15 Minute Project ... a "Thinking Outside the Box" Challenge Entry

Today's card project was created for Sharon's "Stamp Simply" blog Challenge. This week, Sharon's challenge called for "Thinking Outside the Box" ... meaning to use a stamp in some way other than the way it was originally intended to be used. Got all that? Good!

It took me longer than 15 Minutes to decide on a stamp, but once I did it was downhill from there.

I chose to use this "Outlines" ladybug stamp. I stamped my image on Xerox 110# card stock and once again on DCWV colored card stock. Then I flipped it upside down, punched out some card stock flowers and leaves, and created a shadow with a Copic marker (W1)

I mounted everything on my base card stock using dimensionals and added a loop of ribbon for ... for some reason I can't remember ... it seemed like a good item at the time ... and was done!

Regarding the Diva Impressions stamp giveaway, I've yet to hear from the winner (either one, actually), sooooo I'll wait a couple of days and if the winner still hasn't surfaced, I'll draw again for a new winner. So, if you originally posted a comment on that giveaway, you may have another shot at winning 'em!

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

~Hugs,


Card Stock: Xerox 110#, Prism, DCWV, Bazzill; Stamp: Outlines Rubber Stamps; Ink: Ranger Distress Ink in Black Soot; Copic Marker W1; Die Cut Machine: Provo Craft; Dies: Spellbinder's; Punches: Various; Grosgrain Ribbon: Unknown, Obtained in a Ribbon Share

Better The-Very-Last-Minute Than Never ... A Verve Visual Sketch Challenge Entry

As threatened promised, here's my 'official' blog post for April 30 ... that other one was just to announce the Diva Impressions stamp giveaway winners and all.

Today's card project was procrastinated created for Verve Visual's Honored Guest Sketch Challenge #2. Now, the odds of me winning a second Verve Visual sketch challenge in one month are astronomical, but what the heck, you can't win if you don't play, right?!?

I used patterned paper from October Afternoon's "County Fair" collection ... apparently, it's the only DP in my studio 'cuz I refuse to stop using it ... over and over again. Y'all gettin' sick of seeing it yet?

The kewl sentiment and the jazzy-lookin' heart stamps are from Verve Visual, and were stamped on Xerox 110# card stock with Palette Hybrid inks. Flowers are from Prima ... brads from American Crafts.

Tomorrow, I'll be posting another challenge project that was issued last Friday ... under the circumstances though (if you are unaware of the circumstances referred to herein, please refer to my second post below), I figger I'm doin' pretty well to get it up at all ... at least, I think that's what he said.

~Hugs,

Card Stock: Xerox 1103; Designer Paper: October Afternoon; Stamps: Verve Visual; Ink: Palette Hybrid; Flowers: Prima; Brads: American Crafts; Die Cutting Machine: Provo Craft; Dies: Spellbinder's; Scalloped Edge Photo Corner Punch: Marvy Uchida; Adhesive: ATG 714; Dimensionals: All Night Media

Yay! I'm Back Online ... and We (Finally!) Have a Winner! Um, Make that Two Winners!

Hello everyone! I've finally gotten my Internet connection back ... and what a strange and scary time the past five days have been!! IWS (Internet Withdrawal Symptoms), started nearly immediately ... which I expected, but I knew I was really in trouble when I started to clean my house!!! Danger, Will Robinson!

I've been working on a couple of projects to share with you so I'll be back later today with that but I wanted to announce the winners of the Diva Impressions stamps giveaway ASAP.

So, the winning comment number (not counting deleted comments), picked by DH.org, is Comment #10, which reads, "'I love this stamp: FA125 The fairy and the Love! CUTE! What fabulous stamps!!! Thank you for the opportunity to win!'" So congrats to Jen Glover! Jen please contact me with your mailing information and we'll get these babies off to you ASAP!

Happily, we have a second winner! That would be Kisa Peters, who said that her favorite stamp is "Forget Me Not!" Congrats Kisa, you win that stamp! ('Cuz it's also MY current favorite stamp!) So, Kisa please contact me with your mailing info and this adorable stamp will be wingin' it's way home to you!

Congrats to both winners!! And my thanks go out to everyone for playing along and for your understanding and patience ... being without Internet access is soooo not fun. Forget the 782 emails I have to read; just catching up on my eBay store sales took hours!

And, because Beth of Diva Impressions is so generous, I'll be posting another stamp give-away in the very near future. So, check back for another chance to win four more beautiful Diva Impressions stamps.

Thanks for sharing part of your busy day with me ... more later!

~Hugs,

HELP! I'm Being Held Hostage By Militant Cross-Stitchers!

Just kidding ... but I am being held hostage by Comcast.net.

