Happy 4th

Here's another card using an adorable Our Craft Lounge set, Summer Sweets.  This set has adorable summer images as well as patriotic images.  So, you can create a sweet summer card, a patriotic card or combine the two!  I just love this cupcake image with a flag in it. . .so cute! 

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you're having a wonderful summer day!  SUPPLIES USED:  Stamps- Summer Sweets (Our Craft Lounge); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Paper- Old Glory Collection (We R Memory Keepers), Prism Papers; Accessories- Copic markers, Stardust Stickles, ribbon (SU), circle and scallop circle punches (Marvy Uchida);  Finished card measures 4.25" square

ABC123

The card I have to share with you today uses the Our Craft Lounge Design Team Sketch from this past Friday.  I used the School Notes set from Our Craft Lounge along with The Places You'll Go Collection from My Mind's Eye. 

Savannah is participating in the Summer Reading Program at our local library and I like to encourage her decision to read throughout the summer.  She LOVES receiving cards, so I thought this one would be perfect as a "way to go" when she finishes her current book.  She is so excited because it's the first "chapter book" she's read that had 20+ chapters!  LOL

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

Happy Day

Wow, this weekend has been BUSY!  I'm feeling like I haven't been able to sit still!  It's all good. . .good summer fun.  I finally had a minute today so I thought I'd post a card that I meant to post yesterday.  We had a double birthday party yesterday. . .my nephew and my daughter, Arwen.  Arwen's birthday was June 20th, but we were out of town so we didn't officially get to celebrate with my family.  I can't believe Arwen is 4 already! 

Anyway, I made this card for my nephew.  It uses the Garden Party Project Pantry Kit and stickers from Taylored Expressions.  The sentiment is from the Garden Party Critters set.  The frog was perfect for my nephew. . .and he loved it!

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

Verve's New Release Hop

Verve Stamps just released 3 new sets and the Divas are celebrating with a new release hop today! First, a little housekeeping… if you clicked over from Jen’s blog, then you’re right on track. If not, then head on over to Julee’s blog, to start from the beginning. If the chain gets broken along the way, you can head over to the Verve Blog for the full link list. Oh, and we’ve hidden a little prize for one lucky commenter along the hop, so be sure to spread a little comment love around as you hop! Okay, well, maybe it’s not so little. {grin} You could WIN THE ENTIRE RELEASE, so let’s get hoppin’!

And now for the eye candy….

I used the Psalm 3:3 Plain Jane for my card along with Jen's Sketch For You To Try.  The paper is from the Penny Lane Collection from My Mind's Eye.

Thanks for hopping by today! Next up on the hop is Sankari.

American Hero

Have you been checking in at the Verve Blog to see all the sneak peeks and enter for a chance to win some new stamps?  I hope so!  There's lots of eye candy over there!  Today the American Hero set was featured.  I just LOVE this set.  It's such a whimsical set that can be used for fun and cute as well as a little more vintage.  You know how 4th of July is my favorite holiday!  :)  This is a great set to add to (or spice up) your collection of patriotic stamps! 

For my card, I used the Old Glory Collection from We R Memory Keepers along with the Stars Cuttlebug folder. 

Tonight is the release party!  We hope to see you there!  Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!  STAMPS:  American Hero (Verve Stamps); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine); Paper- Old Glory Collection (We R Memory Keepers); Accessories- glittler, jute, Stars Cuttlebug folder (Provocraft), white gel pen;  Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

Center of Attention Product Spotlight - Liquid Adhesives

Once a month half of the Baker's Dozen participates in a TE Product Spotlight. Today we're showcasing Liquid Adhesives and for just 2 days all liquid adhesives are 15% off!

The glue that I used for my projects is Dimensional Glitter Glue.  I had never used this product before today's product focus.  I really enjoyed working with it!  It's very easy to use, has no smell and dries absolutely clear.  I tried a number of things with this glue, one being just applying it to a stamped image.  It dries clear, shiny and raised, so it gives a nice shine and texture to an image. 

