Heh di hoh di hoh di hohie ummm bayehhh

If you say the title out loud you may be able to identify it as the Survivor theme song. Just wanted to make you giggle today!

Today's another Verve day...and I absolutely love this set! I had a blast playing with it...and let me say it was hard to put it down and do my projects with the other two sets. We're bonded, Thankful Blossoms and I!




I chose some pretty, fun, springy colors for this card...Cameo Coral, a color close to Cool Caribbean, and Barely Banana. It makes me happy, especially with a little pop of black. These flowers were sooo easy to cut out, and the sentiment inked up with markers just beautifully! I colored my ribbon with the same Copic markers that I colored the flowers, and I love how it all matches.

Here are the other two projects I made for this release:

If you pay a visit to the Verve Blog, you'll see posts from the last few days with all 3 sets that will be available to order tomorrow, March 1st, on the Verve site. And don't forget that you get free shipping on orders over $40. That's US AND CANADA, people!! My favorite!

I hope yall have a fabulous FRIDAY!!!

Coral Blossoms:
Stamps: Thankful Blossoms (Verve Visual), Polka Dot Backgrounder (Cornish Heritage Farms)
Paper: Barely Banana, Basic Black, Cameo Coral (Stampin' Up!), White (Georgia Pacific)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukeniko), Cameo Coral (Stampin' Up!)
Accessories: Copic Markers, Copic Spica Glitter Pen (Clear), May Arts Ribbon, White 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (Stampin' Up!), Black Glaze Pen (Sakura), Cropadile (We R Memory Keepers), Dimensionals (Stampin' Up!)

Easter Treat Box:
Stamps: Easter Elegance (Verve Visual)
Paper: Circus Baby Collection (Scribble Scrabble), Georgia Pacific White, Close to Cocoa
Ink: Rainbow Sherbet Pigment Queue (ColorBox), Versafine Vintage Sepia (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Paper Mache Box, Making Memories Slot Punch, Soft Sky Stitched Grosgrain (SU), White Grosgrain (Offray)

Happy Bird:
Stamps: Anniversary Birds (Verve Visual)
Paper: Sage Shadow, Chocolate Chip (SU), Georgia Pacific White, Felicity Collection (Scribble Scrabble)
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic & Craft Ink, Close to Cocoa (SU)
Accessories: Corner Rounder (EK Success), Jumbo Sponge Dauber (Tsukineko), Baubles (Stamping Bella), Prima, Vintage brad (SU), Sewing Machine & Thread, Wide Chocolate Grosgrain Ribbon (SU), Dimensionals (SU), Textile Cuttlebug Folder

Don't leave me this way....I can't survive...can't stay alive...

I love that song. It's in my head from Idol last night, and more importantly it's on the Moulin Rouge soundtrack. For those of you who like music and art and haven't seen that movie, run, RIGHT NOW and go rent it. It's amazing. Hilarious, sad and amazing. I'm probably biased...my husband proposed to me during the middle of it. *wink*


Anywho, here's my color challenge card for this week. My new Serenity set from Verve hasn't gotten as much love as it needs due to lack of stamping time, so I pulled it out and played. I thought it was perfect for this challenge, which was to use Basic Black, River Rock, and White. I subbed Pearlized White, which has a gorgeous shimmer to it, and I'm really happy with how this turned out. Whatcha think?

Tonight we're going to Dave & Busters, which is a grown up arcade with a full restaurant...so that should be fun. Caleb is really excited. And I turn into a crazy woman when I play Skeet Ball. I could just stand there for hours. And they have this machine where two people can sit and it scans your faces and tells you what your kids will look like. Those are veryyyyyy interesting.....

HEY, I just heard that MFT is having a trivia contest!! CLICK HERE to read all about it, and good luck! The winner gets all the new upcoming releases for March!

Have a fabulous day, and I'll check back in tomorrow.

Stamps: Serenity (Verve Visual)
Paper: Basic Black, River Rock (Stampin' Up!), Pearlized White (Paper Accents)
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black (Tsukineko), River Rock (Stampin' Up!)
Accessories: Cropadile, May Arts Ribbon, Dimensionals (SU), Black Brads (All My Memories), Textile Cuttlebug Folder

A tisket, a tasket, a brown paper basket...

So...I promised directions to the Turtle boxy thing ages ago...so sorry it has taken this long! Here you are, darling peeps!