Here's the thing: I've lost my internet connection and won't have it back until at least Tuesday. This post is being uploaded by my wonderful non-blogging DIL ... who's kind, beautiful, and soooo stinkin' smart! LOL!

If you've e-mailed me, or posted comments, this would be why you haven't heard back from me. I'm soooo sorry ... I will get caught up as quickly as I can!

As far as the Diva Impressions stamps give-away goes, please continue to post comments for the chance to win 'em. As soon as I am able to get on the Internet, I'll have random.org (or DH.org), choose the winning comment number. That will be either late Tuesday or Wednesday, okeedokee?!?

Thanks so much for your patience and understanding.

Hugs,

Blog Candy 4 You ... 4 Free Stamps from Diva Impressions!

Aren't these stamps just gorgeous?!? Well, they can be yours ... for free!

These four unmounted, deeply etched, red rubber stamps will be given away on Sunday evening, April 27, to one lucky blog visitor. Why? Because Diva Impressions wants you to see for yourself the quality of their rubber stamps.

How? Simply visit Diva Impressions online store, choose your very favorite stamp from Beth's amazing inventory, then return here and tell me which one you love the most! Click HERE ... a new window will open and you're on your way. On Sunday, April 27, I'll choose a winner by random drawing.

THE DEETS: If you subscribe to my blog, or have your blog linked to mine, you can enter to win these stamps twice a day ... giving you six chances to win! Even if you don't subscribe or link to my blog, you can still enter once a day ... giving you three chances to win!

Simply visit http://divaimpressionsrs.com/ ... chose your v-e-r-y favorite stamp, then post a comment telling me which stamp you love best. AND, to make this even more fun, the person who happens to pick MY personal favorite stamp, will win it!

As always, international visitors are welcome to enter ... I'll ship anywhere mail is delivered.

ALSO: Please number your posts ... and make sure I have a way of contacting you. Thanks!

I'll be back later today or tomorrow with a project or three for you to CASE.

~Hugs,

One 15 Minute Project ='s Two Challenge Entries. Oh! And We Have A Winner!

Today's card project was created for Poetic Artistry's "Mojo Monday" sketch challenge. Click HERE to see the deets and the sketch I followed. After the card was photographed, I realized it also qualifies for the Caardvark's "Black/White & One" challenge. Kewl!

I love this neat stamp from Diva Impressions; it's perfect for soooo many different kinds of projects ... and you can also use it as a stand-alone image as I've done here.

I used two vintage (1950's) French vocabulary cards (available HERE), two handmade butterflies from Distinctions in Nature, and patterned card stock from Crate Paper.

Finally, I sponged all the edges with fluid chalk ink ... easy-peasy and ready to serve in just 15 Minutes!!

Now, on to the fun stuff: The winner of the 10,000 hits blog candy is Comment #55 "... This is cool! I just getting started and this stuff is beautiful!" Congratulations, Stacy! I'll be contacting you via email for your mailing address. And many thanks to all of you who entered.

But wait! I'll be posting MORE blog candy on Friday! This time, you'll be commenting to win a lot of four, gorgeous, vintage-inspired, deeply etched, unmounted red rubber stamps! Head on over to Diva Impressions now to see all of the beautiful stamps Beth has to offer ... four of them will be up for grabs on Friday! ENABLER ALERT: I'm warnin' you now, you're gonna fall in love with these images!

Be sure to stop back on Friday to have a chance to win some uber-kewl rubber stamps! As always, international visitors are welcome to join in.

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

~Hugs,


Card Stock: Bazzill, Crate Paper; Stamp: Diva Impressions; Ink, Distress Ink, Ranger Industries; Fluid Chalk Ink: Clearsnap; Vintage Ephemera (Personal Collection); Handmade Butterflies: Distinctions in Nature; Cuttlebug Die-Cut Machine; Spellbinder's Nestabilities Dies; Dimensionals: Fiskars; Adhesive: ATG

One 15 Minute Project ='s Two Blog Challenge Entries

Today's project was created for Allison's "Suggestive Sunday" challenge; this week's theme is 'water.' This project came together pretty quickly because I knew I wanted to use this uber-kewl stamp from "Diva Impressions" and this 'raindrop' background I created in the Cuttlebug using a Fiskars Texture Plate.

For the stacking recipe, and more info about using Texture Plates in the Cuttlebug, see THIS post.

Later, I discovered that this week's Caardvark's challenge is "Black/White & One." So by sheer coincidence this card also qualifies for the Caardvark's weekly challenge too. I love it when that happens!

As I mentioned before, I'm now designing for "Diva Impressions" and my design kit arrived this weekend ... omigosh, you aren't gonna believe how many stamps Beth sent me to give away to you! So, look for some awesome, free Diva Impressions stamp booty in the next couple of days! And the stamps themselves ... omigosh, well, they're to. die. for! I can't believe how lucky I am to be able to play work with these incredible stamps!!

