Simply Masculine ...

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

This week, Sharon has challenged us to create The. Dreaded. Man. Card. This week, let's come up with some great 'guy-cards' ... for any reason: birthday, thank you, get well, thinking of you, etc. Just make a card that is more suited to sending to the guys in our lives. Uh, oh, one teensy-tiny stipulation: NO BOWS! You may use ribbon or string ... but only in a "manly" fashion.

Here's my take on a bow-free, stringy masculine card:

You might not be able to tell from my photo, but I stamped my beloved fern background stamp using watermark ink, then embossed with 'Topiary' embossing powder.

To play along in this week's challenge ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a masculine card following the ribbon-or-string-but-no-bows guidelines. Then, upload it to your blog or online photo gallery and 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: "ssnotime156" so that we can find your project.

Need more inspiration? Don't miss the fabulously manly projects created by the rest of the "Stamp Simply" team:

Sharon, Our Fearless Leader: No Time To Stamp?;

AJ: The Willow Garden;

Barb: Explore. Dream. Discover.;

Barbara: Paper Pursuits;

Deb: Dream in Color;

Janine: 2BKrafty; and,

Jenny: One Krafty Kat.

We can't wait to see your manly creations!

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

~Hugs,


Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: All Card Stock by Stampin' Up!
• Stamps: Fern Background Stamp by Peddler's Pack; Sentiment from "Sincere Salutations" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up!
• Ink: Versamark Watermark Ink for Embossing; Sentiment Stamped with "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up!
• Accessories: Hemp Jewelry Cord by Elements; 'Topiary' Embossing Powder by Stamp-N-Stuff
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Oval Die by Spellbinders; Heat Gun; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up!
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Side-Folded)
  

Stamp Simply: One-Layer Cards

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

This week, our challenge is brought to us by team member Barbara Anders. Barbara is challenging everyone to create a one-layer card. That means only the card base ... not the card base + one other layer ... NO layers allowed.

Embellish your card however you'd like ... ribbon, buttons, bling, scoring, anything goes but no layers! C'mon, give it a try: OLC's are fast and fun!

Here's my one-layer card:

I used a Nestabilities die to create a debossed frame in the card stock, then stamped my image inside the frame using Versamark embossing ink. I heat embossed the focal image using black embossing powder, stamped my sentiment, and tied a satin ribbon around the front of the card and into a bow. Quick and easy!

To play along ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a one-layer 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: "ssnotime151" so that we can find your project.

Need more inspiration? Don't miss the fabulous projects created by the rest of the "Stamp Simply" team:

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

AJ: The Willow Garden;

Barb: Explore. Dream. Discover.;

Barbara: Paper Pursuits;

Deb: Dream in Color;

Janine: 2 B Krafty;

Jenny: One Krafty Kat; and, our fabulous Guest Designer for August,

Charlene: Paper and Ink Playground.

If you'd like, you can see all of the Splitcoast Stampers gallery submissions HERE.

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

Sooooooooooo yesterday, Sheila and I took a trip to Michaels to oohhhhh and ahhhhh over stamps, and punches, and patterned paper. You know, the usual attractions.

As we wandered aimlessly around the store, Sheila spotted a familiar face. Being the one-woman Welcome Wagon that she is, Sheila dragged me over to say hello.

"You look like Helen Brown!" Sheila exclaimed.

"Well," the woman snapped back, "you don't look so great in blue, either!"

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Cute Card Thursday: Whateva
  
• Dutch Dare: Anything Goes
  
• Lollipop Crafts: Anything Goes
  
• Meljen's Designs: Clean and Simple
  
• Pals Paper Arts: Masculine KISS
• Papertake Weekly: White and Bright
  
• Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge: Anything Goes
• Practical Scrappers: Just One Embellishment (Ribbon)
  
• Really Reasonable Ribbon: Black and White / Ribbon
• Sparkle Creations: Favorite Embellishment (Ribbon)
  
• Stamp n' Doodle: Birthday Card
  
• Tuesday Taggers: Lots of Lovely Black
• Your Next Stamp: Birthday
  
• Wild Flower Wednesday: Embossing (Heat Embossing)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: White Card Stock by PTI
• Stamps: "Floral Tile" Stamp by Stampendous; Sentiment by PTI
• Ink: Versamark Watermark Ink; "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up!
• Accessories: Black Satin Ribbon; Super-Fine Detail Embossing Powder by Ranger
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle Die by Spellbinders; Heat Gun
  
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

CASE'ing the CAS-tastic Design Team ...

