Simply Patriotic ....

TGIF stampin' peeps and welcome to the long holiday weekend! And, since it's finally another Friday, it's time for another "Stamp Simply" challenge!

This week, our challenge is a "Flying High and Proud" color challenge. This weekend marks the beginning of the Memorial Day Weekend here in the U.S., a time we remember and honor those who have so bravely and proudly served our country. Realizing we have blog readers that span the globe, today our challenge is to make a card or other project using the colors of your country's flag. The project can be patriotic in nature, but it's not necessary.

When you upload your creation, PLEASE tell us your Country and your flag's colors.

Sooooooo, since I'm an American and my flag colors are red, white, and blue:

Please join us this week! When you've completed your patriotic project, upload it to your blog or online photo gallery, then visit Sharon's blog, located HERE, to link up your project in Mr. Linky, located HERE.

When uploading to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please use keyword: "ssnotime141" so that we can find your project.

Don't miss the fabulous, patriotic projects created by the rest of the "Stamp Simply" team:

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits;

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat;

Sharon Johnson, Our Fearless Leader: No Time to Stamp?;

Janine Orchard: 2BKrafty;

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden;

Deb Saaranen: Dream in Color;

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover., (Barb is on hiatus this week), and tonight we're saying goodbye to our wonderful Guest Designer for May,

Teresa Kline: Enjoy the VA Sunshine.

Sooooooooo, yesterday afternoon Sheila and I teamed up to do some grocery shopping for the long weekend. After we'd gotten all the groceries packed away in the trunk, I noticed a stream of fluid pouring from the bottom of Sheila's car.

Sheila turned red, white, and blue then got on the phone to call her DH to come rescue us. After leaving messages at his shop, on his cell phone, and back at her house, he finally called back and promised to come save us.

When he arrived twenty minutes later, he immediately got down on the ground to check the leak. After a few minutes, he popped back up and said we were good to go.

"Are you sure? Absolutely sure? I don't wanna break down somewhere between here and home." Sheila asked.

"Oh, I'm sure," he answered, "it's apple juice."

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me ... have a fabulous holiday.

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• ABC Challenge: "V" is for Vintage ('Vintage' Vogue Stamp Set)
• Crafty Creations: Favorite Stamp (Vintage Vogue Set by Stampin' Up)
• Diva Coffee Break Designs: Color Challenge
  
• Fresh Brewed Designs: Red, White, and Blue
• Pixie Dust Studio: Going Round and Round (Brad, Flower)
• Res-Q Challenge: Red, White, and Blue
  
• Sentimental Sundays: Get Well
• Theme Thursday: Beauty (Beautiful Stamps)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Real Red" and "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: Patterns Pack III by Stampin' Up
• Stamp: Sentiment from PTI; Flowers from "Vintage Vogue" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Night of Navy" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Red Brad Pitts by American Crafts
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle Dies; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

Sweet Memories

Happy Thursday, crafty stampers!

Today's card project was created using stamps from Elle's Studio's "Sweet Summer" collection. I won 'em ... and lots of other fun "Sweet Summer" goodies ... on Jennifer McGuire's blog, Jennifer McGuire, Ink.

There's something about clean polymer acrylic that makes me wanna get all dirty with 'em:

KWIM? I'm lovin' these cool flower stamps ... and that fontalicious sentiment! For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo ... and for all of the sweet product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Sooooooo, Sheila's certifiably insane wacky sister, Jill, took a part-time job at Macy's. Apparently she knows something about dressing men, because she was assigned to the Men's Department. And we thought she only knew about undressing men ... go figger.

Anyway, last night, Sheila and I decided to stop by and harass see her.

When we arrived in the Men's Department, we found Jill helping ... and I use the term loosely ... a customer:

"I'm wanting a tie that would make my boyfriend's blue eyes really stand out," the woman explained.

"Well, I really shouldn't tell you this," Jill responded, "but any tie will make blue eyes stand out if you tie it tight enough."

Thanks so much for swingin' by ... hope you have a fabulous day!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• 365 Cards, Day 86: 1 Image/1 Sentiment/1 Embellishment/No DP
• Inktegrity Design Team: Sketch
• Inky Impressions: F.L.O.W.E.R.S. (F=Flowers / O=Pearls)
• Nutty Nutshells: Polka Dots (Flower Petals)
  
• Sew Many Challenges: Anything Goes
  
• Stamp Something: Two Somethings (2 Stamps/2 Colors)
• The Corrosive Challenge: Clean and Simple
  
• The Secret Crafter: No Patterned Paper

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Soft Suede" and "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamps: "Sweet Summer" Stamp Set by Elle's Studio
• Ink: "Bermuda Bay" and "Soft Suede" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Color Medium: Copic Markers
  
• Accessories: White Pearls
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rick-Rack Die (Leftovers); SAMJ by Stampin' Up; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

CAS-tastic Color Challenge

Happy Stump Day, hampers ... and welcome to another fantastic CAS-tastic Wednesday challenge!

