really lend themselves well to fine detail embossing. I elected to make a Valentine's Day card for the challenge because I have been dying to use these gorgeous "Victorian Hearts Cling Stamps". They are so beautifully designed and I love all the detail. I inked them up using two different inks and then embossed them with clear embossing powder. The elegant sentiment is called "Happy Valentine" and is also from Serendipity Stamps.

Be sure to visit Gingersnap Creations today to view the other cards/projects made using embossing powder. Remember that Serendipity Stamps is this month's sponsor so our Design Team is taking part in the challenges all month long.

Thanks for stopping by!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up and Best Occasions Glitter Paper
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye, Be Loved
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Ink: Colorbox, Chestnut Roan, Encore, Green Metallic, VersaMark
Accessories: Papertrey Ink Ribbon, Dimensionals, Recollections Pearls, Stampendous Clear Embossing Powder
Tools: Martha Stewart Punch, Marvy Heat Gun

Peek-a-boo x 2

2010-01-08T22:21:00.000-08:00

I needed a card for a baby shower I am attending tomorrow for one of my daughter's friends. She is expecting twin boys. Lord bless her! I dug through my baby stamps and ran across this adorable set from Stampendous called Peek-a-boo Baby.

I began by stamping the baby in front and then making a mask so I could stamp another one behind him. I added the Peek-a-boo sentiment and then colored the image with both Copic and Tombow markers. I really need to pick up a few other shades of blue Copics. I never seem to have one that will work with my projects. I used my Nestabilities to cut out the image and then mounted it on two layers of dimensionals so that it would "clear" the ribbon. I also added the "x 2" which was made with rub-ons and then placed on dimensionals.

Hope you enjoyed my card for today. Have a wonderful weekend!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: K & Company, Itsy Bitsy Baby Boy
Stamps: Stampendous
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: DCWV Rub-on, Stampin' Up felt ribbon, Dimensionals
Tools: Nestabilities, Copic Markers, Tombow Markers

Golden Butterfly

2010-01-06T10:25:00.000-08:00

Well, I haven't done this in a while, two posts in one day!

This card is for Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge. Another great sketch this week, but at first I was stumped as to which stamps I wanted to use. So after much deliberation, I opted for none! Instead, I chose to use some of this gorgeous DCWV paper from their Mariposa Matstack. Isn't it beautiful? I just love the use of pink and gold together. I found a piece of gold mesh in my stash and then discovered a piece of gold specialty paper that I had tucked away. I popped it in my Cuttlebug with a Nestabilitie die and then added a Basic Grey "Thank You" rub-on.

The butterfly was cut out of the matstack papers and adhered with dimensionals. The final touch was the addition of Kaisercraft pink pearls. Love 'em.

Thanks for visiting!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up, Very Vanilla
Patterned Paper: DCWV, Mariposa Matstack
Stamps: None
Ink: Papertrey Ink
Accessories: Basic Grey Rub-on, Gold Mesh, Dimensionals, Kaisercraft Pearls, Papertrey Ink Ribbon
Tools: Nestabilities

To Everything There is a Season

2010-01-06T01:10:00.000-08:00

Today I'm really excited to share a card with you that I made for a challenge called the Chestnut Theme Challenge. The theme of the challenge is "Time". Isn't that just a perfect theme for this time of year? Serendipity Stamps is the sponsor for the month of January at Gingersnap Creations and the SS Design Team is participating in four of the challenges this month. There's also a great interview of our fearless leader Mary Lee, you really must check it out! It's so much fun to read how she got started in the stamp business.

I chose to use two great stamps from Serendipity Stamps, the Large Pocket Watch and To Everything to meet the challenge. I just love how they work together. I began by masking off a rectangle on a piece of ivory cardstock. I stamped the watch with Versamark ink and heat embossed it with clear embossing powder. I then sponged the background with four shades of ink, blending them as much as possible. I finished by stamping the sentiment with Memento Rich Cocoa (I inked the stamp with Versamark ink first) and then embossed it with clear embossing powder too.

You really owe it to yourself to visit Gingersnap Creations to see all the fun challenges Sharon has in the works and to see all the amazing cards made with Serendipity Stamps.

