One More Sleep!!!

Yep, ladies and gentlemen, only one more sleep until Verve Visual is up and running! Are you excited?? I am!!

There's also been an addition to the Design Team... Woo-hoo!!

Whoa, Nellie!

As promised, here are a few pics of Nellie, my mom's new baby. Isn't she ADORABLE??? This is a picture of Nellie, with her momma, Pink. Pink has the most beautiful crystal blue eyes you've ever seen.

The next picture is Nellie playing with Sir Louis Sheffield BaDonk-a-Donk (yes, the one I chased...and he has NOT forgotten or forgiven me...

Look at her knobby little knees and her stubby tail...isn't she CUTE???

So in honor of my momma the cowgirl, here's one last card for tonight, combining 2 challenges from the DTGD fun.

I stamped this Annie Oakley stamp from B-Line Designs in Palette Hybrid Burnt Umber on White Cardstock. Then I stamped over it in Palette Hybrid Noir to create kind of a shadowed image with the brown. I pierced the heck out of the main image and the mat, faux stitched it, and stamped over it with Linen in Close to Cocoa. The bottom panel is Basic Black with 25, yes, you read that right, 25 brads and 2 pieces of Hodgepodge Hardware all around the image. When I got finished I realized that they kind of looked like bullets or something...lol

I stamped the white card base with Weathered in Close to Cocoa Ink & Linen on top of that. Sponged the edges, added some black grosgrain, and popped up the black piece on Foam Mounting Tape. Hope you enjoy this one! My poor baby fingers hurt!!!

Stamps: B-Line Designs, Weathered, Linen
Paper: Papertrey White, Chocolate Chip, Basic Black
Ink: Palette Hybrid Burnt Umber & Noir, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa
Accessories: Brads, Brads, Brads, Brads, HP Hardware, Brads, Paper Piercer, Brads, Ribbon, Brads

You Can't Stop the Bling

I have been wanting to use Petey FOREVER and finally got to ink him up today for another Dare to Get Dirty Challenge on SCS. This was a fairly simple card to make, although it took forever because I had to mediate 2 fights between the boys, let the dogs out, and cook dinner in between. Is it bedtime yet? (for them, I mean!)

I used Paper Piecing to make Petey's patterned pants (try saying that 3 times fast!), you can find a great tutorial on Colleen's blog HERE. I used Pink Martini Designs DP for his pants, and colored him with Stampin Write Markers in Real Red, Close to Cocoa, Taken with Teal, Old Olive, & Pumpkin Pie. Then I added some bling with my Clear Sakura Stardust pen, and I think I overdid it a little, thus making Blingy Petey.

I used a technique called Out of the Box, where you cut out part of your design to hang over the edge of the image. I didn't mean to use it on this card, but I smudged some red on that side, so out of the box he went! I also masked his feet and stamped the A Muse Skinny Oval in River Rock as the ground. I matted him on Basic Black CS, added 2 brads to the left side. Then I used my 1/4" Karen Foster Snap stamps to stamp "Hey Dude" in Palette Hybrid Noir. I popped him up on Foam Mounting Tape, and matted him on Real Red cardstock.

For the card base I used Papertrey White cardstock, and piece of Taken with Teal run through my Cuttlebug with D'Vine Swirls Embossing Folder. I also lightly rubbed it with my Brilliance Moonlight White dewdrop to make it look more like waves. And a card is not complete (boy card or not) without some ribbon. I got this red grosgrain at Michael's and put my SU gingham on top, tied a little knot, and put Petey right on top. I'm liking how it came out, pretty clean and crisp. Back to my stamp room for more! See yall later!

ETA: Oops! Forgot my Recipe again!
Stamps: Big Blooms, Paisley, Versamark
Paper: Purely Pomegranate, Papertrey White, Chocolate Chip, Groovy Guava, Watercolor Paper
Ink: Purely Pomegranate, Groovy Guava, Taken with Teal, Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa
Accessories: Distressor Tool, Twine, Foam Mounting Tape, Clear Embossing Powder
Techniques: Monet, Cracked Glass

Twinkle Twinkle

Hope yall are having a great weekend! We had so much fun swimming and hanging out today. Didn't get any pics of the baby horse, but I promise I will soon. She is soooo cute!! She still has knobby knees and is so curious. It's very funny.