Step 1: Cut a piece of cardstock to 5 1/2" x 11"
Step 2: Score your cardstock (on the 11" side) at 2", 5 3/4", and 7 3/4".
Step 3: Using a medium corner rounder, create a scalloped edge on the short side where you started scoring from. (Does that make any sense at all???)
Step 4: Stamp your box base as desired, then fold along all score lines. I used my bone folder to make the folds good and crisp.

Step 5: Cut a 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" panel for your main image. Stamp and embellish as desired. Then adhere top half to your scalloped edge, about 1" down from the fold.
Step 5: Adhere magnets (I used Basic Grey small ones here) to the back of your main image panel and onto the front of the box.

*Tip: To get the magnets to match up, place the positive and negative magnets together. Remove backing from adhesive side of one magnet, and attach to one side. The remove the backing from the other magnet (the back should be facing you), then fold the box closed. The magnet will adhere exactly where it needs to be to match up with its partner!Step 6: Pinch the top right corner of the box together and punch a hole with any circle hole punch. I used the big side of my Cropadile. Step 7: Thread about 12" of ribbon, twine, or anything else you want through both sides of the hole. I tied a knot and left some loose ribbon so I can tie it onto something else.


Now since it says Handmade, I guess I have to put something handmade in it now, huh??? I hope you guys enjoyed this, and if you make one, link me up here so I can see it!! Have a great day!

Stamps: Litte Lady, Borders & Corners Monogram Edition, Spiral Bouquet (Papertrey Ink)
Paper: Kraft, Basic Black, Real Red, Papertrey White
Ink: SU Craft White, Versafine Onyx Black, Real Red
Accessories: Cropadile, Corner Rounder (EK Success), Swarovski Crystals, Quickie Glue Pen, Basic Grey Magnets, White Taffeta Ribbon

And when someone needs a makeover, I simply have to take over...

We had a bellarific time at the soiree on Friday night...have you seen the new BELLA? We finally persuaded Em to give us one, and boy did she give us a fabulous one! I loveeeeeee her!!

There are also a few challenges open until Monday night at 8:00 PM Central, so make sure you check them all out!!

The first challenge was a sketch, made by yours truly, based on this card. You can see the sketch challenge thread HERE.

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The next challenge was my brilliant idea that proved harder than it sounded. Called Expect the Unexpected, it is a challenge to use something unexpected as an embellishment on your card or project. Here's the thread, and here's what I came up with.I will post directions for my "Yertle Boxy Thing" tomorrow, k? This is actually result of a 2,5,7,10 box gone wrong. Don't you love when that happens? *wink* I'm going to fill a baggie with Turtle candies and hang it on my friend's door at work for her to find. I think she'll love it!

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

Then the last project is (of course) my favorite, which was Bewitched, Bothered, and Be Dazzled. Of course, we had to do a bling challenge. Here's the thread, and here's my sample.How fabulous is she?! Yes, I know you've seen 2 out of 3 of these, but just in case you missed 'em, here they all are together.

I hope yall are having a fabulous weekend...we're off to lunch at Uncle Julio's for some awesome Tex-Mex!! YUM!!

Ch-Ch-Changes...(Turn and face the strain)

So I got brave and did a little messin' with my blog. What do you think? I'm also giving Stamping Top 50 ONE LAST CHANCE. If it screws up again, it's out for good.

While I was cleaning up, I noticed there were some blogs I read that aren't on my blogroll. So if you link here and want me to link you up, send me an email (under my pic on the left) so I can add you to my Who Rocks list. K? Be back soon with some Bella goodies. And I passed 60K hits this weekend, thanks yall! Way to make a girl feel the love. I'll do some candy at 75K, sound good? Stay tuned!

I'm a lonely frog, I ain't got a home...

Sorry, this has nothing to do with frogs, that just popped into my head. I had a poopy stampin day yesterday...I got no lovin! I uploaded a Verve card into the Splitcoast gallery that got ZERO comments, and then I got an email saying someone had unsubscribed from my blog saying I didn't post frequently enough. WHAT??!! I know, I might skip a day here and there, but do you really want me to post 3 times a day? Seriously? Sorry, just had to rant a minute. I know you love me.


Charging Onward!! Here's my card for this week's Sketch for You to Try, courtesy of Jen. This one was HARD! I moved the circle, cause it looked better down at the bottom than at the top, sorry!

