You didn't love the boy too much, baby, you just loved the boy too well...

Happy Friday, yall! I'm excited that it's Friday, and it's time for trick-or-treating! This year we are the Blue Power Ranger and some sort of mummy...hopefully I'll have pics later. This time last year we were dealing with Josh's knee and the ER, so it's already better! YAY!

Today I have a couple Bella cards to show you. And in case you haven't heard...Emily is offering FREE SHIPPING until Nov. 4th. Check out THIS POST for all the details. This is HUGE! And you know how I hate to pay for shipping...so make sure you check it out, especially the new Bittyblooms by Chichiboulie! I love them all!

Ok, so for this card, I used Javabellas. I colored them with Copic markers and matted them on Bo Bunny Double Dot paper...yummy!

 

I really wanted to make this card simple and easy, so I stamped the image in Brilliance Black on Neenah Solar White and colored with Copic markers. I cut out the image and embossed it with my Rectangle Nestabilities, then added a scalloped mat with Chocolate Chip cardstock.  I stitched the Bo Bunny paper to the Chocolate Chip mat with my zig-zag stitch, then added some wide lace trim and a sentiment tag tied with brown twine.

 The next card I made uses another color of the Bo Bunny paper and Teddybella. I love how this one turned out!

 

I stamped her twice in Brilliance Black on Neenah Solar White cardstock, then colored her with Copic markers. Then I cut out her tummy, purse, and the yellow bag to pop up onto the main image.

ETA: Popping up the tummy and bags and adding tissue paper was inspired by a card by Debbie Olson. I can't find it on her blog, or I'd link it!!

After adding trim from My Mind's Eye, I popped up the main image (cut & embossed with Rectangle Nestabilities) and the Chocolate Chip scalloped mat. Then I added a crocheted flower from MME and button tied with embroidery thread. The Bo Bunny paper is stitched to the Chocolate Chip layer like the other card, then attached to the card base. I think this one is my favorite in a while!

Well, I'm off for today, but I hope you come back tomorrow for another Sketch for You to Try. Have a wonderful day!!

In my heart it will remain my stardust melody...the memory of love's refrain...

Hey yall, I can't believe it's Thursday already? And does anyone know where October went? Seriously! Total craziness.

So it's time again for an Elzybells challenge! This time, Elizabeth challenged us to create a card using only black, white, and one other color. (Skin tone was NOT considered a color). So I only cheated a teensy bit. *wink*

I decided to use the girl from the Stardust & Moonbeams set as my main image. I stamped her in Brilliance Black ink on watercolor paper, then watercolored her with a waterbrush & reinkers. To make the moon shiny, I used my shimmery Pearlescent watercolors (the white one, of course!), and then added shadow with my grey Peerless watercolor. I had to add a little brown and yellow for her hair, but you won't tell, will you? *grin*

My finished card measures 5 1/4" square with mats cut with scalloped square nestabilities and embossed with the Swiss dots embossing folder. The sentiment is embossed with white embossing powder, and then I added a few Swarovski crystals for fun. Pretty easy!

You can check out Elizabeth's blog for the link to all the other creations submitted for the challenge. As for me, I'm off for now. Have a wonderful day!!

Oh, give me a home....where the buffalo roam...

Howdy, yall! I just wanted to check in today and show you a real quick card. I always stalk the TCP Tuesday challenges, but hardly ever have time to play. So last night I saw the sketch on Leigh's blog and thought, I can do that one!

I pulled out my Havin' a Pow Wow set (love that one!) and stamped the little cowboy dude in Brilliance Black on Neenah Classic Crest Solar White paper. Then I colored him with Copic markers and did a little shadow under him before cutting him out with my rectangle nestabilities and adding a scalloped mat. The larger rectangle panel is Tangerine Tango cardstock matted to a white layer, then run through the Cuttlebug with my Swiss Dots embossing folder and sponged with Chocolate Chip ink. I thought the little photo corners added a fun touch, as well as the chocolate ribbon and stitching. The sentiment was embossed with Ranger White embossing powder.

I do have to say that I love the colors that ended up on this one, and I quite like how it turned out! *grin*

Have a fabulous Wednesday, and don't forget about What's Up Wednesday in the MFT Forum tonight. I may be a little late (the boys have a costume party!) but I'll be there!

