Simply Stars ...

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

This week, Sharon has challenged us to focus on incorporating stars into our projects ... patriotic stars, "A+ Great Job" stars, "twinkle, twinkle, little stars" ... any kind of stars you like. Use punched or die-cut stars, stickers, star paper ... well, you get the idea. Just show us some fabulous stars this week!

Here's my super-simple, stamped and starred card:

To play along ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a project using stars, 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: "ssnotime146" so that we can find your starry project.

Need more inspiration? Don't miss the fabulous 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 fabulous Guest Designer for July,

Clare Buswell: Clare's Creations.

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

Soooooooooo yesterday, Sheila and I were out and about and decided to stop at a vegetable stand to pick up some fresh sweet corn. The place was deserted ... except for a very large, very sleepy German Shepherd.

We both stepped over the dog, picked out our corn, then opened the cash box to pay.

"Look." Sheila said, pointing at the cash box.

Taped to the inside of the lid was a note: "The dog can count."

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• ABC Design Blog: Red, White, & Blue
• Ai Factory: Red, White, & Blue
  
• Aud Sentiments Challenge: The Word "Love"
• Bildmalarna: Red, White, & Blue
  
• Create with Connie and Mary: 4th of July/Red, White, & Blue
• Cupcake Inspirations: Red, White, & Blue Inspiration
  
• Divine Diva Inspiration Challenge: Inspiration Photo
  
• For Fun Challenges: Show Your Patriotic Spirit
• Frosted Designs: Red, White, & Blue and Stars & Stripes
• I ♥ ProMarkers: Stripes
  
• Let's Capture Our Memories: Red, White, & Blue
  
• Lexi's Creations: Layers / 3-D / Decoupage
  
• Meljen's Designs: Red, White, & Blue
• One Powerful Hour: Blue, White, & A Touch of Red
  
• One Stitch at a Time: Stars and Stripes
• Pals Paper Arts: Inspiration, 4th of July
• Papercraft Star: Red, White, & Blue
  
• Paper Cutz Challenge: 4th of July
  
• Paper Romance: Red, White, & Blue
• Pixie Dust Studio: Red, White, & Blue
• Raise the Bar: Colors of Your Flag
  
• Sisterhood of Crafters: Movie (Forrest Gump Loved the USA)
  
• Stamp Insanity: Red, White, & Blue
• Stamptacular Sunday: Stars and Stripes
  
• Stampin' Celebration: Inspiration Challenge
• Wee Memories: Red, White, & Blue
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Striped Paper: Digital File by Timo
• Other Paper: Navy Paint Sample Card
• Stamp: Heidi Swapp
• Ink: "Night of Navy" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Star Dies; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" (Top-Folded)
  

Thanks for the Funny Lookin' Trees ...

Happy Thursday, hoarding card-makers ... only two more go-to-beds 'til the holiday weekend!

Today's card project was created for my "thank you" card stash ... naw, I'm kiddin' ... it's for my Funny Lookin' Trees card stash:

The color palette I used was inspired by this week's Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger challenge:

Such a beautiful color palette ... so, hey, why not play along?!? Check it out: find all of the challenging deets, clicky HERE.

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

Soooooooo, Sheila and her certifiably insane wacky sister, Jill, stopped over yesterday. While we were hanging around, Sheila mentioned that she had heard ... or read ... that police in California had arrested a couple for trying to sell their baby for $25 at a Wal-Mart.

"Omigosh, only $25.00?!? Wow, Wal-Mart really does have low prices!" Jill said.

Thanks so much for swingin' by the ol' blogstead today!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• A Crafty Little Place: Color Me Delovely
  
• Cowgirls Sunday Challenge: Cowgirls Inspiration
• Crafty Angels: A Favorite Stamp
  
• Crazy Challenge: Make It In An Hour
  
• Creative Craft Challenge: Stamp It Up (Sentiment, Trees)
  
• Incy Wincy: Things with Wings (Birds in Tree Tops)
  
• Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger: Inspired by Color Palette
  
• Shabby Tea Room: Inspiration
  
• Stampin' Royalty: Seeing Double (Stamped Trees Twice, Two Stamped Images)
• There She Goes: Going Green (Green / Trees)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: Kraft (Officially 'Crumb Cake') Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: "Sweet Summer" Collection by Elle's Studio
• Stamps: All Stamps by Unity Stamp Company
• Ink: "Chocolate Chip" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Twill Tape by Stampin' Up
• Tools: SAMJ by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

A CAS-tastic Sketch Challenge ...

