School Days

Here's a cute little set I got at Stamper's Dream a little while ago. This is the first chance I've had to ink it up. It's called School For Max and it's from Stampendous. Isn't that little mouse adorable? I thought the set would be perfect for little cards, treats or scrapbook pages for my kids since they're all very young. I'd like to put together some preschool scrapbook pages of Savannah and this set would work very well.

I used the Penny Lane Free Bird paper from My Mind's Eye, also found at Stamper's Dream. The holograph stickers are the An Apple a Day stickers from Stampendous.

Don't forget to check out the Sales & Specials section at Stamper's Dream. Michelle has LOTS of stuff in there that you just might want to snatch up before it's all gone! Thanks for stopping by today! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- School For Max (Stampendous); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Paper- Penny Lane Free Bird (My Mind's Eye), white (Georgia-Pacific); Accessories- Copic markers, An Apple a Day Stickers (Stampendous); Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

No Stamping!

I can't believe it either. . .absolutely no stamping on this card! LOL It was really hard to not stamp. I used the Garden Corners and a sentiment from Sentiments-Assorted Wishes, both from Flower Soft. The pot with the flowers was primarily green with some white daisies and since I wanted to use this Melon Mambo cardstock, I used the Sweet Pea Flower Soft on the image to bring out more pink to go with the cardstock. This card was so very simple and took no time at all! If you're ever in a pinch for time, these toppers from Flower Soft are great to add some glue to and sprinkle Flower Soft on top. It makes it look like you spent so much more time than you did! Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you're having a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Garden Corners, Sentiments-Assorted Wishes (Flower Soft), Sweet Pea Flower Soft, Stylized Flowers Cuttlebug folder (Provocraft), Melon Mambo cardstock and ribbon (SU); Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

New Verve!

Did you know that new Verve was released on Friday night? If not, you might want to head over and check out the new sets!

This bright, happy card uses the Kindred Spirits set along with Fall To Layout #47 on the Clean & Simple Stamping Blog.

The next card uses the Top Notes Die from Stampin' Up along with a butterfly that Julee sent me in some Happy Mail! I just LOVE the butterfly! The set is Just For You.

The last picture is of a card set I made using the new In Colors from Stampin' Up with the Forever in Our Hearts set. It's a simple card set that only uses one of the Just My Type Cuttlebug folders as an embellishment.

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend! Thanks for stopping by today!

Having a Bad Day?

When I first saw the Beach Bum set from Taylored Expressions, I couldn't help but giggle at this image and sentiment. Haven't we all had days like this? I know I have, but receiving a card with this image and sentiment would definitely make me smile!

I used the Beach Bum Key Ingredients for the card and Copic markers to color the image. I loved the bubbles in the paper and thought they were perfect for the image.

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you're having a great weekend! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Beach Bum (Taylored Expressions); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Paper- Beach Bum Key Ingredients (Taylored Expressions); Accessories- corner rounder, Copic markers, Life Preserver brad (Taylored Expressions); Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Verve Sneak Peek

Just in case you haven't been following the Verve Blog this week, there are lots of gorgeous sneak peeks of the sets being released TONIGHT! Plus, there are chances to win some Verve stamps, so head on over and leave some comments for a chance to win!

My peek today is of the new set Forever in Our Hearts. This set is perfect for making cards for those going through difficult times. I think you'll really LOVE the sentiments.

I used my Versamark pad and pastels for this card. I thought the image also went very well with the Bird Call Cuttlebug folder. In the stamped image, the bird is in flight while in the Cuttlebug embossed image, the bird has landed and is still.

Be sure to stop by the Release Party tonight! It's starts at 9pm Eastern. They're always lots of fun and there will be lots of eye candy and prizes too! Hope to see you there! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Forever in Our Hearts (Verve Stamps); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine), Versamark; Paper - Melon Berry, Dark Chocolate (PTI); Accessories- pastels (SU), paper piercer, white gel pen, Bird Call Cuttlebug folder (Provocraft); Finished card measures 4.25" square

Weekend Sketch Challenge #86

I can't believe it's Friday already and time for another Weekend Sketch Challenge! This week's sketch is hosted by Cami. Head on over to her blog to see the sketch and play along! If you upload to SCS, please use the keyword WSC86.

