FS82 NikiE

It has been a LONG while since I've done a challenge on Splitcoast. My husband needed some thank you cards, and I needed some inspiration this morning, so I checked out the Featured Stamper Challenge. Today's Featured Stamper is NikiE (or Niki Estes). I just LOVE Niki's work and knew I would find the perfect card to CASE and make thank you cards for my husband! I chose this beautifully simple card of Niki's. I changed the stamps and the colors for my version. My husband doesn't like "busy" or "cute" cards. He just wants it to say what he wants to say in a clean and simple way. Hopefully this is clean and simple enough for him! We have our first performance of our cabaret tonight, so I'm hoping to finish these cards before having to get ready. Here's hoping! Thank you for stopping by today. Have a wonderful Labor Day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Cute & Curly (SU); Ink- Dark Brown (Fluid Chalk Ink); Paper- Kraft, Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink), white (Georgia-Pacific); Accessories- brads (Making Memories), paper piercer, Argyle Cuttlebug Folder (Provocraft), Curly Label punch (SU); Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

Life Is Good

Here's a simple card I made using one of Verve's last release stamp sets, Artful Elegance. I say "simple" because the only thing that's stamped is the scalloped circle. The background is patterned paper from the All Dressed Up Stack from Die Cut With a View (DCWV). I thought the flourishes in the patterned paper would go well with the Artful Elegance circle. I just added a gemstone, some paper piercings and ribbon and had a finished card. Don't you love when a card comes together that quickly? I sure do! Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you're having a wonderful weekend! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps-Artful Elegance (Verve Stamps); Ink- Certainly Celery (SU), Onyx Black (Versafine); Paper- white (Georgia-Pacific), Basic Black (SU), All Dressed Up Stack (DCWV); Accessories- scallop circle punch, scallop border punch (SU), paper piercer, wide Celery grosgrain (SU); Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

Beate Weekend Sketch #55

I can't believe it's Friday again already! This week just flew by! When I first looked at Beate's Sketch, I had no idea what stamps I was going to use. Then, I got my Stampin' Up order and knew I had to use Happiness is a Journey. I just LOVED this set when I first saw it in the catalog. I don't know if I've mentioned it on my blog before, but my family (grandfather, father, aunts, uncles) have been in the locomotive business for as long as I can remember. They all worked for the railroad until my uncle started his own locomotive business over 20 years ago. I actually worked in the office for quite a few years myself! In any case, this set was a "must have" for me. :) I used some Kraft and Tangerine Tango cardstock and distressed it with Chocolate Chip ink. I inked up part of the sentiment and put it on the outside of the card (only because the whole thing wouldn't fit in the space), and inked up "not a destination" and stamped it on the inside of the card. I can't wait to see what wonderful creations Beate, Cambria, Jenn, Laurie, Lori, MaryJo and Sharon have come up with for the sketch! Thanks for stopping by today and have a wonderful weekend! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Happiness is a Journey (SU); Paper- Tangerine Tango (SU), Kraft (Papertrey Ink); Ink- Dark Brown (Fluid Chalk Ink), Chocolate Chip (SU); Accessories- Velvet ribbon (Darice), paper piercer, Chocolate Chip marker (SU), sponge, large brads (SU); Finished card measures 3.25"x6.5"

Howdy

Here is a card I made using Danielle's Sketch Challenge. Each week in the Paper Pretties forum, Danielle issues a sketch challenge. I don't usually get to play, but I did this time! She always has GREAT sketches! I used Howdy Girlfriend, which will be released this Monday, September 1 at 8pm EST. Hope you'll come to our Prettie Pajama Party! I have 3 challenges for you to play along with and we have prizes and lots of fun chatting. Also, the 31st is the last day to submit your work for our Cutie Pie contest!!! Just upload your cards to the Cutie Pie Submissions gallery before 9pm EST on August 31st to be considered. Not only do you get the title of Cutie Pie, you also get a gift certificate to the store!! Finally, don't forget that the 31st is also the last day to sign up for the Stamp of the Month Club to get the Falling For You set a month before it is released to the public. Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you Monday night! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Howdy Girlfriend (Paper Pretties); Paper- Kraft (Papertrey Ink), Prints Pack (SU), white (Georgia-Pacific); Ink- Dark Brown Fluid Chalk Ink; Accessories- Copic markers, brads (Making Memories), grosgrain ribbon; Finished card measures 6.5"x3.25"