The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight...

Good morning, blog friends! I hope you had a fabulous weekend...I sure did! The weather here is finally getting cooler, and I start getting ready for the upcoming holidays. Last week, Elizabeth challenged the Elzybells design team to create a special box, wrapper, or container for gift giving. I had this wooden box from Hobby Lobby in my huge stash of alterables, and I thought it was perfect!

 

First, I painted the box an off-white color. Then I covered the sides with Cosmo Cricket Oh Joy paper. YUM!  I stamped the Bethlehem image on Cream shimmer paper in Memento Rich Cocoa ink, then colored it with Copic markers.Here is a closer look at the image:

After I colored the image, I trimmed it down and added a scalloped mat. I set 2 Jumbo eyelets, one on each side to thread my ribbon through, then popped up the image. The ribbon really does coordinate with the dark pattern on the paper in real life, I promise!

To finish off the box, I cut the word "noel" out of chipboard using my Cuttlebug Red Tag alphabet. I used Jen's idea from this stinkin cute project and painted the letters with acrylic paint, then dipped them in glitter before it dried. Like the ribbon, the letters coordinate too, even though my photo doesn't really make it look that way. *sigh* Then I wrapped chocolate ribbon around the handle of the box.

I think this will be a really cute box to hold a little gift for a friend, or also to hold holiday cards as we start receiving them. You can see all the fabulous projects the design team created HERE.

 Have a fabulous Monday!

Your train of thought will be altered...So if you must falter, be wise...

Happy Saturday, peeps! We had a blast last night hanging out with friends...hopefully you all had a fun Friday night, too! So another Saturday means another one of Jen's fabulous Sketches for You to Try. I was gearing up for this one to be a toughie, but it came together rather quickly! Here it is...

Fun, huh? I wanted to use Anna Wight's Crazy for Chickens set, and when I looked at these two chickens, I imagined her kissing him. Look at the surprised look on his face! Cracks me up!

I stamped both chickens in Memento Tuxedo Black on Neenah Solar White cardstock, then colored them with Copic markers. My handy Stampamajig made it easy to make chickie look like she's pecking him on the cheek. So cute!! *grin*

Ok, so this is a short post day, cause it's after 2 am, so I'm gonna call it quits and head to bed. If you have questions about this card, feel free to email me. Otherwise, to see more inspiration with this sketch, check out Jen's blog (with a sample from our guest, Nancy), Amy R, Amy S, Carole, & Susan's blogs for more awesome creations. If you upload to SCS, don't forget to use the keyword SFYTT so we can all see your great stuff!

Have a fabulous weekend!

I'm already there, take a look around...I'm the sunshine in your hair, I'm the shadow on the ground...

Hey, yall, it's FRIDAY!!! I have a super PINK post for you today, so I  hope you're excited! *grin*

First of all, I wanted to share this card I made for a few challenges this week. I used this week's Color Challenge, Sketch Challenge, and my challenge in the Bella Forum, which was to create a card using some sort of water theme (since I'm pouting about not Cruising with the Sistahs!) Here's my card.

I pulled out Belinda Bumberboots, another Chichiboulie Fairy from Stamping Bella. I stamped her in Brilliance Black on Fabriano Hot Press watercolor paper, then watercolored her with reinkers and a waterbrush. I used Pretty in Pink for her dress, but it was a little bright, so I blended some Chocolate Chip over it and that toned it down quite nicely. Before I watercolored the image, I colored the flowers, leaves, and dots with a Copic marker. It was awesome, because the darker images didn't bleed when I colored over them! To make her kosher for my challenge, I added Diamond Glaze to the rain drops & puddle. So fun! I hope you likey.

The other pink thing I have to tell you about is Verve's Think Pink Sale! Here's the info:

Fun, huh? You know how I love a good sale. Then add in a good cause (especially one so close to my heart!) and it's a no-brainer! From now until October 31st, Julee is taking 10% off all stamps at the Verve Store, and ALSO donating 10% of all sales to the Susan G Komen for the Cure Foundation. What a great time to stimulate the economy! *wink*

Have fun, and have a wonderful day!