For my card today, I used the Bubbles set from Our Craft Lounge. I just LOVE this set! As you can see from the sketch, the focal point was a star, but I didn't have a star punch big enough for an image so I changed my focal point to a flower. I thought Bubbles fit in there perfectly. :)

Be sure to check out the fabulous creations of Cambria, Laurie, Lori, Mary Jo and Sharon to see what they've created using today's sketch! Thanks so much for stopping by and have a GREAT weekend! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Bubbles (Our Craft Lounge); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Paper- Delighted Key Ingredients (Taylored Expressions); Accessories- Copic markers, paper piercer, white gel pen, circle punches (SU); Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Happy Birthday, Michelle!

Today is Michelle's birthday and the Stamper's Dream Team is celebrating! Please help us celebrate by leaving Michelle some birthday love over on her blog!

Michelle, I hope you have a day as wonderful as you are! Sending you BIG HUGS on your special day!

I used the Birthday Frames Clear set from Hero Arts along with the Breaking Free paper from My Mind's Eye. Both of these items can be found at Stamper's Dream.

Be sure and visit the rest of the Dream Team to see their birthday wishes for Michelle!

Becca
Cammie
Denise
Kimberly
Laurie
Tosh

Thanks for stopping by and helping us to celebrate! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Birthday Frames (Hero Arts); Ink- Burnt Umber (Palette); Paper- Breaking Free (My Mind's Eye); Accessories- Copic markers, grosgrain (May Arts), paper piercer; Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Happy Birthday, Em!

Welcome to the Birthday Blog Skip, Hop & Dance sponsored by Stamping Bella! If you've just happened upon my blog, you can CLICK HERE to start from the beginning at Bloggabella.

Today is Em's birthday and we're celebrating in Bella style with a Blog Hop! My card for Em uses one of my most favorite Bella images. . .the Lovey Huggabugg! Isn't she just the CUTEST? I used the Wish Big sentiment along with her.

Em, I hope you have a Bellarific birthday! Sending BIG HUGS and lots of kisses! MWAH!

How about a prize? In addition to the fabulous eye candy, we have decided to hide a prize somewhere along the hop! One pre-selected blogger will draw a random winner from the comments on her post, and the winner will receive a $40 Gift Voucher to Stamping Bella!!! The fun part is...we're not telling you who it is! So as you hop, make sure you leave comments on every post so you have a chance to win!! We will announce the winner on Monday in the Splitcoast forum.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Now it's time to hop on over to Nancy's Blog! Have a wonderful day and enjoy the hop! MWAH!

This is the Life

Here is a simple one layer card using the Labels 4 Nestabilities to "frame" the focal image. I used the palm tree image from the Soakin' Up the Sun set from Paper Pretties. The coloring didn't turn out quite the way I wanted because I used my Bermuda Bay Stampin' Up marker for the center of the palm tree and it didn't blend very well with the base Copic marker color. I was afraid to keep coloring for fear of ruining the whole card. LOL I embossed the front of the card with the Labels 4 Nestabilities and then I kept the die in place while I sponged Bermuda Bay and Soft Suede around the inside. I finished off the card with some Bermuda Bay polka dot ribbon.

Paper Pretties is moving and is having a moving sale! Be sure and check out the Clearance Section for some GREAT deals! I hope you're having a great day today! Thanks for stopping by! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Soakin' Up the Sun (Paper Pretties); Ink- Burnt Umber (Palette), Onyx Black (Versafine), Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay (SU); Paper- white (Georgia-Pacific); Accessories- Copic marker, Bermuda Bay ribbon (SU), Labels 4 Nestabilities (Spellbinders), paper piercer, sponge; Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Prettie Wednesday

Two weeks ago, Julie challenged the Prettie Girls to create a card with an animal on it. Actually, it was her daughter Emma's challenge on her blog (so cute!) and Julie extended the challenge to the Prettie Girls.

I used the Beach Bum (for turtle) and Surf's Up (for sentiment) sets from Paper Pretties for my card. For the matte layer on the turtle, I used my Stampin' Up Scallop Circle punch and punched the scallop circle. Then, I just rotated the punched scallop circle a bit within the punch and punched again to get the "angled" edge.