Prettie Wednesday

Two weeks ago, Danielle challenged us to make a shaker card. It's been a while since I've made a shaker, so this was a lot of fun for me. Remember this stamp set? This was one of the very first stamp sets Paper Pretties released. It's called Snowflake Kisses and it was my absolute favorite. . .that is, until all of the other Sophia stamps came out! LOL I just LOVE coloring this image. It's such a happy image. . .Sophia making a snowangel. Believe me, I'm not trying to rush in winter by any means, but a shaker card challenge inspired me to make a "snowy shaker". This is off to Julie.

Don't forget that this coming Monday, September 1st at 8pm EST is the next Prettie Pajama Party! Remember Cowgirl Sophia? Well, you can purchase her then! I have 3 challenges for you to play along with and we have prizes and lots of fun chatting. Also, the 31st is the last day to submit your work for our Cutie Pie contest!!! Just upload your cards to the Cutie Pie Submissions gallery before 9pm EST on August 31st to be considered. Not only do you get the title of Cutie Pie, you also get a gift certificate to the store!! Finally, don't forget that the 31st is also the last day to sign up for the Stamp of the Month Club to get the Falling For You set a month before it is released to the public. Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you Monday night! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Snowflake Kisses (Paper Pretties); Paper- acetate, Luxury Stack (DCWV), white (Georgia-Pacific) Soft Sky (SU); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine); Accessories- Copic markers, oval punch (SU), Plain and Scallop Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), embossing border punch (Fiskars), Dew Drops (The Robin's Nest), Dazzling Diamonds glitter (SU); Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

Be Inspired #20

Another fabulous inspiration piece from Beate! I went pretty literal on this one, other than for the image. I sponged stripes on the Red Riding Hood cardstock with Red Riding Hood ink, but I'm not sure how well you can see that in the picture. I used the Winter Birds set from Inkadinkado (found at Stamper's Dream) and a sentiment from the SU set Warm Words. The Summer Sunrise piece was "distressed" a bit with a black ink pad. Finally I used some Stardust Stickles on the bird's wings and some Christmas Red Stickles on the berries.



Be sure to see what Beate, Danielle Lounds, Dawn McVey, Jennifer Buck, Silke Ledlow and Susan Roberts have come up with for this challenge! I'm sure they will all be wonderful! Thanks for stopping by! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Winter Birds (Inkadinkado), Warm Words (SU); Ink- Red Riding Hood, Always Artichoke (SU), Tuxedo Black Memento (Tsukineko); Paper- Red Riding Hood, Basic Black (SU), Summer Sunrise (Papertrey Ink), white (Georgia-Pacific); Accessories- Stardust and Christmas Red Stickles, brads (Darice); Finished card measures 4.25" square

Papertrey Ink August Blog Hop

Tonight's Blog Hop Challenge was to alter a CD case into something other than its original purpose. Mine displays a scrapbook page. I have a picture of each of my daughters (at around the same age) sniffing/looking into a flower, and you can't tell which daugher is which. LOL My original thought was to put both pictures on this page, but I couldn't fit both pictures without making them too small to look right. So, I think I'll just have to make each of them their own display case!

If you'd like to be a part of the Blog Hop, make sure you visit August Blog Hop thread in the Papertrey Ink Forum where everyone has posted a link to their blog. It's a lot of fun and you can find a lot of inspiration! Thanks for hopping over here! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Text Boxed (Papertrey Ink); Ink- Pumpkin Spice, Hint of Pesto (VersaMagic), Summer Sunrise (Papertrey Ink), Burnt Umber (Palette); Paper- Summer Sunrise, Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink), Certainly Celery (SU); Accessories- rhinestones brads (Darice), Threading Water punch (Fiskars), Cinnamon and Stardust Stickles.

Celebrate!

