I'll show you what shoes to wear, how to fix your hair...everything that really counts...

Today's Saturday...you know what that means! It's time for Jen's Sketch for You to Try! This week is a special edition because we (Jen, Amy, Carole, Susan, and I) decided to use stamps from Stamping Bella for this sketch. This won't happen every week, but we might highlight a certain stamp or company every once in a while. Hope you like what we've done!

I did good sticking to the sketch AGAIN (YAY ME!!), except I did flip it. *grin* I have to be a TEENY bit different, right? So here's my card:

I haven't used my Ohsopretty Bella yet, so I decided to make her the main focus for my card. I colored her with Copic markers, and added some shine to her perfume bottle, mirror, and nail polish bottle. And of course, she needed shiny shoes too!

Well, this is gonna be short because I'm headed to meet my girlfriends at Imprints for a little retail therapy! If you upload to SCS with the sketch, make sure you use the keyword SFYTT so we can all see your wonderful creations! Hope you have a fantabulous day!

Stamps: Ohsopretty Bella, Tres Chic BG, Hey Cupcake (Stampendous)

Paper: Sweet Blush, Berry Sorbet, White (PTI), Going Gray, Certainly Celery, Basic Black

Ink: Versamark, Brilliance Graphite Black

Accessories: Copic Markers, Diamond Glaze, Photo Corner Punch, Corner Rounder, Pop Dots, Berry Sorbet Ribbon, Baubles

So tonight will be the night that I will fall for you, over again....

Sorry, that song came out of nowhere! But it's totally stuck in my head. I think maybe from So You Think You Can Dance? Who knows with me.

So it's Friday, people!!!! And time for another Unity Inspiration Challenge. The idea use a beach scene came from Jimmi (thanks, girl!), and I had to show you one of my favorite places.


It's a resort near Cancun called XCaret (pron. shhhhh-car-ET) and it is truly one of the coolest places on earth. We went there when it was in its first phases back when I was in like middle school and I will never forget it. We got to swim with dolphins and float in the Underground River...so fun!

And here's my card:
Instead of doing a whole "beachy" thing, I focused on the trees. This tree from Giggle Grove is probably one of my favorite Unity images. I cut out the leaves and popped them up on Pop Dots. I also sprayed Oyster Glimmer Mist on the watercolor paper, but it doesn't show in the photo.

If you decide to play with us this week, make sure you link it up in the Unity Stamp Company forum, and use the keywords UIC02 and Unity so we can all see your creations! Also, you might want to check out the Unity Blog...there's some really fun things (i.e. a SALE!) going on there. I hope you have a fabulous day!

Stamps: Giggle Grove (Unity Stamp Company), Sentiment from Print Works

Paper: Creamy Caramel, Basic Black, Watercolor

Ink: Versafine Onyx Black

Accessories: Waterbrush & Reinkers, Corner Rounder, Pop Dots, Glimmer Mist (Oyster), Distressor Tool, May Arts Twine

And as my mind begins to spread its wings, there's no stopping curiosity...

Just a quick post for you today...we're running out the door! I made this card on Monday night for AJ's Thursday Project challenge in the Unity Forum. This was such a fun technique...and look at all that sparkle!! I had glitter everywhere, but it was soooo worth it.


Fun, huh?

I have a couple of things to tell you and then I'm out! First of all, my Nickabella has started a blog!! You can check it out HERE. Also it's Joy's birthday today (from Eclectic Paperie), so yall go send her some happy wishes, K? And last but not least, thanks so much for all the sweet words about my pub news! Yall are just the BEST EVAH!! MWAH!

Stamps: Whimsy Flowers, Circle of Thanks (Unity Stamp Co)

Paper: Paper Accents Pearlized White, Real red, Basic black, Acetate

Ink: Stazon, Versafine Onyx Black

Accessories: Diamond Glaze, Reinkers, Dazzling Diamonds, Swiss Dots embossing folder, Pop Dots, Corner Rounder, Ribbon (Target Club Wedd)

If the real thing don't do the trick...you better make up something quick...