Make sure you stop to see what the rest of the Prettie Girls have come up with for this challenge:

Christi Thorsen
Danielle Lounds
Frances Byrne
Jackie Pedro
Jackie Rakoski
Jana Weaver
Jessica Diedrich
Jessie Rone
Jodi Collins
Julie Masse

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Beach Bum, Surf's Up (Paper Pretties); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Vintage Sepia (Versafine); Paper- DCWV, Kraft, New Leaf (PTI); Accessories- Scallop Circle punch (SU), ribbon (Darice), white gel pen, Copic markers, zig zag border punch (EK Success); Finished card measures 4.25" square

Got Margaritas?

Fun, summery cards are just so much fun to make right now. They make me smile. :) For this card I used the Margaritas Clear Stamp set by Impression Obsession paired with the Breaking Free papers from My Mind's Eye. Both of these products can be found at Stamper's Dream along with lots of other new and excited products that you can find in the New Arrivals section!

I hope you're having a great week! Thanks for stopping by today. . .I really appreciate it! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Margaritas (Impression Obsession); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Memento); Paper- Kraft (PTI), Breaking Free (My Mind's Eye); Accessories- Copic markers, corner rounder, ribbon (May Arts), oval and scallop oval punch (Marvy Uchida), Dew Drops (The Robin's Nest); Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Dare To Be You

Wow, did we get a late start today! Everybody slept in, which was really good (especially for really pregnant mommy LOL), but I feel like my day is almost over! I didn't get to stamp much this weekend, but the weekend was filled with good family time, birthday celebrations and house cleaning. . .much needed house cleaning. :)

Anyway, I decided to look to the Technique Lover's Challenge on SCS, Faux Denim, to get some stamping in today. I used the Polka Stars set and Dare To Be set from Verve Stamps. I thought a patriotic card would go well with the Faux Denim look. You can see lots of other wonderful creations using this technique in the technique challenge gallery.

Don't forget that sneak peeks of the newest Verve release start Wednesday on the Verve Blog! The release is this Friday at 9pm Eastern in the Verve Forum. In the meantime, there are Release Week Sketch Challenges that you can participate in and win new stamps! Thanks for stopping by and have a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Polka Stars, Dare To Be (Verve Stamps); Ink- Blue Bayou, Night of Navy, Whisper White Craft (SU); Paper- Blue Bayou (SU), Pure Poppy (PTI); Accessories- hemp, buttons (Foofala); Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

Happy Birthday, Arwen!

I can't believe that my sweet little baby girl is 3 years old today! It honestly feels like just yesterday that I had her! Here she is with her big sister holding her birthday cake.

As a lot of you know, big sister Savannah has a severe peanut allergy so I usually have to make the birthday cakes myself since it's too stressful for me to worry about what products may have come in contact with a store-bought cake. I have found that rice crispy cakes have been the easiest to make, shape and decorate. . . and the best part is there's usually none left at the end of the party!

Arwen just LOVES Dora, so this was her Dora rice crispy cake. Happy Birthday, my little sweet pea! We love you bunches and bunches and more bunches!

Weekend Sketch Challenge #85

Time for the Weekend Sketch Challenge! This week's sketch is being hosted by Sharon, so please head over to her blog to see the sketch and play along! If you upload to SCS, please use the keyword WSC85.


For my card, I used the Sandy Sunsets set from Our Craft Lounge as well as this week's Color Challenge on SCS, to use Baja Breeze, Ruby Red and Whisper White. As a finishing touch, I added some "stitch" lines around the focal image using a white gel pen.


Be sure and visit Cambria, Jenn, Laurie, Lori, Mary Jo and Sharon to see their beautiful creations using this sketch! I can't wait! Thanks for stopping by today and have a wonderful weekend! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Sandy Sunsets (Our Craft Lounge); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine); Paper- Ruby Red, Baja Breeze (SU), white (Georgia-Pacific); Accessories- Plain Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders),button (Foofala), hemp, flower (GinaK Designs), white gel pen; Finished card measures 4.25" square

What's Brewing?

Lately, I have been LOVING the color yellow. Maybe because the weather has been nice and because my favorite season is summer. Yellow just makes me smile.