This is a card that I've been meaning to make FOREVER to send to my cousin who just had her 2nd baby girl. I decided at the very last minute to get Buggies & Booties before it retired, and I'm so glad I did! There's nothing in the new catalog like it. I love the shabby chic vintage look.

I used a couple of challenges for the Dare to get Dirty challenge on Splitcoast for inspiration on this card. I stamped the main image in Palette Hybrid Noir on Paper Accents Pearlized Ivory paper. At least I think that's what it's called? It's shimmer Vanilla, but it's regular paper weight, not cardstock weight. I colored the buggy with Pretty In Pink & Chocolate Chip Markers & a Blender Pen, pierced around the edges in a zig zag pattern with my piercer and mat pack, and did some faux stitching. I inked up my Linen BG stamp with Close to Cocoa Ink and kind of pounced my image on it, turning it, giving it a fabric type texture. I sponged the edges, mounted it on Chocolate Chip CS, and distressed the edges.

I picked out my Basic Grey Blush paper for the background piece, stamped the Linen BG on it, and sponged the edges. Did the same thing for the bottom Ivory strip did some more faux stitching, and mounted both on Choc Chip as well. Then I stamped the sentiment from Small Sayings and a couple of stars in Palette Hybrid Noir.

To finish it off, I tied 2 pieces of May Arts organdy ribbon around the Basic Grey Layer, and added a button with twill tied in the holes. I've learned to attach buttons with Diamond Glaze, because every time I use Glue Dots the button ends up kind of wonky to one side. Anywhoo, the bottom of the card base is scalloped with my corner rounder, pierced, and faux stitched, and the entire card base is randomly stamped with Linen as well.

Hopefully I'll have time tomorrow to post some more stuff! Have a great night!

Stamps: Linen, Buggies & Booties, Small Sayings
Paper: Pretty In Pink, Chocolate Chip, Paper Accents Pearlized Ivory, Basic Grey Blush
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Palette Hybrid Noir
Accessories: Pretty In Pink & Choc Chip Markers, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, Button, May Arts Ribbon, Twine, Corner Rounder, Distressor Tool
Techniques: Faux Stitching

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Superbella!!

I have been desparately trying to play in the Dare to Get Dirty Challenges the last few days but have been severly time deprived. I FINALLY got the boys to bed, got the kitchen semi-clean (aka dishes soaking), and went at it!

I really enjoyed making this card and adding all kinds of little extra details. First I stamped Superbella in Palette Hybrid Noir on Paper Accents Pearlized White Cardstock. I am almost out of this stuff...but thankfully I can order more from Verve Visual in a few days!!! I colored her with Prismacolor Pencils and Odorless Mineral Spirits, masked her, and stamped the Skinny Oval and Grass from A Muse for the ground. I also sponged Soft Sky around her. For the finishing touch I thought her outfit should be patent leather, so I added Diamond Glaze to her boots, skirt, shirt, and cape. So cute! I matted her on Chocolate Chip cardstock, punched the corners with my ticket corner punch, and popped it up on Foam Mounting tape. This sentiment from the Verve Thoughtful Phrases set goes perfectly with Superbella in my opinion. I think it's my favorite of the bunch.

The 2 background layers are both from the Pink Squirrel Collection from Pink Martini Designs, also available at Verve. I love the colors in these papers! I matted both pieces on white cardstock to make them stand out a bit more, and added silver brads to the corners. The Turquoise strip is stamped with the Faux Ribbon set from Papertrey Ink. After adhering all the base layers together, I wrapped my May Arts ribbon around and tied in a cute knot. Isn't that pink ribbon YUMMY? I'm so excited that Julee will be carrying lots and lots of May Arts ribbon!!!! Woo hoo!!

Well I'm off to take a wee nap (shhh) and then we're going to my mom's to see her new baby horse. I'll try to get some pics to share. The momma and baby are both there, and for some reason the momma thinks that Louis (the Ba-donk-a-donkey) is a baby horse and is making him stay with her at all times. It's pretty funny.

Fingers crossed for more stampin time today! Happy Saturday!


Stamps: Superbella, Sentiment - Thoughtful Phrases by Verve Visual, A Muse Skinny Oval, A muse Grass, Papertrey Faux Ribbon
Paper: Choc Chip, Paper Accents Pearlized White, White, Turquoise, Pink Martini Designs DP - Pink Squirrel Collection
Ink: Palette Hybrid Noir, Turquoise, Celery, Olive
Accessories: Prima, Silver Brads (JoAnn's), May Arts Ribbon, Foam Mounting Tape, Ticket Corner Punch, Prismacolors & OMS

What I need...

