Just Ducky and Some Inchies

I made this card to go along with the previous posts for my SNSS exchange. I finally finished everything and mailed it off the other day. I felt terrible for having it so long and was glad to get it in the mail to her (thanks Katie for being patient)!! All the stamps used are from Pond Pals - Sweet N Sassy Stamps. Korin (owner of SNSS) just updated/upgraded her website, so be sure to check it out! She also just released new sets yesterday that are sure to be must haves on your list. I was just over there starting a shopping cart. I can't decide - I want it all, but my wallet doesn't have the same mindset as me. :) Anyway - on to the card.

I stamped the background piece as whole pieces - 3 of them (1 x 3). I then cut them into inchies (1x1) before adhering them to the card stock. The duck is popped on dimensionals. All were colored in with Copic markers.

These were some inchies that I stamped up for my exchange partner. These are ready to go for her to put on a project she creates. Inchies are all the rave now and they are super quick to make.

That's basically it to them. If you have any specific questions - just let me know. Sorry for the lack in posting to my blog. I hope to do better - I'm trying to schedule time each night for my blog updating or I won't get to it.

Thanks for stopping by!! Be sure to stop back tomorrow for the BELLI Challenge - I'm a guest designer for the challenge this week and next!!! Woohoo!!!

Frogadelic Card

Yes - I know that isn't a word, but I just had to use it! :) This card was also made for the Card Party. This one will actually be on time though (my last one with the duck is late). I again used the same patterned paper and color scheme like the last card. I probably would never have put Taken with Teal and Old Olive together, but they look good - helps having the patterned paper with similar colors too.

This card uses another sketch. This is MJ's Monday Lunchtime Sketch 30, which can be found on her blog Techno Stamper. There are so many sketches out there that I love to see all the different ones and use them to get me started on my projects. The froggies were colored in with Copics - Golden Yellow Y17 and Yellow Green YG03. I added white dots inside of the flowers on the patterned paper and around the edge of the card base.

I used the Pond Pals set from SweetNSassy Stamps again. There is a reason to my madness. There is a contest on the SNS yahoo group for posting the most projects using SNS stamps in the month of August. Hope you don't get sick of seeing Pond Pals, since that is the only set I own. :) I do have a couple stamped images of another SNS set from Wendy. I also participated in an image swap through the group. So, when I get them - if it's within time of the contest, then I'll use them too.

Supplies:
Sets: Pond Pals (SweetNSassy Stamps)
CS: Taken with Teal, Old Olive, WW, Patterned Paper
Ink: Palette Noir
Other: Copic Markers, Stampin' Dimensionals, Ribbon (from my stash), White Signo Gel Pen

Thanks for stopping by tonight - this is my last post (promise)!!

Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

Lucky Duck

This was made for a Card Party for a group I belong to. A card party works like this - a group of people sign up. Then each week one person is showered with cards from the others. This continues on until all of those signed up have had their turn at being showered and pampered with cards.

I used the Pond Pals set from SweetNSassy Stamps. This is the only set I own right now, but there are quite a few others on my ever growing wish list. I colored my duck in with my Copic Caio markers. The colors used are Golden Yellow Y17, Frost Blue B00, Cadmium Orange YR07. I also used the Frost Blue Copic to 'ground' my duck - kind of like a puddle.

I used a sketch (SC187) from SCS for this card. You can find this sketch here and then check out all the other sketches. These are great to help jumpstart you if you are needing a starting point. I really liked how this card turned out. The patterned paper is from the Target $1 spot and is so fun! I added a bit of glitz to the dragonfly's wings and trail with a Sakura Glitter Pen. I also sponged the main image with Taken with Teal ink.

Supplies:
Sets: Pond Pals (SweetNSassy Stamps)
CS: Yoyo Yellow, Taken with Teal, Old Olive, WW, Patterned Paper
Ink: Palette Noir, Taken with Teal
Other: Copic Markers, Stampin Dimensionals, Sakura Glitter Pen, Dew Drops, Stamping Sponge

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!!

Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

Hoppy Day - Pond Pals

I'm overdue on an exchange for a group I belong to. This is part of my gift to my exchange partner. I'm filling it with her favorite candy. I stamped some of the images directly on the patterned paper. The other images were stamped on white cardstock and cut out. They were then pop dotted onto the container. BTW - this a Crystal Light container that I altered.
I colored the images in with my Copic Ciao markers. I included the markers in the picture above, but since you can't tell real well - I'll post them as well. Copic marker colors - Sepia E37, Yellow Green YG03, Baby Skin Pink E21, Emerald Green G05, Golden Yellow Y17.

