This cracks me up....

No pun intended...Ha! Get it?? CRACK?? lol

I didn't realize how dark this card was until I uploaded it today! :( Maybe when I get home I can try to take another pic.

ETA: I think this pic is better!!

Anyway, this card is one I made for Gina K's big release tomorrow. When she first told me about this set, I laughed so hard...and I couldn't wait to play with it!!

My first thought for the plungers was to line them all up and do a long card with them. This card will fit in a normal business sized envelope (I think?) and was super easy. I did use my Stampamajig to make sure the plungers were all lined up nice and neat, and my sentiment was straight. ;)

There are a few other sneak peeks to be had...check out these peeps!
*Joan Bardee*
*Sherry Cheever*
*Carolyn King*
*Jeanne Streiff*
*Gina K*
There may be more as the day progresses...so make sure you check all the Design Team links (on the left side of Gina's blog).

And tonight...we're going to parrrrrrrrtaaayyy!! The fun starts at 10:00 pm central and goes until the big reveal at midnight...there will be fun and games and prizes and general overall craziness! Make sure to bookmark this page, which is where we will be!


Stamps: Way to Go (Gina K Designs)
Paper: Basic Grey Stella Ruby, Papertrey White, So Saffron
Ink: Palette Hybrid Noir
Accessories: Brads (making memories), Prismacolor Pencils & Odorless mineral spirits, Stampamajig, twine, pop dots

Stamping is the best medicine!

Hi peeps! I hope you had a great Monday. I was home sick today and spent most of my time in bed. I'm feeling a bit better, so I thought some stamping therapy would help. I was right!

This week is a record, I actually did Julee's Mojo Monday challenge on MONDAY!! This week's too! Can you believe it?? She cooked up a super cute and really easy sketch this week, and I really like how it all came together.

I wanted to use my new Wanted set from Stampin Up, but when it came time to stamp, it just didn't go. :( Oh well, I guess I'll just have to try again tomorrow!

In other stamping news, make sure to keep an eye on Gina K's blog for peeks at what's coming Nov. 1st...you are going to loveeeeeeee it!!


Stamps: All Holidays
Paper: Close to Cocoa, Papertrey White, Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, DP from Scrappin Kit
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa
Accessories: Primas, Unknown metal flower brad, Small Corner Rounder, Distressor Tool, Chocolate Chip Marker, Creative Memories Cutting System

What's the Story, Morning Glory?

This greeting is making that song get stuck in my head... it's probably a good thing you can't hear me croak it out right now. lol

Here's another card with the Inkadinkado clear stamps I got this weekend...this one is The Aviary Assortment and it's my favorite. Lindsey finally got them uploaded so you can buy 'em now!

So I really have been working on my watercoloring lately, trying to master it. Boy it's not as easy as it looks! I colored Mr. Owl (who looks totally thrilled btw) with my waterbrush and reinkers...I think I did pretty good. Maybe I can be like Anna when I grow up. ;)





Stamps: The Aviary Assortment (Inkadinkado)
Paper: Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Basic Grey DP, Really Rust, WC Paper
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Chocolate Chip Craft
Accessories: Niji waterbrush & Reinkers, Sewing Machine & Thread, Tonic Distressor, Misc Fibers, Dimensionals

Inka choco latah ya-ya

Are yall having a good weekend? Boy mine has been interesting. First of all I am starting to not feel so hot. I have a sore throat and a cough...boo. Second, I went across town today to meet up with a friend and my car died. Yep, wouldn't start. So I had to buy a new battery, thank goodness that's all that was wrong. I definitely needed some stamping therapy!!

Luckily I met my friend Christy at Imprints and found these amazing new Inkadinkado clear stamp sets. Jacksonbelle will be carrying them in her store and you will definitely want to check them out. I am in loveeeeeee!! I thought they'd be perfect for Julee's Mojo Monday (aka Shannan's Mojo Sunday) challenge. These chickies are just too much!!

I think you can figure out how I made this, so I'll get on with my tagging bit. I've been tagged now by Lindsey and Julee (and who knows who else), and I have to tell you 7 MORE random things about me. So let's give this a go:

1. I do things better under pressure. When given a project, I usually complete it right before it's due. I mean *right* before. lol
2. I listen to the Hairspray soundtrack every day. It makes me smile. And yes, I sing at the top of my lungs.
3. I have the straightest and shortest eyelashes known to man. I hate to curl them and I usually don't wear mascara.
4. My husband went out to grill the other day and a GIANT RAT was in the grill. We ordered out.
5. There is a video of me tapdancing on a giant cardboard box in a nightgown, patent leather shoes, and a black curly short wig at age 5. I will never EVER live that down.
6. On the same video I decided to get my whistle and pretend to direct traffic. HOW FRIGGIN EMBARRASING. They still make fun of me for that.
7. I know every word to the Sound of Music. When I was little I wanted to marry Kurt.