Happy Stump Day, hampers ... hope your week is flyin' by!

My week has been a drag so far. I had some computer issues and haven't been able to access the Internet-thingie or my email. Such a pain-in-the-neck! We had a wicked electrical storm on Sunday and the DH suspects that had something to do with my Internet problems. Anyway, it appears that I'm back online ... for the moment, anyway. Sorry I've gone missing; I'll be stopping by your blog to see your recent projects as soon as possible.

So, since it's Wednesday, it's time for another fantastic CAS-tastic challenge ... this time, it's a sketch challenge. Here's a look at the fabulous sketch designed by Karen Baker for this week's challenge:

A great sketch ... and easy-peasy to work with!

Here's my take on the sketch:

To play along ... and we hope that you do! ... simply create a clean and simple card following this sketch.

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 6, 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 their choice of any 4 images from this week's fantastic CAS-tastic sponsor, "Sassy Studio Designs."

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: "CWC010."

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;

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 take on the sketch!

Sooooooooo, this weekend I was hangin' out with Sheila when her insane fun sister, Jill, stopped by.

"Whazzup ladies?" Jill asked.

"Not much ... we're just talkin' about that Swiss guy who's gonna fly around the world in a solar-powered plane." Sheila answered.

"Ohhhhhhhh yeah him." Jill said, nodding her head, "I wonder what he'll do for power at night?"

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• A Passion for Papertrey: Summertime
• ABC Challenge: Red, White, and Blue
  
• Delightful Sketches: It's All About Summer
• Design Dollies: Ribbon Extravaganza (2: Polka Dot, Navy Satin)
• Fresh Brewed Challenges: Fireworks!
  
• Glenda's Random Amusing Challenge: Celebratory
  
• Hand Full of Stamps: Joys of Summer
  
• Hidden Treasures Challenge: Ribbon
• Iris: Summer
• One Powerful Hour: Blue, White, and Red
  
• Paper Cutz: Circles, Stars, or Squares (Stars)
• Papertrey Chicks: Paper Piecing
  
• Pear Tree Designs: Summer Lovin'
• Pixie Dust Studio: Seeing Two (Picnic Basket, Contents)
• Practical Scrappers: Border Punch
• Prairie Fairy Fun Friday: Summer Vacation
  
• OLLCB Challenge #57: Simply Summer
  
• Quirky Crafts Challenge: Ribbon
• Stampin' B's Design Team: Summer Fun
  
• Tellen's Place: Summertime
  
• Terrifically Thrilling Thursday: 3 of Anything (3 Borders, 3 Layers)
• Timbroscrapmania Stamping Challenge: Summer
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Real Red," "Night of Navy," and "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamps: All Stamps from "Vintage Picnic" Stamp Set by PTI
• Ink: Memento "Tuxedo Black" Dye Ink
• Color Medium: White Sharpie Paint Pen
  
• Accessories: 1/4" Polka Dot Satin Ribbon; 1/2" Navy Satin Ribbon
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Square Die; Star Punch; Scallop Border Punch by Stampin' Up; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Side-Folded)
  

Simply Colorful ...

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, Sharon has challenged us to a color challenge. Our challenging colors today are yellow and gray with EITHER white or ivory as your neutral. You may also use a little pop of black as well.

Here's a look at the inspiration photo:

Isn't this a terrific color combination? Apropos of nothing, I totally love this room!

And here's a look at my card:

To play along ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a project using the inspiration photo for your color palette, 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: "ssnotime145" so that we can find your colorful project.

Don't miss the fabulous 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 fabulous Guest Designer for June,

Julia Aston: Create With Me.

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

Soooooooo, last night Sheila's crazy fun sister, Jill, stopped by with her equally crazy fun boyfriend, Jack. Yup, Jack & Jill ... I've described much of their craziness hilarity here on my blog. If you'd like, you can do a blog search for "Jack and Jill" to see what you've missed.

PS: The search box is on the upper-left hand corner of this page, on the navy blue border ... to the right of the big ol' Blogger letter "B." I mention this 'cuz many people don't realize you can search a blog this way ... only took me about 6 months to figger it out!

Where was I ... my train-of-thought jumped the track. Oh, yes, Jill and the Sandwich Man. So Jill and Jack stopped over last night and when they wouldn't leave got comfy, I offered refreshments.