I was totally inspired by Carole's Verve Challenge card HERE. So today I pulled out my bright colors & my Kraft cardstock and decided to play!

I know, it's super simple, but I really love it. I kept thinking, What else can I do to this? But the stamps just spoke for themselves. I did end up adding some Diamond Glaze (same thing as Crystal Effects) to the flower centers, but nothing big. The flowers are stamped on Pearlized (aka shimmery) white, so I didn't feel the need to add any more bling. (no, you didn't read that wrong. *grin*)

I hope you had a wonderful long weekend and are ready and refreshed to start the week! Have a great one!

Stamps: Petals & Stems, Fluttering By (Verve Visual)
Paper: White, Kraft, Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black (Stampin' Up!), Pearlized White (Paper Accents)
Ink: Groovy Guava, Tempting Turquoise (Stampin' Up!), Mango Madness (Versamagic), Versafine Onyx Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Cropadile, Gingham & Grosgrain Ribbon (Stampin' Up!), Pop Dots (All Night Media)

So baby close your ears....On the news tonight ....

Sorry, I have to post again today. Just a quick one. It's important!!

Guess what...

I have been published for the very first time!! You can find my stuff in the Summer Issue of Take Ten. Pardon me whilst I scream with joy!!!!!

Sorry, I don't mean to brag. This is super exciting for me, and I thought you might want to know! I am on pages 86, 88, 102, 109, & 115!! WaHOO!!!!!!

I wanna rock and roll all night...and party every day...

How's your long weekend going? I have been having a fun time with the boys and Josh. Today we went to my mom's to cook out burgers & swim in the pool. So fun! Even more fun?? GUITAR HERO! Yeah, it's a sickness. But it's sooo fun. You gotta try it!

I have to declare this post a definite ENABLER ALERT!! Are you ready?

Have you seen the new stamps from Stampavie? I especially love the Lily and Milo stamps from Rachelle Anne Miller. Sooo stinkin cute!! They are high quality photopolymer, clear stamps, and are very large images. So I finally caved and ordered them late Thursday morning at the link above. And guess what??? Not only did I get a shipping notice that SAME DAY at 3:00, but my stamps arrived on Saturday!! Seriously!! How awesome is that?

Of course, I had to ink them right up! I printed off Taylor's Cupcake Challenge from this week (see the link here: Taylored Expressions: Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge #17) and had to make not one, but two cards for the challenge.

This one is Lily - My Little Friend, isn't she a DOLL? I stamped her in Brilliance Graphite Black and watercolored her with my reinkers & Niji Waterbrushes. One of my favorite parts of the card are the elements I used for the three embellishments on the side. Here's a close-up:

I layered the smallest Prima flowers first, then adhered one of my new favorite embellishments, Teeny Roses from Stamping Bella. In the center of the flowers I adhered 2mm Swarovski Crystals. How yummy are those??? Love it.

For my next card, I chose Lily - Picking Flowers. She is definitely a little bit more detailed (ok, A LOT more detailed), so I colored her with Copic Markers, then added some Stickles for a little bling.
Yep, there's my embellishment trio again. I couldn't help it!! I also love that both of these images matched up fabulously with two of my favorite A Muse sentiments.

Anywho, I was excited to share these with you...I hope you like them! Have a wonderful Memorial Day!

I've got a beautiful feelin' everything's going my way...

I am having a great Saturday so far...except I'm a little late with my Sketch for You to Try. But what else is new? *wink* I did stick to the sketch again this week...yay me!! That makes two in a row!!

I got a big box of rubbah yesterday from Unity Stamp Co. so of course I had to ink it up! I laughed when I saw one of the kits Angela sent me...it's called Beautiful Morning, and it makes me sing OKLAHOMA! every time I see it.

I stamped the birdie and branch from the kit and then stamped him again, colored him with Copic markers, and cut him out. This was a really quick card once I decided what to do. I have been loving the buttons everyone is using lately, so I knew I wanted to use them for the circles on the sketch.