One of my favorite things I found to do with this is to write a word and cover it in glitter.  My first idea was to write the word in glue on a transparency, pour glitter on it, let it dry and peel the word off the transparency.  Unfortunately, that didn't work like I had hoped, so I went to Plan B and cut around the word and attached it to my card.  What I love about this glue is that keeps the dimension.  Other glues that I've tried to write with and glitter ended up flattened once they dried.  This stays raised even when dry.  I think it makes a great handwritten embellishment, don't you? 

The other thing this glue does VERY well, is hold rhinestones and other small embellishments.  It dries perfectly clear, so you don't see glue around the embellishment once it dries. 

I would definitely recommend this glue!  If you haven't tried it, you will really like it.  I have actually used this glue on other projects I've been working on this past week rather than what I would normally use.  So, if you're looking for a new adhesive to try out. . .I highly recommend the Dimensional Glitter Glue!

Be sure to see the reviews of the glues from the rest of the Baker's Dozen:

Donna Baker, Jodi Collins, Karen Giron, Melissa Sauls, and Taylor VanBruggen

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

Learning to Dance in the Rain

It's Verve Release Week and you know what that means!  Lots of eye candy, lots of challenges and LOTS of chances to win some Verve goodies!  Today on the Verve Blog started the sneak peeks of the the new Verve sets being released this Friday, June 25th.  Head on over and check it out. . .and leave a comment for your chance to win! 

There are also challenges going on all week in our SCS forum, so head on over and play along for your chance to win THE ENTIRE RELEASE!! 

For my card today, I used the Blue Skies set.  I just love this sentiment because it's so true.  I often fret over when things go wrong rather than rolling with the punches and "learning to dance in the rain."  I also used June Week 4 Viva la Verve Sketch for my card.

Hope you'll join us for the release party on Friday at 9pm Eastern!  Have a great week!  SUPPLIES USED:  Stamps- Blue Skies (Verve Stamps); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine); Paper- Blossoms and Butterflies (DCWV), Summer Sunrise (PTI);  Accessories- Dazzling Diamonds glitter (SU);  Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

TE Blast From the Past Blog Hop

Today is the Blast From the Past Blog Hop at Taylored Expressions!  By hopping through the list, you'll get to see the older favorite sets from TE!  For my creation, I used the Branching Out set along with Branching Out Coordinates.  It has been a long while since I used these sets, so it was refreshing to pull them out. 

I paper pieced the tree to add a little color.  I used the Martha Stewart Grass punch for the grass and Copic markers to color the sky and tire swing. 

I can't wait to see the creations of everyone else who is participating in today's hop.  The list is below, so have fun hopping!

Pieces of You

Here's another digital scrapbook page I created.  This one is from a Jessica Sprague Photoshop Friday class.  I think it's safe to say I'm addicted!  LOL  I am really loving creating these pages from templates. . .and choosing the papers and elements.  I love learning how to add little extras too.  I could spend all day doing this. . .too bad I can't!  :) 

Thanks for stopping by today!  Have a wonderful day!  SUPPLIES USED:  Jessica Sprague Photoshop Friday Class 6, patterned papers (Crystal Wilkerson);  Finished page measures 12" square

Shopping For a Cause

Hi there everyone!  I have some important news to share! My fellow Verve Diva, Susan Liles' husband, Eric, is battling a VERY AGGRESSIVE form of cancer and due to his treatment he has used up all of his sick time. Verve Stamps, The Cat's Pajamas and My Favorite Things have teamed up to have a benefit sale. Save 10% when you shop these stores today, Friday, June 18 through Sunday, June 20 and they'll pass a portion of every sale on to the Liles family! This will give Susan and her family time to focus on Eric and his treatment instead of the mounting bills!

Papercrafters are such a generous bunch! I hope you'll consider shopping for a cause! Also, if you'd rather donate, Susan has a donate button on the right hand side of her blog!  Thank you so much!

How Sweet

Today I have a card for you using the Our Craft Lounge Design Team Sketch.  It's been a while since I've made a long card, so it was a nice change for me.  :)  I used the Summer Sweets set from Our Craft Lounge along with some Doodlebug and Prism papers. 