For today's card I used the Look Who's Perky set from Paper Pretties. I think this sentiment is neat for sending a "what's new" type of card. . .especially perfect for a coffee lover! I used some ribbon that my fellow Prettie Danielle sent to me. Isn't it just gorgeous? I just LOVE it! I worked perfectly with my colors today. Speaking of Danielle, today is day she posts her new Prettie Challenge! Hop on over to her blog to see what it is! Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you're having a happy day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Look Who's Perky (Paper Pretties); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Paper- So Saffron (SU), patterned (Memory Box); Accessories- ribbon (unknown), Plain Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), paper piercer, white gel pen, Copic markers; Finished card measures 4.25" square

Father's Day Verve

Have you been checking out the Verve Blog for the this month's Project Parade? This month's theme is It's a Guy Thing, so if you're looking for ideas for the men in your life you might just find what you're looking for! There are also chances to win some Verve stamps, so head on over!

Today I posted my project! My husband has been after me to create white framed scrapbook pages for the entryway of our home. He now has three that are his very own. :) Here is the latest one that I made him using Verve stamps! Thanks for stopping by!

Prettie Wednesday

Two weeks ago, Frances challenged the Prettie Girls to create a card using Red, Black and White. These happen to be some of my favorite colors together and you can probably guess why! :) That's right, it's the ladybugs!

I decided to use the Beach Bum set from Paper Pretties. I tried to make it look more masculine than I would my regular "ladybug" cards. Be sure and check out what the rest of the Prettie Girls created for today's challenge!

Christi Thorsen
Danielle Lounds
Frances Byrne
Jackie Pedro
Jackie Rakoski
Jana Weaver
Jessica Diedrich
Jessie Rone
Jodi Collins
Julie Masse

Today, it's my turn to issue the next challenge to the Prettie Girls. My challenge is to create a card using a masking technique. You all are welcome to play along as well! I'd LOVE to see what you create! Thanks for stopping by today and have a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Beach Bum (Paper Pretties); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Paper- Pure Poppy (PTI), Basic Black (SU), white (Georgia-Pacific); Accessories- Copic markers, brads (Making Memories), paper piercer, ribbon (Darice); Finished card measures 4.25" square

Sending Sunshine

It's been a while since I've made a card using one of these adorable images from Stampavie. This is the Candy Time Clear stamp by Rachelle Ann Miller. The paper is Penny Lane Maggie May from My Mind's Eye and the ribbon is Lavender Sheer from May Arts. All of these products can be found at Stamper's Dream.

I colored the image using Copic markers. The border punch is from EK Success. I used to use purple all of the time, but haven't in a while. I just LOVE this paper from My Mind's Eye. So many, fun, happy colors!

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you're having a wonderful day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Candy Time (Rachelle Ann Miller, Stampavie), Thoughtful Messages (Hero Arts); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Paper- Penny Lane Maggie May (My Mind's Eye), Plum Pudding (PTI); Accessories- Plain and Scallop Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Copic markers, border punch (EK Success), ribbon (May Arts); Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

SASI Post

Here's a peek of a project I posted on the Stamp a Sweet Impression blog today! I would LOVE it if you'd pop on over and tell me what you think! Thanks!

Stampin' Around

Looking for a stamping get-a-away? My good friend Julie and her friend Kim have organized some stamping events that you would LOVE! If you live in the Connecticut area, July 10-11 is the Stamping Around Connecticut event. Follow the link for more information and registration details!

Stamping Around Vermont Registration just opened. Perhaps that location is more convenient for you! Coming in November is Stamping Around Philadelphia, too! You can view all of the details by following the links. If you missed out on Stamp New England, you can view photos from that event in the right sidebar. . .lots of fun that you don't want to miss!!

Quick and Simple

When I first saw some of the new stamps from Impression Obsession, all I could picture was a super simple card like this. How much easier could it get, right? I stamped the image using Ocean Tides ink and then stamped the sentiment using Onyx Black ink. I used watercolor paper and tore the front edge of the card and sponged some Ocean Tides ink on it. I plan to make a few cards sets as gifts using this card. They will be finished in no time!