This is the top of the container. I pop dotted the frog on top of a scalloped green circle - kind of like a lily pad. :) This is also for the Belli Challenge (CBC28), which was to alter a container. You can find the Belli Challenges here - Creating with Chrissy.

Supplies:
Sets: Pond Pals (SweetNSassy Stamps)
CS: Patterned Paper, WW, Garden Green
Ink: Palette Noir
Other: Scallop Circle Punch (SU), Stampin Dimensionals, Copic Markers, Crystal Light container

Thanks for stopping by - hope you enjoyed this little project!!

Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

Sympathy Swap

Sorry it's been so long since I've last posted. Tonight though, I've got a couple things to post. :) This summer has been super busy for me!! I'll be glad to get a break and have time to do more stamping!!

I made this card for a swap on a group I belong to (Utah Divas International - UDI). It was a Sympathy card swap. I don't make Sympathy cards usually because I don't think to make them, until I need them. So, this was a good swap to participate in. Unfortunately, I already had to mail this card off to my best friend, Rachel. Her father passed away and so I mailed this to her.

I really liked how this turned out and will be using this sketch more. All layers were sponged except for the card base and the Night of Navy card stock.

All Supplies SU!:
Sets: Fresh Cuts, Sincere Salutations
CS: VV (I believe), Ballet Blue, Night of Navy
Ink: Ballet Blue, Night of Navy
Other: Stamping Sponge, Night of Navy Grosgrain Ribbon, Ticket Corner Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by!!
Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

Stamp Club Project (June)

This was one of the projects that was made during stamp club in June. I CASEd the card out of the catalog on pg. 57 and made a few changes. I really liked how simple and clean this turned out - very hard for me to accomplish because I love to keep adding and adding. :)

All supplies SU unless noted otherwise:
Stamps: Take Three, Define Your Life
CS: Pale Plum, Perfect Plum, Bashful Blue, Confetti White
Ink: Perfect Plum
Other: Markers - Bashful Blue & Perfect Plum, Stamping Sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals

The catalog is a perfect place to find wonderful ideas! If you aren't used to utilizing our SU catalog this way - challenge yourself to find an idea and then create your version of it using the supplies you have. It definitely takes the guesswork out of it for you! :)

Thanks for stopping by!!
Stampin' Hugs, Karen

Stamp Club Project (May)

This was the final project that was made at my stamp club in May. I had wanted it to be a Father's Day card, however, I wasn't able to find a suitable sentiment that was current. So, I opted to leave the sentiment off and they could put one on of their liking. The inking around the tree was done direct to paper (DTP) with the Creamy Caramel ink pad.

All Supplies SU unless otherwise noted -
Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Flannel Plaid BG
CS: VV, Creamy Caramel
Ink: Creamy Caramel, Garden Green (although I believe I used a different green during the club)
Other: 1/16" Circle Punch, Brads, Aqua Painter, Stampin Dimensionals

Any questions - feel free to ask. Thanks for stopping by!!

Stampin' Hugs, Karen

Stamp Club Project (May)

This was another card that my stamp club made for May. I had seen a card of Nichole Heady's in one of my paper crafting magazines and loved it. Now - I don't think mine turned out 1/2 as nice, but I still like the simplicity of it. I notice now that my sentiment is crooked as well.

All Supplies SU unless otherwise noted -
Stamps: Simply Said, It's Your Birthday

CS: VV, Mellow Moss
Ink: Mellow Moss
Other: Pretty in Pink Marker, Moss Gingham Ribbon, Stamping Sponge

Thanks for stopping by!!
Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

Stamp Club Project (May)

Since I've been having computer problems, I never got to upload my Stamp Club projects. I received both of the sets used on this card free with my SAB redemption. :) Always a plus to receive FREE stamps!!!

Anyway - the definition for 'kindness' is stamped tone on tone for the background. The 'k' from Big Deal Alphabet is stamped in Elegant Eggplant, as is the definition on WW. The definition is then popped on stampin' dimensionals. Fairly simple and straight-forward.

