And guess what... I'm having more fun...

Hey Sistahs....I completely SPACED on posting the Bella Blog Candy winner yesterday!! I'm so sorry!!

The winner is.....(drum roll, please!!!)

Levina said...

I like your jar full with peppermint white chocolate dipped spoons. A great gift to make and give. And Michele Boyer gift.
Need to stamp christmasgift now!

September 27, 2008 2:08 PM

Please email me with your address and I will get your goodies in the mail!

Now, I also have a card for you! I just got some more Bella goodies in the mail last week and had to ink up Polly Packages right away!! I loveyyyyyyy her.

And yep...there's that ribbon again. The American Crafts paper isn't quite as bright next to my Neenah Solar White cardstock, but it's not as drastic IRL as it is in this photo. I stamped Polly in Brilliance Graphite Black ink and colored her with Copics before cutting an oval out with my Nestabilities. My card measures 5 1/4" square, so I added the layers, the embossed strip and ribbon before popping her up on dimensionals. Then I stamped the "Holidays" part of the Merry Holidays sentiment and wrote "happy" with a green Stardust pen. I placed it into a piece of We R Memory Keepers hardware (love that stuff but can never bear to use it!). The finishing touch was some Platinum Stickles and Diamond glaze on the berries on her hat.

Well, that's it for now...I hope you have a wonderful day today!

Stamps: Polly Packages, Merry Holidays (Stamping Bella)

Paper: Neenah Solar White, Prism Suede Brown Dark, Real Red, American Crafts DP

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, Pearlized Chocolate

Accessories: Ribbon (Hobby Lobby), Nestabilities, Copic Markers, Snowflakes Embossing Folder, Dimensionals, We R Memory Keepers Hardware, Stickles, Diamond Glaze, Sakura Stardust Pen

Do you count the flakes when it snows...

Thanks for all the love the past few days...I love my PSF's! I have something fun for you today...not only is it an MFTeaser, but it's a sneak peek at one of my next Copic Classes at Stamp Asylum. Fun, huh?

This image is from a new stamp from Stephanie Fizer called A Scarf for Three. I love love love this image! It was the first one I inked up and colored from this release...which can I say...I am so excited for you to see! I love what Kim has picked this go-round....so fun!! You'll be able to order it all on Wednesday, October 1st, so make sure you check it out!

This is a pretty simple card...I wanted the image to take center stage. Take a peek and tell me what you think:
Do you lovey??? I hope so! I stamped the image in Brilliance Graphite Black ink and then colored it with Copic Markers. I trimmed it to the image (there is a border that I cut off) and matted it with black and red cardstock. After embossing the top part of the card base with the Snowflakes folder, I added a scalloped black strip and some ribbon wrapped around. To finish it off, I added the image on dimensionals and the sentiment, as well as Liquid Applique for the earmuffs and hat. Love that stuff!

Don't forget.....My Favorite Things is having a New Release Cocktail Party this Wednesday, October 1 from 9-11 p.m. Eastern time. This month there are SIX new sets being released, plus a new storage system for your MFT stamps that you are gonna love! Head over to the MFT forum to find out all the details and to find out how YOU can be the next MFT Guest Designer. We hope to see you there on Wednesday night!

Come on and lift your glass, you've won your own free pass to be our guest...

Hey guys...sorry for the late night post, I just had to share this with you! Remember earlier in the spring when I hinted at a really big project I might be able to tell you about later? Well, here she is, ladies and gentlemen!

Look! That's my name! *jumping up and down* I completed 15 projects focusing on colored images, 12 of which were chosen for publication. There's also coloring tips and a full page Q&A with my picture! So...when you're standing in line at your LSS...grab it and check it out! I'm pretty proud of myself. *grin*

Thanks for sharing my excitement, sistahs! Have a great evening!

I'm a big kid now...

Happy Saturday, folks! It feels weird to write that, since I'm writing this on Thursday. We're out of town for some much needed R&R, so I actually did my Sketch for You to Try early!! I know, try to pick yourself up off the floor. It won't happen that often, don't worry. *wink*

My Swanky Birthday sets from The Cats Pajamas needed some love, so I decided to ink 'em up for this week's card. I was worried about these small squares, but I think it turned out ok...whatcha think?

The Penguin & Sprinkle images are both from the You Say it's Your Birthday set. Poochie and the sentiment are from Smells Like Cake, the name of that set just makes me giggle. I stamped them all in Brilliance Black on Neenah Solar White cardstock, and then colored them with Copic markers. Since I only have scalloped square Nestabilities (for now...), I used my Marvy Super Jumbo Square punch to punch out the images (yep, I'm lazy). I matted them with black and then with a red scalloped square embossed with Iridescent Ice EP. What's a birthday without sparkle??

The background panel is Soft Sky embossed with the Swiss Dots folder, then sponged with Baja Breeze ink. It looks much brighter in the pic, doesn't it? I don't know why. I added a little ruffled May Arts ribbon, then cut out the sentiment & mat with my circle Nestabilities. And then, you guessed it...STICKLES! hehe I just couldn't resist.