Ok, so I read this on Dina's blog and it made me laugh soo hard. To do this, go to google and type in "(your name)+needs". And look at the funnies that come up.



1. Shannan needs to sell 10,000 ring tones. (I need to sell stuff, but not ring tones)

2. Shannan needs to go and get certified. ??

3. Shannan needs inspiration. (don't we all??)

4. Shannan needs to display her b-day on her user page. It's Christmas Day People!!

5. Shannan needs vocal lessons. Yes, she does, it's been almost 10 years since college!

6. Shannan needs a first down or even a touchdown. Ok...

7. Shannan needs to pick up the slack before we get mad.

8. Shannan needs hugs. I agree...

9. Shannan needs to stop drinking coffee. Good thing, since I don't drink coffee...

10. there were no more....they were all about the chick that needs to sell ring tones...




One more thing I need is for my runaway puppy to come home. This is Boogie, and he adopted us on July 3rd. Today Josh went to let him out to potty and he crawled under the fence and took off. He was the sweetest little guy, and my boys loved him so much. I hope he comes back...



ETA: He came home!!! After being MIA all day, we found Boogie 2 houses down across the street playing with another dog. He's back home safe and sound!

FINALLY!! I STAMPED! YAY MEE!!!

I finally took some time to stamp! I wanted to do Julee's fast & furious birthday challenge, and I have been wanting to use my new Bellas, so I thought Veggiebella was perfect!

I stamped her in Palette Hybrid Noir on Paper Accents Pearlized White Cardstock. For those of you who haven't seen this stuff, it's just like SU's Shimmer white...and a dream to watercolor on. Guess who's going to carry it??? Yep, Verve! So excited, as this is my FAVORITE Cardstock EVAH....why? Because it's sparkly, duh! So as I was watercoloring her, I realized that this is the first time I've watercolored a Bella. Usually I use my Prismacolors & Odorless Mineral Spirits. But anywhoo, I used my smallest Niji Waterbrush and the ink from the lids of my classic inkpads to color her. I added some texture to her basket with the small end of my Chocolate Chip marker, and colored her rake with my silver gel pen. I used my Distressor Tool to texturize the edges of the main image, layered on Chocolate Chip Cardstock and added silver brads to the corners. Popped those 2 layers up on foam mounting tape & layered them on Pumpkin Pie.

For the background image, I stamped Print Pattern on Taken with Teal in the same ink. Then I dotted the corners of the diamonds with my silver gel pen. Layered that on the Papertrey White CS, and then Purely Pomegranate, and tied the polka dot & white ribbon around.
I used my markers to ink up the sentiment from Papertrey Ink's Green Thumb set, and then punched it out with my Extra Jumbo Scalloped Oval punch. Pierced the scallops and then added some color with my Pumpkin Pie marker. Used glue dots to attach the scallop to the center of the Prima (mmmm yummy!), and popped that up with more big ginormous glue dots.

I have to take a second to shout out to a couple of peeps.
First of all, it's Julee's birthday, so go over and send her good wishes! As my previous post says, Julee is opening her new online craft boutique, Verve Visual, on August 1st. I am so proud of her for going for it! You are going to love what's coming...I just can't wait to share everything with you! All in good time...hehe.

Second, I just have to tell you how awesome Emily from Stamping Bella is. We have been emailing back and forth, and I love love love reading her blog. She is hilarious and makes me laugh out loud every time. She did something very nice for me today, totally lovely, so go visit and show her some love. And if you live under a rock and have no bellas or haven't seen them, RUN RIGHT OVER!!! She's amazing!

These 2 ladies are a huge inspiration to me and are following their dreams with total integrity and overall awesomeness.

Stamps: Veggiebella, Papertrey Ink Green Thumb (Sentiment), Print Pattern
Paper: Papertrey White CS, Purely Pomegranate, Taken with Teal, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, Paper Accents Pearlized White
Ink: Palette Hybrid Noir, Taken with Teal, Pumpkin Pie, Soft Sky, Wild Wasabi
Accessories: Ribbon (May Arts, & Mike's), Prima, Small Oval Scalloped Punch, Foam Mounting Tape, Distressor Tool, Paper Piercer, Silver Brads, Niji Waterbrush, Silver Gel Pen, Teal & Pumpkin Markers

Have you heard??