All supplies SU unless otherwise noted:
Stamps: Big Deal Alphabet & Define Your Life

CS: WW, Almost Amethyst, Elegant Eggplant
Ink: Almost Amethyst, Elegant Eggplant
Other: Eggplant Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by (even through my lack of posting)!! I'm hoping to find time on my DH's computer to post more frequently.

Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

Stamp Club Projects (April)

These were the projects that my stamp club made in April. I'm still having computer problems, so I'll make this a quick post (I've tried loading this before and haven't been successful). I did all the projects, so that they would coordinate together. Also, both cards fit into the 'gift bag'.

All Supplies SU:

Stamps: Carte Postale, French Flair, Leaves a la Carte Jumbo Wheel
CS: VV, Bashful Blue, Always Artichoke, So Saffron, Le Jardin Designer Paper
Ink: Bashful Blue, Always Artichoke, So Saffron
Other: Stamp-a-ma-jig, Stamping Sponge, Bashful Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Ribbon Slide, Stampin' Dimensionals, Gold Brads, 1/16" Circle Punch, Lunch Bag (cut down), Markers - Always Artichoke & So Saffron

Any questions, feel free to ask/email me. Thanks for stopping by - hope you are having a great weekend!!

SCS Blogger RAK

How beautiful is this card?? My picture doesn't do it justice! I received this beautiful card from Kelly (SCS gadget19) as a SCS Blogger RAK. Be sure to click on her SCS id to get to her gallery to see more of her awesome projects! This great card uses green (my fav color) and uses a set that I have ALWAYS wanted, but yet to get. I'm afraid that if I get it now, it will retire. Good thing is that my neighbor just bought this set, so I can hopefully borrow hers sometime. :) Not only did she send me one of her *best* cards (love it Kelly!!!), but I got seeds for some Forget-me-Nots and a sweet note! Thank you for thinking of me Kelly - I really appreciate the kind words!!! Your card was timed perfectly too - I received it on a day that I was home very sick in bed. It was just the pick-me-up that was needed!

Here is a link to Kelly's blog - http://craftyinkings.blogspot.com. Be sure to stop by and post a comment or two to let her know you were there.

Thank you again!!

With Sympathy

My Godfather passed away earlier this week and I wanted to send my Godmother a card to let her know I'm thinking of her. He lived in AZ and she lives in IL, so I'm not able to be there in person. I decided to use one of my Papertrey Ink sets and a design that Julie from Paper Pleasing Ideas posted on her blog the other week. It was using a stamp to create your own background.

I used the Anniversary set Papertrey sent to qualifying customers - Simple Little Things. Using the stamp-a-ma-jig, you can create the background quite quickly.

Supplies:
Stamps: Simple Little Things (Papertrey Ink)
CS: Blue Bayou, WW
Ink: Blue Bayou
Other: Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon (SU!), Stamp-a-ma-Jig

Blogger's Challenge (May 9th)

The challenge this past week was to create a Mother's Day card. Well, I did have this completed on Friday, however, I'm still having computer issues. I tried posting this earlier today and when I had everything completed - it decided not to save. So, I'm trying again!

I stamped my flower from Inky Antics in Palette Noir ink and used Copic Markers to color it in. The greeting is actually 2 stamps from a set by Papertrey Ink. The flower is popped up on dimensionals.

Be sure to check out the other Blogger Challenge Players by clicking on the icon in my sidebar to see more beautiful projects!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Flower (Inky Antics); Women of Life (Papertrey Ink)
CS: Groovy Guava, Green Galore, WW, Polka Dotted Paper - Martha Stewart
Ink: Palette Noir, Groovy Guava
Other: Groovy Guava Double-Stitched Ribbon, Dimensionals, Stamping Sponge, Paper Piercer, Copic Markers - Yellowish Green YG06, Light Orange YR02

Hope all of the moms out there have/had a wonderful Mother's Day!! Enjoy!!

Papertrey Ink Blog Hop

I tried all last night to get this posted with no luck!! UGH!! I'm still having computer issues and they are driving me crazy!

Anyway - last night was the Blog Hop over at Papertrey Ink forum. Of course, I couldn't participate in all the chatting nor could I view any of the 25 selected blogs that were featured! I was so bummed. However, I did manage to make the card above using PTI's Father Knows Best paper - it is a free download over on Nichole's blog.