I hope you're having a fabulous weekend so far! Make sure you check out Jen's blog for the sketch, and cards from Jen & Suzanne Dean, our September guest. Then you can go see what Amy R, Amy S, Carole, and Susan did with the sketch too! If you have time to play with us, don't forget to use the keyword SFYTT so we can all see your cards! I'll be back with more eye candy on Monday!

Who can take tomorrow...dip it in a dream...

Hey Sistahs!! It's time...for the Bella Blog Hop, Skip, and a Jump! What's that, you ask? Well, I have gathered a group of your favorite Bella Enablers...Whoops...I mean SISTAHS...and issued them a challenge. Since it's that time of the year when a woman's fancy turns to GIFTING, I asked the talented sistahs to create a holiday treat or gift using any winter or holiday stamps from Stamping Bella. We will all be posting our creations today for your inspiration!

When I saw this Minty Coffee stamp, I had a total light-bulb moment. The Martha in me came alive and I got busy! Here's what I made:

I'm really proud of myself! I created this little gift jar full of peppermint white chocolate dipped spoons, which will be a perfect gift for a coffee loving friend. These treats are awesome...just unwrap and stir your coffee with it to make a sweet and minty drink. They were also super easy to make. After a little bit of research, I used these instructions. It literally took me 15 minutes, and while the spoons were cooling, I decorated the jar.

I stamped the Minty Coffee image in Brilliance Graphite Black on Fabriano Hot Press watercolor paper. Then I watercolored it with my Peerless watercolors...I love them!! After I cut the image out with my Oval Nestabilities, I added a scalloped layer and finally some shimmer with the Pearlescent Watercolors. These are soooo yummalish! Here's a detail shot (click on the picture for a larger view).

To decorate the jar, I wrapped a scalloped piece of shimmery ice blue cardstock around and then tied my ribbon around it in a bow. Then I added some cardstock and a few layers of Primas on top. Super easy and super cute, if I do say so myself!!

Ok, so are you ready to HOP....SKIP....and maybe JUMP??????? Go for it!!! BUT FIRST........there's a prize up for grabs!! After you visit the Hop Skip and a Jump blogs, come back here and tell me 2 project ideas that they've inspired you with. Then on Monday I will choose a random winner for some YUMMALISH BELLA CANDY! Sound good? Are you ready now? Take a look at this lineup and go leave them some love!!

Amy Rysavy
Carole Burrage - ***Carole is traveling back from the Mayo Clinic with her son, but will post later today!***
Debbie Olson
Jen del Muro
Lauren Meader
Michele Boyer
Taylor Van Bruggen

The Bella Blog
Nicky Manel

I hope you enjoy all the Bella Eye Candy...Happy HOPPIN!

MWAH to da SISTAHS!!!

She's my cherry pie...Cool drink of water...

Hey yall, Happy Thursday! I have a really short post for you today, but I had to share this card cause I love it!

I got my new Whipper Snapper stamps yesterday, so I had to ink them up right away. This image was perfect for the Sketch Challenge, so I went right to work.

 

I love this Bowl of Cherries stamp by Anna Wight...I've been drooling over it and finally had to break down once I saw that she released a chicken set. You know me and farm animals...I can't resist. I also ordered Sweet Expressions...mostly for the sentiment I used on this card. I LOVE IT!!! I colored the image with my Copic markers, cut some extra bottom cherries out and popped them up on dimensionals, and then added some shine with Diamond Glaze. The Saffron panel was embossed with the D'Vine Swirls folder, and then sponged it with Marigold Morning ink to brighten it up a bit. Then I embossed the Real Red square with the Swiss Dots folder and swiped the edges with my White Craft pad. I also rubbed the edges of the Kraft base with my White Craft ink, and did some faux stitching after I stamped my sentiment. 

The ribbon is something I found at Hobby Lobby this week...it's in the Christmas/Holiday craft isle, and it's $1.99 for a 5 yd spool, and 1/2 price this week! They have several different colors...I think I need to go back and get more!!

In other news, I was able to talk Josh into getting one of my mom's kittens!! I had fallen in love with this one, and after cuddling with her today, I just had to have her.

 

So, here's my newest furbaby. Isn't she precious??? Any suggestions for names? We're big fans of I Love Lucy, Friends (hence Phoebe & Lucy), and reality TV. I'd love to hear your ideas!!

Have a fabulous day!

Stamps: Bowl of Cherries, Sweet Expressions (Whipper Snapper)

Paper: Neenah Solar White, Kraft, Basic Black, So Saffron, Real Red

Ink: White Craft, Marigold Morning, Brilliance Graphite Black

Accessories: Stitched Ribbon (Hobby Lobby), Nestabilities, Copic Markers, Diamond Glaze, Dimensionals, D'Vine Swirls & Swiss Dots embossing Folder, Paper Piercer, Mat Pack

There’s a saying old, says that love is blind...

