Happy Day

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!

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

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 ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

Ever Green

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

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

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

Snowman Sparkle - MTSC40

We made it home from Chelan yesterday, safe and sound and with bags full of new card- making supplies! Now that's my idea of a perfect vacation... sun, relaxation and local craft stores. I found the cutest scrapbooking store in downtown Chelan called "Memories by the Lake". They had a great selection of patterned paper and embellishments and were super friendly. I just had to help out the local economy! I picked up American Crafts Merrymint collection, Making Memories Mistletoe collection, Cinnamon foil letter Thickers, Kaisercraft Duchess Collection Epoxy brads, rhinestones and pearls, Diamond plate Cuttlebug embossing folder, Little Yellow Bicycle Autumn Bliss felt stickers, October Afternoon Good Cheer clear stamps, 2 new Studio G clear stamps and a Kaisercraft Fairy Castle Album for our future princess!

We also stopped at the Craft Warehouse in Wenatchee where I picked up the Colorful Christmas collection from My Mind's Eye. These are the papers I used for today's card. The sketch is this week's Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge. I inked up this Inkadinkado Snowman from the Holiday Sentiments clear stamp set. I added color with Copic Markers and then highlighted some of the circles and snowman with Stickles. You can see the shimmer in this smaller photo. (Click for a better view.)

Well, I'm off to play with my new toys some more! Have a great weekend.







It's all about the details:
Card stock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye, Colorful Christmas
Stamps: Inkadinkado
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Ribbon, Dimensionals, Stickles
Tools: Copic Markers, Nestabilities, Mat Pack, Piercer, Bow Easy

Sweet Bundle of Love

Just a quick post tonight to show the card I made for Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge. I think this is a sketch that I will use over and over again. It was super simple to assemble, using K & Company Itsy Bitsy patterned paper and Stampin' Up's Sweet Celebrations stamp set.

I stamped the image in two different shades of brown and layered them. I then punched out a circle from the PP and added it to the center before mounting it on a Nestabilities Pinking Circle. I added floss that I colored with Copic Markers to the buttons and adhered them with Glue Dots. I finished the card by adding SU ribbon in Soft Suede.

Thanks for stopping by. See you in a few days!






It's all about the details:
Card stock: Stampin' Up
Patterned Paper: K & Company, Itsy Bitsy
Stamps: Stampin' Up, Sweet Celebrations
Ink: Colorbox Creamy Brown, Distress Ink, Brushed Corduroy
Accessories: SU Ribbon, Buttons, Floss, Dimensionals
Tools: Copic Markers, Nestabilities, Circle Punch

A Reptilian Christmas

I ran across this fun stamp from Stamps Happen, Inc. (They were purchased by Janlynn and you can find them here now. I couldn't find this stamp though, so he may be retired.) when I was searching for another stamp. I purchased this critter over four years ago but to be honest, I could never figure out what to do with it. My primary issue was what method of coloring to use on this adorable iguana. He's quite large, 6 inches from toe to tail and until I discovered Copic Markers I was never happy with the end result. Copics really make a difference. First I colored him with YG13, Chartreuse and then added shadows with G14, Apple Green. I added dots of BG96, Bush to his legs, tail and around his eye. Then to create the "scales", I added colorless blending solution to my Cuttlebug Mesh Texture Embossing Folder and lightly pressed my image onto it. I love the lizard skin result! I also ran a piece of red card stock through the same folder to use as an accent.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a terrific week. My husband and I will be taking off on Tuesday for Lake Chelan for a short vacation. I'll catch you all when I get back.






It's all about the details:
Card stock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Imagination Project
Stamps: Stamps Happen
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Glitter brads
Tools: Copic Markers, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder

Give Thanks

How could I not give thanks to the person who inspired this card? It's Shannan, Miss Pink Tulle with Feathers and Sequins herself who is this week's Featured Stamper at SCS.

I chose this card from Shannan's incredible gallery. She has such a fun and eclectic style and choosing a card was tough. This card really captured my attention though and I just had to give it a try. I'm ashamed to admit how long it took me to stitch up all the little paper rectangles but the end result made it all worth it!

I chose a fall color scheme and went with a little Cosmo Cricket, K & Company, and Stampin' Up patterned papers. The sentiment is from Stampin' Up's Holiday Best set and was inked up with Tombow Markers. The detail around the sentiment was created using Martha Stewart's Arch Lattice punch. I added a SU "Chocolate Chip" grosgrain bow, felt flower and corduroy brad for the finishing touch.

Go check out the SCS Featured Stamper gallery for more great CASES of Shannan's work.






It's all about the details:
Card stock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket, K & Company, Stampin' Up
Stamps: Stampin' Up
Ink: Tombow Markers
Accessories: SU Felt Flower, Corduroy Brad, Ribbon
Tools: Martha Stewart punch, Janome Sewing Machine

Happy Trick or Treating!

Time for another Serendipity Stamps Challenge. This month's objective was to create a Halloween card or project. Well you all know how much fun I've been having with Halloween cards! I was happy to add another one to my collection.

This image is called "Costume Kids" and it is available alone or in a set with the wonderful sentiment. It is absolutely one of my favorites from the new fall and holiday collection at Serendipity Stamps. It really takes me back to my days as a kid, trick or treating. For weeks before October 31st everyone at school would be talking about what they were going "to be" for Halloween. Of course we all tried to out do each other with the best costume. Those were the days when our treat bag was a pillow case (which we made every effort to fill!) and reports of tainted candy and other dangers had not been heard of yet. Oh for simpler times!

Drop by my fellow design team members' sites below to see their "spooktacular" creations!

Anya
Jennifer
Lynda
Yvonne
Amy

Have fun!





It's all about the details:
Card stock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye
Stamps: Serendipity Stamps
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Dimensionals, Ribbon
Tools: Copic Markers, Circle Punch, Janome Sewing Machine

Just for You

I'm making it just under the wire this week for Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge. I usually try to tackle it the day she posts her sketch, but this week somehow just got away from me!

I whipped this card up using the "Fancy Cake" stamp from Hero Arts and one of the sentiments from Stampin' Up's Oval All set.

Thanks for another great sketch Mercy!





It's all about the details:
Card stock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye
Stamps: Hero Arts, Stampin' Up
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Dimensionals, Ribbon, metal dots
Tools: Copic Markers, SU Scallop Punch