I stamped my image, available HERE, on Xerox 110# card stock, then matted and mounted on my 'raindrop' background. A little frame thingie holds my sentiment, attached to the card with 1/8" ribbon.

Easy-peasy and ready to serve in just 15 Minutes!

Thanks so much for spending part of your day with me ... and don't forget to leave a comment in the post below to win some fun blog candy!

~Hugs,


Card Stock: Bazzill, DCWV, Xerox 110# Card Stock; Stamps: Diva Impressions and PTI; Brilliance Graphite Black; Metal Frame: Creative Impressions; Ribbon: Offray; Cuttlebug Die Cut Machine; Fiskars Texture Plate; Adhesive: ATG;

It's Time for Some Blog Candy!!

Hi boys & girls, thanks for droppin' by!

Speakin' of droppin' by, because of your visits, my blog counter has skipped past 10,000 hits! Actually, because I don't pay enough attention, it's a smidgen over 10,000 but what the heck, I'm not fussy ... close enough.

So in honor of the aforementioned blog-stone, I've put together some fun goodies for you to win! Maybe not 'you' you, but someone kinda sorta like 'you,' you.

Here's what's up for grabs:

• A brandy-new 2 1/4" x 3 3/4" Double D wood-mounted stamp;
• A brandy-new package of Stampendous! Perfectly Clear Stamps;
• A complete, 4 piece set of Martha Stewart pens with storage pouch in Indigo;
• A collection of 30 Epoxy Stickers;
• A brandy-new package of Scrapbook Interiors Scrapbook Nails in pale green;
• A brandy-new package of 9 Charming Embellishments metal charms;
• A brandy-new canvas paperback book size book cover to *alter;
• I don't-know-how-many clear, Dew Drop-like, acrylic flat-back dot-thingies in five colors;
• Two, 2" clear top metal tins; and,
• One 2" x 2 1/2" hinged top metal tin.

To enter, simply leave me a comment telling me what your favorite stamp company is ... and since the winner will be chosen by random.org, please number your posts. International visitors are welcome to enter, too ... I'll ship anywhere that mail can be delivered!

And to make it even more fun, you can enter everyday! After your initial post, you can tell me anything you'd like ... 'cept only nice things, okeedokee?!?

This post will stay on top of my blog until Wednesday, April 23rd; I'll post the results later in the day.

Thanks so much for visiting my blog, commenting on my projects, and for being one of my "imaginary" stampin' friends!

~Hugs,

*Click HERE to see what I've done with the canvas book cover ... yeah, that wasn't hard.

15 Minute Project ... A Quick & Dirty Birthday Card

My allergies are kickin' my butt today so this post will be short and sweet ... kinda like me!

I stamped my image on Xerox 110# card stock, then colored it in with Copic markers. Using a W1 marker, I created a shadow behind and below the image ... which doesn't show at all in my photograph. The dang thing looks like it's suspended in mid-air! But, IRL, it's grounded with a very respectable shadow.

I tied this kewl little word license plate to a twig with embroidery floss, tied on some scraps of ribbon, then glued the whole shebang to my Bazzill card stock base.

Easy-peasy and ready to serve in just 15 Minutes!

Thanks for sharing part of your busy weekend with me ... and I hope that your tomorrow (and mine!), is allergy-symptom-free!

~Hugs,


Ingredients: Card Stock: Bazzill, Xerox 1003; Stamp: Pink Cat Studio; Ink: Palette Hybrid; Copic Markers; Twig: Mother Nature; License Plate: Unknown; Embroidery Floss: DMC; Ribbon: Michaels; Adhesive: Scotch ATG; Dimensionals: Fiskars; Cuttlebug Die-Cutting Machine; Spellbinder's Nestabilities Dies

Three Kewl Penguins = Two Blog Challenge Entries

Today's card project was created for "The Cat's Pajama's" sketch challenge. This week, the TCP challenge is being hosted by Leigh O'Brien; click HERE to visit Leigh's blog for the deets, including the sketch I followed. As always, you can click on the image for a closer look.

This afternoon, while I was waiting for my image to upload, I wandered off into Blogdom, starting with Sharon's blog ... 'cuz it's Friday and Friday's the day that Sharon posts her new challenges. And also 'cuz I read Sharon's blog regularly (TIP: you should too).

Anyway, if you follow my blog, you know that I'm havin' some really great luck this week, (if you don't follow, and are curious, you can view my older posts for the skinny). And, just as my recent spate of good luck would have it, Sharon's latest "Stamp Simply" challenge is to create a card using a black accent. Any kind of black accent ... including ribbon. Score!!!