Ok let's see...there's rules. Here they are:
ONE - Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
TWO - Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself (on your blog, we all want to know them).
THREE - Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.

I will tag Charmaine, Christi, Susan, Carole, Joan, Tandra & Becky. Have fun visiting them!


Stamps: Stamp it, Girlfriend (Inkadinkado), A Muse greeting
Paper: Papertrey White, Chocolate Chip, Tempting Turqouise, Groovy Guava
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Prismacolors & OMS, Wide Grosgrain Ribbon, Sakura Glaze Pens (White & Black), Blender Pen, White Brads, Bling, Corner Rounder, Gray Tombo Marker

Another Saturday Sketch

Here's my sample for Jen's Sketch for You to Try this weekend. Very fun, huh?

I decided to use my Seasonal Circles set from Verve Visual for the main images, which fit perfectly in the smallest circles from my new Creative Memories Cutting System. I *had* to use my Stamp-a-majig to line these flowers up... and it worked great! I stamped the outline first in Palette Hybrid Noir, then the inside in Rose Red. These stamps are perfectly designed for two-step stamping!!

For the middle flower, I stamped a "wreath" in old olive, and then punched it out with my Stampin Up Scalloped Circle Punch. I love that thing!

The card base is Rose Red, and the black panel is pierced on the top & bottom (thanks to my Mat Pack...best $10 I ever spent!). The panel across is Websters Pages designer paper...which I have to say is one of my current favorites. I love their patterns!!

And I am also loving the new Stampin Up Taffeta ribbon...loveeeeeeeeeeee it!!! It ties so nicely and adds such an elegant touch. I plan to order more very soon!

Thanks so much for visiting me today...I have been tagged so I'll post that later! Make sure to check out what Susan and Carole have done with the sketch this week!

Happy weekend!!!

Stamps: Seasonal Circles & Thoughtful Phrases (Verve Visual)
Paper: Rose Red, Basic Black, Pearlized Cream (Paper Accents), Websters Pages DP
Ink: Rose Red, Old Olive, Versamark
Accessories: Heat Tool, Seafoam White EP, SAMJ, CM Cutting System, Scalloped Punch (SU), Taffeta Ribbon, Paper Piercer, Mat Pack, Stickles

We Have a Winner!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for all your sweet comments...I had 120 of them...OMG!! I can't believe that many people took the time to read my blabbing. *wink*

So without further ado, the winner of the November Verve Release is:

Scrapbook Mama said...
I was ohhh and ahhing even before reading the post I love that card!.. As for a new stamp.. hmm I am feeling ivy swirls with funky flowers. I really can see it in my head it would be some cool stamps...Ellie

Congrats, Ellie!! Email me your snail mail addy & I will ship your stamps to you on Nov. 10th! And don't you worry, you're going to love them!

I have been a busy bee with work and also getting stuff ready for the Gina K Designs and Verve Visual releases coming up. You won't want to miss next week!! I have lots of cool stuff to show you!

What a day

Sorry I was MIA today...I was busy busy!! I took a quick second to make a card for the sketch challenge this week. I have to do that some days to make sure I stay sane. *wink*

I used my Winter Wonder set from Verve Visual. This set is out of stock right now but will be back in the store very very soon! I think it's such a classic set that I will reach for again and again...and for $10 who can beat that?!

I randomly stamped 3 different sizes of snowflakes on my main image panel in Pumpkin Pie, Cool Caribbean, and Charcoal Fluid Chalk Ink. I also stamped my card base with another 3 snowflakes in Cool Caribbean ink on CC cardstock.

I really like the color combo...and the Gray with the Cool Caribbean is really nice I think.

I hope you like it!!

My blog candy will be over soon (see this post for details), but you have another chance to win a VV set...check out Dana's Blog for more info and some awesome cards!!

I'm a Challenge MACHINE!

ETA: We have a winner!! See this post for details!!

Ok. I just have to tell you that I LOVE this set. Seriously. Really. I don't think I can explain it. But I really love it.

This is the card I made for this week's color challenge. I'm so proud that I did it within 24 hours...this is such a big deal! And I'm totally LOVIN this combo...I think I will use it again & again.

I didn't have Basic Gray ink, but I did have Colorbox Fluid Chalk ink in Charcoal, which I think was a pretty good match!

But I'm thinkin the bottom right corner of the flower panel needs something. Piercing? Photo corner? I put a LOT of stuff on this card, and I'm always afraid of white space. lol Whatcha think?