This card was for the Papertrey Ink Casual Mid-Week Challenge. Kimberly Crawford had a wonderful sketch for the challenge! I just LOVE the Little Lady set. . .it is probably my favorite if you haven't guessed. :) I used the Welcome Baby Cuttlebug folder for the background. I stamped the ladybugs in Sweet Blush and then rock 'n rolled them in Berry Sorbet. Pretty simple, right? Hope you're having a wonderful start to your week! Thanks for stopping by today! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Little Lady (Papertrey Ink); Paper- Basic Black (SU), Berry Sorbet (Papertrey Ink), white (Georgia-Pacific); Ink- Sweet Blush, Berry Sorbet (Papertrey Ink), Onyx Black (Versafine); Accessories- Cuttlebug Welcome Baby folder (Provocraft), black organdy ribbon (Darice); Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

Gift Box

Here is a gift box of thank you cards I put together for a dear friend of mine. I've been meaning to make her a little gift for some time. The box measures 4"square and the notecards are 3.75"square. I came across this Origami Box Tutorial and decided THIS was what I was going to make for her. I made the notecards to match the box and fit inside. I used the Grateful Elegance set from Verve Stamps. I colored the flowers using Blue Bayou ink and a blender pen. This is definitely a gift project I'll re-create. . .it really came together quickly.

If you haven't visited the Verve Blog lately, the Project Parade Color Challenge has started! Be sure and check back daily for inspiration! Thanks for stopping by today! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Grateful Elegance (Verve Stamps); Ink- Burnt Umber (Palette), Whisper White Craft, Blue Bayou (SU); Paper- Blue Bayou DS, Blue Bayou (SU), Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink), chocolate (DCWV), Pearlized White (Paper Accents); Accessories- organdy ribbon (Darice), Pearl brads (Michael's), oval punches, blender pen, paper piercer.

Beate Weekend Sketch #54

Beate is back with her Weekend Sketch Challenge! Yay! I have really missed doing these. I dug out an old favorite patterned paper. . .Cutie Pie. I just LOVED this paper when it came out and I haven't used it in a while. I also haven't used Garden Whimsy in a while. . .another old favorite! I stamped the butterfly in Purely Pomegranate on vellum. I cut it out, then ran it through the Xyron upside down and dunked it in glitter so the butterfly would be really sparkly. I can't wait to see what Beate, Cambria, Jenn, Laurie, Lori, MaryJo and Sharon have created with the sketch. . .I ALWAYS love their work! Thanks for stopping by today and have a wonderful weekend! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Garden Whimsy, Full of Life (SU); Paper- Cutie Pie DS, So Saffron, Basic Black, Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranate (SU), vellum; Ink- Whisper White Craft, Purely Pomegranate (SU); Accessories- Circle Scallop Nestabilities (Spellbinders), double stitched ribbon in Purely Pomegranate (SU), paper piercer, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, scallop border punch; Finished card measures 4.25" square.

Pool Party!

The last challenge that I issued for our Prettie Pajama Party back on August 1 was to make something party related. I made this pool party invitation using the Beach Bum set from Paper Pretties. The party invitation stamps are a Studio G $1 clear stamp set I found at Michael's a while ago. The invitation is a very simple postcard-style. . .no need to open and pretty quick to mass produce.

Don't forget about the SALE going on at Paper Pretties!

From Friday August 15th until August 31st:
-When you spend $25 in the Paper Pretties Boutique, you can choose any one of the Paper Pretties' sentiments for free.
-When you spend $50 you can choose a Paper Pretties' sentiment and a roll of American Crafts ribbon.
-When you spend $100 - you can choose a Paper Pretties' sentiment, a roll of American Crafts ribbon and you'll get FREE SHIPPING!!!

When you check out, simply leave Christie a note in the comments box telling her which sentiment and which ribbon you'd like and she'll make sure it gets put in your order! Orders over $100 will automatically not be charged shipping. Happy shopping! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Beach Bum (Paper Pretties), Studio G clear stamp set; Paper- white (Georgia-Pacific), blue (DCWV), So Saffron (SU); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine); Accessories- Copic markers, corner rounder; Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

Happy Birthday, Jackie!