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

This week, we're challenging you to CASE a CAS-tastic Wednesday Design Team member. Simply create a project inspired by one of the Design Team members' cards. You can find links to each blog below or you can see all of the cards in one place by visiting the CAS-tastic Wednesday Challenge blog, located HERE.

Here's the card I created for you to CASE ... should you decide you'd like to:

This card is super-simple to recreate ... and don't feel that you have to duplicate the handmade vintage dressmaker's tissue pattern paper flower. Say that 5 times fast ...

Feel free to use any type or kind of flower; the choice is yours. 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.

Upload your completed project to your blog or online gallery and link your post to the CAS-tastic Wednesday Challenge blog, located HERE, by 9:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday, August 10, 2010. Please mention that you're playing in the CAS-tastic Wednesday challenge on your blog post. One random winner will win his or her choice of four fabulous images and a package of handmade buttons (15 buttons in assorted colors), from this week's fantastic CAS-tastic sponsor, "Jane's Doodle for Squigglefly."

Be sure to submit your link to the "Simply Linked" widget on the CAS-tastic Wednesday blog. If you upload your project to an online gallery such as Splitcoast Stampers, SNR, or Paper Craft Planet, please be sure to use Keyword: CWC015.

Choose your Design Team member to CASE from this list:

Agata: Under Construction;

Angie: Angie Cortes Designs;

Deb: Paper, Ink, Scissors, & Stamps (You Are Here!)

Karen: The Bald Dragonfly;

Maylee: Maylee's Creative Corner; and,

Regina: Regina's Scrap Creations.

We can't wait to find out who you're CASE'ing and see your clean and simple "CASE-a-Design-Team-Member" card!

As always, thanks so much for spending part of your very busy day with me!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• A Passion for Papertrey: For a Friend
• Craftalicious Challenges: Make Your Own Flower
• Crafty Sentiments: 2 Embellishments (Flower, Ribbon)
  
• Creatalicious: Show Some 3-D (Flower)
• Fab 'n' Funky: Spotty, Dotty, and Stretchy Stripes (Brad)
  
• Glenda's Random Amusing Challenge: Hardware (Metal Brad)
  
• Party Time Tuesdays: Summer Birthday
• Practical Scrappers: #1 Favorite Product (Kraft Card Stock)
• Prairie Fairy Designs: 3-D (Flower)
  
• Sentimental Sundays: Switch it Up (New Technique: Created My Flower with Vintage Dressmaker's Tissue Pattern Paper / Sentiment
• Stamp and Create: Flower(s)
  
• Stamp, Scrap, and Doodle: Clean and Simple
  
• The Alphabet Challenge: 'N' is For Nature (Flower)
• The Crafty Pad: Ribbon and Flower(s)
  
• The Shabby Tearoom: (Inspired by Color Palette)
• The Stamp Man Challenge: 2 Colors (Brown / Turquoise)
• Treehouse Thursday: Seeing Dots (Brad)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Crumb Cake" Card Stock by Stampin' Up!
• Patterned Paper: Digital File, Unknown
• Other Paper: Vintage Dressmaker's Pattern Paper
  
• Stamps: Sentiment by PTI
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up!
• Accessories: Pebble Brad by Making Memories; Twill Tape by Stampin' Up!
• Tools: Corner Rounder Punch by Stampin' Up!; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up!
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

This Old Thing?!?

Happy Monday, crafty-chicks ... hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Today's card project was created for the current Etsy Inspired and Frosted Designs challenges ... among others.