This week, it's a color challenge and the fantastic CAS-tastic team is creating Clean And Simple cards featuring a 'Touch of Green.'

Here's a look at my 'touch of green' card:

To play along ... and we hope that you do! ... simply create a clean and simple card using just a touch of the color green.

Upload your project to your blog or online gallery and link your post to the CAS-tastic Wednesday Challenge blog, HERE, by 9:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday, June 1, 2010. Please mention that you're playing in the CAS-tastic Wednesday challenge on your blog post. One random winner will be chosen to receive three digi images of their choice from this week's fantastic CAS-tastic sponsor, "Squigglefly."

Be sure to submit your link to the "Simply Linked" widget on the CAS-tastic Wednesday blog ... and if you upload your project to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please be sure to use Keyword: "CWC005" so we can find your fabulous touch-of-green project.

Be sure to check out the a-mazing, b-eautiful, and c-olorful cards posted by the fantastic CAS-tastic designers:

Agata: Under Construction;

Angie: Angie Cortes Designs;

Barbara: Paper Pursuits;

BonnieRose: A Life Unrehearsed;

Karen: The Bald Dragonfly;

Maylee: Maylee's Creative Corner; and,

Regina: Scrap Creations by Regina.

We can't wait to see your "Touch of Green" cards!

Soooooooo, I was hangin' out in Sheila's kitchen yesterday with her DH, Ken, while she was leafing through one of her magazines:

"A new survey has found that one-third of all married women with pets say their animals are better listeners than their husbands." Sheila read aloud.

"Did you say something?" her DH asked.

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• 365 Cards, Day 85: Flora and Fauna
• Allsorts: Tag or Label
  
• Challenge Up Your Life: Recycling (Tag Has Been Flipped & Reused)
  
• Creative Inspirations: Distressed (Bird)
• Daisy Doodles: Anything Goes / Digital Image
• One Stitch at a Time: Furry (and Feathered) Friends
• Speedy the Cat's Friends: Animals
  
• Stampin' for the Weekend: Cheer Someone Up
• The Crafty Pad: Over the Edge (Leafy Branch)
  
• Wee Memories: The Sky's the Limit
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Basic Black" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: Making Memories
• Stamp: Sentiment Stamp by PTI
• Digital Image: Heaven's Gate Designs
• Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Mini Tag by Stampin' Up; Leafy Branch, Unknown
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Label Die; Dotted Embossing Folder; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top Folded)
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

A Quick Preview of the Year Ahead ...

Happy Tuesday, hoarding card-makers!

I ♥ the 'Order of the Opus Gluei' gals and their humorous take on ... everything! Today's card project was created for the Gluei's "Seasonal Icons" challenge. If you're not familiar with the Opus Gluei challenge blog, you can check 'em out HERE.

After spending an hour and a half trying to incorporate the theme of 'four seasons' into one CAS card, I finally gave up and took the easy way out ... and created a card using "The Seasons" stamp set by Hero Arts.

Can we shorthand it? Here's the highlights of the upcoming year:

For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo ... and for all the exciting product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Sooooooooo, yesterday I was hangin' out with Sheila when Reid-the-Wild-Child came home from school.

Stuffed in his lunchbox was a note from the Principal, advising all parents of an upcoming Drug Abuse Resistance Eduction program.

"Reid, do you understand what this is all about? Do you have any questions?" Sheila asked.

"No, I know: they're gonna teach us to stay away from cigarettes, beer, and marinara."

Thanks so much for stopping by ... hope you have a wonderful Tuesday!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Order of the Opus Gluei: Seasonal Icons
• Pile It On: Out of the Box (Stamp Set Came In a Box - I Took 'Em Outta the Box)
• Secret Crafter: No Patterned Paper
  
• Sew Many Challenges: Anything Goes
• Stamping Vacation: Clear As Mud (Icons Represent the 'Star' of the Season: Spring Flowers/Summer Sun/Fall Leaves/Winter Snow)
  
• The Crafty Calendar: The Great Outdoors
• Totally Stampalicious: The Dreaded Man Card
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Very Vanilla" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamps: "The Seasons" Stamp Set by Hero Arts; Sentiment by PTI
  
• Ink: All Dye Inks by Stampin' Up
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Square Die; SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" (Top Folded)
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

A Red, White, and Don't-Be-Blue Birthday ...

Happy Monday, crafty stampers ... hope your weekend was fabulous!

Today's card project was created for my birthday card stash using a patriotic color scheme and a large, swirl-infested sentiment stamp.

For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo ... and for all the fascinating product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Soooooooooo, this weekend Sheila and I decided to do a little mall-crawling. And we decided to go w-a-y downtown to do so.

