Thursday, May 31, 2012

Love You To Pieces

It's Thursday and that means an awesome new sketch from 
I am really enjoying being a Guest Designer for Jen this summer!

For my card today I chose a set from Unity Stamps that I hadn't yet inked: Love You To Pieces. I think it's so cute! 
I stamped my main images with Riding Hood Red ink and then stamped the background panel behind the circle with Crumb Cake ink. The flower (MFT) was cut from the beautiful Sweet Tooth Merino Wool felt that Stamp School carries.
I sewed around the edges of each panel and added some twine (PTI) to complete the sketch.
My colors are from Color Throwdown 194. I love this color combo, and although I had to substitute the RHR for the Poppy Parade, I still have a few pieces of Soft Sky left! It was one of my favorite colors! I am hoping that Pool Party is similar (although that one is retired today too!).


The Deconstructed Sketch girls have some terrific samples to show, so be sure to have a visit at their blogs too!

To play along, link up your sketch creation HERE!

Monday, May 28, 2012

Remembering

To all the military families who have given so much 
and have sacrificed so much - thank you. 
You inspire me.

Challenges for this card:
Art With No Boundaries - Anything Goes
Bunny Zoe's Crafts - Anything Goes
Crafty Boots - Anything Goes
House of Gilli - Die Cuts/Punches
The Cutie Pie Challenge - Die Cuts/Punches
Use Your Stuff - Texture 
The Shabby Tea Room - Photo Inspiration plus Flowers, Fabric Element and white/cream, pink, blue
There's Magic in the AirBINGO (punches, flowers, circles)
Kaboodle DoodlesAnything Goes  
Love to Create - Add a Sentiment  
Ooh La La Creations - Make it Girly 
Tammy Scrapin Corner - Anything Goes
   
Stamps: Sweet Violets by Flourishes
Paper: Pink Paislee Butterfly DP, River Rock, Sahara Sand, Naturals Ivory 
Ink: Taken With Teal, Always Artichoke 
Accessories and Tools:  flowers (Prima), Chino Pearls (Kaiser), Moss Green seam binding (coffee dyed) and lace (Really Reasonable Ribbon), ticket corner punch

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Cats Know



Happy Sunday to you! I love scrunching up ribbon. If I had a cat, I am sure it would love it too! :)
I used Stampin' Up's Cherry Cobbler striped grosgrain ribbon and Scor-Tape and gave some dimension to my little card. It measures approx. 6 x 3 1/2 inches.

My images are by Rubbernecker Stamps from the Cats Set. So many fun cats and sentiments! This sentiment says "Women and Cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea." Click on the photo above for a clearer, close-up view.

I think those cats on my card are doing as they please, hanging from the ceiling, stretching and taking up room, and bouncing off the walls. I feel like that some days! :)

I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day!





Challenges for this card: 
Great Impressions - Anything goes
   
Stamps: Cats Set SKU:597 by Rubbernecker Stamps
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black, Neenah Solar White
Ink: VersaFine Onyx Black
Accessories: Spellbinders oval die, Basic Grey button, PTI twine, Stampin' Up! Cherry Cobbler Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Hopping With Operation Write Home

CLICK HERE TO HOP.


Welcome to the Memorial Day Sketch Blog Hop 
with Operation Write Home. 
I am pleased to take part in this very special hop 
honoring our military personnel.

If you are not familiar with Operation Write Home, please click HERE. Basically, their mission is: "Supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them."  Isn't that awesome? Click here to get involved!

My card today is made with images by Hambo Stamps -- a proud supporter of OWH. Click here to see images from Hop Art Designs - where ALL proceeds go to OWH!
I used Tank and Many Tanks for my images. The designer paper is Glory by Authentique.  I chose Sketch #6 and turned it on its side. Click either photo for a clearer, close-up view!



Thank you to all the military personnel and their families for the sacrifices you made/make for my freedom!
Like what you see on my blog? Become a follower!

Friday, May 25, 2012

Chef Charlotte Bakes a Cake!

Time to begin your weekend! What better way to start than with a piece of yummy cake!?

Chef Charlotte (I Brake for Stamps) is here with her birthday wishes for my mother-in-law, who is celebrating her 82nd birthday today!

The inside of the card uses a sentiment from Half Sheet #052. It says "Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live." Perfect! Click on either photo for a clearer close-up!