I stamped the three little Penguindians from my Havin' a Pow Wow set from The Cats Pajamas. Then I masked them and stamped the Tee Pee in the background...I love how cute they look!! I colored the whole thing with Copic markers and then matted it and added brads to the corners. The striped panel is from my Basic Grey Mellow 6x6 pad...it was the only thing I could find with all those crazy colors in it! Then for the circle, I stamped the hearts from Loving Mew, and How? (from the Pow Wow set) in black on top. I cut out the 1" circle, then a 1 1/2" mat, and then an olive scalloped circle to finish it off. I also love the Tiny Bubbles background...it kinda looks like snow to me (or maybe I'm just crazy...). Make sure you check out Susan & Carole's blogs for their take on this sketch, too!

So today is my oldest son's birthday...he's 8 today!! Makes me feel so old...we're going to Sonic and then to play Wii at my parents', so it should be a fun day! I'll check back in tomorrow with some Bella cards.

OH! Which reminds me! There are some challenges posted from the party last night, so head over there and check them out! You have till Monday night to play. AND check out the What's New section on the Bella site...I am in loveeeeeeeeeee with the Fairies. Make sure you get the code for free shipping on Em's blog ! Have a great day!

Stamps: Havin' a Pow Wow, Hearts from Loving Mew (The Cats Pajamas)

Paper: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Papertrey White, Basic Grey Mellow

Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Pumpkin Pie

Accessories: Pewter Brads, Tiny Bubbles Embossing Folder, Dimensionals, Paper Piercer, Creative Memories Cutting System, 1 1/2" Circle Punch (EK Success), Scalloped Punch (SU), White Glaze Pen, Copic Markers

While combing my hair now, I'm wonderin' what dress to wear now...

What a fun day!! No particular reason, I'm just in a good mood. I'm watching Lost (yes, totally addicted), just finished some cards, and here's one of them....and I'm really happy about how it turned out! Love the layout...whaddyathink?

Sooo....I've heard from my girl Em that there's gonna be a party tonight! And I'm hosting some challenges! Are you a bellaholic? Wanna see some new stuff? Then join us in the Stamping Bella Member forums on Splitcoast at 8:30 (central) for some fun, challenges, and brand new rubbah! And trust me, Sistahs, you will LOVE what's coming!!!

To celebrate, here's a bright, shiny bella card for ya. I stamped Savvyshoppabella in Versafine Onyx black ink and watercolored her with my Niji waterbrush & reinkers. I'm trying out the Adirondack dye reinkers... (found some today at the Scrap Pad with Susan & Jen!) and so far I'm impressed with the intensity of the colors. The Olive panel was first dry embossed with the Tiny Mosaic embossing folder (for Cuttlebug), then heat embossed with Versamark & Iridescent Ice EP. I added the sentiment, layers, Diamond Stickles, and Swarovski Crystals for a sparkly, happy project.

It has been a long day, people, so I'll catch you either tonight in the Bella forum or tomorrow, right here! Have a great Friday!

Stamps: SavvyShoppabella, Mwahbella sentiments

Paper: Papertrey White, Basic Black, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Watercolor Paper

Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Versamark

Accessories: Iridescent Ice embossing powder, heat tool, Swarovski crystals, Reinkers & waterbrush, Diamond Stickles, Offray Ribbon, Making Memories slot punch, Tiny Mosaic Texture Embossing Folder

Well my heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talking...

Look!! Another challenge...and this time...one from THIS WEEK! I know, I know. Pick yourself up off the floor. No, I'm not sick. *wink*

My Bellas have been calling my name (poor things, they're so underloved...), so I picked out Mwahbella and went to work!

Emily's color challenge this week made me gag a little when I read it, but it really is a fun springy combination (once you hide the purple)! You know I hate working with purple, right? Yep, I do. It's one of my favorite colors in life, but I cannot craft with it to save my life.

Well, I have to run, but I'll have more stuff to post tonight, so stay tuned!! Have a happy Thursday!

Stamps: Mwahbella, Uplifting Phrases (Verve Visual), Print Pattern

Paper: Orchid Opulence, Papertrey White, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, Watercolor Paper, DP by My Mind's Eye

Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Certainly Celery, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Waterbrush & reinkers, Bling from Me and My Big Ideas, White Taffeta Ribbon, Making Memories Slot Punch, Corner Rounder, Jumbo Sponge Dauber

I went Skydiving, I went rocky mountain climbing, I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Foo Man Choo

I love that song...ever heard it? If not, find it! Greatness.