Apparently this stamp is sold out over at Stamper's Dream right now, but I will let you know when Michelle plans to have more in stock. Thanks for stopping by today. I hope your week is off to a wonderful start! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- A Day at the Beach (Impression Obsession), Warm Words (SU); Ink- Ocean Tides (PTI), Onyx Black (Versafine); Paper- watercolor (Aquarelle); Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

Miss You

Don't you love when you can make a card using JUST an "accessories" set? I do. I feel like I get more use out of the set rather than ONLY when I have the set that it's an accessory to as well! LOL For my card today, I used the Beary Special Accessories set from Taylored Expressions. What's even better about this set is that the purchase of the Beary Special Accessories set benefits the Hospital for Sick Children. The Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids) is a health-care community dedicated to improving the health of children. Their mission is to provide the best in family-centered, compassionate care, to lead in scientific and clinical advancement, and to prepare the next generation of leaders in child health. The hospital is located in Canada, but is known around the world for its innovation and leadership in research.

For each Beary Special Accessories stamp set sold during June, July, and August, Taylored Expressions will donate $4.00 to Sick Kids. Isn't that awesome? Just remember, in order to cut down on the manufacturing costs and donate more, these stamps will have to be trimmed when you receive them unlike other Taylored Expressions sets. I used the May 20th Key Ingredients Kit for my card. I paper pieced the suitcase with the different patterned papers, then drew a box around the image and stamped the sentiment.

I hope you're having a wonderful weekend! Thanks for stopping by to visit! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Beary Special Accessories (Taylored Expressions); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Paper- May 2oth Key Ingredients (Taylored Expressions), Basic Black (SU); Accessories- Dew Drops from May 20th Key Ingredients (Taylored Expressions), paper piercer, Old Olive marker (SU); Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Take Joy

This morning as I was attempting to catch up on my blog reading, I was really inspired by the latest Fall To Layout on the Clean&Simple Stamping Blog. I decided to use some of my Flower Soft products for my card.

I started with the Garden Corners Toppers. I cut it down so that the watering can and flower pot would be centered rather than in the corner. I added Christmas Green, Shamrock Green, Baby Pink and Sunshine Yellow Flower Soft to the topper. I edged the topper with one sticker from Peel Off Sticker 309 to add a bit of elegance. To finish off the card, I stamped the sentiment from the Petals & Stems set by Verve Stamps and used a ruler to draw the box around the focal image.

Pretty simple card, but very elegant, I think. Thanks for stopping by today! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Petals & Stems (Verve Stamps); Ink- Ripe Avocado (PTI); Paper- Kraft (PTI); Accessories- Christmas Green, Shamrock Green, Baby Pink and Sunshine Yellow Flower Soft, Garden Corner Topper, Gold Peel Off Sticker (Flower Soft), Always Artichoke markers (SU); Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Happy Birthday, Taylor!

Today is Taylor's birthday! A bunch of us are celebrating by using her Cupcake Sketch Challenge today and making her a birthday card!


Happy Birthday, Taylor! I hope you have a WONDERFUL day! Sending you lots of hugs for your special day!


If you'd like to play along, head on over to Taylor's Blog to see the sketch. If you upload to SCS, please use the keywords TECC72 and tayloredexpressions (no space) and then post a link with Mr. Linky on Taylor's blog. You may also want to check out the SASI Blog for today's Friday Friend, Julie Smith. Julie has also created a birthday card for Taylor using the sketch. YOU can become our next Friday Friend simply by uploading your creations using Taylored Expressions' stamps to SCS using the keyword tayloredexpressions.

The card I decided to create for Taylor today is a Tilt Card. I thought it would work well with the surfing Cuppie from the Beach Bum set! Hopefully the tilting action will still work when Taylor gets it in the mail! LOL The papers are all from the Beach Bum Key Ingredients. Thanks for stopping by today and have a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Beach Bum (Taylored Expressions); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Paper- Beach Bum Key Ingredients (Taylored Expressions); Accessories- White Opal Liquid Pearls, circle punches (SU), paper piercer, white gel pen, Stardust Stickles; Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

Prettie Sketch

Here's a "Prettie" little card I made using the Trim the Tree set from Paper Pretties. I also used Danielle's fabulous sketch for today's challenge. We'd LOVE for you to play along as well! Head on over to Danielle's blog for the sketch and keywords if you decide to play along!

There was a spot in the sketch for a sentiment, but I kind of left that off. :) I couldn't decide on a sentiment and then when I added the ribbon, it took up that spot. Oh well, sometimes you need cards without sentiments, right? I can always add one later or put it on the inside.