I love these kewl little "Imaginisce" stamps ... very inexpensive and soooo stinkin' cute! These two are from the "A Shore Thing" collection. I stamped 'em with Brilliance ink, then stamped again on my patterned paper to paper piece various parts of the image. TIP: for realistic eyes, add a dot of white gel pen. And yes, I see the irony ... 'cuz I live for irony.

I set some eyelets, ran some black grosgrain ribbon through, then mounted my images over the ribbons using dimensionals. I think these little alpha tiles are from Doodlebug, but I'm not sure as the original packaging is l-o-n-g gone (greenly, of course).

In other news, I'm still pulling together some neato-keen blog yummies to give away here. I think you're really gonna love the fun stuph I'm adding to the candy-pile!

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me; have a relaxin' and creative weekend!

~Hugs,

Ingredients: Card Stock: Bazzill, Xerox 110#; Origami Paper (Source, Unknown - my BFF sent it to me); Stamps: Imaginisce; Ink: Brilliance 'Graphite Black'; Gel Pen, Art Deco Paint Pen; Cuttlebug Die-Cut Machine; Spellbinder's Nestabilities Dies; Crop-a-Dile; Grosgrain Ribbon, (Source, Unknow - obtained in a ribbon share); Embroidery Floss: DMC; Alpha Tile: Doodlebug (I think); Dimensionals, Fiskars; Adhesive: ATG 714; White Eyelets: American Crafts

'Patchwork of Memories' ... a "Suggestive Sunday" Blog Challenge Entry

Today's card project was created for Allison's "Suggestive Sunday" blog challenge. This week's challenge: create something kewl using left-over scraps, itty bits, and tiny pieces of paper.

These ^ scraps are everywhere in my studio ... all left over from my repeated use of this uber-kewl "County Fair" paper collection. LOLOL, I warned you!

I simply wove the paper strips together, taped them in place, trimmed and distressed the edges, and mounted the piece on my card stock using ATG adhesive and brads.

I stamped this awesome sentiment stamp from Healing Expressions Art Stamps on Xerox 110# card stock using Palette Hybrid ink. I stamped the little PTI curlicue thingie in teal Palette Hybrid ink, then cut out the sentiment using Nesties from the Large Classic Oval collection. I used a Large Scallop Oval to cut the mat for the sentiment.

Finally, I added two picture frame hangers and some teal grosgrain ribbon. Easy-peasy and a fun way to use up all those scraps I know you're hoarding ... Ummm, oh yes you are!

I just realized that I've surpassed 10,000 hits, wowza! Thank you so much! In honor of the momentous occasion, I'm going to put together some nice blog candy booty for you. So watch for that as I really want YOU to win!

Thanks for spending part of your busy day with me!

Hugs,

Card Stock: Bazzill, Xerox 110#; Designer Paper: County Fair, October Afternoon; Stamps: Sentiment, Healing Expressions Art Stamps, Curlicue, Papertrey Ink; Ink: Palette Hybrid; Metal Embellies: Unknown, Found in Mt. Brad; Ribbon: Unknown, Obtained in a Ribbon Share; Cuttlebug Die Cut Machine; Nestabilities by Spellbinder's; Heidi Swapp Distressing Tool; Adhesive: Scotch ATG; Dimensionals: Fiskars

An Awfully Bright and W-A-Y to Cheerful Sketch and "Glitter" Challenge Entry

This wild-riot-of-color A2 card was created for Poetic Artistry's Mojo Monday sketch challenge. But ever since I won her Monthly Mojo Madness contest, I feel like, "omigosh, how am I ever gonna top that?" It's had an almost paralyzing effect on me: should I enter this card, shouldn't I, should I, is it good enough, no, it's not good enough, yes, it's good enough ... no, it isn't good enough, should I, shouldn't I, and on and on. But I put on my big-girl panties and am forging ahead; good, bad, or indifferent!

I just realized that this card also (barely) qualifies for Sharon's "Glitter" blog challenge! There's not a lot of it, but that's definitely glitter on the centers of those flowers. See, the thing is, I'm not much of a glitter-girl ... I love it when I see you do it, but me ... not so much.

This card would have qualified for a "15 Minute Project" ... except for the fact that I colored the stamped image with Prismacolor pencils, blending with Gamsol. The card itself; less than 15 Minutes.

I am head-over-heels in l-o-v-e with this new stamp from Hero Arts! I visit Michelle Rodgers' Stamper's Dream blog regularly and when I saw a card project she had done recently using this stamp, a compelling and irrestible force made me go immediately to her online store, Stamper's Dream, and buy it. Michelle shipped this baby to me at warp speed and I love it w-a-y more than any other stamp in my entire collection. Today. Tomorrow, next week ... maybe not so much. We stampers are a fickle lot, aren't we?