The sentiment is from the Thanks to You set, and I used my Stampamajig to make sure it was lined up and fit in the space under the scallops. A couple of doodled lines filled in the dreaded "white space" that I fear. *grin*

Make sure to check out what Jen (& our guest Toni), Amy, Carole, & Susan have created with this sketch and leave them some love. If you upload to SCS, don't forget to use the keyword SFYTT so we can see what you did!

I am off to clean the kitchen and make lunch, so have a fabulous day and thanks for visiting! Hopefully there will be something new and fun to post tomorrow...I'm waiting for some new stamps! Have a wonderful Saturday!

Stamps: Beautiful Morning, Thanks to You (Both from Unity Stamp Company)

Paper: Papertrey White, GP White, Basic Black, Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black

Accessories: Copic Markers, Dimensionals, Spica Glitter Pen (Clear), Corner Rounder, D'Vine Swirls Embossing Folder, Stamp-a-majig, Buttons (Foof La La), Black Pen

Because I wanna be a cowboy, baby, with the top let back and the sunshine shinin'...

Ok first let me say that you will be shocked by what you are about to see. Do not be alarmed, I have not lost my mind. Don't be scared, just enjoy. *wink*

Today I am hosting the very first Unity Stamps Inspiration Challenge. This is something that will be happening from now on, every Friday in the Unity Member Forum. The challenge I came up with was quite that....a challenge. Even for me. Ready?

I love the new singles that Unity released last week. Yall know I love quotes. So I took my first inspiration from the new Single: Be the Change you wish to see in the world. - Ghandi

Is there a crafting trend you'd like to change? A movement you want to start? Here's your chance to go for it! Take your imagination on a ride with a current trend and change it up or take it a step further to what only you can dream it to be.

And here's my sample (hold onto your seats, folks!)...


No you do not need to adjust your screen. That is IN FACT a scrapbook page. Seriously!
Ok, so I haven't scrapped for almost two years. Please be gentle with me!!

This is a cutie picture of my oldest, Caleb, at age three. He loves posing for pictures and always has. He has these killer blue eyes that will break hearts later, I just know it. I thought it was perfect to use for this project.

The trend I took on was sewing on your projects. I decided it would be awesome to see more of that, so to stretch it in a different way, I decided to embroider the word Cowboy from the Wanna Be a Cowboy kit. After having completed my brilliant and genius plan, I have to HOPE that embroidering on projects does NOT catch on. If it does, it will be a trend that will pass me right on by. I lost my religion and sanity doing this, people. All for you. So enjoy it. Here's a close-up:


First I stamped the image and colored the rope with a red marker. I then pierced where I would embroider, so the needle wouldn't have to work so hard. Yes, it looks kind of "hairy" because I used May Arts twine instead of Embroidery Floss. Gives it a rustic look, I think. Plus I have no embroidery floss. *grin*

Ok, so for those of you that want to take me up on the challenge, remember to link me up here or upload to SCS with the keyword UIC01 so I can see what greatness you came up with! To get you started, here are some trend ideas to spin off: Scallops, Bling, Dew Drops, Sewing, primas, & dry embossed backgrounds. There's not a deadline, but I will be posting a new challenge next week, so you might as well play soon!

And remember, this is an inspiration challenge! There are no rules, no right or wrong. So just feel free to play!

I am your brother, your best friend forever....

I totally won the Mother of the Year award today. Yall are gonna love this.