Enjoy!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Stampin' Up, Very Vanilla
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye, Ooh La La
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, VersaMark, VersaMagic
Accessories: Dimensionals, Embossing Powder, copper brads, Papertrey Ink Ribbon
Tools: Marvy Heat Tool

Why Eat Fruit?

2010-01-04T23:35:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. I hope your week is off to a great start. I'm gearing up to go back to work after being off for eight weeks. I'm both excited and nervous to see what's waiting for me in my office!

I decided to play along with Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge this week. I chose the Berries and Cherries stamp set for my images and sentiment. Don't you just love this sentiment? I mean really, isn't everything better with chocolate? I stamped the strawberries in Rich Cocoa Memento ink and then colored them with Copic Markers before cutting them out. I restamped the strawberries inside the circles and adhered the ones I cut out on them with dimensionals.

I added a little of Basic Grey's Nook and Pantry patterned paper and a button with baker's twine and when I was done I felt like it was still missing something so I added the itty bitty red pearls from Kaisercraft and I love how they were just the right touch.

Thanks for dropping by. See you later in the week.

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey, Nook and Pantry
Stamps: Taylored Expressions, Berries and Cherries
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Distress Ink, Shabby Shutters
Accessories:Dimensionals, Kaisercraft pearls, MS Baker's Twine, Button
Tools: Copic Markers,Nestabilities

Believe in Miracles

2010-01-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

I whipped up this quick card last night for Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge. The angel image is from the Elegant Angels clear stamp set by Stampendous. I just fell in love with the beautiful trio of angels in this set. I colored her with Prismacolor pencils and then blended with Gamsol.

I am committed to using up some of my old supplies that are threatening to take over my house. Who am I kidding? They have already taken over. The sentiment on this card is an old 7 Gypsies rub-on that is probably 4 or more years old. I thought it fit the card perfectly. One tiny item down, a gazillion to go...

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories:Dimensionals, ribbon, crystals, 7 Gypsies rub-on
Tools: Prismacolor pencils, Gamsol, Nestabilities, Bow Easy

You're so special

2010-01-01T23:03:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. Ours began as a typical Christmas, but as you'll soon see, it developed into something extraordinary.

The newlyweds, my son and his wife, arrived on Wednesday the 23rd. We had a great time catching up and my son even cooked dinner for us which was a real treat. Being the parent of a grown child really has its perks! The following day around noon, my son-in-law called to tell us that my daughter's water broke while she was at work and they had taken her to the hospital. She was only 35 weeks along, and labor started fast and strong. Her doctor decided to transport her to Tacoma (about an hour and a half drive) by ambulance because they have the best NICU in western Washington.

We all piled into our vehicles and followed behind. My husband and I were the first to arrive, followed shortly by my son-in-law. Due to the swine flu scare, the hospital only allowed two people in to see my daughter for the duration of her stay. I felt so lucky to be one of them and just as we were walking to her room, the nurse rolled out a small bassinette and announced, "She's here". The she that she was referring to is this little angel. We had missed her arrival by 5 minutes! Let me introduce you to Emelia Faith Marie. She weighs 4 lb. 13 oz. and is 17 in. long and other than being ever so tiny, she is in great health. Praise God! Our little Emme came home yesterday and she will forever be our Christmas miracle.

My card today is a tribute to Kristina Werner (kwernerdesign.com). I spent yesterday catching up on her Make a Card Monday videos on YouTube. I just love her simple yet extremely creative style. I was so excited to pull out two new sets from the 2010 Hero Arts release and ink them up. The flower is from the "Big and Small Flowers" set and the sentiment is from the "Truly Appreciated" set. You'll find the rest of the details below.

Hope your new year will be the best one yet!

It's all about the details:
Cardstock: Recollections Kraft Card
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey, Origins and Sassafras, Sweet Marmalade
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories:Dimensionals, ribbon, Fabric Brad
Tools: Copic Markers, Corner Chomper

Happy Day

2009-12-23T18:17:00.001-08:00

Mercy has come up with another great sketch challenge this week. It's certainly no secret how much I love patterned paper and this sketch allows me to mix three papers from Basic Grey's new Sugar Rush collection. Isn't it delicious?

I inked up this adorable little dragonfly from the Doodle Wings Perfectly Clear Stamp set by Stampendous. I used Copic Markers to jazz him up and added several colors of Stickles for sparkle. The "happy day" sentiment also comes in the stamp set.