She says we've got to hold on to what we've got... 'cause it doesn't make a difference if we make it or not...

Happy Thursday, everyone out there in blog land! This week has seemed to fly by, or is it just me?

Last night I had a little bit of stamping time, so I decided to do Michelle's What's Up Wednesday challenge, which was to use sparkle or bling on your creation. Um, hello? That's every card I make! *grin* So here's my card:
I pulled out the image from Peppermint Cats, stamped it in Brilliance Black on Kraft cardstock and then colored it with my Prismacolor Pencils & Odorless Mineral Spirits. Darn you, Paula! I had to dust them off! *wink* I really love how it turned out, though, if I do say so myself.

I had intended to combine this challenge with yesterday's sketch challenge on SCS, but it just didn't work out that way. After adding a black strip, I embossed the Kiwi panel with my Snowflake embossing folder, then layered it across my card base. I didn't have room for the sentiment in the Peppermint Cats set, so I grabbed the sentiment from A Scarf for Three and it fit perfectly! The left side seemed nekkid then, so I added a row of black brads and finished my card off with Diamond Stickles on the stars & brads. Gotta love the bling!

Ok, one more thing before I go...and this is HUGE!

Elzybells is celebrating their 5th Birthday, and Elizabeth is offering FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING (!!!!) on all orders between now and Sunday! You can check out her blog post HERE for all the details and a chance to win some free goodies, too!

Happy shopping and have a fabulous day!

Bright light city gonna set my soul...gonna set my soul on fire...

Hey yall! Just a quick post for you tonight. We just got back from Tuna Does Vegas...man those guys are hilarious! We had a blast, and I'm pooped!

I made this card yesterday for the Featured Stamper challenge this week on SCS. I chose this card of Emily's to CASE, and I changed up the colors, stamps, and the layout (just a smidge). Here's my card:

I inked up the Defining Alphabet set I won from Beate last week (thanks, girl!) I decided to unmount the rubber from the cushion, re-mount on EZ Mount, and separate the letters, making it a full uppercase and lowercase alpha set. Now I can use them individually!

This card is pretty straightforward, so I'm gonna leave you with a good night, and hopefully I'll have time tomorrow for the color challenge and/or sketch challenge! Also, I have a challenge running on the Bella Forum (with a prize!) so check it out HERE. Have a wonderful day!

Stamps: Defining Alphabet

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango, Retired DSP

Ink: Brilliance Pearlized Chocolate, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Primas, Copic Marker, Diamond Glaze, Stampamajig, Clear Baubles, Scalloped Edge Punch, Dimensionals, Wide Chocolate Grosgrain, Swiss Dots Embossing folder

Just like every cowboy sings his sad, sad song...every rose has its thorn...

Man, that sounds like a sad post coming, doesn't it? I'm sorry! I had the power ballad stuck in my head after coloring these flowers so I had to do it. But luckily, my card is not so sad! *wink*

I am about 4 days late posting this card...I'm so sorry, Belles! Elizabeth issued the Elzybells DT a challenge to use inchies, and man! What a challenge it was! I have never done the inchie thing before, but I can kinda see how they can become addicting. Here's my card.
I was so happy that I had the Potted Flower stamps...they ended up being just perfect for the challenge! I stamped them in Brilliance Black ink and colored them with Copic markers (R20, R22, R29, G21, G23, YR07, E08, E33, & E37). I cut them down to 1" square, then matted them onto black scalloped squares cut with my Nestabilities.

I wanted to keep my card fairly simple, so I cut a piece of Cameo Coral to 3 1/4 x 4 1/2", then stamped it with the Polka Dot backgrounder from CHF in Versamark. Then I stitched it to my card base with a sewing machine & thread. The inchies were popped up on dimensionals along the left side of my card, then I added the sentiment from the Everyday Greetings set in Brilliance Black. Easy and simple!

You can see the rest of the cards for the challenge HERE, and this post contains the info for the next challenge, which should be fun! Anyone is welcome to play...so go get stamping!

Have a fabulous Sunday evening!