I'm so excited! In case you don't read Poetic Artistry (GASP! Shame on you!), I wanted to tell you that our very own Julee Tilman (aka "shadowcatcher) is the brains & talent behind Verve Visual. How fun is that? Yeah I know, some of you may have guessed, but it's now hot off the presses!!

And you don't have to wait much longer to see all the goodies (including her very own rubber stamp designs!!)...the store will launch August 1st (only 6 more sleeps)!!!! And what company I'm in with the Design Team...wowee!!!

So if you haven't already, click HERE now to go to Verve Visual and sign up for the mailing list so you won't miss out on any of the launch festivities!

I tried, I really did...

After the last 2 nights of being alone with my demon children (DH working) I have not had time to think, let alone stamp. It is soooo past my bedtime, and I cleaned the kitchen, headed into my craft room to whip up something fabulous and quick to post for you. After 2 attempts, I will just say that I'll have to try tomorrow. U...G...L...Y!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I tried, really I did. Problem is that I packed all my "good stuff" to take to Austin (did I have time to use it? NO!) and didn't feel like unpacking. Then I would have to put it all where it belongs.

Anywhoo, I'm going to leave you with something interesting. This is the VERY FIRST card that I EVER made. I had only a few stamp sets, stazon ink, markers from Ebay, and ribbon from Hobby Lobby. I was soooo proud of the brown BG...dear heavens. I took wax paper, wadded it up, and inked it in black and saddle brown stazon. It looked like I wiped baby poo on it in real life. I made this card for my mother on September 17, 2006, when she was battling breast cancer. The small script set was the only thing I owned from Stampin Up. And I was sooo proud of this card!

Anyway, I thought yall would get a kick out of it. I will TRY to get something new out for you tomorrow! Hugs!

WOWWWW

I just had to share this with you. I'm totally blown away by Asela's talent. You will be too.
Click HERE

They like me! They really really like me!

No, I haven't run away. I'm here...just sooo tired and have been working hard! Not on stamping. Boo...

But I have been Rock'ed!! Jen, Julee, and Bethany all think that I ROCK! How cool is that? So now I have to nominate 5 Rockin Girl Bloggers. Go visit them and show them some love!

1. Kendra...I fell in love with her style and she totally inspires me!!

2. Mercy...such talent! I love love love her stuff!

3. AJ...I had the pleasure of being her big DDSS (secret sis). I have found a forever friend, and I love her clean, fresh style.

4. Jody...she loves ribbon, and so do I. What more do I need to say???

5. Christi...I love reading her stories. She's a newbie stamper...encourage her!

So....tonight I watched the Princess Diaries. I just love that movie...

Any Texas PTA mom's here in Austin, come see me! I'm the "Poster Printer" Lady!

I'll be home tomorrow and PROMISE to post something new. MUAH!

Zoofari Birthday

I made this card late last night for my SIL's birthday. Why I chose to do Zoofari in Pumpkin and Blue Bayou, I have absolutely no idea. I love the way it turned out, except I think the lighting in my room needs to be changed. Why? I mistakenly thought the green organdy ribbon matched the Wasabi I used for the grass. Not so much this morning... But the rest of it was good, so I thought I'd keep it and maybe try to fix it later. This was the first time I'd tried heating up the ribbon to make it curl, and it was soooo fun!

The card base is Papertrey Stamper Select White Cardstock, with a Pumpkin Pie layer stamped with my Paisley BG stamp in the same ink. I sponged the edges with Pumpkin and then again with Chocolate Chip to soften the edges. Then I cut the Blue Bayou layer, stamped it with my Canvas BG stamp, and pierced the edges for some faux stitching. Then I stamped the Splendiferous Day sentiment in Stampin Up White Craft Ink. I tied the ribbon on and glued that down on top.

The main image was masked and stamped in Palette Hybrid Noir on Papertrey White Cardstock. I colored them with my Prismacolor Pencils and Odorless Mineral Spirits, and then sponged the sky (with Soft Sky, what else?) and the grass with Celery. Distressed, sponged, and pierced the edges, added more faux stitching, and then layered on a distressed piece of Chocolate Chip CS. Popped the main image up with pop dots, and whew! I think that's about it.

I'm probably going to be MIA for the next few days. I may pop in, but I'm going to Austin again for another trade show for work. Hoping to take some stuff with me to "de-stress"...but the last time I was there I did 3 things: Work, Eat, and Sleep. Fingers crossed that I get a little more down time than that!