Concerned about theft, Sheila removed the GPS system from her car and stuck it in her bag when we got there.

We immediately popped into Lord & Taylor and while there, the GPS came alive and a voice stated, "Lost satellite contact."

We weren't at all embarrassed until a woman turned to Sheila and said, "Your ankle bracelet monitor is talking to you."

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• C.R.A.F.T.: Celebrate / Birthday
• Crafty Ann's: Lots of Color
  
• Crafty Creations: Encouragement / Celebration
• La-La Land Crafts: Birthday Wishes
• Lots to Do: Flourishes and/or Swirls
  
• Meljen's Designs: Seeing Spots
• Our Daily Bread Designs: Focal Sentiment
  
• Stamp Something: 2 of Something (Card Stock/Words/Colors)
• The Crafty Pad: Over the Edge (Ribbon)
• The Creative Cottage: One for the Boys
  
• The Pink Elephant: Sketch (A Loose Interpretation)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Real Red" and "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: "Patterns Pack III by Stampin' Up
• Stamp: Unknown Sentiment (Unmounted)
• Ink: Night of Navy Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Navy Blue Satin Ribbon
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle Die; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" (Top Folded)
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

Simply Gone Askew ...

TGIF hoarding card-makers! And, since it's finally another Friday, it's time for another "Stamp Simply" challenge!

This week, our challenge is "Gone Askew." Simply place your focal image(s) 'askew' on your card. No trying to center it or mat it perfectly; this week, it's all about off-center, misaligned, or outta whack. What could be easier!?!

Here's my "gone askew" card:

Why not join in this week? Creating a "gone askew" card is fast ... and fun! When you've completed your "askew" card, upload it to your blog or online photo gallery, then visit Sharon's blog, located HERE, to link up your project in Mr. Linky, located HERE.

When uploading to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please use keyword: "ssnotime140" so that we can find your project.

Don't miss the fabulous, off-center projects created by the rest of the "Stamp Simply" team:

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits;

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat;

Sharon Johnson, Our Fearless Leader: No Time to Stamp?;

Janine Orchard: 2BKrafty;

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden;

Deb Saaranen: Dream in Color;

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover.; and our talented guest designer for May,

Teresa Kline: Enjoy the VA Sunshine.

Soooooooooo, yesterday Sheila and her deranged nutty sister, Jill, stopped by to say 'hey.'

While we were yakkin' it up, Sheila asked Jill if she was planning on attending our Church's Folk Mass this coming Sunday.

"Naw, I haven't gone to Mass in such a long time," she said. "Besides, it's too late for me. I've probably already broken all seven commandments."

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me ... hope you have a fantabulous weekend!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Creative Inspiration: Punches or Die Cuts (Heart Punch)
  
• Die Cut Dreams: Lace It Up
• Incy Wincy Designs: Blast From the Past
  
• Moe Joe Designs: Sketch (A 'Loose' Interpretation )
• S2G: Home Sweet Home / Color: Shades of Brown
• Shelly's Images: White Background Paper - No DP
  
• Sisterhood of Scrap: Shades of Brown
  
• The Secret Crafter: Metal
• The Three Muses: Relationships (Siblings)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Very Vanilla" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Other Paper: Corrugated Cardboard; Vintage Photo
  
• Stamps: "Definition" Background Stamp by Stampin' Up; Library Card Stamp by Maya Road
• Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up; "Pumice" and "Old Paper" Distress Inks by Ranger; "Chestnut Roan" Chalk Ink by Clearsnap
• Accessories: Crocheted Lace Ribbon; Metal Library Clip from Hodgepodge Hardware Kit by Stampin' Up; Metal Key Brad; Metal Photo Corners
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rick-Rack Die; Large Heart Punch by Stampin' Up; Tombow Mono Multi Glue from Stampin' Up; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

Plucky Plush Panda in a Pickle ...

I ♥ me some alliteration ...

Happy Thursday, crafty stampers!

Today's card project was created for the current Digi Kitty Challenge. This challenge is a "progressive" challenge: as long as you keep playing, you'll continue to receive free digital stamps. A no-brainer, yes?

I created my challenge entry using one of the cute l'il panda images from their "Panda Skies" digital stamp set:

I wasn't goin' for this bonus effect, but doesn't this l'il guy look a little ... terrified? It's those wiggle eyes .. they add a lot of terror for so little money!

For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo ... and for all of the heart-pounding product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Sooooooooo, I was hangin' out at Sheila's last night when she got a phone call:

"Omigosh, 7 pounds 5 1/2 ounces!?! I'm sooooo proud and happy for you!" Sheila said.

After she hung up I asked, "Who ... and boy or girl?"

"Barbara. Neither. Diet." Sheila said, short-handin' it.