Supplies:
Stamps - Simple Little Things (Papertrey Ink's Anniversary Set)
CS - WW, So Saffron, PTI Designer Paper
Ink - Close to Cocoa
Other - Ivory Grosgrain Ribbon, SU Flower Ribbon Slide

Yes - it is very simple, however, I really like it. It wasn't hard at all and was quick to make. After the time I was having with my laptop - I needed a stress free card! :)

Thanks for stopping by!!! Have a great weekend!!
Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

Blogger's Challenge (Apr. 18th)

This past week's Blogger's Challenge was to use chipboard. I have tons of it and love it, but hardly ever use it. So, I was glad to get a chance to participate in this weeks challenge. My chipboard is where I stamped my message. It is from SU's On Board Accents. I sponged it with yellow chalk ink and then sponged the edges in orange chalk ink. My message is from Papertrey Ink's Simple Little Things set - the anniversary set they sent to anyone who purchased 12 or more stamp sets from this past year. It is a great versatile set. The message is actually all on one line, but I inked it up in 2 parts - first 'feel better' and stamped it, then 'soon' and stamped that below so it would fit on my chipboard piece. This is popped up on dimensionals.

I stamped the flowers twice. The second set I cut 3 of the flowers out and popped them up on dimensionals.

Supplies:
Stamps - Papertrey Ink (Women of Life; Simple Little Things)
CS - Whisper White (SU), Pumpkin Pie (SU), Basic Grey Gypsy Patterned Paper
Ink - Chalk Inks, Palette Noir
Other - Orange Brads, Chipboard (SU), Hole Punch, Pink Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Hope you had a great weekend!!
Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

Ok - somehow I managed to get that last post under the date of 4/4/08?? Go figure!

Long Time - No Blogging

Wow! It's been awhile again since I last blogged. Between being sick (myself and the rest of my family), computer issues (laptop was out of commission for a bit and still having issues), and just not having time - I haven't blogged.

Well - I decided I needed to get on today and post some things. I went away this past weekend on a scrapbooking retreat and got the following pages done. I'll post the others as well, but didn't want to cram everything into one post. These aren't the best pages, but then again, when I go on these scrappin' retreats - it is usually more a time for me to relax with friends and chat. So, my creativity isn't always with me!! :)

These are pages from a family reunion to Missiouri back in 2003. Did I mention that I'm always behind on my scrapping? I'm just proud of myself for getting this many accomplished!

I'll be back later to post some more pages!! Thanks for stopping by and sorry for the long time in between posts!! Happy Friday!!

Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

Cheer Me Up Award

I was sent this award by my friend, Lainey. Thanks girl!! She is so sweet and talented - be sure to check out her blog Lainey's Altered Ego to see some of her work. Or you can come visit us over at her store's message board Go. Be Creative. She has the MOST awesome scrapping kits!!

I'm to tag 3 people now with this award as well. So, many to choose from, but since it is 3...3 it is.

Sandy - Hand Stamped by Me
Kimmie - We Luv Cardstock
Deedee - Stamping Cuz I Need T0

BTW - I finally got my laptop fixed and so I'll be able to post some cards to my blog again. I was so lost without my laptop and am SO glad to have it fixed!!

Blogger's Challenge (Mar. 14)

I'm really late posting this week's challenge - I was hoping to find time to do it, but it just never panned out. So, I hadn't posted this card and thought I would use it. :) This week's challenge was to create a birthday card. I actually made this card awhile back for another challenge on Purple Faerie Paper Crafts (blog) and (yahoo).

The background was created by using a brayer and 2 different Craft Ink Spots (Bordering Blue and Elegant Eggplant). I used the SAB set So Many Scallops as the focal point to the card.

All SU! Supplies Used:
Stamps: So Many Scallops (SAB set)
CS: Bordering Blue, Elegant Eggplant, WW
Ink: Bordering Blue Craft Spot, Elegant Eggplant Craft Spot
Other: Scallop Circle Punch, Eggplant Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Brads, Markers - Elegant Eggplant, Bordering Blue, & Summer Sun, Stampin' Dimensionals, Brayer, Mat Pack (for brad placement), 1/16" Circle Punch

Be sure to check out the other Blogger Challenge Players for their creations!! Just click on the link in the sidebar to get to their blogs.

With Sympathy

I needed a Sympathy card last month for a co-worker and pulled out my Out on a Limb set from Papertrey Ink. I wanted a simple design - sympathy cards always seem hard to me, so simple is always best.