"Oh, let me. I've got lots of bottles of wine in the car. And whiskey ... and some rum ... oh, and gin, too, if you'd prefer." Jack offered.

While he was out getting the wine, I mentioned to Jill that it was ... worrisome that he had so much liquor in his car.

"Oh, well, that's nothing to worry about. Jack always has liquor in this car." Jill explained.

"Okay, now I'm really concerned! Why would Jack carry an entire bar around with him? Jill, I'm asking 'cuz I care about you and don't want you in any danger ... or in any trouble. And frankly, I'm concerned ... so I have to ask: does Jack have a drinking problem?"

"Oh, good gracious, no, he doesn't have a drinking problem."

"Well, alright, that's good ... but why would he carry around a carload of alcohol?" I asked.

"Oh, silly, he only does that so he NEVER runs out!" Jill laughed.

Houston: We have a problem ...

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• CCEE Stampers: Summer Flowers
• Crazy 4 Challenges: Paper Flowers
  
• Creative Craft Challenge: Stamp it Up
• Delightful Sketches: It's All About Summer
  
• Design Dollies: Gray and Yellow
• Freshly Brewed Challenges: Anything Goes
• Just Add Ink: Patterned Paper
  
• Kah-Wink-E-Dink: Summer Free for All
  
• Other Lovelies Thoughtful Thursdays: Flowers
• Pile it On: Stickers (Quill Daisies)
  
• Practical Scrappers: Flowers
  
• Quirky Crafts: Summer
  
• S2G Twisted Thursday: Something New (Stamp)
• Wee Memories: Stickers (Quill Daisies)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: Textured Gray Card Stock by Bazzill Basics; "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: "Thrift Shop" Collection by October Afternoon
• Stamp: Close to My Heart
• Ink: "Basic Black" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Quilled Daisies Stickers by Provo Craft; Grosgrain Ribbon
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Perfect Layers Tool by Stampin' Up; Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (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)
  

CAS-tastic Color Challenge

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

Simply create a clean and simple card using blue, yellow, and a neutral. I love the crisp and fresh look of navy blue and yellow, so I opted to use this shade of blue:

To play along ... and we hope that you do! ... simply create a clean and simple card using this color combination.

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 29, 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 $10.00 store voucher from this week's fantastic CAS-tastic sponsor, "Michelle's Scrapbooking & More."

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: "CWC009."

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;

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 take on the color challenge!

Sooooooooooo, last night Sheila invited the DH and I over for her world-famous ... okay, they're not world famous, but they should be! ... barbecued ribs.

While we were dining, Reid-the-Wild-Child tapped his father on the arm and asked, "Daddy, you're the boss of our family, right?"

Ken smiled and got all-proud and happy, then confidently replied, "Yes son, that's right."

Then Reid continued, "But that's 'cuz Mommy put you in charge, right?"

Sheila smiled and got all-proud and happy, then confidently replied, "Yes sweetie, that's right."

But Sheila and Ken's bubble burst when Reid said, "But everyone knows that it's really ME that's running the show, right?!?"

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• A Spoonful of Sugar: Good Luck/Best Wishes
• Caardvarks: Embossing
• Crafty Ann's: Embossing
• Created by Hand: Songs We Sing/Embossing (Ian Drury)
  
• Frosted Designs: Around the House (Vintage Bakery Twine)
  
• Meljen's Designs: Ribbon ('Bows' on Kite Tail)
• O.D.B.D.: F.L.O.W.E.R.S. (E.-Embossing/R.-Ribbon/S.-Swirls)
  
• Paper Play: Something Old (Vintage Bakery Twine)
• S2G Challenges: Something Old (Vintage Bakery Twine)
  
• Sentimental Sundays: Favorite Sentiments
  
• Speedy the Cat's Friends: Embossing
• Sweet Stampin' Challenge: Clean and Simple
  
• Tuesday Throwdown: Dry Embossing
• Treehouse Thursday: Tool Time (Embossing Folder)
  
• Whoopsie Daisy: Ribbon & Bows (On Kite Tail)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Night of Navy" and "Very Vanilla" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: "Thrift Shop" Collection by October Afternoon
  
• Stamps: All Stamps by The Stamps of Life
• Ink: "Night of Navy" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Vintage Bakery Twine; Grosgrain Ribbon
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Square Dies; Scalloped Edge Border Punch; "Divine Swirls" A2 Embossing FolderStampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL Adhesive by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (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)
  

It's a Play Date with Paper Dolls!