Stamps: Potted Flowers, Everyday Greetings (Elzybells), Polka Dot Backgrounder (CHF)

Paper: Sweet Blush (PTI), Cameo Coral, Basic Black, Neenah Solar White

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, Versamark

Accessories: Copic Markers, Nestabilities, Dimensionals, Sewing Machine & Thread

Baby, I can't fight this feelin' anymore...

Happy Saturday, yall! It's a pretty day out today, and guess what....I STAMPED! I know...it's shocking... *grin*

It's time for another Sketch for You to Try, and this week I thought I'd ink up Stella has her Fix for my card today.

 

 Isn't she fabulous? I loveeeeeeeeyyyyy her. She is stamped in Brilliance Black ink on Neenah Classic Crest Solar White cardstock, then colored with Copic markers. Then I added some Stickles to her dress trim, wand, and crown and Diamond Glaze to her lips, coffee cup, and shoes. She is one shiny sistah!

When I saw the sketch, I immediately saw a chance to use some more of my hardware kit from We R Memory Keepers. So I threaded the ribbons through and held both ends in place with brads. I also wanted my background to pop more against the white layer, so I embossed both the rose and caribbean pieces with my Swiss Dots embossing folder, then sponged the pieces with Pomegranate and Turquoise ink, respectively.  The sentiment (from River City Rubber Works) was stamped in Pearlized Chocolate ink and cut out with a long rectangle scalloped Nestabilities. The rectangle was a bit too wide, so I trimmed it to leave scallops only on the left side for something a little different. 

Well, that pretty much covers it...and I think I may have figured out one of the reasons I haven't wanted to stamp this week. My room is a total disaster, the desk is almost covered with scraps of projects, and I can't find anything! So after I finish this post and feed the boys, I'm off to clean up a bit and see if that doesn't do the trick. Fingers crossed!

Make sure you check out cards using this sketch from my stampin' friends Jen and our guest Nancy, Amy R., Amy S., Carole, and Susan. If you upload your card to SCS, don't forget to use the SFYTT keyword!

Have a fabulous day!

Stamps: Stella has her Fix (Jan Dolby for Stamping Bella), Never Repeat Gossip (River City Rubber Works)

Paper: Neenah Solar White, Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose, Cool Caribbean, Taken with Teal

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, Pearlized Chocolate, Tempting Turquoise, Purely Pomegranite

Accessories: White Taffeta Ribbon, We R Memory Keepers Hardware, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Sponges, Copic Makers, Dimensionals, Stickles, Diamond Glaze

Knock knock on the door...Who's it for, there's nobody in here...

Hey, you guys! I am so sorry it has been so long since my last post. This week has been tough, and I'm still going through some stuff that leaves me little time to stamp, but I did finally get my color challenge card done for this week! YAY!

I thought this Cancer is so Limited stamp from CHF was perfect to use, especially since it's Breast Cancer Awareness month. My mom was diagnosed 2 years with lobular breast cancer and had several surgeries and chemo...man was that a horrible time for all of us. So this card is for her.

I don't have a ton of time to chat today, so I'll leave you with Happy Thursday! Have a fabulous day!

Breakin rocks in the hot sun...I fought the law and the law won...

Hey yall...here I am!! I feel like I'm running in at the last second to show you my Sketch for You to Try today. I tell you what, this one almost got the best of me, but I fought the sketch and I won! *whew*

I don't know if it was the circles (yes, I think it was the circles), or the color palette I had chosen, but I have seriously been working on this card since 9:00 this morning. After the idea hit me to use chipboard, it all came together quite nicely. So enough with all this yapping....here's my card!

I know, you're not used to so much scrappy-ness from me. But I really kinda like it! Whatcha think?

When I saw Jen's sketch for this week, I immediately thought of this stamp from the Beautiful You set from Verve. (Speaking of, it's on special during the month of October...click the link to see!) I started by stamping the Dr. Seuss quote in Brilliance Black on Pink Pirouette cardstock, then cut it out and embossed it with my Circle Nesties. I added a few layers, making the back layer Pretty in Pink. Love how these 2 look together.