The sentiment stamp is from Verve Visual and is perfect to use with the SU word window punch ... so I did. I stamped my flower image twice and cut out one of the larger flowers, colored it, then popped it up on dimensionals over the first stamped image. The aforementioned glitter was sparingly applied to the flowers, I ran some pink card stock through the 'Bug in the Swiss Dots embossing folder, set some eyelets, tied on some ribbon, and was done! {breathe}

Oh. I also used a Copic marker (Pale Heath, V000), to create shadows around the right-hand side of all the flowers, but it doesn't show up very well in my photo. IRL, it looks kewl ... no, really! C'mon over, you'll see!

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

~Hugs,


Card Stock: Xerox 110#, Prism; Designer Paper: Memory Box; Stamps: Hero Arts, Verve Visual; Ink: Brilliance; Copic Marker: Prismacolor Premier Pigment Pencils; Gamsol: Gamblin; Ranger Stickles Glitter Glue; Cuttlebug Die Cut Machine; Swiss Dots Embossing Folder; Nestabilities, Large Square Classic Rectangle; Crop-a-Dile; Stampin' Up Word Window Punch; Eyelets, Unknown: Found in Mt. Eyelet; Ribbon, Darice; Dimensionals: Fiskars

PS: I'd also like to thank Julee of Poetic Artistry for honoring me with the "Arte y Pico" blog Award. Thanks so much, Julee!! Coming from you, this means a LOT to me!

I Win, You Win, I Win Again ... and a RAK!

Well, I'm having a good day*, LOL!!

But enough about me, let's get on with the winner of the Ribbon Ring storage system Giveaway!

Random.org chose Comment #3 ... which reads, "Can I have the sample kit please? Alright, I will stand in line to see if you randomizer will pick me."

Congratulations, Annapurna, it did! You've won the Ribbon Ring Storage System Starter Kit! Please email me your address and this kewl baby will be on it's way to you posthaste! Thank you all for entering!

*Good Day News #1: My "Wild Thing" card, located here, was chosen as one of two winners of Poetic Artistry's April "Mojo Madness Contest!" How kewl is THAT?!? The prize is a stamp set of my choice from Verve Visual ... I chose THIS one. Now tell me, how gorgeous is that!?!?

The other Mojo Madness winner is Nancy of iStamp ... you gotta see this card; it's simply amazing. Click HERE to see Nancy's winning entry. Then come back.

*Good Day News #2: The oh-so-talented-and-glittery-haired Jennifer bestowed upon me this "You Cheer Me Up" award ... featuring Lucy, Ethel, and friend:

Many thanks, Jennifer! And in case you're one of the five people in Blogdom who hasn't visited Jennifer's blog, "Glitter in My Hair," well, then you must! Then come back.

*Good Day News #3: The amazing Risa of "Life's Simple Pleasures" sent me this adorable RAK:

Sooooooo stinkin' cute ... and her coloring and glittering skillz rock!! Thanks, Risa, I love it!!

Wowzer, there's more links in this post than a necklace!! But check 'em all out; you'll be glad you did!

I'll be back tomorrow with another challenge project ... Thanks for sharing part of your busy day with me!

~Hugs,

Free Blog Candy ... Ribbon Ring Starter Pack Giveway

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

If you're like me, you have tons of ribbons and a real problem storing them. Well, I've solved my ribbon storage problem, and hopefully yours as well!

This:

is a close-up view of the main components in the "Ribbon Ring" ribbon storage system. Here's a wide angle view of the system in use:

While searching for an inexpensive ribbon storage solution, I discovered the "Ribbon Ring" web site and was floored by this concept! I contacted the owner, Melissa Bickle, who generously offered to send me a sample kit to give away to one of my wonderful blog visitors.

To win this kewl ribbon storage system, simple leave a comment on this post and I'll have a random drawing for the winner. If you don't have a blogger.com account, please be sure to leave your email address in your comment so that I have a way of contacting you if you win.

Here's a look at a typical stamping/crafting work area with the Ribbon Ring system in use:

Kewl, huh?!? This system makes it easy to see at a glance what you have and how much you have left. Even better, no more tangled ribbons!

This space-saving system is ideal for me; the starter kit comes with one large metal hinge ring, thirty ribbon tags, and fifteen inventory dots ... all for only $10.00! You can also purchase additional ribbon tags in bundles of 30, 60, or 90. It doesn't get any better than this!

If you'd like to win this uber-kewl ribbon storage system, simply leave a comment on this post; random.org will decide the winning post on Monday, April 14. One request: please number your post.

If you can't wait, you can order your own system from ribbonring.com ... shipping is lightening-fast; I had my new ribbon storage system in a matter of days!!

Thanks for spending part of your busy day with me!

~Hugs,

Wild Thing ... a "Mojo Madness" Sketch Contest Entry

TGiF!!