Hey, yall...Happy Wednesday! It has been a busy week so far, but I did find time yesterday to play the SCS Color Challenge. If Baja Breeze is involved, you know I'm in! *grin*

Since I don't have any Kiwi Kiss ink, I pulled out my Old Olive inkpad and wide grosgrain ribbon, as well as some Chocolate Chip. I thought this quote from Beautiful You would be perfect.

I started with the background strip from Artful Elegance, and stamped it in Baja Breeze on my background panel. Then I sponged the edges to soften them a bit. I stamped the quote from the Frost poem, and then cut it out with my Oval Nestabilities. Before removing the cardstock from the die, I sponged it with Old Olive, starting at the outside and working in. Then I added a few more layers.

To bring in some more of the Olive, I cut strips of Chocolate Chip, embossed them with my Swiss Dots embossing folder, and wrapped my Wide Olive grosgrain ribbon around them. Love that stuff! The other corners were looking a bit nekked, so I added a couple of corner hardware pieces from We R Memory Keepers. This particular hardware piece has a spot for an embellishment in the flower center, so I colored 2 Swarovski Crystals with my Olive Copic marker and glued them into the hardware. So fun!

Well, I hope you enjoyed my card today. Don't forget, you still have 6 days to play in the Verve Project Parade Challenge...make sure you check out all the fabulous creations from the Divas HERE. Have a fabulous day!

Stamps: Beautiful You, Artful Elegance (Verve)

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Neenah Classic Cream

Ink: Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Brilliance Pearlized Chocolate

Accessories: Oval Nestabilities, Sponges, We R Memory Keepers Hardware, Swarovski Crystals, Copic marker, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Wide Olive Grosgrain, Dimensionals

Hey, Once I was a funky singer playin' in a Rock and Roll Band....

Yes, I watched Dancing with the Stars. Did you? OMG...I love the cast this year! I especially love that Lacie from So You Think You Can Dance is on it. And I love love love Cloris Leachman. Should prove for some entertaining nights this season! I can't wait.

The other night I was hanging out with my hubby and coloring these images from Stamping Bella, so I thought I'd make a little card set with them. All of the images were stamped in Brilliance Graphite Black ink on Neenah Classic Crest Solar White paper (my favorite!) My Riding Hood Red and Kraft cardstock was still on my desk from yesterday so I just grabbed those and went with it.

First up is Bookwormabella, who I just love. One of my favorite parts is the worm and the look on his face. You can click on my card to see a close-up.

I have been trying to use up some of these Primas that I've been hoarding, so I added a few, and even colored some white ones yellow with a Copic marker for just the right color. Baubles added just the right touch for the flower centers. You can find the sentiment here.

The next card uses Sellabella, which reminds me of my friend Joann. This one is based on Amy R's Sketch #12, which I love.

I did have to break out the Stampamajig for this one to line up the sentiment, but I'd rather do that than ruin a whole card with a crooked sentiment! There I go again with the Primas and bauble, and this time I found room for some white taffeta ribbon. The chocolate panel is embossed with the Houndstooth embossing folder, and I scalloped the red panel with my SU Scalloped edge punch.

Next up is one of my all-time favorites, Staceyfishabella. I grew up fishing with my dad, so this image reminds me of our times together on the lake. Yes, I even touched worms!

This card uses Amy's Sketch #6. I couldn't figure out how to make Stacey fit, so I cut her fishing pole "out of the box." The background panel is embossed with the Swiss Dots embossing folder. I added accents with more Primas, baubles, and taffeta ribbon, and the Worm Wishes sentiment fit perfectly in the SU Word Window punch.

Last up is my favorite card of the set, which uses Teddybella and Amy's Sketch #7. I love this image...I only wish I had looked that cute when I was pregnant!

I used the Argyle embossing folder on my background, which I think is perfect for baby-type cards. I thought primas would be overkill on this one, so I just stamped the Retail Therapy sentiment and cut it out with my Circle Nestabilities. I love those things!

Well, that's it for today, folks. I hope you enjoyed my cards today. Which one is your favorite? I'd love to hear!

Have a fabulous Tuesday!

You're all invited back again to this locality...to have a heapin helpin' of their hospitality...

Happy Monday, peeps! It's my day to share a Krafty creation for the Verve Project Parade The challenge we issued is for you to use Kraft Paper or Natural Fibers on your project. You can see all the info here.

I had so much fun playing with my Verve sets this weekend! My new Circle Nestabilities arrived on Saturday, so I knew I wanted to play with those. I also want to send BIG shout out to Cut at Home...I ordered on Thursday morning and had them on my doorstep on Saturday! WOWEE! I also decided to use the SCS Dirty Dozen sketch (or my version of it anyway) for this challenge. Here's my card.