Supplies:
Stamps: Out on a Limb
CS: Papertrey Ink Select White, SU Fall Flowers DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Summer Sun
Other: Chocolate Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope to have some more current things to post soon - we've been sick here again and thus I've had no energy to do much of anything. I'm planning on changing that though - I NEED to stamp to keep my sanity!!! :)

Blogger's Challenge (Feb. 29th)

This week the Blogger's Challenge was to use the Sympathy card on pg. 44 of the Spring/Summer 08 Collection as our sketch. Well, I need a birthday card for my niece and I just put together my Janome Sew Mini (which I've had for months), so I wanted to sew on the card. This is the end result. It is hard to tell, but I actually colored the flower with Apricot Appeal first and then highlighted areas with Regal Rose. The stem and leaves were colored in Certainly Celery first and then highlighted with Mellow Moss. I then spritzed the stamp first and the stamped it on the Watercolor paper.

I'm not big on the Dotted background piece, but I had already glued it down, so I went with it. My sewing was not straight whatsoever, so I then went back and purposely made a 'wave' line over top. I thought it looked better this way.

Supplies:
Stamps: Heartfelt Thanks, It's Your Birthday, Dotted BG
CS: Certainly Celery, Regal Rose, Apricot Appeal, Watercolor Paper
Other: Celery Grosgrain Ribbon, Certainly Celery, Mellow Moss, Apricot Appeal, Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip - Markers, Stampin' Dimensionals, Thread (stitching), Mini Mister

Be sure to click on the Blogger's Challenge link to the right to get to the blogs of the other challenge players!!

January Stamp Club Projects

Yes - I'm finally posting the projects that my stamp club made back in January. I've had this ready for some time, but just never got around to posting.

A simple card, but I love it! This card was inspired by a swap card I received awhile ago (sorry don't remember whose card though). This would definitely be a great card to make as Thank Yous or something else that you might need to mass produce.

All Supplies SU:
Stamps: Beautiful Thing, A
CS: Bashful Blue, Always Artichoke, VV, Le Jardin DSP
Ink: Bashful Blue, Always Artichoke
Other: Bashful Blue Grosgrain Ribbon, Stamping Sponge (for around the flower), Stampin' Dimensionals (underneath the flower)

This card we made at our quarterly SU Demos meeting. Again - it's simple design really appealed to me. The most tedious part of the card was cutting out each flower. I don't use Kraft cs hardly ever, but will definitely be pulling it out more often.

All Supplies SU:
Stamps: Time Well Spent (Hostess)
CS: Kraft, Mellow Moss, Handsome Hunter, VV, Porcelain Prints DSP
Ink: Mellow Moss, Chocolate Chip
Other: Moss Gingham Ribbon, Stamping Sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals

This I thought would be a cute project for little Valentine's goodies. I had intentions of making these for my girl's teachers, but it never happened. I saw these little heart tins online, but didn't want to spend the money. I found these at Michael's - 30 tins for $15.99 (they were on sale). Each of my club members made one during the class and then got an extra tin to alter however they wanted on their own (at home). I did have 30 of these - I knew I wasn't going to be using them all!! :)

All Supplies SU (unless noted):
Stamps: Time Well Spent (Hostess)
CS: VV, Fall Flowers DSP
Ink: StazOn Black, Ruby Red, Wild Wasabi
Other: Aqua Painter, Silver Brad, White Grosgrain Ribbon, Heart Tins (from Michael's), Stampin' Dimensionals, Sticky Strip

Thanks for stopping by!!

Sky Watch Friday (on Sunday)

Welcome to Sky Watch Friday!

How to participate in Sky Watch

1. Post your sky picture on your blog. You do not have to use a picture with only the sky in it and the picture can be taken whenever and not just on Friday.
2. Come to Strolling through Georgia and sign in on Mr. Linky
3. Enjoy the beautiful sky pictures of the other bloggers.

Again - I'm late, but I didn't take this picture until Sat. night. This is the historic Boone Hotel (Boonsboro, MD) after a fire Friday destroyed it. It is owned by the author Nora Roberts and her husband. It was in the midst of renovations and was set to open in June. Estimated damages are $2 million. While there isn't much of the sky - it is in the background. I took other pictures as well and was just astounished at the damage that was caused. Even buildings across the street were damaged from the heat.