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

Today's 15 Minute card project was created using the color challenge from The Play Date Cafe, for the Papertrey Paper Dolls "What's Old is New" challenge. For all of the challenging deets you can visit The Play Date Cafe HERE, and the Papertrey Paper Dolls, HERE.

This card also qualifies for and has been entered into a number of other challenges. Check out "Today's Challenges" below, for a complete list.

PDCC#34 is a "Color Splash" challenge ... my favorite kind of Play Date challenge! Here's a look at the black, white, and a 'splash' of blue inspiration photo:

Striking 'splash o'color,' isn't it?

I created my black, white, and a splash of blue card using PTI's "Green Thumb" stamp set. This set is definitely OLD ... it was released in March, 2007. As a matter of fact, this set was the third stamp set released by Papertrey Ink ... soooooo, it's about as old as PTI stamp sets come!

Here's my card:

For the ginormous view of my one-layer card, clicky on the photo ... and for the short list of products I used, check out the Card Recipe, below.

Soooooooooo, the other night the DH and I were hangin' out with Sheila and her DH. At some point in the festivities, the guys we decided that we should watch some sports.

"Let's watch the NBA finals." Ken suggested.

"Naw, let's watch the World Cup." My DH countered.

"Well, I really don't care, but maybe Sheila has a preference." I added.

"So, those are the choices: soccer or basketball?" Sheila asked. "Okay, basketball. At least with basketball, something actually happens."

Thanks for spending part of your busy day with me!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• A Passion for Papertrey: One-Layer Card
• Aly's Sunday Challenge: Flower-Power
• Ann's Creative Nook: Masculine (This is Very No-Frills!)
• Cinema Saturday: Father of the Bride (Simple Joy=The Love of a Father/Blue)
  
• Corrosive Challenge: Black and White + One
  
• Cowgirl's Sunday Challenge: Anything Goes + Flowers
• Fun With Shapes and More: Flowery + Corner Rounder Punch
  
• Lots to Do: Quotation
  
• Paper Play: Something Old (Stamps)
• Papertrey Paper Dolls: What's Old is New (Green Thumb, March '07)
• Practical Scrappers: Flowers
  
• The Play Date Cafe Challenge: Color Splash, PDCC34

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: Stampers Select White by PTI
• Stamps: All Stamps from "Green Thumb" Stamp Set by PTI
• Ink: "Basic Black" and "Pacific Point" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Black Brad Pitts by American Crafts
• Tools: Corner Chomper by WRMK's; SAMJ by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Top-Folded)
  

Simply Sketchy ...

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, Sharon's designed a great sketch for us to follow:

Go 'clean and simple' or fancy it up as much as you'd like, just follow this basic sketch. You can double-click on the sketch and print out a full-size copy of the sketch.

To play along ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a project following this sketch, 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: "ssnotime144" so that we can find your sketchy project.

Don't miss the fabulous 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; (AJ is on hiatus this week)

Deb Saaranen: Dream in Color;

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover.; and, our talented Guest Designer for June,

Julia Aston: Create With Me.

We can't wait to see your sketchy project!

Soooooooo while visiting Sheila yesterday, Reid-the-Wild-Child cornered me.

"So, Aunty, I have another extra-special, super funny, FREE joke for you."

"Well, thanks, Reid, but I'm tryin' to cut back." I said.

"No you're not. So here's what: A guy goes to a psychiatrist and says, "Doc, I keep having these crazy dreams. First I'm a teepee; then I'm a wigwam; then I'm a teepee; then I'm a wigwam. It's driving me crazy, Doc! What's wrong with me?" Reid whined dramatically.

"Oh, it's very simple." the doctor says, "You're two tents."

HaHaHaHaHaHaH! Reid is doubled over, gasping for breath ... and then,

"Aunty? What's a psychiatrist?"