Are you ready for Christmas? It has been a bit of a challenge for me this year with the surgery and I have been so lucky to find some great finds and buys online. What did we ever do before we had the internet!!

I wish you all the merriest of Christmases. May you and your families be truly blessed this holiday.

It's all about the details:
Card stock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey, Sugar Rush
Stamps: Stampendous
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories:Dimensionals, Stickles, Prima flower, Pebbles Inc. Candy Dot
Tools: Copic Markers, Nestabilities, Cuttlebug

Ah, Love!

2009-12-15T16:21:00.000-08:00

As promised here is my second post for the Easter/Valentine's Day challenge at Serendipity Stamps. For this card I chose the large Love Scroll for my focal point. Isn't it pretty? I stamped the image with Versamark ink and then heat embossed with red embossing powder. After it cooled, I traced the scrollwork with my Quickie Glue pen and then sprinkled with a fine glitter. Can you see the sparkle?

Be sure and check out my previous post for the links to my design teammates sites for more beautiful cards.

It's all about the details:
Card stock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Creative Imaginations
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Ink: Versamark
Accessories: ribbon, Dimensionals, Martha Stewart glitter, Zing embossing Powder
Tools: MS Punch, Bow-Easy, Quickie Glue Pen

Easter in December

2009-12-15T12:52:00.000-08:00

It's Serendipity Stamps challenge time! This month we are focusing on some of the wonderful Easter and Valentine's stamps available. There are so many to choose from but I settled on this amazing Easter basket and sentiment for today's card. I don't know about you but after working on all my Christmas cards, it was so refreshing to use these wonderful spring-like colors!

Do yourself a favor and visit the other design team's blogs and check out their creations.

Anya
Jennifer
Lynda
Amy

Check back later for my Valentine's day card!

It's all about the details:
Card stock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Making Memories - English Garden
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Ink: Memento Tuxdeo Black
Accessories: ribbon, Dimensionals
Tools: MS Punch, Copic Markers, Gelly Roll Pens

Dear Santa ...

2009-12-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in the last post, I did not feel much like stamping over the last few weeks, but that doesn't mean I didn't feel up to shopping! This adorable "House Mouse" stamp called "Dear Santa, I ate your cookies" was one of my purchases. I just love this little cookie "thief".

I created today's card for Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge. I haven't had a chance to play along for several weeks and it felt great giving this one a try. I also wanted to play along with the "All Creatures Great and Small" challenge over at Moxie Fab World. I love the creative ideas Cath comes up with for the challenges, such a fun variety! You really need to check them out!

I used some Melissa Frances patterned paper for the background panels and colored the image with Prismacolor pencils and Gamsol. The sentiment is from Taylored Expressions' Home Sweet Home set.

Have a terrific weekend!

It's all about the details:
Card stock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Melissa Frances
Stamps: House Mouse, Taylored Expressions - Home Sweet Home
Ink: Memento Tuxdeo Black, Stampin Up Riding Hood Red
Accessories: Twine, buttons, Dimensionals
Tools: Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol, Glossy Accents

Our Friday Friend - TESC94

2009-12-11T08:05:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Boy have I missed you!

My surgery went well but the recovery has really taken longer than I thought it would.
The surprising part for me is that I just haven't felt like stamping. Here I am, with eight weeks off work and up until this last week absolutely no desire to create. What's up with that? I thought I would have a stockpile of cards made by now.

One of the things that helped pull me out of my slump was a very exciting email from Jami Sibley asking me if I would be interested in being featured as "Our Friday Friend" on the Stamp a Sweet Impression blog. I was thrilled and honored. I adore Taylored Expressions stamps and those adorable "Cuppies" just make me smile.

I would love for you to play along with Taylor's sketch this week too. It's really a fun one. Just make a card and post a link to it with Mister Linky over at Taylored Expressions. You don't have to use Taylored Expressions stamps for your creation but if you have them, use them!

Thanks for sticking with me during my extended absence. I appreciate it more than you know. I hope to post more tomorrow. Have a terrific Friday!