So Caleb has been complaining of itchy bumps for the last week and 1/2. He is somewhat of a hypochondriac, so I just ignored him and told him it was a heat rash. Today we're driving to pick up Cole and I ask him about the scab on his neck.
Him: It was a red itchy bump, they all turn into scabs.
Me: Where else do you have these?
Him: On my stomach, my back, my thighs, and under my arms.
Me: OH NOOOOO

(pick up the phone & dial)

Me: Mom? What do chicken pox look like before they scab over?
Mom: Little red bumps.
Me: NICE

Yeah. That's the latest at the Teubner Household today. He is now covered in Calamine. Good news is he has less than a dozen spots, and I think this is the worst it's going to get. There are a few "new"ones, so once the long weekend is over we'll see what happens. UGH. I feel like the WORST MOTHER IN THE WORLD. *frowny face*

I didn't have any time to play, but here's another Twinkle Fairy card I haven't shown you. I really love her with this sentiment from Verve's Filigree Fantasy set.


No matter how many times I tell you, it's never enough...these fairies are sooo much fun to color. If you don't have one yet, now's the time, cause there are some new ones, so check 'em out! You can see the whole line -->HERE<--.

Ok, well I'm off to watch Top Chef before bed. And can I just say how THRILLED I am that David Cook won American Idol?? He rocks. I can't wait to get his album, and "Billy Jean" better be on there!!

Have a Happy Chicken-pox Free Thursday!

Stamps: Twinkle Fairy (Chichiboulie from Stamping Bella), Filigree Fantasy (Verve Visual)
Paper: Barely Banana, Chocolate Chip, Watercolor, Tres Jolie by My Mind's Eye
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Chocolate Chip Craft
Accessories: Making Memories Slot Punch, Wide Chocolate Grosgrain, Waterbrush & Reinkers, Dimensionals, Stickles

Coffee and tea and the java and me, a cup, a cup, a cup, a cup, a cup.....boy!

I have to tell you something that you will find hard to believe. The card you see below is made with the ONLY coffee/tea/hot beverage stamp I own. Seriously! How I have lived this long without them, I have no idea. And I think I best get some more soon. Isn't that funny? I have a bazillion flowers, birds, owls, dogs, horses, but no coffee! I do have to say, though, that I'm not a huge coffee fan. I do love hot tea and hot chocolate, but it takes a really special day for me to drink coffee.

Annnnnyyyywhoooooo...

Since today's the 20th, it's Celebrate MFT Day! What's that and why the 20th? Well, if you ordered at the My Favorite Things release, you probably have them in your hot little hands and areready to play. It's just a day to play any of your MFT stamps...and not just the newbies!

I picked Hearts Galore to play with tonight. It's the first time I've inked it up, and I had a blast playing!
So as you can see, I still had my Nana's Nursery scraps on my table. *grin* I stamped the mug three times on watercolor paper and then colored them in with my waterbrush & Regal Rose marker. I watercolored the coffee brown and then added some shadows as well. Somehow this took on a shabby chic feel during the process and I ended up sponging all the edges and adding some little twine details. Here's a close-up:


I had to take a detail shot so you could see my little extras. The cups and saucers are covered with Diamond Glaze, and the little steam hearts are painted in with Diamond Stickles. They're colored a pale pink underneath, just to give a hint of color.

When I first started stamping, I was mesmerized by distressed edges, and could NOT figure out for the life of me how people got the edges of their paper to "roll" up like it is above. So for all of you out there that are still scratching your head, I'll share what I figured out! If you take your bone folder (or something else rigid but without a sharp edge) and run it along the edge of your cardstock, it will kind of push the cardstock. Work at an angle to get the look you want. And that's all there is to it!

Yeah, so I won't tell you how long it took me to figure that out, but now you know so you can pass it on!

Ok, my post is long enough, so I'm going to say bye for now! If you decide to play with us, please use the keyword MFTMAY08 when uploading so we can all take a peek at what you did!

And make sure to check out Charmaine's eye candy on the Verve Blog! Have a Happy Tuesday!

Stamps: Hearts Galore (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Papertrey Sweet Blush & White, Close to Cocoa, Watercolor, DCWV Nana's Nursery Girl
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, Close to Cocoa
Accessories: May Arts Ribbon & Twine, SU Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Sewing Machine, Thread, Paper Piercer, Mat Pack, Jumbo Sponge Dauber, Diamond Glaze, Diamond Stickles, Dimensionals, Waterbrush, Regal Rose Marker, Chocolate Chip Reinker, Cuttlebug Tiny Tags Die

Don't tell me not to live, just sit and putter, life's candy and the sun's a ball of butter.