Anyway! Here's a Shabby Chic one for you today. Love how this turned out! I've been missing my "Shabby Chic self" lately, so I decided to pull out the daubers and the linen stamp and go at it.

I got the idea to put something in the yoga chick's hands from Mary Jo (<--GENIUS!!), so I decided to do the tulip from Eggstra-Special Easter and make this a Thank You card. I watercolored the image with my waterbrush & reinkers, and then sponged and distressed the edges.

The patterned paper is the Felicity Collection by Scribble Scrabble....love those colors!! You can't see it, but the soft sky panel is stamped tone on tone with the "Thank you" background stamp from Behind the Scenes. Both panels are stamped and sponged with Linen & Cocoa, then stitched freely around the edges. To finish it off, I tied my polka dot ribbon around and threaded it through the button for fun. Then I stamped the word "Thanks" in Chocolate Craft ink in the bottom right corner.

So I'm going to an Idol watch party tomorrow night with Josh & the boys. Don't forget to watch and vote!! Or just vote!! :) I'll report tomorrow night (maybe even with some pics! *wink*).

Stamps: Serenity Now, Eggstra Special Easter, Essential Sentiments, Behind the Scenes (all from My Favorite Things), Linen

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky, Watercolor Paper, Felicity Collection by Scribble Scrabble

Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Choc. Chip Craft, Soft Sky

Accessories: Waterbrush & Reinkers, Jumbo Dauber, Distressor, Sewing Machine & Thread, May Arts Ribbon, Button from Foof La La, Copic Clear Spica Glitter Pen

Lead us to the place, guide us with your grace, to a place where we'll be safe

I was watching the Celine Dion special tonight, and I teared up watching her sing "The Prayer" with Josh Groban. That song was played at our wedding almost 6 years ago, and for some reason, it just took me back. Love that song.

Anywho, I told you I was working on my Splitcoast challenges, and I got 2 done tonight! The one I'm showing you now is the Sketch Challenge 163, which is a layout I love. I knew I wanted to use it with this Old Skool Kit from Unity Stamp Company...man was this fun to play with!!

The main image is a super detailed motorcycle image, and it stamps fabulously! I stamped it in Cocoa ink, then used my Stampamajig to overstamp the same image in Versafine Black to create a drop shadow. The brown-ish panel was rubbed with my Distress Tea Stain inkpad, then stamped randomly in Walnut Stain with the "HAWG" stamp and the rose, both from this set. I then sprayed my Silver Memories Mist (a goodie from CHA!) over the top for some bling. Then to create the pumpkin panel, I inked up the flame stamp in pumpkin, then sponged chocolate ink on the "tails" and randomly stamped to create my own patterned paper. All the edges are sponged, and I distressed the pumpkin panel with my Tonic Distressor tool.

The chocolate card base measures 5.5" square, and the sentiment wrapped around is computer generated. I immediately knew I wanted to use this Emerson quote for this card, which reads:

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

Love it!! My dad's birthday is coming up next month, so I figured this would be a perfect card for him. Whatcha think?

Ok, I'm up waaaaaaaaayyyyyy too late, so that's enough blabbing for now. See ya tomorrow, and thanks for hangin with me!

Stamps: Old Skool Kit (Unity Stamp Company)

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Papertrey White, Pumpkin Pie

Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Versafine Onyx Black, Distress Walnut & Tea Stain

Accessories: Silver Memories Mist, Vintage Brads, Mat Pack & Paper Piercer, Jumbo Dauber, Distressor Tool, Stampamajig

She wants fabulous, that is a simple request, all things fabulous...

How's the weather up there? Down here it's YUCKO!! It's cold (30-40 ish) and rainy, and just plain gray. I'm ready for Spring!! So I thought I'd bring a little Spring to myself. This card makes me smile!

I found this Imaginisce paper a while back at a new store just north of Dallas called Scrappin' Bunnies. I didn't know when I'd get back up there, so I bought several sheets of this striped paper (that comes already glittered!!) as well as a few more from the collection. I love the colors in it!

The flowers from Fancy Florals (the remixed clear set) were stamped with Versamark on Soft Sky, Pretty in Pink, Celery, and Banana cardstock, then embossed with Iridescent Ice embossing powder. I cut them all out and then popped them up onto the white panel. A clear bauble in the middle of each flower set it off just the way I wanted. Then I added the sentiment (from the Uplifting Phrases set) and some Pink Taffeta ribbon...fabulous if I do say so myself!!