I still like the way this turned out, and I hope you like it too!

Ok, so on to the good stuff. Blog candy.

Tell me what you'd like to see in the next fresh new stamp set. Anything goes. The weirder the better. lol

Comment on this post, and continue until I reach 25,000 posts. I will then use Random.org to choose a winner... and the winner will recieve one of Verve Visual's upcoming November stamp set releases. Trust me, you will love what's coming!!


Stamps: French Script, True Friend
Paper: Soft Sky, Basic Gray, Whisper White, Purely Pomegranate
Ink: Purely Pomegranate, Charcoal Fluid Chalk Ink, Soft Sky
Accessories: White Taffetta Ribbon, Double Stitched Pom Ribbon, Button (foof-la-la), Dimensionals, Old Olive Marker, Stampamajig, Medium Corner Rounder, White Brads

eclectic Paperie update

Most everyone has heard by now about the fire in So. California. Please keep my friends Joy & Daisy from eclectic Paperie in your thoughts and prayers as they are right were the fire is. You can read the latest updates on the Eclectic Paperie Blog and Joy's Blog.

If you have ordered from eP in the last few days, please be patient. The orders might be delayed a bit because of the fire.

Thanks! I'll be back later with a color challenge card and blog candy!

HEY YALL!!!

I'm almost to 25,000 hits! Methinks it's time for some blog candy!!
I'll post tomorrow....

Yee-Haw!

Here's an image I watercolored when I was out of town last weekend, and I thought she'd be perfect for the first Bella Challenge on the bella member forum. You can find it here!

So today was an awesome day for us Texans, cause Fall finally arrived!! It has been in the 90's around here, and just this morning the weather decided to do what it's supposed it...it was cold! Well, cold for us, it was in the 50's this morning and mid-70's. lol My kiddos thought I was kidding when I told them they had to wear long pants and that they couldn't wear flip flops.

Aaaannywhooo, I'm tired and I think yall can figure out what I did here. If not, feel free to email me any time. Happy Monday!!


Stamps: Giddyupabella, A Muse greeting
Paper: Papertrey White, Basic Grey Infuse, Chocolate Chip, Watercolor Paper, Regal Rose
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Palette Hybrid Noir
Accessories: Niji Waterbrush & Reinkers, Tonic Distressor, Scalloped Circle Punches, Twill, HP Hardware, Vintage Brads, Foam Mounting Tape

Outlaw Cowgirl WSC24

I have had fun this weekend! This card was inspired by my day on Saturday, which I spent at the Cedar Hill Saddle Club with my boys, who rode in 2 events. They even got some ribbons!!

I got this stamp from Stamp Asylum in Plano, and it's made by Mrs. O'Leary's Art Stamps. I ordered it a while back, and it just came in...yay!! So cute. It was perfect for Beate's Weekend Sketch challenge...slowly and surely I'm catching up on the challenges! Tomorrow I hope to do the Featured Stamper challenge (found here) cause my friend Carole is the Featured Stamper!! She's also going to be on Who Wants to be a Millionaire this week....don't miss it!!

I'm all about simple cards this week, can you tell? I've been working on some design team stuff since my stamps came from Gina K and Verve on Friday, so I'm a busy, busy bee! I'll be able to show you soon, I promise!

Hope you have a great week...see ya tomorrow!


Stamps: Cowgirl by Mrs. Oleary's Art Stamps, Greeting by River City Rubberworks
Paper: Papertrey White, Textured Close to Cocoa, Pumpkin Pie, Sage Shadow, Chocolate Chip, Watercolor Paper, Outlaw DP
Ink: Palette Hybrid Noir, Versamark
Accessories: Seafoam White EP, Embossing Buddy, Waterbrush & Reinkers, Distressor Tool, Vintage Brads, Jumbo Eyelets, Pop Dots, Rope "ribbon" by May Arts, Crop-a-Dile

I finally got the Mojo!

I should change that to "I finally got Blogger to upload a photo!!" It's about time!

I'm so excited that I got to do Julee's Mojo Monday challenge this week! I love how this card turned out, and oddly enough I love the colors even though I didn't think I would.

This one's fairly simple to figure out, so I'll tell you what I did this morning...we drug out lazy selves out of bed to go to church! I've never mentioned this before, but I'm a member of The Potter's House, the home of none other than Bishop T.D. Jakes. That man is an amazing and inspiring teacher, and I am so thankful that his church is here in town!