I stamped the circle element from Abundant Blessings in Versafine Black on Kraft paper. Then I highlighted the image with my Ranger White gel pen and colored the outside border with my Strong Red Copic marker. The borders were all cut out with my circle nestabilities. I decided to add the small fern images stamped in Versamark onto the Kraft base to give it just a little something. To give my card some extra texture, I ran the Riding Hood Red panel through my Cuttlebug with my Forest Branches folder, then added the black panel across the bottom. Seven (Yes, SEVEN!) black brads and a sentiment from Fairy Tales added the finishing touches!

Have you gotten krafty yet?? No? You still have time to play with us! Just post your creation to this post by noon on September 30th. If you upload to SCS, use keyword VVPP06 so we can see all your Kraftiness in one place. A random participant will be drawn on October 1st to receive $15 in Verve Bucks to spend at the Verve Stamps Store! So what are you waiting for...go get Krafty!

One more thing....make sure you check out Cammie's Blog post HERE for her amazing Heart to Heart Blog Candy. What she has already done is amazing, and I know this will touch a lot of people. Go check it out!!!

You're always seventeen in your home town...

Sorry, no idea where that song came from, but it was running through my head this morning as I was making my Sketch for You to Try card! In addition to being Jen's SFYTT day, it's also the 20th, which is Celebrating MFT Day! You can read all about it HERE. Don't forget...there's a prize involved! Jen challenged us to work the MFT colors {pink & black} into our designs. Man, that was tough! *wink*

Sooo....I combined the two and created this Sketch for You to Celebrate! Here's my card:

I pulled out my Basic Grey Sultry paper and used it as the base for my card and colors. Yummy! The main image is Chill Out from Annie LaPoint, which was stamped on Neenah Solar White in Brilliance Black ink and then colored with my Copic markers.

(Sidenote: I will have upcoming Copic Marker class dates very soon...I will post them here. Thanks to everyone who emailed me!)

Ok, back to the card. I used my Nestabilities to cut out the main image and create the scalloped layer. A few Primas, Stickles and a button finished it off...simple and cute!

Make sure you check out what my friends Jen {& Suzanne...our guest!}, Amy R, Amy S, Carole, and Susan did with this sketch. If you decide to play with us this week, don't forget to use the keyword SFYTT so we can all see your creations!

One more thing....I just got this email from Kim, the MFT Lady. Check it out...it's a SALE!!

There's still time...to save 10% on all stamps using coupon code Cammie, as we raise finds for Alzheimer's! In addition to the 10% you save, MFT is donating 10% of all sales through Sunday, Sept 21st, which is World Alzheimer's Day.

As a special thank you, one lucky winner will also receive a Scor Pal and Scor Mat just for supporting the cause! Everyone who's placed an order during the fundraiser is automatically entered to win, and I'll even cover US shipping costs! If an international order wins, I'll discount your shipping by an equal amount.

Thanks for your support so far, and for allowing us an opportunity to help families worldwide!

Hugs,
Kim
My Favorite Things

I hope you guys have a wonderful Saturday!! 

Che fiero costume D'aligero nume, Che a forza di pene si faccia adorar!

Sorry, I hit you with an Italian Art Song today...this song has been stuck in my head all morning! No idea why, but I felt the need to sing it for ya. *grin*

Today is the day for another Elzybells Challenge! Elizabeth has posted the sketch and some examples, as well as the sketch for the next challenge HERE, so go check it out! You can see all of the cards for the sketch here.


For this card I wanted to use this cute little image from the Cold Nose Warm Heart Dinkies Set. These images are slightly smaller than the originals, but still larger than the ones distributed in North America. I colored her with Copic markers, and added Diamond Glaze, Glitter, and Liquid Applique to add a little something extra. Then I stamped the Tiny Snowflake in Baja Breeze on my background panel, then stamped my Linen Background over it, then sponged the edges to soften it. Before I added the circles, I added some crazy stitching with the sewing machine and some White Taffeta ribbon.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes for Cole...we had a great day. He even tried to wear his "birthday crown" again to school today. Here's a picture his daddy took of him at lunch yesterday.
Such a big boy!! Anywho, he is big now, especially since he got a remote controlled motorcycle that "pops wheelies INSTANTLY!" (he said that to his Aunt Sarah)

Well I'm off to start my day...I hope you have a wonderful Thursday!!

Stamps: Cold Nose Warm Heart, Tiny Snowflake (Elzybells Art Stamps UK), Linen BG (SU)

Paper: Neenah Solar White, Prism Suede Brown Dark, Real Red, Baja Breeze

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black & Pearlized Chocolate, Baja Breeze, Close to Cocoa

Accessories: Copic Markers, Clear Spica Glitter Pen, Liquid Applique, Diamond Glaze, Crystal Art Glitter, Sewing Machine & Thread, 2" Circle Punch, Taffeta Ribbon, Dimensionals, Nestabilities

You and I in a little toy shop...Buy a bag of balloons with the money we've got ...

Good morning, yall! I hope you're having a great day so far. It's a great day around here...it's Cole's 6th Birthday!! He didn't seem that excited about it...we'll see how he is after school (I think they get to wear a birthday crown).