Well I'm off to watch Trading Spaces...anyone else glad that Paige Davis is finally back? I'm such a nerd, I know, but the show was horrible without a host. I'm also going to work hard on doing some of the challenges from last week (yeah yeah you don't believe me, but I really am!!), so stay tuned for more fun! Have a great day!

Stamps: Uplifting Phrases, Fancy Florals (Verve Visual)

Paper: GP White, Barely Banana, Basic Black, Soft Sky, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, Imaginisce For Peeps Sake

Ink: Versamark, Pretty in Pink, Versafine Onyx Black

Accessories: Irridescent Ice EP, Baubles, Quickie Glue Pen, Dimensionals, Cropadile, Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Heat Tool

We've got a right to pick a little fight, BONANZA!!!

YAY!! I finally stamped! It seems like it has been forever, when in reality it's only been a week. I know, I skipped last week's Sketch for You to Try...please forgive me! Anywho, here's this week's card, loosely based on Jen's sketch, which can be found here.

I knew I wanted to use my new Cowboys & Indians set from Alma @ The Cats Pajamas. I got to hang out with her at CHA for a bit and she's just the COOLEST EVER! And she has some really cute stamps to boot! This little guy is my fave, I think.

So Caleb's birthday is coming up, and I thought this would be a perfect little card for him. I stamped the little buckaroo in Brilliance Graphite Black ink and colored him with Copic Markers. He's punched out using the Blue (Super Jumbo) Marvy Circle Punch, then layered onto a Mega Scalloped Circle of Basic Black. I added dots to the scallops with my white glaze pen, and doodled a rough edge around the white circle with my black one.

After cutting and layering the K & Company bandana print paper onto Barely Banana cardstock, I stamped the sentiment in Versamark and embossed it with Snow White Ranger embossing powder. I sewed a little border around the edge with my machine for a little more oomph. The card base is Papertrey's Stampers Select White cardstock, and the main image is layered onto Kraft & Black panels.

Sorry my post is so ho-hum tonight...I'm super tired and still trying to catch up on my sleep. Make sure you check out Carole & Susan's take on this sketch, and leave them some love! I have lots of stamping to do this weekend, so I'll be back tomorrow with something else fun! Happy Saturday!

Stamps: Cowboys & Indians (The Cats Pajamas)

Paper: Papertrey White, Basic Black, Kraft, Barely Banana, K & Co Bandana Print

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, Versamark

Accessories: White EP, Heat tool, Distressor tool, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, Marvy Mega & Super Jumbo Punches, Copic Markers, Twill, Gingham Ribbon, Sewing machine & Thread, Dimensionals

And it's a beautiful day

Happy Valentines Day, everyone! I just wanted to share this with you...for those who don't know, my good friend from high school has made the Top 24 of American Idol Season 7. We had a watch party on Tuesday night in the hotel while we were at CHA but they only showed little sniplets of him...not his audition. So I just wanted to point you his direction so you'd know who you were supposed to vote for!!

Meet Jason Yeager


And just for fun...here's a pic...don't laugh!!

This is from my Junior Prom, so it was in 1995.
Aren't we the COOLEST?! *snort*


So...being my friends and all, you know what you have to do.
Watch and vote, people!!!

Have a happy Thursday!

Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home

I am so happy to be home! I can't even tell you. One fun thing though...guess who was on my plane? Jessica Simpson! Boy is she a tiny little thing! I expected her to be taller in person. She really is gorgeous though. AND she was traveling with Pete Wentz of Fallout Boy. Stars were out today!

Ok, so I don’t know about you, but I’ve been hearing all this buzz about Unity Stamp Company and their new mounting system, and I just couldn’t figure it out! I knew I needed to go visit their booth to see it for myself. I took tons of pictures, so hopefully I can help you visual learners out there who had trouble envisioning it like I did. And I have to say…it’s such a cool system!!

A plus of visiting the booth was that I got to meet Angela and her hubby Christian, and my best bud AJ!! AJ & I were secret sisters a few rounds ago and totally bonded, so I was so excited to meet her and hug her neck! She has our pic in her camera, so I’ll have to post that one later.