Hey guys, how's it going on this beautiful Monday? I hope it's pretty where you are, cause it's sandal weather here!

It's also time for another Verve Project Parade Challenge! You can check out all the deets on the Verve Blog -->HERE<--, including a $15 shopping spree to the winner!!

Recently I got an ad from Ann Taylor Loft, and they had some really cute sandals that inspired this color challenge. I know it's a bunch of colors, but you can do it!! The new Verve releases are so summery and fun that they made it easy.


Fun, huh? And from that, came this:


It's so clean and simple, yet it has all my favorite things: Ribbon (check!), Sparkle (check!), Dots (check!), Pink (check!)...see? It's all there, plus some pierced curli-ques! (is that how you spell that word??)

I wanted the Coral to be intense on the butterfly, so I watercolored him with my Coral marker and a waterbrush. I let the first wash dry, and then went back to darken the edges. Then I added some sparkle with my Clear Copic Spica Glitter Pen.

Well, I hope you had a fantastic weekend, and are ready to face the week ahead. It's almost summer!!


Stamps: Fluttering By (Verve Visual)
Paper: Soft Sky, Old Olive, Cameo Coral, Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron, Basic Black (Stampin' Up!), Watercolor
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
Accessories: Stampin' Write Markers - Pumpkin, Saffron, & Coral, Dimensionals (Stampin' Up!), Paper Piercer, Slot Punch (Making Memories), Ribbon (Offray), Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (Provo Craft), Corner Rounder (EK Success), Clear Spica Glitter Pen (Copic)

Well she's all you'd ever want, she's the kind they'd like to flaunt and take to dinner...

Sorry I'm sliding in late with my Sketch for You to Try card today! Josh let me sleep in, and you know I'm a procrastinator. So here we are! And of course, I couldn't do a quick and easy one. I DID manage to follow the sketch though, so doesn't that make it better? *grin*

I pulled out one of my Chichiboulie Fairies, Patricia Birthdaycake, for this card...I think she's perfect!
She went perfectly with this paper from DCWV Nana's Nursery collection. It's YUMMY!! Oh, and see the ribbon? That was my find of the week last week. It's 3/8" Satin ribbon from Target in the Club Wedd section. They have a TON of colors, including one that matches Cool Caribbean, and a yummy chocolate brown. And it was $2.99 a roll for 15 yards. Cool, huh?

Anywho, make sure you take a peek at what Jen (& our fab guest Toni) did with this sketch, as well as Amy, Carole, & Susan. They rock! If you upload to SCS, be sure to use the keyword SFYTT so we can find your creations!

Stamps: Patricia Birthdaycake (Chichiboulie from Stamping Bella), Petals & Stems (Verve Visual)

Paper: Papertrey White, Watercolor, Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip, DCWV Nana's Nursery Girl

Ink: Versafine Onyx Black

Accessories: Reinkers & Waterbrush, Liquid Pearls, Fruit Punch & Diamond Stickles, Corner Rounder, Sewing Machine, Thread, Ribbon from Target Club Wedd, Diamond Glaze, Teeny Rose White (matte) Embellashments (Stamping Bella)

It's fun to stay at the YMCA...

Sooo...I've been keeping something from you....some have figured it out, and others? Notsomuch...NO I AM NOT PREGNANT...*wink*

I have been asked to join the Unity Stamp Company Design Team!

Since Angela and I met at CHA, we found out that we were both total freaks about quotes. And sometimes, eerily...the same ones!! Remember this card? This was Angela's email signature line and I had no idea when I made this...how weird is that?! We hit it off and now I get to be part of the *family*!! Wahoo!!


Ok, on to current events. Tonight is the very first Unity Stamps Release party on their Splitcoast Member Forum. Here's my project to show ya...which in my humble meek opinion is FREAKING GENIUS...(oh no I am sooo turning into JanTink...)