It's all about the details:
Card stock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey - Eskimo Kisses
Stamps: Taylored Expressions - Home Sweet Home
Ink: Memento Tuxdeo Black, Papertrey Ink Fresh Snow
Accessories: BoBunny Ho Ho Ho brad, crystals, ribbon, Dimensionals
Tools: MS Punch, Janome sewing machine, Copic Markers

Hiatus

2009-10-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I had every intention of having a card to post for you tonight but it just isn't going to happen. I am going to have ankle surgery tomorrow morning and I have been scrambling over the last few weeks trying to get everything in order at home and work. I just flat out ran out of time!

I will be off work for about 8 weeks, so I hope I'll be up to stamping in a few weeks to relieve my boredom! I'll see you all then.

Hugs,

Delightful Decorations - FS141

2009-10-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

I loved this card from this week's Featured Stamper DancerRiley's gallery and decided right away to CASE it.

I used the same stamp set but swapped out My Mind's Eye patterned paper. I also left off one of the ribbons and sentiment and added stitching. Love the end result. Thanks for the inspiration SCS!

It's all about the details:
Card stock: Stampin' Up
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye
Stamps: Stampin' Up, Delightful Decorations
Ink: SU Riding Hood Red, Colorbox Chalk Ink
Accessories: Ribbon, Crystals, Dimensionals
Tools: Nestabilities, Janome Sewing Machine, SU Punch

Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries

2009-10-18T03:38:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Hope your weekend is going well.

Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge has rolled around again. Don't you love this one? I just purchased this "Berries and Cherries" set from Taylored Expressions and couldn't wait to put ink to it. The set comes with 17 stamps, all yummy! I used three for this card.

These gorgeous patterned papers are from October Afternoon and they just make me happy! The image was colored with Copic Markers and then I applied a light coat of Glossy Accents for shine. I also added a little faux stitching with a white Signo Uniball pen.

Thanks for dropping by today. Enjoy your Sunday!

It's all about the details:
Card stock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: October Afternoon
Stamps: Taylored Expressions
Ink: Memento Tuxdeo Black
Accessories: Glossy Accents, ribbon, Dimensionals
Tools: SU Circle Punch, Piercer, Mat Pack, Signo Uniball Pen

Christmas Goodies

2009-10-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun putting together this Serendipity Stamps Design Team Challenge for you! The challenge this month is all about Christmas.

I decorated this "film reel" tin from Provocraft with My Mind's Eye patterned paper from "The Merry Days of Christmas" collection. The tag highlights the gorgeous "Snowflake Flourish" stamps as well as the classic "To" and "From" stamps. The tag began as plain white card stock. I stamped the snowflakes using Papertrey Ink's Fresh Snow ink and then embossed them with clear embossing powder. I then completely covered the card stock with Fired Brick Distress Ink before gently rubbing the embossed snowflakes with a baby wipe to reveal the crisp white flakes below. I stamped the "To" and "From" and cut them out with Nestabilities tags dyes and then added a hint of snowflakes with the Distress Ink.

What's going in this tin, you ask? Something yummy of course! I made up a batch of Peppermint Bark, one of my favorite holiday treats and so, so simple to make. You'll find the recipe I use below.

The next two projects I whipped up also incorporate the Flourish Snowflake stamp. I created a snowflake ornament to go with the tin and a second tag using a twist on the embossing technique. You can view a close-up of either project by clicking on the images.

Be sure to check out my design teammates sites to see what their creative juices have inspired! While you're there, be sure to give them some love!

Anya
Shannan
Jennifer
Lynda
Yvonne
Amy

Peppermint Bark

12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
16 oz. white chocolate
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 c. peppermint candy, crushed

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line the bottom and sides of a 9x13 pan with foil. Spray with non-stick cooking spray or lightly butter the foil. Pour the chocolate chips in an even layer on the foil. Place in oven for 5 minutes or until almost melted. Remove from oven, smooth with an offset spatula or knife. Place the pan in refrigerator until cold and firm, about 20 minutes.

Melt white chocolate chips in a double boiler or in a metal bowl over simmering water until chocolate is almost melted. Remove bowl and stir until completely melted. Stir in extract. Let cool a little bit so it doesn’t melt the chocolate layer when you pour it on top. Pour this over chocolate layer, and, working quickly, spread to cover. Sprinkle with crushed candy.

Chill until both layers are firm. Lift foil out of pan. Break into 2 inch pieces. Chill in covered container. Makes about 2 pounds.