Today I've got some cards to show you from the Verve Release last week...I realized I forgot to post these!

This one uses the new Black Tie Birdies set. I wanted my birdie to be floating in the air with the balloons...so cute! That ribbon is 7/8" Offray Grosgrain...I smooshed it under my sewing machine foot and stitched down the center.

This is a little treat container I made using Some Bunny. Isn't he cute??? I covered him in Liquid Applique and paper pieced his shirt. Once the Liquid Applique cooled off, I went over it with a light brown Copic marker. The sentiment fit perfectly on a tag from the Cuttlebug Tiny Tags die.

This card is probably my favorite of all of the ones I created for the release. I stamped the silhouettes from Abundant Blessings in Baja Breeze and Soft Sky. Then I inked up the flower image in Dark Brown chalk ink and stamped it on top of the blue. Then I added the sentiment from So Happy and I created a ribbon slider to run my Chocolate Satin ribbon through.

And here's my final card...bright, huh?? This one uses Birthday Surprise. I stamped the background panel with the filigree background stamp from Grateful Elegance, and then sponged around the edges. The birdie and balloons were stamped and colored with Copic markers, with parts popped up for dimension.

Well, guys I gotta run...I hope you enjoyed my cards today. Make sure you check out the Verve Blog for the new Project Parade Challenge.

Also, Kim at My Favorite Things is running a special for a very good cause. Click -->HERE<-- for all the details.

Have a fabulous day!!

While combing my hair now, and wondering what dress to wear now...

Happy Monday, yall! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I had a great time hanging with my family, and then on Sunday I taught a Copic class at Stamp Asylum. We had a blast! I'll have more coming up, so I'll let you know as soon as we get them scheduled if you're interested.


I realized today that I haven't shown you this set made with the new Hey Chica set from BC Dzyns, which is a new line from My Favorite Things. I dug into my stash of items to be altered and found an empty pencil type box measuring about 4 1/4" square. I covered the top and sides with my favorite paper, Tres Jolie by My Mind's Eye. Sadly it's discontinued!! Isn't it yummy?

 

Inside I added 4 cards, giving each Chica a different color hair. Each of them is stamped in Brilliance Black on Fabriano hot press watercolor paper, and watercolored with reinkers and my waterbrushes. I had a blast adding shimmery makeup with my Pearlescent Watercolors. Here's a close-up:

 

The flowers on the front were so much fun to make...the bottom prima was colored with a Copic marker, and the top one was stamped with the Polka Dot background stamp from Behind the Scenes in Brilliance Pearlized Chocolate. A little rhinestone brad in the center was the perfect touch!

By the way, the MFT Lady is stirring up some fun in the forums! Here's a message from her:
Wanna get cozy with the MFT crew? Want excuses to buy more stamps and play with the ones you have? We are changing up our forum to make it tons of fun for the MFT lover in you! On Sept. 15th, we'll begin our MFThemed Forum Days!
Play along with Who’s That Girl? Monday
Find out more about MFT crew and fans on Thread Starter Tuesday
Chat it up MFT style Wednesday nights at 9pm(est)
Get a little sketchy on Thursday
Hum a little Oldie PLUS Goodie on Friday
What’s in for you? We thought you’d ask! So we decided to offer a $5 store gift certificate to one lucky winner each day! And on top of all that goodness, the daily winners will be thrown into a monthly drawing for a $25 gift certificate! Now that’s a reason to celebrate, don’t you think?
Keep your eyes peeled and be ready to party! Wanna know a little secret to get you started? You’ll need Rain or Shine for the very first challenge, and it’s 20% off today, just to get you in the mood!


In other news...anyone want to see a kitty photo? I thought you might! Here's one my mom sent me:

 

You can see four of them, and there's a fifth sleeping behind the other gray ones. Aren't they the cutest?? I wish Josh would let me keep one...I love the dark one with the raccoon face. DARN ALLERGIES!

Ok, well, that's all for today...I hope you have a fabulous Monday!

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer...

Happy Saturday, peeps! It's that time again...this time for a Bella-rific Sketch for You to Try! And this week, there's an extra incentive to play with us....a PRIZE!! As you surf all the SFYTT girls blogs, you'll notice that we have all used holiday themed stamps from Stamping Bella. Emily was generous enough to give a $15 shopping spree to a lucky winner who participates in the sketch using any stamp from Stamping Bella. You don’t have to use holiday image, but if you have them, why not? Jen will announce the winner on her blog next Saturday.

Here's my card, made with my usual Sketch Modifications *wink*

I knew I wanted to use my new Santa's Clothes a Dryin' image, so I smurshed and stretched the sketch to accommodate it. I stamped the image twice on hot press watercolor paper and watercolored the clothes with my Peerless Watercolors. After they were dry, I cut them out and popped them up on dimensionals onto the other piece that I had watercolored a background only along wtih the poles. With my rectangle Nestabilities, I cut the image out and added a red scalloped mat. For the circles on the side, I decided to use these cute Red Polka dot designer brads. Then to finish it off, I added the Brrrrr! sentiment from Poochie Christmas set from The Cats Pajamas.