Stamps: Zoofari, Paisley, Canvas, Splendiferous Day (A Muse), and Grass (A Muse)
Ink: Palette Hybrid Noir, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi, Certainly Celery, Blue Bayou, Sky Blue, White Craft
Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, Blue Bayou, Papertrey Stampers Select White
Accessories: Ribbon (May Arts - white, green unknown), Heat gun, Paper Piercer, Mat Pack, Chocolate Chip Stampin Write Marker, Pop Dots, Distressing Tool

A Quick Little Card

I had forgotten how much I love the Little Lady set from Papertrey Ink. Seriously I think it's my favorite. My top 3 are Little Lady, Green Thumb, and Faux Ribbon. But I just love these stamps, LOVE them.

This was a very quick card to make. I stamped the ladybug body (in Groovy Guava) and spots (in Palette Hybrid Noir) twice on Papertrey Stampers Select White Cardstock. (also a must have) I cut out the wings and separated them to make the "wings" look more elevated. Then I stamped the trail in Palette Hybrid Noir and pierced on the dots. Layered on Basic Black and Guava CS. For the card base I used Soft Sky. I stamped the flower and dots in Soft Sky ink, and then arranged the sentiment on my 4x6 block in a wave pattern. Stamped that in Palette Hybrid Noir, and pierced underneath (with MAJOR help from my Mat Pack). Of course I can't forget ribbon...so I tied on some May Arts Dotted Organdy from one of Jody's ribbbon shares for the final touch. Anyway, hope you like it!

Where were you 9 years ago?

Nine years ago today, I was in the hospital. I was 19 years old, and had just delivered a beautiful baby girl at about 7:30 pm. In the delivery room was my mom, and the mom I chose for my baby. I've never really talked about it in depth here, but I am a birth mom. I was stunned when I found out I was pregnant, and after seeking much wise counsel and much prayer, I chose adoption for my unborn child.

I really wanted an open adoption, and didn't really know where to start. We just prayed. When I was 3 months pregnant, God brought a family to me. The day I met them, I knew I didn't need to meet anyone else. I was carrying their baby.

They were with me throughout my pregnancy, and I bonded with them to the point that we are now like family. I got the chance to go visit her a few weeks ago, and we had so much fun just hanging out. She knows I'm her birth mom, and she met my boys last summer. We're kind of like distant relatives.

I love to share my story because usually the only things people hear are the horrible ones. We're a good one. I am so proud of my decision to give my girl a home I could not have provided her, and I'm so proud of the lady she's growing to be. I'm blessed that I get to be around to see it.

So anyway, here's her birthday card. She loves pink and bling...like someone else you know. ;)

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Linen, Tinkabella, Magical Day
Cardstock: Regal Rose, Basic Black, Cool Caribbean, Paper Accents Pearlized White
Ink: Cool Caribbean, Colorbox Fluid Chalk Alabaster Ink, Palette Hybrid Noir
Accessories: May Arts Ribbon, Foam Mounting Tape, Stickles, Flower Bling, Corner Rounder, Paper Piercer, Ticket Corner Punch, Prismacolor Pencils & Odorless Mineral Spirits

Who Stole My Lids????

Seriously. I have like a million reusable plastic containers. And a million lids. But no lids that fit the containers...it's a conspiracy, I tell you!
Hmph.

Blog Candy Winner...

I picked a number using http://www.random.org/, and the winner is Jodene aka adisneyfreak on Splitcoast! Here is her supah dupah cute bella card. Her coloring is awesome and of course I love the shimmery ribbon! So Jodene, email me your snail mail addy and I'll get your candy out!

And SmilinStef...you need to send me yours too since you were the first one to post! You can see her beautiful card here.

Thanks so much for everyone who entered...all the cards were amazing! I hope you're having a splendiferous weekend!

Inspired

Right before my open house today I made a card to show you some more Verve Visual stuff. I'm telling you guys, there's some yummy stuff comin very soon!

I love the colors in this striped paper! It's called Dizzy Lizzy, and it's from the Pink Martini Designs Orange Creamsicle Collection. Isn't it cute? I thought so! And you can get it at VERVE!