Edited: The $2 million in damages estimate was for all 7 buildings that were part of the fire. I'm sure a good bit of that is tied up in this hotel, but the estimate given is for all buildings involved.

I've been perusing Dot's blog and love looking at her pictures. She hosts Sky Watch Friday, so if you want to participate feel free to do so!

Ok - so this is supposed to have been posted yesterday, but I forgot (even though I took the pictures earlier in the week!). These are in no way good pictures, but thought I'd share anyway. I love seeing different pictures and wish I had the proper skills to photograph, but alas I think I do better at making cards.
This pictures was actually taken during the day when it was snowing. If you look closely, you can see the snow on the tree. :)

Then as I was heading back inside, I thought this would make a great picture. I like how this one turned out. This is our flag and the tree in our front yard behind it. I need lots more practice and plan to try to take an 'outdoor' picture each day.

New Stamping Goodies

Ok so over at Papertrey Ink, if you had purchased 12 sets from Feb. 07 - Feb. 08, then you qualified for their FREE Anniversary set! Well, after counting how many sets I had purchased it came to 11!! So, of course, I needed to order another set. :) They also have free shipping over $40, so I added the square nesties to my order. They are my first nesties and I can't wait to play with them. The set pictured above is Spiral Bouquet.

Then Verve Visual was having a sale on lots of goodies. So, I got 2 sets Seeing Stars and Serenity (which I used in my last card I posted). I also got paper and Stickles - all of which were on sale! Gotta love those sales!!

Ok - I'm done posting for today I promise! I just had to share all the goodies that I got this week.

Blog Goodies I Won

The other week I participated in a blog candy contest on Kim's blog. Well, I won - ok so I think I won by default by hey...I'm not complaining!! Look at what everybody missed out on!! Yeah me!! Look at the goodies - Basic Grey rubons, metal charms, little itty bitty primas (in a cute prima tin), some Fall embellies, A Muse notecards, and that beautiful card Kim made. What a happy mail day it was! I was on my way out the door when I spotted the envy in my mailbox. I of course had to grab it and open it while I was driving (sshh - don't tell). Sad I know, but I couldn't wait! I did wait until I was at least at a stop sign or red light. :)

This is the above card up close so you can see it better. LOVE the colors and how the black really makes the whole card 'pop'!!

Thanks so much Kim for the awesome goodies and beautiful card!! I really appreciate it!

Blogger's Challenge (Feb. 15th)

The challenge this week for the Blogger's Challenge was to use the layout on pg. 42 (happy birthday card). I had this finished last night, but didn't feel good and never got a chance to post. Be sure to check out the other Challenge players - just click on the Blogger's Challenge icon and it will bring up the other player's blogs.

A bit about the card - I used SU textured card stock (first time for me) and LOVE it!! I love the added texture and look it gives to the card! I created the scallop using my slit punch (can't find my corner rounder). I unfortunately needed 2 sympathy cards this week.

Supplies:
Stamps: Serenity - Verve Visual, Out on a Limb - Papertrey Ink
CS: Bordering Blue (textured), Sage Shadow, Elegant Eggplant, Stamper's Select White (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Going Grey, Elegant Eggplant
Other: Bordering Blue & Sage Shadow markers, Stampin Dimensionals, Stamping Sponge, Slit Punch, Blue Grosgrain Ribbon, Purple Striped Ribbon

Friendly Walrus

I made this for one of my best friend's who is going through a rough time. I'm trying to send her cards weekly if I can. So, this one is heading on its way out tomorrow for her. I used the sketch challenge from SCS - SC163. This was also for another challenge from an Inky Antics message board member (Doodlepie). The challenge this month from her was to use this walrus image, the 3 patterned papers, and the orange prima flowers (which she sends to us - how awesome is she!!).

I watercolored the walrus image with my Aqua Painter and inks. I sponged the card base, all mats, and the flowers with Tempting Turqouise ink. The walrus image, the single flower, and the white polka dotted flower are all on Stampin' Dimensionals.

I had fun with the items she sent and the challenge! Thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Walrus - Inky Antics, Mixed Messages - Papertrey Ink
CS: Only Orange, Patterned Paper (unknown), Papertrey Ink white
Ink: Black, Going Gray, Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa, Only Orange, Tempting Turqouise

Other: Black Sakura Glaze Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sponge Dauber, Aqua Painter, Prima Flowers, Brads

Princess Birthday Wishes

I made this card last night for a belated birthday. I used another one of the GinaK Designs release party sketches for it as well. This particular sketch was posted by Julie and can be seen over on SCS. I had already had the image stamped and colored from a previous project, so I pulled it out and went from there.