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

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• 52-Card Pickup: Appreciation
• Catch the Bug: Go USA! (Red, White, and Blue)
• Crafty Angels: Favorite Stamp (Happy Harmony) Set
• Crazy Amigo: The World Cup
  
• Flourishes Timeless Tuesdays: Embossing (Dry)
• La-La Land Crafts: Embossing (Dry)
• Lots to Do: Wings (Butterfly)
  
• Meljen's Designs: Fiber, Ribbon, Lace
  
• Paper Playtime #3: Red, White, and Blue
• Secret Crafter Saturday #87: Include a Quote
• Sentimental Sundays: Summertime + Sentiment
• The Pixie Cottage: Make Mine Patriotic
  
• Treehouse Thursday: Tool Time (Die-Cut Machine, Dies, Embossing Folder)
  
• Whoopsi Daisy Challenge: Ribbons and Bows
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: All Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Designer Paper: "Report Card" Collection by October Afternoon
• Stamps: All Stamps from "Happy Harmony" Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
• Ink: "Real Red" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Red Satin Ribbon
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Square Die; A2 Embossing Folder; Embosslits "Beautiful Wings" Die by Stampin' Up; 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

For When He Just Doesn't Get It ...

Happy Thursday hoarding card-makers!

Today's card project was created using an unmounted stamp I've had for at least 10 years ... and sadly, this is the first time its seen ink. I know it's okay to mention this to you ... 'cuz I know that you have those stamps too.

So, for it's maiden voyage I created a really simple l'il anniversary card for my sweet cousin and her hubby:

I wish I could tell you who manufactured this stamp ... but I can't. Do you know?

ETA: My readers are the best! Ann has informed me that this stamp is from Sunday International; thanks Ann!

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

Soooooooooo, I went over Sheila's yesterday for a quick visit. When I arrived, it didn't take more than a second and a half to realize I'd stumbled in to one of their l'il arguments.

"I'll leave." I volunteered, heading for the door.

"No, no, stay, I'm ready to make-up now ... the thrill has gone out of the fight." Sheila said.

"Okay," Sheila said, turning to her DH, "I'll admit I'm wrong, if you'll admit I'm right."

"Agreed." Ken responded. "Ladies before gentlemen."

"Okay, okay, I'm wrong," Sheila said begrudgingly.

To which Ken replied happily, "You're right!"

Thanks so much for stopping by today ... I really appreciate it!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• A Spoon Full of Sugar: Sunshine Inspiration (Summery Colors)
• By the Cute and Girly: "Something Old" (This Ancient Stamp!)
• Cupcake Craft Challenge: One For the Boys
  
• Lexi's Creations: Something Old (This Stamp!)
• One Stitch at a Time: Celebrations (Anniversary)
• Pollycraft: A Sing Song (Maxwell's Silver Hammer, Beatles)
  
• Stamp Something: Happy Somethings (Anniversary)
• The Diedrich Dare: Inspiration (Color Palette)
• The Three Muses: Buttons and Bows
  
• Whimsical Ink Sorority: Recycled (Button from Old Jacket)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: PTI
• Stamp: "Hammer It Home" Stamp, Unknown Manufacturer; Sentiment by PTI
  
• Ink: Memento "Tuxedo Black" Dye Ink; "Pacific Point" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Color Medium: Copic Markers
• Accessories: Vintage Button; Eyelet; DMC Embroidery Floss; Satin Ribbon
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Tiny Tags Die; Corner Chomper by WRMK's; Stampin' Dimensionals 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 Father's Day

Happy Stump Day, hampers ... and welcome to another fantastic CAS-tastic Wednesday challenge! And since Father's Day is this Sunday, this week we're creating Father's Day cards.

My card is a CASE of a card created by my sweet friend, the uber-talented Karen, of The Bald Dragonfly. I adhered to the 'Official Rules of Card CASE'ing,' and changed up Karen's design in at least three fairly apparent ways. Clicky HERE to see Karen's gorgeous card ... and here's my take:

To play along ... and we hope that you do! ... simply create a clean and simple Father's Day card.

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 22, 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 their choice of five digital images from this week's fantastic CAS-tastic sponsor, "Di's Digi Downloads."

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: "CWC008" so we can find your project.

Be sure to check out the fabulous cards posted by the rest of 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 Clean and Simple Father's Day cards!

Sooooooooo, since I'm laying kinda low of late, I haven't had the opportunity to hang out with Sheila. But when I'm not around, Reid-the-Wild-Child always finds a reason to call me. In spite of everything I say, he's really a sweet boy ... and he'll prolly grow up to be a nurse ... or an axe murderer.

"So, Aunty, know what? My Great-Gramma is coming to see me!" Reid exclaimed.