Thanks so much for swingin' by today ... I'll be back tomorrow with this week's "Stamp Simply" challenge!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• A Spoon Full of Sugar: Cute and Girly
• Digi Doodles: Ribbon / Digital Image
• Doodle Palace: 3-D
  
• Etsy Inspired: Creation Designs (Fabric Hearts)
• Order of the Opus Gluei: Healthy: Fun Outdoor Activities; Wealthy: That's a LOT of Balloons; Wise: That Terrified Look
• The Crafty Calendar: The Great Outdoors
  
• The Digi Kitty: Panda Skies Challenge
• Your Next Stamp: Cut It Out and Pop It Up
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Basic Black" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Patterned Paper: Digital File by Hot Flash Designs
• Stamp: Sentiment by PTI
• Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Digital Image: "Panda Skies" Set by The Digi Kitty
• Color Medium: Copic Markers; Sharpie Paint Pen
  
• Accessories: Wiggle Eyes; Vintage Seam Binding; 1/8" Eyelet
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Tiny Tags Die; Tombow Mono Glue, Stampin' Dimensionals, and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

CAS-tastic One-Layer Card

Happy Stump Day, Hampers ... and welcome to another fantastic CAS-tastic Wednesday!

This week, the fantastic CAS-tastic team is creating Clean And Simple one-layer cards. To play along ... and we hope that you do! ... simply create a clean and simple card using a single layer. If you're uncertain, the definition of a one-layer card is a single piece of card stock folded in half.

Upload your one-layer project to your blog or online gallery and link your post to the CAS-tastic Wednesday Challenge blog, HERE, by 9:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday, May 25, 2010. Please mention that you're playing in the CAS-tastic Wednesday challenge on your blog post. One random winner will be chosen and will receive a $15.00 Gift Certificate from this week's fantastic CAS-tastic sponsor, "Busy Beauties Boutique."

Be sure to submit your link to the "Simply Linked" widget ... and if you upload your project to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please be sure to use Keyword: "CWC004" so we can find your fabulous one-layer card.

Be sure to check out the a-mazing 1-layer cards posted by the fantastic CAS-tastic designers:

Agata: Under Construction;

Angie: Angie Cortes Designs;

Barbara: Paper Pursuits;

Bonnie Rose: A Life Unrehearsed;

Karen: The Bald Dragonfly;

Maylee: Maylee's Creative Corner; and,

Regina: Scrap Creations by Regina.

We can't wait to see your one-layer cards!

My CAS red, white, and blue card was created for my DS ... a proud Seabee ... who served in the U.S. Navy for six years. I'll send him this for Memorial Day; he digs the color combination ... and, as he likes to say, "these colors don't run."

Sooooooooooo, yesterday, when I described this card and it's purpose ... and repeated the "these colors don't run" sentiment to Sheila's brain-dead wacky sister, Jill, she said, "Oh, yes, they do ... and I have a drawer full of pink underwear to prove it!"

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Crafty Ann's Challenge: Anything Goes
• Glenda's Random Amusing: Use Twine (In Button)
• Just Us Girls: Red, White, & Blue
  
• Ooh La-La Creations: Bright and Cheerful
  
• S2G Twisted Thursday: Home Sweet Home (USA)/Ribbon
  
• Stamp Something: Celebrate Something (Memorial Day)
• Stamp TV: Red, White, & Blue
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamp: Sentiment Stamp by Heidi Swapp; Star by Stampin' Up
  
• Ink: "Night of Navy" and "Real Red" Dye Inks by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Vintage Button; Vintage Bakery Twine; 1/2" Red Satin Ribbon
• Tools: SAMJ by Stampin' Up; Corner Chomper by WRMKs; Mini Glue Dot by Mini-Glue Dot
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

Fly Away L'il Notarized-Document Birdie!

Happy Tuesday, Hoarding Card Makers!

Today's Clean and Simple card project was created for my down-in-the-dumps BFF using a fun digital image:

For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo ... and for all of the heart-pounding product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Sooooooooooo, Sheila's brother's wife, Denise, is pregnant and expecting a bouncing baby boy this summer. Yesterday Sheila, Reid-the-Wild-Child, and I went by Sheila's SIL to drop off some of Reid's old baby clothes.

"Aunty Denise, you're getting fat!" Reid observed.

"Yes, honey, but remember Aunt Denise has a baby growing in her tummy." Denise explained.

"I know, but what's growing in your butt?"