It's a little late, but please help us in wishing our Prettie Girl Jackie a Happy Birthday! Her birthday was last Friday. For her "party" today, I was supposed to bring the streamers. I found this adorable party photo complete with streamers on the Martha Stewart website and used it as inspiration for Jackie's card. Hope you had a WONDERFUL birthday, Jackie! Make sure you check out what the other Prettie Girls brought to the party:



Christie Ortman
Julie Masse
Jessie Rone
Jana Weaver
Danielle Lounds
Jodi Collins

Prettie Wednesday

Two weeks ago, Joni challenged us to make a Mini Album. I haven't made a mini album in a LONG time, so this was a nice challenge for me. . .although I have to send my little album off to Julie! LOL I guess I'll have to make another one for myself! :) I decided to make my mini album a little distressed too. At first I started with clean and simple, then when I watercolored the image, the "clean and simple" appearance left so I distressed the whole thing. The mini album measures 3.5" square. The cover is a 3.5"x7" piece of Certainly Celery, and the inside pages are 3.25"x6.5" pieces of white cardstock. Hopefully Julie will like it and can find some little pictures to put in it! :) Make sure you stop by the other Prettie Girl blogs (and Carolina too!) to see what they came up with for today's challenge! The links are in my sidebar! Thanks for stopping by today! Have a wonderful day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Simply Special (Paper Pretties); Paper- Certainly Celery (SU), Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink), watercolor paper; Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Dark Brown (Fluid Chalk ink) Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip, Summer Sun, Certainly Celery (SU); Accessories- Aquapainter, grosgrain, sponge; Finished album measures 3.5" square.

Happy Mail and Awards

This beautiful card showed up in my mailbox the other day! It's from Dori, or StampinGHmom. She just wanted to send a thank you for leaving comments on her blog. . .how very sweet! Thank YOU, Dori for visiting and for this beautiful card. You totally made me smile!


I've also been given some awards that I wanted to acknowledge.


I was awarded the Brilliante Award by Linsey a while ago, but never got around to posting it. THANK YOU, Lindsey! Linsey is such a sweetheart and extremely talented too! Make sure you go and check out her fabulous blog!








The second award came from Shannon over at Hoppy Creations. Shannon and I have chatted back and forth for the past several months. She is such a darling and always makes such BEAUTIFUL things! I LOVE visiting her blog. Thanks, Shannon, for this award. . .I really appreciate it!


Last, but not least, I received the I Love Your Blog Award from Jaci at Scrap Jaci Scrapbooking. WOW, I love finding new blogs and meeting new readers like this! Thank you, Jaci, for visiting and for letting me know you love my blog. . .you totally made my day! Now I have a new blog to visit! :)


I'm supposed to nominate people for each of these awards. I couldn't possibly decide who should get which award. There are so many blogs that I visit that deserve each of these awards. . .if they haven't been awarded them already. You can visit any of the blogs in my sidebar, as they are all blogs that I enjoy visiting and think are super!

Be Inspired #19

Beate is back with her weekly challenges! It has seemed like forever since I did one of these and it was probably only a month ago! LOL It was uncanny how the inspiration piece had some new In Colors in it. . .especially when Beate picked it a couple of months ago! I thought Tangerine Tango and Kiwi Kiss were perfect for this challenge. The flowers and vase stamps can be found at Stamper's Dream. The sentiment is from a Hero Arts set that can also be found at Stamper's Dream. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see what Beate, Danielle Lounds, Dawn McVey, Jennifer Buck, Silke Ledlow and Susan Roberts have come up with for the inspiration challenge. I'm sure they'll all be fabulous! Thanks for stopping by and have a GREAT day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Violet Bouquet and Tall Vase (Memory Box), Happy Greetings (Hero Arts); Paper- Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss (SU), gray (DCWV), white (Georgia-Pacific); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Accessories- Copic markers, paper piercer, Basic Black marker (SU); Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

Ride the Wave

At our Prettie Pajama Party back on August 1st, one of my challenges was to make a black and white card with a "splash" of ONE other color of your choice. (it's one of my favorite challenges) This was the card I came up with. This uses the Surf's Up set from Paper Pretties. I used a Fiskars Texture plate for the "waves" on the black piece of cardstock. Guess I'll have to put away these beach and summer images soon, huh? :(

Thanks for stopping by today and have a wonderful day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Surf's Up (Paper Pretties); Paper- Basic Black, Real Red (SU), white (Georgia-Pacific); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Accessories- twill ribbon (SU), Copic markers, Stardust Stickles, paper piercer, Word Window punch (SU); Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