Then I punched 2 Pretty in Pink circles out, then layered them with Black. The little flowers are chipboard from Basic Grey I got at Recollections (sniff) a very long time ago. I painted them with white acrylic paint, then covered them with Diamond Glaze for dimension and shine. Then I turned them into little buttons by punching 2 holes with my Cropadile and adding some darker pink grosgrain. I painted the bracket with pink paint and then stamped the polka dot background from Behind the Scenes (also on SALE!) in Brilliance Black. It needed some shine, too, so I covered it with Diamond Glaze also.

See? I obviously got caught up in a bunch of little details in this card. But I do really like it (thank goodness)! It was touch and go for a while....

Make sure you check out Jen's & Nancy's cards on Jen's blog, (Nancy even has another sample on her blog!), as well as the fabulous designs from Amy R., Amy S., Carole, and Susan.

I'm off to take a nap (all that stamping wears a girl out!), then to a wedding tonight. Hope you have a wonderful day!

Tango Argentino! Sos el himno del suburbio...

Happy Friday, folks! I don't know about you, but I'm ready for this week to be over and for the weekend to start! I finally got some stamping time in last night (yay!), and just in time since I posted a challenge on the Verve Forum yesterday.

Amy Westerman, one of our original Divas, has made the decision to step down from the team to focus on her family. We are sad to see her go, but wanted to send her off in Vervalicious Style. Amy has an amazing way with color and pattern...I have tried many times to do what she does, only to have my card end up in the trash. What better way than to issue a challenge in her honor? So the challenge is to make a bright, colorful card...fun, huh? You can see the challenge and details HERE. And here's my card:

This color combo came from scraps on my desk (that seems to be my latest M.O., doesn't it?) of Tangerine Tango, Orchid Opulence, and Kiwi Kiss. BUT I switched the Tangerine cardstock for Apricot Appeal, and stamped the background from Grateful Elegance in Tangerine ink instead. A little sponging, and VOILA! Love it. I stamped the butterflies from Fluttering By and Petals & Stems in Spanish Olive and Purple Hydrangea Versamagic ink (love these inks with my clear stamps!!) and also Tangerine. I cut out the big butterflies and popped them up on Dimensionals.

I wanted to add something fun to my main panel, so I rounded 2 opposite corners and added a Swarovski Crystal for some extra bling. I also layered the Orchid panel underneath (scalloped, of course) and tied my wide Olive grosgrain around it. This stuff is so yummy...and it coordinates really well with Kiwi Kiss, too!

Anywho, I think that about covers it. Have a fabulous Friday, and I'll see you tomorrow with a Sketch for You to Try!

Stamps: Fluttering By, Petals & Stems, Grateful Elegance (Verve)

Paper: Neenah Solar White, Basic Black, Apricot Appeal, Orchid Opulence

Ink: Versamagic, Tangerine Tango, Brilliance Black

Accessories: Sponges, Corner Rounder, Wide Olive Ribbon, Scalloped Edge Punch, Dimensionals, Making Memories Slot Punch

And now I can have my chocolate shake, my cheeseburger, and also whoops and also fries....

Anyone else remember that commercial when the kid is playing at his piano recital and thinking about McDonalds? It has been stuck in my head for DAYS!!

I'm sorry I haven't posted, I have been swamped with a custom invitation order with no time to stamp anything else. Sooo....I thought I'd show you some kitty pictures.

I was reminded the other day that I still hadn't told you what we decided to name the kitty. The boys came up with it and were so proud. So without further adieu, I present to you...DAISY!

Isn't she the sweetest? I took these pics the other day when we were out in the back yard playing. She loves to hop and chase the boys.

And here's a picture of her with her favorite toy...my pajama pants. Seriously, she thinks they're the best thing EVAH! She really keeps us entertained.

So my mass production is finished, hopefully I'll have something to show you tomorrow. Hope you have a fabulous day!

If you are chilly, here take my sweater...

Happy Monday morning, yall! It's nice and rainy here...we needed it! I hope it's nice wherever you are.

I don't have a ton of time, but I've been meaning to post these samples that I created for the My Favorite Things release last week. I know I say this every time, but this has to be one of my favorite releases!