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me! I'll be back tomorrow with this week's fantastic CAS-tastic Wednesday challenge!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Anne's Creative Nook: Round and Round We Go (DP)
• BasicGrey Challenges: Punch It (BG Paper: "Offbeat" Collection)
• Cute Card Thursday: Someone Special (BFF Needs Cheerin' Up)
• Dare U 2 Dig Stamp: Anything Goes / Digital Image
• Inktegrity Design Team: Sketch (Rotated 180)
  
• Pile it On: Photo Inspiration
• Pixie Dust Studio: Cut It Out (Bird)
  
• Practical Scrappers: Patterned Paper
  
• Shelly's Images: Anything Goes / Digital
  
• The Crazy Challenge: Something New (Martha Stewart Border Punch)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: BasicGrey
• Digital Image: Heaven's Gate Designs
  
• Stamp: Sentiment from "Whimsical Words" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Leaves Die by Sizzix; Border Punch by MS; A2 Embossing Folder by Provo Craft; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" (Top-Folded)
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

Shhhhh ... I'm Watchin' Paint Peel

Happy Monday, Craftologists ... hope your weekend was long and lovely!

Today's card project was created with the current Play Date Cafe Challenge, PDCC29, in mind ... among others. I love to participate in this challenge as the color schemes are always fantastic ... and unusual. And this week is no exception ... here's a look at the inspiration photo:

WoWzA, you don't see this color combination every day ... or do you?!? 'Cuz you'll never guess what this photo is: it's an intense close-up of peeling paint. Who knew it was this exciting to look at paint peeling?!? W-a-y more fun than watching paint dry ... For all of the challenging deets, please visit The Play Date Cafe Challenge blog located HERE.

I tore my stash apart looking for something in that shade of lime green and was astounded to discover I had nothing. Well, we won't let a l'il thing like that stand in our way! I used something as close to that lime green as possible ... the mat behind the bunch of tulips:

A few l'il details: the tulip thingie is an ancient sticker from Paper Bliss, the ribbon is vintage seam binding, the edge of the tulips were colored with a pale blue Copic marker, and the flourish was cut from vintage wallpaper.

For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo ... and for all of the amazing product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Sooooooooo, this weekend, Sheila's DH, Ken, was reading to us from the Palm Beach Post. He does this a LOT and it's kinda annoying ...

"Says here that the Department of Agriculture has decided to set new, stricter salmonella standards for poultry." Ken read to us.

"Well, Lord knows I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure the standard should just be 'no salmonella allowed'." Sheila replied.

Thanks so much for visiting today ... I really appreciate it!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• ABC Challenge: 'U' is for 'Unused' (Paper Bliss Tulip Sticker)
• Clearly Delightful: Blue and Green
  
• Crafty Catz: Petals and Pearls
• Drunken Stampers: Scraps (Tulips; I Can't Get Rid of This!)
  
• Fairy Fun Friday's: Flowers
  
• Meljen's Designs: Flowers & Blooms
• Paper Make-Up Stamps: Three Flowers
  
• Res-Q Challenge: Superfoods (Kiwi: Color)
  
• The Play Date Cafe Challenge: Color
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: White by PTI; "Garden Green" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: Pale Blue From "Periphery" Collection by BasicGrey
• Other Paper: Vintage Wallpaper
  
• Stamp: Sentiment by PTI
• Ink: "Garden Green" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Color Medium: Copic Marker (B0000)
• Accessories: Tulip Sticker by Paper Bliss; Vintage Seam Binding; Flat-Back Pearls
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle Die; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

Simply Sketchy ...

TGIF, crafty stampers! And, since it's another fabulous Friday, it's time for another fabulous "Stamp Simply" challenge.

This week, "Stamp Simply" team member Jennifer Buck created a sketch for us to follow. It's a fun one and we can't wait to see all the creations it inspires! Here's a look at Jen's sketch:

There's nothing like a great sketch to jump-start your creativity! Here's a look at the 'thank you' card I created following Jennifer's sketch:

Please join us this week! Create anything you'd like following this fun sketch. When you've completed your sketchy project, upload it to your blog or online photo gallery, then visit Sharon's blog, located HERE, to link up your project in Mr. Linky, located HERE.

When uploading to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please use keyword: "ssnotime139" so that we can find your project.

Don't miss the fabulous sketchy projects created by the rest of the "Stamp Simply" team:

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits;

Jennifer Buck: The Buck Stamps Here; (Sadly, this will be Jennifer's last week with us as she's decided to lighten her load of commitments and spend more time with her family. We'll miss you, Jennifer, and we'll be praying for you and your Mom! To read Jennifer's post, clicky HERE.)

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat;

Sharon Johnson, Our Fabulous Leader: No Time to Stamp?;

Janine Orchard: 2BKrafty;

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden;

Deb Saaranen: Dream in Color;

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover.; and our fabulous Guest Designer for May,

Teresa Kline: Enjoy the VA Sunshine.

Sooooooooooo, yesterday I stopped by Sheila's and found her and her whacked-out fun sister, Jill, lounging by the pool sipping frosty blender drinks and reading celebrity magazines.

"So, listen to this: Tyra Banks is writing a new series of kids' books. Like, hello? Tyra Banks?!?" Jill exclaimed.