Why is it genius? Because it's made with this kit: Old Skool. I wanted to do something that was really "me", and what better than sparkles and flowers?? I inked up the last four letters of the "Old Skool" stamp and turned it into "UR SO KOOL"...am I freaking cool or what? *grin*

Ok, so one more thing I get to show ya...a new release sneak peek! This is one of Unity's new "Singles" stamps...can you see why I loveeeeeeeee them????
You can find newly released singles here and new kits here. Also, you will receive a free Shopaholic Kit when you place an order over $100.00! (Quite appropriate I think...) I hope you can join us at the par-tay! These girls are such a fun bunch...it's sure to be a blast!

One more thing.....if you'd like to join this amazing team, Angela has posted a call HERE. Go take a peek!

Sounds of the rude world, heard in the day....lulled by the moonlight have all passed away

See, whoever wrote "Beautiful Dreamer" had loud tweeting birds outside their window too! *grin*

I have been waiting and waiting to share this card with you...it seems like forever! This is a little preview of one of the sets Verve is releasing on Friday. It's called Floral Whimsy, and I love it because of this quote! Yall know how I'm a sucker for quotes, and good fonts...and this set has both, plus a butterfly and some flowers to boot! Could it get any better?

I made this card the day this set landed on my doorstep...I just couldn't wait. It kind of took on a life of its own and came together, which is how most of my favorite cards are made.

The butterflies were stamped onto white cardstock and colored with my Copic markers. Then I cut them out and adhered them to the white strip (on which I stamped another row of butterflies) with dimensionals. The bottom of the black panel is pierced with my paper piercer and mat pack, and then I added a little strip of Pomegranate cardstock and some Wasabi ribbon to finish it off. I like the soft look that the rounded corners add.

To see more projects with this set, check out the Verve Blog. We will also be drawing from the comments to win this set (and the other releases!) so make sure you check back every day this week! Have a good one!

Stamps: Floral Whimsy (Verve Visual)

Paper: Papertrey White, Basic Black, Purely Pomegranate

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, Sage Shadow

Accessories: Copic Markers, Wasabi Stitched ribbon, Dimensionals, Corner Rounder, Mat Pack, Paper Piercer

I'm a shooting star leaping through the skies like a tiger...defying the laws of gravity...

Did you guys have a great weekend? I had fun sleeping in and going to the park with my boys. Not much stamping time, but I did have a little time to play with my fairies from Stamping Bella. I've been on a simple card kick lately. Hope it's ok!

I watercolored Sprinkle Fairy with my new Adirondack reinkers. The Shell Pink color matched this paper from my DCWV Nana's Nursery paper perfectly! (Jen made me buy it...the paper, I mean.) It's also a good coordinating color for the Papertrey Sweet Blush cardstock.

So...I'm sleepy today. There was this bird perched in a tree right outside my bedroom window that insisted on singing me a (most horrid) song this morning. WAAAAAAAYYYYY too early, I might add. I got about 15 minutes with my head under the pillow, but that was about it. He was just insistent, no matter how much I huffed and grumbled. The thought crossed my mind to get the boys little nerf gun and shoot at him, but that would have taken the effort to get out of bed, which defeated the whole purpose. Maybe tomorrow. I'm not a real big nature person, can ya tell? *wink*

Have a Happy Monday, and watch out for some Verve Sneak Peeks this week...we have an awesome release on Friday!!

Stamps: Sprinkle Fairy (Stamping Bella), Thoughtful Florals (Verve Visual)

Paper: Watercolor, Nana's Nursery Baby Girl Collection (DCWV), Dark Brown Prism

Ink: Versafine Onyx Black

Accessories: Reinkers & Waterbrush, Stickles, Dimensionals, Corner Rounder, Sewing Machine & Thread

Don'tcha wish your girlfriend was HOT like me...