I stamped Chef Charlotte with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, and then colored in using just a few Copic markers for highlights and cake color. I added a little candle to the dotted bow for fun.
My Hot Pink Checkerboard Ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

You can save 10% at I Brake For Stamps by using this code: SAVE10JUDY.
Cool huh?

Thanks for taking a peek and have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!





Challenges for this card: 
ATCs & Cards With Attitude - Anything Goes 
Inspire Me Fridays – Always Anything Goes 
Digi Doodle Shop's Best - Let's go spotty 
Sassy Studio Designs - Hats off to you (include a hat)

  
Stamps: Chef Charlotte and Half Sheet 052 by I Brake for Stamps
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers C1, C3, C5, R00, R20, RV02, RV04, Y04, Spica Glitter pens
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White and Melon Mambo (Stampin' Up!), Pink Dot designer paper (Stamping Station)
Accessories and Tools: Dots embossing folder (Sizzix), candle (Dress Ups), Pink Satin Checkboard Ribbon (Really Reasonable Ribbon), white dotted bow, pink brad (The Paper Studio)

Thursday, May 24, 2012

It's Sketch Day!

Wow, did that week fly. A week ago I was writing a post the night before my trip to see my daughter. I can't believe I am home again already. We had a great time shopping, eating, hiking and hanging out! I miss her!
It's a good thing I had to stamp right away to keep me occupied!
It's Thursday and that means an awesome new sketch from Jen - Deconstructed Sketch 53!
I used Bloom & Simplify by Unity Stamps for my images. I stamped the sentiment and flower in Blue Bayou ink, then watercolored in some So Saffron and Blue Bayou ink. The sentiment was stamped again (without reinking) onto the flower circle to continue the words without overpowering the flower. 
The designer paper is Stella & Rose Hattie Papers by My Mind's Eye. My Ivory Jute Ribbon and Penelope Crocheted Lace are from Really Reasonable Ribbon. I added a clip, button and crocheted flower.
The sentiment reads: 
be the one
to start an
incredible 
journey
to love with
an
open heart.
the dream of
better things
for tomorrow.
to embrace life
right now.
this moment.
be the one...
only you can
have the faith
and
determination
to grab hold
of what this
life has to
offer.
you be that
person to
start 
the journey...
and watch
others
follow.
The Deconstructed Sketch girls have some terrific samples to show, so be sure to have a visit at their blogs too!

To play along, link up your sketch creation HERE!






Stamps: Bloom & Simplify by Unity Stamps (Angie Blom)
Ink: So Saffron and Blue Bayou
Paper: Stella and Rose Hattie Papers (My Mind's Eye), Kraft and Naturals Ivory (Stampin' Up!)
Accessories and Tools: distressing tool, clip and crocheted flower (The Paper Studio), button (CTMH), twine (PTI), Ivory Jute Ribbon and Penelope Crocheted Lace (Really Reasonable Ribbon)

Saturday, May 19, 2012

A Garden of Delights with Rubbernecker Stamps

Welcome to the Rubbernecker Stamps' 
Stampin' Sisterhood Garden Hop! 
Today the Sisterhood is showcasing stamps of a "garden variety."  If you arrived here from Joan Ervin's beautiful blog, you are in the right spot! If not, start back at Anne Harmon's blog, because you will want to see each beautiful creation today, and have a chance at winning some fabulous prizes!

There are so many beautiful garden sets and individual floral stamps at Rubbernecker Stamps. I chose to make a card that really focused on the stamping and the stamps. I LOVE layers and designer paper and embellishments, but today I chose to just stamp!

I masked off a section of my cardstock and sponged Not Quite Navy and Rich Razzleberry ink in the background on Whisper White. I then stamped Floral #1 with the same two ink colors. The NQN image was stamped off first before adding it to the card while still masked. I took the masking off and then stamped the Rich Razzleberry images. I debated about adding a sentiment, but in the end decided to leave it for the inside of the card.

We are having a garden word search with our hop today and my word is DIG. Can you dig it?! Every hopper that leaves love along the way, collects the garden words from each blog, and leaves a comment at the Stampin' Sisterhood blog at the end of the hop (with email) will receive a code via email for 15% off your entire Rubbernecker order! There is much more fun to be had with more prizes too, so be sure to read all the deets at the end of the hop!