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you're having a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Trim the Tree (Paper Pretties); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Paper- Delighted Key Ingredients (Taylored Expressions); Accessories- ribbon and die cut flower from Delighted Key Ingredients (Taylored Expressions), Threading Water border punch (Fiskars), paper piercer, white gel pen, brad (Making Memories), Copic markers; Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Relax

I've been trying something different lately. I'm still not sure I like it, but it's probably because it's just not my "norm". I don't know if you'd consider this a "scrappy" style or what, but I've always liked cards that use different patterned papers and even stamped the focal image in different colors, rather than on a white or cream cardstock. It goes against my brain, I think, but I really like when I see other people do it. So, here is one of my attempts at trying something new for me! :)

I used the Sandy Sunsets set from Our Craft Lounge. I used the June Sketch Challenge from the OCL Forums. There's always a challenge going on if you're in need of inspiration! So, spread your wings a bit and try something outside of your "norm". Thanks for stopping by! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Sandy Sunsets (Our Craft Lounge); Ink- Blue Bayou (SU), Burnt Umber (Palette); Paper- Delighted Key Ingredients Kit (Taylored Expressions); Accessories- rhinestone brads (Darice), Chocolate Chip grosgrain (SU), paper piercer; Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Prettie Wednesday

Two weeks ago, Christi challenged the Prettie Girls to make a 3x3 card with buttons on it. I haven't made a 3x3 card in a while, so that was A LOT of fun! I got to use up lots of scraps since the pieces were so little.

I used the Soakin' Up the Sun set from Paper Pretties. I just love this little beach basket image. It's the perfect size for a little card. Make sure you stop to see what the rest of the Prettie Girls have created for this challenge:

Christi Thorsen

Danielle Lounds

Frances Byrne

Jackie Pedro

Jackie Rakoski

Jana Weaver

Jessica Diedrich

Jessie Rone

Jodi Collins

Julie Masse

Thanks for stopping by today! Have a wonderful day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Soakin' Up the Sun (Paper Pretties); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Accessories- gingham ribbon (Darice), buttons (Foofala), Circle and Scallop circle punches (SU), Copic markers; Finished card measures 3"x3"

Miss You Like Crazy

The latest Viva la Verve Challenge with a twist was to use something "new". For my card, I used some new patterned paper that I bought a while ago at Costco. . .I just don't know who actually makes the paper. It came in a really nice expandable file and there's TONS of it! The other "new" thing on my card is my Labels 4 Nestabilities!

I used the Up Up and Away set from Verve Stamps. I decided to do some paper piecing on my hot air balloon rather than color it in. I like how it ties the background to the image. After I cut the image using the Labels 4 Nestabilities, I sponged with some So Saffron ink to give some dimension. For the sentiment I used an older Verve set called Heartfelt Phrases. Thanks for stopping by today! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Up Up and Away, Heartfelt Phrases (Verve Stamps); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), So Saffron (SU); Paper- Blue Bayou, So Saffron (SU), patterned paper from Costco; Accessories- ribbon (SU), border punch (EK Success), paper piercer, white gel pen, Labels 4 Nestabilities (Spellbinders); Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5

Impression Obsession Week at Stamper's Dream!

This week is Impression Obsession Week at Stamper's Dream! The Dream Team will be featuring some of the latest releases from Impression Obsession.

For my card today, I used the Water Mill Cling stamp. It's not my usual "cutesy" image, but I just loved it when I first saw it. I originally started off making a card with no coloring at all. . .just this image framed in some way, but then I started coloring and ended with a totally different finished product. I used watercolor paper and stamped the image in Burnt Umber Palette ink. I used Stampin' Up ink pads and an Aquapainter to color in the image. Then I cut another piece of watercolor paper and cut an oval from it using my Coluzzle to make a frame. I distressed the frame with scissors and ink and mounted it over the colored image using dimensionals. You can't see it very clearly in the picture, but the colored image is recessed a bit within the frame. A very simple, aged card that makes me think of "old times".

Here is the schedule for the week of who is posting when. You won't want to miss any of the Dream Team's gorgeous creations!