"Well, that's great Kiddo, you must be excited. Where does she live?" I asked.

"At the airport." Reid answered.

"The airport?"

"Yup, whenever we want her, we just go there and get her."

Thanks so much for swinging by ... hope your day is fantastical!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• C.C.E.E. Stampers: One for the Males
• C.R.A.F.T. Challenge: Father's Day
• Cards for Men: Father's Day
• Crafty Ho's: Think BRIGHT!
• Creative Craft: For the Man In Your Life
  
• Drunken Stampers: Father's Day
• Etsy Inspired: "My Zoetrope" (Welcome Mister Bird)
• Fab 'n' Funky: Just For Dad
  
• Kah-Wink-E-Dink: Father's Day
• Magical Crafts: Father's Day
  
• Meljen's Designs: Sparkle, Glitter, Bling (Glittery Brads)
  
• My Time to Craft: X-tra Special (Dad)
• Oh, Alice: Inspiration
• Our Creative Corner: Gotcha Cornered (Sentiment/Brads)
• Paper Cutz: Father's Day
  
• Pear Tree Designs: Father's Day
  
• Rosie-D's Challenge: Something Blue ~ Hold the Fish
• Stampin' Royalty: Masculine
  
• The Town Scrapper: Father's Day
• Totally Stampalicious: Father's Day Card
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: "Whisper White" Card Stock by Stampin' Up
• Stamps: "Medallion" Stamp by Stampin' Up; Sentiment by CTMH
• Ink: "Really Rust" and "Taken With Teal" Dye Ink by Stampin' Up
• Accessories: Glitzy Brad Pitt(s)
  
• Tools: Distressing Tool by Tim Holtz; Stampin' Dimensionals by Stampin' Up
• Finished Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (Side-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 A Second Chance ...

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, we're going to dig into our drawers, boxes, or bags of those rejected or unfinished pieces ... we all have those containers. I'm embarrassed to admit that I have several. Simply pull out a piece you started at some other time and for whatever reason never finished. So, instead of, "maybe I'll use this someday," today IS the day!

Be sure to tell us what piece you have rescued and given a second chance.

My "rescued" piece is the resist-technique focal image:

I spent a lot of time on this project, sponging on layers and layers of Distress inks, then over-stamping ... twice ... then heat embossing ... and ended up mostly unhappy with it. Today, it gets a "second chance."

To play along ... and we hope you do! ... simply create a project using a "rescued" piece, 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: "ssnotime143" so that we can find your rescued project.

Don't miss the fabulous, "second chance" 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; (Deb is on hiatus this week)

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover.;

and our fabulous Guest Designer for June, Julia Aston: Create With Me.

We can't wait to see your "RESCUED" creations!

Sooooooo, yesterday I was hangin' out at Sheila's, when her certifiably insane crazy sister, Jill, and her crazy friend, Brittany, stopped in.

After about an hour or so, Sheila noticed that Brittany hadn't lit up a (yuck!) cigarette once. "Are you finally trying to kick the habit, Britt?" Sheila asked.

"No," Brittany replied, "I'm coming down with a cold and I don't smoke when I'm not feeling well."

"You know," Jill observed, "you'd probably live longer if you were sick more often."

Thanks so much for spending part of your busy day with me ... hope your weekend is terrific!

~Hugs,


Today's Challenges:

• Alphabet Challenge: 'G' is for Green
• Always Playing with Paper: Masculine
• Cooking It Up With Katie: Emboss Some Green Ribbon
• Crafty Catz: Embossing (Heat)
• Creative Craft Challenges: Masculine
  
• Cute Card Thursday: Anything But a Square
• Res-Q Challenge: Top Three (Three Words in a Row)
• Stamp With Us: Get Well (Card Stock, Ribbon, Definition Stamp)
  
• One Stitch at a Time: Boys to Men
  
• The Crazy Challenge: Distress (Resist Created w/Distress Inks)
  

Card Recipe:

• Card Stock: PTI and Stampin' Up
  
• Stamps: "Definition" Background Stamp by Stampin' Up; "Grid Pattern" by Hero Arts; Leaves by PTI; Sentiment by PTI
  
• Ink: Versamark Watermark Ink; Various Distress Inks
• Accessories: Satin Ribbon by Stampin' Up; Clear Embossing Powder by Stampin' Up
  
• Tools: Die-Cut Machine; Label Die; Heat Gun by Stampin' Up; 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