Hope you'll give the sketch challenge a try!  Thanks for stopping by today!  SUPPLIES USED:  Stamps- Summer Sweets (OCL); Ink- Burnt Umber (Palette); Paper- Doodlebug, Prism; Accessories- bling (Heidi Swapp), circle and scallop circle punches (Marvy Uchida), border punch (EK Success);  Finished card measures 3"x6"

SCS Sketch School Notes

It's been a while since I've been able to participate in a Splitcoast Challenge, but I was able to do this week's Sketch Challenge!  I used the School Notes set from Our Craft Lounge.  Instead of the squares in the sketch, I used circles.  The patterned paper is from the Garden Variety Collection by Cosmo Cricket. 

Thanks for stopping by today!  SUPPLIES USED:  Stamps- School Notes (OCL); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Paper- Garden Variety (Cosmo Cricket), Bazzil; Accessories- circle punches, Copic markers, ribbon (Darice), border punch (EK Success);  Finished card measures 4.25" square

Kindergarten Girl

I have recently started to dabble in digital scrapbooking.  I know, I know. . .where have I been, right?  I have to admit, I still like the feel of a real scrapbook page, but in my quest to learn more about Photoshop, I've been taking an online class at reneepearson.com called Just the Basics.  I LOVE it!  At first it started out with some Quick Pages. . .basically the page is already designed for you and you just insert a photo.  This is my first page that I put it in all of the papers, pictures and elements myself.  The kit that came with this class had some Jen Caputo digital layouts (which this is one) along with a Page Kit designed by Tiff Tillman which has all the papers and elements that you can add to your layout.  I have really enjoyed learning to use Photoshop in this way.  Eventually I will learn how to create the layout too, but for now, this is great for me. 

I made this page of Savannah.  The focal picture is of her and her kindergarten teacher.  The three little photos are of her on her first day of kindergarten.  She was so nervous about having a new teacher because she just LOVED her preschool teacher and just couldn't imagine liking another teacher.  LOL  Needless to say, she LOVES Miss Mackey and can't imagine school without her!  

I thought I'd share my excitement over learning how to put a page together in Photoshop!  Thanks for stopping by!  SUPPLIES USED:  Studio Jen Sketch Collection 22 (Jen Caputo), Sunlights Delight Apprentice Page Kit (Tiff Tillman, Little Dreamer Designs);  Finished page measures 12" square

Thanks a Bunch

Our summer has just started and the days are just getting away from me already!  This is the first I've been able to sit at the computer today and get to posting.  :)  Today I have a card for you using the Garden Party Blooms set from Taylored Expressions.  I used it a little differently than I normally would.  I clear embossed the flower pieces and then sponged ink around them.  After that was all done and I wiped the ink off of the embossed part, I added some Stardust Stickles for some sparkle.   I used Labels 10 Nestabilities along with Classic Oval Nestabilities and the Fancy Tag dies.  On the background, I used the Scrollmark Textured Impressions folder from the Wedding Set #2 from Sizzix.  As a finishing touch, I added some black Tiny Twinkles. 

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

You're a Firecracker

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend!  Our first weekend of summer vacation has been filled with birthday parties, swimming and family. . .the perfect combination! 

Today's card uses the Summer Sweets set from Our Craft Lounge.  I also used the latest Our Craft Lounge Design Team Sketch.  Hope you'll find time to play along with us!  Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your day!  SUPPLIES USED:  Stamps- Summer Sweets (OCL); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Paper- Old Glory Collection (We R Memory Keepers); Accessories- Copic markers, button and twine (PTI), Stardust Stickles;  Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Happy Birthday, Taylor!

Today is a very special day!  It's Taylor's birthday!  A bunch of her friends decided to get together and give her a birthday blog hop!  We'd love for you to join us!  Hop on over to Taylor's blog and wish her a Happy Birthday!  You can even play along and create a card for her! 

For my card, I used the The Places You'll Go stamp set.  The "Happy Birthday" sentiment is from the Sweet Celebration stamp set and the layout is the latest TESC. 

Happy Birthday, Taylor!  I hope you have a FABULOUS day! 