Ok, ok, Jen & Carole, here's another try at the sketch. I don't think I got much closer, but at least I got to play with my new Glam Girls from CC Designs. *wink*

You can buy all 3 girls (Frankie isn't pictured here) individually, but I chose the set (of course) so I could have all 3, the sentiments, and a tin to store them in. How cute are they?? I thought they went perfectly with this A Muse sentiment too.

Sorry for such a short post, but it's late (or early!) and I'm off to bed. I hope everyone has a wonderful day tomorrow. We're off to the park for a picnic....seriously I can't handle the crowds in restaurants on Mother's Day. Hopefully I'll have a little time to stamp so I have something to show you next week!

Stamps: Gwenny & Shari (CC Designs), Sentiment from A Muse

Paper: Papertrey White & Sweet Blush, Certainly Celery, Basic Black, GP White

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black

Accessories: Copic Markers, Clear Stardust Pen, Prima, Silver Brad, May Arts Ribbon, Dimensionals, Corner Rounder, Mat Pack & Paper Piercer, Stickles

Happy Birthday to you....you live in a zoo....

So today is my Hubby's 30th Birthday!! It's crazy that we're turning 30 this year, since we met when we were 12. Most times I still see an 8th grader when I look at him...it cracks me up. Happy Birthday, Sweetheart! I love you!!

Of course, I used Verve's new Father Figure set to make him a card, and what a happy coincidence that it's time for Jen's Sketch for You to Try! I know, I flaked out on ya last week, but you understand, right?

In true fashion, I made some *ahem* adjustments to suit the look I was going for. I mean, seriously! You weren't expecting me to stick to the sketch, were you? *grin*

Yeah, ok, so I totally took creative liberties with the sketch. But in my defense, didn't it turn out great?? I love the impact that Kraft cardstock has with black and white. I don't know if you can see it very well, but I did some zig-zag paper piercing on the left side of the black panel.

If you happen to want to take your own creative liberties with Jen's sketch, make sure you use the keyword "SFYTT" when you upload to SCS. And be sure to check out Amy, Carole, & Susan's take on the sketch, as well as Jen's blog for hers and Toni's cards.

Stamps: Father Figure (Verve Visual)

Paper: Kraft, GP White, Basic Black

Ink: Really Rust, Craft White, Versamark

Accessories: Paper Piercer, Mat Pack, Dimensionals, Hodgepodge Hardware, Gingham Ribbon, White embossing powder, Corner Rounder

What a girl wants, what a girl needs, whatever makes you happy and sets you free...

I had some play time yesterday, and thank goodness my mojo came back in time for the MFT Release! *grin* I've been neglecting my Unity Stamps that Angela was sweet enough to send home with me from CHA, so I got them out and inked them up!

My mom has been asking for some more cowgirl cards, so I found a way to tweak this journaling stamp from the Wanna be a Cowboy Kit into a card for a cowgirl! Fun, huh?


I stamped the horseshoe twice, once on Banana cardstock in black and once on Black cardstock in Versamark. I embossed it with Silver embossing powder, cut it out, and popped it up over the first one, after I added the rhinestone brads. The sentiment is hand-written and reads "My heroes have always been cowgirls."

The background stamp from this kit is stamped on the red panel, but my main image panel ended up covering it all up. *sad* Otherwise, I'm really happy with how it turned out, and I think my mom will love it!

Unity has a really unique mounting system, which you can read about HERE. The handles are quickly replacing some of my acrylic blocks...they're so much more comfortable!!

I hope you guys have a fabulous Friday! Check back tomorrow for a Sketch for You to Try!

Stamps: Wanna Be a Cowboy (Unity Stamps)

Paper: Papertrey White, Real Red, Barely Banana, Basic Black

Ink: Versamark, Versafine Onyx Black, Distress Ink Tea Stain

Accessories: Silver Embossing Powder, Fire Circle Brads, May Arts Ribbon, Dimensionals, Black Gel Pen, Corner Rounder, Distressor, SU Scalloped Punch, Circle Punch (EK Success), Cropadile, Sewing Machine, Thread

Life with you makes perfect sense...you're my best friend...