It's all about the details:
Card stock: Stampin' Up
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Ink: Distress Inks, PTI Fresh Snow
Accessories: Glitter, Ribbon, Provocraft Film Reel Tin, embossing powder, jewel brad, Maya Road chipboard snowflake
Tools: Nestabilities

October Day

2009-10-13T00:00:00.001-07:00

I am running terribly late for Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge this week. But you know the saying, better late than never!

I whipped up this card using a new set from TPC Studio called Autumn Harvest. It has such a great assortment of fall images ... acorns, leaves, and sentiments. Love it! It really goes well with one of the gorgeous papers from Cosmo Cricket's Earth Love collection.

Hope your week ahead is a great one.

It's all about the details:
Card stock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket, Earth Love, My Mind's Eye
Stamps: TPC Studio
Ink: Distress Inks, Memento Rich Cocoa
Accessories: Colorbok Metal Dots, Dimensionals
Tools: Fiskars Punch, Mat Pack, Piercer, Quickutz Circle

The Two Twos

2009-10-09T00:43:00.000-07:00

Mo, err, I mean ... Bronte and Bella are hosting their first ever challenge and since "perple" is their favorite color, the challenge was to create a card using any amount of purple.

I fudged a little ... instead of a card, I created a picture to frame for a friend at work. We are sharing something very special! Janet's daughter and my daughter are both expecting girls and are both due on February 2, 2010. We have taken to calling them the "Two Twos", so when I saw Mo's "Two Tu-tus" image I knew I had to make a little gift for Janet to celebrate our upcoming blessings.

Janet's daughter has a beautiful dark complexion and very dark hair...my daughter is very fair, so I played up the contrast. An added treat is that Janet's favorite color is, you guessed it...PURPLE!

Have a terrific Friday, phew another week bites the dust!

It's all about the details:
Card stock: Stampin' Up
Patterned Paper: Crate Paper
Stamps: Mo's Digital Pencil Too
Ink: None
Accessories: Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol, Button, Prima Flower, Dimensionals, Best Occasions Rhinestone Accents, Picture Frame, Stickles
Tools: Janome Sewing Machine, Copic Markers

I'm Here for You

2009-10-04T01:49:00.001-07:00

I haven't pulled out my Gamsol, stumps, and Prismacolor pencils for such a long time. I love my Copics, but once in a while, I like the softer effect you get with the pencils.

I chose to work with "My beary best friend" stamp from Stamping Bella and one of my go-to sentiment sets from My Favorite Things called "Essential Sentiments". I stamped the image in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then used the Magic Colored Pencil technique to color it.

There are several great tutorials out there if you are interested in this coloring technique. Here are just a few:

There is a link to a PDF file on the home page of Inky Antics
Very detailed instructions by Debbie Gimbel
Anna Wight shares her tips
You Tube video from Heartprints

The papers used were from My Mind's Eye's Abbey Road collection. I love the pink and orange together. So fresh!

That's it for tonight!

It's all about the details:
Card stock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye, Abbey Road
Stamps: Stamping Bella, My Favorite Things
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol, Ribbon, Dimensionals, Metal Dots
Tools: Mat Pack, Piercer, Crop-a-dile Corner Chomper

Hooray, Hooray, It's World Card Making Day!

2009-10-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

Aren't you excited? It's our very own special day to celebrate the art of card making worldwide!

I can't think of anything better to celebrate than the craft that has brought me so much joy and stress relief this last year.

Each year bloggers around the world are invited to participate, so be sure to visit both the Paper Crafts Connection and Moxie Fab World today for a full run down on the festivities.

The card I want to share today was made using Basic Grey's new Christmas Collection called Eskimo Kisses. I cut 2 inch squares from four of the adorable patterns and punched a snowflake out of each. I layered the squares on alternating pink and blue card stock and then stitched the completed panel to green card stock. I then punched three snow flakes out of white card stock and adhered them using pop dots. I covered the flakes with Frosted Lace Stickles and added a Kaisercraft Rhinestone to the center of each. The sentiment from October Afternoon was stamped with Colorbox Cat's Eyes ink and then heat embossed with clear powder. I added Kaisercraft pearls and framed it with a bow. (Click on the close-up to see the sparkle!)