Here is a list of everyone who's participating in Taylor's Birthday Blog Hop.  Hope you'll visit them too!  Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Alex Maldonado

Alice Wertz
Carolina Buchting
Donna Baker
Jackie Pedro
Jami Sibley
Jenn Balcer
Jodi Collins
Karen Giron
Karen Motz
Lisa Hjulberg
Lori Craig
Melissa Sauls
Monika Davis
Nancy McKinney
Rachel Sztonyk
Sandra MacLean
Sankari Wegman
Sharon Harnist
Sherrie Siemens

School's Out!

Yesterday was Savannah's last day of Kindergarten.  I can't believe she's a first grader already!  They had a pizza party yesterday, so I went into school to "celebrate" with her.  I made her teacher a scrapbook page that I framed.  The picture was one my husband took of Savannah's class when he went in to be "Mystery Reader".  I thought it was adorable and really displayed how they were from day to day with each other. . .just kind of hangin' out! I found the poem online and I thought it was perfect.  Her teacher LOVED it and even got all teary.  I can imagine how hard it is to have these little kids all year and all of the sudden they're gone and moving on.  Savannah will certainly miss Miss Mackey. . .and I will too!  :)

Beautiful Mojo

I have another bit of Mojo Monday for you today!  I don't always get to play along, but I LOVE when I have the chance!  I pulled out an older Verve set called Beautiful Kindness.  I just love this set and I really love this sentiment.  I used some Early Bird patterned paper from Cosmo Cricket.  I embossed the butterfly in black on one of the patterned papers.  I wasn't sure I liked it at first, but I think it's growing on me.  :)  It helped when I added the black ribbon. 

Thanks for stopping by today!  I hope you're having a beautiful day!  SUPPLIES USED:  Stamps- Beautiful Kindness (Verve Stamps); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine); Paper- Early Bird Collection (Cosmo Cricket), Prism Papers; Accessories- ribbon (Darice), border punch (Martha Stewart);  Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

TE Blast From the Past Blog Hop

Want to be part of the Taylored Expressions Blast From the Past Blog Hop? 

Create a card featuring any Taylored Expressions stamps released through March 2010. We will provide a challenge to get you started, but the challenge is optional. Then just post the card on your blog on June 22nd at 8am PST and include links to all participants in your blog post. Oh... and don't worry! We'll give you an easy stretch of code to copy and paste into your blog post so you don't have to spend hours linking to everyone! This will be a great reason to pull out your much loved TE stamp sets and get to know fellow TE lovers on the hop!

-- Sign up to play by sending an e-mail to bloghop@tayloredexpressions.com with the subject line "June 22 Hop".

--In your e-mail simply list the following info:  your first and last name, the name of your blog, your blog address. By sending this e-mail you are committing to posting a creation on your blog at 8am PST on June 22nd according to the Hop Rules.

-- You will receive an e-mail confirming your spot in the hop. That e-mail will also include the optional challenge, a list of excluded stamp sets (released after March 2010) and a recap of the Rules.

-- You will receive another e-mail 2 days prior to the Hop with a list of all participants and links to include in your post along with the Hop badge.

-- One random participant will be selected to win the stamp set of your choice from Taylored Expressions! And someone will be chosen to have their card featured in an upcoming Newsletter.

The deadline to sign up for the hop is June 17th.

Hope you'll join in the fun!  My card uses the Downtown Diva set. 

Wishing You Happy Birthday

I was able to play along with this week's Mojo Monday Sketch.  I used the square version of the sketch.  A little while ago, Kristina Werner did a video on this adorable gathered paper flower and I've wanted to make one ever since.  I thought it would work perfectly in this sketch.  I used the Wishing You set from Verve for the sentiment.  Hope you get a chance to play along too!

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful Sunday!  SUPPLIES USED:  Stamps- Wishing You (Verve Stamps); Ink- Burnt Umber (Palette), Hibiscus Burst (PTI); Paper- DCWV, Dark Chocolate, Hibiscus Burst, Pure Poppy, Summer Sunrise (PTI); Accessories- button (PTI), hemp, rhinestones, white gel pen;  Finished card measures 4.25" square

School Notes

I can't believe there's only 4 days left of school!  Actually, school would have been finished June 3rd if it hadn't been for all the snow days we had to make up!  :)  In any case, I just can't believe Savannah is finished with Kindergarten and Arwen is finished with her first year of preschool.  Time goes by so quickly! 