I created my multi-challenge card using a v-e-r-y old original Bingo card and vintage wooden Bingo markers, all circa 1950:

The striped background paper I used is a digital file and the arrow was cut using a die. 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.

Sooooooo, Sheila's certifiably insane wacky sister, Jill, stopped over yesterday to say hello.

"So, what did you do last night?" Jill asked.

"Me? I'm married ... I stayed home."

"Oh, well, that's nice. Know what I did?"

"I'm almost afraid to ask." I replied.

"I went to the thirtieth reunion of my preschool class. And I'll be honest, Deb, I really didn't want to go, because I've put on like a hundred pounds."

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Anything Goes: Punches (Corner Rounder)
• Bee Crafty: All About the Image (Digital Paper)
• Challenge Up Your Life: Birthday / Celebration
• Cute Card Thursday: Texting Crazy (Numbers, BINGO)
  
• Digi Doodles: Die-Cuts (Sentiment Label, Arrow)
• Etsy Inspired: "Becky Kazana" (Bingo Party Hat)
• Frosted Designs: Include An Arrow
  
• Ohh-La-La: Birthday
• One Stop Craft: Patterns (Stripes, Bingo Card Pattern)
• Paper Romance: Birthday / Celebration
  
• Party Time Tuesdays: Anything Goes Birthday
• Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge: Recipe
• Sketches, Challenges, & Blog Hops: Birthday
  
• Stampin' B's Design Team: Birthday
• The Crazy Challenge: All About Birthdays
• Wee Memories: Chipboard / Die-Cuts
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: All Card Stock by Stampin' Up!
• Patterned Paper: Digital File, Unknown
  
• Other Paper: Vintage Chipboard Bingo Card
• Stamp: Sentiment Stamp by Papertrey Ink
  
• Accessories: Red Twill Tape; Typewriter Key-Style Word Tile by K&Company; Vintage Bingo Markers
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Arrow Die; Label Die; Corner Rounder Punch by Stampin' Up!; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up!
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

A Very Grungy Birthday ...

Happy Thursday, hoarding card-makers ... hope your week is flyin' by!

Today's card project was created for my grungy/distressed/manly birthday card stash using a new tree stamp from CTMH, some old cardboard, and some vintage lace salvaged from an old crocheted table runner:

Pretty darn grungy, huh?

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

Soooooo, yesterday Sheila and I were flipping through one of Sheila's photo albums when her crazy fun sister, Jill, stopped by.

"Hey, Jill, look at this! It's a great photo of you!" I said to Jill.

"Oh, that. That's my passport picture." she replied.

"Really? Where did you go?" I asked.

"Walgreens."

Thanks so much for swingin' by today ... I ♥ it when you do!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• 365 Cards, Day 129: Aged Look
• ABC Challenge: 'Y' is For You and Me (2 Stamped Images)
• Ai Factory: Recycle, Upcycle, Reuse (Cardboard and Lace)
  
• Crafty Cardmakers: Inky Fingers
  
• Cowgirls Sunday: Celebration, Scallops, Embellies (Scalloped Lace)
  
• Cuttlebug Challenge: Doilies and Lace
• Lexi's Creations: Layers / 3D Decoupage
• Little Red Wagon: Nestabilities (Rectangle Dies)
  
• One Stitch at a Time: Lace, Ribbons, Bows (Crocheted Lace)
  
• One Stop Craft Challenge: Distressing
• Paper Playtime: It's a Guy Thing
  
• Stamping Vacation, Embellish It: Twine
• Stamping Vacation, No-No Challenge: Ribbon
  
• Wild Flower Wednesday: Grunge
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Chocolate Chip" and "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Other Paper: Cardboard
• Stamps: Sentiment from PTI; Tree from "Treetops" Stamp Set by CTMH
• Ink: "Almost Artichoke" and "Close to Cocoa" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up; "Vintage Photo" Distress Ink by Ranger
  
• Accessories: Mini Metal Library Clips by Stampin' Up; Natural Jute Twine; Vintage Crocheted Lace; Jump Ring
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Rectangle Nestabilities Dies by Spellbinders; Tiny Tag Die; Distressing Tool; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

CAS-tastic Kraft ...