I was t-h-i-s close to making this card in time to be a "15 Minute Project" but cutting out all those flowers took me well over the 15 minute mark!

Today's card project was created for Verve Visual's "Mojo Madness Contest." Click on the link to read the rules and see the sketch I followed.

I used DP from October Afternoon's "County Fair" collection and attached my cut-out flowers to my card front using the cutest little copper dragonfly brads. The flowers on the lower right are popped up higher than the others because I stacked 'em up on dimensionals.

Using a stamp from Verve Visual's "Wild Thing" collection and Palette Hybrid ink, I stamped the sentiment on a die-cut from the "County Fair" collection.

For some extra dimension, I popped up some of the leaves on scraps of sticky foam, added three dark aqua brads, and I was done!

Now, wouldn't it be nice if I could win this thang and get some more kewl Verve Visual stamps?!?

Thanks so much for sharing part of your busy day with me ... I hope you have a relaxing and creative weekend!

Tomorrow, I'm going to post an uber-kewl "Ribbon Ring" giveaway!! Hope to see you then!

~Hugs,


Card Stock: Cut Card Stock; Stamp: "Wild Thing" Collection, Verve Visual; Ink: Palette Hybrid; Patterned Paper: October Afternoon, "County Fair" Collection; Brads, HOTP; Dimensionals: Fiskars

NOT a 15 Minute Project ... Pocket Full of Posies Card

Today's card project features handmade flowers created using punches!

Using a small flower punch, a leaf punch, three green pipe-cleaners, and some glue, I created this spray of flowers. Both the flowers and the leaves were punched from Bazzill Basics textured card stock.

I stamped my pocket on card stock texturized using a Fiskars Texture plate in the Cuttlebug. For the stacking recipe, and other tips on using these plates in the 'Bug, click HERE.

I stamped my sentiment, offset my die-cut ovals, attached a 'bunny ears' bow and was done!

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

~Hugs,


Card Stock: Bazzill Basics; Stamps: Limited Edition, Papertrey Ink; Ink: Staz-On; Brads & Ribbon, Unknown

15 Minute Project ... Vintage-Inspired Anniversary / Wedding Card

Today's vintage-inspired "15 Minute Project" was created in a flash using card stock, ribbon, some gold embellies, and two stamps.

This uber-kewl stamp was purchased HERE from Diva Impressions ... let me just say that I love these stamps and the quality is second-to-none. And no, I don't design* for them or have any other affiliation with Diva Impressions; I'm just a fan.

I stamped the central image in brown ink on Kraft card stock, trimmed and distressed the edges with my .99 edge distresser, then mounted the stamped image using dimensionals. I also distressed the edges of the dark brown mat, added four gold brads, and mounted the whole shebang on my card front using dimensionals.

Using watermark ink, I stamped my "Happy Anniversary" sentiment on card stock punched out using a round file tab punch; then embossed with fine detail embossing powder.

I didn't have any ribbon that exactly matched my ink, so I used a sepia Copic marker to color a length of white, 1/4" wide satin ribbon. I folded over a teeny scrap and adhered it to the back of the file tab. I slipped the same ribbon through a gold ribbon slide and adhered 'em both to my card front.

Finally, I added a little shine by tying some sparkly gold embroidery fiber around the fold of the card.

Easy peasy and ready to serve in just 15 Minutes!

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

~Hugs,


Card Stock: Bazzill; Stamps: Wedding (Diva Impressions), Sentiment, (Papertrey Ink); Ink: Versamark, Palette Hybrid; Copic Marker; Embossing Powder: Ranger (Queens Gold); Embroidery Floss (DMC); Brads and Ribbon Slide (Unknown, found in Mt. Metal Embellies); Ribbon: (Unknown); Edge Distressing Tool (Heidi Swapp); Dimensionals (Fiskars)


*Guess I spoke too soon!! Since this project was posted, I've been invited to design for Diva Impressions; and I said yes!! Thanks so much, Beth!

CASE a Bloggin' Sistah ... a Blog Challenge Entry

Today's card project was created for Allison's "Suggestive Sunday" blog challenge. This week, Allison asked us to CASE a bloggin' sistah; I knew in a minute that I would CASE a card created by one of my very favorite bloggers and artists, Shannan Teubner. If you haven't visited Shannan's so-inspiring-and-so-much-fun blog then get movin' cowgirl! Do it now and then come back.

Back? Where were we? Oh, yes, Shannan. Shannan is uber-talented, honest and open, modest, warm, and very friendly. Bein' that I'm kind of a 'newbie', Shannan has gone out of her way to make me feel welcome on SCS and beyond. I always get a kick outta visiting Shannan's blog and gawkin' at her incredible projects; you will too! Oh, and Shannan also happens to be one of the funniest writers in Blogdom. I always come away from her blog with a big ole' grin ... it's unavoidable, she's that much fun!