The card I have to share with you today uses the latest Our Craft Lounge Design Team Sketch as well as the OCL set, School Notes.  I think this set is adorable for those end of the year school notes!   :)  We'd love for you to play along in the sketch challenge!  You could win a free set, so head on over and check it out!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!  SUPPLIES USED:  Stamps- School Notes (OCL); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Burnt Umber (Palette); Paper- Crate Paper; Accessories- Copic markers, Real Estate Sign punch (EK Success), Certainly Celery Twill (SU), brads (Making Memories);  Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

Taylored Expressions RELEASE DAY!

It's Release Day at Taylored Expressions!  You can now purchase everything you've seen here in the last few days!  Today I have quite a few projects for you!  The first uses the Summer Afternoon set.  I just love how delicate this set is.  This frame is such a beautiful image and I decided to go "old school" with it and use the Poppin' Pastels technique.  I stamped the image in Versamark ink and used my chalks to color the image.  After I colored it with the chalks, I added some Flower Soft to the vines to give some extra detail.  The sentiment was stamped, punched out and mounted on foam tape and adhered to the center of the frame.  I used the Blue Hill Collection from Crate Paper.

I added a little "gift" box using one of the Scalloped Purse favor boxes. 

Here's a totally different take using the Summer Afternoon set.  I used the Free Bird Collection from My Mind's Eye. 

I did some silhouette stamping in colors that matched the patterned paper.  Finally I added some Tiny Twinkles to the flowers. 

This next creation uses the Summer Afternoon set along with Care & Comfort.  I thought this little card would be perfect for a Christening.  I usually make all white cards for baptisms, but I thought this sentiment was perfect for the occasion and I just added some color!  :) 

Finally, I have to show you a project using the 4th of July A la Carte images, Celebrate Freedom.  The 4th of July is my FAVORITE holiday.  I just LOVE it.  I love the colors associated with it, the fireworks, the memories growing up (I always thought the fireworks were in celebration of my birthday!  LOL)  I made a card and coordinating star box.  These use the coordinating 4th of July Project Pantry as well as the Big Scalloped Ovals.  The images are embossed and lots of glitter and Tiny Twinkles stars were added! 

So, there you have it!  You can go to the Fresh Out of the Oven category to locate all of the new release items!  Be sure to stop by the rest of the Baker's Dozen blogs to see what they have cooked up for you today!  Thanks for stopping by and happy shopping! 

Alex Maldonado, Carolina Buchting, Donna Baker, Jackie Pedro, Jami Sibley, Jeanie Witmer, Jodi Collins, Karen Giron, Karen Motz, Melissa Sauls, Nancy McKinney, Sankari Wegman, Sandra MacLean and Taylor VanBruggen.

Taylored Expressions Sneak Peek - Day 3

I've got another day of sneak peeks for you for Taylored Expressions!  Today the Baker's Dozen is peeking Hangin' Out At the Beach and 4th of July A la Carte images.  Today I am showing you a couple cards using the Hangin' Out At the Beach set.  This set is an addition to the original Hangin' Out set released last month.  The first image and sentiment I had to use are my favorites in the set. . .especially that sentiment!  :)  I can't look at this card without singing! 

The second card is a simple, one layer.  I stamped the palm tree twice.  Once on the card front and once on another piece of white cardstock, colored it in and cut it out.  I mounted the one palm tree with foam tape so that it would give the illusion that the tree was closer and "bigger".  I stamped and cut out the hammock and attached it to the two trees.  The ocean is colored with Copic markers and then covered in Stardust Stickles.  Doesn't it look like you could dive right in? 

Please stop by and visit the rest of the Baker's Dozen to see what they have to show you! 

Alex Maldonado, Carolina Buchting, Donna Baker, Jackie Pedro, Jami Sibley, Jeanie Witmer, Jodi Collins, Karen Giron, Karen Motz, Melissa Sauls, Nancy McKinney, Sankari Wegman and Taylor VanBruggen.

 I'll be back tomorrow with the last of my "peeks", so please stop back!  Everything you've seen will be available for purchase tomorrow, Friday at 8am Pacific!  Thanks for stopping by!