Happy Stump Day, hampers ... and welcome to another fantastic CAS-tastic Wednesday challenge! This week, we're inviting you to join us in creating a card using Kraft card stock.

I love using different shades of blue with Kraft and decided to create my card using Stampin' Up Kraft card stock, now known as "Crumb Cake," and a soft turquoise shade:

To play along ... and we hope that you do! ... simply create a clean and simple card using Kraft card stock.

Upload your project to your blog or online gallery and link your post to the CAS-tastic Wednesday Challenge blog, located HERE, by 9:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday, July 13, 2010. Please mention that you're playing in the CAS-tastic Wednesday challenge on your blog post. One random winner will win a $10.00 gift certificate from this week's fantastic CAS-tastic sponsor, "Softpencil."

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: "CWC011."

Need more inspiration? Check out the fabulous cards created by the rest of the fantastic CAS-tastic Design Team:

Agata: Under Construction;

Angie: Angie Cortes Designs;

Barbara: Paper Pursuits; (Barb is sitting out this week)

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 clean and simple Kraft creation.

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Alphabet Challenge: 'J' is for Jewels
• Cards & Things: Sketch
  
• Creative Card Crew: Die-Cut (Butterfly Die)
• Ellephantastic Challenge: It's Up to You
• Flutter By Wednesday #112: Anything Goes / Butterfly
  
• Prairie Fairy Designs: Anything Goes
• Sentimental Sundays: Celebrations / Sentiment
• Shelly's Images: Anything Goes with a Celebration
  
• Squigglefly: Open Challenge
• Wee Memories: Free for All
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: Kraft n/k/a "Crumb Cake" Stock by Stampin' Up
  
• Designer Paper: "Mocha Chica" Collection by Cornish Heritage Farms
• Stamps: All Stamps by PTI
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Grosgrain Ribbon; Flat-Back Pearls
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; "Beautiful Wings" Embosslit Die by Stampin' Up; Corner Chomper by WRMK'ers; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
  
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" (Top Folded)
  

Happy Birthday!

Happy Thursday, crafty stampers ... hold on, the weekend is in sight!

Today's card was created for my depleted birthday card stash using some fun banner stamps, old patterned paper, a few buttons, and some super-yummy silk ribbon:

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.

Sooooooooo, yesterday while I was hangin' out at Sheila's, Reid-the-Wild-Child had his friend, Brian, over to play.

When it got a little too quiet, Sheila asked me to stick my head in and see what the l'il rascals were up to.

"Do Dads always snore?" I heard Brian ask.

"Naw, only when they're asleep." Reid responded.

Thanks so much for swingin' by the ol' blogstead today ... I ♥ it when you do!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• 365 Cards, #116: Cut 3 Ways (Scissors, Border Punch, Corner Punch)
• ABC Challenge: 'X' is for X-tra Dimension
• Bunny Zoe's: Nice and Girly
  
• Design Dollies: Ice Cream (Vanilla, Strawberry, Raspberry/Blueberry)
  
• Everybody Art: Green & Pink
  
• Forever Friends: NOT Forever Friends
• The Character Cafe: Paper Piecing
  
• The Crazy Challenge: All Things Spotty
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: "Bloom & Grow" Collection by My Mind's Eye
• Stamps: All Stamps from The Stamps of Life
• Ink: "Soft Suede" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Buttons; Silk Ribbon from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store; Vintage Twine
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; "Swiss Dots" A2 Embossing Folder; Border Punch by MS; Corner Chomper by WRMK's; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" (Top-Folded)
  

Let Your Imagination Take Flight

Happy Tuesday, hoarding card-makers!

Today's 15 Minute card project was created in a flash using a layered digital file, a stamped tag, and a bit of satin ribbon.