I stamped the flower pot, stems, and flowers from the Papertrey Ink Green Thumb set in Taken with Teal and Rose Red on Very Vanilla, and then masked the pot (stamped in Pumpkin Pie). The "ground" is done with the A Muse Skinny Oval and Grass in Old Olive. Then I layered it on Taken with Teal and Chocolate Chip cardstock, and distressed the edges of the Chocolate Chip.

For the background I pieced together a Very Vanilla piece with the Dizzy Lizzy paper, and ran it through my Cuttlebug with the Spots & Dots embossing folder. Then I sanded the DP lightly to show a little white. I punched a window with my Word Window Punch from Stampin Up, kind of tilted to the left. Then I stamped the sentiment from Thoughtful Phrases (the first release from Verve!) in Chocolate Chip ink, and the dashed border (also from Thoughtful Phrases) in Taken with Teal ink. I love this sentiment...I think it's my favorite from the set.

Then I tied a bow with this scrumptions May Arts Ribbon (yep, you guessed it! Verve again!!) and popped the main panel up with Pop Dots. I pierced down the right side & across the top of my Rose Red card base using my Paper Piercer and Mat Pack, and added a silver swirl to the corner for the finishing touch.

I'll be announcing the blog candy winner tomorrow so make sure you check back in! Hope you're having a wonderful weekend!

Stamps: Verve Visual Thoughtful Phrases, Papertrey Ink Green Thumb, A Muse Grass & Skinny Oval
Paper: Rose Red, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Taken with Teal, Pink Martini Designs DP
Ink: Rose Red, Taken with Teal, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Soft Sky, So Saffron, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Pop Dots, Hodgepodge Hardware, May Arts Ribbon, Cuttlebug Spots & Dots Embossing Folder, Sand Paper, Word Window Punch, Distressing Tool, Paper Piercer, and Mat Pack

Goodies and a Bow Tying Tutorial

This is a card I made for my upcoming card class. I love the way it turned out...and I just have to say that I'm lovin Groovy Guava, actually all the new In-Colors. I didn't think I'd like Soft Sky, but it has grown on me immensely.

Anyway, this one is pretty straightforward...I stamped the paisley stamp from Polka Dots & Paisley on the Guava card base and then stamped the sentiment from Hugs & Wishes. Then I stamped the flower in Tempting Turquoise on my White cardstock, punched the corners with my Ticket Corner Punch, and sponged the edges with Guava. Then I layered it onto Turquoise and Black cardstock and tied a ribbon around. Easy and cute!

So when I first started stamping, I had the HARDEST time tying bows...in fact I just tied knots instead. My bows were always crooked and ugly. Then one day I had a MOMENT...and I figured it out! I thought I'd attempt a tutorial to show you how I do it. Maybe it'll help at least one of you!


STEP 1: Turn your image upside down and wrap ribbon around, crossing left over right.
STEP 2: Tuck the piece in your right hand under the left piece and pull each piece to a vertical position.
STEP 3: Pull the top piece to the right side, and the bottom piece to the left side. Try to keep the ribbon as flat as possible.
STEP 4: Make a loop (I call it a "Bunny Ear" LOL) with the right piece, keeping it on the right side, and again, keeping the ribbon flat without twisting.
Step 5: With your other hand, make a Bunny Ear with the left piece. Sorry, I had to take my own pics and only had 1 hand. :)

STEP 6: Cross the pieces, left over right. I use my middle finger to keep the center from coming loose.

STEP 7: Tuck the loop on the right side under the one on the left side. I use my fingers in the loops to keep tension on them.

STEP 8: Turn your image right side up and adjust the loops and the "tails" until your bow looks like you want.





And here's the finished product! It's a small tote that we'll also make in the class that holds 6 cards and envelopes. Cute, huh? Yeah, I was pretty proud of myself. And look...no sparkles!

So if you live in the DFW area and want to take a class...email me! I'd love to have ya!

ETA: Sorry, forgot to post a recipe again!!
Stamps: Polka Dots & Paisley, Hugs & Wishes, Petals Jumbo Wheel
Paper: Groovy Guava, WW, Basic Black, Tempting Turqouise
Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Groovy Guava, Basic Black
Accessories: Ticket Corner Punch, Turquoise Grosgrain, Black Brads, Dimensionals, Marvy Giga Scalloped Rectangle Punch (punched 2 & layered)

I'm Somebody's Friend...Guess Who??

Happy Friday the 13th, people! Guess who's friend I am today?

Eclectic Paperie!!

Seriously!