To see more fab creations using this sketch, check out Jen's card and Suzanne's on Jen's blog...WOWEE yall rocked this one! Amy R., Amy S., Carole, and Susan have also rocked the sketch, so check theirs out! As always, don't forget to use the keyword SFYTT on SCS so we can all see your lovely creations. 

Ok, I am being dragged away to clean the house *grumble* but hopefully I'll get some stamping time since it's raining outside. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and for those in the path of Ike...please stay safe and know we're thinking of you!!

Stamps: Santa's Clothes a Dryin' (Stamping Bella), Poochie Christmas (The Cats Pajamas)

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Real Red, Basic Grey Figgy Pudding, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Fabriano Hot Press Watercolor

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, Pearlized Chocolate

Accessories: Peerless Watercolors, Waterbrushes, Nestabilities, Dimensionals, Wide Chocolate Grosgrain, Snowflake Embossing Folder, Designer Brads

I want a reason for the way things have to be...I need a hand to help build up some kind of hope inside of me

Good morning, yall! I am aliveeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!! Sorry I haven't posted for the last few days...I've been really sick, but thanks to the wonders of modern medicine I am doing much better.

I did get to stamp yesterday...yipppeee!!! I played along with the Sketch Challenge on Splitcoast since it would work perfectly with my new Elzybells.

I stamped the Spreading Peace Angel in Brilliance Graphite Black on Fabriano Hot Press Watercolor Paper. This stuff is soooo smooth and yummy...it's a dream to watercolor on! Anywho, I colored her with my waterbrushes and reinkers and added Stickles to her wings and halo. After I matted the image onto my Brown Prism cardstock, I decided to sponge the edges with Close to Cocoa ink to soften them, and then stitch around the edges with my sewing machine.

A strip of this Basic Grey Figgy Pudding paper was hiding in my ginormous stack of patterned paper, and it matched my colors perfectly! So I matted it with brown, and then with a strip of red (sponged with Chocolate Chip to make it a bit darker) with a scalloped edge. Of course I had to stitch that part too! I ran the Baja Breeze panel through my Cuttlebug with the Snowflakes embossing folder, and then finished it off with a brown mat, three strips of brown Satin ribbon (from the Target Club Wedd section), and finally my circle sentiment popped up on a Prima. The sentiment is from the clear Everyday Greetings set, which is one of my favorites! I love all the cute combinations you can create with it.

Well, that's about it for me today...I'm trying to get caught up from the last few days, so I'll catch ya later! Have a fabulous Thursday!

Stamps: Spreading Peace, Everyday Greetings (Elzybells Art Stamps-UK)

Paper: Fabriano Hot Press Watercolor, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Prism Suede Brown Dark, Baja Breeze, Real Red, Basic Grey

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, Pearlized Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa

Accessories: Waterbrush & Reinkers, Stickles, Sewing Machine, Thread, Sponges, Target Ribbon, Dimensionals, Scalloped Edge Punch, Copic Marker, Prima Flower, Circle Punch, Snowflakes Embossing Folder

I'm walking on sunshine, woooah...and don't it feel good!!

Happy Monday guys! Sorry this is a late post...I am home sick and have been in bed. I do have some Verve to show you since the sneak previews have begun! Today we're giving you some peeks of 2 new sets - Abundant Blessings and So Happy. You'll be able to purchase these sets in the Verve Store on Wednesday, September 10th.


When I first saw these flowers from Abundant Blessings, I thought it would be fun to create some sort of background with them. After stamping the two smaller flowers onto Kraft cardstock in Versafine Black ink, I colored them in with Prismacolor Pencils. I didn't blend with Odorless Mineral Spirits because I wanted kind of a natural texture. Once I was done, I filled in the blank spots with the fern image stamped in Versamagic Spanish Olive.

I originally wanted to create an acetate card and use this as my front, but it didn't look quite right. So I cut a strip of acetate, stamped the sentiment from Thankful Blossoms in White Stazon, and sewed it onto my card front. I added a layer of black, then my white card base, and that finished it off! Totally simple and organic I think.

For more previews and a chance to win today's preview sets, check out the Verve Blog. We hope that you will join us for the release party tomorrow evening in our SCS Member Company Forum HERE. We'll kick off the party at 10pm EST and you'll get to see set reveals, more sneak peeks and it wouldn't be a Verve party without some PRIZES!! Right now you have a chance to win the ENTIRE RELEASE by participating in the OSW (One Sheet Wonder) challenge. You can see all the details HERE.

Have a great day!

And I'll be there, forever and a day...Always....

It's Saturday...that means it's time for another Sketch for You to Try from my buddy Jen! I am also happy to tell you that our guest this month is Suzanne Dean, who totally ROCKS! She has already enabled Carole to buy stamps, and is slowly wearing my resistance on the adorable Whiff of Joy stamps. So make sure you check out her blog and tell her hello!