Ok, so back to the task at hand. Unity’s new system incorporates the ease and comfort of wood mounted stamps, but uses less space, which of course means MORE STAMPS!! There are 4 sizes of mounts, (a, b, c, & d) and the stamps are labeled to correspond with the right mount size.

The stamps are red rubber, mounted on EZ mount, then onto a thin piece of wood. Mounts have wood grips on the sides, with a clear acrylic back, so you can slide the thin wood back of the stamp right into the holder. See how the stamp is labeled “B” and the block is “B” also?

Once you slide your stamp in, you’re ready to ink it up and go!

If you are an unmounted stamp fan, you can use those stamps on the back side of the blocks, which I mentioned earlier are clear acrylic.

The packaging is so fun and different! Here’s a picture of some sets they had on display.

Angela was sweet enough to send a couple of sets home with me to play with, so make sure you check back soon for my creations! I am soooooooooo happy to be home!

Flip your hair and wear your buckle shoes, and all that jazz

When I first got to the hotel and met up with the rest of the girls on Saturday night, they had already been scouting what to see on Sunday. The first thing to see was Beaux Regards ribbon. OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know if you can see it in the picture, but the velvet "grosgrain" ribbon on the top is AMAZING. I can't even describe it. Then moving on to the ruffled sheer stuff...I was just in heaven.
















THEN we moved on to one that was on MY list. I've seen their website, but wanted to see their stamps up close....Banana Frog. OMG! They're soooooooooooooo cute! They have great clear alphabet stamps for scrappin (with awesome fonts!) and a really cute paisley set. Banana Frog is a company from the UK, and the ladies were so sweet!




I'm kinda skipping around cause there's something awesome I found, but I want to post it by itself cause it's that good! Will do that tomorrow morning. *wink*







Later on, Jen made this next great find...new Studio G Alphabet sets from Hampton Arts!! I really really tried to get them to give me this one, but no such luck. I loveeeeeeeeeeee it so much. I'm sorry for the blurry pic.

I'll see yall back tomorrow with some more awesome eye candy! Hope you enjoyed this!

I would walk 500 miles, and I would walk 500 more...

Ok first I have hilarious news to report...my luggage arrived safe and sound, but can you guess what I managed to leave behind??

Yep! My HAIRBRUSH!!! How freakin hilarious is that?!

Ok so anyway.

Today was spent wandering like crazy women across the floor of CHA. Massive booths, lots of eye candy, and VERY TIRED FEET. I can't tell you how baddddddddddddd my feet hurt. I got to meet some of my favorite people in the whole wide world so far this week....

First up is a pic of me and none other than EM from Stamping Bella! You know I loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee her!! We are like twins, separated at birth. Seriously.

Then I got to hug Joy's neck FINALLY...she and Daisy own Eclectic Paperie...one of my favorite places ever. She is such a sweetie!!!

Ok, so tomorrow will be new stuff, I promise. The coolest thing I saw today was from Making Memories...and I promise it will be as big (if not bigger) than the "Cuttlebug craze" that hit last Christmas. You can see a pic of it here. I have lots of product pics and yummies, so come back tomorrow!!

You can also check out the SCS @ CHA blog...they have some great stuff posted there too!! MWAH for now!

She's a Maniac, Maniac, that's for sure

Ok, so I am soooo pooped. I walked the CHA halls today...OMG yall are going to die when you see some of the pics I got today! I am on my way to dinner with some friends, and then I'll be back to post pics tonight!

Oh, whereeeeeeeeee is my hairbrush...

Do you know??? Cause I don't!! Yep, I'm here in California for CHA, and my luggage is NOT! UGH!!!!!

I'm waiting to hear back from the airport right now to see if they sent it on the next flight. Keep your fingers crossed!

Long, long time ago, I can still remember how that music used to make me smile...

So....did yall see the new releases from My Favorite Things?? I have been out of town for work, so I had to miss the release Cocktail Party {insert super duper sad face here} but I'm back!! And frantically getting ready to leave for CHA... I CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited to meet some people in person that I really love, like AJ, Kim, Em, Anna, Joy, and Debbie. And the list goes on and on and on. *grin*

Here's a couple of super simple cards I made last week...I really really love how they turned out. Julee has continued to support my Fabriano habit (she gets hers from Flourishes), and I love her for that and so much more!!

They both use the mini set called How Sweet It Is, which is all about chocolate and sweets!! How great is that?! On the second card, I couldn't help but use the new Twisted Sentiments set, which you can find here. It's adult humor, so don't click if you are easily offended!!