Now onto my lovely friend, Julia Aston, who has a gorgeous creation for you today! 
Hop Route:

Friday, May 18, 2012

Let's Channel Surf!

Welcome to the "Channel Surfing" Blog Hop 
sponsored by Hambo Stamps! 


Today Hambo customers and the Bacon Bits Design Team are bringing you fun creations that depict TV show titles! It might be our favorite show, or just one that was fun to design. If you arrived here from Melissa's blog you are in the right place! If not, you might want to start back at the beginning at Talk to the Ham to make sure you are eligible for the hopper prize!

A prize will be awarded to one customer participant whose TV-themed creation tickles the Bacon Bits’ fancy in a hammin’ jammin’ way!  Another prize will be awarded randomly to a hopper who comments on all the blogs along the way. The winners will be announced on the Hoedown blog, as well as on the Hambo company blog, Talk to the Ham, on Wednesday, May 23.


My card is made using American GothPigs - 4101.
Love this stamp! I inked it up with VersaFine Onyx Black, then embossed with Black Detail Embossing Powder. I colored it with Copic Markers. The sentiment sticker is by Heidi Grace. I added bling with Crystal Stickles to Mrs. Douglas' pendant and collar. She has to wear jewels, you know.

I am sure you can figure out my TV show - definitely not my favorite by a long shot! I am more of a CSI kind of gal. Arnold was my favorite character on Green Acres, so American Goth Pigs are especially appropriate.


If you watch long enough Oliver will move his pitchfork:


And for those of you that just LOVE the song (haha!) go ahead and have a listen (it will be stuck in your head ALL day -- you're welcome!). Click here.

Thank you for joining us today as we shared our TV show creations! Don't forget to leave love along the way so you are eligible for the prize~!

Hop Order:

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Summer is Here!

Today is my first official day of summer! WOOT!  And I am on my way to Utah to see my daughter for a week! We had two wonderful talent shows at my school yesterday with acts from piano to magic tricks to tap dance to flag line to string quintet. All sorts of fun things. But now I am ready for a vacation!  So last night I was BUZZING around trying to get ready to go!

It's Thursday, and that means a fabulous sketch from Jen - Deconstructed Sketch 52:
I used the ADORABLE bee from The Alley Way Stamps' Priceless Joy set. I stamped using Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then colored in using Copic Markers Y02, Y08, C3 and BV29. The chipboard letters were stamped with Charcoal VersaMark ink and then embossed with Midnight Madness and Firefly Embossing Powder.I have Crystal Stickles on the bee's wings.

The Deconstructed Sketch girls have some terrific samples to show, so be sure to have a visit at their blogs too!

To play along, link up your sketch creation HERE!

Thanks for stopping by today! Tomorrow is a super fun blog hop with Hambo Stamps, beginning at 7:00 AM CST.






Stamps: Priceless Joy by The Alley Way Stamps
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers Y02, Y08, C3 and BV29  
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Yoyo Yellow, Melon Mambo, DeLovely DP (Cosmo Cricket)
Accessories and Tools: Cuttlebug EF, Prima flowers, Kaiser pearls, Doodlebug Paper Frills, chipboard letters, Sparkle N Sprinkle Midnight Madness and Firefly EP, MS branch punch, Crystal Stickles

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

A New Challenge at RRR~

Click here for the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop.
Click here for the Mother of All Blog Hops by There She Goes.


Time really does fly as you get older! Seems like I was just fretting about getting my taxes done by April 15 and here is it May 15 already! And tomorrow is my last day of teaching for this school year! I am teaching a fun summer school class on ocean creatures to first and second graders, but the regular year is almost in the books!

And it's time for another fun challenge from Really Reasonable Ribbon! The theme for Challenge #48 is Father's Day/Masculine with Ribbon or Trim.  Create a card, layout, multi media piece, tag, ATC, hair bow, you name it. Just be sure to follow the theme above and use ribbon/lace or trim somewhere on your project. 

Here is my submission:
My images are some of my favorites from TLC Creations.  I used White Jute from Really Reasonable Ribbon for my knot tying. I hope you will join our challenge! Click here and see what some of the rest of the RRR DT created and to play along!