Church starts at 8:30, but even at 7:30 cars were lining the streets to park. The HUGE parking lots both in front and across the street were full and cars lined both sides of the access road to the highway. YIKES! Luckily we got a spot in the "across the street" lot, and didn't have to walk too far. We were really spoiled when Josh broke his foot and had to park in handicapped parking right up front. *wink*

If you've never heard him speak, I'm sure you can find him online (I think there's a feed on his website) or you can always find him on TV. He's been on Dr. Phil recently (can you believe that Dr. Phil was at my church and I missed it???), and I really enjoy listening to his practical, down to earth advice. Not Dr. Phil...TD Jakes. Not that I don't like Dr. Phil, he just irritates me sometimes. But that's a soapbox for another day.

Anywho, I have another card that I have to post later...hope yall are having a wonderful weekend!

Stamps: Carte Postale
Paper: Papertrey White, Basic Black, Basic Gray, River Rock
Ink: Palette Hybrid Noir, River Rock
Accessories: Scallop Punch (SU), Circle Punch, Stickles, Offray Ribbon, Stampamajig, Dimensionals, Paper Piercer, Mat Pack, White Glaze Pen

Today's Saturday!!!

You know what that means...it's time for Jen's Sketch for you to try! I {heart} Jen's sketches, and this one was so much fun!!

Before I start blabbing, let me ask you a question. Do you want to hear how I made the card? Or would you rather I just post a pic and say something funny? I've been wondering for a while now whether anyone cares how I made this card. If you're like me, you just scan for the highlights and look at the pictures. Anyway, just wondered.

I am soooo happy that I got to use my new-ish Fancy Pants stamps. I bought them a while back when Julie was in town, but they just saw ink for the first time!! Got 'em at Recollections, but you can also order them here. They've been crying out to be used, and I thought this sketch would be perfect for them.

I stamped the flower image in Palette Hybrid Burnt Umber on Pearlized White cardstock, and then watercolored with a waterbrush & reinkers. Sponging, distressing & a few layers gave it an aged look that I really liked.

I made the background panel by first starting with a 4" x 5 1/4" piece of Chocolate Chip, and then cut pieces of the Basic Grey DP to 3 7/8" x 5 1/8". Then I cut the DP corner to corner and used the triangles to piece together the background. Stitched a bit around the edges and down the middle, then added the Pink taffetta ribbon for a little more of a shabby chic look.

The greeting is part of the True Friend set (I love this set!!!), and I inked up the "Thank U" with a Chocolate Chip marker and stamped onto Pretty in Pink cardstock. The edges were sponged to soften them, and then I layered it onto a Chocolate Chip Scalloped circle.

Make sure you visit Carole & Susan for some rockin cards using this sketch! Thanks for visiting me today...and stay tuned cause I have way more to share!


Stamps: Simply Stated by Fancy Pants, True Friend
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip, Pearlized White, Basic Grey
Ink: Palette Hybrid Burnt Umber
Accessories: Waterbrush, Reinkers, Scalloped Circle, Circle Punch, Chocolate Chip marker, Tafetta Ribbon, Distressor Tool, Dimensionals, Sewing Machine & Thread, Stickles

My Big News is.......

It's almost Christmas!! Yay!!


Ok, don't hit me. I'm kidding.


Last week I was sitting, minding my own business, when I got an email. From GinaK! She asked me to call her, which I did as soon as I freaked out for a second. And she invited me to join her design team! SHUT UP, you say!! I can't believe it myself! But it's true! I am honored to be a part of this group...and there are 5 other new talented stampers joining with me!!


She's doing this because there are some MAJOR changes brewing over at GinaK Designs...I tell you what, I don't think that woman sleeps. The surprises will be revealed November 1st...with a pre-party in the GinaK forum on Splitcoast.


So I thought I'd make a cute little Sandy Claws card to celebrate. I stamped him in Palette Hybrid Noir on Whisper White cardstock and then colored him with Prismacolors and odorless mineral spirits. I gave him a few extra spiffy details...used the Marvy Puffy Velvet fabric marker on his hat and sleeves. It's like a paint pen, but when you heat it, it puffs up! Fun, huh??? Then I thought he needed a slick ride, so I painted his sleigh with Diamond Glaze. That did the trick!


Added some brads, a cuttebugged layer, and some ribbon across the bottom, and I was finished! What do ya think? I know the other DT members are gonna ROCK the new stuff, so be prepared to be enabled!! *wink*


Stamps: Sandy Claws & Greeting (GinaK Designs)
Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black
Ink: Palette Hybrid Noir
Accessories: Ticket Corner Punch, Prismacolors & OMS, Diamond Glaze, Marvy Puffy Velvet fabric marker, Vintage Brads (SU), Heat tool, Black Gingham ribbon (SU), Pop Dots, Cuttlebug Tiny Bubbles Embossing Folder, Cropadile

Happy Windy Thursday!