Thanks for all the well wishes, guys. I am slowly feeling better. This thing hit me HARD!! I'm still a little woozy, but hey that makes for fun card making, right? *wink*

Here are the MFTeasers I created for last night's Cocktail Party in the Member Forum. The new sets, Gone to the Dogs, Friends Furever, and Going Places are available now, and Setting the Stage is on sale as well! And as always, shipping is free for orders over $40. I love a free shipping offer.

Ok, enough blabbing, here are my cards!
This card was made using the Friends Furever set with my youngest son in mind. He is constantly loving and hugging on our English Mastiffs, which makes for a picture kinda like this one. It's pretty cute!

This card was made with the Gone to the Dogs set. This cute little doggie reminds me of Bailey, who came to live with us since my sister is going to grad school. She's precious! (minus the peeing on the floor......) I used this fabulous Daisy Bucket Southern Belle Collection...so pretty! I also stamped a few extra swirls from Setting the Stage on the DP in brown ink.



The last card I'll show you today is from the Going Places set. This little plane and banner made me immediately think of a little boys birthday card, so I colored the plane red and stamped Happy Birthday (from Sassy Sayings) into the banner. The little accents are from Setting the Stage again, and I layered the panels onto a nice sparkly DCWV paper from the Pet Stack. So fun!

I have another project to share that I teased at the release, but I'll have to do it on another day since this post is already so long. I hope you have a fabulous Thursday!

And the songbirds keep singing like they know the score....

Hey yall! I'm sorry I've been MIA, but prepping for the SCS Shoebox Swap was all I could handle, much less an unexpected bout with bronchitis! ICK!

So you know you're sick when the mailman brings a set of Copic markers to your door and you decide you'd rather stay in bed than bring them inside. Ughhhhhhh....that was me today. Hopefully I'll be better soon.

As promised a lonnnnnnnnnnnggggg time ago...here is my card for the Shoebox Swap that was last Saturday. I had such a great time meeting up with friends and stamping. And boy, did we stamp!

The swap was from 10 AM to 9 PM, and I think we are all still recovering. The cards were just fabulous, and it was awesome to build up my stash again.

Ok, I'm going back to bed, but I'll post the MFTeaser that I have done tomorrow. Yall are going to love the new sets being released on Wednesday!

Have a happy Monday!

Stamps: True Friend

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Kraft

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Pumpkin & Olive Marker, 5/8" Pumpkin Ribbon (Offray), Paisley Embossing Folder, Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Distressor

We've only got 4 minutes to save the world....

The winners are...........

SHARON who wins Father Figure, and Marilyn, who wins Great Expectations!! Email me with your addresses, ladies, and your stamps will be in the mail on Monday!

Sharon said...

I too visit your blog everyday for inspiration. My all-time favourite song would be Fat-Bottomed Girls by Queen.

Marilyn said... Wow - a blogaversary and a whole lotta hits!! I will date myself with my favorite song - Bridge over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel - love that song, and always have!!


I'm sorry I don't have anything to show you. I will post my shoebox swap card tonight hopefully, but I'm still cutting and bagging and stuff and haven't had time to take a picture of it. Now I'm off to dinner with MFT Kim, Jen, Susan, Carole, & Kendra!! Wahoo!!!

I get kissed by the sun each morning, put my feet on a hardwood floor, I get to hear my children laughing...

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend.

And as promised last week...it's BLOG CANDY TIME!!!!

My blogaversary passed (without me realizing it!) and I also passed 80,000 hits (WOW!), so I thought it was time for a little candy!

All you have to do is leave me a comment on this post (it will stay at the top of my blog all week) and tell me what your favorite song is. I will pick two random numbers on Friday, May 2nd.

Thanks to Julee at Verve Visual for sponsoring the prizes! I will be giving away one Father Figure stamp set, and one Great Expectations stamp set. WAHOO!! So let's get goin!



















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