For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo ... and for all of the digi-deets, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Sooooooo, on Sunday Sheila and I and our DH's went out and played a round of golf. The guys really don't like going out with us, but it being Father's Day I think they figgered they had to.

All through the front nine, Sheila nagged at Ken about his long game, his short game, his swing, his stance, his grip, even his outfit. I woulda slugged her, but that's me, lolol.

Finally, Ken snapped, "Sheila, please. STOP. I can't take another complaint ... you're gonna drive me outta my mind!"

"That," Sheila observed, "wouldn't be a drive, it'd be a short putt."

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Cutie Sunday: Summer
• Daisy Doodles: Summertime + Digital Image
• One Scrappy Doctor: Jolly June Yellow
  
• One Stitch at a Time: Seeing Double (2 Colors, 2 Sentiments, 2 Stars)
  
• Pals Paper Arts: Summer
  
• Sassy Studio Designs: Summertime + Digital Image
• Simple Doodles: Fun in the Sun
• Stamp Something: Something Summer
• Stampbotique Designers: Summer
  
• Quirky Crafts: Summer
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Summer Sun" Card Stock by PTI
• Other Paper: HP Laser Photo Paper
  
• Digital File: Scrap Artists Collaboration
• Stamp: Sentiment by PTI
• Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: "Summer Sun" Satin Ribbon by PTI; Eyelet
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Tiny Tags Die; Crop-a-Dile by WRMK's; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

Have a Happy Krafty Birthday

And happy Tuesday, crafty stampers ... hope you had a fabulous weekend ... and a tolerable Monday!

My weekend and Monday? Not so fabulous: I'm battling a cold or something and I'm really trying to avoid another bout of pneumonia. So I'm resting ... well, actually sleeping ... and when I'm conscious, I'm drinking boatloads of water.

The point is ... and I do have one ... I think ... is, oh! yes, the point is that this post will be short and sweet ... just like me!

Today's card project was put together in a State of Emergency for a v-e-r-y last minute birthday card. Hence, the clean and uber-simple design:

For the ginormous view of my card, clicky on the photo ... and for all the (k)rafty product deets, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Soooooooo, 'cuz I've been feelin' poorly, I didn't get to hang out with Sheila for a couple of days. But never fear, Reid-the-Wild-Child called me up to tell me one of his new FREE jokes. If you're a regular around here, you know what that means. If you're new, do a blog search for "jokes" or "Reid" to get all up to speed. Anyway, here it is 'cuz it's all I got:

"So, Aunty, here's what: A man went to visit his doctor and said 'Doctor, my arm hurts real bad. Can you check it please?'"

The doctor rolls up the man's sleeve and suddenly hears the arm talk!

"Hello Doctor, could you please lend me twenty bucks? I'm desperate!" the arm says, (in a squeaky Wild-Child voice).

The doctor says, "Oh, okay, I see the problem ... your arm is broke!"

HahHahHahHaha, Love Reid.

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Crafty Cardmakers: Cards For Men
• Creative Stamp Friends: Pink and Brown (Kraft)
  
• Daisy Doodles: Manly
• For Fun Challenge: Happy Birthday
  
• Incy Wincy: One for the Guys
• Lexi's Creations: Something Old (Vintage Seam Binding Tape)
• One Stitch at a Time: Celebrations (Birthday)
• Party Time Tuesdays: Anything Goes (Birthday)
  
• Pollycraft Monday: Let's Have a Sing-Song (Happy Birthday!)
• Stamp Something: Happy Somethings (Birthday)
  
• There She Goes: Worn, Torn, Distressed (Ribbon is Wrinkled and Inked)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: Kraft Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamp: Studio G by Hampton Art
• Inks: Vintage Cream Hybrid Ink by PTI; Antique Linen Distress Ink
  
• Accessory: Vintage Seam Binding Tape
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Label Die; Stampin' Dimensionals by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

Simply Sweet ...

TGIF stampin' paper-hoarders and welcome to the weekend! And, since it's finally another Friday, it's time for another "Stamp Simply" challenge!