I don't know why, but it is sooo super windy here today! Anyway, just sayin.

So I finally ordered some goodies from the new Stampin Up catalog (ok, well not so new, but new-ish about to be old), and they got here on Monday. I decided to play today (instead of prepping for my class tonight...shhhhh), so I made this card for the Color Challenge and Sketch Challenge this week. You can see all the challenges here.

I decided to also make this card using JUST Stampin' Up! supplies. This is always a challenge for me, but this one turned out great, I think!

It's pretty simple. The Vanilla layer in the back is stamped with my Linen BG stamp in a Pretty in Pink/Close to Cocoa mixture. The reason I say that is because I don't think I cleaned the stamp last time, and it's not quite pink. *grin*

I then layered a strip of Pretty in Pink, on which I stamped the large flower image from the True Friend set in Pretty in Pink ink. It needed a bit of something so I distressed the edges a bit and then tied my beloved wide grosgrain around it. BTW...I have figured out how to tie a good knot with this stuff - anybody want a tutorial? Leave me a comment and let me know.

The main image is stamped on Vanilla cardstock, and I colored the stamp with markers. The stem is Old Olive, and the flower is given a faux Rock n Roll look by coloring the entire flower with a Pretty in Pink marker and then just around the edges with Regal Rose. The edges are pierced & sponged with Pink & Rose ink, and the center of the flower is a Rhinestone brad. I layered the image onto a panel of Basic Grey cardstock, which I also used for my card base. The greeting was a little bit of an afterthought, so it's a little crooked. *oops* You still love me though, right??

So...here's my "pure" Stampin' Up! card...what do you think? I hope you love it!

While we're thinking pink, take a peek at what the My Favorite Things Design Team has cooked up here. It's for a great cause...check it out!!

Oh, and I've got a surprise for you....some news coming soon (NO PEYTON, I AM NOT PREGNANT) and some blog candy! See ya soon!


Stamps: True Friend, Linen, All Holidays
Paper: Basic Grey, Very Vanilla, Pretty In Pink
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Old Olive, Regal Rose, Basic Black
Accessories: Rhinestone Brad, Dimensionals, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, Wide Grosgrain Ribbon, Paper Distressor

Weekend Sketch for you to Try...a little late!

ETA: OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Look!!!!!!!!!!!!

------>CLICK HERE<---------

This first card is one I made last week for Jen's Sketch for you to Try. She was such a sweetie and posted it on her blog since I was out of town, but I thought I'd go ahead and share it here also. I was pretty darn proud of myself for thinking of using the sentiments from Holiday Treats like this! I'll be doing more of this card for a swap on SCS since it's cute and easy!

The next card is one I made last night with the same sketch. I think I need a bling intervention...it kinda got out of control. Once I got started, well, I just couldn't stop. I know, it's hideous. But I love the watercolored Bella! I practiced my skillz all weekend and am now one with my Niji Waterbrush. haummmm

Card #1

Stamps: Holiday Treats - Papertrey Ink

Paper: Papertrey White, Sage Shadow, Purely Pomegranite

Ink: Sage Shadow, Purely Pomegranite

Accessories: Cuttlebug Spots & Dots folder, Paper Piercer, Mat Pack, Pop Dots

Card #2

Stamps: Elizabella, A Muse Greeting

Paper: Papertrey White, Loves Me DP, Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip, Taken with Teal, WC Paper

Ink: Palette Hybrid Noir, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Reinkers & Niji Waterbrush, Bling, Bling, More Bling, Distressor Tool, Ticket Corner Punch, Pop Dots, Chocolate wide Grosgrain

I'm Back!!

I hate to post & run...I'll come back and blab more later. Here are a few pics of our weekend. I have a card to post later this afternoon hopefully!

ETA: Pics are (from top to bottom) Caleb with our "baby" English Mastiff, Lucy. Then there's Josh with Cole practicing archery, and the last one is the girls lounging on the couch. Not my couch...lol

Lucy is the apricot (red), and Phoebe is the fawn (tan). Phoebe weighs about 160 lbs, and Lucy about 130-140. They are such good cuddlers, and great guard dogs!

YAY!! I did it!!

I finally got my stinkin acetate card to hold still long enough for me to snap a decent picture. Sorry it's not the best, but I am thinking I just got some cheap stuff and next time need some more sturdy acetate. Lesson learned. This was my very first time to stamp on acetate, and there's definitely a learning curve!

I stamped the snowflakes from my Verve Winter Wonder set in White Stazon. Slippery!