Monogram Card

I was just playing with my Just Rite Stamper a bit. I just recently got the Small Letters set, so I wanted to experiment with them. It was a bit tedious to spell out my name three times along the border, but once it was all finished, I LOVED using it. That's one of those borders that will just stay on the wooden stamper, I think! LOL You can find lots of Just Rite products at Stamper's Dream. Thanks for stopping by! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Just Rite C-45 Monogram Stamper (Just Rite), Small Letters set; Ink- Dark Brown (Fluid Chalk Ink), Red Brick (VersaMagic); Paper- Crate Paper, Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink), Very Vanilla (SU); Accessories- circle and scallop circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), paper piercer, Chocolate Chip marker; Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

Lavender Pudding

For lack of a better post title, I just combined my colors used. . .Lavender Moon and Plum Pudding. :) This card was for the Casual Mid-Week Challenge in the Papertrey Ink Forums. It was a sketch challenge with lots of scallops! I stamped the flowers in Lavender Moon and Plum Pudding on the linen vellum. I'm not really sure you can see the linen vellum in the picture, but it's SO pretty in real life! I don't have anyone to give this card to yet, but I've had the Piece of Cake set for a long while and only used it once, so that was my motivation to dust it off! :)

Hope you're having a super weekend! Thanks for stopping by today! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Piece of Cake (Papertrey Ink); Ink- Plum Pudding, Lavender Moon (Papertrey Ink), Onyx Black (Versafine); Paper- Lavender Moon, Plum Pudding, Linen Vellum (Papertrey Ink), Basic Black (SU), white (Georgia-Pacific); Accessories- Stickles, Circle and Scallop circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Threading Water border punch (Fiskars), black organdy ribbon (Darice); Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

Hello Sunshine!

If you haven't visited the Verve Forum over at SCS lately, each week there has been a Meet the Verve Diva Challenge. Each Thursday, one of the Verve Divas issue a challenge and you're welcome to play along or just come and chat and ask that particular Diva questions about herself. This week is my turn! My challenge is one of my favorites. . .to make a black and white card with a "splash" of one other color of your choice. You could even win $15 in Verve Bucks! For this card, the sentiment inspired me to add a splash of Summer Sunrise to my black and white card. So, stop on by the forum and say hello! I'd LOVE to hear from you and I'd LOVE to see your version of my challenge! Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful Friday! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Artful Elegance (Verve Stamps); Paper- Summer Sunrise (Papertrey Ink), Basic Black (SU), white (Georgia-Pacific); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine), Whisper White Craft (SU); Accessories- white organdy ribbon (Darice), Swarovski crystals, Summer Sun marker, scallop border punch (SU); Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

Happy Birthday Bugs and Fishes

Back on August 1st at our Prettie Pajama Party, one of the challenges I issued was to make a 3D item of your choice. I have been wanting to make a milk carton since Beate's tutorial came out, and this was the perfect opportunity. I used the Bugs and Fishes set from Paper Pretties. I filled this cute little box with Skittles (Savannah's idea) and added it to the birthday gift for my niece this past weekend. I thought it was perfect for her "pool party."

There's a Back to School Sale going on at Paper Pretties! EVERYTHING in the Paper Pretties Boutique is eligible - you can even shop from the SALE category and receive the specials!

From Friday August 15th until August 31st:
-When you spend $25 in the Paper Pretties Boutique, you can choose any one of the Paper Pretties' sentiments for free.
-When you spend $50 you can choose a Paper Pretties' sentiment and a roll of American Crafts ribbon.
-When you spend $100 - you can choose a Paper Pretties' sentiment, a roll of American Crafts ribbon and you'll get FREE SHIPPING!!!

When you check out, simply leave a note in the comments box noting which sentiment and which ribbon you'd like and Christie will make sure it gets put in your order! Orders over $100 will automatically not be charged shipping.

So, think about what new toys you'd like to play with to keep your mind off your little darlings when they go back to school! Happy shopping! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Bugs and Fishes (Paper Pretties); Paper- Kiwi Kiss, Pacific Point (SU), white (Georgia-Pacific); Ink- Ony Black (Versafine); Accessories- paper piercer, Copic markers, brads (Making Memories), polka dot organdy ribbon (May Arts)

New Verve Stamps!

If you missed the release party on the Verve Forum at SCS last night, SIX new Verve stamp sets were released at midnight PLUS 5 new Plain Janes! I know, WOW, huh? Here is a Rustic Devotional Candle set I made using the five Plain Janes that were released. I custom made the box (out of cardstock and acetate) to fit the candles. You can see a close up of each of the candles in the Verve Gallery along with the rest of the Verve Divas' fabulous creations! Thank you all who played along with us in the Anni-VERVE-sary Challenges and congratulations to those of you who won some Vervalicious prizes last night! We had a blast! We can't wait to see more of your wonderful creations with the new Verve sets!