Thanks for stopping by. I know you can't stay long, because there are so many other wonderful sites to visit, but come back when you can stay longer ... and hey, it takes just a second to leave a "hi there" in the comment section.

It's all about the details:
Card stock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses
Stamps: October Afternoon, Good Cheer
Ink: Colorbox Cat's Eyes
Accessories: Stickles, Kaisercraft rhinestones, Kaisercraft pearls, Ribbon, Clear embossing powder, Dimensionals
Tools: SU Snowflake and Oval Punch, Janome Sewing Machine

The Marshmallow Test

2009-10-01T00:44:00.000-07:00

This is the cutest video! They have ten times the will power I do!

Ever Green

2009-09-30T01:15:00.000-07:00

Another Tuesday, another Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge. This was a really fun one!

I stamped the trees from Stampendous Evergreen Borders set with three different shades of green from lightest to darkest, then used a Signo Uni-ball white pen to make a light "snowfall". I had to add just a touch of Stickles to make it glisten. Next, I stamped the sentiment from the same set in Memento Tuxedo Black ink.

The patterned papers are from My Mind's Eye Wonderful Winter glittered holiday papers. These papers are drop dead gorgeous and I was so excited to pick them up at half price last week at Craft Warehouse. I added some crystals and one of Karen Foster's Sparkle Burst Brads for more bling.

Thanks for another great sketch Mercy!

It's all about the details:
Card stock: Bazzill and Stampin' Up
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye, Wonderful Winter
Stamps: Stampendous, Evergreen Borders
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Colorbox Chalk, SUINK Tank
Accessories: Karen Foster Sparkle Burst Brad, Stickles, A Muse Crystals, Dimensionals
Tools: MS Punch, Nestabilities, Janome Sewing Machine, Signo Uni-ball Pen

First Day of School

2009-09-29T20:11:00.001-07:00

I have been living under a rock.

That is the only possible explanation I can come up with for not having heard about Mo's Digital Pencil Too before now. I saw this incredible card by Paula Williamson and the next thing I knew I was browsing page after page of amazing images. Mo makes the most incredible digital stamps and I just read on her blog today that her first photopolymer stamps are coming soon.

This image is called "First Day of School" (there is a girl version too) and it was just one of many that I had to have! I printed the image on SU Whisper White card stock and colored with Copic Markers. I also paper pieced Mrs. Bunny's dress and apron with Stampin' Up designer papers and then used the same papers for the card front.

Thanks for stopping by. We're almost halfway through another week. Can you believe we're only a day away from October!?

It's all about the details:
Card stock: Bazzill and Stampin' Up
Patterned Paper: Stampin' Up
Stamps: Mo's Digital Pencil Too
Ink: None
Accessories: Ribbon, Michael's pearls
Tools: Ticket Punch, Nestabilities, Mat Pack, Piercer, Fiskars Border Punch

I'll Tri Anything Once

2009-09-28T00:19:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know it's a terrible pun, but I couldn't help it. I saw a challenge for a tri-shutter card over at Splitcoast Stampers and I really wanted to give it a go. You'll find several tutorials out there that are great. I read several but I'm more of a visual person, so I found this video tutorial by Beate to be the most helpful.

I used Basic Grey's Eskimo Kisses Christmas line for all the patterned papers. This is such a fun set to work with. Gotta love BG for continuing to crank out amazing collections. The sentiment is from The Cat's Pajamas and the fawn is from Stampin' Up's Forest Friends set. Here's another view of the card from the front.

I added a variety of embellishments, including Kaisercraft Rhinestones, snowflakes, Stickles covered icicles, ric rac, and ribbon.

I noticed that the SCS Virtual Stamping Night challenge required completion in 45 minutes. Let me tell you, it took me much longer to complete my card than that. I suppose if you had it all thought out first, that would help. I tend to create on the fly. Which is another way of saying I make it up as I go along!

It's all about the details:
Card stock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey, Eskimo Kisses
Stamps: The Cat's Pajamas, Stampin' Up
Ink: SU Creamy Caramel, Color Box Olive Chalk Ink
Accessories: Ribbon, Dimensionals, Stickles, Ric Rac, Kaisercraft rhinestones
Tools: SU Snowflake Punch, Martha Stewart Icicle Punch, SU Scallop Punch, Nestabilities, Mat Pack, Piercer