What Princess doesn't LOVE sparkle and glitz?! I added Crystal Stickles to her tiara, bouquet, sash, and shoes. You can never have too much 'bling'! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Birthday Beauty (SU), birthday wishes (Papertrey Ink - Mixed Messages)
CS: Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Papertrey Ink white, Basic Grey LilyKate
Ink: Black StazOn
Other: Ivory Grosgrain Ribbon, Slit Punch (for scallop border), Crystal Stickles, Stampin' Dimensionals (under the bouquet and main image), Watercolor Crayons, Blender Pen

Here is another image - I was trying to show the dimension, but it didn't work out quite well. :) Hopefully you get the idea.

Hope you have a wonderful day!! We got a bit of snow today, so that'll be fun to drive in on my way to work. The schools were closed already for voting here (polling places). My preschooler had school up until this morning - closed because of the weather. Too bad work wasn't closed. :D

Sorry so Long!

Wow! I can't believe it's been so long since I last posted. Sorry about that! Is it just me or does time just fly anymore?! I thought things would be less hectic once the holidays were over, but it doesn't seem like it.

That said - I did find a bit of time last night to take part in the GinaK Designs release party over on SCS. Never been to a release party? Well, there are challenges, contests, sneak peeks, etc before the big reveal of what is going to be released that particular night. Here is the link for the GinaK Designs member company section over on SCS. Check them out - there are other great companies there too!

Now onto the card. This one I made for the first challenge - sketch challenge.

Supplies:
Stamps: Trio of Flowers - GinaK Designs, Beautiful Day - A Muse
CS: Sage Shadow, Papertrey Ink white, Basic Grey Two Scoops
Ink: Black StazOn
Other: Maize Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mega/Giga Scallop Circle, Copic Markers, SU Markers, SU Window Punch, MAMBI icons (gems)

I made this next one for my DH for Valentine's Day. Not only did I make 2 cards last night, but I'm ahead of the game and already have his card made BEFORE Valentine's day!! Usually, I'm late with it or he just doesn't get one. I know sad! Now for the deets on this card.

This one was made for another sketch challenge for the release party last night. I sponged the DSP and the piece with the fish with Real Red ink first. Then I went back and sponged Going Gray over that for more definition.

Supplies:
Stamps: Fish - GinaK Designs, Happy Valentine's Day - Inky Antics
CS: Real Red, Papertrey Ink white, Basic Grey Two Scoops
Ink: Black StazOn, Real Red, Going Gray
Other: Stamping Sponge, Copic Markes, SU Markers, MAMBI icons (gems)

Hope you have a great day and stay warm! It is a nice 8 degrees out right now here!! Burrrr!!! I'll have more projects to post later, but now I need to head to work.

A Beautiful Thing

I was given this set by a friend in a trade. I really like it and have been having fun playing with it. I've been on a quick and simple design lately. It seems like I never have time, so the quick and simple has been wonderful to get cards made!

Supplies:
Stamps - A Beautiful Thing
CS - Groovy Guava, Chocolate Chip, Basic Grey Paper (forget which collection though)
Ink - Chocolate Chip, Groovy Guava
Other - Striped Brown Ribbon, Orange Candy Jewels (for the flower centers), 1 3/8" Square Punch

The card below was made by my oldest daughter, Madison. Every time I sit to stamp, she always asks if she can make a card too. She wanted to copy my card above. She picked out the card stock and ribbon. Then she went to work on her card. The only thing she asked me to help with was tying the knot for the ribbon. I think it turned out beautiful - not just bragging because I'm her mom either. ;) She decided to send this to her aunt (godmother) to let her know she loves her.

Supplies:
Stamps - A Beautiful Thing
CS - Purely Pomegranate, Chocolate Chip, WW
Ink - Purely Pomegranate, Chocolate Chip
Other - Pink Dotted ribbon (from my stash), 1 3/8" Square Punch

Blogger's Challenge (Jan. 25th)

This week for the Blogger's Challenge, we were to use the card on pg. 141 of the SU! Spring/Summer '08 Collection as our sketch. I made mine into a regluar 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 standard card. This again is a very simple card and something I always find challenging. It was definitely quick to make, so I'll have to keep doing this. :)

I used stamps that my friend, Cindy, got me from the Michael's $1 spot. I thought these were so cute and are perfect for sending cards to friends/family who live far away. So, I made 2 of these to send out this week.