Monday - Laurie, Kimberly, Michelle and me
Tuesday - Cammie, Denise, Michelle
Wednesday - Laurie, Tosh, Michelle
Thursday - Becca, Denise, Kimberly, Michelle
Friday - Tosh, Kimberly, Michelle

Thanks for stopping by today and have a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Water Mill (Impression Obsession), Expressions (Inkadinkado); Ink- Burnt Umber (Palette), Whisper White Craft, Earth Tones (SU); Paper- watercolor paper (Aquarelle), Dark Chocolate (PTI); Accessories- Coluzzle, aquapainter, Chocolate Chip grosgrain (SU); Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

Featured Stamper: Kisa!

I got a chance to play in today's Featured Stamper Challenge on SCS. . .to CASE Kisa! She has a fabulous gallery and so many awesome cards to choose from! I chose to CASE this adorable card. For mine, I changed the stamps, the colors and used only 1 button instead of 3 so that I could fit a sentiment! :) It looks a lot different from Kisa's card. . .not nearly as adorable as hers, but hopefully you still like it!

I used Protector and Happy Father's Day Plain Jane from Verve Stamps. The paper and embellishments are all from the Father's Day Key Ingredients Kit from Taylored Expressions (currently out of stock). Thanks for stopping by and have a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Protector, Happy Father's Day Plain Jane (Verve Stamps); Ink- Burnt Umber (Palette), Gingerbread (VersaMagic), Onyx Black (Versafine); Paper- Father's Day Key Ingredients (Taylored Expressions); Accessories- embellishments from Father's Day Key Ingredients (Taylored Expressions), circle punch (Marvy Uchida); Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Taylored Expressions RELEASE DAY!

Today is RELEASE DAY over at Taylored Expressions! If you've been loving the sneak peeks over the past couple of days, now is your chance to actually purchase your favorite sets!


Today, I have three things to show you. The first uses Faith and Hope, the first set in the new Lasting Impressions collection. This set is a collection of inspirational quotes and Bible verses for encouragement during tough times. I paired this sentiment with an image from the A Year of Sweets 2 set. I thought this image went perfectly with the sentiment. I used some happy paper from the Beach Bum Key Ingredients Kit.






The second card features the Beach Bum stamp set. Now that adorable Cuppie you've come to know and love has a beach set all his own! :) I just thought the image with the sandcastle was adorable! I think you'll love the Beach Bum Key Ingredients too! Taylor is also offering a Beach Bum Bundle with adorable brads and Sparkly Fluff!


The last thing I have to show you is part of the For the Love of Cupcakes Bundle. It is a die cut cupcake card! I decided to use mine as a gift card holder. I thought it would be perfect! I made a little gift holder using the Stampin' Up Slit punch.


There's lots more fun things to see today, so be sure and stop by to see the rest of the Baker's Dozen to see their amazing creations! Thanks for stopping by!

















Ana Wohlfahrt
Dawn Easton
Denise Marzec
Donna Baker
Jen del Muro
Jodi Collins
Laura Fredrickson
Laurie Schmidlin
Karen Giron
Karen Motz
Sankari Wegman and, of course
Taylor VanBruggen!!

Weekend Sketch Challenge #84

I can't believe Friday is here again and it's time for another Weekend Sketch Challenge! This week's sketch is hosted by Laurie, so head on over to her blog to see the actual sketch and post a link to your creation if you decide to play along! If you upload to SCS, please use the keyword WSC84. We LOVE to see your creations!

For my card I used the Hello Spring and the Just Bugz sets from Our Craft Lounge. You can also find both of these sets at Stamper's Dream! I stamped the ladybug on Breaking Free patterned paper from My Mind's Eye (also at Stamper's Dream) and punched it out with a 1 1/4" circle punch, then added it to the scallop circle.

Make sure you stop to see what Cambria, Jenn, Laurie, Lori, Mary Jo and Sharon have created using today's sketch! I'm sure they're all just beautiful! Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Hello Spring, Just Bugz (Our Craft Lounge); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine); Paper- Breaking Free (My Mind's Eye), Pink Pirouette (SU); Accessories- 1 1/4" circle punch, paper piercer, white gel pen, ribbon (May Arts); Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Aloha Baby Wipe

The one challenge for our Prettie Pajama Party the other night was to use a baby wipe technique. I used reinkers and put them on a folded up baby wipe and wiped them across the glossy white cardstock in two different directions to create my background. It was super simple and gave a pretty neat effect, I think. I used the newest Stamp of the Month stamp, Aloha Sophia.