During my last Hobby Lobby shopping excursion, I found these cuuuuute notebooks in the holiday craft section. They were $3.99, and after much debate, I decided that I would rather buy them already made than try to make one myself. *grin*

I had both the Peppermint Cats and Christmas Owls colored, so I just covered the notebooks with some American Crafts paper, sanded the edges, and added some sponging and brown cardstock. I paper pieced a bit on each image (boy was that fun...) and then added some glitter accents on each one.
I wanted to tie some ribbon around the rings, but my boys have already laid claim to these, so I couldn't make them too girly. *wink* You know how these things are.

The last card uses the individual shoes from the Window Shopping set. To create the main panel, I cut a piece of 140 lb Watercolor paper with my long scalloped rectangle Nesties, then embossed the inside with a long rectangle. Then I stamped the shoes in Brilliance Black and watercolored them with reinkers and a waterbrush. I stamped the circles from Let's Go for a Walk as the background on the Celery panel. To finish it off, I added a few Clear baubles and the cutest sentiment on the sponged pink layer. Easy and fun!

Just a little enabler alert...Kim still has the Girl Who Wants it All collection available, as well as a new product added to the store - SHIMMERZ! I haven't tried them yet, but believe me, I will!

I hope you all have a fantastic day!

And I just can't pull myself away...under a spell I can't break...

I am sorry for the super late post, sistahs. I have worked so hard all week to keep up with work and keep my blog updated, it just all caught up with me today. We all slept late, then met up with family to celebrate my mother-in-law's birthday. We had a yummy lunch at the lake...such a gorgeous day! Then when we got home, we all collapsed and took a nap.

So, I realize I'm horribly late for today's Sketch for You to Try. You can see it on Jen's blog. Here's my card:

Even though it took all day, I am lovin' how it turned out! I stamped Stella needs a prezzie in Brilliance Graphite Black on Neenah Solar White cardstock and colored her with Copic markers. I wanted the image to take center stage, so I chose bold, bright colors to color her with, as well as adding glitter to the image for some extra glam. This also works for this week's OCC Challenge, which is to Bring on the Bling. Is the the one for me, or WHAT??? *wink*

Here's a look at the inside of my card:

I bought this sentiment from River City Rubber Works specifically to pair with this image. I think this could work for Christmas, New Year's, Birthday, or an anniversary. So perfect!! I love how Stella matches up with these sentiments. You'll see more of them, since I couldn't order just one! *grin*

To see more fabulousness with this sketch, check out Jen's blog (don't forget to welcome our guest for this month, Nancy Riley!), as well as Amy R., Amy S., Carole, and Susan. They have some fabulous eye candy for you, as well as some blog candy!

I am headed to bed (again!) but I'll be back tomorrow with some more fun. Have a fabulous day!

Frosty the snowman....was a fairy tale they say...

Hey yall! Sorry no postie yesterday...I was working hard on stuff for the My Favorite Things release. I will share that with you later, but you can see all the new releases HERE. They are awesome...and Kim is offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders until midnight on Friday! Check out THIS POST for details.

But today I have another Elzybells Challenge card to share with you! Jeanne created this sketch for us, and I love how easy it was! (Thanks, Jeanne!) You can see the sketch HERE, and the sample gallery HERE. And here's my card:

I used the Cold Nose Warm Heart Dinkies set...it's quickly becoming my favorite (for today...hehe)! I stamped the image in Brilliance Graphite Black on Neenah Classic Cream cardstock and colored him with a few Copic markers. My new Circle Nestabilities were perfect for this one, so I cut & embossed the image and created a little layer. After embossing the Kraft panel with the Snowflakes folder, I rubbed my White Craft pad over it to highlight the flakes. Then I added the little sentiment panel to the sketch (Shhhh!! Don't tell!) and popped it up above the circle image.

Hope you like my card today...if you're feeling inspired, take a look at the next challenge HERE. I have never used inchies, so this should be interesting!

Have a fabulous Thursday!

Stamps: Cold Nose Warm Heart Dinkies Set (Elzybells UK)

Paper: Mellow Moss, Basic Black, Kraft, Neenah Classic Cream

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, White Craft

Accessories: Copic Markers, Pop Dots, Snowflakes Embossing Folder, Nestabilities, Ribbon (Unknown)