It was difficult to settle on one card, but in the end, I chose THIS card to CASE.

I added the card stock elements and then created my focal image on Xerox 110# card stock. First, I created clouds based on Jessica's uber-kewl cloud tutorial ~ so easy and fun! I think my first attempt came out pretty well ... so, thanks so much Jessica; this tutorial is a keeper!

Using stamps from PTI's "Green Thumb" collection, I stamped my grass and the grasshopper and switched over to PTI's "Little Lady" collection to create the hoppy-trail. Using Copic marker W1, I created a shadow under my grasshopper ... but I'm afraid it doesn't show up too well in my photo. INR though, it looks pretty kewl ... come 'on over and check it out!

I used a fine point black marker to draw some details on my grasshopper and the dots-and-dashes border, then added four pink flower brads and was done!

I love this card ... thanks so much Shannan!!!

I also wanted to show you this kewl Award I received from Kisa! I just recently discovered Kisa's blog ... she is so sweet and very talented; she's sure to go far in the stamping world ... click HERE to visit her blog.


Apparently, there's quite a list of rules that go with winnin' this Award ... one of which is to pass the Award on to five inspiring bloggers. Let me tell ya, there's no way I can narrow it down to five bloggers. Heck, I mentioned four wonderful bloggers just in this post! So, to the 8,743 other stampin' bloggers I love and call my friend, here ya go!!

The other requirment is to post a link to the originating blog: so, click HERE to visit Arte y Pico. I don't understand a word of it, lol, but I'm sure it's all good!

Okay, I'll stop now. I think this is the longest post I ever blogged ... and for me, that's really sayin' something!

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

~Hugs,


Card Stock: Bazzill, DCWV, Xerox 110#; All Stamps: Papertrey Ink; Inks, Brilliance , Palette Hybrid, Staz-On; Marker, American Crafts; Copic Marker

Thinking "Winged" Things ... a Blog Challenge Entry

Happy Monday! I hope your weekend was just perfect!

Today's card project was created for the Caardvarks "Flight of Fancy" blog challenge. This week's theme is "Winged Things." You can click on the photo for a closer look ... but you might want to put your sunglasses on first!

I inherited this Artful Stamper "Butterfly in Fern" stamp from one of my friends; she received it from her mother-in-law and I think she passed it on to me 'cuz it looked like it hadn't been cleaned in forever! A yucky, black, yucky mess. After a few hours of soaking, scrubbing, and soaking some more, I was finally able to remove at least 5 years worth of black ink. Since it was clean, I decided to dirty it up again for this challenge.

The image was stamped on Xerox 100# card stock, cut out, then colored in with Prismacolor pencils blended with Gamsol. Yup, for some strange reason, I cut it out first ... and no, I don't recommend doing it that way.

For my background, I ran some card stock through the Cuttlebug in the Distressed Stripe folder and used a Marvy Mega circle punch to create the "sun."

I added some bright green ribbon around the fold of the card and was done. Now off she goes to live in the Caardvarks gallery!

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

~Hugs,

Card Stock: Bazzill, DCWV, Xerox 110#; Stamp: The Artful Stamper; Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black; Color Medium: Prismacolor Premier pencils; Gamsol; 1/4"Ribbon

"Here Comes the Sun" ... a Color Blocking Challenge Entry

Today's card project was created for Sharon's "Color Blocking" blog challenge. Since I had a veritable rainbow of brightly colored card stock scattered all over my work table from THIS project, it made sense to use more of these bright colors for this challenge. Plus, it saved me from cleaning up two messes ... this way, I only had to clean up one gianormous mess!

I used one of my all-time favorite stamps in this project; this smiling sun image is so cheerful ... it makes me happy just to look at it! I off-set the image slightly to allow room for my sentiment. And, from a design stand-point, it also makes for a much more interesting composition.

Using my scallop-edged scissors, I created a paper 'ribbon,' then tied the real thing over and around the card stock. I created a little 'bunny ears' bow and attached it using a mini glue dot.

A fast, fun, project that's colorful, cheerful, and promises that summer is on it's way!

Thanks for sharing part of your busy day with me!

~Hugs,


Bazzill and DCWV Card Stock; Stamps, Stamp It!, Stampendous!, and studio g; Ink, Brilliance Graphite Black; Ribbon, Unknown ; Decorative Edged Scissors, Fiskars

15 Minute Project ... Embossing a Frame in the Cuttlebug

Today's "15 Minute Project" was created super-fast using a mask, a makeup sponge, and some ink. Oh, yes, and a couple of stamps, too!

I created this embossed frame on my card front in the Cuttlebug using a die from the Nestabilities Large Classic Rectangle set. This is an easy technique that adds so much to your card project! Click on the photo for a closer look.