"Oh, sure," Sheila responded, "It's prolly gonna be similar to Kate Moss' book, 'Green Eggs and Crack.'"

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me ... have a great weekend!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• 365 Cards, Day 73: Tri-Colored
• City Crafter: Color Challenge
• Crafty Ann's: Anything Goes
• Etsy Inspired: Lindsay Brackeen (Cat Kitten Girl Print)
  
• For Fun Challenge: Use a Real Stamp
  
• Glenda's Random Amusing Challenge: Die-Cuts
• La-La-Land Crafts: Anything Goes
• Splitcoast Stampers, CC270: Melon Mambo, Soft Suede
  
• Stampaholics 10 Minute Challenge: Inspiration
  
• Stampavie and More: Pink
  
• Whoopsi Daisy Challenge: As You Like It
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Soft Suede" and "Very Vanilla" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: Patterned Paper from the "Bloom & Grow" Collection by My Mind's Eye
• Stamps: Stamps from the "Trendy Trees" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Melon Mambo" and "Soft Suede" Dye Inks by Stampin' Up
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Square Dies by Spellbinders; Rick-Rack Die by PTI; Stamp-a-Ma-Jig by Stampin' Up; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

A RAK to Share ...

Happy Thursday, Crafty Stampers ... hope your week is flyin' by!

Today I have a beautiful ... and delish ... RAK to share with you. I received this stunning card AND these yummy Tazo teas from my dear bloggin' friend, Allison from Stampin' When I Can. I love everything about this card ... the fab DP, that gorgeous stamp, the great color palette, and those wonderful l'il pearls. It's my new-favorite-Allison-card ... and it's mine, all mine!

I've been havin' a pretty rotten week, so this envie full o'wonderful came at just the right time ... hmmm, it's almost like you knew, Allison!?!

I'll be back tomorrow with my "Stamp Simply" challenge post. And if you don't already, please be sure to visit Allison's blog. Allison's blog is kinda 'Ground Zero' for all of Stampin' Blogdom. Clicky HERE to visit Allison's wonderful ... and too-much-fun! ... blog.

Thanks so much for droppin' by today ... see y'all tomorrow! And thanks again, Allison!

~Hugs,


Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

CAS-tastic Round and Round

Happy Stump Day Hampers ... and welcome to another "CAS-tastic Wednesday" challenge!

This week, the fantastic CAS-tastic team is creating clean and simple cards featuring circles. To play along ... and we hope that you do! ... simple create a clean and simple card featuring circular elements.

Then, upload your project to your blog or online gallery and link your post to the CAS-tastic Wednesday Challenge blog, HERE, by 10:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday, May 18, 2010. One random winner will be chosen and will receive their choice of any three sets from this week's fantastic CAS-tastic sponsor, "The Cutting Cafe."

Be sure to submit your link to the "Simply Linked" widget ... and if you upload your project to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please be sure to use Keyword: "CWC003" so we can find your fabulous round and round card.

Be sure to check out the a-mazingly b-eautiful c-ircular cards posted by the fantastic CAS-tastic designers:

Agata: Under Construction;

Angie, Our Fearless Leader: Angie Cortes Designs;

Barbara: Paper Pursuits;

Bonnie Rose: A Life Unrehearsed;

Karen: The Bald Dragonfly;

Maylee: Maylee's Creative Corner; and,

Regina: Scrap Creations by Regina.

We can't wait to see your fantastic CAS-tastic circle card!

Sooooooooo, yesterday Sheila and I were hangin' out with her insane fun sister, Jill.

The conversation turned to living legends ... then disgraced legends ... and then deceased legends.

Finally, Sheila asked, "So, if you could have a conversation with someone, living or dead, who would it be?"

"Oh, the living one, for sure!" Jill responded.

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Bugaboo Stamps: Flower Power
• Clearly Delightful: Blue and Green
  
• Forever Friends: Flowers or Nature
  
• Hand Full of Stamps: Just a Little Dotty
• Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger: Frill and Thrills
  
• One Stitch at a Time: Going Dotty
• Rainbow Lady: No Patterned Paper
  
• Res-Q Challenge: Inspiration
  
• Stempletraume: Dots
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
  
• Stamps: Dotted Border by Great Impressions; Sentiment from "In a Word" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Pacific Point" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Dotted Flowers by Prima; Silk Flowers, Unknown; Brad Pitt by CTMH
• Tools: Stamp-a-Ma-Jig; Corner Chomper by WRMK's; Stampin' Dimensionals by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4", Top Folded
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

The Rare "Haiku Bunny" Lives!

Happy Tuesday, Hoarding Card Makers!

Today's card project features the elusive "Haiku Bunny" wood-mounted stamp by Hero Arts. Long-time stamp aficionados and collectors know how much these stamps have sold for on eBay ... I saw one go for well over $70.00 a few years ago. So, if anyone would like to purchase my only-used-once-on-a-Sunday-afternoon Haiku Bunny stamp, just let me know ... I'll make you a fabtastic deal!