Today is Thursday and you know what that means! It's time for another one of Danielle's fabulous challenges on the Paper Clip! So head on over to be inspired. :) If you missed the Paper Pretties release party the other night, you can now purchase Make a Splash! Hope you're having a wonderful day! Thanks for stopping by! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Aloha Sophia (Paper Pretties); Ink: Baja Breeze, Wild Wasabi, Riding Hood Red, Tangerine Tango (SU); Paper- Glossy White, Dark Chocolate (PTI); Accessories- ribbon (May Arts), small oval punch (SU), Copic markers; Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Taylored Expressions Sneak Peek - Day 2

Today I get to show you another peek of a new set to be released at Taylored Expressions tomorrow, Friday, June 5th at 8am Pacific! This set is called For the Love of Cupcakes. It's another new set in the Whimsical Wishes line and it's ADORABLE, not to mention the Key Ingredients! The Doodlebug papers are so fun and colorful. Taylor is offering a For the Love of Cupcakes Bundle which includes some glitter stickers, die cut card and confections brads. You may want to check that out as well!









For my project today, I created a gift set using some cupcake bath and body products that I found in the Target $1 bin months ago. I bought a couple of sets and gave one away as a gift, but I came across the other set which I forgot I still had! I thought it went perfectly with the colors and papers in the For the Love of Cupcakes Key Ingredients Kit. I added a little "marker" in the gift basket with some birthday wishes.



Half of the Baker's Dozen is featuring the For the Love of Cupcakes set today and the other half is featuring another adorable set being released, so be sure and visit their blogs to see all of the release goodness! :)



Ana Wohlfahrt
Dawn Easton
Denise Marzec
Donna Baker
Jen del Muro
Jodi Collins
Laura Fredrickson
Laurie Schmidlin
Karen Giron
Karen Motz
Sankari Wegman and, of course
Taylor VanBruggen!!

Thanks for stopping by today! Be sure and check back tomorrow for more new release sets and the actual release! Have a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- For the Love of Cupcakes (Taylored Expressions); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Paper- Cupcake Key Ingredients (Taylored Expressions); Accessories- ribbon and glitter stickers from Cupcake Ingredients and Bundle (Taylored Expressions); Plain and Scallop Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Copic markers; Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Taylored Expressions Sneak Peek - Day 1

It's time again for another release at Taylored Expressions! Today's sneak peek is of two new sets in the TE Giving Tree Charitable Program. They are Beary Special and Beary Special Accessories. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids). The Hospital for Sick Children is a health-care community dedicated to improving the health of children. Their mission is to provide the best in family-centered, compassionate care, to lead in scientific and clinical advancement, and to prepare the next generation of leaders in child health. The hospital is located in Canada, but is known around the world for its innovation and leadership in research. This charity is very special to designer Nancy McKinney whose family was helped directly by them. Please go to Nancy’s blog today for the story of her son Henri.




In order to save costs on manufacturing and be able to donate even more to charity, these sets will need to be trimmed from the sheet of rubber. These sets will be available Friday morning June 5th at 8:00 am PST. You can find more details on Taylor's Blog and more samples using these sets by visiting the rest of the Baker's Dozen:


Ana Wohlfahrt
Dawn Easton
Denise Marzec
Donna Baker
Jen del Muro
Jodi Collins
Laura Fredrickson
Laurie Schmidlin
Karen Giron
Karen Motz
Sankari Wegman and, of course
Taylor VanBruggen!!

For my set today, I made a card and coordinating box filled with Teddy Grahams! I know my kids LOVE them and would love to receive a "beary" special little gift like this. :) Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you've enjoyed the sneak peek! Be sure and stop back tomorrow for peeks of another set being released on Friday! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Beary Special (Taylored Expressions); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Paper- Blue Bayou (SU), patterned paper from Nana's Nursery Stack Boy (DCWV); Accessories- Copic markers, Plain and Scallop Circle, Scallop Heart Nestabilities (Spellbinders), ribbon (SU), Dew Drops (The Robin's Nest), corner rounder; Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"