Other challenges for this card:
Bunny Zoe's CraftsAnything Goes 
Incy Wincy Designs - Weather  
Lollipop Crafts - Just for Him  
Simon Says Stamp and Show... - Anything Goes 
Stamps & Fun = Creativity - Something after a song(Blowin' in the Wind) 
Stamps: Land Ho Vintage & Can't Change the Wind by TLC Creations
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Kraft, Stella & Rose Hattie Papers (MME)
Ink: Antique Linen Distress Ink (Tim Holtz)
Accessories: Martha Stewart bird punch, Labels Eighteen die cuts (Spellbinders), White Jute (Really Reasonable Ribbon), black square eyelets and brad (The Paper Studio), distressing tool, Just the Edge CS Strips (Bazzill)

Sunday, May 13, 2012

May Blog Hop With Really Reasonable Ribbon!

WITH THERE SHE GOES.



Welcome to the Really Reasonable Ribbon May Blog Hop! If you arrived here from Linda's blog, you are in the right place! If you just happened along, be sure to start at the beginning at the RRR Blog (I am the fourth stop, so you don't have far back to go!) so you don't miss out on the awesome projects, fun news, and a prize from Really Reasonable Ribbon!
Our hop goes live at 6:30 AM CST.

Each 13th of the month it's the Really Reasonable Ribbon blog hop where we highlight the Ribbon Club! I LOVE Bonnie's choices for the May ribbon club package. If you really love ribbon and would like to have a wonderful assortment of ribbons sent to you automatically each month, just join the Really Reasonable Ribbon Club! Monthly ribbon club assortments are selected and pre-packed to reflect a specific theme, color, or holiday season. The assortments vary from month to month, but an average assortment has 5-8 different ribbon styles and consists of 10-15 yards of ribbon.  You will love it! Take a peek:

The color combo in the Club package this month is one of my favorite color combinations. Pink and black ROCK! Pink is my favorite color!! But -- I decided to stretch myself and NOT make a pink card (those will come later in the month!) and make a neutral-toned card instead!

I used the gorgeous Black Satin Ribbon in the May Club package and created a "travel" card for a friend going on a big trip this summer. My Steamship Receipt image is by Rubbernecker Stamps, and the sentiment is made with rub-on letters. The Gunge Background #3 is also from Rubbernecker Stamps and is stamped on the left side with Brilliance White pigment ink. The black "leaves" for my flower are loops of Black Satin Ribbon. The strip up the middle is also the Black Satin Ribbon.

Bonnie will be giving away a May Ribbon Monthly Club kit to a random commenter so please make sure and comment on all of the girls' projects to increase your chances of winning! 

Now off to BONNIE'S blog, where you can see that not only is she an amazing businesswoman and our fearless leader, but she is an amazing designer as well!

Thanks for stopping by today!
If you are in a find-a-deal mood, check out my GARAGE SALE. 

Stamps: Steamship Receipt SKU:621-06 and Grunge Background #3 SKU:618 by Rubbernecker Stamps
Ink: Antique Linen Distress and Close to Cocoa
Paper: PTI Kraft, Naturals Ivory and This and That DP
Tools and Accessories: Black Satin Ribbon, clip, rub-on letters (Making Memories), Scallop die (Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps), Rolled flower die (MFT Stamps), pennant die (Spellbinders), black diamond gem (The Paper Studio), photo corner sticker (Nostalgia), corner rounder

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Hopping With There She Goes!

Welcome to the 3rd annual Mother of All Blog Hops sponsored by There She Goes Clear Stamps!  Yesterday and today customers and TSG Trendsetters will be featuring some of our favorite There She Goes Clear Stamp sets!  Not only that, we’re going to give YOU a chance to win some fabulous prizes!

Please go to the There She Goes’ blog to find out all the info so you don’t miss out :)
My card is made from my favorite TSG set, ZOO-PENDOUS. I stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then colored my Boa with Copic Markers. I added an offset frame using Spellbinders Circle dies.

You'll want to check out what everyone has in store for you today so check out the inlinkz below and hop onto the next person!!
Thanks for popping by!!

Friday, May 11, 2012

For the Birds


Yesterday's Splitcoaststampers Ways To Use It Challenge was to incorporate a bird on your creation. I immediately thought of the fabulous collage birds that Della carries at the I Brake For Stamps website. I stamped my Flying Swallow Collage from I Brake For Stamps using VersaFine Onyx Black ink, then sponged in some Chocolate Chip and Soft Sky ink. The beautiful Wild Orchid flowers are also available at IBFS here

The school year is winding down! Two more days next week and then off to see my daughter in Utah for a week! I am looking forward to summer!