Both of these cards use Versafine Onyx black ink and were watercolored with a Niji Waterbrush & Stampin' Up Classic Ink Refills. I find that the more I practice, the better my watercoloring is. And it's so therapeutic!!

One of my favorite elements of these cards is the pierced frame to accent the images, which was inspired by Lauren (thanks, chickie!) I can't find her original post, but it was genius!!

Well, peeps, it's late and I'm sooo tired, so I'm gonna be done for today. I will have a Sketch for You to Try on Saturday, so make sure to check back then!! Have a great day!

Sisters & Chocolate Card:
Stamps: How Sweet It Is (MFT)
Paper: Fabriano Notecard
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
Accessories: Waterbrush & Classic Reinkers, Paper Piercer, Mat Pack

Better Than Sex Card:
Stamps: Twisted Sentiments, How Sweet It Is (MFT)
Paper: Fabriano Notecard
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
Accessories: Waterbrush & Classic Reinkers, Paper Piercer, Mat Pack

I wonder if I'd get lonesome for the valley, though....

...for the sound of crickets, and the smell of pine straw....for soft little rabbits and bloomin things...Ok, sorry, been listening to Renee Fleming and got a little carried away. That happens often with me, I'm afraid. *wink*


So..............ya wanna see something else from MFT? You better cause here it is!! This is my FAVORITE set this release, and it's called Eggstra-Special Easter. LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Did I mention I love it?

This is definitely my favorite image from the set, just because it's so much fun to color, and because those chicks look like they're having so much fun. Don'tcha think?

I stamped the image in Versafine Onyx Black, which is my "Go-To" watercolor ink. Then I colored the image with reinkers & my Niji waterbrush. The color on the purple stripes was created from a combo of Pomegranate & Caribbean. So fun!! Then I added Diamond Stickles to the Purple & Pomegranate parts of the image.

The rest of the card is pretty simple. I used my Creative Memories circle cutter to cut out the pretty white eyelet paper (from The Paper Company), and then a layer of black underneath. I also added some Swarovski crystals and a few "faux eyelets" courteousy of Jen.

If you want more info or more samples, don't forget about the My Favorite Things (www.mftstamps.com) New Release Cocktail Party on Wednesday, February 6 from 9-11 p.m. Eastern time. There is sooo much fun planned, I can't even describe it. There will also be an opportunity for YOU to be the next MFT Guest Designer. Head over to the MFT forum at www.splitcoaststampers.com to find out all the details!

Have a great day!

Stamps: Eggstra-Special Easter (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Papertrey White, Basic Black, Cool Caribbean, Paper Company White Eyelet Paper, Watercolor Paper
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
Accessories: Waterbrush (Niji), Classic Ink Refills (SU), Swarovski Crystals, Paper Piercer, White Glaze Pen, Diamond Stickles, White Taffeta Ribbon, Dimensionals

The touch, the feel...the fabric of our lives

I have been singing that silly song ever since making this card! *grin*

So here's another card made with the new Verve set Serenity, which is available for preorder today!! (AND it's on sale!!) Can't get any better than that. *wink*

I was laying in bed the other night, when I realized what this image reminded me of. When I was a little girl, we would frequently take road trips to visit family in Missouri, so we'd drive through Oklahoma. (or as my 7 YO used to call it "Uncle-Homa") There were fields we would pass that looked like they had been snowed on. I remember asking, and my dad telling me it was cotton! Here's an image from google so you can see what I mean. It was sooo cool!! One time we actually stopped and picked some...and I remember being sooo disappointed cause it was prickly and itchy!

Anyway, I wanted my card to reflect what I remember a cotton field looking like. So I stamped the large and small open "bud" images in Versafine Vintage Sepia onto my Kraft card base. I then filled in the spaces with white Liquid Applique and heated it up to make it "poof." I stamped the sentiment off to the right side, and then pierced all the way around the card, doing a little more for a "photo corner" look in the right corner for a little more interest.

Now, yall better write this day down on your calendar, cause it doesn't happen often...this card has:
NO LAYERS
NO SPARKLE
NO RIBBON!
Can you even believe it?? It was very scary for me. But I did it, and lived to tell the tale. I actually really like how this turned out.

I hope yall have a wonderful Tuesday, and don't forget to check out the Verve blog for more inspiration from the other designers!!

It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time!! It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time!!