This image from Seasonal Circles lends itself so well for emboss resist. First I stamped it with Versamark on Pearlized White cardstock, and embossed it with Clear Detail EP. Then I stamped the greeting (from Winter Wonder) in Versamark, then in Palette Hybrid Noir, and then embossed with Black Detail EP. I love embossing these scripty greetings...it makes them sooo pretty! I then sponged the image with Groovy Guava, Close to Cocoa, and Chocolate Chip ink.

The diamonds are layered in the order I sponged, first Guava, then Cocoa, and then Chocolate Chip, then a white layer on the very back. I added some hardware on the main panel and tied this yummy May Arts ribbon around to finish it off.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I also got an amazing RAK in the mail today!! Lookie!!

I have been OOGLING over Charmaine's ribbon (who hasn't!), and in my mail today was not only a gorgeous Charmaine original, but 3 rolls of ribbon!! How lucky am I???

Thanks so much, Charmaine, I love it!! That card is awesome...and so you. HUGS!

I'm going out of town this weekend!! This will be my last post until Monday, so don't miss me too much! And don't forget to check out Jen's Sketch for You to Try this weekend!

Stamps: Winter Wonder & Seasonal Circles (Verve Visual)
Paper: Acetate, Pearlized White, Groovy Guava, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Versamark, Palette Hybrid Noir, White Stazon, Groovy Guava, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Hodgepodge Hardware, May Arts Ribbon, Clear Detail EP, Black Detail EP, Sponges

Hiya Peeps!

I have been a busy little bee working on stuff I can't quite post yet, but I had to say hi and ask a quick question.
I made an acetate card the other day...so cute, but it is soooo wiggly that I can't get a photo of it! Any hints? Tips? Ideas? Otherwise you'll never get to see it!! Help a sistah out!

Today's the Day!

The two new sets by Verve Visual are now available for purchase...and you will not believe your eyes when you see the price!! I'll keep it a surprise for you, but go look, QUICK, before they sell out!

This is a simple little 4 1/4" square card I made tonight with the new Seasonal Circles set. I used Blush Blossom for the card base, and embossed it with the Cuttlebug Textile folder for some texture. Then I ran over it lightly with my Brilliance Moonlight White dewdrop.

It's hard to see, but I stamped the flower outline on the center circle, and then embossed the sentiment on top with Silver EP. I punched out the circles, added some Diamond Stickles to the scallops, and resisted the urge to doodle or add anything else EXCEPT the ribbon (of course).

I am TICKLED PINK about the brand spanking new member of the Verve Design Team, Charmaine Ikach! I love Charmaine's work and she is such a sweetheart. We're so happy to have her!

Oh, and a little bit of blog business...I made my card pic a little bigger...what do you think? Good, bad, don't care? Just wonderin!

Stamps: Seasonal Circles (Verve Visual)
Paper: Pearlized White & Pearlized Graphite (Paper Accents), Blush Blossom (Stampin Up!)
Ink: Blush Blossom (Stampin! Up), Brilliance Moonlight White, Versamark
Accessories: White Sheer Ribbon (May Arts), Stickles, Cuttlebug Textile Folder, Marvy Punches, Silver Embossing Powder (Judikins)

I have a Confession...

Yep you read it right. I have a confession to make. Are you ready? Ya sure?

Ok. Whew. Here goes:

I'm addicted to wide grosgrain ribbon.

Ha...you thought it was going to be something serious, didn't you?? lol
Really I love this wide ribbon, and I especially like the way it looks when I (finally!) get it tied right...so cute!

Anyway, I used Jen's sketch from last Saturday, turned on its side. And without the little circle-ma-bob. Yikes! I just realized I forgot that.

This is a really simple card. I stamped the flourish from Baroque Motifs in Celery ink on Papertrey White cardstock, and then stamped the small flowers in Guava and Soft Sky ink randomly. In the center I stamped the greeting in Versafine Onyx Black, and then I rounded 2 opposite corners. The card base is Papertrey White, and I used my paper piercer and mat pack to pierce along the bottom edge. Added some layers, bling, and ribbon, and there you have it!

I am about to be seriously busy over the next couple weeks...but thank goodness I am taking Friday and Monday off from work and will be out of town for a little R&R with DH and the boys. Hope everyone is doing well...have a great day!!

Oh, and don't forget to visit the Verve Blog for another peek at Wednesday's release!! You won't want to miss it!

Stamps: Baroque Motifs
Paper: Papertrey White, Soft Sky, Basic Black, Certainly Celery
Ink: Certainly Celery, Soft Sky, Groovy Guava, Versafine Onyx Black
Accessories: Adhesive Bling, Celery Wide Grosgrain, Corner Rounder, Paper Piercer, Mat Pack

Quick Baby Card

I'm supposed to be cleaning the kitchen. Instead...here I am...uploading a card. Evidence that I am not cleaning the kitchen. You won't tell.................right??????