Supplies (SU! unless noted otherwise):
Stamps - Michael's $1 Spot
CS - Sage Shadow, Bashful Blue, WW
Ink - StazOn Black, Bashful Blue
Other - Markers - Bashful Blue, Sage Shadow, Basic Black, Stickles Crystal, Striped Ribbon (from my stash)

Blogger's Challenge (Jan. 18th)

Our challenge this week was a color combo - Blue Bayou, River Rock, Real Red, and WW OR VV. Well, since I found out that I don't have any Real Red card stock, I used it as accents on my card. This is such a cute set from TAC - I don't believe it is available anymore, so I'm glad I got it! One of my best friends is going through some rough times right now, so I thought I'd send her this card.

A bit about the card - I stamped the elephant and colored her in with my Aqua Painter and the River Rock ink. I then used Copic Ciao R29 Lipstick Red marker to color in her nails. I added some glitz to them as well with the Sakura Glitter Gel Pen. I sponged the scalloped piece with Real Red ink - to add a touch more red to the card. I stamped the circular design from SU's A Beautiful Thing onto the River Rock with River Rock ink. After tying the ribbon around the card, I used SU's dimensionals under the elephant to give her some 'lift'. The greeting is a bit hard to read here, it says - If you ever need a friend --- I got your back!

I tried to do the sketch challenge over on Kim's blog, but not sure I succeeded. :) Oh well - I tried!

Supplies:
Stamps: Stand Tall (TAC), A Beautiful Thing (SU!)
CS: River Rock, Blue Bayou, WW
Ink: River Rock, Blue Bayou, Real Red, StazOn Black
Other: Stamping Sponge, Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Marvy Scalloped Circle Punch, Aqua Painter, R29 Lipstick Red Copic Ciao Marker, Sakura Glitter Gel Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals

Joy in Snowflakes

These were the cards that I made for my co-workers. I needed something quick and easy because I didn't have a whole lot of time. So, I made 10 of these in one night. I had wanted to follow a design that I had seen on another blog, but I ended up straying from it. I love winter and snow, so this set by Papertrey Ink is perfect.

For the smaller snowflake, I stamped it in Blue Bayou and then stamped off once before stamping on the card stock.

Supplies:
Stamp: Snowflake Serenade (Papertrey Ink)
CS: WW
Ink: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou
Other: Crystal Stickles (for inside each of the snowflakes)

Blogger's Challenge (Jan. 11)

Our challenge this week was to create a card based on the layout on pg.37 of the SU Spring-Summer Collection 2008 catalog (the Save the Date card). It is a very simple yet elegant card - which is not my style at all. Don't get me wrong, I like the simplicity of it, however, I can never seem to pull that off. My cards always look plain to me.

The above card took all of about 5 minutes to make - definitely something I should do when mass producing (like Christmas cards - since I didn't get to send any out this year). It took longer to edit the photo to post on my blog than it did to make it. I like how it turned out, but I'm always wanting to add to my cards. I made myself follow the sample and finish without adding 'extras'. :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Lasting Impressions with Panache (Secret of Happiness 242-003H)
CS: WW, Bashful Blue, Fall Flowers DSP
Ink: Basic Brown
Other: Brown Grosgrain Ribbon, Cutter Kit (to distress the one edge of the Bashful Blue cs)

Blogger's Challenge (Jan. 4)

It's been awhile since I was able to participate in the Blogger Challenge's. I finally made time last night - only 2 days late - not bad. :) Our challenge this week was to use Pink & Brown. I love this color combo. I also used images that I received back in October for a different challenge (yes - I know I'm behind on everything....story of my life!).

I made a pocket card (challenge from back in October for a different group). I thought it turned out cute if I do say so myself. *wink*

Be sure to check out the other Blogger Challenge Players for their wonderful creations. They are linked to the right. >>>>>

Supplies:
Stamps: Inky Antics
CS: Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip, VV, Basic Grey Infuse
Ink: Black, Chocolate Chip
Other: Stamping Sponge, Snowflake Eyelets, A Muse Creative Candy, Crop-a-Dile, Ribbon, SU Markers - Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Creamy Caramel