Here's the stacking recipe:

1. Spacer Plate A;
2. Cutting Plate B;
3. Your choice of Nestabilities positioned on the front of your open card, cutting blades face up. It's important that you open your card and allow the back half of your card to lay free and clear;
4. A 4" x 4" sheet of craft magnet material ... this helps hold your die in place and also adds some needed bulk to your stack;
5. Spellbinder's tan embossing mat;
6. Two sheets of scrap card stock; and,
7. Cutting plate B.

Run the whole shebang through your 'Bug and voila: an elegant yet classic look that will dress-up even the simplest of cards.

Next, using Painter's Masking tape, I masked off the card front, leaving just the center frame exposed. I used the same tape and a 1" circle punch to create a round mask. TIP: attach your masking tape to a scrap piece of card stock before punching; doing so will prevent your tape from turning into an ugly, sticky mess inside your punch.

I applied my circle punched mask to the upper-right hand corner of the center frame and sponged on Staz-On yellow ink ... when I was happy with the yellow, I over-sponged with Palette Hybrid orange ink.

Next, I tore a scrap of paper and laid it over the yellow and orange ink, and sponged on Palette Hybrid green ink. To create the illusion of shadows, I turned the sponge sideways and sponged using the edge of my make-up sponge. Once I was happy with the foreground, I stamped on the palm trees.

Finally, I removed my masks, stamped my sentiment, and was done ... it took me longer to type this post than it did to create the card!

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

~Hugs,

Xerox 110# Card Stock; Ink, Staz-On Sunflower Yellow, Palette Hybrid in Giverney Green and Orangerie; Stamp, Palm Tree (Unknown), Sentiment, See D's Inque Boutique; Cuttlebug Die Cutting Machine; Spellbinder's Nestabilties Die; Scotch Masking Tape; Dollar Store Make-up Sponge

Got Birds? A Blog "Color" Challenge Entry

Today's card project was created for "The Cat's Pajama's" color challenge. This week's challenge is being hosted by the uber-talented Toni Armstrong. For a closer look, click on the photo.

I'd like to say this was a "15 Minute" project ... but cutting out all those lil' birdies took a bit longer than 15 minutes!

I stamped my bird image several times on white, hot pink, and yellow card stock and used dimensionals to pop 'em up on my card. I used my word window punch to cut out the stamped sentiment.

For some sparkle, I added a little bling and was done!

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

~Hugs,

Bazzill Card Stock; Stamps, Imaginisce & Pink Cat Studio; Ink, Brilliance Graphite Black; Dimensionals, Fiskars; Bling, Hero Arts, Word Window Punch, Stampin' Up!

15 Minute Project ... and a "Floral" Blog Sketch Challenge

Today's "15 Minute" card project was created for Lizzie Anne Designs weekly sketch challenge. I love participating in these challenges as the girls always throw in an extra "twist." This week, in addition to following a sketch, you also had to incorporate florals in your project.

My floral image was stamped on Xerox 110# card stock, colored with Copic markers, and cut with a Nestie in the Cuttlebug. I added some orange ribbon and a mini file-folder die cut from October Afternoon's "County Fair" collection.

In keeping with the sketch, I removed the file tab from the right hand side of the die-cut and reattached it to the left side of the file folder.

In not keeping with sketch, I added three paper flowers on the left. Really, I had too ... that wide, empty space just sat there, staring at me. So, I caved and filled the emptyness with some handmade and Prima flowers, and three antique copper brads.

Easy-peasy and ready to serve in just 15 Minutes!

Thanks so much for sharing part of your busy day with me ~ and thanks for all your kind comments; I really appreciate receiving them from you!

~Hugs,


Xerox 110# Card Stock; Stamp: Hero Arts, Ink, Staz-On Timber Brown; Copic Markers, Prima Flowers, Designer Paper, October Afternoon, "County Fair" Collection; Ribbon, Offray, Brads, American Crafts

15 Minute Project ... and a "Dotty" Blog Challenge Entry

Today's busy "15 Minute Project" was created for Allison's "Suggestive Sunday" blog challenge. Allison's theme this week is "dots." Do you think I could have should have added a few more dots to this project?!?

LOLO, hey, when you ask me for "dotty," you're gonna be gettin' some serious dottage!

I stamped my image on Xerox 110# card stock, layering in the flowers and leaves. My background is DP from October Afternoon's "County Fair" collection. I'm totally in love with this collection ... so, I'm warning you, you'll be seeing lots of it in the days ahead!

I created a scalloped band using a slit punch and added a grosgrain ribbon, tying it around and through my card front, and was done.

Just a note; you prolly shouldn't stare at this thing for too long ...

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

~Hugs,