Other challenges for this card: 
Delightful Challenges - Distressing 
Crafty RibbonsFlowers 
Forever Friends - must include an animal - Spring 
Do You Stack Up? - Use a flower

Stamps: Flying Swallow Collage by I Brake For Stamps
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky, Authentique Gathering DP
Ink: VersaFine Onyx Black, Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky
Accessories: Wild Orchid Roses, silk leaves, Offray lace trim, Recollections pearls, tulle and pearls adornment, distressing tool

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Some Grand News!

(No I am not going to be a grandmother...)
I am so excited today to be able to share that I have been asked by the amazing Jen Shults to be a Guest Designer for The Deconstructed Sketch for the summer! I love her sketches, and am thrilled to be working with an awesome team!!

Every Thursday there is a new fun sketch! Here is this week's:
I love Jen's Sketches! It makes the rest of the card go together easily, as the sketch is the hardest part, I think! I used Hambo Stamps' Floating Pig (available as a digi with flowers as well) and Just Pigcause for my images.  I stamped using  Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then colored the pig with Copic markers. I pieced the balloon.  Pink is my favorite color, so my clouds had to be pink :)

My trio of Baker's Twine is from Really Reasonable Ribbon. I wanted to tie (haha!) all the colors from the card together, so used Cotton Candy, Aqua, and Green Apple from the Assortment here. There is a great pre-Mother's Day Sale going on at RRR NOW!

Lots of fun stuff happening at Hambo Stamps this week, so be sure to check out the Hambo Hoedown before tomorrow! A blog hop and a Design Team call have deadlines coming soon!

The Deconstructed Sketch girls have some terrific samples to show, so be sure to have a visit at their blogs too!

To play along, link up your sketch creation HERE!

Stamps: Floating Pig and Just Pigcause by Hambo Stamps
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers
Paper: Neenah Solar White, Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss, Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses DP, October Afternoon Sidewalks Collection DP
Tools and Accessories: Lil Inkers Cloud dies, Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps Scallop dies, Spellbinders Circle and Scalloped Circle dies, Really Reasonable Ribbon Baker's Twine, Memory Box Small Pinwheel Posie die, paper piercer, Cuttlebug embossing folder

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Scoot!

I live in a town where a scooter would be perfect to get around. It's a small town, and not really a lot of traffic compared to most places. My scooter would have to be pink of course, but I think this one in my card today is pretty cute too!
I used Jen's Deconstructed Sketch 50 for my layout (love her sketches - so inspiring to me!), and the designer paper I still had out from last week -- October Afternoon's Sidewalks Collection. My images are from Unity's March 2010 Kit of the Month - one I got with a sale last week. So new to me! The inside says "I miss you." This will go to my daughter - she is a scooter kind of girl too!

This is also for the Splitcoast Ways To Use It Challenge today -- Distressing! Easy peasy, as I love to do that!

Got some happy email today that I will share in a few days -- LOVE the summer! Three more days of school for me (over the next two weeks) and I will be content! And by the way, I just got Draw Something on my Kindle Fire and am addicted. If you want to play, my ID is SQJAR!

Have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

The Artist in All of Us

May is flying by - just like the rest of spring! I love seeing all the different blooming flowers in the neighborhood and around town. If you want to see some beautiful flowers, head over to the IBFS Challenge blog where we have a fun FLORAL challenge for you!

I went in a little different direction from the rest of the team, and created a whimsical card - still has florals!
I used Happy Hannah Painting for my images. I stamped with VersaFine Onyx Black ink on Neenah Solar White and then embossed with Ranger Clear Embossing Powder. I colored in with Copics, added a strip of crazy Basic Grey DP, a rolled flower, some buttons, and a sticker that says "Create."
I love to create!

Have a wonderful day - hope you get in some creative time today!
Ink: VersaFine Onyx Black, Copic Markers
Paper: GP White, Neenah Solar White, Basic Grey Lauderdale DP
Accessories and Tools: MFT Rolled Flower die, Heidi Grace sticker, Button Up buttons, Spellbinders label die