Joy emailed me a while back and asked me, and I was so excited! They even plugged me on their newsletter...and if you don't get it, go HERE to sign up. You'll get coupon codes and product previews and other awesome stuff!

Let me just tell ya a little something before I get to today's project. I was born in Missouri and definitely live up to the whole "Show Me State" thing. A very short while ago I hated shopping online. My first online order was with Eclectic Paperie, and boy, let me tell you...I was a convert. They have the most awesome stuff, yummy papers, splendiferous stamps, inks, and they're also my favorite place to order those chipboard coasters everyone's using. I think I may be their biggest fan! ;) They're AMAZING! Thanks, girlies!

So my newest addiction is to Rubber Romance stamps. I just love them. I buy them unmounted...you just can't beat stamps this size for around $5! And if you haven't noticed, my latest kick is coloring line images.

This card measures 5 1/4 square. The image is Girlfriends on a Bench. I stamped them on white cardstock with Palette Hybrid Noir, and then colored them with my Prismacolor Pencils and Odorless Mineral Spirits. Then I masked them and sponged Soft Sky on the white space. A little mat of Chocolate Chip and Regal Rose makes the image stand out a little more. I thought they'd go great with the new Basic Grey Infuse line...so I cut a piece and mounted it on Chocolate Chip cardstock. The sentiment (from Papertrey Ink's Faux Ribbon Set) is punched out using one of the new small scalloped oval punches by Marvy. I threaded some Rose Grosgrain ribbon through the oval and mounted it on Mini Pop Dots. A big Prima (that Julee sent me forever ago) with a pretty brad in the middle finished it off!

I had a fun night of stamping and have some fun stuff to show you this weekend, so stay tuned!

Got Verve???

Just a little heads up...Verve Visual has set up a mailing list feature that will email you when the site is up. And TRUST ME....you want to be on this list. That's all I can say, but just take my word for it. Go sign up RIGHT NOW! RUN! ;) http://www.vervevisual.com/
They'll be kicking off soon...I promise!

ATC's are Fun!

I tried posting these last night but couldn't for some strange reason. My internet is just wacko. These are the ATC's I made for Jen del Muro's ATC swap. I had fun making them although I stressed A LOT about the design, and made 4 different ones before settling on this one. I really wanted to do the constipated birds from Zoofari (aka Zoofart), but these were the best...I hope!

ATC's (Artist Trading Cards) are fairly easy to make. Jen wrote a tutorial here. My only challenge was the small size, which I'm not totally used to. But, I digress. I stamped the A Muse tree/hammock in Palette Hybrid Noir on Paper Accents Pearlized White Cardstock. Then I watercolored the image with Wild Wasabi, Close to Cocoa, Tempting Turquoise, River Rock, Groovy Guava, and Soft Sky Classic Ink. (I hate to admit that I didn't like Soft Sky at first...now I'm learning to LOVE it!!) This cardstock is a DREAM to watercolor on...you'll be able to order it from Verve Visual very soon!!! I then added Liquid Pearls to make a kind of "seafoam" effect, since I didn't have any Liquid Applique, and dotted the coconuts as well.

Now...I've been promising big news and I haven't told you what it is yet. I have been selected to be on the Design Team for Verve Visual!!! This is a brand spankin new company that's amazing...I can't wait for you to see everything that's coming from them! But you have to wait just a little bit longer!

The sentiment is from their first stamp set, Thoughtful Phrases, which I love!! Look how perfectly it fits in my Word Window Punch from SU! How awesome is that?! Be on the lookout for more awesome stuff from my DT package this week! You don't wanna miss it!!

Anywhoo...I punched out a space for the sentiment, stamped it on Groovy Guava in Palette Hybrid Noir, and layered the whole piece onto Chocolate Chip CS. Add some brads, twine, & foam mounting tape, added a Soft Sky layer & I was all done! Soo....do you think this is worthy of greatness? Cause, seriously, you should see the people I'm swapping with.....I'm veclempt.

Blog Candy!!!

Ok, so the blog candy was kind of hidden at the end of my last MONDO long post. So I thought I'd make one just for it. This sketch is from Pagemaps, and it (sort of) inspired my last card. So let it inspire you!

Here's your challenge: Make a card using the sketch as inspiration, post a link here by Saturday, July 14th. I'll do a random drawing on Sunday and will announce the winner of the Splendiferous Blog Candy! There will also be a little prize for the first card posted. Have fun!!