So I have wanted the Bundle of Joy set forever. And my great friend AJ sent it to me this week!! I couldn't wait to mount it and ink it up. I also downloaded the Spiral Bouquet Boutique Digital Card Making Kit that Nichole Heady designed. I printed two of the papers out and used them on this card. Cute, huh?

I stamped the giraffe on Pearlized White cardstock from Paper Accents, using my Versafine Onyx black inkpad. I love this ink because it gives me a good solid black image, even more than my Palette Hybrid ink! Then I watercolored him with So Saffron, Close to Cocoa, River Rock, & Soft Sky classic inks. I'm still mastering my Niji waterbrush...I'd like some more shading, but have a hard time with the brush being too wet. Any tips?

The other 2 prints are from the Digi Kit...and then I stamped the sentiment (from the Small Sayings set-one of my all time favorites!) in Chocolate Chip ink.

I hope you like it and have a Happy Monday!

P.S. Don't forget to check out the Verve Visual Blog for more sneak peeks!!

Stamps: Bundle of Joy, Small Sayings
Paper: Barely Banana, Chocolate Chip, Pearlized White, Papertrey DP Download
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky, So Saffron, Close to Cocoa, River Rock
Accessories: Bling, Chocolate Wide Grosgrain, Pop Dots, Aquapainter

Happy World Card Making Day!

I had the BEST time today...my boys and I spent the afternoon at Susan's house for a WCMD Case-ing party! There were some awesome stampers there, and we each brought a card for the others to CASE.

One of the cards I chose was this one of Susan's, which also doubled as Jen's sketch challenge card for this week. Isn't it cute?!

I also got to play with some Prismacolor markers...hmmm...the jury's still out on those. I think I'll have to play some more before I can form an opinion.

The details of this card are pretty straightforward, and I'm pooped...I'll come back and add them tomorrow. K?


Stamps: Polka Dot BG, Hero Arts Birdies & Sentiment
Paper: Groovy Guava, Cool Caribbean, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Cool Caribbean, Versafine Onyx Black
Accessories: Copic Markers, Blender Pen, Dimensionals, Unknown Ribbon, Spots & Dots Cuttlebug Folder

Verve Sneak Peek!!!

Ta-DAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's my first sneak peek of the new Verve Set, Winter Wonder. I LOVE THIS SET!!!!!!!!! (OK, sorry. I just do.)

There are SIXTEEN stamps in this set, and they are all AWESOME!! It's stylish and classic at the same time...definitely something I will reach for again and again. You'll be able to order both the new sets at the Verve Store on October 10th!

I got my inspiration for this card from Kristina Werner aka starofmay on Splitcoast. I cased this card of Kristina's for the Featured Stamper Challenge last week. Yeah, ok, I'm a little behind. *wink*

The card base is Chocolate Chip (Stampin Up!), and there are 3 panels that make up the main image. The top and bottom strips are from the new Cosmo Cricket Be Good collection.....soooooo yummy! The center strip is Pearlized Cream (Paper Accents), and I stamped the snowflake 3 times in Sage Shadow, and once in Chocolate Chip ink (Stampin Up!). I stamped the sentiment in Chocolate Chip ink as well and distressed all the edges with my Tonic Distresser tool. May Arts gold edged Aqua and ivory ribbons tied in a knot finish off the top strip before I popped the panel up on Mini Pop Dots for just a little bit of dimension.

Here's one more little sneaky peek at the other set...Seasonal Circles...more to come later!!I hope you guys like this set as much as I do...I can't wait to see what you think! Have a happy weekend, and stay tuned to the Verve Blog every day until October 10th for more eye candy!

Stamps: Winter Wonder (Verve Visual), Linen (Stampin Up!)Paper: Be Good (Cosmo Cricket), Pearlized Cream (Paper Accents), Chocolate Chip (Stampin Up!)Ink: Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow (Stampin Up!)Accessories: Aqua Gold Edged Ribbon, Ivory Gold Edged Ribbon (May Arts), Tonic Distresser, Mini Pop Dots, Stampamajig

A Scary Challenge...And Great News!!!

Ok, so first the good news: My computer is now FIXED!!!!!!!! Let the earth rejoice!! Ok not really but I'm a happy girl.

It's fixed just in time to post this card I made for a challenge...Jen del Muro sent me and a few other girls this cute Penny Black image to see what we did with it. Once we're done she's going to donate all the cards to a local shelter...how cool is that?

Anywho, I had the TOUGHEST time with this card. Don't know why...but my mojo ran away last night. Hopefully he will come back soon...I ripped this card apart no less than 6 times before I settled for this design. And now that my sewing machine and I are on speaking terms again, hopefully things are on the upward swing.