A very good family friend, who is also the daughter of one of my co-workers, is getting married in October, so I thought I'd use this week's sketch to make a wedding card for her. As soon as I saw this Romantic Chandelier stamp, I knew I wanted to use it to make a black and white card. So I went for the color challenge this past Tuesday, which was to make a monochromatic card. Perfect for a wedding, I think!

After cutting & embossing the Neenah Solar White panel with my Rectangle Nestabilities, I stamped the chandelier in the upper left corner in Versamark and embossed it with Black Detail embossing powder. The Wedding Day sentiment comes as one line, but I cut it apart so I could use it as two lines or one. After stamping it in Brilliance Black, I cut and embossed it with my Oval Nestabilities. I mounted the main image onto a Scalloped Basic Gray rectangle, and popped the sentiment up on top, layering it with a scalloped oval as well. I couldn't find any gray or silver ribbon in my stash (must fix this!!) so I grabbed a strip of White Taffeta ribbon and colored it with my C-1 Cool Gray Copic Marker. Worked like a charm!

I thought the Rose Tree Border went well with the "feel" of the card, so I stamped it in Versamark on Black cardstock and embossed it with Clear Detail embossing powder. That way I gave it a really cool feel and texture, without taking too much attention from the main image.

To finish off the card, I ran the Going Gray panel through my Cuttlebug with the D'Vine Swirls folder, and added three self adhesive red rhinestones to the edge of the main panel. I love the pop of color and bling that they add!

Well, that's about it for me today...I'm going back to the stamp room to get some eye candy ready for the Verve release next week! YAY! Make sure you check out Jen and Susan's take of the sketch on Jen's blog, as well as Amy R., Amy S., Carole, and Susan's cards for this week. If you decide to play with us, don't forget to use the keyword SFYTT so we can all check out your projects!

Have a fabulous Saturday!!

And now, broadcast live in front of a live studio audience...

The winner of Cakeabella is..........

DEB NEERMAN!!!!!!

Come on down, Deb!!! *wink*

Thanks for all the sweet comments...yall are the bestest PSF's (pretend stamping friends) EVAH!

Just for you, here's a Matilda Muffinbread card.
I love love love this card. I made it a while back for a special project that you will hear about in October, so stay tuned! *wink*

Matilda was stamped in Versafine Onyx Black ink on watercolor paper, then watercolored with reinkers and a waterbrush. After she was dry, I added Stickles to her wings, the top part of her dress, and the top of her cupcake. I decided it was a cupcake, and stuck on a Swarovski Crystal, colored red with a Copic marker.

The card measures 5 1/2" square, and the card base is Blush Blossom. I cut a panel of Barely Banana, scalloped the edges with my medium corner rounder, and then sponged the edges to soften them a bit. The sentiment is from Verve's All About You set...I love this whole set, but this sentiment is my very favorite! The finishing touches were a couple of brads in the corner & my favorite...wide Chocolate Grosgrain ribbon. MMMM!!!

Anywho, I'm off now...DIDJA SEE that Em is offering FREE SHIPPING on orders over $45.00 from Stamping Bella?? All the info is -->HERE<--.

See ya tomorrow for my Sketch for You to Try. Have a great Friday!!

Let those eyes sparkle and shine, never a tear, baby of mine...

I have something fun to share with you today! The Elzybells Team has decided to do a challenge every other Thursday. This week we have eye candy to share with you, and then we are inviting you to play along with us in 2 weeks! You can see more creations on Elizabeth's blog HERE and in the DT Album HERE.

Jeanne gave us a sketch to work with, and here's my take:

Now, those of you that have been reading long know I have a hard time following a sketch. I wanted to be a little different, plus I needed a baby card, so I switched the circle to an oval, and made my card a regular A2 (4.25" x 5.5"). I stamped Baby Bundle in Distress Black Soot Ink on Neenah Classic Crest Solar White cardstock and colored him with Copic markers. Then I cut the image out with my Oval Nestabilities and added some layers with Suede Brown Dark Prism cardstock and Soft Sky cardstock. The "It's a Boy" tag was hand written with a black pigment marker. The long strip was stamped with the Baby Multi background in Buckaroo Blue ink on the same cardstock. I love the way Buckaroo Blue looks with Soft Sky....too bad it's gone! I do like Baja Breeze though...I'm waiting for a pack to come in right now!

Anywho...make sure you check out the rest of the team's creations...you can find the links to their blogs on my right sidebar.  They totally rock!!

Thanks so much for coming to visit me today! One more day to enter the Bella Blog Candy, so don't forget! Have a great Thursday!

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels...Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles..

Good Morning, yall! Before I get to chatting, I want to say thank you to everyone who left a comment or emailed me yesterday...yall are so sweet! Big MWAH's all around! If you haven't seen it yet, don't forget to enter my Bella Blog Candy on THIS POST.