This week, our challenge comes to us from Jenny Gropp. Jenny wants us to create a card or a project featuring something SWEET ... a cake, cupcake, or candy! It can be a stamped image, patterned paper, or an embellishment ... whatever you have in your stash that fits the theme.

I sweetened my card by using a 'sweet' sentiment ... and a cute l'il 'cupcake' brad:

Please join us this week! When you've completed your sweet 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: "ssnotime142" so that we can find your project.

Don't miss the fabulous sweet 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 the month of June,

Julia Aston: Create with Me.

We can't wait to see your SWEET creations!

Sooooooooo, yesterday Sheila, Reid-the-Wild-Child, and I picked up Sheila's dumb-as-dirt crazy sister, Jill, and drove out west to pick up some citrus trees. On the way, we stopped by the Triple R Ranch to look at a Quarter horse that Sheila is crushin' on.

While we were in the barn, the Wild-Child picked up a rope and started waving it around.

"Look Aunty Jill, I'm a cowboy and this is my lasso. I'm gonna saddle up my horse now and go catch a cow." Reid said.

"That's all well and good, but exactly what do you plan on using for bait?"

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• A Spoon Full of Sugar: Celebrations
• Ai Factory: Anything Goes with a Punch/Die-Cut
  
• Ann's Creative Nook: Red, White, and Blue
  
• Color Chef Challenge: Light Blue/Dark Blue/Red/White
• Corrosive Challenge: What's Cookin'?
  
• Fun to Stamp: Metal (Cupcake Brad)
• Gingersnap Creations, Random Redhead: Quotes
  
• Magical Crafts: Metal Madness (Cupcake Brad)
  
• One Stitch at a Time: Something New (Cupcake Brad)
  
• Stamp, Scrap and Doodle: Red, White, and Blue
  
• Sunday's with Chrissy: Layers
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Real Red" and "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: Sassafrass Lass
• Stamp: River City Rubber
• Ink: "Real Red" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Cupcake Brad Pitt
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Square Die; Corner Rounder by WRMK's; 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

CAS-tastic Focus on Sentiments

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

This week, the fantastic CAS-tastic team is focusing on sentiments:

To play along ... and we hope that you do! ... simply create a clean and simple card focusing on the sentiment of your choice.

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 8, 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 a fabulous prize from this week's fantastic CAS-tastic sponsor, "Your Next Stamp."

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: "CWC006" so we can find your project.

Be sure to check out the fabulous cards posted by the fantastic CAS-tastic design team:

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 sentimental cards!

Sooooooooooo, yesterday was Sheila and Ken's wedding anniversary. The official celebration is this weekend, but I couldn't let the day pass without stopping by to wish them a happy anniversary.

"What do you love most about me," Sheila asked Ken, "my tremendous mothering and homemaking skills or my superior intellect?"

"What I love most about you," Ken responded, "is your incredible sense of humor."

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Aly's Sunday Sketch: Bows and Ribbon
• One Stitch at a Time: Use Something New (Ribbon)
• Party Time Tuesdays: Anything Goes Birthday
• Really Reasonable Ribbon: Masculine / Ribbon
• The Crafty Pad: Masculine
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: All Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamp: Hampton Art by Studio G
• Ink: "Old Olive" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Natural Silk Ribbon from the Stamp Simply Ribbon Store
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Label Dies; Stampin' Dimensionals by Stampin' Up
  

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

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)
  

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

A CAS-tastic Birthday ...

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

This week, the fantastic CAS-tastic team is creating clean and simple birthday cards. Here's a look at my birthday card:

I was goin' for the look of a chocolate and strawberry butter-cream confection ... yummy!

To play along ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a Clean and Simple birthday card, upload it to your blog or online gallery, then link your post to the CAS-tastic Wednesday Challenge blog, HERE, by 10:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday, May 11, 2010. One random winner will be chosen and will receive their choice of five fabulous digital images from this week's fantastic CAS-tastic sponsor, "Wild Flower Patch."