Sound good? Happy stamping!

Another Card...Tagged....and a Sketch Challenge!!

I got new goodies the other day at eclectic Paperie...I am in love with these Rubber Romance stamps. This one is Tiffany...isn't she gorgeous? I thought I'd use my new Basic Grey Infuse 6x6 pad. The layout is a version of one from pagemaps.com. Ok, so it didn't turn out quite like the sketch, but isn't that all part of it? :D

First I stamped Tiffany in Palette Hybrid Noir on Papertrey White

Cardstock. I colored her with Prismacolors and Odorless Mineral Spirits, and matted her on Chocolate Chip. I stamped the small Old Olive strip with my Linen BG stamp in Close to Cocoa Ink. Then I lined up the A Muse sentiment with the image and stamped it in

Palette Hybrid Noir. I matted both pieces of the Infuse paper on Choc. Chip CS as well, tied a little ribbon around it, and popped up the main image with pop dots. {Just a little hint: When you have big images like this and you mat them, don't waste the cardstock! Punch circles, tabs, or other shapes out of the middle where they won't show! I learned this trick from Lori (aka stamp_momma)...she ROCKS!}

ETA: Good night, Nurse! I keep forgetting to add recipes to my posts! Arrgh!

Stamps: Rubber Romance - Tiffany, A Muse Sentiment, Linen
Paper: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, PT White, Basic Grey Infuse
Ink: Palette Hybrid Noir, Close to Cocoa
Accessories: Brads, May Arts Ribbon, Grosgrain Ribbon from Mikes, Prismacolors & OMS, Pop Dots

One more thing! Mercy tagged me...so here's 7 random things about me...

1. I have a new doggie. He adopted us on Tuesday when DH was taking out the trash. We're still waiting for someone to claim him (and hoping no one does)...he's so sweet.

2. We're addicted to reality tv. Nuff Said.

3. I HATE getting up early. And I don't like to chat for at least an hour after I've gotten up. That first hour determines my mood for the day.

4. I'm on a diet and I stink at it.

5. My patio is green. Seriously...it has been raining since May. Ewwww...

6. I have a million mosquito bites from doing fireworks on Wednesday.

7. My right foot is 1/2 size bigger than my left one.

I'm going to tag Julee, Kendra, Colleen, Dina, Libby, AJ, & Flo.

Oh dear!!!!!!!!! I just remembered I promised blog candy today. Ok...let's do this. Make a card using the above sketch as inspiration, post a comment and link it here by Saturday 7/14, and I'll do a random drawing on Sunday. Sound good? I promise, the candy will be good....ribbon, items to alter, patterned paper, and maybe some stamps! I'll also do a special little prize for the first one to enter. G'Night!

Well, HUSH YO FUSS

I was just bursting at the seams on Wednesday when Colleen emailed me and asked me if she could feature me on her blog! How cool is that?! You can read about it on her amazing blog: Distinctive Touches.

I also finally did some stamping last night! I used the SCS Color Challenge and Colleen's Thursday Throwdown Sketch. I stamped and cut out both pieces of the Baroque Motifs set, layered it on Pretty In Pink, Chocolate Chip, and Paper Accents Pearlized White Paper. I punched all corners with my ticket corner punch, and added a new Circle Brad from Stampin Up's new Fire & Ice collection of rhinestone brads. I cut the olive and chocolate pieces, pierced them around the edges, and did some faux stitching with a Signo Gel Pen. Then I stamped the word "kind" in Chocolate Chip ink. I sponged all the pieces with Chocolate Chip and also used it to stamp the swirl on my Pretty In Pink card base.

I'm having paper trimmer issues, and I've got an ATC Swap due very soon so wish me luck before I throw this thing out the door. But...watch for some blog candy tomorrow!

ETA: I forgot to put my recipe in here!! oops... here ya go.
Stamps: Baroque Motifs
Paper: Pretty In Pink, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Shimmer White
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pretty In Pink
Accessories: Fire Rhinestone Brad, Paper piercer & Mat Pack, Ticket Corner Punch, Signo Gel Pen

I'm Still Alive!

I'm here...still no stamping yet, but I'm here. That's what happens when you and your hubby are home together...he somehow thinks he needs attention! lol
Just wanted to post real quick and say hi and tell yall to watch for some blog candy...I'm nearing 5,000 hits! Hopefully I'll have some stuff to post later tonight.