Ok, not really. But it is MFTeaser time!!!! YAY!

I have had this image done and waiting to be made into a card for like 2 months now...and I'm in love with the colors. I got brave...ya like it?

I changed the ribbon from Kraft Taffeta to wide Chocolate grosgrain though. I like this muuuuuuuch better!!

So anywho, this is just a little tease of what's coming Wednesday from My Favorite Things. This set is called Serenity Now, and it's one of 3 sets being released. I love it! And of course I wiggled the sentiment around to make myself giggle. Do you like it?

And of course, what's a release without a Cocktail Party? Well, there will be one, and you can find it here! You can expect lots of fun, more MFTeasers, and a chance to become next months My Favorite Guest. So fun!!

Anywho, I hope you come to the Par-Tay...and enjoy all the MFTeasers you see leading up to the big day. Have a happy Monday!


Stamps: Serenity Now (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Watercolor Paper
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Craft
Accessories: Kraft Taffeta Ribbon, Baubles, Waterbrush & Reinkers, Distressor Tool, Textile Embossing Folder

Fly away, sweet bird of prey, fly, fly away...

YAY! I got the sketch done!! I am sooo sorry I flaked on yall today, but I'm back in the swing of things, I promise. I better be, cause I have a super busy week coming!

So, when I saw this sketch, I knew I wanted to use this image from Birds Galore. It's an Inkadinado clear set that Amy went on a mission for since I couldn't find it. Thanks, girl!!!

I had this image stamped and already colored, so this card didn't take me any time to make. I wanted the bird and flowers to take center stage, so the rest of the card is VERY simple. I hope it's not too boring for ya...but I like it!

Ok, it's super late so my post is going to be short tonight, but I will be back tomorrow with something else fun!

I also want to mention something to you that Julee shared with us...ALL Verve stamp sets are 15% off this month!!! Yes, you heard right!! AND...........Julee has decided to offer FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $40. WAHOO!! Yall know how I hate paying shipping, so I am thrilled that she's done this!! Anywho, just wanted to enable! Oops, I mean SHARE. *wink*


Stamps: Birds Galore (Inkadinkado), Essential Sentiments (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Kraft, Basic Black, Papertrey White
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black
Accessories: Copic Markers, Corner Rounder, White Taffeta Ribbon, Sewing Machine & Thread

Tagged....and OOPS!!!!!!!!!

Ok, this being sick thing has totally thrown my whole week off. I went around today, like it was Friday, packed up stamps to be shipped, and just hung out. And totally forgot that it was Sketch for you to try Saturday!!!!!!!!! AACK! So sorry peeps! I'll be back ASAP with that post for ya.

In the meantime, Angie Z. tagged me so here's some random things:

Five things I was doing 10 years ago:
1. Working as a Chiropractor's Assistant
2. Driving a Honda Accord...I loved that car!
3. Pregnant with the little girl I gave up for adoption (OMG she'll be 10 in July!)
4. Looking for Mr. Right - me too, Angie!! I was dating Mr. Wrong tho...
5. Trying to learn who I was

Five things on my to do list today:
1. Pack stamps to mail
2. Clean the Kitchen
3. Design Team Projects
4. Laundry UCK
5. Disinfect my house from FLU GERMS

Five things I will do when I am a millionaire:
1. Pay off debt
2. Buy bigger house
3. Re-decorate new house
4. Build my dad a log cabin on a lake
5. Buy lots of stamps!

Five things I will never wear again: (OOH, never is a big word. I'll say LIKELY NEVER to wear again)
1. A Belly button ring
2. Doc Martin Boots
3. Bright Pink Frosted Lipstick
4. Maternity Clothes
5. UNITS (BWAHAHAAAAAA)

Five of my favorite toys:
1. My stamps
2. Laptop
3. Digital Camera
4. TIVO
5. Keurig Coffee Maker

My five banes of existence:
1. Cleaning. I could totally do without it.
2. The neighbors dogs chewing up trash and it blowing into my yard
3. Weeds. I hate pulling weeds.
4. Bills - aren't they on everybodies list? YES!
5. Dog Drool. We have lots.

Tagging 5 Fabulous Fellow Bloggers:
1. Lesa at Punkydoodle Papers
2. Elizabeth at EbethOnline
3. Dana at Kismet, Art, and Life
4. Libby at Libby's Little Addiction
5. Ellie at Scrapbook Mama