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, please be sure to use Keyword: "CWC002" so we can find your yummy birthday card.

Be sure to check out the a-mazing b-irthday c-ards 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.

Sooooooo, yesterday I was in my studio creating a couple of bookmarks when Sheila and Reid-the-Wild-Child stopped by.

Reid picked up a completed bookmark, turned it over in his hands and asked, "What do you do with this, Aunty?"

"You put it in the book you're reading to save your place." I explained.

"Awww, that's neat!" Reid exclaimed. "Hey! You invented this?!?! You must be famous ... are you famous?"

Sheila nearly choked when I cracked-wise, "Well, yes, but I'm tryin' to keep that on the down-low, Reid. I'd really appreciate it if you'd not mention this to anyone, okay?"

"Sure, Aunty." Reid said, awestruck.

LOL, I'm totally The Wild Child's idol now ... and Sheila's hoppin' mad 'cuz she didn't think of it first!

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me ... can't wait to see your clean and simple birthday card!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• City Crafter Challenge: Terrific Tag
• Corrosive Challenge: Let's Celebrate Birthdays!
• Crafty Pad: Let's See Some Ribbons
  
• Cute Card Thursday: Make Your Own (Metal-Edge Tag)
• Fussy and Fancy: Birthday With a Sweet Treat (Cupcake)
  
• Incy Wincy: Anything Goes
  
• Rosie Dee's: So Yummy! (Cupcakes)
• Simon Says Stamp: Birthdays
  
• Simple Doodles: Not a Spring Chick (MM Tag Maker Tool)
• The Creative Cottage: Food and/or Drink
  

Card Ingredients:

• Card Stock: "Dark Chocolate" and White by PTI; "Pink Pirouette" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamps: Sentiment by PTI; Cupcake by Hot Fudge Studio for studio g
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: "Pink Pirouette" Ribbon by Stampin' Up; Mini Tag by Making Memories
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Square Die; Making Memories Tag Maker; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top Folded)
  

Out with the New; In with the Old

Happy Monday, Crafty Peeps ... hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Today's card project is a CASE of a card Erica created about a month ago. Isn't her card stunning?!? So, do you remember when this "shadow box" style of stamping was wildly popular:

I do ... and I have the drawer full of shadow stamps to prove it! Erica and I have decided to bring shadow-style stamping back into style ... 'cept Erica doesn't know it yet. If you've been stamping for more than five years, I know you've got a shadow stamp or six in your stash.

Talk about Clean and Simple! ... shadow stamping is the original CAS card style. Whaddya say we all drag 'em out and use 'em ... the stamp companies won't know what the heck is goin' on!

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

Soooooooo, on Sunday I stopped in after Church to see how Sheila's Sunday School class was going. Research, you know. But her class was going along just fine. Boring. Nothing funny here.

But, on the way out, we passed by a large, lined garbage pail.

"My latest do-goodin' project." Sheila said proudly as we passed.

"Really?"

"Sure. See the sign: 'Empty water bottles here.' Yup, that's me ... Queen of Recycling and Friend of Earth."

"Well, maybe you should have been a l'il more specific, Your Majesty." I said, peering into the pail.

"What the ... !?!" Sheila exclaimed.

The garbage pail was full of water.

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• By the Cute and Girly: Celebrations
• Creative Belli: Birthday / Something Old: Shadow Stamp
• Paper Play Challenge: Pretty Pastels
• Stamp With Us: Birthday (SU: Card Stock; Dye Inks; Sentiment Stamp)
  

Card Ingredients:

• Card Stock: "Baja Breeze," "Pink Pirouette," and "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamps: Shadow Stamp #IV by Hero Arts; "Bonsai Sprig" by Stampendous; Sentiment by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Baja Breeze," "Basic Black," and "Pink Pirouette" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up; "Shabby Shutters" Distress Ink by Ranger
• Tools: Stamp-a-Ma-Jig by Stampin' Up; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
  

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