The card base is Papertrey White (5.25 square), and the designer paper (from My Mind's Eye's Magnolia line) is stitched to a layer of Chocolate Chip cardstock and then adhered to the base. I tied a couple pieces of ribbon that I got on my latest shopping trip to my local stamp store, and then layered on a piece of Taken with Teal cardstock on top. Using my Prismacolors and odorless mineral spirits, I colored the main image, layered onto Chocolate Chip cardstock, and popped it up with Pop Dots. To finish it off, I stamped the Splendiferous Day sentiment (A Muse) in Versafine Onyx Black ink.

Stay around for a sneak peek of Verve's next release tomorrow here and on the Verve Blog. You're gonna love it!


Stamps: Night things (Penny Black), Splendiferous Day (A Muse)
Paper: Papertrey White, Chocolate Chip, Taken with Teal, Magnolia by MME
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
Accessories: Prismacolor Pencils, OMS, Blender Pen, Soft Sky reinker, Pop Dots, Sewing Machine & Thread, Unknown Ribbon

Sooooooooooo Funny...Possibly my Longest Post EVER!!

IF YOU WERE A LITTLE GIRL IN THE 70'S...

You had that Fisher Price Doctor's Kit with a stethoscope that actually worked.

You owned a bicycle with a banana seat and a plastic basket with flowers on it.

You learned to skate with actual skates (not roller blades) that had metal wheels.

You thought Gopher from Love Boat was cute (admit it!)

You had nightmares after watching Fantasy Island.

You had either a 'bowl cut' or 'pixie', not to mention the 'Dorothy Hamill' People sometimes thought you were a boy.

You had rubber boots for rainy days and Moon boots for snowy days.

You owned a 'Slip-n-Slide' , on which you injured yourself on a sprinkler head more than once.

You owned 'Klick-Klacks' and smacked yourself in the face more than once !

Your Holly Hobbie sleeping bag was your most prized possession.

You wore a poncho, gauchos, and knickers.

You begged Santa for the electronic game, Simon.

You had the Donnie and Marie dolls with those pink and purple satiny shredded outfits, or the sunshine family.

You spent hours in your backyard on your metal swing set with the trapeze. The swing set tipped over at least once.

You had homemade ribbon barrettes in every imaginable color. (Oh yeah!)

You had a pair of Doctor Scholl's sandals (the ones with hard sole & the buckle). You also had a pair of salt-water sandals.

You wanted to be Laura Ingalls Wilder really bad; you wore that Little House on the Prairie-inspired plaid, ruffle shirt with the high neck in at least one school picture; and you despised Nellie Oleson!

You wanted your first kiss to be at a roller rink!

PONG! ('video tennis' ) was the most remarkable futuristic game you've ever heard of !

Your hairstyle was described as having 'wings' or 'feathers' and you kept it 'pretty' with the comb you kept in your back pocket. When you walked, the 'wings' flapped up and down, looked like you were gonna 'take off'.

You know who Strawberry Shortcake is, as well as her friends, Blueberry Muffin and Huckleberry Pie.

You carried a Muppets lunch box to school and it was metal, not plastic. With the thermos inside some were glass and broke the first time you dropped them.

You and your girlfriends would fight over which of the Dukes of Hazzard was your boyfriend. You had Star Wars action figures, too!

It was a big event in your household each year when the 'Wizard of Oz' would come on TV. Your mom would break out the popcorn and sleeping bags!

You often asked your Magic-8 ball the question: 'Who will I marry. Shaun Cassidy, Leif Garrett, or David Cassidy?'

You completely wore out your Grease, Saturday Night Fever, and Fame soundtrack record albums.

You tried to do lots of arts and crafts, like yarn and Popsicle-stick God's eyes, decoupage, or those weird potholders made on a plastic loom.

You made Shrinky-Dinks and put iron-on kittens on your t-shirts!

You used to tape record songs off the radio by holding your portable tape player up to the speaker.

You had subscriptions to Dynamite and Tiger Beat.

You learned everything you need ed to know about girl issues from Judy Blume books. (Are you there God, It's me, Margaret.)

You thought Olivia Newton John's song 'Physical' was about aerobics. (its not??)

You wore friendship pins on your tennis shoes, or shoelaces with heart or r a i n b o designs.

You wanted to be a Solid Gold dancer.

You drowned yourself in Love's Baby Soft - which was the first 'real' perfume you ever owned.

You glopped your lips in Strawberry Roll-on lip-gloss till it almost dripped off.

PASS THIS ON TO ALL OF YOUR GIRLFRIENDS. IT WILL MAKE THEM SMILE TOO!!!