Fluffles

This is the first time I've ever created anything with a Fluffles stamp. I know, shock, right? Michelle of Stamper's Dream sent this to me and I just thought it was adorable. I don't usually buy "cat" stamps, per se (I'm extremely allergic to cats, so I'm not attracted to them at all) but anything Stampendous is just TOO cute, right? This little card came together very quickly with a little coloring, ribbon and a scrap of patterned paper. Now it's all ready to go to a cat-lover friend of mine! :) You can find the Fluffles and the May Arts ribbon at Stamper's Dream. Thanks for stopping by! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Frilly Fluffles (Stampendous); Paper- Lavender Moon, Plum Pudding (Papertrey Ink), Summer Stack (DCWV); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Accessories- Copic markers, brads (Making Memories), ruffled ribbon (May Arts), paper piercer, Lovely Lilac marker (SU); Finished card measures 4.25" square

Prettie Wednesday

Two weeks ago, Jessie challenged us to make a card using at 3 different embellishments. I chose my old standard, paper piercing along with ribbon and Dew Drops. I didn't have ribbon in the right color, so I took my cream grosgrain and colored it with a Copic marker. . .it worked REALLY well! Since I was SO late in making this card, I was able to use today's Sketch Challenge on SCS. This card is off to Jodi. I hope she likes it. If you've been keeping track of the challenges, you know that next week will be Joni's Mini Album challenge and that today, Danielle issues the next challenge. You can check the other Prettie Girl blogs (in my sidebar) along with Donna to see what they've created for this challenge. Thanks for stopping by today! Have a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Beach Bum (Paper Pretties); Paper- Pacific Point, Baja Breeze (SU), white (Georgia-Pacific); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Accessories- Copic markers, wide grosgrain, Water Dew Drops (The Robin's Nest), paper piercer, horizontal slot punch (SU); Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

Happy Birthday, Danielle!

Today is our very own Prettie Girl Danielle's birthday! Since we couldn't all be together to celebrate, we decided to throw her a virtual birthday party! I was asked to bring the party hats. So, here is Danielle's party hat that I'm expecting to see pictures of her wearing once she gets it! LOL Help us to celebrate Danielle's birthday by heading over to her blog, Fat Cat Stamper, and wishing her a Happy Birthday! You can also visit
Christie
Jessie
Jackie
Jodi
Julie

And enjoy what they've brought to the party! Hope you have a wonderful day, Danielle! Sending you big birthday hugs! EDITED TO ADD: There were a couple of little girls who were dying to wear your party hat, so I thought I'd let them model it for you! :)

Summer Sweetness

I received an email a little while ago from Judy Anderson and we have since exchanged emails quite a few times. Judy is a Close To My Heart Demo. The first email I received from her, I followed the link to her website and found this ADORABLE set called Summer Sweetness. I haven't really had as much time to play as I would like, but here's a simple little card I made with it. They have some adorable stamp sets!

The second card is a one I received from Judy. Isn't it so sweet? Thank you, Judy! I just LOVE my sets. . .thanks for introducing me to Close To My Heart!

SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Summer Sweetness (Close To My Heart); Paper- white (Georgia-Pacific), Basic Black, Wild Wasabi Prints DS (SU); Ink-Regal Rose, Certainly Celery (SU), Onyx Black (Versafine); Accessories- circle punch, horizontal slot punch, wide Celery grosgrain, paper piercer (SU), black marker; Finished card measures 4.25"square

Fairy Tales

Another Verve Release is right around the corner! Wednesday, August 13 to be exact! Sneak peeks of the new sets have started on the Verve Blog. Today you get to see the new set, Fairy Tales. When I first saw this set, I KNEW I was going to use these Disney Cuttlebug embossing folders that I've had for a while. I bought them to use for and with my 4 year old, Savannah. She LOVES anything Disney Princess. . .and to mix that and cardmaking just makes her day! LOL This set of cards came together very quickly. The toughest part was deciding on the colors and the placement of the sentiment. :) Be sure and check out the Verve Blog to see more sneak peeks! Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful Sunday! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Fairy Tales (Verve Stamps); Paper- white (Georgia-Pacific), Soft Sky, Certainly Celery, Tangerine Tango (SU); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine); Accessories- Disney Cuttlebug embossing folders (Provocraft), Plain circle and Scallop circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), white organdy ribbon (Darice); Finished cards measure 4.25"x5.5"