Here's my Haiku Bunny card:

This card was created for use as a birthday card ... it wasn't till I posted this that I realized you can't really read the tag. Pretend you do ...

For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo ... and for all the magical product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Sooooooo, Sheila and I were yakkin' it up last night and, since we both TiVo "Glee" ... and of late "American Idol" has been running long ... it's been ruining the big "Glee" finale for us every week since the show returned on April 13. Between that unforgivable act ... and the boring, no-talent-contestants, we're kinda hatin' on AI this season.

"Well, in all fairness, they are doing wonderful things with their "Idol Gives Back" charity event." I offered.

"Yeah, well, I want them to give me back all the hours I've wasted watching "American Idol!" Sheila griped.

Thanks so much for stopping by today ... you rock!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Cowgirls Sunday: Spring
• Crafty Catz: A Card and a Tag
  
• Crafty Creations: Magical
• Crazy Challenge: Cute and Cuddly
• Critter Sketch Challenge: A Critter Birthday
  
• ECP Challenges: Spring
  
• Gingersnap Creations, Chestnut Theme: Read
  
• Paper Cutz: Zoo Animals
• Pile It On: Cute and Cuddly
  
• Stamp Something: Birthday Somethings
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: Stampers Select White Card Stock by PTI; Mint Green Card Stock by Georgia Pacific
• Oriental Text: Vintage Ephemera from Personal Stash
• Stamps: Haiku Bunny Stamp by Hero Arts; Sentiment by PTI
• Ink: Memento "Tuxedo Black" Dye Ink
• Color Medium: Jade Copic Marker
• Accessories: Vintage Seam Binding
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Tiny Tag Die; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
  

Shop for Stampin' Up products online ... 24/7 ... HERE

Life Happens. Stamps Help.

Happy Monday, Crafty Mothers ... hope your holiday weekend was fabulous!

Today's one-layer card was created using the Vintage Vogue stamp set and a design based on a card project created by ... someone. I was sure I had bookmarked it, but I can't find it. If anyone recognizes this project, please let me know so I can post credit. *ETA: Vicki very kindly supplied the credit info. The card was designed by Sarah Gough, and can be seen HERE. Thanks, Vicki and Sarah!

For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo ... and for all of the exciting product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Soooooooo, this weekend the DH and I were hangin' out at Sheila's when her psychotic fun sister, Jill, and her crazy sweet boyfriend, Jack, stopped by.

"Look what Jack got for me!" Jill exclaimed.

"A cell-phone; whoopie! Welcome to the 80's!" Sheila sniped.

"Yeah, it's the coolest thing! Just yesterday, I was at Wal-Mart and Jack called me and he was all like, 'so, how's the phone working' and stuff. And I was all like, 'it's great .. it's so small and I hear you clear as a bell, oh, and I just love the song Jack put on it, too.'"

"Oh, yeah, cell phones are a modern miracle." Sheila said.

"They sure are," Jill answered, "otherwise, how would Jack know to call me at Wal-Mart?"

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• 52-Card Pick Up: Have I Done Any Good?
• Clearly Inspired: Flowers
• Delightful Sketches: Punches (Corner Rounder)
  
• Fab 'n' Funky Challenge: Fancy Edges
• Simple Doodles: You're On My Mind
• Wednesday Stamper: Stamped Flowers
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamps: "Vintage Vogue" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Rich Razzleberry" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Navy Satin Ribbon
• Tools: Stamp-a-Ma-Jig; Scissors; Corner Rounder
  
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" (Side-Folded)
  

Simply Mother's Day ...

TGIF, Stampers! And, since it's another fabulous Friday, it's time for another fabulous "Stamp Simply" challenge!

Since this is Mother's Day weekend, let's do a card or project for Mother's Day. We realize that many of you have your Mother's Day projects completed, so in that case make your card or project suitable for a woman for any occasion you desire. Just make sure it's female oriented. That's it; we can't wait to see what you create!

I decided to create a one-layer Mother's Day card:

Please join us and create a fabulous project for your Mom(s) ... or another special female in your life. When you've completed your Mother's Day creation, upload it to your blog or online photo gallery, then visit Sharon's blog, HERE, to link up your project in Mr. Linky, located HERE.

When uploading to an online gallery, such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet , please use keyword: "ssnotime138" so that we can find your project.