I have a couple of cards to show you today using the new Annie LaPoint images that will be available tonight from My Favorite Things. These are single stamps, and they have to be some of my favorite images!

 I had this layout idea in my head, and I thought it would be good for a simple little card set. I stamped the Rosemary and Chill Out images onto Georgia Pacific White Cardstock in Brilliance Graphite Black ink. After coloring the images with Copic Markers, I cut them out with my oval Nestabilities and cut a scalloped mat out of my Prism Suede Brown Dark cardstock.

 The green and pink background panels measure 3 1/4 x 4 1/4, and I embossed them with the Swiss Dots embossing folder, then distressed the edges and stitched around the edges with my sewing machine. Mount that onto my white card base, and pop the main image up for a little extra dimension and you have a quick and easy card duo with lots of texture.

I hope you like these...I had fun making them! I'm off to work, so don't forget to join us at the New Release Cocktail Party on Wednesday, Sept. 3 from 9-11 p.m. Eastern time. This month there are SIX new sets being released, plus one from a new line at MFT: BCDzyns. It's sooooooo cute...you will love it!!!

*The Girl Who Wants It All special for the The September Collection, which is one of each set being released, except for the BCDzyns set, is $58.95.

Head over to the MFT forum to find out all the details and to find out how YOU can be the next MFT Guest Designer. Have a fabulous day, and I'll see you tonight!

How do you catch a cloud and pin it down...

Right after I started stamping 2 years ago, I discovered a site called Splitcoast Stampers. It was there that I discovered a whole new world of stamp companies and tools that I wasn't able to exist without. A shoebox full of stamps and ink quickly took over a room in our house. Can anyone else relate?

One of my first addictions was to Bellas...an adorable line of stamps from creator Emily Block, da bella herself. You can read her inspiring story HERE. The attitude of the Bellas is more than just stamps...it is a Sistahood. It's a community, a feeling, a support network. Emily's love for her "work" (who can call that work???) is extremely contagious...you can't help but fall in love with her.

I can't remember why, but Em and I started emailing back and forth one night and totally hit it off. She had me laughing so hard that I had tears rolling down my cheeks. We became fast friends, and it seemed we had a pretty special bond. I kept bugging her for weeks, telling her she needed a design team. Her response was always the same: I have Nickabella!

I got to meet Em last February at CHA...FINALLY! We were like long lost friends, and I had such a blast with her and Nicky that week. Look how cute we are. Nicky, where were you???
Sorry, my red eye thingy did something funny to my eyes. Anywho...why the mondo tribute to Em today, have you wondered? Well, mostly I'm just sucking up. Carole has this big word for it that I can never remember. *grin*

I was taking a little nap on the couch a few weeks ago when I got an email from Nicky. I thought I was dreaming...she asked if I would like to be the very first Guest Designer for Stamping Bella!! WHAT???!!! Seriously?? Somebody pinch me!!!!!!! I kept saying to my husband, "Do you know what a big deal this is??" He didn't get it.

So today is the day I can share my secret with all of you! If you've been reading my blog for any time at all, you know how much I love Em and her stamps, that's nothing new. I've got some super fun projects planned that you'll LOVE, and some challenges and blog candy too! YIPPEE!!

ETA: The Blog hop-skip-and-a-jump will be coming soon....keep your eyes peeled!!!

My first project is a little gift basket boxy thing. It's 2" deep and the front is 4" square. Perfect for a special little treat to leave on a co-worker's desk or to give to a special friend. This image is called Little Witchy...isn't she the CUTEST?

I stamped Battiful Darling in Olive ink on my Intense Kiwi Prism cardstock and sponged the edges of the box with Olive ink as well. Then I stamped Little Witchy in Brilliance Graphite Black on hot press watercolor paper and watercolored her with my Peerless Watercolors. Ok, seriously...these are my new obsession. I am innnnnnnn loveeeeeeee with the peerless and must have every color.......did I mention I loveeeeeeeee them? You gotta try them. Here's a close-up shot:
Ok, so then I cut her out with my Rectangle Nestabilities, added a scalloped rectangle mat of Suede Brown Dark Prism cardstock. I stamped the spooooooky sentiment in Memento Rich Cocoa ink on a scrap of my watercolor paper, then trimmed it down and inked the edges with my ink pad. Add a hole and it makes a perfect tag! I tied a string around my boxy basket thingy and tied my tag to it, then popped my main image up on pop dots on top of the string.

The final touch was to add these super cute Queen & Co. flowers to the sides to cover the seam where the handle and box meet. The flower layers and handle are held together with brown brads.

Ok, so really, I'm sorry for the super long post today, you understand, don't you? As a reward for sticking with me and reading all the way to the end...I'm offering you some blog candy! How about Cakeabella? Leave me a comment and tell me what your favorite stamp is from Stamping Bella. There's something there for everyone...so check them out and report back. Then I'll draw a winner using random.org on Friday, September 5th. Sound good?

Thanks for visiting me today, and stay tuned for more Bella creations coming soon!