Bless Your Little Hearth

If you've visited my blog for any length of time, you know it's no secret that I am in love with the Stampendous Bees and Changito stamps. :) They are just TOO cute! When Michelle at Stamper's Dream got these adorable Christmas Changito stamps in the store, I just could not resist! My layout and colors were inspired by the Changito image. . .Santa Claus. I thought about adding some white at the bottom of the card, but nothing looked right. You get the picture, though. . .right? Michelle also sent me some Neenah Solar White cardstock to try out with my Copic markers. I am happy to report that it works extremely well with Copic markers. I didn't have any problem at all with the colors bleeding.

On a personal note, please keep my sister-in-law Linda in your thoughts and prayers today as she is having a mastectomy. I know it would brighten her spirits to know that there are so many people thinking about and praying for her. THANK YOU! Hope you have a wonderful weekend! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Changito Hearth (Stampendous); Paper- Solar White 80lb (Neenah), Basic Black, Red Riding Hood (SU), gold (DCWV); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Accessories- brads (Making Memories), Copic markers, paper piercer; Finished card measures 4.25" square

One of Those Days

I made this for two Dirty Dare Challenges. . .Julia's Stitching and Rose Ann's Flap Card. The set is One of Those Days from Paper Pretties. Since I'm only a "faux stitcher", I really had to look for a needle to actually stitch! :) First I used my piercing template to pierce holes along the edge of the flap, then I stitched with the needle and thread. I like the way it turned out, but I don't think I'll be hand-stitching on many cards! LOL

Some of you have asked about the Sophia stamp I used yesterday. You can get her NOW by signing up for the Stamp of the Month Club at Paper Pretties, otherwise she won't be available until October! Thanks for stopping by and have a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- One of Those Days (Paper Pretties); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Paper - Summer Stack (DCWV), Pacific Point, Red Riding Hood, Basic Black (SU), white (Georgia-Pacific); Accessories- Copic markers, Word Window punch, Mega Circle punch, Giga Scallop circle punch (Marvy Uchida), linen thread, paper piercer; Finished card measures 3.5"x4.25".

Prettie Wednesday

Two weeks ago, Jodi challenged us to make a 3x3 card. Last year, I was really on a 3x3 card kick. They were quick and easy cards to make when I didn't have a lot of time. . .and they helped jumpstart my creativity. I haven't really made any since last year, so I'm glad Jodi challenged us to make one. This is the Falling For You stamp set from Paper Pretties. It's the September Stamp of the Month Club stamp. This little number is on its way to Jessie. You can check out the other Prettie Girl blogs (including Donna!) to see what they came up with for this challenge. Thanks for stopping by and have a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Falling For You (Paper Pretties); Paper- white (Georgia-Pacific), Crate Paper, dark brown (DCWV); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Dark Brown (Fluid Chalk Ink); Accessories- Copic markers, Chocolate Chip wide grosgrain (SU); Finished card measures 3"x3".

Happy Mail!

I thought I'd share some more Happy Mail I've received lately. This first package came from Julie Masse. Look at those ADORABLE cards and that delicious paper and ribbon! I just LOVE it! I hope I'll be able to cut into it! :) When Julie made that ladybug card for a challenge, I told her how much I adored it. How excited I was to find it in my package! Thanks, Julie. . .you made my day!

The second package I received was from Christie, our "Prettie Mama." Look at this adorable card and all of those fabulous embellishments! Christie sent me a bunch of my favorite type of ribbon. . .polka dot organdy, along with a beautiful selection of Glitter Dots, gem stones and some Cinnamon Stickles. What an awesome package! Thank you, Christie!

The last bit of Happy Mail I received came from Jackie Pedro. Look at this delicious card! I just LOVE it! All of those squares, the yummy colors and gorgeous coloring! I've always admired Jackie's work. . .and now I have a "Jackie Original" of my very own! :) Thanks, Jackie. I just LOVE my card!