I created my bow out of vintage seam binding tape that I spritzed with my homemade "Glitzy Mist," DTP'ed a scrap of Kraft card stock with "Tattered Rose" Distress ink for my butterfly, and colored my image using Distress inks and an Aqua Brush. Here's a close-up of the front of my card:

As always, for the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photos ... and for all of the exciting product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Now, prepare to be 'wowed' when you see the gorgeous projects created by the rest of the talented "Stamp Simply" team:

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits;

Jennifer Buck: The Buck Stamps Here; (Jen is off this week)

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat;

Sharon Johnson, Our Fearless Leader: No Time to Stamp?;

Janine Orchard: 2bKrafty;

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden;

Deb Saaranen: Dream in Color;

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover.; and our fabulous Guest Designer for May,

Teresa Kline: Enjoy the VA Sunshine.

Finally, this week we're thrilled to welcome the talented Sherry Cheever, of Walkin' on the Bad Side, as Special Guest Designer. Clicky HERE to visit Sherry's blog and see her gorgeous card.

Soooooooooo, since Sheila's insane fun sister, Jill, purchased a home with The Sandwich Man, (see HERE and HERE), she's been wanting Sheila and I to take her out to the plant and tree nursery where we purchase our landscape plants and palm trees.

The nursery is w-a-y out west ... and to get there, you have to travel over miles of narrow dirt roads. Most of the roads out here are dirt so we're used to that, but we weren't expecting to get stuck in a traffic jam out in the desolate South Florida wilderness.

As we inched closer, we discovered that the hold-up was caused by a Department of Transportation work crew putting the finishing touches on a new road sign that read, "Deer Crossing."

Once past the work crew, we noticed a beautiful doe and her tiny fawn crossing the road. That's when psychotic wacky Jill said, "Oh, the poor things, I wonder how long they've been waiting to cross?"

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me ... hope you have a fantastical weekend!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• CCEE Stampers: Mother's Day
• Crafty Ho's: Mother's Day and Flowers
• Delightful Sketches: Pull Out Your Punches (Butterfly)
  
• Divine Diva Challenge: Inspiration
  
• For Fun Challenge: A Card for a Mom
• Gingersnap Creations Color Challenge: Kraft
• If the Shoe Fits: For Mom
  
• Oh La La Challenge: Minimalist
• Pixie Dust Studio: Kraft
• Raise the Bar: Mother's Day
  
• Sentimental Sundays: For That Special Someone
• Stamptacular Sunday: A Celebration for Moms
  
• Stampin' B's: Botanical Card
• Totally Stampalicious: Flower Power
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Kraft" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamps: Flowered Branch from "Elements of Style" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up; Sentiment from "Well Scripted" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up; "Mustard Seed," "Peeled Paint," "Shabby Shutters," "Tattered Rose," and "Walnut Ink" Distress Inks by Ranger Industries
  
• Accessories: Vintage Seam Binding Tape; Flat-Back Pearl; Pearl-Ex "Perfect Pearl" Powder
• Tools: Butterfly Punch by MS; Aqua Painter by Stampin' Up; Copic Marker (To Color Flat-Back Pearl); Corner Chomper by WRMK's; Mini-Mister
  
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

You Look Marvelo{US}!

Happy Thursday, Crafty Stampers!

Today's Clean and Simple card project was created using a fun new stamp set from Stampin' Up and SU's "Beautiful Wings" Embosslits die. Love how this die cuts and embosses so beautifully!

I also used a bit of the new "Cherry Cobbler" card stock from Stampin' Up's upcoming "In Color" collection:

Easy-peasy and ready to serve in just 15 Minutes! For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo ... and for all of the marvelo{us} product info, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Soooooooo, last night I was hangin' out at Sheila's when her crazy cheap sister, Jill, and her loser lovely boyfriend, Jack, stopped by.

Reid-the-Wild-Child, currently on a mission to raise money for his Cub Scout Pack, cornered them as soon as they sat down.

"Aunty Jill, will you please buy a candy bar from me?" Reid asked.

"Well, no. I can't. Sorry, Kidlette, but I'm on a diet and I can't have candy in the house."

Disappointed, but not giving up, he turned to Jack and politely asked him if he'd buy a candy bar.

"Well, sure, l'il rug-rat! How much?"

"Just one dollar."

As Jack took a dollar out of his pocket, he turned to Sheila and I and said, "Ya know, every time I look at a dollar bill, I wonder if its ever been in a stripper's butt crack."

OMG!!

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• 365 Cards: White, White Space, Wings
• Cinema Saturday: America's Sweethearts
• Craft Your Passion: Embossing
• Flutter By Wednesday: Open / Butterfly
  
• Glenda's Random Amusing Challenge: Use a Butterfly
• Sweet Stampin' Challenge: It's Summer Time (SU Only)
  
• The Secret Crafter: Friendship
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Cherry Cobbler," "Pink Pirouette," and "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamp: Sentiment from "In a Word" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Riding Hood Red" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: "Pink Pirouette" Grosgrain Ribbon by Stampin' Up
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; "Beautiful Wings" Embosslits Die by Stampin' Up; Corner Chomper by WRMK; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5" x 5" (Top-Folded)